Chapter 4: Borderline Brawl
Ruined Castle
"Are you sure you don't wish to stay here?" Shade Runner asked the two Black Rock Shooters.
" We must take our leave, as we have something important to do. We also do not wish to impose on you all any further." Stella replied bluntly as her doppelganger only nodded in agreement. "But you do have our gratitude for your assistance."
The feline like Alter Ego nodded as she smiled as Chain Buster only nodded while having her arms crossed in front of her chest.
"I see. Then I will wish you both the best of luck." she said while bowing in respect.
"Come back if you ever need to rest." Chain Buster offered as a slight grin formed on her face.
Both the Outsider and Other Self nodded before turning around and began walking away.
The two Alter Egos looked at each other before the orange haired one spoke up.
"What do you think will happen if they come across your brother?" she asked.
Shade Runner's tail stiffened before it hung limply as she closed her eyes and sighed.
"Knowing him, I don't even want to think about it…" she muttered bitterly. " You are well aware how he is around girls that catch his interest…"
Chain Buster grimaced as she recalled an uncomfortable memory of her friend's sibling.
"To think that he's connected to the Emperor…" she said dryly.
Borderline of the Wasteland.
Black Fang Tyrant sighed as he looked up the large cliff side that stood between his group and their destination.
"You forgot about the boundary, didn't you?" Scythe asked in annoyance.
"Well excuse me for being focused on other stuff!" the male Alter Ego blurted out in annoyance.
Wraith Cutter only shook her head in disappointment before walking toward the base of the cliff.
"So, this place we're heading to, you said it was your home?" Black Gold Saw asked the only male of the group.
Tyrant turned around and smiled a bit as he nodded.
"That's correct, Saw-chan. You see, before I came around, the Alter Egos not suited for combat had no place to go, as they were constantly attacked by both monsters and more violent members of our kind. However, with the help of some other reasonable Alter Egos that could fight, and an Other Self named Strength, we created a sanctuary out of a ruined castle." he explained as a soft smile formed upon his face.
The Other Self's eyes widened upon hearing Strength's name.
"Strength? As in the one who uses the Ogre Arm?" she asked. "But I have heard that she was slain by an Alter Ego."
Black Fang Tyrant shook his head before clenching his fists.
"She is very much alive… an Alter Ego named Shadow Eater captured her and is holding her prisoner. You see, he has actually collaborated with the one he represents and with his aid, was able to easily overpower her and myself. Worst part was, they didn't even need to merge…"
Black Gold Saw fell silent upon hearing that, taking a moment to process what she just learned.
"I see… so the rumors about Shadow Eater interacting with his counterpart are true…" she said to herself out loud before looking up to look at Black Fang Tyrant in the eye. "Do you know what he is capable of doing in battle?"
The Alter Ego growled slightly as he recalled what he knew of Shadow Eater.
"I do not know what he is capable of doing except for one ability, which makes him extremely dangerous to fight against. He is able to possess the bodies of Other Selves at will." he stated.
The Other Self frowned and nodded in understanding.
"I see that my master's more popular than anticipated." a disembodied voice belonging to a female said tauntingly.
Tyrant's eyes widened in shock before he looked around, trying to locate the origin of the voice.
"Who's there?!" he called out.
The voice began laughing maniacally as the ground beneath the group's feet began to shake violently.
Scythe and Wraith Cutter summoned their scythes as Black Gold Saw readied the King Saw.
Black Fang Tyrant flexed his fingers as a bestial growl escaped from his throat.
"I suppose introductions are in order, I go by the name of Dead Master." the voice said in a polite manner. The group noted that the voice was much louder that time, as if to let someone else besides them hear.
"Show yourself." the male Alter Ego demanded before the Tyrant Claws and tail erupted into flames.
"Of course, but can you wait till she joins us?" Dead Master asked.
"Who do you mean?" Black Gold Saw asked as her flame emerged.
An audible gasp filled the air before it gave way to a snarl.
"You… You look so much like that bitch!" the voice said in fury.
Black Fang Tyrant forced himself to relax before something registered in his mind.
"Wait… You know of someone with a Flame?!" he said to the hidden Other Self.
"How could I not remember the one who killed me! She took my other half away from me!" Dead Master screamed in a rage. " I will never forgive her!" the ranting immediately ceased before a giggle was heard. "Well, well, look who finally decided to join us."
The group looked around in confusion, trying to locate the supposed newcomer. However, it was the horned Other Self who noticed who it was.
"Black Rock Shooter…" she muttered as a smirk formed on her face while looking up at the top of the cliff.
At the moment, multiple ebony chains erupted from the ground, catching everyone at the lower ground off guard. Scythe and Wraith Cutter managed to parry a few of them before their weapons were restrained, followed by themselves as well. Black Fang Tyrant and Black Gold Saw did their best to evade the attacking chains, destroying a few in the process, only to herded together.
Countless more chains emerged from below at once, completely overwhelming the pair as they were bound together in a cocoon of linked loops of metal, their backs touching the other's. they fell to the ground on their side as their flames receded against their will.
"My flames! What's going on here?!" Tyrant cried out as he struggled in an attempt to break free.
"I can use the chains to drain the energy out of whoever is bound by them." Dead Master's voice explained as the ground began shaking once again.
At the plateau, the doppelgangers watched on in silence, silently figuring out what to do.
Black Rock Shooter couldn't make out the faces out of those at the ground, but she knew one of them was her rival, due to her largest scar throbbing in a dull pain. The Other Self placed her right hand right upon the scar while her eyebrows furrowed slightly, her eyes filled with determination and slight frustration.
"Black Gold Saw…" she muttered softly.
Stella briefly turned to look at her double before they both immediately leaped into the air, narrowly evading the chains that erupted from right beneath their feet.
"Tch… missed." Dead Master said in disappointment as the chains retreated back into the ground.
Black Fang Tyrant and Black Gold Saw watched as the two newcomers descended down to the ground. BRS held the Rock Cannon's barrel to cliffside before it glowed briefly before the barrel turned into a spear like weapon. The Other Self plunged the tip into the bedrock at a downward angle and used it to slow her descent while Stella used the same tactic with her Black Blade in one hand while grasping her firearm with the other.
