Chapter 4
Written by illuminet
Disclaimer: Refer to the first chapter, otherwise proceed...
------
I-NO
------
Verdant, Swan Clock Tower
Dizzy began to stand up slowly as I-NO gave her a sideways glance.
"I can't let you..."
Dizzy began, but she was stopped by what she saw. Behind I-NO was May. The young girl turned to Dizzy.
"Dizzy, I finally found you!"
Dizzy brought up her hands.
"No May! Go away, It's too dangerous..."
Dizzy said pleading for May to leave, but the young girl didn't budge, instead glaring at I-NO.
"What have you done to my friend?!"
She said, barely containing the anger in her voice as she hoisted her big anchor on her shoulder. I-NO looked down at her.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm doing precisely...what I...want to."
She said nice and slowly. May's eyes flashed with a power that disturbed I-NO.
"I...will...never...forgive...you!"
May said in a deadly tone. I-NO narrowed her eyes at the girl as she licked her lips.
"My, such a strong aura about you...so you must be May...that damn Japanese! I had nearly forgot about this power you contain!"
I-NO seemed to shake in delight.
"Come, Japanese bitch! It's time I had a taste of your power!"
I-NO and May dashed towards each other, striking out at the same time. Sparks flew as their weapons hit, as both jumped back, swinging horizontally, once again knocking anchor against guitar. May then kicked out, catching I-NO in the stomach, before sliding in to her, tripping I-No's feet from under her as she fell face first into the ground. May got up quickly, performing an overhead smash with her anchor, knocking I-No into the ground like a hammer hitting a nail. As I-NO got up, May held her anchor behind her, before swing it forward at amazing speed.
"Mist Finer!"
The attack knocked I-NO back very far. Dizzy was amazed at what she was seeing.
"Keep at it, May!"
She cheered. I-NO got up, a bit slowly.
"Pretty good, but you have to do better than that."
May dashed up to I-NO, smashing into her while spinning like a top, knocking I-No back, before jumping after the woman again and striking her repeatedly with her large anchor. I-NO snarled at May. Her large wings reappeared again.
"Let's see what your made of."
As she played her guitar the spheres homed in on May. She was struck down instantly, repeatedly getting hit. Dizzy screamed in surprise, before jumping in front of the attack, catching the now heavily bleeding May and covering her. May looked up at Dizzy in shock as she took the rest of the blows, coughing up blood.
"Dizzy!"
As the attack ended, Dizzy fell into May's arms.
"Why did you do that, Dizzy?"
Dizzy smiled at her.
"Your my first friend, May. I'd protect you with my life..."
Dizzy was breathing heavily. I-NO yawned in boredom.
"Your so lame..."
Before I-NO finished, the rest of the May Ship and crew came from the sky, landing in the nearby clearing. Johnny was the first to exit as he rushed towards May and Dizzy.
"Hey are you two alright?"
The two nodded. A figure appeared from the ground in front of I-NO catching her attention.
'So, the Gear Testament is here...'
I-NO thought with a smirk. Dizzy looked in surprise.
"Testament!"
Testament took out his scythe and pointed it at I-NO.
"You have abnormally strong powers, woman, and a strange aura for a human. It was you who attacked her on the May Ship, wasn't it?"
I-NO shrugged hr shoulders at the Gear.
"You worry too much about her. She's right over there, alive and kicking, isn't she?"
Testament narrowed his eyes as I-NO spoke, but let her keep speaking.
"Tell me, is this that lovely familial love thing or whatever? You really should only worry about yourself..."
Testament closed his eyes briefly before opening them again.
"Enough, let us proceed."
He said as he prepared to fight her. I-NO smirked as she got ready. The two met with precise blows, as Testament swung outward with his scythe and catching I-NO in her side, as I-NO struck his side with her guitar. Testament then summoned a beast from the ground to attack I-NO from behind, and as she was distracted, he thrusted his scythe forward, sending her tripping to the floor. He then stabbed down at her, hoping to impale her with his scythe, but she kicked her foot up, catching his scythe with her stiletto. She then swung a wide ground sweep with her guitar, making Testament fall to the floor.
