10/10/20

I'm about to go on a two week vacay from work and you know what that means? Lotta free time to write. For context, the last time I had time off work I was able to complete Together and Starfall, the massive chapters that ended Part One so who knows how much progress I'll be able to make?

Before I go, here is another chapter of Xenoblade Chronicles Mira along with a massive thank you to everyone still sticking with this story after all this time, it's been a wild ten months. One last thing, as of right now this is now my longest fan fiction ever. Of all time.


Chapter Thirty Six

Inferno - (Noun) A large fire that is dangerously out of control.

She was a fool. How could she let her guard down at such a pivotal moment? Intense feelings of disappointment and a lingering sense of dread flooded Elma's very being the moment the bullet pierced her body. A scream attempted to rip itself free from her throat but the immense pain caused it to die within.

As the sniper prepared to fire once more, she saw her come running. Jaynix. There was desperation, fear and uncertainty written all over her face.

The same was true for Elma. Right now, Lao's focus was on her. She did not want him to turn his weapon on Jaynix. The thought of that pained her all too much.

It was then that Jaynix lunged for her. To protect her. That was when the second shot fired.

Elma woke at that moment, startled and panicked as her hand flew to her side where the first bullet had struck. A week had passed since that encounter yet it still hounded her every thought. The Coalition was working day and night to locate the Lawless and wipe them out, the Reapers were at the head of that investigation and Jaynix was laid up from the injuries sustained. Despite Kumon's desire to keep her from the mission, the mission found her and something told them all that once Jaynix recovered, she'd join them on their hunt regardless of what might happen.

Elma felt many things in regards to that possibility but all she had to do was recall the moment that Jaynix had saved her life at the possible cost of her own. She remembered lying on the ground in immense pain, Jaynix on top of her, bleeding out yet staring at her with overwhelming concern and fear in her eye.

Jaynix lost something precious years ago. Something no one should ever be without. In that moment, Elma understood her fear. Yet the fear was burned away by a mighty conflagration. A rage that stoked the sense of dread burning within Elma's chest. Jaynix could barely contain herself before she tore away from Elma and vanished down the hall to murder their assailants.

Elma closed her eyes and thought of Jaynix's voice. Her desperate order to the Ares to kill the man who sought to tear everything away from her once again.

Then she saw what Jaynix had left in her wake. The disemboweled and torn apart bodies of a great many Lawless soldiers. The crews sent to catalog and clean up the devastation had many worries and concerns, no one person should have been able to survive a battle against that many no matter how skilled.

Elma however, saw it. In Jaynix's eye. What she saw was not a person but something more primal and feral wanting nothing more than to run free. And so she did.

Elma forced herself to her feet, forced herself to go after Jaynix and she saw the end of the Corporal's killing spree. Killing the final man despite Elma's orders not to. Jaynix had spared one look at Elma and she saw nothing familiar in that gaze.

That look was burned into Elma's mind and she could not stop thinking about it. Recalling the after action reports she had skimmed through shortly after meeting Jaynix, everything within them became clear and obvious since that moment. The moment she saw the demon within. A hatred that simply couldn't be controlled.

It was something that would follow Jaynix until the day she claimed the life of the man who destroyed hers.

Then it would stop.

Then Jaynix would be free of it's clutches.

Elma opened her eyes, sadness evident in her dull expression as she looked out her window and over the quiet city of Noah's Cradle.

Would she be free?

Would the simple act of revenge pull her away from something so dark?

Elma had to hope. She had to believe.


September 16th, 2060

The darkness and the complete loss of her senses was something Elma found herself to be too familiar with. The number of times she had been in this situation up until this point were far too many for any one person. Though she was certain Jaynix had experienced it more and she could tell that Jaynix hated it with a burning passion. As the years went by she came to understand why. She hated it too.

In the darkness, Elma couldn't make out her arms or legs, anything. It felt as if she was floating and going somewhere far away. It was familiar and comforting but also incredibly alarming. Elma tried to imagine the state she was in but her memory was fuzzy. She knew about the weeks of flying away from NLA, the village, the xenoforms, the spear, tracking it down. How she came to be in a semiconscious state was escaping her.

Since when was she lying on her back? Is that how she passed out? Was that what happened?

"..."

The faint echo of a distant and familiar voice stirred something within Elma, she felt the very tips of her fingers.

"..."

The voice was closer, clearer, Elma could feel a solid surface at her back. It was strangely familiar. Focusing on her arm she moved it up and through the darkness until it came into contact with a smooth glass-like surface.

Where had she passed out?

It was at that moment Elma realized why her position felt so familiar, lying on her back on a solid surface, she'd come to like this many times before. It was her Lifepod, where her flesh and blood body was resting back in New Los Angeles. Why could she feel it? She should be on the opposite side of Mira at this point.

Why was she here?

"How hard is finding one lovely lass?"

Eyes shooting open, Elma sat up. No surface, no glass, no Lifepod. All around her was bright and vibrant green, the earthy jungle floor below her, strong trees around her and the blinding light of the afternoon sun shining down from above.

Examining her surroundings, Elma started to recall everything that brought her to this moment, the desperate need to find Jaynix overpowering her desire for everything else, even sleep.

The Indigen that surprised her and carried her away before engaging in a quick and brutal fight, a fight she was desperate to end so she could return to finding Jaynix. Then the second Indigen that sought to prolong the fight. She made so many mistakes that some part of her was glad she was alone so no one could see what she had done. Then again, if she had someone with her, none of that would have happened.

