Warframes and Olympians
ESKK: Well, here we got Chapter 7 let's get this show on the road.
(Start Artemis Camp)
After the Zoe look-a-like had arrived at camp other, Tenno had begun to arrive not many, mind you just a few. Her hunters were coming face to face with several Tenno all of them girls but most of them using male Warframes. She would have offered them a spot among her hunter's, but Artemis thought against such an offer. As they were the Tenno were powerful on their own and even than her blessing would be useless to the Tenno.
Still, they were coming and going as they saw fit no doubt to have some sort of joint unit for the New War. Era and Ballas were no doubt trying to gather as many Sentient Forces currently in the Origin System as they can. The Tenno came delivering new weapons before departing again from her camp again. Artemis fully understood the need as the Tenno were working on a base of operations for the new war. Currently she was watching another group of Tenno departing after dropping off updated bows and arrows for the hunt.
"Their pretty amazing sis." Came the voice of Apollo as Artemis sighed over her twin brother.
"In more ways than one I say." Artemis said as she didn't even bother looking to know who it was.
"And to think my nephew is one of the best they have." Apollo said as he leaned on the ledge next to his sister. "With the combined forces of all the factions within the solar system with the backing of the Olympians we might come out on top." Apollo said but this tipped Artemis off.
Apollo should have said they would win this not might… suggesting something had come up. "Apollo what's wrong?" Artemis asked as she gave her brother a stern look.
"W-what do you mean?" Apollo asked as Artemis glared at her brother.
"Apollo you're the God of Truth you know what I mean." Artemis said and thus Apollo knew he had to come clean.
"I had a major prophesy recently a big one." Apollo said as he looked to Artemis speaking with a tone of fear and concern.
"How big are we talking?" Artemis asked as she sounded worried over this.
"I plan to reveal it during the Meeting, but it involves your boy, and you need to know it first." Apollo said and thus he cleared his throat.
"United for failure, a mother lost. The child forced to return, and time shall unravel to rescue her."
"Worlds of Veils that give comfort in lies. Amalgams of, War and Tau, beware-beware of the Golden Lord of Lies. Beware-beware of the Veil of Narmer."
"But rise from the ashes of defeat the Drifter shall bring back the mother.
From the ashes of suffering the Drifter shall make the deal.
From the Emptiness of the Void the Drifter and the Wolf shall meet and united they shall, to rescue the mother returned.
The old shall fall to make rise for the union of Lua and the lotus guardians and nurturers of the Warrior Gods."
"That was a long one." Artemis said as Apollo finished retelling the Prophesy. "Are you sure it's for Kiba and not for Perseus?" Artemis asked as she looked to Apollo hoping he was wrong.
"I am sure Kiba is the wolf, but I know not what or who this 'Drifter,' is." Apollo said and thus tried to think clearly. "More so then, that from the sound of it… chances are we lose the New War and Olympus will fall with it." Apollo said as he did not want to admit this but if Olympus fell then Artemis would be, proven correct on the outcome. "But what does it mean the child forced to return?" Apollo wondered as he tried to figure out the Prophesy.
The previous prophesy called Kiba the wolf so by that logic this prophesy may refer to Kiba as well. "What about the other Demigods or my hunters?" Artemis asked as she needed answers to this. Apollo silently shrugged showing he did not know the answer which then made Artemis grimace. "We need time to prepare." Artemis said as she knew they can only put off the New War, but it was coming it was inevitable.
"I know but our armies won't be enough." Apollo said but that was before Artemis gave him a look showing that was not what she meant. "You're not talking about the war you're talking about the aftermath." Apollo had gasped as he saw where Artemis was going with this.
"Precisely." Artemis said as she knew that if they can't win, they can at least prepare for a resistance. "IF we cannot win because of the Prophesy then we can at least try to win after the war ends." Artemis said as a resistance movement was their best option right now. "I'm more concern how father will react." Artemis said as she knew how paranoid Zeus tended to be at times. He would no doubt suspect herself and Lotus making grabs to overthrow his rule.
"Same but we need to convince him that his end would not be by our hands but by the hands of the Sentient if that is truly what is implied by the prophesy." Apollo said as he intended to save his sister and her son even if it cost him everything.
"But now we have one last thing to do." Artemis said as she directed her attention to the pod, she had her fellow gods make.
"So, you're going to take her place?" Apollo asked concerned on how it will affect Artemis.
"They need someone they can trust again, they may not fully trust me, but I will keep my promise to protect them." Artemis said and thus she looked to her brother. "Now unless you want to try sneaking an eyeful, I suggest you leave so I can change." Artemis said with the warning in her voice clear as day.
"Got it." Apollo said and thus he flashed away leaving the Goddess of Lua alone. Once she was alone, she sighed and opened the pod where an outfit similar to that of the Lotus awaited her.
(Scene Break Kiba Orbiter)
Kiba was tossing and turning in his sleep once more as he kept himself locked in. As the Tenno were making their way to Jupiter, they felt it was time to rest for a bit to regain their strength. Alita of course had opted to give Annabeth a crash course on being a Tenno and so far, Annabeth had taken to the mental aspect of being a Tenno like a fish would to the water. Still the dream or nightmare Kiba was having was not one he liked to remember.
For Kiba he saw war, fire, and death all in one hellscape of his mind. As his nightmare continued the scenes continued to grow vivid for him. Continued suffering, continued war it did not end until it came down to something he knew. On the floor Kiba found the sight of the Lotus' helmet and went wide eyed before clutching it close to him. But as he held it, he then heard a new voice that filled him with dread.
"Hey Kiddo." The Man in the Wall said and thus Kiba went wide eyed to look. But instead of finding a copy of himself he was, met with a Warframe pointing a gun at him and before he could use a Void Beam the Warframe pulled the trigger on him.
One loud bang was all it took as Kiba woke up and fired off his Void Beam hitting the wall of his ream in the Orbiter. "Operator, are you well?" Ordis asked as he detected Kiba was currently in distress. "My sensors have detected an elevated heartrate from you, do you require assistance?" Ordis asked while Kiba was calming himself.
"Yeah, I'm fine Ordis it was just a dream." Kiba said as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
"Operator that appeared to be more than just a dream." Ordis said as he knew Kiba was still dealing with fragmented memories from the Old War and the Zariman Ten-Zero Incident. No doubt it had left him with some sort of PTSD as Annabeth had called it. More so the loss of the Lotus had also taken a toll on the Tenno and Ordis feared his Lotus impersonating program was making things worse for the Tenno.
Regardless now that they were on their way to Jupiter they can reclaim this Master Bolt, find the Lotus, and in turn end this quest. But Kiba and Umbra both knew if they were going to do this, they would need their A-Game for it. With this in, mind Kiba knew it was time to talk strategy with his team. After all, like Annabeth would say they needed a plan before going in to fight against the Sentient threat.
(Later)
Everyone was gathered via holograms as their Orbiters were seen circling around Jupiter hidden from the Corpus via cloaking technology. At the moment they were all preparing to depart and do battle against the Sentient. "Now that everyone is here, we can begin." Kiba said as he then got a nod from Annabeth. "Now then thanks to Annabeth we now have valuable enemy intelligence for this mission." Kiba said and thus began to pull up information on their mission.
