Shattered Heaven

Zach leaned forward against the edge of the plastic chair, the stems arched off the ground as his weight pushed against it. Reine had been sleeping in the infirmary since his match, it has been a few days now and Zach has constantly been by his friend’s side. Even though it was a match and Reine knew of the risks he still couldn’t help but feel responsible for injuring his friend. He couldn’t remember clearly what happened during the match, his memory was blurred; he felt like he blacked out in Hades’ cockpit and that something took control of the throttles. Reine wasn’t severely injured but was stuck in what the doctor’s diagnosed as a “minor comatose” state. His face had a few gashes, nothing too severe. Zach took a deep breath, his ears twitched at the sound of MF’s thrusters in the distance. There was a television in the other room that boomed the current matches for the day. He didn’t care, all he cared about was the well being of his injured friend, he made it to the second round, and the people fighting currently were in ‘H’ section. Section ‘F’ had finished the previous day, there was no one fighting that he felt was strikingly important to be aware of. He was waiting for the last section, ‘I’ to go. He wanted to see Stephen fight. But that wasn’t until the following day, he did manage to squeeze in some time to watch Adam’s match. He was shocked at the ferocity that Adam displayed during the match. It made him worry, he didn’t want to get in Adam’s way, he felt like Adam was angered about something and that the match reflected that. So since then he tried to steer clear from Adam until he calmed down.

“Hey…” Reine soflty managed to mutter. His voice seemed weak and extremely soft. Zach realized that it had to take almost all of his energy to even say that simple phrase.

“Reine? Are you alright?” Zach jumped up from the chair causing it to topple over as his legs

Reine glanced to the side; the tubes that were feeding him liquids were becoming a bother as they hindered his movement. His fingers curled around a few plastic tubes bundling them together in his fist. With a quick jolt he ripped the tubes out from his arm, Zach’s eyes widened as the plastic tubes began to trash through the air spraying the liquid all over the room. Zach raised his arms in an attempt to shield himself from the frigid fluids. Reine began to rub his small wound, a few trickles of blood flowed down his forearm dripping to the floor. It didn’t hurt but it was an eye sore at the least. As the tubes began to calm down when the fluid ran dry Zach realized it was safe to stand up from the ground.

“The tournament? Shouldn’t that be the last thing on your mind right now?”

“…well, everyone else made it to the second round, Stephen hasn’t gone yet.” Zach replied. He picked up the fallen chair and placed it next to Reine’s bed.

“Rebel made it to the second round as well…he completely mutilated Crimson…he will win this tournament.” Zach replied.

“Don’t say that, I’m sure one of you guys will take him out. He’s only human right?” Reine replied smiling.

Zach chuckled meagerly, he wasn’t sure if that was a correct assumption. Everything that Rebel could do pointed to a completely different conclusion than human.

“Are you really feeling guilty over what happened to me?” Reine interrupted. He could see the guilt festering in Zach’s eyes. As Zach’s head slightly drooped to the ground it was confirmed.

“I was fully aware of the risks. And I’m alive aren’t I? Besides, I just couldn’t handle the stress its not like you were going to kill me.” Reine replied.

“Will you stop it already man. I forgive you if that’s what you want to hear.” Reine said.

“Now will you do me a favor and turn on the television. I would like to catch what matches are left in the first round.”

Zach smiled as his fingers took hold of the remote control. With a quick flick the screen lit up revealing the young attractive GNT lead reporter.

“We are drawing closer to the end of the first round of the Azure Cup tournament with the last match of the day closing Section ‘H’. The previous matches have been an exhilarating ride and this match won’t be any different! Rey Fortis, a high ranking Major in the EAP is taking on Zero, one of the EAP’s most established pilots, he has been training under Rey. Teacher versus student, who will prevail? Find out next!” The cheery tone in her dialect made people wonder if she was serious. Every time she spoke she appeared to be in the brightest of moods it almost didn’t seem possible for someone to be constantly happy. Even if it was a front for the camera, but her audience didn’t care about her appearance, or her tone, they just wanted to see the match. People all over the world had become infatuated with the Azure Cup, whether it was the MF’s or the drama of struggle no one knew nor did they care. They needed something to get their mind off the war that was plaguing their world, and this was it. Luscious had succeeded in creating an event that would draw attention away from the horrific war that was only growing worse with each day. Both sides slaughtering the other, there no longer was a clear reason, they were fighting because it was what they were told to do. The South West Territory was no longer surrounded by weapons of destruction; it was a barren land riding up to the massive energy barrier. The war between the EAP and the TA slowly made the transition to a war of hate. There were no more logical or moral excuses decorating the war with pretty radiant colors, the commanding governments pointed their fingers and the soldiers fired. It would only be a matter of time before the war made its way from Mars to Earth but the people of the azure planet didn’t care. Their eyes were glued to their televisions, sucked into the drama of the tournament.

