***FB***
"...Foxfire I know what you've been hiding for the past 5 years."
"...I-"
"I've already confirmed it, Foxfire…I know...before I decide what to do…you owe us an explanation."
Foxfire stood in front of Shadow, Sobek and Sandstorm, fear gripping her. What was Shadow talking about? Did he intercept her secret message? Did he find out she was human? ….or….did he possibly find out that she-
She took a slight step back when Shadow reached for her helmet. "S-Shadow-"
He gently pushed a small button on the side of her helmet, forcing her new vizor to go up…revealing a slowly healing gash across her eye where Copy X had backhanded her.
Sobek gasped at the gash as well as the marks resembling a black eye confirmed that what they were looking at was flesh. "F-...Fox!...Y-...You really are-"
"You're HUMAN!" Sandstorm exploded, taking a few steps up, seething. "All this TIME!"
"Storm! Storm stop!" Sobek quickly ran over and got in front of Sandstorm, putting his hands up to stop his best friend. "Stop! You could hurt her!"
Sandstorm forced himself to cool it, but gritted his teeth in frustration. "Why!? Why would you trick us like that?!"
"I'm sorry!" Foxfire broke away from Shadow's hand and put her hands up. "I had no other family! I was sick of constantly being BULLIED by the other kids!"
"Bullied?" Shadow echoed.
Foxfire put her hands on her chest, tears filling her eyes. "I was apart of an explosion when I was little. I had to get prosthetics. Growing up, I was always called a half-reploid, and other slag. I had been told that if I was going to look like a reploid, I might as well ACT like a reploid."
Sobek scowled and glanced at Shadow, but the ninja only gazed at Foxfire evenly.
"I had always been good at computers and technology…" Foxfire looked towards her hands, gritting her teeth. "...so since I was constantly shunned by my peers, I….I designed suits that made humans look more like reploids…and I joined the army…hoping that if I was going to be useless as a human….I could at least try to be useful to Neo Arcadia as a reploid."
The Lieutenants were silent at her explanation and glanced at one another, weighing her story. There was a long silence as they debated in their minds.
"Please…" Foxfire looked up at them, tears streaming down her cheeks. "This is all I know. I can't go back to the humans…there's literally nothing for me there."
"...Fox…" Sobek looked towards Shadow, looking pained.
"So…you weren't fooling with us or anything?" Sandstorm seemed to slowly be calming himself.
"Wha- of course not!" Foxfire looked shocked. "Neo Arcadia is everything to me! My home! My life! That's why I want to protect it! You three are practically the brothers I never got to have! I love you! I want to protect you!"
"Fox…" Sandstorm looked touched.
Sobek seemed to ponder, now looking like he wanted to come up with some ideas. "...Maybe we can-"
"No."
All other Lieutenants looked towards Shadow, who had a serious look on his face.
Foxfire gritted her teeth, fear in her eyes. "...Shadow…."
"I can't allow you to continue to be in this army." Shadow frowned.
"Shadow"
"But Shadow" Sobek and Sandstorm tried to interject.
"No!" Shadow put his hands on Foxfire's shoulders. "I can NOT in good conscience allow you to continue being a Neo Arcadian soldier."
Foxfire took in a sharp intake of breath. "But Shadow-"
"Foxfire! I ALSO love you! This team of Lieutenants is EVERYTHING to me! And now that I know your true self, I know being APART of this team is risking your LIFE every day!" Shadow gritted his teeth…and forced himself to calm down.
"...I'm taking you to Harpuia….we're going to tell the Guardians….and we're going to quietly discharge you and get you into a comfortable home." He muttered quietly.
"...you don't understand...I can't tell them…If I do…I'll have nothing left."
"Is risking your safety really worth that? Is it worth the fact that you have almost died several times? Do you honestly think the three of us can just…override this, especially know that we know?"
"...I love Neo Arcadia. 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!"
"...you have a beautiful heart, Foxfire…but my answer is still no…"
***EFB***
Foxfire moaned slightly….and opened her eyes halfway. She found herself looking at a dark ceiling…with small lights here and there keeping the room semi-lit.
…this wasn't her office…
She glanced upwards…a nearby clock read 3:25 am….Nighttime.
Looking around more, she noticed an IV drip…heart monitors…bandages?
Foxfire quickly sat up, a gasp escaping her as she found half of her armor off of her…she was in a hospital bed!
CRAP!
She looked around the room, trying to process everything. The whiteboard read "Lieutenant L. Foxfire. Status: Critical. Blood type: ? Treatment: Maximum Orders: Alert X once awake."
