Nadesico Fan Fiction ❯ To Die or Not to Die ❯ Chapter 18

A/N: Wow, it's been a while, hasn't it. Anyway, first off, I'll do the best I can with this one, but I'm a little out of shape in my writing, so don't scream at me. Um, what else? Um… I don't know. Since the death of Audiogalaxy, and my lack of music since the robbery, which left my computer missing, there won't be a good playlist going on. Sorry. ("You Get to Burning" from Nadesico, "What's up Guys" from Sorcerer Hunters, "Cruel Angel's Thesis" by Megumi Hayashibara, "Shinma no Koku" from Vampire Princess Miyu, and the opening themes for both Tenchi Muyo and Charmed.) Okay, I'm sure you people are expecting the complete explanation of Boson Jumping, but I'm sorry. It just simply won't be complete. Get over it. That, and the story of Ai, which is actually next chapter, I believe, will be brief. The focus is the end of the war. So, without further ado, Chapter 18!

~*~

Genichiro stood, looking off into the vast distance of space from the Reigetsu. 'It's been nearly twelve hours. Twelve hours, since I killed my best friend.' His face bore no expression, but his silence bore his emotions clearly.

"And now, in honor of our slain hero, Captain Shiratori Tsukumo, the Commander of the Jovian Federation Superior Male Forces, Vice Admiral Kusakabe Haruki would like to say a few words," heard Genichiro, but he only looked down at the picture frame in his hand. On the outside was Nanako, but on the inside was a picture of the three of them; himself, Tsukumo and Yukina. He was holding his foot, and Yukina had a triumphant smile on her face. She had stepped on his foot. This picture would normally make him smile, and remember the good times they used to have before the war.

'Before I killed him. It is just a reminder of what I have done.' Kusakabe could be heard from everywhere of the citizen ship. "My friends! Our mission is to bring about peace in the universe, and build a prosperous future for all of humanity. We do not seek war. There is no sense in killing each other, when there are more peaceful ways to achieve a resolution. But when the United Earth government answered our proposal for peace by the cowardly murder of our ambassador, Captain Shiratori Tsukumo, then the time for talking is past! Let us never forget that there is only one true righteous path!" The ship erupted in cheers for the commander. "We must not lose! We must defeat the evil earth and our oppressors. In Episode 39, we saw what happened when good and evil collide. Righteous will always prevail! Now let's recite together our slogan for justice!" It could be heard everywhere. Even on the empty deck Genichiro stood on. "Let's Gekiga-In!"

Genichiro held the picture of them outside the frame now. 'They all have no clue about what truly happened. Earth wanted to have peace. Tsukumo knew that. It was not the Earth woman that poisoned him. It was Kusakabe that poisoned me.' He silently ripped the picture in half, separating himself from Tsukumo and Yukina. 'It will be in her best interests that I never see her again.' He looked again to the stars. 'Tsukumo had his own brain. Why didn't I see it before? I always followed the teachings blindly, but he questioned if they were right. And they are not.' He sighed. 'I suppose now we must just fight to end this war. Damn you, Kusakabe. You ruined my life.'

~*~

Before long, Inez escorted Akito, Yurika, Ryoko, and Itsuki to the Kakitsubata. She would not explain on the Hinagiku why Akatsuki and Erina requested their presence. This made Ryoko somewhat agitated when they stood in the sister ship's hangar bay with no greeting.

"Hey! What's the big deal? You invited us to your ship, dammit! So why isn't there somebody here to greet us?" Itsuki sighed and shook her head, tapping her foot impatiently. A communications window showing Erina popped up. "What am I, chopped liver?" queried the secretary. Yurika raised an eyebrow. "Chopped liver?"

"I'd apologize, but we don't have much time," continued Erina. Itsuki whispered, "Time?" Inez closed her eyes. "We better begin immediately. Akito, Kanchou, I'll explain the how and why part later. Now, I just want you to focus your thoughts on Mars."

~*~

"The Kakitsubata has created a Boson Jump field," reported Ruri, relieving Omoikane of the post. "What?" yelled the crew. "They're trying to jump their entire ship?" demanded Mr. Hory.

"Boson Jump field has stabilized," announced Ruri. Megumi seemed upset. "No way! There are hundreds of people on board!" She attempted to connect to their communications. "Kakitsubata! Come in, Kakitsubata! Can you read me?"

