Alright, got a nice bonus for you all today. It's going to be a double chapter update and this time, it's not a multiparter.
I'm happy to see that people liked the new twist on the Amazons. I figured that since I still had info on the original versions, I'd make use of them. That, and the Amazons did get some likes from the original story, so I wanted to bring them over.
Chapter 42: Captive
(Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood OST – Clash of the Alchemists. Play Song.)
Issei was staring down at least a dozen Amazons.
'Remember, you should avoid using Balance Breaker at all costs. The more often you use it, the more lifeforce you lose. Let's not forget all of that secret training you've been doing. We're lucky if it only shaved off a day or two.' Rexis reminded him.
Issei equipped his gauntlets and greaves just as an Amazon brought out chains to bind him. Jumping over it, Issei fired a burst of mana at the wall of Amazons in front of him. Behind him, dozens of arrows rained down. Jumping out the way, Issei turned to see Iriel closing in.
Guarding against her sword, Issei kneed her in the stomach before backflipping, dodging a spear. Kicking his way into a landing, Issei spun horizontally, kicking away two others before ducking. A chain swiped over his head as another wrapped around his right wrist. Surging electricity through it, Issei broke free as the Amazon holding it was stunned.
Jumping over the Amazons, Issei was rebounded as he struck a barrier over the door. Grinding to a halt on the ground, Issei stood up as more Amazons gathered. He was facing a dilemma. He could make the situation worse if he started using his abilities but that could cause political backlash for the Alliance.
Most of all, he didn't know what was happening to Vali, so she could be used as a hostage against him.
Stomping his foot on the ground, Issei sent out a shockwave, knocking all the Amazons to the ground. Jumping into the air again, Issei gathered mana into his fist, smashing it into the barrier, cracking it completely. With one more superpowered hit, he could shatter it.
Just as he was about to, his arms were restrained by chains as more and more Amazons gathered.
"Give up." Iriel growled.
She and several others yanked him back but when he got close, he created a shockwave from his body. Blasted away and shattering the chains, Issei fired a beam at the barrier around the castle. After he obliterated the barrier Issei materialized his wings, flying into the sky.
Looking behind him, dozens of arrows zipped past his ears as he ducked and weaved. Twirling in the air, he let loose a weak burst of mana, knocking the arrows away.
Suddenly, chains burst from the windows, homing in on Issei. Creating swords, Issei cut and knocked them all away. Bursting from the Palace's Throne Room was Velvenda. She tried to cut him across the chest but he backflipped.
Kicking her weapon out her hands, Issei punched her in the stomach, causing her to gag and crash into the Palace.
Issei would've followed through with a more vicious attack but refrained. He had to keep himself from hurting others too much. Still, he couldn't deny his anger. Vali was in an unknown state. The Amazons had fooled them with the offer of alliance and they were too stupid to notice anything. Issei partly blamed himself. He had a feeling that he needed to be cautious but put too much faith in others.
Smashing his foot into Velvenda's girdle, Issei kicked her out of the Palace. To his surprise, she came flying back, forcing him to guard. When her fist collided against his guarding stance, he had to admit that Rizeim was right. If there was an army of Amazons supporting the Alliance then there was no doubt that their troubles would be made easier. His teeth rattled and arms shook when they connected. However, Velvenda's power and no other opponent before her, could compare to the pain and overbearing might of an Avitur.
Even now, Issei still remembered how he nearly died fighting the Earth Avitur in its weakened state.
"What have you done to Vali?" Issei asked.
"It's no longer your concern. Vali will remain with us. Just be a good little slave and go to sleep." Velvenda growled, trying to force him back.
"I'm leaving with Vali. She's not your puppet and doesn't belong to anyone. If you knew her half as well as I did, then you'd know how much she hate being controlled." Issei snarled.
"And what do you know? All you men do is assume you know better than us women." Velvenda retorted.
"Unlike you, I'm not blinded by gender. I see with more than appearances. I won't assume that your actions aren't justified. But what pisses me off is that you took advantage of Vali's kindness and personality. Your acting like a vixen that lures people into traps for their own agendas, despite the harm it'll cause or the goodness that others have done for them." Issei growled.
"Pretty words coming from a hypocrite. You have no idea what my people and I have suffered." Velvenda snapped.
