Fiction:The Second Breach Conflict

'''This page covers the second opening of the Breach of Tartarus on Worldship Leviathan. Coinciding with the second year of the Great Mirusian Conflicts.'''

Is Anything Safe?
Large portions of three of the great sectors of Matrukoris lay in ruins after the recent Manifested and Warrior Hunter battle. Work crews had already descended on the scene to clear out rubble and rescue survivors, or simply number the dead. A reporter surveying the scene turned to her cameraman and began her report.


 * Report - As you can all see, the damage caused by the recent battle is immense. The cause is a nest of Manifested eggs discovered by a work crew, which then hatched, devoured the workers, and proceeded to head to the surface in search of more food. However, the swarm was successfully neutralized by the Project Warrior-Hunter. But at what cost? The Warrior-Hunters, with their vast size and powerful weapons, may actually have caused most of the damage. Also, it was recently leaked to the public that the Warrior Hunter 2C Brynhilder is in fact a Silpelit bound inside Chaser Hunter armor. While an effective weapon, can we really trust the containment of a Silpelit, especially when it is controlled by...

Ibari growled and sent a signal to the nano machine in her eye to change channels. After flipping through a few, it became very apparent that there was absolutely nothing worth watching on.


 * Ibari - Arg, I'm bored! There I nothing on! Matrukoris TV is such crap!

Kryunn looked down from the top bunk at his spazing roommate.


 * Kryunn - Well, what do you expect? Its supposed the be the "Network For Everyone", so of course it is going to appeal to the lowest common denominator, and that means tasteless crap. Besides, there are plenty of other Networks you could access, the Waptoria ones tend to have some interesting nature documentaries.
 * Ibari - Nature documentaries? Really? Besides, I'm not Sub-Viceroy and Hunter Pilots only get paid minimum wage since the rest of the funding goes to maintenance and construction. The others are to expensive and Matrukoris TV is free.
 * Kryunn - Well, Waptoria networks are free. Them being communistic, post-money and all.
 * Ibari - I said I'm not in the mood to watch Waptoria channels!
 * Kryunn - In that case, I suppose I could share my connection the Media Hub with you.
 * Ibari - Really!?
 * Kryunn - Sure.

The two took awhile to hook up the Media Hub connection to Ibari's nano machine and soon the two where watching the typical over the top, very bloody action movie that the Vanara Empire's Media Hub was famous for. However they were interrupted by a knock at the door.


 * Ibari - Someone is at the door.
 * Kryunn - Yeah.
 * Ibari - Well ya gonna go get it.
 * Kryunn - You're on the bottom bunk.
 * Ibari - Yeah, but I don't feel like moving.
 * Kryunn - Ugh, fine.

Hopping down from the top, he went over and opened the door, revealing the massive Ustmen pilot Ragnar.


 * Kryunn - Ah, Ragnar. To what do we owe the pleasure?
 * Ibari - Mentor!
 * Ragnar - Later. Do you have anything to drink? Something strong?
 * Kryunn - There is some Vanarine Rum in the fridge.
 * Ragnar - Hah, the strongest of the strong! Well, I asked for it.

Waking over to the mini-fridge, he took out a can, downed it in one gulp, and grimaced.


 * Ragnar - Meetings are such shit.

Ibari and Kryunn both looked at each other with eyebrows raised as Ragnar wiped his mouth before speaking.


 * Ragnar - Alright, so as to why I'm here, the Breach of Tartarus has opened again.

Ibari's eyes widened as see looked at Kryunnn who snarled in response. The Breach of Tartartus was a rift to the Abyss which had been opened by Ada in order to allow Zarbanian Warrior-Beasts to invade Worlship Leviathan during the Return of THEM.


 * Kryunn - What's the news?
 * Ragnar - No Warrior Beasts have come through yet, but it is only a matter of time. However, massive Phazite crystals have entered and begun to cause sever environmental damage. We are unaware how they got there. Last time we checked, there was no Phrazite in the Abyss, and Ada was far more likely to have it grown there than the Dark One, who rules there now. That only makes the situation stranger, and more worrisome.
 * Ibari - *Grins* You think "the mighty Dark lord" got himself in some trouble?
 * Ragnar - Don't count on it. He is far too smart to let such a thing catch him off-guard. More likely is that he's emptying his trash can on us, so to peak, just to screw us over hard. Anyways, as a result of the Phazite crystal appearing on Leviathan, you two and more then a few others, including me, are being scrambled for defense and investigation.
 * Kryunn - And what about Matrukoris?
 * Ragnar - Matrukoris is already well defended without us. Want to know the current public opion on us after this mess? Well, here you go: the least Hunters around here, the better. At the same time they ask for more Olympians and Vahallans to be stationed here.
 * Ibari - And no Vanara will mind extra giant things stomping around, we were creating such things before this project was even conceived.
 * Ragnar - Indeed. You have a hour to get ready.

Standing up he said his quick goodbyes and quickly left. As they were getting packed, Ibari looked over to see the deep frown on Kryunn's face. Turning back to her things, she thought to herself.


 * Ibari - Don't worry Kryunn, we'll do our best to keep any more people from getting hurt like you were.

Kando sat in the Thunder Barracks on Matrukoris, watching as Jet Blazer was being prepped for transport. A lot had happened. Despite his best attempts, he had failed the city. Kando looked over at the machine, then suddenly cringed as he heard a scream in his head. Snarling, he took another drink from his bear, shaking his head as he sat back.


 * Kando - *Whispers* Get out of my head, Goddess above, please.

He rubbed his forehead as he stood, growling in annoyance. He strapped on his claymore to his hip, and was about to head off to get another drink for himself, when he heard someone clear their throat behind him. Jumping slightly, Kando turned to see his one of his oldest friends.


 * Kando - Kenvash, how goes it?
 * Kenvash - Good to see you, friend. Things are going well.
 * Kando - So, what are you doing here?
 * Kenvash - After the Manifested attack, I was transferred here. But it looks like my stay won't be for long.
 * Kando - How come?
 * Kenvash - The Breach of Tartarus has reopened. We're moving out to launch-ready status in Leviathan.
 * Kando - *tenses* Just us?
 * Kenvash - I've heard some names passed about. Most heard, was Goraoh. And Thamnulain.
 * Kando - *Snarls* You can't be serious? I thought they had Goraoh locked up for hitting a superior officer. And Thamnulain? That freedom-fighter nearly went rogue a couple of times. Could do so again.

Kenvash motioned for Kando to follow him, as the 2 walked to the lunch room.


 * Kenvash - Alliance is getting desperate. They want Goraoh and Thamnulain back in action. They keep beating up the other inmates. And each other. Badly.
 * Kando - Well, better then having them collect dust. So anything happen in your drop missions? Did you find the One Eye yet?
 * Kenvash - *Clenches his fist* No. That beast has not been sealed by my fist yet.
 * Kando - He's a pretty durable motherfucker, you sure your "fists" along can "seal" him.
 * Kenvash - Only I can.

As the two came to the lunch room, Kando pointed towards an empty seat in the cafeteria.


 * Kando - Come, I'll grab us some beer, and we can talk about old times, and anything we missed, get on a brighter note.
 * Kenvash - Please, I'll just take coffee. My body is a temple.
 * Kando - A temple that is of Mendel descendent. Come now, one won't hurt.
 * Kenvash - No, but the "one more's" following it will.

Kando chuckled, before going off to grab his favored brand, as Kenvash sat down, weaving his fingers in front of his face. Good old times indeed.

Gatal sat down and let out a loud sigh. How had it come to this again? Oh, yes. His warrior-Hunter had taken over for him. Again. And he had allowed it. Again. There was a pattern there. Always the same, always leading to destruction. He would never be able to pay off the debts of all the ravage he caused. Money was stupid. At least Brenzo agreed with him on that matter. And the whole Waptoria. But Kaldolom wasn't really helping.


 * Kaldolom - Spode be blessed that your flame cannons didn't cause any to go and meet the Him face-to-face, the great God, Holy Creator of All!
 * Gatal - Oh, c'mon! Please stop. This is getting old. How many ties have you said this to me again? Hundred?
 * Kaldolom - You are never even trying to change, won't you? It's always the same thing with you, unbeliever. You will never learn.
 * Gatal - I said shut up!
 * Brenzo - That seems to be the best option here.
 * Kaldolom - Very well. I shall reteat to my room for my hourly prayer.

He stood up and left, closing the door behind him.


 * Gatal - Great inmate. Just, great. Absolutely great. I hate him!
 * Brenzo - Why? All I see if that you two just pick at each other for whatever reason, if for any reason at all. All the time, I need to seperate you two. It gets quite boring at times.
 * Gatal - Pft. Tell me about it. In any case, the Barrack Princeps here would surely be wiser than to put an overzealous Targarous in the same cage as an heterical, excommunicated, faithless Cogneilli. But nooo! For whatever reason...
 * Brenzo - Perhaps it's pure coïncidence?
 * Gatal - Things are never coïncidence.
 * Kaldolom - And neither there is doubt, only various degrees of guilt.
 * Gatal - Ah crap! Back from your prayer already!?
 * Kaldolom - For that matter, yes. And during my prayer, I've been contacted.
 * Gatal - *Sarcastic* Oh, did your non-existing god give you a vision? Because in my case, he never did!
 * Kaldolom - Sincence, faithless! You have no right to make such aquisitions! You abadonned my god...your god! You insulted the mighty Spode!
 * Gatal - *Suddenly alert* Then, did someone rudely interrupt your prayer? Are we summonned to the Thunder Barracks?
 * Kaldolom - My prayer was not rudely interrupted. Another believer joined me across space and time. The message came from Worldship Leviathan.
 * Gatol - Too bad your prayer wasn't cut short...oh, wait. From where on Worldship Leviathan? The Thunder Barracks there?
 * Kaldolom - Exactly.
 * Brenzo - What did he have to say? Or she?
 * Kaldolom - He. See for yourself.

He open up the palm of his hand, revealing a small holo-projector. From it came the hologram of an extremly aged San-Yuun.


 * Futes-Chauru - Greetings, younglings. I am Futes-Chauru, communications officer of the Thunder-Barracks on Worldship Leviathan.
 * Gatal - I don't buy it. Why would a San-Yuun be on a Vanara Worldship?

It got Gatal angry looks from both Kaldolom and Brenzo. From Kaldolom because he has insulted a race of Spodist high priests, from Brenzo because he had acted so disrespectful.


 * Futes-Chauru - *As if no insult was made* My destiny lies there. When I was younger, I myself did not believe it either when my visions first showed me. But there I am. And there, you will be. Two of you, at least. The third will stay here...for now.
 * Gatal - What for? I don't get it!
 * Futes-Chauru - Matrukoris must not be undermanned.
 * Gatal - Oh.
 * Futes-Chauru - *Continues as if Gatal had not interrupted him* And the Breach of Tartarus has opened up again.
 * Brenzo - The gate to the Abyssal With all due respect, sir, but the Breach must be closed!
 * Futes-Chauru - *Continues as if Brenzo had not interrupted him* That is why I a am asking for two of you to come to Leviathan. So the Breach may be closed.
 * Gatal - And who else com-

He did not finish his sentence, for the holo-projector had already switched off.


 * Gatal - Hmm...I could've sworn that message was not pre-recorded. Yet it looked like it was. That only means one thing: That guy behaves suspiciously.
 * Brenzo - No surpise here. You find that everyone behaves suspiciously, Gartol Gatal.
 * Kaldolom - *Moves with his fingers over the edge of his pointy beard* Now, to the true matter: Which of us shall go? Brenzo, which of us will you take-

At that moment, the holo-projector switched on again.


 * Futes-Chauru - The ones that will come are Kaldolom Spodeblessed and Gartol Gatal. That is all for now. You will be expected here on three days.

With that, the holo-projector switched off one final time.


 * Gatal - I really start to wonder if the UAE puts pilots with opposite personalities together for a reason? To form a bond, perhaps?
 * Kaldolom - In any case, it doesn't really work.
 * Gatal - It's a conspiracy! And shut! Up!
 * Kaldolom - Just get packing.
 * Brenzo - You two better do that. Am I needed here any further?
 * Kaldolom - I do not think so.
 * Gatal - Nope.
 * Brenzo - Good to see you agree at least on one thing. Well, then, I shall be off.

Brenzo respectully walked out, silently closed the door behind him. Moments after he did so, he could hear Gatol starting to argue with Kaldolom again. Though his horns really itched to intervene, he had said to go home. And a promise was a promise. Going in to stop the dispute was dishonorable because it would break his promise. Going off was honorable because he would honor his promise. Thus, Brenzo co Shan went off.

Transportation
Ibari walked out it the blowing wind as she saw Brynhilder being loaded on to the Carrier Veris that was to transport them to Worldship Leviathan. The Accel Gate to Leviathan had been shut off in a state of quarantine and the Worldship had isolated itself. The gateway would only be open for a little while longer so the schedule was rather tight.


 * ??? - Hey.

Ibari turned to see Serenity waking up beside her, fully equipped.


 * Ibari - Hey, you sure don't like taking that stuff off.
 * Serenity - Well dad's spirit is in this equipment. That's how we Aranthrone build things, sacrifice our own essence to make weapons.
 * Ibari - Hmmm.
 * Serenity - Impressive, isn't she?
 * Ibari - Who?
 * Serenity - Your Hunter.
 * Ibari - Oh yeah, she is.
 * Gatal - And scary.
 * Serenity - Watch it!
 * Gatal - Hey! What was that for...oh.

Gatal saw Ibari scowling at that comment, everyone knew that Ibari loved her hunter and having it treated like a monster angered her. Gatal had once asked Kryunn about it, the Vanara had simply told him to look up the name Akanri in the data records. He had and wished he hadn't. Even though much of what had happened had been covered up, that which had not...could curl the blood. Heavy footsteps approached and the three looked to see Kando, Kenvash, and Ragnar approaching.


 * Kando - Alright, rookies, load up. It's time to get moving.
 * Ragnar - Yeah, we don't have time to waste, so get your rear ends forwards.
 * Ibari - Aye, mentor!

Gatal scratched his head in wonder. Even when Ragnar acted completely rude, Ibari still called him mentor. But there was nothing to be done, Ibari was already on the move to the Veris. Following her on board, they saw Kryunn and Armus sitting at a table with Kaldolom who was arguing with them about Spode. Well, Kaldolom was arguing while Armus just sat there, looking confused, and Kryunn face palmed.


 * Ibari - Whoa..! Catch that scent!
 * Gatal - What scent?
 * Ibari - Hypocrisy. The Spodist Inquisition is here.
 * Kadolom - Could you please lower your voice, hetetic? I am trying to explain the true faith here.
 * Ibari - Better a heretic than a hypocrite.
 * Gatal - Heretic!? You have just met her, and you hate her too?
 * Kaldolom - I not not. Heretic can be quite the neutral term. Just like unbeliever, if you like that better. Heretic.
 * Ibari - Eh, can you please leave my friends alone?
 * Kaldolom - If you ask it. But know I do His holy work, as should we all! Has your god been proven?
 * Ibari - My god is a mother fucking dragon...
 * Kryunn - Seriously, guys cut it out, I got enough of a head as as is.
 * Armus - Yeah, I'm still confused...
 * Gatal - That's probably a good thing.

Kenvash watched the entire exchange with his usual stoic glare, as he and Kando sat down.


 * Kenvash - *whispers* What I would not give to silence that zealot.
 * Kando - Careful, brother, we don't want blood and guts everywhere.
 * Kenvash - As long as he does not insult my beliefs, I will have no trouble with him.
 * Kando - That's the spirit! Always thinking positive, you are.

Just then a voice was broadcasted in from the PA system.


 * Captain - Alright pilots, strap yourselves in, atmospheric exit is going to be bumpy.

The pilots began to strap themselves down as the ships propulsion systems kicked in and the thing lifted off. Sure enough the ship shook like it was going to come apart. But eventually it stopped shaking as the ship entered into the vacuum of space. Just then the walls of the ship seemed to vanish as images of what was around them. All looked down in wonder at Matrukoris sprawled out below them. The ship began to crawl along to the Accel Gate that the Vanara had built around Matrukoris, as the ship approached they could see the barley visible distortion of the space inside the gate, suggesting what lay behind it. Accelerating the ship broke through the gate and was immersed in a tunnel of swirling colors and light, that spiraled along and through that vast, seemingly endless grey mass of Accel Space.


 * Ibari - Well as of now, we both exist and do not exist to the outside world.
 * Kaldolom - This is not the afterlife. Too bleak.
 * Kryunn - Aye, we have become an imaginary number.
 * Gatal - The Researcher comfirmed!
 * Armus - I don't understand.
 * Ibari - Yeah, neither do I. About both things.
 * Kryunn - Ditto. Closed Space doesn't give up it's secrets easily.
 * Serenity - Well, at least it looks pretty.

Eventually the trip came to it's end as they exited Closed Space via the Leviathan Accel Gate, all was dark as the biomechanical restraints held them in place. All waited impatiently as until the necessary checks were done and the ship was released into the vast skies over looking the deep ammonia seas of Leviathan. The ship's engines kicked in as it carried them to a bleak looking island with several imprisoned Kaiju wandering around. Coming in for a landing more biomechanical restraints reached out, grabbed the Veris, and locked it into place. They had arrived.

Arrival at Leviathan
Chiro watched the Veris lock into the platform and sighed, leaning on his cane. All around him work crews were shuffling to get everything set up for the new arrivals, those not of Vanara kind had to wear cold weather gear and gloves to keep from freezing, even those used to artic climates were at least lightly bundled up. The Vanara on the other hand just ran around like it was the middle of summer, which it was, ammonia seas were much colder than those of water.


 * ??? - So it is as I predicted.

Chiro looked to see Futes-Chauru beside him. Chiro gritted his teeth.


 * Chiro - Would you stop with the whole oracle thing, we had strange seismic and graviton reading before you made the prediction. You know I don't believe that the future can be predicted.
 * Futes-Chauru - *Grins* Well, this arrival bound to pass anyways, because I messaged them. The future can be rewritten, by the actions of any men and women. It can be predicted, if you shape it they way you want to be. All it takes is courage and willpower, virtues any pilot here will need.
 * Chiro - It's not that I don't thrust your skills at probability analysis and calculation. I just don't believe you're an oracle.
 * Futes-Chauru - Well, in any case, ask this question. What is an oracle? Is it simply someone who is able to predict the future? Or something more? And predicting the future, what is that? Is it paranatural, if something more at all? Or does it just require a clear mind?
 * Chiro - I hope it takes the latter. Now if you don't mind, I have some old friends to visit.
 * Futes-Chauru - Most exellent.

Ibari stepped out onto the platform and inhaled deeply.


 * Ibari - Aww man, its so warm, I could be wearing swim wear.
 * Gatal - Swimwear? But it's...cold.

Ibari looked to see him coming up behind her, shivering quita a bit.

Armus looked around curiously, and while bundled, he didn't seem to mind.
 * Kryunn - Well when this is you native environment, plus it's the middle of summer.
 * Gatal - Sacred Sancuatry has a really cold places at it's center, named the Frozen Garden. It's the place within the Crystal Dome, y'know, were San-Yuun Seers ascetics endure it all day during meditation. Appearently it helps them focus on clearing their minds. I dunno what to think about it.
 * Kaldolom - It helps.
 * Gatal - You ever visited?
 * Kaldolom - No. But I thrust in the wisdom of the Sages that it does.
 * Gatal - ...Haven't really visisted the station in a really long time, mind you, and pretty much avoided the Matrukorian Sector of Ice, so...Yeah, I've gotten pretty disused to this.
 * Kaldomom - Can you stop talking? Like you do during hunting, yelling out random lines? I like that better.
 * Gatal - Well, it's cold...And yet it's tropical here...curious...


 * Armus - It's not horrible, but still cold.
 * Serenity - Eh. Cold doesn't get to me much. Must be part of being part shadow.

Ibari glanced around more and saw one hooded and bound figure being walked out of the Veris. Next to the figure was another one, a hooded pilot who was somebhow bound to his mecha, which was chained to the Veris with heavy chains, even though it struggled to break free, and the pilot let out a contsant stream of curses.


 * Ibari - Kryunn, look over there!
 * Kryunn - Huh, oh. I heard two people who had been locked up had been sent over, I guess that's them.

The two were stopped by the guards who took out two pinkish-orange seastar-like creatures with four main arms and dozens of smaller tentacles comes off each arm. They then placed them on each prisoner's chest, where they stayed. It was a Cruxsulex, a biomechanical creature placed on prisoners, limited what actions they could take by fusing to their nervous system.


 * Gatal - Hmm...Intriguing...
 * Ibari - It's Vanara tech, you dumbass! You bet it's intresting. Now let's find this Barrack Princeps!

Chiro walked up to where Kando, Ragnar, and Kenvash. Ragnar was the first notice him.


 * Ragnar - Hey there, gimpy. How's the cane treating you?
 * Chiro - Shitty. It's nearly impossible to do anything without pain.
 * Kando - Can't "Get in the goddam robot" now, can you?
 * Chiro - That's my line.
 * Kenvash - It's strange though that the cybernetics won't take.
 * Chiro - The self destruct blast of a Warrior-Hunter is like nothing we know of. The cores of organics, and reactors of the mechanicals were based of the cores of the Spirituals, and we have no idea the true nature of those things. Not even the Multus do...at least not the ones we know of.

The four were silent for a bit as the remembered. Chiro had been the one to seal the breach the first time it had opened, at the cost of his hunter and his leg.

Just then the alarms kicked in blaring. Swearing, Chiro grabbed his communicator.


 * Chiro - Bridge! What's going on!?
 * Bridge Bunny - Sir, we are detecting Kaiju coming through the Breach.
 * Chiro - Already!? Alright, give me the numbers and blood caodes.
 * Bridge Bunny - Four, sir. Blood code blue.
 * Chiro - Four, you say? And blood code blue? That makes four Gaunts. Gotcha. Call the pilots in. And do it quickly!
 * Ragnar - Well, it looks like we have some busy work to be doing.
 * Kando - Aye, this should be interesting.

Chiro looked down at the pilots a crew gathered underneath him.


 * Chiro - Alright, heres the news, we have four Kaiju that have come through the breach, each has gone and attacked a different location or is heading there now. The first one has attacked the mining bases in the underwater volcanic regions, the next is heading straight for Midgard as we speak, the final two are heading directly to the fist city. We will be deploying Kando, Kenvash, and Ragnar with intercept the two going towards the first city, Kaldolom, Gatal, and Serenity will guard the base. Finallyn Ibari, Armus, and Kryunn will go and take out the one attacking the mining facilities. Understood?
 * Pilots - Aye, sir!
 * Chiro - Good, now get your goddam robots!

Kryunn took off down the halls heading for his Mecha, reaching the Blue Core Splendor he hopped in as the thing was lifted a brought towards Siguror. Locking in he inserted the connection proboscis and felt Siguror's presence fill his mind.


