Chapter 11: I want to keep talking shit

Chapter 11: I want to keep talking shit

- Aruto (?) –

In the aftermath of the collapsed warehouse, a scene of chaos unfolded. Debris littered the area, a testament to the fierce battle that raged on. The air resonated with the cacophony of gunfire and the strained grunts of combatants locked in mortal struggle.

Two figures emerged from the chaos, locked in a desperate battle for survival. One was a lone human named Aruto, but not really. The other, a formidable IS, an entity that had, until now, held an undisputed dominion over their fight.

Aruto's present body was no longer entirely his own; a spirit now dwelled within him instead, locked in a life-or-death struggle against the relentless, menacing IS. It was an unusual spectacle, witnessing a human challenging the aerial supremacy of these titans. The odds were decidedly stacked against the spirit, yet it wielded the mysterious power inherent in its existence, desperately trying to stand firm.

It wasn't a battle for dominance but a struggle for sheer survival. The spirit, limited in its ability to combat a flying adversary, could only defend itself against the onslaught and look for an opportunity to strike back. The jet-black IS, showing a degree of tactical insight, hovered out of his reach, bombarding Aruto's body with ranged artillery.

They were the apex of the skies for a reason, and nothing could shake their current status.

[What a terrible matchup...] the spirit sighed, looking at the jet-black IS with frustration and resignation. He could only defend and evade the relentless barrage and create more time for Aruto's return.

The IS, seemingly learning from their encounters, stayed airborne, exploiting the limitations of the human body. The spirit could jump a bit, maybe throw a punch or two, but there was a sky-high limit to that, and being a sitting duck in the air wasn't really on his list for Christmas.

The IS was a real bully, and he hoped that Santa wouldn't visit them during Christmas.

The spirit, amid this intense showdown, couldn't help but glance back occasionally. There was a growing crowd, hiding and recording the whole fight. He couldn't decide if they were brave or just utterly stupid. This was not something an ordinary human like them could participate in.

The spirit could only guess the noise of their clash attracted their attention through the area, and then they came here because of their curiosity. Yet, what puzzled the spirit was the absence of the official IS pilots from the Japanese Government. Shouldn't they have intervened by now? Or were they content being spectators, watching how far "Aruto" could push a human body against an IS?

How shameless could they be?

Amidst the distraction caused by the growing audience, the spirit was abruptly brought back to the immediate threat. The IS seized an opportune moment, unleashing an energy beam with calculated precision. The attack travelled fast, but his swift reflexes allowed him to evade the attack. But unfortunately, he couldn't make such a decision in this situation.

As for why? Simply put, the crowd of troublemakers were directly behind him, and they would perish if he dodged the shot.

First, the spirit wasn't a hero and couldn't care less if the people behind him died. He only cared about Aruto ever since he became aware. Unfortunately, it would affect Aruto's future if he let them die. Even if it wasn't Aruto's fault because a group of humans came to seek their death, he knew how humans worked.

They would blame Aruto, regardless of whether it is deserved or not. In their eyes, Aruto, the intended target of the IS, would unjustly bear the responsibility for the resulting casualties, with his name dragged through the mud.

Aruto would become a sinner and vilified, and the spirit would not allow that to happen. Of course, everyone won't be seen this way, but a minor group would definitely stir the pot and become very loud and vocal about it.

Honestly, he wouldn't be surprised if Aruto wasn't already scolded on the internet for the damage and death at the initial appearance of the IS, who had a hate boner toward Aruto, even if he was also a victim of this targeted attack.

He might as well spare Aruto from further troubles, and the spirit chose to protect the troublesome crowd. Beyond that, Aruto cherished his life in Japan, and the spirit didn't want to see him driven to flee to another country.

[Humanity is too good at seeking their death because of their curiosity..]

The spirit harnessed more energy and braced himself to shield the crowd from the vicious attack. He bore the brunt of the assault, crossing his arms desperately, trying to withstand the overwhelming force. As the energy beam surged forth, the impact on Aruto's body manifested in a series of injuries.

The strain on his muscles was evident, contorting and contracting under immense pressure. Each passing moment etched lines of agony on his face, his clenched jaw struggling to contain the pain. The sheer force of the attack reverberated through his stamina, leaving behind a burning sensation.

