Chapter 11: Insulator
Yang yelped as Chie pulled her away from flying debris as the red attack struck the room. Relius and Ignis went flying into different parts of the room. Linne and Gordeau covered their faces as the energy surged past them.
Ruby gripped onto Hyde tightly as Kokonoe stood beside them. The new figure now known as Insulator stood before them.
"The Insulator? But, how?" Linne breathed, the personified weapon took a breath and rested the sword on their shoulder.
"Don't worry, I still carry many of the ideals my wielder has." Insulator said, their purple eyes glowing.
"Kokonoe, how did you, do this?" Kajun asked, glancing at the beastkin.
"All factors were at play, use of souls, Insulator's transformation, Observation, and the use of Seithr." Kokonoe said.
Earlier...
Kokonoe ran along the halls, following the route to the room where she needed to be. Most likely Relius and Hazama will overpower them, even with Ragna here, Hazama can pull his stupid move in order to drain everyone's energy. The collateral damage alone would harm everyone who wasn't from this world. Not to mention more susceptible to seithr poisoning. She found the room and opened the door. Closing it she sighed, hopefully this will work. She turned around and saw the Insulator, completely submerged in Void Red energy of which she redirected from the storage unit. In the other she saw the faux copy. Even without checking his notes, the energy coming off of the faux made it clear.
It was now a full Nox Nyctores. She doesn't know how they overcame the soul requirement, but that was a pure Nox Nyctores not an imitation. It was the real deal, she looked at the valve containing the energy and opened it. Void Red suddenly flooded the faux containment as well. She looked at the monitor and finish redirecting the energy. Soon both containments were filled with Void Red, swirling like a tornado angrily. She stopped the machine that forced the energy to move around and watched it smoke and slowly move within the container. Linne told her that if enough Void and EXS are in concentration, there's a possibility a Void will be produced. Her theory was that the soul in the faux weapon, and that the Void Red was being extracted from Hype himself, no doubt having fragmented copies of his soul or personality will affect how this 'void' would come about. With intense focus Kokonoe focused on the chambers as a low vibration emitted from the chambers. The energy swirled angrily as the Insulator pulsed a bright red from the center. A sudden wave of energy traveled through the room, the glass broke and the energy made Kokonoe cover herself to prevent getting hit by glass shards.
"You are the Indulgence of Insulation right?" Kokonoe asked loudly, her vision never wavering from the still raging tornado of Void Red. The Nox Nyctores copy was pulled from its container and pulled next to the Insulator . The two swords have been encased together in Void Red. Two purple eyes emerged from cloud and looked at Kokonoe, she never stopped looking, this was their only chance to survive, no doubt the Phantom Field of where they were sent had some kind of power limiter so no one would die. This was different though, this world was different. The others wouldn't survive in this world. Not when they were from one completely different.
"Indulgence of Insulation, the Insulator, you are able to rip EXS apart. You are a powerful weapon, who few are able to wield. Am I right?" Kokonoe spoke aloud, hoping the cloud would hear her.
"You are here because of Hyde Kido, your current wielder. He was able to summon you from the depths of the Hollow Night so you can fight once more." Kokonoe continued, as she did the cloud slowly took form. It took a humanoid shape, with an arm and hand like appendage grabbing the duplicate Insulator Nox Nyctores. The Nox Nyctores' black blade suddenly surged with a rich red glow. In a flash the weapons were gone. Kokonoe saw the black and red mass shoot out of the room, and down to where Relius no doubt was. She stood up and gave chase. Hoping this would work.
"The Insulator taking on a human form, emboding fragments of Hyde and Vatista's personalities, covered in a Seithr shell to contain his energy, and is Observed to keep him grounded in reality." Kokonoe said, adjusting her glasses.
"How is that even possible?" Linne breathed, the Insulator looked at them briefly.
"We can explain once we get my wielder out of here." The Insulator said, they pulled the Nox Nyctores into an offensive stance as Hazama and Relius got up from their positions.
