08/01/20

(Noun) The faculty by which a person decides on and initiates action; control deliberately exerted to do something or to restrain one's own impulses.

Chapter Twenty Eight

Will

August 3rd, 2060

In the Beta Wolf lab, Kruse continued scouring various reports received about the many vehicles currently in use by BLADE all the while he made sure to pinpoint the best aspects of each.

Nodding to himself, he wrote down more notes before looking up at Penta, the other man sat still and quiet looking at his datapad. In front of Penta sat all of his work and notes, barely touched. Kruse's eyes moved past Penta to observe the rest of the lab which was empty, all the other researchers were out for other projects. Kruse enjoyed the relative silence just as much as the chaos.

Clearing his throat, he spoke.

"Penta. Are you alright?"

Not receiving a response, Kruse brought one of his hands up and snapped his fingers. Penta shook his head before looking at his friend.

"Mate. Did you say something?"

"Yeah. I don't know if you know, Penta but you haven't done any work at all. I'm not mad about it but...is something wrong?"

Penta looked at his datapad.

"I...don't know…"

Kruse leaned back in his seat.

"Is it Senti?"

"...maybe...I know she's on a mission but...she's not usually this quiet."

Kruse chuckled.

"Don't we know it...she always finds time to message you. I think she's gotten in trouble for that in the past. Not that anyone dares to interrupt the lovely couple."

Penta smiled.

"Yeah...the honeymoon phase never ended…"

Kruse kept silent as Penta looked over the messages that abruptly came to a stop.

"That mission they went on…"

"She's been on it before. They're looking for a new Tyrant. Nothing groundbreaking but it's something that has to be done."

Penta nodded, preparing to type up a message when he thought against it.

"I know we turn off BLADE notifications while we're here but...just this once."

Kruse smiled.

"She's your wife, Penta. Of course."

Nodding, Penta continued messing with his datapad. While he did spend most of his time researching and working on projects, Penta was fully combat trained and a rather effective BLADE. When he needed materials for projects he would rather go out and get them himself.

Kruse watched Penta's expression as he looked through the information before him.

"BLADE Alert Level 1...isn't that…"

At Penta's silence, Kruse thought back. There was only one mission that reached Alert Level 1 in the past and that was for the final battle against the Remnants. What was going on?

"It's an immediate order for Skell pilots to deploy to Primordia. The coordinates…"

Penta's eyes widened, before Kruse could say anything the man stood up, throwing his chair down behind him and moving towards the exit.

"Penta! What is it?"

"The Level 1 order, it's indicating the exact site that Senti went to. She's in danger."

Kruse thought briefly about the mission, it wasn't just Senti. Boze, Elysia, Mavis, Shun, Frye, Raymond and Elma were out there as well. If something happened to Senti it was possible the others were at risk.

Kruse followed Penta out of the building, his chair falling to the ground as well.

Kruse came to a stop as Penta took off, far faster than the young wolf was prepared for.

"We can't go unarmed! Penta, wait!"

His friend vanished around the corner, Kruse needed to arm himself, he had to trust Penta to do the same despite his desperation.

Quickly, Kruse took off towards his home. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest, nerves and sweat beginning to build as he realized what it is he was attempting to do.

Bursting into his home, he made his way to the back as a voice called out to him.

"Dad? Are you okay?"

Not responding, Kruse continued on his way, reaching the storage room he hadn't stepping inside at all for the last few years. Opening it up, he stared at the box with the BLADE and Harrier logos emblazoned atop of it.

Bending down, he opened it up, staring at his old gear still in pristine condition.

Reaching out, he found his hand frozen before it could grasp his photon saber. His entire body ran cold, sweat dripping as he tried to force himself.

He could barely make out the concerned calls of a young boy. A door opened, footsteps approaching. A soothing voice filled the silence before drawing closer.

"Kruse."

Still reaching for his weapon, Kruse wasn't sure how much time passed before he let his hand fall to his side.

"I...I can't…"

Slowly, he turned to the woman at his side.

"Harriet I-"

"It's alright, Kruse. No need to say anything else."

Kneeling down next to him she put a hand on his back, staring into his eyes.

"It's okay…"

Kruse looked to his old gear once more before closing his eyes, Harriet embraced him as the boy moved closer.

"Mom. Is...is Dad okay?"

"He will be, dear...he will be."

Holding a hand out, Harriet gestured for the boy to join them, his ears hung low and even his tail dragged across the ground as he bent down to hug his father.

"It's alright Go. He's alright."

The dark of night flooded NLA, drowning the city in silence. The Beta Wolf lab remained in much the same condition as Kruse and Penta had left it, disorganized.

However, the silence that followed was soon interrupted as something old came to life.

A steady flow of beeps emanated from a device in one of Kruse's drawers, buried under stacks of papers and all sorts of other tools.

Not far from the lab, was Kruse's spare equipment warehouse that he and Penta had looted not long ago. At the back of the warehouse was the source of the tones. The device Kriss had crafted years ago was doing the same job it's always done, scanning for something very few people even believe still existed.

A light on the machine came on and started blinking followed by mechanical whirring. Signals began to emanate, various tones and beeps followed suit. The machine continued to respond, having found that which has eluded it for so long.

However, it was only for a handful of minutes before the tones faded away and the device deactivated.

Silence returned to the warehouse.

Undisturbed.

NLA Administrative District

One hour before

"...a bit. Do me a favor and make a call to BLADE Tower for a fourth team. A Skell Team."

Hearing Shun's request, Gu Ladha struggled with her words, concern was forming deep in her stomach.

"...Shun...what's going on?"

"We're not sure. Our teams were exploring a tunnel system when Elysia made the call to retreat. This entire situation is...there is more at play here. The cavern just collapsed so we can't go back in and we can't get in touch with Elma's team."

Gu Ladha leaned back against a wall, her gaze moved to one of her teammates, Gi Zang who had been listening to the entire conversation. His eyes were closed but there was a notable grimace on his face.

Taking a deep breath, Gu Ladha replied.

"Alright. I'll talk to Nagi myself and see if we can skip all the formalities. Sounds like you need the help ASAP."

"We do. Thank you, Gu Ladha."

Ending the call, she shook her head and began walking back to BLADE Tower with Gi Zang right on her tail.

"Captain? Are we not moving out?"

Gu Ladha shook her head before turning to address her other teammate.

"Not yet, Mia."

Rushing to the Wrothian's side, Mia took a deep breath.

"Did the mission conclude? Did we win? Or-"

Gu Ladha stopped walking. The younger woman made note of her expression.

"What should Erick and I do?"

"Get all our gear into the transport and prepare to head out as soon as we get back."

Mia saluted and took off, tapping the last member of their team, Erick along the back and signaling for him to follow. Turning to Gi Zang, Gu Ladha nodded once more and began sprinting towards BLADE Tower.

Out in Primordia, Boze, Shun, Elysia and Mavis continued walking the perimeter of the collapsed mountain. Nova was in the lead, running from point to point but finding nothing to report back to the group.

On any other day, on any other assignment, the long silences would be broken by a joke or casual conversation however none of the BLADEs were looking for that comfort at the moment, instead worry was evident on all of their faces.

Nova came to a sudden stop, tail sticking straight up. Elysia and Mavis rushed to the cat's side as Boze and Shun tightened their grips on their weapons.

Mavis pointed towards the mountain to an opening that was only half collapsed.

Shun shook his head.

"That'll be a tight fit for us Boze."

"We'll have to make it work. We aren't splitting up."

Boze's gaze moved to Nova who was looking all around them, tail still up and alert.

"Is he alright?"

Before Elysia could respond, the group heard it. A loud, horrifying, foreign roar from the depths of the cave. Nova let out a loud meow in response as the ground began to shake.

Mavis stood up straight, holding her weapon at the ready as the boulders around the group began to move.

Elysia spun both her blades as Nova stood in between her legs, watching the Indigens reveal themselves.

"Cinicula!"

"Everyone to combat!"

Boze's voice boomed as the Indigens began to screech to the skies above. Boze and Elysia shot towards the one in front while Shun and Mavis turned to the one behind them. All BLADEs made note of another pair rousing from their slumber as well.

The fight would be long and hard but they had to win.

"That was all Shun told you?"

"That's all he knew, Director."

Nagi brought a hand to his chin upon hearing Gu Ladha's report. Retrieving his datapad he sent out an alert.

BLADE Alert Level 1

5 Star Subjugation Mission

Skell Pilots Needed ASAP

Coordinates as Follows

"I've sent the mission to all available hands. A team will form and head out to the last place we pinged any of the active member's datapads."

"Thank you sir, we should get going as well."

Gu Ladha turned to leave as Nagi continued to look out the window over NLA.

Something about all this left him feeling anxious. He wasn't sure why but he could only hope that it would work out.

However, after four years on this planet he knew better than to expect an easy victory. Shaking his head he moved toward his desk and began inputting commands on the holographic keyboard before opening three calls.

"Lyle Stevens. Mabel Eros. Geoff Parker."

"Yes Director."

The first man responded as the others bowed their heads.

"I trust you received the mission alert."

"We have."

"Prepare your Skells, I'll meet you at the Knights Hangar."

The three bowed their heads once more before signing off.

Nagi looked from his control console to the wall behind his desk and to his dutiful katana mounted on the wall.

Clenching his hands into fists, he fought back that dread and took a step towards his oldest ally.

Gu Ladha and Gi Zang ran out of the Tower with only one objective in mind. However, both Wrothians came to an immediate halt to prevent themselves from toppling over a BLADE who was running directly towards them.

