[IC] Gundam Build Fighters Origin [Open]

[Crimson Lion]

April 25th

Almost a week has passed since the beginning of the school year at ---. And after a week of being depressed about the school not having a Gunpla club, transfer student Nanabi Kanzen creates the --- Gunpla Battle Club!!!

… well, that's how it was supposed to go, but in reality.

“Please join the Gunpla Battle Club!”

“Sorry man, not interested.”

“Thanks for the invite but I’d rather watch than play.”

“I suck at piloting. There's no way.”

“I'm to busy with the volleyball club.”

“Screw off!”

///

Nanashi fell to the ground on all 4. “D-dammit, is no one really interested in Gunpla?” He said with comedic tears in his eyes. His lunch time recruitment plan not going as well as he'd hope.

“Yo, Senpai?” A voice said from behind him. Nanashi looked behind him to see Mika, a first year he met on his first day transferring to --- and a part time member of the Gunpla Battle Club. “Is it really that important that we get a third member?”

Nanashi quickly stood up and faced her. “Of COURSE it is Mika, school rules say that unless we got 3 members we can't make a club!” He said wagging his finger. “Plus with a third member we have the option of 3v3 battles.”

Mika sighed, “I honestly don't really see the point. Even if we can't find a third member isn't there another tournament that you can enter by yourself?”

“The Under 19 1v1 bracket. There's also a 2v2 bracket as well as a new free for all tournament. But this isn't about tournament!” He says with fire in his eyes. “All I want is to make a club where I can be surrounded by people who love Gunpla and enjoy it to the fullest” he said pumping his fist.

“... Senpai.”

“Plus.” He started with a grin. “If we become an official club, that means we’ll get a budget.” He said with a smile. “A school funded utopia of Gunpla building!!” He said while a laughing.

“Ugh, and here I thought you were being deep and profound.” She said with an irritated look. “Well anyways I think I got us a lead on our third member.”

Nanashi jolted at the mention. “What! Really?! Who?” He asked. Excited.

“Err, well I hear that he's this pretty skilled battler that sometimes shows up at the arcade. But apparently he's, and I'm quoting my sister on this, a ‘Cocky Dick’ as she says.”

“... man your sister is mean.” Nanashi says with a sweat drop.

“Uh yah. Anyways,” she says taking out a piece of paper with some writing on it “he's a blonde guy with a Gunpla case on his belt in class 3-A-” she says but it cut off by Nanashi flying past her. Leaving her alone in the middle of the hallway. She looked down at the paper again. “Ugh, that Senpai, I didn't even tell him the guys name. Sousuke Kikkawa. 3rd year.”

///

Nanashi ran through the halls of the school, checking every room one by one and asking random people while looking for him.

[Double]

"Well, seeing as classes are over..." Kikkawa muttered to himself, as he reached down for his belt. He grabbed the stylish trilby hat clipped to his belt, even flipping it into his hand before gently placing it on his head. He rubbed his finger across the brim to ensure that the hat was straightened properly, "...much better." the school didn't really like him wearing his hat during class, but classes were over for the day so as far as Sousuke Kikkawa was concerned, that meant he no longer had to adhere to the dress code.

"Oh, right... guess I should put the finishing touches on that, shouldn't I?" he reached down again, this time for the portable Gunpla case carrier on the opposite side of his belt. He opened the leather flap and pulled a Gunpla model from the case. He then grabbed the portable polishing kit from his book bag and went to work, right there at his desk. Classes were over so surely no one would mind. After a few brush strokes, Sousuke put the kit down and then admired his work a bit, "...hmph, there, now no one can say I can't build a Gunpla." in his hands was... a completely and utterly standard SD Master Gundam model. It had no distinctive qualities to it whatsoever. The quality of the build was completely, utterly, average... at best. In fact Sousuke literally just followed the instructions and nothing more.

"Pfft, like extra polish and coats of paint are really gonna change how it battles..." Sousuke was a practical thinker. In his mind it was purely the parts and weapons that determined the battling capability of the Gunpla. Flashy paint jobs, extra polish, that was all flash and no substance. That was how the actual Mobile Suits worked too, right? Sousuke hadn't ever actually sat down and watched through any of the anime. Box art descriptions told him all he needed to know. Besides, there was just too damn many series and nobody ever seemed to be able to give a straight answer on what was important and what was skippable. And Sousuke sure as hell wasn't going to sit through absolutely all the Gundam anime, he had way more important things to do with his free time. Like earning his next payout for example.

