The End of the Age of Swords

by Clockwork000

It's been more than two centuries after the events of SN 1. Meet a new cast, with new challenges in this Wild-West inspired story. The world is changing, and this will become the final chapter in the age of swords. "Just because I use a gun, that doesn't make me any less of a Craftknight!" UPDATE: 2 bonus chapters have been written but will not be uploaded. PM me if you want them.

4. A Thinking Man's Soldier

Disclaimer-Sup guys, I do not own the Summon Night series, if I did this would be a game by now.

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The End of the Age of Swords

Chapter 4: A Thinking Man's Soldier

It was morning of another new day. Alice laid peacefully asleep in her small bed. It's soft material causing her to smile in her sleep as it brushed against her body. When rays of sunshine finally made it to her face, she stirred and wrinkled her nose. Resting for a moment longer, she opened her eyes and stayed still. Taking the time to take a big breath, she let out a just as big yawn. Stretching as she did, she leaned over and lost her balance. Falling out of her bed, she hit the floor clumsily with a loud thud.

Already embarrassed, she sat up quickly and held her hands in front of her as she shook her head furiously. "N-No! I didn't really fall I just kinda..." Trying to think of an excuse, she looked up at her master's bed to discover it was empty. At first she was relieved to find out no one had seen her blunder. Moments later, she began to wonder where he had gone. Taking a quick look around the room she discovered there was no trace of him or any of his personal things either.

Opening her door and leaving the bedroom, she took a few step forward and held onto the railing of the walkway just outside. Peering over beneath her into the first floor, she saw the bar was relatively empty but noticed Tyson behind the counter. Biting her lower lip, she nervously headed downstairs to meet him.

Running down the staircase, she tripped slightly on her way down but caught herself by pulling back on the railing. Taking a moment to let out a relieved sigh, she continued down to the bottom. Once on the ground floor, she timidly peered around the corner from the stairs over at Tyson. His attention focused on the glass in his hands he was polishing.

Walking over to him, she gave a small wave when he glanced up at her. Reaching the counter, the older man had already gone back to wiping the glass. "Um, e-excuse me." He looked up again, remaining silent as he did. "M-Mister Tyson, have you seen Ryuk." She reflected for a moment on how if she acted this way around Ryuk, he'd most likely correct her or even mock her respectful tone. Tyson however, did not.

"Good Morning, Alice." He spoke clearly and confidently. His voice seeming slightly tired at the end. "I take it he didn't tell you then?" Alice awaited him to elaborate, but he never did. "That kid..." He started before mumbling the rest under his breath. After that, there was an awkward silence that had grown between the two. The bar already silent before she had even entered, Alice started glancing around the building.

Done cleaning his glass, he placed it on the shelf behind him and dropped the rag he was using on the counter. He leaned down and held his head up with his right hand. The two now on eye level. "Alice, do you mind if I ask you something?" She jumped slightly not expecting anything. After, she shook her head. "Has Ryuk told you why he's had so many partners?" Slowly, she shook her head again. He frowned. "Has he talked about why he has such a disdain toward the Deigleya?" She shook her head once more. Seeing where things were going, he stopped before asking another question.

As Tyson stood back up straight Alice looked down a bit disheartened. "Master doesn't talk about things like that with me."

"Brat." He mumbled under his breath. This time loud enough for Alice to hear him. "Alright, listen up." This causing her to jump slightly again. "If he's not gonna tell you anything, I'll contribute. If the kid get's prissy he can blame himself." He announced, folding his arms in minor growing annoyance.

Alice however held her hands up in front on her. "N-No! That isn't necessary. I don't wanna make any trouble."

Not hearing her plea, or perhaps ignoring her, Tyson bent back down on the counter again. "Ryuk didn't have the most pleasant childhood..." He began, Alice's desire not to be a burden being overshadowed by her unwanting to interrupt someone. "...Now, I heard this from that old man, so, take it's truthfulness with a grain of salt. The kid and the old man traveled together before setting up here and before Anya showed up. Apparently, the brat was found on the street." Alice was surprised by this. Ryuk's mannerisms and actions not seeming to match this. "But before that, he grew up in an orphanage. It was a big old decrepit building. Suffering from harboring too many as it was. A single old women offering her time as the caretaker." Painting the picture, Alice became more and more engrossed in the story. "One day, something unfortunate happened. Deigleyain soldiers burst in and dragged everyone out without a word of explanation. Afterword, they torched the entire building down." She gasped as he went on. "Someone had fed them wrong information. Saying that the orphanage was secretly holding craftknights."

Alice Seeming depressed from the story, Tyson wrapped it up. "Not all Deigleyain soldiers are bad. Most are just following the orders given to them. But no matter what they do or how they act, Ryuk will only compare them to the soldiers that burned down the only home he'd ever known."

Just then, the door to the back room opened to expose Ryuk, a bright cheerful smile on his face. "Ah there you are Alice, I was just about to co-" He stopped mid-sentence when he shifted his gaze to the older man. "Hey, Alice, don't talk with Tyson. I don't want him filling your head with those ideas of his."

Tyson's brow furrowed as he dug his nails into the wooden counter top. "Brat. If you don't like what I have to say, keep a better watch on her. Keep her out of my hair."

The sudden change in Tyson's attitude made Alice feel as if she should apologize. Before she could however, Ryuk had walked over and flung the door between the counter open. Grabbing her wrist he pulled her over. He fanned away Tyson's comment from earlier and started leading her into the back room.

Shutting the door behind them, Ryuk opened up the fridge revealing the secret staircase. Following behind him she thought more about the hidden entrance-way. When she first saw it, she was overcome by what an unusual precaution they had taken. After hearing about Ryuk's past, she thought for a moment on how the idea itself may have even been her master's. "Um, Tyson told me you had something to tell me today?" She spoke up in the silence.

Looking over his shoulder he arched an eyebrow. A second later he grew a smile and nodded. "Ah, right. Today's our first real Op." Staring in confusion as they headed down the stairs, he further explained. "Remember that Deigleyain outpost Anya scouted out the other day? Well, when she was checking it out, she saw something odd. She thinks it's a new kind of weapon. And well, we've decided things would probably be better for the craftknights if we get rid of the thing now while they're still testing it." He said, a calm expression on his face.

Nearing the door, Alice grew hesitant. "That sounds dangerous."

As Ryuk grabbed the door handle at the base of the stairs, he turned around, trying easing her worries. "Not really. We sneak in, sabotage the machine, then get out. We're unscathed and some other craftknights live to fight another day." The door opened and Ryuk took a few steps inside. "We're just a small part of something much larger." An appreciative tone appearing as he went on.

Contemplating Ryuk's words, he subtly backed up to be side by side. He placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling as she turned to him. "Of course we'll have to make a replacement handgun before we leave." Just when Alice was going to ask how or why, he opened up the door in front of them and greeted the others who seemed to be preparing for the mission in their own ways.

_O_o_O_

Still mid-morning, the early rising sun reflected in the vast ocean surface. The wind blow hard as the waves roared against each other. A small steam boat pushing through the current as it approached a metal coated complex built on the coast.

Nearing it's large harbor nesting numerous war ships of all sizes, several deck hands dressed in Deigleyain uniforms ran over to assist. The men worked fast and tied the boat down tightly. Others guiding the side ramp down onto the pier safely. Once done, they all left and scurried over to the other side of the harbor to aide other approaching sea vessels.

Off the ramp a lone soldier exited. Wearing a regulation uniform that was clearly too large for the soldier's stature. Somewhat shorter than the average soldier, the inability to fill the uniform properly hinted at an age gap between the person and ensemble's intended wearer. Golden buzzed hair was exposed right below a standard cap atop the head. The Deigleyain symbol of a purple snake coiling around a gray cross shaped anchor portrayed proudly above the visor. A stuffed ditty bag slung over the shoulder. The cap fit well, but the wide visor covered the eyes.

