Snowmans, One hit fanfic stop!

by Snowman23

A series of one-hit stories: characters include: Isara Gunther, Marina Wulstan and Ted Ustinov, Ramona Linton and Nils Daerden, Alexis Hilden, Marion Seghiban, Rene Randall, Welkin and Magari. Newest character and story: Chloe Blixen- A Painters Plight.

5. Marion Seighban: The Golem

The Golem and The Noble, Rich Girl

---

Class's C, D and G were already on the move in a large convoy of tanks, soldiers and trucks to secure a weapons depot that was recently discovered by a Class F scouting party from Lanseal academy. No one really knew what the base had inside of it, but it was said to have looked like it was evacuated in a hurry as much of the weapons and gear were left behind by the rebels.

Avan was riding on top of Class G's tank when he happened to notice Marion, Class G's weapons freak. He smirked and hopped off of the tank and strode over to her.

"What's up, Marion?" Avan asked cheerfully.

"Oh, I think you know what's up!"

"Yeah, I figured that you'd be the most excited one here. Soon you'll have a whole weapons depot to search through, and then you'll get your hands on all types of rebel weaponry."

"I know! I can't wait to get there!" Marion squealed in glee, "Who knows what we'll find!"

Marching across the road from them were Zeri and Mischlitt. Zeri shook his head, then whispered to Mischlitt, "I'd hate to see the look on her face when she realizes that the plan is to destroy most of the depot and its weapons. While only taking the top weaponry for research."

"She'll be heartbroken, I'm sure of it." Mischlitt whispered back.

Something else happened to catch Zeri's ear, "Class F scouting party, this is the Class G representative speaking, can you hear me?" Magari said into a 'walkie talkie' handset, shaped like a telephone receiver.

After a few moments, Magari repeated her message, and again got no response from the Class F scouts. She shrugged her shoulders at Franca, who was riding on top of the tank with her. Wanting to know more about the current situation, Zeri climbed aboard the tank and knelt down in front of Magari.

"What's wrong, Magari?" Zeri asked.

"I've been in radio contact with Class F's scouts all morning. But just moments ago, they stopped transmitting. There's been nothing but static on their channel and it's worrying me…"

"This is cause for concern… Perhaps the base wasn't as abandoned as they had originally reported." Franca added.

"Avan! Get up here!" Zeri called over his shoulder. Avan quickly climbed aboard the tank and reported to Zeri. But before Zeri could tell him about the new situation, the base was coming into view. There were a few tiny trails of black smoke were rising from within the compound.

"What's wrong, Zeri?" Avan asked.

"We've just lost contact with the scouting party from Class F. However, judging from the sight up ahead, I think the Rebels have returned and possibly wiped them out..."

Now, the convoy came to a halt. The transport trucks pulled to the side of the road and let the troops out of the back. The tanks moved to the head of the column and the troops from all the combined classes spread out all across the road and nearby fields in battle lines. Then, slowly and cautiously, they moved towards the base.

As soon as the tanks rolled over the perimeters chain linked fences, knocking them down so the soldiers could get in, they were fired upon by a small rebel force. Strangely, it was only composed of shock troopers, scouts and a few lancers. Those of which popped out of the nearby buildings and cover from behind crates, pallets or from around storage sheds. All opened fire with their weapons on the Lanseal forces.

All the classes combined, outnumbered this force by three to one and they were very easily pushing them back as they moved through the base. Finding sufficient cover, firing at the Rebels and then moving ahead when it was safe to do so. Their push was fast, their push was easy and somehow, the Rebels didn't really seem to be trying to hold them back.

Something about this battle seemed all too easy. The Rebels would only fire enough to suppress the students, then retreat back a small distance and repeat this process. By this time, the cadets were in the middle of the base and still pushing strong.

As Franca suppressed a small group of rebels with a full auto spray from her heavy machine gun, she got a very bad feeling within herself and happened to say, "Something… is… wrong…"

To her left, Marion, Magari and her brother Nichol were moving along side her, taking cover and firing at the swiftly retreating rebels.

Even with all of the gunfire, shouting, and other noises of the battlefield, Marion distinctly heard something else. It sounded like a whirring sound, growing in intensity from within the metal storage shed right next to her. It wasn't long before Franca, Magari and Nichol also heard it and turned their heads to the left and looked up at the sheds doors and windows.

Next, came a deafening bang sound as something from within struck the door and actually caused it to bent from the powerful blow. The sound of metal twisting and shrieking was agonizing on the ears as the doors continued to bend outwards with each thunderous hit the doors took.

By now, all the other cadets in the base had turned their heads towards the terrifying sound and saw the doors give even more.

Franca wasn't waiting to find out whatever manner of beast or monster lurked within. It had to be monstrously strong to be able to do that to a such a thick metal door. Nichol was frozen by fear, but Franca quickly grabbed him by the back of his jacket collar and began to tug him away.

Magari had just grabbed Marion by the arm and was about to do the same, but that was when there was one final powerful blow against the doors and they burst open. Next came something out of a sci-fi movie or from ones nightmares. It looked like a mammoth size blue glowing robot on two legs!

It had to be an artificial valkyria, judging by the glowing blue aura around it and the signature humming sound it made. But this one stood nearly 20 feet high, had two enormous armoured metal legs. It also had giant mechanical arms that ended with an enormous looking gun barrels. Underneath, there was a smaller barrel or nozzle with a hose running under the arm and towards the back. Last, but not least, there were two deadly looking fifty calibre machine guns on each forearm.

Everyone was frozen in place as they looked up at the artificial valkyria, standing perfectly still, like a statue. Then, with a deafening blast, it released a sound, similar to a fog or navy ship horn. It was so long and loud that everyone had to cover their ears with their hands. Some of the cadets standing closest groaned in pain and clenched their teeth together.

"Gah! Did that thing just… roar at us?" Avan shouted to Cosette, who was standing next to him.

"I don't know! What is that thing?"

Zeri rushed up to them, "Whatever it is, it definitely isn't one of ours… OPEN FIRE!" Zeri commanded to everyone around him.

Now, ignoring the other rebels up ahead, all of the classes and tanks turned their rifles, machine guns, lances and tank barrels towards the new enemy and opened fire. Glowing tracer bullets rained down upon it, smoking lancer rounds flew at it and exploded. The numerous tanks rolled forward while firing their tanks shells at it. The whole metal monstrosity disappeared in a thick cloud of smoke from the exploding rounds.

Everyone ceased firing and lowered their smoking weapons. Dozens of empty clips and magazines hit the concrete paved base grounds, hundreds of empty bullet cartridges clanked against the ground. Everyone quickly reloaded while they tensely waited to see what all that firing had accomplished.

Marion and Magari still hadn't moved from the ground after they hit the deck while all the rounds flew over their heads and into the mechanical beast. Slowly, they were starting to sit up and look towards the lingering smoke.

"Did we get it?" Magari asked.

"I don't know…" Marion replied, "But did you see all the weaponry that machine was covered with… it was fascinating!"

Suddenly, they felt the ground shake. Then again, and again. Each girl gasped as to their horror, the monstrous machine had survived and was lumbering towards them as it stomped out of the lingering smoke. Worst of all, it was barely even damaged and was starting to glow an even brighter blaze of blue flame. It then released yet another blast of sound, like a deafening fog horn.

The cadets then continued firing at the monstrous machine while taking backwards steps. The artificial valkyria responded by lowering its massive arms and took aim. Then came the sound that everyone feared. The steadily growing shrieking sound as both real and artificial valkyria in the past, charged up for a beam shot from their weapons. Only in this case, both ends of the massive barrels on either arm began to glow.

Marion looked back while screaming, "GET DOWN! NOW!"

The enormous artificial valkyria then fired its beams with its arms close together, then spread them out, like a book, dragging the steadily flowing destructive beams across the grounds. Dozens of soldiers and tanks were vaporized in its first act of returning fire.

When it stopped, much of the base was already destroyed, cadets from all the classes moaned from the ground or were attempting to climb back onto their feet.

A large group of ten scouts and shock troopers from Class D charged towards the mammoth machine as they screamed in rage, while firing up at it.

"Damn you!" one screamed.

"You killed my classmates!" another roared while firing a full auto blast from his machine gun.

The bullets bounced off the heavily armoured machine as it lowered its head and looked down at the small approaching force.

"Target locked… Firing…" it said in a slow mechanical sounding voice.

Luckily, Magari had grabbed Marion and pulled her away from the machine. Unfortunately, Marion happened to look over her shoulder as they ran and saw the machine fire actual 'blue flame' from its smaller nozzle flamethrowers and set the charging cadets ablaze. They screamed and dropped to the ground or ran around as they burned, terrifying the on-lookers from the other classes.

Seeing how outmatched even three whole classes were against this juggernaut of a machine, Avan cupped his hands against the sides of his mouth and screamed, "FALL BACK! EVERYONE! FALL BACK!"

Zeri did the same, "RETREAT! ALL CLASSES RETREAT!"

Most listened to the orders, turned on their heels and began to run for their lives. Others, either brave or foolish, stood their ground and continued firing. This included a tank from Class D as it rolled forward, firing its turret and machine guns up at the giant machine.

As the tank got closer, the artificial valkyria responded by drawing its large arm across its body and delivering a massive blow to the side of the tanks hull. The blow was powerful enough to actually lift the tank off the ground and send it crashing through a nearby storage shed. Then, compartments in the metal monsters 'shoulders' opened up, revealing long white missiles tubes with red tips. They slide out partially, then fired, leaving swirling smoke trails as they spun through the air and then destroyed the whole shed in a glorious fireball of destruction.

Large burning metal pieces of the shed rained down onto the retreating soldiers, crushing some and tripping others. Sadly, this included Marion, who had a large sheet of metal hit her and knock her down. Magari noticed that her hand was now empty as she ran, it had been holding onto Marion's just a moment ago.

She looked back and saw Marion struggling to get up, but was unable to as she fell back to the ground and laid still. Magari rushed back to her, while looking up at the goliath of a machine, now firing its wrist mounted machine guns at the retreating cadets, not seeming to notice her or Marion. Magari rushed back to Marion's side and knelt down beside her.

"Hang on, Marion! I'll get you out!" Magari shouted while trying to lift the metal sheet off of her.

"No… Magari…Save yourself…" Marion pleaded weakly, "I'm done for…"

"Don't say that! Don't give up!" Magari replied

Suddenly, sounds of shouting, cursing and cheering could be heard. Magari quickly looked up and saw some of the rebel soldiers were raising their weapons up and cheering at the sight of the retreating Lanseal forces. Others were charging towards Magari, Marion and the other retreating cadets, determined not to let them get away.

"Magari… It's alright," Marion said weakly, "You did everything you could. But please, save yourself, don't get killed for me."

Magari's eyes began to well up with tears. She then reached down and placed her hand against Marion's forehead, Marion reached up and placed her hands on top of Magari's.

Two tears fell from Magari's eyes as she looked down at Marion, "I'm sorry… Please forgive me…" Magari sobbed before she stood back up, turned and ran to catch up with the other retreating students, leaving Marion behind. It was a difficult decision, and one that Magari would have to live with.

