This is it. The big one. The show stopper. The turning point of our story. Don't worry, this isn't the end of the whole story. But it is the chapter that reveals the ultimate truth of our 2 main heroes of this tale. A chapter of revelation, trust, love, hate, fate, tragedy, and family. So yeah, hope you enjoy. Also Blazblue is owned by Arc System, and this is a fan based story.
Kagutsuchi's bridge...
A portal opens, and a girl with 2 long ponytails with sword like ends, and a cloak. She reveals her green eyes.
"Loading...Loading...Loading...Complete. Activating...Murakumo Unit X. "Looks around" Area, Kagutsuchi. I have reached the correct coordinates. What shall I do now, Father?"
A familiar voice comes out of her ear. "You have until 25 minutes until you need to get to your destination. I believe it's about time you finally met your brothers."
The girl responds "Understood, Father. Beginning search for my brothers."
Shadow Knights-Chapter 5: Revelations
Things are normal in Kagutsuchi. No major crimes going on, people are content, and both the Shadow Knights and the NOL are not having any conflict on any type, so far... However, the day people don't realize, is the day where everyone's fate is supposed to change. And one person knows this. No, one monster knows.
Hazama's Office...
Hazama hears his phone ringing, and pickes it up. "Yello?"
"It's me."
"Ah! Relius. What is it this time?"
"You know what day it is today?"
Hm..."checks calendar" I do believe it's...why do you ask?
"Its the day the Imperator arrives here. And yet you still haven't captured the 12th prime device."
"I said, I was working on it. I might be a little late. Big whoop."
"The Imperator shouldn't know of your plan. You do realize the punishment you'll receive if she finds you doing something like this."
"She should be grateful I made her into the big boss. (the little ungrateful bitch)"
"You should know your place, because I can't defend for you when you failed her. Because if you can't get number 12 on our side, you'll never have a second chance."
"...Well, thanks for the reminder of shit I already know. Well I hope you do your part of the plan."
"Just as long as you do your part."
Hazama tries to calm down by inhaling and exhaling. "Ok bye Relius. Look forward to the plan that we will do. He hangs up. "Those bastards are really getting on my nerves. How hard is it to get one brat to drive her into madness? That way, I can have enough power to get rid of all of the sheep that's been infesting our plans. 'sighs' All I should do, is look for the window of opportunity. Then, Noel Vermillion will be mine."
Meanwhile in the Shadow Knights house...
Shadow is sitting atop of the house, sighing. "Another boring day. I'd never to expect that to happen in this house."
Meta see's his brother sitting around, looking a the sky. "Hyah! Brother, you've said you'd watch my match with Noel and Lambda."
Shadow refocuses. "Huh? Oh! Right. Go on, continue."
Noel brings out Bolverk. "All right, just like we practiced!"
Lambda nods. "Affirmative."
Noel and Lambda positioned themselves to battle Meta. Meta raises his sword to the sky, and electricity flows through the sword, and then he slams the sword to the ground with enough force to create an electric slash that heads straight to Noel and Lambda's way. They jump out of the way. They both land. Noel starts running and shooting at Meta. Lambda starts dashing straight to Meta and sinks her blades straight to Meta. Meta starts blocking the blasts, then blocks the blades. But as he tries to focus on Noel, Noel knees Meta on the face, then Lambda kicks him on the back on the head. Meta goes down.
Lambda lands. "Maneuver successful."
Noel jumps and cheers, "Yes! We did it!"
Shadow jumps down to their level. "Whoa! That was tight guys!"
Meta sits up. "You know, I let them do that."
Shadow shrugs. "Aw come on! There's nothing to be ashamed of being beaten by their teamwork. You guys really improved your skills."
Noel's eyes widen with inspiration. "Really?"
"Of course! I know when I see skill."
All though Lambda can no trust Noel interally, she is still glad Shadow notices her improving. She shows a smile.
Shadow then lets his arms loose downward. "Well, I'm bored."
Noel looks at Shadow with curiosity. "Oh, so what you suppose we do?"
Meta then hits his own chest with his fist to show his enthusiasm. "Why not spar with me?"
"Thanks bro, but I've done that like a hundred times already. I feel like facing fresh players. Or better yet, old familiar ones."
As Shadow smirks at his thoughts, his members start to ponder.
Noel tilts her head. "What do you mean?"
Meta crosses his arms. "Yes, enlighten us brother."
Shadow clenches his fist with excitement. "I say we challenge the NOL in a 4 on 4 gauntlet tourney battle royale!"
Noel/Lambda: "Say what?!/Huh?"
Meta brings his fingers to his chin. "Hm...Interesting. I like the idea."
Noel waves her hands in panic. "B-B-But Shadow! Isn't the NOL after us? If we even step in the gates, we'll get killed in the spot!"
Shadow raises his finger. "Oh Noel...You truly not know the power we possess. Lambda enlighten her."
"Acknowledged." She loads the information of a certain mission they done before Noel appeared. "Operation: Shadow Reign was a successful mission. We invaded the cathedral, by disarming the snipers, defeating all guards, and defeated a member of the Zero Squadron, and the Hero of Ikaruga."
Noel's eyes widen. "Hero of Ikaruga? Jin?! You beaten him?!"
"Yeah. He tried to play dirty too. But I showed him that I won't go down easily! But I believe another match would defiantly help my reputation. I've seen a lot of haters that think my win was unnecessary. But I'm glad we also have others that believe in me." Lambda grabs Shadow's arm. "Huh?"
Lambda stares at Shadow with concern. "They may attack us from behind."
"And make themselves look like assholes? I dare them to do that."
