Chapter 5: Ma-Non Manuevers
Cross strolled through the vibrant Industrial District of New Los Angeles, the rhythmic hum of machinery enveloping him like a familiar melody. The air was electric with anticipation as people gathered around to test the latest Skell weaponry, each explosion of sound punctuated by the sharp scent of oil and metal. Amidst this cacophony, his gaze landed on Lin, who was hard at work just a few yards away. Her brow was tightly furrowed, a testament to her focused determination, as she meticulously adjusted the components of a flight module. Tools were strewn around her—wrenches, screwdrivers, and circuit boards lay scattered alongside intricate blueprints covered in sketches and calculations.
Cross approached with an easy smile, the warmth of the moment washing over him. "Hey, Lin! What's the latest? I can't wait to see how this one gives those Skells a run for their money!"
Lin looked up, her eyes sparkling like stars suddenly ignited in the twilight. "Cross! I'm experimenting with a couple of new ideas. If I can finalize this flight module, it could boost stability by at least thirty percent!" Her excitement was palpable, her voice tinged with hope.
He chuckled, shaking his head in admiration. "Honestly, sometimes I think you should just make a career out of being a mechanic. You've got an incredible talent for it!"
Lin shrugged nonchalantly, tucking a wayward strand of hair behind her ear, the action revealing the faint smudge of grease across her cheek. "I really enjoy my work with Blade. It feels significant, you know? Plus, I get to collaborate with you and Elma. To me, you both feel like family." As she spoke, Cross detected a subtle undercurrent of fatigue lacing her enthusiasm.
"Just remember to take care of yourself too, Lin," he cautioned gently, concern etching his features. "You're still quite young—thirteen, right? I worry that you might be overextending yourself."
Lin met his gaze with unwavering determination. "I'm perfectly fine! Besides, I can always count on you two if I need help, right?"
"Absolutely," Cross replied, sincerity coloring his tone. "But you must promise to take breaks now and then. I don't want you to burn out before you've even begun!"
She laughed, a melodious sound that slightly eased his worries. "Are you really going to pull the dad card on me here? 'Make sure you eat your vegetables!'"
Cross burst into laughter at her playful jab.
"In all seriousness, you've always been like a father to me, looking out for my well-being and making sure that I'm focused on what matters," Lin said, her gratitude evident in her voice.
"Only if it means you'll keep your energy up for all your amazing projects," he shot back, his grin wide. "And when you're ready, I would be more than happy to help you test drive that new schematic. Just say the word!"
Lin's face lit up with uncontainable excitement. "Really? You'd do that for me?"
"Without a doubt. Just promise me you'll take a breather before we do, okay?" he teased, lightening the mood.
"Deal!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious and brightening the workshop atmosphere. "Once I wrap up this iteration, let's do it. I can't wait to see how it performs with someone actually in the cockpit!"
"Perfect! But don't forget to grab some lunch between now and then," Cross added, playfully nudging her shoulder.
As she returned to her task, laughter bubbling from her lips, Lin's renewed vigor for her project was evident. Cross watched her dive back into her work, feeling a swell of pride mixed with concern. Despite her youth, her determination was truly remarkable. He knew, without a doubt, that he and Elma would always be there to support her, helping guide her as she chased her dreams in the dynamic, bustling landscape of New Los Angeles.
The small cafeteria buzzed with chatter as Elma and Irina settled into their usual corner table, their trays piled high with food. Cross and Lin joined them, laughter spilling from their lips as they recounted stories from their training exercises.
"...and then he slipped right into the mud! You should have seen his face!" Cross chuckled, nearly spilling his drink.
Irina rolled her eyes, smirking. "Some people just can't handle the local terrain."
Suddenly, two guys swaggered over, their confidence radiating from them like a bad odor. One of them, a tall guy with messy hair, sneered as he approached. "Well, well, look at this. A little table of trained puppies. Aren't you just adorable?"
Irina's eyes narrowed, her fists clenching at her sides. "What's your problem?" she shot back, her voice low and fierce.
