Hello there RAVENS and LYNXES alike! And welcome back to the Fires of Victory: NIKKE!
I'm just as surprised to get another chapter out so quickly and I've got a lot of creative energy for this story after finishing chapter 18 of NIKKE. Now we are going to get started with the chapter as I will save my AN for down below.
Enjoy!
MAIN SYSTEM: ACTIVATING COMBAT MODE
ACT-2: Got a Job for you…Raven
Raven had woken up and found himself in an unfamiliar room, he sat up and found himself stripped of his flight vest and was only wearing the pants he wore when piloting his AC. He looked around the room and it was walled with concrete from floor to ceiling and he was alone, until…
"Raven, you're awake". Ayre said as she materialised next to his bedside. "You passed out on the ship on our way here".
"Where is here Ayre?" He asked her as she didn't answer his question as she then began to inspect him. "Ayre". He said as she continued. "Ayre". He said gently moving her hands away from him. "I'm fine…just needed some sleep and time to recover. I'm good as new really". He assure her making her sigh taking his word for it.
"We're at the RLF's Central Ice field Command centre. Carla took us here due to the recent activities in the Coral war". Ayre answered him.
"Say…where is Carla anyway?" He asked as Ayre had an awkward look on her face.
"Well…"
"…last time I checked do you have any experience with Coral augmentations? Specifically, Gen-4?" Carla's voice was heard from the other side of the door as she argued with someone just outside the room Ayre and Raven were in. "So, unless you want to lose your liberator to something as simple as a common cold you'll let me in!".
"And if memory serves me right you were set to burn Rubicon and scorch the stars once again". An elderly voice argued back against her as the mercenary recognised it as none other than Father Dolmayan.
"Both of you enough! Miss Carla I understand what you're trying to say but you just came over here, uninvited, and said you had Raven on your ship-," "And I did by the way". A third voice said as Carla interrupted him. "Yes you did, you must understand that we've just finished driving off Arquebus back and we're all over the place and reorganising our forces so forgive us if we're a little bit on edge if the leader of a Dozer faction comes in with the said Liberator and expects us to just take her word for it-," "Flatwell, cut her a break…if she can help Raven with his augmentations then who are we to stop her, unless you know someone who knows as much as her?" The voice now identified as Middle Flatwell was cut off by a very familiar voice to Raven. Said mercenary rolled his eyes.
"You know I can hear you guys right?" Raven called out to the people outside, making them go silent for the moment before the door opens. Raven looked at Ayre and shrugged his shoulders gesturing to the door making the Coral entity shake her head with a smile.
First one through is Carla who is finally relived to actually get in the room to see her favourite tourist again flanked by Middle Flatwell, who's appearance was that of a man in his forties with grey hair wearing an RLF uniform and glasses on his face.
Next him was Father Dolmayan who was much older than his fellow RLF commander as he appeared to be in his late fifties early sixties at least he wore a simple grey button up shirt while wearing combat pants and boots, yet When Raven and Ayre looked at him he had a faint red hue of Coral in his eyes that still had embers left in them.
And finally bringing up the rear made Raven happy knowing Ayre's intel paid off, because his good buddy Rusty was alive and well, cheating death for a second time. Though he didn't come out unscathed, he has his right arm in a sling and some Band-Aids on his face. Seeing Rusty in person, the former of the Vespers was wearing a dark blue jacket with his signature unmuzzled wolf emblem on the shoulders and had grey cargo pants with combat boots. His facial expression was smiling with his dirty blonde hair and facial hair with green eyes directed at Raven.
"Rusty!" Raven said with a smile as the said RLF pilot walked past the other three guests. Raven pushed himself off the bed as he strained his still recovering body as he brought Rusty in for a hug shocking the blue jacket AC pilot. "I thought I lost ya again man. You gave me a heart attack". He said as he felt an arm wrap around him as Rusty hugged him back.
"Heh, when I crash landed I was out cold, but the data you sent to the RLF helped them find me…I owe ya big time buddy" Rusty replied with a chuckle as he broke the hug. "And I gotta say, you're a lot younger than I'd thought you'd be, you look like you'd still be in boot camp or something". Raven smile as he then felt his legs begin to buckle as he then fell back on the bed. "You ok buddy?" Rusty said showing concern.
"Yea, I'm good just…still recovering". Raven replied.
"So how does it feel to get your ass kicked by a kid Dog boy?" Carla asked with a smirk as Rusty looked at her with a raised brow in an unamused way. "Don't worry I had a similar experience…don't feel bad". Said added keeping that smirk on her face. However, the sound of someone clearing their throat caused everyone to look directly at Flatwell.
"I apologise for cutting the reunion short". He said as he then looked towards Raven. "Raven, on behalf of the Rubicon Liberation Front, I just want to say thank you for everything you have done. It truly means a lot to us". He said offering his hand, and Raven took it and shook it.
