Chapter 5
Written By Illuminet
Disclaimer: Refer to the first chapter.
"..."-Indicate Speech
'...'-Indicate Thought
------
[Preface]
Ky Kiske...
Few of the countless lives on the planet believe in justice so highly as he does. To the many people who have been graced by his presence, he is often regarded as the last true saint on Earth. It is often hard to believe someone who has lived through such a harsh childhood could remain so...pure (for a lack of better words) as he has.
Never knowing his own mother's true identity, Ky was raised in the back streets of France with his poor but loving father. It was his father who was the first one to play a key role for Ky that would turn him into the type of person he was now. Ky's father told him that his mother abandoned them and left their family in ruin. To help his child cope with this loss, Ky's father turned Ky towards religion as a means of releasing the harboring loathing and distastefulness Ky had for his mother. Ky had absorbed much of the teachings and used them as a means of making his life better despite the hard times he and his father shared.
Gear attacks were becoming very frequent around the territories surrounding France and it was not long before the country itself fell to invasion. Ky's father sacrificed his own life for the sake of keeping his only son alive. The Gear invasion was barely halted by the charismatic leader of the Sacred Order of Holy Knights, Kliff Undersn. It was Kliff who became the second role model and father figure to young Ky Kiske once Ky enlisted to become a Holy Knight.
Ky had a gift which few people possessed. Of all the elemental magic ever studied, Lightning magic is the hardest innate magic to find in a person. This innate magic gift within Ky allowed him to wield the lightning amplifying blade of the Outrage Set, Thunder Seal, to it's full potential. With sword in hand and skill honed through combat, once Ky became leader of the Order, he battled Justice and defeated her to gain the peace he and his father had wanted to come for so long during the bleak years of the Crusades.
Here and now, in Zepp with his family, Ky Kiske learns of the reappearance of Justice. He also learns that many of the Humans are beginning to panic in fear of a second Crusade. Fearing the worst, Ky decides he must pay another visit to Sol Badguy...
------
[Main Story]
Johnny's
Sol was rudely awakened by a pounding at his door.
"God damn it! Who the fuck is it? I've got a headache here, asshole!"
Sol said in annoyance. Johnny's voice sounded from the other side of the door.
"Uh, Sol...you may not want to step outside the airship for a while."
Johnny said with a nervous tone in his voice. Sol got up groggily and cracked his neck to get the aching muscles to relax.
"For a while? How long is a while?"
Sol asked as he stood up. Johnny didn't answer immediately.
"Let's just say that a mob of frightened people are trying to break in here and kill you."
Johnny said. Sol was instantly at his door and opened it.
"What the fuck?! I've got a daughter to save here and a bunch of people are just going to stop me? Bull shit!"
Sol said in and angry tone as he grabbed the collar of Johnny's trench coat. Johnny brought up his hands apologetically.
"Sorry Sol, but this mob of people are Gear haters who want your head."
Johnny stated. Sol eyed him strangely.
"What for?"
Sol asked. Johnny shrugged.
"Well, since this place is sound proof I had to use a speaker to find out what they were all shouting about. Apparently the whole thing yesterday with Justice's reappearance is already world news. They said people around the world are starting to panic like crazy. I hear some Gears in other countries aren't so fortunate as they are in Zepp. In fact, I hear that the mob of people outside who started a riot around Zepp aren't even from Zepp. Their a bunch a people who flew on over last night just for a chance to have your head."
Johnny explained to Sol. Sol just shook his head and sighed.
"Fucking great...this is just the kind of thing I need when Dizzy's been kidnapped. What about the Zeppian Humans who are here? Not a single one is protesting out there with the out of town Humans?"
Sol asked. Johnny shook his head.
"Nope, not a one. Only the Zeppian Police are out there. There the reason the people out there haven't come busting in here to chop off your head. Oh yeah, one more thing, Ky's coming over to pay you a visit."
Johnny told him. Sol sighed heavily.
"Why me? Why do these things always have to happen at the worst possible times? At this rate, he'll probably find a way to bring Dizzy under his control, that fucking bastard."
Sol said in anger as he pounded the side of the wall with his fist, leaving a large crack in it.
"You know your going to have to pay for the damages you just did to the wall, don't you? But while were on the subject, who is this -he- your talking about?"
Johnny asked. Before Sol could say another word, Testament came in on the conversation.
"The Gear Creator, most likely. I'd tell you more, but Sol would have infinitely more information than even I could hope to know about the creator."
Testament said. Johnny turned to Sol.
"The Gear Creator, huh? Care to elaborate on that, Sol?"
Johnny asked. Sol looked at Johnny.
"To you? Nah. When the boy gets here you'll learn more then, well, maybe."
Sol said, walking away from Johnny and Testament.
"Why is he always so damn elusive, or is it just me?"
Johnny said to Testament. Before Testament could say anything, May came rushing in the hallway.
"Hey Johnny, Ky's here."
She told him. Johnny nodded.
"Okay May. Let's go."
The three made their way to the entryway of the air ship where Sol was leaning against a wall casually smoking a cigarette, while Ky and his family were standing in front of him.
"Sol, I need some honest answers from you. Many claim Justice has been sighted around the nightclub grounds. I need to know for sure. Does she still live?"
Ky asked Sol while showing his most serious face to Sol. Sol's visor covered his eyes, so it was difficult to read what he was thinking about. After a while, Sol nodded.
"Yeah. I didn't see her personally, but Testament did. She's been revived as a pawn to That Man."
Sol said in a low tone.
"That Man...your talking about the creator of the Gears, right? Why would he want to take Dizzy? What would be his motive? Is there something special about her that could cause a world crisis or anything like that?"
Ky asked, his interest in the mysterious creator peeking. Sol shrugged.
"Dizzy's powers are amongst some of the highest around in the world. Still, that's hardly a reason to take her. He's got something else planned now that she's been captured. What that is of course isn't known to me."
Sol said. It was true for the most part. Raven only left the cryptic message that his master wanted Sol to suffer. Sol had to agree, though, That Man was doing a pretty good job of it too. Another good question Sol wanted answered was why That Man wanted him to suffer. That Man was not so sadistic that he would do it out of personal enjoyment. There was a reason he was doing this, and Sol swore that he would find out before killing him.
"Oh, I see. I should pay a visit to my old comrade, Baiken. She called me up earlier saying she wanted to help. She said she and two others would be waiting for my arrival. We should get going, Sol."
Ky said. Sol shook his head in protest to the idea.
"Hey, I'm doing this solo. I don't have any fucking time to waste on you dumb asses. You can go ahead and round up your allies, but you can count me out, boy."
Sol said as he quickly made his way towards the front door. Ky stopped him.
"You know there's a mob of people waiting out there to kill you because they think your responsible for Justice's revival."
Ky told him. Sol just shrugged, letting his cigarette fall from his mouth and hit the floor before he stomped it out with his foot.
"Like I give a shit about them. I'll just kick their asses for a while until they cower in fear and run away like the fucking idiots they are."
Sol said smoothly. When Sol got his hand round the knob of the front door, he heard the clicking of a gun.
"Don't make me have to shoot you, Sol."
Ky said firmly. Sol shook his head.
"Look boy, I don't have time for this bull shit. If your going to shoot me, then shoot me. But I've wasted far too much time already. I need to find my child. As one father to another one, if you were in my situation and it was your son who got kidnapped, wouldn't you want to save him with your own strength?"
Sol said to him. Ky lowered his head a bit.
"If that was the case, I'd have to agree with your way of thinking, but that doesn't mean it's the right way to do things. I'm not saying that it's a problem to do things your way, Sol, but if I were around, it would make your search that much easier."
