Chapter 10: Inmate 4859
Two soldiers were standing on top of a wall, eyes locked on the surrounding landscape. One had his hand on his helmet as he was trying to decipher a message he was getting.
"-prison-re-force"
There was a lot of interference.
"Say again?" the Faunus asked.
"all-converge on-" the radio went silent. The Faunus' partner turned to him.
"What did they say?" she asked.
"Ah, I couldn't hear. Too much interference." he turned to the female Faunus. "You wanna take the speeder back to base?"
"No, we should stay." she replied. "This village was always one of the-"
"Contact." her partner cut her off, raising a scoped rifle in the distance.
"How many?" she asked.
"Just...one."
The Faunus raised her rifle and saw a man walking towards the gate, holding some kind of staff.
"What's that he's holding?"
"I'm not sure. Kind of looks like-" the Faunus was cut off as a green burst of energy launched her off the wall.
"WHAT THE HELL?!" the second one yelled. A blaster bolt to the head caused him to fall as well.
Six more troopers heard the commotion at the wall and all ran to see what was going on. Seeing two of their own on the ground motionless caused them to get ready for another attack. One gray soldier with orange streaks on his shoulders addressed the rest.
"You three, get on the wall." he ordered to three men on the left. As they left, he turned to the remaining two on his right. "You two, open the gate."
The soldiers complied and got into position. As the gate opened, two men were on the other side, one holding a staff and the other holding a blaster.
"DROP YOUR WEAPONS AND SURRENDER!" the leader said. The first man dropped his blaster while the second one still held his staff.
"DROP THE STAFF!" he said. The man did nothing. The other two aimed their weapons and prepared to fire. The three on the wall were pointing their blasters at him as well.
"DROP THE STAFF OR WE WILL OPEN FIRE!"
No response.
This was a waste of time.
"FIRE!"
The men pulled their triggers, but their targets had disappeared.
"The hell?"
"Where'd they go?"
"Up there!"
The soldiers turned to see one of them on a roof, and they prepared to fire again. The ones on the wall, however, were engulfed in a green flame. The remaining three on the ground turned as their heard their comrades scream in pain, but they started to drop like flies when blaster bolts hit their chests. It seemed the first one had a second blaster.
The townspeople came out to see what was going on. When they saw the armored Faunus were all dead, they began to cheer. Ozma picked up Oliver off the roof and they landed on the ground. Everyone gathered around their saviors, thanking them for helping and welcoming Oliver back to Cadabra. Ozma fired a green light into the sky. Everyone turned to the gate to see other freed prisoners coming inside. People began to run and embrace the former prisoners, people who had family in the town. They had been waiting for Ozma and Oliver to clear the city before returning. As they looked to see families being reunited, a woman and a little girl ran to up and embraced Oliver. They all cried tears of joy, relieved that they were reunited once more.
Oliver led Ozma to his home so they could each share their stories. Oliver explained how he helped the King of Vale fight in the war against the Grimm and Momin. His wife explained how the King recruiting most of the able bodied people of Cadabra had led to the city being invaded easily. Most were kept in the city while others were sent to the holes. Oliver didn't know why the Faunus made them do this or anything about 'Operation Downpour'. He was more interested in Ozma.
Ozma, unsure how these people would react to hearing about being resurrected by a god and reincarnating into different bodies, shared only part of his story. He explained the situations in the other kingdoms and his current mission of finding Salem.
"You told me you knew her?" Ozma asked.
Oliver confirmed this. "Before the war started, Salem lived her with us. She actually protected us from the Grimm, using the same abilities you used at the prison. She was a hero." he smiled, fondly remembering everything Salem did to help everyone.
"Where is she now?" Ozma asked.
Oliver looked to the table, unsure of what to say.
"Well...we don't know." Margaret replied. "She said...she needed to leave for a little while."
"Leave?" Ozma said. "Did she say where she was going?"
As the two shook their heads, Ozma felt someone tug on his shirt. Looking down, he saw a young girl staring at him.
"She said...she needed help." Abra said.
"Help?" Ozma asked. "With what?"