"Well, that was quite the interruption. " Hazama said, brushing dust off his clothing.
"You're outnumbered, surrender peacefully." Weiss said tentatively, she understands that the two individuals were strong, but right now it seems like they have the upper hand. They just need to keep their guard up.
"Ho-oh, such authority from such a young girl. Don't you think you might be a bit out of place?" Hazama smirked, holding his fedora.
"Listen! We don't have time for your crap, either surrender or we'll make you!" Kanji yelled, clenching his fist. Hazama smirked before snapping his fingers. In a flash, a figure shot past him and Yukiko managed to pull Kanji away from a flying kunai.
"What the-?! Yosuke-senpai?!" Kanji called out as the auburn teen looked at him, his eyes still glowing green.
"I already explained it to your other compadres. Hana-chan is under my control. Now then, let's talk about the Insulator here." Hazama said with a smirk.
"I'm not going to let you, you've done enough damage as it is. Threat level high, enemies must be exterminated." Insulator said as they readied the sword. Their eyes widened and quickly jumped out of the way as swords stabbed into the ground where they once stood.
"Target sited, initiating combat mode. Threat level: high, destruction: negative, must secure target." Naoto said in a scarily robotic voice. The visor still hid her eyes and the swords returned to her sides.
"You are the 'Immortal Killer'. You've become a physical form. Now tell me, how was that possible?" Relius said as he stood up, with a wave of his hand Ignis got back into battle position, red energy flowing from her claws.
"The does not concern you, I'm amazed you bothered asking. I suspected you would have just restrained me and examined it personally." Insulator said, for the first time for Linne, it felt weird hearing Hyde's voice like that. It sounded, off, small reverberations came from Insulator's being, three or four different voices mixed into one as it spoke. It mostly sounded like Hyde, but she could hear others as well. Insulator held the Nox Nyctores and pointed it at Relius.
"Oh I will, I just wanted to see if you had anything to offer willingly. You wield that Nox Nyctores so easily, no doubt there's a strong mental strength within that being. Or are you the soul from the Nox Nyctores mixing with that of the Insulator? I guess we have no time to talk, Ignis!" Relius commanded, the robot shot forward, streams of energy flowing like ribbons. Insulator dodged the attack from Ignis, Kokonoe summoning an Ars shield in order to block any stray energy from hitting Linne and her group. Insulator jumped up, and swung the Nox Nyctores down, it's own Void Red energy flowing from the blade. The blast barely missed Ignis as it made a crater in the ground, Ignis jumped and shot at it with her claws, only for Insulator to slide it's Nox Nyctores between the claws and strike the hand. The two struggled for a little before Insulator moved more energy into the blade and sliced one of the claws clean off of Ignis' hand. The robot stumbled back as Insulator sent a weaker surge of energy, hitting it and sending it flying into the ground. Relius frowned as he and Hazama stood before them.
"Well this is an interesting development." Hazama said with a chuckle. Ouroboros ready in his palm. Ruby shrunk back, holding Hyde tighter, both Yuzuriha and Linne stiffened and got ready to fight.
"You are not laying a hand on my wielder." Insulator said, stepping between them. Hazama raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? You're protective of your wielder, yet you are not attacking us, is it because of the brutes fighting near us?" Hazama asked as he gestured to Kanji, Yukiko and Weiss dealing with Yosuke. Yu and Ragna went to hold back Naoto.
"It doesn't matter if I say yes or no. I recommend you retreat before I end you." Insulator said, his eyes darkening as the sword glowed.
"A blade this sharp doesn't need any EXS in order to end a life." Insulator said as his voice shifted a bit to a more mature voice.
"I would like to see that, you Immortal Killer!" Hazama said, ripping off the fedora, Terumi free once more, he shot forward with Ouroboros and Relius jumped up to follow. The chains flew down, snakeheads' jaws wide open, ready for a bite. Insulator jumped back and swung his weapon, blocking the chains, once Terumi was close enough, he kicked him in the stomach and sending him back. Relius jumped in a followed, a giant mechanical arm shooting from under his cloak, grabbing Insulator by his collar and Relius head bashed him in the forehead. Insulator stumbled back from the surprise, but quickly recovered and swung the sword down at Relius, slicing the mechanical arm in two. Terumi jumped back in and slashed at Insulator with his knives.
