Chapter 2, Choices To Be Made -
Alliwyn walked down the lit corridor, the sound of her heels echoing off the walls. The fresh smell of the A. base was comforting after being planet side. She stopped, her eyes closing as she inhaled a deep breath.
"Glad to be back I see." She jumped, eyes popping open and shifting to who startled her.
"Yeh Lysian." She replied in the Aligarmin tongue. Alliwyn smiled warmly as he walked to kiss her forehead.
"Emoclew kcab, my sister." He gestured down the hall. "The meeting is soon, walk with me?"
"Of course." She took up stride beside him.
"How goes the recruiting?" Alliwyn shook her head.
"Niviniti are stubborn. It would seem we can't negotiate, we'll have to take extra measures to assure he cooperates." Lysian chuckled.
"I see, and what of the girl?" He opened a door, allowing her in first.
"Couldn't reach her. Couldn't even get her parents to say where she might be. Someone has control over them." Lysian's face screwed up in wonder.
"Control hm? To stop from speaking with A. personnel? Interesting." Alliwyn sat down, folding her legs and shrugging.
"More of a fear tactic of some thug or similar."
"You could have them arrested for no compliance and questioned in Avallone." Lysian suggested.
"I thought of that as well. But I figured in most cases such as this, they probably really have no idea where she is. Best to let her turn up."
"Things are never easy," he said laughing.
"Never."
The door opened, three more people walking in, one sporting the gold color in his clothing, The Admiral. Alliwyn and Lysian stood, saluting.
"At ease." Everyone took seats. "Mission reports from Project A.P.T and Project R.E.T." Eyebrows elevated at this.
"R.E.T Sir?"
"Yes, R.E.T is a new project just set into development, led by Major Kilkrina." Alliwyn looked at her brother as he bowed his head. "Major, your details?" Admiral Yoshitune directed toward Lysian.
"The utmost success Admiral, we're moving at one-hundred percent, completion time should be at the predicted date, perhaps earlier."
"Good, as expected Major." Naja rolled her eyes. "Progress on A.P.T." The Admiral directed this at Naja first. Naja shook her head, opening a folder with several files in it. Lysian grinned.
"I've checked out Anna and Cyprian, both of which were as we had documented. I have yet to see Izioya Akemi." She filtered through the papers. "Kamui Nio appears to know the legal system well, for he told us his rights and demanded we leave him be unless given information why we were there. Permiss…"
"Denied," the Admiral boomed.
"Sir, just a bit. Any can assure the right assessment on him. But I can no longer be in that area without a permit."
"It is your job Lieutenant, to ensure you have the correct assessment." Naja bit her lip in distaste. "Whether you have to threaten him, his closest friends, family. See that you get that assessment!"
"Yes Sir."
"Now, continue."
"Umm…this Damorian kid…All they have is a first name. No address, no LDnPID or REC registry, which is against the law. Nothing on him. To even FIND him for an assessment, I need more."
"I'm not interested in your needs Lieutenant, I'm interested in you doing as ordered and bringing the boy here."
"How can I do that without proper information…Sir?"
"You are a trained A. Soldier. Obtain! The proper information Lieutenant! You need nothing but subdue and capture this one and bring him to me."
"Is he dangerous?"
"He is unstable."
"I see."
"Lieutenant, the dead line is around the corner. I do hate to pressure you, but I encourage you get your task finished soon, or action will be taken." Admiral Yoshitune smirked.
"Yes…Sir." His eyes shifted to Alliwyn.
"How went things with young Neovo?" Alliwyn made a face.
"He's stubborn." Yoshitune chuckled.
"He's his Step-Fathers son." Lysian chuckled. Alliwyn shifted in her seat, leaning forward.
"Regardless, on free will, he declined to take up his post. We're going to have to take her to ensure he does what he pledged." Yoshitune grinned wide at her words.
"This shall become interesting." Eyebrows were hoisted up once more. Lysian finally spoke up.
"Why is that Admiral?" The Admiral grinned more still.
"Why Major, because once we piss him off, he's going to bring hell itself to our doorstep." Naja's eyes widened.
"Surely he wouldn't be stupid enough to attack Avallone?" Yoshitune chuckled, crossing his arms.
"You'd be surprised what a Niviniti will do to protect something." He said this with an air of remembering it more than stating it. Lysian glanced over at Alliwyn. Her eyes were on the floor, remembering the face that had filled with rage. 'You touch her and I'll make sure all of you that lay the finger die.' Alliwyn let out a breath. This is becoming troublesome.
"I expect a report next week, dismissed." They all rose. "And Alliwyn."
"Yes Admiral?"
"I'd suggest a Level 9-A unit accompany you when and if you take her and Eleyon is in the area." Her eyes grew in size.
