Chapter Thirty-Two: Gleaming Twilight

The anticipation couldn’t have been any higher than it was at the moment. Although the mood was severely dampened due to the nuclear bombing of Berlin the tournament proceeded as scheduled. The final match was preparing to begin shortly following a moment of silence to mourn those who were lost in the bombing of Berlin. News stations were bombarded with phone calls from concerned people from all over the world, all of which had the same comment to say, all condemning the Trinity Alliance for their actions and declaring them evil and murderers. It was clear that the world even some nations within the TA were starting to doubt the credibility of their own governing faction.

“This is crazy what’s been going on….are you sure you’re fine to go through with this match?” Sharon asked.

Adam’s eyes slowly opened as he sat in Blue Dragon’s cockpit listening to her talk through the communications link.

“Yeah….I can’t push this off. Once this tournament is over I’m going back to Earth to try and find a way to fix things.” Adam replied.

“Fix things? You’re one person; you can’t expect to harbor all of this on your shoulders…”

“I know…but if I’m done there, back in the war then I’ll be able to do something.”

“Do you honestly believe that?”

Adam sighed, he wasn’t sure if he did indeed believe that. There was a time when he was thrilled to be part of the military, to be able to help guide humanity to a better future. But seeing how things were turning out now he wasn’t too sure if he was doing the right thing, or what he should be fighting for. There were too many things bothering him, his brother, Nick and Chimera and why he was chosen for the project years ago. Then the manipulation of his parents to create his MF, and then there was the clones that Genesis was producing. None of it made much sense to him, and on top of that now he had to deal with knowing that over 3 million innocent people had lost their lives in an instant. No one had the right to judge when people were to die.

“I’m not sure what I believe in anymore Sharon….all I know is what I can do. And I can fight…”

“Fighting is good and all but what are you fighting for? I think that is what you need to figure out before jumping to any rash decisions.”

“I know….thanks. Just pray for me today ok? I’m going to need it.” At times it felt like he wasn’t about to go and finally face Rebel after all that time had passed. 128 pilots reduced to 2, it was expected to be a climatic end for the Azure Cup.

“You know I will….do your best.”

“I will…” Adam replied smiling back to Sharon. As Sharon placed the headset on the table Amy abruptly appeared behind her.

“I heard you have the nightmares as well….”

“What are you talking about?” Sharon asked turning away from the vibrant clone of the original Amy Caecus.

“The nightmares….you know I have them too….and they fester deep within my stomach. Sometimes I feel empty, but when I think of the nightmares I feel….human. Like I belong here…”

“And that’s why you wish to stay with Adam….because you think by being around him you can have some sort of emotion. An emotion that makes you feel like you’re something you’re not.”

Amy nodded. “Yeah….I just feel like I’m supposed to follow him….I don’t know what it is though.”

Sharon shrugged her shoulders.

            “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to personally welcome you here to the live presentation of the final duel of the Azure Cup Tournament. It has been an exciting month and a half and now it is coming to an end. The winner of this match will be labeled the strongest MF pilot on both Earth and Mars. I hope you have all enjoyed your stay here at Prosperity for those of you who have been living here. And I hope those of you at home have been enjoying the tournament. I would like to say that I am deeply shocked and appalled by the Trinity Alliance’s rash decision. I feel that it was unjust, and I would like now to have yet another moment of silence for the millions in Germany that have died…..” Luscious slowly became quiet bowing his head in prayer. The rest of the pilots and spectators on Prosperity followed suit along with the people living back on Earth. The moment lasted about a minute and Luscious picked up his microphone once again. “Thank you all….and now without any further a due, the final match of the Azure Cup!” He sneered while he walked off the center platform in the middle of the dome with a group of advisors on his side.

“Is it done?” Luscious mumbled.

“Yes…the walls surrounding Utopia have been lifted.”

“Good….I want the clones, all of them transferred there ASAP. We might have to deal with things a lot sooner than expected.”

