***NA***
The sound of keys typing was the only thing filling Foxfire's office. Really the only other thing she could hear was the sound of members of the Cutting Shadow Squadron training in the main room. She wasn't aware of what time it was…really she had lost track of all the things she had forced herself to think about.
The words 'Update complete' appeared on her screen and she took the device she was working on and unplugged it from the computer. She then pressed a few buttons on the side, and put it on, ensuring that it was snugly fitting.
She then pressed a button against the side of her helmet and a blue visor slid down over her eyes. Images of readings, notes and other things flashed on the screen were seen across her visor, before 'all systems normal' flashed in front of her eyes before the wording disappeared.
Foxfire let off a slow sigh and sat in her chair, looking at her hands and frowning slightly.
….it had taken her almost a week to prepare this….she just hoped it wouldn't be noticed too much.
A flash of CopyX backhanding her flashed in her mind and she quickly shut her eyes, putting her hands to her helmet and gritting her teeth…
When are you going to wake up to the fact that Copy X is a genocidal maniac?!
Foxfire's grip on her helmet tightened.
You're blinded by your infatuation to a soldier who's blinded by loyalty to a MURDERER!
Foxfire gritted her teeth, feeling her body trembling.
The one in the body I made for X…is a completely different person…
She heard herself sob and tried to fight it…
Raven had been right….this entire time….Raven had been right….
The one she had been following this entire time had never been X….He cared nothing about the morals that X once taught. He felt nothing for the citizens of Neo Arcadia…
"...X…." Foxfire muttered, holding her arms tightly to herself. "...X….How do I even know what the real X would want…." she muttered to herself.
After a moment, a notification sound was heard on one of her computers. Foxfire stayed holding herself for a moment….before she made her way to her laptop and glanced at the notification.
….the screen was showing 'Sunrise'...
Foxfire was confused. What? Was it morning? She pressed a button…but it was 4:40 in the morning….still another hour till Sunrise.
….Sunrise….
She looked to the side for a moment….and pressed something on her helmet, sending out a silent message…
…she….needed more answers…
She needed to know more-
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
Foxfire jumped about 5 feet in the air and absolutely SHRIEKED at the loudness of that knock, taking a few steps back and tripping over her own chair, falling backwards.
CRASH!
A mountain of gadgets, gizmos, papers and more landed on top of her.
"Oooooh!"
"Aaaaahhh…."
"...you idiots….I told you not to knock so hard."
The door to Foxfire's office opened, and in walked Sobek, looking around and grimacing at the disaster they had caused. "...uh….Fox?"
There was silence….before Foxfire's head popped out of the disaster pile of madness. She scowled lightly, causing Sobek to snicker and walk over to her. "You awake?" he teased.
"Awake and even MORE disorganized than normal, thank you Sobek." Foxfire grumbled, pushing herself up and stumbling out of the pile, dusting herself off. "Moron."
"I told you two I would get her myself." Shadow walked in, frowning at Sobek as he made his way to Foxfire. "I need to talk with her anyways."
"Oh please." Sobek waved a hand in the air. "What important things do you need to say besides 'You gotta work on this, that, and this'? Or do you need to talk to her about the fact none of our radios want to work for some reason?"
"He probably wants to be picky about how 'nice and neat' his office is." Sandstorm grinned as he came into the room and swiftly picked Foxfire up and tossing her over his shoulder.
"Gah! Sandstorm-"
"BE CAREFUL WITH HER!" Shadow suddenly put out a hand, looking spooked. "Would you put her DOWN?!"
Sobek and Sandstorm blinked at Shadow, looking confused by his sudden outburst. Since WHEN did Shadow care about them picking on Foxfire? He knew it was all in good fun right?
"Dude, relax Shadow" Sobek made a motion towards Sandstorm. "You know we wouldn't even intentionally hurt Fox."
"Yeah, besides, she's tough as nails! I can't count how many times I've DROPPED her!" Sandstorm suddenly looked thoughtful, looking towards Sobek. "...it's like….ten, right?"
"Eh. More like 100." Sobek shrugged.
"Would you PLEASE put me down?" Foxfire grumbled, now hanging upside down as the only thing Sandstorm was holding onto was her legs. The rest of her was just dangling against Sandstorm's back like a bat, arms crossed.
Sandstorm motioned with his head. "See? She's fine!"
"Lieutenants."
All four looked towards the door, where Phantom was standing, looking unamused. He assessed the situation…and looked pointedly towards Sobek and Sandstorm.
"Is there a reason you two are disturbing the peace in my division?" He muttered sarcastically.
"Aww now that's not right." Sobek shrugged and grinned. "Why are WE automatically labeled the trouble makers while Shadow gets a pass?"
Phantom stared at Sobek blankly. "...shall I count the ways?"