"L-Level 9 Sir? He's just a boy, what could…"
"It's your choice, but you have permission to assemble one." He walked out the room, the personal guard following after him. Alliwyn fell back into her seat. Level 9-A for this boy? She ran her fingers through her slender hair. Very troublesome indeed.
The Buzzing noise rang through the house again. This however wasn't enough to wake Eleyon. A voice calling his name and pulling back his blankets was however. He grunted, slowly shifting into a sitting position and shielding his eyes from the light.
"Finally!" the childish voice rang out. The sound of the door buzzer filled the air again.
"What?" Eleyon muttered sleepily.
"Someone's at the door." He raised an eyebrow, listening to the buzzing noise he'd been unaware of before. He stared at her.
"I was asleep," he grunted, leaning to look around at a clock, grunting again.
"Well you forbid me answering for strangers." He rolled back onto his side, yawning.
"And what else did I tell you?" the girl rolled her eyes.
"Ignore them long enough and they'll leave…but Eley!"
"Exactly. Go play a game or something." He pulled the blankets back over his head as the buzzer sounded again. The girl scoffed and tugged the blankets down again. Eleyon groaned.
"What?"
"They've been ringing the buzzer for ten minutes now. They know we're inside. They won't leave." Eleyon sat up rubbing his head.
"Ten minutes eh? Jeez…okay, okay. I'll handle it." She smiled.
"Thankies!" He sighed.
"Yeah, yeah." Grabbing his beanie and headphones, he kicked his legs over the side of the bed. Idiots, messing up my sleep. He pulled the beanie on, slinging the headphones around his neck and heading to the door. The little girl was scurrying around the kitchen, cooking what appeared to be breakfast. She turned when she saw him walking to the door.
"Shut up!" Eleyon called out at the buzzer, opening the door. He lifted a tired eyebrow, two men stood in front of him. One smirking, the other looking admiring. He knew one. Fellow Arena Fighter, Ryota Tamura. Eleyon grunted.
"What do you want?" He shifted the headphones to cover his ears. The girl crept behind him, peeking around Eleyon to see who was at the door.
"As long as you took, you could have put some clothes…" Ryota started, but his friend interrupted.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Trace, it really is." Eleyon shifted his gaze to him and so did Ryota, with disgust.
"Don't call him that you suck up."
"Oh, right!" he laughed. Ryota shook his head, looking at Eleyon.
"Look, can you guys hurry up or scatter or something? I was kinda sleeping before you raped the door buzzer." Iggy laughed.
"Funny man! I like that one." Ryota elbowed him, pulling papers out his pocket. He thrust them in Eleyon's face to read. Eleyon yawned, rubbing his eyes before letting them skim over the paper. He looked up at Ryota, still an uncaring look occupying his face. Ryota clenched his fist. Thought he'd be more bothered.
"Hey Enjoli," Eleyon said, addressing the girl.
"Hmm?" she looked up him with wide auburn eyes.
"I think I smell the food burning." Her eyes widened more still and she ran off for the kitchen. Eleyon turned his eyes to Ryota.
"That Aligarmin put you up to this?" he muttered slowly.
"Who? Look," Ryota waved the paper. "We know you're Illidies Step-Son or whatever."
"So?" Eleyon retorted. "Did the Aligarmin give you this?"
"No. I looked it up myself."
"What are you doing looking me up?"
"Shut up!" Ryota glared. Eleyon shrugged.
"Whatever, just hurry up and finish what you need to say."
"You're Eleyon Neovo, you're lying to the world claiming to be a twenty-six year old named Trace Evans." Eleyon yawned again.
"Yeah…"
"It's like he doesn't care bro." Iggy stammered.
"And!" Ryota continued. "You know you can be put away for age, name, REC fraud? Not to mention Arena Fighting as a minor?" Eleyon rubbed his head.
"Clearly I knew that, thus the reason for the age and name change."
"Don't get smart." Ryota grabbed a fist full of his shirt. Eleyon looked down at his hand, then up at him.
"Is there a reason you're getting physical with me?"
"You want this kept secret?"
"I guess." Eleyon shrugged.
"Cut the 'not give a damn' bullshit. Didn't know you had a daughter, but given you're not twenty-six, I take it that's the little sister. You want this to be the last time you see her?" At this, Eleyon's eyes squinted, only slightly and for a second, a micro expression. "I want Losi. I want access to your account, able to get as much as I please." Iggy looked at him in surprise, mouth open.
"You came to blackmail him man?"
"Iggy please…shut up." Ryota held up a pen for Eleyon to take. "Write it on the back of these papers." Eleyon stared at him, non-blinking. The air was still, silent except for the soft sound of music from the headphones. Ryota glared, trying to hold the gaze. What's with this guy? He's not mad, hasn't tried anything. He doesn't even care. Eleyon looked down, writing the number on the paper, handing it to Ryota. Heh, he's scared. A scared little boy trying to play cool.
