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The Dawn of the Apostles - Chapter One Hundred-Fourteen
Smoke overfilled into the air as Victoria stared on with her brown eyes flashing in fright while her master stood seething before the deactivated gateway.
All the while as Andromeda stood watching the emperor with cold gray eyes while a fleet of soldiers gathered behind her.
While the mighty emperor stood with her back turned to her subordinates as she gazed down with greatly angered blue eyes.
And then she slammed her mighty fist into the wall of the cavern as her soldiers visibly flinched behind her when the wall began to shake under the force of her strength.
"It's been rendered inert! I was so close! Damn that Nero!" Rieko snarled with her fist buried in the wall of the sunken cave.
All the while as she glared down at the inactive gateway with her blue eyes just brimming with rage.
'This wouldn't have happened…if I had not been so gentle with that girl!' The emperor thought with her blue eyes narrowing in fury as she exhaled a cold breath from her pursed lips.
But what other choice had she had?
She couldn't just savage the daughter of Lana Turner.
But even so…
She will not make the same error twice.
The next time that she sees the Fire Princess and her subordinates she will not hesitate to shatter them all into crystals of ice if need be!
"This wouldn't have occurred if you actually taken the initiative to ensure that Nero was truly dead or at the very least down for the count. A lot of good your 'divine' might did you." Andromeda remarked in a blunt voice with her arms folded over her breasts while Rieko visibly stiffened in wrath.
While Victoria's facial expression broke out into one of fear as she stood fearfully waiting for their leader's fury to be turned on them.
All the while as the foot soldiers stared on with a justified terror in their eyes as the emperor turned around to glare back their way.
"I strongly advise that you choose your next words carefully Andromeda." Rieko commented in a hardened voice with her blue eyes glaring back at the younger woman's face.
"It's the truth and you know it! If I was emperor, I would have placed that girl in chains the moment I first laid eyes on her!" The air force commander insisted with a defiant gleam in her eyes while the soldiers took fearful steps backwards.
And not a second later the emperor's fist connected with the younger woman's cheek.
While the army stood deathly silent as the outspoken airbender was sent soaring to the ground on her ice crying out in pain.
All the while as the older woman now towered high above the younger women with her blue eyes glaring frigidly down at her.
"You are not emperor Andromeda. I am. Never forget that one constant in your life." The emperor stated in an imperious voice while she stared ruthlessly down at her bruised subordinate's now frightfully nodding face.
While Victoria and the other soldiers stood still as their ruler turned to glare back at the deactivated gateway.
All the while as the anticipation in the air only continued to rise as the statuesque older woman closed her eyes as she exhaled ominously.
While every soldier present audibly swallowed as the titanic chi on woman's muscular body seeped dangerously into the air before their fearful eyes.
"To think that this is what I get for being charitable." Rieko spoke in a livid voice while she smashed her fist at her womanly hip as her aura overflowed into the frozen air.
All the while as the army was as silent as a mouse as they waited for their leader to vent her rage.
And not a moment later a suffocating aura exploded forth from the older woman's body!
While Victoria held her arms over her awestruck face as she was blown back on her feet by the release of her leader's power.
All the while as Andromeda stared on with widened gray eyes as she held her arm over her bruised face.
While the infantry gaped on with astonishment in their eyes in awe of their emperor's superhuman might.
And not even seconds later all of the subordinates cried out in fear as they were all sent soaring out of the mouth of the collapsed cavern!
Until not even moments later…
The only person remaining standing before the site of the inert gateway was Rieko herself.
The emperor now stood silent with her blue eyes having taking on a much colder gaze.
Only for her lips to begin to curve back into the barest hint of a smirk as her fists remained at her hips.
It isn't a complete loss.
After all.
She still has him.
Sometime after that.
An agonizing scream resounded calamitously over the frigid arctic air in the same moment that the researcher's body hit the ice.
While Nero now knelt panting on his knees with his crimson eyes gazing up in shock at Rieko's looming face.
All the while as the emperor now stood imposingly above her fallen enemy with her mighty arms folded authoritatively over her chest.
While an unfathomably powerful chi still radiated from her mighty muscles as she stared down at her stunned opponent with domineering blue eyes.
All the while as the researcher now stared up at the woman with his eyes agape in disbelief over the difference in their strengths.
Even though he had managed to obstruct her goals there was no way that he could stand against her.
Not yet.
And with that his lips creased back into his usual smile as he stared up into the woman's domineering blue eyes.
All the while as Victoria and Andromeda watched from the sidelines with wary expressions in their eyes.
"I have decided…that I would like to join the Apostles." Nero announced with a smirk on his lips while Rieko's tyrannical blue eyes now bore through his skull.
While the other two women stared on in shock over the man's gall!
"Preposterous! You have some nerve! To conspire against us and then after doing so express a desire to join our ranks!" Victoria exclaimed in a passionate voice with her brown eyes staring furiously back at the man's smiling face.
"And why would I allow that Nero? After all of the trouble that you just caused me?" The emperor pondered in a courtly voice with her blue eyes watching the man carefully as he stood up.
All the while as the researcher began to dust the snow off his uniform as he smiled back up at her.
