***NA***
Foxfire quietly walked down the hallway, silently passing Pantheon guards without looking at them. In her hands was a lunch tray with a decent set of goodies neatly presented on it.
Finger sandwiches….carrots...a bag of crisps….HECK, there were even two cookies on the tray as well as a nice clean bottle of water.
She slowed her walk as she got to the door and came to a stop when she actually got to the room. Two Pantheons watched Foxfire as she just…..stood there gazing at the door.
She wasn't….quite there….
Hey Ciel? Why don't we ever see Master X?
Don't you know? He defeated the dark elf by sealing it away with himself….now the Four Guardians lead….but I'm working on something...to bring him back.
Hah….the Four Guardians are nothing like X.
That's not true Rose! Phantom is noble! Harpuia is kind!
Please please, all of you, let's not fight about it…
Do you really think you can bring X back?
….I hope so….I really hope so Li-
"Lieutenant Foxfire?"
Foxfire gasped and nearly jumped, looking over her shoulder and letting off a small breath when she saw two white cloaked figures slowly walking in her direction. She bowed her head respectfully to acknowledge them.
"...your honors...I apologize, I wasn't aware you would be in the holding rooms…." she said softly, still not making eye contact with them. Two of the eight gentle judges; Cubit Foxtar and Hellbat Schilt….
"You seem to be troubled by something." Foxtar replied, studying Foxfire's stance. "Does this have to do with the fact that our prisoner is human?"
Foxfire didn't answer, but her grip did tighten on the tray very slightly.
"...do not let yourself be troubled, Lieutenant." Schilt finally said after a few moments of silence. "Master X will ensure she stays comfortable, even though she has betrayed Neo Arcadia. Like all humanity, she is to be protected."
"Dr. Ceil is important to Master X after all…" Foxtar agreed. "We have the Pantheons guarding her….not to worry Lieutenant."
Foxfire continued to stay silent for a moment longer, gazing up to look towards the Pantheon guards…
..Silent….stern….firm...emotionless….
Pantheons guarding Ciel….
….this wasn't a safe room….this was a prison…
Foxfire cleared her throat very slightly and looked back towards Schilt and Foxtar. "Your honors….no doubt you are here to speak with Dr. Ciel…..would you be so kind to allow me to have a few words with her for a few minutes?"
The two judges looked towards each other for a moment, before looking back towards Foxfire curiously.
Foxfire gazed at them for a moment, before she gave a look of request.
"Please…"
There was a moment of silence, before Hellbat Schilt slowly nodded. "Please be brief. Master X wishes for us to report to him quickly."
"Of course your honor." Foxfire made a small bow with her head and opened the door, entering the room and closing the door behind her, being mindful of the tray in her hands.
She placed her back against the door….and looked up, seeing Ciel gazing at her tiredly.
For a few moments, the two said nothing to each other. Only flashes of the past seemed to make themselves known. A time of peace...yet uncertainty...A time where there weren't as many cares as there were now.
...A time when they had been friends…
"Are you alright, Foxfire?" Ciel finally asked gently, sliding from the small bed she had been sitting on and turning to face her visiter. "...you look like you have a lot of things on your mind."
Foxfire did not reply….if anything, she glanced down towards the lunch tray that she was offering. Gazing at the snacks on the tray, she seemed to be thinking of a different life...Seeing Ciel as a child….seeing their friends as children...Seeing who was now an enemy….as a happy child…
She shut her eyes for a moment and her grip on the tray tightened.
The sounds of the happy laughter of children was echoing in her head….followed by….an explosion…
"...Foxfire."
Foxfire yelped and took a step back when she finally realized that Ciel was now standing in front of her and had been putting a hand on her arm in an attempt to comfort her. There was silence for a moment...but Foxfire slowly broke away from Ciel and made her way to the small desk in the room, setting the lunch tray down.
Ciel turned and watched Foxfire, a patient look on her face. It was obvious something was deeply disturbing her...Ciel knew she had to approach this delicately.
"...Foxfire." Ciel walked back over towards the little bed in the room and sat down. "...I'm glad to see you again." She smiled at the Lieutenant warmly. "Have you been doing well? Are they treating you well here? Have you told Phantom yet?"
Foxfire blushed lightly at the last question and groaned very lightly. After a moment, she stood up straight and loosely crossed her arms. She turned to face Ciel, noticing the calm and gentle demeanor that Ciel was offering her…
Foxfire pursed her lips...and walked over, standing over Ciel and grimacing.
