Looming

Vile's camp was in frenzy. Their daily routine had been frightfully disrupted by a sudden beam of light, almost like lightning, struck the center of the courtyard. The reploids who were marching were the first to approach the place of impact, forming almost an instinctive circle around the area. They drew their weapons as they cautiously moved closer to the object. Suddenly, instead of a violent outcome a symphonic gasp brought the whole fortress into silence. Muddled and charred from battle, their purple leader's figure came into view. Vile was missing a limb and nearly half of one of his leg had been blasted off. The witnesses shrieked at the sight, some barely recognizing their battered leader.

"Out of my way!" Vile yelled, staggering to his feet. His bright red eyes flamed with fury. It was a frightening sight for all the reploids who had flocked to his transfer point. They've never seen Vile fully exposed like this before as the manic leader had always been shrouded in a blanket of shadow, and all of them shook in fear when they caught a whiff of his murderous aura. An overwhelming feeling of lethal intentions for those that crossed him. Eagerly they took a step back, making a path for their beaten leader as he stomped passed them.

"Lord Vile!" Patch, the little blue reploid was the first to rush near their leader upon his entrance to the main building. But as he reached over to provide assistance to the Maverick, Vile coldly pushed him away and knocked him to the ground.

"Where is he?!" Vile rumbled.

The little reploid fell short of words, unsure of whom the Maverick was asking for

Impatient for an answer, the beaten reploid raised his hand to hit his subordinate as he was crawling back to his feet.

"Useless piece of sh-"

"Control yourself, Vile," The purple cyber elf's voice stopped the vicious action before Vile could turn his inferior to a punching bag.

"You…." Vile growled, his eyes rekindling the fierce red in his eyes as he stomped towards the elf, stopping only inches away in a standoff.

"Leave us," the cyber elf ordered the blue reploid and the rest of reploids in the room, "Inform Disk to finish his preparations."

"B-but Director his injuries," Patch contested, completely stunned by the uncharacteristic change in his superiors.

"Don't make me repeat myself," the cyber elf threatened.

The raise in volume in the seraph's voice sent everyone to action and without another word of objection all the reploids in the room rushed out of the vicinity.

When it the two were sure that they were surely alone the cyber elf flew closer to the tattered Maverick. "You're awfully eccentric for someone who nearly died," he mocked.

"Died? I had all three of them right in the palm of my hands! And you so damn well screwed it up!" Vile barked at his elf, whose light glowed brighter indicating its inner anger. His cannon pointed at the elf, itching to fire it. If it wasn't for the fact that his partner was intangible, he would have surely done it.

"Screwed it up?" The cyber elf chuckled, "Look at you, reduced to a crisp! Did you honestly think you would have a fighting chance with those three? Alone, in that condition?

You seem to have you forgotten, who you're dealing with," the cyber elf scolded, his voice getting colder.

Vile spat, "Bah! What do you take me for? They're nothing but lowly cyber elves, dumbass! The brat and those assholes were as good as mine!"

He fell. Flat on the ground. As if a heavy hand had taken hold of him and was squeezing the life out of him. He gasped as all the power he had on his body were restrained and forcefully drained away.

"You, son of a bitch!" Vile roared as he tried to fight, but was only successful in lifting his head.

"Lowly cyber elves?" the culprit scoffed at him, murderously irritated by Vile's last statement. "Don't be cocky just because they were cyber elves. X and Zero, the two Maverick Hunters who had time and time again turned you into nothing more than a mere outdated scrap metal. They could do far worse things than this, even if they were just lowly cyber elves! If I didn't come in between you, our plan could very much as well go down the drain."

The cyber elf maintained his dominance over the Maverick until Vile no longer resisted. Resentful, Vile painfully climbed back on his feet, muttering vulgar language under his breath. It was frustrating; he knew if he was in his peak condition, Vile knew he could have easily deflected the cyber elf's control.

"So you've calmed down now?" the cyber elf mockingly joked, earning furious daggers from the purple maverick.

"So, what are we gonna do about the brat?" Vile went into business, "it's definitely him."

"We'll leave him as it is."

"Ha? Are you stupid? If we don't get the brat now, those assholes will kill him themselves when they find out."

"Those idiots won't have the heart too, besides whether he dies or not is no concern of ours."

"Speaking from experience, huh," Vile commented. "And here I thought you New Gens were all buddy buddy."

"While he may have appeared our plans do not change." The seraph ignored Vile's comment.

"Are you saying you don't want him in our ranks?"

"Quite the opposite," a villainous smile crept up the cyber elf's face. "There is no need to rush. Judging from his state, X was only able to revert the process to its early stages but has not actually nullified the progression. What's even better is the boy has clue.

