Disclaimer: I do not own any of the armored core series. But I do own the characters of my story, I think.

This is my first FanFic ever so while I would appreciate reviews, please no flames. Also English is not my native language, so please forgive misspellings. You can point them out, but don’t rant. Now on with the story! I only own a copy of AC 4 so I don’t have all the background on the original story. But I am writing my own here and if I make a mistake with some corp name or timeline you are free to point it out, but don’t get hung up on it. Further more I hope you enjoy the story and I will update as much as I can.

--

Testing 1. 2. 3.

Walking through the building made him realize just how big this Ravens Nest was. It took him just over an hour to get here by car but after only fifteen minutes of driving he could already see it. He was used to the garage which stored the MT’s and AC’s he worked on, but this was on a whole other scale. “This place is huge.” He just soaked up the image with his grey eyes, while his dark blond hair shined in the bright lights of the place. Strangely enough he didn’t get lost once and it only took him about 10 minutes to get to the part of the garage where the ravens test would be held. Walking up to the reception where a woman with blond hair and blue eyes, dressed in a light blue business outfit looked up to him.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning. Can I help you?”

“I’m here for the raven’s exam.”

“Name?”

“Kazumo Hale”

“Suggested call sign?”

“Blaze”

She started typing on here computer for about a minute, when:

“Ok, everything checks out. Just walk through that door. The others are waiting for you.”

“Others? I thought raven exams were done individually.”

She just smiled and said: “you’ll see.”

I walked to the designated door and it slid open with a hiss. Down a corridor which led to another door which entered out in a rather small room. It was filled with another desk, two brown sofas and two more doors, one to the left and on to the right. One of the sofas was already occupied by two other people, presumably the other participants, a man and a woman. Well girl actually she couldn’t be older than eighteen, but then again I was only just twenty so look who’s talking. The man had almost white hair, blue eyes and was wearing a blue and white MT pilot’s flight suit. The girl on the other hand had dark brown (they almost seem red) eyes, had flaming red hair which was about shoulder height and was wearing tight blue jeans and a red T-shirt. I sat down on the sofa opposite to them and closed my eyes to try and get some more rest before the test.

“Hi,” The girl suddenly said.

I really didn’t feel like talking, but saying nothing would be considered rude. So I opted for the safest option. I opened my eyes and said: “Hi”

“What is your name?”

“Blaze”

“Pleased to meet you Blaze, my name is Flame and this is my big brother Ice.”

“Pleased to meet you to.”

”You don’t talk very much do you?”

“Damn, enough talk. I want to start the test.” But my face didn’t show any emotion and I had to answer.

“Depends, but I already know your brother.” This caused him to raise an eyebrow. “I patched up his MT a couple of times. I work as a mechanic at the garage in Trent city where your MT is stalled. I saw you a couple of times when you got in or out your MT, BlackDown right.”

Ice simply smiled at the mentioning of his MT. Ice was actually quite famous for an MT pilot. He had managed to defend a facility against an AC attack. Subsequently his MT was totally wrecked and took two weeks to repair, but the facility was still standing. Which was more than could be said for the attacking AC.

“Well I may not be as famous as my brother but I’ve learnt to fly quite well in his MT.”

The door hissed open and in came another girl, I mean women. She had dark blond hair, green eyes and was wearing a similar MT flight suit as Ice. She just stepped in and said: “Well good for you, as long as you don’t get in my way.”

“She won’t Samantha,” Ice said: “I haven’t trained her for nothing.”

“My name is Sam. Start using it Ice, or I’ll start calling you Robert again.”

“Alright, alright. I’m sorry.”

“And what are you doing here mechanic boy, shouldn’t you stick to fixing things.”

Ha, I wasn’t put of my balance that easy. “An intimate understanding of MT’s and AC’s will only come in handy when the fighting starts. But how did you know I was a mechanic?”

“It’s written all over you, besides your to calm before the exam which means you haven’t fought with an AC or MT before or you have a lot. I guessed the first.”

It was true. I wasn’t nervous at all, while Flame was constantly twisting on her chair even though she probably had a lot of training. No more than me but Sam couldn’t have known that. Only Ice wasn’t looking nervous, but then again he had flown MT’s for years. “You know, you’re smarter than you look.”

She got al red when I said this and was about to give a rude answer when the door on the right side opened and a man in a black suit and rectangular glasses walked in. His hair was also black and combed backwards.

“Ah, I see that everybody is here. As you’ve probably noticed this ravens exam isn’t quite normal. This has a reason, but you’ll hear that later on. The exam itself hasn’t really changed however, it still consists of taking out several MT’s. Any questions? No. Well then, let’s get started. Follow me please.”

We all followed him through the door on the left which came out in an AC garage where 5 AC’s stood waiting for their pilots. The man in the suit walked up to a man wearing a simple black and blue flight suit and standing near a computer terminal. He had short brown hair, brown eyes and looked like a real people person. He looked really nice, a guy almost everybody would immediately like. Which, judging by the look on everybody’s faces, we all did. The man in the suit then turned to us and said:

“This is Raze and he will be your instructor for the rest of the exam. Listen to his advice and you’ll live. Good day.”