"Like I said to Rusty, I had a little red angel on my shoulder guiding me through it all". The Liberator said with a small smile as Ayre returned the feeling back to him.
"You see them too don't you". Dolmayan said getting everyone's attention. "You see the voices, just as I once did…how much of our hymn have you heard?" The elder of the room said with a glare to the mercenary.
"Wait…you can see her? You can see Ayre?" Raven said straining his body again as he stood.
"Whoa, c'mon buddy don't push yourself too hard". Rusty said to him, but Raven put up a hand in assurance to his fellow war buddy.
"I'll ask again Father…" Raven said with fire in his eyes as he took a limped step towards the fellow dozer as the two of them glared into each other's souls, daring one to back down first, as everyone else watched, hoping nothing will happen between the two of them. One being the Father of the RLF and head of their ash covered slogans…the other, a the mercenary who tipped the scales in the RLF's Favor by saving the planet for two of the people he cared about. "…can you see Ayre?" The elderly dozer glared back, before closing his eyes.
"Not as well as I could before…but her aura is still very much present". He answered as he looked Raven in the eye again.
"Is it going to be a problem?" Raven said to Dolmayan as the air dropped a few degrees.
"Raven…" Ayre said as the said mercenary held a hand up saying he will handle it.
"Well? The last thing I want is to be in the bad graces of the RLF after everything I have done for this planet…I did it for her and Rusty". He said making the blue jacket pilot look at Raven. "So, unless you have a solid reason to put me in the dirt, you'll just have to tolerate me, that goes the same for me…don't push my buttons and I won't push yours…sound good?" Raven asked in a way that draws a line, don't start something that doesn't benefit anyone…and there won't be trouble. Dolmayan rumbled in his throat as he knew this mercenary with the name that is a symbol of resolve is a wild card in his eyes, especially with the voice of the Coral with him. Though he could tell that doing anything of what he had in mind will only be more trouble than it's worth he sighed.
"It is…agreeable…Raven". He answered as Raven nodded in respect as he sat back on the bed.
"Glad we can come to a compromise". He said as Flatwell and Rusty let go of a breath they didn't know they were holding.
"Well, with that settled and hopefully for good". Flatwell started getting everyone's attention. "Raven I must ask, who is Ayre? And why did Father say she was in here with us? I don't see anyone else". Raven then saw the data pad on the nightstand and turned it on and let the Coral entity do her thing.
"Dolmayan, Flatwell, Rusty…" He said to each RLF member as the data pad with red wavy lines was now showing on the screen. "Meet Ayre…the little red angel I've been alluding to".
"It's a pleasure to meet, and finally communicate with all of you". Ayre introduced herself as the members of the RLF gave Raven their full attention.
"Before you ask…no. She's not an AI, she's a part of the Coral like Dolmayan stated, let's just say he and I were the only ones to ever make contact with the Coral. She's been guiding me through everything that's been happening and well, I supported her in finding a way to have both Coral and humanity to coexist". Raven explained.
"Symbiosis…" Dolmayan muttered as he held his chin in thought.
"Incredible, I've heard from father about symbiosis but to see it in person". Flatwell said with intrigue.
"Well, it's nice to meet you to little angel on my buddy's shoulder". Rusty said with a smile, getting a little chuckle out of Ayre.
"Thank you Rusty…Raven was concerned when your signal disappeared, I made sure that I kept a promise to him that I'd find you". Ayre said as Rusty then connected the dots, now knowing that it was Ayre that had the RLF come running to his rescue when he got shot down.
"Looks like I owe both of you a favour now. Without you I'd probably wouldn't've made it. You are quite the angel Ayre, thanks". Rusty said with a smile. Raven looked at Ayre and she rubbed the back of her head with a small blush of embarrassment.
"She's currently bashful for the complement". Raven said with a smile making the Coral entity look anywhere but at Raven. "Though I have to ask". He said getting the attention form everyone in the room. "I'm guessing you all came in not just to see my health huh?"
"Yea…when you were out the RLF got a call from someone who was requesting you. Though they still haven't told me who it was from". Carla spoke up for the first time in a while.
"That is none of your concern-," "Last time I checked it is". Dolmayan said before the leader of RaD cut him off.
"Kiddo here was Walter's hound, and since his passing he requested him to be passed to me and looked after. So whatever business you have with him it involves having me in the conversation as well. So, in a nutshell, I'm his official replacement handler until further notice". Carla said getting defensive for Raven's sake which surprised both said merc and the Coral entity in his head. Flatwell sees the look in her eyes and sighs before speaking up.
"Very well, however we'll tell you once we get to the briefing room…that is if Raven I sable to still walk". He said looking gat the mercenary.
