Leonhardt sat in his office, sifting through the hundreds of papers that needed his approval to become law. So far, only two sheets had his signature, a rarity indeed that he approves of something his fellow lords and ladies would come up with. He looked at the next paper and it drew on an age-old question for the leaders of Gridamas; the distribution of labor.
"I thought we address this issue in one of the meetings we attended last time." Leo asked himself out loud and began looking over the smaller details. What he found caused his throat to go dry. "The Lords and Ladies have decreed in a nine to one ruling that the exploration of other races of labor is to begin today? Nine to one?" Leonhardt asked himself as he tallied up the number of houses. "There are ten houses and I know that I signed against such a doctrine. But… then Elaine…?"
Leonhardt knew the closest thing to an ally he had in the political world would never sign such a horrific law. However, there was no denying that only he voted against the idea itself as evidence to the poll. "Elaine… what were you thinking, were you threatened by the other houses to sign it?" He asked himself, wondering what the men and woman of the houses were trying to accomplish. "Yes, we are short on labor which is hurting our economics, but is slavery of other races the answer to our problem? There has to be another option."
He took his pen sitting on the table and signed against the law. Leo knew that his signature alone would not be enough to stop it but he also knew going with it would be even worse. "I need to find out the race they are thinking about using and convince them otherwise that human numbers are more than enough to complete the task."
The Raglan lord felt his head throbbing at the idea of such a terrible fate happening to people who are innocent in the eyes of the world except for his country. Leonhardt pulled nine sheets out of a pile and began writing down a letter to the nine lords and ladies of the land, demanding a meeting tomorrow to discuss the law. As he finished the first letter and moved on to the second, he told himself that h e would have to tell Ladius to inform the vice principal that he would be attending tomorrow.
Despite facing the highest ranked people in all the lands hundreds of times before, this is the first time Leonhardt felt nervous about approaching his fellow equals. The lord of House Raglan knew the odds were against him as more than half the members were very demented on how processes should work out. Only one person in the group, excluding him and Elaine was calm enough from years of experience to see clearly through the words of others and that is Lord Largen. Still, he has proven time and time again to follow along with the plans of others so long as it does not mean the deaths of countless humans. Due to the matter being of other races, Leonhardt had to rule him out as a potential ally.
"That still leaves out why Elaine sighed the paper."
Leonhardt asked, in his private chamber in the capital city of Gridamas. He felt like a prisoner in his own room, prevented from speaking out about the morality of the case before them. As he continued to think on the topic in his mind, the door opened to show a royal guardsman, accompanied by a fire team of soldiers for security. Leonhardt rose up from his seat on the bed and walked over to the door, knowing that it is time for him to meet with his equals. He grabbed the Oathsworn and strapped it on his side before leaving the room. As he entered the hallway to take a right from his room, he saw a familiar face waiting for him on the other side. Sadly, this face was not a friendly one but of one of his greatest rivals.
"Good morning, Lord Melchior Klavis." Leonhardt said, approaching the man in blue armor.
"As to you, Lord Leonhardt Raglan." Melchior replied to him and he motioned the guards on both of them to leave. By his command, the fire teams immediately left the two lords alone to speak. "I know why you called this meeting, it will not succeed."
"Is that so?" Leonhardt said, beginning to walk to the room where the details would be thrown down on a table. "Just remember who controls the military of our country. However, I know me telling you this will change nothing," Leonhardt began as he turned around to face his rival. "Melchior, we are not our fathers, I am asking you that we do not follow in their footsteps. I am asking you to reconsider you position on this law."
Melchior raised an eyebrow as a smile formed on his face. "Are you begging me for my assistance, Lord Leonhardt Raglan?"
"Melchior, we both know I am willing to do whatever it takes so that everyone can live a happy life. Me begging for your assistance will not change anything as there are eight other lords and ladies who need to be convinced."