Her companion would have convinced her to sleep, the Indigens would not have gotten the upper hand and she'd be with Jaynix now.

Shaking her head, Elma noticed her Tandem Blade lying on the ground not too far from her. Grabbing it and returning it to its place on her person she pulled out her datapad to check the time.

"The 16th? That means…"

Elma brought a hand to the side of her head, focusing as she realized after passing out at nearly midnight on the 13th, three more days had passed. Three days of no progress at the end of her journey.

With a heavy sigh, Elma forced herself to her feet. If she had taken an actual rest as opposed to trying to take a nap in the cockpit of her Ares, all of this could have been avoided.

"It can't wait."

Elma searched herself once more, hands coming into contact with the bag of vital Mimeosome supplies that was hanging over her shoulder.

She could barely recall finding the bag after the fight yet she was unable to locate the control for her Ares, while that was unfortunate at the moment, she had a spare in waiting and could use it to track down the one she lost at a later time.

Examining the bag she noted that it was roughed up a bit, upon opening it and looking over the devices, she determined that everything was intact. She had a spare set in the Ares as well but this would suffice and she couldn't afford any more obstacles.

"No time. We have to go."

Drawing her weapons, Elma checked the ether reserves, she was not going to be surprised. Not again.

Satisfied with the status of her gear, Elma took a deep breath and began walking, if what laid ahead of her was indeed Jaynix...what would she say?

Elma had taken the time to rehearse and write down dozens of apologies, several of which still included that accursed four letter word. Yet for all her preparation, Elma never thought of how to greet Jaynix.

For four years the idea of finding her was simply an idea, now it was beginning to feel like something real. Shaking her head, Elma knew that no matter what she thought of, she'd never be ready.

"I suppose I can employ one of Frye and Jaynix's trademark skills and just...wing it…"

Smiling, Elma stretched before realizing how good she felt. Her body wasn't complaining at her every move and she felt light and competent. She felt like she was at her peak. Shaking her head she wanted nothing more than to have someone scold her and tell her off for staying up five days straight.

Imagining the verbal lashing her dear friends would no doubt give her would have to suffice. Examining her surroundings once more, Elma was certain there was nothing harmful nearby and moved towards the break in the heavy treeline.

The dense jungle floor gave way to a poorly maintained dirt path which led farther into the clearing ahead of Elma. The first thing she noticed was that the area was filled with what looked to be the remains of houses.

Hand on her weapon, Elma continued moving, noting that the dirt path was far from the only thing in bad shape. The homes were not just damaged, many had collapsed in on themselves and still more were nearly unrecognizable. Everywhere she looked there was heavy debris, pieces of various architecture and everything looked old and forgotten by time, so much so that dense deposits of sand and dust threatened to bury the village. In a few more years it would be like nothing was ever here.

Stepping closer to the remains of a rather large home, Elma noted deep grooves along the walls, was this the result of a raid? Were there bandits and cutthroats in the jungle that fell upon this village and destroyed it so completely?

Elma ran her hand along the grooves before turning and making the rounds. Walking down the dirt path which cut through the center of the village revealed that it was far larger than she imagined it would be and more than she expected when descending from above.

The dirt path led to what used to be a central plaza, the shattered remains of a fountain making that clear. Though there was no water in sight, the reserve must have dried up years ago.

The path continued from not just the opposite side of the fountain but from the east and west as well. More ruins of houses lined up along the path, small domes and larger, blockier structures crumbled to sad mountains of rubble and trash. A small grassy clearing, possibly for children to play or people to relax was unkempt, the grass growing wildly out of control.

Elma spotted the remains of fallen trees, trunks torn from their roots and smashed to pieces. The sight was devastating and familiar. Closing her eyes Elma recalled the first Wrothian settlement established after their cavern home. She recalled her meeting with Prince Jiarg and Ga Buidhe, a loss of contact with the settlement concerning their people. BLADE was sent in to determine what happened and learned of a new foreign illness which wiped everyone out save for one boy that Kruse found, scared and alone.

That village wasn't destroyed, but it was quiet, unsettling and filled with corpses.

Opening her eyes, Elma looked upon this strange village once more. Just as empty as the Wrothian settlement only with no signs of life. No bodies. Nothing. Just ruins and devastation.

Whatever happened to this village happened a long time ago. Spotting a rather large piece of rubble, Elma approached it and wiped off the dust, noting what looked like scorch marks before sitting down and looking at the ruins all around her.

She began to think. Was it a savage storm that destroyed the village? Was there a fire before or after the buildings were destroyed? Or during?

Assuming people of some sort lived here at one point and the village was indeed destroyed by a natural disaster, she couldn't help but imagine that at least some of them were unlucky in surviving whatever happened.

Part of her was relieved that there were no bodies. Maybe they knew it was coming and escaped. Then returned to see the state of their home and decided to move on. There were well over a million possibilities.

While weather in the Origin Continent was similar to Earth with it's heavy rain, thunderstorms, sand and auroras, there were some oddities here and there like the spores of Sylvalum or the falling ash and embers of Cauldros.

But they'd since discovered more devastating weather like the Eternal Tempest that surrounds Errdia, a terribly powerful storm that has never ceased and made traveling to the region a very difficult task. The thought of a storm on that level was frightening but something truly powerful clearly destroyed this settlement.

Elma closed her eyes and thought, Mira had a way of taking her attention from whatever task she had at hand, the mysteries of the planet were plentiful and if it were any other day or any other mission, she'd be happy continue entertaining the possibilities or talking with Des Raiker for days on end. She felt the urge to call on her Ares and have it analyze the ruins of the village but those things would have to wait.

