Chapter 38: Power of the Heart
As the pitch black beast trampled over the valley standing between it and Mistral City, the hunters and huntresses grew less confident of their victory. But some were more determined to save the world.
"All my fellow hunters and huntresses, heed my words! The White Fang have caused the awakening of the two ancient Grimm, and they will cause unparalleled destruction if we do not stop them here and now! I know some may die, but we will triumph over this! The hopes and dreams of everyone; Humanity, monsters, and Faunus alike, they all are crying out! If we can kill the Indominus, then victory is ours! Let the future march on! Crush the Grimm! Show the world the might and determination of humanity and monsters!" Eric rallied, everyone cheering for victory. Then, the shadow waves crashed down on the ground, unleashing a horde of Grimm. "So it begins. All forces, attack!"
The two forces then clashed, Grimm limbs flying and bullets and swords clashing with armor and claws. Soon, the shadows summoned forth DeathStalkers, giving Eric some unwanted flashbacks. He slammed his right hand to the ground and sent electric bolts at the Grimm, evaporating a fraction of them. Ruby then flashed forward, slashing a Beowolf in half. Papyrus then swung Spaghetti at a line of Beowolves, cutting them all down within seconds. Soon, tougher Grimm started showing up, such as Ursi and King Taijitus. They fought with all the malice they could muster, but soon some hunters started to fall, their numbers growing weaker.
"We can't fight like this for much longer." Ruby said.
"Yes. The Grimm have shown much strength, forcing me to use this card." Eric said. "Void, engage all weapon systems!"
"Yes sir. Engaging all weapons." Void said, half of his metallic body reacting.
"Uh, how many weapons does Void have?" Ruby asked.
"Um, I'd have to say about... Six." Eric said.
"That's a lot of weapons." Ruby said.
"Yeah, we may have gone a bit overboard with designing him." Eric said. Void now had three flying blades, an energy sword, a radiant cannon, and his own energy skull ready. "Void, engage!"
"Engaging." Void said, the flying blades activating and piercing the armor of the DeathStalkers, his energy sword sending small blades of energy at the Grimm, his radiant cannon firing and evaporating a flank of Grimm, and his energy skull firing a massive beam of energy, shattering the shadow barrier.
"That should give us an opening. All forces, fire on the Indominus!" Eric commanded, everyone now focusing fire on the Indominus. Though the power was impressive, it only seemed to make the beast angrier. The earth then erupted darkness, countless Grimm rising from the cracks and charging straight for Mistral.
"Oh my God. There's no way we can fight that many!" Jaune exclaimed.
"Fool! If we do not fight, we'll die anyway, along with all humanity!" Gira said, trying to control the Grimm, but the Indominus's control was too great, even stronger than Kemuri. "Ugh, it's no use! I can't break through the Indominus's power!"
"Stay strong! If we fail, then the world is doomed to fall!" Qrow said, slashing an Ursa in half. However, at this point, not many believed that. So many of their own had fallen, and the Grimm only seemed to be getting stronger.
"Is this... really how our story ends? Was everything we did until now for nothing?" Ruby said in despair.
"Don't give up hope! Ruby! Stay determined!" Asriel yelled in Ruby's mind. As he said that, a Beowolf that was about to slay another Hunter was sliced in half. Ruby turned to see Takeo from Forunichi.
"Team, to arms!" Takeo exclaimed, the other members of STEN appearing.
"We will not let humanity fall!" Samantha said, slashing an Ursa into pieces.
"We got more backup! It looks like Atlas reinforcements!" Papyrus exclaimed, numerous bullheads flying overhead. Soldiers dropped from them and fired on the Grimm, saving a few hunters and huntresses from death.
"Ironwood, you beautiful bastard." Eric laughed. Soon, a larger bullhead came in, dropping a metallic wingless dragon, somewhat similar design to avoid. "They completed project N0V4?"
"The what now?" Ruby asked.
