Disclaimer: Same old, same old
Chap. 12
Everyone has returned to their designated hangers and Cain is working on his AC as usual. Glaive is nearly repaired and Cain notices the scratched blue paint. Maybe I should change it. Going to the terminal, Cain enters the paint program and changes it from its usual blue color. The computer gets to work and a giant cover surrounds Glaive. It'll take at least a day for it to finish.
"Hey Cain. What are you doing?"
"Working."
Koemai shook his head, "Anyway, I have a message for you."
"A message? From whom?"
"I don't know. I found it when I was coming in the hanger."
Cain came down and Koemai handed him the note.
Cain
Meet at the Central Square on 4th Ave/ Central St lamppost at 8:00 alone
We have unfinished business.
Cain gave a questioning face and Koemai stood over him, "Who do you think it could be?"
"I don't know. And I don't understand this 'unfinished business'."
Koemai leant on the ladder, "Does this mean you're going?"
"It's the only way to find out what this is about."
Koemai put his hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry. I'll back you up."
Cain shook his head, "No. It says to come alone and I will." Cain walk to his dorm and grabbed his black trench coat. "I'll let you know when I get back."
"If you get back."
"When I get back." With that, Cain walked out the door, leaving Koemai with a huge smirk on his face. I didn't think it would be that easy.
____
Central Square
Central Square was in fact a slight reconstruction of the former Times Square of New York. Cain walked there and looked at his watch. 7:50. I'm early. Cain stood by a lamppost and waited for his visitor. The sound of footsteps approached him and a shadow came toward him. Cain looked and waited for the figure to reach the light. When it did, his face registered a look of shock.
"Alia?"
"Cain?"
"What are you doing here?" they said in unison.
Cain was the first to answer, "I got a note saying to meet someone here."
Alia held up a note, "So did I. Central Square. Lamppost. 8:00."
Cain held his hand out and Alia handed him the note, "What's this? There's some invisible ink here."
He held it up to the light and slowly, more words appeared.
If you are reading this, then you know
There are eighteen credits behind the lamp and a reservation for two at the restaurant across the street
Have a good time, you two
Koemai/ Diana
P.S. Don't disappoint us.
Cain folded the two notes and Alia said, "We've been set up."
"Yep. I'm going to kill him. For real this time."
They looked at each other for a moment and laughed. They did this for sometime before Alia managed to speak out, "You know, you really don't have to if you don't want to."
Cain shook his head, "They went through a good deal of trouble to do this, so we might as well go along and enjoy it. Besides..." He looked at her, "....I'm in good company."
Alia smiled at the remark and indicated to the restaurant. "Well, shall we?"
He returned the smile, "Lead the way."
___________
The two of them were seated and having dinner. As they did, they talked about themselves and their lives as Ravens. He spoke about his friendship (However strange) with Koemai. She talked about her family and how she came to Earth from Mars. He wasn't too surprised by that due to her red hair. It's a fact that people that were born on Mars sometimes develop reddish or red hair. She even told him about her sister. She was better now from her injuries and would leave the hospital.
"Oh really?'
"Yeah. I sent some of my money to help her out. She should be out by tomorrow. My mom will be more than relieved."
"That's good to know."
"So....how about your family?"
Cain stayed quiet for awhile in thought. Alia questioned him further.
"How are your parents?"
"I...don't have any."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I never knew them. The longest I remember back was my brother. Him and me lived alone in an orphanage. But he doesn't remember much about them either. We grew up together in an orphanage and he always looked after me." A small smile came up, "We were obsessed with becoming Ravens. Him because of how they lived by their own rules and me because of being able to pilot Armored Cores. We trained ourselves with MT's, but you know that isn't the same. Then he managed to get his very first core. He called it the Avenger. Other Ravens told him that he was very talented and he was.
"What about you?"
"I never flew the core. When he would come back from missions, I would be there to repair it, in order to save money to be able to by my own core. That's how I know so much about an AC's design. Eventually, he managed to get the money and I got my core, Glaive. I always hoped that we would become the ultimate Raven team, you know, unstoppable. But when I got it, he went on that mission I told you about." He looked up at her, "I believe you know the rest. Oh, I'm sorry. I've been talking too much."
"No, it's fine. It's actually nice to hear you talk more than the usual five-line-maximum."
Cain narrowed his eyes, "Very funny." Nevertheless, he smiled at her. This is....really nice. I don't remember when I ever had a good time like this.
The two of them continued talking, taking in and enjoying each others company. They left the restaurant early and took a walk outside. They didn't say anything as they walked, but they weren't uncomfortable. The discomfort came when it started to rain. Cain frowned. Simulated rain. Normally, this wouldn't bother him. But to have her get wet was another thing. Quickly, they ran toward her house and she rushed to open the door.