Mira could keep its secrets, Elma had to find Jaynix. That was her mission. Taking a deep breath, Elma stood up and continued moving.

Following the dirt path to the other end of the village, Elma noted another fork in the path, this time it headed straight into the jungle, disappearing into the dense foliage. Perhaps the path led to a source of water that was once used by the people here for the fountain or minerals for the construction of their homes. Either way it presented a new opportunity for Elma.

Nodding to herself, Elma followed the path when her foot hit something obscured by dirt. Kneeling down, she brushed the sediment off of what looked like a broken sign. There was something written on it, possibly the name of the village but it was so old, dirty and burnt that the text was hard to make out.

Even if she could see it, she was certain it was an alien language. Mira may translate spoken words but written text was different.

Sparing one last look at the devastated village, Elma closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. Holding it for a few seconds she let it out, calming herself. Yet despite this, she felt her heart hammering in her chest. It felt like she'd reached the end of the road, literally and figuratively and she couldn't stop herself from imagining what she was about to find.

Heading into the jungle, she had her eyes on every little thing that caught her attention. She had to maintain caution, especially now. Once she found Jaynix she would allow herself to calm down. But only then.


Elma stood with her back against a tree, watching as Jaynix went through her solo training exercises. She held her blade out at the ready, taking a deep breath before moving. The blade whistled as it cut through the air and moved through its familiar positions, there was intense focus in Jaynix's eye as she continued the pattern.

Something about watching Jaynix in this state was always fascinating to Elma. Free of her heavy Reaper gear, Jaynix wore a simple black tank top allowing Elma to see her muscles tense and relax as the exercises continued.

Jaynix was always so proud of her physique, while some were quick to call her out for overexaggerating or blowing hot air, Elma knew it was false.

Jaynix practiced, struggled and grew stronger over the course of many years. Decades. The lean and powerful muscles on display were evidence of that.

As were the myriad of scars covering her arms and back. Usually a soldier had one or two scars of note with a related story of struggle and desperation. A story of honor, shame, triumph or failure. A story they could tell over and over again and never grow tired of the lessons they themselves learned from it and the lessons they hoped to impart.

But Jaynix. All the scars she bore told so many stories and together they told one grand tale. The life's story of the Reapers' Corporal was written on her flesh for everyone to see.

Taking a deep breath, Jaynix turned to Elma. That familiar grin appeared on her face as she raised her arm to wave. Elma nodded and waved back before Jaynix returned her attention to her exercises.

Closing her eyes, Elma listened to the whistling of Jaynix's blade in the comfort of the warm afternoon. It was a peaceful moment.

Even when Lyla came with Jaynix's lunch and an extra serving for Elma, that warmth never left her. She sat with the other women for an impromptu picnic that afternoon and the comfort was with her for the rest of the day.


Sound.

New.

Strange.

Smell.

Prey.


The dirt path eventually faded as the heavy vegetation of the jungle took over, Elma heard the faint sound of water. A lake? River? Stream? Whatever it was, it wasn't far away. Continuing on her way, Elma observed the trees as the light of the falling sun began to fade.

That wasn't good. She cursed herself not for falling asleep for three days but for waking up after most of the day had gone by. She hoped to find Jaynix before night fell but there was nothing that could be done about that now.

Pressing on, Elma felt the need to chuckle. She was speaking to herself with such...acceptance. Once she found Jaynix. There was no doubt in her mind that she'd find her soon, it was almost...funny how sure she was in regards to how this mission would end.

Then again, she was one of the few people who held onto the belief that Jaynix was out there over the last four years.

She tried not to think too much about the state Jaynix would be in. Four years alone. Closing her eyes briefly, Elma thought about the damage Jaynix's mim could have sustained following the crash.

Losing protoplasmic fluids was just as dangerous as losing blood. Firebird, being a First Generation Skell, had a reserve fluid unit within its chassis. If Jaynix's mim ran out of fluids she could hook herself up to Firebird to replenish her supply. While the tank was notably large, unwieldy and since replaced with a superior function for the Second Generation Skells, it's presence greatly calmed Elma's mind.

That said, did it have enough to maintain one Mimeosome for four years? Elma had to believe it did. Assuming Jaynix wasn't engaged in too much activity she could make it last. The tank was heavily secured, not much could penetrate the shell.

Elma's eyes fell to the bag around her shoulder. She spent a lot of time in the Outfitter's Hangar and the MMC practicing her skills before leaving NLA. She had to be ready for anything.

Elma's thoughts were cut off by the sudden lack of trees around her. In fact, what she saw now were stumps of fallen trees, torn apart by something.

Elma's heart almost burst as she realized what she was looking at.

She could see it. Firebird falling from the heavens, crashing through the canopy, destroying trees before rolling across the ground. Elma looked to the floor, the discoloration of the overgrowth. Her eyes followed it further into the clearing and so she began running.

Mere moments later she saw what looked to be a tarp of some sort. It stood out clearly among the trees and foliage of the jungle around her. Elma's eyes scanned the clearing and found nothing of note.

It was then that she realized the birdsong and the sound of insects which were strangely comforting had gone. The clearing was still and silent. It was unsettling.

Elma's own breathing sounded three times louder than it should and she was certain that anyone within five miles could hear her heart pounding.

She knew it was useless to try to calm herself down so she continued moving towards the tarp.

The walk lasted barely a minute but it felt like an eternity. Standing in front of the tarp, Elma felt the barest hint of a smile forming as she reached out towards it.

