Those Who Shake the World

by Black Howling0

A story revolving around the lives, deaths, and births of Ravens. Ultimately telling the tale of a Raven named Zen. Format Update is now in effect from Chapter 13 and up. Keeping my now Ancient promise with 36. 37 got corrupted so, yeah, it'll take time.

36. World Shaking part 2

Chapter 36: World Shaking (Part 2)

Act: 1

The innards of the lost Gehenna class warship echoed with familiar sounds; the sounds of euphony for a vessel created for the sole purpose of death and destruction. Proto Exus stood battered within another familiar chamber, its once vibrant crimson a shade darker from the energy burns the machine now wore. Elza's heart raced as she jerked the controls hard to the left, evading a slash meant for her AC's M2-carrying right arm. The sight of the Pulverizer's quad legs made her think of what had just happened to her friend. "Sachko..." she whispered in her rage, quickly squeezing out the tears the moment they came to a fill, allowing her suit's cooling to dry her burning eyes.

Proto Exus scored with a missile salvo on the Pulverizer madly stomping after it, destroying its back cannons in the process. This was one of the tactics recommended in the mission contract, and for the most part it was working. "Damn monsters…"

"Elza, I've taken down my control devices!" Baron called through the static. "You've got our last one. Get it done and get over here!"

"I'm trying!" Elza decided to ignore the damaged quad and boosted for the control device imbedded within the wall in the distance, acquiring a manually lock with her Silky. "Uaack!" A blast rocked her AC from behind, sending it into a violent stumble which was broken by a quick decision to take flight. Proto Exus clumsily rocketed into the air as more beams were fired by the new quad appearing on the scene.

"Elza, I'm on my way!"

"No, don't be foolish! The mission-"

"The others are already closing on the rendezvous. There isn't much resistance on my side. Elza, together we can make it!"

"Go on ahead! I can make it on my own..."

"But, Elza!"

"Don't waste time, Baron! Don't worry..." Proto Exus evaded the rounds the only cannon-wielding quad could launch, returning a shower of M2 and Silky rounds into its earlier opponent's Core, sending the already damaged unit into a dying squat. "I'm not giving up my ghost until this mission is a success... Not until..."

A scarred Blood Feud killed its Over Boosting charge down the corridor and spun around, skidding out a wave of sparks in the process. "Grrr... Copy that..." Baron muttered as the dark red mech aborted the rescue and took off to meet with the survivors.

Despite being alone, a barely damaged Clown Face was closest to the meeting point, boosting down a large corridor and taking down turrets about the walls. Thanks to his AC's highly customized Core, Omega reserved the hanger sections for extra ammo belts and grenade clips for his AC's arm weapons. These illegal modifications had saved his hide on a number of occasions, and this one was no different. Omega's icy eyes narrowed at the sight before him; yet another Pulverizer stood in his path. "Hmph... Just because you got lucky against Ten Ton..." Omega evaded the beams the tank Pulverizer launched at him as his reverse-joint AC used its powerful legs to leap high into the air.

A few grenade rounds put the tank's back cannons to rest, and before the Pulverizer got even ten yards into the air, Clown Face crashed down upon it with enough force to slam the metal beast back to the metal floors. The snow camo AC slowly raised and aimed its arm-mounted launcher at the Pulverizer's head. "Don't get cocky..." Omega declared in an unimpressed air.

BOOM!!!

The point-blank blast was enough to destroy the Pulverizer's head and enough of the Core to put the unit out of commission. The rabid attack also claimed a bit of Clown Face's AP and a couple of fingers in the process. Clown Face leapt from the flaming remains and continued onwards, trailing streamers of smoke down the corridor. The statement was worth the self-inflicted damage. It was for Ten Ton; it was for his comrades.

Within the deepest of control device housing rooms, Silverback darted across the chamber in a familiar pattern, and though more fluid in its physical ability to move, it still wasn't as speedy as Sin Replica. Slashed and burnt, the mech had crushed one of its globe-like shoulders, no doubt the result of a desperate melee attack. "This is the end of you!" Zen yelled as he fed a rushing quad Pulverizer a full helping of Kinnara warheads and machine gun fire, causing it to violently explode. He didn't need to be told that Monsoon had been scanned, copied, and done away with; the appearance of the unit was enough. As were the movements the bipeds were starting to display, moving much like how Leaf was known to.

Even Abyss' powerhouse charges had been stolen by the tank Pulverizers. First combat styles, and now physical properties were being adjusted by the AI. The machines were already evolving from the battles, and spawning much faster than predicted. Cold as it was, Zen had decided to disregard the open calls of his comrades upon noticing only two control devices left, one in his charge. Their calls, roars, and death screams that broke through the static, they wouldn't do anything but cause his already 'tainted' emotions to force him into making reckless decisions that would only interfere with the success of the mission.

Unlike Andra's S class N.C.C, Zen's nanomachine-wired brain was B level, and therefore didn't have access to the functions that allowed one to completely suppress or erase their acquired memories and the emotions that came with them; and after his experiences in this generation, he doubted that he would ever want to. "Last one..." Zen whispered to himself as Silverback skyrocketed towards its final control device, which was situated high atop a connecting bridge within the chamber. The Ancient allowed his mech's Exceed Orbits the honor of crushing the target, which crumbled in on itself before exploding. The rest was up to Elza, whose signal was still going strong. She would succeed; he had no doubts.

Zen looked at the map his radar displayed, his dark eyes becoming sharper with each scanning interval. He never intended to go back and join the group for a mass charge into the Internecine. If he fell, he would sure as hell cause enough damage for them to finish the job. Silverback's boosters howled and erupted with azure flames which sent the mech racing towards what appeared to be the corridors leading to the core. Upon entering yet another large chamber, the area was immediately bombarded by a series of energy blasts and armor-piercing missiles.

Silverback dashed across the field, firing at the origin with its machine guns and EO. Clearing the jungle of fire and armor-stripping domes of energy, Silverback escaped into the air and finally got a glimpse of its attacker. This Pulverizer was clearly evolved, and in a way that Zen had seen in his days back on Mars. The wide tri-star eye, cannon arms, and flattened legs. "Anti Moth type Pulverizer: Red Butterfly... The Internecine copied the Moths that destroyed the Pulverizer outside the canyon that day... So, you've known what's been going on this entire time... assessing the situation all along despite only being a stage one version..."

The Pulverizer's eye flickered as it ran a scan on the black AC en route and its head suddenly began to twitch upon completion. "The order! The order!! THE ORDER!!!" Desperately as it tried, the unit seemed confused with 'The Order' that had recently been stitched onto its electronic brain. An order it couldn't fully fathom for its lack of memory storage, leaving only the most basic of rules to be followed: To destroy. The same type of Pulverizer that attacked Leaf and Abyss, this machine used its swift speed and weapon arms to the shoot down its prey, which bravely continued to charge forward as it evaded the incoming fire.

A daring smile formed on Zen's face, his eyes now becoming that of the predator for the first time since entering the spaceship. "But, you're no Moth..." Looks like the Internecine still hasn't decided on an adequate model. No, not with so many 'new' units about. We've got to hurry before the next batch evolves from our combat data and is combined with that of the Red Moths'.

Almost sensing a ploy at hand, the Pulverizer backed off while continuing its barrage. Silverback soared even higher, nearly touching the ceiling of the massive chamber and leaving the Pulverizer to play sharpshooter from below.

As Silverback circled the higher region of the chamber, the atmosphere started to change. Tiny sparkles began to appear amidst the radiant energy fire being sent forth by the skating Pulverizer. It was a forecast that not even this machine could have predicted. The area became victim to a hailstorm of contact mines, the volatile globes clinging to the Pulverizer's frame and the floor. Evolution hadn't progressed enough for this unit to avoid them all, and the explosives spheres did just that, exploded.

Like a trail of destruction unleashed by a bomber, the explosions systematically went off, tossing the Pulverizer back and forth with each detonation. As the smoke cleared, Zen discovered the Pulverizer hadn't been completely totaled, battered as it was. The unit's weapon arms had been mangled, and it no longer possessed the ability to hover. Zen didn't consider the unit worth another second of his time, because he knew why it was so easy to defeat, and with that, took off for the next gate. However, the Pulverizer didn't seem to like the idea of being left for dead, taking off on its legs at full speed across the chamber and cutting Silverback off just before the exit.

Unlike the previous version of this weak form of Anti Moth Pulverizer, this one revealed a surprise the other hadn't gotten the chance to. The unit fell to a knee as Silverback came to a stop with guns ready. "DESTROY!!!" the deranged unit roared as a large cannon folded from its back and locked overhead, the large weapon masking the Pulverizer's face. A series of massive grenade rounds began booming from the barrel, forcing Silverback to once again escape into the air. The old age unit was incredibly determined; not to win, but to buy its maker more time.