"Whoa, where did that come from? That's quite a shower, eh?"
"Quite."
Alia took off her jacket and looked outside. The rain poured hard outside. To her surprise, Cain re-opened the door, "Well I better get home. I had a great night, Alia."
Alia gave him an incredulous look, "Are you serious? It's raining cats and dogs out there. You'll stay here."
Cain froze up, "Are you sure? I don't want to impose."
"You wouldn't. In fact, I'd feel a lot better knowing you are safe. Well, as safe as a Raven can be anyway."
Cain shook his head, "I shouldn't stay here. This is your sanctuary and I shouldn't...."
"Not another word. You are a brave one, but you try to hard to do things. Relax. You can sleep here on the couch. It wouldn't be right for you to reject an offer. It's not honorable."
What the...? How did...? She's right. "You're right. I'll stay."
"Good. Now hand me your coat."
Cain slowly took off his coat and handed it to her. As he did, he reached in and his hand brushed against something hard. Opening the coat, he pulled out a long black sheath with designs on it.
"What is that?"
"My sword. When I got Koemai's message, I thought I was being threatened so I brought this along."
"A sword. Why am I not surprised?"
She removed her own jacket and Cain noticed that her shirt was wet as well. Wet enough to show certain revealing body parts. Cain's face flushed and he turned aside.
"You...should change."
She nodded and walked into the bathroom. Cain took a deep breath and relaxed. He moved back over to the window to see if the rain had stopped. Unfortunately, it didn't. Cain frowned. At this rate, he'll have no choice, but to....spend the night here. That thought made him even more nervous. He shook the negative thoughts away. I'll just have to get by. He sighed and settled on the couch. As he did, he noticed a small picture on the table nearby. He picked it up and looked at it. It was an image of girls and an adult woman.
"My sister and mother."
Cain looked up to see Alia had come out of the bathroom. Luckily for him, she was wearing a long T-shirt and sweatpants. Draped over her arm was another pair of sweatpants.
"Here. These are for you." She handed him the pants. "Sorry, but I don't have any shirts your size."
He took the pants, "That's okay. My shirt wasn't wet too much. Thank you."
She nodded and took the picture out of his hands and gazed at it. "I miss them sometimes."
"Oh. Why don't you visit them?"
Alia put the picture down, "I don't know. Never really thought about it much."
Cain remained quiet for awhile as they looked at each other.
"I better change. You should get some rest."
Alia nodded, "Yes. Good night, Cain."
Cain entered the bathroom, "Good night, Alia."
Alia went into her bedroom and shut the door. She leaned on the door and took a deep breath. She's had boyfriends before, but he was different. Most men she knew would have tried to put the moves on her, but not him. He remained polite and kind. He even offered to leave, despite the rain. What was he thinking? She sat down on the bed and lay back, looking at the ceiling. He was also attracting her somewhat. Like he was magnetic. Was it his personality, or perhaps his attitude. Or maybe even his body. As these thoughts flooded her mind, she then felt small movement. It was barely noticeable, but since it was quiet, she heard it. Standing up, she opened the door and walked out. There, Cain was on the floor doing push-ups. He was wearing the sweatpants she gave him, but his shirt was off. She silently watched as he continued his exercise. Wow, I didn't know he was that built. She automatically bit her lip and stopped when she realized what she was doing. Get a hold of yourself, girl. His head suddenly snapped up and he stopped. Almost too quickly, he grabbed his shirt and slipped it on.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"
She smiled at his shyness when she noticed how quickly he put his shirt on. "No. I just wanted to see if you were alright."
"Oh, yes. These pants fit me well. Thank you."
"Well that's good. Now I'll know what size you are next time you are here."
She smiled again and he blushed at how warmly she smiled. Even if it was at his expense.
"Well, good night."
"Oh, yeah. Good night."
She stood there for some time, staring at him and conflicting with her own emotions. Right then she imagined herself closer to him. A lot closer. No, I shouldn't. Slowly, she turned, walked into her room and closed the door. He looked at her strangely before settling in the couch. Turning the lights out, he closed his eyes. No sooner than he, he started thinking about Alia. She's very nice and hospitable. I believe I owe her something. And I may know what. He slightly shook his head. What am I thinking? I've been hanging around Koemai and Diana too much. He was half-way asleep thinking about her, so he didn't hear the sounds of motion coming toward him. When he did, his eyes re-opened. There, in front of him, was Alia sitting on the coffee table in front of him. Her eyes were faintly seen, but it was enough to see a little anxiety in them. He sat up to her
"I couldn't sleep. Not just yet."
