Gundam SEED Fan Fiction ❯ Gundam Seed Shadow ❯ Episode 18 ( Chapter 19 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Hcps 
Anime/Manga: Gundam SEED Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 02.12.2012 | Pages: 5 | Words: 7.2K | Visits: 136 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Gundam SEED Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 02.12.2012 | Pages: 5 | Words: 7.2K | Visits: 136 | Status: Work In Progress
Episode 18
The episode opens up with the camera looking at Jack's Archangel Class ship, in the corner of the screen the time is displayed 1pm. We cut inside to what looks like a small indoor gym, a shooting range has been set up. Nick, Roxas, Cagalli and Shadow are standing as Drake begins to give everyone a gun.
Drake: From 1pm until 2pm you guys will work on your shooting.
Drake gives everyone a semi-automatic pistol except Nick who takes out his own gun. Drake begins to demonstrate how to correctly hold a gun.
Drake: Now pay attention; you put your dominant hand over your gun like this, keep the gun in-between your thumb and the index finger. You put three fingers on the grip, your index finger will be on the trigger when you fire but when you're not firing make sure you keep your finger on the side of the gun. You then take your non-dominant and put it over your dominant hand; you should slightly title your non-dominant.
Drake nods towards the range
Drake: Alright that's basically it so go get started and please don't shoot yourselves.
He says this looking at Shadow, Shadow pretends not to notice. Cagalli asks
Cagalli: Shouldn't you make sure we understand how to hold a gun first before we start shooting?
Drake looks annoyed
Drake: Who's the master and who’s the student, now go and start shooting!
Nick, Cagalli, Roxas and Shadow take their positions on the range and begin to open fire. Nick and Cagalli seem to know what they're doing, and Shadow and Roxas seem to have a good understanding of the basics.
Drake: Cagalli you're holding the gun too tightly, Roxas title your non-dominant hand slightly.
They empty their magazine and stop firing
Drake: Let's see how you did.
Drake hits a switch and the targets come forward. The targets are circular and not human shaped targets with not counting the center 5 rings. The outer most ring will be the first ring, the fifth ring is the closest to the bull's-eye. Everyone goes over to look at Nick's target first, all Nick's shots hit the bull's-eye. Everyone looks impressed but not surprise
Cagalli: Good job Nick.
Shadow: As expected from the cowboy.
Roxas: Have you ever missed before?
Nick tips his hat
Nick: Thanks mates and yes I have miss before but it's been a while.
Drake nods his head in approve
Drake: Your form, aim and reloading was perfect. Who taught you how to shot?
Drake asks curious
Nick: Oh well my old man taught me the basics mate and since my folks have a lot of property me and my brothers practice every day after we finished the chores.
Drake nods his head in understanding
Drake: I see; I'll increase the distance of the target for your next round.
Everyone walks over to Cagalli's target next. She hit mostly between the third and fourth rings with two hits on the fifth ring. Everyone looks surprise and slightly impressed
Shadow: Wow, who knew the princess could shoot.
Nick: Not bad mate.
Roxas: Cagalli knowing you can shoot a gun turns me on even more!
Cagalli grins with pride as she takes a step away from Roxas
Cagalli: I told you guys I had fighting experience. My bodyguard taught me how to shoot.
Drake comments
Drake: That wasn't bad but your grip on your gun is too tight, make sure you loosen it slightly; I'll keep your target distance the same.
They go over to Roxas target next, Roxas hit the first, second and third rings. Everyone looks surprise.
Cagalli: I didn't know you could shoot.
Roxas beaming with pride
Roxas: I didn't until 5 minutes ago.
Now everyone looks more surprise
Shadow: Wait you did that good on your first attempt at shooting!
Nick: That's amazing mate!
Drake: Good job, you just need to work on your aim. I’ll keep your target distance the same as well.
Roxas smiles at Shadow
Roxas: Don't be too jealous of my natural talent Shadow.
Shadow snaps
Shadow: We haven't seen my target yet so shut up; after all they save the best for last.
Shadow says the last part in a grand voice. Roxas, Cagalli and Drake roll their eyes, they walk over to Shadow's target. Shadow has completely missed the target, not a single shot has even grazed the target.
Cagalli: Wow talk about a crappy shot.
Roxas: Shouldn't you've hit the target at least once by dumb luck?
Shadow embarrass snaps
Shadow: The stupid gun must be broken!
Drake insulted snaps back
Drake: The guns are fine, I personally check them. You're just a crappy shot!
Nick taking pity on Shadow
Nick: Now come on mates give the guy a break; it was his first time after all.
Drake gets his composer back
Drake: Nick has a point; it is your first time so I'll just decrease your target distance. Everyone get back to your places and prepare for the next round.
Everyone goes back to their places as Drake changes the target paper. He then hits a switch and the targets begin to move back, Nick's target is the furthest away, Cagalli's and Roxas's targets go back to where they were the first time.
Shadow's target is the closest maybe 12 feet away. They open fire again, we cut forward in time, everyone has gather around Shadow's target to see that once again he's missed every shot.
Nick: Ok even I have to admit you're pretty bad shot mate.
Cagalli: Wow Shadow you are the worst shot I've ever seen.
Roxas: Seriously shouldn't you have hit the target at least once by now out of dumb luck?
Shadow blushes deep red from embarrassment, then yells
Shadow: Guns are stupid weapons! Now swords are the weapon of a true warrior!
Cagalli rolls her eyes
Cagalli: Well tell me how that goes when you try to fight a guy with a gun with just a sword.
Shadow starts glaring at Cagalli. Drake is growing frustrated
Drake: Alright Shadow since I can't figure out why you keep missing so badly you'll go again by yourself.
Drake hits a switch and brings the target even closer to Shadow maybe 3 feet away. Shadow looks insulted
Shadow: Oh come on!
Drake snaps
Drake: When you can hit the bull's-eye every time then I'll increase the distance of the target so shut up and shoot!
Shadow still annoyed turns around and prepares to fire. Cagalli and the others take a step back to give him room. Shadow takes the correct stance and grip.
Drake (He's taking the correct stance and grip so how the hell does he keep missing?)
Shadow opens fire on the target; from this distance we can see that he's missing every shot, suddenly we focuses on one bullet. The bullet misses the target and rick-a-shays off the ground towards Cagalli. Drake grabs the collar of Cagalli's shirt and yanks her out of the way of the bullet.
Drake: Shadow stop firing!
Shadow stops firing. The target once again looks brand new, Cagalli, Nick, and Roxas are too stun for words. Drake pissed storms over to Shadow and snatches the gun out of his hands.
Drake: Give me that before you shoot yourself!
In less than a millisecond Drake disarms the gun and drops it on the ground.
Drake: Are you missing on purpose!
Drake accuses Shadow. Shadow is highly insulted
Shadow: Of course not!
Drake: Then do you have some kind of mental block!
Shadow: Do I look like a nut job to you!
Shadow says glaring at Drake. Drake takes a visible effort to calm down. Once he regains his composer, he says
Drake: For whatever reason that only god knows you are physically incapable of shooting a gun, so from this point forward I hereby ban you from ever using or holding a gun again!
Shadow outrage shouts
Shadow: You can't do thaARAGA!
Before he finishes talking Drake grabs Shadow by the throat and begins to forcibly drag him to the exit. Shadow struggles but Drake is way to strong compared to Shadow to even notice. Drake talks to the others as he walks away
Drake: You guys go back to practicing your shooting. Until I get back Nick you're in charge so help Cagalli and Roxas out with their shooting.
Nick tips his hat in understanding. Cagalli asks worried
Cagalli: What are you going to do to Shadow?
Drake still pissed says
Drake: I'm going to give this idiot something else to work on while you guys train.
Drake drags Shadow out of the gym/training room. The others look at each other for a moment then go back to training. The camera cuts outside to a deserted part of the beach next to the indoor dock, Drake has just set up a target.
The circler target is the same type of targets arches use to shoot arrows at. Drake takes a step back to admire his work, then he walks over to Shadow who seems depressed. Drake sighs
Drake: Oh would you get over not being able to shoot already. We all have a weapon that just escapes us and no matter how hard we train with it we just can't seem to use it. In your case that just happens to be the single most used weapon in human history the gun.
Shadow doesn't look that much better
Shadow: Thanks
He says sarcastically. Drake gives Shadow one of his knifes
Drake: Since it's apparent that you won't be able to use a gun I'll skip that part of your training and go straight to knife throwing. Try to throw the knife at the target.
