The Final Stand
At the Accretia's base,
Novem quickly shoved the MAU cockpit, and climbed out from the damaged unit. She took a rifle as a precaution. Once coming out, the Mental Smith scanned her surrounding. She saw Zephyrus fought against the Mercenary/Warder. In other side, another Accretia was fighting with the other. Novem found that was odd. Yet, she knew she must act quickly, and jumped downward. When landed she was greeted by…a white, light-armored cyborg. The Accretia commented,
"That was reckless, Bellato. To charge our base without any strategies…and left you with a disadvantage,"
Novem replied, "I thought all the Accretia have the similar voice tone…" She cocked her rifle in preparation.
"I am ExvionE47, Class Specialist, subclass Engineer and Scientist," the cyborg introduced itself, "Unfortunately, I don't find any data about you…however, it is just a minor setback. I shall take a time to research about you thoroughly,"
The Mental Smith said sarcastically, "Too bad, you won't…because I won't cooperate,"
Exvion's singular eye blinked, "You will…" Like a lightning, both opponents draw their weapons and shot…
-###-
From a far place,
Teiresias stood upon the rocky peak, watching everything transpired below. Though she didn't have the normal sight, she saw everything clearer through her 'sight of the heart'. She could also feel the raging emotions inside those who fought.
-###-
At the Accretia Base Camp
As they faced each other, the Accretia commander asked,
"I ask you, traitorous unit…why do you help the Bellato and the Cora to escape? Are you betraying the Empire?"
Zero replied, " I follow the precept that honor must be upheld, though contrary to our doctrine! Even the enemies deserves honor…"
A noisy buzz came from Gungnir, as he stated, "You are in error, Unit 0x! The Bellato scum had been tampering with your database! Put down your weapons and return with us to HQ; we will repair your program!"
The 'enlightened' cyborg said, "In contrary, Centurion. I found out that we had followed the wrong interpretation of honor! Obedience cannot limit the honor…" Hearing that, Gungnir stomped his feet aloud,
"That's enough, traitor! I had enough of you! You just speak like a Turncoat! It is my duty to destroy you!"
Undaunted, Zero said, "Your objective is to retrieve my database intact. If you destroy me, you are about to fail your mission!"
Gungnir swung his Beam Spear dangerously, "It can be arranged, after I destroy your frame and left your database intact!" Suddenly, the cyborg charged with its booster toward Zero. The renegade Gladius also charged. When they impacted, a loud clang echoed. The Assaulter thrust its weapon, yet its opponent managed to block the attack with Soul Returnee Dual Blades. The dark-armored cyborg slashed thrice forward. Gungnir whirled its spear to counter the attack. Then Zero charged his buff,
"Death Slash!" Not wanting to lose, the Accretia commander also did the same,
"Death Slash!" Ground shook violently, sending a wave of jagged rocks toward each other…and crashed. Nevertheless, those robots still continued their fight! The Centurion kept stabbing with its spear. To counter it, the Gladius activated its physical buff in order to make its attack stronger. The cyborg leaped, sending a cross slash to its foe. The Destroyer was forced to defend itself, as the damage began to accumulate.
UNIT CONSCIOUSNESS SAMPLE:
WARNING!
DAMAGE 5%
HP: 83%; FP:143%;SP:335%
Battle Analysis: Enemy is determined…
Advantage: Unit 0x is under-level (Lv.32)
In other hand, Zero had its own problem:
UNIT CONSCIOUSNESS SAMPLE:
WARNING!
DAMAGE 45%
HP: 73%; FP:133%;SP:335%
Battle Analysis: Poor…
Disadvantage: Unit TII is outranked 0x (Lv.49)
When the cyborg slashed again, Gungnir blocked the incoming attack, and then…
"Mangle!" The Destroyer whirled and swung its Beam Spear in a rabid manner, thus damaged Zero further. The Gladius had difficulty to defend from such vicious attack; in process, the attack itself had cut its HP severely. The final blow knocked the cyborg very far. Though dragged few steps, Zero managed to hold on.
UNIT CONSCIOUSNESS SAMPLE:
WARNING!
DAMAGE 45%
HP: 63%; FP:113%;SP:295%
Armor Gauge: 78%
Zero stared its foe that was far from worst. Gungnir spoke derisively,
"There is no way to outrank me, traitor! You might be on Lv.32, but I am Lv.49!"