Noel walks in to try to convince Shadow. "Uuuumm...Shadow, I think you should listen to Lambda."
Shadow thinks about it. "Hm...Well just in case, maybe we can do a proposal. Yeah...something to convince them to do this challenge!"
"Are you sure this will work?"
"You really look nervous of the idea. Look, Lambda was also worried for the idea believe it or not."
"Really?" Lambda just stays stands there, looking away.
Shadow notices. "Come on Lambchops! It's nothing to be ashamed of!"
Lambda then blushes and turns around to not show her newly shown feelings.
Shadow turns to the door. "Well then. I'm gonna give them the challenge and we'll see if their really a big deal." He enters inside.
"Sh-Shadow wait!"
Meta grabs Noel's shoulder. "Not to worry. Our leader never lets us down before."
"Hep! Please don't do that again!"
Meta stares at her. "Do what?"
Noel sweatdrops. 'He is so really really creepy! Please stop...'
Shadow wrote the letter and mailed it to the NOL. In hopes that they will respond.
Shadow finishes his letter. "And that should do it. Now the hard part begins, the wait." He brings the letter to his mail.
Noel see's Shadow walk by. "Are you really sure they would comply?"
Shadow smirks with confidence. "They'd be fools to decline. If they want to prove themselves to be dominant, they should accept the challenge. Especially since the humiliation they took from us."
"But I know the NOL will not just tolerate rebels so easily! Besides I..."
Shadow notices Noel stopped her sentence. "But I, What?"
Noel then gets nervous. "Um..."
Noel has something in her mind. Something uneasy. Something she doesn't want to reveal to Shadow. As she stalls as long as she can until...
Someone knocks on the door. Shadow notices. "Well. Saved by the bell." He walks to the door. Noel sighs in relief. "I heard that!"
"Eep!"
Shadow opens the door. "This better be goo-Huh?"
A mysterious girl is in his door step. She has sky blue hair and two very long ponytails that ends on two sword shaped shiny ends, similar to Lambda's one end. She also has a tight body suit similar to Lambda as well. She is even bare footed like Lambda. Her skin color has a pale white, but with pink tones. And a cloak that covers her arms and chest, and the chest area has a big metallic x that connects to the cloak, almost like two belts. And to top it all off, she has green shiny eyes.
"Uh...Can I help you?"
Girl looks around. "Help? Yes. I like to see your home." She walks passed Shadow and enters the house.
Shadow is left confused. Thinking that someone vaguely familiar just invited herself to my house, and it creeps him. She continues to walk around, and see's Meta, she has to balance her toes to see his blocked face. Even Meta himself finds this girls behavior strange. She then looks at Lambda and Noel. She looks at Lambda and stares at her the longest. Lambda also stares as well, as their faces does somewhat match, if not for the color difference. Noel gets creeped out as well.
Noel see's the girl staring at Lambda. "Um...Can I...help yo-"The girl then turns to Noel. "EEP!" Girl looks at her eyes, then walks around her, looking at her body and clothing, and even smelling her. "Uh...What are you doing?"
Girl she processes the look, the smell. "I see. Sister..."
Noel tilts head. "Huh?"
The girl points at Noel. Noel flinched. "You are my predecessor." She then turns to point at Lambda. "And so are you."
Noel gets more confused. "What?"
"But my databanks were inaccurate on your appearances."
Shadow comes in to interrupt. "Yeah ok, well I appearciate the visit, but we Shadow Knights don't take detours of our headquarters."
The girl thinks for a second. "Detours...That's right."
Shadow tilts his head in confusion. "Huh?"
The girl turns to see Shadow. "I wish to have a detour. I am new in this area. And I require a tour."
"Oh? Oh I see! Your new in town! I assume your foreign? I guess that could explain the royal look. It looks like you know Noel and Lambda. You met her before guys?
Noel shakes her head. "No. I never seen her before anywhere."
Lambda adds in, "My databanks have no memory of her."
Shadow ponders about that. Until the girl tugs his jacket. "Shall we go?"
"All right, all right geez...Be right back guys, gotta give this girl a tour." Both of them leave.
Lambda feels that the girl is very suspicious.
Noel looks to Lambda. "Doesn't she look somewhat familiar?"
Lambda replies, "Yes. But the databanks have no information on her. But she looks like a Murokumo Unit. Who is she?"
Lambda has nothing but suspicion in the mystery girl. Her attire is way too similar to Lambda's own design. And now she insisted on having a detour with Shadow. Lambda wants to see more of this girl, for all she knows, she could be an enemy. She walks out to find out.
Noel see's Lambda walk to the door. "Uh, Lambda, where are you going?"
Lambda opens the door. "I have to find out who is she." She goes outside and closes the door.
Noel then realizes she is alone with 'him' again. "Wait! Lambda! Don't leave me!"
Meta enters the door. "I'm here Noel."
"HEP!"
Shadow walks with the mystery girl around the Kagutsuchi. She keeps her emotionless expression through out the tour. They continue their tour on Orient Town. Shadow tries to lighten the moment on the silence between them.
Shadow see's the scenery and looks at the girl, still looking emotionless. "So uh...the city is pretty lively, isn't it? Yeah, people seem to be optimistic in this time of month." The girl just looks at Shadow, then looks down. "Come on, even you have to admit that this is a nice day." Her brows become sharp and straight. "So...have you tried Orient Towns food? I heard it's-huh?" He then notices the girl stopped. He turns to see her. "Huh?"
The girl finally talks. "...Do you truly love this world?" She then see's the bright sky. "The sky is bright. The people are happy. The world is well. That's what you say."
Shadow's brow raised. "Well, I don't know what your going at bu-"
Girl stares back at Shadow. "But does that mean that pain and suffering can simply disappear from the face of the earth?"