Ciel only gazed back at Foxfire patiently.
…only the sounds of the air conditioning could be heard….along with the birds that chirped outside the very small window that was provided in the room…
...it wasn't a room...it was just an extremely comfortable cell…
"...Ciel…" Foxfire glanced towards the window, her brow furrowing in concern. "...why….are you going against Master X?" she finally asked after a long moment of tense silence. "...You're the one who brought him back….why would you turn on him?"
Ciel smiled at Foxfire gently. Finally….Finally she was getting the chance to reason with her dear friend...now she just had to tread softly…
"...flower….do you remember the stories that I told you about X?" Ciel asked quietly. "Everything we were taught about X?"
Foxfire was quiet for a while...before she looked towards Ciel, a slightly confused look on her face. "...yeah?"
"Remember how we were told that X used to fight Mavericks alongside other reploids?" Ciel put a hand up for emphasis. "How he mingled with the public? How he put himself on the front lines and patrolled Able City himself? Talking with people? Talking with Reploids?...Playing with children? Helping the elderly?"
Foxfire gazed at Ciel as she spoke. Ciel seemed to be talking EXTREMELY fondly of X...as though she still had such a high amount of respect for him...so….why-
"Tell me, flower…" Ciel reached over and gently patted the spot beside herself, inviting Foxfire to sit next to her. "...Have you seen X doing that ever?"
Foxfire paused at the question….and slowly sat by Ciel, careful not to bump the girl with one of her wings. She kept her arms crossed and seemed to be pondering over Ciel's question.
X….X….never left the base….Hardly ever even left his throne room….heck, one of the only times he was 'out in public' was when he was overseeing a trial for reploids…
One reploid in particular struck Foxfire as strange…
A reploid who had been accused of finding something…'forbidden'...seeing something he wasn't meant to see…
However….it had not been stated WHAT he had seen…
That had been around the time she had JUST been put under Phantom's command...she had inquired; but Phantom told her it hadn't been important…
….and she just….believed him…
"...no." Foxfire looked back at Ceil, looking troubled. "I've never seen him do anything with the people…every time I'm near him…..I want to flee."
Ceil nodded in response."Flower….I may have rebuilt X's body….but I was unable to convince X to return to us."
Foxfire paused at Ciel's words, a perplexed look on her face. "...but….you had said you were bringing X back…."
"That was the original intent." Ciel put a hand on Foxfire's arm. "However, X explained that he did not wish to take the risk of releasing the mother elf."
"...The Mother Elf…" Foxfire seemed to ponder for a moment. "...right…the war against the mother elf…He sealed her with himself."
"That's correct." Ciel folded her hands on her lap and glanced out the window. "He was afraid that by taking his own soul from his original body, it would cause the mother elf to once again be released….and ultimately…"
The scientist trailed off, thinking about all the consequences that would happen if such a thing were to happen. She looked back towards Foxfire, who seemed to be troubled and smiled at her gently.
"But that's where the Guardians came into play….each of them hold a piece of X inside of them…yet…I still felt we needed X despite having the Four Guardians." She lowered her head and let off a soft sigh. "….but the one in the body I made for X… is a completely different person. One who doesn't understand exactly what X did during his time….one that does not believe in the same cause…but only craves the power and respect that comes with being X."
Ciel looked back towards Foxfire, who was slowly balling her fists.
"...Flower…" Ciel placed her hand on Foxfire's closed fists. "...Copy X cares nothing for-"
"Lieutenant…"
Foxfire and Ciel looked over as the door opened, letting in Sage Harpuia, along with the two Judges who were still waiting outside. Harpuia glanced at Ciel for a long moment, before looking towards Foxfire.
"The Judges must speak with our prisoner." He said calmly.
Foxfire gazed at Harpuia for a moment…before she stood and turned to Ciel, placing her hands behind her back. "...I must return to my post." she mumbled quietly. She gave Ciel a small bow. "I will see to your needs for as long…or as short as you stay with us."
Because even I know Raven's probably already planning a rescue as we speak.
Without another word, Foxfire turned and headed for the door, keeping her gaze on the ground as she passed her allies.
Harpuia watched the Lieutenant leave….before looking towards Ciel. "Dr. Ciel…For your sake I hope you are not trying to guilt my brother's lieutenant. Your punishment is a result of your own unfortunate actions."
"I was merely catching up with one whom I once called a friend, Commander Harpuia." Ciel smiled very slightly at him. "Something I hope to one day do the same with you."
