2025-06-20: Start from ZERO
- Cast: Aurora Dusk, Gai Daido, Go Ichimonji, Leon Sakaki, Lina Lombardi, Sho Tachibana, Neuro, Aisha Blanchette, Joanna Strauss, Aphrodia
- Where: Pacific Ocean
- Date: U.C. 00100 06 20
- Summary: A mysterious pilot, nicknamed the "Zero Assassin" for their use of a VF-0 Phoenix, has been terrorizing military and paramilitary facilities up and down the Pacific coast. The S.M.S. Gefion tracks him down and calls in reinforcements to aid in destroying this strange fighter.
<Pose Tracker> Neuro has posed.
The Isle of Mayan. 46 years ago, during the First Huffman Conflict, what became known as the "Mayan Island Incident" occurred here. More recently, it was the setting of the award-winning film Bird Human, an adaptation of the very same event and the film that catapulted Ranka Lee to stardom. Though the cast did travel here for research, the actual filming was done farther south. The island is now a protected zone, left to be reclaimed by nature after the destruction wrought upon it by the conflict and the Zentradi bombardment.
As the Gefion hovers in the island's waters, it's calm and quiet. The wind rustles through the trees, birds flutter in the air, and the waves crash against the shore peacefully.
A Variable Fighter rolls out onto the launch bay of the frigate. It's a VF-1X++ Valkyrie Double Plus, a junker VF-1 tuned to put it somewhere within striking distance of modern fighters. It still doesn't make it very high-performance, though.
"Siegfried 1, Double Plus, taking off!" The reaction engines roar and the white fighter (with seafoam green markings) takes off, beginning its sweep of the island.
- - - - - - - - - -
In recent weeks, a strange series of incidents has racked the Pacific coasts. A VF-0 Phoenix of unknown origin has been striking military and paramilitary bases up and down the coastlines and vanishing into the sky as quickly as it came. General reports have been scattered and confused, but it's hit Gaia Sabers bases as well as trespassed into areas covered by GGG and NERV. Dubbed the "Zero Assassin", it's been a constant threat for the past few weeks- until now.
The crew of the S.M.S. carrier Gefion - now working officially under Terminal - have been dispatched to investigate this incident. With Aisha's analysis, they discovered something - it emits abnormal Fold readings every time it appears. With this, the Zero Assassin was traced back to Mayan Island, and the Gefion has put out an open call for aid to affected factions. Together, they aim to put a stop to the Zero Assassin and perhaps uncover what caused this anomaly.
- - - - - - - - - -
"Aisha, are you sure about this? This isn't exactly top-quality equipment. . ." Leon mutters.
"Maybe if someone hadn't broken the FDR system on the way back. . ." Aisha fires back.
"We both agreed that it was no one's fault!" Leon groans.
"Money is tight currently, okay? The Double Plus will work for our investigation, and we've got backup coming."
"Yeah, yeah. . ." Leon grumbles - before something catches his eye. "Aisha, I see some structures jutting out of the rock."
"Jackpot! Get closer and investigate. I'm bringing up your live feed," Aisha instructs her subordinate.
"Roger-dodger." Leon moves his hand to the transformation lever, fumbling around with it for a few seconds - they use a different system in older Valkyries, and Leon hasn't unlearned the muscle memory yet. Right as his hand hovers over the G switch, the hairs on the back of his neck stand on edge. It's not Newtype ability, he's not a Psychodriver - it's just learned superstition.
It comes just in time, as a burst of Gunpod fire streaks down at the Double Plus. Leon puts the fighter into a roll just in time, as his onboard computer blares alerts. Recovering from the roll, Leon cranes his neck to see - what else - a VF-0 Phoenix with a massive booster strapped to its fuselage.
BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWM-gd1jEqw
"Well, Aisha- I think we found him!" Leon shouts as he dogfights like his life depends on it (it does).
"More like he found us. Hold out for a little longer - backup should be here soon," Aisha reports from her post at the Gefion's bridge.
"I'll do my best!" Leon brakes hard as a missile sails over his canopy. "This guy's good!"
The Zero Assassin fires another volley of Gunpod shots, and Leon is tagged, sparks flashing on the old model. "Ghk- That backup can't come fast enough!"
<Pose Tracker> Aphrodia has posed.
The Zero Assassin appears. With its speed, firepower, and apparent skill, it is an opponent that demands one's full attention. And so, it may be missed as high above the battlefield a ripple rolls out through space. One moment, there is nothing - and the next there is Halphas Boese, the machine piloted by the one who calls herself Aphrodia. The dark blue Gundam - for by it's form factor it can be nothing else, though the technology within far exceeds anything this era is capable of - has made many appearances in battle, first opposing the mobile armor Balbadoro during Break the World to warn those present of the power it holds and the Generation System that spawned it...
But this time, it does not intervene. It only elects to observe. It will be up to the pilots of today to weather the coming storm with their own power - and she will bear witness to it.
KTS: Aurora Dusk has deployed in VF-23F Rhongomyniad <Fighter Mode>.
<Pose Tracker> Aurora Dusk has posed.
Considering that the Zero Assassin has been a major pain in the ass for the Gaia Sabers, it's no surprise that they want them gone... and what better way to do it than to use their own recently-completed new model Variable Fighter?
A diamond-winged Variable Fighter taxis onto the runway at a nearby aerial base. It was going to be deployed as part of a hit squad to be sent after the Zero Assassin, but the squad has been held up, so it's alone.
That, however, won't be a problem. SMS has already put out their own call for aid, and the Rhongomyniad will answer.
<< "VF-23F Rhongomyniad, taking off." >> The Rhongomyniad's engines fire, and it races down the runaway and off the ground in fighter mode, turning to the side to fly to where the fight is.
<< "This really is a modernised fighter... it's going much faster than a Nightmare. The controls respond better, too." >> And it's a good thing too, because Aurora arrives just in time to see Leon - in a remodeled Valkyrie?! - getting chased down by the Zero Assassin.
