PART 1
Ciel sat on a rock watching quietly alongside Cerveau, Faucon and Moineau. Leilei, standing a few feet away, back turn, held her staff out, eyes closed as she seemed to be concentrating and focusing. Soon after her body started to give off a blue aura, and the aura traced itself to the tip of the staff, a ball of energy gathering at the tip of the wing decoration. Leilei opened her eyes, and with a quick motion of her hand gathered the energy into and sent it flying down the field as a ball of flame, it struck a rock in the distance causing the rock to crack.
"Amazing." said Cerveau, staring in awe.
"So that's magic?" Moineau asked. She stood there wide eyed and grinning. Her new Pantheon Warrior arm had been resized by Cerveau to be of use to her, as well as painted green to match with her resistance uniform, along with a built in Beam dagger mounted into the wrist. "Hey do you think you can teach me to do that?"
"I don't think reploids can use magic." said Faucon.
"Yeah but is Ciel can figure it out we'd be running on magic wouldn't we?" Moineau asked.
Leilei turned around and walked back to the group, Ciel clapped her hands.
"Leilei that was amazing! I saw you moving your lips during the casting, is that an incantation? And I'm assuming your staff is a focus for your magic correct?"
Leilei nodded, and Ciel began to think.
"So magic needs a focus in order to manifest, that's good to know, we might be able to contain and gather the power using something similar. Next time you show off your magic I'll need my equipment to take scans of what happens so I can compare it against my notes and data on Cyber Elves. How does the incantation work anyways?"
"I speak to the spirits." said Leilei. "Through this communication I am able to manipulate my surroundings and give it form, that is how magic works in my world."
"Manipulating your surroundings?" Ciel blinked and they all looked around.
"So magic is all around us then?" asked Cerveau.
"Fascinating." said Ciel. "I'll need my equipment ready next time Leilei or someone else uses magic so I can record the effect. But if it can be technologically replicated. Then magic could be a viable energy source."
"It would give us an advantage the moment Neo Arcadia finds the gate." said Cerveau. "Having magic as an energy source would be a big advantage, especially when you consider our energy reserves are good enough for only a year at most."
"So does this mean I can shoot fireballs from hand if I'm powered up on magic?" Moineau asked with an eager grin.
"Moineau reploids can do that without magic." said Faucon.
"I know that, but it's magic!" said Moineau. "I'd be like the cool kid on the block among reploids."
Faucon sighed and shook his head. "How is it that you're a combat model reploid again?"
"Good looks and charming personality." said Moineau. "Unlike you Faucon." She smirked at him, and Faucon's eyebrow twitch.
Cerveau sighed shaking his head. "I swear you two bicker like a married couple."
Ciel giggled and Leilei just smiled.
"Do you still plan to meet the Elves?" Leilei asked.
"Oh right, the High Elves in Koan Forest right?" Ciel asked. "I had completely forgotten about them."
"You plan to ask them about the gate correct?" said Cerveau.
"Yes, with the long lifespan the villagers say they possess, they might know something about the gate, and why it appeared in our world." said Ciel. "The more information we have, the better off we'll be once the day comes when Neo Arcadia arrives."
"I'll prepare the Land Rider." said Faucon as he headed off.
Leilei looked to them. "Koan Forest is a two day travel from here."
"Ah that's nothing." said Moineau. "We can probably get there in a few hours in the Land Rider."
Leilei looked amazed, a trip that takes a day cut down to an hour? Not even the fastest horses can do that, and yet Moineau says they can do it with their Iron carriage they call a "Land Rider"
"Hey why not come along!" said Moineau. "You can be a tour guide."
Leilei shook her head. "Thank you, but I have to stay here, keep master out of trouble."
They gave an understanding nod.
"Well if you ever want a ride in the Land Rider you just let us know okay?" said Moineau.
At the resistance Camp. Faucon was priming the Land Rider as Ciel gathered a few things from her lab.
"we shouldn't be gone for long Cerveau, while I'm out you're in charge of the camp. Contact me if anything happens okay? Especially if Zero shows up"
"Understood." said Cerveau. "You take care you hear?"
