07/18/20
It's been a bit hasn't it? Happy to say I'm back and eagerly writing more of this story, I have so much I want to do! I can't stop!
This chapter hit a snag which was part of the reason but I got it all ironed out so i hope you...enjoy?
(Noun) The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.
Chapter Twenty Six
Control
December 25th 2056 - 5 Months After Starfall
Elma stood facing the same foreign Skell that had taken so much from her during Starfall. The Ghost's Vita. Long since stolen from them and now rebuilt and piloted by the Ganglion leader. Luxaar.
Behind Elma stood Irina, Gwin, Frye, Kruse and L. She'd requested they join her in reclaiming the very Lifehold they've sought since landing on Mira. All of BLADE united to defend the only thing that could guarantee their survival, a desperate battle raged in the seas of Cauldros against a massive Ganglion horde.
All their effort and sacrifice however was a great risk as despite all their plans and strategies, Luxaar managed to break through their lines and shatter the Trion Barrier. Now within the Lifehold Core he had every intention of fulfilling his goal: destroying the central supercomputer which housed the genetic data and consciousness of the people of Earth.
Elma had no desire to let that stand. Not after all that they've been through.
Yet as they prepared to engage Luxaar, the damage he had already done to the Lifehold caused some sort of failsafe to activate. Something Elma was unaware of. Genetic data of countless specimens from Earth was pulled together and the Lifehold gave birth to a slew of horrifying Chimeras which immediately began attacking both Luxaar and the allied BLADEs.
"What the hell are those things, Colonel!?"
Irina called out as she fired on one of them, keeping it at bay and allowing Frye to charge past her, raising his longsword above his head he cut through the beast's flesh, a terrible cry escaping its mouth.
The rest of the BLADEs launched into action, Elma leading their charge against the mutated creatures. They finally found the Lifehold. Time was running out.
She refused to lose anything or anyone else.
August 3rd, 2060
Elma found herself standing once more in command of a squad of BLADEs, staring down a massive Chimera approached them. She and Frye made eye contact, everything about his expression mirrored her own. Every oddity about the mission they were on became clear and sensible with the presence of this new Tyrant.
Closing her eyes briefly, Elma thought back to the battle of the Lifehold. Things were so hectic, she was desperate to end the conflict...she never imagined that one of the Chimeras could have found a way to escape. All these years, has it been biding its time? Was everything happening recently a part of it's plan? Did it want them? Did it want her?
Opening her eyes she took a deep breath.
"Keep your minds clear."
She whispered, Senti next to her nodded.
"You...you said a Chimera...you mean…?"
Frye moved closer to Senti.
"Yes, the things that appeared in the Lifehold."
"I read the reports once...they said something about...Control."
As Raymond fell silent, Elma took another step back while keeping her eyes on the creature.
"Yes. It can and will ensnare any minds within reach...the more conflicted you are, the more susceptible to its Control you become. Given how it's been able to Control what looks like several packs of Grexes, this one is in a league of its own."
Raymond looked at the creature, like Senti he had never seen this thing, the stories about the end of the First Ganglion Conflict did not paint a pretty picture and even those stories were nothing compared to the real thing.
"The eyes as well."
Elma whispered.
"All of them along the body can initiate mental attacks but the ones on its legs are especially fierce. Be careful."
The four BLADEs continued to back up towards the cave exit, Elma cast a look behind them before turning back to the Chimera.
"What's the plan, love?"
Senti whispered, a slight shake in her voice.
"We can't risk this thing escaping. We have to kill it but fighting it in here is-"
The Chimera roared, several more roars echoed throughout the cavern. Frye cursed as several Grexes appeared at the exit behind them.
"Elma!"
Clenching her teeth, Elma tightened her grip on her weapons.
"We fight."
With that, Frye spun around and roared, unleashing a torrent of rounds on the Grexes behind the group, keeping them at bay while the other three BLADEs charged the Chimera.
Senti's photon saber and Raymond's longsword cut through the flesh of the creature as it let loose another echo filled cry. Elma leapt high over it, ether covering her blade as she landed on its back.
The beast turned quickly, its tails lashing out, striking both Senti and Raymond and throwing them across the cave. Several more Grexes poured into the room from the other entrance.
Elma buried her blade into the creature's back, it howled in pain before leaping into the air. Elma held on as best she could while the beast continued to thrash about, attempting to dislodge her weapon. With a savage roar, the creature charged across the cavern and slammed itself into a wall. Elma was thrown off its back, her blade still stuck in the creature as she fell to the ground.
Raising her gun, the pieces expanded and a massive pulse shot out, pushing the creature back and onto its hind legs.
Standing, Elma quickly leapt aside as it slammed its feet onto the ground, shattering the cave floor below it before roaring once more. Several eyes all along its body began to open and strange beams of ether fired off all over the cave.
The BLADEs moved as close to the ground as they could while the Chimera charged across the cavern once more. The ether it fired off continued to criss cross throughout the cavern, searing through the Grexes unlucky enough to be in the way. The beast turned its attention on Frye who barely managed to dodge its charge only for one of its tails to smack him, throwing him up and into the ceiling.
Senti sent her psycho launchers high into the air where they turned to aim down and fire on a group of Grexes.
Elma stood back up once more.
"Raymond! Senti! I'll distract the Chimera, take care of the other Indigens!"
Senti nodded as Raymond charged past her and called out.
"You've got it Elma!"
Aiming her gun once more she fired, the powerful pulse waves pushed the Chimera back, attracting its attention. Letting out a fierce roar it charged her, Elma ran from it, feeling Overdrive cover her body as she ran up the wall. The Chimera slammed into the cave wall, shaking the entire cavern as Elma kicked off it and landed once more on top of the creature.
Tearing her blade free she leapt off the beast as it swung around once more, tails narrowly missing her as she hit the ground and rolled to her feet.
Turning she set her sights on the Chimera once more and held her gun forward, the pieces contracted, several concentrated lasers shot forth, searing through the massive beast.
The Chimera charged forward again, claws striking and tails whipping about. Elma continued to jump away and duck as best as she could. Keeping her mind clear and focused was something she was used to.
"Hey asshole!"
