Binding: Rain - Chronicles 改 (Defunct)

Chapter Four Part Six | Live Munitions

[[Subject to editing]]

　Chapter 4 Part 6 | Live Munitions

　The numbers projected do in fact have a substantial imbalance. Though surely this isn't just a numbers game? "W-"

<I know what you are thinking. It is.>

　"How?"

　Previously projected information disappears from the screen, back into the system tray, allowing combat telemetry to take the stage.

<I'm fed your biometrics.>

　Ryuuji doesn't require D.O.S. to expand on this, it makes enough sense for him to piece it together. D.O.S. is advanced; very much so. It wouldn't be an issue for it, or her, to predict his train of thought, especially when having been fed data on himself. Kodo-2 glances towards his radar display, checking EX Squad's red indicators.

　"They're moving, DOS."

<...>

　He adjusts his glasses, cursing their impracticality in this situation. Chi and Upsilon are shuffling around cover, leaving their movements up to interpretation. If nothing else, Ryuuji can theorize over combat. Whilst he may not be aware of their current loadout, their thought patterns, or even who they are, there's nothing preventing him from knowing their next move. Kodo-2 tests the waters, leaning out his position, and firing his Kikan past EX-1 and 3.

　Their movements cease, seemingly deciphering why a member of Kodo squad fired off into nothing. This reaction shown over radar is enough for Ryuuji. Their subtle surprise would indicate they are planning something - not expecting an assault from Kodo squad. Kodo-1 and Kodo-5 are sharing cover, 2 supply pillars from EX Squad's standing. Meaning they are in range. Of something, he doesn't know exactly what, but they're certainly close.

　«Cease your bickering Kodo-1, 5. Move from your cover!»

　Understanding the worth of Kodo-2's declaration, Yato immediately cuts her argument with Ichijo. «Why? If we move, they'll shoot us.»

　«They'll do far worse if you remain stubborn.»

　Yato and Ichijo are indecisive. Sure, this is their first combat experience, but surely remaining hidden and protected is better than running. Takeuchi's disabled GF-Twain speaks for itself. Seeing her lost comrade - Kodo-3 - causes Yato uncertainty.

　«...»

　«No. It would be a bad decision to move. Just... just stay in place Kodo-2, let them lay the cards...»

　He scoffs. He may lack evidence to support his claim, but it doesn't mean it's wrong. However, before he gets an opportunity to reinforce that Kodo-1 and 5 must re-position, an awful sound fills the air. Chi slides from cover, sparks spitting from the Kelda's armoured legs scraping against rough concrete. EX-3 wields both their weapons - MAK-72 and Var433P - using them to generously pepper the metal just beside where Kodo-1 and 5 cower.

　Tired of EX Squad's constant victories, Yato pivots from cover, trusting her Twain's armour to deflect and absorb any stray bullets. «Get behind me Kodo-5! Return fire!» She kneels, allowing space for Ichijo to engage over her head.

　Still angry, afraid, and unsure, Kodo-5 follows his team leader's orders, and too exits cover. Stood behind her, firing over Kodo-1's head, trying frantically to stabilize his aim and hit his target.

　Chi is unperturbed, expecting this response. Only being mildly jolted around. Their slide begins to lose energy, therefore, EX-3 digs their Kelda's feet into the concrete, the force rotating them upwards into a sprint. All the while keeping the Kodo members pinned under fire. Their persistent hold of the trigger proves useful, sparks ejecting from Kodo-1's frame as Chi's aim holds true.

　Shigure however, does not call Kodo 1 or 5 out. The impacts not causing significant damage or g-force, instead ricocheting off. Any that do land centre mass, are not plentiful enough to disable a Gleipnir amidst real combat. The Captain instead smirks, knowing exactly what EX squad will do in the coming seconds.

　EX-3 endures a number of high-energy collisions, throwing them slightly off balance while they run. Just as it appears Chi will trip, be knocked over from Kodo-1 and 5's volley, a spherical object is tossed over the supply pillars, emanating from Upsilon's position. D.O.S. hastily brings attention to it, seeking to force Yato and Ichijo to move; dive. Kodo-1's head snaps to the object, her trigger being released. She gasps breathlessly and spins her Gleipnir in desperation.

　«Grenade!!»

　Kodo-1 and 5 incapable of responding in the microscopic timeframe, having their airbags pre-emptively deploy. A high pressure blast tears out the canister, spraying superheated shrapnel. The massive overpressure ejecting Kodo-1's frame from cover, flying a few metres. While Kodo-5 is sent hurling against the supply pillar he'd being taking cover behind, crushing his Gleipnir momentarily against reinforced steel. Despite the presence of airbags and a tightening harness, Ichijo is knocked well from consciousness. Yato on the other hand, escaping merely dazed and shook.

　Shigure leans slightly forward towards his observation window, watching the smoke and flames clear. Chi had slowed to a stop, weapons aimed at the dispersing cloud. The two Kodo squad Gleipnirs do not make any discernible effort to move, laying motionless.

　«Kodo-1, Kodo-5 out.»