Shadow takes on an extreme focus look; one can assume that he's determine not to suffer the same humiliation again. He's about 12 feet from the target, he throws the knife at the target and manages to hit the outer most circle of the target. Drake nods his head
Drake: Good at least you hit the target. Everyday when everyone else goes to practice their shooting you'll come here and work on your knife throwing instead.
Drake gives him four more knifes
Drake: Keep practicing I'll come back to check on you later.
The scene ends with Drake leaving Shadow practicing his knife throwing techniques. The next scene opens up with Shadow back in the gym/training room.
The shooting range equipment has been put up and in its place there are training mates, in the corner of the screen the time is displayed 2pm. Drake is standing in front of the group
Drake: From 2pm to 4pm you guys will spare with each other.
Drake turns to a rack with similar weapons to what the Gundam pilot's use. He begins to give each person their corresponding weapon.
Drake: I've taken the literately of making replicas of your weapons; they're exactly the same but I've dull the blades so that they don't cut.
Nick asks
Nick: What about my gun mate, how'd you make it non-lethal?
Drake takes Nick's replica gun and fires it at Shadow's knee, a paintball comes out and hits Shadow in the knee causing him to collapse to the ground.
Shadow: OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Shadow holds his knee; Drake looks unfazed while everyone else is shocked.
Drake: I change it into paintball gun, but don't worry I made sure the weight and balance is the same as your own gun.
Shadow still holding his knee is extreme pissed off
Shadow: WHY THE HELL DID YOU SHOOT ME!
Drake shrugs uncaringly
Drake: Because I felt like it, now get up and go spare with Nick. Oh one more thing even though the blades are dull they can still crake open skulls so no attacks to the head.
Shadow reluctantly gets up. Nick looks at him concern
Nick: Are you sure you're ok mate?
Shadow says stubbornly
Shadow: I'm fine; I'll kick your ass with one leg!
Nick smiles at him
Nick: We'll see about that mate.
Drake gestures to what looks like a car jack with a pad on it
Drake: Since we only have one sparring mate you guys will alternate every ten minutes between sparring partners, the people not sparring will work on their stretching. Roxas you're the only one that doesn't have to do this?
Shadow recovering and still pissed asks
Shadow: Why doesn't she have to do this?
Roxas replies in a seductive voice
Roxas: Because I'm flexible.
Roxas standing on two legs lifts one of her legs all the way to her head and begins to scratch behind her ears with her toes. Shadow has gotten over his anger
Shadow: Ok that's really hot!
Cagalli rolls her eyes
Cagalli: Pervert!
Drake starts yelling at them
Drake: What are you guys doing wasting time! Shadow Nick start your sparring match, Cagalli get over here and start stretching!
Shadow seems to have fully recovered
Shadow: Fine
Nick and Shadow step onto the mat and face each other
Drake: Ready set go!
Drake says this in kind of a rush voice. Nick is momentarily surprise by the rush start but Shadow takes that moment and charges at Nick with his sword. However he only gets half way to Nick before Nick recovers and takes out his gun and shoots Shadow in both knees. Shadow falls to the ground in pain
Shadow: OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Nick turns to Drake
Nick: Isn't it unfair mate to have Shadow fight me since I use a gun?
Drake is unmerciful
Drake: Shadow is a swordsman and stats show that 90% of Gundam Fighters use a gun of some kind, so the faster he learns to fight against an opponent using a gun the better off he'll be. Shadow if you don't get off the ground in the next minute I'm going to be your sparring pattern and I don't show mercy when you're on the ground.
As Shadow struggles to his feet Drake turns to face Cagalli
Drake: Cagalli put your right leg on the car jack.
Cagalli puts her right leg on the car jack; Drake begins to crank the car jack lifting Cagalli's leg in the air. Cagalli surprise starts to swing her arms to keep her balance.
Cagalli: Whoa!
Drake stops cranking the car jack when Cagalli's leg gets waist high. Cagalli hops a little but still manages to keep her balance. Drake nods his head
Drake: Good, you'll stay like that for the next ten minutes until your sparring match with Roxas.
Drake walks back over to see how Shadow's match is going as the camera goes black. We see the words 20 minutes later appear, and then the camera goes back to normal. We see that Shadow and Nick are now the ones that have their legs on the car jack elevated to their waist.
Shadow is cover in paintball spots, the camera goes over to show Roxas and Cagalli sparring. Cagalli is breathing heavily, Roxas is on all four legs moving in a wolf like fashion. Cagalli charges intending to do a spear stab attack.
Roxas jumps to the side easily avoiding the attack. Roxas moves forward under Cagalli's guard and performs and upward vertical claw slash. Roxas stops her attack short so that her golden claws are right under Cagalli's throat. Cagalli gulps as Roxas smiles
Roxas: Got you again Cagalli.
Drake sighs
Drake: Alright that's enough. Roxas you stay in, Cagalli sub out with Nick.
Cagalli moves off the mat. Nick however doesn't move
Nick: No
Drake surprise turns to face Nick
Drake: What!
Nick faces him evenly
Nick: It's against my code to fight a lady mate!
Everyone is surprise by this mark. Drake's surprise turns to anger
Drake: What kind of stupid reason is that!
He yells at Nick. Cagalli turns to Drake
Cagalli: Well I think it's nice to see that there's one gentleman among you brutes.
She says this eyeing Shadow and Drake, both of them look annoyed by the comment.
Drake: Well I don't give a damn, sparring is an important part of any training regiment and if you don't give me the proper sparring time
Shadow has heard enough and cuts Drake off in the middle of his threat
Shadow: Leave him alone Drake I'll spar with him instead of the girls.
All eyes turn to Shadow. Shadow goes on
Shadow: I mean Nick seems to have been in plenty of fights with different people before so I don't think he needs to fight against different people but if you want him to have the same amount of sparring time as everyone else I'll spend extra time sparring with him.
Nick goes to say something but Drake holds up a hand.
Drake: You do realize that means you'll have to do an extra 20 minutes sparring with Nick and 10 minutes with each girl to make up Nick's time.
Nick looking at Shadow concern
Nick: Hey mate it's alright you don't have to
Shadow doesn't let him finish
Shadow: It's fine; I'm the weakest one here so it makes more sense for me to do extra sparring practice and besides this is the sort a thing Team Leaders are supposed to do.
Drake grins at him
Drake: Actually I say you're tied for weakest with Cagalli.
Cagalli offended
Cagalli: Hey
Drake sighs
Drake: Fine, if you want to work yourself to death for a friend then be my guest. Shadow you're up against Roxas now.
Shadow walks up onto the mat, we once again enter slideshow mode. The pictures are of Shadow fighting Roxas, Nick and Cagalli. Shadow looks like he's getting his ass kick in his fights with Nick and Roxas but with Cagalli it looks like he's even.
The camera goes back to normal, in the corner of the screen we can see the words 4pm. Nick has his other foot on the car jack and Nick's foot is above his waist now. The camera moves over the mat to show that Shadow is fighting Cagalli.
Shadow and Cagalli are in a face off, Cagalli has her Guan Dao in a diagonal across her chest with the blade over her left shoulder and the pole over her right leg. Her hands are spread out evenly, and she's griping the pole tightly as she blocks Shadow's attack.
Shadow's katana is making contact with the Guan Dao in the middle of the pole, both of them are pushing at each other with all their might. We can see sweat dripping down their face, their muscles tensing as they put all their weight into their weapons.
They're gritting their teeth and glaring at each other as both of them refused to give ground. We can see their feet digging into the ground when suddenly Drake claps his hands.
Drake: Alright that's enough its 4pm and Dinner time, so everyone head to the cafeteria.
Shadow and Cagalli separate, both put their hands on their knees and start panting. Shadow is cover in even more paintball spots. Shadow looks up at Cagalli and grins
Shadow: *pant* I almost *pant* had you *pant* that time.
Cagalli looks up and grins at him
Cagalli: *pant* what are *pant* you talking *pant* about, I was *pant* just about *pant* to beat you.
Roxas is getting impatient
Roxas: We're going to leave you behind if you two keep stalling!
Cagalli and Shadow get up and walk over to Roxas and Nick. Drake gets in front of Shadow
Drake: Hold on a second Shadow, aren't you forgetting something?
Drake asks with his evil smile. Shadow sensing what's to come asks unease
Shadow: What?