---

A short while later, and with neither the monstrous machine or the rebels giving chase. The remaining students from each class regrouped a few kilometres from the weapons depot. A quick headcount revealed that out of the near 100 students, 30 had been killed or were missing. Class G had suffered the least amount of injuries and no one had been killed in the battle. But… they were one student short of a full headcount.

That was when Magari came up to the front, crying her eyes out and told Avan, Cosette and Zeri the sad story of how she was forced to leave Marion behind and how terrible she felt about it.

"Don't worry, Magari," Avan said as he hugged her, "None of us blame you for what happened."

"Those rebels… they laid a trap for us… and we walked right into it!" Zeri said, frustration in his voice.

"There was no way that we could have ever guessed that they were hiding such a new terrible weapon of war inside that weapons depot." Cosette said.

"But did you see that…" Franca said in disbelief, "W-we rained hell down upon it with bullets, lancaar rounds and tank shells and it barely even made a dent in it."

"It's not the first time that the Rebels have come out with a superior looking weapon of war… and we've always managed to beat them, somehow!" Avan said confidently. "We'll beat that monster of a machine, then get Marion back to us! I just know it!"

"But, we're undermanned, Avan," said Zeri, "We need more tanks, artillery, soldiers and special equipment here before we mount any sort of rescue mission."

"Right, I'm on it!" said Avan as he leapt up onto the tank and got on the radio with the Academy, requesting reinforcements.

---

Meanwhile, back at the weapons depot. Rebel soldiers were scouring the area, rounding up any dead bodies and piling them high. Their weapons were stacked like tepees next to the mounds of bodies. In the middle of the base, General Gilbert Gassenarl, Commander Baldren Gassenarl and a man with long black hair, thick framed black glasses and a white lab coat were surveying the damage done by the new V4, codenamed 'Golem'.

"S-so, what do you think, sir?" the scientist with glasses asked, "Q-quite impressive if I do say so myself!"

"Dr. Von Essen, today I saw more troops scatter and successfully retreat, than were killed here in the base by your 'Golem' creation. So no, I'm not too impressed about this little demonstration of yours." Gilbert replied as he walked with his hands behind his back.

"A few squads of my V2s could have successfully ensnared then, cut off their retreat and killed them all much quicker than this lumbering beast, Father." Baldren said, not sounding too impressed either.

"B-but I've made vast improvements since my last prototype, have I not?" Dr. Von Essen replied, "I'll admit my own failure, sir. Yes, the V3 was not as combat effective as I had originally hoped, sir."

"You won't always get a drop on your enemy like you did today. Not with a huge machine like this, Golem, Dr. Von Essen." Baldren pointed out. "It's far too big, bulky and slow moving… I don't like it, Father."

"Baldren has a point. What good is all this power, durability and weaponry if can't catch its enemy. Worst of all, was the fact that even those Lanseal peasant soldiers on foot were much faster than this machine of yours and able to outrun it." Gilbert said, now sounding even more unimpressed.

"W-well sir, I could make more improvements, if only you'd give me more funds for research, development and building supplies-"

"More?" Gilbert roared, "Do you know how much time, money and man hours we've spent on this hunk of junk V4 and your failed V3 project! And now you're asking for more! The nerve!"

"W-well, sir, with more tests I'm sure that we could-"

"General! We found a survivor!" A soldier called out.

"Now there's a survivor from your Golems rampage? Pathetic!" Gilbert said while shaking his head. He then headed off with Baldren to see this so called 'survivor'.

"Fools… both of them… They have no idea what something like this Golem can become. It may very well surpass the tank as the main armoured vehicle on the battlefield!" Dr. Von Essen said to himself. He then headed off to catch up with the General and his son.

A short while later, Gilbert and Baldren came upon the lone survivor. A green haired female cadet from Lanseal Academy. She was still pinned under a large sheet of metal. Her breathing was soft and steady, but she was unconscious when they arrived.

Gilbert turned to Dr. Von Essen while shaking his head and said, "It appears that she was untouched by your Golem. A mere piece of sheet metal is what took her out."

"Let me correct that mistake, sir!" Dr. Von Essen said. He then reached down to his lab coats pocket and pulled a large radio out and raised it to his lips, "Golem! To me!"

The huge Golem then stomped across the base, shaking the ground with each step it took. The thumping and shaking managed to wake Marion from her state of unconsciousness. She gave her head a shake and moaned. As gasped once she looked up, she saw that she was surrounded by rebels soldiers. But what surprised her the most, was that General Gassenarl and his son, Commander Baldren were there in front of her as well. Her attention was suddenly turned to the gigantic artificial valkyria, coming ever closer to where she was lying trapped.

"You might want to back up, sir. This could get messy." Dr. Von Essen advised as he backed up with the rest of the soldiers that were circled around Marion.

The huge machine then stopped in front of Dr. Von Essen and looked down at him. The doctor smiled, raised the radio to his mouth and said, "Golem! Crush this pathetic insect beneath your foot!"

The Golem turned, then took two more steps and was now in front of Marion. She looked up at it and her breathing increased from terror and the thought of imminent death.

The Golem then slowly raised one leg up and brought it overtop of Marion, ready to crush her. That was when Marion covered her head and emitted the loudest, shrillest shriek of terror imaginable. Next came something unexpected. The Golems head turned side to side and it paused with its leg still in the air, not crushing the helpless girl under its foot as ordered.

Gilbert was watching with his arms crossed, "Hmph, what's the problem, Doctor?" he asked, "Why does he hesitate?"

"My V2s would never hesitate, Father. They'd carry out their orders swiftly and without question." Baldren said.

Dr. Von Essen fumbled with the radio, then managed to press the talk button, "Crush her! Do you hear me? I ordered you to crush this girl!"

Marion was sobbing uncontrollably under the Golems foot, her trembling hands still covering her head. But the Golem wasn't moving, it still had its foot hovering just a few feet above her. Then… it spoke: "…No…"

Gilbert and Baldren laughed together at the whole thing, "Did he just refuse your orders? This Golem is looking less and less like a worth while investment, and you know what that means!"

Dr. Von Essen cursed, then threw the radio to the paved ground and shattered it into a dozen small pieces. He then turned to General Gassenarl and with his hands cupped together, pleaded, "Please, sir… D-don't kill me! I know I failed you once with the V3 prototype. But I can fix this! Just give me some more time! I'll find out what the problem is, honest!"

Gilbert stroked his beard while he thought, then said, "Very well… But this is your last chance. Fail me again and I'll have you executed and all of your family thrown in prison. Your estate and all its property will be confiscated and given to my son and daughter. Understood?"

Dr. Von Essen trembled, adjusted his glasses and quickly nodded his head, "Y-yes sir… I-I'll see to it personally!"

Gilbert looked at Baldren, smirked and shook his head. The two then left the area, along with their soldiers, providing escort for the General and his son.

Meanwhile, Dr. Von Essen was pacing back and forth, running a hand through his sweaty hair and getting more worked up by the minute. He then looked up at the Golem and shouted, "Golem! Get over here!"

The Golem removed its foot from its hovering position over Marion, then walked up to the Doctor and loomed over him as it looked down at him.

"What the hell was that?" Dr. Von Essen screamed, "I gave you a direct order and you disobeyed me!"

The Golem remained silent, Dr. Von Essen then clapped his hands together, "I got it! You were confused right? From the battle! That has to be it!

Yes, yes! All that firing, getting hit and the new experience of it all must have done something to your circuits."

Again the Golem didn't reply, it simply turned its large mechanical head in the direction of Marion and looked down at her, silently.

Two of Dr. Von Essen assistants appeared from the nearby research facility. One was a brown haired female with a ponytail. Also wearing a lab coat, red glasses, and a black buttoned silk shirt and black skirt. She smiled and asked, "Sir! Was the test a success? Was the General impressed?"

Dr. Von Essen shook his head, "Hardly…"

The other assistant, a male wearing a lab coat, blue buttoned shirt, black pants, glasses and sporting short spiked black hair asked, "What happened, sir?"

"More of the enemy escaped than were killed by our Golem, that didn't impress the General. And just now, he refused my orders to kill this girl here." Dr. Von Essen said while pointing at Marion, who was still pinned under the sheet of metal.

"Was it a malfunction, sir?" the female assistant asked.

Dr. Von Essen shook his head and adjusted his glasses a few times out of a nervous habit, whenever he got worked up. "I don't know…" he said, "But we're going to explore all the options… Get him back to the research facility!" Dr. Von Essen ordered, but he stopped as his gaze fixed on Marion, "Bring the girl, too!"

"The girl? Why?" the male assistant asked.

"Like I said, we need to explore all the options. One has to include finding out why he refused to kill her. Maybe there's a reason behind it!" Dr. Von Essen said as he walked next to his huge Golem on their way back to the research facility.

Both of the assistants looked at each other, shrugged, then lifted the sheet of metal off of Marion and helped support her while they began to walk back to the lab. Marion was took weak to resist, or even talk for that matter. So she simply allowed them to take her.

---

Marion was then thrown into a small holding cell within the research facility. Dr. Von Essen looked at her, turned to his two assistants and ordered, "Check her. Remove any dangerous weapons or objects."

"Yes, sir!" Both assistants said.

But the male assistant hesitated and bit his lower lip, the female assistant noticed and patted him on the shoulder, "Don't worry, Dr. Klaus. I'll do it. I know you're not good at handling women!"

The female assistant then quickly removed all of Marion's armoured pads from her shock trooper uniform. Then patted Marion's pockets and pouches, taking items out along the way. Marion's wallet, ID card, and a few personal items were scattered all over the floor by her feet. The female assistant then check for her dog tags, but happened to lift two items out from under her shirt. One were her dog tags, the other was a gold pendant in the shape of a fancy cross.

That was when Marion grabbed her by the hand, "Please! Take anything you want! But don't take this… It's special to me."

"You heard the doctor… everything must go."

"Please…" Marion pleaded with sad puppy dog eyes.

The female assistant grunted, and looked over her shoulder while biting her bottom lip. The Doctor and Dr. Klaus had their backs to Marion and her. They were too busy going through sheets of data collected by the Golems first battle experience.

Quickly, the female assistant tucked Marion's pendant back under her shirt, "Here!" she said while patting Marion on the chest.

Marion breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you… Miss?"

"Isabella… Doctor Isabella." Isabella replied.

"Yes, thank you, Isabella…"

Dr. Isabella smiled, then closed Marion's cell door and reported back to Dr. Von Essen, "Prisoner is secure, sir."

"Yes, yes, but you need to take a look at this!" Dr. Von Essen said as he shoved a clipboard in front of Isabella's face.

"There was a spike of brain activity a few minutes ago. Was the pilot given his shots today?" Dr. Von Essen asked.

"Yes sir, right on schedule. Exactly twenty-four hours from the last injection."

"Then why was there a spike in activity? Those shots were supposed to suppress all emotions and memories except for his battle field experience as a General!"

"I don't know sir. He's never responded this way before." Isabella said.

"Perhaps it has something to do with that girl over there, sir. You said before that he refused to kill her, but not the others. Doesn't that seem a little odd?" Dr. Klaus offered.