Just as the soldier stepped onto the concrete dock, an older man called out. "Lieutenant!" Looking over, an old looking man marched over in a lightly hurried pace. He wore a very regal uniform. A long white coat with ornate gold detailing. It's coat tails lifted only inches off the ground. Wrinkles on his face were somewhat hidden by by a thick and proud beard that reached around the chin and up to his medium cut straight hair. His fading golden color matching the coat. As he walked he kept both his hands behind his back. Looking around, the departed soldier saw that men on the adjacent ship all stood in salute to him. Realizing what the situation was, the young soldier did the same.

The old man immediately gave order to relax once he reached the soldier. Taking a moment, he sized up the recruit in front of him. "So you are Lieutenant Talon?" A smile widened when the other nodded, staying silent in respect. "I have awaited this day for a long time, I assure you." Gaining a questionable look at his statement, he let out a light chuckle. "I apologize, what I mean by that is I've read over your combat record. While lacking experience, your scores are phenomenal. It's easy to see how someone so young rose to top of the class." He elaborated, the gentle air about his movements and veteran tone of voice making it easy to become calm around him.

Stroking the mane he had grown around his chin he let out another light laugh. "Ah. Forgive me. I've yet to address myself. I am Commander Hallowright. One of Deigleya's four great generals and main leader of the armies efforts here on this continent. Although, I'm sure you already knew that when you were transferred to this station."

While the Lieutenant had met several higher ranking officers in training, they had all presented themselves as when introduced. This older man however made light of it as he quickly went on to the next topic. As if his grand title meant little if nothing at all.

"Come! I will give you a brief tour of the facility before sending you off once more." He joked with a smile motioning toward the great walled military complex that's massive shadow overtook both of them and even encompassed most of the ships.

_O_o_O_

Being escorted inside through the walls, the Lieutenant was easily able to see all the structures. All of which Hallowright took great pride in explaining their make-up and purpose. The complex named Steel Will, incorporated the use of four major buildings.

The long building in the back, linked to the harbor had a dual purpose. It's lower bay acted as a vehicle depot. The second floor was used for paperwork and storage of files and other protocols.

An eight story steel building built up from the center and reached up toward the clouds. Being thick and wide near the base it became smaller and thinner as it scaled up, a true modern marvel and sign of the Deigleya's architectural prowess. This was the barracks for all the soldiers, it's top floors reserved for high ranking offices. It's first floor, being the largest, was also linked to a mess hall.

Another concrete building stood near the front gates. It was several stories tall and moderately wide. This held the complexes weapons and stood as it's armory. Troops of soldiers seen leaving with rifles in hand as they marched over toward the vehicle depot.

The smallest building off on the adjacent to the barracks was a three floor concrete building. Glass windows at the bottom floors, the top of which blacked out. The commander went into great detail on this facility. From what Talon gathered, it was a lab run solely by a professor Undine. A genius Deigleyain scientist who's expertise in creating more than half of the army's weapons and war machines earned her much praise and recognition. Above all else however, she demanded solitude and privacy. The top floor was her territory, and the other two her aids and lackeys worked to mass produce her designs. The basement linked to her office via elevator and was the main testing ground for every currently used gun or machine.

The interior grounds held hundreds of training soldiers utilizing either the open firing range or using the wide space for other physical training. Cargo or transport trucks coming to and from the vehicle depot entering through one of the four large steel gates in the front of the wall. The same walls of which the Lieutenant was informed were wide enough to be maned by soldiers if the need ever arose, which to date, never was.

Passing by the lab building, one of the professor's aides ran over to them and pulled the Commander aside, pulling out a clip board and quickly pointing out several aspects of the paper to him. Hallowright asked the Lieutenant to give him a moment as he walked over to discuss the clearly urgent matter in private.

"Yo!" A young man's voice shouted across the ways. Turning, Talon saw another young looking soldier heading over. He was sprinting but skidded to a halt right in front of the Lieutenant. Before introducing himself he started examining the soldier in front of him. "Would you be... Lieutenant Talon?" He asked, an excited smirk on his face. When Talon slowly nodded, he grinned wider. "Knew it!" He exclaimed to himself. "Name's Richter by the way." He greeted and extended his hand. Hesitant at first, Talon reached over and accepted the hand shake from the peculiar man.

Richter was currently wearing a plain white t-shirt. His regulation soldier's coat tied around his waist. His white slacks over his boots instead of tucked in. He was tall and had lanky but muscular limbs. He was covered in a lot of sweat but didn't seem out of breath in the slightest. While all the other basic soldiers she'd met thus far had buzzed short hair, the Lieutenant included, Richter had messy hair and was even long enough to be tied up in a short ponytail that ended at his shoulders. It's color, a dry chestnut. His eyes, a pale green. While the commander may have acted a bit informally, he still retained an air of dignified seriousness. The man in front however, did not.

"Say, how young are you exactly? Seventeen? Sixteen?" He immediately asked at the end of their handshake. Guessing before the Lieutenant could even respond. "Fifteen?" The Lieutenant's hand rose to stop him and was about to speak when Richter shouted again. "Fifteen? Wow! No way, your two years even younger than me!" He announced in a grin.

From behind the eccentric soldier, another man shuffled over. Him looking much older than the other two. Covered in sweat, he came over in a deep pant. "S-Sargent... please... please wait up for... f-for the rest of us."

The Lieutenant's footing shook slightly. "Sargent?" The rank was repeated in disbelief. Looking back over at Richter, he returned with another grin. Behind him, twenty to thirty other soldiers rounded the corner of the barracks in a hurried breath. Running over to the Sargent they all collapsed. Half dropped onto their hands and knees, the others falling flat on their back. All breathing heavily as they took a moment to rest themselves.

Smiling, Richter turned briefly over to his men. "What's the matter? I was gonna take us for a dozen more laps around the complex."

Almost right after his suggestion all the exhausted soldiers sat up right. "THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" The small platoon all shouted in unison.

Heart-fully laughing, Richter smiled wider. "Okay okay. Take a break. We got a mission assigned for later, so rest up. That's an order!" The entire unit letting out a joyful cheer in response. Their tone immediately doing a 180.

"Ahem." The commander cleared his throat. Looking over, he had at one point shifted to beside the Lieutenant. At his notice, all the men sloppily stood up and into salute. Richter however simply stood up slightly straighter if not at all. "At ease." He said authoritatively. His face much more firm than earlier. "Lieutenant, we've run late. We must hurry along." After, he shifted to the young Sargent. "You may return to your practices, Sargent." At notice, Richter nodded his head in acknowledgment. As the commander suddenly marched off, the Lieutenant followed closely behind without a word.

Once the two were a ways off, Richter's lackadaisical smile dropped. His face became expressionless as he narrowed his eyes on the young Lieutenant. His shoulders sunk then he let out a yawn.

The first of his men to have arrive earlier lightly patted Richter on one of his shoulders. "Sorry boss, I know you were really excited about our new arrival. Guess ya jus' shouldn't always raise your expectations so much."

Brushing the hand off his shoulder, the Sargent turned and looked up at the older soldier. "I dunno, the Lieutenant did look a little plain. But someone so young being so high rank and getting a private tour by our dear old commander..." A sly smirk grew to his face and his eyes narrowed excitably. "...isn't that, interesting?"

_O_o_O_

The two making a complete loop around the complex, they now stood back in front of the vehicle depot. The commander stood up tall, his hands held behind his back. A prideful look on his face as he scanned the facility. Talon standing ready for his orders.

"Lieutenant..." He spoke up almost quietly, facing away. "...how would you feel about taking part in an experimental procedure?" His expression unchanging as he spoke?

Confused, The Lieutenant stayed in attention. "I don't understand."

