Here we go sorry for the long wait.
Pancakes have such a wonderful smell. 'Who doesn't like fresh hot pancakes?' I think to myself enjoying my wake-up call of a lovely breakfast of blueberry pancakes with a raspberry compote and a hot cup of coffee. Excellent breakfast with a wonderful choice of coffee, I can think of nothing better to start the day. But, I must not dawdle much longer if I wish to make my presence known before the first fight of the day.
Despite looking forward to my first day on the job. I can't help but look back at last night. After our initial conversation finished she asked simple questions pertaining to my grimoire but other than that it seemed pleasantly casual. Then she bid me farewell, promising we will meet again soon.
Anyway, once I finish eating I stand up, and make sure I look presentable. Once my outfit and crown have been properly placed I headed out the door where another machine stood. "I am here to guide your seat." It said and led me through several corridors veering off the path to the center of the arena and up a few flights of stairs. This led to a large red curtain covering an archway. The machine stepped out of the way and did a bow, so I took it as the go-ahead.
Once I stepped though I was almost defined by the charring of a large crowd which momentarily caught me off guard as it was silent in the arena just a second ago. Once the surprise wore off I was awed by the sight, every seat seems to be filled with a large variety of machines and even a few androids. While in front of me appears to be a large wooden throne with a red cushion, sitting beside the throne is a small table with a large golden chalice and a tablet of some sort. Also standing on either side of the balcony are two well-armored guards. So I walked over to the front of my seat as the arena master floated over to me holding a microphone.
"Alright, your task is to help invigorate the crowd and with the arena interface besides your chalice, you will be able to change the game a bit, as well as grant prizes to the combatants and crowd." It quickly explained and I simply nodded.
"Sounds simple enough" I replied, understanding what my job is, and took the microphone she was offering. I have never been known for my charisma honestly what do they expect I'm a librarian damn it I'm used to hiding from public events not being part of the show. Well, I hope this works so I ready the mike and take a deep breath.
"Welcome one and all to the forest arena. My name is Alistair Moran and I have attained the right to set upon the throne before you. For now and as long as you are here, I claim all of thee as subjects and for my first decree I demand we be entertained." I said trying to sound as commanding as possible. Once I delivered the last line I pointed at the arena master who nodded and flew off into the air.
To my surprise, the crowd cheered. Seriously, I even thought it was cheesy. Well, hell must be frozen over because I have managed to get a positive reaction from a crowd that's not enslaved by evil extraplanar gods.
"Now making their return for a shot at the grand prize are the Twin fighters Devola and Popola '' announced the Arena Master. Once the words were said I thought I heard wrong, that I just misunderstood the boss. However, my line of thinking was quickly proven incorrect when the two redheaded androids responsible for kicking my ass along with that dragoness so many years ago. I see them waving calmly to the cowed and have yet to look in my direction.
I don't know what to think at the moment but it would be a shame to let it go to waste. So I grasped the microphone and waited for them to catch a glance at me. After a second, Popola's head turned in my direction and just stopped as if possessing what she was seeing. Devola seemed to catch that her sister was staring at something. Devola turned to face my direction as well and froze just like Popola.
I stood up and saw Popola mouth a single word "Impossible." I moved the microphone to my mouth. "Well now, our fighters seem distracted, in fact, I dare say they appear to have seen a ghost," I said, waiting for them to react as the crowd grew silent awaiting the android's reaction.
Devola seemed to regain her composure "Is it really you. This must be some kind of trick?" She yelled out loud enough for me to hear. Honestly, it's taking all my willpower to not grin happily and share everything with my two friends and saviors who helped beat the evil out of me so many years ago now.
But I have to remain in character so I wag my finger "Sorry dear girl but if you want an explanation you're going to have to earn an audience by conquering this arena." I said earning cheers from the crowd and glare from Devola that screamed you want another beating.
Then Popola spoke up. "Aright but at least tell us something only the real Alistair would know." She yelled hoping to reason with me.
I gave a slow nod and called out to Vetito who appeared in front of me to receive a gasp from the twins. " We can discuss everything if you can climb the ladder. BEGIN!" I yelled out and the gates opened letting in several machine warriors flood into the arena armed with a variety of weaponry ranging from large axes to pointy lances. Then a few flyers dropped in blasting red balls of energy at the twins. The poor machines never stood a chance as the two girls violently reduced them to scrap.
Then the crowd roared as they were declared the victors. I stood up as I waved my hand to quiet down the crowd. "Alright, alright they bested a few warriors but now warm-up time is OVER!" I emphasize the over part while looking at the Arena Master hoping the boss has something up their sleeve. The blood-thirsty crowd cheered demanding more combat.
