[color=#006400]"Alright. I'm all set, but before we go I want to find out just how much damage Zod sustained while fighting against Kit and Reine. Once that's taken care of, we'll move out."[/color] Nathan turned from the group and approached Notte.

[color=#006400]"Notte, we'll be taking off shortly to deal with Zod, but I wanted to find out how much damage he took before retreating. Specifically if any of his abilities were taken offline."[/color]

Without responding, Notte sent over data revealing that Zod was missing an arm and without his shield. His crystal remained shattered.

Nathan noded, and turned his attention back to Luna and Trey.

[color=#87CEEB][What did Notte say?][/color]

[color=#006400]"Missing an arm, no shield, crystal still shattered. He's weakened, but still a threat if we're not on guard."[/color]

He walked towards the door as he spoke.

[color=#006400]"You two ready?"[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"So, it'd be like putting down a wounded horse... Guess I'm ready."[/color] Luna followed along.

[b]"Good to go, boss."[/b] Trey followed suite behind Luna.

[color=#006400]"Maybe if it were three kids with rocks trying to do the deed, and the horse still had some fight left in it."[/color] Nathan opened the door, getting his barrings, before looking eastward.

[color=#006400]"About how fast can you move Trey?"[/color]

[b]"Just feel like mentioning it but... He's still a threat, yes, but he's also a living person like us. People fight harder when cornered. Stay on your toes."[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"Just can't help but feel wrong about this."[/color]

[b]"Depends. If you soak me with energy, I can catch him I think."[/b] He paused a moment.

[b]"From what I've gathered, the enemy isn't evil - just on a different side. Feeling wrong, it seems right to me, you know?"[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"Not just that, but I can't help but feel that Notte would do the same to one of us if we were in Zod's position."
[/color]

[b]"I mean, it is a war. Small forces, but we're still in one."[/b]

[color=#006400]"All we really know is that they sided with Echelon, but you're right, they are people too... Anyway, I asked how fast you could move because I don't want to split the group up, let's keep it at whatever pace you're comfortable with for now."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Yeah, and "soaking" him with energy's not the best idea for now.[/color]

[b]"Run full speed, I'll be able to keep up. I got my own upgrades from the big boss last fight."[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"Then let's go."[/color]

[color=#006400]"Oh, well that's good. Still, let's keep it below breaking the sound barrier. Keep the element of surprise, and all that."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"I say hit him hard and fast before he can react. Element of surprise didn't work to well last time, and he might not be too happy to see either of us right now. Forgive my lack of historical sensitivity, but Pearl Harbor his ass."[/color]

[color=#006400]"No, he probably won't be happy to see us. I still believe it would be more prudent to catch him off guard, and I'd like for us all to come back in one piece if possible. Just running in and hitting him hard might not be the best way of doing that. But if it comes to it, the ankle was his weak point, correct?"[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"No, back of the knees, and I think I saw one or two others, but who knows what the hell happened after his encounter with Reine and Kit. For all I know, they were hit, or new weak points were created."[/color]

The group was already about half way to their destination, moving around just under the speed of sound, they'd likely meet up with Zod soon enough.

[b]"Given he's missing an arm at the shoulder, it sounds like any of his joints are weakpoints. Probably can't have them as guarded so he can still move."[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"Makes sense."[/color]

[color=#006400]"Mhm..."[/color] Nathan felt they were sufficiently far enough from the base at this point to turn back to the previous topic.

[color=#006400]"So, what do you think caused the Ferrum to split anyway?"[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Probably something regarding Echelon's motives. Granted, he wasn't the most... stable before they left."[/color]

[b]"A difference of opinions," Trey joked.[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"The sad thing is, that's how all wars start."[/color]

[color=#006400]"Heh, yeah. I still wonder though. Despite how much of a nut Echelon became, none of the ferrum aligned with him seem particularly cruel. They are still human no matter how you look at it. The whole thing makes me uneasy sometimes. What if we win against Echelon, and Notte takes his place, only to become worse that he was?"[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Then we end him as well."[/color]

[color=#006400]"I really just wish I understood the whole situation more clearly. Between Reine, Notte, and Kitt, I doubt we'll ever learn more about it either."[/color]

[b]"Of the three, Reine seems the most approachable on the subject - which isn't saying much. Notte might get angry if we ask too much, and Kit's seriously messed up. Reine won't say anything, but at least she won't become hostile."[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"Of course Kit's messed up. You would be too if you were turned into a killing machine at her age..."[/color]

[b]"The way I see it though, Echelon's ship was shooting at humans, and Notte hasn't shot at me, so for now, my money's with him. Even if the boss is a bit of a dick."[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"You haven't seen anything yet."[/color]

[color=#006400]"Maybe I'll give Reine a try then, when we get back. I agree with you on Notte and Kit for sure though."[/color] Nathan checked their position to see where they were approximately in relation to their target city. Still having a short way travel left it would seem.

