Zone Of The Enders Fan Fiction ❯ Zone of the Enders: Resurrection ❯ Purgatory Part 2 ( Chapter 15 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Wing Zero Alpha 
The conclusion that led things to the way they are at present...
Non Anime: Zone Of The Enders Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Mecha / Adventure / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 10.29.2005 | Updated On: 10.31.2005 | Pages: 9 | Words: 17.7K | Visits: 251 | Status: Completed
The conclusion that led things to the way they are at present...
Non Anime: Zone Of The Enders Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Mecha / Adventure / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 10.29.2005 | Updated On: 10.31.2005 | Pages: 9 | Words: 17.7K | Visits: 251 | Status: Completed
WARNING: Once again, there's going to be some gore and blood in this chapter. Reader be warned, and no, I'm not going to change the rating.
"As Nietzsche put it, 'He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. When you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.' But I've always wondered, can the same be said about the light?"
-Leo Stenbuck
Chapter 15: Purgatory Part 2
"As Nietzsche put it, 'He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. When you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.' But I've always wondered, can the same be said about the light?"
-Leo Stenbuck
Chapter 15: Purgatory Part 2
”Man, this is ridiculous! What faggot in his right mind would deploy a whole Company of LEVs to the ends of the universe!? We're literally out of reach from the rest of civilization!” the UNSF Sergeant said in between the chomps of his cigar.
There had been very few moments in life where Private First Class Carl Pulaski of the United Space Forces had lost his temper, and it seemed this would be one of those times if the rat-faced Sergeant working security detail with him wouldn't shut up. Ever since he had gotten to Antilia, everyone in the UNSF's 160th Mobile Infantry Company had been bitching about how unlucky they had gotten for getting temporary placements on the sleepy colony, and Pulaski was very much getting tired of it. Instead of piloting a Phantoma and fighting BAHRAM like he should've been, he was working in a security booth at a factory complex that the 160th had been assigned to guard. And to think, he joined the Space Force because it was where all the action was. He didn't need to be reminded how bitchy lady luck was being to him!
”…God damn Enders. They had to go and build a colony at the very edge of the world. Look at them! They can't even maintain this joint!” the Sergeant gestured to the near-ruin that their little security booth was in. Paint peeling off, the wooden cabinets and desks were being eaten away by a Jovian breed of termites, and other things that all but brought the booth crumbling down on its two occupants. “Zero gravity must burn brain cells or somethin', you agree Private?”
Pulaski didn't respond, he was too busy trying to drown the annoying Sergeant's voice out of his head. Damn, he wished he had some aspirin and a pair of ear plugs…
”Of course you agree with me Private! Any red-blooded Terran would agree with me.” the Sergeant took out his cigar and let out a puff of smoke, “Hell, not even the mafia bothers with this place anymore, they `formally relinquished' their assets to the Jovian government and moved shop to Zarugasu!” he ranted, almost breaking his cigar.
”What about the BAHRAM LEV Squadron and three transports that flew out here, Sarge? Don't you think they're somethin' special?” Pulaski inquired.
”Eh, fuck them. Those poor bastards in the LEVs got wiped out long before they could even land on Antilia. The only reason the transports got through was because High Command thought they were helium-3 freighters.” The Sergeant stated.
”My point. Obviously they weren't, and that orbital frame they got in hangar 8-A is proof enough.” Pulaski said, shivering.
The Sergeant chuckled, “Gettin' the willies, Private? That thing's probably some supped up Raptor with extra armor and a face mask. No big deal there.”
”What about the other frame?” Pulaski demanded.
”What other frame?” the Sarge replied, confused.
”The dog face. Would that be a Raptor too?” Pulaski explained. Didn't matter what those things were, they still gave him the creeps, as did orbital frames in general.
”What else would it be? It's even smaller than blue boy!” the Sarge stated matter-of-factly, “You see Private, I've been fightin' against these critters since '67, when that white one made a mess at Deimos. I know what they're capable of, and believe me, they're overrated. They just fly around and shoot lasers like UFOs, just like any Phantoma can do.”
Sure, sure, if you leave out the part on flying in three-dimensions and all the nifty little gadgets that orbital frames have over LEVs… thought Pulaski. Although he didn't have as much experience as the Sergeant, he had seen Raptors in action before, and since then, he had counted his lucky stars on how he survived that encounter. Orbital frames were just unreal, nothing humans had made before could move like a Raptor could and possess as much power. Frankly, he was scared of them, and he knew everyone else in the 160th was too, even if nobody would admit to fearing a piece of Martian technology. Those two orbital frames that were found here didn't help that fear much, and Pulaski prayed he'd never see those things in action.
That's when his eye caught something outside, interrupting his thoughts. “What was that?” he let out.
The Sergeant looked out to where Pulaski was looking, but saw nothing. ”Private, that's fucking childish…” he said.
”I'm not kidding Sarge, I saw something.” Pulaski stated. He knew he saw something. Being raised in a harsh neighborhood in Brooklyn, Carl Pulaski had developed a sort of sixth sense that warned him of danger, as well as sharpened sight and hearing that caught onto things like shadows moving or footsteps. These senses remained with him even when he escaped the streets and joined the Space Force, and they kept him alive so far. He knew better than to ignore them. Without making a sound, he took out his UN Enforcer and took the safety off.
”Give me a break…” the Sergeant rolled his eyes and sat back in his chair.
However, just as Pulaski was going to exit the booth, he felt a sudden wave of tension role over himself. He stopped in his tracks and caught his breath. He knew this feeling, it was the feeling that told him he was being stalked by a predator, or something he knew he was no match for. This lasted for a good moment or so, when the tension flew off and Pulaski felt himself relax. “Tired… Job getting to me… Battlefield fatigue…” were the words that pulsated through his brain. His eyes half-closed and he replaced his pistol. “Yeah, you're right Sarge. It was nothing…” he said in monotone.
”There ya go, Private, and don't worry about it. When you're in this job as long as I've been, you'll get used to the calm…” the Sarge said, all-knowing. Neither the Sarge or Pulaski would ever know what transpired that night…
There had been very few moments in life where Private First Class Carl Pulaski of the United Space Forces had lost his temper, and it seemed this would be one of those times if the rat-faced Sergeant working security detail with him wouldn't shut up. Ever since he had gotten to Antilia, everyone in the UNSF's 160th Mobile Infantry Company had been bitching about how unlucky they had gotten for getting temporary placements on the sleepy colony, and Pulaski was very much getting tired of it. Instead of piloting a Phantoma and fighting BAHRAM like he should've been, he was working in a security booth at a factory complex that the 160th had been assigned to guard. And to think, he joined the Space Force because it was where all the action was. He didn't need to be reminded how bitchy lady luck was being to him!
”…God damn Enders. They had to go and build a colony at the very edge of the world. Look at them! They can't even maintain this joint!” the Sergeant gestured to the near-ruin that their little security booth was in. Paint peeling off, the wooden cabinets and desks were being eaten away by a Jovian breed of termites, and other things that all but brought the booth crumbling down on its two occupants. “Zero gravity must burn brain cells or somethin', you agree Private?”
Pulaski didn't respond, he was too busy trying to drown the annoying Sergeant's voice out of his head. Damn, he wished he had some aspirin and a pair of ear plugs…
”Of course you agree with me Private! Any red-blooded Terran would agree with me.” the Sergeant took out his cigar and let out a puff of smoke, “Hell, not even the mafia bothers with this place anymore, they `formally relinquished' their assets to the Jovian government and moved shop to Zarugasu!” he ranted, almost breaking his cigar.
”What about the BAHRAM LEV Squadron and three transports that flew out here, Sarge? Don't you think they're somethin' special?” Pulaski inquired.
”Eh, fuck them. Those poor bastards in the LEVs got wiped out long before they could even land on Antilia. The only reason the transports got through was because High Command thought they were helium-3 freighters.” The Sergeant stated.
”My point. Obviously they weren't, and that orbital frame they got in hangar 8-A is proof enough.” Pulaski said, shivering.
The Sergeant chuckled, “Gettin' the willies, Private? That thing's probably some supped up Raptor with extra armor and a face mask. No big deal there.”
”What about the other frame?” Pulaski demanded.
”What other frame?” the Sarge replied, confused.
”The dog face. Would that be a Raptor too?” Pulaski explained. Didn't matter what those things were, they still gave him the creeps, as did orbital frames in general.
”What else would it be? It's even smaller than blue boy!” the Sarge stated matter-of-factly, “You see Private, I've been fightin' against these critters since '67, when that white one made a mess at Deimos. I know what they're capable of, and believe me, they're overrated. They just fly around and shoot lasers like UFOs, just like any Phantoma can do.”
Sure, sure, if you leave out the part on flying in three-dimensions and all the nifty little gadgets that orbital frames have over LEVs… thought Pulaski. Although he didn't have as much experience as the Sergeant, he had seen Raptors in action before, and since then, he had counted his lucky stars on how he survived that encounter. Orbital frames were just unreal, nothing humans had made before could move like a Raptor could and possess as much power. Frankly, he was scared of them, and he knew everyone else in the 160th was too, even if nobody would admit to fearing a piece of Martian technology. Those two orbital frames that were found here didn't help that fear much, and Pulaski prayed he'd never see those things in action.
That's when his eye caught something outside, interrupting his thoughts. “What was that?” he let out.
The Sergeant looked out to where Pulaski was looking, but saw nothing. ”Private, that's fucking childish…” he said.
”I'm not kidding Sarge, I saw something.” Pulaski stated. He knew he saw something. Being raised in a harsh neighborhood in Brooklyn, Carl Pulaski had developed a sort of sixth sense that warned him of danger, as well as sharpened sight and hearing that caught onto things like shadows moving or footsteps. These senses remained with him even when he escaped the streets and joined the Space Force, and they kept him alive so far. He knew better than to ignore them. Without making a sound, he took out his UN Enforcer and took the safety off.
”Give me a break…” the Sergeant rolled his eyes and sat back in his chair.
However, just as Pulaski was going to exit the booth, he felt a sudden wave of tension role over himself. He stopped in his tracks and caught his breath. He knew this feeling, it was the feeling that told him he was being stalked by a predator, or something he knew he was no match for. This lasted for a good moment or so, when the tension flew off and Pulaski felt himself relax. “Tired… Job getting to me… Battlefield fatigue…” were the words that pulsated through his brain. His eyes half-closed and he replaced his pistol. “Yeah, you're right Sarge. It was nothing…” he said in monotone.
”There ya go, Private, and don't worry about it. When you're in this job as long as I've been, you'll get used to the calm…” the Sarge said, all-knowing. Neither the Sarge or Pulaski would ever know what transpired that night…
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Isaac sighed a little, opening his eyes and catching up to Raven's position behind a pile of boxes, next to one of the hangars. You know… Isaac chimed telepathically. You should be thankful Huckebein, I just saved your ass. That Space Force guard saw your shadow and was about to come out with a gun…
And if he did, I would've killed him, hid the body and moved on. You just saved me the hassle Isaac. Raven shot back, not saying it verbally but rather `thinking it'. He wasn't telepathic like Isaac was, but if he focused his `thoughts', Isaac could pick it up as easily as his ears could pick up sound. They called this the `CODEC Method' of communication, and they used it whenever they were sent on missions like this.
As well, either of them were now dressed Skull Suits, basically frame runner suits remodeled for infiltration as well as frame running. The suits took out 25% of the sounds made by their bodies functioning, and were colored black, making them easier to blend into the darkness. They didn't have side arms, since they had their elemental powers and all, but both Raven and Isaac wished they were issued guns back at Von Braun. It was a lot easier using them then firing bursts of lightning after all.
Peering over the boxes, Raven didn't see any other guards patrolling the place, and that worried him more than Isaac's explanation. This is too easy. I can't stand it when it's too easy.
So unappreciated… True, this is rather strange. Even Terrans aren't usually this lax in security. Isaac observed. Then again, they do see OF as a variation of the LEV…
I doubt it. Do you sense anyone here? Raven asked.
Isaac closed his eyes, letting his telepathy scan for any foreign consciousness. There are some guards lurking around, but I can't pinpoint their locations. They're too scattered, and too active. I can also see some Phantomas in the hangars that are ready for launch.
It sounds like they're expecting us. Are you sure you mind wiped that guy at the security post? Raven inquired.
Oh yes. He's too tired now to know what's going on. Isaac said. He looked past Raven and up at the stack of crates they were hiding behind, noticing one of the packages was a cardboard box, just near the top. If you're so worried, you could always do it like in the video games and hide under a box Huckebein.
What use would that be? Raven mentally groaned. Even he had a limit to Isaac's antics.
Come now Huckebein, treat your cardboard box with care. Isaac chimed, Take care of the box and it will take care of you…
Raven raised an eyebrow.
Don't think of it as just another box. Treat it with love… Don't be rough. Ok? Isaac stated in a mock-knowing tone.
Raven blinked and rubbed his eyes. You're so full of shit it's coming out of your ears Isaac. He said.
Think what you will, but it's worked for a lot of people over the past 200 years. Isaac said, shrugging.
Sure… Raven said, Like you'd know. You're no older than I am. He thought, but didn't say allowed since Isaac would've picked it up anyway. Without saying a word, he got up from the hiding spot and moved further into the compound, still remaining on alert. On the surface, Raven noted that the factory didn't look any different from a NUT research facility. A bunch buildings up top, some “windmill” power generators in the back of the compound and as Raven figured, a network of underground tunnels that were used to keep things out of the open. It was quite obvious where Target Bravo was going to be.
But that didn't make Raven feel any easier. Throughout the day, his inner senses were going off, as if someone were tracking him but the young elemental couldn't see, hear or feel. In fact, he still felt like it even now, and it bothered him to no end. While his professionalism kept him on task, his senses remained on alert, waiting for something to happen. This was Raven's least favorite feeling, knowing something was going to happen but it didn't right off, so Raven had to wait for it to happen with a sinking dread. And of course, it didn't help that he was in a UNSF controlled compound, where there were people out and ready to kill him if he were discovered.
Still, Raven weathered that feeling. Putting his instincts aside for the time being, he and Isaac ducked into a nearby building, just avoiding a patrolling guard's detection…
And if he did, I would've killed him, hid the body and moved on. You just saved me the hassle Isaac. Raven shot back, not saying it verbally but rather `thinking it'. He wasn't telepathic like Isaac was, but if he focused his `thoughts', Isaac could pick it up as easily as his ears could pick up sound. They called this the `CODEC Method' of communication, and they used it whenever they were sent on missions like this.
As well, either of them were now dressed Skull Suits, basically frame runner suits remodeled for infiltration as well as frame running. The suits took out 25% of the sounds made by their bodies functioning, and were colored black, making them easier to blend into the darkness. They didn't have side arms, since they had their elemental powers and all, but both Raven and Isaac wished they were issued guns back at Von Braun. It was a lot easier using them then firing bursts of lightning after all.
Peering over the boxes, Raven didn't see any other guards patrolling the place, and that worried him more than Isaac's explanation. This is too easy. I can't stand it when it's too easy.
So unappreciated… True, this is rather strange. Even Terrans aren't usually this lax in security. Isaac observed. Then again, they do see OF as a variation of the LEV…
I doubt it. Do you sense anyone here? Raven asked.
Isaac closed his eyes, letting his telepathy scan for any foreign consciousness. There are some guards lurking around, but I can't pinpoint their locations. They're too scattered, and too active. I can also see some Phantomas in the hangars that are ready for launch.
It sounds like they're expecting us. Are you sure you mind wiped that guy at the security post? Raven inquired.
Oh yes. He's too tired now to know what's going on. Isaac said. He looked past Raven and up at the stack of crates they were hiding behind, noticing one of the packages was a cardboard box, just near the top. If you're so worried, you could always do it like in the video games and hide under a box Huckebein.
What use would that be? Raven mentally groaned. Even he had a limit to Isaac's antics.
Come now Huckebein, treat your cardboard box with care. Isaac chimed, Take care of the box and it will take care of you…
Raven raised an eyebrow.
Don't think of it as just another box. Treat it with love… Don't be rough. Ok? Isaac stated in a mock-knowing tone.
Raven blinked and rubbed his eyes. You're so full of shit it's coming out of your ears Isaac. He said.
Think what you will, but it's worked for a lot of people over the past 200 years. Isaac said, shrugging.
Sure… Raven said, Like you'd know. You're no older than I am. He thought, but didn't say allowed since Isaac would've picked it up anyway. Without saying a word, he got up from the hiding spot and moved further into the compound, still remaining on alert. On the surface, Raven noted that the factory didn't look any different from a NUT research facility. A bunch buildings up top, some “windmill” power generators in the back of the compound and as Raven figured, a network of underground tunnels that were used to keep things out of the open. It was quite obvious where Target Bravo was going to be.
But that didn't make Raven feel any easier. Throughout the day, his inner senses were going off, as if someone were tracking him but the young elemental couldn't see, hear or feel. In fact, he still felt like it even now, and it bothered him to no end. While his professionalism kept him on task, his senses remained on alert, waiting for something to happen. This was Raven's least favorite feeling, knowing something was going to happen but it didn't right off, so Raven had to wait for it to happen with a sinking dread. And of course, it didn't help that he was in a UNSF controlled compound, where there were people out and ready to kill him if he were discovered.
