Volume III.5: Vermillion Blue

Chapter VI: I'll Be Waiting For You And Tsubaki


Location: Aletaio Forest

CRASH

"AGH!"

Just east of Vier-Galla was an area known as the Aletaio Forest. Normally a peaceful area that remains undisturbed by the citizens in the city, and lies just below the mountain where Vier-Galla was located. After a devastating loss to the Persuant Siblings, S11-413 took to the skies and fled from the city. It was then that her thrusters gave out due to damages, sending her crashing into the forest below. The demonic android groaned as she stood up, looking at her mangled body and now seeing just how much damage Lyrial and Aguil's attack did to her. The girl growled, balling her fist up and punching a tree.

"Damn those little brats!" she exclaimed. "I am a piece of state of the art technology, there should be no logical way that I could ever lose to somebody like them! Ugh, this is what I get for not analyzing my data further. The cap for their energy should've been determined when they managed to escape our first attack on Vermillion Blue, and yet they turn out to be full of surprises. Surprises that I will have to analyze later, once I've repaired myself. Alright, Auto-Repair, do your thing."

The demonic android's self repairing systems began to activate as her body was actively repairing. She looked around and realized that she also lost her spear during that battle.

"You 've gotta be kidding me, that's gone too?!" She groaned. "I really liked using that weapon too, it was extremely useful! At this rate, if Series Four and Ninety Six don't take care of Vermillion Blue and Glacial Order on their own, we might have to retreat for now and deliver our current progress to the commander."

The ginger android watched as her left arm's exoskeleton was being reconstructed the fastest. She wiggled her reformed fingers and clenched her metal fist as her self repair system began focusing on repairing her face next.

"To think I'm really going through all of this shit just to hunt down two human targets," she complained. "They're human. There's no way we should be having problems. The problem is definitely those two with Vermillion Blue. They aren't of Man's realm. At the same time, that other woman with the eyepatch had a demonic cannon in her possession. If the data is correct, there's a strong chance she has ties to Glacial Order as well." S11-413 let out a groan. "Honestly, this is a pain to put up with. We're completely struggling against these two. I can only hope that whenever we are sent to capture this otherworlder titled 'Grim Reaper', we'll be a little more efficient."

"Grim… Reaper…?"

The demonic android looked alarmed as she heard someone else's voice in the forest with her. Her right arm opened up to reveal a miniature laser cannon.

"Who the hell's sneaking up on me while my sensors are down?" she asked. "Come out of hiding, you bitch. I heard you! Sounded like a woman's voice."

"You mentioned… the Grim Reaper…"

The ginger android looked to the left, and saw nothing. She turned to the right and saw nothing either. Finally, she turned completely around, and found which way the voice was coming from. There was somebody approaching her from the other side of the forest. The android was right in the face that it was a girl, with pale skin. She was wearing black boots with a white cuff at the top, and black and red shorts that had large, grey buckles on the right side with gold buttons attached to them, and a black strap holding them together. The girl was wearing a very unique, white crop top with large, blue borders, a visible X-shaped scar above her breasts, and a black shirt collar around her neck, attached to no shirt. She was wearing fingerless gloves and a bandage wrapped around her left lower arm. One of the most noticeable things about this girl was both her silver hair, and the fact she was wearing a badly torn red long coat. It wasn't even wrapped around her normally. She had it hanging off her left shoulder.

"Who the hell are you?" the ginger android asked. "Hell, 'what are you?' is the question. Somebody as creepy as you can't be human." S11-413 began scanning the girl as she approached, and was surprised. "Oh, I was wrong. Your soul is blue after all."

"Where…"

The girl extended her right arm and began reaching for something on her back, showing off a red sphere attached to the glove on her right hand. She reached up and pulled out a sword with a blade that was multiple shades of blue, and attached to the sword's grip by gray hinges and bolts.

"Where is the Grim Reaper…?" the girl asked. "Grim… Reaper…? Rag… na…"

"The hell's your deal…?" The demonic android found herself confused by the girl's reactions. "Everything, even down to your speech pattern, it's showing no form of pattern or even sentience. Can you even hear me talking to you?" S11-413 aimed her hand cannon. She tried activating her gatling guns, but her chest slot wouldn't open. "Shit, I'm heavily under armed."

"Hos..tile…" the girl held her sword to the side.

"I'll state this once, girly. Back off, or I'll terminate you."

"Where is he…?" The girl raises her left hand towards the demonic android. "Must… know… Tell me…"

As she stepped into the moonlight, the red and black eyepatch over her right eye was as clear as day.

