Starship Girl Yamamoto Yohko Fan Fiction ❯ Ghosts from the past ❯ Chapter 1
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
By: yamamoto_yohko 
Anime/Manga: Starship Girl Yamamoto Yohko Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sci-fi / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.25.2001 | Updated On: 09.19.2002 | Pages: 5 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 808 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Starship Girl Yamamoto Yohko Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sci-fi / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.25.2001 | Updated On: 09.19.2002 | Pages: 5 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 808 | Status: Work In Progress
MJ
"Soreyuke! UchuSenkan Yamamoto Yohko" fanfic
(property of Starchild and King Records and whoever else....
..in other words, don't sue me!)
Part I "Ghost from the Past"
(REVISION)
NOTE: This fanfic supposedly takes place a few months after episode 26 of the Soreyuke! Uchusenkan Yamamoto Yohko TV series. I've had to make a few alterations to the TV story arc also adding elements from the Original Novel. but anyway... I did happen to add a new character by name of Hayase Mizuki....let's just say she's a ghost from Yohko's past. You can read her bio down below. In the meantime, thank you for taking the time to read this fanfic and any feedback is always welcomed.
Character descriptions:
Yamamoto Yohko:
Half Belgium/ Half Japanese, Genius and pilot of the highly advanced spacecraft Super StrikeTA-29. Equipped with the extremely powerful 'Everblack Cannon', it can send an enemy ship into oblivion. She's cool, cocky, and excels in almost everything from schoolwork to athletics...even cooking! Her piloting skills are most exceptional. Her favorite things include video games and Strawberry Pocky. Her best friend is Hakuhoin Ayano Elizabeth whom she had met as a young child back in England. NOTE: Her actual name is Dolores Asami Darlton)
Hakuhoin Ayano Elizabeth:
A rich, proper, young, teenage, shrine-maiden and pilot of the Super StruggleTA-27. Her ship is equipped with the 'Grapple Attack' to be used to grapple enemy ships then send a powerful wave of destruction. Kind-hearted, soft-spoken and slow to anger, She is heiress to the famous 'Hakuhoin Martial Arts Dojo'...she's rather good at martial arts too.She has been best friends with Yohko since since they were children and still remains her dearest and closest friend. Til this day, people are still perplexed upon her middle name Elizabeth...especially when she's full Japanese.
Midou Madoka:
Rich, over-achiever and pilot of the Super Sprint TA-25. Her ships primary specialty is defense. It has a special defense shield and her ship is the fastest among TA-series. Her best known feature is her prominent, shiny forehead which seems to have earned the nickname, 'Odeko-san'. In return, she likes to strike back by calling Yohko, 'NekoMusume' (which means 'catgirl')because of her eyes. She can be found
constantly bickering and trying to show up Yohko.
Kagariya Momiji:
Tomboy and tallest one of the group, she pilots the Super StormTA-23. Her ship's weapon include "Impulse Lasers". She's very athletic and looks a bit intimating due to her height and physique, Nevertheless, she is kind and fair and stands up for her friends. She seems to be a mother-figure of the quartet. Her curiousity for Hentai places are questionable but all and all she's a decent person.
Curtis Lawson:
Creator and engineer of the elite TA-series. He also coaches and
supervises the girls.
Admiral Zena Lyon:
Terra's Admiral. She can usually be seen giving orders and drinking tea.
New Characters added:
Hayase Mizuki:
Former flying partner of Yamamoto Yohko. She was the first person Yohko had met when first recruited. She was also the one to persuade Yohko to go back to her original time which is 1000years in the past.
============================================================ =====
Part 1:
The year is 2999 and it's a typical day in battle for our TA pilots until....
"Ayano! Beneath you! Pull out!"
"I can do this, Yohko-san! GRAPPLES: ICHIBAN, NIBAN!"
"It's too risky! Pull out NOW!"
Momiji interjected, "Their cannon is pointing towards Ayano-chan!!" Suddenly the enemy ship locked it's target on Ayano and fired it's main cannon, skimming the side of her battleship while she tries to swerve away
"Super Struggle TA-27 won't fail me n........AAAHHHHHH!!!"
"AYANO!!"All pilots called out in Unison
Yohko was starting to panic, "AYANO?! AYANO?! ARE YOU OKAY?! ANSWER ME!!"
"I..I'm fine. The blast just sideswiped me."
A sigh of relief took over the TA-29 pilot. "Everyone spread out!"
"HAI!!" The other two TA pilots agreed but just as Ayano was to follow suit, Yohko interrupted. "...Except for you Ayano!"
"Eh?"
"You're with me!"
"Uh...hai." Ayano thought to herself, 'Is Yohko losing faith in me? *Sigh*....I thought I was over my hangups.
Without hesitation Yohko gave out the orders to her team, "Madoka! Since speed is your ship's advantage, quickly move past the enemy ship and attack 'em from the front!"
"Hai!"
"Momiji! Stay back and launch you're Impulse lasers at it's rear"
"Yokai! What about you Yohko-chan?"
