=Chapter 4=
Sora was back in school the next day. The first thing that he noticed was wrong was that everyone, and really everyone he passed dropped their voices to low whispers and started pointing at him. He chose to ignore this though it was blatantly in his face. When he stepped into the classroom, the noise immediately went dead for a few seconds before resuming, with most of the students distracted from their chatter by Sora¡¯s presence. Again, he chose to ignore this and headed for his seat. He was getting looks from everyone, particularly the girls. Ronald came up to him after a while, along with his gang. He was smiling from ear to ear.
¡°Not bad Sora. Didn¡¯t know you had it in you.¡±
Sora cocked an eyebrow.
¡°What?¡±
¡°This whole gig. Acting like some nerd and all, then bam, you get into the GISB. Now you got all the girls in the school on your tail. I take my hat off to you, Sora Truehearted.¡±
Sora sweatdropped, then looked down at his bag.
¡°It wasn¡¯t my choice in the first place.¡±
¡°Right¡¡±
Sora pulled out a book just as the science teacher came in.
¡°Alright class. Take your seats!¡±
¡°Talk to you later.¡±
Everyone got in order, and the teacher looked towards the door, motioning someone to enter. Two girls did, and they were Fio and Maya.
¡°Two new students will be joining us for the year. I want all of you to be nice to them, especially the boys.¡±
All the male students were practically drooling, except Sora of course. Maya bounced on her heels as she introduced herself and Fio, her short skirt flying up dangerously close to revealing what she wore underneath, or the lack of it for that matter. Some of the more nerdy boys were having nosebleeds already.
¡°My name¡¯s Maya Oracle, and this is my sister Fio. We were transferred here from Post-America on a scholarship attachment. We¡¯re pleased to meet all of you.¡±
¡°We¡¯ll make you even more pleased if you just let us.¡± One random guy said, and the whole class burst into a hub of activities. Maya only stuck out her tongue in a cute fashion and winked at the guy who said that. Fio looked at her sister and smiled. The teacher managed to get everyone settled down after a while.
¡°Let¡¯s see now¡ could the two of you take the seats next to Sora? Right at the back.¡±
There was a lot of muttering as the two girls headed up. Several boys tried to peek under Maya¡¯s skirt, but none of them succeeded. The other female students looked quite pissed at the boys for making such a commotion. The sisters took their seats next to Sora, with Maya sitting right next to him an Fio on her other side. Sora looked at them quizzically.
¡°What are you doing in school?¡±
¡°Miss. Chikage said that it was best that we stayed out of the matrix for the time being.¡± Fio answered.
¡°Then why don¡¯t you just stay at the facility?¡±
¡°That¡¯s boring¡¡± whined Maya, but before Sora could get in any other word, the teacher coughed lightly, gaining everyone¡¯s attention.
¡°Even though we have new students joining us, that doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re not having the test today.¡±
There were groans from everyone.
¡°It¡¯s on the message board as usual. The two girls, just take it as a form of ability test. I need to see what are your standards.¡±
The two sisters were given their Navis in the morning, so they were able to retrieve the test. It was on genetic engineering and biology, but to put it short, it was hell. However, the teacher received three answer scripts five minutes into the test. All the teachers were used to having Sora hand in his scripts very early, but three?
¡°Right¡ Sora, you may go. Maya and Fio, could the two of you stay a while for me to check through your scripts?¡±
There was some whisperings and mutterings among the rest of the class, but hushed up soon enough. Sora chose to wait for the two girls, and the teacher¡¯s eyes widened as she read through their scripts.
¡°Okay¡ the two of you can go¡ Sora, could you show them round the school campus? Thanks¡¡±
She seemed very disturbed, so the three of them just left the class, but not before they heard the teacher mutter something.
¡°I need coffee¡¡±
Once they got out of earshot range, Maya giggled as Fio smiled. Sora shook his head.
¡°I don¡¯t see the point of the two of you coming to school either.¡±
¡°It¡¯s fun to make the teachers go nuts!¡±
They weren¡¯t heading in any particular direction, but came to the cafeteria in the end, so they decided to get something to eat. Sora got a cup of coffee, Fio a ham and egg sandwich with a glass of orange juice, and Maya had a sundae, drenched in fudge. According to Fio, Maya loved anything with chocolate, especially ice cream.
¡°Her favourite is chocolate ice cream with hot fudged topped with chocolate coated almond nuts and chocolate chips with chocolate sticks.¡±
Maya went starry-eyed. ¡°Where? Where?¡±
Fio and Sora could not help but sweatdrop as Maya stood and looked around her. She sat back down disappointed when she found nothing, but happily returned to her sundae. Sora sighed, watching the digital clock on the clock count the seconds, using his hand to prop up his head. Fio quietly observed him, curious to know why he always seemed so¡ distant.
¡°Do you have something on your mind?¡±
Fio jumped slightly when she realised Sora was talking to her. Maya looked up from her sundae and blinked, interested as to what was going to happen next.
¡°Well¡ I¡¡±
Fio blushed and looked away. Maya started to giggle.
¡°Your face is all red Fio!¡±
¡°Maya!¡± Fio tried her best to conceal her face. Her cheeks were burning in her hands.
¡°You shouldn¡¯t tease your sister that much¡¡± Sora¡¯s voice strayed as he turned to look at his coffee. Why had he said that? Why? Was it a slip of the tongue? Yet, each word was defined and true. The control he had over his emotions wavered just so slightly.
Fio looked at Sora curiously. Maya also peered over while sucking her spoon. Silence reigned, then Maya stopped sucking the spoon and smiled.
¡°Okay!¡±
Again, Sora and Fio both sweatdropped as Maya finished the rest of her sundae.
¡°So where should we go now?¡± she asked, licking her lips. They only had that science lecture in the morning, but since they were done with the test, they were basically free to do anything now.
¡°Maybe we should go see Miss. Coronation. She did tell us to meet her after classes.¡±
Sora finished his coffee in one gulp and stood. Turning, he headed for the exit.
¡°Where¡¯re you going?¡±
¡°Bookstore.¡± With that he left the two girls and headed for the emporium.