Ruby, Linne, Yuzuriha, and Kokonoe looked at the brawl before them. Yu and the others were trying to hold off the mind-controlled Yosuke and Naoto as they fought. Ruby wasn't sure what to do, seeing everything like this was terrifying. Insulator looked so much like Hyde and was fighting so hard, taking and exchanging blows with the two opponents. She realized how powerful the people of this world are, and how cruel they can be. She understands now why people like Kokonoe and Ragna use 'kill' so easily, so hatefully. They had their reasons, whatever they may be.
"Damn it!" Linne turned and saw Godeau barrel past them as he sliced several drones in half.
What the hell are these things?" Gordeau said as he took a breath. Another drone shot past, only to be knocked out of the sky by one of Kokonoe's wrenches. Blake pulled out her weapon, switching it to her pistol mode, and fired at the robots.
"Looks like we got our own trouble. Insulator looks like he can handle himself. Relius must've had some bots he's been working on here." Kokonoe glared at the drones as the machines flew in. She saw the Insulator fighting with Terumi and Relius.
"Alright, change of plans, Kajun, Blake, Gordeau, help me get rid of the pests. Ruby, remain here with Hyde. Linne, Yuzuriha, help the Insulator. I'm not taking chances." Kokonoe said, Linne and Yuzuriha nodded before leaving. She growled a bit before pulling out a thick, large disk, she pressed a button and it turned into a machine gun. Gordeau's jaw dropped as Kokonoe let it rip. The gun barrel glowing bright as bullets sprayed out and nailed the drones. Blake looked at her with a smile as she was reminded of a particular fashionista.
"Impressive, your skills with that sword are excellent." Relius smirked as he shot down at the Insulator. The personified sword grunted with frustration as they swung the Nox Nyctores at Relius and Hazama, a burst of energy following it.
Insulator dodged another strike from Ignis, the robot slashed at them with her still whole claw. Insulator blocked the claw with the sword and pushed it back, not enough to break it, but enough to shove the robot back. They jumped back as Terumi sent Ouroboros, the dark chains rattling as it moved. Insulator's eyes widened as Linne jumped past them and blocked the chains with her blades. Yuzuriha blocked Relius' attack that came at them from the left. The two girls landed beside Insulator and the three faced against Relius, Ignis, and Terumi.
"Are you alright?" Yuzuriha asked, Insulator looked at them briefly before sighing.
"I am fine." Insulator said as they got ready to attack.
"Fucking hell!" Ragna cursed as he blocked a barrage of swords. Naoto moved her hands and the blades returned to her. Damn it, she was just as annoying as Nu, however unlike Nu, he needed to make sure he didn't harm her too much. She was still semi-human, not a science experiment like Nu or Lambda.
"Keep steady!" Yu said, he summoned Izanagi again and sent a burst of electricity at Naoto. She dodged the attack and with a wave of her hand, her persona materialized. Shooting at Yu with a powerful wind attack, Izanagi dematerialized and he was forced back by the wind. He glanced at the persona and it's eyes were glowing an odd pink color. He couldn't see it for long as it dematerialized and Naoto shot at him. He used his katana to block the swords as they flew towards him. His sheath getting torn in the process. Ragna jumped past him and knocked away the blades. He slammed the sword into the ground and caused Naoto to stumble back. He quickly slashed at her with the blade, forcing her to block with her arms. He shoved her back.
"Now!" Yu saw the opening Ragna provided, thankfully he could summons Izanagi again. He summoned him and sent a wave of electricity at her.
This time he managed to land a hit, Naoto screamed as the electricity ran through her body, being conducted quickly through the metal in and around her body. Ragna grunted and ran up, grabbing her by her face, he slammed her into the ground. She gasped for air as she fell unconscious. The blows from the electricity and blunt force was enough to take her down.