The Chimera swung about again, one tail barely clipping Elma's arm and flipping her over to the floor. Frye let loose a string of missiles, roaring all the while as the projectiles exploded along the Chimera's body.
Elma looked up at the ceiling as the cave shuddered once more. Turning she saw Senti, covered in an ether shield formed by the Psycho Launchers, shoot across the cave and slam into a Grex.
Next to her Raymond's swordplay was flawless as he carved another Grex to pieces. The pair nodded to one another and continued their battle as Elma's eyes searched their surroundings.
Standing she turned to see Frye throw himself to the ground, just out of range of the Chimera's savage strike.
"Frye!"
The BLADE looked at her as she ran towards him, leaping high into the air and flipping over the Chimera, Elma's blade flashed as it sliced through the beast's flesh. The creature moved away as she landed near Frye, blade at the ready for its next move.
Frye couldn't help but smirk.
"Always showing off...what do you need Elma?"
Both BLADEs kept their weapons trained on the Chimera, Elma's eyes moving briefly to rubble that fell from the ceiling.
"If this continues, the cavern and probably the entire system is going to collapse, we can't be here anymore."
Frye prepared to say something in response when the Chimera lunged forward, both BLADEs quickly moved back as it slammed onto the ground where they once stood.
The eyes along the beast's body began to flare up once more. Cursing, Frye dove aside, the lasers ripped through the cave walls and floor all the while the Chimera roared.
More Grexes began to pour into the cavern.
Frye called out to the other BLADEs.
"Senti! Ray!"
Frye then took off, the Chimera lunged after him. Quickly, Elma focused her shot and fired, the pulse wave knocked the Chimera out of the air and to the floor. Frye nodded to her before reaching Senti and Ray.
Elma kept her weapons at the ready, watching the Chimera roll over and back onto its feet. The beast turned towards her, opening its gaping maw before charging once more.
The creature's attacks were far more frenzied this time, one of its claws struck Elma before she could put her guard up. With a pained cry she was sent flying across the cavern and into a wall.
The Chimera then turned to look at the other BLADEs currently fighting off the seemingly endless stream of Grexes.
"What are we doing Frye!?"
Raymond called out as he buried his blade into a Grex's skull.
"We've got to focus all our effort on clearing a path to get out of here before this place comes down."
Frye began tapping the controls along the top of his gatling gun, the weapon opening up to reveal its stockpile of missiles.
"Good call."
Senti stated while she maintained fire on the nearby Grexes, keeping them at bay.
"Then let's do it!"
Raymond yelled out as he charged past Senti and Frye, his blade cutting through Grex after Grex.
Across the cave, Elma stood up again. The Chimera was looking at her allies only to turn as she found her footing. It was clearly focused on her, all the better for her comrades.
Clenching her weapons tightly she ran towards it, the beast roared in response and leapt into the air. With a surge of Overdrive, Elma was able to run under it and past it as it crashed onto the ground. Skidding to a halt she turned and jumped onto its back once more, carving through its flesh with her ether blade.
The burning smell was terrible, the flesh ripping open gave her a view of its mass of muscles. Blood oozed from all its injuries yet despite how torn up it was, the beast did not seem to slow down or give any impression of injury.
The Chimera roared in fury as it ran across the cavern once more. Elma jumped off of it just as it neared a wall. However, the Chimera slammed its legs into the ground, skidding to a halt before colliding with the wall. It bent down before throwing itself back and into the air.
Elma covered herself and cursed as one of its claws hit her. The force was immense and she was shot down out of the air and into the cavern floor, a crater immediately formed around her as she hit the earth. A pained cry forced itself out of her as the beast landed next to her.
Seeing this, Frye turned around to aim at the Chimera.
"Alright you bastard! Get away from her!"
The Chimera turned, all the eyes on its body opened up. Something reached out and took hold of Frye for a few moments. Next thing he knew, he pulled his gatling gun upwards and let loose a missile barrage all over the ceiling of the cave. Rocks, stalactites and debris began to rain down on the combatants. The Chimera was unconcerned, keeping its gaze on Elma.
"Hey! Frye what the fuck are you doing!?"
Raymond called back as Frye shook his head.
"I didn't...it wasn't-"
Frye, Senti and Raymond now stood on the far side of the cavern surrounded by Grexes while Elma continued to evade the Chimera's attacks. All the while, the ceiling above continued to crumble and collapse.
Frye snapped out of his daze upon hearing Elma's voice.
"All of you get out of here!"
"Elma-"
"Now!"
Elma's blade seared through the Chimera's flesh once more. The creature screeched before raising its legs once more and slamming onto the ground. Elma leapt away from the attack and fired on the beast with everything she had.
Despite the pain flaring all over her body, Elma refused to give in. She watched Senti and Raymond clear the way only to see Frye start running towards her. Senti called out.
"There's no time, love!"
Frye brought his gatling gun up once more and fired, the Chimera turned towards him and lunged, as it got close he opened up the barrel.
"Eat this fucker!"
He then fired off the salvo of missiles directly into the Chimera's face as it crashed into the ground right in front of him, the explosions threw Frye back and to the ground as the beast stumbled away and roared.
Standing, Elma prepared to attack once more when the Chimera spun about and screeched, something invaded Elma's mind. Clenching her teeth, she tried to force it away.
"You won't-"
"-believe how awkward she was when she first asked me out."
Lyla said, her voice filled with laughter as Jaynix shook her head.
"Please don't tell her the story."
"On the contrary, I would love to hear it."
Elma replied, Jaynix stared at her.
"No, you don't. I'd prefer your image of me to be rather fierce and fearless...not awkward and bumbling."
Lyla put an arm around Jaynix and pulled her in.
"The awkward and bumbling side of you is the most charming. Not that many people ever see it."
Jaynix rolled her eyes, though there was a noticeable smile forming after Lyla kissed her cheek.
Elma looked around the room, the Reapers were all eating and conversing with one another. They were a comfortable unit, almost like a family. Those had been the things she heard about them, she knew Hideo Kumon well enough to know this was how he'd run his unit. She liked it.
"By the way Elma, you gotta show me how you did that."
Elma returned her attention to the table and to Jaynix.
