Chapter 13: Lurking amongst the Shadows.

Well... It's been a while, has it not?

Look, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting this long, around 3 months maybe? I wouldn't be surprised if you'd have forgotten all about this story, and I can't say I blame you. I don't have an excuse, all I can say is that I'm sorry for forgetting about this story. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and I promise to continue writing these. Seriously this time.

Do note: My writing may be rusty, it has been 3 months after all. Sorry about that... again.

I pushed on through the dark, having left the barracks behind. I trudged on towards the hangar with flashlight in hand. I know I could've waited the night and told everybody later, or worse, woke them all from their sleep. But I'm sure they wouldn't really go crazy from a glimpse I caught. Besides, I'm confident with our abilities right now, yeah it might be the second most dangerous threat I've faced, but I've faced worse, obviously.

Now you might be wondering what I'm doing, and who I am. Well, I'll explain that!... I don't know why I monologue like I'm being watched or whatever, but you might already know me. I'm Stephane Bryce, soon-to-be SRS pilot, the funniest fucker you'll have ever met, pilot of E-0001 or better known as Big Guy, and the most talented soldier in the Militia. At least that's what I tell myself.

Anyways, you might be wondering why I'm most likely risking my life. Well, let me rewind for ya!

I slipped off the kit and stretched a little, before tapping the side of E's head. His faceplate dwindled away bit by bit and in a flash, I was open back to the world. I can't say this titan was a little strange, in fact, it was much more human than any other robot they'd manufactured. I don't know why, guess it's that special bond a Pilot shares with his Titan.

I grasped onto one of the grooves in his head and hung out, quickly swinging myself out onto his shoulder. From there, I slid down his arm and out onto his palm. The crenelations in his plate pattering my back as I slid. I dusted myself off a little, cleaning out my wear for the new boss. From there, I looked up at the Big Guy, he was peering down at me with his expressionless gaze as always, nothing out of the ordinary.

I set my hands on my hips, tilting my head. "Hey, you behave alright Big Guy? Be nice to you're new friends, got it?"

He paused for a moment, before coming back to life just a second later.

"Affirmative, Pilot, I will tie relations between us and our allies." He replied monotonously, as usual.

I grinned dumbly, as I let my hands fall to my sides. "Sweet, alright, now be a good boy for Papa and let me down"

Looked like he mentally scoffed as he gently lowered me down. "You are not my maker" He replied. His familiar metallic tone ringing out to my ears.

I liked this guy... err, Titan, he could take a joke, his quips were pretty good too. Made me laugh a couple times too, that's what I really like about em'. Granted, I love how he's practically indestructible, and how he can dish out beatings to Ogre-Class Titans like they're whining toddlers, but hey, it's not all about the power-scaling.

I scoffed as I walked away, towards my 'boot camp' drill instructor, or whatever he was, who was tapping his foot impatiently as he looked to me. I was soon to reach the gate, and my tour guide was already walking away, expecting me to follow, which I was going to do eventually, but I had something to do first. I leaned back and looked to E-0001, giving him a slight nod before leaving. That should do it.

I trod on behind my guide, as he strode down the old dirt road, towards a barracks of sorts, much better than the musty tents they made us sleep in back at boot camp. But I'd find out soon enough. As we approached, the doors automatically slid open to show a pretty cozy atmosphere, warm lighting, wood pattern wallpaper, and a lineup of lockers and a worn couch. There were a few other rooms connected, each labelled, "Sleeping Quarters" "Office" "Restrooms" "Armoury" "Mess Hall" and "Break Room"

Shit! They've got a fucking break room? Well strip me naked and cover me in honey! This is life.

My instructor turned back towards me and leaned up against the wall. "Don't worry mate, I'll get you situated with the others soon enough. That being right now"

He pushed himself gently off the wall and walked up to the sleeping quarters, slipping behind the door and into the unknown. I looked around the room and sighed a little. Before walking over to the couch, sitting down on it's olden cushions, the leather squeaking as I set my weight upon it. I grabbed hold of the sides of my helmet, and pulled it off my head with a satisfying click and I set it to my side, finally taking a deep breath of fresh air. It wasn't long till I heard the faraway footsteps of my soon-to-be comrades.

