AN: So...yeah. This is kind of last second. I have nothing to you like it...yeah...

I Own Nothing...Except for OC's...

GUILTY MELODY

12-Knight

Shu was…annoyed. Significantly. He was used to his uncle's insufferable attitude—he'd been dealing with him for the better part of a decade after all—but never before had he considered that the one thing that would irritate him the most wasn't Shuichiro's sneering remarks and subtle insults, but the fact that he wasn't around when he actually wanted to talk to him. It should have been a simple task to go to the Anti-Bodies division, find Shuichiro, have a deceptively polite conversation from which they would both emerge with all their limbs intact, and get on with their lives. Short, simple, sweet.

But noooooo…it could never be that easy. Shuichiro was avoiding him. If he didn't know any better, Shu would think his uncle was afraid.

As he should be. I'm going to flay him alive for this. Shu thought angrily. After a moment, he was forced to reluctantly admit to himself that Yuu was unlikely to let him do such a thing. Shuichiro was still, technically, an asset. Hopefully not for much longer. The King didn't trust his uncle any further than he could kick him, and he wanted him far away when Mana finally awoke. His alone time in the Cradle was often perfect for plotting the downfall of his self-obsessed, but downright dangerous senior.

Spoken like a true King. How ironic.

"Not to interrupt your train of thought, Adam…" His Vassal drawled from slightly behind him. "But if you keep shooting fire from your eyes like that, one of the followers is going to self-combust."

Shu sighed, reigning in his frustration and slowing his steps, falling back just enough to walk evenly with the other. "They'd probably do that anyway if I so much as glanced at them." He responded drily. Alio smiled a little.

"Probably," He shrugged and glanced around. They were relatively alone in the hall, Inori having been left in the King's quarters this particular outing. "I'm guessing it's not just the old fart's disappearing act that's driving you up the wall?"

Shu shook his head, frowning. "What Major Segai said today…"

"Ugh. That guy is so creepy."

"…I find I'm more angry that Shuichiro is acting without my knowledge than the fact he's been avoiding me for the past two weeks."

"Well…" Alio frowned as well, running a hand through his hair. "He is the Head of the Anti-Bodies. He does have the authority to do what he wants."

"Not in Loop 7." Shu stated in a hard voice. "Loop 7 is mine. He tried to go behind my back and invade, as if he thought I wouldn't notice. I'm preoccupied for a little while, and suddenly he's so bold as to overstep one of the few lines I've drawn." He gritted his teeth. "That bothers me."

Alio gave a sympathetic little shrug. "I'm pretty sure it'd bother anyone. You'll just have to re-beat some solid rules into him, next time he crawls out of whatever hole he's hidden himself in."

The King grunted. "If he has any amount of self preservation, he won't come crawling out at all."

OoOoOoOoO

The Cradle chamber's acoustics were really something remarkable—they lent Inori's gentle, clear humming a kind of ethereal quality, the notes echoing in such a way that she managed to create the illusion of background music and accompanying voices. The tune was something slow and haunting that both of her listeners thought would sound nice with a piano. There weren't any lyrics just yet that she was willing to sing for them—apparently she couldn't let them hear the words until the entire song was complete.

Inori sat on her perch, to Shu's immediate right at the edge of his reclining throne, a soft smile on her lips as she hummed, playing with her cat's cradle in her lap. Shu sat back, his eyes closed, enjoying the music with a blank, but content expression. Letting the sound of her voice drive away his near constant stresses for a little while and instead sinking into a calm bliss. Alio had—at the unrelenting insistance of Inori—found his own spot on the entirety of crystal that made up the Cradle. He had claimed a miniture ledge on Shu's left, higher than Inori and almost hidden around the side. At the moment, he reclined there, his arms folded behind his head, lazily swinging one foot over the side. At times, it was nice to simply relax, ignore the chaos of the world and reality in general, and forget.

Not that it could last.

Inori rather abruptly stopped humming, lifting her head to peer at the door. About half a second later, it opened, and in walked the Gravekeeper. He had his usual, smug smile firmly in place. Totally confident. Totally fake. Inori watched him approach with a blank stare, and Alio kept one eye trained on him over the top of a crystal spike. Shu gave no indication he was aware of his mentor's presence.

"Do you remember that present you're due for, Adam?" Yuu asked, getting straight to the point. Shu opened his eyes to stare dully at the ceiling, taking a moment before he responded.

"I remember," He admitted. "But I wonder if I should be worried?"

"Not at all, this is a good present." Yuu smiled, showing teeth. "I've been working on it for a very long time." He waved his hand in an arching, graceful gesture, and an image, easily the size of a theatre screen and every bit as detailed, materialized from thin air. Curious, Shu opened his eyes and sat up a little to give the screen his full attention. What he saw was somewhat disturbing.