Elma quickly placed a hand on Irina's arm, sensing the anger bubbling beneath the surface. "Irina, let's just ignore them—"
But the other guy chimed in, cutting her off. "Ignore us? Why do that when we could be having some fun? Isn't that right?" He turned to his friend, who laughed mockingly.
"Yeah! What's wrong, little girl? Can't handle a little joke?" he taunted, his grin wide and ugly.
Irina stood up, her chair scraping against the floor. "I swear, if you don't back off—"
At that moment, Cross stepped in front of Irina, voice steady but firm. "Hey, leave them alone. You really think picking on girls makes you tough?"
"Aw, look! The puppy's got a defender," the first guy jeered, pointing. "How cute."
Elma could see the tension rising, the air thick with impending conflict. "Guys, let it go," she said, her voice a mixture of concern and command. "It's not worth it!"
Just as Irina pushed past Cross, ready to confront the boys head-on, a commanding voice boomed from behind them. "Enough."
Commander Vandham stood, arms crossed, his presence instantly silencing the cafeteria. "You two need to learn some respect. You think making fun of others is amusing?"
The boys shifted uncomfortably, glancing at each other and then back at the Commander.
"From now on, you'll be cleaning the toilets in the barracks for the next week. Maybe some hard work will teach you the values you seem to lack," Vandham continued, his gaze piercing.
"What? No way! That's not fair!" the taller boy protested, but the Commander's glare silenced him.
"Fairness is earned, and you've just shown that you don't deserve it. Now move."
With a hasty retreat, the boys shuffled out of the cafeteria, their bravado diminished. A wave of relief washed over Elma, Irina, Lin, and Cross.
"Thanks, Commander," Elma said, breaking the tension.
Vandham nodded, the sternness in his expression softening. "Behaviors like that won't be tolerated here. Stick together. And Irina—"
"Yes?" she replied, her tone still bristled but softened by gratitude.
"Fight smart, not just in anger." He gave her a slight smile before walking away.
Cross chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, that was a close call."
Irina sighed, tension leaving her shoulders. "I just wish people could keep their mouths shut."
Lin smiled brightly. "Hey, at least we ended up with a story to tell! And a good lesson learned."
Elma raised her glass in a toast. "To friendship and sticking together, no matter what."
They all joined in, their laughter and camaraderie filling the cafeteria as they moved on from the encounter, stronger together.
The sun hung low in the sky as Irina and Gwin approached Blade Barracks, their footsteps echoing against the hardened ground. They found Cross, Elma, and Lin gathered around a table cluttered with maps and reports.
"Irina! Gwin!" Elma greeted, a smile breaking across her face. "What brings you both here?"
Irina leaned in, her voice urgent. "We have intel on a location called Oblivia. We believe there's a new type of Xeno there, and it's not just the creatures we have to worry about. The Indigens in that area are rumored to be extremely dangerous."
Gwin chimed in, glancing around as if the walls had ears. "And that's not all. There are whispers of Ganglion activity too—attacks on ships trying to navigate those waters. We need to act fast."
Cross straightened up, a serious look crossing his face. "So, you want Team Elma to handle this?"
"Yes," Irina replied, her eyes shining with determination. "You're our best hope, and time is of the essence."
L, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up, his tone lively. "Ah, yes! We are ready for action! This is a perfect opportunity to test out the new weapon Nicholas created!"
Elma raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What weapon, L?"
With a wide grin, L gestured excitedly. "The Psycho Launchers! A magnificent pair of floating twin blasters! We have been waiting for the chance to see just how powerful they can be!"
Cross folded his arms, a smirk playing on his lips. "I suppose you can come along then. Just try not to blow anything up… at least not on our side of the battlefield."
"We shall best! But explosions are so much fun!" L replied, his excitement bubbling over.
Elma chuckled, shaking her head. "Alright, everyone, let's gear up. We're heading to Oblivia to find out what's really going on and put a stop to it."