Zen growled at this fact as Silverback was knocked aside by the force of an exploding shell. He knew the battle was taking up too much time. Every second allowed the Ravens' suitors more time to put their faces on. That's why they had allowed the Ravens to get this close, but no matter how deadly this next batch would be, it was clear that Zen's ETA had been underestimated. Zen had set his own arrival time, and he wouldn't be late; not this time. "Get..." Zen started as his rushing Silverback revealing a Kinnara along with its duel guns and Exceed Orbits.

"Out of my way!!" Elza soulfully finished as if hearing Zen's words in the heat of her own battle, firing a final missile storm on the quad Pulverizer that had gotten in the path of her real target. The attack made the Pulverizer fall from the air like an insect fried by a bug zapper, allowing Proto Exus to toast the final control device with streams of Silky energy. Upon its destruction, the lights throughout the vessel released their crimson hold on the ship and returned to normal fluorescence; wall turrets fell silent, and all gates parted with a welcoming chime.

"CONTROL DEVICES DAMAGED. SWITCHING MODES." the ship AI declared in response to the event. The first stage of the mission had been completed, and though many sacrifices had already been made in order to accomplish it, this was just the beginning.

The Ark, still waiting for hell, was guarded by multiple ACs which had taken up positions around the massive cylinder shaped fortress. Situated atop it, the elite; the old school. At the northern end, Fox Eye stood proud among its fellow ACs, a new and massive duel missile launcher secured upon its back. It had been sometime since she engaged in combat outside of schooling, but Amanda had entered her cream-colored, lightweight AC, Swift: a Mirage-framed, biped sniper, equipped with a blade, rockets, and the now illegal Crow extensions.

Making nest on the southern end, Swift hadn't received a single exterior upgrade since its construction back in the days of Global Cortex and Layered. It didn't need to, as her skills remained sharp from years of teaching and training the newer Ravens at the Ark and Ravens' Academies. Taking up the west was Sight Hawk. A Dragon laser in its left, a hefty M2 in its right, the rocket and missile pack sporting lightweight was more than ready for the show, and its pilot said nothing as he patiently awaited the enemy, which he knew would come. The east belonged to the most heavily armed and armored tank in the entire Ark: Iron L-0W75.

Decked out with a Karasawa, linear rifle, rail cannon, heavy missiles, and only the toughest of frame parts, Iron was not only considered the ultimate tank by sheer appearance; Iron was also the Arks second ranker, a single step ahead of even Jack-O, and only a few points from a shot at Genobee's Top-Ranker title. If that weren't enough, the rust-brown monster had never failed a mission, ever. The well-aged, stone-faced pilot stroked his grey beard as he studied the enemy types displayed on his main monitor, showing absolutely no signs of concern.

"As much as I hate to sound retro..." Amanda said to her comrades, her AC's head looking to the dull and troubled skies. "A storm is coming."

"We'll weather it." Jack-O responded, his eyes scanning his monitors, each displaying a feed from a selected Raven taking part in the city defense missions. In face of the threat, Attilis, Crest, and Shijumo were all being nested by Ravens, who were taking positions at key locations within each city. The news of the unauthorized intrusions had spread like wildfire throughout the media, military, and of course, the corporations. Fox Eye's computer was flooded with calls from every possible faction, except for Kisaragi, who was well aware of the situation. Brushing his hair behind his armored shoulders, Jack-O finally decided to respond to the most important caller. "Veronica..."

"So, you've made your move!" Victoria snapped the moment her face appeared on the screen. "And at a time like this... I thought you were smarter, Jack... From the most basic standpoint, attacking when the target is at its weakest is indeed the textbook response, however..." Victoria bit down at the fury that continued to build within her.

"Are you finished, Veronica?"

Defiant as she was, Victoria's eyes almost trembled at his callow response. From her office window ACs could be seen soaring across the sky above the city, landing in the streets and upon helipads atop buildings, two machines even roosting upon her own tower. The city defense force was up in arms, but had no choice but hold back from attacking, for the ACs had used standby mode to sneak into the city and take up their positions. A battle now would take the lives of thousands of civilians. The same could be said for Crest, while Shijumo's military welcomed the Ravens with open arms.

"Veronica..." she muttered at the Raven's manner. "Hmph... You were a loyal soldier of Mirage for many years, like your predecessors. The men in your family have always been bound to their honor... But with this single action, you tarnish all of that..."

"Are you finished?" Jack-O asked once more, his tone still frigid.

Victoria's teeth clenched behind a forced smile, as she'd never felt so belittled in her entire life, nor had anyone been in a position to do so. It made her angry, obviously, but for some reason it also made her want to laugh out loud. The completeness of such a position was a new experience for her and she didn't truly know how to respond to it. "Not by a long shot..." she replied with a rare sneer.

Jack-O nodded, "Good."

Victoria gasped, "What?"

"The job given to these Ravens is to protect the cities and their inhabitants with their very lives."

"From what!?" Then it hit her; there was no other threat that would require such a response. "Oh no... Don't tell me!"

"Correct. As we speak, Zen is leading a team into the Internecine in order to destroy the threat, however, if they should fail..."

"Zen!? He's alive?"

"That's right..."

"Why was I not alerted of this!? I have every right to know what's happening with my own territory!" Evangel, surely you saw. Why didn't you...? Victoria's eyes shut as she let out a classic sigh. "Reckless youth..."

"Excuse me?"

"Not you..." Victoria raised a brow at the man on screen and rethought the situation. "Then again..."

"It's come to our attention that the unmanned suicide weapons weren't completely sealed away as that man had originally claimed. It appears the machines had the ability to leave the mine at any moment via another route."

"That's horrible news! Why haven't they attacked!?"

"That, Veronica, is an unknown. What I do know is... if that man fails, the times will shift, for all. It has been suggested that you and your most worthy people take shelter. I take it Attilis has underground bunkers."

"No... Not in the sense you're speaking of. Attilis is the spire of hope and confidence of the people; a testament of our achievements and power. A bunker, you say?" Victoria hung her head somewhat as she found herself in a situation no normal entity could have brought about, even so, she continued on with her hollowing pride. "Why? Who would dare...? It's for that reason a protective dome was never built over this majestic metropolis..."

"Even the most powerful must learn to bury their heads in the sand sometimes."

"Hmph... Maybe so... If I had known these devices had the ability to leave the mine at anytime I would have launched regardless of the vote. However... If there is even the slightest chance of Zen and the others stopping them... If that does happen, I will personally be the one to push the button that will annihilate that place in the end." Victoria was called to her office window by her city's dire situation. She placed a hand upon the glass as she looked over what she and her people had built despite the odds. The thought of losing Attilis and its people almost brought her to tears. This place was also a tribute to her late husband's dream, as well as the person she'd become to accomplish such; a loving wife and assistant turned corporate sovereign.

"..." Jack-O didn't interrupt her moment. He knew despite her ability to handle most situations without allowing her emotions to get the better of her, she needed a few more seconds than usual to process this one.

Victoria held herself as she thought of what her husband would do. This stance was a rare yet undeniable giveaway to those closest to her. The Mirage CEO finally offered her eyes to the Raven after a nod, "As for taking shelter, I guess the lower levels of this building will do. They're several stories down, and are reinforced to a degree."

"If the towers of Mirage HQ fall your chances of survival aren't even worth calculating. I think it would be best to leave the city entirely."

"And go where? It's the same for everyone."

"That man suggested going back to Layered until the worst was over."

"LAYERED!?" Victoria shouted, the thought sending her a step back. "Is Zen out of his mind!? We would never suffer that shame again!"

"I understand. However, if the future is to survive, individuals such as you must not die. At least, not yet."

"I can't believe my mind is even considering such a thing..." Victoria mumbled as she went back to holding herself. "The place is inhabitable... However, if we took enough supplies..." She looked to the window once again, ignoring the calls she'd placed on hold an hour ago. She didn't like the ominous sky that had crept over her home. It was almost as if the world was preparing to punish her for ignoring its earlier warnings. "I just can't believe this... What have we done...?"

"What humans do." Jack-O answered. "The decision is yours to make. You will be alerted if the mission is a failure. The ETA of the weapons should be long enough to allow you time to get a decent number of people out. Now, I must explain the situation to Crest and the others." Jack-O nodded and closed communications.

"Layered... What have we done...? Yuen, what have I done...?"