I heard the door open, and my head instinctively turned to look. 4 men, for 4 different titans I presumed, well it was obvious to say the least. First man in was the lad we first met, still don't know his name, looks like a Walter though, second guy was a little different. Bulky, looked like he could crush a man's skull with a single hand, and he had a robotic arm protruding from one of his shoulders, he was still in uniform, besides his helm. He was a white man, buzz cut, strong jaw, ideal lady killer. Probably called Stuart.

Third guy was more lean, but fit nonetheless and he had the body of a MRVN, and I mean literally. His legs were replaced with pistons, his arms were instead relatively thick metal prosthetics, atop his shoulders a head of steel, with a thick glowing line running down the front I couldn't quite see his torso under his bulletproof vest, but if I had to guess, it'd probably be relatively robotic. He was probably one of those phase-shift pilots. Those guys never stuck right with me, probably had a few screws loose ha from dimension hopping on the daily. He's probably called Shelby. Heh, Shelby.

A last but not least, the fourth man. He was lean, but fit, covered head to toe in body armour, he hadn't even taken off his helm for me. How rude! His helmet though, kind of looked like a gas mask. A sort of T shaped visor running along the front, but the most striking thing was the miniature winch system on his forearm. Yep, grapple pilot, aka, junkies and crackheads. Or the most skilled, disciplined pilots you'll have ever met. He looks like a... hmm, an Alfred.

I stood from the couch, and I looked out to the group as they approached.

"Well boys, I'm sure you were all waiting for this day. We've got a new pilot." Walter said, "Now, don't go too rough on him"

Stuart walked up to me and shot out his hand, staring down at me. Now that he was a little closer, I just realised he was probably a foot or two taller than me. "Welcome to the team. Name's William." Stuar- Ahem, William said.

I grabbed his hand and shook, trying not to cry as he clamped down on my hand and shook, felt as if though all my bones in me hand had broke. "Stephane, nice to meet you" I managed to squeeze out.

He let go and nodded as he took a step back, looking over to Alfred.

"Ah yes. I'm Riley, nice to meet you" He kept his arms crossed as he looked to me, seemingly looking me up and down. His voice was muffled through the filter of his mask.

"Well, I'm Aidan, best on the team." Shelby... sorry, Aidan held out his hand for me to shake, but I politely declined, as I showed him my subsequently broken hand. He shrugged it off, luckily didn't phase into my body like I'd thought he would.

"Josh. I'm the guy you talked to over comms. The captain couldn't be here just yet, as he's currently working on something pretty important" Josh said.

I sighed a little. But can't say it's not what I'd expected. But hey, we've still got hot baths... hopefully. "Well, you probably already know this, but I am the one and only Stephane Bryce. Pleasure to meet you, but it's much more of a pleasure for you to meet me." I replied with a smirk.

William rolled his eyes and Riley scoffed a little. "Well, ok then hotshot." Josh said "Right now, it's only mandatory for me to show you to the sleeping quarters, and where you are situated. After that, you're on your own. And unless you can't read basic English, I'm sure you'll be fine" "Alright boys. You don't need to watch me babysit the newbie do you? Get back to what you were doing"

My teammates looked to each other and shrugged, before piling into the Sleeping Quarters. With the exception of Aidan, who disappeared in a cloud of ethereal residue. Just as a phase-shift pilot would. We were close to follow behind the others, and when we'd gotten in, the others were already lounged on the beds.

The sleeping quarters wasn't as luxurious as I'd thought it to be, but it was alright. There were 4 beds, one being a bunk bed, each with their own footlockers on the end. With the exception of the bunk bed, which had two. I've got a feeling that I'm bunking with somebody tonight. William was rocking a Devotion, cleaning it off with disinfectant wipes, while Riley was simply laying back, tossing an AMP grenade from hand to hand. Unafraid of the excruciating pain one would feel if it went off. Trust me... I know from experience.

"Ok. This is the Sleeping Quarters... Yeah. You'll be bunking with Aidan. We've got a timetable for you to follow, so don't go into the break room when you didn't earn it, lest you want a beating from the captain" He patted me on the shoulder "You shoulda seen it, it's up on the wall after all. Hope you enjoy your stay" He added with a smirk.