Speaking of which, Sousuke's thoughts were interrupted when some loud guy burst through the door and shouted something about Sousuke's whereabouts. Sousuke just cocked an eyebrow, "Um... I'm Sousuke Kikkawa?" he said, probably against his better judgement. The guy looked and was acting pretty odd, and how could Sousuke possibly keep up his coolness by associating with a weirdo for too long?

[Crimson Lion]

“Um... I'm Sousuke Kikkawa?" A voice said and Nanashi immediately looked at its source. Blonde hair? Check. Gunpla on belt? Check. 3rd year? Unless this is the wrong class then check.

Nanashi pushed past the others and approached the sitting 3rd year. “*whistle* cool hat man, you look like a gangsta.” He said with a chuckle. “Well anyways, I want to ask you something.” He said clearing his throat. “Sousuke Kikkawa, Please join the .. the um .. er … I-I’m sorry but, is your Gunpla damaged?” He said looking at the SD Master Gundam on Sousuke’s desk. “I mean, you must have got hit in the joints or something while piloting because it looks like it can fall apart any second now.” He said rubbing his cheeks. The joints weren’t tight enough, the Gunplas hands weren’t clipped correctly and it looked like the frame hadn’t even been glued yet, but it seemed to have already been cleaned!! “Y’know, if you want I can help you with that.”

[Double]

"D-Damage?" Sousuke snatched the Master Gundam off the desk and hurriedly, "W-Where? I just finished it, how's it damaged?" it hadn't actually occurred to Sousuke that his build just plain sucked. But wait, why was this 2nd Year guy so interested in his Master Gundam? Sousuke's shoulders slumped with the realization. He was about to be invited into yet another Club was he? There really was no point, since he could have to move again and thus leave the club behind. Still, he needed a payout of some kind, so maybe...

"Gunpla Club, right?" he asked, then quickly slid the Master Gundam back into the carry case, "Show me your Club, I wanna see it for myself." if the 2nd Year was serious, he'd have no problem giving Sousuke the quick tour. But Sousuke wasn't about to make any commitments before even seeing the club first. That would just be foolish. He picked his book bag up off the floor at his feet and slung it over his shoulder, "We're going, right? Well, lead the way."

[Crimson Lion]

Nanashi chuckled a bit at Sousukes panic over his Gunpla. It's always good to care about your Gunplas condition. "Err, well we don't exactly have a 'club' per say, well yet anyways." Nanashi said rubbing his head as he lead the way out of the room. "We only have 2 people and need 3 to become a club." He explained as they walked. "Oh! But how bout me and Mika show you what we got at the arcade! I'm meeting up with her in 30 minutes so we can practice." He said with a thumbs up.

[Double]

Sousuke stopped dead in his tracks, "Wait..." he turned a sharp gaze onto the 2nd Year, "...your Club's not even official?" then he... laughed? Well, he laughed a little bit, but then he let out an exasperated sigh, "I can't get anything out of an unofficial club..." he muttered under his breath, while rubbing his temples. After a moment he looked back at the 2nd Year student, "Sorry. Not interested." he said suddenly. Strange that someone would appear to show interest only to withdraw it a moment later. But that was what happened, and then Sousuke took off on his own. With no other plans for the day, the only thing he could think of to do was kill some time at the arcade, so that was where he headed.

[Crimson Lion]

"W-wait please hear me out!" He said but it was to late, He had already left. "D-damn not again." Nanashi said with comedic tears.

Before he could sulk anymore, his phone rang showing Mika was calling him. "*Sniff sniff*, hello?"

"Oi senpai, you convince the guy or not?" Mika's voice said from the other end.

"No, he left after I said we weren't an official club yet so he decided not to." Nanashi said with a sigh.

"Ugh, no way. Well whatever, hey we still going to the arcade for some practice?"