 * Siguror - Do not worry we shall succeed, have faith.
 * Kryunn - Yeah, well that's not easy.
 * Siguror - It never is.

Kenvash flexed his hands, as his machine activated and powered up, as he was adjusting some things with his G-suit. The thing always made him a bit uncomfortable, though he'd never say it to anyone. Just then, he felt the presence of the Observer in his mind.


 * Kenvash - Ah, you awaken. Hello, brother.

There was no reply in his mind or through the machine's speakers.


 * Kenvash - It is has been quite a while. I kind of missed you.

Again, nothing but silence, even as Kenvash prepped the systems.


 * Kenvash - Well, let's kill these brutes, shall we?

The machine remained silent, even as Scared Fist activated and began lift off towards the target area. Why the machine refused to respond to him, he did not know. It bothered him to no end. Yet, it kept that silent exterior, never speaking, never even communicating.


 * Kenvash - You need to speak more, brother.

Initial Conflict
Brynhildr, Siguror, and Oni dropped from the carrier planes in the ammonia seas, sinking below the surface they saw the red glow of the underwater volcanos and lava flows from which many valuable metals were harvested, most notably a large vein of Accel Stellarite. Hitting the ocean floor the three noticed a massive Guartok rooting through the ruins of a harvesting station it had just destroyed.


 * Ibari - Damn! We were too late!
 * Kryunn - There are still several mining stations left, we should try to lure the beast over away before we engage.
 * Armus - Okay whats the plan.
 * Ibari - I'll run forward and draw it away by strafing it.
 * Kryunn - Then Armus will grab it and I'll open fire.
 * Armus - Alright, I think I can go with that.
 * Ibari - Don't think you can dummy, know you can!

Armus would have replied accept Ibari hand already bounded off. Taking up position Armus and Kryunn lay in wait. Ibari slammed to a stop and fired her needle launcher right into the beasts side, roaring it lumbered forward as Ibari jumped back and fired again. They continued on like this for a while with Ibari slowly drawing into their trap when suddenly the Guartok swam forward with shocking speed, slamming into her with it's nasal horn she was sent back and slammed along the ocean floor by the Kaiju.


 * Kryunn - Ibari!
 * Armus - I got it!

Oni's arm starched out and fastened around the monster's throat, the progressive claws cutting deep into the flesh. Kryunn, who had wedged himself between two rocks fired at the beast blasting it's tail clean off with the positron blast. The beast roared and slashed Oni's arm forcing Armus to let go before charging at Kryunn. Engaging his maser sword he charged in a parried the Guartok's horn. The two disengaged and then swung at each other entering a ferocious melee conflict of blade and horn. On the fifth clash Ibari lunged forward sunk Brynhildr's progressive teeth deep into the Kaiju's leg. Seing it's massive head around it was met with a plasma blast to the face from Oni's mouth cannon, before Kryunn stabbed it in stomach. The horn he got to the face in exchanged sent him reeling back as Brynhildr fired it's spikes launcher into the monster stomach as well. Screaming it felt one of Oni's Kanobos smash into it's side fracturing a few ribs. Wheeling around it spat poison directly into Oni's face before slamming Brynhildr's head down into the ground. Seeming to smile in triumph it was suddenly wiped from it's face as a positron blast disintegrated it's horn. Turing it's head around it saw Siguror speeding towards it, reaching out it's arm Kryunn swung his maser sword straight through the beast's arm coming out it's shoulder. Struggling free Ibari let loose a paralyzing roar and latched onto it's arm and proceeded to rip it clean off. Just then Oni came up behind it a lunged grabbing hold as Kryunn used Siguror's grappling cables to wrench open it's maw.


 * Kryunn - Ibari! Now!

Ibari engaged the punisher and began to charge it up with solar light.


 * Ibari - Come eat some you shit faced bastard!

Ibari fired the punisher beam straight down the Guratok's throat, as Armus and Kryunn jumped out of the way, taking it's lower jaw clean off as the beam ripped apart it's throat, blasting away the flesh and skin across it's chest, and finally exiting out of it's back burning internal organs to a crisp. The smoldering corpse fell to the ocean floor and lay there smoking.


 * Kryunn - Alright, let's get back to base. They owe us some dinner after this.
 * Ibari - Agreed.
 * Armus - Dinner sounds nice.

Jet Blazer lumbered forward, his scanning mechanisms identifying the two kaiju coming forward.


 * Kando - Alright, we got two very-tough looking beasts here. One Orgak, and one Krutocore.
 * Kenvash - You two take on the Krutocore, I shall take on the Orgak.
 * Kando - You sure about that?

Kenvash's machine lumbered past them, as he took a runner's position.


 * Kenvash - Yes, I have this. The hard target is mine. Trust me.
 * Kando - Alright, come along Ragnar, we have guests.

Ragnar grunted as the two moved towards the left most target, the three-eyed, four-armed black beast moving quickly towards the city, as the larger, gorilla-like Orgak lumbered forward at a much slower pace. The two made their way to the beast, as Kenvash ran past, sprinting towards his target.


 * Ragnar - So what's the plan?
 * Kando - Jet Blazer shall engage him in melee combat, you give me fire support.
 * Ragnar - Got it. Let's gut this bitch.

The Jet blazer bounded forward, converting his right hand into a plasma Caster, and firing a few shots at the Krutocore. The creature roared in agitation, identifying the enemy, and quickly moving forward to attack him directly.


 * 2204 - Target has seen us, and is moving forward with aggressive intent.
 * Kando - They always move with that intent.

The Krutocore charged forward, slamming through buildings as he made his way forward. Enemies. Enemies must be destroyed. With a hiss, the creature charged forward, slamming down into jet Blazer with it's four arms, digging into his chest with them. Jet grabbed the two lead limbs, wrestling with the beast, as his feet dug into the dirt below him. The beast snarled, growling and snapping it's jaws at his face, as he held the beast in place.

Just then, Eisziet fired several missiles at the beast, pounding it's back with missile fire, as the beast screeched in pain.

As this happened, the Orgak straightened slightly, recognizing his partner was in dangers. Bounding forward slightly, it prepared to join the battle, as a blur came from it's right. A moment later, a armored shape slammed straight into it's flank. While not very damaging, it did knock the Orgak off it's feet, sending it sliding backward into the ground.

The beast didn't miss a beat, getting right back up and eyeing Kenvash's Scared Fist, as he made a cracking motion with both fists.


 * Kenvash - Come beast. Face me. I shall be your opponent this day.

The Orgak let out a roar bounding it's chest, as it got on all fours, hissing and vibrating the "hairs" near it's chin and maw. Slamming it's fists into the ground, the beast charged forward, as Kenvash leapt forward to meet him, slamming a knee into his face, as the beast swung it's massive right arm at Kenvash. Scared Fist raised his own arm, blocking the strike, though stumbling from the power of the strike. Scared Fist then slammed 3 punches into the monster's ribs, bruising the armor, but only irritating the beast.

The monster swung it's other arm, clipping Scared Fist and sending it careening away, and landing a short distant away. The Orgak snorted, looking over it's comatose foe, before lumbering out to attack the other two.

The Krutocore, meanwhile, tossed Jet Blazer aside, before standing over him and slamming two of it's fists down on his armored chest several times, cracking the metal, as Jet Blazer hooked his hands into the beast's face, stabbing a finger into the creature's eye, causing acidic blood to spurt out, melting through the finger. The beast roared, as Eisziet fired more missiles at the beast's left side.

The beast turned towards it's foe, hissing in irritation, and running full speed at Eisziet, black claws ready and extended. Jet Blazer stood once more, firing plasma blasts at the beast, though the Krutocore ignored him, slamming into Eisziet at full force, not stopping even with the Plasma burn. Eisziet activated his maser swords, slamming his knee into the beast's chest, before slicing through it's main left arm. The beast roared, before slamming it's severed stump into Eisziet's chest, almost burning through the armor, before Eisziet kicked him away, sending the monster end over end.


 * Ragnar - Damn thing almost melted into the circuits.
 * Jet - Hold on Ragnar, I'll hold it down. You ready the Cryo Cannons.

But as he said this, the Orgak roared, slamming his gigantic fist into the back of Kando's knee. Kando cursed, turning to see the beast raise it's gigantic fists over it's head, ready to pound down on him, as the Krutocore got back up, slamming back into Ragnar once more.

As the gigantic brute prepared the killing blow, Scared Fist appeared behind it, wrapping his arms around the monster's shoulders, before stepping back and tossing the beast aside, as it shrieked in rage.


 * Kenvash - Sorry, the beast escaped my grip.
 * Kando - I'm fine, go finish the damn thing!

Kenvash nodded, as the machine strode proudly forward, fists clenched once more. The Orgak stood once more, roaring in rage and anger, slamming it's fists down on the ground all around it again and again until it stood there hissing and growling at Kenvash.


 * Kenvash - Come, little hatchling, show me what passes for fury amongst your kin.

The Orgak roared once more, leaping forward to meet the machine, as Scared Fist cocked back it's right fist, ready to swing. Meanwhile, Kando had the Krutocore in a choke, as the beast struggled in his gripe, covered in cuts and bruises, and it's own acidic blood, using it's twin tails to stab his back several times, almost getting into the circuits.


 * Ragnar - The Cryo Cannons are having no effect. It's resisting the freezing process well. Maybe because it's covered in it's own steaming blood.
 * Kando - Hit it again, damn it!

Ragnar obliged, firing another salvo of Cryo Cannon fire, hitting the beast across the chest and abdomen. Despite the smoke rising from it's body from it's own blood, a layer of ice began to form across it's body. With this beginning, the previous shots seemed to finally take effect, quickening the process further. As it's body froze over, Kando stood back, straightening his left arm and swinging forward, smashing straight through the beast's frozen neck, and shattering it's head from the body.


 * Ragnar - Excellent job, partner.
 * Kando - Thank you. Let's see how our Walgolorian friend is doing.

As they turned to see the fight, the saw both Scared Fist and the Orgak where covered in cuts and scratches, with several layers of armor or skin on both dented with large fist-sized craters. Kenvash however, was as calm as ever, his right arm raised slightly above his head, and his left below his chest, before he let out a battle cry.

The Orgak charged forward, as Kenvash slammed a punch into his face. The creature recoiled in pain, as Kenvash proceeded to slam punch after punch into the beast's chest and face, in an almost machine gun fashion. The beast could barely react before Kenvash slammed a powerful uppercut into the creature's chin, sending the creature off it's feet.

Kenvash stood over the creature, as it snarled, standing up slowly and eyeing Kenvash with rage. He however, did not react, simply waiting for the beast to stand once more.


 * Ragnar - Kenvash, you might want to move, or shot. Or something.

Kenvash, however, simply pointed at the beast with his right hand.


 * Kenvash - You are already dead.

Just as he said this, the creature screeched in pain, before holding it's head, it's head crumbling like a can, before it let out a small explosion, caking it's hands and body in grey matter and blue blood.


 * Ragnar - Great, bloody good work. Just one question, why didn't you do that before?
 * Kenvash - It's more difficult to hit the pressure points when it's moving and fighting back. I needed an opening.
 * Ragnar - Eh, who cares, we bagged those 2. Let's see get back to base.
 * Kando - Ah! Let's move out, lads.

Speaking of the base...


 * Gatal - C'mon...Why can the others move out while we need to sit back and defend? It's not fair!
 * Kaldolom - Silence! We are given the most important task, if you'd ask me.
 * 1274 Taint Cleanser - I. Want. To. Cleanse.
 * Gatal - Soon enou...erg...Nah, stay still!
 * 1274 Taint Cleanser - Powering up flame cannons.
 * Gatal - But...What!? The target is not even in sight yet!
 * Serenity - Geez, you two have a bad sync.
 * Gatal - It goes. *Grasps his head* Taint Cleanser just likes to have a contest of wills with me at times.
 * 1274 Taint Cleanser - Affirmative. Flame cannons fully powered up.
 * Gatal - Just be ready to unleash hell when that Kaiju shows up.
 * 1274 Taint Cleanser - I have never had any other intent.

Serenity twitched slightly. She almost felt the Kaiju approaching. Flying up, the saw a massive Hardrisk striding forwards trough the coastal coal forests of Leviathan at high speed.


 * Serenity - I see the target. Hardrisk. Coming in you sight in three...two...

With a roar, the Hardrisk smashed it's way trough the trees, into the sights of Taint Cleanser and Holy Retribution.


 * 1274 Taint Cleanser - CLEANSE!

Two mighty jets up flame erupted from the Castigator's arm, scorching the Kaiju the moment it came in sight. The Hardrisk lowered it's horn and charged trough the stream of fire, intent on piercing Taint Cleanser's reactor. Serenity swooped down, glancing the skin on the beast with her AIC claws, and getting slightly burned in the progress, but it did noting to slow the beast down. Taint Cleanser took two teps back as it fired it's Mega-Melter at the Hardrisk's forehead. The ray of heat vaporised half of the beast's mouth, liquidfied flesh dripping off the other half. The horn was only partially vaporised, but it's edge looked now sharper than before. The Hardrisk rumbled in pain, as Taint Cleanser released another melting blast, this time pointed at the left shoulder of the beast. It roared as it fell one one arm, trying to regain balance.


 * Serenity - We're nearly there...
 * Kaldolom - Suffer the wrath of Spode, beast!

Holy Retribution charged forwards, raising it's Thunder Hammer. With a sickening smack, it came down on the beast's back, breaking it's spine. Spitting out blood from what remained of it's mouth, it fell down and lay still.


 * Kaldolom - Suffer not the unlean to draw breath.
 * Serenity - All right. That's it.
 * 1274 Taint Cleanser - Something else needing to be cleansed?
 * Gatal - Let's see...Nope.
 * 1274 Taint Cleanser - My sensors are yet picking up activity.

Behind them, a massive claw spasmed together into a fist, as one eye flared open. Though fatally wounded, gurgling heavily drooling blood from it's nostrils, the Hardrisk was not yet done for. A blade-like hand dug deep into Tainty Cleanser's shoulder, pulling it back, as two lower-arm blades sunk into it's back. Inside the cockpit, Gatal screamed out in pain, as if it was he who was stabbed. The Hardrisk lowered his head, positioning it's horn just behind Gatal's cockpit.


 * Serenity - ...Crap.

Gatal stared at the front screen, realizing what was about to happen. Just as the Hardrisk jutted it's horn forward, Gatal slammed his hand on a button in the last moment. Taint Cleanser's shoulder vents opened, as boiling-hot steam jetted out at high force, scorching off what remained of the beast's horn, and heavily scorched what remained of it's face, effectively making it blind.


 * Serenity - Kaldolom?
 * Kaldolom - *Affirmative grunt*

The shoulder-arms of Holy Retribution stretched outwards, as they wrapped around the Hardrisk's arms, pulling them close tight to the beast's back, and then around it's throat, as the Holy Retribution's hands grabbed the Guartok's half-molten chin and pushed it up, exposing the throat and pulsing, tumor-like heart of the beast. Serenity launched her harpoons to the beast's throat as she moved sidewards, using the force to fully spin around the beast's neck twice, nearly chocking it. Each time, she went a bit lower, as she raised her Dark Blaster for the final shot. Finally, as her harpoons had her flung past the heart for the third time, she released the shot. The beast let out a chocking roar, as it's pulsing heart exploded in a blast of dark matter, spraying polluted blood all over. A few seconds later, the beast collapsed under it's own bulk, and exploded in a shower of blood, splattering Serenity and Holy Ratribution all over. Holy Retribution retracted it's arms, which now lied in a mess on the ground, as Serenity's harpoons got loose, not being dug in any kind of flesh anymore. Stabilizing her course, Serenity asserted the situation.


 * Serenity - No other Kaiju in sight...we're all clear. Let's get back in.
 * Kaldolom - Understood. Get up, Gatal.
 * Gatal - *Pained* Yeah, yeah...

Taint Cleanser slowly elevated itself up, footslogging behind the other two Warrior-Hunters, as the gates of the Thunder Barracks opened up for them.

A figure watched from shore as the beasts died before her eyes. Sliver fur blew in the wind as cold purple eyes calculating with swift intent.


 * ??? - Yes, the time will come soon.

She cocked her head to the side and seemed to listen to something though there was no one around.


 * ??? - Indeed your time to awaken shall be soon, do not fret.

Gazing out into the permanent twilight skies she began to hum a tune, before a soft verse came from her lips.


 * ??? - Oh celestial wings that soar towards freedom, guide me to the future that even I cannot yet see.

Dinner
Kando sat down at a table with Kenvash, Ragnar, and Chiro. No one knew where Futes-Chauru ate, or even if he ate at all. Looking down at his tray, Ragnar grimaced at the messily potions that dominated his tray. The Vanara had perfected maximizing the use they got out of even the most limited of resources to a point where it had permeated their culture. The end result being that they rationed everything, even when there was no real call for it. His friends must have noticed his displeased look.


 * Kenvash - Ah, I can see our glorious meal is not to your liking.
 * Kando - *snorts* That and I can never get used to that biochemically converted taste.
 * Chiro - You would like it a whole lot less without the conversion.
 * Ragnar - Indeed, the lovely flavor of mouth cancer!
 * Kando - Well, I also smell from that radiation block you spray all over us.
 * Chiro - We wear it on your worlds, you wear it on ours.

Kando grunted and continued eating, glancing over he saw Ibari laughing with some of the other cadets. Noticing something out of the corner of his eye he turned his head to glance at the figure moving towards the table.


 * Ragnar - Trouble.
 * Kando - Yep. That Skordi over there.

Looking to where he was pointing, the four could see a blue and golden Skordi moving with hast towards Ibari and the others, a nasty look on her face.


 * Chiro - Ah, great. Not that one.
 * Kando - Know her?
 * Chiro - I make it a personal duty to get to know as many cadets as I can, something the rest of you ought to pick up on.

Kando grunted at that a lifted up his glass to take a drink, Kenvash's expression didn't change, and Ragnar gave Chiro the stink eye.


 * Ragnar - I got to know Ibari didn't I?
 * Chiro - You should try that more, question though, why did you mentor Ibari? Despite the rumors, I gave no such orders.
 * Kenvash - Yes, such behavior would be highly unlike you.
 * Ragnar - Well, for one, I owe her father my life. The reactor in my Hunter almost melted down and he was in area and arrived just in the nick of time to stop it. Funny several barrack maintenance teams could not stop that thing from going boom and then he comes in, takes one look at system he has never even seen before and stopped the reactor meltdown in under an hour. The man's a genius with mechanics and yet he runs around doing odd jobs.
 * Chiro - That's Seerkar for you, no interest in making a name for himself or getting famous. He just wants to make other's lives better and protect what he cares about.
 * Kenvash - Based on what I've heard that has made a bigger impact than fame or fortune ever could.

The rest were silent while they contemplated that. Before suddenly their musings where interrupted by a sudden crash coming from the cadet table and the three jumped to their feet, while Chiro simple straightened, unable to stand up quickly. The entire cadet table had been flipped from Ibari punching the Skordi.


 * Ragnar - I'll get to it.

Striding over he grabbed a hold of both Ibari and the Skordi as the latter had managed to jump to her feet and massive welt forming under her eye.


 * Ibari - Damn it! Let me go! This bitch was asking for it!
 * Cillia - I'm a bitch? Try murder whore's daughter...
 * Ragnar - SILENCE! BOTH OF YOU! RIGHT NOW!

The roar was heard from one end of the thunder barrack's cafeteria to the other. The Skordi Cillia's eyes grew wide as eggs, and Ibari bowed her head.


 * Ibari - Ya, mentor.
 * Ragnar - *Growls* Good. Now explain what happened here.
 * Ibari - I was sitting here joking with Armus, Gatal, and Kryunn here and this Skordi walks up and asked if my Hunter had eaten anyone recently.
 * Ragnar - Is that true?

Cillia opened her mouth to protest before realizing he was not asking her. Instead, both Armus, Kryunn, and Gatal nodded.


 * Ragnar - And then what?
 * Ibari - I told her no and that she better fuck off. Then she just made some crack about my father fucking off with a...

Ibari couldn't finnish as tears started forming in her eyes. Ragnar snarled at that as Chiro came hobbling up with Kando and Kanvash.


 * Chiro - I heard everything. From this point until I decide their ready Cillia and Ibari are confined to their rooms for disorderly conduct.

Cillia looked utterly offended, but a glare shot from Ragnar sent her scampering on her way. Ibari merely trudged away refusing to make eye contact with anyone.


 * Kryunn - I'll go make sure she is alright.
 * Chiro - You go do that.

As Kryunn ran off after Ibari, Kando turned to Chiro.


 * Kando - Was that fair?
 * Chiro - No, but it was firm and that's what counts, though it's not easy.
 * Kenvash - My father, Ryuten was the same way with my brothers and I. Juden and I got into a lot of mischief, and he'd beat us black and blue. *chuckles*
 * Kando - You? Juden, I can see, but you?
 * Kenvash - *smiles briefly* You'll be surprised what a fool I could be when I was a kid. *Frowns once more* But still, insulting one's family. That is extremely out of line.
 * Kando - We Mendel maybe killers and barbarians, but we love our mommies.
 * Kenvash - Someone needs to put that Skordi in line. I doubt this will stop her behavior.
 * Kando - Relax, Eyebrows. Can't solve all your problems with punches.
 * Kenvash - How do you know I want to break her jaw, brother?
 * Kando - That's what you want to do to anyone that ticks you off, "bro".

Kenvash nodded slightly as he went over, and picked up the table and set it back down with ease. He looked at the stunned rookies with the same stern look he usually gave to everything.


 * Kenvash - I believe dinner is over. Time to go to quarters. Please don't make a mess of the other rooms. I'd be very disappointed.

The rookies nodded, and turned away, hurrying to their quarters, as Kenvash turned back towards the group.


 * Ragnar - I think you scare them, ken.
 * Kenvash - What? Do I do to scare people?
 * Kando - Blowing up monster heads with your fingers. That schtick scares me.

Kenvash narrowed his eyes, and nodded slightly, as he turned to go to his own quarters.

Emotional Support
Kryunn raced down the halls. Turning a sharp turn and nearly slamming into the wall. He came to stop outside the door of their room, breathing heavily. Lifting up his hand, he pressed it to the door as it read his DNA in an instant and slid open. Stepping in, he looked around the room, dimly lit by the soft electric blue glow of the walls. He looked over at the bottom bunk and saw Ibari laying there, turned toward the wall.


 * Kryunn - Hey, Ibari...
 * Ibari - What!?
 * Kryunn - You shouldn't listen to that Skordi, she's just trying to cause trouble and...

He paused and bit his lip, he had no idea what to say next.


 * Ibari - And what?

Kryunn bit his lip harder desperately trying to think up a reply.


 * Kryunn - ...And make you mad.

Kryunn cringed at his last words, he knew they were painfully obvious and sounded rather lame.


 * Ibari - Yeah, I know that. Don't worry, I won't let it bug me.

