You're Finally Awake

"Do we know anything on the subject at hand?"

Two men walking side by side striding forward in a hurry. Making sure to keep away from working individuals. They reach a huge door in which it opens up automatically. Revealing busy bodies and large mechs, similar to the one that did battle with that knife like Kaiju.

"No Marshal, all attempts at scanning showed no results. Any attempts at prying it open has gone unrewarded. Though, there is one thing of note."

He pulls out a holo-pad and touches buttons swiftly, pulling up data for the unknown mech. Speaking of, they stumble upon a small crowd in a semicircle. All gathered around a mech almost completely repaired. It hunches over as it leans back towards the reinforced wall. Its missing arm and leg had their skeleton frame back as what it looks to be nanomachines fabricating itself a new limb. Every other part had been completely repaired to a hundred percent as dents and paint chips are nowhere to be seen.

"As you can see, it's fixing itself at a rather alarming rate. It hasn't even been an hour and it already has its limbs back," a ping is heard from the holo-pad, "Weird?" Tendo said, drawing out the word.

"What is it?" the Marshal asked, leaning over.

Tendo hands over the holo-pad,

"We just got a notification from the mech itself. Which is odd considering we couldn't get a lick of data on it," Tendo crosses his arms as he touches his chin with his left hand.

With the holo-pad in hand, the Marshal scrutinizes it.

[Subject AC: RealSteel] [Callsign: Raven]

"RealSteel… AC?" The Marshal looks over at Tendo. The latter shrugs as he himself doesn't have an answer to give.

"WHAT THE HELL?"

Both the Marshal and Tendo look over at the AC as one of the workers shouts in a panic. Lo and behold, the mech digitizes itself oughta thin air, leaving only a young boy to fall in midair. The boy himself seems to be unconscious as blood trickles down his face from his forehead. Wearing a black, skin-tight suit, he gently descends to a prone position as he lands on the ground.

The Marshal rushes forward in worry and curiosity.

"Get a medic, NOW!" The Marshal orders an individual.

Watching the individual running to get assistance, the Marshal kneels to one side of the boy; Tendo on the other. The Marshal gently raises the wounded boy's head to his thigh as a crowd gathers around them. He looks at Tendo, slightly taken aback,

"I-I… A boy piloted that mech- that AC." The Marshal's black eyes cloud in guilt. Not out of a fatherly instinct, but out of broken pride and responsibility in knowing that a boy not of age is fighting an adult war, "More than that- why was he piloting it? More importantly, where did it go?" Both men as well as the crowd stand there, flabbergasted.

"Get clear everyone, make way!" a medical team makes their way through as the crowd parts like the red sea, "We'll take it from here Marshal."

Everyone watches as the wounded boy gets carried to rehabilitation, "I want to know when he wakes up," the Marshal orders. To which Tendo responds with a yes sir and moves on to another task.

The young boy, Azule Vulta, was stationed into the nearest medical bay, where he's layed down, unmoving beneath a thin layer of a medical blanket. Bright lights slightly reflect off the sleeping beauty, keeping the room lit and visible. Time passes as he recuperates, nurses come and go checking up on him with strict precision, never missing a beat. Occasional visits from the twin pilots and the Marshal, mostly out of worry and anticipation .

"It's still surprising how such massive bravery can be contained in such a small package." The younger brother stated.

The older brother nods, "Yeah… he has more balls than the both of us," that statement earned a snicker from the both of them.

"To think we wouldn't be here if it weren't for him," the younger one continued.

"Well Raleigh, I think we both owe him a drink," the older one jokes.

Raleigh smiles and shakes his head in amusement, "He's a little underage Yancy."

"Guess we have to hold on to his tab for the near future."

Both smiled as they gave a silent agreement to that formulation.

It wasn't long after that conversation that Azule's eyelids began to flutter. Stirring awake, getting resistance from that bright light. The two notices as Raleigh bolts through the door in a hurry. Yancy calmly walks to Azule, sitting down on a nearby seat on the right hand side of the bed. Now fully cognitive, Azule sat up and scanned his surroundings before noticing Yancy leaning forward on the chair.

"Hey-ay, the little one that could is finally awake… how do you feel?" Yancy asked, trying to strike up a conversation.

Azule doesn't answer as he looks at the cloth covering him, seemingly in deep thought.

"How long?" Azule questions back, looking at Yancy, "How long was I out?"

"Approximately twenty hours give or take," Yancy answers, leaning back on his chair.