"Perhaps…" Dr. Von Essen said while stroking his chin.

"Dr. Isabella, walk the prisoner over to the Golem. We'll keep an eye on the monitors to see if there's anymore activity." Dr. Von Essen instructed.

Isabella nodded, quickly got Marion out of her cell and walked out onto the platform and over to the Golem, stopping just in front of its 'head' and then backing away as Marion remained.

The Golem hadn't moved since it entered the research facility, but once Marion appeared, its head began to turn with a mechanical whirr and stared at her in silence. Inside the small lab, Dr. Von Essen and Dr. Klaus were watching a series of monitors for any strange activity. Suddenly, alarms began to beep and there was another huge spike in brain activity from the pilot.

Unexpectedly and without being ordered to, the huge Golem took a step towards Marion. She quickly backed up in fear, but bumped into the railing behind her. Then, something occurred that she couldn't have ever expected to happen in a million years.

"Mmmm… Marion?" a mechanical voice from the Golem asked.

Marion gasped, "H-how do you know my name?"

The Golems head turned from side to side, "Hmmm… Unclear… All of it… Clouded"

Meanwhile, the Golems monitors were beeping out of control, small sirens began to wail from within the observation area.

"This. Is. Impossible!" Dr. Von Essen screamed in frustration, "The pilot isn't supposed to be speaking on his own, nor able to recall any past memories! He's a failure if he does!"

"Calm down, sir. Let's see where this goes." Isabella said as she continued to watch.

"Marion… Seighban… Gaahhh!" The Golem cried in pain. It suddenly became unsteady on its feet. Its huge body then bumped into the platform that Marion was standing on and shook it violently. She cried out in fear and that was when the Golem grabbed the small swinging platform and stopped it, in what could only be described as a protective instinct or reflex for Marion.

Marion let go of the railing that she was holding onto and with her hands cupped over her mouth, she walked towards the Golem on shaky feet. Unable to believe that it knew her full name and acted to protect her just now.

The Golem was still groaning in pain, while inside the observation area, the doctors watched as his brain activity continued to spike rapidly on a scale that none of them had ever seen before.

"How can this be…? The Golem knows who she is! I thought all of his family and relatives were killed in the last war!" Dr. Von Essen cried as he pulled at his hair.

"Apparently not, he clearly had some relationship with this girl in the past, before he became our research subject." Isabella replied.

Outside, Marion was now on her knees, hands against the Golems large metal head, trying to comfort it.

Then, without being ordered to, Isabella pressed a button on the control panel and the clamps around the Golems head began to unbuckle. Once they were all off, the entire head hissed loudly, small puffs of pressurized air began to spew out all around the now opened head. Ever so slowly, the head began rising up.

Dr. Von Essen grabbed Isabella by the shoulders and began to shake her while screaming: "What is the meaning of this! I never gave you the order to-"

"Just watch, sir. If I'm correct, we'll know what the problem is soon enough." said Isabella, while prying Dr. Von Essen's tight grip from her shoulders. All the doctors then turned and continued to observe the ongoing situation between Marion and their Golem.

As the head raised completely out of the way, Marion cupped her hands over her mouth and shook her head furiously, "No… NO! It can't be!"

Now, the pilot was fully exposed. But, his arms and legs were gone, mere stumps were in their place. Each limb was cuffed by metal clamps, coils of wires and circuitry wrapped each arm and leg. The pilots body was covered in a black body glove, and had all manner of blinking lights, buttons and glowing, pulsing wires, tubes and cables covering his entire torso. His head was bald and bore what looked like a black headband with blinking lights. His face was horribly scarred from burns that must have once covered his entire face and possibly the rest of his body.

But, Marion alone was able to see past all of that. It was his eyes, his bright sky blue eyes that she recognized. The same ones that she remembered always looking up into as a child, whenever she sat on his knee.

"Uncle Caius!" Marion said with tears welling up in her eyes.

"Marion Seighban… I remember you…" Uncle Caius said with a weak, wheezy voice.

Though not her true uncle, he was her sworn godfather, the title given to him by her father when she was born.

"I thought you died in the last war, Uncle!" Marion cried as she reached out and softly held his cheeks in her hands. "What did they do to you?"

Uncle Caius closed his eyes, "It's hard to remember, child… All of it… It's like… a thick cloud of fog is wrapped around my mind…"

Across the room, Dr. Von Essen was tapping his fingers against his lips, his palms were sweating, "This is bad… This is very bad. How is he able to fight the serum and regain control of his memories and emotions!"

"I 'm not sure, sir. This isn't supposed to be happening!" Dr. Zev responded.

Dr. Isabella shook her head as she watched the two 'family' members being finally reunited, in a manner as cruel and tragic as this. It was at this time that a very deep sense of regret was beginning to build up inside of her.

Back on the platform, Marion was still crying and softly stroking her uncles cheeks with her hands.

"The last thing I remember was… rushing back home… to save you…"

Marion nodded, "Yes, I remember. You went against orders and returned to our mansion in order to get us to safety when the Imperials breached Randgriz with that Marmota ship of theirs."

"Then what happened?" Caius asked.

"We all got into the cars you brought, my family and your family." Marion said, she then lowered her head, "But…"

"But, what?"

"Your families car got hit by a tank shell shortly after we left the mansion and exploded, killing everyone inside. You looked devastated by the loss, but you stayed with us, determined not to let your best friend and your goddaughter get killed as well. We drove on, while you covered us with your tank and engaged our Imperial pursuers. But…"

"No more buts, child. Tell me…"

"Just when it looked like we were in the clear… your tank was hit by a series of enemy tank shells and rockets. It caught fire and burned, with you and your crew still inside.

I could hear you screaming from within… But once I tried to get out of the car to help you, father stopped me. He told me that if I got killed trying to save you, then your sacrifice would be for nothing…

Your screams stopped soon after and we had to leave… We got out of the city, but the price we paid was horrible! We survived, but my father lost his best friend, and I lost my godfather. "

Uncle Caius had his eyes closed the entire time, trying to remember, but could not. He shook his head and while groaning, said, "The agony of being burned alive must have wiped my memory clean of horrific events. Though you tell them, I have no recollection of any of those things ever happening."

"Oh Uncle, How did this happen to you!" Marion cried in heartbreak at the sight of her uncle, embedded into the Golem.

"I do not know, Child," Caius replied, "How I survived to become… this…"

A set of speakers crackled and screeched loudly. Dr. Von Essen's voice then came on, "Alright, times up. Time to get you back into your cell, young lady."

As Marion looked over, she happened to see Dr. Isabella already walking towards her and her uncle.

"Don't worry, we'll explain everything to your goddaughter. We won't hurt her, you have our word." Isabella reassured, "Your body must be feeling very weak by now. I'd imagine it's near impossible to remain awake, correct?"

Marion's uncle was fighting to stay awake, his eyelids were opening and closing much slower.

"You used up a lot of power today and your body is feeling the fatigue, the same as a battery that is running low would. You need to recharge, or in this case, sleep. Otherwise, you risk the possibility of shutting down… permanently." Isabella said.

Uncle Caius's eyes turned to Marion and she rubbed her hands together and then nodded, "It's alright, Uncle. Do as they say. I don't want to lose you again."

Caius nodded and the head compartment was already beginning to close as Marion and Isabella backed up and looked on. It soon sealed and the Golem backed up and entered a large section next to the wall. Large sets of mechanical arms and clamps began to close in all around it, then sealed around its limbs and torso. The Golem lights from within the cockpit turned off and it then lowered its head and arms and powered down. A soft humming rang throughout the building as the recharging section came to life and did its duty to restore the Golem to full power once again.

---

Marion was then led back to her small holding cell in the control room of the research facility. Once she entered her cell and the door locked behind her, she turned to face Dr. Isabella.

"How could you do that to my uncle! You monsters!" Marion shouted in anger.

Before Dr. Isabella could answer, Dr. Von Essen and Dr. Klaus returned, they had heard Marion's angry outburst.

"You're uncle was a willing participant," Dr. Von Essen explained, "We've done nothing that he didn't authorize when we explained it to him, long before we ever started the project."

"No! That's a lie!" Marion shouted while shaking the cell door.

"No, it isn't…" Dr. Isabella said, "He wanted to keep fighting, as that was all that he had left. To fight for Gallia in whatever way that he could."

"Fight for Gallia? He's not doing that now! He's fighting against her!" Marion continued angrily.

"The Gallia army would not allow our kind of research to be performed. But the GRA was all for it. Your uncle knew what the GRA's ultimate goal were, but still he volunteered for the procedure.

Thanks to him, we were able to construct this V4 prototype for the GRA. True, he may be fighting other Gallians right now. But this war is only temporary. Once it's over, and we successfully fix the problem with our V4, Gallia will have an army unlike any the world has ever seen.

Think of what this could mean for Gallia! Never again will we have to worry about invasion from another country… In fact, we may be able to invade the Federation or the Empire for a change. With the mighty V2s fighting along side our agile V3s and our unstoppable V4s. We'll make a fortune once our artificial valkyria are finally able to prove themselves!

We just need to find a way to make this Golem fight! There has got to be a solution to this problem!"

"Sir… I'm beginning to have second thoughts here…" Dr. Isabella said suddenly.

"What!"

"Sir… the V3 was a failure… and cost the life of a great pilot… our Zack. And now, the V4 is starting to remember who he once was and may not fight for us any longer. This project is doomed to failure, just like our V3.

And I signed onto this contract to find a way to protect Gallia with new, powerful weapons. No matter who owns it… The GRA or the Duchess with her army, we'd still be Gallians. But we'd still have to worry about invasion from either of our borders.

But I started under the promise that we'd only use volunteers for our tests. It looks like that girls uncle is also having second thoughts after he's seen who he'd be fighting."

"M-maybe she's right…" Dr. Klaus said, "If we force this man to fight against his, then what we're doing is bordering on being inhuman…"

"Dr. Isabella, what happened to Zack was of his own doing! He got cocky, as usual, and charged on ahead of the rest of the rebels. He got himself killed and took our machine with him! It's why we had to deaden the will of our V4, so that he would follow orders to the letter."

"Perhaps this miracle of him finding his goddaughter on the battlefield and coming back to his senses is a sign that we should quit while we still can, sir." Dr. Isabella warned.

"Agreed," Dr. Klaus added.

"Perhaps I didn't mention this… If we fail this time, we'll all be executed!"

Both Dr. Isabella and Dr. Klaus gasped and then looked lost in thought.

"Perhaps we deserve to die… for all of our failures and crimes against humanity that our work has produced."

"You may have nothing to lose!" Dr. Von Essen shouted as he pointed at Dr. Isabella, "You may have nothing to lose!" he shouted while pointing at Dr. Zev, "But I have my life and my legacy to lose! And I will not be remembered as an utter failure of a scientist, who had nothing to show for all his years of work!"

Now come with me! General Gassenarl is expecting results and we have to find a way to fix this problem with our Golem!" and Dr. Von Essen left the lab. Dr. Klaus looked at Dr. Isabella and shook his head, then left.

"You can't do this to my uncle… He's a good man. Please don't do this… please." Marion pleaded.