"After learning the name Ordis had managed to identify the Sentient at large on Jupiter its name is Ropalolyst." Kiba said as he showed the image of an avian like Sentient and from the looks of it, it was big.
"That's an Eidolon class Sentient." Shoko said shocked over what he was seeing.
"I'm guessing that's bad." Percy said as he looked to Kiba.
"You have no idea." Kiba said while he crossed his arms and closing his eyes a bit. "Since we're dealing with an Eidolon, this means we'll need our big guns for this." Kiba said as he looked to his gathered friends.
"I figured that was the case." Alita said as she knew not to tread lightly here. "But defenses are going to be tight we'll need some way to get in without being detected." Alita said as she showed the data revealing the Sentient had beefed up security at this Corpus facility.
"This facility belongs to Alad V and the Zanuka program of his." Kiba said as the way he mentioned Zanuka showed he was not at all happy about its existence.
"If that is the case, how do we get in?" Shoko asked and thus Kiba sighed a bit.
"Thankfully, it would seem that I someone on the inside a favor." Kiba said and thus pulled out needed tactical data and added it to what they had. "Alad V has provided us with access codes to get in and help him take back his facility." Kiba said as he showed that with the data they can enter through the defenses. "After that we will need to fight our way through Corpus, Sentient, and possibly Amalgams to get to our target and eliminate it." Kiba said and thus they knew what this meant.
"So same old/same old beefed up to 50." Shoko said as they studied the battle plan.
"Can we trust Alad V?" Alita asked as she knew exactly how the Corpus operated in the system.
"As long as its profitable for him, which only extends to how far helping us will help him." Kiba said and thus they knew Alad V was a snake for them to be weary of.
"How can we help?" Percy asked hoping to provide the Tenno with what aid they could offer for this mission.
"Percy you and Annabeth are going to stay out of this." Kiba said surprising the duo with this clear order.
"What?!" Percy yelped as he glared at Kiba in shock.
"I'm sorry Percy but you and Annabeth are too inexperienced to be of any help to us for this mission." Alita urged knowing full well they cannot baby sit the pair once they head in.
"We've fought in wars before." Percy said and thus Kiba had a counter for that.
"And in both wars, you and your 'army,' had used antiquated means to fight!" Kiba yelled as he had about enough of this argument here. "Both times you had no command structure you didn't consider forethoughts to your plans beyond victory." Kiba scolded as he looked to Percy. "You've never fought a war like this, and for your own good it would be better if you never do." Kiba said and just as he was about to continue their strategy meeting Percy charged Kiba and pinned him to the wall.
"You think I don't know that!" Percy yelled as he glared at Kiba in the face showing the eyes of a veteran who fought in two wars. "I just wanted a normal life I never wanted to be the guy leading armies against monsters, or Gods I just wanted to be a normal kid with normal problems!" Percy ranted as Kiba looked at Percy. "But I just can't sit around and watch you guys trying so damn hard to save your mom." Percy went on with his tone changing a bit as Kiba was wide eyed when Percy said that. "I know what it's like and I wouldn't want that on my worse enemies." Percy said and thus Kiba knew Percy wanted to help them.
"If I was brought back because the Gods need me to fight for them then they can find someone else." Percy said as he looked at Kiba straight in the eyes. "But if I was brought back because innocent people need me to fight for them… then you can get on board or get out of my way." Percy said and thus Kiba was calm before he looked over to Annabeth.
"Do you share his sentiments?" Kiba asked as he looked at Annabeth straight in the eyes.
"Always." Annabeth said as she would not back down regardless of the situation.
Kiba was silent for a good while as he looked at the two wanting to be sure they knew what they were about to do. "If you two are going to help, then first let me down." Kiba said and thus Percy saw what Kiba was doing. "Because you're going to need better gear for this." Kiba said and thus it was clear what they were about to be doing. "Alita." Kiba went on and thus Alita nodded to Kiba.
Kiba then lead Percy over to the Arsenal as Excalibur Umbra moved out of the way for him. Once that was done Kiba had his next order to give Ordis. "Ordis pull up Hydroid Prime." Kiba said and thus Ordis understood the order Kiba made.
"Of, course Operator." Ordis said and thus got to work. Percy then saw a new Hydroid Warframe appear equipped with the weapons he would need for the battle to come.
"Percy this is Hydroid Prime stronger and more powerful than the one you had been using." Kiba said as he looked to Percy. "Normally you'd have to work to get a Prime but I'm making an exception." Kiba said as he gestured for Percy to try on the new Warframe.
Percy nodded and focused on Hydroid Prime just before his body vanished into the Warframe. Once Percy performed Transference Hydroid Prime began to move as Percy gave himself a look over. "Wow." Percy said as he then saw weapons already equipped to the new Warframe.
"Yeah wow." Kiba said as he smirked a bit and looked to Percy. "Now then suit up we have a Bolt to retrieve." Kiba said and thus they all got ready to move out.
(Begin Suit up Montage)
"So here is the plan." Kiba began as one by one each of the Tenno got ready for the fight to come. "We'll deploy via Archwings we'll be too small to hit and by the time they detect us we'll already be passe their defensive ring." Kiba said showing he had a plan for this.
Meanwhile Shoko was equipping Chroma Prime with the Shedu Main Arm, the Akstiletto side arm weapons, and the Gram Prime as his main melee weapon.
"According to Alad V's tip the Sentient and by extension Alad V have no clue of true value of what they have in their possession." Kiba went on as Alita was equipping Mesa Prime with a Tigris Prime main arm weapon, the Akjagara Prime side arm, and the Redeemer Prime main arm weapon. "If his word hold truth then let's keep it that way." Kiba added as Alita smiled at her Warframe's hands showing she was going in with only her best.
"Thankfully thanks to Ordis the Master Bolt gives off a unique energy signature which may have been how the Sentient had tracked it down." Kiba said as Annabeth was seen with Nyx Prime using the Fang Prime as her main arm, the Ballistica Prime for her side arm, and finally her main arm weapon was the Zhuge Prime for her main arm weapon. "So, your orders are as followed, breach the enemy defensive perimeter, find the Master Bolt, eliminate the Eidolon, retrieve the Master Bolt and head for extraction." Kiba ordered as Percy walked up to Kiba now wielding a Boltor Prime Main arm and his own Balistica Prime weapon.
"Ok what about the Lotus?" Percy suddenly asked and thus Kiba sighed as he was now wielding a Braton Prime main arm, and the Twin Grakata side arms.
"If we fail to locate and retrieve the Lotus then we are to move to extraction once the other goals are met." Kiba said and thus Percy knew Kiba was making a hard decision on this mission.
"Alright." Percy said and thus got ready to deploy into combat.
(Scene Break later Jupiter)
The Landing Crafts were in the combat zone as they began to move in close to the defensive line while they remained in cloak mode. Percy and Annabeth would need to deploy immediately after Kiba, and Alita did on the Archwing as they got ready to begin the combat operation.
One by one the three Liset Landing Crafts began to release the Tenno within them as the bottom magnetic hatch flipped over and in turn, they were ready to launch. In turn the three Tenno were launched into the battle on their Archwings followed closely behind Percy and Annabeth on Archwings that they were borrowing. In turn the five Tenno began to fly in in the hopes of completing this mission and retrieving Zeus's bolt.
