Phantasy Star Horizon
ESKK: Well here we go a new chapter for this story. I hope you all enjoy it and sorry if it takes me a while to publish it this one is an original chapter and those are not exactly my strong suits. Now then let's begin.
(Star Council of Six Meeting Chamber)
"It seems your suspicions was on point, Xect." Arthur said to the Newman as the Council of Six were hosting an emergency meeting upon the ARK's Operatives assigned to the 501st Clone Battalions discovery.
"She was on the list as was Anakin Skywalker, in fact those two were the most likely candidates." Xect said as he was going over the data and adding new Data as needed. "It was only logical." Xect said as he continued to do his work.
"But what about Laura and Clarissa?" Klara asked with concern over this newly discovered information.
"It is unprecedented that she awoken a Cosmogenic Arm and it's even more so that the one that awoken was Clarissa the White no doubt." Noto added as he rubbed his chin in deep thought.
"So what are we expecting the arrival of the Guardian soon?" Yaga asked as he brought it up getting everyone to look at him. "What? We've talked about the Guardian before but left it be since no one could meet the high expectations for the Guardian." Yaga defended over him bringing this up once more.
"He does bring up a point." Morgan said as she looked to the others knowing the Guardian would be a good way to boost morale.
"But the position of Guardian must be earned not handed over." Noto added as he looked to his fellow councilmembers.
"Well we have to do something." Klara said knowing that if more Cosmogenic Arms show up then questions will be asked. It was clear an argument was about to break out to which Arthur spoke up to stop it before it could happen.
"For now we can only wait and observe, if another ARK's Operative awakens a Cosmogenic Arm then we'll look into it." Arthur said as he took command of this brewing argument here. "For all we know this could be an isolated incident but it's better to keep our eyes peeled first and foremost." Arthur said and thus the Council of Six were in agreement on this decision. "Now we must prepare to meet with Horukotan and secure an alliance with them against the Dark Falz Collective and the Separatists." Arthur said before looking over to Yaga and Klara.
"Don't worry we got it covered." Yaga said with a grin on his face clearly ready to start negotiating.
Just then their table came to life and from it a shadowed image of a young woman in a skintight infiltration outfit appeared. Her eyes were covered by a pair of cyber glasses and her mouth had a mask over it while two blades were seen on her arms.
"The Secret Seat of Zero reporting with new information." The woman said as her voice was even synthesized to obscure her voice.
"Zero report." Arthur said as the hidden Seat of Zero was only known of by the Council of Six.
"I have been looking through informational sources when Xect informed us of his suspicions of the Republic and Separatist." Zero said as she looked to her fellow council Members. "I've discovered Persona has been strategically removing certain parties whom on the outside have nothing in common but upon closer inspection are in fact key players to a higher stakes game via certain connections they have to certain parties." Zero said and in turn this got everyone's attention on her.
"Explain." Noto ordered knowing they needed this information because it may affect ARK's future. Whatever the mysterious Zero had discovered it was clear ARK's had found themselves as part of a much bigger game one which they needed to move with a sense of caution. Whomever the major player for it was they knew he was in it for the long run. But the question was what point does the Clone Wars currently serve?
(Scene Break Coruscant Chancellor's Office)
Palpatine was most intrigued upon what he had discovered. He knew from the get go to be warry of ARK's an unknown player in his plans that the old man he did not account for. He was fortunate to acquire the Dark Falz Collective to even the playing fields as it were. He needed to perpetuate this war to slowly gather the needed power.
But it seems his plans had hit a kink, of sorts. For starters he had noted that key players in his plans had suddenly been found dead if not had vanished completely. At first he disregarded it but when the event kept happening he knew someone was removing any aid he had in the rise of his brand new Galactic Empire. With this in mind Palpatine knew he had to figure out who was doing it, why they were doing it, and how much they knew. He needed to tread carefully but he could adapt after all the Sith had been planning their revenge for centuries through the lineage of Bane.
But still once the Jedi were dealt with he needed a way to deal with ARK's as well. He didn't have an army programmed to kill them when he was ready after all. And he certainly didn't have anything that could defeat the Dark Falz in his reserves of knowledge either. Pushing his plans back may be a requirement for the time being at least until he can figure out how to put agents within ARK's to tear this group down from the inside out. The good news was that Luther had made stunning advancements with his Klara clones and soon they would be ready for testing he just needs data on a Cosmogenic Arm.
Data he can acquire for himself through the battles of the Clone Wars. Anyway he had already received word of ARK's heading to a new world to broker peace with its native life forms. The Separatist army would also be going there to broker peace as well since allies were much needed for the war.
(Scene Break Central City Halpha)
The Republic was making a quick stop on Halpha to pick up Yaga and Klara as well as deliver some building supplies as well. Nothing major just a few final touches to Central City before heading to the next region. As this was happening Anakin, Padme, Yaga, and Klara were meeting up to discuss the revelation the two had given.
"So how long did you two know?" Padme asked as she looked to Yaga and Klara being diplomatic about this.
"Well Yaga didn't know about the marriage until after the whole hostage crisis and even then that was a lucky guess on his part." Klara began as they were walking through the city. "As for me… since the Blue Shadow Virus." Klara said as she looked to the Jedi and Senator.
"Does… does anyone else know?" Anakin asked as he was deeply concerned.
"In all honesty Master Jedi the Council of Six suspect something but won't act upon it unless it's detrimental which I suspect they will since we told them who Persona is." Klara began as she looked to the group.
"Though in all honesty I'm pretty sure your troops also suspect and are actually making side wagers on what's the deal between you and Padme… which reminds me we've got a lot of happy clones going home with money if they wagered you two being married." Yaga added as Anakin was surprised by this. "I'm also certain Obi-Wan might suspect something but I'm not positive and as for Ahsoka I think she just doesn't notice since she's young and all." Yaga said as Anakin and Padme looked worried now.
"Wait if Obi-Wan suspects then." Padme said as she realized that if that is the case then why did the Jedi Master not tell the Jedi Council?
"Look we won't tell anyone if that's what you're worried about." Klara said as she walked with them. "But maybe you two SHOULD tell someone, hiding a secret like this is hard enough alone but having allies will help you cover yourselves." Klara said as she looked to the couple.
"Pops always says theirs safety in numbers, and there's strength in commodity." Yaga said while rubbing his nose a bit while giving a cocky smirk once more.