"How I did what?"
Jaynix brought one of her hands up and placed an open palm on her own chest.
"That. There was a lot more power in it than I thought."
Elma smiled. Her spar with Jaynix was brief but the woman had a mountain of questions about it. No doubt she wanted all the answers to improve her own abilities.
"I'd be happy to share that but I don't think Lyla would be."
Jaynix looked to Lyla.
"You know we shouldn't talk about work while we're eating."
Jaynix smirked.
"Come on. You know me! I can't miss out on any opportunity to get stronger."
Jaynix then looked to Elma, her one eye burning with determination.
"We should've met sooner, Elma."
The Colonel nodded.
"That would have been interesting. Do you think you could've beat me then?"
"No way. But maybe I'd be better now than I am."
Elma shrugged.
"Who can say? You put a lot of faith in my abilities. It was only one spar. Who knows? If you watch me work you may be able to provide me with some advice."
Jaynix smiled.
"Maybe. I look forward to it."
Lyla laughed.
"Always so quick to form bonds."
Jaynix nodded to her fiance.
"Of course! All this to get stronger! We're protectors you know!"
Lyla moved closer, leaning her head on Jaynix's shoulder.
"We are."
Elma watched them both, something stirring within her chest.
Elma stood in the collapsing cave, drawing her pistol and aiming it straight up. Frye called out to her as a massive pulse fired. The cavern groaned as it came down on top of the BLADEs.
Outside of the cavern, Boze, Shun, Elysia and Mavis drew their weapons. The mountain before had been shuddering and shaking for a while now, but at this moment they heard a massive collapse. Parts of the exterior began to crumble, debris now covering the entrance they had all used not long ago.
Boze took a few steps forward, his hand still on his javelin. Elysia and Mavis looked down at Nova, the cat's tail was straight up as it looked at where the entrance to the tunnel system once was.
Boze moved his hand to his datapad and began making calls.
"Elma. Frye. Ray. Senti. Anyone?"
Boze looked to Shun who took out his datapad as well and attempted to make calls. He could only shake his head.
"Nothing is going through…"
Boze cursed and began moving forward once more towards the collapsed entrance.
"Boze. We can't."
Mavis stated, bringing the man to a stop though he did not take his eyes off the mountain as he spoke..
"We have to do something, Pebble. This mountain just about fell on top of them and though they are strong, they are not Atlas. We must assist."
"It's not that."
Boze turned to Mavis then to Elysia.
"What?"
"It's like I told you Boze. Nothing about this mission makes sense. Whatever Elma's team found in there…"
Boze turned once more to look upon the debris covered entrance. Even if he did find a way to get inside there was no doubt many if not all of the tunnels had collapsed. He wouldn't be able to get to them.
"So what do we do?"
Shun turned away to look back towards NLA before taking out his datapad.
"We're going to need help. A lot of it."
Entering a different ID, Shun walked towards the rest of the team as the call began.
"Shun? What's up, did something change?"
"Gu Ladha. What's the status of your team?"
There was a short silence before she responded.
"We're in our final stages. We'll be heading out in five. Why the call? Is there any new information for us to work with? Or did you kill the Tyrant already?"
Shun looked to the rest of the group before clearing his throat.
"A bit. Do me a favor and make a call to BLADE Tower for a fourth team. A Skell Team."
"...Shun...what's going on?"
"We're not sure. Our teams were exploring a tunnel system when Elysia made the call to retreat. This entire situation is...there is more at play here. The cavern just collapsed so we can't go back in and we can't get in touch with Elma's team."
There was a long silence before Gu Ladha spoke up once more.
"Alright. I'll talk to Nagi myself and see if we can skip all the formalities. Sounds like you need the help ASAP."
"We do. Thank you, Gu Ladha."
With that, the call came to an end.
"I wish there was something we could do…"
Mavis whispered, her eyes moving to the entrance as Boze returned to the group.
"The tunnels weaved all throughout the interior of this mountain. This can't be the only entrance."
Shun nodded.
"He's right. We should do some recon. Find other points to enter. Anything to help the third and fourth teams out when they get here."
Elysia kneeled down and placed her hand on Nova's head.
"He can help us."
The BLADEs nodded to one another and began walking towards the mountain. Boze looked at the formation as it shook once more.
"This time, we stick together. No more surprises."
Shun nodded. Keeping their weapons at the ready, the four began to walk along the perimeter of the mountain. Searching for any possible point of entry.
"I don't really remember the last time I felt like this...no. No. Of course I do. Starfall. After everything that happened. When I first woke up on Mira. My entire body ached. The pain was...all consuming...is this...is this how you felt? Is this how you felt when your Skell was shot down? Is this how you felt when you crashed onto Mira? Alone? Injured? Dying?"
Elma slowly opened her eyes, a groan escaped as her eyes searched the darkness all around. There was rubble and debris everywhere. The once open cavern where they fought was unrecognizable. Clenching her teeth, she noted that debris had covered half of her body as well.
Taking a deep breath she focused on what she could move and feel. The pain was first and foremost, doing her best to ignore it she focused inward. It would only take a little bit of Overdrive to free herself from the rubble.
But what of everyone else? Frye? Senti? Raymond? Are they alright? And what of the Chimera?
She then heard something. It was faint but it sounded like steps. She couldn't lay here for a moment longer. Forcing the Overdrive she tore herself free from the debris and began searching for her weapons. Her body cried out in pain but she couldn't stop. There was no doubt in her mind that the Chimera was alive. It had to be stopped. Immediately.
Somewhere in the darkness of the collapsed cavern. It stood. The injuries all along its body were painful. But nothing compared to the constant torment of its inner thoughts which were filled with countless patterns and minds vying for control resulting in nothing but madness and overwhelming power. The creature could barely contain its desire to seize the will of others and inflict this pain on everything in sight.
A low growl escaped as it searched the darkness. It found them rather quickly. Four creatures. All with very peculiar thought waves. All with a deep and familiar darkness hiding within.
Those connections. Those memories. Long since buried. It would seize them, force them to the surface and bring these four beings under its Control. They are powerful. Coordinated. They are perfect for its one and only true desire.
