Episode 52: The Battle Heard Around the World

[Maria Zenovia]

In the final battle both Noland and Drago received an enormous boost from none other than godly beings and it was only natural that both of them would have some sort of consequence from it. It has finally come for them. "..." Maria did not know exactly how to respond- what does one say in a situation like that? What does one do in a situation like that? She was not a kind of person to say things like 'it will be better' or anything similar as she did not know what could come with time and it would sound very fake coming from anybody- as far as she knew he could endure it and be back to normal or the situation could get worse. Considering how much he had done for the planet- how much he sacrificed and how he had to see his own friends and family disappear from him forever Maria could not just leave it at that and offer no help. Noland and most other Resistors did not have a chance to experience happy childhood- all sorts of events unfolded in such perfect, yet unfortunate sync and put a huge burden on their shoulders. No one deserves that kind of life. Not only that Noland saved everyone- he had to suffer for it as well now.

"Hey... can I be of any help?" Maria asked with a mild tone. "I may not have been a big help during this war, but if I can do anything for you now I would like to hear it out." She offered her help to Noland now that she was in situation where she could potentially be useful for once. She was hinting towards healing Noland's state- considering the nature of it Maria knew a few specialists that could be of help, but it was up to Noland if he wanted to take it. She was not happy as long as there was anyone here who was still in pain and suffering.

[Noland Hardy]

"No...you can't..." Noland mildly responded back. This time, he turned his head to make a little bit of eye contact. "...You have helped me too much... With the Kyuki problem...and the 'Gundalian' problem... I stand here now...because of your kindness..."

Noland closed his eyes and sighed. If there was anyone he didn't want to see him suffer from the nasty side-effects, it was Maria. "Second thought... Maybe...some advice will do..." he suddenly thought. He remembered some of the things his dad told him before he passed on. He distinctly remembers a line referencing the likelihood that he...really shouldn't fight anymore. It was as if Vince knew exactly how Noland would've been feeling before it even happened.

"My dad...for the first time EVER...told me stand down once all of this was over...for good this time... No more..." Noland remembered. "How do I do that...? Fighting was what I did...It was ALL I did...I don't know anything else..."

[Maria Zenovia]

Noland did make a good point. He was always fighting- it was a part of him, but in this scenario it was not a good thing. That was where Vince's advice was absolutely correct- to stand down. Maria understood how Noland felt because she was in a similar situation- unlike most Resistors, Spartans and even other Knights she is the least warrior-like person which is normally a contradiction to someone in her position. She was a kind, calm and peaceful soul who was pushed into being something she did not want to be. Similar with Noland; just a normal kid who wanted to play and brawl with other kids, like Allen and Alana and then he had to witness a loss of his family and a friend, being dragged from brawl to brawl in life-and-death situations because of such ugly creatures like Pack, Hurranians and Kyuki living in the universe; creatures who cannot comprehend happiness and so they take it from everyone else. Most Resistors did not get to experience childhood- in Maria's opinion it was a disaster. Hydra's advice to Maria was to first look out for herself as she did not have much of it either, but it was just pain for Maria to witness. 

"I want you to ask yourself- did you pick this kind of lifestyle with both hands, willingly and happily? I think we both know answer to that- you were pushed... forced into it without question. You were brought into a situation where saying 'no' to it would mean people would die. Though it is all you know to do it is not something that should define your life- Vince is a good father; he only wants his dear son to experience life that every kid deserves... no good father would be okay with his son missing out on every joy of childhood for constantly being in life-and-death situations." Maria gave her opinion on Vince's advice and Noland's life so far. It was even her opinion on every Resistor's life- they were all scarred in some way. "He wants you to be a kid again- to live a life you rightfully deserve and now that this hell is over you finally have an opportunity to do so. And if you do not know how there is no shame in it; after all you have us... You all became a big part of my life- expect me to be helping you whether you like it or not." Maria said jokingly implying she would not allow any Resistor to say 'no' to her help. 