"I will." She slung her bag over her shoulder and stepped out of the van, walking over to the Rider and getting in the back as Faucon climbed into the Driver's seat with Moineau riding shotgun.
"We won't be gone long." said Ciel. "Everyone just sit back, but stay alert alright?"
They nodded, waving to the three as they drove off away from camp.
They had rode all day and night, forgoing sleep in order to make it to Italica in order to save time, after a brief rest the four had continued their journey, heading south.
"Don't you think we're pushing it just a little bit Princess?" asked Hamilton as they rode on. "We barely got any rest back at Italica."
"We'll be able to shave off a day's traveling this way." said Pina. And by tomorrow afternoon we'll be at the gate.
"Even so." said Bozes. "Forgive me for saying this but aren't you becoming a little obsessive with getting to the gate? I understand that succeeding in this mission will improve the order's standing in the empire, but are we even ready?"
Pina turned looking to Bozes and smiled. "Relax Bozes, this will be easy, we go in, look around and come back, Its Grey's investigation that will put everyone on notice of us."
"The Rose Order tracking down the Elder Dragon." said Norma smiling. "Is killing the Dragon in the cards for us Princess?"
Pina laughed. "God I hope not. If it is an Elder Dragon I'd only go after it with an army, maybe two."
"How would we even take down an Elder Dragon?" said Hamilton. "It sounds like a suicide mission."
"We'll worried about that once Grey has completed his mission." said Pina.
"What do you think we'll find on the other side?" Bozes asked. "There have been no reports of anything coming through the gate according to the scouts."
"Maybe the Gate is in the middle of nowhere on the other side." said Hamilton. "I mean what if we go through it and end up in a swamp."
"Well we'll just have to walk through it very carefully." said Pina. "Avoiding snakes and Spiders along the way."
Hamilton gulped. "Please don't kid like that princess." The others laughed.
"Oh Hamilton, Your behavior is unbecoming of a Knight." said Bozes. "A Knight should be brave and unafraid of danger."
"You're one to talk." said Hamilton.
Bozes sounded nervous. "I don't know what you mean." she said laughing it off.
"Don't give me that! Or have you forgotten the incident with the bats?"
Bozes's eye twitch. "You weren't suppose to mention that!" she yelped.
"Regardless of where the gate leads us to." said Pina. "We must be ready for what is on the other side, so steel yourselves."
The three nodded, and with a yell, they picked up the pace down the road.
PART 2
Koan woods was a stretch of forest near Coda Village. A two day journey on foot, and a day's journey on horseback, it only took Ciel, Faucon and Moineau two hours in the Land Rider. Parking the Chaser outside the woods, the three got out and made their way into the forest, finding a path and following it until they found the village. The Elven village was of a decent size, about 32 buildings total of various sizes. A well nearby supplied the village with fresh water. Ciel looked around, much like the human village, the homes here were built from stone and brick, as well as wood from the forest nearby. Their presence was noticed, as the residents were coming out, taking notice of a trio of unusually dressed humans entering the village.
"I guess these are elves huh?" Moineau said as they looked around. "Check out those ears."
"Moineau be nice." said Faucon as they continued to walk.
"Um excuse me." Ciel said, looking around. "I'm wondering if I can talk to someone here about Alnus Hill?"
There were murmurs among the people gathered, some walking away or not bothering to approach.
"Friendly bunch." said Faucon.
"Excuse me, you wanted to know about Alnus?" The trio turned watching a man approach them, tall handsome and slender built with shoulder length blonde hair slicked back and blue eyes. He wore a white shirt and pants under a blue waist length robe fitted with a belt and brown leather sandals on his feet.
"Oh hello." said Ciel. She'd bow. "Yes very much so, if it's alright."
The man smiled. "Please come with me." he said, leading the three through the village. "I apologize if my kin aren't being receptive, We are a fairly independent people and most humans don't even bother coming around."
"Ciel isn't like most humans." said Faucon.
"Oh, and what does that make you two?" the man asked.
"Reploids." Moineau said, raising her Warrior arm and flexing it.
The man raised an eyebrow. "Reploid?"
"Um, the best way to describe them by your world's logic would be golems with their own personalities." said Ciel.
The man smiled as he opened the front door to his home. "This is a story I would like to hear."