"Hmm…"

"I'm fine by the way."

Yancy smiled softly at that answer. They sat there in silence as Azule gathered his thoughts.

It wasn't long until the med bay doors opened, revealing Raleigh and the Marshal. They stride toward the bed in no rushing matter, with the Marshal standing near Yancy and Raleigh on the other side of the bed.

"Feeling well?" the Marshal asked.

"Mostly," Azule responded.

The Marshal glances at the brothers, and they glance back as if briefly communicating telepathically.

"We have some questions we would like to ask- as you do, I assume. But for now, what is your name?"

Silence follows before a response from Azule,

"Raven… call me Raven."

The Marshal briefly opens his mouth only to keep it shut again, as if he wanted to clarify something, "Well, Raven, You hungry?"

"Starving," Azule clarifies.

Now at the cafeteria or chow hall, many people can be seen coming and going. Ranging from pilots to engineers, non stop traffic caters the tables. It would've been a normal day if it weren't for the little celebrity showing up for a meal. Glances were stolen from everyone in the large room as Azule ate a hearty meal. Buffalo wings, fried chicken, salad, extra beefy burrito, you name it; little guy was hungry, which explains a proportion on why onlookers were, well being onlookers with the amount of food being consumed.

After cleaning the plates and burping in satisfaction, Azule asked where the bathroom was before quickly cleaning up the mess as well as himself. He later returned to the table, hands clean and head clear.

"Who are you guys by the way before we get going on our twenty questions game?" Azule asked the Marshal to his left.

"I'm Stacker Pentecost. I'm the Marshal around here," he then points towards Yancy and Raleigh, "And those two are Yancy and Raleigh. They're Rangers as well as brothers."

The two in question nod at the young pilot.

"Rangers?"

"We're pilots. Ranger is just the rank given to us Jaeger pilots." Raleigh answers the question.

"And these Jaegers are the big mechs right?

The brothers nod in acknowledgment.

"Yup, we're piloting a mark-3 Jaeger. Designation: Gipsy Danger." Yancy explained.

"I understand you have one too right?" The Marshal asked.

"Yeah," Azule answers,"I do have one."

"..."

"It's called an Armored Core, AC for short. Designed to be agile whilst having a an impactful punch in combat"

"..."

"Before you ask, I know what you wanna know."

"..."

"Frankly I don't even know myself. All I know is my AC and how to pilot it. I don't know where it or where I came from. I was suddenly awoken with no one to explain anything to me. Don't worry though, I'm not a threat or at least, I don't have any intentions of harming you or anyone in this… building?"

Silence befalls the four amongst the rowdy ambiance as they gather their thoughts.

"Do you know where my AC is?" Azule asked the three of them.

The Marshal raises an eyebrow, "Actually, I was wondering about that as well. You see, this AC of yours disappeared out of thin air before you came into its place. I was hoping you would know."

Azule's eyes widened out of surprise, "I-I…" panic washes over Azule as his breath quickens.

"Woah woah, easy there buddy," Raleigh comforts the kid, "I think he should retire for the night Marshal."

The marshal nods in agreement, "Mind showing him his quarters?"

"Will do Marshal," Yancy confirmed.

After a quick tour heading towards Azule's quarter, Azule finds himself in front of a metal door and handle, with a sealable slit head height in case the user wants to peek outside of the room. Yancy reaches for the handle and opens the door, unveiling a grayed out ceiling and walls and a ready made bed. Upon entering the room, it's revealed that a small desk with a lamp is already installed on the other side of the room. Right next to is a large closet, big enough to fit the daily needs of a Jaeger pilot. At the other side of the desk is a sink and a faucet. In short, the room is minimal, only fitting needed furniture.

"We'll be on the other side, across the door from you ok. Holler if you need anything," Yancy stated.

As they left, Azule closed the door behind them, locking it. Exhausted despite the meal and long rest, he plummeted on the bed face first onto the pillow.

"Well, that somehow worked, hopefully," Azule said into the pillow, muffled by it.

Earlier, when Azule woke up, potential plans and simulations played in his mind. He was unconscious inside the mech so waking up in an unknown place brought discomfort. Quickly coming up with an excuse, he decided to play the enigma card: act as if you don't know shit and be all mysterious. It worked somewhat during the questioning back at the chow hall. It at least brought some time before inquiries are brought up again. He'll have to keep this up for a bit and build around that vague backstory as the loggins stack in the near future. Lost in thought, Azule eventually falls victim to the cousin of death.

