Bound by Dawn

by Fifekun

Set in an AU to games. Zero has to deal with a problem soldier in the Resistance. Is she really trustworthy? What does she have to do with the power source Copy X is searching for? And what is the connection she has with Hidden Phantom's personal lieutenant? For that matter, what is Phantom's Lieutenant hiding?

3. Cloudy Revelations

***NA***

The sounds of keys being typed could be heard in the room. The very faint sound of classical music could be heard in the background, most of which either being piano or violin.
It certainly helped her focus on her research.

Foxfire was hyper focused on the task at hand. She had spent HOURS on this particular topic, and was determined to get all the information she possibly could about this particular subject.
If this enemy was putting Commander Harpuia on edge, then chances were she was going to be just as big of a thorn as Zero was.

Foxfire typed at the keyboard vigorously, her eyes slightly stinging from the lack of sleep that she got from this project.

She knew if Commander Phantom or Commander Harpuia knew that she had been up for 48 hours straight, trying to get every. last. piece. of information on this person….she'd probably get put on forced leave for a couple of days.

She glanced to the side. Even Reploids needed their rest...not just humans….which was what she wanted to-

Foxfire heard the door open from her side and frowned lightly, not bothering to look to see who had come into the room.
"Sobek, I told you, I'll meet up with you, Shadow and Sandstorm at the rendezvous point in...thirty mintues or so...I have to get this done for Commander Phantom."

The footsteps coming into the room were fairly quiet, but she could still hear them.
Foxfire wasn't going to give Sobek the satisfaction of LOOKING at him.

"Listen, I don't need any sass from you," Foxfire continued. "You know how important Phantom's orders are to me, and considering that even Commander Harpuia and Master X are even wanting information about our new enemy, I can't afford to let him-...uh, them down."

There was no answer, but Foxfire heard the new arrival stop walking when they were right behind her. She let off a low groan and forced herself to continue to type.
"You're a moron, Sobek." she muttered.

Foxfire continued to type, but the person behind her was now looking over her shoulder at what she was looking at. The screen was showing different pictures of different encounters with this 'Raven' character. There was really only one photo that was really clear, and it was from BEHIND, where they couldn't see proper features.

Foxfire stood up straight and put a finger to her lips, a look of pondering on her face. For a moment she seemed to be lost in her thoughts. "...hmm…"

"You seem to have found something that interests you, Lieutenant."

Foxfire suddenly froze at the voice, and her entire body went rigid. From the sides of her line of vision, she saw a pair of arms come on the table she was at...one arm on each side of her.
She went even more stiff when she slowly glanced over-

Only to see Phantom's face almost point blank parallel with her own face, looking at the screen.

Foxfire quickly looked back towards the screen, feeling her entire body freeze. Her face felt like it was on fire.

. . . !
WHAT THE FLIP DO I DO!?

"Is there something about this image that stands out, Lieutenant?"

"I-uh-that's-you see- uh-"
SAY SOMETHING INTELLIGENT!
"Uh- Th-...The Raven's armor…"
OUT WITH IT!

"Yes Lieutenant?"

Foxfire had to force herself to take a breath? Was Commander Phantom even AWARE of how NERVOUS he was making her? And if he was…..WHY THE HECK WOULD HE DO THIS TO HER!?

"This armor refracts light and acts almost like a mirror suit." she finally managed to spit out. She kept her eyes firmly on the screen, in order to keep herself focused. "From the security footage I've seen, it appears that when this fugitive moves too quickly, she is able to be spotted by the naked eye."

"Oh?" Phantom narrowed his eyes, focusing on the pictures that Foxfire was pointing out. "So this enemy is able to be spotted if moving at an incorrect speed."

"Not only that, sir, but considering that she seems to be using elements around her, other than her own special abilities…" Foxfire paused for a moment. "Of course...they COULD be refracting abilities...but either way!"

She turned to look at him. "If it IS just refraction, then anyone in the Cutting Shadow Squad would be able to activate their heat vision to -spot... this-..." She paused when he looked in her direction.

….slag….he was WAY too close for comfort…

"...enemy…."

Phantom was also quiet for a moment or two, before he finally spoke up. "...so basically, my ninjas can track this enemy as long as our abilities are active...is that what you're implying, Lieutenant?"

Foxfire swallowed lightly, a light nod escaping her. "Y-...yes sir…"

"Perfect...I knew I could depend on you, Lieutenant." Phantom gave off a very light smile, which only made Foxfire even more nervous than two seconds ago.

"Th-...thank you...C-Commander."