"Ayano and I will attack the main power source from below. Ayano?"
"..Huh?...Yes?"
"Did you copy that?"
"Uh..yes...we will be attacking from beneath."
"Right! Use your Grapple attack, to secure the enemy ship and prevent it from any potential escape. At the count of 3, everyone fire at once! This one's a whopper so we'll have to launch our attacks simultaneously!"
All pilots in unison, "HAI!"
"Super-strike TA-29 YAMAMOTO YOHKO! Get Ready! Heh, heh...Whoever you are, I'm going to show you who you picked a fight with!" This motto always pumped Yohko right before blasting an enemy ship into millions of pieces. "Anti-shock, heat-resistant screen developed...Everblack cannon, fully charged; Prominence, peak position targeted.
"AT THE COUNT OF 3!"
"Super-Storm TA-23, KAGARIYA MOMIJI, ...Impulse Lasers standing by!"
"1..."
"Super-Struggle TA-27, HAKUHOIN AYANO ELIZABETH, ...releasing
Grapple Anchors, ICHIBAN, NIBAN!"
"2..."
"Super Sprint TA-25, MIDOU MADOKA,...vapor shields extended!"
"3..."
"FIRE!!!!!!!" again in unison
"EVERYONE, DISPERSE!!" ordered Yohko
Quickly escaping the exploding heap of metal, the 4 pilots race back to Terra's docking area. Once they arrive, Momiji was the first to state her opinion about the day's battle,
"Whew! Did ya get a load of the size of that Ness ship? I almost wished we were going up against the Redsnappers instead."
Yes, it was enormous, but well built, sleek and shiny! agreed Madoka
"Hmm...just like your forehead, Madoka?" Yohko couldn't help but throw in her two cents
"QUIET, NEKO MUSUME!!"
"HEY! I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME THAT!!
Momiji just rolled her eyes at the two "Geez, those two never stop bickering, do they, Ayano-chan? Ayano-chan? Where'd she go?"
While the bickering was still going on, Ayano stayed in her ship's cockpit recalling the day's events. "Yohko-san must really be disappointed with me. She has every right to be...I guess I'm just deadweight on the team...just like last time." She was recalling the time when she was at her weakest state.
'Hmmm....."Dolores Asami Darlton".....Yohko-san...................Gomen ne....'
She always knew how extremely multi-skilled Yohko was. Yohko excelled in everything from schoolwork to athletics but never seemed to take her achievements too seriously. She played it off like it was normal...normal for her to excel in everything she participated in. Being a hardcore videogame addict, Yohko's hand/eye coordination exceeded any highly skilled pilot from the the year 2999 thus enabling her to pilot the most advanced spacebattleship of Terra's Estanatorechii fleet: The SUPER-STRIKE TA-29. Among the entireTA-20 series of ships, it was Lawson's own labor of love.
Ayano was always impressed by Yohko, feeling it was a priviledge to be in her presence, let alone be her best friend. She always wished she had the same kind of confidence Yohko possessed. It's true that Yohko can be a bit cocky about her achievements but in a playful way. It never really fazed Ayano, for she just thought it was part of Yohko's charm. It's what attracted her to Yohko in the first place, back in England when they first met as children. Even during that time, her self-esteem was at a low point. If it wasn't for Yohko's constant encouragement, she would be a complete basket case and for that, she credits Yohko for giving her the strength to carry on.
But there was one moment...
...one moment she would never forget. It was a definite turning point in her
emotional state and relationship with Yohko.
As a result, One very sinister soul, Ol' Timer(explanation of old timer will be provided in chapter 3 for the ones who haven't seen YY) with the help of a NESS renegade puppet called Zenga, brainwashed her into believing that Yohko was her enemy whom she had to defeat. And by defeating her, Ness would have control of earth and all of it's resources...though the true motive was to rid the world completely of the human race and of Yohko. The end result?... Yohko came out the victor. It wasn't an easy task, for Yohko had a rather difficult time trying to win her best friend back and to do so she had
to defeat Ayano herself through a very riveting battle in space. To think, she accepted Ol' Timer's inheritance for the sole purpose of saving Yohko when in fact, it was Yohko who had saved her.......from herself.
Being under Ol' Timer's control, her vulnerability was used to the extreme and Ayano was completely convinced that Yohko was never truly her friend but just someone who's shadow she would remain in for the rest of her life...nothing but an underdog to Yohko's superior skills. She was convinced that Yohko saw her as a helpless being...just someone to take pity on. Ayano didn't want her pity. She wanted to prove that she could stand on her own two feet without the girl whom she had called her closest friend. Those thoughts finally escaped her once Yohko was able to break down her emotional barrier and be her support like she had always been. Yohko was her best friend no matter what and no evil force in the world, past, present or future, can convince her otherwise.
Ayano continued to sulk until she heard a knock on her cockpit's shield. To her surprise it was Yohko.
"H-How did you know where to find me?"
