04/18/20

(Noun) The act of landing at a destination after a space bound journey.

Chapter Twenty One

Starfall

It was early the following morning when it happened.

Diagnostics were well underway following the battle against the Ganglion which already felt so long ago even though it was mere hours past. Casualty reports were finally being filed, celebrated soldiers from all across the Ark were lost including Sagis Fair and Alto Moore of the Reapers.

Everyone had planned for this day to be of regrouping and preparing. Following their jump away from the Ganglion, technicians got to work on the White Whale's jump drive immediately after Nagi told them that they finally had a destination in mind. As final checks were made, the White Whale prepared to make this all important and hopefully final jump.

In her room, Elma watched as Aeon fiddled with the communications device Kriss gave her.

"This allowed us to talk?"

"It did. Granted I was attempting to reach you for months on end with it before you finally answered back."

"Sorry about that."

Elma shook her head.

"No need to apologize anymore. You're here now, that's all that matters."

The pair shared a smile as Elma placed a hand on the device.

"A friend made this for me. One I trust. If anything can reach Javi, it's this."

Aeon nodded.

"Well then, I see no reason to doubt it. I'll give it a shot."

Elma pulled out her datapad to check the time.

"Nagi should be executing the jump in about fifteen minutes, I should get to the bridge. Best of luck, Aeon."

The man smiled and nodded as Elma left her room. Fifteen minutes was more than enough so she decided to take a bit of a scenic route, passing by Kriss' lab to see all of her coworkers focused on their jobs even this early in the morning. Oddly enough Kriss and Eren were nowhere in sight. It was early, she'd see them later.

Her walk continued, passing by another large facility she could see Constantine, Orwell and Hilda inside talking about the state of the White Whale. Constantine spotted her and waved, she waved back before moving away.

Everyone was so busy, so determined, the idea of finally being able to breathe was a dream come true.

She stood at the end of a hall and looked down towards the Skelletons Hangar to see Irina and Gwin standing outside talking to each other. The pair noticed her and saluted before entering the hangar.

What did she do to deserve such dedicated people around her and to be able to call them her friends. Turning once more she continued on towards the Bridge when someone rounded a corner in front of her.

"Jaynix."

The two stood, staring at one another when Elma remembered what she had promised. The truth. The whole truth.

"You're up early."

"I've been...restless...I didn't want to keep Lyla up so I've been...walking around."

Elma hoped it wasn't her promise that was keeping Jaynix up, regardless it was long past time.

"Are you free for that talk, Jaynix?"

The Corporal remained silent for far longer than Elma had expected before whispering.

"Yeah...I mean...I think."

She shook her head.

"Elma, I feel I should make sure you know one last time that I don't have to know whatever it is you want to tell me. I don't want to force you...break some confidence or-"

"I should've told you this a long time ago."

Elma said causing Jaynix to fall silent. With that, Elma walked past her, moments later Jaynix was right next to her as the pair continued their walk through the familiar halls of the White Whale.

Elma ran her hands along the wall, two years they've been living on this ship. The idea that it was coming to an end left her with such a strange feeling. Taking a deep breath, she decided it was best to start now.

"Jaynix...I was the one who sent out that transmission."

"You mean the...alien language one?"

Elma nodded.

"That was me testing out a new communications device Kriss had given me. I was trying to reach out to Aeon, I didn't know you were on patrol at the moment and you managed to...intercept it."

Jaynix crossed her arms.

"So it was you. Talk about being bilingual, I doubt I could ever learn that…"

The pair came to a stop at that same observation platform as the stars began to move faster and faster before vanishing, signaling that the White Whale had jumped.

Jaynix tapped her foot for a few moments, Elma could see some confusion on her face.

"Hang on. You told me that there was a Xenoform on the ship. That a Xenoform made that transmission, not you using a Xenoform language...was that a lie?"

Elma stared at Jaynix, words failing her in this moment she had been waiting so long for.

"No. That wasn't a lie. They're both true."

Jaynix looked away. Thinking this through. There is a Xenoform on the White Whale. It made the transmission. Elma made the transmission. She was speaking the Xenoform language.

"There's only one Xenoform on this ship?"

"When you picked up the transmission, yes. There was only one."

Jaynix shook her head.

"If that's all true then…"

The White Whale's jump ended which meant they were now at the coordinates Aeon had provided. Elma looked through the observation window, brow furrowed as Jaynix's eyes widened.

"Elma."

The Colonel kept her eyes on the space outside as realization dawned on Jaynix's face.

"Does that...mean…?"

Jaynix turned to Elma, her shock replaced with concern as she took in Elma's expression. Horror. Terror. Jaynix had never seen Elma so afraid.

"Elma?"

Quickly, the Colonel took off, opening her datapad making an immediate call to Nagi and Aeon. Jaynix looked outside the window, seeing nothing but black before giving chase, unsure of why Elma looked so terrified.

On the bridge Nagi took several steps forward. In the distance. He saw it. A lone planet.

"Is that…"

Nagi was cut off by his datapad going off, quickly he answered it.

"Nagi! Jump away! Now! We can't be here!"

The panic and fear in Elma's voice was too much for him to question it.

"Bridge crew! Prepare a jump away! Now!"

"We can't sir! It needs to reset, that'll take-"

Nagi raised an arm, the bridge falling silent. Something didn't feel right. Why was Elma so scared? Looking back out through the observation window, he searched for any signs of...anything.

All he could see was the planet.

Nothing else.

No stars.

Nagi's eyes widened as the doors to the bridge opened, Elma, Aeon and Jaynix entering in panic. Nagi turned to Elma as she told him what he feared.

"We're in a Void."

The radar came up on display to show a single indicator. A single hostile at the edge of the radar directly in front of the White Whale. Then a second, a third, next thing they knew there were countless indicators all around the perimeter of the radar. Nagi shook his head.

"We're surrounded…"

Elma, Aeon and Jaynix joined him, the Colonel speaking.

"...by the Ghosts."

The Dark Matter phantoms that infect the darkest reaches of space are an anomaly, an existence so strange and unique. Not much is known about them even by the Watchers.

Before the Visit, some talented Watchers could see empty space which was called the Void. Space so deep and black, lacking any stars that it was believed nothing could exist within it.

Worlds and systems unfortunate enough to be near these Voids found themselves swallowed by that darkness. What seemed to be some sort of far off cataclysm was never investigated by the Watchers, simply believing it was the unfortunate hands of fate.

After the Visit, every Watcher was made aware of the existence of these Voids and of the fact that something did indeed come and go from the darkest depths of space.

It looked to be a mass of darkness that swallowed any light that dared to shine. Something so primitive yet at the same time...something so advanced, far beyond anything even the oldest of Watchers knew.

Something that defied any sort of reason gathered in the millenia of information housed within the Collection.

Standing within the light of the Collection, Elma and Aeon perused the overwhelming amount of information that flowed all around them. Aeon could see Elma was looking for something very specific. Something no one else knew about save for her parents. Their parents.

"What would mother and father keep from everyone else?"

Elma continued searching.

"They wanted nothing more than for the Watchers to take on a more forward role in the universe. Disregarding what happened I know they'd be ashamed of our race receding back into its shell. So I refuse to do that. I'm going to push on…"

Finding that hidden cell of information she took hold of it and pulled it out, revealing its contents to Aeon. As his eyes looked through it, she shook his head.

"Is this true? How could our parents know that the Visit not only affected us but the Guardian and the Paladin?"

Elma smiled.

"What do you think?"

Despite everything, Aeon couldn't help but laugh.

"They really were as foolhardy as you are Elma. Though I suppose that was obvious. Seems Grandfather and I are the only ones with sense in this family. Regardless, even with this small advantage it's still two against...an infinite horde. How can we win?"

Elma took the pieces of information from the Collection required to advance the Guardian and the Paladin's capabilities before the light of the Collection faded away.

"We just need to stay in control. Of everything. As powerful as the Ghosts are, they operate within their Voids and rarely stray. Their plans to go to Earth are incredibly irregular...we won't need to face them. Not until we have a surefire way to wipe them all out."

Aeon crossed his arms.

"I suppose...but what if things go wrong?"

"We won't let them get the drop on us. We can't afford it."

"...but what if we do?"

Elma looked away, closing her eyes she recalled the sight of those worlds being invaded by the Ghosts. Darkness. Despair. The light of entire civilizations snuffed out in moments by a cold unfeeling race of invaders.

"We won't...we can't…"

Turning, Elma left the Archives. Aeon cast one last look at the Collection before following her. He knew that from this moment on their lives would change. They've chosen to embark on an impossible quest. The only way either of them could find peace was to wipe out the Ganglion and the Ghosts...or die.

Fear.

Terror.

Horror.

Elma could not recall feeling emotions this powerful. Not since the day Lao returned and attempted to destroy Project Exodus and kill her and everyone she loved.

But that was anger. Rage. Fury. Those emotions she could use to her benefit, to push herself forward. To fight.

These emotions made her want to hide. They kept her frozen in place, unable to even speak as Vandham approached Chausson.

The head engineer roared, unbridled fury in his eye as his face went red. He cursed, he yelled, he raged at the older man, demanding to know why Javier sold them out.

Aeon moved from Elma's side to attempt to calm Vandham only for the man to turn his rage on Aeon. As the men argued, Elma brought one of her hands to her chest, something felt off. Her breaths were growing shorter, raspier and more desperate. She attempted to ask for help but found herself unable to speak as well. As she struggled in silence, the argument reached a boiling point, the three men grew louder, insults were hurled, and bonds threatened to break.

Then there was a hand on her right shoulder and she turned to see Jaynix staring at her. She saw that deep concern in those bright red eyes as she whispered. She told Elma to calm down. She told her to breathe. Jaynix's other hand came up and landed on Elma's left shoulder. Without breaking eye contact, she continued to speak as calmly as she could.

All Elma could hear was her. The argument faded away until there was nothing but peaceful silence. Finally, Elma was able to take in that full breath she so desperately needed.

In that moment. Standing there, staring at Jaynix. Watching her red eyes light up with happiness and relief. Elma knew.

Aeon was right.

Nagi's voice cut through the argument, he laid it out as simply as he could. What brought them here didn't matter, they were here now. They needed to fight. They needed to survive. That was all that mattered.

Vandham, Chausson and Aeon looked to one another, the Xenoform apologized first, bowing his head before telling Nagi he had every intention of assuring they'd survive. With that, Aeon turned to Jaynix and Elma who nodded to one another. The three wore the same expression, one filled with determination even knowing the threat they faced was unlike anything they've gone up against before. Without another word they left the bridge.

Alarms flooded the White Whale signaling for everyone that a new threat was here. Every single soldier aboard the Ark prepared to deploy once more and fight for their lives.

The battle against the Ganglion was barely a day ago and no one was even close to being back to their best but no matter how tired the man was, how exhausted the woman was, they all got back up and prepared to act.

This was it.

Following the alarm as well as Aeon, Elma and Jaynix's departure, Nagi took a deep breath. Opening the shipwide comms he sent his orders out to every single combat capable person. He knew the majority of them were already preparing for battle after the alarm, but he wanted to ensure that all of them were doing so. They needed everyone or they'd fail.

Nodding to himself he turned once more to the lead engineer.

"Vandham, open a line with Constantine, Orwell and Hilda."

With a nod, he did so. Screens with the three team leaders appeared in place of the primary starmap.

"I'm sure you're all aware of the predicament we currently find ourselves in. I have to ask the obvious question first...what can we do about the jump drive?"

Orwell sighed.

"Not much sir...we have the recharge time in there for our protection. If we try to force another jump there is a chance we could cause untold damage to the White Whale's systems if not the stability of the structure itself. That's even if we could charge it in time for a second jump."

"Which we could."

Hilda commented.

"But the only way to do that would be to divert power from our other imperative systems. The Lifehold's Trion Barrier, the White Whale's shields all across the hull of the ship...even our engines. That said it's not like moving forward when we're surrounded is that good of an idea."