"Because I am the only one who can repair the World Gateway. Dispose of me…and you will never find that which you seek." The geneticist stated as he now stalked towards the woman while monstrous blue eyes stared coldly back at him.
While the two subordinates kept their mouths shut as they waited for their leader to speak.
All the while as the older woman closed her eyes in apparent consideration.
"So be it. He can join." Rieko spoke in a sophisticated voice with her blue eyes opening to gaze back at Nero's smiling visage.
While Victoria's jaw dropped in disbelief as she stared at the researcher's back with stunned brown eyes.
And even Andromeda was gazing on with a bewildered look in her sharp gray eyes.
"You…you can't be serious lord! He clearly intends to kill us when our guard is down." The communications commander protested with shock in her voice while the emperor stared frigidly back at the smirking researcher.
"I am serious Victoria. All the more reason to keep him close where we can see him instead of slinking around in the shadows." The emperor commented with her ruthless eyes studying the inhuman man closely while he smiled back at her.
"Lord! I beg you to reconsider." Victoria sputtered with a shake of her head from where she stood behind her master.
"My decision is final Victoria. Besides…he understands that he understands that he cannot have his way as long as I am around." Rieko remarked with her arms folded over her breasts while Victoria numbly nodded her head.
"Yes lord. As you bid." The communications commander agreed with her firm eyes still staring in distrust back at the demented man's smirking countenance.
"I understand perfectly. And worry not…I am confident that I will be more than useful to the Apostle cause." Nero purred with a smile on his lips while the others glared back at him.
All the while as his crimson eyes glanced about at their faces like a spider stalking his prey.
As of now he cannot move forward with his plans.
Rieko is a much bigger obstacle than he had realized.
"One more thing Nero. All of your research is now under my supervision. From this moment forward of your work is to be reported directly back to me." The emperor ordered in a supremely commanding voice as she gazed tauntingly at the man through the corner of her ruthless eye.
All the while as her blue eyes gleamed with a spark of delight as she took in the momentary flash of rage in the scientist's eyes.
And not even a second later the researcher held out an arm over his chest as he bent over to bow at the waist.
"As you command…Lord Rieko." The geneticist replied with his crimson eyes observing the woman's callous face closely.
And then he arose from his bow as he turned to stalk away with his narrowed eyes conveying his fury.
While the two subordinates watched their new comrade walk off with distrusting expressions in their eyes.
All the while as the older woman never once took her ruthless blue eyes off researcher's departing back.
And soon after that the man was gone.
Before she turned to gaze over her shoulder in the direction of the destroyed Porta Base in the distance.
Now just one more thing remained.
It was time to secure her apprentice.
A short time later…
The mercenary crew sat in what little remained of the ravaged northern base.
While Katsu slept with her head against the wall as the flames burned overhead.
All the while as Kane relaxed against the rubble beside her.
While Naoki sat with her hands folded in her lap with her scarf wrapped around her neck once more.
All the while as she gazed down at her booted feet as she listened to someone come to a stop behind her.
While the emperor now stood with her arms crossed over her breasts as she quietly assessed her would be pupil.
"Have you reconsidered my offer?" Rieko questioned with her blue eyes gazing down at the girl in interest.
Before the redhead turned to glance over her shoulder with her strikingly emotionless brown eyes now peering up into the older woman's keenly astute blue eyes.
"Meet me in seven days' time for a duel at a location of your choosing. I will let you know my answer then depending on the outcome of our duel." Naoki spoke in a calm voice with her brown eyes gazing up at the emperor's now puzzled face.
"A duel in seven days? Do you really think that you can defeat me as you are now?" The emperor pondered in a curious voice with a tilt of her head while the redhead stared coldly back up at her.
If she had to give this girl credit for one thing.
It was the fact that she never flinched under her stare.
And that was just one of several reasons why this girl had gained her attention.
"I will not agree to anything unless you fight me personally. I want to see your power first hand for myself. Just as I did with Azula and Zoi both." The assassin responded in an aloof voice while the older woman held her gloved fingers under her chin.
"I see. Why in seven days though?" Rieko inquired with a sliver of something akin to fondness in her voice while she watched the girl closely.
"First…I must regenerate my stamina." Naoki answered in a tired voice as she fought to keep her eyes from closing.
All the while as the older woman now found herself unable to resist allowing her lips to pull into an amused smirk.
"In other words, sleep." The emperor spoke with a knowing smirk while she gazed down at her potential student with an entertained gleam in her eyes.
"Yes…I must recover my efficiency. If I do not…I will not know where I stand in strength in comparison to you." The assassin yawned as she started to slump forward with her eyes closing shut while she heard the woman chuckle over her.
"Have it your way…Naoki. Seven days it is then." Rieko remarked in a sophisticated voice as she unfolded her arms from her breasts while she eyed the seated girl from where she stood.
Seven days later in an Asian mountain range.
Two great auras of chi flooded forth into the air as Katsu, Kane and the rest of the crew stood watching with entranced looks in their eyes.
Just as their young leader threw her scarf and sash over her shoulder.
All the while as the weighted clothing hit the ground with a heavy thud.
While the redhead's emotionless brown eyes now gazed back into the emperor's marginally surprised blue eyes.
Just as the older woman's lips curved into a keen smirk of approval while her hair blew in the winds behind her.
