Steps of a God

by Admiral T. DeVanto

An Irregular enters the Tower. His blue hair automatically marks him as a child of Khun Eduan, a traitor of the Tower. This is enough to mark him as an enemy of the king.

5. Chapter 5

Mascheny's heels crunched beneath the dried bones and smoldering dirt of the blackened hills. Gray skies with storming clouds hung overhead while the bitter wind tugged on her cloak. She surveyed the remnants of the battlefield before her. Well, it could not really be called a battlefield. A battlefield left behind a memorable foe, defeated and trodden within the dirt.

Here, the opposing side could not even lift a finger to fight against the battalion.

Pausing, Mascheny glanced down at the filth before waving her hand, sending the particles flying. Now with a clear cut way to her destination, she resumed her pace.

"You didn't have to kill them."

Mascheny cast a glance back at the bowed figure. Once boisterous and simple, Woon Yeon was now hunched over as many guards flanked him.

Macheny raised a delicate eyebrow. "And why not?"

He raised his soft amber eyes. "They didn't deserve that."

"Didn't you tell me that the Khukums wiped out all of the Doonis, and the Doonis in return attempted the same?" She shrugged. "Such bloodshed with no gain, no purpose. I am simply here to collect what I want. That is my purpose."

"But the flame is not yours."

"No, I know that."

Confusion flickered across Woon's gaze. "Then…what are you here for?"

"To recruit you of course."

Woon looked at the armed guards all around him. "This is recruitment?"

"I am ensuring you know of only one available option."

Woon scowled. "I will not lend the flame to you."

"The flame is not for me." Maschney turned with a smile. "It will serve a higher purpose."

Woon's scowl deepend. "Even if I wanted to, I cannot lend you the flame. You can't steal the weapon from him," he muttered.

"I know," Mascheny supplied. "Because of that annoying curse you placed on it. But not to worry. I have my methods. Now, let's go get your hammer."

xXx

The tune of multiple violins filled the room with a soft hush, not quite drowned out amongst the chatter, clinking of glasses, and the soft hush of skirts.

Endorsi scoffed. "Ugh, so stuffy."

The sound of ice clinking against pristine glass tickled her ears. Anaak slurped loudly at her drink. "Yeah, well you dragged me to this event. I don't even want to hear your complaints."

Endorsi rolled her eyes. Carefully balancing her drink, she adjusted the silver clip in Anaak's hair. The lizard moved her head away with an annoyed scowl but otherwise stayed still.

"Be on your best manners, my niece," Endorsi cronned, looking down at her with a smile. "Many eyes will be on us tonight."

Anaak's yellow gaze shifted around the room, yet she hid her sudden unease well. Still, she could not conceal the way she worriedly gnawed at her lip. The glass in her hand trembled as she adjusted her grip like one would a weapon.

"We shouldn't even be here," Anaak grumbled, uneasiness coloring her tone.

"Now now," Endorsi soothed. "It is our duty as princesses to show our support for this event. We wouldn't want the media to get the wrong idea. Or worse, forget about us." Her eyes swept the room. "Besides, showing up here is the least I can do. I wouldn't want to disappoint my sponsor."

"I would think that our presence here would make things worse for Arlene."

"Worse? My dear niece, if anything, it's better for her. Well, maybe your presence made it worse, but I am loved by the media. After all, I am like Arlene's daughter."

Anaak's eyes sharpened. "Daughter? Or-"

"Ah, I see a worthy dance partner." Endorsi passed her drink off to Anaak with a simpering smile. "Take care of this for me." With that, she flounced off to the man she had her eyes on. The cheery gaze she wore slipped into one of coy calculating grace. She wove through the room with the practiced ease of a delicate dancer, yet the occupants nearby could sense her purpose and took care to stay out of her path. The lone blue eye of her quarry tracked her movements. Despite the suit, Endorsi could tell by the hands clutching the untouched drink that he was young. His mask hid his entire face, but his gaze was cold yet opening to her arrival.

She was standing before him, a smile playing on her pink lips as she gazed up at the blond, masked man.

The masked man moved first. He held out a slender hand. "Princess."

She took his hand, a chill running down her spine at his touch. "I'll save you the trouble. Yes, I would love to dance."

The corner of his eye crinkled, but she did not have time to reflect on what emotion he was hiding before he was guiding her to the dance floor. He was slightly taller than her, and his slim hand was cold to the touch. Endorsi concealed another shiver, straightening her spine as they smoothly integrated themselves onto the dance floor.

Endorsi gazed up at the masked man as he smoothly spun her around, only to pull her close as the music dictates.

"I'm impressed," Endorsi said. "So far, you're the best dance partner I've been with tonight."

"I had a good teacher." Despite the mask, his smooth voice was not muffled.

Endorsi hummed. "So tell me, Mr. Mask," she spun around, "what family invited you here?"

"A family more respected than the Grace family."

Endorsi grinned, sharp, eyes hooded. "Now that's a loaded phrase."

Despite the dancing, her partner still managed to shrug, aloof. "I am told that Arlene has fallen out of favor with the king. The balance of the families will be uprooted if her destruction is complete."

Endorsi blinked. "It sounds like treason, what you are speaking of."

"Treason? Talking about a hypothetical future?" Despite his words, he seemed unconcerned. "It is only treason if one acts on those words. Merely speaking with observation is not treason."

"Even so," she started, "you are quite bold to speak so openly about the rift among the families."

"I have someone watching my back."

Endorsi smiled. "I would hate for that shield to become a dagger."

"One more to add to my collection."

The music stopped. His hand slid away from her waist. He tenderly caressed her hands as he bowed. "I had a wonderful time, princess."

Endorsi stepped closer, gazing up at him. "Might I gaze upon the face of a wonderful dance partner?" Her eyes shifted knowingly. "Maybe somewhere more private?"

He stared down at her, one lone eye glittering like the coldest sapphires in her treasure box. "Only the snakes I have sent to hell have seen my face." His hand fell from hers as he stepped back into the crowd, blending until lost.

Endorsi watched until he was lost from sight. Her footsteps took her back to the corner she had left Anaak, yet she did not accept her drink back. Her hand, still cold from the masked man's touch, tightened where the data stick was so carefully concealed.

xXx

"Please understand that this is the best course of action."

Bam stubbornly stared straight ahead.

"It is all we can do at the moment."

Bam clenched his jaw, locking the scathing words within his throat.

A tired sigh echoed behind him. "Bam, please look at me."

"Why should I? You're not even here."

"No, but I would like to look at your face."

"Why? So you can see the disappointment? I don't think you want to be reminded of how much you have failed me."

Yes, it may have been childish, but it was a better alternative than shattering everything in his sight. His patience had withered away over the last two years, and with each broken promise and delay, Bam felt his anger overtake his senses. Sometimes, he didn't recognize the person in the mirror anymore.

Still, his guest was persistent, unable to read the signs in the atmosphere. That, or he was just too stupid to read Bam's obvious tells. "I know you are angry. But I will take your anger over your death any day." A pause. "After all, I am used to it. I must be doing something right because I still have you and your mother."

Bam let out a shaky breath before turning to look at the flickering image of his father. "You're not even here when I need you."

"I have done all that I can-" he repeated.

"Hiding me away, offering my friends and I sanctuary, is great. But you neglected one factor."

"The Khun child is not our priority."

"He was part of our agreement!" The glass on the windows cracked, fragile webbings distorting the forest view from outside. Breathing deeply only served to ignite the rage brewing inside. "I should have known Eduan would rub off on you. You never give a damn about your offspring."