Ky said. Sol sighed.
'He may be right, you know? Ky Kiske has such influence over the common people, he may be able to prevent something violent from occurring between you and them. You don't want that kind of reputation for beating up the common people would you? That could put Dizzy in danger as well once she's been rescued.'
His human side rationed.
'Who cares about the people? With this strength, you could protect Dizzy easily even if you gained such a reputation.'
The animalistic Gear side said.
'I'll have to use the Human's way of thinking and the Gear's power to get her back. I'd rather not have Dizzy, actually all Gears, fearing for their lives just because I decided to pick a fight with a mob of Humans.'
Sol decided. Taking his hand off the knob, Sol stepped back from the door.
"Fine, boy. I guess we can do things your way, for now. Let me get my guitar."
Sol said. Ky shook his head.
"I'm sorry Sol. Since you use it as a weapon I can't let you have it when we step outside. It may cause the crowd to panic."
Ky said. Sol growled.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me here. What the hell do you expect me to use? My fists will only take me so far. You want me to put on my Gear armor or something? That'll really get your crowd in a panic."
Sol said furiously.
"How about using a weapon of the Outrage set?"
Ky asked. Sol looked at Ky with surprise.
"You serious? A Gear being allowed to use a Gear destroying weapon, huh? How do you know you can trust me with such a powerful tool?"
Sol asked him.
"I don't trust you with that kind of weapon. If you do decide to betray me in any way, the weapon you choose will work against you. Being a Gear, that won't bold well with you, will it?"
Ky said smartly. Sol smirked.
"Impressive, you have it all figured out, do you? Alright, fine. I'll use one of your weapons of the Outrage. My guitar wasn't standing up to well against that one bitch's anyway."
Sol said.
------
On The Way To Baiken's place...
"For a minute there, I thought they really were going to break into the limo. That would not have been a very good scenario."
Bridget said. About twenty minutes ago, Sol had been hand cuffed and escorted to the vehicle by Ky. The arrest was just a cover up so the people wouldn't go crazy. Jam, Bridget, May, Johnny, and Testament had followed behind them. Once inside the pearl white limousine, Sol had his handcuffs removed. It was around that time May opened the dark tinted window slightly. Although she was too short to be seen by the crowd, Johnny, who sat next to her, and Sol, who sat next to him, were in clear view. It was at that point a gunshot went off. Sol moved his head slightly, already knowing where the bullet was coming from. The bullet flew through the window, almost hitting Johnny. Sol had moved his head so that his metal head piece would be hit by the bullet. Once the bullet met with the visor, if fell to the carpeted floor of the limo. Once the shot was fired, panic ensued from it and the crowd went into a murderous frenzy and started charging at the limo. The limo barely escaped. Ky had a feeling he would find a lot of scrapes on the side of the door where the crowd had been clawing on.
"What, are you going to indirectly blame me for opening the window? It was just so stuffy in here."
May told him, her voice escalating a bit. Johnny put a hand on her shoulder.
"Calm down May. No use getting so worked up about it."
Johnny said to her. Sol grunted and put a cigarette in his mouth. Jam plucked the cigarette from his mouth and threw it out the window, much to Sol's annoyance.
"Hey lady, I was going to use that, you know?"
Sol said. Jam shook her head.
"No way. Smoking is a disgusting habit that you should really start to quit."
Jam said firmly. Johnny turned towards Sol.
"She's got a point. How long have you been smoking anyway?"
Johnny asked. Sol thought a bit before shrugging.
"About the past one hundred fifty years or so, give or take."
Sol said in a bored tone. Save for Testament, everyone else looked at Sol with wide eyes.
"You've been smoking for that long? I'm surprised your still in such good shape."
Johnny said.
"Yeah, and your teeth are still pearly white."
Bridget said.
"And your breath doesn't reek of tobacco."
Ky said.
"Can't really say the same thing about your clothes, though."
Jam said.
"Well at least they only smell faintly of tobacco."
May said. Sol was getting annoyed.
"Would you all just shut the fuck up? Damn, I can't even hear myself think with all of you talking."
Sol said roughly. Everyone went silent.
"It's because he's a Gear. The harmful side effects of prolonged smoking that effects Humans doesn't affect him."
Testament said. Everyone turned to face him, except Sol, who was looking out through the tinted window.
"Why aren't Gears affected like Humans are? I thought the anatomy of Humans and Gears were almost the same."
May said. Testament nodded.
"True. But it is that almost that separates us from you. As you know, Gears were originally meant to be a further evolution for the Humans. No human sickness, disease, or virus can affect us because of our special purification systems, which operates tirelessly like a machine. It's that same system which allows us to use harmful human products, like cigarettes or alcohol, without being affected by their prolonged exposure."
Testament explained.
"It's too bad that at the cost of this more enhanced evolution, Gears lost the free will they had as normal people."
Johnny said in a sympathetic tone.
"Well, before Justice regained her free will and somehow had the ability to give all the Gears around the world their own free will. I always wondered why she could do that."
Ky said as he lowered his head.
"It's because she was installed with the Command Ability. If she had really wanted to, she could have forced her will upon other Gears and could have had them invade the world without trying to negotiate peace first, but she used her own ability to help Gears gain their own free will instead."
Testament said. Ky looked deep in thought.
"If Justice can use the Command Ability. Why doesn't she use it to control the Gears again? That Man could use her and gain world domination."
Ky said.
"He doesn't want world domination, boy. And even if he did, Using Justice's ability wouldn't work because of two things. One, the only Gears she'd be able to control are the Gears who were created in the laboratories. Gears born from other Gears and half Gears will not be affected by Justice's Command Ability. Two, Because of my own existence, the factory created Gears will not succumb to her will. So all Gears are safe from her ability."
Sol explained, while still looking out the window. He had been very quiet while Testament was talking, so everyone nearly forgot he was in the car with them.
"What do you mean because of your own existence?"
Ky asked. Sol didn't face him, but continued to speak.
"The funny thing about Justice's Command Ability, it will only affect the Gears made after her. As the Proto-type, I was never affected by her Command Ability in the slightest. But I also was eventually going to become an obsolete Gear because I was the first test subject, and the technology behind my creation wasn't perfected at the time. All complete Gears, despite being made, can continue to evolve and become stronger, like a normal Human, albeit at a much higher level. I was not given that kind of evolving power initially because I wasn't a truly complete Gear like all the ones after me. Once I gained my own free will, I was able to complete myself behind That Man's back and I've evolved my power further ever since, just like all the other Gears. Just yesterday when I found out Justice was alive, I created and installed an Anti-Command Ability to counter the Command Ability in Justice. Just as a precaution of course."
Sol explained. Bridget looked at Sol strangely.
"Uh...how do Gears evolve and how can they install programs and such?"
Bridget asked.
"Listen kid, despite what the name implies, Gears aren't in any way mechanical. We have all these cells that work like nano machines that are used to maintain us and allow us to regenerate injuries that are in most cases fatal for a normal Human being, and prevent us from aging or getting contaminated by Human diseases. Our brains also work like super computers. Only That Man has the skill necessary to build and install programs into Gears. When I had barely gained my free will while still an incomplete Gear, I also was able to learn how to create and install the necessary programs myself. I also taught other Gears through a mind link how the process worked during the Crusades."
Sol explained. Bridget still looked puzzled.
"How is that possible for you to install it, though? That is...where can the program be inserted?"
Bridget asked curiously.
"All created Gears are given a special emblem that is branded on their fore head. It may look like a tattoo to tell the difference from Humans and Gears, but that is the area where programs are absorbed so they can be installed."
Testament said. He pointed to his fore head where the emblem glowed slightly.