"Get her to somewhere else for the time being." Ragna said, he ran to help Kokonoe and Gordeau fight the drones. Yu nodded and carried Naoto in a bridal hold. Grunting a bit at the sudden amount of weight she had.
Kanji grunted as Yosuke charged past him. Weiss summoned a glyph to launched herself and find a way to safely take out Yosuke. She landed behind him and switched her dust to ice, summoning another glyph, she stabbed the ground and large icicles formed around Yosuke like a cage. She stabbed the ground again and more icicles formed as Yosuke began to break them with his weapons.
Yang bounded from the area as the others had Yosuke under control, Yu was trying to find a place to safely put Naoto, so she ran to help Ruby, Kokonoe and the others. She charged at the drones and blasted through them, she landed besides Ruby and reloaded her weapons.
"Hey sis, you okay?" Yang asked, Ruby took a sigh of relief. Yang noticed how she held onto Hyde protectively. Her clothes were slightly worn and she saw something around Ruby's neck.
"So far, so good, just a lot. Are you okay?" Ruby asked, Yang looked a little worse than Ruby, with some cuts and bruises, but nothing major.
"Perfectly fine." Yang rushed in and began blasting the drones. A good amount of the drones were soon destroyed, until Ragna ended up flying past them.
"You fucking bastard!" Ragna yelled, Yang winced and immediately wanted to cover Ruby's ears despite being further away. She turned to see Ruby's eyes wide with fear, something she hardly saw Ruby with, her grip on Hyde seemed to have tightened as she cradled him closer to her. Yang turned her attention back to Ragna and saw the cause for Ruby's distress; Terumi. Ragna jumped forward as the green haired man attempted to strike at Ruby.
"We ain't letting a boy filled with that much energy run away Bloodedge! I don't care who gets in the way. Play nice little girl, we might spare your life." Terumi cackled, Ruby shrunk back again ad Yang leapt forward and sent a shotgun shell into Terumi's face, the same time one of Ragna's attacks connected with him as well. Terumi was flung back and onto his back. A hand moved and his fedora was replaced.
"Nice shot." Hazama was back, a sly smile in place of a sadistic one.
"Hand over Kido and no one gets hurt. It's not that hard." Hazama said, Yang growled a little at him.
"You are not laying a hand on my sister." Yang said, her voice hard and absolute. She stood besides Ragna and the two looked at Hazama.
"Sister? Oh this will bring back memories, won't it Raggy?" Hazama taunted, Ourorboros ready in his hands.
Yu ran to an exit and placed Naoto gently on the ground, leaning on the frame. Yu got a better look at her. Her body wasn't too different, encased in a skin tight suit and metal plating. Her eyes were hidden under the visor and metallic ribbons extended from her hair. But he also saw a tear track from her right eye, under the visor.
"Just rest here for now." Yu mumbled softly, he drew his sword again and looked over at how his team was fairinf against Yosuke. The ice cage Weiss attempted to make was shattered explosively as wind swirled around Yosuke's figure, the tall form of Jiraiya glowing behind Yosuke. The persona raised its hand and sent a strong gust of wind at the group, forcing them back and off balance.
What? He can summon his persona? Yosuke just got more dangerous, Yu charged forward.
"Izanagi!" Yu shouted, the persona surging into existence and sent a wave of electricity to counter Jiraiya's wind. As the two personas faded away, Yosuke launched himself at Yu and the kunai met the sheath. Yu looked at Yosuke's expressionless face again, something felt wrong, Yosuke should never be like that, emotionless, empty, that wasn't who he was. Yu jumped back, only for Yosuke to quickly close the gap and punched Yu in the gut. Yu felt air rush out of him as he waa flung back.