The camera cuts to the lunchroom. Jack eating nods her head
Jack: I see so that's why you've got your foot resting on that car jack.
The camera turns around to show that Shadow sitting across from Jack has his left foot on the car jack and is slightly elevated above his waist. Everyone is sitting around the table eating, Shadow looks miserable.
Shadow: Drake says I have to make up 40 minutes of stretching time now during my break.
Nick looks at him guiltily
Nick: I'm sorry mate; you don't have to do this.
Jack cuts in angry
Jack: Damn straight he doesn't; you two why don't you help him split the sparring time up so he doesn't get work to death!
Jack demands from Roxas and Cagalli, both blink in surprise having not thought of that but Shadow jumps in.
Shadow: That's enough Jack, look I'm fine, and don't worry about it Nick just make it up to me by winning your first Gundam Fight.
Shadow says smiling at Nick, Nick is momentary surprise then smiles back
Nick: Count on it mate!
Jack still looks unhappy. Kenny says
Kenny: Don't worry, Shadow maybe weak but his endurance is second to none.
Shadow offended by the weak part
Shadow: I'm not weak!
Everyone else laughs. The camera looks up then looks down indicating a time skip. Jack and Kenny have left the eating area. Drake has brought in a projector, Shadow and the others are sitting in a chair facing Drake. At the corner of the screen the time says 5pm, Shadow looks bored
Shadow: So what are we going to do now Drake, walk on fire, catch daggers blindfolded, or wrestle tigers?
Drake looks at him slightly annoyed
Drake: None of the above but that last part sounds interesting; I'll have to remember that. Anyway from 5pm to 7pm you'll do school work.
Shadow and Roxas openly moan, Nick and Cagalli only look slightly annoyed.
Shadow: Why?
Drake doesn't like being question
Drake: Because I said so!
Everyone starts glaring at him. Drake seeing this answer isn't going to satisfied them sighs
Drake: Look I'm mainly going to teach you medical information; how to treat gun and slash wounds, where the arteries and major organs are and so on.
Cagalli looks skeptical
Cagalli: And what does this have to do with Gundam Fighting?
Drake is annoyed by her attitude
Drake: Nothing, this will help you more if you get into human vs. human situations. If you or your teammate gets hurt in human combat and there's no medic around you'll have to know how to do a quick treatment right there and then. And you'll definitely need to know where the arteries and major organs are for several reasons, the first of them being so you can protect them from attacks, and second so you know where to aim.
Cagalli eyes him coldly.
Cagalli: So we can know the most effective way to kill?
Drake replies her cold gaze with and even one.
Drake: So you can choose whether or not to kill; in most fights when a person kills another the killer often claims ignorance, "I didn't mean to kill him, it was either him or me", but in truth it's very easy to incapacitate someone without killing them, all you need is the knowledge and skill. Knowing where the arteries and major organs are is the first step to gaining the knowledge and you’re already on the path to gaining the skill.
Cagalli looks at him straight in the eyes then lowers her head.
Cagalli: Sorry
Drake nods his head, then goes on
Drake: As for the math, science and history stuff, I don't know how that will help you but in a fight you'd be surprise what seemingly random fact suddenly gives you a crazy idea that saves your life, so let's get started.
Drake turns around and turns on the projector. Once again the camera looks up then fades into black. The camera goes back to normal and looks down to show Drake leading Shadow, Nick, Roxas and Cagalli out of the ship in the corner of the screen the time 7pm is displayed. Shadow looks tired, Cagalli grins at him
Cagalli: You know I'm not surprise it was actual mental education that finally made you tired.
Shadow glares at her
Shadow: I'll have you know that I pass public school with all high marks!
Nick turns to him and smiles
Nick: Same here mate!
They high-five, then Shadow turns to grin at Cagalli.
Shadow: What about you princess?
Cagalli glares back
Cagalli: I didn't go to public school, my father hired private tutors for me. What about you Roxas?
Roxas walking on four legs again looks up and says in a grand voice
Roxas: I was home school by nature!
Everyone looks at Roxas unsurprised, while they've been talking Drake has lead them to another ship. This ship looks big and bulky like a cargo ship (should be noted that even though I say ship, none of these look like regular ships and none of them are on water, one can assume that they are all capable of some level of flight).
The back has been lower to the ground to make some kind of ramp. Drake leads them over to a man standing by the ramp. He has what can best be described as an I-Pad in his hands and seems to be in the process of writing something down in it.
Drake: Hello Aston.
Aston looks up from what he's doing and sees Drake.
Aston: Hi Drake.
He looks over Drake's shoulder and nods towards Shadow and the others
Aston: Are those the rookie pilots you're managing?
Drake nods his head
Drake: Yup
Aston doesn't look please
Aston: They look pretty weak.
Shadow, Nick and Roxas are offended
Nick: Hey!
Shadow: Who are you calling weak!
Roxas: I'll kick your ass!
Aston looks unconcern by their threats. Cagalli annoyed turns to Drake and asks
Cagalli: May I ask who your rude friend is Drake?
Drake looks at Cagalli irritated
Drake: Ok first off don't you ever talk to me in that snotty political voice again or I'll kick your ass and second this is Aston. Aston is in charge of the shipping docks in Arianna city.
Aston nods his head
Aston: Hello, don't bother telling me your names Drake has already told me all about you guys.
Aston turns to face Drake
Aston: Sorry Drake but I've got to run, there's a problem down in North Dock that I have to go deal with right away.
Drake isn't bother
Drake: Don't worry about it, see you later Aston.
Aston begins to walk away
Aston: See you Drake, and good luck rookies.
He says this last part to Shadow and the others as he walks away. Nick turns to Drake
Nick: What did he mean about North Dock mate?
Drake bored answers
Drake: Arianna has four shipping docks, North, South, East, and West; we're in East Dock right now. You'll see Aston in the docks most of the time; if you ever need information he's the one to talk too.
Cagalli curious asks
Cagalli: Why?
Shadow answers
Shadow: Because he runs the docks so he or his people probably overhear a lot of the conversations from crew members waiting for orders or their ship to be repair.
Drake nods his head
Drake: Very good Shadow, I see all those cop movies out their now a day's aren't a complete waste of money.
Shadow grins with pride, Cagalli looks at him annoyed. Drake walks up the ramp and into the ship, Shadow and the others follow him.
There are people on the ship but their either working on something or just standing around doing nothing, either way they don't pay the Gundam Pilots much mind. Shadow and the others are looking around slightly curious as Drake leads them over to a pile of solid steel blocks.
Drake: Aston also helps run a steel import company and that's where you guys come in.
Shadow doesn't like where this is going
Shadow: I don't like where this is going.
Drake gestures to the steel blocks
Drake: Your last exercise for the day is simple; all you have to do is move the steel blocks onto a truck outside the dock.
Cagalli annoyed asks
Cagalli: Aren't their mechanics that do that?
Drake turns and smiles at her
Drake: There are but it's cheaper to just make you guys do it, so get to it!
Shadow and the others walk over to the pile of steel blocks. Shadow goes to lift one of the steel blocks; he manages to slightly lift it off the ground before he drops it.
Shadow: Whoa those things are heavy!
Cagalli rolls her eyes
Cagalli: What did you expect, that's solid steel.
Shadow starts glaring at Cagalli. Nick steps in-between the two.
Nick: Come on mates; let's carry these in teams of two.
Shadow, Cagalli, and Roxas nod their head in agreement. We enter slideshow mode, the pictures just show Cagalli, Shadow, Nick, and Roxas carrying the steel blocks to the truck while alternating partners. There are a couple of pictures of them dropping the blocks or resting on the ground.
The camera exits slideshow mode and we see the apartment Shadow and co are staying at. The lights are off and in the corner of the screen we see the time 10pm. The door opens and the lights come on as Shadow, Cagalli, Nick, Roxas, Kenny, and Jack walk in. They all look exhausted, Shadow, Roxas and Cagalli collapse on the couch.
Cagalli: I've never been this sore and tired in my life.
Shadow lifts his head and grins
Shadow: Drake was right; these weights definitely feel 10 times heavier than they did at the beginning of the day.
Jack gets a drink out of the fridge and begins to pour drinks for Nick, Kenny and herself. They're at the kitchen area,
Jack: You guys think you had it rough; me and Kenny barely manage to finish one Gundam Frame today, and that's only one frame, tomorrow we've got to start installing the inner circuitry. At this rate I have no idea how we're going to make three Gundams in a month.
