He's baaaaaaaaack~

[a_linear_mind]

[There's a somewhat familiar looking machine landing inside the hangar of Fort Alhambra. Those of you who've seen it before will probably be able to tell that it's that loveable scamp Willis' machine Strahlend. However...it's a bit of a far cry from how the machine looked in the past. The new almost regal appearance of the machine completely betraying the demeanor of it's pilot. Eventually, the pilot emerges from it and sticks a landing on the ground below. Unlike his machine, Willis looks...exactly the same as he always did. Same beat up jacket, same shaggy hair, same child-like expression on his face. He looks rather happy to be back at the base. ]

Wow, this place hasn't changed at all in the last two years. Some of the same machines from back then are still here!

[It doesn't look like he's realized how much time has passed on the surface.]

Comments

[star_of_sad]

Mr Willis! You're back!

[Captain Glory Star Obvious is here.]

[empress_without_a_throne]

Only about six or seven months for us... but two years for you in La Gias then.

And you haven't aged a bit.

[abugslife]

I believe now is a good time to explain what you were doing during your disappearance, Willis.

[a_linear_mind]

Setsuko! You haven't aged a day.

[a_linear_mind]

Well, it's a bit of a long story.

[a_linear_mind]

Haha neither have you...

[Processing...]

Wait six or seven months?

[star_of_sad]

What are you talking about? Is this the 2 years thing?

Because, umm... I'm afraid that's incorrect.

[a_linear_mind]

Well, I mean I might be off by a month or two. La Gias calendar and all.

[star_of_sad]

Umm. Try a year and a half, maybe?

It looks like the calendar is not the only time-related thing that's different on La Gias...

[a_linear_mind]

Then...

[Doing math is hard...it takes Willis a few seconds. He's even using his fingers to assist with the calculations.]

It's only been like 6 months since I summoned down there!?

[star_of_sad]

[Nod nod.]

[gravitons]

Keep that up and people will be even more suspicious of you.

[Hey look Willis, it's your favorite familiar! She's followed by her master, who's just staring up at Strahlend now.]

[a_linear_mind]

Well...then I guess I should be the one saying that it's good to see you again.

[a_linear_mind]

I came back with your master, I don't think I could be any more suspicious even if I wanted to.

[gravitons]

Well, Master's case isn't as bad as it was last time, that's for sure.

And to think I was trying so hard to figure out what he had in mind for that one mission against all those ships, when it turns out he didn't actually expect it!

[In the background, Shu is staring blankly at the bird and the scamp conversing, but he's staying as quiet as a rock.]

[a_linear_mind]

Yet, when the Granzon was damaged this was the man who had a ship prepared in another country...just because.

[Said scamp looks up over towards the scientist.]

[gravitons]

That was after he thought it was a good idea to ram the Granzon into that barrier, though!

...Well, honestly, Master...I still don't know what you're thinking, and I probably never will.


[Unamused Shu is unamused.]

[a_linear_mind]

I should consider myself lucky, I've gotten to see the Granzon destroyed not once but twice.

[gravitons]

"Ah, that's okay. The Granzon's a pretty old bird if you consider our two years, and she's still doing just fine! Right, Master?"

[As usual, Shu takes this by not saying much. But then...]


...Speaking of old machines; will you be keeping yours in this form?

[Said while gesturing at the Strahlend. This is what he was probably here to ask in the first place, though.]

[a_linear_mind]

...probably not.

[There is a quick shift to a more serious tone of voice.]

Although, at this point it might be too late to go back into hiding.

[gravitons]

For those in this group, perhaps.

It might still help you avoid unnecessary attention out on the field.

[a_linear_mind]

I only need to avoid the attention of a certain group of people...

...I'm almost jealous of you. You were able to settle most of your grudges while I still have a lot left to hide from. Especially up here on the surface.

[gravitons]

The largest grudge remains, and this is not over until it is wiped from this existence.

[He closes his eyes.]

And...you had the choice of leaving all that behind by staying in La Gias. I am curious as to why you opted otherwise.

[abugslife]

Time is the only thing I have in plenitude at the moment.

[a_linear_mind]

...to be perfectly honest there is a part of me that wanted to, but...when Kadum's remains fell into the Cross Gate I wasn't going to just let that become someone else's problem.