Azure and Crimson

Chapter 2: Forfeit and Crossroads

After the defeat of the Another Riders and the Ice Adept Tenjian, and also obtaining the Septima Shard, our heroes are about to plan their next move but were interrupted by an emergency call by Copen's navigator, Nori. Eden Adepts broke into Copen's mansion and kidnapped Copen's sister, Mytyl. While Gunvolt, Zi-O and Kanade went to QUILL HQ to drop off the freed and unconscious Zeno and Moniqa; Copen, Geiz and Serena quickly went to the transmitter signal Mytyl was still holding, and it led them to the sewer area. Right now, the three heroes quickly ran deep into the sewers hoping to find Mytyl before it was too late.


Sewer Area

"Alright everyone, the transmitter signal last picked up at the sewer area." Copen said.

"Noted, let's hurry and not waste time." Geiz nodded.

"Forgive me Copen, I've lost Mytyl's signal." Nori apologized via communicator. "Her transmitter may have been found, hurry!"

"Damn it, those bastards are REALLY driving me crazy..." Copen muttered.

"I take it that's not good news?" Geiz asked.

"Um...guys? I think it's about to get worse." Serena then pointed out two figures in front of them with one of them floating in the air.

One of them is a young teenage girl that has red hair and black eyes with red irises. She wears a black and grey bodysuit with red highlights, with large wing like pieces of armour attached to her shoulder covering her arms. She also wears an armoured hood over her head. That is Gibril.

The other one floating is a young teenage boy that has dark green hair with a long, thorny ponytail that ends in a drill-like spike, and black eyes with green irises with no pupils. He is covered in black and green armour, with particular emphasis on his lower body. His knees, feet, and elbows have dark green spikes. He also wears a black crown that is lined with thorns. He also has two large floating bits on his back of which serve as data terminals. That is Teseo.

"Stop right there, Eden Adepts!" Copen exclaimed while pointing his gun at the Eden Adepts. "Where did you take Mytyl?!"

"Hey look, it's that dude who's in love with his sister!" Teseo said. "Though never saw his backup before. Sry! Already used my Septima "Hack the Planet" weeks ago. That's how we shipped her off to the Garden! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯"

"The Garden...?" Copen and his team thought. Could that be Eden's HQ?

"Enough, Teseo! Will you shut your damn mouth for once?!" Gibril shouted. "Now leave and let me handle this like we discussed."

"Gibril Y U so tsundere?" Teseo teased.

"Oh, he did NOT just say that to her." Geiz thought. If there is one thing he learned about tsunderes, it's to NEVER piss them off.

"JUST GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE ALREADY BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND!" Gibril snapped.

"Fiiiiiine. Geez you're no fun..." Teseo muttered as he warps away in green pixels.

"Finally, about goddamn time!" Gibril exclaimed as she turned towards the heroes. "Now we get to the part where I utterly destroy you all! Get ready!"

"Ugh...guess Mytyl will have to wait until after we kick her ass." Geiz muttered as everyone began their battle stances.

Gibril proceeds to fly around the area, dropping blood liquid all over the floor. The heroes evaded the blood, because if touched, they could be trapped or worse, get crushed by an Iron Maiden.

"I don't need to get ready for a kid like you." Copen said to Gibril. "Back off, infant!"

"Oh, you did not just say that to me... You did not just say that!" Gibril snapped.

"So you admit you're a weak little child?"

"Again with the child thing! Seriously, what the hell is your problem anyway?!" Gibrill snapped again. "Alright, that's it! Now I'm REALLY pissed off! I'm gonna use your head for a bowling ball! And that goes for your allies too! Behold the Septima of iron blood... The fangs of Metallon!"

"Awww...what's the matter? Isn't it way past your bed time?" Geiz quipped.

"I. WILL. END. YOU. ALL." And Gibril is completely pissed off.

"You guys are having way too much fun making fun of her age..." Serena thought and sweatdropped.

"We better hurry up and finish this for Mytyl's sake! It's time we teach this petulant child some manners!" Copen declared.

"Roger that, Copen!" Geiz and Serena replied.

Gibril then shot more blood and then materialized them into metal axes and launches them to the heroes. The heroes were able to dodge them and began their counterattack. Geiz changed his Zikan Zax to Yumi Mode and began firing some shots to Gibril. Serena launched her knife and struck Gibril several times. Copen dashed to Gibril tagging her and then shot bullets and homing lasers until she fell to the ground.

"Damn it all! I better get serious about this!" Gibril muttered as she stood up and then began to purge out her armor for more mobility, along with red energy claws on her arms.

"Did she just took off her outer armor and has energy claws now?" Serena asked.

"Cast Off huh? If I remember correctly, that means she's gonna be faster and stronger." Geiz stated. "Be careful everyone! Looks like the kiddy gloves are off!"

"STOP CALLING ME A KID ALREADY!" Gibril snapped yet again.

"Gaius, please cut it out already..." Serena thought and sweatdropped again.

Gibril then began to rush at Geiz with several slashes with her claws. Geiz began to block and dodge her strikes as he struck back with his axe strikes. Gibril then focused her attack on Serena with a lunge attack. Serena tried to block it but it was an afterimage as the real Gibril appeared from above and struck Serena, sending her tumbling a few steps back. As Serena is slowly standing up, Gibril unleashed a large shockwave with an upward cut as the shockwave is fast approaching Serena. Luckily Copen was able to save Serena by boosting ahead and grabbing her a few moments before she was hit.