"You have no idea what suffering is." Issei solemnly, yet coldly responded.
(Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood OST – Clash of the Alchemists. End Song.)
With a mighty swing of his fist, he knocked Velvenda out of the Palace with all his strength. She crashed into the town nearby below. Issei turned around to try and find Vali but was met by Sophia.
Issei took a deep breath but couldn't help but glare at her.
"If you intend to stand in my way, then I'll fight you as well." He threatened her.
"Vali is safe. You don't have to worry about her. We're simply going to keep her here until the storm has passed and her chance arrives." Sophia calmly responded.
"What's your plan? Why do you need to capture Vali?" Issei asked.
"There's a great war coming and Vali will play a key role, if not the key role. She will be the one to dispel the crisis to come. However, the Alliance is full of gods and others who would take advantage of her if they ever found out about her true identity. Perhaps in our hands, she will be safest until the appointed time." Sophia explained.
"That's bullshit. You're just trying to use her to protect yourselves. You're nothing more than cowards who wear masks to appear righteous." Issei rejected her idea.
"And what about you? What're you hiding? I may not be able to see into your future in full detail, but I know you harbor secrets. What are you?" Sophia inquired.
"I have no reason to share with you. You've already proven to me that I can't trust any of you." Issei refuted her again.
"I sense something from you. It's dark…cold…old…" Sophia peered into his eyes, as if trying to see his life's story through gazing alone.
"Again. Where is Vali?" Issei pointed a sword at her.
"As I said, she'll be kept safe here with us. You should return home and forget about her or surrender. It's your choice now. As we speak, dozens of soldiers are gathering around and inside the Palace. You have no chance at winning." Sophia warned.
Issei merely narrowed his eyes. His hands started to tremble as his aura flared beyond his desire. Bahamut was acting up again. Due to his rage and negative emotions, the ancient dragon was resonating with him.
"I'll take my chances. Fate has already dealt me a wretched hand but I still refuse to submit. I'll force fate to put me on a path of my own choosing."
"You think you can control fate?" Sophia asked, surprised.
"Not control it, persuade it." Issei corrected her.
He wasn't sure where Vali was being kept, but he had to find a way to get her back and get home. He didn't want to kill or harm anyone unnecessarily either.
"I'll say it once more, surrender." Sophia demanded.
Just then, Velvenda came jumping back into the Throne Room, immediately attacking Issei. Her fists were covered in a velvet aura, which Issei reflexively guarded against.
He felt her aura wash over him as his guard was lowered by surprise. He suddenly felt like he was losing feeling in his body. He guarded again before he noticed that the scent of smoke and dirt was disappearing too. In fact, he couldn't smell much when he inhaled through his nose.
"What's going on?" Issei wondered as he stepped back.
"My [Pentagon Numbing] lets me numb any of your five senses for a set period of time. I've already begun numbing your sense of smell and touch. Pretty soon, you'll be unable to fight properly." Velvenda explained.
It was the last resort. Issei had to stop this from getting worse. Spreading his wings, Issei aimed his beams at Velvenda.
"Issei, stop!"
Said boy stopped in his tracks as he turned around at the sound of that voice. Vali had barged into the room, causing him to breathe a sigh of relief. Suddenly, he felt his sense get completely stripped away as something collided with the back of his head. His head was smacked onto the ground as a clawing hand kept him in place.
"You should be more aware on the battlefield. Your care for your loved ones has become your undoing. Now, sleep." Velvenda mocked him before punching him unconscious with a blow to his temples.
Iriel advanced with her sword unsheathed but Sophia walked over, stopping her.
"No." She said.
"Why not?" Iriel asked.
"This guy…he has a role to play. Much like how Vali gives me a sense of premonition, this male gives off an aura. It's like…killing him will spiral everything out of control."
Sophia's eyes began to glow, a sign of prophecy.
"What?" Velvenda asked in confusion.
"I think we should leave him be until I receive another prophecy or vision." Sophia suggested.
"Very well. We'll lock him up in the dungeons." Velvenda agreed.
"With all due respect, can we just leave him be? He's a male. Not only that, but he knows of our plans already." Iriel reasoned.
"If Sophia says he's going to play a bigger role in the events to come, then we can't afford to kill him. We might foil ourselves in what we're trying to do if we get rash or too caught up in traditions and personal grudges." Velvenda warned.
