Roger and Big O caught up with the serpent, who was making its way toward the bridge. The Military Police were lined up along the bridge, firing a volley of tank and mecha fire in its direction. But they only succeeded in aggravating the beast, as it now began charging at them, increasing its speed.
"DAMN IT! FIRE AT WILL! FIRE AT WILL!" roared Dastun into his megaphone.
All units on the bridge began firing, trying desperately to stop its advance.
"Big O! Close the gap! Find its tail!" yelled Roger.
Roger rushed the joy con forward into the water, while moving the foot pedals as quick as he could. Big O found the tail of the serpent and held onto it, struggling.
"Sounds like someone's been eating well… tch!"
Roger continued to struggle, holding the serpent back, now focusing its attention on Roger and Big O, roaring at them in frustration.
"I see we got your attention now. How about… we take this… AWAY FROM THE CITY! NYAH!"
Roger swung Big O around and threw the serpent out into open water, sending a large plume of water into the air, then it came crashing down. Roger maneuvered Big O into position, placing himself between the monster and the bridge as the MP units stopped firing.
"Don't know where you came from or why you're bothering us, but we want nothing to do with you! Go home and leave the cities in peace!"
The beast rose from the water, its yellow eyes narrowing in anger at Roger and Big O, and roared in their direction.
"So, I guess you're not sentient then. ALRIGHT, IF IT'S A FIGHT YOU WANT, IT'S A FIGHT YOU'LL GET!"
The serpent advanced on Roger and Big O, roaring once more. Big O threw a punch, but the serpent wrapped itself around Big O's arm.
"I don't think so!"
Roger flipped the switch of the top of the joy con, and pressed it, the Sudden Impact piston moving back, hitting the beast. The beast roared in pain, but dodged the volley of pressurized air. Roger fired an Arc Line beam at the beast, and it dodged again, this time diving underwater. The serpent was moving faster underwater, and Roger couldn't see well at night. He turned on the radar, trying to track its movements, but the radar was having trouble pinpointing its position.
"Get ready Big O… he's coming…"
The serpent surfaced to Big O's left, slamming into him, knocking him down in the water, but not before his Chromebuster went off in the direction of the beast, grazing its head. The beast retreated in pain, going underneath the water once more.
"Big O, did you…?"
Dorothy appeared on the screen to his right.
"DOROTHY! Thank you for that!"
"You're welcome. I just got here. The kids and Norman are safe. Are you alright?"
"I'm better now that you're here."
Dorothy smiled. "I love you, but get on your feet. We're not done yet!"
Roger grinned and steered Big O to his feet.
"Alright, Big O, IT'S SHOW TIME, LET'S GO!" bellowed Roger.
"Roger, initial scans from Big O show that serpent doesn't have the same powers as Maurisky's did. It's just a sea monster with no special powers."
"Okay, that's the good news. What's the bad news?"
"Roger, we can't use the Missile Party, we're too close to the bridge and harbor. Be careful where you're firing the Chromebuster and Arc Line. You can try to use your hip anchors, but…"
"This damn night battle makes it hard to aim. I'll think of something until Beck gets here. Where is he?"
"Five minutes until interception. You got this dear!"
Roger smirked. "Damn right."
The serpent surfaced. Roger saw the wound on its head and had Big O fired another Arc Line in its direction, aiming for the wound. The beast dodged once more, and twisted its body around, wrapping Big O. They were trapped.
"TCH! You're starting to become a pain…"
Roger flipped the switches to both Sudden Impacts, the pistons moving back and hitting the serpent. The beast released its grip, but not before tripping Big O, by wrapping its tail around one of his legs and knocking him down.
"ROGER!"
"I'm fine! This animal's certainly feisty…"
He grimaced as he got Big O up once more. The serpent slithered further back into the open water, then raised its head up toward the sky and emitted a loud, piercing cry, forcing Roger to cover his ears out of instinct, only realizing the helmet was in the was in the way.
"WHAT…THE… HELL! AHHH!"
The cry stopped and Roger shook his head.
"Roger, are you alright?"