"How Eduan runs his household does not reflect on how I run mine."

"You have no household! You have allowed the king to defile your marriage bed, reject your son, and whittle away at your resolve for thousands of years for some grand scheme!"

If he were there, he would have seen V's dark eyes flashing. "I will not lose my son in this conflict."

"You won't even tell me where my friend is."

"Are you so certain he is your friend? It has been nine years. People change. He may no longer view you as such, if he even thought of you so intimately to begin with."

"Whether or not that is the case, I will not leave him with Mascheny where FUG can take advantage of him." Bam's eyes narrowed. "Did you even know about the Workshop?"

V's silence was long and stretched. "I had my suspicions."

Bam glared. "Did Eduan condone it?"

V was silent. "I have not spoken to him about it."

Bam scoffed. "Or maybe he didn't know after he so carelessly discarded his children. What were a few lab experiments for him?" He raised his gaze. "But you know where Aguero is."

"I will not divulge that information."

"Afraid I will storm the area?" The scorn dripping from his words tasted like venom, bitter and brittle on his tongue.

"I know that is exactly what you will do. It is what your mother would do." V straightened up. "Regardless, things are moving, and you may see your friend eventually."

"I don't have a hundred years like you or mom do," Bam seethed. "'Eventually' means, what, a century for you? Do you have any idea what hell FUG has already put Aguero through in the seven years they've had him?"

"You think Mascheny will treat her brother the same?"

"I am told that family sentiment does not run in the Khun family. I know that applies to Mascheny."

"The circumstances that brought your Khun friend to this point are unfortunate. But you have to consider your options, limited as they are. You are considered a dead man to the public. If you show your face, you are a dead man. You go to the king, there is nothing your mother can do to stop your execution. You don't know where your friend is, and the only reason you are alive is because of me. Just wait patiently."

"I have been waiting patiently for almost a year now," he growled.

"And I know you have not been wasting your time." V's form flickered as he smiled. "But any more interference on your part will make my life difficult, so stay out of trouble."

Bam stared. "Can you…at least tell me what you know?"

"Your friend is with Mascheny. That is all I know." V hesitated. "But he is not as helpless as you think. He is…unlike his father in so many ways." With that, his father cut the connection, and Bam was truly alone in the room.

Bam breathed in deeply, feeling the warm air soothe his lungs. When his fists were no longer trembling, he picked up the chair that was knocked over in his outburst. He ignored the cracked glass on the windows and the dripping water spilling over the tables from the shattered vases.

The door opened, and Ran stood in place where V's form once was. He was munching on another one of those candies, the green-wrappered ones this time.

"So?" Ran asked.

Bam sighed. Another day, another fruitless effort. Still, the tension bled from his shoulders when he saw a ship land in the distance.

"I am holding out for something good," Bam said with a slight smile.

"I heard your dad wants you to stay out of trouble."

"That's the problem when you leave your kid for hundreds of years to lead a rebellion against the king. You find you really don't know your kids." Bam frowned as he stared at Ran. "Shouldn't you be training?"

Ran slurped on his drink. "Dan twisted his ankle, and I made all of my marks. I deserve a break."

Bam sighed and yanked the juice box out of Ran's hold. "You Khuns are so prideful. And no sugar! You've had enough."

Ran raised an eyebrow. "Kicking me out so that you can meet your concubine?"

"I-" Bam stopped and stared. "Concubine?"

"Yeah. The googly-eyed one."

Bam resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. "I need to limit your time with Anaak." He considered it. "And concubine…that's a new one for Endorsi."

Another loud slurp, and Bam realized that the brat had smuggled in another juice box. "I wasn't talking about Endorsi."

At that moment, the door opened, and a familiar red-head emerged.

Bam's expression soured. "Oh."

"I'll leave you to it and greet the homewrecker."

"I swear this kid," Bam grumbled.

"All children are troublesome," Hwaryun said. She stood before him with a smile. "How is my god doing?"

"Pretty well considering that we are readying for the Workshop." Bam folded his arms. "Things might move a lot more swiftly in the next few months as we continue to move up."

"You have built an impressive team." Hwaryun's remark was soft and thoughtful.

Bam thought about Shibisu and his team. It wasn't the same, remaining in hiding. Although his death had been made public, only Shibisu, Hatz, Endorsi and Anaak were privy to the information about his actual survival. The rest of Team Shibisu believed they were carving a path in the Tower for revenge.

Of course, Rak protested against all this sneaking around, but Miseng helped to rein him in, especially during the training. Bam's own team had to adapt, especially with hiding his presence and involvement. Moving through the Tower silently was only made possible with V's assistance.

"Sighting Khun's old teammates moving amongst the higher levels did not yield much. They have since dispersed."

Bam's frown deepened. "So the FUG members have retreated back into the shadows. Any sign of Kisea?"

"I would not worry so much about her. If anything, reaching Kisea would be more difficult than reaching Khun." Hwaryun eyed him. "You will have to pick your battles."

Even now, he can still remember the hatred in her gaze, but it was not a hate directed toward him. Such hatred conflicted with Aguero's desperate determination for his sister, the sister who apparently wanted him dead.

He narrowed his gaze. "We retrieve Aguero, and then we can decide what to do about Kisea."

Hwaryun hummed. "I wonder, why don't you just storm in?"

"I could," he admitted, and he has thought about it. The problem was that Mascheny had hidden Aguero so well. Now, there was the question on how Aguero would know to come. Besides, if Bam were to attack, he would indirectly be helping Mascheny with her plans. If he attacked now, he would be seen as a traitor and undo all of his father's hard work to spread the story about his death.

"I am glad that my god has a more sensible head on his shoulders," Hwaryun mused. "You would be giving Mascheny what she wanted: war. With your presence, Rankers would come flooding in. After that, V would step in, and who knows, maybe the king of the Tower would descend."

Bam narrowed his gaze. "No one wants that kind of chaos."

"Some do." She turned. "I will take my leave so that you can deal with the 'homewrecker,' as the boy so eloquently stated."

"-listen here you little brat," a familiar voice nearly shrieked. "Do you know who I am? Someone of my status will not be labeled as a-"

Bam was quick to open the door. He plastered a smile on his face. "Endorsi."

The princess stopped in her rant where she towered over Ran who was sipping another juice box, a different flavor this time. Endorsi swiveled her gaze towards Bam. With one last withering glare at Ran, she brushed past Bam into the room.

She leaned against the desk, looking up at him. "You doing well?"

Bam sat down in the chair, his shoulders suddenly heavy. "...yeah."

He welcomed the way she leaned into his touch, an open display of comfort. His hand reached up to brush against her arm, not yet clinging to it, but pulling on the fabric of her sleeve.

"What did you find?"

"That Anaak has terrible social standings." She withdrew something from her pocket. "And that our informant is reliable. And a good dancer. Must be a Khun with a really nice dye job."

Bam quashed the hope building up inside of him. Still, there was a possibility that it could be the Khun they were looking for.

"I don't trust the red-head," she confessed.

Bam grinned. "Think she'll tattle to dad?" At Endorsi's look, Bam shrugged. "Hwaryun knows that I know that she's reporting to V. There's no point in being secretive about it."

"Still, do you think this will interfere with the Workshop?"

"That's why you're with Shibisu. On the off-chance that something happens to me and my team, I need you to push through."

Endorsi rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. We all know that I carry the team."

Bam smiled warmly. "Thanks Endorsi."