"It's a project they started on shortly after they finished Kieta and I. Honestly, we made Void just to rub it into Ironwood's face." Eric chuckled.
"And now he's got a counter to ours." Kieta said.
"Well, that's to be seen. Void, fire the radiant cannon!" Eric said. Void then fired his right arm cannon, killing a few Grimm. Nova then charged into battle and grabbed a DeathStalker with its teeth, flailing it around like a dog toy. The DeathStalker tried to stab Nova, but it's armor was superior to its own. Nova then bit into the hard shell, cracking the armor and destroying the DeathStalker's bones. Nova then threw it out of the way and gave a metallic roar, charging the Indominus directly. The two beasts clashed, both of them trying to find a weak point in their armor. Nova couldn't seem to find a spot, even with its advanced sensors, but the Indominus could find one, and took advantage of it. It sent Nova into a hill side, crumbling the whole hill on top of it. It then took the head and was about to crunch on the most vital part: the neck. But as it did, something got in the way. The Indominus then saw that Void was prying open the Indominus's jaws with his energy sword.
"I will protect you, brother from another mother." Void said, throwing back the Indominus.
"There's no way the Indominus could have withstood the power of the energy blade. Unless... It has an aura of its own!" Eric said.
"But how could a Grimm emit an aura?" Ruby asked.
"It's not the Indominus projecting the aura. Either nature is against us, or another being is sharing its power with the Indominus." Eric said.
"You mean the Shadow King? I thought we'd seen the last of him back at the temple." Ruby said.
"I thought so too. That explains why Gira couldn't control the Grimm. The Indominus itself could never produce this much power on its own. If we're to kill it, we need to rid it of the Shadow King." Eric said.
"But how? There's no way we could get on that thing. And if we did, the Shadow King would just send us off, right?" Jaune said.
"I think I have an idea. You guys seen that one scene in Galactic Battles?" Nora said.
"I think Nora's onto something. Papyrus, you can extend Spaghetti further than thirty yards, right?" Eric asked.
"Yeah, why?" Papyrus said.
"Ruby, I want you to take hold of Spaghetti and use your semblance to spin around the Indominus's legs." Eric said.
"Ooh, I see what you're getting at. Papyrus, let's do this." Ruby said.
"Alright! Spaghetti power!" Papyrus exclaimed, throwing Spaghetti and extending it to its fullest length. Ruby caught the end and activated her semblance, running around the Indominus's legs as planned. She made extra caution to not get herself caught in the chain. Soon, the chain was fully wrapped around the legs. Ruby then let go and tried to get the Indominus's attention. Fortunately, it worked. Unfortunately, once the Indominus tried to move, it toppled over... with Ruby right in the landing zone.
"Uh oh." Ruby said, running as fast as she could. She barely got out of the way in time before the Indominus crashed down, the Shadow King falling off.
"You lot. You sure are causing a lot of problems for me. Well, I'll give you credit for being able to trap the Indominus. But it matters not. Besides, from what I hear from you, you'll just be doing me a favor. I don't particularly like the White Fang, but I do thank them for releasing me. You must understand how awfully boring it is being imprisoned for thousands of years. Now, I would fight you, but with that pesky little razor you have, I'll consider this my farewell. Till next time, and trust me, there will be a next time." The Shadow King said, vanishing into thin air. The Indominus then struggled to get back up.
"Now's our chance. All forces, fire on the Indominus!" Eric commanded, everyone firing at once; the hunters, the bullheads, even the robots. Soon, the Indominus let out an ear bleeding cry before its life ended.
"We... did it. We actually did it." Ruby said, her heart racing. The Grimm then ran in fear, seeing the ancient Grimm lifeless and decaying.
"Victory is ours. We saved Mistral City." Gira said, everyone cheering as one. The shadows covering the sun soon faded, light shining upon the wrecked, but still standing, city.
"This war is still not over yet. Kemuri still lives. We managed to kill one of the ancient Grimm, but Kemuri will not be as easily defeated. When I struck him, his armor was unparalleled, even without the Shadow King's power." Eric said.