And with that he just walked of back the way we came in. Raze turned to us, smiled and said:

“Well let’s get going then. To your right are four basic AC’s, choose one. There all the same so it doesn’t matter which. Once you’re in wait for my instructions to get started.”

And with that Raze walked to the left of the catwalk towards his own AC GreyHound. GreyHound was a quad legged heavy armored AC colored in different shades of grey and looked quite menacing. It had a heavy sniper cannon on the right side of his back and a linear cannon on the left. In his right hand was a grenade launcher and in his left hand he had a chain gun. It also had an EO core. It was definitely one of the most versatile AC’s I had ever seen.

The four of us started walking to the right to the test AC’s, which were the most basic around. It was a white with blue accents, lightweight bipedal AC with an overboost core. Its armaments were a rifle in the right hand, a blade attached to his left and a one-lock missile launcher on his right back. Sam immediately jumped in the first one, Flame took the second, I took the third an Ice took the last AC. I climbed in too the core, strapped myself in and started up the computer.

“Engaging normal mode.”

And with that announcement the large generator came to life and the AC awoke. Suddenly the intercom crackled to life and the voice of Raze could be heard.

“Ok people here we go. Please follow me to the catapult; it will transport us to our destination.”

Transport?! You mean shoot! I thought when GreyHound took position on the catapult and got shot to where ever the hell we were going. Next was Ice and then it was my turn. I walked the AC towards the catapult and when it got there is was latched to this platform and the computer took over. The AC bended forward a little bit and then got shot forward at a tremendous speed, I didn’t even have time to look at the speedometer.

After about twenty seconds I started descending again. This was also when I realized that the computer had relinquished control back to me again and that I needed to land by myself. Well landing wasn’t a problem, but landing safely was. When I was still about one hundred meters in the air I started to slow down a bit with my boosters and managed to land quite safely just by feeling the movements of my AC. I checked my radar and found GreyHound and Ice standing about 50 meters away on a hill. I boosted over to them and was greeted by the face of Raze on my monitor.

“Good landing. I almost thought you would fall there but you did quite nicely, considering you are a mechanic.”

I just gave him a faint smile and boosted next to Ice while we waited for the rest. Next was Flame whose landing was a bit jittery but okay. Then finally came Sam, who was doing just fine until she almost touched down. Then her right foot hit a rock while still moving forwards, which caused her to tilt down and dig the left shoulder of the AC in too the ground. She ploughed on for about twenty meters when she finally came to a halt.

“You ok there.” Raze said over the intercom. While the rest of us laughed softly inside our AC’s.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. Just not used to this damned catapult.” She muttered. “Just some minor damage to my left shoulder joint, but nothing major.”

“Okay let’s go then. We need to go a bit further to the testing grounds. Use this time to get a feel for your AC’s, you’ll need it.”

We boosted for about another five minutes, which we passed by simply locking random things with our FCS and getting a feel for the boosters, until we came upon an open plane with four sets of ten AI controlled MT’s standing in a square formation. They were a bit outdated assault MT’s, with only a rifle and a shield as weapons. But that didn’t mean they couldn’t do any damage.

Raze’s face appeared on our screen again while he explained the exam.

“So people, before you are forty AI controlled MT’s. The MT’s are divided into four groups, ten for each of you. I will call your name and then you will attack a group of them. Each group is programmed to attack once you hit one of them; this gives you one free shot. Again I am only here to judge you. When the MT’s attack and you are in trouble I will do nothing to help you. The MT’s won’t stop attacking until you or they are destroyed. To pass the exam you merely have to survive, but if you fail you will die. So this is your last chance to back out.”

Nobody said anything and when it remained silent for ten seconds Raze continued.

“Very well then, I wish you all good luck. Ice you’re up first. Attack when you are ready.”

At this command Ice merely grunted and boosted into the air. He opened up his missile launcher and locked on to his first target. He launched his first missile and immediately locked on to the MT next to the first. By the time the first missile hit, taking out the first MT, the second was already in the air and a third was locked on. The MT’s started moving after the first hit but the second MT that was targeted wasn’t fast enough and got hit by the missile. The third boosted into the air and avoided the third missile, but the MT behind it wasn’t so lucky and got hit head on. He then boosted towards the MT’s and started firing his rifle wildly. Another two MT’s couldn’t take the continuous pummeling of rifle fire and exploded. But the MT’s also started firing back now and Ice started taking hits. He used his quick boost to avoid most of the fire while closing and activated his blade. He dashed forward and plunged his blade into the MT’s core. He then pulled the blade right, subsequently completely destroying the MT, and struck another MT which was standing close by, completely tearing it in half. He then locked on another missile to an MT that was in the air and fired. The MT tried to avoid it by strafing to the side but the missile just arched towards it and blew it up. The last two were grouped together and started firing on Ice from behind and managed to destroy its missile launcher. Ice simply dumped it and boosted away while firing on the two. He then overboosted towards them causing the MT’s to split. But the rifle fire became too much for one of the MT’s and it shut down and the other was quickly dispatched with his blade.