Once again like the previous days families crowded around their screens as two MFs took the center stage for a highly entertaining performance. Rey Fortis’ MF, Morsus was one of the first hover-type MF to partake in the festivities. Hover units were known for their agility, since the legs were replaced by a large flat circular booster the MF had much more agility than a biped or quadruped. These types of legs were known as Hover units because they could hover in the air, over water without draining a significant amount of energy. Underneath the flat structure were at least a dozen miniature thrusters that held a constant flame of energy. Inside the hover-unit was a smaller generator, one for the sole purpose of keeping the thrusters active, this allowed the main generator to use its energy capacity towards other energy consuming weapons. On Earth this type of MF would have a clear advantage but in space, it was on equal footing with any MF due to the lack of intense gravitational forces. Morsus was equipped with a hi-intensity dual laser rifle on both arms, and a multiple missile launcher on the back of the core. Rey also held onto a large metallic sword, it was placed in between the missile launchers on the back of the core.

Rey yawned as his arms outstretched in Morsus’ cockpit. His brightly hued blonde hair covered his crystalline blue eyes. His purple tinted jumpsuit wrinkled at the joints as his arms moved constantly. He wasn’t restless; he just wanted to get the match over with. Zero was his best student, and one of the EAP’s up and coming pilots. It wouldn’t be long before he was given the honor of joining the EAP’s highly admired Omega unit. Zero was a berserker in Rey’s eyes, but not like all of the stereotypical berserkers, he was smart. Zero didn’t just fight and attack on impulse even though it appeared that way; there was always a tactic method to his madness. Zero’s MF, Debello was the first of what the EAP hoped to be their first staple MF design. It was a frame that would be considered anatomically incorrect by human standards, it was a quadruped design, and it needed to be if it hoped to carry the extra weight created by the extra set of arm units that protruded from the sides of the core. The MF could be considered an octagon-like design as it had 8 total limbs. Each arm carried a different type of weapon, the upper right arm held onto an energy saber while the bottom right arm held onto an assault rifle. The upper left arm held onto a grenade launcher and the lower left arm grasped onto a plasma rifle. The sheer power being contained in just the arms was jaw-dropping. To finish off Debello’s awing power was a linear laser cannon that latched onto the back of the core. Rey thought Debello’s concept was a bit excessive but it was the design concept from the EAP’s higher ups. They wished to have their own standard line of MFs for EAP soldiers to use; they believed that only the truly skilled warriors should have the privilege of having their own customized unit. It was a very simplistic ideal, one that even the TA was beginning to implement. It wouldn’t be long until both the TA and the EAP were manufacturing their own units.

“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for…” Zero fidgeted in his cockpit, he had been preparing for the moment where he would topple Rey; his one time teacher.

As the feminine announcer screamed Zero held nothing back. Debello blasted forth, the MF’s four legs seemed dead as they lingered as the core leaned forward as it thrusted. Rey sighed shutting his eyes in disappointment. He had hoped that Zero would have started the match at a much slower pace; give the audience a fun show. But at this speed he gave Rey no choice. A large yellowish flame pierced from the hover unit, Morsus erupted from its stance heading towards Deblello in a zigzagging pattern. Just as Morsus approached Debello Zero sneered and strafed to the left at the last second causing Morsus to speed past. Rey was shocked; Zero had never pulled such a maneuver before in training. As Morsus’ back was revealed Debello launched a tremendous assault. A thick beam of positron energy collided into the Morsus’ missile pack. The force of the explosion sent Morsus tumbling, Zero smirked knowing he had the upper hand and continued to fire. A barrage of grenade shells, and plasma beams continued to pelt onto the defenseless hover-unit. Rey was tossed around, the restraints barely able to keep him restrained.

“Impressive…” Rey mumbled, he truly was impressed by his pupil’s advancement. But he was worried. As expected the constant use of the plasma rifle drained Debello’s energy resevere, Zero shrugged it off, he was confident in his unit’s ability to recover energy at a rapid pace. Rey took the opportunity; Morsus quick turned around and headed straight for Debello firing the dual laser rifle. The thin focused beams of red energy impacted onto the core of Debello. Debello barely made any motions of movement due to its high stability. But the heat was increasing in the core at an alarming rate, and due to this the radiator had to respond in over drive. All of these issues continued to hinder the recovery of energy in Debello. Zero began to pound onto the control panel in frustration; his pupils were quivering as he glanced at the display screen every few seconds to watch Morsus approach.

“You never learn Zero. You need to moderate your attacks, if you don’t then you’re enemy will always have the advantage!”

“SHUT UP!” Zero screamed back refusing to listen to his teacher’s constant critiques.

Morsus grabbed the ignited energy saber and struck the center of Debello’s core. The gash only add to the heat issue, the quad MF finally stumbled back from the force of impact. Zero sneered and fired back with the assault rife and grenade launchers. The onslaught of attacks engulfed Morsus knocking it off course. Rey smiled, Zero was getting more accurate with his desperation. Zero continued to pound on Morsus with the solid weapons as he tried to keep the distance so his MF could replenish its energy.

