Aegis Island
Two pairs of footsteps echoed quietly along the metal surface. After her grand escape, Neo carefully snuck her way through the underground tunnels, zipping out of sight at the first sound of motion. Reaching the weapons hangar was relatively easy, as Ren was the only God Eater who frequently relaxed there. The bigger challenge was actually retrieving her God Arc, using careful timing to avoid Licca's prying eyes and members of the 2nd Unit. Once armed, she made her way back to the tunnels, seeking the lift that would lead her downward to the pathway to Aegis.
Now, Neo and Ren looked slowly around for their target, eyes peeled for any sign of movement. From their resonance, she knew that Lindow would come here. And she knew he was close. She could sense him. She just had to…
"Up there!"
Neo lifted her eyes at the sound of Ren's voice. Sure enough, he was there. Standing upon a high platform, a large dark mass gazed down at them. Its face was menacing, but its body language was hesitant. Its careful pause didn't escape her notice. Lindow was still there somehow… but possibly too far gone. Her only hope of reaching him, if it were even possible, would be to defeat him in battle. And that very thought terrified her.
The Hannibal. The only Aragami to ever best her in combat. All her life, Neo had always been the fastest. The strongest. The most cunning. She was reckless, certainly, but it was only because she always found a way to manage. It was how she survived in the wilderness for nearly two years. It was how she had lived up until this point, and she was prepared to do so for the rest of her days. Then, that creature appeared. A monster stronger than her, faster than her, and wielding deadly elements to match. This would not be a battle easily won. Assuming she survived it at all.
Ren must have sensed her uncertainty, brushing against her shoulder in a small display of solidarity. "We can defeat him, Neo. We just need to be careful. I will be your support. Do what you must."
Neo nodded, understanding the meaning behind his words. She would have to use her power. All of it. In the worst case, she may even have to Overdrive. But that would be a last resort if she could help it. For now, she would swallow her fear. She didn't have a choice. With a mighty roar, the Corrosive Hannibal leapt from its perch and descended upon them.
. . .
Far East Branch - Lobby
Following the interruption of their explosive argument, Ichiro and Utsugi bolted for the downstairs lobby. As one of them was already equipped with their God Arc, the other came to assist with any necessary evacuations. It was just as well, as the pair had reached a momentary impasse. While he was still apprehensive, the 1st Unit Captain couldn't ignore the new information that had come to light. The North Americans had misled him regarding Neo's biology. Then, they had blatantly lied to him about the E3 Bias Factor. What else had they lied to him about? He wasn't sure. At the very least, it meant he would need to revisit his decision, if only briefly.
After addressing the Aragami breach.
Upon reaching the main floor, however, both God Eaters found themselves suddenly confused. Along with a few remaining 2nd Unit members, the lobby was empty. All of the other members had deployed to the transport stations, awaiting further instruction. Instead of delegating defensive tasks however, Hibari was stunned, typing wildly on her keyboard. Her eyes scanned the screen, trying to find the source of the disturbance.
In front of her, Tatsumi and Brendan looked as confused as she was. "Hibari, what's going on? The team's ready, but… "
"I-I don't know. I've searched every map and every signal, but I can't find the source. The walls are functional, and all systems are online. I don't understand what —"
"Don't bother." All five heads turned towards Soma, storming toward them with a look of abject fury. Hibari opened her mouth to protest, but he quickly stopped her. "Run a system override, shut off the alarm, and get the 1st Unit down here now."
The operator gave him a look but didn't protest. When Schicksal was in a mood like this, it must be something serious. Entering the commands, she halted the alarm and shut off the sirens, instead opting for the intercom. "This is an emergency broadcast. All members of the 1st Unit are to report to the mission desk immediately. I repeat, all members of the 1st Unit to the mission desk immediately."
Soma nodded his thanks, turning his attention to Ichiro and Lenka as they shot him questioning looks. He crossed his arms, instead waiting for the other members to arrive. They would all need to be present for this.
When the remaining members arrived, all turned their attention to Soma as he seemed to be the only one with any knowledge of the situation. The first to break the ice was Kota, looking reasonably concerned after hearing the alarm. "What happened?! Is everyone alright?! Which sector was it?!"
With everyone's attention, Soma shook his head. "Calm down Fujiki, nobody's hurt. It was a false alarm."
"What?!" A chorus of confusion arose from the group, Hibari included.
Sakuya gaped at him. "False alarm? What do you mean? How is that possib —"
"The bottom floor is an Aragami containment center. It has systems built in for emergencies and lockdowns. Neo tripped the alarm."