"If I win this battle, you'll abide by my terms. Which means that we won't waste time on meaningless military expansion. The first thing we're doing once the gateway is reactivated is retrieving Elle." Naoki spoke up in a stony voice as she slid her feet back in the grass while Rieko's smirk grew even larger.
All the while as Katsu, Kane and the others listened with their eyes agape in astonishment over their young leader's gall.
"If I win this battle…when I win this battle. You will become my apprentice and follow my command however I see fit. I don't want to hear any complaints out of you…is that understood?" The emperor stated with her blue eyes gazing back at her young opponent's strikingly emotionless face.
While she watched with a curious gleam in her eye as the girl sunk into a crouch with her gloved hand hovering over the hilt of her sword.
All the while as the energy from their auras soared out before the eyes of their captivated audience.
And then the two warriors gazed back into one another's eyes.
And not a moment later…
A mighty storm of chi erupted into the sky while the redhead vanished with a blinding blur.
While Rieko now turned to gaze all around her with her blue eyes widening in a truly rare demonstration of surprise.
All the while as she listened to the sound of the crackling of the earth bursting beneath the teenager's feet.
And shortly after the redhead's footwork became deathly silent.
'What unbelievable speed! She's…actually faster than I am! This girl…she will make for the perfect apprentice!' Rieko thought with her lips curving into a gratified smirk while her ruthless blue eyes gazed about in search of her young opponent.
And then she entrenched her combat boots into the earth while numerous after images flickered before her impressed eyes.
And just like that she lunged into battle towards the barest hint of a scarlet blur.
One hour later…
Ice covered the landscape for as far as the eye could see while huge clouds of smoke rose up into the clouds above.
While the sound of Katsu and Kane shouting in alarm resonated over the devastated battleground as they now pulled their defeated leader from the rubble.
"Naoki!" Katsu exclaimed in a concerned voice with her golden eyes now gazing down at the redhead's bloodied face in shock.
While as the young prodigy's head fell back into the bomber's arms with her brown eyes still widened in disbelief over her defeat.
All the while as Kane knelt on his knees with his hazel eyes staring down at the battered face of his leader.
'I…can't believe that Naoki managed to last an entire hour in battle against the emperor!' Kane thought as he gazed up at the face of Rieko from where the older woman stood above them in her battle-damaged uniform.
"You have been defeated Naoki. I have done what Princess Azula and her captain were unable to do. And now I will ask you one more time. Will you accept my terms and become my apprentice?" The emperor questioned with her arms folded over her breasts while she stared down at the stunned faces of the trio.
All the while as the redhead gazed back up with a look of acceptance in her emotionless brown eyes.
"I accept." The assassin answered in a stoic voice while the older woman's pale lips now pulled into a smile.
All the while as she began to gaze up at the unspeakably powerful woman with the barest of hint of a look of fixation in her stony eyes.
She was even more certain of it than she was before she fought the woman.
The only one who could train her was Lord Rieko.
"Good. Then I take it that settles any arguments of who is in charge around here. As for the retrieval of Elle Turner…that will have to wait. There are other affairs that we must settle first." Rieko declared with a vastly pleased smile on her lips as she gazed down at the redhead while the girl nodded her head.
Just as the wounded redhead pushed herself off her comrades as she stood up on her shaky feet with her expressionless eyes peering back up at the face of her new teacher.
"Fine. Just don't expect me to call you anything absurd like god. I will just call you Rieko." Naoki commented as she folded her arms over her vest while her two companions nearly fell over behind her.
"Naoki!" The mercenary chastised in a worried voice as the redhead ignored his warnings.
Only for an expression of relief to come over his eyes when it seemed as if the woman was amused rather than angered.
"You're no coward Naoki. And I like that. I think you and I are going to get along just fine." The emperor stated with a smirk on her lips.
While the redhead gazed up with her usual smile as her scarlet hair blew before her haunting brown eyes.
'She's just one stop on the road and nothing more. Once she has served her purpose and I surpass her…I will do away with her.' The assassin thought with her brown eyes taking on a mechanical gleam as she stared up at her new leader's smiling face.
Or at least…that was what she tried to tell herself.
Hours later.
The newly joined master and apprentice now walked alone together to the older woman's personal military vehicle as it began to rain lightly down overhead.
While Katsu, Kane and the other mercenaries had went on ahead when the woman had dismissed them.
"Rieko…" Naoki began in a quiet voice as she stared ahead with calm brown eyes while the older woman turned to glance down at her.
"What's on your mind Naoki?" Rieko pondered with a tilt of her head as she stared down at the girl with interested blue eyes.
"Do you really think that I can become stronger?" The assassin asked in a composed voice as she gazed up at the older woman's smiling face.
"I do Naoki. Perhaps someday even strong enough to rival me. But only if you follow me." The emperor remarked in a knowledgeable voice as she gazed down at the teenager's numbly nodding face.
All the while as a momentary expression of eagerness took over the redhead's gaze.
Just before the prodigy said nothing when she felt a strong hand lower onto her shoulder.
"Come on kid. Let's get out of this rain and get back to the truck." Rieko spoke in a commanding voice as she held up her black military cap with a gloved thumb while the teenager nodded her head.