~*~

On the other ship, the hangar began to grow dark. So dark that Ryoko and Itsuki could no longer be seen. Akito gasped. "What's this? Miss Fressange…" The doctor answered him, "I want you to think back." Akito and Yurika turned to her to see glow dark green. "Do you remember Mars, Akito, Kanchou? What it was like? Try to remember what it was like growing up on the Utopia Colony." She promptly disappeared in a flash of green light.

Yurika looked at her hands to find little silver lines forming on them. "Akito… I'm getting all sparkly!" stammered Yurika, disappeared in a silver light. Akito's eyes widened as he started to glow light blue. "Yurika!" He also faded from sight.

~*~

"Boson readings on the Kakitsubata," added Ruri. Megumi seemed frantic. "No response! They still won't answer me! Akatsuki-san! Akatsuki-san!" Her eyebrows snapped together, almost audibly. "Hey, pick up the radio, you jerks!"

~*~

Meanwhile, Akatsuki and Erina sat on the bridge of the Kakitsubata. It was announced that the test subjects could not be found. "Keep monitoring your screens! This is a major event!" ordered Akatsuki. "I'm trusting you, Tenkawa."

"They're back!"

~*~

Yurika, Akito and Inez were on the Observation deck of the Kakitsubata. The colorful and colorless space of the Jump could be seen outside the windows. Inez chuckled. "It seems that even while Boson Jumping, people instinctively want to see the scenery as the travel. Do you remember when we woke up on the Observation deck when we Jumped to the Moon?"

Yurika snapped her fingers. "When I woke up and you were there with Akito! How could I forget! They were saying so many mean things to us. Miss Fressange, are you saying-"

"I don't know yet," interrupted she. "But we're going to try to find out. Let's try again. Both of you, visualize Mars and the Utopia Colony. Anything about it will do." The bright lights started to appear as Akito squinted to concentrate on the place where he was born. Slowly, he felt a bright flash inside him.

~*~

Affirmative signs flashed all through the bridge of the Kakitsubata. Akatsuki cheered ecstatically. Erina clasped her hands in front of her chest. "They made it!"

"Here we go!" cried Akatsuki.

~*~

Megumi was still trying to reach the Kakitsubata, but to no avail. "The Kakitsubata has successfully Boson Jumped," reported Ruri. Prospector nodded. "They must be headed for Mars. This began on Mars, and I'm fairly sure it will all end on Mars as well. Aoi-san, set us on course to Mars." Jun nodded, playing captain.

~*~

Akatsuki watched on as the Kakitsubata exited a Chulip, the barren Martian wasteland stretching as far as the eye can see. "Hmm, so this is where they remember. Not much to look at." He glanced at his cousin, a smirk forming across his lips. "I'll doubt you could get between them now, Erina, dear."

Erina whipped her head around, a bright blush revealing her embarrassment. "Are you trying to insult me, you hypocritical bastard?" retorted the secretary, causing Akatsuki to roar in laughter. She sighed and called to the Observation Deck. "Miss Fressange, Captain Misumaru, come to the Guest Lounge as soon as possible."

~*~

"It's unforgivable!" Erina sighed at Yurika's immediate outburst to Akatsuki. It was so typical. "If that Jump hadn't worked, your crew could have been killed! Not to mention our pilot representatives!"

Itsuki examined her fingernails, seeming bored with this conversation. Her tone, however, spoke of otherwise. "It wouldn't be very professional for you to kill off a competitor, now would it, Akatsuki, darling?" Erina smirked at Akatsuki now, noting the indignant flash of anger in his eyes. Akatsuki glared at his cousin before facing the captain again. "Our crew knew and accepted the risk. Besides, we didn't die, and that's what matters."

Yurika shook her head. "That's beside the point!" Akatsuki held up a finger, silencing her. "Oh, settle. This was a major breakthrough for mankind. Of course," he waggled his eyebrows at her, "you can scold me in private later." Yurika sat down, still seething.