After finally managing to get a transport pilot willing to take him to Circ-City, Q and his repaired (and finally named AC) were dropped off just outside of the dome-covered city. This dome, as well as the city, was still under construction, and it made Q wonder as to why it was taking so long to complete. It didn't matter now, so long as the dome was as strong as it looked; though, the gaping hole of incompleteness on the east side wasn't the most uplifting sight. As the fittingly named Pinchbeck boosted towards the gates leading into Navis' final home, Q opened a channel. "This is Mollycoddle calling from AC Pinchbeck! I'm a Raven here to assist in the defense of-"

As the front gates slowly opened, Q was cut off by a flurry of Finger-spawned stingers, several of the bullets tearing into his AC's Core. "Gugh! What the hell are you doing!?" Q barked as Pinchbeck boosted away, taking cover behind a sturdy rock formation. "I'm here to help!"

"What a pathetic excuse." a voice fired at the young Raven along with the rounds. From the darkness a single AC stomped out on quad legs. The mech sported desert camo, duel Fingers, and a nasty attitude.

It didn't take long for Q to figure who it was that attacked him, and the realization sent a chill down his spine. "R-Rim Fire!"

"Don't sound so shocked. You expected me to take part in Jack-O's little insurrection, did you? I left the Ark because I didn't care for such trivial goals."

"Trivial goals? Like trying to avenge your father?"

"Good one, boy. However, there is no longer a need for such a thing. Besides, I've grown beyond that. All I want is to crush anyone who dares make the claim of being powerful."

"Well, whatever... Jack isn't trying to take control."

"Stop with your lies, it's all over the Net. Ravens are invading all the corporate cities. It's the reason you're here. The fact he sent in one lowly Raven is proof of Jack-O's arrogance. I'll keep crushing the weaklings until the so-called Dominants start appearing before me. I'll hold this line until they're all slag beneath Bullet Life's feet."

That's right... he didn't receive the contract...

"Ha! Stalling will only buy you a few more seconds, boy. If I recall, were you not the one claiming to be the next Genobee?" Bullet Life's chain gun fell over its shoulder and began shredding the rocks Pinchbeck hid behind. "Show me what you can do."

"I don't care about the rules right now... Listen, I'm transferring the mission contract to you. Go over it before wasting another round, 'cause you just might need every one of them."

"Another ploy?"

"Go over it for yourself. If you have any brains as a Raven left you'll know that it's authentic."

Rim Fire scanned the contract details, a finger ever ready on the trigger. "Is this for real?"

"That's why I'm here. Be lucky I decided to come here on my own. Jack didn't even make Circ-City a defense priority."

"Bloody hell, so after all that fighting for the place it's gonna blow up right in our faces. I must admit, I love the karma. Ha ha. If only you could be here to see this father. Ha ha hah ha!"

"This is no time to be laughing!"

"It may not be for you, but I find this situation highly entertaining." Bullet Life gave its back to the hiding AC and headed back through Circ-City's main gate. "Come out from there. I'll not be the one to kill you. Not as you are."

"How comforting..." Q responded with a sneer as Pinchbeck stepped out from behind the weakened rock and followed.

"So, you a Navis brat?"

"No."

"Then why risk it all here? I have my reasons, but you."

"I made a promise to protect someone... for someone..."

"A girl."

"Huh!?"

"Ha! Simple fool, it's already obvious. I don't care; so long as you can fight I'll let you in. There are already a couple of Ravens inside."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, REAL Navis brats. Come."

Shijumo, Kisaragi's main city, was under a state of martial law which the citizens respected, for they had never had a reason to doubt the ability of their corporate leader's orders. The people had put their lives on hold, and those that were able, made way to underground shelters located at various locations about the city. Tanks, MTs, ACs, and even a series of fighter jets and attack choppers were on standby, ready to defend the city at a moment's notice. Some were more anxious than others. "I can't stand it! I can't stand it!!" Trance continued to bark over the waves as Delirium stomped down the city streets, causing a severe case of irritation for several pilots about the city, the majority of them blocking out his communications all together.

"Dude, what the hell is your problem?" the pilot of the pink middleweight, Terpsichore, asked as Delirium stopped before his AC. "You really want these things to attack?"

"I wouldn't mind seeing what they can do against me, but that's not what's bugging me the most!"

"Wha? Then what else could it be?"

"It's you!"

"What!? Me?"

"That's right! Stealing my name like that! I'm Trance! Not you!"

"You've gotta freaking kidding me... Is that what this is about? Dude, how old ARE you?"

"Heh. Well, at least these clowns can keep us entertained until things start to heat up." Baka Mina chuckled to herself from within her orange quad, Gun Burst.

"You've got a point there, Mina." Star Struck replied from her reverse-joint AC. "Hopefully, alpha team will succeed. Afterwards it'll be easy money straight to the bank, right, Moon?"

"..." Moody Moon, the kind of Raven that wore a dark and mysterious persona, followed the routine to a T by ignoring her completely as his thin, blade-armed AC stood before Kisaragi HQ.

"I think we're the only ones here solely in this for the money, Star." Rich Stitch called from the black and silver reverse-joint known as Tablet.

Which is why you two will be the first to die if this goes down. First Star thought from his position upon a surprisingly sturdy a ledge just below the start of Kisaragi HQ's spear-like spire.

Crest's remaining military had finally gotten word down the wire that the Ravens were there to support them; though a small firefight did break out during their arrival which resulted in the destruction of several MTs. While Crest City had underground shelters for emergency situations, many of the citizens refused to hide underground; the people of Crest were just as gritty and stubborn as the corporation itself. Queen Bee had taken a position atop Crest HQ, a perfect place to spawn its orbits from. However, its pilot was far from a perfect place, her eyes wandering about the cockpit in a daze. "You're so stupid... Why didn't you kiss him? If he gets himself killed, then..." Big Momma shook off her worries for the eighth time. "Damn it, Gabby! Get a grip!"

"Hey, Starks!" a highly energetic Wry called from AC Ellis, a biped machine decked out with powerful energy weapons. "Don't let yourself get killed so you can chicken out of our rematch! Ya hear me!?"

Starks flipped his radiant blonde hair and shrugged at the call as his lightweight biped, Subterfuge, offered a glaring EYE to its nuisance. "Sorry, but battling against a lunatic is the least of my concerns right now..."

"Heh heh, so, you're scared of the bots, eh?"

"Not at all. That too is of very little concern..."

"Oh? Then what?"

"It's Elza, you buffoon. I'm worried about our administrator. Why would Jack allow her to go with the alpha team...? It's completely reckless. Yes, she's the Nine Breaker, but that doesn't mean she should be thrown to the wolves..."

"Give us a break, Starks. You just wanna have your way with her you perv." Star Flare chuckled from his position atop another building.

"Knock it off." Fastidious called from his AC, which stood beside Queen Bee atop Crest HQ's rooftop. "I know we need to keep ourselves active but let's do so without making light of the situation. We must keep our minds sharp and our reaction time even sharper. Crest City must not fall..."

The situation in Attilis was no different as Victoria found herself in yet another intense conversation, this time with Kisaragi. "I see... This isn't going to end well for anyone, is it?"

"I've already issued the order for Kisaragi's citizens to take shelter." Takeshi replied from the desk monitor as Tokishiro sat at his side. "And from what I've been told, several of Crest's citizens are starting to move as well. Veronica, you must..."

"As I told Jack, huge as it is, Attilis doesn't have the resources to shelter the people from such an attack. We have no bunkers capable of supporting so many. I don't intend to hide away..."

"That kind of pride will be the end of Mirage..." Tokishiro responded with troubled eyes. "Vivi, you can't stay there. Please, come to where we are. It's a safe distance from the potential targets; even more so, it's heavily fortified and has top-notch defense. I can have my jet there in fewer than thirty-"

"I truly appreciate the offer, Tokishiro. You knew all along that the weapons would have been able to intercept a nuclear strike, didn't you?"

"I did." he said with a comforting smile.

"So, that whole charade was just to..." Victoria couldn't help but return the smile for a brief moment. "Hmph... Maybe you are your father's son. Unfortunately, I must decline your generous offer, young Kisaragi. I will use all my resources to get as many clear of the city as possible."

"Vivi, millions of people live in Attilis, there's no way. Even we had to turn away vast numbers of people. What are you planning? If it's a mass migration, I'm against it. If the skies become dangerous, they'll just become targets. The people have a better chance in their homes."

"The entrance to Layered is only three miles from this city's eastern border." Tokishiro and Takeshi sighed in almost perfect synch. "As much as it breaks my heart, it's the best option for those willing to risk it. For those who don't want to wait to die in their homes..."