"Yeah, yeah. I get that we still got Kemuri to deal with, but let's just take a break. After all, we were able to kill an ancient Grimm. Not many can say that." Sans said.
"Sans has the right idea. Once we can, we need to rebuild the city, refresh, and bury our fallen." Kerási said.
"For now, let's focus on rebuilding the wall. Once that's done, then we can finally catch a break." Gira said.
"Let's get building!" Papyrus said, not many as excited.
[Many hours later...]
The hunters had finally built a suitable wall, but not permanent. Only enough to keep the Grimm out.
"Can we... finally... rest?" Jaune said, sweat pouring from his face.
"Yes, for now. Once we do, though, we need to give the fallen proper burials. It's what they deserve." Vasha said. Everyone then got around to relaxing, a feeling they haven't felt in a long time.
"You know, it's kinda nice to finally kick back and be able to rest for a while." Eric sighed.
"Yeah, no kidding. With all that's happened so far, we deserve at least this." Ruby said.
"Agh, you got to be kidding." Eric said, taking his jacket off.
"What's wrong?" Ruby asked.
"My favorite jacket's ruined." Eric said, showing Ruby the many tears and burns on it.
"Dang. Well, it could be worse." Ruby said.
"Yeah, true. I just hope we can find a suitable vessel for Kieta." Eric said.
"Wait, what?" Ruby said.
"Oh, right. Gira said it may be possible to save Kieta. Since Gira has her... Brain, and I have her AI, once we find a good body for her, we could possibly resurrect Kieta." Eric said.
"That would be amazing. But where would we find a vessel for her?" Ruby asked.
"Well..." Eric said, his thoughts being cut off by Gira.
"I may have an idea that'll kill two Nevermores with one bullet. The way to Atlas is cut off, since they want to keep the White Fang out. However, there's an old Atlas freighter on the border of Mistral. If we can get it to work, we can sail to Atlas. And, if we're lucky, we could find a vessel for Kieta." Gira explained.
"Well, sounds like our day. I assume Atlas will assist in the reconstruction of Mistral City, so we can get moving by tomorrow." Eric said.
"I'll brief the others on the situation." Gira said, heading off.
"Well, looks like things are finally going in our favor. But should we really leave before Mistral City is fully repaired?" Ruby asked.
"We're hunters, not constructors. If we're to stop Kemuri, Smaug is to awaken as well. If we can tame Smaug and defeat Kemuri, then victory might be ours." Eric said.
"But what about Blake and Weiss?" Ruby asked.
"If we find them, then we'll have a better chance at victory. If we don't, then we can look for them after the war is over. I promise you we'll find them." Eric said.
"Thanks." Ruby said. The two then sat in silence for a while.
"So... should we help them?" Eric asked.
"Yeah." Ruby said.
[A few hours later]
Soon, they were able to secure a suitable safe zone, where they were able to rest and keep the survivors.
"Hopefully Mistral City will be rebuilt soon." Ruby said.
"I'm sure they will. And soon, Vale will be ours too." Jaune said.
"I just hope everyone there was able to get out. Both in Vale and Mt. Ebott." Ruby said.
"I'm sure they did. We just got to keep our heads held up and make sure we can take it all back." Pyrrha said.
"She's right. That is our job after all." Eric said.
"Let's not forget, we still have Smaug to deal with." Vasha said.
"About that, how are we going to get to Atlas?" Jaune asked.
"I thought Gira told you all. We're going to use a recently abandoned Atlas freighter. It may provide armor, weapons, and a way to get to Atlas. However, there might be a chance of the White Fang beating us to it, so we're heading for it first thing tomorrow." Eric said.
"But what about everyone here?" Ren asked.
"If we don't hurry, more will end up like this. Not just Atlas, but Vacuo as well. The reason the ancient beasts weren't awakened before is because of their untamable rage. If they are to awaken under the influence of the White Fang, the Grimm will be the least of our worries." Eric said.
