Chapter 57 A common goals

Nakio Galaxy, Volus sector, Early-March, 2207

In the room where a child is standing by a stretcher bed with the latest technology a mother is in the air in a stasis field that allows oxygen flow into the body as well as getting nutrients. Gaia who wears a tiara around her forehead while blued dyed bangs having bobcat haircut while having two ironed flat hair braids on her ears, Wearing a expensive attire that is overlay magenta and purple tunic.

"Mother…"Gaia is staring at her mom with sorrow.

Her mother had been in a coma since that incident from that demon several months ago even her own father had been grieved stricken because of it became distant and focused on work. Leaving her and her little sister alone to own their devices while Gaia ponders that the wound that she had been inflicted has been fully healed physically, however, difficult to say about her spirit had not recovered. Gaia went to her own room as she lay down her bed reflecting about that monster which infuriated her greatly even so, she had not forgotten that paralyzing fear that froze her entire being.

She is grateful for her protective father saving her from that monster yet, she had nightmares from that fateful day. The nightmares get worse every time she goes to sleep. That demon would chase her down as a helpless lamb that would eventually whenever wake up screaming felt those spongy flexes to her body and become very faint. She did not have a mother to comfort her for she was still in coma as her father had not been around to console her. Yin, who is Gaia's younger sister, made fun of her for it, causing a drift between them.

Gaia could not take it anymore; she went after that demon that had tormented her for the last time. Gaia took her things as well as books and scrolls about "The Way of Spirit Sensitive" that teaches how to use techniques of spiritual abilities. Gaia had been paying attention to the lessons from her tutor which bewilderment to her sister Yin. She has been paying attention in order to concentrate away from her nightmares which somewhat did help in the short term but in the long term the nightmares still lingers.

Yin one day stumbles upon her older sister Gaia as this was rather unexpected because they had not seen each other for awhile now. This was rather awkward standing as they stood there with silence as Gaia simply just way away. Yin just realized that she wanted to speak with her sister for the first time in a while since they quote on quote talk.

"Gaia...how come you pay attention more to the lessons now all of a sudden?" Yin was genuinely curious while concerned.

"Nothing, I need something to focus on because I am bored." Gaia answers looking irritable at her sister.

"Just because you're bored?!"Yin was taken back by this answer.

"If you are pestering me with questions, go to our tutor. It might do you some good.Anyway I got things to do"Gaia coldly turns and walks away.

"Wait Gaia, we haven't talked in a while, please stay."Yin pleaded.

"Do you mean talking by arguing? I don't have time for this, I need to study." Gaia resumes walking away.

"YOU BEEN COLD AND DISTANT WITH ME GAIA!"Yin shouted as her voice echoed throughout the hall.

Gaia had already gathered her belongings so she went to her parents' private hangar area that is lower level. There is a balcony platform where the spacecraft is hanging suspended in the by stasis cane. There was a catwalk that led to the spacecraft as Gaia walked toward the side of the ship. Bladestar, which is highly capable of entering warp speed, can go across the galaxy within an hour as well as solar panels that absorb solar energy. Weapon capabilities are elegant and elaborate for it is capable of laser manipulation that is used for offense and defense. The ship is modestly big for its size and has luxury rooms as well as AI that help to run the Bladestar.

Gaia entered the Starblade as the ship's AI activated as the automated voice had warned "Unauthorized entry, please remove yourself from the premise or I will alert the authorities." As the AI clarified to Gaia.

"Code override 'Born is my daughter Gaia' allows me entrance." Gaia raised her hand as the computer did the initial scan.

"Code accepted a new user 'Gaia Dolran' has been registered. Welcome Gaia Dolarn to Bladestar."As the AI chimed.

Gaia walked as the ship layout is spacious and compact with while and red interior design to corridors. Gaia went to a luxury room that has a royal bed, customizable layout pattern room, customizable furniture mover, and more. Gaia drops her bags on her bed as she voice commands the AI "Bladestar take off from this world immediately." Gaia commands.

"Affirmative."Bladestar's AI accepted the command as the ship was starting up.

Bladestar that leaves from space bay as the ship hovers then the thruster ignites over the city then eventually goes up to space. Once Bladestar makes calculations as to warp jump.

"Any desired destination, Miss Dolran?"The AI inquires.

"Initiating warp speed to the Volus Sector." the AI accepting the command.

Bladestar disappears as it passes the stars. Gaia rearranged the room the way she desired as she had set up a tea table where she can drink tea in peace. Lavender design layout having crown molding while containing pink window scarfs that hung on the walls. Wardrobe in the corner while in the middle the bed has several pillows as decoratives while pertaining to bed four corner curtains that are pink and magenta pattern.She has a crystal chandelier up the ceiling which shines with its artificial spectrum light.