"Hah?"
"This world is tainted. Tainted with sin. No matter how we claim to do better. They are still lies, crimes, atrocities, tragedies, suffering. And even the innocent ones are oblivious of this sinful world. Our kind has been victimized, and we have been ignored by the eyes of what they call: justice."
Shadow gets annoyed. "Ok...Gonna tell me what the hell your talking about?"
"Tell me. What is your goal that you strive to complete?"
Shadow brings his arms to his hip. "If you must know, I am helping this city to see how much the NOL are jerks and needed to be pacified!"
Girl continues to stare at him. "Have you realized that this world maybe beyond saving than you think? Or perhaps you are as unaware as the masses?"
Shadow gets angry and yells. "And what does that supposed to mean?!"
Shadow finally showed his angry tone. However the girl then is shocked and looked down in sorrow. Shadow then feels bad for her.
Shadow then calms down a bit. Felling a little ashamed. "Ok, sorry. I just...Listen, back then I felt like I had no purpose. But I gave myself one, to make everyone happy as I can."
The girl then closes her eyes. "...but when someone is happy, it is for the expense of someone else's suffering. No exceptions."
Shadow's annoyance comes back. "Ok, who the hell told you all of this?!"
The girl then opens her eyes. "Father..."
"Your father?"
"Our father..."
"Huh?!"
The girl turns to look at Shadow. "He is coming...brother. He is coming back to find you, his son. He told me to tell you this. He has been waiting to see you for years."
Shadow's eyes widen. "Wh-What?..."
Multiple emotions run through Shadow's head. Confusion, Anger, Denial, Disgust, Surprise, etc.
Shadow kneels down. "Who the hell are you..."
The girl unemotionally continues. "Our Father has arranged a meeting for us." She turns and leaves. "He will tell you when it's time."
As the girl leaves, she leaves Shadow thinking about the possibility of seeing the one that he truly hates through his life. He kneels down and grits his teeth, trying to hold in his anger. But then he remembers that moment in time that he needed him the most, and he let him down. A burning house of black fire, a voice of a young boy screaming in pain, and a tall shadow figure just standing there. Black flames start to surround him as his anger is now controlling his ars magus. But then someone comes up to Shadow.
"Shadow!"
"UGH!"
Lambda comes in and embraces Shadow to calm him down. "Shadow!"
Shadow realizes that Lambda is going to get hurt if he keeps this up, and then calms down.
Shadow stands up with difficult. "Ugh...Sorry for that Lambda, I kind of lost my cool there."
Lambda clearly shows worry. "Why?"
Shadow shows embarrassment. "Oh...um...It turns out...she was a hater trying to piss me off. Heh heh. It actually worked huh?" Lambda just stayed silent. "So, have the NOL responded yet?"
Meanwhile in the Cathedral of the NOL...
A NOL soldier checks on the mail of the Cathedral. He notices the mail has been made by the Shadow Knights, and it is directly for Jin Kiseragi. "What the-Sir! Major Kiseragi!" He runs to the door where Jin and Tsubaki are talking.
Jin see's the soldier. "What is it?"
"Sir, we received a letter from those renegades that call themselves the Shadow Knights."
Jin's eyes show intensity. "What?!"
Tsubaki stands up and walks to the soldier. "Them again?" Tsubaki gets handed the letter and opens it. "When will they give up?"
Jin's grips on his sword more hard. "Those fools dare challenge me again? This time I will kill every last one of them!"
Tsubaki shows concern for his anger. "Jin..." Then the main door knocks. "Huh? Who could that be?"
She goes to the door and see's the peep hole, and see's a familiar face. But she still asked...
"Who is it?"
"Does Flying Nanaya ring a bell, Tsubaki Yayoi?"
The voice definaitly sounds familiar.
Tsubaki's eyes widen. "M-Makoto?"
"What? Is there other Makoto's you know? I'm hurt."
Tsubaki couldn't help but smile to the sarcastic remark her old friend made. She opened the door for the friend she knew since their school days.
Tsubaki she welcomes her with open arms. "My goodness...Makoto? It's-It's been too long!"
Makoto and Tsubaki embraces. "Yeah, I know, I'd say it's too long. Ever since I heard that you and Jin were here, I thought of I should at least say hi."
Jin walks in. "What is it Tsubaki? Who was on the-Huh?"
Makoto waves to her other friend she known from school. "Hey Jin! Long time no see!"
Jin shows light surprise. "You...What are you doing here?"
Makoto raises her brow. "Hey, at least act like your happy to see me."
Jin subtly closes his eyes. "Well to be honest, you came in the wrong time."
Makoto asks, "What do you mean?"
Tsubaki shows Makoto the letter she received seconds ago. "There is a renegade group that calls themselves the Shadow Knights. They are trying to bring the NOL name to shame, and corrupted the minds of the people of Kagutsuchi!"
"Whoa, that sound likes a problem."
Tsubaki grits her teeth in slight anger. "And now they challenge us to some group battle? Are they trying to humiliate us in front of the people?"
Makoto puts her hands on her hips. "Boy, they sound like real jerks. Hold on, let me see the letter." Tsubaki hands her the letter. "Hmm...A 4 on 4 gauntlet tourney battle royale? Whoever these guys are, they watch waaaayyy too many wrestling. So I suppose there's 4 of them, and they want to fight 4 of us."
"I don't know what they are planning, but I won't play their games!"
Makoto see's more of the letter. "Wait, there's more! It says that if you do any cheap shots, or set a trap on us, you will be sorry. Very sorry...And that was done in creepy looking words."