Just like last time," the cyber elf alluded, "having him with those Guardians is more beneficial to us. Afterall, Axl is no ally of theirs."

The two villains looked at each other and teething a smile as if they were reminiscing a shared memory of the past.

"Ha, so what now?" Vile asked, being in a good mood after a good laugh.

"We have a new lead," the cyber elf answered, projecting a hologram.

"Oh?" Vile sounded with interest as he reviewed the data. At a glance there wasn't much to be seen. Just a scramble of computer codes and random words mashed together on a script. "How'd you get your hands on that."

"Their weakness, the lab the boy was hidden, was a treasure trove of clues. I was able to grab some information from the wreckage."

"As expected of from those softies," Vile scoffed.

"The lead is too good pass, finding the failsafe device is our utmost priority. Once you've been repaired, you will personally go." the cyber elf informed Vile.

"Wouldn't it be faster to send over our own."

"We can't afford anymore screw ups, and with X and Zero in the picture it won't be a guarantee."

"They may figure out."

"I'll bid you time…" Lumine smiled.

Four to one. That's what he was up against. Weapons drawn and tensions high, the room was at a stand-off. Reploid, cyber elves, or whatever they called themselves, Axl was no match for them-not in his current state. He was weaponless, outnumbered, surrounded, and constricted in a small room with only one exit that was guarded by one of them. Not to mention there was Fefnir. He's already quite formidable all on his own. Still, the overwhelming disadvantage did not deterred Axl's determination. Rather he was up for the challenge.

"Oh dear, you're not planning to make a run for it, are you?" Leviathan read his mind with a sly smile.

The siren, slowly shook her head, "That won't do. We've just started getting to know each other."

Suddenly, Axl twitched upon sensing Harpuia adjust his sword closer to his neck. The sage positioned intricately close. So close in fact that the young boy could hear and feel the whirling energy against his skin and in a way that if Axl made any sudden movements Harpuia could surely react in one quick swift motion and decapitate him without a second thought.

"Stop it!" Ciel ordered, walking in between Harpuia and Axl. "This is not the way to act. Please put your weapons down this instant!"

Tired of the bickering amongst her allies, girl's authoritative demeanor certainly surprised everyone in the room.

But the sage did not budge. "Not until he stands down," Harpuia snarled.

Desperate to end the confrontation the young girl pleaded with the Hunter next, "Axl please." Her hand pressed together as if she was begging, praying for the young boy to take the initiative.

Still, their intense glares remained locked with one another as neither wanted to give in.

"Please, Axl!" Ciel pleaded again, "Please trust us! We're not your enemies."

Her cries seemed to have finally reached him, Axl eyes broke out of their rage filled trance and gazed into Ciel's entreating orbs. "Please…"

It was funny. In Axl's current predicament, the people he is asked to trust were the ones that were breathing down his neck, watching every movement he made, and have every intention to end his life if he did not pass their judgment. If anything, the situation would have quite the opposite effect. But that's what made it even more ridiculous. They were the ones asking to be trusted. It should be him; he shouldn't be acting so selfishly. He was the outsider; they were the ones sheltering him. Be it allies or enemy they did not need to negotiate with him. If it weren't for his desperate desire to salvage what remained of his pride, he would have drowned in laughter.

Sensing a slight crack in Axl's conviction, a glimmer of hope sparked within Ciel

"I know it's a lot to ask for but please…"

He understood. He understood why they wanted him to stay. He understood why the green elf was trying to confine him. He understood. But he couldn't bring himself to stop...

It was infuriating.

"You don't understand!" Axl protested, letting the words come out without thinking, "none of you do! I can't be locked up in here! I need to go!"

"Yes, I know," Ciel replied calmly, "But..-"

"But nothing! What can you possibly know? This is MY past! Not yours, not anyone else's!"

"Oi, watch your tone, kid!" Fefnir said in response to Axl's aggressive attitude towards the human.

"Shut up!" Axl said in retaliation. His angry pouring over the fighter. He didn't want to be called by such familiarity. Especially not by the fire guardian, who has somehow bears a strikingly identical DNA to his mentor. "You're not X! You're nothing like him!" he blurted.

A slap on the face.

The sound sent shockwaves across the room, appeasing the tension almost immediately to a sense of bewilderment and shock swept across the room.

"Apologize," Ciel, the one responsible, ordered.

The stunned Hunter's eyes were wide but he didn't dare to make contact with the young scientist, who was now stubbornly standing her ground. "Axl…"

As if losing his will Axl's whole demeanor changed. Reluctantly he casted his ambition aside as he held in his frustration, appeasing the tension as a wave of relief swept the noncombatants.

Just as the newly found mood was starting to settle, Fefnir's voice surprised everyone. "Pathetic," he said, uncharacteristically monotoned from his usually boisterous voice.