"We haven't done TOO much!" Sandstorm put up his free hand and started counting with his fingers. "We've only messed with the weapons, caused a landslide, froze an entire hall, blew up a jet, ruined a human birthday party…"
He ran out of fingers on one hand and proceeded to use his other hand to count, dropping Foxfire in the process.
"GAH!"
CRASH!
"I think we also caused the entire traffic network to short out….aaaannnd…Oh yeah, the whole 'dumping mud on Foxfire' when it was supposed to be Commander Fefnir." He looked towards the ninja. "Did I miss any, Commander Phantom?"
Both Phantom and Shadow were looking at him like he was the dumbest rock on the planet.
"...did I miss one?"
Phantom sighed and knelt down, helping Foxfire up. She paused and quickly ensured her helmet was straight, accepting his hand and allowing him to pull her up.
…for some reason she wouldn't make eye contact with him…
Phantom assumed it was because she was aware of the footage that….literally EVERYONE knew about.
…Harpuia was correct…he needed to tell her.
Phantom looked towards the other Lieutenants. "...What do you need Foxfire for?"
"Monthly inspections." Sobek motioned out of the office. "Going to different bases and ensuring security. No one updates better than Foxfire."
"...I see." Phantom nodded slightly. "Then I will not keep you long. Allow me to speak with Foxfire for a moment. You three go ahead and she will catch up with you."
Foxfire tensed and tucked in her arms, looking away. "Um-...maybe it would be better for me to go with them at the same time this time….it would take up energy for me to take my own jet this time."
"OH PLEASE!" Sobek put his hands on his hips. "We all know your ship is the most energy efficient out of the fleet." He grinned at Foxfire…but she wasn't looking at anyone. Man…that incident with Master X really affected her-
"...Hey, did you do something with your armor?" Sobek put a hand to his chin. "You look a bit different."
"Dose she?" Sandstorm looked Foxfire over. "She seems perfectly fine to me."
"Enough." Phantom took a step up and crossed his arms. "Shadow."
"...yes Commander Phantom." Shadow glanced at Foxfire briefly, before grabbing Sobek and Sandstorm by their scruffs. "Move you overgrown rust cans."
"Hey! Not so rough"
"Aw come on Shadow!"
The whining of the Lieutenants gradually died down as the other three left the Cutting Shadow Squadron, leaving only Phantom and Foxfire. Phantom shook his head slightly and walked past Foxfire. "It's a wonder how you are able to tolerate those two on a daily basis." He mused. "Sometimes I wonder how those two got selected to be Lieutenants."
He glanced at the pile of gadgets that were still on the floor from Foxfire's tumble and glanced back towards Foxfire. "But then again, Fefnir is not the wisest at decisions, and Leviathan only picked Sobek because he was the only one who beat her at sparing."
Foxfire rubbed her arm slightly, looking at the ground. "...Those two….certainly are characters….I would be lost without them though, Commander Phantom."
Phantom frowned at her demeanor…something was wrong. She wasn't acting flustered. She wasn't even blushing or fidgeting nervously…
…if anything…she looked…fearful…depressed even.
…..since WHEN did Foxfire wear a visor over her eyes?
"Foxfire." Phantom turned and approached her, reaching for her face. "What is this?"
Foxfire gasped and took two steps away from him, putting her hands up.
The room was quiet…Phantom looked stunned. Did she…just raise her hands in defense? Had she thought he would strike her?
"Foxfire….what's wrong?" The ninja reached for her again. "What's happened? Has someone threatened you?"
"...Phantom…" Foxfire took another step back and finally looked up at him…
He could just BARELY see her eyes…he couldn't really see her facial features due to the tint of the visor…but what he did see…
…was fear. Pure…complete… fear…
"Foxfire…" Phantom whispered, reaching over and gently touching her shoulders. "What's happened? …you're….trembling….Who has touched you?" He gritted his teeth in anger. "Has Lumine approached you? Has ANYONE dared to-"
He paused when he noticed she was flinching at his raised voice….Phantom closed his eyes and forced himself to calm down…
….Whoever had touched her….whoever had threatened her…..whoever had done this to her…was going to DIE….
The ninja finally took another step up and tenderly put his hands on her face. Foxfire was still trembling…perhaps….this wasn't the best time to confess his love for her…
"...Foxfire please….tell me what has happened…."
"Phantom…" Foxfire slowly put one of her hands over his, looking like she was waring with herself. "...Do you know all the stories of Master X?"
That question puzzled Phantom. Why was she asking this?
"...you know the stories of Master X, Foxfire…How he defeated Sigma….how he fought Mavericks and protected the peace of the humans. Master X sealed the mother elf…brought peace to Neo Arcadia….and Master X defends us to this day."
"Does he?"
"...what?"