"Yea, I can move". He said standing.
"Not without help kiddo, you busted your leg permanently and right now you're still recovering. But you're looking a lot better than when we escaped the Xylem crashing". Carla said as she handed him something. "This should help you walk". She presented him with a cane to help him with his limp.
Raven took the cane and saw something carved on the handle.
W.N
"Is this-," "Yea…It's Walter's". Carla confirmed. Raven then held the cane right and made sure to hold onto the last thing of his handler. "Well, let's see who's calling shall we?" He said to everyone as the members of the RLF walked out with Rusty about to leave but told Dolmayan and Flatwell to go on ahead as he wanted to talk to Raven for a second. When Rusty looked at his war buddy he saw a look of…regret and guilt.
"You ok Buddy?" He asked as Carla looked at Raven as well with concern. Ayre was also concerned for her pilot as she placed her hands on his shoulders.
"I still have guilt about killing Walter but…I didn't want him to suffer from what Arquebus put him though". Raven answered. He felt a hand on his shaved head and looked to see Carla look at him with reassurance.
"You did the right thing for putting Walter to rest kiddo, if he was still breathing he'd only suffer for who knows how long". Carla assured him as Raven nodded in response, the three of them walked out of the room and began to make their way to the briefing room with Ayre walking in tandem with them unseen by all but Raven himself.
"Oh, by the way I almost forgot". Rusty said as he took something that was held between his sling and chest. Rusty had placed a black jacket over Raven and helped him with the sleeves, the mercenary looked on the shoulders as he saw an emblem of a Raven in flight with its wings spread. "So, what do ya think?" His war buddy smiled as he looked up at him.
"Thanks Rusty". Raven smiled as the traitorous Vesper smiled as he patted Raven's back as a friendly gesture all the while the three of them made their way to the briefing room, on the way there they were on a catwalk which overlooked the hanger for MTs and Acs being worked on. The Liberator also saw his AC NEPHALEM being tended to with care.
"Flatwell made sure to the crew working there to treat it with care considering the AC belongs to. NEPHALEM is good hands". Rusty assured, giving Raven some clarity knowing his AC that he worked hard on was being cared for. After walking some more, they passed several RLF members as they then saw who was walking with Rusty and were amazed seeing the one and only Liberator of Rubicon, and their comments on the mercenary didn't go unnoticed by the three of them.
"It's him!".
"No way, It's Raven!".
"He's a lot younger than I thought he would be".
"He's kinda cute".
Raven wasn't used to all these people complimenting him at once as he just tried to avoid their gases as he felt a little embarrassed. Though as they walked Ayre put a hand of Reassurance on his shoulder.
"No need to feel embarrassed Raven…they're just happy to see the one who saved their home". Ayre assured him as the mercenary nodded in response and continued to follow Rusty to their destination. When they reached it they were met with two guards armed with assault rifles as they gave the three of them passage inside, they walked in and were met with a waiting Flatwell and Dolmayan who were talking with the caller over the comms. Another person had come up and was not too much older than Raven.
"Raven, it's finally nice to meet you face to face". He said offering his hand. "I'm Arshile, RLF liaison". He introduced.
"Oh yea, finally nice to meet the face to match the voice". Raven replied as he shook his hand. "How long have those two been talking with the caller?" Raven asked to gesture to Dolmayan and Flatwell.
"I've done my best to stall them but when I was told that you were on your way I was relived, those two are just questioning them from the attack on the Dam complex a while back. Nice jacket by the way". Arshile said as Raven smiled back and nodded accepting the compliment. Arshile then looked behind him seeing as both leaders were finishing up. "Also, thank you for rescuing Ziyi…I owe you".
"Well considering what Raven has done, I think quite a few people owe him". Rusty added with a smile as he gave his buddy a friendly pat on the back.
"Well, you're not wring Rusty". Arshile chuckled. "Anyway, I won't take up anymore of your time, both of them are waiting. And good luck". He said as he stepped to the side letting the three of them through.
They walked up to where Flatwell and Dolmayan were and both leaders had acknowledged their presence. Letting the Caller see them perfectly as their faces were now present. One of them was a woman who had brown hair and tied it in a ponytail with green eyes, the second was an older man who had light brown hair and had blue eyes and appeared to be the oldest of the three callers present. The last one was another woman who had black hair which went past her shoulders and wore a lab coat which had some stains on it which appeared to be from motor oil or engine grease.
"Well, we finally see the one who's worthy of the name face to face". A very familiar voice came from the sole male caller. Raven took a step forward.
"King…never thought I'd be talking with the members of Branch again so soon". Raven said as Carla looked at him with wide eyes. "But I never thought you'd be so young". He added with a hand on his chin with interest.
