Harpuia looked at all the information laid out before him, his eyes narrowed seriously. Four more data transfers…two security breaches…corrupted data…
…and to top it all off, it was discovered that before the deaths of the Lieutenants, their radio frequency had been completely DELETED from the system…which explained why none of them had been able to reach Neo Arcadia, but were capable of reaching each other.
In the room were the other three guardians, all pondering over the information they had looked over.
"...We can safely agree that NONE of the Lieutenants were our mole." Harpuia mused, making a motion towards the data. "Shadow, Sobek and Sandstorm are no longer with us, and Foxfire no longer has full access to our data system."
"And yet data is still being corrupted as we speak." Phantom crossed his arms, glaring at the readings they were getting. "Now this corruption is spreading to OUR personal systems."
"So whoever did this is linked to the destruction of the D-5 building." Fefnir growled, rage in his eyes.
"As well as the murder of three of our Lieutenants, and attempted murder of the other." Leviathan scowled. "Since their radio frequencies were deleted days before the attack, whoever planned this was COUNTING on the fact that the Lieutenants wouldn't be able to call for help."
"They just didn't factor in Foxfire's jet…" Harpuia sighed. "Not that it did them any good…"
Leviathan looked up, narrowing her eyes. "So how are we going to locate this mole? EVERYONE is now a suspect."
"What I wanna know is how we keep OUR frequencies from being deleted." Fefnir scowled. "You know I'm the LAST to call for help, but I'm not being cut off without my own say so!"
"I concur." Phantom looked towards Harpuia, eyes narrowed. "If we are unable to command our own troops, it gives prime opportunity for someone to spread further chaos."
Harpuia took in the words of his siblings…and scowled. "I can't help but think that Lumine is behind all of this." He looked upwards, pointing towards the data. "He has already made it more than obvious he is more interest in gaining the Solar Flare over the Skyfire. Not only that, but he makes it seem as though Master X isn't considering Neo Arcadia's future."
Phantom looked to the side for a moment as Harpuia mentioned Master X…
"Phantom...Do you know all the stories of Master X?"
"...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?"
Foxfire's words were echoing in his head. Before the loss of the Lieutenants, Foxfire had been expressing concern over Master X's intentions…
Phantom looked at his hands…
Lumine had been implying the same thing…but in a completely different way.
The ninja looked back towards Harpuia. "I agree that Lumine does not share the same values as we do…Neo Arcadia is not safe with him…However…there is only one flaw with this accusation. Lumine does not possess access to our internal communication lines." He scowled. "For Lumine to be able to corrupt our means of communication…"
"...One of our own soldiers must be working with him." Leviathan finished, a scowl on her face.
Harpuia scowled, eyes narrowing dangerously. "We are being betrayed by someone who has our trust…" He glanced to the side. "...perhaps it is time to seek help from our human friends…"
Fefnir put up a hand. "Foxfire is the best at systems. Can't she try to pinpoint the source of the corruption?"
"Yes she could, however she no longer has full access to the systems due to her confinement to the city." Phantom frowned…he looked back towards Harpuia. "Perhaps it would be prudent for me to voice this concern to her."
Harpuia seemed to ponder for a moment…and nodded. "It should be the right time for Foxfire to be alone…if Daisy is finished visiting with her that is."
Leviathan looked towards Harpuia, putting her hands on her hips. "...She's still visiting Foxfire?"
"Well yes." Harpuia looked up towards his sister, raising an eyeridge. "Daisy has been visiting Foxfire regularly, you know this Leviathan."
"Oh I don't MIND her being around, it's fun to watch you get whipped for this girl." Leviathan crossed her arms. "But I don't recall seeing your girlfriend for two days, Pretty Boy."
Harpuia moved to make a snide remark…and looked confused. "...Perhaps she's preoccupied with her family's shop…I will check on her in the morning."
Phantom looked back towards his siblings. "So it is agreed…we will now keep a sharp eye on all of our soldiers."
"Agreed." Came the unified reply.