The words were blatantly untrue and Kryunn knew it. He reached out his hand, but then paused and drew it back, hanging his head. Turning away, he clamb up to the top bunk and lay down, closing his eyes. As he lay there, trying to get to sleep, a single tear rolled down from his eye.


 * Kryunn - Damn it...I can't help anyone, can I?

Meanwhile, Cillia passed around her own room, gashing her teeth together in frustration.


 * Cillia - Damn it! Why do people like her get all the lucky breaks?

Walking over to her bed, she buried her face a pillow and screamed. Lifting her face from the pillow, she looked over at a family picture sitting on her bedside table. A picture of her family, looking happy but she knew better. Standing up straight, she walked over, picking up the painful reminder.


 * Cillia - I won't be like you mom, and dad...I'll surpass you and my brother for sure.

Lessons
Kryunn watched Ibari stroll down the halls of the Thunder Barracks. She seemed to have recovered from the events of last night, but he hadn't known her for as long as he had without picking up a few hints about her behavior. She was silent and that was not a good sign. Walking further down the hall he spotted Gatal and Armus standing at the entrance to a rather large room, Kaldolom standing apart from the rest and not eying Gatal as usual. Kryunn waved and Gatal waved back before opening up his mouth and Armus cringed simply out of pure habit. Kaldolom simply grunted in distress.


 * Kaldolom - What I don't understand is just why we have to go to class! By Spode, I am a priest, not some schoolboy!
 * Armus - Because it is necessary that we understand the operation of our Hunters, those who do not can never hope to synchronize to their fullest potential.

Everyone blinked and looked at Armus, who began to quell under their gaze.


 * Gatal - Eh. That's it?
 * Armus - ...Did I say something wrong?
 * Kryunn - Oh, no, I quite enjoyed that one liner. Give me more.
 * Kaldolom - *Grunts* Well, if you have anymore witty retorts, better get them out now cause we have to go to class.
 * Kryunn - Well, look who's so eager now.
 * Kaldolom - Shut up.

And with that Kaldolom opened the door and walked through. As the others followed him, Kryunn noticed Armus glancing at Ibari. Stepping back towards the Boyk he heard Armus mutter to him.


 * Armus - Its still bothering her, isn't it?
 * Kryunn - Yeah, I've tried to snap her out of it, but nothing I've said helps.
 * Armus - I don't know what I could say either.

Kryunn merely nodded at that as they took their seats and waited for the teacher to enter. Glancing around he noticed Gatal sitting to the far right, Kaldolom, of course, sitting in the exact opposite spot. Then there was that Skordi, named Cillia, up in front, in the center of attention. Kryunn knew she must have noticed him glaring over at her because she shot him a nasty grin. Kryunn merely glared harder. If he hand his grandmother's eye right now, he would have made her do the most humiliating thing he could imagine right then and there. These vengeful musings were interrupt by the teacher entering the room.


 * ??? - Hello, class. How are we doing today?

Ibari shot to her feet at the sight of the pale gray Keiser Vanara male enterig the room.


 * Ibari - Doctor Strain!
 * Dr. Strain - Indeed, young spitfire. How is your father?
 * Ibari - Last I heard he's a Freelancer.
 * Dr. Strain - That boy...goes through a whole four years of education and wastes it on piracy. Oh well, to each his own and I'm not here to critique former students.
 * Kryunn - So just what is our lesson?
 * Strain - *Grins widely* Glad you asked, we are here to learn about Hunter anatomy. We will start with the cores.

The Doctor began to draw on the board and all the other students seemed to rapidly loss intrest. All Kryunn noticed except Ibari and Cillia, both looked surprisingly intense and were paying attention rather well. Strain eventually turned around and began pointing to various parts of the board.


 * Strain - The cores or reactors of the Warrior Hunters were both based off the same thing, the cores of the Spirituals found in Sacred Sanctuary.

That got everyone's attention as Strain continued.


 * Strain - Analysis of the Cores of the Spirituals reveals them to be organic nuclear reactors with a synthetic outer layer. It is somewhat akin to an Occulus, for Gatal and Kaldolom to imagine, and we cannot rule out that the two have a simmilar origin. This analysis was only successfully obtained from the desecrated remains of Spirituals left by Silpelits. All Hunter reactors and cores are based off the same thing. The only difference is if they are made out of synthetic or organic materials. Even more interestingly the energy the cores produce is effect by the Hunter Pilot connection, the more powerful the bond the more the energy output. The more stable the connection, the more stable the energy output. It took years to perfect the replication of the cores with the first successfully created Hunter being the Striker know as 4256 Seed.

Kryunn looked up from the notes he was taking and looked at the others. Ibari and Cillia were both hunched over their notes scribbling furiously. Kryunn turned back to his notes and for some reason felt a chill go down his spine as he heard Strain's next words.


 * Strain - Remember your connection is effected by your emotions, both strength and stability of emotions is needed to be effective.

Simulation
Several minutes after their instructions on Hunter autonomy, Ibari was locked in the cock pit of the CSJ linked to Brynhildr for a training simulation.


 * Strain - Alright, Ibari. We're going to start with just the basic synchronization analysis before we begin the simulation.
 * Ibari - Ya.

She sat there in the jest, calmly, as she felt her mind link to Brynhildr.


 * Ibari - Remember, do not be afraid to let yourself feel your emotions, but control them as well.
 * Brynhildr - Good advice, but saying that and doing it are two different things entirely.
 * Ibari - Thank you for that, but you can help me with that right?
 * Brynhildr - Actually, no, I cannot. Wether or not I allow you to control me is my decision, however, once I allow it, you are in control. That means the strength and stability of our connection is your responsibility and yours alone. Any actions I take, or any Hunter for that matter, are commanded by the pilot. Be they aware of them or not. You are the mind, I am the body that moves to your command.
 * Iabri - Well, then I better command well huh?
 * Brynhildr - Indeed, now lets go kill some simulations.

Strain watched the simulation with an intense interest while Chiro watched from the shadows, Futes-Chauru floating stoically at his side, arms folded behind his back as he watched.


 * Futes-Chauru - It seems Kryunn has the highest kill count out of the rookies so far.
 * Chiro - Well, not that it's surprising.
 * Strain - No, it is not. He is both the most physically fit of them all and pilots the only 5th Gen prototype model. All others are either 4rd Gen or older.
 * Bridge Bunny - But's what surprising is Ibari, she right behind him in second place.
 * Futes-Chauru - That is not suprising either. She is doing well. There is no reason she should not be there.
 * Bridge Bunny - Well, she only commands a 4rd Gen Prototype, all the others are completely developed 4rd Gens.
 * Strain - Yes, but generation never surpasses hard work, training, and experience. Looked at the veterans, all are wielding either 2nd or 3rd Gens, there being barely any 1st Gens remaining, and not even Kryunn has reached their level.
 * Chiro - Yes, Seed was only a 1st Gen, and a partail prototype at that. That's to say, my own record speaks for itself.
 * Bridge Bunny - So Generation surmounts to just a title and that's about it?
 * Strain - Not true. Latter generations tend to perform better even when synchronization is not as strong and less stable.
 * Futes-Chauru - Surpassed by training and skill. Kryunn as the highest kills of the rookies because of the buildup of his physical ability, training, synchronization, and Hunter Generation.
 * Chiro - Even then, Ibari has the highest sync rate of all rookies present.
 * Futes-Chauru - Hmm...I wonder what that will amount to.
 * Strain - Aye, could be intresting to see.

Ibari sent Brynhildr leaping forward and land landed on a Rondok's back, before sinking her teeth deep into it's neck, snapping it with ease. Leaping off, the falling beast, she charged forward at a Hardrisk and tackled it, biting, clawing, and firing her needle launchers deep into it's flesh.


 * Kryunn - Ibari, send it this way.

Ibari swung it around straight into the path of Siguror's maser swords as Serenity came in from above and slashed it across the nape of the neck, taking it out for good.


 * Ibari - You know these simulations are easier to take down than the real deal.
 * Armus - It's because they keep adapting their tactics.
 * Kryunn - Like what he said. The moment we learn how to counter them, they just learn how to counter back.
 * Serenity - Well then, best we learn how to start countering quick.
 * Ibari - Yeah, there are no second chances in this job. You either win or you die.

Kando sat back, leaning against a wall in the Thunder Barracks. He was not watching the rookies train, he preferred it that way. He had tried that before, it ended in tears, really. Kando, as such, usually spent his time after battle away from others. Either practicing his art, drinking, or teaingr up sheets of metal. Like the steel plate he had now, or what remained of it. His claws had quite easily rendered it to pieces. His red eyes narrowed as he heard the sound of approaching foot steps.


 * Kando - Kenvash.
 * Kenvash - Impressive detection, brother. But you're not watching the rookies practice? Or actually practicing with them?
 * Kando - I cannot, Ken. You know that.
 * Kenvash - Perhaps it will help you cope with your...issues better.
 * Kando - I've tried, but this job...there's too much death to form real connections with rookies like them. I don't know how Ragnar did it. They could go at any moment. I have enough dead brothers and sisters with me when I sleep.
 * Kenvash - Then, if it's too much, quit.

Kando sighed, tossing the pieces of metal up, and reaching up and cutting what remained into even smaller pieces, before turning to Kenvash.


 * Kando - I will not stop. This alliance needs me. Any problems I face are inconsequential, so long as the alliance is safe at the end of the day.
 * Kenvash - Internalizing your issues, however, will not do good.
 * Kando - I can deal with it.
 * Kenvash - For now, but don't forget you may lose yourself in all of this. Lose yourself, and then, who will be there for the alliance's safety?
 * Kando - You always give good advice, Ken. But I doubt it will help at all. Not me, at least.

Kenvash nodded as he walked away, Kando simply staring after him, flicking his claws across his thigh armor, and making light scratches in it.

Collision
The alarms blared as a red light filled the halls and Chiro ran onto the bridge breathlessly, almost crashing to the ground several times thanks to his limp.


 * Chiro - Confound this leg, why wouldn't the cybernetics take!?
 * Futes-Chauru - One of the many more mysteries of the Hunters.
 * Chiro - Yeah, yeah we can contemplate the mysteries latter, whats the news?
 * Bridge Bunny - Six Warrior-Beasts, sir.
 * Chiro - SIX!?
 * Futes-Chauru - Indeed. Three came through the breach and the other three were already here.
 * Strain - Even better the three that were already here have been heavily mutated by Phazrite Radiation. They must have come through with the crystals when the breach reopened.
 * Chiro - Damn, than that means there could be even more hiding out.

There was silence before Chiro signed and spoke up again.


 * Chiro - Where are they heading?
 * Futes-Chauru - The Norn computers have them heading straight for the Second City. They will make landfall at the Deep Crescent Bay.
 * Chiro - Scramble all available Hunters in teams of three for each two Kaiju, one veteran with two rookies.
 * Bridge Bunny - Aye, sir.

Chiro nodded and began to walk away before turning back.


 * Chiro - Those Cruxsulex have been placed on Gordaoh and Thamnulain right?
 * Strain - Yes.
 * Chiro - Then put them on standby. Release restraints number four through three, two if they must be deployed.
 * Futes-Chauru - Underany other circomstance, that would not be wise. We must be sure if it is safe.
 * Chiro - I know. But it needs to be done.
 * Strain - Right. Then it shall be done.
 * Chiro - Good, now prey to Jura or whatever god you choose that we win this.

Kenvash lumbered forward, just ahead of the shore. He could see two Warrior-Hunters making their way. The amount of Phazrite energy in the air was staggering. Luckily, the bionics in his own body where still holding, though Vior'tal and it's weapons and devices was used to energy like this. He then heard the lumbering of 2 other Warrior-Hunters behind him.


 * Kenvash - So, Kando, same strategy as before, I take out the stronger, you two deal with the weaker.
 * Armus - Ummm...What strategy?

Kenvash almost jumped out of his own machine in surprise. Turned slightly, he saw Armus and Gatal standing beside him, not Ragnar or Kando.


 * Kenvash - What are you two doing here?
 * Armus - We where sent here by Chiro. I have no clue why we aren't with our old teams.
 * Kaldolom - May Spode protect us in this battle, either way.
 * Kenvash - We do not need Spode. We have each other.

Kaldolom grunted in agitation. Kenvash motioned for the two to follow him, making their way to the shore, where the 2 War-Beasts drew closer.


 * Armus - I'm not used to deploying without Ibari and Kryunn with me.
 * Kenvash - It is a different experience indeed. Do not worry. We have this, I am certain you will do just fine.
 * Kaldolom - *mutters* It's not like we need the heretic anyway.
 * Kenvash - Kaldolom! Be silent! You will not speak ill of our fellow warriors.

Kaldolom growled in agitation, but their argument was interrupted by a resounding roar from the bay, as the 2 Warrior-Beasts stepped out, ammonia-laced water dripping from their hides. The first, was a Guartok, which roared at the group. The second, was a large, reptilian beast, a Krachiel, of the same breed as the One Eye. Kenvash grinted his teeth as he saw the monster.

However, despite the similarities between the two, this one was much different. It's skin, for one, was coated into a layer of steel-like armor over it's skin. It's eyes, instead of the standard dark blue, now was a bright, glowing cyan, as where the scars across it's body, clear signs of Phazrite.


 * Armus - What is wrong with that one?
 * Kenvash - My sensors are detecting Phazrite crystals with similar energy readings. This beast must have mutated itself.
 * Armus - Is that, going to make this harder?
 * Kenvash - Of course. But we did not sign up for easy assignments.

Armus nodded nervously, as he prepared 6613 Oni's battle systems, as Kenvash cracked both his machine's knuckles, and Kaldoloom prepared his Thunder Hammer.


 * Kaldolom - Hey, Kenvash, why do you do that thing with your knuckles.
 * Kenvash - Habit I picked up from my brother when he trained me.

The Krachiel charged, swinging it's clawed hand forward. While the strike was slow, the crystal energy seemed to have added to it's strength already, almost grounding Kenvash as he blocked the attack.


 * Kenvash - Kaldolom! Take care of the Guartok, and be careful.
 * Kaldolom - On it.
 * Kenvash - And may the Empyreal Caste watch over your battles.

Kaldolom growled, but said nothing as he charged at the Guartok, smashing it's chest with his Thunder Hammer as he met it head on.


 * Kenvash - Alright, Armus, I will need every bit of your help to end this abomination. Understand?
 * Armus - *Nervously* Yes sir.
 * Kenvash - *Smiles, as he grabs the beast's other arm by the bicep* Good, now then, attack it from the left flank.

Kenvash tried to stab through the armor with Scared Fist's claws to reach the flesh underneath, but the steel-like armor sheathed around the monster kept it safe. He almost felt panic wheel up in his chest. He was not used to not being able to hit a Monster's pressure points. He would need to end this monster quickly then, through other means. 6613 Oni, however, charged just in time, slamming it's two fists into the side of the monster's left hide, cracking the armor covering, but not doing much damage. The beast broke from Kenvash's grip, and swung it's claw at Oni, only for the large machine to block the attack.

Kenvash almost would've smiled. This Armus defiantly had some skill. A strong teacher, and he had a bright future. Kenvash however, kept this thoughts to himself, slamming a punch into the side of the creature's neck. The creature, in agitation, slammed it's other claw into Kenvash's chest. Sometimes, he cursed the connection he had with his machine. He felt blood begin to pool up from his chest, but ignored it, slamming another punch into beast's face, before kicking at it's knee.

The Krachiel seemed to grow tired of struggling with Armus, grabbing his machine by it's head and tossing him away, before slashing at Kenvash again with it's left hand, as he back-flipped out of it's way, using the time to slam his up-turned heel into it's chin. The Krachiel shook it's daze, and charged at Kenvash, locking into a grapple with him, arm in arm, in a test of strength.

Kaldolom, meanwhile, was locked in a dance of death with the Guartok. It has already landed a few powerful blows on his Hunter. If he was a lesser Warrior-Hunter, he would've fallen already, but his faith and own stubborn attitude kept him going.


 * Kaldolom - Spode, give me strength to face this demon, and send it back the hell it came from.

The Guartok charged again, jumping up, and smashing down on Holy Retribution, only for the Isafrode-turned-Grappler to side step the monster and slammed a kick into it's large head. The beast, however, didn't skip a beat, slashing it's clawed hand across Holy Retribution's leg. Kadolom snarled, having Holy Retribution send out a Spodist star-shaped blast from his eyes at the Guartok, slashing through it's chest and neck. Roaring in anger, the beast slammed into him, taking him a bear hug, and squeezing him in a death grip. He shot out more of the star-like projectiles, slashing through the skin on it's back, before it whipped around and threw him away.

Holy Retribution landed on it's back, and skidded past Oni as the beast charged at him, ready to finish him off. However, Holy Retribution was already on it's feet, launching another wave of star-shaped blasts at it's foe, cutting into one of it's right eyes. The beast staggered and roared in pain as it continued it's charge, only for Kaldolom to slam his Thunder Hammer into the chin of the knife-headed monster. The creature made a gurgling noise as it staggered back, before Kaldolom swung his hammer again, swiping the creature's feet out from under him. As the Guartok landed on it's side, Holy Retribution slammed his injured foot into the stunned beast's ribs repeatedly, until he heard a crack, and the shrill cries of the monster.


 * Kaldolom - For the most unholy, there is no repentance.
 * 1J - There is only...

The Warrior-Hunter lifted it's hammer above it's head, before slamming it down on the creature's own skull.


 * Both - Retribution.

Meanwhile, Kenvash and Armus where having far more difficulty with the Krachiel. Despite their combined efforts, they had done little damage to the creature's unnatural armor. Scared Fist had received the brunt of the injuries, trying to take the creature head-on, and sometimes, taking blows meant for Armus. The young Boyk was mystified by this. In his mind, he served little purpose. He was not the best Warrior-Hunter, why would Kenvash go out of his way to protect him?

The Walgolorian snarled, one of his eyes blackened, and blood gathering at the edge of his mouth. Spitting, he got up once more, with some difficulty, as the Beast grabbed Oni by the throat, intent on removing the machine's head. Kenvash's eyes widened in rage. Not again. Not again!


 * Kenvash - You will take from me again! You will not take from me again!!

He repeated this as he leapt forward, slamming a kick into the monster's face, and knocking him off the machine. Kenvash leapt forward, getting on top of the beast and slamming a series of punches into the creature's face repeatedly. Despite this renewed assault, it did little, as the creature merely stabbed it's claws into the same area as before, and throwing Kenvash off. The Walgolorian and his machine stood once more, blood dripping from his chest, as he did. 1J Holy Retribution charged this time, swinging it's hammer right at the creature. The abomination of nature simply brought it's arm up, using it's reinforced muscle to block the attack, as it grabbed Holy Retribution by the head, and began to squeeze. Kaldolom growled in pain as though his head was actually being crushed, struggling to get the creature off.

Kenvash charged once more, only for the abomination to turn around and throw Kaldolom right at Kenvash, the 2 ending up in a pile and struggling to free themselves, as the creature turned toward Armus, it's reptilian jaws bent into a twisted smile. The stench of fear was strong on this one. It would be most enjoyable tearing him limb from limb.

Armus almost back-peddled when he looked into the creature's eyes, but slammed his foot back behind him. What had Ibari said before? Don't doubt himself. He nodded slightly to himself.


 * Armus - I will not run away. I will not run away.

He raised his hands once more, taking a fighter's stance, as he prepared to meet the Krachiel. The creature seemed surprised for a second, before continuing toward him.


 * Armus - I will never run away.


 * Chiro - What is the status on Kenvash and his group?
 * Bridge Bunny - Scared Fist has received numerous injuries to it's hall armor, and Kenvash himself is sustaining a few injuries caused by synchronization. 1J Holy Retribution and it's pilot are in similar straits.
 * Chiro - And Armus?
 * Bridge Bunny - He is standing his ground against the Krachiel. It's mutations have increased it's resilience further. On his own, I don't think he stands a chance.

Chiro shifted weight between his leg and cane, before pressing a button in command.


 * Chiro - Gordaoh, you're being deployed. Don't make me regret it.
 * Gordaoh - The conqueror is on his way.

Chiro almost sighed as Death Master slammed a few miles away from Kenvash's location. It wouldn't take long for him to get there. The massive Kodalorian's tanned, almost brown face broke it's usual frown into his usual arrogant smile.


 * Gordaoh - Now's my chance.

The Krachiel swung it's claws at Oni again, tearing through it's leg armor. Armus groaned in pain, going to one knee, but not before he slammed a punch into the abomination's chest. The creature lurched a bit, before slamming a punch of it's own into Armus' face, sending him to the ground.

Kenvash stood, staggering a bit, and lumbered forward, trying to meet the beast head-on again, but stopped, holding his chest. Turning one of his arms into a Plasma Caster, Scared Fist pointed the weapon at the creature's spinney back, the plasma exploding harmlessly off it's back, as it turned, growling in rage.


 * Kenvash - Armus, take Kaldolom and leave me. Get to the others before it's to late.
 * ??? - That won't be needed, Kenvash.

They turned to see a massive Warrior-Hunter lumbering forward, almost the size of a Warhound Titan. A dark, bloody red color, with black and dark purple plates across it's arms, legs, and with 2 large shoulder pylons, like an Organic-Warrior Hunter.


 * Gordaoh - The Conqueror of Vior'tal is here. Be ready for blood.

He cracked his two fists' knuckles, as he took a fighting stance. The creature snarled at this newcomer, moving towards him, as Gordaoh's warmachine, Death Master moved forward as well, maintaining it's stance. Armus and Kaldolom's eyes widened. The knuckle cracking, the fighting stance. It was the same as Kenvash's own.

What was not the same was the aggressive way Gordaoh approached the situation. Slamming his fist into the creature once it got in range, the massive Warrior-Hunter proceeded to slam a series of punches into the creature's body, almost at the same speed as Kenvash. What they lacked in the speed Kenvash's attack, they made up for in sheer power. The creature staggered away, still facing Gordaoh, as larger cracks appeared in it's reinforced armor.


 * Gordaoh - No armor can stand before me, for my fists are those of iron!

He leapt forward with surprising grace, slamming a knee into the monster's face. The Krachiel, however, would not go down without a fight, slashing at Death Master with it's rending claws, cutting into the chest armor. Gordaoh laughed jovially, smashing a hook into the smaller beast's head, and sending it on it's side.

Gordaoh grabbed the creature by the head, applying pressure, the armor across it's head cracking, as he chuckled at the beast's pain. The creature slashed at his arms in desperation, slashing through the thick armor.


 * Gordaoh - You seek to take one of my arms with you into hell? So be it.

He slammed an open hand into the side of the creature's neck, shattering the armor, as he held onto it's head, before tossing it away. He turned, as it sailed over Armus, landing a few yards away, as Gordaoh closed the distance, ready to finish the creature. Armus stood, ready to help him. Death Master placed a hand on his shoulder, gently forcing him back down.


 * Gordoah - You've done enough, boy. Wait this one out.

He moved past him, before walking up to the Krachiel. It roared at him, before he kicked it right in the face, shattering the rest of it's armor. He lifted his foot, and, with stunning force, began stomping on the creature repeatedly, crunching the creature's armor, flesh and bone.

