- Location
- Greenwood IN
na
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- Location
- Greenwood IN
Ok, I have attempted to apply some fun with the challenges, but it appears that people dont want to do them. So you know what: screw the activities! I'll be erasing them immediately and ending the hiatus tomorrow! This story is back!
edit: and I cant delete because of course I cant. Fine but I'm erasing the content. And declaring all figures already in as noncanon
edit: and I cant delete because of course I cant. Fine but I'm erasing the content. And declaring all figures already in as noncanon
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Episode 13
- Location
- Greenwood IN
"Shara? What are you doing here?"
Gohan, Shikimaru, and the girl in question froze in place as they heard the question, turning around to find the boy Shara knows as Ryoma Echizena, garbed in his green vest, walking towards them, handing his glass to Su-Mo the barkeep and resting his arms beside his friend.
"You lazing off while you're parents sent ya for errands?" He teasingly asked.
Ignoring the sour note he had unintentionally hit, Shara replied sheepishly, hoping to keep her cover as much as she can. "Yeah, hehe, they had a deal on bowls here and I couldn't pass it up."
Smiling, Ryoma ruffled his friend's scarlet hair, taking another shot for himself and paying for it. His gaze then turns to her two other compatriots, of whom he was unaware of.
"Who're those guys? Don't tell me the others got off your rocker that much!" He asked before gasping with a mocking flair.
Laughing at the joke, Shara waved off the question. "No no, they're just...visitors from another town. They wanted me to show them around."
Nodding, Ryoma stepped around Shara and extended a friendly hand to her allies. "How do you do?" He asked, "Name's Ryoma Echizena."
"My name's Gohan," the older boy nodded in accordance, tactfully sure to avoid saying his surname., "and this little one is Shikimaru."
Nodding in greeting to the little guy, Ryoma then turned to Shara, a friendly smile on his face. "How about I join you guys on the tour?" He offered, "There's a couple of other places we can go to."
"S-Sorry Ryoma," Shara chuckles nervously, hoping to keep cover for a little while longer. "But we're seriously almost done with this. The next stop would be our la-"
"Bad news folks," the ignorant Osamu Tezuka called as he walked up to them, unaware of the three comrades freezing or of Ryoma raising an eyebrow in interest. "It seems I overdid it a little there. Not a single one is willing to take us off worl..." He would not finish that sentence, for he looked up and saw that he had just blabbed everything to someone outside of the fellowship. As he covered his mouth, Ryoma turned to Shara with a knowing, teasing smile, causing the redhead to flinch.
"So THAT'S why you're showing them around huh?..." he teased.
Quickly, Shara pulled him off into a corner, talking down to a whisper as she began to explain the best she could.
"Look, Ryoma, what I just stumbled on? It's big! Bigger than the whole planet! Bigger than the three suns orbiting this planet! We need you to please keep it a secret for us! Please!"
"Listen, kid-" Ryoma attempted to speak in a low voice but Shara, too paranoid, interrupted him.
"No no you need to be quiet!" She whispers harshly, "Listen to how quiet I am! You can barely hear me! You need to be this quiet!"
He shakes his head at her anger letting her finish before whispering in the same volume as his friend.
"Relax Shara, I ain't gonna tell anybody, anyone who doesn't already know that is. But you probably received the reports; Imperial Star destroyers have the planet surrounded and all major spaceports are locked down." He raised a hand as Shara was about to make an explanation of their idea, "Don't worry, don't worry. You're, in fact, lucky I found you. I'm under the employment of some 'under the table' guys who still work from their private port. And if you got the cash, they'll do whatever you say."
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It took some time to meet with Ryoma again, as several factors had to be dealt with. After securing a meeting spot for their rendezvous, the group had found their second party, who have infiltrated the city using Gohan's distraction. Once they saw the caravan making their way into the deserts, it didn't take too long of their time to figure out that this was the opening needed. Passing the gates without any guard to stop them, the group moved hurriedly along a narrow slum alleyway crowded with darkly clad creatures hawking exotic goods in dingy little stalls. Men, Monsters, and Robottos crouched in waste-filled doorways whispering and hiding from the hot winds. Hiding behind a tightly locked chamber, they waited until the three Ronaan sensed their presence and released them from their hiding spot. With Shikimaru reunited with his comrades, the princess was escorted into Gohan's entourage, for she may be required in the coming negotiations. Grabbing a couple of vials to assist in the manner, the group journeyed through the streets once more until Ryoma was found. Once ready, he revealed the secret entryway and led the four wayfarers into the base of his operations.
Despite the passage being underground, the hallways they walked through were quite regal. The staircase they used to descend was made of two different types of marble, both from among the most luxurious planets in the central systems. They traveled through the vast maze of stately rooms, each of the chambers they traversed overflowing with decoration. There are paintings of hunting birds from all over the galaxy done with the most subtle strokes, and the chandeliers, each appearing to be constructed out of 9000 pieces and weighing tons at least, seemed to have been shipped or stolen from Shibuya itself.
As they passed down the hallway, gaining stares from the misplaced ruffians passed on the way, a small caravan was marching by them. Flanked by a large, ape-like being in golden fur, the criminals were carrying a trio of bodies. Two of them appeared to be humanoids wearing heavy armor, the third was a Freeza. All were dead. As the group stared at the parade of corpses, the monkey-like creature, a member of the Saiyajin race, marched forward growling and barking an incomprehensible language at Ryoma.
"Yeah, I know Kiwano," Ryoma addressed the creature, "I'm not giving a tour. These guys want passage off-world, close to the outer rims. You mind telling the boss?"
The Saiyajin stepped back, looking apprehensively at both the boy and his entourage as hesitation continued to grow on his face. Eventually, after a few stuttering grunts were given, the monkey-like creature sighed in resignation and ordered them to follow. After the path was retraced to a large double set of stone, maroon doors, he turned back and barked at them again, which Ryoma translated as "wait here". A few seconds passed as Kiwano lumbered into the door before a loud shout was heard in complete clarity.
"WHAT?!?!?! ANZU! HONDA! GET THE DAMN PLACE CLEANED UP NOW!"
5 more minutes they waited in anticipation. There was total silence; no sound was heard from the door and no words were exchanged between any of the two parties. Soon enough, Kiwano opened the doors and bade them enter. Lead by Ryoma, the group walked down the freshly clean antechamber, halting at the center and ignoring the stares they received from the myriad of ruffians giving them looks. When they made their stop, they looked forward to witness two figures upon an area resembling a throne.
One of the figures was a human with brunette hair and piercing blue eyes, dressed in a blueish silver armor, with one wing extending out the back and a small turquoise surcoat cape to descend from the back of his waist. The second was a humanoid figure but had barely any human qualities about him. The figure was blue-skinned and possessing a large spiky head of hair, with various shades of purple and red, and his limbs and teeth appeared to share more traits with animals and demons than it did with a human's. Staring at the crew with hungry golden eyes, the figure dressed in a lavishly royal blue suit stood up, grabbed the long flowing cape that would belong to a king, and bowed before them, placing his free hand upon his chest in a flamboyant gesture of respect.
"My most humble greetings to you splendid ladies and gentlemen! Please do forgive me for the wait. You see there were a few unruly debt collectors that came by right before you did and they left quite the mess when your presence was announced." The vampiric figure, known as a Makaian, greeted. The group gulped at the explanation, as it would not take a genius to figure out that the procession from before was composed of the aforementioned debt collectors. As the Makaian looked up he could see discomfort forming in his customers' eyes so he cleared his throat and continued.
"You may call me, Gamemaster. I am the captain of the Kamigame Pirates. The fellow behind me is my first mate, Zeto Abiak." He straightened his postured and motioned to the armored gentleman, who gave a small bow in respect as the captain sat in his throne once more. "Now then, my subordinates are telling me that you lot want safe passage to somewhere near the outer rims."
"Yes indeed," Osamu stepped forward to begin the negotiations. "If your ship and crew can work fast."
"Fast?!" Gamemaster exclaimed incredulously before laughing heartily at his guests, with Zeto joining in with a chuckle and the rest of the pirates laughing as loudly as their master. When the laughter died down, Gamemaster leaned back on his throne and grinned at his guests. "Have you not heard of the Kamigame pirates?"
"Should we have?" Gohan raised a brow in skepticism. He heard his father mention a name like that once or twice while he and Goten were training, but he couldn't be quite sure if this person appeared to be what his father was talking about.
Smiling, the pirate captain leaned forward on his chair and spoke once more, "we're the boys and girls who pulled off the Nagasami heist...in 12 cosmosecs..."
Osamu rolled his eyes at the pathetic attempt to mystify them with blatant misinformation while Gohan pinched his temples in annoyance. Meanwhile, Shara, who knew barely anything about the outside galaxy, and Rei, who knew barely anything about the criminal underworld, were staring with stars in their eyes, impressed by the feat. Zeto attempts to bend down to whisper in the captain's ear and a small quiet discussion occurs which the characters were unable to eavesdrop on. All the reader needs to know about the subject was that it involved how a number would count if it was rounded down.
The first mate straightened back up, rolling his eyes as he gained good posture again as he addressed the renegades. "We've done massive jobs. Not just the typical smuggling either and barely anything involving the local bulk cruisers, mind you. We've managed to escape the large Hiroshika ships with the station-destroying lasers...That fast enough for ya kids?..."
When the old man placed his hand on his chin and nodded, Zeto smiled before asking for the cargo inventory. "Only passengers," Ol Tenma drew out, making sure to emphasize his last command. "The 4 of us, 2 Robottos, 5 children. And now questions asked!"
Snorting in amusement at the last command, Zeto defies it immediately by asking, "No questions asked? What is it some kind of local trouble?"
"Let's just say," Gohan answered sternly, "That we'd like to avoid any Roza entanglements."
"Ah!" Gamemaster shouted, clapping his hands as he rejoins the conversation. "Now we're getting to the tricky stuff aren't we. And thanks to that and a couple of payments I'll need to make, I'm afraid it'll have to cost you extra...5000 sakura spice vials. All in advance!"
With this, the two men in the group groaned with frustration and the cloaked Rei gave a cold but angry stare at the captain. Shara on the other hand could not and would not stand for the ridiculous price that was just given to her.
"5000 spice bottles?! You can buy a Roza Star Destroyer for that price?!"
"And who's gonna fly it?" Zeto sneered from his captain's side staring down at the raging child. "You?"
"You bet I could!" Shara shouted as she turned and started to pull Osamu Tezuka's sleeve ignoring the snickering of the underlings. "I'm not such a bad pilot! Come on guys, we don't have to listen to..."
"We don't have time to squabble about this!" Rei marched forward, lowering her hood and revealing her radiant figure, to the interest of every pirate in the room. She retrieved the vials from her pocket and tossed them over to the captain, who inspected them to find them genuine. "We have enough sakura spice for nearly 2000 vials now. You can have the rest when you're ready to launch. And when we reach our destination we can pay 7000 after we arrive!"
All 3 of her companions and her guide turned to her with eyes widened to total blackness as the princess made an even MORE outrageous price than she was given. The pirates have nearly fallen over from the declaration as well, with Gamemaster nearly falling out of his chair. Even Zeto, who appeared to be the most stoic of the crew, was taken aback by this.
"T-Ten thousand?!..." Zeto creaked quietly out of his throat. At the question, he received only a nod from the princess, with the silent promise that she'll fulfill her word.
The captain regained his composure and gave a few moments of thought to the offer. Soon after, he stood up, silencing all of his subordinates from their gossip. Smiling at the young girl, he began to speak.
"What's your name, miss?"
"My name is Rei Ayaname."
"Well then, Miss Ayaname," he declared while bowing once more. "You have the loyalty of the Kamigame pirates!" As the quartet celebrated their success, the Makaian captain continued. "We'll leave as soon as you're ready. Docking Bay 94."
Ol Tenma repeated the location of their flight and bowed to their host before the group turned to leave. Shara was softly scolded by the old man for her outburst while the older Ronaan leaned to the princess.
"This is a risky move your highness," The boy notes with concern. "I don't know if you have enough in the treasury."
"It's more important to get these plans off this globe Gohan," the princess softly said. "This is a small price to pay."
Now Gamemaster had heard the latter conversation, being interested in what was being said to the princess. While he was unconcerned about whether or not the princess truly DID have that insane amount of Sakura spice, his cheerful demeanor grew solemn when he heard her speak the name of the boy.
"Hold it there boy!" Gamemaster called out, causing the group to stop and turn towards the Makaian descending the steps. "Your name is Gohan?"
Pausing for a few moments to process the unusual question, his eyes dart to and fro before looking at the captain and answering awkwardly. "Y-yeah?"
"And you know someone name Goten yes?..."
This hit Gohan even harder, and Rei placed a hand on his shoulder as if to say he doesn't have to answer. Holding the hand and softly taking it off, he decided to answer anyway. "Yeah? He was my brother. So what?..."
This caused the pirates to begin talking with each other as their captain and first made placed a pair of solemn facades on their faces. The captain turned to Zeto and ordered him to get the ship ready; Zeto bowed and left immediately to fulfill the order. The captain then silenced the gossipers and turned to their customers.
"Come with me," he ordered, "there's an old friend of mine who wants to see you..."
Though their guards were up and their suspicions were high, Gohan led the group as they followed Gamemaster through a few lavish hallways. When they came across a pair of double doors, the pirate unlocked the handles and opened the red stone slabs. When the doors opened and he stepped out of the way, Gohan's face grew white and he rushed passed him with a horrified shout.
"Father!"
On the bed at the end of the room, there laid the bionic man, appearing in such a sorry state. His armor was badly damaged, more than several of his components broken, and several parts of his body covered with trash. Old Goku was not even breathing, though his armor still shined with flickers of light. Gohan immediately rushed to his father's side and placed a comforting hand on the shoulder. Though no air was entering into his nose, Goku still opened his eyes and looked at the boy next to him, his eyes beginning to water as he looked upon the adolescent.
"S-son..." he hesitantly and tearfully said. "You're...alive..."
The son nodded, tears flowing down his eyes, and embraced his father as the rest of the party entered the room. Osamu walked up to the poor figure and placed his hand on the broken metallic arm as he recognized the being it belonged to. Goku looked passed his young son and recognized the figure before him as being of the old order.
"Osamu Tezuka....you're alive as well..."
"Same to you old friend," Tezuka calmly replied, a soft smile grown onto his face. "It seems the Otaku is still with the old order after all."
At that, Goku's smile faded, and the cyborg rested his head on the bed, his son at his side. "You're a good soul Osamu," he softly said bitterly. "But you're wasting kindness on an old fool. I made a mistake in my last battle, and have paid dearly for it. I'm too heavily damaged. Most of my organs shut down. Right now this power core in my chest is what's keeping me alive..."
Gohan's tears began to surface as he heard, using whatever strength he could muster to fight it back and remain strong. But it was so difficult! In such a short time, he lost his entire family to the empire! A few days ago, he lost his brother to an assassin, and now his father is laying there on the bed, mortally wounded. The old parent, feeling his son's pain, placed a hand on his arm and gripped it softly. As his soft comforting eyes met his, Gohan can feel his defenses weaken.
The others watch the cruel reunion from the distance, uncertain as to what to do with their companion. Gamemaster, who was by the door was in particular upset. He and the patient were lucky that he and his crew fished him out of the compactor when it crashed onto the planet, for others would have suspected him as a keeper of treasure and execute him on sight. But to see his friend, who commissioned him for several explosives jobs, and taught him plenty of what he knows now about the underworld, to be this vulnerable. It's quite enough to humble a man like himself.
He was snapped out of his mournful thoughts, however, as Zeto opened one of the doors and called his captain out for a report from the engineers. The captain stepped out and heard his words, leaving the group of customers in confusion. The first words of the conversation could not be heard, but very quickly shouts happened from outside the door.
"WHAT?!" Cried the captain, "Is this some sort of trick?!"
"I wish it was," the first mate shouted back in frustration, "I double-checked before coming to you."
Growling in anger, Gamemaster stormed into the medical room. "Bad news folks, your flight's delayed," he declared to the confusion of everyone else present, "the fuel cells, which I was certain worked earlier this morning, are now all shot! We can repair some of them but it'll take time, at least a day.
"If you're wholeheartedly desperate to get off the planet," Zeto continued stepping forward, "we have a few mechas, able to get a few of you into orbit. Some folks will have to stay behind..." After taking a deep breath to steel himself, the first mate continued, "I need to warn you this now...whoever stays behind can't be sheltered for long. The risk placed on our men would be too great...Whoever stays behind risks being found by the empire...and whoever does may be executed for treason."
With the dread warning given, Princess Ayaname shot a hand to cover her mouth as tears began to form. The thought of more souls dying for her sake. It's too much to bear. As if sensing the Princess's dismay, Osamu Tezuka stepped forward making a declaration of his own. "No one's getting left behind on my account! Find another way off!"
"There isn't any other way off!" The first mate shot back, "There are no other ships that are even close to being flightworthy! Our small ships are too few! Rivals won't be interested in assisting us! We analyzed every single alternative and ther-"
"Enough!" The frustrated captain called, silencing the two bickerers, "We don't have time for discussion! Every second we waste here is another second that enemy forces would beat down our door! You lot need to decide! Now!"
Though the group was silent, they knew that the pirate captain was right. They could not dally here any longer. Almost immediately as the silence grew to be too thick, Gohan spoke up from his father's side.
"I'll stay here. I'm not leaving my father again."
"Not an option," Ol Tenma denied, "You're assigned to the princess. The Ginza Royalty needs a Ronaan."
Before Gohan can argue back, Shara spoke up instead, "I'll stay then. I know a few people here. I can stay for a bit as you guys escape."
"Unacceptable as well," the old sage denied again, "The galaxy needs all of the fresh Ronaan you can get. I, however, don't have many links to the Otaku. Gohan could advance your training a lot more than I ever could. I'm also certain that the children would be alright. I don't like leaving them in a warzone, but they have proven themselves capable of surviving here, and they've assisted us a great deal already in bringing us here."
"Excuse me," Rei spoke up, hoping her suggestion would ease the requirements of splitting the party. "If Shara would allow it, perhaps we could use one of the imperial robottos to power the ship; We could dismantle one of them and use the energy inside."
"Even if I was ok with it," Shara shot back, "it wouldn't work. Imperial Robottos are incompatible with Spaceship fuel cells. It'd take even more time to change the function and transfer the fuel than it would take to repair their whole stock."
"Well we have to do something," Rei spoke again, "We don't know how many people we would have to cut off from this journey."
"You don't have to cut off anyone," Goku declared as he moved his body once more. Though Gohan tried to push him into rest again, the father swatted away the helping hand and sat up on the bed. Pain coursed throughout his body, his metallic body refused to grant him any obedience in movement, the junk on his body snagged as he moved, making it difficult to stand, and his dead organ still caused him pain as he slowly, and desperately sought to straighten himself once more as the metallic lights begin to dim. Gohan quickly rushed to his side once again once the old man was seated, silently asking inside his mind if there was anything he could do to ease him. To make him stable again. As if hearing the question, Goku turned to his only remaining son and smiled, lifting his remaining hand and brushing his hair with his dirtied hand, small droplets of sorrow beginning to fall from his eyes.
"Never doubt your own abilities son…And be sure to listen to those who came before you…I'm proud to be your father…. My beloved son…"
As he heard that, Gohan's tears fell, his breath silent, as he had no idea what he was talking about…or why he was talking like this. But whatever dark queries he would rather have not entertained would soon be answered as, to his horror, the metallic hand Goku used to embrace his son now went to his chest and grasped the core, turning it 90 degrees.
"This core is compatible with the ship and is constantly charged by Gamemaster himself to keep me stable. It should have all the power you need!"
Everyone narrowed into slits at the meaning of the message as Gohan began to reach his hand toward his father's, attempting to beg him to stop. But the efforts of the son would be in vain.
"TAKE IT!" Goku cried as he ripped out the core from his chest.
The second the core left the metallic center, the face of the old master contorted as his organic skin changed from the warm pink to the cold blue. His limbs instantly went limp, and without even closing his eyes, he fell right into the embrace of his only son, attempting to hold back whatever tears he could. And failing miserably in his efforts. The core dropped from his hand as it relaxed for the last time. Sorrow wasted no time in sweeping over the room as the light of the father's life was extinguished. As the only remaining member of his bloodline wept loudly, holding the body and resting his head on the corpse's, the princess placed a comforting arm on his shoulder.