Cagalli depress says
Cagalli: At least you guys will still be alive at the end of your training, I'm not sure I'll survive anymore of this.
There's a moment of tired silence and doubt, then Shadow gets up.
Shadow: You guys worry too much everything will work out in the end, *yawn* I'm heading to bed.
As Shadow begins to head to bed, Cagalli looks up and asks disbelievingly.
Cagalli: Oh yea, then tell us how will everything work out Shadow?
As Shadow begins to climb the stairs to the bedroom he turns to face her and grins.
Shadow: I don't know it's a mystery!
The scene ends with Cagalli rolling her eyes as Shadow heads to bed. The next scene opens up showing Shadow and the others sleeping, in the right hand corner of the screen we see 6am Day 2. The lights snap on and a horn starts blaring. Shadow jumps in the air and falls awkwardly to the ground, he looks pissed.
Shadow: I swear to god I'm going to find that stupid horn and drown it in a river!
We once again enter slideshow mode, this time there's inspirational training music going on in the background. We see pictures of Shadow, Nick, Roxas, Cagalli running and Drake yelling at them to go faster, getting hit by dodge balls.
Doing the step punch step kick jog, climbing stairs, jumping on the squares, falling off the squares, doing sit-ups and push-ups, eating with Jack and Kenny. Nick, Cagalli, and Roxas practicing their shooting, Shadow practicing his knife throwing, Shadow, Nick, Cagalli and Roxas sparing with each other although we never see Nick spar with any of the girls.
Of Drake teaching; Shadow, Nick, Roxas and Cagalli lifting and carrying steel blocks to the truck outside, and of Kenny and Jack working on the Gundams. All the pictures have the time and day in the lower right hand corner. The pictures are in order by day, day 2, day 3, day 4 etc. and none of them go past day 13.
In the later pictures we can see Shadow keeping pace with Nick and Roxas we can also see that they're not getting as tired as they were in the beginning. Shadow, Nick and Roxas are also getting better at dodging the dodge balls.
They're getting faster at doing the step punch and step kick, Nick and Shadow are able to lift their legs higher in their kicks; they're also not having as much trouble doing push-ups and sit-ups. Nick, Roxas and Shadow are able to jump from square to square easily and aren't falling as often.
Shadow is also doing better in his sparing matches with Roxas and Nick although he's still getting his ass kick. Shadow Nick and Roxas are able to carry an entire steel block by themselves now.
The only one that doesn't seem to be getting better is Cagalli and Drake seems to notice this. The slideshow ends and the camera goes back to normal to show Cagalli, Roxas and Nick practicing on the shooting range, in the lower right corner of the screen the time and day is displayed Day 14, 1:20pm. Drake walks in
Drake: Nick and Roxas come with me. Cagalli you stay.
Drake turns around and exits without waiting for an answer, confused Nick, Roxas, and Cagalli look at each. Nick shrugs then runs to catch up with Drake, Roxas is right behind him.
Cagalli watches them go then turns to face the shooting range then after a moment’s pause turns back to face the door. The camera cuts to the lunchroom. Shadow, Jack and Kenny are already in there when Drake walks in with Nick and Roxas right behind him. Nick doesn't like being left in the dark.
Nick: Alright mates what's going on?
Shadow shrugs he also looks annoyed
Shadow: Don't ask me Drake just said he wanted to talk to us.
Nick and Roxas walk over to where Shadow, Jack and Kenny are sitting. Roxas walking on all fours quickly scans the room then asks
Roxas: Why's Cagalli not here?
All eyes turn to Roxas. Roxas staring at Drake narrows her eyes and goes on
Roxas: You've got the whole team here except Cagalli who you specifically told not to come!
The suspicion in her voice is clear. All eyes turn to Drake now; Drake gives a short laugh then grins slightly.
Drake: Ha, you don't miss a beat. As you can all guess I gather everyone here to talk about Cagalli.
No one likes were this is going
Kenny: What about?
Drake blinks and says simply
Drake: I want her gone.
Everyone is shocked
Jack, Kenny, and Roxas: What!
Nick: Why!
Drake starts yelling silencing them
Drake: WHY, WHY, because out of all you guys she's the only one who hasn't progress in her training!
Jack: So you want to get rid of her because she's weak!
Drake sighs. The camera zooms out momentary to show Cagalli hiding next to the door, she looks shocked. The camera zooms in back on Drake
Drake: It's not the weakness I have a problem with; it's her lack of progress that's pissing me off!
Nick shrugs
Nick: So it takes the miss longer to get better at stuff, I don't see how that's a good enough reason to just get rid of her mate!
Drake shakes his head
Drake: You misunderstand, I didn't say she was progressing slowly, I said she wasn't progressing at all!
Everyone is surprise. Drake goes on as he gestures at Shadow
Drake: Shadow is progressing slowly but we can still see him getting slightly better whereas Cagalli isn't getting better at all! She's just a burden to the team; it be better if you get rid her now before your first fight!
Jack is angry
Jack: Who made you an expert on progress, how do you know that she isn't getting better at such a slow rate that you just can't notice!
Drake yells back
Drake: Because I've been doing this job before you were even a sparkle in your father's eye! If she had gotten even a 1/100 percent better at anything I would have notice!
Seeing their looks of anger Drake sighs
Drake: Look I know you guys like her and you think she's your friend but she's the only one that isn't putting 100% into her training and that's why she isn't progressing!
Kenny asks
Kenny: I hear what you're saying but our first match is 2 weeks away and we're already short one fighter, if we get rid of Cagalli we’ll be short 2 fighters.
Drake is unconcern
Drake: Don't worry about that, I can find you 2 fighters in 2 weeks.
There's a moment of pause as everyone works to think of something to say. Drake sees this hesitation
Drake: I only agree to manage this team because I thought you guys were serious and determine to become a professional Gundam Team, and not some punk kids looking to get some kicks. Being a professional Gundam Team isn't something you just wake up when day and say "Oh I know, today I want to be a Gundam Fighter", it's something that you put your blood and sweat into and work yourself to the ground to become!
Everyone is silent as they take this in, then Shadow speaks, as he speaks his voice grows in volume and anger.
Shadow: We know this Drake, and if you think for one second that we haven't put everything we've got into this training then your
Drake cuts him off
Drake: I'm not questioning your guy's effort; it's obvious that you're putting everything you have into this training but it's just as obvious that Cagalli isn't. If it was the majorly of you guys not putting enough effort into the training then I would have stop managing you all together but it's just one person so it's simple. Just dump the person not pulling her weight!
No one knows what to say. Drake once again sighs
Drake: I know it may seem mean to just get rid of her but trust me a person like her doesn't have the drive to push themselves beyond their limit and that is an invaluable thing you need to have to become a successful Gundam Team.
Nick and Kenny look to the ground defeated, Jack and Roxas are glaring at Drake but it looks like they're force to accept it. The camera zooms out a little to show Cagalli leaning against the outside wall next to the door; she's overheard everything and looks miserable.
Shadow: You're wrong!
Although Shadow doesn't raise his voice he says this firmly, all eyes turn to him surprise, even Cagalli looks up from herself pity surprise. Drake narrows his eyes on Shadow
Drake: Listen brat I've got 40 years of experience reading people, are you saying that you can read people better than me!
The threatening tone is his voice is clear but Shadow doesn't back down.
Shadow: No, all I'm saying is that you're wrong about Cagalli. I can see a spark in her eyes!
Now Drake is confused
Drake: Spark?
Shadow nods his head
Shadow: It's been buried deep in there through years of politician upbringing and crappy rules of etiquette but it’s there and I believe that one day that spark will grow into a great and powerful inferno!
The camera zooms out to show a shock Cagalli. The camera zooms back in on Shadow to show that everyone else is shocked. Shadow and Drake are staring at each other seeming to have a battle of wills.
Drake: A spark huh, well I don't see it! What if I say that either Cagalli goes or I go?
Deep surprise crosses everyone's face as they begin to look back and forth between Shadow and Drake.
Shadow: Then I would have to say thanks for everything and goodbye.
Shadow and Drake resume their staring contest. A bullet would have trouble piercing the tension, after a tense moment Drake sighs.
Drake: You really are a stubborn idiot aren't you? Go get back to your training.
Nick, Roxas, Jack, Kenny and Shadow get up and begin to walk out of the cafeteria. Cagalli has duck down a hall and isn't seen by them. Drake is the last person to come out, he stops and looks in the direction of Cagalli. He alone is not fooled
Drake: Don't think this is over; you and I are definitely going to have a talk about this later!