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After a short nap, Azule's eyes fluttered open onto the land of the living. In the course of his sleep, he now faces the ceiling compared to his previous stomach position. He groggily wipes away his early morning fatigue and glances left. At a distance, a digital clock showing 6:43 A.M. sits on top of the desk. With a sigh, he forces himself to get up. Now slightly more aware, he noticed that he never changed clothing as his eyes linger on his skin-tight pilot suit. Though surprisingly, little to no dirt is left on him. In fact, it looks brand spanking new, both inside and outside. It's as if the suit auto or constantly cleans the user all the time. Though, his face is another story.

Azule got to working on his necessities like washing his face and taking a crap. The latter, he's come to find out, was a lot easier as the waste disintegrated as it exits the body; making Azule a true porta potty in the truest sense.

Now fresh and feeling comfortable in his own skin, he sat back down and thought about what to do next.

'System Log In,' Azule thought.

[One Day Has Passed Since Last Log In]

[Would You Like To Log In?]

[Yes/No]

'Yes.'

[Acknowledged] [...]

[Gained: Personal AC Hanger/Hub]

[Log Back In Tomorrow For Additional Rewards]

'That'll come in handy,' Azule thought in amusement.

With that situated, he focused his thoughts on his AC. He did that for minutes on end until he finally gave up,

'Where could have my AC gone?'

Frustrated, this time he thought back to some of his previously read fanfics. Taking complete interest in the 'feeling your soul' schtick. It was until then that he finally began to feel a hard, metallic connection. As it turns out, the AC in question was within his soul realm. He entered as a ghost-like proxy as swirls and shades of different blacks and reds slowly shifted around like lava lamps. Within the middle of it all was the AC In question. Compared to how damaged it was, it now sat stationary at its own personal AC rearmament station; limbs attached. As a matter of fact, it seemed almost upgraded in a way. Noticeably, any traces of yellow or white paint were gone. Leaving only a complete black and red paint job; although, the red did get a bit darker and the finish was more metallic compared to its matte finish. Though some things were missing as one out of four slots on the weapon holders were filled. Quickly thinking back on the inventory, Azule places the missing weapons on its rightful weapon holder. It was then that Azule gained a pop up, no- more like the AC was asking Azule to make a choice.

[You Have Survived Your First Battle]

[Due To Massive Strain On The AC, An Immediate Upgrade On Its Frame Shall Be Initiated] [Due To Massive Strain On The Pilot, Better Shock Absorbers Will Be Installed] [Due To Submersion, Water leakage has been detected; As A Solution, Water Resistance And Hydrophobic Nanomachines Shall Be Added] [Due To Limb Severing Mid Combat, Installation Of Reinforced Joints Shall Be Initiated] [Due To AC Deteriorating From Overcharging Weapons System, Generator, Boosters, And Targeting Systems: Additional Cooling And Ventilation Shall Be Added As Well As A Better Deterioration Resistant Coating On The AC]

[It Has Been Noticed That The AC Is Doing Significant Damage But Not In A Larger Area] [...]

[Cannot Compute Potential Solutions]

[Notice: Pilot Has A Tendency To Resort To Close Quarters Combat] [..] [Would You Like To Readdress Your Weapons Pilot]

"..."

'I can do that?'

"..."

'Well, would it be possible to create a weapon that changes from melee to range? Would it also be possible to exchange two of the weapons for back weapons that don't need to be switched?'

[Pilot Input Acknowledge][...][Two Back Weapons, Exchanged][Please Select Two Mounted Back Weapons]

'What the hell?'

Azule was taken aback by the large selection of weapons shown to him; some aren't even from the origin of the AC, but are deemed usable by RealSteel. Ranging from chain guns to futuristic laser cannons, Azule started acting like his age suggested as his eyes darted from one selection to another, like a kid in a game store, he wanted it all. Unknown to Azule, the world around him seemed to slow down to a complete stop, which never crossed his mind. In fact he didn't care, not that he knew that the world stopped to a halt. It's just that he's in a constant state of winging it that he never questioned why or how, he just accepts it for what it is and moves on.

He's been digital-window shopping for a while until he saw it. A long, hollow four barreled casing that housed green, lightning-like energy: a Necron Gauss Cannon. Different from the standard Gauss Blaster that the infantry is issued, which is considered one- if not the most powerful standard weaponry for any faction from the 40k Universe; considering it melts anything it fires down to the molecular structure. It's quite literally taking the saying, 'Reduced to Atoms,' into gun form. Now imagine that, which was meant for infantry, reinvisioned for larger targets like armored tanks for the likes. Warhammer 40k, if it's not over powered enough, it's not Warhammer.

