RWBY: Bonds Between Hearts
Chapter 17: The Countdown Begins
WARNING: I own none of these characters sides from my OC(s). All rights go to their respective owners and properties.
This is nothing more than, well a fanfic, a story made up by a fan for entertainment and knowledge.
Everything in this fic is not canon and is only meant to give the audience a new idea of the works of each of the franchises in this story.
So please support me, my work and have some fun. Now enjoy the story. ^w^
The world of Remnant had all witnessed the broadcast Evol had announced to the world. His goal and ambitions to watch the world burn. It had caused concern and ever growing panic amongst the populace upon the reality a now world-ending organization was set to literally separate the Kingdoms in three weeks.
Evol the Devourer was now labeled as the most dangerous if not lethal man to all of mankind due to his legitimate threat and the technology he harnessed. Police. Atlas Military. Huntsmen. Everyone had been on the lookout and searching for the monster who had practically declared war on humanity. He who had eyes and ears everywhere. He had state of the art technology to surpass Atlas.
He had the literal power to change the world.
But what made things harder to swallow and cope was the fact that the fate of Remnant now, rested the hands of the said entity. They have no idea what to think of this, nor what plans he has. They can only either voice their concerns or wait for someone to take action as fear was drowning the planet now, more so than ever before.
Evol mused, swiping across the holoscreen in regards to the articles that kept on flowing. Wanted posters of his good looks in and out of armor. Oh and the news hasn't stopped talking about him. Ah what a day. What a lovely day!
He could already taste the fear and dread of the masses, as the reactions and comments made a fine tasty meal for him. When the walls come up, war will be brought and with it comes his appearance and his new meal!
Though his brother and remaining tribesmen were still being trapped in wherever they're at was a bummer… Just means more food for him! He always hated being second fiddle to his brother and Blood always being a glutton. Maybe he'll just let them be sealed as he moves to the next planet? Meh, they can have the scraps for all he cared for.
He clasped his hands together before spreading them, allowing dozens of holo-screens to manifest to display everything.
"Man it feels good to see the view of the world like this." He snapped his fingers, allowing a Guardian to push a table, allowing the lifeform to rest his feet over it and his hands behind his head. "Ah what a lovely day it is for me!"
Footsteps echoed in which he slanted his head to notice Lily with her head bowed upon seeing him. "I've brought them as requested, Lord Evol…" She bowed.
"Good!"
The bluenette chewed her lip. "L-Lord Evol… about yesterday…"
"I may have forgiven you and added an extra belt of mine on the way, do remember who is in charge. And who brought you out of the streets."
"Yes.. sir… You, Lord Evol…" Lily lowered her head.
"Atta girl! Now carry on while I talk to the adults!"
She saluted but nearly poorly and left whereas the council members entered and took their seats. Only difference is the Heavy Guardians waited behind them.
"You wish to speak with all of us High Council, Lord Evol?" Alpha questioned as this was very unorthodox.
"Yes as a matter of fact! Tell me, what do you see in front of you?"
The council members looked around, only seeing holo-screens of Evol, his face and words.
"Er… your achievements?"
"No, I mean physically."
"… Your first shedding phase of your human skin."
"Correct! And how many Phases do I need left?"
"… Three?"
"Ding! Ding! And how exactly led to my achievements?"
"The boy?"
"Partly correct but what core aspect did I tell all of you amongst Faust? Remember our Creed?"
"Bound by Blood."
"And with it comes…?"
The air began to thicken. "T… Trust?"
"Bingo." Immediately the Heavy Guardians latched their large forms onto the humans, restraining them. "W-What is the meaning of this, Lord Evol?!" Eta demanded, squirming in the clutches of the Heavy Guardian as were her fellow council members.
"You guys had become so impatient you had planned to stab me in the back." Evol replied. "Betrayal I won't accept from you lot."
He hopped off the seat. "So! I've taken the liberty to pardon some of my chosen soldiers so that you guys take their place as part of the Lost Ritual."