….Copy X knew….That meant the Guardians knew…that meant-
Foxfire suddenly tensed, and kept herself from making another sound…when she noticed Phantom leaning against the wall, propping himself up with his leg. His arms were crossed and his eyes were closed.
He was sleeping…no doubt the smallest move would wake him.
Foxfire slowly breathed out and sat up, glancing towards her machines. She slowly started taking off the heart monitors off her chest. They were the most sticky and fussy things. As soon as she took all the monitors off, the machine made a small humming sound…
….Phantom's eyes snapped open.
Foxfire hadn't noticed, She was now swinging her legs over the side of the bed- something tugged on her and she looked over. Right. The IV…how did you take these things out?
She reached for the needle in her arm-
SNATCH!
Foxfire gasped sharply and looked up. Phantom was firmly gripping her arm, a frown on his face. She trembled, unable to break eye contact.
"...don't take that out." Phantom finally muttered. "You'll cause a bleed."
Foxfire looked down and slowly took her hand away from him. He let her go when she moved her other arm away from the IV, and once again crossed his arms. There was a long, tense moment of silence between the two, causing Foxfire to tremble and rub her arm.
"...Phant-"
"You have no idea how many emotions are stirring in me right now, Foxfire….or should I be calling you that?" Phantom asked firmly.
Foxfire felt her eyes getting hot with tears, but she didn't answer him.
"How long have you been deceiving me? Deceiving Neo Arcadia?" Phantom narrowed his eyes. "Do you not value your own life? Are you aware of the many risks and dangers you've put on yourself? For the Army? For all of Neo Arcadia?"
"...Phantom…" Foxfire's voice broke.
"I certainly hope you didn't give this idea to any OTHER humans. Would you want that? Would you want others to DIE just to be apart of th-" Phantom stopped himself when Foxfire started crying. He cursed himself as Foxfire put her face in her hands, sobbing quietly and trembling.
Putting his fingers to his forehead, Phantom sighed slowly and looked back down at the crying Foxfire before him. He slowly reached for her….and retracted his hand, crossing his arms once more and looking away.
"...Foxfire" He finally said quietly. "...Why would you do this? Was it all a lie? Did you even-"
"None of it was a lie!" Foxfire sobbed, trying to wipe her eyes. "I love Neo Arcadia! I wanted to do what I knew best to serve Neo Arcadia."
Phantom slowly looked back at the girl, watching her holding her arms and gazing at his feet, tears still streaming down her cheeks.
"Phantom, I have no relatives in Neo Arcadia . No family. No one who truly understands my condition. I suppose I have friends…HAD friends….but nothing stopped them from always giving me pity and thinking that all my efforts were nothing but the dreams of a child."
Foxfire shuddered, trying to get herself to stop crying, but it wasn't working.
"Disguising myself as a reploid was the only shot I had to TASTING a normal life. I was looked at as a freak by humans, but I was looked on as family by-"
She paused and suddenly gasped sharply, looking up. "Sh-...Shadow…."
She quickly stood and turned- only for her to stumble, dizziness hitting her.
"FOXFIRE!" Phantom quickly grabbed her around the waist, gritting his teeth. "Don't move so fast! You have to recover! Yo-"
"WHERE'S SHADOW?!"
Phantom paused, seeing the desperate look in her eyes, that were red and swollen from crying.
"Where's Sobek?! Sandstorm?!" The girl put her hands on Phantom's chest pleadingly. "Where's Shadow?!"
Phantom was quiet….and he shut his eyes for a moment. He finally opened his eyes and gazed at her solemnly.
"...they're dead, Foxfire…" He mumbled quietly. "...They're all dead."
Foxfire trembled and put her forehead on Phantom's chest, sobbing bitterly. Phantom felt himself breaking at her grief…and slowly wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly against himself as she cried for her fallen brothers.
***RB***
"I would like to know how long you have known about this Ciel." Zero had his arms crossed, a sour look on his face as he met with Raven and Ciel in the main control room.
"...Zero, you have to understand my perspective." Ciel put a hand to herself. "It wasn't my place to-"
"It's STILL not your place to really say anything." Raven cut in, her hands on her hips as she gave Zero the stare-down. "Zero, just drop it!"
"Raven! You were glaring at me with your eyes glowing WHITE." Zero made a motion with his hand for emphasis. "When were you going to tell me that you were IN FACT the Skyfire?!"
"Phft." Raven rubbed her face, grumbling under her breath for a moment. She turned to face him, throwing her hands in the air. "Ok, you want that confirmation? I AM ONE OF THE FIRES! Ya happy now?!"
"NO!"
"Grrrrr…" Raven put a hand on her helmet.
"Why WERE you suddenly the Skyfire anyways?" Zero pointed towards Raven.