Steadfast, the fire guardian didn't even pause for some sort of approval as he bust pass Leviathan.

"Where are you going?" Leviathan asked, her voice not losing its playfulness, as she moved out of the fighter's way.

"Figure it out yourself." Fefnir said annoyed.

"Keeping me away from all the fun?" The siren teased causing Fefnir to make a whimsical face.

"Phantom," Fefnir called to his brother.

"Understood," Upon Phantom's answer the fire guardian disappeared from their sight and not a moment later, Phantom reverted back to his petite form. He gestured a bow to the two humans and followed suit.

"Wai-..!" Neige called out but was unable to even finish a word before the fire guardian turned out of sight. She turned to Ciel, looking for some sort of command of action they should take. But the scientist kept her attention to Axl and her body language indicated no opposition to Fefnir's decision. Still, worried, Neige's concern got the better of her and she decided to chase after him.

Once again, a momentary stillness conquered the room as the remaining Guardians and Axl waited for the other to take action.

"Harpuia," Ciel called the cyber elf, the gentleness that resided on her face all but present.

Stunned by the young blonde scientist's uncharacteristic action sage understood the subtle request and listened. Slowly, he withdrew his weapon and retreated to a non combative stance.

"Would you all please leave us alone for a bit?" Ciel requested. understanding wholeheartedly how reckless and selfish her request is.

The sage remained still, quietly observing the young Hunter as if judging to see if he was trustworthy enough to be left alone with the defenseless human.

The elves hesitantly looked at each other as Leviathan back out. "We'll be outside," Harpuia unwilling agreed.

He glared at Axl one last time, making sure the young Hunter caught his eyes. The young boy glanced at the sage, but stayed silent. "consider this your one and only warning, 'Hunter,'"

His threat brought a troubled look on Ciel, but at the moment she couldn't hope for a better outcome. There was only so much she can push with Guardians without going out of out of bound; and such everyone expressed a very silent and reluctant truce.

"Leviathan," called Harpuia out to her as he chased her through the realm of cyberspace, only being able to stop the siren's advance with a touch on her wrist.

The siren sighed. "What is it?" She already knew the subject the Sage was intending to open, she didn't even bother to put up a face for him and looked with sincerity.

"Have you talked to Alouette?" Harpuia asked worriedly, although his words sounding more like a demand than a question. But the siren did not answer immediately causing a worry stricken look to levitate on the griffin's face. "Leviathan, talk to me," Harpuia said, full of concern.

"Who knew having a predetermined death would such a pain," Leviathan answered in response, making a terrible attempt at sounding carefree and casual.

"What happened?" The sage's words sounding daunting.

"Everything's fine. As expected it was just a side effect from battle." the siren reported nonchalantly.

"You shouldn't have pushed yourself," Harpuia muttered, balling his hand into a fist. He knew what the siren was saying held no other meaning, still he couldn't help but feel anxious.

"There wasn't much choice," Leviathan said, trying to defend her action. "Summoning that dragon that fast from thin air in this form would have drained Fefnir in a heartbeat. I had to use my own."

"It was unnecessary!" Harpuia protested, "if we had known about his condition, it would have been better if we would have just let him…" He bit his tongue unable to finish his sentence.

"Don't be foolish. Are you listening to yourself, Harpuia? What has gotten into you?" Leviathan knocked the sage on the head.

"Nothing. What I'm saying is merely in hindsight." Harpuia tried to salvage his broken image.

The blue elf sighed, looking away from Harpuia for a moment. Then said, "it doesn't matter what it resulted into. You would've done the same, wouldn't you?"

It was not a question she expected a response from him, after all, she already knew the answer even if he himself was unwilling to say it.

She understood her brother's unwillingness to cooperate and quite frankly she and he were on the same boat. However, taking from their previous experience with the red legendary hero, not everything is as it seems. And this time around she wanted to keep an open mind, at least to a certain degree. She couldn't quite explain it but there was a nagging feeling she can't get out of her head. A nagging feeling she and the other Guardians have felt since the time in the laboratory. A sense of responsibility, and compassion for the young hunter and yet a sense of guilt and remorse; followed by a grueling almost heart breaking feeling of anger and agony. A conglomerate of emotions that mixed with her own entailed an inexplicable sense of turmoil that haunted their every decision.

Nevertheless, she knew Harpuia's perspective will undoubtedly not be clouded such petty insecurity with the Hunter. Rather, it would be his own cloud of emotions on their time that could ultimately betray him.

Her aquatic blue eyes soften.