As the team gathered their equipment and prepared for the mission, L couldn't help but bounce on his feet. The familiar rush of adrenaline filled his veins. This was what he lived for—adventure, battle, and the thrill of the unknown.
"We are ready, we are excited, and we will show them the true power of Team Elma!" L declared, clenching his fists in determination.
With a final glance among the team, they set off toward Oblivia, each step filled with purpose and the anticipation of what lay ahead.
As Cross, Elma, L, and Lin trudged through the swirling sands of Oblivia, the wind howled, whipping grains against their faces. Suddenly, Cross halted, squinting into the haze ahead.
"Wait a second," he said, pointing. "What's that?"
Through the shifting sand and dust, a group of strange figures began to emerge. Their skin shimmered in the sunlight, reflecting hues that made them seem almost otherworldly.
"What in the world are those?" L asked, tilting his head.
Tatsu, who had been trailing behind, rushed forward, his eyes wide with excitement. "Those! Those are new Xeno Species! We should get closer!"
As they approached, Lin activated her translator device. A rapid series of strange sounds filled the air. "I'm picking up something," she said, her eyes widening. "They're talking about… fighting against something?"
"Against the Ganglions," Tatsu interjected eagerly. "I can feel the tension!"
Cross took a step forward, raising a hand to signal peace. "Hey! We're not here to harm you. We're not with the Ganglion."
One of the Ma-Non, a tall figure with vibrant markings, stepped forward and narrowed its eyes. "You speak our language?" it asked, sounding both surprised and wary.
Elma, intrigued, chimed in, "Yes! We're here to help. We know the Ganglion are searching for your technology."
"Technology?" the Ma-Non echoed, glancing nervously at its companions. "They seek to control us ya know. They sent their massive turrets to destroy our ship. We cannot stand against them alone okay?"
L clutched his weapon tightly, determination flashing in his eyes. "Then let us assist you. What's the plan?"
"It's not just about the ship," the Ma-Non explained. "If the Ganglion take our technology, they'll use it to wreak havoc on countless worlds. We must unite against them."
Cross exchanged glances with Elma and the others. "Then we need to defend your ship and drive the Ganglions back. Let's move!"
As they gathered their weapons, Lin turned to the Ma-Non leader. "Can you show us the turret locations?"
With urgency, the Ma-Non pointed towards the horizon where the outlines of gigantic turrets loomed against the setting sun. "This way! We have little time!"
As they raced toward the impending battle, the winds of Oblivia roared around them, but the resolve of the newfound allies burned brightly. They were determined to protect not only the Ma-Non but also the ideals of freedom and survival against the encroaching darkness of the Ganglion.
"Stay together!" Cross shouted as they neared the turrets, adrenaline coursing through him. "We fight for each other now!"
"Together!" echoed Elma, L, and Lin, their voices merging with the howl of the storm as they charged forward, ready to face whatever awaited them.
They spent the next few hours going around Oblivia and firing down destroying the turrets that were attacking the Ma-Non ship.
The dim light of the sun flickered as Cross, Elma, L, and Lin adjusted their weapons after handling the turrets that had been targeting the Ma-Non ship. An uneasy silence filled the air.
"Did anyone else notice how quiet it got?" L asked, glancing around.
"I did," Elma replied, her brow furrowing. "Where are the Ma-Non? They should have been waiting for us."
"Something doesn't feel right," Cross added, his grip tightening around his blade. He scanned the area, his eyes narrowing. "We should check it out."
Just then, a distant roar broke the silence, followed by a series of intense explosions echoing through the valley nearby.
"Was that… explosions?" Lin exclaimed, dread creeping into her voice.
"More than just a few," Tatsu said, peering over the edge of a rocky outcrop. "I see them! It's the Ma-Non! They're surrounded!"
Cross followed Tatsu's gaze. "Ganglion Mechs! We have to save them!"
With a determined nod, Cross led the way as they rushed toward the source of the commotion. They reached a clearing where the Ma-Non were indeed cornered, fighting off a swarm of metallic foes.