"Wait, a second…you had a run in with Branch Kiddo?" Carla asked as Raven looked over his shoulder and nodded before resting his hands on Walter's cane before turning back.
"I can't believe we got our asses kicked by a Kid!" The woman with the ponytail exclaimed with shock and disbelief. The voice matched the Mercenary pilot of Umber OX, Chartreuse.
"And you beat them!?" Carla exclaimed again with eyes widening as Rusty and every other RLF member present looked at the mercenary's way.
"Yea…all three of us". Chartreuse said. "Though I was surprised that we're still kicking after the ass kicking you dished out to us". She said as she rubbed the back of her head.
"Not so bad for a Gen-4 huh Chartreus?" Raven smirked at her. "Guess I do belong in an AC after all". Chartreus knew he was never gonna let the new Raven let her live that one down.
"Ok, ok I'm man enough to know when I'm wrong, you busted up Umber OX pretty good to prove it". She replied giving in not wanting to embarrass herself even more. "By the way…why did your operator spare us?"
"I wanted her to". He said, getting Branch's attention. "I had no reason in killing you three, when you told me what the name Raven means…well, I felt like there was more to it than what you said over the comms". Raven answered.
"So, tell me 621-," "That's not who I am anymore". Raven interrupted their operator as he looked at all of Branch in the eyes. "It may be a title or a callsign…but that's the name I go by not C4-621, not one of Walter's Hounds…it's…Raven". The former hound said to them cementing his resolve on keeping it as his name.
"Shit kid, you got balls I'll give ya that". Chartreuse said as she seemed impressed.
"You've definitely shown you're worthy of the name Raven". King said with an amused smile on his face. "Though I guess you're wondering why we had called the RLF to seek an audience with us".
"That's one of the many questions I've had today when I woke up". Raven said.
"After you had defeated us we did some digging on you C4-6…Raven". Their operator corrected herself before continuing. "We found that you were born on earth itself a long time ago…and most of your past has been covered in black ink".
"You have my attention". Raven said squinting a little.
"We wanted to compensate you for sparing the lives of my pilots at the Dam complex. In addition, we also wanted to give you the means to go there and find out who the real 621 is". She stated saying his number on purpose, not to insult him but to add emphasis to her point of view.
"Well, who was it?" Raven asked.
"That would be me" a fourth voice entered the call as they were met with a man with pale skin, light blue eyes than King and shoulder length black hair. "So…you're the one who took my mercenary license and my name". He said with visible interest, which made the Liberator of Rubicon gasp slightly.
The pilot of Nightfall.
He's the original Raven.
"Buddy what's he talking about?" Rusty asked as all eyes were on him. 621 sighed as he figured he'd have this conversation at some point.
"When Walter and I arrived on Rubicon we were illegals…so we needed to find a mercenary licence to make our stay here on Rubicon". He explained. "And it doesn't take a genius to know who's license I took".
"I wouldn't be too guilty about it Buddy". Rusty said putting a hand on his shoulder. "Identity theft isn't the worst things you could do…granted it isn't the best but there are far worse things you could've done". He assured him.
"You sure?" Raven asked.
"Your friend is right". The Original license holder said. "Identity theft is miniscule compared to the things we have seen on other jobs…but I must say you've done quite a lot here on Rubicon".
"The name Raven is a symbol of resolve…" The Liberator said before looking at Branch as a whole. "…the will to choose what one fights for". He then directed his attention to their operator specifically. "Isn't that right?"
"Yes. That's right, and you have flown far on a Raven's wings". Their operator said with a nod. "However,…" She said getting the new Raven's attention. "How far are you willing to go?" Walter's former hound looked down before looking at Branch once again. "If it means finding our who I was before my augmentations…" He then smirked with confidence that can be backed up. "I'll fly beyond Rubicon's scorched skies, with my own wings of steel".
The original Raven gave an audible chuckle with a very satisfied smile on his face before he spoke.
"Fiona, you were right". He said addressing their operator's name. "He does remind me of the other Ravens".
"Other Ravens huh?" Ayre said to her pilot privately.
"Alright then kid". He said looking a fellow Raven in the eye. "If you want to find out who you are…then you're in luck. This job comes from me". He then heard Chartreuse clear her throat as Nightfall's pilot rolled his eyes and sighed. "From…Branch ourselves". He corrected satisfying Chartreuse. "If you want to get to earth, you're going to need a capable space craft, and I know here to find one". The screen then shifted all four Branch member's screens off to the right as the briefing began. "Arquebus still has a few holdouts left on Rubicon; however, we found a rather sizeable one at a spaceport where you first encountered the ICE WORM. They have some of their Warships ported there that are refuelling and repairing". The screen than showed a PCA heavy warship. "If you can deal with Arquebus and send them packing we can get our hands on a suitable transport for you to reach humanity's crown jewel".