Dr. Isabella didn't look at Marion the whole time she said that, "The young pilot we lost, along with the V3... He was my friend… I talked him into volunteering to pilot the V3 in its first combat trial.

He gave his life for our work, so I have to see this through. Not for my sake, but for his and all those who died to get us to where we are today."

"Even if it means sacrificing your humanity in order to achieve it?" Marion asked, "You saw how my uncle refused to follow orders once he regained his memories. You can't force him to fight!"

"I have no choice…" Dr. Isabella said before she left the lab as well, leaving Marion screaming in angry protest and shaking the cell door.

---

Meanwhile, a few kilometres from the weapons depot, Class G and the remnants of Class C and D were awaiting reinforcements from Lanseal. Moments later, it appeared in the form of Class A, a convoy of tanks and multiple trucks, each towing an artillery gun.

Juliana was marching at the head of the column and Avan made his way over to her. Saluting her once he reached her, she returned the salute.

"So, what do you fools need help getting bailed out of this time?" Juliana asked.

Avan was about to speak, when Zeri approached and bumped him out of the way.

"We encountered a new type of artificial valkyria. A Colossus in comparison to the V2s and the previous V3 model, Juliana. Our small arms, lances and tank shells seemed ineffective against this machine of war."

"W-wha… Don't address me so casually, Darcsen! Show some respect, as we skipped a recon patrol to come help you out!"

"We're not on the academy grounds! We don't have time for proper etiquette at a time like this! Not when one of our classmates is in mortal danger, Juliana!" Zeri shot back.

Avan then returned and stood between them and pushed them apart, "Cool it! Both of you!" Avan shouted, "The more time we waste fighting amongst ourselves, the less chance we have of getting Marion back alive! Remember that!"

Juliana crossed her arms, "Hmph!"

Zeri rolled his eyes and held his hands on his hips, giving his head a shake as well.

Avan sighed, then asked "Did you bring the Anti-tank mines, Jules?"

"Yes, as many as our trucks could carry, why?"

"Set up the artillery guns and tanks on that hill over there," said Avan as he pointed behind them, "While Classes C and D are doing that, Class A will lay out the mines in a honeycomb pattern up ahead. Class G will head back to the depot once the mines are set and act as bait! Once we get that huge brutes attention, we'll fake a retreat and lead him back towards our mine field.

Hopefully, as it crosses the minefield, its legs will become disabled! Once he's down, we'll pound that SOB with all of our artillery, lances and tanks from a distance."

"Sheesh… you certainly are leaving a lot to chance and dumb luck, boy!" Juliana teased, "But, it's better than nothing I suppose…"

---

Back at the base, Dr. Isabella and Dr. Klaus were waiting for Dr. Von Essen to return with a so called 'Solution' to their problem.

Moments later he appeared with a large steel suitcase in hand and set it on the table. He nervously looked at both his assistants and said, "We need a bargaining chip to use against the V4, and the only solution is to use that girl."

"What are you talking about, sir?" Dr. Isabella asked.

Dr. Von Essen then opened the dual locks on the suitcase and it popped open. Inside were two syringes, and two large bottles. One containing a bright yellow liquid, the other a bright blue liquid.

Dr. Von Essen then took out the bottle with the yellow liquid and held it up, turning it around and around in his hand as he looked at it. He then took out one of the syringes and pierced the top cap with the needles tip and began to draw liquid into the syringes holding tube.

"No… you can't be serious!" Dr. Isabella exclaimed as she realized what he had in mind.

"What? What's going on?" Dr. Klaus asked.

Dr. Von Essen then tapped the middle of the syringe with his middle finger and sprayed a tiny amount out of the needles hollow tip.

"This needle contains a fast acting poison. Once injected, it'll only take… roughly fifteen minutes to work its way through that girls system and then kill her. Though fast, it'll be extremely painful and disorienting! "

He then capped the end of the needle and put it into an indent made for the needle inside the suitcase. He took out the blue bottle and drew liquid from it with the other syringe.

"This is the antidote. Once the poison begins to take affect, this is the only thing that will save her. We use the poison to break the will of the V4 and force him to submit to us, in exchange for giving his goddaughter the antidote before it's too late."

"Sir, this is murder!" Dr. Isabella protested.

"If the V4 doesn't submit and the girl dies, then the blood will be on the V4s hand, not ours!" Dr. Von Essen shot back.

"And what if he goes berserk afterwards or even during the negotiations, sir?" Dr. Klaus asked.

"General Gassenarl is already on his way, along with Commander Baldren and a squad of his V2 soldiers. We'll hold the negotiations in the research lab, with the doors sealed and a squad of V2s on deck.

The control room has bullet proof windows and an emergency blast shield that we can activate at anytime. But most of all, those blast doors leading out of the research lab are reinforced. There's no way he'll be able to get out if he ultimately refuses. The V2s will then take him out before he can cause any serious damage. It's a perfect plan, if I do say so myself!"

Dr. Isabella and Dr. Klaus remained silent as Dr. Von Essen closed the suitcase, took it off the table and held it in his right hand.

"It's either the girl, or us. General Gassenarl won't hesitate to kill us if we fail, so I want you to both remember that!"

Dr. Von Essen then left and was headed back upstairs to meet the General and his son at the front doors.

Just as Dr. Klaus was walking out, Dr. Isabella grabbed him by the arm.

"We can't do this! There's nothing human, or civilized about what we're about to do here!"

"I don't want to die… I'd rather live with the guilt that our work has caused me, than to die achieving nothing but failure after everything we've been through."

Dr. Klaus then headed back upstairs, Dr. Isabella shook her head, then followed them.

---

A short while later, Marion had been taken out of her cell and placed on the ground floor of the research lab. Her hands were cuffed and had a length of chain running to the floor, where it was secured in place. Dr. Isabella was standing next to her, Dr. Klaus on the other side. In one corner of the room, stood a V2. In the other corner, another V2. On the platform just overhead, stood three more. One final V2 stood guarding the now sealed blast doors, leading to the outer base.

Up above, in the control room, General Gilbert Gassenarl, Commander Baldren were silently watching as Dr. Von Essen was hurriedly flipping switches and pushing buttons on the control panel.

"What's the status of your Golem creation? Has the problem been solved?" Gilbert growled impatiently.

"I'll show you in a minute, sir." Dr. Von Essen said as he nearly finished the start up sequence.

He then grabbed a microphone from off the control panel and the outer speakers came on.

"Alright, Dr. Klaus… inject the prisoner!" he ordered.

Dr. Isabella then grabbed a hold of Marion's arms from behind and held her firmly. Dr. Klaus took the yellow liquid filled syringe from out of the suitcase, removed the safety cap and started towards Marion.

"What are you doing? Stay back! I hate needles!" Marion protested as she tried to back up, but was held in place by both the cuffs chained to the floor and by Dr. Isabella holding her from behind.

"Better hold still, otherwise who knows where this needle could end up…" Dr. Klaus warned.

Then, in a stabbing motion, he injected her in the side of the arm and pushed the plunger down hard. He quickly backed away as Marion screamed in pain.

"I'm sorry…" Dr. Isabella said as she let go of Marion and ran back to the table where the suitcase and antidote were waiting.

Up above, "What was that?" Gilbert asked.

"The solution to our problem." Dr. Von Essen said reassuringly.

He then finished the start up procedure and the mighty V4 came to life. The cockpit lit up and the whole machine started emitting hums and vibrations. The clamps around its arms, legs and midsection came loose and retracted back into the walls.

The ground shook as the V4 took a few steps to the center of the research lab floor. The poison was already having a rapid affect on Marion's body. She started to sweat profusely, her vision was blurring in and out of focus. She also felt unsteady on her feet as she moaned and swayed back and forth.

"Marion… what's going on?" Her uncle asked in his mechanical voice.

The outer speakers then screeched for a moment, before Dr. Von Essen's voice came back on, "We've injected her with a fast acting poison. And unless you submit to us, she'll be dead in less than fifteen minutes!"

"You bastards!" the Golem roared and it raised one of its arms and aimed its many weapons up at the control booth. Neither Gilbert nor Baldren even flinched, and instead they smiled. Dr. Von Essen, however, hit the deck and cowered under the control panel, before shouting,

"BUT! It need not be so! We have the means to save her. There's an antidote just waiting to be injected into her by my assistants. It'll completely reverse the affects of the poison and she'll be spared! What do you say?"

The V2s were already aiming their beam weapons up at the mighty golem and shuffling towards it with their shields held up as well. The Golem then lowered its arm with a whirring sound.

"What must I do to save her?" he asked in defeat.

"Submit to us! Swear your loyalty to us and never again refuse another order once it's been given. Only then, will we save your precious girl by giving her the antidote."

"No! Don't do it! Don't you dare swear to do as they command ever again, Uncle!" Marion shrieked. She then collapsed to her knees, fell forward on her hands. She held one hand against the side of her spinning, throbbing head and moaned in discomfort and pain.

"You haven't much time! Are you really going to let her die?" Dr. Von Essen asked over the microphone.

Dr. Isabella's hand never left its position of hovering over the antidote filled syringe as she watched tensely.

The Golem's head turned from Marion, up to the control room where Gilbert, his son and Dr. Von Essen were waiting for his answer. The Golem then turned back to Marion as she suffered silently, never showing how much pain she really was in.

The seconds ticked by like hours for everyone.

"We don't have time for this!" Gilbert growled, he then turned to his son, "Baldren, you know what to do!"

Baldren nodded and snatched away the microphone from Dr. Von Essen and shouted, "V2s! To the girl!"

The two V2s standing in either corner of the room, lowered their beam weapons, then swiftly stomped towards Marion and stood on either side of her.

"Now! On the count of Three! Tear her apart!"

They dropped their lances and shields, broke her chains and cuffs and each grabbed an arm.

"What the hell are you doing?" Dr. Isabella screamed up to the control room.

"It's taking too long for him to choose! Someone has to make him choose! Now!" Gilbert roared back.

Baldren then continued, "ONE!"

The V2s then began to pull in opposite directions, and Marion screamed in pain.

The Golem took a step towards Marion, but the other V2s cut him off, glowed even brighter and moved in closer, ready to attack at a moments notice.

"TWO!" And even tighter they pulled, some sickening creaking noises could be heard… Coming from within Marion's arms as her ligaments, tendons and bones continued to be stretched and were nearing their breaking point. She threw her head back and shrieked even louder. Tears of pain were streaming down from the corners of her eyes. Her face was drenched with sweat, as well as there being droplets of sweat dripping off the tips of her hair and onto the floor.

"STOP!" the Golem shouted.

Baldren halted his counting, but never removed the microphone from near his mouth. As well as keeping his other arm held up in the air, ready to bring it down after giving the final count.

"I submit… I submit!" The Golem shouted up to the control room.

Gilbert crossed his arms and smirked, Baldren laughed evilly. Dr. Von Essen clapped happily and jump up and down in pure joy, knowing his plan worked and he'd be spared from the threat of execution.

However, a tiny voice called out to the Golem, "…No…"

The Golem turned its head back to Marion, who was now looking back up at her uncle. Her still being held arms were shaking. Sweat was dripping off her face. Her jaw was clenched tightly and she was breathing heavily through of her nose. She was also holding back her tears as best she could.

