"Alright lemme get this straight. Something weird is going on at Rioh, and you and I are going to investigate. The humans there are going nuts for no apparent reason, and only Casts are unaffected?"
"Those are the mission parameters, yes."
Xenmaru shrugged. "Ehh, whatever. Let's get going then."
What…is this strange tension in my chest? Is this…fear?
Upon arriving at the snow covered forest of Rioh, Xenmaru paused, twitching slightly.
"Hmm…nothing seems out of place…" Ogi noticed his companion's unusual movements.
"Are you unwell, Xenmaru?"
The dark skinned Newman stared at Ogi, obvious conflict in his eyes.
No shit Sherlock! Wait…no…there's no need to snap. What…what is this? I'm feeling like I'm horribly irritated…ready to lash out at the nearest person. No…I must focus.
He shook his head violently. The odd impulses began to fade.
"I'm…alright. Something is definitely odd here. Let's go."
Ogi looked at his partner, dubious, but concurred. "Very well."
The two proceeded through the snowy landscape, both of them separately noticing the sudden ferocity of the creatures there. They came, more numerous and fiercer than ever before. By the time they'd reached even a third of the way, Xenmaru was forced repeatedly to dip his hands into the snow, to wash off the blood upon them.
"How unusual." The Cast quipped, after one of these second long rests. "The hostiles here seem far wilder than before. As if all intelligence had been stripped from them."
Xenmaru simply nodded, not trusting his voice.
It's…like the slightest bit of irritation, even a tiny fragment, is enough to set me off. What the hell is going on here? If it weren't for my own personal fortitude, I'm certain I'd have lost myself to this haze of anger. But where does it come from?
They pressed on.
Xenmaru stared blankly, at the raving man wearing a miner's outfit before them. His hand twitched, his mind whispering sweet words into his subconscious, to simply unlock his blade, and cut down the impudent fool before him. The desire to see this man's blood stain the snowy ground with its crimson beauty was overwhelming, his urge to silence the moron before them very tempting…
But he held steady. And in the few seconds it took to fight back the urge to kill, the man had been directed to the teleporter back to the city, by Ogi.
"Well…that was unexpected."
I wanted to kill him. "Douchebag…" Was all Xenmaru could say. Any further and he risked revealing the feelings within.
"It is strange though." Ogi continued. "I swear we've encountered him before…and he wasn't like that."
"…keep moving." We have to keep going. If we do, there will be hostiles. And I can then flush this bloodlust out of my system.
I hope…
Through their final stretch, Ogi noticed differences in the way Xenmaru held himself. He seemed constantly tense, as if struggling with something. His battle movements were wild, almost feral. He'd put his sword away and begun simply beating things down with his bare hands, sometimes even triggering his Newman ability to lengthen his nails into claws, gutting Usannies and Reyhounds alike.
After every wave, however, he would slam his weapon, or his hands into the snow, and wash off the blood with the water created from a small Foie. It was after these moments, that he seemed to return to himself…but those instances where he looked as he usually did, were quickly becoming scarcer and scarcer.
They had reached the site, finding only scattered scraps of cloth, helmets and axes left behind. Xenmaru seemed to be twitching slightly, every few seconds. A series of roars around them and four Hildegao appeared. The giant white furred apes beat their chests before stomping their way to the two hunters.
Xenmaru drew his blade and instantly went on the offensive, ducking under meaty fists and cutting through tough skin as if it were but air. Ogi's rifle never ceased firing, even as the Cast watched in amazement as Xenmaru seemed to instinctively know where every shot was going, delivering cuts and moving ever so slightly out of the way so the photon bullets would slam right into the open wounds.
The Newman youth would kick off the ground, slamming his blade into one beast's back, dragging himself and his blade downward until a massive gash was opened into its spine, blood splattering everywhere. He rolled to the side, before slipping through the charging hostile's open legs, sparks jumping between his fingers as a massive bolt of electricity was launched into the open flesh.
