A/N: BOOM! Whenever I say boom, expect a larger chapter than the ususal!
Dramaticmusic23: Idk for your fun fact. I think that would have been more interesting. Every fanfic has the oc using swords. I wish to see a girl oc using fans like kitana from mortal kombat. That would be nice
A female OC using fans... Hmm... I got an idea. Well, more like you helped me sort out an idea I had already. But still, thank you for the idea! Btw, mortal combat and me just don't mix. I've tried for years. Couldn't get into it. I'm just gonna chill on Dragon Ball Fighterz lol.
FieLover: That action was amazing! I really had a fun time reading this chapter. But man, I wonder if Sara will make it to see things going down. Unless Relon finishes it, I'm so excited~
Told ya there'd be lots of action these next few chapters. If you thought last chapter was full of action, then you're in for a real treat this chapter. Hmmm. Question with an answer coming up XD!
Speedkarate: Awesome flights and they were wonderful :)
Looking forward Relon vs Shifu.
Thank you. I really try to make the fight scenes good as it's easier to write than normal conversations and whatnot. As for the other thing, enjoy~.
LordEbony21: Alright, I feel like I've finally gotten a decent enough grasp of your writing style to write a proper review, so here are my thoughts:
The Good
- Character interactions (including your OC's) feel organic and human.
- Protag Relon doesn't feel forced in the story, ie they fit right in with the colorful cast of Class VII.
- On that note he also doesn't feel like a carbon copy of another character from the series; he feels like he is his own person, to an extent.
- Your OC's actually changing the plot; adds interesting "what if's?" to the story.
- From what I can see, there are numerous references to the previous games (most of them go over my head due to my introduction to the series being CS1 and currently being stuck in CS2, but I digress), which shows you appreciate the lore of the series.
Deadass when I first saw this large review, my heart dropped over how nervous I was to read it but I was super happy with the feedback. As I stated at the beginning of the story, Relon is a reflection of myself IRL albeit with minor changes. This version of Relon speaks the same way as I do but is indefinitely smarter compared to my actual intellect.
So I always imagine I'm involved in character conversations whenever I play any of the games. The whole point of this story for me was to just dump a whole bunch of what ifs to change up the plot lol. Like I've read plenty of Cold Steel fanfics that kinda change up the story but none that I've read do it so drastically let alone so often. If I didn't then it wouldn't really be a different story in my opinion. Just the same with a strong character that makes the fights easier if anything else.
Could be better
-Relon's character as a whole; while I said they weren't a copy of any other character in the story, I still feel that he falls under the category of generic shounen protag (is a nice person, would do anything for friends, has a tragic backstory, lots of virtue signaling, and so on).
-He lacks any flaws, or any contradictions that make him relatable to us, the readers.
-He feels awfully OP, which takes away some tension from the story.
- You "tell" more often than you "show" if you know what I mean.
This is the part where I just started clapping because everything you listed is exactly what I want readers to think so THANK YOU! I am saying this now, I do not mean to ever come across as feeling attacked or rude to any reviewer. I know some people read text differently haha, but I appreciate all feedback.
I definitely see him as a Shonen and that is one of the things that goes with you "tell" and "show." He seems like a basic Shonen right now but he still has plenty of time to be fleshed out into his own person. That is something that I think of whenever I watch any other Shonen protag.
As far as him being relatable, from the start I never wanted him to be. If he has to any of you readers then that that's awesome! I want Relon to seem like a blank slate at the beginning and as the story continues, he goes through multiple phases that changes his personality. It's one of those instances where the story has to develop for Relon to.
As I stated back in chapter 3 (Boy X Sword), I don't plan to make Relon OP as tempting as that may be. No, he'll become OP towards the end of Cold Steel 3 into 4 (Yes, I'm openly admitting that I've planned this story that far ahead). But you saying he "feels" not "is" OP makes that smile grow on my face.
Relon already has a Spirit Unification, can wield literal fire, has a magical sword and zemurian gloves, as well as he's been trained in the Arseid style and a martial arts on par with reknowned swordsman schools that just reading this sentence anyone would say he is. The thing is he isn't (haha see what I did there?). In Chapter 14 (Training) Yujiro who is the equivalent to Saitama or Jiren in this story flat out says he wants Relon to be a one many army like himself. Not specifically strong like him because it's simply impossible to reach his level that fast.
What I did was make it so that Relon is skilled at being able to handle any situation thrown his way. One thing I noticed in all of the Legend of Heroes is that you're always surrounded by allies. Fie is the fast dodge God with Jaeger skills, Laura is the PHY damage user who is the daughter of Victor so she has a high noble status, Emma is the ATS damage user and a witch. In the story, they all have skills that help Class VII on their journey. If any of them were alone in a given situation, they wouldn't be able to do much of anything. Except maybe Emma with her magic but you get the point.
Relon is the only character whose arsenal helps him with any problem. Defensive enemies? Zemurian gloves. Long range enemies? Blast fire or use Pippin. Multiple opponents? Spirit unification or he can use the unique fighting style with Pippin covering him. Political problems? Just prove he's a member of the Arseid school or was the literal bodyguard to Alfin. Hell, he could just call up Olivert for help if it came down to it lol. In the sense that Relon is flat out OP, I'd personally say not yet. Now in the sense that everything he has is OP, yeaaaaahhh that I'll agree to haha. But then again, that was the point of this character. When all is said and done, he has knowledge to assist his friends and allies when the situation gets difficult. At least, when Sara isn't there.
Unfortunately, for the time being, there will be more instances where I tell things rather than show. The key reason being pacing. As much as I want to reveal everything from the start, that would ruin a lot of the surprises I have in store. Take "Misty" being Relon's mom for example (Not saying who she actually is in case no one has finished Cold Steel 1 or 2). I originally planned for Misty's identity to be revealed where Cold Steel 1 would end for this story but I decided to reveal it much earlier because other ideas came to mind.
My personal Nitpicks (not particularly big issues)
- Relon and Claire romance: I personally felt it to be a little rushed, I think it could've used more development
- Grammar, again not a big issue, the occasional wrong word here or missing letter there (I'm a bit of a grammar nazi).
- The shounen-ness (Yes I just invented that word).
Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES! I completely rushed it on purpose. The main reasoning excluding the few minor ones being that Claire works under Osborne while Relon hates the guy. I feel their relationship/friendship would be easier to write if they remain friends until say Cold Steel where they were originally planned to get together.
I want to challenge myself as a writer to make their relationship not all about them worrying over the other or just fluff since Claire is best girl in my opinion. I want the two's relationship to be put to the test with their differing beliefs and work to see how bumpy it becomes (I already know where it goes but I'm just saying from a open perspective).
Grammar... Yeah, I'm a grammar nazi myself haha. I reread the chapters a few times checking for mistakes but they always get past me. It irritates me to no end so my apologies.
And that is a word I can appreciate XD! Time will make the change for Relon. Just like it did for Rean in the series. I just ask that you all be patient :D
Well that's all I could find so far. I eagerly await what other surprises you have in store for Relon and co.
Hopefully you'll enjoy this chapter! Thanks for the huge review!
Shinn: Boys and girls, we did it.
Andrew: Did what?
Shinn: Ahem. I am proud to announce we have hit 10k reads for this story.
Andrew: Whoa, really?!
Shinn: Yep! Everyday, we've been having around 100 reads and it just stacked up. Seriously, all of you guys and gals are amazing. Thanks so much for reading!
Andrew: You all are awesome! What else is there, Shinn?
Shinn: My body is so damn weird, ugh.
Andrew: Huh? That's an odd thing to say.
Shinn: You don't understand. This is a big chapter if you haven't noticed.
Andrew: Huh, you're right. What about it?
Shinn: The last time I wrote a 10k chapter was for my My Hero fanfic. My body literally would not let me type pass 5k because I wanted to write a 10k chapter.
Andrew: What do you mean, senpai?