And with that the new pupil began to walk beside her master while a light spray of rain pattered down at them from the clouds above.
While raindrops made their way down the redhead's exhausted face as she gazed up at the older woman through the corner of her eye.
Several days later.
At the Apostle Mansion.
Numerous individuals sat a long table gazing up at a balcony that loomed overhead while Rieko stood gazing back down at them.
In attendance was Andromeda who now sat scowling with her face propped up against her bored fist.
Nero who was gazing about with his usual predatory smile as he held a tea cup on his hand.
Another was a man that wore a metal mask that completely obscured his face with a white cloak that hung over his shoulders.
And a specialty sniper rifle was propped up against the back of his chair.
And yet another was a woman in her mid-twenties who was gazing around her with a look of upmost graveness in her green eyes.
While neck length blonde hair with two slightly longer golden braids that hung down framing each side of her humorless face.
Her name was none other than Sierra Meadows.
Otherwise none as the emperor's most devout fanatic.
Standing off to the side by the door was none other than Victoria.
Just everyone gathered heard the set of doors being pushed open behind them.
All the while as the Apostles turned to gaze at the opening doors to find themselves gazing back at Katsu.
The bomber glanced around the room with her wild golden eyes staring back at the researcher's face.
While Nero's crimson eyes widened in unmistakable interest as his experiment glared him down.
And not a second later Rieko's charismatic voice resonated authoritatively from overhead.
"I now give to you our newest Apostle recruit, combustion aberrant Katsu Bakudan." The emperor stated with a wave of her gloved hand while she stood gazing down at the girl from above.
All the while as the other Apostles stared back at the teenager with curiosity in their gazes as the girl pulled out a chair.
And soon after that the combustionbender seated herself while she still glared back at the scientist's smirking face.
Just as the Apostles glanced back up at the balcony when they heard the sound of soft footsteps approaching from behind their leader.
Before Rieko turned to glance over her tall shoulder with a smirk already forming on her lips.
While the redhead now stood beside her with her glacial brown eyes staring questioningly back at the scientist.
While Nero's crimson eyes widened as he set down his tea cup with an expression of rage in his eyes.
All the while as the emperor smiled back down at him with the shorter female's mechanical eyes staring back down at him.
"And it is with great pleasure that I introduce to my apprentice Naoki Garnet." Rieko announced with her hand falling onto the teenager's shoulder while the Apostles gazed up in fascination.
While Victoria smiled from where she stood at the door.
All the while as Nero still stared up with his crimson eyes agape with scientific delight as he smiled up at the emotionless girl.
"Naoki Garnet." Nero repeated with a sinister smile as he clenched his gloved fists over the tabletop while the redhead stared coldly down at him.
"Apprentice…" The masked Apostle trailed off in a surprised voice while he studied the girl curiously.
"So, you finally recruited her." Sierra stated in a businesslike voice with her green eyes gazing up at the girl in interest.
"Rieko…why is he here? He experimented on me." Naoki whispered with her brown eyes turning to gaze up at her new mentor for an explanation while the older woman's hand lingered on her shoulder.
"I know. However, as it stands, he is the only one who can repair the gate. Be patient Naoki…wait until he has served his purpose and then…we will dispose of him." The emperor assured in a quiet voice that only the redhead could hear while the teenager still gazed back down at the smiling man.
Only for a chilling smile to form on the prodigy's lips as she nodded her head in understanding.
All the while as she continued to eye the scientist like a cat sizing up her dinner.
Just as all eyes gazed back up at the emperor when she held a mighty gloved fist over her head.
While the redhead stared up at her with newfound gaze of intuitiveness her aloof brown eyes.
"Each, and every one of you stands among the strongest aberrants that this world has to offer! And I have defeated every single one of you! This moment represents a consolation of war powers under one rule!" Rieko called out with her blue eyes staring imperiously down below at the gathered faces of her group of elites.
All the while as the Apostles gazed back up with varying reactions of emotions in their eyes.
For some such as Andromeda it was open resentment.
And for others such as Nero it was both anger and intrigue.
And for Sierra it was apathy.
And yet not a single one of them dared to dispute the emperor's boast.
And then before any of them could say so much as a single word a projector was suddenly turned on at the back of the room.
"Behind you is a list of our seven most dangerous targets. The first is Prime Minister Arius." The emperor commented while all eyes turned to gaze back at the projector in curiosity.
Only for all of the Apostles to find themselves staring back at the face of an older bearded man with amber eyes.
And just as it quickly as the face of the Prime Minister appeared it switched to that of another.
To that of a face that made Naoki's brown eyes widen with a narrowed gleam in her eyes.
All the while as Katsu's vibrant golden eyes also widened with similar fire in her stare.
While Nero's crimson eyes flickered with sadistic entertainment as he gazed up at the stoic face of the rogue killer known as Strados.
"The next is Strados the Hunter." Rieko spoke in a voice of absolute poise as she gazed down at her apprentice's eager face through the corner of her eye.
All the while as the young prodigy's fingers gripped the hilt of her blade as she continued to smile back at the image of the man.
And then it changed once more.
To the image of a woman wearing a white wooden mask.