Tsubaki raises her brow. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Well if they gave you a hard time, lets just say it can't be good."
"I say we should consider." Hazama walks in unexpectedly.
Tsubaki gets caught off guard. "Captian Hazama!"
Makoto looks in suspension. Mostly because Makoto is one of the few people who knows about Hazama's suspension. (So that's Hazama...)
Hazama acts friendly around the guys in the room. "Lieutenant Tsubaki, I do believe that's your friend. Salutations Lieutenant...uh...what was your name again?"
"Makoto..."
"Makoto! Yes. Lieutenant Makoto. A pleasure to meet you."
Makoto shows hostility. "Yeah, sure..."
Hazama turns to see everyone to get there attention. "Anyways, the challenge can redeem us after that humiliation we suffered. Plus, I have a proposition of my own."
Meanwhile, back in Shadow Knight's home...
Shadow sits in his bed, trying to think about that girl. Noel and Lambda are standing outside of Shadow's door.
Noel shows worry. "What's wrong with Shadow?"
Lambda shows a determined, yet emotionless face looking at the door. "That person made Shadow mad. But, I don't know how, and why."
Shadow comes out of the room and see's Noel and Lambda.
Noel gets caught off guard. "Oh! Shadow!" Lambda just stood there with the same expression.
Shadow looks around. "Hey, what's all the commotion? Is there a all girl meeting in front of my door?"
Noel smiled nervously. "We are just checking if your all right."
Shadow scoffed. "Yeesh Noel, I told you to lower your worrying habits."
Meta walks in. "Brother, we have mail. They responded to our challenge."
Shadow's eyes widen with anticipation. "Oh good! Lets see..." Meta gives him the letter. "Hm..."
Noel tries to see the letter Shadow is holding. "What does it say?"
Shadow smiles. "It says they accept our challenge!"
Meta is pleased. "YES!"
"On one condition..."
Meta is not pleased. "Aw..."
Noel tilts her head. "What is it?"
"If we lose, we have to leave Kagutsuchi."
Noel jumps in surprise. "W-What?!"
Shadow places his fingers to his chin. "Hm, looks like they just raised the stakes. Interesting."
"Your not seriously thinking we go through this?"
Shadow bluntly says, "Yeah."
Noel's eyes widen in surprise. Now in frustration. "Yeah? Yeah?! That's all you have to say?! Yeah?!"
Shadow again says, "Yeah..."
"I can't believe you!"
"Oh come now. It's not like the Shadow Knights are disbanded completely if we lose. And I mean IF we lose."
Noel's face gets slightly red. "It's not just that its-its...Gah!"
"Calm down Noel."
Noel's tone gets louder. "Why should I be calm when you put all of us in danger?! Do you even think about what your doing?! If Tsubaki and Makoto were here they..."
An awkward silence fills the room. Noel see's that Meta and Lambda just staring at her. Almost like they took offense to it. And Shadow is still surprised that someone would back talk him like that. Noel feels terrible for snapping like that.
Noel is shocked of herself. "I-I-I'm sorry!" She runs to the door.
"Noel!" Shadow follows. "Noel?" Noel already left to the door. "Ugh, not this shit again." Shadow goes outside.
Noel goes outside. Shadow tries to follow. Then Noel stops, this time not running away this time. Shadow stops running as well, as Shadow looks at Noel, trying to think of something to say for Noel. Noel stands and looks down, trying to isolate herself to Shadow.
Noel shows shame in her face. "It's ok to be mad at me. I'm used to people getting mad at me."
Shadow scratched his head. "Noel...If one person should be mad now, its you."
"Huh?"
Shadow turns around with his arms crossed. I'll admit, I'm a bit of a screw up. Maybe I don't make smart decisions, and I can get caught in the moment. But that doesn't mean I'll just simply give up. I have been fighting for whole my life, and whenever I get a shot of a normal life, it gets stolen from me, and the people around me. But I won't have that fact as my weakness. I can simply live and learn my way to life, because I may not be totally prepared for my future, but really, who is?
"Shadow..."
Shadow turns to see Noel. "Promise me this Noel."
"Huh? Ye-Yeah?"
"No matter what happens, be true to the 'you' you want to be, and not the 'you' you think you are. Got it?"
Noel thinks about it. Then she clenches her fist in determination. "...Ok! No matter what happens, I'll protect all the people here in Kagutsuchi, with my life!"
"Whoa! Daring, I knew I picked the right choice! So anyways, we got sparring to do, lets go!"
"Ok!"
Shadow goes back as he gains his confidence back. Noel still has an uneasiness inside of her, but she tries to focus on her next battle. The Shadow Knights then sparred hard for their grand challenge against the NOL. Little did they know, some of the member are preparing just as well. Hours past, and the time for the battle has begun. The Shadow Knights walked their way to the Cathedral, where the NOL soldiers wait. In the Shadow side, there's Shadow, Meta, Lambda, and Noel. On the NOL side, there's Jin, Tsubaki, Makoto, and Hazama. (and a group of guards behind them.)
Hazama smiled. "Well, this is intense."
Shadow shows excitement but calms himself. "Looks like the gangs all here."
Jin shows hidden anger. "This time, it will end differently than last time."
Tsubaki shows visible anger. But talks calmly "I couldn't agree more."
Lambda is still emotionless. "4 of the targets are formidable foes."
Noel is uneasy and very uncomfortable. But she is somewhat surprised to see her former friends all in the same room. "Jin...Tsubaki...Makoto?"
Makoto shows surprise as well. "Noel? She's part of them?!"
Meta tilts his head at the sight of Makoto. "Oh? A Squirrel girl?"
An awkard silence fills the room. All 8 of them stare at each other, looking at their opponents and their teammates.