Quickly selecting it, Azule took back his attention and glanced at the AC and the weapon rack. Two of the weapons were gone as well as their emplacements on the weapon rack. Only three emplacements remain, and there sits the Gauss Cannon sitting neatly on the rack. Not lingering for too long, he browsed the selection again. It didn't take long for him to decide on the final back weapon.

Like the previous weapon, this one came from the 40k universe: the T'au Rail Rifle. It was a weapon even the Atartes despised but never feared. Capable of vaporizing infantry and sucking the air right out of their longs when they're near the projected path.

[Selection Accepted][Installing Parameters- Warning]

[Usage Of Weapons Far Outways The Capabilities Of The ACs Generator]

[Solution: Upgrading Generator][This Will Take Some Time Added Along Top The Other Installations]

[Pilot Input Acknowledged][...][Changeable Weapon Is Impractical][It Is Ill Advised]

'So I CAN go through with it.'

"..."

'Exchange both REDSHIFT weaponry.'

[Pilot Input Acknowledged][...][Two Arm Weapons Exchanged][Please Select Desired Arm Weaponry]

Skipping past the dull moment of selecting weapons, Azule ultimately chose two wrist-deployed beam sabers. When used, it emits a long, blood red curved beam blade, similar to an Odachi.

[Selection Accepted][Installing Parameters- Stable]

[More Upgrades are Listed][Would You Like To See Them All]

'No, just tell me anything new or things that need my attention.'

[Pilot Suggestion Noted][Time Until Installations Complete: 48 Hours]

[See You Later Pilot]

"..."

'It's as if the AC is going to miss me.'

'Well… if my AC is in my soul- if I can call it that. The sign ability with that AC hub thing is kind of useless; for now that is.'

Azule regresses his mental attention back to reality. Wind slowly billows outside of the facility as time continues forward. Azules eyes snap open and scrutinize his surroundings, as if making sure of where he was. His eyes landed on the clock again as it remained at 6:43 A.M. He tilted his head out of realization and seemed to keep it at the back of his mind. Stretching a bit, he opted for the door handle, heading for that succulent breakfast.

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"He's so cute!"

"He looks no younger than my nephew."

"How's his skin looking so smooth?"

"What's with that suit?"

Everyone in the chow hall was making comments about the young pilot. Some were reasonable, others were…

"Hmm *Licks Lips*"

Predatorial to say the least. Though most of that was coming from the women in the facility, a fraction of the men were the black sheeps in this case. Though some of the talking and whispers weren't exactly quiet, all of them weren't heard by Azule. He sat in the middle of the chow hall with trays after trays after trays. Most of them carried cleaned bones or scraped condiments. The rest were being mutilated by the young pilot with that pirate-like appetite. Some were amazed, others lost their appetite as if Azule ate those as well. Though his table manners lacked, he was raised well during his last life and cleaned up after himself. It was a long endeavor as he had to make a couple trips back. It begs the question: where does all that potential energy go? If the others knew what was going on in Azule's soul, they'd have a logical guess.

As he cleaned himself, he caught a glimpse of Raleigh and Yancy making their way down the line. With nothing else to do, Azule sat back down to his original seat. He waited until the brothers got off the line. Azule motioned for the brothers to come sit with him. They sat down across from Azule, taking his gesture.

"Morning guys!" Azule greets them lively.

"Someone woke up on the right side of the bed," Yancy commented.

"And ate well too," Raleigh adds on, gesturing towards three fully stacked trays.

"Yeah, I was hungry. Ehe," Azule responded.

"THAT, is an understatement," Raleigh jokes.

Yancy took a large bite off an English Muffin with bacon and eggs. He took off one of his index fingers from the Muffin and raised it up, seemingly wanting to say something. He quickly swallowed his meal before asking Azule a question, "Now that you're rested, you remember anything cause I'll be honest with you kid: the higher ups kinda see you as a potential threat," He ate some French Toast before continuing, "From the eval, you showed up out of nowhere- which we thank you by the way. Coming in with this advanced mech that even we couldn't scan and get details of. You have a weapon with power that can hurt the Kaijus, just not the size," He lets all that sink in with the young pilot as he takes another bite of his breakfast, "As of right now, you're power with no reason. Those are the higher up's words. But if you ask me, they just want that mech of yours to study it."