"Well call it a hunch, I guess. Is everything okay?"
Ayano took her eyes off of Yohko's and lowered her head. "I'm sorry.."
"Sorry for what?"
Ayano made eye contact again. "About today's battle. I admit I...was not being very rational."
Yohko lifted a brow then smiled. "No need for apologies, Ayano. I think you were great out there."
"What are talking about? Earlier, I tried stopping the enemy ship all by myself."
"Well, okay, so it was a bit out of character for you but..."
"...No buts! I messed up! I'm sorry for being such a disappointment to the team...especially you, Yohko-san! I'm sorry for being such a weak link." Ayano was on the edge of tears.
"You're not a disappointment! Not to me...not to anyone! You came through at the end. Without your grappling attack, the enemy ship would have escaped. For someone who's not too fond of tournaments and games, you really showed that NESS ship what you were made of. I just wanted you near me for the final attack because...well...I wanted the honor of having my best friend near me while we blew that thing into a zillion pieces. Not once, did I ever believe you were helpless or weak. You're much stronger than you realize, Ayano."
"Not as strong as you!"
"Ayano! My friendship with you IS my strength! Remember that."
"(Gasp) Yohko-san..."
Yohko smiled right back then and reached out to wipe away Ayano's tear that was cascading down her face. Then she reached down in her pocket and pulled out her box of strawberry Pocky. "Want one?" Ayano just giggled and Yohko follows suit. Just then, Yohko's stomach began to growl.
"Now let's get you out of this cockpit. I'm starved and I hear dinner's on Lawson."
------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------
After dinner, Lawson lead the girls back to data room for discussion. "Yohko-kun."
"Eh? What? " Yohko was busy playing her pocket NeoGeo.
Lawson proceeded, "Admiral Lyon and I were wondering if you would like to wear your old uniform again."
"My old..."
"Uniform?!" asked the other three pilots simultaneously.
"Sugoi!! You wore a space uniform like in Anime Space Operas?!" Being such a big fan of anime, Madoka had to ask.
"Such an Otaku! "Yohko amused by her inquiery couldn't help but mock,"Maybe I should start calling you 'Otaku-Odeko'."
"NANI!!!????"
"Calm down Odeko-san...anyway, YES, I did wear a uniform once but that was sometime ago when (Yohko starting having flashbacks to the time when she was first recruited)...anyway WHY should I start wearing that ol' thing again, Lawson?"
"Doesn't it have some sentimental value for you?"
Admiral Lyon interrupted, "Speaking of which, Yohko-san. We sort of have a surprise for you." Yohko lifted a brow in confusion along with the other three pilots, "This oughta be swell....another ghost from my past?" sarcastically
"....always the cynic, eh, Yohko?"
Yohko's eyes widened, as she recognized the voice behind that playful accusation. She slowly turned around to meet the eyes of her former battleship partner and friend.
"Mi...Mizuki?"
"Yohko! You remember me!"
"Well of course I remember you!" In a softer tone, Yohko continued, "You know I'd never forget you."
Mizuki also responding softly, "I'm glad. It's been so long, Yohko."
"Yeah it has." They just stared at each other for the next few minutes, which seemed to be an eternity for the rest of the people in the room. Then Yohko made an effort to finally break the silence. "So...anyway, I heard you were assigned to the Terra training center in the alpha district. Pretty impressive."
Mizuki blushed at her compliment, "It's nothing really. No matter how hard I train those pilots and no matter how skilled they are, they just can't compare to you."
"Ahh...give'em some time. (chuckling) They'll come around."
"Yohko..."
"So , uh, what are ya' doin' back here on the Terra base?" Yohko's curiousity peaked at her
former partners reappearance.
Mizuki explained, "The training facility is going through a brief hiatus from reconstruction...a month to be exact. I guess you can call it a vacation."
"So you decided to spend it here?! Hmmm...I see where your loyalty lies, Heh, heh."
"Well...I...heard you were on active duty again."
"Ah...you wanted to see how advanced my superior skills have become?" Snickered Yohko
"Cocky as ever, I see! " Mizuki was happy to see that Yohko's personality remained intact throughout the years.
"Whatever!" At Yohko's exclamation, both of them started to giggle until...
"...AHEM!!!!"
Hmmm? What do you want, Madoka?
"Aren't you going to introduce us to your friend, Yohko?!"
"Oh, uh..yeah..I forgot! Sorry about that! Anyway, everyone, this is my former flying partner and good friend, Hayase Mizuki...."
Yohko continued, "...Mizuki, these are my friends Momiji, Madoka, and last but not least my childhood and dearest friend, Ayano." Mizuki noticed the warmth in Yohko tone of voice when she introduced Ayano.
Being proper and polite as usual, Ayano stood up and made her aqcuaintence, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Hayase-san."
"Same goes for me!" Momiji added
"The pleasure is all mine and...please, call me Mizuki." Making occasional glances at Ayano, "So you three are the other pilots for theTA-20 series? Those are Lawsons greatest creations. He was wise in recruiting you three...I saw your performance out there and it was pretty spectacular."