The man's name was Hodor, and he has lived all his life in this settlement. The four were sitting in a living room furnished rather sparsely. A Dining table, a few chairs and a couch, along with shelves filled with books and silverware. The only other resident of the house was Hodor's daughter, a beautiful female elf with long blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a green skirted robe and heeled sandals.
"My daughter, Tuka." Hodor said, introducing her as she brought tea.
"A pleasure to meet you Tuka." said Ciel.
Tuka smiled nodding her head. "A pleasure to meet all of you."
Hodor sipped his tea, and looked to Ciel. "Now what do you want to know about Alnus?"
"As much as possible." said Ciel. "We came from Alnus, through the gate."
"Really?" said Hodor. Ciel nodded.
"You know my ancestors also arrived in this world at Alnus." said Hodor. "The Elves were among the first races to populate this region, and we can trace our origins back to Alnus Hill."
It was Ciel's turn to look surprised. "Are you saying you also came here through the Gate?" Hodor nodded.
Faucon leaned against the wall watching. "So in short this world was populated by races who came from other worlds, is that it?"
"Talk about a melting pot." said Moineau. She looked over at Tuka, who had been staring at her. "Something on my face?"
"Huh? Oh no, I was just curious as to why you only have one arm covered in armor." Tuka said, pointing out Moineau's odd arm.
"Oh this?" Moineau tapped on the pantheon arm. "This isn't armor, it's my real arm."
Tuka stared. "It is?"
"Yup, I use to have two normal ones but this one got ripped off by a Pantheon Warrior. So after I killed it I took it's arm as a replacement." she grinned. "I can punch a hole in walls with this arm, charge up a super fast punch, and!" She clenched her fist, surprising Tuka as a blade of energy extended from the top of the wrist. "Built in Beam dagger."
Tuka staggered, looking amazed. "What incredible magic." she said.
"It's not magic." said Ciel. "Science in our world is very advanced."
Hodor laughed. "Well considering these two are sentient golems who can easily pass for humans, Your world's sciences must be pretty incredible."
"Thank you Hodor, your compliment is most appreciated."
"You are most welcome Ms. Ciel." He took another sip of his tea. "One thing about the Gate is that it never opens without reason. Every time it has, this world has changed for either better or worse as different races are introduced into the world, many believe it could be the will of the gods themselves."
"No such thing." said Faucon.
"The gods do exist." said Tuka. "At least here they do."
"Please forgive Faucon." said Moineau. "He's moody."
Faucon's eye twitch. "Who do I look like? Zero?"
Ciel, finishing her tea, set the cup down, bowing once more. "Thank you for your hospitality, and thank you for telling us about the gate."
"It was my pleasure. And please come see us again. We rarely get visitors and I think Tuka has taking a liking to you."
Tuka blushed, ringing the bottom of her skirt.
Ciel smiled at Tuka. "Would you like to come with us and see our camp?"
The girl's eyes lit up. "Can I? Really?"
"If it's okay with your father."
Hodor laughed. "I don't see what's wrong with that. And you could stand to get out of the house Tuka."
Tuka smiled, hugging her father. "Papa you're the best!" she said.
Faucon and Moineau smiled at this display of affection as Ciel stood. "Well if we leave now we can reach the camp before nightfall."
Now both of them stared.
"Before nightfall?" said Hodor. "Coda village is at least a day away on horseback."
"Our horse is faster." said Moineau with a grin.
"WOOOOOOO!" Tuka let out a yelp as Faucon went over a bump on the road, bouncing the four of them up. "This 'Land Rider' is amazing! Not even the swiftest horse is as fast!"
"I told you!" said Moineau holding onto her cap. "We're going at a brisk 60 Miles per hour, we'll be back at Coda village in no time!"
"This is amazing!" said Tuka. "The amount of distance you can cover, it's beyond compare."
"Most of the continent is within reach with our transports." said Ciel. "What would take days on horseback, or weeks on foot is much shorter riding a car."
Tuka smiled. "It would make travel so much easier. Your world is truly amazing!"
Ciel smiled sadly. "Yeah truly amazing."
The Resistance camp was alive with activity when they got back, villagers from Coda were there, mingling and interacting with the reploids. Ciel got out after Faucon put the Rider in park, looking surprised. "What's going on?"