"Don't… let them… control you… Uncle…" Marion pleaded through her clenched teeth.

"I have no choice…" The Golem replied, "I won't lose you like I lost everyone else in my life."

"If you… do this… I swear, I'll never… forgive you… Uncle," She warned with a weak voice. She continued to stare up at him with unblinking angry eyes. Her eyebrows furrowed and she was still breathing heavily through her nose.

"You're one count away from having two half-daughters!" Baldren warned, "Submit now!"

The two V2s that were holding onto Marion were suddenly pelted mercilessly with two full auto sprays from the Golems wrist mounted machine guns. Their bullet riddled body fell to the floor, but miraculously, Marion was untouched. The Golems aim was dead on.

It then swung its right arm to the side and knocked the V2 nearest to it, straight back and it slammed into the wall with great force. The V2 to the Golems left then fired rapid shots of energy from its lance, but was quickly crushed from above by the Golems mighty arms.

Dr. Isabella screamed and dove behind a metal counter as all this was going on. Dr. Klaus hit the floor and crawled away, searching for a place to hide.

The three V2s on the platform began to fire their rapid energy shots at the Golem. It stomped towards them, drew its arms back and smashed one end of the high platform, bringing it down in that direction and dumping the V2s off the platform and to the paved floor below.

The Golem then turned towards the control room, and shouted: "I. Will. Not. Obey. YOU!" and fired its machine guns up at the control room, peppering the bullet proof glass with bullets. But the rounds never made it through.

---

Dr. Von Essen then slammed his palm against a large red button and the control rooms emergency blast shields slide up over the windows and sealed the area off from any further danger of attack.

"Doctor! What is the meaning of this! Your creation is attacking us!" Gilbert roared.

"I-I can't explain this, General! It's not possible! I-I swear by the Valkyrur that I'll find some way to fix-"

The Doctors head then flew back as a bullet impacted his forehead, dead center, killing him instantly.

Baldren then lowered his large sidearm pistol, and scoffed, "Tsk, No more excuses from you!"

Gilbert looked down at the doctors dead body, shook his head and turned to Baldren, "Call some more V2s over. We're not going anywhere until they get here, son."

"Already on it, Father." Baldren replied as he switched frequencies on the radio control panel.

---

Down below, Dr. Isabella noticed that all was quiet on the research floor now. Slowly and shakily, she started to stand up, only to notice a gigantic gun barrel aimed at her glasses covered face.

"Get up." The Golem ordered.

And she stood up, hands held high in surrender. She whimpered and trembled in fear.

"P-please… D-don't kill me…" Dr. Isabella begged.

"Why not?" The golem asked angrily, "You were ready to have my Marion killed! What's to stop me from repaying the favour?"

"Wait… don't kill her… Uncle…" Marion replied from the ground. She was now too weak to stand or even move. "You're a better man than that… I've never forgotten that much about you…"

"If you spare me… I'll save your Marion." Dr. Isabella offered.

The Golem lowered its huge gun barrel and said, "Do it."

Dr. Isabella turned and looked back down at the table… but the suitcase was gone.

"The antidote! Where did it go?" Dr. Isabella cried. She then walked to the other side of the large table and found it on the floor. The syringe was broken with its liquid contents spilled onto the floor. The large poison and antidote bottles were shattered as well. They must have been broken or hit by the many flying beams and bullets during all the fighting. Sadly, the antidote was mixed in with the poison now, both were on the floor in a large pool of liquid. Now, it really looked like there was no antidote to save Marion with.

"It's gone… the antidote has been destroyed…" Dr. Isabella said in defeat, dropping to her knees and hanging her head.

The Golem growled angrily, "If she dies… you die!" he threatened.

"Wait…" Dr. Isabella said as she picked up the broken antidote bottle. Nearly all of the blue liquid was gone and spilled all over the floor. But as she tipped it to the side, she discovered that she might be able to get just a little bit out, if she could find a spare syringe.

With this plan in mind, she began rifling through the nearby draws and cupboards. The Golem was now kneeling next to Marion, its hand held near her downed body. Marion was weakly holding onto one of its massive fingers. She was now shaking violently as the poison continued to flow through her body. Her breathing had become much quicker. Sweat was still sliding off her face and hair like rainwater and collecting in a small pool next to her head.

Dr. Isabella then returned with a spare syringe, by some stroke of luck, the last one. The others were hit and shattered in the fight.

She then tipped the broken antidote bottle to the side, inserted the hollow needle point into the blue liquid and slowly pulled the plunger back. A full vial was needed to counteract the poison… but she was only able to collect less than half that. But it was still better than nothing.

Quickly, she rushed over to Marion, swabbed her arm, then injected the liquid into her. It stung at the point of injection and Marion released a tiny yelp of pain.

"It won't cure you, but it'll buy you some time… thirty minutes… forty if you're lucky." Dr. Isabella advised.

The Golem then scooped Marion up into its massive hands, "Then we have to get out of here before its took late, and find Marion some help!"

It then charged towards the sealed blast doors and slammed its shoulder into them repeatedly. The whole lab shook and booms echoed throughout the room with each hit. But they didn't give, not even to the mighty Golem.

"Those doors were designed to keep you in…" Dr. Isabella said, "You can't bust your way to freedom with brute strength in this situation."

"Then what are we going to do? Marion's fading fast!"

Dr. Isabella turned and scanned the room, "Oh god… I hope he's still alive…" she said to herself.

"Dr. Klaus! Can you hear me?"

"Go away! Leave me alone!" he shouted back from wherever he was hiding.

"I need your half of the codes to override the door, I can't do it alone!" Dr. Isabella called out.

Then, Dr. Klaus came climbing out from a set of doors underneath a metal table.

"They're coming, Dr. Isabella! They're coming to kill us! Because we failed! We can't open those doors! They'll get us if we do!"

"I'm ready to die… to pay for all the sins and crimes against humanity that I've helped commit by being apart of this awful project." Dr. Isabella said with tear filled eyes. "Let's not end our lives with an act of cruelty… by standing by and doing nothing while this poor girl dies from the poison that we injected into her…

Open the gates… give her uncle a chance to make it to freedom and save his goddaughter, Marion. This is our last chance to regain some our own humanity… before we die."

Dr. Klaus was hesitant to open the gates, and risk letting in other rebel soldiers and V2s. But that was when the Golem turned to him and said, "Doctor… please…"

Dr. Klaus looked at Marion in the Golems giant hands, by now she had fallen into unconsciousness as the poison continued to work through her system.

Dr. Klaus sighed, then said, "Dr. Isabella and I have only one request…"

"What is it?" The Golem asked.

"Remember us for what we're about to do… and not for what we've already done that cannot be taken back." Dr. Klaus pleaded.

"I will, and I'll tell Marion when she wakes up. I know that she'll be forever grateful that you two decided to help us in the end." The Golem responded.

"Alright… stand by the door. In a few moments, we'll open the gates, and get you and Marion out of this lab." Dr. Klaus replied.

Dr. Isabella quickly headed to one side of the giant gates and stood in front the control panel. Dr. Klaus ran to the other side of the door and stood in front of another identical control panel. The Golem meanwhile was moving towards the doors, carefully cradling Marion in its massive arms.

The two doctors fingers rapidly moved across the keyboards as they furiously typed in their override codes. Once the codes were successfully entered, two small doors on either side of the gates opened up, revealing large lever handles. These needed to be pulled down simultaneously in order for the doors to open up.

Both doctors grasped the levers, and looked up at the Golem and Marion.

"Good luck…" Dr. Klaus said.

"I hope you make it…" Dr. Isabella said, still crying, "And I'm sorry…"

"You're forgiven…" The Golem said as it softly stroked ones of its giant fingers across Marion's face.

Then, with a nod of her head, the doctors pulled the levers down, together. A large flashing yellow light appeared above the gates, an alarm blaring over and over again. And, ever so slowly, the mighty doors began to part ways, revealing the open grounds of the base. The setting sun, red and yellow sky and soft clouds soon came into view.

The ground shook as the Golem then exited the research facility and stomped off in the direction of the dirt road leading away from the base.

---

Dr. Klaus gave a quick look around, "Where are all the guards? No matter, we can make it if we run, now!"

Dr. Isabella removed her glasses and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands, wiping away her tears, "You go ahead… I'm just going to stay right here." Dr. Isabella replied in a more composed voice.

"Are you mad? You'll be killed!"

"I know… But that doesn't mean that you have to die here with me. Go ahead, run, and don't worry about me… I've already made my peace."

"Alright… farewell, Doctor…" And Dr. Klaus took off running.

Dr. Isabella took the hair band out of her pony tail, gave her head a shake to loosen her hair. Then put her hands in her lab coat pockets and looked up at the beautiful coloured sky and the clouds, finally towards the majestic setting sun.

"So beautiful… what a perfect sight to end on…" she said to herself.

A white gloved hand then clamped tightly over her mouth, a blade pierced her right square in the back and sank deeply into her body, piercing vital organs. But, Dr. Isabella didn't even emit the slightest sound of pain, despite how much it truly hurt.

The hand then let go and her head sank forward, her red glasses fell from her face and the delicate lenses shattered on the pavement. She first sank to her knees, then fell onto her side. Her face landing next to her glasses. The knife was still embedded in her back, the red and gold ornate handle sticking out, though none of the blade itself was visible.

General Gilbert Gassenarl then walked by her face, stepping on her glasses in the process and crushing them under his black boot. He chuckled evilly as he continued on past her.

Commander Baldren then appeared in front of Isabella, looked down and smiled at her, "You were brave not to run like your cowardly lab assistant. Which is why I granted you the honour of not putting a bullet in the back of your head, like I will with him, once he's caught.

Die now with what little honour you have left…"

Baldren then swiftly took out his pistol and aimed it at the many vials, beakers and containers in the back of the lab. He rapidly pulled the trigger, emptying the entire clip, shattering the many glass containers and spilling their contents all over the floor, tables and surrounding walls.

He then held up a glass flask he picked up earlier, took out his lighter and held it under a rag that was hanging out of the flasks neck. A label on the front read 'Flammable'. One the rag was lit, he threw the flask towards the back of the lab, just like a Molotov cocktail. It sailed through the air silently, then smashed against a metal table. In the blink of an eye, everything in the lab quickly caught fire as the flaming liquid spewed in every direction.

Baldren watched the flames grow bigger with sadistic pleasure. Smiled an evil smile. And finally turned while laughing evilly and left Dr. Isabella to die. Not even bothering to retrieve his knife from her back.

A photo had fallen out of Dr. Isabella's inner lab coat pocket and was right next to her body. She picked it up and looked at it with her ever darkening eyes. It was a photo of her and Zack, the young V3 pilot, with said V3 prototype in the background.

"I'll… see you… soon… Zack…" Dr. Isabella said softly. Her eyes then slowly closed and remained shut as her last breath gave out and she passed away, the lab burning furiously behind her.

---

Soon, a large squad of twelve V2s, led by Dirk, appeared. Along with several rebel tanks and a full platoon of soldiers.

