Chapter Two: Astra-X Awakens

When the shock wave faded, all three Void mechs were burning wreckage. Astra-X knelt at the pit edge, its left arm charred, its chest core pulsing unevenly. Blood ran from Leon's nose, but his eyes were clear. The public channel finally found a voice. "Unknown frame, this is Helios-9 Defense Command. Identify yourself." Leon looked toward the burning shape of District Seven. He could have stayed silent. He could have run. He could have hidden Astra-X and waited for a safer chance. Then he saw the children beneath the defense wall, staring up from the shelter entrance. There was no mockery in their eyes, no doubt, only light returning in the middle of despair. He pressed the comm. "Leon Voss." Chaos erupted on the other end.