"But what if a program is corrupted? Won't that make a Gear...malfunction?"
Jam asked, getting in the conversation. Testament shook his head.
"Before a program is installed. It will be scanned thoroughly. If the program is affected in any way and can't be fixed by the brain, the program will be rejected and expelled from the body. The same goes for programs that are initially to powerful for a Gear at a certain point in time. If a program is too powerful for a Gear, he or she won't be able to use it until their powers have increased enough to install a program."
Testament explained.
"Also, a Gear's program that is installed is always something unique to that Gear and can never be used by other Gears. Gears can have similar programs but no one of them is totally the same as another Gear's. Now enough of the questioning. Let's get this over with."
Sol said, cracking his neck audibly once the limo finally stopped.
------
Baiken's place
Baiken's house was in a rural area of the Residential District. The house was big enough to pass off as a mansion and was made like a traditional Japanese house.
"Wow, this Baiken lives pretty far from the Residential District, huh?"
May said. Johnny looked down at May in surprise.
"You don't remember Baiken, May? Well, you were still a kid when she came for a visit. She was my sparring partner who helped me perfect my iai-jutsu technique. Or maybe it was April who was there at the time...?"
Johnny said, trying to remember which one was with him that day. May put a hand to her chin in thought.
"No, her name's not drawing up any memories. Why don't you describe her? I might remember then."
May told him.
"Well, if it was you who was there, she was the short Japanese woman with pink hair, lightly tanned skin, and big breasts. Does that ring any bells?"
Johnny asked her. May once again went in thought. After a little bit, she snapped her fingers in realization.
"Oh yeah, I was there when you two sparred. She had one eye and a tattoo on the side of her face right? And the one prosthetic arm?"
May said. Johnny nodded.
"Yeah, that's the one."
Johnny said.
"If you two are quite finished, can we be on our way?"
Ky asked them. The two nodded and everyone made it to the front of the house.
"Would you look at that? No door bell."
Bridget said. Ky looked down at him.
"I guess she really wanted the feel of a traditional Japanese House. These look like genuine shoji screen doors."
Ky said.
"That's because they are genuine shoji screen doors."
A voice said from behind it. The door slid open to reveal a short woman in a loose yellow colored yukata robe that showed a fair amount of cleavage.
"Hello Ms. Baiken. It's been a while."
Ky said politely, holding out his hand. Baiken just looked at his hand, and instead shaking his hand she bowed slightly before stepping aside.
"Come in."
She said before walking ahead. Ky blushed slightly in embarrassment at forgetting that the Japanese usually bowed in greeting rather than give handshakes. The small party followed Baiken, Sol and Testament taking up the rear.
'So that's the legendary Samurai Baiken that scared most Gears out of their wits in the Crusades?'
Testament mentally asked Sol. Sol shrugged.
'It would seem so. I heard from some friends of hers that she actually went into guitar making, if you can believe that. Johnny wasn't lying though when he said this chick had big breasts. Her tits are huge.'
Sol said to Testament.
'Yeah, but do you think their real?'
Testament said. Sol nodded.
'Amazingly enough, my analysis draws the conclusion that they are. What about you?'
Sol asked him. Testament nodded.
'Yeah, my conclusion came out the same as yours. One hundred percent all natural. Some what rare for the typical Human female, but not an impossibility.'
Testament said.
'How the hell did we get in this conversation again? Oh yeah, I made the comment on how big her tits were. We shouldn't dwell too much about this anymore, despite how humorous it may seem as of now. Agreed?'
Sol said to Testament. Testament nodded.
'Agreed.'
Baiken lead them to a room near, what everyone assumed, was somewhere in the side of the mansion. Everyone was instructed to sit wherever they liked on the tatami matted floor. Anji and Chipp came in soon after.
"Hey, Sol, what's up? I guess we all ended up seeing each other quicker than we originally thought, huh?"
Chipp said as he sat on the right of Baiken.
"I heard your daughter was taken. Is that true?"
Anji asked. Baiken cleared her throat.
"Sit down and shut up before I make you."
She told him. Anji immediately saluted to her and dashed over to sit on left from her.
"So, I heard Justice is back. That can only mean That Man has something to do with it. I'm willing to bet everything I own that he's the one your all seeking."
Baiken said once Anji had been seated. Ky nodded.
"Your right. When I met with Sol Badguy, he did confirm that it was indeed That Man who resurrected Justice. He must be found and stopped. Dizzy, Sol's daughter, was taken as a hostage, just to answer your question Anji. Unfortunately, trying to find That Man is going to be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. No known technological advancements have allowed us to scan out where he resides currently."
Ky explained.
"He'll always be one step ahead of all technological advancements. He's the smartest and cleverest Human alive in the world after all. What did you expect, boy?"
Sol said. Baiken turned towards Sol.
"You're the Proto-type Gear, right? You still call that monster a Human? If he's lived for so long he must have already undergone the Gear conversion himself."
Baiken said hotly. Sol shook his head.
"Don't count on it. I've recently learned that he's advanced his skills a bit. He can give Humans Gear like abilities and life spans without turning them into true Gears at all. I'll bet he's still a Human despite how long he's actually been alive."
Sol said matter of factly. Axl had been the only one to let Sol know this. Now that it was no longer a secret, this information would have to be absorbed by the rest of the room's occupants.
"For what reason would he have to do such a thing?"
Ky wondered. Sol sighed, thinking about Raven and I-No.
"To create his pawns..."
------
Unknown
'Dad...'
Dizzy opened her eyes slowly. She could barely make out anything in the dark at first, but her eyes adjusted quickly and she found herself chained to a wall in a dank cell. Dizzy tried using her strength to get free, but despite their brittle appearance, the iron shackles held.
"I would just relax if I were you. Your powers are rendered ineffective with those power suppressing restraints."
A deep voice said to her. Dizzy could barely make out a cloaked person amongst the darkness.
"Who are you? Where am I?"
Dizzy asked, her voice fearful.
"Unfortunately my dear, innocent, little Dizzy, I can't tell you where we are. But I can tell you who I am. The name will most likely be a familiar one. I am called That Man by both Humans and Gears alike."
He said to her. Dizzy gasped in surprise.
"Your That Man? So you're the master that woman I was fighting was talking about. Why did you have her capture me? Why did you take me away from my Dad?"
Dizzy asked him. That Man let out a sigh.
"Forgive me my dear child, but you are just serving as a means to an end. Your father's power is needed to save the world. But he's not yet ready. I need his negative feelings for me to grow and harvest for the Gear within him, so that it's power may evolve further and more quickly. So much time has been wasted already."
That Man said in a cryptic manner which Dizzy did not understand.
"What do you mean so much time has been wasted? On what?"
Dizzy asked him. That Man shook his head.
"When that day comes...The Night That Never Ends...one out of three will fight against a dangerous enemy and only one of two outcomes can be decided."
That Man said softly.
"One out of three? Two outcomes? What do you mean? Please make understand your intentions."
Dizzy pleaded with him. He began to pace around the small cell, his cloak flowing eerily around him.
"Three personas exist in your father. The Human, Frederick, will be too weak to do battle and win. If he is the one who fights and loses, the world will end. Should the complete embodiment of the Gear, Dragon, be used it will most likely have the power necessary to win the battle. However, the Dragon lacks the ability to think with free will and only runs on its animalistic instincts. It will most likely destroy the world with it in the end. All of my hope must rest on the one who uses the Human's free will and the Gear's immense power, Sol Badguy. Yet his Gear powers will drive his Human side mad. Your father must have near complete control to be able to win. I curse my powerlessness in this situation, but there is nothing else I can do."
That Man said sadly.