"Have you ever seen him play with the children like Harpuia has?" Foxfire slowly entwined her fingers with Phantom's. "...Have you seen him settle disputes, like Fefnir has? Brought ships in safely from a storm like Leviathan?...Has Master X ever watched over the night as protectively you do? Ensuring the children are safe? Ensuring reploids and humans alike sleep in peace….waiting for the sun to rise?"
Phantom gazed at Foxfire in confusion…what was causing Foxfire to ask these questions? What had happened the past few days that had caused her to hide away in her office and act so….
…irregular?
Phantom forcefully pushed that thought out of his head. Foxfire would NEVER go maverick…Never….
"...the others may be needing you…see to your duties for the rest of the day." He stroked her cheek softly. "...afterwards, I want you to take the week off. So much stress has been affecting you."
"...yes Commander Phantom." Foxfire slowly let Phantom's hand go and made her way to the door, grabbing her datapad in the process.
"...Foxfire!" Phantom took a step up.
She looked back towards him.
"Foxfire I-...I need to tell you….I-..." Phantom went quiet for a moment. "...Report to me once you are finished….I'll….need those reports."
"...yes sir." Foxfire turned and left the room, closing the door behind her, causing Phantom to put a hand to his helmet and curse himself.
***DSS***
"And that's the last of them for Leviathan's trope." Sobek snickered, checking off the list and looking towards Shadow. "Awesome! Deep Sea Squadron done! Next stop is the old D-5 building."
"Oh you mean the one that hasn't been updated yet?" Sandstorm looked at Sobek with a curious look on his face.
"No, the building with the large pot of flowers on it." Sobek looked over at his best friend. "OF COURSE the one that hasn't been updated, genius!" He looked upwards towards the sky, noting the position of the sun. "Jeez, I'm surprised Fox hasn't caught up yet. It's almost evening"
"Eh. Knowing Foxfire, she probably stopped at all the places we've already been to do updates herself."
"Wow. YOU actually had a smart thought for once!"
The two started heading back for the ship they had arrived in, Shadow and Fairy Leviathan following them.
"Really the need for these inspections are unnecessary." Leviathan mused, a chuckle in her voice. "But of course, Harpuia has to stay on top of things."
"...mmm…"
"Really, Pretty Boy is wasting time with them." the Guardian laughed lightly. "As long as our operations are run by pantheons, they hardly ever change."
"...yes…"
"But of course Harpuia just has to have the last word, eh Shadow?" Leviathan glanced towards the ninja Lieutenant…
But Shadow was walking with his hands behind his back and his gaze on the ground as he walked….he seemed to be completely deep in thought…like he wasn't even listening to her.
Rude.
Smirking, Leviathan brought up her hand and moved to smack him.
Like lightning, Shadow's eyes suddenly narrowed and he SNATCHED Leviathan's wrist and positioned himself to slide kick- He gasped and horror reflected in his eyes as he suddenly stopped his attack.
He had Leviathan's arm behind her back and had been ready to slide kick her to the ground.
Sobek and Sandstorm had stopped walking and were looking flabbergasted at the transaction, both of them with their hands on their weapons.
"C-...Commander Leviathan!" Shadow quickly released her and took a knee. "I apologize! I reacted! I hadn't intended to-"
"HA! No WONDER Phantom chose you over Shadowman!" Leviathan laughed, rubbing her arm. "You're certainly the better of the two shadows, aren't you?"
She crossed her arms and smirked flirtatiously, giving Shadow a sly wink. "I honestly thought I had the drop on you there Lieutenant."
Shadow let off a slow breath, which seemed to reflect on Sobek and Sandstorm, who also slowly relaxed, relieved that there was not going to be a mutiny.
"I deeply apologize, Commander Leviathan." Shadow repeated. "I have been thinking of Foxfire often."
"Oh? You're not planning to steal her from Phantom are you?"
"Wha- No!" Shadow stood up, putting a hand up. "Of course not, Commander! Foxfire is a sister to me, nothing more. She is not the one who has entranced my heart."
Leviathan rose an eyeridge. "Oh?...that suggests that someone HAS entranced you…"
Shadow went stiff, a sudden look of tension on his face. Leviathan was silent for a moment…and smirked, trailing her finger up his neck and flicking his nose flirtatiously. This caused Shadow to shudder slightly.
Leviathan smirked and made a motion with her hand. "I see. I see. Well far be it from me to pass up this opportunity." She crossed her arms. "...as for Foxfire…mmm….I can understand why the incident has affected her work. Perhaps if Phantom would get off his ass and just confess to her, her recovery would be smoother."
She shrugged and motioned him towards the jet. "Go finish your reports for Pretty boy."
Shadow put his hand to his chest, bowing slightly. "Commander Leviathan."