"I'm fine! My ears… not so much…"
"Omega Unit, there's been second sighting confirmed! There's another serpent out there and it's coming!" yelled Dastun onto the comm.
"What?"
Damnnit, this is bad.
Another serpent surfaced, of nearly equal size and weight now approached Big O. This serpent's eyes were pink instead of yellow. Roger then understood.
"It's a pair, a breeding pair! That means, they probably were trying to make a nest by the bridge."
The pair of serpents charged, roaring at Big O. Roger braced for impact.
"Oh shh…!"
But Roger didn't have a chance to finish his sentence as the serpents barreled into Big O, knocking him down once more. Roger held on to the joy cons for dear life, as he felt his body being jostled around from the impact.
"Okay, I amend my earlier statement. Pilot suite was a good idea," he said grimacing, once he stopped moving around. The helmet had protected his head from being knocked around. He looked up saw the cockpit was partial covered by water, but he was moving.
"Big O! What's going on?"
The sensation felt familiar and then Roger realized he was being dragged along the sea floor into deeper water.
"Roger, you're being dragged into deeper water. Get up!" Dorothy yelled.
"I'm trying, Dorothy! But, it seems they both got me wrapped up tight. Damn it, I can't move Big O's legs!"
Dorothy stared helplessly at her screen, watching Roger struggle. He tried moving the arms forward to grab one of the serpents, but both of them turned and tackled Big O once more, Roger grunting from the impact. Then they continued, moving quicker now. Roger could no longer see buildings along the side of the cockpit. Dorothy was assessing their options available to use.
"Enough of this!" roared Roger across the comm and he fired an Arc Line, but the serpents dodged and came back for another tackle. Then Dorothy heard the glass cracking in the cockpit. Yumi heard it too and radioed Beck.
"Jason! Where the hell are you?"
"Nearly there!"
"They're dragging the Omega Unit out to sea and they're not far from the shelf. Light a fire!"
"I'm going as fast as I can!"
Yumi looked back at Dorothy, who was frantically typing on the console.
"Roger, sit Big O up. I'm gonna try a Thunder attack…"
"At this close of range?"
"One of them is bound to let go if we do this…"
"Fine then, we'll do it your way!"
Roger felt the joy con move on its own, back to the reset position. He took his hand off of it and waited for the O Thunder joy con to rise and assemble itself. Once it did so, Roger grabbed the black and red joy con and rushed it forward, pressing the button.
The serpents darted out of the way, but not before getting hit by a few rounds of plasma. They dove underwater, disappearing from sight. However, as Roger maneuvered Big O to his feet, he realized he was much further away from the cities and the harbor.
I'm close to the end of the shelf. This isn't good.
Indeed, Big O was standing in deeper water than before, almost at waist level. Roger steadying himself.
"Dorothy, I think those serpents are a breeding pair. They were trying to make a nest."
"What makes you say that?"
"They're not equal in size and the eye color is different. It seems like they're hell bent on making the nest in the harbor, which would explain why they're fighting the way they are. Must be calmer waters or something out in the open water that could prey on the nest."
"Great, that's all we need right now is something bigger than them!"
"It's fine… they picked the wrong… OH SHI…!"
Roger felt Big O's legs go out from underneath him and Roger felt himself diving fast. The serpents had grabbed Big O's legs and now were dragging him over open water. Roger managed to fire one hip anchor to secure himself to the sea cliff. Dorothy took over via the console briefly and fired two more, navigating them out of the water and anchoring them on the shelf floor. Roger could hear the chains groaning from the pressure and tension as the serpents struggled to pull him further down. The center console began to beep erratically, indicating the stress damage was starting to take place around Big O's legs and midsection. Roger tried reeling himself back to the anchor points, but the pair of serpents were strong and mighty.
Then the chains snapped. Dorothy felt her breath caught her throat, but managed to scream out, "ROGER!"
Roger scowled. He felt the serpents dragging him deeper and deeper, the pressure from the water now spreading the cracks along the cover of the cockpit like branches of tree root. Big O was not made to withstand such intense pressures apparently in deep water if the cover was compromised, and now, they were finding out his limits.