They began to fly through the gas planet making their way over to where Alad V's Zanuka facility was located. As they did so Kiba was the one who took point as he led the four Tenno behind him to where the Package was located. Just then when they passed by the sentry stations the facilities defenses began to activate.
Following it up laser fire began to rain down on the five as they made their way through to their intended destination. "Keep a tight formation don't let them divide us!" Kiba called out as he led the group to their objective point.
The battle went on as soon Drones and Corpus security came in and began to attack the Tenno intent on stopping their advance on Alad V's Facility. The Tenno were able to avoid the laser fire down upon them as they spun and maneuvered themselves with ease. As they avoided the laser fire from their foes the Tenno made sure to keep an eye on their shields and side maps. Meanwhile Annabeth and Percy stayed close to the more experienced Tenno while making sure to avoid being shot at by the Corpus.
As the group continued with their mission, they made sure to keep their focus on the target as Kiba fired his gun off at enemies coming their way. Following it up was Shoko who had a heavier weapon equipped which he fired off on the Corpus Drones. But unaware to the Tenno they had some more help on the way.
(Meanwhile Corpus Facility Control Room)
Alad V saw the Tenno had finally arrived too his facility. While they were constantly a thorn for his Zanuka program and later his experiments with the Infestation he was happy to see they had arrived. "Seems the Betrayers have made themselves known." Alad V said as he hoped his enemies would off each other. He regains control of his Facility and more parts to use for his Zanuka program. "Let's lend them a hand, shall we." Alad V said and thus proceeded to enter a series of commands to give the Tenno a fighting chance.
(Back with the Tenno)
The mission progressed as the Tenno were getting closer to their insertion point. As they did this more enemies came at them which thankfully the Tenno were able to manage. This scenario continued but as they got the barrier the cannons suddenly came to a stop surprising the group.
"Wow what happened to the cannons?" Percy asked when he saw the cannons end their fire.
"Our inside man." Kiba said as he figured that was the case for the group. The sound of laser fire reminded them of their current situation and thus they returned focus on the mission. "Let's keep moving!" Kiba ordered and thus the Tenno/Demigods continued their mission.
As they got closer to their objective Annabeth saw the insertion point and knew they had a problem. "Um Kiba!" Annabeth called out as she saw the barrier and hordes of Corpus that were standing in their way.
"Stay on target!" Kiba ordered and thus the Tenno continued forward. The Tenno were coming in hot as they got closer and closer to the barrier and the mass of Corpus which upon closer inspection had Amalgams among the enemy group. It was now or never either they bust through, or the mission is a bust.
(Alad V Facility Control Room)
"Well, we can't have this now can we." Alad V said and thus proceeded to enter another series of commands to shut down the barrier. Once he pressed enter, he smirked as he would be sticking it sideways to the Sentient who stole away control of his facility from him.
(Meanwhile back with the Tenno)
Once the barrier came down Shoko acted and fired off his guns at the nearby explosive barrels. This act resulted in an explosion that took out multiple enemies with it. Once the Tenno hit the ground, they were all shielded by a smokescreen from the explosion as enemies were surrounding them but were unable to see any of the Tenno.
"We're in." Alita said as she was ready to roll.
"I got a fix on the Master Bolt." Shoko added as they saw the blip on their hubs signaling them where their target was located.
"We'll sprint this, don't fall behind and stay together." Kiba said as Annabeth had some objections to this reckless plan.
"That sounds crazy." Annabeth said as she knew they will have enemy fire on them.
"Take it up with the committee we don't have time to plan." Kiba said as right now they could not think so they must do. Once the smoke began to clear the Corpus began to take aim with the Amalgams ready to off the Tenno. When the first shot had sounded it was the signal to start their run. "GO!" Kiba ordered and thus the five were off with enemy fire raining down on them from all angles. Due to their speed and movement the Tenno were able to avoid the shots and let their shields handle the ones they could not so easily avoid.
The Tenno ran down the path to their destination as they fired their guns on anything and everything that was not a Tenno or Warframe. Every so often the Tenno had to reload their weapons while they made their way through the enemies leaving a trail of death and destruction while they made their progress. This continued one as Percy pinned dead enemies to the walls with the Boltor Prime while Annabeth did the same with the Zhuge Prime.
As they continued a new voice spoke to them which got the Three Tenno's attention. "Our history is smoke. Blurred by dreams, guided by ghosts. A Voice, a Void, lurks inside you, its purpose not yet shown. But what am I?" The voice of the Lotus spoke to them which Percy and Annabeth both heard.
"Who was that?!" Percy asked shocked over the voice.
"Lotus?" Alita asked but focused on their mission as she saw more opponents show up. Alita blasted the heads off, of several Corpus crewman with her Tigris Prime Shotgun as Kiba fired with his Braton Prime. Meanwhile Shoko used the Shedu to open them a path so they may be able to progress further to their target objective, the Master Bolt. Eventually Kiba's current weapon ran out of ammo and thus instead of reloading he grabbed his Twin Grakahta's and began firing off his side arms while flipping over a Corpus Crewman. The move ended up taking out the enemies shield and then killing him with a shot to the head.
Meanwhile Percy and Annabeth were having a tough time on their own as they saw blood, human blood these guys were mortals, and the Tenno were slaughtering them. But if they have Zeus Master Bolt and planned to weaponize it they didn't have time to worry about their personal morals. While passing by a crossway Annabeth used her side arm and fired it off to the side while Shoko used the Hikou Prime on the other side. They were able to take out the Corpus and Amalgam threats with ease while making their way to their target objective.
Kiba then saw a Crosswalk above them and thus Percy knew what to do. Acting fast Percy summoned up what may be the Krakens limbs as it then reached out and grabbed the Corpus. Following it up Kiba jumped over to them and after reloading his weapons began to open fire on the Corpus making sure to aim for their soft spots. The Coprus that remain Annabeth used Nyx's ability to warp their minds and thus she turned them on each other.
But as the progressed even further once more the Voice spoke to them. "My father was a farmer. My mother, a carpenter. Giving light by the Golden Lords to build for them... a better world. But my family's journey was long. Time began to change their light. Creativity. Pride. A will to live." Lotus voice spoke as she was clearly more Natah then she was Lotus.
"No this can't be her." Shoko almost begged as he almost lost his focus. Thankfully, his focus was regained as just then a larger Amalgam got in their way with a Sentient drone. The foe had forced both Kiba and Shoko to halt their advance so they can defend themselves. Shoko used the Shedu to block the attack before pushing his foe away from him. Kiba meanwhile dodged his foes attacks as best he could no doubt being caught off guard by them, until he used Transference and fired a Void Beam at the Sentient Killing it instantly. Following it up Umbra sliced the heads off multiple Corpus before Kiba performed Transference again and made the two one once again.
Shoko then drew the Gram Prime and began swinging the weapon at any enemy that was moving. Shoko then forced his enemies to focus on him giving his teammate an opening to keep moving forward. "Go I got this!" Kiba called out as he was going to hold the line.
With a nod Kiba and the remaining three Tenno continued moving and even sealed the door behind them leaving Shoko behind. Once he was alone Shoko took a battle stance and held the Gram Prime at the ready. "Ok you sons of bitches." Shoko began glaring at his foes. "Welcome to the New War." Shoko announced before roaring out in challenge and charging at his foes ready to slaughter them.