[b]"I just don't think she'll say anything. I'm amazed she even talks to us at all."[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"I think that's only because Notte ordered her to train us."[/color]

[color=#006400]"Honestly I haven't talked to her much, or even really tried, considering she's not all that talkative in the first place. Maybe we just need to find something to talk to her about that'll help her open up a bit?"[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"You first."[/color]

[b]"Good luck with that. She's a total freak on the outside - can't imagine the inside's any better."[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"Exactly. Reine's nuttier than squirrel shit."[/color]

[color=#006400]"She's also probably the least likely to tear you to shreds for asking a question at this point, it doesn't hurt to try."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Then you ask her when we get back. And if something goes wrong, I want your core."[/color]

[color=#006400]"I'd say try not to fall apart on me after that, but that'd kind of defeat the purpose of my core at that point."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Indeed."[/color] This time it was Luna checking their location, making note that they were just about where they needed to be. Upon reaching the destination, she was fortunate enough to make out the silhouette of their intended target.

Struggling to move and supporting his weight against the decaying and damage vehicles still inhabiting the derelict bridge, Zod stumbled forward in an awkward motion. As described, he was missing his left arm, his right using the cars and debris as a crutch. Though still attached, his right leg dragged behim him unnaturally, lamost severed at the knee.

Overall, the Ferrum, Echelon's deadly wall, was barely functional. He hobbled forward in his desperate attempt to reach safety beyond the city.

[color=#87CEEB][There he is. Hard and fast, or Ninja?][/color]

[b][Your call. Doesn't look like he's got much fight in him.][/b]

[color=#006400][Christ, maybe your putting down a dead horse analogy wasn't so far off... Still, I doubt he expects to be left alone, he might be faking it.][/color] Nathan engaged his cloak at this point.

[color=#006400][Ninja is my preferred method. Ideally I can strike a blow against him while you two distract him, or I can hopefully catch him off guard if he does have something up his sleeve still.][/color]

[b][How accurate are you anyways?][/b]

[color=#87CEEB][Then I end this here and now.][/color] Luna placed her arms in front of her body. her wrists touching and hands spread out, as if to cup the energy she was pulling into them.

[color=#006400][Accurate enough I hope.][/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Ku... Roi... Im... Etsu..."[/color] The energy building up was clearly visible at this point.

Nathan moved away from Luna and Trey's position to avoid any potential return fire.

[b][My point being, he's mostly made of armor, right? Odds are unlikely we hit a joint.][/b]

[color=#87CEEB][b]"HA!"[/b][/color] Luna finishes charging her attack with a shout as she lets forth a blast of energy directed at Zod.

[color=#006400][FFFFF-Right...][/color] Nathan watches as the blast of energy leaves Luna's hands, hoping desperately that it strikes a joint.

The Ferrum, thanks to Luna's verbal warning, was able to react. He shifted around, throwing his remaining arm up and reflected the blast. Luna caught it square in the chest and had her shield broken as she was catapulted away.

Zod fell over from the assault, falling behind a vehicle and out of sight.

[color=#006400][Maybe try not to vocalize your attacks][/color]

Luna flipped gracefully through the air, landing on her feet some distance behind the others. [color=#87CEEB][Well, he still has that damn reflect ability...][/color]

Nathan moved calmly and cautiously towards Zod's location. [color=#006400][Apparently so.][/color]

[color=#87CEEB][I'll keep him busy. If he sees me, he'll probably get so pissed, hell focus on me, leaving him open to you guys.][/color] She reached out with her telekinesis and lifted up the cars near Zod's last known location.

[color=#87CEEB]"Hey, Zod! Remember me?"[/color]

Nothing catching him off guard on his way, Nathan moved to position himself behind Zod further down the bridge, effectively flanking him between himself and Luna.