"Your highness, there has been unrest in her ever since she got back. I believe it's time to tune her."
A voice said from beside Dizzy. She had to fight the urge to scream out in surprise at the kneeling Raven, who somehow got into the room without a sound.
"So...seeing her daughter is starting to make her remember...very well, Raven. Let us see Justice."
That Man said. Hearing the name, Dizzy looked at him in surprise.
"My mother...is she really alive?!"
Dizzy asked quickly. That Man nodded.
"Yes...like you, she is just a means to an end. I didn't think she would be able to start remembering anything from her suppressed memories once I resurrected her...I guess your family bond is strong if it can make her remember despite never seeing you as an adult."
He said to Dizzy.
"Please...let me see her."
Dizzy said softly, lowering her head. That Man remained silent for a long time.
"Raven...unbind her."
That Man said. Raven looked to his master in surprise.
"But my liege...if she were to come in contact with Justice now..."
Raven began to say, but That Man turned to him and Raven went silent. Raven gave a slight bow.
"By your will, then..."
Raven said and did as he was instructed. Dizzy collapsed on the ground, her limbs feeling like jelly. Once she regained her strength she stood up and looked at That Man.
"Come with me."
That Man said. Both he and Raven went right through the wall, much to Dizzy's surprise. Attentively, Dizzy brought her hand up to the wall and pushed against it. It went through. Taking a deep breath, Dizzy walked on. Her eyes went blind momentarily from having to adjust to the bright light. Once they adjusted, Dizzy found herself in a room of wire and glass. Many of the cylinder glass tanks around her contained some type of mutated body part of some sort. Dizzy sped up her pace, seeing as That Man and Raven were quite far ahead of her. Once she caught up with them, they had stopped in front of a wall inscribed with the words -Gear Type 00l : Justice- on it. That Man turned to Dizzy.
"Go ahead."
He said. Dizzy nodded and walked through the wall. She found herself in a dimly lit room. A large cylinder tank held a naked female inside of it. The woman's body was curled up in a fetal position as she was suspended in the tube by a clear liquid. Dizzy rushed over to the tube and put her hands on the cold glass surface.
"Mother..."
Dizzy whispered softly. It was as Sol said. Dizzy and Justice looked nothing alike. But Dizzy could feel a deep attachment to this Gear when she saw her.
"Perhaps I was too concerned. It would appear as if she is calm now."
Raven said as he came up closer, That Man not trailing to far behind him.
"Are you satisfied, Dizzy? Here sleeps your mother and my first complete creation."
That Man said, almost boastfully. He said nothing else as he let Dizzy see her mother for the first time physically.
'Dad would be so happy to see her, and I'm sure mom would be happy as well...'
Dizzy thought. An idea began formulating in her head. An ill devised escape plan, but Dizzy had been alone for so long she yearned for her parents and herself to live a normal life happily together.
'I don't know if it will work...but this could be my only chance, so...!'
Without warning, That Man and Raven were blinded by a bright light that emanated from Dizzy's body. All that could be heard was the breaking of glass and metal. Once the room was left in darkness and his eyes adjusted. Raven growled.
"So she escaped with type 001. I will apprehend them immediately."
Raven said and immediately gave chase.
------
With Dizzy and Justice...
Dizzy sped down the narrow corridors as fast as she could. The wings and tail on her back protruded through her black dress. She moved as best she could with her wings flapping frantically through the narrow halls, while keeping hold of her unconscious mother. For how long she traveled about, she couldn't be sure.
'This place is built like a maze...'
Dizzy thought as she hit a dead end. She decided quickly where to head to and sped on through the wall. Not all of the walls were illusions, some were real, but Dizzy had little problem breaking through them. After several twists and turns, Dizzy had found what she hoped was an exit. The light was almost blinding at the end of path since she had been in the dark for so long. Dizzy would have proceeded onward had the Gear she'd been carrying not let out a slight "
Justice groaned out softly, her eyes flicking open slightly.
"Mom...are you awake?"
Dizzy asked softly. Justice's body shivered. Their eyes met briefly.
"It's...you...isn't it?"
Justice said roughly, as if she hadn't talked in a long time. Dizzy nodded, tears forming in her eyes.
"Mom, we have to go. Dad's waiting for us."
Dizzy said. Justice smiled slightly.
"He...found you...then?"
Justice asked, her voice becoming stronger.
"Of course. We have to go, I'm not sure how long we're going to be safe here."
Dizzy said firmly. Justice moved her head around a bit, looking around.
"Where are we?"
She asked. Her body was no longer shivering, and she was standing with less support from her daughter.
"I'm not sure. I was unconscious when I was brought here. It's some place owned by That Man..."
Dizzy said. Justice's form went rigid.
"He's the one behind this?"
She spat out with hatred. Dizzy nodded. Justice was seething with anger, as her fists began clenching and unclenching. Justice shook her head to not let herself get too angered. Once she visibly calmed down she turned to Dizzy.
"Let's get out of here."
Justice said. The two made their way to the end of the corridor. Both froze in place when they saw where they were.
"What is this place? It's so desolate..."
Dizzy said. Justice recognized it though.
"This is the Stairway to the Heavens...how did we get here?"
Justice asked.
"It's just an illusion. A fitting place to end your miserable little existence, though, don't you think?"
I-No said. Dizzy narrowed her eyes at the woman.
"You're the one from before."
Dizzy said in a dangerous tone.
"Come along quietly, you two. I would rather avoid a conflict."
Raven said, appearing next to I-No. Justice glared at both of That Man's servants.
"Get the hell out of our way!"
She ordered. I-No laughed.
"You think a relic like you can handle us?"
I-No said. The whole thing was hysterical to her. Raven sighed.
"Enough of this nonsense. I-No, remember, we only need to apprehend them so don't go over board like you usually do."
Raven warned her. I-No nodded her head casually.
"Yeah, yeah..."
She said. Before anything else could happen, That Man was behind Raven and I-No, placing a hand on their shoulders. The two servants looked up at him in surprise.
"Master!"
They both said in surprise. That Man tilted his head slightly to look at them.
"Raven, I-No...take a walk. Now."
He ordered them firmly, leaving no room for argument. The two disappeared and now it was just That Man, Justice, and Dizzy.
"You know I can't let you two escape. If you are to both meet Sol Badguy, it will be a disaster. The world will crumble beneath their feet if he is not ready."
That Man said. Justice growled deep in her throat.
"Stop speaking in riddles all the time, you bastard! Would it hurt you to give one straight answer for once?"
Justice said, irritated. That Man sighed.
"Forgive me...Justice, Dizzy...You will go no further."
That Man said.
"Even if that's the case, I won't let us give up without trying!"
Dizzy said, her resolve strong. Justice nodded.
"I second that."
Justice said as she concentrated. Her battle armor began forming around her body. That Man sighed again.
'How stubborn...like mother, like daughter, I suppose...it is too bad they can't listen to reason. Their will and determination is strong...Sol Badguy, if you were here now, I'm sure you would be proud, to know you had a loving wife and child who want to be with you. Frederick...I'm sorry I could never be there for you and your mother...I took both of you for granted...what a fool I was...but I hope...by saving the world...I can make amends for the sins I have committed.'
-...To Be Continued...-
Note: All I can say was this chapter came out a lot longer than I originally anticipated. Not much action going on right now of course, since the main plot took over. Oh well...I just wish I had my own computer to work with. It gets annoying when my friend's younger siblings are always hovering around me while I'm trying to type something up. I'm sure we've all had a time when it wasn't our own computer we were working with. Anyway, hopefully this chapter came out okay despite many of the confusing random topics I'm sure it brought up (heck even I was getting confused, and I wrote it...). Well, See Ya.