"Hey, not bad, but you really don't stand a chance..."
I-NO said as she got up. She already knew that Testament wasn't nearly as strong, just more resourceful and experienced. She dashed towards the rising form of Testament, but a small tree rose from the ground, striking her off into the air. Testament took full advantage, slashing at her with two side slashes of his scythe before kicking out, sending I-NO back to the ground. I-NO was starting to get agitated by Testament's tricks.
"Your tough. It seems I got to use my Megalomania on you too."
Her wings came out a third time that day. Dizzy shouted to Testament.
"Be careful! That's the same attack that got me..."
Testament only nodded as he leaned forward, holding his scythe in front of him. As I-NO played her guitar, the balls of energy came flying out. Testament narrowed his eyes. The attack almost hit him head on but he disappeared as red liquid surrounded his body. He rose up behind I-NO, hoping to take her on from behind. However when he tried attacking, all the balls homed in on him. Testament gritted his teeth as he took the attack. Though bleeding badly he held up until the attack stopped, however, he knew he was too weak to fight. I-NO grabbed him by the neck, choking him.
"Look at your sister. It'll be the last thing you see. But don't worry too much, I'll send her along shortly, okay?"
Testament glared at her, but he knew that there was no way out of this. Dizzy pleaded to I-NO to stop, but the woman continued, a murderous gleam in her eye.
"That's enough! I won't let you hurt anyone else..."
As Dizzy said that, she got up slowly, before turning back to May and Johnny.
"Stay back, this is going to be dangerous..."
The young Gear tackled I-NO with enough force to send her flying into the woods, before grabbing on to Testament, who was gasping for air.
"Can you stand?"
She asked with concern Testament nodded.
"Do it Dizzy, it may be the only way..."
He teleported away as Dizzy's body began to glow white. A picture of I-NO was imprinted in her mind.
'The Wings of Light...'
Dizzy thought as she used up all her remaining energy, concentrating it into her final attack. A giant laser shot from the sky, tearing holes in the clouds. I-NO looked up only long enough to see it before it hit her head on. The entire forest burst into flames. Dizzy fell to her knees, exhausted as May, Johnny and Testament came behind her. She smiled up at them.
"I think it's over."
May and Johnny helped Dizzy up, bringing her towards the May Ship with Testament trailing behind. Dizzy took a sideways glance at the forest and opened her eyes in shock. May and Johnny followed soon after. I-NO stood at the edge of the flames, virtually untouched, with her clothes singed a bit, but her skin remain free of an damage. Her left eye twitched slightly.
"It's not over, Gear bitch...no not by a long shot..."
I-NO did not continue as she felt a familiar presence. She stared back at the burning trees as they began to fall.
'He's here...the greatest threat...'
------------
SOL/I-NO
------------
Burning forest edge, entering clearing to Swan Clock Tower
He came when he saw the beam of light come from the sky, knowing he'd find her there. As he made himself known to her, he walked slowly, almost casually through the burning trees as they fell around him. The crew of the May Ship stared at him in awe as he walked through the flames, as it seem to move around him, clearing his path to the clearing. Both his and I-NO's eyes met.
"My, the Corrupted Flame rises from the ends of the Earth once more..."
Sol sighed as he saw I-NO.
"Tell me...where is he?"
He asked, gripping his sword tightly. I-NO narrowed her eyes.
"I won't let you bother him right now, besides I'm not with him at the moment, either..."
She said. Sol growled as he interrupted her.
"Look, bitch, I don't need anything from you...Now bring him out here!"
I-NO's face twisted in rage.
"Don't get all high and mighty on me, asshole! Even if you are the stronger one, that suppression device holds too much power back. And since we have an audience, I know you won't remove it. You've come here only to die, understand? I'll rid you of this world forever..."