Alisa blanched. "What? The entire Den is in an uproar over this."
"That's exactly the point."
"Why would she do something like that?"
"To create a diversion." Ichiro answered, shooting Soma a knowing look.
The group fell silent, all staring in utter disbelief. Neo had escaped. And she had done so without anyone's notice. Through her clever use of the alarm, she had lured away all of her patrol units, as protocol required them to report for defense. She had used the noise as a cover to break through her confines and her speed to quickly scale the floors and slip away without drawing anyone's attention. It wouldn't take long for everyone to discover her hoax, leaving her a narrow window. And she utilized that sliver of time perfectly, collecting her God Arc and leaving during all the confusion. By the time anyone found out, she was already long gone, just as she planned.
"So, she's escaped. Again," the Captain growled, shooting a glare towards her guardian who merely shrugged once again. He had warned him. Neo was the very definition of flight risk. With an aggravated sigh, he ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "Great. Now, she's on the loose."
"But where would she have gone? …Do you think she's running?" Kota questioned, trying to figure out why she would go to so much trouble.
"Doubtful." With everyone's attention, Soma slapped Neo's note on the counter. Curious, everyone gathered around to examine the message, each responding with varying expressions of bewilderment.
Sorry Soma. I need to make this right. Don't follow me.
"What… what does that mean?" Alisa asked, looking wildly around at her teammates for some form of explanation.
Lenka shrugged. "No idea. At this point —"
"Utsugi!" Licca shouted, bursting through the stairwell doors. She nearly plowed into Soma, earning an aggravated look from the moody veteran.
"Not the time, Licca. Neo has escaped."
"I know! Her God Arc is gone… and Lindow's too!"
"Lindow's…?" The Captain blinked, his earlier anger vanishing. "Why would —"
"Son of a…" Ichiro grumbled, putting together the pieces of their puzzle. Neo mentioned making something right and told them not to follow. She had taken the Ex-Captain's God Arc. There was only one explanation. She was going after Lindow. His suspicions were quickly confirmed by the operator who nearly leapt out of her seat.
"I've got a hit!" Hibari announced, fingers clacking wildly against the keys. "Something's appeared… something big."
"Where?" Soma demanded, his eyes nearly boring a hole in the young operator.
Hibari eyed her computer screen, giving a solemn face. "Signature confirmed. It's a Black Hannibal, and it's claimed dominion over of what remains of Aegis Island. Neo probably went after it… I don't know if she plans on fighting it or saving it, but… either way, if she's run off, then —"
"She went alone," Soma finished, his teeth gritting in frustration. Hadn't they just had a conversation about this not even a few days ago? Why didn't that woman ever listen?
"What? That's… That's crazy!" Kota exclaimed, his jaw nearly hitting the floor. It didn't make any sense. A normal Hannibal was a powerful creature in its own right, wielding every weapon necessary to send the New Type to an early grave. To go against an empowered one was nothing short of a death wish. Neo was always reckless, often to the point of insanity. But this was off the wall, even for her.
Alisa gasped, her chest growing tight at the thought of her closest friend pursuing Lindow. "Out there all alone… Why?"
Soma glowered, turning from the mission disk. "Because she's stupid. Come on, gather your Arcs. We're going right now."
The entire 1st Unit nodded, turning to make their way toward the metal doors. They didn't make a single step.
"Hold! No one moves. Not yet." Tsubaki's voice boomed through the hall, rooting everyone in place. Her boots clicked loudly against the metal stairs as she descended towards them, clipboard in hand.
"What?!" The entire group gaped at her, each wearing different emotions on their faces. Kota's, Alisa's, and Sakuya's were of surprise. Utsugi's was of confusion. Ichiro's and Soma's were of rage.
Being the first to recover, Alisa quickly retorted. "What are you talking about?"
Tsubaki came to a stop in front of them, reaching the bottom of the stairs with a measured glare. "The Black Hannibal… Somehow, Lindow was infected. He became something that cannot be controlled. Despite the pure idiocy of the situation… Neo went to protect all of you. To save you and finish this."
Sakuya wasn't having it. Patience exhausted, she shouted. "We're a team!"
But the Major didn't falter. Instead, she leveled a serious expression towards the veteran medic. "Sakuya… Are you ready to point your Arc at Lindow?"