"Is every life lesson you spout from your father?" Anakin asked jokingly as Yaga smirked to this.
"Hey he may not be perfect but let me tell you he gives some damn good advice." Yaga defended as they kept walking.
"But honestly he sounds wise." Padme said helping Yaga out as she knew they had a point about all this. But as they walked Padme stopped for a moment to let them keep walking with her mind going back to Persona. How can she be a Dark Falz who is trying to destroy the Republic? Was this an advanced yet corrupted clone or was there more at work right now. Padme would never think that she was capable of such devastation and even more so looking at Anakin… what happened between them that Persona wanted to kill the Jedi Knight.
She wondered if something happened soon or later that would drive her to becoming Persona. Or maybe it's simply a combination of many variables that drive her to become Persona. She didn't know and in all honesty the uncertainty it scared the Senator of Naboo.
Sensing her distress and noting she was not with them Anakin looked over to Padme. "Senator Amidala are you ok?" Anakin asked as he looked to his secret wife.
Regaining herself Padme focused herself and proceeded. "Yes sorry Anakin I was just distracted was all." Padme said as she went to regroup with the others. It was a lie of course but if Persona truly was her, then… that made this Dark Falz her responsibility.
Right now she had to focus on the upcoming meeting with the people of Horukotan to hopefully aid ARK's in gaining them as allies. And in gaining the people of Horukotan as allies they would in turn gain more allies for the Republic in the Clone Wars that are raging. Luckily she also had help from Senator Chuchi for this who ARK's had provided a guard detail for this journey.
(Meanwhile over with Riyo Chuchi)
Riyo was a great deal of things as the Senator for Pantora but as a person she was greatly intrigued as a person experiencing ARK's culture. From the looks of things ARK's was simply a collective of cultures who managed to find common ground here. It was here that Chuchi had seen many things ARK's had to offer in terms of entertainment.
Shadowing her was Lon as the Newman tipped his hat a bit with his twin guns currently holstered. "So enjoying yourself Senator?" Lon asked as he smiled to the young Senator of Pantora.
"Oh um yes Operative Lon I must say even though it's still in development your city is quiet the intrigue." Chuchi said as she saw the city had a distinct lack of corruption at the moment.
"Yeah well ARK's isn't one to do things in halves. If we go in we go All the way in." Lon said as he knew ARK's was working on the Casino as well. Lon was a regular patron at the Casino so he knew how things tend to work.
She then saw a stand and walked over and saw a movie it was advertising for it. "Transformers?" Chuchi asked as Lon heard her.
"Yeah, the Transformers it's a franchise that tells the struggle between the warring factions of the heroic Autobots and evil force of the Decepticons." Lon summarized as Chuchi saw similarities there and put the movie back. "Oy now since we're already here why not buy a few of them to take home, then when we meet up again we can lay in and have a movie night." Lon offered as he looked over to the Senator.
"Lon I don't think that's exactly proper." Chuchi began but Lon was already decided on this course of action here.
"Come on Senator ya gotta learn to slow down, relax, and enjoy the small things." Lon said as he looked to Chuchi who knew Lon had a point. "If you don't take time for yourself every now and again how can you serve the people?" He added and thus Chuchi sighed knowing this ARK's Operative had a point on that.
"I suppose an evening of holo vids would do well to recharge my power cells." Chuchi conceded to which Lon smiled to the young Senator.
"Well Holo Vids and Snacks." Lon added causing the Senator to playfully roll her eyes over her assigned bodyguard's antics.
"Hey a flock got in!" Came a random voice that sounded almost excited and in turn the duo looked and saw something that made Lon go wide eyed with joy and smiles. For the Isekai ARK's Operative this creature was world famous as the mascot of Phantasy Star. Final Fantasy had the Chocobo's, Dragon Quest had the slime monster; but Phantasy Star will always have those chubby little Rare Item Piñatas.
"RAPPY'S!" Lon cried out as even Chuchi found herself wanting to join in. Yes standing before them all was a flock of Rappy's exploring the town after somehow getting inside the city. Everyone was trying to gather them up and shew the famous mascots of Phantasy Star away but they were just too adorable to do so. The Chocobo's small chubby cousins were clearly unaware they weren't supposed to be here as they even began to tweet their theme.
"Get them out of here!" Came a voice as it seems no one wanted to mess with the Rappy's who were all but impossible to look at without people fawning over the avian based creatures.
"Jeez how do they always find a way inside?" Ahsoka asked as she sounded frustrated but it was clear no one was really complaining.
"What's going on here?" Came the familiar voice of Anakin as he and Padme both arrived with Klara and Yaga.
"Apparently a Rappy invasion." Ahsoka said as she was trying to shew them away but the Rappy's didn't want to leave.
"We need to help these people out. As I understand they are ARK's state animal so we cannot harm them." Padme said as she inexplicitly had a Rappy held in her arms similar to a stuffed animal or even a beloved pet.
"Yeah." Anakin began until he noticed the Rappy. "Senator… why do you have one of them in your arms?" Anakin asked as he saw the Rappy didn't seem to mind the Senators attention.
Padme blushed in embarrassment as clearly she was not in fact thinking of helping to coral all of the Rappy. "Well you see this one was a bit of a runner and I felt it best to hold onto it." Padme said as she showed that she was hoping to keep it as a pet.
Anakin sighed in frustration wondering if this was close to how Obi-Wan felt. "Come on master." Ahsoka was heard as she was in the area helping out but the Jedi Padawan also had a Rappy being held in her arms.
"Ahsoka put the bird down." Anakin said as in turn Ahsoka pouted and put the Rappy down as it seemed to always be happy as long as you don't hit it. The Rappy's then gathered and began to sing their tune again as the way they harmonized showed they were in fact working well together. When they ended it made people want to mess with them even less for it.
"This is going to take a while." Klara sighed until she noted Yaga was missing. "Wait where did that idiot Yaga go?" Klara asked as she looked for her friend.
"BANZAI!" Yaga called out as he jumped into the group of Rappy's and began to cuddle the adorable chubby birds. As Yaga was laughing and snuggling with the Rappy he was acting like an overgrown child for the chubby birds.
Seeing this Klara sighed in frustration and began to rub her eyes to nurse a headache that was forming up. "I present Yaga Rank of Six of the Council of Six ladies and gentleman." Klara said as she was outright embarrassed to be around her closest of friends at times.