Harpuia was silent for a long time…before he turned and headed for the door. He glanced towards Foxtar and Schilt as he exited. "Ensure she is kept comfortable and safe."
"Understood" Both Judges replied as the Guardian closed the door behind him.
***RB***
"I'M COMING WITH"
"You're staying here."
"ZERO! Would you quit being a pain in the ass and let me COME!?"
Raven quickly got in front of Zero as he was heading for the ship, scowling heavily. "Ciel is my FRIEND! The closest thing I have to a SISTER! I'm not SITTING at home when she's in the hands of a EGOMANIAC CLONE who thinks he's all that and a bag of CHIPS!"
"Raven." Zero stopped walking and scowled at her. "You already KNOW why I want you to stay here. As long as Lumine thinks you're a holder of one of the fires, he's going to COME for you!"
"Well what about YOU, GOLDILOCKS?!" Raven shoved her finger into Zero's chest. "Who's to say Lumine doesn't think YOU'RE one of the holders?! His whole 'Sun is setting' speech was directed towards YOU after all!"
Zero paused and gave Raven a crazed look, before frowning. "Raven-"
"I'm NOT sitting here 'safe and sound' while my FRIEND is in the hands of his highneyness 'Wannabe X'" Raven sneered.
There was a long, tense moment, before Zero glanced towards the ship….and looked back towards Raven.
Raven continued to glare at Zero, and let off a slow breath. "Listen…I have an idea….it's crazy, but I think it will work….if you'll just TRUST me."
"I do trust you." Zero took a step forward, his eyes narrowing at his ally. He proceeded to put a finger under Raven's chin to keep his eyes dead-locked with hers, but continued to frown at her.
Raven flinched for a brief second, feeling her face going hot. The memory of Zero's bold, and stern confession flashed in her mind for a brief moment…before she gritted her teeth.
"...Then let me tell you my idea…"
"...why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like it?"
"Oh you're probably going to HATE it."
***NA***
Copy X folded his hands in front of his face and rose an eyeridge at the sight in front of him. For a while he was just silent…before he let off a low chuckle.
"How amusing." He smiled, standing from his throne and smirking at the new arrival….Raven.
Raven was before Copy X, The Four Guardians, and three of the Four Lieutenants. She had at least a dozen Pantheons behind her, all aiming their weapons at her in case she decided to do something stupid.
"I didn't believe the rebels would readily hand over their prize so…readily." CopyX crooned as he made his way down the few stairs and made his way over to Raven, who was frowning at him. Her visor hid her glare, though she was pretty sure she knew CopyX wouldn't care if he could see her expression or not.
"It's more of an exchange, you X Wannabe." Raven spat. "I'm merely offering my life for Ciels."
"Watch your tongue, holder of the moon." Phantom growled, before CopyX put up his hand to silence the ninja.
"Oh?" Copy X tilted his head, putting his hands back behind him. " ?...You mean to tell me you wish to offer your capture for her freedom?"
"Did you really have to just REPEAT what I just said, or do you just like hearing the sound of your own VOICE?" Raven snipped.
"She's certainly pretty SPICY isn't she?" Sobek snickered, twirling his staff. "Want me to cool her down, Master X?"
"That will not be necessary, Lieutenant." Copy X smirked at Raven arrogantly.
"Do we have a deal or not?" Raven frowned, taking a step towards CopyX.
This caused all in the room except for CopyX to aim their weapons at Raven, while CopyX chuckled softly.
"You're extremely entertaining. To believe that I would trade a human for a reploid."
Raven narrowed her eyes slightly. Tch. You know nothing you egomaniac clone….
"Even a reploid that might hold the very spirit of the moon?" She scoffed lowly.
"The very reason for harboring the strength of the moon is to continue to be the savior of humans." Copy X made a motion towards Phantom, who walked over and disarmed Raven while she was still under the aim of everyone else in the room.
As Phantom did this, Copy X took Raven by the chin and smirked. "And now that I finally have what is rightfully mine, I can continue to protect humanity."
"Tch….why would you be after the destructive powers of the moon then?" Raven snided. "Why not go for the sun? You know….Healing….Growth…..LIFE."
"And yet the Moon will ensure the destruction of my enemies." CopyX put his nose against Raven's and smirked evilly. "There is no true strength in the sun."
Raven wanted to step away from this creep, but stood her ground and frowned at CopyX. After a long tense moment, the clone released her and stood up straight, still smirking at Raven. "Guardians. Take her to our most secure reploid cell. We will ensure she has no way of escaping her destiny of protecting Neo Arcadia."