The blonde lord looked at his fellow lord and placed his right hand on Leonhardt's left shoulder. "I am doing what is best for our country, you understand that but refuse to believe that my methods are the correct one." Melchior said and began walking past Leonhardt, giving the man his answer.
"Me against the world as usual, I see." Leonhardt thought as he felt that the world truly did not want to change for the better. "Gods, please give me strength that will help me persevere during these tough times."
Due to the absences of Leonhardt, Thoma took the opportunity to play hooky from school, at least until the last class for not to anger his magic team teacher. As he walked the street outside of the school's radius, his eyes caught sight of a familiar shade of lavender running from street to street, carrying a bag on her back. Interest hit Thoma hard as he gave chase to the figure, careful not to be discovered by the person.
Thoma continued down street upon street until he entered into a more improvised part of the city. His mind began to make theories as to why she was making her way to the bad part of the city. Reaching a corner of the street, he hid himself behind a building to peek his head. What he saw on the other side was a small group of children surrounded the woman.
"Big Sis Noah is back, she's back!"
"Hey, hey, let me put down the surprise first, then we can play." Noah replied
Thoma continued to observe the situation as more and more children were coming out of a lone building on a hill, above the improvised section. The building itself looked even worse compared to the build he was hiding behind which made Thoma worry since children were coming out. What made Thoma feel even worse is the state the children looked. Malnourished, poorly clothed, it all reminded Thoma of what he and Duran went through when they were young.
Unable to contain his sorrow any longer, Thoma left his spot and began walking to the crowd of children with his friend in the center of it all. Noah's face showed a smile as children hanged of her, playing with the older sister. As she turned to look at a certain amount of children, her eyes saw a patch of black clothing and hair walking to her.
"T-Thoma!?"
"The one and only, beautiful." Thoma replied to Noah as all the children who were hanging off Noah, formed a line in front of the woman, everyone looking ready to tear him apart. "Hey, kids, how are-" Thoma stopped when he saw what appeared to be old utensils be pulled out of the pockets by the kids. "Ehh… hi?"
"Stay away from Big Sis Noah!" The formed up kids exclaimed, pointing their make shift weapons at the man who did not know whether to feel threatened or find the mini warriors amusing.
"That's enough, guys." Noah said, gaining the attention of everyone in the area. "This idiot is my friend."
"Oohhhhh…"
All the kids said in unison and put their tools back in the pockets and let the man in. Thoma, not wanting to get poked to death, hastily walked threw the row opened to him and next to Noah. She asked him what he was doing here, saying this is not the part of town that someone like him should be in. Thoma replied to his friend, saying that she interested him with the bag she carried. As he brought it, Noah reached for the hole in the bag, asking him to help her carry it and telling the kids to go inside.
As if the words came from a military general, the kids formed three perfect rows and walked back to the terrible looking house as if it was a sanctuary. As the two lifted the bag up and began moving to back to the building the children just entered, Noah saw a smile on Thoma's face.
"What's with that look?"
"Oh nothing, just thinking that the children look so happy to see you but all drew they makeshift weapons when they saw me." Thoma said, readjusting the contents inside so he would be holding the heavier side. "And guessing they called you Big Sis Noah, you must have some kind of connection to them."
Noah took her eyes of Thoma and looked at the building where they were heading. "This is where I was raised. This orphanage is home for me, be it a little out of shape. I do hope you don't mind, being you come from a family of nobles and all." She said, a sweat drop coming off her head at the thought.
"Oh please, it's perfect… I am just worried about the kids."
The two walked in silence as they climbed up the hill with the bag for three minutes, one more time because the bag overtook Thoma and be began rolling down the hill with its contents. As the two finally reached the doorway, a little boy opened the door for them. Thoma and Noah entered the room and Thoma's past flashed before his eyes once more.