Her fingers barely touched it when she...felt it.

The displacement in the air.

Then sudden, overwhelming murderous intent.

The emotion was so overpowering Elma felt the air sucked right out of her lungs. A creeping sense of dread followed suit as every internal alarm began blaring, the silent moment was thunderous and deafening.

A barely audible step followed, so fast, so silent Elma wasn't sure if it had occurred or not but then she heard the familiar sound of steel scraping against steel.

A blade was leaving its scabbard.

Someone was behind her, set to kill her and Elma had less than half a second to respond.

Instinctually, Elma forced Overdrive. Her hand tightened on her blade's hilt. Her legs tensed as she turned around, faster than she ever had before.

Her blade flashed to life, ether covering the weapon as it flew forward. Then contact was made.

Two blades struck each other, the impact resounded across the clearing, shattering the silence.

Then came the force. Elma was not prepared for the strength behind the blow, her assailant pushed her back and down to one knee. Cursing, Elma felt Overdrive whirring inside her dominant arm, struggling to maintain her combat position and failing.

The strength pushing down on her was overwhelming. Elma looked up at her assailant, clenching her teeth as she stared at the source of the unmistakable murderous rage.

The person was covered in a black cloak, obscuring all of their features except for one thing.

Elma could see their eye.

One eye.

Burning with hate and fury.

One red eye.

She could never ever forget that eye.

Without realizing it, she spoke the name.

"Jaynix?"


"Elma."

Turning, she smiled as Jaynix entered the training room.

"You beat me again. I'm still not quite over that."

Elma laughed.

"It's been a week, Jaynix. You aren't actually mad are you?"

Jaynix shook her head.

"I was never mad...I was just so sure I could pull it off."

Elma moved towards her.

"Hey. Like I said, if my plan didn't work I knew it'd be my loss. You refuse to stay down."

Jaynix smirked.

"That's kinda like my superpower."

"Really? Not your swordplay or your swaggering confidence?"

Both women laughed, Jaynix moving past Elma and towards a punching bag. Hopping back and forth, Jaynix struck, each blow more powerful than the last.

"Both of those parts of me are good...but ever since I was a kid I never knew what it meant to stay down."

Elma crossed her arms as Jaynix's relentless assault continued.

"Be it bullies at school picking on Flame, academy students trying to beat me because they didn't like me or traitors shooting me in the back...I always get back up to face them."

Elma recalled all the fights she's seen Jaynix in. Their final battle with Lao came to mind immediately. Jaynix took all of the punishment and yet kept coming. Even when Lao damaged her spine, she still stood up and overpowered him. She didn't fall until the deed was done.

"Superpower…"

Letting out a long and calming breath, Jaynix looked back at Elma and smirked.

"What about you? What's your superpower?"

"Me?"

"Is it amazing organizational skills? Your apartment was always pristine...well not counting. Y'know."

Elma chuckled.

"I find things being neat to be immensely beneficial. But no. That's not my power."

Jaynix crossed her arms.

"What is?"

Elma smiled, earning a curious head tilt from Jaynix.

"I can see the future."

She watched Jaynix's eyes, there was surprise in her expression. Only for that joking light to return.

"Really? I feel like you told me this once before."

"I did. You asked me how long you and Lyla would be together and happy."

Jaynix nodded.

"Right, I did! Has that prediction changed at all? The time has gotten longer I hope."

Elma smiled.

"Much longer."

Jaynix's laughter filled the room, Elma enjoyed seeing her so calm. She could never get enough of moments like these. After the chaos of those last two years back on Earth, this was what she needed. Honestly, this was what they all needed.

Once Jaynix's laughter faded away, she observed the room. No one else was present given the hour. Eventually Jaynix's eyes found Elma's.

"Hey."

Elma waited as Jaynix got her words together. With a frustrated sigh, she decided to just ask the question. Or rather, just say it.

"Let's fight."

Elma raised an eyebrow.

"Right now?"

"We said we weren't gonna wait five more years till we fought again right? C'mon."

"It's only been a week, Jaynix."

"I know!"

With a sigh, Jaynix stepped back.

"Right, sorry. I just...I don't know…"

Jaynix rubbed the back of her head, unsure of what to say next as a smile continued to grow on Elma's face.

"Lyla was right. You do have a really good pouty face."

"Huh? I'm not pouting."

Elma laughed.

"You are, oh my, I can't believe Lyla was telling the truth. Jaynix. You're pouting."

"I-"

Jaynix felt her cheeks burn as Elma continued to laugh.

"Alright! That's it! We're fighting!"

Elma apologized repeatedly as Jaynix dropped into her stance.

"Fight me! Now!"

Wiping her eyes, Elma nodded.

"Why not? Let's keep this whole thing between us."

Jaynix smirked.

"No one else will know you lost here tonight."

Elma's expression grew serious and determined as she moved into her stance as well.

"Alright then. Beat me."

Both women stood in place, watching each other for minutes on end before Jaynix let out a fierce war cry and charged.


The bright red blade. Feuervogel, struck forth, knocking Elma's Tandem Ether Blade out of the lock and pushing her back and onto the ground.

Jaynix raised the blade high above her head, Elma's eyes widened before her body finally responded. She shot out of the way as the blade came down, slicing deep into the earth.

Back on her feet, Elma brought her blade up just as Jaynix appeared in front of her again, Feuervogel flashed, slicing through the air with immense speed and striking Elma's blade with increasing force. Sparks of ether burst from each contact, pushing Elma further and further back.

Elma needed to respond. She needed to counter. But she was still in shock.