"Hey, the blue-head''s not just your friend. The ugly lizard has been hounding me about getting him back. The sooner he's back, the sooner I can get some peace." She leaned forward. "By the way, we looked at the disc but not the contents. There's no risk for viruses or explosions."

Bam grinned, sliding the disc into a protected slot. "Well then, shall we find out?"

What was on the disc were plans, complicated and precise for an upcoming event. Multiple scenarios, backup plans, and secretive information were gathered onto the file. Bam's eyes widened as he looked at the information, breathless at the information only a Lightbearer could gather.

"Oh wow," Endorsi breathed. "Dammit, it was him!"

"Must have been," Bam murmured, heart clenching painfully at the thought of Aguero. So close, yet so out of reach.

"I should have grabbed him right then and here!"

"And you would have been executed." Bam fixed her with a stare. "And I would have lost two friends and this information. Aguero had to have known that." Although, Bam would have done exactly what Endorsi would have done, confident in his own abilities and disregarding the need for secrecy.

In short, he would have doomed everyone.

Endorsi silently came to the same conclusion because she looked away. "Right," she muttered. She straightened up. "So how much time do we have?"

"A few months to prepare," Bam answered, standing up with a giddy smile. "Ran's going to be so upset, but he's got some more training to do."

Of course Aguero wasn't helpless in this situation. He was orchestrating his own rescue.

"I'll share this with the team then," Endorsi said with a firm nod. "Shibisu can adapt. We all will."

"Thanks," Bam said, reaching for his Pocket.

Endorsi huffed. "What? No goodbye kiss?"

"You really want Ran to continue making fun of you?"

Endorsi scowled. "Fine whatever."

"Hey," Bam said,voice soft. "How's my mother?"

Endorsi hesitated. "She wouldn't see me."

"Oh."

As Endorsi left, Bam sank back into the chair.

Bam reached to touch the white, faded scars on his throat. Where once metal hands clutched his small neck, strangling the air from his lungs, smooth skin had healed over. He closed his eyes, thinking of the scars on Aguero's hands.

He wondered how his mother had felt in that moment, helpless and afraid, denouncing her husband just to save her child.

"You left her sobbing over a pile of red roses."

Both had gained the scars when they were helpless, defenseless.

xXx

The mask was stifling, but at least it wasn't as bad as the blond hair. The mask he could remove, but the blond hair would not be so easily changed.

Khun dropped the mask on the table with unceremonious grace. There was no one in the room to witness any loss in composure, yet Khun was aware of the multiple monitors in the room. The plush carpet beneath his bare feet was soft and padded and as much as he yearned to lay down on the couch, he knew to remain where he was, rigid and composed.

Sure enough, the doors opened.

"You have not yet retired for the night?"

Khun cast a disinterested glare over his shoulder. "Where is my sister?"

Micheal looked affronted. "Which one?"

Khun kept his gaze level. "The one you fear."

"No one knows of Princess Macheny's whereabouts."

"Or you are not important enough to know." Sitting down on the couch, Khun crossed his legs and leaned back, unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt. It had only been a year since he had been cast into the courts of the backstabbing demons, yet Khun felt himself adapt quickly. Every movement, tone, and article of clothing played a role in gathering information, and Khun knew how to adapt.

Khun felt like he really got to know the true character of Micheal over the past few months. As a result, he had learned what tools he needed to use to manipulate him. At first, he felt squeamish, but he learned to shove it aside. It was a trait Mascheny had praised him for. Right now, he needs to get information.

Micheal was just an easy target.

Khun leaned back with a sigh, gazing up at the ceiling. He felt exposed, vulnerable even, portraying such an obvious display of weakness. But if it worked, it worked.

Sure enough, the Regular took the bait.

"I am actually honored," Micheal continued, gaze flickering over to the mask. "You have sought to play the role so well that you've committed to hide your face from many, yet you chose to expose yourself to me."

Khun fought back the flicker of annoyance. That's what he had gathered?

Still, he grinned. "Like I had told the princess, only the snakes I banish to hell will see my face."

Micheal's expression tightened. "You think you're something special, huh? That you have a different set of rules and obligations?"

Khun shrugged. "FUG certainly seems to think so. Why else would I be here?"

"I cannot wait for you to see the vessel you will turn out to be, though I will be saddened because the aspects that make you so fascinating will be warped. Perhaps then you will lose your appeal."

"My appeal to who? To you? Why Micheal," Khun smirked. "I had no idea."

Micheal's expression twisted. "I thought you were unbearable then, but you are worse now."

"Just wait until I become a proper vessel, whatever that means. At least I will stop satisfying snakes like you."

"Micheal," a smooth, sharp voice cut through, and Apple strode in. "Mind your tongue, he is fishing."

Micheal frowned. "I've given him nothing."

"That is what they would all have you believe."

Khun sighed. The game was no fun when Apple got involved, although he learned how to navigate her critical mind. But he was too tired tonight to waste his energy on her. "Will you leave me now? Unless you want to watch me sleep. Not that I don't know you have my movements monitored all the time."

It took a touch from Apple to move a disgruntled Micheal out of the room. Khun kept his gaze level until he was finally alone.

Well, as alone as he was permitted with the surveillance.

His feet were aching, and he readily pulled off his socks. Slipping off his jacket, he deposited it on the table right next to the mask. He did not make his way to the bedroom. He didn't feel like sleeping yet. He couldn't. Not when there was so much that needed to be done.

He had stopped asking about Kisea the moment he was brought here. Rubbing at his scarred hands, he realized that he should have done that years ago. Still, the pain of acknowledging her treachery hurt almost as much as the burns did.

What a pathetic sight this was, roaming around with nothing to do. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind with the party, and Khun had used that opportunity to connect with Endorsi. Hopefully her team would utilize the information well. Knowing the princess, she would want to cause the loudest chaos. Hopefully Shibisu would be able to reign her in.

If…Bam was there, he might be able to come up with less drastic measures based on the intel. But Khun couldn't really predict what Bam would do. It had been almost a year, and Bam had almost disappeared entirely from record. It was as if he were truly dead.

Khun shook his head, turning the lamplights off and plunging the room into a dim setting. He had to hope that Endorsi and Shibisu would be able to coordinate. It would give him an opportunity to move freely during the upcoming tests and cause his own troubles.

After all, his family did cause trouble. It was what they were known for.

His thoughts were interrupted when the doors opened once more. Khun leveled a glare at the occupants. Five individuals with masks entered. He could not identify their species, only that they were affiliated with FUG, and he recognized their uniforms.

Scientists from the Workshop. Their intentions were clear.

Khun stepped back. "You're not getting my blood."

"You're in no position to deny us. Think of your friends."

Khun scowled. "You broke that trust with me when you killed Bam."

Although he had to believe that Bam was still alive. He held on to that flimsy hope.

"Besides," he continued. "I thought that there was a law against my family. Procuring my blood is not necessary."

"As long as the clones from your blood remain cooperative, it will be fine. Your family is in high demand."

Khun remained firm. "There should be some dried blood on the training walls. Scrape that off."

The doctor sighed. He nodded his head to the other figures. "Restrain him." Large guards entered the room, and Khun could remember well just how their treatment was to him seven years ago.

Ice covered the room. Khun glared. "Don't even," he warned.

"You know how this ends."

"Fine." Khun raised his arms. "I've been meaning to stretch for a while." The air plunged into an icey temperature, invigorating Khun and sending the blood within his body roaring. The scars across his hands pulsed an ugly purple like worms dancing across his skin. The once calm, dark setting was now a nightmare of his own making.

