Heart Of The Melting Blood RELOADED

by Lone Wolf NEO

Monologues. Some like it, and some hate it. Yet for most of the people, it is the fact they cannot disagree with. It is a part of their soul, and it will forever be a part of them. This be the end of the story... or is it?

19. Chapter 18: Warriors Exist To Serve Peop...

Previously on Heart of the Melting Blood RELOADED…

"But that meant you had betrayed humankind," Sion insisted.

"I don't care about that, MissSion. I just don't care of anything that happens to me. I've lost everything, and that's the only thing I know." He grumbled and ruffled his hands through her hair. "Damn it… when I thought I had avenged their death… he appeared and accused me of everything…! Why can't he understand the truth I have to face?"

"Kiske…"

x-x

"Alexander-san, I already know you were not a bad guy. You're just misguided and need someone to help you getting over it."

"Then you suggest me to do what?" Alex insisted. "And you could've helped me while the author questioned me back there. Why you left us?"

"My apology for startling you, Alexander-san, but I cannot tell you the reason," the swordsman spoke. "However I can assure you that I will not treat you like a criminal or a person who has commited treason against humanity. I guarantee you with that."

"Show me your proof," Alex said. "Otherwise I will regard everything you said to me as a futile attempt to intimidate my standpoint."

"A Wanderer does not need to prove everything he speaks, Alexander-san," Elde uttered.

"Alright, then. I will consider your acceptance toward me as the proof for me to believe in you," the lone wolf of Holy Order spoke.

x-x-x-x-x

Guilty Gear
Heart of the Melting Blood RELOADED
Written and conceived by: Lone Wolf NEO

Lone Wolf NEO does not own any of all the games or anime or manga featured in this story, but he owns the copyright to all his original ideas in this fiction. The author would really appreciate it if readers do not plagiaries everything inside this story without his knowledge.

Chronological Note: Heart of the Melting Blood RELOADED takes place scarcely half a year after Guilty Gear versus SNK 2: Battle Revolution, and currently runs roughly in parallel with Guilty Gear: The World Within and Without written and owned by Sheo Darren. Featured music is Missing…, third ending theme from Guilty Gear XX.

Chapter 18
Warriors Exist to Serve the People

Lone Wolf NEO frowned in unease. If what Elde Talonn and Sion Eltnam said was true, then the Robo-Ky Mark II units would possess the biggest threat to the world instead of the Black Feather. And the fact that the unit codenamed Mark 2 had defeated the fighters of South Town, he thought, especially Terry Bogard and Geese Howard, was both disturbing and shocking. He never realized that he would be facing what he would call the most critical situation in the history of Guilty Gear. A drastic measures had to be taken, he pondered.

"John, I need your favour to make contact with President Gabriel," the author spoke. "Meet him and ask whether his regime can locate the remaining Robo-Ky units."

"I thought you want to get rid of the Mark II," John said.

"Fight fire with fire. If the bureau is using robot, we'll be using robot too. And there is no better solution than to deploy Robo-Kys to fight against those Robo-Kys," Lone Wolf insisted.

"Are you planning to use the first production line of Robo-Ky units?" Slayer suddenly appeared beside the author. "You must know that the robots are now out of service and will be seriously outmatched by the more capable and up-to-date Mark II units."

Lone Wolf glanced at the Nightwalker. "If that's the case, I will take charge of fully upgrading the old units. This world is in great danger, and I can no longer hold myself back while threats are prowling around. Speaking of which," he spoke and searched through the files scattered on the meeting table, "I haven't heard of the renegade unit. Does anybody have any idea of where he is now?"

"The #Reload Robo-Ky, isn't it, Lone Wolf-san?" Elde said.

"As far as I know, he's the only one who can help us in fighting Mark 2 and his units," the author uttered. "He even received teachings from Hibiki and should be among top tiers by now."

"Why are you suggesting the lone unit, Lone Wolf?" Slayer nobily asked. "You could've asked any of your companions to face the Mark 2 unit."

"Unfortunately, you are among my companions too," Lone Wolf answered. "And I have received reports from Zero that Robo-Ky Mark II has the ability to copy opponents' move and use the attack against them. Now imagine if Mark 2 defeated Geese and Terry, and used their strongest attacks agains us… well, we know the consequences."