Iriel cursed under her breath as she and several others wrapped Issei in magical chains.
"What is he? He's way stronger than most of my Amazons. I'd even go as far as to say that he's close or on equal footing with Vali." Velvenda said.
"How do you suppose that?" Iriel asked.
"I traded blows with him and he hits harder than Vali. I almost fell to the ground the first time we made contact. I should've been more serious or I'd have made a big mistake. Are you still unable to figure him out?" Velvenda turned to Sophia.
"I still can't. He's too much of an unknown factor for me. Perhaps it's not time to find out just yet. All I know is that he should be kept alive." Sophia shook her head.
When Issei awoke, he found himself locked inside a cell with bars, a small bed, a toilet, sink, and nothing else. Looking across the cell bars, he saw that there were magic circles all over the cell walls that kept him weakened.
"I see you're awake."
Issei looked to see who it was. It was Velvenda. Issei felt his anger rise with her appearance but kept himself restrained.
"What do you want?" He coldly asked.
It was unlike him, but Issei couldn't help feeling cold and angry. He wasn't sure if it was his own emotions or Bahamut, but he didn't care. Vali was being held captive for someone's plans against her will. It made memories of betrayal resurface, betrayal that Bahamut suffered.
"Calm down. I only want to talk." Velvenda replied.
"Then make your piece." Issei curtly said.
"I'm sure that you're angry and you have every right to be. However, please understand what we're trying to do." Velvenda pleaded.
"I think you're in over your heads. None of you can deal with the problem that's coming." Issei coldly said.
"What makes you say that?" Velvenda asked.
"Because you have no idea how far back this all runs. Just what has Sophia told you about what's coming?" Issei inquired.
"She said that there'll be seven entities, heralds of destruction. In time, we don't know when, another battle will spark, maybe a war. At that time, Vali will be at the center of it all. She'll be the one who turns the tide against it." Velvenda said.
"And are you sure you can trust Sophia? What makes her information so trustworthy?" Issei asked.
"Sophia has done a lot of Themiscyra with her prophecies. We've avoided civil wars, pandemics, and civil unrest thanks to her and her predecessors. What makes me curious is you. What do you know? Sophia's taken a certain interest in you." Velvenda glared at him.
"That's my business that doesn't pertain to you. What I want to know is what you'll do to Vali until that time." Issei glared back.
"Vali will be treated well. She was already a sister-in-arms to begin with." Velvenda sat down at a desk meant for guards.
"Yes, she told me you two had a history." Issei replied.
"I see no reason not to tell you. Believe me when I say that I'm not your enemy." Velvenda pleaded.
"People can lie with the most innocent face or the kindest smile. The aggression and willingness to attack amongst your Amazons doesn't help." Issei scoffed.
"True. Many of my Amazons still bear grudges towards men because of the role they've played in their lives. Still, I swear that doesn't have to do with all this." Velvenda adamantly swore.
Issei was silent for a while before nodding. Whenever he looked her in the eye, he only saw genuine earnestness. Whatever was causing this, he had no reason to doubt right now.
"Fine…I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. What's your history, if I might ask?" Issei responded.
"A long time ago…I was a slave. I grew up in Europe, where I was a slave since I was very young. Where I came from, slavery was covered up by the media as a form of employment. My parents were killed by criminals and I was sold to pay off debts by family relatives. I worked for scraps and was treated like dirt. It was mostly men who did it, with the other women neglecting what wasn't happening to themselves. Eventually, Amazons ended up finding the establishment that I was at, liberating me and several others. They brought me back to Themiscyra, where I grew up training as an Amazon. That was when I met Vali." Velvenda folded her arms.
"After she was accepted as an apprentice, we were made roommates. It's traditional for Amazons to room and train together in units to develop bonds and teamwork. Because I was at the bottom of the barrel, Vali was stuck with me. At first, things were rough. I had no idea how to fight. Just holding a weapon scared me. But, thanks to Vali, she helped me get over that fear. Like me, she also had emotional baggage from her past. With that common ground, we eventually became good friends. We trained together, ate together, and helped each other on assignments. For the first time, I understood what it was like to have good friends." Velvenda smiled fondly.
Issei, despite himself, was starting to believe her claims that her actions weren't entirely voluntary. However, he was focusing on Sophia, the clear mastermind behind this plan.
