“Abandoning her? Try telling that to Lorenzo. He’s more stubborn than you!” declared Boris. “Honestly… if you would have waited for me to finish! I could have told you that while it doesn’t have a power source like other ships, it has a much
better one!” shouted the man as he puffed out his chest… before quickly sighing.
“It, however, requires someone to synchronize with it,” he said as he looked towards the Izanagi’s entrance, seeing a white Framework exit as it began helping load up other Frameworks into the ship. “We need a child like the one that is inside Avacramdt to start up the Framework that is plugged into the ship so that the Izanagi can take off. However, even then, it was a miracle someone was able to synchronize perfectly on their first try like that one.”
“To be honest, this ship may very well be our only chances out of here in this chaos because it
is the fastest here,” spoke Boris as he lighted another cigarette. “We gotta wait for Lorenzo and the kids… because one of them will be able to get this ship off of the ground…”
Boris paused a bit as he looked towards what was coming at them; Cruxi. There was quite a bit actually…
Two Harbingers, a Grinder, and a Hunter, along with many Cruxi troops. The Avacramdt walked towards them, almost as if it was ready to take them down, but Boris raised his hand. “Don’t worry, the shields into the hangar will hold for now, kid. Just focus on getting the Frameworks into the ship while we wait for Lorenzo… that’s the highest priority.”
The Framework simply looked back at Boris, before looking at the Cruxi. Without a word it got back to its task by pulling more Frameworks into the Izanagi, and as Omegas began to set up defenses and take cover and aim at the Cruxi outside the force field.
“…Doesn’t talk that much, that one,” murmured Boris as he looked at Airick. “Still, he’s a good kid.”
Lorenzo looked towards Demeter and Ashlyn as they spoke, smiling as he usually did before answering. “Of course. We’re heading to my ship. We got some ace monkey of an admiral to pilot it, but it is still my ship. Once Matilda has set the best course of action for us, we will begin heading there immediately… Oh, and Drake, once we’re off of this planet, come see me so I can see that hand of yours,” he mumble as he noticed the limp noodle of an arm… it was then that he noticed Esther moving past the Spartans, saying her little speech, and running down the hall with Leonce, which slightly infuriated the Doctor. "Felix! Quickly!" shouted the Doctor as he pointed at them.
At that exact moment, one of the other Spartans leapt forward with lightning fast speed... faster than the two kids could run. He reached both Leonce and Esther before they could even reach the corner, before kicking them both in the stomachs right back towards Lorenzo. Two Spartans grabbed them and practically threw them to the ground without hesitation before drawing their weapons and aiming at the hallway as the younger Spartan who kicked them attempted to draw his sword... but instead
something threw itself towards the Spartan by breaking down the corner of the hallway and smashing him into the window; dust filling the area as the Spartans began firing into the smoke. A few moments later the Spartan was thrown out of the smoke but was able to land decently on his feet... however, his entire right arm was completely missing and bleeding heavily. It was then that a large Cruxi with its fangs and claws bared revealed itself before it leapt and tried to grab a hold of the smaller Spartan, but instead was faced with the blade of his sword as he cleaved the beast’s smaller arms and left leg before kicking it back.
“Stay behind me,” muttered the Spartan to Esther and Leonce before charging at the hurt Cruxi before it promptly jumped onto the ceiling and grabbed a hold of him by his clawed leg before slamming him into the wall. Even though shots were being constantly fired by the other Spartans and as the one who crushed Drake’s arm attempted to charge forward, it was hard for any of them to actually get close to the swinging Cruxi as it kept disappearing as if it were a ghost. Before the winded Spartan could actually get back up and actually do anything, the Cruxi reappeared from thin air and simply bit him hard on the shoulder, attempting to rip a large chunk out of him. Before the Cruxi could do so, the Spartan took his sword and promptly thrust it into the underside of the Cruxi’s head, causing it to let out a mechanical yelp of screeching horror before it finally fell dead. “Cruxi Hunter… eliminated sir…” spoke the young Spartan as he pulled the Cruxi off of him and fell to the ground covered in blood and serious wounds, all the while looking at the creature that he killed.
“Which is something that wouldn’t have been necessary if Esther and Leonce here would have been fucking patient, and waited for Father and his men to finish finding a safe route… That Hunter was scanning the area and was almost done patrolling until your foolish running caused it to jump into action…” spoke Lorenzo as he gritted his teeth as he looked at both Esther and Leonce, before looking at the wounded Spartan. “We were waiting because this specific location is rather safe for the time being… but now I’m not too sure.”
“Correct,” chimed Matilda as she interrupted, “The only reason we have not yet left this premise is because Doctor Lorenzo’s Office and his hallway are specially modified and reinforced to withstand Cruxi drop pods due to his importance. Once a few minutes were to have passed and we can see the initial damage and where most of the Cruxi forces are, we were to begin making our way to the Izanagi… instead of blindly making our way there with Cruxi landing on top of us,” spoke Matilda as she scanned information in front of her as loud explosions could be heard... and as a massive
THUD soon smashed on top of the area above them.
