Title: Fallen Pilots: The Price of War

Date: October 26, 1955 in Buffalo, New York.

Opening: "I once knew the simple tranquility of peace until the chaos of war shattered my world. On that fateful day, giant robots descended from the sky and destroyed my town, taking my family, home, and heart with them."

The armed forces were unprepared for the extraterrestrial machines that ravaged our world. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to stop the devastation. My town was left in ruins, and I was filled with an unquenchable thirst for revenge.

Yet, amidst the destruction, hope emerged. Alliances formed across the globe, and the cold war came to an end as the United States and Soviet Union united in the face of a greater threat. A year later, the Union Soviet forces developed their own Machina spawn, and we finally had a means to fight back.

As a pilot, I pledged to defend my people and make sure no child would have to suffer as I did. But the price of war is high, and many brave men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice in the skies above. We are the fallen pilots, forever remembered for our bravery and selflessness in the face of unimaginable danger.

Date: October 26, 1959 in Colorado.

Opening: "At just 18 years old, Angelo Russo had already become a seasoned pilot in the Union Soviet Forces, having flown their mass-produced Machina since his debut six months prior."

As Angelo faces off against the iron devil machine, he screams and unleashes a hail of gunfire. The devil machine retaliates with a unique beam weapon, unlike anything produced by the Union Soviet Forces. But Angelo, fueled by anger, quickly dodges the beam fire and uses the iron hands of his Machina to tear apart the enemy suit.

Meanwhile, a massive Kraken Machina towers over fellow Union pilots, releasing a devastating beam laser that easily destroys half the platoon.

Despite the overwhelming odds and unique weapons of the enemy, Angelo and his comrades remained determined to defend their country and protect their fellow pilots. They were the brave soldiers of the Union Soviet Forces, fighting for the greater good amidst the chaos of war.

As Angelo battles the Machina devils, he wields an iron blade that is capable of heating up to melting point temperatures - a weapon developed specifically to cut through these machines with ease. He slices through hordes of enemies, but his attention is soon drawn to the Kraken Machina, which is advancing towards a nearby town.

Then, a voice rings out: "Prepare the S-class railgun - a tank shell designed to pierce through Machina-type armor." As Angelo continues to fight off the devils, the tank charges up its weapon.

But just as the railgun is about to fire, Angelo throws a gas canister, drawing the Kraken's attention towards him. He knows the danger he faces, but his unwavering determination to protect his fellow citizens compels him to act.

Despite the odds against him, Angelo remains resolute. He is a true hero - one of many who sacrificed everything for the greater good in the face of unimaginable danger.

Angelo refuses to let the Kraken Machina escape without a fight. He continues to shoot his machine gun, which has little effect on the giant beast, while dodging its deadly beam laser attacks.

Then, a voice breaks through the chaos: "Fire! Move!" Angelo obeys, moving out of the way as the tank shell slams into the Kraken, striking it right in the eye. The enemy machine explodes, taking out the remaining devil Machina with it.

Commander Brown congratulates the team on their successful mission and orders them to head back to base. Yet, Angelo and the other pilots know that victory came at a great cost. Half a battalion - 500 soldiers - had been sent out, but only 125 survived.

Back at the hangar, Angelo exits his Machina and is greeted by his childhood friend and fellow orphanage brother, Keith Johnson. Keith, having piloted the S-class Machina destroyer tank, teases Angelo about feeling special for firing the winning shot.

Angelo responds by punching Keith in the arm, saying, "Don't flatter yourself." Despite the loss of so many comrades and the horrors of war, Angelo takes comfort in his friendship and the bonds he has formed with his fellow soldiers.

The laughter of Angelo and Keith and their fellow soldiers only serves to mask the pain and sorrow they feel. They know that many of the friends they have lost today will never have the chance to laugh again. Yet they can't help but wonder: isn't this what they're fighting for? To protect their loved ones and create some semblance of normalcy in the midst of chaos?

Commander Brown enters the hangar and calls the soldiers to attention. As he addresses them, the weight of their losses hangs heavy in the air. They've lost so many good men, and the fight has drained them of their hope and optimism.

But amidst the darkness, Commander Brown speaks words of wisdom and inspiration. He reminds them that their sacrifices have not been in vain, that their fallen comrades have given their lives to protect the future of humanity. They must continue to fight, to prevent more towns and cities from being destroyed, and to stand up for the future generations who will inherit this world.

Angelo and Keith have grown accustomed to speeches like this, but it never gets easier. Over the past six months, they have fought tirelessly as guerilla fighters and warriors. They've battled in trenches, using every weapon at their disposal to fight off the Machina. Though they've lost so many, they cling to the hope that their sacrifices will make a difference. Yet they can't help but wonder if they could have done more, if they were strong enough to save their comrades. The weight of survivor's guilt weighs heavily on their hearts.

(6 months prior)

Machine forces recruitment office

Recruiter: Your name, sir?

Angelo: Angelo Russo.

Recruiter: I see you have an appointment with General Godfrey.

