The cities are quiet. It is so quiet as if they are dead. But still, there are many people gathered in the streets. They are all military people from the planet or volunteers from the civilians. They are busy preparing for the next attack. But, they all stop at the same time and move to the side as if they are expecting someone is coming. They are all very nervous.
“Are they really going to come to fight this battle?” one soldier asks his fellow comrades.
“You should have heard their stories or have witnessed their recent efforts in this battle. They will come.”
“I heard this time they have some renforcements from the Knights Reborn or something of the sort. I do not know if they are going to be any use in this battle though. I heard they got knocked out within one move by the Riders.”
“One move? You have got to be kidding! Going up against the Riders face to face is like having a death wish! What were those people thinking?”
“I do not know. Word has it that they are now joint forces.”
Just at that moment, some of the Knight Riders abd Knights Reborn members arrive on the scene. The military cheers for the arrival of the Knight Riders. The joint chief of the Shinsen army walks out and greets the leading Rider, Garren.
“I do welcome you Garren. This is quite the unusual situation. To think I used to give you people a hard time.”
“Well, we, the Riders know that you love this planet and its people. We also love this planet and the people one it as much as you, general Kyhikk. That is why we will fight to protect the remaining sectors with everything we have.” Garren replies.
“So, what’s the plan on this? I received word that your leader and the Force users are going to create a neutralizer on this? Plus, I hve heard there are some other plans. A very dangerous one I believe.” General Kyhikk asks Garren.
“Yes, it is a very risky one. But to think about all those people, including you and the military, are putting their trust on us. We will fight to the last member of our group. We will never give up even if this is the end.” Garren answers.
“Yes, even if there is a single ray of hope left, we will fight still with all our might and will. We will defend this planet with our passion and the trust from others that we carry on our shoulders.” HIME says.
“Sword Maiden! Are you THE Sword Maiden?” General Kyhikk says to HIME.
“I guess I am. I am the one who inherits the Maiden who put her trust upon me.” HIME replys.
“Pardon me. I was shocked to see your logo on your armor. I have seen that once during the last war. The Sword Maiden who soared through the skys of the battle field. She wore pitch black armor. She has long, thin black hair, and the skin that is as white as snow. Just like you. But then, I have a different feeling when I see you. That’s why I am shocked.” General Kyhikk explains.
“You are right. I am not her but I am from her. I will carry the will of the Sword Maiden myself.” HIME says.
“By the way, I am sure the government must be working on something to counter the spores as well right?” Garren asks.
“Yes, we have our best teams to come up with a solution. We hope that we do not have to reply of force powers if we do not have to.”
“Now, you are being honest.”
“I just do not like factors that we cannot calculate and powers that I cannot control. Let’s put it that way.”
“Yet, right now, you are working with a power that you cannot control.”
“Only this time Rider, only this time because the situation calls for it.”
“My…..you stole my line. Here is what we are going to do. League has finished making his trench around the cities. That should slow down the ground forces. I will take it to the air with whatever that is flying. You just stick to your plan with the troops. Try to hold out and hopefully I do not need to come to rescue you.” Garren says.
“I was about to say do make me come to cover you. Well, since you are in the first line, are you sure you are going to be fine when you are fighting in the cross fire like this?” General Kyhikk asks.
“Nope, but I will manage somehow. It’s not like we are other choice. That’s why I have to manage. Therefore I will.” Garren says as he spread his metallic wings and prepares for take off. Nintendo and Rage ignite their sabers and run up to the top of a tall building in order to observe the incoming forces. Kenshin stays with the ground troops in order to provide support. HIME sits down and start her mental link with others on the battlefield.
“This battle was fought originally for foot holds and supplies. Now, this is really gets out of hand. What has this universe come to?” Kakashi says.
“Who cares? We are living in a crazy world like it or not. The only important thing is to deal with every problem that comes in your way. Then, no problems left. I am happy.” Tricky answers.
“You are making sound so easy.” Kakashi says.
“It’s just the same. Seriously, it is how you are looking at life, problems, and everything else. Maybe you are just nervous because this IS your first time running around in a full scale battlefield.” Tricky says.
“Well at least I did handle myself quite well up till now.”
“Yes, keep that spirit up and you will live through this, Kakashi.”
