His office was quiet…he had told his squadron to start the night patrol without him. All the suspicions that he now had were eating into him. He even had to stop Harpuia before he turned in for the night to ask for clearance to have access to Shadow's last research notes.
…notes that were connected to Foxfire's blood that he had somehow obtained…
Phantom narrowed his eyes as he typed into the keyboard. All these results…all these tests…Apparently Shadow had gotten ahold of a sample of Foxfire's blood, alongside another human's blood…
HOW?
And how were these two connected?
The ninja narrowed his eyes as he started reading the late Lieutenant's last notes before he died.
'The strike against my fellow Lieutenant has resulted in a horrifying find. A red liquid…similar to the liquid that I found on the Raven during battle. These liquids are not mech fluid…it's far too thick, and has properties in it that mech fluid should never have.'
…apparently Shadow had found blood on Foxfire during a…strike? What strike? Phantom checked the date of the notes. That had been around the same time the had been fooled by the Raven that she was surrendering herself, when it had in fact been a rescue mission for Ciel.
….wait what? Shadow had found the same red liquid on Raven?
Phantom re-read the paragraph…and continued.
'I didn't want to believe it. I never in my life thought that Foxfire was human…but the evidence is too damning. Now her inattentiveness…her mood swings…her tendencies to act dizzy whenever Sandstorm or Sobek carry her around upside down across their backs.
Now it all makes sense…Foxfire has tendencies of a human condition known as ADHD. Now it makes sense that she constantly gets distracted. Now it makes sense that she can effectively get hyper-focused on her work.
…but now I know why she showed such resentment towards the Raven…who also shows much damning evidence of being the supposed fallen soldier RavenNoir.'
THERE!
Phantom's jaw dropped at the discovery…and he scowled darkly…
…so it was true…
..creak…
Phantom narrowed his eyes at the screen, continuing to read.
'My research did not end there…RavenNoir has the same fluid that has appeared on her armor several times…I have my suspicions that she may also be human…I also speculate…that Foxfire may know about it.'
Phantom felt a chill hit him as he read this revelation. Impossible…no…no there were a great many things that he had considered impossible that had been revealing themselves lately…
...he needed to eliminate everything that was PROVEN to be false…
…Eliminate the impossible as one once said…whatever remains…however improbable…
…Must be the truth.
'The way these two fight…the closeness they shared as Neo Arcadian soldiers…'
…creak…
'The fact these two are so bitter with each other…and yet don't allow each other to come to harm…and the DNA results that follow…I have evidence that concludes that Foxfire and the Raven ar-'
Phantom stopped his reading and his eyes suddenly narrowed, before he WHIPPED around and unsheathed his katana, aiming it for the ceiling.
Finding Raven in his air vents with her blaster pointed at him, glaring at him.
For a long moment, the two said absolutely nothing to each other. Phantom narrowed his eyes dangerously, keeping his katana up…but didn't strike.
"I'm not here to fight, Dark Prince." Raven snided, keeping her blaster up.
"You don't call me that." Phantom growled lowly, keeping his eyes dark. "Only my family calls me that." He scowled. "Why are you here?"
"I have my reasons." Raven reached into her belt with her free hand and took something out, causing Phantom to be on-guard. "You MAY want to look among your ranks for your human kidnapper, Ghost boy. Because even I know what these represent."
She casually tossed the item towards Phantom, who snatched it with his own free hand. Keeping his sword up, the ninja glanced at the item…and his eyes darkened.
…a kunai blade…with special Cutting Shadow Squadron designs along the hold and edge of the blade. It was polluted with dried blood…Daisy's blood…and it looked like it had been polluted to a certain point that only a ninja would know about…
Phantom gritted his teeth in fury.
…the one who had stabbed Daisy…had the accuracy and deadly precision…of a ninja…
"You have a traitor in your midst, ninja boy." Raven frowned, watching as Phantom continued to study the blade.
Phantom frowned and looked up towards Raven, scowling. "...you would know a thing or two about being a traitor wouldn't you…Noir?"