Two of these creatures were there. The day it was born. One in particular stood out to it. If it could bring that one under its influence, everything could be washed away by grotesque destruction.
This was the moment.
Throwing back its head, the creature let loose a loud, horrifying cry. All the eyes along its body opened up as its mass of internal minds began reaching out and taking hold of the darkness it so craved.
Elma found her ether blade first, taking it from the rubble she activated it and watched as the ether shell formed around it. Satisfied that it was fully functional, she allowed herself to sigh in relief before resuming her search when she heard it.
The Chimera roared, its cry shaking the ruined cavern. Then she felt it, some strange sensation flooded her mind. Clenching her teeth she fell to her knees and gripped the sides of her head.
"Whatever you think you can accomplish with this...you can't!"
Her eyes were forced shut and in the blackness she saw countless memories from her time on Mira, on the White Whale and on Earth. She saw many faces, many of which are still with her but even more that are long gone.
She shook her head, trying to force them away. The Chimera was forcing itself through her mind, the sensation was beyond painful. It felt wrong.
Then the memories shifted and began focusing on only one figure.
"No! I won't...let you...pollute my memories of her!"
Elma held onto the sides of her head, groaning in pain.
"I'm going...to kill you!"
Elma held onto her blade and swung with all her might, hoping the exertion would free her from this pain. As she continued to swing at nothing her head only began to pound more and more fiercely.
Falling to the ground she cried out in pain.
Elma sat on a chair, leaning back in comfort. She couldn't help but think about what Jaynix had told her. How the woman had lost her eye and didn't regret it. The love she felt for Lyla was so powerful. Elma had no doubt Jaynix would do anything for her fiance. What a strange and unique feeling that must be.
"Alright! How do I look?"
Elma stood up as Jaynix appeared, her burning mane now cut short. She prepared to say something...but found herself at a loss for words.
Jaynix tilted her head.
"Elma?"
The Colonel continued to stare at her.
"I…"
Jaynix smiled and began laughing.
"Oh, well I didn't expect this. Do I really look that good?"
Hearing Jaynix's voice filled with joy brought a smile to Elma's face.
"You do. Truly. You look beautiful."
Jaynix's laughter faded, the woman shook her head.
"I uh...thanks."
"Awkward and bumbling."
"No. Never."
Jaynix feigned insult, turning away. After a few moments she looked back at Elma and smiled.
The pair left the barber, continuing through the busy streets of Noah's Cradle. Elma could see some strange expression on Jaynix's face, but when she asked her what was wrong, the expression was gone.
It didn't take long to figure out why.
Despite her usual demeanor, her confidence, her power. The wedding had Jaynix feeling nervous. Worried.
"Elma-"
"It's all going to work out Jaynix. It will."
The Reaper laughed.
"What? Can you see into the future?"
Without missing a beat, Elma responded.
"Yes. I can."
Jaynix looked to her, Elma could see that for a brief moment, the other woman believed her. Then a smile formed.
"Well then, how long do you think Lyla and I will be married and happy? Five years?"
Elma shook her head.
"I'm sure it'll be a little longer than that…"
The pair shared a laugh, the nerves slowly dying down.
"Thanks for coming with me, Elma."
"Don't mention it."
Jaynix smirked.
"Although I am going to tell everyone that my new look made you swoon."
Elma rolled her eyes, ignoring some foreign sensation in her face. Specifically her cheeks.
"Tell everyone whatever you wish to tell them and I'll deny it."
Jaynix laughed.
"That'll only prove it to be true and you know it."
Jaynix put an arm around Elma and pulled her in.
"It's okay though cause I understand. I think I look pretty damn good too."
The women shared a look before laughing. Despite her denial, Elma couldn't ignore the fact that Jaynix's new look was stunning.
The pair continued their walk back, Elma was happy that Jaynix seemed calmer. Comfortable. A wedding was immensely stressful, this much she knew. She was glad to be able to ease Jaynix's burden in any way she could.
Elma's entire body shook with anger at this...violation of her memories. She never felt such rage before. This creature dared to use her treasured memories of Jaynix against her. Looking down at the ground, Elma reached out and took hold of her blade once more.
She needed to focus. She was better than this. Stronger than this. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted her ether gun. She could use that to get out of here. Forcing herself to her feet, she began to approach it as the pain in her head slowly faded away.
She doubted that the creature was giving up but at this point she'd take anything. Exhausted, she fell to the ground once more. Reaching out, she took hold of her other weapon. A small victory but a victory nonetheless.
The silence was broken by cries. Two very familiar cries.
"Senti...Raymond...I'll get us out of here...I will…"
Forcing herself to her feet once more, she began to move when she felt the pull on her mind once more and stumbled, stopping herself from collapsing by holding onto a massive piece of debris.
"No...not again…"
At the same time, Senti sat with her back against what was once an entrance to the cavern, now completely blocked up. She felt sweat covering her entire body and the air felt thin.
"What a great place to find myself in…"
She looked down at her datapad which, as expected, was not functioning. All she could see on it was the last message she got from Penta. He offered to prepare a meal for when she got back. Her favorite.
"Love...you're so sweet…"
She attempted to stand once more but knew it would be impossible, some debris had struck her leg with immense force during the collapse, the damage was severe. If she was going to move from this spot, she needed assistance.
She tried calling out for the rest of her team, but no one replied. At least, she couldn't hear if anyone did. Some part of her told her not to try again, the last thing any of them needed was another collapse.
There was a loud and disturbing roar, followed by a foreign sensation filling her entire body.
"This...is this...Control?"
Shaking her head, Senti tried to focus but the pain was so intense. Worse than any headache or migraine she's ever had before. Worse than any injury she's ever suffered.
"Stop! You can't!"
Closing her eyes she screamed just as everything went silent.
Opening her eyes, she found herself sitting on an open field. Senti looked all around her, seeing vibrant rolling greens stretching out as far as the horizon. Her gaze followed the endless green until she noticed a solitary tree in the center of it all.
This place seemed strangely familiar.
She then noticed that her leg no longer pained her. Standing, she looked around the area once more but her attention kept being pulled back to the tree. It felt as if it was calling out to her.