"What!?" The people looked at the door, where Rock and Hotaru had stormed into the conference room. "My father and Terry had been defeated?! That's impossible!"

Lone Wolf NEO watched at the blonde fighter and breathed out in concern. "The impossible has become possible, Rock. Two of the strongest fighter in South Town had been defeated by Robo-Ky Mark 2. Terry survived the duel, but Geese… I receive no reports about him. He could've been…"

Rock fell on his knees and punched the floor. "No… this can't be… my father is…"

Lone Wolf sighed. "Death is the only answer I can tell you, Rock. I'm sorry."

Rock broke into a bitter cry, repeatedly punching the floor in both broken heart and anger. "Why… why does thing happen to us…?"

"Lone Wolf, what happened at South Town? Who could do such things to otousan and Terry-san?" Hotaru asked, while begging Rock to get over it.

Lone Wolf took out a report and began to read it. "The Mark 2 unit, believed to be the very first of the production line of Robo-Ky Mark II, was ordered by the bureau to set up a trip to South Town. The bureau's intention is still unknown to us, but I believe they're using the city as a testing ground for Mark 2's operation." He coughed and stood up from the chair, walking around the oval table while keeping an eye on Rock. "Mark 2 met Terry and challenged him to a duel. The robot defeated him and acquired the trademark Power Geyzer and Buster Wolf. Mark 2, then, continued its operation by challenging the justice warrior Kim Kaphwan and his two sons, the Sakazaki dojo heir Sakazaki Ryo, and the Muay Thai fighters Higashi Joe and King, winning all three battles. It proceeded to fight the remaining fighters living in South Town before heading toward the Geese Tower. After that…" He was silent, causing curiosity among the people inside the room. Then, furiously he destroyed the conference table with a single slice from NEO Dagger. "Damn those bureau… taking advantage of everything happening these days… they can't be forgiven for this!"

He turned around and stared at the people. "John, go to Zepp and meet President Gabriel immediately. Take Elde and his company with you, just in case."

"Right away, Lone Wolf," John spoke and walked out of the room, closely followed by Elde.

"What about us?" Slayer asked.

"I want the rest of you to stay alert of the Mark II," he reminded. "And if you have to fight them, don't let them copy your moves. Slayer, go and inform the rest of the people about Mark II's uprising." He, later, approached Rock and knelt beside him. "I'm sorry for what happened to your father, Rock. Truly I am."

"Lone Wolf, why can't I do anything to avenge his death? Why can't I?" Rock whined, while Hotaru softly rubbed his back.

"I don't know, Rock. I just don't know." Lone Wolf excused himself and approached Alex. "Alexander Hahn."

"What?" Alex replied.

He put a hand on the Black Feather's shoulder. "I know what happened to you. Everything about you back when you were still a Holy Knight, including your relationship with Hikaru." Alex snapped in anger and demanded explanation from him before Sion told him to calm down. "Look. I'm the author, and I have responsibility on this world. So, basically, I know everything happening to the people."

"In other words, plot devices PWN everything else," Slayer continued. Lone Wolf glanced at the vampire lord, as if asking him for reason. "I still remembered the conversation we had during the dinner about "plot devices." Didn't you remember anything about it, Lone Wolf?"

Lone Wolf just shrugged. "Whatever." Then, he looked at Sion. "Miss Sion, I notice that you and Alex already become friends. So I was thinking of…"

"You want them to be paired up?" Slayer asked, much to the two's embarrassed reaction.

"Slayer, please don't interfere." Slayer slyly grinned and excused himself to leave the room. Lone Wolf just shrugged when he took a last glance at the Nightwalker. "That's why I have hard times dealing with a noble vampire. Now where was I? Oh, yes. Since you already become his friend, Miss Sion, I'd like to ask you to take care of him for me."

"Eh?" Sion responded, her face becoming redder. "But we are not…"

Lone Wolf grinned. "I know. I know. Both of you aren't going to be couples, yet."

"But why are you asking me to watch over him?" Sion asked again. "If it's because you don't want him to commit any crime, then I can promise you not to let that to happen."