"Are you alright, Serena?" Copen asked.

"I-I'm fine, thanks Copen. That was careless of me..." Serena replied.

"Can you still fight on?"

"Yes, I can still fight. Don't worry, I'll be alright." Serena nodded.

As soon as their conversation ended, Gibril is about to deliver them a downward slash from the air, until she was hit by a charge shot thanks to Geiz using the Zikan Zax Yumi Mode. Gibril fell to the ground hard, tumbling back a few steps.

"Don't even think about hurting them, kid." Geiz quipped to Gibril.

Gibril was feeling really pissed after getting hit by that charged shot as she was slowly standing up and roared in anger, and also because she was being called a kid yet again.

"Alright...THAT'S IT! No more playing around, time to go all out!" Gibril declared as she summons an Iron Maiden and...went inside to kill herself?

"Iron Maiden!"

"Did...did she just killed herself?!" Serena exclaimed.

"No, she's amplifying her Blood Septima for more power!" Geiz corrected.

After a few seconds, the Iron Maiden spewed out blood, then it exploded and out comes Gibril, glowing in a menacing red Septima aura. She then creates a gigantic cage around the area, trapping her and the heroes inside. If Gibril's gonna die soon, she's taking the heroes with them.

"Oh crap, everyone, whatever you do, do NOT get careless at this state!" Geiz exclaimed. "Wait for the right moment to let down her guard, then we finish her!"

"Understood, watch yourselves everyone!" Serena nodded.

Gibril then jumped around the cage dropping blood liquids around the cage along the way. As she stopped jumping, she materialized the blood into blades that extended around the cage. The heroes were able to cautiously evade the blades as they extended around the cage. It also helps that Copen's invisible field barrier created from the bits was able to wipe away the blood liquids. After she stopped jumping a third time and landed on top of the cage to begin materializing the blades again, Geiz inserted the Faiz Ridewatch onto his Zikan Axe Yumi Mode as he saw his chance to deliver the final blow.

"Time for me to shoot up!" Geiz declared as he aimed above and prepared to fire.

FINISH TIME!

GIWA GIWA SHOOT!

Geiz fired off a powerful red photon arrow and stuck the unexpected Gibril as she then fell off the top of the cage.

"Shred Storm!"

"Here's some of this too!" Copen added as he commanded the bits to rush towards Gibril, striking her in blinding speeds, ending with a trail of three red lines as a final slash.

"And this is the finale!" Serena declared as she created two replicas of her knife Armed Gear, before making them rushing towards Gibril, striking her several times from every angles, ending with a cross slash.

FAIRIAL†TRICK

As the final attacks ended, Gibril fell to the floor hard and very exhausted with no strength left.

"Ugh...I hate you all..." are the last words Gibril muttered as she was turned into a pink mirror, and then it cracked itself to pieces leaving no trace of her left.

"And we hate you for kidnapping her sister in the first place." Geiz replied. "Though what's with that mirror thing earlier?"

"Well either way, we took out the Adept, but where are they taking Mytyl?" Lola asked.

"They said something about a placed called the Garden." Copen replied. "Maybe that's also where their main base is."

"I'm looking into it as we speak." Nori contacted.

"Fast work, Nori. Thanks."

"Don't thank me. It's my fault all of this is happening. You should head back, Copen. I'll let you know when I found something."

"Understood, I'll leave it to you." Copen ended the call and looked towards Geiz and Serena. "Everyone, we're heading back to my mansion before we plan our next move. We're done here."

"Before that though Copen, maybe we should call Gunvolt's team first and see if they find anything?" Serena suggested.

"Hmm...not a bad idea." Copen agreed. "Geiz, if you would?"

Geiz nodded as he contacted the other team using the Zikan Phone via video call.

"Hey guys, it's me Geiz." Geiz reported. "Sorry but we were too late to save Mytyl. They sent an angry little red loli Adept with energy claws after us as a distraction."

"I see." Gunvolt replied, and then realized something Geiz said. "...Wait, an angry little red loli Adept? That's Gibril! Didn't I defeat her already during my mission at that Mysterious Manor?"

"Wait, you mean you defeated her before? Then how did she manage to come back to life?" Copen asked.

"I dunno, maybe Zonda had something to do with it using her Septima?" Zeo guessed. "Anyway, we're heading back to Gunvolt's hideout to plan our reconnaissance on where Eden HQ is."

"I see, though we did have a clue from one of the Eden Adepts. They're taking her to somewhere called, The Garden."

"The Garden...? Could that also be Eden' HQ?" Kanade asked.

"It's one of the possibilities at the moment." Serena replied. "Could you see if you can find any info about this Garden?"

"Understood." Gunvolt nodded. "I'll go ask Xiao about it and see if he can find anything."

"Alright then, contact us ASAP if you found anything."

"Got it, over and out." And with that, the call ended.

"The Garden huh...? What could that place be anyway?" Geiz pondered.

"We'll eventually find some answers soon." Copen replied. "At least we know that the Eden Adept we defeated was just a fake created by Zonda's Septima. But for now, let's head back to the mansion."

"Understood, feel free to use my bike so we know where your mansion is. You do know how to ride this thing right?"