"Why is Sophia so adamant on capturing Vali?" Issei asked.
"Because she knows that Vali will throw herself into problems, despite warnings and the risks."
"So, you're just going to treat Vali well until she's needed. Like raising a pig for slaughter, you'll keep her nice and safe before sending her off to battle." Issei sneered.
The entire room started to vibrate, despite the magic circles weakening Issei. Velvenda, however, seemed unfazed.
"When that time comes, we'll do everything we can to support her. After it's all said and done, Vali will go free and we'll answer for our crimes." Velvenda bowed her head.
"And what of her friends and family? Have you not thought about the pain and the fear they'll feel when they find out she's gone? There's a plethora of things I could list off that'll backfire from this plan." Issei said.
"I understand, but for the sake of this world…this has to be done." Velvenda stood up.
"Shortsighted." Issei remarked.
"Maybe. However, Vali is under our control for the time being. She'll continue as if nothing's changed and eventually, she'll migrate her allegiances here and before long, the war will have arrived. We'll be ready for it." Velvenda said.
"Too many people have said that and failed." Issei shook his head.
"Just who are you?" Velvenda asked, irritated now.
For a moment, Issei had half a mind to tell her. Yet, he knew that the information he'd give was sensitive, dangerous in the wrong hands. He remained silent.
"So that's how it is…" Velvenda walked away.
Issei was in his cell for an unknown time. When night eventually fell, Issei was awakened by the sound of footsteps. Opening his eyes, his heart sped up but also settled in calmness when he saw that it was Vali.
She looked no different but with one look in her eyes, he understood that something had been done to her. There was a certain lack of light there, though subtle.
"Are you okay?" Vali asked.
Issei only narrowed his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Vali. I should've gotten there sooner." He apologized.
"You're sorry for what?" Vali looked at him in worry.
'From the sound of it, Vali's unaware of what's happened. They've given her just enough awareness to make it seem like everything's normal.' Issei thought to himself.
"Do you know why I'm in here?" Issei asked.
"They said that your powers went rampant and they were forced to chain you up." Vali sadly said.
"And what're you doing now?" Issei asked.
"Right now, I'm going to stay with the Amazons. I've already told the others that I'll serve as an envoy between the Amazons and the Alliance. Issei, are you okay?" Vali asked out of concern.
Issei didn't respond, he only glared.
"You're acting strange. You've been looking at me like I'm some imposter." Vali said.
Again, Issei was silent.
"Issei, what's going on with you? This isn't like you. You're acting cold to me." Vali held onto the bars, as if hoping to phase through them.
"It doesn't matter. Even if I told you anything, it wouldn't matter at all." Issei replied, closing his eyes again.
For now, he had to find a way to undo the obvious spells placed on Vali. Then, he needed to find a way out of here. His first mind went to brute force. However, the collateral damage he'd cause was likely to be severe. Velvenda was strong, completely earning her position as queen. That meant her barrier was nothing to sneeze at either.
"Issei, tell me what's wrong." Vali whimpered.
'To hell with this.' Issei snapped.
"You've been brainwashed, Vali. They put a spell on you so that you'll believe anything they say. They intend to keep you docile and subservient until it's time for them to sic you on the enemy. The entire story they've told you till this point has been a lie." Issei coldly spoke.
He hoped this cold façade would do something to trigger the real Vali. He wasn't sure how strong the spell was and how much of a hold it had on her. He had to keep poking at it to make for certain.
"Issei, you've got it wrong. After you went on that rampage, I lost consciousness." Vali shook her head calmly.
"Then the spell they put on you is stronger than I thought. Get out. I have nothing to say to you." Issei closed his eyes and turned away.
Vali sniffled before walking away.
"We'll keep him here until he's ready to be sent back." Iriel soothed Vali as she walked out the doorway.
Issei could still hear her sniffling from the doorway. It hurt him to be so cold and harsh to her, but he knew that Vali was putting on a façade. She was brainwashed and was only acting in accordance to the story she was fed.
'Well, Rexis, any ideas?' Issei asked.