"Salem told me...she had a 'special ability' like her Magic. One she couldn't use anymore."
Ozma was confused by this. As far as he knew, Magic was the only special ability people of Remnant could use. Someone taught her something else?
"What is this...ability?" Ozma asked.
"Come to think of it..." Ozma turned back to Oliver. "she once mentioned she could use something called...the Force?"
"That's why she left." Abra continued. "Salem said she lost the ability to use it and had to find it again."
"That was months ago." Margaret pointed out. "We don't know where she is."
Ozma suddenly remembered something the God of Light mentioned. He said Salem was being held prisoner at the Land of Darkness. He knew where he had to go.
"I think I know where she is." he said. "Thank you for your help." he was about to leave, but Oliver grabbed his hand.
"I'm going with you." Oliver said.
"What?" everyone asked.
"I saw your face before you stood up. You think she's in trouble, don't you?"
Ozma nodded. Oliver turned back to his family. "Salem did so much for us before she left. If she's in trouble, saving her might mean she can help us once again."
Margaret stood up. "Oliver, we just got you back. We don't want to lose you again."
"You won't." Oliver said, gently caressing his wife's cheek. "Ozma may have Magic as well, but that apparently didn't help Salem. He needs help."
Oliver had a point. If Momin was able to capture Salem, Ozma would have to rely on more than his Magic. But Oliver wasn't like him. He could die.
"Oliver, I understand your feelings. But this is too dangerous."
"Which is why I have a plan."
2 days later
General Motaro had little time to regain order over his prison and the holes, so he decided to worry about it when he returned from the council meeting. He had reluctantly reported his failings to Momin, as lying about the delay of Operation Downpour would be unwise. So, he ordered his remaining troopers to continue fighting at the capital, against King Carolus. He would explain what happened in further detail once he arrived at the Land of Darkness.
He would take his personal ship to Momin, in which he would be escorted by a few of his troopers. Two troopers were seated in front of him and two others were in the back. The ship was being piloted by a Faunus with antlers. While the troopers in front of the general were silent and Motaro was reading a report he received before he left, the two behind them were whispering to each other.
"A decent plan, Oliver." the first 'trooper' said. "Sneaking in was rather easy."
"I figured it would be." the second 'trooper' replied. "But, we should go over what happens once we arrive at this 'Land of Darkness'."
Oliver's plan was indeed a decent one. Using armor they found from two of the Demons they killed in Cadabra, they were able to hide in plain sight as they returned to the prison. When Ozma learned of the meeting Motaro needed to attend, Ozma saw an opportunity to infiltrate Momin's home. Once there, they would learn anything they could about Operation Downpour and find Salem. Now the only thing they were concerned about was getting out of the general's sight.
"Once we arrive, we need to leave Motaro's side as quick as we can." Ozma pointed out. "Then, we'll split up. You can find anything about Motaro's work while I find Salem."
"How can we leave?" Oliver asked.
"We...may have to figure that out as we go along."
"There's one more thing we have to do."
"What's that?"
"Kill the general."
Ozma looked back to make sure nobody else was listening. "What are you talking about?"
"Ozma, Motaro's made a lot of progress in conquering Vale. He took over five towns in a day. Killing him may be a blow to Momin's plans."
"I don't know. We're already risking a lot."
"I know, but if we don't do this-"
"Quiet." the general ordered. "I can't concentrate with your pillow talk."
Ozma cleared his throat. "Yes sir."
Making a plan was out of the question for Ozma and Oliver at the moment. It seems they would have to play the hand they were dealt once they arrived.
About a half hour later, the ship had touched down into the Land of Darkness, just outside Momin's castle. Ozma and Oliver were in awe of the structure, but wasted no time to admire the architecture. Instead, they followed the general into an elevator, which led them to a room with a long table, filled with Faunus of various animals. Seated at the head of the table was Momin.
The general stood at attention. "Greetings, my Lord."
"Motaro." Momin gestured to an empty seat. "Please, sit down."
The general sat down with his escorts at his side.