"Come on can you really blame me?" Yaga asked as he then took a Rappy and had it face Klara. "Can you really say no to this face?" Yaga asked as he presented the Rappy to Klara who found her resolve wavering before the bird.
"It's going to be one of those days isn't it?" Anakin sighed as the Jedi rubbed his face in frustration.
(Scene Break ARK's Ship)
After dealing with the Rappy's the group were seen on the ARK's ship heading to Horukotan to meet with its people. Luckily thanks to ARK's technology they didn't have to worry about hyperspace lanes since they could basically open a portal to their intended destinations here.
The ones who would be meeting with the people were of course Padme Amidala, Riyo Chuchi, Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, and a guard detail of ARK's Operatives under Anakin's command. Bail was also accompanying them on this trip and luckily ARK's had been making small trips to Horukotan to set up the meeting in question. Luckily thanks to this they were expected but they opted to keep their arrival small to avoid any unwanted attention. After all it paid to exercise caution whenever it's possible as to avoid any unwanted surprised down the long road.
The strange thing to note about Rappy's is that they have an odd way to get to places they should not be. No one in ARK's had figured out how yet because countless search through the cities defenses had yet to yield any defense breaches the Rappy's got in from. Even Anakin had helped and couldn't find a breach so that begged to question how the Hell they got inside. Still despite all of that everyone still managed to focus on the mission… save for Padme who was asking about 20 question about the Rappy's.
Anakin wondered if he should try getting Padme a pet Rappy. Or at least do something in case he might end up losing Padme to those big headed yellow birds. Still it was nice to see her excited about something and in a way he may even consider trying to nab one for his wife. "So what can you tell us about Horukaton?" Obi-Wan asked as he was most curious about the planet they were heading to and its people.
"Well their big that's a start." Yuvel began knowing that the natives of the planet were on the large side. "It's the other part that will get your interest." Yuvel added as they flew through space to their intended destination.
"And what would that be my friend?" Obi-Wan asked to which Anakin took notice of.
"Um Obi-Wan." Anakin said as he pointed to the window and thus they were met with the amazing side of the massive planet of Horukotan. What was noted about it was the fact its Northern Hemisphere was white with a small black area while its southern hemisphere was the reverse. They also noted a massive ring of what appeared to be Grey Ash surrounding it. For the Jedi in the group this planet all but screamed balance as the closer they went the more at ease they felt and with it the stronger their connection to the Force. What was noted was the ring around the planet also matched up to its equator that also had a ring of grey that went around its surface.
"I see what you mean." Obi-Wan said as the planet itself was clearly unique in comparison to any other world.
"So is there any cultural things we should be aware of?" Padme asked as she looked to the ARK's Operatives as Senator Chuchi was also curious about such things here.
"Penny and Tina will have more information when we arrive, but to summarize the planet is split into two factions the Daybreakers and the Nightfallers whom both have a lord ruling over them and whom both rule the planet from the Light and Dark Hemisphere's." Yuvel began as he had been in contact with the twin information brokers turned scouts. "Of course they can only make decisions about the parts they rules over when it comes to decisions that could affect the whole planet they have a third party to help decide such things, some Ashen person." Yuvel said as he wasn't too sure on the details.
"So will Threepio be able to understand them?" Anakin asked as they had of course brought the Protocol droid along for the ride.
"After we have downloaded a Mag translation function into him he should." Yuvel said as the Protocol Droid was surprised by this information.
"Pardon me what?" Threepio asked shocked to hear something being done to him without him being aware.
Of course he was ignored as Yuvel continued to speak. "Anyway despite living on the same world the two factions at best tolerate each other but there had been a few skirmishes but nothing war level that had been seen." Yuvel explained to which Obi-Wan nodded to the ARK's Operative.
"Well that is good to know and hopefully the twins have more information so we may avoid offending anyone." Obi-Wan said as diplomacy was key for what was to come.
"Anyway we should get ready to land soon." Reggie said as he knew they were to land and mingle with the populace of the planet. Penny and Tina were to meet with them and take them to the people expecting them so they may prepare for the session of negotiations.
"Something is going to go wrong isn't it?" Zurna asked with obvious concern over this.
"Do you even need to ask?" Laura asked as it was a given since they had started working with the Republic and their ground forces. But unknown to them darkness was very much on the move from the Dark Falz Collective and their dark machinations.
(Scene Break Dark Falz Collective)
Apprentice was walking around a bit as she flicked her hair some while doing some exploring. Their current abode was nice and well but she could do with a few servants to worship and adore her as she walked by. Ever since the reveal of Persona Apprentice has had to put her attractions into perspective… and for her it was that she can attract anyone one or anything of any gender. She was Dark Falz [Apprentice] the Vernal after all she was the very embodiment of beauty among the Collective. Learning their leader was in fact a she did nothing to change that for her. Though it did explain why she tended to spoil the twins at times perhaps remnants of some engrained maternal instincts. Still regardless she would ensnare Persona for she had ensnared man and woman alike to her thrall and Persona would be no different from them.
"Ah Apprentice good to see you." Luther was heard as he came down from the hall behind Apprentice with another old book in his hand. "I assume you are looking for Persona again?" Luther asked as he looked to Apprentice.
"Why of course have you seen her by any chance?" Apprentice asked as she looked to her fellow Dark Falz.
"Not after she had sent Gemini on a mission." Luther said as he didn't even look up from his read. "After that the only other one of our allies I've seen was Elder." Luther said showing that it may just be the three of them here for the time being.
"And what would Persona be sending Gemini out for?" Apprentice asked curious as to what the reason for that was.
"Not sure, but whatever it is I assume that we will find out soon enough." Luther said before taking his leave of Apprentice the Vernal. "Still begs to question how two of the same person can exist at the same time without cloning. Strange isn't it." Luther offered before he was gone as he left the Apprentice to her thoughts. Clearly Luther was up to something and whatever it was it may involve both ARK's and Persona in this case.
(Scene Break back on Harukoton)
When the group had landed Ahsoka and Chuchi found themselves unneeded for any hoods for this mission. When they departed the transports and made landfall needless to say they were surprised at the city they had all just landed in. It was large to them larger than it should be as even the doors were large by themselves. It made one wonder just what sort of species lived on this strange and odd planet.
