Mutiny (Shroud II - Bio/Verus)

Aboard the bridge of the Heca, a commotion was breaking out as they witnessed the fierce back-and-forth going on outside their windows. The unknown Lunarian machine they had brought aboard was crossing swords with what appeared to be a very small Gespenst, though from this distance it was difficult to tell from the sheer speed the combatants were moving at. Pendleton watched anxiously - they could get no closer to the battlefield for fear of the Great Axion's main gun, for as maneuverable as the ship was, it wouldn't take more than a glancing blow to send it hurtling into the mountains below.

"Can't we do something?" He turned to Kina, asking loudly-

But, she wasn't listening.

Instead, the tall Oni woman had flicked open a personal terminal, holding its holographic surface up to her head.

"Yes, sir." She said, nodding.

"XO! Did you hear me?!"

Her golden eyes took him into focus, causing the portly man to suddenly halt in his bloviating. All eyes on the bridge were on the two of them now, as it was the first time the XO had failed to respond to an order.

"He's still here, yes." She continued, "Understood - consider it done."

"XO! We are in the middle of the battle, this is no time to-"

Ka-chack.

There was a dry, metallic click, and Pendleton's outrage died in his throat as Kina raised her pistol level with his chest. Her expression was as calm as an Oni's could be - in fact, she seemed to be almost apathetic, looking at him as though he were some kind of vile slug. Cold sweat began to pour down his forehead as a single thought surfaced at the back of his mind:

I've been found out.

"Captain Pendleton. On the orders of Hyperion, your are relieved of your duties, effective immediately."

"W-wha-"

The man had barely stammered out a response before a pair of black-armored guards seized him by the arms, causing him to cry out. Seemingly satisfied, Kina holstered her firearm, slipping into the Captain's chair, folding her fingers neatly on her lap.

"Terra Sentinel has no mercy for traitors." She called out as he was hauled away;

"You'll live to regret your decision... briefly."

At length, she turned back to the rest of the bridge - who hurriedly stopped staring, and started trying to occupy themselves with something - anything other than the spectacle they had just witnessed. Kina just gave a grunt, and settled down further into the chair, flicking away pieces of residue from the chair's arm. It was high time they rid themselves of that incompetent anyway.

"Haaa!" The blazing coat of dimensional energy that engulfed the Gespenst seemed to abruptly coalesce, thick streamers of the dark flame roiling up along its cocked left arm into a swirling mass. Ana swung across with a potent left hook as the orgone projectile zeroed in on her machine; there was an intense burst of energy as fist impacted blade, viridescent construct exploding into a million stray particles. And like those only moments ago, they too were drawn into the gaping maw of the Vampire Laser, though most of the weapon's pull had by then abated.

Despite the difference in size, the two machines were more alike than either pilot was likely willing to admit. Vast reserves of raw power, weapons of pure energy as well as the capability to defend against the same, and the ability to cross the dimensional horizon...this battle was unlikely to come to a decisive conclusion, if indeed it even ended before one side or the other accomplished their overall objective. But Anastasiya had the upper hand: she didn't need to beat the knight machine, only prevent it from joining the offensive for long enough.

The woman readied herself to defend once more even as Okuni drew forth yet another weapon of orgone. She couldn't take her eyes off the other warrior long enough to take stock of the battle, but -

Eliz-!?

Ana's head snapped up as the...call seemed to reverberate through her skull, faint and subdued yet all the same somehow unmistakable as Eliza. She began to turn involuntarily toward the source of the 'sound'...though thankfully still aware enough of her surroundings to catch the orgone speartip lancing toward her with lightning speed. The machine threw both arms up, crossed defensively in front of itself as they flared with power; the weapon smashed home against the Gespenst, shards and particles of emerald energy scattering as it broke itself against the energy of System XN. The last-second guard was only partially successful, a white-hot layer of armor material sloughing away from the battle armor's forearms as it vented great clouds of boiling coolant, struggling to prevent Ana's own limbs from roasting much the same.

Eliza! Seemingly unlearned from her error a fraction of a moment prior, Ana spun to view the battle that had unfolded behind them - just in time to see the Jinrai finish its descent, cleaving a great chasm in the facing of the Lemures.

No!

Whatever follow-up strike Okuni had prepared, it would find purchase only a wisp of the black flame and a hint of stray emerald particulate left behind. The Gespenst, it seemed, had managed to vanish into thin air with a prowess even the orgone-powered knight-machine could not match.

