Survivors, Monsters and Murderers

by jetangel02

Night Raid and the Jaegers are prepared to battle each other to the death. But are either of them ready to stand against one of the galaxy's deadliest species? Their best hope lies with a group of survivors from beyond the stars. War is inevitable and death is certain. Courage and trust are their best weapons against the Xenomorph plague. Rated M for language, violence and gore.

5. Chapter 4

To All Readers: Sorry for the long delay. A lot of work and research went into the writing of this chapter. Because you as the reader, deserve the best. I noticed people are asking if I'll be including Predator. He will be making an appearance in this story, but I have to be honest. I might only have him play a small cameo role, but I'll reconsider if readers desire more Predator involvement. I intend to make the Aliens the central antagonists to this story. Hope you all understand. And rest assured, I will try to incorporate as many varieties of Aliens as I possibly could. Thank you and enjoy this chapter.

Disclaimer : I do not own any of the Aliens and Akame ga Kill! Franchises. Those belong to their respective owners.

Chapter 4 : Alien vs Jaeger

Unknown Area North of Hadley's Hope, South of the Empire

Skreee! The loud piercing shriek reverberated through the center corridor where Esdeath and Seryu stood. Both Jaegers flinched at the intensity of the noise, until it died down. Esdeath resumes her insidious grin, knowing that the time had finally come for the Creatures to make Their move. Beside the General, her Subordinate looks towards the direction where the shriek originated. The auburn haired murderess gaped with a fearful expression and was about to ask her Commander "What the Hell was That!?". But she sees the calm and ready look on the Jaegers' leader's face, which restored her own confidence. Alongside her, Koro whined while covering his floppy ears with his small arms. "It's alright, Koro. Justice is on our side. There's nothing to be afraid of." She said reassuringly. The Justice City Detector on her arm started to blip with tracking signals from multiple directions. A lot of them.

"Movement!" Seryu calls out, while constantly looking down at her Justice City Detector then up at the tunnel walls around her "I got multiple readings, in front and behind! They're closing." Beside her, Esdeath grins and eagerly awaits for her Enemy to appear. It's been a while since they stood here and waited for the Danger Beasts to make a move. The General was sending out pulses of Killing Intent, all the while.

"Talk to me, Seryu. How many are there, and what's their position?" Commanded Esdeath. Seryu looks back at her radar scope with uncertainty "I can't lock in. Signal's too big to single out. They're all around us." The General frowns and squints down the path they came in from. Both her and her subordinate's eyes have already adjusted to the Hive's dim lighting. But she can't make out any shapes at a certain distance away. All she sees are moving shadows. Whatever is in here, it's staying just out of range of view. "Try harder Seryu. I need more details." She insisted.

"Signal concentration is high, back down the way we came from. The signal is getting more dense. Their numbers seems to be increasing. According to these readings, the way before us has a lesser number. They're holding position just a few yards away from us, letting their forces swell." Explained Seryu.

The Jaegers' leader held her rapier ready and addresses Seryu and Koro "Both of you, get ready for battle. They're planning to overwhelm us with sheer numbers. We carry the advantage inside this tunnel. They can't surround us in such narrow spacing. I got the rear. Seryu, you and Koro take the front. Press ahead down the path, when I give the order. Understood?" Both, the auburn haired Jaeger and her Imperial Arm nod in confirmation.

Seryu holds up the Sung Dynasty Blade with anticipation, and Koro grew to a medium sized beast. While the biological Imperial Arm faced down the tunnel and growled violently, his wielder stood behind him and glared at her radar scope. A new signal blipped closer to their position, almost right on top of them.

Seryu looks up in a panic and spots a pair of clawed hands reaching out from the wall behind Esdeath. The claws were inches away from the Jaegers' leader, who remained oblivious. "Behind You!" her subordinate screamed as she raised the large blade and dashed forward.

The General reflexively ducked under Seryu's blade as she drove it into the Creature that was hiding within the Hive walls this whole time. It makes a painful screech and thrashes wildly, but Seryu continuously stabs it, her face quickly warping into a psychotic state. "Have a taste of Justice, you Demon!" she gleefully screams.

The Alien stops moving after receiving an abundant amount of stabs from the auburn haired murderess. "Evil doesn't stand a chance against my Justice!" declared Seryu while laughing at the Xenomorph's corpse. Above her, a long bladed tail uncoiled from the ceiling.

"Get down!" ordered Esdeath as she raised her rapier and lunged at the other Creature that hid in the tunnel ceiling. The other Alien screeched in surprise as it was run through with the long metal blade. It falls from the ceiling and the General swiftly hacked off one of Its legs.

"Pretty clever, for you to be hiding within the walls this whole time. If my Subordinate and I had not spotted you before you've attacked, you certainly would have gotten the drop on us." Taunted Esdeath, as she slowly steps closer to the injured Alien "Let's get a good look at you. I want to see what your face of painful agony and anguish shows" the Creature tries to right itself up, but without a leg It can only accomplish propping Its body on Its arms and crawl towards the General.

It was close enough for Esdeath and Seryu to see it clearly and both Jaegers just stared in mild shock, unsure of what they were seeing. It was bigger than a human, had two arms and two legs, but the resemblance ended there. Its body was black with a tinge of blue, exoskeletal, had a long segmented tail that was armed with a lance like blade, four dorsal tubes on Its back and an elongated head with only a snarling mouth at where the face should be. It has no eyes or nose, but It was somehow able to see because it "looked" up to face the General and her Subordinate and hissed at them.

"How disgusting. What matter of creatures are you, if you don't have a face to express your suffering?" asked a sadistic Esdeath. Beside her, Seryu overcomes her bewilderment at the Xenomorph's bizarre appearance and prattles "Never thought a Danger Beast could look as ugly as that! You can only be a creature of pure Evil, to look that hideous. For the sake of Justice, we're gonna exterminate your kind and erase you all from existence, you Freak!"

If the Creature felt threatened or insulted by that remark, It didn't make any indication. It only bared its silvery teeth, before parting the jaws to reveal more teeth of the secondary jaws inside. The inner jaws flexed menacingly, seemingly eager to snap at anything that comes close enough.

Esdeath was amused by the Alien's vicious nature, and It's apparent ignorance to pain or ridicule. Even when injured and in a compromised position, the Xenomorph still resolved to attack. The General raised her sword and made ready to prolong Its suffering, by cutting off another limb. And then she sees the melted blade of her rapier, it was being dissolve by yellow fluid that had splashed on when she cut the Creature.

"Huh?" Esdeath gaped at her ruined sword and noticed the yellow fluid was traveling down the blade and on to the guard. It was just about to reached the hilt, before the Jaegers' leader discarded the weapon letting it clatter to the floor. She watches as the last bits of her rapier was dissolved away into a clump of smoking metal, her eyes widen with recognition "The yellow liquid from before, Acid." She gazes over at the Alien as It continues Its struggle to crawl towards her and Seryu's position, and sees the yellow acid was flowing from the Xenomorph's severed leg.

"Acid for blood?". Realizing the danger, Esdeath turns to her Subordinate "Seryu! Get rid of your blade!". The auburn haired murderess looks to her Sung Dynasty Blade and gasps in surprise as well, when she saw that the broad blade has been nearly reduced to a twisted hunk of slag. The acid blood flowed dangerously close to the connection socket, where the Judgment of the Ten Kings weapon coupled itself to her arm.

Seryu moved fast to work some latches and ejected the Sung Dynasty Blade off her arm, leaving a mechanical stump in its place. She looks carefully at her melted blade, still in awe by the acid's voraciously corrosive properties. "Uh…I…what?" for once, the auburn haired Jaeger was at a loss for words. She had never fought anything as relentless and volatile as these Danger Beasts.

"Seryu, pay attention!" yelled Esdeath, and her subordinate whirls around in time to see a blur of teeth and claws as the wounded Alien heaved itself off the ground and quickly pounced onto the distracted Jaeger. Seryu fell to the floor with the angry Xenomorph on top of her.

The Alien Warrior struggled to claw at the young woman, but Seryu had her remaining arm out in front of her, grasping the Alien's neck and was desperately holding the Monster at bay. The arm's mechanical properties was barely sufficient to hold off the Xenomorph from mauling the auburn haired murderess in the face. So instead, the Alien reached and grabbed Seryu's shoulders with It claws. Using that as leverage, the Xenomorph pulled itself closer to Seryu and opens Its mouth to use the inner jaws.

"Get Off Of Her!" roared Esdeath, as she stood by and tried to figure out how to help Seryu. The Jaegers' leader had thought about cutting the Creature down with an ice sword she conjured up to serve as a replacement to her rapier, but the Monster's large body was on top of Seryu. If the General cuts It, the acid blood will spatter onto her Subordinate below. The two of them are too close to each other, and all of Esdeath's usual attack methods can't kill the Creature without killing or freezing Seryu as well.

The Alien was slowly inching Its face closer to Seryu's as the auburn haired Jaeger's arm started to recede, unable to resist the Xenomorph's superior strength. Eager to dispatch Its prey, the Alien Warrior shot out Its inner jaw towards the Jaeger's forehead. The inner jaw stopped short a few centimeters from Seryu's head and snapped with futility, unable to reach its target.

Desperate and dangerously close to certain death, Seryu opens her mouth to reveal the hidden gun inside and prepares to shoot the Creature. Then, she realized that was not an option. With the Monster's face so close to her own, a gunshot to It would most definitely cause the acid blood to spray all over her face.

Sensing the revealed weaponry from Its prey, the Alien Warrior shoots out Its inner jaw again while aiming for Seryu's mouth gun. Seryu retracted the gun back into her mouth and shuts it, just as the Xenomorph's secondary jaw reaches where the gun was a split second ago. Being so close yet not close enough, the teeth of the Alien's inner jaw delicately pressed against Seryu's lips, in probably the most grotesque form of a makeshift kiss. An unholy form of intimacy between horrid killers. The inner jaw retracts away from Seryu's lips, leaving a trailing strand of the Alien's saliva between them that didn't break. Even, as the inner jaw wound back into the Xenomorph's mouth to ready another bite attempt. Seryu was stunned, too shocked and thoroughly disgusted at the fact that she gave away her first kiss to a Monster. She felt like she was being violated.

Certainly close enough for a head bite, the Alien shoots out Its inner jaws a third time, but once again stops short a few centimeters away from Seryu's forehead. The Jaeger recovers from her shock and looks up to see that Koro has used his monster strength to lift the Alien Warrior off of her.

The Xenomorph screeches in anger and frustration, as it tries prying open Koro's hand to get away. But, the biological Imperial Arm's strength was superior and wouldn't let up his grip. Koro makes a deep throaty chuckle as he observes the Creature's futile attempt to escape his clutches. He then, opens his large mouth and bites down on the Alien's upper torso.

Seryu wipes the slime from her mouth, stands up, and screams "Koro, No!". Too late. As Koro chews on the Creature's flesh, the acid blood gushes out and dissolves away the biological Imperial Arm's mouth and the hand that still held the Alien's bleeding lower body.

Koro stumbles back as the pieces of the Creature's body falls away from him. He tries to roar in anger but without a mouth, all he can manage is a wet throaty growl. Only his tongue was left hanging limp out of his still intact gullet. Everything else beneath his snout has been melted away, up to where his uvula hanged.

"Come on, Koro! Concentrate on regenerating! We're not out of this yet!" pleaded Seryu, hoping Koro's mouth and hand will regenerate in time to fight. A multitude of blips sounded off from her Justice City Detector, and she holds up her arm to look at the radar scope. The mass of signals from both directions of the tunnel have started to move in. Fast.

"Ma'am! We've got Incoming! Both sides!" Seryu urgently yelled, and Esdeath placed both her hands on the ground "Watch out, you two! Stand off to the side!". Koro quickly grabbed Seryu with his remaining hand and gently lifted her up to place safely on his shoulders. He steps off to the side and braces. At either side, the three of them can now see a vast horde of charging Aliens swarming through the tunnel towards them.

Esdeath concentrates and uses her ability to freeze both ends of the entire corridor. Everything in the tunnel with the exception of the General, her Subordinate, and the biological Imperial Arm, were instantly frozen in a solid block of ice.

Seryu climbs down off of Koro and stares throughout the frozen corridor in amazement. On both sides of the tunnel, the passages were completely solidified into walls of ice. And encased within the ice, were the frozen bodies of the Creatures. Completely encapsulated while in motion.

Esdeath walks up to the ice formation and peers at the Aliens. "Too easy." She chuckled, slightly disappointed that the Creatures didn't prove much of a challenge.

A loud crunching noise sounded off from the ice. The General looked closely and notice large cracks were forming. Suddenly both ice walls broke apart like shattering glass and the Aliens emerged and screeched in unison. None of them were affected by the ice that encased them, in fact most of them seem only annoyed for being encumbered by being frozen.

"Impossible! Why are you not dead!? The hypothermal shock alone should have killed you instantly!" yelled Esdeath, when she saw that her attack only served as a nuisance to these Monsters. The Aliens shook the remaining shards of ice off their exoskeletons and made ready to charge once more.

Seryu turns to Koro and watches in panic as the biological Imperial Arm has barely regenerated half of his mouth and most of his hand. The auburn haired Jaeger won't be able to equip any more Judgement of the Ten Kings fast enough without Koro's working mouth.

Esdeath was undaunted by the coming onslaught. Regaining her composure, she delicately waves her hands through the air and conjures hundreds of icicles. "Let's see how you all do against this! Weissschnabel!" with a flicking gesture of her hands, the Jaegers' leader sends a barrage of daggers sized icicles towards both oncoming hordes of Aliens.

The ice projectiles darted into the Creatures at the velocity of bullets, and it only slowed them down. The Aliens at the forefront received the full brunt of the barrage and only suffered minor wounds. The icicles would ricochet off the Xenomorphs' reinforced cowl when hit at their heads, and their torsos and limbs would only be embedded with the icicles. None of the ice projectiles could penetrate through their exoskeletons.

Esdeath saw the lack of effectiveness her technique had, so she quickly adjusted her method of attack. She conjures up more icicles and shapes them to the length of javelins, before hurling the next volley with even greater force. It proved to be more successful. All the Creatures that were struck by ice were skewered and pinned down by whichever limbs that were hit, their bodies effectively blocked up and stalled the hordes from approaching further. "It's working." The General observed with satisfaction.

"Way to go, Commander! Show those disgusting Freaks, how Justice stands tall against the forces of Evil!" Seryu cried gleefully, behind her Koro finishes regenerating his mouth and hands. "Koro. Have you completely regenerated?" the amber eyed murderess asked when she looked at him. The biological Imperial Arm chomps and snaps his jaw, and flexes his regrown hand to show that he's back to full strength. Seryu grins insidiously "Good. Next time, don't eat these Demons. Use your strength and break their bodies instead." Koro nods and growls maliciously.

Esdeath looks back at the two of them "Look alive, you two! There's still more of these Things to kill!" she then conjures more ice javelins and sends them at the hordes again. The Weissschnabel technique was holding the Creatures at bay, but the Aliens were determined. Any of the Xenomorphs that were skewered and pinned by the ice javelins, would break off their arms and legs and continue forward. Only the ones that were pierced in the head or in the center body, have stopped moving.

"Vitals must be located in the same place, where the heart and the brain would be." The Jaegers' leader surmised. She was about to relay her observation to Seryu and Koro, but stopped when she saw what the Aliens are up to.

The bogged down hordes seized their fallen brethren, held them aloft and pressed forward once again. "That's not going to work!" growled Esdeath, as she sends another volley of ice javelins. The attack no longer had any effect. The ice javelins rained onto the hordes and were absorbed by the bodies of dead Aliens, which acted like makeshift shields and protected their still living brethren. None of the ice javelins could penetrate through, because their acid blood would dissolve any projectile that didn't pass through fast enough. It would take the velocity greater than that of a rifle round, to get through without being completely dissolved.

Esdeath gazed in astonishment, as the Creatures have once again adapted and overcame her attacks. She wanted to smirk, to grin, to smile, but couldn't because that required a thrilling sense of joy which she isn't feeling right now. It was something else, something unfamiliar. But, she always felt thrilled and joyfully alive when in battle. Why was this any different? She's been aching for a fight with strong opponents and here she is, in the middle of enemy territory, surrounded by deadly foes. And she had always fought and won.

She's done it before, against wild Danger Beasts, the Ban Tribe, Najenda and her fellow defectors, and most recently Numa Seika and the Northern Tribes. None of them have ever offered much of a challenge. So she and her army would have their way, and violate them, ravaging their homes and their people. She had always defeated the enemies of the Empire, and her subordinates would enjoy the spoils of her victories.

So, what is this strange feeling then? Esdeath's gaze drifted down to her hands and she realized they're shaking. Was it from excitement? Exhilaration? No, it wasn't that. Her blood was rushing and her heart was racing for sure, but she felt cold as well. She has never felt cold before. Even when using her ability to control ice, she had never felt any chills. She thinks back on why people would shake and feel cold, yet not while under freezing temperatures. Then, she figured it out when her thoughts drifted to most of the people she's killed. And why they would shake, tremble, and shiver, before they were actually frozen alive or slaughtered by ice attacks.

It was Fear. Fear was the reason why her victims shook uncontrollably. The same way Esdeath's hands were shaking right now. She's afraid. Afraid of the Monsters in front of her. Afraid, because unlike all of her enemies she's come up against in the past, these Danger Beasts seemed to not know pain, or exhaustion, or fear for that matter. And so far, her ice attacks hasn't been that effective towards Them.

The Serpents are closer now. They approached cautiously, so as not to be taken unawares by another ice strike. "Stay Back!" screamed Esdeath, utterly shocked by her own terrified voice. She holds out her hands and created walls of ice, separating her, Seryu, and Koro from the Aliens. The ice barriers are holding, despite the Xenomorphs smashing and clawing against them.

"How can this be? Where have I gone wrong?" the General wondered, as she quickly observed her surroundings and found her answer.

This Place. This Hive. This is Their World. This is their Element. In here, They are Invisible. In here, They are Invincible. In here, They are the strong Predators and the Jaegers are the weak Prey. And all she did was waltz straight into their midst without reserve, and allowed herself to be trapped.

"No! I am not trapped! I haven't lost! I Am Not Weak!" roared Esdeath. She seethed with anger and hatred towards the idea of being helpless, and her insecurities faded away as her usual demeanor returned. She hasn't lost yet, not as long as she is alive and able to keep fighting. She's bought some time with her ice barrier, and she began rethinking her strategy. "They're incredibly strong, but we've seen them die. They can be killed. We just need an efficient way of dealing with them." She mused. The blue haired General goes over her abilities "Freezing Them accomplished nothing, and Weissschnabel only worked to a lesser degree." She looked at where she stood. Although her technique can summon thousands of icicles, the corridor's narrow spacing only permitted her to summon a few hundred at a time.

"It's the location. We're the ones at a disadvantage here. These Things are able to dominate in limited spacing." Surmised Esdeath. She needed to get to a more open area. Either outside the Hive, or even another cavernous chamber would suffice.

The General turned to the others. Koro handed Seryu a spare mechanical arm, which the latter then attached and fitted to her stump. "Seryu. Koro. Listen up. I was wro-…change of plans. We're no longer holding position here. When I give the order, push forward and make a break towards the other end of the tunnel."