The group didn't have to wait long for an answer as soon they saw what they assumed were the Daybreakers walking around. They went about their day to day business from trading wears to simply conversing with each other as normal.
Standing before them were none other than the Twin Newman information brokers Penny and Tina. As the two parties approached each other it was clear that the twins had updates to give to the group. "Hey guys Penny and Tina here and welcome to Horukotan!" Penny exclaimed as the bubbly information broker seemed to be the excitable sort of girl.
"Sorry about her you know how she can be." Tina said as she approached them.
"It's no problem I suppose you have information to give?" Anakin asked as he wondered how Obi-Wan was doing with one like her. Then again when you have a gun crazed CAST girl it was probably best not to ask.
"So what information can you give about this planet?" Obi-Wan asked as he knew this was a diplomatic mission here.
"I'm glad you asked oldie!" Penny called out with her fists to her hips looking mighty proud with herself here. "As you can see Tina and I did a hell of a job getting all the information you could need on Harukoton." Penny boasted and in turn her twin Tina gave a tired sigh there.
"Translation I looked up the information while you started going off on random directions with your 'reporter's senses,' coming to insane conclusions with no bases." Tina explained and for a moment it almost looked like Penny was hit in the head by an invisible arrow.
"Tina! Don't ruin it!" Penny cried out and thus Tina got to the nitty gritty while ignoring her twin sister.
"Anyway here's is what we found out about the planet." Tina began and thus everyone paid attention. "The planet is split into two provinces the Daybreak Province which is where we are, and the Nightfall Province which is on the opposing side of the planet from where we are." Tina began as she looked to the group. "A long time ago there was a war between the Daybreakers and Nightfallers that, after the creation of someone called the Ashen Maiden, resulted in a truce between the two sides." Tina explained as she got the groups attention.
"The Ashen Maiden?" Ahsoka asked as she looked to the twins with curiosity over this newfound information.
"Yes after the Ashen Maiden was born the two sides saw no need to fight anymore." Tina said as she did go around asking information she already knew about.
"From a few hushed whispers I heard the Ashen Maiden was born between a Nightfaller and a Daybreaker becoming a whole new species on this planet." Penny added with a wink and slight whisper to the group.
"If Penny's hunch is correct she's not only the first Ashen of her world she's also the only Ashen on her world. There had not been another such birth since hers in several centuries." Tina said and thus the group were shocked by such information.
"She's an entirely new species and already she's the last of her kind?" Ahsoka asked and thus Penny smirked to this.
"Nah! Story has it she's been alive longer than a lot of people on this planet, we don't know if its actual immortality or longevity but truth is she's one of a kind." Penny said and thus that seemed to be good news… but it was hard to imagine being the only one of your kind in the whole universe.
"Anyway." Tina spoke up getting everyone's attention. "The Ashen Maiden is practically worshiped by the people of Harukoton like a God as she acts mostly as mediator between the Daybreakers and Nightfallers to keep the peace." Tina explained as she got everyone's attention on this.
"So she keeps the peace between the two races that her parents had come from." Obi-Wan said as it was incredible to hear that two races procreating that resulted into the creation of a third sentient species on this planet. "Similar to a Jedi then." He added as he knew the Jedi would no doubt want to meet this woman. If she truly was as old as Yoda she may possess a boundless well of wisdom as to call upon.
"Right-right-right!" Penny responded with a happy smile on her face.
"If anything once you meet with the Day Lord and Night Lord chances are you be meeting with her also." Tina said and thus remembered that bit. "Oh right, the Day Lord leads the Daybreakers while the Night Lord leads the Nightfallers on the planet." Tina explained as she looked to the group. "Both sides follow a monarchy type system where leadership is passed from parent to child." Tina explained as she looked to the group. "It may seemed primitive but for the most part it works for these people." She finished as she looked to the gathered group here.
"Well whatever works for them." Anakin said choosing to stay out of how one runs their government as best he could. Considering he was also married to a politician it tended to be a given.
"Anyway you guys will be meeting with the Day and Night Lords at the Day Lords palace it's the biggest building in the district so you can't miss it." Tina said as she pointed to the building in question here.
"Thank you my young friends." Obi-Wan thanked the two information brokers of ARK's.
"No problem now if you need us we need to do some recon over at the Nightfall Province." Tina said and thus Penny jumped up a bit.
"Let's go!" Penny cheered and thus the twins were off.
Once they were gone it was Yuvel who opted to speak up for the group. "Well that was informative." Yuvel said as he smiled while cracking a small joke here.
"Should we not be given an escort of some sort?" Chuchi asked as the Senator of Pantora was concerned over the lack of an escort.
"That's what ARK's is here for, luv." Lon said as he smiled over to the Pantoran Senator. "Now then ladies first." Lon offered as he was being a gentleman about it here.
"Very well." Riyo said as she and the others began to take their leave unaware of the dark forces at work.
They didn't have to travel far before a pair of Daybreakers came at them almost in a panic upon arrival. "My word is the Ash Maiden." One of the said as they were looking directly at Padme. Of course for the ARK's Operatives it came out as perfect English and thus it fell to Threepio to put his new language upgrade to use.
"I'm sorry what?" Padme asked as she didn't understand the Daybreaker who looked directly at her.
"Oh the irony." Laura said as Zurna also chuckled a bit.
"Mistress Padme it seems that this 'Daybreaker,' fellow has mistaken you for their Ash Maiden." Threepio said as this left Padme wide eyed in shock over what the droid revealed.
"I beg you to hear me out milady." The Daybreaker began as it was clear to everyone but him he was speaking to the wrong person at the moment. "Those insolent Nightfallers they…" He began until Padme cut him off.
"I'm sorry but there seems to be a mistake I'm not the Ash Maiden you speak of." Padme said trying to get this Daybreaker to understand that she wasn't the Ash Maiden or even from the same planet as him.
But before anything else could be said a new Daybreaker appeared as he stood behind the first one. "Cease this at once you trouble her." The new arrival said as he gave a stern glare to the Daybreaker before him. For those who did not know he was seen wearing a coat of sorts and wielding a katana on his person. His mask was not like his cohorts though as it gave him an aura of mysteriousness and intimidation.
"Kotoshiro." The Daybreaker who made his request gasped as Kotoshiro stood behind his fellow Daybreaker while the ARK's ops were shocked to see him standing there.