The image displayed was of pure carnage—a mesh of bodies and crystals and discolored blood. The bodies were those of mutated humans and monsters—various strains of the creatures resulting from the use of the Adam Gene—all mutilated almost beyond recognition. In the background he could somewhat make out a vast, cavern like chamber not unlike the Moving room, but with significantly fewer, shorter pillars and completely still. The only movement came from the figures leaping about.

At first, he only noticed the silhouette of one human, standing amongst a backdrop of crumbling corpses that somehow caught fire—but then he saw a second, and soon after, a third. Three human shapes, sprinting about at inhuman speeds and tossing grotesque mutations about like toys.

One of them was elegant and acrobatic in their movements, the form slender and feminine, wielding a long, deadly blade that glowed orange with heat. When this figure missed a strike—which was rare—the blade left clean gouges in the floor or walls. The weapon cut through flesh like butter and shattered the malformed crystals on opponents. When the combat robots or sensing turrets were cut, their metal turned red and exploded.

The second figure was very erratic—whatever they did involved both hands, but they were always switching weapons. Pistols that fired powerful bursts, crystal knives of a never-ending supply that pierced enemies three-times over, and on occasion a staff with disproportionally large blades on either end. This fighter seemed loose, almost lazy in some movements and jerky in others, with no real stance or style to speak of, but they rarely missed and had yet to be struck even once by the flurry of claws and crystal blades from all angles.

The last figure was larger and far more direct than both of the other fighters—this person fought using only their fists and unnatural strength. They did very little jumping or twisting in comparison to the others—in fact this one hardly even bothered to dodge. Most attacks seemed to bounce right off. They plowed right through their opponents like a tank against so much dry wood. Shu saw the figure's fist simply pierce a mutant's body in an intimidating, gory display of casual strength. As the dead, bloody corpse fell from the fighter's arm, Shu was certain he saw the white flash of a brutal smile.

"My King," Yuu declared grandly. "I give you your Knights."

Silence. Inori was watching the screen with wide, concerned eyes. Her lips were slightly parted in a faint expression of soundless surprise, her brow faintly wrinkled. Her hand, hidden from the Gravekeeper by her body, squeezed Shu's fingers slightly. He squeezed back, reassuring her, his gaze never leaving the screen. Yuu was clearly flaunting his success at creating a trio of super soldiers, but Adam gave no indication of his thoughts on the matter. He continued to watch, patient until Yuu felt he had gloated enough and the screen faded.

"Well that was…unnecessarily gruesome." Alio muttered from behind him. Shu couldn't agree more. He was silent for a time, choosing his words carefully, mulling over what he'd just seen.

"My Knights you say…?" He leaned his chin on his hand. "And three of them? You have been busy, Yuu."

The Gravekeeper looked very pleased with himself. "It's been a long time coming, Adam. I thought it a shame that your Gene has created so many strong creatures, and yet left all the thinking to you. So much strength can be far better utilized in one who doesn't need you to hold their hand through every action—a true warrior."

"And yet they still follow my orders?"

"To the letter," Yuu confirmed. "But as I said—they retained their individuality, making them more imaginative, adaptable, and clever. The Gatherers are great cannon fodder, but these soldiers will rain hell upon anyone in their path, should you wish it."

"Is that so…" Shu stared into the distance contemplatively. "I would like to meet them."

Yuu nodded, clearly expecting this. "Of course. They should be cleaning themselves up right about now—I will return momentarily." He spun on his heel and vanished into thin air. As soon as he was gone, a tiny piece of crystal hit the floor where he'd been standing.

"That was live?" Alio muttered in disgust. "What was the point of that?"

"To make a point." Shu answered, sighing slightly. "And he just likes being dramatic."

Alio made a vague noise that might have been a snort or a grunt, tossing more crystal up and down. Inori was peering at where the screen had been with a puzzled wrinke in her brow.

"Shu…?" She called softly. "Why did they have those expressions?"

He glanced at her, then away. "…I don't know." He fixed his attention on the massive doors. "But we will soon."

He knew that Alio could sense the approaching Knights as well. The pieces of himself embedded into their makeup calling to him like the Gatherers did. They felt powerful, yes…but also warped. Malevolent.

"I have a bad feeling about this…" The Vassal said in a low, forbidding tone. Shu managed a crooked, dry smirk of amusement.

"Just look bored and full of yourself." He advised. "It works for me every time."

"Hn. Of course."

Inori looked at Shu. "Should I be 'full of myself', Shu?"

He smiled at her. "You just be yourself, Inori. You're plenty intimidating."