“Yes sir.”

            The nerves began to build up with full intensity as Adam realized it was his time. Rebel and Shadow had already launched during Luscious’ speech to the public; it was now his time to launch.

“*sigh* Adam Novus….Blue Dragon launching….”  The azure MF took off into space as its thrusters and boosters ignited. The cerulean glow lit up the dark gloomy hanger as the MF moved about. Stephen, Sharon, Mario, Ashley, Michelle and Heather stood at the edge of the hanger all watching as Adam headed out to meet with his opponent.

“Do you think he’ll be alright?” Sharon asked looking up to Stephen.

“We won’t know until the match begins….I’d like to think that he’s ready for this.” Stephen replied.

“I know what you mean….that Rebel; he’s something not from this world. I never met a pilot as intimidating as he is.” Mario replied.

“Adam….” Sharon sighed.

            Rebel smirked as he placed his book to the side once Blue Dragon made its appearance.

“And here I was getting worried that you wouldn’t show up.” Rebel sarcastically said.

“It would have been extremely foolish of me to not have shown up after everything I went through to get here. We settle this today.” Adam replied. He was trying to boast confidence that he knew he didn’t posses. His fingers were trembling along the throttle edges as he stared once again at the beast known as Shadow. Its obsidian armor nearly fading completely into the space black drop, he knew he had a challenge on his hands.

“You see exhausted Adam. Are you sure you’re ready to go through with this?”

“I’m fine. Let’s just get this over with.”

“I see…when your forces are dulled, your edge is blunted, your strength is exhausted, and your supplies are gone, then others will take advantage of your debility and rise up. Then even if you have wise advisers you cannot make things turn out well in the end…” Rebel remarked.

Adam squinted confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Basically to sum it up, you’re exhausted and your head isn’t in the game. And even if you have friends who are knowledgeable and support you, you’ll still lose.” Rebel replied.

“I’m fine….”

“We’ll see.”

The clock suddenly hit zero, the match was to begin.

“Indeed we will!” Adam screamed not wasting a second to get the match started. Blue Dragon exploded firing the dual laser rifles which Shadow easily avoided by swaying to the right. Rebel smirked, he knew Adam was waiting for the match, but he wasn’t expecting him to erupt with such intensity.

“Good, you’re serious about this match. Then maybe I’ll finally get a satisfying match.” Rebel screamed back.           

Adam cringed, waiting for the moment when Rebel would attempt to grab the advantage. Suddenly the crimson boosters equipped on Shadow began to ignite and the obsidian MF took to flight. Adam continued to fire both energy rifles, each arm jolting back and forth from recoil as each round of energy fired. Shadow deflected each beam with its energy saber which was equipped in the left hand. Blue Dragon docked the energy rifle in the left hand replacing it with an energy saber that ignited instantly. Rebel smirked and increased the velocity of Shadow. Shadow quickly vanished from sight like it did in so many of its previous matches. Adam managed to calm his nerves and began to smile. Suddenly Blue Dragon jerked around slashing the left arm through the vacuum of space. To everyone’s amazement the searing beam of energy collided with Shadow’s own energy beam that flung downwards. Sparks of electricity shot out as the two MFs struggled against one another with their energy sabers connected.

“Impressive, you’re the first to ever counter that attack.”

“It’s not that difficult when you do it to every one of your opponents. It was just a matter of me learning your moves and timing them. I will defeat you!” Adam screamed. Rebel’s eyes widened once Blue Dragon exploded with energy once the boosters flared. The blue MF began to push Shadow back while Rebel remained attached to the throttles trying to over power the energy beam emanating from Blue Dragon’s weapon. Next the two thigh cannons pivoted upwards and fired two immense plasma beams. Shadow was hit by the unrelenting beams of energy. As the dark MF flung backwards Blue Dragon sped forward with its left arm arching backwards preparing to strike.

