Two Sides and the Truth

## Why We Fight

Aoi Cosmos. The vast space they called home.

"More." Ranma grunted. His massive arms ended in a gigantic grip wrapped around an even larger bar with two giant metallic circles at its end. "Increase gravity by 100%"

*"Voice recognized. Gravitational force increased by 100%"* A woman spoke from the ship. Ranma took a deep breath and braced his body. His massive trunk tightening as his muscles bulged. He pulled the bar as if trying to break it. His defined arms lowering it to his chest slowly. Metal trembled on each end as Ranma fought to reverse the direction. He pushed himself away from it, his body digging further against the metallic bench he laid on. His arms stretched.

"Increase gravitation force by 100%." Ranma groaned. He felt his body fighting to collapse against the intense gravity. His upper body gathering as much strength as possible to keep that several thousand pound bar from crushing his body.

"You were born with a power that can't just be used. It awakens within a person and gives them the option to earn it and claim the world or perish from its strength.

The old man's words echoed deep in his psyche as he continued to push. His arms trembling violently as he pulled everything in him to extend his arms.

That's why its called-

"End Gravitational Adjustment 03244." A woman called from the intercom.

"Gravity returned to normal." The android known only as Thorn responded. Some would call her the Rose Garden manifested in an android. But to the Shimabara, Thorn was considered a beloved friend. Ranma racked his massive weights and sat up. Rubbing his head with a white towel while a door behind him opened.

"You know how I feel about messing up my training." He grumbled. "What'dya want, Aurora?"

"To spend some time with you before we land asshole." She grumbled back. "We're about to start our next mission," She looked down. Her hands in her lap as she started pouting. "You never know if this'll be our last...Especially if *he's* involved." But Ranma smiled. Pulling himself next to her and wrapping his massive arm around her body.

"I hope he's involved." Ranma growled with dangerous excitement. "Beating him'll prove that this is *my* power. Not his."

"And!" Aurora interrupted. Digging her elbow deep into his hip. "We'll free those planets effected by his greed and corruption. We have to save them. It's the right thing to do."

"Of course. But fighting comes first!"

"RANMA YOU IDIOT!"

"Are we close to Perseus 5?" Ranma asked. He wore his usual casual outfit. Black stretchy denim pants with a black tank top tucked in. His white hair, still wet, hung loosely down his back with large fluffs surrounding his neck. Bulging muscles shining from the water still steaming from his body.

"We're a few minutes from landing. Thorn'll take over from here." Aurora answered. "Then we begin our first step in bringing the old man down."

PUNK 5. A planet of machines. Towers that kissed the heavens and metal pipes intertwined throughout. Citizens utilized steam and electricity to power contraptions. Wearing all sorts of formal wear from monocles to pocket watches. Woman were dressed in long dresses.

As Shimabara flew through the yellow clouds that covered the planets, they entered a world made of steel and oil filled with mechanical animals and other machines.

"Ooooh, I have never-" A girlish voice said before she realized her tone. "Ahem." She cleared her throat, "Sorry. I have never been on this planet before. We must be vigilant for threats."

Ilma Gabrainth, another member of Shimabara, and a member of the illustrious House Gabrainth and an aspiring Knight. Although her father sided with the Aozou-Dai, Ilma was on the opposing sides, for reasons the others did not quite understand yet.