Sol sighed, as he thought up a distant memory. One of there own...
"I'll save you..."
he muttered lowly, being sure I-NO didn't her him, but she did see his mouth move.
"What was that...?"
Sol smirked as he tapped his sword against his leg.
"Nothing to concern yourself with..."
Sol attacked suddenly, throwing out his right fist as it was encased in a gauntlet of flame. I-NO brought up her guitar, defending the blow, but she staggered backwards from the force of the attack, then Sol brought his fist back, before swinging it upwards, creating a ball of flame.
"Tyrant..."
Before Sol finished, he simply let the ball explode as he stomped his foot and extended out his arms, roaring to the sky.
"Dragon Install!"
Now powered up, he jammed his sword into the ground as a large pillar of flame exploded from the surface, but I-NO kept her guard. Sol jumped up, twisting in the air as he brought his foot over, the tip of his shoe leaving a trail of fire.
"Bandit..."
Sol kicked off I-NO's guitar as he jumped back, creating a wall of fire behind him as he jumped off it, sending his foot at I-NO, but she had enough. She played a tune as her hat spit a wave of energy out, blasting Sol back before she jumped off after him, her hat sending a powerful soundwave at him before making him descend to the ground. Sol got up relatively quickly. He smirked at the woman.
"Pretty nice...but that's just an old child's trick. You better hit me harder."
Sol said in an arrogant tone. A vein popped out of I-NO's forehead, but it could not be seen since her hat covered most of it.
"Harder, huh...don't worry, I'll hit you harder, bastard...Come on!"
The two of them dashed towards each other. But I-NO was shocked to see him move so fast, as he was right in front of her almost instantaneously. He struck her with the blunt of his thick blade, making her reel back, before he brought it down, catching her on the shoulder. I-NO swung upward, only to meet Sol's foot as he kicked off the guitar, flipping backward, before moving forward and thrusting his foot in her stomach. I-NO had the wind taken out of her as she bowed forward, breathing heavily.
"Is that it?"
Sol said simply as he smashed his elbow in her face as she tried to get up, knocking her on her back. She moved stiffly, but managed to pull herself to her feet. A trail of blood trickled from her nose and mouth, and she brought up her arm to wipe off the offending red stain on her jacket. She gritted her teeth.
"You got me nicely...but it's not over yet. I haven't shown all my power..."
I-NO lowered her head in concentration. Sol could feel her powers building up higher and higher.
'This isn't good...if I go beyond the power my Dragon Install provides...I may lose control...'
Sol thought as he gritted his teeth. Her large white wings appeared behind her as she lifted her head, her eyes flashing red.
"Let's see how well you do now."
She said simply, waiting for Sol to attack.
'Damn, she's beyond my grasp now...if I attack, she'll just counter attack me...but what other alternative do I have...?'
Sol could not think of anything, and decided to go on the offensive. He ran at her at blistering speed, tearing up the tiled ground as he sped up. He swung hard, bringing his sword overhead before smashing it down forward. He hit only the ground, leaving a large hole in it. Sol felt a bead of sweat roll down the side of his face. I-NO smashed her guitar over his head, making him fall to the ground.
'Shit...not good...'
Sol thought, getting up as quickly as possible. He looked around, trying to spot I-NO. He heard her guitar playing behind him and turned around, barely missing the bolt of energy that flew by him. I-NO was on him in a second, a guitar string wrapped tightly around his neck.
"What did I tell you? You can't hope to beat me if you hold back, my dear."
I-NO purred into Sol's ear as he gripped the thin metal string with his fingers.
"Gahh...I-NO...!"
Sol brought himself forward, before reeling his head back, hitting I-NO solidly in the face with the back of his head. Her grip on the string loosened as Sol removed it quickly, gasping for air. He quickly turned around to the stunned I-NO and punched her in the face with incredible force, making her fly back before she skidded across the ground. I-NO got up slowly, clenching her fists in anger.