"I-I'm sorry," the princess softly said, not unsure if what she's saying is the right thing. He doesn't respond for a few seconds, but from his mourning mouth, he responded.
"I didn't want him to go…but if it had to be, then it must…now he's one with the Otaku."
"Your father died honorably. Let's make sure it's not in vain." Osamu Tezuka said as he picked up the fallen core and handed it to Gamemaster.
"I'll give you some extra time to prepare his proper rites," Gamemaster softly said in sympathy, "But I advise you not to take long. Time is of the essence." When the old man gave thanks for his sympathy, the captain turned to leave with his first mate, though he spared one last glance at the corpse before leaving the room. "Goodbye old friend…" he whispered as he marched out.
Soon enough Kiwano entered the medical bay once more, with orders to escort them to wherever they wished to go to deliver the final rites. Thanking the Saiyajin, they left the room, with 4 pirates carrying the body on a stretcher and Kiwano leading the way out. As they passed through the halls, a figure leaning on the side and hidden in shadow watched them pass; a black-skinned frog-like alien in a dark cloak with its face appearing as if it comes from an artistically crafted play. He watched as the procession slowly passed him to an area he would not care to know. When the funeral had marched passed the Noh, as his race was called, and disappeared into the labyrinth, he pulled a communicator from the cloak using clicks and whistles, it relayed a message to its superiors. Translated the message would read as such.
"The operation has reached a complication. Prepare the contingency."
Gohan, Shikimaru, and the girl in question froze in place as they heard the question, turning around to find the boy Shara knows as Ryoma Echizena, garbed in his green vest, walking towards them, handing his glass to Su-Mo the barkeep and resting his arms beside his friend.
"You lazing off while you're parents sent ya for errands?" He teasingly asked.
Ignoring the sour note he had unintentionally hit, Shara replied sheepishly, hoping to keep her cover as much as she can. "Yeah, hehe, they had a deal on bowls here and I couldn't pass it up."
Smiling, Ryoma ruffled his friend's scarlet hair, taking another shot for himself and paying for it. His gaze then turns to her two other compatriots, of whom he was unaware of.
"Who're those guys? Don't tell me the others got off your rocker that much!" He asked before gasping with a mocking flair.
Laughing at the joke, Shara waved off the question. "No no, they're just...visitors from another town. They wanted me to show them around."
Nodding, Ryoma stepped around Shara and extended a friendly hand to her allies. "How do you do?" He asked, "Name's Ryoma Echizena."
"My name's Gohan," the older boy nodded in accordance, tactfully sure to avoid saying his surname., "and this little one is Shikimaru."
Nodding in greeting to the little guy, Ryoma then turned to Shara, a friendly smile on his face. "How about I join you guys on the tour?" He offered, "There's a couple of other places we can go to."
"S-Sorry Ryoma," Shara chuckles nervously, hoping to keep cover for a little while longer. "But we're seriously almost done with this. The next stop would be our la-"
"Bad news folks," the ignorant Osamu Tezuka called as he walked up to them, unaware of the three comrades freezing or of Ryoma raising an eyebrow in interest. "It seems I overdid it a little there. Not a single one is willing to take us off worl..." He would not finish that sentence, for he looked up and saw that he had just blabbed everything to someone outside of the fellowship. As he covered his mouth, Ryoma turned to Shara with a knowing, teasing smile, causing the redhead to flinch.
"So THAT'S why you're showing them around huh?..." he teased.
Quickly, Shara pulled him off into a corner, talking down to a whisper as she began to explain the best she could.
"Look, Ryoma, what I just stumbled on? It's big! Bigger than the whole planet! Bigger than the three suns orbiting this planet! We need you to please keep it a secret for us! Please!"
"Listen, kid-" Ryoma attempted to speak in a low voice but Shara, too paranoid, interrupted him.
"No no you need to be quiet!" She whispers harshly, "Listen to how quiet I am! You can barely hear me! You need to be this quiet!"
He shakes his head at her anger letting her finish before whispering in the same volume as his friend.
"Relax Shara, I ain't gonna tell anybody, anyone who doesn't already know that is. But you probably received the reports; Imperial Star destroyers have the planet surrounded and all major spaceports are locked down." He raised a hand as Shara was about to make an explanation of their idea, "Don't worry, don't worry. You're, in fact, lucky I found you. I'm under the employment of some 'under the table' guys who still work from their private port. And if you got the cash, they'll do whatever you say."
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It took some time to meet with Ryoma again, as several factors had to be dealt with. After securing a meeting spot for their rendezvous, the group had found their second party, who have infiltrated the city using Gohan's distraction. Once they saw the caravan making their way into the deserts, it didn't take too long of their time to figure out that this was the opening needed. Passing the gates without any guard to stop them, the group moved hurriedly along a narrow slum alleyway crowded with darkly clad creatures hawking exotic goods in dingy little stalls. Men, Monsters, and Robottos crouched in waste-filled doorways whispering and hiding from the hot winds. Hiding behind a tightly locked chamber, they waited until the three Ronaan sensed their presence and released them from their hiding spot. With Shikimaru reunited with his comrades, the princess was escorted into Gohan's entourage, for she may be required in the coming negotiations. Grabbing a couple of vials to assist in the manner, the group journeyed through the streets once more until Ryoma was found. Once ready, he revealed the secret entryway and led the four wayfarers into the base of his operations.
Despite the passage being underground, the hallways they walked through were quite regal. The staircase they used to descend was made of two different types of marble, both from among the most luxurious planets in the central systems. They traveled through the vast maze of stately rooms, each of the chambers they traversed overflowing with decoration. There are paintings of hunting birds from all over the galaxy done with the most subtle strokes, and the chandeliers, each appearing to be constructed out of 9000 pieces and weighing tons at least, seemed to have been shipped or stolen from Shibuya itself.
As they passed down the hallway, gaining stares from the misplaced ruffians passed on the way, a small caravan was marching by them. Flanked by a large, ape-like being in golden fur, the criminals were carrying a trio of bodies. Two of them appeared to be humanoids wearing heavy armor, the third was a Freeza. All were dead. As the group stared at the parade of corpses, the monkey-like creature, a member of the Saiyajin race, marched forward growling and barking an incomprehensible language at Ryoma.
"Yeah, I know Kiwano," Ryoma addressed the creature, "I'm not giving a tour. These guys want passage off-world, close to the outer rims. You mind telling the boss?"
The Saiyajin stepped back, looking apprehensively at both the boy and his entourage as hesitation continued to grow on his face. Eventually, after a few stuttering grunts were given, the monkey-like creature sighed in resignation and ordered them to follow. After the path was retraced to a large double set of stone, maroon doors, he turned back and barked at them again, which Ryoma translated as "wait here". A few seconds passed as Kiwano lumbered into the door before a loud shout was heard in complete clarity.
"WHAT?!?!?! ANZU! HONDA! GET THE DAMN PLACE CLEANED UP NOW!"
5 more minutes they waited in anticipation. There was total silence; no sound was heard from the door and no words were exchanged between any of the two parties. Soon enough, Kiwano opened the doors and bade them enter. Lead by Ryoma, the group walked down the freshly clean antechamber, halting at the center and ignoring the stares they received from the myriad of ruffians giving them looks. When they made their stop, they looked forward to witness two figures upon an area resembling a throne.
One of the figures was a human with brunette hair and piercing blue eyes, dressed in a blueish silver armor, with one wing extending out the back and a small turquoise surcoat cape to descend from the back of his waist. The second was a humanoid figure but had barely any human qualities about him. The figure was blue-skinned and possessing a large spiky head of hair, with various shades of purple and red, and his limbs and teeth appeared to share more traits with animals and demons than it did with a human's. Staring at the crew with hungry golden eyes, the figure dressed in a lavishly royal blue suit stood up, grabbed the long flowing cape that would belong to a king, and bowed before them, placing his free hand upon his chest in a flamboyant gesture of respect.
"My most humble greetings to you splendid ladies and gentlemen! Please do forgive me for the wait. You see there were a few unruly debt collectors that came by right before you did and they left quite the mess when your presence was announced." The vampiric figure, known as a Makaian, greeted. The group gulped at the explanation, as it would not take a genius to figure out that the procession from before was composed of the aforementioned debt collectors. As the Makaian looked up he could see discomfort forming in his customers' eyes so he cleared his throat and continued.
"You may call me, Gamemaster. I am the captain of the Kamigame Pirates. The fellow behind me is my first mate, Zeto Abiak." He straightened his postured and motioned to the armored gentleman, who gave a small bow in respect as the captain sat in his throne once more. "Now then, my subordinates are telling me that you lot want safe passage to somewhere near the outer rims."
"Yes indeed," Osamu stepped forward to begin the negotiations. "If your ship and crew can work fast."
"Fast?!" Gamemaster exclaimed incredulously before laughing heartily at his guests, with Zeto joining in with a chuckle and the rest of the pirates laughing as loudly as their master. When the laughter died down, Gamemaster leaned back on his throne and grinned at his guests. "Have you not heard of the Kamigame pirates?"
"Should we have?" Gohan raised a brow in skepticism. He heard his father mention a name like that once or twice while he and Goten were training, but he couldn't be quite sure if this person appeared to be what his father was talking about.
Smiling, the pirate captain leaned forward on his chair and spoke once more, "we're the boys and girls who pulled off the Nagasami heist...in 12 cosmosecs..."
Osamu rolled his eyes at the pathetic attempt to mystify them with blatant misinformation while Gohan pinched his temples in annoyance. Meanwhile, Shara, who knew barely anything about the outside galaxy, and Rei, who knew barely anything about the criminal underworld, were staring with stars in their eyes, impressed by the feat. Zeto attempts to bend down to whisper in the captain's ear and a small quiet discussion occurs which the characters were unable to eavesdrop on. All the reader needs to know about the subject was that it involved how a number would count if it was rounded down.
The first mate straightened back up, rolling his eyes as he gained good posture again as he addressed the renegades. "We've done massive jobs. Not just the typical smuggling either and barely anything involving the local bulk cruisers, mind you. We've managed to escape the large Hiroshika ships with the station-destroying lasers...That fast enough for ya kids?..."
When the old man placed his hand on his chin and nodded, Zeto smiled before asking for the cargo inventory. "Only passengers," Ol Tenma drew out, making sure to emphasize his last command. "The 4 of us, 2 Robottos, 5 children. And now questions asked!"
Snorting in amusement at the last command, Zeto defies it immediately by asking, "No questions asked? What is it some kind of local trouble?"
"Let's just say," Gohan answered sternly, "That we'd like to avoid any Roza entanglements."
"Ah!" Gamemaster shouted, clapping his hands as he rejoins the conversation. "Now we're getting to the tricky stuff aren't we. And thanks to that and a couple of payments I'll need to make, I'm afraid it'll have to cost you extra...5000 sakura spice vials. All in advance!"
With this, the two men in the group groaned with frustration and the cloaked Rei gave a cold but angry stare at the captain. Shara on the other hand could not and would not stand for the ridiculous price that was just given to her.
"5000 spice bottles?! You can buy a Roza Star Destroyer for that price?!"
"And who's gonna fly it?" Zeto sneered from his captain's side staring down at the raging child. "You?"
"You bet I could!" Shara shouted as she turned and started to pull Osamu Tezuka's sleeve ignoring the snickering of the underlings. "I'm not such a bad pilot! Come on guys, we don't have to listen to..."
"We don't have time to squabble about this!" Rei marched forward, lowering her hood and revealing her radiant figure, to the interest of every pirate in the room. She retrieved the vials from her pocket and tossed them over to the captain, who inspected them to find them genuine. "We have enough sakura spice for nearly 2000 vials now. You can have the rest when you're ready to launch. And when we reach our destination we can pay 7000 after we arrive!"
All 3 of her companions and her guide turned to her with eyes widened to total blackness as the princess made an even MORE outrageous price than she was given. The pirates have nearly fallen over from the declaration as well, with Gamemaster nearly falling out of his chair. Even Zeto, who appeared to be the most stoic of the crew, was taken aback by this.
"T-Ten thousand?!..." Zeto creaked quietly out of his throat. At the question, he received only a nod from the princess, with the silent promise that she'll fulfill her word.
The captain regained his composure and gave a few moments of thought to the offer. Soon after, he stood up, silencing all of his subordinates from their gossip. Smiling at the young girl, he began to speak.
"What's your name, miss?"
"My name is Rei Ayaname."
"Well then, Miss Ayaname," he declared while bowing once more. "You have the loyalty of the Kamigame pirates!" As the quartet celebrated their success, the Makaian captain continued. "We'll leave as soon as you're ready. Docking Bay 94."
Ol Tenma repeated the location of their flight and bowed to their host before the group turned to leave. Shara was softly scolded by the old man for her outburst while the older Ronaan leaned to the princess.
"This is a risky move your highness," The boy notes with concern. "I don't know if you have enough in the treasury."
"It's more important to get these plans off this globe Gohan," the princess softly said. "This is a small price to pay."
Now Gamemaster had heard the latter conversation, being interested in what was being said to the princess. While he was unconcerned about whether or not the princess truly DID have that insane amount of Sakura spice, his cheerful demeanor grew solemn when he heard her speak the name of the boy.
"Hold it there boy!" Gamemaster called out, causing the group to stop and turn towards the Makaian descending the steps. "Your name is Gohan?"
Pausing for a few moments to process the unusual question, his eyes dart to and fro before looking at the captain and answering awkwardly. "Y-yeah?"
"And you know someone name Goten yes?..."
This hit Gohan even harder, and Rei placed a hand on his shoulder as if to say he doesn't have to answer. Holding the hand and softly taking it off, he decided to answer anyway. "Yeah? He was my brother. So what?..."
This caused the pirates to begin talking with each other as their captain and first made placed a pair of solemn facades on their faces. The captain turned to Zeto and ordered him to get the ship ready; Zeto bowed and left immediately to fulfill the order. The captain then silenced the gossipers and turned to their customers.
"Come with me," he ordered, "there's an old friend of mine who wants to see you..."
Though their guards were up and their suspicions were high, Gohan led the group as they followed Gamemaster through a few lavish hallways. When they came across a pair of double doors, the pirate unlocked the handles and opened the red stone slabs. When the doors opened and he stepped out of the way, Gohan's face grew white and he rushed passed him with a horrified shout.
"Father!"
On the bed at the end of the room, there laid the bionic man, appearing in such a sorry state. His armor was badly damaged, more than several of his components broken, and several parts of his body covered with trash. Old Goku was not even breathing, though his armor still shined with flickers of light. Gohan immediately rushed to his father's side and placed a comforting hand on the shoulder. Though no air was entering into his nose, Goku still opened his eyes and looked at the boy next to him, his eyes beginning to water as he looked upon the adolescent.
"S-son..." he hesitantly and tearfully said. "You're...alive..."
The son nodded, tears flowing down his eyes, and embraced his father as the rest of the party entered the room. Osamu walked up to the poor figure and placed his hand on the broken metallic arm as he recognized the being it belonged to. Goku looked passed his young son and recognized the figure before him as being of the old order.
"Osamu Tezuka....you're alive as well..."
"Same to you old friend," Tezuka calmly replied, a soft smile grown onto his face. "It seems the Otaku is still with the old order after all."
At that, Goku's smile faded, and the cyborg rested his head on the bed, his son at his side. "You're a good soul Osamu," he softly said bitterly. "But you're wasting kindness on an old fool. I made a mistake in my last battle, and have paid dearly for it. I'm too heavily damaged. Most of my organs shut down. Right now this power core in my chest is what's keeping me alive..."
Gohan's tears began to surface as he heard, using whatever strength he could muster to fight it back and remain strong. But it was so difficult! In such a short time, he lost his entire family to the empire! A few days ago, he lost his brother to an assassin, and now his father is laying there on the bed, mortally wounded. The old parent, feeling his son's pain, placed a hand on his arm and gripped it softly. As his soft comforting eyes met his, Gohan can feel his defenses weaken.
The others watch the cruel reunion from the distance, uncertain as to what to do with their companion. Gamemaster, who was by the door was in particular upset. He and the patient were lucky that he and his crew fished him out of the compactor when it crashed onto the planet, for others would have suspected him as a keeper of treasure and execute him on sight. But to see his friend, who commissioned him for several explosives jobs, and taught him plenty of what he knows now about the underworld, to be this vulnerable. It's quite enough to humble a man like himself.
He was snapped out of his mournful thoughts, however, as Zeto opened one of the doors and called his captain out for a report from the engineers. The captain stepped out and heard his words, leaving the group of customers in confusion. The first words of the conversation could not be heard, but very quickly shouts happened from outside the door.
"WHAT?!" Cried the captain, "Is this some sort of trick?!"
"I wish it was," the first mate shouted back in frustration, "I double-checked before coming to you."
Growling in anger, Gamemaster stormed into the medical room. "Bad news folks, your flight's delayed," he declared to the confusion of everyone else present, "the fuel cells, which I was certain worked earlier this morning, are now all shot! We can repair some of them but it'll take time, at least a day.
"If you're wholeheartedly desperate to get off the planet," Zeto continued stepping forward, "we have a few mechas, able to get a few of you into orbit. Some folks will have to stay behind..." After taking a deep breath to steel himself, the first mate continued, "I need to warn you this now...whoever stays behind can't be sheltered for long. The risk placed on our men would be too great...Whoever stays behind risks being found by the empire...and whoever does may be executed for treason."
With the dread warning given, Princess Ayaname shot a hand to cover her mouth as tears began to form. The thought of more souls dying for her sake. It's too much to bear. As if sensing the Princess's dismay, Osamu Tezuka stepped forward making a declaration of his own. "No one's getting left behind on my account! Find another way off!"
"There isn't any other way off!" The first mate shot back, "There are no other ships that are even close to being flightworthy! Our small ships are too few! Rivals won't be interested in assisting us! We analyzed every single alternative and ther-"
"Enough!" The frustrated captain called, silencing the two bickerers, "We don't have time for discussion! Every second we waste here is another second that enemy forces would beat down our door! You lot need to decide! Now!"
Though the group was silent, they knew that the pirate captain was right. They could not dally here any longer. Almost immediately as the silence grew to be too thick, Gohan spoke up from his father's side.
"I'll stay here. I'm not leaving my father again."
"Not an option," Ol Tenma denied, "You're assigned to the princess. The Ginza Royalty needs a Ronaan."
Before Gohan can argue back, Shara spoke up instead, "I'll stay then. I know a few people here. I can stay for a bit as you guys escape."
"Unacceptable as well," the old sage denied again, "The galaxy needs all of the fresh Ronaan you can get. I, however, don't have many links to the Otaku. Gohan could advance your training a lot more than I ever could. I'm also certain that the children would be alright. I don't like leaving them in a warzone, but they have proven themselves capable of surviving here, and they've assisted us a great deal already in bringing us here."
"Excuse me," Rei spoke up, hoping her suggestion would ease the requirements of splitting the party. "If Shara would allow it, perhaps we could use one of the imperial robottos to power the ship; We could dismantle one of them and use the energy inside."
"Even if I was ok with it," Shara shot back, "it wouldn't work. Imperial Robottos are incompatible with Spaceship fuel cells. It'd take even more time to change the function and transfer the fuel than it would take to repair their whole stock."
"Well we have to do something," Rei spoke again, "We don't know how many people we would have to cut off from this journey."
"You don't have to cut off anyone," Goku declared as he moved his body once more. Though Gohan tried to push him into rest again, the father swatted away the helping hand and sat up on the bed. Pain coursed throughout his body, his metallic body refused to grant him any obedience in movement, the junk on his body snagged as he moved, making it difficult to stand, and his dead organ still caused him pain as he slowly, and desperately sought to straighten himself once more as the metallic lights begin to dim. Gohan quickly rushed to his side once again once the old man was seated, silently asking inside his mind if there was anything he could do to ease him. To make him stable again. As if hearing the question, Goku turned to his only remaining son and smiled, lifting his remaining hand and brushing his hair with his dirtied hand, small droplets of sorrow beginning to fall from his eyes.