"L-Lord Evol! Please you surely jest!" Beta shivered, "We would never betray-"
"I am a jokester you know?" They felt relief. "But this wasn't a joke. My loyal bat-chan overheard you all." He raised the orb his lovely bat made with her Semblance. He tapped the orb, displaying the Council members who spoke of their agenda. Their faces ran pale upon the familiar faces.
"M-My lord.. W-we can explain…" Alpha grimaced, trying to find a way to weasel out of this mess.
"I gave Bat-chan a second chance but did I ever give one of our late council member a second chance to correct himself about my belt?" Evol questioned them as he chuckled deviously, "Besides… with the fact that my plan will be fulfilled… I think its also time that 'Faust' is now only ran by me… and me alone."
He slammed his fist against the armrest, sounding all systems. A countdown blared whereas all Guardians were now following one rule: Obey Evol.
[Central Isle will rise in T-minus 24 Hours]
"To lock all four, they must be split evenly. Vale won't do. Nor Vacuo. No, it will be smackdab center of Remnant so all four Kingdoms will have no support from their fellow Kingdoms." He laughed. "Take them to the Nebula Chambers!"
"You lousy snake! If you think we're going to sit by and let you turn us into your toys!" The voices and cries of the council members shouted with anger, rage and sorrow as they were slowly dragged out of the room to the Nebula Chambers, like the ones before them and the people they took? They too will become the same. Monsters.
"Hehe. When you become Lost Smash, you will have no choice but to listen. This world will burn by discord and when I achieve my real form, this world will become my meal."
XXX
Salem stared darkly at the recent broadcast from the device. Her followers had witnessed what Evol announced and his intentions with the Box. To separate the world where no man or beast can cross the walls, it would bring discord and growing fear. Fear that brings Grimm. While she would have applauded his goal (somewhat), it would prevent her from obtaining the Relics.
"Watts, what can you tell me about his technology?"
"Quite frankly even I am all but curious about his technology, my queen." Watts replied, his eyes never leaving the image of Kamen Rider Evol. "To create individual programmed machines that also follow with absolute obedience to the creator. The witnessing of ships that can cloak, hiding away from the eyes of every creature - both us and Grimm. It's… alien."
"Can you hack his technology?"
The Atlesian grimaced. "I'm afraid that is the key problem." He tensed slightly to her frown. "My apologies but this is a creature who has devoted his entire existence to such capabilities, no doubt he had created backup plans, firewalls, and many of the likes to ensure no one steals his technology from him."
"Hmm… what do we even do? You've told us how he has the same power as you do…" Hazel questioned, as the tall, tanned man sat there with an annoyed look. "To split the world in four… and then devour it?"
"Evol claims to be an entity of the cosmos." Salem steepled her hands together. "Old as time as his kind devoured worlds for power…. "
"We could have our precious 'chosen maiden' figure out how this plan of his works and either take it from him or destroy it?" Tyrian, a chaotic, maniacal scorpion faunus spoke up. "I mean… she already informed us that the two boys from this man's fold are now with her. If we can figure that out, we can silence his threats to devour the world and your plan, my mistress."
Her crimson gaze stared at the image of Evol. It was easier said than done. The lifeform was careful in his work.
"For now… we continue our plan.. Hopefully we can achieve it before he is ready to devour Remnant." Salem sighed out, "Even his plans aren't fully done… Otherwise we would have perished already."
"He said three weeks, my queen. Bold as it is… he doesn't seem to be bluffing as the Vytal Festival begins the day after he initiates his plan."
Salem frowned. It was indeed true. Three weeks to execute the summon of the wall that reaches the heavens. He wanted to see the world react as they can't do anything to stop him. Looking at the recording of the broadcast, her eyes narrowed. "Watts, rewind it."
The man raised a brow and did as told. "Stop." Again he did as told. The image paused when Evol was walking while patting the girl with blue hair. She narrowed her eyes. "Rewind it for a mere second." Her eyes watched and played. From lilac to green. From green back to lilac.
