Cross Ange: The Knight of Hilda

Chapter 23: Fallen Angels

As the morning sun slowly rose to its apex, the shrine of the High Priestess was a bustle of activity. Throughout all three courtyards, an army of DRAGONs had assembled. Dozens of Brig, Galleon, and even Corvette class stood packed to the brim while countless Schooners huddled around the larger males. Further down the canyon, a herd of the massive Bighorns slowly made their way to where the singular was due to open. As their wings were too weak to provide them with sustained flight, it was decided they would form the second wave after the vanguard launched an attack from the air. At the foot of the stairway, Salamandinay stood with Naga and Ayame as Ange and the others watched in amazement.

"Lady Salamandinay," Naga reported. "The people of Vivel and Slyphis are ready to depart at your command."

"The people of Genome have already crossed the river," Kaname added. "They should arrive at the convergence point in about half an hour."

"Then let us get ready as well," Sala said. Off to the side, Tusk and the others watched the spectacle before them in awe.

"Far out," Vivian gasped. "I've never seen so many in one place."

"It sure is impressive," he agreed, just as someone whispered in his ear.

"I'll miss that body." Tusk nearly jumped out of his skin as he looked over and saw Dr. Gecko resting her head against his shoulder. "I was so looking forward to studying the mating habits of a mature humanoid male. Such a shame."

"Uh yeah," he stammered, "it's terrible."

"Next time," she promised, "we'll do coital experiments." Before Tusk could answer, someone grabbed his arm and pulled him away from her.

"Sorry doctor," Ange said. "But Tusk isn't a lab rat for you to poke and prod. He's my knight."

"Oh," Gecko replied. "I see."

"Woohoo!" Vivian cat-called, making Ange blush in embarrassment as she dragged Tusk away.

"Come on let's go!" she grumbled.

From the sidelines, Rio and Hilda watched in amusement. Hilda especially seemed to enjoy watching Dr. Gecko pout in disappointment at being denied her chance to continue her "studies". Instead of her usual pigtails, Hilda had tied her hair up in a single ponytail. When Rio had commented on it, she had simply told him she was in the mood for something different. "Shall we?" he asked. Hilda gave a smug grin as she wrapped her arm around his.

"We should." Gecko and a few of her assistants gave Hilda jealous looks as they passed which only seemed to please her even further. Before the front steps of the shrine, all four of their machines plus the three Ryuu-shin-ki sat in a row with Susano'o and Hilda's Para-mail waiting for them at the far end along with another familiar figure.

"Rio," Gila called as she hurried towards them. "I'm so glad I was able to see you off." Hilda frowned as she saw the buxom scientist heading towards them and tightened her grip around his arm.

"Who's that?" she asked.

"That's Gila," he told her. "She was the caretaker of the Susano'o." As she approached them, Gila shifted her attention to Hilda.

"You must be Hilda," she said as she adjusted her glasses. "You'll be pleased to know that Lady Salamandinay requested I bring some supplies from the research center to upgrade your machine."

"Upgrade?" Hilda asked as she released Rio's arm. Rio looked to Hilda's Para-mail and from what he saw, the only difference was the weaponry. Instead of her assault rifle, something that resembled a longer version of the Ryuu-shin-ki's arm blaster had been installed in its place.