"At once, Master X." Phantom responded, taking Raven firmly by her arm as the rest of the Guardians surrounded her. Leviathan was quick to put restraining cuffs on her hands to keep her from trying anything.
"But first…" CopyX reached for her vizor. "I wish to know exactly who we've been dealing with for the past few years." He smirked, placing his fingers under her mask. "After all. It's time for you to behold your true leader, Skyfire holder."
Raven gritted her teeth and took a step back….
"Want us to go with them, Master X?!" Sobek put up a hand, a large grin on his face as he thought of ALL the ways he could prank this girl. "Gotta make sure she's not planning something, right?"
CopyX paused his moment of glory as he pondered over Sobek's words…
….Raven DID give herself away…very easily…
It would be almost EXPECTED of her to be holding out on them, considering her previous history of getting the drop on them.
"Harpuia." CopyX narrowed his eyes, taking his fingers away from Raven's helmet, and looking towards the Guardians. "Each of you take your Lieutenants and do a complete sweep of the grounds. I will not be taking any chances."
"Awww." Sobek deflated, rubbing his head lightly. "Now I kinda wish I hadn't said anything…"
Harpuia glanced towards Sobek for a brief moment, before nodding towards Copy X. "Yes Master X." Harpuia turned, keeping his weapons out, and motioning Shadow to follow him the two left the room.
"Phantom." CopyX glanced over his shoulder as Leviathan and Fefnir left with Sobek and Sandstorm.
"Master?"
"Take our guest to the most secure cell…and Do NOT allow yourself to become distracted until the Skyfire is secure." CopyX's eyes narrowed.
Phantom was silent for two seconds, before putting a hand to his chest. "Literally nothing will tear me from my mission, Master X."
Raven scowled at Phantom's words, before she was taken firmly and led out of the room.
"Oh so I'm stuck with just YOU, huh ghost boy?" Raven scoffed, rolling her eyes as Phantom lead her. "Lucky me"
"Keep quiet for once and maybe this will be less painful for both of us." Phantom nipped back, a serious frown on his face.
"Where's your fangirl? She not want to be apart of your bootlicking missions?"
"Leave Foxfire out of this."
"Sure thing lover boy."
"Commander Phantom!"
Before Phantom could make a retort, he glanced over his shoulder as Shadowman made his way over, hands behind his back.
"Oh yippie. More ninja shadows of the freaking night." Raven mocked.
"Be quiet." Phantom growled, before frowning at Shadowman. "What is it?"
"There's a rumor that the moon finally surrendered herself." Shadowman smirked lightly. "Allow me to assist you in placing her in max security."
Phantom narrowed his eyes.
"Are you suggesting I am not capable of placing our prisoner myself?"
"Of course not." Shadowman gazed at Phantom levelly. "Though seeing that Lieutenant Foxfire is once again not by your side and is no doubt distracted by whatever new leaf blew by, I would think that-"
Shadowman suddenly stopped talking when he saw one of Phantom's kunai two inches from his face. He took a small step back, looking back at Phantom's glowing red optics.
"...finish that statement." Phantom dared in a voice dripping with venom.
Shadowman was silent….before slowly shaking his head. "...I will return to my post."
"You do that." Phantom put his kunai away and tugged on Raven's arm. "Come."
Raven blinked and went with Phantom, leaving Shadowman behind, scowling to himself.
***SW***
Quick footsteps were heard in the hallways of the main base of Neo Arcadia. Zero made his way down the halls, being sure to find spots to survey before continuing. Behind him was Colbar, who was carrying a bag of several devices inside. Every now and then, Colbor would fasten one of these devices against a wall, a power consul, etc.
Zero's mind was racing with the irritation he was feeling towards Raven. He had been convinced that he was perfectly capable of rescuing Ciel on his own. Why had Raven pulled the stupid 'Trust' card on him?
This wasn't like hitting a checkpoint or separate base. This was Guardian territory. All four Guardians were here, as well as all four Lieutenants, their subjects, and no doubt that power hungry Lumine.
Raven was going to be the death of either him, or herself….he just knew it.
Zero once again stopped his run as he and Colbor got to a fork. He frowned and glanced at a particular direction, knowing that it would be a better idea for him to take the path that lead to the innermost parts of the base. Colbor would take the outskirts. Not as many sentries….that was….unless Copy X caught on…
"Ok. You remember the plan right?"
Zero paused and looked towards Colbor with a deadpan look.