Seryu holds out her arm with the Justice City Detector attached "Koro! Number 5!" Koro clamps his large mouth on Seryu's arm and spits back out, revealing a large drill in place of where the radar scope arm was.

Amidst the banging and scratching noise coming from the ice walls, a new sound catches Esdeath and Seryu's attention. A loud sizzling noise can be heard from behind the barriers, and acrid smoke vented from the growing cracks in the ice. Behind the ice walls, the Creature's were pressing the bodies of their fallen against the barrier.

"They're using the acid blood of their dead to dissolve the ice and melt it quicker." Esdeath realized. She turns to her subordinate "Get ready! As soon as they're about to break through, charge forward and don't stop until you've reached the end of the tunnel. I'll be right behind you, leaving more ice walls behind to hold off the main swarm."

Seryu nods, holds the large drill out in front of her, and gets set. Beside her, Koro expands his arms and flanks her. In case the auburn haired Jaeger risks getting acid splashed on her, the biological Imperial Arm will cover her with his arms and try to block it. His body can regenerate, hers could not.

The cracks in the ice walls were large enough for the Aliens to fit their arms through, which some are doing in eagerness to breach the other side. Esdeath conjures another ice wall behind her. Then, she yells "Go! Now!"

Revving up the drill into spinning at high speed, Seryu dashes forward "Judgment of the Ten Heavenly Kings! Enma's Spear of Justice!" with her drill out in front, she plows through the weakened barrier and into the Alien horde on the other side. The drill bore through a multitude of Alien bodies, tearing them apart and knocking random limbs and torsos aside. Much of the acid blood sprayed onto the spinning drill, but the centrifugal force of its spin flicks a majority of the fluid away and reduces the dissolving effect. Koro followed closely behind her, keeping his arms close around her sides so as to absorb any stray drops of acid blood. Any acid that hits would burn his arms, which would in turn regenerate after the drops of acid lose their potency.

Seryu can see the tunnel's outlet, past the horde of Monsters in her way. Just in time to notice her drill was deteriorating near the point of uselessness. She presses a button and launches the drill forward as projectile. It blows past the Xenomorphs and detonates into a large explosion, clearing a straight path into another chamber at the end of the tunnel. Nearing their destination, Koro leaps in front of Seryu to absorb the last few splashes of acid blood. The acid threatens to completely dissolve his whole body, and his regenerative powers are having difficulty keeping up.

"Koro! Give me 2, 7, and 8! Hurry! Revert to your normal size, afterwards!" commanded Seryu, and Koro quickly engulfed her with his large mouth. A short moment later, he spits her out, and the auburn haired Jaeger emerged covered in heavy artillery. Two large square missile pods mounted on her back and aim over her shoulders. Two smaller flat pods hang underneath, beside her hips. Her right arm was replaced by a large anti tank rifle, and her left arm had a missile launcher attached. And finally, on her lower backside, the still functioning Justice City Detector was clamped on, in case of an emergency.

After giving Seryu her requested load out, the biological Imperial Arm shrinks to his normal small size in the hopes of escaping the acid's ravenous dissolving properties. The trick worked. As he shrunk and receded, much of his acid drenched body mass was shed and released from his main torso. By the time Koro reached his small size, his body was completely devoid of acid.

Seryu holds out her left arm, and Koro climbed on and clung to her side to avoid being in the way of all that weaponry. She looks behind her to see General Esdeath still a ways back down the corridor, busily constructing barricade after barricade of ice to hold back the other Monsters. The blue haired woman would rapidly step back every time a barrier was completed, and should reach the end of the tunnel shortly. "Come on, Koro. Let's make sure, the way ahead is clear." With her biological Imperial Arm straddled to her left side, Seryu calmly stepped into the chamber ahead.

The chamber was massive, easily three times as large as the first chamber the Jaegers went through, and had better lighting than the dark tunnel. The familiar radiance of daylight filtered down from alcoves, similar to the previous chamber. It was still difficult for Seryu to see, only because of the rising smoke coming from the burned carcasses of the Creatures that were caught in the explosion of her previously used drill weapon.

The auburn haired Jaeger swept her current weapons side to side, ready to blow apart anything that moved. But the only things moving, were some of the Aliens still alive and crawling around with too few limbs to pose any threat. Seryu ignored the heavily wounded Creatures, deciding not to finish them off since they were too close for her to safely use her weapons. If she acted carelessly, she might blow herself up. If the acid blood didn't get to her first. The Monsters stopped moving as they succumbed to their injuries.

"Justice is served." Seryu commented idly, as her usual bravado began to return. They were in a tight spot back in the tunnel, but Esdeath's quick thinking turned the battle around in their favor. "How's the area ahead of us, Seryu? Are we clear?" the General called out from within the tunnel. Her Subordinate turned back again and answered "Yes, Ma'am! At least for the time being. There's another chamber here! It looks empty!" Eager to confirm, the amber eyed Jaeger steps out of the slowly dissipating smoke cloud and deeper into the massive chamber.

"Don't go too far!" ordered Esdeath "I'm almost there!"

Seryu was just about to step back towards the tunnel outlet, but stopped when something caught her eye. Much of her view is clear to see, thanks to stepping out from the cover of smoke. And she can see that all around her, were a bunch of leathery oval pods.

"What are those?" wondered Seryu as she stood still and gazed at the pods which were slowly pulsating organically. Koro whined in confusion, while he remained clinging to her left side. He also didn't know the nature of these pods. A low sliding noise can be heard, coming from the center of the chamber. The Jaeger turned around to find the source of the noise, and both she and her biological Imperial Arm stared through the gloom.

They noticed a giant and long tubular shaft was hanging from the ceiling, held up by a webbing of the hardened slime. The shaft continued making its grotesque slithery sound as it produced another oval-shaped pod from its flappy opening. The ovipositor extended along the ceiling, becoming more swollen and bulged as it leads closer to its source. The distended shaft ended into the backside of a Gigantic Silhouette that hung suspended above the floor under the support of an organic lattice work of biomechanical struts. It looked like a giant statuesque black insect, perched on some unholy throne from another place that lies beyond nightmares. And It was starting to move.

Four arms unfolded from the main body, each were armed with razor sharp claws and crushing fingers. A long tail with a large deadly blade tip uncoiled behind It and rested on the egg sac. Large spikes ran along Its back and led up to a broad crested head. The head slowly swiveled in place, as It swept Its immediate surroundings. It stops when It set Its "gaze" upon Seryu and Koro. The auburn haired murderess and her biological Imperial Arm stood still, completely dumbstruck by the Creature's presence of terrible majesty. Both killers clung to each other, neither were sure of what they should do. The obvious choice was to attack, but Seryu's weapons remained on standby. In front of the Alien Queen's head, a large fanged mouth extended from beneath a protective slit and made a foreboding hiss.

Seryu was still stunned with disbelief at seeing the such a large Creature before her. Her body began moving without her consent, and started backing away from It. She wanted to stand her ground. To boldly declare this Monstrosity as Evil Incarnate. To zealously serve Justice, and render Judgment unto It. To simply bombard It with her impressive arsenal. Is she equipped with enough firepower anyway? Much of her confidence was smothered away by her newfound terror, but she quickly fought against her doubts. She is an Ally of Justice. Hers is a righteous cause. And this Monster and Its Brood are abominations that must be purged from existence, for the sake of a better world.

Seryu began to level her weapons and take aim. Her face started warping into a demented look. Behind her, something grabbed her by the shoulder.

"I told you, not to go too for ahead!" Esdeath said sternly as she placed a hand on her Subordinate's shoulder. She had just erected the last ice barrier and stepped out of the tunnel. She barely spotted Seryu a few meters away outside of the lingering smoke cloud, and walked up to her to see her staring at something. Only when the General stood next to the amber eyed young woman, did she see the Queen.

Esdeath was taken aback by the Alien Queen as It hissed again at seeing another intruder in Its midst. But, the General recovered fast when she clearly realized what was in front of her. This is probably the Leader of these Danger Beasts. And the Jaegers have incidentally sealed themselves inside the chamber alone with It. She dons a menacing grin "Seryu. Leave this one to me. Pretty soon, the other Horde will have broken through every last one of my barricades. When they do, I'll need you to focus on that tunnel as a bottleneck and hold Them off."

Seryu was about protest, but remained silent as she shivered and curdled with dread. Her Commander was radiating Killing Intent. The most that Esdeath has ever given off. The Alien Queen sensed it as well, so She parted Her jaws and sent off a loud piercing shriek. Both of the Jaegers in front of Her flinched at the sound's intensity, as it echoes throughout the chamber. Behind them, another sound can be heard. It was the loud banging and tearing sound of the other Aliens trying to break through the last ice barrier.

Seryu turned back towards the tunnel outlet and steadily aims. Koro jumps off of her and grows into a large growling beast. "Get ready Koro! I'll keep the Monsters at bay. Crush any, that manage to get through. Have Number 1 ready for me, just in case." ordered Seryu. Koro growled once more in understanding.

Esdeath steps closer to the Alien Queen, and conjures a sword of ice. A moment passed, while the two mass killers stared each other down. The General gazed at the Queen, her grin becoming more sinister "Come then. You should know what I plan to do. Climb down off that decrepit throne of yours, so that I may sit upon it in your place. I've come here to be entertained! Be a good host and attend to your guest!" she sends out another surge of Killing Intent, wanting to goad the Queen Xenomorph into attacking.

The Queen focus her senses and picks up on the Killing Intent. This Lifeform in front of Her, poses an extreme threat to Her and the Hive. Aside from the constant buzz of Killing Intent, the Queen's senses can read more of the Lifeform's twisted will. Esdeath's desire to Dominate, Slaughter, and Torment spun around her presence in foul noxious waves. The Queen's refined understanding of the will of Others, shows that Her adversary embodies an unholy cycle of Misery. A creature that relishes the act of killing for sport. For fun. The other Lifeform before her, with the small animal clinging to her side, had a similar disposition. Seryu's feelings were soured with her own self-serving Vindications. A rotten front to cover her arbitrary Malice and perverse Bloodlust, easily snuffed out by the adversity of the powerful. The Alien Queen lacks any emotional capacity to condemn these Lifeforms as amoral. In fact, It can understand well enough of the two Jaegers' desire to make Victims of Her and Her Brood, even when they'd likely become victims themselves to the Aliens. All the same. In the interest of the Queen's own self preservation, these Lifeforms must perish at all costs.

The Queen however, did not bother to move. Instead, She turns Her head around to face something behind Her. Esdeath looked on, as she sees another Creature stomp out from behind the Alien Queen and came around the right side.

It was big. Not as large as the Queen, but easily bigger than the other Aliens. It stood at 12 feet high, on four powerful cloven hooved legs. Its exoskeleton was an equal mixture of black and red. And Its elongated head was larger than average, with a pair of sharp horns protruding from the sides.

The Bull Alien bellowed Its challenge. Roar! Its roar spreads throughout the chamber, with an intensity to match the Queen's shriek.

"I see, you've put forth your champion." Commented Esdeath "Let's see how long he lasts, so don't disappoint me!".

Over to where the tunnel outlet is, Seryu looks at her Commander with concern. Suddenly, a sound like shattering glass gets her attention and she sees the Alien Horde smashing through the last ice wall. Forgetting about Esdeath's confrontation, the auburn haired murderess aims her weapons at the immediate threat in front of her and screams "Justice Volley Fire!" She unleashes a barrage of missile and cannon fire upon the coming Horde. Boom! Boom! Kaboom!

The Bull Alien charged straight at Esdeath, who nimbly dodged sideways and swung her ice sword down on Its flanks. Shink! The Crusher Xenomorph, quickly threw Its head sideways and parried the blow with Its large horns. The blue haired woman used the force of the parry to fling herself back into a somersault, and landed a certain distance away.

The Bull Alien rounded itself to face Esdeath. It scrapped Its cloven hooves against the floor, as It makes ready to charge again. The Jaegers' leader lightly waves her hand above her, and conjures thousands of ice javelins. All pointed towards the Crusher Xenomorph. "Plenty of space to use this properly. Weissschnabel!" with a flicking gesture of her hand, the General sends the ice javelins barreling towards the Horned Beast. The Bull Alien responds by launching Itself forward and charged straight at her, with the velocity of a locomotive.

The maelstrom of ice projectiles collided against the Crusher Xenomorph, and did nothing to stop Its advance. Esdeath stood there in observation. Studying with cold patience, as most of her ice javelins would smash against the Horned Beast's large reinforced head without so much as scratching Its smooth carapace. Her ice projectiles couldn't pierce the head, let alone damage It. However, she also notice some stray ones were able to stab into the Monster's sides. Random ice javelins stuck out along the Bull Alien's flanks, legs, and back. But, It didn't even slow down.

Kaboom! At the tunnel outlet, Seryu's bombardment of the Alien Horde continues. Countless Xenomorphs were blown apart by the array of missiles and cannon shots. The Horde kept pushing forward out of the tunnel, undaunted by the hellish barrage set forth by the fiendish auburn haired Jaeger. Her face was maniacally twisted with sadistic homicidal frenzy, as her artillery battery shelled out its payload. Any few Aliens that were able to slip past the barrage, would be snatched up by Koro and have their necks snapped and broken by the biological Imperial Arm's monster strength.

The Bull Alien reaches Esdeath's position and tries to ram her, but the General nimbly dodged again. The Crusher Xenomorph tried swiping at her feet with Its tail, and the blue haired woman cartwheels over the attack and away from harm. Using the momentum of Its tail swipe, the Bull Alien pivoted Its large body around and quickly slammed Its head down. Bam!. The floor around It began to shake.

The resulting quake threw Esdeath off balance. She topples to the floor, and into a vulnerable position. Her ice sword slipped from her hand, as she tried to break her fall. The Jaegers' leader looks up, in time to see the Horned Beast part Its jaws and stomp towards her.

"Why is this happening!? How can they keep up with my movements!? Why Can't I Read Theirs!?" the blue haired General's mind screamed for reasoning. All of her past opponents, be it Human or Danger Beast, can easily be sensed by their Killing Intent. But these Creatures are different. From the time the Jaegers entered Their Hive, to the here and now, she has not once picked up any trace of Their Killing Intent. "What the Hell does the mean? Either They're somehow able to conceal it, or that They lack a capacity to display shifts in emotions and feelings. Or is it not Killing Intent, to Them at all? Is the act of killing, a part of Their nature? Do They naturally exist to kill?" asked a troubled Esdeath as she struggles to get back on her feet, but quickly stumbles back. The Bull Alien was nearly on top of her, Its jaws parted and the inner jaws flexing in readiness.

Esdeath quickly placed her hand of the Crusher Xenomorph's outermost hoof, just as It shoots out Its secondary jaws and was frozen mid strike. The Bull Alien was immediately encased in ice, as the Jaegers' leader got back on her feet. Its inner jaw was barely a few inches from her face. She calmly backs away and conjures another ice sword. She brings the sword down and tries to slash Its sides, while It was still trapped in the ice.

Too late. The Bull Alien breaks out of the ice and threw Its head sideways to parry to attack once more. This time, the force of the blocked attacked knocked a surprised Esdeath a distance away. She recovers fast, and lands with grace. Luckily, the General was given much needed time to think, as the Horned Beast took a moment to shake the remaining shards of ice off Its body.

"The sides and back can be damaged. I just need It to stay still. Maybe if I use that…" Esdeath shakes her head "No. That's meant to be used as a final option. There are other things for me to try." With that, she thought up a new strategy. The Horned Beast continued to charge at her, and she waited. When It was halfway towards her, the blued haired woman placed both her hands on the ground and froze the floor around her. The Bull Alien loses traction on the icy terrain and slips off Its legs. It crashes along the ice floor in a stumbling heap.

Before the Crusher Xenomorph reached Esdeath's position, the General somersaults over It and lands on the ice using conjured ice cleats to maintain her traction and footing. As It attempts to maneuver on the slippery ice, the Bull Alien stumbles and rolls on its side. Esdeath hastily dashes at the Horned Beast, and makes ready to stab It in the center. Suddenly, the Crusher Xenomorph whips Its tail around and the Jaegers' leader dodged and retreated. She jumps back at a distance and stands ready. She didn't want to cut the tail and risk getting acid blood sprayed at her. She needs to make a single decisive hit. A killing blow, that can put It down quickly and with certainty. And Its prehensile tail is deliberately putting itself in front of her, to prevent that.

"It knows Its blood can harm me. But I still have the advantage. I've hampered Its offense, now I just have to get around Its defense." Esdeath thought. She raises her ice sword and waits for the Horned Beast to come at her again.

Seryu fires the last few missiles and ammo from her artillery load out, and surveys her handiwork. The tunnel outlet has collapsed as a result of her constant bombardment, effectively sealing away the remainder of the Horde from entering the chamber. Some of the Creatures are already trying to squeeze through any small openings. Namely the small gaps of the collapsed outlet, as well as a few holes in the chamber walls that were blown open by stray missiles and cannon shots.

"Koro! Number 1!" called out the auburn haired Jaeger. Her biological Imperial Arm engulfs her again, and she emerged without her artillery weapons. Instead, she came out with a regular mechanical left arm and a huge spiked flail for her right arm. One of Aliens was almost through one of the gaps, when Seryu steadily readies her weapon. Her face reverts back to a frenzied psychotic state "Shinkou's Ball of Justice!" she swings the spiked ball overhead and down onto the unsuspecting Xenomorph. She reels her weapon back to her, careful to make sure no acid drips onto her. In the place of impact, there was only a black and yellow smear.

Seryu studied the results of her attacks and figures out her weapon's capabilities. The acid blood left by the Monster was already eating away at the spike ball. But, the ball is very large and very dense. It will take time for the flail to completely disintegrate. Meanwhile, a few burned holes wouldn't make the spiked ball any less lethal.

Seryu looks forward and sees more Serpents have nearly slipped through the blockage. This time with reckless abandon, the amber eyed murderess swung the flail at her targets. She manages to smash a handful more of the Aliens, before They retreated and stood by near the gap openings. None of them dared to try and get through, since only a few would be able to squeeze through at a time. Such obstacles would prevent them from overwhelming the young woman and her monster Imperial Arm. The Horde focused Their senses and reached out to Their Queen for counsel.

Seryu patiently stood by and watched the openings with Koro by her side. Their vigilance was interrupted by two loud noises behind them. The both of them turned around and saw the Bull Alien roaring in frustration, as It tries to ram Esdeath unsuccessfully atop a floor layered with ice. The roar was then met with another piercing shriek, as the Queen sounds off Her rage. The auburn haired murderess turned to look at the Alien Queen and narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. "These Demons are obviously fighting to defend the Big One. Is It their leader? Why isn't It joining the battle?" she glances over at the Queen's egg sac "Its bound to that bloated apparatus. Is It a non combatant, because Its immobile?"

The Alien Queen shrieks again. Despite Its apparent fury, It refuses to move or attempt to physically assist Her Brood during the entire altercations. Seryu gazes at Esdeath, who tries to cut down the encumbered Bull Alien, but was parried a third time by the Crusher Xenomorph's horns. The amber eyed young woman looks back at the Queen and grins menacingly "Koro! Pulverize! Obliterate the Source of Evil!" she screams maniacally.