"After that is a woman that Naoki tells me is called Silah the Pale." The emperor informed while her subordinates watched the image change yet again.
This time to the face of an older woman with wavy red hair and brown eyes.
"And the next is European Federation Commander Calla Embers." Rieko continued in a methodical voice with her apprentice staring on in growing interest beside her.
Before all of the Apostles watched with intrigued looks in their eyes when the projector shifted to that of Captain Zoi Song.
While both Naoki and Katsu's eyes flashed with a desire to battle the mighty warrior once again.
All the while as Nero smiled back at the image of the battle-hardened captain.
"Captain Zoi Song. And the next is none other than Princess Azula of the Fire Nation." The emperor remarked with a sanguine smile on her lips while an image of the beautifully imposing princess was generated for all to see.
While the two young supersoldiers gazed up at the face of the dignified scowling woman with a spark of excitement in their eyes.
All the while as the Apostles who had not met the Fire Nation group began to murmur amongst themselves.
"And lastly…the Champion of the European Federation herself. Sayomi Saito." Rieko declared with her gloved hand gesturing to the face of a young woman as it appeared on the screen.
And just like that Naoki spun around with her brown eyes widening in realization as she stared back at the woman's face.
It was the face of a young woman with her blonde hair hanging in a pony tail behind her while her dedicated blue eyes seemed to gaze back at them.
While the combustionbender now stared up with her golden eyes wide in familiarity.
All the while as all of the Apostles stared up with fascination in their eyes.
"Predecessor." The assassin stated in a low voice with her eyes never leaving the champion's face.
While she began to subconsciously walk forward with her fingers sliding over the hilt of her blade.
All the while as the emperor stared down in approval through the corner of her eye.
While the researcher's lips curved into yet another cruel smirk.
And then the projector changed to a different image.
Just as all eyes widened in recognition when an image of Elle standing before Team Azula appeared on the projector.
"And our goal…is Elle Turner. This young woman…Princess Azula is currently in possession of her. And if she refuses to cooperate…we're going to take her from her." The emperor purred with a smirk coming onto her lips while the redhead gazed on without emotion beside her.
While the bomber's golden eyes briefly conveyed a hint of hesitation.
All the while as the researcher momentarily glared at the emperor through the corner of his eye.
While the rest of the Apostles still gazed back at the innocent girl's face from where she stood beside the princes.
All the while as the royal woman's callous golden eyes almost seemed to glare back through the projection as if she were there in the flesh.
"Each of the seven targets is to be taken in either living or dead…but under no circumstances are you to kill Elle Turner." Rieko said with a warning undertone to her dictatorial voice while her merciless blue eyes swept about the faces gathered below.
While Naoki and Katsu exchanged a quick glance with one another before they turned back to the projector.
Only for all of the Apostles to hear another set of footsteps approaching from the adjacent balcony opposite of the emperor and her apprentice.
While all eyes turned to the direction of the other balcony while the emperor still smiled coldly.
"I am certain that somewhere out there Azula is smirking…no doubt pleased with herself…feeling as if she came out on top. But our dear princess will find out soon enough that such notions couldn't be further from the truth." The emperor stated with her arms folded over her breasts while her Apostles listened in rising curiosity.
And that was all it took for a scream to resonate into the air of the mansion.
While all but the emperor watched in surprise as a man suddenly fell from the balcony above.
Only for the man to plunge through a chandelier and straight down to the table below.
All the while as the shocked Apostles now gazed back to find a brutalized Russian general now laying lifeless in a puddle of spilled drinks.
While a joyfully mad laughter now rang out into the air as the elites gazed up at the opposite balcony.
All the while as Felix now stood in his trench coat with an unabashed grin on his wicked lips.
While all who were familiar with the young man widened their eyes in comprehension.
All the while as Naoki's unfeeling eyes widened ever so slightly as she stared back at the man across from their balcony.
While Katsu angrily leaped to her feet with her golden eyes sparking with a desire to spill the man's blood in revenge for what he did to her friend.
"For it is I who has the 'other half'." Rieko concluded with her blue eyes staring ruthlessly back at the young man's gleefully howling face.
All the while as Victoria widened her brown eyes with her lips pursing into a scowl.
And Sierra simply gazed up with compassionless green eyes that already flared with distaste of the discourteous man.
"I told you that I would throw a little chaos into the mix Rieko! Am I good or am I fantastic!" Felix bellowed with his gloved hands straddling the railing while his laughter flowed in the ears of the stunned Apostles.
While the air force commander now stared up with her gray eyes faintly widened in understanding.
'He has the…but how is that possible!' Andromeda thought while she gazed at the man's laughing face in disbelief.
All the while as Nero's crimson eyes widened in recognition as he gazed back at the young man's unrepentant sadistic face.
'It's just as I suspected! He possesses it!' Nero thought with his red eyes gazing up in astonishment.
Only for a cruelly entertained smile to begin to form on his lips not even a moment later.
"Mr. Turner. I see that you are still a brusque creature. That chandelier was circa from the Victorian Era." The emperor remarked in a remarkably restrained voice while her blue eyes glared back at the young man's laughing visage.
All the while as Naoki still stared back at the man with an utterly cold look in her eyes as she clenched a gloved fist at her hip.