Shinn: What I mean is that once I got past 5k for the chapter, my fingers and brain completely shut down. Like all sense of writing just ceased. So for like the last week, I cleared up my schedule and all that and been just trying to write the action scenes and I just couldn't write anything. I just looked at the scene a majority of the time until something good came to mind. And mind you, I have everything planned up till the end of cold steel 4 going into Hajimari. So I literally just couldn't bring myself to write with how excited I was.
Andrew: ... Um...
Shinn: My body is F*ing weird. I know.
Andrew: Uh...
Shinn: It's like my body is set on the word count goal I stated at the beginning of this story. 5k, 5k, 5k! No more than that unless you can't find a good stopping point. But Nooooooooooooo. My body is like, "Sorry Shinn, we cannot allow you to break your own rule!" And I'm just like, "Let. Me. TYPE!"
Andrew: Hmm...
Shinn: You know what I mean?
Andrew: Yeah! Totally! I completely feel you, senpai (I have no damn idea how to respond to any of that!).
Shinn: Thank you, my favorite kohai. Now, on with this 10k chapter!
Relon.
"Hm? Nameless?" He wonders aloud gaining the groups' attention.
I am detecting multiple heartbeats above us.
"Above us? But Pippin didn't see anything up there." His expression changing as he continues to look upward.
They've left in the direction of Celdic.
"Claire." He calls, his back to the girl.
"Yes? What is it?"
"Is it possible for an aircraft to become invisible?" His question slowly making the others widen including the officer herself as she goes into thought.
"With the latest technology, it is plausible..."
"Hahaha..." All look to one of the men rounded up now tied with a few others.
"What's so funny?" Relon questions approaching the man.
"You suckers, that's what!" He grins. "You really believed it was all over? You thought this was all we had?" He begins to laugh along with a few others.
"Don't tell me!" Alisa says understanding the meaning behind his words.
"We all were just a big distraction to stall for time, ahahaha!"
"Shut up!" Relon punches the man knocking him out.
"Meow!" All turn to see Null come rushing towards them jumping at Relon.
"Wait! if Null's here, then..." Alisa widens.
"If Null is here, then we really have been tricked!" Cecily curses.
Setting Null down, Relon rushes jumping onto Pippin.
"Relon!" He turns to the group eyeing his aunt. "Be careful."
"Yeah!" Gripping the cloth, Pippin's tip ignites as they shoot off leaving behind a red trail.
Within seconds, he reaches Celdic hovering atop the town looking all over.
Where?!
I am not sensing those odd heartbeats nearby. They must be out of my range.
Do you remember Shifu's heartbeat? That may be easier to pick out.
... There, in the direction of the orphanage!
Immediately flying forward, Pippin stops as a dark cloud forms above the home. An arc of light striking through and breaking the skylight.
"Go!" Zooming inside, Pippin halts as Relon surveys the area widening at the giant whole in the floor seeing Silver and Blaze with a familiar man holding what seems like a mace.
Flipping Pippin so he's facing the group headfirst, he unbuttons his blazer launching downwards with flames enveloping his body.
"Flare Blitz!" Crashing down, flames surf to the ceiling before dying out.
"It would seem I was too slow." Barbatos curses with little distraught. "Relon Tarbin Namikaze-Lucinance." Barbatos utters standing upright. "It has been but a short time." He greets stoically.
Ignoring him, Relon turns to Silver and Blaze.
"Good work stalling him. Good to see the man of the house is reliable as ever." He grins.
"Relon...!" Blaze breathes happily, tears forming at the corners.
"Big brother!" Norowareta calls.
"Both of you did great." He turns, his expression returning to a glare. "Leave the rest to big bro." He mutters stepping forward as the strength finally leaves Silver.
"Heh... give him hell." Silver grins weakly.
"It is clear you've grown stronger. How much remains to be seen."
"You're going to pay for what you did." Relon says, heat expelling to such intensity that the ground around him catches fire. "Dearly!" An explosion sounds, everyone covering their faces from the temperature as Barbatos remains unfazed.
"Oh?" He wonders to himself in excitement, a smirk forming at the corner of his mouth.
"This ends here and now, Shifu!" Relon roars readying himself as does the Leaguient. "This time, you're not getting away!" Pippin rushes in front of Relon low to the ground poised at the man, Relon kicking the sword like a soccer ball for Barbatos to narrowly jump over avoiding it, his eyes not leaving Relon who remains still.
Realizing the teen's plan, he spins swinging his mace to collide with Pippin having rebounded back.
"Gotcha!" Widening, Barbatos looks down to see Relon directly beneath him, his arm winding back alit in flames. "Get the hell... out of our damn house!"
Fire explodes through the opening gaining the attention of all the civilians. The sight of a small figure hurtling towards the center causes the RMP to begin evacuating the civilians.
"Kids, tend to Silver and Blaze!" Relon orders jumping up and out the building grabbing a hold of Pippin.
Jumping down from Pippin onto the building and then to the center mere feet before the man, both eye the other.
"I believe now is the perfect time." Barbatos says to himself.
"The perfect time for what...?"
"As ordered by our lord, he has extended an invitation towards you, a fellow Lucinance." His words causing Relon to widen.
"What did you say?!" He lowers his guard for only a moment before refocusing on the short man.
"I am not one for jokes. Lord Sephiroth, the leader of Senate, is indeed a Lucinance along with a few others. It is he who wishes to recruit you as it would be a waste of such talent to die. Although, should you choose to deny this chance, you will surely die by my hands." Barbatos extends his hand outwards to Relon. "So, what will be your choice? Just know, all the answers you have sought for all of your life will be answered."
Genuinely in thought, Barbatos widens slightly as the markings and heat recedes from Relon's body.
"... Everything?"
"Yes. Secrets, weaknesses, the meaning behind your single marking, everything. That includes the location of your mother and sister."
"... Exactly how many Lucinances apart from this Sephiroth are there?"
"... Three. All of which remain close by his side. As of now, their strength far exceeds even my own as well as many of the other Leaguients."
"... Is that so... Then I can easily get killed, huh?" Rean goes silent, his eyes closing in thought as Barbatos awaits his answer.
A minute of pure silence goes by, a short breeze coming in.
"I've decided." He states, his eyes closes as his hands go to his hips.
"Well?"
Snapping his eyes open, flames erupt as an explosion goes off. Barbatos barely jumping away landing on the roof of the inn.
"YOU HAVE TO BE A GODDAMN DUMBASS IF YOU THINK I'D JOIN YOU AFTER EVERYTHING YOU AND SENATE HAVE DONE!" His demonic voice bellows rushing to the man, Pippin in hand.
"Quite a pity!" Barbatos retorts, their weapons colliding.
"I'll find the answers I seek my own way! I ain't stooping so low as to join a damn terrorist group!" Relon pushes through Barbatos sending him sliding to the side as his feet touch the roof to take off once again.
"Does the family you've been looking for mean that little?! Have you truly discarded the very people that makes you a hybrid?!"
"Whatever a hybrid is, I don't care! I'm not some idiot who is desperate for answers! They're out there doing what they have to do! They know how to find me when the time comes! Unlike you, I still have a humanity!"
"You take that back!" Both rush colliding once more at a stalemate. "You don't know anything about me!" He pushes Relon back to continue his assault jumping above and bringing down his mace.
Raising Pippin, the sword beelines away into the air dragging Relon as he watched the man break down the entire roof caves in. Landing in the market, Relon looks to see Barbatos jumping into the air heading his way. The mace glowing in a light brown color.
"Ground Breaker!" He shouts.
"Pippin!" Relon calls hopping on the sword before zooming up and into the sky.
Colliding with where the teen once stood, the impact creates large cracks in the ground as a tremor shakes violently. The sheer power destroying and knocking away the stalls as some fall into the humongous cracks now in the earth.
"The Grand Market! Pippin, we need to get him out of the town!" Bursting down, Relon jumps off diving to the man readying a flaming punch.