"Oh and Shadow?" Leviathan trailed her finger across his jawline and flounced away, smirking. "Don't be a stranger if you actually HAVE been entranced by a siren's song."
Shadow swallowed lightly and let off a slow sigh, heading back towards Sobek and Sandstorm….
….it didn't stop him from stealing a glance back towards Leviathan.
"Shadow."
The ninja turned and looked at his allies.
Sobek was giving him a weird look. "WHAT…was that just now?" He made a motion with his hand. "First you yell at Sandstorm for being…well SANDSTORM, and now you almost snapped Commander Leviathan in half."
Shadow was silent for a moment, but stood still when Sobek took a step up, putting his face in Shadow's.
"Listen. I may be an idiot, but I'm not stupid." Sobek frowned. "WHAT is going on?"
The air was tense…None of the Lieutenants spoke for a long moment.
"...We will talk as we travel." Shadow finally replied solemnly.
***RB***
"How long has it been since we've actually done a RAID?" Colbor asked as he readied the last of the gadgets that Zero needed.
"Overdue." Jaken grumbled. "We're too low on supplies to finalize an attack."
"Why HAVEN'T we attacked yet?" Colbor asked as Zero walked into the room.
"Because of Copy X's obsession with this legend." Zero replied. "He keeps moving key elements around. Elements that we need to plan a true strike against them"
"No doubt because Foxfire's advising them to do so." Raven muttered as she secured her naginata. "Since she knows how I operate, she wants to stay one step ahead of…well. ME." She rolled her eyes and glanced to the side. "Little brat…always observing, always planning, always messing with my stuff…"
"Alright you two." Ciel handed both Zero and Raven a special device. "Now remember, this is the base that does not receive updates. There will be pantheons everywhere."
"Pantheons, smantheons, I can handle those brainless zombies with my eyes closed!" Raven took one of the devices from Ciel and fastened it to her belt.
"Oh yes. Like you can handle being caught in a new relationship." Ciel mumbled quietly, smirking towards her friend.
Raven paused and blushed darkly, giving a glare towards Ciel as she was reminded of the morning Ciel had found Raven in her medical berth with Zero beside her…holding her hand…both of them asleep.
It had been the morning after the confession; and while Ciel had not spread the news like wildfire; she HAD made it VERY well known that she was WELL AWARE of the status of their relationship…
And Raven didn't particularly appreciate Ciel practically rubbing it in.
"Are you done loading us up Ciel?" Raven made a motion to the warp pad. "Those supplies aren't going to magically appear out of thin air."
"They will when you put the warping devices on them." Jaken put his hands on his hips.
"Nooooo REALLY?!" Raven put her hands on her face, acting like she was shocked at the news. "I NEVER would have guessed, blenderaft!"
"MY NAME IS JAKEN!"
"Alright, prepare for transport."
***OB***
The sound of a jet could be heard in the presence of all who patrolled at the older building. Those who worked there glanced up only slightly, but continued to work, as Foxfire's jet made itself known against the sunset.
The jet landed and Foxfire promptly exited, adjusting her helmet as she scanned the area slightly. Pantheons, workers, soldiers….
Not too far away she saw the other three Lieutenants and began to approach them. They weren't looking at her. This struck her as odd, as she was expecting SOME sort of harassment from Sobek for 'being alone with Phantom' or something.
No doubt they were actually being serious for once. Foxfire let off a small sigh.
Just get the day over with….just get the day over with…surely….surely there's a way to get past all this….
But what was she supposed to do? Now that she finally understood Raven's warnings….What was she supposed to do? Turn on Neo Arcadia? What about the innocent citizens? What about these three goofballs?
What about the Guardians?
…..what about Phantom…would he hate her now? Would he…
Foxfire stopped walking and paused…
Shadow, Sobek and Sandstorm…weren't talking. None of them were looking at her. They all were…very stoney.
"...what's wrong?" Foxfire asked quietly. "...are you guys injured? Has something happened?"
All three of the Lieutenants were silent…though Sobek did glance at Foxfire slightly…he looked towards Shadow, a troubled look in his eyes.
Sandstorm shuffled slightly, fidgeting with his hands and refusing to look at Foxfire.
Shadow sighed softly and turned, approaching Foxfire and gently putting his hand on her shoulder.
"...Foxfire…we need to talk."
"...if this is about me questioning Master X-" Foxfire put her hand up, now looking troubled.
"No…no no, not that…" the ninja shook his head. "You did nothing wrong…there at least…"
"...What's happened?" Foxfire now looked concerned. "What did I do? Let me know what I did and I'll fix it!"
Shadow sighed softly. He glanced towards Sobek and Sandstorm…Sandstorm still wasn't looking at Foxfire, but he did step away from her. Sobek on the other hand was looking around, making sure others were staying away.