Once the pair came to a stop near the bottom, both dislodged their weapons and fell the ground, knowing that the landing won't hurt them. However, just before the Outsider could touch the ground, the chains once again lashed forward, successfully capturing her. Stella gritted her teeth as the chains coiled around her arms and constricted tightly, forcing her to relinquish her grip on both her weapons. The chains then pulled back, restraining the girl against the cliffside with her arms held above her head while her legs were bound together.
"Despite the current situation, that's pretty hot." Tyrant commentated upon seeing Stella, only for a chain to come out of the ground and striking him in the face hard before retreating.
BRS landed and immediately turned around to see her doppelganger.
"I'm fine…" Stella said calmly with a blank face.
BRS nodded before raising the Rock Cannon, still in melee form, up as she glanced around, trying to figure out where Dead Master was hiding.
"Looking for me? I'm right here." the hidden foe taunted before a series of obsidian coffins busted around the entire group from the ground. Several of them were bound by chains, while others were open, revealing to have black skeletons inside with their lower jaws hanging open as if they were screaming. Several had their arms crossed in front of their ribcages.
The Other Self heard the clanging of chains moving, causing her to look to the left, her attention focused upon one of the bound coffins. The black chains shifted on their own accord as they began to unravel, retreating into the ground as the lid to the coffin began to rattle slightly. A skull engraving in the center of it began to glow an ominous shade of green before the lid creaked loudly as it opened.
A draconic looking man with jet black skin came out, smirking maliciously. He had erratic, spiky red hair that hung loose. His yellow eyes were devoid of any pupils. What appeared to be a pair of broken ebony horns were present just above his ears, and a thin horizontal scar was present upon his left cheek. His outfit consisted of a black suit with a blood red tie that stood out against the white shirt that was underneath the jacket.
His feet was saurian like, standing upon three ebony clawed toes as a fourth one was present at the raised heel pointing downwards. He also had a long yet thick tail with a large barb at the tip. His fingertips were replaced with talons up to the first knuckle.
"Sorry, wrong one." he taunted Black Rock Shooter as his smirk grew even more.
The Other Self was momentarily confused by what he said before she was knocked to the ground after a gigantic black skull with a green light coming out of the eye sockets blindsided her from the left. She rolled onto the ground while losing her grip on the Rock Cannon, which landed on the ground and spun away towards the ebony man.
"So, this is what the Otherworld is like…" he said while putting a foot on top of the firearm he then chuckled upon seeing Stella and the downed Other Self. "I see there's two more Black Rock Shooter in here too."
"That is indeed correct, however, they are not the same ones as the one in your world, other me." Shadow Eater's voice spoke in an echo.
"I am grateful for you bringing me here, my Alter Ego." the ebony man remarked. "I'll speak to you later in person."
"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!" Black Fang Tyrant screamed while flailing within his restraints.
"Hey. Stop that!" Black Gold Saw said as she felt the chains tighten against her as the Alter Ego squirmed.
The draconic stranger turned his attention towards the pair and his smirk turned into a frown.
"So… this is Black Fang Tyrant, Masamune Kira's other half." he muttered while looking at the prisoner with scrutiny.
The Alter Ego calmed down upon hearing the man's words.
"Who the hell are you?" he repeated himself, only in a calm manner this time. "You obviously aren't an Other Self or Alter Ego."
"I see, I guess introductions are in order then. My name is Incursio Votum. I am the other half of the Alter Ego known as Shadow Eater." the man introduced himself. " As for my associate who restrained all of you but Black Rock Shooter, just look up." He chuckled in amusement while pointing up towards the sky.
BRS gritted her teeth while attempting to stand despite all the pain she was currently feeling. She knew she had at least two ribs broken from the collision with the giant skull that floated next to Incursio Votum. Stella kept a stoic face as did Wraith Cutter while all the others all glared at the ebony man. Soon, they all looked upwards, and noticed the culprit for the ambush sitting upon the top of another giant skull.
The girl had wavy dark green hair, borderline black, with straight bangs. Her glowing neon green eyes were transfixed upon Black Rock Shooter as her face was of one of rage. Her skin tone matched that of the one she despised greatly. Two vertebrae shaped horns protruded from the sides of her head, giving her the look of a devil. Protruding from her back were a pair of wings that were thin and lacked any membranes, therefore giving them the appearance of a thick zigzagging line.
Her outfit was of a black dress that reached down to the thighs with a white ribbon at the left side of the waist, tied up in a bow. Her legs were covered in a pair of leggings and the feet were wearing pumps. Her delicate looking hands were inside a pair of black glove like gauntlets that gave her fingers a skeletal appearance while being tipped off with thin claws. The matching colored bolero completed her monochrome black outfit, the design resembled something similar to the Gothic Lolita style.
Dead Master grinned smugly as she sat on top of the skull, one leg on top of the other as she ran a hand through her hair.
"It's been far too long, Black Rock Shooter." she said dryly.
Incursio Votum bent down to take up the Rock Cannon and closed his eyes to focus. Sparks of black electricity came off of the weapon before it began glowing as it reverted to its original form. The owner of the weapon turned her attention towards Votum, her eyes widening slightly as he aimed the barrel at her.
"What, you thought only you could use your weapon? I'll let you in on a little secret. What you knew about the Otherworld doesn't apply much these days. That's because your world has merged with a parallel reality and is also intertwined with many others now. " he explained while walking over towards Stella's Rock Cannon. "The Alter Egos appeared because of this very fact. They are nothing more than anomalies that normally wouldn't exist in the Otherworld at all. Also, the label of Outsiders are applied to those who are neither Alter Ego nor Other Self, and are not native to the Otherworld in the first place. It is pretty loose, as I can label myself as an Outsider, even though I have an Alter Ego in Shadow Eater."
Everyone was silent as they listened to the ebony Outsider as he stopped in front of the second Rock Cannon.
"Now, Alter Egos are a bit different from Other Selves, as you all are aware of now. They are capable of expressing emotion and utilize special powers without the need to merge. However, there is one significant drawback to them. They cannot bear to handle any form of serious mental trauma. Just one simple loss of a comrade or loved one, and they go insane just like that. However, those who have merged overcome this weakness." he continued while picking up Stella's Rock Cannon. " However, the only one who did that was my Alter Ego. "
"Why tell us all of this?" Black Fang Tyrant asked.