(Over with the main Team)
"Shoko!" Alita cried out but Kiba was in charge here.
"Focus on the mission." Kiba ordered as Percy was going to object until Annabeth stopped him.
"No Percy." Annabeth said as she looked to her boyfriend. "He's holding the line for us; we can't let it be in vain." Annabeth said and thus with a solemn nod Percy agreed.
The Tenno continued onward as they made their way to their target seeing it was ever so closer now. But as they continued forward the voice of Natah spoke to them once more. "So, the Golden wrath came. And after, I was born. A mimic, a spy. Conceived to burrow into nests and swallow the pitch-eggs of their war machine. The Tenno. But when I saw your tender faces, I took mercy. Or so we were told." Natah said as her voice saying such things was hitting Kiba and Alita where it hurts them the most. But Natah or whoever this person was who spoke was far from done. "But in truth, we were both imprisoned in Lua's belly. My light remade by the creators. I became a memory, a ghost. Reprogrammed to destroy my family, my people, my history." Natah spoke with such contempt that the Tenno felt even now their strength and resolve beginning to wean.
Sensing this Percy acted trying to help his two friends. "Kiba, Alita don't listen this isn't the Lotus, you both know her the best." Percy said as he tried to help the two.
But as they progressed further while Percy's words helped it was not by much. No doubt the Sentient were trying to break the Tenno in some way, or form. Natah then finished off as they got closer enough to their objective that the Corpus was replaced by the amalgams now. "But now, I am saved. By family. Together, we will overcome the flaws of our light, the Gods of our creation... merging with them, like steel... bearing Amalgams with the weakness of neither." Natah spoke as the Tenno continued their mission and soon got to the final bit.
The Tenno suddenly stopped as Kiba and Alita looked to each other while they stood before a window overlooking an arena of sorts. "Look the Master Bolt!" Annabeth suddenly said as she pointed to the large structure hovering over the main stage as around them what seemed to be generators that were no doubt harnessing the Master Bolts raw power.
"We can end this and go home." Percy said but Kiba was not so keen on it.
"No." Kiba suddenly said as the group looked and saw that Natah's words had hurt Kiba deep, very deep. "This… this is what she wants we have to." Kiba spoke his voice was cracking showing the orphaned child hidden underneath the Warrior God.
"I can't I don't think either of us, any of us could." Alita said as she then saw Kiba fall out of Umbra and to his knees as he tried to wrap his mind around what Natah had said. Natah and the Lotus were on in the same and the way she spoke with such contempt such hatred… it felt like something inside him had broke all over again. Umbra kneeled himself down to Kiba in order to comfort him knowing full well the boy felt abandoned a feeling all Tenno share. The Orphan Survivors of the Zariman were now being abandoned all over again by the only person who they felt had loved them.
"Kiba listen it's not her, please." Annabeth said as she never had to deal with something like this. Yes, many Demigods felt abandoned by their Olympian Parents, it was how Kronos had gained his army during the second Titan War. But clearly it was not working as the words Natah had hit them all with had struck the Tenno deep. Gun fire was heard nearby as Alita fell with her back against a wall as she grabbed her head trying not to have a mental break down.
In turn Annabeth and Percy both saw the curse the Tenno had to endure. Truly their lives were that of endless suffering as if the Galaxy itself wanted to keep taking from children who should have died so long ago.
Percy was about to try to talk to Kiba and Alita again but that was just before Ordis began to contact the group. "Operator! Operator! I am detecting a signal reaching your channel!" Ordis called out as the group all heard this. "It's a secure channel but the codes used are… I don't believe it, it's the Lotus' codes!" Ordis called out and in turn Kiba knew Ordis had no choice but to put it through.
"Tenno!" A new voice spoke and thus on their hubs they saw an image of a woman to their hubs far right corner.
"What the, who is this?" Kiba asked as he then went for his communications to contact the new speaker. "Whoever you are, identify yourself now!" Kiba yelled as he would hunt down whoever this was who would dare to use the Lotus's equipment like this.
"You may refer to me as Amaranth and all you need know is that I am a friend, and we have little time to debate." The woman now known as Amaranth said as Alita then cut in.
"Ok, Amaranth what do you want?" Alita asked and thus Amaranth had her response for them.
"To help you save the Lotus." Amaranth announced shocking the team. "She'd never abandoned you like this; something clearly isn't adding up after all if she was made a tool of the Orikin… why would she let you all do what you did so long ago?" Amaranth asked revealing she knew about the infamous Orikin Genocide centuries prior. "She gave me those codes to help you rescue her." Amaranth announced as from Alita's hub she saw the image of a masked woman with some sort of symbol upon her helmet like mask. The mast was similar to that of the Lotus, but it seemed more beasts like in appearances.
"And how can we trust you?" Kiba asked as he made it clear trust was earned. "What do you have to offer that would make us allies?" Kiba asked his voice accusing to the new woman.
"I have nothing to prove myself to you." Amaranth said as she was being honest with the Tenno. "But I will say this that I owe the Lotus and Margulis both a great deal and I intend to repay that debt even if she knows not why I am compelled to do so." Amaranth said and in turn they received what seemed to be tactical data on Ropalolyst. "It is not much but it should help give you a fighting edge." Amaranth said and thus was trying to set herself up as the Tenno's new mission control operative. "All I ask is that you do what you can to rescue the one who had raised and loved my… who raised and loved you all." Amaranth spoke while correcting herself near the end which the Tenno, Percy, and Annabeth had all taken note of.
Kiba then sighed as he regained his resolve and once more became one with Umbra. "Tenno… we have a job to do." Kiba said and thus it was time to face the Eidolon called Ropalolyst. Walking over to the control level Kiba once the four were gathered activated it and in turn began their descent down to take on Ropalolyst.
(Scene Break in the Arena)
Once the Team hit the ground floor, they began to carefully make their way across the bridge. With the Master Bolt well within their reach they knew to tread carefully less their enemies use it to wipe them all out. Once they reached the stage a roar was heard as the bridge behind them began to retract. Looking to the source they saw the massive form of Ropalolyst flying down to the stage until he was hovering over it. The massive Sentient then roared out releasing a burst of energy as he roared at them.
"This is what it's all about!" Alita called out as the four were ready for the fight of their lives.
In turn Ropalolyst attacked them forcing the Tenno to bullet jump out of the way and find what cover they could. AS they moved to cover Ropalolyst fired lasers down upon the Tenno to cause them harm. During this a familiar voice to Kiba and Alita began to speak and get the attention of the two Veteran Tenno. "As you can see Betrayer, I've made a deal with an even higher power! Ah but when it comes to this turgid monster, there is some liquidity in my loyalty..." Alad V said as he was now jacked into the Tenno's communications links.
"Great good to know." Alita said as she clearly did not want to deal with this greedy little snake.
As Kiba fired his guns at the Eidolon it was clear that the bullets had no affect on it nor did the bolts from the Zhuge Prime Annabeth was using. "Tenno your weapons are of now use against this foe." Amaranth said as she was monitoring the mission from wherever she currently was hidden away. "Void based abilities are your only option to break through the shield Ropalolyst is using." Amaranth said as the Tenno knew what this meant now.