"I've had enough of these trivial games, bastard...I'm going to kill you right now!"
She spread her wings to full length as she stared playing her guitar. Sol narrowed his eyes.
'This is not fucking good...I wasted to much of my power at this current state...I can counter, but I'll lose most of my energy...but do I really have a choice?'
The energy balls came rapidly. Sol gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. Just as the balls were about to make contact, he jumped away, with a grim expression.
'No choice...'
Sol crossed his arms, lowering his head, and began to concentrate. To large black bat like wings emerged behind him, in much the same fashion as I-NO's white wings. As the balls of energy homed in on him, his wings sent out their own, smashing in with the others. A large cloud of smoke formed as the impact of energies kept striking one another. I-NO finally stopped, waiting for the dust to clear. She looked in surprise at Sol.
"How can this be...?"
She said as she peered at Sol, who was kneeling heavily on his sword. I-NO just saw as his black wings disappeared. She glared at him.
"How did you get those wings?!"
Sol simply kneeled lower in exhaustion. I-NO calmed down a bit.
"Well it doesn't matter...you can't win anyway."
Sol pushed his right hand against the ground, trying to push himself up.
"Heh, what are you doing? Your not getting up."
I-NO walked briskly to Sol before kicking him in the side, knocking him down. As Sol tried to get up again, I-NO fiercely kicked him back to the ground, repeating it until Sol could barely move. She smirked at the man.
"Ah, much better. You should be groveling at my feet like a good boy. That dirty face of yours suits you."
She proceeded to kick him again when she was interrupted by a man blocking her attack. The man wore gray clothing, with a long horn protruding from his forehead. I-NO recognized him instantly.
"Raven, what do you think your doing?"
Raven shook his head at her.
"I-NO, his excellency his here..."
Out of no where "That Man" appeared, his thick black cloak trailing in the wind. I-NO stood upright, facing him. "That Man" simply shook his head.
"I-NO...acting against my orders...normally I would punish you for a while, but I have lost my patience for you. I will simply banish you to the Unknown realm."
I-NO stared wide eyed at him in shock.
"I don't understand...all I was doing was getting rid of those who would bother you..."
Her voice trembled, but "That Man" shook his head once more.
"Dizzy and Frederick...they are our last hope...the entire world's last hope...and you have disregarded me for the final time, I-NO..."
He moved his hand out from within the deep folds of his cloak, encasing I-NO in a pure white crystal. She banged against the inner surface and screamed, but she could not be heard. "That Man" cast her away in an errie red portal. Raven had disappeared. Sol looked up at "That Man".
"It has been a long time, Frederick..."
Sol was up in an instant, charging at the one who made him a monster.
"Deiiyahh...!"
Sol screamed as he tried to strike, only to hit a barrier. "That Man" swung his hand out, knocking Sol away.
"Errr..."
Sol groaned as he tried to get up. "That Man" shook his head.
"Frederick...man must become more than man, and Gear must become more that Gear...You have almost reached it Frederick...the power which will be our last hope..."
Sol growled deep in his throat.
"So, who cares? You took her away from me..."
Sol said, barely able to keep his eyes opened. "That Man" sighed.
"I-NO should not be your concern, Frederick...this world needs a champion, one that has extensive knowledge of the ancient arts and magic..."
Sol got up slowly, kneeling on his sword, coughing up some blood as he stared at the person he used to call friend.
"What's with all those pretty words, huh? Your a little late in cheering me up now...we'll meet again, you and I, but for now, I'm going after I-NO. I will never forgive you for what you have done..."
Sol said, standing fully erect with only a slight jolting in his knees.
"Go on and hate me Frederick...your hate builds up and makes you stronger, like feeding paper to the flame. We will meet again, but for now...farewell, Frederick..."
"That Man" turned away from Sol, before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.