"Pleasure doing business with you." Ryota turned around folding the papers.
"What if it's the wrong pin?" Iggy asked, looking back at Eleyon. Ryota stopped, turning around.
"I hope you wrote the correct pin. If I can't get into the account, these papers will be on the evening news, your career over, your sister gone and A. soldiers will be kicking down your door." Eleyon yawned.
"It's the pin."
"Good boy." Ryota turned again, grinning. That went smoothly.
"Hey," Eleyon called out. Ryota stopped once more.
"Yes?" Eleyon tilted his head, looking at Ryota with interest.
"You're in the finals match aren't you?"
"Uh…yeah." For the first time, a sign, a clear sign of emotion. Eleyon grinned.
"I'll see you in three days then." Eleyon turned and the door slid closed behind him. Ryota looked taken aback, him and Iggy stood quietly, before Iggy finally stammered.
"What the hell does that mean?" Ryota sat quiet a bit longer, staring with wide eyes at the closed door. He couldn't bring himself to say what he thought Eleyon's comment meant. Ryota unfolded the papers and looked at the pin number. He couldn't have meant he's gonna attempt to kill me in the Finals.
Alliwyn sat in the base cafeteria at a lone table, sipping at the now cold coffee in her glass. Several papers lay in front of her, but one caught her attention more than the others. Eleyon Neovo. She stared down at the picture of him, more than looking at the image however, she was remembering standing in front of him. Feeling his eyes digging into her, his voice filling her ears. 'You touch her and I'll make sure all of you that lay the finger die.' Alliwyn closed her eyes as she lay her face in her hands, letting out a long sigh. Level 9-A. Is he so dangerous? This boy, this 'Son' of Illidies? A memory of Commodore Illidies Neovo flooded her mind and quickly splashed away.
Alliwyn opened her eyes as she heard the legs of a chair scrap the floor, being pulled back as Naja sat down across from her. Naja tossed the folder she was carrying on the table.
"Ass kissing doesn't run in your family does it?" Alliwyn laughed.
"Lysian does seem to have the Admirals favor." Naja rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair.
"How an ass like him became the Admiral, I'll never know." Alliwyn shrugged, sipping coffee again.
"It's an assholes job truthfully. Having to come down on people all the time."
"I guess. He practically threatened me if I don't have those assessments by next week."
"You're always mouthy with him." Alliwyn retorted.
"Only because he has a gift of being a jerk when addressing me," Naja scoffed. "He's got it out for me." Alliwyn rolled her eyes.
"You should still respect Rank Naja."
"But of course! I should kiss more ass like Lysian." Naja puckered up her lips, causing both of them to giggle. "Wonder what the Admiral has him working on. Project R.E.T." Naja said after they'd collected themselves. Alliwyn's ears perked up a bit. With her mind on Eleyon, she'd completely forgotten about Project RET.
"You think it's another team?"
"Maybe," Naja replied, brushing her white hair behind her ear. "But if that's the case I'd think he'd have just told us. I'm thinking it's something more. What with all the new drastic changes as of late, his sudden appointing as Admiral, the disappearing of the Commodore with no search team. I mean what is the PL up to in the High Towers of Avallone? Of all things we need stability, not this." Alliwyn nodded.
"Suppose he has some plan. But UAP is getting numbers by the day. And truth be told, we may out match them in tech, but no matter how weak individually, a mob represents a threat. It's been ages since anyone has seen the PL or the High Tower Council men." Naja sighed, leaning forward and causing her hair to fall back around her face.
"I don't have time to worry about it anyway. I have to worry about my assessments and this Damorian boy sounds like a problem." Eleyon popped back into Alliwyn's head. Her worry must have shown on her face, because Naja stared at her.
"Really, I'm sure he isn't Level 9-A dangerous." Alliwyn looked down at the picture of Eleyon. No one really knows what a Niviniti can do…not fully. That's what the Commodore was for. That's why he adopted them, to watch them. Naja leaned towards her, following her gaze.
"Is that him?" Alliwyn went to put the papers in the folder, but Naja grabbed up the picture, squinting and gazing at it. "The 'Son' of Illidies. Hmm, cute little bad boy isn't he?" Alliwyn snatched the picture. "What about him is bugging you so much?" Alliwyn shook her head.
"He said something to me." Naja raised her eyebrows.
"What'd he say? Convince you you're doing bad?" Alliwyn hesitated, feeling this would sound foolish to ears other than her own.
"He said if we touch her…he'll kill all of us." Naja looked hard at her before bursting out laughing. Alliwyn shifted her to eyes to her.
"That's it? A minor threat? And what, you believe him?"