'From the looks of it, the spell is pretty strong. She isn't showing any signs of internal conflict and believes their story over yours. Not only that, but her personality is intact. I have two ideas. The first is to force Velvenda and Sophia to undo the spell or hand over the cure. The second is more risky. Seeing as how you've been training your ability to channel Abyssal energy…you might be able to dispel the brainwashing. That all depends on your level of control, however. It's not something I can do that well since your body is adapted to handle what I do to it. However, it's a different story with someone else's body since everyone has a different physical makeup at a certain level.' Rexis advised.
'And any ideas on how to escape this cell?' Issei asked.
'It'll be a while before you get your chance. The most they'll do is slip your food in on a tray. Playing dead won't work either, since they're not dumb enough to fall for it.' Rexis listed off.
'And they know not to have Vali near me in case their plans get undone. I think I'll have to blast my way out.' Issei sighed.
'I don't know, Issei. These cell doors are enchanted and the magic circles are keeping you weak enough so that you can't force your way out. If you force yourself, it'll put unnecessary strain on your body and the explosions might even cause casualties.' Rexis warned.
'I can't afford to waste any more time. Ugh…' Issei growled.
He spent several hours thinking to himself, trying to find a way to escape without causing too much damage.
The next morning, Vali returned.
"Issei, are you doing better today?" She asked.
"I'm the same as yesterday, Vali. Until you're back to normal, I won't be doing better. However, I promise, I will find a way to get us out of this mess." Issei swore.
"Issei, you've got to understand that you're being locked up for your own good. I don't know if Bahamut is doing something to you, but trust me, we were left with no other choice." Vali whispered.
Despite being brainwashed, she remembered not to talk about Bahamut openly. Not everyone knew his true identity yet and Issei was hoping everyone would forget.
"Vali, listen to me. When we got here, you were invited to dinner before Velvenda and the other Amazons betrayed you. They drugged you and brainwashed you. Now, they have you believing their story about how I went out of control. If I was truly out of control, then tell me why I'm not blasting everything into oblivion right now?" Issei asked.
"You do have a point, but I honestly, don't know, Issei. You've told me that you have another person inside your head and Bahamut's emotions influence you. I don't know what's happening, Issei." Vali said.
"What's the point of you continuously coming here, Vali? Every several hours, you come to my cell and nothing changes." Issei replied irritably.
"I just…wanted to see you." Vali muttered.
Under normal circumstances, Issei would've jumped over the moon with excitement at hearing this. Yet, it saddened him. His heart sank because he never wanted to hear those words. Even if she were brainwashed, he didn't want to hear it. It instilled hope where it wasn't supposed to go. It was just making things harder than they needed to be. It also hurt because he knew that she was only saying this due to her brainwashing. She was forced to aact the part and say whateer in order to make sure Velvenda's and Sophia's plans ran smoothly.
"I have no desire to see you as you are now, Vali. Get out." Issei coldly said.
Vali sniffled before quickly walking out of the prison.
She ran up the stairs before she was stopped by Velvenda.
"Hey, girl, what's wrong?" She asked with genuine worry.
"It's nothing." Vali shook her head, wiping a tear from her cheek.
"Don't give me that. Something's upset you, obviously." Velvenda sighed.
"It was Issei Hyoudou, wasn't it? He was harsh with you again, wasn't he?" She guessed.
Iriel clicked her tongue in irritation.
"Why do we even keep him here?" She growled.
Velvenda knew that it would upset Vali greatly if something were to happen to him. He was clearly very important to her if she was acting like this from one simple visit to him. Velvenda began to worry about the effects this would have on her mind.
"Vali, how about we go and see Sophia for a bit." She then turned to Iriel.
"Keep an eye on the prisoner but don't do anything else unless he makes a move" Velvenda ordered.
Guiding Vali to Sophia's room, which was akin to a bedroom mixed with a library, Velvenda locked the door behind them.
"Is something the matter?" Sophia asked before she noticed the upset Vali.
"I think the spell is starting to weaken. She can't even control herself anymore." Velvenda said.
"Then sit her down."
"I know the spell keeps her subservient around us, but I didn't think it'd be hampered like this." Velvenda noted.
"Deep emotional connections can hinder the control we have on her. As much as I dislike it, this is the only way to ensure her safety with the least problems." Sophia said.
They sat Vali down on a bed before Sophia waved her hands over Vali's face, knocking her out. Gently laying her down in bed, Sophia placed her hand on Valis forehead. Slowly, a soft glow appeared with a magic circle, spinning over Vali's head as it worked its magic.