***RB***
Raven grumbled as she dragged herself towards her quarters. She MIIIIIGHT have overdone it during training…she was not going to hear the end of it from Jaken tomorrow.
On the bright side, Ciel had confirmed that she had already managed to get into contact with Foxfire. It had only been a conversation between Ciel and Foxfire…but according to Ciel, the conversation had revolved around what Foxfire was and wasn't comfortable doing for the resistance.
Obviously she didn't want to harm any of the Guardians…didn't want the resistance NEAR Neo Arcadia…and didn't want them making any plans without telling her.
At a glance, one would think that Foxfire would rat them out and tell the Guardians…but even Raven knew that the look in Foxfire's eyes last month had been genuine…
…she had seen pure terror and grief…no malice…now resentment.
Raven stopped walking and frowned. She hated seeing Foxfire in that state…the last time she had seen that had been…
…shaking it off, Raven opened the door to her room-and her eye twitched.
"SERIOUSLY?!" she barked, seeing Zero sitting on her bed, arms crossed and an expectant look on his face. "You couldn't just, I dunno, CALL first?"
"I'm not an idiot Raven. I've known you for two years. I know you avoid certain topics that regard sensitive information." Zero stood and loosed his arms. "...I'm just wondering if you fully trust me yet to tell me the truth."
"Zero…" Raven put a hand to her face and huffed. Coming in hot with the guiltrip are we? Two could play that game. "It's not that I don't trust you. It's the fact that this hurts…a LOT…"
"I know." Zero gazed at her evenly. "...That's why I'm here to help carry your burden."
"...what?" Raven looked up, her mouth slightly agape. "What do you mean?"
"You and I are partners." The reploid approached her and lifted her chin with his finger, gazing at her in a firm…yet…surprisingly gentle way. "...It's my job to be your strength when your load is too heavy…as I would hope you would do for me."
She felt herself melt…and shudder at the look in his eyes.
Goshdangit WHY did he have to do that to her? It was like he could look into her very being and KNOW how to catch her off guard or something!
Raven sighed…and looked up. "Fine. What do you want to know."
"Foxfire."
"...what about her?"
"Why is she suddenly helping us?" Zero made a motion with his hand. "She's been a little thorn that is unquestionably loyal to the Guardians. She has done everything in her power to protect them, didn't reveal any of their secrets, refused to give us access to anything…"
He frowned slightly. "And now…out of right field…she suddenly is agreeing to help us strike against the Guardians?"
"Not exactly." Raven put up a hand. "She's helping us strike against Copy X. Not the Guardians."
Zero rose an eyeridge. "...how is that any-"
"Think of it this way. If Ceil was an evil dictator and I agreed to help Foxfire and the Guardians overthrow her; I would not allow them to harm you, even if you were still blind to Ceil's orders." Raven crossed her arms. "Foxfire loves them…and with the death of the Lieutenants, she's going to do absolutely everything she can to protect them."
"...Fair."
Zero studied Raven for a while…she was still a little guarded…
"...What makes Foxfire trustworthy, Raven? It wasn't two months ago, you and her were yelling at each other like rabid cats in an alley."
"Truthfully Zero? I don't FULLY trust Foxfire…not with my feelings at least." Raven frowned. "But in my years of knowing Foxfire, she is absolutely TERRIBLE at telling a lie, and it was abundantly clear that when she was telling me that she now understood my warning…"
She closed her eyes and let off a slow breath.
"...and I could see in her eyes…that she wanted nothing more than to make sure everyone was safe from Copy X…ESPECIALLY the Guardians."
"...mmm…" Zero gazed at Raven evenly. "...are you ok with working with her?"
"I'm THRILLED honestly!" Raven put a hand to her chest. "It feels like a dream honestly…even if she's not still the innocent little girl who had star eyes for a night ninja…"
"What do you mean? Little girl?" Zero looked stunned. "...is…Foxfire…"
Raven mentally bashed herself, inwardly screaming that Foxfire was going to be LIVID with her for revealing such a thing, when Foxfire still hadn't revealed that same information about her.