"Oh my gosh…"
Thoma said, speechless about what he saw. On the far corner of the room held a row of bed where five children laid sick in bed. Dropping the bag, walked over to the middle of the room and clapped his hands together. Everyone turned their attention from Noah to Thoma as a small glimmer began to form from his hands until he slowly began to move them apart. Then, he quickly moved the two hands away from each other, resulting in a small channel of light energy coming out from the sphere. The beam hit the children in the bed and slowly, their faces beginning to show color. As the spell ended, the kids effected by the magic began to move around.
"Alrighty, that should help. You guys need to get some sleep if you want to make a full recovery." Thoma said, seeing the standing orphans run up to the bed to see for themselves. He saw that Noah was looking at him with shock which made him rub the back of his neck with a smile. "Sorry, I saw a couple of kids suffering and I just had to help." He returned his hands back to his side and then asked. "So, what you guys going to making for lunch?"
Noah's look changed from surprise to uncertainty which signaled that their was nothing planned. Knowing the faces of people who have suffer far better than any Raglan, Thoma told woman to hold on for a few minutes. Upon saying that, he teleported away from her sight and a few children who were listening to their conversation. They looked at Noah, wondering who this person really was.
Thoma reappeared in the kitchen of the Raglan estate where the chefs were busy preparing the tools for tonight's dinner. "Gentlemen!" Thoma shouted, gaining the attention of the cooks. "Today, you are going to be finding orphans the greatest meal they have ever had. I don't care what Leo or anyone else says, I will take full responsibility for the costs and resources, not you guys. Let's get to it!"
Leonhardt opened the door where the fate of many of Lucrellia's races would be decided. He found that the six lord and three women of the houses of Gridamas were present and his inclusion will complete the list. He walked over to his seat which is interestingly situated alone from the other seats who have clumped together. Elaine also sat alone but closer to the others than Leonhardt.
"Now that Lord Raglan is present, we may now begin this meeting." Melchior said to his feel elite who all situated themselves in their seats.
"His way of tone, his actions and the careful positioned seats for that Melchior, Braham and Largen, they obviously are working together to prevent me from gaining any traction. But…" Leonhardt very briefly glanced to the placement of Elaine and saw they she was not acting her normal self. "I can't tell whose side Elaine is on, if she sides with them, I lose any support for my cause."
"We are here today be Lord Leonhardt refused to sign in the law in his land and has demanded this session." Melchior said, having the eyes of the lords and ladies direction to Leonhardt. "Well then, Lord Raglan, what say you?"
"I say this law should not be allowed by any form of government. This… this idea of taking a race that is not our own and turning them into labor like animals is beyond understand to any sane person."
"You say this because you have adopted a Dark Elf and a Harpuia into your family name, is that not correct?" Largen asked, addressing an issue the majority of the member disapprove of greatly.
"My choice of adoption is of my own. However, my views on the matter would not have changed, have I not adopted Duran and Rex. Leave my family out of this for they are innocent on the matter at hand." Leonhardt said, demonstrating his resolve to protect his family members who are unable to at this time.
The circle of questions continued as Leonhardt knew he was getting nowhere and that the questioners were just buying time until the vote would commence. As the minute hand strike fifteen minutes before six in the afternoon, the conversations about the topic ceased. One by one, the lord and ladies casted their vote verbally on how Leonhardt's signature would be decided. Starting from Leonhardt's left counter clockwise, everyone voted for a forced signing until the choose came to came to Elaine.
Everyone in the room knew about the partnership between House Raglan and House Rebuch. She turned her head to look Leonhardt in the eyes but she could not hold the look for long. This was indication enough for Leonhardt of what her choice would be.
"Elaine, don't give into pressure…" He thought as a tear came from her face.
"I am sorry, Leonhardt, but I must vote force signature."
And just like that, Leonhardt had just lost his closest ally to the hands of his enemies. With the cast nine to zero, Leonhardt had no choice but to sign the law in for the land he possessed. Defeat hit him as a servant of the king walked into the room with the exact same sheet that Leonhardt is now required to sign into effect for his people. A pen was placed to the right of the piece of paper as Braham tauntingly told the boy to sign it.