"And you, Veronica?" Takeshi asked, despite already knowing her answer.

"If Mirage is to fall, then I shall fall with it."

"Vivi, don't be like this. You are too important a person to be lost."

"Yes... That's what people keep telling me..."

"That's because it's the truth, Veronica. The future needs you."

It was the weirdest feeling, to have one's professional rivals try so desperately to save them. Others would be glad to see Mirage fall, but the fact the Kisaragi's genuinely wanted her to survive was enough to alter her decision. Always thinking ahead, Veronica knew that if the sky did indeed fall, it would be best to have Kisaragi there to offer a helping hand if they made it. "Fine... I'll have one of my own jets ready. AFTER I've evacuated those willing, as many as I can, I'll head not to where you are, but to Layered with my people."

"Veronica..." Takeshi sighed.

"Vivi, you can't!"

"It was my cruel and bold attempts to strengthen Mirage that helped bring this about. I will at least bare the shame for my sins and return to Layered. If I'm worth forgiveness, I'll survive..." Victoria, expressing genuine regret, looked to the Kisaragi's with a warm, fragile smile. "Right?"

"Yuen would have agreed that you leave this place. You know this..." Takeshi finished with another sigh.

"Yes, he would have. He would have sent me away, but you know that he would have stayed behind... as he did in Layered... Am I wrong, Takeshi? I may run the most powerful corporation in the known world, but I'm not some sniveling exec who puts their own well being before that of their responsibilities and people."

"That's not the case, Vivi. We know the kind of person you-."

"My mind is made up. There is nothing else to discuss regarding the matter. Now, I must tend to my people." With that, Victoria terminated communications and headed out of her office.

The entombed warship had gone silent, its control devices destroyed by the inhuman efforts of the best pilots in the business. The Pulverizers throughout the vessel paused momentarily, several of them going off-line completely for a few moments as the surviving Ravens came together at the meeting point. As discovered from the map, the large circular room appeared to act as a connecting point; one that offered a pathway to all areas of the ship, which explained the dozens of gates about the area. Four ACs had made it so far; battered and smoldering; the mechs still had a significant amount of fight left in them.

"So, this is it?" A morbid Surge called from Iron Horse. "We're all that's left?"

"No." Doc replied, taking advantage of his specialized radar. "We've got three more. Baron is-"

"Right here!" Blood Hound's pilot called as the Crest mech boosted into the room. "Elza's coming, but she doesn't want us to wait. They're hot on our tail, but thanks to those that didn't make it we've managed to get ahead of them."

"..." Silphe's normally sharp eyes grew dull at the comment. Losing Sachko had taken a significant toll on his desire for self-preservation. All that mattered for the Raven at this point was revenge.

I wonder if that's really the case... Doc thought, his mind never taking anything at face value. "Right..." he then said as he watched the large number of signals continue closing on their position. "They're coming..."

"What about Zen?" Baron asked.

"Looks like he's already on the move."

"He went alone!?" Baron gasped. Without a word Front Runner exploded down the corridor to aid Zen in the completion of the mission. "Hey!"

"He's got the right idea..." Omega said as Clown Face followed.

"Well, looks like someone's gonna have to hold this area for a while." Surge grumbled as he surveyed the remaining ACs. His being the last true Heavy, he grinned then scoffed, "Looks like that's me."

"You sure?" Doc asked.

"No..."

"Heh, I see. Baron, go on. I'll give Surge a hand."

"You guys sure about this?"

"No." Doc joked, sharing in Surge's morbid humor. "We've worked well together so far."

"Yeah... Look out for Elza." Baron said as the red AC turned around.

"Sure thing." Doc radioed back as Blood Hound shot off after the others.

"Well, looks like this is it." Surge whispered over the radio. "Life flashing before your eyes?"

"That happened about twenty minutes ago, considering I never expected that we'd even make it this far."

"Hm, you've got a point. They'll be on us in three minutes."

"Two, actually."

"Right."

"It seems that without the control devices their collective link with the ship's AI has been severed somewhat. They'll probably be acting more independently now, which might make it somewhat easier for us to last a bit longer than I had originally... Huh? What's this?"

"What is it now?"

"Pulverizer signals are vanishing. They're changing course, closing on a new area. They appear to be in conflict."

"They're fighting someone?"

"Looks that way. I can't get a read on whom though..."

"It's Elza. She's fighting her way here."

"I heard she was the Breaker in your Ark, but this... No way... The signals are dropping like flies..."

"Yeah, that's our administrator." Surge proudly called.

"No, you don't get what I'm saying. This level of offence is literally impossible for an AC." Doc's eyes trembled at the idea of what could possibly be destroying the Pulverizers with such speed. The signals continued vanishing at an alarming rate; over fifty Pulverizers were gone in only two minutes, while the others began to bring their movements to a complete halt. Doc could almost sense the very fear emanating from the now immobile blips on his AC's monitors. That fear only intensified as the blip that conducted this fear made way to their position.

Surge had his tank turn about, facing the parted gates that began spewing forth the intense fumes of a battle that only mechs could bring about. "Took you long enough..." Surge said with a proud smirk behind his helmet to who he thought was Elza. However, it wasn't the Nine Breaker. Instead, a hulking silver figure of alien design casually hovered into the room, its tri-star visor scanning the two ACs before it.

"More Inferiors..." the Silver Moth said in a disappointed tone. This machine's AI had been tailored after its previous pilot, who had LINKed with the machine on several occasions. A natural function, as it made the AI's more compatible with their once masters, and at the same time, allowed their own AI the ability to evolve.

"What the hell is this!?" Surge barked as Iron Horse lowered a grenade launcher. An event the Silver Moth directed its eye to.

"It's nothing like the Pulverizers... A different caste of machine? One that is in conflict with the others? Can this be one of the units that fought against this faction so long ago? Is it manned? No... That can't be. It's gotta be AI, and from the sound of it, a highly sophisticated one." Doc's brain was already at work, and that fast he came up with a desperate, yet genius idea. At least, he thought it was. "Wait!" he called to the unit, which now gave his AC a gaze upon doing so. "You said that we are inferiors, correct?"

"That is correct." the Silver Moth replied.

"Meaning, we are of no threat to you. Am I correct to say this as well?"

"Doc, what the hell are you doing!? None of that matters! It's not human!" Surge yelled as he prepared to fire.

"NO!" Doc shouted in protest as Iron Horse unleashed volleys of grenade and linear rifle rounds at the unit, the majority being deflected by its Primal Armor. Suddenly, from the darkness of the corridor they came; three lances shot past the Silver Moth and easily pierced Iron Horse through its once heavily-armored Core. "Surge!"

"It is futile to attack with such primitive devices. The outcome of this battle should be clear to even an Inferior, a sheep."

"That's where you're wrong..." a thought to be dead Surge suddenly gargled through his slightly blood-filled helmet. Partially skewered by one of the lances that now decorated his cockpit, the Raven wouldn't let go just yet, his able arm reaching for the remaining control stick. "No matter how grim the odds, there's one thing a human has that makes us more than you'll ever be. That which will forever make you the inferior..."

"Curious..." the Silver Moth replied as its eye flickered with interest, "and what would that be?"

"An unbreakable soul!" Iron Horse began firing its linear gun madly along with its sparking back cannon. As before, the majority of the rounds were defeated upon touching the Moth's energy barrier, however, a linear shell did manage to score against its face, which left a smoldering burn mark upon the unit's anti-energy based metals.

"A very poetic entry, yet a pointless one none the less..." the Silver Moth replied as it scratched away the ash with one of its jagged fingers. The Moth then raised a palm towards the attacking tank AC which struggled towards it on shattering treads.

Doc was paralyzed by it all. The unit, his comrade's actions, it all left him in a place where not even his valued intellect would matter. "Surge... Stop... It's pointless to attack such a thing..." The thought of even a quarter of this unit's potential had thrown Doc into a rare state of mental weakness.

Suddenly, what appeared to be some sort of lens on the base of the Silver Moth's palm began to shimmer. This shimmer soon began to form upon Iron Horse's Core, which suddenly, and inexplicably, crushed in on itself, instantly killing the pilot within and leaving a mangled mess of smoking metal, which almost resembled a balled up piece of unwanted paper.

"H-How...?" Brainwash began stomping back in reverse as the Silver Moth hovered its way. Panicked, but still thinking of a way to make contact with the silver devil, Doc had his AC drop its weapons in surrender. The Silver Moth seemed intrigued by the action and came to a pause, tilting its massive crown slightly. "W-What is it you wish?" Doc asked in a respectful tone.