Gi Zang shook his head.

"Phog? What brings you here?"

The man bent forward, hands on his knees as he caught his breath.

"I'm coming with you."

Gu Ladha stepped forward.

"No. Absolutely not. This-"

"We don't have time! Level 1? Urgent right? ASAP? My brother is out there!"

Gu Ladha tried to say something else when Gi Zang put a hand on her shoulder.

"Either we try to stop him and he goes anyway or we bring him with us."

Taking a deep breath, Gu Ladha nodded.

"Very well, we're short on time as it is. You have all of your gear I trust?"

"Yeah. I do."

"Then let us go."

The Wrothians took off towards the West Gate with Phog taking a deep breath before following behind, running faster than he's ever run before.

"Please be okay, Frye...please."

The Ciniculas attempted to step on the BLADEs gathered before them but they all dodged and weaved between the massive creatures' legs. Nova climbed up and onto Elysia's back as she shot towards a high cliff. Jumping as high as she could she yelled for Nova to go, the cat jumped off her back and up the cliff.

Landing, Elysia turned as a Cinicula barreled towards her. Sniper shots from Boze struck the side of the creature, turning its attention towards him as he hurled his javelin through the air, the weapon embedding itself into the beast's back.

As it screeched, Elysia kicked off the cliff wall behind her and leapt onto the Cinicula's back. Quickly, she began hacking away at the beast's hide with her blades. With an ear piercing screech the Cinicula began charging towards Boze who moved away while firing on it with his sniper. Every shot made a notable impact but the Indigen kept moving.

The second Cinicula drew closer to the battle, opening its mouth and screeching. Elysia turned and saw a light forming in its mouth. As she prepared to jump, she spotted Boze's javelin still buried in the beast's hide. Sheathing her blades she took hold of the javelin and leapt off the back of the Indigen, tearing the weapon free.

Hitting the ground hard, she rolled to her feet and looked up to see the stream of ether shoot through the sky.

Boze switched his target to the second Cinicula, firing on it as it closed its mouth and turned to him.

"Bird!"

Elysia ran from the first beast, sliding across the ground as its leg swung by in an attempt to clip her. Standing once more, she threw Boze's javelin back to him. Snatching it out of the air he threw himself out of range of the Cinicula's vicious stomping.

Drawing her guns, Elysia fired on the Cinicula as Boze stood up and buried the javelin in its leg. The beast screeched as Overdrive lit up Boze's body. With a savage roar, he twisted his weapon and tore it free, blood flowing from the open wound and forcing the beast to stumble away.

Spinning his weapon about and cleaning the blood off of it, Boze leapt away, the other Cinicula stomping on nothing before firing off another laser. Boze called out to Elysia who dodged and fired, never letting up her focus on the creatures before her.

Not far from the pair, Shun and Mavis dove aside as two Cinicula crashed into the ground where they were once standing.

"Mavis!"

The younger woman nodded and jumped into the air, Shun pressed his hand against her back, shoved her through the air and onto one of the Cinicula just as the other two turned to face Shun.

Arming both guns, Shun began running, firing on the Indigens to keep their attention on him. As he did this, he moved his gaze to Mavis who raised her javelin high and buried it in the Cinicula's back.

The two chasing Shun came to a halt and opened their mouths, two powerful ether beams shot forward, tearing through the earth around Shun as he dove aside and swapped to his photon saber.

Igniting the blade he charged both Ciniculas as the ether beams continued to sear across the landscape. Jumping high into the air, Shun roared as a light covered his blade and the weapon grew in length.

"Galactic Cataclysm!"

The giant blade of light tore through one of the Ciniculas, pieces of its body falling to the ground as it screeched in pain.

Shun turned just as the second Cinicula's leg shot forward and struck him full force, sending him skipping across the ground and into a boulder.

"Shun!"

Mavis tore her javelin from the back of the Cinicula and leapt off, rolling to her feet in front of the Cinicula as it charged the fallen Shun. Spinning the javelin, she held one arm forward, aiming.

"Hey!"

The Cinicula stopped briefly just as Mavis threw the javelin with all her might, the weapon flew right into the Cinicula's mouth before it could fire off another ether beam, blood poured freely from its torn mouth as the beast shook itself and turned away from both BLADEs, the javelin dislodging and falling to the ground below.

Mavis drew her guns and opened fire on the other two as she neared Shun.

"You alright?"

"I will be once they're all dead."

Shun charged past Mavis, his photon saber flashing as it cut through leg after leg of the massive Indigens.

Mavis dove aside once more as the third Cinicula with the broken jaw returned to the fray, taking its frustration out on the closer BLADE.

Spotting her javelin, she charged for it, grabbing it as she rolled across the ground and pressing her hand against the weapon's edge which gave off a faint glow in response.

The Cinicula raised its leg and stomped onto the ground near Mavis, knocking her off her feet. Shun fired on the beast to pull its attention once more as beams of ether cut through the ground around him, one of the blasts making contact with him and throwing him aside once more.

On her feet Mavis threw her javelin, the weapon stuck into the side of the Cinicula's head and gave off a fierce glow before an ether blast discharged, taking off the Indigen's head. The javelin was ejected from the indigen's corpse and tumbled through the air, Mavis leaping up after it, catching it just as a Cinicula charged and slammed into her.

Elysia and Boze turned upon seeing Mavis crash into the ground, followed by the first of five Cinicula dropping dead.

"Boulder! Pebble!"

"We have to assist them, Boze!"

The Mad Monk nodded, disengaging from his Cinicula just as Elysia did the same, both of them moving towards their allies. Boze scooped Mavis off of the ground and kept running as Elysia roused Shun from his dazed state.

The four Cinicula continued to pursue them, beams of ether tearing up the ground all around them.

"Boze!"

"I know Bird!"

Turning, Boze fired one shot causing a Cinicula to stumble back but the other three kept coming, screeching all the while.

"Get down!"

Hearing the burst of an engine, Boze dropped to the earth, Elysia doing the same and bringing Shun down with her as a Skell shot overhead.

Cannons began firing and explosions riddled the hides of the Cinicula, diverting their attention upward as another Skell descended from above, this one with a massive blade cleaved a Cinicula apart, the corpse falling to the ground as the three remaining fired more beams of ether into the sky.

"Boze...is that…?"

With a chuckle, Boze stood up once more, helping Mavis to her feet.

"Reinforcements. All thanks to Boulder."

Drawing his javelin, Boze smirked.

"I'm not about to sit this one out...are you?"

Mavis shook her head, with her weapon at the ready she charged behind Boze as he yelled with all his might.

"KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATSU!"

Shun shook himself off, standing to see Boze and Mavis bury their weapons in the leg of one of the Indigens. The two Skells above continued to rain fire upon the other Cinicula, bits of their shells and hide falling freely to the ground below.

"That got a little sticky."

Elysia nodded.

"These Cinicula are far more aggressive than they should be…"

"Probably for the same reason the Grexes and Blattas weren't acting like themselves."

Shun commented as he ignited his photon saber once more.

"We'll have our answers...but we need these things dead and we need to get into that cavern."

Shun turned to see Elysia spin both her blades and charge into battle. With a small chuckle, he followed suit.

As the BLADEs engaged the Indigens once more with the assistance of two Skells, they all held onto the hope of reuniting with their allies.

"Jaybird."

"Yeah?"

"Hmm…"

Jaynix turned to Frye, now giving the man her full attention.

"It's not like you to chicken out of asking a question. What's up?"

"The more I sound out the question in my head, the more inappropriate it sounds."

Jaynix rolled her eyes.

"How many times do I have to tell you? I'm married."

Frye laughed.

"Not that Jaybird. I know that…"

"Then?"

After a while, he shook his head.

"Nevermind."

"Now it's gonna bug me."

The pair stood out in the Lawless Sectors, a massive building behind them being the source of highly illicit contraband. Frye had gotten a hold of a mission and asked Jaynix along specifically.

"Y'know Frye, we could have one chat with Kumon and you'd be in with the Reapers."

"Really? That easy? I thought it was an exclusive club."

Jaynix laughed.

"Club? No. We just do what's necessary...and we have no qualms about it. I've worked with you enough to know you have that same drive."

"Hah. I'm flattered...but my old man isn't fond of me traipsing about the Lawless Sectors at all, doubt he'd want me to make a career out of it."

Jaynix looked back at the building.

"What does he want from you?"

Frye looked down at his rifle, specifically the ammo count readout.

"Ah y'know. The same thing all older, worldly instructors want for their pupils...more."

Jaynix raised an eyebrow.

"That's not really an answer."

"Of course it isn't...the way he says it...he wants me to achieve something...more. With my life. More than just protecting someone and definitely more than just killing someone."

Jaynix sighed.

"Sorry to say but Michael seems to have forgotten one of the major tenants that all protectors know. You are a sword to strike down those that do harm...and you are a shield to defend those in harm's way. There is no third answer. No alternate route. You kill to protect or you protect to kill."

Frye fell silent, casting a gaze at Jaynix who was staring straight ahead, he could see it then. A deep hatred. A deep anger burning in her one eye.

It was no secret that Jaynix had a desire to strike one specific man down and she wouldn't rest until she accomplished her goal.

Frye reached over and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Answer me this Jaybird...when you've killed, killed and killed until there's nothing left to kill...what will you do?"

"Protect."

Jaynix looked to Frye.

"And sorry to say but there will always be something to kill."

"Is that our nature?"

Jaynix stared at Frye for a long moment before laughing.