"...yes…" she muttered lightly. "...just a little girl that fell into a pool…only for a certain ninja to snatch her out of the waters and keep her warm while he alerted her parents."
She sighed…and chuckled lightly. "...guess she never stopped her stupid little crush…now she wants to protect him the same way he protected her…"
"...so she really was a close friend…" Zero muttered. "...That's why you always were so protective of her…even if you were upset with her…"
Raven looked up at Zero and nodded. "We were EXTREMELY close Zero…we grew up together…went to the same care system…shared the same friends…" she frowned slightly. "...and were in the same explosion…"
Zero silently watched Raven…and leaned down, softly brushing his lips against hers. "...thank you for trusting me, Raven…I'm going to do everything I can to help…I promise." he whispered, pressing his lips against hers.
Raven flinched only slightly…but wrapped her arms around him and slowly kissed him back
***NA***
Darkness…absolute total darkness…
Foxfire found herself standing in a small pool of dim white light…surrounded by complete nothingness. She looked around, but the ONLY light was at her feet…a spherical white light…that had water rippling around it.
She knelt down and touched her hand to the water…a small whisper could be heard…but Foxfire couldn't understand it.
…where is this place?...what's happening?
Foxfire stood back up and rubbed her arms-she paused and looked down…she was touching…flesh…PURE flesh.
Her entire body was just flesh…clothed in a dark blue robe that had white patterns around it…diamonds…crescents…stars…
…the pool of light had a reflection staring back at her…her face was staring back at her…she looked…fearful…
…before her reflections' eyes suddenly glowed white and a scream emitted from the reflection.
Foxfire yelped and took a few steps back- but from the water arose raging lights that shot across the sky. An aura of lights raging in reds, yellows, orange and white…it looked like LITTERAL fire in the sky.
Screams filled Foxfire's ears and she whimpered, looking behind her. Reploids…humans…screaming in the fires of a building of a bomb that had just gone off.
"...mom?" Foxfire took several steps back, terror filling her.
Three more screams pierced her and Foxfire once again spun around.
Three reploids…writhing on the ground in pain-
"SHADOW!" Foxfire quickly reached out and tried to run to the soldiers. "SOBEK! SANDSTORM!"
She ran for them…but with each step she took, the three reploids only got farther away from her, but continued to scream in agony.
"No!...Please! Leave them alone!" Foxfire grabbed her chest and felt tears burning her eyes. "Leave them alone!"
"AAAAHHH!"
Foxfire felt ice rush down her back and she turned to look behind her…seeing the image of Hidden Phantom…impaled through the chest.
"...Ph-...Phantom…" Foxfire's pupils shrunk.
The ninja panted and looked up at her, reaching for her desperately.
"...How…..How could you?...I loved you….I loved… you…" he reached for Foxfire…and fell to the ground.
"PHANTOM!" Foxfire reached out for the ninja. "NO! PHANTOM!"
The fires in the sky got hotter…brighter…consuming everything. An image of a woman with blazing white eyes loomed over her, a sharp scythe in her hands and a crescent on her chest.
"N-NO!" Foxfire grabbed her head and fell to her knees, closing her eyes tightly. "NO! GO AWAY! LEAVE ME ALONE!"
The woman narrowed her eyes dangerously…and touched Foxfire's head…
"NO!" Foxfire suddenly sat up in her bed, her scream echoing out the window and into the gardens…
…she was greeted by her plush room, that was cloaked in the night. The curtains softly blew from the breeze from the open window…and all was still and peaceful.
Foxfire panted and looked at her surroundings, trying to piece together…WHAT happened…
…everything was calm…everything was…cool and crisp…
She looked to the clock that read 12:32 am…
…only slightly past midnight…
Foxfire let off a shaky sigh and pushed the blankets off of her, sitting at the side of the bed….and pushing herself out. She grabbed her helmet and placed it on her head, summoning her sai and putting them to her waist.