Raising up, Barbatos does a full 360 spin meeting the boy. The force from their attacks creating a crater.
"Eat this!" His arm becomes encased in fire as Barbatos quickly jumps back. "You're not going anywhere!" Relon roars firing his stream at the man. "Now Pippin!"
Widening, he turns to block the sword pushing him into the air. Relon having grabbed ahold by the cloth.
"Hope you're not afraid of heights!" Relon shouts as all Barbatos can do is fight against the sword, the three quickly reaching atop the clouds.
Finally breaking through the blanket of clouds. Pippin pushes Barbatos off, the man correcting himself to widen. High above him is Relon gripping Pippin in both hands above his head, his back to the sun making Barbatos squint his eyes. In that moment, both halt at their highest points.
"This ends now!" With that declaration, the heat from the sun draws to the duo, Pippin's shape altering to a greatsword of fire.
Yet, it does not stop growing. Larger and Larger it becomes to the point it blocks out Barbatos' view of the blazing star itself.
"Try to survive this!" Relon shouts descending upon the man, slowly bringing down.
Felling the scorching heat reach closer and closer, Barbatos draws all the power he can into his weapon.
"Solar Impact!" Relon roars, the humongous blade colliding with its target descending down from the heavens.
Class VII
Running along the road with Cecily in the lead with Null besides her, the woman stops followed by the others. The group only hastened their pace after feeling an earthquake, one not belonging to Cecily.
Turning to look back, her eyes widen as the others look to where her gaze is to widen as well.
"That's...!" Elliot voices.
"Pippin in its greatsword alteration!" Laura finishes gasping.
The sight showing a clearly changed Pippin and two dots slowly coming down.
"That's Pippin?!" Claire voices in disbelief. "Why is it so enormous?!"
"Being past the clouds with a clear view of the sun, it could have possibly absorbed its heat!" Cecily deduces.
"Then one of those dots must be Relon!" Alisa notes.
"And the other must be the Leaguient!" Aurelia surmises quickly for the group to widen.
"Major! You all head for Relon, I'm heading back to the orphanage!" With that, the woman and Null makes haste as fast as they can.
"Then... He plans on fighting Shifu there and not the town?!" Rean questions in realization, the group ]hurrying back to the Nature Park.
Relon
Looking past the large sword, Barbatos sees Relon. Determination etched onto the teens face as he grits his teeth. Struggling to turn his head, he sees the quickly approaching forest.
If I don't act now, I am going to succumb to the heat before the collision with the ground!
Calming himself, he begins chanting for symbols to appear.
"That won't save you!" Relon roars pushing harder, their speed increasing as the forest fills his peripheral.
Reaching the canopy, the trees are immediate engulfed in flames before...
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
An explosion similar to that of a small nuke goes off in the form of a red and orange dome. A single ring of fire expanding across the sky.
Senate Aircraft
"Damn, he wasn't kidding!" Cabrakan shouts grinning wide-eyed at the sight.
"Barbatos!" Demeter hisses out.
Class VII
"Relon!" Claire calls, the group running through the forest to feel the warning warm front to widen. "GET BEHIND COVER, NOW!" She shouts as loud as she can, everyone diving behind a ridge. Claire using an art to cast a barrier around them as seconds past before fire rushes over where they once were.
For what seems like long seconds, fire just rushes over their heads. The officer focusing on withstanding the incredible power .
"Relon and Pippin are capable of this?!" Rean awes though none response.
After a solid minute, it stops, their surroundings now completely different. Getting out, they observe the now blazing forest.
"Oh my Aidios...!" Elliot breathes out.
"Come, we need to find Relon!" Laura calls, her and Claire already hurrying ahead watching their step as the others give chase.
Orphanage
Having finally reached her home, Cecily takes cover as a burst of blazing heat rips through the town. As it fades, she looks back to see a ring of fire fly through the sky.
"Relon... He and the others will be fine! Right now, I need to check on the kids!" Turning back, she enters her home to find the state both it and her children are in, Cecily making haste with the assistance of tending to their wounds.
Eventually, the siblings fall asleep due to their injuries much to Cecily's relief. Finally stepping outside, she looks back in the direction of with one thought in mind.
Yujiro... Hurry!
With Silver and Blaze on orbal stretchers, the kids wheel them as Cecily wheels Norowareta to the evacuation zone.
Heimdallr (Streets)
Walking along the sidewalk having just completed a day of school to go shopping is Alfin, Elise, and Musse with Lechter a little ways behind them. The teen with his arms behind his head looking at the girls and city without a care in the world.
"Hm?" Stopping, his instincts go off.
Noticing their chaperone has stopped, the girls widen at the sight as does Lechter along with the rest of the civilians of Heimdallr watching the wave of fire pass over the city. Both Lechter and Alfin thinking the same thing.
... Relon?
Heimdallr (Palace)
Walking down a corridor is the Emperor and Empress themselves along with Olivert. Stationed behind them; Chancellor Osborne himself.
"Hm?" Eugent hums looking out the window to widen.
Following his gaze, both awe at the wave of fire traveling his in the sky.
"Well now." Osborne speaks up, a smirk growing on his face. "I can only guess as to what, or rather whom, could cause of something like that."
Looking to the man before back at the far distance where the fire came from, one thought goes through the prince's mind.
Relon, be careful!
Thors
"Vandyck!" Nurse Beatrix calls barging inside his office.
"Yes, I know." He states standing at his window watching the spectacle clear as day soar across the sky.
So, Senate has made their move...
Parm
"Are you so incompetent as to not understand the simplicity of looking for another boy?!" Machias berates fixing his glasses.
"It is not a matter of failing to understand, but a matter of questioning why this town in particular has such difficult in keeping up with their own children!" Jusis retorts, both boys glaring at the other.
"Now, now, guys. Let's just get along... please?" Emma smiles nervously.
"The sooner we complete our tasks, the sooner you two can stop being at odds with one another." Gaius adds. "So can you two set aside your difference just for a little while longer until then?"
"Hmpf!" Both answer crossing their arms looking away from the other.
"Oh dear. At least that is settled." Emma sweatdrops as does Gaius, both looking over to Fie talking with an annoyed-looking Sara.
"Go!"
"No~." The woman retorts wagging a finger.
"Sara!"
"Instructor Sara~." She winks.
"Do you not understand how serious things are over there?! Rean and the others are fighting for their lives!" Fie exclaims.
"I know and I certainly know what they're up against."
"Then why won't you help them?!" Fie nearly shouts.
"When did you start caring so deeply for others? When the schoolyear started, you certainly didn't seem at all interested." Sara smirks crossing her arms under her bossom.
"That doesn't matter right now! What does matter is you getting back to Celdic before anything happens!"
"Meh. They have Relon's Aunt, that insufferable officer who is the color I despise the most, and Relon. Not to mention a bunch of RMP and the rest of the class. I say they are capable of handling anything thrown their way." She shrugs.
"... You're the worst big sister figure ever." She pouts looking away for Sara to go wide-eyed.
"EXCUSE ME?! I'll have you know I am a great sisterly role model!" Sara shouts getting in Fie's face.
"If you were, I wouldn't be worried sick about the other! And if you really were as great a sister as you claim, then you'd GO THERE TO EASE MY WORRY!" Fie responds with equal volume getting in Sara's, the two having the staredown of the century.
"Fine!" Sara forfeits stepping away. "Aidios, give me a sign that I should go!" Sara hollers with her hands in the sky.
"Hey, look! What's that!" A civilian shouts gaining everyone's attention to widen.
A wave of fire flies across the sky before continuing on out of view.
Slack-jawed, Sara looks to Class VII before Fie who is wearing a knowing look.
"I'm going to check on the others! Toodles!" She bids blitzing to the station. "I need to commandeer this train again!" She states taking control of said train before departing at full speed towards Celdic.
That ring of fire was the same as that night! Damn it, the hell's happening over there?!