Inez shook her head. Apparently Akatsuki would always be the perverted bastard he was as a teenager. He turned to her. "And your verdict, Doctor?" Inez smiled, but looked forlorn. "Yes, it is a breakthrough, but… something bothers me." Everyone in the room blinked, anticipating a continuation. "If Boson Jumping is a way of transporting things through space instantaneously, it goes against our theory of relativity, that the speed of light something to be measured. Our entire laws of physics could be wrong. But, again, I don't know."

Akatsuki seemed thoughtful. "Then I supposed it might be answered at the burial site." Itsuki's eyebrows jumped into her bangs. "Burial site?" Akatsuki nodded. "At the pole."

~*~

Ryoko sat down on the metallic floor of the Kakitsubata's hangar bay. "So… we just Boson Jumped. Why do I feel sick?" She held a hand over her mouth, the taste of vomit swelling over her tongue.

"Just don't puke on me." Ryoko looked up to see Akito standing over her. Ryoko smiled wickedly. "How about your shoes?" Akito shivered, an act that was strange seeing him do. "You taking Wicked Witch lessons from Itsuki or something? That looks like her smile."

Ryoko shook her head, patting her floor beside her. "Nope, just piano lessons." Akito complied, plopping to the floor unceremoniously. "How are things between you two, anyway?" Ryoko hugged her knees. "Great, actually. I never knew lesbianism was so much fun. No wonder Hikaru and Izumi are bi. Then again, who isn't bi or gay nowadays?" She turned to the cook. "Or is this a delicate subject and I'm about to get cussed out too?"

Akito closed his eyes, his slight smile fading. "I never wanted to get so upset with someone like that… It's just that, he lied to me!"

"Did not. He just kept something from you. He thought you would leave him if he told you, and then you did. Doesn't do much for the old self esteem."

Akito sighed. "I can't do anything now, Ryoko. It's over. I'm not going to cry over spilled milk." Ryoko glared at him. "It seems like you are." She stretched her legs out, leaning on her arms. "I enjoy your company, Akito. You're smart and funny, but not so obsessive as Izumi. I think that's why I thought I was in mad love with you. But now we don't even see you at breakfast anymore, Akito. Are you going to abandon all of us because of something between the two of you?"

Akito reopened his eyes, staring out into space with half-lidded eyes. "Am I that important to you?" Ryoko stood and fisted her hands on her hips. "Akito, you really are as arrogant as Akatsuki. You're one of us, dammit. We all love you both, and we really hate that you've been avoiding us, and that Gai's been obscenely quiet since you broke up. At least be our friend again, for Christ's sake." With that, she walked away, leaving Akito sitting on the floor.

~*~

Prospector cleared his throat as they neared the red planet. "Nearly thirty years ago, Nergal came across an ancient burial ground while tunneling a mine. An ancient city, if you will. This is where we found the PT Engine, the Distortion Field, and the Chulip Crystals. At the bottom, however, was something that… we never did expect. Something… very active."

Jun swallowed his ramen and raised his chopsticks in question. "Is there some kind of extreme weapon in this ruin? Is that why-" He just then noticed Uribatake about to steal some of his noodles. He pulled his bowl and away and glared at him as a chopstick from the other side of the room slapped Uribatake on the side of the head. A confused look from the mechanic made Hikaru, the culprit, burst into giggles.

Prospector shook his head. "The device we found was not a weapon. It was made entirely of the same materials as the Chulips and Chulip Crystals. And, to make it more interesting, whenever a Boson Jump occurs, there is a surge of energy through the device itself!"

Ruri nodded. "So it's a mechanism that controls Boson Jumping. That's why everyone wants it."

~*~

Erina touched the window. "If we could just control Boson Jumping, we could not only end the war, but we could go anywhere in the universe! Instant teleportation will dominate the transportation world. It will do nothing less than change our world."

Ryoko, standing on the other side of Akito, leaned against the glass. "Imagine the new size of Erina's paycheck." Akito sniggered as Erina glared at the two of them. Ryoko didn't laugh, however. She looked over her shoulder at the Martian landscape. "This is where you were born, eh, Akito?"

Erina looked out the window as well, smiling slightly. "The Utopia Colony. I'm a little jealous." Akito glanced at Erina, taking off guard by her statement. "It bonds you with the captain."

Ryoko nodded. Everyone on the ship knew everyone else's business, so it was no new gossip that Erina wanted Yurika, badly. "Shared memories…" She smiled, imagining Erina squirming with anger at Akito. It was a funny image.