"Neh Harpuia isn't funny?" Leviathan looked at him, as she indulged him into her thoughts. Something, she rarely if at all does with others. "As cyber elves we were living life so carefully after we found out about our time. I kept thinking. 'Ah so this is what the humans felt.' Knowing that their lives had a limit, knowing their abilities and self wouldn't last as long as their ambition. I use to think, they were quite foolish. Their time is so little and yet they want to make life so hard for themselves, when they can just take it easy and let us reploids handle everything. Why it was the better deal wasn't it? I never thought of us as immortal, but there was a sense of comfort in knowing, our death can in some way be decided by us. Not some unforeseen force known as time. So when we were placed in the same predicament it finally clicks. The reason the humans were so foolish and reckless. Living vicariously through another, through Fefnir, I don't want that. That is not the way I want to die. I don't want to die living so carefully; doing nothing. I don't want to survive only to wait for death. If I'm going to be given a time limit, I want to at least be able to be satisfied and chose."

Leviathan glanced over at her brother, capturing him in her deep ocean's gaze. Unlike her, the sage was never bothered of such death, even when his life was timeless as a reploid. Rather, he accepted his death with open arms as a natural part of his life. But, though he lacked such fear, he had an even bigger fear of life itself. He feared living a life in regret and the death of others, of those close to him while he continued to live.

"So I don't regret it," It was as if to appease that side of him, quietly telling him that he must accept the inevitable. "Right or wrong, I don't regret saving the boy if it was the death of me."

She did not wait for him to respond.

"We need to tell Fefnir," Leviathan pressed, getting into the core of the actual problem; the literal issue of Harpuia's uneasiness, which he himself actively avoids to discuss verbatim unless absolutely necessary.

The siren's assertive question caught Harpuia off guard as a face mix of panic, and uncomfortable distress surfaced on his facade faster than he could suppress it.

"W-why would you even bring something like right now?" Harpuia staggered in his words.

The siren fell quiet for a moment as if thinking and wondering herself what possessed her to have a change of heart; on a decision of which all three cyber elves unanimously agreed upon without even a second of hesitation. Could it have been her momentary condition? The uncertainty it held. Or perhaps it was the longer withheld anxiety she had.

"Seeing that boy, Axl and how he is taking it. I don't want our little Fefnir to experience the same. I don't want him to one day wake up and realize we're all gone, without even a single explanation as to why."

Still, Harpuia remained in silent in his defiance. As expected, the siren thought.

"I don't want to be the bringer of bad new as much as you. But, we need to to tell him. Soon." Leviathan said, putting a heavy emphasis on the last word.

It was daunting. Leviathan's words felt as if they crushed his chest so tightly it was practically impossible to breathe.

"Telling Fefnir now would only distract him from the more pressing matters." Harpuia stubbornly said, looking away.

"You're a bigger idiot than Fefnir, if you think we can hide this forever," Leviathan coldly told said.

"Just...a little longer," Harpuia muttered softly between his teeth, etching a regretful but also defeated look.

"You spoil him, Harpuia," Leviathan sighed, understandingly.

The space was incredibly empty, even with all the machinery and furniture; there couldn't seem to be a much more hollow space than the one they were in now. With the departure of all her contingent, the scientist stood in silence watching Axl as he walked over to the wide window paneling at the other end of the room. His eyes fixated to the outside, looking longingly at the world beyond the glass.

They stayed in their solace for moments on end as if waiting for the other to break the silence.

"I screwed up, didn't I?" The young hunter was the first to speak after what seemed like hours. His words muttered in a sigh as his head leaned against the glass and planted his sight to the ground levels below; as his unforeseen behavior seeming to have dwindled into a more retentive attitude.

The young scientist was quickly reminded her duty was not yet over. Although, she wouldn't consider her support and comforting to be anything but duty.

Ciel didn't answer. But her silence proved to be a sufficient for the troubled Hunter. At first glance, Ciel presumed he was still convicted with a desire to escape, to run away to world below. But the more she studied his gaze the more she realized that was not the case. The view in his orbs had changed. They weren't ones that held the impatient desire to take action; rather they were staring and lost in the distance of time that she could never hope to perceive.

"It's different, isn't it?" Ciel decided to approach the young boy who had completely been immersed in his thoughts.

"Very," Axl replied; his eyes glued to the outside world.

He had to admit X had a good taste in design. Almost as if the structures were meticulously planned to look grand even in the event of disaster. Even the now flawed dome that was destroyed left pillars of transparent pointed glass that gave off a magnificent feel to it. It was so different from the blocked and industrial buildings he was accustomed to. He guessed after living in the constant pits and ugliness of destruction, X had decided incorporate a design suitable to gild over it. But of course, the physical aspect wasn't the only thing that differed.

So different.

"No matter how much I'm trying to convince myself, everything is still so surreal," Axl opened up, looking at his hands before chuckling at himself.