"Understood." Kiba responded and thus sprang into action once more. Using a bullet jump Kiba flew through the air and fired at the massive beast once more before he performed Transference. Once he did so Umbra got the foes attention giving Kiba the opening to fire off his Void Beams from his Amp courtesy of the Quills back in Cetus.
As Kiba fired off his Void Amp he saw the Sentient Eidolon's shields began to flux due to the Void energy the Tenno was using. Seeing this Alita did the same and exited her Warframe to begin firing on Ropalolyst with her own Void Beam. Meanwhile Percy and Annabeth saw what was going on and in turn Annabeth knew exactly what to do.
"Percy help, me draw Ropalolyst fire!" Annabeth called out and thus fired her gun at the Sentient to draw its attention away from Kiba and Alita.
"On it!" Percy called out and in turn joined his girlfriend to draw the beast's attention away from the Tenno pair.
Thus, their strategy went as intended with the Veteran Tenno firing their Void beams while Percy, Annabeth, and Umbra drew its fire away from them. This went on for a bit until eventually the shield failed and thus Ropalolyst was now left without any defenses.
When this happened Natah began to speak once more which got the Tenno's attention on her. "Your great power, your great evil. The Voice, the Void, within you. Our ancients still wither at its touch... but have you forgotten Lua? You were saved. But I... I was changed." Natah spoke but Amaranth cut in to calm the Tenno.
"Tenno don't listen to her, remember the Sentient and Ballas did something to her, this is not the Lotus!" Amaranth urged while trying to keep the Tenno's resolve strong for this fight.
"We still have a problem here!" Annabeth called out as she fired the Zhuge at the foe while Kiba and Alita performed Transference to summon their Warframes once more.
"I can see that!" Kiba called out as he saw the foe hovering over them. Kiba then pulled jumped and swung the Paracesis at Ropalolyst. But alas the Eidolon saw the Tenno coming and thus managed to stop the attack and throw Kiba and Umbra down. Acting fast Umbra performed Transference and Void Dashed to safety before he took out the bow and Arrows he got from Artemis and fired them at the massive Sentient foe. The attacks did nothing save for anger the Eidolon forcing Kiba to again perform Transference to avoid his foes attacks.
"We need a plan." Percy said as he saw the massive threat was not going down without a major struggle.
"What about those things!" Annabeth called out pointing to the three generators surrounding the stage.
"We may be able to use them." Amaranth said as she saw the idea forming. "We simply need to charge them up." Amaranth said and thus an idea was formed.
"Think ugly will be willing to help?" Percy asked pointing a thumb to Ropalolyst and in turn they were all in agreement on this.
Acting fast the team of four sprang into action once more and began to make their way to the first of the Four Generators. Alad V saw what they were doing from the observation deck and thus knew what the Tenno were planning to do here. "These Terrens can bank enough power to run this district for an entire cycle! Useless without a charge, I'm afraid." He warned them but no doubt they had a means to get these generators charged. As they were moving Ropalolyst landed and began sending currents of energy across the wires trying to stop them. Percy and Annabeth saw this and moved to the other wires while Kiba and Alita easily avoided the attacks.
When they got close enough the Sentient rose to attack only for the four to weave below it and onto the platform with the power generator. Once they were on the platform, they opened fire on Ropalolyst to force him to use one of his more, stronger attacks on them.
"How do we know when its time to move!?" Percy asked and thus Kiba saw it as the Eidolon began to charge power into its next attack.
"NOW!" Kiba called out and thus they moved behind the Generator for needed cover.
Ropalolyst then opened fire and while trying to hit the Tenno he only hit the Generator with his massive beam laser. As the laser fired it charged up the Generator with the energy needed to not only bring down the Eidolon but also to power up the cannon in the center.
Once it was sufficiently charged up Alad V began to speak up to get the attention of the Tenno again. "There's enough juice in that capacitor to flash-fry a city – but no way to bring it to the beast. I wonder, hmm, could you bring the beast... to it?" Alad V said and thus the plan was formed.
"Cover me!" Kiba ordered and thus with a nod Annabeth, Percy, and Alita moved out of cover to fire upon Ropalolyst while Kiba went the other way to flank the Sentient Eidolon. As Ropalolyst attention was drawn to the three he missed how the fourth moved in and ran up his back. AS Kiba went upward he managed to wrap his sword and arms around a larger part of Ropalolyst and forcibly guided him to the charged-up Generator.
"Yes! Make that thing sizzle. I want to smell it all the way down here in the control center." Alad V said as he knew what the Tenno were planning to do with this. The Sentient of course put up a fight but alas Ropalolyst was forced into the Generator and like a bug to a bug zapper was electrocuted for his troubles.
Once the deed was done Ropalolyst spasmed out and eventually crashed into the main stage where he began to recover. Kiba was soon rejoined by his teammates who saw what Kiba did and thus as they saw this Percy had a bit of hope. "Think we got him?" Percy asked but then Ropalolyst got up and roared clearly angry for that shocking trick it endured.
"Does that answer your question?" Alita asked and thus they began to move once more.
Of course, Alad V had to add in his two cents as Kiba knew the slimy greedy snake was only helping them because it was profitable. "Oh, now you've made it mad. Hmm, an opportunity perhaps?" Alad V asked and thus Kiba looked and saw a set of generators on the Eidolon's body.
"Everyone, focus fire on the marked targets!" Kiba called out the order and thus they saw the target Kiba had marked for them. In turn they opened fire intent to take it down and thankfully their combined might caused the spot to break and with it cause the Eidolon great deals of pain.
"Tenno from my data the Master Bolt is being used as a focus, once given a spark to activate." Amaranth said as she saw the data of the massive arena. "Go to the nearby console and use it!" Amaranth spoke and thus with the orders given they got to work.
Once they got there Kiba activated the console and with their foe in position the massive beam fired down upon it. The damage was severe but not enough to win this fight it would seem. When the beam subsided and Ropalolyst began to rise again Natah spoke out once more. "We suffer these testaments of Tenno evil. Their Voice and Void. Suffer it well, ancient child. Do not relent." Natah urged as she ordered the Eidolon to battle her children.
"Tenno, the beam had caused the Eidolon severe damage but it's not enough. Again." Amaranth ordered and thus the Tenno got moving to the second Generator. But it was clear Ropalolyst would not allow it this time as he immediate fired his beam upon the Tenno to send them to their graves.
"Oh shit!" Percy called out and thus they were forced to avoid the attack from their massive enemy.
Acting fast Kiba and Alita fired off Void Beams upon their foe from two different spots after performing Transference to separate from their Warframes. As the Tenno fired off their Void Beams, they saw how the shield that had been re-engaged had begun to flux from the Void Energy once more.
Eventually the shielding once more came undone as no doubt for the Tenno this was the easy part for them. The Sentient Eidolon saw what had happened and knew what was coming so in response grew more violent with its attacks. As the Tenno moved about to avoid Ropalolyst's attacks on them it was clear the same trick wont work twice on the Sentient. With this information it was clear that they needed a new plan. That was until a new voice was heard one, they were familiar with.
"BOMBS AWAY!" Shoko was heard as from above via a broken vent Shoko fell onto Ropalolyst back and began to force his beam to hit the nearby Generator.
"Shoko!" Kiba called out happy to see his best friend was alive and well while also quick to adapt to the situation even if he did not know it fully.