She found her. She found Jaynix. There was no doubt in her mind that the person trying to kill her right now, was Jaynix. Four years alone had not dulled her combat sense in the slightest, Jaynix's near silent approach attested to the opposite. She'd gotten stronger.

Elma focused on her sight and her arms, twisting and turning her Tandem Blade to meet each of Feuervogel's strikes. The ferocity was unrelenting and even with Overdrive's assistance, Elma knew she'd lose feeling in her arms if it continued.

Taking one step back, Elma waited for the next strike. Using the force of the blow, she threw herself back to create distance between her and Jaynix.

Landing, she adjusted her blade in her grip only for Jaynix to be on top of her once more. Cursing, Elma ducked and dove past Jaynix, rolling to her feet as the other woman swung about, her Phantom cloak billowing out behind her revealing the patchwork of old clothes and rusted armor that Jaynix wore below.

Tossing her blade in the air, Jaynix grabbed it with her other hand and charged forward again. Elma waited till the last moment before surging forward, both blades colliding once more, sparks flying. Jaynix's overwhelming power was once again pushing her back, no longer caught off guard however, Elma maintained her footing as best as she could. Taking a deep breath, she called out.

"Jaynix! It's me! You have to stop!"

She watched the other woman's eye, there was no recognition in it. Only a mighty rage.

Elma then saw Jaynix's free hand as she clenched it into a fist, quickly she threw her head back and flipped out of the blade lock. Jaynix's fist shot through the air that Elma's head had occupied moments before. Completing her backflip, Elma kicked off the ground to maintain distance but Jaynix surged forward at every opportunity, Feuervogel barely missing Elma's armor each time but she knew if this continued, she'd start taking hits and she couldn't afford it.

Elma felt pressure leave her chest, realizing that Jaynix's blade had cut through her strap, sending her bag tumbling away from her. Elma could do nothing but ignore it, focusing on evading the furious onslaught.

Elma realized quickly that night was falling upon them, the dark shadows filling in and making visibility poor. To add to the unfortunate timing, Jaynix was wearing the dark and weapon resistant Phantom cloak, Elma would have to rely on all her senses to avoid her friend's murderous rampage in the dead of night.

Thinking back to her spars and watching Jaynix's various practice sessions, Elma knew she had a good baseline of Jaynix's abilities. Four years however made her knowledge almost entirely useless.

Cursing, Elma shot forward first. She couldn't stay on the defensive. She had to disarm Jaynix and hold her down, she had to wake her up. She had to bring her back.

Elma swung, all her might concentrated into the one blow. Her blade hit Feuervogel with immense force, knocking it aside and allowing Elma to follow up. But she didn't. She couldn't.

She came all this way to save Jaynix, not to hurt her and so she didn't capitalize on the brief opening and it was gone before she could give it a second thought.

Jaynix's hand shot forward, an iron grip closed around Elma's arm. Turning around, the last Reaper hurled Elma through the air, Elma twisted herself around and extended her legs, catching the trunk of an old, strong tree to stop her momentum.

Looking up she saw Jaynix shooting towards her and held her blade up just as Jaynix reached her. Weapons colliding, the tree gave way to the powerful clash and Elma lost her footing.

Both women tumbled through the air, Elma hitting the ground hard and rolling to her feet as Jaynix flipped over and landed almost completely silently.

"Jaynix! I'm not trying to hurt you! I just want to talk!"

Turning around, Jaynix charged Elma once more displaying no signs of recognition.

"Did she forget? Like Senti?"

Elma began evading Jaynix's fierce attacks once more, leaping back and ducking behind trees. Feuervogel cut through the mighty trunks of the jungle trees with terrifying ease. The giants tumbled, wood splintering and cracking as they hit the forest floor. Nothing stood between Elma and Jaynix without being cut down by the immaculate red blade.

Planting her feet Elma twisted her blade in her grip and waited as Jaynix charged forward again. Old tactics. Elma went for a swing the same time as Jaynix, however she pulled her blade away, missing Jaynix on purpose and falling to the ground to deliver a sweeping kick to Jaynix's legs, she needed to slow her down just like that day in the White Whale's training room.

However, she felt Jaynix's hand close around her leg, looking at the other woman in shock as she tightened her grip.

Before Elma could say anything, Jaynix dragged her across the floor, the back of Elma's head hitting the dirt before Jaynix threw the other woman across the air and into a tree. The trunk buckled under the immense pressure of Elma's body hitting it, in turn Elma felt the wind knocked out of her the moment her back made contact with the tree.

Jaynix shot at her once more, Feuervogel made contact with the Tandem Blade, this time Elma was unprepared and her weapon was torn from her grip, sent tumbling across the jungle floor.

Jaynix's fist followed the strike, narrowly missing Elma's head and punching clean through the tree.

Falling to the ground, Elma struggled to breath, looking up to see Jaynix tear her fist free from the tree and flip through the air, landing far from her and keeping her blade at the ready.

Elma coughed, struggling to stand as Jaynix advanced again.

"Jaynix! Stop! I-"

Pulling back her leg, Jaynix struck the side of Elma's body with a savage kick. Elma cried out in pain as she was sent rolling across the jungle floor, hitting another tree, a series of hacking coughs and rasps escaping her throat.

Part of her had hoped Jaynix would recognize that this was not the kind of moment she should capitalize on. But the look in Jaynix's eyes reminded her that she didn't care, she wanted to kill her.

Reaching to her side, Elma drew her Tandem Pistol and began charging as Jaynix advanced again, preparing what could be a winning strike.