Koro raises his massive fists and began throwing a flurry of punches. He then dashes forward and heads straight for the Alien Queen. The Queen turns around to see the incoming assault from the biological Imperial Arm. She hisses threateningly as Koro halves the distance between them. He growls evilly, as he gnashes his sharp teeth and warps his eyes into a state of murderous frenzy. Suddenly, a large green blur drops down from the ceiling above and intercepts the biological Imperial Arm. It collides into his face with the force of a small comet, and throws him off course.

Seryu stares in surprise by the arrival of another Creature. This One is slightly bigger than the other Serpents, with a blackish green exoskeleton, bigger claws, longer tail blade, and an overall sleeker body.

Skreee! The Dog Alien rears up to full height as It stands atop a stunned Koro, and screeches in a feral predatory rage. Koro recovers and swings one of his large fist at the Runner Xenomorph. Only for the Dog Alien to effortlessly dodge the punch and scurry away from him

Koro stands up and growls at the Dog Alien as It backs away and positions Itself between the Alien Queen and the biological Imperial Arm. It wasn't going to let anything come near the Queen.

"Hang on, Koro! I'll come help you!" yelled Seryu. But, just when she was about to step away from her position, she sees more Aliens trying to get through the collapsed tunnel opening. She swings her flail again, but missed as the Creatures quickly withdrew back inside. The auburn haired murderess can't leave these Monsters alone, or They will come through the small gap openings, swarm into the chamber, and overwhelm Seryu, Koro, and Esdeath.

Seryu looks at the barely contained Horde, then over at Koro in frustration. The biological Imperial Arm makes another barrage of punches and dashes towards the Dog Alien. The Runner Xenomorph dashes in turn and goes for Koro's side. Whip! With Its long bladed tail and at a speed the biological Imperial Arm could not react to, the Dog Alien quickly wraps the tail around Koro's legs and trips him. Koro falls forward and before he can get back up, the Dog Alien hops on his back, shoots Its inner jaw into the back of his neck, and impales the center of his back with Its tail blade for good measure.

It had no effect. Koro reaches behind him and grabs the Runner Xenomorph. The biological Imperial Arm holds the Dog Alien out in front in front of him and reaches for Its head with his other hand to break Its neck. "Yes, Koro! Pull Its head off!" cheered a sadistic Seryu. The Dog Alien spits acid at Koro's face and the glob of yellow fluid sprays into his eyes and snout. With a roar, Koro drops the Runner Xenomorph and quickly tries to wipe the acid off his face.

"No! Koro!" screamed Seryu, as she watches the fight helplessly from where she stood. Koro may be stronger and extremely more resilient, but the Dog Alien is faster and much more cunning. The amber eyed Jaeger desperately wanted to come to Koro's aid, but whenever she so much as look to see the biological Imperial Arm and Runner Xenomorph clash, the other Aliens would try to creep through the blockade and then get driven back as she swings her spiked ball and chain at Them. She steals a quick glance at Koro, and sees the Dog Alien streak towards him and pounces forward with Its tail blade whipping towards his head while he's still trying to regenerate his face. Seryu then screams "Koro! Berserk Mode!"

Suddenly, Koro grew bigger, more muscular, his white fur becomes red, and his eyes quickly regenerate and warps into a more insanely frenzied state. Parting his jaws to the point where his cheeks threatened to tear apart, Koro unleashes a bellowing roar that shook the entire Hive. Everybody within the chamber felt its effects. The Dog Alien was blasted away by the sheer force. Esdeath nearly risks a glance to see what it was, but assumes it was Koro and she goes back to concentrating on defeating the Bull Alien. Seryu makes an evil grin, after having Koro use his Trump Card. And the Alien Queen shrieks again in response to Koro's roar blast.

Oddly though. The Hive of Xenomorphs held still. The Bull Alien stands still above the slippery ice floor, and stops trying to charge at Esdeath. The blue haired General stands ready with her ice sword, waiting to see what the Crusher Xenomorph plans to do next. The Dog Alien nimbly lands on Its legs after being blown away by Koro. The biological Imperial Arm was standing by, as he recuperated from performing that last attack. Seryu was watching the Runner Xenomorph with warped psychotic eyes. Her mouth was open, and the barrel of a hidden gun extended out in preparation to shoot while she took aim. Behind her, the Alien Horde remains still and stops trying to get into the chamber. Shreee! The Alien Queen sends out another shriek. Then all Hell breaks loose.

The Bull Alien slams Its head down hard against the ice floor and the entire icy terrain shatters apart. Esdeath trips once again when the ice suddenly breaks beneath her feet and takes her unawares. The Jaegers' leader falls back down on the floor, and the Crusher Xenomorph charges once more.

Esdeath struggled to stand back up, but the Bull Alien was already closing in. It lowers Its head and makes ready to ram Its horns into the blue haired woman. She conjures ice and puts up every form of defense and obstacle between the Crusher Xenomorph and herself. Ice began to form and grow out of the floor in various shapes, from giant spikes to solid walls. And the Bull Alien came crashing through each and every one of her defenses, but It hardly slows down. "Dammit! There's no other way. I'll have to use that…" Esdeath focuses her abilities and calls out her Trump Card "Mahapadma!"

And nothing happened. The Bull Alien kept charging towards her. The Alien Queen made another foreboding hiss. The Dog Alien stalked towards Koro, who was mysteriously standing still. Off to their side, a flying bullet was held in place by an unseen force, as it followed its trajectory leading towards the Runner Xenomorph's vacant position. Seryu was also standing still, with a frozen muzzle flash shining out the barrel of her mouth gun. Behind her, the Alien Horde resumed sending Xenomorphs through the gap openings with renewed determination.

The Bull Alien was almost on top of her, when Esdeath realized her carefully developed Trump Card failed to stop It. Before the Crusher Xenomorph can gore her, the General placed her hand on the ground and concentrated. A large pillar of ice shot out immediately beneath her and carried her high up. Her perch of safety was already crumbling down, as the Bull Alien smashed through. But she was counting on this opportunity. Using the crushed ice around them, she concentrated and ice spikes sprouted towards the Horned Beast. It lowers and directs Its reinforced head to receive the assault, leaving Its neck exposed. Summoning a large ice axe into her hands, the Jaegers' leader raises the axe above her head as she rapidly descended from above.

With cold fury and a diabolical grin, Esdeath brings the axe down on the Bull Alien's vulnerable neck. The ice axe chopped through with a clean cut, and severed the Crusher Xenomorph's head. The head rolled forward, leaving the main body toppled to the side. The Horned Beast was dead, and Esdeath landed and jumped aside to avoid the acid blood from spraying all over her. She stands straight, looks at the body, and smirks with satisfaction after finally killing her quarry. She glimpsed at Seryu and Koro, and her grin fades away as she sees the blunder her Trump Card had perpetrated. Both Koro and Seryu have barely started to move again, as Mahapadma's effect wore off.

By then, disaster had struck. The Dog Alien was already perched atop Koro's head and before the biological Imperial Arm realized what's happening, the Runner Xenomorph stabbed Its tail blade into his head with surgical precision. Shluck! The tail blade ran straight through the back of Koro's head and out the other side. Sticking out of the tail blade's tip, was a red colored orb. Koro's face became lax and his large hulking body began to degrade and dissipate into a cloud of steam and smoke. When it all cleared, only the Dog Alien remained where he stood.

When Seryu regained her ability to move and become aware of her surroundings, she had just seen the Dog Alien remove the core from Koro's body and neutralized him. "What Happened!? Koro!" she screamed, horrified at having seen her biological Imperial Arm defeated. The Dog Alien whisked Its bladed tail, and the red orb flew off the tail blade and rolled along the floor to the side. The Runner Xenomorph threw back Its head and screeched Its victory.

Seryu's stared with a look of pure hatred "You, Son of a Bitch! I'll fucking kill you for that!" she tugs at her spiked ball, and it refused to budge as if caught on something. The auburn haired murderess turned back to find out the problem, and her thoughts of Koro and the Dog Alien vanished. A pack of Aliens have managed to slip through the collapsed tunnel and have restrained Seryu's weapon by the chain attached to her arm. A few Xenomorphs lunged at her and she quickly uncoupled the weapon off her arm, and stumbled back. The Serpents were beginning to close in on her as she continued to back away. Before the Creatures could attack the amber eyed Jaeger, Esdeath's voice rang out through the chamber "Seryu, Duck!"

Obediently reacting to her Leader's command, Seryu drops down flat against the floor and a giant ball of ice came sailing over her and smash into the pack of Monsters. At the same time, Esdeath calls out the name of her technique "Hagelsprung!"

The ice ball lands on top of the pack of Aliens and crushes them. Afterwards, the giant ice ball rolls forward and crashes into the collapsed tunnel outlet, effectively trapping the remnants of the Alien horde for the time being.

Esdeath grinned sadistically, as she turns to face the Queen and the Dog Alien before her "Your Steed is dead. Your Army is outmaneuvered. And only your Knight stands between me and you." she manifests another ice sword in her hand "Your kind has proven to be strong. I had so much fun, because of it." In front of the General, the Queen makes another foreboding hiss. "You're not Danger Beasts, are you? I've never seen your kind before, and I've killed plenty of different Creatures." she threateningly points her sword at the Alien Queen, and the Dog Alien puts Itself between them.

"But now, we'll see who's going to come away from this as the victor." Continues Esdeath "I'd normally offer you a chance to join me, and fight by my side. But your kind are savage and unreasonable. Or, am I wrong? Are you more intelligent and understanding, than you look? Can you be afraid? Can you beg for mercy, and plead for your life? If so, grovel before me, and lay your heads at my feet!" the Queens lets out another shriek and the Dog Alien snarled. The Jaegers' leader smiled excitedly "You're right. Surrender, is a tool for the weak. And your kind are certainly not weak."

Off to the side, Seryu reattached her Justice City Detector arm, walks towards Koro's core and picks it up to examine the damage. The core has a deep gash on the surface, but it remains mostly intact. "Koro…I'm sorry." Whispered Seryu as tears begin to pour from her eyes. She clasps the red orb close to her chest, and backed away from the center of the chamber where her Commander and the Creatures are having a major standoff. As much as the young woman wanted to help Esdeath, she knew she'd only be in the way. Most of Seryu's weaponry have been expended and she no longer has Koro to fight at her side. She kneels down and stays low to avoid notice, as she silently prays for Esdeath's victory.

The Dog Alien darted forward at nearly the speed of a bullet. Esdeath reacted fast and hurled ice javelins at It. The Runner Xenomorph veered around the coming barrage and came at the General's side. It tried to swipe Its claws at her, but the blue haired woman parried the blow with her sword. The claw swipe hit the ice sword with enough force to break off the blade. The Dog Alien followed the initial attack with another claw swipe, but was parried once more when Esdeath regrew the frigid blade of her sword to absorb the hit. The icy blade held this time and the two combatants stood deadlocked.

The deadlock quickly went in the Runner Xenomorph's favor, as It's Alien strength overpowered the Jaegers' leader and started to force her to her knees. Esdeath quickly concentrates and hastily creates ice braces for her knees, elbows, and wrists to help resist Its overwhelming strength. With both of the blue haired woman's arms occupied in holding off the Dog Alien's claws, It tries to inch Its mouth closer to Esdeath and strike at her face with Its inner jaws. She jerks her head sideways to avoid the snap of the secondary jaws, then she sucks in a breath and blows out freezing air at the Dog Alien's face. Ice began form around Its mouth and encased it into a makeshift muzzle. Surprised by this new move the Runner Xenomorph swung Its bladed tail around and tried to stab the blue haired woman. She reacts in time, and conjures ice armor along her targeted side. The ice stopped the tail blade from piercing her body, but the force of the blow knocked her aside and sent her tumbling to the ground.

Using acid secreted from Its mouth, the Dog Alien dissolves the ice muzzle and screeched in annoyance. It turns back over to Esdeath and sees her trying to get back on her feet while nursing a certainly bruised area on the side of her body. It surged forward and came at her for another assault. The General tries to buy time by conjuring more ice obstacles between them, the same way as she did against the charging Bull Alien before. Luckily, the Runner Xenomorph lacks Its Crusher counterpart's brutish ability to plow through the ice, and has to dodge and weave Its way through.

Esdeath stands back up "Alright, that's working. Now, let's try this!" she places her hands on the ground and created another ice floor. The Dog Alien cleared the last ice obstacles and found Itself on icy terrain. It was unable to slip though, thanks to Its clawed hands and feet. It can easily grip and move on ice, as It would the walls and ceiling. But, the blue haired woman wasn't counting on the Runner Xenomorph to slip around. She had something else in mind.

With a gesture of her hands, Esdeath conjures ice spikes to sprout from the ice floor and attempted to skewer her foe. The Dog Alien dashed sideways and dodged left and right as It keenly reacted to Esdeath's attack. It ran ahead of the spikes and tried to rush the General. With an evil grin, Esdeath anticipated the Runner Xenomorph's direction and conjured another spike to intercept. The cluster of spikes shot out from the ice floor and into Its body, only for It to suddenly vanish in plain sight.

Esdeath couldn't believe her eyes "Where the Hell did it go!?" she growled. From the other end of the chamber, Seryu screamed at her "Ma'am! Above you!". The Jaegers' leader look up and spotted the Dog Alien crawling along the ceiling. "How did It get up there?" she wondered, but her answer already came to her "An After Image" she realized "I hit an After Image, while It went somewhere else" then another realization hit her "After Image is an innate skill, used by only by a very few species of Danger Beasts. And one of them was the Blitz Hound"

Esdeath kept her gaze up at the Dog Alien as It slowly stalked along the ceiling towards her. She summoned an ice arrow and shot it at the Runner Xenomorph, and sure enough It disappeared as the arrow passed through it and It was instantly at a different area on the ceiling. "How is It able to copy the Blitz Hound's ability to use After Image? Just what the Hell are these Creatures!?" she muttered.

The General stood ready and kept a close eye on the Dog Alien in anticipation for Its next move. Then, Seryu screamed at her again "Watch Out!". Esdeath quickly raised an ice wall beside her, right before a torrent of yellow fluid nearly washed over her. Splash! Sszzzt! The ice wall held off the tremendous flow of acid. But, with the density of the acid still streaming the wall at high pressure, a small spouting hole instantly came through the ice and spurts at Esdeath. Spurt! Sszzzt! She jumps back quickly to evade, but wasn't fast enough to keep a few drops from splashing onto the sleeve of her uniform. Without thinking twice, the blue haired woman froze the top of her white uniform with ice and shattered it off her body, leaving her with nothing but a tight fitting white bra to cover her large voluptuous breasts. The shards of her ruined uniform top clattered to the floor, taking the acid with it and leaving Esdeath unharmed. The Jaegers' leader looked towards where the acid stream's trajectory originated from, and sees that the attacker was the Alien Queen. Yellow acid was dripping from the Queen's open jaws. From the other side of the chamber, Seryu was screaming furiously "You Despicable Coward! How dare you attack someone with their back facing towards You!"

Esdeath turned to focus back on the Dog Alien, but she noticed the Queen's acid spit washed over and melted almost all of her ice terrain and puddles of acid flowed dangerously close, forcing her to tread carefully. Realizing she's just been distracted, Esdeath quickly braced herself, raised her ice sword, and managed to block a charging Runner Xenomorph from tackling straight into her. As It reentered deadlock with the General, the Dog Alien use the momentous force of Its blocked tackle to whip Its tail blade around and struck at Esdeath's side, much harder this time. She frantically conjures more ice to absorb the strike, and was knocked to the side once more.

Esdeath fell to the floor with the wind knocked out of her. That last blow hit hard, at an already bruised side of her body, and most definitely cracked a rib. The pain that accompanied her every breath was nearly unbearable, and she felt like everything around her had gone quiet. But, she was still able to hear Seryu cry out in panic "General Esdeath!"

Esdeath continued to lay down on the ground, as two ideas formed in her head. One, was a way to help with her injury as she thought back on that Imperial Soldier whose wound she helped by freezing with ice to keep him from bleeding out. Concentrating and turning her focus inward, the General conjured ice within her body and formed a cast around her fractured rib. The pain receded to being tolerable and breathing became less difficult. Her second idea, was how to use her vulnerable position against her Enemy.

Still lying on the floor, Esdeath made a slight turn of her head to see the Dog Alien stalk towards her cautiously. "Good" she thought "It's alert. All I need to do now, is to spook It." She looks out past the Runner Xenomorph and spied the last bits of ice that the Queen's acid hasn't dissolved yet.

Using one hand, Esdeath made a very subtle gesture, and with the other she makes a snap of her fingers. Spikes shot out from the last bits of ice near the Dog Alien and tried to skewer into Its body. The Jaegers' leader was already searching the ceiling, and managed to spot the Runner Xenomorph after It used Its After Image ability to escape onto the ceiling.

Esdeath laid very still, as she watched the Dog Alien crawl along the ceiling until It was directly above her. With an angry screech, the Dog Alien dropped off from the ceiling and plummeted towards Esdeath with Its claws held out, tail blade poised, and inner jaws wound back to eviscerate the seemingly injured blue haired woman. And she dared not chuckle, grin, or smirk as the Runner Xenomorph fell into Esdeath's trap.

Rolling to the side with all her might, Esdeath screamed out "Grauhorn!" and a horn of ice shot out from the floor where she once laid. The large single spike of ice impaled squared center into the body of the incoming Dog Alien. And It squealed in pain loud enough to match the Queen's raging shriek that followed.

Esdeath slowly stood up and stepped closer to view her handiwork. The Grauhorn's ice spike ran right through the Dog Alien's midsection, keeping it aloft for a time until Its acid blood melted the ice and let It drop to the ground in a crumbling heap. At this point, the Runner Xenomorph's fate is sealed. Its injury was too critical to ignore or overcome. Acid blood and entrails began to come out of the gaping hole in Its gut.

Esdeath's sadistic smile returns to her face as she walks past the dying Serpent, and towards the Queen.

"All Right! Way to go, Commander!" Cheered Seryu "I knew you'd win! Justice always prevails-" Squelch! A loud sound of something being torn apart, rang out for all within the chamber to hear.

Both Jaegers looked on in surprise, as the Alien Queen tore herself free from the confines of her egg sac and stepped down off Her throne in a resounding thud.

The Queen Xenomorph rears up to her full height, and stood at an impressive if not intimidating three stories high. The Lifeform in front of Her stood ready with an ice sword in hand and waiting for Her first move. This Lifeform reminded the Queen of the Other One that approached and attacked Her, back on Her former planet. Both of them possess determination, resourcefulness, and a savage desire to survive. The difference is, while the previous Lifeform had a sense to flee, this Lifeform persisted to stay and prod Her with that insufferable wave of Killing Intent.

So, for once the Alien Queen has decided to extend Her senses out to Esdeath and convey Her Response. With the sensation of a dam being blown apart, the Queen's unfathomable Rage, pervasive Will, and even her ancient Hereditary Understanding of the Cosmic Void, poured over Esdeath's smaller mind and enveloped her feelings with Dread, Humility, and Blindness.