Thankfully, the plan worked even if it was out of nowhere. Now not only was the Generator charged up, but Shoko was about to make it cause some hurt to the Sentient. As he guided the Eidolon to the generator it was once more met with thousands upon thousands of volts of endless agony. This of course forced the Sentient to crash into the center stage again where Shoko jumped off and rejoined the group.
"So, what did I miss?" Shoko asked as he had Shedu out ready to do some damage.
"No time, aim for the marked target!" Kiba ordered and thus the group got to work on hitting the target Kiba had marked on Ropalolyst. The results lead to the part being broken and in turn given the Tenno the opening they needed to act. Once that was done Annabeth bullet jumped over to the console and activated it causing the beam from above to fire down upon the Eidolon.
When the beam hit and caused Ropalolyst pain Natah began to speak once more. "Rise Ancient ROPALOLYST, my other-flesh. Your sacrifice will breed a new way for a new kind." Natah spoke as she provided words of comfort to her fellow Sentient while ordering it to keep fighting the Tenno.
"Good work Tenno, one more shot should see an end to this struggle." Amaranth spoke and thus the Tenno got ready to move once more.
"That's all well and good but we need to guide this bastard to the last generator somehow." Kiba said as they knew their last two tricks won't work a third time on the massive Sentient.
"Worst yet the stage is getting smaller!" Percy added and thus they saw they were short on available room now.
"I have an idea he can't get all of us." Kiba began as they were all hidden behind some cover. "SCATTER NOW!" Kiba ordered and in turn they all got moving. Seeing the Tenno separate Ropalolyst began to go after Kiba and Alita first after they fired upon him to get their massive foes attention. During this Kiba and Alita fired off their Void Beams while keeping away from Ropalolyst to draw its attention on them. Shoko had joined in as they attacked from three different points to divide the Eidolon's attention between the trio.
During this Percy and Annabeth were moving to the Generator to get Ropalolyst ready to attack them. Eventually the shield came undone and with a quick use of Transference the Tenno got moving to the Generator. Ropalolyst was of course not going to let that happen, but before it could fire upon the Tenno it was caught by surprised by new attacks. Looking over to the source it was that it was being fired upon from behind by Percy and Annabeth who had managed to make it to the Generator in one piece.
Snarling the Eidolon rose once more and fired off its massive beam upon the duo. Thankfully, they had the forethought to move out of the way and avoid the blast from Ropalolyst. "Shoko get me in there!" Alita called out and thus Shoko nodded reached out his hand to Alita. Alite grabbed his hand hand while they made their way to the Eidolon before Shoko roared and spun where he then used the momentum to throw Alita onto Ropalolyst's back. Once she landed Alita used her body to force Ropalolyst to her command and in turn guided it to the final Generator. Once they made contact Ropalolyst roared out in pure agony before he crashed down on the stage one last time.
Natah of course spoke trying to get the Eidolon to keep on fighting the Tenno. "ROPALOLYST. Rise... remain... and die for the others to live." Natah spoke as she saw the Eidolon was on its last legs from this battle.
They all began to regroup at the stage once more as Ropalolyst began to rise again. As the Eidolon rose it was clear it was not going to surrender and thus had chosen to die fighting the enemies of Tau. Once they got close the Tenno began to open fire upon their foe as Amaranth saw what was happening now.
"Good this is your chance end this once and for all!" Amaranth called out while the Tenno fired upon Ropalolyst.
"Yes, this is it, as this new Lotus said Betrayers. Rid me of this... this thing, and I will be grateful. For at least a few days." Alad V said as they were already working on ending this major battle.
Once the final target was destroyed the Tenno got moving and slammed their hands onto the controls activating the beam for the final time. The shot rained down upon the Sentient Eidolon bathing it in the agonizing fury of Corpus technology enhanced by Zeus thunderbolt.
The entire area began to go white for the Tenno as they were all blinded by the explosion. The beam was overloading and not only was it destroying the Eidolon but everything around it as well. The blast threw them about as they shielded themselves as best, they could from the onslaught of uncontrolled destruction.
In the blank abyss the voice of Natah began to speak once more. "So, it is. So, you have done. Time and again. Eradicating my people, my history. So, it will be with yours, child." Natah spoke as her voice resonated to the Tenno. "I am the witness, the victim, the judge. My family has returned. Your trial... soon to begin." She spoke as she was no doubt speaking of the oncoming New War. "The light leaves this one and rejoins the rest. I will dig no grave. I will plant no stone. Only conceive a plan, for our new home." She finished and in turn for the Tenno her voice began to fade again.
But for Kiba the voice of Amaranth began to speak. "Worry not Tenno, I promise you we will bring her home. She had saved you and for that I will in turn save her for you, my cub." Amaranth spoke and thus all went to white.
As the world began to return to the team Kiba was the first to rise as he moaned while getting up. As he did so Kiba saw his friend and teammates were also rising show that they were alive, not like there was much that can kill a Tenno. As they got back up Kiba looked around wondering what they had missed and saw a green beacon on his map.
"Tenno, get to Extraction." Amaranth spoke and thus they knew they had to go.
"Wait the Master Bolt!" Kiba called out and thus looked where he then saw their intended target waiting for them abandoned and ripe for the taking. Going over to it Kiba grabbed the Master Bolt and held it in his hand feeling the power radiating off, of Zeus' might weapon. "I got it let's go!" Kiba called and in turn the five Tenno made a break for the Extraction point. But as they ran it was clear for all to see that the New War had been ignited and with that fire the Origin System would feel all its fury. But for now, it was time to return the Lightning Bolt to Zeus on Olympus.
(Scene Break Olympus Pocket Space)
The team had to enter Olympus via the one of the Solar Rails. In days of old Olympus was over Mt. Olympus but had travelled west to the country with the most power. America's Empire State Building became home to Olympus but when the Spirit of the Westers world vanished many believed that Olympus did as well. But thankfully similar to the Shinto there was just enough Olympian origin for Olympus to reform and thus with the Solar Rails a new pathway to Olympus was made. With specified codes made in Olympian and Shinto Kanji the pathways to either Olympus or the Shinto Gods realms were formed from the Solar Rails.
Ordis had a bit of a brain fart when he received the codes but thankfully Kiba was able to decipher them with relative ease. Thus, as the Landing Crafts flew to the landing pad of Olympus where the Tenno were met with the gates to Olympus opened to them. As they began to enter it was clear to Percy and Annabeth that the three Tenno were on edge here.
"Hey guys it's cool no need to be nervous." Percy said trying to calm the three Tenno down. "They may be all powerful but if you show them respect the Gods can be mellow." Percy said which of course made things worse for the trio.
"Sorry Percy… but this place gives me flashbacks to the Orokin during the old war." Kiba said as he looked ready to draw his weapon if the Olympian Gods gave him reason to do so. "If they are anything like the Orokin." Kiba trailed off and thus Alita put a comforting hand on Kiba's shoulder to calm him down.
"Let's just go and get this over with, the New War is about to start, and we need all the allies we can get." Alita said as Annabeth had been hearing a lot about this New War from the three Tenno.
(Later Council of the Immortals)
When the Tenno arrived with Percy and Annabeth leading, they were of course met with the sight of the Olympian Council. Kiba nearly drew his weapon when the scene gave him a brief flashback of the Orokin Executioners from the day they had killed Margulis. If it were not for Annabeth and Alita Kiba may have done something he would come to regret.
