Gatekeepers Fan Fiction ❯ A Rising Power: Your Heart ❯ Gate Open! Invader Attack in Metro Manila! ( Chapter 4 )

A Rising Power: Your Heart

Chapter 4 - Invader Battle in Metro Manila!

Legend:

Word - denotes a character thought

<Word> - denotes sound effect

[Word] - denotes concept of setting, time

=================================================================== =======================================

[LRT Vito Cruz Station, Philippines]

"What's… happening to me?" Danilo asked himself. He felt a searing power burning throughout his body and it instantly forced him into his knees. He felt an uncontrollable shake running back and forth within him.

Could this be what Yukino meant by my hidden power?

"Argh---!" he exclaimed in pain.

<ZING>

His eyes mirrored inner rings of a gray circle.

<ZING>

A birth…

<TWING>

…his power.

"Argh---!"

<WHOOSH>

He slowly opened his eyes and noticed a gray aura emanating all over him. He was at a loss for words.

No way…

<PHOOSH> <PHOOSH>

Two shots of energy fire missed him by a few inches and gave him a wake-up call to reality. He took a peek around the corner of his hiding place and saw the man in black, or Invader, reloading his cannon.

Tch! That was a close one. Now I got this guy trying to blow me up into kingdom come!

Danilo then tried talking to the Invader.

"Hey mister, what's the deal with shooting me with that weapon of yours? What did I ever do to you?"

<PHOOSH>

The Invader replied with an energy fire. Danilo quickly dove back, avoiding it.

<BOOM>

Another portion of a nearby building was blown up.

"I'll take that as a 'no' then."

The Invader then hovered slowly toward him, with its weapon loaded. Danilo was caught by surprise and started heading down to the city streets.

Yikes! This guy is really bent on destroying me. Better make a run for it!

He ran for dear life.

<PHOOSH> <PHOOSH> <PHOOSH>

Three shots from the Invader narrowly missed him, and destroyed a branch of a BCI Bank. Nearby bystanders began to panic and scattered, trying to run away from the chaotic pursuit. Danilo turned around to see the Invader hovering behind from a distance, continuously firing off his weapon at any obstruction in its path of pursuit.

He's so persistent… but I can't drag innocent people into this! Hmm… how the heck can I use my powers?

He took cover inside the Philippine Sports Commission building and leaned against a wall, catching his breath.

The Invader hovered about outside the building, planning its next move on its target.

=============================================================== ===========================================

[Ninoy Aquino International Airport, afternoon]

"Sir?" the pilot of the AEGIS transport plane started waking up the sleeping Shun in his seat.

"Zzz… Rurippe… I'll be back soon… zzz," Shun spoke in his sleep.

"Um… sir, please wake up." The pilot shook him by the shoulders slowly.

"Yawn… h-huh? W-What happened?" he groggily opened his eyes and wiped off sleep.

"We've already landed in Ninoy Aquino International Airport, sir."

"Yawn… time to go work then." Shun stretched his body and flexed his arms. He took the mission folder he read and disposed it in a nearby paper shredder.

"Good luck in the mission, sir." the pilot greeted farewell.

Shun gave a quick salute to him and walked down the steps of the provided staircase.

A white jeep was parked nearby and its driver stood relaxed, leaning against it. He had a fair complexion --- light brown skin; black, short hair --- and wore a hat to lessen discomfort from the sun's rays. Black leather shoes, white jeans, and polo adorned his body. Taking off his hat, he looked up and waved at Shun.

"Mabuhay, Shun Ukiya! Welcome to the Philippines!" he greeted.

Shun walked up and observed him for a second.

He seems friendly. I guess this must be the agent mentioned in the file.

He saluted him.

"Thank you for the welcome."

"Well, I'll be! It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Ukiya. Reynaldo Fuerte, A.E.G.I.S. Philippine branch; call me Reynaldo. I'm just an agent trying to make a living here," Reynaldo shook his hand, "Hop in, sir."

Shun helped himself to the front passenger seat in Reynaldo's jeep.

"Any recent Invader activity happening?" he asked.

"Nothing yet so far. However," Reynaldo started the ignition on his jeep.

<CH, CH, CH>

<VROOM>

The engine roared to life. The Filipino agent drove the jeep off to the route leading to the A.E.G.I.S. HQ in Manila.

"However?" Shun asked.

Keeping his eyes on the road, Reynaldo replied, "It seems that there was a strange detection of an unknown Gate energy in our radar back at HQ. What's weird about it is that it seems to disappear and appear at a frequent rate in different locations here in Metro Manila."

"That's the same thing my superior told me back there in Japan. Anything else?" Shun watched the bustling scenery of the metropolis around him as they passed by.

It looks somewhat like Tokyo. It could use a little improvement in the renovation though.

"Other from that, nothing. A few days ago, my boss got a call from your superior stating your visit here for a closer inspection on the matter. And so, here we are."

Reynaldo turned on the radio.