Raven paused, seemingly stunned…before she smirked. "Huh…took you a long time to figure THAT one out, didn't it?" She put away her blaster and gave him a mocking salute. "And YOU'RE supposed to be the 'smart intelligence Ninja'"
"Don't patronize me." Phantom kept his weapon out, but did lower it…if Shadow's theory about Raven being Noir was indeed true…then his other theory had to be true as well. "Why would you risk death by my blade to give me this information?"
"Simple. You're supposed to be fighting for the people of Neo Arcadia." Raven frowned. "The Rebels aren't fighting against the citizens. We're fighting against your stupid leader. Since this new player came, we have a common enemy…an enemy who is apparently using one of your own against you."
She crossed her arms. "After all…the enemy of my enemy is my friend…it's figuring out who's who, owl head."
Phantom narrowed his eyes darkly…and once again glanced at the kunai in his hand…
***RB***
Ciel sat at the main computer with her hands folded on her lap and a concerned look on her face. She was looking at a blank screen…but was very aware of the dangers that this call had. Behind her, Zero had his arms crossed, a stoic expression on his face as he listened to the conversation…with Foxfire.
"...I know you're scared, flower." Ciel said gently, watching the blank screen cautiously. "But this last strike is far overdue. I'm happy it played out this way…because now you're no longer blinded by his facade…but he needs to be stripped of his power."
"...I'm not disagreeing with you." Foxfire's voice came from the other line, sounding quiet and hesitant. "...It's…confronting the Guardians." There was a long pause from Foxfire's end…before she continued.
"...I know they won't kill me…I'll just be a human prisoner…it's just…" she trailed off, a shudder escaping her.
Ciel waited, her heart breaking at the sound of Foxfire's inner fear tutoring her with a endless supply of 'what ifs'. After a moment, Ciel breathed out. "You're afraid they will turn on you…that all the love and friendship you had will mean nothing." she said quietly.
"...yes…" Foxfire mumbled.
"It does hurt…I agree…that pain is second to none, aside from physically losing them entirely." Ciel breathed out and continued. "...but flower…you know if we don't do anything…Copy X will throw the Guardians away like trash once they cease being useful to him."
"You already know he cares nothing about his responsibility, only the power that comes with being X." Zero spoke up from behind Ciel. "What makes you think he is above ending the lives of the Guardians?"
There was no answer from the other side, though Ciel did wave her hand at Zero frantically to get him to tone his bite down. Zero huffed and rubbed his head.
"What I MEANT was-"
"Ciel, is it really necessary to have Mr. 'I'm over 200 years old, let me look down on you with my long horse hair of doom' on the line?" Foxfire grumbled from the other line.
Zero's eye twitched lightly.
Wow. This girl sounded just like RAVEN!
"Was that supposed to insult me?" Zero asked, raising an eyeridge.
"No, it was supposed to be a sarcastic remark. What's insulting is the idea that you are having a relationship with Rose, and you're like over 200 while she's 25. Isn't that, I dunno, pediphilia?"
Zero paused and a weird look came to his face, causing Ciel to quickly put up her hand. "Ok ok ok! That's enough, both of you!" Ciel looked back towards the blank screen. "Flower, we really need your help with this…"
There was a long moment of silence on the other line, but Foxfire finally sighed.
"The South Port has a new shipment of medical supplies that came in last night. They won't be unloading it until tomorrow though. As for weapons…" There was a long pause and it sounded like Foxfire was making some calculations.
"...the north factory has already been through inspections…There is a surplus of new weapons and upgrades there…"
Foxfire was quiet and a growl could be heard on the other side.
"Zero. I'm giving you this warning now."
Zero narrowed his eyes slightly. "What could you possibly-"
"There are explosives at the Factory. Using your Z-Saber in the wrong way could start a chain reaction in the crates that harbor most of the explosives."
Zero blinked, genuinely surprised that Foxfire hadn't given him a snide remar-
"And if any of the Guardians arrive, try not to hurt them too much, or else I'll personally cut off your Barbie hair!" Foxfire finished coldly.
Theeeere it was.
Zero frowned…and smirked very slightly. This girl really WAS a lot like Raven…now he was starting to understand why those two had a friendship.
"I will defend myself…you know this." He replied.