"What the hell are we doing? Philosophy? Since when do we get into this? We're drinking buddies!"

Frye rolled his eyes.

"I don't know about reducing our entire relationship to just drinking buddies but maybe you're right...we have a job to do right now. May as well get it done."

Jaynix looked away, sighing.

"I'll think about it."

"I've already forgotten what we were talking about."

Jaynix punched Frye's shoulder, laughter escaping and a bright smile on her face. An image Frye wouldn't forget.

The pain had dulled all of his other senses, everything was a blur, sound was distorted, he was surrounded with nowhere to go.

Frye coughed before looking up at Elma, her blade held at the ready. He then heard clicks from Senti and Raymond, their guns trained on him from behind.

Slowly, Frye moved his one hand away from the remains of his other arm. He kept his blurry gaze on Elma before him as his hand continued to travel down his leg to his boot.

"I am sorry about this, Elma. It's nothing personal."

Elma took one step forward and her blade flashed as Frye pulled his knife from his boot and lunged forward, burying the blade in Elma's leg and twisting, forcing her to one knee. Standing, he hooked his one arm around her neck and held her in front of him as Senti and Raymond continued to aim their weapons at him.

"Alright you bitch of a Chimera. Kill us. I don't need to be in your disgusting mind to know you can't afford to lose Elma. I beat your Control so go ahead. Try me! I'll snap her neck before you even have a chance to kill me and then what!?"

Low growls escaped the Chimera as Elma struggled against Frye's grip. He tightened his hold on her, Overdrive beginning to flow through his body though nowhere near the intensity he needed to follow up on his threat.

Frye's gaze moved to his discarded arm and blade, then to his gatling gun sitting near the entrance to the small cavern they were all in.

He had one option, it was a bad option but every other choice was worse.

Closing his eyes, he focused on what little Overdrive remained and began moving. Pulling Elma along was hard as she continued to struggle but he couldn't release her, not yet.

Frye glanced over at Senti and Raymond who were keeping their distance, weapons still trained on him. Frye then directed his attention to his gatling gun, all he needed was one small component. He had to believe that he was fast enough to get it even though everything told him that he wasn't.

"Elma, I don't know if you can hear me but...I forgive you."

Coming to a stop, he looked at Senti and Raymond once more.

"I forgive all of you…"

Taking a deep breath, he made his move. First, he released Elma before taking her ether gun off of her. Just as she began to turn around, he brought one leg up and kicked her in the back with all the force he could muster, throwing her to the ground.

Senti and Raymond pulled their triggers as Frye held the gun forward, the pieces expanding as the ether charged. Both BLADEs only got off a few shots, but Frye felt each and every one as he fired back on them. The powerful pulse wave threw Senti and Raymond off their feet and onto their backs, their weapons were knocked from their grips and fell to the cavern floor.

These were the only seconds Frye was going to get. Hooking the ether gun to his belt, he bent down and reached into his gatling gun. It didn't take long to find the device he was looking for, with less than no time he couldn't afford finesse so he simply tore it out of the weapon and began running.

His body tried to fight him every step of the way, but he ignored it, focusing only on his legs as he shot towards the makeshift entrance. The Chimera let loose a terrible cry as Senti and Raymond got up once more, watching Frye reach his destination.

Elma picked up Raymond's fallen assault rifle and turned, despite the distance and Frye's speed, she fired.

Frye left the cavern just as he was shot in the back several times, the force of the strikes causing him to stumble and crash into the wall. Overdrive left him immediately as he slid to the ground and coughed, the pain wracking his entire body.

Cursing, he looked into the cavern to see Elma heading his way, weapon trained on his fallen form.

Looking down at his hand, he opened it up to reveal the trigger he took from his gatling gun. There was no time to think, not anymore.

Pressing the button, the command was sent out and his gatling gun came to life, firing off the missiles it still had in random directions causing Senti and Raymond to dive for cover as the projectiles shot all across the cavern and detonated on impact.

The entire structure around them shook and groaned as a fierce light began to emanate from the gatling gun.

Frye saw Elma turn to it briefly before focusing her attention on him once more and charging towards him, she opened fire just as his gatling gun self-destructed.

Whatever missiles remained inside the gatling gun all went off at the same time, a chain of explosions caused the cavern and the entire mountain to collapse, all the while the Chimera let loose more of its horrific cries.

Shun turned off his photon saber, staring at the corpses of the Ciniculas before him. Taking a deep breath he turned his attention to the rest of the team.

"We all good?"

They all nodded, Boze turning to the Skells as they landed.

"Thanks for the assist."

The Skells kneeled down, cockpits popping open.

"It is barely a trifle my friends, I saw no reason to ignore Nagi's call to arms."

Mavis tilted her head.

"L? Not who I expected."

The Xenoform smiled.

"I aim to surprise and delight."

"I'm so glad we made it on time."

The other pilot, a woman said. Relief in her voice. Elysia pointed at her.

"Misha! Gosh it's so good to see you."

The woman bowed her head, long black hair falling over her shoulders before her bright blue eyes focused on Elysia.

"Once I learned who it was that was stuck out here, I had to help. What do we do now?"

Boze gestured towards the half collapsed entrance.

"We can use the Skells to clear the rubble and get in there. Elma's team is still MIA."

Misha and L nodded, cockpits closing up as the Skells stood once more.

Mavis turned from the group.

"You guys hear that?"

The BLADEs spotted a transport heading their way at full speed. The vehicle came to a halt near them, the driver poking her head out of the window.

"Shun, Boze, Ely, Mav, y'all good?"

Shun sighed in relief.

"Mia. Yeah, we're good. Gu Ladha! Thanks for the fast response."

The doors opened, Gu Ladha and Gi Zang stepping out of the vehicle.

"I only wish we were faster. Seems you cleaned up the issue."

Boze shook his head.

"Only one. We've got more work to do."

The BLADEs turned to see L and Misha's Skells working on the rubble as quickly as they could yet doing their best to avoid another collapse.

"I've been scanning for any kind of response from Elma, Frye, Senti and Raymond's datapads…"

Gu Ladha looked over to Erick as he stepped out of the vehicle, eyes glued to his own datapad.

"I'm guessing you've got nothing?"

Erick shrugged.

"I can't contact them but I do have their Mimeosome tracking signals."

Gi Zang raised an eyebrow.

"Isn't that confidential information?"

"Doesn't matter."

Shun stated quickly as Boze spoke up.

"They're in there, right?"

Erick nodded.

"All four signals are in there but...they're distorted."

Gu Ladha moved towards Erick to look at his datapad.

"What do you mean?"

"It's hard to say but their Mimeosomes have been...I don't know...altered somehow. Three of them anyway. Frye is…"

Phog stepped out of the vehicle at that point, turning to the rest of the group. Boze moving forward.

"Phog...why the hell did you bring him here?"

"I didn't want to but he left me no choice!"

Gu Ladha yelled back as Boze neared them.

"No choice? You outrank him! We all do!"

"I don't care!"

Boze fell silent, Gu Ladha's retort cut off by Phog.

"I don't care if I get in trouble or...anything...my brother is in danger. So I'm here."

Boze sighed, turning away. Anything else that the BLADEs were going to say was interrupted by a series of explosions. The group all looked to the mountain as Misha yelled something out. Both Skells took to the skies as another series of explosions shook the area.

The BLADEs all watched as the mountain collapsed in on itself and the one entrance that they found, crumbled into nothing.

Frye and Jaynix walked through the gates and back into Noah's Cradle in silence. Frye cast her one look, seeing the bloodstains all over her face and armor. After the deed had been done, she'd reported it in and started on her way back.

While it was hard to keep clean out in the Lawless Sectors, Jaynix didn't even try. Frye had wiped away everything he could, yet she seemed...comfortable like that. The look in her eye told a different story.

The pair came to a stop at the edge of the military district home to all sorts of assorted barracks as well as Frye's personal quarters.

The silence between them stretched on.

"Is there something you wish to say?"

Frye shrugged.

"Not really Jaybird...it's none of my business…"

It was an obvious lie. So much so he couldn't help but laugh. Once he settled, he turned to face her.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

Jaynix smiled.

"No."

Frye could only nod.

"You know we aren't just drinking buddies, Jaybird. We're friends. And I know you're closer to the Reapers, obviously. They're probably the best listeners in the world and you've got your wife I just…"

Falling silent, Frye thought his words over.

"I just want you to promise me that you're using those resources."

"I am...every day…"

Frye nodded once more.

"Good. That's good…I'd like you to outlive me Jaybird."

She smiled, it was small but it was there.

"Given how much you drink, I'm certain that's the easiest task I've ever been given."

"I'm not joking you ass."

The pair laughed. What an odd sight that must be to any random passerby. The Killer Ostrich, usually drunk off his ass and the Bloodstained Corporal, covered with the remains of her enemies. Laughing. Casually and loudly.

Reaching into his vest, Frye pulled out his flask and took a long drink before holding it out to Jaynix.

"You know I hate your taste in alcohol, Frye."

He shrugged. Relenting, she took it from him and swallowed the rest. Handing it back she made a vaguely pained grimace.

"How do you drink that shit."

"That's a Christoph secret, Jaybird."

"Frye! Jaynix!"

The pair looked up to see Elma approaching. Frye noted vague worry in Jaynix's expression as Elma came to a stop in front of them.

"I saw the report. Good job. Both of you."

Frye saluted.

"Of course Colonel."

Elma's gaze moved to Jaynix, both women stared at one another for a moment. Frye could swear they had an entire conversation using nothing but their eyes.