Written By Illuminet
Disclaimer: Refer to the first chapter.
"..."-Indicate Speech
'...'-Indicate Thought
------
[Preface]
Ky Kiske...
Few of the countless lives on the planet believe in justice so highly as he does. To the many people who have been graced by his presence, he is often regarded as the last true saint on Earth. It is often hard to believe someone who has lived through such a harsh childhood could remain so...pure (for a lack of better words) as he has.
Never knowing his own mother's true identity, Ky was raised in the back streets of France with his poor but loving father. It was his father who was the first one to play a key role for Ky that would turn him into the type of person he was now. Ky's father told him that his mother abandoned them and left their family in ruin. To help his child cope with this loss, Ky's father turned Ky towards religion as a means of releasing the harboring loathing and distastefulness Ky had for his mother. Ky had absorbed much of the teachings and used them as a means of making his life better despite the hard times he and his father shared.
Gear attacks were becoming very frequent around the territories surrounding France and it was not long before the country itself fell to invasion. Ky's father sacrificed his own life for the sake of keeping his only son alive. The Gear invasion was barely halted by the charismatic leader of the Sacred Order of Holy Knights, Kliff Undersn. It was Kliff who became the second role model and father figure to young Ky Kiske once Ky enlisted to become a Holy Knight.
Ky had a gift which few people possessed. Of all the elemental magic ever studied, Lightning magic is the hardest innate magic to find in a person. This innate magic gift within Ky allowed him to wield the lightning amplifying blade of the Outrage Set, Thunder Seal, to it's full potential. With sword in hand and skill honed through combat, once Ky became leader of the Order, he battled Justice and defeated her to gain the peace he and his father had wanted to come for so long during the bleak years of the Crusades.
Here and now, in Zepp with his family, Ky Kiske learns of the reappearance of Justice. He also learns that many of the Humans are beginning to panic in fear of a second Crusade. Fearing the worst, Ky decides he must pay another visit to Sol Badguy...
------
[Main Story]
Johnny's
Sol was rudely awakened by a pounding at his door.
"God damn it! Who the fuck is it? I've got a headache here, asshole!"
Sol said in annoyance. Johnny's voice sounded from the other side of the door.
"Uh, Sol...you may not want to step outside the airship for a while."
Johnny said with a nervous tone in his voice. Sol got up groggily and cracked his neck to get the aching muscles to relax.
"For a while? How long is a while?"
Sol asked as he stood up. Johnny didn't answer immediately.
"Let's just say that a mob of frightened people are trying to break in here and kill you."
Johnny said. Sol was instantly at his door and opened it.
"What the fuck?! I've got a daughter to save here and a bunch of people are just going to stop me? Bull shit!"
Sol said in and angry tone as he grabbed the collar of Johnny's trench coat. Johnny brought up his hands apologetically.
"Sorry Sol, but this mob of people are Gear haters who want your head."
Johnny stated. Sol eyed him strangely.
"What for?"
Sol asked. Johnny shrugged.
"Well, since this place is sound proof I had to use a speaker to find out what they were all shouting about. Apparently the whole thing yesterday with Justice's reappearance is already world news. They said people around the world are starting to panic like crazy. I hear some Gears in other countries aren't so fortunate as they are in Zepp. In fact, I hear that the mob of people outside who started a riot around Zepp aren't even from Zepp. Their a bunch a people who flew on over last night just for a chance to have your head."
Johnny explained to Sol. Sol just shook his head and sighed.
"Fucking great...this is just the kind of thing I need when Dizzy's been kidnapped. What about the Zeppian Humans who are here? Not a single one is protesting out there with the out of town Humans?"
Sol asked. Johnny shook his head.
"Nope, not a one. Only the Zeppian Police are out there. There the reason the people out there haven't come busting in here to chop off your head. Oh yeah, one more thing, Ky's coming over to pay you a visit."
Johnny told him. Sol sighed heavily.
"Why me? Why do these things always have to happen at the worst possible times? At this rate, he'll probably find a way to bring Dizzy under his control, that fucking bastard."
Sol said in anger as he pounded the side of the wall with his fist, leaving a large crack in it.
"You know your going to have to pay for the damages you just did to the wall, don't you? But while were on the subject, who is this -he- your talking about?"
Johnny asked. Before Sol could say another word, Testament came in on the conversation.
"The Gear Creator, most likely. I'd tell you more, but Sol would have infinitely more information than even I could hope to know about the creator."
Testament said. Johnny turned to Sol.
"The Gear Creator, huh? Care to elaborate on that, Sol?"
Johnny asked. Sol looked at Johnny.
"To you? Nah. When the boy gets here you'll learn more then, well, maybe."
Sol said, walking away from Johnny and Testament.
"Why is he always so damn elusive, or is it just me?"
Johnny said to Testament. Before Testament could say anything, May came rushing in the hallway.
"Hey Johnny, Ky's here."
She told him. Johnny nodded.
"Okay May. Let's go."
The three made their way to the entryway of the air ship where Sol was leaning against a wall casually smoking a cigarette, while Ky and his family were standing in front of him.
"Sol, I need some honest answers from you. Many claim Justice has been sighted around the nightclub grounds. I need to know for sure. Does she still live?"
Ky asked Sol while showing his most serious face to Sol. Sol's visor covered his eyes, so it was difficult to read what he was thinking about. After a while, Sol nodded.
"Yeah. I didn't see her personally, but Testament did. She's been revived as a pawn to That Man."
Sol said in a low tone.
"That Man...your talking about the creator of the Gears, right? Why would he want to take Dizzy? What would be his motive? Is there something special about her that could cause a world crisis or anything like that?"
Ky asked, his interest in the mysterious creator peeking. Sol shrugged.
"Dizzy's powers are amongst some of the highest around in the world. Still, that's hardly a reason to take her. He's got something else planned now that she's been captured. What that is of course isn't known to me."
Sol said. It was true for the most part. Raven only left the cryptic message that his master wanted Sol to suffer. Sol had to agree, though, That Man was doing a pretty good job of it too. Another good question Sol wanted answered was why That Man wanted him to suffer. That Man was not so sadistic that he would do it out of personal enjoyment. There was a reason he was doing this, and Sol swore that he would find out before killing him.
"Oh, I see. I should pay a visit to my old comrade, Baiken. She called me up earlier saying she wanted to help. She said she and two others would be waiting for my arrival. We should get going, Sol."
Ky said. Sol shook his head in protest to the idea.
"Hey, I'm doing this solo. I don't have any fucking time to waste on you dumb asses. You can go ahead and round up your allies, but you can count me out, boy."
Sol said as he quickly made his way towards the front door. Ky stopped him.
"You know there's a mob of people waiting out there to kill you because they think your responsible for Justice's revival."
Ky told him. Sol just shrugged, letting his cigarette fall from his mouth and hit the floor before he stomped it out with his foot.
"Like I give a shit about them. I'll just kick their asses for a while until they cower in fear and run away like the fucking idiots they are."
Sol said smoothly. When Sol got his hand round the knob of the front door, he heard the clicking of a gun.
"Don't make me have to shoot you, Sol."
Ky said firmly. Sol shook his head.
"Look boy, I don't have time for this bull shit. If your going to shoot me, then shoot me. But I've wasted far too much time already. I need to find my child. As one father to another one, if you were in my situation and it was your son who got kidnapped, wouldn't you want to save him with your own strength?"
Sol said to him. Ky lowered his head a bit.
"If that was the case, I'd have to agree with your way of thinking, but that doesn't mean it's the right way to do things. I'm not saying that it's a problem to do things your way, Sol, but if I were around, it would make your search that much easier."
