Disclaimer: See previous chapter

Chap. 13

The partially wrecked facility now lit up with new energy as the battle raged on within. Sol wasted no time in engaging Vengeance, charging at the gear in a rush of motion and bringing Fuuenken down to bear. Vengeance merely lifted her arm, blocking the attack and then pushed it aside. But Sol was already rebounding, hopping off the floor backward into a wall behind him and then kicking off of that at well, his boot extended and smashing it right into the Commander-Gear's face.

As Vengeance stumbled, Sol pressed on, rushing in close. But Vengeance recovered faster than he expected and the gear's clawed hand found its way around the back of his neck. Snatching him from the ground, Vengeance lifted him high and made ready to slam him down into the ground. But Sol brought his Fuuenken in on Vengeance's arm, freeing himself. Sol still hit the ground hard, but he managed to pick himself up enough to back away.

"Increasing combat level to maximum."

Sol blinked as an aura of energy seeped out of the armor of the gear, with the ring that encircled her legs spinning faster than before. 'So it's like that, eh? In that case...' In response, Sol crossed his arms in front, summoning up his own power to the full. His body began to glow in a searing red and flames hissed around him. Then his unfolded his arms mightly, causing the flames to explode around him and scorch the ground. With the full power of Fuuenken released, Sol snarled and charged, rushing at Vengenace in a blur.

"RAAAAAHHHHH!"

Meanwhile, the fight between Ky and Testament renewed, with both officer and gear circling each other. Unlike their counterparts battling nearby, it seemed that neither of the two was eager to jump into the fight. For Ky, it was because he wasn't sure of the extent of his injury he had sustained from Vengeance's energy blast and he had hope he might be able to at least gauge it before Testament attacked; which alone puzzled Ky. He had expected the black gear to have charged in and attack already, but perhaps Testament was taking his time, as Ky had beat him earl-...

"What does Dizzy have to do with this?"

Ky blinked as Testament asked that. That had been the last question he asked before Ky left him outside and apparently, it was still on his mind. And even though he was surprised by it, Ky remained silent on the matter just like before. This unfortunately, only served to increase the dark gear's ire.

"You will answer me, human!"

Ky tensed, and on doing so, felt his back flare with pain. He must be more hurt than he thought. Yet Testament had yet to attack. Was it because of Dizzy; because he was so adamant on knowing? Maybe the question was interfering with Vengeance's control over him. Since Vengeance was only a duplicate, she may not have the exact same power over gears as Justice had. But even so, it wouldn't last for long, as Testament seemed to be getting closer to attacking him outright.

"She saved my life."

That was a true statement, but Ky knew it was only the tip of the iceberg. However, to tell Testament that which he hadn't even told Dizzy...seemed like a betrayal of a sort. If he was going to declare such feelings, it would be only proper to let the girl be the first to know about it. And right now, those feelings weren't something he could declare out loud yet.

And especially not to her 'older brother'...

"You're hiding something."

Ky saw Testament's eyes narrow at him and he realized that his inner musings must have shown on his face. And as such, Testament reacted, rushing across the ground like a shadow. On instinct, Ky lifted his sword in defense just as the crimson blade of the scythe came close. The blades clashed in a flash and continued to remain locked together, with Testament pressing on him.

"What are you hiding?"

Ky held back the gear, struggling both with Testament's strength and the shot of pain that tore at him from his back. Testament then bent low and pushed up, throwing Ky into the air. Ky flipped back, gritting down on the pain as he did so and landed neatly on his feet. But upon looking up, he saw Testament was in the air and diving in on him. Ky hopped back as the scythe impaled the ground. Ky held his sword back in readiness as Fuuraiken sparked with energy once again.

'Guess I have no choice.'

Testament managed to yank his scythe out of the ground and back just as Ky charged at him with a electrified slash. Testament blocked the attack and Ky pressed the attack by whirling low, biting back the pain as he did so. Again, Testament was forced to the defense and Ky pressed even more with a higher slash, a trail of light following behind it. Testament was pushed back completely and Ky made ready to lunge when the surge of pain in his back became too great and he paused in pain. It was more than enough for Testament to recover and bring his scythe up high to tear through the young officer

Only to jump back when a fireball came at him...

The pain dulling for the moment, Ky looked to see a revived Axl on his feet and having launched one end of his kusuri-gama, using his fire magic to enhance it. Testament dodge to the side, but Axl flicked his wrist, causing the fiery chain to snap and change direction, still toward the evading gear. With a snarl, Testament swung his scythe forward, deflecting the weapon instead.

Reeling the chain back in, Axl held it to the side in a defensive posture. From what Ky could see, Axl seemed worn out and there was no doubt that he was sporting some injuries, perhaps with some more serious ones being hidden beneath his clothing. Regardless, for Axl to use such an attack meant that he still had some strength left. Testament attacked and his scythe came against the chains, edging close to Axl's face. But the Britain grinned and moved his hands about, wrapping the chain around the scythe.

"Gotcha!"

Testament pulled back to free his weapon, but Axl followed the gear's motion and flipped directly over his head. Upon landing, Axl yanked hard, pulling the scythe out of Testament's grip and began to toss it away. But the gear didn't miss a beat and he turned, grabbed Axl by the throat and held him high in the air. Deadly energy pulsed up Testament's arm and right into Axl's body.

"Guah!"

The black gear hurled Axl aside and the man crumbled on the ground. He tried to rise up, but ultimately fell back down and became still. Ky moved forward, but Testament turned to face him, the same deadly glare in his eyes. Ky stopped and took a defensive stance. He spared a glance at the fallen Axl, unsure of how badly the man was hurt. But he couldn't do anything about it now, as Testament began to advance on him.

Ky frowned. This was taking longer than it should have. The sounds of heavy battle resounded behind him, telling him that the fight between Sol and Vengeance was still ongoing. But he couldn't just leave Sol to fight on his own and there was no telling how much longer he could last against the Commander-Gear. He had to stop Testament now, which meant going at him in full force.

'I'm sorry, Dizzy...'

Electricity sparked forth once again, but this time it didn't just come from Fuuraiken alone. Ky's whole body began producing the lightning power. Now it was Testament's turn to stop in his tracks as Ky summoned forth more of his power, but his expression was unconcerned and he leveled his scythe back, ready to strike. Ky began to bend low; he would only have one shot at this. If it didn't work, then he would be at Testament's mercy and he was fairly certain the dark gear would have none for him.

"Ride...!"

"Please stop!"

Both officer and gear gave shocked expression at the sound of the new voice. The lighting around Ky diminished and he looked around for the source. Glancing at Testament, he saw the gear looking up at the sky. Looking up himself, Ky gasped as he saw a form descend from the sky. The glare of the sun blocked out its view initially, but the sight of feathered wings was unmistakable. They were the wings of an angel...

"Dizzy..."