God damn bastard.

"Well, I'll try." I replied with a laugh. "It's the action I'm here for anyways" And the pay. But everybody knows that, that's why we're all here after all. "Now, I'm going to go 'explore' if you will" I brushed his hand off my shoulder and I made my way over to my bed and I crouched by my footlocker, flipping up the latches and sorting through the assortments of items. There were a couple complimentary dried meat sticks, a battle-hardened reinforced phone, a hardy looking flashlight, and an assortment of clothes right at the bottom. I looked around, and then stuffed the phone into one of my ordinance pockets along my vest. Before walking over and out through the door, back into the main lobby, all while whistling a soft tune. I wandered back over to the couch and scooped my helmet back up. I held it under arm as I continued on my self-guided tour.

And as any normal person would, I went straight to the armoury. I pushed open the heavy steel door and continued inside. And the sight was beautiful, there were rows and rows of guns, Alternators, Volts, L-STARS, a Kraber-AP Sniper, all sorts of assault rifles, even some pistols. And let's not even get started on the throwables. I mean, gravity stars? Who can afford those things! Satchels by the thousands, and even thermite grenades. Damn those things were uncommon. Not talking about fire-stars. Yeah, those things are everywhere.

There was a hall in which led to the great outdoors, and by the great outdoors, I mean a firing range. Nothing special really, but hey, means I can shoot guns without getting demoted. There was a grand workbench set upon the center of the room, atop its surface, tools of varying kinds and a yet to be completed Spitfire Light Machine Gun.

But before I could lay my hand upon the weapon, I felt a hand rest on my shoulder.

"Seeing the sights, huh?" A metallic voice rang out, one that belonged to Aidan.

I turned back to look at him, and nodded "Yep, eheh. Is that your gun?" I asked, pointing to the Spitfire.

He looked over to the weapon, taking his hand off my shoulder as he walked over to the workbench.

"You got that right. It's a hated weapon that's for sure, but trust me, it packs quite a kick" Aidan replied, as he laid against the workbench, resting his hand along the body of his gun. "I'm sure you're here to get a replacement, yes? You didn't come in with a gun, so that's what I'm assuming"

Ah right. Forgot about that. "Yeah. Last gun I owned was a Hemlok BF-R, thing fell apart just before I got my hands on the Big Guy" I replied

"Ah, I see. So, what are you looking for? There's plenty of spares, just don't touch the Red Mastiff, or the Kraber. Those belong to the lads." Aidan said, pushing himself off the workbench, and walking over to the gun racks. "Shotguns? Rifles? Machine guns?"

I set my helmet down on the workbench and I looked about, hands on hip as I looked around. "Ehhh, you have something that can... I don't know, rain hellfire?" I asked, looking amongst the weapons.

Aidan thought for a moment, looking over the many options we had available. Before he hovered over a bulky looking beast of a gun, grabbing it from the wall. His arms sagged as he brought the weapon to the workbench, it landed with a thud as he dropped it. He patted it's surface as he looked to me.

"This right here, is a Sidewinder SMR. Magazine size of 20 rockets, an kill a fully kitted Pilot in two shots, decent fire-rate, it's not bad against Titans either. Downsides are it's heavy, and it's magazines are pretty big n' bulky. But as you'd asked, it can most certainly rain hellfire." He explained. He looked to me and tilted his head, his glowing 'eye' peering at I. "So?"

"Well hello darling! Yes please, thank you very much kind sir." I replied, soon after reaching down to pick it up. I lifted it up and felt it's weight. Granted, it was heavy, but I was more interested in the damage it could deal. Maybe it'd grow me a six-pack after a week or two!

Aidan shrugged and waved me off. "Well, have fun, and don't waste all the ammunition." He asked as he went back to work on his weapon.

Gladly

I walked down the hall, and on out into the firing range. There were a few targets littered about the range, at varying distances and sizes. Pilots, Riflemen, Titans, the lot. I shouldered my weapon and aimed down the iron sights, before laying waste to a titan cutout. The missiles flew one-by-one, and in just a moment, the magazine was empty. The missiles flew true and smashed into the cutout, blowing it to smithereens, plus, their speed was frightening, and paired with the non-existent recoil, this weapon may be a promising weapon of war. My weapon of war.