"...Foxfire I know what you've been hiding for the past 5 years." Shadow muttered quietly.
"...I-"
"I've already confirmed it, Foxfire…I know…" Shadow rubbed Foxfire's shoulder gently, but gave her a stern look. "...before I decide what to do…you owe us an explanation."
Elsewhere in the building, Raven put another box on a pile, before she quickly dove for one of the crates as two pantheons passed by. Not long after that, a Neo Arcadian reploid soldier walked by, reading off notes to someone on his radio…
…the room finally became silent once more.
Raven popped out of her hiding spot and quickly continued to gather more supplies, putting them into boxes and then add them to the pile.
"That's everything on my list." She heard Zero call into her radio. "Have you finished yet, Raven?"
"Almost. I just haaaaad to be the one to get all the delicate stuff." Raven grumbled. "If one of these chips break, it's basically useless."
"I heard a soldier mention something about an inspection." Zero's voice came over the radio. "Should we be concerned?"
"...mm…not if Foxfire's the only one that arrives." Raven stopped her work and looked around the area. "If she brought Shadow, there might be some problems."
"You aren't worried that she may have brought one of the Guardians?"
"For an inspection? Tch. Please." Raven set the last box on the pile. "They don't bother with stuff like this."
She heard the door open and quickly dove back behind the crate, grumbling to herself. This SHOULD be the last time she'd have to hide like a little chicken. Raven glanced out from her hiding spot, seeing a HUGE reploid slowly walking down the hall, a blank expression on his face.
"...Lumine to Vector."
The reploid stopped when a voice came over his radio. He didn't reply but he waited.
"Our source tells us that the channels are completely blocked, and the last target has finally arrived." Lumine's voice came over the radio. "You may proceed"
Vector quietly looked around the room…and pressed a button on his chest. Slowly his form started morphing into a larger form. Stronger looking, taller, and…familiar…
Raven's jaw dropped when she saw the form of Sigma appear. SIGMA?! HOW?! HOW WAS HE HERE OF ALL REPLOIDS!?
She paused and gritted her teeth, shaking her head. Wait…This guy had morphed….and he worked for Lumine….that meant he was a New Generation reploid…
Right…New Gens had the ability to change their shape…but why the heck would anyone transform to look like SIGMA of all morons in the universe?
Slowly 'Sigma' began exiting the hall, taking out a large blaster….
….once the door closed, Raven stepped out of her hiding spot, narrowing her eyes behind her visor. That was suspicious…something about this didn't feel right.
"Zero, I get the feeling something's about to happen." Raven spoke into her radio.
"Do you have the supplies?"
"...Yeah….they're ready." Raven slowly backed up, turning to the pile of supplies and fastening the device on it. She pressed a couple of buttons….and the pile warped away, leaving only her standing there. "They've been sent."
"Good. Meet at the rendezvous and we'll head out. Zero out."
Raven turned and started to head down the hall….but stopped and looked back in the direction 'Sigma' had walked down.
….the unsettling feeling wasn't leaving her. Narrowing her eyes, she turned and ran down the hall in the direction the fake Sigma had gone…
Outside, Foxfire had her hands folded, looking at the ground and trembling. The other three Lieutenants were still with her, silent.
"...you don't understand…" Foxfire muttered quietly. "...I can't tell them…If I do…I'll have nothing left."
"Is risking your safety really worth that?" Shadow asked calmly, gazing at her gently. "Is it worth the fact that you have almost died several times?" The ninja made a motion with his hand. "Do you honestly think the three of us can just…override this, especially know that we know?"
"...I love Neo Arcadia." Foxfire looked up at Shadow. "That's why I'm here! To protect it! To protect those still have a twinkle of hope left in their lives! To guard the hopes of families who still have something left to live for!"
Shadow sighed and rubbed his forehead…
"...you have a beautiful heart, Foxfire…but my answer is still no…"
Foxfire deflated and gazed at the ground, looking completely devastated. This….this wasn't how it was supposed to happen…they weren't supposed to know….they weren't supposed to find out…
"Come on…" Sobek put an arm around Foxfire's shoulders and motioned her towards the jets. "...Let's get back to Neo Arcadia…"
Foxfire was quiet for a long time, before she slowly nodded. She turned and slowly made her way back to her jet, Sobek behind her and the other two following.
Sobek glanced towards Shadow, a serious look on his face. "I'll ride with Fox…unless you want to keep her company?"
"Can you even FLY a ship, Sobek?" Shadow muttered, frowning at the blue armored reploid.
Sobek paused and looked thoughtful. "...well….no, but-"
PEW!
"GAAAHH!"
Shadow, Sobek and Foxfire quickly turned upon hearing a shot, seeing Sandstorm fall to the ground, clutching his leg in pain. "GAH!"