As soon as I finished Devola grinned " HEY WHY DON'T YOU SEND SOME OF YOUR GOLEMS, THAT IS IF YOU MANAGED TO PIECE ANY OF THEM BACK TOGETHER." She yelled out, delivering a verbal low blow while the other twin chuckled at her comment. I felt my jaw drop. She has no idea how hard it is to make those things. I had to forge full sets of armor which took about three months of near-constant work and another six to enchant them to my satisfaction. It was a lot of work and the two girls managed to scrape them beyond repair.
"OH, YOU TWO JUST WAIT UNTIL THE FINAL BOUT, IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT SLAM AND THEN SOME!" I yelled out before calming myself down with a deep sigh as I concentrated on the waterfall surrounding the arena which had a calming effect before I grabbed my arena interface tablet. I quickly examine the next fight.
"But for now you're going to have to contend with, well, that," I said and pointed right above them as a large tank slammed into the center of the arena.
"Let the battle begin." said the boss and with that, the battle began and the tank I must say is quite impressive in appearance with a monstrous arsenal to boot. Then some machines with horns, red capes, and axes jumped in.
As the battle continued I swear I heard one of the ax wedding death machines yell out "For the King" only to have Popola leap over it and eviscerate the poor gladiator. While Devola dealt with the tank.
Then after a few more minutes of constant combat, the arena master shouted out "THAT'S ENOUGH!'' Then the twins lowered their weapons. They both turned and began to walk towards the exit of the arena as the crowd gave them some howls and cheer.
Watching them about to leave to most likely prepare for another round honestly almost made me tear up. Despite our first encounter not going so well, I did end up befriending the two after the incident. It's hard to see how happy I am to see some familiar faces. But still, there's no way in hell I'm going to just jump out there and chat with them, after all, I got a job to do and I take my work seriously.
"NOW WAS THAT NOT A BATTLE WORTH OF YOUR LOVE!" I yelled out and the crowd's cheer grew even louder and some even chanted their names.
I sat back down and watched a few more fights take place. The fights were small machine vs machine bouts. Those were most likely put in place to keep the crowd entertained.
While those fights were going down I looked at a few options available to me and found quite a decent amount of choices on how I can shake things up a bit but one thing in particular. The royal offer, apparently I can offer them any challenge so long as the offered reward matches it this will apparently overrule the existing match. "Oh, this is going to be interesting," I whisper to myself as I look through a list of possible fighters to send out.
After another few skirmishes, the two ladies walked into the arena once again followed by cheers from the crowd. With that, I stood up and grabbed the microphone setting on the small table next to my throne. "Alright, alright you two have shown off your skills making mincemeat of your previous opposition. With that in mind, I am prepared to make you two a deal of sorts." I said and the crowd quickly quieted down as tension built up in the room.
The twins bore a suspicious look after I said that. "What kind of deal Ally? Asked Popola who used her pet name for me after I helped to get the clearance necessary to check out two dark grimoires for some project.
"Aright if you managed to defeat both Sir Lozlock and executioner Bloodmen in a two on two battle, you will receive a pass to the final battle of the arena. But lose and you have to start all over again." I know they would most certainly take up the offer, at least I think they will.
Now unsurprisingly Popola rushed to prove my point "Sounds fine to me." She said turning to Devola who entered a fighting stance and Popola shifted to match her position.
Then the Arna master floated down to me " If they are victorious in this fight, prepare yourself, the requirements for your upcoming battle is on the datapad." It told me before flying back over the arena as Sir Lozlock, fully recovered from our spar, entered beside a small machine wielding the ax of its namesake. At first glance, I must say the name Bloodmen suits him well considering it's covered from head to toe in blood-red paint.
Once they entered, the two-faced me on my throne and bowed. "Fear, not my liege, we shall be victorious,'' said Sir Lozlock.
Then Bloodmen said it's peace. "Their heads for your throne my Lord." Said the Executioner. Hearin this I can't help but play along.
"You two are now my last line of defense. I beseech thee, protect you, king." I say forcing iron into my words. This seemed to invigorate them because as soon as I finish speaking they turn to face their opponents
"Let the battle begin." Said the arena master and the four combatants charged at each other. Weapons clashing as the battle begins.
I must say the twins have improved since we last met. But Sir Lozlock and Executioner Bloodmen seem to have synergy as the first is strong and attacks with area effectiveness and the latter is swift and precise in its strikes. The four fighters seemed evenly matched until Devola slid under Sir Lozlock and managed to find a weak spot on the connective point where the left leg meets its torso thus landing a crippling blow to the mechanical knight.