Esdeath gasped for air and clutched her head, as strange feelings enveloped her mind and incomprehensible images flashed before her sapphire blue eyes. ("Smothering Darkness, Fresh Flowing Blood, Warping Flesh, A Desolate Planet, A Blinding Flash of Light that can sear a naked eye, and finally an Empty Void of Nothingness.") The Images would cycle together and begin anew, in a rotating pattern. Esdeath screamed for It to stop, but couldn't even hear herself. A stiff uncomfortable buzzing sounded in her ears, and an overwhelming sense of wrongness covered her senses. As if a taint had polluted every inch of her porcelain white skin. If the General could ever describe what this experience feels like, she would imagine this is what it felt like to be raped.

The Alien Queen withdrew Her senses, and pulled away Her Feelings from the Lifeform. Esdeath stood there quivering, as the effects of the Queen's ultra sensory perception continued to linger within the blue haired woman's mind. Still reeling, Esdeath is now vulnerable and the Queen made ready to charge and attack. But, something drew her attention, and She opened up Her senses again.

The Dog Alien was still barely alive, but was slipping away fast, as It used Its bond through the Queen's Hive Mind to communicate with the Alien Queen. The Runner Xenomorph reached out to the Queen with Its dwindling senses and through their shared bond, conveyed Its will to Her, "FLEE…ESCAPE…SURVIVE!".

The Queen paused for a moment. She then quelled Her rage and canceled Her attack, as a certain reasoning flowed through her senses. She is the Matriarch of Her species. A means for Her kind to expand and grow. If She were to fight such an extremely dangerous opponent, the future of her species would be in jeopardy. And If she were to die, the Aliens would be that much closer to extinction. Her Progeny's message rings true. The risks are too many and the stakes are too high. Retreat is necessary.

Resolving to withdraw from battle and flee the Hive, the Alien Queen spreads Her senses out to the entire Brood, and orders a full retreat. She then turns around and stomps towards the far end of the chamber, leaving behind Esdeath as the Jaegers' leader overcomes and recovers from her state of shock. The Queen reaches the wall at the other side of the chamber, and battered it with Her large crested head. The Hive wall nearly buckled from the impact, leaving large cracks through which daylight pierced the gloom. The Queen prepared another ramming motion, but stops and "looks" behind Her.

She sees Esdeath standing near the abandoned egg sac, conjuring another giant ice ball. "I won't let you get away from Me! Hagelsprung!" cruel fury flashed in blue haired woman's eyes as she sends the ice ball towards the Queen.

The General then immediately creates an ice wall beside her, right before another stream of acid nearly splashed onto her. Esdeath studied the trajectory of the acid flow, and figured out where It was coming from, as she glared angrily in the direction where the Dog Alien lay dying. The Dog Alien kept up Its acid spit attack with every last bit of Its strength. After expelling the very last drop of acid from Its body, the Runner Xenomorph quietly laid Its head down and the rest of Its damaged body remained still. It was Dead.

Esdeath backed away from her acid drenched defense and resumed looking at the giant ball of ice, that she hurled at the Alien Queen. The ice ball was nearly upon the Queen's position, until it began to lose momentum when Esdeath broke off her concentration of controlling it's trajectory, to fend of the Dog Alien's final attack. This allowed the Queen to spread out all four of her arms to catch the ice ball and hold it away from Her with all Her strength. The massive ice ball threatened to plow Her under, as She struggled to push it back. Summoning up all Her Rage again, the Queen Xenomorph held the giant ice ball steady, and used her long tail to batter away the ice to the sound of a thunder clap. Crack!

The giant ball of ice instantly sailed away from the Alien Queen and headed back to where Esdeath stood.

"Shit!" Esdeath quickly held out her hands and concentrated on regaining control of her ice projectile. The ice ball started to slow down, but she wasn't going to be able to stop it time to keep it from crushing her.

Crash! Suddenly, the domed ceiling of the Hive chamber collapsed inward, as a very large winged creature broke through. The Bird Wyvern has come smashing its way through the ceiling. On top of the flying Danger Beast, rode Wave and Kurome.

"Heads, Up!" yelled Wave, as the Bird Wyvern shot a fireball from its mouth towards the ice ball to help slow it down. With its large talons, the flying Danger Beast landed on top of the ball of ice, forced it to the ground, and crushed it beneath its weight.

Esdeath fell to her knees, in awe that her life has been saved by Wave's and the Bird Wyvern's intervention. The flying Danger Beast lands in front of her, and Wave jumps off its back to greet the bewildered General. "I'm glad, we made it in time!" declared the grinning sailor Jaeger as he beamed with pride.

Esdeath tore her gaze away from her newly arrived Subordinates, and quickly searched through another fresh opening at the other end of the chamber. And she growled angrily, as she caught the last glimpse of the Queen's tail blade disappear into the thick trees of the vast forest outside the Hive.

The Alien Queen has escaped, leaving the Jaegers and the Hive behind.

Revolutionary Army Main Base, South of the Empire

"Here you are, Ripley. It's fueled up, and ready to go." Declared a proud Mine, as she presented Ripley with the Flamethrower/Pulse-rifle weapon. The former Warrant Officer was busy brushing the last few strands of Newt's unruly blonde hair, after they had finished taking a bath. Ripley looks up from a impatiently sitting Newt on her lap, and glares skeptically at Mine. She then releases Newt, stands up off her bed, and takes back her weapon.

"Well, a Deal's a Deal." said Ripley as she closely examines her Flamethrower. She holds it out to Mine and offers it back "Go ahead. Try it out and see if it works."

Sweat began to form in the back of Mine's head. "Wait! I thought the agreement, was to let me use it on a practice range when I refueled the flamethrower!? I didn't agree to test it out and see if it might actually work!" argued the pink haired gunner. Ripley gives her a questioning glance "But, Mine. I thought you have just said, that it was refueled and ready to go?"

"She's got you there, Mine." Concurred a smugly grinning Lubbock, who was standing nearby and listening in on the conversation. Mine turns to her green haired comrade and throws him a spiteful look "I could always try it on you, Pervert!" Tatsumi placed himself between his fellow teammates "Come on, you two. Mine, I'm sure, it'll work just fine. I'll be there to back you up if need be." The genius sniper was about to retort back with a snarky remark, but she recalled her promise with Newt and decided to make an annoyed look. "Well, fine. I'll prove to all of you, that I know what I'm doing"

Mine slings the weapon over her shoulder and storms out of Night Raid's barracks, towards the firing range. Ripley, Tatsumi, Lubbock, and Newt followed, while the barracks remaining occupants Chelsea and Leone stayed behind with the former brushing her own hair and the latter was gathering her toiletries in preparation for her turn to use the bathhouse. Najenda was elsewhere on base, arranging for Night Raid's departure to their next mission, and has Susanoo accompanying her. Akame is in the mess hall, looking for food.

Mine and the others reached the firing range and readied themselves for weapons testing. "Here, Mine. Use this." Said Lubbock as he held out his goggles to her "They're highly durable, and should give you some protection." The pink clad assassin makes a scowl "Great. If something goes wrong, my charred body will at least be left with a fresh pair of eyes." She says sarcastically.

Not wanting to be snubbed, Lubbock owns up to the accusation "It'll be a whole lot of fun for me if I can see that look of dumbstruck terror, perfectly preserved when you're scorched!" He holds up his Cross Tails glove mischievously "I have fireproof threads on hand. What say, I weave a protective mantle for you to wear instead. Mind you, that you'll have to wear only this. So you won't catch fire from a random piece of clothing." Mine turns to him, ready to spew more venomous remarks. Only to have Ripley step between them this time.

"That's enough, you two! Quit bickering. I'll be the one to assist Mine, along with Tatsumi." Ripley elbows Lubbock away, and beckons for Tatsumi to come close. She then turns to Mine to give instructions. "Okay, Mine. First thing we'll do, is decouple these two guns away from each other." She unwinds the tape that held the flamethrower and pulse rifle together. Then, she cradles the pulse rifle in one arm, leaving Mine with the flamethrower.

"If something goes wrong, I don't want to lose both guns in the process." The former Warrant Officer explains. Using her one free hand, Ripley guides Mine into properly wielding the flamethrower "The first thing you do is prime the igniter. It's the switch at the front of the fuel tank. Then you're ready to pull the trigger. You have 30 meters of effective range. To get to 50 meters, tilt the nozzle upwards and arc the flame." She gazes down the firing range.

Across the range, sat multiple practice dummies in various shapes and sizes. Most were wooden, with the shape of an averaged sized man. Some of them wore pieces of armor. And there were even a few tied to pulley ropes to become moving targets. Bull's eyes were painted on all their chest areas and heads.

Ripley selects the closest target and turns to Mine "Alright, Mine. Do you see that target there? It's about 15 meters away from us. That's half your range. Squeeze the trigger and hold it down until the flame reaches the target. When it does, let go of the trigger and stop the blast. Try to keep the flame on your target range, and don't let it shoot farther. You'll save fuel, that way."

Mine was listening intently to the instructions, and gave a nod to show she understood. Ripley gestured for Tatsumi to come closer "Tatsumi. I assume that armor of yours, is heat resistant?" The green eyed fighter transforms into Incursio's armor form, and gives a thumbs up. "Fantastic. Are your reflexes fast?" Tatsumi takes a moment to consider the query before nodding "I'm not as fast as Akame. But I'm no slouch either." The former Warrant Officer recalls seeing Akame's speed from when they confronted back at Hadley's Hope and Newt was taken hostage, and again when the crimson eyed assassin kicked a burning Alien off the Air Manta. "If you're even half as fast as Akame, that's good enough for me." She assured.

Ripley stepped up to Tatsumi and guided him towards standing behind Mine. She then instructs him to place one hand on the flamethrower and the other around Mine's waist. Mine began to blush at the intimacy of their pairing. But, she can understand why the two of them were arranged this way. "There" Ripley spoke "Stand ready, you two. If the flamethrower malfunctions or threaten to burn Mine, Tatsumi will disarm her and pull her to safety." Tatsumi nods once more in understanding. Suddenly, Mine takes her hand off the flamethrower and holds it out "Wait!" she holds her hand out to Lubbock, who gingerly hands her his goggles. The genius sniper puts the goggles on and nods in readiness.

Ripley stands back at a safe distance and calls out "Okay, First Step! Mine, start the igniter." Mine reaches the switch with her fingers and carefully activates it. In a low burning hiss, the flamethrower's igniter sparks to life, revealing a small blue flame at the front of the nozzle. The pink haired sharpshooter exhales a sigh of relief "So far, so good." She murmured. Behind her, she can hear Tatsumi exhale a similar sigh of relief within his helmet. Thankfully, the mask of his helmet prevented him from breathing straight onto Mine's delicate neck, or else she would have gotten goosebumps.

Mine also noticed the white and silver armored fighter has his tensed arm squeezing a little too tight on Mine's thin waist. She shook and squirmed for him to loosen up, and he relaxed. Afterwards, she took a deep breath and sighted the flamethrower towards the target dummy. But, it was hard to do so, as her hand was shaking uncontrollably. Tatsumi places his own hand on it and held it steady "It's okay." He said reassuringly "I'm here for you. Trust me."

Mine blushed even redder and felt embarrassed, but quickly got over it and responded "Tatsumi. Firing in 3…2…1…-" Fwooosh! she squeezes the trigger and with a hellish roar, a jet of bright blue flames shot out from the flamethrower's nozzle and blazed forth, across the range, and towards the target. The wooden dummy was turned to ash, the instant the blue flames came into contact.

Mine let go of the trigger, and the flames receded as the stream of fuel was cut off at the source. Confident with the flamethrower's successful test, the genius sniper hastily selects an new target, and unleashes another stream of azure flames. People from all around the base gathered at the sound of roaring flames, to see what was happening. Revolutionary Army personnel and soldiers talked and murmured amongst themselves as they bore witness to the inferno displayed before them. After Mine vaporized a few more dummies, she selected one further away and torched it using the arcing trick, Ripley taught her. She quickly got bored with burning wooden targets, and decided to go for some armored ones. The pink clad gunner sent out another jet of blue flames, and watched as one of the armored dummies was reduced to a couple of pieces of molten slag. Not even armored individuals can stand against the flamethrower's overwhelming fire.

Satisfied with the flamethrower's performance, Mine switched off the igniter and looked around her in surprise at having drawn a large crowd of onlookers. Everyone around gave a look of awe. Even Ripley seemed impressed with the weapon's testing outcome. She walks up to Mine and claps a hand of her shoulders in congratulations "Well, it looks like you've managed to pull it off." She makes a pleased grin "Though it seems to have worked out too well." Mine makes a confused look and asks "What do you mean?"

The former Warrant Officer glances over at the ashes of destroyed targets, and answers "Well, first off. The flamethrower flames were originally supposed to be orange and red in color. And targets used to take three times as long, to burn up completely. I'd say you've completely given this incinerator a massive upgrade." Mine quickly beam with pride, as she waved a hand in front of her nonchalantly "What else could you expect from a Genius Sniper like me?" she holds the back of her hand up to her cheek, and gave a wicked cackle. Ripley crossed her arms and waited patiently for the genius sniper to finish stroking her own ego.

When the pink haired assassin finished, Ripley asked "Can you tell me, what exactly did you use for the substitute fuel?" Mine fidgeted and scratched her nose as she began explaining "It's mostly Wyvern Venom. We keep such Danger Beasts stabled here at the Base, and extract the venom from their glands, giving us a nearly infinite supply. The problem is its low combustion rating. It would take a tremendous amount of heat to light it, or in the Wyvern's case, it's own saliva to get a chemical reaction burn. So we mix it with Sulfur in proper proportions. The resulting compound is an abundant fuel source, that burns with a high intensity, and at a low consumption rate." Mine shows Ripley the fuel gauge to the flamethrower, and sure enough the indicator still remains at the full mark. The entirety of the flamethrower's test had used only a fraction of the substitute fuel. She also added "Getting that fuel into the tank was the hard part. Doctor had to craft a special valve from scratch, using Imperial Arm, Perfector"

"Pretty neat." Said Ripley. She takes hold of the flamethrower, and pulls it away front Mine's reluctant hands. The former Warrant Officer then offers her the pulse-rifle "Let's see how you handle a new definition to the word, Firepower." Mine's eyes lit up in excitement, as she eagerly accepts the pulse-rifle.

Ripley waves Tatsumi away, as she takes his place behind Mine and goes over the pulse-rifle's instructions with her "Okay. First, check the ammo counter. It's the red numbers, on the side of the gun." Mine does as Ripley instructed, and turned the weapon over on its side "The number's 10. Ten rounds?" The former Warrant Officer nods in confirmation "That's enough for about three short bursts. So go ahead and select a target, aim your sights, and lightly squeeze the trigger." The pink haired sharpshooter earnestly shouldered the pulse-rifle, and prepared to fire on a dummy. Then Ripley hastily added "Now, it will kick some. So, be sure to lean into it."

Nodding in understanding, Mine lightly squeezed the trigger and shot out a small burst from the pulse-rifle. Rata-ta-ta! One of the remaining target dummies was instantly blown to pieces, amidst the sharp crackling of muzzle flashes and the loud snap of pulse shots. All around the firing range, many members of the Revolutionary Army gasped and gazed in wonder and awe as they witnessed the destructive yet subtle performance of the state of the art weapon system that is the M41A Pulse Rifle.

Among the excitedly murmuring crowd, a curious Najenda and Susanoo elbowed their way through with an equally curious Akame following behind. They looked on towards Mine and Ripley, as the former aimed the pulse-rifle again and blew apart another wooden dummy.

Mine was already getting the hang of using the pulse-rifle, as she selects an armored dummy and blew it apart as well, with the last remaining burst shot. She checks the ammo counter again, to make sure there weren't any bullets left. After reading the double zeroes on the counter, she turns to Ripley for further instructions. "It seems, it's time to reload." Said Ripley, as she takes a spare pulse-rifle clip out of her pocket and placed it in Mine's hand "Press the latch behind the ammo counter, and push it all the way up." Mine does what she's told, and the empty magazine fell free from the gun and clattered to the ground. She then takes the full magazine, and slaps it in hard. Click! The 00 on the ammo counter quickly changed into 99. "Now, you're ready to Rock and Roll." Concluded Ripley.

Mine looks down at the bottom front of the pulse-rifle "So, tell me about this one." Ripley shrugs "Oh, that's the grenade launcher. I don't think, you wanna mess with that." She says teasingly. The genius sniper makes a cocky remark "I started this. Show me everything. I can handle myself." The older woman makes a grin and answers "Yeah. I've noticed." She recalls Mine's prowess with the Imperial Arm, Pumpkin and how the young member of Night Raid almost singlehandedly held off an entire swarm of Aliens.

Without further delay, Ripley digs into her pockets and takes out a couple of grenade shells "Here. Take these and load them into the grenade launcher, like you would a shotgun." Mine gives her a questioning stare "What's a shotgun?" Patiently deciding not to explain the concept of modern day firearms, Ripley instead asked Mine to lend her the pulse-rifle, and they temporarily swapped weapons. "The shells go underneath the barrel, and through the loading port. Like, so." She begins feeding the shells through the loading port, and into the magazine tube "The magazine tube can carry a max amount of four shells. Four shots plus one in the barrel, are all this launcher can hold. So be very selective and strategic with your shots." Mine nods and eyes the grenade launcher thoughtfully. The former Warrant Officer hefts the pulse-rifle steadily, and works the pump action to chamber a round. The pink haired sharpshooter felt her stomach tingle with excitement, after hearing the cock and lock of the pump.

"This is the pump action." Explained Ripley "You pull it back and forward to chamber a round. Then, you pull the lower trigger to fire. Work the pump action again, to chamber the next round." Ripley used the pump action again to eject the shells "If you want to safely unload the shells, keep working the pump and the shells will eject from out the side. Sounds simple enough, right?" Mine nods in agreement. They switched weapons again and Mine began loading the shells with natural dexterity.

Mine turns and aims down the firing range. She holds the pulse-rifle steady, and cocked the pump to chamber a round. Ch-chk! Mine didn't bother with selecting a single target. Instead, she broadened her aim towards a small group clustered together, and pulls the lower trigger. The grenade shot out of the barrel in a dull plunk. The round traveled rapidly across the range, and impacted into the chest of the center dummy. What came next was a booming explosion, that shook the entire firing range. Kaboom!

A small pandemonium ensued, as the crowd of Revolutionary Army Soldiers cried out in shock with most of them covering their ears in defense of the deafening explosion, while a few of them even whooped and cheered at the spectacular demolition. At the other end of the firing range, the hapless dummies were reduced to a pile of burned splinters while the ones standing along the outside were ignited by the grenade's incendiary blast radius.

The crowd began to applaud and cheer, in an attempt to goad Mine into sending another blast on the last cluster of target dummies. With a smirk, the pink clad assassin obliged and cocked the pump action again, before launching the second grenade. Every gathered soldier roared with enthusiasm, as the second blast wiped out the remaining dummies on the firing range. When the dust and debris settled, only ash and bits of shattered armor lay scattered about.