"It's just a bigger bike, it shouldn't be too hard for me to figure it out."

"Heh, whatever you say, Copen."

And with that, everyone went to the exit and out of the sewers.


Later outside Gunvolt's apartment...

After dropping off Zeno and Moniqa outside of QUILL HQ earlier, Gunvolt, Zi-O and Kanade are now right outside of Gunvolt's apartment. It may be small, but it's better than nothing.

"Well here we are guys, my apartment. It's may not be much, but it's home." Gunvolt said.

"Hmm, seems like a nice place to live in. Hope your friends don't mind about visitors." Kanade said.

"Don't worry about it, Kanade. Just leave the rest to me."

"Still, thank you so much for helping us." Joule said and bowed as she appeared in idol form. "And sorry for dragging you both into this mess."

"It's alright though, Joule. We'd rather help people instead of doing nothing." Zi-O replied.

"Hehe, that's good to know."

"Give us a moment to power down our armours first, GV. Don't want us to have a bad first impression."

In a few seconds, Zi-O and Kanade powered down their armors and back into their civilian forms.

"Huh, so this is what you both really look like without your armours huh?" Gunvolt asked.

"Yeah well, I may be new to this hero stuff, but I can still pull it off." Zeo replied. "Though Kanade is already a veteran fighter so she's got a lot of experience."

"I see, maybe someday I would like to spar with her."

"Heh, you're willing to try GV, and I will NOT hold back." Kanade smirked.

"Then we have a deal then. Alright everyone, we're going in."

"Ah, one more thing GV, please keep secret about our fight with the Another Riders." Zeo asked. "We don't want too many people to worry about them."

"Very well then, Zeo." Gunvolt nodded and then looked towards the apartment door. "Xiao, Quinn, it's me Gunvolt! And I brought along some new friends that can help us out!"

"Oh, ok then GV! Please come inside!" A female voice replied.

As they went inside the apartment and into the living room, they were greeted by two people. One is a teenage girl with dark green hair with two short pigtails bordering her face, and has light brown eyes. She wears a white shirt with a black tie, matching shorts, maroon tights and black boots. She also wears a pink sleeveless jacket with black highlights, golden accessories and a waist cape. That is Quinn Sakurazaki, and also one of the few people who is able to see Joule while most people can't.

The other is a young boy with green eyes and short blue hair with some lighter ends. He wears a green jacket with black and orange highlights with the sleeves rolled up, a black undershirt, pale green shorts, and thigh high black boots with gold highlights. He also wears three pairs of watches, one on his right wrist, and two on the left. That is Xiao Wu, Gunvolt's navigator.

"Ah welcome back, GV!" Quinn said as she noticed the newcomers. "And are those are your new friends?

"Yup, the name's Zeo Naotora." Zeo replied.

"And I'm Kanade Amou, it's a pleasure to meet you." Kanade added.

"A pleasure to meet you too, my name is Quinn Sakurazaki." Quinn then introduced herself with a bow. "I'm the caretaker of this apartment."

"And I'm Xiao Wu, a young Adept and former member of QUILL." Xiao added. "I'm also Gunvolt's navigator. Nice to meet you guys."

"Same here, Xiao." Zeo replied back.

"So GV, when did you meet those two anyway?"

"It was during our mission at the frozen city, I ran into some trouble and then they came by and helped us out." Gunvolt replied.

"Ah I see, thanks for the assist." Xiao said. "Though how do they do that? Are you guys also Adepts?

"Not quite, we were wearing special armours to fight back against Eden, and also that Ice Adept, Tenjian." Kanade corrected.

"Wow, you held your own against him?"

"Yup, with GV's help of course. And we managed to get the Shard too."

"Great work guys! Now we need to find the remaining Shards so you can get Joule's power back. I already know Copen has one of the Shards."

"Actually Xiao, Copen has four and a half Shards now, the same number GV has." Zeo corrected. "We ran into him too when me and Kanade first met Gunvolt."

"Oh my! GV, are you alright?" Quinn asked with worry.

"Don't worry, Quinn. I'm doing just fine." Gunvolt replied. "Though you can thank Kanade for finally snapping some sense into us before things go south."

"Heh, no problem, GV." Kanade said.

"You do realise you're still in trouble for that stunt you pulled earlier right, Kanade?" Zeo reminded.

"Oh come on! I was only trying to help!" Kanade defended. "And I don't want them to kill each other when the real enemy is right in front of them!"

"It's alright Zeo." Quinn said. "Kanade was only trying to do the right thing to stop them from fighting."

"See? Even she agrees with me!"

"Ok fine...I'll let this slide just once. Just don't do it again ok?" Zeo muttered.

"Anyway Xiao, I need you to do me a favour." Gunvolt asked.

"Sure thing GV, what's up?" Xiao replied.

"I want you to look in to some information about a place called, The Garden. It may be where Eden's HQ is."

"I see...The Garden huh? Though where did you get that clue from?"

"Our two other allies, Gaius and Serena, were fighting an Eden Adept in the sewers, then the Adept spilled some info about The Garden." Zeo explained to Xiao.

"Ah so that's how...Alright then, leave it to me." Xiao nodded. "I'll call you if I'm able to find something. In the meantime, make yourselves at home and get something to eat. You all must be starving after that mission."