I rolled my neck, a satisfying bunch of pops ringing out as I did so, and I lugged the weapon back to the armoury. Yeah, my visit was short, but I can't complain, what if I use all my ammo before I get to actually kill anyone? I'd just have to put it off, for now...

As I walked inside, Aidan turned to look at me from his work. "Wasn't very long. I take it that you want something else?" Aidan asked.

"Nah, nah. It's perfect, second greatest thing I've ever laid my hands on. I just wanna save my ammo" I said with a smile. I hung it upon the wall where it once sat and turned to face him. "So... Which Titan's yours?"

He contemplated for a moment, before turning back to his weapon, picking up a barrel extender. "Well, I'm the pilot of PL-7394, PL for Piercing Light. He's the Ion." He explained, as he fit varying parts to his machine gun. "Well rounded Titan, absolute powerhouse, in a metaphorical and literal sense"

I nodded "Ah, I see... Well, I suppose I'll tell you bout mine." I added with a smirk.

"Already heard the details mate. No need to tell me, 48 feet tall, incredulously durable, unmatched melee prowess, yadda yadda. You're lucky to have ever even thought about getting your hands on that thing. Let's be honest, I'm surprised they haven't replaced you already." He replied, "No offence by the way"

"Ah, none taken mate. He probably wouldn't accept anybody other than me anyways, I'm just that great of a Pilot." I replied with a smile.

He scoffed slightly, looking back to his gun. "Well, alright then." He said

"Doubt me all you want, won't change anything mate!" I said with a laugh. I grabbed hold of my helm and I walked to the door "See ya, have fun with your tinkering."

He nodded to me, waving slightly as I pushed open the door, next stop, the other lads. I'm certain it'd be better to get on good terms with them before anything else. They are my forever teammates from my knowledge, it'd be for the best to get associated while I could. I continued on to the Sleeping Quarters, where the others were still situated. William had finished with the upkeep of his weapon, and was now tweaking at his helm. Luckily, Riley had stopped chucking grenades about, instead opting for the more obvious things, such as lay down and maybe sleep, I couldn't tell.

Josh wasn't about though. Probably out doing his chores or whatever, I was just about to greet the hulking monstrosity known to few as William, I'd remembered something. I've got a phone, why socialize when I could slack off? I paused ahead of him, then turned towards my bunk-bed. I flipped up the latches to my footlocker and haphazardly dumped my helm inside, before climbing the stiff metal ladder to the second bunk. There wasn't a whole lotta space, I could probably sit up with just a little headspace. But that was all.

I laid down getting comfortable on the surprisingly soft mattress and I reached to one of my ordinance pockets, pulling the bulky phone from it's holster. It didn't have a password, but it did have a fingerprint scan, which imprinted into it's systems the moment I powered it up. Neato. Though it wasn't what I was expecting, no apps, just green background and a group chat from the looks of it. Man, this shit sucks!

I sighed and shut the device down, as I'd realised that I was in fact, in the Militia, and no such luxuries were to be accommodated. I let my head fall back against the tough pillow as I gazed up at the ceiling. Sooner or later, I'll see some action. And with that, action, or something along the lines of it. It'd been a few minutes, and I was probably just a moment away from falling asleep, till I heard the door open, and following that, Josh's voice.

"Lads! Mess hall, now! Time to stuff your fatasses with whatever the Militia shoveled down to this dump" Josh yelled.

Well, now that I think about it, when was the last time I ate? This morning? Probably, I can't miss out on my daily calorie intake, can't lose these gains mate! William huffed and set his helmet to his side and he stood, pushing himself out the door, Riley shoved himself from his bed, pulling his helm from his head and heading out. I was soon to follow, rolling off the bed and subsequently landing with a thud and a yelp on the tile floor as I just remembered that I was situated on a bunk-bed. Didn't feel a thing...

I dusted myself as I stood up, slightly disoriented, luckily nobody saw that. I walked over to the door, and I walked through, letting it close behind me as I walked into the Mess Hall. My nose was blessed with the smell of sweet grub and steam. Mainly being from the big pot of stew right on the counter. There was an MRVN standing to attention behind the counter, wearing an apron and rubber gloves, carrying a ladle in hand.