Votum chuckled before turning his attention towards the Alter Ego while pointing Stella's firearm at him.
"Tyrant. It means an absolute ruler who uses his power in a cruel or unjust manner. You, apparently, are far more compassionate than your name suggests." he said before looking up towards Dead Master. "Would you please release him from your chains. I would like to have some fun with him and the Other Self you loathe so much."
Dead Master glared at him in anger but ultimately relented as she held out her left hand out. The chain cocoon eased its tension upon Black Fang Tyrant, allowing him to crawl free from the restraints.
"Don't worry, I'll figure out a way to get you and the others free very soon." he whispered to Black Gold Saw before he rose to his feet, focusing his attention towards Votum as his flames once again appeared.
The restrained Other Self couldn't help but blush slightly at the Alter Ego's promise.
"Better keep your word." she muttered under her breath.
Votum grinned as he tilted his head to the side, cracking his neck in the process before speaking up.
"Both of you are unarmed, yet I hold two. How are you going to work with that?" he asked.
"Simple, I'll do this." Tyrant said before he charged forward. Along the way, he plunged his right hand into the ground and pulled out the Fang Slayer. The Outsider laughed as he began firing upon him. The Alter Ego leaped up to evade the first few shots, but grimaced in pain as one of them embedded themselves into his left shoulder, causing purple blood to ooze out.
"Come at me, show me your strength, Alter Ego!" he cried out, showing how eager he was to witness what his opponent could do.
Black Fang Tyrant smirked as he landed on the ground, his hand firmly grasping the Fang Slayer as the flames increased in volume.
"I'll show you my strength, alright." he said before throwing the sword. "CATCH!"
Incursio Votum was caught off guard by the sword as it twirled through the air, missing him by a large margin. The Alter Ego smirked as he charged forward, closing the distance between him and his foe.
"Why did you do something so stupid as that?" the Outsider asked as he aimed one of the Rock Cannons and opened fire upon Black Fang Tyrant. The Alter Ego smirked before rolling to the left to evade the projectiles.
Votum's answer came as he saw the blade of the thrown weapon erupt right through his chest where the heart was located. The ebony man calmly chuckled before he swung his tail, slamming it into his other adversary responsible for the wound, Black Rock Shooter.
The Other Self leaped back in time to lessen the force of the blow, but the power upon impact was still enough to send her flying. However, she anticipated this and was able to recover fairly quick midair, landing on her feet and skidding back slightly in a crouch. The Outsider looked over towards the Alter Ego and he growled upon seeing him heading over towards Stella.
"I don't think so you insolent pest!" he said before he hunched over and ran at a blurring speed, his normally lethal injury not even hindering him in any way.
The Alter Ego was close to the captive Outsider before he was struck in the back by the barrel of BRS's Rock Cannon, then receiving a gash in the same area by the bayonet present on Stella's from a second attack. Black Fang Tyrant grimaced in pain before collapsing to the ground face first before his attacker opened fire with both firearms at point blank range.
"Now die and let your other half fall into a bloodlust driven frenzy, you whelp!" Votum cried out gleefully as both the Alter Ego and himself were engulfed in a cloud of kicked up earth.
"Tyrant-sama!" Scythe cried out in horror as she and her twin began trying to break free of their restraints.
"No.." Black Gold Saw muttered weakly as she stared at the cloud that concealed the fate of the Alter Ego she came to trust. Just when she found someone who could possibly acknowledge her. She felt helpless in her current state. She wanted to make the bastard responsible pay with his life, but she couldn't break free of her restraints.
Dead Master watched in amusement from atop of her skull, smiling in interest at how the fight was unfolding.
"So, that's the power of Master's other half." she mused to herself before turning her attention to Black Rock Shooter. Her eyes widened in shock as she saw her brandishing Stella's Black Blade now and began trying to use it to free Scythe and Wraith Cutter from their restraints.
"I don't think so!" the revived Other Self cried out before sliding off her perch and descending towards the ground.
The Other Self looked up after slashing at the chains for the twelfth time upon hearing her enemy's voice.
Dead Master extended her wings and halted her descent.
"I still remember what you did to me that day, you bitch." she said while pointing a finger towards her adversary.
Black Rock Shooter only stared in silence for a moment before holding out her hand to Dead Master like she did multiple times after their first confrontation.
Upon seeing the gesture, Dead Master gritted her teeth as she immediately gave into her rage.
"Don't you dare mock me!" she screeched before charging towards the stoic girl.
The blue eyed Other Self remained in place before noticing Dead Master's gauntlets glowing as the hands balled up into fists. The gauntlets then enlarged drastically in size, becoming almost as large in length as the Other Self was tall . The light gave way, revealing the bulky black gauntlets to be completely mechanical in design.
"The Ogre Arms…" Scythe said in shock upon recognizing the gauntlets. " But those belong to Strength-san!"
Dead Master threw one of her fists towards Black Rock Shooter, who immediately leaped back to avoid being hit. The ground instantly gave into the massive force behind the punch, resulting in a large crater to form. Shards of jagged stone flew into the air around the devil-like Other Self, who then swung her other arm, using the free fist to send one of the larger shards flying towards her opponent.
Black Rock Shooter's eyes widened in shock as the makeshift projectile flew straight towards her faster than she could react to. The jagged rock embedded itself into her right abdomen, causing her to involuntarily vomit some blue blood as the inertia of the rock forced her off her feet and flying into the cliffside. The Other Self bounced off of it and fell to the ground on her side, with the stone still lodged in place.
A few moments later, a figure flew out of the cloud of dirt just as it began to settle, revealing it to be a limp Black Fang Tyrant covered head to toe in his own violet blood. Incursio Votum lazily walked into view, shouldering Stella's Rock Cannon while the other was held at the side. The Alter Ego bounced off of the ground before rolling until being stopped by the downed Other Self.
"Pathetic… His other half is far more of a challenge than this whelp." he said in disappointment. " He isn't even worth consuming…"
"I can't believe how pathetic the twin tailed bitch has become now." his comrade said in a taunting manner. "Master gave the Ogre Arms to me and now look at my power."