The creature's eyes widened in fear as Gordaoh lifted his fist, prepared to finish him off. But the krachiel had not plans of letting that happen. It's armor disappeared, as energy seemed to be drawn inside of it. With a shriek, it exploded in a pulse of energy, knocking Gordaoh on his back. After a moment, Death Master stood once more, raising his fist to the skies.


 * Gordaoh - None can stand before the King of Fists!

The others slowly got up, as Gordaoh moved ahead of them, heading to base once more.


 * Gordaoh - My debut at Leviathan went quite well, didn't it, brother?
 * Kenvash - Shut up, Gordaoh.
 * Gordaoh - I guess Master chose poorly his next successor. The Hive Ship most certainly isn't impressed.

They continued on, as Gordaoh turned his criticism on Kaldolom.


 * Gordaoh - Nice use of your hammer. At least you managed to soften up the target, just a little.
 * Kaldolom - If your so much better, why didn't they send you out, then?!
 * Gordaoh - They believe that because I was locked in the brig, I'm a threat. Foolish, especially if they think they can rely on you lot.

Gordaoh almost turned his attention to Armus, ready to badger him, when he saw the boy's face in his helmet's connection system to the other Warrior-Hunters, and looked into his eyes, briefly.


 * Gordaoh - *Whispers* Such sad eyes.

He had seen such eyes before, and this was not the sadness of a soldier that lost a battle, or a child being berated by an elder. He had seen such eyes, in himself, and...Tuiko. He would not bring himself low by insulting this child.


 * Gordaoh - You fought well, kid. A little training and you'll do better next time.

He walked away without saying another word, heading back to base.


 * Kaldolom - What was that about? Why didn't he go full circle with being an ass?
 * Kenvash - I have a feeling I know...

Armus was equally mystified. Why was this gigantic warrior, who seemed keen to illustrate his superiority towards everyone, suddenly kind to him. What did Armus do to stop his criticism? Gordaoh did not say a word, and kept his same steely frown as before. But his mind was not at rest. This boy, he had potential, and Gordaoh...would see to it that he met it.

With steps that caused shockwaves in the sand, 421 Siguor and 1311 Taint Cleanser set their feet on the bay, their eyes set on the Warrior-Hunter before them, 2203 Jet Blazer. The mecha simply stared out over the open sea, appearently searching out for any Warrior-Beasts. As the two came closer, Kando"s voice cut trough to the pilots inside.


 * Kando - They are coming.
 * Gatal - So who divises a plan? Me?
 * Kryunn - If you can come up with something, that is.
 * Kando - Be silent. We have no time for any plans. The Warrior-Beast are here.
 * Gatal - Then were are thay?
 * Kando - IUt appears they have worked their way underneath you.

With a roar, an massive pincer grabber Taint Cleanser's leg, as an Ebikran bursted out of the sand. Not reacting in time, Taint Cleanser melter beam missed, and shot harmlessy trough the sky, as the Ebikan hurled it over the bay, into the water.


 * Gatal - Bah. I hate water.
 * Taint Cleanser - Flame cannon will not be effective.
 * Gatal - Then get out, damnit!
 * Taint Cleanser - At once.
 * Kryunn - *Shrugging* These two have still much to learn...Alas. seem like I need to do this job. As always.

Kryunn charged at the Ebikran, slashing at with his maser sword. As he charged, the massive crab-like creature opened once of it's pincers, closing them over the blade, and locking it in place. With the other, it attempted to sear Siguor's arm off. Cursing, Kryunn has Siguor trash arround in an attempt to be freed. It only got him thrown on the ground, as a small crack appeared in it's armor. The Ebikran opened it's maw wide, bluish salive dripping from it's teeth, as it got ready to freeze-dry the inner machinery of the Hunter with it's coolant breath. At that moment, an armored boot of Jet Blazer stomped on the beast with such force that a crack appeared in it's armor as well, as Siguor threw it over. Screeching, the Ebikran turned around and burrowed under the sand again, nearly missing another melter blast from taint Cleanser, one that came dangerously close to hitting both Siguor and Jet Blazer.


 * Kando - Watch out. This is not over yet.

Kando closed his eyes, as Jet Blazer hunched over, placing both his hands and feet on the sand. After some seconds of intense feeling, Kando's eyes snapped open, as he checked his radar.


 * Kando - As I thought it would.

The Ebikran jumped out of the sand near Jet Blazer, who opened his hand moments before, and caught the Warrior-Beast firmly within it's grasp.


 * Gatal - Wow. How did you do that!?
 * Kando - I searched for any vibrations in the sand the beast's burrowing would cause. The rest was easy. It is all so easy once you know their tricks.
 * Gatal - You sound like you long for something.
 * Kando - I do not wish to discuss it. Here, catch.

Jet Blazer threw the Ebikran at Taint Cleanser, who activated it's melter blasters, and shot a fuming hole in the crustacean's carapace. The beast, however, relatated, latching on to Taint Cleanser's hull and exhaling all the coolant it had been gathering so far, freezing the Warrior-Hunter solid.


 * Kryunn - Oh, great. That's just perfect.
 * Kando - Wait a second. I think they have it all under control.
 * Kryunn - How so?
 * Kando - Watch and see.

Taint Cleanser's hull began to glow red-hot, as it vented it's back steam into it's icy prison. At once, the ice inside began to melt from the intense heat, as Taint Cleaser charhed up it's inferno cannons, effortlessy melting trough the trest of the ice, and scorching the underside of the Ibikan. Laying on it's back, and struggelibg to get up, Jet Blazer set it's foot on it once more.


 * Kando - Meet you end.

At once, Jet Blazer's hand came down, and sliced trough the beats weakened exoskeleton like a knife trough the butter.


 * Kando - Your turn, rookie.

Kryunn charged up his VOPAC Cannons, firing them cleanly trough the mortally wounded beast, as it stopped twithcing it's leggs, and finally fell silent.


 * Gatal - That's great and all, but I've just got once little question for you all...Weren't there supposed to be two Warrior-Beasts here?
 * Kryunn - Were have you been, dreaming? Of course there were two.
 * Gatal - Then where is the other one?
 * Kando - Inland. It must've run inland during our fight. In that case, this beast was nothing but a distraction, and the one we're going up against next is worse...much, much worse.
 * Gatal - So where is it?
 * Kando - Let me check.

Jet Blazer crouched down again, checking for ant tremors in the earth. Suddenly, it got up, and blazed off.


 * Gatal - I think he found it!
 * Kryunn - Well, you don't need to be a genius to figue that out.

Taint Cleanser and Siguor ran after Jat Blazer, barely being able to keep up with the extremely fast Warrior-Hunter. Suddenly, Jet Blazer came to a grinding halt, the two other Warrior-Hunters nearly fallling over him, before falling over each other.


 * Kryunn - Hey!
 * Gatal - Watch out!
 * Kryunn - Get off! Now!
 * Gatal - I can't you get off first.
 * Kryunn - Fine, fine.

Siguor liften itself of the ground, grappling Taint Cleanser and pulling it back up.


 * Kando - Good. Now you two are not moving anymore, I can feel the tremors more closely. It will come into sight *points his finger at a gap in a cliff* over there...right...now.

With each step that shook the ground, a Lagrok slowly came into sight. Not just any Lagrok, however. It's shell had transmutated into a deep blue shell of Phrazite Crystals, which had seemingly latched on it's shell, and had grown to cover it completely.


 * Gatal - So what do we do now?
 * Kando - We attack.

At once, Jet Blazer rushed forwards, striking it's Progressive Claymore at the beast's armor, to no effect. Jet Blazer joined in, unleashing a fullty charged menter blast at the creature's armor at point blank range. While it normally should've hit right trough the armor, the crystals symply defleted it. Kando grunted, as Jet Blazer shoved Taint Cleanser awa from the beast, and continued striking it with precise slashes at seemingly weak points, almost faster than the eye could follow. However each time, only a crytalline splinter of the Lagrok's armor came off. Yet Jet blazer continued striking, each hit sucessfully splintering off a shard, but, despite, doing little to the armor at all.


 * 2203 Jet Blazer - Faster. Faster. Faster.
 * Kando - Jet. It...It won't work.
 * 2203 Jet Blazer - Why not? It always worked.
 * Kando - So far.
 * Gatal - Incoming! Frontal assault!

While Jet Blazer had been striking at the turtle-like beast and kept it busy, Taint Cleanser had taken the opening to go around. Now, it charged right at the Lagrok's face, Flame Cannon charged. However, teh dreature retracted into it's armor, as the gout of fire went harmlessy over the Warrior-Beast, and Taint Cleanser almsot tripped over it's shell. Then from the openings in it's hsell, the Lagrok arced six blocks of Phrazite, each block starting to flash with a white ring of energy moving from bottom to top the moment they lay still.


 * Kryunn - That's not good...
 * Kando - You two! Get back!

It was a little to late, however, as the six blocks exploded in siw minature mushroom clouds, the explosings conjoining into a massive blast that threw all Warrior-Hunters back to the cliffside. After the dust had settled down, the Lagrok came out of it's crytal-laced armor, and simply continued on it's bath toards the base.


 * Kryunn - Enough of this!

Having a fairly damaged Siguor get up again, Kryunn none the less had it rush forwards, as it stood resolute in the Lagrok's path. The Lagrok simply looked up, opening it's mouth wide and then closing it, as if it was jawning. Then, it simply placed it's massive frontal right feet on Siguor's left one. Kryunn grimaced slightly, as it felt like a massive boulder had fallen on his own feet left feet, as he grasped it to east the pain. Meanwhile, the Lagrok lifted up it's frontal left feet, and placed it on Siguor's right knee. Inside, Kryunn's hands shot loose from his feet as he felt now pressure being exercised in his knee, too. Finally, as the creature lifted up it's frontal right feet again and placed it in Siguor's shoulder, the massive Warrior-Hunter fell over, the Warrior-Beast standing lazily on top of it. The Lagrok simply took a few steps forwards, off Siguor, who grappled with the beast in vain, when it suddenly stopped, almost as if it had forgotten something. Then, it lifted it's right hind leg, and began stomping on Siguor's core repeatedly, trying to break it. Inside Siguor, Kryunn screamed out in pain, as it felt like something massive was stomping on his ribcage, trying to break trough to squich his heart. Despite the pain he endured, he none the less managed to push an emergancy button, as a hard white lid sled over Siguor's core. The creature continued stomping, but this time in vain, as Kryunn felt the pressure diminishing. He was too weak now, however, to do another thing, and just laid there in the fluid, recovering. Jet Blazer ran forwards, delivering a low sweep at the creature's feet. It screeched out in sudden pain, it it kicked Kando's mecha back at Taint Cleanser, who had wrestled itself out of a cliff face, slamming both back in. The Lagrok, meanwhile, seemingly had realized he could no longer break Siguor's core, and simply continued on-route as if nothing had happened, though it now limped a litle from Kando's slash at it's heel.


 * Kryunn - *Grasping heavily* Damn couldn't even manage to do something.
 * Gatal - Eh, guys...so, what now?

Meanwhile, at the Warrior-Hunter barracks, a Satais Tube went off, as a light changed from red to green, and the doors of the tube slit open. Inside, a massive, Mecha began to stir, colored a simple, unpained metal grey. While it looked extremely battle-worn, was quite damaged, and seemed a prototype at that, it still seemed fully functional. Desite, it was headless, and it's reactor seemd to be moved from it's chest cavity to it's belly. inside the blasted hole were the first reactor cavity one was, a Veteran Globmling Warrior-Hunter pilot grinned. His lower legs seemed to have been brutally ripped off by a Warrior-Beast of some sort, and were now replaced with four sythetic bicep-like libs, which attached him to his Warrior-Hunter, together with with various elastic tumed attached to his back. The pilot flipped open the joystick-like controllers of his Mecha, as an energy field materialized in front of him to close the hole. Slowly, the Mecha lifted a massive Chain-Axe from it's back, as it's Railguns forged to it's arms began to load, as did it's much smaller, turret-like Coilguns, placed just below it's shoulders. Just as slowly, the Mecha, once called 144 Dust Devil, walked out of the Statis Tube and towards the barrack gates, which slid open for it. Basking in the sunlight, the pilot grinned, as if he bad not been out for a long time now.


 * Thamnulain - Finally...Freedom.

The Lagrok nearled the Thunder Barracks by now as suddenly, two titanic railgun shells hit it, stopping it in itt's tracks temporarily. It was unfazed, however, and continued to move, as suddenly, a ravaged Warrior-Hunter slammed into the beast, lifting a massive Chain-Axe up, and slamming it down upon it's shell. Thamnumain once emore had his Mecha lift his Chain-Axe, and continued to slam it down with gusto, humming as he did. However, the attacks did even less that Kando's, and the beast even didn't have shards splintered off.


 * Thamnulain - Arg, damn. Should've known these things are never fun.

Just at that moment, he saw the cut at one of the the beast's hind legs, and only now seemed to realize there were other Warrior-Hunters here.


 * Thamnulain - Hey! Who of you rookies did that!?
 * Kryunn - Kando.
 * Thamnulain - Kudo's to you for at least damaging this thing, but that won't cut it, Kando.
 * Gatal - Kando's not a rookie, y'know...
 * Thamnulain - Compared to me, he is!

He turned his attemtion back to the Lagrok, and took a wide stance, steeping back each time the beast took a step forwards, continioyusly eyeing it.


 * Thamnulain - So now what? Oh, yeah, that! Thanks for giving me that idea, rookie!
 * Kando - I. am. no. rookie.

Thamnulain grinned, and simply ignored Kando, as he lowered his Chain-Axe, and shoulder-bashed at the Lagrok once more. Sweeping his massive weapon, he managed to make a cut in one of it's frontal legs. Swinging aroung fully the other way, he nearly cut off the other. Destabilized, the beats fell on the ground, as Thamnulain had Dust Devil reattach his Chain-Axe to it's back.


 * Thamnulain - So whay do you all thank about that?
 * Kando - The thing isn't dead yet.
 * Thamnulain - Yeah, of course not. That's to come now.
 * Kando - *Sarcastically* Much luck what that. Only the sacred arts can bring that beast down, but it's weak spot isn't exposed.
 * Thamnulain - Sacred arts? * Laughs loudily* I don't need "sacred" arts! I don't need luck! I have my Mecha!

Slamming his fists together, Thamnulain charged at the Lagrok, gabbing it by it's bleeding front legs, as he began lifting. His Mevha crucked, as if the strain was almost to much, as it's pilot grimaced, but continued none the less.


 * Thamnulain - GRAAAAAAH-Ah!

Having pulled the Lagrok completely up, Dust Devil now pushed it on it's back, where it lay helpless. To regain stability, the Mecha slammed down of one hand, as the pilot inside the husk breathed heavily.


 * Thamnulain - *Cracking his knuckles and neck* Heh. Great workout. 'Ey, rookie, tell me? Was it "manly" enough for you liking?

144 Dust Devil once more took a wide pose, as it unleashed the payload of it's shoulder-mounted Coilguns at the beast's belly. Energized shell upon energized shell hit home, as cracks began to appear in the layer of armor. Finally, Dust Devil finishe doff the barrage by firing his two Railguns one more, the two railgun shells shattering the armor completely.


 * Thamnulain - Now...to finish you off!

With impressive speed, 144 Dust Devil grabbed it's Chain-Axe once more, and in one fell swoop, slammed it trough the belly of the beast. The lagrok let out a low wail, and then stopped moving completely, it's eyes staring into nothingless.


 * Thamnulain - Another kill for the Boisterous!

His mevha sheated it's Chain-Axe, as it grabbed the Lagrok's head with it's hands, and began pulling. Finally, with a wet sound, the head came loose.


 * Thamnulain - Aand another head for my piramid-building pet project!
 * Gatal - What, you build piramids with the heads of those things?
 * Thamnulain - Yeah. Anything wrong with it?
 * Gatal - Eh, everyone his own past-time, I guess. But what's with the Mech?
 * Thamnulain - What's up with it?
 * Gatal - Well, it kinda looks ravaged and I wondered wh-
 * Thamnulain - It served me on more battlefields than you have fingers! Through death and beyond!
 * Gatal - Geez. You are protective of it.
 * Thamnulain - I am. Any more questions?
 * Gatal - *Slightly cowed* Yes, but...
 * Thamnulain - You respect Gordaoh?
 * Gatal - Pardon me?
 * Thamnulain - I said: You respect Gordaoh?
 * Gatal - From what I heard, I guess, yeah? I mean, he's a strong warrior and all.
 * Thamnulain - Then buckle up. Now. You should't respect him.
 * Gatal - But...Why not?
 * Thamnulain - He disrespects everyone. A being like that isn't worthy of respect.
 * Kando - *Cuts in* And you think you are?
 * Thamnulain - *Dryly* That depends to be seen. Judge me by my actions.

With that, Thamnulain turned around and began steppig away.


 * Gatal - Geez. What's wrong with that guy?

To his surprise, Thamnulain answered it over the comm.


 * Thamnulain - Gordaoh hates rookies. I like rookies. That doesn't go together.
 * Gatal - And your mech-
 * Thamnulain - Is not something I am willing to talk about.
 * Gatal - Fine, then I'll ask Chiro.
 * Thamnulain - *Sarcastically* Hah! Good luck with that, rookie! He won't tell!

As he gained distance from the other Warrior-Hunters, he began muttering to himself.


 * Thamnulain - We fought together once, the two of us. Fist and second. Always first and second, Hunter-configuration scores, in battle, and in defeat. Now look what's become of us...a cripple and a guy on life-support. I'm proud of you, Thamnul. Real, real proud.

Ragnar closed in on the island just off the bay at a steady pace with Ibari and Serenity not far behind him. Looking back he saw Ibari had Brynhildr slinking low to the sea floor like a predatory cat, with Serenity stood on one of the Chaser's back blades, which were not submerged. Returning his attention to the island he saw that one of the Kaiju had already made landfall. It was an Oradanto, but it's skin had become burnt orange with a fiery glow coming from it's eyes, scars, claws, and wing membranes. The other was an Ebikran zeroing in on them through the open water.


 * Ragnar - Alright you two, I'll take that monstrosity on the island, you two handle the one coming for us.
 * Ibari - Aye Mentor!

Ragnar grinned at Ibari's enthusiasm, before setting his hunter off at a dead run towards the island. The Ebikran, seeing his approach, changed directions heading straight for him.


 * Serenity - I'll draw it away from Ragnar and over to you.
 * Ibari - Right, I'll be waiting.

Serenity took off flying high over the ocean.


 * Serenity - Well father I hope your with me on this.

Swooping down she fired her particle blasters at the crab-like beast. The Ebikran responded by slashing at her with it's pincers, but Serenity evaded with ease and began to draw it over to Ibari in a game of cat and rather aggressive flying mouse.

Ibari crouched low in anticipation, keeping just below the surface. Serenity dove again for another strike before speeding off drawing the colossal crustacean in range. Firing her needle launcher the beast raised itself from the sea and bellowed in fury right as Ibari lunged and sunk her teeth deep into the beast. Her jaws crunching through hard exoskeleton she felt the monster buck and thrash before a claw caught her in the side and sent her flying off. Scrabbling to get a foothold saw the creature rise to attack before Serenity jetted in and slashed it clean across the blast, peeling away she fired her particle blasters directly into the wound Ibari had made as Ibari fired her spike launchers into the Ebikran's underbelly.

Thrashing the beast shirked in rage and agony as Ibari lunged and grabbed onto the creature's left claw with her teeth and proceeded to try and ripe it off as Serenity dive bombed it's eyes. Right as Ibari manged to rip it's left claw clean off, the creature fired a coolant blast freezing Brynhildr's jaws shut. The monster than lunged forward slamming Brynhildr again and again with it's remaining claw. However, Serenity struck in a downward spiral leaving the remaining claw hanging by a few nerves. Jetting forward Ibari slammed Brynhildr's frozen jaws in the Ebikran's head smashing the open and stunning the beast. Jumping behind it she then lunged onto it's back and proceeded to rip and tear at it's skull until the carapace began to give way.


 * Ibari - Serenity strike now!
 * Serenity - Got it!

Serenity dove firing her Shadow Squall Blaster will rapidly spinning causing her to become surrounded in a halo of dark matter. Crashing into the head wound Ibari had created for her she tor through flesh and brain matter before coming out the other end.


 * Ibari - Nicely done.
 * Serenity - And messy, this is going to take hours to wash out.
 * Ibari - *Smiles* We can worry about that latter, right now lets go help Ragnar out.

Ragnar charged onto the rocky island engaging the energy blades mounted on his wrist and stabbing forward into the monstrosity's chest. The Oradanto shrieked in rage a swept it's tail claw forward to grab Eizeits head, but Ragnar brought the machines massive hand to catch the incoming attack, only to feel a burning sensation surge through his own arm and he gasped in pain.


 * Ragnar - What the hell was that?!
 * 4020 - The mutations, they have given it the ability to transfer large doses of thermal energy through it's attacks.
 * Ragnar - Then this will be ranged combat, fine by me!

Jumping back he opened up fire from his Cryo Cannons and Missiles. The Cyro Cannons had very little to no effect the creature was producing so much heat, however the missile found the mark causing massive spurts of glowing red blood that burst into flames upon contact with the air leaving the beast wreathed in flames. Charging at him Ragnar was forced to engage in melee again slashing and stabbing as he tried to keep from suffering to much from direct combat.


 * Ragnar - Damn this monster and it's mutations!

Just then he felt a piercing sensation in his side and saw the Oradanto's tail claw penetrating Eiszeit's side. Slashing with the his energy blades he cut the tail clean off. Roaring in pain the Kaiju leap onto his mech and began to wrap it jaws around the head. However something flew by slashing at the neck causing the beast to jerk away to see what hit it.


 * Ragnar - Serenity!
 * Serenity - We took care of the other one and Ibari is right behind me.
 * Ragnar - Good, I'll try to kill this monstrosity before she gets here.

He opened fire with his missile launchers causing the Oradanto to fly back, smoking holes all over it's body and blood pooling across the island. Ragnar readied himself, the creature would be desparet, with those wounds it could bleed to death. He looked to see Ibari coming up and that was when it struck. Flaming acid shot from it's maw, buring and eatting it's way through Eiszeit's systems.


 * Ragnar - Damn it! Come on engaged!
 * 4020 - I cannot, the acid has damaged us to badly.
 * Ragnar - Shit.
 * Serenity - Ragnar!

Diving it Serenity closed in to attack the kaiju closing in on the inert Eiszeit. However the beast merely turned and swatted her aside with it's wing. She crashed into the ground hard and was knocked out by the impact. Ibari stopped short as watched the destruction the mutated Oradanto had caused in only a few minutes.


 * Brynhildr - There is no way we can destroy that thing alone or in our current state.
 * Ibari - I know.
 * Brynhildr - Then you know what to do.

Ibari nodded and took a breath before shouting out.