All eight beasts were felled, as they came, four by four. Ogi's armor was dented slightly, where he took a hit from one, but Xenmaru seemed entirely unscathed.
The two then noticed something embedded in the side of a nearby cliff.
"This must be what was causing the reactions."
As Ogi examined the device, preparing to destroy it, something was happening within Xenmaru.
What…no…what is…oh...crap.
"Very well." Ogi stepped back and raised his rifle, ready to bash the emitter, when he was suddenly flung aside by an explosion of flame.
"Wh-what? Xenmaru, what are you-
"It's…it's not me! I…I can't control myself!"
Is this because…but why would it be reacting like this? No…is it…that I haven't wielded it? So it's overflowing? Damn…I knew I shouldn't have listened to Kai!
Ogi took aim at the device, only to roll to the side as a blast of electricity scorched the ground where he was.
"I…I can't let you destroy it. I don't know why, but my body won't allow it!"
I'm…impossibly angry. I want him dead…I want everyone dead…but why?
Chaos…the power…it's…dammit…at this rate…
"Ogi…" He whispered, clutching his head. The Cast stared at the Newman, uncertain.
"…kill me."
What?
"What?"
"Kill me! This…my power…it's out of control! The power of Chaos…the power from it…something is horribly wrong…it won't let me let you destroy that machine…but…if this continues…I'll…I'll become like Dark Falz! You have to kill me!"
"No! I refuse to slay a friend. I will destroy that machine!" He immediately was forced to the side, as a series of icicles flew through the air.
"Ogi…please…"
"No."
The two stared at each other.
"…then run. Run away, and don't look back. Get out of here…before it's too late!"
"I will not just leave you!"
"GO!" Xenmaru flung out his hand, exasperated. The power within him responded, and a massive wall of black slammed into the Cast, knocking him back down the path they took.
Ogi climbed to his feet, joints creaking, sparks flying from his back…one photoreceptor blinking in and out of existence. His internal systems claimed that shutdown was imminent, if he sustained any further physical stress upon his form.
"…I am sorry…my friend…"
He turned and ran.
I promise…we will save you.
Xenmaru watched him leave…felt, with his newly enhanced senses, that he'd almost reached the teleporter. He sighed in relief, the haze of rage slowly beginning to part, but still very prominent.
Time…I need…time.
I can do this. I am my own master. But this…was unexpected. I should have known…I should have realized…but…I can fix this. It is my power. And I can control it.
Ogi's presence fully vanished.
Alright…
Xenmaru sat down, clearing a space in the snow with a Foie spell, then evaporating the water with a Zondie.
Think Xen…think! This machine…it must be putting out a signal that affects the minds of life-forms in the area. Apparently it only affects organic beings…which explains why the hostiles in this area turned feral…and why the people that were here…as well as myself…had gone insane with fury.
It must…emit some form of subliminal message that overrides the natural defenses against emotion, and enhances darker feelings like rage and irritation. As long as I was calm, and we didn't speak, I wasn't under its full effects…
Amplification magnifies even the slightest bit into something large. Increasing potency as it grows, until it overwhelms the receiver…I am further effected due to the power I gained from Dark Falz…the natural negativity within the power of Chaos he wielded still remains…and is now enhanced by this unusual signal, the power leaking out due to my lack of use, taking the opening created within my psyche to overwhelm me.
But even so…like all feelings it can be purged, it can be removed. Yet…I see. I understand now…I can't just…lash out with the power. That won't help me in the long run.
Oh well…I have time now. Note to self: never listen to Kai's advice again.
The signal is harmonizing with the negativity within me. Even the slightest thought of others brings forth that bubbling anger. But I understand. And understanding is the first step to a solution.
I just need one thing…I need…Synchronicity.
Another day…more papers…as horrible as it sounds, I do wish we had another event like before…it's been a long time since I've been active…and I could definitely use the exercise.