"I'll have to reinforce the spell but it'll take time for her to wake up." Sophia explained.
"How long?" Velvenda asked.
"I don't know. Maybe a few hours at the earliest. It all depends on how much of an impact the boy has made on her and how much strain her mind can handle. Still, that's the least of our worries right now." Sophia said.
"Another vision?" Velvenda guessed.
"Yes. Soon, maybe in a day or two, there'll be an attack on our borders. This time, the assault will be larger than ever before. We need to transport Themiscyra somewhere else before then." Sophia warned.
"I understand. I'll be making immediate preparations." Velvenda left the room.
Sophia then looked at Vali.
"I'm sorry, but there's just too much to lose, Vali." She apologized as she continued brainwashing her.
'What are you doing?!' Rexis scolded Issei.
'It's a part of the plan.' Issei said.
'What plan? What could justify you acting so uncharacteristically harsh to the love of your life?!' Rexis asked.
'It's psychological. Vali is naturally an open and kind person. She doesn't react well to negativity if it comes from someone close to her. If it's a stranger, then Vali will ignore it, brush it off, or retaliate if it's too much. But, if it comes from someone she trusts and cares about, it blindsides her. She gets stunned and thrown for a loop and she starts to panic in an attempt to think of what to do and why it happened. I'm trying to hammer away at the mental changes put on her by the brainwashing. It'll be easier to dispel once I find a way to escape.' Issei reasoned.
Rexis was now completely worried. This was cold, way too cold for someone as kind and playful as Issei. Just how much had Bahamut influenced him?
Soon after, Issei heard stomping footsteps come down the stairs. Standing in front of him was Iriel, who glared at him angrily.
"A dog with no teeth that barks but can't bite." She started.
Issei ignored her, knowing she was trying to rile him up.
"You made Vali cry, you bastard." Iriel revealed the whip in her hands.
Again, Issei ignored her.
"Look at me, scum." Iriel hissed, cracking her whip.
Issei's continued silence only proved to worsen her mood.
"Tell me, despite being in Vali's peerage, you said all of that to her. Did you crawl into her good graces or did she pick you?" Iriel asked, though with some more sincerity in her voice and less spite.
"I was brought into the peerage. She saved my life." Issei curtly said.
"Then why do you treat her so harshly?" Iriel growled.
Issei only opened his eyes glaring at her. Iriel was starting to genuinely piss him off. She acted so high and mighty and yet she didn't seem to be against the idea to brainwash Vali. She dared to come down here and ask him why he made Vali cry and yet she showed no remorse for what she helped do to her.
"I could ask you the same thing. You took advantage of her kindness, her trust, and your connection to her. You lured her to the Palace, treated her to a drugged dinner and then brainwashed her. If you knew Vali as well as you implied, then you'd know that what you did to her was something traumatic to her. What you did, is far worse than I did. You came down here intent on interrogating me and to torture me but you've failed to see how vile you truly are on the inside. You all keep professing that you're doing this for Vali's own good and for the world. What you're doing isn't for her or for others. It's just for yourselves and your own survival. You're nothing but self-righteous people who hide behind the masks of victims and pretend to be better than you really are to compensate for how small and low you are deep down." Issei glared.
Iriel looked taken aback before sneering. She was about to hit him full force with her whip before Issei turned to the doorway.
"And you can come out now, Velvenda." Issei called out.
Iriel stopped mid-motion as Velvenda stepped forward.
"Iriel, I gave you strict orders to not enter this place." She coldly said.
"My Queen, I…" Iriel trailed off.
"Take your leave and check on the others. Now's not the time to engage in personal matters." Velvenda ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Iriel bowed.
Velenda then turned to Issei apologetically.
"I apologize for Iriel's behavior. She's had a very complicated past with men." She said calmly.
Issei merely scoffed.
"I find it odd how so many people try to justify their desire for cruelty by internalizing the actions of others. They then push it on people who had nothing to do with it and then generalize them." Issei retorted.