"Ok then…though we alter the plan a little". The new Raven said. "We leave one Warship at the spaceport and take it, though we will need to keep it grounded long enough for Arquebus to be kicked out".
"Think you can pull it off?" King asked with a raised brow. "Arquebus is armed with PCA LCs and HCs as well as some of their Subject Guard MTs. It won't be an easy fight".
"King…I've beaten all of Branch's pilots, defeated Rusty under Watchpoint Alpha, Kicked Carla's ass and put down my brainwashed former handler and booted the corporations off the planet and live to tell the tale". He then looked at the oldest of Branch. "I say…bring it on".
"Well, I'm starting to like the new Raven already". Chartreuse said with a smirk as King seemed satisfied with said Raven's answer as he smiled.
"It seems everyone is on board". Fiona stated. "If this plan is going to go the way you want it. We'll divide into groups then". The mission layout then changed. "Chartreuse and King will disrupt the enemy's communications while our Raven will divert forces away from the Spaceport". She then looked at the young pilot. "That's when you will make your move. Do what you have to do to secure a ship from Arquebus. However, that's only half the plan once you get your ride off Rubicon". She said making him raise a brow in confusion. "The PCA has a quarantine zone around earth's outer sectors".
"You'll need to punch a hole for your ship to get through the quarantine zone. Luckily for you I have experience in that regard". Chartreuse said as a station had replaced the layout of the Rubicon battlefield. "You'll need to deal with the anti-ship cannons in a particular section of the quarantine zone, so you down get turned into space dust".
"We'll escort you to the station once you have secured your ride off Rubicon. Once you breach the Quarantine zone, you'll be on your own, the plan we have in regard to it only has a big enough window for one ship to go through". King added as they will be with them until they get through the PCA defences.
"Though there is something you should know". Nightfall's pilot said adding his piece as it then replaced the PCA's defences with earth itself from an image from an old satellite, the image was damaged but one could make out hat earth was very much green but had some brown areas on the land masses and still had oceans. "Earth has been abandoned, from what the reports from the PCA say, it was over industrialisation…though I very much doubt that. If that was the case we wouldn't be seeing the greenery form the image you see here…there's a reason why they put up the Quarantine zone, but any information on it has been lost or destroyed to keep it under lock and key". He then looked at his fellow Raven. "All I'm saying is that this is very much a one-way trip. Once you commit to it, you can't go back…last chance back out".
"You have the keys to my past dangling right in front of me". The former Hound said to them. "If this is a one-way trip…I'll take it". He said as he looked back at Rusty and Carla…and Ayre. "But you guys don't have to come along". He said to them.
"Kiddo, I promised you on the way here that I'd take care of you. So that's what I'm gonna do, so your stuck with me". Carla said to him with a smug smile on her face. Rusty then shook his head as he looked at the Raven he knew.
"You got a one in a million chance to go and find your past…not a lot of people get as lucky as you". He said before giving him his usual friendly smile. "Besides I still owe ya one. I got your back, just like how you had mine all this time…Buddy".
"You took on my hopes and my selfish dream and kept our potential safe. I want to see what future you choose…by reconciling with your past. You have my full support…Raven". Ayre said adding her support to both Rusty's and Carla's. Raven Smiled happily as he felt like he now could take on anything knowing that he had those he cared for right there beside him. He then turned back to Branch as a whole.
"Consider the job taken then". 621…Raven said to them with a fire in his eyes that is more than just smoke and mirrors.
"Glad to hear it". The original Raven said to him. "We'll be ready whenever you are, give us a call and we'll get the operation started. Just don't wait too long ok?" He said as the Liberator nodded in response. "See ya round…Raven". And just like that the connection was cut.
Raven then looked down before turning to Carla and Rusty.
"There's something I need to do before we commit to the mission". He said to them as both looked at him wondering what he had in mind. "I want to go to the Xylem's crash site…and retrieve Walter's AC". He said shocking them. "I want to make sure that his AC isn't used in the wrong hands, and I wonder if there was anything I could salvage form it, we'll need every edge we can get to break through both Arquebus and the PCA barrier protecting Earth".
"Really pulling out all the stops huh?" Carla pointed out as she then crossed her arms under her bust. "Though I think there's something else going on as well". She added.
"I want to give my former Handler a proper burial…and a final goodbye". Raven revealed as he looked down slightly. He then felt a hand on his shoulder as he looked up to see Rusty.
"Let's give old Walter a proper send off huh?" He smiled assuring his buddy that he'll help. Raven merely smiled back at him and nodded in response.
XYLEM CRASH SITE…
The once great Colony ship as it spanned miles along the coast as it had been claimed by both the sea and the land, a massive wreck being claimed by Rubicon's natural elements, the ship sprawled along the beach like a giant metallic beached whale as sections littered the coastline as giant metallic rock formations sprouting from the waves.