"Senpai! Alright that's enough, snap out of it!" Kanji shouted as he charged at Yosuke. The auburn teen quickly turned his body and evaded the attack, he turned and kicked Kanji near the stomach and forced him back before jumping away to increase distance. Yu got up as Weiss and Chie aided Kanji. He looked as they fought, was Yosuke always that strong? His moves looked natural, yet, more streamline and precise. He wasn't faltering with any of his attacks, He looked around and saw Blake and Yukiko dealing with drones, He grabbed his still sheathed katana despite the rips and went after Yosuke again.
Just hang in there partner. I'm breaking you out.
Linne hissed in pain as Ignis' Void Red energy slashed at her arms. Ignis launched at the smaller girl, only for Yuzuriha to jump and attack the robot with her own blade, a blow strong enough to knock the robot off balance. Insulator ran past them and attacked Relius directly. Their own energy flowing in a stream to attack the scientist. Relius jumped back, using a mechanical arm to propel himself.
"You know very well how to handle a blade. I am aware that Hyde Kido himself does not possess your level of skill. Where did it come from?" Relius said aloud as he continued to dodge the Insulator's attacks.
"None of that will matter once you're dead." Insulator said as their eyes glowed. Another burst of energy fired at Relius and the scientist was pushed back. Hazama came leaping back as well.
"Are you done yet? Raggy and his friends are being quite annoying." Hazama said.
"Now you're both in one place. " Insulator said, their blade glowed as energy swirled around it, Linne recognized the energy.
"GYRE" Ins's skin started to gain inky black and deep red marks, swirling and traveling up their arms and face.
"Everyone! Get to cover!" Linne yelled, Kanji grabbed Yu as Yosuke shot past him, landing near Hazama. The other ducked behind crates and beams. The energy creating a strong wind.
"VORTEX!" Insulator yelled and they swung the blade down. A massive half moon shaped wave of Void Red energy flooded the room and shot towards Relius and his partners. A figure appeared and the blast exploded all across the room. An explosion blowing a hole in the wall behind them, the landscape of outside appearing. Linne opened her eyes to see a feminine figure, with long purple hair and wearing a short kimono with dark purple detached sleeves. Her eyes were an empty red. Her hand was up as a skeletal shield formed over Relius and Hazama faded away.
"Your Majesty, I was not expecting to see you here." Hazama chuckled.
"This is no time for jokes Terumi. Relius said he was running an experiment that would very beneficial, so I wanted to see it for myself." The woman said with an empty tone. Ragna scowled from his place near Yang and Ruby.
" Saya... " Ragna growled, his eyes full of murderous intent even Yang was intimidated from it.
"Also Clover, please keep a closer eye on your toys. " the woman snapped her fingers, her form flashed briefly before Naoto's form fell crumpled behind her.
"Naoto!" Yu and Kanji both yelled.
"Who the hell are you?!" Kanji yelled, the woman stared at him blankly.
"Oh? Has Mercury not informed you? Standing before you is the Imperator and current Emperor of the NOL. " Hazama said.
"Imperator?" Yu breathed. Linne told them about the power of the Insulator, to block an attack like that so seamlessly, just how powerful was she?
"Enough, Insulator was it? You have the power that could well grant my wishes, join us, and you will be compensated." Imperator said, the Insulator glared at her and raised his weapon again.
"I won't help your goals immortal. Your existence is not needed on this plane." Insulator said.
"You wish to kill me? You can destroy my body, but I will still be alive. I am Death." Imperator said, her tone getting more and more threatening. The two beings stared at each other, the aura they were emitting was powerful.
"Hey! Don't ignore us damn it! We'll beat you into the-" Kanji couldn't finish his sentence as his breath shortened, he was forced to the ground with all the others. Another figure landed besides Imperator, a unidentifiable figure covered in a large purple witch hat and purple cloak.
"Oh? Phantom is here too? The whole gang is here." Hazama chuckled.
"Damn it, Saya..." Ragna groaned from the gravity pressure.
"What the- Gravity?" Kokonoe groaned, that power, the only user of that magic was her mother, at least of who she is aware of. Is someone as powerful as Konoe exist and is on the Imperator's side?