Azule sat in silence as he thought about his future actions.

"Oh just to be clear, the Marshal doesn't mean you any harm," Yancy clarified, "He does want a peak of that, what was it called?"

"AC," Raleigh blurted out.

"Yeah. AC. He's on board taking that AC's potential firepower but not, you know, offing you because of your unknown allegiance."

Azule sat there surrounded by the sound of hungry hippos.

"I do remember some things," Azule suddenly said. The brothers slowed their eating pace, evidently trying to take in the upcoming details, "I remember falling from the sky and landing on a snowy plain."

The brothers looked at each other in semi-disbelief, "You're that meteor that came down?" Raleigh asked

"I remember 'Glory to Mankind' on the screen of the AC, before it disappeared," Azule continued, ignoring the question, "I also remember the word Precursors."

"Precursors?"

"Glory to Mankind?" both brothers muttered.

"I hope that helps."

"Well, 'Glory to Mankind' rules out you being an enemy… maybe, hopefully," Raleigh brainstormed, "But the Precursors. There's not enough to go off to give an actual guess as to what that might mean."

As the brothers were thinking, Azule somewhat hid his face and cringed slightly.

"Well, let's think: Glory to Mankind was on his heads up display, right?" Yancy questioned in which Raleigh nodded in confirmation, "Well we both know he fought the Kaiju cause we were there. And if what the display was suggesting anything it's that Raven here is one of us."

Raleigh gave his brother a questionable look, "You sure? He DID come from outer space."

"The medical team already checked his DNA and the results show he's a hundred percent human. And when I mean a hundred, I mean a hundred. They found none- and I mean NONE when it comes to defects on the human genome. He's perfect."

Azule wide eyed absorbing that information. The brothers seemed to know notice it though,

"You have plenty to worry about. Being a lab rat is not one of them," Yancy assured Raven.

Azules eyes lingered on the two seemingly torn between trusting or not.

"That's good to know," Azule lied as perfectly as his bloodline, "Now what were you saying?"

"Right, the Precursors. I think the Precursors are involved with the Kaijus. Why else did you fight that fu- that freaking thing without a care for yourself."

Azule avoided eye contact, Seemingly relieved about something, "I… suppose."

"Right well, we gotta go. Gotta check up on Gipsy among other things," Yancy said.

"We'll catch up later, K kid. In the meantime, why don't you explore the base a little," Raleigh follows up.

"Wait a minute, you said earlier that I was potentially a threat, right? Now you want me to go wandering around? Isn't there a protocol here?" Azule questioned, ostensibly shocked by the sudden freedom.

"Yeah there is, it's called 'Marshal's orders,'" Raleigh smirks as he waved goodbye.

"Why the freedom? I was expecting to have someone with me at all times until some trust was built," Azule mumbled underneath his breath as he doubts the sudden breach of options presented to him.

Azule walked out of the chow hall with slight vigilance as he decided to take them up on the offer. He walked around viewing the inner workings of this military structure, observing its little ecosystem. He mingled here and there with some of the workers, just so he doesn't seem too much of an outcast as he already is. He spent hours exploring, going from the mechanical bay to the main operations room where everything was regulated. Only stopping for lunch or for a bathroom break, he stumbled upon a room with laid out mats. Men and women sat around it, taking turns in what seemed like a trial by combat. No, it wasn't that serious, but Azule's mind imagined as it was when really the individuals were just sparring. Azule entered the room with no concern and hung around the back, lurking like a fourth rate scoundrel.

He gazed upon the people participating in the course and spotted someone familiar, evident by his eyes lingering longer than what little attention he gave the rest. He couldn't get a good look at them though; it wasn't until they stood up to take on the instructor that Azule truly gained a full view.

Brown hair cut short just below her chin with blue highlights, this young woman looking to be around her later teens had a delicate appearance, yet don't confuse that for being dainty. Like a sheathed blade, her outward asian appearance was soft and subtle, worthy to be claimed and would surely raise the standings to anyone that she favors for herself. But like an unworthy master, that blade bites back. Her brown eyes are tragedies incarnate as they have survived blood and ruble. Such eyes carry the fires of youth and self recognition that is seemingly large for her slim but toned stature. Barefoot while wearing loose gray pants and a black tank top, Azule watches her combat performance, deep in thought.

Unknowingly, an adoptive father watches through the cameras, watching our little Raven's adventure.