The Gladius replied, "That…have to wait the final result first…"
"No need, the final result had been decided…you die!" Then the Destroyer moved to kill…
-###-
Meanwhile,
Clytemnestra tried to leave the camp, but Ran stopped her.
"What are you thinking, Ran?" she shouted, "We should run…"
The Bellato said, "No, you go ahead…I will stay to help Zero!"
"Are you crazy?" Cly protested, "The tin can can't be helped!"
"Don't you see!" The ranger replied, "Zero had sacrificed itself to help us! He'd even betray its comrades! He do this as a friend! Cly, you go first!" Before he left, Ran kissed the Cora spiritualist on her lips. The act made the girl blushed red. Without saying ado, he left her pondering…
A Bellato…kisses…my…lips…why…don't…I…feel…dirty? I should be angry. Why I…can't…say…anything? Oh, Ran…is this…love that I feel?
-###-
Back to the other fight,
Zero had tried hard, but it wasn't a match for Gungnir. The Destroyer's might was overwhelming in strength and experience. His newly-fitted armor was tattered; even sparks came out from its crack.
UNIT CONSCIOUSNESS SAMPLE:
WARNING!
DAMAGE 75%
HP: 43%; FP:103%;SP:195%
Armor Gauge: 58%
HP runs low!
The Gladius attempted again to strike, but its opponent swung Beam Spear to bat the attack violently. That made Zero lost its balance.
"Mangle!" Another vicious attack came, and this time, Zero's defense broke when the spear tore its chest armor. The hulking cyborg finally went down, and its opponent went into killing mode, shouting,
"Die, traitor!" However…a sudden explosion upon its visor prevented Gungnir. The Accretia commander glanced and saw Ranskye holding Soul Returnee Bow. The ranger snarled,
"Stay away from Zero, you beast!" The Destroyer stunned temporarily. Then Zero turned to Ran and said,
"Ranskye should not return…Ranskye must save himself!"
"And leave you like a coward? Never!" Ranskye declared, "You had just showed me how to stand for honor. Now I will show you that a Bellato never leave their comrades behind! No matter what!" The Accretia simply buzzed,
"Illogical…but acceptable!" For a moment, both of them started each other until Ran called,
"Unit 0x! Let's fight side-by-side!" Zero responded,
"Permission granted…though there was 99% chance that both of us won't survive." Not for long, Gungnir said,
"Foolish, I must say! You could save yourself, Bellato, But you throw it away! Now nobody will save you and the traitorous unit from my wrath!"
Ranskye taunted, "Do your worst, Accretia! I, Ranskye is ready for the consequences!"
"So be it!" The Destroyer charged forward with booster. The ranger quickly pulled his bow and unleashed,
"Double Shot!" He shot twice and hits its target. Yet, Gungnir shrugged those attacks like nothing. Similarly, Zero0x ran toward the incoming Destroyer head-on
CRAASH! Both cyborgs impacted very hard, but then Zero was brushed away due to its low HP.
UNIT CONSCIOUSNESS SAMPLE:
WARNING!
DAMAGE 85%
HP: 33%; FP:93%;SP:195%
Armor Gauge: 48%
HP runs low!
Take HP potions (2)
Zero quickly recharged its HP with potions, yet it could only recover fraction of its original HP.
"0x! Look out!" Ranskye's warning came as Gungnir tried to stab it. The renegade Accretia rolled away from the fierce stabbing. The Bellato ranger still kept shooting, but came nothing as the Destroyer ignored them until
"Electric Ball!" A ball of electric discharge hit Gungnir squarely at chest and drove the cyborg quite far. The Bellato and the Accretia turned and saw…Clytemnestra behind them. She held Soul Returnee Staff. Seeing their expression, she said curtly,
"What? Let both of you have the fun by yourself?"
Ranskye quipped, "Well, I didn't expect you to return…"
Zero added, "Unit 0x…say thanks for Clytemnestra's aid…"
The Cora spiritualist brushed, "Aah, save your thanks for later! Tell me how to bring down that metal beast?"The ranger spoke,
"The Accretia was outranked three of us. The only way to beat it is to use a bait and held it…"
Cly said, "Good idea, who will become the bait?" Ran was silent for a while, until he said,
"I am! I will hold the cyborg as long as I can, while you and Unit 0x strike it!"