And right on cue, Gunvolt, Zeo and Kanade's stomachs are growling loudly. The three heroes sweatdropped at the response.

"Wow, were we really that hungry all this time?" Kanade quipped.

"Eheh, guess all that fighting made us forget food for a while." Zeo admitted.

"It's alright, I'll go cook something delicious for you all to eat. Hope you like it!" Quinn said as she went into the kitchen.

"Thanks Quinn, now if you'll excuse me...I'm gonna go take a nap. Wake me up when the food's ready." Zeo then plopped to the nearest sofa and went to sleep, with a loud snore.

"Wow, after all that and he wants to sleep." Kanade sweatdropped. "Well can't blame him, he has been through quite a lot lately."

"Can't argue with that." Gunvolt added. "So what do you want to talk about while we wait?"

"Oh! How about we talk about the songs Kanade sang during her life?" Joule suggested. "I'm quite interested to see how you started."

"Sure, why not?" Kanade replied. "And I would like to hear your songs too, Joule. Though can we talk somewhere private? I wanna keep this a secret between us. Don't worry about Zeo, he already knows about my past."

"Very well then, I'll take you to my room. Will that work?" Gunvolt said.

"It will do, thanks GV. Hope you like long stories because my life is...not very pleasant to begin with."


Meanwhile outside of the Kamizono Mansion...

A few moments after leaving the sewers; Copen, Serena and Geiz are now outside the Kamizono Mansion, Copen's home. The mansion was quite big too.

"This is the place, welcome to my mansion." Copen said.

"Wow, your mansion looks fancy. I'm surprised it's still standing after all this time." Geiz whistled.

"It survived worse, Eden were only after Mytyl so hopefully they don't mess up the place. But if they do..."

"Please calm down, Copen." Serena said. "We will rescue her, we promised you that, remember?"

"...Yeah, you're right. Hopefully Nori is able to find something. You better power down your armors for now, I think a small break is in order."

"Very well then, Copen." Geiz agreed as he and Serena transformed back into their civilian forms.

"Hmm, now that I think about it, you both looked human without those armors." Copen stated.

"Was that supposed to be a compliment?" Gaius quipped.

"I was only thinking out loud, Gaius."

"Could you and Lola do us a favour and not tell Nori about the Another Riders?" Serena asked Copen.

"Is there a reason why, Serena?"

"Just being cautious, if too many people know about this, it might start a major panic even worse than Eden or Sumeragi."

"Hmm...good point there. Very well, your secret is safe with us." Copen nodded.

"Not to worry, Serena, Gaius, you can trust me and Boss on this!" Lola added.

"Thanks a lot, guys. Now let's go see Nori." Gaius said.

As they went inside the mansion and into the living room, they met a young woman with red eyes and short red hair. She wears a uniform vaguely similar to that of a French maid, white and black with dark magenta highlights, a green tie, and a maid headband, as well as red boots. That is Nori, Copen's navigator.

"Welcome back, Copen." Nori said as she then noticed the newcomers. "Oh? I never expected you to bring along some guests."

"They were able to bail me out of trouble during the frozen city and sewer missions." Copen replied.

"I understand, my name is Nori, the caretaker of this mansion and also Copen's navigator." Nori bowed to the newcomers. "May I please have your names?

"My name is Gaius Cornell." Gaius introduced himself.

"And I am Serena Cadenzavna Eve. It's a pleasure to meet you, Nori." Serena added and bowed to Nori.

"Good to meet you both, make yourselves at home but try not to make a mess." Nori said. "I'll prepare you some food and drinks as I do my work."

"Understood, thanks Nori." Gaius replied.

While Nori went to the kitchen to make some food and drinks, the heroes decided to look around Copen's mansion to pass the time.

"Your mansion interior looks beautiful, Copen." Serena said.

"It originally belonged to my father, Dr. Kamizono, until he was killed by an Adept." Copen explained. "Since then, I made a vow to destroy every single Adept that threatens mankind."

"I see, though to be fair Copen, shouldn't you focus on the one who murdered your father in the first place, instead of killing all Adepts?" Gaius asked.

"What makes you think I should follow that method, Gaius? You know how dangerous Adepts can be." Copen replied.

"True, but not all Adepts are like that. There are some that are still human on the inside. It's like you're taking away all of your compassion and replacing it with pure revenge."

"You don't get to decide what path I must take!" Copen exclaimed.

"...It was only a suggestion, but your path will not be a happy ending." Gaius stated. "In fact, let me tell you a story from another world, about an Ultimate Lifeform named Shadow the Hedgehog, created by the late Gerald Robotnik. It was the end result for Project Shadow. His purpose was to provide ways to develop a cure for an incurable deadly illness, more specifically for Gerald's granddaughter Maria Robotnik, but he was captured by G.U.N., a military organization, and Shadow was put into stasis when he was deemed as a threat to humanity. That, and G.U.N. killed Maria while she was protecting Shadow."

"WHAT?!" That shocked Copen, Serena and Lola. Why would the military do something like that?

"Yeah, tragic isn't it?" Gaius said. "Anyway, many years later Shadow was released by Gerald's descendant, Dr. Ivo Robotnik, AKA Dr. Eggman, enlisted him to join the cause for world domination."

"Pfffttt! What kind of nickname is Dr. Eggman anyway?" Lola chuckled.