"Then what's the plan? Do we have an alternative?"

Nagi asked. Constantine brought a hand to his chin.

"I'm afraid I'm of no help...all I can think is to have our teams split up across the White Whale and ensure all systems remain optimal during the battle. One to ensure the jump drive is still operational, one to watch the engine and one to watch the shields we-"

The conversation was temporarily cut off as a line of Ghosts shot over the White Whale, a series of explosions along the hull followed shortly after, rocking the Ark. Vandham cursed before pointing at the three engineers.

"Orwell! Get to the jump drive, Hilda to the engines, Constantine, the shields! Make sure this ship stays in one piece no matter what!

The engineers all bowed their heads as Nagi looked away from them to the planet in the distance.

"Hold on."

The bridge fell silent, Vandham and Chausson looked to Nagi before following his gaze, the older man shaking his head.

"Nagi...surely you aren't thinking-"

"Forcing the jump drive to work isn't a good idea and we can't stay out here surrounded by the Ghosts forever…"

Another series of explosions rocked the Ark.

"We came here to make starfall...so let's do it. Now."

Nagi looked up at the engineers who nodded before ending the call to get to their positions.

"Will this work? Landing on a world surrounded by Ghosts?"

"...Aeon said that only a certain type of person could find this planet...we found it. I say we take that chance. Either that or die in space. Which would you prefer?"

"Neither really."

Vandham muttered before looking out at the lone planet as another series of explosions shook the Ark.

In their room Kriss stood aside, silent and waiting as Eren put the last of her gear on before heading towards the door. Taking a deep breath she turned to Kriss.

"I have no idea what to say."

"For once my dear Eren. Neither do I."

Eren sighed.

"That makes me feel a little better."

Approaching the Professor, Eren kissed her.

"I love you, Kriss Fowler."

"I love you...Eren Hills."

The pair shared a smile before separating. The Professor watched her go, clenching her hands into fists as tightly as she could.

In the main hangar, Kumon and Tai got into their Skells, as he ran through final checks, Kumon cast a glance over to the main doors in time to see Elma, Aeon and Jaynix enter the room.

Lyla called out to Jaynix, her eyes went to the Reapers as Kumon and Tai launched out of the hangar.

"Thirty seconds till another wave of Ghosts make contact!"

Nagi's voice called out over the comms. Jaynix looked to Elma and Aeon, not sure of what to say before running over to Lyla and their Skells. The women nodded to one another before boarding and following their comrades out of the hangar.

"We'll be going too."

Elma and Aeon turned to Albus and Furvus.

"After all the fighting you've been doing? The escape? What good will it do if you all die here after everything?"

Elma asked, Albus simply smirked.

"If we don't help and this ship gets shot down. It won't matter."

"I've already made the choice as well."

Aeon stated.

"I know my Ares isn't in the best shape but nothing is going to stop me from fighting short of death...and as we know the Ares is the only thing currently capable of fully destroying Ghosts."

Elma wanted to argue, but he was right. Anything else they could discuss was interrupted by the entire White Whale shaking. The Ghosts first line had gotten past the gathering defenders and attacked, there was no time to discuss anything anymore.

"Alright. Stay safe. That's an order."

Aeon smiled.

"Of course sister."

Aeon took off with Albus and Furvus towards the reserve bay as Irina approached Elma.

"Ready, Colonel?"

"Are you, Lieutenant?"

Irina nodded, attempting to look as optimistic as she could.

"Always."

Outside of the White Whale, the defenders were doing their best against a swarm of Ghost Standards.

In their ship mode the Ghost Standards seemed nothing more than large triangles with a glowing Dark Matter core in the center. However once they neared their targets they changed. With the tip of the triangle pointing down, two legs emerged followed by two arms, one holding a shield and the other a spiral blade. No head was discernible above the Dark Matter core which began to glow even more fiercely as the Standards engaged in combat.

"Not a single one of you purple fucks is getting past me!"

Frye roared as he fired salvo after salvo of missiles from the back of his Skell, all detonating against every Ghost that got close though they barely seemed bothered by the attack. One Standard got in close enough to slam its shield into Frye's Skell and pushed him back.

There were beeps flooding his Skell but it wasn't alarms it almost sounded like some form of Morse Code. Before Frye could process anything the Standard continued its attack, blade swinging wide and forcing him back.

"Frye! Move aside!"

The man did so as Tai shot past him, throwing his hook, it buried itself into the Standard and pulled it in close. It was then that Frye noticed Tai's Skell was armed with the new claw. Pushing it into the center of the Ghost, Tai attempted to rip the Core out. The Ghost swung its shield and slammed it against Tai's Skell before pulling away, Tai's claw tearing up its hull as it swung its blade.

Tai narrowly avoided the strike, pulling away from the Standard as Frye joined him and fired off all his projectiles, forcing the Ghost back.

"Another great invention from our team it seems."

Tai commented as he observed the damage along the hull of the Ghost Stanard.

"It's too bad we have to hold the Ghosts down long enough to really dig into it…"

"That's true. But we have to try."

Frye nodded as he and Tai turned towards the Ghost Standard, more of its allies joining it as more Skells shot towards the conflict for backup.

"Move back both of you!"

Frye and Tai did so as a series of explosions riddled the Ghost. Boris and Danny shot past them, the latter calling out.

"We got this!"

Frye smirked.

"That we do!"

With no hesitation Frye charged forward, Tai following up right behind him as Frye collided with a Standard.

Kumon, armed with his Skell's one blade shot towards a group of Standards with his Skell lines close behind.

"Remember everyone, this will be our toughest fight yet. Give it everything you've got and more!"

The Skells shot past Kumon, the pilots yelling, confident and loud before slamming into the Ghosts and engaging them. Kumon closed the distance with one and slashed, the Ghost brought up its shield quickly, deflecting the blow.

The Ganglion were powerful but seemingly commanded by incompetence, the Ghosts had nothing of that sort to bring them down.

The Standard shot at Kumon, who brought his blade up to meet the spiral blade of his enemy. Roaring he began exchanging blows with the strange Xenoform. Both massive blades could not seem to break past the other's guard. Kumon cast a brief look at the radar, seeing everyone around him engaged in battle with the Ghosts. The Almandal pilot he battled was very skilled but the Ghost Standard was responding almost immediately.

"General!"

Hearing Eren's voice, he smiled and pushed forward, his blade meeting the Ghost's shield. Letting go of his weapon he was now behind the Ghost and holding onto it. Eren shot in without question, her Skell's claws ripping into the Ghost and tearing the Core out in one fell swoop.

The Core immediately took off as Eren unloaded on the Ghost's carcass with every bit of firepower she had.

"The way is clear!"

Eren called out as two more Skells approached and opened fire on the horde of Ghosts.

"That claw works just as designed eh?"

Irina said with a smirk.

"It was my brilliant girlfriend's idea, what do you expect?"

Eren commented, proud.

"These things stand even less of a chance now!"

Gwin yelled with confidence as Irina located another group of Ghosts.

"Alright then, let's keep moving forward, Gwin!"

"Always!"

The two Skelletons shot ahead, meeting the Ghosts halfway as Kumon's Skell moved towards Eren.

"Are Jaynix and Lyla out here already?"

"They are! I saw them head off to a different front. Aeon and our new Xenoform friends are also deploying."

Kumon took a deep breath. That filled him with more confidence.

"Alright, let's try to maintain our strength in front of our new allies."

"Yes sir!"

With that the pair shot off to support Irina and Gwin in battle.

Shot after shot from Lyla's Skell found its mark, the strikes knocked the Ghosts off balance just like the Ganglion before them, however they reacted far faster than the other hostile Xenoforms did.

Several claw equipped Skells tried to rip through the hulls only for the Ghosts to fly out of range or counterattack immediately. One shot right for Lyla and was intercepted by Jaynix, her massive blade destroying the Ghost's weapon and forcing it to transform back into flight mode and retreat.

"Coward!"

"Stay calm, Warrior!"

Boze called out as he drew his Skell's chainguns and opened fire on an approaching squad of Ghosts causing them to break apart.

"I'm so pissed off!"

Sharon roared as she shot right at one of the Ghosts, her Skell's claw ripping its core free in one fast and brutal motion.

"Those bastards went and died!"

Sharon turned her sights on several more Ghosts.

"You assholes!"

Her Skell shot towards the Ghosts, Lyla following quickly to provide cover.

"Boze! We shouldn't have let her-"

"There was no stopping her, Warrior."

Jaynix looked up at the battle, seeing Sharon's Skell performing incredibly well but every attack she made was far too risky. Sharon had remained out of sight since the end of the Ganglion battle.

Of course she would jump at this opportunity to vent her frustrations. Jaynix understood that all too well.

"We'll keep her alive. Right, Monk?"

"No need to even ask."

Turning, Boze opened fire in all directions, Jaynix flying around him and striking every Ghost that dared to bring its shield up, her massive weapon denting and breaking shields with ease.

"We need more heavy skells to deploy and far more heavy arms!"

Jaynix called out as she unlinked her blade and sent it shooting through space. Boze followed her lead, switching to a massive launcher and firing off rockets on every single Ghost that her blade tore through.

Unlike everyone else who had to avoid the Dark Matter Cores every Ghost Standard was equipped with, Elma was free to cause as much havoc as possible. Feeling herself enter that familiar Tandem State she shot through space, carving Ghosts into pieces and blasting the remains to unrecognizable shrapnel.

The Ares' blades were stained with purple as they continued to rip Ghosts apart, that fear inside of her was still prevalent. She knew what kind of force the Ghosts were, what they faced now was nothing compared to what they had in their arsenal.

Unlike the battle against the Ganglion which was largely stationary, for this one the White Whale was moving at full speed, heading for that strange lone planet.

"Elma!"

Turning she spotted a second Ares. In the cockpit, Aeon smirked.

"Agni Gatling!"

His Skell opened fire, the countless rounds bursting from his rotating gun ripped through Ghosts with ease. He shot past Elma and continued to rain hell on whatever Ghost was close enough.

Looking back she spotted two more strange Skells dancing across the Void, spinning, their arms unleashing all manner of projectiles. Electrical, ether based or gravity weapons. Ghosts were stunned by the slew of endless assaults from the Neilnail Constructs and forced away.

The white Skell, Neilnail Albus leaned forward, a charge forming at the tip of its spike before firing off. A powerful white beam blasting pieces of Ghosts right off their bodies, reducing them to masses of ruins as the Dark Matter Cores abandoned the bodies and flew away.

The black Skell, Neilnail Furvus moved next to Elma.

"Where do you want the Qlurian Knights?"

"Wherever you see fit, Furvus. I have no desire to command your people. We'll protect each other."

The man nodded.

"As you wish. Albus!"

With that, the two Neilnail Constructs shot off across the black space towards another battle. Elma looked back as the White Whale continued to move. Hordes of Ghosts surrounded it, countless allied Skells did their best to hold them back all the while even more battles littered the space in all directions.

She wanted to direct the forces to pull in closer to the White Whale, but that would focus all of the Ghosts on a singular target and they couldn't risk that. She then saw her brother's Ares returning to her side, its arms changing back into their standard form.

"Aeon."

"I'm scared too, sister."

Elma wanted to say more, but she knew her voice would crack. She remained silent as he took a deep breath.

"We're together. These people. They're strong. We'll be fine."

Aeon didn't want to admit he was saying that just as much for his comfort as for hers. The longer this fight went, the more dire it would become, they had to be ready for anything.

Elma noticed another wave of Ghost Standards approaching. Whispering something to herself she shot towards them, Aeon right behind her.

The battle around the White Whale began fast and hard, the Ghosts were unrelenting, any opportunity one had to break through the defenders' lines and assault the White Whale directly, they took it.

The shields did their job and kept the damage to a minimum but any semblance of control was kept out of reach as more Ghosts emerged from the Void on all sides of the White Whale, engaging in the fights out in open space or the fights around the Ark.