There was a tense moment of silence between the two. Foxfire wasn't daring to move, and Phantom was staying quiet. He had a habit of DOING that!
Foxfire swallowed lightly….was he aware of how tense she was? Was he doing this on purpose?...HECK! Did he basically put her in an almost wrap-hold on PURPOSE?

….what could she do? She knew what she WANTED to do….but would that compromise anyth-

"HEY FOXFIRE! Ya thinking about joinin' us any time soo-"

FoxFire and Phantom both seemed to suddenly jump away from each other, both looking towards the entrance of the Squad's intelligence room. In the doorway stood Sobek, who took one step in...and stared at the two.

He looked from Hidden Phantom, to Foxfire...Phantom, and then Foxfire again.

Phantom was gazing at him, a serious look on his face...Foxfire was slightly behind Phantom, frantically waving her arms at Sobek and...blushing?

A slow evil grin came to Sobek's face and he leaned against the door frame. "Oooohhh…...am I Interrupting anything?" The Lieutenant asked coyly, raising an eyebrow and smirking smugly.

Foxfire shook her fist at Sobek, trying to signal him to SHUT. HIS. MOUTH, while Phantom on the other hand, looked unfazed, if not slightly annoyed by the implement.
"Is there something we can help you with, Lieutenant Sobek?" Phantom asked dryly, only making Sobek smirk more.

"Oh not much, Commander Phantom, I was just here to remind Lieutenant Foxfire that the other Lieutenants and I are headed to the southern military base for the inspection and debriefing." He casually waved a hand. "Of course, I can see that you're busy with more yummy topics than-"

"SOBEK!" Foxfire quickly adjusted her tone and gritted her teeth, her eye twitching lightly in her fellow lieutenant's direction. "You...You and the others go on ahead! I'm almost finished with this report, and I'll fly to that base in my own jet….got it?"

"Yup. Sure thing Foxfire." Sobek smirked and turned, heading out of the room. "We'll be waiting for ya." He turned and glanced back into the room. "Now don't have TOO much fun, ok?"
"Wh- You flipping-"

The door quickly closed, allowing a quick escape for Sobek.

After an awkward pause, Phantom put his hands behind his back and turned for his office, walking away from the Lieutenant and glancing back ever-so-slightly.
"Finish your report and prepare for the briefing, Foxfire. I'll inform Hyleg to ready your ship.

"...Thank you sir." Foxfire mumbled. As SOON as Phantom's door closed, Foxfire made flailing motions, acting like she was going to punch something.
"DAMN….YOU….SOBEK!"

***MB***

"So basically….the Sky Aurore fire destroys everything in its path." Shadow looked at the diagram that he had been handed by a particular soldier. He scanned the writings on it and seemed to ponder it...before he looked back towards the soldier.

"And you're saying that this is a human legend?"

"Yes sir. One of our own citizens mentioned it when a couple of sentry soldiers were mentioning what Master X was after." The solider made a motion with his hands. "Apparently it's been a legend that has passed through generations. Most legends say that it consists of a human married couple. Others consist of relatives….it varies with each story. The Sky Aurore fire and the Solar Aubade fire"

Sandstorm put his hands on his hips, looking baffled. "So...wait...the humans have known about this?"

"Apparently it's a never ending cycle that has a new life in a different person, for each cycle." the soldier put his hands up. "But...that's all I heard….you might want to question the citizen to get more accurate information, sir."

Shadow, Sobek and Sandstorm glanced towards each other. As they pondered this new information, the sound of a jet could be heard, making the three glance over. A small jet was landing in the midst of many reploid soldiers.

After a moment, Sobek looked back towards the one soldier and motioned for him to leave. "Thank you. We'll pass that on to the Guardians."

The soldier saluted and went on his way, while the three Lieutenants turned to confront the newly landed jet.

"Honestly, all of this simply sounds like a legend that Humans come up with." Sandstorm grumbled. "Like it's a bedtime story for human larvae to go to sleep to."

"Still, it's not something we can just throw away, Sandstorm," Shadow replied, looking back as he walked. "Considering everything that Commander Harpuia has been researching, I think it should be taken seriously. I mean….usually I'M the one Harpuia has to investigate things. When he's trying to figure things out himself….that usually means there's something to it."

"Way to spell it out, Ninja boy." Sobek smirked and wagged a finger. "Though none of this compares to what I saw before we even made the trip here."

Sandstorm and Shadow glanced towards Sobek, looking confused. "Why would you just now bring up something you saw BEFORE we got here?"

