Nori thrusts her spear into the Moth’s neck. The spear goes all the way through, and her blade is covered in blood and ooze. She pulls it back out and kicks the Moth. It falls to the ground. As it does, the ground begins to shake.
“What’s going on?” I ask Nori.
The Moth gets up abruptly and uses its wing to attack Nori. Nori evades it, but now the Moth runs back toward the Rooster biomech. I fire my M87, causing it to stumble. But it limps on to its companion. We follow the short distance to meet with Griselda and Kujira. Griselda’s biomech has dismantled the Rooster, ripping out both its arms. The biomech lies on the ground, defeated.
A wan face appears in our visual display, a Eurasian pilot whose body is covered in a black web of the chemicals. The source is the Moth biomech. Unlike Griselda, where we can see a clear division between her and the biomech, this new pilot appears completely fused. Even his veins are bulging with black fluids. The scariest part is that I swear he’s younger than we are.
“Griselda!” the Moth biomech’s pilot yells. “How could you do this to us?”
“I no longer believe in the world the Marshal promised us,” she replies.
I recall Colonel Yamaoka talking about the Marshal, the new leader the Nazis were growing suspicious of.
“Many must be sacrificed so many more can live,” the pilot answers. “That’s what we’ve fought for all our lives!”
“The Marshal is a homicidal maniac. How many have we killed in his name? I won’t kill anymore!”
“You want the world to be plunged into this unending cycle of Empire versus the Reich! This is the only way to end it.”
“There are other ways!”
“There is no other way. You’ve let your personal weakness cause you to stray from the righteous path. History can only be changed by blood.”
The Moth lets out a scream, and there’s a blast, some type of powerful electrical wave. Before I even know what hits me, my right arm is sundered straight off. Nori’s mecha loses its head. Fortunately, she’s in the belly, so she is okay, just unable to control the Leviathan until she can reroute the circuits for motion. Griselda’s biomech is crippled, though. She absorbed most of the attack, shielding Kujira, who appears untouched. The Moth biomech powers down, having used what remained of its energy in the ring attack. The regenerative skin drops off, and only the frame is left, which is immobile. The communicators have all shut down, and the visual display of the pilot has vanished. But I see something ahead of me.
The biomech Griselda had earlier destroyed rises up. It latches onto her back and rips her skin off. Griselda’s biomech screams in pain and falls to the ground. Black ooze is spraying everywhere. It’s sucking her armor off of her, absorbing it into itself as it regrows its arms. It throws her aside once it’s reinvigorated with a new shell, the crest drowned in a suit of tumors.
Time slows.
Now it’s just me, my sword in my sheath, my M87 in my one good arm, and the Leviathan against the biomech. I remember what Griselda told me. I flip to a thermal scan and sure enough, where its liver is, there’s a drop in the heat signature. I think about Chieko and Kazu, then think about what might happen to Griselda if I don’t act. I no longer feel any fear or anger. Just an awareness of how feeble life is. The biomech is one permutation of that awareness, a manifestation of someone’s fear of the Empire.
I aim the M87. But I don’t fire. I wait for the biomech to get close to me. I have to time this perfectly. The biomech is wary but, seeing that I’m not firing, steps closer. That’s when I shoot the ablative shell at its chest, causing its skin there to break away. This infuriates it. I realize the shell is even more effective because it has absorbed Griselda’s armor. I put aside the gun as I’m out of shells. The biomech charges. I hold until the last second before pulling out my sword. Unfortunately, the biomech anticipates me and raises its arms. Regenerative skin from its forearm flares out like a web, covering my blade and dissolving it. I’m weaponless. The biomech punches me in the face. I only have one arm to protect myself. The biomech is too fast and batters my head.
Kazu-sempai said every part of me should be weaponized. I try to fight back, but I’m no match.
Every part.
I sink my arm into its chest and try to grapple with any piece of it I can. My fingers latch onto something. I tug and use my knees to attack. I’ve always thought of combat as something more elegant. But there’s no finesse here. This is a brawl for survival, and I have to think of myself for what I am. I pull my arm out, hammer at it, kick, even try to head-butt the biomech. I’d bite it if I could. The biomech is stronger than me, even in its weakened condition. I lose pieces of my armor with every jab. What are you thinking? I wonder about the biomech pilot. Or is it pure impulse now? That impulse makes it surge in rage as it swells up and hurtles itself at me.
Just as it’s about to cut me up, a spear goes through its wrist. Nori has held up its right arm. Its left arm moves to attack, but Kujira cuts off its hand. I scan again for the area where the heat levels dip. It’s not a sword, but I use my fists to punch it as hard as I can. I repeat the motion until my hands penetrate the spot where the pilot theoretically is. I don’t even care if it’ll work. I just release all my rage until the biomech crumbles in front of me. My fists are stained with the blood of the pilot.
I’ve killed him with my hands.
Every part of me is a weapon.
Nori, Kujira, and Griselda’s visual communicators all turn back on. I’m happy to see them alive. “How are you all doing?” I ask them.
“Alive,” Nori answers.
Kujira answers me with a bite from his food.