Still, Raven weathered that feeling. Putting his instincts aside for the time being, he and Isaac ducked into a nearby building, just avoiding a patrolling guard's detection…
-------------------------------
…Only to run into one of the most heavily guarded buildings in the compound. Raven literally froze in his tracks when he entered into what appeared to be an office building, probably the control center for the entire complex. He had just entered in front of a flashlight glare, but he didn't hear the guard call out for him. “Man, am I hungry…” his sharp hearing picked up from the `rental-MP' (as he referred to anything on garrison duty that wasn't already a security flunky), before the flashlight turned away. Quickly, he crawled into a nearby corner and exhaled a sigh of relief. Murphy's Law, how I loathe thee… he thought. He didn't know if the guard was too stupid to notice him or if he was just near-sighted, but Raven felt thankful to God for getting him past that.
As he peaked around the corner, Raven noticed that the building he entered was a two-story complex, probably the control center for the compound judging by the décor. The floor was smooth, polished cement, there were houseplants dotted around the area and marked doors that Raven assumed led to offices or storage areas. He also saw that there were a lot of guards around, armed with assault rifles and hand grenades. He took back what he thought earlier, these people were armed and ready for an intrusion, and quite serious about defending their prized orbital frames. What else was here to be so up in arms about?
Next time look before you leap, Solid Snake. I could've told you there would be a guard facing this direction. Isaac said, rolling his eyes.
Forgive us children that don't have telepathy. And if I'm Solid Snake, does that make you Raiden? Raven taunted back.
Isaac thought for a moment, Not really, that'd suit Miryhn Troxel more than me. I think I'd be Psycho Mantis.
Raven raised an eyebrow, Miryhn Troxel?
You know him as King of the Shuffle Squad. Isaac explained.
Oh… The guy with the King of Hearts painted on his Phantoma's shoulder. Raven thought, scathingly. The Shuffle Squad was the spearhead unit for TEMPEST, another anti-Earth faction like BAHRAM except the former operated out of Tarsis instead of Vascilia. Because of this, the two groups were bitter rivals, but since BAHRAM was a full-scale army, TEMPEST had to resort to terrorist-like strikes against them or the UNSF. And it was usually the Shuffle Squad that carried out these attacks. Raven only fought them a short number of times, either in a Phantoma or a manned Cyclops, but each of those times were against either King or Ace, the leader of the unit.
Thinking about this, it took Raven a moment to realize he had never seen King's real name or his face in BAHRAM's official records, so he wondered how Isaac knew it and he didn't. Of course, Isaac picked up on this and answered, During the last encounter, I managed to tap into the Shuffles' individual consciousnesses and get personal data. Nothing of real value, just names, birthdates, family references and ambitions.
Right… Raven replied, but was still confused how Isaac did this. He didn't press the issue though, You think that elevator will reach the basement? Raven pointed toward an elevator at the far end of the complex.
Possibly, but it may have an access code. Isaac said. Just as he said that, the elevator gave a `ding' sound and out came what looked like a civilian, talking over a cellular phone. This made Isaac raise an eyebrow at the peculiarity, because he didn't look like a scientist, but the UNSF had totally occupied the facility, so regular civilians outside of scientists were not allowed in. Quickly, Isaac reached out and scanned through the man's thoughts, searching for a passcode. No such luck. Blast…
What's wrong? Your voice is sounding scratchy now. Raven asked.
Some kind of interference. It's throwing me off. Isaac explained.
Anti-telepathy shielding? Raven asked.
No, just tension from somewhere out of my reach, but I can feel the effects. You have no idea how hard it is to read people's minds… Isaac said.
Raven just verbally sighed, Fine, then we'll just beat the information out of Flash Gordon… with that said, the two boys remained in cover and watched their target go into a restroom not too far from where they were. The two moved fast, moving away from the corner they ducked behind and snuck through the main area of the building. It wasn't so hard to do; moving silently and leaving no traces behind were as easy to Raven and Isaac as counting, thanks to everything they had gone through on Mars. Either of them moved from one corner to the next, then to another hiding space, then another, until finally they came to the bathroom door.
Isaac signaled Raven to proceed while he stood guard, and the black-haired soldier complied. The door opened just as Raven approached, as he expected it to, but he was still careful not to make anymore noise than necessary. The guy was in one of the stalls, doing his business. In fact, if Raven's ears weren't deceiving him, he was humming something to himself, to what sounded like the Gilligan's Island theme. Suppressing the urge to laugh, Raven slipped behind him and jabbed his finger in his back. “Freeze.” He said outloud.
You could almost see the `!' appear over his head in surprise, followed by the quick gasp and the standing up in surprise. “What the-?” he said.
”Then just keep doing what you're doing. Don't turn around and keep your hands up.” Raven said verbally, to which the man complied, not wanting to risk getting blasted in the back. Thanks to his Russian accent, his vocal tone was deep, giving off the verbal illusion that he was in his mid-twenties or so. Although Raven hated to admit he was half-Terran, that little trait was pretty handy in situations like this.
Before the man could react, Raven slipped the hand he nudged into his back to the side and withdrew a standard military issue UN Enforcer .45, then pressed the barrel into the man's back. “Who are you?”
”Alan McKenna, no rank, serial number or posting. I'm not in the military.” `Alan' said.
”I don't believe you.” Raven stated.
”I'm telling the truth, believe it or not.” Alan stated back.
”You think I'm stupid? This sidearm is UNSF standard, and I know civilians aren't allowed here because of those two orbital frames. Now give me a rank, a number and a post, soldier.” The edge in Raven's tone sharpened.
”Sub-Commander, serial number 8393172, UNS Atlantis.” Alan sighed. He wasn't too happy that he had been taken off guard by an unarmed guy.
Raven was. “A naval man, huh? I haven't seen any UNSF ships in Antilia, so I assume you're working on a disguised transport?”
”That's none of your…”
Raven took the gun off the man's back and shot a bullet right by his head. It was one of those warning shots, where the bullet flew close enough to Alan's face to graze him, but otherwise left him unharmed and shot into the bathroom wall.
“Damn! You didn't have to-!” the man called out, thankfully not very loud.
”The next ones will be your legs.” Raven warned. He glanced at his watch and frowned, “Lucky for you, I'm low on time. Just tell me where Target Bra… I mean the blue frame is, and I will leave you alone.”
“You're after Jehuty, eh?” Alan asked, chuckling as if this guy was in over his head.
Raven rolled his eyes in annoyance and slammed the butt of the Enforcer against the man's back. He yelped and knelt at the shock. “Quit with the macho act and tell me where Jehuty is.”
”Look Martian, even if you got to Jehuty before it gets evac'd, you'd have a whole battalion of well armed and very dangerous Phantomas on your ass from here to Callisto. Plus, ADA's a tough bitch, and she doesn't take too kindly to BAHRAM…” Alan said matter-of-factly.
”ADA? Who's ADA?” Raven asked.
”Wouldn't you like to know Martian.” Alan replied.
One had to give the guy some credit here. For being stuck with a gun to his back, he was being pretty smug; it almost reminded Raven of Esteraund. “Fine then.” Raven said, “If the odds are stacked against me, then there's no reason to keep you alive…”
”On the other hand…” Alan stopped Raven in mid-sentence, “Just for entertainment's sake, and by that I mean seeing ADA vent the cockpit in deep space just after you get out of Antilia, I'll tell you where Jehuty is. It's in hangar J-7, at the other end of the factory. Entry code is UDLRBA.”
”UDLRBA?” Raven's face twitched. “What the hell is that?”
”Just think the Contra code in a half. I also suggest you get a vehicle, because it's a good distance away from here.” Alan replied.
Raven nodded a little bit, subconsciously, “Thank you, you've been very helpful.”
”You're welcome.” Alan said snidely.
There was a pause after that, as Raven was wondering whether to shoot Alan in the back or to let him live. There was a risk about Alan running off and informing more of his friends about the compound being infiltrated, but Raven wasn't as cold-hearted as he was supposed to be, and the other side told him that for Alan's cooperation, he should just disappear into the shadows.
Alan closed his eyes and grinned, “Are you going to shoot me yet?”
”You want me too?” Raven asked. He backed away a bit, wanting to move into the shadows.
That's when Alan took his opportunity. He twisted around and produced a second handgun hidden underneath his jacket, faster than Raven predicted. Instinctively, Raven somersaulted to avoid the first shot, which never came, then came up into a kneeling position, gun still trained on Alan.
Raven saw more of Alan's face now. A man with long brown hair, brown eyes and glasses, definitely Caucasian, Alan gave Raven an amused look.
“BAHRAM really is desperate…” Alan commented, giving a challenging grin, “I never, ever would have thought they'd send kids in for black ops. Wait til Elena hears about thi…” the grin disappeared, replaced by a twitch from his lips. Then his whole face started, and the amused expression turned into one of pain.
Raven got up from his knees, wondering what the hell was happening to the guy, but he kept his new gun on him. Alan continued to struggle as he did, the gun being dropped to the ground and his hands beginning to tremble.
The Terran forced his hands against his head, closed his eyes and gave out a silent scream, as if something was trying to force its way out his brain. He screamed in agony, forgetting about the Martian child that had dropped on him, trying to relieve himself of his pain. In one last movement, he opened his eyes and reached out to his enemy for aid, ending up grabbing at the boy's leg.
Confused and somewhat horrified, Raven knelt and grabbed the hand. “What's wrong!? What's happening!?” he demanded.
”My head… hurts…” Alan muttered. Raven watched in horror as blood began to flow out of his nostrils, his ears and his eyes in streams. Then after what felt like an eternity, the eyes rolled back into the head and Alan McKenna's grip on Raven went limp.
Raven didn't know how he got back up again, but he jolted and looked around, scared. He never saw anyone die like that before, and even though he was a trained soldier, he was still a child and the idea of dying like that seemed terrible. He only settled when Isaac came in, rubbing his forehead.
What the hell did you just do!? Raven mentally snapped.
That wasn't me Huckebein. I felt it too. It was a sudden flow of will, highly focused. If unguarded against, it can overwhelm any conscious mind and destroy it. Isaac explained.
Raven looked at the corpse grimly. So I see.
Isaac looked at the corpse, then at Raven with a solemn glance. You couldn't have saved him. The flow was intense enough to throw ME off. Be thankful you didn't feel it.
I don't hear any alarms going off, which means no one else felt this besides you and him. He wasn't a telepath either, so he couldn't have picked it up unless he was the intended target. Raven thought, feeling a dark cloud form over his mind. Someone knows we're here, but who?
I don't know, I can't feel any foreign presences besides all the Terran soldiers lurking around. And what are we going to do with him? Isaac asked.
Put the body in that stall and take the guns. Help me lift him. Raven ordered, as he picked the body up and slung it over his shoulders. Despite how heavy it was, Raven made it look effortless, limited only by his smaller size. Isaac did the same, and they dragged the body into the stall, placed it on the toilet and closed the door.
Before Raven came out of the stall, he noticed something sticking out of Alan's pocket. He took it out and saw it was his wallet. Could use the cash. He thought, flipping it open and looking through the contents. No money, but he did see a lot of pictures, mostly with Alan and a woman with short blonde hair. One of the pictures showed that she had Sub-Commander bars on her as well. Must be that `Elena' person… he thought.
You going to be alright Huckebein? Isaac asked.
This isn't the first time someone's died in front of me. Raven stated as firm as he could make it `sound'. Let's go.
As he peaked around the corner, Raven noticed that the building he entered was a two-story complex, probably the control center for the compound judging by the décor. The floor was smooth, polished cement, there were houseplants dotted around the area and marked doors that Raven assumed led to offices or storage areas. He also saw that there were a lot of guards around, armed with assault rifles and hand grenades. He took back what he thought earlier, these people were armed and ready for an intrusion, and quite serious about defending their prized orbital frames. What else was here to be so up in arms about?
Next time look before you leap, Solid Snake. I could've told you there would be a guard facing this direction. Isaac said, rolling his eyes.
Forgive us children that don't have telepathy. And if I'm Solid Snake, does that make you Raiden? Raven taunted back.
Isaac thought for a moment, Not really, that'd suit Miryhn Troxel more than me. I think I'd be Psycho Mantis.
Raven raised an eyebrow, Miryhn Troxel?
You know him as King of the Shuffle Squad. Isaac explained.
Oh… The guy with the King of Hearts painted on his Phantoma's shoulder. Raven thought, scathingly. The Shuffle Squad was the spearhead unit for TEMPEST, another anti-Earth faction like BAHRAM except the former operated out of Tarsis instead of Vascilia. Because of this, the two groups were bitter rivals, but since BAHRAM was a full-scale army, TEMPEST had to resort to terrorist-like strikes against them or the UNSF. And it was usually the Shuffle Squad that carried out these attacks. Raven only fought them a short number of times, either in a Phantoma or a manned Cyclops, but each of those times were against either King or Ace, the leader of the unit.
Thinking about this, it took Raven a moment to realize he had never seen King's real name or his face in BAHRAM's official records, so he wondered how Isaac knew it and he didn't. Of course, Isaac picked up on this and answered, During the last encounter, I managed to tap into the Shuffles' individual consciousnesses and get personal data. Nothing of real value, just names, birthdates, family references and ambitions.
Right… Raven replied, but was still confused how Isaac did this. He didn't press the issue though, You think that elevator will reach the basement? Raven pointed toward an elevator at the far end of the complex.
Possibly, but it may have an access code. Isaac said. Just as he said that, the elevator gave a `ding' sound and out came what looked like a civilian, talking over a cellular phone. This made Isaac raise an eyebrow at the peculiarity, because he didn't look like a scientist, but the UNSF had totally occupied the facility, so regular civilians outside of scientists were not allowed in. Quickly, Isaac reached out and scanned through the man's thoughts, searching for a passcode. No such luck. Blast…
What's wrong? Your voice is sounding scratchy now. Raven asked.
Some kind of interference. It's throwing me off. Isaac explained.
Anti-telepathy shielding? Raven asked.
No, just tension from somewhere out of my reach, but I can feel the effects. You have no idea how hard it is to read people's minds… Isaac said.
Raven just verbally sighed, Fine, then we'll just beat the information out of Flash Gordon… with that said, the two boys remained in cover and watched their target go into a restroom not too far from where they were. The two moved fast, moving away from the corner they ducked behind and snuck through the main area of the building. It wasn't so hard to do; moving silently and leaving no traces behind were as easy to Raven and Isaac as counting, thanks to everything they had gone through on Mars. Either of them moved from one corner to the next, then to another hiding space, then another, until finally they came to the bathroom door.
Isaac signaled Raven to proceed while he stood guard, and the black-haired soldier complied. The door opened just as Raven approached, as he expected it to, but he was still careful not to make anymore noise than necessary. The guy was in one of the stalls, doing his business. In fact, if Raven's ears weren't deceiving him, he was humming something to himself, to what sounded like the Gilligan's Island theme. Suppressing the urge to laugh, Raven slipped behind him and jabbed his finger in his back. “Freeze.” He said outloud.
You could almost see the `!' appear over his head in surprise, followed by the quick gasp and the standing up in surprise. “What the-?” he said.
”Then just keep doing what you're doing. Don't turn around and keep your hands up.” Raven said verbally, to which the man complied, not wanting to risk getting blasted in the back. Thanks to his Russian accent, his vocal tone was deep, giving off the verbal illusion that he was in his mid-twenties or so. Although Raven hated to admit he was half-Terran, that little trait was pretty handy in situations like this.
Before the man could react, Raven slipped the hand he nudged into his back to the side and withdrew a standard military issue UN Enforcer .45, then pressed the barrel into the man's back. “Who are you?”
”Alan McKenna, no rank, serial number or posting. I'm not in the military.” `Alan' said.
”I don't believe you.” Raven stated.
”I'm telling the truth, believe it or not.” Alan stated back.
”You think I'm stupid? This sidearm is UNSF standard, and I know civilians aren't allowed here because of those two orbital frames. Now give me a rank, a number and a post, soldier.” The edge in Raven's tone sharpened.
”Sub-Commander, serial number 8393172, UNS Atlantis.” Alan sighed. He wasn't too happy that he had been taken off guard by an unarmed guy.
Raven was. “A naval man, huh? I haven't seen any UNSF ships in Antilia, so I assume you're working on a disguised transport?”
”That's none of your…”
Raven took the gun off the man's back and shot a bullet right by his head. It was one of those warning shots, where the bullet flew close enough to Alan's face to graze him, but otherwise left him unharmed and shot into the bathroom wall.
“Damn! You didn't have to-!” the man called out, thankfully not very loud.
”The next ones will be your legs.” Raven warned. He glanced at his watch and frowned, “Lucky for you, I'm low on time. Just tell me where Target Bra… I mean the blue frame is, and I will leave you alone.”
“You're after Jehuty, eh?” Alan asked, chuckling as if this guy was in over his head.
Raven rolled his eyes in annoyance and slammed the butt of the Enforcer against the man's back. He yelped and knelt at the shock. “Quit with the macho act and tell me where Jehuty is.”
”Look Martian, even if you got to Jehuty before it gets evac'd, you'd have a whole battalion of well armed and very dangerous Phantomas on your ass from here to Callisto. Plus, ADA's a tough bitch, and she doesn't take too kindly to BAHRAM…” Alan said matter-of-factly.
”ADA? Who's ADA?” Raven asked.
”Wouldn't you like to know Martian.” Alan replied.
One had to give the guy some credit here. For being stuck with a gun to his back, he was being pretty smug; it almost reminded Raven of Esteraund. “Fine then.” Raven said, “If the odds are stacked against me, then there's no reason to keep you alive…”
”On the other hand…” Alan stopped Raven in mid-sentence, “Just for entertainment's sake, and by that I mean seeing ADA vent the cockpit in deep space just after you get out of Antilia, I'll tell you where Jehuty is. It's in hangar J-7, at the other end of the factory. Entry code is UDLRBA.”