"Hm..? What's so funny?" Ciel asked.

"Honestly, this feels like I've gotten into some kind of wacko mission and at any moment I'm going to hear someone call me back."

Axl coughed up a laugh as the image played vividly in his head, "I can just see it now, when this is all over; I'm going to get yelled."

"Yelled at? By who?" Ciel inquired, intrigued that the Hunter was opening up about something so personal.

"Commander," Axl answered in tune with his imagination, "oh man, he's really gonna kill me..."

He could already see it. His ridiculous tall leader would be standing right at the transport zone, his hands crossed, and synthetic veins popping as his tapped away on his foot. Signas would already have a sermon prepared and ready to preach. He never got why his Commander always picked at him and scolded him so much. Axl once asked X and Zero if they knew reason, but even the two all-knowing Hunters shrugged. They even went on to explain that while the Commander did have his moments Axl was the first and only person that Signas openly scolded like a parent would a child. It could be because he was the newest addition to the main force, under the Signas' direct command, or the fact that he was just the youngest looking one there. 'It's his way of showing his affections,' X reasoned. But, as the victim Axl never quite believed that. But never mind the scolding. The worst of it all was what he would consider the punishment. The paperwork work waiting for him; Mission summary, maverick profiling, damage report to name a few. The pile must be enormous; just how many days has he missed. Maybe it would be bigger than the last time he ignored his work for so long. A cold shiver went down his spine just by the thought.

Either way, he was going to get it. Big time.

Still, he couldn't wait, "when I get back." Axl uttered as he was returned to reality. The wide smile on his face fading slowly back to an empty and sad expression as his thoughts wandered back to the deepest void in his mid. He wondered if that's why he was in this mess. Did he screw up a mission? What were the reasons? Did he truly deserve this? If he was truly a Maverick, why didn't X and the others just kill him? Was there something he forgot? What could he have done? It was driving him crazy!

"He must have really cared about you," Ciel smiled, and was pleasantly surprised when Axl returned it.

"You're amazing Ciel, you know?" Axl complimented her unexpectedly as he was reminded of his previous conversation with Alouette.

"E-eh?!"

She reminded him of the Maverick Hunter's chief navigator and second in command. Unconditionally sweet and caring to everyone, she was the mediator amongst them who did her upmost best to guide everyone. But she never failed to be firm and decisive when the situation arises.

"Not a lot of people have the guts to slap me, ya know?" Axl jokingly pointed at his face.

"T-that…" Ciel stuttered, instantly regretting her impulsive action. Though what has transpired earlier truly made her upset, she couldn't stay mad at the boy. There was just something about him that kept her from holding a grudge. But more so she knew, the turmoil the boy was going through and she knew he was fully aware of his actions as well.

"Do you miss him?" Axl asked, not wanting to say his name.

Immediately, Ciel's unguarded emotion got the better of her as stiffened and a hot flush of red went up her spine. She knew exactly who he meant.

"Yes," she replied softly, looking down as she fought to keep herself from the flood of memories that was beginning to surface.

"What was he like?" The Hunter asked.

Ciel was reluctant. They were memories she would rather not revisit.

"He was a quiet person, silent, intimidating, very kept to himself," Ciel described with a glint in her eyes.

"Sounds like him," Axl agreed.

"It does, doesn't it?" Ciel chuckled at the comment.

"When I met him, he had no memories of himself or his past, but," Ciel smiled, "he was a kind person. Someone I deeply admire. He was more than just a friend to me, he my pillar of support. It was because of him, we are able to have peace today."

It had been so long since she had been able to openly talk about the Hunter. It was strange, how easily she is able to open up to Axl about it. She couldn't remember how long it's been since she's been able to look without feeling the bitterness in her heart.

"So, he didn't change..." Axl commented a small smile lingered on his face, "that's...good." He couldn't imagine a terrible person from her description. Someone who could commit the atrocities that were put on him, the young Hunter was quite relieved by the fact.

He knew his friend would never commit them, but the poisonous words that had filled his mind had made it difficult for himself to believe in his friend. Placing the blame on his partners for the agony he was experiencing. He hated himself for it. The hypocrisy he had.

"Does it still hurt?" Ciel asked, gazing onto Axl's half witty smile, clearly still able to read the sorrow that he was desperately trying to contain.

"I deserved it," Axl replied, touching the place where he was slapped.

Ciel gazed at the young boy, it was odd seeing him like this. Lost, and deprived of the life he once had in him. Slowly, the blonde walk over to him. Noticing that he did little to counter her advance, she carefully took his hand.