Dirk reported to Gilbert and Baldren, "Orders?" Dirk asked.

"The inferior V4, known as the 'Golem' has escaped from the base and is heading towards Lanseal academy, along with our other prisoner," Baldren explained, "We are not concerned with getting the V4 back, nor the other prisoner. But we cannot allow such a machine of war to fall into our enemies hands, understood?"

"Yes, sir." Dirk replied.

"Go. Hunt the V4 down and destroy it! Along with anyone who gets in your way!"

"Understood!" Dirk and all the other soldiers shouted.

Just then, three soldiers appeared, dragging a bloodied up Dr. Klaus with them.

"Ah… So the last missing scientist is returned to us," Baldren said with an evil smile, "The GRA does not tolerate failure on the scale that you foolish scientists have achieved. You shall have a less honourable death than your friend, Dr. Isabella."

Baldren then pulled out his large sidearm pistol, pulled the slide back and aimed it down at Dr. Klaus.

"Doctor Klaus Zimmerman, you are hereby condemned to death! Sentence shall be carried out immediately, by me, Commander Baldren of the Gallian Revolutionary Army. Have you any last words?"

Dr. Klaus looked Baldren in the eye, and shook his head. Then, in one final act of defiance, spit a small amount of blood and saliva on Baldren's boot.

Baldren lowered his sidearm and looked down at his boot, "Very well, for that… act. You're denied a swift execution."

Baldren then turned to Dirk, "Finish this fool off, your way."

Dirk turned to the doctor and said, "Understood."

His mechanical hand then shot out and grasped the doctor by the throat. He coughed and wheezed as Dirks grip tightened. He was then lifted off his feet and rose higher and higher as Dirk extended his arm towards the sky. Klaus kicked and tried to pry the metal hand from around his throat. Finally, with a quick flick of his wrist, Dirk broke the doctors neck, killing him outright. His limp body was then dropped to the ground.

The tanks and foot soldiers had long since left the base. Now, Dirk walked back and retrieved his lance and shield from off the ground, then marched to the head of the formed up V2s.

"Go now! My mighty V2s!" Baldren ordered as his arm shot out towards the road leading towards Lanseal academy.

Dirk then led the V2s out of the base and down the dirt road at a steady jog. The V4s massive footprints provided an easy path to track his direction of travel.

---

Meanwhile, the students of Class A, along with some Class G volunteers were nearly finished laying the massive circular shaped anti-tank mines into the ground and covering them back up with dirt and gravel.

Pete smiled as he helped Magari smooth out the surface of the road where they had just placed a mine.

"Tee-hee-hee… that damn monster won't know what hit him!" said Pete.

"We can only hope so…" Magari added.

Avan and Zeri were talking to Juliana and going through the plan one last time. Cosette was handing out supplies to the other cadets of Class G.

Suddenly, Avan and the others heard it. The same terrifying 'Roar' that the V4 made, which sounded like a deafening fog horn blast.

They all looked down the road and already charging towards them was the mighty Golem.

"Looks like we don't have to lure him in… He's coming right at us!" Avan shouted.

Zeri looked over his shoulders and shouted, "Get to your positions! Make ready!"

Classes C and D were in charge of the many artillery guns and the tanks. All of the barrels began to rise up and aim towards the approaching V4. Even now, the ground began to shake and tremble with each step it took.

A few tanks belonging to Classes A and G moved into a defensive position along the roads. The soldiers taking cover behind them, or in the ditch next to the road and aiming their weapons over the top and waiting. It was all they could do.

But thankfully, the first part of the plan was working. The Golem was heading straight towards the minefield. Hopefully, Class A was able to place enough mines to properly disable its legs. Then the bombardment from all the combined classes tanks, artillery, mortars and lancaar rounds would commence.

Zeri, Avan and Cosette were huddled together in the ditch nearest to where the mines were placed. Cosette was taking a few deep, nervous breaths as she watched the mighty V4 get closer and closer.

"I hope this works…" she said softly.

Zeri patted her on the shoulder, "It will." he said reassuringly.

Zeri then looked over his shoulder and held his arm up in the air, getting ready to bring it down as a signal for the artillery and tanks to open fire once it crossed the minefield.

Avan meanwhile, was watching the Golem through a pair of binoculars. Suddenly, something else caught his eye. Far behind the Golem, rebel tanks and foot soldiers came rolling or running over the hill behind it.

"Oh great… He brought some friends this time…" Cosette said nervously.

Avan began to stand up as he continued to look through the binoculars.

"No… Something's not right here…" he said.

The lead rebel tank then fired off a shell, striking the V4 in the back of the shoulder, causing it to stumble. But it quickly caught its balance and continued towards Avan and the others.

"What the!" Zeri exclaimed, "What's going on?"

Just as the V4 stumbled after being hit multiple times by other exploding tank shells, a young girls arm and head came spilling out of the Golems cupped hands. But it caught her and covered her back up protectively.

It was only a momentary glimpse, but Avan knew right away who it was.

"It's Marion! She's still alive!" Avan cried out in joy.

"What? That thing has Marion?" Cosette asked.

"A hostage?" Zeri asked.

"I don't think so… The rebel tanks are shooting at the Golem, and it looks like he's trying to get away." Avan explained.

Then, his eyes shifted down to the multiple mounds of freshly covered mines up ahead. He then realized how dangerously close the Golem was to the minefield… with Marion in its hands.

"Oh crap! I've got to warn him!" Avan shouted as he tossed away his binoculars and scurried out of the ditch. But shouted over his shoulder to Zeri and Cosette. "Stay here!"

"Warn him? What are you talking about?" Zeri exclaimed.

"I don't know what's going on!" Cosette cried as she pulled at her hair.

Avan, meanwhile, was running as fast as he could towards the Golem, it was still being fired upon by the many tanks behind it. Once he was close enough, he skidded to a stop and began to wave his arms wildly in the air.

"Hey! Stop! Don't come any closer!" Avan shouted desperately.

Too late, however, and the Golem stepped on one of the many buried mines, causing it to explode. It stumbled and its other foot stepped on another mine and it went off as well. Avan hit the deck and covered his head with his hands to protect himself. That was when he heard it, a massive grinding and screeching sound, like a mighty freight train slamming on its emergency breaks and sliding across the rails.

Avan looked up and saw the V4 already tipping forward and he was reminded of a massive tree falling, just after being chopped down. It brought its arms up and held them above its head as it continued to fall, then slammed into the ground face first. A thunderous boom followed as hit the earth, sending a shockwave through the earth in all directions, detonating all the other mines at once.

"AVAN!" Zeri and Cosette shouted as both he and the Golem disappeared when dust and dirt were thrown into the air from the massive explosions. They couldn't stay put any longer and both charged out of the ditch and ran towards the last place they saw Avan.

Up ahead, Marion's unconscious body came tumbling out of the V4s hands once they opened up, revealing that she was completely untouched by the blast. Avan , however, had been completely covered by dirt and earth from the explosions. His head then popped out and he gave it a shake.

"Oh man… that was close…" said Avan

Avan then pulled himself out of the mound of earth, crouched down next to Marion and softly shook her softly by the shoulders, "Marion! Marion, wake up! It's me, Avan!"

The V4 was pushing its self up from the ground as well. Seeing this, Avan pulled Marion close, and held her as he watched it attempt to get up.

"My… Marion… has been poisoned." The Golem said to Avan.

"What? Your… Marion?" Avan asked.

Another tank shell exploded a short ways away from Avan and the Golem. Avan grunted and held Marion even closer. Wrapping his hand around her head, and shielding her with his body now.

Zeri and Cosette then appeared, just as the smoke and dust were being blown away by the wind.

"Avan! Oh, are you alright?" Cosette asked as she knelt down beside him and wrapped her arms around his neck, not even noticing Marion being held in his arms.

Zeri knelt down on the other side of Avan and looked down at the girl he held in his arm, "You were right, Avan… It really is Marion!"

---

Up on the hill behind them, Juliana, who was commanding the artillery guns. Had a pair of binoculars raised up to her face and was looking down at the three students from Class G, crowded around an injured girl and the Golem.

"What's going on here…" she asked herself quietly.

"Juliana! What are your orders? Should we continue with the plan and bombard the V4?" her second in command asked.

Juliana looked over and saw all of the gunners looking at her, awaiting the order to commence fire.

"I-I…" Juliana stammered. She couldn't believe that she was hesitating like this.

"Ma'am! What are your orders!"

Juliana clenched her right first together and nodded, then turned to the artillery guns, "All guns! Crank it up! Target only the rebel tanks and soldiers behind the metal robot!"

The gunner crews all repeated the order all along the line, "Crank it up! Crank it up!"

The cadets in charge of the artillery guns began to rapidly crank the elevation hand wheels, raising the large barrels even higher. The tanks also raised their barrels and also targeted the rebels in the distance, not the mighty Golem below.

Juliana then raised her arm in the air, "Commence fire! FIRE!" she ordered and brought her arm back down.

---

Avan, Zeri and Cosette gasped at the same time as soon as they heard the many thunderous booms going off behind them. They remembered what the next phase of the plan was, as well as where they were currently standing… Right in front of the Golem that Avan ordered to be bombarded once it was down.

Cosette tightened her grip around Avan's neck and shut her eyes. Zeri and Avan also shut their eyes or clenched their teeth as they heard the shrieking rounds flying towards them. But the shells continued on over their heads and exploded further down range, amongst the rebel tanks and foot soldiers.

Cosette opened her eyes, looked back at the artillery guns, then cheered, "YEAH!"

Avan chuckled and shook his head, "Well I'll be… Juliana somehow knew that she had to change targets. She's bought us some time!"

Zeri grinned and looked back, "Thanks, Jules…"

The Golem then interrupted their joyous cheers after not being bombarded, by saying, "Get her out of here…"

"What are you-" Cosette started to ask.

"Go!" The Golem shouted, "I can't help her anymore…"

Everyone paused out of confusion, that was when a blue swirling beam flew overhead and took out a friendly tank behind them. A quick look downrange revealed a horrific discovery. A whole squad of V2 soldiers, led by Dirk had just appeared on the battlefield. Even all the classes combined didn't stand much chance in a toe to toe battle against that many Rebel V2s, tanks and foot soldiers.

Time was running short, they had to get Marion off the battlefield.

Zeri nodded, "Alright, Let's get out of-"

"Wait…" Marion's voice said softly.

Avan and the others looked down and Marion's eyes were partially opened. Her eyes were bloodshot now. Her face drenched with sweat, bits of her hair clung to her face.

"Don't… take me… away…" Marion pleaded weakly.

"Marion! Are you alright? Can you walk?" Zeri asked.

"No, she can't. She's been poisoned. Take her! Save her!" The Golem begged.

"No! I'm not going anywhere!" Marion cried and with freakishly renew energy, she pushed Avan and Zeri away and climbed back to her feet. She then reached down, grabbed the Golems fingers and began to pull.

"Come on, Uncle! Come with us!"

The Golem shook its mighty head, "I Can't… Leg and battle damage are too severe. I'll only slow you down."

Zeri and Avan looked up at the approaching V2s and other rebels getting closer. Then nodded to each other and were now trying to pry Marion away.