"Oh yeah, I'll meet you there." He said with a sigh before hanging up. "Well, thats another day with unsuccessful recruitment. Well whatever! I'll just cheer myself up by making a new Gunpla!" He said with a chuckle before leaving for the arcade. "I wonder if they're selling any new Gunpla."

///

Upgrade Arcade

Upgrade arcade, an arcade near the train station that has a gunpla battle terminal in the back and sells Gunpla models for a discounted price, but limited selection. The battle system is free for everyone and anyone to use, well usually anyways. Today ...

"Hey, you guys are hogging up the battle system!!! You guys don't need to use all three, theres only three of you!" A middle school boy yelled at a group of highschoolers.

One of them, a yankee looking boy, stepped up to him intimidatingly. "You want a turn? Fine, you can play if you guys can beat us! The Tiger Gang!" He said turning around and pointing his thumbs at the tiger design on his jacket.

The middleschooler recoiled a bit, unsure of what to do. "T-thats no fair! You guys are way better then us!!" He complained.

"Well then I guess you can just run off then pipsqueak." The Yankee boy said laughing.

[Double]

"Begin Plavsky Particle dispersal." the computerized voice of the Gunpla Battle terminal suddenly spoke up. The Yankee boy was startled by this, and he and his gang all spun around to see a new face about to launch his Gunpla.

"Okay, Master Gundam, let's see how handle in-"

"Hey! Hey! HEY!" the Yankee boy shouted, grabbing Sousuke by the collar, "Who do you think you are, using my terminal without permission?"

"Your terminal? I don't see your name on it anywhere. Now get out of my face, your breath stinks." said Sousuke, forcibly shoving the Yankee boy away from him and turning back toward the terminal.

"What's this? A tough guy? Or maybe you just don't know how things work around here?" the Yankee boy demanded, "You wanna use the terminal? Fine, but it'll be in a fight against me!"

That got Sousuke's attention. His ears seemed to perk up at the challenge, "Battle? Well, I was meaning to see how it performed in combat. Whatever, do what you want." Sousuke honestly had no idea who the Tiger Gang was. He hadn't lived in the area long enough to ever hear about them or see them for himself. Not that it would have deterred him in the slightest. Sousuke stepped up to the Terminal and inserted his Gunpla base. This registered him as a Pilot currently using the terminal. Then he placed the SD Master Gundam on the launching pad, "Okay, Master Gundam, let's see those specs of yours in action. Launch!"

The Gunpla shakily launched out into the simulated field, which happened to be an Open Field type. So no real cover or any terrain to take advantage of. But it wasn't long before the little SD Gunpla found itself standing in a massive shadow. Towering over it was a Mobile Armor, a Big Zam to be exact.

"What the hell?" Sousuke exclaimed, "That thing's huge!" unfortunately, this was the first time Sousuke had ever seen a Mobile Armor. He still didn't let that deter him, and the Master Gundam flew forward and put all its strength into a punch, "The bigger they are..." Sousuke started, but stopped when the Master Gundam's fist broke on the armor of the Big Zam. Then the Zam struck back, kicking Master Gundam square in the torso and sending the poor little Gunpla flying right out of the play area and smashing into a wall, where the model shattered into its individual parts.

"Battle: Over." the computer's voice announced and the simulation ended. Sousuke tipped his hat in disappointment as he knelt to gather the broken pieces of his Master Gundam.

The gang were all in stitches at this scene, "Ha! That had to be some kind of record, Boss! You smashed that piece of junk in just one hit!"

[Crimson Lion]

Mika stood in the arcade on her phone, checking her emails until all of a sudden she saw the tiger gang messing around. “Ugh, these guys.” She said before seeing Nanashi enter the arcade. “Yo senpai!”

“Yello!” Nanashi said with a pep.

“Hey Senpai, those tiger guys are back. I think today we should finally teach them a lesson shouldn't we?” She said with a smirk.

Nanashi shrugged “I don't know I think tha-” he started but paused. “Hey that's him!” He said pointing at Sousuke, holding the SD Master Gundam in hand.

Mika looked and sighed. “He's gonna have to fight those guys.” She said

“He's going to lose.” Nanashi declared. Turning around and heading to the shopping part of the Arcade. “Yo boss, I need a gunpla set stat!” He said to the clerk.

“Which one kid?” He asked showing the selection they had this week. An Exia Gundam. A Victory Gundam. And a Zaku.