While Sierra and Victoria stared harshly back at their rude guest with outrage in their eyes for how he dared to outright disrespect their emperor.
"Then I'll bring you back twenty more enemy generals to make up for it!" The young man yelled out in an insidious voice as he threw his gloved hands out before his wickedly grinning face.
All the while as the Apostles gazed between the man and their emperor to see that the older woman was now smiling ruthlessly.
While the scientist observed the young man from below with an intense spark of interest in his equally cruel eyes.
"I like him." The geneticist chuckled with a menacing smile on his lips as he relined in his seat while Felix grinned savagely back down at him.
While the other Apostles gazed between the two with a wary expression in their eyes.
"How cute. It seems as if Nero has found a kindred spirit." The air force commander commented wryly with her gray eyes gazing up at the young man with mild interest.
Only for a suffocating chi to sweep through the air as all of the Apostles and even Felix turned to gaze back at the matriarch standing above them.
All the while as the emperor's aura began to casually flare as she gazed all about the room with a tyrannical gleam in her blue eyes.
Just as she raised both of her gloved hands in the air above her head while her apprentice gazed up at her through the corner of her eye.
And for a fleeting moment the mentor and the student gazed back into one another's eyes.
The meaning of the stare clearly conveyed 'you are not allowed to kill him'.
While Naoki and Katsu relented as they still stared icily back at Felix's smirking face as he unflinchingly gazed back into their eyes.
"Know this my dear Apostles! While our enemies are undoubtedly dangerous in their own right…they are no match for us! We are the greatest fighting force that this world has ever seen! And we are going to break them all on the battlements!" Rieko shouted with her fists held out before her tyrannical face while her subordinates listened in captivation from all around the room.
All the while as her hair began to sway behind her as her body became consumed in an unimaginably powerful glow.
"For I am the God Emperor and I cannot be defeated! Not by anyone in this world or anyone in the next! And as long as you stand with your God then you are also beyond defeat!" The emperor called out while she extended her arms out before her smirking face.
All the while as the Apostles exchanged speechless looks with one another from their positions in the room.
While the image of Elle and Team Azula still flickered before the wall as Felix's lips cracked into a simply wicked grin.
And with that an unspeakable sense of awe overtook the entire room.
And not an instant after that the young man's amber eyes widened when a terrible chill swept over his body.
All the while as the almighty emperor stood on the other balcony with her blue eyes staring piercingly back into his widening eyes.
While the stunned Apostles watched from below as Felix dropped to his knees with a gloved hand clutching his chest.
All the while as Rieko stared imperiously back at him with a sadistic gleam in her blue eyes.
"Long may the Apostles reign!" Rieko roared with a monstrous smirk on her lips as she gazed down at her captivated subjects.
While Naoki stood quiet with a chilling smile on her lips once more.
All the while as she mused that was even more certain than ever before than she made the correct choice.
And then soon after that the Apostles shouted out in response to their leader's war cry.
All the while as the emperor smirked down at them with her pupil standing smiling beside her.
Just as Naoki glanced up with a surprised look in her eyes once more when she felt the older woman place her hand on her shoulder yet again.
"Stick with me Naoki and I'll show you the way to wage war." The emperor spoke with a twinge of a twisted fondness in her imperious voice.
While the redhead slowly nodded her head with her lips still forming a poised smile.
After the Apostle meeting…
Naoki walked through the courtyard of the Apostle mansion with her stoic brown eyes gazing calmly ahead.
All the while as the sound of footsteps began to approach behind her.
While she glanced through the corner of her brown eye to see Nero grinning savagely back at her from over her shoulder.
All the while as the inhuman researcher stalked with his insidious lips forming a cruel smile.
Just as the man began to lick his lips as a dark chi began to emanate from his body.
And not a moment later…
A pained scream echoed throughout the courtyard just after the redhead rapidly drew her wakizashi.
While Rieko watched with a pleased smile on her lips from where she stood on a high-rise balcony.
All the while as Nero now sunk to his knees furiously clutching his bleeding hand.
While a syringe rolled to a stop at the young prodigy's feet as he stared back with widened crimson eyes.
And now laying on the ground beside it was a severed finger!
"What magnificent speed! You truly have grown into a splendid war machine!" Nero exclaimed as he pulled himself to his feet while the redhead gazed calmly back at him.
"I was once your lab experiment. But that day has long since past us. That was then and this is now. I suppose I ought to thank you for helping to bring me to where I stand today…but all the same. I have since grown beyond you and your research." Naoki stated in a soft voice as she strode closer with her lips forming a taunting smile.
"You are painfully misguided…if you truly believe that you have grown beyond my research." The geneticist spoke with his lips pulling into a sinister smile as he stared intently back at his former experiment's emotionless face.
"You came for me because your other subjects of interest were too strong for you to acquire. However, I am no longer a child…and never again will you be able to reach me. I now stand at a height that you cannot even begin to fathom." The assassin remarked in an at ease voice with a smile still on her lips while she sheathed her wakizashi.
All the while as Nero stood taken aback by his former research subject's boast.
While he gazed back at her with a curiously expression in his eyes while his mouth hung open ever so slight.
He knew it now more than ever before!
He had to continue to studying her!