Gaia immerses herself with her own sanctuary that she will need to find a clear mind. She needs to find that certain demon that has been tormenting her as goes to a meditative state to recall of that fiend. When entering her memory of mind as she goes to an otherworldly plane of existence where it is like surrounding scenery, nature as a field of meadow that contains waves of flowers while the sky is that gradient light green to light orange.Gaia see that this place represent her soul however, there some stains that taints her show hollow of crude virus tendrils that is gradually spreading is writhing areas seeing all luxury items such as: expensive clothes, jewelry, and vain materialistic things.

She ignored it as Gaia passed it by for she actively searched for that demon that was festering. There is a dark flux ambient that changes the environment that discords and sinister concreton seeing dried grass, flowers, and trees. While showing the area is twisted and crooked plane while in the center stood that fiendish enmity coarse wavy aura that festered her the most. She had been preparing to meet this creature. Atmosphere got heavier as she dared to get closer:the creature stood up as it smiled wickedly as it revealed itself.

Gaia was taken back from seeing a girl who was about her age. Her appearance was sickly toffee tone skin crimson pink eyes that has fiendish glow, green hair, and wore a tank top turtleneck that is black and gray leggings and wearing black loafers.

"You are either brave or foolish to approach me." said the girl with calm while having coldness brought chills to Gaia with fear.

"I want you out of my spirit!"Gaia yells at the green haired girl.

"You want or demand? Because from where I stand you are quaking from down and up." The green haired girl taunts Gaia.

"How dare you! I WANT YOU OUT NOW!"Gaia steps in close to put on a brave front.

"Why don't you make me?" The girl leaned her head forward to challenge Gaia.

Gaia went forward to pull her out with her hands. Gaia regrets that with the darkness spreading to her hands to forearm she recoils with pain while the green haired girl laughs with joy seeing her in agony as darkness residue left burning marks while murky mist coming from her arms.Gaia had to escape from own memory plane of her mind. When she return get lingering effect of that spiritual pain that manifests onto her arms.

Gaia quickly voice commands the AI to bring the medical capsule. The medical capsule appeared right next to her as Gaia quickly unseal the lid while it stinging sensation while trying to bear pain. She douse the entire liquid on the arm as it burns and colds that cool down injuries while its healing properties gradually lessen the pain however, the curse from contacting that girl is still there.

"That girl's demonic presence is strong and will take time to heal from my injuries to heal physically, but spiritually will need constant refinement of meditation…"Gaia winces as the pain reminds with her of what that demon inflicted upon her.

"Sister, you are crazy for attempting to do such an action."Gaia turns to see her younger sister calling her out.

"Gaia!?How are you here!?" Gaia is more angry than surprised.

"You had actually been erratic and I had to follow because I feared what you were going to do."Yin confessed.

Gaia demanded Yin to leave her room because she did not want her in sight. Yin refused to listen to her own sister as went to transfer her own spiritual energy to purify the curse that Gaia is inflicted with.

Gaia was caught off guard as Yin placed both of her hands on her sister's arms. There was illuminating light that glitters that dissipates the murky mist that significantly lessens the curse. Now Gaia can recover within a few days with proper meditation that she can spiritually heal. Yin was winded from transferring her own spirit which made her faint.

"Yin, why would you do that?"Overexerting your spiritual energy is not good for your body. You are not used to high exposure to the spiritual light."Gaia carries her sister to her bed.

Yin breathing is shallow because she is weak from spiritual exposure that not used to. Yin weakly stares at her sister with sincerity "I did not want you to suffer Gaia." Yin spoke softly before passing out. Gaia was cursing herself with obscenity to show a list of things that she did not want to deal with and one of them is her little sister.

"Fantastic Gaia, the way to get blindsided and get up one by my own sister!"Gaia condemns her own incompetence.

Yin must have planned it for Gaia to change course as she commanded Bladestar's AI to reverse course back home as it said "Unable to do that for we are to continue this course until we reach the destination." AI confirms its actions.

"What foolery is this!? I SAID REVERSE BACK HOME NOW!" Gaia vehemently ordered showing her face that is practically red.

"Gaia is no longer in command because Yin has locked you out from the system." There the AI shows the hologram projection a flashing red icon of saying access denied.

Gaia screamed in complete frustration as her voice echoed throughout the Bladestar ship.Storming to the training room that has plastered mat floor while having technology of environment simulator that bring anyone into a desired area that can be a suitable place to train.

"Computers create a battle simulation from memory of my mind from that demon that I just saw."Gaia stood there as there were initial scans from the entire body once it completed its process.