"Stay close!" Elma shouted, unsheathing her weapon as they prepared for battle. "We need a plan!"
Cross grinned, his excitement bubbling over. "I'll handle the front line. You guys focus on the stragglers!"
As he charged forward, he felt the surge of adrenaline. The first Ganglion Mech lunged at him, but he sidestepped and unleashed a powerful Blade Art, slicing through the mech's metal exterior and watching it collapse to the ground.
"Nice move, Cross!" L yelled, firing precision shots from a distance. "Keep it up!"
Elma darted to Cross's side as they fought off two more mechs. "We need to create an opening for the Ma-Non to escape. Over here!"
With a swift motion, she executed a combination of skills that unleashed a wave of energy, destabilizing a cluster of Ganglion Mechs. They staggered backwards, giving the Ma-Non a moment to regroup.
"Now! Push forward!" Cross called, rallying their forces.
The team fought in sync, their movements fluid and coordinated. Lin provided support with healing drones, keeping everyone in the fight while Tatsu launched enemies into the air with powerful attacks.
After what felt like an eternity, they succeeded in pushing back the last of the Ganglion Mechs. Breathing heavily, Cross surveyed the area, catching sight of the Ma-Non leader, who looked grateful but shaken.
"Thank you for your help," the leader said, his voice shaky. "We thought we were lost."
Cross smiled, sheathing his blade. "You're safe now. Let's get you back to the ship. We'll discuss a plan to keep these mechs at bay."
As they escorted the Ma-Non towards their ship, Elma nudged Cross with a smirk. "Nice work out there. Your Blade Arts never fail to impress."
Cross chuckled. "I couldn't have done it without the team. Let's stay alert—this may not be the last we see of the Ganglion."
With camaraderie and determination, they prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead, ready to protect their allies and fight back against those who threatened their freedom.
The battlefield lay in ruins, the remnants of Gamglion mechs strewn about like discarded toys. The air was thick with smoke and the acrid smell of burnt metal. In the midst of it all, Cross Elma and Lin stood victorious, but the weight of their victory was heavy on their shoulders.
Tatsu, the lively and boisterous ally, was dancing around the wreckage, elated. "Tatsu has danced a mighty victory dance!" he exclaimed, twirling with his arms outstretched. His excitement was palpable, but Cross's eyes were focused elsewhere.
"Wait, Tatsu, hold on!" Cross shouted, his heart racing as he spotted a lone Gamglion mech sputtering back to life. "There's still one more!"
Before Cross could move, a sharp crack rang through the air. Elma reacted instinctively, her precision unmatched.
"Not on my watch!" she shouted as she fired her weapon. The mech exploded in a shower of sparks, its threat neutralized.
But the moment of triumph was short-lived. Cross didn't see the danger approaching from the side. In one quick motion, he shoved Tatsu away just as a volley of fire erupted from the fallen mech, taking the blow directly. He staggered back, pain shooting through him like wildfire.
"Cross!" Elma's voice was tinged with panic. She rushed to his side. The world around him spun as he looked down in shock. Where his left arm had once been, there was now a cold, metallic appendage. "What... what happened?" he muttered, disbelief etched across his face.
"Elma! What's wrong with Cross?" Lin, the young girl with a fierce spirit, dashed over. Her eyes widened at the sight of Cross's condition.
"He didn't know he was a Mimeosome," Elma whispered urgently, her worry deepening. "He's going into shock."
Lin knelt beside Cross, her hands trembling. "I can help! Just—stay with me, okay?" She closed her eyes and focused, channeling her energy to numb the pain surging through him.
"Tatsu will help too!" Tatsu declared, though his usual cheer was replaced with concern. "Tatsu will watch over you, Cross! You are strong!"
As the pain surged and began to fade, Cross felt his consciousness waver. "What… what's happening to me?" he gasped, struggling to keep his eyes open.
"Elma, we need to get him back! Now!" Lin cried, her voice trembling with urgency.
