Thank you everyone and don't worry CX, Eve's not the type to start demanding heads left and right.
ANyway, remember that little story thing I wrote a few pages earlier? With Copy X and all that? Well here's the next part. Again, my writing is utter crap and I suck at characterization mst of the time. Shinobu is in her older body in this, although she can still act a little childish, particularly around Fefnir and Leviathan. Magnion shows up because... well I just like him.
Critiques and such are welcome.
“Fef-nii!” A light voice called out from behind, accompanying a sound of feet rapidly hitting the ground.
Fefnir felt himself grin. Turning sharply and bracing himself for the impact as a hurtling figure clad in blue crashed into him. He easily hoisted her off the ground with a spin to reduce the momentum and eliciting a laugh from the female at the same time.
“When did you get back, Shinobu?” He had asked, giving her a once over when he sat her back on the ground. She looked unhurt. Good.
“Mmm.. About a half hour ago, Phantom-nii went to report to Master X about our mission.” The female reploid replied, adjusting the pink hat on her head, “Magnion and I saw you out here and decided to say hi.”
“It is good to see your unit is doing well, General.” the Mutos reploid said, digging metallic talons into the earth, “How are the pantheons working out?”
“About as well one can expect given their lack of a true A.I. and the simplicity of the operating systems.” He replied with a shrug, “They’re cheap to build and consume little energy and that’s all that really matters in the end with the council.”
Magnion rolled his optics upwards. He could not truly fault the council for wanting to conserve what remained of the energy, but it was a rather foolish idea. Unwilling to shell out the money necessary for a full research into alternative energy sources. He wouldn’t admit that Master X’s acceptance to their idea disturbed him a little.
Shinobu took no notice of Magnion’s expression, her eyes studying the pantheons moving in the field. This was the first time she had seen them completed and active. Firing upon the random attack drones that appeared before them. Leaving little but hole-riddled husks in the dirt behind them. Her eyelids lowered slightly. The random bits of data of her previous existence flashed in her mind. The explosions, the screaming, the blood that soaked the ground and turned rivers red. Her creator and his family torn to shreds on the floor. Her own two hands stained scarlet.
“Oy, Shinobu.” Fefnir shook her a little, jolting her to the present. The small bits of data receding behind the self-made firewalls in her processes.
“You were zoning out again,” Magnion said, leaning down to meet her gaze. Shinobu just shook her head, rubbing her forehead.
Fefnir had frowned. He turned her away from the battlefield and let her gaze upon the stark white tower that rose into the atmosphere. She had been doing that more often now. He had to admit that it bothered him. Phantom will have to be made aware.
“I’m fine,” she said, looking up at the two taller reploids, “I can’t even remember what it was about.”
“You never do,” Fefnir said, patting her on the head, “But it’s not good. What if you start zoning out in the middle of battle?”
Shinobu opened her mouth then closed it as she sensed a presence. She smiled as Phantom seemed to materialize behind Fefnir.
“Who is zoning, Fefnir?”
Magnion and Shinobu snorted as the feared red general nearly leapt out of his skin. The startled look on his face quickly turning into a scowl. Fefnir snarled, turning and glowering at his slightly shorter brother.
“Damnit Phantom, would you quit doing that!?”
“If you would pay attention to your surroundings, you would not be caught off guard so easily.” Phantom replied nonchalantly, arms crossed over his chest. His dark eyes finding Shinobu and nodding to her, “I need to speak with Shinobu, so if you will excuse us.”
“Yeah whatever,” Fefnir waved them off, stalking back into the field, gathering what’s left of his pride.
“Master Phantom, by your leave.” Magnion bowed to his commander, activating his jets and taking off.
Shinobu looked at her older brother as he started towards the building. She quickly fell into step with him. Glancing at him, she almost missed the times when she was in her younger body. He was much taller then, and she would always grab his scarf and follow him. Now with her more adult shape, it would seem rather childish to do so again.
“Harpuia has issued a meeting for tomorrow.” he said, breaking the silence as they entered the central tower. The vents blowing out cool air with enough force that her hair moved in response.
She frowned, “Another one? The last one was so dull..”
“Do not worry, you won’t be attending it.”
“I won’t?” She raised an eyebrow at him, deftly moving to the side to avoid a human male rushing past with files in his arms.
“You will be acting as Master X’s bodyguard for tomorrow.”
“Are you.. are you serious? You usually have Hanumachine guard him when you’re not able to.”
“Hanumachine is needed for this meeting,” Phantom said, looking down at her, “You are quite capable of defending him should the need arise. Although I doubt that will be the case, as no one can get past security. You’re only problem will be dealing with the council meeting. It can get quite dull.”
Shinobu couldn’t doubt that from what she heard about them. Although what made her nervous was being so near Master X, much less having the trust of his life with her. Ever since he had reawakened in his new body he had become distant from her. He could very well have been a stranger. Very little reminded her of the reploid who always smiled at her, who kept her company when the others were away with their own duties.
“You can do this, Shinobu. Any doubt in yourself you have, leave it be,” Phantom said once again. Noting her hesitation, “It may seem daunting but I would not have chosen you, were you not capable.”
“I know Phantom-nii.” She said softly. She smiled a little and nodded at him, “It is an honor to guard our Master.”
He almost smiled at that, “I know. So get what you need to finish up with done today, you start early tomorrow morning.”