Zod deflected the car away, taking out a small portion of a building as he did so, [i]"who could forget one with such a lacking sense of honor."[/i]

[b][Tell me when you want me to go in, boss.][/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"Says the guy who shot at innocents from a spaceship."[/color]
Luna drew out her katana.

[color=#87CEEB]"I'll make this quick for you. A painless death."[/color]

[i]"I did no such thing. It's not my place to question my master."[/i]

[color=#87CEEB]"Their blood's on your hands, even if you didn't fire."[/color]

[color=#006400][On three, you aim high, I'll aim low, try to take out his other arm, I'm going for his good leg. 1...][/color] Nathan pulled out his war hammer, gripping it tightly.

[color=#006400][2...][/color] He shifted his weight, ever so subtly,

[color=#006400][3!][/color] and charged for the back of Zod's reamining leg with the hammer.

Trey timed his approach, darting in and his usual speed and swiping in a downwards arc with his scythe. With any luck, he'd catch Zod and, at worst, impede his movement.

Zod had no options truly left to him.

Nathan's blow caught his good knee, severing the limb cleanly. Trey's scythe came down hard, removing his remaining arm. Left with only a crippled leg, the Ferrum toppled over helplessly.

There lacked a sense of anger in his voice as he spoke, only disappointment, [i]"dirty tricks again, girl. You're nothing but a disgrace to yourself."[/i]

[color=#87CEEB]"No. Just ending this here. You've escaped death long enough. Time to rest, Zod."[/color] Luna charged at Zod, aiming a slash at his neck.

Trey managed to just barely divert Luna, tripping her with the end of his scythe and forcing her to miss. [b]"Woah now, he's vulnerable. Seems we've got an opportunity here, no?"[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"We have orders."[/color]

[color=#006400]"We do have orders."[/color] Nathan stepped forward.

[b]"When did you two becomes drones?"[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"Not to mention, he's overstayed his welcome."[/color]

[color=#006400]"However, Trey is right."[/color]

[b]"We did just establish that he's human, right? You seem awfully quick to straight up murder someone who's incapable of moving."[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"The orders were to kill him on sight. He's too dangerous to allow to live. You are suggesting we try to get him to defect?"[/color]

[b]"Doesn't seem like the type of defect. But maybe he's willing to shed some light on why we're even fighting?"[/b]

[color=#006400]"Exactly, I'm sure he'd like to hear the truth about his first near defeat in exchange. Assuming he is willing to cooperate."[/color]

Zod's eyes remained their typical yellow, [i]"to speak with such dishonorable rabble would be an insult to myself."[/i]

[color=#006400]"Then speak to Luna. She's the least dishonorable out of us, considering she's not the one that attacked you when your guard was down."[/color]

[b]'I've nothing to say. Do what you must."[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]["Nathan, can you read his memories when you Dive him?][/color]

[color=#006400][I haven't tried to dive a dieing ferrum before. It could be risky.][/color]

[color=#87CEEB][You want answers, it's the only way.][/color] Luna turned her attention back to Zod.

[color=#87CEEB]"You listen here. You're going to talk to us, or my friend here's going to pull out each one of your memories, one by one. And he doesn't have my restraint or morals. Rest assured, we're getting our answers one way or another."[/color]

Nathan listens closely to see if Zod begins to whisper or otherwise speak a certain name.

Zod remained silent, however Trey chimmed in, [b]"You guys are dark. Torture and all?"[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"You said it yourself, "This is war."[/color]

[b]"War has rules."[/b]

[color=#006400]"I'd rather not torture him. I may be underhanded, but I'm not cruel."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"And we're up against someone willing to commit genocide. I'll take any advantage we can get if it involves us getting home alive when all this is over."[/color]

[b]"Last I checked, the path you're talking about ends with you being the same as him."[/b]

[color=#87CEEB]"Then I just kill myself when it's over. But only [i]AFTER[/i] Echelon's cooling corpse is at my feet."[/color]

[b]"You've got issues."[/b]

Luna appeared to stare Trey down. [color=#87CEEB]"Comes with the territory. Remember, this is what Notte's training us for."[/color]

Trey shrugged, [b]"I'll have no part in it, at least."[/b] He proceeded to jump and sit on a destroyed car nearby.