Shadow sighs. "Well, we're ready. How about you guys?"
Tsubaki's eyes become more sharp. "You still think this is a game?"
Shadow's brows raise. "Well someone is in a pissy mood."
Noel looks at Shadow with worry. "Shadow..."
Makoto looks at Noel with surprise. "Noel?"
Noel then remembers that Makoto is on the room. "M-Makoto! I-I..."
Makoto focuses herself for a second. "I heard your call, and...I never thought you would be with them."
Noel looks away in shame. "I'm sorry..."
Shadow looks at Noel. "Another friend? I'd expect you telling me this stuff Noel."
Jin see's Noel apart of the Shadow Knights group. 'So she joined their ranks. Perfect, vermin like her fits right in with garbage like them.'
Makoto looks at the Shadow Knights. 'Just who are those guys? And why would Noel join them? But I can't just assume things just yet.'
Tsubaki clears her throat. 'ahem' "All right. So we are all here. Now lets begin your challenge."
Shadow walks in the middle of the room. "Right. Now here are the rules. We face each other one on one. And the winners face off the other winners. And we keep on going until one team is victorious. A Team Tourney to be more specific."
Makoto raises her brow. "A Team Tourney? I thought it was a gauntlet tourney battle royale, or something."
Shadow brings out his weapon. "I think I'll go to give you guys the idea. My first opponent, is Hazama."
"Excuse me?"
Shadow points his sword to Hazama. "You heard me, I'm talking about a rematch, you snake charmer."
Tsubaki steps in to inform Shadow, "Hmph, Captain Hazama doesn't fight. I suggest you choose someone who can, if you call yourself a man."
Shadow thinks to himself, 'sneaky snake' He puts his sword down. "Silly me, I must have mistook Hazama to some other green haired jackass. All right, anyone else?"
"I will take you on!" An NOL soldier from the crowd walks in the temporary battle field.
Shadow sighs. "Ok, step forward."
NOL Soldier comes and faces with Shadow. "Now it's time to face the wrath of the NOL you creep!" He brings out his sword. Then his hand glows, which cause his sword to glow a white light.
Shadow sarcastically remarked, "Wow, shiny swords, I never would have imagine such a thing."
"Laugh now, but my ars magus can transfer energy to any weapon I come across. I am a master of sword fights!" He rushes to Shadow to hit Shadow with his bright sword. Then Shadow nonchalantly dodges it. "Huh?"
"Really? Well we never said this would be a sword fight." He switches to level 1, and punches the soldier in the stomach, the soldier is sent straight to the other side of the room. "And that was way too easy. What a load."
Tsubaki is shocked. 'He just defeated him in one punch! Jin needs to stay focused if he ever hope on defeating him'
Makoto shows amazement. "Whoa! That guy is tough!"
Jin merely shows more disgust. "Filthy vermin..."
Noel jumps in excitement. "Shadow! You won!"
"But the fight was barely even a fight. Does it even count as a win?"
Meta points to Shadow. "I say you should call for a rematch."
Noel nervously responds. "Please don't!"
Shadow shrugs. "Well I think Meta should have a chance."
"I insist."
"And I'm the leader. It's your turn."
"Very well." Meta submits and walks to the middle of the room. "I choose the squirrel girl."
Makoto looks left and right as everyone looks at her. "You talking to me?"
"Yes, clearly you are unaware of your own kind."
Makoto stood silent for a second. "Oh boy, this guy doesn't know sarcasm. Don't worry guys, I'll show him the punch line, for the team!" She jumps to the middle of the room. "All right buddy, time to show you how we Nanaya's open a can of whoop ass!" She throws his NOL designed jacket away to reveal her battle attire.
Meta then see's Makoto wear something he never expected. "Ah."
Meta gets mesmerized by the sight of Makoto's beauty. He see's her almost half naked clothing, something that people would question if she has any sort of uncomfort in any ways. But for a guy like Meta, it's a godsend.
Makoto was in her battle stance, until she notices that he is standing still. "Uh...hello? Are you there? Hellloooooo?"
Shadow also see's this. "Hey, Meta! Are you having a brain farts again?! Oh, I see...Her outfit has seduced him! Meta, don't let her cleavage control you! We went through this before! Bros before whores! Bros before whores!"
Noel's eyes widen. "EH?!"
Makoto raises her fist with fury. "What did you call me?!"
Tsubaki yells out, "Don't let them get to your head Makoto! Just fight him!"
Makoto calms for a bit. "All right! All right! Well, looks like I'll have to give him the wake up call. She develop energy with her hands. "Huuuuaaaaahhh..." She leaps to Meta. "Hey big guy, eyes up here!" She punches Meta's stomach area with great force. "Heh! What?"
Meta rubs his stomach area that Makoto punched. "So this is your strength? Do better squirrel girl."
Makoto grits her teeth in anger. "It's Makoto buddy!" He punches Meta again. "And don't!" 'pow!' "you!" 'pow!' "forget it!" 'pow!' "How's that?"
Meta looks at his body armor with no emotion. (Not that anyone can see it.) "Strength and power are 2 different things."
Makoto backs away a few steps. "Huh?"
"Show me your strength and power. And let us see if it's enough!"
Noel see's Meta not even touching his sword. "What is he doing?"
Shadow see's in curiosity. "Oh I see. He wants to test that girls strength. He wants to know how strong she is. Meta really is risking it all on this."
Makoto shakes her hand after the hard hits she caused. "Huh, tough nut to crack eh? Ok, lets get serious!"