"That is suicide! You won't last for a second!" Cly protested,
Ran sighed, "I must take that, because it is my own idea and my responsibility to carry it through…" Not for long,
"Ranskye, let Unit 0x become the bait…" The Bellato shocked,
"Wait, Zero…you are heavily damaged. There is no way you can stand against it…"
Zero explained, "Yes, but I would held longer than you…I will try to hold Centurio TII as long as I can, while Ranskye and Clytemnestra attacked. There is another reason…Ranskye is very important to Clytemnestra, therefore you must not die…" The ranger glanced to the female spiritualist, while the latter shied away. Without any other option, Ran said,
"Very well, Unit 0x…do as you wish!" he continued, "I ask one thing from you…don't die!"
The Accretia answered, "It has to be seen yet…" It turned again to the Accretian Destroyer,
-###-
Meanwhile,
Zephyr faced straight to Brutez66. Realizing the danger that the cyborg posed, the Bellato wizard immediately opened the attack,
"Flame Arrow!" The large, fiery arrow went toward its target. The Mercenary stood stoically,
UNIT CONSCIOUSNESS SAMPLE:
Analyze…
Fire-based Force Attack
Elemental Force…ACTIVATED
Excel Charger…ACTIVATED
The red-armored cyborg crossed its arms to brace the attack. Almost immediately, the fiery conflagration shook its metal frame furiously until the flame died. The Accretia was standing harmlessly. Zephyr frowned, but he had expected this thing. Then he cast Effective Use and geared for his strongest attack,
"Mirror Swarm!" Instantly, the flaming, rectangle-like objects surrounded Brutez and showered it with furious firestorm. But the attack splashed harmlessly upon the cyborg. Its red armor glowed redder due to the extreme temperature. It mocked,
"Is this all you can do, Bellato? Pathetic!" Suddenly, one of its arms froze.
Zephyr replied, "I just soften you first! My Frost Nova would hold you there, while I use Dulling, Offensive Cancellation and Dismantle upon you!" As the flame went out, replaced by chilling sensation, the thick ice formed on the Mercenary.
"Debuff, clever!" Brutez commented. Then the Wizard shouted,
"This is time to be serious! Blaze Lance!" The gigantic flaming spear went off toward the Accretia and exploded into the fiery explosion that forced Zephyr to protect his eyes.
As the fire cracked, there were no signs of Brutez. Yet,the Bellato wizard didn't believe the Accretia could fall so easily. His fear was confirmed.
Brutez66 walked calmly amidst the burning flame. Its armor smoked and stained with soot. Other than scorching mark, it looked far from worse. The creature said,
"The play is over! Now it is my turn!" Without warning, the Mercenary/Warder charged forward to its opponent. Zephyr instinctively uses Sage Force to charge his FP and then ran to greet his opponent with his staff.
"Force Impact!" Another explosion rocks the entire camp.
-###-
Gungnir saw three of them, yet ignoring the imminent threat.
UNIT CONSCIOUSNESS SAMPLE:
Analyzing situations…
Recognizing Energy Signature…
Primary Target: Accretia Gladius
Result: Zero0x
Rank: Triarii
Status: Turncoat
Low HP
Secondary Target: Bellato Ranger
Status: Important
Low level
Third Subject: Cora Spiritualist
Status: Important
Low level
Calculation: 100% victory
The cyborg mocked, "Fools! You can't expect to win against my might, though three of you attack me simultaneously! I shall destroy the wayward unit and then hamstrung both of you…Emperor will reward me with many CP and gold!" Cly and Ran was irritated with the Accretia's boast, however Zero stopped them,
"Don't! Centurio is taunting both of you! You should focus to the plan, while I will bear its brunt!" Clanking and limping, the Gladius went toward its opponent for the final time. Gungnir said again,
"Last chance, Unit 0x! Join me or die with dishonor!"
The Gladius replied, "I am honored to receive your attack and defend my comrades! I won't turn my back again!"
"Then you die!" Both cyborgs charged their buff to the limit. Gungnir immediately initiated,
UNIT CONSCIOUSNESS SAMPLE:
Combat situations…
Accuracy…ACTIVATED
Wild Rage…ACTIVATED
Extending…ACTIVATED
Capacity Engine…ACTIVATED
Limit Gauge…ACTIVATED
Not want to lose, Zero activated its physical buffs as well, though its FP almost depleted,
UNIT CONSCIOUSNESS SAMPLE:
Combat situations…
Accuracy…ACTIVATED
Wild Rage…ACTIVATED
Extending…ACTIVATED
Aid Stretching…ACTIVATED
Rapid Logic…ACTIVATED
WARNING!