Leonhardt read the paper slowly to find anything that is different and found no such thing. His slowly reached for the pen with his right hand as it began to shake the closer it came to it. Visions of Duran and Rex began to surface in Leonhardt's mind as he immediately realized what the true purpose of the law would do to his two brothers. He closed his hand into a fist and pushed the sheet in front of himself, showing his resolve not to sign it.
"I will not force the people of my land who are not human into slavery, not while I still have breath!" Leonhardt shouted, defying the orders of his fellow equals. Elaine looked on in shock of what Leonhardt was doing, endangering everything to his name.
"You realize the consequences of refusing to sign the law, correct?" Melchior said.
"You will strip me of all resources outside of my family name. Threaten to take away the army, my position in it and use them against me the next day; I still will not give into your pressure!" Leonhardt shouted, raising up from his seat and walking out of the room.
Thoma walked out of a furniture store with a bill in hand that he, to the store owner's surprising, paid for. He saw that the owner was keeping to his word and carriages upon carriages containing various furniture were rolling out of the back and towards the destination of choice. With a smile, Thoma concluded that part one of his master relief effort was complete.
"Ahh, the privileges of being in one of the most wealth family in the land." Thoma thought and teleported out of the area to part two of his plan.
The noble reappeared in the kitchen of the Raglan estate to see what would be considered a feast to a person of luxury. Thoma congratulated the chefs for an excellent job on the food which made them feel appreciated. With the food all done, all that remained was the final piece to end this mission. Thoma walked out of the kitchen and began moving to the vault.
The man reached the office room of Leonhardt and opened it. Thoma walked in and made a turn at the bookshelf to the desk's left. He pulled out a red book and opened it to find a key inside of it. He took the key out and took his leave of the room, closing the door behind him. Thoma walked to Leonhardt's bedroom and opened it to find the room in perfect order.
"Not surprising considering how he is… where's my safe?" Thoma asked himself, looking in the room until he remembered they were implanted in the room. "Oh right, look behind yourself and the wealth you have right to will be their or some riddle like that… is that even a riddle? Who cares." Thoma continued to talk to himself and looked at five portraits of each Raglan man.
Thoma lift the picture of himself up from the hook and placed it next to him. Behind the portrait was a safe with a lock in the middle. Thoma inserted the key and turned it, hearing a click sound on the other side as the safe crack open. He pulled the door open to se three platinum coins inside, each worth more than the fortune of a small nation. The rich man grabbed a coin and closed the lid on the safe, placed the picture of himself back up and teleported away once more.
He reappeared in the orphanage where Noah and the children were. He found himself encircled by the kids immediately upon appearing out of nowhere. It was Noah's order to move aside that gave Thoma some breathing room as the woman herself walked forward. She noticed that he had his hands behind him back which worried the girl deeply.
"What are you hiding?"
Thoma smiled and moved his right hand in front of him and flipped a coin towards her. Noah saw the object and grabbed it to examine it. Her eyes glowed with shock at the certain coin she possessed, so much so she fell over onto her butt from the shock.
"Y-You can't be?"
"Kids, Noah went through everything terrible in this world such as snakes, bears, the frigid cold and everything in between to get you guys the things you are going to enjoy today." Thoma said, making it sound like Noah got the coin and that he was just delivering it. "Bring in the goods, boys!" Thoma shouted as the door opened and brawny men began carrying in state of the art furniture into the run down building.
Noah's mind could not take in everything that was happening. First, Thoma Raglan gave her more money than she has ever earned from all her treasure hunting, then he bought new furniture for the kids to sit, sleep and eat on, and now chefs were entering the place with food that made the kids drool. A dining table was placed in the center of the room where the food was located as well. The sight of the first warm meal in a long time caused the kids to leave Noah and Thoma's sides and race over to the table, filling the seats quickly.