"You mentioned the Guardians." Sobek replied casually, before an evil grin came to his face. "And it just so happens that Commander Phantom and Lieutenant Foxfire looked like they were gonna-"

"SOBEK!"

The Three Lieutenants suddenly looked up-Only for a purple and teal BLURR to come TACKLING Sobek to the ground, a few meters away from Shadow and Sandstorm.
The two remaining Lieutenants stared blankly at the sight, while other soldiers in the area looked up, trying to assess just WHAT was going on.

Foxfire had Sobek PINNED to the ground, forcing his arms tightly behind his back, while Sobek himself had a WIDE grin on his face.

"WHO THE FLIP DO YOU THINK YOU ARE WALKING IN LIKE THAT WITHOUT ANY ANNOUNCEMENT WHATSOEVER?! DO YOU REALIZE WHAT THE HECK YOU PUT ME THROUGH IMPLYING SUCH THINGS TO COMMANDER PHANTOM?! I'M GOING TO REWIRE YOUR CIRCUITRY!"

The statement was so loud and so fast, that it was barely understandable. A few soldiers tried to figure out if they should intervene, but the fact that Lieutenants Shadow and Sandstorm looked….rather unbothered; while SOBEK was laughing his head off.

No doubt Sobek had pranked someone again.

Sobek, on the other hand, was laughing and staying in the position that Foxfire had him pinned to. "Awww come on, Foxfire! I was just getting some juicy gossip is all- OW!"

"What kind of 'Juicy Gossip' would you obtain?! NOT FALSE GOSSIP I WOULD HOPE!"

Foxfire suddenly found herself being pulled off of Sobek and found herself dangling in the air, via Sandstorm casually gripping her by one of her wing extensions. "Put me DOWN Sandstorm!"

Shadow crossed his arms, glancing towards Sobek, raising an eyeridge. "What have you done to her?" he muttered almost accusingly.

"Me?" Sobek stayed on his back in the sand. "What EVER makes you think I deserve such a horrible fate?"

His question was greeted with sarcastic looks from the other three.

Sobek snickered lightly. "Ouch." He slowly got himself up, whilst Sandstorm gently set Foxfire on the ground, the female Lieutenant crossing her arms and scowling at Sobek. He grinned as he stood and put his hands on his hips.
"Aw come on! It wasn't that bad! It's not like I interrupted a kiss, right?"

Foxfire made a face.

After a moment, Sobek raised his eye ridges. "...riiight?"

Foxfire was silent...and winced as suddenly the other three were practically LOOMING over her, staring at her like cats on a mouse.

"Foxfire..."
"Were you and Commander Phantom…."
"About to-"

"NO!" Foxfire suddenly shouted. "NO WE WEREN'T! NOW GIVE ME THAT REPORT SO I CAN GET BACK TO HEADQUARTERS!"

There was silence from the other three, before Sobek and Sandstorm exchanged evil grins.

Shadow on the other hand approached Foxfire and handed her a datapad, leaving Sandstorm and Sobek behind to contemplate. "We've received reports of the Sky Aurore fire that Master X has been searching for." he said, allowing Foxfire to take his datapad.

Foxfire's face was still rather flushed, but she looked over the information on Shadow's datapad. For a moment, she had to try and compose herself, before she could actually READ what was on Shadow's datapad…

"...so….Master X is still searching for the skyfire, huh?" She asked in a somewhat guarded tone.

"There have been reports that the last time it was spotted, it was near a medical facility." Shadow confirmed, turning and motioning towards the military base. "This base, as well as our southern base has the most medical facilities aside from Neo Arcadia itself."

Foxfire gazed over at the base….before she looked back towards Shadow. "...but wouldn't it be possible, that the base that it was last seen at, has since been destroyed?"
"There is that possibility." Shadow nodded. "Though right now, we're just trying to figure out a way of drawing out the user."

The mear sentence made Foxfire drop Shadow's datapad, a horrified look on her face. "...Sh-...Shadow…"

He didn't notice at first. Shadow was looking towards the rest of the base. "According to my Commander, Master X is wanting to find the source of the Aurore, as well as this thing called Aubade." He looked back towards Foxfire and grinned. "With those two abilities combined, Master X could-"

He suddenly paused at the absolute TERROR in Foxfire's eyes.

Shadow was taken aback at his fellow Lieutenant's reaction. She looked like she had seen a GHOST! Picking up his tech that she had dropped, Shadow took a step closer to Foxfire, a concerned look on his face.
"Whoa!...Fox...What's wrong?" He looked alarmed as he noticed Foxfire was practically trembling in front of him. "Fox...Fox!"