Turning to the young soldier, Hallowright removed a hand from his back and presented the complex with an open palm. "Take a look at what we have at our disposal. We have more men, more resources, more funding, and more training expertise. And yet..." He let out a light chuckle, putting his hand back behind him. "...here we are. In a stalemate that's over two decades. This small continent has been able to stand against the might of the Deigleya for so long. Our forces divided among the world, but still." His eyes narrowed as he took a step closer. "Why do you think that is?"

Listening to the older man, Talon took a few moments to take in the question. Staying firm the Lieutenant's head raised slightly. "Craftknights." Talon responded, quick and confidently.

Hallowright grew a smile at the answer. "Precisely! This experimental trial gives us high hopes at finding fault against the barbarians. A trial at which you will take part in. Any complaints?"

Taking a deep breathe the Lieutenant's back straightened up more. "No sir!"

Pulling a small note from his inner coat pocket, he handed it to the Lieutenant. "Take this, report to the register in the vehicle depot to be sent over to were the trial will begin. You don't need to report to the armory either. At the base you will also be given a complimentary weapon specialized for the test operations. That aside, you'll be able to modify it however you see necessary. Before that head over to the register in the barracks to drop off your things. They can be delivered at request. Your assignment begins in Oh-One-hundred hours." He spouted clearly but quickly with a smile. "Any questions?" He asked after a brief pause.

"No sir!" The Lieutenant answered confidently once more to the commanders delight. Being dismissed, Talon saluted one more time before running over to the barracks in preparation.

_O_o_O_

Once again back in the forest from a few days back, Alice and Ryuk were halfway through the thick on the approach to the base scouted by Anya. As they progressed Ryuk saw Alice nervously glancing over at him along the way.

"Worried about the mission?" He asked cooling with a calming smile. His hands leisurely in his pockets despite the possibility of being attacked at any moment.

Fighting back a frown, Alice slowly shook her head. "Well yeah, but..." She looked down at the newly made gun sticking out of his holster. The gun's frame identical to the other, but a light brown and yellowish color rather than steel. "...Will that really be alright?"

"You mean the gun we made this morning?" When he looked at Alice who nodded in confirmation, he smiled. "Not at all." Alice almost tripping over a tree root after being shaken by his response. "That thing'll last a day at the most."

"T-Then why'd we make it?" She complained in a off put and confused tone.

His smile still prominent, Ryuk took the gun out of his holster with his right hand. He began spinning it around his middle finger in a relaxed manner. "We had a lot of sandstone. Gotta get rid of it somehow. Raw materials aren't worth the effort selling these days."

Looking around worriedly, Alice inched close to Ryuk as they walked. "Why isn't Jin with us, again?"

Still spinning the handgun, Ryuk tossed it into the air. Catching it easily by the handle he put it away in his holster. "Different positioning. We're still not sure where they'll deploy it for testing. So if one of us spots it before the other..." He reached into his coat and pulled out one of Zigbur's radio's. "...we call it in." Putting the radio away the two continued walking.

Pushing some branches and bushes aside, the two found themselves in front of a large riverbed. A fallen and a long dead tree creating a natural bridge. Without a second thought, he leaped onto it applied some pressure with feet then turned back to Alice. "C'mon. It's fine."

Alice shook her head taking a step back. "No thank you." She said in a polite reply.

Growing a wry smile he looked down both sides of he river. "You have to cross it. There's no other way."

She shook her head again. "No. I-I can't swim." She admitted, her cheeks painted red in embarrassment.

"Don't worry. Neither can I." He said crossing his arms and keeping a straight face.

Alice narrowed her eyes at this. "You're lying." She said in a sureful accusation.

Smirking, Ryuk looked away. "So?" He said in his innocently conniving tone. Before Alice could protest further, he leaned down and snatched her hand in his own. Pulling her tightly onto and over as he started backing across the log. "Come on, don't sweat it so much." A playful grin growing.

Struggling the entire time, Alice pulled and tried holding her ground. Ryuk's superior strength and the slippery moss on the tree made it a pointless effort. "Stop!" She shouted, almost tripping a on several occasions as she tried worming out of her master's grasp.

"Alice..." Ryuk began only to be cut off immediately.

"I said no!" She shook her head adamantly. Closing her eyes shut. "I don't wanna cross it!"

He sighed. "But Alice we-"

"No just...! Just bring me back!" She shouted holding her position, her eyes still glued shut.

"Well I don't know Alice. That would just be counter productive at this point. Considering we're already on the other side." He said blatantly at the end, a cheap knowing smile no doubt slung across his face.

Opening her eyes, she saw herself standing on the opposite trunk of the tree. Ryuk already down off onto the ground and was staring up at her with a smug look. Her hand still clasped tightly around his from before. Once she got her surroundings well enough, Ryuk gave a quick tug and pulled her down. She landed clumsily but Ryuk caught her by the arm then straightened her out.

Back on the ground, Ryuk let go of her and patted her a few times on the back. "There, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Before Alice could answer, he started off into the forest again.

Getting her standing, Alice smiled. "Y-Yeah, that wasn't so bad." She said, thinking out loud in a pleasant tone. After, she hurried over to catch up to her master. The Deigleyan base sticking out from the tops of the trees in front of them.

_O_o_O_

The Lieutenant sat in the back of a truck heading miles away toward a Deigleya outpost. A women at the register in the vehicle depot informed that the base itself was stationed close to a forest inhabited solely by wild animals and stray summon creatures. What was originally an empty vehicle now held a full house of soldiers. The once silent compartment of the truck now loud and lively. Every seat filled, spare only the one directly in front of Talon.

"Yo, Lieutenant." Recognizing the tone, Talon didn't see the need to look up. Without asking, Richter sat down in the seat opposite. He wore the top half of his uniform like an open jacket while all the others wore it buttoned up. His, slightly crumpled from improper handling. "Really now, what are the odds? Both of us being sent up to the same place. It's gotta be fate or somethin'." He spoke in a happily if not somewhat forced way.

The smile plastered on his face began to curl ever so slightly. "So, what did our commander want to talk to you about so direly?"

With little tact, Talon responded. "I'm not at liberty to talk about my briefing. I wasn't told if the information discussed should be disclosed or not." Keeping a rigid posture while seated.

The Sargent wasn't off put by the immediate brush off. Instead, he smiled wider. "Oh no, I understand. We don't wanna let something so important slip out, right?" He leaned back casually, propping his head up with his left hand as he openly studied the younger superior. The Lieutenant staring back without any signs of weakening or backing down.

The two sat watching each other for several more minutes, neither saying a word. Eventually, Richter's smile became a crooked grin and he let out a few chuckles. This only confusing Talon. Clapping a few times as if in appreciation for the entertainment, the Sargent sat up and turned down the aisle between his men. "Well Lieutenant, I'll leave you alone for the rest of the way there. I didn't mean to set you at such unease." Taking a step back over to his previous seat, he stopped and looked over his shoulder, back at Talon. "Oh, a word of advice, loosen up. Stay so serious and it'll kill you." He spoke in a surprising genuineness. When not receiving a response he turned back ahead and went back to his seat. No longer facing the Lieutenant his expression dropped immediately again to a more cold and uncaring one.

Sitting back down in his seat, an older soldier sitting next to him panned over. "So, how'd it go? Find what you was lookin' for, Sarge?"

The young man let out a tired sigh in response. "It's so disappointing. Here I thought something exciting was happening for once. Far from it." He commented at the end in clear annoyance. He groaned leaning forward. Resting his elbows on his knees, he held his head up with his hands. "What a bore."

_O_o_O_

The recent craft pair sat in a small brush outside the Deigleyain base. Hidden, Ryuk started studying the facility. Three large concrete walls surrounded the outpost. The large cliff side encapsulating the forest acted as a natural fourth wall for the compound. A large metal gate locked shut making it seem highly impregnable. Watchful guards stationed atop the walls only further reassuring it's safety. Despite the walls, the facility could still be seen above them. It's top floor at least a story higher than it's walls.