Angelo walks into Godfrey's office, which is immaculately organized.

General: Please sit. Now, why do you believe you're fit to join the Machina forces?

Angelo: I believe my strength and values align with the best interests of your force, sir.

The general puts out his cigar.

General: What do you believe in?

Angelo: I believe in my will to make the world a better place. I can do that by piloting a machina.

The General smirks.

General: Kid, every day someone tells me the same thing. But by the time they start training, they realize war and its responsibilities weren't in their best interests. Piloting a machina is hard work and requires dedication. Do you believe you can handle it?

Angelo: When the machina first attacked, I didn't understand war like I do now. I only knew peace. I'll do anything to feel like that again.

The general has a fierce look in his eyes as he gazes at Angelo, silently conveying his message. He takes a long drag from his cigar and then stubs it out, turning his attention back to Angelo.

"Do you really want to do this, kid?"

Angelo responds firmly, "Even if my life is on the line."

The general nods, his expression still stern. "Don't make me regret this." He gives Angelo the stamp of approval.

Two weeks later, at the MACHINA training and development center in Florida...

Commander Brown addresses the new recruits. "Welcome to the MACHINA program. As you may be aware, the use of this technology is not fully understood, and it may have mental implications. Are you willing to make that sacrifice?"

The recruits respond in unison, "Yes, sir!"

Commander Brown continues, "I hope so. Today shall be known as the Trials of Sacrifice."

The new recruits begin with military exercises to assess their physical abilities, such as jogging, push-ups, sit-ups, and other tasks assigned by the commander.

Commander Brown says, "Well done, everyone. That was just a warm-up. Now, it's time for the real challenge."

The hangar doors open to reveal hundreds of Machina. Commander Brown adds, "Don't be intimidated by the size of these machines. They were designed for the trials."

Each Machina is equipped with a headset that simulates a real battle scenario. As with any Machina, it reads the user's brainwaves to replicate movements. However, instead of controlling the Machina in the physical world, the inputs are put in the simulation. The brainwaves required to control the Machina can be very taxing on the mind, as everything the Machina feels, the user experiences as well. Out of the 100 recruits present, only 40% will pass the trial.

The room gasped in fear as Commander Brown spoke. The look of unease on everyone's faces was palpable.

"You may leave if any of you decide, but from this point on, there is no going back," Commander Brown continued sternly.

Fifteen people immediately walked out of the hangar, and the commander sighed before continuing.

"Now, there's an elevator lift which will bring you up to your Machina. Use that to go and enter your Machina. The headset is inside the cockpit," he instructed.

He paused briefly before delivering the final blow.

"Now, you will be transported into the simulation momentarily. If you make it back in a reasonable state, then you pass. But if not, I don't believe you will be... let's just say, not in a good state. You have ten hours to survive."

That day felt like it would be etched in history, just like the day the Machina fell from the sky.

The pilots entered their respective cockpits and put on their headsets. The anticipation in the air was suffocating, and the fear was almost tangible.

And in an instant, they were transported into the simulation.

Angelo exclaimed, "This almost feels real. Is this what we gained from all the death that day?"

The area they were transported to was a forest at night, seemingly empty. The pilots were split into five groups of fifteen, somewhat evenly.

The timer on everyone's Machina displayed a countdown that went off with a ding. There were ten hours remaining.

A pilot asked, "Where are the enemies?"

Suddenly, a beam rifle blasted down on the pilot who had asked the question, seemingly out of nowhere. It appeared to be a sniper.

Angelo shouted, "Everyone, watch out for the fire!"

The pilots quickly had to learn how to maneuver their Machinas in order to dodge the beam rifle.

As they made their way through the forest, five of the fifteen members were shot down one after the other. Angelo was stunned as he saw a Devil Machina type sniper in the trees. In a swift motion, he sliced it down with his heated iron blade.

Angelo couldn't believe what he had just accomplished as the pilot exclaimed, "That's amazing, I cannot believe it." Taking down that single Machina gave him a sense of hope that he could share with others.

The group continued on their journey, with seven hours left. In the intercom, the pilots asked each other, "So, what made you guys want to do this anyway?" One responded, "The benefits are great, and with the world the way it is, it's hard to get a decent meal." The pilots laughed at the comment.

Despite the dark times they lived in, Angelo understood that the jokes they made and humanity they showed were the creation of light in people's hearts.

The group continues walking through the forest when suddenly a loud explosion interrupts their journey. One of the suits had triggered a landmine. The pilots were caught off guard as four Machina appeared, each armed with beam weaponry. The group dodged the beams, but several pilots accidentally stepped on hidden mines, causing them to explode.

Angelo couldn't bear to see any more of his comrades die. He decided to memorize where the mines had gone off so they could avoid them. A few pilots followed his lead and began to gun down the Machina while Angelo cut down the rest.

As they continued their march, one of the pilots asked for their names. Reed introduced himself as Red, Ken gave his name, and Angelo introduced himself. However, the older pilot was grumpy and didn't believe that names mattered if they didn't make it out alive.