The lads were in line, William had already left by the time I'd arrived, carrying a hefty tray with a couple bowls of the stuff. I could make out chunks of beef n' lamb, as well as a few other foreign extracts of questionable origins as he passed me by. Riley tapped his foot with his arms crossed as Josh grabbed a bowl of the stuff, sitting down at the table with William. There was only a single table in this 'Mess Hall' 4 chairs, for us 4, although Aidan wasn't about, probably due to his lack of a mouth. The captain probably ate elsewhere too. Y'know? For being some of the 'best of the best' they could at least have the dignity to feed us something better than Prowler feed.

A few moments passed by and soon it was my turn. I reluctantly grabbed a bowl, and I turned to the lunch MRVN. It chirped happily, a smiley face showing on his chest screen as he waved.

"Hey there mate, I'll have some of today's special. Thank you." I said, leaning against the counter.

It looked confused for a moment, before it shrugged and scooped a hefty amount of stew from the pot, pouring it to my bowl. Soon enough, it was nigh full, still piping hot. I gave it a smell, and it wasn't half bad. Just like curry, but poorer. Poor people curry! I made my way to the table, where everybody was making conversation, taking sips from their concoctions. I sat down on the free chair, setting my bowl on the table. They'd been kind enough to supply me with a soup spoon, but that was about it,

I took a scoop from the stew and shoved it into my mouth, half expecting to die of heart failure a few seconds later. But to my surprise, it actually tasted pretty good. "Hey, what's in this?" I asked, taking another sip

William shrugged. "Dunno, vegetables and meat. That's all you need to know. Besides, if any of us found out what they actually put in any of the food, I'm sure we'd all throw up till our anuses are out our mouths" William replied

Ah, I see.

Either way, it tasted better than expected, so I didn't really see a problem just yet. As I ate, I decided to eavesdrop in on their conversation, not like they'd care, since I'm literally at the same table as them.

"-It's been a while since we've the captain about, ain't that weird" Josh asked.

"Apparently he's been working on a plan. That thing we've spotted apparently is quote-on-quote 'tough as a mothafucka.' Titans just won't do it. And so long as that things here, we won't really be able to set up a harvester anywhere." Riley replied

"That foggy thing?" Josh asked.

"Yeah, seems to like... dematerialize anything it touches. Freaky stuff." Riley said, leaning back in his chair, having finished his slop.

"So... I guess that's why I'm here?" I added.

Riley turned to look at me, before shrugging. "Probably."

"Huh, suppose that makes me the most qualified then, doesn't it?" I replied.

"Might do, but it'd be a shame if you and your Titan get absolutely ravaged. I'd assume that outcome." William said nonchalantly.

"Yeah, I doubt it, look, I may not look it, but I'm a skilled pilot, with the toughest Titan ever known to be manufactured. Let's not forget that I'm the hero of the Militia, the one who retrieved the Ark!" I said, crossing my arms.

"Heh, almost forgot about that." William said with a chuckle. "I suppose you have some credit due. But still, we've caught video footage of the thing. Body of black, seemed to absorb all the light around it with glowing red eyes. And as you probably heard before, it's incredibly aggressive, Mix that with the ability to dematerialize anything and you've got a damn big problem" He stood from his seat, bringing his tray up to the counter and setting it down. "Especially since it's only shown it's ugly face at sundown, late afternoon and midnight"

"We've never actually seen it in person, so far only the Search Drones have. Sent out 5 the first day we landed, came back with 2 and some harrowing imagery" Riley added

Well, looks like things are coming up Bryce! "Don't worry, send me out there and I'll crush em'" I said, popping my neck.

"That's not up to us mate, all up to the man in charge. He decides who does what round here. If it were up to me, I'd definitely send you out there to fight it on your own" He laughed "But don't worry, he won't force you into labor if that's what you were thinking." Josh said, having finished his stew. I had too in the time we were talking, wasn't anything special to be honest.