[Noland Hardy]

"..." For the first time since that battle, Noland...smiled, and it was genuine. "So that's it... That's what he meant..." It made him happy to think that Vince's sacrifice was much more than saving the universe. In anything he did, he was always thinking of Noland and Kendrick. There was always sense in what he did. Nothing he has ever done could be considered useless...

Most people can't say that about their parent(s)...but Noland can say that about his.

"I wonder what Mom would think..." Noland thought out loud, even though he probably shouldn't have. It only reminded him of another loss, but...he was okay. He had his grandma. Genesis Dragonoid helped him realize that now - more than any other time - is important to get right, to spend as much time as you can, because when it runs out, then what?

"I...I guess I'm done then...it's over..." Noland happily declared. Unlike the previous time when it was out of anger for his loss, it was out of pride that he can finally put this to rest. While he may remain a Resistor for life, the Master Blaze needed to rest. Not even he knows when he'll return, if he ever does. He now has time to think about that....hopefully.

"Thanks...again...you really made this all make sense to me..." he expressed. He turned completely in Maria's direction. "I...know it's probably not the safest thing to ask for given my condition, but...could I...have...?"

[Maria Zenovia]

Maria was glad that Noland decided he would take the road she and Vince were hoping he would take. With that and help she was ready to invest she was going to make sure Noland lives to enjoy his life as a normal young man who deserves nothing less than a normal life with friends and family. As the hell is over she as well could spend a lot more time with her sister and introduce her to all the good things she can see, hear (and most importantly, eat). Everyone in this celebration put a huge effort into saving the planet so Maria had plans for aiding each one of them in their particular needs as best as she could and as far as she was allowed. She was given recognition by Asuka and was appointed as the Admiral once more allowing her a plethora of options to aid everyone with. Asuka was testing her most of the time with that and had no intentions of keeping Maria below the deserved rank, but she wanted to see how well Maria would perform. 

As for what Noland was saying...

Before he could finish the sentence he quickly found himself in an embrace softer than any pillow on the planet. It did not take a genius to know Noland was a big fan of getting hugs from Maria, but in the end he did definitely need and deserve a hug. She thought she would extend it for a minute or two considering how much hell Noland went through. With her firm grip on Noland he could feel all the comfort and warmth Maria was providing and he had no chance of escape- not that he would ever dream of trying. Though he was probably feeling like he was dreaming at that moment. Finally, Maria loosened her grip and separated herself from Noland. She gave him a warm smile before providing one unexpected final gift for him- and it was a gentle kiss on Noland's left cheek. "I am adding you to my wishlist now." Maria whispered and then she leaned against the wall as if nothing had happened. She decided to stay by Noland's side and keep him company- and give him something to think about.

[Allen Silva]

While Noland was having his little moment with the Admiral, Allen found himself talking to Alana. This is the first time they have talked since the whole battle to save the world. There was a clear tension in the air, as Alana was still hurt by Nolands actions. Gorem had decided to stay away during this whole exchange. It was a human issue after all, he had no real place in it.

" What Noland said back then was absolutely awful, but he wasnt in his right mind. His mind was all kind of jumbled." Allen begun to air his own thoughts on the situation that had occured a little over a week ago. He had to battle his friend to what seemed to be the death. Granted it didnt go that way, but it wasnt a great memory for him either." Something is wrong with Noland, he needs us here to help him."

Allen sighed over the whole situation. He knew that Alana wasnt going to budge, but he didnt want things to end like that. Noland a emotional jenga tower, and Alana a drifter. He just wanted things to go back to when everything was alright." If you really cant bring yourself to forgive him, i understand. But if thier is anything that we can do, anything i can do to maybe help, just tell me. Things wont be the same without you and Hydranoid around. This country needs us, as a symbol. And Noland still needs you, as a friend. Are you sure this is what you want to do?"