"Never doubt your own abilities son…And be sure to listen to those who came before you…I'm proud to be your father…. My beloved son…"
As he heard that, Gohan's tears fell, his breath silent, as he had no idea what he was talking about…or why he was talking like this. But whatever dark queries he would rather have not entertained would soon be answered as, to his horror, the metallic hand Goku used to embrace his son now went to his chest and grasped the core, turning it 90 degrees.
"This core is compatible with the ship and is constantly charged by Gamemaster himself to keep me stable. It should have all the power you need!"
Everyone narrowed into slits at the meaning of the message as Gohan began to reach his hand toward his father's, attempting to beg him to stop. But the efforts of the son would be in vain.
"TAKE IT!" Goku cried as he ripped out the core from his chest.
The second the core left the metallic center, the face of the old master contorted as his organic skin changed from the warm pink to the cold blue. His limbs instantly went limp, and without even closing his eyes, he fell right into the embrace of his only son, attempting to hold back whatever tears he could. And failing miserably in his efforts. The core dropped from his hand as it relaxed for the last time. Sorrow wasted no time in sweeping over the room as the light of the father's life was extinguished. As the only remaining member of his bloodline wept loudly, holding the body and resting his head on the corpse's, the princess placed a comforting arm on his shoulder.
"I-I'm sorry," the princess softly said, not unsure if what she's saying is the right thing. He doesn't respond for a few seconds, but from his mourning mouth, he responded.
"I didn't want him to go…but if it had to be, then it must…now he's one with the Otaku."
"Your father died honorably. Let's make sure it's not in vain." Osamu Tezuka said as he picked up the fallen core and handed it to Gamemaster.
"I'll give you some extra time to prepare his proper rites," Gamemaster softly said in sympathy, "But I advise you not to take long. Time is of the essence." When the old man gave thanks for his sympathy, the captain turned to leave with his first mate, though he spared one last glance at the corpse before leaving the room. "Goodbye old friend…" he whispered as he marched out.
Soon enough Kiwano entered the medical bay once more, with orders to escort them to wherever they wished to go to deliver the final rites. Thanking the Saiyajin, they left the room, with 4 pirates carrying the body on a stretcher and Kiwano leading the way out. As they passed through the halls, a figure leaning on the side and hidden in shadow watched them pass; a black-skinned frog-like alien in a dark cloak with its face appearing as if it comes from an artistically crafted play. He watched as the procession slowly passed him to an area he would not care to know. When the funeral had marched passed the Noh, as his race was called, and disappeared into the labyrinth, he pulled a communicator from the cloak using clicks and whistles, it relayed a message to its superiors. Translated the message would read as such.
"The operation has reached a complication. Prepare the contingency."
Episode 14
- Location
- Greenwood IN
When they reunited with the children and the robottos, Ol' Tenma sets a torch to the wood and firerocks, both provided by the pirates, stacked under Goku Sanno's body. The Cyborg Ronaan soon goes up in flames as the children, the Robottos, Ol' Tenma, Shara, Ryoma, and Rei watch. Gohan was right next to the body, holding his father's hand, and resolving to grip it for as long as he could. Eventually, the flames would be too much and he was would have to step back to the opposite side of the funeral, away from the others. There he stood, watching sadly as the flames rise higher to consume Gohan Sanno, a proud member of the old order of Ronaan.
But the time for mourning was short. As soon as the body was no longer able to be seen, movement needed to be made. Under cloak and shadow, the party split up once more to traverse the city, avoiding the scrutinizing gazes of the Regional Governor's soldiers, who have begun returning to the city, expressing their disappointment by assaulting those they suspect are the fools who sent them on the wild goose chase. Abandoning all that was behind them in both location and memory, the groups moved down dusty alleyways and passed flying bicycle-riding robottos herding street dogs to places unknown. Darkly clad creatures watch where the guards would not and peer as each split group disappears down alleyways before meeting up at the meeting spot, awaiting Kiwano's guidance.
"If their handiwork is as fast as their boasting," Osamu Tezuka quips, "then we all ought to do well."
Kiwano soon emerged from the door near their position and bade the party enter, leading them into the giant dirt pit that is Docking Bay 94. Resting in the middle of the huge hole is a large sleek pillar with 4 blades emerging from the sides and sporting a large red orb in the center. Despite the build of the vessel, it looked like it had seen better days, showing wounds and misplaced parts all over the chassis. It was quite a miracle that it was still able to fly. Shara, impressed by the sight, presented her thoughts with graceful elegance and noble sophisticated articulation that was heard by the engineers and pirates scurrying around like mice and the captain overseeing the progress with his first mate.
"What a piece of Junk!"
Gamemaster and Zeto turned to the offending commentator while Kiwano, the engineer of the ship, began growling in offense, while the rest of the crew continued to scurry about. Sharing his comrade's offense, he stormed up to Shara and began to shout.
"She's the best vessel we have on such short notice and even she can make point five beyond lightspeed. She may not look like much but she's got it where it counts, kid. We even outfitted it with special modifications."
As Kiwano barks at the girl in agreement with his superior, and Shara her scratches her head, quite unsure about the ship's stability, Gamemaster stepped forward.
"Enough," he bellowed at the arguers before pointing at the crew. "At this time we're a little rushed so if you'll hurry aboard we'll get out of here a lot quicker." At the commandment, Kiwano rushes towards the ramp and urged the others to follow. The group soon follows walking past Gamemaster and the first mate, the latter grinning with victory. Gamemaster then walked up to one of his engineers and handed to him the core of the late Goku Sanno. "Jonouchi, get this thing installed on the double!"
"Right sir!" Said to the engineer, causing the captain to stop, just as he was about to snap at the underling. A look of confusion and worry quickly washed onto his face at the obedience. Zeto's smug smile turned into a frown as well, as his eyes began to dart around, attempting to analyze the surroundings. Soon Gamemaster turned around and leaned into his first mate's ear.
"What are the odds of it being what I think it is?"
"Unfortunately sir," Zeto softly answered, "quite high..."
Nodding the captain turned from the human's ear and began to stride forward to the ship, stopping Kiwano from leading the party up the ramp. He then marched his way to Jonouchi, as the engineer was about to install it. Meanwhile, Zeto readied his summoner disk into active position, preparing to use it at the first sign of activity.
"Hold on Jonouchi," Gamemaster called interrupting the installment process, "There may be something wrong with that core here. Mind if I take a quick look?"
"Uh...sure captain..." Jonouchi nodded warily as he tossed the core back to the captain. Nodding Gamemaster reached a hand into his cloak.
"Anyone still with us, BACK OF THE BUNKER!" the Makaian pirate declared as he quickly pulled his gun out and shot Jonouchi the fool in the head, killing him. In no time the other pirates all around the area raised their rifles and began to rain fire upon the passengers. Kiwano, panicking, led the party being fired upon to the back of the bunker nearby, as ordered by the captain. The Makaian in question joined the party after expertly dodging the laser blasts flying past him. As the captain escaped, Zeto stood in placed and drew a data card, unleashing the "Virus Chains," which gave a protective barrier of red chains that engulfed the area, skewering some of the marauders, barring the rest outside and leaving just enough for their master to join the others.
The captain was sighing as Zeto came back behind them, lasers still flying past them as the Imperials began to unleash illusory golems from their summoner disks, siccing them against the barrier. It held against their attacks for a while but it would not be long until a counterattack was needed. The new onslaught would buy them a few minutes of planning.
"Alright," Gamemaster called as soon as he caught his breath, "aside from the passengers, who's left?"
Kiwano barked in affirmation.
"You know I'm here cap," Zeto replied.
"Should I answer sir?" Ryoma asked in turn, unsure if an intern like him counted.
With raised eyebrows, Gamemaster leaned from where he was sitting, looking to see if that seriously was everyone. In truth, the only other ones behind the bunker were the multitude of passengers, of which he was to transport. When he was done he stood up and called at no one in particular, avoiding the lasers that barely flew past his head and his hair.
"YOU MANGY BASTARDS! I THOUGHT WE WENT OVER HOW TO AVOID BEING AMBUSHED?!"
"Yeah, that reminds me," Osamu asked as the captain got back down from his position, "how did you know this was a trap?"
"Jonouchi is the LAZIEST of my crew!" Gamemaster answered, "Never could do a thing on his own! Either I or Zeto has to whip him into his position. He's good with tech or else I'd have thrown him out ages ago!"
"Plus," the first mate continued, "he always calls the captain Mongrel. It's disrespectful but at least we know it's him when he says it!"
As the response was given, the barrier of the virus chains was beginning to crumble piece by piece, and the constructs were beginning to push through. Gamemaster used his weapon and summoned his top sorcerers, Electro Magos and Electro Magosgal, to repel the enemy. From the device 2 green-skinned humanoids, garbed in gold and azure armors and wielding long emerald staffs, emerged and began firing against the constructs. Zeto unleashed his 3 most powerful dragons, the Eevegaos, to assist them. No sooner than the command was given and the data cards were placed than 3 wyverns with glistening auburn armor, 2 large antenna-like horns and sparkling blue eyes, rose forth from the summoner disk to support the captain's warriors. 2 volleys of energy blasts and 3 beams of light shot forth from the quintet, desolating all of the enemy monsters touched by it. But as the battle continued, more chains broke and the battalion of the enemy increased, with no foreseeable limit.
"We can't keep this up, captain!" Zeto declared, "we'll get overrun any second!"
"You're right," the pirate captain agreed, "And there's no telling what they did to the ship! We'll need to split up and find another." Upon making that plan, he turned to the boarding party and began pointing at each named group, making the necessary arrangements. "You kids! You'll have to go with Kiwano! The young girl, the old man and the robottos go with Zeto! Miss Ayaname, Gohan, and Ryoma are with me!"
"The robottos are more important than my safety." Princess Rei interrupted, "You'll have to take them. We're fine with Zeto."
Before Gohan can calm the princess, or anyone else can say another word, the captain, after a loud his, barked back in reply. "Fine! But that's the only argument I'll allow. As you can see we don't have the luxury of another! Now crowd up with your escorts! When we separate, get ready to get back up and run!"
With confusion as to what the final orders meant, the passengers gathered around the pirate guardians as the trio in question prepared for what the captain ordered. Once settled and ready to spring, the captain and the first mate placed their hands on the cards, ready to remove them on the count of three. The captain held his other hand so that Zeto and counted down. 3...2...1!
At that moment, the flick of their wrists released the data cards from the summoners disks, calling all of the monsters, and the virus chains, back into non-existence. The imperial forces and the illusory constructs under their command wavered for a brief moment before beginning to charge in on the defendants. That moment of confusion was enough. Returning the cards to the deck, Zeto quickly pulled forth and summoned his most powerful monster, Angra Mainyu Lord of Water!
Geysers shot forth from the earth around the heroes and rising from that was a mighty being with a crown of horns bursting forth from his head and two large wings bursting from his back. With a proud roar and a swing of the mighty hand, the battalion firing upon them collapsed under the sheer power. And as the winged flapped, large tsunamis burst forth from the ground and decimated the imperial forces surrounding the dock in secret. The groups were carried off in the waves of these attacks, as if guided by the monster itself, and wound up in nearby areas of the city. At the enforcement of the pirates, each group member quickly regained their footing and followed the appointed chaperone, as the divided parties began to flee their landing sights, ready to find a new ship and to fight for their lives.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Lord Azureé watched from the bridge of his Star Destroyer, an officer emerged from the entryway and sprinted over to his supreme commander, carrying a large electronic pad in his two hands.
"My lord, a situation has occurred in the Yokocho spaceports. A pirate crew we have infiltrated has attempted to smuggle a large party off the planet. They appear to be who we're looking for."
Without a word, Czarro Azureé held out his hand and accepted the device from the officer. He then began to look at the roster, his fingers swiping the screen to view different profiles. The Princess; She was missing since the raid on the Academy. Gohan Sanno; if Goku survived the assassin, it was likely that at least one of his offspring would live too. The Defective Imperial Battle Robottos, Units 782 and 178; they were his primary targets. Pirate Captain Gamemaster, along with his first mate Zeto Abiak, his chief engineer Kiwano and the new cabin boy Ryoma Echizena; Of course they'd require help to get off the planet. The 5 children: Naruto, Hinata, Gaara, Shikimaru, and Rock Lee; they got an eyebrow raised on his face. It certainly was an unexpected move from her to recruit them into her fold. He'll never know what she planned to accomplish with them.
And the next file would cause his eyes to widen and his body to freeze: Osamu Tezuka. His old mentor and former friend. It has been so long since they last met on the battlefield. And he was certain that he died during the rise of the Roza Empire. As he looked in at the photo in confusion, he didn't even realize that he swiped to the final profile. Who he saw made his eyes narrow in terror and forced his breathing to start: Shara Sakai. Though the face was younger, and in possession of a different body, he can almost recognize her as the spitting image of her father. And what made him mentally panic even more, was the orb around her neck. The orb with which he was all too familiar!
"Scramble all of the forces on the planet's surface!" Czarro Azureé barked as he forcibly handed back the manifest, "Order everyone to converge on Yokocho as fast as possible! Order the regional governor to lock down the exits and hunt down the fugitives! I want them all brought on this ship alive!
But the time for mourning was short. As soon as the body was no longer able to be seen, movement needed to be made. Under cloak and shadow, the party split up once more to traverse the city, avoiding the scrutinizing gazes of the Regional Governor's soldiers, who have begun returning to the city, expressing their disappointment by assaulting those they suspect are the fools who sent them on the wild goose chase. Abandoning all that was behind them in both location and memory, the groups moved down dusty alleyways and passed flying bicycle-riding robottos herding street dogs to places unknown. Darkly clad creatures watch where the guards would not and peer as each split group disappears down alleyways before meeting up at the meeting spot, awaiting Kiwano's guidance.
"If their handiwork is as fast as their boasting," Osamu Tezuka quips, "then we all ought to do well."
Kiwano soon emerged from the door near their position and bade the party enter, leading them into the giant dirt pit that is Docking Bay 94. Resting in the middle of the huge hole is a large sleek pillar with 4 blades emerging from the sides and sporting a large red orb in the center. Despite the build of the vessel, it looked like it had seen better days, showing wounds and misplaced parts all over the chassis. It was quite a miracle that it was still able to fly. Shara, impressed by the sight, presented her thoughts with graceful elegance and noble sophisticated articulation that was heard by the engineers and pirates scurrying around like mice and the captain overseeing the progress with his first mate.
"What a piece of Junk!"
Gamemaster and Zeto turned to the offending commentator while Kiwano, the engineer of the ship, began growling in offense, while the rest of the crew continued to scurry about. Sharing his comrade's offense, he stormed up to Shara and began to shout.
"She's the best vessel we have on such short notice and even she can make point five beyond lightspeed. She may not look like much but she's got it where it counts, kid. We even outfitted it with special modifications."
As Kiwano barks at the girl in agreement with his superior, and Shara her scratches her head, quite unsure about the ship's stability, Gamemaster stepped forward.
"Enough," he bellowed at the arguers before pointing at the crew. "At this time we're a little rushed so if you'll hurry aboard we'll get out of here a lot quicker." At the commandment, Kiwano rushes towards the ramp and urged the others to follow. The group soon follows walking past Gamemaster and the first mate, the latter grinning with victory. Gamemaster then walked up to one of his engineers and handed to him the core of the late Goku Sanno. "Jonouchi, get this thing installed on the double!"
"Right sir!" Said to the engineer, causing the captain to stop, just as he was about to snap at the underling. A look of confusion and worry quickly washed onto his face at the obedience. Zeto's smug smile turned into a frown as well, as his eyes began to dart around, attempting to analyze the surroundings. Soon Gamemaster turned around and leaned into his first mate's ear.
"What are the odds of it being what I think it is?"
"Unfortunately sir," Zeto softly answered, "quite high..."
Nodding the captain turned from the human's ear and began to stride forward to the ship, stopping Kiwano from leading the party up the ramp. He then marched his way to Jonouchi, as the engineer was about to install it. Meanwhile, Zeto readied his summoner disk into active position, preparing to use it at the first sign of activity.
"Hold on Jonouchi," Gamemaster called interrupting the installment process, "There may be something wrong with that core here. Mind if I take a quick look?"
"Uh...sure captain..." Jonouchi nodded warily as he tossed the core back to the captain. Nodding Gamemaster reached a hand into his cloak.
"Anyone still with us, BACK OF THE BUNKER!" the Makaian pirate declared as he quickly pulled his gun out and shot Jonouchi the fool in the head, killing him. In no time the other pirates all around the area raised their rifles and began to rain fire upon the passengers. Kiwano, panicking, led the party being fired upon to the back of the bunker nearby, as ordered by the captain. The Makaian in question joined the party after expertly dodging the laser blasts flying past him. As the captain escaped, Zeto stood in placed and drew a data card, unleashing the "Virus Chains," which gave a protective barrier of red chains that engulfed the area, skewering some of the marauders, barring the rest outside and leaving just enough for their master to join the others.
The captain was sighing as Zeto came back behind them, lasers still flying past them as the Imperials began to unleash illusory golems from their summoner disks, siccing them against the barrier. It held against their attacks for a while but it would not be long until a counterattack was needed. The new onslaught would buy them a few minutes of planning.
"Alright," Gamemaster called as soon as he caught his breath, "aside from the passengers, who's left?"
Kiwano barked in affirmation.
"You know I'm here cap," Zeto replied.
"Should I answer sir?" Ryoma asked in turn, unsure if an intern like him counted.
With raised eyebrows, Gamemaster leaned from where he was sitting, looking to see if that seriously was everyone. In truth, the only other ones behind the bunker were the multitude of passengers, of which he was to transport. When he was done he stood up and called at no one in particular, avoiding the lasers that barely flew past his head and his hair.
"YOU MANGY BASTARDS! I THOUGHT WE WENT OVER HOW TO AVOID BEING AMBUSHED?!"
"Yeah, that reminds me," Osamu asked as the captain got back down from his position, "how did you know this was a trap?"
"Jonouchi is the LAZIEST of my crew!" Gamemaster answered, "Never could do a thing on his own! Either I or Zeto has to whip him into his position. He's good with tech or else I'd have thrown him out ages ago!"
"Plus," the first mate continued, "he always calls the captain Mongrel. It's disrespectful but at least we know it's him when he says it!"
As the response was given, the barrier of the virus chains was beginning to crumble piece by piece, and the constructs were beginning to push through. Gamemaster used his weapon and summoned his top sorcerers, Electro Magos and Electro Magosgal, to repel the enemy. From the device 2 green-skinned humanoids, garbed in gold and azure armors and wielding long emerald staffs, emerged and began firing against the constructs. Zeto unleashed his 3 most powerful dragons, the Eevegaos, to assist them. No sooner than the command was given and the data cards were placed than 3 wyverns with glistening auburn armor, 2 large antenna-like horns and sparkling blue eyes, rose forth from the summoner disk to support the captain's warriors. 2 volleys of energy blasts and 3 beams of light shot forth from the quintet, desolating all of the enemy monsters touched by it. But as the battle continued, more chains broke and the battalion of the enemy increased, with no foreseeable limit.
"We can't keep this up, captain!" Zeto declared, "we'll get overrun any second!"
"You're right," the pirate captain agreed, "And there's no telling what they did to the ship! We'll need to split up and find another." Upon making that plan, he turned to the boarding party and began pointing at each named group, making the necessary arrangements. "You kids! You'll have to go with Kiwano! The young girl, the old man and the robottos go with Zeto! Miss Ayaname, Gohan, and Ryoma are with me!"
"The robottos are more important than my safety." Princess Rei interrupted, "You'll have to take them. We're fine with Zeto."
Before Gohan can calm the princess, or anyone else can say another word, the captain, after a loud his, barked back in reply. "Fine! But that's the only argument I'll allow. As you can see we don't have the luxury of another! Now crowd up with your escorts! When we separate, get ready to get back up and run!"
With confusion as to what the final orders meant, the passengers gathered around the pirate guardians as the trio in question prepared for what the captain ordered. Once settled and ready to spring, the captain and the first mate placed their hands on the cards, ready to remove them on the count of three. The captain held his other hand so that Zeto and counted down. 3...2...1!