"He's right. The longer we wait, the sooner the White Fang will overcome all the kingdoms. The death of the Indominus was just a setback for them. If they awaken even one of the ancient beasts, it's game over." Kerási said.
"But wasn't it our objective to awaken them? If we awaken them, wouldn't we be doing the White Fangs job for them?" Jaune said.
"It's true, we'll be risking everything we've done up until now, but it's either we stop the White Fang once and for all or destroy their plans to destroy the way of life. Either way, Kemuri is still a variable, so our main objective is to awaken Smaug and kill Kemuri." Eric said.
"That's understood, but what happens after that?" Kerási asked.
"If our plan succeeds, we then take down the White Fang. If we succeed in that, then the war ends, and peace returns to Remnant." Eric said.
"Eric, I believe you are mistaking quiet for peace. Even if we succeed in dismantling the White Fang, it will only repeat the disaster. Someone else will arise and take their place." Gira said. "I propose we try to negotiate with the White Fang. If we bring true equality, then perhaps peace will truly come."
"That may be, but they cannot simply be forgiven for their crimes." Eric said.
"We know this, and they will be brought to justice, but we also have to realize the reason why they take these actions." Ruby said.
"Let's save the arguing. Right now, we need to rest. We have another long day ahead of us." Jaune said.
"Jaune's right. For now, let us rest. Besides, we may be able to regain a piece, so to speak." Gira said. Everyone then went to rest for tomorrow.
[The next day]
"You're leaving already?" Samantha said.
"Yeah, we still have much to do. We trust you all can handle the reconstruction of Mistral City without us." Ruby said.
"Yeah, we got Atlas assisting as well." Eddie said.
"Well then, until we meet again." Ren said, the group heading out. They went out the north side, closest to the Atlas freighter. It took a few miles, but soon they finally reached the ship. It was easily half a mile long.
"This is it?" Ruby asked.
"Correct. Inside, we should find some Atlas weaponry, armor, and other useful supplies that will exponentially aid us." Gira said.
"Well, we should still be safe. Void, can you scan the ship to see if any Grimm or White Fang are on it?" Eric said.
"Affirmative." Void said, scanning the ship. "I do not detect any recent human signs, but I do detect a few Grimm. They appear to be mostly Mutants."
"What are Merlot's creations doing here?" Ruby said.
"No idea, but we should be careful. One suicide Mutant Creep can completely destroy your aura if you aren't careful." Eric said.
"Yeah, that's good and all, but how exactly are we going to get on the ship?" Jaune asked.
"Now that you mention it, there doesn't seem to be any way to get on it." Ruby said.
"That's easily fixed. You see that crane on the ship? We can use that." Gira said.
"Aaaaand how exactly DO we get it over here?" Papyrus asked.
"Void can activate it." Gira said.
"My flight components are still operational. Chances of this working are favorable." Void said.
"Alright then. Void, fly over to the freighter and bring the crane over here." Eric said.
"Aye aye." Void said, flying over to the freighter. He then placed his hand on the crane, manually pushing it over to them, the crane smashing into the cliff side.
"Well, that's one way to move a crane." Jaune said.
"I got a feeling that didn't go unnoticed. We should hurry across." Ruby said, her point made by Grimm howls filling the air.
"Yeah, she's right. Hurry!" Kerási said, everyone running across the crane. Some stumbled on the way, but none fell fortunately.
"I think we're-" Vasha said, being cut off by a Mutant Beowolf jumping to the deck. "Right. Mutants."
"We'll take care of them! Everyone else make sure none of the Grimm get across!" Papyrus said, him, Ruby, and Kerási charging the Beowolf. The remaining watched over the crane, shooting down any Grimm that attempted to cross. Void was trying to push the crane back, but it was wedged in the cliff.
"The cliff is keeping the crane in place. I cannot move it." Void said.