”UDLRBA?” Raven's face twitched. “What the hell is that?”
”Just think the Contra code in a half. I also suggest you get a vehicle, because it's a good distance away from here.” Alan replied.
Raven nodded a little bit, subconsciously, “Thank you, you've been very helpful.”
”You're welcome.” Alan said snidely.
There was a pause after that, as Raven was wondering whether to shoot Alan in the back or to let him live. There was a risk about Alan running off and informing more of his friends about the compound being infiltrated, but Raven wasn't as cold-hearted as he was supposed to be, and the other side told him that for Alan's cooperation, he should just disappear into the shadows.
Alan closed his eyes and grinned, “Are you going to shoot me yet?”
”You want me too?” Raven asked. He backed away a bit, wanting to move into the shadows.
That's when Alan took his opportunity. He twisted around and produced a second handgun hidden underneath his jacket, faster than Raven predicted. Instinctively, Raven somersaulted to avoid the first shot, which never came, then came up into a kneeling position, gun still trained on Alan.
Raven saw more of Alan's face now. A man with long brown hair, brown eyes and glasses, definitely Caucasian, Alan gave Raven an amused look.
“BAHRAM really is desperate…” Alan commented, giving a challenging grin, “I never, ever would have thought they'd send kids in for black ops. Wait til Elena hears about thi…” the grin disappeared, replaced by a twitch from his lips. Then his whole face started, and the amused expression turned into one of pain.
Raven got up from his knees, wondering what the hell was happening to the guy, but he kept his new gun on him. Alan continued to struggle as he did, the gun being dropped to the ground and his hands beginning to tremble.
The Terran forced his hands against his head, closed his eyes and gave out a silent scream, as if something was trying to force its way out his brain. He screamed in agony, forgetting about the Martian child that had dropped on him, trying to relieve himself of his pain. In one last movement, he opened his eyes and reached out to his enemy for aid, ending up grabbing at the boy's leg.
Confused and somewhat horrified, Raven knelt and grabbed the hand. “What's wrong!? What's happening!?” he demanded.
”My head… hurts…” Alan muttered. Raven watched in horror as blood began to flow out of his nostrils, his ears and his eyes in streams. Then after what felt like an eternity, the eyes rolled back into the head and Alan McKenna's grip on Raven went limp.
Raven didn't know how he got back up again, but he jolted and looked around, scared. He never saw anyone die like that before, and even though he was a trained soldier, he was still a child and the idea of dying like that seemed terrible. He only settled when Isaac came in, rubbing his forehead.
What the hell did you just do!? Raven mentally snapped.
That wasn't me Huckebein. I felt it too. It was a sudden flow of will, highly focused. If unguarded against, it can overwhelm any conscious mind and destroy it. Isaac explained.
Raven looked at the corpse grimly. So I see.
Isaac looked at the corpse, then at Raven with a solemn glance. You couldn't have saved him. The flow was intense enough to throw ME off. Be thankful you didn't feel it.
I don't hear any alarms going off, which means no one else felt this besides you and him. He wasn't a telepath either, so he couldn't have picked it up unless he was the intended target. Raven thought, feeling a dark cloud form over his mind. Someone knows we're here, but who?
I don't know, I can't feel any foreign presences besides all the Terran soldiers lurking around. And what are we going to do with him? Isaac asked.
Put the body in that stall and take the guns. Help me lift him. Raven ordered, as he picked the body up and slung it over his shoulders. Despite how heavy it was, Raven made it look effortless, limited only by his smaller size. Isaac did the same, and they dragged the body into the stall, placed it on the toilet and closed the door.
Before Raven came out of the stall, he noticed something sticking out of Alan's pocket. He took it out and saw it was his wallet. Could use the cash. He thought, flipping it open and looking through the contents. No money, but he did see a lot of pictures, mostly with Alan and a woman with short blonde hair. One of the pictures showed that she had Sub-Commander bars on her as well. Must be that `Elena' person… he thought.
You going to be alright Huckebein? Isaac asked.
This isn't the first time someone's died in front of me. Raven stated as firm as he could make it `sound'. Let's go.
-------------------------------
By the time Raven and Isaac got to hangar J-7, it was more or less well into the evening, and that wasn't a good thing. They had stolen a jeep a while ago and had driven a good portion of the distance to this new hangar, doing in minutes what could've taken hours. It was nothing short of a miracle that no one saw a pair of kids in a jeep driving through an otherwise occupied factory, but neither of the boys had a choice. Time was running out.
Parking the jeep across the hangar, Raven and Isaac quickly jumped out of the vehicle and strode over to the hangar entrance. Finding a keycode device, Raven tapped in the code Alan told him and moved back, waiting for the sound of an alarm going off. None came, which Raven thanked God for, and instead the `clicking' of lockbolts retracting was the only sound that broke the silence. We're in. Raven told Isaac, who nodded. The hangar doors opened slowly, just enough for either to slip through. Both looked at each other, and simultaneously brought their guns up. Into the darkness, both disappeared.
Whoa…Raven thought when he saw the dormant form of Jehuty, still in its containment rack. It's bigger than I thought.
Isaac's grin grew, and he casually moved to Jehuty's cockpit. The canopy opened and he jumped in, clutching the control orbs. Energy lines started to run up and down the frame, and Isaac made sure not to activate the frame itself, just its metatron computer.
What are you doing? Raven asked.
Checking if this thing is combat ready. Don't worry, I'm not going to ruin Colonel Nohman's fun and steal it myself. Isaac said.
Yeah, two kids stealing a prototype orbital frame to wage a standalone war against the Earth. Raven said, rolling his eyes. Does that not just reek of Gundam Wing to you?
You watch way too many animes… Isaac said, And no, I think it'd be more like the original Gundam and so forth. The Wing pilots already had their Gundams assigned to them, one way or the other.
Oh yeah, right, sorry. Raven replied. So, is it ready for hijacking?
Yes. Whoever Nohman has chosen to run this great falcon is one lucky human. These specs definitely outperform the Raptors we're all used too…Isaac informed as he scrolled down Jehuty's data. He caught something on the data that made him raise an eyebrow. Strange, there's no data on Target Alpha… Did that human mention it to you?
Why would he? Alpha's been moved. Raven said.
Isaac's head bolted to attention, What? When?
I don't know when, but according to Colonel Legato, the terrans moved it to site 02. Chances are they're going to load it up on that UNSF carrier soon. Raven explained. Why? Was there something about it?
The white-haired boy bit his lip, trying to conceal the nervousness and doubt that threatened to make him shudder. Fortunately, his ally didn't pick it up, so Isaac answered. No, no, nothing. I thought Colonel Legato would want us to look after both targets for... Did you feel anything just now?
Like wha…Raven's peripheral vision caught something, moving around in the dark. Some kind of shadow. He raised his pistol, but the next moment, the shadow was gone. We're not alone!
As if on cue, an air raid alarm went off. “ENEMY UNITS DETECTED, INCOMING TO ANTILIA FROM SECTOR A-3! ALL PERSONELL TO LEVEL 1 BATTLE STATIONS! PREPARE TO REPEL ENEMY ORBITAL FRAMES!” the speakers called out. The sounds of soldiers running up and down outside, as well as the rumbling sensation of Phantomas moving around.
Raven looked at his watch, “Nohman's attack force!”
”Worse.” Isaac said, rubbing his temples. “There's something moving around the base. I don't know what it is, but I'm sensing a lot of calamity among the soldiers here.”
”We better split up and head to the rendezvous point. That way whatever's out there will have a harder time tracking us.” Raven said. He had now put his back against the wall and was peeking outside, seeing soldiers running up and down. He began to sweat when he saw a Phantoma walk past, almost swearing the mono-eye had swiveled to the open doorway once before moving on.
”Agreed. But one last thing…” Isaac said, almost hesitant.
”What?” Raven asked.
Isaac thought for a moment at how he was going to phrase this, “Nothing, never mind.” He said. “Good luck Huckebein.”
”See you back at the ship Isaac.” Raven said. Both Elementals gave each other one last nod, and then they dashed out of the hangar and split into different directions. Each one knew where to go; it was only a question of would they make it…
Parking the jeep across the hangar, Raven and Isaac quickly jumped out of the vehicle and strode over to the hangar entrance. Finding a keycode device, Raven tapped in the code Alan told him and moved back, waiting for the sound of an alarm going off. None came, which Raven thanked God for, and instead the `clicking' of lockbolts retracting was the only sound that broke the silence. We're in. Raven told Isaac, who nodded. The hangar doors opened slowly, just enough for either to slip through. Both looked at each other, and simultaneously brought their guns up. Into the darkness, both disappeared.
Whoa…Raven thought when he saw the dormant form of Jehuty, still in its containment rack. It's bigger than I thought.
Isaac's grin grew, and he casually moved to Jehuty's cockpit. The canopy opened and he jumped in, clutching the control orbs. Energy lines started to run up and down the frame, and Isaac made sure not to activate the frame itself, just its metatron computer.
What are you doing? Raven asked.
Checking if this thing is combat ready. Don't worry, I'm not going to ruin Colonel Nohman's fun and steal it myself. Isaac said.
Yeah, two kids stealing a prototype orbital frame to wage a standalone war against the Earth. Raven said, rolling his eyes. Does that not just reek of Gundam Wing to you?
You watch way too many animes… Isaac said, And no, I think it'd be more like the original Gundam and so forth. The Wing pilots already had their Gundams assigned to them, one way or the other.
Oh yeah, right, sorry. Raven replied. So, is it ready for hijacking?
Yes. Whoever Nohman has chosen to run this great falcon is one lucky human. These specs definitely outperform the Raptors we're all used too…Isaac informed as he scrolled down Jehuty's data. He caught something on the data that made him raise an eyebrow. Strange, there's no data on Target Alpha… Did that human mention it to you?
Why would he? Alpha's been moved. Raven said.
Isaac's head bolted to attention, What? When?
I don't know when, but according to Colonel Legato, the terrans moved it to site 02. Chances are they're going to load it up on that UNSF carrier soon. Raven explained. Why? Was there something about it?
The white-haired boy bit his lip, trying to conceal the nervousness and doubt that threatened to make him shudder. Fortunately, his ally didn't pick it up, so Isaac answered. No, no, nothing. I thought Colonel Legato would want us to look after both targets for... Did you feel anything just now?
Like wha…Raven's peripheral vision caught something, moving around in the dark. Some kind of shadow. He raised his pistol, but the next moment, the shadow was gone. We're not alone!
As if on cue, an air raid alarm went off. “ENEMY UNITS DETECTED, INCOMING TO ANTILIA FROM SECTOR A-3! ALL PERSONELL TO LEVEL 1 BATTLE STATIONS! PREPARE TO REPEL ENEMY ORBITAL FRAMES!” the speakers called out. The sounds of soldiers running up and down outside, as well as the rumbling sensation of Phantomas moving around.
Raven looked at his watch, “Nohman's attack force!”
”Worse.” Isaac said, rubbing his temples. “There's something moving around the base. I don't know what it is, but I'm sensing a lot of calamity among the soldiers here.”
”We better split up and head to the rendezvous point. That way whatever's out there will have a harder time tracking us.” Raven said. He had now put his back against the wall and was peeking outside, seeing soldiers running up and down. He began to sweat when he saw a Phantoma walk past, almost swearing the mono-eye had swiveled to the open doorway once before moving on.
”Agreed. But one last thing…” Isaac said, almost hesitant.
”What?” Raven asked.
Isaac thought for a moment at how he was going to phrase this, “Nothing, never mind.” He said. “Good luck Huckebein.”
”See you back at the ship Isaac.” Raven said. Both Elementals gave each other one last nod, and then they dashed out of the hangar and split into different directions. Each one knew where to go; it was only a question of would they make it…
-------------------------------
Another explosion rocked the compound as a stray laser shot blew a group of chemical containers into smoke and flame. Raven covered his head to as debris rained down, even using a bit of his power and generating a magenta colored energy shield. The debris soon stopped raining down, but the gust caused by a pair of Raptors that flew overhead reminded Raven that he wasn't safe yet. He dashed to another building corner when the Raptors opened fired with their mono-eye vulcans.
”Fucking Martians!” Raven heard over the explosions. He peeked around to see two UNSF guards firing up at the sky with their standard issue XM129s, even though the enemy frames were too high for the bullets to reach. Raven chuckled a little; assault rifles against orbital frames? What was even funnier was one of the guards actually tried lobbing a high-explosive round into a Raptor, but gravity claimed the bullet and it dropped into the roof of a warehouse building, making a nice hole. Fortunately for the guards, a Phantoma had noticed their attempted resistance and made its way over to them, standing over the guards and adding its machine gun to the barrage.
Unfortunately for the guards, and the Phantoma, one particular orbital frame also took notice to their resistance. Raven could tell it wasn't a Raptor: it was humanoid, red in color, possessing a pair of arm blades, a triangular head and tri-binder thrusters on its back. A Type-C? Raven's thought in astonishment, remembering the rumors of a manned orbital frame that had performance above and beyond the Raptor. The red frame danced in the air, spinning and flipping around the Phantoma's machine gun bursts, then went into a steep dive. With a single swipe of the right arm blade, the Phantoma was cut off at the knees, and it began to fall. On the pair of Space Force soldiers that is. With a loud `boom', the two soldiers were squashed.
Raven's stomach lurched as he saw that one of the soldiers had tried to leap away from the falling LEV only for the lower half of his body to be squashed. There was now the upper torso of a human corpse bleeding off near the remains of a Phantoma. On the other hand, Raven did not fail to notice that the XM129 had also survived the crushing. He ran out from his cover and swiped the assault rifle up from the dead body.
Just after he picked up the rifle, Raven's skin rippled, and he felt his world become fuzzy and disoriented. “This feeling…” he thought, as he pressed his left hand against his forehead. “What's going on…?”
”What the hell-!? AAAGH!!”
”Intruder Alert in Sector K-4! We need back up now!” *click*
”Fire! Shoot the bastards!”
Raven's head ached. He felt the metatron lines around his body pulse to his heartbeats, and the sounds of the dying soldiers ripping through his head. Ignoring his battlefield sense of logic, he ran out in the open, assault rifle clutched like a life line and came across the origin of the cries.
It was a horrible scene that would haunt Raven for years to come. There were four Space Force soldiers, all firing their assault rifles into the shadows. One of them was cut down by something Raven saw for a moment, but then vanished into the darkness. The soldier was cut at the waist, causing him to fall to the ground before the strange force dragged him into the shadows amidst the cries. Another was smashed against a nearby wall, skull shattered, before he too was taken.
The last two continued to back away, and Raven even considered adding his own fire into the fight, but no sooner did he make a decision did the last two get cut up. One had got caught between two of these things in a tug-of-war, with his body separating at the waist and both haves going different directions, while the last was split down the middle. It was at that point Raven saw the attackers' eyes, which were crimson red in color.
Raven didn't when something had instilled such fear in him as this did, and it took him a moment to remember he had a gun of his own. He fired into the shadows, but none of the bullets landed. The attackers separated, jumping away in different directions like terran grasshoppers. One of them landed on Raven, clutching at his gun while try to bite off the boy's face.
”What in the hell-!!?” Raven let out. Instead of some type of animal, his attacker was a human. A human with glowing red eyes, but otherwise wearing casual clothes, a watch and sporting cropped black hair. However, whatever parts of a civilized human this being possessed at one time were no longer there, leaving behind a beast of a man. Raven somersaulted and kicked the person off of him, then emptying a good dozen or so bullets into the `beast'.
Another one jumped at him, but was struck down by the butt of Raven's assault rifle. This time it was a woman in a purple dress. Raven's breath caught in his throat and his heart rate suddenly tripled. He turned slowly and saw that the things, the things that were now grouping to attack him, as well as the things that were devouring the carcasses of the dead soldiers… They were all humans, but twisted and mutated into some type of savage beast. The skin was paler, more purplish, and parts of the clothing had been chewed at or ripped off. Some of them even had grotesque features like an extra eye or a partial tail growing out the end. What's worse was, they had metatron lines pulsing over their bodies, as if they were…
No!! These things are NOT Elementals! Raven cried to those thoughts.
Raven couldn't remember when he started running, but he knew he wasn't going to win that fight. Fortunately for him, one of the attacking frames, this time a large jellyfish-shaped frame that landed, had launched 360-degree attack with the flamethrowers in its tentacles that caused a number of buildings to explode, before jumping back into the air again. This caused the apparent mutants to scatter, with only a few coming after Raven.
New found determination, Raven twisted and fired his assault rifle, scoring hits on a few of the beasts. They still kept coming at him though, and Raven found that his ammunition was slowly becoming useless. He hesitated, but managed to kick back two of the creatures that tried to take advantage of that. Bullets have little effect on them, so…He slipped out the Ma'at staff and pulsed energy into it, causing it to extend into its full form. I have no choice…He reassured himself, being very reluctant to do what he was about to do.
His eyes began to glow and his purple aura soon formed over him. Spinning his staff, he cut three of the attackers across the torso when they leapt at him. He then impaled another one and used the withering body as a club to smack into another one of the monsters. He punched one in the mask with an energy empowered fist, and he felt that the face had hardened, as if it had turned into an exoskeleton. Physically, it felt like he were punching a giant beetle, but he could feel the energy stored within the hardened shell start to flow out. He withdrew his fist before the energy mixed in with his own and punted the attacker away with the unbladed side of his staff.
