NECRO-Driver Dawn EP 11: The Ties that Bind Us

(Everyone goes off to do their own things. Most of them are just taking the time to rest and enjoy themselves. Others have taken to training or working on something. In any case, our heroes have finally earned themselves a much needed break. And with some free time on their hands, some things can finally be addressed…)

Alex: It feels so nice to be able to just lounge around for a bit.

Zach: You're right about that, it feels like forever since we've all been able to hang out. This war has really made things difficult.

Kira: It's caused so much destruction, and taken so many lives.

Fadra: When this is all over, do you think we'll be able to go back to living normal lives?

Alex: I don't know Fadra. We've all seen a lot of things during this adventure, some of it will probably be engraved in our minds for years to come.

Kira: That's true, we've seen so many horrible things. But look at this way, this war in a way has allowed us to meet and make some new friends. We've gotten to meet people we probably would've never met in our lives.

Fadra: *Smiles* You're right, perhaps even now there's some upside in everything.

(Meanwhile, on the bridge of the Blitzwing…)

Ayumi: *Excited* Alright! Time to raise the steaks!

Ja'Skaar: *Ugh* Why do you even exist?

Baron Hampton: Aww c'mon Ja'Skaar! Ya don't gotta be rude to Ayumi like that. She IS the sister of the legendary praying mantis!

Ayumi: Yeah Ja'Skaar, I make everyone feel better! (The two of them do a silly team pose)

Ja'Skaar: *Cringing* No you don't, you're a complete embarrassment to humanity. You might be a "steak", but you have no nutrition for your brain.

C: Hmph, and I always thought I was the brutal one.

Ayumi: *Begins tearing up* WHY CAN'T THE WORLD JUST APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT I WANT TO RAISE THE STEAKS?!

Baron Hampton: Ja'Skaar you meanie, you didn't have to do that!

*Just then, Capt. Maeko enters the room. Everyone begins to act natural…*

Capt. Maeko: Thank you all for meeting me on such short notice.

C: Yes well, you've proven yourself to be quite the military captain. I suppose I could spare a few minutes of my time.

Ja'Skaar: Let's not waste time with formalities, I do not wish to be next to Baron Hampton and Ayumi anymore than I have to.

Capt. Maeko: Well, as captain of the ship, it's important for me to keep the morale up and make sure we're all getting along. I wanted to gauge where everyone was at. How do you all feel about the war efforts and your comrades?

Ayumi: I like everyone, they've been a big help. They've been able to make a real difference.

Ja'Skaar: That is easily the most non-annoying thing you've ever said. If only you could be like this all the time…

Baron Hampton: *GASP* Why Ja'Skaar, I do believe that's the nicest thing you've said about her. I always knew you were a softie. *Smirk*

Ja'Skaar: *Cold glare mixed with deep stare into soul* You won't be getting anything of the sort out of me a second time.

Baron Hampton: *Nervous* Uhhh right…

Ja'Skaar: *Sigh* Anywho, my thoughts haven't changed at all about the four of them. I still feel like they will be the cause of ruination to the world as we know it. Everyone else is okay I guess.

C: I suppose that's as good as it'll get with you. Well, I won't deny that you've all made some progress with the war. However, I remain unconvinced that the four of them are worthy of such coddling. Especially Jin, I suggest we test them some more.

Baron Hampton: Well you know me, I think everyone has been doing well. But that was to be expected, they were trained by yours truly. *Anime pose*

Capt. Maeko: Glad to know that everyone is getting along, at least for the most part. Now then, let's begin on these new plans.

*They begin working on the next set of plans. Despite the obvious annoyance from Ja'Skaar being around Ayumi and Baron, things go smoothly. Meanwhile, in a mountainous area not too far from the Blitzwing…* (Play the song Dragon Ball Z: Budōkai Tenkaichi 3 ‒ "Menace" (Extended) in the playlist)

Khan: Alright Master Tazz, are you ready now? I'm not gonna hold anything back!

Master Tazz: Come on…

*Khan charges and begins attacking Master Tazz. Master Tazz either dodges or blocks all of his attacks with ease. He leaps away, but Khan follows him and continues…*

Khan: (Damn, he's incredibly skilled. I can see why he was known for his skill in martial arts being unrivaled.)

Master Tazz: Your attacks are too telegraphed, and you're putting too much strain and energy into your attacks. You're thinking too much when you attack, the key is to let the flow of battle come naturally to you.

Khan: (Nothing is working… Alright, let's try a combination attack) *Khan unleashes a combination of moves, all the while charging at Master Tazz*

Master Tazz: What's wrong Khan? You can do better than that!

Khan: Shut up! You don't know anything about me! *Powers up and charges toward Master Tazz*

Master Tazz: I know that I've seen others with less potential fight better. If this is really your best, then I'm more than disappointed. Don't tell me this is all it takes to get you off your game?

*Khan throws one more attack before both of them jump away.* (Switch to song G Gundam Music: Kizu Dakare no Yume wo Nigiri Shimete)

Khan: Tch damn it…

Master Tazz: Khan, you seem to be the type who exerts a lot of time and energy into whatever they're doing. Might I ask why?

Khan: Why else would I do it? I want to be the best at whatever I'm doing. I refuse to be second best to anyone or anything!

Master Tazz: Oh?

Khan: *Confident while also angry* I do not fear any challenge. Instead, I rise to meet it head on.

Master Tazz: Hmph, you have determination, I'll give you that. In order to achieve greatness, you have to have many things. Determination is arguably the most important characteristic one must have.

Khan: *Angry* I will NOT let everyone else be stronger than me forever. They may be my friends, but I am going to surpass them. I am going to reach heights that make even the Sarlen tremble in fear!

Master Tazz: Khan, you mustn't let your personal feelings get in the way. Use them as motivation if you must, but you mustn't let them control you. Let me ask you this, why did you even take up martial arts to begin with?

Khan: Because I wanted to be able to protect those that I care about.

Master Tazz: How noble, but you and I both know that isn't true. Why don't you tell me the real reason?

Khan: Tch fine… (Begins playing flashback) The real reason is because I used to be a total loser. As a kid, everyone used to pick on me. They would pick on me, and jump me because I didn't have any parents. I don't even remember my parents, they died when I was so young that I can hardly remember their faces. People used to make fun of me because I didn't have anywhere to live, so I went around asking for anything that people could spare. I hated every minute of it… Having to rely on other people, having to ask for sympathy and pity, all the while all they did was hurt me for being unfortunate. I vowed then that I will become stronger. Stronger so that I never have to rely on anyone ever again. So strong that I can make everyone who ever mistreated me pay dearly!

Master Tazz: That's quite the story Khan, I'm sorry you had to go through all of that. But you know what? All of the hardships, all of the pain and agony that came from those experiences… They only served to make you stronger. It is because you've been through so much, that you have gained new found power. Use that pain, let it push you to new heights. Let it push you, so that just watching you makes your parents smile!

Khan: Thank you Master Tazz, just you wait and see. I am gonna become the strongest in the universe! And when I do, I won't do wrong with the power I've achieved!