“Give me the Zaku and Victory!” He said grabbing the two boxes.

“Ehh senpai why are you building new Gunpla right now?” Miku asked.

“Because the strike isn't ready for battle right now and we gotta help him before he gets destroyed!”

“But there battle starts in like, 5 minutes.”

Nanashi chuckled, “I can build it in 4, 2 and a half for each.” Then in the blink of an eye began already finishing the clipping of the parts. Nanashi expertly connected and paired all the parts without missing a beat and finished the two Gunpla. “There, take this!” He said placing it in her hand.

They both entered the room just in time to see the SD get destroyed by the the Zam. Nanashi stepped up, putting down his terminal and Mika doing the same.

“Origin Zaku Warrior!!! Execute!!!”

“Victory Angel Gundam! Fly!!!” Mika said

[Double]

"So it lost, huh?" Sousuke muttered under his breath, "Guess I'm not cut out for this after all. I'm sorry..." he shouldered his bag and turned for the door. Right about this time, the 2nd Year from earlier rushed onto the scene, followed closely by a girl Sousuke hadn't seen before. It looked like they were going to battle that big plastic monstrosity. Fine, maybe they stood a better chance. As for Sousuke, he found himself no longer in the mood to battle. And so he began to leave. On his way, though, he overheard some voices.

"Aw, even the older guy lost! Those Tigers really are unbeatable..."

"We'll never get to play at this rate!"

This made Sousuke pause, but he just stood there, still undecided. Then he recalled a memory. It was some years ago, and he was reading a manga with someone else. The manga was about a hard-boiled detective who braved the dark streets to help his clients. And Sousuke remembered something else from the manga, a speech the main protagonist often made:

"A man who can't help others is either incompetent or needs help himself. But a man who won't help others... is the worst kind of scum."

Sousuke tightened his grip on the strap of his book bag. Was he unable to help... or just unwilling?

[Crimson Lion]

“Mika! Flank!” Nanashi yells as his Origin Zaku Warrior hovers left and shooting covering fire.

“On it!” She yelled from the Victory Angel as it moved right, also shooting.

The two kept firing but couldn't do any damage at the time. “Crap! Mika we need to get close range if we wanna pierce that armor.” Nanashi yelled. The Zam beginning to spin while shooting the beam, separating the two.

“But neither of us can get close enough!” She responded as the two of the kept dodging the attacks.

[Double]

"Gunpla: Set."

The computer announced a new player in the arena. Well, not actually a new player, but rather the return of a previous player. Sousuke returned to his position in the battle arena and replaced his terminal back in the slot, "You broke my Gunpla. It's only fair I return the favor." then he reached into his book bag. This time he did not retrieve the Master Gundam, it was broken to pieces anyway. No, this time he grabbed a second Gunpla carrier, one that looked a bit more worn than the one Sousuke's belt. From the case, Sousuke revealed a black Crossbone Gundam, or at least a heavily modified one. The difference between it and the SD Master Gundam was like night and day. Unlike the Master Gundam, this Crossbone model was extremely well built. Given a bit more time and tweaking, it could even reach World Level ability.

"Your luck's run out. In the end, I hold the trump card that will snatch victory from the jaws of despair." Sousuke spoke with an almost intentionally dramatic tone, almost like he was trying to be theatrical, "Crossbone Joker..." he said the name of the Gunpla, not in Japanese but English, "...steal the win!"

The Gunpla launched and found itself approaching the fight. That Mobile Armor was big, but those arms looked pretty thin compared to the rest of its body. Sousuke knew what he had to do. A blade extended from the Joker's right arm, then detached and formed a GN Sword nicknamed the Joker Blade, "Let's make this showy, Joker!" the Gunpla picked up speed as it went for the slash against one of the Zam's arms, then did so against it's other arm as well as one of the legs.

[Crimson Lion]

“What the?! What the heck is that?!” Mika asked as she saw the Gunpla cut off a third appendage.

Nanashi smirked. “An opening!!!” He said as the Origin Zaku Warrior threw away its machine gun and unsheathed its heat axe.