At that moment, the flick of their wrists released the data cards from the summoners disks, calling all of the monsters, and the virus chains, back into non-existence. The imperial forces and the illusory constructs under their command wavered for a brief moment before beginning to charge in on the defendants. That moment of confusion was enough. Returning the cards to the deck, Zeto quickly pulled forth and summoned his most powerful monster, Angra Mainyu Lord of Water!
Geysers shot forth from the earth around the heroes and rising from that was a mighty being with a crown of horns bursting forth from his head and two large wings bursting from his back. With a proud roar and a swing of the mighty hand, the battalion firing upon them collapsed under the sheer power. And as the winged flapped, large tsunamis burst forth from the ground and decimated the imperial forces surrounding the dock in secret. The groups were carried off in the waves of these attacks, as if guided by the monster itself, and wound up in nearby areas of the city. At the enforcement of the pirates, each group member quickly regained their footing and followed the appointed chaperone, as the divided parties began to flee their landing sights, ready to find a new ship and to fight for their lives.
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As Lord Azureé watched from the bridge of his Star Destroyer, an officer emerged from the entryway and sprinted over to his supreme commander, carrying a large electronic pad in his two hands.
"My lord, a situation has occurred in the Yokocho spaceports. A pirate crew we have infiltrated has attempted to smuggle a large party off the planet. They appear to be who we're looking for."
Without a word, Czarro Azureé held out his hand and accepted the device from the officer. He then began to look at the roster, his fingers swiping the screen to view different profiles. The Princess; She was missing since the raid on the Academy. Gohan Sanno; if Goku survived the assassin, it was likely that at least one of his offspring would live too. The Defective Imperial Battle Robottos, Units 782 and 178; they were his primary targets. Pirate Captain Gamemaster, along with his first mate Zeto Abiak, his chief engineer Kiwano and the new cabin boy Ryoma Echizena; Of course they'd require help to get off the planet. The 5 children: Naruto, Hinata, Gaara, Shikimaru, and Rock Lee; they got an eyebrow raised on his face. It certainly was an unexpected move from her to recruit them into her fold. He'll never know what she planned to accomplish with them.
And the next file would cause his eyes to widen and his body to freeze: Osamu Tezuka. His old mentor and former friend. It has been so long since they last met on the battlefield. And he was certain that he died during the rise of the Roza Empire. As he looked in at the photo in confusion, he didn't even realize that he swiped to the final profile. Who he saw made his eyes narrow in terror and forced his breathing to start: Shara Sakai. Though the face was younger, and in possession of a different body, he can almost recognize her as the spitting image of her father. And what made him mentally panic even more, was the orb around her neck. The orb with which he was all too familiar!
"Scramble all of the forces on the planet's surface!" Czarro Azureé barked as he forcibly handed back the manifest, "Order everyone to converge on Yokocho as fast as possible! Order the regional governor to lock down the exits and hunt down the fugitives! I want them all brought on this ship alive!
Episode 15
- Location
- Greenwood IN
There was no trace of quiet remaining this day, for throughout Yokocho city sirens blared, orders were barked and fire was exchanged. Stormtroopers and Imperial Robottos flooded the streets, searching for the fugitives.
A legion of troopers had found and begun pursuing some of the said fugitives, the child warriors, escorted by Kiwano and Ryoma, who fire upon the soldiers with their volley blasters. The disadvantaged children, who otherwise stay with the group, have to swiftly dash to their enemies and carve them up with their blades before returning to the fold. As the mission would be to escape, throwing their projectiles will cause trouble more quickly than would be preferred. It is for this reason why the weapons were also scavenged from corpses.
After traveling east to west, from courtyard to corridor, they arrived at an abandoned Ramen shop, stylized as a tunnel going in one side and out the other. Thinking it will be a good place to hide out in, Gaara unsheathes a large shuriken from his back and launched it at the door, shattering the wood and allowing the party to enter. With the child warrior retrieving his weapon, the group prepares itself for assault, with Kiwano, Sasuke and Hinata trained their lasers on the open door, ready for the oncoming assault, while the other children readied their stolen rifles on the sealed end, ready for a breakthrough.
And soon enough the attack came. Troves of stormtroopers rushed over from the courtyard, seeing the fugitives hauled up inside the abandoned restaurant. Seeing that the enemy has readied itself for an attack, a division broke off to attack the closed end while the bulk assaults the entryway in front. Sasuke, Hinata, and Kiwano shot at the Stormtroopers quicker than they can approach, taking down as many as they can, while the rest waited as the break-off division tore down the door plank by plank. As soon as a helmet visor came into view, they fired, felling the soldier with each shot. None of the children have an infinite supply of extra ammo from their stolen weapons, so each shot from the rifles had to count. However, though the rear defenders did their best to fell the force with all their might, the oncoming storm could not be completely hindered, and soon the defense was ready to fall.
The moment it was about to crumble and allow the enemy the perfect opportunity to execute the scoundrels, the rifles stopped. With Naruto and Gaara stopping to reload, Rock Lee took a device and pressed the button, triggering the explosives plastered against the doorframe. When the last plank was removed, the small devices went off, killing the stormtroopers in front and decimating a large percentage behind them. With Rock Lee taking the time to reload, the children fired upon the enemy once the smoke cleared. Though both sides of the defense did well to hold off the Imperial forces, they made no effort to advance or route them. For it was not their goal to win but to survive just long enough for their comrades to prepare an escape.
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Gamemaster, Shara, and Osamu Tezuka, with the two Robottos following them, made straight for a hanger nearby, escaping fire from the soldiers gaining on them. Fleeing northwest into the maze of docked skiffs, the quintet dodges laser fire as they flee to cover, with the reprogrammed robottos granting covering fire on the troops that pursue. As they continued to escape, however, a legion of Rosa's stormtroopers approach the hangar from a different side. Charging into the western walls, they soon ignited their jet packs and soared over the walls, landing on the ships near the running group. Unleashing their disks, they immediately summoned necrotic fiends appearing to have been called forth from the darkest books of the occult. By their command, the monsters began their attack, giving the heroes only moments to dive under the ramps before lethal plasma began to rain on them.
"We'll never get through at this rate!" Shara cries under the noise of war, "we need to get through those monsters."
"I got this!" Gamemaster answered as he activated his disk again, and applied one of his cards. "SPECTRUM SWORDS!"
When the card was activated, rainbow swords of light materialized from the sky and shot down against the monsters and their masters. The moment each blade hit, the bodies stood frozen like sculptures, unable to move due to the blades' power. Only one was able to avoid the attacks, and he pulled a pistol from his person to fire upon the heroes, fleeing once more from the enemy. As the blasts continued, the stormtrooper slammed his wrist on his chest before bringing it up to his helmet, a loud ring coming from the center.
"They're heading into the Docks! Call in Air Strike!"
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Led by Zeto, Ryoma, Gohan, and Princess Rei Ayaname hurried through the city, jumping from roof to roof as the Roza soldiers pursued them. As they continued to leap from on high, they soon find a small crevice, far from the reach of the pursuing troopers. Banking south, they leaped to the nook as the troopers followed with laser fire. With Zeto leading the way, Ryoma and the princess behind, and Goku's surviving son holding the rear, they scurried through the maze in single file when to their surprise, a battalion of stormtroopers stood ready atop of some surrounding roofs, waiting for them.
Making their presence known, they unleashed upon them terrible Phoenix-like machines appearing to have been constructed from torture devices. With the machines and their masters raining fire on the fugitives, who quickly made cover behind some trash cans, Zeto summoned in response one of his monsters, an armored, elephant-type barbarian armed with a large two-bladed axe. Robust and agile, the monster named Barbarphant performed its duty and slew the winged mechanical beasts while Zeto and Rei shot down their masters from the roofs.
With the path now free, Rei, Ryoma, Gohan, and Zeto, with Barbarphant flying overhead, continued to run along the path, the widening confirming that they're almost at the end of the nook. Rei, who would have a hard time keeping up had she been in the back, was pushed into speed by the first mate and her bodyguard. Hearing something in the distance behind them, Gohan turned to find a black-cloaked figure bearing down upon them, driving along the walls on an Akiracycle. With Gohan warning the others, the party ducked while Barbarphant prepared to swing at this new foe. Igniting it's blue-bladed Fenzor, sweeps over the fleeing fighters and slices the summoned monster in 2, reducing it to energy and returning its essence to the datacard. The Zamuraii, sporting a mask that covers the face save for two eye-like slits, then leaped off the Akiracycle, letting it crash, and kicked Ryoma and Zeto to the wall, rendering them unable to protect the princess.
Leaping from the surrounding alley walls, the Imperial knight swung a death blow against Rei Ayaname that is barely blocked by Gohan. The princess got out of the way as the two galactic warriors, Ronaan and Zamuraii, are bashing each other with incredible blows. They move in a continual cloud of dust, smashing anything unfortunate enough to be in their way. As the fierce fight occurs, Rei gets Zeto and Ryoma back up, all the while bewildered by the confrontation. Suddenly, the Zamuraii catches Gohan off guard. The dark knight makes a quick move and bashed his Fenzor handle in the boy's chin. But before he could the youth through, a blast came from behind and struck the Zamuraii in the head, blowing the head to smithereens. As the body slumped over to the realm of death, Rei returned her wand to her side and finished getting the first mate and the guide on their feet and ordering her three allies to continue racing through the maze of buildings. As they began their chase again, they stared in bewilderment at the princess they protect, impressed by her surprisingly exceptional ability as a marksman.
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As Gamemaster and his passengers race from the evacuated check-in of the spaceport, a couple of large machines, appearing as large purple metallic knights with 2 rifles on each arm, a black armored head that consists only of a red visor and a crown of triangles emerging from the head and spreading to the shoulders and back. These are the Taurus Mechas, the primary aerial attackers of the Roza Empire. And as each of those machines screeched through the skies, massive blasts rained onto the platforms, sending Gamemaster, Shara, and Ol Tenma flying, with 178 and 782 barely avoiding the blasts. Shara immediately rushes towards her mentor while Gamemaster, able to handle himself, struggles to get up.
"Are you alright?" Shara asks.
"Yeah, I'm good," said Ol' Tenma, smiling in appreciation for Shara's worry, offering a hand and allowing her to take it, with both working to stand up.
As Gamemaster snarls at having his favorite cloak ruined by the blasts of those internal fighters, he decides to unleash he greatest terror, Ahura Mazda, to face off the fighters so that his comrades can find a suitable ship. When he shouted its name and slammed the card on his disk, a large red serpent with 10 crowns upon its head and 2 fanged mouths beneath its eyes rose from the abyss. Unleashing torrents of fire and lightning, most of the bombarding forces were immediately neutralized, as many more began to suffer from the attacks of the beast, with the unspoken promise to kill all who oppose its controller.
"That should hold them," the Makaian grunted with vengeance served, "TO THE SHIPS!"
Leaving the situation to his god-like monster, Gamemaster once more slings his ruined cape over his front and leads the way as he, Shara, Osamu, and the Robottos race into the spaceport decks. As Osamu glances back, he could see two Taurus Mechas escape the clutches of Ahura Mazda and bank back onto their course
"They've broken through!" Osamu warned, causing the team to run faster.
"We'll be alright once we enter that ship!" Gamemaster notes, pointing to a large luxury frigate in front of them.
"We'll need a pilot to run this," 782 notes.
"Don't worry," Shara comforts her robottos while running, "I could fly a ship or two."
"Good," Gamemaster responds to her boast. "You'll be chief pilot until we get Kiwano or Zeto on board."
Shara nods before her eyes turn to a promising ship, just off to the side and closer than the frigate.
"Sir," she called out still running, "what about that ship?"
"Leave it!" The captain barked, "Shes garbage." With that call, they sprint over to the frigate as fast as their feet could carry them, though the robottos could fly, even though they can't catch up. Suddenly, the returning Taurus Mechas fire at the frigate, blowing it apart in a huge ball of flame. The group comes to a quick stop just for a moment, with the captain resounding a previous judgment.
"The garbage will do." And with that command, the captain and his entourage turn and run back towards the garbage. Despite appearing as a beat-up, pieced-together hunk of junk that could only loosely be called a starship, the design is in truth quite majestic, appearing to take the form of a resting Sphinx. Streaks of red, white, and blue streak throughout the vessel, though they have been dirtied and faded from the sandstorms and sporting lots of battle scars marking all areas of the outer casing. It seems this vessel, which was named White Ranger from the faded graffiti on its side, was quite the adventuring vessel in her earlier days.
And whether she was an attack frigate during the Great War or a glamorous Pirate's champion galleon, she was to move out of its long, well-earned retirement for one final adventure, as Gamemaster, Shara, Osamu, and the Robottos run up its semi-tarped ramp. And not a moment too soon, for the Taurus Mechas banked back and bombed the party's position, barely missing the ramp before meeting their demise when Ahura Mazda completed his assignment and returned to its master's deck. As Gamemaster received his beast, he hits a control and the door descends closed before he leads Shara, with both racing to the cockpit.
"Old man!" Gamemaster called back, allowing Shara to get into the pilot's seat, "Be ready to open the ramp when we reach our pals!"
Shara tosses her blaster rifle aside and jumps in the pilot seat, frantically flipping switches as the captain sits in the co-pilot seat beside her. 178 and 782 quickly float behind them as the engine whines to life.
"You ever flew this?" Shara asks.
"No," Gamemaster answered, "She hasn't flown in years."
Gamemaster and Shara quickly flip switches on the troublesome control panel as Osamu watches the troublesome gauge. With more and more attempting efforts to activate the ship, Gamemaster chants in mantra "You can do this girl," towards the ship, though half believing his own words. With one last push, the Makaian completes the switch flipping and pulls on the levers and the first stage of the engine could be heard. For a few seconds. Before it sputters off again. Confused Gamemaster moves to the gauge Osamu was monitoring and inspecting it, staring at the results for a few seconds before screaming in anger and punching the wall, startling everyone on board.
"What happened?!"
"Some Ara Ara milker stole a fuel cell from the core!" The Makaian captain screamed, "Without one this scrap heap isn't good to-"
He would not finish his sentence, for Shara, thinking quickly on what was just said, reached into the captain's luxurious clothing, and pulled out the fuel cell that used to belong to Goku Sanno. Before any of her elders could react, she shoved it into the device and forced it into place. The moment the systems connected the lights flashed all around the ship. Slowly, Gamemaster, Osamu Tezuka, and Units 178 and 782 turned to look at the girl in the baggy short-skirted dress.
"What did you just do?" Gamemaster asked in confusion.
"I restarted the ship!" Shara answered with a coy smile.
Gamemaster looked at her and gives a small appreciative chuckle before they both raced to the cockpit. In truth, the pirate captain only recovered the fuel cell to keep the last item of his long-time friend away from Imperial use. He had no expectations that it would operate the first ship available, even if it had to be forced in. It appears as the Otaku was using him to guide their escape. As soon as they sat down, they buckled up and pulled the yokes. The White Ranger rose wildly, the tarps covering it flying off. The ship spun and tilted, slamming and crumbling down the archway leading into the hangar, and giving the hangar owners cause to curse as it flies once more.
But the ship cannot fly away just yet, for the crew must pick up its allies. Both parties released signal flares under communicated orders from the captain. The first place the ship stopped would be at the abandoned Ramen shop. And it could not come a minute too soon, for the stolen rifles have run out of ammo, leaving Kiwano as the only one able to defend the position. With Shara holding the ship above ground, the boarding ramp opened, with the former Imperial Units firing on the stormtroopers down below. Now with enough covering fire, the children used their trained abilities to leap from the ground onto the runway, quickly entering the ship and clearing the way. Kiwano was less dignified. Because of his lack of flight, and his heavy build, he could only jump to and from the top of a building before finding himself unable to fly. After an attempt to use an embarrassing butterfly stroke to compensate, he eventually reached the ship, with Osamu using the Otaku to yank him onto the structure before closing it again. Once the ramp was closed, the children buckled up while Kiwano took his place on the Pilot's seat, with Shara being ordered to help with the next boarding.
The other stop would fly them over the maze of stone buildings as it's pilots searched for the remaining allies. And soon enough, they were located in a small cramped courtyard, with the trio having stationed there to hold off against the enemy. With the blasters of the ship taking enough room from the marauders, the boarding ramp is lowered mid-air for the crew to get on. Ryoma grabs the princess by the waist (earning a couple slaps in response) before he and his superior unhooked a grappling hook from each of their belts and launched the hooks into the air, letting the metal hold on the ship. Pressing the trigger a second time, the three are pulled up until they are dangling from the ramp, with the robottos assisting Zeto and Osamu Tezuka helping up Rei and Ryoma. Channeling his connection to the otaku, Gohan leaped from the ground and landed on the ramp, owing to Shara's hand clutching his and pulling him up as the ramp was closing.
"Thanks." Gohan, still holding the redhead, barely made out as he and Ryoma were breathing heavily as Zeto was heading to the cockpit, with Princess Rei Ayaname following after him.
Shara shook her head at Gohan's gratitude and spoke. "It's your father we need to thank. His battery is running this ship. Without it, we'd never be able to fly."
Gohan looked up in awe, unable to believe what he's hearing. When the battery was taken and the ambush was sprung, he honestly thought his father died in vain. The adrenaline of the escape prevented him from dwelling on this sorrow, with only now at a moment's rest being able to mourn the cruelty against him. And here Shara tells him that, as if living on through the Otaku, he allowed them all to escape Roza after all. Smiling in gratitude, he tightened his hold on Shara's hand for just a little, an action she returned in kind before they separated to help the other passengers prepare the ship, and themselves, for orbit.
As more stormtroopers began to flood the courtyard once again, their lasers blazing but barely phasing the shields, the captain gave two words of instruction to his reunited subordinates.
"Punch it!"
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The half dozen stormtroopers entering and exiting each checkpoint throughout the city hear the rifle fire and look to the sky as the huge starship rises above the dingy slum dwellings and quickly disappears into the afternoon sky. Zeto, now onboard, climbs into the cockpit seat next to Kiwano as their captain looms over the two. The Saiyajin chatters away as he points towards something on the radar scope. As White Ranger continues to race into space, Zeto frantically types information into the computer as Gamemaster views the radar. Little 782 appears momentarily in the ship's doorway, escorting Princess Rei Ayaname there before scurrying away.
"Looks like an Imperial Cruiser," Gamemaster nervously remarked turning to the princess. "You guys must be hotter than we thought. Kiwano, angle the deflector shield and try to hold them off! My dear Miss Ayaname, you have the location to where you want to go, so take over for Zeto and make the calculations for the jump to Light Speed."
With all 3 persons nodding, Kiwano began to apply the proper defenses, while Zeto gave his seat to Rei, giving her instructions on how to input the coordinates into the machine. While the crew continued its desperate route, the stolen White Base artifact races away from the Yellow and Red planet, Akihabara, never to return. It is followed by 3 Roza Star Destroyers, approaching the ship from different directions. And upon the most forward ship, the closest to its tail had Czarro Azureé aboard the bridge.
"Fire on their engines to slow them down and activate the tractor beam once in range," the Zamuraii barked to his subordinates, "once they're docked, prepare a boarding party and set all rifles to stun."
Over the shoulders of the 4 passengers inside the cockpit, we can see the galaxy spread wider and wider from beyond their reach. With the kids and the robottos being made to stay behind in the hull, and Ryoma watching them, Shara, Gohan, and Osamu make their way into the already cramped area as their royal comrade continues to make her calculations.
"Stay Sharp," the captain called back so that everyone could hear, "There's two more coming in; they're gonna try to cut us off."
"Why don't you outrun them?" Shara whined in desperation from behind, "I thought you said this thing was fast."
"Watch your mouth kid or you're floating home!" Zeto barked back, momentarily turning from Rei's instructions to give the newcomer a piece of his mind, "We were on short notice and she isn't the most ideal to work with!"
Gamemaster explained, more calmly, to the distressing populace riding with them, "Relax, we'll be safe enough once we make the jump to hyperspace. Besides, Kiwano knows a few good maneuvers, we'll lose them."
Before the Saiyajin engineer can execute said maneuvers, however, the cruisers behind begin to open fire on the fugitive ship, causing White Ranger to shudder as explosions flash outside the window.
"This is where the fun begins," Hissed the captain in frustration.
"How long before we can make the jump into lightspeed?" Osamu asked in concern.