"You don't understand…" Alliwyn gathered up her papers as Naja laughed more.
"Alli, we're A.. You've been threatened before…"
"This was different though."
"Really? When did you become such a softie? You could beat him yourself." Naja laughed harder still, but this only brought more of Eleyon's words to Alliwyn's troubled thoughts. After all, why would the Admiral suggest a Level 9-A to someone who she could beat alone, who wasn't a threat?
"Yeah," Alliwyn muttered, forcing laughter.
"Seriously, I wouldn't bring a Level 9, hell not even a Level 1. Be nice if I was given clearance for a Level 9-A for this Damorian boy. I was given a Level 2-D. Come on, that's three standard troops for someone the Admiral says is unstable. He hates me."
"We can swap." Alliwyn said laughing. Naja made a face.
"I wish. Anyway," she said, standing. "I better get going. Gotta head planet side and work on these assessments. I'll see you later."
"See ya Naja, good luck. Keiyzo be with you."
"Thanks." Alliwyn flopped back in her chair, running her fingers through her hair. Level 9-A.
Nalli-Mio walked through the store, not really looking for anything. She sighed.
"Minako, can you hurry up?" Minako pulled a shirt off the rack.
"What about this one?" Mio stared at her. She's not even listening.
"Seriously. I need to turn in my app today. I didn't bring you so you could shop." Mio looked around. Spotting Minako walking into the dressing room. "Minako?" Mio sighed. She's never listening.
Mio let out a breath, walking around the store looking at the racks of clothing. A black dress caught her eye. Slowly, she walked to it, entranced by it, finally stopping to stand in front of it. Mio blinked, gazing at the dress before her gentle hand slid out to grab it. But as her fingertips brushed the fabric, someone grabbed her. Mio jumped a foot in the air as Minako laughed.
"Come on, let's go." Mio nodded, clutching her chest. As they walked out the store, Mio turned back to look at the black dress.
"So, shouldn't you have brought your bass?" Mio shook her head.
"Doesn't say I'll need to play anything." Mio stated, pulling the paper out to read over it again. Minako smiled big running in front of Mio and walking backwards. Mio raised her eyes from the paper.
"Aren't you excited Nalli? Going to a music school. You could become famous!" Mio's eyes widened. F-Famous? "Then you can meet someone like Trace Evans!" Minako made a dreamy look. "He can be your older lover. Of course, you'll be taking me with you everywhere you go!" Minako gave her a thumbs up. Mio flushed and shook her head.
"It's nothing like that!"
"Oh?" Minako smiled. "Your constant staring says otherwise." Mio looked down at the paper again.
"It-It was because he looked so young." Minako laughed as they walked up the street. She leaned over Mio's shoulder, looking at the paper.
"So hey, think of anything you're gonna wear for the start of school ball?" Mio thought back to the black dress again.
"I found something."
"Really? Sheesh! I haven't found anything I like or that looks good at least." Minako stopped in front of the gate of the school, looking down the lane at the doors. Mio walked up beside her, sucking in a breath. She thought the walk here would take longer than it had. Mio pushed open the gate and walked to the doors, looking back to spot Minako, who flashed her the thumbs up again. Mio took another deep breath and walked inside the big doors to the school.
Mio looked around as the echo of the large doors closing behind her sounded in the hall, making her heart pound. It's so big, where do I have to go? Pulling out the paper once more, her eyes skimmed over it. Room 120, second floor. Mio gazed up at the grand staircase.
"Okay then." she trudged up the stairs, humming lightly to herself. Several students walked past Mio, but her humming kept her in her own state of mind as she walked to her destination. Only when she heard someone mimicking her humming modulation did she stop and look around her. Sitting in a door way was a grinning boy, much older than her, humming the melody. Mio tilted her head as he finished out the tune.
"You have good taste." Mio nodded quietly as he chuckled. "Shy one, no worries. I'm Kamui Nio. I take it you're headed to room 120. You're heading the wrong way." He pointed down the hall in the opposite direction. Mio's eyes followed his gaze.
"Oh, thank you." Kamui smiled.
"No worries." Mio went to hurry off, but she felt a hand wrap around hers to stop her. Mio's heart began to pound as she slowly turned around.
"I didn't uh, get your name." Mio flushed in the face, trying to move her hand out his grasp. His fingers were trickling against hers. "Your hands are crazy soft, except at the fingertips," he held her hand in his, moving his fingers along her own, inspecting it. "You must play Guitar, or Bass." Mio nodded. "So how bout that name?" he grinned.
"Um, Nalli. Nalli-Mio." Kamui bowed.
"A pleasure to be the first to greet you as a fellow student." He let her hand go and Mio nodded. Quickly hurrying off down the hall. Kamui put his hands behind his head. "Least there's one cutie coming in."