Griselda smiles weakly. “I’m alive, but I do need to get out of the suit. Are we in the clear?”
“I’m not reading any life signs from either biomech,” Nori replies. “It’s over.”
I feel immense relief. We’ve won.
I recite a short prayer of thanks.
Our communicators suddenly light up. Messages are rapidly being relayed back and forth. There are all kinds of requests for assistance coming from throughout the bay.
“External communications are back,” Nori says.
Only one is directed toward us. An unfamiliar face shows up on our screen, and her identification marks her as Major Usagi Higa of the 715th Mecha Battalion.
“What is going on here?” she asks us.
The cavalry has arrived, though it’s too late. The battle is over. At least I think it is. Nine Korosu mechas land via tilt-rotor aircraft accompanied by four Lightning-class models, which are designed as speedy killers.
“We just got through kicking some Nazi ass while y’all were asleep,” Kujira replies. “You’re welcome.”
“Step away from the biomech,” the major orders us.
“They’re all dead.”
“The one standing next to you is still alive.”
Does she mean Griselda?
“You have her mistaken,” I try to explain. “She’s on our side. She helped us win.”
Major Higa states, “It is a threat to our forces and will be eliminated.”
“But—”
“This is not a negotiation. Move out of the way.”
“Hey, Major,” Kujira says. “Are you all daft? Maybe you misunderstood my friend. We beat the biomechs already. This one’s on our side.”
Higa raises her arm cannon. “There’s no misunderstanding. That biomech must be destroyed. Step aside.”
If I comply, the 715th will attack the biomech. In her debilitated state, I don’t know if Griselda would even be able to defend herself.
“Forgive me, ma’am, but I can’t,” I reply.
I stand in front of the biomech. With my one arm, there’s not much I’d be able to do in her defense, but I don’t care.
“You’re disobeying a direct order.”
/> “Not just him,” Nori says, as she somehow moves her headless mecha between the Korosus and Griselda. “This is Cadet Noriko Tachibana. I can confirm Cadet Makoto Fujimoto’s statement that the biomech is our ally. She defected from the Nazis this past year and is assisting us.”
“This is not the time for insubordination. If you do not move, we will be forced to attack.”
“You can try,” Kujira jumps in. “I promise, y’all ain’t getting through. She’s on our side, and we protect our own.” Kujira’s mecha moves to protect Griselda. “Everyone still accepts lies as truths even though the truth stinks like a smelly fart.”
“Thank you all,” Griselda says, and bows to us on the display. “But I can’t let you do this. I’ll power—”
“Griselda,” Nori says.
“Yes?”
“You’re a Tiger now, and I’m in charge, so shut up.”
More Korosus arrive, as do other combat models. I can see half of them charging their weapons, the others awaiting orders. The major is glowering at us, but she’s trying to assess for herself what’s going on. Nori is determined, Kujira appears as though he’s itching for a fight, and Griselda looks like she feels guilty about the whole situation. I don’t know how the Leviathans will do against the Korosus, but no matter how powerful we are, there are more than twenty of them. We might be able to defeat the first wave, but they could launch a directed nuclear attack, which would spell the end for us. Even if, by some miracle, we survived, we’d get a court-martial and be executed for attacking our own mechas.
“You leave me no choice,” the major begins, shutting off her communicator.
The Korosus prepare their weapons. We get into a defensive stance.
“It was nice fighting with all of you,” I say.
“Don’t talk in the past tense,” Kujira replies. “Y’all injured. Leave this to me.”
“Don’t get cocky,” Nori cautions Kujira.
“It’s not cocky if it’s true.”
“What should I do?” Griselda asks.
“Don’t give them an excuse to fire on you,” Nori orders. “Let us handle it.”
“Thank you everyone,” she says.
“We should thank you for saving all of us,” I say to her.
The Korosus fire on me first, destroying my other arm and the balancing system in my chest. I fall to the ground, unable to stand. I try to lift myself up, but I feel like a turtle on its back. Without arms, there’s no way I can get to my feet. Nori maintains her defensive stance.
I hear Kujira gleefully remark, “Finally, it’s my turn.”
He actually grabs my broken sword before he leaps straight into the mecha swarm and does an arc swing with both weapons. The whirlwind attack hits three of the Korosus in the chest, causing them to stumble back and crash into the mechas behind them. Our electric swords are much more powerful than the older models can handle, and he’s so fast, it’s caught the mecha pilots off guard.
“Kujira!” Nori yells. “Try not to kill anyone if you can.”
“These jerks fired first! Just defend Griselda, or this won’t mean anything.”
“What do you think I’m doing?”
Kujira actually seizes one of the smaller Lightning models and uses it as a shield, hurtling it at the bigger Korosu. Two of the Korosus try to pierce him with their swords from opposite directions. He ducks so fast, the two mechas impale each other. Meanwhile, some of the mechas try to attack Griselda. Smoke is everywhere. I’m terrified and look to Noriko. She doesn’t looked frayed at all. She’s focused, planning ahead for the next step. Her calm reassures me, and I’m glad I’m on her side. The long length of her spear keeps the opponents at bay. She also uses her war fan as a shield.