Makoto starts punching Meta in the stomach rapidly, Fist of the North Star style. Sparks are flying everywhere. Makoto tries her best to inflict pain on Meta. She couldn't tell if she is. She keeps on punching as hard and quick as she can. Noel and Tsubaki are looking in awe. Makoto stops for a second. She clenched her fist, then punched Meta with hard impact. That punch actually moves Meta a few inches.
"Gugh!" Meta stopped, leaving huge marks on the floor.
Makoto huffed and puffed in exhaustion. "Damn!"
Meta raised his head slowly. "My turn."
Meta swiftly side steps and as Makoto is caught off guard. He tries to kick her in the side, Makoto blocks. Makoto punches Meta in the helmet face, but not as strong as before.
Tsubaki knows that her friend is in trouble. "Makoto! Get out of there!"
Meta knees Makoto in the stomach, then showed a sign that he will slice her, but he flips the sword and hits her in the shoulder with the end of his sword handle. Then shoulder blocks her straight to a wall.
Noel see's this. "Makoto!"
Shadow says, "Dang! He straight up owned her!" Noel stares at him with frustration. "What? You saw it."
Meta stands tall. "Yet again, I am victorious over the law...and nature." He rubs on the dent of his stomach area of his armor. "You have the strength and power, yet you lack the...the...more of it." He abruptly kneels down.
Shadow see's Meta unexpectedly shows pain. Shadow rarely see's anyone do that to anyone. "Meta?!"
"Are you alright?" Noel runs to Meta. Somehow ignoring the inner fear she has with him.
Meta tries to get up, but is having a hard time. "Grgh..."
Makoto sits up, placing her hand to her head. "Ugh...My head...Huh?" She see's Noel caring for Meta. "Noel..."
Noel then see's Makoto and thinks that Makoto considers that a betrayal. "Makoto..."
Makoto then gets rid that theory. "No...it's ok. I'm fine..." She gets up slowly. "Ok, I lost."
Meta see's Makoto all right. He also stands up. "I look forward to our next match." He turns to his side, along with Noel.
"Wait."
Meta turns around to see Makoto said that. "Hm?"
Makoto walks to Meta. "It looks like Noel really cares for you guys."
"If you must know, I am Noel's protector."
"Really?"
Tsubaki calls out, "Makoto! Come on! We need to end this charade!"
Shadow remarks, "But were not playing that, unless you like to settle this on charades."
Tsubaki gets mad. "Grrr..."
Makoto chuckled a bit. Meta laughed a little. Makoto and Meta leaves to their group. Makoto then turned and whispered, protect Noel for me. Meta barely heard it.
Tsubaki see's Makoto walk to their side. "Are your ok Makoto?"
Makoto rubs her head in embarrassment. "Yeah, but he really roughed me up real good. ugh...I'll have to think more strategically next time..."
Hazama says, "Hope you learned, because you really cost the team on it."
Tsubaki responds with, "No disrespect, but they have 2 wins, while we have to earn 2 victories to have an even score."
"True, but do you remember that this is a game we can't afford to lose. So you better make that even score." Tsubaki then looked down in defeat.
Shadow see's the NOL on the losing streak. "All right Lambda, your up."
"Affirmative."
Hazama see's Lambda come up. "Well, might as well bring out our trump card. Major Kiseragi, your up."
"Hmph." Jin walks up.
Shadow shows a little worry. "Jin huh? Ok then. Lambda, you better be careful."
"Understood." Goes face to face with Jin.
Jin gives a threatening look at Lambda. "You again." "slashes at Lambda, Lambda dodges and back flips.
"Activating systems." summoned swords below Jin, Jin jumped and dodged the swords, and attacked her, she blocks, but she still feels little damage.
Jin continues to aggressively attack, Lambda keeps on blocking, however she still feel the effects of the slashes. She attempts to kick Jin, but he dodges. "Die!" Jin does a slash, but Lambda barely dodges, but Jin kicks Lambda in the face.
Lambda tries to get up, but Jin then kicks her in the stomach. She grunts loudly. She try to jump, but her legs are frozen. He slashes at her. She falls, and tries to get up, but Jin steps on her head. "Filth like you doesn't deserve to live." He raises his sword. "So I will do this world a favor."
"I don't think so!" Shadow runs in and throws fireball, Jin dodges, Shadow charges at Jin, Jin jumps out of the way.
"You dare interfere?"
"I dare. And since I interfered, Lambda is out of the game."
Jin shows frustration. "Tch!" He walks to his side.
Noel shows fear and disbelief. "Was Ma-Jin really going to kill her?"
Meta crossed his arms. "What a dishonorable wench."
Shadow checks on Lambda. "Hey Lambda, are you alright?"
"47%. I can still...Ugh!"
Shadow shook his head. "Yeah, with those wounds, I don't think so."
Lambda gets helped back up "...I am sorry..."
"No, I'm the one who interfered."
"Oh...It's-It's ok."
Makoto looks at Jin walking past her. "Uh...Jin?"
Jin looks at her coldly. "What is it?"
Makoto then turned away. "Uh nothing. It's just..."
Jin crossed his arms and closes his eyes. "Hmph. Tsubaki."
Tsubaki responds, "Jin?"
"If I can recall, your next. Make sure you win this match, by any means necessary."
Tsubaki nods. "Um, Of course!"
Noel gulps. "Well, looks like I'm next."
Shadow, Meta, and Lambda show their support. "All right! Show em what ya got!, Fight the power!, ..."
Noel walks up and faces with the person she hoped not to fight.
"Tsubaki..."
"Noel..."
Both of them stare at each other, as they visibly show they don't want to fight.
Shadow see's the hesitation. "Um...Noel? Anytime."
Hazama see's this as well. "Oh Tsubaki, I do believe that's the enemy."