"Very good." the Silver Moth replied in an equal tone. "I must obtain more data. Of this era... Of the Order's impact on the masses who were routed. Where does the world stand?"

"The Order? I'm not sure what that means, however, I'm positive I can provide you with everything you wish, so long as you stop attacking us Inferiors."

"Interesting..." the Silver Moth replied as it looked towards one of the gates in the background.

Suddenly, a charred Proto Exus, accompanied by a flush of black fumes, slid into the room as the bruised AC's pilot panted wildly in her cockpit. "What the?"

"Elza, don't make any sudden movements!" Doc warned.

"Moth? Silver Moth..." The words had very little vocal support, and were more mimicked than spoken aloud. After a gulp of pure fear, time seemed to stand still for Elza as Proto Exus froze in its near kneeling position at the sight of the large and crowned devil in the center of the room.

"TOP PRIORITY HAS CHANGED... SILVER MOTH ACTIVE! ALL PULVERIZERS WILL ENGAGE THE ENEMY! THE UNIT MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO REACH THE CORE!"

Silverback came to a screeching halt at the ship AI's announcement. "Can it be? Andra!?" Then, a more realistic factor struck him. "Or..."

"Elza, it seems we can reason with it!" Doc called.

"What? Are you serious?"

"Andra! Andra, is that you!?" Zen called through the static-filled waves.

"Zen!" Elza cried out in response. "Zen, it's not her! You have to hurry and destroy the Internecine!"

"Elza, but-"

"That voice pattern!" the Silver Moth almost grunted out. "How? Zenobis Wards is still functional?" The singed yet sparkling beast then turned its attention to Proto Exus, who came to a defensive stand in response. "And you... The relief in your voice as you called his name. You are working with Zenobis?"

Elza could almost feel the machine's violent intent radiating from its now intensely glowing eye. "Oh no! Doc, run!"

Proto Exus' boosters screamed and sent the AC towards one of the gates, but the escape was immediately cut short as the Silver Moth had that quickly appeared before the red mech, securing the Core's AMS cannon in one of its massive hands. The violent halt thrashed Elza about her cockpit, knocking a good deal of wind out of her in the process. "Inferiors who side with the tainted must too be eliminated."

"So fast..." Doc couldn't help whisper at the speed of such a large unit, but Elza's situation quickly called him back. Brainwash knelt down and retrieved its weapons from the floor. "Listen to me! We aren't you enemy! Please!"

In response to the call, the Silver Moth aimed a palm towards Doc and his mech. "You may be of some use to me. If you wish to live, I suggest you not interfere."

"I... I..." Doc was at a complete loss, again.

Though this wasn't how she expected things to end, Elza was prepared to face her death. At least, that was what she tried telling herself. The fact that even Proto Exus' computer hadn't given her any advice upon seeing the Silver Moth just showed where her chances of survival stood. Zen, I'm sorry!

"Elza!" a familiar voice suddenly called out.

BOOM!!! PING!!! PING!!! BOOM!!!

A blinding flurry of linear rifle and grenade rounds suddenly began pummeling the Silver Moth's Primal Armor, the last three rounds scoring on damaged sections of the large unit's right. "Let her go!" the voice demanded as a new machine emerged from the darkness of another gate, brandishing a Crest-built linear rifle, Moonlight, and a familiar blue paint scheme.

"E-Evangel!?" Elza shouted upon seeing her potential savior.

"Sorry to keep you waiting for so long, sis." he bravely teased in face of the Silver Moth, which opened a palm in the strafing Oracle's direction and fired a large blue sphere of energy. Speedy as Oracle was, it wasn't quick enough to evade the entire attack, and lost its right hand and rifle which were both devoured by the radiant ball of death. "Umph... In just one shot, eh?" The now sparking Oracle immediately raced towards the old age mech with a furious Moonlight. Though considered an inferior power, the beam of Moonlight easily managed to tear into the Silver Moth's weakened Primal Armor. Unfortunately, the attack would go no further, as Oracle's entire forearm, Moonlight included, were captured and easily crushed by the Silver Moth's giant hand.

Both Proto Exus and Oracle were captured and at the mercy of the silver giant, which appeared to be deciding on whom to destroy first. "It's no use, Evangel... we're outmatched..." Elza admitted in a grievous air.

"What is this monster?" Evangel grunted as his systems began to scream out a plethora of warnings. "It's nothing like the others I evaded on my way here."

"The elimination of Inferiors over that of the absolute?" Zen suddenly called through the interference. His voice was laced with taunting defiance, and the intent wasn't lost on the receiver.

"Obvious attempts to save the Inferiors you've gathered to your aid. Very well, it is not my intent to waste time with them at the moment." With that said, the Silver Moth carelessly flung both its prisoners across the chamber, sending the beaten mechs sliding and sparking upon the metal floors until they slammed hard into a wall beside one another. "Not with you still functional. The Order will be fulfilled."

The unit's response took Zen back, his eyes immediately reacting to a familiar voice. "You're..." Zen didn't have time to think about it for another second, as he'd finally made it to the goal. Upon falling down yet another lengthy shaft, Silverback entered a massive chamber which was laced pillars of energy that ran from the walls and met at the ceiling, where the six columns of intense power merged into one and rained down into the center of the room, feed directly into the ship's power core. The second Silverback touched down, a series of wall turrets revealed themselves and began spiting powerful spears of energy at the now evading machine. The very floor looked as if it were a giant circuit board, and for every step the mech took, it responded with an almost fiber-optic glow, as if every movement was being processed as raw data.

Down to only a pair of tired machine guns and a currently recharging Exceed Orbit system, Zen had no choice but to make every shot from the smoldering guns count. He noticed that just above the each energy gun protecting the room, there was a small F.O.E insignia just beneath, pulsating with the same level of intensiveness the power streams possessed. It didn't take long to get the picture; the Federation of Earth was just as arrogant as they were bold. Silverback took to the air as it evaded a series of beams while firing at one of the insignias.

Sure enough, when the powered symbol exploded, the gun turret followed, right along with that entire pillar of energy. "Five more..." Zen knew time was running out as he looked to the south end of the Internecine, where an ominous looking pit waited. Every other second there were bright flashes of light that managed to catch his eye even in the middle of combat. Clearly the finishing touches were being placed upon whatever the Internecine was so diligently constructing. Zen's Nix finally gave out upon the destruction of the fourth energy source.

It had definitely been a help, as an M2 would have died long before getting this far. The Pixie3 fell silent next, and was immediately discarded along with its bedmate. The EO was his only option left at this point, but before he activated them a series of rounds hammered the target, completing the mission. As the last pillar of energy slowly faded into nothingness, the room lost its once magnificent glow. Three ACs rained down from above to Silverback's aid, and though late for the party, their support was more than appreciated.

Zen looked over his battered comrades and noticed Front Runner's smoking guns, making it clear who finished the job. "Thanks."

Clown Face stomped towards the center of the room and began scanning the area. "Is it over?" the veteran pilot asked in his usual tone.

"No..." Baron responded. "We have to blow this place before they get out. Isn't that right, Zen?"

Omega raised a brow at the comment, his AC turning to face Silverback. "What's this? You said they would shut down upon the Internecine's destruction."

"Guess I lied." Zen called back as the sound of something massive began to make itself known. The four ACs turned to face the pit on the other end of the Internecine as two giant and familiar swords raised into the darkness, their luminescent glow only intensified by the room's dullness.

Act: 2

"Damn... What's this now?" Baron grunted as another pair of equally large sword arms emerged, pulling up what appeared to be a giant Pulverizer. The four-armed mechanical monster jolted hard as its torso emerged from the opening; it was as if it's bottom half had gotten caught on something. The giant Pulverizer then dug its four blades into the floor around the pit and began to violently jerk itself free. The intensity its visor gleamed was a familiar sight, and the single AC it was directed at was no surprise.

Silphe didn't have all the answers but his gut told him enough, and he wouldn't stand to lose another person he considered a friend on this mission. "Zen..." he growled. Immediately taking advantage of the Pulverizer's situation, he fired a series of rounds at the emerging red devil. Clown Face instantly followed up, firing its M2 and grenade launcher at the target before it managed to get free. Already prepared for their offenses, the Pulverizer's back arms came forward and began to systematically defeat all the rounds with very little effort as its front arms continued to push hard into the floor as it pulled itself through the opening.

"This thing..." Omega muttered at the unit's insane response time. "No wonder the old ones are no more..."