As Ana vanished from the battlefield, in pursuit of something more personally important, that left only the ship and Okuni, to observe the unfolding drama below.

It wasn't long, however, before the distant light of the Guardian System's orbital strike struck home, pulverizing the mountaintop into nothingness. The brilliant light caused all on the bridge of the Heca to shield their eyes - all save for Hyperion's newfound right hand.


Oinishi Kina's breath was shallow as she witnessed the devastation, eyes wide with reverence. They had worked so hard. Sacrificed so much. And at last... At last, their war was finally here. She could barely hear, as one of the operators spoke anxiously, trying to get her attention.

"C-Captain, we're detecting something. A particle reaction of some kind, but-"

There was... a strange sensation. A moment, a prickling of the hair on the back of the neck, a sharp intake of breath... but why? Sensing something amiss, the Oni turned her head towards those crewing the bridge's sensors with a scowl.

"What is it now?"

"The Lunarian machine... It's gone."

Her brow furrowed even deeper, setting her teeth on edge. Where there was one leak, of course, there would be many but...

How... could she have known?=

---

Lantao Island Outskirts
There was almost no warning. Nothing but the split second chirp of her systems, indicating something affecting space time coming into effect. Of course, the Terran machines wouldn't even have that, the poor bastards - there was good reason that Luna's trump card was regarded so highly by those that knew of it. One moment she was there, witnessing total annihilation, and the next?

Miles away, the decimated mountaintop only visible in the cloud-wrapped distant sky.

All around her was decimated architecture, having long since rotted away. Mankind's movement to the stars had left certain casualties in its wake, and the once bustling locale now nothing more than modern ruins. Yet, that was likely not what would immediately have gotten her attention-
"Okuni-dono. Please pardon our interruption... but it was a necessary precaution."

Standing across from her own machine was the distinct shape of a Lunarian Raftclans, green vapors still streaming from its figure as the final effects of the Larseilam wore off. The dark red coloration indicated it wasn't one belonging to the Royal Guard, at least - perhaps one of the other more significant families. The Mobile Weapon took its sword, and planted it in the ground - a sign of peace.

"For your protection, of course."

The translocation was… jarring for Okuni to say the least, but it wasn’t the first time she had been under the effect of Larseilam. She was disappointed her sparring partner had fled, but there was little she could do as it simply blinked away from her. She hardly found it worth the effort to try and chase after it. Nonetheless, a Lunarian to appear was a surprise in the least, Okuni raising a question mark in her head.

Amaterasu sheathed the orgone katana, its blade fading as the hilt was reattached to the hip binder of the mobile weapon. The machine’s reactor quieted down to a subtle hum, as it seemingly relaxed at the sight of a familiar machine.

Okuni opened her eyes and looked upon the Raftclanz across from her.

“So… To whom do I owe the gratitude of taking me away from that battlefield?” She spoke with a hint of sarcasm. “I don’t believe my actions were in violation of my Clan’s contract with the Lunarian Royalty; so what brings you here?”

"I am Sir Boucher, Knight-Errant of Artemis. My liege, Lord Ashford of the Moon Cradle, desired it so."

The Raftclans placed its hands on the hilt of the blade, cocking its head slightly to the side as it spoke, letting one glowing green eye appraise its sister unit. It was bereft of any of the usual grandiose markings associated with Luna's families - a machine for combat, not for the honor-bound duels of neo-feudalists - and at the mention of one of Luna's most secretive individuals, it would immediately be apparent why. The reactor that pulsed within their machines owed its origins to that very man.

"A great and terrible war is about to begin" Explained the pilot airily, as though the conflicts of this dirt-ball did not concern him; "An armed insurrection that will tear the Earth in twain. The time for Luna's ascension to its rightful place is nigh."

Overhead, the Moon rose in the sky, peering through the clouds. Who could say what had transpired in the woman's absence? Whatever was going on, it was practically unheard of for any knight to be interrupted on a venture of their choosing, let alone through the use of the highly-restricted Larseilam.

"Your allies, that Hyperion - were certain to turn on you soon enough. We cannot allow the Orgone Extractor to fall into Terran hands, yes?"

“I see then, Boucher-dono.” Okuni felt like she more or less understood the situation. However, it wouldn’t be right to say she felt totally fine with the situation. There was something she needed to confirm.

“Well if that’s the case…” She took a deep breath and relaxed her body.