"My friends...thank you for coming." Momin addressed. "This council was convened for various reasons. Somehow, after six months of fighting, we have begun to suffer...setbacks in each kingdom. I trust you understand what I am referring to."
A voice familiar to Ozma filled the room. "Lord Momin, I volunteer to address my situation first."
Everyone turned in her direction. Ozma recognized her immediately: it was General Blanca, the Faunus who tortured him and had him killed by Ketor Cornello.
"Very well, General Blanca. You may proceed."
Blanca cleared her throat before beginning. "As you are all aware, the people of Mistral are the most...superstitious of Remnant. After the kingdom was infiltrated and we shared tales of our great Lord's abilities and victories in this war, a widespread religion centered around Momin was formed. When ready, our plan will be having Mistral conquered through faith, not bloodshed. Which will result in a quick and efficient takeover of the kingdom."
"But things...aren't that simple." a bearded man spoke. "The religion spread quickly, yes. But the faith stopped spreading when the capital spoke out against us, claiming our ideas to be a pack of lies. So, while the majority of the kingdom remains faithful, the capital is a problem."
"I see." Momin said as he walked over to the bearded man. "And I trust you have an explanation?"
"Joan Arc." Blanca coldly said. "She's the main force that rebels against us. And she has the king's favor."
Momin turned to Blanca. "General, I want her taken care of immediately."
"As you wish, Lord Momin. I should also mention that the 'Ketor' you appointed has done a tremendous job spreading your word. And destroying those who deny it. "
"Good. Perhaps he is useful after all. You have done well."
"Thank you, my Lord." Blanca sat down.
Momin walked over to a Faunus with a red fox tail. "Colonel Albain, your role in this war was in Vacuo. After it was conquered, your job was keeping the people of the kingdom in line, am I correct?"
The colonel pulled on his collar. "Yes, my Lord. My wife and I were in charge of this."
A Faunus with furry red ears spoke up. "And we were successful for a while."
"That was in the past, Felicia." Momin coldly said. "I am concerned with our future."
Felicia gulped when she heard this. "I...understand, my Lord. But you must understand that this was out of our control. Conner and I-" her mouth continued to move, but no words came out. She pulled her collar, feeling her throat get tighter. Felicia began to panic, she couldn't breathe. Conner asked her what was wrong, and Felicia pointed toward Momin. Everyone turned to see Momin's hand reaching to Felicia, two fingers and his thumb in a choking position.
"I...must understand?" Momin sarcastically asked. "You are a bold one, Felicia. Believing you have the authority to tell me what to do." he released his grip and Felicia's face hit the table as she gasped for breath. "Try that again and I'll drown you in the Grimm pools."
"Meant...no...disrespect..." Felicia said between gasps. Momin continued to speak.
"There is something I do understand, however. You see, I understand the people of Vacuo have found their courage again. Am I mistaken, Colonel?"
"...No, my Lord." Conner responded. "A Faunus by the name of Lisa Amitola has been leading people all over the kingdom in a fight against us. Their will to fight and rebel has become stronger than before. Breaking it would be an...arduous task."
"Which is why it must be taken." Momin replied. He turned to a door to his left. "Come in." he said.
The door opened and two gray troopers came inside. One was holding a female Faunus with rabbit ears and the other was dragging a man with seemingly no animal traits. He was struggling in the trooper's grip. The woman was crying.
"My friends, these people are Jonathan and Dominique Galt. A human man and Faunus woman. A happily married couple from Vacuo."
The Faunus at the table erupted in laughter. They were bound together by a hatred towards humans and they mocked the concept of a human and Faunus loving one another.
"Yes, that is the reaction I expected from you. One I completely understand. But you must realize that these two are very brave individuals. Many people, human and Faunus, would call this idea impossible. But they disagreed. They believe it's possible for them to love one another. And that it's appropriate to...mate with each other."
The room was filled with laughter again.
"And as you can see, Jonathan is a man of spirit." Momin leaned closer to the man. "Aren't you, Jonathan?"
The man's response was spitting on Momin's mask. Which earned him a punch to the gut by the soldier.
"Leave him alone!" the woman yelled.