I shrugged "Well, you know if he's ever gonna come out his office? Haven't seen em' all day." I asked, leaning against the table. "I'm starting to think he doesn't care about his newest recruit."

William barked a laugh, as he sat back down. "Well, he does most likely, but he's pretty focused with his projects. If he's quick, he might be out by midnight. It's needed though, we can't really complain."

Riley glanced over to William with a look of 'you serious?' painted all over his face. A MRVN walked up to our table and took our tray bringing them to the back to presumably have them washed as we spoke. The conversation continued on, straying a little further from the topic of incredibly dangerous creatures, to more mellow things. Most asked questions about me, mainly the Ark. I was happy to oblige, after all, who wouldn't want to hear the daring tale of Stephane and his Titan, stealing a world-ending device from the greedy clutches of the IMC? Nobody, that's who.

This lasted for maybe an hour or two, happily chatting alongside my new friends. In that time, I'd gotten to know a little more about them. Riley apparently used to be a Pilot for the IMC, till he left em' in the dust in favor for our message, William was an A-Wall Pilot, used to be a mercenary and a good one at that. Eventually, the Militia picked up on em and offered him a place down here. They told me a little about Aidan also, he lost his legs in a firefight with the IMC on Cibus, in an attempt to steal the oil reserve for the Militia in Black Water Canal. That led to him getting augmented, sooner or later, he decided to replace almost his entire body with mechanical parts, and he began training in Phase-Shifting. And apparently the captain was a ex-SRS Pilot, but age was catching up to him, so they brought him down here, they would've happily let him retire, but he still had some kick in him. At least, that's what they told me.

By the time we'd finished talking, maybe an hour had passed, and the sun was beginning it's descent over the horizon, maybe I was wrong, since y'know, we were situated in a thick rainforest, but the clock don't lie. And my brain was definitely telling me it was sleep sleepy night night time. The others felt the same effects, as Riley had left, William was getting drowsy, and Josh was downing a mug of coffee, with a dash of stim. Needless to say, he'd stay awake for a couple days straight.

I stretched out and stood from my seat. "Well lads, it's been nice, but I'm gonna go pass out now." I said, pointing to the door.

"Ah yeah go ahead mate. Nobody's stopping you." William replied as he rubbed his eyes.

And with that, I stumbled out the room, making a turn into the Sleeping Quarters. Aidan was presumably sleeping as he lay sprawled out on the bottom bunk. Riley was sound asleep, although laid straight, his arm covering his eye as he slept. I hobbled over towards the bunk-bed where I clasped the ladder, slowly climbing to the top. I pulled myself to the top with relative ease, I shuffled for a moment, getting comfortable atop the mattress, before I settled for a more relaxed posture.

I looked over the room for a moment, William had made his way inside, making his way to his bed where he got comfortable, slowing his breathing and closing his eyes. I sighed, then I closed my eyes, bathing my sight with a comforting dark. I slowly drifted away from the land of the conscious, soon finding myself in the dark void of my mind.

It was relaxing, perhaps I'd have a night where it was almost like a time-skip, no dreams or anything. I wouldn't complain if that was the case, not that I could since I was... y'know, asleep. But it turned otherwise, as my mind molded out something. A cloud of darkness, amongst it, two glowing red dots. It's breathing was heavy, and it's voice gravely. It didn't speak though, it just stared into my soul. I felt a shiver run down my ethereal spine as I looked into it's blood-red eyes. It drew a long breath and stabbed a clawed hand right into my chest, staring into my eyes as I felt a horrid seething burning pain, I writhed in pain, though unable to scream, I let out a pained whisper as I felt my body get turned to mulch.

It felt too long by the time I awoke in a cold sweat. It was midnight, judging from the fact that it was pitch-black. I felt about my chest in a panic, I was still intact somehow, but I was mostly confused to how I could feel a pain so horrible and vivid in a dream of all things. But I had a feeling, it looked almost identical to that thing I was described, body of dark, glowing red eye, black mist emanating from it's wretched surface. Maybe, this thing was much more dangerous than I'd once anticipated, especially how it just invaded my fucking dreams.