<< "Wolfhound calling in. Help is here- Is that you, Siegfried-1? In the Valkyrie?!" >>
Aurora doesn't particularly want to see Leon go down in flames, as it turns out. Her objection to the idea comes in the form of jumping onto the Assassin's tail the same way it hounds Leon, dual autocannons roaring to life as she tries to send it to a watery grave.
KTS: Aurora Dusk targets Neuro with Dual Autocannons Dogfight!
KTS: Aurora Dusk has completed their actions for the round.
<Pose Tracker> Joanna Strauss has posed.
Luckily for Leon, he wouldn't have to wait that long for backup to start trickling in, another VF - similar to the VF-19E Excalibur in form, while keeping the cream coloring of the YF-19; the number 152 written on its wings alongside the usual NUNE livery, alongside the noticeably current gunpod setting it apart from its peers - the stray VF-19EF Caliburn flying for the SAL had made its entrance.
<<VF-19EF Caliburn, Athmospheric Entry successful>>
It was a "special request" well paid for flying in support of SMS' Gefion's pilot in taking down a certain pain in the neck, and Joanna here was more than ready to pull the trigger when it came to essentially shooting down a legend; A such, her finger hovered on the trigger as she hailed both Gefion and Siegfried 1 for a proper presentation "<<This is Ensign Joanna Strauss of the SAL, here to assist.>>" She said
And not a moment later, as a wide grin made its way onto her face, the junior officer opened fire upon the so-called Zero Assassin
KTS: Joanna Strauss's Balkan Withcraft activates!
KTS: Joanna Strauss targets Neuro with Strafe Shot!
KTS: Joanna Strauss has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Neuro engages evade against Aurora Dusk's Dual Autocannons Dogfight!
KTS: Neuro moderately reacts to Aurora Dusk's Dual Autocannons Dogfight, taking 300 damage!
KTS: Neuro fails to engage Guard against Joanna Strauss's Strafe Shot!
KTS: Neuro successfully reacts to Joanna Strauss's Strafe Shot, taking 4080 damage!
KTS: Aurora Dusk targets Neuro with Dual Autocannons Dogfight!
KTS: Aurora Dusk has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Joanna Strauss targets Neuro with Strafe Shot!
KTS: Joanna Strauss has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Neuro engages evade against Aurora Dusk's Dual Autocannons Dogfight!
KTS: Best Defense! Neuro successfully reacts to Aurora Dusk's Dual Autocannons Dogfight, taking 300 damage!
KTS: Neuro engages guard against Joanna Strauss's Strafe Shot!
KTS: Neuro successfully guards Joanna Strauss's Strafe Shot, taking 4335 damage!
KTS: Lina Lombardi has deployed in GBR-VF01 Lombardi Custom (Fighter Mode).
KTS: EN Barrier activated!
<Pose Tracker> Neo Getter Team has posed.
When Hayato Jin takes interest in something that isn't the Dinosaur Empire, it's probably best to pay attention. This series of 'Zero Assassin' incidents is one such thing.
"Tachibana. I'm trusting you and your flight team to investigate this matter. Have Daido maintain constant data recording."
So: In the pacific skies, three colourful aircraft approach Mayan Island, the magenta Neo Jaguar in the lead.
"Wonder what's got the Captain so interested in this guy," Go Ichimonji wonders from Neo Eagle's cockpit, as he nudges the blue jet more into formation. "S'not like he's workin' with Gore or nothin'."
"He's been causing a lot of trouble," Gai Daido points out as he checks over Neo Bear's readouts. "He's attacked 3G and NERV outposts and crossed between NUNE and OCU lines. Without knowing why, we could have him jump NISAR HQ and do a lot of damage before we could respond."
"Visual contact confirmed," Sho speaks up. "Form up, boys!" She flicks her comm over to broad-spectrum transmission: "Siegfried-1, this is NISAR-Jaguar. Neo Getter Robo is on-site to assist!"
Plasma lightning crackles between the three jets as they close to frankly unsafe distances between each other, holding this precarious formation for several seconds.
"Getter Change authorised!" Sho commands, yanking levers on the sides of her cockpit. "CHANGE: GETTER TWO!"
((OST: https://youtu.be/J78H7-WEK90?list=PLkCZFdjONvi7UoUWOB4tUwD2LaoKa79Ku ))
The Neo Getter Machines' armour twists and reshapes as the three jets come together, combining and transforming into a slender, magenta-and-blue mech that plummets towards Mayan Island, drill flutes telescoping out from its left arm as it aims towards the 'Zero Assassin', the tip irising open to reveal a barrel.
"DRILL BLASTER, FIIIIIIRE!" Sho roars.
KTS: Neo Getter Team has activated the Spirit Spirit Command.
KTS: Neo Getter Team targets Neuro with Drill Arm Blaster Skirmish!
KTS: Neo Getter Team has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Neuro fails to engage Evade against Neo Getter Team's Drill Arm Blaster Skirmish!
KTS: [Mirage] Neuro's Time-Tripper activates, and it slips into a mirage.
KTS: Best Defense! Neuro successfully reacts to Neo Getter Team's Drill Arm Blaster Skirmish, taking 0 damage!
<Pose Tracker> Lina Lombardi has posed.
https://youtu.be/hfA0MrrFwu0?si=7T4AVfRI9Z8Xuqhj
A VF in GGG airspace meant there was only one person for the job. An emerald green fighter, resembling a Nightmare, but more... well... it looked like a falcon, enters the space around the Zero Assassin.
"Alright, Vergil, you got my back."
A small drone pops out of the fighter and hovers around the perimeter.
<<AWACS Vergil, deployed. Bandit on your two.>>
Lina clicks on the open channel, "This is Lombardi, GGG. Guess we're all after this guy, huh? This'll be cake." The green fighter pushes into the fray, firing a pair of missiles at the Assassin.