Only the members of Night Raid stayed quiet among their clamoring comrades. They've already seen the scale of destruction made by Colonial Marine technology. Their only questions were, how many more apocalyptic war machinery does Ripley and her friends Hicks and Bishop have access to? Most were eager to find out.

Satisfied with having played with the pulse-rifle and flamethrower, Mine hands the pulse-rifle back to Ripley, who gladly accepts and wounds the elastic tape back around both weapons again.

Najenda approaches them from a dwindling crowd, with Susanoo and Akame in tow. "Well, you two have certainly been busy" commented Night Raid's leader "That display of high tech firepower, would surely boost morale throughout this base."

Ripley carefully sets her weapons to safety and slings them across her back "Glad, to be of some help. I kind of felt like a fifth wheel around here."

Many of Night Raid's members were nearby, with the exception of Chelsea and Leone. They chuckled pleasantly at hearing Ripley's jest. Mine spoke up from among them "So, what's the word on our departure to Kyoroch, Commander? I thought we'd be well on our way already?" Najenda makes a disgusted frown "Sorry about the delay, but one of the Scouting Parties unknowingly commandeered our Air Manta. We're currently on standby, until we can find proper transport."

"Looks like the Scouting Parties were in a rush to go witness a veritable clash of titans." Commented Tatsumi. Everyone present began to shuffle uncomfortably at the possible battle between the Aliens and the Empire's forces including the Jaegers. No one was eager to learn who'd be victorious.

"Whoever wins, we lose." Surmised Ripley "If the Jaegers are as powerful and deadly, as everyone says, I'd much rather face the Aliens." She admitted, then she looked up thoughtfully "That reminds me. Akame, do you have a minute?"

The red eyed swordswoman calmly nods, and Ripley gestures for her to accompany the former Warrant Officer back at the barracks. Akame and Ripley walked towards Night Raid's quarters, while Najenda, Newt, Mine, Tatsumi, and Lubbock went to the stables to try acquiring suitable transport. Susanoo stayed behind at the firing range, to help with the cleanup.

When Ripley and Akame returned to the barracks, Leone was already at the bathhouse and Chelsea had just stepped out and greeted them "What's up, ladies? Why haven't we left yet?" she asked. "Someone's made off with our ride. Right now, we're checking to see if anyone can provide us with an alternative." Ripley answered. The glamorous assassin shakes her head in resignation "Wonderful. That can take all day. I might as well get lunch." She waves them goodbye, and walked towards the mess hall. Ripley and Akame return the gesture, and stepped inside the barracks.

"So, what's this about Ripley? Did you want to talk to me?" Akame asks curiously. Ripley spoke "I'd like to talk to you about your sister Kurome." The swordswoman gives a cautious look "How much, do you know about her?" Ripley replies "Enough to know, you two were members of the Empire's Assassination Squad. That you defected and joined Night Raid and the Revolutionary Army, while Kurome remained loyal and stayed with the Empire and joined the Jaegers." The former Warrant Officer walked over to one of the Colonial Marine supply boxes "Enough to understand, that you had the Decency to fight for Righteousness rather than Evil. And, that your Sister didn't."

"It wasn't about Decency! It was about Delusion! And Desperation!" Akame said defensively "When we were children, our parents sold us into slavery and the Empire bought us in secret. We were then brutally trained and conditioned to serve the Empire, and kill its enemies. Murder, was all we knew throughout our lives. We eventually came to understand that killing was wrong, but our superiors taught us that the Empire was benevolent and that we were killing for the happiness and safety of others." Akame turned her head and looked out a window towards the stables "It wasn't until my last assignment, which was to assassinate the recently defected General Najenda, did I learn the true nature of the Empire. It was Najenda, who revealed to me the truth of the Evil and Corruption that has taken over the Empire, and convinced me to defect and fight alongside her as an assassin of Night Raid."

Ripley opens one of the Marine supply boxes and began rummaging through it "I get, why you left. But tell me, why Kurome stayed?" Akame places a hand over on her chest "I was born with a natural talent as an assassin. And Kurome wasn't, she was much weaker and more frail. So the Empire had her injected with experimental drugs and dangerous chemicals, in an attempt to make an assassin who was stronger, faster, and had more endurance. The experiment worked, for the most part. But as a side effect, Kurome's health began deteriorating and her mental faculties started to break down. Pretty soon, she'll either die of organ failure or her synapse will regress into a vegetative state in which the Empire will dispose of her anyway. Worst case, they'll keep her body for further study, cut her open, and reduce her to nothing more than pieces of flesh to store in jars and placed on laboratory shelves."

Akame's crimson eyes began fill with tears "Kurome is just a teenager, who's helplessly at the mercy of the Empire. Completely deluded with serving the Empire and wracked by constant pain from the changes to her body. The Empire ensures her loyalty by subjecting her to constant brainwashing, and making her dependent on a supply of drugs that eases her pain and keeps her body from dying too fast."

Akame stares down at her Imperial Arm, Murasame in its sheath "I've killed so many people. First, for the Empire, and then for Night Raid. I have much more blood on my hands, than Kurome. There may not be any Redemption for me when this fight is over, but Kurome doesn't have to be damned as well. There's nothing that I'd want more, than to free my Little Sister from this kind of World. To take her to a place, where she'll never be force to kill or suffer any pain. But I know, I must destroy the Empire first. The needs of the many comes before my own desires. And I cannot let Kurome stand in the way of that. I won't hesitate to Eliminate her, if it comes to that." She places a hand back over her heart "But, if there's even a small chance that I might save my little sister, and bring her back to me. I'll do whatever it takes."

Ripley grabbed ahold of something within the box, and she turned her head back at Akame "What would it take for you to get Kurome back?" the former Warrant Officer asked. The red eyed assassin took a moment to think, and then she spoke "She obviously needs to be captured. At this point, there's no chance of convincing Kurome to come quietly. If by some miracle, we can take my Little Sister prisoner, we must get her immediate treatment. Her condition is complicated, to say the least. But, I may have an idea that might actually work." Ripley makes a grin "So do I."

With a winded heave, Ripley lugged a large machine from of the supply box, and placed it between her and Akame. "Do you know what this is?" asked the former Warrant Officer. Akame shakes her head "No. What is it?"

Ripley explains "It's a medical diagnostic unit. A device that can provide emergency care for people who are sick or injured out in the field. It's part of a set, with which you can perform preliminary treatment and even surgery. It's indispensable in the hands of even the least skilled Doctor or Medical Technician." Akame gazes at the machine in wonder "Are you saying, this can cure Kurome? Can this machine really save my Little Sister?" Ripley makes a reluctant shrug "I don't want to lead you on with some false hope. But, I'm confident this advanced technology might have a chance in providing her with a cure. And if we can get an experienced medical practitioner to help, Kurome's chances will definitely triple."

Akame's red eyes light up excitedly "Who do we know, that can qualify?" Ripley holds her chin in thought "Well, there's that resident Doctor with those Nifty Gloves, we've met at the infirmary. And I was also thinking, maybe if-" she stops talking, as they both hear sounds through the barracks' walls.

A loud set of noise was growing outside the barracks. Throughout the base, people were yelling, screaming, and running in panic. Akame started running out of the barracks, to investigate the commotion. Ripley dashed right behind and nearly overtook the speedy assassin, as a new sound overlapped all others. The sound of jet engines.

Akame was weaving her way through a crowd of scrambling panicked Revolutionary Army soldiers, with a hustling Ripley following close behind. All around them, soldiers were gathering weapons and shouting orders to form ranks. Somewhere nearby, someone was sounding an alarm horn. "Akame! Ripley! Over here!" Najenda was calling for them. She was standing at the center clearing of the base, where they previously landed the Air Manta. Beside her, stood Newt and all the members of Night Raid were gathered.

"Commander, what is going on!?" Akame asked, while she and Ripley ran towards Najenda. "We have incoming! Our sentries spotted an Unknown Object falling out of the sky, and now it's flying straight towards us!" answered Night Raid's leader. All eyes began combing the skies, looking for the source of the alarm. Mine had her visor equipped, and was the first to see it. She points upwards and calls out as loud as she could "Look! Up there!"

Everyone began to follow the pink clad gunner's directions. And everybody went quiet with bewilderment and awe. The base grew silent, except for the sound of rising jet thrusters and a few people calling out what they think they are seeing "It's a flying Danger Beast!" "It's body looks metallic. Could it be an insect!?" "It's roaring loudly!" "Maybe, it's a dragon!?" "It's getting closer!".

"Ripley? Is that what I thinks it is?" asked an awestruck Najenda. Ripley answered her in earnest "Yes! Yes, it is!"

The UD-4L Cheyenne dropship soared over the base, and hovered above the staring crowd. Beneath its broad shape, landing struts began to extend in readiness to touchdown. Najenda and Ripley turned to look at each other in realization. Immediately, they began shouting at everybody to clear the way. All of Night Raid joined in clearing away bystanders, and Newt quickly ran up to cling to Ripley's hip in order to not get lost in the chaos.

When all of the confused Revolutionary soldiers were moved aside to form a landing spot, Ripley ran to the front and began to signal an All Clear to Bishop in the ship's cockpit. The synthetic android slowly lowered the dropship, until its landing struts have completely touched the ground. After successfully landing, Bishop killed the engines and the dropship's main loading ramp lowered open. And a fully armored Hicks carrying a pulse-rifle, marched down the ramp and in front of a startled crowd of thousands of onlookers. No one moved, or said anything. Only Ripley and Newt ran out towards the Colonial Marine.

Hicks slung his pulse-rifle across his back and opened his arms to receive Ripley and Newt as they threw themselves at him with laughter and tears. The three of them embraced like a long separated family, as if they've waited for years to reunite.

All the Revolutionary soldiers present remained confused, as they witnessed this emotional spectacle. Some began to check their weapons thoughtfully. Until, Najenda quickly called out an order to stand down. An audible clattering sound began to spread throughout the base, as weapons were dropped, sheathed, or holstered.

Night Raid's leader and all her Subordinates were the next ones to approach Hicks. The Corporal placed Ripley and Newt behind him, as he cautiously surveyed the group of assassins. "I assume, you're the Friends, Ripley mentioned over the radio?" inquired Hicks. Najenda extended her normal hand out to him "My name is Najenda. And, yes. Me and my Team are very good friends to Ripley and Newt."

Ripley stepped between Hicks and Najenda "Hicks. Najenda and her Crew were the ones responsible for saving me and Newt. They found us at the Hadley Colony, and brought us safely to their base. Without them, neither of Us would be standing here right now."

Hicks took Najenda's hand and shook it vigorously, while enthusiastically proclaiming "My Name is Hicks. Corporal Dwayne Hicks of the United States Colonial Marine Corps. And any friend of Ripley and Newt, is a friend to Me as well!" All around the base, the entire Revolutionary Army cheered and applauded at seeing that the new Visitors have come in peace.

"Wow! He looks a lot like Tatsumi." Commented an intrigued Leone. All of the members of Night Raid walked closer, and immediately made a comparison between Hicks and Tatsumi. Aside from Hicks' acid wounds, the two male brunettes were definitely similar. But, they had subtle differences. Tatsumi's eyes are pure emerald green in color, while Hicks' eyes were an aqua green with flecks of blue near the pupils. Tatsumi's cowlicked hair is dark brown, while Hicks' back swept hair has a lighter shade towards blonde. And finally, Hicks' sturdy body was half a head taller than Tatsumi's, and is more broad in the shoulders.

Then Chelsea adds teasingly "Well, even with those scars. He's definitely a little more handsome than our Tatsumi" the young woman throws a bothered Tatsumi a wink, while Leone and Mine kept up their stares at Hicks and nodded idly. No one bothered to argue on Tatsumi's behalf. Only Akame looked around with a dull confused expression. Question marks started rising from her head as she spoke "What do you mean, Chelsea? Tatsumi looks the same as he always does. How can a scarred stranger look better than him." Seeing an opportunity to stick it to the green eyed fighter, Mine mischievously blurted "That's precisely the point, Akame!" Leone, Lubbock, and Chelsea found themselves chuckling alongside the genius sniper.

Seeing someone being made fun of, slightly irked Corporal Hicks. Especially someone who closely resembles him and reminds him of his younger self. So he decides to come to the boy's defense. He sauntered towards Mine and rebutted "Now now, little girl. You shouldn't make fun of your elders like that."

The members of Night Raid stopped goofing and make a surprised expression, except for Mine. She looked like someone kicked her in the stomach. Before she can throw a fit, another person stepped down the ship's loading ramp, and spoke as if on queue. "Correction, Corporal Hicks. That female is not a child, as you have described. But merely a teenage young adult, albeit one the hasn't fully developed or matured yet." explained Bishop.

Now, almost every member of Night Raid began to snicker at Mine, with the exception of Najenda, Susanoo, and a still confused Akame. Mine was red all over and the top of her head whistled, as she began to steam in anger. Understanding he was starting to get under the pink haired gunner's skin, Hicks blew her a kiss to further provoke her. And it was starting to work.

Before anyone could get themselves shot at, Bishop strategically placed himself at the center of the group and introduced himself "Greetings. I am Science Officer Lance Bishop. Executive Officer and Active Pilot of the USS Sulaco." He extended his hand and offered it to an enraged Mine. "You called me, Immature!" Mine growled accusingly. The synthetic android met the pink clad assassin's glowering look with a calm expression "I most deeply apologize for the misunderstanding. What I meant to say is that, you still retain a youthful vigor. If I can be permitted to consider you a late bloomer, my database would suggest that not only will you attain much beauty in later years, but also maintain it well into the autumn years of your adult life."

Suddenly, all of Mine's anger fizzled away to the sound of a raspberry. "Really!? Is what you're saying, really true?" she asked with stars shining brilliantly in her eyes. Lubbock wasn't convinced "No way! Are you saying, this flat, skinny little hellcat is going to turn into some insanely gorgeous babe, one day?" he asked in total disbelief. Before Mine and the consummate pervert can go into another ranting argument, Bishop answered him "My database contains every known detailed record and information on the human genome. My assumptions rarely missed their mark."

"You must be, Bishop." Said Najenda "You're quite the gentleman, even though you're not really a man." Bishop picked up on Night Raid's leader's weak attempt at humor, but ignores it and replies "I prefer the term, Artificial Human myself." To the side, Newt was whispering something into a crouched Hicks' ear.

The Corporal stood up and walked towards Mine again, who in turn stood back in defense. "Newt tells me, you were the one who found her and Ripley near the Atmosphere Processor. And that you fought the hardest, when the Aliens attacked. She tells me, that you and Tatsumi are quite the brave and selfless fighters." He offers his hand, and Mine reluctantly shakes it. "She also says, you reminded her of Vasquez." Said Hicks. Mine gave him a suspicious look "Who's Vasquez?" she asked. The Marine grinned with nostalgia "She was very brave woman, who was quick on the trigger and lethal with her attitude alone. Hudson would've surely liked you, also." The genius sniper made a sympathetic smile "They were your comrades, right? The ones who nobly gave their lives in the fight against the Aliens? Ripley told me about them." She found herself holding back some tears "I had a friend who was like that too. Sometimes, I think it's not fair for comrades to throw themselves in harm's way. How could they do such a thing, knowing it would deprive us of their cherished company?"

Hicks placed a hand on Mine's shoulder "You should try to look at it from your friends' perspective. Would they have preferred it, that you'd perished instead? When you take up arms and fight alongside friends, all lives are at risk. What matters, is what you do with the life they saved. Would you spend it wallowing in anger, hate, and resentment? Or would you swallow it down and go kick someone's ass? When your Enemies take out one of your friends, you make sure they Earn that Kill. Pound for Motherfucking Pound." Mine understands what Hicks is saying, but she shakes her head "It's more complicated than that. You still don't understand what we've been through. What kind of people we all are. And, the kind of Monsters we fight."

Hicks grunted in annoyance, but he looked around thoughtfully "Let's remedy that issue, right away! Tell me everything about you people. I want to hear every little detail, from start to finish." He points at Najenda "Starting with you." Night Raid's leader shook her head "I'm sorry, Corporal. My Team and I have a very important mission to attend to." She turns to Ripley "If we don't hurry and find a way to get to Kyoroch, soon. The Jaegers might get there before us, and our mission will become much more dangerous than anticipated."

Najenda makes ready to head back to the stables, but someone grabbed her hand and held her up. She turns quickly, and saw that it was Hicks who grabbed her. "What's this about the Jaegers? What is their relationship to you?" he asked. Najenda was about to tell the Marine to unhand her, but she saw the desperate look in his eyes and decided to quickly explain "The Jaegers are our Enemies. They're a group of merciless killers, dedicated to hunting us down to the last person and wiping us out." Much to Night Raid's leader's astonishment, the Corporal only made a fierce grin "I know who you're talking about. I've met the Jaegers personally. Their Leader, General Esdeath is quite the Murderous Bitch."

Najenda, Ripley, Newt, and every member of Night Raid gasped in shock. Most of the Revolutionary Soldiers nearby, began to murmur amongst themselves. Word of Hicks' encounter with the Jaegers, quickly spread throughout the base. Everybody nearly chanted together in unison, with just the one question "What the Hell happened!?"

Hicks makes a lighthearted chuckle. He begins to lead Najenda by the hand towards the Dropship's loading ramp "If you do what I ask and answer my questions, I'll tell you everything that you want to know." He then beckoned for every member of Night Raid to come aboard "If you guys got a bone to pick with the Jaegers, I am just the Ultimate Badass you'd want to talk to!"

The Alien Hive, North of Hadley's Hope

Esdeath tried to run, in pursuit of the Alien Queen. But she can only step a few feet forward before having to keel over in pain from her injury. Wave immediately ran to her side to assist the General "Ma'am! Are you alright!?" The Jaegers' leader waved him away "I'm fine, Wave. Just winded, is all." She was clinging her side, as if trying to conceal it. But Wave wasn't fooled.

The sailor Jaeger stepped closer "What are you saying!? You can barely move!" he was approaching from behind her, before she turned around and tried to swat him away "I said, I'm alright!" she growled. But in her fury, she mistakenly revealed the extent of her wounds by moving her arm and exposing the purple bruise on the side of her ribcage. Luckily, Wave paid no attention to the bruising, because something else distracted him instead.

In her last battle, Esdeath lost the top portion of her uniform. Leaving her with nothing, but a skimpy white bra that left little to the imagination. Her toned abs and lightly muscled shoulders were bare for all to see. And her large breasts pressed tight against her pure white bra, as if threatening to burst out at any given moment. Wave's face began to turn a deep shade of magenta, as he couldn't help but stare at his Commander's lush beauty. Back atop the Bird Wyvern, Kurome looks at the sailor Jaegers' helplessness, and rolled her eyes in annoyance. Below her, Seryu ran up to the flying Danger Beast's side and called up to the teenage assassin "Kurome! Pass me, my bag! Hurry!"