For a moment she pondered…and headed for the door. She opened the door, finding three Pantheons guarding the halls. When they noticed her, they scanned her and started heading in her direction.
Frowning, Foxfire turned and started heading down the halls, knowing full well these vultures were walking behind her. It sucked having these mindless drones as bodyguards.
…but one advantage…was their predictability.
After a while of walking the halls, Foxfire got to an open bridge that connected the human's quarters and the main base. She glanced downwards at a lower ledge…and suddenly looked to the other side, a sharp gasp escaping her.
"What?! Rebels?!" she exclaimed, looking to the right.
The Pantheons paused and quickly turned to the right, positioning themselves in front of Foxfire. They all aimed their blasters…
…at open air…
After a moment, the Pantheons looked around…and looked back towards Foxfi-...an empty space. The Pantheons suddenly scrambled around, looking around the area…and running back towards the humans quarters to find the missing Lieutenant…
…who was perched on the lower ledge under the bridge.
A sigh escaped her…and after waiting a few moment, Foxfire backflipped and landed back on the bridge, heading for the base.
"Breathing room for at least thirty minutes." She muttered sarcastically to herself, crossing her arms and continuing to walk in the halls…
…completely passing and not noticing another figure who watched the scene with a small smirk of humor.
***RB***
Zero walked into the control room, looking up upon seeing Colbor talking with Ciel at the main controls. Ciel was slowly drinking a cup of coffee and looked absolutely exhausted. Ever since it had been confirmed that Foxfire was going to help the resistance, Ciel had been like a HAWK to those controls.
Walking over towards the duo, Zero made eye contact with Colbor, before looking towards Ciel.
"...you should be in bed." He muttered lightly.
"Just another hour." Ciel yawned, rubbing her eyes. "The moon just rose…It's…better to detect things in moonlight."
"It is Midnight, Ciel." Zero put a hand to the girl's shoulder. "Go to bed."
"...I'm waiting to see if Foxfire will contact me tonight…" Ciel finally admitted, looking towards the reploid tiredly. "...I'm hoping to catch up with her."
Zero glanced at the system…and looked back towards Ciel. "...that would probably be better for a face-to-face conversation." He motioned Colbor to move and stood in front of the girl. "Listen…You need to get some rest. If Foxfire contacts us, then Colbor can talk to her."
"WHAT?!" Colbor suddenly looked spooked, like Zero had just given him a death sentence.
Ciel looked towards the computer…and looked back towards Zero. "...Or maybe…you could talk to her?"
Zero rose an eye ridge. "Come again?"
"Zero I know you and Foxfire don't get along…and no doubt that's because of her loyalties to the Guardians. Or more accurately…to Phantom." Ciel put a hand to her chest. "But she's now our ally…and with her being the top strategist of Neo Arcadia….it would be a good idea for you to start getting on better footing with her."
"I don't see how trying to be friendly with Foxfire is going to change anything." Zero frowned. "There's no point for me to attempt to talk to her."
"...I see…" Ciel rested her hands on her lap and slowly nodded. "...if you feel you don't want to attempt to reason with her…I won't force you to." She stood up and smiled. "But Zero…if she DOES call…please be gentle."
Zero gazed at Ciel for a while…and looked away. "...We'll see what happens."
"Good night Zero." Ciel put her hand on the reploid's shoulder, before heading for the door to get some sleep.
"...Ciel?"
Ciel paused and turned to look towards Zero.
"...X would try to reason with her…wouldn't he?" Zero muttered, not turning around.
Ciel smiled softly. "X had a habit of extending a hand of mercy to everyone he fought…he wanted to give them that chance to turn away from their path of destruction…before he was forced to carry out the consequences of their actions."
Zero didn't respond…but he was obviously thinking about this information.
"...anyways…if you hear Jaken screaming, then you know Raven's probably destroyed another clock. Goodnight Colbor. Goodnight Zero."
"Sleep well Ciel!" Colbor waved.
Zero glanced behind himself…but looked back towards the screens.