***TBC***
Written by illuminet
Disclaimer: Refer to the first chapter, otherwise proceed...
------
I-NO
------
Verdant, Swan Clock Tower
Dizzy began to stand up slowly as I-NO gave her a sideways glance.
"I can't let you..."
Dizzy began, but she was stopped by what she saw. Behind I-NO was May. The young girl turned to Dizzy.
"Dizzy, I finally found you!"
Dizzy brought up her hands.
"No May! Go away, It's too dangerous..."
Dizzy said pleading for May to leave, but the young girl didn't budge, instead glaring at I-NO.
"What have you done to my friend?!"
She said, barely containing the anger in her voice as she hoisted her big anchor on her shoulder. I-NO looked down at her.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm doing precisely...what I...want to."
She said nice and slowly. May's eyes flashed with a power that disturbed I-NO.
"I...will...never...forgive...you!"
May said in a deadly tone. I-NO narrowed her eyes at the girl as she licked her lips.
"My, such a strong aura about you...so you must be May...that damn Japanese! I had nearly forgot about this power you contain!"
I-NO seemed to shake in delight.
"Come, Japanese bitch! It's time I had a taste of your power!"
I-NO and May dashed towards each other, striking out at the same time. Sparks flew as their weapons hit, as both jumped back, swinging horizontally, once again knocking anchor against guitar. May then kicked out, catching I-NO in the stomach, before sliding in to her, tripping I-No's feet from under her as she fell face first into the ground. May got up quickly, performing an overhead smash with her anchor, knocking I-No into the ground like a hammer hitting a nail. As I-NO got up, May held her anchor behind her, before swing it forward at amazing speed.
"Mist Finer!"
The attack knocked I-NO back very far. Dizzy was amazed at what she was seeing.
"Keep at it, May!"
She cheered. I-NO got up, a bit slowly.
"Pretty good, but you have to do better than that."
May dashed up to I-NO, smashing into her while spinning like a top, knocking I-No back, before jumping after the woman again and striking her repeatedly with her large anchor. I-NO snarled at May. Her large wings reappeared again.
"Let's see what your made of."
As she played her guitar the spheres homed in on May. She was struck down instantly, repeatedly getting hit. Dizzy screamed in surprise, before jumping in front of the attack, catching the now heavily bleeding May and covering her. May looked up at Dizzy in shock as she took the rest of the blows, coughing up blood.
"Dizzy!"
As the attack ended, Dizzy fell into May's arms.
"Why did you do that, Dizzy?"
Dizzy smiled at her.
"Your my first friend, May. I'd protect you with my life..."
Dizzy was breathing heavily. I-NO yawned in boredom.
"Your so lame..."
Before I-NO finished, the rest of the May Ship and crew came from the sky, landing in the nearby clearing. Johnny was the first to exit as he rushed towards May and Dizzy.
"Hey are you two alright?"
The two nodded. A figure appeared from the ground in front of I-NO catching her attention.
'So, the Gear Testament is here...'
I-NO thought with a smirk. Dizzy looked in surprise.
"Testament!"
Testament took out his scythe and pointed it at I-NO.
"You have abnormally strong powers, woman, and a strange aura for a human. It was you who attacked her on the May Ship, wasn't it?"
I-NO shrugged hr shoulders at the Gear.
"You worry too much about her. She's right over there, alive and kicking, isn't she?"
Testament narrowed his eyes as I-NO spoke, but let her keep speaking.
"Tell me, is this that lovely familial love thing or whatever? You really should only worry about yourself..."
Testament closed his eyes briefly before opening them again.
"Enough, let us proceed."
He said as he prepared to fight her. I-NO smirked as she got ready. The two met with precise blows, as Testament swung outward with his scythe and catching I-NO in her side, as I-NO struck his side with her guitar. Testament then summoned a beast from the ground to attack I-NO from behind, and as she was distracted, he thrusted his scythe forward, sending her tripping to the floor. He then stabbed down at her, hoping to impale her with his scythe, but she kicked her foot up, catching his scythe with her stiletto. She then swung a wide ground sweep with her guitar, making Testament fall to the floor.