He flinched at the touch, but didn't resist as she cupped his palm. The human's hands felt warm in comparison to his. He remembered the first time she held him in an embrace, when the world he once knew first crumbled. The warmth was bewitching bringing a sense of security and comfort he himself badly yearned.

At the center of his palm he then felt a small metal as her hands gently pulled away.

"This is..." Axl immediately recognized the box. His eyes wide, as he stood up straight.

"Harpuia won't be too happy when he finds out I gave it to you but," The young scientist smiled, knowing exactly what the Hunter wanted to say just by the many expressions he was making. "It's yours, isn't it?"

Axl couldn't what he was holding. His copy chip. Staring at the copy chip, his hand felt extremely heavy. He never had he thought such a weightless chip could ever be a burden. But never before had he been so heavy as if it holds an immense of responsibility.

"Why?" Axl uttered in a whisper.

"Hm?" Ciel sounded, as she didn't quite hear the young Hunter.

"Why are you siding with me?" Axl clarified looking up at her. "Why are you putting so much trust in me?" Axl clarified, looking up at her. "That Harpuia guy's right, ya know? There's no reason for you to defend me."

"His concerns were...valid." Ciel humbly replied. "He can sound harsh, but he mean well." Ciel tried to defend the sage. Typically the most understanding out of the four, the sage's behavior was definitely out of the norm. However, given the circumstances it was an expected reaction out of wind Guardian.

The young hunter looked at her distrustfully.

"Don't you regret it?" Axl breathed in almost a whisper.

"Regret?"

"Don't you regret finding me? Don't you think it's a mistake?"

"No, I don't, not for a second. Just as I don't regret finding Zero." the young girl replied, shaking her head. Be it the great pain she felt upon losing him, she wouldn't trade the time they spent. She knew if it weren't for him she and everyone she cared about wouldn't be here. Just as if it weren't for Axl, she wouldn't be here today.

Ciel stayed silent as a pained look appeared on Axl's face as he was unable to comprehend the genuine faith Ciel presented.

Such an important piece, the copy chip could hold all the answers for them. It also exposes her to danger, as the technology for all she knows could be the key for his escape and the opposition that she could face with her companions. Yet she has given it him. He knew what taking the chip meant. It meant giving his complete trust to the girl just as the girl was giving her trust to him.

"It hasn't changed. I trust you, just like I've trusted you with my life when we first met. Even if you can't believe in yourself right now. I do."

Ciel gave him a reassuring smile, "all ask is to see the high-spirited reploid again."

Axl bit his lower lip, repressing what felt like a burning sensation in his eyes that. It was funny how easily he was being persuaded. It was as if she was speaking the words he had been wanting to hear and needed to hear the most.

He placed the copy chip in his hand.

"Fefnir, wait!" Neige called out as she ran after him. Surprisingly to her, though their time of exit were only moments apart the fire guardian was further ahead than her own two feet could manage catch up.

At last he stopped.

"Geez, couldn't you have stopped when I asked you too," Neige said in between the shortness of her breath.

However, as it turned out it was not her that had prompted the armored reploid to stop.

"Here you go, General." Menart, one of the former resistance members rolled the largest and most menacing looking chaser the Guardians had, as requested by Fefnir to him.

"Is everything prepared?" Phantom inquired.

"Yes sir. S-Tanks have been added and filled, everything is setup and ready" Menart saluted lazily, checking off his recent duty on his pad.

"Tanks?" Neige heard Phantom utter a bit perturbed by the information. It was definitely rare to hear the ninja surprised, however the ninja's mask and quick return to his cool demeanor made the reporter second guess if what she heard as just her imagination. But her doubts were cleared when she noticed the black elf made a quick subtle glance toward the former resistance member. Unfortunately, he failed to make any further inquiry as Menart was already at the other far end of the space performing his next task. From her observation she can guess, that Phantom didn't make the request and it can only be assumed that it was Fefnir's. As to why it was so peculiar she had no way of knowing.

However, she didn't put much thought into it as peeling her sights away from the Guardian finally made Neige realize where she was. The loading base of the Guardians, full of standard military grade vehicles from those that are heavily tanked four wheelers to those that fly; tens of floors below Ciel's laboratory room. It was one of the more 'public' sectors of the building as there were numerous uniformed workers shuffled in and out of the facility.

No wonder she was so out of breath. She had literally been chasing the Guardian through untold distances. A sense of irritation filled her thoughts. Somehow, it feels like that's all she's been doing recently, running, nothing but running.

Finally, Fefnir noticed the red head, "Since when did you get here?"

"Seriously?" Neige exhaled in a rasp voice. She couldn't believe this guy. She has been calling for him to stop so many times and come to find out he didn't even hear her till they were already several floors beneath the ground. She had this grueling temptation to slap him, if it weren't for the fact that there were so many witnesses she might just have done so.