Ruby groaned as she was further forced down, luckily, she didn't loosen her grip on Hyde and he seemed to be unaffected by the spell. Insulator still stood, energy flowing around them like some sort of shield.
"How about you Ragna? Your dear sister misses you so much. Why not reunite with her?" Imperator's voice changed to that of a girl's, a little soft and young. That caught Yang's attention, Ragna had a sister? The Imperator had something to do with it. No doubt, but what? What happened to Ragna's sister?
"Enough!" Insulator sent another wave of energy, disabling the spell due to knocking Phantom off balance. Another explosion occured and the massive hole in the wall/mountain side just grew. The skeletal shield Imperator summoned vanished and the empress glared at the Insulator.
"This is too much trouble. We'll settle this another time, my offer still stands." Imperator said, eith a wave of her hand everyone behind her flickered away, including Naoto and Yosuke. Insulator sent another blast of energy, only for their forms to flicker away as the attack phased through them.
"Damn it." Insulator cursed as they took a breath. The markings now fading away and returned to a more human appearance.
"What was?" Blake breathed, Kokonoe stood up first.
"That was a complete disaster, we need to recuperate and regroup. We need to leave, no doubt NOL troops will swarm the place in minutes. We're heading back to the docks." Kokonoe said.
"But-"
"No time! We need to leave! Go!" Kokonoe said as they fled the lab through the massive hole and ran through the woods. Sound of NOL troops marching towards the lab.
Ruby ran as she held onto Hyde, they managed to get him back at least. She glanced at Yu, noticing his sad look. They couldn't save his friends. Ruby shook her head, they may have another chance.
Yu looked behind himself briefly at the lab growing more and more smaller and obscure as the forest trees covered it. They couldn't get them back, but it wasn't a loss, Yosuke warned them, Naoto was crying. They were still in there, they were still fighting against their control. Don't lose hope, Yu smiled a little to himself. Our bonds are stronger. Just hang in a little longer.
Kagura Mutsuki's loyal secretary; Hibiki Kohaku let out a sigh as he finished filing some papers he managed to get Kagura to do. He was aware of Kokonoe's matters and what might happen if her mission failed. He tucked away the papers and began walking towards his quarters, as he passed a window though, he saw a figure's shadow among the branches in one of the trees. He stopped and narrowed his eyes, the figure dashed away, causing the branches and leaves to shake.
Hibiki grabbed his blades and opened the window, once he safely locked it he went to where the figure dashed off to. Hiding his presence, he saw a boy no older than 16. His hair was black with a streak of white, wearing a dark colored jacket, shoes, and pants. In his hands were a pair of daggers, the blades glowing with white and blue energy. That boy was no doubt an assassin or hidden killer of some sort, who was his target?
Hibiki jumped into one of the trees and tiptoed his way to prevent movement. Once he was above the boy, who seemed to be observing his ground view, he jumped down and tackled him. Sending a strong kick into the boy's back, causing him to drop his daggers. Hibiki moved quickly and grabbed the daggers with one hand. Sliding further away, the boy was weaponless.
"An assassin should be more observant, besides ground level." Hibiki said calmly as he held the daggers, they seemed to have a strange energy pulse from them. The boy got up and glared at the man.
"State your name, and I might let you live." Hibiki said, he needed to know who this boy was so he could figure out who sent him. The boy glared, his eyes quickly darted briefly, but sighed. He wasn't going to escape this.
"Seth"
HOLY CRAP, I am so sorry for not updating. I barely had time to write, with school ending soon, my mind has been preoccupied. Annd during the time I can write, I'm usually brain dead. I can't say when the next one will be up, hopefully sooner than this one since vacation will soon be upon us.
So, yeah, a lot of stuff happened this chapter, Insulator will be a character for a good amount of time. Naoto and Yosuke are still mind controlled, and yeah...
Also, Seth is part of the crew. I'm gonna try and explain why he got sent there, but it'll be interesting for him to be in this world. And Hibiki is my Blazblue best boy so he's going to make appearances when he can. Let me know what you think like always and I'll see you next time.
Bye~