"Hey, not bad, but you really don't stand a chance..."
I-NO said as she got up. She already knew that Testament wasn't nearly as strong, just more resourceful and experienced. She dashed towards the rising form of Testament, but a small tree rose from the ground, striking her off into the air. Testament took full advantage, slashing at her with two side slashes of his scythe before kicking out, sending I-NO back to the ground. I-NO was starting to get agitated by Testament's tricks.
"Your tough. It seems I got to use my Megalomania on you too."
Her wings came out a third time that day. Dizzy shouted to Testament.
"Be careful! That's the same attack that got me..."
Testament only nodded as he leaned forward, holding his scythe in front of him. As I-NO played her guitar, the balls of energy came flying out. Testament narrowed his eyes. The attack almost hit him head on but he disappeared as red liquid surrounded his body. He rose up behind I-NO, hoping to take her on from behind. However when he tried attacking, all the balls homed in on him. Testament gritted his teeth as he took the attack. Though bleeding badly he held up until the attack stopped, however, he knew he was too weak to fight. I-NO grabbed him by the neck, choking him.
"Look at your sister. It'll be the last thing you see. But don't worry too much, I'll send her along shortly, okay?"
Testament glared at her, but he knew that there was no way out of this. Dizzy pleaded to I-NO to stop, but the woman continued, a murderous gleam in her eye.
"That's enough! I won't let you hurt anyone else..."
As Dizzy said that, she got up slowly, before turning back to May and Johnny.
"Stay back, this is going to be dangerous..."
The young Gear tackled I-NO with enough force to send her flying into the woods, before grabbing on to Testament, who was gasping for air.
"Can you stand?"
She asked with concern Testament nodded.
"Do it Dizzy, it may be the only way..."
He teleported away as Dizzy's body began to glow white. A picture of I-NO was imprinted in her mind.
'The Wings of Light...'
Dizzy thought as she used up all her remaining energy, concentrating it into her final attack. A giant laser shot from the sky, tearing holes in the clouds. I-NO looked up only long enough to see it before it hit her head on. The entire forest burst into flames. Dizzy fell to her knees, exhausted as May, Johnny and Testament came behind her. She smiled up at them.
"I think it's over."
May and Johnny helped Dizzy up, bringing her towards the May Ship with Testament trailing behind. Dizzy took a sideways glance at the forest and opened her eyes in shock. May and Johnny followed soon after. I-NO stood at the edge of the flames, virtually untouched, with her clothes singed a bit, but her skin remain free of an damage. Her left eye twitched slightly.
"It's not over, Gear bitch...no not by a long shot..."
I-NO did not continue as she felt a familiar presence. She stared back at the burning trees as they began to fall.
'He's here...the greatest threat...'
------------
SOL/I-NO
------------
Burning forest edge, entering clearing to Swan Clock Tower
He came when he saw the beam of light come from the sky, knowing he'd find her there. As he made himself known to her, he walked slowly, almost casually through the burning trees as they fell around him. The crew of the May Ship stared at him in awe as he walked through the flames, as it seem to move around him, clearing his path to the clearing. Both his and I-NO's eyes met.
"My, the Corrupted Flame rises from the ends of the Earth once more..."
Sol sighed as he saw I-NO.
"Tell me...where is he?"
He asked, gripping his sword tightly. I-NO narrowed her eyes.
"I won't let you bother him right now, besides I'm not with him at the moment, either..."
She said. Sol growled as he interrupted her.
"Look, bitch, I don't need anything from you...Now bring him out here!"
I-NO's face twisted in rage.
"Don't get all high and mighty on me, asshole! Even if you are the stronger one, that suppression device holds too much power back. And since we have an audience, I know you won't remove it. You've come here only to die, understand? I'll rid you of this world forever..."