"I'm sorry."

Elma whispered before holding her pistol out and firing a massive pulse wave, the attack caught Jaynix. Elma watched in shock as she took the blow and maintained her footing for a moment longer than she should. However the wave pushed through and Jaynix was sent flying across the jungle, she then vanished into the darkness.

Cursing, Elma struggled to her feet and went for her blade. She had seconds at best.

She could feel that chill in the air, the dread crawling up her back and the hairs along her neck standing on end. She saw her blade but knew she couldn't make it. Aiming her pistol at the ground, Elma fired, the pulse wave threw her into the air, out of range of Jaynix's fearsome strikes.

Jaynix looked up at Elma as she aimed the weapon behind her. Jaynix shot into the air as Elma fired, the last Reaper missed her target, Elma's mobility was aided heavily by her pistol's pulse waves. Hitting the ground, Elma got to her feet and retrieved her blade as Jaynix landed.

"Corporal Jaynix Isaiah Copeland!"

The Reaper turned to Elma, tossing her blade back to her dominant arm.

"I'm ordering you to stop this insubordination. Right now."

Jaynix began walking towards Elma, gaze fixed on her target. Her prey.

Elma cursed as she readied her weapon.

"If she doesn't respond to that then perhaps she doesn't remember her time on Earth, in the military, the chain of command…"

Elma took a few steps back, watching as Jaynix stalked towards her.

"...is it memory loss? I don't know…"

"Jaynix, listen to me. I'm sorry."

Elma saw the other woman tighten her hold on her blade.

"I'm sorry for leaving you out here all alone for four years. You have every right to hate me...but please, let me take you home."

No words left Jaynix's lips as she charged forward once more, Elma moved back at the last possible second, Jaynix's blade cutting through the air in front of her.

Then she felt something different, the air began to heat up. Then it combusted.

The arc of Jaynix's swing burst into flames, Elma cursed as the attack pushed her back. Looking up in time to see embers falling from Jaynix's blade.

She remembered hearing Jaynix speak with pride in her voice over a new feature her blade had courtesy of her sister, Flame. She wouldn't tell Elma what it was, she wanted it to be a surprise.

It was a surprise.

Jaynix shot forward, the air catching fire with every swing, Elma needed to adjust her evasive moments to give each strike more space or she would risk burns along her exposed skin.

Watching the air around her catch fire, illuminating the jungle with each strike was...beautiful. The fearsome swings, the dance of the flames, it was exquisite.

Elma aimed her pistol at the ground behind her as Jaynix swung once more, the moment the air caught fire, Elma shot her weapon. The pulse waved pushed Elma forward, slamming her directly into Jaynix, throwing both women to the ground.

Jaynix was faster, looping one of her legs around Elma's and rolling them over so she was on top. Raising one of her fists she brought it down as Elma raised her arms in defense. The strike reverberated through her arms and drew a pained cry from Elma only to be followed with another savage blow.

Through the gap in her arms, Elma saw Jaynix tighten her grip on her blade.

"She wouldn't."

Jaynix's blade cleaved through the air and buried itself in Elma's side. A scream tore itself free of Elma's throat as the blade cut deep into her, a burning sensation followed. Elma gasped in pain as Jaynix ripped her blade out, she felt her Mimeosome's fluids staining her body and armor, shock filling her body as Jaynix stood up and raised her blade high. The weapon caught fire.

Elma needed a second wind, now more than ever. Forcing Overdrive to push through, she cried out in pain as her body rolled out of range, Jaynix's burning weapon striking the ground and igniting the forest floor.

On her feet, Elma moved one of her hands to the deep gash along her side. Looking at her hand stained blue, she couldn't quite accept what had happened.

"Jaynix."

The other woman swung her blade around, creating arcs of flame in the air. Elma watched the flames begin to dance around Feuervogel until a swirling tempest of fire covered the blade.

Jaynix shot forward, dragging the blade across the ground and igniting the forest floor once more.

Her injury was too deep, she couldn't afford many more contests of strength. She had to evade. She had to survive. She had to get through to her friend.

Elma leapt away as Jaynix's blade arced up from the ground in a mighty swing. Instead of lighting the air on fire, the torrent of flames around Feuervogel shot forth, a powerful and bright pillar of flames pierced the night sky, lighting up the entire clearing in a brilliant scarlet.

Jaynix once more stepped back and gathered flames, a beautiful and fearsome dance before charging forward.

Swinging her blade, a fan of flames reached out across the air, tendrils of fire seeking purchase along Elma's armor as she leapt up into a tree to evade the flames.

Embers began to fill the air as Jaynix spun about once more, unleashing wave after wave of bright flames into the trees, lighting them up immediately and creating a horrifying scene of a raging inferno.

Elma hit the ground, narrowly avoiding another pillar of fire and holding her weapons at the ready.

She could not afford to let Jaynix call the flames to her blade but that would mean braving the fires all around to reach her and if she was in range, she was risking even more intense burns from her strikes.

She didn't know if this was Jaynix's tactical mind still working after four years or if the other woman was simply trying to entrap her for an easier kill.

Jaynix held her blade behind her, a circle of flames raged around the Reaper, her one bright eye focused on Elma. That empty hate was still visible and clear.

Jaynix swung her blade, unleashing a mighty firestorm. Elma roared before charging into it, bringing her pistol up, she fired. The pulse wave disturbed the flames giving Elma the opening she needed to jump through the wall of fire she could still feel the burning intensity licking at her armor and skin before emerging on the other side, there was no surprise in Jaynix's expression as Elma tore free of the flames.