"I would expect you to hold the same beliefs the ORIGINAL X held." Foxfire snipped…before she hung up.
Zero paused and frowned…she…had a point. That was something he wanted to keep. The same standards that X had…
"Well THAT went better than I thought it would!"
Zero and Ciel looked towards the door, where Raven was leaning against the wall, arms crossed and a smirk on her face. "Nobody killed each other this time!"
***NA***
Lumine made his way past several Pantheons, hands behind his back and a gleam in his eye. He had finally found a way to track all the Guardians…now he just had to sit back and wait for an opportunity to strike.
The strike against Harpuia had not gone as planned…He had been counting on Harpuia coming alone. No doubt his stupid friendship with Phantom's love-sick Lieutenant had affected his thinking. Foxfire wasn't the best strategist in Neo Arcadia for nothing…
The lavender haired reploid looked to the side for a moment. Foxfire was now heavily guarded…there was no possible way he could successfully assassinate her since she had the protection of EVERY reploid in Neo Arcadia…
He would have to strike someone else…someone she was close to…someone whose death would keep her down for a prolonged period of time…
…someone she LOVED…
Lumine finally made it to his destination and entered the room, putting up a distinguished facade. "Master X…Your recent order has the elite on edge."
Copy X glanced over his shoulder from where he was looking out over the city. "...Director Lumine…I didn't send for you."
"I had been under the impression that I was needed to bring in the lights for Neo Arcadia" Lumine smirked very slightly. "Have your Guardians frustrated your ideals for the city, Master X?"
The clone was silent and turned to fully face Lumine, an emotionless look on his face. "Not in the slightest. I intend to take that power by force. I have determined what is a necessary evil for the good of my subjects. The Guardians have no foot in my next strike…and neither do you."
Lumine took this in and smiled…though his eyes did narrow very slightly. "Master X…how cold…that makes it sound as though the Guardians mean nothing to you."
"If it means the good of Neo Arcadia, I would readily slay my subjects." Copy X pointed towards Lumine. "I'm charged with the good of humanity…a true beacon of light for all humanity. Compared to that, you and all who serve me are worthless."
Lumine smirked…and made a mock-bow. "Very well, Master X…that's all I needed to know." He turned and left the room. As he turned the hall, he chuckled lowly.
"You'll be sorry when your Guardians are dead and unable to protect you, worthless clone of X." he mused.
***NA***
Foxfire kept her arms crossed as she studied her computer…she had managed to hack every single system to keep everyone out…EVERYONE. The fact that she was a double agent was weighing on her…
She even had her HELMET off, she was that stressed!
…she couldn't keep up this facade. She NEEDED to confront the Guardians…and soon. The more she kept up this charade, the more it was going to hurt down the road. She wanted to think that there could be a chance that…Copy X could just be defeated…and none would be the wiser.
…But if the Guardians were still loyal to Copy X…this war would just continue with revenge…
She put her face in her hands and groaned lowly.
"...I wish the REAL X was here." she grumbled.
…Knock Knock…
Foxfire flinched and glanced towards the door, before quickly shutting her laptop and SHOVING it under her bed. She scrambled to get her datapad out and-tripped over her chair, landing on her stomach.
"GAH!"
She grumbled and stayed on the ground, debating her life's choices. "...well if that's a sign of how the day's gonna go, I'd rather stay in bed." she muttered.
Foxfire heard the door open…and softly close. She scowled and stayed on the floor.
"I SWEAR if you're a Pantheon, get OUT of my room!" she snarled. "I am NOT in the mood to deal with you spineless, brainless-"
She paused when she saw Phantom crouching down to kneel to her level, smiling gently at her.
"...oh." Foxfire huffed lightly. "Hi."
"You certainly are a night owl, aren't you my darling?"
Foxfire blushed darkly at the sweetness, before pushing herself to sit up, and accepting his help to stand. "...I suppose it really depends on what phase she's in." Foxfire replied, looking to the side.
"...she?"
"Phantom, I need to speak with you." Foxfire kept holding Phantom's hand, but couldn't help but stare at his feet. For a while she said nothing…confronting him was going to be much harder than she thought.