As Alice began to notice all the security herself, Ryuk nudged her and pointed to the east side of the facility. Over to the side was a barren dirt clearing no doubt dug up by the Deigleya seeing how flourish all the other areas were. Beside it a large waterfall and river that lead off down to where they had crossed earlier.

"I don't..." Staring blankly at her master, Ryuk pulled her closer and pointed near the base of the cliff. Squinting Alice saw what he was pointing at. In between the waterfall and outpost were several large piles of scrap metal and other garbage. "It's trash, what about it?" She asked, still unsure of the point.

Smirking, Ryuk now shifted her over to the ground in front of the base and the iron gate. "See those tire tracks? They lead from the base and off out of the forest." Nodding at her master, he went on. "If we don't see any leading to those scrap heaps, then how are they piling up like that?"

While raising a point, Alice failed to see the connection. "Um, are they throwing it over the wall?" She tried to answer despite barely following his logic.

Sighing, he still wore a small smile on his face. Shaking his head he glanced up at one of the guards on the wall. Once he turned away, Ryuk leaped up into a stand. Grabbing Alice's arm he started running at the walled facility, practically dragging his partner with him. Sprinting to the concrete wall, he was able to make it before the guard turned back. Reaching the wall Alice was about to speak when Ryuk quickly held a finger to her mouth, shushing her. Quietly moving around the wall, the two sneaked around and over to the trash area Ryuk had pointed out earlier.

"So I was right after all." He spoke normally. Apparently not worried about his voice anymore being so close to the loud waterfall. Knowing already that Alice would still not comprehend the significance, he pointed up near the middle of the wall, over looking the small dump. Above was a small hole with a conveyer belt slowly pushing out scrap metal of assorted sizes.

Noticing it, Alice turned back to her master. "What does that have to do with our mission? And should we really be this close?"

A wide smirk on his face, Ryuk turned and put his hands in his coat pockets. "Alice, what is our mission?" He asked, the simple question quickly bringing a frown to his partners lips.

"To look for the machine." She answered easily, mildly confused.

Leaning closer, his smirk deepened. "Have we found it yet?"

Her eyes widening in realization, Alice took a step back. "N-No way! You wanna go inside don't you?" Already feeling nervously sick, Alice looked over to the conveyor belt. "B-Besides, W-We'll never be able to get up there."

Walking closer to the wall Ryuk put a foot on one of the heaps. Putting some pressure on it he hopped up and was pleased to find it easily supporting his weight. "Oh look Alice, I found us some stairs. No more complaints then?" He asked over his shoulder with his confident smirk. Alice's shoulders sinking in surrender.

Ryuk was easily able to climb up the garbage pile. Using the flat scrap as stepping stones and jut out steel poles to help his ascension. Alice having a much more difficult time climbing up, Ryuk always stayed a few step above to help her with the more awkward parts. Reaching the top he was happy to find out how slow the conveyor belt moved. Without any hesitation, he leaped off the peak and easily made it up. The belt jutting out a few feet from the walls, he stood on the sides and held a hand out for Alice. Nervously following suit, she lunged over and was quickly pulled up and over. Once she got her footing, Ryuk got onto his knees and began crawling through the confining shaft. Groaning, Alice followed once again.

_O_o_O_

Poking his head out of the shaft and took a quick look around. They were in a shut off area of the base. The conveyor leading directly from outside into a small interior sorting area. The room was completely empty except for a lone soldier in the opposite corner of the room. The area full of loud and clunky machine noises, he found sneaking through would be a breeze.

Jumping out of the tight shaft he motioned for Alice to follow, All the while keeping at eye on the soldier who was clearly focused on his duty. Alice fumbled in but even at her sloppy landing, gained no attention. Turning behind him to check on her, he noticed what looked like a closet in the back. Pointing over to it, he urged her to check it out.

Walking over to it slowly, Alice peaked inside her heart racing all the while. Looking over the interior of what turned out to be a small storage area, she found no one inside. "It's empty." She whispered across to Ryuk who nodded in confirmation. Hurrying over, Ryuk pushed her inside then once the machines quieted down a little, slammed the door shut. "M-Master what are you doing?" Alice shouted in a frantic whisper.

Ignoring his partner's concern, Ryuk looked out of the doorway then smirked. "Alright it worked, he's coming over."

Alice jumped at this. "Huh? Coming over, how is that a good thing?" She s shouted again in a whispered tone.

Grabbing her shoulders, he guided her over to the back of the closet. Hiding her in it's poor lighting. "Stay here and don't say anything." He instructed quickly before running over to beside the door.

Practically shaking in fear Alice stayed focused on her master. "W-What am I supposed to do? What are-?"

"It's fine." Ryuk whispered cutting her off. "Just wiggle around a bit once he comes in, like a worm on a hook."

Her eyes shot open. "I'm bait?" She shouted in disbelief.

Before anything else could be set or done, the door opened and the solder took a few steps inside. "Hm? This is a restricted access area. Authorized personnel only." He spoke in a deep unenthusiastic voice. Unable to see her clearly he took a few steps closer. "Who are-?"

"What about me? Am I allowed in?" Ryuk teased pulling his craft hammer out from behind. Just when the soldier became aware of his presence, Ryuk jumped up and gave a firm whack to the back of the Deigleyan's head. Staggering for a moment, he fell forward and dragged down a cardboard box from off the shelf. The man hitting the floor with a thud, the box opened up to let dozens of identical uniforms spill out next to him.

"I was... I was so scared." Alice let out with a huff. Leaning her back against the wall and sliding down onto her knee.

Ryuk bent down and picked up one of the uniforms. Looking it over, he found one of the tags beneath the collar. A smile working it's way across his face once more. "Say Alice, what are your measurements?"

_O_o_O_

Without a worry in the world, Ryuk practically skipped through the hallways of the clean Deiglyan facility. Alice nervously following directly behind. Avoiding eye contact whenever the two came across someone.

Sighing, Ryuk played with the front of the uniform both them were wearing. "Urg. I feel dirty wearing something like this." He admitted rather dryly.

"This is never going to work." Alice quietly whispered.

As they wandered, they made it to what appeared to be the center area of the base. A large room jointed by several hallways and many doors. "Alice, I hate to say it. But I am pretty lost right now." He said still without the slightest care in the world.

Groaning to herself, Alice pulled her hat down over her face further. "Don't tell me something like that."

Rubbing the underside of his chin, Ryuk took a look around. In the southern section of the room was a soldier guarding two main doors. Looking through the windows on the doors revealed the iron gate a little ways off in the front of the outpost. "I've got an idea, let's ask him."

Practically shrieking to her inner self, she tried pulling her master away by the back of his coat but he easily broke her grip. Walking over to the soldier Ryuk gave a big wave to get his attention. "Hey! I could use some help." Alice hiding behind him as he casually walked over. "I'm a little lost, any good with directions?"

The soldier eyed him for half a minute before leaning off the wall and stretching slightly. "Huh? You don't look familiar. New? Weren't you briefed before stationed here?" Ryuk played with the cap on his head and shrug his shoulders before he could say anything, the soldier spoke up again. "Ya seem pretty young for a soldier." He commented eying him once again. Alice started trembling behind her master who stood up straight and calm. Still looking Ryuk over, the soldier sighed rubbing the side of his face. "Ah, I get it. You're that young upstart right? The child Lieutenant?"

Slowly nodding, taking in the new information, Ryuk laughed lightly. "It would seem so."

"I heard we were supposed to be getting a visit from you today." The soldier relaxed again leaning back on the wall beside the double doors. "So you're the rising star, huh?"

Chuckling to himself, Ryuk put his hands in his pockets. "Well that's convenient."

Arching an eyebrow, the soldier crossed his arms. "Huh? What is?"

"It's convenient because I'm not really the Lieutenant." Ryuk announced, Alice on the verge of a breakdown behind him. "I'm actually a craftknight who snuck in and stole some uniforms. Did I do this on the right day or what?" A simple smile slung across his face.