In the midst of this chaos, Nagi did his best to direct the White Whale towards the lone planet. A wall of Ghosts seemed to appear out of nowhere in front of the White Whale, a hundred strong they opened fire on the Ark, obscuring the bridge crew's sight.

A timer had started the moment the battle began and it was no doubt a dreadfully short one. Nagi knew what they faced was innumerable and there were far more things to fear than the hundreds of Ghost Standards currently assailing the White Whale.

"Vandham! Bridge crew, you're all aware of the status of the battle, correct?"

Every head nodded as the White Whale shook.

"Half of you, Vandham included, head down to the cryo chamber and rouse as many of our reserve fighters as possible. We're making starfall, we can't hold back. Go! Now!"

Vandham nodded and departed, half of the bridge crew following him as Nagi turned once more to the map displaying the status of the battle and another wave of Ghosts forming along the perimeter.

Tai's hook shot out once more, burying itself into a Ghost which he pulled in as Boris covered him. The Skelleton unloaded all of his arms on the Ghosts nearby as Frye shot through the crowd, his Skell's bladed weapons cutting through whatever hull was in reach.

Claw at the ready, Tai tore the Core free and released it as more Ghosts joined the fray. Danny shot past them, firing off massive lasers from the back of his Skell to disperse the Ghosts that were crowding around them.

"How are your support units doing Tai?"

Frye yelled as he continued to slash and cut through any Ghost he laid eyes on.

"I lost four of them, the rest are engaged just as we are. There were a lot of Ganglion but there are even more of these bastards!"

Tai yelled back, his hook catching another Ghost and pulling it in. Spinning about he threw the Ghost into a crowd of others, Danny firing his lasers at them, a massive explosion covering the space around them.

"Screw this!"

Boris yelled before throwing a Cluster Grenade into a crowd of Ghosts, the resulting explosions cleared enough space for the group to get through, the dozens of Ghosts following them.

"Did that destroy any of em?"

Danny yelled as Frye looked through the numbers.

"I don't think so but it pushed them away and disabled a few. We can't let them surround us like that again."

Boris swung his Skell's hammer, smashing one Ghost into another.

"Saying it is easy, but in case you haven't noticed we can't manage this many!"

Tai moved in front of Boris, massive hook tearing through Ghost's, ripping their limbs off. Tai watched as a ship flew off, the severed arm and blade following it before beginning to reattach. Cursing he shot forward and engaged the same Ghost once more.

"It doesn't matter, the more we can pull away from the White Whale, the better!"

"Come on you Dark Matter bastards!"

Frye roared, following Tai into the fray once more. Danny moved next to Boris who began to unload more missiles onto the incoming Ghosts.

"They can handle being in that mess, we'll support them from afar as best we can!"

Danny said, firing off on the crowd of Ghosts as Boris laughed.

"This'll be one hell of a way to die!"

Danny rolled his eyes before pressing the back of his Skell against Boris'. Both sides covered, the Skells began firing on every Ghost that came close.

Entering her commands, Eren watched as the drone attached to the back of her Skell took off and began firing countless blasts of ether in every direction. Detecting Ghosts the moment they began closing in and focusing fire on those to push them back.

With the much needed breathing room, Kumon switched his blade to its secondary mode, the ether covering the length of it as he moved towards a group of Standards.

Three of them shot at him, their blades ready to strike when Irina and Gwin tackled two of them out of the way, allowing Kumon to strike one. The Ghost was cut clean in two, Eren shot past him and ripped the Core out.

This was the pattern the group managed to adapt, Kumon disabling Ghosts, Eren finished them off and Irina and Gwin providing cover and giving Eren that chance to move in.

Tai and Kumon were well practiced with handling their Skell's Tandem State, Kumon was the best they had on their side not counting Elma.

The man took a deep breath every chance he got and kept his mind clear. It didn't matter that for every core they removed and for every Ghost they disabled, three more filled its place.

All that mattered was that the White Whale kept moving. He then looked to the radar and noticed that it wasn't.

"Who's on watch over the White Whale?"

Kumon called out as he cut through another Ghost.

"We're the closest General! I can head on over!"

Jaynix called back. Before Kumon could respond, Elma cut in.

"No, Jaynix. Aeon and I will deal with it. Both of the Ares that we have can destroy the Ghosts, we'll get the White Whale moving again."

Kumon nodded to himself.

"Very well. Thank you Elma. Aeon."

"Don't mention it!"

The man called back, both Ares disengaged from their battle and shot back towards the White Whale.

Sharon continued her rampage against the Ghosts, Lyla following her closely as ever. Every one of her shots hit a mark even if it wasn't the one she was aiming for. With how many Ghosts continued to pour in from the black that surrounded them, she'd have to try in order to miss any of them.

"Sharon! We have to pull back!"

"We're killing them! We'll keep going!"

"We're getting too far from our defensive lines, if it's just the two of us, they'll pick us off!"

Sharon cursed, ramming her Skell into a Ghost before doubling back. Lyla threw out several Cluster Grenades, the chain of explosions covering their retreat as they returned to the position Jaynix and Boze were attempting to hold.

"KAAAAAATSU!"

Boze ran his Skell's javelin through one of the Ghosts, ripping it out, he watched the mutilated hull of the ship fall apart before grabbing hold of the Core and tossing it aside.

It floated slowly through space before it seemed to wake up and shoot off into the darkness. Several Ghost Standards shot towards Boze, slamming into him just as Jaynix's blade swung by and dug into one of the Ghosts.

The links began to tighten up, pulling the Ghost towards Jaynix as her blade reattached itself. Sharon shot by the pair, ripping the Core out.

With a quick thank you, Jaynix continued her engagement as shots from Lyla cut through space and found their marks.

No matter how many contacts her radar picked up, Jaynix ignored it, focusing on only the ones directly in front of her. Every single one she disabled was a win, as long as she thought of it that way, she could fight off some overwhelming sense of dread.

As well as some foreign sense of familiarity.

Elma and Aeon returned to the space around the White Whale, specifically in front of the bridge where a wall of one hundred Ghosts riddled the forward shields with sustained fire in an attempt to break through.

"Ready sister?"

"Always!"

Both Ares came to an immediate stop, their main weapons primed and ready as both watchers called out.

"Aghasura Cannon!"

Two streams of concentrated powerful energy shot through the wall of Ghosts, disintegrating many into nothing. The lines crisscrossed, breaking the formation the Ghosts were attempting to hold until a little over a dozen remained which broke off, giving the White Whale the chance to move forward once more.

"That good Nagi?"

"More than. Thank you, Colonel!"

Elma nodded, turning to see Albus and Furvus in their Neilnails continue their graceful movements and cut through any ships that opposed them.

Time was running short.

Then she heard it, some sort of ominous groan. Akin to the sound a monster would make or perhaps some metal being forced to move against its constraints.

Elma and Aeon turned to face the Void as something slowly came into view. Elma's eyes widened as a gigantic Ghost ship emerged from nothing. Aeon cursed and pulled back.

"Everyone in the vicinity needs to clear out now!"

The front of this structure seemed bulbous, a large Skell like body covered in eleven Dark Matter Cores. At the top of the ship were two rings that gave the impression of halos. Behind the main body, the rest of the ship jutted back into the black almost like a fish's body. Fins sticking out in various directions, pointed and sharp complete with what seemed to be a tail at the back end.

The massive structure continued to emerge from the black flanked by another line of Ghost ships, unlike the simple triangular shape of the Ghost Standards, these ships in their flight mode had a small body accompanied by two massive wings and a small tail of sorts. Each wing had a Dark Matter Core on it, with two more on the front and back of its main body giving it four in total.

"Colonel! Status report."

Elma clenched her teeth, Aeon speaking up.

"The second wave of Ghost forces are here, the new ships are a far more advanced type of Ghost known as a Ghost Large. The massive warship on the other hand is a God Ghost. It is of critical importance that everyone maintain sufficient distance from it-"

Each of the Cores on the front of the God Ghost seemed to glow before firing off a stream of eleven corrosive lasers that sliced through countless ships, allies and enemies alike, reducing them to ashes.

On the bridge, Nagi's eyes widened as a whole sector of the map which was once swarmed in enemy and ally indicators was wiped clean.

"Attention all defenders! Stay out of reach of the God Ghost at all costs!"

"It's close to us, Captain."

One of the Bridge Crew called out.

"What do we do?"

Nagi began to think, if he engaged evasive maneuvers, that would pull them further from the planet. They needed to make starfall as soon as possible.

"Nagi. There is only one thing we can do."

Turning to Chausson, Nagi stared at the man. He could tell that he arrived at the same conclusion. Opening a call, he spoke.

"Constantine. Orwell. Hilda."

"Yes Captain!"

"Reroute all excess power you can to the White Whale's Noah Cannon."

"But sir-"

Nagi raised a hand, Orwell falling silent.

"I'm aware of what this means. We have no choice. That thing will wipe us out without a second thought. So we can't have second thoughts either. Engage the Noah Cannon."

Constantine, Orwell and Hild bowed their heads and got to work. Nagi took a deep breath before looking at the map once more. Watching the God Ghost creep ever closer to the White Whale.

Frye, Tai, Danny and Boris broke free from another horde of Ghost Standards, the four Skells deployed several Cluster Grenades to cover their retreat.

"Support lines! Form up!"

Frye called out as the dozens of scattered Skells returned to their commanders, the status of their respective platoons showed up on all their screens. Frye cursed.

"I've lost half of my people."

"Same."

Tai muttered as more indicators went off within his cockpit including several new ones.

"Those Ghost Larges are heading right towards us."

Danny and Boris turned to see three of the new Ghost ships headed their way, the one in lead seemed to break apart. The body split in half, each taking one wing and part of the tail with it, changing into their fighter formation.

In this form, the Ghost Large looked like a floating torso, one large Dark Matter Core on its body. The Ghost's arms were rather small and came to an end in the form of pincers. Each of the Ghost Large ships split into two of these fighters now with one massive wing along their back where the other Dark Matter Core sat.

"What the shit."

Boris whispered as the six Larges shot towards them. Boris and Danny unloaded all of their projectiles. The Ghost Larges began to spin, their single wings deflecting all the explosives, not a single one made its mark as they tackled Danny and Boris. Warning lights came on all over their Skell, the men cursed as three of the Larges broke away and shot into their support lines.

"Everyone! Maintain distance and observe! They have a weakness we-"

Frye was cut off by a Ghost Large's wing slicing across his Skell, a deep incision caused his cockpit to light up with every warning imaginable.

"One strike?"

"We're as good as dead if we stay out here, pull back and join up with the other defenders to the earth! Now!"

Tai called out. Boris, Frye and Danny followed his lead, the rest of their allies following suit as the Ghost Larges gave chase, firing off eerie purple lasers that tore through the unfortunate Skells in the back, reducing them to debris in moments.

Seeing this carnage, Frye cursed louder than ever.

"Were they just playing with us with those Ghost Standards? I actually thought we had a fucking chance!"

"Don't give up Christoph! We're not dead yet!"

Boris called back, his Skell spinning about and unleashing a barrage of missiles. The Larges evaded them with little effort, but it was enough to slow them down and give the allies some breathing room.

Eyes on the map, Frye opened up comms.

"Kumon! I hope you and your team are doing better than we are! We've got six of those Ghost Larges on our tails. Boris, Danny and my own Skell have suffered some serious damage!

"I read you loud and clear! Eren! Irina! Incoming contacts, get ready to pick them off!"

Not far from the retreating and heavily injured team, Eren and Irina's Skells moved into position. Eren's drone hovered in the space above them as a pair of support Skells flew by and gave their reserve weapons to them. Two massive multi-rocket launchers.

"Why are you making me save your ass, Ostrich."

Irina called out as she began to lock onto the Larges."

"Shut it Lieutenant!"

Eren smiled.

"Seems the only one of you with any brains is also the one without eyes."

"As they say, the lack of one sense makes the others stronger."

Boris commented.

"It does. Though I can't help but feel he just insulted himself in saying that."