The room shifted into an artificial environment that shows a digital cubic net that solidified the shape. Once it is stabilized it will be a passable place to explore.Gaia instantly recognized it for this was a piece of her memory that had recently taken place. Trees' bark has a healthy brown color while dwelling moss on it. Grass field is green and the wind would breeze the glades upon staring up at the sky that is gradient aqua blue and orange. Everything is exactly the way it is supposed to be, however, those crude and infected cracks brings a sickly feeling that continues to spread gradually which causes her to move away from confronting these things.

She did not realize how dangerous this place was as she wondered what would make them worse as time went on. This bothers Gaia as she had thought that this was what caused her mother to remain in the coma when that demon girl inflicted some kind spiritual sickness or curse. Gaia had so many questions now she was going to have to study what kind of demon she was dealing with. She is once again face to face with the demon girl after all this just simulation nothing can hurt her she is safe. Gaia clearly sees the demon girl to make a request to the computer "Command code:capture image to the archive of this demon girl."Gaia watches as a digitized cubic grid starts to capture the likeness of this demon girl.

"Fifteen percent of complete image scanning is still archiving."the simulation computer conveys.

Gaia was still weary about seeing this demon girl again for it is still threatening even though it is a simulation.The cubic grid scanning halfway of her torso as the algorithm makes the polygon shape of the model "Fifty percent to near completion."the computer told the process.

Gaia wishes the computer would speed up the process. Gaia taps on her toes with impatience. Just being here makes her uneasy despite that place being just a complete illusion, however,she was not aware this simulation would capture artificial freakishly close to the sensory that she felt.

"Ninety percent to near completion." The computer repeated the process as Gaia was excited to leave this place.

"Good I don't have to stay here for long."Gaia was about issuing commands to the computer.

A tight grip was attached to Gaia 's neck as she yelped "Aghhh!"a wicked grin while holding Gaia's throat.

"Guh...h-how...i-is...this possible!? You supposed...to...be simulation."Gaia struggles while the demon girl taunts "For a girl who is supposedly smart, came in like a complete moron without truly understanding the situation." as she places her hand upon her face shows a false sympathy. Gaia's face contorts with anger "HEY DON'T LOOK DOWN UPON ME!" Gaia was disgusted about that as she clawed upon this demon girl's wrist.

The demon girl narrows her eyes with laughter "Please, you are in a compromising position which is why I don't take you seriously."To prove a point sbe gradually crushing Gaia's throat.

Gaia's eyes widened in agony this made her body involuntary quivers. Gaia tried to voice a command to the computer, but this resulted in further suffering that she started foaming saliva from her mouth as burning tear streams from her eyes. Gaia uses a barrier aura to encase her entire body that cuts the digital demon girl hand. Which Gaia flumps to the ground as forcible coughs disoriented seeing tinted colors in her vision. Engulfing breath to her lungs as Gaia felt a numbing sensation to her throat to turn toward the demon girl with profound hate toward her.

"I...swear...you will pay for that!" Gaia eyes clear from tinted color vision with objective intent to kill her.

"Don't swear to it, just do!"The demon girl challenged.

Gaia got back up to charge at her at blind rage before she made physical contact with her fist.

"Terminating the simulation." The computer voice had cut off the feed as Gaia awkwardly went through that her fist hit the metal wall that sent reverberation absorbing its impact to entire body that inadvertently broke her knuckles which snapped her back to reality. Gaia had limps recoiling from the pain as she cried; this was the most humiliating she had ever endured.

"Who shut off the simulation!?" Guahhh…!"Gaia moans painfully as she leaves the room.

There are echoey metallic sounds as she swiftly walks to her room where her little sister is resting. Gaia realizes that Yin has controlled the ship's system to see a hologram panel screen on the side on where her head lies. This infuriates Gaia greatly as for now they seemingly have common goals although their approaches are different. Right now she had to study that demon girl so she could memorize her appearance. As it stands while pulling up the images projection monitor of this vile girl. Recalling one point that was a news about notorious mass murder. The killing of the colony stations resulted in thousands of deaths.

Gaia at the time did not take it seriously for it was far away from home. That changed when a particle beam from a war however, long ago had vaporized a section of the city. That gave her cgills from witnessing that night when a terrifying pillar of orange light engulfed the darkness almost the time had stood still. Before it vanished completely like it never existed, but it left a scar that will be long remembered as it killed thousands of people.

After that tragic night was a shadow of things to come. This is when there attacks going on in the city and evacuation was issued. Ever since that incident Gaia had had terrible nightmares from that encounter and nearly died. There was no warrant for hunting this demon girl as Galaxy Patrol did not have enough information on it. It is strange they have surveillance active to follow any suspicious activity especially crimes.