Akito figured out what was going on. "Wait a minute! It isn't like that! Not at all! I don't want that nut bar anymore than I want to jump off a cliff! No no no no no-" He was silenced by both Erina and Ryoko punching him in the stomach.

"Oh, just stop sitting on the fence and admit it!" preached Erina. "You want her and you know it, you stupid asshole!" fumed Ryoko, her previous rage fed once again. They pulled away and let him slump to the ground.

"The Nadesico has entered Martian atmosphere and is now awaiting confirmation of the Kakitsubata's location."

"Give it to them," ordered the secretary, miffed at Akito's stupidity.

Yurika and Akatsuki walked onto the deck. Erina turned to her cousin. "About time, Nagare. The Nadesico is on her way." Akatsuki smiled viciously. "Excellent."

Yurika glanced at the body that was Akito on the floor. "Is he okay?" queried the girl, slightly worried that, by some chance in hell, they had killed him. Ryoko scratched the back of her head. "Yeah, he'll live." She tapped Akito with her foot, making him grunt.

Akatsuki stepped in front of Yurika. "Now, Kanchou, we're going to have to work together. We can't let the Jovians get those ruins. This plan has many flaws, but we'll have to go along with it, so just stick to the plan and it will be all right."

Yurika smiled. "I understand. I wouldn't have agreed to work with you if I couldn't be myself."

~*~

At the strategy meeting on the Nadesico, Yurika revealed the bad news, much less happy now than before. "So this is going to be a joined effort with Nergal." The first to break the silence was Jun. "Oh great." Yurika sighed. "It's not like we have any other choice. Ruri," she turned to the young girl, "display all of the opposing forces and their time of arrival." Ruri complied, displaying the UE forces first. "Earth is, apparently, sending all of their remaining ships to Mars. They will arrive in about half a day."

Omoikane, on the other side of the table, barely blinked. "And for the Jovian Citadels…" A display of the massive ship came on screen. Gai, seated in back, gasped uncharacteristically. "Holy shit!" he cried. A door opened and Yukina stepped in. "That's not an exaggeration either." Even Yurika was impressed. "That's no space station, it's a goddamn moon!" Omoikane already knew of the size and started speaking. "The Jovian forces are also about half a day's journey away."

Yurika blinked. "So Mars will be a battlefield in less than twelve hours!"

~*~

Yurika took a deep breath, clearly not happy with her order. "Ruri, begin charging the PT cannon. Pilots on standby, please."

Ruri nodded, knowing how hard it was for Yurika to condemn anything to the wrath of the PT cannon. "It's for a good cause, Kanchou. And at least we are alive, ourselves." Yurika nodded slowly.

~*~

Sitting in her Aesti, Hikaru sighed. Gai's face popped up. "What's the matter, cutie?" Hikaru shook her head. "I'm just being a loser, ignore me." Gai's eyes narrowed. "Talk, woman." Hikaru bit her lip. "Well, it's just that I don't even now what it is we're fighting anymore." Ryoko's face also popped up. "That's right. Yesterday it's the Jovians and today it's for Nergal. Frankly I'm getting sick of all these arrogant bastards."

Itsuki face popped up next. "I think she is implying something a little more deep." Hikaru nodded sadly. Izumi was last. "I fight for myself and my soul. I fight against despair, for without hopes and wishes, there is no life." Hikaru brightened a bit. "Wow, Izumi. That's good." Izumi smiled. "I'm a poet, and I didn't know it." She giggled. "That was bad, but it could have been verse…" She started to laugh hysterically, making all of the pilots groan.

On the bridge, Megumi smiled. "Izumi's still strange, but I'm glad she's with us." She glanced at the empty seat next to Ruri. "Do you think Minato's okay?" Ruri gave her a sidelong glance. "Omoikane, Aoi-san, and I should be able to cover for her, so that she may think in peace." Megumi nodded, not very satisfied, but didn't argue. 'I hope she gets better soon.'

~*~

Minato wasn't the only one refusing to leave her room; Akito was being just as stubborn. "What the hell are you doing in here, Akito? Get in your goddamn robot!" yelled Itsuki, annoyed with Akito at the moment. "Why should I go fight for Akatsuki and all those assholes at Nergal?"