"It'll take a few more moments than expected," Gamemaster answered, as the ship continues to rock violently as more lasers get better hits, "it appears to be her first time getting coordinates from a Navi-computer."
"Are you kidding?!" Shara shouted in desperation, "At the rate they're gaining?!"
"Traveling through hyperspace isn't like dusting crops, Shara." Gohan scolded at his fellow Ronaan.
"He's right," Gamemaster joined in, teasing a little bit at the end, "Without precise calculations, we could fly right through a star or bounce too close to a supernova, and that would end our trip real quick wouldn't it?~"
With the ship now constantly battered with increasingly rampant laser fire, a red warning light begins to flash as the Star Destroyers get even closer, their tractor beams almost in range.
"What's that flashing?" Gohan asks in concern.
"We're losing the deflector shield," Gamemaster answered before turning to the princess. "My lady, are you any closer to completing the input?"
"Just finished!" Rei called as she immediately shot up from the chair, letting Zeto take over once more.
"Good!" Gamemaster cried, "You four head back and strap yourselves in quickly! We're about to make the jump to Lightspeed!"
With Czarro's Star Destroyer now in range and activating the tractor beam, the renegade ship begins to move faster beyond it. Within the window, the galaxy brightens as if crashing through the spiritual barrier. Stars become streaks as White Ranger makes the jump to Hyperspace and the ship zooms into infinity in less than a second.
From behind, the 3 Star Destroyers have now halted above Akihabara's surface. And in the central ship, Czarro Azureé stands, unbelieving of what he just saw...and fuming with rage.
Just then, one of the officers, the highest rank under his, makes the mistake of meekly stepping forward and speaking. "I...I apologize, sir...I should not have been so-"
Before the officer could finish, Czarro Azureé, in a fit of rage, turned and unleash a powerful force against the unfortunate officer, who was slammed against the wall, before the hapless fool fell unconscious. The angered Zamuraii then turned to the officer next to him and barked some orders.
"Get two more Star Destroyers from Shibuya! Calculate every possible location they could exit from Hyperspace from that direction! I want a Star Destroyer deployed to each of those locations, ready to capture every ship that comes out! And so help me I want the fugitives alive!"
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On this day, no one on Ginza was joyful. On this day, each passing second was cursed. On this day, no man, woman, or child looked up at the sky with hope, for above the clouds a fleet of Roza Star Destroyers flooded the skies. And above the capital, behind a legion of 10 destroyers stood tall a large metallic moon turning softly, its cyclopean crater never averting its gaze from the planet. And from the skies, the voice of Akio Orleans was heard, his arrogant mockery ringing in every ear who could listen.
"This is the end of Ginza! The end of a monarchy that acquiesces to disorder! You lie to the Galaxy, promising peace and prosperity to systems far from here while secretly committing treachery against the might of Rozencruz! And as the mighty Arturia used her blade, Excalibur, to strike down her enemies, so too with our Excalibur will we bring an end to Ginza! To its pitiful monarchy! To the insurgent forces it mustered! All remaining systems will bow to Shibuya and the Roza Empire, and they will remember this, as the Last Day of Osca Ayaname's Rebel Alliance!!!"
A legion of troopers had found and begun pursuing some of the said fugitives, the child warriors, escorted by Kiwano and Ryoma, who fire upon the soldiers with their volley blasters. The disadvantaged children, who otherwise stay with the group, have to swiftly dash to their enemies and carve them up with their blades before returning to the fold. As the mission would be to escape, throwing their projectiles will cause trouble more quickly than would be preferred. It is for this reason why the weapons were also scavenged from corpses.
After traveling east to west, from courtyard to corridor, they arrived at an abandoned Ramen shop, stylized as a tunnel going in one side and out the other. Thinking it will be a good place to hide out in, Gaara unsheathes a large shuriken from his back and launched it at the door, shattering the wood and allowing the party to enter. With the child warrior retrieving his weapon, the group prepares itself for assault, with Kiwano, Sasuke and Hinata trained their lasers on the open door, ready for the oncoming assault, while the other children readied their stolen rifles on the sealed end, ready for a breakthrough.
And soon enough the attack came. Troves of stormtroopers rushed over from the courtyard, seeing the fugitives hauled up inside the abandoned restaurant. Seeing that the enemy has readied itself for an attack, a division broke off to attack the closed end while the bulk assaults the entryway in front. Sasuke, Hinata, and Kiwano shot at the Stormtroopers quicker than they can approach, taking down as many as they can, while the rest waited as the break-off division tore down the door plank by plank. As soon as a helmet visor came into view, they fired, felling the soldier with each shot. None of the children have an infinite supply of extra ammo from their stolen weapons, so each shot from the rifles had to count. However, though the rear defenders did their best to fell the force with all their might, the oncoming storm could not be completely hindered, and soon the defense was ready to fall.
The moment it was about to crumble and allow the enemy the perfect opportunity to execute the scoundrels, the rifles stopped. With Naruto and Gaara stopping to reload, Rock Lee took a device and pressed the button, triggering the explosives plastered against the doorframe. When the last plank was removed, the small devices went off, killing the stormtroopers in front and decimating a large percentage behind them. With Rock Lee taking the time to reload, the children fired upon the enemy once the smoke cleared. Though both sides of the defense did well to hold off the Imperial forces, they made no effort to advance or route them. For it was not their goal to win but to survive just long enough for their comrades to prepare an escape.
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Gamemaster, Shara, and Osamu Tezuka, with the two Robottos following them, made straight for a hanger nearby, escaping fire from the soldiers gaining on them. Fleeing northwest into the maze of docked skiffs, the quintet dodges laser fire as they flee to cover, with the reprogrammed robottos granting covering fire on the troops that pursue. As they continued to escape, however, a legion of Rosa's stormtroopers approach the hangar from a different side. Charging into the western walls, they soon ignited their jet packs and soared over the walls, landing on the ships near the running group. Unleashing their disks, they immediately summoned necrotic fiends appearing to have been called forth from the darkest books of the occult. By their command, the monsters began their attack, giving the heroes only moments to dive under the ramps before lethal plasma began to rain on them.
"We'll never get through at this rate!" Shara cries under the noise of war, "we need to get through those monsters."
"I got this!" Gamemaster answered as he activated his disk again, and applied one of his cards. "SPECTRUM SWORDS!"
When the card was activated, rainbow swords of light materialized from the sky and shot down against the monsters and their masters. The moment each blade hit, the bodies stood frozen like sculptures, unable to move due to the blades' power. Only one was able to avoid the attacks, and he pulled a pistol from his person to fire upon the heroes, fleeing once more from the enemy. As the blasts continued, the stormtrooper slammed his wrist on his chest before bringing it up to his helmet, a loud ring coming from the center.
"They're heading into the Docks! Call in Air Strike!"
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Led by Zeto, Ryoma, Gohan, and Princess Rei Ayaname hurried through the city, jumping from roof to roof as the Roza soldiers pursued them. As they continued to leap from on high, they soon find a small crevice, far from the reach of the pursuing troopers. Banking south, they leaped to the nook as the troopers followed with laser fire. With Zeto leading the way, Ryoma and the princess behind, and Goku's surviving son holding the rear, they scurried through the maze in single file when to their surprise, a battalion of stormtroopers stood ready atop of some surrounding roofs, waiting for them.
Making their presence known, they unleashed upon them terrible Phoenix-like machines appearing to have been constructed from torture devices. With the machines and their masters raining fire on the fugitives, who quickly made cover behind some trash cans, Zeto summoned in response one of his monsters, an armored, elephant-type barbarian armed with a large two-bladed axe. Robust and agile, the monster named Barbarphant performed its duty and slew the winged mechanical beasts while Zeto and Rei shot down their masters from the roofs.
With the path now free, Rei, Ryoma, Gohan, and Zeto, with Barbarphant flying overhead, continued to run along the path, the widening confirming that they're almost at the end of the nook. Rei, who would have a hard time keeping up had she been in the back, was pushed into speed by the first mate and her bodyguard. Hearing something in the distance behind them, Gohan turned to find a black-cloaked figure bearing down upon them, driving along the walls on an Akiracycle. With Gohan warning the others, the party ducked while Barbarphant prepared to swing at this new foe. Igniting it's blue-bladed Fenzor, sweeps over the fleeing fighters and slices the summoned monster in 2, reducing it to energy and returning its essence to the datacard. The Zamuraii, sporting a mask that covers the face save for two eye-like slits, then leaped off the Akiracycle, letting it crash, and kicked Ryoma and Zeto to the wall, rendering them unable to protect the princess.
Leaping from the surrounding alley walls, the Imperial knight swung a death blow against Rei Ayaname that is barely blocked by Gohan. The princess got out of the way as the two galactic warriors, Ronaan and Zamuraii, are bashing each other with incredible blows. They move in a continual cloud of dust, smashing anything unfortunate enough to be in their way. As the fierce fight occurs, Rei gets Zeto and Ryoma back up, all the while bewildered by the confrontation. Suddenly, the Zamuraii catches Gohan off guard. The dark knight makes a quick move and bashed his Fenzor handle in the boy's chin. But before he could the youth through, a blast came from behind and struck the Zamuraii in the head, blowing the head to smithereens. As the body slumped over to the realm of death, Rei returned her wand to her side and finished getting the first mate and the guide on their feet and ordering her three allies to continue racing through the maze of buildings. As they began their chase again, they stared in bewilderment at the princess they protect, impressed by her surprisingly exceptional ability as a marksman.
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As Gamemaster and his passengers race from the evacuated check-in of the spaceport, a couple of large machines, appearing as large purple metallic knights with 2 rifles on each arm, a black armored head that consists only of a red visor and a crown of triangles emerging from the head and spreading to the shoulders and back. These are the Taurus Mechas, the primary aerial attackers of the Roza Empire. And as each of those machines screeched through the skies, massive blasts rained onto the platforms, sending Gamemaster, Shara, and Ol Tenma flying, with 178 and 782 barely avoiding the blasts. Shara immediately rushes towards her mentor while Gamemaster, able to handle himself, struggles to get up.
"Are you alright?" Shara asks.
"Yeah, I'm good," said Ol' Tenma, smiling in appreciation for Shara's worry, offering a hand and allowing her to take it, with both working to stand up.
As Gamemaster snarls at having his favorite cloak ruined by the blasts of those internal fighters, he decides to unleash he greatest terror, Ahura Mazda, to face off the fighters so that his comrades can find a suitable ship. When he shouted its name and slammed the card on his disk, a large red serpent with 10 crowns upon its head and 2 fanged mouths beneath its eyes rose from the abyss. Unleashing torrents of fire and lightning, most of the bombarding forces were immediately neutralized, as many more began to suffer from the attacks of the beast, with the unspoken promise to kill all who oppose its controller.
"That should hold them," the Makaian grunted with vengeance served, "TO THE SHIPS!"
Leaving the situation to his god-like monster, Gamemaster once more slings his ruined cape over his front and leads the way as he, Shara, Osamu, and the Robottos race into the spaceport decks. As Osamu glances back, he could see two Taurus Mechas escape the clutches of Ahura Mazda and bank back onto their course
"They've broken through!" Osamu warned, causing the team to run faster.
"We'll be alright once we enter that ship!" Gamemaster notes, pointing to a large luxury frigate in front of them.
"We'll need a pilot to run this," 782 notes.
"Don't worry," Shara comforts her robottos while running, "I could fly a ship or two."
"Good," Gamemaster responds to her boast. "You'll be chief pilot until we get Kiwano or Zeto on board."
Shara nods before her eyes turn to a promising ship, just off to the side and closer than the frigate.
"Sir," she called out still running, "what about that ship?"
"Leave it!" The captain barked, "Shes garbage." With that call, they sprint over to the frigate as fast as their feet could carry them, though the robottos could fly, even though they can't catch up. Suddenly, the returning Taurus Mechas fire at the frigate, blowing it apart in a huge ball of flame. The group comes to a quick stop just for a moment, with the captain resounding a previous judgment.
"The garbage will do." And with that command, the captain and his entourage turn and run back towards the garbage. Despite appearing as a beat-up, pieced-together hunk of junk that could only loosely be called a starship, the design is in truth quite majestic, appearing to take the form of a resting Sphinx. Streaks of red, white, and blue streak throughout the vessel, though they have been dirtied and faded from the sandstorms and sporting lots of battle scars marking all areas of the outer casing. It seems this vessel, which was named White Ranger from the faded graffiti on its side, was quite the adventuring vessel in her earlier days.
And whether she was an attack frigate during the Great War or a glamorous Pirate's champion galleon, she was to move out of its long, well-earned retirement for one final adventure, as Gamemaster, Shara, Osamu, and the Robottos run up its semi-tarped ramp. And not a moment too soon, for the Taurus Mechas banked back and bombed the party's position, barely missing the ramp before meeting their demise when Ahura Mazda completed his assignment and returned to its master's deck. As Gamemaster received his beast, he hits a control and the door descends closed before he leads Shara, with both racing to the cockpit.
"Old man!" Gamemaster called back, allowing Shara to get into the pilot's seat, "Be ready to open the ramp when we reach our pals!"
Shara tosses her blaster rifle aside and jumps in the pilot seat, frantically flipping switches as the captain sits in the co-pilot seat beside her. 178 and 782 quickly float behind them as the engine whines to life.
"You ever flew this?" Shara asks.
"No," Gamemaster answered, "She hasn't flown in years."
Gamemaster and Shara quickly flip switches on the troublesome control panel as Osamu watches the troublesome gauge. With more and more attempting efforts to activate the ship, Gamemaster chants in mantra "You can do this girl," towards the ship, though half believing his own words. With one last push, the Makaian completes the switch flipping and pulls on the levers and the first stage of the engine could be heard. For a few seconds. Before it sputters off again. Confused Gamemaster moves to the gauge Osamu was monitoring and inspecting it, staring at the results for a few seconds before screaming in anger and punching the wall, startling everyone on board.
"What happened?!"
"Some Ara Ara milker stole a fuel cell from the core!" The Makaian captain screamed, "Without one this scrap heap isn't good to-"
He would not finish his sentence, for Shara, thinking quickly on what was just said, reached into the captain's luxurious clothing, and pulled out the fuel cell that used to belong to Goku Sanno. Before any of her elders could react, she shoved it into the device and forced it into place. The moment the systems connected the lights flashed all around the ship. Slowly, Gamemaster, Osamu Tezuka, and Units 178 and 782 turned to look at the girl in the baggy short-skirted dress.
"What did you just do?" Gamemaster asked in confusion.
"I restarted the ship!" Shara answered with a coy smile.
Gamemaster looked at her and gives a small appreciative chuckle before they both raced to the cockpit. In truth, the pirate captain only recovered the fuel cell to keep the last item of his long-time friend away from Imperial use. He had no expectations that it would operate the first ship available, even if it had to be forced in. It appears as the Otaku was using him to guide their escape. As soon as they sat down, they buckled up and pulled the yokes. The White Ranger rose wildly, the tarps covering it flying off. The ship spun and tilted, slamming and crumbling down the archway leading into the hangar, and giving the hangar owners cause to curse as it flies once more.
But the ship cannot fly away just yet, for the crew must pick up its allies. Both parties released signal flares under communicated orders from the captain. The first place the ship stopped would be at the abandoned Ramen shop. And it could not come a minute too soon, for the stolen rifles have run out of ammo, leaving Kiwano as the only one able to defend the position. With Shara holding the ship above ground, the boarding ramp opened, with the former Imperial Units firing on the stormtroopers down below. Now with enough covering fire, the children used their trained abilities to leap from the ground onto the runway, quickly entering the ship and clearing the way. Kiwano was less dignified. Because of his lack of flight, and his heavy build, he could only jump to and from the top of a building before finding himself unable to fly. After an attempt to use an embarrassing butterfly stroke to compensate, he eventually reached the ship, with Osamu using the Otaku to yank him onto the structure before closing it again. Once the ramp was closed, the children buckled up while Kiwano took his place on the Pilot's seat, with Shara being ordered to help with the next boarding.
The other stop would fly them over the maze of stone buildings as it's pilots searched for the remaining allies. And soon enough, they were located in a small cramped courtyard, with the trio having stationed there to hold off against the enemy. With the blasters of the ship taking enough room from the marauders, the boarding ramp is lowered mid-air for the crew to get on. Ryoma grabs the princess by the waist (earning a couple slaps in response) before he and his superior unhooked a grappling hook from each of their belts and launched the hooks into the air, letting the metal hold on the ship. Pressing the trigger a second time, the three are pulled up until they are dangling from the ramp, with the robottos assisting Zeto and Osamu Tezuka helping up Rei and Ryoma. Channeling his connection to the otaku, Gohan leaped from the ground and landed on the ramp, owing to Shara's hand clutching his and pulling him up as the ramp was closing.
"Thanks." Gohan, still holding the redhead, barely made out as he and Ryoma were breathing heavily as Zeto was heading to the cockpit, with Princess Rei Ayaname following after him.
Shara shook her head at Gohan's gratitude and spoke. "It's your father we need to thank. His battery is running this ship. Without it, we'd never be able to fly."
Gohan looked up in awe, unable to believe what he's hearing. When the battery was taken and the ambush was sprung, he honestly thought his father died in vain. The adrenaline of the escape prevented him from dwelling on this sorrow, with only now at a moment's rest being able to mourn the cruelty against him. And here Shara tells him that, as if living on through the Otaku, he allowed them all to escape Roza after all. Smiling in gratitude, he tightened his hold on Shara's hand for just a little, an action she returned in kind before they separated to help the other passengers prepare the ship, and themselves, for orbit.
As more stormtroopers began to flood the courtyard once again, their lasers blazing but barely phasing the shields, the captain gave two words of instruction to his reunited subordinates.
"Punch it!"
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The half dozen stormtroopers entering and exiting each checkpoint throughout the city hear the rifle fire and look to the sky as the huge starship rises above the dingy slum dwellings and quickly disappears into the afternoon sky. Zeto, now onboard, climbs into the cockpit seat next to Kiwano as their captain looms over the two. The Saiyajin chatters away as he points towards something on the radar scope. As White Ranger continues to race into space, Zeto frantically types information into the computer as Gamemaster views the radar. Little 782 appears momentarily in the ship's doorway, escorting Princess Rei Ayaname there before scurrying away.
"Looks like an Imperial Cruiser," Gamemaster nervously remarked turning to the princess. "You guys must be hotter than we thought. Kiwano, angle the deflector shield and try to hold them off! My dear Miss Ayaname, you have the location to where you want to go, so take over for Zeto and make the calculations for the jump to Light Speed."
With all 3 persons nodding, Kiwano began to apply the proper defenses, while Zeto gave his seat to Rei, giving her instructions on how to input the coordinates into the machine. While the crew continued its desperate route, the stolen White Base artifact races away from the Yellow and Red planet, Akihabara, never to return. It is followed by 3 Roza Star Destroyers, approaching the ship from different directions. And upon the most forward ship, the closest to its tail had Czarro Azureé aboard the bridge.
"Fire on their engines to slow them down and activate the tractor beam once in range," the Zamuraii barked to his subordinates, "once they're docked, prepare a boarding party and set all rifles to stun."
Over the shoulders of the 4 passengers inside the cockpit, we can see the galaxy spread wider and wider from beyond their reach. With the kids and the robottos being made to stay behind in the hull, and Ryoma watching them, Shara, Gohan, and Osamu make their way into the already cramped area as their royal comrade continues to make her calculations.
"Stay Sharp," the captain called back so that everyone could hear, "There's two more coming in; they're gonna try to cut us off."
"Why don't you outrun them?" Shara whined in desperation from behind, "I thought you said this thing was fast."
"Watch your mouth kid or you're floating home!" Zeto barked back, momentarily turning from Rei's instructions to give the newcomer a piece of his mind, "We were on short notice and she isn't the most ideal to work with!"
Gamemaster explained, more calmly, to the distressing populace riding with them, "Relax, we'll be safe enough once we make the jump to hyperspace. Besides, Kiwano knows a few good maneuvers, we'll lose them."
Before the Saiyajin engineer can execute said maneuvers, however, the cruisers behind begin to open fire on the fugitive ship, causing White Ranger to shudder as explosions flash outside the window.
"This is where the fun begins," Hissed the captain in frustration.
"How long before we can make the jump into lightspeed?" Osamu asked in concern.