She began to approach the tree and that's when she started hearing them. Voices. They were muffled and unrecognizable yet she could swear they were...happy. There was some form of joy in their tones, excitement. A man and a woman.
As she got ever closer to the tree, the voices became clearer, happier. Was that her voice? Was that Penta? They were so happy, the sounds brought a smile to Senti's face.
Then there was a sudden crack of thunder and a flash of lightning. In an instant the once peaceful area around her was now awash with a heavy rainstorm, thunder roared all around her and the once vibrant tree was stripped bare.
The pathetic twig standing amid dying grass was forced by the wind to such an angle that it threatened to snap.
Amidst all that noise, Senti could still hear the voices but they were no longer happy.
Instead, they were filled with grief.
The woman's voice. Her voice, melded with the wailing of the wind. She was inconsolable.
It didn't take much longer to recall why.
Senti stood in front of the ruined tree, looking down at a small gravestone. A life she was not even allowed to meet.
The wailing of her voice filled her ears as did the whipping winds, pouring rain and a thunderous crash.
Falling to her knees in front of the gravestone, Senti began to cry. Reaching out towards the marker, a long forgotten pain filled her body.
Collapsing before it, she resigned herself and cried. Broken by the loss of innocence all over again.
Raymond woke to the same darkness as his comrades. The debris that covered his body was light. Easily able to shake it off, he stood. Examining his surroundings he did his best to make out whatever he could. Nothing of interest stood out to him. Cursing he began to search, he needed a weapon. Anything. The Chimera was near, he could feel it.
As he searched he heard something. Muffled. A voice? Taking a deep breath, he called back.
"Who's there!? It's me! Raymond! Are you okay!?"
He waited several more minutes, barely able to make out anymore muffled noises. He knew they weren't okay, none of them were. They were trapped in a mountain that fell on top of them with a murderous Tyrant of a species long thought extinct. A species that shouldn't even exist.
"Fucking Chimera...just wait till I get my hands on you…"
Raymond began walking around the small alcove he found himself in, stepping on something that didn't feel like any sort of rubble. Bending down he reached out and felt the flat of his blade.
His sigh of relief was cut off by a warbling cry from the Chimera. Cursing, he began moving the rubble aside until he could take hold of his weapon's hilt. Freeing it from the ground he stood at the ready.
Wherever it was planning on attacking from, he'd be ready for it. He had to be.
He wasn't sure how long he stood there, but he noticed that he felt tired. Shaking his head, he did his best to force this strange...feeling, away. It began to build in intensity, clenching his teeth, Raymond fought to keep his eyes open.
He wasn't looking the thing in its eyes yet it was still trying to force its will upon him. How was it doing that? The pain built up suddenly, Raymond's eyes shut and a pained cry escaped.
Opening his eyes, Raymond found himself surrounded by white sands. Looking up, he immediately recognized the land formations and structures all around him.
"Sylvalum."
Raymond held tightly onto his blade, Sylvalum was treacherous. Nothing was going to get the drop on him. Nothing.
His eyes continued to scan his surroundings, something about this place seemed...familiar. Not just the region, but this spot specifically. Why was that?
"Hurry back, Ray. Alright?"
Spinning around, Raymond's eyes widened. He knew that voice. He knew where he was.
"It can't be…"
He took one step when he heard the first scream.
Fear. Terror. Anger. Panic. His body was filled with these powerful emotions as he took off in a sprint. He's never run this fast before.
He heard more screams, louder and desperate.
"No. No. No. Not again. I can stop it. I'm here. I'll make it."
He felt Overdrive fill his body as he shot across the white expanse of Sylvalum, the voices growing in desperation and pain before fading.
"No! No! Hold on! I'm almost there!"
Moments later he found himself at his destination. At his base camp. At their base camp.
A man was on the ground, head in his heads, begging for forgiveness. A woman lay on the ground nearby, eyes frozen in fear.
Raymond's words died in his throat as his eyes moved from the mentally broken pair, to the torn apart remains of Adelbert and Grette.
He watched as the Prone approached Dirk and Phina. He went for his blade only to find it gone. An intense storm broke out, hiding them all from view as they were taken.
Raymond screamed in rage and fear before collapsing, tears streaming down his face.
Frye sat in silence, eyes closed. He thought back once more to the last conversation he had with Phog. His brother was concerned. Deeply concerned about this mission.
"Stupid kid...too smart for his own good…"
Frye opened his eyes, laughing.
"That makes me an even bigger idiot for the same reason...I really should listen to Phog more often…"
Frye continued to sit still, waiting for something he knew was coming. The Chimera had them all exactly where it wanted them. While Control was not inherently unique to the Chimeras, he knew that they were very capable of it from the Lifehold battle. He remembered turning on Kruse, albeit briefly. The young wolf and L had put him down until they could deal with the Chimera forcing its will onto him.
He knew what to expect when it came to Control but this Chimera, this Tyrant, proved to be beyond anything and everything he could imagine.
Frye looked down at his hand. When he turned his weapon on the ceiling and fired...it felt so natural. This thing, the power it had was terrifying.
Clenching his hand into a fist, he continued to wait.
It wasn't long before he heard that disgusting roar and it wasn't much longer after that when he felt the pull on his mind. Taking a deep breath, Frye gave into it.
Opening his eyes, Frye found himself in his old living room back home. On Earth.
He looked at the clock on the wall, 3:45pm, then he looked at the calendar. He immediately knew what today was. Counting in his head, he waited until the door opened and his father walked in. Frye waited patiently until his dad sat down across from him, his features lined with worry over the talk the pair was about to have.
Taking a deep breath, Frye spoke first.
"It's okay dad."
Michael looked up at him. Surprise in his eyes.
Frye smiled.
"I'll take care of Phog. I promise."
There was a long silence before Michael smiled back at him.
"That's my son...I'm proud of you…"
Frye nodded, standing up and leaving the room.
One blink later, Frye was sitting in the cave once more, a tear escaping his eyes.
"I love you dad."
Nodding to himself, Frye stood up. That familiar cocky smirk appeared on his face.
"That all you got bastard? I've accepted my pain. My moment of weakness. I refuse to make that same mistake again."