Mika copied with her own beam sabers. The both striked the remaining leg together, cutting it off completely. Nanashi then grabbed the mobile armor from underneath. “Oi Sousuke, end him!” He yelled as the Zaku held the MA in place.

[Double]

Sousuke didn't answer back. He was too focused on fighting. The Crossbone Joker deployed a second weapon, a high powered beam rifle that looked like it was taken from the Wing Gundam or Wing Gundam Zero. Sousuke called it the Joker Magnum. The Gunpla boosted foward, flying toward the Zam while firing off a short series of beams from the rifle. These beams alone wouldn't destroy the body, but they would put a crack in the shell that could be targeted for a finishing blow.

With only just enough time to do so, Sousuke discarded the rifle and thrust the Joker Blade forward in time for it to crash into the cracked spot on the Zam's armor. It went through... completely through. The Crossbone Joker may as well have drilled all the way through the Big Zam's body and out the other side. This was the clincher, and the remains of the Big Zam exploded.

"Battle: Ended."

[Crimson Lion]

“Alright!” Nanashi cheered as the field started to disintegrate leaving only the plastic models in the center, the Victory and Zaku mostly unharmed and the Crossbone Joker with not even a spec of dust.

“N-no way, the Tiger Zam got destroyed.” The yankee said in anger. “Dammit you cheated I demand a rematch!!!”

Before anyone could argue however, the door to the battle area bursts open revealing the clerk that sold them the Victory and Zaku Warrior. A big man a head taller than all in the room.“Oi Tora!!”

“Its Tiger!!” The Yankee yelled

“Don’t care, you guys made a deal, they won. So get the FUCK. OUT.” He said just loud enough so everyone can hear, everyone feeling a bit of fear from his voice.

The three hooligans all shivered before quickly running out of the shop. Nanashi smirked. “Thanks Boss!” He said in a sing song voice.

‘Whatever.’ The clerk said before heading back to the front. The room, now empty of everyone except the high schoolers, quiet.

Nanashi, still smirking from their win over the hooligans, turns to Sousuke. “So? Whatcha think of the club?” He asked.

[Double]

"Don't misunderstand me." said Sousuke, retrieving his Crossbone Joker from the field and carefully sliding it back into the carrying case. He was notably more careful with handling the Joker than he ever was with the SD Master Gundam. Clearly it was a treasure for him, "I was just avenging my Master Gundam. That is all." with that he shouldered his book bag and started walking away again. His hand reached for the handle of the door but stopped.

Admittedly, what he had said was a lie. It wasn't about avenging his Gunpla. He just remembered a lesson that someone important to him to lived by, and he wanted to emulate that person in his own way. Still, his shoulders slumped as he made a decision that in any other situation would go against his every instinct, "Fine, I'll join your club..." he said without turning around. But before the 2nd Year could get too excited, Sousuke suddenly spun around and added, "...but not for free. I'll be charging you based on how much we battle. That match just now was your first and only freebie." he said nothing more and walked out the door.

It would have been polite to stay and get to know his new clubmates, but Sousuke had somewhere he needed to be.

[Crimson Lion]

Sousuke left just in time to hear Nanashi’s cry of joy. “Yes!! We finally got a full team!!” He cheered before looking over at Mika, who was frowning rather than cheering. “Er, Mika? What's up?”

Mika picked up the Victory Angel gundam with a sigh. “Honestly, I just don't know if Gunpla is right for me.” She said as she ran her fingers over it. “I like Gunpla, and I want to stay … but,”

Nanashi smiled softly before patting her head. “ It's fine, I understand.” He said with a sigh. “It's all good! I'm pretty sure we can find a new guy to join the group!” He said pumped. “But anyways, did you SEE the Gunpla Sousuke used, the difference between that and the Master SD was like day and night!”

“Oh yeah, it was pretty strong wasn't it?”

“I wonder .. where did he get it?” Nanashi asked himself.

…

…

“Hey senpai, didn't he say he wanted payment?”

…

…

“... I can count Sousuke as a club expense right?” He asked with her shrugging.

[Double]

A little later that day, the voice of an excited boy could be heard from his hospital room. It made a nurse outside make a startled pause before continuing about her duties.

"You battled today?"

"Yep."

"Wish I could have been there. You won right? You totally kicked butt?"

"Of course."