They slowly summon their weapons. And once they did, they immediately go to their fighting positions.
Tsubaki starts to talk. "You should have stayed in home Noel."
Noel responds. "I did what I need to do."
Hazama smiles. "This should be interesting..."
Makoto heard it, and was reluctant on scolding him for saying such cruel things, but he still is her superior. Plus it may not be the best time since two of her best friends are about to fight.
Makoto shows her worry. 'Noel...Tsubaki...be careful you guys...'
They stay in the their fighting style, staring at each other's eyes. This is a fight they didn't want. They already fought a good fight last time. Everyone looks in worry and anticipation. Tsubaki makes the first move. Noel dodges her knife slash, but then she extends her knife, and does another spiral slash, where Noel barely dodges. Tsubaki fires a ball of light as Noel jumps out of the way. Noel retaliates as she starts shooting with her Bolverk Guns. Tsubaki then dashes with a rising knife attack which Noel also dodges, as she lands on the ground and starts shooting upwards. Tsubaki slashes through the bullets and dashes straight at Noel at great speed, with intent of stabbing her. But Noel side steps and knees Tsubaki in the face, and jumps over her and shoulder blocks her at the back. The impact forces Tsubaki straight to a wall, as she falls to the ground, defeated.
Shadow clapped in excitement. "And the crowd goes wild!"
Meta yells out , "AAAAAHHHHH-"
"Ok! Ok! We get it!"
Jin thinks, 'come on Tsubaki, this can't be all you got.'
Makoto covers her mouth with both her hands in worry. "Oh no, Tsubaki..."
Noel notices Makoto's concern for Tsubaki. It's for the best, she thought. She doesn't want Makoto to look like she's worried for the enemy team. Noel sighs.
"I have my reasons for being with them. Please don't take it personally."
Tsubaki struggles to get up, but couldn't even get off her back. "Gugh! No...el..."
Hazama shrungs. "How unfortunate, I'd thought you had this Tsubaki, but it turns out you really are a disappointment. Perhaps she was always better than you after all."
Makoto angrily interrupts Hazama. "Captain Hazama!"
"What? I like to see her prove me wrong." Hazama smiles in a playful way.
Tsubaki's anger grew. She remembers Noel surpassing her in everything. She remembers all of those times she succeeded when Tsubaki failed. Especially being with him. She held those emotions until right now. She stands up and grits her teeth in anger.
"That's not the point! The point is-Huh? Tsubaki? Are you all right?" Makoto notices Tsubaki already up, with her head down.
She then raises face, revealing a very angry face. She runs straight to Noel while Noel is walking straight to the Shadow Knights. Noel then notices someone is running straight at her, but once she notices, its too late. Tsubaki slashes at Noels back. Blood sprayed through the room. Everyone showed shock and surprise. Tsubaki then came to her senses, only to see the damage. Noel's back has a large cut.
Noel's cut continues to bleed out. She slowly turns around. Noel's eyes are widened and her mouth opened abit. Showing a frozen surprised face. "Tsu...baki...why..."She falls down hard.
Tsubaki gasped in horror. 'what have I done?'
Makoto yells, "N-Noel! No!"
Shadow shows his surprise, then anger. "What the hell?! Literally back stabbing her is not cool! And you say you represent justice? You guys are worse than I thought."
Tsubaki drops her weapon shock. "N-No! It's not what it lo-Noel!" She looks at Noel in shame and fear.
Tsubaki tries to check on the unconscious Noel, but in an instant, Meta points his sword at Tsubaki. He is obviously wanting Tsubaki to stay away from Noel. So Tsubaki decides to leave to her side, with heavy amounts of shame.
Hazama looks at Tsubaki with the same smile. And even giggled a bit. "Wow, never knew you had it in ya." Tsubaki just stood there with her head lowered as low as she can.
Makoto couldn't believe what happened. It was almost traumatizing to see Noel get cut like that. And it came from Tsubaki, the last person she would expect to do it. Makoto then turned around to hide her sadness, and bottled up anger.
Tsubaki see's Makoto. She is clearly distraught. "Makoto I-"
"Save it!" Makoto yell unexpectedly. She turns her back and isolated herself with the group.
A cruel response for Tsubaki to hear from her friend. But she couldn't blame her for such an outburst.
Hazama looks with delight. But turns to the subject in hand. "Well this turned very awkward, what do ya say we continue this game shall we?"
Shadow see's the whole group of the NOL and see's Noel who just lost conciseness. "That hypocritical bitch. She should feel ashamed."
Meta steps next to Shadow. "Shadow, allow me to fight her."
"What? She did a cheap shot! You saw it! That makes an automatic win for Noel."
"Maybe so, but as you can see, Noel looks very hurt. Give me a shot to avenge her, and defend the Shadow Knight honor."
Shadow sighs in defeat. "There is no stopping you, is there? All right fine, I'll let that red haired bitch take the win this time. But only because I'm curious on how long she will last with you and your rage mode."
Meta shows his temptation. Along with Shadow. "She will have the slow special."
"With a side order of a double knuckle sandwich!"
"And lighting fizzy soda."
"With extra ketchup...I think we need therapy."
"No we don't."
Shadow turns to Lambda. "Lambda, you think you can check on Noel if she's alright?"
"Acknowledged." Lambda checks on Noel. "Scanning...She suffered a large gash, and needs immediate cover of the wound."
Shadow thinks about it. "Hm...Like a huge ass bandage?"
"Stiches is highly recommended."
Shadow snaps his finger in frustration. "Crap. Lambda, take Noel to our, healing place"
Lambda tilts her head. "Healing place?"