Fefnir lifted a brow, clueless as to why the reporter was exasperated.

His attention then turned to the blue cyber elf that had who had appeared into view..

"Took you long enough," He commented.

"Debriefing with this griffin takes forever, you know," Leviathan casually situated herself next to the fire Guardian.

"Fefnir, we're ready to go," Phantom updated.

"Wait, you want to leave now?" Neige cut in, eyes wide as the Guardian's intention were news to her.

Fefnir gave her an irked look, "Isn't it obvious?"

"The Library?" Neige named.

Leviathan coughed in disappointment, rolling her eyes, "how exciting."

"But we don't even know what exactly to look for. We need to make some kind of plan first and there's still some things we need—," the redhead began to try to convince him otherwise.

"I don't give damn," Fefnir interrupted, "The faster we can extract the information we want the faster the kid can stop being a little twerp."

"Listen—" Neige protested.

"Neige, dear," Leviathan intervened with a small smile, "I think we've all had enough discussion for today."

The temporary peace Ciel was able to mediate wasn't going to last long if they continued the topic. The reploids and cyber elves are merely biting their tongues at this point. Especially Fefnir, who could very much as well be using the library as a means avoid a much more violent confrontation. Much to her dismay the reporter had to agree as well. Neige sighed, signaling her own defeat. "If that's the case; I'll have Rouge set a transfer."

"Don't bother, I'm taking a chaser," Fefnir refused.

"Eh? Why?" Neige voiced in surprised, realizing the reason why Fefnir was down at the loading dock.

"The Library isn't that far from our location, it's a good chance to personally patrol around the area as well," Phantom filled her into his brother's thought process.

"I see," Neige said. She was amazed at how the Guardians were able to conjure up such an idea so quickly. She had been worried how he was feeling. The reporter had presumed Axl's words would have definitely hurt him. Afterall, the Hunter practically being discredited the fighter's identity and trampled on his pride and bond with the one person Fefnir and the other Guardian's truly respected. But then again, it shouldn't be that surprising. It should be pretty obvious. They weren't Neo Arcadia's Generals for nothing; a fact that that seems to elude Neige from time to time after being around them so much. One insult wouldn't weave their emotions. Although, the reporter wouldn't find it all that strange if he was.

"But I must say for someone with little intellect, you're awfully excited to go to a library," The siren vexed, promoting Fefnir to rev up his chaser; a gesture made to drown out the siren.

Leviathan mockingly chuckled. It was definitely no secret, everyone knew how much the fighter hated gathering intelligence, making his actions all the more obvious. "Are you that curious? Have you gotten attached to that boy already? I'm surprised you're still willing to help him."

"Shut your trap, Fairy." Fefnir gave her a murderous glare easily taking the bait, prompting the siren in a fit of laughter. If there was anything she liked about her ill tempered brother, it would definitely be his unexpectedly genuine and easy to read nature.

Even more, the redhead couldn't help but think how amazing Ciel truly was to truly be able to handle them. Neige couldn't help but truly appreciate and be amazed at the scientist.

"I'm downloading our route to your positioning unit now," The ninja informed his partner.

"Yeah, yeah. Main route drive around, got it," Fefnir said after a quick analysis, his irritation still lingering in his response as mounted his chaser.

"He sure is taking his sweet time," Fefnir commented, looking around. "Fairy, what's taking him?"

Deducing that the fighter was looking for Harpuia, Neige glanced at Leviathan who was the last to speak with to the missing person.

"About that…" Leviathan said slowly in a guilty tone.

"What is it?" Fefnir groaned, impatiently wanting to leave.

"Harpuia is staying behind," Leviathan explained, biting her inner corner of her bottom lip as she treaded carefully on the subject.

"What?" Fefnir uttered monotone.

"Harpuia says the boy is still unpredictable. He doesn't want to take his eyes of him, especially since Ciel decided to let him run around freely," Leviathan delivered the sage's message.

"He has a point. It's best to have at least one of us stay." Phantom supported, looking at Fefnir.

Surprisingly, a troubled look appeared on the fighter's face, if only for a second. It took a moment for the fire guardian to respond, contemplating his brother's words almost intensely.

"Whatever," Fefnir replied, taking Phantom's advice while retaining his composure.

"Wonderful, now let's get going!" Leviathan exclaimed, as if she was rushing.

As Fefnir was about to start up his ride Harpuia's voice suddenly raised to their attention as he flew towards them. His presence brought an ever so distasteful look on the siren's face.

"Leviathan!"

"What is it now?" Fefnir groaned at the newcomer, impatiently wanting to leave.

"Leviathan and I are stay behind." Harpuia answered, causing Leviathan to facepalm and a confused look on Neige.