The girl has grown more than he could have ever hoped and with that…he was on the verge of fulfilling his greatest desires.
Only for his eyes to widen once more when the girl vanished in a blinding flicker.
Just before he soon felt a series of brutal blows connecting with his body.
All the while as the agile redhead smiled as she hopped on her feet in a boxing stance.
And not a moment after that the spit flew out of the scientist's mouth just as it had with the acrobat before.
While Nero now staggered backwards with his widened eyes gazing back at the redhead's smiling face.
All the while as the emperor still observed from above with an approving smirk on her lips.
"All you can do is despair Nero. Gaze up at me… and know that no matter what horrors you commit to augment your body. You will never again be able to overcome this body of mine." Naoki informed in a stunningly confident voice as she turned to walk away with a perpetual smile on her lips.
While the scientist stood gazing after her with his crimson eyes still agape with disbelief.
Only to find himself turning to scowl over his shoulder when he heard Rieko's voice cut into the air.
"Superbly done Naoki." Rieko commented with a smile of recognition on her lips while the redhead quietly glanced up at her.
Only for the student to continue to walk on her way while Nero scowled as he turned to glare down at his feet.
"I suggest you remember that you are not in control around here Nero. I am." The emperor declared from above as she stared smugly down at the man's glaring face before she turned to walk inside.
The following day.
"You requested that Lord Rieko give you the most difficult training that she has to offer and so that is what she will do." Victoria spoke with a smile on her lips while she gazed back at the redhead's stony face.
And then she closed her eyes as she continued to speak while the girl listened silently.
"Starting tomorrow we are going to send you out into the uncharted Red Zone for the next thirty days which is where we will try to kill you from start until end. You will face everything from road bandits, to ravenous seekers, to assassins and even your fellow Apostles. Know that there is no stopping it once it has been begun and that this is your one and only chance to back out." The communications commander commented with her brown eyes gazing back at the younger girl's hard-hearted face.
All the while as Kane and Katsu listened in a state of shock as they gazed back at their group leader in disbelief.
"Naoki…this…this is insane. There are ample other ways to train." Kane advised with fear in his voice while the redhead raised her eyes to meet the communications commander's gaze.
"I already told you my answer Victoria." The assassin spoke in an unfettered voice as she sat with her scarf wrapped around her neckline.
While her companions stared at her with unhidden concern in their fearful eyes.
"Very well. I simply thought compelled to try to talk some sense into you. But…as you wish. Be ready for departure at six am sharp." Victoria instructed as she turned to walk away with her boots cladding on the floor while Naoki stared quietly after her back.
All the while as the bomber and the mercenary still gazed at their friend with disbelieving eyes.
"Do…do you want us to go with you?" The bomber questioned in a loyal voice as she watched the redhead closely.
"No. This is something that I must do alone Katsu. Focus on your own training while I am gone." Naoki answered in a resolute voice as she stood up from her seat while the two gazed at her in an unsettled silence.
And then she turned to walk away with her sword sheathed at her hip.
While the two companions exchanged a worried glance as they silently hoped that their friend would survive.
Elsewhere somewhere deep underground.
A series of artificial lights lip up the inner chamber of the laboratory.
While its lone occupant stood before his observation screen with a sinister smile adorning his lips.
All the while as Nero watched as numerous images appeared on his monitor from all sides of the coming war.
His fellow Apostles and their dear leader.
And soon after that an image of a global map of the New World.
A term that is used to describe the drastically altered world map as a whole following the near global destruction of World War Three.
Following that, the continent of New Eurasia, which comprised of all of the countries that survived the end of the cataclysmic war.
Which was the very heartland of the New World Empire, which encompassed most of Asia, parts of Russia and parts of eastern Europe.
Of which is ruled by none other than Rieko herself.
And then that of the New European Federation High Council which consisted of most of Europe and the countries that were actively resisting Rieko's conquest.
And the leaders of a great many other countries that were scattered around the globe.
And the Fire Nation team as well.
And even that of the tomb of his former master.
And then the feed finally settled on the image of the inert World Gateway.
"This will make for an excellent hidden laboratory for the war to come. I dare say that I could even call this abyss home." Nero stated with a demented smile pulling onto his lips while his crimson eyes flashed in delight.
And then just like that the entire subterranean lair was illuminated by bright overhead lights.
All the while as an inhumanly savage smirk grew onto his lips as he surveyed his unsuspecting enemies in unhidden delight.
Most specifically Azula and Elle.
"There is much more to warfare than brute force! I may not be the strongest but I will come out of this coming war as the sole victor!" The geneticist exclaimed as he erupted into a fit of mad laughter the tubes from his advanced underground piping began to fill up with liquid.
All the while as his monstrous laughter resounded calamitously off the walls of his subterranean lair and into the nearly endless depths of the Earth.
Meanwhile back on the surface of the Earth.
Naoki walked into the Red Zone with a cloak wrapped around her shoulders while her emotionless brown eyes gazed fearlessly ahead.
All the while as the birds flew high into the air above her head as she gazed up with a calm gleam in her eyes.
"Only the fittest survive in this world and I will survive." The assassin spoke to herself with her hair flowing lightly in the breeze behind her.