Ordis
"Ah, finally in Ordis." A man says entering his hotel room.
Sitting down, he pauses to stand back up.
This sensation...
His mind is momentarily distracted by commotion from outside.
Opening his window, he see the civilians along the roads looking and pointing at the sky.
Looking up, the man's eyes widen as he jumps out the window launching himself to the roof with ease. Taking site of the wave of fire stretching from one end to the other travel across into the distance, the man looks back in the direction it came from.
That's in the direction of... Damn it! Hunching over, he launches himself clear out of the city onto the highway.
"The hell is happening over there, Relon?!" He takes off.
Relon
Glaring across at the massive crater he's in, his sights remain locked on the Leaguient seemingly unharmed.
"You used an art to protect you from our attack." Relon assumes standing from his crouched position, Pippin back to its regular size as his transformation has ceased.
Said Leaguient stands across from Relon on the other side of the crater in a large indentation reaching out into the flaming forest, some trees collapsed on each other.
"Adamantine Shield. Quite the handy art. Able to guard the user from one physical attack no matter the power."
"Tch. Leave it to a Leaguient to have something like that up their sleeve." Relon retorts. "But one good thing out of this is that zemurian mace of yours sure as hell didn't survive." He points, remnants of the weapon scattered across the crater.
Senate Ship
"I can't believe it. That kid is capable of something like this!" Cabrakan chuckles looking at the burning park, a large crater far off in a remote area.
"I'm more surprised Barbatos survived that."
"Hell, I'm not! Considering he had to use an art, it shows how serious he's taking this mission." Cabrakan hmpfs crossing his arms.
"Really now?" Demeter wonders looking at the screen.
"Of course. Martial artists are known to use weapons but that's it. Having to use an art takings away the very meaning. If anything, it hurts their pride the most."
"So Barbatos has prepared to throw even his own pride away for the sake of the mission..."
Relon
"It may be a shame that my weapon has been destroyed, but that doesn't mean I have been defeated." He states.
"Obviously." Relon retorts raising a hand, the flames around the crater converging on him as he feels their essence enter his body. "But there's something that I've been meaning to ask." He states, the mention making Barbatos raise an eyebrow before lowering it. "Just what caused you to go down such a twisted path?"
"Why do you care?"
"Simple." The flames cease as Relon lowers his arm. "Looking back on our first encounter, it was obvious how much you cared for your students." His words making the Leaguient widen ever so slightly. "At first, I thought you had only showed up to kill them. At least, the intent I could sense from you told me so. Now though, I think you did it to save them from the cruel fate that awaited Viper."
"You speak as if you have it all figured out."
"No." Relon shakes his head. "I just know that as a martial artist, we are determined to overcome obstacles set before us. It is when we're too stubborn that our masters usually have to help us out. At least, that's what I got from you and Po. Had I known the fate that awaited Viper, I never would have taken her..."
"... So it is pity that you choose, is it? Where is that anger from moments before?"
"Don't change the subject! We both know I'm right! I can see it on your face!" Relon points.
"Regardless, none of it matters. I have a mission to complete and you are the only threat that stands in our way. You've been given your chance but you've chosen to throw your life away. My past, what caused me to become a Leaguient, my pride as a martial artist, all of it is irrelevant. What matters right now... is succeeding for the sake of the world! I, Leaguient #25, Barbatos shall defeat you!" A massive wave of killing intent in the form of a brownish aura surrounds the man.
"Tch! You've forgotten what it means to be a martial artist!" A redish aura forms around Relon before exploding. "Fine! You say it's all irrelevant but if that's true, then you're even less of a human than I am!" Relon shouts lunging across the crater swinging Pippin.
"Forgotten? Ha! Judge me how you want! You're nothing but a fool too blind to see the world as it truly is!" He retorts meeting the boy with his bare fist.
Both collide to the boy's sight as he's easily pushed away sliding just out of the crater.
He pushed us back with his bare fist?! Then, what about...
"Ablaze!" He announces rushing to meet the landing man.
The heel of his bandaged foot meeting the flamed blade, this time both skid away to a halt. Using a hand to stop himself, Relon gazes at the man having done the same.
Seeing the burning forest around him, he gets an idea to grin.
I have my own source of fuel which means... He clenches his left arm maliciously.
"I don't have to worry about running out!" Thrusting his fist forward with all his might, an enormous blast of fire shoots towards the Leaguient enveloping his vision.
Extending his index and middle fingers together in a circular motion, he forms to open palms to push forward repelling the flames past him.
"Think you can do that forever?!" Relon calls pushing as much fire as he can while absorbing more from around him.
Feeling his arms begin to weaken, Barbatos jumps back into the crater Relon to give chase. Jumping into the crater, he fires again missing as Barbatos jumps to the side before rushing the boy.
Throwing Pippin, Barbatos deflects it downwards as he continues towards Relon. Flipping downward, he brings his heel down to connect with Barbatos' fist. Pushing back, Relon corrects himself as he fires another stream of flames.
Recovering, Barbatos jumps avoiding it to immediately turn around catching Pippin mere centimeters from his face. Redirecting it at Relon, the sword stops as does the boy about the release another blast.
That arm is quite meddlesome. Being in this altered setting doesn't help. Nor does my mace being destroyed. I'll have to deal with it another way.
Shifu is more agile than before. If I can get a solid hit with my fire, that'll do some damage. Pippin and I will have to-
Relon is interrupted from his thoughts as he senses multiple heartbeats approaching from up ahead on the other side of the crater.
The others?! Here?! Why?! No, this is good. All of us together can-
The thought of each being choked out while the others watch helplessly flashes through his mind.
No, think straight Relon! If we all attack together, then we have a much better chance, but if even one of us gets within his grasp, we're at his mercy...
Looking at Relon, Barbatos is about to move when he sees the boy turn around taking off into the burning forest. With little time to think, he takes off after him.
Seconds later, the group comes to the crater awing at the destruction.
"I can't... believe... Relon... did all of this!" Elliot wheezes out with hands on his knees.
"We must have just missed them. Clearly they were just here from the scorch marks across from us." Claire says pointing at the evidence.
"But which way did they go? I can't guess nor sense either of them?" Aurelia questions.
"... You're right." Rean clicks his tongue. "They must be fighting and moving."
"Wait, so Shifu survived that colossal attack?!" Alisa exclaims.
"Leaguients are powerful. They won't go down easily. Take it from someone who knows. Now, come on! " Claire says running around the crater with the others in tow, the group heading into a portion with very little fire.
Jumping from tree to tree, Relon absorbs fire as he looks behind to see Barbatos close on his tail from the ground below.
Good, we're getting further and further away! He still hasn't summoned any machines either so that's good.
Landing on a burning tree, he snaps back unleashing a torrent of flames. Barbatos sliding just under the attack to jump towards Relon, Pippin intercepting ablaze clashing and sending the man back to the ground. Looking back, he sees Relon fleeing to give chase.
I still don't have enough. I need to absorb more still.
He's been absorbing the flames from around us as we run. Barbatos thinks. Does he honestly think I'll l just allow him to do as he pleases?
Hastening his pace, he picks up a burning log quickly chopping it in two throwing one at Relon. Sensing something, he turns around to see Pippin block the log for his eyes to widen at the second coming to where he's about to land. The moment he backfists the log away, his eyes shift to Barbatos in his face slamming the teen down towards the burning ground.
Hitting the ground, he bounces off letting out a pained grunt to see Barbatos landing above him. Crossing his arms, the man stomps right on his shoulder slamming Relon into the ground once more.
"Gak!"
Sensing the sword, Barbatos backflips away landing gracefully away from them. Like a scene out of an movie, Relon lays on the side of the burning forest with Barbatos on the charcoaled.
Getting to a knee, Relon looks to his messed up arm in pain.
My arm!
"That takes care of the fire nuisance. A broken arm as well as a dislocated shoulder."