***NA***
Foxfire silently made her way into the Cutting Shadow Squadron, glancing around to see if anyone was here at this hour. She was surprised to find the area empty…no doubt most of the squad was resting, while the others were out with Phantom patrolling the night.
She put a hand to her chest, a small flash entering her mind…she remembered the very first time she ever saw Phantom patrolling…she had just turned five…
…she couldn't sleep that night and had been watching the stars from her 2nd story window.
As she had been watching the stars and the moon, she had seen a figure jumping from roof to roof, patrolling for any predators, reploid or human alike.
The ninja had jumped onto their roof…and like a curious little idiot, little Lilly had wanted to see him up close.
She had run down the stairs and ran outside, turning and backing up to try to see if the ninja was still on their roof.
….only to fall into the family pool.
Foxfire paused and brought herself out of the memory when she entered the airstrip holding the jets that belonged to the Squadron.
…her spot was barren…further reminding her of all she had lost. Sighing, Foxfire walked in further, glancing towards each of the ships. There were a number of things she could do under the cloak of night…
She could either head to her own office while there wasn't anyone here to fuss at her…she could run those calculations that they had piled onto poor Hanumachine…
…she…could contact Ciel…
Foxfire stopped walking and tightened her grip on her chest.
….not here…she couldn't do it here…one of the squad members could come in at anytime…
She glanced upwards, her eyes resting on…Phantom's Jet…
For a long time, Foxfire debated with herself…she wanted nothing more than to get a moment to herself…away from the prying eyes of Pantheons…away from all who were now treating her as a breakable doll.
….away…from this FAKE X…
"You've certainly learned the basics of being a ninja."
Foxfire gasped and froze…and her shoulders sagged. How had she ALREADY been discovered? She glanced to the side when Phantom walked to stand beside her, gazing at the area she was trained on. "Those Pantheons didn't even bother to look down, did they? Hah…mindless zombies, do you not agree?"
Foxfire let off a small snerk, looking down and smiling.
"...Are you wishing to fly?" Phantom glanced at her.
"...I'm…not even sure if your Jet handles the same way as mine does." Foxfire admitted. "I'm…not sure if I could handle it…wh-" She paused when Phantom jumped up and landed in the cockpit of his jet, turning and crossing his arms, a small smile on his face.
"Let us see with our own eyes then."
Foxfire's mouth opened slightly…and she quickly joined him.
Not far away, Harpuia made his way to the Strong Air Battalion, pondering to himself. He had gotten a notification that there was a disturbance in the human quarters…but literally two seconds later Phantom had mentioned that everything was fine.
No doubt Foxfire was going stir crazy…he didn't blame her. Right now, Harpuia was more focused on the fact that Daisy hadn't returned any of his calls. She normally would text him if she was too busy…he would head to her place in the morning…perhaps she had caught Foxfire's cold.
That seemed logical.
Harpuia paused and glanced at the sky, hearing the sound of a jet taking off…Phantom's jet…
For a moment he studied the sky…and continued his calm walk, a smile on his face.
Good idea Phantom…I may just take Daisy for a fly sometime too…
It took a little time, but Phantom's jet came to a rest near a cliff that was well lit by the waxing light of the moon. As the cockpit opened Foxfire stood from her seat and gazed at the scenery…
Past the edge of the cliff was the ocean. The sound of the waves hitting the rocks below could be heard…it was so comforting.
Foxfire jumped out of the jet and rubbed her arms slightly, looking up at the sky. Not far behind her, Phantom calmly followed her, gazing at the stars above. The entire area was peaceful….calm…still. Phantom closed his eyes and enjoyed the quiet…this….this was the kind of peace he wished for Neo Arcadia.
Foxfire watched the ocean…she could see the waves illuminated…the sound of the waves hitting the shore…it was like the waters were breathing…she was listening to the heartbeat of the very ocean itself…
…heartbeat…
A flash of Phantom being impaled hit her and she quickly shut her eyes…
A burning made itself known in her chest…Foxfire had to push it down…she couldn't bear that thought…not again….not again…
She turned, gazing at Phantom, who was still enjoying the peace of the night.