"Damnnit… GO TO HELL!"
Roger fired an Arc Line, but the beam didn't get far under water. The serpents let Big O go and now turned around, swimming rapidly. Big O was sinking fast, totally helpless, and Roger bracing for impact from the beasts heading towards him.
"CROW BOY!"
Beck and Big Fau had finally arrived, swimming frantically in their direction. Beck fired two torpedoes from Big Fau's midsection and their aim was true. Each one met their mark, exploding into an electric sphere around the serpents. The serpents screeched and moaned in pain. Roger saw his chance and fired two hip anchors at Big Fau. Big Fau caught them and slowly began pulling Big O up to the surface.
"Get us out of here!" yelled Roger.
"Workin' on it!" Beck yelled back, maneuvering Big Fau to the surface, as fast as he could.
Beck surfaced with Big Fau, along with Big O and Roger moments later, and began moving further back onto the shelf, getting as far away from the edge. Beck didn't stop in Big Fau until he could make the outlines of the city. Big O finally stood on its feet, standing next to Big Fau. Roger leaned back in the seat, grateful for the small break.
"Took you… long enough…" he managed to get out, breathing hard.
"You damn moron! You always tell me, 'Keep an eye on your surroundings.' But, do you even practice what you preach? NO! Running in pajamas into battle… what's a matter with you? That's bad luck and you know it! You could thank me, seeing that latest invention of mine worked!"
Roger made an obscene remark over the mic.
"ROGER! Marcus is present. No profanity! At least… none of that word in particular!" Dorothy yelled at him.
"I'll keep that in mind next time when I'm fighting two sea serpents and being dragged to my death in open water, Dorothy," grumbled Roger sarcastically, while Beck howled with laughter. He quickly stopped, looking out at the open sea ahead of them.
"So, now what do we do, Crow Boy?"
"Like I was telling Dorothy, I think it's a breeding pair. It explains their behavior and why they're fighting so hard. Apparently, they're making a nest or there's a nest nearby."
"Okay, but that doesn't answer my question."
"They're hell bent on making the nest in Paradigm Harbor, probably because of the calmer waters, easy access to the open water, or there could be something bigger that could prey on it. Either way, they're not welcomed here!"
"So, we're destroying them?"
"Unfortunately. I don't want to, as their trying to protect their young, but I don't like the idea of something that big so close to the cities. And they've already proven to be hostile. There's also the fact these serpents are strong, stronger than the one I faced a few years ago. Might be because they can dive so deep and withstand the pressure."
The serpents rose from the water again, the water cascading down their bodies as they slowly swam in their direction. Then, they began to charge again, picking up speed. Roger and Beck both grimaced.
"Time for round two, Smith! You ready for this?"
"Not really! Dorothy, how far away are we from the cities?" asked Roger.
"You're far enough away if you need to use missiles!"
"That's good enough for me! BIG FAU, ACTION!" yelled Beck and he fired two more of the same torpedoes into the water. They hit their marks once more, stunning the serpents as Roger slammed open the lid for Missile Canon Party.
"BIG O! NO HOLDING BACK!" and he pressed all the buttons at once, gunfire erupting and missiles taking off, hitting the serpents, covering them in a cloud of smoke.
Roger and Beck held their breath, but a roar of pain answered their question if they had succeeded in slaying the beasts.
"What the hell are these things made of, Crow Boy?"
"Good question. But apparently, we just pissed them off even more."
The serpent with pink eyes darted out of the smoke first, hurdling toward them at a faster speed than before. Beck wound up the fist cuffs on Big Fau's right arm, drawing it back as the serpent made straight for him.
"I DON'T THINK SO!" Beck roared and he moved the foot pedals, Big Fau sidestepping at the last moment, plunging his arm deep into the serpent's mouth, then swinging out to the left, damaging it. Bits of flesh and teeth fell into sea, though the teeth had scraped Big Fau's arm, leaving similar jagged marks like they had found on the column supporting the bridge. Roger maneuvered Big O to close the distance, drawing his right arm back, the Sudden Impact piston firing back. Roger rushed the joy con forward, Big O's eyes flashing as it dashed forward, following up where Beck and Big Fau had moved away. Big O's arm plunged into the mouth of the beast and Roger pressed the switch, the piston firing a volley of pressurized air into the serpent.