Phantom waited for her to speak…but it was obvious that she was struggling with herself.
…was she going to tell him about Raven? It was very possible that if she indeed DID know, she didn't want to reveal it to avoid…
"...I'm listening." Phantom spoke softly, letting go of her hand so he could slip an arm around her waist, and run his other hand through her soft brown hair. "...please…don't be afraid to tell me anything."
Foxfire felt her entire being melt at his words…but she only grew MORE fearful…she didn't want to become his enemy! She COULDN'T! What would happen?! Would Rose be in danger? Would Phantom turn his back on her? Would she become an enemy of Neo Arcadia?
Foxfire trembled…and leaned up, softly kissing Phantom, who gladly deepened the kiss. For a long moment, they only enjoyed the warmth…the closeness…the love…
Finally she broke the kiss and rested her forehead on Phantom's chest, tightening her grip on him…it was now or never…
"...Phantom…I don't think X…is really X…"
She felt her entire world tense. It was out…she said it…it was all over now…
…silence…
"...what makes you say that, love?" Phantom finally asked quietly.
Foxfire paused at the tenderness in his voice. Letting off a slow sigh, she looked up at him. "...Phantom the X in the stories…was far more gentle…he cared about lives…not this…thirst for power…" she slowly looked up at him, a broken look on her face. "X recently…he…he didn't even care…about the other Lieutenants…Didn't show any concern about Daisy's condition…He's threatened you four…he hit me…he-"
"What?"
Foxfire gasped and let go of Phantom, quickly putting her hands over her mouth, taking a step back. For a long moment the two only looked at each other.
Phantom gawked at Foxfire, a bewildered look on his face…a flash of last month went through his mind…the fact that Foxfire had attempted to start wearing a visor…the fear she had showed…her injuries across her face after the explosion…
The fact she never wanted to see X until she found a new strength…
Phantom's eyes narrowed and he gritted his teeth…X…that…that was impossible…that was…
…no…it WAS possible…X had shown more and more that he cared more about his grip on Neo Arcadia…he showed no concern for his soldiers…
Even the HUMANS he showed no compassion or warmth…he only gave orders to keep the humans comfortable and happy…
…but Foxfire was never happy in this plush, comfortable room…she was happiest in her office…Daisy wasn't happy being given all the supplies she needed…she was happiest when she was with Harpuia…
Phantom crossed his arms and glared out the window.
…so it was true…Ciel had been right all along…the Raven had been right all along…
"...I'm sorry Phantom…"
The ninja paused and looked over towards Foxfire who was holding her arms and looking at the ground. "...I'm-...I can't…I don't…I…"
Phantom turned and approached her, reaching out to cradle her and reassure her-
"Phantom."
The ninja paused and put a hand to his radio upon hearing Harpuia. "What is it?"
"There's two disturbances going on. One at the north factory and one at the south port. Leviathan is off to investigate the Port. I'm…currently at the hospital."
"Understood. I will investigate. Take care of Daisy. I need my future sister-in-law to be healthy."
"...why you little."
Phantom hung up and looked towards Foxfire. "...I need to investigate a disturbance at the north factory." he said gently. "Please don't speak to anyone about this aside from my siblings until I return."
"The factory?" Foxfire paused…and winced, reaching out and taking his arm. "Phantom...m-maybe we should discuss this now." She gritted her teeth. "This…this is serious Phantom…I don't want-"
"Foxfire…" Phantom placed a hand against her cheek and stroked her face tenderly. "...I want to hear what else you have to say…I don't believe you have any reason to turn on me and lead me astray."
"Then…" Foxfire felt hot tears coming to her eyes. "You-...believe me?"
"I believe you have no malice against Neo Arcadia…I believe you care deeply about the lives that serve Neo Arcadia…" Phantom leaned over and kissed her forehead. "...and I know for a fact that you would never betray me, my love…but please wait for me to return…I swear to you…the Guardians will take your words seriously…"
"...Phantom…"
"Wait for me…I love you, my northern light…" He kissed her once again and begrudgingly let go of her, turning and walking out of the room.