Frye then heard the screams. Senti and Raymond. Reaching over, he retrieved his weapons that he had found quickly after regaining consciousness.
"Senti. Ray. Hang on...I'll get to ya...then we can kill this fucker…"
Frye turned around once more.
"Don't keep me waiting Elma. We're doing this together."
"I don't know what I expected…"
Shaking her head, Elma stepped into the room, a familiar place she had been to quite often with Doug in the past and the Skelletons in general. The Cabin. A bar that was very popular among the Coalition's Armed Forces, regularly hosting at least two units at night.
On this night however it was not looking nearly as flawless as it always did.
Stepping over the unconscious bodies and towards those responsible Elma could only sigh.
"Frye. Jaynix."
The pair were sitting at the only table that hadn't been thrown over following the bar brawl. Behind the counter was the bartender who had called her to come and pick up her compatriots.
"I am truly sorry for their actions."
"We did nothin' wrong!"
Frye stated, slurring his words slightly before pointing at the bartender.
"You tell 'er Mick! Nothin' wrong!"
Mick sighed while Elma put her hand on Frye and Jaynix's shoulders.
"Let's just get you two out of here, alright?"
Frye shrugged before standing and walking towards the exit. Stumbling all the while. Elma then looked to Jaynix, who smiled. Proud.
"I got 'em good, Elma."
"I can see that. Who pissed you off tonight?"
Jaynix rolled her eye before focusing on her drink.
"It's a...boring story…"
Elma looked back at all the unconscious patrons, unable to hold back a chuckle.
"This is boring to you? I almost hesitate to ask what you consider a thrilling story."
Finishing off her drink, Jaynix put the glass down and stood up. Turning to Elma she smiled before following Frye out of the bar.
Elma apologized to Mick once more before stepping out and heading to her car. Frye was walking far ahead while Jaynix kept her pace with Elma.
"Is that...Elma did you call my old man? Seriously?"
Elma looked to see Michael's very familiar truck.
"No. He must've known you'd be here."
"Shit...well, looks like I do have a ride. See you ladies later."
Jaynix waved as Frye got into the truck, Elma could see Michael who smiled at her and nodded before driving away.
"Looks like it's just us."
Elma turned once more to look at Jaynix, a wide smile on her face.
"No offense to Frye, I prefer your company. Colonel."
Elma placed a hand on Jaynix's back and guided her towards her car.
"You're drunk."
"I'm just bein' honest!"
Entering her car, Elma brought up the directions and took off, sparing one last look at Jaynix who still wore that smile on her face.
The creature didn't understand it. Not entirely. All the memories it forced to the surface from this one being didn't radiate the same pain or horror that the other one's did. They seemed...peaceful. Yet they wrought just as much damage on the being's psyche as they did to the others. Whatever reason this being had for keeping these memories and emotions sealed up, it provided the creature with enough to succeed in bringing them all under its Control.
Low growls escaped the Chimera as the being once more shook off the memories and began planning its escape. Why were all these memories focused on one other specific creature? Why did it resonate so? It had to dig deeper...but this being's will was strong. Too strong. It could no longer just damage the psyche...it had to weaken the flesh.
Elma stabbed her blade through the cavern wall next to her, the ether searing through it. Activating Overdrive she began attempting to carve through the wall. It was slow, but progress was progress.
The Chimera's warbling cry shook the collapsed cavern once more. No doubt it was preparing to force another memory to the surface. She refused to let Jaynix be her downfall. She was stronger than that.
Just then there was an explosion, Elma turned to see one of the mounds of rubble get blown across the small clearing. Another blast led to the wall breaking in and the cavern shaking.
"Hey! Stop! You're gonna kill us all!"
The dirt began to clear as someone stepped through the opening.
"Ray?"
The Harrier turned towards Elma, allowing her to see his eyes and recognize something was not right. He shot towards her immediately, his blade colliding with hers.
"Ray! You can't let it Control you!"
Elma broke away and leapt back towards the wall she was attempting to break through. Raymond followed suit, his blade flashing as it came at her from every available angle. Elma followed suit, deflecting and redirecting each of Raymond's strikes but not capitalizing on any of the openings. She couldn't hurt him, he wasn't himself.
"Ray!"
Dodging aside, she let his strike swing wide and miss, the man stumbled towards the cave wall allowing Elma to get past him. As she approached the opening something slammed into her and threw her to the ground.
Looking up she saw Senti surrounded by an ether barrier created by her Psycho Launchers. Her expression was the same as Raymond's.
Hearing approaching footsteps, Elma stood and brought her blade up, stopping Ray's next strike.
"Ray and Senti...did Frye also?"
Senti extended her arms, the launchers turned and fired on Elma and Ray, striking both of them and pushing them back. Elma scrambled to her feet once more, the Chimera didn't care if it forced her friends to kill each other, as long as they got to her. She couldn't let that stand.
Ray charged again, his and Elma's blades continued to clash until Elma found the opening she needed and delivered a savage kick to his chest, throwing him back and to the ground.
Drawing her gun, the pieces began to expand as Senti fired on her again. Elma apologized as she fired a powerful pulse wave at Senti. The ether barrier around Senti protected her from most of the damage but the force of the push moved her out of the way and slammed her into another wall, disabling the barrier.
As Senti fell to the ground, Elma ran past her, ducking under Ray's repeated strikes.
Turning and heading into the darkness of the collapsed cavern, Elma kept her eyes focused on the path ahead, looking for any more walls that Ray or Senti may have destroyed in their attempt to get to her.
The Chimera let out another furious roar and Elma felt it picking at her memories once more. Moments began to flash before her eyes, illuminating the darkness of the cave around her.
The day that she brought Jaynix and Lyla into her apartment for the first time.
The day Jaynix got shot saving her from Lao.
That brutal battle between them, Lyla, Kumon and Lao in the burning building.
She saw every emotion burning in Jaynix's eye, her lips moving but her voice lost. Elma recalled every moment from every one of those encounters. She could never forget them. No matter how hard she tried.
Skidding to a halt, Elma looked at the wall before her. She had to risk it. She had to get out. She had to warn the other team and find Frye.