<CLICK>

"Welcome back listeners. You're listening to Yes! FM radio station. Let's get started on those requests, yes?" a DJ of Yes! FM radio station announced. Seconds later, a mix of jazz and R n B music chimed in. Reynaldo began humming the music as he drove on.

<DING, DANG>

"We interrupt this music broadcast for a news report. It seems that an armed man is wreaking havoc on the Harrison area of Pasay City. On the scene right now is reporter JV Victor. Victor, what's happening over there?" a news announcer broke in the radio waves.

"Well, Richard, it seems that this armed man is shooting bursts of energy all over this area! Woah!"

<BOOM>

"That was close! This has turned into a battle zone! Police are hopeless to stop him. Even the SWAT team that was dispatched minutes earlier couldn't help. It seems this man is covered entirely in black clothes. We still have no information as to the identity of this attacker, but we'll keep updates as possible. Over to you, Richard."

"That was JV Victor's report. We will keep you posted as…"

<CLICK>

Reynaldo switched the radio off.

"It looks like something's brewing already. Should we investigate it, Mr. Ukiya? Or wait for news from A.E.G.I.S. Manila HQ?"

"Hmm… I'd rather do something about that than just waiting for orders. Drive me to that area, Reynaldo."

Shun took out from his backpack a pair of fighting gloves with the A.E.G.I.S. insignia on it and wore them. He also took out his bokuten, a wooden samurai sword that amplifies his Gate power.

"Yes sir!"

Reynaldo then shifted the jeep into high gear and drove it to the said area. He punched in a few buttons on the radio. In an instant, a mini com-link appeared in place of the radio. A man's face appeared on the small screen.

"Hey Rey, you heard the news?" he asked. He had a somewhat otaku look, but was a little handsome.

"Siyempre naman, Jiro. I've picked up the Gatekeeper from Japan, and he's with me now. Mr. Ukiya, this is Jiro Rales, our communications officer in A.E.G.I.S. Manila HQ," Reynaldo introduced Shun to him.

He waved at him.

"Hello there, Jiro, I'm Shun Ukiya, Gatekeeper of Wind. I'm sorry we couldn't head straight to the HQ, but it seems Invader activity has appeared and can't be overlook. We're heading there already."

He resembles more of Megane.

"It's great to see the famous Shun Ukiya in person. You're the person who defeated Reiji Kagayama, the one who led the Invader attack in your home country a few years back, no? Welcome to the Philippines. Anyway, Rey, the boss wants you and Mr. Ukiya to check it out."

"Roger that, Jiro. Over and out."

Reynaldo pressed a few buttons on the mini com-link.

<BEEP> <BEEP> <BEEP>

"Transformation sequence activated in 5 seconds," a female digitized voice said.

"What's that sound, Reynaldo?" Shun asked, confused.

"Mr. Ukiya, I take it you rode in one of the transformable armored vehicles of A.E.G.I.S. there in Japan?"

"5…"

"4…"

"Yes I have."

"3…"

"2…"

"Well, please buckle your seat belt. We're in for a fast ride."

Both men buckled their seat belts.

"1…"

"And blast-off!" Reynaldo exclaimed.

"0."

<CHING, CHING>

<VROOM>

Shun looked all over the jeep and found that it was transforming.

Just like the bus in Japan. I never cease to be amazed by these!

"Transformation sequence activated."

The jeep turned into a sleek, armored road racer.

<ZAPAK>

<BROOM>

In a few seconds, twin rocket boosters were on the jeep's sides and shot it forward with much speed and power. Inside the jeep, it felt like riding in a fighter jet plane and breaking the sound barrier. Shun felt the urge to scream in astonishment as he felt the adrenaline inside him starting to kick in.

"Hold on!" Reynaldo exclaimed.

=============================================================== ===========================================

[Philippine Sports Commission HQ, Pasay City]

Legend:

"Word" - denotes Yukino's dialogue

==========

"Damn… how long can I run from that weirdo?" Danilo exclaimed. He was inside the building at the lobby. He cautiously peeked from his hiding place and saw the Invader hovering outside, circling around him like a hunter going after the prey.

<DOKI>

A sweltering beat was on his forehead, bringing down on his knees.

<ZING>

The same gray aura emanated all around him.

I can't ran away… I must fight.

He clenched his fists and closed his eyes. He shut off other thoughts in his mind and focused in trying his new Gate power. He then heard Yukino speak out.

"It is up to you to discover your inner self. Running away doesn't solve anything. It is also in your body, mind, and heart where you control your action and consequences."

"Tch… Yukino, quit speaking like that! And now's not that the time for this!" Danilo exclaimed mentally.

"Danilo… please… don't forget… my request."

"I won't forget! Hello? Yukino?" Danilo then heard no more from her.

Guess I'll be hearing from her kami knows when. I'm tired being the mouse. He's going down!

He opened his eyes and ran outside.

<VHOOM>

Only to be locked in sight of the waiting Invader.

"Target found. Activating gattling plasma."

A gattling head appeared outside its weapon.