"Tell Nu… where her other half is…"


Location: East District of Vier-Galla

CLANG

The demonic androids had been forced back by Noel, Jin, Crimson, and Yumi. Their fight had continued long after Jin and the others arrived, the two androids working together. Despite not being able to properly fight, Jin was doing an excellent job in taking control of the fight strategically, using everything at his disposal so that the girls could push back the Demons. S11-096 and Lazuli had been pushed back to the end of the alleyway, still fully armed, and ready to shoot and fire at any time. Noel and Crimson had the two surrounded from the front, while Yumi was perched above them on a flag post attached to a building. Just as they were about to resume their battle, a loud beeping noise could be heard internally by the two androids as their eyes started flashing. Everyone was alarmed, keeping on their guard to see what they would do now.

"Receiving emergency distress signal from S11-413," Lazuli stated to her ally. "Signal's location is to the east, outside of the city's borders."

"Why is she…?" S11-096 could only wonder as to why 413 of all people would be requesting reinforcements. She knew for sure that she had to be in serious trouble. "Commence our withdrawal. We will have to leave them alive."

Lazuli and ninety-six suddenly shot up into the sky like rockets and flew off towards the Aletaio Forest in the east. Noel and the others watched them leave, unsure as to why they suddenly left. At that point, Lyrial and Aguil arrived as well.

"So they're gone as well," Lyrial noted. "Looks like you didn't need our assistance after all."

"The only thing that way is a forest and the next train station, but that one's a bit farther out," Crimson said. "Why would they be headed over there?"

"It doesn't matter now," Jin said, walking off. "We need to survey the rest of the damage done to the city, and then leave as soon as possible."

"You mean you want us to come with you this time?"

"There's no point in leaving the two of you behind anymore."

"Wait, Jin!" Noel exclaimed. "I need to talk!"

"What do you want?"

"For an older brother, he really doesn't seem to like you," Lyrial said. "Sounds just like the dick I thought he'd be."

"If you're asking to come with me, I can't allow that. If those Demons are still after us, then sticking together will give them an easier opportunity to kill us both."

"No wonder the Captain wanted to leave you here," Crimson stated.

"I know, I know…" Noel replied. "But…"

"Don't ask for any explanations," Jin sighed. "I may have been here longer, but I'm just as clueless as you are. I haven't the slightest idea about anything involving this world, or who those two were. And I don't have time to look into them."

"That's because you're looking for the others, right?"

Jin stopped for a moment. "Others…?"

"Before you showed up, I managed to trick that one with the blue hair into telling me a few things. And… I know for a fact that it isn't just you and me in Riverbrandt. So I need you to stay for a moment, and listen to what I have to say."

"Not out here…" Yumi said. "Too dangerous…"

"She's right," Aguil agreed. "If we're going to talk, we need to do this somewhere else. And at another time."

Truthfully, Jin didn't want to remain in Vier-Galla for another night. But at the same time, he needed to both investigate the damage to the city and listen to what Noel had to tell him. This wasn't something he could do in a single night. He finally sighed and nodded his head.

"We'll meet again tomorrow morning."

-X-

On a nearby rooftop, Terumi was still present in the city, and watched everything that transpired. The man yawned with a bored expression.

"That wasn't even worth my time," he said before leaving.


Morning

Location: A Meeting Room in One of the Military Buildings, East Vier-Galla

The sun rose over Vier-Galla on the next day. Jin wasted no time preparing to hear what Noel had to say, and picked out a small meeting room in one of the city's military areas. It wasn't anything grand, but it fits its intended purpose. Noel, Lyrial, and Aguil hadn't arrived yet. The three returned to Kiln for a moment, as they left everything else they had back there. Jin was already in the room, sitting down with his arms folded and Yukianesa against his chair. Crimson was present, wearing her usual uniform as she stood beside the room's door. Maya had also shown up. The First Major was armed as well, and had bandages wrapped around her head and right arm. The moment the fighting started, S11-096 landed a rather cheap blow that left her injured. It's a surprise that she even showed up at all today.

"Talk about a hectic evening, am I right?" Maya asked jokingly. "And then the following morning, we're in a regular old meeting room."

"Are you sure you should even be up?" Jin asked her. "You shouldn't have even been out examining the damages after that hit."

"I ain't a Knight for nothing, you know."

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

"Captain," Yumi's voice was on the other side of the door. "We're here."