"Wait," a soft voice said. Maria entered, blue eyes wide and expectant like the innocent princess she sold to the Tower. "I'll handle it."

"Seduction won't work this time," Khun snipped.

Maria flinched. "Please go," she ordered, and at her words the doctors left.

Silence reigned in the room as the two siblings stared at each other. A level, icy gaze met a worried sapphire.

He could still recall his shock upon seeing Maria for the first time when he had been cast away, trembling and desperate. He had been pathetic, really. All his hard work to set up a facade had crumbled away with the remnants of Arelene Grace's garden. He had exposed a weakness, one that FUG so readily exploited.

Khun stared at Maria, gaze unreadable. "You're so beautiful," he murmured.

Maria blinked. "Thank you."

However, she could not conceal the shiver that went down her spine. It was not a compliment, but a mere observation.

"Utua is dead," he said.

Maria hesitated. "Yes, I heard."

"You heard." It was said so stiffly that Maria frowned.

"She held no love for me," Maria retorted. "But I understand what her loss must have meant for you. For both of you."

"You can't understand."

Maria frowned. "It was my understanding," she sat down, carefully adjusting her skirts, "that she was overly harsh towards you. You were just a boy, and she placed so much weight on your shoulders."

"The cave did not necessarily present the option of coddling," Khun retorted. He looked at her, and she was grateful for the barrier between them. "You know, I was going to climb the Tower to find you. I wanted answers. I wanted to know why you left me. I wanted to see if it was worth killing over. But then I found a different purpose, only for that purpose to kill me. Now that I actually have you, I feel like that was such a useless thought."

Maria stiffened. "I didn't ask for you to follow me-"

"I see that the Tower has been treating you fairly," Khun interrupted, eyeing the jewels on her wrists.

Maria fidgeted, an act Mascheny would have told her that would easily betray her inner thoughts. She was uncomfortable with the thought that she was a mere disappointment, a replacement for the real princess Mascheny desired. If that had played out the way she wanted, then Khun would be living the life of a prince, respected, and Maria as an unwanted family member.

She clenched her fists. But no, that could not happen. Utua, her one competition, was dead, and Kisea was a mere clone and not fit to be a princess. They only needed Khun's intellect.

"Do you still dream about the cottage?" Maria's question was soft, betraying all of her intentions to the point that it curdled Khun's stomach.

"No. Houses are so easily burned down."

"So a cave?"

"Sure. Easy to get lost in." He glanced at her. "Plenty of ways to hide a body."

She shook her head, averting her gaze. "Stop it."

"The trapped water within the cave is murky and filled with filth. All manner of sicknesses and diseases lay within there."

"Enough!"

"Do you know," he continued, ignoring her protests, "how fast it takes for a body to bloat before it becomes decomposed? It becomes blubbery, floating to the surface. But once pulled out from the water, the hair and eye color changes and falls apart. I couldn't even recognize her when I pulled her-"

"Aguero!" Maria's scream echoed in the room, and she was breathing heavily, face pale and thin lips colorless.

Khun waited, watching as the red color of anger bled from her face and she composed herself. Khun released a disinterested sigh. "Why are you even here?"

She straightened up. "To provide you with information, as our sister the princess sees fit. As you know, the Workshop Battle is a crucial component to enacting our plans."

"Funny, I don't remember sitting in on those debriefings."

Maria ignored his interruption. "You are well aware that our father is a wanted man, correct? Well, long ago, the surviving children of Khun Eduan swore allegiance to the king in exchange for their lives. However, they secretly served their father. To produce more children, the cloning experts were consulted. There was a battle long ago between Jue Viole Grace, the son of the king, and Marco Asensio Khun. Asensio was one of the foolish few who openly defied the king. He would not bend the knee to survive. Asensio was the one who dealt significant damage to Viole, and it was believed that those with his blood could replicate his strength. Unfortunately, there are not many pure-blood children. Princess Mascheny is one of the few, and yet her blood was defiled by the king. But then, there was another hidden family discovered. A brother and a sister. When taken, the cloning process was successful, and a sister was born. Further research entailed that the blood of those siblings could withstand anything the laboratory created."

Khun stiffened, nails digging into the palm of his skin.

"The research had to be carried out in secret," Maria continued, "because using living human beings as research subjects was prohibited, even in the Workshop."

"Darker than cloning?" Khun interjected. "I read once about a subject named Hoaquin."

Maria grimaced. "That…is an unpleasant product. Dark arts were performed to fuse a perfect body, a pure-blood child from one of the Ten Great Families, with the souls of his siblings. The reports say he was successfully combined into one being, but he is rebellious and FUG has…a difficult time controlling him."

"Funny if you were to put multiple spirits into the same body, you'd think there would be some madness involved."

"That was the fear," Maria admitted. "There were some who attempted to revive the project, but the discovery of two different test subjects divided interests."

Khun stilled and realized what had been off about Maria's tone. It had been as if she were reading from a scientific report, dull and void of care of interest.

"Sadly, one of the subjects expired. Only the brother remained-"

The ice cut at her face. Maria fell back with a cry.

"My sister was not a subject," Khun growled.

She straightened up in an effort to compose herself. "It is unlike you to dwell in the past. Take heed that your emotions do not blind you."

He grinned, sharp and serpentine. "The details of her death do not bother me, not when I had to bury her. Though your reaction was quite amusing." He chuckled, finding humor in her horror.

She gripped the front of her skirts, knuckles white. "It's a shame that you no longer harbor any sentimental feelings for your dead sister. But I suppose it is good that family no longer means anything to you." As if she had the final say, she nodded and turned to leave.

"You know," Khun said, almost wistful, and Maria's footsteps halted. "When I received and activated Yellow May, one of the 13 Months," he smirked at her stiffening. "The spirit of the weapon emerged. Yellow May took the form of my sister. Not you. I guess it means I favored her more after all and that she is still in my heart."

It might have been pointless to bring up such a seemingly insignificant moment of the past, a past that felt like it had occurred eons ago. But the sight of Maria's stricken face satisfied a deep and dark part of his heart as she all but fled from his presence.

Perhaps he still felt something for Maria if her distress brought him such vindictive pleasure.

xXx

"You're crazy!" Endorsi exclaimed.

"I like it," Anaak interjected with a grin.

"Oh my God," Shibisu groaned, already looking as if he was prepared to age another decade based on Anaak's response.

"You sure A.A gave you this kind of information?" Ran's dubious question earned him a glare from Anaak. "It doesn't seem like my brother to be so reckless."

"Agreed," Bam conceded, folding his arms. "But it is this recklessness that reveals his desperation." He tightened his grip on his arm. "We have no idea what your brother is going through or what he knows about the Workshop." Uneasiness swirled in his gut at the thought.

If FUG even thought of using Aguero in one of their experiments…

"We have one shot at this to avoid detection from FUG," Shibisu started, taking over at Bam's prolonged silence.

"Right," Bam said, shaking out of his stupor. "If we can summon him through the pool, then we can pass the test and get our teammate back."

"Should be easy enough," Anaak mumbled.

"Yeah, but when has anything ever been that easy?" Shibisu muttered.

"We've prepared a plan to extract Aguero. We've gone through this plan and training multiple times already." He surveyed everyone. "The test for the Workshop is approaching. Everyone feel confident?"

The nods around the table did little to encourage Bam's faltering heart, yet he mustered his usual, assuring smile. It was only until he was alone in the room did he brace his hands on the table to gather his wits.