She remembered what her Grimm felt in forever fall. The essence of magic. Now it made sense. Evol's right hand too harbored a gift yet there was something familiar about the emerald eyes. She swore she had seen such a gaze.
…Before she was put into that tower. Her mind replayed her conversation with Evol.
Vernage… Vernage…
Emotions ran in her mind upon the recollection of a maiden with such eyes. The flowing silver white hair and porcelain skin. The magic she had outclassed any back then.
The Saint who had challenged the Cobra for ages. Now it made sense.
Evol has the girl because she is the next Vernage.
"I believe we may have the key to counter him" Salem hummed. "Watts, expand that still image."
Watts tapped his wrist, allowing the image to be cropped onto the girl. Unlike the Four Maidens, Night/Mad Rogue was harboring the full magic might due to who was resting within her. Magic that had no doubt never weakened.
"Tyrian?" Salem turned to her dear assassin, "Bring that girl to me. Alive."
Vernage the Saint must be in her clutches.
XXX
The doors of the cafe burst open as Atlas officials entered Cafe Nascita. The AKs aimed left and right whereas Ace Ops entered, finding no occupants of the cafe. Even more so that the place was abandoned, as if nobody has owned the building in ages.
"Clear." Clover motioned.
"No one is even here…" Harriet brushed a finger across the table.
"Seems the target has fled like a coward!" Elm huffed with annoyance.
"Meh, more like moving my cafe elsewhere. I love the place." Everyone aimed their guns but only saw a camera and a Scroll that displayed Evol.
"Evol…" Clover frowned.
"Nascita holds dear memories, you see? So I moved all of the stuff elsewhere for the time being."
"It's only a matter of time before we find your true base of operations." Clover stated.
"Hehe. Good luck with that, lucky charms. And enjoy the present." Evol wagged his finger and the call ended. A countdown timer appeared, causing the Ace Ops to quickly evacuate the building before an explosion erupted, destroying the building and the AKs inside.
Clover frowned as he tapped his coms, "General sir? We lost our only lead… I'm sorry."
XXX
Ironwood grunted as Ozpin and Glynda watched the brief frustration the General held. The trio were gathered in the office of Beacon, the news still blaring from Glynda's Scroll.
"I understand… continue to locate any leads in regards to Faust or Evol."
"Understood." Ironwood lowered his arm, "Brothers help us… Evol has been waiting for it."
"He has been preparing for everything since the day he took hold of a body." Ozpin corrected.
"And with no way to figure out his weakness or something to hold him at bay… This truly could be the end of us all." Glynda grimaced, swallowing down her fears as she tried to remain calm.
Ironwood turned as he marched to the elevator, only to be stopped by the Huntress.
"Where are you going, James?"
"To get info out of the boy." Ironwoods responded, albeit coldly.
"James, you know Evol will not take this kindly."
"How do we know if he's even needed anymore?" Ironwoods questioned, "The boy is now comatosed and in the hospital after being retrieved by your students. If there is a slight way for him to tell us how he escaped, we could finally get our chance to stop this!" He accused the two. "That boy is the child of a planet-devouring monster."
"Yet he is still a child!" Glynda defended, "Don't put your anger and frustration when he isn't to blame!"
"I don't think Cody is aware his father is a monster. His mother must have made sure it remained that way." Ozpin added.
"I refuse to believe he isn't part of all of this…."
"And I believe you need to leave him be… James." Ozpin frowned, no longer having another outburst that could inch them closer to their demise. "He is going to be protected by us, henceforth. If there is some way to stop it… He will be that key. And he will be treated like every other student."
"If he isn't?"
"…." Ozpin's face fell grim.
"Either you find the right answer or I will."
"Sheesh Jimmy, are you this stuck up?" Everyone immediately looked at the elevator and saw it close whereas they saw a familiar face who rubbed his neck.
"Qrow…" Glynda gasped.
"In the flesh…" He said, taking a swig of his flask.
"Where have you been? You shouldn't be going in the dark like that." Ironwood frowned at the older Huntsmen.