"You can blame Sonic the Hedgehog for that, but that's a story for another time."

"Did Dr. Eggman know about what his grandfather did?" Copen asked.

"I think only on his achievements or something, not on Maria or her illness." Gaius guessed. "Anyway much later on, Shadow reveals he was carrying out Gerald's will and worked to destroy the planet and every human being living on it as revenge for Maria's death."

"What?! This...this isn't right! He was supposed to help people, not kill everyone!" Serena exclaimed.

"This is what revenge can do to a person...isn't that right, Copen?

"..." Copen was silent for a moment as he began thinking. Shadow wanted revenge on the humans for kidnapping his creator Gerald and killing Gerald's daughter, Maria. While Copen himself wanted revenge on the Adepts for killing his father. Was revenge really the only logical answer to solve all the problems?

"Boss...? You ok there?" Lola asked with worry.

"...keep going, the story is not over right?" Copen asked Gaius.

Gaius then continued the story. "Very well, anyway that's what Shadow was planning to do when he wakes up, however thanks to some convincing from Amy Rose, one of Sonic's allies, Shadow finally remembers what his true purpose is, it was Maria's last wish, 'To protect all of humankind, their hopes and their dreams'. With his true goal now known, Shadow fought alongside Sonic and were able to save the world from destruction, though unfortunately he sacrificed his own life to save everyone. All for Maria and her wish."

"Shadow..." Serena sadly whispered.

"So...that's the story of Shadow the Hedgehog, the Ultimate Lifeform?" Copen asked.

"Yes, he turned from a threat to humankind into a shining hope for humankind." Gaius answered. "Gunvolt's trying to find a way for humans and Adepts to live peacefully. But because of Sumeragi and Eden, the road to unity will be difficult. This is why we should stop those organizations first before the world will become even worse than before."

"But...what should I do? What should I really fight for?"

"The answer is simple, Copen, do the same thing Shadow fights for. Don't fight for revenge, instead fight for hope and for the future for humankind, and lead them to a peaceful path rather than blood and tears. If you wanna eliminate the Adepts, only focus on the ones harming innocent people instead, but never EVER forget about compassion. Besides, think about your sister, Mytyl. She does not want to see you walk the path as a demon, so instead, how about you walk the path of a Luminous Avenger?"

"Luminous...Avenger?" Copen repeated.

"It means an avenger who fights for humanity's hope and a guiding light to the future. It's a title I came up with anyway, WAY better than Adept Slayer."

"Well Boss...anything you'd like to say right now?" Lola asked Copen. He then pondered about what he should be really be doing. Will he continue his crusade to eliminate every single Adept? Or will he follow Gaius' advice and take a different path?

"...I'll think about it...after we stop Eden and save my sister." Copen answered.

"...Very well then, we can't let Eden do as they please." Serena said. "It could endanger us all."

"Everyone, your food is ready at the dining room." Nori said as she approached the heroes. "Thank you for your patience."

"Ah thanks Nori. We have not eaten in quite a while lately." Gaius replied.

"So, did you find anything about the Garden?" Copen asked Nori.

"Not yet at the moment, but it's a work in progress. I'll let you know if I find some info." Nori replied.

"Understood, keep on searching until you find something."

"It shall be done, Copen." Nori then bowed and went to the computer room to resume her info gathering.

"Your caretaker is very reliable, Copen." Serena asked.

"She's been serving me and Mytyl for quite a long time and a great help." Copen explained. "In the meantime, I would like to know more about your past Serena, Gaius."

"Of course, Copen." Serena said. "And Lola, I would also like to hear your songs too."

"Sure thing, Serena!" Lola happily replied.

"I don't see why not, but keep this a secret between us alright? That goes for you too, Lola." Gaius said.

"Hey! I can keep secrets! ...sometimes?"

"Spill too much and I may have to reformat your programming." Copen quipped.

"Oh god, no! Anything but that!"

"Good, we're in agreement then. I'll start off with my past first." Gaius declared as he began to talk about his past as they went to the dining room.


A few hours later at Gunvolt's apartment...

As Xiao was doing some info gathering about The Garden, he noticed something on the news that got him worried.

"Um, everyone? I've got some bad news..." Xiao said with worry.

"What's going on there, Xiao?" Kanade asked.

"You all might wanna look at this." Xiao then showed them the news on what's going on. Something happened to the Highway area as the roads were covered with small and large crystals.

"What the hell happened to the highway?!" Zeo exclaimed.

"It looks like the roads have been split by some kind of crystal." Gunvolt guessed. "Must've been someone's Septima, which could only mean one thing..."

"It's Eden isn't it? Damn it, there are innocents over there!" Kanade muttered.

"Yup, I can't think of anyone else causing trouble besides them." Xiao added.

"Well everyone, now that we got our rest period, it's time to move out and hunt them down." Zeo declared.

"Right, let's go!" Gunvolt nodded.

"Everyone, please be careful out there ok?" Quinn said with worry.

"Don't worry Quinn, I promise we'll be back soon." Gunvolt replied as he, Zeo and Kanade left the apartment and quickly headed towards the Highway area.


At the same time at Copen's mansion...

"Everyone, I found something!" Nori said while checking the PC.

"What is it, Nori?" Copen asked.

"I've detected some Septima readings around the highway area...wait...this is...?!"

Nori and Copen's eyes were wide open as they saw something familiar that happened before.