As expected the place was empty. There was still an hour before lunch time. The automatic doors of the bookstore swished open and Sora stood at the doorway, looking around him. The place was empty. Even the cashier was nowhere to be seen. Sora walked over to the book shelf containing all the new arrivals and the doors slid shut. He traced his finger across the spines of the books and closed his eyes. The doors suddenly swished open again, and blood red pupils met with emerald green ones. At the doorway, a young bespectacled boy stood, smiling. Not even in his teens, the boy seemed to be consumed in an aura of darkness.
¡°Do not stand in our way again.¡±
Sora let his hand fall to his side as he turned to fully face the boy.
¡°And if I choose to do so?¡±
¡°You and the oracles will pay dearly. You efforts will only delay us. We alone are truly worthy of gracing this universe, not petty humans.¡±
¡°You speak for your kin yet present yourself in a human¡¯s form. Ironic.¡±
The boy chuckled, a sound which was unbefitting for a child.
¡°Though perhaps your eyes can comprehend the appearance of my true form, I am merely preserving my strength, for soon this world shall fall.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll be waiting then. When the time comes.¡±
¡°As you wish.¡±
Sora blinked, and the black head was gone. The cashier walked in from the door behind the counter then, munching on a burger.
¡°Oh hi. Didn¡¯t hear you come in.¡±
Sora looked over to the shelf next to him and reached out with a hand. Pulling out a thin book, silver letters were stylised onto a blue water-like surface: Oracle¡¯s Ring. Its author was anonymous. Sora raised the book and looked at the cashier.
¡°How much for this book?¡±
In the campus, Fio and Maya are sitting in front of Chikage¡¯s desk. The headmistress entered from the door.
¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was held up at the conference with the government officials this morning.¡±
¡°It¡¯s okay Miss. Coronation.¡±
Chikage took her seat behind the desk.
¡°So, I suspect you know why I called all of you here.¡±
The room fell silent as Chikage took a sip from her cup of tea. After a while Fio nodded.
¡°Yes, Miss. Corona-¡±
¡°Please, just call me Chikage.¡±
¡°Yes, Chikage. It¡¯s about how I could merge with Sora.¡±
Chikage nodded, ¡°Nothing has been found so far, but our theory is that the sixth sense program triggered a less used part of the brain, allowing the user to absorb data from the matrix.¡±
¡°So my bangle developed a link to the system, allowing me to merge with Sora?¡± Fio inquired, thinking over what Chikage had said.
¡°Possibly.¡±
¡°Then it can also be done on me too?¡± Maya asked.
Somewhere else in the city, at the local park, Sora was sitting on a bench, the book he bought open before him. From what the cashier had said, the book had only arrived just this morning. The strange thing was that there was only one copy of it, and no order was placed for such a thing. Sora scanned the pages carefully, not missing a single detail. True to its title, the book explained everything about the ring each oracle possessed, the oracles themselves, what were their strengths, their weaknesses, and even their personalities. To say the least, the book was very detailed when it boiled down to the system oracles, as if it was a through run down manual for them. Sora snapped the book shut and stood, catching a soft breeze as he did.
-Flashback-
Thousands of soldiers crumpled to the floor, a mass of mutilated flesh and blood as the entire battalion fell. Standing amidst the foul stench of death was a boy, arms covered in blood, in each hand a handgun laid, carved with their names: Death and Rebirth. Death was a battered weapon, scarred and bruised from all the battles it had went through all these years, but the shaft remained a solid black colour, small, blood red engravings surrounding its name. Rebirth on the other hand lived up to its namesake, not a single scratch on its silver surface as its engravings glowed slightly with a white hue. These two weapons seemed an unlikely match, but they did their job. Well. The boy was breathing heavily, corners of his mouth curved upwards in a sadistic smile.
The ground rumbled as tanks rolled into view, surrounding the boy. More soldiers gathered to fill the gaps in between them, forming a tight circle. A voice called from somewhere, and the tanks adjusted their turrets to aim at the boy. Another command was given, and they fired. The boy¡¯s pupils contracted as his smile widened to a grin. Powerful shells exploded around him, engulfing him in a thick blanket of smoke. Silence fell for mere seconds as a single bullet zipped out of the dust, slicing through a tank as if it was nothing. The turret flew off, seemingly hovering in midair as anticipation hung dangerously. Moments later, an explosion engulfed the tank, destroying it completely and taking anyone nearby. A blur shot out from the smoke, and soon gunfire and cries of pure pain echoed through the air as limbs were ripped and bodies torn.
Silence hung in the air yet again. The deathly soundlessness was numbing. The boy looked about him, smile never leaving his face. Holstering his guns and bending down, he picked up a severed head, its expression contorted into one that of fear and shock. It was a pity most of them never knew what hit them. The boy broke into a maniacal laughter as his gripped tightened, and the head shattered, spilling forth brain juices and blood.
-End Flashback-
Carefree laughter caught Sora¡¯s attention as he turned to find several children playing in a nearby playground. Watching them for a few moments longer, Sora turned towards the exit and began to walk, wind catching his clothes.
Night soon fell on the city. In a dark room somewhere, the boy from before is standing in front of a large painting, depicting a detailed scene of a battle between two armies. Footsteps can be heard and soon, the woman known as rage appeared, the torches that lined the room throwing random shadows on her. Quickly she knelt down.
¡°Master¡¡±
¡°Didn¡¯t I give specific orders not to attack the humans for the time being?¡± The boy cut in with an almost childish tone, but in it was an unnatural malice that made Rage shudder as she heard him.
¡°Yes, master.¡±
¡°Then why?¡±
¡°Because I can wait no longer! These humans are but trivial and we should get rid of them now!¡± Rage almost shouted.
Silence followed. Then, the boy turned round to look at Rage.
¡°Has it ever occurred to you that they have one of us on their side?¡±
Realization hit Rage.
¡°That boy? But how¡?¡±
The boy smiled and raised his hand. Rage gasped as a force hit her, crushing her.
¡°M-master¡ please¡¡± Rage pleaded, trying to move as the invisible force continued to crush her. She reached out her hand towards the boy, choking on her own breath. The boy smiled and dropped his hand. Immediately the force lifted from Rage, and she dropped to the ground, panting.