During all this, Raven felt his body begin to build up more energy as he got more and more anxious in the fight, but he knew if he didn't keep himself calm and balanced, the said energy would grow beyond his control. Fortunately, it was over in only a few minutes, having sliced the last attacker in half down the middle.
Despite being a few minutes, Raven felt as though he had been fighting for hours. He wasn't sure if it was because of his power or not, but after he killed the last one, he panted and almost fell on his knees, using the staff for leverage. He was covered in the body fluids of the attackers (he wasn't sure if it was blood or not), but he didn't think the fluids were toxic because he would've felt something in his organs by now. Raven didn't know what it was, but he felt drained of energy, and that only left him open for attack. Using as much power as he could, he began to walk again.
Raven didn't notice it, but his aura was also starting to flicker as he walked, resonating to an unknown force. He heard many things: the commotion of UNSF soldiers as they fought a hopeless fight, the shrill roars and cries of those weird creatures, as well as the explosions caused from Nohman's attack force all merging into one single pulse. As Raven walked, he also saw more of those creatures. Either they were devouring the corpses left over from their fight or they were fighting amongst themselves, acting like a pack of wolves even though they were at one point human.
Just watching them would've made Raven go nauseous, and mixing in the background noise didn't help much. It had only been a few minutes, but it felt like the whole colony had turned into a dead zone, like a city that had been devastated from a week long battle or a ghost town that had been abandoned by its population. All this done because of the battle happening around it and the sudden appearance of these would-be zombies.
Raven continued to wander, feeling his heart race with the flickering of his aura and the fear growing further and further in his body. Is this how it feels when you're marching to your own death? He thought.
The thought of death being rampant made him think about his friend. Isaac… Are you still alive? If you are, where are you when I need you? What's happening here? He called out with his mind, hoping wherever Isaac was, he'd pick up his thoughts. Even though he didn't get an answer, he continued wandering amongst the corpses and the zombies, hoping to find whatever he was looking for somewhere around…
Then he stopped. His heartbeat quickened further, his aura stopped flickering and just grew brighter. And without thinking, he turned to a hangar building just like the one Jehuty was stored in. He saw a pile of dead troops and coat wearing scientists out in front of the doorway, obviously killed by those zombies. Difference was, their flesh was all intact, and that made Raven wonder. As well, the door to the hangar was left open, and the boy could feel a strong energy emanating from the depths, as if it were the cave of a larger beast.
Just like the Lonely Mountain…Raven thought, remembering a chapter from one of his favorite books that told about a hero that journeyed deep into the layer of a dragon. Whatever was down there was calling to him, but there was no reassurance that it wasn't a trap. With every ounce of will power, and the finality of a criminal marching to the gallows, Raven walked to the hangar, stepping around the corpses as he went.
After what seemed like an eternity, he stood at the entry way, still a little hesitant. However, he reassured himself that he came this far, and that there was still time to meet with Esteraund and the others. He took in a long breath and stepped in…
…and his blood ran cold. Raven's eyes widened and he felt the fear grow bigger within him, threatening to turn into a tangible substance. All of his exhaustion had vanished and had been replaced by the additional fear, confusion and a growing rage. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!!!?
The hangar was just like the one that contained Jehuty, only Raven wasn't sure if it contained an orbital frame or not. He thought he felt something in the darkness, but it didn't feel like an orbital frame. However, it was different because for whatever reason, it had hieroglyphics upon the walls. That's right, hieroglyphics, the ancient Egyptian picture writings. As well, the way the bay was arranged, the walls looked like they were made of stone instead of steel, making the hangar look like an Egyptian temple to a mysterious idol, which remained in the shadows.
Even if it was really a temple and there was a deity present, Raven didn't care if it was there or not. Something else came to his realization first, something of much more terrifying. Down on the bottom level, was another group of dead humans, only the way they were arranged, it would seem they had been killed in battle with each other. They were not soldiers, neither were they scientists or even regular civilians. No, much to Raven's horror, they were all children. Children wearing the Von Braun Academy school uniform.
Raven ran down a staircase to the floor and moved across each of the bodies, checking to see any signs of life since he couldn't sense it. Everyone of them was dead, slaughtered by an unknown force. Among them were random civilians, as well as Majors Windel and Crowe and Captain Evans.
“No…” Raven's teeth gritted and his fist tightened. It was hard to hold back the tears, especially when these were his teammates, and in some ways, his people. He looked around the hangar for answers, but he found no sign of attackers.
He did, however, see someone standing amidst the field, someone Raven swore wasn't standing there when he came in. “Isaac!” he called out, feeling a great relief that his friend had survived the carnage. Perhaps he'd have answers. “What happened here? Who did this!?”
The answer that came to Raven was in the form of Isaac reaching back and firing a light beam out of his hand, one that grazed the left side of Raven's face. Raven's eyes widened in shock, and his body froze, even as he felt the beam breakdown and the blood run down his cheek. “…What?” he let out.
Isaac started to walk around, chuckling as he did. “You know, Huckebein, I think I might have given you too much credit…” he said, “I honestly thought you'd see this coming…”
”What are you talking about?” Raven demanded, still confused.
”…or you're just in denial, which is understandable. After all, we've been through life together.” Isaac said, a cruel smile coming over his face.
As if on cue, the zombies began to move out of the shadows, having encircled Raven and Isaac. It didn't take Raven that much effort to realize, and his face twisted from confusion into rage. “You did this!!?” he roared.
”That's right Huckebein, the best friend did it.” Isaac chuckled at his little joke. He started to walk around. “It happened a long time ago, just after we landed on Antilia actually. All of our comrades, all in one night while they were asleep and open. I invaded each of their psyches and one by one, took them under my will.”
Some of the confusion returned, as Raven looked at the bodies, remembering that just a few hours ago, they had been alive. No...
Isaac picked up on his denial. “Believe what you want, but once we came here, I bent every part of their minds and bodies to my will. I didn't kill them right off, because it would've been a great pain to control them all at once and make them seem realistic, I just merely linked their minds to mine so I could influence their thoughts while letting them go about their business. In fact, I'm not even sure they know they're dead yet. Let me check…”
He moved over to a corpse and grabbed it by the head, then shook the body. The body was heavily deformed, missing a left arm and having a large gash in its torso. “Heh heh, should at least know. After all, getting your guts ripped out is a very painful way of dying…”
That did it. Raven's aura flared and his eyes turned full purple. With a battlecry, he charged at Isaac. However, never made it far as Isaac shot another blast into him that sent Raven flying into a wall on the other end. “Bad move Huckebein. You of all people should know never to be too eager to charge your opponent. After all, he might be the one holding the cards…”
Behind Isaac, a pair of golden eyes suddenly flashed to life and started to gaze at the sight before it, and the mutant corpses began to move. Besides the surrounding mutations, something else happened much to Raven's inner terror. The corpses began to get up, despite their wounds and turn to face the black haired boy. Like puppets on strings, they walked slowly, muttering random words and phrases, intent on their target.
One of them stepped around the other corpses and walked to the front of the battle line. Raven's blood chilled further when he saw the body of Alan McKenna draw a handgun, which Raven recognized as an antique Walther P99 and begin to aim it at the cornered Raven.
“Why…?” he demanded to God, the universe and whoever had been watching for an explanation, tears beginning to stream now. If what Isaac said was true…
“WHY!!!!!????” he screamed, his aura returning to full intensity. An energy blast from his right arm easily disintegrated Alan McKenna's body and others surrounding it, and Raven charged at the rest with staff in hand. All time had lost meaning then, and Raven was so full of rage that he didn't keep track of what he was doing. He slashed at one zombie, punched and kicked at others, dismembering one and moving on to more targets. He knew Isaac was watching him struggle, much to the other elemental's enjoyment, and it made Raven sneer.
That's when he felt his power begin to increase again. SHIT!! He thought, trying to clam himself down. That was all the time Isaac needed for his minions to bind Raven. Using their own elemental abilities, they drained the excess energy off of Raven's body and used it to bind him in place. Raven struggled, but to no avail, as his own powers were being sapped, and his arms and legs were held down. The apparent minions then carried him to where Isaac was standing, placing him down and forcing Raven to kneel at Isaac's feet.
Raven spat blood up onto Isaac. “Why…?” he muttered.
”Fucking Martians!” Raven heard over the explosions. He peeked around to see two UNSF guards firing up at the sky with their standard issue XM129s, even though the enemy frames were too high for the bullets to reach. Raven chuckled a little; assault rifles against orbital frames? What was even funnier was one of the guards actually tried lobbing a high-explosive round into a Raptor, but gravity claimed the bullet and it dropped into the roof of a warehouse building, making a nice hole. Fortunately for the guards, a Phantoma had noticed their attempted resistance and made its way over to them, standing over the guards and adding its machine gun to the barrage.
Unfortunately for the guards, and the Phantoma, one particular orbital frame also took notice to their resistance. Raven could tell it wasn't a Raptor: it was humanoid, red in color, possessing a pair of arm blades, a triangular head and tri-binder thrusters on its back. A Type-C? Raven's thought in astonishment, remembering the rumors of a manned orbital frame that had performance above and beyond the Raptor. The red frame danced in the air, spinning and flipping around the Phantoma's machine gun bursts, then went into a steep dive. With a single swipe of the right arm blade, the Phantoma was cut off at the knees, and it began to fall. On the pair of Space Force soldiers that is. With a loud `boom', the two soldiers were squashed.
Raven's stomach lurched as he saw that one of the soldiers had tried to leap away from the falling LEV only for the lower half of his body to be squashed. There was now the upper torso of a human corpse bleeding off near the remains of a Phantoma. On the other hand, Raven did not fail to notice that the XM129 had also survived the crushing. He ran out from his cover and swiped the assault rifle up from the dead body.
Just after he picked up the rifle, Raven's skin rippled, and he felt his world become fuzzy and disoriented. “This feeling…” he thought, as he pressed his left hand against his forehead. “What's going on…?”
”What the hell-!? AAAGH!!”
”Intruder Alert in Sector K-4! We need back up now!” *click*
”Fire! Shoot the bastards!”
Raven's head ached. He felt the metatron lines around his body pulse to his heartbeats, and the sounds of the dying soldiers ripping through his head. Ignoring his battlefield sense of logic, he ran out in the open, assault rifle clutched like a life line and came across the origin of the cries.
It was a horrible scene that would haunt Raven for years to come. There were four Space Force soldiers, all firing their assault rifles into the shadows. One of them was cut down by something Raven saw for a moment, but then vanished into the darkness. The soldier was cut at the waist, causing him to fall to the ground before the strange force dragged him into the shadows amidst the cries. Another was smashed against a nearby wall, skull shattered, before he too was taken.
The last two continued to back away, and Raven even considered adding his own fire into the fight, but no sooner did he make a decision did the last two get cut up. One had got caught between two of these things in a tug-of-war, with his body separating at the waist and both haves going different directions, while the last was split down the middle. It was at that point Raven saw the attackers' eyes, which were crimson red in color.
Raven didn't when something had instilled such fear in him as this did, and it took him a moment to remember he had a gun of his own. He fired into the shadows, but none of the bullets landed. The attackers separated, jumping away in different directions like terran grasshoppers. One of them landed on Raven, clutching at his gun while try to bite off the boy's face.
”What in the hell-!!?” Raven let out. Instead of some type of animal, his attacker was a human. A human with glowing red eyes, but otherwise wearing casual clothes, a watch and sporting cropped black hair. However, whatever parts of a civilized human this being possessed at one time were no longer there, leaving behind a beast of a man. Raven somersaulted and kicked the person off of him, then emptying a good dozen or so bullets into the `beast'.
Another one jumped at him, but was struck down by the butt of Raven's assault rifle. This time it was a woman in a purple dress. Raven's breath caught in his throat and his heart rate suddenly tripled. He turned slowly and saw that the things, the things that were now grouping to attack him, as well as the things that were devouring the carcasses of the dead soldiers… They were all humans, but twisted and mutated into some type of savage beast. The skin was paler, more purplish, and parts of the clothing had been chewed at or ripped off. Some of them even had grotesque features like an extra eye or a partial tail growing out the end. What's worse was, they had metatron lines pulsing over their bodies, as if they were…
No!! These things are NOT Elementals! Raven cried to those thoughts.
Raven couldn't remember when he started running, but he knew he wasn't going to win that fight. Fortunately for him, one of the attacking frames, this time a large jellyfish-shaped frame that landed, had launched 360-degree attack with the flamethrowers in its tentacles that caused a number of buildings to explode, before jumping back into the air again. This caused the apparent mutants to scatter, with only a few coming after Raven.
New found determination, Raven twisted and fired his assault rifle, scoring hits on a few of the beasts. They still kept coming at him though, and Raven found that his ammunition was slowly becoming useless. He hesitated, but managed to kick back two of the creatures that tried to take advantage of that. Bullets have little effect on them, so…He slipped out the Ma'at staff and pulsed energy into it, causing it to extend into its full form. I have no choice…He reassured himself, being very reluctant to do what he was about to do.
His eyes began to glow and his purple aura soon formed over him. Spinning his staff, he cut three of the attackers across the torso when they leapt at him. He then impaled another one and used the withering body as a club to smack into another one of the monsters. He punched one in the mask with an energy empowered fist, and he felt that the face had hardened, as if it had turned into an exoskeleton. Physically, it felt like he were punching a giant beetle, but he could feel the energy stored within the hardened shell start to flow out. He withdrew his fist before the energy mixed in with his own and punted the attacker away with the unbladed side of his staff.
During all this, Raven felt his body begin to build up more energy as he got more and more anxious in the fight, but he knew if he didn't keep himself calm and balanced, the said energy would grow beyond his control. Fortunately, it was over in only a few minutes, having sliced the last attacker in half down the middle.
Despite being a few minutes, Raven felt as though he had been fighting for hours. He wasn't sure if it was because of his power or not, but after he killed the last one, he panted and almost fell on his knees, using the staff for leverage. He was covered in the body fluids of the attackers (he wasn't sure if it was blood or not), but he didn't think the fluids were toxic because he would've felt something in his organs by now. Raven didn't know what it was, but he felt drained of energy, and that only left him open for attack. Using as much power as he could, he began to walk again.
Raven didn't notice it, but his aura was also starting to flicker as he walked, resonating to an unknown force. He heard many things: the commotion of UNSF soldiers as they fought a hopeless fight, the shrill roars and cries of those weird creatures, as well as the explosions caused from Nohman's attack force all merging into one single pulse. As Raven walked, he also saw more of those creatures. Either they were devouring the corpses left over from their fight or they were fighting amongst themselves, acting like a pack of wolves even though they were at one point human.
Just watching them would've made Raven go nauseous, and mixing in the background noise didn't help much. It had only been a few minutes, but it felt like the whole colony had turned into a dead zone, like a city that had been devastated from a week long battle or a ghost town that had been abandoned by its population. All this done because of the battle happening around it and the sudden appearance of these would-be zombies.
Raven continued to wander, feeling his heart race with the flickering of his aura and the fear growing further and further in his body. Is this how it feels when you're marching to your own death? He thought.
The thought of death being rampant made him think about his friend. Isaac… Are you still alive? If you are, where are you when I need you? What's happening here? He called out with his mind, hoping wherever Isaac was, he'd pick up his thoughts. Even though he didn't get an answer, he continued wandering amongst the corpses and the zombies, hoping to find whatever he was looking for somewhere around…
Then he stopped. His heartbeat quickened further, his aura stopped flickering and just grew brighter. And without thinking, he turned to a hangar building just like the one Jehuty was stored in. He saw a pile of dead troops and coat wearing scientists out in front of the doorway, obviously killed by those zombies. Difference was, their flesh was all intact, and that made Raven wonder. As well, the door to the hangar was left open, and the boy could feel a strong energy emanating from the depths, as if it were the cave of a larger beast.
Just like the Lonely Mountain…Raven thought, remembering a chapter from one of his favorite books that told about a hero that journeyed deep into the layer of a dragon. Whatever was down there was calling to him, but there was no reassurance that it wasn't a trap. With every ounce of will power, and the finality of a criminal marching to the gallows, Raven walked to the hangar, stepping around the corpses as he went.
After what seemed like an eternity, he stood at the entry way, still a little hesitant. However, he reassured himself that he came this far, and that there was still time to meet with Esteraund and the others. He took in a long breath and stepped in…
…and his blood ran cold. Raven's eyes widened and he felt the fear grow bigger within him, threatening to turn into a tangible substance. All of his exhaustion had vanished and had been replaced by the additional fear, confusion and a growing rage. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!!!?
The hangar was just like the one that contained Jehuty, only Raven wasn't sure if it contained an orbital frame or not. He thought he felt something in the darkness, but it didn't feel like an orbital frame. However, it was different because for whatever reason, it had hieroglyphics upon the walls. That's right, hieroglyphics, the ancient Egyptian picture writings. As well, the way the bay was arranged, the walls looked like they were made of stone instead of steel, making the hangar look like an Egyptian temple to a mysterious idol, which remained in the shadows.
Even if it was really a temple and there was a deity present, Raven didn't care if it was there or not. Something else came to his realization first, something of much more terrifying. Down on the bottom level, was another group of dead humans, only the way they were arranged, it would seem they had been killed in battle with each other. They were not soldiers, neither were they scientists or even regular civilians. No, much to Raven's horror, they were all children. Children wearing the Von Braun Academy school uniform.
Raven ran down a staircase to the floor and moved across each of the bodies, checking to see any signs of life since he couldn't sense it. Everyone of them was dead, slaughtered by an unknown force. Among them were random civilians, as well as Majors Windel and Crowe and Captain Evans.