"Something HAPPENED! I don't know what, but…but she suddenly got urgent! And she was upset and-"
"Wait, SHE?" Zero looked flabbergasted. "Who's SHE?"
"The freaking FIRE, Zero!" Raven flailed her arms in the air.
"Please! Please! We don't need to fight about this!" Ciel put her hands up, looking towards Zero. "Please Zero, I would beg you NOT to tell anyone here about what you've seen. Raven's…ability…is not going to help us via fighting."
"What?" Zero crossed his arms, looking skeptical. "Why wouldn't it?"
"Well for ONE, I'd RATHER not be used as a slagging WEAPON." Raven crossed her arms and looked towards Zero, scowling. "Imagine being powerful in some area, and all anyone wants from you IS that power! They see nothing but the Fire! They don't see you as a person, nooooo, they just see a resource for whatever scheme they have!"
Zero looked to the side for a moment, pondering over Raven's words….what few memories he had of X, he recalled X growing weary and tired of fighting. He couldn't force X to fight a war he didn't want to fight…the only thing he could do was show X how the world was affected without his help.
"Look. Now this only strengthens my insistence that Raven stays here at the base." Zero narrowed his eyes. "Lumine-"
"I don't care what Lumine is after, Zero." Raven put a hand to herself. "I care about dethroning that clone of X and disgracing those blind-as-bats Guardians."
"Raven. Will you please LISTEN to me this time?" Zero frowned.
Raven turned to face Zero, crossing her arms and frowning, though gave him a motion to go ahead and talk.
"I confirmed yesterday that Lumine IS trying to get his hands on you…so he can get ahold of ME." Zero frowned lightly. "What he hopes to gain from getting me, I am not sure."
Raven looked puzzled for a moment, and started to look thoughtful.
"...maybe he thinks you're one of the fires then." She seemed to smirk slightly. "Maybe…this is a good thing…"
Zero gave off a sarcastic look. "In what world would making Lumine thing I had some special ability be a GOOD thing?"
"CIEL!"
The trio looked over as Colbor suddenly ran into the room, looking spooked. "C-Ciel! There's- It's- Something's happened- there-"
"Colbor." Raven made a sarcastic motion with her hands. "We're kinda in a MEETING here? A PRIVATE meeting?"
"But- but-"
"Colbor, wait for five minutes." Zero crossed his arms, frowning. "This is kind of serious."
"But the-"
"FIVE minutes?" Raven gave Zero a sarcastic look. "You honestly think we'll be done in THAT short of an amount of time?"
"The Neo Arcadian Lieutenants are dead!" Colbor suddenly called out, flailing his arms.
The room suddenly went quiet, all three in the room suddenly looked towards Colbor, looking stunned.
"...what do you MEAN they're dead?" Raven turned, suddenly looking spooked. "Foxfire's shield is impervious to ANY attack, physical or electrical-"
"Well I think they said that Foxfire is in critical, they're not releasing any info about her other than she's badly hurt….but the other three died." Colbor put up a hand. "It's…all over Neo Arcadia…"
Raven looked stunned, suddenly going quiet and unable to process what had just been told to her…
A flash of the other night hit her….the scream….the sudden feeling of urgency….
….seeing the Skyfire trail shoot across the sky before everything went black.
….that explained it….that explained everything…
Raven took a step back and put a hand to her head, looking stressed. "N-...no…" She whispered, grief filling her. "That…..no….how?"
"Raven…" Ciel walked over to her friend and put her hands on her back, looking concerned. "...maybe you should go sit down for a while…would you like me to come with you?"
"Wait…are you Mourning them?" Zero gazed at Raven, looking confused. "We've been…fighting those three nonstop. You've insulted them, tricked them, and fought them without hesitation." He turned to face her, the level of her demeanor change concerning him.
"Now you're….acting like you care about them."
Raven was silent for a long while…but looked back at Zero, a frown on her face. "You forget, Zero…I WAS apart of the Neo Arcadian army before I found out about Copy X and got sick of his eradication of reploids. It's not JUST Foxfire that I used to be close to."
She pointed towards Colbor, still frowning at Zero. "Hearing that those three just DIED…I can't…even….process it!"
She put a hand to her head, stress beginning to weigh on her. "Sobek was an idiot, but he was funny….Sandstorm just plain DUMB…but….it was normal….and Shadow…..Shadow was once a friend…"
She let off a slow shaky sigh. "...now she's all alone….I can't imagine what she must be feeling right now"
Zero took a few steps towards Raven, looking confused. "Raven…are you….worrying about Foxfire?...I thought you hated her?"
"No Zero, I love Foxfire." Raven looked up at him, scowling. "Just because I'm pissed off at her, and disagree with her, does NOT mean I hate her!"