Her mouth snapped shut. She hadn't initially considered the possibility. Even still. "I… Tsubaki…"
"And what about the rest of you? Do you think you could take aim at your teacher? You don't have a choice anymore. You must be ready."
The room fell silent, with every member looking solemnly at one another. Tsubaki was right. This was not an opponent they could trifle with. If they were to march into battle, they would need to do it with strength and resolve. They could not falter, lest every one of them risk losing their lives. But Neo was out there, all on her own. If she could find the strength, then so could the rest of them. In silent agreement, each member slowly nodded their heads in staggered confirmation.
With their decision made, the Major gave the order. "Then, I hereby issue a Special Operation. Your target is the Black Hannibal that has taken Aegis. You are to hunt it and destroy it."
"Wait, what?" Kota shouted, the rest of his teammates quickly following suit. Soma made to argue but was immediately shut down.
"Its power grows every moment. Take it down and end this here and now. Be wary, the Aragami can regenerate, and it's stronger than any you've faced. As of now, it has the upper hand. Bring the beast to its knees, extract the core, and retreat immediately. Am I understood?"
The group fell silent once more, doubt slowly creeping in their hearts. But Tsubaki was having none of it. "1st Unit, am I understood?"
"Yes." They agreed, accepting their orders, albeit apprehensively. Turning to take their exit, the group started to disperse. All except for one.
"Sakuya, not you. I order you to stay here at the Den. I won't allow you to grieve over and over again. It's not right to make you hurt him."
The gunner stared incredulously at her, utterly stunned that she would deny her this. Then, her expression shifted to gratitude and understanding. Finally, it became one of determination. "No… No, I… I refuse to obey. I love him, Tsubaki. And I can't… I can't let him die. I won't let him fall without being there to see his last breath."
"S-Sakuya." Alisa frowned. Her heart bled for the medic corporal. She had been by her side as she grieved. She had seen how much Lindow's death had devastated her. No one among them was more pained than she. Despite that…
The Major gave no further argument. Instead, she heaved a heavy sigh. "Alright."
Beside her, Kota agreed, his expression so serious it surprised even himself. "Yeah… Yeah, we'll do it. We don't have an option, do we? I mean it's one thing to say we can, but it's another to actually know and to really… to really…"
"Hey, our only calling here is to protect our teammate." Soma reminded him, his expression hard. "Yeah, she's a pain in the ass, but one way or another, she's carried us through every day. It's our turn to take up the banner."
Ichiro nodded in agreement. "It's true. Though from the shadows, Neo was the one who led this entire investigation. She did the research, gathered the materials, and did what was necessary to identify and find him. Neo never gave up on Lindow… even when the rest of us did. And now, she's gone in our stead to protect all of us."
"And we will. And maybe, maybe I'm just hoping a little too much… But I think that we will find a way. That we can fix this. I know it." Alisa paused, taking a deep breath and steeling her resolve. "Neo has never been one to give up. Sure, she's careless, but never so much as to charge in without a hope."
The Major sighed, her eyes growing sympathetic. "Alisa… I pray that you are right. Alright, God Eaters, prepare for combat. And when you get there, give those two idiots a message from me. If I don't see them back here safe and sound… I'll kill them myself."
"Ma'am!" The group finally dismissed, making their way hurriedly towards the weapons hangar.
Lenka shook his head in utter disbelief. "I don't get it. She broke out of prison… just for a suicide mission… Why would she do something like that?"
Ichiro turned, glaring daggers at him. "Because that's the kind of person Neo is. That is the woman that you're trying to kill." Turning, he quickly followed his teammates, leaving Utsugi trailing guiltily behind.
. . .
Aegis Island
On Aegis Island, the battle was going about as well as Neo expected. Which is to say, it wasn't going very well at all. The pair had reached a stalemate with Neo and the Corrosive Hannibal trading blows back and forth. Ren's strategy was proving highly effective, with him acting primarily as a switch hitter and support, firing recovery bullets, and empowering her as needed. The problem was their target's overall strength.
Even darting around the battlefield at Level 3 Burst, Neo simply couldn't keep up with the faster, nimbler Hannibal. As she was the greatest nuisance and, objectively, the biggest threat, the creature was focused almost entirely on her. This meant she wasn't able to battle at an advantage with her sniper rifle as halting movement for any reason put her at risk. Any attempts at close range quickly turned into a melee brawl that eventually forced her to withdraw under its brute strength. She had managed to shatter its arm guard so far, but it had also cracked a few of her ribs multiple times, damaged her leg, and at one point, nearly burned half of her alive with a divine blast.