“First Step: Raikiri!”


The crimson eyes flashed and almost crackled to life in a blaze. It was one moment that the machine’s reactor flared to life, another moment where it had vanished. And a third and final moment where it had reappeared directly in front of the Raftclans opposite to it, Katana unsheathed and armed to strike at the red machine. Boucher would be struck with a menacing presence, Okuni blatantly displaying an intent to kill what stood before her.

“Indulge me a bit; consider it the price for interrupting me.” It was a simple sparring match, but nonetheless, Okuni had no intention of holding back.

"Rai-?"

Sir Boucher barely had the chance to repeat the words, mystified, before the swordswoman bounded towards him. The man seemed so absolutely floored that even the lightning-fast Cytron control system could read his intent quick enough to fully prevent what happened next.

Okuni's blade lashed out, the Raftclanz only barely stopped it with its shield as the force of the blow caused it to reel backwards, leaving a deep scar across the metal's surface that glistened with orgone crystal in its freshly-hewed grooves. The Lunarian machine glanced at the damage as it skidded to a halt in the ruined concrete.

"A-as expected of the Amaterasu."

Rattled as he was, the errant-knight seemed to rally, the Lunarian machine planting its feet and bringing its shield up before it, like a makeshift duelist's sword.

"Then..."

The Raftclans' eyes gleamed as the end of the weapon split apart, the bladed claw unfolding like a monstrous spider into a curious salute of sorts - perhaps one originating in the Moon Cradle?

"For House Ashford! EN GARDE!"

And just like that, it blinked out of existence, leaving behind only a faint neon impression on the eyes - yet its return was instantaneous, its Orgone Cloud warping it overhead of Okuni's machine as it brought the claw down like a hammer, with its digits spread wide to slash at her if she were to attempt to clear out from under its shadow.

Amaterasu desired full motion of its downward swing, but it was interrupted by the impact against the opponent's shield. It wasn't a moment more before it vanished. The machine had warped away, but to where? Okuni closed her eyes and tried to grasp at a moment of clarity; where would he appear? To her it was as if time had slowed down to a snail’s pace, but it was merely her Trance-state of mind that allowed for maximum concentration. In time no less than a single breath, Amaterasu looked upward, to see the Raftclans return to existence, claw outstretched and seeking to tear the Amaterasu apart.

In a swift motion, Amaterasu raised its blade above its head with both hands, the two weapons clashing against each other, particles of orgone dusting off the point of contact.

“Your reactions are quick, and decisions are quick…” Okuni spoke to the man. “...However!”

Amaterasu removed its right hand from the sword, causing the blade to be pushed in and sending the claw glancing off to the right side of the mobile weapon. With Amaterasu’s right hand, Okuni attempted to grab the wrist of the Raftclans, and used its downward momentum to give a 360 spin, before tossing the mech to the ground.

“Fifth Step: Tengoku Setsuri!”

Amaterasu looked down on the Raftclans and with an arm held out, several lance-shaped orgone projectiles materialized around the black mech, before being launched one by one at the opponent. They weren’t set to detonate on impact, but the damage would still be devastating should they hit.

The two weapons glanced off one another, evidently to Sir Boucher's surprise as his machine lurched unnaturally. The Amaterasu's outstretched arm caught it easily by the wrist, the Knight Errant giving a yell of surprise as he was mercilessly spun and smashed into the earth, sending a spray of rock and concrete that further marred the already ugly cityscape. Spitting a curse, he barely had a moment to collect his senses before the projectiles were upon him - but, it would not be his time today.

Not yet. Not until he had fulfilled his duty to Lord Ashford!

The shield claw came up once more, allowing Okuni's projectiles to slam into its surface as the machine's thrusters fired, sending it skittering back across the ground unevenly, three of the remainder smashing into the earth as it manically zig-zagged back and forth before scrambling to its feet. As it did, its other hand reached towards its sword - and a wire fired out from its wrist, the rocket-propelled magnet quickly lashing about the hilt of the weapon.

"Such swordplay...! However-!"

The twin cannons over the shoulder of the Raftclans came to bear, placing Okuni directly within their sights as their barrels glowed - before releasing a pair of penetrating Orgone blasts each, aimed to pierce her own Knight-Machine's shoulders.