Colbor was digging in his bag, taking out a dozen small devices as he continued to speak. "We're supposed to split up and continue planting these in areas that will disturb the communication. Once Jaken sets them off, I track on Raven and you get Ciel. You remember that?"
Colbor looked up…and sweatdropped upon seeing Zero's sarcastic face.
"R-Right. Of course you know that! I was just….uh…testing! Yeah!"
Zero shook his head and took out his ZSaber. "Colbor, for the love of all that's decent, try not to get caught this time."
"Don't worry! I've got a foolproof plan this time!" Colbor gave Zero a thumbs-up. Zero gave him a skeptical look….before continuing down one hall while Colbor took the other.
As Zero ran, he forced himself to focus on the task at hand. He had a relative feel for the area due to the layouts that Ciel had showed him. He hadn't been planning to actually come HERE until it was time to take Copy X head-on.
From the looks of it, that day was going to come much sooner than he thought.
"Ensure it is set up perfectly."
Zero's eyes suddenly narrowed and he took cover as he heard a new voice coming into the hall. When he glanced out, he scowled darkly upon seeing Lumine casually strolling past, looking like he was talking to someone.
"Once all pieces are put into place, those four nuciences will not bother me ever again." Lumine muttered. "I have enough to deal with, now that I have to get Zero in my hands."
….wait….he's after me?
Zero narrowed his eyes at Lumine's conversation. Why would Lumine be after-
"Then ensure it's set up by the end of the week. That stupid ninja is probably going to sweep the system again by the end of the day. Handle it." Lumine ended his call and continued onwards…
Once he was gone, Zero stepped out of his cover and continued to run down the passage ways, planting a device on the door he passed.
As Zero planted his devices, Colbor was just finishing his.
The rebel 'dusted' his hands and examined the last device, before activating his comlink. "Colbor to Jaken, my half of the devices are in place. Will begin heading for Rendezvous point."
"Understood. We're currently waiting for the all clear from Zero." Jaken's reply came.
"Roger. Colbor out." Colbor ended his transmission and turned….stopping dead in his tracks. A small whimper escaped his mouth when he saw the new arrival behind him.
"So….it's you again."
***NA***
"You know your show of hospitality leaves MUCH to be desired." Raven mocked as Phantom continued to firmly lead her down the halls that were beginning to get rather scarce of soldiers. When Phantom didn't respond, Raven smirked and looked back towards the front. "After all…you know a thing or two about….desires…don't you?"
"...would you PLEASE shut up?" Phantom growled lowly.
"Oh! Please! Wow I didn't think you ACTUALLY knew how to have manners!" Raven taunted, letting off a mock laugh. "Well since you said 'Please', Maybe I'll stop talking about your pretty ittle girlfriend and start talking about your stupid leader."
Phantom growled lowly. "You know nothing."
"Uh- no, I think it's YOU who don't know anything." Raven scoffed. "The fact that you bow your ninja ass to a MURDERER and turn a blind eye to his narcasictic ego."
The ninja glared slightly at Raven, but said nothing as he continued on. Raven took this as an invitation.
"The fact that this slagger keeps offing reploids for no reason, and practically BASKS in the worship those uneducated humans give him day in and day out. Oh yeah. SOME paradise he made! HE'S not even the one who made paradise!"
Phantom stopped walking and turned to face Raven, his grip on her arm only tightening.
"Enough." he snarled firmly.
Raven scoffed and looked at Phantom, scowling. "Or WHAT, ninja boy? You gonna go all CopyX on me and try to scare me? Won't work. I already know your strategies and tricks. I had to deal with you for years even BEFORE I became a rebel. I still know my way around here, shuriken butt. There is literally NOTHING you can pull on me."
There was an uncomfortable amount of silence, and Phantom's face became expressionless.
"...So…you've been here before is what you're saying…"
Raven pursed her lips and glanced to the side.
….sometimes I REALLY have a big mouth…
Phantom kept his grip on Raven and reached out towards her visor. "Then it's about time I gazed into the eyes of my adversary. I should know the face of the one who I will put away for the sake of Neo Arcadia."
Friiiiiiiick.
Raven tried to pull away, but Phantom was too strong. He put his hand on her visor and started to lift it-
"Heeeey Commander Phantom?" Sobek's voice came over the line. "I have a message from Foxfire"
Phantom suddenly paused at the 'out-of-left-field' call from…Sobek? He frowned and took his hand away from Raven's visor, but kept his grip on her arm. "What?...why isn't she calling me herself?" He paused and gritted his teeth. "Is she injured?"