Holding her blade tightly, Elma swung, her blade made no contact as Jaynix evaded it with ease, preparing to counter. Overdrive roared within Elma, pushing her body beyond its limits.

Surging forward with her second wind, Elma took hold of Jaynix's arm, pulling her forward. Raising her blade, Elma disengaged the ether shell and slammed the blunt blade on Jaynix's arm with all the force she could muster. She felt Jaynix's arm buckle under the pressure and sure enough, she released Feuervogel.

Jaynix was disarmed.

Elma released the other woman, clenching her free hand into a fist and striking Jaynix in the chest with everything she had. Jaynix took one step back from the blow, but refused to fall.

Tossing her blade, Elma roared and tackled the other woman to the ground, pinning her down and screaming.

"Hate me! Hate me all you want Jaynix! I don't care! I…"

Elma froze, unable to finish that sentence.

"I…"

Jaynix seemed to stop as well, her one eye looking at Elma, the barest hint of an emotion in it.

"I spent four years wishing I could have saved you. Wishing I could have done more! I never wanted your forgiveness because I knew I didn't deserve it."

Elma tightened her hold on Jaynix's arms.

"I should have found you sooner. I should have tried harder. I'm sorry. But I'm here now. Please. Stop this. Come home."

Jaynix's one eye searched Elma's face, the anger was overwhelming the small semblance of Jaynix that Elma could see. She had to pull her out of the rage if only for a moment.

It didn't matter that the jungle around them was burning down, all that mattered to Elma, was Jaynix.

"Please."

At that moment, Jaynix stopped struggling against Elma's hold. There was no familiarity in her gaze but her rage was tempered at least for a moment. Part of Elma was telling her not to trust Jaynix, but if she didn't offer her an olive branch now, she'd never be able to.

She had to convince Jaynix she trusted her. Believed in her. Jaynix wasn't a threat to her any more than Elma was a threat to Jaynix.

Elma released one of Jaynix's arms, moving her hand closer to Jaynix's face. She saw Jaynix's hand move moments later. Elma couldn't believe what was happening.

Jaynix took a fist full of earth and threw it in Elma's face, the dirt blinded her and caused her to release Jaynix completely to wipe the dirt out of her eyes.

Jaynix pulled up one of her legs and struck Elma in the chest, throwing her back. Flipping onto her feet, Jaynix advanced on the now blind Elma, reaching down and grabbing one of her arms.

"Jaynix! Stop!"

With a mighty heave, Jaynix lifted Elma up and over before slamming her into the ground, knocking the air out of her. Elma coughed and wheezed as Jaynix located her sword and set off to retrieve it.

The dirt in Elma's eyes made it hard to see, but she couldn't afford to spend another moment on the ground. Despite her body's warnings, she forced Overdrive to push well beyond its limit once more. The MMC Techs always warned of the dangers of surpassing Overdrive's limiters. But she needed that power now more than ever. Once she broke those limits, her body would enter a state known as Overclock, granting her a rush of unimaginable power, but once the rush ended...if the fight wasn't over, Jaynix would kill her.

She had to try.

Roaring in pain, Elma got up and charged towards Jaynix, arms locking around the other woman's waist and holding her in place.

"Jaynix!"

The Reaper struggled against Elma's iron grip for a moment before leaning her head forward and then back, slamming into Elma's face. She felt her nose break and then her arms released Jaynix once more.

Ignoring her weapon, Jaynix turned around to strike, her fist narrowly missing Elma. Recalling what she had seen all those years ago, Elma adopted a different stance, turning her head and looking at the ground, she closed her eyes.

She couldn't see, so it didn't matter. She relied on her hearing instead. Jaynix took a step forward, her next strike was with her other arm, the arm Elma had injured. She knew the blow would be slower, weaker but still devastating and so she evaded it.

Tightening her fist, Elma swung, feeling Jaynix's abdomen take the blow. Once again, the strike barely moved Jaynix back. She was an immovable object and an unstoppable force. But Elma refused to give up.

Evading another strike, Elma hit Jaynix once more, then again. She tried to ignore the guilt behind each punch but she needed to do something. Jaynix had already shown complete willingness to kill as well as maim.

The Jaynix that Elma knew would never resort to dirty tactics. Ever.

This time, Elma caught Jaynix's fist and roared as she pulled back her arm and struck the side of Jaynix's face. That caused the Reaper to stumble back a few steps.

Elma moved back as well, wiping her face with her arm quickly, cursing before remembering something vital.

Jaynix surged forward, Elma meeting her halfway. Tackling the woman she roared and began to carry Jaynix through the clearing until she slammed her into a tree. Raising both her arms, Jaynix balled her hands into fists and brought them down on Elma's back. The force of both blows caused Elma to cry out in pain.

Jaynix repeated the attack, the pressure on Elma's back building and leaving her with no choice but to release Jaynix. Ducking under a follow up strike, Elma took off into the trees, heading for her destination fully aware that Jaynix was right on her tail.

Skidding to a halt, Elma flipped around and swung, her leg caught the side of Jaynix's face and threw her to the ground. Kicking off the ground, Elma fell back into the pool of water she saw what felt like ages ago, enjoying the cool relief from the blazing battle.

Vision clear, she emerged from the water and opened her eyes just in time to see Jaynix strike, the blow impacted the side of Elma's head. The next one struck her abdomen and the one after that was right on her chest, throwing her into the water once more.

Jaynix followed her down, securing both hands around Elma's neck and holding her underwater. Elma struggled against Jaynix's iron grip as the Reaper worked to drown her.

