Chapter Text
As Shadow Yakumo goes up in flames around them, Kirin lies defeated before Gunvolt, breathing heavily as she clutches her wounds.
Gunvolt: I told you. You can’t defeat me. Now stay down and…huh?
As GV approaches Kirin, the sky begins to glow an ominous red, signaling the arrival of Sumeragi’s orbital satellite, the Star Dragon.
Gunvolt: Crap-! Look out!
Without thinking, Gunvolt shoves Kirin out of the line of fire just before the beam hits, holding it back single-handedly with the power of Azure Striker.
Kirin: What are you-?!
Gunvolt: Go! Get out of here…hurry!
Kirin lingers a moment before dashing away, leaving Gunvolt to struggle under the immense weight of the Star Dragon’s laser.
Gunvolt: Damn it…! There’s no way I’m letting it end here!! HAAAAAAAAAAAGH!
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Deep in an unknown forest, far from the walls of Shadow Yakumo, the remaining forces of FEATHER attempt to regroup...
Zeno: Alright…they shouldn’t be able to follow us from here on out. Moniqa, what’s our headcount?
Moniqa: We’re missing at least a dozen, most likely casualties. On top of that, GV still hasn’t come back yet…
Zeno: That guy...always making us worry. But if I know GV, I’m sure he can handle himse-
A deafening boom fills the empty forest, drawing all eyes to the massive explosion now engulfing Shadow Yakumo.
Moniqa: What *was* that?!
Zeno: Oh no! GV!!
As if on cue, a surge of lightning strikes the ground out of seemingly nowhere, leaving behind a single passenger.
Gunvolt: You guys…
An exhausted Gunvolt collapses to the ground, prompting a concerned Zeno to run over to him.
Zeno: Hey, pull yourself together! GV! GV!!
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(It all started just this morning…)
Ouka: What’s wrong, GV? You’ve barely touched breakfast.
Gunvolt: Sorry, Ouka. Just a little lost in thought, that’s all.
Ouka: I see...well, if there’s anything you need to talk about, I’m always happy to listen.
Gunvolt: Yeah...it’s just...it’s been a year now since Cyan…
Ouka: That’s right...I hadn’t even realized. The last few days, I’ve been thinking about how it’s been almost a year since we met, but I forgot that meant...
Gunvolt: You don’t need to feel guilty about anything, Ouka. It’s thanks to you I was able to find the will to keep living after that horrible night…
(That night...it wasn’t just Cyan that I lost. As painful as it was, I don’t regret what I did to Asimov...but I couldn’t even bring myself to face Zeno and Moniqa. The path I took that day is what led me to meeting Ouka, but even now, I still wonder...did I really make the right decision leaving those two behind?)
Gunvolt: …besides, you’re right. I’d completely forgotten about our anniversary. Better to focus on the good than the bad, right?
Suddenly, a young boy swings open the door, startling both GV & Ouka.
Xiao: GV, bad news!
Gunvolt: Xiao? What are you doing here?
Xiao: It’s about FEATHER…no, about Eden!
Gunvolt: D-did you say Eden?!
(That’s Xiao Wu. Like me, he used to be a member of FEATHER, though it was an overseas branch. As for Eden...well, the less said, the better. Point being, Xiao defected when Eden usurped his nation’s branch, although he still feigned loyalty to help me out with equipment and such.)
Xiao: They must have regrouped here in Japan...and now they’ve made contact with FEATHER here! They’re planning a large-scale assault on a Sumeragi base *tonight!*
Gunvolt: Wait, “made contact?” You mean they’re not taking over by force this time?
Xiao: Who cares about the method? We have to do something, GV!
Gunvolt: ...tell me something, Xiao. Are they still alive?
Xiao: Huh? Is who still alive?
Gunvolt: A teenage boy with spiky orange hair, or an adult brunette with a ponytail. Are either of them still working for FEATHER?
Xiao: Orange...wait, are you talking about Sheeps Leader?
Gunvolt: I knew it.
GV suddenly stands up from his chair, alarming both of his companions.
Xiao: Wait, GV! What are you-?!
Gunvolt: Sorry, Ouka. Xiao. I’m going. After everything that’s happened, I can’t let those two get themselves killed!
Xiao: You’re really going, huh? What about Eden? Did you forget what they did to Cyan?
Gunvolt: Of course I remember what they did to Cyan! But...Sumeragi were the ones who made her life a living hell in the first place! If those two are really going to launch an all-out attack on Sumeragi on their own...I can’t let them throw their lives away!
Xiao: Fine. I trust you on this, GV. Here’s the rendezvous point. Just don’t forget what kind of jackals you’re working with.
Gunvolt: Ouka...chin up, okay? I promise I’ll make it back home safe.
Ouka: Be careful, GV. I know you’ve gotten stronger, but Cyan’s not around to protect you anymore…
Gunvolt: Yeah, I know. I promise I’ll run if things turn south. I’ve been working on a new technique to transfer electrons from place to place, and I think I’m ready to use it for more than just saving gas.
Xiao: I’m staying here to hold down the fort. Good luck, GV.
Gunvolt: …yeah. “Good luck…”