The episode ends with Drake walking away and Cagalli just leaning on the wall once more looking miserable.
The episode opens up with the camera looking at Jack's Archangel Class ship, in the corner of the screen the time is displayed 1pm. We cut inside to what looks like a small indoor gym, a shooting range has been set up. Nick, Roxas, Cagalli and Shadow are standing as Drake begins to give everyone a gun.
Drake: From 1pm until 2pm you guys will work on your shooting.
Drake gives everyone a semi-automatic pistol except Nick who takes out his own gun. Drake begins to demonstrate how to correctly hold a gun.
Drake: Now pay attention; you put your dominant hand over your gun like this, keep the gun in-between your thumb and the index finger. You put three fingers on the grip, your index finger will be on the trigger when you fire but when you're not firing make sure you keep your finger on the side of the gun. You then take your non-dominant and put it over your dominant hand; you should slightly title your non-dominant.
Drake nods towards the range
Drake: Alright that's basically it so go get started and please don't shoot yourselves.
He says this looking at Shadow, Shadow pretends not to notice. Cagalli asks
Cagalli: Shouldn't you make sure we understand how to hold a gun first before we start shooting?
Drake looks annoyed
Drake: Who's the master and who’s the student, now go and start shooting!
Nick, Cagalli, Roxas and Shadow take their positions on the range and begin to open fire. Nick and Cagalli seem to know what they're doing, and Shadow and Roxas seem to have a good understanding of the basics.
Drake: Cagalli you're holding the gun too tightly, Roxas title your non-dominant hand slightly.
They empty their magazine and stop firing
Drake: Let's see how you did.
Drake hits a switch and the targets come forward. The targets are circular and not human shaped targets with not counting the center 5 rings. The outer most ring will be the first ring, the fifth ring is the closest to the bull's-eye. Everyone goes over to look at Nick's target first, all Nick's shots hit the bull's-eye. Everyone looks impressed but not surprise
Cagalli: Good job Nick.
Shadow: As expected from the cowboy.
Roxas: Have you ever missed before?
Nick tips his hat
Nick: Thanks mates and yes I have miss before but it's been a while.
Drake nods his head in approve
Drake: Your form, aim and reloading was perfect. Who taught you how to shot?
Drake asks curious
Nick: Oh well my old man taught me the basics mate and since my folks have a lot of property me and my brothers practice every day after we finished the chores.
Drake nods his head in understanding
Drake: I see; I'll increase the distance of the target for your next round.
Everyone walks over to Cagalli's target next. She hit mostly between the third and fourth rings with two hits on the fifth ring. Everyone looks surprise and slightly impressed
Shadow: Wow, who knew the princess could shoot.
Nick: Not bad mate.
Roxas: Cagalli knowing you can shoot a gun turns me on even more!
Cagalli grins with pride as she takes a step away from Roxas
Cagalli: I told you guys I had fighting experience. My bodyguard taught me how to shoot.
Drake comments
Drake: That wasn't bad but your grip on your gun is too tight, make sure you loosen it slightly; I'll keep your target distance the same.
They go over to Roxas target next, Roxas hit the first, second and third rings. Everyone looks surprise.
Cagalli: I didn't know you could shoot.
Roxas beaming with pride
Roxas: I didn't until 5 minutes ago.
Now everyone looks more surprise
Shadow: Wait you did that good on your first attempt at shooting!
Nick: That's amazing mate!
Drake: Good job, you just need to work on your aim. I’ll keep your target distance the same as well.
Roxas smiles at Shadow
Roxas: Don't be too jealous of my natural talent Shadow.
Shadow snaps
Shadow: We haven't seen my target yet so shut up; after all they save the best for last.
Shadow says the last part in a grand voice. Roxas, Cagalli and Drake roll their eyes, they walk over to Shadow's target. Shadow has completely missed the target, not a single shot has even grazed the target.
Cagalli: Wow talk about a crappy shot.
Roxas: Shouldn't you've hit the target at least once by dumb luck?
Shadow embarrass snaps
Shadow: The stupid gun must be broken!
Drake insulted snaps back
Drake: The guns are fine, I personally check them. You're just a crappy shot!
Nick taking pity on Shadow
Nick: Now come on mates give the guy a break; it was his first time after all.
Drake gets his composer back
Drake: Nick has a point; it is your first time so I'll just decrease your target distance. Everyone get back to your places and prepare for the next round.
Everyone goes back to their places as Drake changes the target paper. He then hits a switch and the targets begin to move back, Nick's target is the furthest away, Cagalli's and Roxas's targets go back to where they were the first time.
Shadow's target is the closest maybe 12 feet away. They open fire again, we cut forward in time, everyone has gather around Shadow's target to see that once again he's missed every shot.
Nick: Ok even I have to admit you're pretty bad shot mate.
Cagalli: Wow Shadow you are the worst shot I've ever seen.
Roxas: Seriously shouldn't you have hit the target at least once by now out of dumb luck?
Shadow blushes deep red from embarrassment, then yells
Shadow: Guns are stupid weapons! Now swords are the weapon of a true warrior!
Cagalli rolls her eyes
Cagalli: Well tell me how that goes when you try to fight a guy with a gun with just a sword.
Shadow starts glaring at Cagalli. Drake is growing frustrated
Drake: Alright Shadow since I can't figure out why you keep missing so badly you'll go again by yourself.
Drake hits a switch and brings the target even closer to Shadow maybe 3 feet away. Shadow looks insulted
Shadow: Oh come on!
Drake snaps
Drake: When you can hit the bull's-eye every time then I'll increase the distance of the target so shut up and shoot!
Shadow still annoyed turns around and prepares to fire. Cagalli and the others take a step back to give him room. Shadow takes the correct stance and grip.
Drake (He's taking the correct stance and grip so how the hell does he keep missing?)
Shadow opens fire on the target; from this distance we can see that he's missing every shot, suddenly we focuses on one bullet. The bullet misses the target and rick-a-shays off the ground towards Cagalli. Drake grabs the collar of Cagalli's shirt and yanks her out of the way of the bullet.
Drake: Shadow stop firing!
Shadow stops firing. The target once again looks brand new, Cagalli, Nick, and Roxas are too stun for words. Drake pissed storms over to Shadow and snatches the gun out of his hands.
Drake: Give me that before you shoot yourself!
In less than a millisecond Drake disarms the gun and drops it on the ground.
Drake: Are you missing on purpose!
Drake accuses Shadow. Shadow is highly insulted
Shadow: Of course not!
Drake: Then do you have some kind of mental block!
Shadow: Do I look like a nut job to you!
Shadow says glaring at Drake. Drake takes a visible effort to calm down. Once he regains his composer, he says
Drake: For whatever reason that only god knows you are physically incapable of shooting a gun, so from this point forward I hereby ban you from ever using or holding a gun again!
Shadow outrage shouts
Shadow: You can't do thaARAGA!
Before he finishes talking Drake grabs Shadow by the throat and begins to forcibly drag him to the exit. Shadow struggles but Drake is way to strong compared to Shadow to even notice. Drake talks to the others as he walks away
Drake: You guys go back to practicing your shooting. Until I get back Nick you're in charge so help Cagalli and Roxas out with their shooting.
Nick tips his hat in understanding. Cagalli asks worried
Cagalli: What are you going to do to Shadow?
Drake still pissed says
Drake: I'm going to give this idiot something else to work on while you guys train.
Drake drags Shadow out of the gym/training room. The others look at each other for a moment then go back to training. The camera cuts outside to a deserted part of the beach next to the indoor dock, Drake has just set up a target.
The circler target is the same type of targets arches use to shoot arrows at. Drake takes a step back to admire his work, then he walks over to Shadow who seems depressed. Drake sighs
Drake: Oh would you get over not being able to shoot already. We all have a weapon that just escapes us and no matter how hard we train with it we just can't seem to use it. In your case that just happens to be the single most used weapon in human history the gun.
Shadow doesn't look that much better
Shadow: Thanks
He says sarcastically. Drake gives Shadow one of his knifes
Drake: Since it's apparent that you won't be able to use a gun I'll skip that part of your training and go straight to knife throwing. Try to throw the knife at the target.