“Heh….not bad….” Rebel replied calmly, he then jerked the throttles hard. Shadow suddenly spun around and then unleashed two rounds from the plasma rifle onto Blue Dragon. The two thickly coated fuchsia beams dispersed outwards into space once it came in contact with the azure torso. The brunt of the beams knocked Blue Dragon of its path of trajectory. Shadow then moved with such grace and eloquence that it demanded appraisal. Adam’s eyes shot open as Shadow abruptly appeared at his side and slashed the core with the energy beam. The radiated beam of energy cut through a good amount of armor spraying out singed metal debris. Adam was jerked around in the cockpit due to the force of the attack. Blue Dragon’s boosters then ignited on the right leg of the MF causing it to kick Shadow on the side of the torso causing the MF to be sent spiraling away.

“I told you I won’t lose to you. I can’t lose!” Adam screamed

“You can’t….this is a tournament Adam. Nothing drastic or devastating will come if you lose. Unless you can’t stand losing….or is it that you can’t stand being an inferior being?!” Rebel shouted.

“Shut up! I don’t want to hear your voice anymore!”

Blue Dragon zoomed towards the spiraling Shadow while firing the right armed energy rifle. The cerulean glowing beams of energy consistently hit their target causing

Shadow to spiral at an even higher velocity.    

“You’ve definitely come a long way. But still, you’re skill leaves something to be desired.” Rebel replied.

“What?!” Adam screamed back while he continued to fire the energy rifle. His attacks were becoming sporadic and careless and it showed. Shadow regained its stability and shot back towards Blue Dragon. Rebel held onto the throttles while his MF moved at high speeds eventually running into Blue Dragon sending it flying backward. Shadow then shot to the left at a curved angle and continued to zoom by the out of control Blue Dragon. Adam cringed as he watched Shadow speed past.

“Erg….no you don’t!” Adam screamed. The Angel System suddenly activated as a cerulean glow began to emanate around the azure wings. Rebel smiled as he headed straight for the back of Blue Dragon with Shadow’s arm preparing to strike with the energy saber. The eight wings launched and began to lock onto the moving Shadow. Shadow was thrown off balance as each orbital wing began to pound heavily onto the obsidian armor. Each time Shadow tried to strike a wing it would just nimbly move away. As Rebel’s attention was kept by the orbital wings Blue Dragon appeared slamming both of its energy sabers together. The right arm flung to the side igniting the dual energy saber and abruptly slashed upwards at a 45 degree angle. Rebel’s eyes widened from the attack, he failed to realize that Adam recovered and managed to move Shadow out of the way. However the cerulean beam of energy emanating from the lower side of the beam sliced cleaning through Shadow’s lower left leg. The leg exploded into pieces of debris as chrome wires fluttered in space constantly spewing out electrical sparks.

“Oh my God….did you see that? He hit Shadow! Someone actually hit Shadow!” One spectator announced as he jumped out from his seat in the dome. Everyone pilot and non-pilot alike stared mindlessly at the screen, all feeling a heightened sensation of anxiety. They felt like they were the ones fighting for the glory of being deemed the strongest MF pilot. And the match continued on, blaring lights emanating from the explosions created from collisions between Blue Dragon and Shadow. It was indeed the match of their lives.

            “You’re doing a lot better than I had hoped….this battle is without a doubt the most satisfying one I have ever been in!” Rebel screamed as he slashed with the energy saber but missed. Blue Dragon countered by firing the dual plasma cannons as Shadow’s torso lunged forward leaving a spot open for attack. The dual cerulean plasma beams erupted on the outer layer of Shadow forcefully sending it in the opposite direction.

“You’re talking a lot more than usual during a match! It’s making you vulnerable!” Adam screamed back.

