“My name is General Alexis Mardis. I want to thank you for saving me” Alexis said, bowing her head. “Oh, I thought you might be a princess. In any case you are welcome but Ivy did most of the fighting. I’m still not used to it.” Gavin replied scratching his head. He was really hoping she wasn’t one of the four generals of the demon king’s army.
“A princess, not hardly but you flatter me. I’m sorry you have to see me in such a state.” She said, rubbing her stump. “Don’t worry, Ivy said it would grow back eventually but I’m not sure how long it will take.” He replied, trying not to stare at her injured arm. “Really, is she a high mage? Also, I was wondering this before but how can you not know her first name? Aren’t you close?” Alexis asked looking confused.
“We aren’t mages but are from different worlds. She appeared in my world and fell to the ground in this machine. I went to investigate then we got transported to this world. I barely know her. She injected me with the same thing as you which is what will heal you and what allows us to communicate.” Gavin explained while looking up at the mech.
“From a different world. That would be hard to believe if not for this.” She said indicating the mech. A loud snore interrupted them. “Ha, and this sleeping beauty is my chief aid and cousin Margaret Mardis.” Alexis said, laughing at the sleeping girl. “Well, she is cute. Ahem, what I meant to say is I don’t suppose you know if there are any towns nearby?” Gavin said getting flustered.
They were interrupted this time by Ivy over the external speakers. “Hurry up and get back in the cockpit, we have company.” Ivy said briskly. They woke Margaret up and got back on the lift. Soon they were back inside and Gavin took his seat. “What is it?” Gavin asked looking at the displays. “The sensors picked up something coming over the mountains. It must be that air ship.” Ivy replied, putting the radar like screen up on the cockpit display.
“That’s not good. There is no way they won’t notice us when they get over the forest.” Gavin said, looking at the radar. “Take us into the lake.” Ivy ordered. “Huh, you want to go under the water?” Gavin asked incredulously. “Yes, the cockpit seal is intact and the Talon is designed to even operate in the vacuum of space so there should be no problems.” Ivy explained looking back at him.
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“Ok, let’s do it. It’s not like there is anywhere else to hide.” Gavin said, moving the mech toward the lake. He just hoped the lake was deep enough to hide the Talon. Slowly the mech sank beneath the waves and soon the cockpit was submerged. It seemed he didn’t need to worry about the depth. Gavin kept going to make sure there was plenty of water over their heads and then stopped the mech.
The lake water was a muddy brown so the airship shouldn’t be able to see them. The water didn’t affect the sensors and they watched silently as the blip of the airship moved over the forest and then the lake. It went back and forth in a search pattern but never stopped. Gavin let out a sigh of relief after it seemed to give up and flew back over the mountains.
When it stopped showing up on the screen he started walking the mech toward the other side of the lake. The lake got a little deeper but then leveled out. The water was too murky to see anything so he had to pilot using the sensors. “This may be a little insensitive but aren’t you worried about your army?” Gavin asked as they walked. “I am worried but I have faith in my second in command who would have taken over once I was cut down. Besides there is nothing I can do about it now except pray for them.” Alexis said with a bitter smile.
“The general always remains optimistic no matter the situation.” Margaret boasted. “I told you to just call me Alexis when the soldiers aren’t around.” Alexis scolded her. “Oh right, you were sleeping so let me say it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Gavin and this is Lieutenant Ivers but you can call her Ivy.” Gavin said looking at Margaret. “Why do you continue with that nickname.” Ivy grumbled. “Yes, I am Margaret Mardis. Thank you for healing General Mardis. I am forever in your debt.” Margaret said, bowing deeply.
“There is no need for that. I’m just glad you are both alright. Ivy and I are new to your world so could you tell us what that battle was all about?” Gavin asked. The girls seemed friendly enough but he was still worried they had picked the wrong side. Ivy seemed interested to hear the story as well as she faced their direction. He crossed his fingers as Alexis started telling the story.