[Alana Cortese]

Allen was going hard on this issue. It wasn't hard for Alana to see why. She sighed in frustration though, because she knew Allen too long and too well to think that the questions would stop here. She took a couple of seconds to think her response out. She put a lot of thought into what she's doing, so it's only fitting that how she says it is just as thoughtful.

"All of that stuff about being a 'symbol'...that's exactly why I need to go," Alana claimed, easing her way into her reasoning for her decision. "Out of the three of us, you're the most normal, and you know it. Here we are after seeing the world almost end and seeing actual gods do their business, and you're still talking about us being here for this country..."

Alana get very serious for a moment, which served as a quick warning for what she was about to say. "Allen...I died..." she muttered. "Yeah, people would've remembered me for being a Resistor, but buddy...I'm no one outside of that. The only life-changing experiences I've had so far was being sent to the Doom Dimension, forced to do evil, and being killed by someone I LOVED. In all of those situations, I'm stuck doing things I HAVE to do that - truthfully - we have no business doing."

"Noland...he was right..." Alana painfully admitted. "Look around you. Everyone has their own thing they do, did, and dream about. I have none of those things... Not a single thing. I don't have it all together, Allen. Spending more time trying to fix something that's not working while my problems keep stacking higher and higher... I just can't do it anymore. I'm depressed again... The suicidal thoughts are coming back...just like before..."

After saying all that, Hydranoid finally popped up on the dinner table where Hydra was resting. They were all alone... "So...uh...I..."

Getting back to Alana's conversation: "Do you understand what I'm trying to say, Allen?" she asked.

[Allen Silva]

Allens face grew somber. He had a little hope that he could talk her out of this, but it was too late. " yeah, i get what you're saying." Allen almost whispered, a little defeat creeping into his voice. Things weren't going well, and they seemed to be going downhill very fast." But,I only act normal. The reason i can even keep on a smile is that i have to. These people need someone to tell them that everything is going to turn around. Someone to tell them that we didnt play a game of loss, that we actually fought for something."

Allen had gained a little bit of a fire in his voice. Alana's words had struck s cord that even he wasnt expecting. But he had to get this out of him. He had stayed quiet for too long." I am like this, because no one else is. Noland is a absolute shut in. I just saw him facing the friggin night sky spacing out. You died, and are now holding a grudge, Tracie also died, Vince is dead, and we are now Legendary Soldiers. Everything has happened so fast, the whole team is in shambles, and there has to be a person who can hold this together. Right now, it has to be me."

Before he continued, Allen took a couple of deep breaths to calm down. He got a little too heated in that rant, and maybe it came off accusatory. That wasnt what he wanted. Now with a cool head, he cleared his throat." If you need to go, please do. But promise me one thing. Just let us know at some point that you're still ok. That you havent put it all to a end. And if you ever need help, dont feel you're burdening us by asking for a hand. We are here to help."

And with that he turned around and begun to walk off."ALL of us." He said, as his last words before he returned to the rest of the group. He felt that he needed to make sure that they were all her friends, even if she didnt believe it.

[Alana Cortese]

"..." That was Alana's first time seeing Allen look and sound...defeated. It made her feel even worse that she had to do this for herself. You know the situation's bad if Allen is getting beaten down by this, even if he doesn't want to show it.

"What!? You didn't even let me finish!" Hydranoid yelled at Hydra's apparent response of 'no' to whatever he asked. "Please? I'll listen. I promise." Hydranoid's ball form got knocked all the way across the table. He sadly looked in Hydra's direction for a little bit before turning around to go about his business.

"Maybe I shouldn't have been that nervous... Hydranoid don't normally ask-" He paused when he looked at Allen walk passed in a pissy mood. "Well, that's not something you see too often." He rolled in the direction he walked from to see a stunned Alana standing there. He hopped up on her shoulder to check things out. "Well, I got turned down. Seems she wasn't in the mood to train me or provide Aurum Nectar. I can't win these days."

"Oh...I'm sorry then..." Alana softly responded.