Black Gold Saw had seen enough. The pair were clearly outmatched by the Outsider Incursio Votum and the Other Self called Dead Master. She closed her eyes and began trying to break free through the chains with brute force alone.
Dead Master looked over towards the restrained Other Self and smirked.
"I think someone isn't too happy." she mocked as she stomped her right foot onto BGS's head.
The Outsider however watched cautiously, bracing himself for some form of attack. He held both Rock Cannons at his sides and quickly glanced around. He then looked around, checking upon the rest who were restrained. Stella looked back at him with a blank face while Black Gold Saw still was trying to break free. Scythe had a face of anger but remained still. However, Wraith Cutter was missing.
"Dead Master, one of them escaped!" he alerted the Other Self.
"Impossible, no one can escape from my chains…" Dead Master said skeptically before she turned to look at where the missing Alter Ego once was. The chains that were supposed to hold her were dangling in place, some slack present due to them no longer restraining anything. "How did she?"
The Other Self was unaware of her surroundings as a transparent Wraith Cutter rose from the ground like a ghost would from behind her. Once she stopped, she solidified and wrapped her arms around Dead Master like a lover would, startling the Other Self. The Alter Ego took advantage and raised her hands up to twist Dead Master's head before locking her lips with her own.
Dead Master's eyes widened as she immediately began to feel exhausted at an unnatural rate. Her body began to feel heavier by the second. The Ogre Arms began to spasm slightly before turning into a white light, reverting back to the original gauntlets the Other Self had before slipping into unconsciousness.
After half a minute passed, Wraith Cutter broke the kiss and unceremoniously let Dead Master slump to the ground as she licked her lips in satisfaction. She then held her right hand above her head and snapped her fingers. The chains began to move as they eased tension on all those who were still restrained.
Stella dropped to the ground and landed in a crouch as Scythe slowly descended downwards, her feet gently touching the ground upon landing. Black Gold Saw grinned and hastily removed herself from the cocoon of chains.
Incursio Votum sighed as he shook his head in disappointment as he looked down at Dead Master.
"One must never let their guard down." he muttered out loud before aiming both Rock Cannons at the group as Wraith Cutter and Scythe summoned their respectful scythes. "I figured that you both were the Alter Egos of the wraith. That will explain both the phasing through solid objects as well as draining one's energy."
Wraith Cutter frowned as she looked at her twin.
"This is bad, we can't allow Black Fang Tyrant-sama to use his true power." Scythe warned her twin.
The redhead nodded before stepping backwards towards the injured pair who both laid still, her attention solely focused upon the Outsider.
"His true power?" Incursio Votum asked while raising an eyebrow in curiosity. "So the whelp has an ace in the hole still huh? Very interesting."
"Damn straight…" Black Fang Tyrant's voice said weakly from where he was. He grimaced in pain as he forced himself up, " I didn't want to do this, as I risk losing myself to the power for good… All I have to do… is remove the seal…" As he spoke, he raised a trembling hand up towards the covering over his left eye.
Black Gold Saw began trembling involuntarily as she felt a sinister presence manifesting within the weakened Alter Ego. The feeling alone was enough to make her extremely uneasy. She reached down and grasped the King Saw before holding it up.
Stella went over towards her fallen doppelganger and picked up her Black Blade that laid not far from BRS. She had a feeling in her gut to prepare for an even more intense fight.
Wraith Cutter turned and ran towards Black Fang Tyrant before kneeling next to him, her hands gently grasping the arm just before it reached the covering. She looked at him with pleading eyes that showed her desperation as she shook her head.
Black Fang Tyrant stared at the silent Alter Ego in shock.
"Wraith-chan… we don't have any other choice…" he said softly.
"We can't allow you to become that monster again…" Scythe said sternly while looking over towards the injured Alter Ego. " If we lose you, then everything we've worked for will be for naught."
Incursio Votum remained silent as he listened to his opponents. He grinned before he tapped his left foot twice before a pair of obsidian coffins emerged from the ground, bound by multiple chains.
"I see there's hesitation amongst you guys. I suppose I could give you all an additional incentive. Within these coffins hold the humans that both Dead Master and Black Rock Shooter represent." he explained before raising BRS's Rock Cannon and tapped the barrel against the top of it. The chains immediately fell to the ground before the door opened up.
Inside the coffin was a girl who was bound in chains. She looked a lot like Black Rock Shooter in almost every way, except for the lack of scars, her hair being held up in small twin tails that were equal length, and her wearing a school uniform. Her face was that of one in a peaceful slumber, complete with a gentle smile on her face.
"No way… she looks just like her…" he muttered while looking from the Other Self who laid next to him to the girl inside the coffin. Both Stella and Black Gold Saw relaxed slightly as the ominous feeling they both felt receded. "That girl really must be her other half…"
Black Rock Shooter, who bided her time to recuperate immediately got up, ignoring both the pain and the rock causing it. She leaned against the wall for support before staggering forward, her eyes focused directly on the slumbering girl.
"Let her go…" she demanded weakly while holding out her hand desperately.
Votum smirked before he tapped the coffin again, causing it to close before the chains rose up and wrapped themselves in place. The coffins he summoned a moment ago then slowly retreated downwards into the ground, causing Black Rock Shooter to attempt moving faster, in hopes of reaching the casket holding her human half in time. The Outsider had other plans as he fired upon the injured Other Self, intentionally missing her by mere millimeters in order to have her lose balance and fall to the ground again.
"I must apologize, but I believe it is time for Dead Master and myself to leave." he said in an apologetic manner before he ran to Dead Master and using his tail to pick up the unconscious Other Self while taking great care to prevent the barb from harming her. He then turned his attention to the injured girl.
"If you wish to rescue both your other half and her best friend, you must first take control… no… surpass the power that still lies dormant within yourself, Black Rock Shooter." he instructed while heading over towards a closed coffin. He tapped the side of it before it opened, revealing it to be empty. He gently placed Dead Master inside before unraveling his tail and used it to close the lid. "But rest assured, as I will make sure no harm comes upon them until our next confrontation."
"As for you, Black Fang Tyrant. You should seek for the Other Self known as Black Matagi, as she has a Flame very similar to your own. There is also those Outsiders who keep themselves a secret from the rest of the world, the Arcanum Race." he said while looking towards the male Alter Ego. " As for my Alter Ego, Shadow Eater, he is moving forward with his plans. He seeks to take over the Beast and use its powers for his own gain."