Mio panted heavily as she walked at a brisk pace down the hall, her feet tapping against the carpeted ground. Shifting her eyes she looked behind her but the boy didn't seem to be following her. Mio lay a hand over her heart, sucking in a deep breath. What was that about? Gosh, Minako's right. A boy touches me and I run for the nearest exit.
Mio moved her hair out her face, looking down the hall seeing if she could spot the boy. I could have been a bit nicer. He was just greeting me after all. Mio looked around her, glancing at the brass numbers over the doors. Room 120. Mio smiled.
"I made it." She sighed with relief, laying her hand on the door. However the instant her fingers grazed the cold metal of the handle fright and nerves filled her like an overflowing cup. I…I can't do this. What if they ask me to play for them…oh no. As she stammered in her internal battle, she felt a hand lay on top of hers, pushing the door open. Mio clapped her other hand to her mouth to stop herself from screaming and looking a fool. She lifted her eyes to see the face of the boy once more, grinning.
"You looked like you needed some help. Don't worry, they won't bite." Mio could only nod nervously as he motioned for her to move into the room. Mio slid inside as the door closed. She looked up at the six people sitting behind the long table. She bowed her head.
"N-Nalli-Mio Avikai. Ten o'clock appointment."
Ryota rubbed his forehead, looking up at the Losi Exchange Center. Ever since the other day, the day he found out about Eleyon, confronted him at his own home, blackmailed him. In that short span of time, he's gone near mad with what, he didn't know. He lost all sleep last night and this day alone, has been bothersome entirely. As he sat, he started to wish he had heeded Iggy's advice and just left things as they had been. He didn't need the Losi from Eleyon, why blackmail him? Was fear of Eleyon's last comment really on his mind so much as to keep him from sleeping? Ryota let out a breath. It's no worries, let's just do this.
He rose the door to his car and stepped into the street, running his fingers through his hair nervously. What if they know what Eleyon looks like, and when they see me, they'll raise the alarm? Ryota shook his head. Please, there isn't anyone that observant. His eyes darted from person to person as they walked the street, his mind racing with what he was about to do. He'd never blackmailed someone before. Ryota suddenly froze rigid.
A spiky haired boy, walking with a girl on his back. Ryota starred at the boy, his eyes widening and then the boy blinked, his eyes reopening to face Ryota, slowly a grin spread over his face. Ryota stumbled backwards, gears sounding off as the device on his wrist began to spin and open up. He's following me?
"Go ahead and try it now Neovo! Do it now!" Ryota yelled, aiming the Aura bladed bow toward the boy. Ryota stopped, looking around. He looked back at the startled school boy as people started to whisper, point and even pull out Coms to alert A..
"I'm-I'm sorry." Ryota switched off the weapon, clambering back into his vehicle, pulling the paper out and looking at it. You wanna play Neovo? We can play then. Ryota crumpled the paper, putting the car in gear and driving off.
Mio walked out the building, her face flushed. Minako gazed up sleepily at her.
"You were in there forever!" Mio looked at her.
"It was only twelve minutes."
"What took so long?" Minako asked, rubbing at her eyes. Mio thought back to the boy that stopped her.
"The judges were old and slow."
"Sooo?" Minako bounced around. Mio rubbed the back of her head.
"Maybe I should join another school." Minako's mouth fell open.
"They rejected you?" Mio waved her hands.
"No, no. They want me to play for them tomorrow." Mio looked to the side.
"Well then, that's good! You'll get accepted then, no problem." They started walking.
"I don't think I can play in front of people yet." Mio put her hands over her face." Embarrassing." Minako gave her a look.
"You'll do fine. Now let's go to my house and do my school work." Mio laughed, her thoughts drifting back to the black dress. I want that. She thought to herself as they pushed open the gate and walked down the road, blending with the rest of the crowd.
Eleyon leaned back in his chair, lacing his hands behind his head as he sported a grin.
"You know Enjoli, you're getting great at cooking." The auburn eyes of Enjoli Neovo looked up, swallowing.
"Really? Its takes awhile but I think I finally understand these cooking devices." She tilted her head in thought. "I wish I could just cook like NiNi used to. It's easier." Eleyon sighed.
"You know we can't. We talked about this tons of times."
"I know, I know." She forked at her food.
"Besides, I got A. all over my ass now. Appears they found out Trace is Eleyon." Enjoli looked up at him again.
"Really? Well…what all do they know?" Eleyon shrugged, leaning back in the chair again.
"I don't know. I plan to find out though. Those guys that came by the other day were asking questions too. Knew we were adopted by Illidies." Enjoli's forehead scrunched up.
"How are they finding this? We buried all that info before we left Avallone." Eleyon shrugged again.