The fallen woman looked up and saw Thoma standing before him with a smile and an open hand. She took his hand and Thoma lifted the woman up to her feet and guided her to the head of the table where two seats were left unattended. He pulled back the left seat for the woman who took it while still in a state of shock.
"Tell us how you got all this money, Big Sis Noah!" One of the girls asked, snapping Noah out of her state of shock.
However, Thoma spoke before the girl next to him could reply. "I think Noah is surprised all her hard work has finally come into physical form. I can fill in the pieces for you guys since I was a part of her adventures."
"Alright, Big Bro Thoma, tell us!"
"So I am finally accepted into the family, I feel so happy, words cannot express it." Thoma said as he began to think of how to "recount his adventures" with Noah. Alright, how about when me and Big Sis here first met?
The cheer from the children chowing down with no table manners answered his question as he began his tale. "Alright, let's begin. It was a dark, gloomy night, rain was coming down from the sky like teardrops from the Gods themselves. There I was, sitting on a bench, newspaper over my head to try and cover up from the rain. I wore rags from top to bottom with no hope in the world. And then, she came." Thoma said, moving his left hand over Noah's shoulders. "This girl, man, she was a life saver if I can tell ya. After finding me and feeding me a rice ball she bought from a local store just a few minutes ago, she asked me why I was in such a miserable state."
The looks of the children told Thoma and Noah that his little tale was working. "After telling her I was a drifting mage, trying to find work from town to town while searching for clues on the whereabouts of my little brother, Duran. Noah, in all her self sacrifice, willingly put her agenda on hold to help me find my missing bro."
A boy who resembled that of a mixed Syrium and human raised his hand. "What does your brother look like?"
"Good question, my dear boy. Duran is a mixed blood of a Dark Elf and human. Putting the pieces together, that means that I as well am part Dark Elf but it is so minor that I don't label myself as one on the papers. He has eyes as bright as the sun, his hair is the color of a rose but his heart is that of gold itself. He couldn't stand by and watch one of his friends get hurt. Hehe, must run in the family."
"Anyway, back on the adventures of Noah and I." Thoma said, thinking of a good place to start. A light bulb lit up as he got his answer. "The next day, Noah bought me some clothes, the same pair I am wearing right now actually, pretty cool, huh? With a new set of clothes in hand, we embarked on the search for my brother Duran. It was a long and tiresome road. Many times, when all hope seemed lost, Noah was there to push me forward to the next level. Truly, your big sister is one of a kind."
"After searching for a week, we came across a lead where he was. Turns out that Duran was adopted by a man, a lord no less, of Gridamas. His name is Leonhardt Raglan, the current leader of the family. As we found the address of the estate, I forced Noah into sneaking in with me to rescue my baby brother who I believed was kidnapped by an evil aristocrat. She found an open window to a bedroom which we climbed into. The room did not seem that fancy, much to my surprise since I imagined nobles to be snobs that bought the most fancy thing out there, only to have it stuffed away."
"Using that room as like a mini base, we planned out how we would rescue my brother. Then… complications hit us."
The eyes of the children continued to grow at the details of their infiltration. "What happened, did the mean lord get you guys?"
"Nope, his brother found us. Turns out the room we entered belonged to his brother, Ladius. He is the densest man you will ever meet but he was armored to the teeth for war. He drew his giant greatsword and charged at me. I panicked and fell on my butt in the fear but Noah blocked what would have been a fatal hit with her weapon knuckles. After blocking the attack, Noah gave Ladius a right hook so hard he was knocked out from just one hit. Once again, Noah saved my skin. She lifted me up from my butt as we discarded stealth in order to find my brother. We traveled the endless hallways which had no light in them except for the little spark from a fire spell. At the end of the third hallway was an open door which we ran into, thinking he was in there. I ran inside and got hit in the back of the neck, knocking me out."
"After returning to the world of the living, I learned that Leonhardt adopted my brother, not out of some gain but for the same reason Noah helped me on that bench. In the end, he adopted me into the family as well as I swore to Noah I would repay this debt I owed. It would come later when we would come across a temple where we found that coin."