Shadow takes on an extreme focus look; one can assume that he's determine not to suffer the same humiliation again. He's about 12 feet from the target, he throws the knife at the target and manages to hit the outer most circle of the target. Drake nods his head
Drake: Good at least you hit the target. Everyday when everyone else goes to practice their shooting you'll come here and work on your knife throwing instead.
Drake gives him four more knifes
Drake: Keep practicing I'll come back to check on you later.
The scene ends with Drake leaving Shadow practicing his knife throwing techniques. The next scene opens up with Shadow back in the gym/training room.
The shooting range equipment has been put up and in its place there are training mates, in the corner of the screen the time is displayed 2pm. Drake is standing in front of the group
Drake: From 2pm to 4pm you guys will spare with each other.
Drake turns to a rack with similar weapons to what the Gundam pilot's use. He begins to give each person their corresponding weapon.
Drake: I've taken the literately of making replicas of your weapons; they're exactly the same but I've dull the blades so that they don't cut.
Nick asks
Nick: What about my gun mate, how'd you make it non-lethal?
Drake takes Nick's replica gun and fires it at Shadow's knee, a paintball comes out and hits Shadow in the knee causing him to collapse to the ground.
Shadow: OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Shadow holds his knee; Drake looks unfazed while everyone else is shocked.
Drake: I change it into paintball gun, but don't worry I made sure the weight and balance is the same as your own gun.
Shadow still holding his knee is extreme pissed off
Shadow: WHY THE HELL DID YOU SHOOT ME!
Drake shrugs uncaringly
Drake: Because I felt like it, now get up and go spare with Nick. Oh one more thing even though the blades are dull they can still crake open skulls so no attacks to the head.
Shadow reluctantly gets up. Nick looks at him concern
Nick: Are you sure you're ok mate?
Shadow says stubbornly
Shadow: I'm fine; I'll kick your ass with one leg!
Nick smiles at him
Nick: We'll see about that mate.
Drake gestures to what looks like a car jack with a pad on it
Drake: Since we only have one sparring mate you guys will alternate every ten minutes between sparring partners, the people not sparring will work on their stretching. Roxas you're the only one that doesn't have to do this?
Shadow recovering and still pissed asks
Shadow: Why doesn't she have to do this?
Roxas replies in a seductive voice
Roxas: Because I'm flexible.
Roxas standing on two legs lifts one of her legs all the way to her head and begins to scratch behind her ears with her toes. Shadow has gotten over his anger
Shadow: Ok that's really hot!
Cagalli rolls her eyes
Cagalli: Pervert!
Drake starts yelling at them
Drake: What are you guys doing wasting time! Shadow Nick start your sparring match, Cagalli get over here and start stretching!
Shadow seems to have fully recovered
Shadow: Fine
Nick and Shadow step onto the mat and face each other
Drake: Ready set go!
Drake says this in kind of a rush voice. Nick is momentarily surprise by the rush start but Shadow takes that moment and charges at Nick with his sword. However he only gets half way to Nick before Nick recovers and takes out his gun and shoots Shadow in both knees. Shadow falls to the ground in pain
Shadow: OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Nick turns to Drake
Nick: Isn't it unfair mate to have Shadow fight me since I use a gun?
Drake is unmerciful
Drake: Shadow is a swordsman and stats show that 90% of Gundam Fighters use a gun of some kind, so the faster he learns to fight against an opponent using a gun the better off he'll be. Shadow if you don't get off the ground in the next minute I'm going to be your sparring pattern and I don't show mercy when you're on the ground.
As Shadow struggles to his feet Drake turns to face Cagalli
Drake: Cagalli put your right leg on the car jack.
Cagalli puts her right leg on the car jack; Drake begins to crank the car jack lifting Cagalli's leg in the air. Cagalli surprise starts to swing her arms to keep her balance.
Cagalli: Whoa!
Drake stops cranking the car jack when Cagalli's leg gets waist high. Cagalli hops a little but still manages to keep her balance. Drake nods his head
Drake: Good, you'll stay like that for the next ten minutes until your sparring match with Roxas.
Drake walks back over to see how Shadow's match is going as the camera goes black. We see the words 20 minutes later appear, and then the camera goes back to normal. We see that Shadow and Nick are now the ones that have their legs on the car jack elevated to their waist.
Shadow is cover in paintball spots, the camera goes over to show Roxas and Cagalli sparring. Cagalli is breathing heavily, Roxas is on all four legs moving in a wolf like fashion. Cagalli charges intending to do a spear stab attack.
Roxas jumps to the side easily avoiding the attack. Roxas moves forward under Cagalli's guard and performs and upward vertical claw slash. Roxas stops her attack short so that her golden claws are right under Cagalli's throat. Cagalli gulps as Roxas smiles
Roxas: Got you again Cagalli.
Drake sighs
Drake: Alright that's enough. Roxas you stay in, Cagalli sub out with Nick.
Cagalli moves off the mat. Nick however doesn't move
Nick: No
Drake surprise turns to face Nick
Drake: What!
Nick faces him evenly
Nick: It's against my code to fight a lady mate!
Everyone is surprise by this mark. Drake's surprise turns to anger
Drake: What kind of stupid reason is that!
He yells at Nick. Cagalli turns to Drake
Cagalli: Well I think it's nice to see that there's one gentleman among you brutes.
She says this eyeing Shadow and Drake, both of them look annoyed by the comment.
Drake: Well I don't give a damn, sparring is an important part of any training regiment and if you don't give me the proper sparring time
Shadow has heard enough and cuts Drake off in the middle of his threat
Shadow: Leave him alone Drake I'll spar with him instead of the girls.
All eyes turn to Shadow. Shadow goes on
Shadow: I mean Nick seems to have been in plenty of fights with different people before so I don't think he needs to fight against different people but if you want him to have the same amount of sparring time as everyone else I'll spend extra time sparring with him.
Nick goes to say something but Drake holds up a hand.
Drake: You do realize that means you'll have to do an extra 20 minutes sparring with Nick and 10 minutes with each girl to make up Nick's time.
Nick looking at Shadow concern
Nick: Hey mate it's alright you don't have to
Shadow doesn't let him finish
Shadow: It's fine; I'm the weakest one here so it makes more sense for me to do extra sparring practice and besides this is the sort a thing Team Leaders are supposed to do.
Drake grins at him
Drake: Actually I say you're tied for weakest with Cagalli.
Cagalli offended
Cagalli: Hey
Drake sighs
Drake: Fine, if you want to work yourself to death for a friend then be my guest. Shadow you're up against Roxas now.
Shadow walks up onto the mat, we once again enter slideshow mode. The pictures are of Shadow fighting Roxas, Nick and Cagalli. Shadow looks like he's getting his ass kick in his fights with Nick and Roxas but with Cagalli it looks like he's even.
The camera goes back to normal, in the corner of the screen we can see the words 4pm. Nick has his other foot on the car jack and Nick's foot is above his waist now. The camera moves over the mat to show that Shadow is fighting Cagalli.
Shadow and Cagalli are in a face off, Cagalli has her Guan Dao in a diagonal across her chest with the blade over her left shoulder and the pole over her right leg. Her hands are spread out evenly, and she's griping the pole tightly as she blocks Shadow's attack.
Shadow's katana is making contact with the Guan Dao in the middle of the pole, both of them are pushing at each other with all their might. We can see sweat dripping down their face, their muscles tensing as they put all their weight into their weapons.
They're gritting their teeth and glaring at each other as both of them refused to give ground. We can see their feet digging into the ground when suddenly Drake claps his hands.
Drake: Alright that's enough its 4pm and Dinner time, so everyone head to the cafeteria.
Shadow and Cagalli separate, both put their hands on their knees and start panting. Shadow is cover in even more paintball spots. Shadow looks up at Cagalli and grins
Shadow: *pant* I almost *pant* had you *pant* that time.
Cagalli looks up and grins at him
Cagalli: *pant* what are *pant* you talking *pant* about, I was *pant* just about *pant* to beat you.
Roxas is getting impatient
Roxas: We're going to leave you behind if you two keep stalling!
Cagalli and Shadow get up and walk over to Roxas and Nick. Drake gets in front of Shadow
Drake: Hold on a second Shadow, aren't you forgetting something?
Drake asks with his evil smile. Shadow sensing what's to come asks unease
Shadow: What?
The camera cuts to the lunchroom. Jack eating nods her head
Jack: I see so that's why you've got your foot resting on that car jack.
The camera turns around to show that Shadow sitting across from Jack has his left foot on the car jack and is slightly elevated above his waist. Everyone is sitting around the table eating, Shadow looks miserable.