The author looked back and forth between Alex and Sion, who were by now staring at him, expecting for pleasant answers. He let out a sigh and smiled. "Because a warrior's existence is to protect the people, and… since Alex lost the one he wanted to protect and love, he will be baffled in this world without someone to guide and support him. And since Miss Sion is already his acquaintance, well, you know what to do when you've got friends. Right?" Both of them were at a complete loss, not understanding what the author was trying to tell them. "Anyway, I better go out and ask Yuuki what to do about both of you. I'll see you later." He left the conference room, leaving both of them in deep confusion.

After a long time of silence, Alex broke the silence. "I guess we better listen to what the author said," he said and scratched the back of his head.

"Err… umm," Sion replied, shyly frowning.

x-x-x-x-x

It was the last day of the three-days training for Robo-Ky. The renegade unit of the Post-War Administrative Bureau already proved himself in excelling the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu tecnhique, and his mentor Seijuro Hiko the 13th was impressed by the robot's performance, and was also surprised by how well he adapted the swordsmanship and philosophy of the Hiten Mitsurugi in his fighting styles.

"Let's see," Hiko spoke as the two of them were facing each other outside the pottery house. "You had learnt everything I taught you along these days, and you had successfully implemented each and every technique I showed to you. For a robot who almost becomes the Hiten Mitsurugi warrior in the quickest time, I must admit that you've got potential."

"I'm very touched by the compliment, Hiko-sensei," Robo-Ky uttered.

"But you are indeed remarkable," Hiko spoke and sighed. "My stupid apprentice left before he fully learned Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu, and it took him over ten years before he met me to learn the secret technique. Anou baaka deshi…"

Robo-Ky silently chuckled. "You know, you shouldn't remember your past if you don't want to."

Hiko laughed. "You're right. I'm supposed to show you the ultimate technique of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu. Robo-Ky, I want you to stand still, because the slightest of your movement could be fatal." Robo-Ky nodded and waited, as the swords guru withdrew his nihontou. "You might have learnt some of the sword techniques in Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu. Each of them, whether basic of normal, is fatal when properly used, and the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu takes all of these to the highest level. However…"

Robo-Ky gasped. Before his eyes, nine light flashes were fired from Hiko and beamed toward him. He tried to jump away from the attack, yet the attack came too fast for him to react. It happened too fast for his battle software to analyze, and he was paralyzed, not knowing that Hiko already stood behind him in kneeling position.

"…when all of these are combined," Hiko spoke and stood up, "the result is an attack which hits the opponent nine times simultaneously with godly speed and superb accuracy. This is the ultimate attack of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu: Kuzuryuusen."

Robo-Ky was stunned. Never in his whole life he would encounter the attack as lethal as Kuzuryuusen. He noticed that even his uniform was torn at nine attacked places, including one located on his midsection. He was out of idea of how to describe the attack in one word.

"Robo-Ky, you try." Robo-Ky was startled and frantically told Hiko that he could not follow the movement of the technique. Hiko grumbled and glowered at Robo-Ky. "You said that your technology or whatsoever will help you in becoming Hiten Mitsurugi warrior, didn't you? Then show me that you can perform Kuzuryuusen."

"But I…" Robo-Ky frowned. He could no longer make an excuse in front of the greatest swordsman to roam the planet. He knew that Hiko would not accept excuses, and he was sure that he would force his ex-student Kenshin to do the same thing. "Alright." He withdrew Thunderseal and put it in a position, staring at Hiko deeply. "Attacking nine spots simultaneously with lethal speed and accuracy… I can do it!" Immediately he made the movement of the ultimate attack, aiming it toward Hiko. He was surprised; he had successfully pulled out Kuzuryuusen!

"Heh." Hiko counterattacked the Kuzuryusen with his Kuzuryuusen. Robo-Ky watched in shock, as the attacks collided and cancelled each other's effect. Before he even knew it, he was knocked down to the ground.

"Impossible! I thought I had made it…!" Robo-Ky grumbled as he staggered to get up.