<<Fox Two.>>
KTS: Lina Lombardi targets Neuro with AAM Array Fire!
KTS: Lina Lombardi has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Lina Lombardi's Nuovotipo activates Alert!
KTS: Neuro engages intercept against Lina Lombardi's AAM Array Fire!
KTS: Best Defense! Neuro successfully reacts to Lina Lombardi's AAM Array Fire, taking 0 damage!
<Pose Tracker> Neuro has posed.
The YF-23 Rhongomyniad is the first on the scene, the new Gaia Sabers model opening fire on the Zero - it breaks off from its pursuit of the Double Plus to dodge the volley, only to be pinned in by the Caliburn's strafe attack, taking damage to one of its side fuel tanks. It explodes off, and the pilot inside. . . grimaces.
"Skull 2, engaging unknown contacts."
Neo Getter combines together in a flash, and unleashes a beam at the Zero. A strike from a Super Robot against such an old model should destroy it instantly if it hits, no matter how good the pilot is. Sho's aim is precise, and the beam rips through the air towards the Zero. It's about to hit, and then -
The Zero blurs, like a camera losing focus, and the beam passes right through it. When it reappears, its missing fuel tank has reappeared, but it looks. . . different. Like it's in a faded old photo. This is clearly no ordinary terrorist. It's. . . something else.
Lina launches missiles, and the Zero performs a roll, the head turret mounted on the underside of its fuselage sniping the missiles out of the air before they can do any damage. It brakes, throwing out its feet in a partial GERWALK before looping back around and putting the group in its hairs. The assembled pilots hear the all-too-familiar tone of missile lock.
- - - - - - - -
As the group engages the Zero in combat, Leon wipes sweat from his brow.
"S.M.S. Gefion to assembled forces. You guys got here just in time." Aisha tells the group.
"Thanks!" Leon says over comms. "Wait, Wolfhound- Aurora?" Leon responds to the Gaia Saber.
KTS: Neuro targets Aurora Dusk with AIM-200A AMRAAM 2 Guided Air-to-Air Missiles!
KTS: Neuro targets Joanna Strauss with Ghost Micro-Missile!
KTS: Neuro targets Neo Getter Team with GH-28A 8-Tube Micro Missile Launchers!
KTS: Aurora Dusk fails to engage evade against Neuro's AIM-200A AMRAAM 2 Guided Air-to-Air Missiles!
KTS: Aurora Dusk successfully reacts to Neuro's AIM-200A AMRAAM 2 Guided Air-to-Air Missiles, taking 4400 damage!
KTS: Neuro targets Lina Lombardi with AIM-200A AMRAAM 2 Guided Air-to-Air Missiles!
KTS: Neuro has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Joanna Strauss engages evade against Neuro's Ghost Micro-Missile!
KTS: Joanna Strauss's EN Barrier activates, negating 500 base damage.
KTS: Joanna Strauss poorly reacts to Neuro's Ghost Micro-Missile, taking 4800 damage!
KTS: Lina Lombardi fails to engage evade against Neuro's AIM-200A AMRAAM 2 Guided Air-to-Air Missiles!
KTS: Lina Lombardi's EN Barrier activates, negating 1000 base damage.
KTS: Critical Hit! Lina Lombardi poorly reacts to Neuro's AIM-200A AMRAAM 2 Guided Air-to-Air Missiles, taking 4950 damage!
KTS: Neo Getter Team fails to engage Intercept against Neuro's GH-28A 8-Tube Micro Missile Launchers!
KTS: Neo Getter Team successfully reacts to Neuro's GH-28A 8-Tube Micro Missile Launchers, taking 3888 damage!
<Pose Tracker> Neo Getter Team has posed.
Sho's sharp grin falls off her face as her perfect shot is fouled by the enemy Valkyrie blurring out of sight and reforming at an oblique position. Then the missiles explode, spinning Neo Getter-2 out of control for a worrying few moments until the team manage to get the machine back under control. Gathering herself, she checks with her team: "Gai, did you see that?"
"Sure did," her wingmate answers from the massive booster pack atop the robot. "Looks like the Captain's gonna get lots more data than we thought outta this. Can we get in closer? I want a better look at that repaired damage."
"If you insist," Sho grins, broadcasting again: "Allied fighters, Getter Robo is closing to knife-fight range, watch your aim!"
The drill folds back into the machine's arm and its razor sharp manipulators flex. The boosters on the back blaze to life, rocketing the mech towards the Zero Assassin as Sho attempts to rake the claws across the underside of its fuselage!
KTS: Neo Getter Team has activated the Dash Spirit Command and has gained proficiency bonus.
KTS: Neo Getter Team targets Neuro with Neo-Panther Claws!
KTS: Neo Getter Team has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Neuro engages charge against Neo Getter Team's Neo-Panther Claws!
KTS: Best Defense! Neuro successfully reacts to Neo Getter Team's Neo-Panther Claws, taking 2325 damage!
KTS: Joanna Strauss has activated the Focus Spirit Command.
KTS: Aurora Dusk targets Neuro with Micro-Missiles Barrage!
KTS: Aurora Dusk has completed their actions for the round.
<Pose Tracker> Aurora Dusk has posed.
Aurora's assault may not down her target, but it has the intended effect. The Zero breaks off from Leon and into another newcomer's assault. Then, just as it looks like they have them, the Zero Assassin...
...phases through the attack and repairs itself? What kind of witchcraft is that, anyhow? Not Aurora's department, that's for sure. What is her department is evading missiles, and she... does passably well. She loses a fragment of tail, but she doesn't go down in flames or lose a wing or anything, and that's what counts.