Getting to a knee, Relon grits his teeth enduring the unending pain. Pippin hovering in front defensively.
"Bold... of you... to assume... this will... stop me!" Relon breathes through clenched teeth moving his good arm to his elbow.
"You wouldn't!" Barbatos widens in disbelief.
"I told you, didn't I?!" He grits his teeth breathing a visible hot air, fire erupting around him as Relon shouts to himself as with a crunching sound, he moves his arm back the way it was before another ear-bothering crunch sounds as he fixes his shoulder.
Panting, he falls to a knee for a chuckle to come as he grins maniacally at Barbatos.
"Now... Where were we? Oh, yeah..." He blitzes at the man in sheer awe, his fixed arm ablaze in fire. "I was beating you!" Recovering from his stupor, Barbatos ducks for Relon to as well shifting his punch to an uppercut.
Slamming his burning fist at the man's bare chest, Barbatos gasps in pain as he is launched through the burning canopy into the air. Eyes still wide as a shadow zooms by, he can only look out the corner of his eye to see Relon. Pippin in hand swinging towards him. Only able to collide his fist with the sword, Barbatos is launched far across the forest crashing into the trees before landing with a hard thud in the main clearing.
Landing with his back to Minato's grave is Relon eyeing his opponent.
This area hasn't been burned like the rest. It must be the work of the Great Elder and Grunoja. He poises Pippin at the man getting to his feet clutching his wounded chest.
"I must commend you. You've certainly gotten quite strong since our last meeting. Much stronger than even I expected. Although, I am not that surprised. You Lucinance's tend to be quite strong from a young age as you should be."
"More things I should know that I don't, huh?"
"So much more."
Both stand up straight eyeing the other for Relon to widen.
Are you serious?! He looks over to the outer edge of the clearing to see Class VII and Claire come.
"We found him!" Elliot exclaims, the group hurrying to Relon.
"As well as Shifu." Claire notes eyeing the man, the group readying their weapons.
"What are you guys doing here?! It's dangerous!"
"It's also dangerous fighting a Leaguient on your own so I don't want to hear it!" Claire retorts.
"Any foe that is one of our problems becomes all of ours!" Laura adds.
"You should know that much by now, Relon." Aurelia states.
"You said so yourself. We're the backup." Rean gestures with his head refocusing on Barbatos.
"They're right." Alisa speaks, arrow poised at the man. "After what he and those goons have done, this is all of our problem."
"So let us help. We're friends and classmates after all." Elliot finishes.
"Everyone..."
"Truly, a wonderous moment." A round of applause comes from Barbatos gaining their attention. "But, my attention is on the Lucinance. The rest of you can come afterwards."
"You think we'll just let that happen?" Claire says walking past Relon taking aim.
"I'd love to see you try such an act!" Laura says, her greatsword poised at the ready.
"Of course not. That's why I believe now is a good time as any."
"To do wha- Above us!" Relon shouts, all looking up to see the large aircraft he's become familiar with.
Out of nowhere, dozens of beams shout for the forest around them before a single large beam lands in the forest followed by a loud stomping of something. All around, the sounds of mechanical stomping draws near.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Relon curses as red eyes glow through the forest entering the clearing.
Robots with a wooden-like exterior perfectly resembling a wooden dummy march before the Leaguient, the top of their heads holding two red eyes.
"Now Shifu decides to call the robots." Claire curses, the group facing ahead of the army of machines.
"That is where you are wrong, Major." Both Relon and Claire narrowing at the term.
"You've had spies watching her, haven't you?"
"I assure you, we have not. Much of the Icy Maiden's work is known an it is only normal we too would hear of her work with the RMP." Barbatos explains. "Though I shall correct you on two things. These are not just machines. No, the correct term would be archaisms as well as my name being Shifu, my codename is in fact Barbatos."
"You're telling us this, why?" Rean questions.
"Why, for it will be the last thing anyone explains to you all of course. An elder's final explanation to youth. A fitting end." He states, the ground shaking as all widen further to see breaking tree after tree down a large machine the size of the two great beasts of the forest.
Seeming to hold a wooden exterior like the archaisms below, its body and ligaments much bulkier compared to the rest, and it has actual large metal hands unlike the archaisms having metal paddings. It's red eyes look around before taking sight of Class VII below it.
"And this is Senate's latest creation partnered with other organizations. Orbal Mech Knight: Ravana." He declares his head raised to the children before him.
"O-O-Orbal M-M-Mech K-Knight?" Elliot repeats trembling at the size of the machine.
"Why didn't Arentula have such a thing?!" Claire demands.
"It is actually because of your efforts in defeating Arentula that we've taken such a precaution. That being what stands before you now."
"Then... we're the cause for such a creation?!"
"The irony is too much for you, I see."
Gritting his teeth in anger, Relon walks out ahead of the group.
"Damn it!" He shouts clenching his body reverting to normal.
"Relon..." Claire and Laura mutter knowing of what's going through his head.
"You did all you could. We can't afford to not use options we have." Claire says reassuringly.
"... Yeah. I know." He glares at the man at the front of the horde before composing himself. "Pippin, stay here." He speaks making the others go wide-eyed.
"What are you saying?! You and Pippin need to stay together!" Alisa berates.
"No..." Relon responds tightening his zemurian gloves, an explosion erupting around him. "Right now, Pippin needs to stay and support the rest of you. You and Elliot especially, Alisa." He states, Pippin hovering over to said girl.
"Wait, Pippin! You should-" Before she can continue however, a bellowing roar sounds from behind gaining all's attention except Relon's.
From the back entrance comes the monsters of the forest and leading them; Grunoja.
"So, you've summoned your army as well. Shall we continue where we left off?" Barbatos readies himself, his aura flaring.
"Yeah. Let's!" Fire veils Relon in a condensed form.
The Orbal Mech Knight releases a screeching sound, the archaisms running forward. Releasing a roar, Grunoja commences the assault as the monster run and flies forward.
Taking off, both martial artists clash parrying each other's attacks to pivot jumping into the forest.
"Relon, where are you doing?!" Rean shouts.
"I'll be fine! Help the others out!" He shouts back landing on a tree, he and Barbatos disappearing into the flaming forest once more.
"Damn!" He curses.
"We just have to believe he'll be alright. Right now we have bigger problems!" Claire shouts. "Watch where you aim!" She says firing at a robot square at its head causing it to fall over unresponsive. "We need to make sure we don't hit the forest monsters! Form links and disperse! Laura, you're with me!"
"Right!" Doing so, they two take off forward towards the West Section of the clearing.
"Alisa, we must assist them as well!"
"I'm with you!" The two girls taking off to the East with Pippin.
"W-What do we do? It's a full blown battlefield!"
"As it stands, we don't stand a chance against that thing so the best we can do is deal with the other archaisms and let Grunoja handle it. Come on!" Both take off away from the two large bosses approaching each other heading towards the North.
In seconds, everyone both human, monster, and archaism spread into the forest leaving only Grunoja and the Orbal Mech Knight.
Both Laura and Claire hit back-to-back.
"The trouble Relon brings is without a doubt the most troublesome!" Laura states raising her blade at an archaism attempting to block her attack only to be sliced in two.
"That's the price for being associated with him!" Claire adds blowing the heads off three machines rushing them. "Then again, do we regret it?" She looks back at Laura.
"The mere idea is impossible to imagine!" The Arseid retorts smiling before charging at another horde. "Though I must say, these machines certainly aren't pulling their punches!" Laura adds dodging side-to-side before ducking and joining back up with Claire.
Firing another shot at a machine, it narrowly dodges her for the woman to narrow her eyes.
"They're studying our fighting styles." She mutters for the swordswoman to widen before looking back ahead.
"So that's why the monsters are struggling more than we are."
"Yes. They've most likely been programmed to deal with the beasts beforehand. Now that we're here, they're just studying us."
"Then we simply have to alter our style, no?" Laura gaining a confident expression to jump away into a horde of machines.