"We may have to move again." Enjoli lowered her head, letting out an annoyed breath. "Hey, I don't like it anymore than you do. But if you'd rather be a servant to A. you're willing to stay. But I made a promise to dad I plan to keep." Enjoli shook her head, her fork dropped onto her plate with a light clatter.
"It's just, we should be out looking for NiNi, Oba-Ni, and O-sya. Not trying to hide and make a living here, away from A.." Eleyon rubbed his eyes.
"We saw the temples, they were ruined. Mom and Dad probably left out too."
"They wouldn't leave without us." Eleyon put his hands behind his head.
"We were caved in, they couldn't find us." Enjoli stood, grabbing up her plate.
"And what about everyone else? The council, the Ni-Soya. They left to? To make a living? Their very job was to protect our people and what we were. To preserve us always." Eleyon shrugged.
"Probably. The Temples were destroyed, what was left to preserve? Pebbles?" Enjoli scoffed.
"Just what is this place anyway? No temples, A., monsters running about, barriers. Oba-Ni was fighting those Demons. All our people were. And now, there are no Niviniti or Demons around." She laid her dishes in the sink, the water turned itself on, rinsing the plate and sending it into the washer to be cleaned. "Eley, you know our people. They would be re-building, yet the temples lay ruined. We found no one, and since we've been here, I haven't seen a single Niviniti." Eleyon let the legs of his chair hit the floor, quieting her.
"I know what you're thinking. What you want to say, so don't say it." The buzzer rang, causing both of them to look in the direction of the door. Eleyon stood up, walking a few paces before stopping and looking back at her. "Don't you even think it anymore." Enjoli hung her head, her pink hair collecting around her face. What if we are Gei-Sya, what if we are.
Eleyon walked to the door, clicking the pad and sliding it open. Ryota stood in front of him. Eleyon raised an eyebrow.
"You again?" Ryota raised his fist and slammed it into Eleyon's face, launching him backwards into the wall, cracking it. Eleyon shook his head, ducking suddenly as Ryota's fist smashed into the wall. Ryota pulled his fist from the wall, blood dripping from it. He lunged at Eleyon again, however Eleyon had collected himself.
Ryota swing right, stepping into the punch. Eleyon caught him at his forearm, twisting the arm to spin Ryota around, pressing the palm of his other hand into his back to shove him away.
"What are you doing?" Eleyon called at him. Ryota huffed not saying anything, the sound of gears shifting rang in Eleyon's ears, the Aura Blade Bow around Ryota's wrist activating. Ahh, someone's serious about this.
"Enjoli! Staff!" Eleyon scrambled backwards, rolling off to the left as Ryota's fingers strummed across the energy blade, firing a plasma arrow.
"Not so confident now are you 'Trace'!"
"What are you on about eh?" Ryota's foot hit into Eleyon's chest, pinning him up against the wall as an arrow followed, exploding against Eleyon, crumbling the wall around him.
"You wanted to play Eleyon, so play!" Ryota readied to strum his fingers over the energy bow, but something slammed into the side of his body, smashing him up against the wall. Enjoli's body shone aqua blue as she held a torrent of water against Ryota's body, a short gust of wind blowing a short stick towards the pile of rubble. Ryota gargled on the water, sucking in a heavy breath before blowing out a steady stream of fire, turning the water to steam before it reached him. Enjoli gasped.
"Gei-sya!"
"Play?" Eleyon's voice sounded off. "You blackmail me, mess up my house. Threaten my sister. Oh, I'm going to play!" Ryota glared. So she knows how to manipulate energy as well, water and wind. Interesting. Ryota kicked off the wall, twisting down the torrent of water and rolling in front of the glowing Enjoli.
"Don't know what energy makes your body glow in this fashion, but you're going to feel my Bow if you get in the way girl." Enjoli's eyes now transferred to the aqua blue glow as she lit her hands on fire.
"I will defend my family and home with my life!" Ryota took a step back as the wave of heat from the flames brushed him. Fire as well! This girl, the sister of Eleyon, Daughter of Illidies. Ryota glared, moving each finger over the blade, firing many arrows at Enjoli. Debris shot about, more of the wall exploding away. As the dust cleared, Ryota saw an ice wall, chipped and cracked, standing in front of the glowing girl, before the ice melted and rushed around her. Where is she getting these elements from? There isn't ice in sight anywhere.
"Leave! Now!" Ryota raised the Aura blade to her again.
"Don't you even." Eleyon's hand grabbed onto Ryota's wrist, using wind to tug the stick to him. The stick extended into a staff. Ryota spun on his heel, moving to knee Eleyon. The knee meet Eleyon's palm, stopping it as Eleyon's hand closed around the staff handle.