“On the contrary….”Rebel replied as the crimson boosters ignited and Shadow sped towards Blue Dragon quickly slashing through the right thigh cannon and grazing the right side of the torso just under the arm joint. As electricity began to spark a minor explosion occurred that sent Blue Dragon tumbling. As Shadow began to turn around in order to finish the job the orbital wings once again began to fire relentlessly. Rebel cringed as the dozens of cerulean beams impeded his descent. He then began to fire the plasma rifle in all directions as Shadow’s boosters moved at an angle causing the MF to start spinning in place while firing the rifle. Suddenly beams of plasma energy began to fling out in all directions and at all angles, the orbital wings began to move in attempts to avoid the attacks but some were unsuccessful. 2 orbital wings were engulfed in the beams and exploded instantly while the other six quickly returned to Blue Dragon docking on the back of the torso. 
Just as Shadow began to stop spinning it was hit by dozens of cerulean energy beams all fired from the dual laser rifles. Blue Dragon continued its onslaught as Adam directed. His adrenaline had taken over, and for a few moments he had forgotten about everything that was worrying his conscience.

“Lets skip the formalities shall we? I believe this has been an appropriate test run.” Rebel arrogantly mentioned.

“What? A test run? What the hell? Have you not been taking this match seriously you bastard?!” Adam screamed.

“Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.” Rebel calmly muttered.

Once again his deep proverbs confused Adam.

“Shut up!” Adam yelled. Blue Dragon abruptly swung both energy sabers that were recently equipped and ignited. With ease Shadow avoided the attack and with the blink of an eye kicked Blue Dragon back a few feet and then sped closer and slashed through Blue Dragon’s left arm. Instantly the left arm dislodged from the torso singed and sparking. Being engulfed in the explosion Blue Dragon was tossed out of the cluster of caliginous smoke spiraling downwards.

“Please don’t tell me that what you showed me earlier was it…”

Neo System….engaged… The feminine computer alerted.

Rebel smirked, now would be the moment of his dreams. Shadow dashed towards the descending injured Blue Dragon. The speed at which Shadow moved was undetectable by any FCS or radar leaving Adam blind against Rebel’s attacks. Just as Adam’s head rose and he began to regain Blue Dragon’s stability Shadow’s remaining leg fiercely kicked the torso of the blue MF. As Blue Dragon fell Adam’s body was subjected to a strain he had not felt in a while. His body felt like it was being torn apart limb by limb; the anxiety and nerves that swelled up in his gut caused his conscience to begin to slip every few seconds. He began to think that he wouldn’t be able to beat Rebel, not now that his opponent had admitted to not taking the beginning of the match seriously. Even if it was a bluff on Rebel’s call, it wasn’t something to take lightly.
Just as his vision began to blur and fade to black he saw Shadow advancing with its energy saber ignited in preparation to strike.

“Sharon…..” He mumbled just before he fell unconscious in the heat of the battle.

            Sharon quickly stumbled away from the guardrail where the rest of her friends were as she clutched her chest in pain. Her breathing became slightly erratic, she felt like something had just pierced her heart. She instantly knew that something was wrong, that Adam was struggling. Ashley and Heather instinctively turned around and without a second thought ran to her.

“Sharon! Are you alright!” Heather yelled. The sound of Heather’s voice caused Stephen, Mario and Michelle to abruptly turn around as well.

“Oh my God is she alright? Stephen call the doctors to the hanger!” Mario screamed.

Sharon sighed taking a deep breath as she held out her hand waving to Stephen, signaling him to not call anyone.

“I’m fine….but Adam….he’s in pain. He’s suffering.” Sharon quietly mentioned.

“What? How can you tell that?” Mario interrupted.

“I just know alright….” Sharon paused looking back out into space as Shadow continued to slash at Blue Dragon briefly. The strikes weren’t full blown, only enough to graze and damage the armor.

As Sharon slowly walked back to the edge of the guard rail her eyes closed and her fingers intertwined with one another. She began to pray.