DAMAGE 85%
HP: 33%; FP:43%;SP:105%
Armor Gauge: 48%
HP runs low!
FP runs low!
"Pathetic! With such conditions, you want to challenge me?" Gungnir unleashed its verbal tirade. This time, Zero didn't reply. With full blast, the Destroyer charged forward and pointing its Beam Spear to its opponent. In the opposite side, the Gladius crossed its weapons to anticipate the attack. When their distance closes, they began to strike each other. Zero swung its blade furiously, but it was Gungnir who immediately thrust its spear through the opponent. Ran shouted,
"No, Unit 0x!" Cly could only gasped…
At first, Gungnir could felt its mission was accomplished. But the cyborg shocked to find Zero still survived. Not only that, it let itself impaled while locking its arms. The Destroyer tried to pull the spear; it won't! Zero croaked,
"Ranskye! Clytemnestra! NOW!" Suddenly awakened, the Bellato Ranger began to shot a barrage of electrical arrows toward the trapped Accretia. Clytemnestra lifted her hands, and shouted,
"Prism Beam!" A fire blast hit Gungnir squarely and shook its metal frame. She began to cycle her Force Attacks continuously . Thanks to Titania's tutelage, she was able to access the Light Force in order to increase her MP. Using Approaching and Light Effective Use, her magic attack became more destructive.
-###-
At another fight,
ExvionE47 treaded amidst the other section of the camp. The Bellato was agile; it had to give credit for that. Another testament of her tenacity was to be able to escape from its sensor. The Accretian Scientist had upgraded its sensors but no avail. However, Exvion was sure the Bellato still around here. If the technology not worked, then it had to resort to…psychological warfare.
-###-
Novem sneaked behind the crates and the tents. She admitted that she never saw this kind of Accretia. This one somehow…was different. She won't underestimate it; doing so would made her earn another scar. A noise came, and the Mental Smith cocked her rifle.
False alarm! She mused in relief. Not for long, a voice called,
"Bellato, I know you still here…why don't you show yourself?" Novem gritted her teeth; she never thought that the tin can had guts to call her out. There was no answer, while the Scientist continued,
"Suit yourself…your friends won't have time as Gungnir and Brutez would finish them! Why don't we chat?" Still no answer, and then Exvion said,
"It is up to you then. Now tell me, Bellato. What do you feel as a female?"
Huh? What is the tin can talking about? Novem asked within. The Accretia continued,
"Come on! Enlighten me on the aspect…I think the Cora and the Bellato were lucky to have such distinctions. We, the Accretia know not such thing. There was no difference between the units; everything was uniformed. Therefore, I dedicate myself to explore such distinctions…"
Novem growled, This tin can is crazy! I don't understand what it is talking about.
-###-
Exvion didn't note any changes on the surrounding, yet it was sure its plan would work. It continued,
"So what do you think about love? Is it driven by mere emotions or hormones? What do you feel when the opposite sex holds you? Love or lust?"
Novem began to angry. She felt insulted as a woman. This Accretia asked everything as she treated her like a lab rat. She'd become angrier when heard the white-armored Scientist said,
"Or you never feel love at all? Why? Because of your damaged face? Because of that, your loved one dumped you? What a pity…" This was the last straw for Novem!
That's enough! I will crush this insulting tin-can into scrap! Then she leaped before ExvionE47, who…pointed its Grenade Launcher to her. The Bellato managed to commented,
"Oh, crap!"
-###-
Facing with the endless barrage, Gungnir sensed the danger
UNIT CONSCIOUSNESS SAMPLE:
Force-based Attacks…Inevitable
WARNING!
DAMAGE 85%
HP: 83%; FP:103%;SP:195%
Armor Gauge: 59%
HP runs low!
Take HP potions (2)
Gungnir managed to croak, "Why…it is not…logical…how…I,…the
best…warrior…of…the…Empire…can…be…defeated…by…low-level…opponents…why? The female…Cora…is…Level…12,…but…her…attacks…like…Level…50…why?"