“Well done. Congratulations raven. Flame you’re next”

Flame did just as good as her brother and managed to only lose her rifle in the process, which was shot out of her hand by an MT. Next was Sam who didn’t fare so well. She got her entire left arm ripped off by an MT that managed to ram her at top speed. The joint had already been damaged in her landing and couldn’t take the strain. But otherwise she was fine.

Then it was my turn. “Time to prove my worth.”

I overboosted straight for the first MT’s and activated my blade. I cut the over boost and with one fell swoop the first two MT’s were chopped in half by my blade. I then took off into the air and opened up my missile launcher. I locked on the first target, which was boosting away from me, and launched a missile which destroyed the MT. I started evading the bullets that were fired at me and launched three more missiles while in the air, destroying three more MT’s. I then let my AC fall to the ground while firing my rifle at another MT. By the time I hit the ground the MT was nothing but scrap. I then strafed to the side firing on another MT. When it was destroyed I overboosted straight for another MT cut it in half with my blade. However the last MT was now right behind me and started firing his machine gun at me. But I already knew it was there and quick boosted to the side before a single bullet hit me. I then activated my overboost and before it had the time to shoot me again, there was already a blade sticking out the other side of the core.

It was all over in less than a minute, which left the rest stunned. Raze was the first who managed to find his voice again and said:

“Congratulations raven. That was, well amazing. I wouldn’t mind having you on my team.”

“Good job Blaze that was some piloting.”

“Good job, that's all you can say Ice. That was fantastic.”

“Yeah, yeah whatever. Can we go now?”

“Ah, come on Sam. Lighten up a bit.”

“I did alright. Let’s just head back.”

“Okay people, you are now all officially ravens. By the time we get back you will be registered in the system and you’ll get to hear which ravens nest and thus which team you’ve been selected to join. So let’s go.”

And with that we started boosting back to the nest. Then Flame and Ice started arguing which components there AC should use and Raze joined the discussion with his own opinion (he was a great fan of sniping and long range combat). I didn’t hear Sam but then again I just shut of my radio after hearing about 2 minutes of the discussion and just let the autopilot get me back to base while I rested a bit. I already knew what my AC was going to look like.

When we got back to base we followed GreyHound into the garage, docked our AC’s and walked back towards the door where Raze was waiting. He then took us back to the small room where we waited earlier. When we stepped in the man in the black suit was already sitting behind the desk typing something on his computer. After a moment he finished typing and looked up.

“Ah back already. Very well, I’ve registered everybody and a selection has been made regarding which team you will join.”

“Wait, we don’t even get a choice in who goes where.”

“Don’t worry, it has been taken in to account that you would want to stay with your sister Ice. Therefore you, Flame and Blaze will go to team 0312, more commonly known as team Limit, and you Sam you will go to team 0859, also known as team Powerhouse. A transport stands ready to take you and you’re AC’s to your bases. Are there any questions?”

“No, good. Raze will accompany you to your destination, since he is a part of team Limit, so just follow his lead. Good day.”

And with that he just looked back at his screen and started typing again. Raze motioned us to follow him and we walked back the way we came in before the exam. We went passed the desk of the secretary and into the maze of corridors, hallways and square’s of one of the main ravens nests.

“Who was that guy in the suit anyway?”

Raze was surprised at the question.

“You don’t know who he is Flame? Well that was Professional. He is the one who runs this Ravens nest, which is one of the biggest around by the way. So you’ll probably won’t see much more of him. He is also a kick ass raven, used to be one of the best. Ranked high in the arena, but then he quit the arena and took on this job. He still does some missions, but I think that's more for fun then for money. He, do you guys want to get something to eat by the way. You must be starving, at least I am.”

“Won’t we miss our transport then?” Flame said.

“Naw, the transport only leaves at two and it’s not even one pm. So what are you up for: Chinese, fast food, Italian? You name it we got it.”

“I say Chinese.”

“Works for me Flame.”

“As long as it’s eatable.”

“Whatever. As long as it’s quick.”

“Still sore about the test Sam.”

“Shut up.”

“Make me.”

“Stop it Flame. Let’s try to keep things friendly.”

“Alright, alright.”

“There’s a good Chinese restaurant just around this corner and since you did so well on your exam everything is on me.”

At this announcement both Flame and Ice cheered and even Sam lighted up a bit.

“You really have a talent for making people like you, you know that.”

“I was born with it, that's probably why I like long range combat. Keep my enemies at a distance and my friends close. ”

“Hmm, I was never really was a people person. I most of the times liked the MT’s and AC’s I repaired more than the people. I was always good at repairing stuff. Then again I also always had some friends so I shouldn’t complain.”

“Well I doesn’t matter now, so let’s just eat.”