"Storm!" Sobek suddenly turned and ran for the orange-clad reploid- only for a large laser blast to pierce his chest. Sobek gasped and fell to the ground clutching himself, his eyes wide in shock.
"SOBEK!" the other three Lieutenants shouted in unison.
Foxfire quickly ran to her fallen ally, kneeling by him and quickly putting her hands on him. "SOBEK! SOBEK!"
Shadow quickly got out his sword and looked around frantically, seething. Sandstorm managed to stand, albeit shakily. He could barely walk, but it didn't keep him from taking out his weapons.
He quickly looked around-
BOOOM!
Sandstorm and Shadow gasped and looked towards the building where and explosion had taken place. Half of the building was now in fierce flames and the sound of the meltdown warning was going off.
Against the flames was a large figure resembling the Maverick leader known as Sigma…walking straight for the Lieutenants.
Shadow's pupils shrunk, and he quickly activated his radio. "LIEUTENANT SHADOW TO SAGE HARPUIA! CODE RED! REPEAT! CODE RED SECTOR 3-5-8!"
He only got static as a reply.
"NO! COMMANDER HARPUIA! RESPOND!" Shadow tried again, gritting his teeth.
On the ground Foxfire kept her hands on Sobek's chest, horrified that the blast that had gone through him had created a giant hole in his torso, exposing his wiring, circuits and resulting in a loss of too much mech fluid.
"Sobek!" She put her hands on his shoulders and gripped at him. "No! Stay awake! Please!"
Sobek trembled and was looking at nothing and everything at the same time. He whimpered and reached out to her…
…but ultimately his body gave out, and the blue Lieutenant stopped moving altogether.
"Sobek!...SOBEK!" Foxfire screamed, trying to get the motionless Lieutenant to respond to her.
"FOXFIRE!" Shadow suddenly TACKLED Foxfire, taking her into his arms and running- right when another blast tore through the remains of Sobek's body.
Shadow landed and gritted his teeth, looking over as the figure of Sigma continued to approach them, firing shots at them.
"YOU MONSTER!" Sandstorm roared, running for the figure, agonizing pain with every step he took. "I'LL KILL YOU FOR THIS!"
The Lieutenant SWUNG at the form of Sigma, rage in his eyes. He tried to grab ahold of the figure, but found himself grabbed by both arms. Sandstorm tried struggling, but the Sigma figure started pulling at his arms in separate directions.
Sandstorm began screaming in agony.
"Sandstorm!" Shadow seethed, setting Foxfire down and taking out his weapons once more. He quickly looked towards Foxfire, gritting his teeth. "GET TO YOUR SHIP!"
"NO! I HAVE TO FIGHT!"
"NO! YOU'RE GOING BACK TO NEO ARCADIA! CONTACT COMMANDER HARPUIA!"
"BUT-"
"NOW! DAMMIT NOW!"
Foxfire panted…and ran for her ship.
Shadow ran back for the fight SLASHING at the Sigma figure. "LET HIM GO!"
The figure didn't oblige. If anything he pulled harder at Sandstorm, causing the Lieutenant to scream in agony.
"SHADOW! HELP ME!" Sandstorm cried out.
Shadow gritted his teeth and ran for the Sigma figure, jumping on his back and THRUSTING his sword into his back. The figure lurched…and gave a hard YANK on Sandstorm…
…ripping the orange Lieutenant in half.
"SANDSTORM!" Shadow gawked in horror as he watched the form of Sigma drop the piece of his ally to the ground…The ninja took a few steps back, gritting his teeth….
Inside, Zero was running as fast as he could. The building was on FIRE and there were alarms screaming everywhere. What had happened?! Surely Raven hadn't set off a BOMB, right!?
"Zero to Raven!" He yelled into his device.
No response.
He scowled and continued running. "RAVEN! GET TO THE RENDEZVOUS NOW!"
….no response.
Fear started gripping him. Had she been hurt by the blast?! Where was she?!
"...Zero to base!"
Outside, Foxfire typed frantically at her ship's computer as the fight raged on. The building was almost completely engulfed by flames. There would be no recovering the supplies inside…but that wasn't what mattered.
"FOXFIRE TO NEO ARCADIA!" She screamed, activating her distress signal. "MAYDAY! WE NEED TROOPS AT 3-5-8! MAYDAY MAYDAY!"
She heard a noise and looked towards the fight, her heart sinking at the sight of-
"SANDSTORM!" Foxfire stood, seeing the ripped apart body of her friend laying lifelessly in a pool of mech fluid, while Shadow and this Sigma figure continued to fight. She felt something stirring inside of her as she looked on in horror at the lifeless bodies of Sandstorm and Sobek…
This….This wasn't happening…
A flash of an explosion went through her mind.
….this couldn't happen…
Another flash….dead reploids…dead people…
…THIS COULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN!