"At least this is the last one this place will ever make." Zen said as the giant Pulverizer finally managed to free itself, a process that left the shaft entrance cracked and ballooned from the pressure. Finally free, it soon became clear as to why the unit had such a time getting its bottom through an exit that should have been designed to accommodate such units. This was clearly no ordinary Pulverizer, and eyes widened in shock at the sight of its thick, serpent-like tail, which it thrashed upon the metal grounds in a furious display of power as the mechanized beast towered several stories above the ACs. "Let's not make this too easy for him..." Zen whispered to his fellow pilots.

Even Omega was somewhat intimidated by such a monster, but his pride cancelled that out in very little time. "Humph... Copy that."

After slithering its way towards the group, it raised its sword-equipped tail and paused for a moment. The thing looked as if it were some form of ophidian deity, better, the bringer of destruction. "Wards... Zenobis... The target will be eliminated..." the Serpent Pulverizer said in its steel voice. This one was clearly evolved to a point where at least some sense could be made of the order.

Zen had never seen a Pulverizer so evolved since the incident that caused the Great Destruction, let alone have to face one in an Armored Core. "Of course..." he whispered in a grim tone. Zen knew their usual fighting strategies had been mapped, and decided to give the group a quick heads-up. "It already know our combat strategies and potential, so try-" Still running on rage, Front Runner exploded towards the hulking mechanical serpent, guns and EO blazing. "Silphe!" Zen shouted in defiance.

"I like this guy..." Omega said as Clown Face took to the air and did the same with its similar EO Core.

"Damn it..." Zen grunted as the unit countered their attacks with its arms and sent its towering tail falling towards Silverback, which just barely managed to evade the attack. The power of the impact knocked the black mech off balance and put it hard on its belly. All while shielding itself from the storm of attacks begin summoned by both Front Runner and Clown Face, the Serpent Pulverizer quickly slithered forward with only one goal in mind. It raised its fluorescent tail and prepared the final blow as Silverback called upon tired thrusters to help expedite its physical attempt at getting to its feet.

"Baron, help Zen!" Silphe shouted as he finally managed to land a shot into the Serpent Pulverizer's face after a few trick shots he'd been holding back, his hover twirling and firing duel rounds at the peak of each spin as it evaded a series of hungry swords arms. It looked as if the unit felt the blows as its head reared back somewhat; even so, the monster didn't need to see an attack that had already been processed, and it sent its sword tail flying.

"Zen!" Baron called out as his Over Boosting AC raced in and activated its specialized shield, which emitted an amount of energy so intense it expanded to form a wall of the Yoko-engineered defense before Blood Hound's entire frame. Despite the amazing display of shielding, the force of the attack was enough to blow Blood Hound away as if it were a feather in the wind, sending the AC to a fierce impact with the Internecine floor, crushing its back-mounted chain gun in the process.

Silverback managed to get to its feet and Zen made sure to lead the Serpent Pulverizer away from downed Blood Hound as quickly as possible. "Baron, can you move?"

The world had become haze for a minute, and it took the blonde pilot a few head rattles before it returned to its natural state. "Yeah..." After getting to its feet, the crimson Crest machine jettisoned the mangled mass of metal from its back ports and joined in the attack with its duel laser rifle, which had been customized to hold twice the ammo of the regular model.

"Why? Why is it so desperately attacking Zen's AC?" Omega asked himself as he finally managed to score a few M2 and grenade rounds upon the target that continued to hunt for Zen's head. "Zenobis Wards..." He then realized that the unit's prey was basically naked, and made a quick assist, one he knew Silverback's pilot would be skilled enough to acquire without getting himself destroyed. "Take it." Omega called as his AC boosted across the floor, dropping its left arm grenade launcher in Silverback's path before taking to the air again. "It's fully loaded. Make it count."

"Right." Zen said as the swords continued to fall just on his tail. Front Runner and Clown Face were still doing very little damage, and no matter what, couldn't gain the unit's full attention as it recklessly dedicated all four arms to the job of taking Silverback out. The black mech crouched in its boost and lowered a desperate hand as the grenade launcher grew closer, and just as Omega figured, Zen managed to snatch up the weapon without stopping; Silverback quickly set and locked the weapon to its left arm as it took to the air in order to evade a quadruple spearing. The Pulverizer's swords in the floor, Silverback spun and fired a grenade which would have scored directly in the target's face, but its tail had come to its aid, taking the bulk of the blast as it began to pull its arms free. Where Zen failed, Silphe and Omega were quick to make up, attacking from opposing sides and finally scoring hard upon its head, the most damage being done by the stream of missile Front Runner had let loose.

Silverback quickly fired off another round which hit dead-on the moment the unit managed to get its arms free, and Blood Hound followed up with its devastating Core cannon. The force of the attacks sent the Serpent Pulverizer crashing on its back. Zen realized the machine was mostly a physical being, and this was clearly not by choice. It was apparent to him that the Internecine hadn't been able to complete its devastator, the most obvious fact being it didn't house the duel beam cannons Pulverizers proudly wore upon their backs; and with that knowledge, Zen took the appropriate action. "Follow my lead!" he ordered as Silverback exploded high into the air and out of physical range of the unit's sword arms and tail, which all flailed about as it desperately struggled to get itself upright.

Like archangels sent from a higher power, the four machines literally began to rain their fury upon the Serpent Pulverizer, causing the area below to take on the appearance of a steaming cauldron of fire and metals. The ACs hovered above as the storm of smoke suddenly began to swirl and dissipate. Baron's eyes were desperate, as he didn't want to go another round against the monster. "Did we get it?" he asked in a half-winded voice, already knowing the answer to his question.

"No..." Silphe responded in a hateful tone. "But at least we pissed it off..." And that it was; losing a portion of its shelled face in the attack, along with several armor plates, the now half-faced machine trembled with a mechanical fury that couldn't be contained. The Serpent Pulverizer crossed its first pair of blades before its Core, and then did the same with the next pair above its head as that fury began to flow into the giant swords, giving them an almost blinding property. The Ravens didn't need to guess what was about to come.

FZZAAP!!! FZZAAP!!!

The Serpent Pulverizer began swinging forth its intense venom at the now air dancing ACs, who poorly returned fire, as they were all low on ammo at this point. The crescent-shaped blade waves had the power to do irreparable damage, but they were slow, a fact the Serpent Pulverizer quickly assessed.

It then took another hideous form, throwing its body on all four and setting its stinger into the air, taking the stance of a scorpion. Baron shook his head ominously at this new posture, which sent a chill down his spine. "What the... Now what's it gonna do?" he grunted.

The 'Scorpion' Pulverizer began skittering across the Internecine floors and up the walls with its swords. Omega bit down at the sight, which had already gone beyond creepy. "For such a thing so massive to move like this..." The Pulverizer continued on until reaching the ceiling as the ACs fired. Stopping at the center of the ceiling, the unit ferociously stabbed its sword tail into the metal, securing itself as its body slowly hung upside down. The Pulverizer then held each of its swords before itself, the tips of the blades focusing upon a point of space just before its Core.

The four swords began to glow, and at the point which they focused, a sphere of multicolored energy began to form. This was an attack Zen was VERY familiar with, and his fangs bore in the presence of it. "Ray Storm..." Originally meant to be used as a last resort, Ray Storm was a reckless all-range attack that showered an area with intense bursts of devastating energy. Made famous by Martian units and copied by F.O.E devices, the attack was one that left a very small window of survival for those not skilled enough to make their own. "Everyone, scatter!!" Zen screamed to his comrades as the disco ball of death began to shower the entire Internecine with piercing lances of energy.

Back in the other section of the ship, Elza had struggled to get her AC back on its feet upon noticing the Silver Moth hovering out the exit as its lances returned to their loyal hover just behind its back. She knew she had to stall it, but to do so with an offensive tactic wouldn't buy much time, if any at all. The Silver Moth wasn't just a killing machine; it was what one could call an 'intellectual'. After a few desperate thoughts she finally decided to call to the unit as her mech followed with cautious steps. "The Order was never finalized. Whatever it was, it became corrupted in its distribution. You're acting on incomplete data!"

Her tactic worked; the Silver Moth came to a halt just before the next gate and gave its eye to the poorly following Proto Exus. "How would you, an Inferior of a poorly refined age, know anything of it?"

"As advanced as you are, can't you tell that something is missing? Like who sent this order, or why you must blindly fulfill it?"

"Etzam, what are you doing?" Evangel asked as Oracle came up behind with Brainwash, whose pilot, despite his intense fear, couldn't passed up the chance at learning more about the artificial warrior.