“Blade is preparing his mental link with all the others as we speak. We remember, we have to protect our mental link at all cost if we want to survive this fight. Too much is at stake here! We cannot let those people down.” Lessa says.
“Mine, aren’t you stressing yourself a little too much? This is not going to help with the current situation. You are just going to give more stress to your allies.” Urataros says as he stands somewhere behind Lessa.
“It’s quite alright Ura. She is like that. She CARES.” Tricky says.
“No wonder you and I get along so well Trick.” Urataros replies.
“What’s wrong with being a little too careful? I would rather be like this than….fail.” Lessa argues.
“A person who is being careful usually takes on their problems with a very calm manner and is usually very collected. You do not fit in both lists. This battle is rather bold. That part I must admit. But, with every bit of data we collected, this is the only battle plan we can come up with. You do not want to admit it but deep down you know it is true. We must reply on others to find a way while they must reply on us to hold the line. Pull yourself together dear. Or you want me to sting you along?” Urataros says in a playful manner.
“I understand. Sorry.” Lessa says as she remembers what Danger said to her before she heads into the battlefield.
Just at that moment Blade’s voice rings inside their head.
“Everyone, preparations must be doen soon. They are heading this way evn as we speak and they are getting closer.”
Everyone nods their heads and get into their position.
Swan already has her team in position. She is now talking to Orga through mental link. It is safest way for her to talk to Orga.
“Don’t you think we have spread or force a little…..too thin?” Swan asks.
“Chalice, Drake, League, and some other Riders will be here as support soon. Just hold the line for as long as you can.”
“Seriously, we holding the line are not a problem. I am only concerned about the local army. They are going to be…..”
“I understand Swan. They are willing to take on the dangers that threaten this planet just as we do. We should honor their wishes as a soldier. You, out of all people should know this right?”
“Yes, time to fly. May the force be with you…always…my love.” Swan says as she flies off into the skies. White feathers drop down into the streets and on people like snow in her wake. It is like a baptism or blessing to the soldiers and fellow Riders and Reborns alike before heading into battle. She flies through the whole area as a final greeting to everyone else.
“This is rather sad isn’t it? This feeling…..” EvilIvy says.
“Aren’t all wars like that. This feeling is just too familiar to the likes of us. We are old war machines in a new battlefield.” Sparky says.
“So, how’s everyone? Are they in position yet?” EvilIvy asks.
“Scythe and Sidious are already in position. Swan is doing her tour. She is going to take care of any incoming air attacks. You and I are staying with the ground troopers. I am just glad that the skis are clear because of Starcomand and SliverCloud. We don’t have to worry about any high orbit bombardment or something of the sort. ” Sparky says.
“ALL BY HERSELF? That’s insane.”
“EvilIvy, for a person who had been through the curtains of war, you seem that you are unaware of that fact that war lead to many insane things.”
“I know that. We are part of this insane plan right now. It’s just that once this si over. We will have to be picked up right away.”
“I wonder how the academy is holding against such odds.”
Kagetsuki and Nako arrive somewhere near the core. They both get off the Zero Liner.
“Are we going to begin here?” Nako asks.
“Yea….it seems so. Now concentrate ourselves. Forcus our minds on the living force of the planet. We cannot let on slip of living force unattented.”
“No wonder people go insane when they try that.”
“Yes, if we are not careful our minds will be forever shattered in the thoughts of the planet. That is why with you, we can support each other as mental links.”
“So, there are chances we are going to turn into a deranged couple. I like that idea. At least we are in the same condition.”
“Nako, this is no joke matter. It is either that, or our minds will be ripped to shreds by the planet’s force.”
“Isn’t that the same thing?”
“Nope, it just hurts a lot more. We will be in sevre pain. Then we die a horrible death. Not to mention, we are going to take the planet with us.”
“I guess that’s another way to destory a planet. I wonder why no one ever tried that before.”
“We are….idiots.”
“Well, you are an idiot, I have to admit. But, I am even more of an idiot for coming with you this far and not leaving you.”
“Sorry….”
“Don’t be, I am no regrets. I am just happy that I am with you now.”
“Let me help.” A voice comes from behind.
The two look and shocked to see who is behind them.