"I'll tell you why, we have no other choice! This is you time to choose Akito! Fight or die!"

"I'll die, thanks!"

"Stop being an ass!" Itsuki took a deep breath. "You should have more faith in Kanchou, Akito. Of all people, you should know what she means by 'being herself'."

~*~

The front guard of the Jovian forces was destroyed immediately, by a well-aimed shot of a PT cannon. Akatsuki smiled at Yurika's communication window. "Wonderful job, Kanchou. Simply splendid! Now, remember, I want to be the first to enter the ruin, all right?" Yurika simply nodded. "Teamwork is about cooperation and taking charge of your own task!"

The Kakitsubata fired their Gravity Blast cannon, pushing their way through the Jovians. It was time, again, to fire the PT cannon. Yurika smiled this time. "Ruri, get ready to fire the PT cannon." Ruri nodded. "Only this time," Yurika grinned happily, "aim this shot for those ruins!"

Akatsuki heard the order over his radio and he scrambled to get a message onto the Nadesico's bridge. "What the hell are you doing? Are you out of your mind, Misumaru?" screamed the frantic man. Yurika continued to smile. "Don't you see that if we destroy the ruins, we can end the war right now?"

Ruri interrupted the argument with a report. "The ruins are creating a barrier." Yurika ignored this, of course. The destruction of the ruins was very important, too important to worry about silly matters such as barriers. "Fire the PT cannon at those ruins!" Akatsuki screamed.

The blast went into the ruins, but it was immediately stopped. "The barrier has absorbed the shot, Kanchou," reported Ruri. Yurika's jaw dropped. "F… fire at it again!" she stammered, shocked that a barrier of any kind could absorb the pure destructive force of the unstoppable PT cannon.

The next shot proved futile as well. Yurika shook her head, disbelieving. "No way!" Jun turned around in his seat. "What should we do now?" Yurika glared at the ruins before them. "Fire one more time!"

"We can't!" rang out Ruri. "There's not enough energy, Kanchou. It's just like the Gravity Blast cannon."

Yurika gripped her console. "Fuck fuck fuck…"

~*~

Akatsuki began laughing hysterically. "I knew it! I knew the PT cannon wouldn't hurt it! The ruins are buried under tons of ice and millions of Distortion Fields! I knew it would be fine!"

Erina sighed. "Oh yeah, sure," retorted she, sarcastically. Akatsuki stood and started to walk off the bridge. "Where are you going?"

Akatsuki gave her a dark look. "To have a talk with our dear captain."

~*~

Ruri's eyes widened as she read the results of the enemy scan. "Various Aestivalis forces are being sent from the Kakitsubata." Yurika looked down, her mind twirling. She looked up again and called the order gruffly, "Launch all Aestivalis units!"

~*~

Gai fake yawned as his Aesti left the Nadesico. "Who was actually surprised at these turn of events?" Ryoko shook her head. "Not me. These Nergal types are too predictable for their own good." Itsuki's face popped up, showing her shrugging. "It's getting a bit repetitive, but let's take care of these little bitches already, ne?" Izumi shielded her eyes against the glare of the ice. "Oh look, it's pretty boy himself."

Hikaru spat. "Arsehole." She smiled at her friends. "Let's kill him." Smiles were exchanged between them all, all but Akito.

He ostracized himself once again.

~*~

Akatsuki smiled wickedly at Yurika. "Shame on you, Kanchou. You know those ruins are priceless." Yurika shook her head. "This is all because of the existence of the ruins! If they're destroyed, it will all stop!" Akatsuki scoffed. "Is this what being yourself means? Ha! You're just as naïve as that Gekiganger fan boy!"

Akito's eyes widened in anger. "The hell you say? I've given up on Gekiganger!" Akito started to attack Akatsuki in midair. "And why is that?" asked Akatsuki, calmly.

"It was the simplicity that I liked, and it also let the Jovians justify their actions with dreams of good versus evil!" Akatsuki smirked. "You've finally learned. It was dumb of you to focus on only one anime. In the anime shows I like, both sides had reason for their actions, and there was no good or bad. One man's justice is another man's evil."

Akito shook his head, aware of the tears that pricked his eyes. "This isn't about fucking anime, Akatsuki! It's about a goddamn war that we're all sick of fighting!"

