BR/ESU-S4x/NU-022 Dark Pegasus

Developed from the HMT Majestic, this machine was highly classified and never released to the public. That was until its plan was leaked as the third edition of the Majestic, with the Ruby Kingship already in active service. Upon being hijacked by an interstellar AI, the machine would go on to become an infamous threat to Decholon. Being nicknamed the “Dark Pegasus” from the survivors of its attacks, it was said to possess unnatural and almost inhuman attack patters, which were unpredictable to even NU METACOM users. The Pegasus itself seemed to have an augmented NU METACOM System installed in itself (via BURST RAID System) which used an Interstellar Entity’s AI instead of a normal subroutine. This has caused the machine to override its pilot’s commands, proceeding to destroy anything in its path. As such, the AI has been reduced to that of a sentient voice, its actions made through an AWOL LCDM Pilot under the name Nightwatch.

Technology and Combat Characteristics
Not much is known about the Dark Pegasus, as its attacks were almost (coincidentally) always at night. The most those it opposed were able to see were a glowing pair of violet eyes, and a black glowing pair of blades. It would often dash behind its enemies using its thrusters at astounding speeds, impaling or severing their limbs with its swords. Other times, it was known to leap high above its enemies, and pin them to the ground using its clawed feet, tearing them to shreds. The ranged weapons it did have it seldom used, only using them to intercept approaching enemies. It did not use any type of shield, instead utilizing a ballistic cloak that covered the glow of its Reactor and thrusters. This gave the Pegasus the look of a shrouded reaper.

Armaments
- Darkblade Longswords: A pair of Anti-Armor Sabers fine-tuned towards deadly precision attacks. Their edges are lined with a prototype upgrade to the Heat Edges known as the Lambent Edges. These are much quicker in melting through Nanolaminate Armor, and this compounded with the incredible speed of the Dark Pegasus results in dangerously clean cuts.

- 80mm Forearm Autocannons: An 80mm autocannon is mounted on each of the forearms. They are the most effective only at close range, and thus should be used as an emergency alternative to the Darkblades.

- Core Mounted Destroyer Gun: (EC-07) A prototype laser weapon that resembles the firepower that of the EC-07 GT-M-LC. Consisting of a Megaparticle Amplifier fitted over the Unit's Gyrotumbler, it is capable of firing a three-second laser beam that has an impressive range, and usually can only be fired once as to not completely drain the energy of the unit's Fusion Drive. This weapon was only created by the designs of DESTINY_RUNNER.

Special Equipment and Features
- FrameBreaker Targeting Helm: A Prototype Targeting System that detects and highlights the unique metals of Garrisai Frames in an infrared light. This allows for the Pegasus to specifically attack the joints and exposed armor plates of enemy Garrisai, making it a extremely deadly force. The only flaw in this system is that all other visual abilities are impaired, thus causing tunnel vision for the pilot in combat. When in use, the Pegasus’ visor will slide down over the eye cameras, causing the visor itself to turn red.

- Pegasus Wings: This prototype backpack unit was designed to test the limits of what the HMT II system could do. Consisting of a pair of folding booster pod “wings,” they would allow heightened movement, accelerated jumps and evasive maneuvers. In order to compensate for their power consumption, the added Gyrotumbler is supported by two external fuel canisters. When in use, they unfold to form a large pair of wings. It would eventually be detached from the Pegasus and refitted onto the Archangel.

- Clawed Grapple Feet: These lockdown anchor systems allow for the unit to employ a variety of leg attacks, and can even trap enemy units within its grasp. They are capable of affixing the unit to ceilings and walls, and with use of the Pegasus' strong thrusters, allow it to get the drop on its enemies. Without a designated flight kit, however, sticking the landing can sometimes be a problem. They were originally intended to test the balancing of the Pegasus at high speeds, as well as its ability to stop during flight.

- Utility Cloak: A large ballistic fiber cloth that provides a surprisingly decent amount of protection against conventional weaponry. Originally used to cover Garrisai Units for transport or storage, it has been recycled for use as a utility for the Pegasus. It is draped over the machine's shoulders like a textile cloak when in use.

- DESTINY_RUNNER: [REDACTED]

History
When the DESTINY_RUNNER, (or Des) was installed into the Dark Pegasus, it was devoid of all armor and weapons as it was still in its testing phase. Without any sort of host, they were unable to move and thus had to resort to implanting visions into nearby entities (similar to how John would find Les). When LCDM Spy Calvin LaMaris escaped into the machine’s cockpit, Des took up the opportunity to mind-control him and finally setting the Pegasus free. Des went on to haphazardly armor the Pegasus with parts lying around in its hangar, and equipped itself with weapons. The feet were already equipped with the lockdown-anchors, which would instead become known as the Clawed Grapple Feet.

After the events of Duality, the Pegasus did not participate in the defense of Decholon since its BURST RAID System went haywire and caused atrocities beyond human nature. Even if its formerly corrupt AI construct “Des” had been removed, the machine could still not be trusted under the control of another pilot. This would be until Dominic Ramirez, who had disconnected from the LCR, found the Pegasus’ frame still intact. It was being held in a Citadel separate from any other machine, but was operational enough to allow him to use it. The following list shows which machines stole parts from the Pegasus beforehand that led to its frame being stripped.

- Pegasus Wings: Archangel

- Clawed Grapple Feet: Zephyr FC

- Darkblade Longswords: Predator

- 80mm Autocannons: Kept

- C-MDG (Spreading Barrel): Firestorm

When Dom first launched in the Pegasus after the destruction of the Excalibre, he was only equipped with an AA Saber, FrameBreaker Helm, HMT II Thruster Kit, and the empty 80mm Autocannons (Plus the BURST RAID System). The Heat-Resistant Mantle (Utility Cloak), 4x Movable Sheaths, Nanolaminate Gauntlet Shields, External Thruster Units, God Twinbows, and PARIS System would all be equipped later.

Trivia
- Sponsored by Instinct Corp.

- Dark Pegasus is piloted by the mysterious pilot Nightwatch, which was the alias taken by the presumed dead Calvin LaMaris. He is manipulated by the CS AI, and will destroy any Garrisai it encounters. This is revenge for the loss the Interstellar Beings took during the FGC.

- The Pegasus was actually just an identical copy of the Kingship’s frame/design, but with the IMS-AI replacing the LES(LIE) BURST RAID System. Also, its operating system puts less control in the hands of the pilot.

- The Kingship is designed to resemble a Unicorn with its horn, while the Pegasus is aptly named to resemble a Pegasus with its wings. Neither have the other’s equipment, making each of them unique.

- “Fueled by the hatred in my heart, I shall rise.”

- AKA High-Mobility Black Frame