The soldier stood there listening to Ryuk's confession with a goofy smile. "Ha! Such a high rank and ya got a sense of humor. That's great!" Alice on the verge of collapse. "Alright, didn't mean to give ya a rough one. Where ya headin'?"

Still smiling, Ryuk took a quick look around. "Thanks. I'm looking for the prototype, I think?"

The Deigleyan nodded in a much lighter mood since earlier. "Right behind ya, bud." Ryuk turned around to see two sets of double doors. The one on the left had a small sign labeled R&D. The one beside it had an identical sign, labeled HazOp Testing. "Y'er lookin' for Field Testing. Just moved out of R&D this morning. They're setting up for the test later today."

Giving a quick wave as a thank you, Ryuk headed off, Alice still trailing behind. Now, much more distraught. "Master, you're trying to get us killed, aren't you?"

Happily walking through once again, he laughed at her comment. "No. And don't worry, I'd take a bullet or two for you anyway. After that you're on your own though." He promised with little conviction.

Pouting, Alice looked up at him. "Yeah right."

Reaching the doors, Ryuk took a deep breath then threw the doors open. Inside the room held half a dozen engineers, several lab aids, and a dozen armed soldiers. All now focused on them. Half the soldiers stood up on a railed off area that overlooked the rest of the room.

In the center of the room laid a metal monstrosity. A heavily armored vehicle with four triangular treads. Two treads on each of it's sides. A long barreled cannon mounted on the back, the barrel stabilized near the front. A duo pair of exhaust ports letting out a cloud of black smog. The engineers all doing their part as they finished up welding procedures.

"What are you doing, master?" Alice shrieked in a whisper.

Glancing over at the now alert soldiers he answered back in a hushed whisper. "I'm already a Lieutenant, right? Might as well bluff this as far as I can go."

"Hey!" The soldier closest on the raised platform barked moving closer. "Name and rank! Now soldier!"

Glaring up at him Ryuk crossed his arms. "Watch your tone, your addressing a Lieutenant."

A bit surprised, the Deigleyan dropped his arms. "Hm? You're the young Lieutenant Talon? Odd, I was told you'd be arriving a bit later." Growing a bit perplexed he looked away and began stroking his chin. "I don't remember hearing a truck arrive..." The more he thought about it the more unsure he became.

"Enough of that. Doesn't matter right now. I have some very important information to tell all of you, so listen up!" Ryuk ordered reaching into his coat pocket. Watching him, Alice heard a click that she recognized hearing from the radio before Ryuk pulled out an empty hand.

_O_o_O_

Both of the veteran craft pair were waiting in a thicket more near the cliff side as they overlooked the base. Sophia was keeping a vigil look out at the facility. Jin however, was laid down in a brush of thick leaves that folded into a sort of natural hammock. His torn and used cloak drenched over him like a blanket.

"Jin, wake up, we've got a truck on the horizon. It's heading for the base." She reported keeping a solid sight of vision on the approaching vehicle. Jin loudly snoring in response. Just as Sophia balled a fist in irritation a beeping sound came from his coat.

The older knight's eyes flew open as the unexpected alarm jolted him up. Awkwardly, he fell over and landed face first in the dirt. The radio flew out of his cloak and fumbled out in front of him. "Huh? Wha- N-No I'm not asleep. I was jus... uh, ahem." Sitting up, he crossed his legs and stretched, putting the radio to his ear. "Yes. What is it?" He asked in a groggy voice, a yawn coming out at the end.

"...listen up!" Jin pulled the radio away from his ear. Rubbing it for a moment he brought it back up.

"What? I'm right here, wha'd'ya need?" He answered still receiving no response.

"I assume you're all prepared for anything today during the test. After all it's not uncommon for rebels to attack when they hear word of things like this." Jin quizzically arching an eyebrow as he continued listening. "Well, on the way in here, we spotted several craftknights in the forest. Fairly shallow in as well."

Scratching his chin, Jin looked over at Sophia who shared a similar expression. "What? Craftknights here? So soon?" An unknown man's voice rang out through the radio. "If we counter attack quickly, we could get them before they strike."

Smiling, Jin stood up. "Now I get it Ryuk. You've snuck in and now your clearing the place out."

"Yeah! We'll show those rebels!" A voice shouted in the background. "I bet if we wipe 'em out we'll all get promoted. We can finally get outta this box canyon with nothin' in it!" Another voice chimed in hopeful.

Cheering was heard as the radio became rampant with the sound of charging soldiers. Just when things quieted down, Ryuk's voice rose up again. "Hey, you. Let's say things don't go so well. Where should I protect at all costs?" Another man's voice spoke up. "Huh? I don't understand, sir." Ryuk elaborated. "What I mean is what's most important. I mean, taking a look at this huge mobile cannon it looks impregnable. But surely there's a weak spot. Where should I protect?" The light footsteps of a different soldier entered. "I get what he means. It's the exhaust ports on the back. If those things get too damaged, the machine'll stops working." A slight laughter could be heard. "I see. Thanks for the information." Ryuk politely added in gratitude before his radio was switched off.

Letting out a heartfelt chuckle himself he turned to Sophia who was in a much less joyous state. "You sure this is okay. He's alone in there." She stated in an disapproving tone.

Before Jin could answer, the radio beeped in his hand again. "Ryuk's an idiot." Was all Anya said before shutting off.

Sighing slightly, Jin started taking a few steps back from where they had all came. Sophia following right behind. "Yes. Yes he is." Jin commented into the radio to Anya. "But he's in there now and I'm forced to fall back. 'Cause'a the intel we got, I gotta move out. Ryuk's gotten himself in that far by himself. We'll have to hope he can do the same gettin' out."

_O_o_O_

The truck had arrived and was granted access into the complex. All of the soldiers piling out, Talon was the last to leave. Hopping off, Talon looked up to see Richter sauntering over with no haste. "Yo, where you heading anyway?" He asked, no longer keeping up appearances his wore a flat expression.

"R&A" The Lieutenant spoke. Much less hesitation around him now. "Know the way?"

Shrugging his shoulders he put his hands in his pockets. "Yeah, I was stationed here a bit a while back. Follow me." Taking a few steps away from his men, he spun around to address them. "Hey, I'mma show the Lieutenant around. You knuckleheads know where to go by now, right?" He egged on in a lighthearted way. Half his men laughed it off but the others booed him away. This caused the Sargent to smile slightly as he continued to keep up with the Lieutenant even while back tracking inside.

Once the doors shut in front of him, he spun back around to keep in line with Talon. "Slow down, I can barely keep up with you." Richter joked without getting a response.

A few more moments went by as they walked across the large open room and Talon spoke up. "I won't slow my pace to match yours." Staring down at his superior, he raised an eyebrow. "Learn to pick up yours."

Smirking, he laughed lightly to himself. "Not so enigmatic after all, huh? Is that an order?"

Looking up at the older man, Talon flashed a small smile. "Yes."

As they approached the R&D room the double doors to the chamber beside it opened up. Ryuk strolled out and Alice trailed right behind. Seeing several more soldiers, Alice inched closer to Ryuk but only managed to trip over her own feet. Stumbling slightly, she fell onto her masters back. This allowed her to catch herself but ended up pushing him forward. Tripping, Ryuk and the real lieutenant he was charading on to be brushed shoulders. He caught himself then kept moving. Giving a quick wave behind him. "Sorry 'bout that. 'Scuse me." Alice rushing to catch up.

As they left, Talon kept a watchful eye on them. "Man..." Richter spoke up still heading for R&D. "The recruits are getting shorter and shorter every year." He mused to himself. Talon gave a quick head shake before following inside.

The room they entered was practically a clean room. The plain white tiles on the floor rode up the walls and even the ceiling. The room was mostly barren save only a glowing test tube in the center attached to a console and a group of tables near the east wall near the entrance. The tables held dozens of different small weapon modifications from scopes to barrels and grips. Half a dozen scientists in lab coats and face masks.