"Why are you telling us this?" Black Gold Saw asked.
"While I came here to assist my Alter Ego, I have my own plans for these conjoined realities we are currently in. Simply put, I want all of you to become stronger so that I can add your strength to my own. I am after all, an entity whose powers are formed from the conglomerate of many powerful beings I have already assimilated across several realities." Incursio Votum explained. He then smirked and tossed both Rock Cannons towards the group. "I have no further use for those. You can have them back."
The entire group fell silent, all of them glaring at the Outsider as he began laughing.
"Before I depart, I shall impart with one last piece of information, which pertains to a passage from the Legacy of the Beast." he said, full of mirth as he grinned. " The Beast will awaken should its other half be slain in front of it."
He took a curious look between Black Rock Shooter, Black Fang Tyrant and Black Gold Saw as his body began to dissipate into a black miasma while opening up his jacket to pull out an ancient looking book with a black leather cover. He opened it up, revealing the pages to be light cyan with archaic text written in black. He took a moment to flip through the pages one at a time, pausing on three occasions to read something in more detail.
"You must be careful with your desires of the heart, whelp." he said to the male Alter Ego after closing the tome. "They could lead to your own death if not careful. Especially with two Black's."
The Outsider replaced the book back where he got it before more of his body disappeared. He smirked once more before he disappeared completely, causing the Fang Slayer that was still embedded to fall to the ground.
"I wish you all the best of luck." his disembodied voice echoed in the air before it fell silent. "I shall await for you all in my reality."
Once Votum was gone, all of the remaining coffins and chains began receding into the ground, leaving countless holes scattered across the ground and cliffside. The group remained still before Black Rock Shooter began crawling towards her abandoned firearm.
"Mato…" she said weakly while reaching out to grab her Rock Cannon.
Black Fang Tyrant looked over at the Other Self before turning his attention towards the others.
"It appears there is a lot more at stake than we first thought… Especially for her…" he said solemnly while closing his eyes. " I learned a little bit about Incursio Votum from my brief interaction with my other half, Masamune Kira. To think such a monstrosity was not only once a mere human, but also Kira's creator… and he consumes others to further empower himself?"
"How will we handle this situation, Black Fang Tyrant-sama?" Scythe asked the Alter Ego.
Tyrant looked over once more over at Black Rock Shooter, who finally grabbed her weapon and used it as a makeshift crutch as she rose to her feet once more. However, when she attempted to take a step, her feet immediately buckled underneath her feet before collapsing once more.
"We have to make sure she doesn't overexert herself… she seems to be at her limit." he said in a concerned tone. "She and I need time in order to heal from our wounds."
"And after that?" Scythe asked. "If Incursio Votum showed us anything, it is that Shadow Eater will be difficult to defeat should he be similar in powers. He took a sword into a vital area, yet acted like nothing happened."
"I don't think that was really him..." Tyrant rebuked while glaring at the redhead. "Take a good look at the Fang Slayer. There's absolutely no blood on it."
Wraith Cutter went over towards the sword and knelt down next to it, taking a moment to examine the blade tip. She then picked up the sword and walked over towards the group. She then held the sword with one hand with the blade pointing face down before she ran her index and middle fingers against the flat side of the sword, showing to all that there was really no blood present on the weapon.
"He's right… it's absolutely clean…" Scythe said in shock. "Then what were we fighting?"
"Maybe he's like one of those odd scorpion like contraptions that I see on occasion," the male Alter Ego guessed. " The ones with the weird turbine head that can fire lasers from where its mouth would be."
Stella decided to join in the conversation.
"It is highly unlikely to be one of the drones used by White Rock Shooter, if these 'contraptions' are what I believe them to be based upon your description." she explained to Black Fang Tyrant. "However, his body could be something artificial."
The Alter Ego sighed and closed his eyes to think.
"Even though it is possibly exactly what that Votum bastard wants us to do, I think our only option is to look for that Other Self he mentioned as well as those Arcanum Outsiders." Black Gold Saw muttered bitterly. "I mean, hell, both Tyrant-kun and Black Rock Shooter got your asses handed to you and managed to keep the rest of us restrained. Although, I wonder why a certain someone took her sweet time to escape."
"Wraith Cutter waited for the best opportunity to make her move." Scythe explained for her silent twin. "However, her strength was obviously drained from the escape if she had to take a risk in draining an opponent's energy while still fit to fight."
"Everyone, enough." Tyrant spoke up before he pointed at Black Rock Shooter, who once again tried to get back to her feet. " We need to get her and take her to the sanctuary for treatment. Other Self or not, she is seriously injured."
"Understood, Tyrant-sama." Scythe replied before she and Wraith Cutter, who gently placed the Fang Slayer on the ground, went to assist the injured Other Self.
As the twins went off, the lone male of the group turned his attention towards Stella.
"Now may I inquire what your name is, my dear?" he asked the Outsider in a suave manner.
Black Gold Saw's right eye twitched slightly as she attempted to keep a straight face upon hearing Tyrant. The Outsider only stared at him blankly in silence before looking up at the horned Other Self.
"Black Rock Shooter." Stella answered simply. "However, as my double shares the same name, I will respond to 'Stella' as well."
"Stella… That's indeed quite a lovely name for one quite alluring like yourself." Tyrant commented as he smiled slightly.
"Oh, Tyrant-kun…" Black Gold Saw asked in a sing-song voice as she stood right behind the Alter Ego.
Tyrant's face faltered as he gulped nervously.
"Y-Yes, Saw-chan?" he asked as sweat began rolling down his face.
Black Gold Saw was smiling at him while tapping her foot while having the King Saw rest against her shoulder. Her eyes were filled with rage and slight jealousy as she glared down upon him before her scarlet flame appeared.
"What are you doing?" she asked before gripping her sword with both hands and raising it above her head.
The Alter Ego never gotten the chance to explain before the Other Self mauled him to an inch of his life before stopping.
Tundra Area- Cave
"AGGGGHHHH! MY EARS!" a voice screamed in agony from inside the stone cave that was located at the base of a snowcapped mountain. " STOP SINGING THIS INSTANT! ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!"