Kurome did as she was told and grabbed Seryu's travel pack. She carefully drops it down to the auburn haired young woman. Seryu hastily opened her pack and brought out a large jar-like culture tank filled with a clear viscous fluid. She places Koro's orb-like core inside, and reseals the glass tank. The damaged core bobbed and floated in the center and remained suspended in that position. "Did I make it, in time?" Seryu asked herself. After a short moment, the orb began to glow in steady pulses. The amber eyed Jaeger breath a sight of relief, as she silently thanked the late Dr. Stylish for providing the emergency regeneration tank for the biological Imperial Arm. She stowed the tank back into her travel bag, and slung it over her shoulder for safe keeping. Seryu then walks over to where the Dog Alien had neutralized Koro. Much of her Judgement of the Ten Kings weapons have been destroyed or used up, and the remainders have been left scattered about when Koro was defeated. And only a few of those weapons can be salvaged. The missile turrets and the antitank rifle as well as the missile launching arm, have used up all their ammunition. Bringing them back with her for reloading won't be possible without Koro to carry them all. Only her hookshot and Justice City Detector can be carried back by herself. She will have to abandon the rest of her weapons.

"Ahem!" Seryu hears a cough, and turns around to see a blushing Wave take off his jacket and offered it to a half-naked Esdeath. The General just stares at the jacket quizzically "What's that for?" she asked, completely unaware of her embarrassing situation. "As a Man of the Sea, it is my responsibility to uphold a woman's modesty!" Wave explains. Esdeath looks down and barely realizes she's shirtless "So, what's the problem? I lost my uniform in that fight with the Creatures. I'm not cold, if that's what you're worried about." She doesn't realize how uncomfortable she's making her Subordinate feel. Thankfully, Seryu dashed over to Wave and helped argue his case "Wave's right, Commander! Justice demands that all women maintain decent attire."

Esdeath makes a sigh and finally accepts Wave's jacket. She slips it on and tries to zip it shut, but despite the jacket's broad spacing and her best attempt to zip up, her large cleavage kept the zipper open just below the tattoo marking.

After giving up on completely zipping Wave's jacket closed, Esdeath looked at her Subordinates to see if they finally approve of her appearance. Both Seryu and Wave's cheeks were slightly flushed, but the two of them remained silent. They've done all they could, to have their Commander cover up.

A series of blips sounded off from Seryu's Justice City Detector, and the auburn haired murderess glanced nervously at the radar scope. All of the signal readings from the Alien Horde in the collapsed tunnel have begun to leave the area. The Aliens have abandoned the Hive, to follow Their Queen.

Esdeath glanced over at the chamber opening, which the Alien Queen escaped out of. It was too risky to go chasing after the Creatures. The forest beyond is vast, dense, and mostly uncharted. Attempting a pursuit now would be suicide, considering her injury and the ragged shape of her Team. The Jaegers' leader noticed both Wave and Kurome were covered in bandages. Run and Bols are still unaccounted for.

Esdeath was about to turn back and address her present Jaegers, but then her boot brushed against a peculiar looking object. It looked like a large hand with too much fingers attached and had a long tail. Closer observation revealed that the hand-like object had resided in an oval shaped pouch, and that both wound up crushed beneath the ice ball the General had previously unleashed. Curious, the blue haired woman carefully scanned the entire chamber and noticed a lot of these oval pods lay scattered throughout the chamber.

Almost all of the mysterious pods have been destroyed as collateral during the battle between the Jaegers and the Aliens. Most were crushed and trampled, when Esdeath used her ice attacks to fight off the rampaging Bull Alien and the crafty Dog Alien afterwards. Others were blown apart by Seryu's artillery bombardment. And a few were stomped on by Koro, during his failed attempt to assault the Queen.

"Seryu. Any idea, what these things are?" Esdeath asked her subordinate, while pointing to another crushed pod. Seryu looks at her Commander, then at the pod "I don't know, Ma'am." She answers "These pods were already here, when I first entered the chamber. I do know, that the very large Monster was producing them, using that big ugly sac in the center." She point at the Queen's ovipositor.

Esdeath walks up to the Queen's egg sac, and studies it close. "What exactly is this thing? Some sort of egg sac?" she looks back at the pods "Could those be eggs? Was this place, some sort of nest?" it started to make sense to her. Some species of animals and insects would select a large female to lead their group. A Matriarch, that would lay the eggs and increase their numbers. A Brood Mother. A Queen.

"A ruling Queen sitting atop her throne, governing All." Mused the Jaegers' leader, as she stared at the empty biomechanical throne. When it yielded no answers, she glimpse over at the bodies of the two Creatures she's killed. "The Queen's Defenders. Her Royal Guards?" for some reason, Esdeath felt as if the words didn't sound right when used to describe these two Monsters. She takes one last look at the hand-like creatures, and wondered if these things would somehow grow up into more of these Serpent Beasts, had they lived. She doesn't know and probably won't find out anytime soon, since most of the Creatures are dead and the Remaining Survivors had fled with Their Queen.

Esdeath finally calls out to her Subordinates "Alright, everybody fall in! Give your status, everyone." Wave was the first Jaeger to reach her, in attendance. The General can see, he had bandages on his right shoulder and left leg. Kurome hopped down from atop the Bird Wyvern, and fell to her knees upon landing. The teenage Jaeger quickly scrambled to her feet and did her best to keep from limping, as she approached the blue haired woman who was leering suspiciously at Kurome's bandaged neck and wrist. Seryu was the last to approach, as she had just finished placing her salvaged weapons inside her bag.

When the auburn haired young woman finally joined up with the others, Wave began to debrief "More of those Creatures attacked us. They were able to pierce Grand Chariot's armor with Their tail blades, and stabbed me in the leg and the shoulder. Kurome was-" before the sailor can finish talking, Kurome kicked his leg wound from behind. As he began hobble away in pain and tried to walk it off, Akame's Little Sister spoke up "I lost my Imperial Arm. It was destroyed, when I fought one of those Creatures and wound up stabbing It. It's blood dissolved Yatsufusa's blade." Esdeath continued to glare at Kurome's bandaged wounds, but she relented "Well, neither one of us could have known that these Serpents have such a destructive morphology. When we get back to the Capitol, I'll make sure you'll get a replacement weapon."

Kurome smiled and nods in appreciation. Wave walks up from behind her, and resumed speaking "We found another exit, down the tunnel Kurome and I took. It led back out into the forest. And we found the dead bodies of the Danger Beasts Blitz Hound, Grey Ape, and Raging Bull. They were cocooned in that weird slime from earlier. Just like the Imperial Soldiers, we found back in the Hive. They also had the same wounds. Something came bursting out of those Danger Beasts as well.

"The same wounds…" Esdeath wondered. She looks over the body of the Dog Alien and reminisces on It's uncanny ability to use Blitz Hound's After Image. "Could it be? Is there a connection between them, somehow?" she asked aloud. Seryu became confused "What was that, Ma'am? Did you figure something out?" the blue haired General shakes her head "I don't know. I was just thinking, how this Monster was able to use a similar ability that was exclusive to the Blitz Hound?" she points over towards the Runner Xenomorph's body. Then, she indicates the decapitated body of the Bull Alien "The two Creatures that I've just killed. They bore a striking resemblance to the dead Danger Beasts."

Wave fidgeted "Are you suggesting, that these Serpents were able to copy the abilities and traits of captured Danger Beasts?" Kurome spoke up "Makes sense. I've fought and killed one of these Creatures, that closely resembles the Grey Ape. It had protective body armor, similar to the Grey Ape's toughened hide." The teen assassin also points to the Dog Alien's corpse "And that one attacked me soon after. Right, when I lost my Imperial Arm. It's speed was superb, just like a Blitz Hound."

Seryu walked over to the Dog Alien's body, and kicked Its head furiously "Cowardly Disgusting Menace. Justice doesn't allow Evil such as you to exist. If you'd fought me, I wouldn't have left you in one piece! I would have your head stuck on a spike for all to see, had it not have been for your vile blood!" she fumed in anger at being unable to mutilate the body further, without getting burned by acid.

Wave continued pondering "So how exactly do these Serpents manage to copy another creature's characteristics? By what means do They accomplish that?"

Esdeath finally shrugs "We'll probably find out the answer to that, soon enough. For now, has anyone seen either Run or Bols?" Wave shrugs and says "No". Kurome stares down and began assuming the worst. Seryu frantically gazed all around the chamber in worry "I hope, they're all right."

"Up here!" Run calls down, and all eyes turned upwards to see the winged Jaeger descend through the opening of the chamber's ceiling. Run lands in front of his fellow Jaegers and deactivates Mastema's wings "Pretty sure, I wasn't the only one to come across some Hostiles. Though I can say for certain, I'm the only one to come away unscathed." He closely studied his comrades' roughed up conditions, and can see clearly that everyone here had barely managed to stay alive. And from what the opening in the back of the chamber was telling him, not all of the Creatures have been exterminated. Something Big and Powerful had smashed It's way out of the chamber, and left a trail of bent trees, large tracks, and resinous slime along Its path.

Wave and Seryu ran up to him, grinning happily. Kurome steadily walked up behind them, soon after. "You've said it, Run! It's been a hard day all around, for each of us. Although I wouldn't say the same about you." Commented Wave. Seryu gives the sailor Jaeger a berating frown "Of course, Wave! We're the Jaegers, Allies of Justice! None of us can ever be defeated by the Forces of Evil! These Serpents only managed to get away, using low cunning and despicable acts of cowardice. They won't be so lucky, next time!"

Kurome stepped closer to Wave and leaned against him for support. Run held his chin in thought, wondering when did those two ever became so close.

Only Esdeath stayed where she is, quietly watching their little reunion unfold. Crossing her arms patiently, she then asks "Run. Have you seen Bols? Is he alright?"

Run hesitates "I…I'm not sure." Everyone donned a look of concern for Bols, as they stared at the General's Aide. He gestures that they follow him, and the Jaegers boarded the flying Danger Beast to fly out of the Queen's chamber. Riding atop the Bird Wyvern, Esdeath, Wave, Kurome and Seryu flew behind Run, as he leads them to a different part of the Hive. After landing and walking through Wave and Kurome's tunnel, the Jaegers continued down towards the central chamber and down through Run and Bols' tunnel to reach the other chamber. There, the masked Jaeger laid unconscious amidst the burned walls of cocooned Imperial Soldiers. And on his face, a strange hand looking creature has latched on, with Its long tail coiled around his throat.

Run began to explain what happened "We made our way down our tunnel, and wound up in this chamber. It's most likely Their main storage for captured victims." He points at an empty pod "There were tons of pods like those, scattered about. Along with the bodies of dead Creatures, just like the one on Bols' face." He then points at the cocooned soldiers' burned carcasses "We immediately began searching for survivors among the captive bodies. Bols found a survivor, and sent me to bring you all here. I went some ways back down the tunnel, when that awful shriek pierced the silence. I just reached the first chamber, when the Creatures started coming out of the walls. I had to fly to safety and defend myself. Some time after, the Monsters suddenly retreated and disappeared. I doubled back towards Bols, and found him like this."

Esdeath glared down at the unconscious Bols and recognized the animal on his face "It's that small Creature from before. The ones, that were in those pods we've destroyed." The Jaegers gathered around Bols to closely observe the Alien Facehugger. Wave stepped closer and asked out loud "What the Hell is that Thing doing to him!?" He started to reach for the parasite, but Run grabbed his outstretched arm to stop him "Don't touch it! I've already tried to pull it off. But that Creature's tail instantly tightened around Bols' throat and nearly strangled him. It seems It can sense any attempts to pry It off."

Esdeath turns to Run "Any Idea, what It's doing to him?" The General's Aide pondered the question "I checked his vitals, when I found I couldn't get the Creature off of Bols' face without It tearing the face off with It. His heart rate is steady. So is his breathing. Whatever this Thing is, It's not doing any immediate harm." He points to a stab wound on Bols' shoulder "But something else did That to him. So he must've been attacked. Could have encountered one of those Serpents."

Seryu gazed at the scorched walls and the charred bodies of cocooned Imperial Soldiers "These burned surroundings, seemed to have been caused by Rubicante. Why would Bols torch the entire chamber, if he was looking for survivors?" Kurome closely studied the damage, done by Rubicante "Bols is member of the Incineration Squad. He's a well trained soldier and a professional. He knew what he was doing. And he wouldn't do this, without good reason." She sees the large broken off canister of the Imperial Arm, Rubicante laying off to the side. Its fuel line to the missing nozzle, was severed by something sharp. The teenage assassin spots the smashed nozzle and points to it "And I'm pretty sure, something gave a good enough reason to use his Imperial Arm. He must have been taken by surprise and somehow ended up with one these Bugs on him."

Run turns back to Esdeath "General. I tallied up the bodies we found in here. I can now confirm the total loss of the Expeditionary Force. Aside from the hundred still stationed at the Southern Outpost, everyone else is dead." The General makes a scowl "We couldn't have anticipated how strong and lethal, these Creatures can be. Next time, the Serpents won't take us by surprise. We'll be ready for Them." She gazes back down at Bols "Let's get him out of here and loaded onto the flying Danger Beast. We're taking him back to the Capitol, for treatment. There must be some way of getting that Creature off his face." Wave spoke up and asked "What about the Mission? We still haven't made it towards the Valley of the Mysterious Explosion. Are we just gonna turn back and leave?"

Esdeath kept up her scowl "I don't like this any more than you do, Wave. But, we have no other choice." She feels her tender rib beneath the sailor's jacket "Most of us have sustained injuries. Bols and Koro are incapacitated. And Kurome needs an replacement weapon. Those Creatures are still out there in the forest wilderness, and we still have no proper means of tracking them." The blue haired General approached Bols before kneeling and searching his pockets. She then stepped away from him with a remote device in hand. "But, we do have a way of hindering their movements." She displays the detonator to Rubicante's self-destruct mechanism "We'll wipe out the Hive. Take away Their base of operations, and leave Them exposed." Kurome looks at the remote detonator "What is that, Commander?" the Jaegers' leader makes a mischievous grin "This is a remote detonation device, that can activate Rubicante to self-destruct. Bols confided in me, that his Imperial Arm can cause a massive explosion with a large blast radius. It should be able to level this entire Hive in one go."

Seryu raises a mechanical arm "So, we blow up the Hive. Head back to the Capitol. Recover and Rearm. And then, come back out here?" Esdeath nods "That's the plan, Seryu. We still need to investigate the Valley of the Mysterious Explosion. I have a strong hunch, we'll find our answers to the many mysteries we've encountered. What are these Serpents? Where did they come from? Who exactly was that Corporal Hicks, in that airship? I have a feeling, that Valley is linked to all of it. We'll come back for sure. And we won't be alone either. I'm having my army accompany us, on our next trip out here."

Wave, Kurome, and Seryu nod in understanding. Run however was busy thinking about a certain detail "Commander, do you recall what that Corporal Hicks said about his affiliation and mission?" Esdeath racked her memories and recalled the Corporal's words "Corporal Dwayne Hicks of the United States Colonial Marine Corps. On a mission to investigate and eradicate a possible Xenomorph infestation on Planet LV-426." She crosses her arms "What's your point, Run? We still can't determine what any of that means. Assuming, that Cretin was telling the truth." The General's Aide nods "Well, you said you believed what he was saying. Anyway, I have a few theories and ideas of what he was talking about."

Everyone gathered around and listened intently. Then Run began explaining "I believe United States Colonial Marine Corps might be a reference to a military organization operating outside the Empire." Everyone, but Esdeath looked surprised.

Wave was skeptical "Are you saying, these Colonial Marines are some sort of foreign nation's military? I've never heard of them, or this United States for that matter." Esdeath then spoke up "Whoever they are, or wherever they come from. It doesn't seem like their presence here was an invasion. Corporal Hicks seemed unconcerned about the Empire's existence, and was instead focused on finding his teammates and their target, these Xenomorphs" Run nods in agreement "Moving on. Next, the term Planet LV-426 obviously refers to some sort of world, beyond our own."

Seryu fidgeted "What do you mean, Run? I thought the only world that exists, is this one we're living in right now?" Run sighs and dons his schoolteacher attitude "When you look at the sky at night, you see the stars. Correct?" Everyone nods "Good. Now astrologists theorized, that most of the stars up there are actually giant solid mass of rocks and minerals called celestial bodies. Still following me?" His comrades nod again "Excellent. When these celestial bodies grow and attain a degree of size, density, and complexity, it becomes a planet. Most of these planets are believed to be barren and uninhabitable. But, there has always been a prevailing theory that one in a million of those planets might sustain life."

The Jaegers processed this information with different reactions. Seryu scolded "Impossible! I was always told, our world was the only one that Justice protects." Wave interjected "But, Seryu. We've all heard what that Corporal Hicks told us. And there's that airship, he was flying in. That machine took him high up into the sky, as if he was leaving this world and into the heavens." "It's called Outer Space" said Run "You're a sailor, Wave. So, imagine Outer Space as a Great Ocean. Then think of Hicks' airship to be a regular ship, taking him across that Great Ocean and towards other ports and continents which would actually be other planets or other worlds." Wave thought about it for a minute and nodded to show he understood. Esdeath shrugs at her own thoughts "If there are inhabited Worlds out there. All it means to me, is that there'll be more Things for me to fight and kill. I wouldn't be bored anytime soon."

Kurome spoke in a low voice, which no one heard "Big Sis always wanted to sail around the World and see new places. What would be her reaction, if she finds out the possibility of visiting whole other Worlds out there?"

Revolutionary Army Main Base, South of the Empire

"Achoo!" Inside Night Raid's barracks, Akame suddenly makes a loud sneeze. "You okay, Akame? You're not coming down with something, are you?" asked a concerned Tatsumi. Kurome's Older Sister waves her hand away in assurance "No. I must have breathed in some of this dust."

Tatsumi bends down and grabs one end of a supply box "Well, come on. Help me with this last crate. The sooner we finish loading up the Dropship. The sooner we can leave for Kyoroch. We still have to bring Hicks and Bishop up to date on current events." Akame follows suit and grabs the other end "Najenda can easily cover all that." The green eyed fighter glared at her "Boss is only telling them the goals and existence of Night Raid and the Revolutionary Army, along with the deep-seated Corruption and Evil of the Empire. But, Hicks insisted we all tell him about our individual stories and pasts. He's trying to build trust between us, since we'll all be working together." The red eyed assassin bites her lip in uncertainty, but decides not to argue. Hicks and Bishop are Ripley and Newt's comrades and friends. They fought together, and survived together. They stand to offer everything Night Raid desires. But, can they give Akame what truly lies in her heart? Can they really save Kurome? Will they ever be free, to explore this World and Beyond?

The Alien Hive, North of Hadley's Hope

With not much else to wait for, the Jaegers began making their slow trek through the Hive and back to the Bird Wyvern. They had the heavy set Bols lying on a stretcher, with Run, Wave, Seryu, and Esdeath holding up a corner. Everyone agreed, that Kurome was too injured to assist. The teenage assassin insisted she wasn't and tried to take a corner for herself, until Esdeath effortlessly kicked her away with one leg and told her to go to the front and make sure the way ahead is clear.

With a sour expression, Kurome leads the way while holding up Seryu's Justice City Detector. No signals appeared on the scope, and it stayed that way as the Jaegers steadily marched back and reached the flying Danger Beast.