"Did...something happen between you and Allen...?"

"What do you think...!?"

"...I'm sorry for whatever I just did?"

"...I'm sorry... I'm just an emotional wreck..."

"After all you've been through, I'd be surprised if you weren't. So, I'm guessing you told him then?"

"Yeah... He looked really sad... I never saw him like that before..."

"That makes both of us."

"Hey...I know it seems selfish to ask you, but..."

"Yes."

"...Huh...?"

"I don't know what I'm agreeing to here, but the answer's yes."

"Oh, that's great. I was going to ask if you would like to train with Nero so I can get stronger."

"Wait, no. I didn't- You can't joke around like that!"

"What if I'm not? You didn't let me finish, so I could've tried asking that question all along."

"Okay! What is it? I'll be quiet this time..."

"Good. Will you stay with me for this journey? I know it's not what you want in terms of training and all...but...I really need you now more than ever..."

"Oh...um... I had a choice?"

"No, not really."

"Figures. Well, I already got rejected, so why not? She's probably going to tell everyone I asked and they'll be laughing at me."

"Thanks...I knew you cared about me."

"Psshh...only if you keep feeding me power levels..."

"What was that? I couldn't quite hear you."

"N-nothing. I said nothing!"

"Buh-bye!" Alana threw Hydranoid all the way back to Hydra who was not delighted to see him back again so soon.

"...You're growling... I guess I'm dead, aren't I?"

[Markus Hederick]

Markus and Tank were sitting at the bar. Of course, both of them were underaged, but the Silver Knights didn't care. After everything that happened, they were allowing it, but they didn't allow them to get drunk. They only permitted them to drink how much their bodies could handle, which they conveniently knew from the tech they analyzed their bodies with.

"I gotta admit. I half-expected at least one of us to be in a good position to get the other out of their rut," Markus admitted, knowing it was a pain that both him and Tank were in terrible situations. It was either him in a better scenario than Tank or vice-versa. Now that they were both feeling down, it was hard not to notice how weird this encounter was.

"You've been very quiet, very unlike you when it comes to parties. I understand why though. It's written all over your face. I don't want to talk about that too much, but just know that I think she was a truly awesome person to go out of her way to fight for you like that. You chose a good woman. I'm happy that you knew her."

[Tank Stryker]

"Yeah? You know, when her and I started going out, she told me you and I would be friends someday. She also said Roxy was misunderstood and would turn out to be a very good person. She always had this ability to see people for who they truly were, which is probably why she put up with the self-centered asshole that I was."

In saying that, Tank realized how lucky he was, how lucky him and Markus were. Both of them weren't so different after all... He certainly didn't think they would be in this position after spending high school hating each other's guts.

"She also told me something else... Before Roxy showed up, she noticed a lot of tension between you and Tracy. I wanted to say something about it after our tag match, but...you know."

[Markus Hederick]

Markus nearly chocked on his drink when he heard those words come out of Tank's mouth. "Can you not!?" Markus immediately responded. He looked around to see if Tracy was nearby when Tank said that. Fortunately, she was off elsewhere talking with Allen.

"Good grief...I'm scared to find out how many other people think that," Markus shuddered.

"I'm one of those people," Gargulion butted in. "We'd be blind not to see it."

"...Alright. Fine. I'll admit it. You all are right. I just... I don't feel worthy right now for...obvious reasons. I know she forgave me, but...I don't think I forgave myself just yet."

[Tank Stryker]

"Oh, quit sounding like such a pussy," Tank scoffed. "Don't we have enough holding us back from getting the girl at the end? I got rejected several times before Katherine finally said yes. You don't have that problem right now. We can already see you two like each other, so you have nothing to lose. Just ask her out already."

"I tell ya. You're your own worst enemy," Gladion commented on Markus' stubbornness in moving past his own mistakes. "Let's just look forward, all of us. The only thing that matters now in the present is that we're still here. We're the Legendary Soldiers now. It's a fresh start for Tank and I. I think it should be for you too."