One busy writing something down on a clip board was the first to acknowledge the two. Putting the board down, he walked over to them. "Are you Lieutenant Talon?" He asked Richter who shook his head and pointed to the shorter one beside him with his thumb. The scientist nodded shifting his head. "I see. Right this way. Please hurry."

Leading Talon over to the tables on the side another scientist pulled out a rather large radio from underneath. Flipping a switch on the side, a long and clunky looking antenna rose up. Richter remaining by the entrance-way to watch in mild intrigue.

The radio buzzed in a loud static then instantly cleared up. "Hello? Do you read me? Testing... testing..." The voice of an older, highly unenthusiastic woman's voice came through the radio.

Turning to the radio one of the scientists responded. "Yes Professor Undine, we hear you loud an-"

"Wonderful." Undine spoke up again, just as bland. Cutting off the other scientist. "Is that Lieutenant here?"

Talon turned to the radio. "Yes. Lieutenant Talon repor-"

Before a proper introduction could be made, the professor came in again. "Fantastic." She announced sarcastically. "Now I assume you've been briefed, correct?"

Taking a moment Talon took a brief breathe. "No. I was informed tha-"

"What?" Undine suddenly shouted. "That bothersome old man told me that..." One of the scientists cleared his thought rather loudly and it seemed that Undine received the signal, as her complaints became inaudible mutters. A loud groan was heard and then a long sigh. Richter snickering in the back. "Right. Well then..." She started again, this time sounding much more annoyed. "...show her the gun."

One of the aids pulled out a suitcase from underneath the table. Opening it up revealed a wide unfamiliar weapon. The chassis of the gun was stacked three times as high as a rifle but was half the length. Rather than loading bullet by bullet it had magazines that slipped in underneath from the side. The metal itself was pure white, a light undertone of faint blue.

"This gun is the first of it's kind. Which is why for all testing purposes you will make note of every detail. All of it. Once it clears several things we can commence mass production." Talon's hand hovered over the gun then firmly grasped it and went through the motions of aiming and resting it. A few moments already gave enough time to appreciate the gun's weight and quality. "That will be the first condition."

Talon, who had taken a moment to glance over at the gun parts on the table suddenly snapped back to the radio. "First?"

Over the radio the sound of snapping fingers was heard. Just then the scientist on the console near the test tube began playing with the settings. Activating several of the buttons and pulling a few levers caused steam to rise from the tube near the bottom. The glass rose up and the glowing liquid seeped out into the small drains around it.

As Richter watched this he let out a couple chuckles. "Careful Lieutenant. Ya might grow a third arm." He mentioned, snickering at his own comment.

The scientist manning the console seemed to take offense to this. Turning his head around he pulled down his face mask to show a scowl. "Don't be absurd! This is not radioactive..." Putting his mask back on he turned back to the tube. "...any longer." He mumbled under his breath.

Richter's disposition dropping at this. "Wait. Wh- What did he just say?" He asked back up an inch closer to the double doors.

The more the liquid that drained the more a human-like figure came to fruition. In the tube stood a mechanical woman. Her core and head were organic, but the rest, made of an odd mix of stainless steel and clockwork machinery. From her shoulders down to her fingers and from her feet up, each limb prosthetic. A sleeveless custom tailored Deigleyain uniform. Possibly hemmed to avoid getting caught on the mechanical joints. There were a similar design for the uniform white slacks, which were shortened to right above the knees for the same reasons. The uniform's colorless white almost matching her pale skin tone.

As the tube continued to drain, her breathing became noticeable. Short rising and falls of her chest. Seeing more and more of her clearly painted the picture of a slim and frail girl. The tube almost fully drained, her eyelids opened to reveal a pair of calm magenta eyes. Their color in contrast to her straight light black hair. Cut to a somewhat awkwardly medium length, as if shortened because it was in the way. Her bangs crooked. The first thing Talon thought when seeing her, was how she resembled a worn doll.

Fully drained, the glass tube slowly began rising. "This will be the second tool for study." Undine's voice snapping Talon back to the radio. "Seeing as how the craftknight resistance is the major complication for our operations here, time and funding was put aside to create her. One of the more successful man-made guardian beasts. Through testing and recording it would reveal weaknesses and limitations, yada yada yada..."As Talon's mouth opened to speak, one of the aides handed over a folder. "This folder has summarized details about what it can and can't do. Please take the time to skim over it at the least. Not that it'll matter. This is pointless anyway. A waste of my time to say the least. Now now, I'm very busy so I will grant you a few words. If you have any questions please make them quick as I-"

Cutting her off, Talon spoke up. "I want a sling and bayonet for the gun." The sharp command keeping Undine silent for a moment.

The two scientists beside the tables shared a glance with one another. "A bayonet?"

"A thick, sturdy one." Talon spoke up again, clarifying. Without a moment's notice, both aids scurried over the table looking for the requested materials. Richter grinning at how quickly the two were thrown out of the professor's pace and into Talon's.

Just as the two scientists found the requested parts, the doors behind Richter slammed open. A soldier stood leaning on one of the doors and breathing heavily. One hand holding the back of his head, the other holding onto the door for support. "S-Somebody sound the alarm. We've been infiltrated. By at least two of 'em!"

_O_o_O_

Laughing, Ryuk took off the top the pilfered uniform and tossed it into one of the trash heaps. "Was that easy or what?" Dusting himself off, he threw his long coat back on.

Adjusting her vest back on, Alice pouted. "You were lucky. I thought we were in serious trouble back there."

Smirking, Ryuk left his back to the complex. He put his hood back on. "I accept nothing less than skill Alice." Looking down at the pile of trash beside him, two moderate sized slabs of black metal poked out. "This looks like the armor plating used on that war machine." He mumbled to himself, bending over and scooping them up.

Before either of them could do anything, two sets of footsteps came from behind. "Freeze!" One of the owners ordered. Keeping his back to them, Ryuk slowly raised both his hands over his head. Looking over, he saw Alice squirming as she tried to pull back. "I said freeze!" The voice shouted again.

With their attention engaged on Alice, Ryuk took a quick peak behind him then turned back around. It was the soldier he had brushed against before, an unknown woman with prosthetic limbs beside her. A small yet irregular chrome handgun aimed at his back.

"You're the two that broke in! Aren't you?" Talon shouted, keeping an eye on both of them. Alice remained silent in fear. Ryuk not answering in defiance.

Boldly, Ryuk took a step back, still not facing them. "Please..." He finally spoke up. "...this is all just a huge misunderstanding."

Taking another step back, Talon's stance stiffened. "That's enough!" Because of his duster, Talon couldn't identify any possibly hidden weapons. The Lieutenant inched closer ready to disarm him. "A misunderstanding? How so?"

Talon now directly behind him, Ryuk smirked. "I wasn't supposed to get caught!" He lowered one of his hands then knocked the handgun skyward, ducking as he did so. Out of reaction, Talon fired the gun into the air. Unsheathing his saber, Ryuk spun around with a fast horizontal cut. Talon retracted just in time and took aim again. Being quick yet cautious, Ryuk ran over to Alice and dragged her behind one of the trash piles for cover.

Holstering the handgun on the side, Talon swung the new weapon around and kept focus on the heap Ryuk lay hidden. "You must be a rebel. So talented at running away."

All of a sudden, Ryuk vaulted out from behind the cover and ran for an adjacent one in between them. The Lieutenant held down the trigger and a hail of bullets were shot forth in rapid success. Watching this, Ryuk gulped lunging into cover. Dozens of bullet holes littering the ground he had crossed in mere seconds.

Attracted from all the gun shots, Deigleyan soldiers began piling up on the wall overlooking the action. Richter eventually getting over pulled out the man in charge of the base. "Hey! Where are are all your men? Why weren't they guarding the facility?"

Flustered, the soldier in charge looked down in embarrassment. "M-Most of them just left. Searching the forest for rebels."