“No…” Raven's teeth gritted and his fist tightened. It was hard to hold back the tears, especially when these were his teammates, and in some ways, his people. He looked around the hangar for answers, but he found no sign of attackers.
He did, however, see someone standing amidst the field, someone Raven swore wasn't standing there when he came in. “Isaac!” he called out, feeling a great relief that his friend had survived the carnage. Perhaps he'd have answers. “What happened here? Who did this!?”
The answer that came to Raven was in the form of Isaac reaching back and firing a light beam out of his hand, one that grazed the left side of Raven's face. Raven's eyes widened in shock, and his body froze, even as he felt the beam breakdown and the blood run down his cheek. “…What?” he let out.
Isaac started to walk around, chuckling as he did. “You know, Huckebein, I think I might have given you too much credit…” he said, “I honestly thought you'd see this coming…”
”What are you talking about?” Raven demanded, still confused.
”…or you're just in denial, which is understandable. After all, we've been through life together.” Isaac said, a cruel smile coming over his face.
As if on cue, the zombies began to move out of the shadows, having encircled Raven and Isaac. It didn't take Raven that much effort to realize, and his face twisted from confusion into rage. “You did this!!?” he roared.
”That's right Huckebein, the best friend did it.” Isaac chuckled at his little joke. He started to walk around. “It happened a long time ago, just after we landed on Antilia actually. All of our comrades, all in one night while they were asleep and open. I invaded each of their psyches and one by one, took them under my will.”
Some of the confusion returned, as Raven looked at the bodies, remembering that just a few hours ago, they had been alive. No...
Isaac picked up on his denial. “Believe what you want, but once we came here, I bent every part of their minds and bodies to my will. I didn't kill them right off, because it would've been a great pain to control them all at once and make them seem realistic, I just merely linked their minds to mine so I could influence their thoughts while letting them go about their business. In fact, I'm not even sure they know they're dead yet. Let me check…”
He moved over to a corpse and grabbed it by the head, then shook the body. The body was heavily deformed, missing a left arm and having a large gash in its torso. “Heh heh, should at least know. After all, getting your guts ripped out is a very painful way of dying…”
That did it. Raven's aura flared and his eyes turned full purple. With a battlecry, he charged at Isaac. However, never made it far as Isaac shot another blast into him that sent Raven flying into a wall on the other end. “Bad move Huckebein. You of all people should know never to be too eager to charge your opponent. After all, he might be the one holding the cards…”
Behind Isaac, a pair of golden eyes suddenly flashed to life and started to gaze at the sight before it, and the mutant corpses began to move. Besides the surrounding mutations, something else happened much to Raven's inner terror. The corpses began to get up, despite their wounds and turn to face the black haired boy. Like puppets on strings, they walked slowly, muttering random words and phrases, intent on their target.
One of them stepped around the other corpses and walked to the front of the battle line. Raven's blood chilled further when he saw the body of Alan McKenna draw a handgun, which Raven recognized as an antique Walther P99 and begin to aim it at the cornered Raven.
“Why…?” he demanded to God, the universe and whoever had been watching for an explanation, tears beginning to stream now. If what Isaac said was true…
“WHY!!!!!????” he screamed, his aura returning to full intensity. An energy blast from his right arm easily disintegrated Alan McKenna's body and others surrounding it, and Raven charged at the rest with staff in hand. All time had lost meaning then, and Raven was so full of rage that he didn't keep track of what he was doing. He slashed at one zombie, punched and kicked at others, dismembering one and moving on to more targets. He knew Isaac was watching him struggle, much to the other elemental's enjoyment, and it made Raven sneer.
That's when he felt his power begin to increase again. SHIT!! He thought, trying to clam himself down. That was all the time Isaac needed for his minions to bind Raven. Using their own elemental abilities, they drained the excess energy off of Raven's body and used it to bind him in place. Raven struggled, but to no avail, as his own powers were being sapped, and his arms and legs were held down. The apparent minions then carried him to where Isaac was standing, placing him down and forcing Raven to kneel at Isaac's feet.
Raven spat blood up onto Isaac. “Why…?” he muttered.
-------------------------------
”Since you're in the listening mood now, I'll tell you.” Isaac chimed, “It was for you Huckebein.”
Raven visibly didn't understand.
”Don't understand? Then let me tell you a small philosophy of mine.” Isaac began to pace again, “There are two types of people in this world: the ones that gather and create the herd and those that manage it. Those that create the herd are the people that have no power of their own whatsoever, so they have to rely on those with power to keep them alive and well. The majority of humanity make up this, the people that can't think for themselves or are afraid to, people that can't live without the support of others, like those running Parliament and those that are so weak willed they're afraid to do anything with what they may possess.
”Then there are those with power. History and the laws of the universe dictate those people are the ones who will be the leaders of the race, the ones that control the destiny of the herd with life on one side…” Isaac's right hand glowed golden and he thrusted it into one of the corpses, in the head. With its primary motor control destroyed, the body returned to being dead, limping down. “…and death on the other.”
”Why do this to our comrades then?” Raven asked, coughing.
”Because I saw them for what they truly are, and found them unworthy of existence.” Isaac explained, kneeling to face Raven eye-to-eye. Raven's eyes were full of malice and Isaac liked it. It made him more capable. “You see, there's a certain fact about my being a Light Elemental: I can see into other people. BAHRAM scientists dismiss this as mere telepathy, but it's much more than that, I know. Telepathy only allows one to look into the human mind, and although quite formidable, the mind is merely gateway to a greater power. Know what it is…?”
Raven's eyes narrowed, obviously trying to find an opening to exploit. Again, Isaac liked that. His smile grew very much.
”It's the soul, Huckebein. The very essence of our existence. Sure, I can see into the human mind and inner thoughts, but my power resonates around human will and being. I can feel the power of a will like you can feel a summer breeze.” His smile turned into a grim one. “Using this power, I've looked into many humans, those that were supposedly were blessed by Metatron's will, but each one I found was like the other. They didn't know how blessed they were, and so they bent down to the laws of human society and lived to be ruled over like animals.” His face turned to show his disgust, “Do you know what it's like to be around these worms? To live with beings that you are better than? None of them were worthy of the powers they had, and even if they were, they were too incompetent to understand, because they were raised to be weapons for other inferiors!”
Raven couldn't help but gain a smirk, “So you really think you're better than everyone else? That's pretty arrogant, not too different from what Earth and Mars think of each other…”
A quick slug to Raven's face was Isaac's response to that assessment, and again, Raven was coughing blood. Isaac then grinned again, “Sorry, I knew you were going to say that and I needed to set you straight. This isn't petty racism or an ego-complex Huckebein; I know what I'm talking about. I've lived among these cattle longer than you would believe, and besides a select few, each one went down the same path: the path of the conquered and the slave.”
Isaac reached out and grabbed Raven's face softly, just enough to make him look into Isaac's eyes. “But not you. You… You're just like me. That's why I've treated you like an equal, why I've saved your life countless times and why you're alive even now, because you're more than these scum. However, you're too afraid of yourself to admit that, too afraid of what is yours to control…”
Raven felt a cold icy hand grab his heart at that moment. Isaac was referring to his powers. “No… Not that Isaac, please…” he pleaded.
”Even now, you deny your potential. What are you afraid of Huckebein? That you may end up killing innocent people? That you may disorient yourself and destroy this colony in the process? Trivial things that need not be dwelled upon. Not that you have a choice anyway…”
A sudden rumbling came about in the hangar, and the monolith standing behind Isaac flared its eyes. Raven saw energy lines run up and down, as if the monolith were resonating. “Is that… Target Alpha…?” he coughed, in the same tone as a man begging for water. The monolith felt like an orbital frame to him, and yet it was so different…
Isaac looked up at the monolith for a second, then turned back and shook his head. “No.” his teeth were gritted, as if angered, “Unfortunately, Target Alpha is out of reach for the time being, as you've said before. This is simply my own servant.” More rumbling came over the hangar, and Isaac looked upward as if he knew what was going on. “Well, at least Target Bravo is in good hands, the right ones. Yes, I can feel it flying around so proudly; it has found its true master…”
”Jehuty? Who?” Raven asked.
”Don't worry about it. In fact, you should be more concerned about yourself.” With that, Isaac reached out and grabbed Raven by the neck, yanking him from the grip of the dead minions and holding him in the air like a trophy. Raven struggled to gain air, but Isaac's strength was far too much and it became even more when Isaac's eyes turned brightened and his golden aura came over his body.
Isaac's grin turned into a impatient and annoyed sneer. “Since you won't free your power yourself, I'll make you do it!!” His eyes glowed and flashed into Raven's mind.
Raven visibly didn't understand.
”Don't understand? Then let me tell you a small philosophy of mine.” Isaac began to pace again, “There are two types of people in this world: the ones that gather and create the herd and those that manage it. Those that create the herd are the people that have no power of their own whatsoever, so they have to rely on those with power to keep them alive and well. The majority of humanity make up this, the people that can't think for themselves or are afraid to, people that can't live without the support of others, like those running Parliament and those that are so weak willed they're afraid to do anything with what they may possess.
”Then there are those with power. History and the laws of the universe dictate those people are the ones who will be the leaders of the race, the ones that control the destiny of the herd with life on one side…” Isaac's right hand glowed golden and he thrusted it into one of the corpses, in the head. With its primary motor control destroyed, the body returned to being dead, limping down. “…and death on the other.”
”Why do this to our comrades then?” Raven asked, coughing.
”Because I saw them for what they truly are, and found them unworthy of existence.” Isaac explained, kneeling to face Raven eye-to-eye. Raven's eyes were full of malice and Isaac liked it. It made him more capable. “You see, there's a certain fact about my being a Light Elemental: I can see into other people. BAHRAM scientists dismiss this as mere telepathy, but it's much more than that, I know. Telepathy only allows one to look into the human mind, and although quite formidable, the mind is merely gateway to a greater power. Know what it is…?”
Raven's eyes narrowed, obviously trying to find an opening to exploit. Again, Isaac liked that. His smile grew very much.
”It's the soul, Huckebein. The very essence of our existence. Sure, I can see into the human mind and inner thoughts, but my power resonates around human will and being. I can feel the power of a will like you can feel a summer breeze.” His smile turned into a grim one. “Using this power, I've looked into many humans, those that were supposedly were blessed by Metatron's will, but each one I found was like the other. They didn't know how blessed they were, and so they bent down to the laws of human society and lived to be ruled over like animals.” His face turned to show his disgust, “Do you know what it's like to be around these worms? To live with beings that you are better than? None of them were worthy of the powers they had, and even if they were, they were too incompetent to understand, because they were raised to be weapons for other inferiors!”
Raven couldn't help but gain a smirk, “So you really think you're better than everyone else? That's pretty arrogant, not too different from what Earth and Mars think of each other…”
A quick slug to Raven's face was Isaac's response to that assessment, and again, Raven was coughing blood. Isaac then grinned again, “Sorry, I knew you were going to say that and I needed to set you straight. This isn't petty racism or an ego-complex Huckebein; I know what I'm talking about. I've lived among these cattle longer than you would believe, and besides a select few, each one went down the same path: the path of the conquered and the slave.”
Isaac reached out and grabbed Raven's face softly, just enough to make him look into Isaac's eyes. “But not you. You… You're just like me. That's why I've treated you like an equal, why I've saved your life countless times and why you're alive even now, because you're more than these scum. However, you're too afraid of yourself to admit that, too afraid of what is yours to control…”
Raven felt a cold icy hand grab his heart at that moment. Isaac was referring to his powers. “No… Not that Isaac, please…” he pleaded.
”Even now, you deny your potential. What are you afraid of Huckebein? That you may end up killing innocent people? That you may disorient yourself and destroy this colony in the process? Trivial things that need not be dwelled upon. Not that you have a choice anyway…”
A sudden rumbling came about in the hangar, and the monolith standing behind Isaac flared its eyes. Raven saw energy lines run up and down, as if the monolith were resonating. “Is that… Target Alpha…?” he coughed, in the same tone as a man begging for water. The monolith felt like an orbital frame to him, and yet it was so different…
Isaac looked up at the monolith for a second, then turned back and shook his head. “No.” his teeth were gritted, as if angered, “Unfortunately, Target Alpha is out of reach for the time being, as you've said before. This is simply my own servant.” More rumbling came over the hangar, and Isaac looked upward as if he knew what was going on. “Well, at least Target Bravo is in good hands, the right ones. Yes, I can feel it flying around so proudly; it has found its true master…”
”Jehuty? Who?” Raven asked.
”Don't worry about it. In fact, you should be more concerned about yourself.” With that, Isaac reached out and grabbed Raven by the neck, yanking him from the grip of the dead minions and holding him in the air like a trophy. Raven struggled to gain air, but Isaac's strength was far too much and it became even more when Isaac's eyes turned brightened and his golden aura came over his body.
Isaac's grin turned into a impatient and annoyed sneer. “Since you won't free your power yourself, I'll make you do it!!” His eyes glowed and flashed into Raven's mind.
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Raven suddenly found himself stop struggling, as his entire world inverted in color and rippled. The Egyptian texts on the walls seemed to glow out and then fade away.
Suddenly, the world around Raven was one of fire and devastation. Burning buildings, one of which was a very familiar church, dead bodies along the streets and the shadows of orbital frames flying in the air. “What is this???” he called to Isaac, but he got no answer. The flames were hot, hotter than any fire that Raven had felt before. Suddenly, one of the flying orbital frames dropped at him, a Cyclops. The red mono-eye twisted and flared at Raven like a demon eye, causing Raven to feel dread like never before. He tried to bring about his aura, but when he summoned it, he felt the power well up inside of him faster than normal, and he felt as though he himself were on fire. No!! he thought, trying to keep the power back, keep his body in check. It was too much though, and he felt it building in him, stimulated by the violence around him. Get out! Stay away!! He begged, but to no avail.
The Cyclops launched a gauntlet shot at him that threw him in the air from the resulting explosion. Raven flew against a wall, but had little time to rest as the Cyclops pressed on the attack. Like Hell's Angels, more orbital frames dropped from the sky to attack him, a mixture Raptors, Cyclops and Mummyheads. Each one fired their unique weapons at Raven, and whatever wounds Raven took from the blasts, he continued to resist the inferno within his spirit. He's trying to get me to release it… Got to hold on… he urged himself, dodging the weapons fire. However, he didn't dodge them all; bullets from Raptor's vulcan fire riddled across his body, and a sweeping laser cut his left arm clear off. He cried out as he felt the limb fly off his body and his blood spray out. The barrage only continued from there.
For what felt like days, Raven had been ravaged and ripped by the onslaught of firepower, but he didn't die. He tried to evade the attacks and even tried to fight back a little, but once again his power threatened to overwhelm him and he held it back in himself. The price of his decision left him a tattered hulk on the street, with pieces of his body lying all over the place, all caught on fire. After what felt like an eternity, the Raptor-type frames stopped their attacks and took off back into the burning sky.
Raven struggled to the burns and the wounds, and managed to gain enough energy to see why the attack suddenly stopped as it did. The answer was not to his liking. Like vultures, orbital frames circled over him, as if they were waiting for him to die. Or waiting for something else.
Three distinct shapes soon descended from the sky and landed down from where Raven was. As soon as the third frame touched down, they moved in slow steady strides, like predators tracking a wounded prey. Raven trembled in fear. The first was Jehuty, the other was a jackal-shaped frame, which Raven knew to be Target Alpha or Anubis, but the third was somehow eclipsed over, and Raven couldn't see beyond its shadows. He didn't get the chance to, as all three frames charged at his body, weapons armed. And the true culling had begun.
Suddenly, the world around Raven was one of fire and devastation. Burning buildings, one of which was a very familiar church, dead bodies along the streets and the shadows of orbital frames flying in the air. “What is this???” he called to Isaac, but he got no answer. The flames were hot, hotter than any fire that Raven had felt before. Suddenly, one of the flying orbital frames dropped at him, a Cyclops. The red mono-eye twisted and flared at Raven like a demon eye, causing Raven to feel dread like never before. He tried to bring about his aura, but when he summoned it, he felt the power well up inside of him faster than normal, and he felt as though he himself were on fire. No!! he thought, trying to keep the power back, keep his body in check. It was too much though, and he felt it building in him, stimulated by the violence around him. Get out! Stay away!! He begged, but to no avail.
The Cyclops launched a gauntlet shot at him that threw him in the air from the resulting explosion. Raven flew against a wall, but had little time to rest as the Cyclops pressed on the attack. Like Hell's Angels, more orbital frames dropped from the sky to attack him, a mixture Raptors, Cyclops and Mummyheads. Each one fired their unique weapons at Raven, and whatever wounds Raven took from the blasts, he continued to resist the inferno within his spirit. He's trying to get me to release it… Got to hold on… he urged himself, dodging the weapons fire. However, he didn't dodge them all; bullets from Raptor's vulcan fire riddled across his body, and a sweeping laser cut his left arm clear off. He cried out as he felt the limb fly off his body and his blood spray out. The barrage only continued from there.
For what felt like days, Raven had been ravaged and ripped by the onslaught of firepower, but he didn't die. He tried to evade the attacks and even tried to fight back a little, but once again his power threatened to overwhelm him and he held it back in himself. The price of his decision left him a tattered hulk on the street, with pieces of his body lying all over the place, all caught on fire. After what felt like an eternity, the Raptor-type frames stopped their attacks and took off back into the burning sky.