He released a shuddering breath, eyes seeing but not registering what he was looking at on the table.

"My god is uneasy."

Bam squeezed his eyes shut. "I am."

"You've led countless missions before." Hwaryun stepped forward, observing him. "Many have died under your orders. You have more successful missions than failures, yet why does this trouble you so?"

"Why?" Bam let out a harsh laugh. "Perhaps it is because I am infiltrating a lab I had no knowledge of. Maybe it's because I don't have the support of the king, the very same king who wishes me dead. Maybe it's because my own mother is a political prisoner, or that so many have placed their faith and trust in me. Or maybe it is because my friend is in the hands of my enemies and they mean to dissect his body and create an army from his blood and bones. What do you think, Hwaryun? Should I be troubled?" His glare was smoldering, golden and fiery.

She said nothing, merely met him with her own knowing gaze. Bam let out a shuddering breath, collecting himself.

"It is because of everything that is at stake," he said, "that I cannot afford to lose."

"But you could afford the others?"

"Of course not. All of those previous fights were opportunities to shake FUG and this Tower to the ground."

xXx

Khun was not accustomed to fighting in the field. However, his skills had been honed for defense and offense.

The sound of the announcer going over the rules and stakes of the game rolled over him. It was all incessant buzzing noise anyway. He had already gone over the rules multiple times. He knew the setup.

His team was to be stationed on the north side of the island, whereas their opponent was stationed in the south. Winners of the first round would have to fight in the final round to claim the prize. Different team members as spearheads would be fighting against each other for bonus points and to avoid elimination.

He didn't care what happened to the team FUG supplied him with. As long as they did what they were supposed to, he could care less about their injuries.

"The tournament has started," Micheal said, entering the room. Through his mask, Khun's mouth hardened into a tight frown. "Shall we, A.A?"

"One moment," Kun said, shooting Micheal a look. "I need to speak with someone."

Khun waited a little longer until the familiar scene of the rosy perfume wafted through his senses. He smirked. "It's rare for a princess to sully her feet with the soil of a battlefield."

Despite the hood she wore, he would recognize Maria anywhere. Her small, timid yet proud form moved forward from the shadows. He was impressed that she had been smuggled in, yet he supposed that Mascheny had many resources.

Hands in his pockets, Khun regarded her. "What does our dear sister want?"

Maria lowered her hood, disapproving gaze on him. "Our sister is trying to help you. FUG can not be entirely trusted, so she figured you would need additional help. While you are busy eliminating your opponents, FUG will eliminate your teammates. Are you aware that the remaining team members from the Test Floor are here?"

Khun was grateful for his mask to hide any expression that might have betrayed him. "Yes."

"The only way for you to stop FUG is to infiltrate a lab and destroy it. Here," she held out a red data stick.

Frowning, Khun accepted the device. "What is it?"

"It's a key to one of the labs. Princess Mascheny gave it to me. While the game is underway, you will find a way in. You'll also learn everything when you get there, the truth behind the Workshop Battle, and your family."

"Why would I need to go there?" Khun scoffed.

"Are you aware of subjects called Ignition Weapons?" At Khun's silence, Maria continued. "There were rumors of Jue Viole Grace's strength coming from such an influence. The scientists continued their works. The bodies of our fallen siblings helped in their research."

Khun frowned. He was aware of the cloning process, but that was the extent of his knowledge. However, if he were to move out of bounds of the game, it might draw attention away from his companions and their efforts. It was worth considering.

Still, with the key burning a hole in his pocket, Maria's words and warnings continued to follow him. It wasn't until he had been able to separate from his companions that he realized his footsteps were taking him to the location Maria had provided him with.

Maria's words came over him as he stared at the lab door, the blue markings of a deformed moon staring back at him; his family crest. There was not much he could do from this point on except wait for Bam and the others.

Entering the tunnels, he hesitantly made his way through.

This would be it. As Khun adjusted his mask, he attempted to control his anticipation. After this, he would be able to leave FUG.

The corridors were empty, his footsteps echoing. As the unsettling silence hung in the air, Khun paused. A chill, warranted from an unseen presence, crawled down his back. He had learned a long time ago to trust his instincts.

His knees hit the ground as he ducked, rolling right as a pristine silver sword cut through the air.

"So my teachings did stick."

Khun's lungs constricted at the familiar voice, but ice coated his hands on instinct.

White stalked forward. "Hello my little student. It's been so long." He gestured around him. "Do you know what this is, what the cloning lab entails?"

Khun removed the constricting mask. "I know that many illegal experiments were conducted here." He smirked. "The king would have your head for that, master."

White matched his smirk. "Correct. You and I belong to the same ambitious project. Your sister was a mere experiment, as were you. As pure blood children, born from the lovers of Eduan, your lineage was valuable. However, we could always do with more children, which is where your sister Kisea came from, the blood and body of your own beloved sister." He smirked. "She was a fine specimen. I heard she killed herself."

Khun met his mentor head on, despite the power influx in the air. Ice crawled up the walls, but Khun tightened his resolve. However, light flooded the room, and he blinked when he saw the contents of the water filled cages.

Khun saw the bodies and stumbled back.

Oh God. This was the cloning laboratory. Their plan was never going to work.

He ran.

xXx

"Just stay out of my way!"

Ran smirked at the lizard's protest. As if to taunt her, he leapt from the nearest branches of the trees to increase his speed.

"Stupid blue-head!" Anaak shouted.

"Not blue anymore," Ran commented, running his hand through his recently black dyed hair.

"True," Anaak said with a grin. "So black-head then?"

Ran would have electrocuted her if it weren't for the sudden stiff stillness in the air. Anaak sensed it too and slowed down. With the intensity of the mission, everyone's senses were on high alert.

Ran identified the source of the disturbance. On the path ahead of them was a figure in a black bodysuit with a red mask. Ran recognized them from the crowds, and his wariness only increased.

"Hey bastard!" Ran growled. "Are you here to stop us?"

"The opposite," the masked figure said, holding out a slim hand. "Come with me. There's something you must do if you wish to save your brother."

xXx

Bam made a note to never, ever, visit the beach.

The humidity was getting to him, and he hated it. The bugs, the sand, the incline of the hills, why must everything be uphill?

He must be getting old. Or out of shape. Yeah, that must be it.

"Bam!" Shibisu's panicked voice cut through his ear piece. "The Archimedes is moving!"

Confused, Bam looked up as the announcement rang out. "Breaking news! The results are in from the Northern Arena! Team Hoaquin has thrown in the towel, thus resulting in Team FUG's victory in the semifinal!"

Panic filled him. Bam was running right as the air trembled. The humidity he felt was filled with a sudden cold.

Cold. Ice.

Aguero.

The further he went, the colder it got, and he hoped that meant Aguero was nearby. This was not the plan, entirely not the plan, but if he could get there and extract Aguero, then to hell with the plan!

Atop the distance of the cliffside, he could see a small figure dash forward. Despite the blond hair, he recognized that figure.

"Aguero!"

Almost there. He was almost there.

The ledge was within sight. Aguero could make it if he jumped. Bam would worry about the rest.

The background behind Aguero glowed white. His pace stumbled. Aguero faltered, a white behemoth appearing behind him. Bam's eyes widened as he witnessed a sword protrude through Aguero's chest.

Crimson red blood bloomed across his white shirt. Blue eyes were alight with pain and shock. His body remained in place, held up by the shining silver sword gutting him.

