"If he's still in there," Kaira remarked, "he's probably not dumb enough to hang around out in the open. He's probably holed up in some basement."

She folded her arms, musing to herself that it was probably what she would've done in the same situation.

Tina was silent. She held no protests. As a Hunter, she wanted to keep an eye out for their bounty. As a human being, she wanted to assess the entire situation. Lives were suddenly being lost for no apparent reason. If they could do something...

---------------------------

[From Crystal Cave]

There was a flash of light about a mile away from the city. Hel materialized from the transfer. She looked at the city ahead of her. Indeed, it was being attacked by the RMS Military. She saw something in the distance. It looked like a large bird Mechaniloid was attacking the military forces ahead... And someone was riding it.

"Hmph... Is that who I think it is...?" Hel said while squinting. She couldn't exactly tell from that distance. But she wasn't dumb enough to rush in just to find out. No, that was Bestla's issue. Hel stood and observed from the distance. She squatted down behind a large rock to conceal herself.

The soldiers were hit by the sonic boom in great disarray. The attack was so sudden that a few even dropped their weapons. The Dark Lord however, held his ground. The concrete shook below him, but he aimed his wrist up into the air and fired upon the Winged demon. He fired two laser bursts, and the another within the same second. And in an instant, it was over.

"Lieutenant, fire when ready," he said, turning to move towards the Airship.

"Fire the rockets!" Lieutenant ordered, his arm flying down. Moments afterwards, two missiles propelled towards the demon, spinning in unison.
-
Several moments passed before the group noticed why it was suddenly so quiet. Price pointed at the Airship in the distance. His eyes widened at the realization.. "Are you kidding me? The blasted Hunters came here?"

"And over there, it appears the Military has engaged in a caped Crusader.. or atleast, winged one," Uncle quickly directed attention to. "Now, there's only one thing we can do now. If we aren't careful, the Hunters may pick us off. If we go the opposite, the Soldiers might spot us on their radar."

"So you're saying.."

"I'm saying we're going to have to get to the hidden airship down in the valley," Uncle revealed. "It's my own shuttle, and I haven't had a use for it in a couple of decades."

"Sure," said one of the armed soldiers, while resetting his assault rifle. "Hey, while we're at it, let's prance down through the army of tanks they had waiting for us."

"I can only rely on my strategic intuition for so long, can't I?" Uncle sighed, and then laughed. "There's a passage in this area that leads right to it." He motioned for the guard up top. "Get back down here, we're traveling the water way!"
-
( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhdp14U2M_w )
Zexen and the civilians finally reached the airship. He felt like he just traversed a hundred miles, but the light pierced the cavern, revealing the beautiful craft. He rushed up to it, with a few of the civilians cheering when suddenly, a shot hit Zexen in his back. He gasped, frozen in place.

As he fell to the ground, he could see the men and women of Speranza move to the side. The girl he'd saved twice now fell to her knees in shock. She was watching him like a small child who just lost her innocence. Did they flank us..?[/] he could only wonder. [i]We had to of missed something. But where...

The two Speranza soldiers, had fired upon him. They moved through the crowd and took him by the arms. Did his own people just betray him? He was losing eyesight now.. they got him right in the hip, a terrible spot. "You.. you both are garbage, you know that.."

They ignored hiis remark, and continued to drag his body beyond the airship. By now it was apparent this had been a setup from the start. The Royal Mediterranean Soldiers stood by in phalanx formations everywhere. Hit hit the hill-side hard, and rolled back down a little bit. He could see a man in dark armor, trudging down to meet the two soldiers who had become traitors.

"There, my lord.." they both whispered. "Please, spare our mother now. Please, we've brought Zemaru Shien to your feet. Release our mother, we beg you!" They both threw their weapons to the ground, waiting for the mercy.

"You gave away our position to Holst Armani." The Dark Lord said, and aimed his wrist launcher at the first blond one on the left, and fired it. The first one fell tumbling back down the hill. The other had already began to run when a stray bolt hit him in his back. His arms flew up momentarily, and he smacked into the dirt.