"You are persistent... The Order is absolute. I do agree that several portions of its delivery were not uploaded to even my systems, however, the most important goal stands: To cleanse. The Order is to erase those who have broken the cycle of life and death placed upon them by the powers that be. As well as those who have attained power beyond their bonds of understanding. Humans, who live only for selfishness, war, and destruction... You are not worthy of such gifts.

The way it speaks... Is this thing really AI? A shocked Evangel wondered in his cockpit, captivated by the Silver Moth's entirety.

"You need to be humbled by death, by the very power you so foolishly wield and drive to strengthen by any means. Until a natural evolution ushers you into a nobler race, those who disturb the balance put in place must be ended. For that is the natural way of things."

"What you're doing isn't natural at all." Elza pleaded. "It's forced! Slaughtering and imprisoning humans, keeping them under artificial skies and ignorant of the fact that their planet has healed! Brainwashing them with-"

"This process is one that will take millennia before it is realized. Ultimately, this is not only an intervention; it is both a test and rebirth of your species." The Silver Moth's head returned to the direction its body began to hover once again. "Also, it is now clear to me that your population were released without authorization. A feat I'm sure Zenobis played a part in. For now, you may flee. However, once I end Zenobis, I will find you all and distribute just punishment to those responsible for this grand act of terrorism."

"Terrorism!?" a dumbfounded Elza barked in response.

"If you continue to follow I will destroy you here and now. There will be no second warning." With that, the Silver Moth exploded through the open gate and down the corridor, leaving a trail of flaking bits of fleeting blue energy.

Elza weighed the Moth's warning against the task it had taken off to complete. She came to a swift and fairly simple answer. Proto Exus' boosters began to howl as the AC prepared to follow. Oracle suddenly shot before the crimson machine, its familiar duel visors glowing with an intense red. "Elza, what are you doing?" Evangel asked, his voice just barely holding onto composure. "Did you not hear what it said?"

"I don't care!"

Brainwash stomped forward as its pilot voiced his opinion. "It's giving us a chance to live. Let's not pass it up. From a logical standpoint it's our best option. Hell, our only one."

Oracle looked down the corridor the Silver Moth had charged. Though sour from the loss, Evangel couldn't help think of how awesome a power the unit housed, and what a person could achieve if they possessed it. "I have no clue as to what's happening here, but from what I understand, it's acting on some old program, and is only allowing us a minor extension." Evangel thought about what would become of the people, his mother. "Something like that can't be allowed to get out into the world as it is. Even in its damaged state, our forces won't stand a chance against it. Still..."

"That's right. Weight it, Evangel. Also, when it gets to the Internecine, it's going to kill Zen."

Evangel's eyes reacted to Elza's statement. He'd seen what appeared to be Replica among the other ACs when they entered Borbos. He figured it was possible, but now it was fact. "Hm, so it's true. He's indeed alive and well."

"Alive." Elza corrected.

"Why in the world would such a thing be after Zen?" Evangel didn't like being left in the dark, and it troubled him even more so that Zen was this thing's goal. There was almost a childish bit of jealously somewhere in the moment.

"I have to admit that troubles me to a degree as well." Doc said lowly.

"Does it matter right now? And is this really the time to talk about it?"

"We have to find another way to the Internecine if we're going to follow." Evangel suggested.

"No time... This is our only option. We're just gonna have to keep our distance until the very last second. We've lost communications again, but I'm sure the others are alive, and are dealing with the Internecine as we speak."

"Alright, we follow." Doc said. "Then what? Seriously, Elza... What is it you suggest we do at that point? We may as well be throwing stones at such a thing. It's futile."

"As I said... better to die on your feet. You heard it; we're as good as death either way, right?"

Deep down, Doc held onto the Silver Moth's need for his help, this to him, a scholar, was too grand a chance to pass up. However, he cursed himself for allowing such a thought to entertain him, and the Raven within finally began to resurface. "You're right, Elza... You're right..." Doc sent his AC into a jog down the corridor as Oracle and Proto Exus followed.

Every AC within the Internecine's core had been considerably ravaged; sizzling and sparking in various places, the Ray Storm attack had that easily turned the battle back in favor of the Serpent Pulverizer.

Omega coughed from his injuries and a few specks of blood splattered upon the inside of his helmet's visor. "This is bad..." he whispered as a one-armed, headless Clown Face aimed its half spent M2 at the still dangling beast.

"Tell me about it..." Baron grumbled as a trail of blood ran down his face. If not for his specialized shielding he'd not be among the living.

Front Runner had suffered second-degree damaged to its Core in the attack, one that had ushered Silphe's personal injury back into its prime. The pain was almost unbearable, but it mattered not when compared to the pain in his heart. After losing even Sachko, he'd given up on the desire to survive for his own sake, and had no plans of leaving the Internecine. His sharp blue eyes cut to the emergency console just to the right of his main controls, and after another thought, his eyes grew more intense.

A smoke-trailing Silverback staggered forward while supporting its damaged arm with a weak right hand, working twice as hard just to balance the grenade launcher secured to its half dead left. All grounded by the berserker offense, everyone knew their situation; as did the deadly chandelier still hanging in the center of the Internecine. The mechs fired what little ammo they had left, and though the target allowed the damage, it was for good reason. The Serpent Pulverizer locked its sword arms into a familiar position. Seeing the end at hand Silphe slammed a fist into the emergency console, which then slid out and revealed its deadly purpose.

Front Runner's computer accepted the gesture and cautioned its master before continuing. "Self-Destruct system on-line. Please input your conformation and detonation time."

We won't survive another one... Zen growled in his mind.Suddenly he felt it, and before he could even turn his head, it was already inside the Internecine. The very air shrieked at the speed and power of the Silver Moth's charge, and in a flash, the weapon had taken the Pulverizer's head in its grasp, tearing it from the ceiling and carrying the towering serpent across the chamber. With a thunderous boom, the Silver Moth crashed the once terrorizing unit into a wall, stripping away the title of 'devil' in a mere instant. "This model appears to be incomplete." the Moth said in a careless voice as the Serpent Pulverizer's systems temporarily went haywire from the shock of the blow, its limbs dancing about as its face began to crumble under the steadily grinding force.

The Silver Moth's face moved just before its temporary prey's in an almost taunting display. "Even as it is, you are still too barbaric to follow The Order. It is because of such feeble AI that your class became more of a burden than an advantage. Not to mention my programming doesn't allow for our kind to work in unison. How unfortunate it is to be a Pulverizer." The Silver Moth's palm began to glow as it continued crushing the unit's face, but before a noticeable level of intensity manifested, the Serpent Pulverizer swung its tail sword upward in an attempt to skewer its new opponent. The attack was easily defected with a swing of the large unit's leg, sending the sword into the wall. "Come..." the Moth said as it backed away in preparation for their battle.

The voice of Zen's old age friend and comrade continued to flow from the Silver Moth as if his voice were its own. It was obvious no one was piloting the mech; the series of nigh surgical slashes upon its backside proved that, as that was where the 'womb' was located. "Lance..."

The silver devil offered its eye to Silverback for a second as its opponent slammed to the floor and began skating its way. "This will not take long, Zenobis." it said, not offering another physical gesture to the Ancient's presence. "Running from me now is pointless... Agreed?"

Zen felt like an infant before the Silver Moth, and simply lowered his head and responded in a broken voice. "Agreed..."

"Good." it responded while evading a series of furious swipes from the Serpent Pulverizer, which towered even the Silver Moth's large frame.

"Zen, who the hell is that?" Omega queried as his AC boosted towards the defeated Silverback, whose arms had fallen lifelessly at its sides. "And what on earth is he piloting?"

"This keeps getting more and more insane by the second..." Baron whispered. "Zen, you're in trouble... What should do we do?"

"So, they ARE after you..." Silphe whispered.

"Why?" Omega asked.

"Everyone, listen... More than likely this thing won't attack you guys so long as you keep your mouths shut and don't attack it. The silver unit will win. Once it does, I'll do whatever I can to stop it..."

Silphe grew angered at the defeated tone Zen spoke in. "What is this, Zen?" he demanded. "What are you planning?"

"Ravens, your mission is complete... Get out of here, and if you can, help the others."

"Zen!" Silphe grunted in defiance as he canceled his self-destruct systems.

"Don't bother. Just go."

"I don't have anyone to go back to now..." Silphe said in a tone that matched Zen's.

"I'm sorry..."

"Hmph... I may as well go all out with you, right?"

"No. You need to lead them out. Silphe, please... I've never asked you for anything."

"...Fine..." Silphe grumbled after an intense moment of thought. He figured he could take out a good number of Pulverizers in doing so. "You owe me..."

"Yeah..."

"So, that's it?" Baron asked. "What about Elza and the others?"