Thoma said, concluding his story since his mouth was getting dry. The children looked at Noah with even more awe for the things she did for this guy. As the mood began to settle and the children began talking about how they would grow up to be like their big sister, Noah asked Thoma to come outside with her. Complying with the lady, the two adults made their way to the outside of the building.
The two entered the outside and Noah closed the door behind them. "So, what did you want-" Thoma turned around as he was talking but got cut off by Noah running up to him and hugging him tightly, tears running down his face. What made the situation both better and worse is that he very developed top was pressing against his chest. "I appreciate hugs, but don't you think now isn't the best time?"
"Thoma… you have no idea how much this means to me." Noah sobbed, unable to express how dear his actions today have been.
"You guys are going through what I went through with Duran when I was younger. We lived in a horrible apartment while I tried to make sure Duran had something to eat. Seeing those children remind me how it and I will not turn a blind eye to them."
"Then… why did you tell the children that I did all those things?"
Thoma smiled and rubbed the top of Noah's head. "Simple. If I told them I did all that, it would be more of bragging. Judging how the dire situation is in this place, you are the only thing these guys have to a role model. As such, I need to make them believe you are such an amazing person to give them hope. And before you object for you using the platinum coin, I will not take it back."
'But, why do this for strangers?"
"We are no longer strangers. It seems that the kids look at me like the clumsy big brother that the awesome big sister saved." Thoma moved his hand off Noah's head and saw a blush off her face.
"I have to repay you in somehow for doing this for them." Noah said as an idea hit Thoma at what she could do.
"I have an idea of what you can do. You guys get a television and watch the magic school conference in two weeks involving me and Duran. Have the other family I have watch their big brothers kick the other school's fighters a new one." Thoma said as he saw Noah nod at his request.
"I… I can do that, you had better not make a fool out of yourself on the wide screen, Trauma." Noah said, using Thoma's nickname that she gave him awhile ago.
"If it satisfies you, then I will not fail."
Leonhardt had his hands together, his forehead on top of it which held the head up from the table in his office. He knew the meeting was a complete disaster for not only him but for his house. The next few weeks would be critical for his house. He knew that the citizens supported him fully and would rally with him if he would be assaulted by the knights. The idea of peasants coming to the aid of one of the only nobles in history that did not abuse his power did make Leonhardt feel slightly better about his decisions but it still did not matter if the entire military of Gridamas was now turned against him.
He knew that there would be splint cells in the army that he once was the supreme command of. At least one army would come to Leonhardt's banner if war broke out but that still left six armies under the command of the other nine houses. With the way the meeting went, Leonhardt had to swallow his friendship and assume that Elaine has been forced against him. A part of Leo wanted to believe this was a horrible dream but he was not childish enough to think it was not real.
In the end, Leonhardt felt that he was failing in leading the house. At times like this, Leo wished he could speak with his father and ask if he was doing the right thing. Still, the idea that Melchior and his supporters would have had Duran and Rex enslaved by this law is unacceptable. Leonhardt knew he would fight the entire world if it threatened his family and anyone who knows Leo would know that.
The sound of the door opening caused Leo to raise his head to see who it is. On the other side stood none other than Rex of all people. "Hello, Rex, is there something I can help you with?"
"Hello, Leonhardt. I would like to speak with you on something."
Rex said and walked into the room and placed himself in the seat in front of Leo's desk. The lord looked at Rex with wonder as to what he could possible need from him. Rex sat there, picking his moment to speak due to the words he needed to be right the first time. Not able to decided on a course of action, he asked how Leonhardt was doing, getting the usual fine response.
"Leo, I know what happened in the meeting earlier today." This alerted Leonhardt that he and his fellow lords were not in such a disclosed location but instead someone was listening in on them. "And from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for stand up for me and Duran, despite that it might hurt all of us in the end."