With haste, Elma and Lin lifted Cross, each of them taking one of his shoulders. Tatsu ran alongside them, his worry for Cross evident. "You will be okay! Tatsu believes in you!" he urged, his third-person speech now tinged with genuine concern.
As they approached the chopper waiting in the distance, Elma glanced at Cross, her heart heavy. "Just hold on a bit longer, Cross. We'll get you back to New Los Angeles. You're going to be okay. I promise."
"I…I'm scared," Cross whispered, his voice barely audible.
"You don't have to be," Lin assured him, her grip tightening as she helped support him. "We're right here, and we'll figure this out together."
With one last effort, they loaded Cross into the chopper. As the doors sealed shut, Elma took a deep breath, determination flooding her. "Hang in there, Cross. We're going to fix this. I swear it."
In the dim light of the room, Cross found himself awakening, groggy yet disoriented. As he moved his left arm, a familiar sensation surged through him. He blinked, realizing with disbelief that he had his arm back—working perfectly.
"Cross! You're awake!" Lin exclaimed, bursting into the room along with Elma, her eyes wide with relief.
"Yeah, I guess I am," Cross replied, looking at his arm with wonder. "What happened? Where am I?"
"There's a lot we need to explain," Elma said, stepping forward, her expression serious. "I'm really sorry for not telling you this sooner, but… your body, it's artificial. Just like mine and Lin's."
"What?" Cross's brow furrowed in confusion. "You're saying this isn't real?"
Elma nodded, her gaze steady. "We were part of a program long before we left Earth. The original bodies we had are still in the lifehold—our minds operate these… mimeosomes."
Cross shook his head, trying to process the information. "So, this is just a shell? But why didn't you tell me?"
"I wanted to protect you," she admitted, looking down for a moment. "But there's more, something we've been keeping quiet about." She glanced at Lin, who remained silent, her expression a mixture of concern and support.
"What is it?" Cross pressed, a sense of urgency creeping into his voice.
Elma took a deep breath, her eyes darting briefly towards the window. "You see that giant countdown on the tower in the Administrative district?"
Cross nodded, recalling the ominous numbers ticking down.
"It's a countdown to the lifehold shutting down," she continued, her voice heavy with gravity. "After the White Whale crashed, the lifehold has been functioning on backup. If it shuts down completely…" She trailed off, the implications hanging in the air like a suffocating cloud.
"That would mean… everyone would die," Cross concluded, his heart sinking. "But why hasn't anyone done anything?"
"We didn't have enough resources," Lin chimed in quietly, her voice trembling. "We're out of time."
Cross frowned, feeling a rush of adrenaline. "Is there any way we can switch to a new mim—something from the lifehold?"
Elma glanced at Lin, then back at Cross, her expression determined but tinged with fear. "It's possible, but it requires access to the lifehold. And right now, it's not safe. We need to find a way to get there before it's too late."
"So, what do we do?" Cross asked, resolve building within him.
"We fight," Elma stated boldly, her demeanor shifting with purpose. "We find a way to reach the lifehold and save not just ourselves, but everyone in New Los Angeles."
Cross nodded, a fire igniting in his chest. "Then let's get to work. We don't have any time to waste."
As the three of them form a plan, the countdown continued outside, a relentless reminder of the urgency of their mission.
The bustling command center of New Los Angeles was filled with a palpable tension as Cross, Elma, and Lin stepped inside. Commander Vandham stood at the helm, his stern expression softening as he spotted the trio.
"Ah, there you are! I was just about to send a search party," he said, crossing his arms.
"Sorry for the delay, Commander," Cross replied, catching his breath. "We ran into some unexpected visitors."
As if on cue, a shimmering light flickered in the air above them, and the distinctive shape of a Ma-Non ship appeared, settling gracefully down. The door opened, and a familiar figure emerged—the Ma-Non they had aided earlier.
"Cross! Elma! Lin! It's so good to see you again, ya know!" the Ma-Non exclaimed, waving eagerly.
"What are you doing here?" Elma asked, her curiosity piqued.
