Disclaimer: Do I really have to say it?

Chap. 15

The three Ravens were running to their hangers when they saw an AC zoom out in high speed. Koemai managed to get a glimpse of the machine.

"Glaive?"

The two women looked at him, "That was Glaive? What happened to it?"

"I'll explain later. Right now, we gotta hurry. I want to see him in action now."

The massive MT moved into range. It targeted an area and was charging weapons when it suddenly detected a new object, flying at it at high speed. The machine stopped and settled and it appeared that the MT stopped as well, as though it was contemplating the battle. Koemai, Aria, and Diana stood by and watched as the two machines faced off.

"That's Glaive? What happened to it?" Diana repeated

Aria looked it over and said one word, "Upgraded."

Glaive was outfitted with new boosters, all arched upward and shaped as spines (AN: For a visual, try imagining a mix between the Wing Zero's venier boosters and the Xenogears and you can get a general idea.). It also had a protruding gauntlet looking weapon (Aka- Onimusha: The ogre gauntlet.) and positioned on its back was a long sword. The MT fired a slew of energy beams, but Glaive instantly blasted away. The MT continued firing, but none of its shots hit Glaive. Glaive then twisted around and pointed it right arm weapon. A massive grenade shot out and hit the MT. Besides a burn mark though, the MT suffered no damage. The MT then began to split up into two MT's. The second MT flew at Glaive, firing grenade shots. Glaive avoided the blasts and knelt down. Two protrusions came out of its boosters and electricity sparked around it.

Koemai smiled, "Now watch. You'll love this."

A massive beam of energy flew out and seriously damaged the flying MT. It began to swerve back at him and Glaive put away the energy weapon. Flying up, Glaive suddenly over-boosted and his familiar Moonlight blade glistened in the air. A flash of light and the MT exploded, destroyed by the laser blade. Glaive continued to fly on OB and its arm reached back and pulled out the sword. A few protrusions extended from it and the blade glowed in the same blue-white energy as the Moonlight. The first MT fired several missile pods, but Glaive's shoulders opened and the missiles hit an energy shield. Glaive came at the MT, eyes glowing in an icy blue.

"For dust you are and dust you will return."

The saber went through the MT without a sound and for awhile, the MT remained active. Then it slowly slid apart and exploded in a flash. And out of the explosion, Glaive flew out; it's white armor and ignited boosters giving it the appearance of an avenging angel. One that has just served justice.

___________

"That was cool. No scratch that, beyond cool. You totally rocked out there."

Cain had just exited his AC and found the others waiting for him. He slid down the ladder and faced his friends.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left like that."

"Are you kidding? Don't worry about it. You should have seen yourself. You were awesome."

Cain shrugged and looked at Aria. But his attention suddenly darted to the hanger doors.

"Koemai. We have company."

A group of thugs came in the hanger. It was the same group that had bothered them earlier several times already. Koemai moaned, "Not again. What is up with you guys?"

The leader came up to them, "We got ya now, suckers. You don't have your guns or your robots to help you."

Koemai was about to remark back, but Cain waved his arm out to stop him. He then stepped up to the leader who laughed, "Wha'cha gonna do, shrimp?"

Cain locked his gaze on him, "This has to stop, so how about I make a deal with you?" He held up a keypad, "This is fifteen hundred credits. Do I have your attention?"

The guy smiled, "Go on."

"Come this way." Cain led him to a section of the garage. There a giant circle was on the ground, "Here's the deal. If you can knock me out of the circle, the money is yours. If I knock you out, you leave us alone. Deal?"

The guy rubbed his chin, "Deal." He turned to his friend, "This is going to be the quickest cash I make."

Aria grabbed Cain arm, "What are you doing?"

Cain looked at her, his eyes different this time. Icy, cold. She let him go and he stepped into the circle. The thug followed and Cain stood in stance.

"Koemai, what happened...to him?"

"Oh, that? It's what he does. He's normally peaceful and nice, but once he's in a fight he kind of changes. Don't worry, he's experted in karate. He'll be fine."

Aria looked back in the 'ring' and saw what he said was true. This wasn't the shy, sweet Cain she was with earlier. This was the Raven Cain, the seemingly cold and ruthless warrior she faced before in the arena. The thug leader grinned as he faced Cain, who was motionless. The thug swung a punch and Cain blocked it. The thug swung again and Cain ducked and jabbed him hard in the kidney. He backed away and rubbed his side.