            “Are you done already? Hmpf, oh well. I guess I asked too much of you….well then I guess then isn’t much left to do other than to end this match.” Rebel said disappointingly.

Just as Shadow began to approach Blue Dragon Adam’s eyes shot open as if he heard Sharon’s prayer. With his right hand he quickly typed a few letter combinations and engaged his EX mode.

Angel System….EX Mode engaged.

Just then the six remaining orbital wings abruptly launched from the seemingly defenseless Blue Dragon to Rebel’s surprise. Just as the orbital wings began to fire the remaining thigh cannon pivoted upwards and fired as well. The massive beam of plasma energy burst onto Shadow’s core sending it flying backwards. During its tumble it became bombarded by dozens of cerulean energy beams that caused the obsidian MF to dance violently in space while Blue Dragon burst out heading towards Shadow with newfound speed. Before Rebel could say a word Blue Dragon sped passed slashing the torso with the energy saber which left a deep gash on the core. The force of the strike sent the cockpit to rumble violently, Rebel’s body was flung outwards into the LCD screen. His head jerked back violently as a form of whiplash, because of this he lost control of his MF for an instant. He began to rub the back of his neck in attempts to deal with the pain.

“Ugh….you….” Rebel muttered.

Adam remained quiet as he stared at his target. Blue Dragon once again sped by Shadow but spun around on its side at the last second slicing through Shadow’s right arm. The limb became singed from the attack and floated lifelessly through out the canvas of space.

            Luscious smiled as he took a sip of his red wine.

“It looks like you are a failure after all Rebel…hmm, how amusing….”

            Both Reine and Zach watched the match from Zach’s room in the infirmary. They were amazed by how exciting a match it was.

“Do you think he’ll do it? I mean do you think Adam will win?” Reine asked.

“Yeah….I can tell. Adam will win for sure.” Zach replied.

“You’re right….of course he’ll win”

They both smiled and looked back at the television screen as the match continued.

            Blue Dragon suddenly shot back towards Shadow as the six orbital wings continued to release energy rounds. Rebel began to laugh silently at first, but after a few seconds his laughter was loud enough to echo throughout all of space. Suddenly Shadow’s boosters ignited and the black MF zoomed towards the orbital wings. Adam remained calm and dropped the energy saber in space and grabbed the other one. With the one energy saber in Blue Dragon’s remaining hand the blue MF quickly forced it together with the one floating in space. As the two sabers connected Adam ignited both ends and instantly began to head towards Rebel who was making quick work of the orbital wings. With each second that passed one of the orbital wings exploded into pieces becoming nothing more than burnt pieces of metallic debris.

“What a rush….I must thank you for this match so far Adam. It has been so much more than what I had originally expected.

“Don’t thank me yet. The match isn’t over!” Adam yelled as Blue Dragon slashed but missed. Shadow dashed around the blue MF and managed to slash through the wing docking unit on the back. The unit blew up causing a fiery explosion to send Blue Dragon flying uncontrollably for a few seconds. In those seconds Shadow repeatedly appeared behind Adam and slashed at the back of the MF each time. With each attack more and more pieces of armor flung outwards singed and useless.

“Damn it….*cough*…” Adam’s body was feeling the strain of the EX mode. He had only successfully used it twice before this match. One against Gabriel and the other against his brother, but his body still wasn’t used to the strain for an elongated period of time. Just as Shadow prepared to strike one more time Blue Dragon flipped backwards causing the back of the left leg to collide with Shadow’s core. Rebel was shocked by the attack and was left with no time to block. Shadow was then thrown backwards and Adam was given another chance to go on the offensive.

“That was a good move…but you will not defeat me. You’re not worthy to defeat me! I am superior to you!” Rebel screamed. It was the first time he had ever shown any sign of intense emotion ever.

Adam was frozen in his seat, the sound of his voice in a harsh tone was familiar, but he was unable to pinpoint the origin.