<< "Yeah, it's me. That's you, right, Leon? I'm here to help you get rid of that thing.">>
After mostly avoiding the Assassin's missile fire, Aurora decides to return fire with her own. Micro-missiles come streaking out of an attached pod on her VF, spreading out and closing in on her target... while trying to avoid Getter. Crazy move, huh. The overexcited type? Aurora dismisses it. There'll be time to wonder later. << "Wolfhound, Fox 2." >>
KTS: Aurora Dusk has activated the Strike Spirit Command.
KTS: Aurora Dusk has activated the Spirit Spirit Command.
KTS: Aurora Dusk's I've Accepted the Machine that I Am activates!
KTS: Neuro engages intercept against Aurora Dusk's Micro-Missiles Barrage!
KTS: Neuro moderately reacts to Aurora Dusk's Micro-Missiles Barrage, taking 5000 damage!
<Pose Tracker> Joanna Strauss has posed.
the athmospheric entry was certainly quite easier than it had been to try and dodge that swarm of missiles from the damned VF-0, clipping the Caliburn's hull for a decent chunk - though not enough to impair its flying just yet; Joanna in the cockpit looking around almost frantically to keep track of the Zero Assassin before looping right back around for another strafing run
<<This thing is dodgy as hell and loaded with enough missiles to celebrate new years, what the hell->>
the SAL pilot's reaction was one more of confusion as she quickly spun right back around into a nigh-jousting charge towards the VF-0A, pulling down on the trigger with reckless abandon - Afterall, the Caliburn as it was lacked missiles, so it was a Gun, vulcans, and a lot of dreaming.
KTS: Joanna Strauss targets Neuro with Gatling Full-Auto!
KTS: Joanna Strauss has completed their actions for the round.
<Pose Tracker> Lina Lombardi has posed.
Lina attempts to pull away from the Zero's missiles, but alas, it's a direct hit, shaking her in the cockpit.
<<Shields at 66%>>
"Damn! Getting careless... Deploy the G-Options!"
From under the fighter's wings, two bits drop, circling around the Custom and darting towards the Zero, firing off a crossed pair of shots.
KTS: Lina Lombardi targets Neuro with Pincer Shot!
KTS: Lina Lombardi has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Lina Lombardi's Nuovotipo activates Wall!
KTS: Neuro has activated the Alert Spirit Command.
KTS: Neuro engages evade against Joanna Strauss's Gatling Full-Auto!
KTS: Neuro poorly reacts to Joanna Strauss's Gatling Full-Auto, taking 6000 damage!
KTS: Neuro engages evade against Lina Lombardi's Pincer Shot!
KTS: Best Defense! Neuro successfully reacts to Lina Lombardi's Pincer Shot, taking 0 damage!
<Pose Tracker> Neuro has posed.
Sho gets in close - real close, enough to take a big gouge out of the lower fuselage. The Zero, however, is no stranger to close-range combat. It transforms to Battroid and Sho ends up with a Gunpod right in her face. It spits a volley at Neo Getter, before the missile tone alarm sounds. The head turret attempts to do its job, but there's not enough time, and Aurora's missiles detonate against the Zero, knocking it backwards and blowing its right arm off.
As the Zero recovers in midair, firing its thrusters, Joanna's volley of bullets blow holes through one of its wings. Alarms flash internally, before something happens again and the arm starts to regrow, odd golden light swirling around it as a replacement forms back into existence. The bullet holes are growing smaller, too. It brings the Gunpod to bear again, along with its head turret.
"Leon, fall back and protect the Gefion. You won't be able to do much with that junker."
"Siegfried 1, roger. Thanks for the help, Wolfhound. Glad to see you're doing well," Leon says to his fellow pilot.
KTS: Neuro targets Neo Getter Team with Gatling Shot!
KTS: Neo Getter Team has activated the Focus Spirit Command.
KTS: Neuro targets Aurora Dusk with Laser Shot!
KTS: Neo Getter Team engages evade against Neuro's Gatling Shot!
KTS: Neo Getter Team poorly reacts to Neuro's Gatling Shot, taking 5300 damage!
KTS: Neuro targets Joanna Strauss with Gatling Sweep!
KTS: Joanna Strauss engages evade against Neuro's Gatling Sweep!
KTS: Joanna Strauss's EN Barrier activates, negating 500 base damage.
KTS: Joanna Strauss poorly reacts to Neuro's Gatling Sweep, taking 4576 damage!
KTS: Neuro targets Lina Lombardi with Laser Shot!
KTS: Neuro has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Aurora Dusk engages evade against Neuro's Laser Shot!
KTS: Best Defense! Aurora Dusk moderately reacts to Neuro's Laser Shot, taking 0 damage!
KTS: Lina Lombardi fails to engage react against Neuro's Laser Shot!
KTS: Lina Lombardi's EN Barrier activates, negating 1000 base damage.
KTS: Lina Lombardi poorly reacts to Neuro's Laser Shot, taking 2400 damage!
Aurora Dusk transforms to VF-23F Rhongomyniad <Battroid Mode>
<Pose Tracker> Lina Lombardi has posed.
The laser glances off of Lina's wing, sending her into a spin before she settles the controls. "Gaah! Not thinking straight... No time to mess around, gotta bring out the big guns!"
The Custom pulls up above the fray and comes down in a dive, firing off a full array of missiles approaching the Zero from all directions.
"Come on!"
KTS: Lina Lombardi targets Neuro with AAM Array Itano Circus!
KTS: Lina Lombardi has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Lina Lombardi's Nuovotipo activates Valor!
KTS: Aurora Dusk targets Neuro with M10D Pinpoint Stab!
KTS: Aurora Dusk has completed their actions for the round.
Joanna Strauss transforms to VF-19EF <Battroid Mode>
<Pose Tracker> Joanna Strauss has posed.
Joanna's eyes would widen for a moment as the enemy VF simply... Regenerated. Like some abomination born from nightmares, its limbs and fuselage simply growing out of nowhere, terrifying indeed; and this terror would then be followed up by the Caliburn getting some holes of its own, that sweeping barrage of gunpod bullets tearing at the sword of selection and cleaving straight through its unit number - only kept from reaching the engines and cockpit by the few lucky pings of the pinpoint barrier.