And then she leaped into the air onto a tree branch.
While she stood on it gazing with a flicker of wonder in her eyes as she took in the expansive sea of land that humanity used to rule.
That now stood as but a haunting reminder of what once was and what would never come back.
And then she gracefully sprang from the tree branch with her feet beginning to blur as soared through the trees.
All the while as her brown eyes shimmered with a hint of an emotion unknown.
And then without hesitation she leaped high above the trees and into the depths of the land left abandoned by the great war.
AN:
I submitted another round of edits recently and I wanted to inform everyone that after going over the matter with several other readers. I came to the conclusion that Zoi sounds more like a Fire Nation Nation name in writing than Zoe, so I decided to switch her name to the alternative version of Zoi.
In reality, both are pronounced the name way, so it isn't a huge change.
However, I confess that my eyes were trained to look at Zoe, so I had to write with Zoi for a few weeks to get used to it.
In the end though, while both Zoi and Zoe were generated in a Fire Nation name generator among female names. I decided to change it to Zoi because I felt it fit better in the context of the story. Anyhow, I hope it doesn't throw anyone off.
As for the afterword.
So, the World Gateway has been rendered inert on both ends.
This means that next time that Rieko will be much more ruthless to Team Azula the next time they meet.
We also saw that Nero joined the Apostles, in a way this was his way of sticking it to Rieko by impeding her and then stating he wishes to join her afterward. However, since Rieko needs Nero she allowed it to slide for now.
Also, the revelation that Nero can repair the gateway shows us that it could be said that he was in control of it before claimed the Greenland territory. But we know that Rieko was spying on Nero so it could be stated that she was in control all along.
And so Rieko has defeated Naoki in one on one combat. It happened off screen largely because I don't want to show too much of Rieko's power in book one and we just saw Naoki fight numerous times.
This of course means that Rieko is stronger than Azula, Zoi, and Naoki who are all about even. She is something that they will have to work to reach, and likewise in time, Rieko may find that they may be able to stand against her as equals.
Also, Naoki is now Rieko's apprentice. I have been foreshadowing Naoki joining Rieko ever since they met when Naoki was a child. We are also seeing that Rieko is seemingly more fond of Naoki than the others.
And so since Naoki and Katsu joined the Apostles, this means that Team Azula will face them again in the future if they clash with Rieko again.
Furthermore, the Apostles are beginning to form as a group but the roster is not complete yet. In fact, it will likely grow between now and book two.
As for Rieko's targets, if anyone is wondering why Aang, Ozai, the rest of Team Avatar, and the Order of the White Lotus were not listed, that is because Rieko ONLY listed people of power that she saw with her own eyes or that Naoki saw.
Also, Felix has something that Rieko wants. We'll get to to what that something is soon enough.
While Rieko does detest Felix, she has shown that she is willing to tolerate him if it gets her what she wants. At the same time, this shows that Rieko can be a hypocrite.
She judged and killed Reynolds, yet is allowing Nero and Felix in, who are just as horrible. The difference is that they both have use, and Reynolds did not.
Also, Naoki and Katsu's reaction to Felix's presence is proof that they both see Elle as a friend. Elle got through to Naoki when she risked her life to help them, and Naoki is showing that she acknowledges that by expressing a desire to stand up for Elle's name against Felix.
As for Rieko addressing herself as god, in the post WW3 landscape she is widely regarded as the coming of a deity in the flesh. Whether or not Rieko truly believes that she is a god remains to be seen.
We know that some of her followers like Victoria seem to truly believe it. While others like Andromeda are less than convinced.
Even so, Rieko is aware that she is the most powerful person in the world, and she is quick to take advantage of people desiring to worship her. Rieko desires to go down in history as the god emperor that saved humanity and brought them back from the verge of extinction.
Also, we saw Naoki get the best of Nero with her speed. Which shows that Nero's two prized lab subjects are now stronger than him and they don't have to take his abuse anymore.
Another thing that I want to mention is the term the 'New World'. This term is used to refer to the heavily altered world map as a whole post WW3. It has nothing to do with how the Americas used be called something similar by early explorers.
Rieko rules an empire that comprises most of the countries that are still standing in Asia, what remains of the middle east, parts of Russia and some outer eastern parts of Europe.
The Federation is a term for the conglomeration of the rest of Europe as one allied whole as they resist the conquest of the New World Empire. As of right now in book one, Rieko's unified empire is advancing into Europe and Russia.
As for the Blue Zones and Red Zone. Blue Zones are 'safe' lands still controlled by humanity, Red Zones are uncontrollable by any government, basically nations and lands where people did not survive the war.
Rieko aims to bring humanity back to a new dawn of glory and reclaim what has been lost as her world empire.
And the ending scene of Nero is his underground lair, shows us that he is highly adept with technology. It also shows that while he is not the strongest, that he is still a major player in the conflicts to come.
And finally, Naoki is departing into the abandoned land to train for thirty days. We'll see how that training goes, when we see Rieko and Naoki again in their next chapter. We'll follow them off and on throughout book one.
And next chapter, we will return to Team Azula so that they can finish up with Mava.
That will be all for now.
Stay tuned for next time.
For chapter one-hundred-fifteen! The Last of the Mystics!