Grabbing the older man by the collar, Richter leaned in closer. "Well? What'cha waiting for? Call 'em all back. Party's just gettin' started!" He announced with a grin.

Throwing the man away, Richter leaned over the side of the wall, all his men readying their rifles. "What're we gonna do boss?" One of them asked.

Still grinning, Richter pulled out a rifle off his own from over his shoulder. Using the railing on the edge of the wall to steady it, he took aim over where Ryuk was hiding. "With the Lieutenant so close we'll have to play goal keep. If he tries to run, light him up. Until then, just stay ready."

Talon remaining stoic in waiting until a klang came from the one of the heaps from behind. Turning around, a led pipe bounced and rolled down. "Lieutenant! It's a distraction!" Richter shouted from above.

Eyes widening, Talon turned back around to see Ryuk sprinting straight ahead. He smirked, his blade drawn and held low near the ground, up close his stance tightened and he began an upward slash. "It's over! Why even fight when you have nothing to fight for?" He yelled as Talon pulled back then also tightened stances, pulling the weapon up and shifting the bayonet to take the attack.

Both gritted their teeth at the collision of steel. The force was so great, Ryuk's hood blew back, and Talon's loose cap flew off. Both staring each other face to face. Strong blue eyes meeting fierce gold. The Lieutenant's short trimmed hair now apparent. Having a clear look, the now more noticeable smooth skin and soft spoken voice finally clicked.

Staring as they were locked, neither budging an inch, Ryuk's eyes widened slightly. "Huh? Y-You're my age? You're a girl?"

Richter who was tracing Ryuk in his sight up until now, became agape. "Hold on. What did the rebel just say?"

Rather than answering right away, Talon started pushing Ryuk slowly back. "A soldier must have conviction." She suddenly said, bringing up what the craftknight had barked earlier. "A soldier, before even picking up her first fire-arm must have unconquerable resolve. Nothing to fight for? How foolish. A soldier with no reason for fighting has no place on the battlefield!" Talon roared pushing Ryuk away with a push of her gun.

Still watching, Richter's eyes widened as if in a trance by the Lieutenant's worlds.

Being thrown back, Ryuk's eyes wide in disbelief. "Pushed back by a Deigleyain? N-No way!" He ran back up and performed a series of slashes in quick succession. Each blocked or deflected away. Overextending on the last strike, he performed a spinning back kick aimed at her head. Talon pulled back, the heel of his boot hovering just over her cheek. Talon spun her gun around and knocked Ryuk away with a hit to the gut with the butt of the weapon.

Just when Ryuk was about to charge back in, Talon swapped the gun right side up and took aim. Forced to retreat, he ran back to the trash heap he had stuck Alice briefly before. As he did, several stray bullets rained around him from above on the wall.

Getting into cover, he slid down and took a few deep breaths. Looking over, he saw Alice worriedly looking over him. "Don't worry we'll get outta here." He assured standing back up."You're pretty young to be in the army, ain't ya?" He teased from behind the heap.

Inching to the side, Talon kept her weapon ready. Her eyes focused for the slightest movement. "You look the same age to me. Are you really in a position to talk?"

Smirking, Ryuk stood up and drew his revolver. Holding it out to Alice, she nodded in understanding. Hovering her hands over it she bathed it in a red light. "Y'know, I guess you're right." Ryuk shouted in a more relaxed sounding tone. "Guess that makes us rivals then. Tell ya what, let's see if I can't destroy all of the Deigleya before you make captain!"

Lunging around the side, Ryuk held out his revolver in front of him. Pulling the trigger, a massive fire ball was launched directly at the young soldier. The revolver chassis and barrel combusting in his hand. Her eyes widening, she took a knee. "Now!" She ordered. The mechanical woman who had been standing off to the side sprung into frame and stood in front of the fast approaching projectile. Holding her arms wide, her eyes lit up and in a split second, a hollow dome of water surrounded the two of them. The impact of the forces caused dust to rise up from all around them and cloud the area in a smoke screen.

Still smirking, Ryuk looked over what was left of his gun. Only a handle left, he laughed and tossed it into one of the piles beside him. "Well, served it's purpose I guess."

Looking over where he had fired he let out a gasp. Alice seeing this, peered over the side and did the same. The sphere shield of water, undamaged and still standing, almost seeming untouched. The woman lowering her arms, the shield dissipated with it.

Gritting his teeth, Ryuk backed up. "Damn..." He reluctantly chuckled. "...I blew it."

Alice turned sharply to him at this. "What?"

The ground began to shake. Both Talon and Ryuk glanced around looking for the source. From behind the Lieutenant plowed the war machine from inside. It's cannon aimed over Talon and right for Ryuk. Talon's expression fell a bit at it's presence. "How unnecessary."

Taking another step away while the Lieutenant was distracted, he glanced to his partner. "Do you trust me?"

Seeing the serious look in his eyes, Alice slowly nodded. "Yeah." With a sly grin, Ryuk bowed his head slightly.

_O_o_O_

Laying flat on her stomach on the cliff side they had all warped to earlier this morning, Anya peered through her sniper scope that had a clear view of the outpost and the war machine. She played with a crank on the side and the scope turned ever so accurately and precisely. Pushing a button on the side, a fork shaped antenna unfolded from the top and pointed up at the sky. "Zigbur begin the charge." Beeping excitedly, his body began sparking and he grabbed both sides of the fork. Just grabbing it, the base of cylinder the sniper barrel began rotating. The longer it was held the faster it turned. A blinding light building and shining out of the tip of the barrel.

Adjusting the crank again, the cross hair now directly over the tank. "The exhaust ports on the back are it's weak point?" Moving her hands over the trigger she held it with both hands. "What a flawed design!" She shouted putting all her strength to pulling the trigger. With a boom of light and sounds of thunder, the sniper fired and in a blink of an eye shot out a concentrated beam of electricity. Hitting the exhaust ports directly, they practically melted in a earth shaking explosion.

_O_o_O_

The bursting explosion caused Talon and all the others on the wall to shift over. The tank was gyrating and pumping out mass and small amounts of steam irregularly. After a few moments, it ceased operation all together.

Turning back around, Talon saw no sign of Ryuk or Alice. Gasping, her eyes dodged around until she spotted them making a B-line for the riverbed. Ryuk dragging her along by the wrist.

Taking a knee, Talon shot out a few bursts at them. Due to being unfamiliar with the weapon, all the shots deviated far from their target. Many of Richter's men were disrupted from the war machine and were forced to aim again. Those that weren't, were rushed to the point of missing completely.

Close to the river, Ryuk jumped, taking Alice with him. Pulling her closer as they fell, bullets began hitting the water all around where they were landing. He held her close and tight before diving and sinking into the swift river that dangerously carried the duo downstream.

Talon sprinted near the riverbed but immediately saw how fast the water was running. Looking down into the forest she saw how endlessly long the river seemed to go on for and she bit the corner of her lip. The pointlessness of giving chase becoming apparent.

Up on the wall, laughed the Sargent. Frivolously leaning on the edge as all the other men seemed disappointed. The higher up from before just coming back, ran up to him. "As per your instructions I've called back the men."

Glossily looking over to him, Richter cocked his head. "Huh? Why would you do something like that? The rebel just escaped into the forest. Tell 'em to head back."

"Y-You're joking?" The soldier chocked out, his mouth agape. Without doing anything else, he spun around then ran back the way he came to readdress his men. As Richter's eyes followed him as he let out a few small snickers.

_O_o_O_

The novice craft pair had just washed up on shore next to the log. Alice was on the ground coughing up some water while Ryuk rummaged through his pockets. Both of them drenched, soaking wet.

"You alright?" Ryuk asked, pulling his pocket watch out. Opening it up he frowned to see the second hand now infinitely ticking between the twenty-two and twenty-three. He couldn't help but roll his eyes. "It can last generations of tradition, but can't take a little water." He mumbled under his breathe before sticking it back in his coat.