White's gaze connected with Bam.

The air trembled, and Bam's feet were no longer on the ground. An animalistic scream tore through him. But White was gone, disappearing with Aguero's body.

xXx

No one had spoken even as all the surviving teams were gathered in the hotel rooms. Bam wore a carefully constructed mask of indifference despite the shock and confusion filling him. However, with his teammates gathered around him behind closed doors, Bam finally collapsed on the nearby couch, head in his hands as he tried to gather his thoughts.

"Bam…"

He looked up at Shibisu's lost expression. His hands trembled. "Bam…what do we do?"

Bam's voice was locked. No words were escaping him.

Rak growled. "He's…he's not dead."

"People don't just come back from swords through the chest," Hatz said softly.

"But we thought he was dead seven years ago!" Endorsi protested. "And they tried the same thing with Bam. Why is this different?"

Shibisu looked at Bam. "Bam, you saw. Is there a chance?"

He wanted to say 'yes.' He so badly wanted to. But the more he thought of it, of that huge weapon, of Aguero's pained and shocked expression, he could see no way around it.

"He will be dead."

The voice drew everyone's attention to the sole speaker. A blue-haired figure stood in the doorway of their rooms, and Bam's eyes widened.

"Blueberry?"

The Khun child grinned. "My brother's not dead. Not yet. But he is being preserved. Eventually, however, the boy you knew will be no more."

"Why would FUG betray Khun?" Endorsi asked. "I thought they were just going to harvest his blood and cells to create more Khuns."

"Yes," Blueberry admitted. "But there is an opposing force. They believe they can create a stronger, easily controlled Slayer by replicating White."

"White?" Rak demanded. "Who's that?" But Endorsi was glancing at Bam, eyes wide.

"I thought…your mother said…"

"I know," Bam cut her off through gritted teeth, the image of White stabbing Khun flashing through his eyes. "It's what everyone was told."

"Who is White?" Shibisu demanded.

"A Slayer," Blueberry interjected for Bam. "One that FUG created by combining the five children of the Arie Family Leader." His gaze flickered to Bam, eyes shining with secrets Bam would have preferred silenced.

"So what happens to Blue Turtle?" Rak demanded.

"His soul will be imprisoned. The same experiment done to White will be completed in him. I don't think even he could combat against the minds of his elder siblings."

Bam stood up with a fierce frown. "We will rescue him, and burn this Workshop." He glanced at Blueberry. "Can you find him?"

"No. But I do not need to. If everyone has followed their path, then he will take this matter into his own hands. Especially since Yuri's interested."

Bam started. "Princess Yuri?"

"Yeah. Apparently she wanted to know everything about, well…my creation. Myself, Emily, Kisea…we're all products of the Workshop. Cloning and creating Ignition Weapons from humans were all part of their deal. As you know, they want to combine my baby brother with the other deceased souls. Apparently, White was too uncontrollable, but Marco was of a different breed and they think they can contain him."

Endorsi swore. "So what do we do?

Bam rolled up his sleeves, battle ready. "We sumon Aguero. And we have someone on the inside."

Endorsi frowned. "Who?"

Bam smirked, though there was no humor in his eyes. "Didn't Ran say she was my concubine?"

Her eyes widened. "That red-haired witch?!"

xXx

"A.A's in that mountain?" Ran asked doubtfully. He glanced at the masked figure with barely contained suspicion.

"Yes," Yuto replied. "Probably locked in."

"Why would FUG betray Khun?" Anaak asked. "I thought the entire point of entering the Workshop was to win the materials in the lab?"

"Right," Yuto admitted. "But there is an opposing force within the faction. FUG is split into two, those who want either V or Eduan on the throne, and those who are using V and Eduan's power and influence to bring about a total restoration by destroying the 10 Great Families. The ones who want the restoration hope to become the ones who can use the power of the old families by weaponing a living weapon. So they joined forces with the Workshop staff. They plan on using Khun's body as a host for the challenger of Viole and the other great warriors."

Anaak glanced over at Ran who had his gaze fixed on the mountain. He let out a shuddering breath. "Great."

Making their way to the abandoned fortress had been tense, but they finally made it and entered the abandoned call center with the still pools of clear water scattered throughout the stone room.

"Are you sure we can get to A.A. if we pass through these wells?" Ran asked, surveying the abandoned call center.

"Yes," Yuto answered. "It was used for experiments but it is abandoned now. FUG doesn't know that the wells still work. It will help us get Khun out without being seen."

They followed the instructions and were led to a door, just as they were told.

When the signal came, they moved.

"Let's quickly get through them, and get A.A. out of here," Ran said.

xXx

He thought he was dead. As the pain within his chest spread throughout his body, he wondered if this is what it felt like to have your soul ripped away.

As his vision returned, he blearily looked around. He lay his palms flat against a cold, metal surface. His arms were restrained to his sides, and he realized that he was strapped to a medical table.

He breathed in through his nose, calming the sudden spike of fear beating through his heart. The cavern he was in was dark and cold. He saw tanks with suspended bodies held in the liquid.

The fear was back, clenching his heart. He looked around at the people moving throughout the space.

Scientists.

Doctors.

"Oh good. You're awake. I didn't want them to start until you were lucid."

Khun saw White come into view, his smile sharp.

Sour bile rose in his mouth, stuffing his tongue and gargling his voice. Air was depleted from his lungs as he stared at the sterilized room. They were going to clone him.

"Please," he choked out. "You already got one from me."

They didn't answer him, moving throughout the room. But one lone voice cut through.

"No. They got one from your sister."

Khun felt the ice of his veins freeze up as he looked up at White. The Slayer stared down at him with unseeing silver eyes.

"Besides," the Slayer continued. "You love your sister's little clone, right? You fell into boiling acid for her. Shouldn't you grow to love the clone we harvest from you?"

Khun couldn't answer, staring at his former teacher.

"It's like having a child," White continued with a lazy shrug. "You should know all about the love a father would display toward their child. Although, the family heads don't have the best track record when it comes to kids."

Khun strained against the bonds.

"But not to worry," White shrugged. "We have no interest in gathering a clone from you. Your Irregular status makes you a successful vessel." He grinned. "Like me."

Then the four figures hovering in the tubes made sense, and Khun felt physically sick.

"The test subject Hoaquin." Khun swallowed, rolling his head to the side. "The one whose body housed the souls of his siblings to create a perfect warrior."

"Hoaquin was my name," White admitted. "Before the Workshop got a hold of me. The dominant mindset, although, I must confess that the separate entities within me have all but combined into one."

"They want…to make me like you." His voice was hollow, his fate looming over him like a guillotine.

"Oh you could never be like me," White hissed. "But they will try."

Khun squirmed as desperation filled him.

"It's all very fascinating though," White continued. "FUG would have preferred to use Marco Asensio since he was the prominent brother, a mighty warrior of his time, but by the time his body was retrieved, any brain wave activity that could have been preserved was long gone. Jue Viole Grace was very thorough when he butchered him." White tutted. "And to think you wanted to go back to him."

Flexing his fingers, Khun felt the tips of his fingers grow cold.

"I'm just curious to see what clone lives," White mused, staring up at the suspended bodies. "You do have Jue Viole Grace to thank for that. It cleared our consciousness when we gathered the dead. The dead he himself delivered to us." He glanced back. "It doesn't hurt. Not if you just give in."

No matter how hard he tried, he could not break free from his bonds. But he could prevent the others from accessing his body.