"As the Ash Maidens Guardian all concerns you have for her must go through me." Kotoshiro said as despite his eyes being unseen the stern glare could be sensed by everyone who was here. "You know this." He added to remind the Daybreaker of how things work for the Maiden.
"Yes… of course." The Daybreaker said before doing a small bow to Padme. "Excuse me Maiden." He said with a small bow before taking his leave of the Republic/ARK's Diplomats.
Once he was gone Padme stepped up with Threepio as her translator for this meeting. "Thank you but we might have a case of Mistaken Identity." Padme spoke and in turn Threepio translated for her.
"I am well aware of that." Kotoshiro revealed and after Threepio translated the Republic group sighed in relief for this. "Be that as it may, the Ash Maiden thought you might get lost on the way so I was dispatched to guide you to the meeting." Kotoshiro said and thus the group was left relieved over an escort to the meeting with the leaders of the Horukotan.
"Thank you, Penny and Tina weren't very descriptive on travelling to the meeting." Yuvel said as he stepped up to greet the Daybreaker. "Well lead the way then." Yuvel said and thus Kotoshiro gestured for the group to follow him to the meeting.
(Meanwhile over with Gemini)
Dark Falz Gemini the Duplicate was seen standing atop a taller building as they swayed back and forth mirroring each other. As they watched the group they knew they were mainly here for recon while Persona had warned them not to binge eat around here. Their mission to resurrect the Profound Darkness was a priority yes but they needed to be tactical and smart when going about performing their task. Is was this reason alone that the Dark Falz Collective had Persona as their leader she was the one who kept them all in line.
Regardless they still had the task to stowing chaos into the galaxy and who was to say they couldn't do recon and cause some chaos. With that the twin Dark Falz vanished via a dark portal to deploy some Falspawn. After all they were Dark Falz and their task was to ensure the Profound Darkness resurrection into the world that was the birth given purpose of the Dark Falz Collective.
(Scene Break the Meeting Site)
The group eventually made it to their destination as the approached to find the Day Lord and Night Lord sitting on their knees in a traditional sense. They sat across from each other as among them was of course Klara and Yaga whom were smirking a bit at the arrivals. Needless to say it was easy to see one major different between the Nightfallers and Daybreakers… the Nightlord was HUGE! The fact he was able to kneel at a table like this was impressive despite the Night Lords Immense size.
And according to Penny and Tina this is just one of several variants of the Nightfallers. If this is what they should expect from one variant it's shuttering to imagine the other variants of Nightfallers. Regardless they were here for an important task and it was best they tried to focus on the diplomatic task. "Welcome ARK's and Republic Representatives." The Day Lord greeted as he looked to the group.
"Thanks you it's great to be here." Yaga said putting his fist in his hand before he proceeded to do a traditional respectful small bow.
"Please take a seat." The Night Lord offered and in turn the representatives each took a seat on their knees much like how the two Lords did. "Now as your Envoy's have previously informed us you wish for our people to join with ARK's and in turn your Republic as well?" The Night Lord asked as he looked upon the small creatures sitting before him.
"Yes as it stands the Republic is currently in the middle of a great conflict known as the Clone Wars." Padme began as Threepio translated for her to these beings. "Ark's has begun to lend us their aid on account of the Separatist forming an alliance with their own enemies the Dark Falz Collective." She added as she sat before the two leaders of Harukoton.
"I see." The Day Lord said as he was curious as to why that was the case for these beings. "It's to my understanding that these systems had desired to leave the Republic did they not?" The Day Lord added as he looked to the being who sat before them.
"Yes." Senator Chuchi said as she looked to the Day Lord.
"So if they wish to leave your government is that not within the very same rights and freedom your Republic champions?" The Night Lord asked as he saw some disturbing red flags in the conflict of the Clone Wars. That of course caused a brief moment of silence to reign in on the group seeing as they did bring up a good point here. And for the briefest of moments Padme pictured Persona only to quickly banish the Dark Falz from her mind. She needed to focus on these proceedings to hopefully gain more allies for ARK's and the Republic. After that she can go back to finding a peaceful resolution to the war.
Just then Obi-Wan took notice to something and opted to voice it to the group. "Pardon my interruption." Obi-Wan began getting everyone's attention on himself. "I noticed that this Ash Maiden of yours is missing I was under the assumption she would also be attending this meeting as well." Obi-Wan said as he looked to the two leaders. Even if he said this the truth was Obi-Wan had noticed the Ash Maiden was missing from the start of the meeting.
"She was otherwise engaged and would be tardy." Kotoshiro confirmed as he stepped in there. "She requested the meeting begin without her and she will join when her prior engagements have been completed." He added and thus it was clear as the Ash Maiden she had a great deal of responsibilities and whatever it was to make her late might be important to her people.
"Now then back to our prior discussion why is leaving the Republic such a detrimental deed to start a war?" The Day Lord asked repeating the question the Night Lord had asked the representatives before.
"Well it's a tad bit complicated but we'll explain as best we can." Chuchi said as she knew this could take a good long while.
(Meanwhile with Dark Falz Gemini)
Gemini stood atop a small building as they smiled at what they were about to do. Their job was to interrupt the meeting and in turn push back Horukotan joining with ARK's and in turn joining with the Galactic Republic. Persona's orders were specific in this regard and that was to ensure the alliance doesn't form between this planet and ARK's. Thus with their orders given Dark Falz [Gemini] the Duplicate raised their arms to the sky.
When they did so portals opened and from it Falspawn rained down upon the city and began attacking. "Let's have fun let's cause chaos." Gemini M said as he smiled to his twin with a sadistic glee.
"Let's all play, lets sow discord." Gemini F said as she shared her twins grin with a smile to enjoy destruction.
(Back at the Alliance Negotiations)
The two Senators just got through explaining why this was bad but also explaining that those in both factions weren't exactly helping matters either. "I see that does sound concerning." The Night Lord said as he knew Government Corruption well.
"Still it does not sound like we would wish to work with the Republic even by proxy of ARK's." The Day Lord said as he feared for himself and his people if they join with the Republic in their war.
Ok thing were not going in the Republic or ARK's favor. But it sure was better than negotiations completely falling apart. "But hearing what the Separatists have been doing… we do not believe we wish to side with them either." The Night Lord added as that was good better they stay neutral then join the Separatists in the Clone War.