I wish there was something I could do other than helplessly lie here. But Kujira seems invincible, mowing down the mechas with ease. His mastery over the Leviathan’s body is amazing as he moves like a gymnast, slashing arms, legs, chests, and helmet pieces off. One approaches with a morning star, swinging it above its head. Kujira races fearlessly toward the Korosu, slicing the chain with his sword and dropkicking the mecha in the belly. His spin attack makes it seem like he’s on roller skates, and I realize he’s using his treads to move in a smooth circle, arms straight out in a cross pose, with swords destroying everything in its wake.
Just as he’s about to engage Major Higa in direct combat, several mechas fire at him with their cannons. He deflects most of them, but one of the shells pierces his leg. His knee buckles, and I realize he’s about to topple over. Kujira stabilizes himself by clutching onto a nearby Korosu. Major Higa attacks, lunging with her naginata. Kujira isn’t able to avoid the thrust as it impales his shoulder. He grabs onto the shaft and holds tightly, pulling it forward. The major tries to pull it out, and when she finds she can’t, exerts more strength. Kujira releases, causing the major to stumble back. Kujira hops forward on one leg and swings his sword hard into the major’s flank, cutting halfway through her elbow. Several Korosus surround Kujira.
Kujira cockily asks, “Can’t handle me one-on-one? I only have one leg and the other arm is messed up.” I’ve spent enough time with him to detect something I’ve never heard before. A hint of fear. How bad is his mecha damaged?
The major replies, “This is not a contest of honor. Our first duty is to defend the Empire and dispose of our enemies.”
“Big talk. I only have one leg, and I’ll still take you all on.”
The major orders, “Fire!” A volley of shells bombards Kujira. Though they cause heavy damage, the armor holds. What causes him to fall is the lack of stability in his other leg. But even as he topples over, somehow, he balances all his control and catches himself with his arms. He gets back up, defiant as always. I hear something that sounds like chewing from his cockpit.
“I saved this turkey dog for you,” Kujira says. “It tastes really good.”
“Fire again!” the major orders.
Just as the Korosus are about to comply, a new communication comes through.
It’s Judge Misato Hirono, and the former Imperial Guard is visibly irritated. “Major!” she yells. “Stand down. The biomech is under the jurisdiction of the USJ, and I’ll confirm the pilot is on our side.”
“But ma’am—”
“Do you have a problem taking orders? You were just about to destroy one of our own. I commend these cadets for bravely standing by their own.”
“They’ve attacked my battali—”
“They attacked because you gave them no choice. And I must point out that these cadets have been giving you a handy beating even though they have been badly damaged.”
Major Higa is not happy, but she can’t ignore the judge’s direct relationship with the Emperor. She tries to protest one last time, but the judge won’t have any of it.
“Stand down, Major!”
Major Higa sighs. “I will take this up with USJ Command.”
“Go ahead. Meanwhile, I’m sending in a rescue team to extract them.”
“Judge. What about the biomechs at the airport?” Nori asks.
“The 790th, assisted by Professor Okamoto, defeated them.”
Higa stands down, as do the mechas around them. The judge looks at Kujira and me over the communicator. “Well done,” she says. “Both your mothers would be proud.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” I say, grateful for her arrival.
Kujira grunts in reluctant acknowledgment.
The judge’s communication ends.
“Is it finally over?” I ask, apprehensive that it isn’t.
“I think so,” Kujira replies. “Told you I got it.”
Nori, who this whole time has remained emotionless, takes a long breath. I see her eyes getting wet. “Good job, everyone. I am honored that we’ve been able to maintain the Tiger’s undefeated record.” She looks back toward Treasu
re Island and bows. “The sacrifice made by Chieko and Kazu-sempai will never be forgotten.”
Griselda doesn’t hold back on tears. I assure her, “We’re safe now. It’s all over.”
She looks at me plaintively. “Don’t you understand? For people like me, it’s never over.”
A medical quad mecha arrives with an emergency crew to extract us. I look back at the biomech I killed, then think about what Griselda said and wonder whether it’s like that for all of us.
16
We spend two days recovering. On the third, we’re driven to the funeral at the Imperial San Francisco Cemetery in Golden Gate Park.
We all bow in front of the caskets of Kazu-sempai and Chieko. Both of their bodies are dressed in kimonos and given six coins for their journey across the River of Three Crossings. Their families are present, and we look at the huge portical displays of both on the wall, flipping through images every fifteen seconds. Kazu’s wife puts on a brave face, but her daughters are weeping. I am reminded of myself as a child. I didn’t understand back then what the death of my parents meant. I can’t help but feel like I’ve failed. Behind us, there are several thousand cadets and soldiers, all dressed in ceremonial uniforms, standing in formation.
Three generals give speeches. But it’s Colonel Yamaoka that everyone wants to hear. He gives an impassioned plea for action, desiring to honor those who’ve passed away. Kazu-sempai and Chieko are publicly commemorated. The other branches will have separate funerals for their fallen soldiers. The thousands of civilians that were killed in the attack will be privately buried by their families or cremated. I’ve heard reports that Dr. Shimitsu has disappeared, taken away by the Tokko. I don’t know what happened to her family.
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