Hoisting her blade upwards, a blue energy forms around her.
"Witness the technique of the Arseid!" The energy begins to spread across the ground sucking the machines in as they scan the attack thoroughly confused. "Brilliant Spin!" Swinging her greatsword in a full 360, all of the machines are cut in two.
"Ha, not bad." Claire chuckles not even looking to shoot a machine for it to sail past her to the ground. "My turn now." She notes looking to a horde of beasts fighting off more archaisms in close combat.
Blue symbols appear around the officer before she finalizes her casting.
"Frost Edge!" Blades of crystalized ice hurl forward stabbing through the heads of the machines as they fall over.
Looking to the attack's owner, the beast howl beating their chest as thanks before joining the battle elsewhere. Smiling at the monster's gratitude, Claire hurries to Laura's side.
Never thought I'd be thanked by a monster. Guess it's another perk to being with Relon.
"HA!" Aurelia shouts cleaving an archaism into smithereens. "All troops, rally on me!" She bellows, monsters and insects obeying.
Out of nowhere, a robot appears dropping its padded heel towards the white-haired teen for an arrow to pierce its head causing the machine to fall to the ground.
"Hmpf. A stealth attack like that has no effect on me when I have one as skilled as Alisa covering me."
From a tree kneels Alisa with another arrow at the ready.
"Ugh, these things are just annoying. Oh well. No use complaining now. We just have to do what we can so we can back up the creatures and Relon!" She notes ducking and jumping down to the ground having avoided an attack.
Turing around to look back, she fires piercing through the machine as it falls lifelessly. Landing, she lets out a breath of relief to sense something behind her fall to the ground. Looking back, she smiles gratefully at Aurelia who does the same before they return to action.
Aurelia reaching the frontlines of a group of beasts as they charge at a wave off archaisms.
"All forces, behind me! I'll clear a path!" The monsters acknowledging the order, Aurelia settles into a stance, her greatsword poised diagonally over her back for golden streams of light to gather. Her blade sparking with a green hue of static. "Witness the might of both the Vander and the Arseid! Dynast Sunder!" She shouts swinging diagonally unleashing a wide arc cleaving the horde as well as trees a go distance. "Advance!" She shouts leading the creatures to the next group of enemies with Alisa in the rear.
Perching on another sturdy branch, the blonde begins sniping away only to look down at a group of archaisms beginning to climb her tree.
"Pippin!" She calls, the sword zooming out of nowhere to cut the machines to scrap metal. "Thanks, we should be fine over here. Go on and help Rean and Elliot." The sword nods taking off.
The sooner this is all over the better. She thinks winding an arrow back, her eyes already locked on her next target.
"Even now, I'm still s-somewhat nervous but still... I just have to do what I can do." Elliot says with confidence looking around at the mushroom monsters stationed with him, Rean ahead of the ginger fighting off a group of archaisms with the horned beetles of the forest.
Beginning to cast along with the mushrooms, Rean dodges a punch from a robot to cut it down.
This is endless! Sensing somethin to his left, he immediately bring his blade blocking what one could only image to be a balled fist.
Sensing more behind him, Rean glances over to see Pippin come out of nowhere cutting them down.
"Aqua Bleed!" Elliot shouts unleashing a ball of water to crashing into the machine, sparks flying as it drops to the ground.
"Thanks... Elliot, Pippin." Rean pants dropping to a knee.
"Hold on a sec." He answers hurrying over casting another art. "Tear!" He mutters. the strength returning to the Eight Leaves practitioner.
"Thanks, I owe you one." He says poising his blade at the next horde, the beetles rushing in stabbing some to then be countered by others. "Let's go!"
"Right!"
Skidding to a halt, Grunoja huffs at the creature ahead of it. Slamming the ground, Grunoja charges as Ravana gets into a ready stance. Rearing its furry hand back, Ravana reveals its astonishing agility summersaulting over the beast and dealing a kick to its back knocking it over. Growling, Grunoja quickly rolls over to grab Ravana's wooden metal foot tossing over into the forest.
Correcting itself, Ravana lands causing a tremor in the surrounding area. Eyeing the other, both rush forward colliding into a tackle for dominance. Both hunkering down.
-You machines come into our home and believe you can just take over?! I... don't... think so!- Grunoja roars picking the Orbal Mech Knight by its hinds and launching it into the air.
Realizing its situation, its red eyes lock onto Grunoja before its readings pick up another large heat source. Looking in the direction of the back entrance, it takes sight of the Elder Beast. The creature already casting an art for Ravana to do the same. Both finishing at the same time, they unleash their attacks.
-Ancient Glyph!- A large megalith appears through the clouds dropping down crashing into the large archaism as a wave of wind and dust surges throughout the forest.
All of the creatures and those of Class VII taking cover as much of the archaisms are blown away.
"Did Grunoja and the Great Elder do it?" Rean wonders peering past the tree the two are hunkered at as the strong winds die out.
"I think they did! Look!" Elliot points as both inspect the clearing to find the Orbal Mech Night laying on the ground flattened. Much of his parts scattered along the ground.
"Yes! Victory is ours!" Aurelia cheers.
"Phew. That was intense." Alisa happily sighs.
"Now we have to find Relon again." Claire notes getting up.
"Yes, let us hurry!" Laura agrees.
-Thank you, father.- Grunoja turns to said creature.
-Something like this with mysterious capabilities was far too great a risk to be left to just you. I mean no disrespect, my son.-
-None interpreted. With the battle before us, we cannot take risks.- The Great Elder nods walking over next to Grunoja inspecting the machine.
Looking closer, its glowing eyes dulled as if no longer operational.
-Shall we assist, Relon?-
-Yes. I fear the location of the enemy's ship is nearby. I can sense it.- The Lord of the Forest growls at a low volume.
-Your abilities as a cryptid are awe-inspiring.-
-One day, you too shall grow to this level. Even surpass me.-
-I can only strive to achieve such a goal. That is something Relon and I both share.-
-You two are rivals, are you not? Having a rival helps one grow strong.- The Great Elder snorts, both turning around to head off.
The moment they turn around, Ravana's eyes glow back. Sensing danger, the Great Elder turns back to see the machine with a wooden arm raised.
"FIRE ART CASTING COMPLETE. ACTIVATING FLAME TONGUE!"
The earth below the two quickly heat up. Instinctively, the Great Elder pushes Grunoja out of the way as fire erupts obstructing all's view of the wise creature. Flames erupting into the sky.
Relon
Jumping from branch to branch heading deeper into the flaming forest once more, both stop to pivot lunging at the other. Relon's fist slamming into Barbatos' open palm. Pushing away, both slide to a halt.
"I'll give you credit. Using your flames as protection now that you're on your own is saving you."
"I didn't know I was being graded!" Relon retorts rushing forward.
"Yes, and all that matter is me giving you a D. The D meaning dead!"
Crashing his blazing hand down at Barbatos, the man jumps away.
"Tch!" Pushing himself over, Relon blasts the ground propelling himself after the Leaguient to the villain's surprise as Relon's feet slam into his abdomen sending him through a blazing tree skidding to a halt gripping his chest. "You know, now that I think about it, you're starting to remind me more and more of Po. Both of you have trouble taking me down. That and you both have a burn on your stomachs!" Relon bursts forward once more.
"You shut your mouth!" He readies himself.
Blasting fire forwards, Barbatos throws a nearby log blocking the attack. Canceling his flames, Relon jumps over to widen as Barbatos is already in front of him. Jabbing repeatedly at his stomach, Relon gasps as he is sent away quickly recovering to a knee to backflip from the man stomping where he once stood.
Landing on their feet, both rush at each other. Once again, they clash open palm with fist. A blast erupting around them.
Landing on a branch, Barbatos looks as Relon slides to a halt. Neither leaving the other's sights.
"I have to wonder how long you can keep that veil of fire up. Unlike before with what I believe you termed Flare Blitz, that seems nowhere near as potent."