"Her father and mother were…complicated. Back then, the previous Queen allowed enslaved men. Her father was one of them while her mother was an Amazon warrior. Her mother chose her father as her mate and eventually, they had Iriel. However, behind closed doors…things were quite different. Iriel's mother had grown attached to her husband, having genuinely fallen in love with him. The thing was, her treatment was cold and harsh at first, but eventually, she developed genuine love after he showed his tenacity. However, that wasn't enough. One day, Iriel's mother chose to set him free so that he could be, shall we say, upgraded in citizenship. As soon as he got the chance, he ran away from Themiscyra to the outside world. When he was gone, her mother fell into despair and died of heartbreak, leaving Iriel alone to endure harsh training alone. Thus, Iriel sees all men as wild dogs seeking to seduce others for what they want. It isn't a new thing, as many men have done this in Themiscyra." Velvenda derisively laughed.
"If you're trying to open my eyes to the justification behind your behavior, then save it. Just because one person made you suffer, it doesn't mean everyone did it and it doesn't mean everyone will do the same thing." Issei said.
Velvenda looked at him.
"I have seen more than you will in your entire life. I know of the evils done by men and what they're capable of. I've also seen the evils of what women can do. Evil prefers no gender. Evil and cruelty will come in any way, shape, form, race, age, and gender. Whether they be male or female, everyone can do the same thing when it comes to causing suffering. In my eyes, both men and women are both capable of the same atrocities. So, save your sob stories if you intend to make me feel sympathetic to your treatment of men or why you brainwashed Vali." Issei glared at her.
Velvenda looked down.
"Figures." She muttered.
She wasn't trying to justify the aggression of the Amazons toward men.
"However…" Issei then followed up.
Velvenda looked at him again.
"If you're trying to explain why Iriel is the way she is, then I understand. I don't hold anything against her for it. We are products of our environment and there are some things that we can't just help. Anger, hatred, sadness, happiness, all of that is produced by how we've been influenced by life's events and the people around us. If none of this had happened, then I'd have like to have been friends with you." Issei admitted.
Velvenda smiled warmly at him.
"However, if you prove to truly be my enemy, then understand that I won't allow you to escape unharmed." Issei warned dangerously.
Velvenda's smile faded. One look in his eyes and she could see the danger that he represented. This was the look of a man that not even the forces of heaven and hell would cross.
Later that night, Vali had awakened to Sophia and Velvenda standing by her bedside.
"How're you feeling?" Velvenda asked.
"Lousy. What happened?" Vali asked.
"You passed out after some sparring with me, so we brought you here." Velvenda lied.
"Oh, sensory deprivation." Vali chuckled.
"It's late, we should have dinner." Velvenda offered her a hand.
Vali gladly took it as they went to the Mess Hall. It was a massive hall with rows of long tables and chairs that had silverware and plates set everywhere. Vali sat with Velvenda and Sophia, talking as they dined.
"So, are you going to stay in Themiscyra?" Velvenda asked.
"Yes, I'll be sure to tell my grandfather and the Alliance. The treaty and signing will take time to prepare but I've decided to help with the whole ninja issue too. So, let's make sure we get things done as quickly as possible." Vali smiled.
"Right." Velvenda said, despite looking a bit downcast.
This wasn't right. It wasn't right at all, but she felt that this had to be done. Thanks to Sophia's visions, she made it clear that a gruesome battle was going to happen and Vali absolutely had to be safe until then. It wasn't just Themiscyra that was in danger, it was the rest of the world too. Still, Issei's words kept ringing in her head. Was she truly being altruistic? Or was it because she was only interested in Themiscyra's safety only. She wasn't too sure what to do anymore. This was such a massively scaled situation that she had no idea where to start or where it would end.
"What's wrong?" Vali asked.
"Nothing, just thinking." Velvenda chuckled.
"Don't worry. Everything will be alright. As long as we do all that we can and we remember what's really important, then things will work out." Vali smiled reassuringly.
That night, Vali contacted Rizevim.
"So, what's taking so long?" Rizevim asked with worry.
"Everything's fine, Grandpa. It's just that it's taking a long time because of an issue here on Themiscyra. The Amazons are being attacked by a clan of ninjas. Issei said they were called Shadow Walkers."
"And what do you propose?" Rizevim asked.
"I'm going to stay here and help them out. They're all my friends and I can't turn my back on them. If I do help, then that'll create stronger impression on them for the Alliance." Vali said.
Rizevim was silent.
"Vali, where's Issei?" He asked after some silence.
"He's resting." Vali lied.