Foxfire gasped and looked up at Shadow, a terrified look in her eyes, which only alarmed Shadow further. He gently put his hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eye.
….She was bloody TERRIFIED for some reason! "...Fox…"

"Hey Shadow! You trying to make a move on Phantom's-" Sobek made his way over from cutting up with Sandstorm, before he actually noticed the look on FoxFire's face.
Wincing, Sobek quickly looked towards Shadow. "Now see, what did YOU do!? What I did was NOTHING compared to this!"

"Quiet." Shadow snapped towards Sobek, slowly letting Foxfire out of his grip. "Fox...what happened? Why are you so-"

Shadow was suddenly cut off when Foxfire quickly handed him her datapad. "Here's the reports Commander Phantom ordered me to bring….I-...I- just remembered...I need to get back to Commander Harpuia." she said, sounding like her voice had little to no air in it. Foxfire quickly looked to the side, gritting her teeth lightly. "He….needs….my reports….yes."

Sandstorm put a hand up. "Wouldn't Commander Phantom just pass on your-" Sandstorm paused when Foxfire pushed past the three, heading for her jet.

For a moment, Sobek quickly looked towards Shadow. "What did you say?"
"I merely mentioned that Master X was still looking for the sky aurore fire and that he was finding ways to draw it out, and she just...shut down."

Sobek thought about this for a split second, before he cupped his mouth. "Hey Foxfire! Did Shadow get information about the Aurore wrong?! Do you know anything about it?"

Foxfire put one hand on the ladder that went up to her jet. For a moment, she just stood there, her back still turned to the other Lieutenants.
A shaky breath left her as her pupils shrunk lightly.

Flashes came to her mind….the sounds of screaming….the flash of blazing light that shot through the sky. Buildings on fire...humans running….reploids screaming…
A pair of blazing white eyes glaring right at her…

She quickly shook her head and jumped upwards, landing in the cockpit seat. The jet closed up and promptly rolled off and shot into the sky, leaving the other three Lieutenants in stunned silence.

***MV***

BANG!

The sounds of running followed by multiple laser fire could be heard throughout the training room of the Resistance base. Raven landed on the ground and quickly aimed her rifle at another target, shooting rapidly.

Once that target disappeared, she started running as the training fire came for her. Keeping her eyes narrowed, Raven brought down her vizor in order to allow her helmet's computer to anticipate the oncoming attacks.

She managed to dodge fire from the rear, and shoot a few blasters clean off their pedestals. As she advanced, the fire became more intense. Running from side to side to dodge the oncoming fire, Raven put her blaster away and swiftly took out her double bladed naginata.

Extending the weapon to it's full length, Raven twirled it around and jumped into the air, cutting and slashing her targets that she flew by. With every new blast that came, Raven was one step ahead of it.

Dodge, Jump, Strike, Run.

…It honestly felt routine.

And with every attack she made, she couldn't help but dwell on last week's failed infiltration mission. They had practically been ambushed...had the Guardians been aware of their arrival?
And if so...how? Were they too predictable?

Did they happen upon an area that was more secure than the others?

...was there a chance...a certain someone was tracking-

Raven landed on her feet and SLASHED the last target, staying still in one place; before she stood up straight and glanced towards the computer screen for her results.
She made a face when the percentage showed 98%.

"How the frick did I miss two percent?" She grumbled, twirling her weapon, forcing it to reduce in size and placing it against her back. Making her way to the computer, she forced her thoughts out of her head and gazed over the results. After a while, she merely scoffed.

"Machines." she muttered.

"Surely you don't mean that."

Raven paused and glanced over her shoulder, seeing Ciel slowly walking into the training room, her hands behind her back, and a non threatening demeanor trying to be presented. The fighter let out a very light scoff.
"Not all machines, Ciel," Raven muttered, looking back towards the screen and frowning. "Just those that don't calculate right." She narrowed her eyes, looking back towards the result screen. "Like certain robots that think they're a hero, but they're nothing like the original, and they need to be cut down to scrap."

Ciel was silent at Raven's statement, before she made her way to Raven's side and looked at her guardedly. "Raven...What Copy X has done isn't Zero's fault."

"I'm aware. And I'm not saying it's his fault." Raven replied, typing into the computer, hoping for a harder level….and for Ceil to take a hint and leave her alone.

"Zero is very different from the original X." Ciel commented, looking up at the screen that Raven was focused on. "X, as I'm told, had more connectivity with human emotions."

Raven continued to type, silently wishing Ciel would just leave...but couldn't help but glance back at the girl slightly.