[Andrew Bullock]

Andrew chose to approach Sandra after she was done talking with a couple of Silver Knights in there. What they were talking about couldn't have been very important, seeing as how they were all smiles.

"Sandra, do you mind?" Andrew requested before he meets with her.

"Not at all. I was just talking with the children of people I went to school with all those years ago," Sandra responded. "Please, have a seat."

"That's okay. I won't be long. I wanted to ask a favor." Andrew pulled out a folded sheet of paper from his pocket to hand to her. "I'd like for you to show this to Noland and Kendrick. This is important."

"Hmm?" Sandra took it and was about to unfold it.

"I can't stop you from reading it, but Vince really only wants them to see it."

"Really? Why can't I read it? I'm his mother."

"I'd tell you, but...I promised him I wouldn't spoil the end goal. All that's in there are sets of instructions that only they would understand."

"Hm...okay then. So, what's next for you, Andrew?"

"The only appropriate thing for me to do: take Vince's place by observing from the shadows. That's all I can do now, considering my status on both Earth and Vestal is less than pleasing."

"You've done some great things here. I'm sure people out there will understand your situation."

"Hurranian infection was a lot more understandable than being driven to madness by the power of the Doom Card I had. My actions as CIA director made this country worse off, and a lot of people suffered because of the lack of due diligence that I should've provided. Instead, I gave this world 'the Pack'. There is no redemption to be had for me from the eyes of other people, even if you and I feel like I did my part."

"What about Montai? She lost one person she really cared about. She'd want to see you..."

"I know. I arranged a meeting to where we can talk in private. This isn't a good place to say what I really need to say to her."

"Okay...if this is what you think is best..."

"It is. Now, before I forget, I do need to give you something. That paper I gave you was for the boys. THIS," Andrew introduced as he gave her a folder containing some legal documents. "This one's yours. He had this ready for a long time. You should've gotten it after Vince was sent to the Doom Dimension the first time. I had it since then..."

"Is that...his will?"

"It is." Andrew offered a hug to Sandra as he was getting ready to depart from the event. "Take care of yourself, and thanks for everything. I'll be watching. That much I'll promise." With that said, Andrew walked out of the building, hoping that his final actions there would bring some closure to this whole conflict within this circle of friends and family.

[Maria Zenovia]

(Until We Meet Again)

The time has come for Resistors and Silver Knights to depart. Two have been cooperating for some time and now that the biggest crisis was over there was no need for Resistors to stick around anymore. Resistors saved the world and Silver Knights, unlike in any time in the past, were not able to do anything. Just as Admiral Amagi once said- the organization has began to decay and will see its end by the end of the century. Most of the strong and relevant Knights left the organization, left this world, died or were killed. Ones that are left are not capable of protecting it anymore so all hope is left on the new generations to fill in. With centuries people began feeling repulsive towards Silver Knights who were doing a better job than the government and the lack of support has finally began to show its scars. Maria, despite her motivation to aid she shows on the exterior has ran out of power as well and was considering departure back to her race where she would offer help to Silver Knights, but would stay away from the organization herself. From this point onward Resistors were one and only hope humanity had in defending itself and their efforts for past activities should be commended. Since most Silver Knights left earlier to aid the people around with their troubles and continue rebuilding not many people were left inside. Only person of higher rank was Maria who thought it would be a good idea to finally send everyone off properly as they deserve. She gathered the Resistors. 

"Resistors... humans... it has been an honor to fight by your side. You did this planet a great favor. I must apologize for you... mostly children, putting away your life for the sake of something we had to do and failed to do. I promise a compensation in the very near future and you may ask for our aid however you wish... as long as it is within our power." Maria said once all of the Resistors gathered to hear her out. It was difficult to look at such young people who were doing a soldier's work. "You were pulled out of normal lives into this chaos- we all want you to enjoy the youth while you still can or that chance may never come again." She continued.