“Grinder above us and is now moving towards the window on our right. Orders, Captain?” spoke the young Spartan that broke Drake’s nanobots as he scanned the area above them.
“It can’t break through the energy shields covering the windows; we discussed this before,” stated the Captain as he whipped out his special graded shotgun and his… unusual sword before a large machine jumped onto the floor, and punched its ‘fist’ at the window before howling loudly with a mechanical roar.
The pistons on the Cruxi Grinder began to pump faster and faster as the drills on its arms attempted to pierce through the shields over the window at unbelievable speed. Most of the Spartans had their weapons ready except for the Captain, while Lorenzo paid it no attention besides tapping his finger on the glass to taunt it. “This kids, is a Cruxi Grinder. That Nano-type gun you had, Drake would have done nothing to this except heal it… before it ripped you to shreds and ate you alive and pounded you to pieces… and this is only
one type of Cruxi. I don’t intend to let my children fight these things,” he spoke coldly with little emotion as the howling Cruxi continue to rapidly slam its ‘fists’ into the protected barrier.
“The Grinder will not be able to destroy the shield for a good five minutes, we have time… That, and we can carry Lt. Felix as-“
“Nah, leave me here, sir. The Hunter banged me up pretty good. That, and you don’t need an arm-less Spartan slowing you down… Besides, once that Grinder breaks through the glass, you’ll need someone to hold it back,” spoke the younger wounded Spartan from earlier as he took off his helmet... revealing that he was just a few years older than the very kids he was protecting. “I’ll do my best so it does not reach you guys. I’ll catch up with you guys as soon as possible… Godspeed, sir,” saluted the Spartan.
There was a short moment of silence as Lorenzo and the other Spartans nodded their heads and saluted as well.
It was then that Matilda spoke once again. “Lorenzo, most of the Cruxi Destroyers’ pods have been fired and have either landed or have been destroyed. Spartans, Omegas, and Banshees are currently engaged in combat with Cruxi as of this moment to buy staff members time to evacuate. The safest and fastest route to the Izanagi has been found with minimal Cruxi resistance, but two Harbingers, a Grinder, and a Hunter, along with Cruxi troops are there and are making their way to the Izanagi. Shall I look for another route?” asked Matilda after turning to her creator.
“No, we don’t have time. That’ll do just fine… I have faith in my Spartans… besides, it is the safest route, and we already have more Cruxi converging on our position now. If there are any Omega Units or Banshees to spare have them converge there as soon as possible to help us. Are the others meeting at the Izanagi as well like we planned?”
“That is correct. All others will be meeting at the Izanagi with their pilots as well, along with all collected data.”
“Good… Then let’s go,” spoke Lorenzo as he, the Spartans, and the kids moved out with haste... though not before he looked back at Felix, nodding at him one last time. "Godspeed... Felix.. godspeed."
While the group moved and followed Matilda’s route to the very letter and were making their way to the Izanagi… the battle outside with the Yamaguchi and the two Cruxi Destroyers were taking a massive turn for the worst as more and more Cruxi boarded the Dreadnaught.
“Admiral Koboro! What is your status?! The Cruxi Destroyer that was on a nosedive with the Hades Cannon has made full contact and has fully destroyed it, along with part of its own ship… Cruxi troops are pouring out of it as we speak! Admiral Koboro!”
“I’m here! We have Cruxi on our ship as well… They’ve boarded with Sovereigns and are decimating my men! We’re still holding out, but for how long is another question… The Spartans and the Banshees are holding them at bay at critical sections of the ship, while my Omegas are spread out and providing cover as best as they can. How are you holding out down there?!”
“Not good Admiral… Cruxi have landed on the planet and have invaded the facility. Doctor Lorenzo and his pilots has yet to safely reach the Izanagi with his escort. While the other scientists have escorts, other Spartans, Banshees, and Omegas have been given orders to reach Doctor Lorenzo and escort him to the Izanagi pronto before the Third Cruxi Fleet arrives.”
“What is the status on the Third Cruxi Fleet’s arrival?” shouted Koboro as shots could be heard over the channel.
“…It’s coming in a few minutes. We don’t have much time… Also, Koboro, you have to finish off that Destroyer and hold back the Third Fleet. I know we’re asking you a lot, but from what we’re reading, the Third Fleet is something much bigger than the Destroyers. Your Yamaguchi is the only thing that can possibly stand a chance against it,” stated the female commanding officer as she looked at the signatures of her screen.
“Alright, I’ll take this son of a bitch out now… Everyone! Highest protocol now! We’re disengaging the right side of the Yamaguchi and activating the Right Hand of Lu Bu!” shouted Koboro as loud as he could. “Ma’am, prepare your Hades cannon to fire when you see that the Destroyer is vulnerable… Don’t waste this opportunity!” he said this without hesitation before signing off.