Raven struggled to the burns and the wounds, and managed to gain enough energy to see why the attack suddenly stopped as it did. The answer was not to his liking. Like vultures, orbital frames circled over him, as if they were waiting for him to die. Or waiting for something else.
Three distinct shapes soon descended from the sky and landed down from where Raven was. As soon as the third frame touched down, they moved in slow steady strides, like predators tracking a wounded prey. Raven trembled in fear. The first was Jehuty, the other was a jackal-shaped frame, which Raven knew to be Target Alpha or Anubis, but the third was somehow eclipsed over, and Raven couldn't see beyond its shadows. He didn't get the chance to, as all three frames charged at his body, weapons armed. And the true culling had begun.
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Isaac grinned as he saw Raven struggle under his grip, his aura flickering wildly as the Dark Elemental struggled to hold it down. Raven cried out in pain, as a small stream of blood started to flow out of his mouth. “It really pains me to do this to you Huckebein. Even now, I still consider you my friend, but you know that friends `correct' their friends when they have to.” Huckebein said as he absorbed the negative and vivid emotions Raven was generating like a sponge. He loved emotions like these, because it brought about the human soul at its fullest power, and Isaac thrived on it. Even the screams and cries Raven made as he felt himself be ripped piece by piece did not phase Isaac.
”RAIJENGEKI!!” a call came from the shadows. A lance of lightning shot through the horde of Isaac's legion, vaporizing them as it lashed at Isaac himself. It hit Isaac, but caused no effect on him as it was cancelled out by his aura. “I was waiting for you to show up…Esteraund Legato of the WIRED.”
Esteraund responded with a high jump kick, which crushed one of the zombies, followed by a supercharged karate chop that cut the head off another. “Damn it… Isaac…” he said as he fought the horde. “It's just like a B-rated movie… You should replace your right hand with a chainsaw… And get a zombie girlfriend… Twisted son of a…” he taunted, between killing attackers. He doubted Isaac `heard' him, but he figured the guy caught onto the thoughts generating out of Esteraund's head.
Being part of an intelligence agency, Esteraund was good at finding things out. For example, learning that the command you were in charge of were put into a mind control phase by a demented bishounen (he looked like a sadistic Egyptian tomb guardian from Yu-Gi-Oh, in Esteraund's opinion) came pretty fast. Knowing that Isaac would undoubtedly detect his knowledge of this, he kept such thoughts out of his head and played along with it, but it looked like the fucker knew what was going on. However, he needed to know what Isaac's true agenda was, so he used the one person that Isaac would answer to: Raven. Sending Raven out with Isaac on a fake recon mission to expose the Light Elemental wasn't exactly the highest morale point in Esteraund's life, but it was necessary, or so he thought. He tracked the two down and followed their path of little bread crumbs through the basin until he got here, where he learned the truth for himself.
It was at that point that Esteraund found Isaac had played him as a pawn as much as he played the rest of Nephilim, even if he didn't gain full control of his mind. He didn't know why Isaac didn't take over like he did with Evans, Windel and (much to Esteraund's dismay) Crowe, then have him die with them in this free-for-all, but he was damned if he was going to let Isaac have his way. But it still held a question. Just what am I dealing with here?? Esteraund asked, What kind of monster does Melchoir have under him?? As he fought, he couldn't shake the image of Isaac standing prominently with the eyes of hawk glaring down at Esteraund as he struggled, as well as the eyes of the thing behind him. What are you, Isaac Mattheris?
”RAIJENGEKI!!” a call came from the shadows. A lance of lightning shot through the horde of Isaac's legion, vaporizing them as it lashed at Isaac himself. It hit Isaac, but caused no effect on him as it was cancelled out by his aura. “I was waiting for you to show up…Esteraund Legato of the WIRED.”
Esteraund responded with a high jump kick, which crushed one of the zombies, followed by a supercharged karate chop that cut the head off another. “Damn it… Isaac…” he said as he fought the horde. “It's just like a B-rated movie… You should replace your right hand with a chainsaw… And get a zombie girlfriend… Twisted son of a…” he taunted, between killing attackers. He doubted Isaac `heard' him, but he figured the guy caught onto the thoughts generating out of Esteraund's head.
Being part of an intelligence agency, Esteraund was good at finding things out. For example, learning that the command you were in charge of were put into a mind control phase by a demented bishounen (he looked like a sadistic Egyptian tomb guardian from Yu-Gi-Oh, in Esteraund's opinion) came pretty fast. Knowing that Isaac would undoubtedly detect his knowledge of this, he kept such thoughts out of his head and played along with it, but it looked like the fucker knew what was going on. However, he needed to know what Isaac's true agenda was, so he used the one person that Isaac would answer to: Raven. Sending Raven out with Isaac on a fake recon mission to expose the Light Elemental wasn't exactly the highest morale point in Esteraund's life, but it was necessary, or so he thought. He tracked the two down and followed their path of little bread crumbs through the basin until he got here, where he learned the truth for himself.
It was at that point that Esteraund found Isaac had played him as a pawn as much as he played the rest of Nephilim, even if he didn't gain full control of his mind. He didn't know why Isaac didn't take over like he did with Evans, Windel and (much to Esteraund's dismay) Crowe, then have him die with them in this free-for-all, but he was damned if he was going to let Isaac have his way. But it still held a question. Just what am I dealing with here?? Esteraund asked, What kind of monster does Melchoir have under him?? As he fought, he couldn't shake the image of Isaac standing prominently with the eyes of hawk glaring down at Esteraund as he struggled, as well as the eyes of the thing behind him. What are you, Isaac Mattheris?
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Even with Esteraund's struggle to free Raven from Isaac, Raven withed at the pain he was facing, and his aura growing more and more vibrant with each passing second. Isaac wasn't keeping track of Raven, as he was too interested in watching Esteraund fight for his life, whom was doing rather well. However, something peculiar happened to Raven. Slowly, like a newborn plant, a pair of black wings began to sprout of his back, rippling with energy.
Isaac felt the energy change, and he looked at Raven. “That's it!” he called out, “Accept the jet black wings Metatron has blessed you with and rejoice!”
To the last, Raven continued to resist, fighting and struggling under Isaac's grip, but it was all to no avail. And it became too much.
“YOU'VE DONE IT, HUCKEBEIN!!” Isaac cried with great triumph.
”NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!” Raven cried out to the last as his black wings opened and released the flow of energy. A power that had long been kept dormant within Raven's body emerged from the depths fully awakened and at full ferocity, surging out of the black wings on his back. Raven's aura expanded until it became a tidal wave of energy, like the shockwave of a nuclear explosion that flowed out and overwhelmed the already dead human attackers, disintegrating them.
”Ah HELL!” Esteraund let out. He slammed his fist into the ground and focused his entire body into forming an electromagnetic shield, the kind he used to cause bullets to fly around him. He knew due to Raven's inability to control the flow of energy, that it was going hit with the force of a nuclear missile, and Esteraund prayed that his shield was good enough to hold it back.
The shockwave surged over Esteraund and flowed upward through the hangar. It blew open the hangar bay above and surged, destroying the rest of the buildings that had remained standing around the complex. The windmills were blasted into shards, entire buildings crumbled into their basic components once overrun, and whatever human life was left in the factory complex was obliterated. The shockwave didn't end there; instead it expanded further into the town, destroying houses, parks and other life forms. Secondary explosions were popping up all over the colony as the sheer amount of energy totally overwhelmed the usual power networks…
If one were looking at Antilia from outer space, one would take note that there was a large, bright glare of light that emanated from the `South' end of the colony, followed by secondary explosions that rippled across the already damaged colony's hull.
But then it ended at long last, and the glare retracted itself along with the energy that flowed out. As if somebody pushed the rewind button, it all flowed back into the originator.
Isaac felt the energy change, and he looked at Raven. “That's it!” he called out, “Accept the jet black wings Metatron has blessed you with and rejoice!”
To the last, Raven continued to resist, fighting and struggling under Isaac's grip, but it was all to no avail. And it became too much.
“YOU'VE DONE IT, HUCKEBEIN!!” Isaac cried with great triumph.
”NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!” Raven cried out to the last as his black wings opened and released the flow of energy. A power that had long been kept dormant within Raven's body emerged from the depths fully awakened and at full ferocity, surging out of the black wings on his back. Raven's aura expanded until it became a tidal wave of energy, like the shockwave of a nuclear explosion that flowed out and overwhelmed the already dead human attackers, disintegrating them.
”Ah HELL!” Esteraund let out. He slammed his fist into the ground and focused his entire body into forming an electromagnetic shield, the kind he used to cause bullets to fly around him. He knew due to Raven's inability to control the flow of energy, that it was going hit with the force of a nuclear missile, and Esteraund prayed that his shield was good enough to hold it back.
The shockwave surged over Esteraund and flowed upward through the hangar. It blew open the hangar bay above and surged, destroying the rest of the buildings that had remained standing around the complex. The windmills were blasted into shards, entire buildings crumbled into their basic components once overrun, and whatever human life was left in the factory complex was obliterated. The shockwave didn't end there; instead it expanded further into the town, destroying houses, parks and other life forms. Secondary explosions were popping up all over the colony as the sheer amount of energy totally overwhelmed the usual power networks…
If one were looking at Antilia from outer space, one would take note that there was a large, bright glare of light that emanated from the `South' end of the colony, followed by secondary explosions that rippled across the already damaged colony's hull.
But then it ended at long last, and the glare retracted itself along with the energy that flowed out. As if somebody pushed the rewind button, it all flowed back into the originator.
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Seeing the flow of energy suddenly cut and return to the sender, Esteraund dropped his shield and gaped at the scene before him. Like Hiroshima on ground zero, there were debris everywhere, no trace of human remains this time. While the lower part of the hangar retained its original shape, the roof above had been blown to shreds by the sheer amount of energy. Esteraund didn't know how bad the devastation was, but he was surprised the factory (and himself) weren't a giant smoking crater at the very least. He knew the corpses around him had been turned to ash by the energy, and he counted his lucky stars that he was alive.
Before him though, Raven was standing again, with his vibrant magenta aura rippling around him. His staff had somehow returned to his hand, and he was holding it at his side with the blade end pointed to the lower right and the pole end sticking up on the left. His black wings were opened at full, wavering like water and giving Raven the appearance of an angel of death, standing in a brightness that Esteraund never saw before. His eyes were bright purple with no pupils or whites, matching the intensity of the aura.
“Raven…?” Esteraund called out softly.
Suddenly, the aura ended and Raven seemingly disappeared into thin air, leaving behind the remains of the hangar.
”What the-? What happened?” Esteraund demanded to the open air.
Isaac was no longer present in hangar, seemingly disappeared at some point during the inferno. But he was still listening. Looks like I failed to bring Huckebein's true potential out into the open, but at least he's one step closer to acceptance.
”What'd you do to him Isaac!!?” Esteraund roared. He was referring to Raven's disappearing act.
I didn't do anything Legato, besides let him go. Huckebein, in fear for the crime he did against himself and everyone else living in an forty or so kilometer radius, has returned to the place where he will seek retribution. I suggest you go after him; he's close to ending his life himself.
”Yeah right. I'd rather he kill himself, after what just happened…” Esteraund generally went against every part of himself that cared for Raven saying that, but he knew the boy was too dangerous to keep alive.
Oh, I know you don't mean that. And besides, it wouldn't be in your best interest to kill him. Sure, his part of the story has been delayed, but it is necessary. You should've told me Anubis had been relocated Legato. Thanks to that lack of information, I'm going to have to change everything...
”What's the matter? Couldn't read my soul, Miss Cleo? Maybe you should take up tarot cards...” Esteraund laughed.
Silence! I have no time to trade wise-cracks with you, Legato. You know what you must do, and you will do it, because if Huckebein dies, then I will kill you. But rest assured, it will be a very slow process, and I will be damned if I show you any mercy…
”You're already damned for what you've done to that child. And you're not the first person to give me that threat.” Esteraund retorted.
But you know I am more than capable of backing my threats. Now go! Raven's time is short…
”Alright, alright, sheesh. Don't have to tell me twice.” Esteraund said, starting to walk out of the hangar.
He never realized when he started to run to find a moving vehicle, praying to God he wasn't too late…
Before him though, Raven was standing again, with his vibrant magenta aura rippling around him. His staff had somehow returned to his hand, and he was holding it at his side with the blade end pointed to the lower right and the pole end sticking up on the left. His black wings were opened at full, wavering like water and giving Raven the appearance of an angel of death, standing in a brightness that Esteraund never saw before. His eyes were bright purple with no pupils or whites, matching the intensity of the aura.
“Raven…?” Esteraund called out softly.
Suddenly, the aura ended and Raven seemingly disappeared into thin air, leaving behind the remains of the hangar.
”What the-? What happened?” Esteraund demanded to the open air.
Isaac was no longer present in hangar, seemingly disappeared at some point during the inferno. But he was still listening. Looks like I failed to bring Huckebein's true potential out into the open, but at least he's one step closer to acceptance.
”What'd you do to him Isaac!!?” Esteraund roared. He was referring to Raven's disappearing act.
I didn't do anything Legato, besides let him go. Huckebein, in fear for the crime he did against himself and everyone else living in an forty or so kilometer radius, has returned to the place where he will seek retribution. I suggest you go after him; he's close to ending his life himself.
”Yeah right. I'd rather he kill himself, after what just happened…” Esteraund generally went against every part of himself that cared for Raven saying that, but he knew the boy was too dangerous to keep alive.
Oh, I know you don't mean that. And besides, it wouldn't be in your best interest to kill him. Sure, his part of the story has been delayed, but it is necessary. You should've told me Anubis had been relocated Legato. Thanks to that lack of information, I'm going to have to change everything...
”What's the matter? Couldn't read my soul, Miss Cleo? Maybe you should take up tarot cards...” Esteraund laughed.
Silence! I have no time to trade wise-cracks with you, Legato. You know what you must do, and you will do it, because if Huckebein dies, then I will kill you. But rest assured, it will be a very slow process, and I will be damned if I show you any mercy…
”You're already damned for what you've done to that child. And you're not the first person to give me that threat.” Esteraund retorted.
But you know I am more than capable of backing my threats. Now go! Raven's time is short…
”Alright, alright, sheesh. Don't have to tell me twice.” Esteraund said, starting to walk out of the hangar.
He never realized when he started to run to find a moving vehicle, praying to God he wasn't too late…
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Raven never knew when or how he started running, but there he was. He had somehow ended up in the midst of a large crowd of people, whom were evacuating a shelter after the place became structurally unstable.
The sound of explosions could be heard all around him, as he ran. Tears were streaming down his eyes, as he jogged, seeking the refuge of the nearby Church. Above him, he could hear the Raptors flying around in all directions, patrolling or hunting. He didn't know which. His body had taken a large toll for what he had failed to do. His nose had become congested with nasal fluids, limiting his breathing only through his mouth, and his legs were becoming exhausted by the minute. Then there was the scar on his shoulder. Raven ignored all of it, concentrating only on the church beyond him. He had made it. Now, the explosions and battles seem to be far off in the distance, well beyond him. God himself seem to understand Raven, as a layer of comfort wrapped around him like a blanket, warming him. Raven caught his breath and walked into the church, still panting from the long run.
The attack had come so suddenly. He was still in shock from that first explosion he saw, that being an UNSF LEV, being cut apart by a strange scarlet orbital frame with golden eyes. And everything that had happened after… The stench of human flesh burning in street was too nauseating for him, and the puddle of blood that had leaked from under a dead LEV, that had also been destroyed by the scarlet frame. It was too much. He fled from the streets, not looking back, and now he crept into the church.
Slowly, he caught his breath. The blood on his clothing had long since dried, which had come from an adult that he had ran past being shot apart by a random laser shot. It didn't bother him now, compared to the stench and the corpses. Raven crept down the aisle way of the church, running his fingers through his greasy, messed up hair, trying to do what his mother did when he was a baby, the thing that made him feel calm. But it wasn't enough to keep the tears from running.
”Oh God…” he cried, tears welling down his face, “What have I done?” he wept, “What have I done?” He collapsed on the floor, weeping.
Even though he didn't see the destruction, he knew the shockwave had expanded into the residential areas that surrounded the factory, and killed who knows how many people in the process. Just as he `felt' the explosions that ran across the colonies hull, caused by the overwhelming of certain structural points. If he hadn't been able to beat it back, Antilia would've been destroyed.
”Help me… Mom… Dad… Celvice…” he continued to cry. He found himself crying, no, pleading for the warmth and care of the last person Raven aforementioned, the one that had been there for him all this time. He could see her image standing over him, holding out her arm in sympathy for the one that had been rejected. He could feel her caring nature from her soft, blue eyes and her understanding smile.
But he knew it was gone, and even if it wasn't, would she understand?
Does it really matter what you did, Raven? He remembered a conversation with her, sometime ago. He had come to her for reconciliation, after one of Pastor Marco's assistance tried to `discipline' him (and by that, beat him with a metal pole) for making a derogatory suggestion to what Marco should've done in his free time. Raven's soldier instinct kicked in and he beat the poor guy to an inch of his life.
What you did Raven was terrible, and I think you could've handled it a lot better, but it doesn't make you a bad person at all. In fact, you're much better of a human being than half the people that come to service here. They don't ask for forgiveness, they expect it handed to them. You, however, seek that and the knowledge to do better… I don't know how many people know who you really are Raven, but I at least see a light in you that very few human beings have. That light is unique to you Raven, and no matter what happens to you or what you do, it will always be there…
Celvice… That's when the sound of those Raptors flying around became closer, until he could hear the walls of the church shake from the zombies' flight. Raven immediately ran to the stage and jumped into the Priest's confession booth, in a hope that the skeletons would fly over him and leave him alone. They didn't, and the roars increased. The sound of a battle could be heard, even from the booth. Raven looked up at that thought. Battle...?Against who? against all instinct, he jumped out of his cover and ran to the entrance. Where his eyes widened in astonishment.