…Foxfire turned and approached the ninja, reaching out and slowly resting her right hand over his 'heart'...feeling the steady beat of his processor.
Phantom opened his eyes and gazed at her curiously.
"...What's wrong?"
"...Phantom….please protect your life…" Foxfire looked up at him, a very slight twinge of fear in her eyes. "...Defend yourself…stay out of danger…do EVERYTHING you can to stay the strong Hidden Phantom I know."
The ninja's eyes grew concerned. "...You know as well as I do…that I am bound by honor to protect Neo Arcadia…even at the cost of my own life."
"Please Phantom." Foxfire shut her eyes, gritting her teeth. "...Phantom…I love you…I love you more than ANYONE…" She trembled, her thumb stroking his chest. "...I can't lose you….I just CANT lose you too…"
"...Oh Foxfire…"
Phantom slipped his arms around her and held her securely against himself. He leaned down and softly pressed his lips against hers. Foxfire moved her hands up, cradling Phantom's face as she kissed him back, allowing the ninja to bring her closer to himself. They spent a long time in this moment of comfort…before Phantom slowly broke the kiss, resting his cheek against hers.
"I swear to you, Foxfire…I will do everything in my power to protect myself. I will stay in the shadows and train myself to my maximum capacity." He rubbed her back tenderly. "I must also protect the innocent…protect the lives of our citizens…the lives of my siblings."
Phantom pulled away from Foxfire and stroked her cheek. "...and the life of the one that I love."
Foxfire entwined her fingers with his, leaning into his touch and enjoying this moment…she wanted nothing more than to just keep him here…safe…peaceful…
"I want to give you something, beloved."
The ninja pulled away and took something from his belt, offering her a beautifully wrapped present. Foxfire looked surprised for a moment, taking it and carefully unwrapping it. Once she opened the box, her mouth fell open slightly, seeing a silver necklace with a pendant inside.
Opening the pendant, she found herself stunned at the hologram.
"...the foxfires of Luna…" she breathed out softly. For a moment, she seemed lost in her own world…and looked up at him quickly. "H-...How did you know that I-"
"I learned about the legend of the magical fox from Miss Daisy." Phantom motioned towards the necklace. "...I…gathered that such a legend is what inspired your cover name…"
"O-...oh…" Foxfire looked back to the necklace and stroked the silver gingerly. "...it's beautiful Phantom…thank you…"
Phantom paused for a moment…perhaps she hadn't been expecting a gift. The ninja reached out and took one of her hands, bringing it over to himself and softly pressing his lips against the back of her hand.
"...Foxfire…I also love you….I love you so deeply…I wish to guard you…live with you…dance with you…fly…protect…everything…" He let go of her hand and stroked her cheek. "...I wish to be yours forever…I wish for you to be mine forever…if it should come to it…I wish to lay down my life for you."
"Phantom…" Foxfire's face was burning from all the emotions she was feeling, her heart racing at every sweet word that left the ninja's mouth. She allowed Phantom to wrap his arms around her and rest his nose against hers.
"...Take this gift…as a sign of my heart…my heart belongs to you…ONLY you…forever. To you…I pledge my love…I pledge my life…I pledge my loyalty to you…my shining star…"
"Phantom…"
"My beautiful flower."
"...I love you Phantom."
"I love you…SO deeply…Foxfire."
Foxfire closed her eyes as Phantom pressed his lips against hers, deepening their love under the nighttime sky.
***SW***
Daisy trembled as she sat on her knees in this dark area, her hands tied behind her back and her hair in strings from the dripping water that came from above. Three days without food or water was really taking its toll on her…she was LUCKY that she was sitting under a leak…every now and again she could lick at the droplets that fell from the ceiling.