 * Ibari - I am the Daemon Valkyrie, bound by my own armor so that I may be tame!

Red runes began to glow on Brynhildr's armor as shadows poured from them covering the entire Hunter, the runes then opened into thousands of glowering eyes as the whole form began to shift and twist into a brand new shape. The eyes began to close as the shadows peeled back into them revealing the Chaser's true form as a demonic Silpelit. The Oradanto turned to face this new attacker and shot acid at it, but Brynhildr simply shrugged it off and began a slow approach. Roaring the beast lunged only for Brynhildr to bring her arm blades up and slash directly into it's mouth, cutting it's bottom jaw clean off before Brynhildr kicked it into the ground. As it struggled to get up Brynhildr's tentacles flew around it, cutting into it with the blood red beams of light they generated. Large portions of flesh were carved off alone with both wings before the dying creature managed to stand again. Giving out one last straggled roar as a fiery beam lanced from the Oradanto's shredded throat, causing it's own body to erupt into flames and be consumed. The beam struck Brynhildr, forcing the Silpelit to it's knees, it's skin smoking and burning. However after awhile it stood again, the runes reappearing as the shadows flowed back around it. The eyes opened as it began to shift again before closing. Revealing a mere Chaser standing amongst the ruins.

After the Battle
Strain looked over scans of the Hunters that had been engaged in the conflict. Significant damage had been sustained to each and everyone and extensive repairs would have to be made. That was hardly of any interest to him though, what as interesting were the scans of 11K Siguror.


 * Strain - Hmmm, how puzzling.
 * Chiro - What is?
 * Strain - Ah! Commander! The scans of Siguror show something of major interest.

Chiro lead over the scans and frowned, he couldn't see what ever the Doctor's sharp eyes had caught. Futes-Chauro sat next to Strain as usual, his eyes focussing on a certain spot on the screen, though the look on his face was more one of genuine intrest in the going-ons than anything else.


 * Chiro - I don't see what I'm supposed to be looking at.
 * Strain - *Grins* I'm not surprised, you are an effective commander, but you are no scientist.
 * Chiro - Thanks for reminding me.
 * Strain - *Chuckles* What I wish to draw your attention to are the alterations to the components on the shoulders, hands, and the sword. Here, I'll highlight them for you.

Strain hit a button and a scan of before the battle and one of after the battle showed up on the screen with the alterations highlighted.


 * Chiro - By Jura, could this be an effective of the Phazite?
 * Strain - No. You see, these alterations have been appearing for awhile now, every time it goes into combat the components in these areas are changed ever so slightly...
 * Futes-Chauru - *Clasps his hands together* Hmmm...Could it be something to do with the slot where we would normally put the Ragnarok Trace System?
 * Strain - It is a possibility.
 * Chiro - You don't know what it is, do you?
 * Strain - No one does, the moment Siguror's core was installed, there it was.
 * Futes-Chauru - Doctor, it might be odd to ask, but could I please attend your courses on the subject? This has gotten me really intrigued, and I would hope to be of help.
 * Strain - Of course.
 * Chiro - Well, I'll leave you with this. Deputy Commandant Futes-Chauru, if there are any formal meetings outside these barracks I need you to attend, I will notice you. You know how much I hate such things, especially with outsiders. Head Scientist Strain, keep up the investigation on this matter. I myself will have to keep myself to getting any troublemakers off each other.
 * Futes-Cauru - As you wish, sir.
 * Strain - Didn't you and Thamnulain used to get along well?
 * Chiro - It doesn't matter if we used to get along, or still do. I'm in a position of command now. If he starts a fight with Gordaoh or anyone else I will have to discipline him harshly. This goes the other way around too.
 * Strain - Of course.

Chiro nodded and walked away as Strain turned back to the monitor.

Kryunn looked out into the ocean as he stood at the very top of highest mountain on all of Midgard. Below him he could see the Jörmungandr defense ring slowly spinning, reflecting the deep reds and purples of slowly fading artificial light source that lit Leviathan. Kryunn turned his eyes away from the defense ring and look out over to where the battle had taken place, he could still see smoke in the sky. Looking back to the sprawling island if Midgard below he could make out several of the Hunters that were standing outside in the bay, yet to be loaded in yet. One in particular caught his eye.


 * Kryunn - *growls* Thamnulain.
 * Ibari - Huh, what was that you said?

Kryunn turned to see his friend jogging up the slope to meet him.


 * Kryunn - Nothing in particular, just not to terribly happy about that "freedom fighter" we have joining us now.

Ibari frowned, it was one of the few times she had heard actual malice in his voice, sure he usually sound rather grumpy, but rarely actually hateful.


 * Ibari - Who? Thamnulain? He seems just fine.
 * Kryunn - I don't like freedom fighters, their nothing but trouble. Most are just terrorists that the UAE supports and even those who aren't...
 * Ibari - Yeah?

Kryunn sighed and rubbed his forehead, few people ever realized just how much trouble their idealism could cause, especially when their ideals involved killing people they considered "evil".


 * Kryunn - Suppose we were the destroy the Imperium of War, what would happen to all the slaves that they keep?
 * Ibari - They would be free.
 * Kryunn - To go where, to do what?
 * Ibari - Well I'm pretty sure the UAE could provide for them and other such things.
 * Kryunn - True, but not all of them, to do that would be impossible. Some will be left with no work and no home, forced to struggle to stay alive. And what about those who were born slaves? They never knew freedom, you would have to extensively re-educate those people so they could survive in a free society. Even then, you would hardly have an one hundred percent success rate.
 * Ibari - I'm not sure where your going with this.
 * Kryunn - What I'm saying is that freedom fighters like Thamnulain rarely consider the full extent of their actions. They fight for their ideals, but then once they've won, they're not very good at rebuilding what they've destroyed. Those hypothetical slaves we were talking about...
 * Ibari - You were talking about.
 * Kryunn - Whatever. The ones with nowhere to go could very well end up joining terrorist groups, Darkling Cults, and any number of things that don't like us.
 * Ibari - Hmmm.
 * Kryunn - The war is only half the battle. When you overthrow a tyrannical government you have to help rebuilt, maintain, and help hem stand on their own feet again. You can't big brother them forever and if you leave without helping to rebuild then they could very easily become tyrannical again. It happens all throughout history.

Ibari nodded slowly and began to turn taking a holed of Kryunn's hand.


 * Ibari - Come on we have get to bed.
 * Kryunn - Right, just keep one thing in mind.
 * Ibari - What?
 * Kryunn - What your morals are and what's right are not always the same thing. Don't get them confused.
 * Ibari - I'll keep that in mind.

Kryunn nodded and fallowed her back into the base.

Festival
Chiro sat at his desk glaring at the colossal stack of papers on his desk and buried his face in his palms.


 * Chiro - Sometimes I wonder how many forests we could save if I didn't haft to do all this paperwork.
 * Strain - None what so ever, you know we no longer need to cut down trees for paper now that we figured out how to process herbivorous animal dung to suit the need.
 * Chiro - *Grimaced* Thank you for reminding me.
 * Strain - Its what I'm here for.

Chiro simply grunted and went back to putting his signature on a seemingly never ending pile. As he was writting he paused for a bit and turned back to Strain.


 * Chiro - Tell me... what day is it?
 * Strain - Hmmm...oh just a day before the fall equinox.
 * Chiro - Ah.

He pressed a button on the desk and spoke into the speaker on the side.


 * Chiro - Kenvash I need you up here.

He sat back and waited until the doors side open and Kenvash entered.


 * Kenvash - You called me?
 * Chiro - Yes I want you to go inform the other pilots that they all have shore leave.

Kenvash blinked slowly before speaking.


 * Kenvash - Are you sure that is wise?
 * Strain - Yes, the Fall Equinox is coming you know what that means.

Kenvash did, during the equinoxes and solstices of the year the Breach became unstable, nothing could get through.


 * Kenvash - I see, the Festival of the Coming White is to be on.
 * Chiro - Indeed.
 * Kenvash - Hmmm, that should be pleasant, and good stress relief.
 * Chiro - My thoughts exactly.

Kenvash merely nodded and turned walking out. Chiro chuckled and leaned back in his chair before looking back at the stack of papers before him. He signed, grabbed another, and proceeded to sign it before grabbing another again.

At The Festival
Ibari hummed a happy tune as she walked down the streets of the port. Bright lanterns were strung out everywhere lighting the bay with a bright festive light that set the mood well. Ibari was wearing a brilliant red and yellow rob that glowed like the sun and over her face was the snarling mask of a Dragodes, a creature from Vanara myth said to devour nightmares. Kryunn walked behind her wearing a blue and lavender rob with a mask in the form of the face of a Chikrell, a demonic hound said to haunt fields at night to steal the breath of the unwary. He was speading most of his time muttering about the fact that this was the only mask he could find.


 * Kryunn - Slow down Ibari, the festival isn't going anywhere, we got all night.
 * Ibari - Hmph, fool! We must use of every minute we have it will be gone before we know it!
 * Kryunn - *rolling his eyes* Yes your highness.
 * Ibari - Highness? I should be giving that to you great sub-viceroy.

Ibari turned toward him and gave a dramatic bow. Kryunn rolled his eyes even harder at this gesture, but smirked as well.


 * Kryunn - Yeah well if you wanna make use of every minute we got we better get moving.
 * Ibari - Oh well look who's so egar now!

Kryunn snorted and simply walked ahead of her to which Ibari gave a happy shrugged and skipped after him. Coming down to the main set up of the festival was. Ibari ran up to where Serenity and Armus where standing. Armus had on a black and white rob and the mask of a Star Cobra the symbol of Armus's clan. Serenity was wearing a purple and black robe with a mask of the Aranthrone Star Eater god Typhorion.


 * Ibari - Hey guys hows it been going.
 * Serenity - oh fine, but it took Armus here forever to chose a mask.
 * Armus - Well I just wasn't sure what to chose, there where so many.
 * Serenity - Well I think your final choice came out well, your clan symbol you should be proud.
 * Armus - I guess it feels good. But won't your gods be angry at you wearing your their face.
 * Serenity - *snorts* All Aranthrone gods are bastards, besides most of us have renounced our gods.

Armus made a hmm sound at this before Ibari spoke up.


 * Ibari - Well we've got plenty of time to have fun so lets use it!
 * Serenity - Right! Everyone one, two, three...

Everyone reached into there pockets and threw out several of the beans they had with them.


 * Everyone - GOOD FORTUNE TO US ALL!

With that out of the way the four set off exploring the festival around them, eating treats and playing the various games set out. As they were wondering Serenity began to look around and popped a rather important question.


 * Serenity - Hey where's Armus?
 * Kryunn - Oh, that's going to be a problem.
 * Ibari - He must have wandered off.
 * Serenity - I'll go find him, you two have fun.
 * Ibari - Al right, catch up with him soon.
 * Serenity - Don't worry shouldn't be hard

Ibari and Kryunn both looked after their friend worriedly as she ducked through the crowd.


 * Ibari - Come on, lets keep going.

Kenvash walked through the crowded streets, right beside Kando, who was dressed in the style of Hoorangiir, while Kenvash had taken on the appearance of the Walgolorian god, Aerkorva, God of warfare, justice and slaughter. Unlike with the Vanara, all they needed was a change in paint to signify which god they chose to emulate this evening.


 * Kenvash - Why are we here again?
 * Kando - To get some fresh air, my friend, something you need.
 * Kenvash - Yes, we'll defiantly get that in our helmets and armor.
 * Kando - It's the thought that counts, Ken, work with me.
 * Kenvash - *brushing his hand through the air* Sure, whatever.
 * Kando - You could be back at the barracks spending all your time with Gordaoh again.
 * Kenvash - Say no more.

The 2 walked on, greeting the passer-bys, and enjoying the ceremony, with Kando even accepting a piece of candy from a young Vanara kit, as the 2 continued on, heading no where for the moment.


 * Kenvash - Are your really going to eat that?
 * Kando - Of course, you know I can't. Cancer is not on my bucket list.
 * Kenvash - Perhaps you should cut out some of your other unsavory habits then.
 * Kando - Don't.
 * Kenvash - Kando, as a friend, I must ask why you insist on your course.
 * Kando - I'm not telling. Don't spoil this night for me.

Kenvash nodded as the 2 continued on. The contemptuous silence went on for awhile, till Kando elbowed Ken in the armored ribs. Despite the heavy breastplate Kenvash wore, it still stung.


 * Kenvash - Watch it! Armored elbows hurt more.
 * Kando - *pointing* Isn't that the Armus kid over there.
 * Kenvash - How do you know?
 * Kando - *taps the side of his helmet* Scanning everyone.
 * Kenvash - We're not bounty hunters, we don't need to do that.
 * Kando - All these cloaks and capes, I needed something to let me know whose who. Besides, I have trouble with alien races, even our allies. I'd lose you in a crowed room filled with Walgolorian.
 * Kenvash - Gee, thanks. Glad I made such an impact on you, friend.
 * Kando - How about you go over, and...I don't know, talk with someone other then me and your technicians.

Kenvash drew a sharp intake of breath upon hearing this.


 * Kenvash - What?
 * Kando - Talk, you know, what we're doing right now.
 * Kenvash - What...would I say?
 * Kando - Geez, for a feared martial arts inheritor and one of the deadliest masters of it yet, you have no idea about social interactions do you.
 * Kenvash - I...I'm not used to talking with anyone outside of my family, not including you and some others.
 * Kando - Come on, just walk up to him and start a conversation. I don't think he's to good at talking either. Perhaps what he needs is you.
 * Kenvash - What do you mean.
 * Kando - You don't know his history?
 * Kenvash - I don't like to pry.
 * Kando - *Throws up his hands* Well, fine. Let me put it this way, he needs a father figure, and who better then a guy who saved his life several times.
 * Kenvash - *bites his lip* I'm not exactly cut out for parenting.

Kando facepalmed, or as best he could in full armor. Kenvash was his closest friend, a true brother. However, he could be downright thick-headed about some things, mostly things not involving blowing kaiju, or people, up. Kando pressed a hand behind Kenvash's shoulder, and gave him a shove.


 * Kando - Go, before you lose him. I'll meet you at the barracks. I'm off to find Ragnar.

Kando walked away, as Kenvash stepped towards Armus. Personally, Kando had done it less for Kenvash, and more for Armus. A man with only his mother and sister, the one thing he always craved was a father to teach him certain things, such as battle and living, how to love a women and care for the household. The closest he ever had was his teacher. The man he could no longer talk to, due to the edicts set up in Nantau vo Kush and it's successorship.


 * Kando - *Sighing to himself* Teach him well Ken.

Kenvash walked up beside Armus, who did not seem to notice him.


 * Kenvash - *Clearing his throat* Hello Armus.

Armus yelped, practically leaping out of his skin. Kenvash himself backed up slightly.


 * Armus - Mister Kenvash? Is that you?
 * Kenvash - Yes.
 * Armus - I can't recognize you with that armor. Why is it look like lava and blood?
 * Kenvash - Aerkova, God of slaughter and warfare among my kind.
 * Armus - Oh.

They stood for a moment in silence.


 * Kenvash - Shall I walk with you?
 * Armus - Sure. I'm kind of lost.
 * Kenvash - We'll look for your friends along the way.

The two walked beside eachother, silent for a long while as Armus looked about nervously, Kenvash's helmeted head never looking anywhere but forward. He almost cursed himself. Blinking, he shut off all sound to the outside world.


 * Kenvash - Damn it all. I am the inheritor to the most powerful martial art of my people, of the entire Mendel, but I am scared to speak with this boy? Why!?

Kenvash breathed in deeply. He needed to get a hold of himself. Just like what Ryuten had taught him. Self control in all situations.


 * Armus - So, um...Was Gordaoh the brother who taught you your martial art?
 * Kenvash - Um?
 * Armus - So, I was just wondering about something.
 * Kenvash - He taught me a lot. It was my other brother Tuiko, who taught me the higher things with the art. Philosophy, self-control, humility.
 * Armus - So...What else was there.
 * Kenvash - My Blood Brother, Juden, is possibly my best friend. Kept me going, pushed me. Similar to how Gordaoh and Tuiko worked. Gordaoh could inspire anyone really, once you get to know him.
 * Armus - Huh.
 * Kenvash - I am the sum of what my brothers and father have imparted onto me. I wouldn't be here without them.

The two where silent a bit longer, before Kenvash cleared his throat again.


 * Kenvash - I'm sorry. It just felt good to be able to reminisce about my brothers for a moment, back before we lost Tuiko...
 * Armus - I'm sorry. How did he pass?
 * Kenvash - Have you ever heard of the Warrior-Beast the One Eye?
 * Armus - *Nervously* Everyone has.
 * Kenvash - *clenching his fists* That thing murdered him. And I will repay it's sins in full.

Armus nodded a bit, though glanced at Kenvash nervously. He had never seen Kenvash so angry. His voice alone sounded beyond enraged.


 * Kenvash - *breathing in deeply* So...What of your family Armus?
 * Armus - Nothing I'd care to talk about.
 * Kenvash - Not the best, hm?
 * Armus - My mother...never showed me an ounce of love or respect.
 * Kenvash - ...

Kenvash nodded a bit, though was unsure of what to say. His Master was distant, at best, but his brothers where always there for them, even if Juden was insane and Gordaoh was a warmongering bastard. Perhaps Kando was wrong, perhaps Kenvash wasn't the father figure Armus needed.


 * Kenvash - Then she was a fool. My old parents abandoned me and Juden when we where babes. I don't know why, but I have come to terms with it. If they did not want me, then I do not want them. Your mother is a fool if she treated you as such.
 * Armus - I...Th..Thank you.

Armus was taken back by this. Other then Ibari, Serenity and Kryunn, he didn't have many people he could call friends, or had treated him with such respect and care. He smiled under his mask, briefly overcome with emotion. Kenvash scanned the crowd a bit with his helmet. While he didn't like it, he knew Armus needed to spend some time with his friends, and people his age. Finally, he spotted his friend Serenity in the crowds, looking all around.


 * Kenvash - There is one of your friends. Serenity.

They walked over to her, Armus waving to catch her attention. She ran over, though Kenvash could tell her eyes where locked on him.


 * Serenity - Armus! Thank goodness I found you! And who the heck is this guy?
 * Armus - Kenvash.
 * Kenvash - Yeah, the armor hides a lot from others. Pleasure meeting you again.
 * Serenity - Yeah. I'm not used to the...colors.
 * Kenvash - Well, I'm going. I'll see you all back at base. Have a nice night.

Kenvash turned and walked off, leaving the two behind as he headed back for the base. Serenity and Armus turned, walking the other way.


 * Serenity - So, did you talk about anything? Or did you just walk around in awkward silence.
 * Armus - We talked about a lot of things. It made me feel a lot better.
 * Serenity - About what?
 * Armus - A lot of things.

Kryunn meanwhile continued to be dragged around by Ibari. Currently she had him by one hand while in the other she held the leg of some animal and was ripping into it flesh, bone, and all.


 * Kryunn - Ibari just where the hell are you dragging me off to?
 * Ibari - The temple of Warjeth at the edge of the city, you know what goes on there.
 * Kryunn - You really don't believe that old legend, that your fortunes can be told by a simple stone?
 * Ibari - it doesn't matter if I believe it or not, what matters is the experience.
 * Kryunn - What if that experience is a bad fortune?
 * Ibari - Idiot, then I'll just change that fortune.
 * Kryunn - Nice to see you have such confidence.

Ibari turned around and raised her hand flicking him between the eyes.


 * Kryunn - Owww, hey that hurt.
 * Ibari - Idiot, now's not the time to be moody, we're at a festival so brighten up!
 * Kryunn - *rubbing in between his eyes* Easy for you to say, you've always had a Melange in you.

Ibari gave a huff and grabbed his hand again tugging him along even harder, a little harder then necessary he thought, it felt like his arm was getting tugged off. Ad they neared the temple Kryunn saw quiet a few others had the same idea as them.


 * Ibari - *huffed* Why is there always a line at things I really want to see! It feels like the universe is screwing with me!
 * Kryunn - Or everyone else just wants to see the things you do.
 * Ibari - *rolling her eyes* Yeah like I don't know that, in any case I'm not standing here in line bored out of my mined.
 * Kryunn - So no temple.
 * Ibari - Don't be stupid, of course I'm going to the temple. I'll just fined something else to do till the line gets shorter
 * Kryunn - Well what?

Ibari hmmed at that and began to look around. Something must have caught her attention for her eyes lit up.


 * Ibari - I know! Lets go bug catching!
 * Kryunn - Really?
 * Ibari - Really.

And so Kryunn found himself being dragged by the arm toward a field. Getting to the field Kryunn began to see a large flaw in Ibari's bug catching scheme.


 * Kryunn - So how are we going to catch the bugs with no nets.
 * Ibari - Don't be a dummy, we catch them with our hands.
 * Kryunn - Great.

Ibari however was ignoring him a preceded to try to do exactly what she suggest and was bouncing around like an excited kit. Kryunn simply shook his head and stood back to watch her. As he was watching her he noticed a large armored bug hovering right in front of his face. Reaching out his hand and grabbed it. He almost jerked back and let it go when sparks burst out from his hand. However they didn't actually hurt and when he opened his hand he saw that the bug was generating the sparks. It scurried around in his hand for a bit before flying off continually generating sparks. Ibari walked up and tugged on his sleeve.


 * Ibari - Hey the lines shorted, we should get up there.
 * Kryunn - Right.

The two got in line and walked up to the temple where the priests had several rocks a different colors with different symbols were carved on them. The process was simple, one threw the rocks and depending on what pattern they landed in the priest would select a scroll that told your fortune, or that was the superstition. Ibari got up and cast the rocks before be given a scroll with Kryunn fallowing behind her. Taking their scrolls they went out the temple to read their's. ibari scanned her's and frowned.


 * Kryunn - What is it?
 * Ibari - Oh nothing important.

She shrugged, crumbled up the scroll and shoved it in her pocket. Kryunn frowned and looked at his as his frown deepened. Shrugging he shoved it in his pocket before fallowing her.

Add what ever you all want

Ibari hit the beach on the out reaches of the port over looking the bay.


 * Ibari - By Ava, that was some night.
 * Kryunn - Getting tired?
 * Ibari - *yawning* Na, not me I could for another hour or so...

Ibari trailed of as she yawned again and her head slumped onto her chest.


 * Ibari - Well maybe just a little shut eye.

Ibari closed her eyes and after awhile her breathing steady.


 * Kryunn - Not tired huh.

Ibari mumbled a little and stirred slightly, but remained asleep. A slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth and took off his rob and laid it over her as a blanket.


 * Kryunn - Have a good rest sleepy head.

The Other Half
The Deutzalanian commander sat in his command chair, over looking Zarbanian operations from across the breach. It was hard to read his face, considering his reptilian face was set in a scowl, and covered in scar tissue all over. One of his lieutenants, A Scimat'akar marched onto the bridge.