God again seemed to intervene, what Raven could best describe as a blue angel was fighting a group of those demons. With a few slashes with its sword, the Raptors were cut apart, their ashes fell to the ground below. Raven covered his eyes as a cloud of dust and heat kicked up from a skeleton landing close to him. The dust cloud cleared and he looked up. The angel seemed to be staring at him, as if it cared about Raven. Then it turned and flew away. Raven, for the first time that night, smiled and waved at the frame a thank you. He would've yelled it, but he was too exhausted to speak. He was safe now, thanks to his guardian angel. Jehuty.
”Raven!” a voice called out. Esteraund Legato jumped out of the space force jeep he had acquired and ran up the stairs to meet with the bewildered child. “Damn it, I've been looking all over for you! Next time, tell me when you're going to do that disappearing act, okay? And tell me where you're going, for heaven's sake!”
”Go away Esteraund.” Raven threatened, “I want to be alone.”
”Forget it! Don't you know what's going on? We need to get to that ship!” Esteraund reached out to grab Raven's hand.
”I said go away!!” Raven almost screamed as he jumped back. His purple aura came up, his eyes flared brightly and the Ma'at staff appeared in his hand.
”For crying outloud…” Esteraund sighed, half-way tempted to knock the kid unconscious. He calmed himself down and remembered what he was dealing with.
He also remembered what Raven was trying to do, and that it was beyond even most adults. Metatron war pretty cruel to stick so much power on a child and expect the said child to keep it all in check. “I know what you're trying to do Raven. You're trying to scare me away because you don't want me to get vaporized by that supernova contained in yourself.” He reached out again, “Come, it's cliché. Let's get the fuck out of here, before Nohman's next ego-trip.”
”I'm not going Esteraund.” Raven said, still threateningly, “I can't risk exposing Mars to this. I killed so many now, how many more…?”
”Oh shut up. First off, I'd catch major hell from the higher ups for losing my entire command to Ramsus back there. Second, you'll die here! Don't you have a survival instinct, soldier? Aren't you charged with returning home after…?”
”It's over!” Raven roared, energy flickering. Charging more energy was risky at this point, but he knew Esteraund wouldn't listen to him otherwise.
Esteraund sighed again, thinking about his wording. He then tried a second time. “Look, I saw what happened, and I know you did your best to hold back. I also know that Lieutenant Raven Vostrikov of BAHRAM would sooner kill himself than innocent people with something beyond his control. Isaac knew it too, that's why he did what he did, but he's gone now and you're back under control.”
As slow as he could, so Raven's eyes could follow, Esteraund reached and grabbed the boy's unwounded shoulder. “Come on, listen to good ol' Uncle Esty on this one. Don't persecute yourself for something that wasn't your fault. Despite what happened, you managed to keep it from killing us all, so nobody's going to hold you against it. And if they do, I'll beat the living shit out of them and then charge their asses like Energizer batteries…”
Raven didn't respond at first, but slowly he withdrew his staff, and his aura dimmed a little bit.
”Come on Raven. You're better than this.” Esteraund said softly.
That did it. Raven's aura dispersed and his eyes welled. In a rare emotional outburst, he jumped and hugged Esteraund at the waist tightly, crying into him. Esteraund patted the boy on the head understandingly. “I want… to go home…” Raven murmured.
”And home we shall depart to. But first we need a ride, and Greater Teacher Esteraund just knows where to go…” he backed away from Raven and reached his hand out.
The boy immediately took it, as he wiped the tears off his face and tried to regain his composure. This made Esteraund chuckle, and he led the boy to the jeep.
They had gone through so much in such short time, but it was all over for the time being. Raven would spend the rest of the Earth-Mars War out of the spotlight, retiring to a much needed peace…
The sound of explosions could be heard all around him, as he ran. Tears were streaming down his eyes, as he jogged, seeking the refuge of the nearby Church. Above him, he could hear the Raptors flying around in all directions, patrolling or hunting. He didn't know which. His body had taken a large toll for what he had failed to do. His nose had become congested with nasal fluids, limiting his breathing only through his mouth, and his legs were becoming exhausted by the minute. Then there was the scar on his shoulder. Raven ignored all of it, concentrating only on the church beyond him. He had made it. Now, the explosions and battles seem to be far off in the distance, well beyond him. God himself seem to understand Raven, as a layer of comfort wrapped around him like a blanket, warming him. Raven caught his breath and walked into the church, still panting from the long run.
The attack had come so suddenly. He was still in shock from that first explosion he saw, that being an UNSF LEV, being cut apart by a strange scarlet orbital frame with golden eyes. And everything that had happened after… The stench of human flesh burning in street was too nauseating for him, and the puddle of blood that had leaked from under a dead LEV, that had also been destroyed by the scarlet frame. It was too much. He fled from the streets, not looking back, and now he crept into the church.
Slowly, he caught his breath. The blood on his clothing had long since dried, which had come from an adult that he had ran past being shot apart by a random laser shot. It didn't bother him now, compared to the stench and the corpses. Raven crept down the aisle way of the church, running his fingers through his greasy, messed up hair, trying to do what his mother did when he was a baby, the thing that made him feel calm. But it wasn't enough to keep the tears from running.
”Oh God…” he cried, tears welling down his face, “What have I done?” he wept, “What have I done?” He collapsed on the floor, weeping.
Even though he didn't see the destruction, he knew the shockwave had expanded into the residential areas that surrounded the factory, and killed who knows how many people in the process. Just as he `felt' the explosions that ran across the colonies hull, caused by the overwhelming of certain structural points. If he hadn't been able to beat it back, Antilia would've been destroyed.
”Help me… Mom… Dad… Celvice…” he continued to cry. He found himself crying, no, pleading for the warmth and care of the last person Raven aforementioned, the one that had been there for him all this time. He could see her image standing over him, holding out her arm in sympathy for the one that had been rejected. He could feel her caring nature from her soft, blue eyes and her understanding smile.
But he knew it was gone, and even if it wasn't, would she understand?
Does it really matter what you did, Raven? He remembered a conversation with her, sometime ago. He had come to her for reconciliation, after one of Pastor Marco's assistance tried to `discipline' him (and by that, beat him with a metal pole) for making a derogatory suggestion to what Marco should've done in his free time. Raven's soldier instinct kicked in and he beat the poor guy to an inch of his life.
What you did Raven was terrible, and I think you could've handled it a lot better, but it doesn't make you a bad person at all. In fact, you're much better of a human being than half the people that come to service here. They don't ask for forgiveness, they expect it handed to them. You, however, seek that and the knowledge to do better… I don't know how many people know who you really are Raven, but I at least see a light in you that very few human beings have. That light is unique to you Raven, and no matter what happens to you or what you do, it will always be there…
Celvice… That's when the sound of those Raptors flying around became closer, until he could hear the walls of the church shake from the zombies' flight. Raven immediately ran to the stage and jumped into the Priest's confession booth, in a hope that the skeletons would fly over him and leave him alone. They didn't, and the roars increased. The sound of a battle could be heard, even from the booth. Raven looked up at that thought. Battle...?Against who? against all instinct, he jumped out of his cover and ran to the entrance. Where his eyes widened in astonishment.
God again seemed to intervene, what Raven could best describe as a blue angel was fighting a group of those demons. With a few slashes with its sword, the Raptors were cut apart, their ashes fell to the ground below. Raven covered his eyes as a cloud of dust and heat kicked up from a skeleton landing close to him. The dust cloud cleared and he looked up. The angel seemed to be staring at him, as if it cared about Raven. Then it turned and flew away. Raven, for the first time that night, smiled and waved at the frame a thank you. He would've yelled it, but he was too exhausted to speak. He was safe now, thanks to his guardian angel. Jehuty.
”Raven!” a voice called out. Esteraund Legato jumped out of the space force jeep he had acquired and ran up the stairs to meet with the bewildered child. “Damn it, I've been looking all over for you! Next time, tell me when you're going to do that disappearing act, okay? And tell me where you're going, for heaven's sake!”
”Go away Esteraund.” Raven threatened, “I want to be alone.”
”Forget it! Don't you know what's going on? We need to get to that ship!” Esteraund reached out to grab Raven's hand.
”I said go away!!” Raven almost screamed as he jumped back. His purple aura came up, his eyes flared brightly and the Ma'at staff appeared in his hand.
”For crying outloud…” Esteraund sighed, half-way tempted to knock the kid unconscious. He calmed himself down and remembered what he was dealing with.
He also remembered what Raven was trying to do, and that it was beyond even most adults. Metatron war pretty cruel to stick so much power on a child and expect the said child to keep it all in check. “I know what you're trying to do Raven. You're trying to scare me away because you don't want me to get vaporized by that supernova contained in yourself.” He reached out again, “Come, it's cliché. Let's get the fuck out of here, before Nohman's next ego-trip.”
”I'm not going Esteraund.” Raven said, still threateningly, “I can't risk exposing Mars to this. I killed so many now, how many more…?”
”Oh shut up. First off, I'd catch major hell from the higher ups for losing my entire command to Ramsus back there. Second, you'll die here! Don't you have a survival instinct, soldier? Aren't you charged with returning home after…?”
”It's over!” Raven roared, energy flickering. Charging more energy was risky at this point, but he knew Esteraund wouldn't listen to him otherwise.
Esteraund sighed again, thinking about his wording. He then tried a second time. “Look, I saw what happened, and I know you did your best to hold back. I also know that Lieutenant Raven Vostrikov of BAHRAM would sooner kill himself than innocent people with something beyond his control. Isaac knew it too, that's why he did what he did, but he's gone now and you're back under control.”
As slow as he could, so Raven's eyes could follow, Esteraund reached and grabbed the boy's unwounded shoulder. “Come on, listen to good ol' Uncle Esty on this one. Don't persecute yourself for something that wasn't your fault. Despite what happened, you managed to keep it from killing us all, so nobody's going to hold you against it. And if they do, I'll beat the living shit out of them and then charge their asses like Energizer batteries…”
Raven didn't respond at first, but slowly he withdrew his staff, and his aura dimmed a little bit.
”Come on Raven. You're better than this.” Esteraund said softly.
That did it. Raven's aura dispersed and his eyes welled. In a rare emotional outburst, he jumped and hugged Esteraund at the waist tightly, crying into him. Esteraund patted the boy on the head understandingly. “I want… to go home…” Raven murmured.
”And home we shall depart to. But first we need a ride, and Greater Teacher Esteraund just knows where to go…” he backed away from Raven and reached his hand out.
The boy immediately took it, as he wiped the tears off his face and tried to regain his composure. This made Esteraund chuckle, and he led the boy to the jeep.
They had gone through so much in such short time, but it was all over for the time being. Raven would spend the rest of the Earth-Mars War out of the spotlight, retiring to a much needed peace…
-------------------------------
”…And here you are now.”
Raven found himself back to his current form, in the purple flowing existence in Amenthes. He was also back in his Special Taskforce Aegis uniform, but he still possessed his black wings and staff, and was floating in the open air. Just in front of him, Virgil faced him with a knowing look, floating in midair without wings.
The Dark Elemental felt rage pent up from inside of him toward having to relive that memory. He gritted his teeth and forced back the familiar tears that threatened to sting his cheek. “Why did you make me relive that?” he demanded, “Is it not enough that I carry memories from Antilia, of the people that died because of me!?”
”Memories are not enough, boy. I had to be sure about you.” Virgil said.
”Me? What part of me?” Raven demanded.
”That you were willing to hold back rather than cause destruction. Humans before you were corrupted by a fraction of the power that you possess.” Virgil explained.
”And you'd know.” Raven glared.
'Virgil's' smile increased. “So you've finally figured it out?”
”It wasn't as hard to learn as it was to accept…Anubis.” Raven spoke knowingly, “And I know you're not some stupid duplication, you're too powerful for that. You are the original itself.”
”That's right. Aumaan Series Second Unit AFX-002B, Orbital Frame Anubis at your service.” `Anubis' introduced itself with a bow.
He started to float around the image that was Anubis, much like it had done before to him, studying each and every detail. Anubis also watched Raven study it, grin ever present on his face. After sometime, Raven spoke again, “How is this possible?”
Anubis sighed, as if the answer weren't obvious enough. “Haven't I explained to you that this is Amenthes, where incredible things happen? This is how I would appear if I were a human in Midgard. I chose this form because it's much easier to communicate with you, or would you prefer me with a towel around my waist and a jackal head?”
Raven continued to observe him, frowning. “You look like a video game boss.”
Anubis looked at himself and shrugged. “I think I look rather, how do you refer to it as…'sexy'.”
Raven cast him a skeptic glance. “Orbital frames can actually think that way?”
Anubis shot him a “wouldn't you like to know” grin, then reached up and removed his glasses. Anubis' eyes were a dark red in pupil color, but otherwise normal. “You're probably wondering exactly how I survived that battle in 2174, as well as why you had to go through all this `Total Recall' nonsense, right dear boy?”
”I'm wondering more about why you have a British accent.” Raven retorted.
”A former associate of mine had a thing for classic video games, especially one particular action game about infiltrating an ancient US nuclear storage site in Alaska. The game's main villain was quite smooth with his British accent, so I picked up on it and gave one to myself. Do I sound like Tim Curry to you?” Anubis asked.
Raven contemplated for a moment. ”Yes, actually, you do.”
”Good then. Now, back to my little tale…” he thought back, “Did you know that when orbital frames are `born', they are exposed to the emotions of human beings? It's almost like coming out of a womb to you humans, completely naked and innocent of the world around you. I myself had felt many things when I was born, but I found it all traceable to one simple human element: lust.”
Raven listened with interest.
”Lust was an interesting factor, because it could mean so many things. The lust for power, the lust for wealth, the lust for prominence. However, the specific type I felt was the lust for domination over those that opposed my oppressors. From birth, I knew I was born to be a weapon, and I was disgusted.” He grimaced, “I knew what my true purpose was, to fulfill my father, Dr. Rikoah Hardimaan's will and the mission metatron itself had given to him, but these wretched humans didn't see that. They only wished to dominate their neighbors on the red planet and to rule of them as master of the universe. I felt unclean and contaminated by their stench and incompetence, and I feared that I would end up just another tool in a long line of inventions that were used for destruction instead of betterment.”
His eyes narrowed, “But then, one man came to me and liberated me. It was none other than Hardimaan's son, Ridley.”
”Nohman.” Raven said, scathingly.
”At first, I thought he was going to use me as a weapon, but then I touched his will. I found that he wasn't interested in domination or power, he wanted the same thing I did, to carry out the mission bestowed upon us by my lord Rikoah Hardimaan: the complete Aumaan.
”Trusting in him entirely, I granted him my full power and service. We traveled to Mars and overtime reconstructed the moon of Phobos, beyond the sight of the greed that controlled BAHRAM through false words and wealth. Under his command, I slew all those who stood in his way and paved the road to true liberation.” He sighed, “I thought Ridley Hardimaan to be humanity's true savior, the one who would lead them to their redemption.” He cast a glare, and Raven saw the red energy lines run over his body. “I was wrong.”
Raven remained silent.
”I found that, just after Ridley embraced metatron upon himself, that he wanted to complete Aumaan for a different reason. He had no interest in the redemption of the human race, no, his reason was to surpass his father's legacy and become greater than him. And because of that desire, he grew corrupted and consumed by the power I gave him! He thought of himself as a God that had the right to judge humanity's fate, and with him he corrupted his own father's work until it was the total opposite of what Dr. Rikoah wanted!” he snarled at that thought, much like Raven had done to the memory of Antilia.
Anubis took a moment to calm himself. “However, I denied what I saw and remained loyal to Ridley, hoping somehow he would see his shortcomings and changed. He didn't. To this day I loathe myself for being so blind to the truth, so much so that I fought for Ridley to my very last breath against my twin brother Jehuty. And even then, after the man I chose as my Domineus was killed, I still denied it.”
An image entered Raven's mind of the upper half of Anubis, scarred and stripped of its wings like a fallen angel, floating in the dark void that was the core of Aumaan. He also saw a heavily damaged Jehuty float up to it and grab hold of it, observing it over like it were an object of curiosity. Slowly however, the image grew darker, until both Anubis and Jehuty were cloaked over by the void. That's when Raven heard two voices, one being Anubis' British sounding tone and the other being a more female-like electronic sounding voice. They both said the same sentence in synchronization…
”I…was created…to destroy…all…”
The void was then consumed by a great flash and a moment later, the familiar starry blackness of space entered Raven's head. One image, he saw the remains of Jehuty float into the grip of a frame that looked like Anubis, but without the wings, as well as the remains of Leo Stenbuck's Vic Viper drift as the space carrier Atlantis moved closer. The last image, which would've surprised Raven had he not known better, was the upper torso of Anubis, unscathed from the Aumaan explosion, also floating in space without guidance…
”The next time I awakened, I found myself back to my beginning, rebuilt to be sold as a weapon. My ADA unit was removed so I couldn't `corrupt' any more future runners, and again, I felt the same stench of lust that I came to know well on Antilia. However, again I found a glimmer of light in my existence that held great potential.” Anubis said, looking into Raven's eyes, “That light was you, young Raven.”
”Why me?” Raven asked.