“S-Sir… but our right side will be exposed drastically, and shields will be down for the Destroyer to take advantage of… If this doesn’t work, then we’ll lose the Yamaguchi, and the Facility will fall without a doubt,” spoke an officer as he hesitantly looked at Koboro.
“We either die trying it… or die not trying it as cowards. I’d rather test all options knowing we gave it our all and showing the Cruxi how crazy we are and how far we are willing to go to save humanity than cower under our shields and hide… Don’t you all agree?”
A unanimous agreement came, before all the officers began typing in orders into their consoles… before Koboro took off his cape and whipped out a key from his pocket. Thrusting it into a slot in front of him, the Yamaguchi immediately began to rupture as the left part of the ship flew apart and surrounded the Cruxi Destroyer and cover it into a massive coil… before revealing that underneath the Yamaguchi’s armor was what appeared to be thousands upon thousands of hammers. Almost immediately they began to smash into the Destroyer and crush the shields and even the armor… right as the Hades cannons began to fire into the soft underside and cleave through it.
Even though the Cruxi Destroyer was attempting to fire its main cannons, they were pummeled thanks to the Right Hand of Lu Bu before being obliterated by the many rounds of Hades Cannon. A few minutes passed, before a loud humming sound echoed through the air… and as the Destroyer exploded and ignited the space it filled; with debris crashing down into the facility and into the Yamaguchi as well.
“You did it, Admiral! Both Destroyers are destroyed!” stated the commanding officer as she got in touch with Koboro, congratulating him.
“Yes… however, the debris of the ship struck us and we suffered some severe casualties… not to mention that there are still Cruxi on board… That… and…” Koboro took notice of the Hades cannon that shot down the last Destroyer, before it got completely overrun with Cruxi and as debris began crashing into it, “we lost the final Hades cannon.”
“Still, we were able to buy some time… and we got one less thing to worry about. If we can get rid of the last Destroyer, we may have a chance of saving this facility and calling in reinforcements,” she spoke as she continued to type out commands into the console.
“Hey, what’s that ETA on that last Destroyer?” she asked to the male officer to her side.
No answer.
“Hello? What’s the ETA on the Destroyer?” she asked again.
Again, no answer.
Frustrated, she looked at him to ask again, but was puzzled by his expression as he stared at her. “What’s the matter?”
“Ma’am… It isn’t a Destroyer… I… I don’t know what it is… a-and…” he stuttered as he looked at the monitor above, “…it’s here…”
Lorenzo and the others reached finally reached the Hangar bay, where Airick and Boris were at… along with the White Framework Avacrampt who was calmly still loading up the other Frameworks and supplies into the awe-inspiring Izanagi. Lorenzo paused a bit wondering where all the Cruxi were, but as he looked at the force field at the hangar… his answer was quickly given.
Matilda’s calculations weren’t wrong, they had just moved.
“Hundreds… huh?” whistled Lorenzo as he placed his hands in his pocket as looked at the many Hunters, Harbingers, Grinders, the
normal troopers and the
heavy troopers. “I’m surprised to see so many…”
“It would appear the Hunter we engaged earlier sent out a distress signal prior to its defeat,” spoke Matilda as she folded her arms and ran calculations.
“So… you are saying this is something that could have been avoided?” asked Lorenzo as he looked at Leonce and Esther, his eyes cold.
“Correct, sir,” spoke Matilda as she continued looking at her information. “They gathered here upon the Hunter’s signal since they couldn’t breach the walls of the route leading here.”
“Sir, we suggest you and the pilots get on the ship immediately. We’ll stand our ground here as best as we can while you prep the ship for lift off,” spoke the Spartan Captain as he loaded his shotgun and nodded at the Cruxi.
“My children will get on the ship, yes, but I still need to wait for my fellow scientists… if any of them actually show. It is my duty as Head Scientist to wait and collect their data and follow through with the final protocol after all. We've all sworn an oath, and everyone on this facility knows this.”
The Captain nodded before taking position with others, before the Spartan who broke Drake’s hand walked up to him and looked up to him. He didn’t say much, besides sighing and taking the boy’s hand and looking at it. Almost immediately, Nanobots from his own arm began to repair Drake’s hand as he looked at the damage, assessing it and fixing it with ease. “Hmph… You’re still nothing more than an amateur, hence why I destroyed your nanos. I’m the better one, you hear me? I only fixed your arm, not your Queens which you need to improve upon, so stop moping around like a baby about it… it’s depressing. Also, I only did it to prove you a lesson… that you need to get better, and to show some respect to your superiors,” he said as he took his rifle and nodded at the kid before moving to position. In his own way, that was perhaps that Spartan’s way of saying goodbye.
“…Well then… Children, board the Izanagi and prepare yourselves for departure. There are Spartans and Omegas on the ship who will protect you, find them and stay with them. Ignore the White Framework as it does its work, and your Father will be coming shortly,” spoke Lorenzo as he indicated the massive ship before turning towards Airick and Boris. “How’s the status of the ship?”
Boris was silent as he looked at Airick, almost as if wanting him to speak in his stead.
Ariamis