Things for the two machines only went downhill from there as Sir Lozlock attempted to leap in the air and squash Devola but its leg failed it and the robotic knight was forced onto one knee. Then Executioner Bloodmen must have realized its partner is in trouble so Bloodmen performed a long strike forcing Popola to backstep. Now momentarily out of Popola's range, it rushed over to strike at Devola but she was prepared and dodged his strike and landed a glancing blow at the Executioner forcing him to backpedal or risk more damage. This proved to be a bad move as this gave Popola several free strikes at the machine's back. Then Bloodmen attempted to perform a circular slash in an attempt to hit both opponents but they ducked and impaled it with their swords.
Once the two androids removed their swords and Bloodmen lifelessly fell to the ground. "And it looks like Bloodmen bought the farm. This does not bode well for Lozlock" I say to the crowd. Then Popola slashed at the metal knight's legs further hindering its movement. While Devola jumped on its back before running up to its shoulders and ran her blade right through the back of its head.
Sir Lozlock fell to the ground lifeless for the second time in two days. "THAT'S ENOUGH!" Yelled out the Arena Master declaring the twins the victors of this battle.
With that, I stood up as the crowd cheered. "Well done you have bested two of our greatest fighters. One last challenge to go and you two will have earned your prize." I said and left the arena during the intermission for proper preparations for this final challenge.
"Master what are you going to do?" asked Vetito most recently wondering how I am going to battle two of my dear friends.
"Relax Vetito, we are here to put on a show. I just need an idea and I need one fast. I said while walking through several corridors, looking through my datapad before being stopped by a familiar voice.
"Well, it appears you once again find yourself in a predicament." I turn around to find Adam standing around the corner. This didn't surprise me all that much concerning my location is no secret though I am secure at least according to the machines.
"Hello Adam I assume you and your brother have been watching the matches," I stated because I am curious about his sudden meeting with me. Depending on the answer to my question will either prove this moment coincidence or a possible boon to me.
"Yes we do visit here every so often but right now I'm interested in your relationship with the two androids. You seem to have a history and I am most eager to see further interaction between you and them." He started with his index finger pressed against his glasses.
I could barely contain my laughter. The thought of being observed like an exotic specimen. Ah, regardless I should answer his question. "Well, I did at one point go on a date with Popola at a waffle house just outside of my father's military base Fort Eastwood. Fun fact about Clint Eastwood was my father's favorite director and actor. As for the reason I was there, now that's an interesting story and I think I have enough time to tell it before I am required to entertain some old friends.
With that Adams's grin grew and he spoke eager to learn more. "Oh do tell I am curious, you see me and my bother have a little bet on your relationship with those two."
Meanwhile in YoRHa bunker orbiting the earth setting in what appears to be an interrogation chamber setting across from Commander White is 9B. Standing beside her, however, are two E-type androids making sure 9B does not do anything drastic while being questioned by the commander.
"Thank you for the report 9B but could you place once again summarise what happened underneath the library and the situation that leads to the termination of unites 12B, 3D, and 12S? " Asked the Commander as she held up a datapad typing something into it.
Yes, commander, as I stated before I was chasing down the humanoid machine lifeforms who took the human. But as you know I failed that object so I returned to the library after you sent for several search units. When I returned to the library and attempted to meet up with the others I found the basement level empty with the elevator door open. So I assumed 12S hacked the system and they went to investigate further. I simply followed protocol and attempted to catch up to them. The elevator would only let me access one level and what I found was a mess of broken pieces that had been smashed by a massive amount of force. I honestly could tell who was who in the mess. Thus I returned to the elevator to inform you of the situation so we may be better prepared in the future. The only good news of this tragedy was that I managed to find an old notecard with a password that was once held by a high-level employee of the library that gave me access to some of their more secure records." She told her story while the Commander who never once looked up from her datapad and put it on the table turned it around, and pushed it towards 9B.
"Well, when you returned we performed a quick analysis and uncovered a registered data signature." Said the commander watching 9B's eyes widen slightly.
"There must be an error with.." She stared but was ignored by the Commander who just confused her.
Normally since the data signature did not seem to be of enemy design we would perform a diagnostic but the data signature was very specific and matched a file in our archives about a military AI labeled unfit due to violent tendency that leads to the death of twenty-six civilian casualties." She said now glaring into the eyes of 9B.
All was silent for a moment before 9B burst out laughing like a madwoman. Her demeanor completely changed as she put her feet on the table, shrugging. "Ok, you got me. I estimated there was a twenty-two percent chance this would fail." Said the possessed 9B and with that the E-types placed their sword on either side of her neck, awaiting the commander's orders.
With that CO-DEC now in the body of 9B held her hands in front of her. "Hold on now, just hear me out." Said CODEC with a hint of desperation while the commander stood up glaring down at the possessed battle unit.
Well, I hope you all like where this is going.