The dual attack was a success as the beast exploded, its remains falling to the sea floor. But the other serpent, now fully recovered from the attack from earlier, saw its mate fall into the sea. its anger now reflecting in its yellow eyes. It roared louder than before, causing Beck and Roger to lower their heads in pain. The beast charged at them, but Beck maneuvered Big Fau and stepped in front of Roger and Big O, activating its shield. The beast slammed into it, the recoil making Big Fau take a step back to steady himself.
"IF YOU PLAN TO DO SOMETHING BRILLIANT, NOW'S THE TIME TO DO IT!" roared Beck, "IF THIS DAMN THING KEEPS RAMMING THE SHEILD, IT'LL BREAK THROUGH AND I WON'T BE ABLE TO STOP IT!"
Roger gritted his teeth. He was desperately trying to think of something.
"Brilliant? Would you settle for effective? You got any more of those torpedoes of yours?"
"I'm out! I only made four! Just got the regulars!"
Damn, I can try to fire my Chromebuster, but the thing moves fast as it is, and I might hit Big Fau and Beck.
"Roger, what about Plasma Gimmick?" Dorothy asked via the comm link.
Beck eyes widened, still trying to maintain the shield and hold back the serpent, who was still crashing into it.
"ARE YOU NUTS, CROW BIRD?"
Roger ignored Beck. "If you're thinking, what I think you're thinking Dorothy, it's reckless idea, but it might work!"
"DON'T I GET A SAY IN THIS? I DON'T WANT TO BE A PART OF THE FRIED EEL DINNER!" Beck yelled.
"JASON, SHUT UP AND FOCUS ON THAT DAMN SHIELD!" Yumi yelled back at him. She then turned to Dorothy.
"How long will Roger and Big O need to charge up?"
"Under two minutes at least and then Beck needs…"
"Worry about Roger and helping him getting that attack charged up. Jason will be fine," she said smiling.
"I DON'T SEE HOW I'LL…" Beck began yelling, but Yumi cut him off.
"You're just over three meters from shelf edge. You can make it by running and diving over the edge!"
Roger smirked. "Alright Big O, let's finish this!"
Big O responded and a light near Roger's right foot appeared. He stepped on the light and a circular disc appeared before him. Big O's arms began to unlock the panels. Big O began to glow, charging the attack, Roger keeping an eye on the serpent. Dorothy was monitoring the energy levels on her end.
"45%, 55%, 65, 75…"
"HURRY UP!" Beck yelled into the comm.
He had a good reason to yell. The serpent had moved further back, trying to gain speed. Roger saw the shield, giving shocks of energy. The beast had nearly been successful in breaking Beck's shield as cracks were visible while the energy rippled through the shield and its last attack, with enough speed, would finish the shield altogether.
"Roger, you're good to go!" Dorothy yelled into her comm, executing the command for the Plasma Gimmick via the console.
The serpent launched its attack and Beck dropped the shield, but not before arming Big Fau's laser cannons. They rose from its back, and he aimed, locking on the serpent.
"COME AND GET SOME!"
Beck fired, the laser stunning the beast. He then maneuvered Big Fau, running toward the edge of the shelf.
"CROW BOY, IT'S ALL UP TO YOU!"
Roger raised his foot up and stepped on the control, the shield expanding and beginning to encompass the area.
"BIG O, IT'S SHOW TIME!"
The shield continued expand, the blast taking out the serpent's head and large portion of the body. Beck and Big Fau fell into the water, Beck turning on the fist cuffs to dive deeper as the blast went over the surface, but the shockwave sent a pulse of water in their direction, forcing them deeper. The energy from the attack caused the comms to go down. Dorothy and Yumi looked at each other as they saw and heard static on the screens and comm lines.
"They're fine," said Yumi, trying to force confidence in her voice, despite feeling the opposite, "They're fine, Dorothy."