The door opened. Yumi was the first to walk in, wearing her military uniform instead of her assassin gear. Noel walked in next, the blonde changed into a white, long sleeved shirt with a blue ribbon, a blue dress reaching to her knees, and regular black pumps with white socks. Lyrial changed back into her regular blue dress, and Aguil wore a longer red shirt, keeping everything else the same as yesterday.

"Sorry we're late," Noel said. "We left all of our things in another town close by."

"Ah don't worry about it, we're in no rush anymore," Maya said. "So this girl must be the one who's your sister, eh?"

"Yes. That's me. I'm sorry, I don't think we've met yet."

"Normally the only thing I'm required to give you would be my rank. But seeing how much Jin trusts you and the fact that you have been helping us. I'm Maya Winchester, First Major of Galla's infantry. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Nice to meet you too. I'm Noel Vermillion. Though you… probably already knew that."

Jin looked over at Crimson and Yumi. "The two of you may as well introduce yourselves as well."

"If it's the Captain's orders, then I guess they can be trusted," Crimson said. "Second Lieutenant Crimson R. Kannon." The red salutes.

"Chiyome Yumi… Warrant Officer," Yumi introduced herself to the three.

"It's nice to officially meet all of you," Aguil said. "My name is Aguil Persuant. And this is my sister, Lyrial."

The pinkette smiled smugly and gave a thumbs up. "Hey."

"With that out of the way…" Noel said.

"Take a seat first," Jin said. "It's obvious that we're going to be here for a while."

Noel nodded as she, Lyrial, and Aguil sat down. Maya took a seat next to Jin while Crimson and Yumi remained on guard, standing by the door. Noel couldn't help but have dozens of questions rushing through her head while she was seated, and she knew that she couldn't get answers at this time. But she kept wondering. How long has Jin been in Riverbrandt? How much about this world does he know? And how did he get a position like this? Above all else, does he know anything about the people from their world being in Riverbrandt already? His reaction last night told her that he already knew something.

"Now…" Jin said. "Noel… what exactly did you learn?"

"There's really only one thing that would interest you right now…" Noel started to explain. "Operation: Uninvited Guests."

"What…?"

Noel proceeded to explain everything she learned about Operation: Uninvited Guests, as Lazuli referred to it as. The girl didn't know all of the details and could only repeat everything that she heard from the demonic android. She did her best to recall and state every important detail concerning the plot to hunt down otherworlders. There wasn't a lot of information that Noel could give them, and it didn't take her long to reach the codenames. She listed off everyone in the order that she was told them in, saving hers for last and specifying which ones she knew were hers and Jin's.

"That's everything I learned," Noel concluded her explanation. "I'm still trying to figure out who is who, aside from the two of us. But… there's one name in there that worries me, because I'm almost one hundred percent sure of who it's referring to…"

"Armaments of Justice…" Jin uttered, something that didn't go unnoticed.

"Huh?"

"Is there something about that name that you know about?" Aguil asked.

"So I was right," Jin said. "Without a doubt, that codename is referring to her." Jin scoffed. "This is what I was afraid of too."

"Afraid of what?" Noel questioned.

"You know who that name is referring to as well. I can see it in your eyes. If you weren't sure about it, then listen to me when I tell you that you're right. It IS her."

Noel thought about what went through her head last night. She covered her mouth and knew what Jin was referring to. It was something that she wanted to hope was just a coincidence. But judging by her brother's reactions, it was not.

Without a doubt, Armaments of Justice was the codename the Demonic Androids use to talk about Tsubaki Yayoi.

"So it really was Tsubaki…" Noel said. "But wait, Jin, how can you be so sure?"

"I've been utilizing my position in this kingdom to search Riverbrandt on my own. I was investigating on my own whether or not I was the only person in this world from ours. I prepared detailed descriptions and information concerning many people, and others have been searching this world for any others. The reason I'm in Vier-Galla in the first place is because I was following a lead of what I believed was about Tsuabki's whereabouts."

"You knew Tsubaki was here?!"

"I had believed that she was for the longest time. And thanks to what you've told me, now I'm completely positive. I was following Tsubaki's trail the whole time. Until you showed up, that is."

"I'm sorry… I didn't know that Tsubaki was…"

"Hey, don't go around putting all the blame on yourself," Lyrial said. "It's not like you knew that your friend was in the area when you got here. You were probably as lost as she is."

"Just be glad that the demonic androids didn't get a hold of her trail," Aguil said to both Noel and Jin. "Even though they're after the two of you, they don't appear to be aware of Tsubaki's location yet. For all we know, she could still be in Vier-Galla."

