At the serene crossroads, a verdant leaf lay in repose on the concrete, cradled by rare tranquility... Distant rumbles and tremors grew distinct. Reluctant to stir, it vibrated in unison. Glancing up, a shadowy figure sprinted forward, sharply tilting the skateboard at the intersection. Squatting obliquely, right hand gripping the elevated edge to maintain balance, left hand skimming the ground, sparks erupted splendidly from the friction.
The leaf's essence quivered involuntarily, sensing the velocity's thrill, a stark divergence from the town's calm.
On the terrain, the black-armored entity accelerated laterally on the skateboard, while the colossal form arrived promptly, its dazzling white contrasting the night. The apparatus pivoted sideways, crab-like limbs halting their sprint, inertia propelling the bulky frame onward, delicate tips scarring the sturdy concrete like claw marks. Traversing the crossroads, it stabilized precisely, chasing the elusive shadow.
"Indeed, an extraordinary night..." the leaf reflected in mid-air.
Lowering his stance further, arms extended for poise, 13 resembled a bird darting through the night. The sensation evoked play more than combat, toying with the pursuing giant crab. Yet Shuumei felt no delight; upholding utmost composure, he delegated the pursuit to the system—13 could flee indefinitely and still not evade his grasp. Shuumei relished the chase's exhilaration, observing the formidable 13 scurry like prey, instilling unparalleled satisfaction, a rarity globally...
"System alert: Three targets ahead at 300 meters, trap likelihood exceeds 80%. Proceed?" Yamata, interfaced with satellite scans, monitored a 200-kilometer radius...
"Anticipated your separation ploy," Shuumei smiled, "Disregard; save 13's SEED, they pose no threat. Not entering your 'trap' might extend this indefinitely..."
"System confirms: Pursue..."
"13, behold true 'despairing power'!" Shuumei contemplated.
Deliberately decelerating, 13 narrowed the gap intentionally. Ahead, another familiar crossroads—Yamata's descent site. Forward, massive steel cables obstructed, rendering advance impossible. Seemingly from 13's deceleration. Crossing, 13 halted before the cables as Yamata neared, extending its arm for the stationary quarry...
Yet 13 stood erect, confronting unflinchingly.
Suddenly, the frenzied apparatus paused, outstretched hand before 13, a step from capture.
"Is there an issue? Scan the unit..." Shuumei inquired calmly, glancing back; a leg was anchored. Closer inspection revealed a metallic glint.
"Attempting to ensnare with Titan silk?" He scoffed, straining to break free, yet the cables, intricately woven and fastened to surrounding edifices and arborea, formed a labyrinthine web. Efforts immobilized even the arms.
The concealed trio emerged, encircling the "crab" from each flank.
"Your traps lack ingenuity; expected novelty," Shuumei lounged in the cockpit, chin propped, voice disdainful via speaker.
"Encountered no one more arrogant than 13..." 36 on the left clenched his fist.
"Traps' utility suffices," 24 on the right retorted.
"How to manage this 'crab'? Sear or steam?" 1 quipped mirthfully from behind.
"Culinary mastery is mine; select..." 36 gripped the colossal COOL-FIRE5.
"Who's the 'feast' is uncertain!" Shuumei countered.
Weapons rose mercilessly, unleashing upon the immobile prey.
Echoes resounded through the night, casings cascading, flashes dazzling...
Even the serpent, as auxiliary, admired; seemingly random firing was calculated—seven rounds cycling per joint. Inefficacy prompted shifts...
Specialty rounds abounded; explosives birthed smoke, enveloping the wretched machine.
In Japan's Diet hall, the display sparked fervor; their weapon's prowess surpassed revelry. No grievances over Shintai's summons; gratitude prevailed.
As the barrage ceased, the four stood intact...
"Impossible? Even this endures?" Now, Diet members deemed the operatives "monsters."
Yet ease eluded; the ground around lay ravaged, dust and debris shrouding. Heaving breaths and quivering limbs narrated the peril.
"Are you unscathed?" 13 inquired softly.
"Not... not perished..." 1 murmured.
"Identical here..." 24 replied.
"You scum, deem yourself superior? I'll terminate you today!" 36, incensed, elevated his hands—the emblematic maneuver akin to mecha.
"Warning! Elevated energy signature! Ion category. Activate covert protocol?" Yamata's interface fluctuated.
"Unnecessary; he's unworthy. I'll shatter their aspirations at zenith. Exterminating is facile; I seek to evince divine prowess's vanity..." Shuumei responded.
The thoracic armor resealed, persisting in struggle.
" Lad!" The serpent intruded, "Dire tidings; analysis indicates the sub-ion cannon inflicts no harm..."
13's core stirred.
"Ah!!!" 36 bellowed in disbelief, terrain resonating, debris leaping. Centered on him, a vortex spun, engulfing like moths to luminescence, vanishing into the burgeoning sphere in his grasp.
Transcending limits, the sub-ion cannon's radius surpassed 36's precedents, basketball-sized.
"Endure this!" At exhaustion's precipice, he propelled it toward the alabaster Yamata, wind pressure cratering the ground, extending with the orb.
Abruptly, it liberated its left appendage, casually intercepting.
"Sorry, naught to dread from extant ion armaments except 13's SEED..." Shuumei smirked.
The sphere didn't dissipate; it crushed in Yamata's palm, ionic tempest scattering, blasting a pristine pit. The Titan silk bindings severed, cascading.
Therewith, the snare collapsed...
"Alright, 13, foes advantaged, your scheme?" Shuumei smiled.
No retort, merely observing comrades...
36 collapsed, 24's limbs faltered, 1 depleted. For his shield, they'd clashed fiercely; endurance to now astounded 13.
Yet strife endured, the monstrosity loomed.
"Depart..." 13 whispered into the communicator.