"Something wrong?"
Alia didn't say any more as she quickly moved to him and kissed him, her lips lightly brushing against his. He was surprised by the action and she moved away, noting his surprise. She also noticed something else. The shock in his eyes and the look they held. Oh my god. He's never kissed a woman before.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I just thought....I didn't know. I should go."
She started to rise when he grabbed her arm, stopping her. He stood up to her with a meek expression on his face.
"No, I'm sorry. I didn't do it right, did I?"
Pulling her toward him, he returned the kiss. Now she was the surprised one as he did, but she began to melt into it. Letting go of her arm, he wrapped both arms around her, bringing her directly to him. In return, she lifted her arms and put them around his neck, pulling his head to hers. The kiss became more intense, both of them pulling each other even closer. They held each other like that for some time before they pulled away from each other, eyes glazed and faces smiling.
"How was that?"
"Mmmmmm. Are you sure that was your first time?"
"How did you know?"
"I could tell." She put her arms down and he put his down, "Good night."
"Sure. Good night."
She started back to her room, but she felt that magnetism again. She turned back and sat on the couch, pulling him down as well. They embraced and she kissed him again, more passionately this time. He fully melted into it again and returned it, with equal fervor. She wanted more of him. A lot more. She gently nudged him down on the couch and was perched on top of him, lips still connected. She didn't understand what it was about him that was drawing her, but she liked it. But then it hit her. If he never kissed a girl, then he surely never.... Abruptly, she stopped and looked at his eyes. Eyes that were staring back at her. She saw excitement and anxiety, but also...fear? He wanted this, but she realized that he wasn't ready for it. She was stuck. What should she do? Then she remembered when she was drunk and he was in the same situation. She quietly closed her eyes and simply lay down on him, still embraced but not like before. They were...comfortable. He let out a small smile and just held her and they went to sleep, content in the warmth of just being in each others arms as the cold rain poured outside.
Next day...
Cain walked into the hanger to check on his AC. As he did, the cockpit of Darkhand opened and out came a smiling Koemai.
"Alright. How was your date?"
Cain looked up at him, "I can't believe you set me up like that." He stopped briefly. "But it was nice."
Koemai smiled even more, "So, details, details."
"Well, we had dinner. After that, we had a little walk. It started raining, so..." He hesitated, knowing full well how his friend would react, "...I spent the night at her house."
"Alright! You are the man! You scored!"
"No I didn't."
"Huh?"
"I didn't have sex with her, so get the thought out of your head."
Koemai stared at him, mouth wide opened, "You...didn't? You're kidding me, right? Not even close?"
"............"
Koemai slumped back, "I take it back. You're just not human. How can you spend a night with a beautiful woman and not do it. It's not...natural." He grabbed the rail, "Did you at least kiss her?"
"Yes."
"Oh. Well for you, that's a step up. Not much, but it'll get me through the day. You're something else."
Both Cain's and Koemai's com-links beeped and they checked it. Koemai read his, "A Raven battle. I've got a fight to go to." He looked over to Cain, "What about you?"
Cain looked up, "It's nothing. A battle of my own."
Koemai shrugged, "Oh well, let's get going."
Cain thought to himself, He didn't check his opponent. He never checks his opponent.
Koemai walked up and was about to switch to his Comferd when Cain stopped him.
"Use Darkhand."
"Huh? What for? I can fight just as well in Comferd."
Cain repeated, "Use Darkhand. Trust me."
Koemai gave him a strange look, "Okay." He reverted back to his Darkhand AC and entered. Before the hatch closed, he called out.
"Good luck, Cain."
The parking lot...
Darkhand entered the arena and set himself for battle. My signature stage. The guy won't know what hit him.
FIGHT
Darkhand swooped in search of his opponent when a fireball suddenly flew out of nowhere. Quickly, he dodged it and found its source. It was a white AC, but the design and the parts were identical to...
"Glaive?"
"I guess you won't be able to save me for last, Darkhand."
"You're my opponent?"
"Yes."
Koemai looked a little shocked. So that was why he wanted me to take Darkhand. To even the odds. A small smile crept up his face.
"Well, I won't fight you last, but I'm afraid I'll have to kick you @$$ all over the place, my friend."
"We shall see which will prevail. Vengeance or justice."
"Enough talk!"
The two AC's activated their OB's and charged at each other. The Hands of God will now fight to see which held the stronger grip.
AN: So what did you think? Please let me know. Next battle: Darkhand vs. Glaive! A show you can not miss!