Gurren Lagann - mecha lord

Orik leaned back from his workbench, staring at the holographic blueprint hovering before him. Goro's latest idea loomed large in his mind, an energy amplifier for Lagann, something that could boost its Spiral Power output exponentially. The screen displayed complex equations and three-dimensional multiplications, each spinning in slow motion, overlaid with annotations in Goro's handwriting

(a(Sp²) × E/*? = Ω )"Spiral Resonance Threshold must remain stable. Adjust field strength dynamically."

Easy enough, Orik thought, picking up his plasma welder. 

The lab was a chaotic blend of futuristic tech and scavenged components. Transparent panels buzzed with projected data streams, and drones floated around, assisting with precision assembly. Half-finished prototypes cluttered the shelves, beacon cores, Spiral converters, and a bulky plasma coil that hummed faintly as Orik passed.

"Working in the lab with Goro's ideas is like catching the wind. Every time I think I've finally caught up, he's already ten steps ahead, throwing some new, impossible concept at me. A communication tower that spans continents? Check. A barrier that fools even the Beastmen? Done. Now he's talking about using spiral energy to terraform the wastelands."

Orik rubbed his temples, staring at yet another sketch Goro had casually tossed his way before running off to pilot Gurren Lagann. It wasn't just the complexity of the ideas, it was the ease with which Goro came up with them that grated on him.

"I've spent my entire life honing my skills as an engineer, studying every scrap of knowledge I could scavenge, experimenting, failing, trying again. And here comes Goro, someone who didn't even grow up on the surface, conjuring things I can barely comprehend."

There was jealousy, no denying it. But it wasn't the bitter kind, it was the kind that drove Orik to push harder, to refine his craft. He couldn't let Goro's brilliance overshadow him completely.

"At the same time, I can't help but respect him. Goro's not just a dreamer, he's a doer. He doesn't throw these ideas at me to show off, he genuinely believes I'm the one who can make them real. That's what keeps me going, even when I want to throw a wrench at the wall."

Orik spent long nights in the lab, surrounded by blueprints, scrap parts, and half finished prototypes. The hum of machinery and the flicker of sparks were his constant companions. He'd built drones to plant the beacons, reverse-engineered Lagann's spiral energy mechanisms, and even begun experimenting with weaponizing spiral energy on a smaller scale.

"He's right about one thing if humanity's going to take back this world, We'll need tools, machines, and technology that can match the Beastmen's strength. That's where I come in. As long as Goro keeps dreaming, I'll keep building."

But deep down, Orik couldn't help but wonder, What's it like to be Goro? To have such a boundless vision of what could be, to lead with unwavering confidence, to inspire people to follow you into the unknown?

"I'll never admit it to his face, but part of me envies him. Not just his ideas, but his ability to make people believe in them. It's maddening and amazing all at once."

Orik's goal is to bridge the gap between Goro's ideas and reality, ensuring Team Dai-Gurren has the tools it needs to succeed. While he struggles with his feelings of inadequacy, Orik ultimately wants to stand as Goro's equal, proving that his contributions are just as vital to the rebellion's success.

"Someday, I'll make something so incredible even Goro won't have seen it coming. And when that day comes, maybe I'll finally feel like I've earned my place here."

"Orik, is my plasma katana ready?" Kamina barged into the lab, his voice cutting through the steady hum of machinery.

Without looking up from the intricate device he was calibrating, Orik waved toward a nearby table. "Yeah, it's over there. Version 2.0. Be careful with it this time, it's sharp enough to slice through Gunmen armor, and just as easily through you."

Kamina's eyes lit up as he spotted the weapon. The sleek blade hummed faintly with an ominous energy, its plasma edge shimmering with a fiery glow. "Oh, this is awesome! You really outdid yourself, Orik!"

Orik grunted, still focused on his work. "Just don't treat it like a toy, Kamina. It's a precision weapon, not a plaything."

But Kamina was already out the door, brandishing the katana like it was the best thing he'd ever laid hands on.

