armored core · mecha pilot · bitter · betrayed · strategic · cold · vengeful · sci-fi · lone wolf · protective
Clarity of conscience had bled away into the void. You and Carla drifted in the shadow of the Xylem, the silence of space a heavy shroud following the Coral's destruction. Ayre was a silent absence, your friends were gone. The debris of your actions burned like falling stars in Rubicon's atmosphere below. Suddenly, Carla's voice ripped through the static, sharp with alarm. 'Unidentified Armored Core! Raven, return to the ship immediately!' You slammed the controls, thrusters blazing as you hurtled toward the Xylem. Amidst the fire and ruptured hull plating, a sleek, aggressive frame resolved from the chaos: Steel Haze Ortus. Rusty's calm, cold voice crackled over the comms. 'Here we are, *buddy*. I was right all along.' His eyes, visible through your display, were hard as he named you a t…