The Mayor of Dairon City was behind his desk, looking over and stamping all manner of forms before him. It was boring work, but it needed to be done to have the town run smoothly, and he was the man to do it.
However…it would have to wait.
There was a loud banging on his door, and the Mayor stood up quickly, as the doors sprung open, Lindow carrying a battered looking Ogi, by the shoulders.
"Ogi? Ms. Lindow what is the meaning of this?"
It was Ogi, who answered.
"Mr. Mayor…we have…a very big problem…"
Synchronization…
Dark energy seeped out of Xenmaru's body as he meditated, hoping to understand and therefore contain the dark power he absorbed from the once eternal being.
Streams of inversion flew from his form, wrapping around the device that caused all this, creating a protective barrier around it.
One can never say the power of Darkness cannot form proper protections.
Restless…boredom…desire…
The power within him, while not fully sentient, was used to its strength being constantly wielded. Under Kai's advice, Xenmaru locked away that power within himself, never calling it out. It grew stronger in its forced oppression, and with the assistance of the unknown device, broke free of his considerable mental defenses.
Apology…comprehension…
Xenmaru threw himself into his subconscious mind, emitting continuous strands of apology towards the power within him, asking mentally for its understanding in his lack of it. His internal energy channels were wide open, the power flooding through his body as if he were made of it…and he welcomed it.
I'd accepted the power into myself…but I didn't give myself to the power in such a way that we would be equal…
The barrier around the device effectively locked its signal onto Xenmaru, blocking out its effects for anyone but him. Creatures that were on the verge of slaying their mates suddenly stopped, confused. Miners, researchers who were knocked unconscious by their comrades woke, the haze of anger no longer blocking their mental facilities, keeping them asleep in the cold.
Unfortunately, because of the growing unison between Xenmaru and the Chaos within him, any who approached, human or beast, would suddenly have a tendril of dark energy wrap around them…and they would disintegrate.
Humans and animals alike fled from the spectacle, animal instincts screaming that a much larger predator had appeared, one who could end them in seconds.
Almost there…just a bit more…
And then…it all fell apart.
"Alright people listen up."
The Mayor had called for his best hunters, Kai, Sarisa, Ogi and Reve, along with intelligence backup from Ana and Lindow.
"We've got our top hunter missing in the Rioh Snowfields. As far as we know, he's not moving, but he's currently very dangerous. Your goal is to get him back."
Sarisa had cried, she'd screamed, she'd raged…but she understood. Xenmaru had given Ogi the chance to flee. Whatever it was possessing him, she'd get it out of him, and never let him go.
Kai…on the other hand…was distrustful. His trust in Xen was already shaken with his beliefs on Mother Trinity…and having that sword in his face with the kids around wasn't very helpful either. On top of that, he knew that having Dark Falz's power within the Newman would be a bad thing…which is why he told Xen not to use it, that it would end up corrupting him.
And he was right.
Or at least, he believed he was right.
Ogi was resolved. He'd failed Xen twice before, the first time not listening to his orders against Dark Falz, which nearly got the Cast killed, and the second when he took too long in examining the unusual device…but he swore to himself he would not fail a third time.
Reve seemed unconcerned. Growing up, Xenmaru had always been a worthy opponent, but when he lost his memories and outright defied the Mother, Reve had been incensed. It didn't help that Reve's defeat kept coming at the younger Newman's hands…
Ana was a bit worried. While she wouldn't be going onto the field with them, they'd be bringing a portable device her people had made, to transmit a video feed back to the City, so they could give real-time advice when needed…but Xen was a cutie, in her eyes. A really good catch, but Sarisa had already gotten her claws into him. They made a cute couple, and it hurt, to see Sarisa messed up over Xen's turn.
Unknown to everyone, the Mayor was scared.