Danilo mocked it.

"You want me? Here I am!"

<BA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA>

Rapid mini plasma bullets rushed towards its target.

"Uh-oh."

Danilo punched the ground beneath him and ducked, trying to shield himself from the projectiles. He closed his eyes, expecting the end.

One lousy mistake… I guess this is it.

<CLANK> <CLANK> <CLING> <CLANK> <CLING>

"Huh?"

He opened his eyes slowly and saw himself bathed in gray aura. What surprised him more was the fact that the aura formed an all-around energy shield.

<BA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA>

The Invader opened fire again.

<CLANK> <CLANK> <CLING><CLANK> <CLING>

But its bullets either bounced back or got absorbed.

Danilo looked at it with a sly grin.

"Now's my turn to play!"

Hmm… I guess I got nothing else but to try this.

He then formed his hands to create a fireball, copying a fighting video game he played before.

"Try this! HADOKEN!"

He threw the created projectile towards the Invader.

"Energy increase and Power ratings up by 50%. Insufficient battle data," it said.

<BAM>

Instead of being knocked with such impact that could be sent flying, it simply took the blow and shrugged it off as if nothing.

Danilo dropped his jaw in astonishment because of two things: a.) He managed to throw a fireball like in his video games and b.) His attack had no effect.

N-No way! Then I guess I'll charge at him with all I got!

Hands clenched into fists, he rushed at his opponent.

"Ah---!"

He felt his senses heighten. He threw in a series of punches and kicks to all of its body with a high dose of speed that when seen from another POV, he was a blur circling over his opponent.

<BAM> <BIFF> <POW> <POW> <BIFF>

He then jumped a distance from it and maintained a defensive position. But he felt himself breathing heavily.

"Huff… puff… huff… puff… this Gate power sure takes a lot out of me. That should make a mark on him!" he eyed the Invader warily.

The Invader stood still and took a few steps. Suddenly, it crashed to the ground.

<CRASH>

"Guess… I win then."

Danilo dropped to his knees to catch a breath. After, he stood up and turned around, ready to run to his place. As he took a step, he heard a sound.

<SLUSH>

"No way…"

He turned around.

The Invader instantly got to its feet.

"Systems check… fighting ability 67%. Activating program "Ball"," it said. Suddenly, more of itself appeared one after the other. Then, a bright flash showered, forcing Danilo to close his eyes. As he managed to open them, he was dumbfounded at what he saw.

Instead of the many Invaders in a group, it was a giant ball of them. Their faces were all around it, each with an emotionless look.

"Unreal!" Danilo exclaimed.

The "ball" then started rolling towards him.

There was only one option for him: run like hell. And that's what he did after seconds of adjusting his mind back to reality.

=============================================================== ===========================================

Meanwhile.

<SCREECH>

"Waah… oof!" Shun exclaimed as his face was pressed against the windshield of the transformed armored road racer. Luckily for him, he had his safety belt buckled up.

"Mr. Ukiya, okay ka lang? Pasensya ka na sa itong kotse, I figured you get used to our organization's transportation," Reynaldo said to him in concern. An anime-styled teardrop was behind his head.

<POP>

"Gah! Uh… it's… no problem Reynaldo. I haven't ridden anything like this for a long time, eh. Are we in the said area already?" Shun asked, rubbing his face. Mental note: must know what transportation I'm taking when in missions.

"Yes sir, we are. Hmm… looks like a lot of damage has been done by the Invader," Reynaldo said as the two men got off from the vehicle. Shun noticed smoke nearby.

"Hey, what about there? Let's check it out!"

They made their way to the heavily damaged Philippine Sports Commission building. It was in ruins. Piles of rubble and debris were scattered all over.

"Damn… we were too late," Reynaldo remarked.

"Hmm… it seems so. But wait a minute!"

Shun saw a rolled trail starting from the entrance leading to the outside.

"It looks like the Invader was pretty big in doing some big damage here."

They checked the area for any survivors or casualties, but found none.

"At least there were no people found here. Reynaldo?"

He saw the Filipino agent standing at an exposed staircase. He walked up and found him watching carefully.

"What're you looking for?" He asked.

"Mr. Ukiya, take a look there."

Reynaldo handed him a portable binocular and pointed to a spot he eyed on. Shun looked through the instrument and followed the direction pointed by him.

"What on earth…" he muttered. He saw a huge, black ball rolling recklessly, destroying many buildings in its way. He zoomed in the object and saw many faces of Invaders bunched up together.

"That's an Invader! It's turned into a giant wrecking ball! Come on, Reynaldo, we're going after it!" he exclaimed, handing back the binoculars to his companion.

As they ran back to their transport, Reynaldo asked, "Anong sinabi mo, sir? The Invader is a huge ball?"

He was surprised at hearing such a form of the enemy.

"Yes. And I fear that we're going to need more than just my Gate power here," Shun replied.

The two hurried inside the specialized road racer and drove off in a hurry, following the destructive trail of the Invader.