"That's my big bro. Your skill with my Gunpla? Unstoppable!"

"You bet we are. By the way, um... I'll be battling a lot more in the coming weeks so-"

"You joined another club, didn't you? Don't worry, I'll keep it nice and fixed up. If you're planning to enter the Under 19, you better make sure and tell me when your matches are so I can catch the livestreams!"

"Like I'd forget to do something like that? We're still a team, even if only one of us can battle. It's you and me, got it?"

"Yeah!"

"Oh, um... that Master Gundam you gave me kind of-"

"Lemme see it!"

"Wait, don't-"

"Hey! It's still in pieces! Did you even try to build it?"

"Well..."

"Leave it here with me. I could use something to pass the time while I'm stuck in here."

[Crimson Lion]

April 26th, Ichikawa High

Mika yawned as she entered the school. “Man, morning volleyball practices always kill me.” She sighed as she was about to enter the locker room before seeing a couple men in moving uniforms carrying boxes into the school. “What the?”

It really wasn't any of her business, but curiosity got the better of her and she followed them in. On the first floor of the school building, all the way in the back, men began lifting equipment into an empty room. Mika was about to investigate further until she saw Nanashi exit the room. “Thanks a lot guys, huge help.”

“No problem sir, just sign here and here and we’ll be on our way” one of the employees told him handing him a clipboard. Nanashi took a look over it real quick before signing. “Thank you sir! And Odami Odd jobs thanks you as well, have a good day!” He said as he and the rest of the men left.

Nanashi was about to enter back into the room but stopped when he saw Mika, “Ah! Mika come over here!”

Mika jogged over before peaking into the room, “Whoa is that?!”

“Yyyyep, a plavasky battle terminal, 4 panels and everything.” He said with a bit of pride. “Hey, during lunch can you help me hang up some posters asking to join the club?” He said as he began to lock the door to the club room.

“Yeah sure, uh by the way what are you gonna be doing now? School doesn't start for another hour or so.”

“I, my dear kouhai, am going to wait near the entrance. Sousuke didn't give me his number and I need to tell him to meet up at the club room after school.” He said as they began to approach where they'd split off. “Welp, cya later.”

“Bye Senpai!”

[Renny]

"Hey, Natsu ..." Yuma's healthy voice came to life after a sterile pause. "So this is the tenth file ... I think. You know me, I'm not all that good at keeping track of things." His long-lost, vibrant chuckle stuttered out before rambled on about his impending doom.

Natsu clenched his pocketed fist, though his expression, unmoved and etched in stone, was still indifferent. It had been far too long since he had heard Yuma's true laughter. Far, far too long. He looked up between his sky-hued bangs while his same-colored eyes peered at the partially opened door of some poor patient.

A nurse and doctor walked in tandem as they continued some medical discussion. The words were jumbled, nothing coherent. Except the word "lung" which was really loud to him for some reason.

Natsu eyed them till they left then stood up and headed through the floors to the hospital's exit. Yuma wasn't in the hospital yet but Natsu could see him coughing more and the subtle grasping of his chest when they were at home. It was painfully obvious that slowly, he was getting worse, and yet Natsu chose to ignore it.

* * *

"You gotta believe that all this happened for a reason. I'm dead. You can't change it, I couldn't stop it, but ... you have to believe that its' okay."

Natsu plucked the earphones from his face before tucking them next to his phone in his pocket. "Its not okay," he muttered in front of his apartment complex, contemplating if he could stomach the guilt, anguish, and chaos that swelled inside.

* * April 26th * *

Natsu moved through the crowd like a specter, unnoticed and downtrodden. No one asked him how he was doing. If he had needed a shoulder or an ear. No one cared; he was used to thinking that before. Now ... Now his mind worked tirelessly to overcome some mental mixture of chaos. It pushed back everything unnecessary and brought clarity to his three most important duties.

His brother: Yuma, Gunpla battle, and his own stability.

As he passed through the early morning hall, where silence reigned, he listened intently to the eleventh file.

"File eleven. I smoked too much..."

That was all he needed to hear before snatching the earphones from his ears and sliding his phone to the furthest side of the hallway. Though his eyes remained unmoved, his breathing had sped up. He stared at the old phone for a long moment.