Stone Crusher scrambled outside as if his life depended on it. He ignored the bone chilling wind as he trekked through the waist deep snow.
"Sonnuva… I never thought someone could sound so horrible…" he said to himself before falling face down onto the snow, relishing the silence the outside offered. "What are with these Outsiders?! It's like a freaking circus with them!"
He flinched upon hearing a pair of voices calling out to him.
"Dammit… gotta get away while I have the chance. Any longer and I'm going to die from singing." he muttered before he burrowed into the snow with his own to hands and disappeared completely from view.
Two Days Later - Ruined Castle.
Black Fang Tyrant groaned as he came around. He opened his eye and had it adjust to the sunlight that was coming in through one of the stained glass windows, which showed a white shooting star flying through the night sky represented by the blue glass.
He sat upright, realizing he was in a large bed that could've easy allowed two to sleep comfortably without touching each other. His legs were underneath the red velvety blanket. He looked around. The walls were devoid of any banters or paintings. The only pieces of furniture besides the bed were a table with two chairs. On the tabletop were the Tyrant Claws and his clothes, sans pants, which were folded neatly in a pile. On the ground were his saurian like boots. He quickly raised a hand up and checked to see that the cover over his eye was still there. Upon feeling it, he breathed a sigh of relief before looking down at his hands, which were slender and skeletal in appearance and ebony in coloration.
"So. I'm finally home…" he said with a soft smile.
"Oh, It's about time you awoke!" a voice said from his left.
Tyrant turned his head to see a familiar looking girl smiling at him as she sat at the edge of the bed.
"Saw-chan?" he asked in confusion.
Black Gold Saw smiled softly as she looked at the Alter Ego with a softened look.
"Sorry about what happened two days ago, I really went overboard there." she apologized.
"It's alright." Tyrant said with a reassuring smile. " I am really glad that you're on my side. You'd definitely kick my ass without trying."
The Other Self chuckled briefly before she smiled back.
"Damn straight." she answered before kicking her legs up, revealing to be barefoot as she twisted herself and placing her legs onto the bed. "I never thought there would be a place like this in this world. It's so peaceful opposed to everywhere else I've been."
"That's completely true. This place is a sanctuary after all." the Alter Ego said before putting his hands down at the side. "Anyway, why are you in here?"
Black Gold Saw blushed slightly as she fidgeted in place.
"Well... I was… somewhat concerned about you…" she admitted nervously while averting her eyes away from the Alter Ego, meanwhile placing her right hand onto the bed without thinking.
Black Fang Tyrant smiled a little more before taking his left hand and gently placing it on top of the Other Self's. She blushed more upon the action but didn't say anything nor moved her hand away.
"Thank you." the Alter Ego said graciously while gently running his thumb along the upper part of one of her fingers. " Not many actually show as much concern towards me like you have."
The Other Self became flustered upon hearing that, not certain of what to say as her entire face became red. She felt her heart beginning to race more and more with each passing second. She never felt this way before, even her human half hadn't experienced anything like this before they merged together.
"Saw-chan." Black Fang Tyrant said softly, catching the girl off guard as he looked at her straight in the face. " You're perhaps the only Other Self that I can entrust my life with. Most of your kind that I met usually kept their distance from me, mainly out of fear of being deceived. You, however, helped me when I was injured. You could've finished me off when I was vulnerable, but you didn't."
The horned girl remained silent as she listened to the Alter Ego, her eyes focused directly upon Tyrant's eyes, even if one was covered. Her heart raced still, but she began to calm down. As she listened to him, a smile formed on her face, which didn't go unnoticed to Black Fang Tyrant.
The pair slowly scooted themselves closer towards one other. They stopped once they were almost touching each other.
" To be honest, I don't know how I can properly thank you for all that you've did." Tyrant admitted sheepishly.
The Other Self smiled as she noticed that the Alter Ego was blushing himself now.
" I should be the one to thank you, Tyrant-kun." she said without realizing. "You're the first person to actually acknowledge me. All I ever wanted was for someone to view me as their equal. I fought relentlessly to prove myself, and there was one Other Self who I thought would grant me that desire. Black Rock Shooter. When I defeated her in our first confrontation, she accepted me as a rival, but not as an equal liked I wished. "
Tyrant smiled as he nodded in understanding.
"You're not mistaken. I see you as my equal in every way." he confirmed.
Black Gold Saw nodded before she moved her hand and gently took Black Fang Tyrant's.
"Thank you." she said softly before closing her eyes.
She then did something that caught the Alter Ego off guard. She closed the distance between them and kissed him on the cheek. Tyrant's mind went blank for a moment before blushing deeper upon realizing what just happened. He
He looked at the Other Self as she pulled away and smiled. Black Gold Saw opened her eyes before smiling sheepishly.
"Don't get any ideas." she warned him.
Tyrant nodded before he felt his head throb sharply in pain, causing him to wince. The pain pulsed repeatedly , each time becoming more and more intense. After a few seconds, the pain became far to intense for him to endure, causing him to pass out without any warning.
"Tyrant!" Black Gold Saw cried out as the Alter Ego slumped backwards as a dribble of violet blood came from the corner of his mouth.
Black Fang Tyrant's Subconscious.
The Alter Ego groaned as he came around, waking up to see a completely blank sky. He sat upright, seeing that he was on a checkerboard floor made out of red and black tiles, each easily three times as large as he was tall.
"Ah, it's about time you arrived." a familiar voice said.
" It's you…" Tyrant said in disgust. "What do you want?"
A ball of purple flame materialized in front of his face, causing him to furrow his brow in anger.
"I just wanted to congratulate you for finally finding a mate." the voice said dryly. "Why the hostility?"
"The last time I trusted you, you made me rip my sister's arm off." the Alter Ego seethed.
"Why do you keep denying me?" the fireball asked while dancing around in the air. "It's basically the exact same as you denying your own existence."
"Why did you summon me here?" Black Fang Tyrant demanded.
"Straight to the point… You're no fun…" the flame said in disappointment. "Fine, I am here to tell you that you're approaching that defining moment. What is your answer?"
"The answer is still no," the Alter Ego replied. "I wish to be no part of you anymore, Feral Black Fang Tyrant."