The compliment caused Madoka's head to swell, "But of course! What do you expect from a gifted person such as myself?
Yohko overheard what she had said and rolled her eyes, "Don't let it get to your head, Odeko-san! She was referring to all of you!" At this point, a pulsating bloodvessel inched it's way to the surface of Madoka's protruding forehead, "NEKOMUSUME!!!!!!"
"ODEKO!!!!!"
Confused, Mizuki just watched, as the two had their usual screaming match. Momiji noticed Mizuki witnessing the two bickering, "Don't mind them. It's their usual behavior."
Mizuki asked, "Shouldn't we stop them?"Momiji just laughed, "Stopping them is like trying to stop two bullet trains from meeting head on."
"I see." blinking a few times
Mizuki turned her attention back to Ayano who was looking at Yohko still hashing it out with Madoka. She remembered Yohko mentioning that Ayano was her dearest friend. Upon hearing this, Mizuki couldn't help but feel a sting of envy gnaw at her. She quickly dismissed those sour feelings when she realized how absurd it was. Afterall, she was the one that encouraged Yohko to return to her home in the past. It was where she was from and where she belonged. Letting her go was one of the most difficult things she had to do but it had to be done. She knew Yohko would go back to the friends she grew up with and eventually make new ones...
...it was just a part of 'getting on with life.' It still hurt though. It made her wonder if Yohko had ever thought about her and their adventures together in space. Mizuki never stopped.
Yohko caught a glimpse of Mizuki staring at Ayano and approached.
"What's up?" asked Yohko
"Huh? Oh nothing...I was just reminiscing."
"Anything in particular?" Yohko thought to ask but already knew what she was thinking. Memories of the times they've hung out together and went out to battle against Ness flooded her mind the minute she was reunited with her old partner again. They used to have so much fun when they were younger...especially during the flight simulation practices they had to go through. They would always be caught goofing off or doing something mischievous. It never fazed either one of them for they were just enjoying their time together. It was something that Yohko sorely missed when she left to return to earth in the past. She never wanted to leave Mizuki behind but....
...she wanted the chance to be a normal girl again.
It was during her first day back that she caught up with a dear old friend she had left back in England. Fate just happened to place both of them in the same highschool located in Japan yet neither one were aware of the other's presence until...
(Flashback dialogue of the first day of school)
Looking at the room assignments posted in the hallway, 'Hmmm...now which classroom am I located in? Let's see....AH! There!....class 1-3.'
Just then, a whole crowd of students gathered around to look up their own classroom assignments and Yohko found herself caught in between. Exasperated and struggling to free herself. "Excuse me,Pardon me!" It seemed like an eternity until she knocked into one particular student who seemed rather lost herself.
"...I'm very sorry, I'll watch where I'm going next time." The student did her formal apologetic bow. Yohko hadn't noticed for she was too busy trying to gather her books that were knocked out of her grasp.
"It's okay, I wasn't watching were I was going myself. It's impossible with this many people in the Hallway."
Still making no eye contact, the other student managed to help gather the rest of Yohko's books that were scattered on the ground. "Here's the last of your belongings."
"Ahh, thanks!" Yohko reached out to receive her stuff and finally looked up. "That's really cool of y....huh?
"Oh, it was my plea...pleasure." They both stared at each other in disbelief.
"Yohko-san?"
"Ayano!"
(end of Flashback and back to present time)
" Hey you!" Mizuki was trying to get Yohko's attention by waving a hand right in front of her face. Apparently she caught Yohko looking over at Ayano.
"Huh?...Sorry. I guess my head's somewhere else."
"She means a lot to you doesn't she?"
"Who, Ayano?.....yeah."
"She seems really nice, Yohko."
"She is. She's one of the most kindhearted individuals I've ever met."
"Seems rather polite too...hmmm....must have had a good upbringing?"
"Heh, heh, she was reared in England and brought up to be a proper young lady." Yohko added
"Judging from her attire, she must be loaded as well, am I right?"
"You guessed it! She is heir to the famous "Hakuhoin Ryu School of Martial Arts. Better watch it though...she may be prim and proper but don't get on her bad side...she's a 'Walking Deadly Weapon'."
Mizuki eyes grew big, "Really!?"
Yohko couldn't help but laugh, "She's fully trained in the Martial Arts but only uses it when necessary. She doesn't enjoy hurting people, you know?"
"Hmmm...I'm impressed."
"By her background?"
"...and the fact that you two became friends."
"Why is that?"
"You two are complete opposites, as far as personality. But I guess thesaying is true then..."
"Which would be...?"
"...Opposites attract."
"Yeah I guess..."
After spending some time at the bridge, Mizuki excused herself and headed straight for her quarters and logged on to her computer to access some background data on a certain someone.