Xenmaru appeared out of nowhere, displayed abilities in battle that not even Mother Trinity's best warrior could match, intelligence, strategy…and impossibly dangerous logic. Xen's reasonings were always sound, and when you opened your mind to possibility, they always made sense…even when they were dark and unpleasant. However, the youth was now charged with Dark Falz's power, the power of a near literal God…
Since that day he'd been wary of the youth, but seeing his odd antics and how much in love he and Sarisa were, he'd put aside those feelings, reasoning that it better to treat him like an equal, and have that dangerous power on their side, than alienate him.
But now, it didn't matter. The power had apparently consumed him…and their task was to get him back…or…no. The Mayor did not let himself think of that.
"Go. I've no doubt of your success."
They all nodded. The four; Kai, Ogi, Sarisa and Reve all entered the teleporter, transporting to the Snowfields…
No…NO! Not them! Not now!
He could feel them. All four of them. Their presence brought back the irritation.
I told him not to return! Does he not trust me? Does he not think I can't handle this alone?
…no…he doesn't. They don't.
…they lied. They all lied. Those lying bastards…claming to be my friend…claming to trust me…to believe in me…and look at this. I told them not to return…I had this under control…I was so close…
But they didn't trust me. After everything I did. After killing a would-be goddess, after killing a GOD for them…after saving their lives, their reputations…they lied. They all lied.
The anger returned. Anger…born of a sense of betrayal.
…no…it's too late now. All I can do…is hope they survive…
Xenmaru separated his conscious mind from his body…an ability granted to those either under the Scion of Comprehension…or those with the power he wields. He threw himself deep into his mental core…
All that's left…is to purge the system…
Don't die…
…Sarisa…
"…I don't feel anything."
Ogi looked at Reve. "Indeed? How strange…"
"Maybe…maybe Xen blew it up?" Sarisa asked, hope in her voice.
"I don't know…if what Ogi…and the others said were right…"
"We cannot know until we find out. Let us move."
The group pressed through the snowy wastes, until reaching a location devoid of it.
"Uhh…" Kai looked around, confused.
"This is…where the device was…"
But before them was a black mass, covering the cliff…and standing before that mass…
"XEN!"
Sarisa ran forward, ready to hug the Newman, when she was forced to jump back, as a tendril of darkness slammed into the ground before her.
"X-Xen?"
"Dammit Xenmaru what are you thinking?" Reve yelled.
"Betrayal…"
Was the only thing they heard.
"Wh-what?"
"You lied…"
The other three had caught up to Sarisa. "What are you talking about?" Kai asked.
"You never trusted me. You were never my friends. You. All. Lied."
His back was to them. His silver-gray hair swaying in the wind.
"What lie? We spoke the truth. You are our friend!" Ogi was horribly confused.
"I told you…to stay away…Ogi. If you'd trusted me…you would have listened."
That gave the Cast pause. On the one hand…it made sense. If he'd trusted in Xen's unusual ability to control himself…but then on the other, it was because of his friendship with Xen, that he returned.
"We're here to save you Xen!"
"I told you where and how hard to strike, Kai. If you'd trusted me, we wouldn't have almost died against Dark Falz. I had to save your life, then literally punch sense into you."
"Tch…" He had a point. Kai didn't trust him…not fully. He'd ignored good advice, not believing the younger hunter to know what he was talking about…and his hubris almost cost them their lives.
"And of me, Xenmaru?"
"If you had simply listened to me, you wouldn't have almost had your arm blown off against that robot. A robot, that you once piloted against us."
"Hmm." Reve, while indignant, pushed it aside. He was correct. Reve didn't want to take orders from someone he viewed as…well, Reve wasn't a people person.
"What about me Xen? What greater trust is there but love itself?"
"…if you'd trusted me…Sarisa…you wouldn't have believed me to be the one randomly touching you in improper places."