Sol sighed, as he thought up a distant memory. One of there own...
"I'll save you..."
he muttered lowly, being sure I-NO didn't her him, but she did see his mouth move.
"What was that...?"
Sol smirked as he tapped his sword against his leg.
"Nothing to concern yourself with..."
Sol attacked suddenly, throwing out his right fist as it was encased in a gauntlet of flame. I-NO brought up her guitar, defending the blow, but she staggered backwards from the force of the attack, then Sol brought his fist back, before swinging it upwards, creating a ball of flame.
"Tyrant..."
Before Sol finished, he simply let the ball explode as he stomped his foot and extended out his arms, roaring to the sky.
"Dragon Install!"
Now powered up, he jammed his sword into the ground as a large pillar of flame exploded from the surface, but I-NO kept her guard. Sol jumped up, twisting in the air as he brought his foot over, the tip of his shoe leaving a trail of fire.
"Bandit..."
Sol kicked off I-NO's guitar as he jumped back, creating a wall of fire behind him as he jumped off it, sending his foot at I-NO, but she had enough. She played a tune as her hat spit a wave of energy out, blasting Sol back before she jumped off after him, her hat sending a powerful soundwave at him before making him descend to the ground. Sol got up relatively quickly. He smirked at the woman.
"Pretty nice...but that's just an old child's trick. You better hit me harder."
Sol said in an arrogant tone. A vein popped out of I-NO's forehead, but it could not be seen since her hat covered most of it.
"Harder, huh...don't worry, I'll hit you harder, bastard...Come on!"
The two of them dashed towards each other. But I-NO was shocked to see him move so fast, as he was right in front of her almost instantaneously. He struck her with the blunt of his thick blade, making her reel back, before he brought it down, catching her on the shoulder. I-NO swung upward, only to meet Sol's foot as he kicked off the guitar, flipping backward, before moving forward and thrusting his foot in her stomach. I-NO had the wind taken out of her as she bowed forward, breathing heavily.
"Is that it?"
Sol said simply as he smashed his elbow in her face as she tried to get up, knocking her on her back. She moved stiffly, but managed to pull herself to her feet. A trail of blood trickled from her nose and mouth, and she brought up her arm to wipe off the offending red stain on her jacket. She gritted her teeth.
"You got me nicely...but it's not over yet. I haven't shown all my power..."
I-NO lowered her head in concentration. Sol could feel her powers building up higher and higher.
'This isn't good...if I go beyond the power my Dragon Install provides...I may lose control...'
Sol thought as he gritted his teeth. Her large white wings appeared behind her as she lifted her head, her eyes flashing red.
"Let's see how well you do now."
She said simply, waiting for Sol to attack.
'Damn, she's beyond my grasp now...if I attack, she'll just counter attack me...but what other alternative do I have...?'
Sol could not think of anything, and decided to go on the offensive. He ran at her at blistering speed, tearing up the tiled ground as he sped up. He swung hard, bringing his sword overhead before smashing it down forward. He hit only the ground, leaving a large hole in it. Sol felt a bead of sweat roll down the side of his face. I-NO smashed her guitar over his head, making him fall to the ground.
'Shit...not good...'
Sol thought, getting up as quickly as possible. He looked around, trying to spot I-NO. He heard her guitar playing behind him and turned around, barely missing the bolt of energy that flew by him. I-NO was on him in a second, a guitar string wrapped tightly around his neck.
"What did I tell you? You can't hope to beat me if you hold back, my dear."
I-NO purred into Sol's ear as he gripped the thin metal string with his fingers.
"Gahh...I-NO...!"
Sol brought himself forward, before reeling his head back, hitting I-NO solidly in the face with the back of his head. Her grip on the string loosened as Sol removed it quickly, gasping for air. He quickly turned around to the stunned I-NO and punched her in the face with incredible force, making her fly back before she skidded across the ground. I-NO got up slowly, clenching her fists in anger.