"Hmmm. She's just what Yohko says she is. Her data doesn't say anything negative about her. She must be a really decent person after all....huh? What?! No Way!? What Mizuki discovered nearly floored her. "Heh, the prim, proper and decent person that Yohko praises is flawed after all. This is getting interesting by the minute....but why...is she still....hmmm....I must speak to Yohko about this! Why would she still...?"
(To be continued)
============================================================ ====================
"Soreyuke! UchuSenkan Yamamoto Yohko" fanfic
(property of Starchild and King Records and whoever else....
..in other words, don't sue me!)
Part I "Ghost from the Past"
(REVISION)
NOTE: This fanfic supposedly takes place a few months after episode 26 of the Soreyuke! Uchusenkan Yamamoto Yohko TV series. I've had to make a few alterations to the TV story arc also adding elements from the Original Novel. but anyway... I did happen to add a new character by name of Hayase Mizuki....let's just say she's a ghost from Yohko's past. You can read her bio down below. In the meantime, thank you for taking the time to read this fanfic and any feedback is always welcomed.
Character descriptions:
Yamamoto Yohko:
Half Belgium/ Half Japanese, Genius and pilot of the highly advanced spacecraft Super StrikeTA-29. Equipped with the extremely powerful 'Everblack Cannon', it can send an enemy ship into oblivion. She's cool, cocky, and excels in almost everything from schoolwork to athletics...even cooking! Her piloting skills are most exceptional. Her favorite things include video games and Strawberry Pocky. Her best friend is Hakuhoin Ayano Elizabeth whom she had met as a young child back in England. NOTE: Her actual name is Dolores Asami Darlton)
Hakuhoin Ayano Elizabeth:
A rich, proper, young, teenage, shrine-maiden and pilot of the Super StruggleTA-27. Her ship is equipped with the 'Grapple Attack' to be used to grapple enemy ships then send a powerful wave of destruction. Kind-hearted, soft-spoken and slow to anger, She is heiress to the famous 'Hakuhoin Martial Arts Dojo'...she's rather good at martial arts too.She has been best friends with Yohko since since they were children and still remains her dearest and closest friend. Til this day, people are still perplexed upon her middle name Elizabeth...especially when she's full Japanese.
Midou Madoka:
Rich, over-achiever and pilot of the Super Sprint TA-25. Her ships primary specialty is defense. It has a special defense shield and her ship is the fastest among TA-series. Her best known feature is her prominent, shiny forehead which seems to have earned the nickname, 'Odeko-san'. In return, she likes to strike back by calling Yohko, 'NekoMusume' (which means 'catgirl')because of her eyes. She can be found
constantly bickering and trying to show up Yohko.
Kagariya Momiji:
Tomboy and tallest one of the group, she pilots the Super StormTA-23. Her ship's weapon include "Impulse Lasers". She's very athletic and looks a bit intimating due to her height and physique, Nevertheless, she is kind and fair and stands up for her friends. She seems to be a mother-figure of the quartet. Her curiousity for Hentai places are questionable but all and all she's a decent person.
Curtis Lawson:
Creator and engineer of the elite TA-series. He also coaches and
supervises the girls.
Admiral Zena Lyon:
Terra's Admiral. She can usually be seen giving orders and drinking tea.
New Characters added:
Hayase Mizuki:
Former flying partner of Yamamoto Yohko. She was the first person Yohko had met when first recruited. She was also the one to persuade Yohko to go back to her original time which is 1000years in the past.
============================================================ =====
Part 1:
The year is 2999 and it's a typical day in battle for our TA pilots until....
"Ayano! Beneath you! Pull out!"
"I can do this, Yohko-san! GRAPPLES: ICHIBAN, NIBAN!"
"It's too risky! Pull out NOW!"
Momiji interjected, "Their cannon is pointing towards Ayano-chan!!" Suddenly the enemy ship locked it's target on Ayano and fired it's main cannon, skimming the side of her battleship while she tries to swerve away
"Super Struggle TA-27 won't fail me n........AAAHHHHHH!!!"
"AYANO!!"All pilots called out in Unison
Yohko was starting to panic, "AYANO?! AYANO?! ARE YOU OKAY?! ANSWER ME!!"
"I..I'm fine. The blast just sideswiped me."
A sigh of relief took over the TA-29 pilot. "Everyone spread out!"
"HAI!!" The other two TA pilots agreed but just as Ayano was to follow suit, Yohko interrupted. "...Except for you Ayano!"
"Eh?"
"You're with me!"
"Uh...hai." Ayano thought to herself, 'Is Yohko losing faith in me? *Sigh*....I thought I was over my hangups.
Without hesitation Yohko gave out the orders to her team, "Madoka! Since speed is your ship's advantage, quickly move past the enemy ship and attack 'em from the front!"
"Hai!"
"Momiji! Stay back and launch you're Impulse lasers at it's rear"
"Yokai! What about you Yohko-chan?"
"Ayano and I will attack the main power source from below. Ayano?"
"..Huh?...Yes?"
"Did you copy that?"
"Uh..yes...we will be attacking from beneath."
