Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Armored Core series. That belongs to Agetec and From Software. I only own the original characters. Thank you.
In TALON's Grasp
by: T.R. Fanatic
Chapter 22: Council
Behind the closed doors of Murakumo's meeting room sat the three top executives, a quiet AC pilot and a president that governed them all.
"It has come to my attention," the president, Kenji Kabuto announced, the light of the moon behind him casting a shadow on his face. "that Sora here succeeded in finding two rebel pilots of the Human Plus project."
"...But has failed in sanctioning or capturing them, so I hear." the executive in the red suit and matching glasses added, looking to the pilot.
"You need not rub it in!" Sora barked, glaring back at the executive.
"President Kabuto," the red-suited executive continued, ignoring the pilot's protest. "I think it would be wise to send me and Ten out and exterminate these pests."
"You're not gonna turn another city into a slaughterhouse, are you?" Ryouken asked.
"The Zam City Massacre," as it had been dubbed by the media, was the most brutal battle fought in the corporation war, with death-tolls of both soldiers and civilians in the thousands. It was an unexpected clash between large MT and AC squads from Chrome and Murakumo, lasting two days and dragging along ten sectors of the once peaceful city.
At the end of the second day, as it was told by President Kabuto, two AC's stood tall against Chrome's weakened force and took victory for Murakumo. The pilots being the infamous Goku Brothers: two Ravens that hold alliances between Murakumo and REDEYE.
The eldest (and very brash) brother, Ji Goku (known as Kazan among the Ravens), pilots a heavyweight bi-pedal AC (rumored to have walked in a pool of lava that was, in an AC's case, waist-high, and survived), named Fire.
The youngest (and very calm and polite) brother, Ten Goku (Hyozan to the Ravens), pilots a lightweight bi-pedal AC (said to have placed a sector of Zam City under a bitter and unexpected winter), named Ice.
"We have learned from our mistakes..." muttered the blue-suited Ten. "Another atrocity will not arise by our actions."
"You seem quite optimistic about that, brother." Ji noted in a whisper.
"Your request has come too late, Ji." President Kabuto said. "I already accepted Sora's request to send in Guardian and his AC, Avenger, to take the matter into his hands."
"Another Plus pilot..." Ji grumbled, folding his arms. "Sir, if I must say, you're relying too heavily on those freaks!"
"I would watch your tongue if I was you, executive." ordered Sora. "Mind you, you are speaking before one of those so-called 'freaks!'"
Ji stared at the pilot through the red-tinted glass in silent disgust.
"President Kabuto," called Ten. "do you believe that Guardian can overwhelm these fools, if not, have them be humiliated once more?"
"Of course." Kabuto replied. "I'm sure Sora could tell you of the many great battles he fought against him in the simulation."
"And I bet he failed every time!" Ji added.
"Ji, you're talking out of line." Ryouken barked. "If you wish to speak ill of Sora and the other Plus pilots, I would suggest you'd do it outside of these walls!"
"It's true what the Prez says." a mysterious voice noted from the intercom. "Guardian is one hell of a powerful pilot. Even I faced 'em a number of times before... Though I still came out victorious by a hair."
"Hustler One." Kabuto identified the voice. "So nice of you to join us."
"My pleasure."
"To even hear your voice is an honor, sir!" commented Ji.
"What brings you to this meeting, Hustler One?" asked Ten.
"Aw, y'know, just givin' off my two cents of this, that and everything in-between."
"I heard recently that you have encountered a pilot by the name of Kaze, correct?" Sora asked.
"Yeah, that kid had the fighting abilities of a rock! Nothin' like that time I faced 'em two years back. Seemed pretty pissed when he came chargin' at me in that torn-up AC..."
"What can you say?" asked Ryouken. "You took every last bit of his will to live away!"
"Humph... So? I get that a lot! The next thing they know, I've taken their own life away!"
"Harsh words coming from the Arena's top pilot." Ten noted.
Ji nodded in agreement. "True, brother. Now, when will we see this pilot in person? I want to know the face that caused the Isaac City Raid and the extermination of the Sharpshooters, the once-elite AC team."
"Possibly never." Hustler One replied. "I am a busy man, and I don't have time to stop and smell the roses with insignificant people!" On that note, he hung up.
"And I was just going to invite him to go on the mission with Guardian." Ryouken silently whimpered.
"Guardian will do just fine on his own." Sora informed. "Please, trust me on this, Senior."
The executive paused. "All right. I trust you... And stop calling me 'Senior!'"
To be continued...
T.R.: The Council has spoken... Wait, wrong show... Well, go and review this semi-peaceful chapter... Sorry, folks... XP