They were too evenly matched. Both wielded similar strengths, making it impossible for Neo to get the upper hand. At the rate this was going, it was going to become a war of attrition. A war that she would inevitably eventually lose. It was true that she had incredible strength, speed, and accuracy, as well as all of the powers that her Aragami half afforded her… but she was also half human. She couldn't last forever against an Aragami, let alone one so far gone. If something didn't change soon, she would fall.
"Damn it, this is impossible!" She snarled, skidding along the floor and narrowly avoiding an incoming swipe. Rolling around, she slid beneath the legs and swiped, catching its leg in a painful slash. Its angry howl indicated her success, but her victory was quickly mitigated as she emerged on the other side. Spinning, the Hannibal swatted her with its whip-like tail and sent her crashing into a nearby wall. "Heh… isn't this familiar…" she muttered, shaking the stars from her eyes.
"Rise, Neo! You must keep moving!" Ren shouted, pelting her with recovery bullets to recover her stamina.
"No, I was just gonna sit there for a while!" She snapped, sarcasm dripping from every syllable. Turning, she streaked across the field to avoid an incoming divine wave. As the crackling of raw energy sounded close behind her, she sighed. This wasn't working. Even her elemental attacks were failing her at this point. While she wielded both of its weaknesses, that did little for her if she couldn't hit it. And the Hannibal was just fast enough to evade her, both her discharge and her lightning strikes. She was stuck. If only she could find an opening… something to give her even just the smallest edge.
Charging, she maneuvered around an incoming punch, swiping upward to clip the damaged wrist guard. Shrieking, the Hannibal reared back, presenting an opening. She took it, hoping to get in a single good strike. It was a mistake that would prove fatal. She landed a good strike across the chest, but in doing so opened her flank. The other fist came down, taking her from the air and slamming her into the ground below. The bitter taste of copper and iron flooded her senses as blood poured from her mouth.
Ren took aim to fire… before freezing in horror. The familiar click of an empty magazine alerted him. He was out of bullets, and he was too far away to absorb them from the Hannibal. He could manually recharge, but Neo didn't have that kind of time.
She watched as the Hannibal opened its mouth, a sphere of divine energy forming within. It seemed she wasn't strong enough after all. The Hannibal had bested her. Again. With a cough, the New Type smirked up at her mentor. At least she tried. She knew that no one could hear her… but it didn't stop her from calling out to her friends one final time. "I-Ichi… Soma… I'm… sorry." Her voice came out as a strangled wail, every limb numbing around her. It was finally time. With nothing left, she waited… and waited.
The blow never came.
'Huh…?'
Neo slowly lifted her head, gazing up at her would-be killer. For some reason, beyond her, he was just standing there. It was looking down at her primed to strike, but it was paused, a strange, hazed look in its eyes. It only lasted for a moment. But it was enough. Recharging a single bullet, Ren took aim and fired. Green light soared between the Hannibal's legs and struck her, accelerating her Oracle cells to heal. Coughing, she scrambled to her feet and hobbled away, getting out of range as her opponent came back to its senses.
Ignoring the loud crash behind her, she continued moving, trying to get away and allow her body regeneration. From behind them, Ren switched roles, charging forward pelting the Hannibal in the back of its neck with a series of rapid blows. He grinned, darting away as the creature grew irritated. With its full attention, he drew it away, buying his ally time to heal. Gripping his Short Blade, he bounced around the creature, utilizing his shield as necessary to deflect incoming blows. A few minutes passed, bringing Neo to a more reasonable state. She was still in a great deal of pain, but she was mobile again.
Wincing, she called out to her ally. "Ren! Do you have any more bullets?"
The New Type turned, gazing at her for a brief moment in silence. Then, he blinked and nodded. "I do now!"
Neo smirked, nodding her head in gratitude as he switched back into gun form. But as he lifted his barrel toward her, she gulped. He wasn't the only one. The Hannibal turned to face her; Ren left forgotten as it targeted her once again. She squealed, lifting her shield as the thunderous footsteps rapidly approached her. Her buckler trembled beneath its weight as it threw a violent punch, pushing her back across the floor. "D-Damn it, Lindow!" She groaned, gasping for breath as the force waned. It was shifting again. Something was distracting it.
And Ren knew what it was. He could feel his own magnetic attraction to each of Neo's curses, just as he had moments ago during their exchange. "Your voice, Neo!"