"FOXFIRE GET OUT!"
She heard a blast and managed to look up- right as a blast TORE through her ship, causing it to explode with her inside.
Shadow suddenly turned, looking horrified. "N-NO! FOX! FOXFI-" The ninja gasped as a blast tore into his back and right through his chest. The ninja trembled, stumbling a bit…before he sank to his knees and crumpled onto his side, trembling as mech fluid started pouring from his chest.
Over him, the image of Sigma approached the wounded ninja…reverting back into Vector. Shadow glanced upwards, his pupils shrinking…
….Lumine's partner….
Vector gazed at the ninja….before turning and walking off holding his shoulder as he retreated…before warping away.
Shadow was now laying on the ground, listening to the screaming alarms of the building…the crackling of flames…
….he just lost his entire team….He lost….he failed…
"GAH!"
Foxfire managed to break free from the remains of her ship, her sai in her hands. She winced and managed to push herself up, looking behind her…
…her ship was destroyed…
She trembled, looking over the damage…she had heard Harpuia's voice responding….but never got to hear his response before the blast…Her shield had only barely saved her…
Foxfire panted and looked around, gawking in horror at the sight of the base, now fully engulfed by flames….she could see surviving soldiers trying to fight the fires…
….where was-
"SHADOW!"
Foxfire shrieked upon seeing the ninja motionless on the ground. Sheathing her weapons, she ran to him and stumbled, falling near him and trembling at the sight of him. A hole near his processor…allowing mech fluid to escape at a fatel rate…
"N-No…Shadow-...Shadow!" Foxfire picked Shadow up as best as she could, clutching him frantically.
Shadow groaned and managed to look up slightly.
"...Foxfire…" he mumbled quietly. "...thank….the stars you're alive…"
"Hold on Shadow…" Foxfire hugged the ninja tightly to herself, fear gripping her. "Just hang on…they're….they're coming….please hang on."
"...I've failed Neo Arcadia."
"NO! Don't say that!" Foxfire looked at him pleadingly. "You're going to get to the medical ward and we'll fix you up!...Shadow please." Tears started filling her eyes. "...please….don't leave me….you're my brother…I love you…."
Shadow gazed at Foxfire…and weakly put his hand against her cheek. "...Fox…" He gritted his teeth in pain…and his body finally went limp in Foxfire's arms.
Time stopped….Foxfire could only watch Shadow's lifeless body hang limply…
…the once proud, strong, and noble leader of the four Lieutenants…
…was now in an eternal slumber…
Foxfire trembled and gripped Shadow's body to herself…she felt a burning inside of her…
…Sobek….Sandstorm….Shadow….
Something ripped inside of her…
….My brothers….
Something hot inside her burned.
Zero finally got to the rendezvous point, looking around frantically. "Raven!...RAVEN!"
"Zero, My sources tell me she's further on the outskirts." Ciel's voice came over the radio. "That's where her signal is coming from."
"Which direction?"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Zero suddenly stopped and turned when he heard a primal scream, followed by a sudden blast of light. "Raven?!" Shielding his eyes, the hunter got thrown back by a force of wind almost as hot as fire.
He was sent flying into the air, tumbling against rocks and debris…when he finally managed to get up, he looked up-
….Northern lights?
Zero had to pause at the sight of hot bright colors dancing in the sky appeared. Shades of red, orange and yellow, bordered by hot white could be seen…
…it HURT to look at it.
He shielded his eyes and took note of where it was originating from. He had heard Raven scream! He just knew it!
Zero started running for the area, taking out his saber and seething. He was growing tired of this girl constantly running off and getting herself into trouble.
"Core meltdown." He heard the building's alarms announcing. "In T-30 seconds."
Zero cursed himself and ran faster. He had to get to her! He had to-
"OOFF!"
"GAH!"
Zero ran SLAM into someone and fell on his back. He scrambled upwards and aimed his Zsaber at-
"CIEL! I've located Raven!" Zero quickly put his hand on his radio. "Warp us out!"
Raven was pushing herself up and was looking upwards towards the dancing lights, looking panicked.
"RAVEN we have to get out of here!"
…..she wasn't responding.
"RAVEN!" Zero SNATCHED Raven's arm and yanked her over to himself. "Are you listening to me!?"
Raven paused and looked at him….her eyes were glowing white…
Zero paused and took a step back at what he was seeing.
…the…Skyfire?...
"Zero! Zero thank goodness you found her! I'm warping you out now!" Ciel's voice came over the radio. In an instant, Zero and Raven were swiftly taken away from the area….right as the building exploded….
***TL***
The dying flames of the burning building could be seen against the night sky at this height. It was clear that whatever resources they had at this sight were completely lost.