"We come with a warning, okay," the Ma-Non continued, looking serious. "We learned that another organization, called Samaar, is seeking our technology. And they're not alone—the Ganglion is also after us, okay!"
Vandham's brow furrowed. "Samaar? The organization that's been rumored to have ties with the Ganglion? This is troubling."
"Yeah, we didn't think much of it at first, but they are persistent, okay," the Ma-Non added, glancing around. "We came to offer something in return for your help earlier. We want to share some of our technology with New Los Angeles, ya know?"
Cross looked surprised. "You mean, you want to help us?"
"Absolutely! We can create stronger weapons that might help you defend against Samaar and the Ganglion, okay!" The Ma-Non looked around at the trio, their eyes filled with hope.
"That's incredible!" Lin replied, his enthusiasm bubbling over. "But how can we trust that your technology won't fall into the wrong hands again?"
"We will work directly with you, ya know. Together, we can create a safeguard to prevent misuse. Our knowledge mixed with your ingenuity can make it work, okay?"
Commander Vandham stepped forward, nodding. "Then it's settled. We'll forge this alliance, and you will share your technology with us. The safety of New Los Angeles depends on it."
The Ma-Non beamed, their excitement contagious. "Great! Let's get started right away, okay? We can show you the specs aboard our ship, ya know!"
As the group headed toward the ship, a sense of hope filled the air, a feeling that perhaps together they could stand strong against the looming threats.
"Together, we'll make sure they think twice before coming after us," Elma said, confidence gleaming in her eyes.
"Absolutely," Cross agreed, as they boarded the ship, ready to embark on this new chapter of collaboration and determination, ya know.
Cross sat on the wooden bench outside the Blade Barracks, the sun beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the ground. He absentmindedly twirled a pebble between his fingers, lost in thought. The weight of the Mimeosome news felt heavy on his shoulders, an unsettling presence that he couldn't shake off.
The quiet was disrupted when Elma, his Colonel, stepped out of the barracks, her boots making a soft thud against the ground. She noticed him immediately and approached with a warm smile. "Hey, Rook," she called softly, taking a seat beside him.
Cross looked up, forcing a small smile in return. "Evening, Colonel."
Elma raised an eyebrow, sensing something was off. "You've been quiet. I'm guessing the Mimeosome news has been bothering you?"
Cross sighed deeply, nodding. "Yeah, it just feels unnatural, you know? Like something is stirring beneath the surface."
"Why didn't you come talk to me about it?" Elma asked gently, her tone encouraging. "I'd rather you share what's on your mind than keep it bottled up."
He hesitated, fidgeting with the pebble. "I didn't want to bother you with... petty things like this. You have so much on your plate already, Colonel. I didn't think it was worth your time."
Elma smiled sympathetically, her eyes softening. "Rook, you're not bothering me. I wouldn't have picked you for my squad if I didn't believe you were someone I could trust. It's important to me that you feel you can talk about these things."
Cross looked at her, surprised by her sincerity. "I appreciate that, Colonel. I just... it feels more comfortable keeping my thoughts to myself."
Elma shifted closer, a gesture of reassurance. "Listen, if you need someone to talk to, I'm here. You don't have to go through this alone." She then gently nudged him, encouraging him to lean his head on her shoulder. "Come here."
He hesitated for a moment, then leaned in, resting his head against her shoulder. The gesture felt oddly comforting, a moment of vulnerability he hadn't anticipated. "It's just… all this talk about the Mimeosomes makes me uneasy. What if something goes wrong?"
"That's understandable," Elma said softly, running her fingers through his hair in a calming manner. "But remember, we're a team. We face things together. You can always come to me if you're feeling overwhelmed. I care about you, and Lin. You're both important to me."
Cross closed his eyes for a moment, allowing the warmth of her words to sink in. "Thanks, Colonel. That means a lot."
"Anytime, Rook. Just remember, you're not alone in this." Elma replied, her voice steady and reassuring. As they sat there, the weight lifting slightly off Cross's shoulders, he understood that he had someone he could truly rely on, even amidst uncertainty.