So, closing his eyes, he encased himself in the icy tomb, feeling sleep overwhelm him, but no one could break his ice.

No. He was done with all of this.

Ice coated around his body, and he felt the urge for slumber to overwhelm him. He closed his eyes, feeling the protective layers coat over him.

White watched as the ice formed over the young figure, and he frowned. The many setbacks continued to pile up, and he could only groan. "Where's the Yeon family member?"

A distressed figure was ushered forward, and White's frown deepened. He had no idea why a being of insignificant status was required to be present for such an event, but Princess Mascheny had insisted.

"You there!" White shouted.

"My name is Woon," the Yeon member flinched.

Ignoring him, White gestured to the rapidly growing ice. "Can you break it?"

"I need to charge my hammer," Woon said carefully. "But yes, I have the power to do so."

"So your presence here is not a total waste," White grunted.

"Slayer White!" a new voice called. "You're needed for the test."

White's annoyed gaze snapped to the interloper. "What for?"

"T-there's rumors that Jue Viole Grace was sighted."

His eyes shone. "Oh. What a delightful prospect." He glared at Woon Yeon. "Get him out of there and do your job."

Woon watched as the Slayer left, his glowing white presence fading away. He hesitantly stepped forward, gazing down at the slumbering being within the ice. "Just as Mascheny predicted," he muttered, swinging the hammer.

And the ice shattered like broken glass.

xXx

"You sure that summoning him will work?" Shibisu asked. Not for the first time, as Shibisu wore his nerves plainly like a badge in front of Bam.

Not that he minded. Talking through things helped to calm Bam's nerves as well.

"This is probably the only way to take Aguero out without breaking the rules," Bam explained as he jogged through the thick foliage with Wangnan by his side. "We can't break the rules or else FUG has an excuse to intervene, so we have to obey the rules that prevent that."

As Bam spoke, he was certain he could hear Rak not too far away roaring. He grinned, the declarations of Rak having his prey warming his heart despite the situation.

Shibisu's tired sigh was like a troubled breeze in his ear. "Fine, fine. It just…seems all too easy. Like the last plan."

Bam grabbed Wangnan right as the explosion hit. The source of the perpetrator was quickly knocked out by Bam.

He huffed. "Yeah, I get what you mean."

xXx

Rak hacked through anyone in his way. He was already pissed that he had to grow in size just to help out the Fire Turtle. Everyone just insisted on getting in his way!

"There!" he roared. "That does it. Who dares to challenge me!?"

"Mr. Crocodile," Ehwa groaned, rubbing her ears. "You're so loud."

"Don't call me that! I am the leader!"

"Viole technically seems to be the leader-"

"HE IS MY PREY!"

"Oh my~ You're quite the big one."

The cold voice caused Rak to freeze, and he did not like this feeling of primal fear rising up within him, his spear throwing claw trembling at the new presence.

He felt like he was being hunted.

He turned to look up at the luminous white being observing them with an amused expression. Pale eyes observed him with hunger, fangs flashing as he grinned. From atop his position, it was hard to tell just how large the new arrival was, but already, Rak felt insignificantly small.

"Creepy Turtle," Rak snarled, shaking off the feeling.

"Rak?" Goseng asked. "What do you see?"

"Some weird white turtle with red marks on his face." He swung his spear. "And he's got a big sword."

Bam's panicked voice came through. "Rak, that's White! He's the one who stabbed Aguero! Do not engage!"

But it didn't matter. White was already attacking. The sun seemed to block out as he leapt downward, robes fluttering and sword shining with unholy, hellish energy.

Rak was quick to bring his spear up to block the attack. His entire body vibrated from the connection of the sword to his weapon, and he quickly leapt back to put some distance between himself and his attacker. However, for each attempt he made, White only advanced on him, movements quick, sharp, and precise as he cut through Rak's defenses.

Roaring, Rak threw his entire body weight, the ground cracking as he launched forward, barrling into White. He took a stab at him with his spear, but even from a closed, locked position, White expertly dodged it.

Rak bit down on any fear he might feel in that moment. No, he would not feel fear here. Fear was for prey! His turtles needed him.

Dark light filled the area, and Rak at the last minute threw himself to the ground. It was thanks to all of that training that he narrowly avoided Bam's incoming attack that sent White flying into the nearby rock wall.

"Viole!" Ehwa exclaimed. "Where's Wangnan? Did you leave him?"

"Wangnan can get to the destination without my protection," Bam answered, fists curled as he advanced on White.

The Slayer licked blood dripping from his split lip. The attack Bam unleashed on him should have crumbled his bones, but he only looked lightly dusted and exhilarated from the fight. Smirking, he regarded Bam as if he were no more than an inconvenient insect.

"Oh?" White teased, eyes alight with feral pleasure. "Are you trying to summon the boy?"

xXx

From atop the small flagship, the chaos brewing upon the beach seemed trivial and insignificant to all who flew above.

"I made sure that the staff prepared you some hot chocolate," Mascheny said, sipping her own cup of tea.

At her right was an empty velvet seat where a certain fiery princess should have been sitting. Instead, Princess Yuri was leaning against the window, watching the view as if she could see everything playing out before her.

"Did you really think that I would let a good resource like my little brother go to waste?" Mascheny laughed. "I have my own people scattered around."

Yuri glared but could not hide her confusion. "So what is going on?"

"FUG's plan failed the moment they brought Aguero Agnis into that lair. Woon Yeon should be making quick work of him." She smiled a glittery smile. "What do you think that hammer is for? Of course, he will have a long way to go before he can match Marco's former ability, but good luck killing him from now on."

xXx

"That was a little too easy," Anaak said, huffing as she surveyed the fallen guards around them.

Ran would have retorted if the grinding gears of opening metal doors hadn't inturupted him. Quaking and groaning, the ground trembled beneath the footsteps of a large being emerging from the cavern.

Anaak swore and Ran shot her a glare, as if she had unintentionally summoned the large robot.

"Run to the door!" Yuto shouted, falling back as the robot advanced forward. "That's our way out!"

"Go!" Anaak shouted, twirling Yellow May. "Get the door to open!"

The robot already seemed engaged with the energy emerging from Yellow May. Its silted eyes trained an Anaak as the lizard hastily dodged its beams and flying fists. As much as he hated listening to her, Ran did as he was told and ran to the door. Unlike the others, this one was locked, and Ran's frustration and desperation mounted.

"I don't have a key!" he shouted. The large keyhole held nothing, but he assumed it needed something for him to gain access.

"Just break it!"

Oh that was just swell! Why hadn't he thought of that before? But as the groaning of the metal plates within the robot increased and Anaak's enraged shouts began to wane, Ran through all caution to the wind and stuck his hand in desperately. However, he pulled back when the doors burst open right when his hand would have torn off.

"Ran! Move!"

Ran instinctively jumped away right as spears of ice sprung up from the floor. They flew at the robot, tearing away at it mercilessly. The giant's advancements halted as its armor was torn to shreds before the energy within died out.

Breathing heavily, his breath fogging up from the sudden chill, Ran looked up to see his brother. Aguero stood in the doorway, ice spear in hand and breathing heavily.

"Damn," he huffed. "I haven't used a spear in years."

Ran scrambled up, rushing toward Aguero. All sense of relief and accomplishment filled him when he saw his brother was indeed alive and whole. He was embracing him before he gave his actions much thought. Aguero stumbled back at the embrace, breath hitching in surprise at the warm contact, before he slowly brought his arms up to hug him back.

"You're bleeding," Ran noted as he pulled away, staring at the blood on the front of Aguero's shirt.