"While X embraced his abilities to think and feel more like a human; Zero has trouble handling his emotions, and tends to lock them away." Ceil pondered for a moment, before she rested her gaze back on Raven. "It's one of the main reasons why Zero can seem cold at times...he simply doesn't know how to respond."

"Oh he knows how to respond alright." Raven muttered lightly. "He responds like a mid-pubescent teenager who thinks he has a hold on everything, when he actually is looking at things on one side of the glass."

Raven typed something else into the computer. "He doesn't even know WHAT Copy Aft is teaching his stupid military sheep."

Ceil was silent for a moment, before she pursed her lips. "...I know you have more information about what happens in the Neo Arcadian army than Zero does….but you two are actually a whole lot more alike than you think."

Raven stopped typing and slowly looked towards Ciel, a look of absolute disbelief on her face.
"...Don't….even INSULT me like that!"

Ceil put up her hands slightly. "Hear me out, Raven...you've both been through traumatic pasts...you both have amazing abilities….you both are...rather hotheaded…"

"Hotheaded?" Raven let off a scoffing laugh, ignoring the sound of an opening door. "Oh please! Compared to firetruck butt, I am a PERFECT angel!"

"Yeah, ol' 'Firetruck butt' is going to have to disagree with that statement."

Both Raven and Ceil looked over towards the entrance, where Zero and Jaken were entering the room, the later holding a datapad that was showing off a warning on the screen.

"Zero! Jaken!" Ceil turned to face the new arrivals, while Raven kept her side to them, standing up fully and crossing her arms loosely. "What can I do for you?" Ceil asked, approaching them.

"We recently intercepted a signal coming from two of Neo Arcadia's main research bases." Jaken waved the datapad in his hand, which Ceil gently took from him. "It looks like Copy X sent four of his main soldiers to one of the bases, while the other is being unguarded...for now at least."

Ceil took the datapad in her hands and frowned very slightly. "...Why would X send his four Lieutenants to protect one of his top medical bases?"

"We're not sure...but Jaken believes that either this base or the other one may be holding a secret that the Neo Arcadian army is scrambling over." Zero replied. He glanced in Raven's direction, but she only kept her arms crossed and looked board from the debriefing.
Letting off a frown, Zero put his attention back on Ceil.

"Cerveau mentioned that he got an inside report saying that Copy X is stripping these two bases for information on something called 'the sky Aurore fire'."

At Zero's statement, Raven suddenly looked at him fully, a slight gape in her mouth. Zero managed to glance at her, taking note of the disturbed look on her face, before she quickly masked it and put her hands on her hips.

"Hah...and what does Copy X want with the sky fire?" She mused, a sarcastic tone in her voice, laced with a guarded undertone. "What? He wants to see pretty lights decorating his city?"

Jaken pointed towards Raven, shaking a fist around in the air. "I'd be careful about talking about something you know nothing about, kid! There's a whole legend around this thing that Copy X may be after, and it's certainly nothing to be taken lightly!"

"Oh REALLY?" Raven let out a gasp and put a hand to her chest in mock-shock. "I NEVER would have guessed! If Copy Aft is going for it, it's CERTAINLY not anything to blink at!" she said sarcastically.

Jaken blinked at Raven and his eye twitched lightly. "Are you sass'n me?"

"Naaaaw, ya think, whistle nose?"

"My NAME is JAKEN!"

Ceil winced and put her hands up between the two, hoping to dissipate the tensions. "Please, please, don't argue. Jaken, Raven is very well aware of all legends connected to the sky fire. She's….very well educated in the matter."

"Oh really?" Jaken put his hands on his hips and blew a raspberry in disbelief. "And what would YOU know of it, missy?"

"Enough." Raven replied, her gaze getting slightly darker. "Enough to know that it's not something that should be messed with."

Jaken actually paused at the look in Raven's eyes….it's like she knew first hand about what they were talking about. The mear fact that she had such a look on her face, while still keeping up her normal sarcastic self….sent a shiver down his back.

The action didn't phase Zero though, as he took a step up and made a motion towards Raven. "Then you're the partner that I need for this next mission I have. Get you're weapons ready, because we're headed to the unguarded base."

"Say wha?" Raven put up a hand and pointed towards the training computer. "Um, hello? Don't you see me in the TRAINING room, trying to, I don't know...TRAIN?!"

"You're the most skilled at undercover work, Raven." Zero turned to her and frowned. "Can you just suck up your pride for once and stick to the task at hand?" He made a motion towards the door. "The entire purpose of the resistance is-"

Zero suddenly found Raven's hand pressed against his mouth in order to shut him up.