Raven, now back in NEPHALEM along with Carla's fully repaired FULL COURSE scour the Xylem's wreckage for Walter's AC.
"Do you guys have an idea on where Walter might be? From up here it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack". Rusty asked over the comms as he piloted the chopper.
"Walter was near the engines when the ship went down". Carla answered. "We search in that immediate area, and we'll find his AC, he's around here somewhere".
"It will at least give me closure when we find him, besides I don't trust the Dozer factions or other mercenaries to not find the AC and start using it or salvaging it". Raven added. "Ayre can you detect any Coral traces that would lead us to Walter?"
"I'm searching for anything related to Walter's AC but the Xylem's so large we might not get anything unless we're close enough to where he's buried under all this rubble". The Coral entity replied.
"That AC is basically an operable C-weapon. We'll find it, we just have to-," Carla was interrupted as a signal had appeared on both NEPHALEM's and FULL COURSE's HUDs. "Well, I spoke too soon. Hey, Red, is that who we're looking for?"
"One moment…Yes, it's Walter's AC, sending you the coordinates now". Ayre confirmed for them.
"Let's get to it then, Rusty you got that signal?" Raven asked his friend flying the chopper.
"I got it Buddy I'm heading over there now". Both NEPHALEM and FULL COURSE Over boost towards the signal. It had led them to the back of the Xylem and under the large Ramjet engines, they then made their way closer and as they were close enough, they saw a familiar red AC partially buried under rubble.
"Let me handle this Kiddo". Carla said as she moved her AC towards Walter's. FULL COURSE was only armed with the back missile launcher on its back to protect itself which left the arms free to pick up and carry the Coral AC back to the Chopper with them. Once the Armored Core was dug up Carla then grabbed the AC and began to drag it out of the rubble and onto the beach. "Considering that he practically fell form orbit, the AC looks like its in good condition. Any other parts that are damaged I can just repair them with the right tools and resources". RaD's leader pointed out as she inspected the red AC before them. She was right, Walter's AC was fixable and even the weapons had survived albeit damaged but not unrepairable. "Alright, let's get this on the chopper and head on back".
"You might want to make it fast Carla, I'm picking up an AC heading our way". Ayre said to them.
"Just perfect". Raven said. "Carla get Walter onto the chopper I'll deal with this". He said to her as FULL COURSE then began to drag the Coral AC to the nearby Chopper that Rusty had landed.
The AC then cam into view as it was a Mid-weight quadruped coloured violet, mustard yellow and black, armed with a HI: GU-A2 pulse gun in its right hand and a Scudder rifle in the left, for shoulder weapons it was armed with a ten-cell missile launcher on its left and the right shoulder was armed with a Vvc-700LD drone carrier. Its assembly was that of Arquebus head and legs with a recognisable Balam Melander C-3 core with its arms being an ALLMIND Model. The AC's pinkish-purple visor looked at NEPHALEM.
"You must be the Liberator of Rubicon, Raven". A male voice said over the comms. "Such a reputation, such notoriety such…Pride".
"And you are?" Raven asked back. "We're kinda busy with personal business here. So, I'm giving you a single chance to turn your AC around and leave".
"Oh, where are my manners?" The AC pilot said as his weapons activated. "My name is Pride…and it will be a pleasure to have the Liberator of Rubicon fall before me! Consider yourself honoured to be given the privilege!" PRIDE answered with glee and with a touch of an extravagant tone in his voice.
"Guess we're done talking". Raven said as he flipped a switch.
MAIN SYSTEM: ACTIVAITNG COMABT MODE
NEPHALEM then had its own weapons ready as he boosted away from the chopper and FULL COURSE making sure Carla and Rusty were safe from the fight as Pride's AC EXCELLENCE, followed suit with guns unloading in his direction. Raven then spun around and fired his Songbird into the quadruped getting some damage off all the while firing his rifle and split missile launcher into the enemy AC. However, the Missile missed EXCELLENCE and the violet-coloured AC fired the missile launcher it was armed with into the mercenary as Raven then began to use the rubble of the Xylem as cover from the missile barrage. Some of the missiles hit NEPHALEM's armor but not enough to put it into an ACS overload.
NEPHALEM went on the attack as it darted between the rubble of the crashed colony ship and peppered EXCELLENCE with its rifle, though PRIDE then activated the AC's attachment, Pulse armor and shrugged off any attack that Raven threw at it. But Raven didn't slow down, as he activated his Assault Armor and destroyed the protective barrier and prepped his Pile Bunker. When Pride went into an ACS Overload he was open.
"Gotcha!" Raven said with a smirk as his melee attack struck true as EXCELLENCE was damaged enough for Pride to use a repair kit.