Gaia thought maybe because that terrifying pillar of orange light must have disrupted the technology when making its impact upon the city. Still she had to focus on matters at hand. Starblade made its way to the nearest planet after its exit from the warp drive. Gaia is going to make an effort to train with her spiritual abilities. This planet's environment was wetland as she ruined her favorite clothes and complained "Why does it have to be a swarmp!?"terraining thick forest trees and vines brushes her face feeling it's moist and slimy liquid. Nearly Gaia vomits with mere touch of it.

"Ugh...there has to be solid and stable land."Gaia stumbles awkwardly walking across a puddle of bog splashing with each step.

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There was a clear way as the light shone as there was spacious dried up land. The ground is uneven regardless she needs this place to meditate to help her to attune with her spirit better. She is going to need a refinery so her body flows easier with spiritual energy. A light aura emanates outside appearance from her body whilst in burmese position. Gaia's spiritual energy is circulating throughout her body cleaning any impurities that might hinder her spirit and body. Unknown to Gaia there was a woman wearing a Darkbringer coat hoodie spying on this young girl.

"Why in the world a Spirit Sensitive would meditate in a place like this?" The Darkbringer woman conceals her spiritual presence sitting on the tree branch.

Gaia unexpectedly ran into a problem because she has a trauma that impedes her spiritual energy to flow effectively to limited capacity. Her meditation trance was broken as Gaia gasped for air from the spiritual scar inflicted by that demon girl lingering within her. When the opportunity presents itself the Darkbringer teleported before Gaia. This causes Gaia's spiritual sense to go off the amount of danger she is in.

"My, I have to admit that I was not expecting anyone on this planet other than some animals." The Darkbringer woman encroaches on Gaia's personal space.

"Who are you!?Why are you creeping onto me!?" Gaia tries to put on a brave front, but that did not help if she was quaking from fear.

"Oh, this is certainly welcoming. This makes my job easier to take you in without resistance." The Darkbringer woman grabs her forearm as Gaia wants to pull away; however, she is unable to.

"What's going on!? How come I can't move my muscles!?" Gaia panics in her mind as she was about to teleport away before a line wave went directly toward them.

"Tch!"The Darkbringer scowls as she dodges it.

The ground splits asunder as soon the energy disappears with a wisp. Gaia is free from the Darkbringer woman at least she no longer focuses on her.

"Alright you Spirit Sensitive coward!" The Darkbringer actively sensed the presence of the perpetrator.

Gaia was massaging forearm for it was swelling red showing a hand mark. Gaia is now angry and wants to get back at her as she stood back up to punch her. This was a mistake for she had an impression not to engage that she was meant to run away. Gaia ignores that went for it as she yells at her.

"I AM NOT A PUSHOVER, YOU SCUM!" Gaia sprints at the Darkbringer woman.

The Darkbringer woman effortlessly side steps away from Gaia before back hand smacks Gaia's face. This put Gaia into shock as she felt a stinging sensation on her check as her lips were bleeding. This is the first time she got hurt in a major way.

"Stay down, insect, you barely pose a threat to me!" The Darkbringer woman did not bother to acknowledge Gaia.

"Gaia!" Yin shouted for her sister in concern, hiding the bushes.

"There you are!" The Darkbringer had pinpoints that appeared before Yin.

Yin could not react on time because of how fast she appeared before her. Yin is still recuperating from overexerting her body to exposure of spiritual energy for her body is not used to that such degree.

"Gaia...why did you not run while you had the chance?"Yin weakly spoke as she lay there breathing heavily next to Gaia.

"I…"Gaia, still in shock, does not know what to say.

"Heh, not much of a fight, but sure beat reporting back with nothing." The Darkbringer woman is happy about this.

"Now you will come with me." The Darkbringer woman was about to take them away.

There was a brief hesitation as if she sensed something. There was a blur phasing objects that caused some stir within the swamp. There was a sharp hit to her gut which caused the Darkbringer woman to curse. Gaia and Yin snapped back to reality seeing what was going on with spiritual senses; it was difficult to keep track.

Then it stops while the Darkbringer woman's crimson pink eyes glares with anger once they reveal themselves. Showing two girls one of them has green eyes with short curly pink hair wearing Galaxy Patrol cadet uniform.

"Alright, criminal scum! Back away from them!"The girl with the uniform holds a plasma gun against the Darkbringer woman.

"Galaxy Patrol!?Tch, I was unaware that Spirit Sensitives are part of this force." The Darkbringer woman is annoyed that she is not going to back down.