"Don't make this any harder. I don't intend to just sit here and die. If I can, I'll make sure to take this thing down. Don't count me out yet. Just get out into the world and do what you can."

"Right... You're a good liar, Zen." Baron said as Blood Hound followed Front Runner and Clown face to the exit located at the highest point in the room. "Good luck, friend." As the Silver Moth evaded and shattered the tip of the Pulverizers sword tail, its eye flickered as it registered the mechs escaping, and completely ignored them since Silverback had stayed behind. The journey to the top was a hard one for the worn-out ACs, and if not for helping hands from Blood Hound and Front Runner, Clown Face wouldn't have made the last leg of the ascension.

"I don't understand..." Omega whispered as his AC began boosting down the corridor with its fellow ACs. "However, I trust that man for some reason. One that escapes me..."

"That's Zen..." Silphe responded in a grim voice. "He'll take that thing with him... I'm willing to bet anything on it."

The clash of the ancient titans was as violent as it was magnificent. However, no matter how hard it tried, the Serpent Pulverizer would lose; and it became clear that the Silver Moth was merely toying with the unit, evading swords that it could have simply countered and torn asunder. Zen didn't waste this time and immediately began trying to secure a wireless LINK within the Internecine using both his AC and N.C.C. It was at this moment the Silver Moth registered his actions and decided to end the battle, as it had already figured what the Ancient was planning. Coming to their master's aid, the five lances hovering upon its back darted off and began racing towards their giant target, which threw up its blades in defense; four defenses that were easily pierced and shattered.

Its four swords had become nothing but glass in face of the insane striking power of the lances, which continued their path, skewering the Serpent Pulverizer multiple times. The lances entered and exited its massive body at will, causing the unit to freeze up in their aerial frenzy. After a few dozen visits, the lances returned to their owner, who then offered the energy-sparking beast a view of both its palms, which focused their energy into sphere so large it rivaled the Moth's frame. "Game over." the Moth said as it sent the intense globe forward. The ball of might devoured the very floor it traveled over until doing the same to the Serpent Pulverizer's Core and continuing its journey through the ship, leaving nothing but a few of the red mech's limbs behind.

Zen bit down at the Silver Moth's finishing comment as he located an access point and immediately began hacking into the ship's AI. That was one of Lance's favorite sayings when ending a battle. It was clear the Moth had held onto his friend's personality data, which angered Zen considerably. With no more distractions, the Silver Moth was finally able to focus its attention on the real prize, floating towards the desperate mech. Replica, Sin Replica, Silverback, no matter how jazzed up, an AC was a one-hit-wonder in the face of an angry Silver Moth.

"It is indeed an incredible feat that you have managed to survive for what I have estimated to be at least two hundred years. In doing so, you have brought a great sense of defeat to our mission." Before Zen could react, the four lances had that swiftly entered each of his AC's limbs. Firmly secured, the lances used their power to raise the unit into the air, serving up the lifeless Silverback to the Silver Moth, which folded its arms in a gesture that reflected it owner. "Before I end you, I wish for you to LINK with me. I must know of all your violations, as well as what has transpired with the planet's surviving populace."

"Aren't you worried I might take you over?" Zen sneered in response, his heart rate going even beyond its already abnormal bounds. It was clear that even his nanos knew the potential of the threat in his eyes.

"You have intimate knowledge of my functions and potential, my awareness. The N.C.C you possess is merely B-class. Whereas I was designed to be used only by S class pilots. It would be laughable to resist."

"You've got a point there..." Zen grumbled. "How did you do it? How'd you get Lance out after he'd disabled you?"

"Upon disabling this vessel's boosters and Jump capability, Lance Triton was successfully removed by two Red Moths that had managed to follow us into this ship. Unfortunately, I was not able to escape along with them before this vessel crashed. This was due to the fact my brethren had to reboot my systems in order for me to regain control. By that time it was pointless to come back on-line. That was, until now."

Zen bit down again at the thought of Lance's demise. He wouldn't find his friend as he did Andra. However, he did take in a grain of satisfaction as he realized the two Red Moths he'd destroyed just outside the canyon were more than likely the culprits that took Lance's life. "What is this? Do you expect me to feel sympathy for you?"

"Not at all. I am simply being civil, as it will make this process easier for you. I am not like the lower grade Moths. You have my word that your end shall be swift and literally painless. Come, Zenobis. It is time to put an end to this charade. Allow humanity its right to be reborn. A clean slate."

"A clean slate..." The Silver Moth was indeed a crafty one. Its mental offense was just as potent. The unit was actually trying to comfort Zen in the face of death. He couldn't help but give such a thought a second of his time. Giving humanity over to the order so they could be shaped by unseen hands. At least they would live.

"Don't listen to him!!" a voice suddenly cracked into Zen's N.C.C. Intense as it was, it was a familiar voice, one that both comforted and reinforced his soul with its recently rekindled fire.

"A-Andra!?" Zen grabbed his head and focused his mind. He wanted to make sure he wasn't going crazy in the face of the Silver Moth. "Andra... Is it really you?"

"Can you hang on?" she called in a desperate air.

"Andra..." That simple question carried with it a treasure of emotion that even a normal person could register. Her voice was in its prime; there wasn't a single trace of the former Andra to question that. Zen looked over his situation as the Silver Moth hovered only a couple hundred yards before him as he hung at its mercy. "Andra, how are you doing this?"

"I'm piggybacking on an old Chrome satellite. Now, can you hang on!?"

"I..." He didn't want to tell her how bad it was. The rare fear that trickled throughout his body made him realize how vulnerable he truly was as a man. No matter the source: Power is power.

"Don't be dense, Zenobis!" Andra barked. "It's a Silver Moth! Talk to it!"

Zen squinted at her piercing shout. Both the sound and his response to it brought back good memories, even with such a dire situation playing out before him. "Y-You're right. I can buy some more time, but what are you-"

"That's all I need to know." Andra said in a strong yet relieved voice. "It's been a while since I saved you, hasn't it? I can... I will... Zenobis..."

"Andra..." Zen couldn't help but think it, that despite being so many generations apart, she and Elza were so very alike.

"It's coming!"

Andra, I understand! Silverback's cockpit opened and Zen stepped out onto his mech's back, which still smoldered somewhat. He mimicked the Silver Moth's stance and offered the advanced unit a pair of submitting eyes. "Can you at least tell me one thing, before...?"

The unit nodded at this show of acceptance. "Very well, Zenobis. What is it you wish to know?"

"Who did the order come from? Who exactly?"

"The exact detail of that information doesn't reside within my database."

"Of course not..."

"All I can tell you is that the order is in humanity's best interest. Without it, they will disappear completely. Total annihilation of the human species was never the goal. No."

"But you murdered billions of people!! You mean to say that killing all those with power was the only way!?"

"If you hadn't left your machine, I'd say that you were playing mind games with me. However, such tactics are irrelevant with that inferior unit."

"I know when I'm beat. Please continue. Why?"

"I am sure you know the answer to that question yourself. Being human, you suppress the true nature of your species, which is at the crossroads of either their evolution, or complete extinction." The Silver Moth left its hover and began walking about the giant fiber optic-like floors of the powered down Internecine. After a few more steps, the unit went to a knee and placed its hand upon a section of the floor, which responded to an electronic discharge from the mech's palm. "Here it is."

"What are you doing?"

"Making sure your tricks are pacified before we continue."

The ship AI suddenly came back on-line at the Silver Moth's command. "ACCESS GRANTED! SELF DESTRUCT HAS BEEN INITIATED! FIVE MINUTES!"

"Just enough time for you to get out, eh?" Zen said after a scoff.

"Correct." The mech then turned its crowned head to Zenobis. "To finish our business here as well." Suddenly, the lances that held Silverback in the air began to lower the unit to the floor as they lost their power, including the one that hovered behind the Moth's back. "Override rejected!" the Silver Moth defiantly responded to the request being wirelessly drilled to its systems. "That signal... Acherontia..." the Moth grunted as its head looked to the ceiling. "So, that was your game, Zenobis. The sister unit survived as well? Captain Lo has also managed to evade judgment. This means the probability of more Martian survivors has increased. This is very disturbing information..."

"Andra..."

The entire ship began to tremble as a thick column of energy crashed through the ceiling and towards the Silver Moth. Summing up the outcome of a battle against this new adversary in its condition, the Silver Moth didn't bother evading the spear of heaven which slammed into its Primal Armor. "Very disturbing..." were the final words the unit spoke as it slowly aimed a palm towards the 'naked' Zenobis.

Next Chapter: World Shaking (part 3)