Tai said, a smile in his voice. The four and their allies shot past Eren and Irina who opened fire. Two dozen missiles shot through space. The Larges evaded them only for the missiles to lock onto their signatures and make wide turns in space, heading back towards their targets.

Gwin looked up as the Larges shot across space, the rockets hot on their trail.

"That should keep them busy! But remember we all-"

Several Standards slammed into his Skell, one blade cleaving one of his Skell's arms off. Cursing Gwin drew a grenade launcher and fired. The Standards were pushed back, Kumon flew in, his blade a fury as it sliced through several limbs.

The Standards moved back to reattach their limbs, Frye and Boris charged them and opened fire, destroying their hulls and bodies with everything they had.

Kumon looked from the battle briefly to see the massive God Ghost still emerging from the black, heading right for the White Whale which seemed to be a safe distance away now that the barrier of Ghost Standards were gone. But he wasn't confident in the situation improving.

"If I know Nagi. He's probably considering the Noah Cannon."

Kumon stated as several Standards assaulted him. Irina and Eren returned to the fray, each striking one to pull them away from Kumon.

"He's what? Isn't that a double edged sword?"

Frye called back, keeping his distance from the Standards and firing all of his arms.

"It is...we've got to find some way to delay the God Ghost ourselves. Buy more time."

Kumon tapped his chin as Tai cut in.

"I've got an idea. Might need a little Reaper escort."

Eren nodded.

"You got it! Irina, take over here!"

The Lieutenant called back a positive before she took off towards Frye, Boris and Danny with Gwin close behind. Even lacking one of his Skell's arms he refused to back down.

Kumon, Eren and Tai in the meantime headed back towards the White Whale's main Skell hangar, Tai opening up a call.

"Kruse, are you free to have something moved to the Skell hangar ASAP?"

"What? Yeah! Of course. What do you need?"

High above the White Whale, Jaynix, Lyla, Boze and Sharon continued to engage the innumerable Ghost Standards. Two Ghost Larges flew overhead and broke apart into four fighters, descending on the battle.

"Shit. We've got company."

Jaynix readied her blade as the four came to a stop nearby. She watched them as they floated in place, the sounds of battle around her faded as her eyes went from one Large to the next. She wished they had some sort of tell but like the Standards they lacked a noticeable head piece. In fact, it looked like there was a place for a head but it was cut off. Then she saw it, one of the wings twitched and a laser fired from the Dark Matter Core.

Quickly she moved aside and charged the Large as another one moved. She prepared to dodge that one as well when the third one began to move. A blast from afar struck it and forced it back. Lyla called something out as Jaynix dodged the second attack, the fourth and final Large shot through space towards Lyla.

Swinging her blade, links clicking, Jaynix struck the first one as her blade detached. Unlike the Standards, her strike did not leave as noticeable a dent in the Ghost Large's hull but that didn't matter. Continuing with her swing, Jaynix roared as the blade stretched out and shot across space, clipping the fourth Ghost before it reached Lyla. Taking that opportunity, Lyla charged her rifle to full and unleashed a heavy ether blast on the Large. The ship flew through space before the ether exploded.

"Well done, Warrior! Sniper! We shall not yield!"

Boze shot forth, tackling the second Large while Sharon slammed into the third one. Jaynix moved away from the first Large which now had its attention fully on her.

"I really wish you had a face...as intimidating as you may be. As horrific as that massive thing is...I've been through worse."

Firebird shot forward, its blade colliding with the Ghost's wing which moved into the way. One of its arms reared back, an orb of ether forming in its grasp. Pulling away, Jaynix moved aside as the orb shot forward before bursting, beams of ether cut across space, striking her Skell before bouncing off and shooting away in random directions.

The attack continued to ricochet through space, Jaynix watching it in shock before bringing her blade up to stop the Ghost once more. Whatever tricks they had up their sleeves wouldn't be enough.

Engaging her Skell's thrusters she pushed past the Ghost, the Xenoform spun around and flew away, Jaynix giving chase and firing her shoulder cannons. The blasts detonated across empty space as the Ghost Large spun about, evading the blows with stunning accuracy. Coming to a halt it turned around and swung its wing. Striking a shot and dispersing it with ease.

Cursing, Jaynix closed it and slashed, the Ghost was out of range in an instant. Both hands held out, it fired more orbs of ether, Firebird taking the hits to the side and being pushed away before the Ghost started spinning and slammed into her, pushing her back.

"Shit!"

The Almandals were tough, but that's all they had going for them. They were easy enough to read, no doubt due to the fault of their pilots. The potency of the weapon didn't matter if the wielder was not up to the task. The Ghosts on the other hand, were efficient with every move they made.

The Standards seemed to rely on their numbers, piling onto their enemies and overwhelming them. It didn't matter if they were easily destroyed or disabled, there were hundreds and thousands more.

The Larges on the other hand were much more limited in quantity, but far more efficient at combat not to mention their hulls were far more reinforced than that of the Standards.

"We're going to need a leg up on this one…"

Closing her eyes, Jaynix focused. She heard the Ghost shoot towards her but didn't react until it was directly in front. Then she felt it. That strange link. It was still such a foreign sensation to her but it's exactly what she needed.

Her blade was in place in an instant, both of the Ghost Large's arms holding onto the weapon to stop it just as she wanted.

Opening fire with her shoulder cannons, she pelted the upper body and wing of the Ghost with nonstop fire until it flew away. Attaching her blade to the back of the Skell, Jaynix drew the two swords on the side of her Skell's legs and shot forward.

Tandem State in full effect she could see the Ghost's movements far more effectively. It's arms came up as her blades did, every strike she made was met by the Xenoform's limbs keeping the battle dead even but it was far more preferable to being overwhelmed and pushed back.

Firebird spun around, the Ghost blocked the rapid blows by crossing its arms. Releasing her blades, Jaynix quickly retrieved her massive blade and with the Ghost still in its protective state she struck its shoulder with the full force of her weapon. The Ghost's hull gave and bent in as she buried the blade as deep as she could go into its shoulder.

"Sharon!"

Reaching out she grabbed one of the Ghost's arms to keep it in place.

"Lyla! Boze!"

The three disengaged from their Ghosts, heading for Jaynix as quickly as they could. Lyla fired on the back of the Ghost as Boze slammed into it. Turning from the battle, Lyla fired on the approaching Larges as Sharon joined Jaynix and buried her Skell's claws into the Ghost's chest, tearing the Core out and tossing it aside.

As she went for the second one the Larges that Lyla was holding at bay shot past her.

"Guys! Look out!"

The three shot forth those same dark ether bolts, striking Boze's Skell with full force and causing immense damage before they tackled him, throwing him off their ally.

Cursing, Sharon quickly took hold of the second Core just as the Ghost ripped itself away from her, leaving pieces of itself behind.

Jaynix and Sharon backed off from the Larges, three of them were still in good shape, the one Jaynix had damaged however made no move to retreat.

While they could continue keeping these four occupied, it meant very little with the battle at large proceeding as it has been.

"Warrior. What do we do?"

Jaynix looked over at the God Ghost and the White Whale, then to the battle all around and finally to the display showing the status of the Skells in the area around her and reporting a 30% loss.

"We hang on. For as long as we can."

Elma and Aeon shot past each other, their blades slicing easily through the hulls of the Ghost Larges. These enemies were causing far more significant damage to the forces in the area. Two dozen of them had emerged alongside the God Ghost and as they all learned, a single Ghost Large in flight mode was actually two acting as one. Compared to the Standards there were far less of them, but they made up that difference with their far more effective battle tactics.

"Aeon! Now would have been a great time for your Ares' cannon!"

Albus called out as he flew past them, two Larges following him closely.

"Yeah well, Elma and I need to recharge them and even if we didn't, you see the size of the God Ghost right?"

Aeon called back as his blade cut a wing off of a Ghost Large before he spun about and stabbed it in the chest, right through the Core which immediately deactivated the Ghost.

"All you need to do is fry the cores right?"

Furvus called as his Skell spun around, countless lasers firing from it and striking every Standard that surrounded him.

"What do you think, Elma?"

The woman was entirely focused on her battle with several Larges, she engaged and fired off her Avatara Missiles, forcing them on the defensive for a few moments.

"I count eleven Cores on the God Ghost's main body. Do we see any along the side of it?"

"I would go check but after seeing what it did to those unfortunate enough to be close to it, I'd rather not risk it!"

Albus called back as he fired off a blinding white laser, pushing back a Ghost Large far across space before it slammed into another one.

"Elma!"

"Nagi. What is it?"

"We're preparing to engage the Noah Cannon and fire on the God Ghost."

Elma cursed as she retreated, Aeon taking her place to hold off several more Ghost Larges.

"Nagi. Do you think it's strong enough? We could risk far too much matter collision, the result could-"

"What choice do we have?"

Elma looked to the God Ghost once more.

"Alright. I still think the ship is too close to the Ark, we could risk the integrity of the White Whale with the maneuver."

"Then we have to find a way to push it back even a bit, or give us an opportunity to gain ground."

"Why didn't you just say so?"

Hearing Tai's voice, Elma turned to see him, Kumon and Eren approaching.

"Do you three have a plan?"

"Not one you'd like but it's the best idea we've got."

Tai said, Eren shaking her head.

"He's got. It isn't a good idea but it's a job only we can do. We're going to approach the God Ghost."

"Alone? You three? You'll be-"

"Nonsense Colonel."

Kumon said.

"Our defensive lines will be with us. We've lost a majority of them but we still have twenty two hardened pilots willing to follow us into the jaws of hell."

"You need to push the God Ghost back right? We can do that. I know we can."

Tai said once more, confident.

Elma looked among the three of them as the battle continued to rage behind her.

"We're going to this regardless, Colonel. It's our mission."

Elma looked to Kumon, recalling the deaths of Sagis and Alto.

"General…"

Calling out to his allies, Kumon shot forward, followed by Tai, Eren and the rest of their forces as they left the sight of the battle and began approaching the God Ghost, none of the other Ghost forces bothered to intercept them.

"Remember everyone. This is going to take everything we've got."

Kumon, Tai and Eren closed their eyes, finding that link with their Skell. Then the three of them and the twenty or so Skells following their lead activated Overdrive, shooting through space faster than ever and closing the distance to the God Ghost.

There was another loud, menacing mechanical groan as the eleven Cores on the body of the God Ghost began to glow, fiercer and fiercer before firing off into space and curving towards the approaching Skells.

"Evasive maneuvers!"

The Skells all broke apart in random directions, most of the lasers missed their mark but Kumon could see on his status readout that four Skells went silent.

"Faster! As fast as you can go!"

The Skells continued their approach as the God Ghost charged up another shot and fired, the lasers crisscrossed each other this time, forming a deadly net the Reapers had to dodge and weave through, three of them didn't make it.

"Nearly there! Prepare to offload our munitions all at once! Get ready!"

The God Ghost fired once more, these shots going high up into space before shooting back down, six Skells were reduced to nothing as the Reapers were now as close to the God Ghost as could be.

Kumon, Tai, Eren and the nine remaining Skells following their lead began to cover the front of the God Ghost with numerous Cluster Grenades delivered to them courtesy of Kruse and his team.

Once every single grenade was offloaded the Skells flew as far away as they could before Tai swung about.

"Doesn't matter how blind I am, I can't miss you."

Tai fired, his one shot cut through space and headed right for the God Ghost before it hit something and was deflected harmlessly into space.

Kumon's eyes widened as he brought up his Skell's weapons.

"Everyone fire!"

All the Reapers began firing on the God Ghost but just like before all their shots were being deflected.

"What's going on?"

Following Eren's question, the Reapers fell silent as their Skells picked up a series of beeps.

"Morse code?"

Tai whispered, Kumon wasn't sure what to say. In front of them, several Ghost ships began to decloak. Kumon's Skell brought its arm up and pulled back slowly, signaling the Reapers to begin moving away.