<<I've been hit, damnit; I'm not going down here, I'm not letting you take my wings, old timer!>>
A light jab at the Zero Assassin that would be followed up by the Caliburn rising slightly before transforming straight into Battroid mode, reloading its gunpod and aiming it down at its target once more - unloading a whole new cartridge onto the seemingly undying thing.
<<I doubt this thing is even a real machine; how many holes does it take to rip those wings clean off?>>
KTS: Joanna Strauss has activated the Focus Spirit Command.
KTS: Joanna Strauss has activated the Valor Spirit Command.
KTS: Neuro engages intercept against Lina Lombardi's AAM Array Itano Circus!
KTS: [Mirage] Neuro's Time-Tripper activates, and it slips into a mirage.
KTS: Best Defense! Neuro successfully reacts to Lina Lombardi's AAM Array Itano Circus, taking 0 damage!
KTS: Joanna Strauss has activated the Valor Spirit Command.
<Pose Tracker> Aurora Dusk has posed.
<< "Oh, it's regenerating. Somehow. Wait what." >> Aurora doesn't take her hands off of her controls to pump her fist when she takes an arm off.
<< "I'll take care of things from here. ...You too, Leon." >> It's been a while, and soldiers lead fragile lives...
The Zero blasts away with its gunpod and head turret, but Aurora sweeps through, grazing past bullet and laser fire in Gerwalk mode, before she dives towards the enemy Battroid and her fighter shifts shape again (<< "Wolfhound, closing in Battroid mode!" >>), Aurora trying to plunge the knives in her fighter's hands directly into the Assassin's cockpit in a very ECOAS move. Aurora's never seen a regenerating VF before, but she's also never seen a regenerating pilot before. Worth a shot!
KTS: Joanna Strauss targets Neuro with Gatling Full-Auto!
KTS: Joanna Strauss has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Neuro engages charge against Aurora Dusk's M10D Pinpoint Stab!
KTS: Critical Hit! Neuro poorly reacts to Aurora Dusk's M10D Pinpoint Stab, taking 5880 damage!
KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Aurora Dusk's Hands Stained the Colour of Wrongdoing activates, causing Insight L1!
KTS: Neuro fails to engage Evade against Joanna Strauss's Gatling Full-Auto!
KTS: Critical Hit! Neuro poorly reacts to Joanna Strauss's Gatling Full-Auto, taking 7260 damage!
KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Joanna Strauss's Precision Attacker activates, causing Nullify!
<Pose Tracker> Neo Getter Team has posed.
The gatling gunpod is aimed squarely at Neo Getter-2's face, and Sho grimaces, her curse drowned out by the hammering of rounds against the polymorphic alloy chassis. She guns the retrothrusters, gliding backwards so she can strafe away from the fire, and reactivates the drill arm.
"Sho, if we take another hit like that - " Gai calls out, only to be interrupted with an "I know! This bastard's tough."
"And repairing mid-fight to boot," Go grunts. "That's cheatin'. We gotta change things up, Sho! Lemme take over!"
Sho clicks her tongue in annoyance, but Go's right - they need firepower here, not speed.
"Heading for the Island!" She announces, veering off. "Open Get!"
Another flash of plasmic energy and the three Getter Machines streak downwards, this time with the blue jet in the lead. "CHANGE, GETTER ONE!" Go yells as they come together again, the bulkier blue-and-black demonic robot turning back to where the Zero Assassin waits in the sky, hefting a massive gatling gun. "EAT THIS, JACKASS!" Go roars, and holds the trigger down until the barrels glow, plasma bolts blazing upwards from the ground of Mayan Island.
Neo Getter Team transforms to Neo Getter-1
KTS: Neo Getter Team has activated the Dash Spirit Command and has gained proficiency bonus.
KTS: Neo Getter Team has activated the Valor Spirit Command.
KTS: Neo Getter Team has activated the Strike Spirit Command.
KTS: Neo Getter Team targets Neuro with Shikishima Plasma Gatling Spray and Pray!
KTS: Neo Getter Team has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Neuro engages guard against Neo Getter Team's Shikishima Plasma Gatling Spray and Pray!
KTS: Neuro poorly guards Neo Getter Team's Shikishima Plasma Gatling Spray and Pray, taking 4725 damage!
<Pose Tracker> Neuro has posed.
The maelstrom of fire continues - the Zero dodges attacks from Lina's bits before a massive volley of missiles come straight at it from the Custom. It phases straight through again, re-emerging from the swarm with the main eye glowing a sickly, off-color green.
Before it can do anything, though, Aurora comes in with a stab, driving the knives straight through the cockpit shield. They pierce clean through, and the Zero stops for a second as the pilot inside is vaporized in an instant.
Things seem to stop - until that golden glow re-emerges around the affected area, as the pilot begins to re-form. Aurora is able to make out a pilot in an Huffman-Conflict era pilot uniform inside, of the exact same era as the fighter. Fire from Joanna pushes it back, and the Zero begins to descend, landing down on the terrain of Mayan Island - only to be met with Neo Getter-1. If the pilot was anything close to human, they would have sworn.
Neo Getter-1's gatling fire rips through the VF-0A, shredding the Ghost right off its back. It begins to regenerate again, but slowly.
"To all pilots - this fighter is a dimensional anomaly. Its regenerative properties are strong, so it won't go down easily. You'll have to wear it down and deliver a final blow that it can't recover from," Aisha says over the radio.
Lina Lombardi transforms to GBR-VF01 Lombardi Custom (Battroid Mode)
KTS: Neuro targets Aurora Dusk with Gatling Shot!
KTS: Neuro targets Joanna Strauss with Leading Fire!
KTS: Neuro targets Neo Getter Team with Gatling Bash!
KTS: Neuro targets Lina Lombardi with Gatling Full-Auto!