Harpuia narrowed his eyes as he tried to contact Shadow for the fifteenth time. "Sage Harpuia to Lieutenant Shadow."
….no response.
Leviathan crossed her arms as the four Guardians got closer to the area, a squadron of jets behind them, reporting to the mayday call from Foxfire's ship. "I'm guessing Shadow never got to look at those radios?"
"Foxfire was running diagnostics on them this morning." Phantom replied, looking seriously at the flames. "I don't know what the results were."
"We'll worry about that later." Harpuia frowned. "Right now we need to find the Lieutenants and see what can be salvaged."
"Something doesn't sit right." Phantom narrowed his eyes. "...it's far too quiet…even for a rebel attack…"
"I'm sure the Lieutenants just scared the rebels off." Fefnir looked out the window, frowning. "Sobek does have a knack for freezing his enemies to retreat.
"...Then why haven't they put out the flames?" Leviathan asked, frowning. "I taught Sobek better than to just allow fires to burn."
"Have you seen the SIZE of that building?" Fefnir crossed his arms. "Just wait! Ones we land, they'll be waiting right-" Fefnir glanced out the window…and froze.
"...Harpuia?"
"What?" Harpuia turned the jet slightly…
….and a sharp collective gasp left the Guardians.
Bodies….reploid bodies everywhere. Workers….soldiers….
…the Lieutenants.
"...no…" Harpuia breathed, horror in his eyes as he beheld the lifeless forms of Shadow….Sobek….Sandstorm.
"...they can't be…" Leviathan stood from her seat, shock and horror hitting her. "I-...I only spoke with them this afternoon….they-...they were fine….they-..." she couldn't process this image…
Harpuia landed the ship, the rest of the Squadron landing behind them. Rising from his seat, Harpuia quickly ran out, followed by the rest of the Guardians, each of them running for the bodies of the Lieutenants.
"Sobek!" Fefnir managed to get to his Lieutenant and knelt down, putting his hand on the body. He did a quick scan of the soldier's systems…
But his scan came back as 'offline'. Fefnir gritted his teeth, keeping his hand on Sobek's shoulder…His Lieutenant was dead…
Not far away, Leviathan only stood still, gazing over Sandstorm's body that had been ripped in two. Her eyes were reflecting shock…disbelief…
Harpuia knelt down and gently placed his hand over the hole in Shadow's chest, gritting his teeth in rage. The scan came back as 'offline'.
…all three of them….gone forever…
The lead Guardian carefully took Shadow's lifeless body into his arms and turned towards the soldiers slowly coming over.
"Take their bodies to the ships." Harpuia ordered. "Treat them with honor. I don't want a single piece of them left behind." He turned and made his way to Aztech Falcon, gently draping Shadow's body across Falcon's back.
"Whoever has done this will pay with their lives." Harpuia growled lowly.
"Commander Harpuia! We've found Foxfire!"
All four Guardians looked over, though Phantom swiftly ran in that direction. "Where is she?!" he snarled.
The soldier took a step back and motioned towards the motionless form of Foxfire, laying on her side near the water.
Phantom felt his world shatter as he ran to her, kneeling down and reaching for her.
….he never told her…..He never…Damn him….DAMN IT ALL!
The ninja gritted his teeth and scanned her…but there was no response from the device. He tried again….
"...no target selected." the computer replied.
"What?" Phantom reached for Foxfire and gently turned her onto her back…He gasped when she let of a small whimper.
"F-...Foxfire- HARPUIA! FOXFIRE'S ALIVE! FOXFIRE'S-"
Foxfire suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.
Phantom's pupils shrunk…he scrambled upwards and took a step back, looking at her in horror.
"What?! Phantom is she really?!" Harpuia quickly looked towards the soldiers. "HURRY! PREPARE A MEDICAL WARD!" He ran for Phantom, followed by Fefnir and Leviathan.
"Phantom! What are you doing? We need to get her to-"
Harpuia slid to a stop and gasped, seeing Foxfire coughing…
….and….bleeding…
"...how?" Harpuia took a small step up, horror in his eyes. As Fefnir and Leviathan approached, they also stopped, not believing what they were seeing.
"...Shadow…." Foxfire muttered weakly, making the guardians snap out of their horror. "...Sobek…Sandstorm…"
Phantom quickly shook his head and knelt back down, gently taking Foxfire into his arms and holding her tightly. Foxfire whimpered and opened her eyes slightly, looking up at Phantom…and closing her eyes again, shivering.
Phantom turned, danger in his eyes. "Get to the ships! We need to get back to Neo Arcadia NOW! Alert the best Doctors! Call the best hospital staff!"
"Hospital staff? But they're for-"
"NOW!" Phantom roared.
Soldiers scrambled and Phantom looked back down towards Foxfire…
…human…this whole time…..this entire time….and she had hid that from them all.