Momin smirked under his mask. "A man of spirit indeed. But no more." Momin turned back to the table. "As you are all aware, the creatures of Grimm are under my command and my command alone. In my spare time, I have experimented with the dark waters, making new ones of my own. You've all seen the Sabyrs, the Beringels, the winged Beringels. Many of you are concerned about our situation in Vacuo. I, on the other hand, have found it to be...inspirational."
A large door opened behind Momin, and they could see the silhouette of a tall humanoid figure.
"The Grimm are attracted to negative emotions: fear, sadness, anger, and so on. This newest Grimm, however, is capable of creating one such emotion: depression. I call it...the Apathy."
The humanoid figure walked in the room, revealing a distorted skull with red eyes, long arms with three sharp fingers on each hand and a ribcage. Everyone in the room gasped when it walked in.
Momin waved his hand to the trooper holding Jonathan and he walked closer to the Grimm.
"Conner, Felicia...behold."
Momin snapped his fingers, and the Apathy turned to Jonathan, who still had defiance on his face. Looking at him. the Grimm opened its mouth...and let out a shriek.
Jonathan screamed at the top of his lungs. He was moving his head as the Grimm was still yelling. After a few seconds, Jonathan fell to the floor. The Grimm closed his mouth.
"NO!" his wife yelled.
The gray soldier picked Jonathan up and showed him to the Faunus at the table. Everyone could see him stand on his own, but his eyes were...lifeless. Hollow. It seemed the Grimm drained him of life itself. Tears were coming down his eyes, and he was mumbling something inaudible.
Momin walked away from the trooper. "Release him." he ordered. The trooper obeyed and Jonathan continued to stay still. Momin then extended his hand.
"Jonathan. Come here." he ordered. Jonathan looked over at Momin...and obeyed. He walked over and took Momin's hand.
The Faunus at the table applauded, quite impressed with Momin's creation.
"Thank you, thank you." Momin said as he laughed. He turned back to the Albains. "I trust this will help you?"
"Most certainly my Lord." Conner said with a smile.
"Just to clarify, this Grimm was able to...drain people of their rebellious spirit?" Felicia asked.
"Precisely." Momin replied. "People who are the primary target to its scream will be drained of not only their will, but any feelings of happiness and joy." Momin smirked under his mask, proud of his creation.
"When can you create more?" Felicia asked.
"I already have." the Sith replied. "Some are keeping tabs on our prisoners beneath the castle, while the others will be ready to return to Vacuo once you do. Together, we will make a plan on how to successfully bring them in."
Momin made his way to General Motaro. "Now that these situations will be dealt with properly, I believe that leaves you, Motaro."
The general made eye contact with his master. "Yes, my Lord. You received my report on what happened with Operation Downpour?"
"I have. And I believe I know what is truly to blame for your misgivings."
"As do I, my Lord." the general replied.
Momin then looked at the rest of his council. "I want you all to know one thing that could lead to our downfall. The true reason Motaro failed."
Motaro stood up. Ozma and Oliver looked at each other. They could tell that if Momin knew about Ozma, then he would stop at nothing to capture him, and Motaro would become even stronger in Vale.
"The reason he failed?"
Oliver's hands began to shake. Cold sweat came down Ozma's forehead.
"Incompetence."
Ozma and Oliver dropped their jaws when they head this.
Motaro began to speak. "That's right, it was-wait, what?" Motaro's face turned to one of fear and confusion. He couldn't believe his ears. "Lord Momin, I don't-"
"SILENCE!" Momin screamed at his general. "I trusted you with what would be one of our greatest accomplishments here, and you wish to tell me it was set back by one man?!" Momin calmed down before speaking again. "Motaro, when I found you in Vale, I could tell you were one of the more bloodthirsty Faunus of Remnant. This is an admirable trait, once it is wielded properly. If left unchecked, it has...consequences. The way I see it, you are either lying to me, or your bloodlust has cost us dearly."
"M-my Lord, I speak the truth. And-"
"So you admit to your incompetence, then?"
"NO! My Lord, this wasn't any ordinary man!"