Calming himself Kiba held the Master Bolt in his Warframe's hands knowing this was what Zeus had stolen from him. It was foolish if Kiba thought about it that for his Symbol of Power Zeus has nary any protections on the thing. This suggested a sense of arrogance from the Olympian which Kiba felt was not a good attribute from possible allies.
"So, these are the Olympians, huh." Shoko said as he saw the many Olympians on their thrones around the group.
Kiba then stepped forward and held the Master Bolt in his hand almost ready to give it over. "My name is Kiba." Kiba began as he stepped out of Umbra while taking the Master Bolt from his Warframe. "I am a Tenno and I believe you had your oracle request us to retrieve this." Kiba began as he held up the bolt. "And those two." Kiba added gesturing to Percy and Annabeth who stepped out of Hydroid Prime and Nyx Prime to face the Olympians. "The contract is nearly complete." Kiba said showing that for him this was just another mission to undergo not some grand important quest.
"Then hand over my Bolt." Zeus said as he was calm about this, but Annabeth, Athena, and Artemis all felt something was about to go wrong if it was not carefully handled.
"Well, you heard my uncle." Percy quipped but then to the shock of many Kiba instead of handing the Master Bolt over he stepped back a bit and pulled it away from Zeus waiting hand.
"No." Kiba said much to the shock of everyone here.
"Excuse me?" Zeus asked as he heard the Tenno just tell him no.
"I have a few questions and you're going to answer them." Kiba began as he held the Bolt away from Zeus while Umbra stepped in front of Kiba protectively. "And more so I have some demands." Kiba added and thus Zeus began to grow angry with Kiba.
"You dare barter my property?!" Zeus snarled as he glared down upon the Tenno.
"Kiba what are you doing?" Annabeth asked shocked to hear what Kiba was doing right now.
"My job." Kiba said as the Tenno were protectors of the Origin System and the Olympians have a history of doing things that would endanger all, of the Origin System. "My first demand is simple, leave humans alone we don't need you governing us." Kiba said as Zeus was shocked that Kiba made his demand for humans not himself.
"Watch your tone boy, I can very well smite you if I so desired." Zeus snapped but Kiba knew a bluff when he saw one.
"Then why don't you?" Kiba asked which caused even Umbra to look at Kiba in shock. "What is it about Tenno that you would go out of your way to find our sleeping forms and give us small slivers of your power?" Kiba asked as he glared at the Olympian King. "If you truly believed you can smite us then smite me right here, right now." Kiba challenged as he glared at Zeus daring him to do it.
"Kiba…" Shoko began but Kiba cut Shoko off.
"Didn't you sense it when we entered?" Kiba asked as he looked to Shoko. "If I had to make a wager, they also sensed it." Kiba added as Alita thought about it for a moment.
"Yeah, your right I did sense something when we entered here." Alita said as she realized what this meant.
"I was thinking the people of the Origin System some of them considered us to be, 'Warrior Gods,' what if there was more to that then we realized." Kiba said as he looked to Zeus almost challenging him to try and prove the Tenno wrong. "Fact is Gods can't smite other Gods that would require the two God to actually duke it out." Kiba said as he was testing a theory and making a show of force to the Olympian Gods.
Artemis meanwhile looked worried for her son that he was doing something beyond reckless to make a point. Even Hera and Hestia were worried for their children as Poseidon and Athena looked to Zeus knowing he was about to do something Kiba was provoking him into doing.
"Well Zeus what are you waiting for if you can smite me do it." Kiba ordered as he removed his Amp intent to use the full power of his Void right now.
"Kiba what are you doing?!" Percy asked worried Kiba was suicidal.
"We need allies and from what I heard and read the Olympian are not allies we can count on, just like the Orokin, just like Ballas." Kiba snarled as Zeus was at his limit. "In fact, the Master Bolt may actually be safer in the hands of the Tenno." Kiba said making it seem like he was about to take Zeus symbol of power.
In response Zeus fired a steam of lightning from his hand at Kiba who in response fired a beam of Void Energy at Zeus's stream. The two forces met in the center creating a shockwave that resonated across the room as Kiba held firm leaving Zeus in shock. Kiba let go of the Master Bolt leaving many in shock to this as Kiba held firm. Soon much to Zeus's horror the Void Beam began to overpower his stream and as it got closer Zeus was forced to cut the steam and dodge the attack. The result was the upper part of his throne and part of the back wall being destroyed by Kiba's Void Beam. With a Void Dash Kiba retrieved the Master Bolt and had his hand back up ready to fire another beam.
Zeus glared at the Tenno as he clearly did not like him. "What are you? What sort of Demigod are you?" Zeus asked glaring at Kiba.
"I'm not a Demigod… I'm a Tenno." Kiba said as Void energy began to gather in his hand once more. But as everyone got ready for a fight Kiba surprised them when he lowered his hand away from Zeus. "More so the power we used, the Void, you fear it don't you?" Kiba asked as he glared up to Zeus waiting for an answer from him.
Zeus of course refused to answer which Kiba saw was confirmation of his theory. "What do you want?" Zeus growled and in turn Kiba held the Master Bolt to Zeus once more.
"My demand is confirmation that we can count on you to aid us in the New War." Kiba said as he glared at Zeus. "Otherwise, we're taking back the Master Bolt and using it against the Sentient." Kiba added as clearly, he held the cards here.
"What?" Zeus asked shocked to hear their demand.
"See we're currently without the Orokin Empire to back us up, not like we'd want it." Shoko began as he stepped forward and used Transference to step out of Chroma Prime.
"We're already working on getting both the Grineer and Corpus to back side with us, but we need more allies." Alita went on as she got to the major bit. "You scratch our back, and we scratch yours." Alita added and thus Kiba finished the negotiations off.
"If you agree to help, we'll be more than happy to return the favor. Keep it that way and I can see us having a splendid partnership." Kiba finished and thus Zeus knew that if he did not agree to this, he won't get his Master Bolt back until after the New War assuming Kiba doesn't toss it into the Void if something goes wrong.
Thus, swallowing his pride and using every inch of self-control Zeus gave the only answer he could give. "Very well." Zeus said and thus Kiba wasn't done with his demands.
"Swear on it." Kiba added as he had done enough research to know they needed this to be legally binding.
"Impudent little." Zeus began but Hestia glared at him and thus Zeus shut his mouth. "I swear on the River of Styx that Olympus will provide any aid we can to the Tenno for aid in return and vice versa." Zeus said as Kiba looked at Zeus as thunder rolled in from the distance suggesting Styx heard the vow made.
"I would have pushed to have you leave mortals alone… but we'll cross that bridge later." Kiba said and thus he handed the Master Bolt back to Zeus who took the item and let it return to its true size in the Olympian Gods grip.
"This meeting is adjourned I must take my Master Bolt to the waters of Lemnos to be purified of whatever taint these 'Sentient,' may carry." Zeus said and thus he vanished in a flash of light as did the others.
The five returned to their Warframes and began to take their leave of them. As they left the room Alita stepped forward and smirked over to Kiba. "You tagged Zeus with a tracking device when you gave him that Master Bolt, didn't you?" Alita asked as she smirked to Kiba.
