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 25: Avenger

"Impressive work, Guardian." Ryouken complimented over Avenger's radio.

"...Thank you, Senior Ishikawa." Guardian replied as the AC retracted the gold laser blade, letting the unsuspecting R.O.M., with a gaping hole in its core, drop to its final resting place, knocking over a few small trees along the way. "However, one AC did managed to escape from me."

A black, heavily armored MT, with the Murakumo emblem painted proudly on its left shoulder, appeared from the dense forest, sauntering to the AC standing within the small clear patch of land. "We can go after that AC, if you want." the pilot of the Shogun suggested.

"...You have my permission." Guardian replied. "By any means, find and destroy that R.O.M. before it calls for reinforcements."

"Too late, sir." one of the Stingray pilots said. "Our recon has just found out that the R.O.M. traveled towards a large heat source north of here. They say that it has called for back-up, but none of these other units are R.O.M. models."

"How many of these other units are there?" Guardian asked.

"Three. Two mid-weight bipedals and a reverse-joint model."

Guardian hesitated on that thought, ignoring the calm hum of the running AC. "...All remaining Shogun and Stingray units, go and attack the four AC's. They should not pose a problem for anyone."

"Sir, that's four AC's we're talking about here!" another Stingray pilot blurted. "We're gonna die out there!"

The fiendish-looking AC glared to the sky as a Stingray hovered by. "Fear not." Guardian said calmly. "A line has already been drawn in my mind. When one AC crosses that line, I will tell you to retreat and head back to base. You should be safe and your MT possibly battle-scarred but functional nonetheless."

"What about you, sir?" another Shogun pilot asked.

"...Simple. I will take on the AC's personally."

Before a Stingray pilot could make his objection, Guardian added, "And for those that think four AC's are a challenge for me, it pales in comparison to the fifteen AC's I have faced in the past... And besides, I didn't take any hits from those five R.O.M.'s just a few minutes ago... These AC's should pose no problem for me." He paused for a moment. "Now, do not waste any more time and go after those AC's."

As soon as the order was given, Avenger's radio was crowded with the word "Roger."

...When the last Shogun trudged past the AC, another voice came over the radio.

"You know that they will die out there..." Sora muttered to Guardian.

The AC pilot nodded slightly. "True." he agreed. "But some will make it out safely."

"You are certain about that?"

Guardian looked to his radar, seeing four small red blips come into view. The AC knelt down in the heavy brush, somewhat blending in with the dark forest surrounding it. "...Only if everything goes well, sir." he said without emotion.

To be continued...