[color=#006400][We don't have time to drag this out honestly, he's escaped before when it seemd certain he'd fall. So, both of you, tell me what you'd have us do with him? He's not talking, and Torture is out of the question as far as I'm concerned.][/color]

[color=#87CEEB][We kill him. Quick and clean. A death worthy of a warrior like himself. If You want, I'll do it. You don't need any more blood on your hands. [/color] Luna uses her telekinesis to pull Zod into a sitting position, hoping to make the Ferrum more comfortable.

[b]"I said I'll have no part in this. Your pick"[/b]

[color=#87CEEB][I'll do it then. I've already made enemies with everyone in the group but Trey.] [/color] Luna drew her katana once more.

[color=#87CEEB][May as well complete the set.][/color]

[color=#006400][Hold up, let me just try talking to him one last time.][/color]

[color=#87CEEB][Alright. I owe you that much, given our past history.][/color]

[color=#006400]"Zod."[/color] Nathan steped forward towards the wounded first gen.

[color=#006400]"I know you're not interested in talking with us, nor do you have any plans to forsake your loyalties to Echelon. We were pulled into this War by Notte, given a chance to survive if we followed his orders. All we know is that Echelon took his ships, and we all fell under attack. I never knew him personally, but I know at one point he was a respectable man, my mentor knew him better than I did, maybe you knew him back then when he was a better person. I don't intend to ask you anything about your plans, or what it is your all trying to accomplish. All I want to know is why the Ferrum split up. What is it that put Notte and Echelon at odds?

After that, well, we still can't let you go. You'll come after us again once you've had a chance to recover. Even if we could trust you to go your own way, Notte would likely have us killed, and track you down himself... At the very least I can promisse you we'll make your death as swift and painless as we can, I'm sorry it can't be another way..."[/color]

[i]"I've nothing to say."[/i]

Luna placed a hand on Nathan's shoulder. [color=#006400]"I'm sorry it has to be this way."[/color] [color=#006400][Luna. Make it as painless for him as you can.][/color]
Nathan turned and walked away from Zod and Luna, sitting down near the end of the bridge.

[spoiler] In an alternate universe a thought would have come to Nathan at this point, one that might have changed things for the better, or for the worse, however, in this time line, the thought came to late...[/spoiler]

[color=#87CEEB]"May you sit at the side of the Kami, Zod. Hopefully, we'll meet again in the next life."[/color] Luna swung her katana at the gap in Zod's neck plating.

Before the blade had a chance to connect, Luna was blown away once more by a black energy. Surrounding Zod in a circle, and descending from the sky as if the heavens were approaching, a deadly aura filled the area. Inside the circle, now standing between the group and Zod, was a Ferrum Servus. It's armor was black and bulky, samurai-themed with silver accents and tattered cloth and hung from the shoulders and waist, granting a rough and rugged look to the otherwise pristine machine. Along its back, a scabbard sheathing a sword was mounted.

It's silver eyes gazed upon the group. [color=#A9A9A9]"Interesting,"[/color] it said, with a charismatic, slithery voice.

[color=#87CEEB]"And just who the hell are you?"[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"Rude. Introduce yourself first, Luna."[/color]

[color=#006400]"What's going on here!?"[/color] Nathan jumped up in surprise.

[color=#87CEEB]"Since you already know of me, introductions are rather pointless. Then again, you have us at a disadvantage."[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"I have everyone at a disadvantage. Kinda my thing."[/color]

Trey stood up cautiously, taking position in front of Nathan. [b][Boss?][/b]

[color=#87CEEB][It's a Ferrum. Gen-1, by the looks of him. Funny how Notte never mentioned this one to us.][/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"Oh come now,"[/color] the new Ferrum interrupted.

[color=#A9A9A9]"No secret conversations."[/color]

[color=#006400][Stay on guard, it's one thing having come to fight an injured first gen, We don't know what this guy is capable of. Ideally retreat would be in order, but he hasn't attacked us.. Yet.][/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"I'm capable of quite a bit."[/color] Luna sheathed her blade.