"Right! Use your Grapple attack, to secure the enemy ship and prevent it from any potential escape. At the count of 3, everyone fire at once! This one's a whopper so we'll have to launch our attacks simultaneously!"
All pilots in unison, "HAI!"
"Super-strike TA-29 YAMAMOTO YOHKO! Get Ready! Heh, heh...Whoever you are, I'm going to show you who you picked a fight with!" This motto always pumped Yohko right before blasting an enemy ship into millions of pieces. "Anti-shock, heat-resistant screen developed...Everblack cannon, fully charged; Prominence, peak position targeted.
"AT THE COUNT OF 3!"
"Super-Storm TA-23, KAGARIYA MOMIJI, ...Impulse Lasers standing by!"
"1..."
"Super-Struggle TA-27, HAKUHOIN AYANO ELIZABETH, ...releasing
Grapple Anchors, ICHIBAN, NIBAN!"
"2..."
"Super Sprint TA-25, MIDOU MADOKA,...vapor shields extended!"
"3..."
"FIRE!!!!!!!" again in unison
"EVERYONE, DISPERSE!!" ordered Yohko
Quickly escaping the exploding heap of metal, the 4 pilots race back to Terra's docking area. Once they arrive, Momiji was the first to state her opinion about the day's battle,
"Whew! Did ya get a load of the size of that Ness ship? I almost wished we were going up against the Redsnappers instead."
Yes, it was enormous, but well built, sleek and shiny! agreed Madoka
"Hmm...just like your forehead, Madoka?" Yohko couldn't help but throw in her two cents
"QUIET, NEKO MUSUME!!"
"HEY! I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME THAT!!
Momiji just rolled her eyes at the two "Geez, those two never stop bickering, do they, Ayano-chan? Ayano-chan? Where'd she go?"
While the bickering was still going on, Ayano stayed in her ship's cockpit recalling the day's events. "Yohko-san must really be disappointed with me. She has every right to be...I guess I'm just deadweight on the team...just like last time." She was recalling the time when she was at her weakest state.
'Hmmm....."Dolores Asami Darlton".....Yohko-san...................Gomen ne....'
She always knew how extremely multi-skilled Yohko was. Yohko excelled in everything from schoolwork to athletics but never seemed to take her achievements too seriously. She played it off like it was normal...normal for her to excel in everything she participated in. Being a hardcore videogame addict, Yohko's hand/eye coordination exceeded any highly skilled pilot from the the year 2999 thus enabling her to pilot the most advanced spacebattleship of Terra's Estanatorechii fleet: The SUPER-STRIKE TA-29. Among the entireTA-20 series of ships, it was Lawson's own labor of love.
Ayano was always impressed by Yohko, feeling it was a priviledge to be in her presence, let alone be her best friend. She always wished she had the same kind of confidence Yohko possessed. It's true that Yohko can be a bit cocky about her achievements but in a playful way. It never really fazed Ayano, for she just thought it was part of Yohko's charm. It's what attracted her to Yohko in the first place, back in England when they first met as children. Even during that time, her self-esteem was at a low point. If it wasn't for Yohko's constant encouragement, she would be a complete basket case and for that, she credits Yohko for giving her the strength to carry on.
But there was one moment...
...one moment she would never forget. It was a definite turning point in her
emotional state and relationship with Yohko.
As a result, One very sinister soul, Ol' Timer(explanation of old timer will be provided in chapter 3 for the ones who haven't seen YY) with the help of a NESS renegade puppet called Zenga, brainwashed her into believing that Yohko was her enemy whom she had to defeat. And by defeating her, Ness would have control of earth and all of it's resources...though the true motive was to rid the world completely of the human race and of Yohko. The end result?... Yohko came out the victor. It wasn't an easy task, for Yohko had a rather difficult time trying to win her best friend back and to do so she had
to defeat Ayano herself through a very riveting battle in space. To think, she accepted Ol' Timer's inheritance for the sole purpose of saving Yohko when in fact, it was Yohko who had saved her.......from herself.
Being under Ol' Timer's control, her vulnerability was used to the extreme and Ayano was completely convinced that Yohko was never truly her friend but just someone who's shadow she would remain in for the rest of her life...nothing but an underdog to Yohko's superior skills. She was convinced that Yohko saw her as a helpless being...just someone to take pity on. Ayano didn't want her pity. She wanted to prove that she could stand on her own two feet without the girl whom she had called her closest friend. Those thoughts finally escaped her once Yohko was able to break down her emotional barrier and be her support like she had always been. Yohko was her best friend no matter what and no evil force in the world, past, present or future, can convince her otherwise.
Ayano continued to sulk until she heard a knock on her cockpit's shield. To her surprise it was Yohko.
"H-How did you know where to find me?"
"Well call it a hunch, I guess. Is everything okay?"
Ayano took her eyes off of Yohko's and lowered her head. "I'm sorry.."
"Sorry for what?"
Ayano made eye contact again. "About today's battle. I admit I...was not being very rational."