"No. the Kuzuryuusen was perfectly executed," Hiko spoke while lowering the nihontou, "and it outmatches mine in term of speed and accuracy. However, mine is more powerful than yours, so I'm still at the top notch. As long as it possesses both power and speed, as well as accuracy, my Kuzuryuusen is invincible." Robo-Ky frowned in absolute shock. He thought that he would have defeated the god of Hiten Mitsurugi with Kuzuryuusen, yet he did not.

"There is one way to overcome Kuzuryuusen." Robo-Ky was dumbfounded and stared at Hiko. "Remember what I was saying about speed? Now imagine if the swordsman could beat Kuzuryuusen with speed alone."

Robo-Ky blinked. "What?"

"The final secret of the final secret technique of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu," the guru pronounced. "AmakakeruRyuu no Hirameki."

Silence. Robo-Ky was staring at the swordsman-in-legend in bafflement before he snapped in surprise. "But I thought Kuzuryuusen was the final battle secret, sensei!"

Hiko grinned. "Did I say anything about Kuzuryuusen being the final battle secret? Looks like I've tricked you like what I had done to that stupid apprentice." Robo-Ky was again dumbfounded before he shook his head, unable to apprehend what his mentor was explaining. "Anyway, you already know that Kuzuryuusen cannot be evaded or blocked, and any attempt only bring death to the particular person," he continued and entered the Kuzuryuusen stance. "But I've given you the cue to outspeed Kuzuryuusen. You should have figured it out by now."

"Outspeed… outspeed…" At that time, Robo-Ky's battle software was analyzing for possible answers and solution. "I can't outrun or block Kuzuryusen. But if only I could counterattack the technique with the speed of battoujutsu…" Then he was startled and immediately put back the Thunderseal into a battou stance. "That's it! Battoujutsu is the very essence of Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki! If I can withdraw a battou before Kuzuryuusen hits…"

"You've figured the core of Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki, Robo-Ky. You're the brighest apprentice I've ever met, but…" and Hiko lowered his stance, retreating the nihontou back into its scabbard. Robo-Ky watched in bewilderment, as Hiko returned to the pottery house without glancing at him. "Even if you manage to pull out Amakakeru Ryuu no Hirameki, you're putting your life at risk. Only if you are willing to risk yourself, then you'll be able to master the final battle secret."

"Risking my own life…" Robo-Ky looked up at Hiko, realizing that the swordsman already entered the pottery house before he could ask him the answer. He was dumbfounded; if he was to risk his life, to whom he should take the chance? He never thought of fighting for anyone else than him and his loyal companion Sumomo, and he never even thought of doing so for someone else's sake.

Inside the pottery house, Hiko just breathed out in concern while enjoying the sake served by Chidori. He was thinking of Robo-Ky and his upcoming destiny as the next inheritor of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu. No, he was thinking of the robot's ability to carry on with his duty of protecting the people under him. "He may not know it, but I already feel the sense of responsibility inside of him. I'm very sure he'll be able to lift his sword for the people, but only if he passes the final test," he pondered and took a sip of the rice wine.

"What are you thinking of, Hiko-sama?" asked the shinobi girl, as she served him with sake.

"Nothing very important, Chidori. Just thinking of Robo-Ky and his future as a swordsman," he spoke and continued drinking the sake. "Tell me, Chidori. What's your thought of Robo-Ky?"

"Robo-san… I, well, I don't like him in the first place," Chidori said. "He always makes fun of Zofeah-sama, and he always makes fun of me as his slave."

Hiko emitted a low-sounding laughter and put down the sake bowl. "But deep in your heart, you have fascination toward my apprentice, isn't that right?"

Chidori was struck in embarrassment and felt her face burning furiously. "Ch-chigau! Why would I have a crush toward that robot?" she demanded.

"Then you're saying that you both love and hate Robo-Ky? Even you must know what your heart's telling you about him." Chidori did not answer the question and excused herself to leave. Hiko just watched at wonder and shrugged, before proceeding with his favourite beverage.

x-x-x-x-x

(background music: Missing…, from Guilty Gear XX 3rd ending)

Alex frowned. He never thought the philosophy of a warrior's existence to protect, as Lone Wolf NEO had told him at the conference room. All he knew was avenging the Gears' death, and bringing his unfinished deal with Ky to a permanent end. He never even cared of protecting everyone else with his experience as a Holy Knight, and even if he did it would be a vain effort. Yes, an effort which was nothing but a failure to a knight who served the Holy Orders, like what happened during the attack at Cairo where he was unable to save the little girl. He was in deep confusion. Should he continue his life as the lone wolf of holy orders, helping the people only when he needed to? Or should he return to the true path of the Holy Orders and trully serve justice and humankind?