"Can't we just destroy the crane?" Jaune asked.
"Yes, but then how would we get back onto land?" Vasha said.
"We could use Papyrus's Spaghetti." Kerási suggested.
"No, it would be too weak to anchor." Vasha said.
"What about Void? He could individually lift us up." Pyrrha said.
"His flight capabilities are strong, but only enough to carry him. If we put additional weight, even that of a person, they would fail." Eric said.
"We have to keep the crane. Nora, try to blow off some of the cliff to free the crane." Vasha said. Nora then switched her weapon to grenade launcher mode and fired it at the cliff, managing to get some of the crane freed. Void was then able to move the crane, but as soon as he did, a DeathStalker caught it with its tail.
"Damn! The Grimm really don't want us to leave." Eric cursed.
"We took care of the Mutant, but there are still more!" Ruby said.
"This is not looking good. Everyone, take out the DeathStalker! If we manage to get away from here, then that reduces our enemies by a lot." Kerási said. Everyone then opened fire on the DeathStalker. Void drew his energy sword and sliced the DeathStalker's tail off, freeing the crane.
"Void, push!" Eric commanded, Void putting all his energy on the crane, managing to move it all the way off land.
"Where's the on switch to this thing?" Ruby asked.
"It's inside. I bet there's some more Grimm in there. Jaune, Kerási, you two are with me." Gira said. The three then rushed inside. As they left, Mutant Creeps leaped from the inside, as well as Nevermores swooping, trying to snatch one of them.
"Oh brilliant. Just what we need." Eric grumbled.
"Ruby, take out the Mutants. Nora, fire at the Nevermores to slow them down. Void, scan the freighter to see if any more Grimm and in here. Everyone else, kill any Grimm in sight." Jaune commanded, everyone playing their parts. Ruby managed to clear the deck of all Mutant Creeps, Nora's grenades caused the Nevermores to slow down, and everyone else fired on the Nevermores, taking out one within a few moments.
"Scan complete. No Grimm detected." Void said.
"Good. Once we kill the other two Nevermores, we're free and clear." Eric said. Within three minutes, the last Nevermore was killed and the freighter was activated, moving away from shore.
"Alright, I think it's safe to say we're safe." Vasha sighed.
"Let's check out what's on this thing." Ruby said, excited to see the weapons. They went inside the cargo bay to see rows of crates, some with the Schnee symbol, others silver and black. They opened one to see numerous smaller crates full of Dust.
"Wow. Well, ammo is no longer a concern." Kerási said.
"There's more in here!" Vasha said, showing another container full of Dust.
"Holy Dust! Look at this!" Jaune exclaimed, showing them a container full of Atlas armor suits. One even had a prototype Paladin.
"Oh my God! This is amazing!" Papyrus exclaimed.
"Now we have some real armor. Though I don't exactly like Atlas, I do love their stuff." Eric said.
"Yeah, no kidding! We got a Paladin now, these things aren't exactly cheap!" Jaune said.
"Jackpot! I found the weapons!" Ruby exclaimed, showing a container with weapons half of which they have never seen. "No way! An Atlas Military Grade KSG! I've always wanted one of these!" Ruby squealed, hugging the shotgun like it was a teddy bear.
"Alright, armor up, get what you need, and get ready for the next destination.
"Jaune, I'd suggest you take at least a pistol. A sword and shield is a legitimate weapon choice, but sometimes a ranged weapon is more useful." Pyrrha said.
"Uhh... I've actually never used a gun before." Jaune said nervously.
"We got a long time before we reach Atlas, we can teach you the basics." Ruby said, putting a strap on her new KSG and putting it on her back.
"Well, if you insist." Jaune said, taking a Military Grade Colt.
"Oh, not that one. That'll only tick off the Grimm. Here, this one is more useful." Ruby said, giving Jaune a Schnee Company made Magnum.
"Huh. I kinda like it." Jaune said.