"Well we thank you for at least considering our offer and hope you will change your mind at a later date. If you would not mind we'd at least like to leave some communication equipment for your use to contact us should the need arrive." Padme said being diplomatic to the leaders of this planet.
"We will humbly accept your gifts." The Day Lord said as he was curious about the greater galaxy at large.
But before anything else could be said the ARK's Operatives began receiving an emergency alert. "ATTENTION ARK'S OPERATIVES FALSPAWN READINGS DETECTED ON HORUKOTAN!" Came the bridge techs over the communications.
Following it up the doors slammed open and in turn a Daybreaker came in panicked. "My lords we are under attack by dark creatures!" He reported much to everyone's shock. In response the ARK's Operatives and Jedi Knights sprang into action upon what was sounding like a Falspawn attack on this large planet.
(Later Outside)
The group arrived outside to find toy liked Falspawn straight out of a child's warped imagination attacking anything that moved. It was utter chaos at the moment as the people of Horukotan either fought back or ran away to safety. Seeing this Yuvel looked to his team and sprang into action to defend the people.
Yuvel drew his sword and began to hack and slash his way through the enemy with trained ease. As he did this he made sure to provide cover for those caught in the crossfire and unable to fight the Falspawn. As he did this his party/team provided back up with Reggie giving support fire with his rifle and Zurna doing the same with her bow. As they did this Laura moved in to help the injured as she used her Healing Techniques to provide what aid she could for them.
As the battle went on the Four ARK's Operatives were providing the civilian with what aid they can while fighting off the Falspawn that spawned. Aiding them were the Jedi Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka jumped in swinging lightsabers at the enemy.
"Jeez why did these jerks have to show up?!" Reggie snarled as he fired his rifle at the Falspawn.
"No clue." Zurna said as she then switched to her Katana to block an attack. "But I do know we can't let them do as they please around these parts!" Zurna added as she slashed at the same Falspawn that had attacked her moments before.
Just then the familiar sound of a certain Newman gunslinger was heard. "YEEHAW!" Lon called out as he and his team jumped in to join the battle that took place. Lon spun around firing his guns off at the attackers as he proceeded to make quick work of them all.
Next came Zion and Kaz as Zion spun his twin sided glaive about while Kaz sent a card out that went off with a Technique inside it. The attacks hit and as the two got back to back for a moment they saw they were surrounded. Once this was done Chiyo jumped in and began slashing her way through the attackers with her Daggers and gave Kaz and Zion an opening to move. The two males joined Chiyo and made quick work of the toy like Falspawn that surrounded them.
Once that was done the Falspawn were taken care off as they opted to go and aid the others in this battle. "Lon where are the Senators?" Yuvel asked as he looked to other team.
"Don't worry mate, the loves and Sixer are alright." Lon said just before a roar was heard and in turn they looked and saw Yaga jumping in joining the fray.
"Come on did you jerks think I'd miss a fight?!" Yaga asked and thus began to punch and slam his fists into the attacking Falspawn. "Pop used to say that you never run from a fight if you're being attacked!" Yaga called out and thus punched his way through the Falspawn created from childish for Dark Falz [Gemini] the Duplicate. As he continued to fight off his foes the ARK's Operatives took note of the current holder of the Rank of Six on the Council of Six.
"Boss man knows what he's doing huh?" Lon smirked as he saw how Yaga was kicking ass now.
"No kidding." Zion said as he had to agree as he watched Yaga go to town on the Falspawn foes.
Nearby Yuvel and his party were fighting off the Flaspawn as there just seemed to be a great deal of them. It didn't make sense for there to be this many Falspawn attacking. It wasn't enough to suggest that Gemini was nearby… but by the looks of it, there was just enough for there to be a Boss Falspawn nearby. With this in mind Yuvel opted to let his party know about his current theory.
"Guy's we might have a boss nearby!" Yuvel called out as he looked to his party/team.
"What gave you that theory?" Reggie asked as no doubt they all came to a similar conclusion about this.
"We need to either find it or draw it out." Laura added as she fired a light based skill at another Falspawn that was attacking.
Zurna looked around and saw a bath where the Falspawn were coming from. "This way!" Zurna called out and in turn the group charged in to hopefully locate the boss.
(Meanwhile over with Republic Group)
Anakin and Obi-Wan were seen fighting off the Falspawn who kept coming after them. Ahsoka managed to hold her ground as well with support from Rex and the ARK's Operatives that were there to assist. "Jeez where did these guys even come from!?" Lon asked as he continued to fire off his guns on the attacking Falspawn appearing around them. Kotoshiro was also here as he hacked and slashed his foes with his Spirit Sword doing as well as any Braver would in his place.
"You should know they appear whenever a Dark Falz has need for them." Zion said as he spun his glaive and took out several Falspawns with it. "A Dark Falz might be planet side here." Zion added as they continued to fight off their foes. The battle went on but quickly it was clear that they were going to be overrun by the Falspawn here.
"Dark Falz are those the masters to these creatures?" Kotoshiro asked as he looked to the smaller beings aiding him.
"Basically these things are called Falspawn it's what we had hoped to unite with your people to counter." Chiyo said as she then swung her daggers and took out another Falspawn that tried to attack.
But despite all of this it was clear that they were going to be overrun if they didn't do anything. "We need to fall back!" Obi-Wan called out as they were outnumbered and the Falspawn were relentless in their attacks.
"This way!" Kaz called out and thus he guided the group to a path only to find the Falspawn blocking their way.
"Not this way!" Lon countered but when they turned they were surrounded by all of the Falspawn here.
"We're surrounded!" Ahsoka called out as she saw the Falspawn stalking torts them ready to cause them all great harm.
"Well I'm open to suggestions." Anakin said as he saw they needed a plan to get out of this and fast to ensure their survival. As the Falspawn moved in the group began to grow warry of what was to come they knew they had to stand their ground here. Just then much to their shock something amazing had occurred.
Seemingly from out of nowhere Ash like particles came forth and began attacking the Falspawn and defending the group. "Hello." Chiyo said as she saw the Ash particles suddenly appear.
But for Kotoshiro he knew exactly what this was and who was doing it. "Lady Tsukihime!" Kotoshiro gasped and thus the group was left shocked by this newfound information here.