"It'll take a few more moments than expected," Gamemaster answered, as the ship continues to rock violently as more lasers get better hits, "it appears to be her first time getting coordinates from a Navi-computer."
"Are you kidding?!" Shara shouted in desperation, "At the rate they're gaining?!"
"Traveling through hyperspace isn't like dusting crops, Shara." Gohan scolded at his fellow Ronaan.
"He's right," Gamemaster joined in, teasing a little bit at the end, "Without precise calculations, we could fly right through a star or bounce too close to a supernova, and that would end our trip real quick wouldn't it?~"
With the ship now constantly battered with increasingly rampant laser fire, a red warning light begins to flash as the Star Destroyers get even closer, their tractor beams almost in range.
"What's that flashing?" Gohan asks in concern.
"We're losing the deflector shield," Gamemaster answered before turning to the princess. "My lady, are you any closer to completing the input?"
"Just finished!" Rei called as she immediately shot up from the chair, letting Zeto take over once more.
"Good!" Gamemaster cried, "You four head back and strap yourselves in quickly! We're about to make the jump to Lightspeed!"
With Czarro's Star Destroyer now in range and activating the tractor beam, the renegade ship begins to move faster beyond it. Within the window, the galaxy brightens as if crashing through the spiritual barrier. Stars become streaks as White Ranger makes the jump to Hyperspace and the ship zooms into infinity in less than a second.
From behind, the 3 Star Destroyers have now halted above Akihabara's surface. And in the central ship, Czarro Azureé stands, unbelieving of what he just saw...and fuming with rage.
Just then, one of the officers, the highest rank under his, makes the mistake of meekly stepping forward and speaking. "I...I apologize, sir...I should not have been so-"
Before the officer could finish, Czarro Azureé, in a fit of rage, turned and unleash a powerful force against the unfortunate officer, who was slammed against the wall, before the hapless fool fell unconscious. The angered Zamuraii then turned to the officer next to him and barked some orders.
"Get two more Star Destroyers from Shibuya! Calculate every possible location they could exit from Hyperspace from that direction! I want a Star Destroyer deployed to each of those locations, ready to capture every ship that comes out! And so help me I want the fugitives alive!"
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On this day, no one on Ginza was joyful. On this day, each passing second was cursed. On this day, no man, woman, or child looked up at the sky with hope, for above the clouds a fleet of Roza Star Destroyers flooded the skies. And above the capital, behind a legion of 10 destroyers stood tall a large metallic moon turning softly, its cyclopean crater never averting its gaze from the planet. And from the skies, the voice of Akio Orleans was heard, his arrogant mockery ringing in every ear who could listen.
"This is the end of Ginza! The end of a monarchy that acquiesces to disorder! You lie to the Galaxy, promising peace and prosperity to systems far from here while secretly committing treachery against the might of Rozencruz! And as the mighty Arturia used her blade, Excalibur, to strike down her enemies, so too with our Excalibur will we bring an end to Ginza! To its pitiful monarchy! To the insurgent forces it mustered! All remaining systems will bow to Shibuya and the Roza Empire, and they will remember this, as the Last Day of Osca Ayaname's Rebel Alliance!!!"
Episode 16
- Location
- Greenwood IN
If one should fly a ship through hyperspace, the sight to behold would be unmatched by anything that vision could perceive. Though a being that passes through here would feel themselves to be trapped in a small dark chamber, the expanse of the realm stretches to infinity and beyond. Invisible reflective surfaces surrounding a single point, intangible, invisible, and unknowable to a mortal passing through, stretch the perception to the limits, while twinkling lights of countless colors beyond the spectrum spin, dance and illuminate in the void. Such is the sight that vessels are graced with as they fall into the infinite metropolis glittering away in the night.
At this time, there was not a single visitor inside the kaleidoscope, save only for the White Ranger flying through at unimaginable speeds. And as the ship's armor maintained her stronghold against the beautiful void, peace reigned onboard. While Princess Ayaname is tending to the children, having earned their rest in the battle before, Ryoma watches Kiwano and Zeto, no longer needed in the pilot's seat at this time, who are engrossed in which three-dimensional holographic figures move along a chess-type board. The three pirates are sitting around the lighted table with small holographic monsters. Each side of the table has a small computer monitor embedded in it.
Gohan and Ol' Tenma watch Shara practice the Kendo with Units 782 and 178. Suddenly a rush falls over the two. The old man shakily turns away and sits down, his eyes narrowing from fright. Gohan staggers back, faltering, seeming like he's about to faint where he stood.
"You guys feeling alright?" Shara asked, interrupting her lesson, "What's wrong?"
"A great disturbance shook the Otaku," Gohan answered weakly.
"Yes..." Osamu Tezuka agreed, "It's as if...millions of voices cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something unspeakable has happened." Ol' Tenma rubbed the sweat off of his forehead, while Gohan seemed to be in a trance of terror. The old man then fixed his gaze on his pupil growing uneasy with her masters being terrified. Handing out a comforting smile for her, he stood up and rested a hand on her side. "You'd better get on with your exercises."
As Shara, still nervous, obeyed her mentor and returned to her robottos, Osamu walked towards Gohan and calmed down the young warrior. At this moment, the captain, having finished his work on the bridge, flamboyantly chose to make his entrance to the large room.
"Well, you can forget your troubles with those Imperial slugs. I told you, I and my team can outrun anyone." The captain eagerly looked around expecting praise, only to find Shara practicing with her Kendo and his men engrossed in their game.
"Don't everyone thank me at once..." Gamemaster said with dejected disappointment. At the very moment, Ryoma, Zeto, and Kiwano shot up thumbs without looking away from their game. The captain smacked each of their heads for the thinly veiled attempt at patronizing before seating himself against one of the computers hanging on the walls. "Anyway, we should be at our destination at O-200 hours."
As the Makaian pirate operated the navigator, setting the alarm for when the destination is close, the Saiyajin pressed a few buttons on the computer in front him and willed a holographic monster to move 3 paces forward and 2 paces to the sight. Kiwano seemed very pleased with himself as he rests his bulky fur-covered arms over his head.
"That's a good move." Ryoma commentated, "How are you gonna counter Vice Captain?"
Zeto immediately reaches up and taps the computer with his slick fingers, causing one of the holographic to walk to the new diagonal square, causing the Golden Monkey's computer to begin flashing "checkmate". A sudden frown crosses Kiwano's face and he begins yelling gibberish at his superior.
"He made a fair move," Ryoma squeaked sheepishly trying to defend the first mate. "Screaming about it won't help-"
"Let him run," Zeto bluntly interrupted, "He always cries about losing, even when he KNOWS he shouldn't just charge in his men like that." At the provocation, Kiwano started roaring in the vice captain's face, though the receiving human didn't budge, even when Ryoma tried to duck under the table. "Oh yeah, sure, threaten to tear my arms off for being right. That'll give your argument some credence."
Kiwano snarled louder, seemingly ready to follow through with his threat. But Suddenly, Princess Ayaname slammed open the door, with the whimpering of the children being heard behind them, and snarled soundlessly at the three at the table as she gripped 3 pipes from inside the room in her hand, having found them but a moment ago. With only a millisecond in between for the passengers to react, she threw the pipes at Zeto, Kiwano, and poor Ryoma, knocking them into the wall and rendering them quiet. It was now her turn to yell.
"WILL YOU CHUCKLEHEADS KEEP IT DOWN! PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO SLEEP!!!"
For a moment everyone was silent, not particularly out of awe for the scene, but in fear that the slightest whisper will cause the sudden outburst of rage to turn against the offending party next. Suddenly, to the fear of everyone else except the princess, laughter from the Makaian Captain roared, with fingers clapped in time with the beat. Sparing a few moments of this, the captain calmed down before standing up and bowing to the princess.
"That's quite an arm you have there!" the pirate congratulated at the expense of his crew, "my sincerest apologies for disturbing your sleep."
Seeing the sincerity of the captain, Rei calmed down and prepared to close the door again. But before she shut herself off from the room, she decided to correct the captain's apology.
"It's the children who needed rest. I was making sure they were healthy. I do not need to rest until my people are safe." And with the statement, she softly closed the door, hoping not to create another disturbance.
And when the doors shut, it was silently and unanimously agreed by all passengers aboard that no action was to be taken to deliberately make her mad, lest she would be capable of more damage. Kiwano, Zeto, and Ryoma recovered from the surprise attack and returned to the table, restarting the game with the resolve to play quietly, while Shara and her mentors quietly continued her practice.
Letting the previous scene pass her by, Shara continued standing in the middle of a small hold area; in fact, she seems to be frozen in place. A humming red Kendo is held high over her head. Osamu Tezuka and Gohan Sanno watch her from the corner, studying her movements. Gamemaster watches her as well, chuckling with a bit of smug amusement.
"Remember," Ol' Tenma instructed, "a Ronaan can feel the Otaku flowing through oneself."
"You mean it controls your actions?" Shara inquired curiously.
"Partially," the old mentor answered. "But it also obeys your commands."
Suspended at eye-level, about ten feet in front of Shara, Units 178 and 782 hover slowly in wide arcs. Suddenly, following imprinted orders from Gohan, 782 makes a lightning-swift lunge and stops within a few feet of Shara's face. Shara doesn't move and her more hyperactive robotto backs off. As it does so, 178 slowly makes a rotation towards Shara's back and then makes another quick lunge, this time emitting a blood red laser beam as it attacks. As the robotto quickly swoops down to apologize, of which it is quickly waved off due to exercise, Gamemaster lets loose with another burst of good-spirited laughter.
"Careful not to hurt yourself kid," Gamemaster harmlessly teased. "Feel free to take a rest if you need to."
"I say she should quit," Zeto grumbled while making his move on the board, "Hokey religions and funny looking lightsticks are no match for a good weapon at your side."
As the Ronaan off in the corner took offense of various levels to that, Gamemaster spoke on the behalf of the passengers, "I wouldn't be too sure about that, after all, Gohan's father was my friend, and I saw him in action. The power the Ronaan believe in isn't to be estimated."
"With all due respect Cap," Zeto spoke, making another move. "Before signing on as your first mate I've flown from one end of the galaxy to the other. I've seen a lot of strange stuff, but I've never seen anything to make me believe there's one all-powerful force controlling everything. There's no mystical energy field that controls my destiny."
"No that would be me who controls it," the Makaian deadpanned, causing the Ronaan to smile quietly and for Zeto to become flustered.
"T-The point is," Zeto attempted to rebound before returning fully to his new game, "Is that it's all just simple tricks and nonsense."
As Zeto relinquished his point in the conversation, Gohan resumed watching Shara continue her training. She showed some promise as a Ronaan, but it showed, by evidence of a few extra failures to deflect 178's blasts, that she still needed something to enable her to trust her reflexes to the Otaku. Thinking on this, he remembered a lesson his father used to teach him and Goten, before looking around and spying a helmet with the blast shield down. Such a tool would be useful for the trick.
Gohan stood up and grabbed the helmet before placing it on Shara's head, letting it cover her eyes. "I suggest on the next try," Gohan instructed, "that you let your conscious self go and focus on instinct."
Shara laughed, as if Gohan told a terrible joke, before patting the metal slab to try and lift it, "But with the blast shield down I can't see a thing. How am I supposed to fight?"
"Your eyes can deceive you," Gohan answered sternly. "Don't trust them." And with that, he sat back down, with Osamu and Gamemaster watching with interest to see if it can improve Shara's senses, or in the latter's case if it would provide a source of additional laughter instead. 782 shot straight in the air, then dropped like a rock. Shara swings her Kendo around blindly missing her robottos, which fire off laser bolts that hit Shara square on her butt. She lets out a painful yell, as she attempted to swat her robottos for the attack.
"Stretch out with your feelings," Osamu Tezuka instructed softly. At that command, Shara stood in one place, seemingly frozen. 178 makes a dive at Shara and, incredibly, she managed for the first time to deflect the bolts from it and its comrade. The two drones, having completed their task, ceasefire and re-energize themselves in stasis.
"Excellent work," Gohan congratulated, "not many Ronaan could do what you did that fast."
"I knew you could do it" Ol' Tenma also said, giving Shara a pat on the back, "Seems you just needed a push."
"Enjoy the victory but don't get confident cause you got lucky once," Gamemaster warned from his chair. "Going good against robottos is one thing. Going good against the living? That's something else."
"In my experience," Gohan said, dismissing the advice meant for his student, "there's no such thing as luck."
"Ah dear boy," the pirate chuckled at the boy, "But that makes life all the more fun! It's way too boring if everything had a path or a purpose, and if everything moved in harmony it would just be a snore-fest. Add a random element, like the unwritten future, and it becomes a game, cause you never know what'll happen next!"
Before another argument could occur between a pirate's belief and a Ronaan's, the Makaian notices a small light flashing on the far side of the control panel.
"Looks like we're coming up on our destination," the Captain stated before pointing at Gohan. "You, wake up your highness and get her up and running. Boys, to the cockpit!" And at that command, Kiwano, Ryoma and the First Mate stood and followed the captain back to the head of the ship, leaving Shara and Ol' Tenma alone for a few moments as the robottos chose to follow Gohan in his task.
"You know," Shara said in wonder with a smile as she got on one knee, "During that last stage of the practice. I did feel something. Not only could I see 178 and 782, but I felt I could see everything about them, down to the last atom."
"That's good," Osamu Tezuka said, softly smiling as he rested a hand on Shara's shoulder. "You have now truly taken your first step into a world much larger than you can know." The student softly smiled in kind, now reminded of her deceased stepfather as the master praised the student. In a few moments, Gohan marched out of the chambers with the robottos, the princess, and the child warriors behind them. He bade the two Ronaan follow as they continued onward towards the cockpit. Shara got up and with the old man followed towards the rendezvous.
At this time, there was not a single visitor inside the kaleidoscope, save only for the White Ranger flying through at unimaginable speeds. And as the ship's armor maintained her stronghold against the beautiful void, peace reigned onboard. While Princess Ayaname is tending to the children, having earned their rest in the battle before, Ryoma watches Kiwano and Zeto, no longer needed in the pilot's seat at this time, who are engrossed in which three-dimensional holographic figures move along a chess-type board. The three pirates are sitting around the lighted table with small holographic monsters. Each side of the table has a small computer monitor embedded in it.
Gohan and Ol' Tenma watch Shara practice the Kendo with Units 782 and 178. Suddenly a rush falls over the two. The old man shakily turns away and sits down, his eyes narrowing from fright. Gohan staggers back, faltering, seeming like he's about to faint where he stood.
"You guys feeling alright?" Shara asked, interrupting her lesson, "What's wrong?"
"A great disturbance shook the Otaku," Gohan answered weakly.
"Yes..." Osamu Tezuka agreed, "It's as if...millions of voices cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something unspeakable has happened." Ol' Tenma rubbed the sweat off of his forehead, while Gohan seemed to be in a trance of terror. The old man then fixed his gaze on his pupil growing uneasy with her masters being terrified. Handing out a comforting smile for her, he stood up and rested a hand on her side. "You'd better get on with your exercises."
As Shara, still nervous, obeyed her mentor and returned to her robottos, Osamu walked towards Gohan and calmed down the young warrior. At this moment, the captain, having finished his work on the bridge, flamboyantly chose to make his entrance to the large room.
"Well, you can forget your troubles with those Imperial slugs. I told you, I and my team can outrun anyone." The captain eagerly looked around expecting praise, only to find Shara practicing with her Kendo and his men engrossed in their game.
"Don't everyone thank me at once..." Gamemaster said with dejected disappointment. At the very moment, Ryoma, Zeto, and Kiwano shot up thumbs without looking away from their game. The captain smacked each of their heads for the thinly veiled attempt at patronizing before seating himself against one of the computers hanging on the walls. "Anyway, we should be at our destination at O-200 hours."
As the Makaian pirate operated the navigator, setting the alarm for when the destination is close, the Saiyajin pressed a few buttons on the computer in front him and willed a holographic monster to move 3 paces forward and 2 paces to the sight. Kiwano seemed very pleased with himself as he rests his bulky fur-covered arms over his head.
"That's a good move." Ryoma commentated, "How are you gonna counter Vice Captain?"
Zeto immediately reaches up and taps the computer with his slick fingers, causing one of the holographic to walk to the new diagonal square, causing the Golden Monkey's computer to begin flashing "checkmate". A sudden frown crosses Kiwano's face and he begins yelling gibberish at his superior.
"He made a fair move," Ryoma squeaked sheepishly trying to defend the first mate. "Screaming about it won't help-"
"Let him run," Zeto bluntly interrupted, "He always cries about losing, even when he KNOWS he shouldn't just charge in his men like that." At the provocation, Kiwano started roaring in the vice captain's face, though the receiving human didn't budge, even when Ryoma tried to duck under the table. "Oh yeah, sure, threaten to tear my arms off for being right. That'll give your argument some credence."
Kiwano snarled louder, seemingly ready to follow through with his threat. But Suddenly, Princess Ayaname slammed open the door, with the whimpering of the children being heard behind them, and snarled soundlessly at the three at the table as she gripped 3 pipes from inside the room in her hand, having found them but a moment ago. With only a millisecond in between for the passengers to react, she threw the pipes at Zeto, Kiwano, and poor Ryoma, knocking them into the wall and rendering them quiet. It was now her turn to yell.
"WILL YOU CHUCKLEHEADS KEEP IT DOWN! PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO SLEEP!!!"
For a moment everyone was silent, not particularly out of awe for the scene, but in fear that the slightest whisper will cause the sudden outburst of rage to turn against the offending party next. Suddenly, to the fear of everyone else except the princess, laughter from the Makaian Captain roared, with fingers clapped in time with the beat. Sparing a few moments of this, the captain calmed down before standing up and bowing to the princess.
"That's quite an arm you have there!" the pirate congratulated at the expense of his crew, "my sincerest apologies for disturbing your sleep."
Seeing the sincerity of the captain, Rei calmed down and prepared to close the door again. But before she shut herself off from the room, she decided to correct the captain's apology.
"It's the children who needed rest. I was making sure they were healthy. I do not need to rest until my people are safe." And with the statement, she softly closed the door, hoping not to create another disturbance.
And when the doors shut, it was silently and unanimously agreed by all passengers aboard that no action was to be taken to deliberately make her mad, lest she would be capable of more damage. Kiwano, Zeto, and Ryoma recovered from the surprise attack and returned to the table, restarting the game with the resolve to play quietly, while Shara and her mentors quietly continued her practice.
Letting the previous scene pass her by, Shara continued standing in the middle of a small hold area; in fact, she seems to be frozen in place. A humming red Kendo is held high over her head. Osamu Tezuka and Gohan Sanno watch her from the corner, studying her movements. Gamemaster watches her as well, chuckling with a bit of smug amusement.
"Remember," Ol' Tenma instructed, "a Ronaan can feel the Otaku flowing through oneself."
"You mean it controls your actions?" Shara inquired curiously.
"Partially," the old mentor answered. "But it also obeys your commands."
Suspended at eye-level, about ten feet in front of Shara, Units 178 and 782 hover slowly in wide arcs. Suddenly, following imprinted orders from Gohan, 782 makes a lightning-swift lunge and stops within a few feet of Shara's face. Shara doesn't move and her more hyperactive robotto backs off. As it does so, 178 slowly makes a rotation towards Shara's back and then makes another quick lunge, this time emitting a blood red laser beam as it attacks. As the robotto quickly swoops down to apologize, of which it is quickly waved off due to exercise, Gamemaster lets loose with another burst of good-spirited laughter.
"Careful not to hurt yourself kid," Gamemaster harmlessly teased. "Feel free to take a rest if you need to."
"I say she should quit," Zeto grumbled while making his move on the board, "Hokey religions and funny looking lightsticks are no match for a good weapon at your side."
As the Ronaan off in the corner took offense of various levels to that, Gamemaster spoke on the behalf of the passengers, "I wouldn't be too sure about that, after all, Gohan's father was my friend, and I saw him in action. The power the Ronaan believe in isn't to be estimated."
"With all due respect Cap," Zeto spoke, making another move. "Before signing on as your first mate I've flown from one end of the galaxy to the other. I've seen a lot of strange stuff, but I've never seen anything to make me believe there's one all-powerful force controlling everything. There's no mystical energy field that controls my destiny."