Red disagreed with the older pilot and believed they still had a chance of survival. Ken was determined to serve his country and had made it this far. With five hours left and only four people remaining, the group continued their journey.

Pilot: "You're exchanging your lives for pride. You kids are truly foolish. Don't you realize that all of you are just pawns for war? You should have stayed home and studied books, leaving the fighting to old people who have nothing else to offer."

Red: "What, like you? I plan to kill all the machina."

Angelo: "I believe that's what we all want."

Pilot: "You don't understand what you're saying. It's just a dream. Do you want to spend the rest of your days fighting?"

Suddenly, a giant Machina spider launches off a tree, seemingly upset.

Red: "See, now's my chance. I'll show you!" He thrusts forward, aiming the machine gun at the Machina spider and blasting numerous rounds.

Pilot: "NOOooOo KID STOPPP"

(To be continued)

When Red finally reaches up to the spider machina, he is hit by a shotgun-like beam from the spider's eyes, and the legs of the machina tear apart his own machina, ultimately killing him. The cockpit is crushed, and blood splatters on the ground.

Ken is shaken and stunned by the sight.

Ken: Is this the reality we have to face?

Angelo urges Ken to move.

Angelo: You need to move, Ken. Now.

Ken, however, is unable to move.

Ken: I can't.

The machina spider then uses all its eyes to create a mega beam, which incinerates Ken. The spider's eyes no longer glow, indicating that it's charging up for its next attack.

One of the pilots suggests that they destroy the spider's legs first, as this will prevent it from accurately targeting them with its beams.

Angelo works with the old pilot to cut off half of the spider's eight legs.

Pilot: "Good job, kid. When the time comes, use your detonation bomb on the right-hand side of your suit. And when the spider comes, be ready to shoot its mega cannon. I want you to detonate on its eyes."

Angelo: "Wait, are you sure? How do you know so much?"

Pilot: "Just do what I say."

Angelo throws a detonation bomb on the spider's eye, agitating it. The spider attempts to chase Angelo but easily falls due to having only half of its legs. In a last-ditch effort, the Machina spider prepares to use its mega beam cannon.

Pilot: "Angelo, now!"

Then Angelo detonates the bomb, causing a chain reaction that makes the Spider Machina explode at a safe distance from both of them.

Pilot: "Good work, kid."

Angelo: "Yeah, thanks."

Angelo wonders how the pilot knew so much about the situation and who he really is.

(One hour left, two pilots remaining.)

Angelo: Soooooo, I know that you didn't just learn about Machina like that within a trial. Who are you?

Pilot: Fine, my name is Garrod. I am not a new recruit like you; I have been in the military for a long time, even before the Machina came down to Earth. I was a lieutenant in the army and served in WW2. Soon after, I decided to settle down and have a family. That was taken from me on the day the machines fell from the sky.

Angelo: You decided to come back?

Garrod: I have nothing left. I joined back in the hopes that I would die as a soldier. But on the battlefield, I only kept on learning more about these machines and seeing countless kids like you risk your lives. Why don't you understand that you could have a future? I'm old and have nothing more to offer but my life.

Angelo: You may be right. I do have more in life, but when the time comes for all the old to pass away, who will lead humanity into a brighter future? I saw my mom and dad crushed in front of my eyes by the Machina. My pain. I can't afford any more of it. We, the young, have to find a way, and we can lead humanity. I can gain back the peace that was lost.

Garrod looks at Angelo's face on the interface and tears up. "This courage, the light in his eyes, maybe just maybe there's hope," he thinks to himself.

As they move their Machina, a horde of Goblin Machina chases after them from behind. "MOVE! PUT YOUR THRUSTERS IN HIGH GEAR!" Garrod shouts to Angelo.

Both of them put in the maximum power of their Machina thrusters, raising their velocity and power. "There has to be at least 20 Machina chasing us," Angelo notes.

Garrod throws a grenade that seems to slow the Goblin Machina down, but his effort appears to be futile. The next 10 minutes go by, and the energy on their suits is running low.

"We're so close, but they're getting closer. I've been conserving energy to the best of my ability, but I'm getting low on power. I don't think I'm gonna make it. I'm sorry, Garrod," Angelo confesses.

"Hehe, really kid? No, you will... Keep me a promise though," Garrod replies.

Angelo: Wait, Garrod, what are you doing?

He sees him preparing his own heated machina blade.

Garrod: Hold onto your will, my faith is in you, ANGELO!

That's when Garrod rushes in and fights off the horde of machina. Meanwhile, Angelo hears on his interface, "Time's up."

I remember that day coming out of my cockpit, being congratulated on passing and witnessing countless body bags.

"GARODDDDDDD!" Angelo cries.

Commander Brown: "Get used to all of this, kid. It's just getting started."

(Present day)

"Now, soldiers, despite the number of lives we have lost, we can carry on with our next operation, which our group has been selected for. We are going to be sent to oversee the Machu project in Peru. Everyone, prepare, because what's going to be seen will be unimaginable."

What can this project hold that can possibly change tides in this war?

End.