"Tsukihime as in the Ash Maiden?" Ahsoka asked and soon the Ash Particles began to gather together before showing a young woman with duel colored eyes a maiden like dress, and upon her black and white colored hair a single horn was seen. The way she moved the way she stood demanded respect no doubt from royal pedigree suggesting the stories behind her were true.
"Such vile parody of children's playthings." Tsukihime said as she glared at the destructive Falspawn.
"Be gone!" She ordered and with a swing of her opened fan the Falspawn were all dealt with via her Ash Particles attacking them all. When the field was clear Tsukihime jumped down and was joined by Kotoshiro who proceeded to sheath his own weapon.
"Lady Tsukihime." Kotoshiro said as he kneeled down to the woman whom he swore fealty to so many years ago.
"Kotoshiro good I was starting to wonder where you were." Tsukihime said as she looked to her most loyal attendant.
"I suppose you're the Ash Maiden we've heard so much about." Obi-Wan said as he greeted the woman. "I oddly thought you'd be… taller." Obi-Wan admitted as he greeted the young woman before him.
"That is due to my mixed blood I assure you." Tsukihime said as the tone she used suggested not to bring up her mixed heritage if it can be helped here. "Anyway I apologize for missing the meeting but as you can see I have been… preoccupied as you can see." She said as soon more Falspawn began to show up.
"Well milady we have another group who is trying to deal with it but they may need help." Anakin said and thus Tsukihime saw they wished to find their allies.
"Very well do try not to slow me down I won't wait for you." She said showing she was going to help them.
"No problem." Ahsoka said as she noted the haughty tone this woman spoke in even if it was a slightly playful tone. In turn they headed off to locate Yuvel and his party wherever they may be.
(Meanwhile over with Yuvel's party)
Yuvel lead his party through the Streets of the Daybreak Province as they fought their way through the attacking Falspawn. They kept up their paste as they thankfully knew how to fight most if not all of the Falspawn they were fighting thanks to the old times playing PSO2 together.
As they kept up the assault they soon came upon a large open area and were in turn met with the sight of a familiar pair of twin children. The dark clothing and aura that came off them, the fact they seemed to mirror each other in appearance it could be no other.
"You too!" Yuvel called out and in turn the twins turned around to face the Four ARK's Operatives who had found them. This was none other than Dark Falz [Gemini] The Duplicate.
"Oh you're all here." Gemini M said as he glared at the ARK's Operatives with his voice carrying a playful tone to it.
"Oh you've all found us." Gemini F said as despite glaring at Yuvel and his party she like her brother had a playful tone in her voice.
"Have you come to play with us?" Gemini M asked as he looked to the Operatives before him.
"Have you come to die for us?" Gemini F asked as she clearly was ready should the need arrive to do battle.
"No we're here to take you all down!" Yuvel called out as he pointed his sword at the Dark Falz.
"You think you can beat us ARK?" Gemini M asked as he found it funny that ARK's think they have a shot at besting them.
"You think you can end us Monsters?" Gemini F said as she like her twin was taunting the ARK's Operatives.
"Just give the word boss and I'll fill them with bullet holes." Reggie said ready to open fire on the Dark Falz standing before them.
"Wait Yuvel." Laura said as she wasn't too sure about harming the Twins before them. "I mean their children sure one of them is fake but…" Laura said but Zurna cut her friend off there.
"Laura remember the Dark Falz are dangerous they choose the purest beings they can find for hosts because they knew those who knew this person would never try to kill them like that." Zurna said as she knew this from the original lore for the Phantasy Star series before Phantasy Star Online was a thing.
"I know but…" Laura began but Yuvel cut her off.
"Don't worry Laura your heart's in the right place." Yuvel said as he didn't like it either but ending them was a mercy for whomever the host for Gemini was. And that was assuming the host was not Florent in this world they arrived in. "But Zurna is right this is a Dark Falz it will be a mercy for the host at least to free them even for the briefest of moments in time." Yuvel added as he knew just how destructive the Dark Falz were and that wasn't even considering it's merely the offspring of the Profound Darkness.
"We're getting bored now you're boring us." Gemini M suddenly cut in as this got the groups attention.
"We're getting sleepy now you're tiring us." Gemini F said as she looked at the group.
"We need to leave anyway, our mission is done." Gemini M added as he looked to the group.
"We have to go anyway, our task is over." Gemini F said and thus Yuvel and Zurna went to act
"No you don't!" He called out as he and Zurna swung their weapons down on Gemini the Duplicate.
But when they did so Gemini vanished much to their shock. They then heard their laughter and looked up to see them standing atop a roof of a local building. "If you still want to play we'll leave a toy for you, just don't die too quickly." Gemini M said as he raised his arm up.
"If you still want to have fun here's a toy of ours, just don't regret it." Gemini F said and thus from above a small Falspawn appeared only for a great number of building blocks to appear. When they showed up they formed on the smaller Falspawn that had the core in its mouth and in turn formed a large golem like Falspawn out of some child's warped fantasy.
In turn the Falspawn roared and proceeded to go on the attack. "Scatter!" Yuvel called out and in turn he and his party got out of the way to safety. This began their battle as the Falspawn proceeded to go on the offensive against them. Reggie of course kept his distance and fired upon the Falspawn with his rifle. Meanwhile Laura with Clarissa used light based Techniques accounting for the Falspawns weakness against such elements.
As this happened Yuvel and Zurna were on the offensive as they coordinated with each other to attack the joins on its arms and legs. They remember that by taking those out the Falspawn's core/true form will be left vulnerable for but a small moment. Its core would be exposed and thus they had a small window of opportunity to deal with said exposed core.
They proceeded with their attack but the Falspawn in retaliation swung its arms about and thus began to fight back. This went on for a bit as Yuvel had to block many of the attacks that came his way while Zurna also did the same. Zurna then dodged an attack before switching over to her Bow and proceeded to fire off an arrow at one of the pulsing red joints. Once that was done the Falspawn roared out in retaliation and glared at the ARK's Operatives before it began attacking. During some of its attacks Reggie stepped in and fired off his rifle at the Falspawn and got close to it.
The Falspawn seeing this went for Reggie who quickly dodged the attack and fired his rifle while doing so. The Photon Bullet flew fast and true before they hit one of the joints. For a bit of added damage Yuvel jumped in using Reggie's shoulders as a bounce board and slashed through the join. Like its sibling it began skinny and weak and thus this left two Joints left on the Falspawn before them. The attacks from the Falspawn in response grew more violent as clearly it tried to end the ARK's Operatives as its creator ordered it to.