"And here's a holster, some ammo, and a tactical flashlight." Ruby said, giving Jaune all those items.
"Uh, thanks." Jaune said, putting on the holster and putting on the tactical flashlight onto his Magnum.
"And here. You should replace your current armor with this. It should prove more effective." Pyrrha said, giving Jaune some Atlas armor.
"Hey, Eric! You might wanna see this!" Ren called out. They all came to see a container with a metal body.
"It looks like Penny." Ruby said.
"Indeed. I believe this is a prototype of Penny." Ren said.
"A perfect form for Kieta." Eric said.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Plug me in." Kieta said. Eric pressed some buttons and a USB cable came out of the machine. "Use that to upload me into the mainframe."
"Alright." Eric said, inserting the cable into the right side of his head, the K13T4 program being uploaded into the machine. "Someone get Gira down here so he can insert Kieta's brain into the machine." Eric said. Ruby then ran off to get Gira.
"Program download now at 5%. Awaiting confirmation of subject." The computer said.
"Subject? What do they-" Eric said, then it hit him. "So that's why they abandoned this one."
"Why?" Jaune asked.
"Because in order for this prototype to work, it needs the mind of a human." Eric said.
"So why did they cancel it?" Pyrrha asked.
"Because then it would have led to a mass production. The whole world would have been made of people made of Atlas tech. It would have been the, so to speak, Ultron Upbringing." Eric said.
"I got Gira! He's coming right now!" Ruby said.
"Thank you!" Eric said.
"We should search the rest of the containers." Pyrrha said.
"Yeah. Come on, guys." Jaune said, everyone else leaving. Once Gira arrived, it was just him, Eric, and Kieta.
"So... This is the vessel for her." Gira said.
"Yes." Eric said.
"Then I shall insert the brain. Once the K13T4 system is uploaded, it should bring back Kieta." Gira said. He opened the head and put in the jar with Kieta's brain, the machine doing the rest.
"Subject successfully inserted. Initiating start up sequence." The computer said, the body starting to turn on. "Start up complete. Subject responding normally. Reboot will begin after download is complete."
"And now we play the waiting game." Eric sighed, sitting back.
"We may have to restrain her once she is online." Gira said.
"I know that. Hopefully, this works." Eric said.
"Download halfway complete." The computer said.
"Are you nervous? This may end up failing. The rules of nature may reject Kieta's resurrection." Gira said.
"I know. If that is how the gears of fate turn, so be it." Eric said. He could feel his heart racing, his mind uneasy. He might be able to finally bring back Kieta, but may also lose her for good.
"Download at seventy-five percent. Estimated time remaining at two minutes." The computer said.
"Wait. Just in case this fails, insert the K13T4 into the ship's mainframe." Eric said.
"As you wish. This action will delay the process up to one hour." The computer said.
"Very well." Eric said.
"You realize that if this does succeed, there's the possibility that Kieta may forget everything. Her brain was in a serious condition, so she may well forget who you are." Gira said.
"I don't care. As long as she lives, I'll risk everything." Eric said.
"AI download complete. DNA samples required." The computer said.
"Right, nearly forgot." Gira said, taking out the blood samples. "This should serve as a sample." He then inserted the samples, the machine taking them.
"Blood samples acquired. Testing for validity." The computer said. "Test successful. DNA sufficient. Beginning replication process."
"Well, now we just have to wait for her to awaken." Eric said, removing the USB from his head.
"We can pass the time by helping the others search the containers." Gira said.
"Yeah, never know what kind of useful stuff Atlas stowed on here." Eric said.
"I will continue running tests. I shall inform you of any changes." The computer said.
"Well, no time like the present." Eric said, the two heading off.
"Hey, you're back. Did things go okay?" Ruby asked.
"So far. The system is getting the form ready, so we have some time." Eric said.
"Cool. Here, I found this. Thought you might like it." Ruby said, tossing a jacket similar to Eric's old one.
"Thanks." Eric said, putting it on.