KTS: Neuro has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Joanna Strauss has activated the Valor Spirit Command.
KTS: Aurora Dusk has activated the Alert Spirit Command.
KTS: Joanna Strauss has activated the Trick Spirit Command.
KTS: Aurora Dusk has activated the Alert Spirit Command.
KTS: Joanna Strauss engages block against Neuro's Leading Fire!
KTS: Joanna Strauss's EN Barrier activates, negating 500 base damage.
KTS: Joanna Strauss successfully blocks Neuro's Leading Fire, taking 2420 damage!
KTS: Aurora Dusk engages evade against Neuro's Gatling Shot!
KTS: Aurora Dusk successfully reacts to Neuro's Gatling Shot, taking 4770 damage!
KTS: Joanna Strauss has activated the Trick Spirit Command.
KTS: Lina Lombardi engages evade against Neuro's Gatling Full-Auto!
KTS: Lina Lombardi's EN Barrier activates, negating 1000 base damage.
KTS: Best Defense! Lina Lombardi successfully reacts to Neuro's Gatling Full-Auto, taking 0 damage!
KTS: Neo Getter Team has activated the Valor Spirit Command.
KTS: Neo Getter Team has activated the Valor Spirit Command.
KTS: Neo Getter Team has activated the Valor Spirit Command.
KTS: Neo Getter Team engages parry against Neuro's Gatling Bash!
KTS: Best Defense! Neo Getter Team successfully reacts to Neuro's Gatling Bash, taking 2200 damage!
KTS: Lina Lombardi has activated the Trick Spirit Command.
<Pose Tracker> Joanna Strauss has posed.
<poem>
With the knowledge that they're infact not fighting a real human person, Joanna would breathe in deeply and roll her neck a couple times - one or two manual shifts in the engine's output getting the Caliburn's core back to speed, its Gunpod being momentarily put away as it quickly closed in right behind the Zero; a quiet whisper in the cockpit followed by a glint in Joanna's eye underneath the helmet
<<Understood, dispatch; Pinpoint Barrier, Max Output.>>
The Caliburn's pinpoint barrier would begin consolidating around its right fist, pulsating and clouding around like a maelstrom of emerald green power; as the Caliburn's pilot carefully pressed on the pedals and tugged at the controls, moving the plane-made-robot into a stance that bordered on a perfected mechanical punching motion - something that Joanna had heard of back in the day from her instructor, of a test pilot that pulled this off effectively enough for it to become semi-standard. That's right, this is the-
<<PINPOINT BARRIER PUNCH!>>
KTS: Joanna Strauss targets Neuro with Pinpoint Barrier Punch!
KTS: Joanna Strauss has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Neuro engages charge against Joanna Strauss's Pinpoint Barrier Punch!
KTS: Neuro moderately reacts to Joanna Strauss's Pinpoint Barrier Punch, taking 5760 damage!
<Pose Tracker> Lina Lombardi has posed.
"Oh, is that what's going on?"
Lina chuckles as the Custom shifts into Battroid mode, darting out of the way of the Zero's gunfire. The Custom pulls its hands back as the ends of its wings pop off, becoming two blades.
"Let's start getting serious! Delta Wing Cutter!"
The Custom brings the two swords down in the air, a pair of shockwaves pushing towards the Zero.
KTS: Lina Lombardi targets Neuro with Delta Air Cutter!
KTS: Lina Lombardi has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Lina Lombardi's Nuovotipo activates Valor!
KTS: Neuro engages evade against Lina Lombardi's Delta Air Cutter!
KTS: Critical Hit! Neuro poorly reacts to Lina Lombardi's Delta Air Cutter, taking 5040 damage!
KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Lina Lombardi's Resistenza activates, causing Sparkle!
KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Lina Lombardi's Evasione activates, causing Control Bonus!
<Pose Tracker> Neo Getter Team has posed.
The enemy VF streaks in, swinging its gatling gun to smash into the blue torso armour of Neo Getter-1.
Go smirks. "GOTCHA!"
The Getter's left arm snaps up, knocking aside the strike with the forearm-mounted razor blades. The impact forces it to take a step back to absorb the momentum, but some quick steering from Gai - now in the abdominal cockpit - means the Getter plants its feet quickly.
"Wear it down then hit it with everything we've got?" Sho asks rhetorically. "I think we can do that. Boys?"
"On it!" Go grins, and smacks Getter-1's hands together, plasma channeling between the palms as he pulls them apart to create a massive blue-pink spear of plasma. As the friendly Variable Fighters close in to bring their full firepower to bear on the Zero Assassin, Neo Getter-1 steps backwards, hefting the spear of lightning in preparation for a javelin toss.
"All units, clear the firing line!" Sho calls out, sparks flying off the plasma and frying the sand under the machine's feet into black glass.
"GO TO HELL!" Go yells, and hurls the plasma javelin. "PLASMAAAAAA THUNDEEEEEER!"
KTS: Neo Getter Team has activated the Valor Spirit Command.
KTS: Neo Getter Team targets Neuro with Plasma Thunder - Javelin Toss!
KTS: Neo Getter Team has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Neuro fails to engage Guard against Neo Getter Team's Plasma Thunder - Javelin Toss!
KTS: Critical Hit! Neuro poorly reacts to Neo Getter Team's Plasma Thunder - Javelin Toss, taking 8760 damage!
KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Neo Getter Team's Eye of the STORM activates, causing Sparkle!
KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Neo Getter Team's Sho's Mastery activates, causing Control Bonus!
KTS: Neuro has been defeated!
KTS: Neo Getter Team roots their unit, coming to a standstill and leaving them vulnerable.
<Pose Tracker> Aurora Dusk has posed.
It's a dimensional anomaly? Well, that explains it. Probably. Aurora's behaviour isn't really informed by the information that she's not fighting a human, but it DOES change some of the practicalities involved.