"Oh Ciel!" Alouette ran over. "The villagers brought food and other stuff over, and Hibou is cooking it all up! We're having a party!"
"Oh this looks wonderful!" Tuka said, looking around. "There is so much going on."
"I'll say." said Moineau. "Come on Tuka lets mingle!" She took Tuka by the arm and headed into the crowd.
Ciel smiled watching everything happen. "This is how it should be Faucon. Humans and Reploids living in peace with one another."
"And it will." said Faucon. "You'll see."
Around the camp fire later that evening, Human and Reploid alike were gathered as Colbar stood up.
"And there we were, the brave men and women of the Colbar team! Outnumbered and alone on that train, but we had to derail it no matter what! So bravely we fought, gunning down Pantheon left and right as we made our way to the engine up front, once we got there we met heavy resistance! But being the fearless leader that I am, I charged in guns blazing!"
"Yeah right!" said Menart! "The only time that happens is when your dreaming during a recharge cycle." The kids giggled.
"DAMN IT MENART! said Colbar. "I'm trying to tell a story here!"
"So tell a story!" said Menart. "Instead of a bunch of hot air! These people want to hear about a REAL hero! Like Zero!"
All eyes were on Menart, the resistance seemed to talk a lot about this Zero person.
"Who is Zero anyways?" said one villager. "We hear a lot about him."
"He's only one of the greatest Reploids to ever live!" Menart said with a grin. "Fought in the first Maverick Wars Nearly 200 years ago as a Maverick Hunter, fighting the likes of Sigma and those who followed him. He's incredible! Wearing gleaming red armor and a pony tail like a cape coming down his back, slashing through his enemies with his beam saber and other weapons and just being a bonified BADASS!"
"MENART! Language!" Ciel snapped. "There are children present."
"Aww but Ciel! Its true!" said Menart. The kids were laughing.
"Ciel brought Zero back to life!" said Alouette. Everyone looked to Ciel, causing her to blush.
"Well, I guess you can say that." she said. "He was sealed away in an old lab beneath Neo Arcadia long since forgotten, he had been there for nearly 100 years by the time we found him, his body was in a state of disrepair, it's a miracle he was still intact."
"100 years?" The villagers all looked surprised.
"Why was his sealed away?" Tuka asked. "He was a hero wasn't he?"
"No one knows." said Ciel. "Not even him, he has no memory of his past, a side effect of the long hibernation he was in."
"Then how do you know he is Zero?" asked one villager. "If he has no memory of who he is."
"I know he is Zero!" Ciel said snapping suddenly. "His valor and his deeds have more than proven that he is the real Zero, memories or not. I have absolute faith and trust in him. And I'm sure, even as we speak, he is on his way to us now." She looked down. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap." she stood, excusing herself as she quickly ran to her mobile lab.
"Is she okay?" Tuka asked?
"She is worried." said Leilei. "Zero means a lot to her, and that he hasn't arrived yet is probably making her think the worst."
Inside her lab, Ciel was typing away on her keyboard, eyes fixed on her monitor as she looked over her research notes.
"Ciel." Cerveau's voice echoed from outside. "Can I come in?"
She didn't say anything, and Cerveau let himself in. "Ciel, they meant no harm with their questions."
"I know." said Ciel, not turning to face Cerveau as she looked over her notes.
"He'll be fine." Cerveau said.
"I know."
"He's probably lost."
"I know."
"And not for nothing, he said to go on without him."
"I know."
"Then why are we lingering in Coda village and not moving on to our next destination in this world?"
Ciel stopped typing, trembling as tears fell from her eyes and she slumped over the console. "Where is he Cerveau?! He should have been here by now! It's been two days and he hasn't shown up yet!"
Cerveau stayed quiet, as Ciel quietly sobbed.
"I put on a cheerful smile, I burry myself in my work and my interactions with everyone, and yet I can't shake the feeling that something has happened to him."
Cerveau walked over to Ciel, turning her chair around and kneeling down, lifting up her chin. "Ciel look at me. You don't have to keep putting up a brave face for everyone. If you were worried you should have said something. We'd have gone out and looked for him."