The Ghosts that decloaked were not Standards or Larges. They were far bigger than either of them. At the center of the body of this Ghost was a single large Dark Matter Core. The body extended upwards ending in what looked like a crown, from the lower part of the body two arms of sort seemed to hang uselessly. The more notable part of it was the two massive wings extending out from the side of the central core, and two more wings coming out of the back of the Ghost.

The two wings in the back had two Cores on each, giving these Ghosts five Dark Matter Cores in total. There were nine of them now floating in the space between the Reapers and the God Ghost which not only stopped moving forward, but began moving back and away.

Kumon swallowed.

"Elma. What are they?"

"Ghost Gigantic. General. Retreat. Now."

Kumon continued to signal his Reapers to pull back, noting that the Ghost Gigantics formed a ring with an empty spot in the middle. That spot now began to fill in as another ship began to decloak, one that was also very different from the ones around it.

One Kumon recognized from the Exodus as the one that pursued the White Whale right before it jumped away from Earth.

The Vita.

The massive, hulking, terrifying Ghost Skell reached behind itself and drew out a massive blade, aiming it right at Kumon's Skell.

Balling his Skell's hand into a fist, Kumon ordered his troops to freeze. The Vita remained still, as did the Ghost Gigantics.

"Sir. You can't be serious."

Tai whispered. Kumon moved away from his team, closer to the Ghosts, turning on his outfacing speakers.

"I don't know if you can understand me...but if it's a fight you seek with me then allow my people to leave without incident."

"General!"

Eren called out. The Ghosts remained still before the Gigantics began to move back and away, the Vita stood in place. Kumon signaled his team to depart. Nagi was still charging the Noah Cannon, all he had to do was buy time. It was risky.

But this was his mission. This was why he was here.

Cursing Tai looked back at his team and signaled a retreat, the Reapers took off as Kumon drew his blade, eyes focused on the Vita. He cast one last look at the Gigantics which continued to move back before taking a deep breath, closing his eyes and whispering to himself.

"Saigo no tatakai…"

Opening his eyes he roared and charged forward, his blade now covered with ether. Tandem State and Overdrive working together he was in front of the Vita in an instant, both blades collided.

Now up close he could see the armor of the Vita in full detail, it was massive and bulky but Kumon remembered the Exodus. This Ghost was incredibly fast in battle, leaving nothing but debris and waste when it was done.

Moving back, Kumon found the Vita right on him, blade swinging wide, the weapons met once more, bouncing off each other and the exchange continued as such.

Even with the Tandem State and Overdrive, Kumon found himself lagging behind the Vita's movements. As quickly as he reacted and prepared to strike, the Vita was already moving.

He knew that the others, especially Elma would want to help him but he also knew that would risk the Ghost Gigantics opening fire on the White Whale and the defenders, they couldn't afford that.

Shooting away once more, the Vita followed instantly, Kumon unloaded all his ether projectiles at once, striking the Vita and giving him a little bit of breathing room. However, it was gone in an instant as the Vita emerged and struck, ducking under the attack, Kumon ran his blade along the torso of the Vita. The slash was quick and fierce yet he felt as if it was repelled at the same time, forcing him back. The Vita turned and rammed its shoulder into Kumon's Skell. The fierce blow sent him spiraling through space, alarms blaring all around.

Regaining his balance Kumon charged forward, meeting the Vita halfway. He knew the state he was in could not be held forever, but if there was ever a time he needed to surpass his limits, it was now. Everything was hanging on this.

The furious battle continued, Kumon doing everything in his power to keep the struggle even while the Vita pushed back with little to no effort.

Above the White Whale, Aeon and Elma continued wiping out every Ghost Standard they could while the Ghost Larges continued to rain hell on their allies and the White Whale itself, the shield suffering blow after blow.

The White Whale was designed to take all kinds of punishment but the sheer number of Ghosts that kept breaking through their lines and assaulting the Ark was simply too much.

"Albus! Furvus! Gonna need you guys on hull security! You and your knights!"

"On it! Come Furvus!"

The Qlurians abandoned their battle, several allied Skells taking their place as they returned to the White Whale and engaged the Ghost Larges.

Elma looked over to the God Ghost which stopped pulling back, now surrounded by the Ghost Gigantics. Then her eyes fell on Kumon and the Vita.

"We can't just leave him."

Tai, Eren and the nine remaining Skells following their lead returned to the White Whale, joining the battle to safeguard the hull.

"I don't know if the Ghosts can understand us but the fact that they pulled back gives us a little bit of room to work with, right?"

Tai called out as he armed his hook and fired it off, catching a Ghost Standard that was attempting to ram into the hull of the White Whale.

Elma shook her head. While that seemed to be the case, she didn't want to believe it. The God Ghost and the Gigantics were still a clear and present threat.

Hearing a series of explosions, Elma turned once more to see a Ghost Large slice through several allied Skells with its massive wings before firing off some foreign energy from its Dark Matter Cores, destroying even more Skells.

"I got it!"

Aeon shot past her and slammed into it, drawing the Vajra Flail; he engaged it in battle as Elma prepared her Ares' gatling guns.

Eren's drone returned to the combat, floating in place near the White Whale's hull and firing in all directions as Eren unloaded all of her electric projectiles on a group of Ghost Standards.

Shaking her head, Elma shot into battle. Spinning around her Skell opened fire, rounds piercing every Ghost in range, the damage forcing several retreats. Swapping to her blades she closed in on one after the other, bisecting them with ease.

As she did this, several Ghost Standards flew high above the White Whale before turning and shooting down right at the White Whale. Ghost after Ghost slammed into the White Whale and exploded, the shields flashed after every impact.

"Are you kidding me!?"

Eren called out as she turned her aim on the rest of the Ghosts attempting to kamikaze. Albus and Furvus joined her, powerful white and black lasers piercing through Ghosts and forcing them back.

Elma turned as a section of the White Whale's hull began to open and a massive railgun made itself known. The weapon was already pulsing with energy, electricity crackling and ether glowing.

On the Bridge, Nagi looked at the status of the Noah Cannon as well as the battle between Kumon and the Vita.

"Losses all across the board are up to 45% sir!"

Nagi cursed.

"What of our reserve forces?"

"All fully briefed and deployed, we have them defending the lower sections of the White Whale and joining the battles in deep space."

Nagi crossed his arms.

"We need to fire on the God Ghost and the Gigantics as soon as possible, understood?"

The bridge crew member nodded.

"Of course sir but...what about the General?"

Nagi remained silent, watching as Kumon was once more pushed back, shards of his Skell's armor blown off and the glow of Overdrive fading slightly.

"We have to trust him...we have to trust all of them."

Boze collided with a Ghost Large, the Xenoform's hands gripped onto his Skell's javelin as it slowly began to push him back. Even with Overdrive he was finding it hard to push back, his Skell had taken on far more damage than he cared to admit.

"I will not fall here!"

He began to push back just as Sharon joined him, her claw digging deep into the Large's wing. Quickly the Ghost tore itself away from Boze and began to pull back, taking Sharon with it as she drew an ether cannon from the legs of her Skell and fired at close range, right into the body of the Ghost Large.

From afar, Lyla fired on the Xenoform, her blow sending it spinning as Sharon ripped free one of the Cores. Two other Ghosts flew in and opened fire on Sharon, destroying her Skell's claw and the entire limb as the Core flew off into the distance.

"Shit!"

Boze shot towards the two, striking one while the other spun about and fired on him. Despite the damage he continued to bury his javelin into the back of the Ghost Large below him.

With a mighty roar, Jaynix flew in and slashed across the back of the third Large, pulling its attention away from Boze. With its back to Lyla she continued to fire on it from afar, every shot caused the Xenoform to lurch forward, throwing its attacks off balance and allowing Jaynix to land strike after strike.

Turning, Lyla spotted the fourth Large, the one missing the Core in its body headed straight for her. Swapping to her Skell's assault rifles she began falling back, all the while she fired on the Ghost Large.

"Warrior! I hate to say it but our lines are falling apart, we must do the honorable thing and fall back to the White Whale!"

"I know!"

Jaynix called back, furious at all the ground the defenders were losing on every front.

"The reserve fighters were brought out of cryo and the majority of them are protecting the White Whale, it would bolster our state to fall back."

Jaynix pulled away from her Ghost Large.

"Then let's do that!"

Unlinking her blade, Jaynix swung back and forth, the weapon striking each Ghost Large allowing Lyla, Sharon and Boze to disengage and begin their retreat. Blade coming back together, Jaynix shot away from the battle, the four Ghost Larges following as soon as they could.

"Tai! Eren! What's your status over there!"

"Not doing as well as we'd like but Nagi has the Noah Cannon primed and ready to fire! We're just waiting on the General!"

"What's he doing?"

The Larges opened fire on the four of them, each blow damaging their Skells severely. Spinning back around, all four of them fire back at the Larges, forcing them to break their formation.

"He's fighting that giant Ghost from the Exodus. The Vita I think it was."

Jaynix cursed.

"Why the hell is he doing that?"

As Jaynix, Sharon, Lyla and Boze reached the area above the White Whale, the four Larges did as well. Waiting for them was Aeon and Elma who opened fire on them as soon as they appeared. The torrent of bullets began to rip them apart, two of the Larges were reduced to unrecognizable scrap while the other were heavily damaged before retreating.

"Thanks for the assist, Elma."

"These things have one fault. Their single minded desire to kill us all."

Jaynix nodded before looking past Elma and seeing Kumon in the distance fighting the massive Ghost Skell just as Tai had said.

"We can't help him, Jaynix."

Eren stated.

"What? Why? How did this happen, I thought you all had a plan?"

Tai shook his head.

"We did. It didn't go all that well...but it seems the Vita ordered the God Ghost and the Gigantics back. Kumon is buying us time."

The group turned to see the Noah Cannon rising out of the hull of the White Whale and turning towards the God Ghost, there seemed to be surges of energy running all through the White Whale to the cannon itself.

Lyla looked back to the General, noting his position as his struggle against the Vita continued.

Once more, Kumon's ether blade made contact with the Vita but as with every time before, the damage seemed to be negligible.

Pulling back to catch his breath, the General kept his eyes on the massive Skell. What was it? Did it have a pilot? Who? What did it want? Why was it open to this duel? None of it made any sense to him.

There was a ping, Kumon looked down briefly to see the notification that the Noah Cannon was ready, which meant this was it. Sending a coded message back to Nagi he charged the Vita.

This time when their blades met, Kumon felt the impact throughout his entire body and he felt his Skell's Overdrive falter. He couldn't hold on any longer, but all he needed was one thing.

Breaking free, he began moving away as quickly as his Skell could manage, the Vita gave chase. Every turn that Kumon made, the Vita was right there. The pair shot through space until Kumon came to a sudden halt and shot forward, slamming his Skell against the Vita which did not budge an inch, but it didn't matter. He had it where he needed it.

Moving back he swung his blade, the Vita responded in kind, blades meeting and Overdrive fading. His Skell's systems could no longer endure the damage he sustained. Alarms now flooded the cockpit but he refused to back down. Not just yet.

On the bridge, Nagi gave the signal.

"But sir, the General."

"Trust him. Fire the Noah Cannon."

Without another word the crew inputted the final commands. A drastic power surge followed, everything aboard the White Whale seemed to fade as all of the excess power was rerouted, the cannon atop the White Whale began to glow fiercer than ever. A blinding white laser of pure and concentrated ether fired from the White Whale.

All Ghosts in line of the attack were incinerated, the beam sliced clean through space headed right for Kumon and the Vita. Forcing Overdrive at the last possible second, Kumon broke away and shot just out of range in the nick of time as the Vita was swallowed by the Noah Cannon's laser.

The beam continued to travel, bypassing even the Ghost Gigantics and striking the main body of the God Ghost with immense force. As it did so it set off the countless Cluster Grenades that the Reapers had planted not long ago and a massive chain reaction followed.

Several Dark Matter Cores were breached and a cataclysmic chain of explosions all across the surface of the God Ghost began as well as several in the Void of space from the Ghosts wiped out by the Noah Cannon.