"Aside from finding anything about her?" He raised his Scroll and tapped send. "I've been digging for info for Oz. About the blonde kid and the girl… 932 was it?"
"What about them?"
"Aside from blondie's rather ho-" He saw the glare from Glynda. "I mean rather studious mother who had been researching unknown artifacts, the blue bat was from Mistral. An old hag once called her a street urchin. My guess, the girl lived on her own in the streets but was never seen again after a woman with long silver hair began to look after her, who was dead nearly a decade ago."
"Hm?" This soon took Ozpin's attention, "A woman with long silver hair?"
"But what is weird? The authorities said the dead woman's hair turned to red as if the silver hair had faded away."
James pondered before his eyes widened. Everyone had the same thought.
"You guys are getting to what I'm trying to say right?" Qrow took a swig. "Oz, there is another person like you and I bet my flask the silver hair is a trait to show the real woman has such color."
"Then that must mean, the girl bonded her soul with the silver haired one…" Glynda realized.
"Blood of two people was there. Little girl should have been dead from such amounts but my best guess like Oz, whoever the woman is, saved 932 by transferring her life into her corpse."
"Which means, we have a chance to truly stop Evol." Ironwood sighed with some relief. "I'll get my men to look for her."
"No James." Ozpin shook his head, "You will not cause another incident. We will let this play out, and if what Qrow said is true? Evol has her under his obedience. She follows him like a lifeline but Cody has been breaking down her walls. Doubts are already brewing without a doubt. However, the only way…" Ozpin closed his eyes. "Is for the duo to fight each other."
"Let's just hope the poor boy will heal before those three weeks are up…" Glynda grimaced with some fear.
Qrow looked at his Scroll, seeing the countdown. "And by then comes the fabled walls of the heavens."
XXX
Within the hospital room, the young rider was hooked up to the devices to monitor his health. Bandages and casts all over him as he laid there unconscious. Yang on the other hand, while moving again could only look with utter sadness and worry over the boy.
Not only Lily gave Cody one hell of a beating, Evol has used the fabled magic to toss Cody aside without worry of being hurt.
Yang just gently held his hand as she looked at him with sorrowful eyes. If she and the others didn't step in, he most likely would've died by Lily. And while this now put them at risk against Faust, Yang doesn't regret it one bit.
Evol had said eight Lost Smash remained for the blonde and he had to kill them. Legitimately kill them. The people who became Lost Smash no doubt were aware of their intended sacrifice for the goal that is to occur in three weeks. The Lost Smash can attack at any time and only Cody was allowed for a purpose.
Yang soon felt a hand on her shoulder, but from the gentle touch she knew it was her sister and friends as she turned her head to the others, also slightly bandaged up but much better off compared to the two blondes.
"He'll be okay Yang. Just have faith." Ruby reassured her sister.
"I know… it's just…" Yang sighed heavily, "Why does he have to be the one now? Why can't that snake just… Ugh!" Yang groaned with frustration as she wanted to have words to encourage and support but it was hard trying to think of something positive for this.
"We know Yang… Evol has to make Cody kill eight people… morbid as it sounds. If we…" Weiss took a shuddering breath. Cody had to use his armor to kill the Lost Smash. They can't because they didn't meet the requirements unlike him. The festival had to be delayed because of the incident and the countdown of doom.
"If we do anything more, our families are done for, is that what you want to say?" The brawler gritted. Weiss was downcasted whereas Blake held her own arm.
"I don't regret it…" Yang spoke up as she look to them, "As scared as I am about them harming Ruby or dad…. I don't regret stepping in… Do any of you?"
"I don't either." Ruby shook her head, "He needed help… That's what friends do."
The buxom Valean smiled before they heard a soft groan. The girls looked at the boy, seeing Cody slowly yet tiredly open his eyes.
"Cody!"
"Where… am I…?"
"You're in the hospital! Thank Brothers you are awake!"