Yohko lifted a brow then smiled. "No need for apologies, Ayano. I think you were great out there."
"What are talking about? Earlier, I tried stopping the enemy ship all by myself."
"Well, okay, so it was a bit out of character for you but..."
"...No buts! I messed up! I'm sorry for being such a disappointment to the team...especially you, Yohko-san! I'm sorry for being such a weak link." Ayano was on the edge of tears.
"You're not a disappointment! Not to me...not to anyone! You came through at the end. Without your grappling attack, the enemy ship would have escaped. For someone who's not too fond of tournaments and games, you really showed that NESS ship what you were made of. I just wanted you near me for the final attack because...well...I wanted the honor of having my best friend near me while we blew that thing into a zillion pieces. Not once, did I ever believe you were helpless or weak. You're much stronger than you realize, Ayano."
"Not as strong as you!"
"Ayano! My friendship with you IS my strength! Remember that."
"(Gasp) Yohko-san..."
Yohko smiled right back then and reached out to wipe away Ayano's tear that was cascading down her face. Then she reached down in her pocket and pulled out her box of strawberry Pocky. "Want one?" Ayano just giggled and Yohko follows suit. Just then, Yohko's stomach began to growl.
"Now let's get you out of this cockpit. I'm starved and I hear dinner's on Lawson."
------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------
After dinner, Lawson lead the girls back to data room for discussion. "Yohko-kun."
"Eh? What? " Yohko was busy playing her pocket NeoGeo.
Lawson proceeded, "Admiral Lyon and I were wondering if you would like to wear your old uniform again."
"My old..."
"Uniform?!" asked the other three pilots simultaneously.
"Sugoi!! You wore a space uniform like in Anime Space Operas?!" Being such a big fan of anime, Madoka had to ask.
"Such an Otaku! "Yohko amused by her inquiery couldn't help but mock,"Maybe I should start calling you 'Otaku-Odeko'."
"NANI!!!????"
"Calm down Odeko-san...anyway, YES, I did wear a uniform once but that was sometime ago when (Yohko starting having flashbacks to the time when she was first recruited)...anyway WHY should I start wearing that ol' thing again, Lawson?"
"Doesn't it have some sentimental value for you?"
Admiral Lyon interrupted, "Speaking of which, Yohko-san. We sort of have a surprise for you." Yohko lifted a brow in confusion along with the other three pilots, "This oughta be swell....another ghost from my past?" sarcastically
"....always the cynic, eh, Yohko?"
Yohko's eyes widened, as she recognized the voice behind that playful accusation. She slowly turned around to meet the eyes of her former battleship partner and friend.
"Mi...Mizuki?"
"Yohko! You remember me!"
"Well of course I remember you!" In a softer tone, Yohko continued, "You know I'd never forget you."
Mizuki also responding softly, "I'm glad. It's been so long, Yohko."
"Yeah it has." They just stared at each other for the next few minutes, which seemed to be an eternity for the rest of the people in the room. Then Yohko made an effort to finally break the silence. "So...anyway, I heard you were assigned to the Terra training center in the alpha district. Pretty impressive."
Mizuki blushed at her compliment, "It's nothing really. No matter how hard I train those pilots and no matter how skilled they are, they just can't compare to you."
"Ahh...give'em some time. (chuckling) They'll come around."
"Yohko..."
"So , uh, what are ya' doin' back here on the Terra base?" Yohko's curiousity peaked at her
former partners reappearance.
Mizuki explained, "The training facility is going through a brief hiatus from reconstruction...a month to be exact. I guess you can call it a vacation."
"So you decided to spend it here?! Hmmm...I see where your loyalty lies, Heh, heh."
"Well...I...heard you were on active duty again."
"Ah...you wanted to see how advanced my superior skills have become?" Snickered Yohko
"Cocky as ever, I see! " Mizuki was happy to see that Yohko's personality remained intact throughout the years.
"Whatever!" At Yohko's exclamation, both of them started to giggle until...
"...AHEM!!!!"
Hmmm? What do you want, Madoka?
"Aren't you going to introduce us to your friend, Yohko?!"
"Oh, uh..yeah..I forgot! Sorry about that! Anyway, everyone, this is my former flying partner and good friend, Hayase Mizuki...."
Yohko continued, "...Mizuki, these are my friends Momiji, Madoka, and last but not least my childhood and dearest friend, Ayano." Mizuki noticed the warmth in Yohko tone of voice when she introduced Ayano.
Being proper and polite as usual, Ayano stood up and made her aqcuaintence, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Hayase-san."
"Same goes for me!" Momiji added
"The pleasure is all mine and...please, call me Mizuki." Making occasional glances at Ayano, "So you three are the other pilots for theTA-20 series? Those are Lawsons greatest creations. He was wise in recruiting you three...I saw your performance out there and it was pretty spectacular."
The compliment caused Madoka's head to swell, "But of course! What do you expect from a gifted person such as myself?