Momin leaned closer. "How so?" he coldly asked.
"He's like you!"
Momin took a moment to collect his thoughts after what he just heard. "Motaro...do you mean to tell me another Sith Lord has come to Remnant?"
"Not a Sith. Someone capable of using your powers. The orbs, the fire? He did all of that. I saw it."
Momin was at a loss for words. If there was another person who could wield Magic, capturing him would be his first priority. But he needed confirmation. He turned to the disguised Oliver.
"Trooper, you served with General Motaro at Vale, did you not?"
Oliver shifted his position before speaking. "Yes...Lord Momin. I was at the site of Operation Downpour when it was attacked."
"I see. Do you stand by your superior's report?"
"I do."
"So, the site of our work was indeed destroyed by one man?"
"It was. Sir."
Momin turned away and walked back to his chair. Motaro sighed in relief. While the Sith was preparing his next words and Motaro smiled with pride, Oliver saw an opportunity to act. It would be risky, but it would pay off in the end.
"Whoever this man is, he is as of this moment, our first priority. I want to know who he's working with, I want him brought to this castle, and I want-"
"My Lord."
Everyone turned to Oliver.
"Um...permission to speak freely?"
"...Granted." Momin replied.
"I told you I stood by the fact that one man destroyed our work site. However, it is my opinion...that General Motaro was indeed responsible for our failure."
"WHAT?!" Motaro stood up and grabbed Oliver by his throat. "I'll make you choke on those words, you worthless-!" Motaro stopped speaking and released Oliver as he suddenly flew to the ceiling. Everyone looked to see Momin's hand reaching to the ceiling. He was using the Force to keep his general there.
"Continue." Momin ordered.
"Well...the only thing 'magical' about it was how fast he worked. I don't know how, but he planted explosive Dust across the entire sight. The general ordered all of us to capture him, ignoring the danger the Dust possessed. Truly, incompetence was to blame. Whoever he was, that man got lucky because of the general's orders."
It felt like forever before Momin spoke again.
"Thank you for your honesty."
He turned to the trooper who came in with Jonathan. "Trooper, would you send a message to Taurus?"
"Of course, my Lord. What should I say?"
Momin closed his fist. A crushing sound was heard on the ceiling and Motaro fell to the floor. His eyes were lifeless.
"Tell him he's being promoted."
The soldier left. Momin spoke again.
"I am a tolerant man, but as you saw with Motaro, one thing I do not tolerate is incompetence. My work here means more to me than you will ever know. So, I cannot allow any hinderance to my plans."
Everyone at the table slowly nodded.
"Now, I am giving you all another chance to repair the damages that have been inflicted upon us. Should I receive any more news of colossal failure, the consequences will be grave. Am I understood?"
"Yes, my Lord." everyone replied.
"Council dismissed."
The major officers prepared to leave. Momin turned to the trooper holding Dominique as she cried.
"Take her away." he ordered. As the soldier left, Momin turned to Oliver and Ozma. He pointed to the body.
"Clean that up, will you?"
Oliver looked to Ozma and they took the body towards the door. As they left, Oliver looked at Momin.
"I'll take care of this. Find Salem."
Before Ozma left, he said one more thing. "That was a brave thing you did, Oliver."
"Don't mention it." Oliver replied. "Now go."
As Oliver dragged the body outside the castle, Ozma went to find any kind of information on Salem. As he prepared to to enter an elevator, he felt a hand grab his shoulder.
"Private." a voice said to him.
Ozma turned around to see the guard from earlier, still holding the Faunus.
"Y-yes?" he asked.
"Could you get on that terminal and find an empty cell for this one?" he asked as he pointed to a device on the wall.
"Oh. Of course." Ozma realized he could use this to find Salem. Getting on the terminal, he saw a list of names on one side and cell numbers on the other. He decided to get rid of the guard first. Looking at the right side, he saw an empty cell.
"It seems cell 1515 is empty."
"Thanks." the trooper said as he entered the elevator.