"No no, she's perfectly A-ok." Sobek's voice came back. "But she said she was unable to reach you via com. Kinda weird that she can contact me though, maybe she needs someone to look at her radio or something. We told her you were in max securi"
Phantom relaxed only slightly and glanced at Raven, frowning.
She shrugged at him and motioned towards the handcuffs on her hands. "Don't look at me. I'm an innocent party this time. Currently incompasitated."
The ninja frowned. "Sobek, contact Foxfire and tell her to report to the Cutting Shadow Squadron where I will meet with her…what did she need to report?"
"Oh yeah, She told me and Commander Fefnir that she found a little-"
BOOM!
Phantom flinched and put his arms up as the building shook from an explosion…and then another…and another.
Raven took the chance to quickly crouch down and slide kick Phantom, causing the ninja to fall on his back. She then brought up her handcuffed hands and smirked as Phantom attempted to regain himself.
"Good night, Dark Prince."
She SLAMMED her cuffs against Phantom's head and the ninja fell back down to the ground, no longer moving. He did groan very slightly, which told Raven that she was on borrowed time, before Phantom regained consciousness.
Quickly she snatched something from Phantom's waist and started to unlock her cuffs-
"PHANTOM!"
Raven froze and turned, seeing Foxfire at the end of the hallway looking horrified, and being followed by-
"Colbor?!" Raven winced and stood up quickly.
"Raven!" Colbor shouted in elation.
Foxfire seethed, and having already been escorting Colbor by the arm, proceeded to SHOVE him to the ground and put the tips of her sai against his neck. "Raven! I SWEAR if you've done ANYTHING to him-"
"RELAX, princess!" Raven sneered, crossing her arms. "Your widdle Prince is just knocked out. Hah. He'll be feeling THAT in the morning."
"GET. AWAY. From him!" Foxfire growled.
"How about you get away from my buddy first?" Raven took a step up- however Foxfire quickly SLASHED at Colbor's helmet…slicing off one of his radios in the process.
Colbor yelped and trembled, causing Raven to pause and grit her teeth.
Foxfire was glaring darkly at her. "I'm in a BAD mood….understand?"
Raven scoffed and made a motion with her hand. "...fine….let's settle this….diplomatically then."
"Just take your little mouse of a wanna be rebel and get away from Phantom." Foxfire narrowed her eyes. "And when you take Ciel, don't make HIM in charge of her." She pointed towards Colbor.
Raven paused- suddenly flabbergasted…wait….what?
"...just like that?" Raven almost pouted. "No long drawn out demand system or-"
"Or would you RATHER I slice him open?" Foxfire asked, putting her blade against Colbor's back, causing him to shrink in fear.
"Fine fine fine." Raven stomped over towards Colbor, causing Foxfire to quickly rush for Phantom and stand over him, turning to face Raven and Colbor, weapons still out and ready.
Raven helped Colbor up and looked him over, before giving him a sarcastic look. "You realize Foxfire is the LOWEST. RANKING. Elite? And she keeps catching you."
Colbor cleared his throat and rubbed his head, glancing back towards Foxfire, who was still standing over the passed out Ninja protectively. Raven also glanced back towards Foxfire…
Something about her stance and demeanor…seemed off.
Raven turned and took Colbor's wrist, running off down the hall.
As they left, Foxfire put away her weapons and quickly knelt down, rolling Phantom over so he was laying on his back. She put a hand against his cheek and grimaced at the dent in his head. As she did this, Phantom let off another low moan, but did not respond.
Carefully, Foxfire managed to pick up his upper torso and cradled him to herself, letting off a slow sigh of relief. "...Phantom….Thank Arceus you're alive." she whispered. "I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you…"
Without really thinking, she leaned down and pressed her lips against his. When she broke, she put her hand to her radio.
"...Foxfire to Shadow. I require back up."
***SW***
Ciel looked out the window as she watched the entire base run around like a bunch of fire ants that had been disturbed. She knew from the first explosion, it just HAD to be Raven's idea.
…she wasn't exactly the most…subtle person in the world.
The girl sighed lightly and continued to watch the chaos below her. It was clear that no one quite knew where to go and were searching for orders….it was possible the explosions knocked out some of the communications.
That most likely meant the only ones capable of talking to each other were the Guardians and the Lieutenants…
Ciel paused, noticing Shadow running three stories below from one building to another, looking as though he was livid. Not long afterwards, Sobek and Sandstorm were seen running in the same direction. Ciel winced lightly. With how calm Shadow normally was, something serious must have-
BANG!