"Raven I'm picking up another AC!" Ayre warned as NEPHALEM was back to using the Xylem wreckage as cover from Pride's pulse gun.
"Great now what?!" Raven groaned in annoyance. The other AC was familiar much to Raven's misfortune.
"Found you Freelancer! You thought I was done!? I told you this wasn't over!"
"AC: HEADBRINGER…. It's G5 Iguazu!". Ayre gasped as the last time they saw the hothead rebel of the REDGUNS was in sub-level 2 of Watchpoint APLHA. Iguazu's AC HEADBRINGER was modified outside the traditional Balam AC, his arms were swapped out to be replaced with ALLMIND components as his shield was now replaced with a laser orbit drone while still retaining the four-cell missile launcher on the opposing shoulder, his AC was also carrying a Curtis Linear rifle in the right hand and supported a Ludlow machinegun in the opposing hand. HEADBRINGER then landed in the middle of Pride and Raven's fight not caring if he was interrupting.
"Oh? A Balam straggler? I thought all you corporate dogs were all gone". Pride said wondering why Iguazu was here.
"I'M NOBOY'S DOG!" Iguazu roared back in anger. "Out of my way, my score is with the Freelancer. Move or I'll run you down with him!" Iguazu snapped as Pride looked between the two other AC pilots.
"Very well…he's all yours…as you were gentlemen". Pride said saying his farewell as EXCELLENCE then left the combat zone leaving both NEPHALEM and HEADBRINGER to stare each other down.
"We're finally alone…I told you this wasn't over until you're dead Freelancer". Iguazu said as his AC was now in combat mode. Raven rolled his eyes and opened a comm channel.
"For crying out loud Iguazu can't you take a hint!?" Raven said throwing Iguazu for a loop. "You're just so petty that I beat you during the Dam raid that I was the only thing on your mind! Just take a hike! I got no business with you!" Raven shouted at G5 reloading his weapons.
[Now Playing-Nightmare-From Ashes to new-Blackout (Deluxe)
"No, you don't get to run away from this Merc! I'm killing you right here! Right now!" Iguazu then over boosted towards Raven as the mercenary then began to dash out of the way and return fire with his own weapons. "You always had it so easy. So much that you're praised as a hero to the locals…the old GEN who could do it all". Iguazu said with seething anger as he pressed his assault on Raven unloading everything he has into the Mercenary. "Tell me Freelancer…WHAT MAKES YOU SO SPECIAL!?"
"God your just as bad as Snail was when he ran his mouth Iguazu!" Raven shot back as his split missile hit HEADBRINGER square in the chest as it was followed up by a Songbird blast making Iguazu use his first repair kit. "You're only mad because of your bruised ego! You left Volta to die at the wall when you went AWOL! Yet you blame me for the shit that you do!" Raven then boosted towards HEADBRINGER and kicked the Balam AC, Iguazu then recovered and fired a charged shot form his linear rifle and struck NEPHALEM giving the final member of the REDGUNS an opening to boost towards the merc and deliver a kick of his own, forcing Raven to use a repair kit.
TWO REPAIR KITS REMAINING.
"Shut your mouth Freelancer! You think your so hot shit-," "I don't! I really don't! I don't care what you think Iguazu! The only one with a problem is you!" Raven cut G5 off as he fire a blast from his Songbird and hitting him with a light Pile Bunker attack making Iguazu use a second repair kit. "You can't handle the fact that there will be someone better than you! You always stalk all the shit you can do but you fail to back it up!"
"I SAID SHUT UP!" Iguazu roared back as he bum rushed the Mercenary recklessly and fired everything into Raven as he put the merc in ACS overload and dealing damage to the Liberator's AC. "Argh, the ringing…not now! Not now!" Iguazu said in pain as Raven then managed to recover enough to use an Assault armor charge and trap Iguazu in the blast to give him some breathing room.
ONE REPAIR KIT REMAINING.
Raven then returned fire with his rifle and missile launcher getting hits on Iguazu forcing the last REDGUN to use his last repair kit.
"I know how this goes". Iguazu said as he fired back at the mercenary was boosting away to avoid getting hit. "This is where that grit of yours kicks in". As Iguazu then rushed at Raven again the Merc was quick on the draw as he fired his Songbird into HEADBRINGER and put it into an ACS overload.
"I'm ending this Iguazu". Raven said as NEPHALEM's visor snapped forward into place. "Say hello to the REDGUNS for me!" Raven then ceased firing as both ACs boosted towards each other in a Game of chicken. Neither backed off as they were fully committed…but Iguazu flinched. Raven popped another Assault Armor catching the last REDGUN in the blast as it was stunned and unable to defend himself. Raven struck HEADBRIGER with a fully charged attack from his Pile Bunker sending Iguazu's AC into overload and flying into the nearby Rock wall.