With surviving drive, the Destroyer desperately pulled its weapon from Zero's clutches. It yanked the Beam Spear out from the Gladius, thus ripping its armor into piece. Yet, Zero didn't want to shut down early. With last ounce of HP and MP, the cyborg lifted the Soul Returnee Dual Blades and…
"Death Hack!" It sent a cross slash toward the Accretian Centurio…
UNIT CONSCIOUSNESS SAMPLE:
WARNING!
DAMAGE 95%
HP: 43%; FP:103%;SP:195%
Armor Gauge: 28%
HP runs low!
Shield Battery…MALFUNCTIONED
The electric sparks came out from Gungnir's broken armor along with oil spillage, and then its armor exploded. Both of them crashed aloud to the ground. Ranskye bellowed,
"Zero! NO!" As he went toward the fallen Accretia, Clytemnestra went to another direction. She pursued the powerless Destroyer. With furious look, she said,
"This is for my fallen comrades! Vain Fall!" CRASH! A huge boulder hit Gungnir very hard, adding its damages further.
"This is for DECEM! Ice Beam!" Ice spikes bombarded its target. The Accretia was unable to defend itself from Force onslaught.
"This is for Ranskye! Air Splinter!" The stream of air cuts through the cyborg's frame. At that time, Gungnir was heavily damaged and walked wobbly. Its gaze turned to the Cora woman. It could find no pity in her eyes.
"And this is…for Zero! Electric Bolt!" For the coup de grace, a powerful electric bolt went forth from Clytemnestra and…crashed toward the damaged Accretia with violent sparks. Its database was instantly fry…
UNIT CONSCIOUSNESS SAMPLE:
WARNING!
DAMAGE 100%
HP: 3%; FP:103%;SP:195%
Armor Gauge: 0%
HP down!
THE SHUTDOWN INITIATED
Before the darkness completely claimed, Gungnir managed to ask for the last time
"Why?" Its musing ended as its metal body crashed into pieces to the ground.
-###-
Ranskye came to Zero and found…its body was broken beyond repair. Not only that, it also had a damaged power supply. Despite such damages, its database still intact. Clytemnestra who had arrived later, couldn't hold her shock,
"Oh, Ran!" she said. Slowly, the ranger knelt and asked,
"Zero, are you still hear me? Zero?"
-###-
Zero0x turned to the voice's direction,
UNIT CONSCIOUSNESS SAMPLE:
WARNING!
DAMAGE 98%
HP: 13%; FP:13%;SP:105%
Armor Gauge: 98%
HP down!
FP runs low!
Battery runs!
UNABLE TO UPLOAD THE COMBAT PROCEDURE
UNABLE TO DESIGNATE THE TARGETS
"Ranskye…Clytemnestra…" its voice began to stutter, "How…is…your…conditions…?"
Ranskye said, "We're fine, Zero! We won…we did it!" The Accretia replied,
"Then…you…are…safe…My mission…is…accomplished…then…"
The Bellato nodded, "Yes, your mission is accomplished, and with that I release your from any obligations, Unit 0x! You are free now…" The Gladius didn't answer it reached out to the Bellato's face and wiped the tears. The cyborg turned to the Cora and saw the same expression, asking,
"You…are…crying…why?" The young ranger explained,
"Because we're friends…we cry for you, Zero…"
Zero said, "Don't…cry…for…me…I…just…defend…my…honor…by…protecting…you…" Suddenly, Ranskye blurted,
"Meine Ehre heiβt Treue…" Not understanding that, Cly asked,
"What is the meaning of that?" Wiping his tears, the Bellato shook his head,
"I don't know…I just remember it…"
The Accretia explained, "It comes from the Old Earth's language…it means 'my honor is loyalty'…Unit 0x…think…those words…for…"
"You…Zero!" Ran continued, "You had been a loyal friend for us…until the end. I won't forget you…" Cly followed,
"You might be an Accretia…but Clytemnestra would remember this inside!"
"The same with me…there will be another space for both of you inside my…database…!" Zero sighed, "Now…go…the time…is short…" At the same time, portals appeared around them. The Corites and the Bellateans came out from those portals. Ran and Cly watched apprehensively.
Author's Note: Okay, witness the conclusion of this fanfic in 'Epilogue: Bonds'! What will happen to Ranskye and Clytemnestra when they returned to the respective races? What will hold at the future?
See by yourself!