"Those crystals...I know that Septima power! That's from Ghauri! But I thought I destroyed him before!" Copen exclaimed.

"If Gibril can come back from the dead, then so can this guy." Gaius stated.

"Is it possible that all of the Eden Adepts you and Gunvolt defeated have been revived in the process?" Serena guessed.

"You're not wrong on that one, Serena."

"If we defeated them before, then we can definitely do it again. Everyone get ready, we're moving to the highway area!" Copen declared.

"Understood!" Gaius and Serena nodded as the three heroes began to depart for the highway area.

"Ah, one more thing before you leave, Copen." Nori asked before they leave.

"Hm? What is it Nori?" Copen said.

Nori then brought out a small box and opened it. It was a small necklace with a crimson crystal.

"This necklace, it's a gift from Mytyl for good luck."

"Wow, what a pretty crimson crystal..." Serena said.

"Indeed, I'll have to thank Mytyl later for this gift." Copen nodded as he began wearing the crimson necklace and hid it inside his armor. "Thanks again Nori, we'll be off now."

"Understood, please be careful everyone." Nori nodded as the three heroes left the mansion and quickly headed towards the Highway area.


Highway Area

As Copen, Serena and Geiz arrived at the Highway Area via Time Mazine a few minutes later, they were speeding straight ahead along the roads evading the small and large crystals along the way.

"Damn it, it looks worse than before." Copen muttered.

"I guess repair work is out of the question until we deal with Eden." Geiz added.

"Ah, I see them up ahead!" Serena pointed at something ahead as Geiz then stopped the Time Mazine and in front of the two figures. It was two more Eden Adepts.

One of them is a teenage boy with long and slightly lighter purple hair, and black eyes with purple irises. He is covered in black and white armour, with purple highlights, with large purple crystals sprouting from his knees. His feet also resemble high heels. That is Ghauri.

The other one is another teenage boy with bright orange hair and black eyes with orange irises. He wears black armour with gray and orange highlights, with a large piece of hat-like armour on his head. The armour on his upper body resembles the top half of a robe, and he wears a long loin cloth on his lower body. That is Asroc. Alongside him is a large and bulky robot, with black and orange colors. Its body is rather circular, its head ends in a large orange cone, and its fingers serve as cannons. That robot is called Galette Krone, and it seems to be holding a small capsule with a girl inside.

"Ghauri and...Asroc?! He's back too huh?" Copen said, until he noticed something on the capsule the robot is carrying that made his eyes wide open. "Wait, that capsule the robot puppet is carrying...that's Mytyl!"

"Well looks like luck is on our side this time! Let's hurry, we can still save her!" Geiz declared as the heroes got off the Time Mazine and prepared their battle stances against the Eden Adepts.

"Stop right there, Eden Adepts! And give back Mytyl at once!" Copen exclaimed while pointing his gun at the Eden Adepts.

"Hm? Oh it's him again...the one who stopped my plans back at the Old Waste-Processing Plant." Asroc muttered.

"Wow, you got killed by this guy before? Man, you've gotten sloppy or sore." Ghauri asked in rhyme.

"Shut your damn mouth, or I will shut it for you!"

"Okok, just chilling and no killing."

"Tell you what boys, if you don't release her at once, then we'll just have to take her back the hard way." Geiz said.

"You can forget it, you primitives! Eden has plans for this one!" Asroc exclaimed.

"She's not just some pawn for Eden to use and discard!" Serena exclaimed back.

"It upsets, but cool your jets before it leads to regrets! Sorry 'bout my wingman. He thinks he's the king, man." Ghauri said in rhyme. "But just so you understand, your girl is in good hands. Eden's all peace and love, and it fits like a glove! We're a dove from above or something similar thereof!"

"Oh god his rhymes are annoying and bad! Now I know how Copen feels when he fought this guy before..." Geiz thought and groaned.

"Will you stop with the goddamn rhymes already!" Copen exclaimed in annoyance. "We're taking Mytyl back by whatever means necessary! Geiz, Serena, get ready to fight!"

"It's useless talking to these primitives. We're leaving." Asroc muttered as he jumped away along with his robot puppet carrying Mytyl.

"Damn it, they're escaping with her!" Copen cursed as the three heroes ran after Asroc, but was stopped by Ghauri in front of them.

"Running away? Then how's about we play?" Ghauri taunted in rhyme.

"Then why don't you try playing with us instead!"

That voice from behind the three heroes came from none other than Zi-O; as he, Kanade and Gunvolt jumped over them while riding on Zi-O's Time Mazine and landed in front of Ghauri.

"Zi-O, Kanade, Gunvolt! Boy, are we glad to see you guys!" Geiz exclaimed.

"One of the Eden Adepts just took Mytyl straight ahead!" Serena explained.

"I see..." Gunvolt muttered. "Copen, Geiz, Serena, you three go on ahead after them! We'll deal with this guy!"

"Are you sure about this?" Copen asked.

"Don't worry about us, we can handle it."

"...Alright, I never thought I'd say this to an Adept but...thanks Gunvolt, I owe you one." Copen said with a small smile. This is the first time he smiled at an Adept, and it's Gunvolt of all people. Maybe there is hope for both of them in the future.

"No problem, Copen." Gunvolt nodded with a small smile. "Now get going, you can still catch up if you hurry!"