"Considering you switched to using quick jabs instead of punches and palm strikes, you have enough sense to not sustain too much burn damage."
"Indeed." Barbatos responds looking around to realize something. "So that's it." Looking back at the path they've been fighting through, he finds all of the fire completely gone. "You've been absorbing the flames in the area to not only maintain that form of yours but that shield." A grin forms on man's face to Relon's annoyance. "Then again, it isn't much of a secret that you require flames to maintain that form. I must admit from just this fight, you've improved your absorption skill."
"Yeah, yeah. Keep blabbing on about stuff I don't know!"
I started to absorb the flames subconsciously without lifting an arm. Instead, it's as if the flames are drawing to my whole body. But I need to keep moving to another area where there is still fire. Using this weakened flame is helping to stop his more lethal strikes but I can't keep this up forever.
Snapping from his thoughts as Barbatos heads for him, Relon turns taking off towards a burning area.
Fighting in a burning area would give me the upper hand making Barbatos have to watch his surroundings but he doesn't since I'm absorbing it. Argh, damn it!
Turning on a branch, Relon jumps towards an airborne Barbatos discarding his flame shield. Readying to guard himself from the incoming it, Relon feint instead grabbing his arms snapping them out to expose the defenseless Leaguient. Sending a knee at his face, Barbatos counters with his own knee sending both crashing into another tree.
Recovering first, Relon reels back his arm as all of the fire in the surrounding vicinity rushes to it. Thrusting forward about to fire, he ceases his attack. A familiar heartbeat suddenly drops making Relon turn in the direction of the clearing seeing the rising flames.
(No...) He whispers, his flames diminishing as he lowers his arm slumping his shoulders in disbelief.
Recovering, Barbatos looks to the distraught teen as his knees hit the ground.
"Great... Elder..."
Clearing
A loud roar echoes throughout the forest. Grunoja charging, jumping, and stomping the Orbal Mech Knight tearing it apart piece by piece. Finishing with the head, it stomps on the neck as wires are pulled one after another before a snap is heard. Slamming the head to the ground, the large beast pounds until even the metal scraps are nothing but dust.
Roaring once again, it releases a huff turning around to the downed beast. One by one, the creatures of the forest fill leaving the others to group up a good distance away.
"Great Elder!" Rean gasps.
"Oh no!" Alisa widens covering her mouth.
Reaching out a hand weakly, Grunoja takes it looking to its father.
-Father, why?-
-Someone must... protect our home. What good would come... from us both falling in battle...?- He breathes shakily for Grunoja to punch the ground in rage.
-Had I not been careless, this never would have happened!-
-No... One of my most powerful arts... were not enough to defeat... the enemy. This mistake falls on... myself...- Dark particles begin to rise from the Elder Beast's body.
-Father!-
-You've made me proud... my son. Everyone, forgive me...- The particles begin to rise faster, the Elder Beast' body becoming transparent.
-Father, please, don't leave us!-
-You will be fine... Help is... on the... way...- With his final words, the particles rise into the sky for all to gaze at.
Unbeknownst to all, a single white particle floats away from everyone. Through the green forest into the burning area, it sees its point of interest.
Relon
"Great Elder..." Relon mutters, tears streaming down. "Why...damn it?!" He slams the ground in anguish.
"So, you've finally lost a comrade for the first time in your life." Relon widens as the man continues in a knowing tone. "I can tell. That agony. That anger. That is the same we all feel losing a loved onee on the battlefield."
"Shut up..." Barbatos arches an eyebrow as Relon's flames return in full force as he gets to his feet.
"What was that? Can you not handle the truth, child?"
"I SAID SHUT UP!" Relon bellows bearing his teeth charging the man.
Throwing a fist, Barbatos redirects it sailing the boy over and past the man. Landing on his feet, Relon launches back unleashing a stream of fire. Jumping high over attack, he looks up to be met with Relon. Seeing this, he has little time before he's grabbed and sent hurtling into another burning section.
"IT'S BECAUSE OF YOU THE GREAT ELDER IS GONE!" Relon screams gaining the man's attention.
Rolling to his feet, he watches as the blazing fire everywhere goes to Relon hurtling in the air at him.
"FLARE BLITZ!" The wild fire around him condensing as Shifu retreats leaving Relon to crash before giving chase. "STOP RUNNING!" The teen fires another blast of fire. "YOU CAME HERE TO CAUSE MISERY AND DESTRUCTION, DIDN'T YOU?!" Barbatos is intercepted parrying Relon's punches and blocking a side kick sliding to a halt.
"That is correct."
"THEN LET'S FIND OUT WHO CAN DESTROY WHO FIRST!" The fire erupting around him vaporizing the constant tears.
"... Very well. This place shall be your grave!" His aura flares in equal intensity.
Rushing towards one another, both launch themselves into the air. Relon with a flaming first and Shifu reeling back a glowing palm causing a shockwave sending both back. Both men digging their fingers into the ground. Relon blasting another stream of fire as Barbatos thrusts forward.
"BURN IN GEHENNA!"
"Gale Palm!" Barbatos unleashes a burst of spiraling wind piercing through the large flame colliding with Relon's abdomen sending him zooming through trees. "Did that do it...?" The martial artist questions narrowing his eyes to widen snapping to his side meeting the bridge of Relon's boot sending him careening through a bush into a flaming tree.
Wincing from the heat, he senses Relon quickly approaching to deflect the first punch. Relon swinging his leg to miss the man as he steps back. The teen continuing through by raising it and dropping his heel down with such for a cloud of smoke erupts upon contact. Seeing his target not beneath him, Relon raises his head up like a predator, his slit eyes shaking everso slightly as he vanishes at blinding speed.
Gale Palm should have pierced through his body but it was stopped by that flame veil. To think his Anger attribute is this potent... I need to end this before it's too late. Barbatos thinks running through the burning area to raise up.
"FOUND YOU!" Relon snarls encasing himself in fire once more causing an explosion of flames to erupt.
Lowering his arm, Barbatos sees the teen's silhouette through the smoke. His body hunched over as his flame arm raises up.
"What is he..." Barbatos widens looking up to see nothing before looking back to see a fist inches from his face. "Another feint?!" His body raises its crossed arms.
Grinning like a crazed psycho with tears, Relon halts his fist grabbing Barbatos' arms slamming him repeatedly into the ground.
"BURN TO A CRISP!" Flames dance around the ground. Another explosion going off as Barbatos flies out of the smoke, his hair and clothing singed.
Panting heavily, Barbatos slowly gets to his feet.
This boy... No. This thing is out of control! I need to-
Interrupted from his thoughts, a white particle floats in between the two. Relon staring wide-eyed tilting his head in interest as it approaches.
-Remember my words, young one.- Finishing that sentence, it ascends through the cindering air into the smokey sky out of sight.
What was that...? Barbatos wonders looking Relon still looking up. Now's my chance!
Taking off, Relon is unresponsive as Barbatos delivers a solid punch making the boy's eyes drop wide at the man as a kick is delivered sending him rolling against the ground.
Rolling on his back, Relon stares at the burning canopy.
Flashback (Last Night)
The Great Elder's voice.
-Steel your mind for it can easily break in an instant.-
End Flashback
Great Elder... Relon calmly thinks, his slit eyes dilating back to normal. Thank you. The flame veil receding as he slowly gets to his feet. Nameless, you okay?
Yes. Aside from a headache, I am fine.
Good. Sorry about that.
Do not worry. For now, finish what you have started.
"Yeah... For everyone's sake, for Grunoja's sake, and the Great Elder's, I'm stopping this." Relon says calmly walking forward.
"It would seem someone has come to their senses."
"Yeah. Let's get this over it, Shifu. Neither of us have much left. That much is clear." He gets into his martial arts stance.
"Very well. Let us put an end to our duel of fate!" Barbatos announces, both rushing forward clashing arms pushing off.