"I know they are, Yumi, but still… Roger, come in. Roger…"
Static was still on the line. Dorothy turned around to the others manning the stations around her.
"Does anyone have contact with Pilot Griffon or Pilot Kraken? Or the status of the Omega or Faust units?"
"No ma'am."
Dorothy turned back to the screen. She tried the video comm link.
He'll answer, I know he's there.
There was static at first and then Roger appeared on the screen, grinning.
"You're a louse, Roger Smith!" Dorothy exclaimed, grinning, but relieved to see her husband.
"But I'm your louse. I'm alright. Beck's just surfaced. I can't get ahold of Dastun though. Could you radio him and ask for a recovery unit from the MP and get one of ours mobilized? Beck wants to take what's left back to analyze this creature and I assume the research group will want to as well. We'll remain here until they get here."
"Okay, understood. I love you."
"Love you too. I'll see you soon. I can't wait for breakfast."
The video screen shut off. Dorothy looked at Yumi, who was wiping her eyes.
"Our husbands can be thickheaded at times, doncha think?" Yumi said, smiling.
"They are. But, I guess that's part of the reason why we married them, didn't we?"
Yumi nodded, grinning. Dorothy raised her left hand, selecting Norman on her watch comm.
"Norman, it's over. Roger and Beck did it. You can bring the kids the control room. I'll see you soon."
"Well done, Mistress Dorothy!"
Dorothy heard the cheers from her children in the background before Norman shut off the comm link and she grinned to herself.
There are some days I wonder why I do this, and then days like today remind me why I need to keep doing this.
****
Morning light had crept above the ocean to the east. Big Fau and Big O were standing next to each other with both of their cockpits opened, Roger and Beck sitting on the edge watching the light appear across the sky. All they could hear was the sound of the sea sloshing against the giants. Roger and Beck had their helmets off, enjoying the fresh air.
"That's a helluva of a way to start the morning, Crow Boy!"
"Ha! And the day's still young…"
Roger leaned back, with one leg hanging over the edge of the cockpit, while Beck reached inside his pilot suit and pulled out a small metal tube. He opened it and pulled out a cigar. As prepared it to smoke, Roger looked over.
"You know, those are bad for you."
"Whatever, Crow Boy! I have my vices, you have yours."
Roger nodded, pulling out a small pocket hip flask, taking a sip from it. Beck finished cutting off the end with his pocketknife and lit his cigar, taking a few puffs at first, then nice long drag, before releasing the smoke. Beck saw the hip flask in Roger's hand.
"And you're chastising me over mine? Hypocrite!" yelled Beck, "It's too early for a drink."
"I was nearly murdered by a pair of giant eels and nearly crushed to my death by the sea. Why, why is it always the sea trying to kill me? I deserve this drink!"
Roger laughed, then leaned back, enjoying the cool air over his sweaty brow. It was not his preferred way of waking up, but the aftermath of the fight wasn't too bad. More light began to creep across the sky, the clouds above turning more blue against the pastel pink, yellow, and orange colors. He heard a dull noise of a motorboat. The recovery units had arrived. Dastun's boat came into view.
Roger stood and collected his helmet, as did Beck. They reached over, touched helmets, their way of concluding terms. Roger pulled out his sunglasses while Beck put on his aviators.
"HEY! PILOTS GRIFFON AND KRAKEN, DO YOU NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION?" Dastun called out on his megaphone.
Roger and Beck looked at each other, grinning.
"NO! BUT HOW ABOUT SOME BREAKFAST? I'D LIKE SOME EGGS, BACON, SAUSAGE…" yelled Roger, but Dastun cut him off.
"PILOT GRIFFON, YOU KEEP THAT BS UP AND I'LL SERVE YOU SOME OF THIS DEAD MONSTER!"
Beck roared with laughter while Roger grinned sheepishly.
"WE'RE TURNING THINGS OVER TO YOU, POPS! WE'LL SEE YOU AND THE MISSUS AT HQ!"
Beck hopped into Big Fau's cockpit while Roger hopped into Big O's. And they began the slow journey back to headquarters.