Everyone who could see the devastating attack, shielded their eyes as it engulfed the main body of the God Ghost.

"Jaynix."

"General."

Kumon sat next to Jaynix, she had finally woken up after that desperate struggle in the Lawless Sectors. Despite the state of her spine and all she had to go through before she could leave the hospital, Kumon was overjoyed to finally be able to speak with her. Just the two of them. There was something he had to say. Something he should have said years ago.

"Jaynix...I-"

"Are you getting tired of visiting me while I'm laid up? Yeah. Me too."

He shook his head.

"It's not that...I…"

Jaynix saw hesitation in his expression, something so unfamiliar.

"General?"

With a sigh he looked back at her.

"I had a talk with Christoph. To my surprise he told me something I should have known...or at least something I should have admitted years ago but I never allowed myself to."

Jaynix remained silent as Kumon struggled to find his words.

"All those years you and your sister spent with me are...those memories are the brightest ones I have. My friendship with Sonja and Maxwell will always stand but the bond I formed with you and Flame is something different and I…"

He fell silent once more, thinking as Jaynix smiled.

"Hideo."

He laughed, hearing his name from Jaynix and Flame was such a rare treat. It wasn't always that way, the years they spent in his care were evidence of that but since graduation and since Jaynix joined the Reapers it became scarce.

"I hope I'm not crossing a line of some sort when I say this Jaynix...I see you and Flame as...daughters. My daughters."

Jaynix smiled, but said nothing.

"I love you both with all of my heart and everything I strive to do is for the two of you. I don't want to replace Sonja or Maxwell. I can't. I simply want to be there for you and offer you strength when you need it because the two of you have given me more strength than I ever thought possible."

Jaynix reached out and placed one of her hands on Kumon's.

"I think I've always known that...I've never hated the idea. I think I would be honored but above all, happy to be able to consider you...a guardian. A father."

There was unbridled joy in Kumon's eyes as he embraced Jaynix.

In the aftermath of the explosions, the battle seemed to come to a stop. Silence bathed the White Whale as everyone once more gained sight of whatever was left in the wake of the Noah Cannon's attack.

The unmistakable shape of the God Ghost was still there in the distance, only now half of the visible body had been seared off, the back of the ship that could be seen was in similar shape. Chunks of it were missing, several of the Dark Matter Cores were lost in the assault and most of the remaining ones were sufficiently cracked.

Seven Ghost Gigantics remained in perfect condition while two were heavily damaged by the assault, both of which were falling back now.

Kumon held his blade at the ready, a worn but determined look on his face as the Vita emerged from the destruction completely unscathed.

Slowly the massive Skell looked about the battle, analyzing it before making a small motion with its hand. With that, the seven Ghost Gigantics charged towards the White Whale, the battle resumed with more ferocity than ever.

"Constantine, Orwell, Hilda! Status!"

Before they could respond the White Whale shook violently, a whole new line of assaults striking the hull and the severely diminished shields were not doing the best at keeping the assault at bay.

"It's bad sir!"

Constantine called back.

"Reroute whatever we have left to the engines! Now!"

"On it sir!"

The White Whale surged forward at the fastest speed it could muster, the Ghosts immediately began to trail it with the worn out defenders doing their best to hold them back.

Their attack did the job they needed, the God Ghost seemed to have completely ceased any movement but now the integrity of the White Whale was compromised, if they were to survive they needed to make starfall.

Jaynix prepared to join Kumon when a Ghost Gigantic flew right at her, the five Cores along its body began to glow before firing off a stream of lasers. Avoiding the attacks as best she could, she still felt them sear through her Skell, alarms going off far more intensely than she cared to admit.

"We've got to get to the General!"

She called out, watching as Elma and Aeon attempted to break through only for the Gigantics to cut them off as well. One of which flew past all the defenders and opened fire on the White Whale, five lasers leaving notable marks along the hull of the ship.

A squad of over a dozen Ghost Larges appeared from high up and flew over the White Whale, explosions followed as they executed a bombing run, pieces of the White Whale began to detach from the hull.

"We need everyone around the Ark! Now!"

Elma called out before breaking free of the crowd and looking off into the distance to see Kumon and the Vita just as a Gigantic fired on her, the Ares pushed back by the relentless assault.

Kumon's eyes examined the Vita, noting that there was indeed no notable damage from the White Whale's assault or any of the resulting explosions.

Whatever this thing was, it seemed invincible. But he knew that wasn't true. No one. Nothing was invincible. Examining the plates of armor he noticed something, it seemed to be a flow of Dark Matter within the shell of the Vita. With a nod he brought his blade up once more, the Vita doing the same.

Charging forward, he made an obvious feint, the Vita responded in kind, one slash severed his Skell's right arm. Gripping the blade tightly in his left, Kumon roared and ran the blade through the joints of the Vita's armor.

He could feel the blade pierce something underneath, in response the Vita seemed to jerk. It felt that too.

"So that's it."

He whispered as the Vita slashed once more, slicing his Skell in half before moving back and holding out its hand. A powerful surge of dark energy shot forth, incinerating the General's Skell and leaving nothing behind.

No matter where they were in battle, the Reapers all saw it. Pained, horrified and angered screams ripped free from the throats of Eren and Lyla. Tai could not comprehend the silence that came from the General's familiar and ever present tone signaling his Skell. The line was quiet, nothing remained.

On the bridge, Nagi saw what happened, unable to look away. Bringing a hand to his chest he forced himself to keep standing and continue giving orders. He couldn't grieve. He couldn't mourn. Not yet.

Elma heard these cries, this pain, so intense. Yet there was one voice she didn't hear. Turning she spotted Firebird, floating in place.

It's pilot silent.

Jaynix, Lyla and Flame stood together in the married couple's home, cleaning after celebrating Jaynix's 34th birthday.

Jaynix couldn't stop herself from looking at the open case which held Feuervogel. The gift meant more than she could ever put into words.

As the three women cleaned, Flame spoke up.

"There is one last thing I wanted to talk to you about, Jaynix. Not really a gift but something I think you should do."

Jaynix put the current plate she was working on in the dishwasher before facing her sister.

"And what's that?"

"You know about our mom's...story. Right? About the day she came to be known as the Bloodstained Corporal?"

Jaynix nodded before looking at Lyla.

"I told you that story, right?"

"You did...I was worried if it'd affect you but you wanted to tell me. Especially since you...inherited the title."

Jaynix nodded.

"It wasn't intentional but it came to me either way. After the Massacre I couldn't really blame people for calling me that."

"All of that is behind us now. The Massacre. The Lawless. Everything. We're moving forward, that's why I knew it was time for you to have Feuervogel."

Jaynix and Lyla looked to Flame.

"But it's also time for you to have a name all your own."

Jaynix smiled.

"Oh yeah? What would that be?"

Flame smiled, wide and bright.

"Dad told me once that he and mom had an image they knew you could bring to life. Of a hero who was passionate and kind. One who doesn't bring blood and pain with them but...peace."

Flame loved those memories she shared with her dad. She'd never forget them.

"You had a title at the Academy before the Massacre that fit what they wanted…"

Jaynix nodded, Lyla putting an arm around her.

"If I'm no longer the second Bloodstained Corporal. Then what am I?"

The younger sister continued to smile.

"You're Jaynix Isaiah Copeland. The Fiery Corporal."

Opening her eyes, everything was clear to Jaynix. Whispering to herself she tightened her grip on her Skell's blade.

"Ich bin der Feurige Korporal…"

The Vita turned towards the White Whale, prepared to assault and rip through them all. Feeling the sensation of Overdrive within her and all over Firebird, she tore through space, past all the Ghost Gigantics. Raising her blade she struck the armor of the Vita, pushing it back with all the force she could muster.

"Watch over me. Father."

Her Skell and blade was a blur, striking the Vita over and over, forcing it back. She knew she was doing no damage, but it didn't matter. Hideo kept everyone safe, that's what she was doing now.

Seeing this, Eren, Tai and Lyla renewed their efforts to fight back against the Ghosts swarming over the White Whale.

Elma quickly called her Skelletons together.

"Irina, Gwin, Boris, Danny...I'm trusting the Ark to you. Survive."

"Yes ma'am."

Irina said in a low whisper as Elma moved forward, Aeon following her.

"You two as well, Albus. Furvus."

The pair nodded as both Ares took off towards the Vita and Firebird. The Vita swung once, its blade tore pieces of Jaynix's massive sword off and pushed her back, it advanced on her, slamming its shoulder into the back of her Skell. Shards of armor came off as she spun back around and struck again.

"Jaynix!"

Aeon and Elma joined her, opening fire on the Vita. Their gatling guns riddling the back of the massive Ghost. The armor however continued to hold as it turned slightly to put them in view.

"The armor is almost indestructible but the actual body of the Vita is inside!"

Elma called out, Jaynix nodded as she continued to strike the armor, keeping its attention on her as Aeon and Elma moved closer, the arms of their Ares changing into blades before joining the assault.

Massive explosions continued to come from the White Whale as the Ghosts put all their attention on it, ignoring the defenders for the most part. Only the Ghost Gigantics seemed to be interested in wiping out human Skells and they were terribly efficient at it.

Eren put in several commands to her drone, the weapon broke itself apart and attached to her skell, forming new blades along her arms and cannons on her back.

"For the General."

Charging towards the hull with Tai on her back the pair opened fire on two Ghost Larges that were currently ripping pieces of the hull away. The Ghosts turned and opened fire on the pair. Eren took all the shots and slammed into one, pushing it into the hull before stepping on it with her Skell.

Bringing one arm up she buried the long blade into its wing and tore the Core free. The other Large attempted to intercept but couldn't get past Tai as he swung his hook in every direction possible.

With both blades up, Eren tore into the Large's body and ripped free the other Core, both of which now flew off through space as she charged past Tai and slammed into a Large.

Both of them opened fire once more, blasting the Ghost back with all the firepower they had. Lyla came in from above, now armed with a Skell Claw of her own she ripped both Cores out quickly, the Large stopped moving, now drifting through space away from the White Whale.

"Look out!"

Lyla called out, the three Reapers broke apart as three Ghost Gigantics descended on them, each one following the three all across space and away from the White Whale.

"The less they have to deal with, the better!"

Eren called out as she opened fire on the Gigantic in front of her.

The Vita continued to swing its mighty blade, striking both of the Ares and pushing them back, deep cuts along their hulls.

Aeon cursed as he fired off a stream of Avatara Missiles, Elma moving in with the projectiles. The Vita took a step back and fired a horde of purple missiles from its back, destroying the Avatara Missiles and exploding against Elma's Skell, sending her away through space.

Spinning back around just as Jaynix's blade swung in, the Vita deflected it. Turning once more, its blade locked with Aeon's.

As he was pushed away he looked over to Elma.

"We can't make a dent in this guy on our own, Elma. It's time."

Elma took a deep breath and nodded as Aeon shot up high above the combat. Jaynix continued to battle the Vita in the meantime, it didn't matter how much damage her Skell took, she had to do this.

Elma entered the various commands necessary on her Ares, Aeon doing the same as his Skell shot towards her. Jaynix moved away from the Vita, looking at the two Ares on a collision course.

Before she could speak, Aeon's Ares seemed to phase into Elma's, there was a flash and the two Skells were now one.

The new Ares was noticeably bigger, bulkier, the energy streams coming from its thrusters took on the form of rainbow colored wings.

In the cockpit, Elma turned to see Aeon seated above and behind her. He smirked before turning his attention to the Vita.

Two people and two Skells working in perfect unison, something only the Ares was capable of. This was the Tandem Ares.

Swinging its hand out, a blade formed in its grip. The edge of the weapon was covered in ether which shaped itself into a longer, wider and bigger blade.

"Ready brother?"

"Always sister."

The Tandem Ares was in front of the Vita instantly, swinging its massive blade and leaving a glowing gash along the body of the Vita as it was thrown back.