[color=#A9A9A9]"Smart move."[/color]

[color=#006400]"So, may I ask, why are you here?"[/color]

The Ferrum motioned to his own blade, [color=#A9A9A9]"or maybe you want to give it a shot? You love single combat, you love challenging others and proving your superiority, don't you, Luna? You did it once with Zod and almost got people killed, why not try again?"[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"Why's anyone anywhere? It seemed entertaining."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Only to buy time for the others. Otherwise my death would simply have come sooner."[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"Oh, your death did come. It was truly pathetic, that one. Not the worst I've seen from you, though."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"What?"[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"Don't worry about it. Wouldn't want to break your head."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB][There something you forgot to mention about what happened after Zod knocked me out, Nathan?][/color]

[color=#006400]"You didn't die as far as I'm aware."[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"Oh, Nathan has his secrets, Luna."[/color]

[color=#006400]"Who doesn't these days?"[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"we all have them, er... What is your name? Rather impolite to keep referring to you as "you", isn't it?"[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"You seem confused. You were expecting to find a number on me, like the others. I'm not like them, and my name's too valuable to give out freely."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"To be fair, you do have that effect on people."[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"Well, only sometimes."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Perhaps you can answer a simple question. Why spare Zod? He's crippled and defenseless. A quick death would be a mercy in this case."[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"I could answer it. Don't feel like it."[/color]

[color=#006400]"Perhaps it comes back to us all being human. Who's to say who should and shouldn't die. Still, I'd like to know where this is all going."[/color]

The Ferrum waved his hands as if dismissing the group, [color=#A9A9A9]"now run along, children."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"How are we going to explain this to Notte?"[/color]

He shrugs, [color=#A9A9A9]"you can fight me for him, if you'd like. Or even a challenge: anything you want, I'll do. Just name the game"[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"I assume shoving Echelon into the nearest black hole's out of the question."[/color]

[color=#006400]"This seems like a bad idea."[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"I meant a challenge. Any challenge. You're super dense, aren't you?" Not exactly the brain of the group, Luna. That's alright though."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Wow, insulted twice in a few minutes. Are you sure you're not Kit under that armor?"[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"Wanna check?"[/color] In an instant, the Ferrum looked human again: blue jeans, a white shirt and a blue blazer covered his flesh. His black hair, wavy and unkept flowed in front of his eyes and hung above his neck. His eyes, their irises still silver, gleamed as he grinned a playful snicker.

[color=#A9A9A9]"Doesn't look much like Kit, right?"[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"That's... new."[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"Maybe."[/color] An instant later, the Ferrum looked identical to Kit as he sat in his invisible chair.

[color=#FF69B4]"Maybe not." [/color]Even her voice was replicated.

[color=#87CEEB][Guys, I seriously think we need to get out of here. This Ferrum's clearly out of our league. Maybe even too much for Notte himself.][/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"I told you to stop with the secret talk, didn't I? But yea, I can beat Notte."[/color]

[color=#006400]"How is this possible, even for Ferrum standards? The Night Stalker wasn't even this overwhelming."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Who's this Night Stalker? You know what, explain it later. We need to get out of here, now."[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"So, what of it, Luna? Will you challenge me for the rights to Zod?"[/color] The Ferrum became Luna's mother,

[color=#A9A9A9]"or will you stand by, useless, like always, and let fate take its course?"[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Something tells me I can't beat you, no matter what the challenge."[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"I could let you see her if you won, you know. She misses you."[/color]

[i][color=#87CEEB]No... Can't take his bait. Can't... Can I?[/color][/i]

[color=#87CEEB]"And I miss her. But I know I'll see her in the next life."[/color]

Luna's mother takes shape before the Ferrum become he crushes her skull, [color=#A9A9A9]"she was totally alive, by the way. Not an illusion. Just killed her again."[/color]

Nathan cringed. [color=#006400]"Keep your head Luna, he wants to set you off."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB][i]No... Can't let him get to me... Not... again...[/i][/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Name the game, I'll play by your rules."[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"Ill bring back your pathetic mother if you win, and you can have Zod"[/color]

[color=#87CEEB][i]No... Remember... last time... Remember... what Sensei Yakamoto said...[/i][/color]

Her teacher appeared next, berating her and insulting her before the Ferrum crushed his skull too. [color=#A9A9A9]"Nice, right?"[/color]

[color=#006400]"Will you leave her be if I play your game,  or is torturing her really all that fun to you?"[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"N-Nathan... Trey... Get me out of here... Before I lose control again.... And get us all killed"[/color]

[color=#A9A9A9]"Oh, that's already happened before. You get them killed most often, because you're a fuck up."[/color]

The Ferrum revived both her teacher and mother this time, letting them stand behind him. [color=#A9A9A9]"Gonna walk away from them?"[/color]

[size=large][align=center][u][b]What a terrible night to have a cliffhanger...[/b][/u][/align][/size]