"She isn't," Jin stated. "That's why I was planning to leave as soon as possible. The trail led me further east, outside of the city. And by now, it's most likely gone cold. She couldn't have left from the other side either, else someone would've reported in. The only thing I know is that Tsubaki is somewhere east of here. And the only way I'll find out more is to leave Vier-Galla once we're finished here, and pursue her."

"Let me come with you!" Noel exclaimed. "Tsubaki is my friend too, and I want to make sure that she's okay as well."

"It's too dangerous the way things are now. Like I told you last night, if we stick together, then we'll be an easier target for our adversaries. What if they succeeded in bombing the train this time? Would you rather both of us be taken out while searching for Tsubaki?"

"No…"

"That's why I can't let you travel with me." Jin folds his arms. "Noel. Listen to me. If anything happens to me out there, then you're the only one who knows all of this information. If they come after me and succeed, and I die, then it will be up to you to figure out where Tsubaki is, and whoever else is here, and figure out why we've been brought into this world. If both of us were to die, then this information would truly be lost. And whoever is after us will have their way easily."

"Jin…" Noel could see that despite his cold exterior, Jin actually cared about her safety. Even if he made it seem like she was only valuable because of the information she possessed, he was worried about her, just like he's worried about Tsubaki. The girl nodded. "I understand. But, I don't know where else to go."

"You could come with us back to Chestile," Aguil suggested. "Heading to the west would definitely throw them off. I don't think they have ways of tracking you either."

"That's a great idea!" Maya gave her input. "Chestile's a pretty good distance from here. It'll take about a couple of days if you start your trip from the station in Trebel, a city south of 'ere."

"Well… I guess I can if Lyrial and Aguil are fine with me joining them," Noel said.

"Sure, why not?" Lyrial replied. "We don't mind the extra company."

"If that's what you wish to do, then we'll be happy to have you of course," Aguil said.

"Then it's settled," Noel said with a smile.

Moments later, everyone exited the meeting room. Noel and Jin both decided on what they were going to do, and were preparing to head out, after a final goodbye.

"I'll be sure to let the Magistrate know that we've pretty much resolved the situation and that we're getting ready to head out," Maya said, walking off first.

"Are you sure that you'll be alright?" Noel asked Jin. "It's not too late to change your mind about this, you know. We can still handle this together."

"If I can't guarantee my own safety, why would I guarantee yours?" Jin replied with his own question. Even with Crimson and Yumi with me, I can't promise that we'll all be safe. That's why I want to stay split up."

Noel looked down with worry in her eyes. Jin sighed, and put a hand on his sister's shoulder.

"Noel," he said. "I can't promise my safety, but I will promise this. The next time you see me again, Tsubaki will be by my side. I don't know what else you'll run into or if you'll find anyone else from that list. But if you find one of our friends-"

"Be sure that it's them," Noel finished. "And then tell them everything. Right?"

Jin nodded. "I intend to let Tsubaki know after all." The man turned around and was getting ready to leave. "Crimson, Yumi, we're leaving."

"Yes, Captain," Both said.

"Wait."

Noel stopped her brother once more as he was leaving. As Jin turned around again, what came next was something he couldn't have seen come. A hug. After everything was said and done, the reason Noel said was to give her older brother a hug, one that surprised him. Even in the new world that Ragna created, the relationship between Jin and Noel was far from what one would expect of the two siblings. But before erasing his existence, Ragna said one last thing to the two; for them to get along. Even though they don't remember him, or his words, Ragna's request still lingered in the back of their minds. As such, Jin became much softer to Noel than he used to be, and Noel often made attempts to act friendly towards him. Things remained awkward between the two, but they have been making attempts to act more like brother and sister.

"I'm sorry, I…" Noel said. "I can't help but worry about you. We're still family. I don't want to let you go through with this if it means you could die but… I know that you have to. So I really mean it when I say this; Stay safe, Jin."

Jin blinked in surprise, and then chuckled, gently returning the hug his sister gave him. "Even if it's a possibility, have I ever been one to let anything stop me? Even if I can't fight right now, I've been smart enough to survive this long, and I plan to keep surviving. I plan that you, me, and Tsubaki will get to see each other again. If they want me dead then so be it. But, I won't give them my life easily. I trust you to do the same." Noel lets go of Jin as he turns around. "Now get going."

Noel nods. "Alright. We'll be going now." She turned around and started walking off with Lyrial and Aguil. Noel stopped and turned back around, hopefully for the last thing. "Oh, one LAST thing. Did… the name Grim Reaper ring any bells to you earlier?"