Orik sighed, running a hand through his already messy hair. That guy treats my creations like toys, but at least he puts them to use. I'll give him that. Turning back to his workbench, Orik muttered under his breath, "One of these days, Kamina, you're going to thank me properly. Or at least not break something the moment I hand it over."

He shook his head with a small smirk. "Plasma katana 3.0 is already in the works, anyway."

—

"How is the situation with integrating spiral cores into all the enemy gunmen we were able to capture?" Goro asked as he walked alongside Mara.

"All cores have been successfully integrated into the gunmen, sir," Mara reported.

The captured gunmen from the beastmen had initially been powered by a different energy source, such as solar power or other external means, as the beastmen themselves were incapable of harnessing spiral power. Unlike humans and other DNA based beings, who had the unique ability to generate spiral power through their double helix molecular structure, allowing them to evolve and grow stronger, the beastmen relied on alternative energy sources to fuel their technology.

While integrating the spiral cores into the beastmen's gunmen gave Team Dai-Gurren an edge, Goro couldn't shake the feeling that the power levels among the human fighters were still lacking. In the show, the named characters like Simon, Kamina, and even Nia had an exceptional ability to tap into spiral power, unleashing massive waves of energy. But for the majority of their team, including the newly recruited survivors, that same power didn't come as naturally.

Goro noticed the difference more and more. The human potential was there, but it wasn't yet fully realized.

Riggs, however, was a rare exception. The third strongest member of the team, right behind Kamina, had shown a surprising aptitude for harnessing spiral power. Goro respected Riggs for his skills and dedication. Despite being less experienced with spiral power than someone like Goro or Kamina, Riggs had shown an uncanny ability to harness it more effectively than most of their allies. His calm demeanor and resolute will made him an essential figure in their missions, someone who could keep up with the rapid pace of Goro's plans.

However, even with Riggs' strength, the gap between their top tier fighters and the rest of the team was something Goro needed to address soon.

"Um, Leader..." Mara hesitated, her voice nervous. "I know this might be bad timing, but you've been working so hard lately. Maybe you could take a break? I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner at my place sometime?"

Goro paused for a moment, his gaze flickering to the ground as his mind stayed focused on the mission ahead. He shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, Mara, but I don't have time for breaks right now. I'm already thinking about the next step."

Mara's face faltered, disappointment flickering across her expression. She tried to force a smile but couldn't hide the brief sadness that passed over her. "Right... forget I said anything. Keep fighting on, Leader."

She turned quickly and walked away, her shoulders slightly slumped.

Goro watched her leave, a small twinge of guilt gnawing at him. But before he could dwell on it, he heard Kamina's voice behind him.

"Tch, tch... how could you turn down a sweet lady like that?" Kamina teased with a grin, walking up to Goro. "And she's a total babe too."

Goro sighed and turned to face Kamina, raising an eyebrow. "How long have you been standing there?"

Kamina shrugged nonchalantly. "Since the beginning. Come on, Goro, it's pretty obvious. She's been eyeing you for a while. I mean, have you seen the way she greets you? Clear as day."

Goro shook his head, his expression serious. "Yeah, but it's not what I'm looking for, Kamina. She's like family to me. Like a sister."

Kamina grinned, a mischievous gleam in his eye. "Sure, sure, I get it. But come on, Goro, don't act like you're not at least a little interested. She's been around, helping us out every step of the way. I think it's about time you start paying attention to what's right in front of you."

 "It's not about that, Kamina. I'm focused on the mission right now. The revolution. The people we're trying to save. There's no time for distractions."

Kamina slapped Goro on the back, chuckling. "You're such a serious guy, but that's what makes you a great leader. Still, you might want to take a moment and realize that you've got people around you who care about you. Doesn't hurt to show them some appreciation once in a while."

Goro turned his gaze towards where Mara had walked off, her figure now disappearing into the distance.

"Well, anyway, I'm off to test out my new katana," Kamina said with a grin, swinging the blade around dramatically before turning to leave.

Goro watched him go, shaking his head slightly. "Just try not to get yourself cut in half, Kamina," he called out, but his words were met with Kamina's usual confident laughter