Zero gazed at Raven for a long time, taking in all the emotions that she was showing…anger…worry….greif.
"I need to be alone." Raven muttered, gently pushing Colbor out of her way and heading out of the room, while the others watched.
***NA***
Daisy slowly walked down the hall, being escorted by a soldier of the Strong Air Battalion. She was holding a box in her hands and seemed to be pondering to herself.
Neo Arcadia had been alerted to the deaths of three of the four Lieutenants, while it was said that Foxfire was in critical condition…and under investigation.
What could that possibly mean? Surely Foxfire hadn't gone Maverick…right? Every time she saw the Lieutenants, they were always acting like bickering siblings.
….maybe she was being questioned about what happened…yeah…that seemed logical.
"Miss Spazz?"
Daisy paused and stopped walking as the soldier escorting her finally got to the Strong Air Battalion, where Aztech Falcon met them.
Falcon looked down at the young woman evenly, blocking her path. "Miss Spazz…I'm going to have to ask you to leave your package with me…I will deliver it to Commander Harpuia for you."
Daisy was silent for a while, glancing behind Falcon…most of the soldiers were doing their tasks….though it was obvious the energy in the room was not the same.
She looked back towards Falcon. "...please let me see him."
Falcon put a wing up. "Miss Spazz….I strongly discourage you….from trying to see Commander Harpuia. He's….He's dangerous right now….he's-"
"He's hurting." Daisy gave Falcon a sad smile. "...He just lost his best friend…Shadow was such an amazing Lieutenant…Sage must be so upset….Please…" She put a gentle hand on Falcon's wing.
"...I need to be here for him…"
Falcon sighed and glanced at the soldier escorting the woman…before he slowly stepped aside for her. "...please be patient with him." He pleaded. "Harpuia…has been hot with every one the past three days."
Daisy nodded and slowly approached Harpuia's office door. As she reached for the door, she glanced to the other side of the Battalion…
….Shadow's office was closed…and there was a sign on the door sternly warning everyone NOT to enter. No doubt Harpuia wanted to hold on to what was left as long as he could.
Letting out a slow breath, Daisy pressed a button on the door, causing it to open. Entering the room, she found Harpuia with his back turned to the door, standing over his desk, looking at notes on his computer.
She took a few steps in and closed the door behind her, holding the box in her hands gently. She stood still for a while…not saying anything….she didn't need to put pressure on him.
"...get….out…" Harpuia growled lowly.
Daisy could FEEL the pain in his voice. This loss was tearing him apart…
"...Sage-"
"I SAID GET OUT!" Harpuia snarled. "I TOLD EVERY ONE OF YOU NOT TO APPROACH ME-" He turned, rage in his eyes as he took his weapon out…and suddenly looked terrified upon seeing Daisy a few feet away from him.
"D-Daisy-"
He dropped his weapon and took a step back…before he rushed over to her, gritting his teeth. "Wh- Who let you in? I told them not to let anyone in!...Daisy I could have hurt you- I-"
Harpuia paused when Daisy set her box down on a seat and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his chest. He trembled and his arms went limp…if anything, he took a small step back. "...Daisy…."
"...Sage…you're in so much pain…" she spoke softly, listening to the strained beating of his processor. "...please don't carry this heavy burden alone…"
Hapuia closed his eyes, resting his head on hers…and slowly wrapping his own arms around the woman holding him. For a long while, neither of them said anything…but Harpuia sighed.
"...I never realized….how strongly I depended on Shadow…" he mumbled quietly. "...How I enjoyed seeing him fuss over tidiness…How I took all of his work for granted…He was my brother, my best friend…I…"
He gritted his teeth, shutting his eyes tightly.
"...I can't get the image out of my head, Daisy…My Lieutenant…Strong, agile, stern….laying in a pool of his own fluid….weak…limp…lifeless…" He shuddered and his grip on Daisy got tighter. "...I swear I'll kill them….Whoever murdered my Lieutenants…I'll destroy them! I'll-"
"Sage…" Daisy reached up and cupped Harpuia's face in her hands, putting her nose against his. "...Sage…."
Harpuia forced himself to keep a level head…he couldn't take his anger out on her…she had no part in this…why was she here? She…She couldn't carry this burden.
He forced himself to stand up straight and cleared his throat. "I'm-...I'm sorry….I'm sorry Daisy…" He put a hand against one of hers that was still resting against his cheek.
"...How's your day?...Why are you here? Did you need me?"
"...I came because you needed me." Daisy caressed his face with her thumbs. "...I heard about it…I knew this would be hard for you all…I wanted to offer myself to you and do what I can."
