Title: Dark Angel

Characters: All of the characters in the game, but mostly focused on chaos.

Plot: (Xenosaga Episode II) What if chaos was really behind all of the events that went on in the games? What will happen when Shion and the others realize that their ally is really in fact a traitor?

Rating: PG-13 (Just to be safe)

Author's Note: Alright, this chapter's going to open up everything that's going on…sorta. Also, this follows Episode 2's storyline, meaning that there is going to be big spoilers, if you hadn't played through the entire game.

Disclaimer: I don't own any characters in Xenosaga Episode 1 or 2. But if I did, chaos would be a sexy model. (Don't ask.)

Prelude: Ego

Second Militia

12:59 P.M.

chaos:

"Archangel, we are awaiting your next command."

I cracked one weary eye open and gazed at my bedside table. There was a small screen hovering over it with the slightly fuzzy visage of Inquisitor Margulis, of the U-TIC Organization. I had to wonder why in heaven or hell's name he was calling me during my nap time.

"Damnit, Margulis, what do you want?" I snapped, my voice cracking with fatigue.

"I apologize, Archangel, but I had to make you aware of the situation."

Situation, my tight little butt. You don't wake people up in the middle of much needed sleep. Nevertheless, I sat up and pasted an expression of placidness on my face.

"If you are talking about the realian, then I already know about the U.M.N. examination. There is nothing further that I need to know."

Which was true. The way Jr. and MOMO kept running their mouths about it, I knew plenty enough.

"My apologies, Archangel. I'm just concerned, that's all."

Concerned? About what? Everything was going just fine, according to Wilhelm's Compass of Fate.

"You know, it's not like you to show concern, Margulis. Just focus on what you need to do. I can handle the rest."

"Just remember that people are watching."

A small smirk tugged at the corners of my pale lips.

"Someone's always watching, Margulis. I am one of many actors in this twisted play. Let me know if any developments come up, especially if it's from the Patriarch."

Margulis bowed in front of the screen.

"I won't fail you, Archangel."

You better not, fool, or you'll truly know the extent of my powers.

"Goodbye," I muttered as I pressed a button on the table.

The screen instantly shifted from Margulis's face to the normal blue U.M.N. screen. In the right corner sat the time. 1:00 P.M. MST (Militian Standard Time). Well, I can't go to sleep now. I imagine that Gaignun Jr. would call for me soon.

"Master chaos, you have a call from the Kukai Foundation."

I spoke too soon.

"Patch him through."

I ran my hands through my silky hair, smoothing it back from its disheveled state. After a moment or so, Jr.'s pale face appeared in the screen on my bedside table.

"Wow, chaos, you look like a gnosis hit you."

Ha, ha, very funny.

"I'm glad you haven't lost your sense of humor."

"Well, I need to meet you in Sector Two of Second Militia. I want to see if I can find Shion."

Ah yes, Shion. She was supposed to be turning KOS-MOS over to Vector's Second R&D Division. It was a terrible shame that she had to turn over the battle android. I liked having her around, outside of my personal evil desires.

"Are you sure you can't do that on your own?" I asked softly.

No.

"Come on, chaos. Live a little. I'll keep on bugging you until you go."

Gods, help me. I considered sending my energy through the network so that I could fry Jr., but I thought the better of it.

"Fine, Jr. I'll be ready in a few minutes, ok?"

Twenty Minutes Later

chaos:

I pulled my gloves back onto my hands as I walked into the Second Sector of the giant city known as Second Militia. (A/N: Don't ask.) The sound of people talking all at once filled my sensitive ears, making me quickly regret that I had left the apartment building. I didn't mind being around people, but I couldn't take a lot of noise. It was hard to keep the calm façade with a lot of other factors around. I longed for the time that I spent on Gaignun's private beach. It didn't matter that it was simulated, it was still very peaceful.

"Hey, chaos. It took you long enough!"

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at the Little Master of the Kukai Foundation.

"Sorry, Jr., I was a little tired from our travels."

I don't recall you conjuring energy to keep the Elsa from burning up in orbit. Speaking of the Elsa, I wondered how Captain Matthews was doing. I needed a little favor…

"Well, I can't blame you. Come on, let's go into Moby Dick's Café."

Moby Dick's Café? How original. Yet, I was in no mood to argue, my stomach made sure of that. I followed Jr. through the doors into the Café.

"Wow! Just look at this place, chaos! It's perfect! It feels just like the Pequod, doesn't it?"

Random typical outburst by Jr. I ignored his comments and continued up the stairs until I saw Shion.

"Shion!" I said, adding excitement to my voice.

Shion gave us both a bewildered look.

"What are you two doing here?"

"Well, we were…uh…starving, so…"

Nice lie, Jr.

"So, we ended up here," I finished.

"So, you all know each other?"

I followed the source of the voice to a man standing behind the oak bar.

"Y-Yeah…kinda."

Shion was acting very erratic today.

"Kinda? What's that supposed to mean?" I asked.

Shion shook her head.

"I'm sorry. I was just a little rattled."

"About what?"

I was known to answer a question with a question, but Shion was definitely stealing my title today.

"Shion's just got family matters on her mind today, right?" The man behind the bar asked.

Family matters. How trivial. I could feel a scowl tugging at my lips. I can't remember my family. It's been so long.

"Excuse me for a second, you guys. I need to clear my head for a while. Jr., order me a plate of curry, would you?"

I went down the stairs and outside of the door without a word.