"Well then...I should get back to the Reapers. Thanks again Frye."

"Anytime, Jaybird."

Jaynix turned and started walking away. Frye looked at Elma and shrugged.

"She's far better company than I am. We both know that."

"Don't sell yourself short Frye. You know I enjoy your company."

Frye chuckled.

"That I do. You trust me too, for reasons that still escape me."

"Maybe I just enjoy having someone to do the tricky jobs."

Frye shrugged.

"Well, Colonel. If you ever need me for any tricky job, know that I'll always be there. Call in the favor as many times as you need it."

"And what do you want in return Frye?"

The man laughed.

"Have I ever asked for anything before? I help out of the goodness of my own pure heart."

Elma laughed at that, thanking Frye once more before focusing again on Jaynix's retreating form.

"...Colonel...she's fine."

"I know."

"She has us."

Elma nodded.

"I know…"

There was silence in Primordia as the dark of night began to flood the vast plains. All of the BLADEs moved away from the collapsed mountain, unsure of what to expect. The sudden destruction and the eerie silence that followed left everyone on edge.

Gu Ladha's ears twitched, leading to her turning from the mountain towards the far end of the plains she had arrived from. In the distance she could see the headlights of another transport.

"More backup...I would have preferred more Skells…"

Gi Zang moved forward, drawing his blade as a bit of rubble fell from its place and hit the ground.

"I'd be more concerned with what lies in wait before us."

Gu Ladha nodded before glancing over at Mia and Erick, signaling for them to form up.

Not far from the group, Boze stood with his hands holding onto his javelin tighter than ever before.

"Elma. Frye. Senti. Ray."

Mavis stepped closer and put a hand on his arm. Turning to his smaller companion, Boze saw the look in her eyes. He trusted the other team, of course. But nothing today had occurred as planned. Far from it in fact.

Shun and Elyisa took several steps forward, keeping their guard up while Misha and L's Skells moved past the group, closer to the mountain of rubble.

The vehicle thundering across the plains skidded to a halt as the one BLADE leapt out and ran towards the group.

"Where is she!?"

Gu Ladha turned to the man and raised one of her arms.

"Be silent!"

"Where is my wife!?"

Shun looked in the direction of the new arrival.

"It's Penta…"

Elysia twitched, the wings on her head folding back as she heard what sounded like a very low growl.

"Penta, we don't know. Please calm down."

Gi Zang moved forward slowly, holding his arms up as Penta looked around the field, desperate.

Several more bits of rubble rolled down the mountain of debris, drawing Phog's attention.

Then he heard it too, the growl. His gaze moved from the mountain to Elysia who was looking right at him.

Then came the roar, a vile, loud and echo filled roar as the rubble exploded, debris of all shapes and sizes thrown far and away, forcing the BLADEs to pull back as L and Misha's Skells opened fire, destroying the larger chunks of debris.

Another explosion followed suit as something seemed to tear itself out of the very earth. The beast stood atop the rubble and let loose another terrifying howl, the moonlit night showed off its hideous body in it's full and terrible glory, all the BLADEs recoiled in shock as it's many eyes looked among the crowd gathered before it.

L spoke first.

"A Chimera."

Everything clicked in Elysia's mind at that moment.

"It all makes sense now."

Boze narrowed his eyes.

"A Chimera? As in a product of the Lifehold?"

Gu Ladha drew her spear, the blade lighting up as she dropped into her stance.

"No time for questions, here it comes!"

The Chimera charged towards the gathered BLADEs who all broke off into their teams and evaded its first strike, the beast slid across the earth, tails whipping about behind it as it howled once more.

Soon, a chorus of foreign howls joined its cries. Phog turned away from the giant creature, recognizing the sounds.

"Grexes. A pack is coming."

"It's Control! This thing can bend any creature to its will!"

Elysia called out as the ground began to shake once more, familiar screeches filling the air.

Misha and L's Skells began to float into the air, surveying their surroundings.

"I'm detecting about six large signals heading towards us. Cinicula."

Shun shook his head.

"More. Of course."

The Chimera stood on its hind legs and roared louder than ever before, more foreign howls and cries filling the darkness around the BLADEs.

Boze put a hand on Elysia's shoulder.

"What are those?"

Elysia closed her eyes and focused on the Indigen calls.

"It sounds like Vespers...it's even rousing Suids from their sleep. It's calling on everything in the ecosystem."

Boze cursed as Misha's Skell shot towards the Chimera.

"Let's kill it before it calls on a Milesaur!"

The Chimera turned just as the Skell slammed into it, throwing it across the earth. The first group of Grexes and Suids emerged from the darkness as Vespers flew across the night sky.

Gu Ladha turned to the BLADEs around her.

"Gi Zang. Mia. Erick. Phog. Penta. We fight. For our allies."

The BLADEs all nodded and launched into battle as Boze's voice rang out across the field.

"We will not fold! This is our mission and we shall see it through! To battle!"

Overdrive flowing through his body, Boze shot towards two charging Suid. Letting out a fierce war cry, he slammed into them and pushed them back. As they shook themselves off, he buried his javelin deep in one of their heads, twisting and tearing the weapon free of the corpse.

Mavis ran past him towards the second Suid, firing on it relentlessly as it fell over, leaving itself open for Boze to impale it as well.

Three Grexes approached the pair forcing them back as Shun leapt over his allies and landed behind the Grexes, swinging about as he cut through one of their tails.

Boze and Mavis evaded their gnashing teeth while one Grex turned to strike Shun. Elysia leapt onto its back and buried her blades in its body. The Indigen howled and took off across the plains attempting to buck Elysia off.

A pair of Cinicula drew close to the team only for L's Skell to crash into the ground nearby. Drawing two blades the Skell began to tear through the creature's hides. Both beasts unleashed ether beams on L's Skell, pushing him back.

L's Skell slammed its legs into the ground, preventing itself from sliding farther back as Mavis and Shun cleared the way, the smaller Indigen retreating from the hulking mech.

Engines firing at full force, L launched his Skell forward, striking both Cinicula. One of the massive Indigen was thrown off its legs and down onto its side.

As it crashed onto the ground, Boze evaded its flailing legs and used his javelin to stop a Grex's sudden strike, the Indigen's claw bouncing off his weapon.

Spinning the javelin, Boze roared and launched forward, sliding the weapon into the Grex's open maw as it roared at him. Just as quickly the roar was cut off as the javelin tore through the beast's inside.

Tearing his weapon free again, Boze turned as several Suids crashed into him and threw him to the ground. Nearby Mavis evaded a Grex's wild strikes, seizing the opportunity to strike at it's hide with her javelin only for one of the Suids that ran over Boze to crash into her, throwing her to the ground as well.

Elysia's rampaging Grex returned to the battle, ramming into every Indigen along the way before the BLADE leapt off of it. Swapping to her guns she spun around and fired in all directions, the fallen Indigen around taking all the ether bullets and howling in pain.

Coming to a halt she fired one focused shot on the rampaging Grex's back legs causing it to fall over and slide across the ground, coming to a stop in front of Shun.

Turning to the fallen beast, Shun buried his blade in its head, silencing it.

Tearing his weapon free he charged towards an oncoming Suid, roaring as Overdrive covered his body and tackling the beast to the ground, ripping its body open with his blade.

Swapping to his dual guns, Shun opened fire on another group of Grexes heading right for him. Cursing he leapt back towards Elysia who glanced up into the sky.

"Above!"

Elysia called out, allowing Shun to roll away from several Vespers diving down from the night sky. Another group of Suids emerged from the darkness headed right towards the four BLADEs. Elysia jumped over the creatures with ease as Boze got to his feet and helped Mavis up.

Both BLADEs spun their javelins, Mavis charging forward as Boze let his weapon fly. Leaping into the air, Mavis landed on top of a Suid and buried her javelin in its back as Boze's javelin impaled a Vesper, which fell from the sky and hit the ground, dead.

Mavis tore her weapon free and leapt off the Indigen which fell over and began kicking its feet wildly. Boze silenced the beast with a single sniper shot before turning his attention to the many creatures flitting about the night sky.

Aiming his rifle he opened fire and for each shot, another Vesper fell to the ground, twitching before falling silent and still.

Elysia and Shun maintained their fire on several approaching Grexes. Shun turned upon hearing a loud screech, just in time to see a Cinicula falling over. Quickly, he leapt aside, Elysia following his lead as the Cinicula crashed into the ground, dead.

Standing near it was L's Skell who continued his assault on the second Cinicula, cutting its legs off before burying his blades deep into its hide.

Not far from the group, Misha took to the night sky and unloaded all of her Skell's firepower on the Chimera which screeched in fury as its eyes opened wide. Beams of ether sliced through the night and Misha's Skell, the damage forcing her to the ground where the Chimera charged and slammed into her.

"L! Support her! We can handle this!"

Shun yelled. Without a word, L shot away from the battle and slammed into the Chimera from the side. Misha thanked him as he continued his assault, his Skell's blades cutting through the hideous beast's body, drawing only more ire.

Shun looked back at Mavis, Elysia and Boze. For every Indigen that fell before the BLADEs, more emerged from the night. Drawing his photon saber once more, Shun took a deep breath.

They'd fight. For as long as it took.

Far from the group on the other side of the collapsed mountain, Gu Ladha's spear cut through the night, the glowing weapon tearing Suids apart with ease. Gi Zang shot into the sky, his blade a blur as it sliced Vespers to bits.