But, this was little more than a distraction - buying time. The ruined shield was tossed aside, and the sword yanked forward from where it lay buried, the motors in the machine's wrist whining and sparking as its rightful weapon returned to its grasp, Orgone crystals already forming across it's surface as it brought the blade sweeping forward in a challenge, visor gleaming with purpose.

"- A Knight Errant never surrenders!"

Okuni watched as the mech skittered backwards, and it prepared its next strike. Amaterasu firmly landed on the ground, touching down with a grace, as its eyes flashed once more. Orgone exhaust was purged from the knight frame’s shoulders and hips, as it began stepping forward. The purged clouds were met with scattered particles from Amaterasu’s reactor, creating an orgone cloud. As the opposing opponent’s lasers fired upon the Amaterasu, their effective was greatly reduced by the cloud, the lasers splitting, some dissapaiting before reaching the black mech, others scuffing the edges of the mech’s armor. One could call it a successful ‘hit’, but in the grand scheme of things, the damage was more or less negligible at this point.

One step at a time, it approached the Ashford Knight.

“Inmetsu, Second Step: Fuurinkazan, First Gate: Open!”

Orgone began condensing around the Knight Frame, as Amaterasu whipped its Katana to the side. Orgone gathered and condensed around the blade, giving it greater length and width. The blade had become nearly as tall as the mech stood, and as thick as its leg. Grabbed the weapon with both hands, the mech lifted the massive weapon over its head. From Boucher’s perspective, it had appeared that the viridian blade seemed to even split the heavens above; Amaterasu’s figure eclipsing the setting sun behind it.

Okuni took a deep breath, one that even Boucher could hear over the comms Visibly, Amaterasu mimicked Okuni’s breathing, its body seemingly expanding and compressing in time with her own breath.. The aura surrounding Amaterasu was that of an Oni’s, filled with a killing intent that could send even the bravest of men quaking in their boots. Even if Boucher tried to attack, would it do anything?

“Inmetsu, First Step: HISSATSU!”

With a singular motion, Okuni brought down the sword on the enemy across from her. Though appearing no different than a normal swing, the force behind this attack was powered by Orgone reinforcing both Amaterasu’s frame, as well as the blade, making this strike deadlier than any of the rest. Nonetheless, It was a downward swing aimed at the Raftclan’s shoulder. While she was showing a true killing intent, Okuni would stop the blade before it cut through the mech’s armor.

Whether the strike was successful, or if he managed to block or otherwise avoid it, any ‘hostility’ Okuni had would fade, seemingly appeased at the duel as it went. While short, it was lacking.

Unlike that bear of a woman.

The orgone would fade from the mech and Okuni would sheathe her sword, before complying with Boucher in whatever plans he had to return to Luna.

"Nrrgh...aaaghh!"

It was all Boucher could do to cry out, as the colossal blade came crashing down through the heavens. Few could have avoided a blow as sublime as that, and he realized his mistake in challenging the woman at her forte even before it had struck true. With a single mighty swipe, the Raftclans' arm was split from its body - and for a moment the Knight Machine vanished, eclipsed by the riproaring explosion of the shattered Orgone crystals shed from the blade as it impacted the ground.

Crystallzed energy!

Slowly, the emerald smoke began to clear.

Eventually the pointed form of the Raftclans appeared, much humbled, forced into a crouch from the sheer damage inflicted upon its frame from the discharge, sparks flashing across its surface. It had only barely held on via its Orgone Cloud, the barrier dissipating around it like an oily sphere, having marginally held the detonation at bay. With its one remaining arm, it still doggedly gripped its sword, buried once again in the earth - but this time, as a crutch to keep it from collapsing completely.

The seconds ticked by agonizingly as he waited for the finishing blow to come... but it did not. Instead, the Amaterasu returned to its relaxed position, as Boucher felt cold sweat dripping down his neck. Even with no killing intent pulsing from her being... It was not unlike a tiger at rest, no less fierce.

This woman...

...is dangerous...!

"I apologize for being unable to give a formal bow... But the intent is there. Well met."

He found his voice to be surprisingly sportsmanlike - perhaps it was merely the tradition of their people. In a society where many possessed groundshaking power, a degree of etiquette and restraint was required to ensure cohesion.

"My Lord... simply wished to ascertain your intentions in this time of tumult." He said, the Knight machine slowly managing to rise to its feet as it did so.

"The Knight of Knights, Gerart Enfield, has betrayed us, and the Royal Guard is in shambles. There is talk of revolt, of the aristocracy seeking to secure power, and undo the harm that Queen Selene has done to our fair homeland.