¡°You¡¯re one of my best generals. It would be a pity if you are killed.¡± The boy said, smiling. Rage bowed her head, afraid to look into the boy¡¯s eyes, ¡°Go. You are dismissed.¡±
Clambering to her feet Rage quickly made her exit. The boy returned his gaze to the painting.
¡°What are you thinking of now, Pryce?¡± the boy said after awhile.
Outside, Rage had stepped out of the room and closed the door. Taking a few strides, a cool voice reached her ears.
¡°So master still hasn¡¯t gotten rid of you.¡±
¡°Shut up Kei!¡± Rage said, spinning round. A man was leaning against the wall next to the door. He wore a long trench coat, a shirt, a pair of long pants, a belt, and a pair of laced boots. His entire dress apparel was black, reflecting the colour of his hair. He looked up at the infuriated Rage, revealing a pair of blue eyes.
¡°Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Touchy, aren¡¯t we?¡±
¡°Have you got nothing better to do?¡± Rage shot back, clearly displeased.
¡°With our current situation, yes.¡± The man replied, scratching his chin thoughtfully, ¡°What was master thinking when he picked you to come down to earth?¡±
¡°You-¡±
¡°Both of you stop it.¡± Another person joined into the conversation. Walking down from the corridor was a massive man, orange hair neatly cut in army style. He wore a white shirt, sleeveless brown jacket, and a pair of jeans. His black pupils look disapprovingly between Rage and Kei, ¡°Both of you are acting like bickering children.¡±
¡°I totally agree, Wills,¡± a woman appeared behind the bulk of the towering man. She had short silvery white hair, and wore a dark blue Chinese dress with very high cuts on either sides, a golden dragon seemingly coiling round her on the fabric. She took one look at Rage with her yellow eyes, ¡°But I think a bickering couple is more appropriate¡¡±
¡°Why you¡¡± A ball of flames materialized in Rage¡¯s hand and she threw it at the woman, but Wills blocked it with his bare hand.
¡°Don¡¯t push your luck, Seran.¡± Wills said as he dusted his smoking hand, unhurt. The woman giggled.
¡°Oh alright, but my point still stands.¡±
Kei straightened and smiled, ¡°Say what you want. Tomorrow morning is the opening. Master wouldn¡¯t like us to be tardy, would he?¡±
¡°But of course.¡± A man floated up from the floor. All of his hair was braided back into a long ponytail. A piece of black cloth covered the bottom half of his face, leaving only his olive green eyes visible. He wore a baggy Chinese-styled green and red shirt with matching pants, a pair of black slippers sticking out at the bottom as he hovered slightly before touching firm ground, ¡°Master would hate to see you all late for the opening ceremony.¡±
Rage snorted and turned, ¡°I know, Kaiser.¡± With that she left. Kaiser snapped his fingers and the entire corridor plunged into darkness. One by one the others went their own ways, and silence fell.
Back to the Truehearted residence, Sora was sitting on the window sill watching the stars. Aeries walked in just then, drying her hands on her apron.
¡°Sora? Has that girl found a place to stay yet?¡±
Sora shrugged, causing Aeries to frown.
¡°Really¡ you should be more responsible now. Was she involved in the accident also?¡± Aeries had been told Sora met with a car accident during his absence from home and was hospitalized, covering up what really happened.
¡°No. She wasn¡¯t.¡± Sora replied.
Sighing, Aeries went back to the kitchen, leaving Sora alone yet again in the living room. Sora looked down at his hands and gently touched his left wrist, seemingly recalling something from his memory. After a while he stood and headed to the bathroom to prepare for bed, yet it was a sleepless night as always for him. Staring up at the ceiling, his mind wandered to the two oracles he has met so far.
¡°This is nowhere near the end yet.¡± he muttered, and turned to the desk where the book he had found in the bookstore laid, it¡¯s cover shimmering with a bluish hue.
The next morning, a coach was waiting outside the school. As finally Sora¡¯s class piled in, it drove off, towards the heart of Labyrinth 2. Apparently a museum was holding its grand opening that day, and Sora¡¯s literature teacher had arranged for them to visit the place. The media was also covering the event as a woman stands in front of a camera, microphone in hand.
¡°Today is the opening ceremony of Labyrinth 2¡¯s national museum, where countless priceless artifacts and paintings will be showcased for all to see. Even the president has specially come down to witness its opening.¡±
The camera pans to a limo that had just pulled up in the driveway. Several men, clad in black suits, stepped out and held back the crowd that had gathered as an elderly man got out. The man raised his hand and waved, smiling as cameras flashed around him. Swiftly he was guided to a stage, where the staff of the museum stood waiting, among which were Rage, Kei, Seran, Wills, and Kaiser, dressed smartly in blue uniforms with golden trimmings and buttons.
The coach in which Sora and the class were on also arrived just then. Ronald sighed and placed his hands behind his head as he got off together with his group.
¡°Another boring field trip¡¡±
¡°Alright class! Split into groups of three please.¡± Their teacher directed, ¡°We¡¯ll go in as soon as the doors are opened. I want each of you to do a review on any of the exhibition pieces of your choice and hand it up on Friday.¡±
Groans from the class ensued. Somehow or another Sora found himself grouped with Fio and her sister Maya. All this while the president had been giving a speech, and was now moving towards the flight of stairs that led to the doors of the museum where a red ribbon barred anyone from entering. A pair of large scissors were given to him and ceremonial he cut the ribbon, which was followed by a grand round of applause as everyone filtered in. Sora and the class also made their way in, and a grand hall awaited them as they entered. The place was massive, with roman pillars lining the walls and a thick carpet paving the way for visitors, marble leaking out on either sides of it. Sounds of awe emitted from the class as they took in the view.
¡°This place is big!¡± Maya remarked. Fio only looked around her, lost for words.
¡°Class!¡± Their teacher caught the class¡¯ attention, ¡°I want all of you back here by lunch time. Remember, assignment due Friday.¡±
The class immediately dispersed as the small groups chatted idly, stopping to view anything that caught their attention.
¡°Where to first?¡± Maya asked, looking around her.
¡°I suggest the painting section.¡±
The three of them turned to find a young bespectacled boy standing nearby, smiling at them. Sora immediately recognized him as the boy from before.
¡°Is there anything of interest there?¡± Fio asked, and the boy nodded.