Landing with ease, Gi Zang turned and slashed through a charging Grex, his blade leaving a deep, thorough cut along the beast's hide. As it wailed in pain, Gi Zang shot after it and sliced it apart, the beast falling dead.

Letting out a long breath, Gi Zang turned and charged once more, leaping over Gu Ladha as she buried her spear in a fallen Suid. Tearing the weapon free and spinning it about, she began a sort of dance, evading an oncoming Grex's claw and tail.

Stopping herself by slamming one of her feet into the ground she raised her spear high, the end of the weapon flashing as she swung. A wave of cutting ether seared through the night and struck down the Grex with ease.

The two Wrothians continued to hold off the Indigen horde with fierce efficiency as the BLADEs hung back, surrounded by Grexes while three Cinicula drew closer.

Erick got in front of Mia and deployed his shield. The Cinicula directly in front of them fired off an ether beam as Erick activated his shield, a shell of ether covering his weapon and breaking apart the Cinicula's beam, keeping him and Mia safe.

Erick could feel the force of the beam attempting to push it back and so he let out a fierce yell as he maintained his stance, all the while Mia's raygun charged to full power.

Once the Cinicula's attack ceased, he moved aside allowing Mia to step forward.

"Eat this!"

A highly concentrated laser shot forward, burning through the Cinicula's head before the ether burst, decapitating the creature in one move.

With her assault done, a pair of Grexes seized the opportunity and charged forward. Phog cut them off, his dual blades tearing across their hides and forcing them back.

Erick and Mia thanked him with the latter charging her raygun once more while Erick turned and slammed his shield into a charging Suid with all his might, the creature was thrown to the ground, screeching in pain.

Phog flipped away from a Grex's furious assault, landing with ease and ducking under another Indigen's wild attack. As he kept them at bay, he noticed someone charging past him. Furious and desperate.

"Penta! Maintain defensive position! Penta!"

Penta roared in anger, swinging his longsword with all his might and finding flesh every time. Every monster he passed folded to his single minded desperate desire.

"Penta! Listen to Phog! You have to stay close to the group!"

Mia called out as Erick stepped in front of her, a Grex slamming itself into his shield.

Penta heard nothing as he leapt into the air, his blade cutting across a Cinicula's hide. Landing and activating Overdrive he swung about, a deep cut forming along the Cinicula's leg and causing it to screech in pain.

Grexes charged from behind and Vespers swooped down from the air. Penta turned to meet all of them, roaring in anger as he cut them down.

Mia fired off her raygun, striking the side of the Cinicula closest to Penta, interrupting its attack.

"Phog! He's going to get himself surrounded!"

"I'll protect Mia! You have to go!"

Erick called out as he slammed another Indigen with his shield. Phog simply nodded as he dove out of reach of a diving Vesper. Rolling to his feet, Phog cut through a Suid and headed for Penta.

A horrifying howl filled the air as the Chimera launched itself upward and took hold of L's Skell, pulling it out of the sky and slamming it into the ground.

The beast reared itself up and slammed its forelegs into L's Skell, the armor giving way and every available alarm blaring all around L as it slammed into him again.

Misha fired on a Cinicula, the Indigen screeching and falling to the ground before she shot across the ruined earth and tackled the Chimera, forcing it off of L as his Skell continued to give him every warning imaginable.

The Chimera roared as loudly as it could, even being pinned under Misha's Skell. The aura of Control that radiated from the Chimera began to expand, reaching out further and invading the minds of the Indigens, deeper and deeper causing them all to move as one creature.

"Keep yourselves focused!"

Gu Ladha called out as she felt something twitch inside of her.

"Do not give in to its Control!"

Gi Zang yelled as he moved past her and cut through a Suid attempting to blindside her. Gu Ladha thanked him before charging a Grex head on, with one quick dodge, she was under the creature. Before it could let out its roar, her spear pierced its head from below.

Gi Zang jumped onto the dead Indigen's body and leapt high into the sky, his blade cut through the night and ripped Vespers out of the sky.

A Cinicula fired its ether beam at him, Gi Zang brought his blade up and caught the blast, clenching his teeth as the assault stopped and he fell from the sky.

The Cinicula attempted to charge him only for Mia's raygun to blast its leg to bits. The beast fell over, leaving itself open for Gu Ladha's spear to pierce its head.

Turning, the Wrothian spotted Penta and Phog far from the group, dealing with several Grexes with ease, however, Penta continued to push into enemy lines.

Cursing she moved her gaze back to the Chimera as it howled once more.

"We need to pull in our fights and focus on getting closer to the Chimera! We-"

Another howl pierced the night as massive creatures charged towards the fight.

Gi Zang cursed as he and Gu Ladha pulled back, the new Indigens roaring and giving chase.

Mia fired off her Raygun once more, missing a Cinicula's head but destroying a large portion of his hide before turning to the new arrivals.

"You've got to be kidding me. We've got some Sphinx! Careful everyone!"

The massive feline Indigen continued to pursue the Wrothians, Boze turning to the new contacts and cursing.

"We can't keep up with all these reinforcements!"

Elysia and Mavis moved to Boze's side, opening fire on the Grexes attempting to encircle them.

"Gu Ladha said we have to focus our efforts, if one of us can get to the Chimera we may have a chance to stop them all!"

Boze nodded to Mavis before noticing something along the ground. Holes began to form as a large group of Indigens emerged from the earth beneath their feet.

"Blattas. Everyone watch your step!"

Shun's blade sliced through a Suid, as he turned he saw the Blattas scurrying about the ground. Jumping away from them, he felt something behind him and turned just as a tail slammed into him and thre him across the ground. Shaking his head, the man looked about the battlefield.

"How is it this capable of enforcing its will onto others?"

"Won't matter when it's dead!"

Boze retrieved his javelin and disengaged from the battle. Elysia and Mavis covered him as he shot towards the Chimera and the Skells.

"L! Misha! Keep the pressure on it!"

"We're trying! New contacts!"

Misha called out as massive flying Indigens shot down out of the sky, their beaks piercing Misha's Skell and forcing her back.

"Auravis!"

Elysia yelled.

"Grounded BLADEs! Fire into the sky, keep them back! L! Hold the Chimera's attention! Now!"

Elysia and Mavis evaded a group of Grexes and Suids before charging towards a Cinicula and jumping onto its back. The indigen let loose a stream of ether across the night sky as Elysia and Mavis used their new vantage point to fire on the Auravis that gathered over L and Misha's Skells.

Putting his blades away, L's Skell dodged to the side, the Chimera's wild swinging missed as he drew his Skell's rifle. The shoulder mounted cannons and automatic weapon opened fire on the Chimera, pushing it back.

As it roared in fury, Misha broke free and shot several Auravis out of the sky before firing on the Chimera from behind.

The light of Overdrive flooded Boze's body as he drew closer. Letting out a powerful war cry, Boze spun his javelin and leapt high into the night sky, pulling his weapon arm back and holding his free hand forward to aim towards the horrifying creature.

Just then L heard a new signal and looked down at his radar, confusion in his eyes.

"Contact!"

Elysia, Mavis and Shun saw something move, it emerged from the rubble and shot across the field too fast for any of them to make out what it was.

Boze roared as he threw his javelin, the weapon pierced the night, headed right for the Chimera's head as something leapt up after it and caught it, hitting the ground and rolling to its feet.

Boze hit the ground, the earth cracking beneath the force of his landing and looked up at the new contact, not sure if what he was seeing was right.

"Elma?"

The woman turned to him, spinning his javelin before throwing it back. Boze barely managed to dodge his own weapon before seeing Elma right in front of him, her eyes were lifeless.

Her blade cut across his body, drawing a roar of pain from the Mad Monk as he fell to the ground. Boze's protoplasmic fluids painted the ground around him, he could barely move as Elma stood over his fallen form, spinning her blade. Mavis and Elysia cried out for her to stop as Shun shot past them.

His blade met with Elma's before she could kill Boze and he saw the look in her eyes.

Misha's attention moved to her radar as well, detecting two more contacts emerging from the collapsed mountain.

Shun continued to stare at her, shaking his head.

"Elma? It can't be…"

Shun and Elma broke away from one another, the man took a deep breath, unwilling to believe what he was seeing.

Elma shot towards him one more, blades colliding again as the Indigens continued their assault on the BLADEs. Fierce determination burned in Shun's eyes as he swung with all his might, his blade pushing Elma's back. However, as hard as he struck, she did the same, keeping them locked in combat with a dying Boze at their feet.

On the other side of the battle, Penta continued his relentless assault, carving through whatever Indigen stood before him as Phog did his best to cover him from afar. Dual guns firing without end.

"What's going on? Did I hear Elma?"

Phog clenched his teeth as his weapons tore apart a Suid.

"If she's here...where's Frye?"

Still surrounded by Cinicula, Mia yelled as her raygun fired off a series of electrical orbs, striking all Indigens fanned out in front of her.

"Shit!"

Erick called out.

"Boze's down and in really bad shape, the trauma his mim suffered is...it's a lot, we gotta get him out before he dies!"

Mia continued her assault, keeping Erick clear as he returned his focus to the battle.

"We don't have anyone we can spare, do we, Captain!?"

Mia cried out as Erick moved in front of her, stopping another Cinicula's fierce attack.

Beyond the encircled BLADEs, Gu Ladha leapt into the air and landed on a Sphinx. The second one collided with the first, its claw swiping at her and knocking her to the ground. Gi Zang was at her side, swinging his blade and forcing one of the beast's back.