I ask of you... With whom do you stand?"

“Simply a question, then?” Okuni was somewhat taken aback at the man’s simple purpose, but began to think shortly, deciding what would be best. Amaterasu itself folded its arms, still linked to Okuni’s movements, as if the black giant itself was thinking.

The matter was simple, really. Okuni’s Honor resided in the Kusanagi Clan, which was granted residence by Selene. Needless to say, they had little interest in the politics of Luna, almost living a hermit lifestyle, continuing practice of their martial techniques. Okuni could deduce why Ashford was concerned about them, especially if the situation was volatile. They might’ve owed it to the Queen to side with her, but for her Clan’s furtherment, it would be wiser to side with the Aristocracy…

Was she honorbound to the Queen?

Or to her Family?

Without her family, opinion, Okuni was left with the burden of deciding what to do. She could hear her father probably saying something like, “Quit thinking about politics and work on your form!” He was a wise man, but perhaps too narrow-minded.

“I’ve decided. Simply put, my clan currently cares not for the politics of Luna. They wouldn’t give a damn if even the betrayer himself took up the crown.” Okuni thought to the man, Enfield as it was. She had sparred with him on multiple occasions, but couldn’t quite figure why he would revolt.

“I will side with the Aristocracy, along with the willing members of my Clan.” Okuni began to speak. “I am merely the heir, and as such cannot speak for the clan in full, but I will fight.”

Okuni paused for a second.

“On two conditions.” She spoke firmly.

While granted residency, their power was limited, and obtaining military grade knight frames were difficult to say the least, Okuni wanted to remedy that.

“Amaterasu has seen its fair share of combat on Earth, and I can say that simply put, it isn’t quite enough.” Okuni began. “I’ve taken it beyond its limit, but am still lacking in various areas.” The black mech was little more than a souped up Vorlent, with various limiters removed from its computer system.

“Provide me with the proper tools, and I will become your warrior that will match thousands. Not a single foe will stand in our way.” Her voice was filled with confidence. It wasn’t arrogance by any means, but complete and utter confidence that she was unmatched in combative technique on Luna.

Okuni thought it was rather reasonable, especially if Luna saw her worth as great as it was. Securing another mobile weapon or two for the Clan was something that had been on her father’s mind for quite some time, and this seemed to be the chance to take it.

“Second Condition: Should Enfield appear, I will fight him.” Her firm voice continued. “My clan doesn’t take betrayal lightly, especially to one’s liege, so thought it may be selfish of me, I must discern why he would do such a thing.”

Okuni paused once more.

“Agree to that, and you shall have my blade.”

"Oh... ohhh."

Boucher could not hide the awe in his voice as Okuni spoke, yet quickly seemed to recover, clearing his throat. The Raftclans gave a bow of its head - just about the only functioning body part it had left, in gratitude. Even as auto-repair systems did what work they could, and it slowly rose to its feet once more, Boucher's tone remained humble, yet uncharacteristically excited.

"Lord Ashford will be greatly pleased at this development. With the backing of the Kusanagi Clan... our victory is all but certain."

The specter of Gerart Enfield had been hanging over the threat of the impending rebellion like a bad memory, but after seeing Okuni's skill in person - no, after experiencing it-

...This woman... Is certainly more than a match for the Knight of Knights!

"You shall have your conditions, on the honor of our House."

There was a soft pi noise, a pleasant chime as the Cytron System in Okuni's machine picked up some incoming data from Boucher's Raftclans. A map, it seemed - or rather, a set of coordinates. It appeared to be directly from Earth orbit, making its way back to the Moon.

"Our vessel shall be departing for Luna from this location tomorrow..." Explained the Knight Errant;

"I trust that is enough time to get your affairs in order?"

Okuni nodded at the man’s words, their deal supposedly going into effect. Still, it may be somewhat of a hassle to walk out on her contract with Terra Sentinel, but if what Boucher said would be true, then her life was at risk anyways. Perhaps it would be best to jump ship now before the guillotine fell on her head.

Speculation was, pure speculation at this point, but Okuni had no reason to trust more Hyperion than her Lunar colleagues. This man, at least, could wear his heart on his sleeve. But perhaps that too was something of concern.

Okuni gave a mental shrug and pushed the thought aside, turning back to the battlefield prior.

“One way or another I’ll get things taken care of.” Okuni stated simply. “Until tomorrow then.”