"Right!" Copen nodded as he turned towards Geiz and Serena. "Geiz, Serena, back to the Time Mazine, we're going after them!"

"Roger that!" Geiz and Serena nodded as they and Copen got back onto Geiz's Time Mazine and ride off past Ghauri to chase after the fleeing Asroc.

"Sorry about that, buddy. But like I said earlier, you're playing with us instead." Zi-O said as he, Kanade and Gunvolt prepared their battle stances.

"All right, tight! I can work with this all night." Ghauri replied in rhyme. "Yer pals don't dig my moves, so it behooves that you improve."

"Well...Copen's kinda starting to become my pal...maybe." Gunvolt admitted. "Geiz and Serena are alright in my book. But you on the other hand, I definitely hate you a LOT more!"

"Where's the moves? Or the rhymes? Lacking both is a crime! So let's you and me dance until we have a chance to break the trance. By which I mean I'm gonna kick you in the pants!"

"The only pants that's gonna be kicked is yours!" Kanade responded, pointing her spear at Ghauri.

"How can you roll your soul with human trolls? If they had their way they'd bake Adepts like casseroles!"

"I've made choices. Hard ones, I'll admit it." Gunvolt admitted. "But I'm not about to let you decide my fate!"

"Do you actually understand anything this guy says?" Xiao contacted via communicator.

"Sure! I mean... Well... Mostly. The rhyming doesn't help."

"No shit, Sherlock..." Zi-O and Kanade thought and deadpanned.

"Humans made the world hell, but Eden's pretty swell!" Ghauri said.

"It's you and your Eden assholes that made this world what it is! And a heaven open only to the few is no afterlife!" Zi-O replied.

"Heaven's for the best! Screw all the rest!"

"I didn't realize you'd dance at your own pity party." Gunvolt said, slowly shaking his head. "Eden hurts innocent people. It's wrong, and your rhymes are just cover for deceit and misery. Oversurge! Azure Striker! Let the clock strike twelve and mark this joker's fate!

"The future is ours to decide!" Zi-O declared.

"May my song guide you to your demise!" Kanade added as she began to sing one of her songs.

(Plays BGM: Kimi to Iu Oto Kanade Tsukiru Made by Kanade Amou)

Ghauri first performs a spin jump while creating crystal balls, and then launched them at the heroes. Zi-O and Kanade were able to dodge them, while Gunvolt blocked the shots using his Flashfield. Zi-O fired his shots using the Zikan Gilade Zyu Mode, but then Ghauri created a small prism to block his shots and then kicked the prism as it headed towards Zi-O. But then Kanade used her spear to knock back the prism using a baseball bat method, then the prism stuck Ghauri instead tumbling him a few steps back.

"Phew, nice save Kanade, thanks." Zi-O thanked Kanade.

"Anytime, Zi-O. My spear is not just for stabbing and slashing after all." Kanade replied.

After Ghauri stood up after that counter, he then created a big prism and launched it at Zi-O and Kanade. But then Gunvolt created a large electric sword and launched it as the sword destroyed the prism, and stuck Ghauri hard, sending him tumbling a few more steps back.

"Heh, you're not the only one who can do a trick like that, Kanade." Gunvolt quipped.

"Wow, you gotta teach me how to do that, GV." Kanade asked.

"Sorry but you're not the one with electrical powers. But kicking your spear might be a good alternative."

"Hmm...maybe I should try that sometime."

After Ghauri stood up again, he created another big prism, but this time he kicked it as it broke into smaller crystals and launched them towards the heroes. The heroes dodged the crystals, then countered with Zi-O performing a cross slash, Kanade with a spear thrust, and Gunvolt launching his Dragonsphere at Ghauri as it stuck and then exploded into a Crashbolt, sending Ghauri tumbling to the floor once more.

As Ghauri is slowing standing up after being countered, he muttered, "Well then...time for you all to have a nice fall!"

"Prism Prisma Prison!"

Ghauri jumped high and created three large prismatic pillars and dropped them onto the heroes to trap them. As they were trapped, the prisms fired lasers that refracted diagonally upwards and downwards.

"Tch! Everyone, aim for the weak spots on the crystals before they fire!" Zi-O suggested while dodging the lasers.

Kanade and Gunvolt nodded in response as they and Zi-O were able to quickly destroy the large prisms before they became a nuisance to them.

"Ah man! That was my jam!" Ghauri exclaimed.

"Then jam THIS into your rhyming skull!" Zi-O replied as he inserted the Kaixa Ridewatch into the Zikan Gilade and prepared his Finish Time as he pulled the trigger.

FINISH TIME!

GIRI GIRI SLASH!

As the Zikan Gilade was charged with yellow photon energy, Zi-O then unleashed a charged cross slash onto Ghauri, finishing off with an overhead slash that sent Ghauri staggering a few steps back as it also left Kaixa's symbol on him.

"Here's this too!" Kanade shouted as she launched a large shockwave as it stuck Ghauri, sending him staggering a few more steps back.

POWER∞SHINE

"And here's the finale!" Gunvolt declared as he created a large electric sword on his right hand.

"Luxcalibur!"

Gunvolt then quickly rushed towards Ghauri and stuck him with an overhead slash, and finishing him off with a strong side slash. That final slash sent Ghauri tumbling hard and to the ground.