Wave began talking to Run, while the both of them were busy securing Bols atop the Bird Wyvern's back "Hey, Run. I thinks you've forgot to explain something to the rest of us, about what Corporal Hicks said about his mission." The General's Aide looks up after finishing tying up Bols' legs "What might that be?" The sailor checks the knots around Bols' shoulders, careful to not startle the Creature on the big Jaeger's face before answering "What exactly is a Xenomorph?"

Run takes a moment to think as Wave looks at him with patience. Seryu and Kurome have just finished stowing the travel packs, and were looking at him expectantly. Even Esdeath turned around to hear what he has to say, as she takes up the Bird Wyvern's reigns. "Well. In our vocabulary, Xeno means Other, as well as Different. And Morph means Form. Together, the words can be defined as Other Form. Or in some respects, Different Form. But there is a quicker, more literal meaning to the word Xenomorph." The General's Aide hesitated to speak, due to being unsure about something. Everyone stared apprehensively, and Esdeath grew impatient for the answer "And what is it? What's the Meaning?"

"ALIEN" Run finally answers "It means, Alien."

The Jaegers sat back and pondered over the revelation. Wave spoke first "That's a strange word, Alien. Can't say, I've ever heard of it." Run begins to explain "It's supposed to be an Adjective, used to describe something as Strange, Foreign, or Unknown. It really doesn't apply as a Noun, used to actually call or label a Person, Place, or Thing."

Esdeath interrupted her Subordinate "Corporal Hicks certainly used it that way, when he spoke about what him and his team were hunting." The blue haired General tugged at the reigns to get the Bird Wyvern to start moving "He called Them Xenomorphs…ALIENS." The flying Danger Beast leapt into the air, and began to take flight.

As the Bird Wyvern leveled off, and soared over the Hive, Esdeath reaches into Wave's jacket pocket and produced Rubicante's detonator "Alright. Who wants to do the honors, since I'm busy handling our winged mount?" Seryu instantly made a grab for the remote device, and snatched it out of the Jaegers' leader's hand. With her face warping into a psychotically murderous look, the auburn haired murderess rapidly pressed the button on top of the detonator.

And nothing happened. "It's not working!" Seryu became frantic, and started banging the device against her palm "Is it broken?" Run quickly yanks the detonator away from the amber eyed Jaeger "You're the one who's breaking it! Don't do that!" he points to the comatose Bols "It's still an Imperial Arm. And Rubicante is still currently wielded by Bols." Seryu crossed her mechanical arms and stuck out her tongue, while the General's Aide went over to Bols and cleverly wrapped the unconscious Jaeger's hand around the detonator.

With Bols' fingers gripping the remote detonator, Run guides the thumb and uses it to press the device's button. What follows, is an enormous explosion that spanned the entire Hive and engulfed it in a massive inferno. The Jaegers flew over and encircled the devastation, until the smoke cleared and the blaze died down. All that was left of the Alien Hive, was a smoking crater. Esdeath steered the Bird Wyvern and made it fly North, and almost everyone aboard the flying Danger Beast smiled with grim satisfaction. They were quickly sobered by a loud vengeful shriek, that nearly encompassed the entire wilderness. The Alien Queen will not forget this transgression.

Aside from Esdeath, who was busy steering the Bird Wyvern to return to the Imperial Capitol, the other Jaegers settled down to rest during their flight. Seryu checks the culture tank that held Koro's core, and grinned in relief as she sees the glowing red orb gradually solidify the deep gash at its center. It should be a matter of hours or a day, before Koro will be restored to full functionality. Run was sitting next to Bols, and continually checking his vitals. His fellow Jaeger was still unconscious, and the Strange Parasite was still clamped onto his face. Every hour that passed by with Bols breathing and heartbeat remaining steady, made Run confident that the bulky Jaeger will come out of this alive. Whatever this Creature is, this Facehugger doesn't seem to be harming Bols in any way, besides keeping him in a coma. Hopefully, when the Jaegers reach the Capitol, they might find a way to safely remove the Creature from Bols' face.

Wave laid down along a secluded portion on the flying Danger Beast's back, and started to close his eyes. He felt someone sit beside him, causing the sailor Jaeger to open his eyes and sees Kurome staring at him. "Thank you for covering for me, Wave. Though, you almost blew it earlier" she said in a hushed tone. Wave makes a frown "Well, you didn't give me much of a choice, when you kicked me. I couldn't make any excuses to hide your wounds. But, neither did I planned to reveal the extent of your injuries." He checks his own bandages "Although, mine might have been worst. I should count myself lucky, these stab wounds are straight through and through and nothing vital was hit. I'd never have thought, those Monsters can pierce Grand Chariot's armor like that." He looks over Kurome's bandages "Here. Let me have a look at those." After gaining her permission, he inspected Kurome's injuries. He starts unwinding the messy bandage and glimpses at the puncture wounds left by the Dog Alien's claws.

Despite Wave's lack of advance medical knowledge, he was sure Kurome's wounds weren't looking too good. The broken wrist can be reset. But the small puncture wounds in the back of Kurome's neck ranged from the nape, to the lower back of her head. And none of them were healing properly. The blood flow had significantly reduced, but the punctures themselves haven't closed yet. Sighing inwardly, Wave carefully undid Kurome's neck bandages, foraged for another roll from one of the travel bags, and replaced with a fresh new bandage. Kurome stayed still and quietly bore the soreness through clenched teeth, as Wave cleaned and sterilized the wound. After he finished, Wave started to wrap the bandage around Kurome's neck, while trying his best to ignore his young teammate's soft fair skin, black silky hair, and the arousing scent of her sweat.

When Wave finally wrapped the fresh bandage around her neck, the teenage assassin hastily reached for her bag of sweets and started eating them. When she had her fill, she turned back to the sailor "Thanks Wave. You're pretty reliable." After hearing the compliment, Wave blushed with slight embarrassment. He quickly overcame it and replied "Then you should know, that I meant what I said earlier. Don't push yourself like that again. You barely survived those kinds of wounds, and they're not healing right. That's got me worried." Kurome makes an annoyed scowl, but didn't berate her teammate. Instead, she calmly answers "Don't concern yourself with my condition. You asked me to hang back from the main battles, so I'll do just that." She smiled softly, and laid her hand on his "I trust you, Wave. So trust me when I tell you, I'll find a away to deal with my problems."

After giving reassurance, Kurome laid down next to Wave and curled up to sleep. After a moment of thinking, Wave laid back down and closed his eyes. Though, sleeping was difficult for him under an afternoon sun as the Jaegers cruised through the skies towards the Capitol.

Down near the top of the forest trees to the south of the ruined Hive, Night Raid's Air Manta floated above the concealing canopy. Atop the flying Danger Beast, two men and a woman with binoculars observed the battle's outcome between the Jaegers and the Aliens. The woman was the female soldier of the Revolutionary Army who wields the Imperial Arm, Extase across her back. She brushed her large bangs away from her face, as she looked through the binoculars to confirm the Jaegers' departure. The two men beside her, are Revolutionary Army scouts who were constantly surveying their surroundings with vigilance. Their job was to ascertain the status of the Aliens, and determine if any had survived the battle.

As the image of the Jaegers and the Bird Wyvern disappeared over the horizon, the female soldier puts away the binoculars "The Jaegers have retreated back towards the Imperial Capitol. All of them seem to be accounted for. One of them seems unconscious or dead, hard to tell. Most of them are definitely injured." She turns to one of the scouts "Anything on the Aliens yet? What did you guys see?"

One of the scouts looked up and spoke "We tried to follow the Queen's trail, after She's fled the Hive. She was running eastward with her brood following close behind. After the Hive exploded, we lost track of the Xenomorphs' movements." He dons a solemn, even fearful look "They can be anywhere at this point."

The female soldier bites down on her thumb in frustration "We'll have to report this to Headquarters. Both enemies have clashed and dealt much damage to each other. The Aliens have disappeared and only the Jaegers have managed come away from this alive. Other members of the Imperial Forces are presumed dead." The two scouts have nodded in agreement.

The female soldier takes the Air Manta's reigns and started guiding it to fly South "We'll need to move quickly and decisively during the days ahead. If we're lucky, Night Raid will finish their mission in time. And then the Revolutionary Army can make its final move towards putting an end to the Empire." The other scout spoke up "I heard Night Raid's new allies have joined the cause. It's rumored, that they possess advanced technology and weaponry that could overcome even the mightiest of foes. Maybe even against Imperial Arms"

The female soldier touched Extase thoughtfully "Well, let's hope for their sake that it's true. Because, that woman and little girl don't seem like fighters to me." The first scout fidgets "I've heard from a friend who attended the Meeting Assembly. He said, that these visitors Ripley and Newt are affiliated with an elite fighting force meant to combat the Aliens." The second scout raised an eyebrow "Really? Who can they be, I wonder?"

The first scout took a moment to refresh his memory. When he finished, he answers "According to Ripley, they're called the Colonial Marines."

Above the Clouds, East of the Empire

The Cheyenne dropship's engines roared, as it swiftly flew through the open skies on its way to the city of Kyoroch. During its flight, it occupants were discussing and sharing information.

Hicks angrily punched the reinforced hull on the side of the Dropship's passenger bay "God Damned that General Esdeath!" For the past couple of hours, Najenda has been explaining every detail of the Empire's history, the creation of the Imperial Arms, the Corruption and Cruelty that has consume the present day Empire. Of Prime Minister Honest and his pawn underlings influencing the child Emperor into ignoring the suffering of his impoverished people brought upon by the senseless violence and cruelty done by Imperial Soldiers and Privileged Nobles alike. Especially from Esdeath, who is revealed to take great pleasure in torturing and tormenting others for her enjoyment. And most of her subordinates who work for her were twisted murdering deviants, like her Three Beasts as well as some members of the Jaegers.

The Marine Corporal was no stranger to the heinous acts, people were capable off. As a Colonial Marine, he had to fight and kill people, such as those. Colonial Insurrectionists, Interstellar Smugglers and Pirates, who most often done terrible deeds to hostage Terraforming Colonists, Cosmic Freighters, and Charter Crews with passengers. And him and his fellow Marines would have to clean up the mess afterwards. But he's never even heard of the horrors, the Empire and its denizens were committing "She was there. We had her right fucking there!" growled Hicks "I had her in my sights. And all I did was cut and run." He seethed in anger at the missed opportunity to get rid of a Monster like Esdeath.

Najenda and Ripley had to calm him down. "She's much more powerful than you could've imagined." explained Night Raid's leader "She would've killed you, and destroyed your dropship" Ripley placed a reassuring hand on Hicks shoulder "She's right, Hicks. You couldn't have known, who these people really are. You've made the right call, in getting the Hell out of there." The Corporal was starting to simmer down, and the Former Warrant Officer continues "You're smart enough to think about the big picture by now. The Aliens are in this World with us. And if we don't do something about it, everyone here will die. You know that, as well as I do." She turns to Najenda, who nods in agreement "Besides. Fortune may yet smile on us." She turns to Susanoo and takes a map from him. She places it on a tall crate to show the Marine a certain area on the map "It's become apparent by now, that the Jaegers and the Aliens will have crossed paths. We're hoping that the ensuing fight will eliminate both sides. If that were to happen, we'll be killing two birds with one stone and our enemies will both be eliminated for us."

The PA speakers in the ship's passenger cabin crackled to life, as Bishop spoke into his headset from the cockpit "This is Bishop. There's an update from the Revolutionary Army, regarding the recent battle observed by their scouts. They say that the scouts have just returned to base with news on the battle's outcome." Najenda, Hicks, Newt, and all the members of Night Raid anxiously gathered around Ripley. It was her idea to leave behind the transmitter, and train some Revolutionary Personnel for long range communications between Headquarters and Night Raid. This arrangement would allow for both parties to remain in contact on a constant basis. When everyone inside the passenger bay, were listening intently, Hicks sounded off "Don't keep us in suspense, Bishop. What's the word?"

"The Aliens and the Imperial Army have most certainly came into contact with each other. A major battle took place, and both sides suffered heavy losses." All around the passenger cabin, everybody started celebrating. Mine and Chelsea threw their arms around Tatsumi, impulsively. Leone came at him from behind and pressed her large breasts against the back of his head. Lubbock tried to run towards Najenda to embrace her, but was stopped short by her mechanical prosthetic arm held out against him. Newt hugged Ripley by the waistline and Hicks patted her back in congratulations. Only Akame remained somber, as she couldn't help worrying for the fate of her younger sister Kurome. Despite so much misfortune for everyone present, fate may have given a chance at victory.

Until Bishop spoke again, and relayed the remaining contents of the report "It's been confirmed, there's some survivors from both sides. The Alien Queen, who was last seen fleeing East with her brood. And all members of the Jaegers have been spotted retreating North with signs of injury to most of their group."

No one said anything as the long standing tension returned. Two of their most deadly enemies have failed to kill each other. And now, they're running loose towards unforeseeable paths. That makes them much more unpredictable and therefore, most dangerous.

Only Najenda and Ripley stayed optimistic after hearing the news. Night Raid's leader had already placed her hand on her chin and plotted and schemed for some way to turn the situation to an advantage. Similarly, Ripley tried to figure out on resolving the issue, but she still doesn't know enough about their current standing, to come up with a plan. She needs more information. So the former Warrant Officer turned to Hicks "Okay. I hope you're satisfied with what Najenda's been telling you. Now It's your turn. What happened, while you and Bishop were looking for us? How did you come to meet the Jaegers?"

Hicks took a deep breath and waited for Bishop to join them. The Synthetic Android set the flight controls to autopilot, and stepped out of the cockpit and into the passenger bay. The Corporal had everyone gather before him, when he stood next to the Science Officer and began explaining.

"After we came and found ourselves in this World, Bishop has been flying the Dropship towards random places and settlements in hopes of locating Ripley and Newt. We figured, if they were still alive and in this World, they'd head towards the nearest populated area for help. As we left the last place we checked, Bishop picked up on Ripley's transmission. After learning of the situation, Bishop had me build a probe to get the necessary data in order to make adjustments to our Navigational Computer." The members of Night Raid fidgeted, as they try to understand the technical details of the story. Thankfully, Newt stepped in and activated Spectator's Illusion Sight to help illustrate the story.

With the specific details no longer an issue, the Corporal resumed his story "After assembling the Probe, we set down on the outskirts of some sort of fortress, and buried it. Just as when we were about to leave, we were confronted by six people on horseback. We decided to ignore them, and were about to go to orbit. But, that's when they suddenly attacked us. Using some sort of small animal, it produced a humongous missile for one of them, a young woman, to fire at us." Amongst the members of Night Raid, Mine muttered to herself in a low voice "Seryu Ubiquitous". She looks back up and resumes listening to Hicks' story. "We evaded the initial attack, and neutralized it with the Ship's weaponry. That's when we changed our minds and entered a stand-off with them." The Corporal can tell by Night Raid's reaction, that aside from doing something as impressive as countering an assault from one of the Jaegers. It was still foolish of him to stay and face them.

Sensing that the Marine was making their guests uncomfortable, Bishop stepped in and narrated the story "Hicks opened a dialog with their leader, who introduced herself as General Esdeath, a top ranking officer of the Imperial Army, and the Leader of the Jaegers. And the self-proclaimed strongest in the Empire" Najenda cuts in with a quick remark "All of it is true." The Science Officer pauses to update his inbuilt database "Noted." And then, he continues "She said she attacked us, because she mistook us for people she's been hunting. Most likely, she may have mistaken us for Night Raid. As to why she would think that, is beyond my processors' computation." Najenda cuts in again, and explains "We keep a flying Danger Beast with a similar shape and function to your Dropship. So Esdeath would've surely mistaken you for Us." Everyone around, nodded in agreement.

Hicks steps up and takes over the story "And that crazy lady also said, that she wanted to see how we handle in a fight. Can you believe that!" Najenda responds "Most Definitely. She can no longer be defined as Human. Whatever her Imperial Arm, Demon's Extract did to her, it's permanently altered her physical self. She's become something that looks and feels human, but with infinite cruelty and a mania for fighting. Even the concept of love is foreign to her" she points at Tatsumi, who nods to corroborate her claim "She thinks she's in love with me. So she's kidnapped me and tried to take me as her lover, against my will." Hicks crossed his arms and processed one of Esdeath's wrongful deeds. No doubt, she's done far many and worse things to other innocent people. He noticed Leone, Chelsea, and Mine were standing there with fists clenched in anger. "Perhaps there's more to what happened to Tatsumi? Better to drop the subject, than set off a landmine" he thought. The Corporal went back on subject "So, she's not Human, and definitely no Saint. Could she be some sort of Demon? Whatever is wrong with her, me and Bishop picked up on it and set up a distraction to escape. A good thing, too. She moved towards us and seemingly made ready to attack. We were well up in the stratosphere, before anything could happen."

This time Tatsumi spoke up and explained to Hicks "She has powers that gives her to ability to conjure ice and have absolute control of it. She can summon millions of icicles at once, and hurl them at targets like arrows. Other attacks include, creating large ice spike to impale victims, giant balls of ice and pillars to crush opponents. Even a mere touch of her body can instantly encase victims in a block of ice. There seems to be no limit to her abilities." The Marine rubs his chin in uncertainty, while Bishop struggled to process this information without short circuiting. He finally gave up on updating already existing data, and creates a new data log on unnatural abilities brought on by these Imperial Arms. The Science Officer hasn't been this much intrigued by a new discovery, since the Xenomorphs.

"Her powers are definitely nothing to ignore. I mean, she battled an entire hive of Aliens and came out alive. I'm sure, she won't settle with only destroying their Hive. Seems like she's the kind to pursue a missed target and finish the job." Commented Ripley. Nobody around her argued against that assumption. "Forfeiture of her Humanity, and an unnatural Lust for battle. That's the price of her powers." Concluded Najenda, then she sounds melancholic "Aside from the Aliens, I'm afraid nothing in this world can match her strength." Everyone grew silent at her assessment. No one wanted to admit that Night Raid's leader was telling the truth.

And Hicks began to chuckle "You know what, Najenda? You're Absolutely Right! There is nothing In This World that can stop Esdeath!" everyone stared at him like he was some sort of Madman, especially when he grabbed Ripley by the shoulders as if to restrain her "We found the Sulaco. It followed us to this world and is currently up in orbit right now." The news caused so much feelings to a shocked Ripley. Joy, Relief, and Hope overwhelmed the former Warrant Officer and nearly made her fall to her knees. Hicks kept her steady and waited for her to absorb the news.

When Ripley regained her composure, she asked to confirm what the Corporal was telling her "Are you certain about that? You weren't just seeing things, are you?" Hicks only grinned excitedly, so Bishop answered the question "The Ship's up there, Ripley. The USS Sulaco is currently standing by, waiting for us to dock with it." Every member of Night Raid turned their heads up towards the sky. Somewhere up there, is the starship Ripley had described to them. A war machine, capable of laying waste to entire cities. And a surefire way to turn the tide in fighting the Jaegers and the Aliens.

"Well, the Sulaco will just have to wait a little longer" declared Ripley. She turns to Najenda and places a hand on her shoulder "We still have a job to do."