…she couldn't help but wonder if her family was worried about her…if they had noticed…
She had gotten in such a habit of visiting Harpuia…it was very possible that no one had noticed she was gone…
If only she had made it a habit of communicating with her brothers…if she had JUST been more careful…
…why was she in this situation? Was this a rebel attack?...What did they want from her-
Daisy paused and looked up as the door opened, and listened as someone made their way downstairs. She swallowed lightly upon seeing the same big reploid that had brought her here…but now there was a new reploid with him.
"Ahh Miss Spazz." The new reploid greeted, making his way over to her and smiling pleasantly…he looked like a young teenager with black and red armor…with blue highlights here and there…with spiky red hair and a helm that resembled cat ears…
One thing she couldn't get over was his piercing gaze from his topaz eyes…Even though he was smiling at her…she could TELL he had evil in his heart.
"It's so good to see you." He smirked, putting his hands behind his back. "I trust my soldier has made your stay memorable."
Daisy shuddered and trembled. "...If…you're going to want information…I'm not going to cooperate."
"I was honestly expecting that." The reploid crooned, slowly making his way to the woman and standing over her. "Far too loyal to Harpuia aren't you? You love him…don't you?"
He suddenly SNATCHED her by the throat and hoisted her upwards, resting her back against the wall and watching her choke while she dangled in his grip. A wicked smirk came to his face and his pupils shrunk.
"...you would die for him…wouldn't you?" He rasped, a cruel chuckle escaping him as he watched her struggle. Tears started to roll Daisy's face as she choked in this reploid's grip…before he released her without warning, causing her to fall to the ground with a harsh THUD.
"Here's what's going to happen, princess." The reploid knelt down and took her chin and forced her to look up at him, rolling her on her back and placing his free hand on her stomach to keep her in a vulnerable position. "I really don't have anything against humans…Don't really care about you lot honestly…But the four Guardians and the four Lieutenants have been in my way of taking over Neo Arcadia for quite some time now."
He dragged his finger down her throat and smirked as she trembled. "And you, my dear?...apparently Sage Harpuia….REALLY….loves you…"
Daisy's pupils shrunk at the statement. "...N-...No!...please don't hurt him! PLEASE! Please don't hurt him!"
"You're catching on…you're smart for a human." The reploid chuckled. "Don't worry, princess…I'll make sure to kill you first…in front of him…before I kill him. Now that I have the Lieutenants out of my way…the Guardians are next…"
"Wh- Yo-" Daisy trembled. "YOU…killed the-"
"Director."
The reploid paused and looked up as a new reploid started coming down the stairs. "I've discovered the Guardians are on our scent…they're now holding meetings amongst each other and not even soldiers from their unit are being briefed."
Daisy managed to move her head to see who had entered…and gasped sharply upon seeing Shadowman entering the room, his eyes narrowed. "...Lieutenant Foxfire kept her rank…I was supposed to take her place of power."
"Patience Shadowman." The reploid holding Daisy purred. "Everyone knows Foxfire is a human now…she has no real power anymore." He chuckled. "She shouldn't be a problem…but if it will make you feel better, I will allow you to kill her after we secure Neo Arcadia. Remember…we must take out the Guardians one by one."
Shadowman frowned and nodded, before gazing towards the trembling Daisy and narrowing his eyes.
Daisy was shaking like a leaf…she couldn't move under this ninja's piercing gaze…
Shadowman…the ninja who had lost to Shadow…the ninja who had been reborn from an older reploid…
…he was betraying Neo Arcadia….and she couldn't warn Harpuia!
"Shadowman." The other reploid motioned towards Daisy. "I need her alive to bait Harpuia…have fun with her while I set up her lovers assassination."
"N-NO!" Daisy struggled to sit up as she watched the other two reploids walk up the stairs. "NO! PLEASE! DON'T HURT SAGE! PLEASE!"
She whimpered as Shadowman took her by the throat and forced her to stand. Daisy cried fearfully as Shadowman took out a knife and rested the blade against her stomach. "I will immensely enjoy watching Harpuia's agony while he watches you die, little lover. He has six hours to attempt to save you."
Daisy cried out in agony as Shadowman thrusted the blade into her stomach…and let her fall to the ground, leaving the blade to block the wound.