 * Lieutenant - Commander, the 6 beasts we set in where rebelled. Even with three sporting Phazrite mutations.
 * Commander - Good grief. What else, Lieutenant?
 * Lieutenant - The Fall Equinox is upon us, sir. The Breach is too unstable to cross our forces through. Should we send Dark Artists into the try and stabilize it.
 * Commander - No, no. No need to waste lives on such a useless endeavor. How goes Monster breeding?
 * Lieutenant - Science Command reports we have more then enough to make up for our loses incurred these past battles.

The Commander stood up, his great coat parting slightly to reveal his full battle uniform, armor and all.

He walked past the lieutenant, folding his arms behind him as he marched to the elevator, turning to the lieutenant before leaving.
 * Commander - What of the Project:Crossbreed members?
 * Lieutenant - *Visibly flinching* They are all gathered, all 13 have been gathered, and their war-machines are progressing ahead of schedule.
 * Commander - Excellent.


 * Commander - You may leave to rejoin your family at the best possible moment. Enjoy your life for a bit before war beckons us again. Finish up here before you go.
 * Lieutenant - Tha..thank you sir.
 * Commander - Hmmph.

He walked in, pushing the button as he made his way down. Upon arriving, the doors opened, to reveal the kaiju breeding pits. most of the beasts where contained in pods, either in the developing larvae stages, or fully developed and in cryo storage. He walked past them without giving them heed, their eyes staring blankly ahead. One of the lead scientists ran up to him.


 * Scientist - Commander Harthish! Pleasure to see you. I'll have you know we are developing kaiju at twice the speed High Command wanted, and at better quality.
 * Harthish - Do we have synapse beasts yet?
 * Scientist - Yes sir. Though I fail to see why we would need them. Just send in a horde of our beasts and let them tear through the hive ship.
 * Harthish - We must keep them under control. Could you really live with how many children could be killed by needless destruction. Keep them under command, destroy, but not needlessly.
 * Scientist - *Rolls his eyes* Whatever you say sir.

They walked on, walking past the numerous developing kaiju, and those being put on Deep Freeze.


 * Harthish - What of Crossbreed?
 * Scientist - All pilots are here. The nano crystal armor is being added to the warrior-beasts, and all we need to is to test their connection with the creatures, and their ability to fight.
 * Harthish - Good. I will contact High Command.

He walked past the rest of the restrained beasts, leaving the scientist behind without a word, as he walked past the 13 Warrior-Beasts breed to counter the Warrior-Hunter project. He turned slightly to look at one. It's grey-black skin was raw and enflamed, as machines "Wove" the nano-crystal armor into the beast's flesh. While much of it's face was covered, it's 2 eyes glared straight ahead, staring right at him. It's arms, hung on girders to it's side, as the rest of it was held in place, twitched slightly, it's eyes focusing more on him as it did.

Harthish growled, turning to walk away, moving past the other beasts receiving their "armor" and equipment. Finally moving past them, he walked into the private room, where the holographic projections of High Command awaited him, including the Emperor himself.


 * - Ah, Commander, how goes the conquest for Leviathan?
 * High Command member 01 - Not well, from what I have heard in fact, we have already lost 9 kaiju in our assault.
 * Harthish - They are expendable units, my lords. Will hardly be missed.
 * Gridlock - With the Fall Equinox upon your forces, are you sure you can still grab victory?
 * Harthish - The cause is not lost, Holy Emperor. We have hordes of warrior-beasts waiting. Once the Equinox subsides, we will be able to start sending Synapse-lead packs into battle.
 * Bisarko - Interesting. Well done Commander, when do you plan on deploying the Crossbreeds?
 * Harthish - Not soon, my lords. We still need to ship in equipment, mine more nano crystal. That sort of thing.
 * High Commander 02 - This hold up hardly is pleasing Sector Commander, we cannot stress it enough that the opportunity to destroy this ship has revealed itself.
 * Harthish - My lords, surely you know that we cannot rush military operations. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
 * Bisarko - Agreed. Take your time. The ship isn't going anywhere. And with it on lock down, it is hardly likely they'll be getting reinforcements. The advantage, for now, is ours. Ultimately, when you deploy them falls upon our Emperor most high.
 * Gridlock - Deploy your forces when they are ready. Rush nothing, and be careful a mass siege could awaken the Leviathan Dragons, we lost the first Breach Conflict because of them.
 * Harthish - Gladly my lords.
 * Bisarko - Is that all?
 * Harthish - Yes sirs.
 * Gridlock - Good, High Command out.

The holograms all shut off at once, as the windows automatically reopened. He got up, rolling his shoulders with an audible crack, as he moved towards the window, watching the military supplies role in under the eerie light of world. It was one of many, and all of them where "altered", so they permeated dark energy, making it more habitable for their beasts. It made it difficult to live there without sunlight though. Every cycle, new workers and soldiers where cycled in so they wouldn't develop depression. Only he and the highest of science and military command stayed to oversee everything. He held up a picture in a locket in the low light.


 * Harthish - Don't worry, honey. I'll be home soon.

He put the locket back in his pocket, and began the trek back to his command station.

Carv stood, looking out at the massive beast the stood before him as the nano-crystal armor was being woven into the massive creature. The young Deutzalanian gulped and tightened his grip on the railing. This would be his beast, but still...the thing that stood before him made his skin crawl.


 * Carv - Of all the places I could have ended up, why did I have to get thrown in with this lot?

He tore his eyes away from the beast and walked swiftly as far from it as he could, shoulders hunched. As he did, images of smoke, blood, flames, and destruction flashed amongst his eyes. He closed his eyes and clenched and clenched his fists.


 * Carv - Just go away. Go away. Damn you!

The images subsided and he began to breath easily again. He swallowed and lifted his head to the eternally black sky.


 * Carv - Sorry mom, it couldn't be helped.

He heard foot steps coming up behind him and looked to see a Grux run up to him breathlessly. His fellow Crossbreed pilot Heilress, getting her breath back the Grux stood up and grinned at him.


 * Heilress - He, Carv! Our instructor just called us in for another combat drill and sent me to go get you.
 * Carv - Oh, sorry. I forgot.
 * Heilress - Well, you're going to get chewed out, but come on.

Carv took off after her, sweating at the thought of what awaited him. As they were runnin,g he decided to ask Heilress something that was on his mind.


 * Carv - Hey Heilress, why did you decided to join this project?
 * Heilress - Huh? Oh, that's simple: The Uganlorians bombed our worlds unprovoked! I'm here to give them some pay back for that. The Waptoria, Vanara, Volver, and all others who ally with them are just as guilty and deserve the same.

Carv frowned at that, it didn't seem a particularly noble sentiment to him, but it was a common one.


 * Heilress - So why'd you join?
 * Carv - I'm not really sure...
 * Heilress - Well, geez. If I gave you a clear answer then the least you could do is give one in return.

Carv didn't responed, but lowered his voice so she could not hear.


 * Carv - I wasn't given much choice in the matter.

They made it to the training fields, where the other eleven trainees had gathered. They ranged from various races across Zarbanian species, with one of them being a Ugandalorian, even. They ranged from any where from their teens to their twenties, and, as was common with Zarbanian citizens, most of them already looked combat-ready. Standing before them was a training sergeant and the standard Flak armor worn by military personnel when out of combat.


 * Sergeant - Carv! By the Emperor, boy, why are you late? We've been waiting for you!
 * Carv - Sorry, sir!
 * Sergeant - Well, you'll be cut to half rations for the next two nights.

Carv stiffened and saluted his sergeant. This was getting off easy compared to what the sergeant could do.


 * Carv - Juwhol Sir!
 * Sergeant - Get in line with the rest, boy.

The two filed next to the Ugandalorian, who sat perched on a crate next to them, smiling like he didn't have a care in the world. He had pale sliver scales, a common thing with the Ugandalorians who had joined the Zarbanians, due to wearing their armor and gas-helms 24/7 for most of their lives. Yet this strange Ugandalorian, unlike the others, was all smiles, his sharp yellow eyes focused ahead on the sergeant.


 * Sergeant - Since you have the honor of partaking in our great project to restore order in the Mother Galaxy, and all that, you'll be training in combat techniques developed to counter those used by Warrior-Hunters. How to protect your pressure points from Vior'Nes'cen, that sort of thing. Juzthan will lead the class.

The Ugandalorian jumped from his perch, landing dramatically with his arms spread out, his smile never disappearing. He stood and walked to the front by the sergeant, turning towards everyone else. One of the other, older Deutzalanians, obviously one of the veterans of countless battles himself, by Carv grumbled.


 * Deutzalanian - I don't see why we need to learn from Mendel scum in order to fight them. Next they'll have us worshipping the same heathen gods as them.
 * Carv - Perhaps he knows something we don't about fighting his own kin.
 * Juzthan - That I do.
 * Deutzalanian - How the hell did you hear that?!
 * Juzthan - I am like the clouds in the sky. I move on my own will, see everything, and hear everything.

The Deutzalanian was taken a back by this strange response, as Juzthan held up a finger, waging at him and clicking his tongue.


 * Juzthan - You better pay attention. The art I've developed is a deadly one. Sleep for too long, and you might miss it, and get yourself or someone else killed.

The Veteran grinded his teeth, snarling at Juzthan. However, the Ugandalorian didn't seem bothered, everyone chuckling as he continued on.


 * Juzthan - Didn't your mother ever tell you it will stay that way if you snarl like that? Anyway, get some partners together, and I will show this self-taught art of mine.

Carv cocked an eyebrow. How could someone match up to the two most deadly martial arts the Mendel had, with a martial art they developed on their own, when the other 2 had been developed over many thousands of years. The other cadets seemed to share his unease.


 * Sergeant - Trust me, Juzthan knows what he's doing. Grab someone to practice spar with, and you shall see.

The pilots joined up in groups, Carv and Heilress teaming up as Juzthan brought out a practice drones, creatures breed from the same material as kaiju, but considered excess waste that had to be put to use somehow, usually as target practice.


 * Juzthan - Good, now that we have some willing targets, let me demonstrate.

He stepped towards one, the misshapen creature not moving, as Juzthan slammed his palm into it's chest, creating a large crater, and killing the creature by collapsing it's lungs. The creature only gurgled a bit, before falling to the ground, it's comrades seemingly unaware, and the rest of the students' eyes widening as they looked in shock at the best. Juzthan turned, still smiling, before cleaning his hand.


 * Juzthan - Like any of the "High Grade" Martial arts, such as Nantau or Vior'Ken, or the Deutzalanian art of Korpanku, the art I've developed strengthens the body and unlocks 100% percent of it's potential. Of course, it would take years to master it, as I developed it all my life, but you need only the basics, and, with technology and your prior military training, should be enough to counter the stuff our foes employ. *chuckles* Welcome to these fun times we live in.

Juzthan snapped his right fingers next to his head.


 * Juzthan - Of course, it would take months to even unlock some of that strength. So pressure points will need to be struck.

The students visibly recoiled, many turning ashen. They had seen some of the "pressure points" used by the likes of Vior'tal in combat, and by Kenvash and his brothers in battle against Warrior-Beasts. Hearing a Ugandalorian of all people say that as well was not a good combination.


 * Deutzalanian - I don't want him anywhere near me! He's probably a double agent!
 * Sergeant - We can hold you down and have him administer it.
 * Juzthan - Trust me, I've lived in Zarbanian territory all my life. I lost my father to the same genocidal orders that many of you lost friends to. I have just as much reason to bring the Mendel and their comrades to an end as you do. Now, will you trust me or not?
 * Scimat'akar - How do you know these "Pressure Points"?
 * Juzthan - When your enemy knows them, you have to know your own weakness in order to counter them.

Juzthan held up his hands, his two pointer fingers pointed up, as he approached the first subject.


 * Juzthan - You may feel, a bit weak after, but this is surely worth it for victory.

He pointed to the Deutzalanian who had raised his questions.


 * Juzthan - You're first up.

Carv felt his arms. The training, and whatever pressure points Juzthan had struck, left him feeling famished and weak from it all. He almost groaned. He needed a full meal. Half-rations most certainly would not cut it.

As he took his seat beside the other pilots in the cafeteria, Juzthan sat down as well, everyone eying the pilot.


 * Juzthan - *chuckles* It looks like I'm the most popular girl at prom. Everyone can't take their eyes off me.

Juzthan passed his rations on his tray to Carv. The young Deutzalanian looked over at the Ugandalorian, who only leaned back a bit.


 * Juzthan - You need the food more then I do, friend. Have your fill.
 * Hielress - So, Mendel, why'd you join us? Fighting your own kin and all must feel...strange.
 * Juzthan - Simple, I almost lost the colony I lived on, and my sister.
 * Hielress - How many people do you think lost their siblings during your kinds bombing?
 * Juzthan - I don't know. I was not there. My father was. He felt he was doing what was based. Then he died, and my Clan realized Zarbania would be the better rulers of the stars. I personally don't care.
 * Hielress - How can you not care! it's our duty to the Emperor!
 * Juzthan - I carve my own path in life. I only joined here for my sister. Emperor and empire have little to do with it.

One of the Deutzalanian stopped munching loudly on his food, and, after chewing thoroughly, swallowed loudly.


 * Deutzalanian - I think I like, Juzthan. I've never meet any quite like yourself.
 * Juzthan - Why thank you, and who are you may I ask?
 * Deutzalanian - Dalkeel Vun Vobrik. I'm gonna conquer this Hive-ship, and get freaking rich doing it.
 * Carv - All you care about is making money?
 * Dalkeel - Of course. My family was once one of the richest in all of Zarbania! From our business, money flowed, and jobs where made. Since the event caused by Juzthan's kin, we've lost it all, but I'm gonna get it all back.
 * Carv - Interesting.
 * Juzthan - Indeed. So, Carv, may I ask why you where late?

The young Deutzalanian eyed him a bit, as he chewed on his rations. Finally, he spoke.


 * Carv - Lost in thought for a bit.
 * Juzthan - About what?
 * Carv - That's personal.
 * Juzthan - Understood. Forget I asked, then.

Carv looked down at his food again, as Juzthan leaned back in his seat, hands folded behind his head. Carv was confused by this strange Ugandalorian. Who was he? And why was he so open with everyone?

Operation Monsoon
A lone ship cut trough the void, cloacked to the naked eye and invisible to senors. It had a clear destination, the supercomuters at it's base having simulated every likely path the capital ship would take. Months had passed in preparation, and during these months, the capital ship had been remotelly tracked, and the simulations of it's path tested by reality. The possible paths had been narrowed until they were sure of where it would appear today.

Let their allies pillage and bring simple ruin. Simplistic. Let their so-called "superiors" believe they were under their control and try to get a grip on them. Arrogant. They had planned and trained for this all by themselves, over and over again, first until they were ready, and then beyond that. There was no doubt now. The capital ship would be there. The thrill of sucess would be theirs. But the mission came first. If sucess was to be guaranteed, the mission would always have to come first.

Relax now. Focus. You were born to do this.

Let Operation Monsoon begin.

New Hunters in Town
You have permission to enter Levaithan, Waptorian vessel.

They go trough it. Now is our chance.

Vanara Flight Control Leviathan, we have entered and are ready for touch-down down.

Now, quick. To the back of the jungles. Drop me off there. I'm cloacked and ready to wait.

Drop sucessfull.

Yes, I understand. More will come. Use that chance to escape.

The Waptoria Dropship uncloaked above the landing pad, folded out it's six legs and landed. It opened up it's mouth, it's sturdy, breoad tongue sticking out like a ramp, as two Raptoraneans walked down.

One of them was an adult male, looking normal by all regards save his sleek hair. He dressed in a regular Waptoria stealth suit, on which natural camoflage grew, though the neon green tubes of healing fluid over his shoulders and hips, that could be cloacked at will, and the overgrown wing-shells at the back, indicated the suit had at least once belonged to a Waptorian Captain.

The other, an adolescent girl, also had the for Raptoraneans unsual trait of sleek hair, though was further set apart by the rest of her race by a whole set of unique features. Her skin was almost devoid of the normal golden-orange tan Raptoraneans developped while out in the sun, and neither was her any hue of pink that Raptoreanens had otherwise, but a light silver. Her eyes were an bright blue, instead of the unsual bright green in males or dark brown in females. Her hair was a strange lavender color, instead of the usual auburn, ginger, or rarer brown, while her feathers on hers arms were in the same color, but softer. Unlike most other Raptoranean females, she had her hair cut short, leaving her not inattractive lesser bird-of-paradise-like plumes sprouting from her back fully uncovered. They were a pure white at the top and mid, with only a small spot of color in the feathers the closest to her back, and even this was a soothing, soft lavender color instead of the typically pinksh-orange. The most unusual trait she had were the whine red birth markings around her eyes, that almost seemed like miniature streams dripping down, instead of transparent tears, or bright red blood.

Futes-Cauru, who had been observing the landing, walked forwards to the two visitors, signalling them to come over to him.


 * Futes-Cauru - Ah welcome Rei'th, and...W'tze, I assume it is? Chiro has positioned me here to guide you to the base, since he can't be...bothered by such formalities.

The male Raptoranean looked at Futes-Chauru, and grinned.


 * W'tze - Yep, that's the name. I'm only here for a short break to drop Rei'th off, by the way, unless something happens. *Chuckles* But, hey, it's Equinox, so what are the chances of that happening?
 * Futes-Chauru - Yes, I see little reason for you to stay. So let us be on our way.

The female Raptoranean, Rei'th, said nothing, and simply nodded, as she came with the other two, towards the base.

As they walked towards their destination, the Waptoria Dropship flew overhead to the Thunder barracks, it's belly fully opened up, and holding a transparent cyst between it's claws. Inside that liquid-filled cyst floated a Warrior-Hunter in blue and silver, with angelic wing folded upon it's back as simple metal plates.

Inside the jungle, a lone, cloaked Raptoranean broke off his link, invisible and undetectable to everyone in the vicinity. His synthetic suit morphed into a new shape, and his camo-mask undid the strange cybernetic pattern in his eyes. He had sheard everything. Now he only needed just the right moment to make his move.

And atop a hill, another, unaffiliated figure watched with the female Raptoranean with purple eyes, her fur as gleaming silver as the other's skin.


 * ???/??? - It is time.

Kryunn felt like his arm was going to pop right out of his socket as Ibari had her signature super tight grip on his wrist and was dragging him along and a break neck walking speed. Most people would have been in good level of pain, she had a rather strong grip. But Kryunn was so used to it by now that it was just a minor annoyance.


 * Kryunn - Ibari... just... where... are we... going.

Every word or so was cut off by Ibari giving another, hard tug on his arm.


 * Ibari - I found a place.

Kryunn rolled his eyes in mild frustration and her vagueness, I was like she expected him to read her mind or something.


 * Kryunn - Going where exactly?
 * Ibari - You'll see when we get there, ya got it?
 * Kryunn - Thank you omnipotent goddess of vagueness.

Ibari's response to that was to pull on his arm even hard causing Kryunn give a minor grunt of pain in response. Ibari gave a slight smile and turned a sharp corner down a rarely used hallway. Increasing her speed she then came to a sudden halt in front of a room signed book storage.


 * Kryunn - Okay Ibari we're here, now what is it.
 * Ibari - Club room.
 * Kryunn - Huh?
 * Ibari - This room has no intensive security measures in it, we rookies could hang out without being under constant supervision.
 * Kryunn - I'm assuming just those you like.
 * Ibari - Why of course, I'm the captain of this club room.

Kryunn had to role his eyes at that one, Ibari had a habit of appointing herself leader for no real reason other then she wanted to.


 * Kryunn - Alright Captain, lets go check out this club room of yours.
 * Ibari - Righty-ho!

Ibari threw open the door of the room as if to make a grand display. A display that was made rather less dramatic by the state of the room she was entering. It was a musty old place, filled with selves stacked with books. A simple dusty table dominating the center with several chairs scattered around. Both entered and stopped as they saw that one of the chairs were occupied. The occupant was a silver furred, purple eyed first stage Vanara with a passive look on her face.


 * Kryunn - Fiend of yours?
 * Ibari - I really don't know who she is, she wasn't her when I found the room.

The Vanara girl turned a page keeping the passive look on her face. Ibari looked and Kryunn, shrugged, and walked right up.


 * Ibari - Hi there, my names Ibari, whats yours?
 * ??? - Yuruki. Yuruki Hiperios Nagaroso.
 * Ibari - Well Yuruki I'm Ibari good to meet you.

Ibari held out her hand which Yuruki took and gave a quick shake. Ibari cleared her throat before speaking.


 * Ibari - Hey Yuruki I was hoping to use this room as a private hang out. I'm not going to kick you out or anything, but could you promise not to tell any of the veterans or people I don't want you to?
 * Yuruki - Agreed.
 * Ibari - Alright! I'll go tell Armus and the others!

And like that she was out the door and down the hall. Kryunn stood their feeling rather awkward, so he turned to Yuruki and tried to make small chat.


 * Kryunn - So you like to read?
 * Yuruki - Yes.
 * Kryunn - Anything else you like to do?
 * Yuruki - Play strategy games or video games in general.
 * Kryunn - That's good.

He rubbed his head a little awkwardly before turning to go.


 * Kryunn - Well I'll be off.
 * Yuruki - Come by room 30 and 8:00.
 * Kryunn - Huh, why?
 * Yuruki - I will discuss that with you there.
 * Kryunn - Great more vagueness.

And with that he to turned to leave.

The hangar shuddered as a massive form lumbered behind W'tze and Rei'th. Everyone's eyes turned to see an Olympian Contemptor war-walker approaching. The machine was obviously one of the Peacebringers chapter of Olympians. The bright colors and Sonic Canon mounted in place of it's right arm made it evident. The machine's green eyes scanned the area in silence, before a booming voice echoed out.


 * Francos - Francos the Ancient does not detect any Warrior-Beasts.
 * W'tze - *turns his head* Of course not, it's equinox.
 * Francos - But Francos needs to fight giant monsters! Francos is after all, a giant robot! It is only right. How else will Francos' fists pierce the heavens!!
 * W'tze - Francos needs to remember that he was brought here for guard duty for Rei'th. If you do have to fight, it's last resort, remember?
 * Francos - Francos was busy...with important matters.

W'tze stared at him for a moment before speaking his face and voice filled with some revulsion. Raptoraneans were better at coming withsuch matters than other races, but it still bugged W'tze to some point.


 * W'tze - What...kind of important matters?
 * Francos - Matters involving kitty videos. I...I mean Francos does love his kitty videos! Did you think I was doing something else in here?
 * W'tze - No, not at all.

Francos lumbered on in silence.


 * Francos - So how long will I be here?
 * W'tze - Not long, just enough to make sure Rei'th is safe. Then you can return to your brothers.
 * Francos - Wait...what?
 * W'tze - You...are only here for awhile Francos. Your chapter needs you.
 * Francos - But I want to stay! Francos must do the impossible! Francos must be here to destroy the Angels. Especially Arael. Cursed Arael.

Francos began muttering angrily to himself about an "Asuka" and various other things, while W'tze's eyes narrowed in annoyance.