"I've had enough of these trivial games, bastard...I'm going to kill you right now!"
She spread her wings to full length as she stared playing her guitar. Sol narrowed his eyes.
'This is not fucking good...I wasted to much of my power at this current state...I can counter, but I'll lose most of my energy...but do I really have a choice?'
The energy balls came rapidly. Sol gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. Just as the balls were about to make contact, he jumped away, with a grim expression.
'No choice...'
Sol crossed his arms, lowering his head, and began to concentrate. To large black bat like wings emerged behind him, in much the same fashion as I-NO's white wings. As the balls of energy homed in on him, his wings sent out their own, smashing in with the others. A large cloud of smoke formed as the impact of energies kept striking one another. I-NO finally stopped, waiting for the dust to clear. She looked in surprise at Sol.
"How can this be...?"
She said as she peered at Sol, who was kneeling heavily on his sword. I-NO just saw as his black wings disappeared. She glared at him.
"How did you get those wings?!"
Sol simply kneeled lower in exhaustion. I-NO calmed down a bit.
"Well it doesn't matter...you can't win anyway."
Sol pushed his right hand against the ground, trying to push himself up.
"Heh, what are you doing? Your not getting up."
I-NO walked briskly to Sol before kicking him in the side, knocking him down. As Sol tried to get up again, I-NO fiercely kicked him back to the ground, repeating it until Sol could barely move. She smirked at the man.
"Ah, much better. You should be groveling at my feet like a good boy. That dirty face of yours suits you."
She proceeded to kick him again when she was interrupted by a man blocking her attack. The man wore gray clothing, with a long horn protruding from his forehead. I-NO recognized him instantly.
"Raven, what do you think your doing?"
Raven shook his head at her.
"I-NO, his excellency his here..."
Out of no where "That Man" appeared, his thick black cloak trailing in the wind. I-NO stood upright, facing him. "That Man" simply shook his head.
"I-NO...acting against my orders...normally I would punish you for a while, but I have lost my patience for you. I will simply banish you to the Unknown realm."
I-NO stared wide eyed at him in shock.
"I don't understand...all I was doing was getting rid of those who would bother you..."
Her voice trembled, but "That Man" shook his head once more.
"Dizzy and Frederick...they are our last hope...the entire world's last hope...and you have disregarded me for the final time, I-NO..."
He moved his hand out from within the deep folds of his cloak, encasing I-NO in a pure white crystal. She banged against the inner surface and screamed, but she could not be heard. "That Man" cast her away in an errie red portal. Raven had disappeared. Sol looked up at "That Man".
"It has been a long time, Frederick..."
Sol was up in an instant, charging at the one who made him a monster.
"Deiiyahh...!"
Sol screamed as he tried to strike, only to hit a barrier. "That Man" swung his hand out, knocking Sol away.
"Errr..."
Sol groaned as he tried to get up. "That Man" shook his head.
"Frederick...man must become more than man, and Gear must become more that Gear...You have almost reached it Frederick...the power which will be our last hope..."
Sol growled deep in his throat.
"So, who cares? You took her away from me..."
Sol said, barely able to keep his eyes opened. "That Man" sighed.
"I-NO should not be your concern, Frederick...this world needs a champion, one that has extensive knowledge of the ancient arts and magic..."
Sol got up slowly, kneeling on his sword, coughing up some blood as he stared at the person he used to call friend.
"What's with all those pretty words, huh? Your a little late in cheering me up now...we'll meet again, you and I, but for now, I'm going after I-NO. I will never forgive you for what you have done..."
Sol said, standing fully erect with only a slight jolting in his knees.
"Go on and hate me Frederick...your hate builds up and makes you stronger, like feeding paper to the flame. We will meet again, but for now...farewell, Frederick..."
"That Man" turned away from Sol, before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.
***TBC***