"Rex, you do not need to thank me. I did what was right for everyone. But, it makes me worry about Elaine and what is going on with her. Worst case scenario is that she will soon become our enemy."
"If it comes to that, that us five have to fight for what he have, you know we will stand by your side and all those we have touched in our lifetime." Rex said, showing his training has paid off.
Leonhardt smiled at hearing what Rex said to him. "You definitely are showing signs of greater improvement, Rex. Soon, you'll surpass me in everything at this rate."
"Oh please, you'll still be my mentor and master if it comes to that, Leo. I owe everything to you."
"Let's not get into the sad details. Since you are here, you might as well help me with something. I am ordering a staff for Thoma to replace his cracked one. As you know, cracked staff are unstable and are not to be used." Leonhardt said, getting a nod from Rex. "Since you have knowledge of the magical arts, what do you think would be the best kind of staff for him?"
"What are the options?"
"We can do anything since we have the funds. We can go light but weak or heavy but powerful. The possibilities are endless along with the skill combinations."
Rex thought on the limitless ideas he could come up with. Then, it hit Rex. "How is Thoma's swordsman skills?"
"As of now, you two are equal but you will surpass him soon enough at this rate. He prefers mage and draws on the sword as a last resort defense."
"Dang, I was thinking a sword and staff put together. How about a jet black staff made from metal. The crown of it holding an white orb in the center with four points coming out around it."
Rex's idea made Leonhardt think as to how Thoma fights and his way of shifted styles at times. "That would work with metal. What about skills?"
"Let's see… he has extra, light, wind and water as natural elements so… have fire, earth, thunder and dark to give him one of every element."
Leonhardt nodded at the idea, saying it would give Thoma the ability to face off against any opponent with every element at his disposal. He asked Rex when the first conference would be, to which Rex replied that it is on Friday afternoon. Leonhardt thanked Rex, saying he wanted to see how far Thoma and Duran have come under the tutelage of Alice and Elis on occasion.
"Oh ya… speaking of Ellis…" Rex said, getting the attention of Leonahrdt.
"What's wrong, did something happen that I am not aware off?"
"Rememebr when you told Thoma not to play God?"
Leonhardt's face went from a normal look to dread. "Don't tell me he made clones of Ellis?"
"Nnnnot exactly, let's just say… he created whatever these things are from bare hands."
Not trusting his luck, Leonhardt rose from his seat and grabbed the Oathsworn. He told Rex that whatever Thoma made, they would personally return it back to the world it belongs to. Leonhardt walked out of the room with Rex on his tail while on the way to Thoma's room. After a few minutes of walking in silence, the two stood in front of the door.
"Well, he we go." Leonhardt said and opened the door to Thoma's dark room. He turned on the light and brought light into the room and saw something he never thought he would see in his life. "Rex… is this what you meant?"
Rex told Leonhardt that indeed this is what he meant by Thoma created something different. What stood before Leonhardt and Rex were two figures that had a sign hanging on them. On the left was a grey colored bot with the sign read Mecha Leonhardt 2.0 with small letters saying Rex. Leo looked at the robot than Rex and concluded that it must have been based on one of the clones from Rex, likely the one that looked like himself. The second robot also had the grey treatment but the design did not look like Ellis. However, it read Mecha Ellis 2.0 with the print underneath saying Fiona.
"Fiona? Do you know a Fiona by any chance, Rex?" Leonhardt asked, getting nothing useful to his question from Rex. "That's not good. Well, they don't seem to be living things so I suppose we don't have to destroy them. Still… the idea that Thoma is experimenting makes me worried."
"I think we all are for good reason."
Author's Notes - Three times I had to retype this story. Not because of the quality of it but because I keep losing the file somehow. meh... if you couldn't tell, this is a setup chapter for the next few parts to come. Bonus points to whoever guess the origins of Mecha Leo and Ellis. And no, it is not Mecha Naruto from Naruto Storm Revolution before anyone says that. This came before that. Fever Dream!