Aruto's feet, anchored firmly into the ground, experienced different torment. The energy surges forced them to dig into the earth, the soil bearing reluctantly to the unseen force of the attack. His feet were carved into the earth as he resisted the force, a determined effort to shield the crowd.

As the assault persisted, the toll on Aruto's body became increasingly apparent. Sweat mixed with dirt streaked down his face, and the strain reflected on his body and furrowed brows. The culmination of enduring the relentless attack left Aruto's body battered and weary.

After what felt like an eternity, the attack finally eased, and the spirit collapsed on the ground from exhaustion. He didn't expect that he had to spend so much energy in defending such an attack.

It looks like he still underestimated the greatest weapon in this world.

"Hey, are you okay?" inquired a concerned man from the crowd.

[Are you people blind? Scram! Before the IS decided to slaughter you!] the spirit barked, frustration evident in his tone. His patience wore thin; he wouldn't have needed to endure this attack if not for the crowd.

"Alright, alright, chill," the man responded, grasping the situation. However, not everyone shared the man's understanding, arguing for their right to stay there.

Not even a thank you for saving their ass... but they did at least run from here to go hide elsewhere.

Rolling his eyes in exasperation, the spirit's anger boiled at the stubbornness of these stupid humans. There was no reasoning with them. His only option was to relocate the battle and prevent further collateral damage.

[Tabane Shinonono, what exactly is your end goal now?] pondered the spirit, his perspective on this planet's enigmatic and chaotic creator taking on a renewed intensity.

Luckily, the IS appeared to need to recharge after launching such a devastating attack. Grateful for the pause, the spirit knew he couldn't endure another beam. That would have been beyond his capacity. Inwardly, he cursed Aruto for taking such a long time, even if he had willingly chosen to face such a formidable adversary.

[When is he coming back?] wondered the spirit, his impatience growing as he awaited Aruto's return to the frontline of this intense confrontation.

Stepping away from the area, the spirit sensed the energy intensifying, diligently working to mend the body's injuries. It was a slow process, but he won't complain since the IS seemed ready for another round.

[Looks like we are still fighting…] the spirit muttered, stretching his arms in preparation for the impending confrontation. A familiar voice interjected as he braced himself for what was to come.

"All right, partner! It's time to tag out!"

[Aruto!] the spirit exclaimed with relief and eagerness, swiftly surrendering control of the body to its rightful owner.

 x-x-x-x-x

- Aruto Igarashi –

"All right, partner! It's time to tag out!" I proclaimed arrogantly, ready to revel in my triumphant return. However, my grand entrance was swiftly shattered.

"DUDE! ARGHHH," I grunted in pain, taking in the sorry state of my body. Couldn't he have waited a moment before returning control?

Why was he so eager to return my body…

I lost my cool entrance, a bitter pill to swallow after enduring so much trouble.

[Ha.ha.ha], the spirit responded with a dry, unamused laugh.

[You should no longer address me in the open if you don't want people to think you are insane.]

'Ah?' I thought, a touch of confusion on my face.

[We have had an audience since you left and took your time.]

'Oh right, right... but did I leave for so long? How come there are so many people?' I pondered, observing the growing crowd.

[…Don't mind them and focus on our enemy], my buddy advised as I redirected my attention to the looming adversary.

The IS, seemingly undeterred, resumed its advance, closing in on me with deliberate menace. My body ached, and I could feel the weight of the accumulated injuries as I squared off against this formidable adversary.

"Okay, buddy, time for some payback," I muttered, determined to compensate for my failed entrance. My fists clenched as I prepared for the counterattack.

[Remember what I told you. Call upon my name and break thy chains!] echoed the spirit's voice in my mind, a reminder of the latent power within me.

As the IS drew nearer, the anticipation in the air was palpable. The audience, a mix of awe and concern etched on their faces, watched the unfolding spectacle. With a deep breath, I steadied myself, blocking out the distractions and focusing solely on the imminent battle.

[NOW ARUTO! IT'S TIME]

[SHOUT MY NAME AND LET'S CREATE A NEW FUTURE]

[INVOKE ME AND UNLEASH THY RAGE]

Sensing a disturbance, the black IS surged forward to halt whatever Aruto was preparing. However, it was one step too late, as not even the heavens themselves could impede Aruto's unfolding main character moment.