"No that would be me who controls it," the Makaian deadpanned, causing the Ronaan to smile quietly and for Zeto to become flustered.
"T-The point is," Zeto attempted to rebound before returning fully to his new game, "Is that it's all just simple tricks and nonsense."
As Zeto relinquished his point in the conversation, Gohan resumed watching Shara continue her training. She showed some promise as a Ronaan, but it showed, by evidence of a few extra failures to deflect 178's blasts, that she still needed something to enable her to trust her reflexes to the Otaku. Thinking on this, he remembered a lesson his father used to teach him and Goten, before looking around and spying a helmet with the blast shield down. Such a tool would be useful for the trick.
Gohan stood up and grabbed the helmet before placing it on Shara's head, letting it cover her eyes. "I suggest on the next try," Gohan instructed, "that you let your conscious self go and focus on instinct."
Shara laughed, as if Gohan told a terrible joke, before patting the metal slab to try and lift it, "But with the blast shield down I can't see a thing. How am I supposed to fight?"
"Your eyes can deceive you," Gohan answered sternly. "Don't trust them." And with that, he sat back down, with Osamu and Gamemaster watching with interest to see if it can improve Shara's senses, or in the latter's case if it would provide a source of additional laughter instead. 782 shot straight in the air, then dropped like a rock. Shara swings her Kendo around blindly missing her robottos, which fire off laser bolts that hit Shara square on her butt. She lets out a painful yell, as she attempted to swat her robottos for the attack.
"Stretch out with your feelings," Osamu Tezuka instructed softly. At that command, Shara stood in one place, seemingly frozen. 178 makes a dive at Shara and, incredibly, she managed for the first time to deflect the bolts from it and its comrade. The two drones, having completed their task, ceasefire and re-energize themselves in stasis.
"Excellent work," Gohan congratulated, "not many Ronaan could do what you did that fast."
"I knew you could do it" Ol' Tenma also said, giving Shara a pat on the back, "Seems you just needed a push."
"Enjoy the victory but don't get confident cause you got lucky once," Gamemaster warned from his chair. "Going good against robottos is one thing. Going good against the living? That's something else."
"In my experience," Gohan said, dismissing the advice meant for his student, "there's no such thing as luck."
"Ah dear boy," the pirate chuckled at the boy, "But that makes life all the more fun! It's way too boring if everything had a path or a purpose, and if everything moved in harmony it would just be a snore-fest. Add a random element, like the unwritten future, and it becomes a game, cause you never know what'll happen next!"
Before another argument could occur between a pirate's belief and a Ronaan's, the Makaian notices a small light flashing on the far side of the control panel.
"Looks like we're coming up on our destination," the Captain stated before pointing at Gohan. "You, wake up your highness and get her up and running. Boys, to the cockpit!" And at that command, Kiwano, Ryoma and the First Mate stood and followed the captain back to the head of the ship, leaving Shara and Ol' Tenma alone for a few moments as the robottos chose to follow Gohan in his task.
"You know," Shara said in wonder with a smile as she got on one knee, "During that last stage of the practice. I did feel something. Not only could I see 178 and 782, but I felt I could see everything about them, down to the last atom."
"That's good," Osamu Tezuka said, softly smiling as he rested a hand on Shara's shoulder. "You have now truly taken your first step into a world much larger than you can know." The student softly smiled in kind, now reminded of her deceased stepfather as the master praised the student. In a few moments, Gohan marched out of the chambers with the robottos, the princess, and the child warriors behind them. He bade the two Ronaan follow as they continued onward towards the cockpit. Shara got up and with the old man followed towards the rendezvous.
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- Location
- Greenwood IN
Sorry for this chapter being short and quiet. Couldn't leave you guys this long without giving you SOMETHING. There'll be more action next chapter.
Episode 17
- Location
- Greenwood IN
The ranger continued to fly straight through the realm of Hyperspace with strange surreal lights surrounding the ship.
"Stand by men," Gamemaster called to his subordinates as they await the captain's call to return to normal reality. "Here we go, cut in the sunlight engines."
As the captain called the order he pulled back on a control lever. Outside the cockpit window stars begin streaking past, seem to decrease in speed, then stop. But there was not a planet within landing distance. What was mostly around them was a black void. The only object of note was an asteroid field, which appears to act as a bridge between this void and the nearby systems. But behind the field, there is but a void of black stars within all sides, and the White Ranger floats around the darkness, with the confused crew stuck inside.
"Hey, what gives?" Shara enquired in confusion.
"I thought you had the coordinates to your destination," Zeto said with indignation.
"We are not here yet," Rei defended, "but we are close. It's a tactic my military uses to stave off the enemy. Traveling through hyperspace, we don't make directly for the system, but somewhere nearby, though not far enough to require a second jump. That way, the enemy can't detect where our base is at. What's more, should an enemy follow, we can always veer off in another direction, preserving security for the system.
As the nerves of everyone were cooled, Ryoma replied to the Princess, "That's quite clever. I could have expected nothing less from Ginza's military."
"Well as well and good as it is," Gamemaster brought up as Miss Ayaname thanked the crew member for his compliment, "Would you be kind to guide us to the planet?"
"Absolutely captain," the princess answered. "Just allow me a seat and I'll give you the coordinates right-"
But before she could finish, a light flashed and an alarm blared from the control, with a report that another ship was coming out of Hyperspace heading into this location. And before anyone could act, the group stood in silence, and stared in awe and fear, as an Imperial Stardestroyer towered over the vessel, completely eclipsing it in its shadow.
"Attention Space Craft!" An unknown Imperial voice shouted from the communicator "A fugitive vehicle has escaped before going into Hyperspace from your direction! Surrender your cargo and prepare for boarding!" No sooner did the message cut out than the ship began to rock, as their view slowly crept upwards towards the opening hangar of the cruiser from Shibuya.
"Well, just our luck!" Shouted Gamemaster, "They got us in a tractor beam!"
"Great!" Osamu shouted back. "Are you able to do something about it?"
Without answering, the Makaian captain turned to his first mate. "Zeto, how're the main thrusters?"
"They've seen better days," Zeto answered, "but they're still operational and fully functioning."
"Good, then we have a chance," Gamemaster said optimistically. "Ease them off to minimum power efficiency and don't start them back up until I say so. Kiwano, steer a little to the left so we don't crash into the hangar. Ryoma, charge up the jump boosters and keep at it until they're maximum. The rest of you hang onto something cause it's gonna be a bumpy exit!" The pirates worked at the controls to fulfill their captain's orders while the passengers hang on to whatever was available, ready for what would occur. As the ship crept closer and closer, it would soon near the end of the beam, with the bow of the ship nearing the entry of the Star Destroyer. At the moment when the time is right, the captain shouted one word.
"NOW!"
At the command, the captain's soldiers performed the tasks that they were assigned to. The ship, being spurred forward by the increased boost, pulled itself out of the tractor beam, pulled down from the entryway to the hangar, and swerved away from the cruiser. Now freed, the White Ranger sped away, closely followed by one huge Star Destroyer and four freshly deployed Taurus mechas. Inside the cockpit, Kiwano gave off a howl of concern. Gamemaster checked as the ship is buffeted by exploding flak. He now appears to be doing 6 things at once while his men are doing 12.
"I know Kiwano," the captain shouted sounding harried, "I saw them, I saw them!"
"Saw what?" Asked Shara.
"Taurus Mechas," the captain reported, "four of them, coming right at us."
After creating an analysis, 178 bumps and bangs its way into the cockpit by the princess's side. "Sir!" The Robotto frantically implores, "Might I suggest-"
"Shut it up or shut it down," Gamemaster angrily interrupted, giving the orders to his allies behind him before giving some to his subordinates. "Check the deflector shield."
Kiwano barked a reply as he readjusted an overhead switch.
"Oh good," the Makaian sighed dejectedly before shouting again, "Well we can still shake them off! Take evasive action!"
At the command from the control panel, the White Ranger raced forward before suddenly starting into a deep drive straight down, closely followed by the four Taurus Mechas as the Star Destroyer slowly veers down in an attempt to join the pursuit. Laser bolts spark the pitch-black skies. The race is on as all traces of calm and peace are chucked out of the window and left to rot in the endless void. Ryoma, Zeto, and Kiwano bark back and forth with the captain, and the hapless passengers are still attempting to recover from steep dive as the ship continues to be buffeted with laser bullets.
"You still able to give the coordinates your highness?" The pirate captain asked.
"Yes," Rei replied, " there are other locations we can use as a return point."
"Alright" ordered the captain, "Prepare to make the jump into light speed!"
"But Sir!" 178 attempted to object but it was in vain, as the buffeting of the lasers grew stronger and louder.
"They're getting closer!" Gohan reminded everyone.
"Oh yeah? Zeto shouted with a gleam in his eye, "Watch this!" At those words, he pulled the lever, which would initiate the jump into hyperspace. Expectantly, everybody looked out of the cockpit window as the stars do not streak into a vast vortex, but instead, just sit there. Zeto, Kiwano, and Captain Gamemaster look at each other and are thrown into an acute state of concern.
"Watch What?" Rei asked while Zeto pulled the lever again. Still nothing.
"Captain," the first mate reported with a meek voice, "I think we're in trouble..."
"If I may say so sir," 178 reported as well, "I did a small analysis of the ship's capabilities and I noticed that the hyperdrive motivator has been damaged beyond repair. It's impossible to go to light speed!"
"Assessment noted Mr. Abiak," Gamemaster quietly noted as the explosions grew heavier. "We're in trouble!"
The ranger races farther into the starry vastness, followed by the four Imperial Taurus Mechas and the Imperial Star Destroyer. Stars race by as flak bursts outside the cockpit's window while Gamemaster and his experienced crewmates quickly attempt to work out a plan of escape. Soon, coming to a decision and realizing there's no other alternative, the human and the Saiyajin buckled up as the captain stood and spoke to the others.
"You'll all want to buckle in. And just a reminder: no refunds," The captain ordered his passengers before leering down to his first mate. "Zeto! Set 2-7-1!"
The first mate agreed and imputed the computer code as the rest do as the Makaian said, leaving only Rei, Ryoma, and the self-sustaining Robottos while they left to find seats. The four remaining widened their eyes as they begin seeing hundreds of minerals passing by and a chunk of rock crosses in front of the ship.
"You're not actually going INTO an asteroid field are you?!" Rei shouted in fright loud enough to disturb the rest of the passengers with the news.
"They'll be crazy to follow us wouldn't they?" The captain calmly asked, working to get the ringing out of his ears. Another asteroid thumps against the ship and both Ryoma and Princess Ayaname wince in a jolt.
"Sir," unit 178 frightfully exclaimed, "the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately three thousand, seven hundred and twenty to one!"
"Never give the odds to the Kami Game Pirates!" Gamemaster angrily exclaimed with pride while his loyal subordinates fly deeper into the field.
The Ranger turns into an asteroid storm as the ship complete's its turn, asteroids start coming straight at the cockpit's windows.
A large asteroid tumbles away from the Ranger's path at top speed. Several smaller asteroids crash into the big one, creating small explosions on its surface. Other asteroids of all sizes pass by in every direction, some colliding and exploding. The tiny White Ranger veers around the big asteroid and races past it through the rain of rocks, followed by four Taurus Mechas, which bob and weave around the asteroids.
One of the pursuing Taurus Mechas connects with an asteroid and explodes. The others are pelted with a steady stream of small explosions.
Two huge asteroids tumble toward the White Ranger, which quickly bank around both of them. The three Taurus Mechas follow in hot pursuit until one of the mechas scrapes an asteroid and tumbles out of control into deep space. And behind them, the massive Star Destroyer blasts oncoming asteroids as it follows the Ranger. Several smaller asteroids explode across its vast surface. The Ranger twists on its side as it races around an oncoming asteroid. Two Taurus Mechas follow in the distance coming from either side. Asteroids race by the cockpit window as the pirates manning the ship pilot the old but trusty craft through this dangerous field.
Looking out the cockpit window, the Ranger crew sees a big asteroid drop past the window, narrowly missing their ship.
Kiwano barks in terror as a slightly smaller asteroid comes especially close-too close-and bounces off the Ranger with a loud crunch. 178 and 782 cover each other's central eyes with their claw hands, but the effort would be in vain as they were naturally unable to cover the whole optic, the gaps letting them see more than they would like. Princess Rei Ayaname is stone-faced, staring at the action while gripping her chair for safety. In front of her, Ryoma is sweating bullets while breathing heavily, his hands quaking as they grip the controls under his watch. First Mate Abiak gives the subordinate a look.
"Well Ryoma," the first mate bluntly said, "you said you wanted to be part of the major operations."
"I take it back," Ryoma quickly replied in a panic, "I don't need to see it that badly."
"We're gonna get crushed and pulverized if we stay out here much longer," Rei reported grimly while trying to maintain her composure, and at some points failing miserably.
"I'm not going to argue that," the captain agreed worryingly as the group watch as more asteroids race outside the window.
"Crushed?…" 782 repeated softly.
"Pulverized?…" 178 having done the same.
"Zeto move back," Gamemaster ordered, letting the human get up before sitting down and taking the steering controls. "I'm going in closer to one of the big ones."
"CLOSER?!?!" Everyone both in and out of the cockpit practically screeched.
Ignoring the screams of its passengers, the White Ranger dives towards the surface of one of the moon-sized asteroids. There is a continued display of explosions against the starry void as smaller asteroids collide with larger chunks of rock. The two remaining Taurus Mechas follow the ranger into the large asteroid. The Ranger lightly skims the surface of the giant asteroid as, all the while, all the while, smaller asteroids explode on the surface of the ship.
The Taurus Mechas approach the Ranger, but a giant asteroid hurtles directly into their path. As the asteroid continues on its way, it leaves the remains of the two exploded Taurus Mechas to tumble into deep space. Rattled by the violent rocking of the starship, 178 has devolved into hysterics as the ship flies out of the moon-sized asteroid.
"THIS IS SUICIDE!" The machine fearfully cried while its companion worked its best effort in consolation.
Meanwhile, on the Imperial Star Destroyer, knee-deep within the asteroid field, the commanding officer was furious at losing contact with the remaining Mechas, with the confirmation that the pilots have failed.
"Intensify the pursuit!" The officer ordered.
"But sir," an aid argued next to him, "we're suffering massive damage already! We cannot risk-"
"This bridge alone can handle more than a thousand additional asteroid collisions before breaking!" The commander interrupted. "Lord Azureé wants that ship, not excuses!" But before he can confirm the order, the communications officer calls from below.
"Sir, there's a message to all Imperial Star Destroyers. The location is encrypted but it claims to be from Lord Orleans."
"Read it out," the commander ordered.
"It's an order. In favoring the preservation of resources, and to prevent them from being wasted, all Star Destroyers in deployment are to end the pursuit of the escaped starship from Akihabara and return to Shibuya immediately."
"Bah!" The commanding officer scoffed, "It's a trick from the fugitives. Intensify the pursuit!"
But before the order could be carried out, the communications captain interrupted once more, revealing that there was more to the order and reading it aloud. Upon hearing the secondary commandment, the commanding officer ordered the ship to fall back. On the commandment, the Imperial Star Destroyer pulled out of the asteroid field, turned around, and went into hyperspace.
With the immediate threat departing, the White Ranger made its way out of the asteroid field and raced away from its enemy. Shara, Osamu, and Gohan were called to the bridge to help consult a possible situation as everyone unbuckled, silently vowing to kiss the first piece of ground they land on when the journey is complete.
"There's not enough power to get us far," Zeto reported. "The engine was hit hard and it's already leaking a lot of fuel."
"We'll have to land somewhere closer and take another ship. I'm afraid this one won't take us much farther Gohan." Ol' Tenma deduced while studying a star chart on the monitor.
Gohan, hearing this, froze a little at Tezuka's words, before taking a deep breath and letting it loose. When the last drop of air is freed from his lips, he breathed in once more and said to the Ronaan master, "It's ok. It was enough for him to take us this far anyway. The primary concern is where to land."
"Here's one," Shara called out searching the navigation screen with her mentor. "According to this the name is 'Omotesando.' It's small, out of the way, and mostly jungles. But me and Ol' Tenma are sure a ship is there."
"How can you be sure?" Gohan asked in curiosity.
"Cause there's an Imperial outpost within the northern half." Osamu Tezuka stated, causing the young Ronaan to start up.
"An Imperial WHAT?!!" Gohan cried startled out of his wits.
"It's risky," Osamu softly replied, appearing not like the idea any more than Gohan does. "But there's no alternative."
"You can't take Her Highness there!" Gohan exclaimed in outrage, "If the outpost over there gets wind of her presence or the Robottos!"
"Landing on a planet with a small imperial outpost is no different than landing in a system completely dominated by Rosa, except giving us more leg-room in the wilderness. And perhaps they aren't on the lookout for us? That would give us the advantage."
"One call to Shibuya would mean 10 Star Destroyers blockading the planet!"
"Then we'll have to make our stay there brief. We're only there for a new ship anyway." At that final argument, Gohan felt he had no choice but to recede, taking a deep breath in frustration as he did.
The ship set the course for the new planet and raced away through the stars. It wasn't that long of a trip, but the damage it suffered from the attacks of the Taurus Mechas and the asteroids were beginning to take its toll. The final straw would occur as the crew members watched over the shoulders of the pirates. A white planet with stripes of green, blue, and purple appeared directly ahead.
"That's it." Shara sighed, "Omotesando. Let's hope it's at least a friendly world."
"The imperial outpost has just been located," Ryoma reported. "To the north, southeast from the pole."
"Land at the outskirts." Osamu Tezuka advised. "We want to attract as little attention as possible."
Unfortunately, that would be too much to ask. For while navigating through the asteroid field, one of the meteorites wedged itself tightly between the engines, so that upon moving the wires would break. And as Kiwano veered the ship to the direction desired by the Ronaan master, the meteorite caused several wires to spark, and upon meeting the leaking fuel of the hyperdrive, caused an implosion from the back of the ship to begin igniting. All hands aboard knew that the ship was not long for the journey, but when the surprise came, they knew that the ship could go no further. Gohan in particular was crushed, wanting at least for his father to remain until touchdown.
"It seems the fates aren't done playing with us yet!" The captain complained before calling out to all of the passengers, "ALL HANDS ABANDON SHIP! Kiwano, drive this vessel into orbit! We need to be sure it passes the atmosphere before launching or we'll just be floating around in space! Zeto, you're with me until the ship achieves orbit. The rest of you to the escape pods! And you landlubbers better leave a pod for us or there'll be the Inferno to pay!"
Without an extra word of persuasion necessary, the passengers aboard the White Ranger sprinted to the escape pod while the pirates remained on deck to steer the ship into orbit. As the ship dived more into the atmosphere, smoke, flame, and loud noises rang throughout the cockpit, threatening to harm Kiwano, or at least to send him into a panic, but the captain spurred him onward, to ensure everyone's survival. Meanwhile, after dodging fire and flying debris, the escape pods were just about to be boarded. The elder Ronaan boarded the first pod with Rock Lee, Gaara, and Shikamaru, the second pod was boarded by Hinata, Naruto, unit 178, and Ryoma, and the last pod was to be boarded by Princess Ayaname, Shara, unit 782, and Gohan. But as he was about to board, he paused and turned to the princess.
"We're not launching until the pirates come," Gohan solemnly pleaded, "Please…just give me a moment…"
Shara was about to object, as the ship was falling apart against them, but Princess Rei, knowing full well the pain of losing a loved one, and even more painful not having a proper conclusion to the meeting, gave a gesture to let the redhead warrior in training sit down, turning to Gohan and nodding understandingly. Thanking the princess with a kiss to her hand, he closed the pod to ensure their safety before turning around, watching as the ship went red with destruction, every second a new explosion occurring, shooting fire from the walls. For half of a minute, he stood unwaveringly, remembering all the times he trained under his father, how many mistakes he made, how many times his father scolded him, how many times he exceeded expectations and how many times he was given the love of a father. He also remembered his brother, the seeing him for the first time after his mother gave birth, training with him, helping him out when he struggled, and the fateful excursion which led to his painful death, the memory of which in turn led to him separating from his father on Ginza and meeting him for one last time before he sacrificed himself before his eyes. As he looked at the fire and the memories dancing within them, he realized that a lesson his father taught him when he passed his training and became a Ronaan, adopting the responsibilities that came with his new powers and respect, and earlier when his mother died; though another chapter may end, it is also the beginning of a new one. As he realized this lesson, he recalled how he was taught how planets were formed-how they had to remain as molten uninhabitable rocks before cooling down and developing life-and realized that it was the end of his father's chapter and the beginning of his. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again and speaking softly amongst the flames.