"...Thank you Daisy…" Harpuia sighed and gently turned his head, kissing the palm of one of her hands. "...but…I don't know what you can possibly do right now."
"Then I'll just be here for you…" Daisy softly pressed her lips against Harpuia's, the Air Commander gently returning the kiss.
After a few moments of calming down, Daisy broke away, taking Harpuia's hand and rubbing his fingers tenderly. "...how is Foxfire? Is she going to make it?"
Harpuia tensed slightly and looked away briefly. "...Phantom notified me that Foxfire is slowly getting stronger…she….she lost a lot of blood. She's very weak, but they think she's-"
"Blood?"
The Air Commander paused and cursed himself, putting a hand to his face.
Daisy gave him a look of absolute shock. "...Foxfire's….A human?...I….I thought Humans weren't allowed in the Neo Arcadian Army?"
"They're not." Harpuia rubbed his face slightly, letting off a sigh. "Foxfire is….currently under investigation. We want to know why…and HOW she deceived us." He began to look frustrated again.
"I don't understand why she would do this…why she would deceive us…" Harpuia kept his hand on his head. "...how can I even TRUST her anymore!?"
Daisy took this in, still holding his other hand, stroking his fingers in an attempt to give the Air Commander comfort. "...Foxfire loves you Harpuia…"
"...how can you say that?" Harpuia looked towards Daisy, frowning lightly. "How can you be so certain? She LIED to us, Daisy….she passed herself off as a reploid for five years…"
"Yes…and she's also defended Neo Arcadia." Daisy gave Harpuia a gentle look. "She's saved Phantom's life…she's always been defending the other Lieutenants…She's kept herself up at ungodly hours doing work to assist you…She gave the rebels…such a hard time when she was captured…refusing to give them any information."
Daisy reached up and caressed Harpuia's cheek. "She's also saved your life…several times…You've been vulnerable with her…and she has always kept you safe."
The woman moved her hand from Harpuia's cheek and rested her hand over his chest. "...If Foxfire meant you harm…she would have done it by now…but your processor is still beating…your life is still safe…you're here…so I can love you…"
"...Daisy…"
"I can guarantee you, Sage" Daisy smiled at him softly. "If you look at what security footage is left, I can guarantee you that Foxfire was no doubt doing everything in her power to protect the other Lieutenants…"
Harpuia gazed at Daisy for a moment, looking to the side as he processed her points. Foxfire always had been giving the army 110% of her efforts….there were times Phantom had to FORCE her to take breaks, because she was always doing everything to give them the advantage…
Foxfire had once saved Shadow's life from Zero…She had saved HIS own life…countless times. And just last week she had protected Phantom with her own life…and confirmed how MUCH she loved him…
….Daisy was right….Foxfire meant them no harm in any way…but….why-
"Sage."
Harpuia looked back at Daisy who once again cupped his face.
"I'm sure Foxfire has a reason…if you ask her…be gentle…because I have no doubts that if Phantom told her the news about the other Lieutenants…she's probably completely devastated."
"...yes….yes you're right Daisy…" Harpuia put his own hands against Daisy's face, resting his nose against hers. "...thank you, my flower…thank you for being here for me…would…..would you stay with me for a while?"
"I'll be here as long as you need me, my love." Daisy whispered, softly kissing him.
Harpuia wrapped his arms around Daisy, kissing her back softly, his body trembling as he finally let off a small shudder of grief. He broke the kiss after a moment, letting off a shaky sob.
"Shhhh…"
Daisy rested her cheek against Harpuia's, holding him tightly as he mourned.
***RB***
Foxfire kept her eyes focused on the ground as she stood before the Eight Gentle Judges. To the left were the Four Guardians and to the right was Copy X himself…and she was the center of attention.
She rubbed her arm slightly, thankful that they AT LEAST let her wear her armor after she had explained that she needed to wear it to control her limbs…though…she hadn't been allowed to wear her visor, and it was VERY OBVIOUS that the gash across her eye was still in the process of healing…
"Lieutenant L. Foxfire." Cubit Foxtar started reading a datapad in front of him, while all other eyes were on the girl in the middle of the room who was keeping her eyes off of everyone else. "You have been brought before us today upon the discovery that you are in fact a HUMAN who has been in the Neo Arcadian army for the past five years."
Foxfire stayed silent, but it was obvious she was trembling.
"This is a serious matter, Foxfire." Hellbat Schilt crooned seriously. "You have been in the midst of danger countless times, fighting disguised as a reploid."
"Can you imagine what could possibly happen if the rest of Neo Arcadia found out about this?" Inarabitta asked, putting his hands up. "Other humans may want to also join, putting them in mortal danger! The already low number of humans could decrease, ultimately leading to the extinction of mankind as we know it!"