"I have no mercy for those who are weak," he bent over and grabbed Zexen by the cuff of his jacket. Zexen had lost his eyesight by now, and passed into unconsciousness.

The normal folk were already being routed by the Speranza warriors. They were being loaded onto the airship, in an attempt to secure the civilians.

The incoming attack triggered the Orehawk's devensive protocols and the Mechaniloid shielded itself from the lasers with its wings; however, this defense would be ineffective against the incoming missiles; therefore, it responded by locking on both of them with its eyes and readily launching two giant metallic feathers, detonating the missiles with precision fitting of a machine. The immense Mechaniloid would not fall so easily, not after travelling so far; the bird descended to the level of the opposing army, allowing the humanoid riding it to meet the eyes of the enemy.

"I shall warn only once, oppressors!" The man exclaimed. "Abandon the premises at once or face the might of Massimo!"

------

The airship took off quickly en route to Speranza. Jun maintained a serious look as he wondered what he would find. Bowen would remain in charge of communications and monitoring; though it did not seem like it, he had a sharp eye. If there was something noteworthy, he would see it through the ship's telescopic camera.

One minute later, the radio suddenly blinked as the airship intercepted a one-way transmission. Bowen took the initiative of verifying the signal. "... I'm picking up a distress call. It's from Legion!"

Jun spared a glance at Bowen. "... What?"

"Platoon #13 under attack in the sky by an unidentified object, taking severe damage... Platoon #13?" Bowen blinked. "That's the unit Legion was sending to the camp!"

Jun silently narrowed his eyes in response. He had not anticipated this.

"Someone must've intercepted your transmission," Kaira suggested to Jun. "But I haven't seen any sign of the Mediterranean forces moving to intercept an airship, so who the hell was it?"

She straightened up in her seat and leaned toward the helm as she spoke. "And why don't they want Legion getting to Speranza?"

Tina rubbed her brow. "What in the world is going on today...?!" she moaned in irritation. Things were suddenly becoming increasingly complicated.

---------------

Hel continued to squint.

"... No... I don't think that's who I think it is," she said to herself after observing. But whatever was going on seemed interesting, to say the least. Interesting, but pathetic. An entire military terrorizing the town. It disgusted her. They are weak, she thought. Those pathetic RMS fools are being held up by a single man. And they have the nerve to tear a single town apart and then fall to that level? Weak insects...!

"Fire on the infamous 'Massimo' while I load our prisoner into the cargo hold." The Dark lord ordered, trudging up the ramp to the airship as the soldiers fired on the Hero known as Massimo. The rockets and gunfire clanked against the mechaniloid and its rider with haste.

He boarded the airship, and tossed the Shien boy into a holding cell. pressing a button fast, the 5x5 cell slammed shut. He turned around and saw a pistol pointed directly at his helmet. The weapon did not cause him to repulse. Everything was going according to plan.

His lieutenant, aiming the pistol cocked it back. "You're despicable. Forcing our armada on this small town right on our borders?"

The helmeted General tilted his head. "Are you attempting a mutiny, Lieutenant?" His voice was in utter shock, but the sarcasm was hidden. The voice showed satisfaction. "Shoot me, Lieutenant. Shoot me!"

He fired the round right into the visor, and realized his weapon wasn't firing. The weapon had been dismantled before hand. Firing more blanks, he gasped as his arm was grabbed by the Dark lord and quickly twisted. He screamed, and pistol fell from his hands. "No, sir! You have to stop this!"

"I don't bide traitors, Lieutenant. Perhaps the man who replaces you will know better." He picked him up by his neck and began to squeeze. It wasn't long after a few long seconds of choking gasps and cries of agony that the armored General threw his limp body into the other holding cell. It had all gone according to plan. This entire operation was the Lieutenant's order, which meant he was the start of an insubordinate attack. The remaining men left behind would be tried as going A.W.O.L. and court-martialed. The 200 men here fighting today would return home, however with no repercussions. They'd all get off scott-free as only following the orders of an usurper.

"Perfect.." He moved to the airship and picked up the comm left off of its hook, to blast his message across the hill. "Everyone fall back to your carriers. Our orders have been called off. We are in a retreat!"