¡°Yes. My name is Valdez Rison, the caretaker of this museum.¡±
¡°Eh¡?¡± Maya exclaimed.
¡°The entire museum?¡± Fio asked, surprised also.
¡°You can say so. Come, I¡¯ll show you around.¡±
As they began to walk, the two girls introduced themselves.
¡°Fio and Maya? What nice names.¡± Valdez commented, smiling, ¡°who is that boy then?¡±
¡°He¡¯s¡¡± Fio turned round, only to find Sora gone, ¡°Sora?¡±
As the two girls looked around them, trying to find Sora, Valdez smiled and disappeared in a blink, unknown to the girls.
Somewhere else, Sora was looking up at the massive painting in the room where Rage and Valdez had previously met, unlit torches lining the sides as light streamed in from full length windows. Light footsteps echoed through the silent room as Valdez walked up next to Sora, who did not move at all.
¡°It¡¯s ironic, don¡¯t you think?¡± Valdez asked, looking up at the painting also, ¡°How man fights with himself all the time.¡±
¡°Man is the most contradicting creature in this world, and they can be so petty at times.¡± Sora replied, causing Valdez to smile.
¡°I¡¯m going to offer you just this once. Join us, and you shall regain your former powers, perhaps even greater than that if you serve me well.¡±
Sora remained silent, and Valdez merely chuckled.
¡°I hope you haven¡¯t forgotten who you really are.¡±
Sora turned towards the boy and bowed, ¡°My name is Sora Truehearted. It¡¯s been a pleasure meeting you.¡± Valdez looked at Sora for a while before sighing. Turning around, the boy left, seemingly disappearing as he headed down the corridor nearby.
¡°Sora! Where have you been?¡± Fio and Maya came running in from the other side as Sora turned to look back up at the painting.
¡°I found the piece I want to review. Valdez was right in saying there were interesting pieces in the paintings section.¡±
¡°What?¡± Maya asked as she looked up at the painting also. Her face synched up in disgust, ¡°Gory¡¡±
¡°It¡¯s all perspective.¡± Sora replied, walking to the side of the painting and taking a small pamphlet detailing the painting¡¯s origin, painter, and so on and so forth. Turning to leave, The two girls stopped examining the painting and hurried along to follow Sora.
¡°Are you really going to do a review on that painting?¡± Maya asked. Sora nodded as he put on his glasses and read through the pamphlet in his hands. A painting had caught Fio¡¯s attention also, and she had taken a pamphlet of it and was browsing through it. Maya looked between the two as they continued to read their pamphlets. She face-faulted.
¡°Both of you would really make a good couple¡¡±
¡°Eh?¡± Fio looked up instantly, face crimson. Maya leaned forward, face taunting.
¡°Is there anything going on between the two of you?¡±
¡°N-no!¡± Fio exclaimed, covering her mouth when she realised she had shouted quite loudly. Maya pulled, back, shrugging.
¡°You¡¯re no fun¡¡± She said in a dismayed tone. She then turned her attention towards Sora, ¡°Neh? Sora? Is there going on between you two?¡±
Fio also looked intently at Sora, wondering how he would react. However, he merely took off his glasses and smiled lightly, turning to walk down the corridor yet again. It was then that Fio realised it was the first time she had ever seen Sora smile before, and it had a calming effect, making her feel almost lighthearted. A soft blush rose in her cheeks.
¡°Sora¡¡±
¡°Kawaii!¡± Fio turned to see her sister with both hands below her chin, starry-eyed. Fio sweatdropped and could only smile at Maya¡¯s hyperness.
Somewhere else, in the matrix, a plaza was also holding its own opening ceremony. People were thronging the complex, viewing the goods on display and also having early lunches at the cafes and restaurants located just nearby. The place was crowded, to say the least. All of a sudden, gunfire erupted, sending the crowds screaming and running for cover. A band of men, clad in army fatigues and carrying various weapons, had seemingly used the sewers to get into the plaza. The apparent leader of the group turned to face his men.
¡°Alright. I want the area secured. Take all hostages to the office building.¡±
The others saluted and set off quickly to complete their tasks. Their presence had set off the alarms, and the police headquarters had been notified. Another alarm went off in the GISB building, sending the staff to full alert.
¡°All pilots report to your WNS.¡± The speakers blared as personnel ran to their posts. The pilots clambered onto their suits as the armour clamped down on them, securing them as each WNS was loaded onto their allocated launch ships. Flashes of teal light lit the hanger as the ships disappeared into the pools of liquid. Jen and the other cyber angels also got into their suits, which were then loaded onto Éclair. Following a blur of flying colours, they arrived in the matrix.
¡°Apparently a group of terrorists have taken over the plaza and are holding at least fifty hostages. The police have already surrounded the place, but negotiations are stalemate.¡± Chikage said as she appeared on a screen above the controls.
¡°What are their demands?¡± Jen queried as everyone gathered.
¡°They want several people released from the International Prison. Apparently they¡¯re stragglers from different underground societies who decided to team up to get their leaders out of jail.¡±
¡°Why does this always happen?¡± Rio sighed. Chikage smiled.
¡°When the internet was converted to the matrix whereby people could enter and go from it as they please like any other place on the world, we humans created another plane for us to expand into almost limitlessly, but like the rest of Earth, you can¡¯t always ensure that there will not be any negative effects and influences. That¡¯s why people like us are here.¡±
¡°Guys, we¡¯re approaching the sector.¡± Duo said as he adjusted the ship to hover over the plaza. The fight was intense as the police exchanged fire with the terrorist group, the latter being at a point advantage as the plaza¡¯s defense system was under their control. The other launch ships were flying in around Éclair, dropping off the WNS within them like bombing runs.
¡°That should even the odds.¡± Rika remarked as the GISB troops aided the police. It was standard that each WNS be equipped with both a ranged and melee weapon, but the organization was not that hard on enforcing customization of the WNS. Each pilot had a suit which complemented their abilities, and there was freedom in choosing their suit¡¯s colour. However, in general, all the WNS can be divided roughly into several groups.