“You think you’re superior?! You’re a great pilot….I’ll attest to that, but you are not some kind of God…you’re still human!” Adam screamed back.

Blue Dragon sped towards Shadow with the dual energy saber flaring and quickly slashed through the remaining leg unit. Just as it exploded Shadow swung its left arm downwards but Adam managed to force Blue Dragon to sway to the right. But the crimson beam of energy pierced the armor of the right leg causing it to explode instantly. Both MFs were thrown off in separate directions.

“I am not human! I am more than human! I am better than human!” Rebel began to rant what Adam thought was nonsense.

“What are you talking about? That’s not possible! If you’re not human than what else can you possibly be?” Adam screamed back.
By this time both Shadow and Blue Dragon regained stability and headed towards each other.

“It doesn’t matter what is possible and what isn’t! The fact of the matter is that I am more than human! I understand what it means to be human! To be free of sin! You humans take everything for granted, the ability to feel, to live and all you do is sin against each and against your creator! You don’t deserve the right to live!”

“What the hell are you saying? This has nothing to do with anything!” Adam screamed. Both Blue Dragon and Shadow collided with one another, their energy sabers rubbing against each other as sparks of electricity and spurts of energy shot out uncontrollably. The two MFs remained engaged trying to out power the other.

“I am saying that this world is based on sin! And needs to be purged! I alone understand this!” Rebel screamed.

“What?!” Instantly dozens of confused thoughts shot through his mind, his pupils widened while his body became numb. He heard the same type of theme coming out from Gabriel’s mouth in their match but didn’t understand what he meant. But here, now he was starting to put things together as best he could. He still didn’t know much, but he was in too much shock to realize what was going on around him.

“Humanity had their time, and they’ve done nothing but sin, and destroy each other. They need to be tried and held accountable for their actions. That time is now!” Rebel screamed. Suddenly Shadow’s boosters exploded with power and Blue Dragon began to move backwards. The dual cerulean energy saber slowly started to arch inwards as Shadow’s saber moved forward.

“Humanity….humanity isn’t like that! Who are you to judge?! Who are you?!” Adam screamed.

“I am…..I am no one!” Rebel screamed back violently.  

Adam cringed as his dual energy saber exploded from the force of energy being exerted. The pieces of metallic debris flung outwards singed in all angles as Shadow’s left arm pushed its way down slicing through Blue Dragon’s right arm causing it to explode. The MF was tossed to the side missing both arms; the cockpit rocked violently causing Adam’s body to fling around in the restraints. His azure helmet smacked hard against the restraining bar inside the cockpit causing the visor to shatter. The plastic shards imbedded themselves into his check causing blood mixed with sweat to drip down his face.  He quickly took his helmet off revealing his sweat drenched brown hair, the wet strands of hair slid over his eyes blocking some of his view. His vision slowly became stained crimson as trickles of blood flowed into his eyelids.
The Angel System suddenly disengaged as Blue Dragon floated in space while Shadow lingered over the severely damaged MF.

“It was a good match, but you are not strong enough to handle what lies ahead. You can not prevent the great tribulation from occurring. It is inevitable.” Rebel replied.

“Ugh….I’ll still try…” Adam mumbled as the remaining thigh cannon fired. Rebel smirked as Shadow easily moved out of the way and slashed through the cannon causing it to explode.

“It’s over….you lost.” Rebel replied.

“…bastard….what are you?”

“Heh…I don’t really know.” He replied.

The crowd watched in awe as the match came to an end with Rebel as the victor.

“Damn….” Mario mumbled under his breath.

“He tried his best….and really gave him a good run.” Heather replied.

“Yeah…but there’s something else.” Sharon interrupted.

As Shadow returned to Prosperity Adam could do nothing but stare at the rotating Earth, he was no longer filled with anxiety and just because he lost didn’t mean he was done fighting.

“I know what I’m fighting for now….I will not let him succeed….”