A smirk played on my lips in response to my buddy's encouraging words, and I disregarded both the rapidly approaching IS and the cautionary shouts from the crowd. "All right then, let's go, bro."

"JIN-!" "-TE!-" "-KAI!"

An azure pillar erupted around Aruto, a formidable force pushing against everything nearby. The IS, unable to escape the shockwave's reach, was repelled by the overwhelming power, crashing forcefully onto the ground in the aftermath.

[NOW! VISUALIZE YOUR POWER]

Delving into my memories, I sought something to match the fake mecha created in this world.

"..."

How about bringing in the real deal to outshine these imitations?

A cocky smirk adorned my face as my eyes gleamed within the azure pillar that seemingly reached the heavens.

[Good! You found it! Let me help you make it more manageable!] shouted Jintekai as he pumped a lot of energy inside my body. I felt refreshed and full of vitality.

[NOW! It's your chance, Aruto!] shouted Jintekai with excitement.

[MATERIALIZE AND COMBINE! SHOW YOUR RAGE AND FIGHT AGAINST ALL FATES!]

[INVOKE OUR POWER!]

My body ascended in the air, defying gravity as I hovered mid-air.

"Henshin (Transformation)," I whispered gently, and the energy surrounding me exploded beautifully.

In a surreal display of otherworldly phenomena, as each part of my body dissolved into ethereal particles. The audience gasped collectively as my legs seamlessly melded into the form of a mechanical body's legs; the majestic, sleek white limbs of the colossal mobile suit now occupied the very ground where I once stood.

Next, my torso and chest evaporated into a radiant glow, merging into the armoured core of the mecha. A pair of booster-equipped wings are mounted on the back of my new transformation, and they grant high mobility and overwhelming acceleration in zero gravity or when under gravity.

As the process unfolded further, my arms vanished from sight and reappeared in the form of the mecha's powerful limbs. A pair of swords materialized in both hands, a manifestation of the weapon now under my newfound form.

Witnesses watched in awe as the last remnants of my human visage transformed into the head of a machine, the two glowing red eyes now mirrored in the mobile suit's faceplate. The antenna-like protrusions stood proudly, completing the enigmatic silhouette of the ASW-G-01 Gundam Bael.

The once-disparate elements of my being had seamlessly become one with the mobile suit, and in that moment, I became the living embodiment of a legendary Gundam. The air hummed with newfound energy as the Gundam Bael stood tall, a fusion of human will and machine might, ready to face the challenges that awaited on the battlefield.

[ASW-G-01 Gundam Bael]

"Ready to break." 

Initially frozen in stunned silence, the crowd erupted into a cacophony of gasps and whispers as they beheld the extraordinary transformation unfolding before their eyes. Murmurs of disbelief and amazement swept through the onlookers like a gentle breeze, carrying the weight of awe and wonder.

Some pointed with trembling fingers, attempting to make sense of the seemingly impossible metamorphosis. Others clasped their hands over open mouths, their eyes widening in disbelief. The sheer spectacle of a human being seamlessly transforming into a tall and powerful mecha left the audience on the edge of a collective epiphany, a realization that they were witnessing a miracle.

The air buzzed with the astonishment of the crowd. Whispers of "unbelievable" and "impossible" reverberated through the gathering, and the moment's enthusiasm transcended the boundaries of rational comprehension.

As the Gundam Bael stood fully realized, a living testament to the fusion of man and machine, the crowd's response oscillated between silent reverence and thunderous applause encapsulated by the breathtaking transformation they had just witnessed.

[You are motivated, Aruto.] said Jintekai as he saw how excited I was. He was in my body as we became the Gundam. We are one and ready to fight.

"Of course! I've been chased by this IS like a dog from the start! Now I can finally talk shit to it, and If I want to keep talking shit, then I have to be the best and win."I declared confidently, revelling in my newfound transformation as I soared into the sky to confront my nemesis.

[…I can respect that], said Jintekai, his expression a mix of astonishment and a wry smirk.

"Let's go, Jintekai!"

[Of course, Aruto]

 x-x-x-x-x

[A/N: Okay, I lied. The next chapter is the end of the first arc of the FF. Also, don't hesitate to suggest more Gundam or other interesting mecha-related stuff for the future. Aruto will be able to cycle various transformations in the future and maybe some nice Kamen Rider transformations ~]