"Arghh!" Ryota slammed his head back into Eleyon's face, sending him backwards. Ryota collected himself, twisting around and bringing up the bow, strumming his fingers over it. Firing four arrows at Eleyon. Eleyon twisted his hand on the staff, a metallic shield rotating and extending to cover him as the arrows crashed into it. Enjoli ran forward, the ice wall cracking and shattering down into water around her. She lifted herself with it, sliding down it to kick into Ryota. Ryota stumbled back, firing an arrow into the ground to rain debris over them. Enjoli covered her face as it fell over her, her aqua bright eyes scanning to spot Ryota. Ryota ducked under her, bringing his fist up into her abdomen. Enjoli let out a gasp of pain as she was lifted off her feet from the blow and dropped to the ground. Recovering quickly, Ryota spun and fired a steady rain of arrows at the shield, moving the heel of his foot to kick into Enjoli for a final blow. Enjoli crumpled to the ground, the glow on her body slowly dimming.
"You can't block them all Eleyon! You have to attack to win." Eleyon slid back from the force of the arrows.
"Best offense is a great defense!" Eleyon shouted back.
"Is that so? Show me then!" Eleyon's own eyes starting to glow a bright gold behind the shield, several letters and numbers started to appear around him. Over the puddle of water around Enjoli, the splintered wood from the floor, the rock from the wall, even the blood from Ryota's hand. All the codes that made these things was now visible to him, now in his ability to use. Eleyon dug his foot into the ground, the wood around Ryota began to shatter, forming a large boot that rose above Ryota. The green eyes gazed up in a hysterical grin.
"This is more 'Trace' like Eleyon!" Ryota stood under the rising wood boot, balling his hand into a fist as he readied to strum the Aura Bow. Eleyon chuckled, causing Ryota's eyes to lower in his direction again, in time to see the fist of rock before it connected with his body, catapulting him through the wall and out into the street. A…distraction…smart.
The shield folded and shifted back into the base of the staff. Eleyon twirled it, slamming it into the ground, dropping the wooden boot to the ground in front of Enjoli as he kneeled down beside her, laying his finger's against her neck to check her vitals. She's ok. Eleyon breathed a sigh of relief as he stood up, walking around the boot and dashing through the hole made with Ryota's body. Ryota grunted, coughing spurts of blood as he shifted up to his feet slowly. The steady stream of wind blowing around them. Eleyon let the glow in his eyes fade as he twisted the staff, leaning down into a fighting stance.
"Come then!" Ryota turned his eyes to Eleyon, squinting. Ryota stumbled, raising his wrist with the Aura Blade.
"Screw the finals Eleyon. You're not gonna make it to them!" Eleyon grinned.
"You're giving me the chance to beat you before the finals, what a great present you've given me." Ryota grumbled, firing off two arrows as he dashed at Eleyon. The staff twisted, smacking into one of the Aura arrows, as Eleyon pressed the tip to the ground, using it to vault himself over the other shot, landing in front of Ryota to clash staff and plasma together. Ryota pushed his weight against Eleyon.
"That metal will get hot and melt soon enough!" Eleyon shook his head with a grin.
"This is Ni-Soya Niviniti Battle Staff, you wouldn't know what it is. But melt? This staff doesn't even know of the word." Eleyon twisted at the base of the staff, ducking as it shortened its length, causing Ryota to fall forward. Eleyon hit the butt of the staff into Ryota's spine, a wail of pain escaping him. Staff extended once more, Eleyon dropped down, rotating the staff almost motionless around his waist, sweeping it under Ryota's feet. Ryota hit the ground with thud, rolling onto his side and coughing, Eleyon twirled the staff and slammed it against the ground.
"Done already?"
"F-Fuck you!" Ryota coughed. Eleyon kicked the edge of the staff, flipping it to slam against Ryota's forehead and bounce off into the air, falling back into his hand. Ryota sputtered, shifted before laying rigid. Eleyon groaned, leaning down to gaze at his REC. The life signs turning a light orange. He'll survive. Cracked skull, but he'll survive. Eleyon stood up, the staff in his hand shrinking down to the stick size once more. Eleyon fit it onto his belt, walking back towards the house, rubbing his head as he looked at the many holes in the walls and floor.
"How bothersome."
"Two spotted, one is down, the other is standing in range."
"I got a shot."
"Hold."
"I can take the shot."
"I said hold!" Alliwyn's eyes narrowed, looking at the body that lay still in the dirt. He didn't exhaust himself in the least. "Hold onto that shot, let none of you reveal your position. I shall make him think I'm alone." Alliwyn pushed out of the Battle Cruiser, walking over to the opening around Eleyon. Quietly she moved to the battered body, leaning down to check the vitals on his REC. Orange. Hmm.
"Very impressive, really." Eleyon slowly turned his head.
"Ahh, tree-hugger. Honestly, I believe the last time I saw your name tag, it said Lieutenant. Why would you come on a distress call?" Alliwyn shrugged.