Jin thought about it for a moment. While it sounded like something he should remember, nothing of importance came to mind. "No, it doesn't," he answered.

"I see. Alright."

Noel, Lyrial, and Aguil all ran off. Jin, Crimson, and Yumi watched the three leave before leaving themselves, in the opposite direction.

"The Grim Reaper…" Jin was still thinking about Noel's last question. He really felt like he knew who that codename was referring to, but he couldn't figure it out. "Strange. It feels as if I've forgotten something important."

-X-

Noel, Lyrial, and Aguili walked out of the building and into the city, taking note of how the military responded to the damages so quickly. They were slightly concerned if everything would be alright, and seeing the military taking care of things already helped relieve any worries they had for the city and its civilians. The three looked at each other and nodded, and continued making their way back to the west side of Vier-Galla.

"I can't thank the two of you enough for all of this," Noel said to the siblings. "I've had you guys help me ever since we first met. I'm sorry I've had to rely on the two of you so much."

"We don't mind, honest," Aguil replied. "The entire time, Lyrial and I have been more than happy to assist you. From finding your brother, to dealing with the demonic androids."

"Really?"

"Hey, there's no reason why you shouldn't have been able to make sure that Jin was safe," Lyrial commented. "Aguil and I mostly wanted to make sure two siblings got to see each other again. And now, we've got no problems assisting you for as long as you want us to." The pinkette rubs her head. "But of course we'll… have to leave Chestile the moment we hear from our Master."

"Oh is that so? I wouldn't mind coming along then. I'd like to meet this Master of yours."

"She's currently in another city, but I'm sure she'd be happy to meet you as well," Aguil said, walking ahead of the two to the train station. "Well then, let's hurry on."

"I'll race you, big brother!" Lyrial exclaimed, laughing and running ahead of the two. Aguil ran after her.

"Big bro-Hey, wait up!" Noel chased after the two siblings, not wanting to be left behind. "Wh-Why did you suddenly call her your Big Brother?!"


A Little Over Three Weeks Later…

Location: The Saint Illustrious, Chestile's West Airship Dock

"You plan to head back towards Vier-Galla now?"

After the multiple incidents that happened in Vier-Galla, Noel went with Aguil and Lyrial as they returned to their airship in Chestile, a journey which took them a little more than a week to complete. The trio had no further plans after reaching the city of magic, and spent the time hanging out and getting to know each other better. Overall, it was a time for Noel to properly relax after all of the skirmishes and problems thrown her way over a two day period. Lyrial and Aguil kept waiting to see if they'd hear anything from Monika while Noel was with them. However, their Master had yet to send them any kind of sign.

The trio spent two weeks together in Chestile, spending most of their time aboard the Saint Illustrious of course. Eventually, Noel decided that she didn't want to wait around forever. She kept growing ever more concerned about Jin, Tsubaki, as well as what happened to the three demonic androids. The more she worried, the more restless she got. That's why, after three weeks passed, Noel decided that she wasn't going to stay in Chestile. Preparing to leave Aguil and Lyrial, Noel, back in her normal clothing, was about to make her way back towards Vier-Galla. Aguil and Lyrial still helped her pack and gave her whatever they thought would be helpful for her trip.

"I'm sorry to leave so suddenly," Noel said to the two. "But there's so much on my mind that I have to head back. It's been three weeks now, so I won't have to worry about Jin and I being attacked together."

"You sure you're gonna be fine on your own?" Lyrial asked. "We can't come back with you this time since we're worried about Master."

"I'm aware. I don't know what to expect, but I'll be fine on my own. I don't need you two to worry about me anymore. It was fun hanging out with the two of you."

"Well, it's not like I can stop you anyways. It's a week's trip from Chestile to Vier-Galla. So you'd better be careful out there."

"We were hoping that you'd stay longer, but we won't ask you if your mind's made up," Aguil said. "It was fun having you around."

"Don't talk as if we're never going to see each other again. I don't know when it'll happen, but I'm sure that one day, our paths will cross again. If you aren't still here, of course."

"Yeah… you're right."

"Take care of yourself, Noel." Lyrial said.

"You too, Lyrial, Aguil," Noel replied.

The siblings waved goodbye as Noel turned around and started walking away. They only knew her for such a short time period, and they still felt like Noel was somebody that they could be friends with for a long time. Neither of them knew what history had in store for them, or if their paths would ever cross again.

But considering the events of the present… they just might.

Bloodedge Hero of Riverbrandt

Volume III.5: Vermillion Blue

End.