"I'm afraid we have no one to spare, Mia."

Gi Zang stated.

"He'll die if we do nothing!"

Erick called back, Gi Zang cursing as he and Gu Ladha continued to evade the fearsome Sphinx.

Mia fired her raygun once more, Erick ducking as the beam cut through several Grexes.

"Gu Ladha! Your team has two new contacts approaching! Be careful!"

Hearing Misha's warning, Gu Ladha looked up to see someone jump over the Sphinxes heading right towards them. Spinning her spear, she held the weapon up as a blade pierced through the night and collided with her weapon.

It was a very familiar longsword. Gu Ladha's eyes widened in response.

"Raymond!?"

The BLADE, made no sound as he pushed his weapon against hers.

"Control? You're better than this Raymond!"

Gu Ladha broke the stalemate only for Raymond to retreat as the Sphinxes charged forward once more, Gi Zang launched himself at one, his blade cutting across its face. The beast roared before swiping him out of the sky.

Crashing into the ground, Gi Zang cursed as the Sphinx leapt into the air and slammed into the earth near him. Before he could get back to his feet the Indigen brought one of its legs up and slammed it down on top of the Wrothian.

"Gi Zang!"

Gu Ladha turned as Raymond moved in for another strike, meeting his weapon once more, the BLADEs continued to exchange blows.

Swapping weapons, Erick drew his assault rifle and fired explosive rounds at the ground all around him and Mia, destroying Blattas on impact. Drawing her knife, Mia tapped the blade, it began to give off a glow.

"We need to get to Gi Zang!"

"Phog! Penta! We need cover!"

Erick called out.

Penta struck down another Grex, turning as Phog moved past him and cut through a charging Suid.

"Penta!"

The doctor shook his head, trying to focus. Before he could say anything he saw a glowing blade headed right for Phog's head. Quickly, Penta shoved the other BLADE aside and drew his longsword to connect with the weapon, stopping it.

"Who the-"

Penta's eyes widened.

"Senti."

All of Penta's strength left his body, Senti easily knocked the blade from his grasp and swung back only for Phog to tackle Penta to the ground, out of the weapon's reach.

Senti maintained her position as Phog and Penta struggled back to their feet.

Before Penta could speak, Senti surged forward, Phog's blades stopping hers.

"Phog! What are you doing!?"

"She's trying to kill us Penta!"

Penta couldn't bring himself to pick up his weapon as Phog pushed Senti back. Gripping his weapons as tightly as he could, Phog scanned the battle all around him.

Everyone was here except for Frye. Phog had to believe his brother was okay and until he was certain of it, he needed to stay alive.

Moving forward, Phog's blades met Senti's once more.

"L! Misha! We need cover!"

Gu Ladha called out, both Skell pilots moving away from the Chimera that continued to throw itself at them, heavily damaging their Skells each time.

"We can't! Our systems are far from optimal!"

Misha called out. Before L could respond, another voice cut in.

"Cover request recognized."

Gu Ladha looked up into the sky as three white Skells appeared, all three were wielding massive snipers and opened fire on the crowd of Indigens below.

One sniper bolt cut through the Sphinx that was pinning Gi Zang, forcing it back while the others took out one Cinicula each.

The Skell in the lead flew low to the ground as someone jumped off of it and landed in the middle of the chaos. Three Grexes immediately launched at the man who drew his katana. Three barely perceptible strikes later, the Grexes fell dead.

Despite the chaos around them, Gu Ladha almost laughed.

"The Knights...and Director Nagi."

Staring at the battle all around, Nagi nodded.

Spotting an approaching Cinicula, Nagi charged forward as his comms lit up.

"Director, it's Shun...we've found our BLADEs."

"I take it the news is bad."

Nagi flashed around the Cinicula, blade cutting deep into its legs as he worked his way up its body.

"Very. I'm here with Elma, Gu Ladha has Raymond and Phog has Senti. They're all under the influence of a Tyrant Chimera's Control. We can't get through to them. Elma maimed Boze in one strike. We have to get him out of here."

Nagi leapt off the Cinicula's back, turning in midair to slice through its head before landing on the ground as the beast stumbled and fell over. Taking a deep breath he nodded.

"Stevens. Head to Shun's location and get Boze out of here. Immediately."

"Copy, Director."

One of the Skells broke away from its formation and headed towards the indicated location.

"Eros, Parker, continue with fire support.

"Yes Director!"

Two voices responded as the pure white Skells flew overhead and continued to fire on the Indigen horde below.

L and Misha continued to evade the Chimera's desperate and violent attacks, all three giants fighting it out while on the ground near them, Shun and Elma's blades locked once more, the moment was accentuated by a sudden crack of thunder and flash of lightning.

Shun had no desire to fight Elma, the thought had never crossed his mind outside of a friendly spar. Yet Boze lay a few feet from them, clinging to life and all of Elma's strikes were devastating.

If he held back, he could join Boze on the ground or worse, die. Even so, he couldn't bring himself to hurt Elma, especially knowing everything she has done and sacrificed for them all.

Clenching his teeth, Shun pushed forward.

"You have to wake up, Elma! You're stronger than this!"

Elma said nothing, simply stared at him with those lifeless eyes.

Breaking away, both BLADEs stepped forward, blades colliding, ether sparking against ether as the fierce battle continued. Every time Elma advanced and pushed Shun back, he worked twice as hard to push her further away from Boze.

Try as he might, simply overpowering and outmaneuvering her was not something he felt he could do at peak condition and as of right now he was nowhere near his own peak.

Hearing the engine of an approaching Skell he took a deep breath and let the light of Overdrive flow through his body. He had to push her away, he had to keep her at bay, so he surged forward.

Enhanced speed, strength, focus, all of it let him see Elma's blinding fast strikes coming for him. He dodged every slash and stepped back from every stab before putting all the force he could muster into his counters. Every time she readied her blade to catch his strike, his blow broke her guard and caused her to move back.

This was what he needed.

Yet his enhanced focus also let him see the openings created every time he pushed her. As much as he didn't want to, he had to capitalize on something. Their goal was the Chimera, he needed to move her out of the way.

"Stevens! Can I get some cover?"

"Shun? I-"

"Just do it! Blind em!"

Shun pushed Elma back as Stevens' Skell fired off explosive rounds into the earth all around them, kicking up a storm of dirt, dust and debris. Elma leapt away from the distraction as Shun expected so he gave chase.

Emerging from the cloud of dirt, Shun swung, his blade narrowly missing Elma as she twisted her body out of reach.

Overextending his strike, Shun's eyes went wide as Elma hit the ground and completed her rotation, the light of her blade drawing ever closer to his face.

Shun slammed his foot onto the ground to cease his forward momentum and pulled back at the last second, the blade slicing his Veyes in two, the covering falling from his face to the ground.

No time to recover, Shun saw Elma shoot straight for him once more, low on options, Shun sidestepped the strike, the blade whistling past him.

Shun watched Elma turn the blade in her grip and follow up, the man cursed as the blade cut into his side. Reaching out quickly, he grabbed Elma's arm, preventing her from following through and cutting him open like she did to Boze.

Still out of options, Shun raised his blade, instead of going for a strike, he gripped tightly and slammed his fist and the hilt of his blade against Elma's face giving him enough time to pull away.

Knees slightly bent, Shun felt around the injury and cursed once more. Even with Overdrive he should know that Elma was not to be taken lightly.

Hearing the burst of an engine, Shun could at least sigh in relief knowing Stevens had successfully picked up Boze and was taking off.

"Good. Now I can focus…"

The heavens flashed, lightning and thunder becoming more common as the madness behind Shun continued. Elysia and Mavis worked together to fell Grex after Grex, avoiding diving Vespers and Blattas attempting to trip them up and get them surrounded.

Near them Gu Ladha continued to evade Raymond's strikes, Gu Ladha's spear found its way through his attacks and cut through his legs attempting to cease their function but the man kept coming regardless.

L and Misha's Skells in the back were swarmed by Cinicula the Chimera had called to its defense and so they focused their fire on the massive Indigens. One of the Cinicula fell over as L unloaded into it, blowing its body open. The creatures dying cry lost to the sounds of combat all around them.

Erick and Mia covered Gi Zang as the recovery ether Mia provided steadily did its job. The Wrothian looked up at the sky where Mabel Eros and Geoff Parker in the White Skells engaged the flock of Auravis, shooting them out of the sky.

"Shit…"

Gi Zang forced himself to his feet, turning to watch Mia's raygun tear through another Grex and Erick slam his shield into a Suid, throwing it over.

"The only bright side is we've long since dealt with Hayreddin...but-"

Gi Zang moved past Erick, blade flashing and cutting through a Grex.

"Talk later."

"Hey! You can't-"

Gi Zang held one of his hands up.

"No time Mia. We have to fight."

Despite his injuries, he refused to back down. With the loss of Boze he had to fight twice as hard. They all did.

Not far from them, Phog's blades danced with Senti's. Penta was nearby, cutting down several Suids before turning to the fight.

"Senti! Wake up! Please!"

Phog and Senti charged one another, an ether shield surrounded Senti at the last moment causing Phog's blades to bounce off.

Senti's psycho launchers emerged from behind her and opened fire, throwing Phog back and into the dirt. Cursing, Penta charged forward, his blade locking with Senti's.

"You can't! Senti!"

No words escaped her as she forced Penta to one knee.

No matter how many times he called her name, her expression did not change. In one quick motion, her foot struck Penta's face, smashing his nose and forcing him to the dirt.