Ciel wiped her eyes, looking at Cerveau. "I didn't want to trouble anyone, and I was afraid we'd run into Pantheons if we went back near the gate. We don't know if Neo Arcadia found the gate or not, and that scares me."
Cerveau would pulled Ciel into a hug. "It's okay to be scared Ciel, I admit I'm a little scared myself, everyone is, but just like you we put on a brave face. Only for us it's so we can do our job and protect you."
Ciel returned the hug. "Thank you Cerveau. You've always been there for me, and I am truly thankful for that."
"Come on, let's get back to the party."
Ciel wiped her eyes and nodded. "Alright."
PART 3
They had traveled all day before making camp, and the next morning had resumed their walking.
"It's not far now." said Myuute. "Maybe another hour or so and we'll be at the Koan Forest and the Elven settlement.
"And after that is when we part ways." Said Biggs.
"Fine by me." said Zero as they continued walking.
"This Neo Arcadia place you talked about." said Wedge. "Sounds a lot like the empire."
"The Empire?" Zero looked over at them.
"Largest human kingdom on the continent." said Myuute. "In fact they practically control the entire continent, and their racism towards demi humans like us is a lot similar to the oppression reploids seem to be facing in your world."
Zero said nothing, looking ahead. So no matter where he went, he always seem to find himself in the presence of a government oppressing its people. "Is that why you three are bandits? To stick it to the Empire?"
Wedge laughed. "Yeah I guess so. but we ain't got it as bad as you guys. Sure the Empire is racist, but they never caused no genocide."
"Not entirely." said Biggs. "Remember what happened to the Warrior Bunnies three years back? Empire nearly wiped them all out."
Warrior Bunnies? Seriously? Zero shook his head at this thought.
"They say the Queen betrayed her people to save herself." said Myuute. "Talk about desperation."
"If she sold out her race to save herself." said Zero. "Then she didn't deserve to be queen."
"Amen to that.' said Biggs.
Myuute stopped suddenly her body shivering as she looked up.
"What is it Myuute?" Wedge asked.
"S..Something's coming this way...something ancient and very powerful." The ground shook suddenly as something echoed in the air and a massive shadow flew over them. Biggs looked up, slacked jawed. "Holy Shit, the rumors were true."
Zero looked up, staring at the massive creature that flew overhead, paying the four of them no mind. A massive red scaled lizard with large Red wings was flying in the direction of the forest.
"Thats...a Flame Dragon." said Wedge.
Zero looked at the Dragon, then looked ahead. "Its heading for the forest!"
Biggs, Wedge and Myuute went wide eyed.
"The Elven village." said Myuute.
Zero said nothing, and kicking in his acceleration he dashed toward the forest.
"WAIT ARE YOU CRAZY!?" screamed Wedge. "THATS A FLAME DRAGON! YOU DON'T STAND A CHANCE!"
Zero ignored them and continued on.
"He's crazy." said Biggs. "We should get out of here while we can."
"But what about Zero? And the elves?" said Myuute.
"Are you kidding?!" said Biggs. "They'll all be dead!"
"Biggs is right." said Wedge. "They stand no chance against a Flame dragon."
Tuka sat in the back seat of the Land Rider as they made their way back to Koan Forest. She had stayed the night to make it easier on everyone, but overall she had a wonderful time.
"Thank you for inviting me." said Tuka. "I had a wonderful time."
"I'm glad you did." said Ciel. "I hope we'll meet again someday, but it's important that we continue to move on."
Tuka nodded. "I understand, You're trying to escape from Neo Arcadia, it must be tough being on the run like that."
"We manage." said Faucon. "We've fought them for over a year now, and though they may have the advantage, we won't give up."
Tuka smiled. "Thats a good attitude to have. And I hope you find Zero as well."
"Oh he'll show up." said Faucon. "When you least expect it."
"Faucon is right, as long as we stay positive I'm sure Zero will-" Her eyes widen and she let out a scream, Faucon stopped the Rider and Tuka stared ahead with a look of horror in her eyes.
"My God." said Ciel.
"No...No way." said Tuka.
Faucon was silent, unable to grasp what he was witnessing.
Koan Forest was in flames.