"What?" Fefnir's voice sounding more concerned than surprised. A gesture that had Phantom intuitively observed.

"The boy is still unpredictable. I don't feel at ease taking at our eyes off of him, no matter what Ms. Ciel says." the sage explained calmly.

It was like déjà vu.

"No way," Leviathan refused sticking her tongue out, "Harpuia should be more than enough to handle him."

The sage stabbed a stern glare at the siren, his green eyes holding a small grudge from the fairy's attempt to get away.

No wonder she rushing, Neige thought, now understanding the siren's previous action.

"If she wants to go, let her. Let's just go already," Fefnir agreed as a means to leave quickly.

Leviathan clapped in victory, "Fefnir you've become so reliable" she hummed resulting into Fefnir gagging slightly at the comment.

"Leviathan is staying," Harpuia stood firm.

"For what? Why are you so pressed about it?" Fefnir asked, starting to get annoyed by his brother.

"It has nothing to do with you," Harpuia barked.

"Hah?!" Fefnir roared. He was about to get out of his vehicle when Phantom flew in between Harpuia and Fefnir, blocking the fire guardian's view before he could take any further actions.

"Leviathan will stay," the ninja spoke his fellow elves on behalf of the ill-tempered reploid.

"Phantom…" Harpuia said in relief.

"Ha?!" Leviathan responded with higher disapproval. "You can't just decide that!"

Phantom ignored her protest and turned to Fefnir, "Let's go."

"Oi, Phantom, who the hell said you could decide that?" The fighter's eyes furiously burning as his irritation was transferred over to the ninja.

"We are merely going to the Library to extract information. I don't see the need the need for all four of us to go. Unless of course you have something else in mind?" Phantom challenged, looking at Fefnir directly in the eyes as if he was searching for something in the fighter.

Though rarely, it was not the first time the four separated, there was no written rule about requiring them to stay together twenty four seven, and often times Fefnir preferred the lack of company. So it made Phantom all the more curious.

Fefnir stiffened and averted his eyes away from him.

"Hmph," Fefnir retreated, settling back on his chaser.

"Phantom, what's the big idea?" Leviathan protested, puffing her cheeks. But with one look from the ninja the siren was silent.

Neige couldn't believe how quickly the ninja was able to bring back order. As the quietest and least confrontational, it wouldn't be a surprise if for strangers to assume his presence had the least impact. But it takes more than an indicative attitude and ranking to have the former Generals listen. The ninja's rational and reputation amongst the four as the one who watch in the sidelines means Phantom's intervention holds a huge impact as it indicates a certain sense of criticality.

But the reporter couldn't help but feel bothered by Fefnir's and Phantom's conversation. An inexplicable rift has formed amongst the Guardians like an inner quarrel or a tangled web of unspoken secrets.

I have a bad feeling about this," Neige said in almost a whisper.

"Hmm..?" Leviathan tilted her head, "Did you say something?"

"No, it's nothing," Neige smiled, pushing the unwanted thought in the back of her mind as she walked over to Fefnir.

"Be careful out there," she was expecting some kind of discerning reply but instead got a simple nod in return.

Author's Notes:

I've done it guys! I've finally done!

Woah this chapter is rather short! That's amazing! Who knew I could still consolidate xD

The next two chapters are probably going to end up like this one, short and sweet.

Readers: Oh yeah, are they gonna take as long as this one too?!

;~;...yes..I mean no...maybe. I really hope not. The amount it took this time is just depressing. But no matter how long it takes me. I WILL FINISH *o*/

Now time for some excuses! :D

I personally found this chapter to be hardest to make for numerous reason (which probably explains the short length)*cough*ihateforshadowing*cough*

Honestly, there were just too many characters to control! It was driving me nuts! Personally, I wished and could have just skimmed pass most of this chapter and combined it with the next one. But I found it necessary as way to introduce the relationships between them and some character development. It is also a critical point in the story as it finally sets everyone to motion. So no more of that exposition!

(Thank god, xD)

Of course that doesn't make up for such an extensive gap in time, but what can I say life has its way. Lol

2016 was probably one of best, yet hardest year for me. This year I've experienced a new low in my life. Something I've been trying to avoid for so many years has finally come to bite me.(lol I'm making it sound more dramatic than it is) No I didn't go to prison or any of that stuff. It was just a personal issue that really just had me lose the drive to do anything.

But, that's been taken care of and 2017 is looking like a great year!

I know it's late but Happy New Year! And thank you for your continued support! I was really happy to find out my profile wasn't completely dead after so long :D

And for the new readers out there. Thank for reading!

(Please don't mind the author's notes this is just ranting/making excuse area lol)

Again thank you! And hope to hear from you guys again very soon!