Shadow: Drake says I have to make up 40 minutes of stretching time now during my break.
Nick looks at him guiltily
Nick: I'm sorry mate; you don't have to do this.
Jack cuts in angry
Jack: Damn straight he doesn't; you two why don't you help him split the sparring time up so he doesn't get work to death!
Jack demands from Roxas and Cagalli, both blink in surprise having not thought of that but Shadow jumps in.
Shadow: That's enough Jack, look I'm fine, and don't worry about it Nick just make it up to me by winning your first Gundam Fight.
Shadow says smiling at Nick, Nick is momentary surprise then smiles back
Nick: Count on it mate!
Jack still looks unhappy. Kenny says
Kenny: Don't worry, Shadow maybe weak but his endurance is second to none.
Shadow offended by the weak part
Shadow: I'm not weak!
Everyone else laughs. The camera looks up then looks down indicating a time skip. Jack and Kenny have left the eating area. Drake has brought in a projector, Shadow and the others are sitting in a chair facing Drake. At the corner of the screen the time says 5pm, Shadow looks bored
Shadow: So what are we going to do now Drake, walk on fire, catch daggers blindfolded, or wrestle tigers?
Drake looks at him slightly annoyed
Drake: None of the above but that last part sounds interesting; I'll have to remember that. Anyway from 5pm to 7pm you'll do school work.
Shadow and Roxas openly moan, Nick and Cagalli only look slightly annoyed.
Shadow: Why?
Drake doesn't like being question
Drake: Because I said so!
Everyone starts glaring at him. Drake seeing this answer isn't going to satisfied them sighs
Drake: Look I'm mainly going to teach you medical information; how to treat gun and slash wounds, where the arteries and major organs are and so on.
Cagalli looks skeptical
Cagalli: And what does this have to do with Gundam Fighting?
Drake is annoyed by her attitude
Drake: Nothing, this will help you more if you get into human vs. human situations. If you or your teammate gets hurt in human combat and there's no medic around you'll have to know how to do a quick treatment right there and then. And you'll definitely need to know where the arteries and major organs are for several reasons, the first of them being so you can protect them from attacks, and second so you know where to aim.
Cagalli eyes him coldly.
Cagalli: So we can know the most effective way to kill?
Drake replies her cold gaze with and even one.
Drake: So you can choose whether or not to kill; in most fights when a person kills another the killer often claims ignorance, "I didn't mean to kill him, it was either him or me", but in truth it's very easy to incapacitate someone without killing them, all you need is the knowledge and skill. Knowing where the arteries and major organs are is the first step to gaining the knowledge and you’re already on the path to gaining the skill.
Cagalli looks at him straight in the eyes then lowers her head.
Cagalli: Sorry
Drake nods his head, then goes on
Drake: As for the math, science and history stuff, I don't know how that will help you but in a fight you'd be surprise what seemingly random fact suddenly gives you a crazy idea that saves your life, so let's get started.
Drake turns around and turns on the projector. Once again the camera looks up then fades into black. The camera goes back to normal and looks down to show Drake leading Shadow, Nick, Roxas and Cagalli out of the ship in the corner of the screen the time 7pm is displayed. Shadow looks tired, Cagalli grins at him
Cagalli: You know I'm not surprise it was actual mental education that finally made you tired.
Shadow glares at her
Shadow: I'll have you know that I pass public school with all high marks!
Nick turns to him and smiles
Nick: Same here mate!
They high-five, then Shadow turns to grin at Cagalli.
Shadow: What about you princess?
Cagalli glares back
Cagalli: I didn't go to public school, my father hired private tutors for me. What about you Roxas?
Roxas walking on four legs again looks up and says in a grand voice
Roxas: I was home school by nature!
Everyone looks at Roxas unsurprised, while they've been talking Drake has lead them to another ship. This ship looks big and bulky like a cargo ship (should be noted that even though I say ship, none of these look like regular ships and none of them are on water, one can assume that they are all capable of some level of flight).
The back has been lower to the ground to make some kind of ramp. Drake leads them over to a man standing by the ramp. He has what can best be described as an I-Pad in his hands and seems to be in the process of writing something down in it.
Drake: Hello Aston.
Aston looks up from what he's doing and sees Drake.
Aston: Hi Drake.
He looks over Drake's shoulder and nods towards Shadow and the others
Aston: Are those the rookie pilots you're managing?
Drake nods his head
Drake: Yup
Aston doesn't look please
Aston: They look pretty weak.
Shadow, Nick and Roxas are offended
Nick: Hey!
Shadow: Who are you calling weak!
Roxas: I'll kick your ass!
Aston looks unconcern by their threats. Cagalli annoyed turns to Drake and asks
Cagalli: May I ask who your rude friend is Drake?
Drake looks at Cagalli irritated
Drake: Ok first off don't you ever talk to me in that snotty political voice again or I'll kick your ass and second this is Aston. Aston is in charge of the shipping docks in Arianna city.
Aston nods his head
Aston: Hello, don't bother telling me your names Drake has already told me all about you guys.
Aston turns to face Drake
Aston: Sorry Drake but I've got to run, there's a problem down in North Dock that I have to go deal with right away.
Drake isn't bother
Drake: Don't worry about it, see you later Aston.
Aston begins to walk away
Aston: See you Drake, and good luck rookies.
He says this last part to Shadow and the others as he walks away. Nick turns to Drake
Nick: What did he mean about North Dock mate?
Drake bored answers
Drake: Arianna has four shipping docks, North, South, East, and West; we're in East Dock right now. You'll see Aston in the docks most of the time; if you ever need information he's the one to talk too.
Cagalli curious asks
Cagalli: Why?
Shadow answers
Shadow: Because he runs the docks so he or his people probably overhear a lot of the conversations from crew members waiting for orders or their ship to be repair.
Drake nods his head
Drake: Very good Shadow, I see all those cop movies out their now a day's aren't a complete waste of money.
Shadow grins with pride, Cagalli looks at him annoyed. Drake walks up the ramp and into the ship, Shadow and the others follow him.
There are people on the ship but their either working on something or just standing around doing nothing, either way they don't pay the Gundam Pilots much mind. Shadow and the others are looking around slightly curious as Drake leads them over to a pile of solid steel blocks.
Drake: Aston also helps run a steel import company and that's where you guys come in.
Shadow doesn't like where this is going
Shadow: I don't like where this is going.
Drake gestures to the steel blocks
Drake: Your last exercise for the day is simple; all you have to do is move the steel blocks onto a truck outside the dock.
Cagalli annoyed asks
Cagalli: Aren't their mechanics that do that?
Drake turns and smiles at her
Drake: There are but it's cheaper to just make you guys do it, so get to it!
Shadow and the others walk over to the pile of steel blocks. Shadow goes to lift one of the steel blocks; he manages to slightly lift it off the ground before he drops it.
Shadow: Whoa those things are heavy!
Cagalli rolls her eyes
Cagalli: What did you expect, that's solid steel.
Shadow starts glaring at Cagalli. Nick steps in-between the two.
Nick: Come on mates; let's carry these in teams of two.
Shadow, Cagalli, and Roxas nod their head in agreement. We enter slideshow mode, the pictures just show Cagalli, Shadow, Nick, and Roxas carrying the steel blocks to the truck while alternating partners. There are a couple of pictures of them dropping the blocks or resting on the ground.
The camera exits slideshow mode and we see the apartment Shadow and co are staying at. The lights are off and in the corner of the screen we see the time 10pm. The door opens and the lights come on as Shadow, Cagalli, Nick, Roxas, Kenny, and Jack walk in. They all look exhausted, Shadow, Roxas and Cagalli collapse on the couch.
Cagalli: I've never been this sore and tired in my life.
Shadow lifts his head and grins
Shadow: Drake was right; these weights definitely feel 10 times heavier than they did at the beginning of the day.
Jack gets a drink out of the fridge and begins to pour drinks for Nick, Kenny and herself. They're at the kitchen area,
Jack: You guys think you had it rough; me and Kenny barely manage to finish one Gundam Frame today, and that's only one frame, tomorrow we've got to start installing the inner circuitry. At this rate I have no idea how we're going to make three Gundams in a month.
Cagalli depress says
Cagalli: At least you guys will still be alive at the end of your training, I'm not sure I'll survive anymore of this.
There's a moment of tired silence and doubt, then Shadow gets up.