Behind him, Alio choked on a laugh. Inori just tilted her head inquisitively. Shu squeezed her fingers one more time before releasing them and leaning back, crossing his legs comfortably. The Cradle remained inactive, but some of the intricate lines in the floor lit up red, casting eerie shadows across the chamber.

He felt the Knight's presences come closer.

The doors shuddered and opened slowly, together, with no visible force pushing them. The three figures revealed on the other side stood tall, neatly arranged in a line, each in a floor length cloak of a different color. As soon as the door was wide enough, they stepped forward together, never breaking their formation. Yuu materialized just to the left of the throne, trademark sneer in place. The Knights stopped roughly three meters from the throne and knelt, gracefully and in sync, their cloaks puddling on the floor around them.

From the left, they wore dark shades of blue, purple, and black. Colors of the Apocalypse Virus. They all looked fairly young, none of them out of their twenties, yet their eyes seemed older—not unlike their King's.

"Well…" Adam felt the tiniest of smirks tugging his lips. "This is interesting. Knights of the Apocalypse. It's a shame there isn't another of you, we could have called you the Four Horseman." His gaze shifted to his mentor. "But then, many good things come in threes."

Yuu sneered. "Of course, my King. Shall I introduce them for you?" Shu nodded, and the Gravekeeper swept his hand in the direction of the Knight in the middle, wearing purple. "Our oldest and first success, the lovely lady Trisiance."

The middle Knight stood, throwing back her hood to reveal her face and stare up at the throne. She had a striking kind of beauty that seemed harsh and intimidating—her cheekbones were high, her chin pointed, her skin pale. Her shoulder-length hair was dark enough to be almost blue, and the red light of the chamber made it seem a darker shade of purple than her cloak. Her eyes were big, black pits. Glittering ominously. Her clothing seemed to be yet another rendition of the follower uniform, in grey and highlighted with gold. A sheathed rapier rested comfortably at her hip.

Her expression was blank, but she seemed entranced. She gave the King her complete attention.

Yuu's hand moved to the Knight on the right, in black. "Our second success, sir Kaite."

The man stood, sweeping his hood back like Trisiance did. He seemed glad to be rid of it—it let his wildly spiked red hair spring back into its proper place. He stood at attention, but unlike Trisiance, his expression seemed almost bored. He was relaxed, yet tensed. Like a predator. Adam easily connected this man with the one who had fought so erratically—their body type matched, and the multitude of belts crisscrossing his uniform supporting holsters and sheaths made it clear he fought with both hands full. The hair made him seem eccentric, but it seemed completely natural. Like maybe he rolled out of bed every morning and never bothered to comb it flat. His features were rakish, and his eyes narrow. They were oddly pale—only faintly blue.

"And our third," Yuu gestured to the Knight on the left, in dark blue. "Simon."

He stood, threw back his hood, and smiled. Grinned. Like a shark. For a second, Shu thought his teeth were pointed.

This was the hand fighter. His broadness made it all too obvious. It wasn't only his shoulders that were square though—his chin was square, his brow heavy, his forehead… He was built like a grizzly bear. He was actually handsome in his own hard edged way, his stance tall and confident, but there was something arrogant and callous to him that offput the desire to be friends with him. His hair was cropped military style, short and manageable and light brown. His eyes were like flint, hard and grey.

Here is a man who does what he wants.

All of them, in their own way, seemed too strong willed to be Knights. Too strong willed to swear themselves to Adam, to Daath.

Yet here they were.

Each one of them, no matter their ego or confidence, looked at the King like they were in awe. Like he was the sun they were seeing for the first time. It left him feeling empowered, and somewhat awkward. How was it they came to admire him so strongly, when he'd never seen them before?

But then, why did all the Daath followers admire him?

People were strange.

"Adam," Yuu turned to him. "Now that you have your present, I should leave you to enjoy it, no? I have trained them extensively, but feel free to test their skills yourself." He bowed dramatically, and at Shu's nod, vanished into thin air.

"He thinks he's so cool when he does that." Alio scoffed, seconds later. He formed a small black crystal in his palm and tossed it into the air. As it descended, it changed shape, flowering outward like a parachute, and floated around to land in Shu's palm. He fingered the crystal and the shape became more diamond like, red glowing in its depths.

"He does. Maybe that's why he won't teach it to me." He smiled at his Knights. "Yuu taught you things, did he? I saw your little performance, and it was very enlightening—but is there anything you could show me that I don't already know?"

The Knights seemed faintly startled at being addressed directly. Their eyes followed his every move, occasionally flickering to Inori perched beside him and Alio's obscured form.