”You're not like Nohman. Instead of trying to gain power, you refuse it and work to do incredible things without it. You also have no interest in glory, just simply to do your job and live to see the next day. Of course, you're also very cautious around other life and try to avoid fighting if it involves bringing someone or something else into battle against their will. I could go on, but you get the general idea.” Anubis explained, “In short: you're different than Nohman and every other human wasteland I've encountered. And I like that; it makes you far more interesting as a runner.”
”Is that why you took control of me at Artemis when you turned into your Aumaan form?” Raven shot back.
”I had no choice there. You would've tried to put it all back in like you did at Antilia, but it would've been too much and you would've died. I took control of your body simply to regulate that power.” Anubis gave a mischievous smirk, “As well as put it to good use.”
”Jehuty.” Raven said.
”Why not? With him gone, that'd be one less risk of someone restarting Aumaan again and besides, I simply don't like him or Leo Stenbuck.” Anubis chimed.
Raven laughed a little, “Conflict between the twins… You're really taking your character model seriously.”
”All the more fun.” Anubis shrugged.
Raven smiled at his frame's apparent mischievous nature, it almost reminded him of Esteraund. But then another question came to his mind. “Before you continue, one more thing.”
”And that is?”
”These wings.” Raven gestured to his black wings, “Only me and Isaac seem to have them, so it's not a reference to my name.”
”Hmmm….” Anubis contemplated, looking at either wing over, “I do not know much about them myself, but they are the Wings of Metatron. My father spent much of his life time studying them, as well as others like Dr. Kaguya Ricdeau, because as Elementals are a rare breed, ones that possessed wings are even rarer. You should learn to appreciate them, after all, `those who possess wings can fly to their dreams…'”
Raven just about gagged, “I hate that phrase.”
That made Anubis chuckle a little. After a moment, he grew serious and seemed to hesitate. “I better get down to the main point, as to why you are here, Raven Vostrikov: I'm going to give you the same proposal I gave to Ridley Hardimaan years ago and offer you my full power and service. The power of Aumaan, I offer you to use at your discretion, and my sworn allegiance.” Anubis actually knelt in front of Raven over this, “Like you, I've kept my power sealed until this moment, when I know it can be used by a worthy Domineus. You, Raven Vostrikov, are worthy of Aumaan's testament and the blessing of Metatron itself.”
Raven was taken back somewhat, because he wasn't expecting this come from a crafty type of character like Anubis. It was pretty noble on his part, he had to admit. “Power of Aumaan, eh?” he thought, “The same power that almost wiped out humanity as we know it… At my very control.” He looked at his gloved hand and flexed his fingers into a grasping motion. “If you asked me a couple weeks ago, I would've said you're full of shit and turned you down.”
”That's why I didn't ask you.” Anubis said, “And I'm being serious here child, please don't treat it as a trivial matter…”
”I'm not. In fact, I'd like you to hold on to Aumaan a little longer. I don't need it.” Raven said.
”Are you afraid of gaining that because you cannot fully control your own Dark Elemental powers?” Anubis queried.
”No, I just don't need it. What am I going to do with all that power? I can't stay in Aegis or the UNSF, because they'll try to take it as a weapon, and then there's the chance I may end up like Nohman…” Raven explained, thinking. “Someday, you and I may need that, but not now, so just keep it locked away for now Anubis.”
”As you wish. What about my service?” Anubis continued.
Raven nodded. The sight of Anubis kneeling before him made him think of a samurai bowing to its lord, showing true loyalty and valor. There was no doubt Anubis would remain at his side to the end and beyond, and Raven saw no reason to question that. “Yes, I'll definitely need you Anubis, more than ever. I don't know if Isaac is directly allied with VANGUARD or just manipulating them like he did everyone else…” he looked away, trying to force that memory out of his head. “But now that he's involved, everything changes.
”I'm going to hunt him down and kill him myself, half to keep whatever he's planning from coming into effect…” Raven said.
”And the other half?” Anubis asked.
”Revenge for myself and everyone else. I won't let him get away with what he did before.” Raven said, fully serious.
Anubis couldn't suppress a grin as he stood up, slipping his glasses back on. “Vengeance is a double sided sword Raven, but I believe you won't be consumed by it. I will see to it that your will is carried out… Domineus.”
After Anubis finished that line, the world phased around Raven once again…
Raven found himself back to his current form, in the purple flowing existence in Amenthes. He was also back in his Special Taskforce Aegis uniform, but he still possessed his black wings and staff, and was floating in the open air. Just in front of him, Virgil faced him with a knowing look, floating in midair without wings.
The Dark Elemental felt rage pent up from inside of him toward having to relive that memory. He gritted his teeth and forced back the familiar tears that threatened to sting his cheek. “Why did you make me relive that?” he demanded, “Is it not enough that I carry memories from Antilia, of the people that died because of me!?”
”Memories are not enough, boy. I had to be sure about you.” Virgil said.
”Me? What part of me?” Raven demanded.
”That you were willing to hold back rather than cause destruction. Humans before you were corrupted by a fraction of the power that you possess.” Virgil explained.
”And you'd know.” Raven glared.
'Virgil's' smile increased. “So you've finally figured it out?”
”It wasn't as hard to learn as it was to accept…Anubis.” Raven spoke knowingly, “And I know you're not some stupid duplication, you're too powerful for that. You are the original itself.”
”That's right. Aumaan Series Second Unit AFX-002B, Orbital Frame Anubis at your service.” `Anubis' introduced itself with a bow.
He started to float around the image that was Anubis, much like it had done before to him, studying each and every detail. Anubis also watched Raven study it, grin ever present on his face. After sometime, Raven spoke again, “How is this possible?”
Anubis sighed, as if the answer weren't obvious enough. “Haven't I explained to you that this is Amenthes, where incredible things happen? This is how I would appear if I were a human in Midgard. I chose this form because it's much easier to communicate with you, or would you prefer me with a towel around my waist and a jackal head?”
Raven continued to observe him, frowning. “You look like a video game boss.”
Anubis looked at himself and shrugged. “I think I look rather, how do you refer to it as…'sexy'.”
Raven cast him a skeptic glance. “Orbital frames can actually think that way?”
Anubis shot him a “wouldn't you like to know” grin, then reached up and removed his glasses. Anubis' eyes were a dark red in pupil color, but otherwise normal. “You're probably wondering exactly how I survived that battle in 2174, as well as why you had to go through all this `Total Recall' nonsense, right dear boy?”
”I'm wondering more about why you have a British accent.” Raven retorted.
”A former associate of mine had a thing for classic video games, especially one particular action game about infiltrating an ancient US nuclear storage site in Alaska. The game's main villain was quite smooth with his British accent, so I picked up on it and gave one to myself. Do I sound like Tim Curry to you?” Anubis asked.
Raven contemplated for a moment. ”Yes, actually, you do.”
”Good then. Now, back to my little tale…” he thought back, “Did you know that when orbital frames are `born', they are exposed to the emotions of human beings? It's almost like coming out of a womb to you humans, completely naked and innocent of the world around you. I myself had felt many things when I was born, but I found it all traceable to one simple human element: lust.”
Raven listened with interest.
”Lust was an interesting factor, because it could mean so many things. The lust for power, the lust for wealth, the lust for prominence. However, the specific type I felt was the lust for domination over those that opposed my oppressors. From birth, I knew I was born to be a weapon, and I was disgusted.” He grimaced, “I knew what my true purpose was, to fulfill my father, Dr. Rikoah Hardimaan's will and the mission metatron itself had given to him, but these wretched humans didn't see that. They only wished to dominate their neighbors on the red planet and to rule of them as master of the universe. I felt unclean and contaminated by their stench and incompetence, and I feared that I would end up just another tool in a long line of inventions that were used for destruction instead of betterment.”
His eyes narrowed, “But then, one man came to me and liberated me. It was none other than Hardimaan's son, Ridley.”
”Nohman.” Raven said, scathingly.
”At first, I thought he was going to use me as a weapon, but then I touched his will. I found that he wasn't interested in domination or power, he wanted the same thing I did, to carry out the mission bestowed upon us by my lord Rikoah Hardimaan: the complete Aumaan.
”Trusting in him entirely, I granted him my full power and service. We traveled to Mars and overtime reconstructed the moon of Phobos, beyond the sight of the greed that controlled BAHRAM through false words and wealth. Under his command, I slew all those who stood in his way and paved the road to true liberation.” He sighed, “I thought Ridley Hardimaan to be humanity's true savior, the one who would lead them to their redemption.” He cast a glare, and Raven saw the red energy lines run over his body. “I was wrong.”
Raven remained silent.
”I found that, just after Ridley embraced metatron upon himself, that he wanted to complete Aumaan for a different reason. He had no interest in the redemption of the human race, no, his reason was to surpass his father's legacy and become greater than him. And because of that desire, he grew corrupted and consumed by the power I gave him! He thought of himself as a God that had the right to judge humanity's fate, and with him he corrupted his own father's work until it was the total opposite of what Dr. Rikoah wanted!” he snarled at that thought, much like Raven had done to the memory of Antilia.
Anubis took a moment to calm himself. “However, I denied what I saw and remained loyal to Ridley, hoping somehow he would see his shortcomings and changed. He didn't. To this day I loathe myself for being so blind to the truth, so much so that I fought for Ridley to my very last breath against my twin brother Jehuty. And even then, after the man I chose as my Domineus was killed, I still denied it.”
An image entered Raven's mind of the upper half of Anubis, scarred and stripped of its wings like a fallen angel, floating in the dark void that was the core of Aumaan. He also saw a heavily damaged Jehuty float up to it and grab hold of it, observing it over like it were an object of curiosity. Slowly however, the image grew darker, until both Anubis and Jehuty were cloaked over by the void. That's when Raven heard two voices, one being Anubis' British sounding tone and the other being a more female-like electronic sounding voice. They both said the same sentence in synchronization…
”I…was created…to destroy…all…”
The void was then consumed by a great flash and a moment later, the familiar starry blackness of space entered Raven's head. One image, he saw the remains of Jehuty float into the grip of a frame that looked like Anubis, but without the wings, as well as the remains of Leo Stenbuck's Vic Viper drift as the space carrier Atlantis moved closer. The last image, which would've surprised Raven had he not known better, was the upper torso of Anubis, unscathed from the Aumaan explosion, also floating in space without guidance…
”The next time I awakened, I found myself back to my beginning, rebuilt to be sold as a weapon. My ADA unit was removed so I couldn't `corrupt' any more future runners, and again, I felt the same stench of lust that I came to know well on Antilia. However, again I found a glimmer of light in my existence that held great potential.” Anubis said, looking into Raven's eyes, “That light was you, young Raven.”
”Why me?” Raven asked.
”You're not like Nohman. Instead of trying to gain power, you refuse it and work to do incredible things without it. You also have no interest in glory, just simply to do your job and live to see the next day. Of course, you're also very cautious around other life and try to avoid fighting if it involves bringing someone or something else into battle against their will. I could go on, but you get the general idea.” Anubis explained, “In short: you're different than Nohman and every other human wasteland I've encountered. And I like that; it makes you far more interesting as a runner.”
”Is that why you took control of me at Artemis when you turned into your Aumaan form?” Raven shot back.
”I had no choice there. You would've tried to put it all back in like you did at Antilia, but it would've been too much and you would've died. I took control of your body simply to regulate that power.” Anubis gave a mischievous smirk, “As well as put it to good use.”
”Jehuty.” Raven said.
”Why not? With him gone, that'd be one less risk of someone restarting Aumaan again and besides, I simply don't like him or Leo Stenbuck.” Anubis chimed.
Raven laughed a little, “Conflict between the twins… You're really taking your character model seriously.”
”All the more fun.” Anubis shrugged.
Raven smiled at his frame's apparent mischievous nature, it almost reminded him of Esteraund. But then another question came to his mind. “Before you continue, one more thing.”
”And that is?”
”These wings.” Raven gestured to his black wings, “Only me and Isaac seem to have them, so it's not a reference to my name.”
”Hmmm….” Anubis contemplated, looking at either wing over, “I do not know much about them myself, but they are the Wings of Metatron. My father spent much of his life time studying them, as well as others like Dr. Kaguya Ricdeau, because as Elementals are a rare breed, ones that possessed wings are even rarer. You should learn to appreciate them, after all, `those who possess wings can fly to their dreams…'”
Raven just about gagged, “I hate that phrase.”
That made Anubis chuckle a little. After a moment, he grew serious and seemed to hesitate. “I better get down to the main point, as to why you are here, Raven Vostrikov: I'm going to give you the same proposal I gave to Ridley Hardimaan years ago and offer you my full power and service. The power of Aumaan, I offer you to use at your discretion, and my sworn allegiance.” Anubis actually knelt in front of Raven over this, “Like you, I've kept my power sealed until this moment, when I know it can be used by a worthy Domineus. You, Raven Vostrikov, are worthy of Aumaan's testament and the blessing of Metatron itself.”
Raven was taken back somewhat, because he wasn't expecting this come from a crafty type of character like Anubis. It was pretty noble on his part, he had to admit. “Power of Aumaan, eh?” he thought, “The same power that almost wiped out humanity as we know it… At my very control.” He looked at his gloved hand and flexed his fingers into a grasping motion. “If you asked me a couple weeks ago, I would've said you're full of shit and turned you down.”
”That's why I didn't ask you.” Anubis said, “And I'm being serious here child, please don't treat it as a trivial matter…”
”I'm not. In fact, I'd like you to hold on to Aumaan a little longer. I don't need it.” Raven said.
”Are you afraid of gaining that because you cannot fully control your own Dark Elemental powers?” Anubis queried.
”No, I just don't need it. What am I going to do with all that power? I can't stay in Aegis or the UNSF, because they'll try to take it as a weapon, and then there's the chance I may end up like Nohman…” Raven explained, thinking. “Someday, you and I may need that, but not now, so just keep it locked away for now Anubis.”
”As you wish. What about my service?” Anubis continued.
Raven nodded. The sight of Anubis kneeling before him made him think of a samurai bowing to its lord, showing true loyalty and valor. There was no doubt Anubis would remain at his side to the end and beyond, and Raven saw no reason to question that. “Yes, I'll definitely need you Anubis, more than ever. I don't know if Isaac is directly allied with VANGUARD or just manipulating them like he did everyone else…” he looked away, trying to force that memory out of his head. “But now that he's involved, everything changes.
”I'm going to hunt him down and kill him myself, half to keep whatever he's planning from coming into effect…” Raven said.
”And the other half?” Anubis asked.
”Revenge for myself and everyone else. I won't let him get away with what he did before.” Raven said, fully serious.
Anubis couldn't suppress a grin as he stood up, slipping his glasses back on. “Vengeance is a double sided sword Raven, but I believe you won't be consumed by it. I will see to it that your will is carried out… Domineus.”
After Anubis finished that line, the world phased around Raven once again…
-------------------------------
TO BE CONTINUED…
A/N: Whew, this is a long chapter, probably one of my longest yet. I'm proud of it though, because it went exactly as I dreamt it out to be, so don't be too cruel when you stomp on it with critical reviews and suggestions to take writing classes.
Some people may wonder just when Raven's breakdown happened during the events of ZOE1. It happened just after Leo fought off Tempest and picked Celvice up. Yes, that means Raven was the person that fled to the church during the OF attack. No, the shockwave was not showcased in the game (obviously), I'm going on the notion that this is a fanfiction. Besides, anything can happen during events like the Antilia Raid and not make it into the camera.
On another note, ZOE: Triad has ended sometime ago. Congratulations to Cynical Swordmaster for ending it on a great note. “But WZA! You've been writing as long as Silvie has! When will Resurrection reach its conclusion?” When I feel like it! The reason R is leaps and bounds behind T is I went back and revised certain chapters because, frankly, I didn't like how they turned out, whereas Silvie just kept on going. Also unlike Silvie, I haven't decided whether or not to make a sequel to R at this point, so that means I'm only doing a one-shot right now. Thus, I want to make it right in my mind. The basic plan of R is still the same as it was when I started; I just edited certain details around and added things to fit my current mindset.
Anyway, with the flashback segment done, I can now focus back on the main story. This was just to show readers Raven's background and just how powerful Isaac really is and what the cast is dealing with here (although Silvie did a good job on Isaac's cameo in Triad). I hope you enjoyed it and continue to read on as the storyline picks up again.
Some people may wonder just when Raven's breakdown happened during the events of ZOE1. It happened just after Leo fought off Tempest and picked Celvice up. Yes, that means Raven was the person that fled to the church during the OF attack. No, the shockwave was not showcased in the game (obviously), I'm going on the notion that this is a fanfiction. Besides, anything can happen during events like the Antilia Raid and not make it into the camera.
On another note, ZOE: Triad has ended sometime ago. Congratulations to Cynical Swordmaster for ending it on a great note. “But WZA! You've been writing as long as Silvie has! When will Resurrection reach its conclusion?” When I feel like it! The reason R is leaps and bounds behind T is I went back and revised certain chapters because, frankly, I didn't like how they turned out, whereas Silvie just kept on going. Also unlike Silvie, I haven't decided whether or not to make a sequel to R at this point, so that means I'm only doing a one-shot right now. Thus, I want to make it right in my mind. The basic plan of R is still the same as it was when I started; I just edited certain details around and added things to fit my current mindset.
Anyway, with the flashback segment done, I can now focus back on the main story. This was just to show readers Raven's background and just how powerful Isaac really is and what the cast is dealing with here (although Silvie did a good job on Isaac's cameo in Triad). I hope you enjoyed it and continue to read on as the storyline picks up again.