Her coughing becoming less violent, Alice sat upright. "I'm alright. I think." Looking over at her master she saw him now fiddling with his radio. "Why did you wait so long to get us on land? Was the current too strong or something?" As she asked, she began wringing out her ponytail like a cloth.

"No not really. Besides, I already told you why. Remember?" Playing with the dials all he ever got back was static of different volumes.

Alice arched an eyebrow up at him. "Already told me? When did you..." She paused thinking back for a second. "I remember you telling me you couldn't swim. But you said that was a lie."

Ryuk glanced over his shoulder for a brief second. "Yeah, that was the lie." He corrected before turning back around, still messing with their only form of communication.

Her jaw dropped and she grew a face of surrender. She looked away to let out a sigh. "You lied about a lie? You really do just like messing with me, don't you?"

Still keeping his back to her Ryuk spoke up again. "When a reliable person is nearby, danger always seems further away." Alice expected him to explain more so, but he never did.

"...heLLo? I... saiD cAn yo... ..ear mE?" Jin's voice came, fighting through the static of the bulky device.

Smiling Ryuk held the button down on the side and turning back over to his partner. "Jin! Yeah, we got a signal. We're alright. Radio's pretty banged up though."

"...ood. C-Co..e on... b-b-b-ack." With a loud buzz the radio suddenly shut off. A small black smoke coming out of the side.

Hesitantly, Ryuk slid the device back into his pocket. "It's a good thing wet cloth doesn't burn."

_O_o_O_

Appearing in a ray of light, the group warped back into the saloon basement. Tyson was near the kitchen and was reading a newspaper. His head propped up with his right hand, the elbow on the counter top. He glanced over noticing them but didn't say anything.

Ryuk walked over to the crates under the stairs with his hands in his pockets. A furrowed brow, he turned to the largest crate and gave it a swift kick his his boot. Still yet satisfied, he pulled back and did it a few more times.

Tyson watching his brooding actions he arched an eyebrow. "What's wrong with the brat?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Jin collapsed backward on the couch. Kicking his legs up on the armrest. "Beats me." He replied, scratching his nose. "The mission was a success. Dunno why he's mopin'."

"It wasn't a victory for me." Ryuk shot back, giving the crate one last kick before turning around to everyone else. "I looked like a fool out there. By that damn... that... that wannabe pretender! It's a mockery that's what it is! It's a stain against tradition. A Deigleyain thinking she's a craftknight."

Anya who was on her way to her work bench suddenly stopped to face Ryuk right after his short rant. "What? Since when do you care about tradition? And last time I checked you're also a stain Ryuk. You use guns remember?" Ryuk frowned, getting caught with his words. Anya groaned crossing her arms. "You're just like a kid throwing a tantrum."

Turning back Ryuk folded his arms as well and hunched over slightly. "No you." He came back with sarcastically. When Tyson let out a deep sigh in the corner he seemed to have reminded Ryuk that he was there. "That's it Tyson, I do need more training. We'll have a duel tomorrow at dawn!" He proclaimed all of a sudden.

Tyson never even looked up from his paper. "No."

Ryuk stood back up straight and started fixing his hair. "I'll have to work on my swings. I spend too much time thinking about my slices. I'll have to start acting more on instinct."

Still in the midst of reading an article, Tyson glanced over at the young knight. "You're not even listening to me, are you?"

"Alice!" Ryuk called, completely abandoning the older male.

"Oh! Y-Yes?" She responded, not expecting to be called upon.

Walking over by her he pulled out some of the black metal chunks from his coat. "We're gonna make a replacement gun right away. We'll reinforce it so that it can endure three-. No. Four of your enchantments."

Alice stared up at him. "Can we really do that?"

Smirking, Ryuk began juggling the the two chunks with one hand. "Of course! I'm the exception to all expectations!" He boasted, ending with a cheeky grin.

Persuaded, Alice smiled and nodded, letting out a small giggle. "He he. Okay!"

_O_o_O_

Returning to Steel Will, Talon and her new partner were promptly escorted to her quarters on one of the upper floors. The room was small and compact. Expected, seeing how many soldiers were trained and stationed there. The room had only two things. A small cot, and a desk that already had a mountain of paperwork on it.

Sitting down by the desk, Talon tried processing as many forms as she could. In the middle of one of the forms, she turned around to find her partner sitting across the room and sitting on the edge of her cot. Remaining stationary with barely any eye movements.

The awkward tension rising between the two, Talon spun around to address her fully. "You did well today. You should feel proud." A bit uncertain about using the word feel, she looked away for a moment. Her partner nodding in response.

Looking away again, Talon sighed lightly to herself. "Well thank you for today. Belle."

The half-mechanoid tilted her head slightly at her new name. Talon, picking up the folder she was handed at the lab, opened it up as she explained. "Over the section which listed your name, there was a smudge. Be... was the only thing legible, so..."

"Belle is fine." She spoke up in a monotone mechanical tone. "While in the lab I was refereed to only by the subject, you are free to refer to me as you wish, sir." Her face expressionless as she responded.

Nodding, Talon started playing with her pen. "So, at night, will you be staying here or...?"

Remaining stationary, Belle was quiet for a few seconds. "No. While not accompanying you I am to be monitored in the Steel Will laboratory."

Nodding again, Talon put her pen back down. "I see. That's probably for the best." Her finger tapping nervously on her desk. Acting far less confident than when on an assignment.

Knock knock knock. Talon practically jumped up into a stand then marched to her door. Opening it, Richter stood leaning on the doorway with a carefree smile. "Yo, Lieutenant."

Talon's rather awkward presence was quickly replaced with mild annoyance. "Oh, it's you Sargent. What are you doing here?"

Instead of saying anything he just handed over a letter. Talon grabbed it then began reading it in front of him. Richter still just leaning there, watching her, not at all off put by her mildly rude gesture. Her eyes widened looking back up at him. "They're giving me my own squad?" She shouted in disbelief. "Who's squad?"

Richter shrugged looking over his knuckles. "Keep readin'." Just as Talon looked back down at the letter, Richter strolled past her and into her room. Taking a quick look around he spotted Belle sitting in the back. He gave a slight wave but received nothing in return.

"Your squad?" Talon shouted again in surprise. Looking up, she found Richter had left the doorway and turned around to find him in her room.

"That's right." He said with a chipper smile. "Let's work well together from now on, my Lieutenant."

---

Authors Notes:

Tenses: Deigleyan's (Singular Possessive) / Deigleya (Plural) / Deigleyain (Singular Person) ...maybe?

I've stated before my unwillingness to make this a very long story. I've realized however condensing it would do it far worse. So, I've decided to break up the story into arcs. Posted above chapter 1's title now reads: A Craftknight's Promise. The name of the first arc, which will span from chapters 1 – 8. Arc two: A Craftknights Duty, would be chapters 9 – Fin. While I intend to end on Arc I's climax. I think it will do nicely as a temp. ending. Should my interest return, I can come back and conclude it.

Ages of introduced characters, thus far:

Zigbur – Roughly 90 years since creation

Hallowright – Mid 40's

Jin – Late 30's

Sophia – Mid 30's

Tyson – 18

Richter – 17

Ryuk – 15

Alice – 15

Talon – 15

Anya – 12

Belle – Several months since (re)creation

See you later and as always, Read, Review, and Enjoy!

Deleted scene:

Ryuk, sighing slightly, still disheveled about the mission, leaned on the counter top. "Actually, while I was in there Alice and I did find an entire box full of maid uniforms."

Jin, in the midst of having a glass of water, spit it out like a geyser. "M-Maid uniforms!" Immediately, at his clear excitement, everyone in the room all turned to him. At notice he let out an awkward cough. "Ah hem. Well, uh... I-I mean, maid uniforms? H-How odd."

Narrowing her eyes, Sophia scowled. "Pig."

Coming soon...

- TEAS Chapter 5: Not so Black and White