"…I do not think we could, my lord." Trisiance said eventually. Her voice was soft, but rich. "The Gravekeeper only directed us on occasion, improving what skills we developed on our own. Your own power is far greater than ours."

"Hn," Shu glanced at Inori, who looked right back. "I don't know about that. Power is relative—how you use it makes all the difference."

"Exactly," Simon cut in, his voice low and rumbling. "Our power is destructive. So we destroy. You use your power to direct, to obtain, to rule. So you are King."

"Ah," Shu smiled lopsidedly. "Is that how it works?"

Simon's predatory sneer faded a little, like he was embaressed at how he addressed the King. Trisiance sent him a look. Shu acted like he hadn't noticed, and tilted his head slightly.

"You know, I've heard your names, but I hadn't really introduced myself, have I?"

"We know who you are, lord." Kaite spoke for the first time, his pale eyes calm and focused.

"Naturally. But that's not the point." The King waved a hand expressively. "This is the first time we have met, so we should be introduced." He smirked, and touched his hand to his chest. "I am Adam, and I am the King chosen by the Apocalyspse Virus and my lost Eve." He held his open hand to his right. "This dear child is Inori, my partner. And that," He gestured over his left shoulder. "Is Alio, my Vassal. Will you not welcome our new Knights, my friends?"

Inori peered at them inquisitively. She glanced at Shu—then plucked the black, diamond shaped crystal from his hands and cupped it in her own, smothering it. She looked up at the Knights again. "Welcome to the Cradle," She said, softly. It was Trisiance who wrinkled her brow pensively.

"Cradle…?"

"Because here there are dreams," Inori explained in a patient voice. The Knights gave her blank looks, uncomprehending. At their expressions, Alio smothered a laugh.

"This is where Adam does the kind of dreaming that most cannot imagine," He said. "Don't look so lost, O Mighty Knights. You'll need to get used to this sort of weirdness if you're going to be of any real use."

Shu very valiantly resisted the urge to smile. "Don't be mean, Alio."

"I'm not mean—I just think that you're plenty strong as is, so what are you going to do with your Knights? It's not like you need extra protection."

The trio tensed slightly, perhaps feeling insulted, but gave pause when Adam hummed thoughtfully. "That is…a valid point." He admitted. "I have you and Inori to take care of me in the odd case I am unable to do so, as well as Yuu. Most of the time, I am here or in Loop 7, so it's not like I have an abundance of errands or anything…" He frowned a little, tilting his head to prop his chin on his fist. It had only just occurred to him that this was a genuine problem. Yuu had given him Knights, but what was he to do with them? He was sure his mentor would be happy to supply them with some missions or some such, but he wanted them to have a greater purpose than that…

"We will do whatever you as of us, my lord." Trisiance said. "We are your servants."

"Yes," Shu murmured. "You answer to first to me, before anyone else." He felt a smile creep onto his lips. "As such, your primary job should be to help me maintain order over the territory I govern. You may be aware I have a…kind of playground in Loop 7, where the Gatherers roam. Normally I am there to command them, but as of late, I've found myself somewhat pressed for time to do other things—therefore I want you three to assist me. There is a method to the madness in my playground, and I want you to help me maintain it. Does that sound all right?"

The three Knights looked at one another briefly, more out of what appeared to be astonishment than anything else. They all bowed their heads and responded in sync. "Yes, my lord."

Adam smiled. "This duty includes keeping my scheming uncle and his sticky fingers out of my playground. You have no qualms threatening—or destroying—a few Anti-Bodies or Endlaves?"

They shook their heads. Not even hesitating. He could feel his smile threatening to break into a grin, mischief dancing in his eyes. Unquestioned authority was…quite nice, at times.

Let's see you top this, Shuichiro.

With a little concentration and a wave of his hand, the throne glowed with red veins briefly and an image appeared in the air before them all. It showed what appeared to be a nicely built structure that had seen better days, surrounded by a minature, ramshackle city.

"There is really only one ground rule I have to set," Shu said in a rather cheerful, but steely voice. "This is Tennouzu, a place in Loop 7 survivors have gathered and managed to protect themselves. They've gotten very good at fending off the Gatherers attempts to ravage them for the last two years or so."

The Knights focused on the image, calculation in their eyes. Shu smiled.

"I don't want you to go anywhere near it."

All three of them blinked. That wasn't what they were expecting.

"Why?" Simon blurted out. Trisiance sent him another look at his lack of manners, but Shu's smile didn't waver.

"Simple. I find them…entertaining."

OoOoOoOoO

AN:

Yup. That's it. I made more OC's. Just 'cus I'm mean like that.

Deal with it.

Review. Please. I'm sorry I'm lazy. S*** happens. Talk to me anyway.

MB