"Oh, so you are a kung-fu man, huh? Well. Waaaaaaaa!!!"

The thug stood on one foot and waved his hands around. Cain just glared at him while he and his friends laughed. The guy then swings his foot out, a little too slow. Cain caught in and snapped it upward, causing him to hit the ground. The thug stood back up, a little surprised and angry. He swung out his fist again and Cain ducked, but the guy was a little smarter this time and swung again, hitting Cain's cheek. Cain reeled back to the edge of the circle and the thug charged, attempting to tackle him out. But Cain grabbed his arm, turned around, and flipped him over, tossing the thug right out of the circle.

"See, he won."

The thugs stood up and face Cain, almost looking like he would attack him, but instead he waved his head, "Come on boys, let's go." He looked back at Cain, "A deal's a deal, right?" As they walked out, Cain called out to the leader and tossed him the credit pad.

"What's this?"

Cain looked at him, his eyes no longer cold, "For being honorable."

The leader smiled, "Be seeing ya around." With that, he left. Koemai gave him a questioning look. "For being honorable?"

"Yes. It would have been easy for him to lose his temper and have his friends attack me, but he accepted defeat instead. That's not something just anyone can do."

Koemai shook his head, "Oh, I give up!"

Cain then looked at Aria again, "I'm sorry again. It seems I spoiled your night."

"It's okay. Really, I had a great time."

Diana suddenly flashed an evil grin. Cain caught it, but was too late to stop her next words.

"It's late. Why don't you walk her home?"

Cain cringed somewhat and then looked back at her. Why does Diana keep doing that? Oh well. "Is that okay with you?" he asked.

"That would be nice." she seemed to glow at that moment.

Koemai patted him on the back, "Well, have a nice time. I'm going to walk Diana home as well." He linked her arm and she waved at them, "See ya!"

Cain and Aria were alone again.

It was a slow walk to Aria's house and they were quiet for the most part. But for some reason, they seemed to communicate in their silence, mostly by eye contact. They finally reached her house and Cain was about to bid her goodnight when...

"Come in. I'll let you sleep here again."

At that moment, Cain froze up again but Aria sensed his hesitation instantly, "It is late, and I can see that you are tired."

"It's okay. I'll be....."

"You've been out with us most of the night. Also you were just in an AC battle and fought a street thug. Besides, I've noticed that that bruise on your cheek is getting worse and needs to be looked at."

Cain sighed in defeat, "Thank you for your kindness."

Cain entered the house and the door closed behind. Aria entered the kitchen for some ice while Cain sat himself down. She came back with the ice and gently placed it on his cheek. He twitched a bit at the pain, but kept it to himself. Aria regarded it.

"You're truly a strange Raven. A kind and giving soul, but also a dark and fierce warrior all rolled up in one person." She removed the ice and placed her hand on his cheek to soothe it. He closed his eyes at her touch, seeming to enjoy it. She soft, warm...

"One could say the same about you." He opened his eyes, "You're always compassionate around other, but when it comes down to it, you can be a very deadly person, Aria."

"I am a Raven."

Their eyes locked again and for a minute, it seemed that last times event would repeat itself. But she removed her hand and turned away.

"Good night, Cain. I trust you know where the sweatpants are."

"Yes."

She nodded to him and went to her room. He looked a little confused, but shrugged it off and changed. He decided to sleep without his shirt on because it was a little torn in the back. But as he lay down, his thought drifted to Aria. She's more of an enigma than I am. He then opened his eyes and sat up. Aria was standing there, again. But this time, she was only wearing a bra and panties. Cain gulped slightly.

"There was one more reason I wanted you here."

Oh, boy.

She slowly strode to him and lowered down to him. Suddenly she clasped him in a fierce hug and pushed him down, lying on top of him. It was the same position as last time, only this time, they were wearing less. Her head was rested snuggly on his chest while her legs were slightly off to the side, barely resting on his private parts.

"I just wanted to be held like before. I want to feel safe in the arms of another again."

Cain blinked and then smiled. He folded his arms around her back and held her tight. She let out a slight smile and closed her eyes. He did the same and they soon were asleep.

(AN: So what do you think? This may not be the romance scene you expected, but I've been reading a lot of Evangelion fics and they influenced me somewhat. Still, a scene is a scene.)