***TF***
Raven buckled the belt of the strap that held the case securely in place. She tugged on it a few times to ensure it was tight, and let off a huff. "Cool. Crate three done. Just one more to go." She put a hand to her radio. "Ciel, third shipment."
"Understood."
There was a moment of silence…and the device on the crate started beeping…before the supply vanished, being transported to Rebel base.
"Good job Raven. Just one more supply to go." Ciel praised. "Please be careful, I just got a message from Foxfire saying two Guardians have just been deployed."
"Greeeaaat. Did she happen to mention who?" Raven asked sarcastically. "Because the last thing I want to do is deal with Mr. 'NIGHT in shining Owl Armor'."
"She didn't say, honestly." Ciel replied. "It was a very brief silent message."
"Humph. Well that's what I get for not trying to take out Pantheons silently. No doubt Zero's having the same problem at the Port, since I KNOW stealth isn't his thing." Raven rubbed her head and grumbled. "Fine. I'll see if I can get to the last supply without warranting any attention." She shut off her radio and quickly ran down the halls, narrowing her eyes.
Really she was inwardly kicking herself for not thinking about stealth…buuuut it was PANTHEONS! They were FUN to blow up! Those emotionless Zombies needed Copy X's FACE on them so the destruction would be even MORE enjoyable!
Sliding into the main assembly line, Raven looked around for a moment, trying to pinpoint the next area she needed to get to. The line was moving…it would probably be a good idea to shut it down.
Running down the stairs, Raven found the main control panel and reached for-
THWIP!
Raven jumped backwards when a kunai lodged itself into the side of the control panel. Her eye twitched and she SMACKED herself in the face. "Oh COME. ON! Of all the reploids, it HAD to be Mr. 'I bow to my master, I am ninja, fear me!'"
She turned and took out her Naginata just as Phantom landed from a higher perch and landed dramatically to her level. He stood up and frowned at her, but for some reason, didn't have his weapons out just yet.
The two glared at each other for a long while…
"...Answer me something before we are forced to cross blades once again, holder of the moon." Phantom frowned.
"Seriously, Did NONE of you do proper research before you did the whole 'hunting for the Sun and Moon' thing?" Raven snarked, making a motion with her hand.
Phantom frowned and crossed his arms seriously. "Fine then…Noir...What purpose are you fighting for?"
This question hit Raven out of left field. The heck was Phantom doing hitting with her with Philosophy? A trick perhaps?...no…Phantom wasn't the type of person to keep someone guessing…
Raven frowned and stood tall, keeping her weapon out, just incase this hardcore ninja decided to off her suddenly. "I think that's something you should be asking YOURSELF, Phantom." Raven crooned, pointing her blade towards him. "The rebels are fighting for their right to live. I'm fighting to end that sorry clone of X that you're so blinded by."
She scoffed. "I'm fighting for lost lives. Lost friendships. Innocent reploids that died because they were not deemed 'necessary'. Innocent humans who died, trying to protect the lives of reploids they cared about."
Phantom stayed silent, and Raven scoffed.
"But why am I telling you this? You couldn't care less! You follow that clone around like a little puppy! You only care about that stupid clone's orders, despite the fact that it means DEATH for others!" Raven sneered and frowned. "What Foxfire sees in you I will NEVER understand. She practically worships the ground you walk on…while you are responsible for the deaths of reploids just fighting for the right to LIVE."
The ninja glanced to the side for a moment…
"I'm fighting so everyone can live free of fear that they will be hunted down and killed for the comfort of another." Raven twirled her Naginata. "I'm fighting to avenge those that your coward of a MASTER murdered and stole from me. I'm also fighting to keep someone precious away from YOU. A mercenary who has so much blood and mech fluid on his hands, just by believing a lie."
"...What evidence do you have of your claim?" Phantom finally asked, frowning.
Raven gave Phantom a weird look. WHAT had gotten into him? Why was he actually TALKING to her and not just trying to cut her down? What was…BEHIND Phantom?!
"You brought COMPANY?!" she yelped, quickly ducking to the side.
Phantom paused and quickly backflipped- RIGHT as a blast went under him. The ninja narrowed his eyes and swiftly took out his Shuriken, landing dramatically. Turning quickly, Phantom saw a silhouette…of Zero.