"It's a shame, the power is at your beckoning, but you refuse it!" the fireball said before it enlarged in size. "You have a Flame dammit!"
Tyrant instinctively reached for his covered eye before lowering the hand.
"It's true, I do have a Flame… a purple one…" he admitted. "But I see no point in senseless carnage.
The lust for battle the only thing present in my mind. Attacking those who I hold dear without any remorse. The only thing I care is facing a powerful opponent. No… I refuse to become a berserker."
The fireball addressed as Feral Black Fang Tyrant vanished abruptly, revealing a doppelganger standing in front of the Alter Ego, the only difference is the eye covering to be missing, allowing a purple flame to come out of the matching eye.
"Now, let's get on to a different subject." Feral suggested with a smirk. "Your little plan that you've been cooking up lately. I think you actually got a chance with Black Gold Saw. Hell, claim her and the twins! They've pledged their absolute loyalty to you after you saved their lives. "
"I am not some beast who acts only on basic instinct!" Tyrant snapped in anger. "True… I won't deny that I would like to have them all to myself, but that's impossible."
Feral smirked and wagged a finger in front of the Alter Ego.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. You may be the Alter Ego of Masamune Kira, but you are your own person as well. Indulge on your desires a little bit, like he does. Besides, This world is different from his. Didn't the Emperor of Calamity have three wives after all?" he pointed out. " Also, each of them represented either love, bonds, or acceptance."
"What does that have to do with me exactly?" Tyrant deadpanned while glaring at the doppelganger.
Feral chuckled before flashing his teeth, revealing the canines to be significantly longer than normal.
"Many Alter Egos see you as the reincarnation of the Emperor, baka." he said bluntly. "That alone can net you three girls without anyone complaining."
"You have a valid point, but I still don't think that it's a good idea, especially if I really am not said reincarnation." Tyrant admitted with a sigh. "I do not wish to hurt anyone in anyway if I can avoid it."
"This is becoming stupid…" Feral muttered while shaking his head in disbelief. The flame flickered briefly before diminishing in size. "I guess I gotta let you go for now, but keep what I said in mind. Oh, and by the way, Kira's gone now. You're all alone now. "
Feral Black Fang Tyrant closed his eyes before vanishing within a pillar of purple flames before the Alter Ego blacked out with out warning.
Graveyard
Votum frowned as he watched his Alter Ego examine the still unconscious Dead Master with the utmost care.
"Why are you so obsessed with your pet's wellbeing?" the Outsider asked. "Especially when you told me that she's disposable?"
"Dead Master is an experiment of mine. To see if I can artificially create a Flame. I've given her the blood of the puppet I'm using for my body during her resurrection." Shadow Eater explained calmly. "From what I'm seeing, it's pointless to try again. This wench is only useful as a plaything for my enjoyment now. "
Votum sneered at what the Alter Ego said. He went up and grabbed him by the collar of his top.
"I can't believe you are my Alter Ego." he said in a sickened tone. "I may use others like you do, but I see them more than just mere objects. Only someone as arrogant as you can't see the possible repercussions if you turn your back on someone who is faithful to you."
Shadow Eater smirked, completely unphased by the intimidating glare his other half was giving him.
"I am quite aware." he replied calmly. "Which is why I am not letting this one go."
Votum growled before letting go of the Alter Ego.
"I came here searching for the entity that is Black Fang Tyrant's other half. I will stay here for a few days before moving on to another reality." he explained curtly. "I now know for certain Kira exists still."
Shadow Eater nodded and smirked.
"Very well, I will not argue with you, since you're me." he acknowledged.
Incursio Votum smirked before slowly turning into a black miasma.
"As for the Kuroi girl who is tied to the Beast you covet so much and her friend. I will take them to ensure that you don't interfere with my plans. A golem of my likeness is looking over them as we speak." he said, relishing the satisfaction he got from seeing Shadow Eater's displeased look. " I know you are far aware of the differences of what happens if I killed them opposed to you doing it."
"Damn you…" The Alter Ego cursed. "If I killed them, their Other Selves would just fall into insanity. But if you do it, they cease to exist altogether."
"And should an Outsider decide to kill an Other Self or Alter Ego, it is a completely different story." Votum added. " That would lead to more Outsiders to appear, while the other half they represent is then destined to live a life of increasing torment and misery until they can't stand it anymore."
"How can you know so much about this world?" Shadow Eater asked bitterly.
Votum pulled out his black book and held it in front of him.
"This gives me the information of what I need of the current world." he explained before putting the book back where it came from.
Shadow Eater closed the distance between them and punched the Outsider square in the face, forcing his body to reform before being knocked to the ground.
"I am the Emperor of this world. Not you!" he screamed in fury. "You will not dictate what I can and can't do!"
Votum sat upright before rolling his neck slowly, cracking sounds could be heard as the tension was relieved.
"I need Black Fang Tyrant alive for my plans to be restored, you insolent fool! I will not let you kill him." he explained before holding out his right hand to the side as a sphere of black energy began to manifest near the palm. "Even if you are a part of me, I will kill you before you even get the chance if you don't comply."
Shadow Eater smirked before summoning the Shade Peircer.
"Sounds like a challenge to me." he taunted as he raised the spear in front of him.
"So… You allow your desires to control your mind. I expected more from you, Shadow Eater!" Votum said in disappointment as he raised his arm up, the orb of energy following in suit. "You are much more than the rest of the Alter Egos! Don't reduce yourself to their level!"
Shadow Eater only screamed a battlecry before charging forward, intending to kill his other half as he thrusted the orb forward, sending it straight into the Alter Ego's chest.
"For now, rest and reflect on who you really are." Votum said calmly as Shadow Eater grimaced in pain as the orb sank into his chest.
"What… What did you do to me?!" he asked as a black aura began emanate from his body.
"It's nothing more than a simple sealing spell." the Outsider explained as the aura began to obscure the Alter Ego. "I will release you soon. I will promise you that once I find Masamune Kira, you are free to kill his Alter Ego then."
"Damn you!" Shadow Eater cursed as he threw his spear in a last ditch attempt to kill the Outsider.