All the other pilots, of Nadesico and Kakitsubata alike stood just watching the two fight. Hikaru sighed. "That's what comes with testosterone… No offense Gai-chan." Gai shook his head. "None taken. Itsuki?" She shrugged. "We sit here and do nothing?"

Ryoko shook her head. "Doesn't look like that's going to happen." They looked in her direction to see her being attacked by the Kakitsubata Aestis.

~*~

Akito's Aestivalis took a brutal blow and started to fall into the ruin. Akatsuki's perused him. "What are you fighting for, Akito? Love? Country? The blue planet Earth? It's nothing but a scam! All this loyalty makes me want to be sick!" Akatsuki pushed his lance into Akito's Distortion Field, intent on breaking it and killing the Martian.

~*~

Jun called to the other pilots. "Ryoko, help Akito, dammit!" Ryoko's view screens were projected to the bridge. "We're fucking busy here!" they could see the Nadesico Aestivalises being throttled by the Kakitsubata Aestivalises. Hikaru cried out, "I thought these bastards were supposed to just sit back and watch!"

~*~

Akatsuki's smirk returned to his face. "It's the end for you, fan boy. Only the strong survive. The weak are merely prey to those superior to them!"

Akito, in fear for his life now, flew around aimlessly, trying to shake Akatsuki. But it was when he was locked on that Inez's face appeared before him. "Try Boson Jumping, Akito." Akito's face lit up in surprise, and it took merely two seconds for the pink Aestivalis to disappear in a flash of light blue light.

Akatsuki's jaw dropped. "He just Boson Jumped!"

On the Kakitsubata, Erina was just as shocked. "And without a Chulip Crystal…"

~*~

"That's correct." The opening clips for Inez's explanation show, 'Naze Nani Nadesico', played on all the view screens in the vicinity.

"Hello, and welcome to this season's last episode of Naze Nani Nadesico. Today, I will explain how Boson Jumping works." Inez smiled slightly, pleased with her latest, and greatest, feat.

Jun tracked her communications device. "She's reporting from 14 kilometers below the surface… Inside the ruin." Mr. Hory's eyebrows furrowed. "In the ruin? How did she get down there?"

Inez's window pulled back to show a board with two men's faces on it. "According to Richard Feynman and John Wheeler, when an electromagnetic wave is emitted, two waves are actually sent out. One is called the Retarded wave, which goes with time, like a television set," she pulled an arrow going to the left from behind her back, " and the other is called the Advanced wave, which goes against time," she pulled an arrow going to the right out. "Normally, the Advanced wave is absorbed by the Retarded wave," she held the Retarded arrow over the Advanced arrow. "But what if there was some form of unknown particle that was not effected by the Retarded wave? This particle would be able to move from the past, to the present, and back again. I have decided to call such a particle, the Retrospect. These ruins, a giant computer, calculate all the movements for Retrospect particles and their Boson Particle attachments from the present to the past. In essence, this computer controls all Boson Jumping and, without, Jumping would be impossible. It is by this theory that I can safely announce that Jumping is not a form of spatial travel, but rather, a form of time travel." She pushed the board out of site.

"However, that's not the only reason I'm down here." She smiled sadly. "Akito…" Akito's eyebrows rose. "There's someone here… that you should meet." The computer started to light up, and a dark green light started to glow. "From Rainbow Elementary's first grade class number five, student number twelve. Her favorite person is her mommy. Her very favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs. Her favorite bedtime story is Cinderella." The light dissipated, and there was sobbing coming from the little girl before her. Inez smiled, but began to cry herself. "It's all right. There's no need to cry anymore. Welcome home, Maboroshi Ai."

~*~

TBC…

~*~A/N: Wow… that was short and it sucked. >< Oh well. I told you I'm rusty. So, how did I handle this episode? Well, I hope. Oh, how about that Ryoko and Akito moment? We don't get many of those! ^^ Well, I tried my damnedest to explain Jumping the way I understand it, but hey. The true stars of this episode were definitely Yurika, Akito, and Akatsuki. Oh, you know it. Well, be prepared for the not so stunning conclusion to 'To Die or Not to Die', coming… eventually. >< As always, review me or die! Thanks! ^^