Phog stood once more causing Senti's Psycho Launchers to focus on him and fire. Phog activated Overdrive and ran, keeping out of range while swapping to his dual guns and firing, Senti raised one arm. Her weapons returned to her and formed a shield, the rounds from Phog's weapons bouncing off the shield.

Farther from the group a dead Sphinx lay at Nagi's feet as he faced off with the other. A cry resounded from above as an Auravis came down from the sky and crashed into the ground near him.

Taking a deep breath, Nagi charged forward, the Sphinx roaring and doing the same. Claws swiping at images of the Director as he made his way behind the beast and cut through its rear legs.

Roaring in fury the beast swung about, Nagi's blade met its oncoming claw, a blue aura surrounded Nagi at that moment, pushing the beast's limb away. Taking a single step, Nagi swung, his blade cutting through flesh.

The Sphinx fell back and roared in fury.

Nagi made a quick observation of the battlefield. The amount of fallen Indigens around was impressive but he knew that they could only take so much.

With one order he could put in a forced shutdown request for Elma, Senti and Raymond's mimeosomes but there was no telling what risk there was to breaking those connections while their minds were ensnared by the Chimera. It could lead to long lasting damage and despite everything, he didn't want to risk that.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. Ignoring the crack of thunder, focusing only on the pounding of the Sphinx's footsteps as it beared down on him.

Opening his eyes, he shot forward, the Sphinx's roar cut short as it tumbled over and fell dead.

Just then, a loud disturbing cry filled the air, Nagi turned in the direction of the Chimera. The hideous beast roared to the heavens above.

"Director, more hostiles approaching!"

Gripping his blade tightly, Nagi took off across the field towards the Chimera, on his left he saw Senti break Penta's guard, her blade cutting through him as Phog moved in to cover the man.

On his right he saw Gu Ladha, a fierce expression on her face as she and Raymond traded blows. Gi Zang, Mia and Erick engaged with Indigens, clearly worn but still pushing through.

As he continued on his way and cut through an unfortunate Grex he saw Elysia and Mavis back to back. Dual blades and javelin drawing blood from one Suid after another as an Auravis descended on them only to be shot dead by Mabel's Skell overhead.

Looking forward, Nagi slid under a Cinicula as it fell dead, Misha's Skell tearing its blade free of the creature's hide.

All that remained was Shun and Elma, both BLADEs moving towards each other, weapons clashing.

Shun pushed Elma back, every time he went for what looked like a sure strike, Elma moved out of reach.

Nagi's gaze landed on the Chimera. It wasn't just Elma's experience, the Chimera was observing. Two minds were at work, Elma was operating differently and Shun was not adapting, he was barely keeping himself safe.

Nagi had to sever that connection.

Launching himself into the air, Nagi raised his blade.

The Chimera saw him coming and screeched. Elma disengaged and shot up into the air, stopping Nagi's blade with her own, the fierce clash of their weapons rang out across the battlefield.

"Captain."

Nagi remained silent as Elma shut the door behind her and approached. The pair stood in Nagi's Coalition office, overlooking the streets of Noah's Cradle, the silence was comfortable.

"Captain...I believe Constantine would serve better."

"Would he?"

Nagi shrugged.

"He's Ahab, isn't he?"

Elma rolled her eyes.

"Please tell me he didn't get you reading that book too."

"What do you think?"

Elma laughed.

"Nothing at all...I do have to say, being the Captain of the White Whale is a huge responsibility."

"It is...but we have you to guide us and Vandham to make sure it all works as intended. We'll be fine."

Elma's eyes wandered Nagi's office, landing on his katana, sheathed and hanging on his wall. Noting the silence once more, Nagi turned to Elma then followed her line of sight.

"You know, Elma. I dueled your brother. Once."

Elma turned back to him, surprise evident in her eyes.

"You did?"

"Yes. One of the reasons he felt confident in going on his many missions into the stars was knowing someone as skilled as I was with you...his words, not mine. I dare not oversell my abilities but Aeon was always impressed."

Elma smiled.

"Aeon was hardly a fighter back home. Neither of us were...I learned because…"

Trailing off, Elma sighed.

"...I learned because I wanted to follow my parents' example. I wanted things to be different so I became strong."

Nagi took a deep breath.

"Are you more skilled than Aeon?"

"I spent twice as long honing my skills. I believe so. Though I will admit he was a fast learner."

"Not like he had a choice at that point."

Elma recalled the lessons and nodded.

"He didn't…"

Nagi approached his blade, taking it off its rest and opening the sheath slightly, the glint of the fine edge bringing a smile to his face.

"Shall we?"

Elma looked at Nagi's desk.

"What is it that they tell kids? Homework first, games later?"

"Would it change if I said it was an order?"

Nagi turned around, finding a smile on Elma's face before she gestured towards the door.

"After you, Captain."

With a chuckle, Nagi nodded and began moving.

"Excellent."

Elma and Nagi's blades broke from one another, the pair hitting the ground and jumping away from each other. A flash of lightning highlighted the body count all around them and made all the wear on the BLADEs faces all the more evident.

Nagi felt something wet hit his face. His eyes narrowed as the rain started to fall. He held one arm out towards Shun, gesturing for him to move back.

With a nod, the man limped away.

"Elma...all of us do everything in our power to see our dreams fulfilled. We do what we do because we have the will and the desire to do it. You...you have one of the strongest wills I've ever known...I know this and I know that you know this."

Nagi held onto his blade with both hands, rain pelting him relentlessly as Overdrive flowed freely within him.

"Remember, Elma. Return."

In that moment he saw it. A flinch in Elma's stance, a twitch of her lips and a notable shine in her eyes that faded moments later.

His gaze moved to the Chimera lying in wait, closing his eyes, he whispered into his comms. All it would take was three strikes. Then the Chimera would be open and the Skells could end it without harming Elma.

Opening his eyes, Nagi watched Elma fall into her stance, her Tandem Ether Blade glowing fiercely, rain and lightning flooding the scene.

The booming sound of thunder set both BLADEs off, charging towards each other.

Nagi whispered his commands as his blade sliced through the air and struck Elma's.

"One."

Elma was sent reeling back, one foot moved behind her and slammed into the wet dirt, seeking purchase. Gripping the blade tightly, the light encasing it stretched farther as it came back down towards Nagi.

Gripping his blade tightly, Nagi turned the edge and struck the side of Elma's blade, the weapon slammed into the wet dirt.

"Two."

Charging along the side of Elma's blade, Nagi held his palm up. The moment Elma struck him and won was evident in his mind as his palm shot forward and connected with her chest.

The explosive force threw her off her feet and her blade fell from her grip. Nagi clenched his teeth as he pushed forward, sending Elma flying.

"Three."

Elma's body sailed through the air and hit the wet ground, rolling far enough away to clear the attack zone. Eros and Parker's Skells that flew in at that exact moment, raining hell down on the Chimera as it screeched at them.

Bullets pierced its flesh, explosives tearing skin away and revealing grotesque muscle. Nagi charged towards the beast, swinging his blade to cover himself in a burning aura. The Skells' assault ended just as he launched himself at the beast.

Massive beams shot across the night sky and struck both Skells, sending them crashing into the earth below.

Nagi swung his blade at the same moment only for his forward movement to stop and his attack to miss.

Looking around he realized he was in an ether shield. He turned to see Psycho Launchers maintaining the shield around him, then he saw her. Senti.

Her arms extended towards him. Behind her were the fallen forms of Penta and Phog.

The shield then disappeared, dropping Nagi just as the Chimera raised its leg and struck, the full force of its attack slamming into Nagi and smashing him into the wet earth with immense force.

The Chimera howled as it raised its leg and slammed it down on top of Nagi's body once more and then again.

Shun cursed and prepared to charge once more to aid the Director when something emerged from the darkness. The source of the attack that destroyed the Skells.

"A Milesaur…"

The magnificent creature was made all the more terrifying by the fierce rains and lightning, letting loose a loud and fearsome roar, shaking the earth.

Shun turned to see the BLADEs grouped up and surrounded by countless Indigens, his gaze then moved to Elma as she stood once more and retrieved her blade.

She began moving towards Nagi as the Chimera moved away from the man's crumpled form. Shun swung his blade and prepared to move when someone seized his arm and twisted. Flipping him over and slamming him into the earth.

Senti stepped on his back and kept him in place as Elma moved ever closer towards Nagi.

Far from the devastation, one last figure emerged from the rubble. Bloodied, bruised and beaten, the one armed man tore free of the earth and forced himself to his feet. His eyes taking in the sights before him.

He saw them all.

Elysia, Mavis, Erick, Mia and Gi Zang on the verge of being overwhelmed. Gu Ladha and Raymond engaged in a desperate struggle. Penta and Phog in the dirt, unmoving.

Two wrecked Skells being protected by two heavily damaged ones missing one limb each.

Senti keeping Shun still and Elma standing over a fallen Nagi.

Countless Indigens emerging from the darkness, a Milesaur watching the battle and the damned Chimera standing below it.

Frye spat weakly before looking down at his hand.

"What does he want from you?"

"Ah y'know. The same thing all older, worldly instructors want for their pupils...more."

"That's not really an answer."

"Of course it isn't...the way he says it...he wants me to achieve something...more. With my life. More than just protecting someone and definitely more than just killing someone."

"More?"

"Yeah. More. Nothing wrong with your hearing is there?"

"Ass."

"You know it...it's not too much to ask, is it? Frye?"

"More. If you could be less cryptic about it, maybe."