Raven glared at Zero for at least ten seconds. "DON'T….lecture me about something I already know." She growled, before taking her hand off his mouth and wiping it on her armor like he had cooties or something. "Let's just go it, get what you need, and get back out."

Zero watched Raven take point, before he followed her, somewhat begrudgingly.

Jaken let off a 'humph' as Zero and Raven walked off, before looking towards Ceil, a scoff leaving him. "Why is she such a blowhard?"

"...she has her reasons, Jaken." Ceil replied softly.

***NA***

The jet circled the area once, before it found an area to land. As it did so, the cockpit opened, allowing four occupants out, while one remained in the jet.

Watching from afar was Zero, who was already in the building and scowling at the arrival.

The ENTIRE Guardian force was there, plus a little chapparon…

At the jet, Harpuia scanned the area and narrowed his eyes at the sight. There weren't any guards close to the building...that meant their enemy was near.

Narrowing his eyes he looked towards his siblings and made a hand motion for them to head for the building, before he looked up towards the pilot.
Foxfire was looking down from the pilot's seat, looking rather alert, considering the battlefield wasn't her strongpoint.

"Stay with the ship, Foxfire. If you need to, take off and circle the perimeter." He made a motion with his hand. "We should be in and out."

Foxfire winced lightly and nodded. "Commander Harpuia...is there a reason Master X sent all of you to this particular location?...It seems…like overkill."

"In any normal situation, it would be, Foxfire." Harpuia replied. "But no doubt Zero will have the Aurore holder with him, and we can't be too careful."

Foxfire winced at the statement. She slowly put a hand up. "C-...C-Commander...I don't think-"

"We're already getting a reading of two resistance members inside." Fefnir called out towards Harpuia. "Those Mavericks are already messing with the system."

"Why does that not surprise me?" Harpuia scowled, taking out his blades and heading for the building.

Foxfire stood from her seat and reached out. "Sir-"

"Foxfire" Hidden Phantom looked up towards her and pointed towards the jet. "Stay with the ship! That's an order!" With that said, he went after his siblings, disappearing from sight as soon as he entered the building.

Foxfire winced and loosely held her arms, a concerned look on her face. "...but…" She mumbled, unable to finish the statement.

From the window, Zero silently swore to himself. The four Guardians were already in the building. They needed to get out, NOW."
He quickly ran down one of the halls and put a finger to his helmet. "Raven, Copy X's Four Guardians have arrived. Have you finished the download?"

"He sent all FOUR of them?" was Raven's reply. "Wonderful. I can't wait to reunite with Darkness incarnate and his bootlicking siblings."

"The download, Raven."

"It's nearly finished." Came the reply. "I need at LEAST five more minutes before the full information is downloaded." Raven growled and continued. "If you REALLY want to know more about the Aurore, why don't you just ASK, huh?"

"We don't need information about the legend itself; we need to know what it is Copy X is planning to do to get his hands on it, and if he manages to do so; what he plans to do with it." Zero replied, managing to get to another window and glancing out.
"I've got their ship in sight… the pilot is still in there, but she looks like she'd be easy to shoo out…"

"HAH! Harpuia needs another girl fawning over him, huh?" Raven scoffed. "That sounds like him alright."
There was a beep on the other side. "Download complete."

"Good. Meet me near the east exit. I'm going to take over this jet."

"Jet? Can't we just TELEPORT out of here?"

"With that specific jet, it's very likely it's sending out a signal that will disable all frequencies other than it's own from teleporting." Zero replied seriously. "I need to either destroy it, or take it over."

"Yeah, I'd LIKE to see you try and fly one of HARPUIA'S jets. I'd be impressed if you got it off the ground!"

"Shut up." Zero took his hand off the com and looked both ways warily. After no sign of any movement, he readied his cannon and ran for the jet, finding random places to hide himself. Zero found a place to conceal himself and glanced towards the jet.

The pilot was watching the building, and looked like she was fidgeting. She looked like she had no fight in her. This was the type of soldier that Zero didn't particularly want to encounter, but really had no choice...

Charging up his blaster, he quickly got into the open and aimed at the solider. "Pilot!"

Foxfire froze in place and looked to her left, finding a Resistance member aiming his weapon at her. She winced and stayed perfectly still, her eyes planted on him.

After a tense moment of silence between Zero and Foxfire, Zero made a motion with his head. "Put your plane in takeoff mode, and exit the vehicle. I don't want any more casualties than there needs to be."