<< "...Huffman era?" >> Aurora makes sure the flight recorder is recording for later.
The battle shifts from the skies to the jungle below, and Aurora follows, barely bothering to use her jets to control her descent. The combatants land, and...
She's not there. Where did Aurora go?
The Zero Assassin soon finds out exactly where when the other assassin on this battlefield emerges from the treeline to seize it from behind suddenly, wrapping its left arm around to dig one knife in from the front, and then repeatedly stabbing it in the back with an unending barrage of the bastard child of a pinpoint barrier punch and a vicious stabbing that buries the hilt in up to the fist. << "Die." >> In, out, in, out, in, out... It's only artful if you're into that kind of thing, but it should get the job done. If it makes anyone else's attacks easier to land, the more the merrier.
If the enemy can regenerate, just overwhelm them with critical damage and then rip them apart while they're helpless.
KTS: Aurora Dusk targets Neuro with M10D Pinpoint Stab!
KTS: Aurora Dusk has completed their actions for the round.
KTS: Aurora Dusk has activated the Valor Spirit Command.
KTS: Aurora Dusk has activated the Alert Spirit Command.
KTS: Aurora Dusk has activated the Alert Spirit Command.
KTS: Neuro accepts Aurora Dusk's M10D Pinpoint Stab!
KTS: Critical Hit! Neuro poorly reacts to Aurora Dusk's M10D Pinpoint Stab, taking 5880 damage!
KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Aurora Dusk's Hands Stained the Colour of Wrongdoing activates, causing Insight L1!
KTS: Neuro has been defeated!
<Pose Tracker> Neuro has posed.
Now the group has moved into close combat with the Phoenix, and things start to turn into a knock-down, drag-out fight. The Phoenix goes in to bash Neo Getter with its Gunpod, only to be repelled.
Joanna comes in with a Pinpoint Barrier Punch and smashes the head of the Zero in, completely obliterating it. The Lombardi Custom drops from the skies shortly after and slices both of its arms off. The Zero continues to regenerate, but it's slowing down.
"It's working! Keep it up!" Aisha shouts. The Neo Getter Team do exactly that. As Aurora delivers something more akin to a serial murder than a targeted strike, the Plasma Thunder comes flying in. The Phoenix, in its crippled state, is completely unable to dodge the attack, and takes the lightning strike dead on.
As the Plasma Thunder hits the Zero, lightning crackles across its entire body as it twists and shakes. Its appearance begins to distort, rippling and sparkling iridescent colors and then, finally, it explodes.
Dans le calme du soir. . .
Leve les yeux afin du voir. . .
As the Zero explodes in an unearthly blast, a song ripples out across the Fold waves. From the explosion, a ghostly mirage of the plane appears, beaten and damaged. It soars upwards, leaving a trail of feathers behind that fade into the sea breeze.
The assembled group is left to stare upwards as that ghostly fighter finally disappears. The Zero Assassin has been defeated. But the question remains - who, or what exactly was he?
Aphrodia has paged Neuro with, 'Just to confirm, did you want me to hop in after this one or the next?'
<Pose Tracker> Joanna Strauss has posed.
The Caliburn would momentarily almost mimic its pilot's movements, slightly raising its shoulders before turning its head to look up at the phantom flying off toward the skies; a beautiful sight that Joanna could swear she'd seen before... but- As she was about to think, a quick flash of memory would strike the SAL pilot's mind, as she'd simply state
<<Bird Human. That thing was being Shin Kudo, from Bird Human.>>
Of course, she may be a fan of aviation history and the entire makeup of a VF; but to her, the easiest way to recall the events of the isle of mayan was the movie based on them. That final scene still living rent free in the ensign's memory, as the doomed fighter pilot, Shin Kudo, after "defeating" the Bird Human, plummets towards the sea... His beloved reaches out to him, and the plane rises, like a bird - free from everything else; and flies off into the stars.
<<Whatever that was... It imitated a VF0 pretty well - minus the regenerating, that was more The Thing than Bird Human.>>
<Pose Tracker> Aurora Dusk has posed.
<< "Zero Assassin eliminated. Mission accomplished." >> Aurora makes her report. << "Full report to come during debriefing." >>
Aurora leans back in her cockpit seat, breathing out slowly. Her machine is still and silent. The Rhongomyniad passed its field test... and she triumphed over her target. "Ace killer" is a role Aurora fills semi-often, and this was a textbook example of that. Minus her teammates being a pick-up group of other fighters. And Getter. Getter was here. Odd draft for this mission, but Getter goes where Getter pleases, Aurora supposes.
<< "...Oh, from the island incident? " >> Aurora takes a short beat to think. << "...I never expected to fight a regenerating variable fighter." >>
<Pose Tracker> Lina Lombardi has posed.
"You mean from that movie? Well, it's gone now, so does it really matter?"
Lina cracks her neck as the Custom puts away the Delta Wing Blades.
"Least something's gone right for GGG lately. Mission success!"
<Pose Tracker> Neo Getter Team has posed.
"... Why was that anomaly playing out a movie?" Gai wonders, frowning. Sho shakes her head. "Captain Jin will dissect the data and... probably keep his conclusions to himself until we have more."
"More?" Go grunts. "We just killed the guy."
"Yeah, but we don't know anything about the anomaly or why it created that situation," Gai points out. "We have nothing that suggests this won't happen again."
"..." Sho sighs. "Well, we'll have to worry about that if it does happen again. Good flying, guys. Let's Open Get and head home."
Neo Getter-1 crouches, then leaps up into the sky, disengaging into the three Getter Machines that begin to orient Japan-wards.
"Thanks for the support," Sho calls to the others. "Neo Getter Team leaving the combat zone."
With that, the three jets streak away.
<Pose Tracker> Leon Sakaki has posed.
"Good work, everyone! Thank you for your help. We couldn't have done it without you," Aisha says to the assembled pilots. A protest from Leon is quickly silenced as Aisha mutes his radio.