"What happened?" Rizevim asked.
"Issei got involved in a fight and went rampant. He was calmed down but right now, I'm keeping an eye on him. I'll let you know if something happens." Vali said.
That was all a lie that Vali spoke without a single doubt. Thanks to the brainwashing, Vali would automatically spit out stories that would mask what truly happened.
"I see. Then be careful. Bahamut is volatile and isn't likely to be able to differentiate friend from foe. When that happens, just get out of there. Also, be careful around the Amazons. They may look likable or pretend to be nice, but they have a history of shady actions and a desire to dominate. With people as strong as you two, they might try something." Rizevim warned.
"Thank you, Grandpa. I'll talk to you as soon as I can." Vali nodded.
"And what about your peerage?" Rizevim asked.
"As much as I want them here, the barrier that the Queen made isn't easy to put down. It might also risk allowing the Shadow Walkers to enter Themiscyra directly. If push comes to shove, then I'll contact you." Vali said.
"Good."
With that done, Vali ended her talk with Rizevim. Just then, a knock came at the door. Vali opened it to reveal Velvenda.
"Hey, girl. You busy?" She asked jovially.
"Nope. What's up?" Vali asked.
"I was thinking if you wanted to chat for a bit." Velvenda offered.
"Sure." Vali smiled.
(Kamen Rider W – Cyclone Effect ~ Acoustic Instrumental. Play Song.)
The two sat at a table looking at the star-studded sky. Despite a barrier being around the whole island, it was transparent enough to let them see the stars clearly.
"It's been a long time since we did this sort of thing." Vali chuckled.
"Ever since you left, I stopped. Remember how we'd always come here after the Captain dismissed us every day?" Velvenda asked.
"How can I not? She'd tie weights to our ankles and wrists before making us carry bags of metal and run laps. I wanted anything to take my mind off it all." Vali chuckled.
"I remember we were always dead last in the duo training. Then, after a ton of pep talks and training, we rose to the top." Velvenda reminisced.
"It was rough, but like I said, everything worked out." Vali smiled.
"I still remember those days. You came here when I was just a fresh recruit. We'd get picked on by the older Amazons and then we'd have to fight them off. You even helped me get over my self-esteem issues." Velvenda smiled fondly.
"I was in the same boat. I guess we both helped each other." Vali chuckled.
"So, what do you plan to do now?" Velvenda asked.
"I'll stay and help with the ninja issue. After that…no idea." Vali shrugged.
Velvenda's guess was right. The brainwashing was limited but worked perfectly. She had to get her mind updated continuously as far as goals went. Right now, she had to keep the Alliance away from Themiscyra but she also had to slowly migrate to the Amazons, as the spell instructed.
"I see. That's…good." Velvenda looked away.
"How is Issei?" Vali asked.
"Huh?"
"How is the guy that came here with me? Is he safe?" Vali asked.
"Yes, he is. I've commanded that no Amazon touch him." Velvenda said reassuringly.
"That's good. While not all Amazons want to kill men on sight, there are still some that do." Vali noted.
"True. Iriel's especially itching to find a reason to hit him." Velvenda groaned.
"You need to keep her in check. With a temper and irrational mind like hers, she's going to cause problems." Vali crossed her arms.
"Believe me, I'm trying." Velvenda rubbed her temples.
"Still, you haven't answered my question." Vali pressed on.
"Issei is safe. He's being fed well but we're avoiding giving him too much in case he tries to escape."
Unbeknownst to the Amazons, they were unaware that Issei was the Host of Bahamut.
"I see…" Vali trailed off.
She didn't want to say it, but something felt wrong. Ever since she woke up, she felt like there was…something off with herself. She felt like there was a wall or plug inside her brain and she couldn't get to it. It was like an itch she was failing to scratch. Albion was even silent, as if she were being ignored. She didn't know what had happened to herself. Perhaps, for now, she'd wait and see how things would go. Yet, despite all that, it was just a product of the brainwashing forced upon her.
Vali wasn't sure what was going on anymore. All she knew was that she needed to stay still.
As predicted, Vali was unaware of the brainwashing placed on her. It was all going according to the Amazons' plan.
(Kamen Rider W – Cyclone Effect ~ Acoustic Instrumental. End Song.)
Alright, onto the next chapter.
