[b]This isn’t quite what I would like it to be, but I guess it’ll do for being thrown together in about an hour. Let me know what you think. Enjoy![/b] [b]Chapter One - Waking Up[/b] [b][i]"Only through fire is a strong sword forged." - Unknown[/i][/b] Her eyes shot wide open, and her lungs heaved for air that couldn’t be found. “Easy, easy,” a calming voice said. She rolled over, and her body attempted to empty her stomach, but there wasn’t any substance to get rid of. A hand settled on her shoulder as she was wracked by fits of coughing. Slowly, her coughing stopped and she managed to roll over as her breathing regulated. She pulled herself to a sitting position, and slowly opened her eyes. It was dark, and the stars were out in all their vengeance. The stars alone cast enough light to allow her to make out some of her surroundings. Kneeling on the ground in front of her was a stranger, dressed in thick, expensive looking armor, with a cloak wrapped around him that went down to his knees. She couldn’t see any weapons, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have any. “Water,” she croaked. The man patted some spots on his belt before producing a canteen, opening it for her. She took and greedily drank down as much water as she could. “Never have I seen someone drink so much after being reborn,” a digital, synthesized sounding voice spoke. “Shut up, Pride,” the man in the armor said.” Sorry about the sudden re-awakening. Must be a bit of a shock.” She didn’t reply, just looked at the stranger. “I’m Zerkei,” the man said, holding out his hand. “Alexia,” she said, shaking his hand.” Where are we?” Zerkei looked around for a moment before replying,” We’re in the Appalachian Mountains. What used to be West Virginia, to be specific.” A small, glittering metal orb flew around him, and settled in front of Alexia.” And this is Quiet Pride, my faithful, although sometimes annoying companion.” “What…is he?” Alexia asked, intrigued. Zerkei opened his mouth to speak, but he was silenced as a roar pierced the night.” Shit. Come on, we have to move. I’ll explain later.” Zerkei stood and picked up a rifle that had been laying on the ground next to him. He handed her a helmet that had been sitting on the ground and motioned for her to follow him. There was a hiss of compressed air as Alexia set the helmet on her ahead. She looked down and found she was wearing armor, too, albeit not as new as Zerkei’s. A small band was clasped around her right bicep, but she didn’t know what it was for. “I’m Subtle Courage,” a voice said. Alexia looked around for a moment, but couldn’t see anyone but Zerkei.” I’m in your helmet. Don’t worry, I’m on your side. I’ll explain later.” “You coming or not?” Zerkei called. Alexia glanced around at their surroundings for a moment before setting off after him.” Come on, we need to get out of here. Pride, get us a way out. Preferably non-violent.” “Working on it,” the little robot said. A white diamond appeared on Alexia’s faceplate seconds later.” Got it.” The pair began walking towards the building indicated by the diamond, slowly and carefully. Zerkei pushed open the door quietly, poking his rifle inside first. There was a startled screech and Zerkei disappeared for a moment, then he pulled open the door. “Nevermind, we’re doing this the hard way,” He said grimly. The pair jogged quietly through the hall before coming to a large, open room. Lights began flickering on as numerous screams of anger broke the night. Dozens of humanoid figures clung to walls and support beams. Looking at one of them, Alexia couldn’t take her eyes off the sword it wielded in one hand, and the massive pistol-like weapon raised in another. “Shit,” Alexia whispered.