Jaegers' Quarters, Royal Palace, Capitol of the Empire

"General Esdeath! This is Unacceptable!" yelled an Imperial Doctor, as he tried to shoulder his way past Esdeath, who was blocking him from entering the conference room in order to look at Bols. An hour has passed since the Jaegers arrived at the Palace Gates, where they landed their Bird Wyvern and disembarked. They carried Bols, soon after and set him down on a couch in the conference room. When the Imperial Doctor got word of the Jaegers arrival and the Creature that had attached itself to Bols' face, he immediately confronted them and tried to get them to follow quarantine procedures and to report to the infirmary. The General was not complying. In fact, she had Run go off to notify Bols' wife and daughter, and to bring them here to visit.

The doctor became more disheveled "This is getting out of hand. For the last time, you all must obey quarantine procedures and come with me to the infirmary-" he stops short, after Esdeath conjured a sword of ice and pointed haphazardly at him "I am not handing any of my Subordinates over for you to poke and prod to your hearts content. Not until I've exhausted all means to remove that Creature off of Bols' face." The doctor paled, but stood his ground. He knew he was only thinking of the safety of others, by sticking with protocol.

Wave and Kurome ran up to them, bringing news that had prevented the imminent mess. "Ma'am! It's Bols. Something has happened." Informed Wave. Esdeath lowered her ice sword and turned to him "What's going on?" she demanded. "It's better if we show you." Said Kurome, as her and Wave lead a curious Esdeath and an intrigued doctor into the conference room.

The four of them approach an unconscious Bols lying on the couch, with only one thing out of the ordinary. "Wave. Kurome. Where's the Creature?" asked a very perplexed Esdeath, as she points at Bols' free and clear face. The Facehugger has detached from the large Jaeger's face, and disappeared.

"We don't know, Commander. We just got back from washing up, and found him like this." Explained Wave. Beside him, Kurome was nodding in agreement. The blue haired woman surveyed the conference room, in an attempt to locate the little Creature. And then, something else got her attention. "Where's Seryu? She was supposed to look after Bols." She asked. Kurome spoke up "I crossed paths with her, back in the hallway. She was mumbling something to herself about going over the final procedures, towards reviving Koro." Esdeath fumed at the Seryu's lapse of insubordination, and was very near to considering her punishment. But she digressed to more pressing matters.

"Spread out! Check every crack and corner." Ordered Esdeath, and everyone present began searching the room, including the doctor who produces a sample collection bin from his bag. The Jaegers' leader hanged back and shuts the exit door to make sure the missing Critter doesn't escape through it. Wave looks beneath the table in the center of the room, and under the chairs. The Imperial Doctor goes through random desks and drawers. Kurome slowly walks towards Bols, and carefully looks under the couch he was laying on. There was nothing beneath the couch, so the teenage assassin stood up and look over her fellow Jaeger hoping to find some clues.

Without his mask or the Creature's smothering embrace, Bols' face was left exposed for all to see. Aside from a large patch of burns, Bols' face doesn't seem in anyway irregular. A strong chin, small round nose, cheekbones that can cut like glass, and a full head of blonde hair made up the features of his unmasked face. "He's quite attractive. No wonder, he was able to quickly nab himself a loving wife and daughter." Kurome thought, as a sense of envy sparked in her mind. "Will I ever get my family back?" she wondered, completely unaware of a long slick tail dangling a few inches above her shoulder.

Esdeath focused her attention on Wave, who stands up and shakes his head. He couldn't find anything. Both of them turned their gazes over at the doctor, who checks the last drawer and comes up empty handed. "Bols? Are you awake?" Kurome asked, while making an effort to try to get Bols to wake up. Suddenly, something plops onto Kurome's shoulder, causing her to scream and stumble back into Wave's arms. The sailor shoves the teenage assassin behind him and holds out his arms in defense.

They both look at what startled Kurome and recognize the Facehugger lying on the floor, where Kurome had stood. Wave delicately helps Kurome to her feet, while Esdeath and the Imperial Doctor stepped closer towards the unmoving Creature lying face up. The General raises her ice sword, and prods the Critters small body with the tip of the blade. It quickly clenches Its finger digits, causing everyone to flinch. Afterwards, It refuses to move again. "Looks like It's dead. Must have been a reflex, earlier." surmised the doctor, while he hastily scoops up the small body with gloved hands and places it in the sealed box.

Esdeath looks up at where the Creature was supposedly hiding and spots a set of lamps for lighting the room during nightly hours. "It seems like It came off of Bols' face, crawled up to where those lamps are, and simply died" she concluded, unable to determine why It chosen to leave Bols' face just to go hide in some nook and die off. "And why now, of all times?" she finally thought. The Jaegers' leader glanced over at Wave and Kurome, as they approach the doctor for a closer look at the dead Creature. She then turns to the Imperial Doctor himself "There. You have your sample of the Creature. You can go study it in a lab somewhere, and leave Us be." The doctor makes a scowl, but decides not to push his luck "Very Well. But, I must insist that you at least keep yourself and your team confined to your quarters. At least until we can determine, that you all don't carry the risk of some sort of contagion."

Esdeath makes a sigh, but concedes. The doctor takes his leave with his specimen, and walks down the hall and out the door leading into the Palace courtyard. Shortly after, Run steps through the doorway with Bols' wife and daughter following behind. They step into the conference room, where the majority of the Jaegers have been waiting beside a still unconscious Bols. Bols' wife and daughter immediately ran over to Bols with worry.

"What happened!? How did he turn out like this?" the Wife asks, while the Daughter was tearfully clinging onto Bols' right arm and began jerking at it "Daddy! Please Wake Up!" she cried, trying desperately to wake Bols up. Run had to step in to calm them down "We were out on a mission, when we encountered a Swarm of Mysterious Creatures. One of them took Bols by surprise and some small Animal wound up latching onto his face." He indicates the bandaged stab wound on Bols' shoulder "That's the worst of his injuries. When the small Creature got onto his face, he was rendered unconscious. But, all the same, his vitals were normal and he didn't seem to be suffering any further trauma. Other than that Thing refusing to come off his face, we figured no more harm was being done to him." Bols' wife was on the brink of hysteria, but started to calm down after watching her Husband lying on the couch in a seemingly peaceful slumber. She laid her head across the three scars across his broad chest, as she hears the steady rhythm of Bols' heartbeat. Run sets down next to her, and began to demonstrate Bols' steady life signs by measuring his heartbeat and steady breathing.

Esdeath beckons for Wave and Kurome to follow her into the hallway "C'mon you two. Let's give them some space. In the meantime, help me look for Seryu." Wave responds by pointing down the hall "Speak of the Devil."

The three Jaegers stare down the hallway and see their amber eyed comrade trotting happily towards them. In her mechanical arms, was a fully recovered Koro. Seryu kept up her merry trot, while Esdeath walked forward to meet her Subordinate halfway. "Greetings, Fellow Warriors of Justice!" Seryu began, while placing her biological Imperial Arm on her shoulder "Guess, who's just been brought back to serve Justice once more-" Slap! her talking came to an abrupt stop, as Esdeath struck her hand across Seryu's face and slapped her. It came as a shock to everyone, except the blue haired General.

Seryu overcame her initial shock and spoke in an exasperated voice "But, why? Commander?" Esdeath explains with cold fury "Because, I gave you a specific order to watch over Bols. But instead, you go off and leave him. Just so you can fix your broken weapon." The auburn haired murderess deign to argue "But, Koro is my partner. Together, we work to uphold the law, and serve Justi-" Slap! The Jaegers' leader threw her Subordinate another slap "Enough with this Justice Bull Shit! You're a soldier! And soldiers obey their commanding officers, and work to support each other as a team!" Seryu's face screws up, as tears began to flow from her amber eyes. Koro growls at Esdeath, but the General merely throws him a surge of Killing Intent and forces him into whining and whimpering. The biological Imperial Arm knows well enough that the blue haired woman can kill him in 20 different ways, within the span of 2 seconds.

Wave and Kurome began to look away uncomfortably, in hopes to spare Seryu any further humiliation brought on by the disciplinary action. "I'm Sorry." Was all Seryu had to say, as she spoke weakly from beneath her tears. Esdeath gives her a hug, to show that she's been forgiven.

Suddenly, Run came bursting out of the conference room and called out to his fellow Jaegers down the hall "Everyone, come quick! Bols is Awake!"

One by one, the Jaegers came running into the conference room to check on their awakened comrade. Bols was sitting up straight on the couch, with his wife and daughter hugging him beneath each arm. The joy radiating from his blue eyes, confirm that he is indeed conscious and seemingly healthy.

"Welcome back, Bols! How do you feel?" asked a still concerned Run. Bols looks up at him and speaks with an evidently sore throat "Terrible. If I'm being honest." He then makes a grin to show that he is otherwise, okay. "Bols. What's the last thing you remember?" demanded Esdeath. The family man looks up at his commander with a look of confusion "Well. I remember, I was having a nightmare about smothering. If that makes any sense to you guys" all of his comrades shuffled uncomfortably. Neither of them were sure about how to explain recent events, that happened while he was unconscious.

Bols gets a good sense to change the subject and looks around the conference room "Hey. Can someone explain to me, where we are exactly?" Wave chuckles and answers "We're right here. At good old Headquarters."

Esdeath stares at Bols and makes a pleased smile "Well, it seems you're healthy enough. And I'm sure, you'll recover from your short term amnesia eventually. We'll fill in the blanks four you, when that happens." She turns to address all her Subordinates "I would like for all of us to report to the infirmary, and get verified of our state of wellness. The sooner we do that, the sooner we can get cleared for duty. I want us back out where that Valley of the Mysterious Explosion took place, as soon as possible."

Everyone around her readily nods and began to walk towards the door, when a loud growling noise erupted out of Kurome's belly. The teenage assassin clutches her stomach in embarrassment "It think, maybe I should get something to eat first." Beside her, Wave grins and agrees "Yeah. I can really go for something to eat, as well." Bols began chuckling merrily "Well. How about dinner on me? I'm cooking." Run began to voice his concern "Bols. Are you sure, you're well enough?" But already, Bols was on his feet and bustling towards the kitchen. The other Jaegers began taking plates and silverware from the various drawers in the room.

In a few minutes, the conference room table was laden with pots full of stew, pans with curry and rice, and woks full of stir fry. The Jaegers sat down along with Bols' wife and daughter to feast on such a banquet. Esdeath sat on one end of the table, with Run and Wave at her sides. Kurome and Seryu eat at the center, across from each other. And Bols sat at the other end of the table, with his Wife and Daughter at his sides. Altogether, everyone began to dine with enjoyment.

"Boy. Am I glad you're still with us, Bols. It would royally suck, if we'd have to leave you here in the Capitol. And go through with the Mission without the opportunity to enjoy your cooking." complimented Wave, as he eagerly gobbled down a spoonful of curry. Beside him, Kurome quietly nods in agreement as she began to ladle some stew onto her bowl. Bols scooped up some stir fry with his fork and began to shovel it into his mouth. Run sets down his own fork, and makes a teasing comment towards Wave "My goodness, Wave. I'm beginning to think that, the only thing you care about Bols. Is the wondrous food he provides!" Everyone around the table began to laugh and chuckle, including Bols who tries to laugh with his mouth full of food. But winds up choking on it, instead.

Bols entered a coughing fit, as his choking became more severe. His Wife lightly pats him on the back, to help him clear his esophagus. But even as the food falls out of his mouth, Bols continues to cough sporadically. "You know, Bols. You should always chew your food and swallow properly, before you use your mouth for other purposes." Seryu commented idly, unaware of her comrade's worsening condition.

Bols quickly stood up, while continuing to cough. Then, he began to gasp and clutch his chest in pain. By then, Everyone around the table knew something was wrong, and scrambled over to Bols to see how they can help. His Wife frantically continued to pat his back, ignoring the fact that it wasn't doing her Husband any good. Whatever pain is in his chest, It's intensifying and causing Bols to scream out in agony. He starts to thrash wildly like a Madman, his arms and fist swinging everywhere and nearly missed hitting his Wife. She backs up in terror and holds her daughter close, unsure of what to do. Esdeath began to yell at her Subordinates "Don't just stand there! Restrain him, before someone gets hurt!"

Kurome was the first to reach Bols, and tried to grab him by the leg. The suffering family man falls onto the conference table and accidentally kicks Kurome, as he starts to convulse. Akame's Little Sister was sent flying towards the side of the room, with her back slamming against the wall. Her back, and the wounds on her neck throbbed with renewed pain, as she grits her teeth to overcome it. The same can't be said about Bols. He was still flailing about, his agonized screams becoming more intense.

"Koro! Arms! Hold him down!" Seryu orders her biological Imperial Arm, as he grew to midsized and used his expanded arms to restrain Bols by the shoulders. Run and Wave were the next to reach their pained comrade, and each grabbed one of his legs. Before anyone can suggest what to do next a violent, meaty crunch sounded off from Bols. The scars across his chest began to bleed, as a second crunch sounded out and his chest throbbed and pulsated from some unseen force. Bols suddenly became silent and still, as he went into shock. A third crunch sounded off and his chest erupted in a spray of blood, dousing Wave, Run, and Koro.

Suddenly, Bols chest wound exploded even wider with more blood and gore spraying out, as a small Creature came bursting Its way through the last bits of flesh in a high pitch squeal which echoed throughout the conference room.

Everyone looked on in horror at the Chestbursting Monstrosity, that had grown inside Bols' ribcage this whole time. Nobody moved or made a sound. They were too shocked and paralyzed with disgusted awe. The Chestburster make a low screech and tries to bolt across the conference table to escape. Only Esdeath snapped out of her stupor quick enough to conjure ice and freeze the Creature where It slithered. The Chestburster makes an aggravated squeal, as It writhed and wiggled to get out of Its icy prison.

"That's how They do it." Began Esdeath with morbid fascination and grim understanding "That's how these Serpents came into being. They capture you, and immobilize you by placing you in a cocoon. Then those Facehugging Parasites latch onto your face for a period of time. After you're impregnated with the Creature's Embryo, It comes off the Victim's face and dies." She points at the captive Alien Larvae "Sometime after. This little Chestburster erupts Its way out through your ribcage." The Jaegers reacted to this Revelation, with different responses.

Wave doubles over and vomits the curry, he had just eaten. Run calmly and quietly takes a rag from beneath his robe, and tries to clean the blood off of himself. Koro whines at having witnessed such a bizarre way for a man to be killed. Seryu's face warps into a frenzied state "For the love of all that is Justice, What the Hell are these Things!?"

"It's the Crawling Darkness." Kurome said meekly. All eyes turned towards her, as she recalls what she heard from the dying Imperial Captain and quotes "The Darkness has risen from our Hearts, to consume this Land. And now, It Wants Us." She sits up against the wall and hugs her knees "It Can't be Stopped." she desperately want her bag of sweets, to calm her down. But they were still on the table, near Bols' twitching body. The teenage assassin dared not come any closer to the body, so she hid her face behind her knees and whispers "Big Sis…save me."

Bols Wife began to sob openly at the violent death of her Husband. Her Daughter stares at her father's face as it permanently sets into a mask of torment and terror. The light rapidly faded from Bols' blue eyes. The family man Jaeger is dead, and his daughter is too far gone with shock and trauma to cry. But Her father's mask of death will certainly haunt her dreams, for the rest of her life. However long that would be.

The Alien Chestburster began to squeal loudly, as It continues to struggle against Its frozen captivity. The squeals grow louder and louder, as It calls for aid from Its Alien brethren. Wherever They may be.

Unknown Area in the Forest Wilderness, South of the Empire

The Alien Queen was stomping her way through the forest trees, before coming to a stop. She turns her crested head back to where She came from, and extends Her senses. The Dangerous Lifeforms showed no sign of pursuing Her and Her Brood, after they had laid waste to Their entire Hive. Other than a few harmless animals scattered about the forest, no Danger Lifeform can be detected in the vicinity. She withdraws Her senses, and looks over the remnants of Her Brood left to Her. A vast multitude of the Horde have been slain, including Her three champion hybrids. However, a significant number of her Brood Warriors remain at Her side. Sadly, the Queen can understand that Her Warriors' lack the strength to hold Their own against the Dangerous Lifeforms. Without Her hybrids, only She can stand against the Dangerous Lifeforms. But, it would still not be enough. If the Aliens encounter the Jaegers again, while in Their current state, The Horde will surely be wiped out.

The Alien Queen and Her Brood must attain more Power. Fortunately, the Queen knows how to do it. She calls out for her Brood to come closer, so that She may have a closer look at Them. As her Warriors approach, She takes note of three Particular Ones at the front of the Swarm. Through Their bonds as a Hive, the Queen can sense a distinction within these three Warriors, that causes Them to stand out amongst the Others. She can tell, They are the Stronger, Faster, and much more Cleverer than Their Brethren.

The Queen stomps towards one of Her Chosen Three, and snatched It off the ground with Her large mighty hands. The Alien Warrior screeched in protest for being held in such a compromising position, and tried struggling to break free. The Queen's talons held the Warrior in place, and her smaller pair of arms seized the Warrior's mouth and forced it open. She then regurgitated a purplish fluid from Her fanged mouth, and spewed down the Warrior's throat. The Warrior unwillingly ingested the fluid and quickly ceased Its struggle.

When the Queen had finished transferring her Royal Jelly to her first Brood Warrior, She lays Its comatose body back down on the ground. She then spreads her senses over her entire Brood and willed Them to remain still. The Alien Queen next grabs her Second and Third Chosen Warrior, and repeated the process of feeding Them Royal Jelly.

When she had finished, the Three Warriors laid still on the ground in front if Her, undergoing the process of change. Body chemicals began to change in composition, and hormones are either repressed or accelerated. Pretty soon, these Warriors will form a chrysalis to undergo Their final stage of transformation. But in the meantime, They will be in a most vulnerable state. To remedy this, The Queen once again extends her senses as far as she could.

There. She detects a cave system, not far from Their position. Just as she was about to pull her senses back, something else gets Her attention. It very faint, but she can sense more of her kind down two different directions. The stronger signal lies to the Northeast, while the smaller fainter signal is straight up North. If she follows the larger signal, Her journey will be long and arduous. But if She reaches it, She might have a better chance at restoring Her Hive. And if she were to fail, or perhaps even perish. At least her Royal Guards will remain to continue the Species.

With Her decision made, the Alien Queen commands her Brood to move Her soon to be Praetorian Xenomorphs into the cave. And to have the cave's entrance sealed closed, for extra security measures.

When the task is complete. The Aliens began their long trek towards whatever waits for Them at the Empire's Eastern Border. They will move silently by Night, and They will rest and hide by Day. And if opportunity presents itself, They will try to slowly replenish Their numbers. Not even the Queen knows for sure, what lies ahead of Them. But there is one thing, She is absolutely certain about. There won't be any shortage of Breeding Hosts.

This World is full of Dangerous Lifeforms. If the Aliens are to Survive, They must Change, Adapt, and if necessary Evolve.

Chapter 4 : End

Thank you for reading. Please leave a review, any feedback will be appreciated. If you have any questions, let me know with PM. And if you like the story, please tell a friend. Next chapter, the Jaegers resolve to find answers to the mysteries that have cost them dearly, including the life of one of their own. Night Raid and their otherworldly friends, go on the offensive. The Aliens temporarily disappear, as They move under the radar.