The ninja scowled. He should have known better than to try and talk on the battlefield. This was war, and if that was how the rebels were going to play, then he was not going to allow himself to be fooled.
Raven stood from where she had landed, looking spooked…and absolutely confused.
"Zero?! What the heck are YOU doing here! I didn't ask for- WHOA!"
She quickly jumped into the air, dodging another blaster fire, that looked like it was aimed at Phantom, but CERTAINLY didn't seem to care that she was nearby.
"HEY! Watch where you AIM Firetruck-" She gasped and dodged another blast.
Zero smirked slightly and kept firing, watching as Raven had to keep dodging the shots, while Phantom also had to keep dodging. Though Phantom was now in an attack formation…Zero turned and focused his blaster fire on the ninja.
Phantom sneered and jumped from side to side, taking out his katana and bolting towards Zero, his eyes glowing red. "I suppose this is what I get for hoping." he snarled. "I'll not allow you to taint my love's view any longer!"
Zero smirked and took out his own sword, CLASHING it against Phantom's.
As the two fought, Raven managed to get herself up and turned to face the fight, looking spooked. WHY was Zero here?! He was supposed to be at the South Port getting the medical supplies! That's what they had agreed on! That's what the-
"WHOA!" Raven quickly ducked as Phantom was thrown in her direction and managed to get back up once again. The room was starting to get smokey from all the fighting…
Raven pressed a button on her helmet, allowing the visor over her eyes to start glowing. It scanned the area around her to start aiding her in battle.
Scanning…Target perceived: Hidden Phantom…
…Target confirmed: Hidden Phantom…
…Target perceived: Zero…
…Target: unknown reploid…updating system…
"Wait What?" Raven paused at the reading she was getting from her visor. What did it MEAN 'unknown reploid'? How could her system not know who Zer-
It hit her like a ton of bricks…
…The shapeshifting reploids that had kidnapped Harpuia's girlfriend…
…That reploid was NOT Zero!
Wincing sharply, Raven quickly ran for the battle, twirling her Naginata.
Phantom strained as he struggled to swordfight with 'Zero'. The red reploid was smirking at him evilly…an expression he had never seen on the legendary hero. The ninja growled and narrowed his eyes.
"Every generation has its legends…but a lost legend should REMAIN lost!" He snarled at 'Zero', slashing at the reploid. His attack missed, resulting in Phantom being kicked backwards.
He SLAMMED into the ground, but managed to roll to the side right as 'Zero' stabbed at the ground that he had once been in.
'Zero' looked upwards as Phantom landed and chuckled. "Do you really think you can keep this up forever, Phantom? The sun is setting on your time…"
Phantom gritted his teeth, readying his Shuriken. "Whether the sun sets on my life or not, I will live by my blade of darkness!"
"GHOST BOY! MOVE YOUR POETIC ASS!"
The ninja quickly looked behind him and suddenly backflipped, allowing Raven to rush past him and SLASH 'Zero' across the arm.
"GAAAAHHH!" 'Zero' took a few steps back and glared at Raven.
Phantom landed a few feet away, looking completely flabbergasted. WHAT…just happened?! Had Raven just-
"Phantom!" Raven glanced back towards the ninja. "I don't know who this moron is, but it's NOT Zero!"
"Wh-" Phantom scowled. "How are you so certain?"
"Oh I don't know, maybe because I used my freaking SCANNER?!"
Phantom gave Raven a weird look and he looked back towards 'Zero' his eyes glowing red- only to get hit SQUARE in the mid section by a blow from 'Zero' knocking him back a few yards.
Raven gritted her teeth and ran for 'Zero' SLASHING against the reploid's back.
"GAH! YOU WITCH!" 'Zero's' form flashed into a different reploid for two seconds, before he turned and SLASHED his sword towards Raven. She managed to dodge and landed a few feet away, twirling her naginata.
'Zero' faced her, his form going in…out…in…out…until finally the image of Zero completely disappeared, revealing Lumine who was scowling.
"LUMINE?!" Phantom roared, standing fully and seething. "How DARE you!?"