 * W'tze - Francos, Francos, focus, focus!
 * Francos - Wa...Yes of course, yes.
 * W'tze - Your chapter really needs you right now, are you sure you want to stay behind?
 * Francos - Yes of course! Francos can then brag to his brothers that he got to see real Eva units, things they have only dreamed of! The cowards, the fools! I get to see metal monsters, for I am one!
 * W'tze - Listen, just guard Rei'th, you and your serf can stay a bit. Just let me clear this with the command here. Hopefully I don't get chewed up too badly.


 * Chiro - You want the gigantic Olympian Contemptor Walker to stay here, just for Guard duty? You are aware Rei'th pilots a gigantic robot of her own. She doesn't actually need a bodyguard.
 * W'tze - I know. He doesn't. He wants to stay, and nothing I will ever say will change that.
 * Chiro - *Rubbing his forehead* You know what, I'm too tired and...exasperated to deal with this crap. The walker can stay. Just make sure he stays out of trouble.
 * W'tze - Well...he's a Peacebringer.

Chiro looked up at him from his desk with a dubious look. Without a word, he merely pointed to the door. W'tze smiled sheepishly and took his leave.

Taking his communicator, he taped a button, immediately connecting to Francos.


 * W'tze - Frank. Your free to stay, just don't break anything or cause any trouble.
 * Francos - I SHALL NOT! THE ANGELS SHALL FEAR FRANCOS, AND KNOW THAT MY NAME IS THE LORD!
 * W'tze - *Wincing* Please don't shout in the communicator.
 * Francos - Wishes you fair well, lord W'tze! Rei'th shall be taken care of well. Juda will not be able to lay a finger on her. Wait. That is the wrong Rei...
 * W'tze - Goodbye Francos. I forsee no reason to return here soon. Keep your eyes open.

W'tze rubbed his forehead as he went to say good bye to Rei'th. He did not envy Chiro one bit.

As the Waptorian drop ship was depositing it's load, a second one, of Mendel design, was flying in, obvious by the draconic symbols painted on the side, and various other Mendel iconography and runes painted on. The large vessel touched off, it's ramp opening to reveal two Mendel, the older, taller one a Walgolorian, and the second a Ugandalorian. Both looked very fit and powerful, even the Walgolorian. The two stepped onto Leviathan's hangar, the Walgolorian's boots clicking loudly as a shotgun and other trinkets dangled at his thigh. The Walgolorian bore all the signs of being raised on Vio'tal, and even looked like Kenvash, minus the thick eyebrows.

The Ugandalorian was caught everyone's attention. Despite still being a teen, he was extremely tall, and very powerfully built, despite his jacket obscuring a lot of his profile. The young Mendel walked beside the Walgolorian, his head down. Despite, one could see he had golden eyes, glowing like dim embers. His stony face didn't betray any emotion, unlike his elder, who had a slight grin on his face.

The two where meet by Kenvash and Gordaoh, who stepped up to meet them, Kenvash actually giving a rare smile as he saw his brother once more.


 * Kenvash - Juden! Brother, it is wonderful to see you again.
 * Juden - Yes, indeed. I felt it appropriate to join the rest of my Clan for this conflict. And I brought my student in Hunting with me. This is Rexsuta.
 * Kenvash - Ah, the ancient Ugandalorian warlord. A fitting name I presume.
 * Rexsuta - Yeah. My father told Juden he saw the eyes of a conqueror in me.

Kenvash nodded slightly, as he looked into the kid's eyes. He certainly had something in his eyes, and...something familiar. Gordaoh was unusually silent as he looked at the teen, a stern look on his face.


 * Rexsuta - Your the pilot Gordaoh. I've been waiting a quite awhile to meet you.
 * Gordaoh - Yes, indeed. *Holds out his hand* A pleasure.
 * Rexsuta - *Shakes it* Likewise.

The two held hands for a few seconds before parting. They seemed to regard each other for a few seconds, before Rexsuta turned his head away with an air of indifference, as Gordaoh barred his teeth in agitation at the boy's attitude. Kenvash, however, didn't seem to notice as he Juden talked.


 * Kenvash - So how has your hunts been going in the Bay.
 * Juden - The whole sectors a mess. Kaiju just keep popping up with. I think their breeding cause no matter how many we kill, more come to fight! Eivan and Shunva are doing good, but I requested to be sent here to join my brothers. Those two can handle it just fine.
 * Kenvash - Hopefully we don't loose anymore of our brothers. We've all lost enough friends.
 * Juden - Indeed. So what's been going on here.
 * Gordaoh - Plenty of killing.
 * Juden - *chuckles* I see they finally let you out. Didn't strike anyone did you.

Gordaoh glared sternly at Juden, before his face broke into a smile, and he began shaking with laughter, before he regained his composure.


 * Kenvash - There are other things to talk about. There's someone aboard here who has the possibility of being a successor to Vior'nes'ken.
 * Juden - Really? Huh. We better talk about this more in depth, and some place private.

Juden kneeled down, facing Rexsuta.


 * Juden - Little Brother, you better go off and meet with the other rookies. And don't go picking any fights, or I'll belt you.

Rexsuta nodded as he walked off, hands still in his pockets.


 * Juden - Is it to late to tell you guys I already showed Rexsuta a little bit of Vior'nes?
 * Gordaoh - You did what?!
 * Juden - He needed to learn it. It comes natural to him.
 * Kenvash - Jeez, calm down brother. We'll just have two students then.

Gordaoh turned towards Kenshiro with a fury in his eyes Ken had only seen thrice before, and almost made him get into a combat stance in preparation. Why was he getting so riled up?


 * Gordaoh - And once a Successor has to be chosen, what then? Can stand the idea of two of them killing each other?
 * Kenvash - Juden saw potential in Rexsuta, just like we see potential in Armus. It doesn't matter about tomorrow. Only know and what we can give them, and whether we can make them into real men.

They where silent for a moment, before Juden nodded slightly.


 * Juden - Tell me about this Armus kid. I'll give you my thoughts on the matter.
 * Gordaoh - Indeed. I saw Tuiko in that lad's eyes.

Before he could explain further, he walked off, as Ken and Juden followed behind him, Juden's eye brows arched. Gordaoh had trouble explaining himself sometimes. It was very annoying to a straight forward person like Juden. Tapping his fingers on his shotgun, Juden followed behind his brothers.

After the Mendel ship had left, a Boyk dropship came into for a landing. Unlike the Mendel and Waptoria ships it rattled and clanked as it descend at high velocity. Screeching to a halt it's engines blasted fire and smoke before eventually settling down and quieting. The doors hissed open as steam billowed out eventually clearing. To figures stepped from the ship. Both were Boyk females, one had thick reddish brown fur and golden eyes. The other had olive green fur and similar colored eyes, as well and mischievous grin on her face. To everyone's surprise, Chiro himself had hobbled out to greet the newcomers.


 * Chiro - Ah Captain Makkuru and Doctor Tsamuya a pleasure to see you two.
 * Tsamuya - Ah Chiro! It's great to be here again!
 * Makkuru - Yes a pleasure.
 * Chiro - Well we have don't have much more time for pleasantries, I assume you have been briefed on the situation.
 * Makkuru - Yes, but we could do with further information.
 * Chiro - We're having a brief respite, however with Equinox will be over soon and we expect them to come out in even greater force. They will be more couscous then last time, but that makes them even more dangerous.
 * Tsamuya - Aye! So what do you need us for Chiro-Vi!
 * Chiro - Makkuru I need you to command the Kraken, we will need it. Tsamuya I need you to assist Strain in finding ways to optimize the Hunters and weaknesses of the Warrior Beast's.
 * Tsamuya - Aye, aye! It will be wonderful to work with my mentor again!
 * Makkuru - Indeed, I will do my best.

Chiro nodded there was nothing he could ask from the two of them.


 * Chiro - Good, now you told me about someone else who came along?
 * Tsamuya - Oh yeah! That would be...
 * ??? - Me.

The three turned to see a silver and brownish Chassin'ra warrior standing behind them a slight smile on his face.


 * Chiro - Ah Multus, who are you I might inquire.
 * ??? - Ah my bad, I should have introduced myself. My name is Kyozusi.
 * Chiro - And your reason for being here?
 * Kyozusi - To observe and to assist if it becomes necessary.

Chiro nodded and motioned for them to fallow him away. While they were Makkuru passed by Armus and looked at him.


 * Makkuru - Hello Armus.
 * Armus - Hello Makkuru.

Tsamuya grinned and him and Makkuru gave him a kindly smile and continued to fallow Chiro who looked back slightly before moving on.

Armus was standing there thinking when he felt a massive hand on his shoulder, he gave a start and looked up to see Gordaoh standing above him looking down.


 * Gordaoh - You know that one.
 * Armus - *nods* Yes she's my sister.
 * Gordaoh - Sister?
 * Armus - Well gene sister, all Boyk are vat grown. We come from the same gene donners. She was grown and raised before me though. I was taken privately by a geneticist without permission. She tried to improve me, but I was a failure to her. She locked me up along with her other experiments. Tsamuya figured out what was going on and called in Makkuru to rescue us and arrest the geneticist. Afterwards Tsamuya executed the geneticist for falling in her ethical duty as a scientist.
 * Gordaoh - I'll have to thank her for that latter.

He patted Armus on the shoulder and walked away. When Armus was out of sight he clenched the railing with his hand and growled in fury, the rail buckling under his hand until it broke.

Discussions
The three Vior'nes'ken masters stood in silence as they entered the gym, the place where personnel trained in personal combat. With thing being so busy, the pilots never need it, mostly because they had enough targets, and didn't really need to "sharpen" up on anything. Juden was leaning against a wall, as Kenvash stood in the center, arms crossed.


 * Juden - So this Armus kid? Tell me about him.
 * Kenvash - Came from an abusive home, apparently an uncaring mother.
 * Juden - Father?
 * Kenvash - Uncertain.
 * Gordaoh - He was also experimented by a Boyk scientist. She better feel lucky she's dead.
 * Juden - And you see our late brother in him? Like a reincarnation?
 * Gordaoh - He reminds me of Little Brother. Like Tuiko, he lacks confidence in himself.

Juden stood up from the wall, scratching the back of his head as he walked around the gym.


 * Juden - So, no confidence. Alright, but what says he can learn the art.
 * Gordaoh - Juden, just because he has no confidence, does not mean he is inept in battle.
 * Juden - I didn't say that. But why are you guys willing to vouch for him?
 * Kenvash - Just as Tuiko became the best of us, so can Armus. He has skill in battle, but like a knife, it needs to be tempered and forged.

Juden nodded as tapped his fingers across his shotgun again, as he listened, before raising his head again.


 * Juden - What about the fact the 3 remaining students haven't set aside their differences yet? Can we train anyone, fully, without 2 of us getting our fists "sealed".
 * Kenvash - *walks up to him and grips his shoulder* We have duties to others before we can do that. Do you want to lose everything you've learned after everything you've gone through?
 * Juden - *Grits his teeth* No. I'm just worried. Master spoke of the bad fortunes that follow when you have to many like us.
 * Gordaoh - You believe in bad luck, little hell-bringer?

Juden smiled a bit, as he turned to look at Gordaoh. That all old nickname. It brought back so many memories of happier times...and times spent healing from bruises.


 * Juden - No, but I am worried. You read the stories.
 * Gordaoh - Tall tales brooded up old men trying to scare us. We have a duty to protect, isn't that what this art is about?
 * Juden and Kenvash - Yes.
 * Gordaoh - Then why limit ourselves to one man, when we can have 3. And all that better for Armus and Rexsuta. They have 3 masters to learn from.
 * Juden - Fine, as long as Kenvash is for it, then let's train them both. If Armus will go along with it. That brings up another thing. The lack of confidence and back bone, are you sure he'll even go for it? This is a LOT of responsibility for a kid, are you sure he can handle it?
 * Gordaoh - Do you want him or not to train? You've made a lot of counter arguments.
 * Juden - *Narrows his eyes* Yeah, I do, I'd love to give back to someone who needs it, but first, I need to know this kid can handle it. You know how stressful the training can be, Gordy. I worry we might heap all this attention and he might not be ready.
 * Gordaoh - *Bars his teeth* He's ready.

With that, Gordaoh walked away, moving out into the more populated sectors of the Thunder Barracks.


 * Juden - Kenvash, are you sure Armus can handle it?
 * Kenvash - Yes.
 * Juden - Alright. Based off what I heard, I wasn't sure if Gordaoh was reaching for ghosts or what.
 * Kenvash - Whose to say we're all not reaching for them? Call up Rexsuta. We have to see Armus, and see if the two can accept each other as brothers.

Juden eyed his brother and nodded slightly as the two followed behind Gordaoh. Juden himself had his own doubts.


 * Juden - *thinking* Yes, brothers. Then, they'll kill each other for the spot of successor.

Juden shook away the bitter thoughts. No point in thinking of tomorrow, when the people of today still needed him.

Kryunn glanced up at the room number 30 down a long hall in an out of the way area of the Barracks. He raised his hand to knock on the door only for it to already open revealing Yuruki.


 * Yuruki - Come in.
 * Kryunn - Ah right, thanks.

He walked into a spotlessly clean room dominated by a low table, several sitting mats, a sleeping mat, a bookself, and a desk in the corner with a computer on it. Other then that it was very bare and all well ordered. Yuruki made a motion wit her hand to one of the sitting mats.


 * Yuruki - Please have a seat.
 * Kryuun - Right.

He sat down and Yuruki took the one opposite to him.


 * Kryunn - So what is it you wanted to discuss?
 * Yuruki - It involves Ibari.
 * Kryunn - What about her?
 * Yuruki - Hold still please and do not blink.

A flash of light shot from Yuruki's eyes and she put her hand on the the table. Greenish blue light shot from her hand and she began to chant what sounded like binary code. The room remained the same, except for that the surface was being covered with images.


 * Yuruki - In case you haven't realized yet I am not a Vanara.

Kryunn merely nodded, he would have said something, but what he was experiencing had left him tongue tided for once in his life. Yuruki lifted her arm and the image of a Vanara arm dropped revealing an intricate mechanical structure beyond anything Kyunn had ever seen.


 * Yuruki - I am a Xenos Contact Unit, sent by a Faction of the . An AI intelligence that seeks to auto evolve via interaction with other intelligent lifeforms. I was sent by the Adapters faction to learn from the Vanara. However during my time I received a sudden flare of information that nearly overloaded my processors. Contacting the Core we were able to pin point the source of the flare to be Ibari Asukra Ayana. My mission parameters were then changed to observing and studying Ibari for further Information Flares and there meaning.
 * Kryunn - Why are you telling me this?
 * Yuruki - In all the Flares Ibari has unleashed, you are the only consistency, the rest is random and incoherent. I was told to contact to you to see if you have any insights, but you have none at this present moment.
 * Kryunn - *grumbles*Sorry to disappoint.
 * Yuruki - Not at all your knowledge of this may provide further insight.

The images began to fade and soon the room was back to normal.


 * Yuruki - You may go now, but please keep this a secret from all, especially Ibari. She sends the Flares subconsciously, we do not know what would happen if she became aware of and gained full control of them.
 * Kryunn - Right.
 * Yuruki - Also others know of the Flares and may contact you as well.
 * Kryunn - Thanks for the warning.

Yuruki nodded and he walked out the door before she drew it shut. Right now he didn't know what to think, but there was more going on here then he was aware.

While all this was going on Ibari was at the firing range. Holding her twin Gauss Pistols discharging shots of depleted uranium rounds at mach 5 into two targets simultaneously. The targets were designed to take a beating, but against this kind of force the were soon blown to bits. Signing she wiped the sweat from her brow and slouched down towards the ground. As she did so a built up wave of information was released rippling throughout the base. Most computers could not handle it and thus dumped the information and erased t from their memory. However two other beings felt it. In separate rooms Rei'th's and Rexsuta's eyes snapped open as their minds where filled with a mass of golden light and erratic noise. It was mildly discomforting, but not painful. And then as quickly as it had come it vanished. Both had no idea what it was, but they somehow knew this would not be the last of these occurrences.

The Ties that Bind
The veterans marched into the command bridge, where Chiro awaited them. It was early morning, and everyone but Juden looked dead-tired. Kando looked around a bit, and cocked an eyebrow as he looked around.


 * Kando - No rookies?
 * Chiro - This is nothing major. We detected something in the waters in this sector.

He pointed to the display screen, showing a strange signals picking up in the oceans in one of the far off sectors, no where near Vanarian population centers.


 * Gordaoh - You think it's a Warrior-beast?
 * Chiro - Possibly, maybe he snuck in during the last battle's chaos and got stick in here with the Equinox. Maybe it's nothing, maybe it's something. I just need two to go check it out and see what's up. If it is a Kaiju, two veterans can take out quickly enough.
 * Juden - I'll go.
 * Chiro - You sure?
 * Juden - Yeah, I want to take Tyrant Butcher for a spin around town anyway.
 * Chiro - Alright, anyone else? An older veteran perhaps

It was silent for a moment, before a rusty comm sprang to life, and a voice boomed trough.


 * Thammulain - Speak of the Hunter and he shall appear.
 * Chiro - Thanulain, how did you break your stati-!? Ah, nevermind. The rest of you will remain on stand-by.

Juden stood near Tyrant Butcher, smiling as he saw the giant machine brought online.


 * Juden - *Whispers* Soon, Aylis, soon!
 * Thammulain - *Over coominaction* You say something, Rookie?
 * Juden - Nah, just rambling. Wait, who are you calling a rookie?
 * Thammulain - You, I have more flight experience don't I?
 * Juden - Yeah, true. Let's get to our machine.
 * Thamnulain - I am my machine.

Juden sat down in the insertion pod, and leaned back, breathing deeply as he was lowered in. The pod filled in with an amber liquid, it's warmth washing over him. He loved this part. If he could just lay here in the warmth and think back to all the good times in the past, before the ugliness of today ever hit him, then it would be a good life.

Then, Tyrant Butcher and Dust Devil launched, landing in the beaches with a powerful crash. Dust Devil stood tall, as Tyrant Butcher crouched down like a hunter ready to pounce.


 * Juden - Alright, your navigation working?
 * Thammulain - Of course. I am my machine, remeber? If anthing was wrong with it I would know before you!
 * Juden - Yeah, I suppose so.

Tyrant Butcher stood, it's bloody red tusks and "teeth" glinting in the moon light as it's cold dead eyes investigating the area. Pointing one of his sinewy limbs, Juden motioned in a direction to the east.


 * Juden - That away, old stuff. Let's get a move on.

Unclipping the magnetized weapon from it's hip, Tyrant Butcher held up it's Shotgun as he lead the way. Thammulain grunted in agitation as he followed the upstart. Who did he think he was calling him "old stuff"?

The two lumbered on, until they got near the water where the disturbance was. Thammulain clicked various buttons in the interface to try and activate some deep sea scanning equipment, but nothing seemed to be working. He cursed as Juden chuckled a bit.


 * Juden - It's not gonna be so easy, friend. We're gonna have to go for visual contact on this one.

The two machines dived down into the waters, going waist deep, neck deep, before their machines totally disappeared. The two floated to the bottom, letting gravity do the work, as they touched down.


 * Juden - Try and keep up.

Tyrant Butcher lead the way, shotgun still in hand as they traversed the murky depths. Search and flood lights activated as they lumbered about, moving a bit slower now they where under water. They moved on in silence, both of them as silent as the grave. Finally, Thammulain grumbled in agitation.


 * Thammulain - So, Juden, why did you join the Hunters organization?
 * Juden - Why not? There's much killing to be done. I am the Butcher of Vior'nes'ken, after all!
 * Thammulain - Huh, so you're just like Gordaoh.
 * Juden - Nah, hunting isn't about killing anymore for him. It's about something lost, and something that need's to be avenged.
 * Thammulain - Hmph. What do you know of that?

Juden continued on, chuckling slightly.


 * Juden - Thammulain, you have no idea why my brothers and I are fighting.
 * Thammulain - Isn't the glory for you? You kinda said that.
 * Juden - ...

Thammulain shifted slightly as the two continued on, before clearing his throat.


 * Thammulain - If you don't wish to talk anymore that's fine. Sorry I said anything, rookie. It's just...since I'm in statis between missions, the only times I can go chat with you lot is on the missions themselves, or if you'd breach my statis pod...gets pretty lonely during the long wait, so I often uplink my mind to the computers to have at least something to do.
 * Juden - Nah, it's fine. I understand. Gordaoh and Ken are fighting to kill the One Eye. That thing killed our brother. I guess I want to kill it to.
 * Thammulain - And why would you not?
 * Juden - Truth be told, I'm more concerned with doing what I can to help everyone. I talk a good fight, but I'm really just a coward I guess. But if I take the bullet so someone won't have to, then I guess I'll do it.
 * Thammulain - That's what a Warrior-Hunter is about. Defending those that can't do it themselves. We're like gigantic knights of death for those beasts. Why doubt the purpose of the cause, Juden?
 * Juden - I've tried that before. I've failed most of the people I love. I don't think I deserve to be happy.
 * Thammulain - Heh. Aren't you a sauerkraut.
 * Juden - *Snorts* Maybe, maybe. But that's what Vior'nes'ken demands. We defend others, but to ever love anyone is to invite death and pain upon the one care about.

They continued on finally, nearing the area until they got close to the area where the anomaly was.


 * Thammulain - You martial artists are weird bunch.
 * Juden - The history of our art is written in the blood of our enemies and the tears of our masters, and their loved ones. We've all lost someone. I guess that's truly why I'm here. So no one else will have to deal with that.
 * Thammulain - Then I guess we're here for the same reason.
 * Juden - Heh. I guess so. Come, let's see what's wrong with this place.

The two walked around, scanning the area.


 * Juden - Hey, Chiro, you might need to get those computers of yours checked. I see nothing here.
 * Thammulain - My scanners are getting nothing.
 * Chiro - Strange, the signal's gone now. It was just here!
 * Juden - Maybe your computers need some sleep, like I do right now.
 * Thamnulain - Statis, please. So I can upload my mind and see if there's any problem with the good ol' comps.
 * Kando - When can I get out of this chicken shit outfit?
 * Chiro - Alright, alright, shut up and get back to base, and bed, you grouchy assholes.

Juden chuckled as he and Thammulain turned to leave.


 * Thammulain - That Kando, does he study the same art?
 * Juden - Nah, Nantau'Vo'Kush. Several martial arts like ours. All focus the body to harness 100% of it's strength in battle. I'll explain it over coffee back at the base.
 * Thammulain - Good. Statis can wait. So sure thing, rookie.

Both laughed for a bit as they left, not noticing the bubbling, formless creature watching them...

It Comes
It moved through the void, a mass of writhing tentacles and bulging membranes and sacks. Throbbing and pulsating with hideous intent as oozing half formed shapes shifted within before dissolving back into a single mass. It was on the hunt, following a distortion through Accel Space like a parasite following the scent of a whales. Within, distorted, conjoined shrieks and roars sounded as it oozed towards it's target, a single stream of thought repeating endlessly through it.