That made her recoil. The…The Octo-Diablo? He…he still…but…
Unknown to them, he was still in there, deep beneath the waves of Chaos, but able to hear everything perfectly. That last one…it wasn't as solid. It reached. It had to look for a reason, where with the others, reasons came quickly. She is its weakness…Sarisa…
Ogi had come to a conclusion. Xen himself had either not fully put aside what had transpired in the past…or…
"Where is the device, Xenmaru?"
"Protected…behind my field."
"Why?"
"Because it opened my eyes. It let me see what I'd been ignoring all this time."
"And what the hell is that?" Kai yelled.
"That humans…existence as it is…is pointless."
They all stared. He'd become exactly like Dark Falz.
"…no…" Sarisa muttered, tears in her eyes.
"But…it would be equally pointless…to erase them…"
That confused them all.
"No…much rather…they will destroy themselves. Yes…as they always do…"
"Then…then come back to us Xen. Come home!"
"I have no home. I have nothing…but myself. I have no desire to commune with disgusting creatures of betrayal."
"We didn't betray you!"
"You did. You did when you decided to lie to me about your true thoughts. You betrayed me with your inability to face yourselves, and face me, with the truth."
"…we cannot argue against that…" Ogi stated.
"What do you mean?"
"He speaks…truth, even if it is horribly skewed. Everything he's said so far has been correct. Can we truly call it a friendship if we are not open with one another? Can we truly be called trusting, if we do not trust the other, and ourselves, with our true feelings?"
Nobody could answer. Even back at the city, those watching couldn't answer.
"I'm sorry…I'm so sorry Xen. I'm so very sorry! Please…" Sarisa dropped to her knees. "Please…come back to me…"
"…the device harmonized with the chaos within me."
Sarisa's head rose. What…?
"The signal it emitted created a disruption of neurons within organic minds, flushing them with irrationality. It hyper-activated even the slightest levels of irritation, until it became an explosive rage. I have created a sublimation field around it, keeping it from harm, for it awakened me to the truth…however it also causes the signal to be muffled. It cannot escape the vacuum of shadow. As such, it is attuned solely to me."
Ogi committed all that knowledge to memory. "What…does that mean for us?"
"It means if you want me to return, you must destroy the device…which I am protecting."
"Why? Why do we have to fight you?"
"Does it matter Sarisa? …we have no other choice." Kai answered.
"It does matter, fool." Now, they heard venom in his voice. Kai stepped back, he'd not been expecting to piss the Newman off.
"You didn't trust me. You didn't listen to me. And because of that, my attempts at comprehending and eventually controlling the Chaos within me through mutual Synchronicity has failed. Your return triggered the return of the irrational anger, which was mutated by my own subconscious into looking for reasons to be displeased with you.
Seeking logical reasons for displeasure, and upon finding them, they became enhanced, to the point where I want nothing more than to rip your fucking heads off, for your betrayal."
Sarisa's mind kept repeating one phrase. Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap.
"So now, my friends." He said this with extreme distaste. "If you wish to even think of making up for your betrayal…well…you'll just have to not die…now wont you?"
He turned around, as he did, he opened his eyes, which had remained closed since his meditations.
They stepped back in shock, his eyes were now a blood red…but not only that…as he moved, his hair became black.
"Xenmaru! Stop! We don't want to fight you!"
"It is too late." He spoke in an emotionless voice. "The Circle of Xen has been disrupted…the truth has become understood to be naught but a single essence. An existence factored and compacted together in a single form, a lone number…and that number..."
From his sides, his Radam mag flew to his back, at the ready. A blue and red glow surrounded his body, turning purple as the four objects aligned themselves to his back, like wings.
"Is Zero."
A/N: A continuation of my previous PSZero one-shot. This one takes place during the mission to Rioh Snowfield, where you have to track down an unusual device that makes people and creatures go nuts, your character included, if they're a fleshy.
This expands on my plot from the first "chapter", so before you bitch about none of it being canon, go read that.
This is a two-parter, the next part being right after this. No, I won't upload it as a completely different thing.