Yohko overheard what she had said and rolled her eyes, "Don't let it get to your head, Odeko-san! She was referring to all of you!" At this point, a pulsating bloodvessel inched it's way to the surface of Madoka's protruding forehead, "NEKOMUSUME!!!!!!"
"ODEKO!!!!!"
Confused, Mizuki just watched, as the two had their usual screaming match. Momiji noticed Mizuki witnessing the two bickering, "Don't mind them. It's their usual behavior."
Mizuki asked, "Shouldn't we stop them?"Momiji just laughed, "Stopping them is like trying to stop two bullet trains from meeting head on."
"I see." blinking a few times
Mizuki turned her attention back to Ayano who was looking at Yohko still hashing it out with Madoka. She remembered Yohko mentioning that Ayano was her dearest friend. Upon hearing this, Mizuki couldn't help but feel a sting of envy gnaw at her. She quickly dismissed those sour feelings when she realized how absurd it was. Afterall, she was the one that encouraged Yohko to return to her home in the past. It was where she was from and where she belonged. Letting her go was one of the most difficult things she had to do but it had to be done. She knew Yohko would go back to the friends she grew up with and eventually make new ones...
...it was just a part of 'getting on with life.' It still hurt though. It made her wonder if Yohko had ever thought about her and their adventures together in space. Mizuki never stopped.
Yohko caught a glimpse of Mizuki staring at Ayano and approached.
"What's up?" asked Yohko
"Huh? Oh nothing...I was just reminiscing."
"Anything in particular?" Yohko thought to ask but already knew what she was thinking. Memories of the times they've hung out together and went out to battle against Ness flooded her mind the minute she was reunited with her old partner again. They used to have so much fun when they were younger...especially during the flight simulation practices they had to go through. They would always be caught goofing off or doing something mischievous. It never fazed either one of them for they were just enjoying their time together. It was something that Yohko sorely missed when she left to return to earth in the past. She never wanted to leave Mizuki behind but....
...she wanted the chance to be a normal girl again.
It was during her first day back that she caught up with a dear old friend she had left back in England. Fate just happened to place both of them in the same highschool located in Japan yet neither one were aware of the other's presence until...
(Flashback dialogue of the first day of school)
Looking at the room assignments posted in the hallway, 'Hmmm...now which classroom am I located in? Let's see....AH! There!....class 1-3.'
Just then, a whole crowd of students gathered around to look up their own classroom assignments and Yohko found herself caught in between. Exasperated and struggling to free herself. "Excuse me,Pardon me!" It seemed like an eternity until she knocked into one particular student who seemed rather lost herself.
"...I'm very sorry, I'll watch where I'm going next time." The student did her formal apologetic bow. Yohko hadn't noticed for she was too busy trying to gather her books that were knocked out of her grasp.
"It's okay, I wasn't watching were I was going myself. It's impossible with this many people in the Hallway."
Still making no eye contact, the other student managed to help gather the rest of Yohko's books that were scattered on the ground. "Here's the last of your belongings."
"Ahh, thanks!" Yohko reached out to receive her stuff and finally looked up. "That's really cool of y....huh?
"Oh, it was my plea...pleasure." They both stared at each other in disbelief.
"Yohko-san?"
"Ayano!"
(end of Flashback and back to present time)
" Hey you!" Mizuki was trying to get Yohko's attention by waving a hand right in front of her face. Apparently she caught Yohko looking over at Ayano.
"Huh?...Sorry. I guess my head's somewhere else."
"She means a lot to you doesn't she?"
"Who, Ayano?.....yeah."
"She seems really nice, Yohko."
"She is. She's one of the most kindhearted individuals I've ever met."
"Seems rather polite too...hmmm....must have had a good upbringing?"
"Heh, heh, she was reared in England and brought up to be a proper young lady." Yohko added
"Judging from her attire, she must be loaded as well, am I right?"
"You guessed it! She is heir to the famous "Hakuhoin Ryu School of Martial Arts. Better watch it though...she may be prim and proper but don't get on her bad side...she's a 'Walking Deadly Weapon'."
Mizuki eyes grew big, "Really!?"
Yohko couldn't help but laugh, "She's fully trained in the Martial Arts but only uses it when necessary. She doesn't enjoy hurting people, you know?"
"Hmmm...I'm impressed."
"By her background?"
"...and the fact that you two became friends."
"Why is that?"
"You two are complete opposites, as far as personality. But I guess thesaying is true then..."
"Which would be...?"
"...Opposites attract."
"Yeah I guess..."
After spending some time at the bridge, Mizuki excused herself and headed straight for her quarters and logged on to her computer to access some background data on a certain someone.
"Hmmm. She's just what Yohko says she is. Her data doesn't say anything negative about her. She must be a really decent person after all....huh? What?! No Way!? What Mizuki discovered nearly floored her. "Heh, the prim, proper and decent person that Yohko praises is flawed after all. This is getting interesting by the minute....but why...is she still....hmmm....I must speak to Yohko about this! Why would she still...?"
(To be continued)
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