Ky said. Sol sighed.
'He may be right, you know? Ky Kiske has such influence over the common people, he may be able to prevent something violent from occurring between you and them. You don't want that kind of reputation for beating up the common people would you? That could put Dizzy in danger as well once she's been rescued.'
His human side rationed.
'Who cares about the people? With this strength, you could protect Dizzy easily even if you gained such a reputation.'
The animalistic Gear side said.
'I'll have to use the Human's way of thinking and the Gear's power to get her back. I'd rather not have Dizzy, actually all Gears, fearing for their lives just because I decided to pick a fight with a mob of Humans.'
Sol decided. Taking his hand off the knob, Sol stepped back from the door.
"Fine, boy. I guess we can do things your way, for now. Let me get my guitar."
Sol said. Ky shook his head.
"I'm sorry Sol. Since you use it as a weapon I can't let you have it when we step outside. It may cause the crowd to panic."
Ky said. Sol growled.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me here. What the hell do you expect me to use? My fists will only take me so far. You want me to put on my Gear armor or something? That'll really get your crowd in a panic."
Sol said furiously.
"How about using a weapon of the Outrage set?"
Ky asked. Sol looked at Ky with surprise.
"You serious? A Gear being allowed to use a Gear destroying weapon, huh? How do you know you can trust me with such a powerful tool?"
Sol asked him.
"I don't trust you with that kind of weapon. If you do decide to betray me in any way, the weapon you choose will work against you. Being a Gear, that won't bold well with you, will it?"
Ky said smartly. Sol smirked.
"Impressive, you have it all figured out, do you? Alright, fine. I'll use one of your weapons of the Outrage. My guitar wasn't standing up to well against that one bitch's anyway."
Sol said.
------
On The Way To Baiken's place...
"For a minute there, I thought they really were going to break into the limo. That would not have been a very good scenario."
Bridget said. About twenty minutes ago, Sol had been hand cuffed and escorted to the vehicle by Ky. The arrest was just a cover up so the people wouldn't go crazy. Jam, Bridget, May, Johnny, and Testament had followed behind them. Once inside the pearl white limousine, Sol had his handcuffs removed. It was around that time May opened the dark tinted window slightly. Although she was too short to be seen by the crowd, Johnny, who sat next to her, and Sol, who sat next to him, were in clear view. It was at that point a gunshot went off. Sol moved his head slightly, already knowing where the bullet was coming from. The bullet flew through the window, almost hitting Johnny. Sol had moved his head so that his metal head piece would be hit by the bullet. Once the bullet met with the visor, if fell to the carpeted floor of the limo. Once the shot was fired, panic ensued from it and the crowd went into a murderous frenzy and started charging at the limo. The limo barely escaped. Ky had a feeling he would find a lot of scrapes on the side of the door where the crowd had been clawing on.
"What, are you going to indirectly blame me for opening the window? It was just so stuffy in here."
May told him, her voice escalating a bit. Johnny put a hand on her shoulder.
"Calm down May. No use getting so worked up about it."
Johnny said to her. Sol grunted and put a cigarette in his mouth. Jam plucked the cigarette from his mouth and threw it out the window, much to Sol's annoyance.
"Hey lady, I was going to use that, you know?"
Sol said. Jam shook her head.
"No way. Smoking is a disgusting habit that you should really start to quit."
Jam said firmly. Johnny turned towards Sol.
"She's got a point. How long have you been smoking anyway?"
Johnny asked. Sol thought a bit before shrugging.
"About the past one hundred fifty years or so, give or take."
Sol said in a bored tone. Save for Testament, everyone else looked at Sol with wide eyes.
"You've been smoking for that long? I'm surprised your still in such good shape."
Johnny said.
"Yeah, and your teeth are still pearly white."
Bridget said.
"And your breath doesn't reek of tobacco."
Ky said.
"Can't really say the same thing about your clothes, though."
Jam said.
"Well at least they only smell faintly of tobacco."
May said. Sol was getting annoyed.
"Would you all just shut the fuck up? Damn, I can't even hear myself think with all of you talking."
Sol said roughly. Everyone went silent.
"It's because he's a Gear. The harmful side effects of prolonged smoking that effects Humans doesn't affect him."
Testament said. Everyone turned to face him, except Sol, who was looking out through the tinted window.
"Why aren't Gears affected like Humans are? I thought the anatomy of Humans and Gears were almost the same."
May said. Testament nodded.
"True. But it is that almost that separates us from you. As you know, Gears were originally meant to be a further evolution for the Humans. No human sickness, disease, or virus can affect us because of our special purification systems, which operates tirelessly like a machine. It's that same system which allows us to use harmful human products, like cigarettes or alcohol, without being affected by their prolonged exposure."
Testament explained.
"It's too bad that at the cost of this more enhanced evolution, Gears lost the free will they had as normal people."
Johnny said in a sympathetic tone.
"Well, before Justice regained her free will and somehow had the ability to give all the Gears around the world their own free will. I always wondered why she could do that."
Ky said as he lowered his head.
"It's because she was installed with the Command Ability. If she had really wanted to, she could have forced her will upon other Gears and could have had them invade the world without trying to negotiate peace first, but she used her own ability to help Gears gain their own free will instead."
Testament said. Ky looked deep in thought.
"If Justice can use the Command Ability. Why doesn't she use it to control the Gears again? That Man could use her and gain world domination."
Ky said.
"He doesn't want world domination, boy. And even if he did, Using Justice's ability wouldn't work because of two things. One, the only Gears she'd be able to control are the Gears who were created in the laboratories. Gears born from other Gears and half Gears will not be affected by Justice's Command Ability. Two, Because of my own existence, the factory created Gears will not succumb to her will. So all Gears are safe from her ability."
Sol explained, while still looking out the window. He had been very quiet while Testament was talking, so everyone nearly forgot he was in the car with them.
"What do you mean because of your own existence?"
Ky asked. Sol didn't face him, but continued to speak.
"The funny thing about Justice's Command Ability, it will only affect the Gears made after her. As the Proto-type, I was never affected by her Command Ability in the slightest. But I also was eventually going to become an obsolete Gear because I was the first test subject, and the technology behind my creation wasn't perfected at the time. All complete Gears, despite being made, can continue to evolve and become stronger, like a normal Human, albeit at a much higher level. I was not given that kind of evolving power initially because I wasn't a truly complete Gear like all the ones after me. Once I gained my own free will, I was able to complete myself behind That Man's back and I've evolved my power further ever since, just like all the other Gears. Just yesterday when I found out Justice was alive, I created and installed an Anti-Command Ability to counter the Command Ability in Justice. Just as a precaution of course."
Sol explained. Bridget looked at Sol strangely.
"Uh...how do Gears evolve and how can they install programs and such?"
Bridget asked.
"Listen kid, despite what the name implies, Gears aren't in any way mechanical. We have all these cells that work like nano machines that are used to maintain us and allow us to regenerate injuries that are in most cases fatal for a normal Human being, and prevent us from aging or getting contaminated by Human diseases. Our brains also work like super computers. Only That Man has the skill necessary to build and install programs into Gears. When I had barely gained my free will while still an incomplete Gear, I also was able to learn how to create and install the necessary programs myself. I also taught other Gears through a mind link how the process worked during the Crusades."
Sol explained. Bridget still looked puzzled.
"How is that possible for you to install it, though? That is...where can the program be inserted?"
Bridget asked curiously.
"All created Gears are given a special emblem that is branded on their fore head. It may look like a tattoo to tell the difference from Humans and Gears, but that is the area where programs are absorbed so they can be installed."
Testament said. He pointed to his fore head where the emblem glowed slightly.