Ciel gasped and quickly turned, looking at the closed door. Several blows could be heard outside….before the door was opened, letting Zero in.
Zero looked over the room until he saw Ciel and lowered his Z-Saber. "Did you get your beauty rest?"
"I have not slept since I got here." Ciel replied almost sarcastically. "And considering I was taken during night shift."
"Yeah, You're probably not the happiest are ya?" Zero motioned her over. "Just don't turn into Raven, and we'll get along fine."
"Oh please." Ciel made her way over and looked both ways down the hall, before walking out. "You and I both know how you feel about Raven." She glanced over her shoulder. "The question is if you're going to actually TALK to her about it, or keep playing this vague game with her."
Zero blushed very lightly, a small frown on his face, before following Ciel.
***SW***
"I grow TIRED of constantly CHASING you, moon holder!" Shadow snarled as he tried to make a grab for Raven who was practically DRAGGING Colbor as she ran. The ninja scowled as he missed and attempted to activate his darkness-
Only for Sandstorm to try to LEAP for Raven…
…and land smack on his face.
"Haaa!" Raven smirked as she rounded a corner- and found herself sliding on ice. "WHOOOAAA!"
"AAAAHHH!" Colbor shrieked and clung to Raven as they were sent sliding across the hall and SLAMMED into a door.
"Ooowww.." Colbor tried to get up, but fell right back on his butt.
Raven on the other hand managed to get up and faced the approaching Lieutenants. Smirking lightly, Raven twirled her naginata and SLAMMED it against the ice, causing cracks to appear everywhere.
"Say 'Cheese'" Raven crooned.
"Wha-" Sobek paused when a sudden FLASH of light came from the cracks of the light, causing the three Lieutenants to shield their optics.
As soon as they shielded themselves, Raven quickly turned and SNATCHED Colbor, entering a random door and finding themselves in a stairwell.
"We're trapped!" Colbor panicked, putting his hands on his head and trying to determine if they should start running up or down.
Raven gritted her teeth and glanced towards the door…if it was Sobek, Shadow and Sandstorm…then the best idea would be…
She narrowed her eyes before SHOVING Colbor towards the upwards stairs. "GO! GO!"
Without much hesitation, Colbor started running upwards, following the stairs that seemed to be a never ending roundabout. Raven studied the make of the stairs and walls…and activated her radio.
"ZERO! Tell me you have Ciel!"
There was a moment of silence, before the reply came back. "She's with me. Why aren't you at the rendezvous point-"
"Because Foxfire called her stupid friends after I knocked her boyfriend out!" Raven heard a CRASH from below and knew the three Lieutenants were now in the stairwell with them. "Fly the ship to Stairwell B! Colbor and I are heading upwards!"
"Where's Stairwell-"
"JUST LOOK FOR SOMETHING THAT LOOKS LIKE A LARGE ROUND TOWER AND FLY FOR THE HIGHEST WINDOW!" Raven turned her radio off and glanced around, noticing the area was beginning to get dark.
Frick. Shadow's little Darkness technique.
"You won't escape us this time!" Came Shadow's voice, causing Raven to shove Colbor to run faster.
"Oh yeah?" She mocked back. "Just try to stop us BOY SCOUT!"
"OH FOR-" Shadow's feet could be heard running faster.
Crapcrapcrapcrapcrap!
Raven couldn't keep herself from grinning at the fact that she had irritated Shadow…the only PROBLEM was Shadow got BETTER at his aim when he was irritated. Unlike Phantom who got flustered when he was irritated.
This…could be VERY bad.
Sure enough, here came Shadow's darkness, chasing them up the stairs like some evil fog that was going to eat them up.
The sound of the jet cut through the tension and Raven could almost taste her relief. FINALLY Zero had honed into their position. No doubt with Ciel's help since she actually KNEW the area.
Raven ran ahead, dragging Colbor along like a ragdoll and managed to get to window.
"Colbor, you first!" Raven barked, positioning him to the window as the jet lined itself up with the opening.
Colbor froze and took a step back, trying to calculate his chances of actually REACHING the ship. "B-But I don't think I can make that Ju-UUUUUUUUMP!" Colbor shrieked as Raven practically LAUNCHED him out of the window and towards the jet.
Below, Zero had opened the cockpit door and caught the young tech as though he weighed no more than a sack of feathers. He turned and looked up, scowling. "Raven! Hurry! The whole place is-"
SLAM!