"I always…envied you…" Iguazu's dying voice said as his AC was about to detonate. "The Freelancer…who had it all…" HEADBRINGER Then exploded, ending the last of the Balam REDGUNS.
[End track]
"Confirmed…G5 Iguazu…eliminated…he won't be bothering us anymore". Ayre stated as Raven began to catch his breath.
"He was so blind, I started with nothing, and he said I had it all…I had to earn everything I have now". Raven said as he then looked at HEADBRINGER. Raven Sighed before getting on the comms. "Carla, Rusty, how's things on your end? I dealt with Iguazu. But Pride left the AO".
"Walter's AC is on board Buddy. Waiting on you". Rusty replied.
"The Chopper's not gonna be able to fit everything on here. Kiddo looks like your flying solo on the way back". Carla said as the chopper is full and won't fit Raven's AC.
"Actually…while you were fighting off Iguazu. I detected something on the Xylem that we can use…shall we take a look Raven?" Ayre suggested.
"Well, if you're going to do that make it quick…a Coral storm is coming and trust me you don't wanna be here when it hits". Rusty stated as NEPHALEM looked out to the sea and saw cloud with red lightening crackling in the distance. The chopper then began to take off. "See you back home buddy. You too Ayre, keep him safe". And with that the Chopper has exited the combat zone.
"Now…let's see what you found shall we?" Raven asked as he Over boosted towards Ayre's waypoint.
After reaching the control tower of the Xylem which was still standing which surprised the mercenary as they reached the nav point. Both Raven and Ayre scanned the area and didn't seem to find anything out of the ordinary the last time they were here when the Xylem was still standing.
"Ayre I'm not seeing anything…what about you?" Raven asked.
"…" Ayre was silent as she scanned the area once more. "Ayre?" "Oh…sorry Raven. I had to double check, and I found the nav point data and where it led to". She said as she then sent him a nav point of her own. NEPHALEM then walked up to a generator near the tower and activated it. As Raven turned around, the floor near him began to open and something began to rise form the ground, as the object came into view, it revealed an AC developed by the Rubicon Research Institute painted white with some of the AC being coloured a faint pink as well armed with Coral variations of existing weapons.
"An AC? That's what we found?" Raven asked with a raised brow.
"This AC is something of a prototype that ALLMIND was testing, for some reason". Ayre answered as it was kneeling, Raven stepped towards the AC getting a better look at it. "If this AC uses Coral technology, then I should be able to effectively "pilot" it myself". Ayre pointed out that made Raven widen his eyes in surprise. "If it's not too much trouble…I would like to take this back with us".
"So, you can fight by my side? Why would I say no?" Raven smiled. "Hop on in, Ayre. And you better hurry up, I'd say we got ten minutes before the Coral storm hits". Ayre smiled and wasted no time powering up the AC. The Institute AC then began to stand as a friendly IFF came up on Raven's HUD.
AC Name-ECHO
PILOT-AYRE
"So, how does it feel to be in the driver seat?" Raven asked her.
"It feels…incredible. Now I understand why humanity pilots Armored Cores. Humanity assumed it's current form to fight itself. To choose from Infinite selections". She the turned ECHO to face NEPHALEM. "That is the essence of the human race…and the key to biological evolution…".
"Uh I'm not sure about that last one". Raven said scratching his head in confusion.
"Well, I can see why you'd think that". Ayre smiled as she let Raven feel what she was feeling, all the while piloting an AC of her own. Both Acs looked at the red storm clouds as red lightening cracked in the sky. "We better get going".
"Yea, I'm gonna take Rusty's word on Coral storms". Raven replied as he then looked at ECHO. "Race ya back!" Raven smirked cheekily as he kicked in the over boost and rocketed away from the Xylem.
"Hey! No fair I wasn't ready!" Ayre cried back using ECHO's over boost to chase after NEPHALEM leaving a Coral red trail wherever she went, all the while both Pilot and Coral entity were both happy to have this rare chance, and moment to themselves.
There we have it folks!
Walter's AC is recovered, dealt with an unknown AC pilot and finished off Iguazu, all the while getting Ayre's AC ECHO as well!
Now I kinda figured ECHO was held on the Xylem, considering how close it was to the final boss arena in the Alea Lacta Est route of the game and I needed a way to get Ayre her AC somehow. With all that out of that out of the way next chapter is the attack on the Spaceport and stealing a PCA warship to take to earth and then when we reach said planet...we can then finally include the world of NIKKE, just hold out for a chapter or two...we'll get there.
Also don't think this is the last we've seen of Pride...I have developed his AC in the game as well as several others for this story alone. ;)
So I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and be sure to let me know your thoughts and opinions in the review section...a bit of feedback can go along way.
So until then, I'll catch a in the next one!
Cronus Prime Out!