"But what if a program is corrupted? Won't that make a Gear...malfunction?"
Jam asked, getting in the conversation. Testament shook his head.
"Before a program is installed. It will be scanned thoroughly. If the program is affected in any way and can't be fixed by the brain, the program will be rejected and expelled from the body. The same goes for programs that are initially to powerful for a Gear at a certain point in time. If a program is too powerful for a Gear, he or she won't be able to use it until their powers have increased enough to install a program."
Testament explained.
"Also, a Gear's program that is installed is always something unique to that Gear and can never be used by other Gears. Gears can have similar programs but no one of them is totally the same as another Gear's. Now enough of the questioning. Let's get this over with."
Sol said, cracking his neck audibly once the limo finally stopped.
------
Baiken's place
Baiken's house was in a rural area of the Residential District. The house was big enough to pass off as a mansion and was made like a traditional Japanese house.
"Wow, this Baiken lives pretty far from the Residential District, huh?"
May said. Johnny looked down at May in surprise.
"You don't remember Baiken, May? Well, you were still a kid when she came for a visit. She was my sparring partner who helped me perfect my iai-jutsu technique. Or maybe it was April who was there at the time...?"
Johnny said, trying to remember which one was with him that day. May put a hand to her chin in thought.
"No, her name's not drawing up any memories. Why don't you describe her? I might remember then."
May told him.
"Well, if it was you who was there, she was the short Japanese woman with pink hair, lightly tanned skin, and big breasts. Does that ring any bells?"
Johnny asked her. May once again went in thought. After a little bit, she snapped her fingers in realization.
"Oh yeah, I was there when you two sparred. She had one eye and a tattoo on the side of her face right? And the one prosthetic arm?"
May said. Johnny nodded.
"Yeah, that's the one."
Johnny said.
"If you two are quite finished, can we be on our way?"
Ky asked them. The two nodded and everyone made it to the front of the house.
"Would you look at that? No door bell."
Bridget said. Ky looked down at him.
"I guess she really wanted the feel of a traditional Japanese House. These look like genuine shoji screen doors."
Ky said.
"That's because they are genuine shoji screen doors."
A voice said from behind it. The door slid open to reveal a short woman in a loose yellow colored yukata robe that showed a fair amount of cleavage.
"Hello Ms. Baiken. It's been a while."
Ky said politely, holding out his hand. Baiken just looked at his hand, and instead shaking his hand she bowed slightly before stepping aside.
"Come in."
She said before walking ahead. Ky blushed slightly in embarrassment at forgetting that the Japanese usually bowed in greeting rather than give handshakes. The small party followed Baiken, Sol and Testament taking up the rear.
'So that's the legendary Samurai Baiken that scared most Gears out of their wits in the Crusades?'
Testament mentally asked Sol. Sol shrugged.
'It would seem so. I heard from some friends of hers that she actually went into guitar making, if you can believe that. Johnny wasn't lying though when he said this chick had big breasts. Her tits are huge.'
Sol said to Testament.
'Yeah, but do you think their real?'
Testament said. Sol nodded.
'Amazingly enough, my analysis draws the conclusion that they are. What about you?'
Sol asked him. Testament nodded.
'Yeah, my conclusion came out the same as yours. One hundred percent all natural. Some what rare for the typical Human female, but not an impossibility.'
Testament said.
'How the hell did we get in this conversation again? Oh yeah, I made the comment on how big her tits were. We shouldn't dwell too much about this anymore, despite how humorous it may seem as of now. Agreed?'
Sol said to Testament. Testament nodded.
'Agreed.'
Baiken lead them to a room near, what everyone assumed, was somewhere in the side of the mansion. Everyone was instructed to sit wherever they liked on the tatami matted floor. Anji and Chipp came in soon after.
"Hey, Sol, what's up? I guess we all ended up seeing each other quicker than we originally thought, huh?"
Chipp said as he sat on the right of Baiken.
"I heard your daughter was taken. Is that true?"
Anji asked. Baiken cleared her throat.
"Sit down and shut up before I make you."
She told him. Anji immediately saluted to her and dashed over to sit on left from her.
"So, I heard Justice is back. That can only mean That Man has something to do with it. I'm willing to bet everything I own that he's the one your all seeking."
Baiken said once Anji had been seated. Ky nodded.
"Your right. When I met with Sol Badguy, he did confirm that it was indeed That Man who resurrected Justice. He must be found and stopped. Dizzy, Sol's daughter, was taken as a hostage, just to answer your question Anji. Unfortunately, trying to find That Man is going to be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. No known technological advancements have allowed us to scan out where he resides currently."
Ky explained.
"He'll always be one step ahead of all technological advancements. He's the smartest and cleverest Human alive in the world after all. What did you expect, boy?"
Sol said. Baiken turned towards Sol.
"You're the Proto-type Gear, right? You still call that monster a Human? If he's lived for so long he must have already undergone the Gear conversion himself."
Baiken said hotly. Sol shook his head.
"Don't count on it. I've recently learned that he's advanced his skills a bit. He can give Humans Gear like abilities and life spans without turning them into true Gears at all. I'll bet he's still a Human despite how long he's actually been alive."
Sol said matter of factly. Axl had been the only one to let Sol know this. Now that it was no longer a secret, this information would have to be absorbed by the rest of the room's occupants.
"For what reason would he have to do such a thing?"
Ky wondered. Sol sighed, thinking about Raven and I-No.
"To create his pawns..."
------
Unknown
'Dad...'
Dizzy opened her eyes slowly. She could barely make out anything in the dark at first, but her eyes adjusted quickly and she found herself chained to a wall in a dank cell. Dizzy tried using her strength to get free, but despite their brittle appearance, the iron shackles held.
"I would just relax if I were you. Your powers are rendered ineffective with those power suppressing restraints."
A deep voice said to her. Dizzy could barely make out a cloaked person amongst the darkness.
"Who are you? Where am I?"
Dizzy asked, her voice fearful.
"Unfortunately my dear, innocent, little Dizzy, I can't tell you where we are. But I can tell you who I am. The name will most likely be a familiar one. I am called That Man by both Humans and Gears alike."
He said to her. Dizzy gasped in surprise.
"Your That Man? So you're the master that woman I was fighting was talking about. Why did you have her capture me? Why did you take me away from my Dad?"
Dizzy asked him. That Man let out a sigh.
"Forgive me my dear child, but you are just serving as a means to an end. Your father's power is needed to save the world. But he's not yet ready. I need his negative feelings for me to grow and harvest for the Gear within him, so that it's power may evolve further and more quickly. So much time has been wasted already."
That Man said in a cryptic manner which Dizzy did not understand.
"What do you mean so much time has been wasted? On what?"
Dizzy asked him. That Man shook his head.
"When that day comes...The Night That Never Ends...one out of three will fight against a dangerous enemy and only one of two outcomes can be decided."
That Man said softly.
"One out of three? Two outcomes? What do you mean? Please make understand your intentions."
Dizzy pleaded with him. He began to pace around the small cell, his cloak flowing eerily around him.
"Three personas exist in your father. The Human, Frederick, will be too weak to do battle and win. If he is the one who fights and loses, the world will end. Should the complete embodiment of the Gear, Dragon, be used it will most likely have the power necessary to win the battle. However, the Dragon lacks the ability to think with free will and only runs on its animalistic instincts. It will most likely destroy the world with it in the end. All of my hope must rest on the one who uses the Human's free will and the Gear's immense power, Sol Badguy. Yet his Gear powers will drive his Human side mad. Your father must have near complete control to be able to win. I curse my powerlessness in this situation, but there is nothing else I can do."
That Man said sadly.