I got to tell this to the captain!... Or, I could deal with it myself... Yeah, Stephane ain't no bitch, and Stephane don't want no demotion. Please, who's gonna believe that the creature they'd been tracking for what could be many months just decided to pop by for a beer in my head, then absolutely ass fucked me for a good 5 minutes for no reason. Besides, what's a measly little shit cloud gonna do against like 50 tonnes of kick-ass? Nothing, that's what.

I felt about the top bunk, eventually grabbing hold of the ladder and climbing down as quietly as it'd let me. Dull creaks sounded out from it as I set my weight upon it, but quiet enough to hopefully not wake anyone from their sleep. Next thing I did, was walk to my footlocker, which was still open mind you. I reached inside, I felt about the locker till I felt the smooth surface of my helm. I pulled it out and I set it upon my head, it's HUD started up, and a soft glow emitted from the visor. In my off hand, I pulled the flashlight from it's place in the locker.

From there, I continued on out the door, trying to let it close as quietly as possible. It shut with a click, afterwards, I walked throughout the main hall towards the front door. Luckily the floor was made of concrete, so I didn't quite have to deal with squeaky floorboards, yet my footsteps were echoey. In only but a few moments I stood outside in the dark, moist rainforest. I switched on the flashlight with a click and I looked to my surrounding area. And just a short walk down the road was the hangar. Where my sweet baby boy was left all alone.

I pushed on through the dark, having left the barracks behind. I trudged on towards the hangar with flashlight in hand. I know I could've waited the night and told everybody later, or worse, woke them all from their sleep. But I'm sure they wouldn't really go crazy from a dream I had. Besides, I'm confident with mine and E-0001's capabilities right now, yeah it might be the second most dangerous threat I've faced, but I've faced worse, obviously.

And that leads us to now.

The sounds of insects chirping echoed all around me as I walked, water splashing up my legs as I trod on through the puddle that'd formed about. From a rainstorm I was lucky or unlucky to miss throughout my slumber. Eventually, I had made my way to the hangar gate, which they'd luckily left ajar just for me! Yeah, probably not. I peaked around the corner and shone my light into the hangar, it's beam illuminated the entire room and it showed me all the secrets the dark withheld from me.

All the Titans were deactivated, their data-cores dimmed and gray as they stood, slumped over. Although, E-0001 seemed to be wide awake, lights all over his body glowed with a soft cyan hue, mainly his visor, which hummed with a sort of energy as I looked to it. The gate would be much to loud for me to just open, right then and there, but it was open enough for me to squeeze through.

I grunted as I tried to fit my mass through the gap in the door, seemingly catching the Big Guy's attention as he looked over to me in my plight. "Hey there buddy" I whispered, as I wormed my way through. I was just about to make my way through, but unluckily for me, the phone that I'd stuffed into one of my ordinance pockets had gotten caught on the door.

"Welco-"

"Shhhhh. It's nice to see you too, but I ain't exactly meant to be out here. Keep it down." I muttered, eventually, I managed to pull myself through the gap, but not without immediately tripping over at the sudden change in momentum, leading me to drop my flashlight to the ground. It shattered immediately as it collided with the hard concrete ground, and it echoed off into the night. Yeah, that definitely woke someone up.

I winced as I reached down to the broken flashlight, the glass of it's lens spread out on the floor, and the bulb most definitely ruined. And with that came darkness, aside from E-0001, he was still lit up like a Christmas tree. "Oh... that's not good." I muttered.

I quickly rushed up to E-0001, looking back to the gate as I did so. "Look mate, you need to open up and let me in. Like, right fucking now." I spoke quickly, I could hear the Titans powering up, and in a few moments, they'd be up and about, and boom. Demoted to Rifleman.

He seemed to stammer slightly, before he grabbed onto my figure, shoving me into his cockpit. I was met with the 'sight' of my well-acquainted motion-capture gear which I slipped on as quickly as I could, from arms to legs to neck. I pressed a button on the palm of the gear, and with that, I could see everything as the Big Guy did, once more.

The Titans had already woke, and I could hear the faraway footsteps of my teammates. I immediately rushed to the door, sliding it away as it opened with the screech of grinding rusted metal. The people who'd come to see what was going on were William, Josh n' some other guy. All fully kitted, one of em' was specifically a stealth Pilot. Probably the captain.