First, there is the assault battalion, which forms the backbone of the GISB Army. They were the most balanced of the troops, faring well in both melee and ranged combat. Normally the WNS of this battalion carried K-9 assault rifles, nicknamed by most military personnel as ¡°Hell Hounds¡±. These rapid firing rifles pump out slugs at a devastating rate of 100 rounds per minute, making up for its low accuracy from long range and less than average firepower compared to its military brother the K-8. The weight of the K-9 itself allows it to be a melee weapon as well. Without the cartridge, the rifle alone is a hefty 45lbs, but thanks to the WNS pilots can easily carry them and even swipe nearby opponents, resulting in a cleaving effect. Since no other melee weapon is required, the assault battalion of the GISB army is ideal for quick skirmishes and can efficiently take out opponents who underestimate their mobility and speed.
Secondly, is support battalion, or more commonly known as the ¡°Death Cross Brigadiers¡±. GISB thought it troublesome to have a part of its army specializing in only just field medical treatment, so they decided to turn to an alternative plan. Those in the battalion could hit a person dead center on the forehead a mile off, while hanging from a moving launch ship. Not only that, these pilots have also been detailed on basic suit repairs and first aid. Their weapon is also a work of art: a modified version of the S-19 sniper rifle, though not as powerful as the arctic warfare magnum rifle, the gas propelled weapon still packs a punch when used correctly, and can be compacted to allow easy mobility. Its scope is also well-equipped with heat sensors, night vision, and infrared, though pilots would prefer using the normal double scope to see what they actually hit. It has been joked that some of these WNS pilots can actually tend to the wounds of fallen comrades with one hand while conveniently lobbing off the heads of opponents with their sniper in the other. If they actually could, then truly god¡¯s finger has touched them.
Next, there is the demolition battalion. Their motto: ¡°If its big and evil a weapon, its worth using.¡± These band of pilots are the ones that abide by the rules set down by GISB most loosely. Their range of weaponry is varied and wide, and only the personality of the pilot seems to affect it. They are also the smallest battalion within the army. Nonetheless, they are the most powerful of the battalions, carrying the heaviest of firearms into battle, such as the bulky military-issued B-34 flak cannon, which dishes out a blanket of burning lead that¡¯ll rip through flesh like paper, and even the massive R-98 three-barreled rocket launchers, which, in short, hurts a lot. Even though their mobility is drastically reduced, their thick WNS carapaces are capable of enduring large amounts of damage. This, together with the fact that one swing of their weapons would certainly mean the doom of any unlucky soul caught in the way, makes them walking walls of destruction.
Lastly, the GISB of course has its cyber angels. They are the best of the best in the organization, often initiated to take care of special missions not within the capabilities of the other GISB troops. Their WNS are each specially crafted with accordance to its pilot¡¯s ability and preference, and are capable of sustaining major damage without a drawback in mobility or firepower. They are the elites of GISB, and now Sora Truehearted was one of them.
The cyber angels watched as the terrorists retreated into the mall, having been overwhelmed by the GISB troops and police combined.
¡°Looks like this mission is a wrap up.¡± Duo commented, ¡°it¡¯s just a matter of time before they give up.¡±
Sora looked at the ground around where the plaza stood and noticed several air vents. The place also looked recently dug out.
¡°What¡¯s underneath the plaza?¡± Sora asked, causing everyone to look at him.
¡°Huh?¡± Duo asked, puzzled. Jen frowned and looked more closely at the plaza, noticing what Sora had seen.
¡°Mei, scan the area underneath the plaza to a depth of 500 feet.¡±
¡°Scanning¡¡± Mei¡¯s eyes lit up as light zipped passed them. Her hair seemed to be caught in an updraft of wind.
¡°100 feet¡ plaza basement¡ 20% metal, 5% soil, 75% air¡ 200 feet¡ plaza foundations¡ 60% metal, 35% soil, 5% air¡¡± Mei went on, but her eyes widened as she reached on to 500 feet, ¡°500 feet¡ depot¡ 70% metal, 0% soil, 30%air¡ high energy reading also detected¡¡±
¡°All units retreat! I repeat! All units fall back now!¡± Jen shouted through his intercom, but it was too late. A blinding flash of light engulfed the front doors as GISB troops pushed forward, followed by a single beam of pure energy which ripped through the ranks of the demolition battalion up front, causing serious damaged and throwing them backwards. Cries of pain echo through the air as the remaining troops dragged their fallen companions back, seeking temporary refuge behind anything they found.
¡°Damn!¡± Jen cursed as he turned towards his team, ¡°Alright! Suit up! We¡¯re going down!¡±
Saluting, the group hurried down to the hanger where their WNS were docked.
¡°Wait!¡±
Jen stopped at the doorway and turned to look at Fio and Maya, who had remained where they were.
¡°We can fight.¡± Fio said.
¡°We¡¯ll help, if you allow us to.¡± Maya added. Jen pondered for a while before he nodded. What was the use of arguing with the guardians of the matrix anyway?
The ground shuddered as from the broken remains of the mall¡¯s front doors crumbled away, revealing four claw-like metallic legs. On top of the mechanism a large turret perched, its large barrel shooting out like an admonishing finger. The machine was dull green in colour, gears and joints shining a silver colour. It steadied itself, and energy began gathering at the nozzle of the turret. As the orb grew to its limit, the turret let loose another shot, aimed directly at the temporary barricade the GISB troops and police had made as they treated their wounded. Luckily Duo activated guardis¡¯ shields and Chi used her own powers to enforce it, weathering the attack, but the shot clearly left a mark as the shield crackled in protest.
¡°I can¡¯t hold that shield for long.¡± Duo said through gritted teeth. Chi was also struggling to maintain the force field she created. The cyber angels were hovering in mid-air over the scene. Fio and Maya were also there. Maya¡¯s armour was similar to Fio¡¯s but all the red areas were a dull green on her¡¯s, and she had a claw on either wrists.
A small screen appeared next to Jen. It was Chikage.
¡°It appears that the army was building a secret outpost underneath the plaza.¡±
¡°We figured. That a new toy of theirs?¡±
Several more screens appeared, detailing the blueprints of the machine and its properties.