Shadow: You guys worry too much everything will work out in the end, *yawn* I'm heading to bed.
As Shadow begins to head to bed, Cagalli looks up and asks disbelievingly.
Cagalli: Oh yea, then tell us how will everything work out Shadow?
As Shadow begins to climb the stairs to the bedroom he turns to face her and grins.
Shadow: I don't know it's a mystery!
The scene ends with Cagalli rolling her eyes as Shadow heads to bed. The next scene opens up showing Shadow and the others sleeping, in the right hand corner of the screen we see 6am Day 2. The lights snap on and a horn starts blaring. Shadow jumps in the air and falls awkwardly to the ground, he looks pissed.
Shadow: I swear to god I'm going to find that stupid horn and drown it in a river!
We once again enter slideshow mode, this time there's inspirational training music going on in the background. We see pictures of Shadow, Nick, Roxas, Cagalli running and Drake yelling at them to go faster, getting hit by dodge balls.
Doing the step punch step kick jog, climbing stairs, jumping on the squares, falling off the squares, doing sit-ups and push-ups, eating with Jack and Kenny. Nick, Cagalli, and Roxas practicing their shooting, Shadow practicing his knife throwing, Shadow, Nick, Cagalli and Roxas sparing with each other although we never see Nick spar with any of the girls.
Of Drake teaching; Shadow, Nick, Roxas and Cagalli lifting and carrying steel blocks to the truck outside, and of Kenny and Jack working on the Gundams. All the pictures have the time and day in the lower right hand corner. The pictures are in order by day, day 2, day 3, day 4 etc. and none of them go past day 13.
In the later pictures we can see Shadow keeping pace with Nick and Roxas we can also see that they're not getting as tired as they were in the beginning. Shadow, Nick and Roxas are also getting better at dodging the dodge balls.
They're getting faster at doing the step punch and step kick, Nick and Shadow are able to lift their legs higher in their kicks; they're also not having as much trouble doing push-ups and sit-ups. Nick, Roxas and Shadow are able to jump from square to square easily and aren't falling as often.
Shadow is also doing better in his sparing matches with Roxas and Nick although he's still getting his ass kick. Shadow Nick and Roxas are able to carry an entire steel block by themselves now.
The only one that doesn't seem to be getting better is Cagalli and Drake seems to notice this. The slideshow ends and the camera goes back to normal to show Cagalli, Roxas and Nick practicing on the shooting range, in the lower right corner of the screen the time and day is displayed Day 14, 1:20pm. Drake walks in
Drake: Nick and Roxas come with me. Cagalli you stay.
Drake turns around and exits without waiting for an answer, confused Nick, Roxas, and Cagalli look at each. Nick shrugs then runs to catch up with Drake, Roxas is right behind him.
Cagalli watches them go then turns to face the shooting range then after a moment’s pause turns back to face the door. The camera cuts to the lunchroom. Shadow, Jack and Kenny are already in there when Drake walks in with Nick and Roxas right behind him. Nick doesn't like being left in the dark.
Nick: Alright mates what's going on?
Shadow shrugs he also looks annoyed
Shadow: Don't ask me Drake just said he wanted to talk to us.
Nick and Roxas walk over to where Shadow, Jack and Kenny are sitting. Roxas walking on all fours quickly scans the room then asks
Roxas: Why's Cagalli not here?
All eyes turn to Roxas. Roxas staring at Drake narrows her eyes and goes on
Roxas: You've got the whole team here except Cagalli who you specifically told not to come!
The suspicion in her voice is clear. All eyes turn to Drake now; Drake gives a short laugh then grins slightly.
Drake: Ha, you don't miss a beat. As you can all guess I gather everyone here to talk about Cagalli.
No one likes were this is going
Kenny: What about?
Drake blinks and says simply
Drake: I want her gone.
Everyone is shocked
Jack, Kenny, and Roxas: What!
Nick: Why!
Drake starts yelling silencing them
Drake: WHY, WHY, because out of all you guys she's the only one who hasn't progress in her training!
Jack: So you want to get rid of her because she's weak!
Drake sighs. The camera zooms out momentary to show Cagalli hiding next to the door, she looks shocked. The camera zooms in back on Drake
Drake: It's not the weakness I have a problem with; it's her lack of progress that's pissing me off!
Nick shrugs
Nick: So it takes the miss longer to get better at stuff, I don't see how that's a good enough reason to just get rid of her mate!
Drake shakes his head
Drake: You misunderstand, I didn't say she was progressing slowly, I said she wasn't progressing at all!
Everyone is surprise. Drake goes on as he gestures at Shadow
Drake: Shadow is progressing slowly but we can still see him getting slightly better whereas Cagalli isn't getting better at all! She's just a burden to the team; it be better if you get rid her now before your first fight!
Jack is angry
Jack: Who made you an expert on progress, how do you know that she isn't getting better at such a slow rate that you just can't notice!
Drake yells back
Drake: Because I've been doing this job before you were even a sparkle in your father's eye! If she had gotten even a 1/100 percent better at anything I would have notice!
Seeing their looks of anger Drake sighs
Drake: Look I know you guys like her and you think she's your friend but she's the only one that isn't putting 100% into her training and that's why she isn't progressing!
Kenny asks
Kenny: I hear what you're saying but our first match is 2 weeks away and we're already short one fighter, if we get rid of Cagalli we’ll be short 2 fighters.
Drake is unconcern
Drake: Don't worry about that, I can find you 2 fighters in 2 weeks.
There's a moment of pause as everyone works to think of something to say. Drake sees this hesitation
Drake: I only agree to manage this team because I thought you guys were serious and determine to become a professional Gundam Team, and not some punk kids looking to get some kicks. Being a professional Gundam Team isn't something you just wake up when day and say "Oh I know, today I want to be a Gundam Fighter", it's something that you put your blood and sweat into and work yourself to the ground to become!
Everyone is silent as they take this in, then Shadow speaks, as he speaks his voice grows in volume and anger.
Shadow: We know this Drake, and if you think for one second that we haven't put everything we've got into this training then your
Drake cuts him off
Drake: I'm not questioning your guy's effort; it's obvious that you're putting everything you have into this training but it's just as obvious that Cagalli isn't. If it was the majorly of you guys not putting enough effort into the training then I would have stop managing you all together but it's just one person so it's simple. Just dump the person not pulling her weight!
No one knows what to say. Drake once again sighs
Drake: I know it may seem mean to just get rid of her but trust me a person like her doesn't have the drive to push themselves beyond their limit and that is an invaluable thing you need to have to become a successful Gundam Team.
Nick and Kenny look to the ground defeated, Jack and Roxas are glaring at Drake but it looks like they're force to accept it. The camera zooms out a little to show Cagalli leaning against the outside wall next to the door; she's overheard everything and looks miserable.
Shadow: You're wrong!
Although Shadow doesn't raise his voice he says this firmly, all eyes turn to him surprise, even Cagalli looks up from herself pity surprise. Drake narrows his eyes on Shadow
Drake: Listen brat I've got 40 years of experience reading people, are you saying that you can read people better than me!
The threatening tone is his voice is clear but Shadow doesn't back down.
Shadow: No, all I'm saying is that you're wrong about Cagalli. I can see a spark in her eyes!
Now Drake is confused
Drake: Spark?
Shadow nods his head
Shadow: It's been buried deep in there through years of politician upbringing and crappy rules of etiquette but it’s there and I believe that one day that spark will grow into a great and powerful inferno!
The camera zooms out to show a shock Cagalli. The camera zooms back in on Shadow to show that everyone else is shocked. Shadow and Drake are staring at each other seeming to have a battle of wills.
Drake: A spark huh, well I don't see it! What if I say that either Cagalli goes or I go?
Deep surprise crosses everyone's face as they begin to look back and forth between Shadow and Drake.
Shadow: Then I would have to say thanks for everything and goodbye.
Shadow and Drake resume their staring contest. A bullet would have trouble piercing the tension, after a tense moment Drake sighs.
Drake: You really are a stubborn idiot aren't you? Go get back to your training.
Nick, Roxas, Jack, Kenny and Shadow get up and begin to walk out of the cafeteria. Cagalli has duck down a hall and isn't seen by them. Drake is the last person to come out, he stops and looks in the direction of Cagalli. He alone is not fooled
Drake: Don't think this is over; you and I are definitely going to have a talk about this later!
The episode ends with Drake walking away and Cagalli just leaning on the wall once more looking miserable.