I gave them a hearty thumbs up as I ran to the gate "I'm gonna go kill that fucker! You can count on me boss!" I said, my voice amplified by E-0001's speakers.

They called after me, shouting and waving their hands, but it hadn't affected me. The Titan's had also made chase, lumbering after me, while the only one that really caught up was the Ronin, it was almost at the same pace as me, but not fast enough.

"Pilot, where are we going? Orders from the Captain?" E-0001 asked as I ran off

"Yeah, you could say that I guess." I replied.

The Ronin was getting closer from what I could hear, but the moment I reached that gate, it'd be left in the dust, and I'd be back on my own. As I ran, it even resorted to shooting me! It's shot pattering against the plating of E-0001's back, not much damage had been done, as it ricocheted off E-0001's hull. But it probably dented it like crazy.

I neared the gate, and with that I fired up the Big Guy's thrusters, leaping with grace over the gate and scorching the top black. I landed on the other side, and I looked back to the Ronin, it was still firing at me, though it was smart enough to distance itself from the electrified gate. Being made of metal n' all that.

"Don't you worry little buddy, we'll be back in no time! But if you wanna join us in our endeavor, just give the Captain a ring and make him promise me that he'll not replace me with an MRVN when I get back." I said as I walked away into the overgrowth.

Now, I was out in the middle of the rainforest, trudging along in the mulch in look for a good challenge. Just me and my Titan, what could a man want more?

"Pilot Stephane. You have yet to answer my question." E-0001 said, as I wandered

"Hmm? Oh yeah... Look buddy, can you keep a secret?" I asked. Stopping momentarily.

"All information between Pilot and Titan is kept classified" The Big Guy replied, sounding out from all around me.

I sighed "Well look. I figured out the reason why we were sent down here. Apparently there's some sorta thing lurking about near here, stopping us from setting up a harvester. I dunno if they built basecamp over some sorta massive metal vein, but they want us to drive it into the ground." I said, "But here's the thing... It fuckin invaded my dreams, stabbed me in the chest and put me in excruciating pain. And I want revenge."

"...That appears difficult to comprehend. Explain to me the details of this fauna" E-0001 asked, his voice echoing through my head.

"Well, it's pitch black, shrouded in a cloak of black mist at all times, and it's got blood red eyes. Apparently it fuckin... eh, dematerializes everything."

E-0001 fell silent for a moment. "That... sounds familiar. I have data on that species."

"Really? Well, go on." I said, a bit intrigued.

"Incredibly dangerous, do not approach with aggression without many to assist." E-0001 replied.

"...Yeah, but I'm sure you and I can take it on, right?" I replied. A little surprised.

"No, it wouldn't be advised. From the information provided to me, it suggests that they most likely can and will leave us KIA." E-0001 said, a hint of disdainn in his tone.

I was about to reply, until we heard a foreign voice. It came from one of my pockets, probably my phone, I pulled it free from my vest and I was immediately met with yelling.

"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!" An unfamiliar voice sounded out. Probably the captain, well, I'm sure we can explain this.

"Captain? Ah, well, we figured we'd take care of your pest problems for you." I replied

"FUCKING PEST PROBLEMS?! STEPHANE, YOU WILL COME BACK TO BASE CAMP, RIGHT FUCKING NOW!" The captain yelled.

I sighed. "Well, just let me explain-"

But before I could explain, something exploded on E-0001's chassis. Sending us tumbling to the ground, the phone flew out of my hands and into the back of the cockpit. I looked up momentarily, expecting the Scorch to have sent the attack, but I was met with a much different sight. A pair of blood-red eyes staring at me from the dark.

"Hello... Plainswalker." It groaned.

And that is today's chapter finished! Hope you enjoyed it, and again I'm so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so very sorry for having abandoned this. One of my single most hated things is when I'm reading a good fic, and then I realise it hadn't been updated in like, a year. I promise, once more, not to abandon this. Granted, the chapter is slightly shorter than the others, but believe me. It took me two whole nights to write this. And with that, I bid you adue.

Please leave a review if you'd be so kind, tell me if I fucked up big time, or if I did good. I don't really mind it all that much, just send your thought my way, if you've got something to say.