The intensity of the attacks caused the joints in Morsus’ right arm to crack and sizzle with smoke. Zero’s eyes quickly took notice and began to focus on that one area. He knew that it was now his teacher’s weak point; he would focus all of his attacks in order to disable the right arm. All of a sudden his hears twitched in enlightenment, the pure satisfying sound of the energy surplus being restored eased his heart. He knew what he had to do now. Suddenly Debello burst forth with a commotion of energy. All four of the arms raised and began to jolt backwards as every weapon fired. The combination of solid and energy rounds spiraled alongside each other heading straight for Morsus. Rey quickly pulled his arms to his sides forcing the throttles to jolt; Morsus fly away from Debello while spinning around each round. Morsus then jerked around launching an assault of missiles, the cluster of silver warheads soon bombarded Debello. Zero kept his composure as he maneuvered around the majority of the missiles and shot down the remaining ones. As a caliginous array of smoke loomed in the darkness Morsus calmed down, each missile pod shut.

“…I know you’re not done yet Zero..” Rey began to whisper to himself. Everything was calm, serene; the crowd all stood in anticipation of the matches’ conclusion.

“REY!!!” Zero’s lungs fluctuated with the intensity of his emotions as he screamed. Rey’s eyes widened at the amazing speed that Debello displayed as it ruptured the stagnant sea of smoke with the energy saber extending forward. Rey screamed as well, Morsus charged forward also with the energy saber extended. As the two clashed together a blinding thin light of energy flickered brightly on the screen, everyone began to wonder if it was over.
Stephen and Mario sat in their seats calm, they were able to follow the action; they knew who won.

“He seems like he might be an issue in the tournament don’t you think?” Mario asked as he looked over at Stephen.

“I see, how’s Adam? I mean after that match he seemed a little “off”.”

“Yeah, but not in the same way you and every other pilot is. He doesn’t seem to be afraid of him; he views him as an obstacle right now.”

“An obstacle? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Does he think he can actually beat him?!”

“No, he believes that Rebel is somehow connected with Genesis, and the deceit that has been plaguing the world. He’s only here to find the truth, staying in the tournament is a convenience for that cause.” Stephen replied.

“Me? I’m here to win. Let Adam deal with this stuff for once. I want to enjoy myself for a bit.” Stephen replied laughing.

As the smoke slowly began to disperse the crowd was amazed to see the hover MF disabled, sparking with erratic burst of electricity. Debello loomed over its fallen opponent, Zero smiled and began to chuckle slightly as tears of joy began to roll down his cheek. Rey reclined into the comfort of his chair with an elongated smile covering his face.

“You did well Zero…now you have a chance to win this tournament.” Rey mumbled as he shut his eyes in comfort.

“That’s it everyone! Section ‘H’ has come to its conclusion! Who would have expected the student to topple the teacher? Now only one section remains in the first round! Once again this is Stephanie Star for GNT!” The same news report was replayed on every screen in the lounge in Prosperity. Dozens of pilots all joined together in celebration for their achievements in the tournament. The food court was filled with pilots all enjoying their small break from the action. Adam stared at the tournament ladder that displayed the massive LCD screen in front of the lounge.

            7-Rey
Zero
8-Zero

            Adam laughed a bit under his breath; he couldn’t believe that most of the pilot’s names were actually their names. The names in his opinion were just ridiculous and it would be hard to take them series. As his eyes scanned through the list his heart nearly stopped when it read ‘Nick’, but he soon realized how common a name ‘Nick’ was and that it couldn’t be him.

“Checking out the competition are we?” That voice, it was that same voice that mocked him from a distance merely by its calm demeanor. Adam didn’t want to turn around, he knew once he turned he’d be facing his destiny and he wasn’t sure if he was ready yet. He just smirked and replied keeping his back facing the man.

“It’s good to be aware of your environment. How else can you hope to survive?” Adam replied.

“Hmm, that is a very good observation Adam. How true it is. But you’re not concerned with these peons in the ‘F’ and ‘H’ section. We both know that.”

“Hehehe…you’re right. You’re my only true concern Rebel.” Adam replied.

“I feel the same. I could careless about these other pilots. I’ve seen them fight, none of them compare to you.”

“Heh, thanks for the compliment but I don’t feel that it’s properly deserved. The last time we fought, I barely touched you.” Adam replied.

“That maybe true, but you were limited in what you could have done in that MF. Your instincts, your reflexes kept up with my own, I could feel it. I could feel your frustration; you would move your arms and throttles too fast for the OS to register your actions. I trust that when we meet in this tournament it will be a match to remember. So don’t disappoint me and lose early on.” Rebel replied with a light chuckle.

Adam sighed finally turning around to face his adversary but was met with nothing more than empty space. He sighed, but was soon uplifted by the sound of Sharon’s voice.

Adam smiled, his friends stood at the edge of the upper level of the food court waiting for him so they could start their dinner. His friends meant everything to him; he knew that in order to find out everything he wanted to know that he would have to get his hands dirty. To become what he was fighting against, he would have to become merciless if he hoped to defeat Rebel358 and uncover the secrets Genesis was hiding in the shadows. It was a long road ahead of him; he just hoped that his friends would still be there when things got rough.