"Would you honestly be able to live with yourself if others put themselves in such mortal danger, Foxfire?" Cubit Foxtar asked seriously.
Foxfire let off a slow, shaky sigh, but kept her eyes on the ground. "...it was never my intention to let this spread to other people…All I knew was I was useless in every other category…" She looked at her hands, frowning. "...after the explosion…I honestly had no goals…no purpose…The only reason I made myself a reploid was to serve Neo Arcadia."
"Explosion?" Copy X rose an eyeridge, resting the side of his face on his hand, looking like he just wanted the verdict to be done and over with.
The Judges looked at one another for a moment, before looking back towards the girl in question.
"What do you mean by 'Explosion'?" Schilt asked seriously.
Foxfire was silent for a long moment…so long that the air got extremely awkward…
"Lieutenant Foxfire, be aware that no harm is going to come to you." Cubit Foxtar finally said, breaking the silence. "It is our duty to ensure the safety of all humans in Neo Arcadia."
"...Still…that being said." Schilt frowned. "...We believe you owe us an explanation."
Foxfire gazed at the ground…and glanced towards the Guardians very briefly, before looking back at the ground once more. She could SEE the disappointment in their eyes…the fact that they were also taking this very seriously…
"...My name is Lillian Aura Darcy…preferably known as Lilly…" Foxfire kept her gaze on the ground. "…I was the daughter of a scientist and a nurse…both of whom were killed in an explosion set off by the rebels 16 years ago…I was only 5 years old."
She glanced to the side for a moment. "...I was with them in said explosion."
There were small gasps from some of the Judges, and even Leviathan suddenly looked spooked, while Phantom seemed taken aback. For some strange reason Harpuia looked like his world stopped.
Foxfire kept her eyes down. "...it was the attack of the rebels on the outer wall of Neo Arcadia….16 years ago…I was one of only three survivors…"
Harpuia felt his world suddenly screeching to a halt and took a step back, horror entering him. Flashes of scouting…his orders…the attack…
…the three children…
"You mean to tell me that you are one of the three children found in the rebel attack of the outer wall." Copy X mused, narrowing his eyes very slightly…before his look relaxing. "...then your hatred for the rebels must have fueled you into wanting to join my army."
….YOUR army?
Foxfire slowly held her arms and gritted her teeth lightly.
The one in the body I made for X…is a completely different person…
When are you going to WAKE UP to the fact that Copy X is a genocidal maniac!?
"...Foxfire?"
Foxfire took a sharp intake and looked upwards towards the Judges, looking spooked.
Cubit Foxtar made a motion at the girl with his hand. "...Please continue your story…you are not among enemies after all, child."
Foxfire felt her heart drop…they were already beginning to treat her like…a pet…less than…some sort of china doll on display.
"...the explosion…caused me to loose my entire left arm, as well as both of my lower legs." Foxfire slowly continued. "...one of the kids in the explosion only had minor injuries….the other….well…she had worse injuries than I did…she…also had to deal with prosthetics…"
Harpuia took a small step back, now looking horrified as more flashes entered his head.
Commander Harpuia, we really should double check the perimeter.
Master X, please allow us to do a final sweep.
Negative. Carry out your orders.
Harpuia put a hand to his chest.
Explosions….dead reploids….dead humans…
…three small children…
Commander Harpuia….I don't know if they're going to make it…
"...Harpuia."
Harpuia gasped and looked over towards Fefnir, who was giving him a weird look. "What's wrong?"
The air commander didn't respond. His eyes drifted back to Foxfire, revelation hitting him.
"I grew up with the scorn of my peers." Foxfire muttered. "Growing up with robotic prosthetics, I was continuously taunted for 'being half reploid'. I was a joke…something pushed to the back or spit upon…I didn't meet the standards of my peers…Everywhere I tried to fit in, I was told I didn't have the qualifications."
She kept her eyes on the ground for a while…and frowned. "...I ultimately made a decision to disguise myself as a reploid…so I could try to belong somewhere, while still giving to my home. I was gifted with technology…"
She finally looked up, her eyes narrowed. "...I thought…what better way to use my talents…than to use them against the rebels who had taken everything away from me…That's how it started. I never meant for anyone to be tricked…I never meant to deceive my commanding officers…All I saw was an opportunity to protect Neo Arcadia from the same fate…"
There were silent murmurs among the Judges for a while…even the Guardians looked among one another…though…Harpuia only was looking at her in horror.
Foxfire had to look away…what was it? Was even HARPUIA seeing her as a freak of nature now? Did she really have to endure the scorn of those she had grown to love and trust?