The battle went on as now they only had to deal with the joints in the legs but the Falspawn wasn't going to make it easy for them. Yuvel acting switched over to his Wire Blades and had an idea. "Guys give me cover!" Yuvel called out and thus his friends saw what Yuvel was planning to do right now. In turn Zurna, with her boy equipped, Reggie, and Laura proceeded to provide Yuvel with cover fire for his attack. Yuvel of course charged in to attack as he aimed for the joint in the left leg and used his Wire Blade to pull himself torts it. The Falspawn tried to stop the ARK' Operative but Yuvel was too fast. His attack had the initial damage and in response Yuvel switched to a Partisan before taking that joint out leaving the Falspawn with one left. Yuvel taking advantage of the momentum switched to his sword and cut straight through the joint of the left leg.
With all four Joints eliminated the Falspawn's body froze up for a moment before coming apart and piling on the ground. In the center of it was the main body and core as it cried out like a child having a temper tantrum right now. Once this was done Yuvel roared out and slashed down on the core causing the Falspawn to surprisingly fly up and land on its legs. It stumbled around looking a tad bit drunk before it fell over and at last dissolved into those black particles.
With the battle one Yuvel glared over to Gemini who began to laugh at what they saw. "What fun, this was fun." Gemini M said as he smiled down upon the ARK's Operatives before him.
"That was fun, we had fun." Gemini F said as she also laughed to this.
"How about you come down here and fight us!" Yuvel said as he pointed his sword accusingly at the child like Dark Falz before them.
"Hmmm no we'll just end it now!" Gemini said and thus the group saw the massive faces on Gemini M's right sleeve and Gemini F's left sleeve come to life. The faces now had maws on them and were about to eat the ARK's Operatives. But before this could happen Ash Particles came in and grabbed the four and pulled them all to safety. Following it up Kotoshiro came in and slashed down on the Dark Falz attempt to eat.
The Twins cried out as they pulled back their sleeved arms from the Daybreakers attack. "Well so you are the darkness I had felt upon this world." Tsukihime said as she looked upon Gemini as the ARK's Operatives were surprised to see the Ash Maiden. "I suggest you both should surrender yourselves to us otherwise I'll have to use more forceful methods on a disobedient child such as yourself." Tsukihime said as she pointed her fan at Gemini ready to do battle against her foe.
Gemini actually looked ready to attack but then suddenly stopped for the moment. They looked to the side as if speaking to an unseen force. The way they scowled showed they didn't like it but had to follow it regardless. They then looked to each other and thus nodded knowing they were given new orders.
"Very well but we will not stay." Gemini M said as he glared at the foes who stood before him.
"Ok but we wont turn ourselves over." Gemini F said as she stood next to her twin on this response.
"We were told to retreat and regroup." Gemini M said as the group heard what he had just said here.
"We were told to go and return home." Gemini F said and thus it was clear what was about to happen in this regard here.
"No!" Yuvel called out and thus charged in to stop the twin Dark Falz from leaving. But alas it was too late as soon Gemini vanished into a dark portal. Yuvel swung his sword down a moment too late and thus it was evident Dark Falz Gemini had escaped them. Once Gemini was gone the Falspawn also vanished to follow their creator back to base.
"Dammit they got away." Zurna said as she glared at where Gemini had escaped too.
"But they'll be back they always do." Yaga said as he rolled his shoulders a bit as he walked in. "Ok let's get to fixing the damages and continued our talks." Yaga said as he looked to Tsukihime who understood as much.
"Well with this problem solved we can finish our negotiations while we start on repairs." Tsukihime said as she clearly had a long day with all that happened.
(Scene Break Central City Halpha)
Arthur, Xect, and Morgan were all gathered in the Council Room. "So it's as you suspected?" Arthur asked as he looked to Xect.
"Yes I've noticed a pattern after researching the War's progress a continued stalemate, the Chancellor slowly gaining more emergency power in the Senate, and the war dragging on for as long as it has… either the Chancellor or someone using him is playing the long game." Xect said as he never trusted anyone hence why he suspected Palpatine.
"But to make such accusations without sufficient evidence could be a problem." Arthur said as Morgan nodded to this.
"Hence why I have carefully begun to implant agents to gather the information they can, if we can halt the process a bit and use it to gather evidence we might be able to save the Republic, the only major problem would have to be the Jedi themselves and certain bylaws of the Republic." Xect said as he looked to Arthur as Morgan understood.
"With the number of children born to ARK's it makes sense that many might end up born with Force Sensitivity somehow." Morgan said as she looked to the group. "And what's worse is that since we failed to gain Harukoton as allies we're right back at square one." Morgan said as she rubbed her chin a bit to this.
"Well if Palpatine is the mastermind or working with the mastermind then we should also put the clones under suspect of preprogrammed orders." Xect added and thus it was logical to think this way.
"Now that sound like one of those insane conspiracy nuts." Morgan added as the female CAST looked to their Newman Chief of Intelligence.
"Perhaps but we can't dissuade the theory this time around." Xect said as he had trust issues with a lot of people in the world.
"So we know what to do, once the Retem Region is ready we will have access to more resources and should better aid the Republic." Arthur said as he looked to his fellows. "For now we need to work in the shadows if we want to learn the truth." Arthur added and thus they were in agreement.
"I'll inform our inside plant to keep her eyes and ears peeled and our other agents to try and keep Palpatine from acquiring more emergency power if able." Xect said and thus they were all in agreement on what to do for now.
"I'll contact each of you when it's time to meet once more but remember in war nothing is as it seems." Arthur said and thus it was clear they've become akin to the illuminati here. But they didn't have a choice this came with leadership at times, the need to secretly meet behind closed doors. Clearly the Falspawn and Dark Falz aren't the only threats ARK's may very well face. But until it makes its move they had to try and hold the lines here. But the question remained what is the point of this war, what is the endgame that they were not seeing? Until they can learn of what it is all they can truly do was wait and act when needed.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well took me a bit but I finally got this chapter done. I hope you all enjoyed it and will join us for the next one. Anyway chapters for this may end up slow coming in preparations for Chapter 2 of Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis. So until it comes out we might need to wait for chapters. Now then be sure to leave a review and as I always say here ja-ne.