Drawing her gun, she prepared the shot. She heard someone running towards her from behind and heard the sound of a blade being dragged across the stone floor. Raymond.
Firing another pulse wave, the collapsed rubble gave way into another clearing as the cavern shook once more. Elma ran in and came to an immediate halt.
The massive Tyrant Chimera stood before her, all eyes open.
Elma drew her gun once more just as the eyes flashed, it felt like knives were embedding themselves into her head, piercing her mind.
Refusing to kneel she tried to fire once more when Raymond ran up behind her and kicked her in the back, throwing her to the ground and stepping on her hand over and over until she released the gun.
Senti flew into the room once more, aiming her weapons at Elma as Ray tore the ether blade from her grip and threw it away.
Elma looked up at the Chimera as it continued to search her mind.
Hatred burned inside. She recalled the look in Jaynix's eyes before she took off to kill the Lawless after their attack on her apartment. That crazed anger. Elma had no doubt that was what was burning all throughout her body right now.
"I'll kill you!"
The beast roared once more, Elma's eyes were forced shut and everything went silent.
"Elmaaaaaa…"
"Go to sleep Jaynix."
"I don't wanna…"
Elma sighed.
"Honestly. How old are you? Getting this drunk and starting a fight. What would Lyla say?"
Jaynix chuckled.
"She'd want to know how much ass I kicked."
Rolling her eyes, Elma made the required turn before casting a look at Jaynix. The other woman was staring at her and smiling.
"What?"
Jaynix tilted her head.
"What, what?"
"You've been staring at me since I got to the bar. Is there something on my face?"
Jaynix shrugged.
"Nah...you're just so beautiful...I can't help it…"
There was silence as Elma thought of how to reply before laughing.
"You are...drunk."
"Hey...I'm a lot of things but I'm not a lying...drunk…in fact, I'm feeling more honest than ever!"
Two more turns and they'd be there. Easy.
"I'll have you know Jaynix, I am a little disappointed in you. I expect this kind of behavior from Frye but…"
Elma thought back to what she knew of Jaynix, this shouldn't surprise her. Still.
"Sorry Elma. I am...it was supposed to be a quick night…"
"Just get some rest. Is Lyla home?"
Jaynix thought for a few moments before shaking her head.
"Lyla is on an away mission with Tai for a bit...nothing too serious...she'll be home soon…"
Elma remained silent as she pulled up to Jaynix and Lyla's home. If her wife was indeed gone for a few days, maybe that's what got Jaynix to the bar and kept her drinking. Maybe she was lonely?
Stepping out of the car, Elma helped Jaynix out and towards the door. Jaynix leaned against Elma and sighed.
"You smell nice."
"Jaynix…"
"You're beautiful."
"Jaynix."
"Wanna keep me company tonight? I could use it."
Reaching the door, Elma waited for Jaynix to produce the key before opening it for her.
"I don't think that would be a good idea, Jaynix."
"Why?"
"You know why."
Jaynix laughed.
"I can control myself, Elma. How long have we known each other?"
The women stared at one another before Elma gestured at the open door.
"Gosh this would be so much easier if we were married too y'know?"
Elma took a deep breath.
"Jaynix."
"Just being honest...thank you, Elma. Truly."
Jaynix leaned against Elma and put one arm around her waist for a half hug before entering her home. Turning back, she spoke.
"You sure you don't want to stay tonight?"
Elma said nothing, not trusting herself. Instead, she simply nodded.
"Alright. Thanks again."
"Sleep well, Jaynix."
"I'll try."
The woman gave Elma a wink before closing the door. In the silence, Elma did what she could to dispose of all the thoughts in her head before returning to her car.
Elma sat in her car, thinking of the conversation she just had. Trying to clear her head she reached over to the radio and switched it on. Instead of random music, static began to play. Raising an eyebrow, Elma attempted to change the channel when voices began to come through the radio.
Familiar voices. Desperate voices.
Yells, screams, pain.
Elma blinked and she was in space, in her Ares, watching as an endless horde of Ghosts descended on the White Whale.
Starfall. This was Starfall.
"You have to...this is my mission."
Elma looked to see Jaynix and the Vita, her finger was on the trigger. Not this moment.
Anything but this moment.
She couldn't bring herself to do it. Not again.
She felt the hand on her shoulder. His hand.
"Aeon...I can't...I-"
The Ares fired off anyway, only this time, Lyla was nowhere to be seen. Elma screamed Jaynix's name, the flash of the explosion brought her back to her car.
Opening the door, Elma took off towards Jaynix's home, she took hold of the door but found it locked. Desperate, she kicked it open to find herself in a wide blank and empty room.
Turning around, the door was now gone.
There was nothing to see around her, just white. A voice began filling the emptiness. Her voice.
Elma began walking through the room as countless conversations she had with Jaynix broke the silence. Laughter. Anger. Fear. Worry. Hatred. Joy.
Then she heard it, the Aghasura Cannon fired and the room fell silent once more.
Frye was in the middle of smashing the cavern wall with his Gatling Gun, using Overdrive to break through when he heard the scream.
"Elma."
Looking down at his gun then at the collapsed debris all around him he sighed.
"Shit."
His weapon's barrel opened up revealing the missile stockpile once more. Stepping back from the collapsed wall he took a deep breath and aimed his weapon.
Overdrive flooded Elma's body as she tore herself free from Raymond and Senti's grip. Spinning about she delivered a savage kick to Ray's face, throwing him back and down onto the ground.
Senti was surrounded by her ether shield once more and flew out of range of Elma's follow up. Diving for her gun, Elma began charging just as Senti fired on her. Elma brought one of her arms up, ignoring the searing ether that burned her skin before firing a powerful pulse wave.
Senti was pushed back against the wall, allowing Elma to retrieve her blade and spin about once more.
Before her weapon could cut through the Chimera, Ray was in front of her once more. Blades clashing, Elma clenched her teeth, her anger was clouding everything. She needed to kill the beast, no matter what.
Roaring, she pushed through Ray, every strike of hers had far more power in it than Ray did, bouncing back his weapon until it left his hands and went flying. Elma punched him in the face before grabbing him by the throat and flipping him over.