"...it would seem you have a beautiful heart, miss Lillian." Schilt mused.
"...please don't call me that." Foxfire muttered, rubbing her arm.
"Regardless." Cubit Foxtar gave a concerned look. "You put yourself in grave danger…SEVERAL times."
"Which is exactly why you will be discharged from this army." Copy X finally said, gaining the attention of all in the room. "You will be taken to a high class home and provided for, but you will have no part in-"
"Do you even know how the Earth started?" Foxfire suddenly took a step up, looking directly at X. "It STARTED with peace, which turned into war….among humans" She put a hand to herself, gritting her teeth. "I am fighting for a cause that I believe in! The Protection of Neo Arcadia! You are taking away my freedom by putting me in a cage of comfort, when I WANT to be here! Among heroes! Among the Guardians who protect all who live here!"
The room went silent at her words, causing her to continue, taking another step up.
"NO one is more concerned about the safety of the citizens of this utopia than Harpuia, Leviathan, Fefnir and Phantom! They WILLINGLY put their precious lives in harm's way, so they can protect what they love, which is Neo Arcadia!" Foxfire put a hand to her chest. "Will you then FORCE me to stay on the sidelines? Unable to protect my own kind? Unable to protect humans I love? Unable to protect reploids that I love?...You're going to rob me of everything…"
Copy X gazed at Foxfire and frowned very slightly as she stood up to him…in his minds eye, her form slowly changed into the form of Ciel…accusing him of murder…accusing him of not valuing the same morals as the Original X….
"...we will call for recess for the rest of the day." Cubit Foxtar finally announced, putting his hands behind his back and gazing levelly at Foxfire. "The Judges and the Guardians, along with our savior Lord X, will decide what to do based on your plea."
Foxfire let off a slow and shaky breath, once again holding her arms and looking away.
"Pantheons. Take her to-" Schilt started to send a group of pantheons towards Foxfire, until Phantom walked down the stairs and approached the stand where Foxfire was, looking towards the Judges.
"...as of now, Foxfire is still my Lieutenant." Phantom spoke seriously, frowning. "I will see her to a comfortable room."
"...very well." Schilt replied. "You will be in charge of Foxfire until further notice."
Phantom nodded, turning and offering Foxfire his hand.
Foxfire hesitated for a moment, looking at him fearfully…but finally put her hand in his and allowed him to lead her out of the court. For a long while, neither of them said anything…they past several doors and several hallways, before Phantom got to a specific room…
…a room that was across the hall where they had been keeping Ciel when she was here.
Foxfire's heart sunk. Did this…mean they were imprisoning her?
Phantom opened the door and motioned her to go in. When she did, he also entered the room and closed the door behind him..
Foxfire kept her back to him, slowly taking her hand away and rubbing her arms.
Phantom crossed his own arms and gazed at her for a long time.
"...you're quiet…" Foxfire mumbled softly.
Phantom let off a slow sigh. "...Truthfully…I'm not very happy with you."
"...do you hate me now, Phantom?" Foxfire muttered quietly.
Phantom continued to gaze at the girl in front of him…he certainly had a lot of emotions going through him…
"...why would I hate you?"
"Because I hid everything!" Foxfire turned to face him, tears already streaming down her cheeks. "I purposefully didn't let anyone know that I was human so I could continue serving Neo Arcadia! I didn't want anyone knowing because I knew it would separate me from everything I loved! Aviation! Strategizing! Technology! Being under your command! Being with….you…I'm…"
She shut her eyes and sighed, looking down. "I'm…just a human….in your eyes…"
Phantom gazed at her evenly….and took a step towards her.
Foxfire swallowed and tucked in her arms, looking up at him sorrowfully.
The ninja reached up and placed a hand against her cheek, his other arm slowly wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer to himself.
"Ph-...Phantom…"
"You also have pulled so much weight for my division….you have put your life in danger for us…for me…You have been so loyal to Neo Arcadia…You've done so much…"
Phantom pulled her closer to himself, bringing his nose to hers.
"...you are much more….than JUST a human, Foxfire…" he muttered softly, leaning closer, his lips brushing hers. "...I may be unhappy…but that doesn't stop…how much I…"
"Phantom." Copy X's voice came over the ninja's radio. "We are waiting for you to help everyone come to a consensus."
Phantom shut his eyes…and pulled away from Foxfire, cursing the fact that EVERY. TIME. he tried to show his love for this girl, it ALWAYS got interrupted. He let her go and looked to the side. "Understood, Master X. I'm on my way."
He turned and opened the door….glancing back towards Foxfire. "...Foxfire I…." He paused….and walked out, closing the door behind him.