Launching forward, Relon swings his leg out to the side to be blocked.
This sensation... Barbatos thinks, a grin beginning to form.
"Tch!" Rotating his body, Relon draws back his other leg sending the man sliding away.
The man quickly rushing back on the teen delivering a barrage of punches and kicks to which Relon barely avoids as he eats a fist to the cheek sending him rolling.
This sensation is what I've been searching for!
Correcting himself, he looks to see the man diving a kick towards him.
Raising an arm, Relon hunches down blocking it for both to back away. Glancing around, he takes note of the burning trees.
Jumping into a burning tree, he jumps from tree to tree circling the ready man. Landing on one, Relon tosses branches he's collected. Chopping one after another with ease, Barbatos catches the last to spin hurling it back at Relon.
A grand finale between martial artists!
Widening, he blocks the counter. The force knocking him off his feet to plummet to the ground.
Rushing for where he'll land, Barbatos' palms glow a light brown color.
Don't assume I'm out of fire! I have enough for one attack! He grips his fist which is noticed by Barbatos.
He still has fire? No, his arm isn't burning. It's another feint! Barbatos speeds up.
"Don't underestimate us!" Relon lands reeling his arm back to throw it, hundreds of cinders enveloping the Leaguient's vision.
Moving his whole body on the defense, Barbatos punches and kicks away every cinder that attempts to touch him. Finishing with a firm chop, he pants heavily failing to notice the shadow over him as he looks up to see Relon with a fist ready.
Tucking his head, Relon narrowly misses. In that heated moment, time seems to slow. Barbatos raising his head as Relon brings back the downed fist as a rising backfist.
I can do this! Both think.
Barbatos blocking Relon's downed fist with his foot and Relon blocking an attempted palm strike with his other fist. Struggling for dominance, both can only do one thing. Slamming their heads, Barbatos skids to the ground.
"Ack!" He winces to snap back not seeing Relon. "Where?!"
"Right here!" Looking behind him, Relon comes running at a curved angle rearing back a fist.
Planting his feet, he slides towards the wide-eyed man.
"One thing I learned from Grunoja and the Great Elder!" Barbatos attempts to stand but loses his balance to grimace in horror. "How to have a hard head! It's over!"
In that single moment, the Leaguient can see it. All of it. The source of Relon's strength. The civilians of numerous towns, the Radiant Blademaster and his butler, the royal family, the orphans, the beasts, his family, his classmates, his friends, Noro in her wheelchair with arms out protectively along with Pippin and the silhouette of Nameless. But even Nameless isn't what makes the 60-something-year-old man widen more than he has all day. A lone creature larger than either great beast stands on all fours over everyone. Its eyes red slits like Relon with flame markings appearing on its face and ribcage. With a mighty roar, Barbatos is brought back to the real world.
The force of Relon's punch sending him through tree after tree crashing back into the crater from earlier.
Wincing in pain, Barbatos attempts to move his body for the searing pain to stop him. With his vision blurred, he blinks his eyes a few times clearing his sight for his attention to focus on the teen.
Relon standing atop Pippin, the flames from the whole forest converging on him. His eyes blink once to the whole sight, then again to Relon, and once more to the fire in Relon's now red slit eyes.
Letting out one long breath through his teeth, Barbatos slowly begins to move once more. Breathing through reps, he pushes his shaking arms against the ground lifting himself. Getting on wobbly legs, he falters to a knee.
"It seems... I've been beat." He mutters, his eyes drooped towards the ground. "At least, I got my final wish in the end." A smiles forms as he looks up to the victor awaiting the inevitable.
Collecting the last of the flames, Relon's arm burns brightly in fire. The boy slowly aiming his hand at the man.
Po, Tigress, Lord Sephiroth, and everyone else. Forgive me... He closes his eyes embracing the radiating heat.
"It's time to stop this senseless battle..." Relon states, his arm erupting further, everything going silent.
With a shift of his body, Relon spins aiming at a direction in the sky.
"So stop hiding!" He roars unleashing a blazing torrent of flames seeming to hit nothing before an explosion erupts to Barbatos' surprise as the Leaguients' ship reveals itself plummeting to the ground.
Steering itself out of the treeline, it crashes at the edge of the crater for two lone figures to land. Gazing at the newcomers, Pippins lowers Relon down to ground level. The boy stepping off eyeing the two across from him with Barbatos at the center looking tiredly between two.
"Why?" All look down at the defeated Leaguient. "Why spare me?" He looks to Relon, the boy reverting to show clear exhaustion as he pants.
"Because... unlike you... I'm a real martial artist... I don't go for the kill. I defeat my opponent and await for them to improve so I can better myself!" He slams his fist against his chest, Barbatos widening as it perfectly resembles Silver's declaration.
Although after everything, I don't ever want to fight you again...
Looking down at the dirt, Barbatos' dulled eyes begin to clear.
Flashback
Barbatos' words.
"My past, what caused me to become a Leaguient, my pride as a martial artist, all of it is irrelevant. What matters right now... is succeeding for the sake of the world! I, Leaguient #25, Barbatos shall defeat you!"
"Tch! You've forgotten what it means to be a martial artist!"
End Flashback
So, that's what it was I lost...
"I must say, Barbatos, I didn't expect you to go down to just one runt but after watching your whole fight, I gotta admit that fight was somethin'." Cabrakan speaks.
"But now, we must intervene." Demeter states chanting an odd language to Relon's wariness.
"Pippin!" He exclaims grabbing the sword as it lifts him into the air as Relon watches her powers at work.
The crater Barbatos is in fills with earth lifting his up to the same level making it seem as if it was never there to begin with. Chanting more, the burned trees are cut forming a tall hexagonal perimeter stacking high into the sky. Seeing as her work seems to be done, Pippin lowers the boy back down.
"There. A 50 meter high perimeter. One that none of your friends nor those beasts can break through or jump over. Now then, I believe proper introductions are in order."
"Leaguient #24, Cabrakan." The bulky man with two large rectangular shields equally as bulky greets.
"Leaguient #23, Demeter." The woman holding a short scepter.
"So, you Leaguients do go by a number system. Is it right to assume Demeter is the strongest of you three?" Relon asks calmly.
"That would be correct." She smiles. "By all means, ask away as many more questions as you would like. You won't be living after we're through."
"What's stopping me from just flying up?"
"If you're that desperate to escape, give it a try." She gives a confident smile.
Not good. Judging from the two, Cabrakan is the tank and she's the long-range specialist. I'm completely exhausted and I used all my remaining fire on their ship. No fire, no way to access Nameless' power, and no way of getting backup. Bad luck, you've outdone yourself.
"Alright..." He mutters as the three watch Relon ready himself, Pippin in hand. "I'm desperate. Beyond desperate even." He breathes out pointing Pippin at the three. "But it isn't to escape." His words making both Cabrakan and Demeter raise a brow.
"Oh? Do tell us what it is then. Looking at the shape you're in, you clearly can't do much."
"Simple really." Relon grins to turn fierce. "I have questions that need answers. And to get those, I have to live!" With that declaration, Relon charges.
A/N: RIP my first OC DX! I really loved writing about a wise creature alongside Grunoja. It was so fitting and such... Welp, now I have to wait until Valimar. Leave a review on what you all thought!
Relon Tarbin Namikaze-Lucinance
S-Craft
Solar Impact - Channels the power of the sun and emotional anger into a devastating attack. Physical (Set) - Burn 200%.
Cost - 100 CP Delay - 30 Power - SS Break - C Acquire - Chapter 39
Fun Facts: Originally wrote Relon's victory as a feint where he dealt the final blow by tucking his hand under his arm aimed behind him and blasting Barbatos but this was scraped as I felt the ending wasn't as symbolic. Also, the Great Elder was supposed to meet with Relon in his subconscious upon seeing the particle to reveal what it knows of Relon's people but this too was scraped due to revelation pacing as well as the death wouldn't feel meaningful either.