Raven yelped and jumped backwards as a metal door SLAMMED over the window in an attempt to trap all inside. She gritted her teeth and then jumped again when she barely dodged one of Sobek's ice beams.
"Come on Moonshine!" Sobek said as he managed to finally catch up enough to SEE Raven in Shadow's darkness. "I don't bite!"
"Sorry Ice ball, this star DOES bite!" Raven took out her Naginata and SLASHED at the ice, sending a few chunks towards Sobek. She quickly turned and continued running up the stairs. As she ran she felt a gust of wind behind her and gritted her teeth. In an attempt to dodge the incoming attack, she tried to dodge right-
Only for Sandstorm to TACKLE her into the wall, causing the structure to fail. The wall caved in and Raven found herself tackled onto a nearby rooftop, tumbling a few feet with Sandstorm still grabbing onto her.
Scowling, Raven managed to roll to the side slightly and PUNCHED Sandstorm in the face, sending him back and allowing her to wiggle out of his grasp. Managing to get up, Raven ran to the other side of the roof…and paused when she got to the edge.
She was fifteen stories in the air and the nearest neighboring buildings were at least five stories down.
….yeah…there was no way she was going to be able to make that jump.
"Well this is just great…" she muttered to herself. Hearing the sounds of flight behind her, she turned, scowling at the sight of Sage Harpuia landing on the roof with his blades drawn.
Behind him, Shadow, Sobek and Sandstorm all had their weapons out and were gaining on her.
"We have you surrounded Aurore holder." Harpuia growled. "You would be better off surrendering before we add more crimes to your list than just assaulting a member of the four Guardians."
"Is that what his little fangirl called it?" Raven scoffed. "Ohhh her poor little lover boy got a booboo. I'm the worst person on Earth."
"Wow. The whole world really DOES know about Phantom and Foxfire." Sobek muttered, earning small glares from Harpuia and Shadow.
"Wait, they actually finally got together?"
Everyone slowly gave Sandstorm a sarcastic look. The Lieutenant blinked and put his hand up. "What?"
Raven glanced to the side when she heard the sound of Zero's jet getting closer. PERFECT timing for once!
"Well this is all well and good, and I'd LOVE to spend more time with you girl scouts." She twirled her naginata and took a few steps back. "But I'm allergic to cookies."
She quickly turned heel and made a break for the edge of the building.
"NOT SO FAST!" Harpuia quickly activated his own jets and flew for Raven. He managed to grab ahold of her and seethed as they both fell off the edge of the building.
As they fell, Raven grunted and managed to SLASH at Harpuia's wing, causing them to start spiraling in the air. Harpuia slipped a bit and lost his grip, but he managed to snag her leg as they continued to fall.
"I am NOT letting you get away from us again!" Harpuia snarled, gritting his teeth as he reached for his saber.
"Oh you actually LET me get away all those other times?" Raven mocked. "You're. So. KIND!" She managed to kick him in the face with her other foot, causing him to instinctively swing his blade in defense. This caused him to slash at the back of her knee.
Raven let off a startled yelp as she and Harpuia separated in their fall. Thankfully Zero's jet managed to line up with her fall, allowing her to land in the cockpit on her back.
"GO! NOW! GO!" Zero snarled towards Colbor who was now at the pilot's controls. Colbor wasted no time and the jet shot fast into the sky, quick to flee from Neo Arcadia.
Harpuia cursed and tried to fly after them, however Raven's blow to his wing had shorted out his jets. He continued to fall until he was suddenly sliding on a slide made out of pure ice, which safely allowed him to tumble onto a nearby building.
Rolling onto his side, Harpuia gritted his teeth and pushed himself up. Growling, he watched the jet fly off into the distance. Seething, he glanced upwards towards the building he had fallen from, spotting Sobek and Leviathan at the top, looking down at him, both of them with their staffs out.
Shadow was watching the jet take off, while Sandstorm and Fefnir seemed irritated at the loss.
….once again they had failed to secure the moon…
Harpuia sneered, looking back towards the horizon…and looked down towards the piece of tech still in his hand…
In the air, Raven managed to sit up from where she had landed in the cockpit and looked towards her allies.
"Well…THAT was fun" she muttered sarcastically.
"Raven! Are you hurt? Did they hurt you? Can you-" Colbor started to ask, but Zero motioned towards the horizon.
"Colbor! FLY the jet before we are at a bank angel!"
"O-Oh! Right! Sorry!"
Raven smirked and started to push herself up…but found she couldn't. She looked down…and her pupils shrunk…
"Oh…..well slag…."