"Ugh...no rhyme this time..." are the last words Ghauri muttered as he was turned into a pink mirror, and then it cracked itself to pieces leaving no trace of him left.

(BGM End)

"Phew! Thank god it's over...I'm really getting annoyed by his rhymes..." Kanade sighed with relief.

"Trust us, Kanade. We ALL do..." Gunvolt deadpanned.

"You guys think Copen and the others will be able to save Mytyl?" Zi-O asked.

"I'm sure they'll be fine, Zi-O. If we're lucky, they might find the Garden along the way." Gunvolt replied.

"Let's all hope so, GV."

"I still can't believe you and Copen managed to make a truce and not kill each other." Xiao contacted.

"Yeah, well you can thank Zeo, Geiz, Kanade and Serena for that. They owe us big time." Gunvolt admitted.

"Heh, if you say so. Anyway how about you all head on back for now? I've got some new intel from one of my clients."

"Understood, Xiao." Gunvolt ended the call and turned towards Zi-O and Kanade. "Come on everyone, we're heading back."

The three heroes then went back onto the Time Mazine and rode off back to Gunvolt's apartment.


Meanwhile back at Gunvolt's apartment...

"Ah, welcome back everyone! You too, Joule! I'm glad you're all back in one piece." Quinn said as the three heroes arrived.

"Thanks Quinn, it's good to see you again." Joule replied, appearing in her idol form.

"It is? Oh I mean...thanks?"

"Oooo-kay?"

"Well...this is awkward..." Kanade whispered to Gunvolt.

"Agreed, Joule usually isn't this nice to Quinn." Gunvolt replied.

"I guess something happened along the way. Probably for the best too." Zeo added.

"O-oh! Sorry, never mind! Anyway it's good to see you all back safely." Quinn said.

"Heh, it will take more than that to stop us." Zeo smirked.

"Alright everyone, I found out what the Garden is." Xiao reported. "And it looks like your guesses are correct, it IS Eden's Fortress HQ. And thanks to that intel earlier, I found its location. It's in the country city of Tashkent, somewhere in central Asia. A lot of Eden soldiers and agents are waiting there, including their leader Zonda and her revived Seven Eden Adepts. And there's no doubt that the last Shard is there too."

"I see...so this is it huh?" Gunvolt muttered.

"Yup, we're about to reach our final battle with Eden." Zeo nodded.

"Wow, final battle already huh? Hope we're ready for this." Kanade said.

"We have to, Kanade, or this world is doomed." Zeo replied.

"Yeah, I really wanna see Tsubasa again. So I better get serious and finish off Eden for good and move on."

"Tsubasa? Is she a friend of yours?" Quinn asked.

"Yup, me and her became a singing duo called Zwei Wing in the past."

"Wow, that's amazing! I would love to see you both sing someday."

"Hm...I'll think about it AFTER we take down Eden."

"Heh, front row seats if possible?" Gunvolt quipped.

"Don't push it, GV. Also I don't wanna make Joule jealous." Kanade replied with a small grin.

"She's rig-hey! What's that supposed to mean?!" Joule exclaimed.

"Hm? Hold on, I got a message from my client." Xiao then read the message. "She says she also wants to rendezvous with us at a hill, a few kilometres outside of Eden's HQ. Well that was unexpected..."

"Well, you're telling us, Xiao. Expect the unexpected." Zeo replied and then thought about something. "And I DEFINITELY did not recall this extra event...could this be because of the four of us that this Butterfly Effect is happening? I really hope nothing unexpected happens...though it probably will either way."

"Well then, let's go meet up with them, shall we? We'll be back soon, Quinn." Gunvolt said.

"I understand, but before you go, there's something I wanna give you, GV." Quinn said as she then brought out a small box and opened it. It was a small necklace with an azure crystal.

"Hm? Is that a necklace with an azure crystal on it?" Gunvolt asked.

"Yup, call it a good luck charm for you and Joule during your final battle." Quinn nodded.

"Aww...how sweet of you!" Joule smiled.

"I appreciate it, thanks Quinn." Gunvolt said as he began wearing the azure necklace and hid it inside his suit.

"It's the least I can do for you." Quinn replied and then turned towards Joule. "And Joule, please take care of GV, no matter what."

"You know it, sister! Leave it to me!"

Quinn nodded and then turned towards Zeo and Kanade. "That goes for you too, Zeo, Kanade. Please take care of them for me, ok?"

"Quinn, don't worry. We will be with them till the end." Zeo nodded.

"When we get back, I would love to try some your food again!" Kanade grinned.

"Hehe! Then it's a deal then!" Quinn replied.

"Well then everyone, it's time to move out. Our final battle awaits." Gunvolt declared as he, Xiao, Zeo and Kanade proceeded to leave the apartment and head towards Eden HQ; The Garden. As they left, Quinn closed her eyes and prayed for their safety as she said something in her thoughts.

"Please...stay safe everyone..."


And so the final battle against Eden has arrived. Will they be able to stop them or will Eden be the ones victorious? And what about the distortion they have yet to find? Perhaps all the answers lie within The Garden. But for now as always...Only time will tell...

Chapter 2: Forfeit and Crossroads

END


Author's Note: If you're wondering what those Azure and Crimson Necklaces would do, well you'll have to wait and see as we go along with the story. Until then, stay safe!