The ninja turned his back on the girl and smirked as he listened to her whimpers as the timer for her life started counting down.
***NA***
He looked around at the base as he was lead in by Anubis of the Scorching Earth Squadron. Holding his hand was his little 7 year old brother, who looked absolutely ECSTATIC to be seeing all these important reploids who serve Neo Arcadia on a daily basis.
"Look Leo! Theres a jet! Jets fly Daisy's boyfriend around!" The seven year old exclaimed.
"That's right." The older brother confirmed. "See anything else, buddy?"
"uuummm….I don't see any ninjas for some reason." The little boy looked around…before looking towards Anubis. "Hey Dog-guy? Where are the ninjas?"
"Mikey! Call him Captain!"
"Sorry. CAPTAIN Dog-guy!"
"Dude seriously?"
Anubis glanced behind himself and smirked. "Don't fret about it. We don't get many children here at base. The boy is fine."
"Anubis."
Anubis looked up, seeing Phantom approaching him, Foxfire behind him. Phantom looked behind the Captain at the two humans…before looking back towards the Captain. "...you know human children should not proceed any further…it's dangerous…"
"I apologize, Commander Phantom." Anubis put his hand to his chest and bowed his head in respect. "However this young man is insistent to see Commander Harpuia."
"LOOK LEO! THERE'S A NINJA!" The little boy pointed at Phantom.
"Shhh!" His brother knelt down and put his hands on his little brother's shoulders. "That's rude!"
Foxfire smiled…and approached the two, while Phantom watched, and put a hand to his radio. "Phantom to Harpuia."
"Hi there." Foxfire knelt down to be eye level with the young boy, smiling warmly. "I'm Foxfire. What's your name?"
"I'm Mikey!" The little boy said proudly, holding up his fingers. "I'm seven years old!"
Foxfire smiled softly. "Wow! Such a big boy aren't you?"
"Yeah!"
"I'm SO sorry Lieutenant Foxfire." The older brother put a hand up. "He's…VERY hyper…I've asked him to be good."
"Oh he's not a problem at all" Foxfire looked up towards the older brother. "You both are the reason we serve Neo Arcadia." She looked back towards 'Mikey' and smiled at him. "You're being a good boy for your brother aren't you? I'm sure Commander Harpuia would be happy to hear you're being good."
"You really think so?" Mikey grinned widely.
"Of course," The Lieutenant replied.
"Lieutenant."
Foxfire glanced over her shoulder and stood up straight as Harpuia slowly walked in, followed by Aztech Falcon. She smiled at him and motioned towards Anubis and the two visitors.
"Commander Harpuia." the young man known as 'Leo' bowed slightly, causing Harpuia to put up a hand. "I'm sorry for intruding..but I have a dilemma…"
"We're here to serve you, not the other way around." Harpuia replied, putting a hand to his chest. "What seems to be the problem and how can we help?"
"Sir, my name is Leonardo Spazz." The young man replied, looking stressed. "My sister is Daisy Spazz."
Harpuia looked surprised for a moment. "Daisy?" He took a small step up. "Is she alright? I haven't received any calls or texts from her recently."
"That's what I came here to ask you!" Leo started to look even more stressed. "We haven't seen Daisy around in three days!"
"What?!" All soldiers spoke in unison from this new revelation.
Foxfire put her hands to her mouth, a shocked expression on her face. "Three days?! She hasn't been seen in three days and…just now you're-"
"Father assumed that she was visiting Commander Harpuia, since she's been in a relationship with him." Leo now looked fearful. "I came here to see if she was here!"
"What- No!" Harpuia took a step up, looking spooked. "I haven't seen or heard from Daisy since Friday!"
"Oh God!" Leo now looked horrified. "You- You don't think…the rebels…"
At the thought, Harpuia gritted his teeth in fury, his eyes burning at the thought. "I swear to you, Leonardo. If the rebels have so much as TOUCHED Daisy, they will pay with their LIVES!"