"Let me go!" She screamed, smacking their hands away and returning to her Uncles side. "You have to get up! Please, Uncle!"

Cosette ran up to Marion's side, "Marion! If there is poison in your system then we have to keep your heart rate down! I'm serious!"

Tears were streaming down Marion's cheeks, "Please, Uncle! Get up!"

The Golem had already been trying for the past minute, but it's badly damaged mechanical legs were shooting out sparks and grinding and screeching loudly.

"The V2s are getting closer, Marion. You have to leave now!" The golem replied as it pulled its hand away.

Cosette meanwhile, was on her knees, digging through her medical pouch. She then pulled out a small syringe filled with a clear liquid.

Zeri looked back and saw what she was doing, right away he knew what she had in her hand. A sedative. They locked eyes and Zeri nodded his head and mouth the words, "Do it."

Avan and Zeri each grabbed one of Marion's arms. While Cosette crawled on her hands and knees, grabbed Marion by the waist when she was close enough and jabbed the needle into her buttocks and injected her with the sedative.

Marion yelped, turned and rubbed the area of injection. Now beginning to feel very woozy and sleepy.

She swayed side to side, held a hand to her spinning head and collapsed to her knees. She looked up at Cosette with teary, red eyes and asked in a sad voice, "Why…?"

"I'm sorry, but I had to," Cosette replied.

The Golem reached forward with its large fingers, placed them under Marion's chin and softly raised her head.

"Alright, Marion. Go with your friends. I'll be right behind you, I promise."

"I won't go," Marion said weakly.

"Then we'll both die here!" The Golem said with a raised voice.

"I won't leave you like I did last time!" Marion managed to shout back.

The Golem slammed its fist into the ground, shaking the earth, "MARION!" The Golem screamed.

Marion fell back by this time and was being cradled on either side by Zeri and Cosette. The Golem then reached forward and Marion raised her shaky hands and grabbed a hold of its finger.

"Look at me," The golem said as it brought its mighty head towards her, "Trust me…"

Marion nodded, let go of its finger and pulled her fancy gold cross out from under her shirt. She quickly took it off and held it out to the Golem, "Remember this? You gave it to me… when I was only a child. I've carried it ever since…"

She then put it into the Golems hand, "Give it back to me when… we meet… again," Marion pleaded very weakly now. She was fighting to stay awake for only a moment longer, "You have to come back, Uncle. Please… come… back… to-"

Marion then fell to the affects of the sedatives and lost consciousness once again.

---

"You heard the metal man! Get her out of here, now!" Avan shouted to Zeri and Cosette.

"Right!" They said together. And they swiftly took her back to the defensive line.

Avan, however, remained. He then turned back to the Golem.

"Alright, Marion's uncle or… whoever you are. Time to get you out of here too. Come on!"

The Golems head had dropped slightly, the cockpit lights were dimmed and it wasn't moving anymore.

"What? Oh no…" Avan said, he then dropped his scout rifle and ran up to the Golem.

"Hey! Can you hear me?" Avan shouted over the sounds of battle going on all around them.

Still the Golem didn't move, Avan ran a hand through his hair, "Not good… It's not like I can carry him out of here like we did with Marion." said Avan.

"Hey! Hello in there!" Avan shouted as he pounded his hand against it's metal chest, "Wake up! It's only a short distance to our defensive line! But you have to get up and move, quickly!"

Nothing. The Golem still wasn't moving.

"Oh no you don't!" Avan shouted, he then wound up and actually kicked the Golem's head, "Hey! Get up! You made a promise to Marion! She's my friend and I won't allow you to hurt her by breaking it! So get your big metal ass up! Now!

No man, not even a man made out of metal should take back their word once it's been given to a lady! You hear me!"

The lights in the cockpit lit up once again and the Golem raised its head, then said in its slow mechanical voice, "It is done…"

"What's done?" Avan asked.

A small compartment door in the Golems chest slide open and a large cassette popped out. The Golem moved closer to Avan, "Take… it…" The Golem instructed.

Avan didn't move, he looked up at the Golem in confusion and asked, "What is it?"

"My… farewell to my goddaughter… Marion…"

"What?" Avan exclaimed, he then briskly shook his head, "No! You promised her that you'd make it back! I don't care if you have to drag yourself the whole way, or if I have to chain you to a tank, but you're coming back one way or another!"

The Golem growled, Avan dove to the ground, rolled and picked up his rifle and aimed it up at the Golem from his crouched position, "I may be smaller than you, but I'll still take you on! Bring it!"

Then, the Golem chuckled, "You're a brave one. Foolish and completely reckless… but brave. I know she'll be safe with you and your friends."

"But you said-"

"There are things about me that you'll never be able to understand. And I do not have the time to explain it to you. It is, however, recorded on this tape. Take it… give it to Marion so that she may know the truth and understand why I've chosen to stay behind and… ultimately break my promise to her."

Another beam shot overhead and took out another artillery gun behind Avan, causing a large explosion that snapped them back to reality.

"Once you have the tape… Run."

"Run?" Avan asked.

"I will hold off the V2s for as long as I can… then I'll overload this horrible weapon of war and self-destruct, taking as many of those V2s and rebels with me as I can.

I do not know how large the explosion will be, but I know that from where your units are currently placed… that it is not far enough to be safely out of its blast radius."

The Golem then lowered itself back down to Avan and held out the Golden cross pendant to him.

"Take the cassette… and the Pendant. Give them both to my Marion." The Golem said, and Avan quickly reached up, took the cassette out of its chest and then grabbed Marion's golden cross pendant out of its hand and stepped back.

The Golem then began to stand up, its hands retracting back into its arms as huge barrels came out of hidden compartments, it turned towards the approaching V2s, but looked back at Avan and shouted, "Now go!"

Avan turned and ran back towards Class G and the other cadets. He looked over his shoulder as he ran and saw the Golem firing its destructive blue beams at the V2s, then fired a blaze of machine gun fire from its arms as its body twisted and its legs stomped towards them.

---

Avan then dove into the nearby ditch and joined the others.

Cosette was carefully cradling Marion in her arms, Zeri was giving orders to the other classes over the radio. But they both stopped and turned to Avan.

"Avan! What happened to the-"

"No time to explain! All classes, pull back! NOW!" Avan shouted.

Cosette let out a baffled gasped, "Pull back? But what about-"

"He's not coming! He's waiting for us to get to a safe distance, so let's get moving!"

"Safe distance? From what?" Zeri asked in bewilderment.

"The blast radius once he self-destructs!" Avan shouted, "Grab Marion and let's get out of here!"

Zeri nodded and got back on the radio, "This is an emergency retreat! All classes pull back! Code 'R'! I repeat, Code 'R'!

Code 'R' was the order given to force an immediate retreat. Leaving even the artillery guns or any other heavy equipment that could not be carried out. Only the most essential items were brought along. That included wounded personnel.

All the classes then turned 180 degrees or climbed out of the ditches and began to run as fast as they could away from the Golem and the battle it was engaged in. Luckily, all the transport trucks and jeeps used to bring in the supplies and artillery were already turned and facing towards Lanseal academy.

Avan opened the tailgate of a nearby transport truck and began to wave everyone in while shouting, "Go! Go! GO!" as they passed him and piled into the back. Once it was fully loaded, he shut the tailgate and ran to join Cosette, Zeri and Marion who were already piled into a small jeep and were waiting for him.

"Come on, Avan!" Zeri shouted from the drivers seat.

"Get in! Quickly!" Cosette begged from the back as she carefully held Marion's head in her lap.

As the other trucks and jeeps were pulling away, Avan jumped onto the jeeps hood, leapt over the windshield and plopped down into the passengers seat of the open air jeep.

"Step on it, Zeri!" Avan ordered.

The Jeep then burned out and rocketed down the road, along with the other vehicles some ways ahead. All were headed back to Lanseal Academy.

---

Meanwhile, the V4 or Golem was getting hammered relentlessly by the V2s. Even for a machine of war as powerful as the Golem, it was no match against this many V2s. There were numerous scorch marks all over its body from direct beam blasts. One of its own beam cannons was destroyed and shooting out sparks. One of its badly damaged legs had become immobile and every time it took steps it had to be dragged across the ground.

A powerful blast to the chest from Dirk had finally caused the Golem to fall backwards and smash into the ground. Still, the V2s didn't stop firing on the downed Golem, staying true to their order to completely destroy it.

"This is it… I only hope they made it far enough…" The Golem said, "Goodbye… Marion… and you… Avan…"

As the V2s moved in closer, Dirk stopped as he heard something begin to charge up, sounding just like their beam weapons, but only much louder. Immediately he realized that it was the Golem itself that was making the sound. Its blue flame was burning fiercely and getting brighter and brighter with each passing second as it continued to charge up for the self-destruct mode.

"Retreat! All units, retreat!" Dirk ordered.

Too late, as blinding beams of blue light began to shoot out of the Golems cockpit, its gun barrels and every battle scar and orifice. The sound of tremendous energy continuing to charge up was deafening at this point and Dirk only had enough time to raise his shield up and dig his feet into the ground. The Golem then in a brilliant flash of blue and white light. Immediately after, a huge wall of blue flame spread out and engulfed everything around it in an enormous 360 pattern.

The nearby trees and grass were burnt to a crisp and blew apart like dry leaves as the blast wave hit it. The V2s, tanks and foot soldiers were blown back, emitting screams, grunts and groans as they flew through the air. Just as he predicted, the enormous blast from the Golem also consumed the Lanseal cadets artillery guns and tanks that were placed well away from where the it fell and self-destructed.

---

Meanwhile, Avan, Zeri, Cosette and all the other classes looked back after a white flash nearly blinded them. That was when they witnessed the huge explosion and the sheer destructive power it unleashed.

Zeri slammed on the brakes and cranked the wheel to the left, then came to a sliding stop as he, Avan and Cosette looked back at the enormous explosion and the plume of white smoke it sent high into the air with other white rings of smoke all along its mushroom shaped cloud.

"W-what… happened?" Cosette asked.

"The V4... Marion's uncle… is gone…" Avan said, "He bravely sacrificed his life so that that we… and Marion, would survive."

"Avan…" Cosette said sadly as she tried to place her hand on his shoulder.

But Avan shook his head, "Come on! We have to get Marion back to the infirmary at Lanseal academy! We won't let her die!"

"Right!" Zeri said and he slammed his foot against the accelerator and weaved in and out of the transport trucks up ahead, easily overtaking them in the smaller, more agile jeep.

Avan looked down at the cassette in his one hand and Marion's golden cross pendant in the other. He hung his head sadly, then twisted in his seat and looked back at Marion. He brought his hand down to her head and softly ran it along her hair.

Avan signed as he looked at Marion. Telling her the bad news, Avan knew, would break her heart.

---

Meanwhile, back at the massive blast crater where the V4 self-destructed. A single rebel jeep was returning, just one of the few remaining who were able to get away from the area in time.

A metal gauntlet suddenly shot out of the ground, then Dirk pulled himself out and stood up. As he was walking over to the wreckage of the V4 and looked down at what was left, the two rebels happened to notice that he was the lone survivor from those who were closest to the blast.