Looking back at the terminal, Ozma looked at the list of names. He saw they were alphabetical, so he scrolled down to 'S'. His eyes landed on Salem's name and saw that she was being held in cell 4859. Wasting no time, Ozma got in an elevator and went to the cells.
Oliver had taken inspiration from what Momin had said earlier. Remembering a small pool he saw near the entrance, he threw Motaro's body into the water and watched it sink. He entered the building once again and saw a familiar face. Walking to the elevator was the Faunus known as 'Taurus.' Oliver remembered seeing him in Gefhar when Momin attacked its citizens. Remembering what Momin said about Taurus being promoted, Oliver knew he would learn about Operation Downpour. Wasting no time, Oliver followed Taurus into the elevator. As it opened, Momin was waiting for Taurus, who bowed his head in respect.
"My Lord, I am honored you chose me as Motaro's replacement." he said. Oliver walked to the side.
"I know." Momin said. "I trust you know I expect outstanding results from you."
"Of course. When I arrive at Vale, the capital will be a wasteland. You will finally have-"
"I am not concerned with the king, Taurus. Your primary task is Operation Downpour."
"Oh...I understand."
"Are you familiar with the project, Taurus?"
"I...am not, my Lord."
Momin pressed a button on the table, and a projection of a hole appeared. A hole similar to the ones Oliver and the prisoners had to make.
"The time has come for the Grimm to expand, Taurus." Momin explained. "To be born beyond the Land of Darkness. These holes are essential for this to happen."
"What are they exactly?" Taurus asked.
"Soon, they will be the breeding grounds for the Grimm."
"Breeding grounds?"
"Yes. When the time is right, a storm will come to Vale. No ordinary storm, but one of my own design. The storm will bring a dark rain over the land. Grimm rain."
"A downpour." Taurus realized. "And the holes will fill with the Grimm waters, making-"
"Making new Grimm pools across the land." Momin finished.
Oliver's jaw dropped when he heard this.
"Yes, I see. But...our largest opposition is the capital. We could make a river of Grimm around the capital, making the humans vulnerable."
"True." Momin agreed. "But the Grimm must expand across the land. Having them stay in one place would be...counterproductive."
"I understand, Lord Momin."
"Excellent. Now, we need a proper plan. Listen closely."
Ozma took the elevator to the specified level. Once he arrived, he was met with a disturbing sight. Dozens of Apathy were roaming the halls, each one stopping at a random cell and shrieking. The people in those cells were having their wills and souls torn apart by these monstrosities. Ozma's heart ached just looking at the sins being performed in front of him. He wished he could stop everything and save everyone. But he knew he had to focus on the bigger picture. Salem was the only one who could help them. If they fought together against Momin, they could free everyone here. So, he pressed on.
Ozma tried to block out the sounds of screams and crying. But the deeper he went, the louder it got. He started to wonder if he would come out of this ordeal still sane. After walking for ten minutes, he reached the set of cells he was looking for.
4856. Not quite.
4857. Almost.
4858. So close.
He stopped as he saw a shrieking Apathy in front of the next cell. He could hear crying from it. A woman's crying. His heart ached even more. He looked up and made out the number.
4859.
This was it. His lost love was in there. The only thing stopping him was the Apathy. It had to go. He had a plan, but it was risky. But he didn't care. He had to get her out of there.
Ozma had previously used Magic to make his staff appear as a blaster. Changing it into a staff, he pressed hardly on the Grimm's shoulder. It snapped its head to look at him.
"Lord Momin has ordered this prisoner to be transferred. Step aside."
The Apathy leaned closer to Ozma. He was suddenly having doubts about this. The Apathy was going to see he wasn't a real guard. He was going to fail.
Before he could make a run for it, the Apathy turned in the other direction and left.
Ozma sighed in relief. He pressed a button on the side of the wall and the door to cell 4859 opened. Ozma looked inside to see a blonde woman in a ripped white dress chained to the wall. He ran to her and loosened the shackles. He looked at her, but something was wrong. Her eyes looked lifeless, but she still spoke.
"My...fault...all...my fault..." was all he could hear.
Ozma looked behind him to make sure nobody was looking. Once he saw the coast was clear, he removed his helmet.