"We do what we will for those in need." Eleyon laughed.
"Honestly, that answer was way to fail to be taken serious." He turned away from her, walking into the house and leaning down over another body. Alliwyn tilted her head. His sister. The target.
"I've come because I wish to make the proposition to you to help A. again." Eleyon raised his gaze to her.
"You must have come to hear me tell you I'm not doing it again." Alliwyn sighed.
"You made a promise Eleyon. You signed the paper, you gave the blood. You have no other choice but to fulfill your debt." Eleyon let out a breath.
"We were children. Forced into something that we did not understand. You all made promises to us that have yet to be fulfilled. So why should I rush to acknowledge my promise to you?"
"Your promise is what comes first, in order for us to work towards yours." Eleyon laughed.
"Of course." Eleyon shifted Enjoli into a comfortable position. His hand reaching back to grab the stick at his belt. "I suppose you're going to have to earn the promise you're owed from me. I don't see why you deserve it. Why I should give me and my sister's life to you, who don't care for us, or what we stand to symbolize." Alliwyn looked at him with interest.
"Don't let it come to that Eleyon. It is painless to go along with it, but it is to suffer to resist and be forced." Eleyon shook his head.
"It is suffering to live as I have in this world up until now. Running, hiding, a kid trying to live the life of a man. And as a man, I will stand against you, because what is right, is not to go with you." Eleyon extended the staff, leaping out onto the dirt to slowly walk towards Alliwyn. Alliwyn sighed, raising her hand and lowering it. A shot fired off, a dart landing into Eleyon's chest. His hazel eyes shifted down to look at it, before looking back up at Alliwyn.
"You brought friends?" Another dart planted itself into Eleyon, causing him to grunt, his head lowering. The lines in his skin started to slowly shimmer, as the golden glow began to shine. Alliwyn's ears rose. The shine in her eyes, reflecting the glowing body of Eleyon. Another dart cut into his skin, his head rising, the hazel eyes replaced by stunning gold. A strong gust of wind surrounded him as he shot quickly towards Alliwyn, her eyes widening. A hand clasped around her throat, squeezing its fingers into it. A rain of darts shot into Eleyon's back, He stumbled forward, Alliwyn gasped as she lacked oxygen.
"Start…keeping count." Eleyon murmured groggily. "Because all that lay the finger, will die as promised." Eleyon's hand loosened from her throat, he stumbled forward, the staff dropping from his hand, the glow fading from him as he crashed onto the ground. Alliwyn fell backwards, clutching at the air for breath. Soldiers filled the area, grabbing up the staff. Securing barrier Containers around Eleyon, Enjoli, and Ryota. Charting the brother and sister off to the Cruiser.
"Lieutenant, the spare. What should be done with him?" Alliwyn panted lightly, looking over at the body.
"He lives. Scan his REC, find out who he is. Why he was here. Why he was fighting Eleyon." Alliwyn closed her eyes, coughing lightly.
"Roger Lieutenant."
"And blow the house," Alliwyn muttered with a raspy voice. "Erase their existence here." The trooper nodded, walking off to issue the order. Alliwyn walked into the back of the cruiser, looking at the unconscious Eleyon in his barrier. She rubbed her throat. Eleyon's head slowly rose up to gaze at her. Alliwyn's eyes grew wide. With all the darts he took, how is he awake? Eleyon's eyes blinked many times, his hand rising and suddenly, he slumped backwards, against the barrier. Alliwyn let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She closed her eyes as the Null-Zero Bomb exploded inside the house, sucking it entirely into its void. The shock troops fired their cables, pulling the Null-energy back into containers and subduing it. Alliwyn walked into her quarters. A soldier walked in, saluting.
"At ease," Alliwyn mumbled, taking a gulp from a clear glass. The soldier lifted his wrist device, information emitting from it.
"The body is of an Arena Fighter, Ryota Tamura. He was set to be in the Finals Match along with Eleyon. Possibly his cause for coming was to eliminate the competition." Alliwyn nodded.
"Very well, leave him where he be." The soldiers wrist come illuminated and beeped.
"Also," Alliwyn looked up at him."
"Is there more?"
"We found Ryota's vehicle. He had papers from A. database printed in there. Seems he found out that Eleyon and Trace are the same person. It appears he confronted and blackmailed Eleyon. There was some number written on the papers, possibly a code or pin. The numbers in Ryota's LDnPID also match with a hack we had half coded a few days back." Alliwyn let out a breath, leaning back in her seat.
"That does change things. We'll need to bring him in now. Question him, punish him and erase his memory. Secure him and bring him aboard with the others."
"Yes Lieutenant." The soldier left the room. Alliwyn laid her head back, closing her eyes.
Troublesome, indeed.