¡°A mobile auto-cannon, or MAC for short. Researchers have been working on it for years now. It¡¯s canon is energy-based, and is capable of leveling a city block in a matter of seconds. Luckily though it¡¯s an artillery-class vehicle.¡±
¡°Roger.¡± Jen replied, opening a channel to the other cyber angels, ¡°Listen up, Rika, I need you and Rio to stay back and protect Duo and Chi. Sora, Fio and I will attract the machine¡¯s attention. Maya, Rio and Banks. The three of you attack it while it¡¯s distracted. Mei, find a weakness in that thing.¡±
Nodding, the team split into their respective groups. The MAC had begun charging its cannon again. The missile pods on Sora¡¯s seeker opened and a dozen missiles erupted from them, hurtling towards the MAC at breakneck speeds. They impacted, causing the unprepared machine to stagger backwards, energy dissipating. Before it could regain its ground, Jen pulled out raven¡¯s swords and did a cross slash, forming a X shape blade of wind which hit the MAC hard. Groaning in protest the gears of the machine stemmed themselves against the attacks, the turret swinging upwards towards where the cyber angels were, energy sparkling. Fio began charging her own blast also, and the two let loose a shot at the same time, impacting in midair, fazing the MAC.
¡°Now!¡± Jen shouted. Maya and gang rushed forward, weapons raised. Each of them struck the machine hard, sending it reeling and crashing into a nearby shop, windows shattering as the MAC finally came to a stop. Silence fell as the cyber angels landed. Chikage appeared on screen again.
¡°Good work¡¡±
The MAC suddenly lurched. Legs curving backwards, they slammed against the ground, sending the MAC into the air. Spinning round, it landed right side up and small holes opened on either sides of the turret.
¡°Hedgehog?¡± Jen gasped. His suspicions were true as countless threads of bluish energy burst forth, forming a deadly web. The cyber angels took flight again, but the GISB troops and police didn¡¯t fare well as countless more were added to the injured list.
¡°Damn! You could have at least warned us about that.¡± Jen barked through the intercom.
¡°It seems that paperwork was held back, as always¡¡± Chikage replied.
A part of the turret¡¯s top flipped over and a gun extended from it. Glowing with green energy a beam of teal light shot towards Sora, leaving behind a trail of blue particles.
¡°It has a rail gun?¡± Jen exclaimed.
Sora got away just in time, but the beam now was headed directly towards Éclair.
¡°Defensive maneuvers!¡± Duo barked into his intercom. Éclair got the message and its thrusters exploded in blue fury as it dodged the shot. Part of its wings opened, revealing six laser canons. Flying down towards the MAC, it opened fire, unleashing a volley of yellow energy. The assault was however negated by a force field and the MAC retaliated with a wave of its hedgehog lasers, forcing Éclair to evade them and fly back.
¡°An energy absorber too?¡± Duo cursed.
Fio turned to look at Sora, her meaning apparent. Sora¡¯s visor slid down over his eyes, but before he could even reach Fio, the MAC let loose a powerful array of lasers, forcing them even further apart. The others were also having a hard time evading the sudden attack. One grazed Maya on the shoulder, and the effect was spontaneous. As Maya winced, several more lasers hit her, causing the girl to shriek in pain.
¡°Maya!¡± Fio cried, but she could do nothing as the hedgehog lasers continued their relentless assault. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a blur shoot by, and realised instantly who it was. Thrusters to full, seeker skillfully evaded the lasers, almost as if performing a complicated dance. Maya was falling down, and from that height anyone was sure to be killed from the impact. As Sora reached out and caught Maya by the wrist, his visor flashed. Seconds later, an orb of light engulfed the two, temporarily blinding everyone.
¡°Is it possible?¡± Fio asked, squinting through the light as it slowly faded. Maya was nowhere in sight, but Sora¡¯s armour was covered with a green substance, which shattered moments later. Now he was wearing chest armour, a skin tight black suit covering the lower half of his body until the claves where armour clung. From his armlets a set of silver metal talons shot out, green energy creating blades. The armour was a dull green colour, with black trimmings. Sora¡¯s helm was gone, but a green visor was still present, green wing-like structures protruding out on either sides of it with a white streak running down it.
Ite¡ want happened¡? Eh? Sora? W-what am I doing in you?
¡°We merged, like I did with Fio.¡±
Wow!
Sora sweatdropped as Maya¡¯s excited voice resonated in his mind. There was no time to waste however, as the MAC let loose another volley of its hedgehog lasers. In a flash Sora disappeared, and one of the MAC¡¯s legs broke in two and exploded, causing the machine to topple. Sora was standing not far off, he himself also surprised at the speed of his moves.
That was cool! You¡¯re really fast!
Gears groaning in protest, the MAC tried to get up. Aiming its rail gun at Sora, it fired, but Sora was long gone, the shot from the rail gun leaving behind a crater on the ground where Sora had stood. Rebounding off a nearby pillar, Sora shot forward and with both claws sliced through the MAC, it¡¯s turret flying off and thundering to the ground as its remaining legs crumpled to the floor. As Sora straightened, part of the turret burst open and a man stumbled out, badly bruised. That did not stop him from breaking into a run towards the mall however. The cyber angels gave chase, but as they reached the remains of the mall¡¯s front doors, a cry pierced through the air, followed by a deafening silence. In the mall, limbs lay splattered everywhere, blood still oozing from the flesh. Some of the girls turned away while several of the boys swallowed hard. Sora looked up at the fountain in the middle of the mall. It was rich in blood, fountain spewing it like a flood. A woman floated above it, clad in a tight, dark blue Chinese dress.
¡°Well, well. So you finally turned up. I was so bored that I had to make do with these pitiful men. They were fun at first, but it just doesn¡¯t last, does it?¡± The woman said casually, smiling.
¡°You sick bitch!¡± Rio shouted, on the verge of puking as she covered her mouth.
¡°Watch your tongue, but ah¡ where are my manners? My name is Seran. As you might already know the other girl from before is Rage.¡±
¡°No relations I hope.¡± Jen said dryly, drawing his blade. Seran eyed him lustfully.
¡°Oh¡ aren¡¯t you a cute one? Maybe I¡¯ll have some fun with you first.¡±
Without warning Sora slammed both his claws into the ground. Sensing something amiss Seran leapt aside as the fountain exploded, stone flying everywhere as the blood sprayed outwards, flooding the ground. Seran landed gracefully on the railing of the second level and crossed her arms.