"Salem? Salem it's me. Ozma." he said with a smile.
Salem didn't respond. His smile vanished.
"Salem? Can you hear me?" he asked. She said nothing. This was bad. He had to get her out of here. Putting his helmet back on, Ozma ran to the door holding Salem's hand. Salem seemed to be in a catatonic state, but she could still walk. Once he opened the door, Ozma came face to face with two guards and a new prisoner: Jonathan Galt, the one whose will was broken by the Apathy.
"Alright, take him to his cell." the first one said. The other complied, moving past Ozma and Salem. The soldier in the elevator turned back to Ozma.
"Trooper, is that who I think it is?"
Ozma looked at Salem and back to the guard. Taking a chance, he spoke.
"If you're talking about inmate 4859, this is her. Lord Momin wants her in his quarters."
"Damn." the trooper said looking at the prisoner. "You shouldn't travel alone with her, I'll come with you."
With that, Ozma guided Salem into the elevator and it started to ascend. Ozma took this opportunity to get some answers on the situation.
"Excuse me." he said. The trooper turned around to face Ozma. "I'm not from around here, but...do you happen to know anything about 4859?"
"You mean you've never heard of her?" the trooper asked.
"No. I transferred from the Vale front yesterday, this is my first day in the castle. But from what I've heard...this one's serious."
"That doesn't even begin to describe her."
"Really?" Ozma was shaken by this. "What...what did she do? What crime did she commit?"
"Well, I wouldn't call it a 'crime'. You ever see Lord Momin make those orbs? The ones that blow people up?"
"I have." Ozma lied, knowing that he was talking about Magic.
"She's the one who taught him how to do it."
Ozma was at a loss for words. Why would Salem teach Momin Magic? Why would she betray the people of Remnant? This didn't make sense.
"That, and she helped him instantly heal from any wound he gets."
Okay. Something was seriously wrong. "Why would she do that?" Ozma asked.
"Beats me. All I know is she's the one to thank for all of this." the guard said laughing.
Before Ozma could ask anything else, the trooper looked at a screen on his wrist. He turned back to Ozma.
"Hey...I don't see a record of a prisoner transfer."
Ozma realized his cover would be blown soon. He had to act fast. "Well, there shouldn't be an official record. The orders came from upstairs. So, not really a need, is there?"
"I...suppose." the guard turned around.
"Whe...where am I?"
Ozma looked back at Salem. And he saw the life return to her eyes. It seemed the effect of the Apathy had begun to wear off. Ozma's shock at Salem's apparent betrayal had instantly replaced with joy at seeing her again.
But there was one more problem to deal with. The trooper turned back to Ozma. "What authorization code did Lord Momin give you?"
Ozma's response was a punch to the trooper's throat and his head. He fell over unconscious. Ozma pressed the 'stop' button on the elevator.
Salem looked at the guard on the ground and back at the one standing. "What's going on?"
Ozma could tell the effect had worn off completely. He had some explaining to do.
"Salem, I need you to stay calm." he said. "I'm-"
"How do you know my name?" she asked, moving away from him. "Who are you?"
Ozma took off his helmet before saying anything else. Getting a look at his face, Salem's jaw dropped.
Ozma began to speak again. "This will sound insane, but I'm-"
"OZMA!" Salem yelled as she recognized her savior, pulling him into a hug. Ozma eagerly returned the hug, happy that he found the woman he loved again. The two looked into each other's eyes and shared a passionate kiss, with tears coming down both their faces.
"I missed you." Salem said as she pulled away. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too." Ozma said.
"What are you doing here?"
"Getting you as far away from here as possible. I'm sorry you had to wait so long."
Ozma was about to press the button to make the elevator move again, but Salem stopped him.
"Ozma, listen to me. If you take me away from here, things will only get worse. Momin, the Grimm, this is all my fault."
"I...I don't understand. What happened here?"
Salem explained what the guard said was only half of the truth. She told Ozma how Momin stole Magic from her and how he manipulated her into revealing its secrets, and how he made himself the master of the Grimm. Ozma had known Salem for a long time. In that time, he learned that she would touch her chin, nose, or any other part of her face whenever she lied. So he knew by watching her that everything she told him was the truth.