Foxfire stayed perfectly still for a moment, gritting her teeth in concern. For a moment, they only stared at each other. Slowly she attempted to reach for a small button on her jet's counsel, but Zero warmed up his weapon, making her put up her hands slightly.

"Ah-ah….Take off mode…not silent alarm."

This guy was well educated.
Foxfire slowly sat down and glanced towards the computer...Should she bother mentioning that the jet was ALREADY in takeoff mode? Should she even talk to him?
Would she even have time to try and escape?

Foxfire looked back towards Zero...and then looked past him. She quickly shut her mouth and bit her lower lip.

Zero took notice that her gaze went past him, before resting on him again. Was she attempting to find ways to escape? If she was JUST a pilot, he wouldn't blame her. Still, this wasn't the time to-

THWIP!
CLANG!

"GAH!" Zero lurched forward as a Shiruken SLASHED against his back, and quickly turned around, aiming his weapon at…
...nothing.

The sudden move, allowed Foxfire to swiftly SLAM the throttle upwards. Quickly, the jet sped away from Zero and took off into the air.
Zero gasped and tried to aim for the retreating jet, only to get hit once again from a series of blades that came at him.

Zero turned, only to be PUNCHED across the face by Hidden Phantom.

Stumbling back, Zero quickly started firing on Phantom, who was swift to dodge his fire and rapidly start throwing kunai blades at him. Zero scowled. This slagtard was FAST!
He attempted to aim and shoot at Phantom, but the ninja mech was much to fast for his blaster. Scowling, Zero took out his saber and quickly SLASHED at Phantom.

He managed to make contact, knocking the ninja back a few paces away.

Phantom managed to get up though, and quickly made a motion with his hand. Almost as soon as he made that motion, suddenly Zero was surrounded by at LEAST four or five copies of Hidden Phantom surrounding him.

Zero looked around quickly, trying to determine just WHICH copy was the REAL enemy. All of them, INCLUDING the original were going in and out, dodging from side to side, confusing Zero's aiming.
Scowling, Zero quickly slashed at the nearest Phantom...only for the saber to go right THROUGH the copy, like it was some sort of hollowgram.

"Fool!"

Zero looked behind him, only to get knocked to the ground by a Shuriken throw. As he started to stand, still ANOTHER pair of blades hit him from behind.
He found himself knocked back a ways, before he sat up, finding Harpuia over him….and six Phantoms still surrounding him.

"Crap…"

"Crap. Crap. Crap. CRAP!" Raven slid down the hall as a practical wall of fire AND ice came rushing for her. She had managed to get the download AND had started to head for Zero's rendezvous…
...but NOOOOOOO! She had to run FACE first into mr Big-N-Large and his trigger happy sister!

Raven swiftly doged from side to side as ice crystals came FLYING for her from all sides, while stinging hot FLAMES were practically on her TAIL!
The rebel managed to turn a corner sharply, and heard the sound of Fefnir sliding and CRASHING into something.

She came to a stop and made the mistake of looking behind her-
Only for a WALL of water to SPLASH into her, sending her SHOOTING down the hall, and go SAILING out of the building.

Raven found herself SLAMMED to the ground, a wave of water splashing all around her. Not too far away, the wave traveled towards the other fight.

Harpuia managed to see the wave in time and took to the air…

Zero and Phantom weren't so lucky. Both of the mechs found themselves SLAMMED by a wave of water and flat on their backs, before the wave finally dissipated.
Zero groaned and managed to sit up, looking towards the two new arrivals, finding Raven all washed up a few feet away from him, while Fairy Leviathan was standing in one of the windows of the building.

There was a moment of silence, before Leviathan called out. "I guess you won't be needing that bath, baby brother!" she called out tauntingly.

"Shut up!" Phantom growled, forcing himself to his feet, and taking out his katana. He started heading for Raven and Zero, a scowl on his face.
Harpuia landed on the ground, his own blades drawn. He kept his eyes firmly planted on Zero, intent on being the one who would put this traitor to justice.

As Harpuia and Phantom closed in, Leviathan landed nearby and also started walking for the two. Not too long after, Fefnir broke through an opening from the building he had been in. Cracking his knuckles he took up the last opening. If Harpuia thought he would take all the fun, he was SORELY mistaken.

Raven sat up and looked around at the welcoming committee, a wince coming to her face. Oh wonderful, her 'good friend' Phantom decided to come play again…
And he had his wonderful siblings with him.

The girl scowled, glancing upwards as she heard a jet circling the area.
WONDERFUL...and they had a vulture above, who most likely was hailing backup.