¡°My. My¡ how impatient.¡±
Calmly Sora removed his claws from the ground, ¡°I didn¡¯t really like the fountain, that¡¯s all.¡±
Seran bowed her head and chuckled, ¡°Is that so? I¡¯d love to stay and chat, but duty calls.¡± She snapped her fingers and a low rumbling sound echoed through the deserted mall. The ground began cracking and all of a sudden a beast burst forth, landing on the floor with a thunderous sound as a crater formed. It looked roughly like a dog, but instead of front legs it had a pair of arms and claws. It¡¯s muscular body was nut brown, and patches of orange fur covered parts of its body. Four horns grew from its head, where two blazing red orbs for eyes were set on Sora.
¡°Perhaps next time, I¡¯ll fight you.¡± Seran said. She then blew a kiss at Jen and winked, ¡°I¡¯ll be having my eye on you, cutie.¡±
Jen gritted his teeth as Seran spun and disappeared into a purple cloud. As if on queue the beast before them roared and charged forward. The cyber angels evaded the attack, but the beast seemed to be concentrating its attack on Sora. Jen did his X technique again, but that didn¡¯t even faze the beast and it simply shrugged it off like it was nothing.
¡°Have you found a way to destroy the virus without harming the oracle?¡± Jen shouted over to Duo as Sora continued to dodge the beast¡¯s assault.
¡°We do have a prototype model, but there¡¯s a catch.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°It¡¯s equipped on the airship.¡± Rika answered.
¡°Éclair. For crying out loud will it hurt you to say it¡¯s name? Follow me now, E-C-L-A-I-R. Got it? It¡¯s-¡±
¡°Shut up!¡± Rika cut in before Duo could continue.
¡°This isn¡¯t the time to argue. Duo. Can you possible get the ship down here?¡±
¡°I can only guarantee one shot, and hell no I can¡¯t pilot it into this place!¡±
¡°Just call it down outside. You heard what they said right Sora?¡±
¡°Easier said than done.¡± was the reply as Sora continued to dodge. As he sidestepped an attack the beast suddenly jerked its head, slamming Sora with his horns. He could hear Maya shriek in pain inside of him.
I can¡¯t take much more of this¡
Sora got up quickly, but the beast was already upon him. A claw came swiping upwards, tearing through Sora¡¯s chest armour like it was nothing. Maya¡¯s scream was cut short as light engulfed Sora. The two of them separated, landing on the ground not far apart. Maya was in clear pain, bruises all over her body as she curled up. Through her blurred vision, she can roughly make out the beast as it approach her, deliberately slow with its pace.
¡°Sis¡ please.¡± Maya winced in pain, unable to even move. The beast¡¯s feral grin dripped with malice as it raised its hand. Energy began gathering, forming an orb of red light which slowly grew and hardened. A blazing meteorite hovered over the beast¡¯s hand soon after, and without hesitation it threw the massive rock at Maya. Leaving behind a trail of burnt air, the meteorite hurtled towards the defenseless girl. Maya screwed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the inevitable.
Or was it?
The meteorite exploded, sending a cloud of dust into the air. The other cyber angels could only stare shocked as Fio covered her mouth, tears welling in her eyes. However, as the dust settled, everyone gasped. Sora was standing in front of Maya, head bowed. On his arm the buster gatling cannon smoldered, reduced to nothing more than a lump of molten metal. A series of small explosions occurred at the binds that held the weapon onto Sora¡¯s arm, and it disengaged roughly, but the damage was done: the gun¡¯s shells had been melted from the intense heat and clung to Sora¡¯s arm now, red steam rising from the cocoon-like shape.
¡°He¡¯s bleeding¡¡± Rika realised instantly, identifying the red vapour as evaporating blood. Sora appeared indifferent to it however, turning to fully face the beast. Maya looked up at his back.
¡°Sora¡¡±
¡°Are you alright?¡±
¡°Y-yes.¡± A soft blush rose in Maya¡¯s cheeks. Without warning Seeker¡¯s thrusters shifted to full blast. The back draft caught Maya¡¯s hair as she stared after Sora.
¡°Sora¡¡±
Before the beast could retaliate, Seeker rammed into it, driving it into a wall nearby. They were in a deadlock, trying to overpower each other with sheer might. The ground Sora stood on cracked and shuddered as he struggled to sturdy himself.
¡°Where¡¯s Éclair?¡± Sora said through the intercom calmly.
¡°J-just outside.¡± Duo replied, unnerved at Sora¡¯s calmness in the situation. Everyone was, except of course Fio and Maya. They understood, or at least they thought they did.
With a roar the beast¡¯s mouth erupted flames, throwing Sora backwards into an opposite shop. Window shattering, the place caved in, concrete collapsing onto Seeker. However, even before the dust settled, a blue flash of light illuminated the cracks in the pile and Seeker burst forth, slamming into the beast yet again and bringing it into the air, crashing through the glass panels that made the mall¡¯s ceiling. Out of the corner of his eye Sora spotted Éclair, and swung the beast towards it. The airship¡¯s top opened, revealing a satellite construct that sparkled with bluish energy before firing a solid beam of blue light. It made contact with the beast, seemingly dissipating off its back. Howling angrily, the beast trashed about, clawing Seeker wherever it could. The cyber angels had left the mall, Maya slightly being supported by Fio. Them, together with the unharmed GISB troops and police, looked on as blood sprayed freely from the penetrated WNS, but Sora paid no heed, mind focused on only one thing. Oracle.
The beast¡¯s attacks became distinctively less fierce moments later. Shaking madly, it howled one last time before being engulfed in a blinding light. As it slowly subsided, Sora was seen freefalling, a girl clutched in his arms. Seeker¡¯s thrusters sparked, but did not ignite. Warning signs appeared on Sora¡¯s visor, indicating that he was falling too fast.
¡°He¡¯s not going to make it! Éclair!¡± the airship responded to Duo¡¯s call, swooping down. Seeker hit the hard surface of the craft, but it was traveling too fast. Skidding like a rock over a pond, Sora rolled off Éclair. Even if the airship had broken his fall a bit, from this height anyone would still have a high chance of dying upon impact. Sora looked down at the unconscious girl in his arms. Her medium length orange hair fluttered in the wind, along with red ribbons that held her hair in a ponytail on either sides of her head. She appeared to be only fifteen, face quaint as if in a pleasant dream. A brief memory flashed in Sora¡¯s mind.