"Your highness, there has been unrest in her ever since she got back. I believe it's time to tune her."
A voice said from beside Dizzy. She had to fight the urge to scream out in surprise at the kneeling Raven, who somehow got into the room without a sound.
"So...seeing her daughter is starting to make her remember...very well, Raven. Let us see Justice."
That Man said. Hearing the name, Dizzy looked at him in surprise.
"My mother...is she really alive?!"
Dizzy asked quickly. That Man nodded.
"Yes...like you, she is just a means to an end. I didn't think she would be able to start remembering anything from her suppressed memories once I resurrected her...I guess your family bond is strong if it can make her remember despite never seeing you as an adult."
He said to Dizzy.
"Please...let me see her."
Dizzy said softly, lowering her head. That Man remained silent for a long time.
"Raven...unbind her."
That Man said. Raven looked to his master in surprise.
"But my liege...if she were to come in contact with Justice now..."
Raven began to say, but That Man turned to him and Raven went silent. Raven gave a slight bow.
"By your will, then..."
Raven said and did as he was instructed. Dizzy collapsed on the ground, her limbs feeling like jelly. Once she regained her strength she stood up and looked at That Man.
"Come with me."
That Man said. Both he and Raven went right through the wall, much to Dizzy's surprise. Attentively, Dizzy brought her hand up to the wall and pushed against it. It went through. Taking a deep breath, Dizzy walked on. Her eyes went blind momentarily from having to adjust to the bright light. Once they adjusted, Dizzy found herself in a room of wire and glass. Many of the cylinder glass tanks around her contained some type of mutated body part of some sort. Dizzy sped up her pace, seeing as That Man and Raven were quite far ahead of her. Once she caught up with them, they had stopped in front of a wall inscribed with the words -Gear Type 00l : Justice- on it. That Man turned to Dizzy.
"Go ahead."
He said. Dizzy nodded and walked through the wall. She found herself in a dimly lit room. A large cylinder tank held a naked female inside of it. The woman's body was curled up in a fetal position as she was suspended in the tube by a clear liquid. Dizzy rushed over to the tube and put her hands on the cold glass surface.
"Mother..."
Dizzy whispered softly. It was as Sol said. Dizzy and Justice looked nothing alike. But Dizzy could feel a deep attachment to this Gear when she saw her.
"Perhaps I was too concerned. It would appear as if she is calm now."
Raven said as he came up closer, That Man not trailing to far behind him.
"Are you satisfied, Dizzy? Here sleeps your mother and my first complete creation."
That Man said, almost boastfully. He said nothing else as he let Dizzy see her mother for the first time physically.
'Dad would be so happy to see her, and I'm sure mom would be happy as well...'
Dizzy thought. An idea began formulating in her head. An ill devised escape plan, but Dizzy had been alone for so long she yearned for her parents and herself to live a normal life happily together.
'I don't know if it will work...but this could be my only chance, so...!'
Without warning, That Man and Raven were blinded by a bright light that emanated from Dizzy's body. All that could be heard was the breaking of glass and metal. Once the room was left in darkness and his eyes adjusted. Raven growled.
"So she escaped with type 001. I will apprehend them immediately."
Raven said and immediately gave chase.
------
With Dizzy and Justice...
Dizzy sped down the narrow corridors as fast as she could. The wings and tail on her back protruded through her black dress. She moved as best she could with her wings flapping frantically through the narrow halls, while keeping hold of her unconscious mother. For how long she traveled about, she couldn't be sure.
'This place is built like a maze...'
Dizzy thought as she hit a dead end. She decided quickly where to head to and sped on through the wall. Not all of the walls were illusions, some were real, but Dizzy had little problem breaking through them. After several twists and turns, Dizzy had found what she hoped was an exit. The light was almost blinding at the end of path since she had been in the dark for so long. Dizzy would have proceeded onward had the Gear she'd been carrying not let out a slight "
Justice groaned out softly, her eyes flicking open slightly.
"Mom...are you awake?"
Dizzy asked softly. Justice's body shivered. Their eyes met briefly.
"It's...you...isn't it?"
Justice said roughly, as if she hadn't talked in a long time. Dizzy nodded, tears forming in her eyes.
"Mom, we have to go. Dad's waiting for us."
Dizzy said. Justice smiled slightly.
"He...found you...then?"
Justice asked, her voice becoming stronger.
"Of course. We have to go, I'm not sure how long we're going to be safe here."
Dizzy said firmly. Justice moved her head around a bit, looking around.
"Where are we?"
She asked. Her body was no longer shivering, and she was standing with less support from her daughter.
"I'm not sure. I was unconscious when I was brought here. It's some place owned by That Man..."
Dizzy said. Justice's form went rigid.
"He's the one behind this?"
She spat out with hatred. Dizzy nodded. Justice was seething with anger, as her fists began clenching and unclenching. Justice shook her head to not let herself get too angered. Once she visibly calmed down she turned to Dizzy.
"Let's get out of here."
Justice said. The two made their way to the end of the corridor. Both froze in place when they saw where they were.
"What is this place? It's so desolate..."
Dizzy said. Justice recognized it though.
"This is the Stairway to the Heavens...how did we get here?"
Justice asked.
"It's just an illusion. A fitting place to end your miserable little existence, though, don't you think?"
I-No said. Dizzy narrowed her eyes at the woman.
"You're the one from before."
Dizzy said in a dangerous tone.
"Come along quietly, you two. I would rather avoid a conflict."
Raven said, appearing next to I-No. Justice glared at both of That Man's servants.
"Get the hell out of our way!"
She ordered. I-No laughed.
"You think a relic like you can handle us?"
I-No said. The whole thing was hysterical to her. Raven sighed.
"Enough of this nonsense. I-No, remember, we only need to apprehend them so don't go over board like you usually do."
Raven warned her. I-No nodded her head casually.
"Yeah, yeah..."
She said. Before anything else could happen, That Man was behind Raven and I-No, placing a hand on their shoulders. The two servants looked up at him in surprise.
"Master!"
They both said in surprise. That Man tilted his head slightly to look at them.
"Raven, I-No...take a walk. Now."
He ordered them firmly, leaving no room for argument. The two disappeared and now it was just That Man, Justice, and Dizzy.
"You know I can't let you two escape. If you are to both meet Sol Badguy, it will be a disaster. The world will crumble beneath their feet if he is not ready."
That Man said. Justice growled deep in her throat.
"Stop speaking in riddles all the time, you bastard! Would it hurt you to give one straight answer for once?"
Justice said, irritated. That Man sighed.
"Forgive me...Justice, Dizzy...You will go no further."
That Man said.
"Even if that's the case, I won't let us give up without trying!"
Dizzy said, her resolve strong. Justice nodded.
"I second that."
Justice said as she concentrated. Her battle armor began forming around her body. That Man sighed again.
'How stubborn...like mother, like daughter, I suppose...it is too bad they can't listen to reason. Their will and determination is strong...Sol Badguy, if you were here now, I'm sure you would be proud, to know you had a loving wife and child who want to be with you. Frederick...I'm sorry I could never be there for you and your mother...I took both of you for granted...what a fool I was...but I hope...by saving the world...I can make amends for the sins I have committed.'
-...To Be Continued...-
Note: All I can say was this chapter came out a lot longer than I originally anticipated. Not much action going on right now of course, since the main plot took over. Oh well...I just wish I had my own computer to work with. It gets annoying when my friend's younger siblings are always hovering around me while I'm trying to type something up. I'm sure we've all had a time when it wasn't our own computer we were working with. Anyway, hopefully this chapter came out okay despite many of the confusing random topics I'm sure it brought up (heck even I was getting confused, and I wrote it...). Well, See Ya.