"Elma? Aeon? What-"

"No time to explain Jaynix. We'll take over the frontal assault."

Jaynix nodded.

"Then I'll support you."

The Tandem Ares surged forward, the Vita avoided this strike which unleashed an energy wave that cut through the space behind the Vita. Turning back around the Vita's blade came up to stop the Ares.

Both Skells pushed against each other before the Vita let loose a stream of Dark Matter missiles from its back. The Ares pulled away and held one hand out, changing into a gatling gun it fired and shot down all the missiles. During that, Jaynix fired on the Vita from afar, her shots bouncing off against its back, causing it to turn slightly before the Ares shot forward once more.

It's blade carved through the Vita which took off from the combat, another series of missiles covering its escape. The Ares shot forward, avoiding every missile and slicing them clean in half. As the Ares tackled the Vita and continued to rip through its armor, Firebird kept its distance and maintained consistent fire.

Working together the Tandem Ares and Firebird were able to keep the Vita away from the White Whale, yet every move the Vita made, brought it and the battle closer and closer to the alien planet, something all three Skells picked up on as the planet's gravity began to pull them in.

On the Bridge of the White Whale, the Ark continued to shake violently, all sorts of alarms were going off. Nagi called for status reports which all told him the same thing, the defenders were being overwhelmed.

"Is everything we have being put into the thrusters?"

"Yes sir, we'll be within range of the planet within ten minutes to start starfall procedures."

Nagi shook his head.

"We won't be doing that, we don't have the time and I doubt we can hold together until then."

The doors to the bridge opened as Vandham stumbled in.

"What the hell are you planning Nagi?"

Closing his eyes, the man focused. If they were going to crash so be it, but what was the best state to crash in. Opening his eyes he glanced over to one of the bridge crew.

"What is the status of the Habitat Unit? Do we have all the impact gel on standby?"

The man nodded.

"Yes everything is set for the worst case scenario."

Nagi got on the comms.

"Attention all hands, if you are able I am ordering you to the Habitat Unit, procedures don't matter, find your way there and hunker down. For those of you too far or finding your access blocked, head to the Lifepod bays, they are all over the White Whale. Relevant information has been sent to all of your datapads. Go! Now!"

The White Whale shook once more, a massive explosion along the right side of the structure.

Closing his eyes, Nagi could do nothing more than hope for the best.

Around the White Whale, the dwindling defenders continued to hold off the Ghosts. While they've grown used to fighting the Standards, the overwhelming numbers proved too great and the Ghost Large and Ghost Gigantic ships were simply a league above the Skells.

Standing on the hull of the White Whale, Frye fired off all of his thermal projectiles, striking every Ghost in range. It didn't matter if it did no damage, it kept them from the White Whale. The alarms in the Skell were blaring in his ears and he was sweating more than ever before.

"I'm sending out the relevant orders. If you receive the call to retreat, do so!"

"What are you talking about Ostrich?"

Boze called out as several Ghost projectiles struck his Skell, pieces breaking off his hull.

"Too many of us are heavily compromised! Better to retreat than die!"

"We can't afford to fall back!"

Gwin yelled as Irina covered him, firing on a Ghost Large until it swerved in a different direction.

"We're going to have to prepare to do so! We can't all die here! Listen to me damn it!"

Far from the White Whale, the remaining Reapers continued to distract and evade the three Ghost Gigantics that gave chase. Pulling the tightest turn he could, Tai listened to the tone of the Gigantic as it shot past him and far off into space.

Running a hand over one of his sensors he listened to the line of tones telling him the status of his Skell including the missing leg and heavily damaged one.

"We're not going to be able to hold on for long…"

Tai muttered before opening a call with Frye.

"Get everyone into the White Whale! Now!"

"I'm trying, they're all stubborn as hell, you know this Major!"

The Gigantic returned, Tai narrowly avoiding it before opening fire on it. Eren shot past him, her Skell's blades piercing the hull of her Gigantic as Lyla continued to escape the third one, firing on it to keep it from catching up to her.

Preparing the massive sniper on her back, Lyla spun about and came to an immediate halt, the Gigantic came closer every second. Opening fire at the last moment, the massive strike caused the Xenoform to spin out, but its momentum carried it towards her, its giant body slamming into her.

Cursing, she balanced her Skell once more as the Gigantic turned and raised its arms, a stream of projectiles shooting out from its back and heading for the Reapers.

"Steer clear everyone!"

She called out before doing her best to avoid the shots.

The Vita and the Tandem Ares' fierce battle continued. Each Skell's mighty blades left deep marks along the other's hull. Aeon cursed with every strike while Elma remained silent, absorbing every bit of information she could gather from the Vita's movements.

"Elma. I think we can finish this with a Tandem Aghasura Cannon."

She nodded.

"Maybe. But we'll need to hit it dead on. It'll see it coming and it will not let us charge it to full. Even if we manage it, it'll simply evade the attack."

Aeon flinched as the Vita tackled them once more, its free hand slamming into the Ares. A savage punch that pushed the Tandem Skell back before its blade ripped through their hull.

"We need to keep it still. Somehow."

Elma cast a reluctant glance at Jaynix who was still firing on the Vita from afar even as it ignored her.

Engaging the Avatara Missiles, the Tandem Ares flew high and unleashed a stream of dozens and dozens of thermal based projectiles.

The Vita fired back its own salvo of Dark Matter, the missiles colliding with one another. With both Skells engaged in those assaults, Jaynix charged in, with a mighty roar she slashed her blade against the Vita. The armor she hit seemed to buckle under the force of her strike.

Ending its attack, the Vita turned and swung, its blade cleaving Jaynix's sword in two. Falling back, Jaynix watched as a stream of Avatara Missiles collided with the Vita.

Drawing the two smaller blades from her Skell's legs she waited as the Tandem Ares moved next to her.

"I assume you heard us."

"You need someone to keep it still. I can do that."

The two Skells remained still as the Vita emerged, placing its sword back against its back it raised both of its arms. Two ports in its armor opened up and two round objects flew out and into its hands.

"What's it doing?"

Jaynix asked as the Vita threw the two objects into space, more of them began to eject from the Vita's body. Elma could only shake her head.

"I don't know. But we have to stop it!"

Both Skells shot forward, the Vita avoided their strikes and shot off across space. The Ares and Firebird followed it immediately as more of the round units it deployed headed for the White Whale.

To cover itself the Vita unleashed another stream of Dark Matter missiles forcing Firebird and the Ares to evade them and lose ground. Gatling cannons active, the Ares fired on the Vita's retreating form as Elma called out.

"Attention defenders! The Vita is deploying drones which are all heading for the Ark! Shoot them down!"

Putting the cannons away and forming two Vajra Flails, the Tandem Ares shot through space and rammed into the Vita, flails swung wide, striking, denting and breaking more and more of the Vita's armor.

"What else is this damn thing capable of!?"

Sharon cursed as the orbs flew by, floating in place around the White Whale. She opened fire on one, a Ghost Large was in the way immediately as all the orbs began to charge up. Boris watched them before yelling.

"Everyone! Evasive maneuvers!"

The orbs began to spin all the while they unleashed an endless barrage of lasers in every direction. Ghosts and allies alike were torn to bits by the attack, the beams seared clean through pieces of the White Whale, explosions popping up all over the hull of the ship.

One orb flew high above the White Whale, it continued to charge even as the others rained hell on the White Whale.

Lyla looked over her Skell's display, noting the readings coming from the Vita orb. Cursing, she took aim and fired but her shot was intercepted.

"The orb separated from the rest is reaching critical status, we need someone to knock it out of place, now!"

She yelled before sending out the signal and giving its position to anyone close by. Several Skells attempted to fire on it but were also intercepted or destroyed by the storm of lasers being fired off by the other orbs.

Receiving the signal of its position, Tai closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Jaynix. Lyla. Eren."

With a grim expression on his face, his Skell shot towards the weapon, several Ghosts noticed his approach and moved to intercept.

In the White Whale a series of explosions, threw the engineers of Alpha Wolf to the ground. Standing, Constantine coughed.

"Alright you lot, get to the Lifepods immediately! We've done all we can for the White Whale!"

The engineers bowed their heads and took off, Kruse came to a stop before turning to face Constantine.

"That includes you!"

"No. Not while I can still work."

Kruse approached him.

"Are you crazy? The shields may as well be gone and you said so yourself, there is nothing else we can do!"

"There isn't. This is something only I can do."

Kruse shook his head.

"Is this some sort of sacrificial play? I won't allow it. If we survive this we're going to need you after starfall, Constantine. Don't throw that away for…"

"I'm not throwing anything away Kruse!"

The White Whale shook once more.

"You'll be there. That's all they're going to need from Alpha Wolf. You."

Kruse stared at the older man, shaking his head.

"No. No! Not yet. You said-"

"I know what I said. One day I'd pass the torch well that day is today. Now go Kruse! We can't both die here!"

"...I'm not leaving you...father."

Constantine took a deep breath.

"Just this once. Listen to your old man, Kruse. Please."

Before the young wolf could respond there was another violent shake, both men fell to the floor.

With a mighty roar, Tai swung his Skell's hook, it cut through space and lodged itself into a Ghost. With a savage pull he yanked the Ghost across space and into the blade in his other Skell's hand. Tearing his weapons free he broke away as more Ghosts opened fire, tearing through his Skell's hull.

"Tai! Your readings are deep in the red! You have to pull back! We can't cover you there!"

Tai smirked as he spun around, his Skell's hook forcing all the Ghosts away as they continued to fire on his position.

"I can't do that Lyla. The energy surge coming off the Vita's weapon is too great. Someone has to stop it."

"You're a fucking idiot, Tai!"

The man laughed as he shot towards his goal once more, the Ghosts following suit. The Ghosts' barrage continued to tear apart his Skell, the entire lower half falling away as he drew ever closer to that which the Ghosts were desperately attempting to protect.

"Jaynix!"

A stray blast destroyed one of his Skell's arms. Raising his hook, he closed his eyes.

"I leave everything to you. As I know Hideo did."

Putting whatever energy his Skell had left into the arm, he surged forward once more, the hook ripping through space and embedding itself into the Vita's weapon as it began firing off devastating, highly concentrated lasers. One of the searing energy beams, sliced clean through a massive chunk of the White Whale. Violent explosions followed the trail that the laser carved.

"I won't let you down, Tai."

"I know."

Satisfied with Jaynix's response, Tai pulled the orb towards him before pressing one last button.

"For Hideo."

His Skell was engulfed in a flash of light which swallowed the Vita's orb as well the approaching Ghosts. All of the ships were lost in the massive explosion that followed.

Back on the White Whale, Kruse coughed. The room he was in had collapsed as a result of some devastating attack outside.

Feeling something along his face he brought a hand up to check. There was a deep cut across his face and he felt several pieces of shrapnel along his body. His white lab coat was shredded to bits and heavily stained as well.

Coughing he struggled to his feet before turning, seeing the direct result of the collapse.

"Dad? Dad!"

He cried out once more as loudly as he could before hearing a groan. Heading towards it he almost fell over when he found him, Constantine was pinned under the wreckage.

"Dad!"

"What are you still doing here?"

Kruse began examining the debris, looking for something he could grasp to lift it. Anything.

"Get out...now!

Turning, Kruse spotted a long pole of sorts, the metal was twisted but it would have to do. Picking it up, Kruse brought it back and stuck it through the debris near Constantine.

"Kruse!"

"Shut up and let me save you!"

He put all his might into pushing on the pole as the White Whale shook once more. Constantine began to cry out in pain.

"Just hold on dad! I'll get you out! I will!"

He was training with the Reapers for this exact moment, he was strong enough to do this, he knew. He felt everything burn as he continued to push, the pole however began to bend and the debris slowly came back down on top of Constantine.

"No! No! No! Dad!"

"Kruse wait…"

"I can do this just-"

"Kruse!"