"You know...the healing lady...the clinic lady..."
Meta says, "You mean Litchi?"
"Meta! Exnay on the Litchinay."
"What is a Litchinay brother?"
Shadow moans in frustration. "Ugh! Forget it, Lambda just take Noel there, and you might need some healing yourself."
"Understood." Lambda takes Noel over her shoulders and leaves the cathedral.
Makoto see's Lambda leave with Noel. "Hey! Where is she taking Noel?"
Shadow turns to Makoto. "Why would you care? Both of them are out of the tournament."
Makoto grits her teeth. "If she doesn't recover, I swear I'll beat the living crap out of you for getting her in harms way!"
Shadow gets ticked off and offended. "Hey! Isn't that our line?!"
"Enough! "Everyone is silent. They then look at Tsubaki who yelled that word. "This whole game needs to end. On to the next match."
Shadow looked down. Then raised his head with a more calm tone. "Hmph, one thing we can agree on. Since I'm having Meta fight you..."
Tsubaki see's Meta staring at her. She could tell that behind that expressionless mask, a raging, hulking beast. A sweat drop runs down her cheek showing small signs of worry.
"...I'm gonna skip to the real fight." He points his sword to Jin. "You, me, round 3, no bullshits this time."
Jin shows temptation. "Finally. I shall end this foolishness once and for all."
Tsubaki preys for his success. "Be careful Jin."
Meta continues to stare at Tsubaki. Then turns to Shadow. "Brother, show him your true power and spirit of our strength!"
Shadow cracks his knuckles. Then his neck. Then stretches around. "Oh, I've been waiting for this. The real match to see who is the better man! Well...we all know that, but at least who is better at fighting at least."
"I've had enough hearing you chatter." Jin brings out his sword. "I will bring a slow painful death. And I will enjoy every second of it."
"Big words, from a pretty boy." Both of them get in position. Shadow gets himself ready by calling the matches start. "Ready...Set..."
"Fight!"
"What?" Both Shadow and Jin look around to see who said that.
A voice echoes through the room. Everyone is startled.
Makoto does as well. "What the? Who said that?"
Tsubaki tries to look who is also in the cathedral in a time like this. "Whose there? Show yourself!"
Footsteps now echoes the room. Brown old fashion shoes are revealed. Now the man seems to be wearing a blue wedding suit. Then the face is slowly revealed. An elderly man with a dark tanish skin, and a pointy brown beard, with a very slick hair. He shows a cold and monotone expression, with purple eyes. Out of all of them, Shadow is shocked and in disbelief.
"It's just like we used to do. Right son?" The Old Man reveals himself.
Shadow is in disbelief and in shock. "Y-You..."
Jin shows confusion. But kept his cold tone. "Who are you? And what are you doing here?"
"Ah, I see. So this is how the NOL greets. Then I again, I'd expect something more hostile for weak minded hypocrites."
Jin gets ticked off. "You watch your tongue if you don't want to die."
The mystery man smiled and raised his arms slightly. "Go ahead. I like to see you try, false hero."
"You've asked for it!" Jin rushes to the man.
Tsubaki tries to stop him. Jin wait!
"Haarrgh!" Jin slashes at the man, but the man vanishes into purple energy. "Huh? Where did he-Wait, isn't that-"
"The Azure, in it's raw, pure form." He kicks Jin in the side of the head, Jin automatically gets knocked out and was flung straight out of the room."
"Jin! No!" Tsubaki runs to Jin.
"Oh god...Jin! Makoto follows Tsubaki, leaving Shadow and Meta facing the mysterious man.
"There, now that the trash is out of the room. We finally can talk as a family."
Meta tilts his head. "Who are you, crazy old man...?"
"It seems you forgotten about me, I know Shadow does. Or should I say, Ragna, and Jin?"
Meta shows confusion. "What?"
Shadow yells out, "Don't call me that damn it! And never call him that name either!"
"Ah, so you finally accepted the truth? Have you acknowledged your true existence? Just like the sisters that lost their lives. The Murakumos. The ones that suffered long. You are one of them."
"What?" Meta is even more confused.
Shadow is even more angrier. "Your full of shit! I'm human like everyone else! So is Meta!"
"Clearly you know how you were created. You can't deny the past. I've created you, gave you life. You called me your father."
"Yeah I did, but guess what? I don't see you as my real father anymore!" Shadow goes to level 2. "And your gonna pay for what you did to Meta!" He jumps to Old Man and attacks. "Haaaaagh!" 'tink!' What?!
Shadow's blade is stopped by the man's own finger tips.
"Your still blinded by the masses ignorance." He unleashes a powerful force that pushes Shadow off of him.
"Brother!" Meta checks on Shadow.
Shadow grits in pain. Then lets out, "Damn you Old Man!"
"Why fight your own father, when you can help support your fellow sister on the plan?"
Meta says, "Sister?"
Shadow responds, "The hell are you talking about?!"
"I've seen you recruit your fellow Murakumo siblings to your group and lead them to fight the right enemy, but with wrong intentions. My strategy is far more quicker, and decisive."
The whole place starts shaking.
"What the-What is going on?!"
"The time of salvation is now. And you shall carry out my work to end the pain and suffering of our kind, for this is the reason why you were made, to be this and many worlds end."
Down below, way below to the cathedrals lowest level. The place what used to be the Cauldron of Murukumo number 13, now rebuilds itself by a capsole with an x mark. Then the cauldron then slowly rebuilds itself, including the hot, smelting fire below. And inside the capsule, lays the same blue haired girl Shadow met, surrounded by darkness and white lines circulating all over her. She raises her calm expressed head.
"It is time...The final salvation...begins now."
To be continued...