Armani didn't show himself, he was a smart man. But he was almost too smart for his own good. While the troops captured both Maria and Shien he had been fighting his way through the sub systems, where most of the soldiers were too afraid to check due to reports of rogue mechaniloids.

He fired up his engine systems, and sped west.
-
Outside, all the men scuttled around in confusion. Some stayed and attempted to keep attacking the winged hero, while others scrambled to call in their tanks and transports. On the outskirts, the artillery strikers were already folding up and moving into hover mode. The civilians cornered at the tunnel entrance were scuttling like a pack of dancing rats. It seemed the siege was over.
-
"Did you hear that!?" One of the squadsmen said upon reaching the airship. "They've called a full retreat!"

"We can't fall for such a flimsy trick. Our adversaries are cunning and crafty," Uncle Armani said. "They are probably lining the hills with camouflaged snipers, ready to pot each and every one of us. Why else would we have gone unchallenged this far?"

"Enough talk," Price told them as he took a fast walk up the ramp and into the cockpit. He sat down and immediately started the repulsers and engines. "We've got work to do."

"We do?" Uncle asked, now taking a seat. Behind him, two of the Speranza guard seemed waiting. They latched onto the safety bars for the takeoff while the others were salving equipment and strapping in.

"We have to stop the ones in charge from leaving. They most likely have Maria!" he said, flooring the engine. The airship hovered for a few moments, then sped off over the secluded valley. Already, they could see the smoke and the large suppression of troops.

"Price, clear your damned mind! Are you already forgetting Zemaru? Do you even care about him right now?" Uncle blared at him, angrily. "Maria can handle herself! She lasted 10 years without you!"

"That hurt dearly, Uncle.." Price whispered, keeping himself focused on the course and not the insult. "But I'll do you a favor. You can keep going, I won't."

"WHAT?" Uncle sat up firmly as Price added an auto to the piloting. Price was walking to the airship doors, rubbing his arm. Chased after him as one of the guards sat down, trying to turn the auto off. "What the hell are you doing, Price Armani?"

"Doing what I should have done to begin with," he whispered, and opened the large door. They were nearly 2 or so miles into the sky. Speranza was a miniature town with smoke playing off. The Mediterranean soldiers were mere dots on the surface, moving like a colony of ants.

Then, after a few seconds, they kept perfect pace. Underneath was another airship.

OOC: This is only a partial reply, focused on the Hunters. I will address Massimo's reaction later.

------

"We're off to investigate. We'll come back after the situation settles down here." Jun did not wait for a response before the airship tilted as it turned to the general direction of the Arcadian Ruins; the Hunter adjusted course to intercept the Legion airship. "Give me the coordinates." He said to Bowen.

"Aye." Bowen responded as he checked the display. "They're right above Area U, the Tollund Bog!"

"... Terrible place to crash an airship." Jun remarked with a very serious tone.

[Continued in Area U-1: Tollund Bog]

Kaira glanced toward the pilot's seat with a raised eyebrow. "You ain't kiddin', sister. That place eats vehicles for breakfast."

And there was probably no way they'd be able to find a landing site within two kilometers of the Legion ship, so they were likely in for a long hike through the flooded forest.

Damn it, and I wore my good boots today, too.

[Continued in Area U-1: Tollund Bog]

Tina felt powerless that there was nothing they could do for the people of Sperenza, but perhaps they could help the Legion soldiers.

[Continued in Area U-1: Tollund Bog]

With a mixture of sonic waves and metallic feathers, the giant robotic bird continued to assault the attackers, circling them and doing everything to draw their attention away from the town. With sturdy defenses, incredible speed for its size and its sonic blasts disrupting the enemies' senses, it was relatively easy for the Mechaniloid to come out unscatched. The enemies were apparently unprepared for an air strike.

The Orehawk intercepted the retreat order and relayed it to its rider, who in turn maneuvered the Mechaniloid to rise back to the skies. With a better sight of the surroundings, the skies yielded a number of sights; two airships flying toward the west, and a larger vessel coming from an entirely different direction.