"Commander Dirk… He survived!" The rebel jeep driver said.

"Sir! Over here!" the passenger said.

Dirk looked back, then began to walk towards them. As he climbed into the back of the jeep, the two rebels couldn't help but notice that his armoured body showed very little damage, despite his proximity to the massive explosion.

"Mission accomplished… Return to base…" Dirk said.

The two rebels looked at each other and were slightly appalled that he would say something like that after so many other rebels were killed. But they quickly remembered their place and knew what Dirk could and would do to them if they disobeyed or spoke back. They then turned and headed back to the weapons depot to report that the V4 or Golem, was destroyed.

---

Some hours later, Marion's eyes began to flutter open, everything coming back into focus. She immediately noticed that she was in the Lanseal infirmary. A place she only had ever visited friends and injured classmates. But she never had to be a patient here before.

As she tried to sit up, she winced in pain upon feeling a stinging sensation in her hand. She looked down and saw an IV needle sticking out, which was pumping in a liquid that glowed a florescent blue hue in the dimly lit room.

"Marion's waking up guys!" Cosette announced. Avan and Zeri came over from the windowsill and surrounded her bed.

"Marion! Oh thank goodness, the treatment is working!" Avan said.

Marion held a hand to her head, which was spinning and throbbing. She also felt very weak and tired, but managed to say, "Oh my… I've certainly felt better in my life…"

"You were so close to death from the poison that the doctors had to give you an experimental liquid ragnaid solution… but it looks like it's working!" Cosette said happily.

"So I'm… going to live?" Marion asked.

"Yep, I guarantee it!" Avan said, then gave a signature chuckle.

Marion nodded, then turned her head towards the window, "What about Uncle? He made it too, right?"

No one answered, but Cosette knelt down next to Marion and took her by the hand. Avan walked over to the other side of her bed. While Zeri walked to the back of the room and began to roll a very large cassette player over, which was sitting atop a metal table.

Marion's heart began to thump faster, "What's going on? Why won't you answer me?" Marion asked as she sat up in her bed and looked all around her.

Avan hung his head, sighed and while biting his lower lip, reached into his pocket and slowly pulled out Marion's golden cross pendant and chain and held it out to her.

Marion's other hand cupped over her mouth and she shook her head, "No…" she said softly.

"I'm sorry, Marion… we couldn't save your uncle… He died…." Cosette told her.

Avan took hold of Marion's hand, placed the pendant in her palm and closed her fingers around it. Marion brought her hand back and held the pendant against her chest. She lowered her head and began to weep softly.

Avan placed his hand on Marion's shoulder and said, "I'm so sorry, Marion. I-"

"Don't!" Marion shouted angrily, brushing Avan's hand away, "I thought that it was safe to leave uncle with you, because I thought that you would help me! But you didn't!"

"Marion! Don't be so mean to-" Cosette started, but Zeri put his hand on her shoulder from behind. She looked back and Zeri was shaking his head.

"Don't. She's not herself. She's grieving. Let her be." Zeri said quietly.

Avan knew not to snap back at her, he just nodded his head and said, "Sorry."

Marion brought her hand up to her face, shook her head slowly and while sobbing, said, "I tried… so hard to save him… But I couldn't. Just like last time… I was powerless to help him once again… It's my fault. It's all my fault!"

"Marion," Avan said, and she raised her head and looked up at him with teary red eyes. "Your uncle left something for you, just before we had to leave him."

Avan turned and pointed to the cassette player, "One final message for you, he said."

"Would you like us to leave?" Zeri asked as his finger hovered over the 'Play' button.

Marion thought for a while, then briskly shook her head, "No…" she pleaded, "Don't leave… please. I feel so lost and alone right now…"

Avan sat next to Marion, turned his head to Zeri and nodded once. Zeri pushed play then walked over and stood next to Cosette as she continued to hold Marion's hand, softly stroking it, trying to comfort her.

---

Then, the message played:

"Marion, I want to start off by saying how truly sorry I am that I made a promise to you that I had no intention of keeping. But I knew that you never would have gone with your friends if I did not say something to calm you first.

I'm sorry that this is the second time I've forced a great deal of pain and suffering upon your heart. Years ago, I survived the burning of my tank, was taken to a military hospital and was told that I needed to be put into a medically induced coma, so they could operate. Just before they put me out, I asked the doctors not to tell you or your father that I survived. I thought it would be better for you to think of me as dead, than for either of you to see me in my horrifically burned state.

I once told you that I did not remember how I came to be this way, implanted into this machine of war as its pilot… But that's not true. I wanted this… I volunteered for it.

I don't know how long I was in the coma. But when I awoke, limbless, scarred and deformed, General Gilbert Gassenarl and Dr. Von Essen approached me with an offer. The doctor needed a pilot for a new experimental weapon of war. But the pilot needed to be permanently integrated into the Golem, to serve as its living core. It also meant having my memory wiped regularly, and have no free will of my own, so that I would be a better host for the Golem and able to follow any orders given by the GRA.

Having lost my family, my platoon and disgraced as a general for abandoning my post to come save your family and mine, when the walls of Randgriz were breached by the Marmota. I felt I had no reasons left to continue serving the Gallian army or Gallia herself, because they did not help me. So I willingly joined the Gallian Revolutionary army.

I don't know how, but just before I was about to crush you, your scream woke me up like a jolt of electricity. Then, seeing what I had nearly done, I realized how serious of a mistake I had made. Even after giving the offer so much thought before accepting, the idea of someday being forced to fight my own goddaughter on the battlefield was something that I had never thought would happen.

You've become so much stronger, since the last time I've seen you, Marion. I remember a young girl, crying and clutching me by the shirt as I led you from your house, to the vehicles I brought to save your family and mine when the city was breached. You were completely helpless, terrified and totally unaccustomed to being on a battlefield. Which is why I never would have thought that we'd meet like this. On opposing sides during a civil war...

But today, I saw the bravest girl I have ever laid eyes upon. Not the terrified and helpless little girl I last remembered seeing. But, one willing to sacrifice her own life by being ripped apart by V2s, so that her uncle would not be forced into a life of servitude. I cannot imagine how much pain you must have been in, but you forced your way through it with immeasurable inner strength, love, sheer will as you begged me not to submit.

I know now… that you do not need me around to keep you safe any longer. You're able to fend for yourself and others if needed. I also know that that Avan character will keep an eye on you for me. He cares about you a great deal, and never left my side as he urged me to come back to you. Despite the mortal danger he placed himself in by staying for as long as he could.

Ultimately, my leaving you was always the way that it had to end, Marion. You remember what Dr. Isabella said. If this machine shuts down, so do I. After the implementation process was completed, I am now completely dependant on the powered Golem to survive. That was the price I had to pay to become its living core.

Shutting down was inevitable, because it took the team of doctors of the GRA over a year of research and construction to built the recharging station you saw at the lab. All the teams of doctors and scientists in all of Gallia would not have been able to construct another recharge station in time before my suit shut down, and I expired along with it.

So I've chosen to activate this suits self-destruct mechanism and completely destroy it, in doing so I hope I can achieve some level of atonement for all the young lives I took before you stopped me from taking more.

Farewell. My Marion. I know you'll bring this horrible civil war to a swift end once I'm gone. Because I believe in you. And after seeing how brave and strong you were able to become since I last saw you... has made me the happiest and most proud godfather that has ever lived.

You're loving uncle and godfather... Caius Newborn."

---

And with that, the tape clicked and rolled to a stop after having played Caius's final farewell to Marion.

Marion had been crying softly the whole time and had multiple streaks of tears running all over her cheeks. Zeri was passing some tissues to Cosette, as she was crying just as hard as Marion.

Marion's head then turned to Avan, "You were with my uncle? Right before he died?"

"Yes… Even after hearing his last message… I still wish there was some way that I could have saved him for you, Marion," Avan confessed, "So that you wouldn't have to go through so much grief and anguish for losing someone you loved this much."

Avan suddenly felt a hand caress his cheek, he was even more surprised to find that it belonged to a now brightly smiling Marion.

"You really are a kind person, Avan." Marion said, "You've recently lost someone too, correct?"

"Yeah… my brother," Avan replied.

"And yet I've never seen you grieve or look the least bit sad about it. You're always more worried about other people and all I ever see is a beaming smile whenever you talk about him," Marion added as she continued to softly stroke Avan's cheek.

What she didn't see was the surprised look on Cosette's face behind her. Zeri couldn't help but smile at the whole scene going on.

"Can you teach me how to do that?" Marion asked as she brought her other hand up and held it against Avan's other cheek.

Cosette's cheeks were bright red and she was biting down on her finger as she continued to watch what was going on between Marion and Avan.

Avan gulped, "Yeah, sure. It's easy actually, just share stories of experiences that you and your uncle once had. Ones that made you feel happy, joyful or that just make you smile. I'm sure that you have a lot, so don't be shy to share them with us."

Zeri nodded, "I'd be happy to hear them, as well."

Marion had long since stopped crying and continued to smile, "Thank you, Avan. For trying so hard to save my uncle. And for teaching me how to deal with his loss, like you have with your brother.

This time… I don't think I'll be as sad as I was two years ago. Not when I have people like you to help me through it."

Marion then began to pull Avan towards her, her lips puckering up slightly. Avan's cheeks instantly turned as bright as his hair and he shut his eyes at the last second. Then…

"Huh?" Avan asked as he felt a pair of soft lips press against his… forehead.

Marion then let Avan go and laid back against her pillow with her hands folded in her lap.

Cosette placed a hand against her thumping heart and breathed a sigh of relief. Zeri grinned and shook his head. Avan continued to look lost in surprise and was still blushing.

Marion tilted her head, "Oh… something wrong, Avan?"

"What? Oh no… nothing really. It's just not what I was expecting. For a moment there I thought that you really were going to-"

"Kiss you?" Marion asked, "You mean on the lips?"

"W-well I-I, oh man…"

Marion then blushed and rubbed her hands together nervously, "I was just expressing my gratitude…. But if that's what you really wanted, then I'd be happy to oblige. You're certainly handsome enough and you've helped me out a great deal… So come here."

Avan was just about to answer, but Cosette rammed her shoulder into him, knocking him away from Marion's bed and into the pile of metal drawers as she shook her head and said, "No! No, no, that's quite alright. We get the point. Don't we, Avan?"

But as she turned to look at him, she couldn't see him anymore. Instead she saw a moaning mound of blankets, towels, hospital gowns, gauze, bandages and so much more in the corner of the room.

Cosette ran up to the mound and dropped to her knees and she began lifting items off and cried, "Oh, Avan! I'm SO sorry! I didn't mean to do that!"

Finally Avan's head appeared and he had a pair of blue trousers on his head, looking like he now had two long blue ears. "Ow!" Avan cried, "What gives, Cosette?"

Unable to contain her laughter at the ridiculous sight, Cosette fell onto her back and began laughing out loud while kicking her legs in the air. Marion was holding her sides and rolling back and forth in her bed as she looked at Avan and laughed harder than she ever had in her life. Even Zeri placed his hands on his hips, threw his head back and laughed at the whole spectacle.