"Yes, I did." Kiba said not even denying what he had done. "Next time he does something he should not be doing or is wrong… we'll be there." Kiba said as he may be willing to work with Zeus, but he did not trust the Olympian. More so he kept the topic quiet so only Alita and Shoko heard him.
"Kiba." A new voice spoke as Kiba looked and saw Artemis standing there. "Sorry for, disturbing you but I wish to speak with you… privately if possible." Artemis said sounding oddly nervous just now.
"Guys head on ahead, Percy you'll leave with Shoko." Kiba said and thus seeing what was happening they all left the two. "Now then… what do you want?" Kiba asked as he glared at the woman who left him and his father to suffer during the tragic Zariman Void Jump incident.
"I want to talk to my son, face to face." Artemis spoke as she needed confirmation on her part here. Kiba then sighed and exited Umbra who then stepped aside to give the mother son pair some space between them. When that happened Artemis saw the outfit and gear her son had on. When Artemis saw her son for the first time in forever face to face her voice cracked a bit as she saw him. "My child… so beautiful to behold." Artemis said as she knew the Lotus said those exact words and now, she truly sees why.
Kiba looked away in response as he also recognized those words and with them memories painful ones came forth. Seeing this Artemis opted to change to subject to make Kiba more comfortable. The subject came from what Kiba was wearing "You're wearing the gear I gave you." Artemis said surprised to see Kiba was donning her gift. She had expected Kiba to part with it, but it would seem that assumption was clearly the wrong one.
"Their comfortable and useful." Kiba said sternly as he wanted to get to the point.
"Kiba I…" Artemis began as she looked to Kiba only to be cut off by him.
"Why." Kiba spoke as he didn't even his mother.
"W-what?" Artemis asked as she heard what Kiba just said.
"Why did you leave, why didn't you stay?" Kiba asked as he glared at Artemis.
"Kiba I…" Artemis began before she sighed and knew she could not half ass this. "I swear on the River of Styx that what I am about to tell you is the truth and nothing but the truth." Artemis said and thus thunder rolled in surprising Kiba.
"What?" Kiba asked and thus Artemis finally spoke.
"I was a coward." Artemis spoke surprising Kiba when she saw that.
"W-what?" He asked shocked to hear this.
"I was a coward I was afraid of hurting you of causing you harm and… making you watch me die." Artemis spoke surprising Kiba when she said this. "That was no, excuse and it is still not an excuse, I left you a small innocent babe who I helped create because I was scared of hurting you or worse." Artemis said as she sounded hurt even heartbroken over her cowardly actions. "The time you spent trapped in the Void… I had never felt so powerless before in my life." Artemis admitted as she looked to her beloved and cherished son, Kiba. "I should have been there for you; I have no excuse for not being there even when you returned and the Orokin took you and the other Tenno." Artemis said as Kiba listened to what she had to say.
"I've spent so many millennia alone and thanks to my cowardice I ended up hurting you and making you suffer in ways I could have stopped." Artemis said as she saw herself as a failure to her son her one and only Demigod. "I wish I could have gone back and changed my choice stayed with you even in the attempt to go to Tau, but I didn't." Artemis began and from the looks of it she was about to break down.
Kiba clenched his fists to keep his own emotions in check. He was angry at her and he was angry that she was the one who carried that guilt and from the sounds of it had been punishing herself over her ill made choices. When Kiba was about to lash out Umbra surprised him and offered Artemis a cloth. Artemis looked and saw Umbra gestured for her to wipe her tears away with it. Seeing the offer Artemis did so thankful for the cloth Umbra had offered to her.
Seeing this Kiba calmed down and thus made his decision on how to interact with his mother. "I can't forgive you for leaving… at least not now." Kiba said as he had three choices. Forgive and forget, lash out and punish, or the balance between the two accept it and learn to forgive his mother. "But I'm willing to give it a try if you are." Kiba said showing it may take a long while, but he was willing to forgive her if she would meet Kiba half-way with it.
"I… I'd like that very much." Artemis said as Umbra nodded happy to see Kiba and Artemis starting to makeup. It was going to be a prolonged process but if both parties were willing then forgiveness and healing will in turn come about. With a nod from Kiba the Tenno melded back together with Umbra via Transference and in turn began to head out to catch up with his teammates. As Kiba left Artemis could not help but smile for her son happy to see that healing would in fact be possible for them both. But for now, everything was in harmonious peace in the shared realm of Gods and Mortals.
"You know." Artemis spoke as she got Kiba's attention on her. "I remember when I gave birth to you, Kiba. You were such a small innocent thing." Artemis recounted fondly the day of her son's birth. "I remember a song I used to love in the old world, I believe it was Fly me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra." Artemis said and thus Kiba looked to her from the corner of his eye. "I remember how you use to fall asleep in my arms whenever you heard it, so I made it into a sort of lullaby for you, for the brief time we were together as a family." Artemis said as she knew Kiba would hum that tune occasionally.
Kiba turned away but as he walked, he kept his smile of happiness hidden away. Despite how he portrayed himself Kiba knew at the very least she was watching him. As he walked despite being under Kiba's control he could not help but feel a sort of connection to Artemis. Regardless Umbra would not fail Kiba like he had done Issa so long ago. He was a Dax Warrior who lost everything and now he was a Warframe who would hold on to everything Kiba had helped him gain as part of his new family.
(Scene Break Camp Half-Blood)
Celebrations were well underway as crowns of leaves called Laurels were distributed among the heroes. Percy and Annabeth were of course happy to see Chiron after all this time and the Centaur was also happy to see them. But while Shoko and Alita were off celebrating Kiba was by himself. He never did like large crowds and after getting his reward he was on the roof of his cabin alone.
Nearby was a Shawzin which Kiba rubbed his hand against. He took the instrument and read the inscriptions on it. 'To the child of Lua and the Void, let your soul play among the stars,' which was no doubt made by Artemis. Kiba then sighed as he took the Shawzin and after making sure it was ready, he began to play a familiar tune. As Kiba began to play the song on his new Shawzin the stars above twinkled and while under the luminous light of Lua even nature itself began to move in harmony to the tune.
-Fly me to the moon-
-Let me play among the stars-
-Let me see what spring is like-
-On a-Jupiter and Mars-
-In other words: hold my hand-
-In other words: baby, kiss me-
-Fill my heart with song-
-And let me sing for ever more-
-You are all I long for-
-All I worship and adore-
-In other words: please, be true-
-In other words: I love you-
-Fill my heart with song-
-Let me sing for ever more-
-You are all I long for-
-All I worship and adore-
-In other words: please, be true-
-In other words, in other words: I love you-
When Kiba finished it felt like Nature itself was calmed and content and for a brief time even the shortest moment Kiba felt… all was right with the Origin System. "Kiba!" Shoko called out and thus Kiba looked to see Alita, Shoko, Percy, and Annabeth looking for him. Smiling a bit Kiba jumped down to meet with them to be around those he truly trusted and who he called friends. Thus, as Kiba rejoined the others despite the New War approaching Kiba could say without a doubt he could face the future with a smile on his face and his head triumphantly held high.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here we are Chapter 7 finished and done with. I hope you all enjoyed it and will join us next time for Chapter 8 as we begin the next Arc of this fix. Now then until next time, please leave a review before leaving and as always ja-ne.