The armored man recognized the large airship. The golden angel on the bow, the mixture of violet and white tones denounced the identity of its occupants: the Guardians. A group dedicated to helping those in need, much as he had vowed to do ever since he outfitted himself with his legendary armor.

He had great interest in meeting the Guardians. He had heard numerous stories and rumors, and he would very much appreciate the opportunity to confirm their veracity. But now was not the time. There were still many questions regarding the current situation.

"... The enemy ordered a retreat." The man said over his communication. "But the troops are in great disarray; some of them will likely be captured by the locals. Also, the Guardians are here."

"The Guardians...? This is a sudden development... Any casualties?"

"I avoided the use of lethal force, but I don't know the extent of the damaged caused by their attack. There may be wounded civilians, or worse..."

"... I see. Where is the enemy commander?"

"I saw a man who looked like their leader when I arrived, but I lost track of him. But an airship has just taken off west, with another in pursuit. Could they be...?"

"... We'll see. At any rate, you should come back. Even the Orehawk MK. II isn't fast enough to intercept an airship yet. And our comrades in town will take care of finding answers."

"... So, now I just turn tail and leave, when there are people in need?"

"Leave them to the Guardians. There has to be a reason they would be attacking this place in the middle of nowhere, and I'll need your help to, as they say, 'get the bottom of it'. And don't forget our agreement."

"... Very well. I'm on my way." Upon closing the transmission, Massimo decided to surveil the outskirts one last time before flying away.

Hel looked on as an airship came into view. It's striking pink exterior with a golden figure at its prow... It was the Guardian Base, the 'Grande Nuage'. Static intercepted her comm for a moment before clearing into her master's voice.

"The Guardians are headed for your area," the voice told her. "You probably don't want to stick around. You might also want to watch out for that armored individual. He's moving towards the outskirts right now. I can see him from my recon drone."

"Hmph. This whole thing was a waste of time," Hel replied. She would have to leave the area soon.

"Lieutenant Grenn has been removed from power," the General reported into the public radio. "You have all been dragged into a plot to usurp and aid in Guerrilla activities. I have issued this retreat to prevent any further misunderstandings!"

The message relayed out of loud comm speakers, so the entire town and armada could hear such message. Many soldiers were shocked by the events, almost too dazed to notice the third unknown ship appear on the horizon. Someone in the large retreating crowd shouted 'The Guardians! Oh my god, they won't understand!'
-
The Dark Lord let the comm drop to the floor, hanging by a wire on the wall. The shadow-suited warrior glanced at Shien who stood there, frowning and shaking his head. "Is there something you want to say?"

"You're pathetic. You are willing to sacrifice innocent lives just to capture two people." His eyebrows furrowed. "Why." It was a statement, not a question.

"Because when you capture two, a rescue follows." He answered in the robotic voice changer. With no satisfaction in his tone, the frightening suit of armor turned and walked towards the cockpit, leaving Shien in the realization of the trap. He spotted the unknown ship immediately and assumed Phase three. If it was who he suspected, his alibi was perfectly reasonable.

"This is the Dragon, requesting a communications link to the Grand Nuage," The Dark Lord sent the transmission. "We are not hostile, I repeat Hostilities have been ceased."

The Guardian airship promptly answered to the Dark Lord's transmission.

"We intercepted a distress signal reporting a siege." Said a surprisingly young and soft female voice in response. "Who are you? Why were you attacking a small town in the middle of nowhere?"

Hel decided that there was no point in sticking around. She opened her comm signal back to Muspell Laboratory.

"Master," she spoke. "Requesting transfer to base."

"Alright then, Ms. Licorne. Prepare for Transfer."

Hel felt a familiar, lightweight sensation as she was whisked away via a Transerver signal.

[To Muspell Laboratory - Transerver Room]

"I have just trampled a defiance of my orders. A Lieutenant by the name of Grenn was placed in temporary charge of overseeing activities here. We were following terrorist suspect in the local murder of the Saiban family members... as you can see, Grenn became too caught up in the moment, so I had to end his reign."