No, I still can't, he thought and grumbled, after all these years of isolation and betrayal, these people might still reject me for turning my back away from them. I'm forever destined to roam this land alone.

"Still thinking of what Lone Wolf said to us, Alex?" Alex was startled and turned his sight at Sion. "Here, I've bought ice cream to you."

"Hey, I never thought you'd treat me with ice cream," Alex uttered and took the ice cream from her hand. "Thanks anyway. Your kindness is rare to find nowadays."

"You're welcome," Sion replied with a smile. "I was hoping that I picked the right ice cream for you."

"Any type ice cream is fine with me," Alex told her and began to unwrap the cone ice cream. "Wow! Chocolate ice cream! How I love chocolate ice cream. Thanks for this ice cream, Miss Sion!"

Sion just giggled at the childish reaction and watched as he enjoyed the ice cream. "Alex," she called her. "Lone Wolf said that a warrior's existence is to protect the people, right?"

Alex stopped consuming the ice cream. He breathed out, knowing that the question was about him. "Unfortunately, for some of the warriors, they're no longer alive when the people they're protecting are gone. I mean, what's their purpose of existence when they can no longer serve for the people?"

"I think you've got it wrong." Alex stared at Sion in intrigue, asking for explanation from the young woman. "You always say that you can no longer protect the people, but the Gears children you mentioned survived the soldiers' invasion. Don't you realize that it's the proof that you're still needed these days?"

"But Miss Sion, I could no longer protect the Gears from…"

"That's a lie!" Sion cried. "If the children you saved were still alive today, they would be sad to see you unable to fulfill your promise. If the Gears you cared of were still living, they would be sad to see you like this, unable to protect those who still live. And Hikaru… do you want to see her crying because you're unable to defend anyone? Do you?"

"Miss Sion…"

"Fine. If you insist to, why don't you take care of me instead?" Silence lurked after that, as the two people were staring at each other in bafflement and disbelief. Then, as if realizing what she had done, Sion quickly turned away from him, cupping her cheeks in embarrassment. "What… what am I talking about? I'm the one who's supposed to look after him."

Alex breathed out and pulled out Black Sabbath, staring at his image reflected on its blade before putting it back into the sheath. "Miss Sion…" The wind breezed peacefully at the city park, as the scion of the Atlas Academy turned around and stared at him. "Warriors exist to serve the people. Their purpose of life will be wasted unless they have people to take care of. Therefore, I will once again fulfill my duty to protect them, not as the Holy Knight, but as the man named Alexander Hahn," he spoke, "and I will swear to this Black Sabbath, whatever happens, I will protect you even if it means to face resistance from those who are against me."

"Alex, you… you can't be serious," Sion insisted and again blushed.

"If I can't protect the whole humankind, then to whom I can fulfill my responsibility?" he spoke. "Thus I start with you, since you're the closest person I can find."

Sion tried to refuse the humble offering before she realized that Alex was dead serious. She frowned, unable to figure out what she would say as a sign of gratitude or rejection. She gathered all her strength, overcoming the nervous feeling and the burning sensation lingering on her face, and stared at the lone wolf. "Th-thank you, Alex…"

Alex grinned. "A friend in need is a friend in deed, right?"

x-x

"The failure of a warrior is when he or she is unable to protect the people they are entrusted to. For them, the death of the people means the death of the warrior's spirit itself."

"Does that mean I have to risk my life for the sake of the people, Aoshi-sensei?"

"NoAlex. There are times when you don't have to put your life at stake in defending the people. As long as you are aware of your responsibility as a warrior, you don't have to risk everything."

"Oh."

"Remember everything I have taught you once you return to the Seikishidan headquarters. It may not sound important right now, but you will find it useful in time to come."

"I will, Aoshi-sensei."