"Also, there's some parts and stuff in that container that seem pretty useful." Ruby said, pointing to an open container. Eric looked in to see a whole ton of parts, some parts Eric would kill to get.
"These are exactly what I need to finish Void's flight system!" Eric said, taking a handful of parts.
"We also found a mess hall. Papyrus is excited about that." Jaune said.
"Anything else of importance?" Gira asked.
"Yeah, we found some more weapons, some fuel cells, and a few containers with some clothing." Ren said.
"And who's at the helm?" Gira asked.
"Vasha and Kerási. We also found some beds for us and a shower." Ruby said.
"Well, things seem to be turning in our favor. How many more crates are there?" Eric asked.
"Just a few more. Seems to just be some Dust and armor." Jaune said.
"Well, worst case scenario we crash or Nora eats all the food." Eric said.
"Yeah, that or Atlas thinking us as White Fang and shooting us on the spot." Gira said.
"Rays of sunshine, you two are." Ruby said, everyone chuckling.
"By the way, how's the-" Jaune said, being cut off by the speakers.
"Alert: system error. Subject loose." The computer said.
"Wait what?!" Eric exclaimed, running back to Kieta. When he got there, she was nowhere to be seen. "Oh hell."
"How did she get loose?" Gira said.
"Alert: subject detected. Subject is currently on the deck." The computer said. Eric then looked up to see a hole in the ceiling.
"We have to go after her." Eric said, leaping up to the deck. Up there, he saw Kieta, alive. She looked at him with eyes full of terror. "Kieta, it's me! There's no need to be afraid."
"W-w-who are you?" Kieta asked frightened.
"Kieta, it's me! Eric!" Eric said.
"I... I don't know who you are. How do you know my name?" Kieta said.
"You're my sister." Eric said.
"I-I don't have a brother. I... I... I... Oh God, I'm so confused." Kieta said, her voice full of sorrow and terror.
"Hey, it's alright. I'm not going to hurt you. I'll make sure nothing hurts you." Eric said, embracing his sister.
"I-is it true? That you are my brother?" Kieta asked.
"Yes. We are the last of the Aeild family." Eric said.
"L-last?! You mean we're the last in the world?" Kieta exclaimed.
"Hey, it's alright. We're not the last humans in the world." Eric said.
"Oh God, I'm so confused and scared." Kieta cried.
"I know. What do you remember?" Eric asked.
"I only know my name. Nothing else." Kieta said.
'Gira was right. The Kieta I knew is...' Eric thought, letting out a single tear.
"B-but... We're safe, right? No one here is going to hurt me?" Kieta asked.
"Yes. No one will hurt you here. You're safe." Eric said.
"You sound like you know me. Why don't I remember you?" Kieta asked.
"Because after you died, your memories must have faded." Eric said.
"D-died?! How could I have died? I'm alive right now!" Kieta exclaimed.
"We revived you using the form you have right now. It's because of this that you are alive right now." Eric said.
"I don't understand. Why- how- oh God, I'm so scared." Kieta said, crying into Eric's shoulder. Eric wrapped his arms around her to comfort her.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for bringing you this pain, but I didn't have a choice." Eric said.
"I just... want to... understand." Kieta sobbed.
'The K13T4 AI must not have fully been installed. That's why she doesn't remember anything. But... if she was told everything now, she would surely go insane.' Eric thought. "I promise you everything will be explained, but right now, let's return to the others. I promise you none of them will harm you."
"O-okay." Kieta said, wiping the tears off her face. The twins then went back under the ship to show everyone that Kieta was alive and well again.
A/N
Wow. That got emotional quick. I almost cried. Uh, anyway, thank you all for reading! For last chapter's references, here they are! Reference 1 was to Code Geass, Reference 2 was to Jurassic World. Those were correctly answered by Boom-Ducks yet again. Now then, I will be able to post more chapters as of now. So be sure to check in frequently for any new updates! With that, till next chapter!