"We'll be conducting research here now, but with the main threat dealt with, it should go smoothly. You're all free to return home."
<Pose Tracker> Joanna Strauss has posed.
The SAL pilot would let out a light chuckle as soon as she realized that moment of silence was poor Siegfried 1 complaining, likely about his skills being minorly depreciated; regardless, the Caliburn would switch to Gerwalk and head out to sea before stopping for a second. You see, Joanna's beloved 19EF had taken a BIT of a beating, or rather enough of one to make exiting the athmosphere by itself quite... Dangerous. So she'd once more reach over to the Gefion's defacto captain, professional tone slightly defused as she clearly held back a slightly akward chuckle
<<This is... Ensign Joanna Strauss to Gefion, I uh- I require a bit of assistance in exiting the athmosphere and returning to base; I don't think I'll get quite as far as I need with my wings made into swiss cheese>>
essentially asking for a lift, is what she was doing; and one that the Gefion would likely be able to give her considering keeping the battleship about could have its own brand of troubles - as such, Joanna awaited a response while still heading towards the ship, momentarilly switching over to Fighter mode for a quick ascent before turning off the engines entirely - letting the plane simply... Glide for a moment
<<Should you require assistance again, I'll put in a word, see if the SAL's resources can be put to your disposal; No Guarantees tho, I'm just a junior officer.>>
<Pose Tracker> Aurora Dusk has posed.
Considering she's also taken damage, Aurora decides she should come aboard the Gefion, too. (The damage isn't THAT bad, but something in her wants to see Leon again and catch up.) She radios them and asks for permission to board.
<Pose Tracker> Leon Sakaki has posed.
"Come aboard, you two.. We'll give you a place to rest your wings. The Gefion takes in the Caliburn and Rhongomyniad, and as the rest of the assembled group leaves the scene, Aisha crosses her arms.
"Alright, Leon. Time to earn your paycheck," she tells her subordinate.
"I think I earned it plenty already. . ." Leon mumbles, before he transforms to GERWALK and descends towards the ruins. The Double Plus touches down in front of a cluster of large stone archways, intricately carved.
"Woah. Were these always here?" Leon asks, as he stares up at the ancient stone.
"Topographical maps indicate they only emerged recently. They must have been buried deep underground. Sit tight. I'll be there soon," Aisha says.
"Wait, what?" Leon sits idle for a few minutes, before a hot-pink VF-19 Excalibur touches down next to him, Aisha at the controls. Leon gawks.
"What the-!? How come you get to use an Excalibur and I'm stuck with this junker?" Leon asks.
"Hoho. You like it, do you? Sorry, but it's a branch manager's privilege~" Aisha fires back.
"Whatever. . . let's just get this done."
The two Valkyries transform to Battroid and enter the ruins. There's a massive mobile-weapon sized door inset into one of the archways that creaks open with effort, leading to a tunnel deeper underground. The heavy metal footsteps of the Battroids echo off the stone walls, as they emerge into a larger antechamber with a massive statue in a vague cross-shape at the center.
"This cave is not a natural formation. . ." Aisha remarks.
"Yeah, thanks for the brilliant observation," Leon says.
"Close your mouth and open your eyes. Take scans, and stay alert."
"Right, right. Aisha, it's just a bunch of ruins. What could be dangerous about-" At this moment, Leon steps on the wrong section of floor and it begins to rumble and shake. He yelps, and the floor crumbles beneath him, sending the Valkyrie tumbling down a long, dark chasm.
"Leon!"
"Aiiishaaaaaa!" The Valkyrie falls for what feels like only a second, before crashing down in pitch blackness.
"Urgh. . . Ouch," Leon groans. The Valkyrie's not in the best state - the radio's not working, either. He'll have to get out on foot. As he climbs out, he grabs a flashlight and flicks it on, revealing some of the inside of the strange ruins. It's mainly stone, but with glowing green crystals breaking through here and there, and strange patterns running throughout the walls.
"What. . . is this?" Leon points the flashlight out in front of him, and gasps when he sees the sight before him. A glowing capsule, covered in those green crystals with wires wrapping around it, in front of a massive stone door with ancient engravings on it - Leon doesn't pay much attention, but it resembles a tree. Leon is more focused on the contents of the capsule.
"A person?" Floating inside it is a young girl - short, almost ethereally thin, almost elflike. As Leon steps closer, a glowing pink circle of strange writings shimmers into existence as the girl opens her eyes.
"What the-!?" The ancient writings wrap up around Leon, twisting up his body as the chamber is illuminated, red light filling the engravings on the wall as the massive door glows as well. With a golden glow, the girl is ejected from the capsule and falls forward into Leon's arms.
"Hey! Are you okay?" Leon asks, confused. The girl opens her eyes slowly. She looks. . . she feels familiar. Her long cyan hair covers Leon's arms softly.
"Who. . . are you?" She seems to ask the question with her eyes. It takes Leon by surprise.
Who is he? A salaryman? A fighter pilot? A test pilot? He's not sure, but. . .
"I'm Leon."
"Leon. . ." the girl says. Above them, the ruins start to rumble and shake. Are they collapsing?
"Come on, we need to get out of here!" Leon says, looking up.
"O-okay!" the girl says.
And somewhere beyond space and beyond time, the first notes of a song begin to play.
<Pose Tracker> Aphrodia has posed.
<poem> The battle draws to a close. Through their combined powers, they have seized victory against the Zero Assassin. A glimmer of potential shines within them. Halphas Boese regards them for a moment, and then its attention turns to the Island of Mayan, and the ruins on them. It hangs there in the air, impossibly still as the two Variable Fighters move in to investigate them...
Until, eventually, it cranes its head upward, to the sky beyond.
"That song..." Its pilot murmurs, breaking her silence.
"She awakens."
With this observation, Halphas Boese shines. It dissipates into motes of light - and as one they travel upward, back into the sky.