Votum only grunted in pain as the weapon embedded itself within his left shoulder as red blood oozed out of his wound. He watched on as the Alter Ego let loose a string of curses at him before he was hidden completely from sight by the black aura. A few moments passed before silence filled the air and the aura began to move towards a chained up coffin and entered it.
The Outsider was mildly surprised upon seeing who was forced to become the body of Shadow Eater once all of the aura was sealed within the coffin.
Lying on the ground was a girl who wore a pair of large rounded glasses. Her smooth long black hair went past the shoulders, stopping at the middle of her back. She had deathly pale skin that stood out against the black earth she rested upon. Her outfit was of an oversized black jacket with baggy sleeves that covered her hands while the hem went to her hips. The zipper in the front was undone down to the waist, exposing her midriff and black bikini top while the zipped up portion acted like a makeshift skirt.
Completing her outfit were a pair of ebony stockings that were skintight and stopped mid-thigh with some holes present at the sides near the hem with boots that blended in very well as well as a pair of white earbuds that were snuggly in her ears.
Votum took note of the pair of ebony devil horns that were significantly smaller compared to Black Gold Saw's that protruded from the sides of her head. He seethed in pain as he removed the Shade Piercer before tossing the weapon next to the coffin its owner was inside.
The Outsider waited patiently for several minutes before he saw the spectacled girl open her eyes, revealing them to be neon green eyes that glowed slightly before a flame of the very same color erupted from her left eye. She slowly sat upright and stared at Votum blankly. It took a moment for the Other Self to realize that she was finally free from Shadow Eater's control.
Votum smiled as he stood next to the dazed girl.
"I apologize for my Alter Ego's treatment of you." he said apologetically. "I am Incursio Votum, and you do not have to be afraid." He then offered his hand to help her up.
The horned girl stared at the offered appendage before raising her right hand, which was revealed to be a black skeletal hand as the sleeve receded slightly as she gently grabbed the hand. Soon, the flame in her eye disappeared as green tears began to flow down her face.
Votum carefully helped her up before gently wrapping his free arm around her in a comforting manner, bringing her into a hug.
"It's alright, you're safe now…" he reassured in a gentle tone. "My name is Incursio Votum. May I ask what your name is?"
The Other Self looked up at Votum nervously as he hugged her, but soon relaxed in his embrace. She closed her eyes before speaking in a soft tone.
"I am Black Devil Girl…" she replied as she wrapped her arms around Votum as he began stroking the back of her head gently. "Thank you for saving me, Votum-sama…"
Votum nodded in acknowledgement.
"It's alright, my dear." he continued as the Other Self sobbed softly.
Final Thoughts: Other Edition.
Blazorna: Alright, I bet none of you would've expected to see all of that coming. Anyway, welcome once again to Final Thoughts: Other Edition. I'm pleased to tell you that the adorable Black Rock-chan is with us again!
Rock-chan: *Waves* Hello!
Blazorna: alright, I was able to work with Rock-chan's schedule with De-chan, so everything's alright now. Anyway, what's today's question?
Rock-chan: *holds up cardboard sign*
Sign: *in bold red letters* What the Hell happened?!
Blazorna: Yeah. Guess I need to straighten a few things first for those who aren't following the main storyline.
Basically, I'm doing an arc that spans across several of the side stories. As you've seen, Incursio Votum is looking for Masamune Kira, Black Fang Tyrant's other half. He will stick around for one or two more chapters before going to another story. As you saw, Votum is a force to be reckoned with. He is the main antagonist of the main storyline after all.
Anyway, here's a little summary of what he is.
Votum is an entity that is not only to possess others like Shadow Eater can, he is even able to assimilate them and make a bit of their strength his own. With this ability, he's capable of doing almost anything you can think of. He is also very cautious and wouldn't appear in person unless he knows for certain that he can win or benefits him in some way.
I know, he sounds ridiculously powerful, but he is far from immortal. He also has a couple of fatal weaknesses, one of which can be found in the main storyline while more will be revealed down the road.
IF anyone wants to follow Votum's journey, add me to your author alert. It's not necessary for any of the storylines, but it would be worth checking out.
Now, here's the question many of you are wondering, or are preparing to skin me alive for if I do it.
Will there be a harem?
No, there is not one planned at this time. I think I've made it pretty obvious who Black Fang Tyrant is interested in with this chapter. Though, if enough people ask me, I MAY do that.
By the way, for those who were curious, it is considered to be a harem in anime if at least three characters are in love with the same guy.
Now, onto Savage Black Fang Tyrant.
You guys can pretty much guess what he's a parallel of...
You'll learn more in time, as saying anything about him will lead to spoilers.
I am finally glad that the BRS Wiki had profiles for some of the Arcana characters. Now, I can finally incorporate them like I wanted! Though its only the new ones who debut in the game, like Farside Bunny or Elder Caster, that I could find. I wanted to incorporate the Arcana versions of the more familiar ones like Strength and Black Gold Saw, but I couldn't find anything on them. Oh well, maybe in time I can.
As for Dead Master using the Ogre Arms. This was a homage to Arcana I came up with before the profiles were up. When I was thinking of showing how much powerful she became, I was torn between making her more like the anime incarnation, or do something different that would be a surprise. The most unexpected thing I thought of was by giving her the use of using the weapons belonging to another Other Self.
Onto another matter, I also want to applaud the one guy for attempting to summarize what each of the races were. You did a great job, but you were off with the Alter Egos and Outsiders.
Outsiders are referred to ANYONE who isn't an Alter Ego or Other Self existing in the Other World. This title isn't restricted to only aliens or non-humans. A human who isn't merged with their Other Self or Alter Ego is considered to be an Outsider while they are in the Other World.
Alter Egos are just like the Other Selves, however, they are able to express themselves more than Other Selves who haven't merged with their other half. They are however incomplete and have possibly a bigger weakness than Other Selves with their inability of handling the stress of losing a dear friend.
Rock-chan: *yawns before looking at Blazorna* It's almost bedtime.
Blazorna: Ack! Already that time? Guess I better take you home before De-chan starts to worry about you.
Well, I'm going to stop right here. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Feedback of any kind will be greatly appreciated.
Wherever you stay focused on this story or decide to expand your horizons with the rest of the Incursio Votum series, I will hope to see you all next chapter.