Closing in on it's target, it latched itself unseen and undetected to the side of the massive world-sized ship, hanging before it. Injecting an anesthetic-like chemical into living ship, it began to penetrate further with it's tentacles. Reaching into the deepest deaths of the colossus, it began to inject it's cargo, it's entire body convulsing and shuttering as it pumped itself dry. Finally done; it's withered husk fell off and crumbled into nothing, it's purpose fulfilled. Meanwhile, deep in the oceans of Leviathan, golden liquid began to bubble up into the sea, slowly dispersing, waiting for it's time to come. However, some began to gather and form into a tall, white, four armed being with halos forming over it's head and four glowing red eyes. All the while a single stream of thought repeated endlessly. Consume, convert, control, conjoin, COMPLETE.

Terror in the Frozen Wastes
Red sirens blared throughout the Midgard and the barrack personal ran to the bridge to see what was going on.


 * Chiro - Alright Just what the hell is going on!
 * Strain - See for yourself

Strain pulled up a image on the screen of an area in the Sea of Ice, what normally would be flat and white was now a massive blast crater filled with blood red water. Their was a collective gasp from the bridge crew. In all their years they had seen much, but nothing like this.


 * Chiro - A new from of Warrior-Beast?
 * Futes-Chauru - I have not seen this in any visions, besides there is only one way to find out.
 * Chiro - Right.

He turned to the bridge crew and began shouting out orders.


 * Chiro - Alright, get the Hunters and the Kraken ready for launch!

Three bay doors opened on the Kraken's sides and three Hunter dropped down into the ocean before rapidly heading towards shore. Breaking up on to the ice, Siguror, Brynhildr, and God's Child stalked forward to the north west of the massive crater. Looking at the bubbling mass of red both Kryunn and Ibari felt a growing sense of dread. What Yuruki felt they could not tell for her expression showed nothing.


 * Ibari - What could have done this?
 * Kryunn - Warrior Beasts?
 * Yuruki - No, nothing registers.
 * Ibari - Then what does?

Before Yuruki could reply three flames bolts flew from the ammonia towards the Hunters. The three had to dodge and the bolts hit the ice where they exploded. Crawling from the crater was a massive, bipedal, reptilian beast with skin like rock and molten lava.


 * Yuruki - That.
 * Kryunn - And that is?
 * Yuruki - Unknown entity.
 * Kryunn - Thank you for the obvious statement.
 * Ibari - I don't care what it is, we're going to take it down!

The beast held out it's hand which twisted and morphed into a massive sword. It charged and Kryunn brought up his own sword to block it's swing. Ibari the lunged from behind, grappling onto it's back and sinking Brynhildr's fangs deep in the flesh of the back of it's neck. The beast struggled eventually throwing Ibari off and roared taking several swings forcing her to back up. Kryunn leaped into the air and brought Siguror's fee smashing into the monster's back in a Death From Above Maneuver, before back flipping off as it staggered to it's feet. Before it could get fully up Ibari grabbed it's head and began to slash it with Brynhildr's claws repeatedly. The thing shook itself free and took it's sword and swung out slashing both Siguror and Brynhildr it rapid succession.

Just the Yuruki slammed God's Child's hands into the ice and the matter bent into twin spears of ice. Lifting them up she swung one into the beast's face before stabbing forward with both of them impaling the monster. Kryunn then slammed it with Siguror's shoulder knocking it to the ground as Ibari got it in another grapple and began scratching and biting like mad. Eventually she threw it down, slamming it hard into the ice several times before backing off. It was up in an instant and charged Kryunn engaging him in a vicious sword on sword battle. Breaking away Kryunn pulled out his VOPAC and the beast morphed it's other hand into what looked to be a long bow. Positron blasts and flaming arrow like bolts soared past each other, striking their target with resounding blasts. Ibari turned and the Wrath of Ziz from Brynhildr's Punisher. The massive beam of photons sliced through the air blasting a massive hole in the monster's side. It hit the ground smoking.


 * Ibari - Is it dead?
 * Yuruki - It is not.
 * Kryunn - What!?

As if on cue the beast stood again still ready to fight.


 * Ibari - Just what will it take to kill this thing?

Kryunn did not answer, he was wondering the same thing. Yuruki wasted no time on talk, she slammed God's Child's hands into the ice, manipulating the matter so it became a massive claymore. Yuruki swung it four times, each time leaving a massive gash across the beast's flesh before it brought up it's own sword shattering Yuruki's. Ibari leaped at it from behind, bit it just swung it's sword knocking her back. Ibari scrambled to her feet and began to charge as the beast lunged a Kryunn knocking him to the ground. Grabbing Siguror's head it began to squeeze. His sword knocked out of his hand he began to pummel the monster in the head with his fists eventually knocking it off him. Lunging again it slammed him into the ice before turning around to slam Brynhildr down, this time so hard the Chaser broke through the ice. Whirling around to face God's Child it fired several explosive bolts that blasted away chunks of glowing blue armor and the Colossus seemed to bellow in pain.

Brynhildr lunged out of the ice and grabbed the bow arm with it's maw biting down, as the beast raised it's sword arm ready to strike. Siguror stood up and Kryunn fired a positron blast from the VOPAC blowing away the sword arm. Ibari then bite down with Brynhildr's progressive teeth, snaking the head until the bow arm was ripped clean off. The beast roared in fury before lunging onto Brynhildr ripping away at the armor with the claws on it's feet. Using Brynhildr as a spring board it lunged at Siguror, knocking the Striker to the ground and began ripping away at it's armor with it's feet claws eventually revealing the core.


 * Kryunn - Oh no you don't.

Grabbing his sword he swung it clean across the monster's belly, ripping it clean open. He then swung at the head slashing open the throat and cutting the bottom jaw clean off. The creature backed away shaking it's head and began to retreat back towards the crater.


 * Ibari - Don't let it get away!
 * Yuruki - It will not, Digitizer fire.

A bright white beam with rainbow fragments of light spreading off of it lanced forward and struck the monstrosity in the back. It's out line seemed to distort like bad static on a television before collapsing inward in a geometric pattern and the kaiju dissolved into cubes that quickly winked out of existence. Ibari and Kryunn both sat in their mechs breathing heavily. Then Ibari started laughing before giving a cheer and appearing on a screen in Yuruki's plug.


 * Ibari - *giving Yuruki a thumbs up* Great job! And welcome to the team!

Yuruki blinked before speaking.


 * Yuruki - Thank you.

Kryunn paused, it wasn't much, but he had a feeling what she had said meant the world to Yuruki.

Juden walked through the barracks, everything in chaos, everyone panicking as the Barracks prepared his, and his two protégés' mechs, for battle. Despite all the chaos, he was serene and appeared at peace, as he walked up to A Boyk and Rexsuta, both waiting for him. He walked up, pointing at the Boyk.


 * Juden - Your name Armus?
 * Armus - Ye...Yes.
 * Juden - Good, come my boy, you and Rexsuta will be going with me for this drop.
 * Rexsuta - Me, now?
 * Juden - *Smirks* You scared, kid?
 * Rexsuta - *Narrows his eyes* No, of course not!
 * Armus - Hmmm, is this...safe?

Juden laughed, taking both under his arms and walking them towards the mechas that where waiting for their pilots.


 * Juden - Why would you ask?
 * Armus - I've heard strange things about your...habits.
 * Juden - Hahaha! Well, I'm the brother of Gordaoh and Ken. You trust them?
 * Armus - Well...yeah.
 * Juden - Then you can trust me! I'm here to lead you into battle, and see your skills in combat for myself.
 * Armus - Why?
 * Juden - So many questions! Well, The brothers and I are thinking of letting you learn some of our martial arts. Don't let them know I told you though.

Armus and Rexsuta stopped a bit as Juden walked forward, ready to jump into Tyrant Butcher.


 * Rexsuta - He's gonna learn it?
 * Juden - You and him both. Don't let Gordy or Ken know I told you though.

Rexsuta eyed Armus a bit, not sure how to feel. He needed Vior'nes'ken. Only he could achieve the art. This was his way to earn his father's respect. He walked towards his mech, looking it over, before he prepared to step inside the insertion pod.


 * Rexsuta - Hey, Juden, I thought I was just observing?
 * Juden - Change of plans, Chiro wants to see what you got, and it's about time we unhooked you from the simulators and got you fighting, for real.

Rexsuta smiled as he sat down in the pod, before it closed and he was put inside Angelic Grace itself.


 * Rexsuta - Now's my chance.

The three war machines lumbered towards the gigantic armored being, it's body glowing, a massive halo above it's head, and tentacles slithering around the air around it. Armus gulped a bit as he saw it.


 * Armus - That doesn't look like any Zarbanian beast I've seen.
 * Juden - Maybe not, but it's big, we've got the machines, and it's time to bring it down.

Armus nodded nervously, before wiping away some sweat from his brow.


 * Juden - Don't worry about what I said Armus. Just do what you do best, and help me kill this thing. Then we can worry about Vior'nes'ken and other petty matters. Right now, just kill it, and don't let yourself get killed. I'm here to lead both of you, but also to protect you.

Armus nodded, as his features set themselves into a glare. He could do this, he had to do this. He turned slightly to see Angelic Grace pull out it's Claymore, and, after twirling the well-balance blade a few times, moving ahead of the other 2.


 * Rexsuta - Follow me! Give me cover fire and watch how a real battle is fought!
 * Armus - *Lowers his eyebrows* I'm not built for covering fire.
 * Juden - Stupid beast. It must've hurt when it fell from heaven *points at the halo*. It will hurt even more when I send him straight to hell!

But Rexsuta was already off as Juden followed behind, the two running to meet the gigantic beast. Armus followed, the ground cracking under the weight of his mecha. Angelic Grace leapt forward, using it's wings to carry it up, flying at the strange being, as Armus and Juden opened fire with laser and pallet shots, before Rexsuta slashed down and cut the beast right in half. He stood, wipping his Claymore clean as he turned to the both of them, opening his visual communicator once more.


 * Rexsuta - That's how a battle should be fought. Clean, quick and efficient.
 * Juden - Good work, that was easy! Maybe we'll get to see the two of you in action some other time.

Armus nodded and was about to follow the two as they headed back to base, before looking at the broken creature's form. It was twisting around and making the strangest noises. Recoiling in disgust, he radioed in to the others.


 * Armus - Guys! This thing...whatever it is, isn't dead!
 * Juden - What the heck do you mean?

The two turned, just as the thing stood up again, never making a sound, but holding out it's tentacles. Juden ran forward, slamming a knee into it's face while giving a battle cry.


 * Juden - YEEHAH! Saw my name bitch!

The creature stumbled backward a few steps, as Juden cracked his Shotgun.


 * Juden - Armus, Rexsuta, my boys, get your shit together, cause now this beastie aint' going down easy!

Rexsuta flew up a bit landed behind the two, pulling out his Pallet rifle.


 * Rexsuta - Armus.
 * Armus - Yeah?
 * Rexsuta - ....Good luck.

Armus nodded, as he charged forward to attack the strange creature. The kaiju brought back one of it's scythes, as Juden ran alongside Armus, grabbing one of the tenetacles and blasting off the appendage. As it slashed at him, Tyrant Butcher grabbed the limb in it's other hand, as Juden slammed three punches into it's ribs. Armus then attacked from the right, smashing a fist into the creature's face, and causing it to back-peddle a bit. As it retreated, Juden brought his shotgun again and blasted the other limb off.

Rexsuta stayed back, lighting it with pallet rounds, as the two engaged. At just the right moment, he would attack and end this abomination. They would all see who was the strongest then. Before he could however, Juden quickly put away his Shotgun and gave another battle cry, slamming in punch after punch, just like his brothers. The rapid fire strikes pounded into the creature's hide, leaving massive craters behind with every blow, before slamming a punch into it's abdomen that sent it many feet away.


 * Juden - He's body's fully fucked up! I struck his Kojakii'nui Pressure points. His body will explode in three seconds.

The three gathered as the creature regrew it's blades, as Tyrant Butcher held up three fingers. Then counted them down as the creature lumbered forward slowly.

Two fingers. The creature kept coming. Armus breathed in sharply but Juden only chuckled. He had this.

One finger. It now had it's tenetacles up and ready, as it go closer. Finally it stopped as Tyrant Butcher brought down it's last finger.


 * Juden - Alright, whatever you are, your already dead.

The creature stood for a second, tilting it's head to the left and observing Juden for a few moments. And nothing happened. Juden's eyes widened as he saw this thing just stand there.


 * Juden - Impossible! All kaiju share the same biology. Though their forms change, their meridians don't! How...?

Before he could react, the kaiju sent it's two tentacles directly at Juden, impaling him in the chest. Juden gurgled as he struggled against the creature's strength. Blood spurted from both his chest and his hunter mech. He held his wounds with one hand as he fought the tentacled beast.


 * Juden - Hang in there, Aylis. We're both hurting. Just hang in there a bit more. I bear this pain with you.

Rexsuta and Armus reacted immediately, both charging in and landing blow after blow, Armus punching the fiend several times over, as Rexsuta mixed in kicks and knife hand strikes at the beast, most of the attacks having no effect as they splintered against it's armored hide. The two leapt back as four more tentacles tore free from it's sides, stabbing towards them, as Angelic Grace activated it's psychic barrier to block the attack.


 * Rexsuta - This isn't working, we have to find another way to hit this thing.
 * Armus - Yeah, I agree but, one problem, how?
 * Rexsuta - We have to move quick. Juden is in trouble. Let me try something.

Pulling out his two knifes, Rexsuta charged forward, as the creature sent two tentacles at him, only for him to cleave through them, slashing the two offending limbs to pieces. Before it could summon more, Rexsuta leapt onto it's chest, and impaled both knives into it's chest, before slamming a right hook into it's face. Armus meanwhile, grabbed both tentacles that had impaled Juden, and, with a snap of his wrists, ripped them out of Juden's chest, before tearing them from their owner's body. Tyrant Butcher stood with difficulty, blood still seeping from its wounds.


 * Juden - Good job Armus. Let's finish the fight.

Rexsuta meanwhile, was removing his knifes and stabbing them in new locations, or switching off and jamming his foot down to drive them deeper in.


 * Rexsuta - HELP NOW!
 * Juden - Calm it down you little shit. We're getting there.

Tyrant Butcher ran forward, reaching behind him to produce 6 needles in each hand, as Armus followed behind.


 * Armus - What are those?
 * Juden - *Laughs* My way of evening the odds.

As they got closer, the creature shot out more tentacles, finally impaling Rexsuta and sending him high into the air. The Ugandalorian cadet roared in anger from with his mecha, the machine and pilot struggling to un-do the stabbing. Tyrant Butcher tossed his needles, the thin objects sailing through the air, faster then the eye could see, and stabbing right into the creature's chest. The creature turned towards Juden, and fired twin beams of energy right at Tyrant Butcher, slicing straight through the remaining chest armor, and causing more blood to pour out, like a fountain. Juden gasped, as his machine feel to it's knees. Armus stopped to help him, only for Juden to feebly throw up his hand.


 * Juden - Stop the beast! Save...Rexsuta.

Armus nodded, bringing his mecha to full speed, and firing a beam of energy of his own, only for the kaiju to bring up a psychic barrier, blocking the strike. Not giving up, he continued his assault, smashing into the barrier with his all, punching at it continually. The beast fired two more beams from it's eyes, only for him to duct, and smash another punch into the barrier. Growling in a primal fury, Armus continued his assault, hitting the beast again and again.

Rexsuta struggled against the creature's four tentacles, blood dripping from his wounds. He snarled in rage as he saw his mentor, his protector go down from this creature. Blood dripping from his jaws, he snarled in an animalistic fashion.


 * Rexsuta - If Armus cannot protect you, teacher, then I will!

Reaching behind him, after a struggle, Rexsuta finally gripped his Claymore once more. Although the weapon was to be left for quicker battles, as it took a lot to repair it, this was an emergency. Roaring like an animal, Rexsuta slashed forward cutting through the four tentacles in his chest and falling towards the kaiju again. It didn't even see him cutting at it's tentacles, but certainly felt it. It sent two more tentacles at Rexsuta, still trying to attack Armus, only for him to slash through those as well. Finally, it activated it's barrier, and, bringing it to full power, slammed it into Armus, sending him yards away. Rexsuta's eyes widened in surprise, as the creature prepared all of it's tentacles, and immediately launched right at him, impaling his chest, abdomen and left arm. It then drew it's tentacles closer to it, Angelic Grace not far from it's attacker.


 * Rexsuta - I will kill you! I will wipe you out!

Instead, it began drawing him in closer, it's body opening like a flower, as several smaller tentacles began "plugging" into Angelic Grace's body, as it removed it's larger tendrils from his body. Rexsuta struggled, as the sensation, one that felt like his foot falling asleep, starting to spread where these new tentacles touched. As these tendrils plugged in, he began hearing many voices, some whispering, some shouting, but all saying the same thing.

Juden struggled to his feet, as everything went red in his insertion pod. His breath came out in a low hiss as he glared at the creature.


 * Juden - I was hoping you two kids wouldn't have to see this side of me. But, desperate times. I...won't...hold back.

As he spoke, Tyrant Butcher flexed it's arms, the armor falling away from the muscle, as blood began to seep from areas that had not even been wounded yet. Armus turned and watched as the Striker struggled, gripping at it's jaws and clawing at the metal there, before it finally tore itself free, the jaws ripping themselves apart, as blood seeped out. The muscle on it's chest flexed out, and expanded, becoming more defined. It let out a low hiss, as he heard Juden on the communicator, chanting repeatedly. At first he couldn't understand him, but then it became clearer.


 * Juden - Don't hold back! Don't hold back! Don't hold back!

The creature shrieked and leapt forward, jumping right on top of the kaiju. It launched two tentacles at the jumping Striker, only for it to grab both, and with a shriek, rip them both from it's owner, before tossing them away. The creature launched twin beams of energy from it's eyes, only searing the shoulder armor, as Tyrant Butcher landed right on top of the creature. Then, with another shriek, it began ripping and tearing at the beast, ripping and tearing, as Juden screamed and yelled within his own pod.

Armus could sit there and watch in horror as he saw Tyrant Butcher in this....new state. Even Rexsuta looked horrified. He had never seen his uncle like this before, on any mission. He seemed to have forgotten the feeling of becoming...conjoined, to this kaiju. Even the beast seemed stunned by this, the voices that had invaded Rexsuta's mind vanishing. Tyrant Butcher slammed a punch into the kaiju's face, splattering it's head, and sending it back a few feet. As it did, he leapt down, bringing his foot down and slashing through the smaller tendrils the beast and connected to Angelic Grace.


 * Juden - We will show you no mercy! We will not leave any peace of you!

The kaiju fired another blast at Juden, slashing through it's right arm, though he didn't seem to care, tackling the beast, and using his knees and remaining fist to deliver the blows. Rexsuta struggled to his feet. Although his left arm felt dead, he himself wasn't. Growling like a wolf, he rushed forward, and, with all his strength, slashed at it's middle, cutting most of it's body from it's torso. Tyrant Butcher jumped off it's chest, and kicked it away, it's tentacles flailing one last time before it feel to the ground.

Tyrant Butcher stood straight once more, it's eyes returning to normal, it's mouth closing, and it's muscles contracting and going back to normal as Juden himself breathed in deeply, the right side of his face burnt severely from the battle, the flesh smoking inside the amber fluid of the insertion pod.


 * Juden - I'm sorry you two had to see that. That's...not something I like to think about. I've only entered such a state once before. let's not speak of this again. Good job Armus, Rexsuta.

The two cadets nodded in shock as he went and picked up his severed arm, and motioned with it for the two to follow him back to base. Then, they heard a shriek, as two beams of energy struck the ground near them. Turning, they saw the upper half of the kaiju sailing at them, it's remaining tentacles ready, it's head partially healed. Armus charged forward, as it launched four tentacles at him. However, with it's injuries, it's accuracy seemed severely hampered, as three hit the ground near him. Grabbing the last before it could impale on the ground, He gave it a tug, pulled the levitating creature towards him, as slammed his other fist in an upper-cut right into what remained of it's chest. Then, with a command, he transformed his arm into a Plasma blaster, and, reaching with his other arm, grabbed onto the creature's body, and pulled it in close.

The creature's eyes lit up as it tried to fire another beam, only for Armus to jam his Plasma Balster right into it's broken, deformed jaws, and opened fire. The blast went down it's neck, and into it's chest, the blue glowing staying for a second, before it detonated, exploding and covering the entire group in blood and gore. The pieces that remained frizzled, before winking out of existence.

Armus breathed in deeply as he held his plasma caster aloft near his head, the gun smoking from the heat discharge, as Tyrant Butcher walked up, gripping the other mecha's shoulder.


 * Juden - You did it Armus. Good job. Let's get back to base.
 * Armus - Tha..thank you.

The three began the long journey back, each ragged and their mechas having seen better days, and each pilot breathing hard and cut up and bruised. Rexsuta to glared at his controls, uncertain how to feel. On one hand, he had completed the mission and helped destroy the kaiju. But, he had failed to kill it. Was he not strong enough? How, he was the Son of Gordaoh. He had trained briefly in Vior'nes'ken, he piloted one of the best Warrior-Hunters. Nodding slightly, he knew what he had to do. He had to train more, get stronger. Yet he was also a bit surprised at Armus more then anything. What he thought was an unconfident coward with parent issues, turned out to be just as good as he was.


 * Rexsuta - You are a strange case Armus. I think...I think there is no one else I would want to train in Vior'tal's scared art then you.

Giga Abhorrent.

Trivia

 * The story style takes inspiration from Neon Genesis Evangelion, Pacific Rim, Godzilla Unleashed, Haruhi Suzumiya, Metal Gear, and Fist of the North Star.

Themes

 * Main Themes
 * Ai wo Torimodose - Main Theme 1
 * God Knows - Main Theme 2
 * Character Themes
 * Beautiful World - Kryunn and Ibari's Theme
 * Hare Hare Yukai Kyon - Kryunn's Everyday Theme
 * Dry your tears - The theme of the Four brothers of Vior'tal.
 * - Ibari's Realizes Her Powers
 * Tragic Themes
 * Minagoroshi no - Character death theme.
 * Yasashii Boukyaku - After defeat theme.
 * Battle Themes
 * Nocte of Desperatio - Desperate Battle Theme
 * The Devil Regains His Strength - Victorious Battle Theme
 * God Knows (Metal Version) - Ibari and Kryunn Battle Theme
 * Pest Control - Taint Cleanser/Gatal's Battle Theme
 * Ai wo Torimodose (Instrumental) - Kenvash/Gordaoh/Juden's
 * Nagato vs Asakura - Yuruki's and 9891 God's Child's Battle Theme
 * Uncertain(for themes we plan on using, but are not sure where to put them yet)
 * God Knows - Orchestra Ver.
 * Tough Boy
 * Hare Hare Yukai (Orchestra)