The room was dark, moonlight peeping in from a window nearby, illuminating two young children on a bed, sound asleep. A boy and a girl, holding each other, little smiles lighting their faces as they dreamed. Both had soft blue hair, the boy¡¯s was short, about a third the length of the girl¡¯s. Anyone could tell they were twins. A young man sits at the edge of the bed, watching the two as they slept. His hair was a dull purple, contrasting with his jet black eyes. The door creaked open.
-Flashback-
¡°They¡¯re finally asleep?¡± A soft voice asked. A woman stepped into view. She had deep blue hair, eyes sparkling with a greyish hue. The young man turned to meet her eyes, before nodding his head. The woman sat down next to him, looking out of the window into the starry sky.
¡°Thank you for looking after them.¡± She said after a moment of silence.
¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± was the reply. The young man¡¯s voice was quiet, and had a sort of calming effect on the soul. The woman smiled lightly, eyes never leaving the window.
¡°You¡¯re really leaving tomorrow?¡±
The young man bowed his head, ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s about time I be on my way.¡±
A gentle warmth enveloped him as the woman hugged the young man from behind.
¡°Just remember that we¡¯ll always be here for you, no matter what¡¡± she whispered into his ear.
A soft moan came from the boy. As the woman parted form the young man, the boy sat up and stretched, rubbing her eyes. They were the same as the woman¡¯s, a soft grey in colour. He noticed the two of them sitting at the edge of the bed.
¡°Mom? Pryce?¡± the boy mumbled, rubbing his eyes yet again to make sure he wasn¡¯t seeing things, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±
¡°Hush, child.¡± The young man, Pryce, placed a hand on the boy¡¯s cheek and the other on his shoulder, ¡°We were just watching you two sleep.¡±
A slight blush rose in the half-awake boy, ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything funny, did I?¡±
Pryce smiled, and shook his head, ¡°No, child, but you must rest. The day has been long.¡±
¡°Could you¡ sing me a lullaby?¡± The boy asked, the redness on his cheeks rising.
¡°Of course Pryce will sing you a song.¡± the woman said, lying the boy down and throwing the blanket over him and his sister. Pryce looked at the woman, who nodded and smiled. Sighing softly, Pryce got onto his knees and went up right next to the boy. Gently he brushed aside a stray hair from his face. He began to sing, a soft and soothing lullaby, yet a sad one also.
¡°In
my hands
A legacy of memories
I can hear you say my name
I can almost
see your smile
Feel the warmth of your embrace
But there is nothing but
silence now
Around the one I loved
Is this our farewell?
Sweet
darling you worry too much, my child
See the sadness in your eyes
You are
not alone in life
Although you might think that you are
Never
thought
This day would come so soon
We had no time to say goodbye
How
can the world just carry on?
I feel so lost when you are not at my
sight
But there's nothing but silence now
Around the one I loved
Is
this our farewell?
Sweet darling you worry too much, my child
See the
sadness in your eyes
You are not alone in
life
Although you might think that you are
Never
thought
This day would come so soon
We had no
time to say goodbye
How can the world just carry on?
I feel so lost when
you are not at my sight
But there's nothing but silence now
Around the one
I loved
Is this our farewell?
Sweet
darling you worry too much, my child
See the sadness in your eyes
You are not alone in life
Although you might think that
you are
So
sorry your world is tumbling down
I will watch you through these
nights
Rest your head and go to sleep
Because my
child, this is not our farewell.
This is not our¡¡±
(Our Farewell by Within
Temptation)
Pryce stopped abruptly before the last word. The boy was sound asleep yet again. Biting his lower lip Pryce stood, aware that the woman¡¯s eyes were on his back.
¡°Pryce, you could¡¡±
¡°I must go.¡±
The next morning, Pryce was gone. Not a trace of his past presence could be found, as if he did not exist at all.
-End Flashback-
Finally, the thrusters burst alight, and Seeker jerked madly, scrapping the ground and escaping barely. However, the WNS was already battered and partially destroyed, some of the thrusters included. Flying awkwardly, Sora crashed into a pillar, sliding to the ground with the girl safe in his arms. The other cyber angels immediately rushed over.
¡°Sora! Are you alright?¡±
The remainder of Seeker detached itself from Sora¡¯s body, clanging to the floor noisily. The only thing he did was to push the girl into Jen¡¯s surprised arms, before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.
Author¡¯s Ramble
Pryce: Let me get this straight, I¡¯m suppose to be a demi-god?
FFC: In my other story. Yes. I won¡¯t be publishing that anytime soon though.
Pryce: Why?
FFC: Cos the more I think of it, the more I feel like writing it into a *ahem*.
Sora: Oh.
A pair of hands suddenly catch FFC, and we see Maya glomping the chibi crab.
Maya: Kawaii!
FFC: Ack! Let go!
Sweatdrops Sora: What are you doing here?
Maya placed FFC down, who was currently in a state of shock and had swirls for eyes. She then proceeded to jump onto Sora¡¯s lap.
Maya: Neh. I was bored.
sweatdrop Sora: Umm¡ okay¡
FFC Who has recovered from his shocked state: No funny business here please. My mom just mopped the floor this morning.
Maya didn¡¯t seem to be listening, little hearts floating around her as she cuddled the still sweatdropping Sora. FFC¡¯s eye began to twitch, and Sora noticed this.
Sora: FFC?
FFC: BRO! I got a new playmate for you.
The six year old boy, whom we shall know from now on as Fujizk, appeared at the door.
Fujizk: Really? His eyes went all starry when he saw Maya. Goodie!
For a six year old, he surprisingly had the strength to pry Maya off Sora and dragged her off to his room next door. The door was slammed shut and locked. FFC was humming as if nothing happened, continuing to type on the laptop.
Swetdrops Sora: FFC? What just happened?
FFC: Like I said, a new playmate for Fujizk. Fio¡¯s probably in there also.
Sora: Doing what?
FFC: Playing on the playstation 2 dad bought. DUH. What were you thinking?
Sora: Oh.
FFC: I¡¯m not such a bad guy in the first place. To the readers. Ciao!