Foxfire watched the closed door for a long time, tears streaming down her face. "...Phantom…I love you….please…..PLEASE don't take that away from me…" she whimpered softly to herself.
***CR***
"She kept this hidden for years, and in doing so, lied to the entire Neo Arcadian Army." Copy X crossed his arms, frowning. "Do you intend to reward her for her deceit?"
"Master X, she is facing a harsh punishment as it is, being on trial and remaining in the dark of what's going to happen next." Leviathan replied cautiously. "Please let me remind you of all the work that she has put in for the army."
"We are very well aware of all of Foxfire's contributions to Neo Arcadia." Glacier Cactank put up his hand, motioning towards the window assuming the direction where they were currently keeping her. "And it is proven that she wants nothing but peace for Neo Arcadia, but think this through."
"What is there to think through?" Fefnir put his own hand up, looking irritated. "She has been TRAINED as a soldier, and has gone through countless trials that no ordinary citizen could stand up against. HECK! There are some citizen REPLOIDS that couldn't face what she has!"
"Still, Lieutenant Foxfire has made a dangerous decision to put her own life in danger to be among us." Mantisk mused. "For all of us to claim we protect humans…and allow her to risk her own life….it doesn't line up with our mission."
"Foxfire is one of the best, if not THE best strategist in all of Neo Arcadia." Phantom finally spoke. "Upon reviewing the footage of the attack on the Lieutenants, I have no doubt in my mind that she does indeed value her own safety..."
"She just puts our safety above her own." Harpuia mused, looking to the side, looking stressed. "She was doing everything she could to save the other three Lieutenants…"
"The fact that the other Lieutenants DIDN'T make it, while Foxfire DID…" Phantom frowned. "...should prove how capable she is."
"Phantom…" Kelverian put a massive hand in the air. "We are all aware of your feelings towards this girl. However, the very fact that you are in love with her, should cause you to want to keep her OUT of the Army."
"I second that." Volteel Biblio took a step up. "Despite her loyalties to Neo Arcadia, Foxfire is still human. As such, she needs to be under the blanket of protection."
"And yet by having her leave the army, we strip her of everything she knows. Everything she has lived for." Phantom frowned. "She will be a flower without the sun…and once you take that light away, she will ultimately wilt."
There was a long moment of silence as the debate continued. It seemed as though the topic was going around in circles.
Inarabitta looked towards the other judges. "Phantom makes a point…Humans are known to have a poor life when something precious to them is stripped away."
"This is a hard subject…" Foxtar crossed his arms and closed his eyes for a moment. "...perhaps….this should be settled with a vote."
***FC***
Foxfire looked down as she stood on the balcony of her 'suite'...more like 'extremely plush and comfortable birdcage' was more like it…
She could see soldiers and pantheons walking back and forth below…and beyond that she could see the circle of Neo Arcadia. More accurately…where most of the humans lived.
….No one knew…
….No one knew that X…wasn't X…
Foxfire put her hand on her chest and gritted her teeth, glancing up at the starry sky.
You're blinded by infatuation to a soldier who is blinded by loyalty to a MURDERER!
She breathed out shakily and pressed something on her helmet…once again sending out a message.
…would she be heard? Would she be listened to? Would sh-
"Foxfire."
The girl gasped and turned, looking back into the room. She relaxed only slightly, seeing Phantom and quickly rushed over.
"Phantom! Phantom I need to speak with you about-"
Foxfire paused when she noticed Phantom come in….followed by Harpuia, Fefnir, Leviathan….
….and Copy X…
She gasped softly and took a few steps back upon seeing the tyrant.
Copy X stood in front of the Guardians, gazing at Foxfire…
She shuddered and took a step back, fear in her eyes…
…a flash of him backhanding her entered her mind…as well as Ciel's voice echoing in her head.
The one in the body I made for X…is a completely different person…
"Lillian Darcy." Copy X put his hands behind his back. "A vote has been made on your future." He motioned towards her. "...We will allow you to continue to serve the Neo Arcadian army."
Foxfire looked stunned at the verdict. They were….LETTING her stay?!
"However." Copy X pointed towards her. "There will be changes. You are to stay in Neo Arcadia. Whatever work you do will be done in the comfort of your quarters."
"Wh-" Foxfire suddenly looked horrified. "What-"
"You will be allowed to move around freely, with soldiers that will guard you at all times."
"N-...No that's-"
"And ultimately…" Copy X pointed at her armor. "You will no longer be allowed to leave Neo Arcadia at any time."
"B-But-" Foxfire's eyes went wide. "But Master X-"
"Take off her wings." Copy X allowed two Pantheons to enter the room and approach Foxfire, who's world was now ending.