Lumine glanced over his shoulder, frowning. "So…it would seem I don't have the amount of time that I had originally planned." He looked back towards Raven, scowling. "You have REALLY been a thorn in my side, holder of the moon."
"I'M. NOT. LUNA!" Raven flailed her arms in the air, seething. "SERIOUSLY! How hard is it for you stupid reploids to READ!?"
Lumine responded by charging up a blast in both of his hands and firing in her direction. Raven was quick to dodge, quickly running for Phantom. "Hey ninja boy, this would be a GREAT time to call for, I dunno; BACKUP!?"
Phantom scowled and quickly turned, running up the hall, quickly dodging from side to side as Lumine fired on both him and Raven.
"PHANTOM TO HARPUIA! WE HAVE BEEN BETRAYED! I'M UNDER ATTACK BY- GAH!"
He found himself SLAMMED into the wall and punched across the face, sending him flying several yards back.
Lumine scowled and quickly ran for Phantom, narrowing his eyes dangerously.
"PHANTOM!" Raven twirled her Naginata and ran faster. "Look- GAH!"
Lumine quickly turned and FIRED a blast towards Raven, sending her through the wall and SLAMMING into a control machine in the next room.
Phantom gritted his teeth and turned, unable to see Raven. "Noir-"
SLASH!
The ninja gasped, pain seeping into his very being…A long glowing blade was carved in his chest, piercing his processor and draining all energy from him.
The ninja gritted his teeth…he could already feel himself dying…
Someone grabbed his neck from behind and SLAMMED him into the ground. Phantom panted and glared upwards, where Lumine now stood over him, chuckling lowly.
"Oh…Oh how the mighty have fallen, Phantom." Lumine purred, slowly carving the blade deeper into the Guardian's chest. "Don't worry…I'll make sure the rest of the Guardians fall just as painfully."
Phantom gritted his teeth…his processor was no longer beating…
"...no…"
Lumine chuckled darkly…
…Raven BURSTED out of the walls that she had been thrown through, her weapon out and ready to see…
…absolutely nothing.
She quickly looked around, narrowing her eyes. The last thing she wanted was for one of them to get the drop on her. That slagging girly hipped reploid had another thing coming if he thought he was going to-
Raven tripped and flailed her arms to keep herself steady. Once she was stable she turned to see just WHAT she had tripped on-
Her heart stopped and a look of horror came to her face…
…she quickly put her weapon away and scrambled to the ground…where Phantom's lifeless form was laying. A sword was carved in his chest…right through his processor…
…she didn't need any evidence…she already knew…
…Hidden Phantom was dead…
"No…No please…" She trembled and put her hands on the fallen ninja's chest. "You can't leave her…you can't…She'll…She's gonna…" Raven gritted her teeth, PRAYING that there was a way that his processor wasn't completely destroyed…if it was still salvageable, then she would still have about ten minutes to-
"PHANTOM!"
Raven paused and looked up-only to quickly JUMP in the air, barely missing the duo blades of Sage Harpuia. Quickly backflipping and taking a few steps back, Raven put up her hands. "Wait! Hold on! I'm not-"
"YOU WITCH!"
Raven quickly dodged another attack, ducking and trying to slide kick Harpuia, but the Air Commander SLASHED at her arm, causing her to get knocked back. She panted and quickly activated her radio.
"CIEL! ABORT! CIEL!"
Harpuia turned and quickly rushed for Raven, blades at full power…only for him to SLASH at open air, where Raven once stood.
He panted and cried out in frustration. Quickly he turned and dropped his weapons, landing on his knees and putting his hands on his brother.
"...Phantom…" he whispered, his teeth gritted in agony, receiving no response from the ninja.
Another sound of grief came from the air commander, as he gently lifted Phantom's upper torso, gritting his teeth in fury seeing Phantom's form lifelessly succumb to gravity's demands. Harpuia shuddered and rested his forehead against Phantom's, gripping the body close to himself.
"...This is Sage Harpuia…"
He trembled and brought Phantom's body into his arms, standing up and gritting his teeth.
"...Assemble all forces…" Harpuia's eyes opened, burning with rage. "Arm all Squads…prepare a final strike for Rebel base…"