"That's the thing, Frye. It's not really something you know until...you know…"

"Sounds like bullshit. Do you know what this so-called 'more' is?"

"I do."

"How?"

"...because of a choice I made. For you and Phog."

"...which was?"

"Not today. Look, just...keep it in mind? Alright? More."

"Alright. Whatever you say."

"...thank you."

Frye clenched his hand into a fist and smiled.

"More."

So he walked, it didn't matter how much it pained him, he forced himself to walk and then to run.

Clenching his teeth he felt everything inside him burn before it tore free from his throat. A savage roar.

The Chimera seemed to turn towards him as he charged right for it. Frye leapt over every Indigen in his way, with no weapon in hand he dodged and weaved, all strikes missing him and the beast's being struck by attacks from the gathered BLADEs.

The Chimera peered at him with interest and fury.

That creature was the only one to resist its Control.

The creature had to die.

As he drew closer, the Chimera stood and roared back, prepared to charge him.

He heard several voices calling his name, telling him to stop. Concern. Fear. Desperation.

His feet pounded into the wet earth as the Chimera launched itself at him. Forcing Overdrive one more time, Frye changed course, the Chimera landing where he once was, striking nothing.

The beast turned to see Frye reaching out, his one arm making a move towards Elma.

The beast screeched, its thoughts reaching Elma.

Turning away from Nagi, she faced Frye. Tightening her grip on her blade, she swung.

The room was vast.

White.

Almost empty.

There were only two things in this room.

Elma and the corpse of her best friend who she killed.

Elma's eyes were so focused on her bloodstained hands she didn't hear the approaching footsteps.

Then she felt the hand on her shoulder and almost jumped, turning in shock and fear.

It took much longer than ever before for her to find her voice.

"...Frye?"

The man smiled, kneeling down in front of her.

"Hey Colonel."

Elma stared at him, unsure if he was real or some other apparition.

Frye looked past Elma, even though he knew this wasn't real, seeing Jaynix on the floor in a pool of her own blood brought forth every emotion he could think to feel.

His eyes moved to Elma once more and to her hands which were shaking.

Reaching out with both arms, he took hold of her hands. He understood all too well how this could break her, no telling what else the Chimera forced Elma to see or do before it stole her will from her.

Taking a deep breath, Frye spoke.

"You know. My dad was never satisfied with what I did."

Frye smiled.

"That sounds harsh...he was proud of course, I'm sure he bragged about me and Phog to anyone who would listen until they told him to shut up. Doubt that worked. What I mean is...the man had this idea that while you could do a lot in your life...you only ever had one shot to make a real mark. It's a bit silly to think that someone's life can be defined by one act but…"

Frye shook his head.

"For two years the only thing I thought of my dad was in relation to him giving Phog his place aboard the White Whale. All the years I spent with my dad. Learning from him. Growing stronger. All of that went out the window the day he told me what he did. From that point on I was mad at him. Mad at Phog. The last time I spoke to my dad I was angry…I still used those skills he taught me and I was still proud of it...but I could never fight that underlying anger..."

Frye smiled.

"I guess I could thank this damn monster for giving me the chance to properly apologize and accept my dad's final act but…"

Frye focused his gaze on Elma's eyes.

"Things are bad right now, Elma. Everyone is at risk because of one monster. You and I. We've been fighting on the ground of this planet since we fucking landed hear. We dealt with that Samaarian witch Goetia. With those freaks Dagahn and Ryyz. We convinced the Wrothians to change sides, we defeated every superweapon the Ganglion threw at us. We destroyed the Vita, we killed Luxaar and when Badul and his ilk tried to take our hard fought peace from us we wiped them out too."

Frye moved one of his hands to his chest.

"We've been fighting since day one and after everything we've been through. This thing won't be the end of...you. You still have things you want to do, right Elma?"

No words escaped her lips, she prepared to turn around when Frye brought a hand to her face, keeping her focused on him.

"Jaybird...Jaynix...I was with you on the first trip we took out into the field looking for her and for every trip I could manage after that. Four years later and I know you still believe she's out there, I can see it in your eyes."

"I...I…"

The silence around them was filled with destruction, desperate voices and calls. Frye recognized it all from Starfall.

"I know Elma. You pulled the trigger. We have official death logs for everyone we lost during Starfall. Everyone. Except her…"

The chaos around them continued, Frye ignored it.

"My dad said we had one chance to make one mark...but you? You've made more than that. You took humanity away from their home planet, you saved us from extinction! Twice!"

Elma searched his eyes.

"Not alone…"

"True. Not alone. But without you, would we have had a chance? I don't think so. No offense to humanity but...well, can't argue with results right?"

Frye sighed.

"We defeated an ancient alien race whose only desire was our destruction. We kicked their asses all across their planet and now THEY are the ones who are extinct and we're still here. We won. Compared to that, how hard is finding one lovely lass, eh?"

The barest hint of a smile appeared on Elma's face.

"Besides. We're in your head. Kind of. Your consciousness? I don't know how it works but...if this is your mind then you are the one who controls it. No one else. So. Elma…"

Frye smiled.

"What's on your mind?"

Elma turned to examine the blank room around her, thinking. Closing her eyes, she thought back, as far as she could.

To that day in the park.

That day filled with the laughter of two children.

Running around, singing, playing games.

She was drawn to their purity, innocence.

The younger one, bright and shy.

The older one, strong and brave.

Elma kneeled down in front of the older girl and spoke to her.

"Do you like...life?"

The girl looked at her like she had asked the silliest question imaginable.

"Life? Like...just...living? Why wouldn't I?"

"Why do you?"

"Because I can be with my sister. My mom. My dad. My friends. I'm happy."

Elma held her hand out, the girl looked at it and placed her smaller one on top of it.

A bright, powerful, vivid and overwhelming life flashed through Elma's mind as she pulled her hand away.

"Live it well."

Tears streamed down Elma's face. Hot and wet as the rain pelted her body. The Chimera's furious screeches and the desperate combat and cries all around faded away as her hand tightened around the hilt of her blade.

Clenching her teeth, light covered her body, her blade flashed and extended. Overdrive flooded every circuit in her body before the system hit Overclock and it burst past the limit.

Letting out a piercing cry, Elma vanished from sight. The Chimera made one move only to find Elma in front of it once more. Her blade swung and slashed its head open down the middle.

The beast let out a violent, gargled cry, all of the gathered Indigens roared in pain and in unison, the horrendous roars overpowering every sound, even the booming thunder and pelting rain.

Hitting the ground, Elma screamed as her blade sliced clean through the Chimera's front legs, severing them before she leapt onto its back and swung once more. The whipping, thrashing tails of the beast fell to the ground, twitching before falling still.

Flipping over the destroyed maw of the beast, Elma raised her blade.

The Chimera looked onto her, endless rage and fury in her eyes, tears streaming down her face as she cried out with wild hatred.

Bringing her blade down, it seared through flesh, muscle, bone and sinew. Carving up the Chimera's gaping maw. Elma continued to swing wildly, carving chunks of the beast's head off until it was an unrecognizable mass.

Blood and various entrails leaked out of its gaping wound, heavily gargled and unrecognizable cries escaped the mound of flesh as Elma continued to carve into it, blood and gore painting her entire body as she continued her relentless assault.

Her screams and rage never ceased. The madness that took hold of her wanted more, it would never be enough.

Reaching to her side she found her other weapon, drawing it, she began to charge before shoving it deep into the stump that was once the Chimera's neck.

The gun fired off an explosively powerful pulse wave which blew out the Chimera's entire back and spine, a fountain of blood and entrails exploded out of the back of the creature and fell among the rain soaked plains.

The unrecognizable mass of flesh finally fell still and silent as Elma tore herself away from it, rain pelting her endlessly, tears flowing as her blade shut down and fell to the ground, free of her grip.

Roused from their Control, all the gathered Indigens, observed the massacre around them. Nothing could be heard save for the rain and thunder.

Finally, the Indigens all turned away and departed from the battle, leaving a bloody and body soaked land in their wake.

Elma turned to see Elysia and Mavis collapse. Nova emerged from the darkness and immediately ran to Elysia's side. Gi Zang, Mia and Erick fell to the ground near them.

Gu Ladha wasn't too far off with a barely conscious Raymond, she was whispering to him, keeping him calm as the realization of everything he did under Control came flooding back.

Then there was L, Misha, Mabel and Geoff, now outside of their Skells they were aiding Phog, Penta and Shun as best they could. Despite L and Misha's commands, Penta forced himself away from them and towards Senti who was on the ground looking up at the sky, tears flowing from her eyes in the same way as they were for Elma.

She and Penta looked at one another, overwhelming love and concern evident in their gazes. Senti cried out in sorrow as she threw herself at her husband. He ran a hand along her back and whispered.

The first person to look her way was Phog.

The look in his eyes was something she dare not name.

She then heard someone call for her and turned to see Nagi, exhaustion evident in his face.

That was not his call for concern.

Nagi was kneeling on the ground next to their fallen comrade.

Elma kneeled down as well, the tears were still flowing. She couldn't stop even if she wanted to.

Despite the thunder and rain, every soul in Primordia could hear Phog's scream as he forced himself to run across the battle scarred plains to join Elma and Nagi.

Falling to his knees next to his brother, Phog called his name over and over. Desperation in each cry. Calling out and screaming until he could no longer.

Elma wasn't sure how much time had passed before she forced herself to her feet and started walking without a destination.

There was only one word that escaped Elma's lips before everything caught up to her and she collapsed, the world fading to black.

"More."