Just as Senti was standing up once more, Ray flew across the cavern and slammed into her, both BLADEs were sent tumbling to the ground as Elma turned once more and raised her blade.
The Chimera didn't move, instead it waited.
Elma completed her turn and swung but her blade froze before it could reach the Chimera.
Elma stood in place, standing before her and preventing her from reaching the Chimera...was Jaynix.
"That's...impossible."
With immense speed, Jaynix drew her blade and swung, Elma barely managed to avoid the strike only for Jaynix to chase her, blade continuing to whistle through the air.
"She...she isn't real. She isn't!"
Elma heard a click and turned as Ray fired his assault rifle. Elma dove aside, turning and firing her gun to push him back once more. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jaynix coming and raised her blade to stop her strike.
Instead a kick was delivered to her back, throwing her forward. Cursing, Elma flipped back to her feet as Senti charged her, weapons firing without mercy.
Elma deflected every shot she could before ducking under Senti's swing and ramming her shoulder into the other woman's body.
The Chimera roared once more, drawing Elma's attention and seeing Ray and Jaynix charging her side by side. Both blades shot out, Elma brought hers up and attempted to focus on Ray's, knocking it aside with ease.
This time however, as Jaynix's blade cut through her side, she felt something slice through her skin.
Elma cried out in pain and turned to see Senti's photon saber as it came back around for another strike. Elma quickly leapt away, Jaynix followed after her.
Elma brought her arms up and landed just as Ray slid across the floor and knocked her legs out from under her. Falling to the ground, Elma rolled over to avoid Ray's repeated attempts to step on her.
On her feet once more, Elma struggled to catch her breath. The Chimera was still, watching the conflict while directly in front of it, Ray, Senti and Jaynix prepared to charge once more.
"She's not real...it's using her…"
Elma's eyes moved from Jaynix to Ray and Senti.
"...they're using her to cover their movements as well...she can't hurt me but…"
Elma shook her head, she had to focus. No matter what, she had to focus. This was life and death. Elma looked at the Chimera once more.
"No...this is worse…"
She activated Overdriveagain, feeling all her muscles tense as Ray, Senti and Jaynix fell into their stances. Two BLADEs and a Reaper against her.
"Senti. Ray. I'm sorry if I hurt either of you…"
Ray charged first, Jaynix right behind him as Senti maintained her distance, instead moving to flank Elma. Nodding to herself, Elma charged forward to meet Ray, this time she slid under his blade and rolled across the ground, both his and Jaynix's blades swinging harmlessly.
Turning, she aimed her strike and swung, knocking Ray's blade from his grip once more before surging forward and slamming her palm into Ray's chest.
The man gagged as he flew across the cavern and slammed into the wall, a crater forming and pinning him in place. The entire cavern shook and rubble fell from the ceiling as Senti closed in.
Elma evaded Jaynix's attacks yet kept her eyes on Senti as the woman began to strike. Her photon saber burned through the air, Elma keeping just out of reach before surging forward. She took hold of Senti's arm and swung the woman around before throwing her across the cavern.
"Now!"
Elma leapt over Jaynix and shot toward the Chimera which once again, held still.
Roaring in anger, Elma struck, her blade aimed right at the Tyrant's skull.
The moment she struck there was blood. Fresh. Red. That familiar scent.
Too familiar.
Elma blinked and found herself in that same white room. Did she ever leave the room? Has she always been here?
Any questions faded as she looked straight ahead, her arm still extended, her blade had struck true.
Impaled on her weapon was Jaynix, shock and horror in those burning red eyes, mirrored in Elma's own.
Any words Elma could think to say died in her throat as her blade was pulled free, spilling Jaynix's blood over the pure white room.
As Jaynix fell to the ground, Elma could only hear one thing.
Dropping her blade, Elma looked at Jaynix, her eyes blank and unseeing.
Falling to her knees, Elma's gaze fell upon her bloodstained hands.
The cavern walls exploded, the mountain shaking as Frye surged into the room, raising his Gatling Gun, the cannon began to rotate when he saw the rest of his team.
"Senti! Ray! Elma!"
Then he saw the Chimera. Without another thought he opened fire, Ray immediately got in the way, forcing Frye to aim elsewhere.
"What the hell are you doing Raymond!?"
As his fellow BLADE charged him, Frye realized what happened and cursed. Jumping away from Ray's strike, Frye dropped his gun and swapped to his longsword.
He then saw Senti above, her weapons trained on him.
"You too!?"
Frye rolled aside, dodging her psycho launchers gunfire. Standing his blade locked with Ray's. Frye looked past his comrades to Elma who was standing in place, doing nothing.
He looked to the Chimera once more, it had to be mentally attacking her right now. He had to free her.
Roaring in fury, he felt Overdrive flood his body as he began pushing Raymond back, Senti took every opportunity to fire on Frye, the ether searing through his body, he ignored the pain as he continued to push, roaring with all his might as he broke Raymond's guard.
As the other BLADE stumbled back, Frye surged forward and slammed the hilt of his blade into Ray's face before tripping him and charging towards Elma and the Chimera.
"You let her go you bastard!"
Senti shot towards him, Frye easily jumped over her, landing closer to the Chimera and raising his blade. One strike was all he needed to free Elma from its clutches.
As his sword traveled through the air, he made note of something moving at an incredible speed.
Next thing he knew, Elma was in front of him.
His eyes widened as he saw the blank expression on her face.
Any thoughts, any words, were cut short by Elma drawing her blade, the ether shell flaring to life as it made contact with Frye's sword arm and severed it with ease.
Overdrive fading away, Frye roared in pain as he fell back to the ground, protoplasmic fluids pouring freely out of his now missing limb.
His one hand resting on his injured shoulder he continued to roar, yell and scream, the pain was paralyzing.
Clenching his teeth he looked up at Elma, nothing about her current expression was recognizable. She looked nothing more than a puppet staring down at him.
He then heard footsteps behind him. Raymond and Senti.
Finally the Chimera, objective accomplished, stood up and let out an ear piercing shriek causing the entire cavern to shake.
Looking at his injury once more, Frye let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head before whispering to himself..
"Phog. Why do you have to be right about everything…"