"My… ah!" Neo jolted, realization suddenly dawning on her. Her voice. The sound that she had loathed since early childhood. The sound that had killed Misato and countless others. The sound that led the doctors to silence it. That detestable call had always been a source of frustration for her, never knowing when she would bring a reign of terror upon herself and everyone around her. But now, she could use it to her advantage.
Maneuvering in between the legs, Neo bolted across the arena as quickly as she could to place as much distance between them as possible. She didn't know how long her voice would remain a weapon, and it was currently the best opportunity she had. It was a gamble, certainly, that would probably end in her demise if it failed. But that was a risk she would simply have to take. The Hannibal turned, its eyes filled with rage, and arms extending to its sides. It was going to charge. Neo was ready.
She took a deep breath, ignoring the sting of her healing lungs. The ground trembled beneath its heavy feet as the Hannibal rushed toward her. Its razor-sharp claws curled in preparation to tear her to ribbons. Sparks of electricity danced along her scarf as she charged, her eyes focused on its rapidly approaching form. It was halfway across the arena. This was her chance. Neo turned her head to the sky, screaming with all of the force that her lungs would allow her, the sound ringing and bouncing off of the surfaces around them.
Ren clapped his hands over his ears to block it out, eying the Hannibal as it rushed forward. It was still moving, but it had slowed. It was no longer attacking her, but following her, its eyes growing hazy under its call. The effect didn't last for very long, pausing only for a few moments before returning to its senses. But it was enough. As its vision cleared and returned to red, it saw a rapidly approaching form, leaping into the air towards it.
Neo jumped, claws extended, towards her approaching adversary. She landed on its draconic head, wrapping her arms around its horns to brace herself. Surely, latching oneself to the mouth of a ravenous killer wasn't the best idea. It effectively placed her in the most dangerous position possible… but also the most advantageous.
The New Type didn't wait for it to come to, unwilling to give that chance. Immediately upon securing herself, she unleashed with all of the spark she could muster right through the Hannibal's head. Countless amps coursed through the monster's weak point, earning the most effective response she had seen since the battle began. Its agonizing roar mimicked her own shriek as it stumbled, flailing its arms to dislodge her from its face.
The positioning of Aegis Island had, for the majority of the skirmish, proven highly problematic. With its limited space and steep, smooth walls, it was not a pleasant place for Neo to be trapped in. Combined with its massive size, it allowed maximum acceleration for both of them, which until this moment had been to her detriment. But there was one benefit to battling on Aegis. It was an island… and islands were surrounded by water. And the Hannibal was currently immobile.
Drawing on her power, Neo channeled as the air began to plummet around them. Emulating the Frozen Witch, she unleashed in a burst of frigid air, engulfing herself and the Hannibal above her. All was still as the blue mist swirled violently in the center of the arena. Moments later, Neo emerged, bolting directly towards her God Arc lying discarded on the metal floor. Her feet slid across the ground as she slowed, swiping the handle as she went. Lifting it into the air, she shifted it into gun form and turned, taking aim at her writhing opponent. Now, the battle was in her favor. She had range, and she had hindered the Aragami's greatest strength.
Without its mobility, the Hannibal proved a much easier target, falling to the ground between the two-man firing squad. Freeze bullets overtook every corner of its body, only adding to the icy chill coursing through its veins. Ren angled downward, placing a well-angled blast shot at its feet. The explosion startled the disoriented Hannibal, sending it toppling on its side. That was the opening she was waiting for.
Rushing forward, Neo channeled her remaining energy into her God Arc. The function activated, barrel extending and stretching to afford enhanced range and power. The Hannibal received no reprieve as she maneuvered around it, aiming the tip of the elongated weapon directly at its head. Then, she fired.
Her empowered weapon sounded like a mortar, the sound echoing so loudly it rang her ears. The force threw her backward, sending her tumbling a few feet away across the metal floor. It was a painful, unpleasant experience, but one that was totally worth it. The Hannibal's head was all but blown completely apart, a stray horn spiraling off into the air. Blood poured from the open wound as its body fell still. For now.
Neo wasn't certain how long her enemy would remain disabled, so she needed to come up with a solution fast. She couldn't imagine she would be able to do this a second time.
'Huh… is that…?'
Neo squinted her eyes forward, a faint pink glow catching her eye from deep within the neck. It was visible for only a moment, the skin already knitting together in slow regeneration. Was that the core? She wasn't sure. If so, this was her chance, to end it all. To end his and her friend's suffering…
… and like the reaper, send Lindow to the grave.