"I'm...so sorry." he said as he hugged her again. "If only I were here, I could have-"
"This is my fault." she said. "I should have realized he was lying, but I was so lonely. And foolish. I only cared about seeing you, my desires blinded me."
"There's one thing I don't understand." Ozma said. "That man told me you helped Momin make himself immune to pain. What...what did he mean by that?"
Salem took a deep breath before continuing. "Momin somehow used my blood to make himself use Magic. When he did...he somehow gained something else from me. He gained immortality."
"You mean...?"
"Yes. I'm immortal."
"But...how?"
A tear fell down her cheek. "Ozma. There's no easy way to say this, but-"
The doors to the elevator opened. Ozma quickly put his helmet back on and took Salem's hand.
"We need to go. You can explain later."
Salem didn't move. "Ozma, please. I'm already responsible for so much death and destruction. I don't want to cause any more."
Ozma firmly grasped her hand. "I am not leaving you here."
Ozma and Salem ran towards the main door.
"...rest of your prisoners can continue with Operation Downpour, Lord Momin."
"I agree, Taurus." Momin acknowledged. "Tell your men to put every man, woman, and child to work."
"I believe your Apathy might be useful in this operation. Let them drain any hope of rebellion, let them focus on our own goals instead."
"Very well. But do not-"
A loud alarm cut Momin off. They both looked up at the lights flashing, unsure what was happening. Before Taurus could say anything, two armed troopers burst into the room.
"Lord Momin, are you alright?!" one trooper asked.
Momin quickly rose from his seat. "What's happening?"
"Salem's gone! Someone helped her escaped!"
A wave of anger ran through Momin's body. "Find her! NOW!"
Ozma and Salem had made good progress escaping the castle before the alarm sounded. Just as the reached the top of the crater, dozens of troopers came out and fired upon them.
Salem had grown exhausted of running, the time in Momin's prison had weakened her. Ozma carried her while flying in the air, but he was indecisive at the moment. He needed to get Salem to safety, but he couldn't leave Oliver behind.
A blaster bolt flew by him, snapping himself back to reality. Seeing two large speeders below him, each manned by three Demons, Ozma knew he had to act. He was able to send a green bolt of lightning at one speeder, but the other one was rather elusive. A blast from one trooper knocked Ozma's staff from his grasp, which fell into the speeder. Ozma could feel his powers begin to weaken, so he lowered himself down. Seeing the speeder come closer, Salem quickly fired a burst of fire, killing one trooper on a cannon. However, the speeder turned around and prepared to charge again. Before it made contact with the two Magic-users, the speeder stopped in front of them. Ozma and Salem looked at the remaining trooper, hovering over the dead driver.
"Impressive timing." Ozma said with a smile as he got on. The trooper handed him his staff.
Salem, however, was confused by the interaction. "Ozma, what's going on? Who is that?"
The 'trooper' took off his helmet to reveal a familiar face. "Hello there." he said with a smile.
"OLIVER!" Salem jumped to her feet and hugged him. "I'm so, so sorry. I shouldn't have left. Is everyone-?"
"Salem, don't worry." Oliver said. "Everyone's fine. I explained what Ozma told me, about how you might have been captured. Cadabra is still your home, everyone's eager to see you."
Salem looked to Ozma. "Ozma, I still-"
Ozma gently caressed her cheek. "Shh. Get some rest, you can explain when we get back."
Author's notes: sorry this took so long, I had a bit of writer's block. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, I decided to make it longer than usual.
To D.N. Works, that's true. Ozma indeed showed why he's a hero, and how he isn't breakable.
To 54godamora, I decided to have Momin and Thrawn have some similarities, especially in their ideas about war.
To Legend Knight 00, it has begun.
To GojiraFan455515, thank you. Hope you enjoyed this one.
To an unknown guest, you're right there. I'll be getting more into the hosts later, but your ideas about them dying is right.
That's all I have right now, hope you enjoyed. Please leave a review!