"Thank you for taking us this far father…Goodbye…"
As soon as those words were spoken, he reopened the escape pod and boarded the pod, just in time for the ship to finally pass orbit. The trio of pirates, led by their captain rushed through the ship as it was in the final stages of falling apart. Jumping through the obstacles their passengers had to face before, they dived into the last remaining escape pod and locked it up, with Gamemaster giving the signal to launch. 4 capsules shot forth from the sides of the ship one by one, launching like rockets to the exotic surface below. As if waiting for them to get to a safe distance, the ship finally allowed itself to be overtaken by the explosions when the pods were just far enough to be safe. No longer with any vessel to return to, the escape pods rained upon the surface of the planet coated with fire, where new adversaries await, having been alerted to their arrival.
"Stand by men," Gamemaster called to his subordinates as they await the captain's call to return to normal reality. "Here we go, cut in the sunlight engines."
As the captain called the order he pulled back on a control lever. Outside the cockpit window stars begin streaking past, seem to decrease in speed, then stop. But there was not a planet within landing distance. What was mostly around them was a black void. The only object of note was an asteroid field, which appears to act as a bridge between this void and the nearby systems. But behind the field, there is but a void of black stars within all sides, and the White Ranger floats around the darkness, with the confused crew stuck inside.
"Hey, what gives?" Shara enquired in confusion.
"I thought you had the coordinates to your destination," Zeto said with indignation.
"We are not here yet," Rei defended, "but we are close. It's a tactic my military uses to stave off the enemy. Traveling through hyperspace, we don't make directly for the system, but somewhere nearby, though not far enough to require a second jump. That way, the enemy can't detect where our base is at. What's more, should an enemy follow, we can always veer off in another direction, preserving security for the system.
As the nerves of everyone were cooled, Ryoma replied to the Princess, "That's quite clever. I could have expected nothing less from Ginza's military."
"Well as well and good as it is," Gamemaster brought up as Miss Ayaname thanked the crew member for his compliment, "Would you be kind to guide us to the planet?"
"Absolutely captain," the princess answered. "Just allow me a seat and I'll give you the coordinates right-"
But before she could finish, a light flashed and an alarm blared from the control, with a report that another ship was coming out of Hyperspace heading into this location. And before anyone could act, the group stood in silence, and stared in awe and fear, as an Imperial Stardestroyer towered over the vessel, completely eclipsing it in its shadow.
"Attention Space Craft!" An unknown Imperial voice shouted from the communicator "A fugitive vehicle has escaped before going into Hyperspace from your direction! Surrender your cargo and prepare for boarding!" No sooner did the message cut out than the ship began to rock, as their view slowly crept upwards towards the opening hangar of the cruiser from Shibuya.
"Well, just our luck!" Shouted Gamemaster, "They got us in a tractor beam!"
"Great!" Osamu shouted back. "Are you able to do something about it?"
Without answering, the Makaian captain turned to his first mate. "Zeto, how're the main thrusters?"
"They've seen better days," Zeto answered, "but they're still operational and fully functioning."
"Good, then we have a chance," Gamemaster said optimistically. "Ease them off to minimum power efficiency and don't start them back up until I say so. Kiwano, steer a little to the left so we don't crash into the hangar. Ryoma, charge up the jump boosters and keep at it until they're maximum. The rest of you hang onto something cause it's gonna be a bumpy exit!" The pirates worked at the controls to fulfill their captain's orders while the passengers hang on to whatever was available, ready for what would occur. As the ship crept closer and closer, it would soon near the end of the beam, with the bow of the ship nearing the entry of the Star Destroyer. At the moment when the time is right, the captain shouted one word.
"NOW!"
At the command, the captain's soldiers performed the tasks that they were assigned to. The ship, being spurred forward by the increased boost, pulled itself out of the tractor beam, pulled down from the entryway to the hangar, and swerved away from the cruiser. Now freed, the White Ranger sped away, closely followed by one huge Star Destroyer and four freshly deployed Taurus mechas. Inside the cockpit, Kiwano gave off a howl of concern. Gamemaster checked as the ship is buffeted by exploding flak. He now appears to be doing 6 things at once while his men are doing 12.
"I know Kiwano," the captain shouted sounding harried, "I saw them, I saw them!"
"Saw what?" Asked Shara.
"Taurus Mechas," the captain reported, "four of them, coming right at us."
After creating an analysis, 178 bumps and bangs its way into the cockpit by the princess's side. "Sir!" The Robotto frantically implores, "Might I suggest-"
"Shut it up or shut it down," Gamemaster angrily interrupted, giving the orders to his allies behind him before giving some to his subordinates. "Check the deflector shield."
Kiwano barked a reply as he readjusted an overhead switch.
"Oh good," the Makaian sighed dejectedly before shouting again, "Well we can still shake them off! Take evasive action!"
At the command from the control panel, the White Ranger raced forward before suddenly starting into a deep drive straight down, closely followed by the four Taurus Mechas as the Star Destroyer slowly veers down in an attempt to join the pursuit. Laser bolts spark the pitch-black skies. The race is on as all traces of calm and peace are chucked out of the window and left to rot in the endless void. Ryoma, Zeto, and Kiwano bark back and forth with the captain, and the hapless passengers are still attempting to recover from steep dive as the ship continues to be buffeted with laser bullets.
"You still able to give the coordinates your highness?" The pirate captain asked.
"Yes," Rei replied, " there are other locations we can use as a return point."
"Alright" ordered the captain, "Prepare to make the jump into light speed!"
"But Sir!" 178 attempted to object but it was in vain, as the buffeting of the lasers grew stronger and louder.
"They're getting closer!" Gohan reminded everyone.
"Oh yeah? Zeto shouted with a gleam in his eye, "Watch this!" At those words, he pulled the lever, which would initiate the jump into hyperspace. Expectantly, everybody looked out of the cockpit window as the stars do not streak into a vast vortex, but instead, just sit there. Zeto, Kiwano, and Captain Gamemaster look at each other and are thrown into an acute state of concern.
"Watch What?" Rei asked while Zeto pulled the lever again. Still nothing.
"Captain," the first mate reported with a meek voice, "I think we're in trouble..."
"If I may say so sir," 178 reported as well, "I did a small analysis of the ship's capabilities and I noticed that the hyperdrive motivator has been damaged beyond repair. It's impossible to go to light speed!"
"Assessment noted Mr. Abiak," Gamemaster quietly noted as the explosions grew heavier. "We're in trouble!"
The ranger races farther into the starry vastness, followed by the four Imperial Taurus Mechas and the Imperial Star Destroyer. Stars race by as flak bursts outside the cockpit's window while Gamemaster and his experienced crewmates quickly attempt to work out a plan of escape. Soon, coming to a decision and realizing there's no other alternative, the human and the Saiyajin buckled up as the captain stood and spoke to the others.
"You'll all want to buckle in. And just a reminder: no refunds," The captain ordered his passengers before leering down to his first mate. "Zeto! Set 2-7-1!"
The first mate agreed and imputed the computer code as the rest do as the Makaian said, leaving only Rei, Ryoma, and the self-sustaining Robottos while they left to find seats. The four remaining widened their eyes as they begin seeing hundreds of minerals passing by and a chunk of rock crosses in front of the ship.
"You're not actually going INTO an asteroid field are you?!" Rei shouted in fright loud enough to disturb the rest of the passengers with the news.
"They'll be crazy to follow us wouldn't they?" The captain calmly asked, working to get the ringing out of his ears. Another asteroid thumps against the ship and both Ryoma and Princess Ayaname wince in a jolt.
"Sir," unit 178 frightfully exclaimed, "the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately three thousand, seven hundred and twenty to one!"
"Never give the odds to the Kami Game Pirates!" Gamemaster angrily exclaimed with pride while his loyal subordinates fly deeper into the field.
The Ranger turns into an asteroid storm as the ship complete's its turn, asteroids start coming straight at the cockpit's windows.
A large asteroid tumbles away from the Ranger's path at top speed. Several smaller asteroids crash into the big one, creating small explosions on its surface. Other asteroids of all sizes pass by in every direction, some colliding and exploding. The tiny White Ranger veers around the big asteroid and races past it through the rain of rocks, followed by four Taurus Mechas, which bob and weave around the asteroids.
One of the pursuing Taurus Mechas connects with an asteroid and explodes. The others are pelted with a steady stream of small explosions.
Two huge asteroids tumble toward the White Ranger, which quickly bank around both of them. The three Taurus Mechas follow in hot pursuit until one of the mechas scrapes an asteroid and tumbles out of control into deep space. And behind them, the massive Star Destroyer blasts oncoming asteroids as it follows the Ranger. Several smaller asteroids explode across its vast surface. The Ranger twists on its side as it races around an oncoming asteroid. Two Taurus Mechas follow in the distance coming from either side. Asteroids race by the cockpit window as the pirates manning the ship pilot the old but trusty craft through this dangerous field.
Looking out the cockpit window, the Ranger crew sees a big asteroid drop past the window, narrowly missing their ship.
Kiwano barks in terror as a slightly smaller asteroid comes especially close-too close-and bounces off the Ranger with a loud crunch. 178 and 782 cover each other's central eyes with their claw hands, but the effort would be in vain as they were naturally unable to cover the whole optic, the gaps letting them see more than they would like. Princess Rei Ayaname is stone-faced, staring at the action while gripping her chair for safety. In front of her, Ryoma is sweating bullets while breathing heavily, his hands quaking as they grip the controls under his watch. First Mate Abiak gives the subordinate a look.
"Well Ryoma," the first mate bluntly said, "you said you wanted to be part of the major operations."
"I take it back," Ryoma quickly replied in a panic, "I don't need to see it that badly."
"We're gonna get crushed and pulverized if we stay out here much longer," Rei reported grimly while trying to maintain her composure, and at some points failing miserably.
"I'm not going to argue that," the captain agreed worryingly as the group watch as more asteroids race outside the window.
"Crushed?…" 782 repeated softly.
"Pulverized?…" 178 having done the same.
"Zeto move back," Gamemaster ordered, letting the human get up before sitting down and taking the steering controls. "I'm going in closer to one of the big ones."
"CLOSER?!?!" Everyone both in and out of the cockpit practically screeched.
Ignoring the screams of its passengers, the White Ranger dives towards the surface of one of the moon-sized asteroids. There is a continued display of explosions against the starry void as smaller asteroids collide with larger chunks of rock. The two remaining Taurus Mechas follow the ranger into the large asteroid. The Ranger lightly skims the surface of the giant asteroid as, all the while, all the while, smaller asteroids explode on the surface of the ship.
The Taurus Mechas approach the Ranger, but a giant asteroid hurtles directly into their path. As the asteroid continues on its way, it leaves the remains of the two exploded Taurus Mechas to tumble into deep space. Rattled by the violent rocking of the starship, 178 has devolved into hysterics as the ship flies out of the moon-sized asteroid.
"THIS IS SUICIDE!" The machine fearfully cried while its companion worked its best effort in consolation.
Meanwhile, on the Imperial Star Destroyer, knee-deep within the asteroid field, the commanding officer was furious at losing contact with the remaining Mechas, with the confirmation that the pilots have failed.
"Intensify the pursuit!" The officer ordered.
"But sir," an aid argued next to him, "we're suffering massive damage already! We cannot risk-"
"This bridge alone can handle more than a thousand additional asteroid collisions before breaking!" The commander interrupted. "Lord Azureé wants that ship, not excuses!" But before he can confirm the order, the communications officer calls from below.
"Sir, there's a message to all Imperial Star Destroyers. The location is encrypted but it claims to be from Lord Orleans."
"Read it out," the commander ordered.
"It's an order. In favoring the preservation of resources, and to prevent them from being wasted, all Star Destroyers in deployment are to end the pursuit of the escaped starship from Akihabara and return to Shibuya immediately."
"Bah!" The commanding officer scoffed, "It's a trick from the fugitives. Intensify the pursuit!"
But before the order could be carried out, the communications captain interrupted once more, revealing that there was more to the order and reading it aloud. Upon hearing the secondary commandment, the commanding officer ordered the ship to fall back. On the commandment, the Imperial Star Destroyer pulled out of the asteroid field, turned around, and went into hyperspace.
With the immediate threat departing, the White Ranger made its way out of the asteroid field and raced away from its enemy. Shara, Osamu, and Gohan were called to the bridge to help consult a possible situation as everyone unbuckled, silently vowing to kiss the first piece of ground they land on when the journey is complete.
"There's not enough power to get us far," Zeto reported. "The engine was hit hard and it's already leaking a lot of fuel."
"We'll have to land somewhere closer and take another ship. I'm afraid this one won't take us much farther Gohan." Ol' Tenma deduced while studying a star chart on the monitor.
Gohan, hearing this, froze a little at Tezuka's words, before taking a deep breath and letting it loose. When the last drop of air is freed from his lips, he breathed in once more and said to the Ronaan master, "It's ok. It was enough for him to take us this far anyway. The primary concern is where to land."
"Here's one," Shara called out searching the navigation screen with her mentor. "According to this the name is 'Omotesando.' It's small, out of the way, and mostly jungles. But me and Ol' Tenma are sure a ship is there."
"How can you be sure?" Gohan asked in curiosity.
"Cause there's an Imperial outpost within the northern half." Osamu Tezuka stated, causing the young Ronaan to start up.
"An Imperial WHAT?!!" Gohan cried startled out of his wits.
"It's risky," Osamu softly replied, appearing not like the idea any more than Gohan does. "But there's no alternative."
"You can't take Her Highness there!" Gohan exclaimed in outrage, "If the outpost over there gets wind of her presence or the Robottos!"
"Landing on a planet with a small imperial outpost is no different than landing in a system completely dominated by Rosa, except giving us more leg-room in the wilderness. And perhaps they aren't on the lookout for us? That would give us the advantage."
"One call to Shibuya would mean 10 Star Destroyers blockading the planet!"
"Then we'll have to make our stay there brief. We're only there for a new ship anyway." At that final argument, Gohan felt he had no choice but to recede, taking a deep breath in frustration as he did.
The ship set the course for the new planet and raced away through the stars. It wasn't that long of a trip, but the damage it suffered from the attacks of the Taurus Mechas and the asteroids were beginning to take its toll. The final straw would occur as the crew members watched over the shoulders of the pirates. A white planet with stripes of green, blue, and purple appeared directly ahead.
"That's it." Shara sighed, "Omotesando. Let's hope it's at least a friendly world."
"The imperial outpost has just been located," Ryoma reported. "To the north, southeast from the pole."
"Land at the outskirts." Osamu Tezuka advised. "We want to attract as little attention as possible."
Unfortunately, that would be too much to ask. For while navigating through the asteroid field, one of the meteorites wedged itself tightly between the engines, so that upon moving the wires would break. And as Kiwano veered the ship to the direction desired by the Ronaan master, the meteorite caused several wires to spark, and upon meeting the leaking fuel of the hyperdrive, caused an implosion from the back of the ship to begin igniting. All hands aboard knew that the ship was not long for the journey, but when the surprise came, they knew that the ship could go no further. Gohan in particular was crushed, wanting at least for his father to remain until touchdown.
"It seems the fates aren't done playing with us yet!" The captain complained before calling out to all of the passengers, "ALL HANDS ABANDON SHIP! Kiwano, drive this vessel into orbit! We need to be sure it passes the atmosphere before launching or we'll just be floating around in space! Zeto, you're with me until the ship achieves orbit. The rest of you to the escape pods! And you landlubbers better leave a pod for us or there'll be the Inferno to pay!"
Without an extra word of persuasion necessary, the passengers aboard the White Ranger sprinted to the escape pod while the pirates remained on deck to steer the ship into orbit. As the ship dived more into the atmosphere, smoke, flame, and loud noises rang throughout the cockpit, threatening to harm Kiwano, or at least to send him into a panic, but the captain spurred him onward, to ensure everyone's survival. Meanwhile, after dodging fire and flying debris, the escape pods were just about to be boarded. The elder Ronaan boarded the first pod with Rock Lee, Gaara, and Shikamaru, the second pod was boarded by Hinata, Naruto, unit 178, and Ryoma, and the last pod was to be boarded by Princess Ayaname, Shara, unit 782, and Gohan. But as he was about to board, he paused and turned to the princess.
"We're not launching until the pirates come," Gohan solemnly pleaded, "Please…just give me a moment…"
Shara was about to object, as the ship was falling apart against them, but Princess Rei, knowing full well the pain of losing a loved one, and even more painful not having a proper conclusion to the meeting, gave a gesture to let the redhead warrior in training sit down, turning to Gohan and nodding understandingly. Thanking the princess with a kiss to her hand, he closed the pod to ensure their safety before turning around, watching as the ship went red with destruction, every second a new explosion occurring, shooting fire from the walls. For half of a minute, he stood unwaveringly, remembering all the times he trained under his father, how many mistakes he made, how many times his father scolded him, how many times he exceeded expectations and how many times he was given the love of a father. He also remembered his brother, the seeing him for the first time after his mother gave birth, training with him, helping him out when he struggled, and the fateful excursion which led to his painful death, the memory of which in turn led to him separating from his father on Ginza and meeting him for one last time before he sacrificed himself before his eyes. As he looked at the fire and the memories dancing within them, he realized that a lesson his father taught him when he passed his training and became a Ronaan, adopting the responsibilities that came with his new powers and respect, and earlier when his mother died; though another chapter may end, it is also the beginning of a new one. As he realized this lesson, he recalled how he was taught how planets were formed-how they had to remain as molten uninhabitable rocks before cooling down and developing life-and realized that it was the end of his father's chapter and the beginning of his. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again and speaking softly amongst the flames.
"Thank you for taking us this far father…Goodbye…"
As soon as those words were spoken, he reopened the escape pod and boarded the pod, just in time for the ship to finally pass orbit. The trio of pirates, led by their captain rushed through the ship as it was in the final stages of falling apart. Jumping through the obstacles their passengers had to face before, they dived into the last remaining escape pod and locked it up, with Gamemaster giving the signal to launch. 4 capsules shot forth from the sides of the ship one by one, launching like rockets to the exotic surface below. As if waiting for them to get to a safe distance, the ship finally allowed itself to be overtaken by the explosions when the pods were just far enough to be safe. No longer with any vessel to return to, the escape pods rained upon the surface of the planet coated with fire, where new adversaries await, having been alerted to their arrival.
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- Location
- Greenwood IN
Been a while huh guys. Sorry for the wait. Perhaps after I complete this adventure I should post a "special edition" with the posts re-presented in the format I originally intended
Important notice
- Location
- Greenwood IN
Hey there. It certainly has been a while huh? Despite appearances the story is not dead. Not yet at least. the next Chapter is still being written as we speak, even though irl situations are doing everything in their power to negate it. Still, I feel that real life can still weigh down, and if I tarry too long, the next time I post will mean this forum is locked.
So I'm implimenting a solution now. The Primary site for this story will be moved to another site. This will be the last post on this forum. And in addition, I'll move forward with my Special Edition Plan now and post the chapters in the way I have originally intended it. The link to the enhanced story will be linked below.
To all those who followed this story until now, I thank you for your patronage. Feel free to come by and comment at any time.
So I'm implimenting a solution now. The Primary site for this story will be moved to another site. This will be the last post on this forum. And in addition, I'll move forward with my Special Edition Plan now and post the chapters in the way I have originally intended it. The link to the enhanced story will be linked below.
To all those who followed this story until now, I thank you for your patronage. Feel free to come by and comment at any time.
Weeb Wars - Chapter 1 - HeroicRebellion - Star Wars - All Media Types [Archive of Our Own]
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
archiveofourown.org
- Location
- Greenwood IN
I thank you for your words. still, I figure it's better safe than sorry. And besides, the site change means that the pressure to push out chapters is now gone.
once again though, I thank you for your consultation