The Darkbringer woman vanishes as well as the girl with the Galaxy Patrol uniform. There was a clash of shockwaves while plasma lasers shot everywhere. Nearly hit Gaia and Yin "Eeek!"as they hugged for comfort. There, a girl who stands watching over Gaia and Yin has black and white short mullet hair, and was speculating about the fight.

"Taki is faster than this woman, however, this might prove troublesome when hesitation is unwilling to kill and one willing to kill."The girl observed.

"Kill? That is against Galaxy Patrol's code. Why kill when they are meant to protect?" Gaia is dismayed with that girl's disturbing saying.

"Silent, you were literally at the mercy of the enemy. You have zero say in the matter."The girl rudely snides.

Gaia could not refute as she stood in silence with wounded pride while feeling the stinging sensation tasting bitter iron of her own blood. Taki fought with the Darkbringer during hyperspeed. Wind slash from their clashes and dodges that cut swamp trees' barks. Taki is getting tired because she never had not to prolong this speed. As this was opposite as the Darkbringer woman is relishing it not tiring out.

"What's wrong little girl are you tiring out? Don't think you can tire me out. I have already trained for years for this while you look like broke sweat."The Darkbringer woman insults.

"Shut up…"Taki sounded tired then she intended to.

Taki had slipped up when she left herself open and got a knee gut while driving her to the ground.Taki spat out blood when she made impact on the ground. Gaia and Yin are astonished seeing Taki pinned down by a Darkbringer woman.

"She needs help!" Gaia cried out to the girl who was watching.

"I will do nothing for Taki to agree to fight alone."The girl spoke nonchalantly.

"WHAT KIND OF TWISTED LOGIC IS THAT!? SHE'S GOING TO DIE!" Gaia shouted at the girl in turn at Taki.

"Yo, loudmouth keep it down. Also the name is Misato." Misato shutdown Gaia.

"Must admit this was more entertaining than these small fries. Now submit Spirit Sensitive!" The Darkbringer woman applied knee pressure to Taki's gut.

"Araggh!No…"Taki grunts in pain.

"Come again?" The Darkbringer woman applied more pressure to her gut.

"Gah!No I will not." Taki refused to submit.

The Darkbringer woman lowered her head closer to Taki's face "I didn't quite hear that clearly." As she intentionally twisted Taki's stomach.

"I WILL NOT SUBMIT UNTIL KILL SOMEONE!" Taki roars withstood the pain glaring with anger.

The woman unhooded to reveal her pale dark skin with dark brown perm haircut as she released pressure upon Taki's stomach and got off of her.

"I like that look of your eyes, it is filled with ill-intent. I will spare you and go seek your revenge." The Darkbringer woman teleports away.

Taki did not know why Darkbringer spared her for whatever purpose, all she knew was that she needed to train more intensely. This defeat will serve her purpose of motivation.

"You were lucky Taki." Misato walks toward her.

"I want to say that I don't believe in luck, I believe my path has not closed for me yet." Taki dusted herself off and checked that her belly was bruised.

"Now what are we going to do with Loudmouth and tired girl?"Misato quips rudely.

"What was that scarlet!? I have a name! The name is Gaia Dorlan!" Gaia felt great indignation.

"Hmph…"Misato narrowed her eyes on Gaia.

"Okay, Gaia since you are here? Have you seen a girl with green hair around?" Taki asks.

This is a coincidence with her looking for her as well "You mean that demon girl?"Gaia inquires.

Taki swiftly moves toward Gaia like she possessed "Tell me where!?" while both her hands upon Gaia's shoulders.

"The truth is that I don't know…" Gaia is nervous about Taki's acting.

"Wait, I may not know where she is, but I am also seeking revenge against this demon girl."Gaia blurted out.

Taki stops in her tracks while Misato did not like Gaia at all "Taki can't be serious about listening to this loudmouth?"Taki turns around to face her "Did this girl kill your mother?"Taki looked sympathetic.

"No, this demon girl did something worse. She inflicted a strong curse on my mother leaving her in a state of coma."Gaia looked sorrowfully recalling a memory of her mother in the hospital bed.

"I haven't been the same myself either for I have been inflicted as well. Curse of nightmares that she took away my peace of mind." Gaia tearing up from the horrifying nightmares.

"I understand your pain well, maybe our paths have crossed for a reason." Taki walked over to offer her hand out.

"My name is Taki Kama. I believe we have a common goal now." Taki looked determined.

"I agreed. We can share resources with one another." Gaia shakes Taki's hand as they now have a new traveling companion.

"Wonderful…"Misato sarcastically annoyed with new people now.