Raven paused and looked upwards towards the jet...before looking quickly towards Zero, pointing up towards it. "That jet is the one with the disabling signal right?"

Zero gave Raven a bewildered look, trying to understand why she would bring this up NOW, while they were surrounded. Was she suggesting SHOOTING the jet? Not only would that NOT work, no doubt it would piss off their surrounding enemies.

"Why is that important-"

"IS that the jet?!"
"Yes!"

Raven suddenly smirked and whipped out a trigger button. "Hold your ears."

"What are you-"

Raven suddenly pressed the trigger.

Sudden sounds of multiple explosions were heard coming from the building. Swiftly turning to face the building, Harpuia's pupils shrunk when he realized...the building was now leaning...and crumbling in their direction.

With the Guardians suddenly looking at the crumbling building, Raven scrambled up and GRABBED Zero's wrist, dragging him along with her. "QUICK! Hail Ceil!"

"THIS IS YOUR PLAN?!" Zero yelled. "YOU'RE INSANE!"

"Retreat! Retreat!" Harpuia swiftly turned and took to the air, the other guardians turning and fleeing from the oncoming rubble coming their way.
Harpuia glanced back at his siblings and quickly put a hand to his helmet. "FOXFIRE! Dive down and retrieve the others! NOW! NOW!"

The jet didn't hesitate; swiftly, the jet dove down for the danger zone and flew at a low altitude. Opening the cockpit door, Foxfire quickly looked towards the three running Guardians. "GET IN!"

Without hesitation, Leviathan, Phantom and Fefnir jumped for the low-altitude jet and swiftly got in their places, before the jet took for the sky, heading straight for Harpuia. The Air Commander allowed the jet to catch up with him, before he swiftly landed on the wing of the aircraft and jumped into the cockpit, allowing the cockpit to close behind him.

Sitting next to Foxfire, he quickly pointed towards the ground. "Quick! Try to triangulate on their position!"

Without question, Foxfire caused the jet to practically to a backflip and turn at a bank angle, swiftly going after the rebels.

Raven and Zero continued to run.

"CEIL!" Zero yelled into his com. "Transport us back to base!"

"Zero, Turn on your location beacon" Ceil called back, sounding stressed. "I can't transport you without that signal"

"Wha- It is on!" Zero paused and quickly glanced behind him, seeing the jet that was now coming for them. "Oh you've GOT to be kidding me." he growled, turning and firing for the upcoming jet. His fire made the jet quickly maneuver to the side, causing it to begin circling the duo.

Raven scowled and took out her blaster. "Oh come ON, Zero! You don't know how-...to hit….a jet?"

The jet practically was flying in slow motion now as she and the pilot of the jet locked eyes…

...Time stopped…

...everything around them disappeared…

Raven's mouth went agape and her joints locked up…

...Foxfire's eyes got wide and a look of terror hit her full force…

"...no….oh please God no…." Raven muttered to herself.

Foxfire breathed out, slowly shaking her head in disbelief…
"...slag….oh slag….oh-"

"FOXFIRE!"

The pilot quickly changed course of the jet, COMPLETELY missing the two rebels and now circling them, the pilot trying to get a better look at the two….particularly Raven.

"Foxfire!" Harpuia quickly looked towards the pilot. "What are you doing?" His question was not answered, as Foxfire was too focused on the souls below.
"Foxfire!" Harpuia moved to try and snap her out of it, before he took notice of the explosions of the collapsing building getting closer towards them.

He gritted his teeth. "Forget the rebels! Retreat!"

Foxfire still didn't do anything...she looked like she had seen a ghost…

"Foxfire!" Phantom quickly reached from behind her and firmly put a hand on shoulder, forcing the pilot out of her shock. "Retreat! Retreat now!"

"R-Roger!" Foxfire quickly stammered. Swiftly, the jet turned and flew away from the area…

Raven was standing stock still, her eyes wide, and gritting her teeth tightly.

"Raven!"

This can't happen...This CAN'T happen...she can't be reunited….with HER….Not THAT problem again!

"RAVEN!"

She felt Zero grab her by her arm and FORCE her to look at him. "Raven, snap out of it! We have to get out of here!"

Raven gasped and quickly shook her head. "R-Right. Right! Transport us already!"

"CEIL!" Zero shouted, quickly grabbing Raven by the back and bringing her tightly to himself.

"Location locked! Prepare for transport!" the voice of Ceil called out...allowing the duo to teleport….RIGHT as a cloud of fire and debris collapsed RIGHT where they had once been standing.