Hand moving to her side, Elma felt her pistol. Charging it up felt like an eternity, all the while she gagged on the water that had saved her moments ago.

Firing off the round, the lake exploded, the water was sent in all directions, the grand majority straight up into the air. Jaynix was also blown off of her, slamming into the nearly empty lakebed as Elma heaved and vomited far too much water.

All the water that was sent straight up, came back down almost as if it was raining. Standing slowly, Elma locked eyes with Jaynix.

That was another thing she couldn't stand. The silence. Jaynix was never this silent in combat. She was emotional. Roaring, shouting, screaming. Crying. This was almost as if she was dead. Emotionless. Blank.

"Please, Jaynix...come back to me...I don't want to do this anymore…"

Elma had one last weapon on her. The Prog Ares. She could call on it to stop Jaynix, this she knew. But the longer the battle continued, the more Elma wanted to get through to Jaynix with her words. Her truths. She couldn't use force on her.

Elma almost laughed.

"Of course…"

Then she realized Jaynix was gone. Cursing, Elma left the empty lakebed and moved through the jungle, many of the fires were still raging. Her Tandem Blade was in the clearing along with-

A blade sliced through the air, flames shooting through the trees and striking Elma. She felt the intense burns, crying out as she fell to the ground and the trees caught fire once more.

Elma cursed, watching Jaynix cut through all the trees, headed right for her. She let her guard down for one moment and allowed Jaynix to arm herself. Reaching for her pistol, she waited.

Once Jaynix was right on top of her, she brought the weapon forward and fired at point blank range. The pulse threw Jaynix back and into a tree which practically shattered at the impact. Jaynix continued sailing through the air until she hit a second tree, this one collapsing on top of her.

On her feet once more, Elma retrieved her blade and turned to see Jaynix burst out of the tree's remains.

Elma took a deep breath, watching Jaynix swing her sword around again, flames licking up and down the red blade.

Both women charged one another, blades colliding, flames exploding, covering them both and shooting up high into the sky, igniting the night.

Elma roared in pain, the burning sensation was overwhelming. Despite this, she managed to stand her ground as the flames died away. Her blade and Feuervogel remained locked to one another. Elma stared at Jaynix's one eye, her voice hoarse.

"Talk to me. Please. I don't care what you say...I just want to hear your voice…"

Overclock deactivated then, Jaynix broke the lock immediately, the Tandem Blade was torn from Elma's grip and flew off into the night.

Elma fell to her knees, exhausted. Every inch of her body was in pain but that didn't matter to her. Looking up, she stared at Jaynix who took a step back, embers gathering around her blade.

Elma remained silent as Feuervogel caught fire, illuminating the night.

"...alright…"

Elma took her pistol and threw it away.

"...kill me...that's what you want, right?"

Jaynix raised Feuervogel up high, a torrent of flames surrounding the weapon.

"...four years alone...all because of me...I know that you hate me, Jaynix. I've known this for four years…"

Elma shook her head.

"I don't care...you're alive. That's all that matters…"

Elma felt herself smile before looking at Jaynix again.

"I want you to know, Jaynix…"

Elma waited, watching the other woman who had yet to deliver the finishing blow. That light was back in her eye, that small but familiar light.

"I understand and...I'm sure you already know this but...I love you."

Elma said nothing more, on her knees, she waited for Jaynix to kill her. To take what she's wanted for four years. Revenge on the person who killed her wife. What emotion was powerful enough to keep someone alive for four years, all alone on some strange alien planet?

Nothing was stronger than that hatred. That need.

Elma wasn't sure how long she was waiting in silence before Jaynix tightened her grip on her blade, raising it higher before bringing it down.

Then there was silence.

Immediate and cold.

The flames were gone.

Feuervogel froze less than an inch from Elma's face. She didn't even notice the blade, her eyes were locked on Jaynix's face. That one eye was searching her, looking for something.

Elma waited. Said nothing. Just waited in the loudest silence of her life. Slowly, Jaynix pulled her blade away from Elma's face to get a better look at her.

No words left her lips but her eye said everything.

Despite her body's intense protests, Elma forced herself to her feet. Never breaking eye contact.

There was a question in Jaynix's eye. Her lips struggled to move, her throat struggled to vocalize it. Elma moved closer, bringing one of her hands up as slowly as she could. Gently placing it on Jaynix's cheek. The moment she did, all the light, all the color returned to Jaynix's eye.

"It's me. I'm real. I swear."

The pair stood there for what felt like an eternity, Elma moved closer, taking Jaynix into her arms and holding onto her tightly.

She could feel it. The tears forming in her eyes and trailing down her cheeks. Holding onto the other woman tightly, Elma tried to speak, but her voice died. All that escaped her were choked sobs.

She tightened her grip on Jaynix even more, feeling every bit of the other woman's back, it was her. She could never forget this sensation. This isn't some twisted dream. Some horrible illusion. This was reality. She was holding onto the person she'd dreamed of finding for four years.

She had so many things she wanted to say, she practiced so many times during her lonely journey yet now that the moment had come, all she could do was cry. She buried her head in Jaynix's shoulder, her tears staining Jaynix's clothes.

As hard as she tried, no words formed. Nothing she could say or think to say was fitting to the moment. All she could do was hold the woman who meant so much to her.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed when she felt one hand on her back.

She wasn't sure how much had passed when she felt her breathing next to her ear, she was so close.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed when she heard Jaynix speak for the first time in four years.

"Elma?"