Falling silent the young wolf kneeled down, Constantine looking up at him. Protoplasmic stains covered Constantine's face. One of his eyes was no longer functioning and an ever growing pool of fluids was growing underneath him.

"You can't."

"Just believe in me dad. I won't let you down."

"It's not that...look…"

Kruse lowered himself to the ground as Constantine pushed himself up slightly. Kruse could then see it, some piece of debris had pierced the old wolf's body and was lodged into the floor.

Slowly, Kruse looked to his father.

"You would need...twenty or more people. Skells. Heavy machinery. All of that just to get me out of here and a full medical team to save my life...it's not happening...we both know it…"

"Dad. Please. I can't just...I can't just leave you here."

Constantine smiled.

"You have to. You have to live. You have to carry Alpha Wolf forward."

Kruse shook his head.

"I can't. I'm not...I'm not you, I'm nowhere near half as good as you are it...I can't…"

Constantine reached out, Kruse taking hold of his hand.

"You may not think you are ready...but I know you are. I know...because you're my son. That's all that matters."

Kruse brought his other hand forward, holding onto Constantine and not wanting to let go.

"Dad I...I…"

"Go Kruse. Live. Grow. Prosper. Do it for me."

Feeling the hot tears streaming down his face, Kruse nodded yet he couldn't find it in him to release Constantine's hand.

Another violent shake, almost caused Kruse to fall over. The White Whale began to groan. He could barely make out cries, screams and voices from all over. Orders were being given from the comms but he didn't hear any of it.

Bending down he placed a kiss on his father's forehead before standing and finally releasing his hand.

The last image he saw was his father's smiling face before turning and running as quickly as he could, containing all the pieces of his broken heart as best as he could.

On his own, Constantine let out a heavy sigh.

"I hope you get better at fishing...I really hope you do…"

Running the only hand he could feel along the floor of the White Whale, he closed his eyes.

"Ahab going down with the White Whale…"

A low chuckle escaped him as his hand stopped moving. Everything was still and silent as he whispered.

"Call me...Ishmael."

Eren turned to see another massive explosion from the White Whale as it continued moving towards the planet, only now it was less its engines and more the pull of the planet drawing it in. While this was good, it was increasing its speed to untold degrees. It was going to crash and no one could stop it.

Turning she watched as the orbs that the Vita sent out continued to eviscerate enemies and allies alike. Tai's comms had gone silent after he stopped the attack that would have torn the White Whale in half. Eren could hardly believe he was gone.

She cast a look at the roster displaying the Reapers as well as their support units. The data was showing a loss of 80%. Far more than she ever imagined.

"Alert! There is a Ghost Gigantic beneath the White Whale! It's attempting to break into the reserve hangar!"

Eren shook her head, attempting to focus as another voice came on over the comms.

"The Qlurian Skells are holding it back but one has taken heavy damage and more Ghosts are pushing us to the brink! We need support! We-"

Lines went dead as more images faded to black, overall losses were too much to bear. Eren's eyes moved towards the lower section of the White Whale where the Ghost Gigantic was on a rampage.

She then looked to the primary hangar. She could go there, she could land, she could find Kriss, they could find Lifepods. No one would blame her.

Alto, Sagis, Kumon, Tai. They wouldn't blame her. They never would.

Taking a deep breath she thought of them all once more. She knew why they did what they did. They all did. It was their job. Their mission.

Clenching her fists, she nodded to herself. Opening her eyes, she engaged her Skell's thrusters and shot forward, diving under the White Whale.

"Jaynix. Lyla."

She saw it, the Ghost Gigantic was ripping Skells to pieces with no effort. She would collide with it in seconds. Anything she thought to say to the other two women was lost to what she wanted to say to the woman she loved.

She heard a voice on her comms. Lyla. Concern in her voice, fear, worry.

Eren couldn't give in. She had a job to do. They all did. Taking a deep breath she let out a savage roar as she slammed into the Ghost Gigantic from behind, the massive ship tried to turn but the blades on her arms had pierced clean through it. She put all she had into her ship's thrusters and pushed it past the reserve bay.

All the incoming communications were lost as she continued to push the Ghost through space, up and above the White Whale, where countless lasers continued to cut through the black and reduce allies and enemy ships to unrecognizable debris

"I know one surefire way to get rid of you, bastard!"

The Gigantic opened fire, missiles arcing in space and coming back to slam into her Skell from behind, alarms blared signifying the critical damage but she didn't care as she carried it up higher.

The orbs deployed by the Vita opened fire once more, one shot sliced through the Gigantic she carried almost ripping it in two, another tore through her Skell.

As her Skell floated away, engines cut, she watched the shots continue to pierce the Gigantic until it was reduced to nothing.

Barely able to catch her breath, she closed her eyes and imagined Kriss' face. A gentle smile on her face as a stray laser found her Skell.

As the White Whale continued heading into the planet, flames covering almost every bit of its surface, Elma, Aeon, Jaynix and the Vita were well within the pull of the planet, their fierce battle showing no signs of stopping.

The Tandem Ares and the Vita's blades carved each other up with every strike, pieces of armor were torn off both Skells as their furious battle continued. Jaynix could see exactly what it was Elma had mentioned earlier, there was something that looked like a...body, beneath the Vita's heavy armor.

The body seemed to be giving off a fierce Dark Matter glow, that didn't matter, she had the point she needed to strike so she was going to.

As she took aim, she looked to her side, to the display status of the Reapers. Every single one of their support units were gone. And the comm lines were completely clear, somewhere in the madness she lost them all.

She heard their voices. Tai and Eren had called for her before the end. She knew it was coming but nothing could prepare her for losing them. For losing all of them.

Her grip on her weapons faltered as she imagined their faces.

"Jaynix."

"Lyla."

"I'm still here...we're still here…"

Jaynix swallowed.

"You don't sound too good…"

Lyla laughed.

"I took a heavy hit. Headshot is in shambles but I'm still here…"

Jaynix focused on the grayed out images of Alto Moore, Sagis Fair, Hideo Kumon, Tai Alistair and Eren Hills.

"It's not fair that we don't have time to mourn them…"

"I can't...they're all...gone…"

Hearing her wife's broken words hurt Jaynix more than any injury she'd ever sustained. The truth of what happened this day was too much for her.

Slowly, Jaynix ran her hand across the images of her comrades. Her family. They deserved so much more, they deserved things she couldn't give them now, there was no time. If she didn't act now, they'd all die and then what? Their sacrifices would be meaningless.

As much as she knew it was the wrong thing to do, she had to hold off, she couldn't process it all at once. It had to wait. It had to.

"Lyla. Do me a favor. Please."

"...what is it, Jaynix?"

Taking a deep breath Jaynix raised her weapons once more, eyes focused on the weak points of the Vita that were now exposed.

"...go back to the White Whale. Find a Lifepod. After starfall, I'll find you."

"Jaynix."

"I will. I swear."

There was silence, Jaynix watched the Ares and Vita continue their desperate struggle, she listened to the determination and desperation in Aeon and Elma's voices.

"Till death do us part. Jaynix."

Doing her best to ignore the solitary tear running down her face, the Fiery Corporal nodded.

"I love you, Lyla."

Determined and seeing her entire purpose, Jaynix shot forward. Letting out a wild war cry she slammed into the Vita, both of her blades sunk themselves deep into its Dark Matter body. The Vita jerked at both impacts, Jaynix could swear she heard some sort of monstrous and pained roar.

"Now!"

She yelled, Elma and Aeon acted immediately, the Ares moving back as several pieces of its back floated into the air and formed three cannons, the wings grew larger, brighter.

"Tandem Ares! Full power!

Elma and Aeon yelled in unison as Jaynix pushed her blades deeper into the Vita.

"Hideo. Sagis. Alto. Tai. Eren. This is for you…"

Elma was waiting for it, the moment they could finish this. They'd fire the Cannon, Jaynix would move out of the way at the last second and they could destroy the Vita. It was all right there, as clear as day.

Jaynix held onto the Vita with all her might when she felt it. Gasping in shock she looked down to see a long shard of Dark Matter. It had extended out of the body of the Vita, through her Skell and through her torso.

Jaynix looked up at the Vita as another shard forced its way through her Skell and her lower body. Crying out in pain she did all she could to tighten her grip on her blades.

"Jaynix? Jaynix!"

Elma called out.

"What's going on? She needs to get out of the way, now!"

Aeon yelled.

Jaynix cursed, staring at the Vita with hatred as another shard of Dark Matter pierced her body. Coughing, she stained the interior of her Skell with more protoplasmic fluids.

"Elma!"

She took as deep a breath as she could.

"You need to fire! Now!"

Elma's eyes widened.

"No. No! Jaynix you-"

"I can't move! I...you have to do it! Now!"

Another shard pierced her body, a pained scream escaped her throat. Elma quickly brought up the diagnostics on Jaynix's Mimesome and saw the intense trauma.

"No. This can't...Jaynix!"

"Elma we have to fire now!"

Aeon yelled.

"I'm...we...no. We can't! It's Jaynix!"

"I know how much she means to you but-"

"No! You don't! She...Jaynix you-"

The Corporal shook her head.

"We don't do the right thing. We don't do the just thing. We don't get to make the decisions we've made...without sacrifice…"

Taking a deep breath, Jaynix spoke.

"Elma. My mission. The Reapers mission. Is to give our lives for the cause. For survival."

Elma remained silent, it felt like time had frozen.

"This is my part to play…"

The Vita began pushing against her Skell, trying to move itself closer to the Ares. Roaring, Jaynix forced Overdrive once more and began pushing back, the pull of the planet moving both Skells farther away from the Tandem Ares.

Elma shook her head, unable to speak until she felt a hand on her shoulder.

Turning she looked to Aeon, there was understanding in his eyes. He knew exactly how much Jaynix meant to her.

He was the only person who did.

Looking back at the two Skells locked to one another, Elma took a deep breath.

There was silence as the Tandem Aghasura Cannon activated, three intense beams of ether flared up and gathered together to form one wide, pure, destructive beam that tore through space.

Jaynix prepared to close her eyes when someone called her name. Turning, Jaynix saw her. Lyla. Headshot. The Skell was in critical condition yet she could tell the Overdrive was still active if only barely.

Jaynix's eyes widened, she shook her head and called out her wife's name as loudly as she could.

Headshot slammed into Firebird with all the force it could muster, the shards of Dark Matter snapped, releasing Jaynix from their hold. Her Skell was pushed just out of reach and she watched as the Aghasura Cannon swallowed Lyla and the Vita.

Screaming her wife's name with everything she had, there was a flash as an enormous explosion erupted from the Vita, the blast sent out a powerful shockwave all across space.

The blast knocked out all of Firebird's power, the Skell was sent spinning and tumbling through space as several of its limbs came off and its armor crumbled.

Shards of Dark Matter shot out of the growing explosion, piercing Firebird and Jaynix within. The pain was beyond anything Jaynix had ever felt.

And just as quickly as it came, it all ceased when something struck her face. She could no longer feel anything.

In the dead silence, everything around her faded to black.

Elma could do nothing but watch in horror as Jaynix's Skell was ripped to pieces and began to burn up in the alien planet's atmosphere, pulled down and through by its intense gravitational forces.

Screams, cries, nothing left her throat. She was shocked into complete silence.

She heard nothing, not even her brother calling out to her, there was fear in his voice.

She didn't see the explosion clear up, she didn't see the new form that the Vita adopted after it shed its bulky armor which now floated behind it. Leaner than ever before and glowing with ominous might the Dark Matter Demon focused its gaze on the frozen Tandem Ares.

It began to move, all the while Aeon continued to call her name, Elma didn't hear it, eyes focused on the point where Jaynix's Skell had vanished from sight.

The connection broke, Aeon's lone Ares took off and away from hers, making first contact with the Vita. Both Skells began a desperate final battle while Elma stood by, unaware of what was happening.

Then something struck her Skell and everything went black.

From the surface of the alien planet, the desperate struggle in the heavens above looked like the most miraculous meteor shower.

It was beautiful.