"Oh," Aguero looked down, and it was then Ran noticed a golden glow in the depths of his brother's eyes. It pulsed and faded like a rising tide before it eventually subsided, the blue in his gaze deep and prominent once more. However, Ran's attention was diverted once more when he noticed the glowing figure of a fish hovering over his shoulder.

Ran stared at the glowing fish. "What is that?"

Aguero cast a glance over at the fish, gaze pensive. "I don't know," he answered. "It's just…been there."

"Well," Yuto said with surprise, approaching with Anaak. "That's the firefish."

Aguero glared, pushing Ran behind him. "And who are you?"

"This one calls me a concubine," Yuto said, pointing at Ran as they removed their mask. Flowing red locks of hair spilled over her shoulders and piercing crimson eyes blinked at them.

Ran and Anaak gaped. "Hwaryun?"

"Bam has invested a lot in reuniting with you," Hwaryun explained, unperturbed. "He should be running to the Store to summon you since the other calls were destroyed by FUG."

"He's still going with that plan?" Aguero exclaimed.

"It's working so far," Hwaryun said. "But before we leave, what happened to the bodies in the lab?"

Ran watched as Aguero's gaze darkened, fists curling. "I burned them all. Let the dead rest. There will be nothing but ash for the Workshop to harvest."

Hwaryun's pensive frown slowly morphed into an approving grin. "But there should have been someone with you."

"The Yeon family member?" Aguero's gaze darkened. "Yes. I sent him back with a message to my sister. I am not anyone's experiment or their tool in a war they started centuries before my birth."

Despite his words, Hwaryun's grin only widened as understanding shone in her gaze. "I see. I look forward to your reunion with my god." She twirled her staff, nodding toward Anaak and Ran. "You can continue your reunion later."

"Wait," Ran said, withdrawing a dagger and handing it to Aguero. His brother smiled as he beheld White Heavenly Mirror.

"No," Aguero said, tossing the dagger and expertly catching it once more. "I think it's best that we all go together."

xXx

Bam inwardly cursed White's quick strides. The brush of the forest slapped at his face, multiple bloody droplets falling from his face, but he gave them no heed. He knew where White was heading. Wangnan would be helpless against him.

"You're out of shape, son of V," White cackled. "I remember we could joust for days. We made mountains tremble! Where's that metal?"

A burst of explosion shattered the trees in front of White, causing the Slayer to veer off course to avoid being crushed. Bam emerged from the dust, shinsu trembling as he unleashed another torrent of power on him.

"Here," Bam growled. To his satisfaction, he saw White's formally cocky stare morph away into dissatisfaction, so he was ready for the next blow coming that sent him a few meters away from his opponent. Shuddering, Bam readied another attack, only to see that White did not engage in another fight. But rather, he was rushing to the Store.

xXx

The presence of White Heavenly Mirror burned in his pocket as Khun ran, and he was reminded once more of the safety of three companions he was entrusted with. His situation was made all the more apparent when he stood in the center of the call rooms, waiting to be summoned.

An unfamiliar face flickered on the monitor, and Khun frowned, trying to pinpoint who's side this person was on. "Who are you?"

"Um, I'm Wangnan! A teammate of Viole. Don't worry mister, we'll get you out of there!"

Khun folded his arms, pinching the tender skin at his elbow to conceal his anxiety. "Well?"

"Hany on, hang on," Wangnan retorted. "We don't have enough…oh! Wait, yes we do. Ehwa just got us enough points to summon you-!"

Silver movement behind Wangnan caught Khun's gaze, and his eyes widened when he recognized the figure. "Wangnan! Move-!"

But his warnings were necessary. As White moved to slice Wangan's head off, another form barreled into him. A flash of familiar brown hair and golden eyes registered in Khun's mind, and hope filled him.

"Bam!"

"Wangan!" Bam shouted, struggling against White. "Summon Aguero now!"

"Right! Summon Khun Aguero Agnis!"

He shuddered at his full name, watching as the slow march of the timer trickled down.

"You won't have him," White growled. "FUG will see to it. You lost your chance when you rejected your father's offer."

"Aguero's coming with me," Bam snarled.

White smirked, silver flames dripping from his sword as he raised it. "Then I'll just destroy the entire tower then."

Bam's eyes widened. "Shibisu! Give up on the game! We can summon a friend without the load time when the game ends! We have to summon him right now!"

"Are you sure?"

"Now!" Bam shouted, rushing at White, but the sword had already pierced the ground, the structure of rock and stone falling in upon itself. Despite the light blinding his eyes, Bam trusted his senses and barreled into White. Pain erupted in his sides, but he kept on his attacks.

Wangnan, right, in this explosion, he would be crushed. Outstretching his hand, he enclosed his teammate in a barrier right as the force of the tower's destruction assaulted him. He lost sight of White, and his heart stilled at the thought of an unseen enemy. He felt his concentration on Wangnan's barrier slip, and panic gripped his heart when his teammate was exposed to the dangerous elements.

.

.

.

The game has ended. Loading complete.

Summoning of Khun Aguero Agnis complete.

Bam barely registered the settling of the fight, not with the mound of stone and rock littering the entire field as a result of the destruction. Through the dust and ash coating his face and lashes, he focused on the bright, white movement of his enemy.

Limping, Bam stirred, prepared to engage in any other confrontation, but White's form faded, bloodied face smirking as fangs glittered, a hidden hunger swimming in those depths.

Fearful, Bam surveyed the damage, already coming to terms that he might be digging up the bodies of his crushed companions.

His foot scuffed against something cold and pristine, unlike the harsh sandstone of the tower. Blinking through the dust, Bam realized it was ice. He looked up, noticing the shattered remains of an ice dome, and Aguero propping an unconscious Wangnan up. Blood coated both of their forehead, but they were alive.

xXx

"Aguero!"

Khun didn't even get a chance to blink before Bam was embracing him, tight and desperate. He was lucky he had already propped up the blond Regular, or he would have suffered more head-trauma when Khun dropped him. Relief had Khun sagging, even when he should be alert for the fight. He embraced back, clinging to the back of Bam's jacket. He realized that he was almost matching Bam in height. So much had changed between them, and he couldn't believe that Bam still carried the torch for him all these years.

"You're back," Bam murmured, as if to reassure himself. "You're back."

Khun nodded shakily. "Yeah. I'm here."

"We have a safe-house," Bam continued. "Everyone's there. We'll be safe." He pulled back, fixing Khun with a determined gaze. "Whatever you need, we'll get it."

Khun rolled his eyes, or tried to, and winced. "I need a shower. And a bed."

"We have those."

"I'd hope so." Khun bumped into Bam's shoulder, feeling a small laugh brim forth. He noticed Bam wincing, and his smile faded. "Are you hurt?"

"Ah, I might be going deaf." Bam pulled out a hidden earpiece with a grimace. "Shibisu is sobbing, Rak's yelling, and Endorsi's summoning her own calvary."

The small grin was back. "You weren't kidding when you said you had everyone."

"I meant it," Bam asserted. Gently lifting up Wangnan, he gestured for Khun to follow, his gaze noticeably lighter, and Khun wondered just what had happened in the years since their separation. "Come on, we have a long awaited reunion."

---

A/N: So this was a bit longer in the making, and I am sorry for the delay. Did this feel rushed at all? I'm not done and want to showcase the team working together, so there will be a time jump, but I felt like this arc was dragging on and I didn't want to be repetitive. Thoughts?