"I'm… still alive..?" He questioned, looking almost disappointed that he still is alive after everything.
"What do you mean?"
"I should have… died… but I didn't…" His teeth clenched under his jaw. "I wanted to save Lily… why…"
"C-Cody how can you say that?"
"Because it's true! I ruined everything for them!" He snapped at the girls, as they saw tears in his eyes again, "I ruined Lily's mentality…. I am the reason Evol is achieving this!"
"Cody…"
"I know I have to fight those damn Lost Smash… and by then… Evol will have what he wants."
"But if you can't, you know the Lost Smash they send will just cause havoc."
"But if I die… he can't complete anything either way… It's the only option left…" Cody looked away from them.
"So you want people to get hurt by the Lost Smash or do you want the world to burn like he told you?" The male blonde glanced at Yang who frowned, herself being the one to say it. "Is that what you want, Cody?"
Cody attempted to argue yet Yang didn't give him a chance as she slapped the boy, shocking everyone.
"Don't you even dare think about anything like that! You are not to blame for everything… And don't even think about believing things would be better off without you here… You're just being selfish at this point…" Yang scolded him, tears also now running down her face. "That is no better than what Lily is feeling!"
The mention of her made Cody tense. "You fought to free them. You did it to prevent them from being in Faust's clutches any longer! You are the only one who is making Lily see her mistakes so she can be free! Just as you have your freedom!"
"What.. what do I do now? What can I do?" He questioned her, pleading some answer, "I try and try, yet she keeps pushing me away… she hates everything about me. So how can you expect me to save her too when she won't accept my hand like you all did?"
"Fight her! Didn't you see each moment you fought her?!"
The blonde paused, recalling her reactions before her outbursts. The gaze in her eyes through the brief insanity. The tears in her eyes when she raised her sword at him. Her desire for freedom.
Cody realized his mistakes before he turned back to Yang to know one last question. "Why..? Why do you care so much about me to do this…?"
Yang brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. "What are friends for? We have to look out for each other right?"
Tears began to run down his face again, weeping at the act of kindness once again shown by the fellow blonde. He was realizing how much she truly cared to be there for him, something he has wanted for years especially upon remembering his mother since her death. Yang could only smile as she leaned in, hugging the boy to comfort him and let his built up emotions finally release.
"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…" He apologized through his weeping.
"Shh… its okay… just let it all out now… I have you." Yang sighed with some relief, patting the boy and letting him hug her until he was better.
XXX
Evol used two tools to weld wires together, wearing a protective faceplate despite the armor he had. His favorite blend of coffee was held by a Guardian. Where he was is the special Central Isle. An isle that no one across the Kingdoms are aware of.
What's so special? Hehe, thank his ingenuity as the world will see it rise up. Once an old kingdom he stayed in when he came to this planet. Oh it wasn't his, it belonged to the late king and her precious daughter. The Saint herself.
Through the years of hiding it from the map, he changed it. Upgraded it. Advanced it. His own humble abode that beats the living conditions back on Planet Blood. He raised the faceplate, tapping the mechanism. "There we go. That should reinforce the gravitational force." He pushed himself up and took a swift drink of his coffee. "Aaaahhh, man why do they hate my blend?"
"Creator: we have received confirmation Former High Council Members have been processed and marked for the Lost Ritual of the Lost Panel you hold." The drone relayed.
"Ah excellent! This'll sure move the plans to the next stage, as well as give boyo some needed relief from his horrors. Hehe well, 'almost' his horrors."
"Inquiry: Which Member sir?"
"Why the one he despises the most! 'Mother'." Evol grinned, knowing this would be cathartic to see the boy fight her.
"Confirmed: Subject Beta to be deployed by Mad Rogue."
"Oh and do keep an eye on Bat-chan. Don't want her going berserk again, do we?"
"Request confirmed." The machine saluted and turned around, marching away.
Evol stretched, rolling his shoulders before exiting, revealing a grand view of the area before him. The energy dome that surrounds the whole place to shield it. To hide it.
And once the third Lost FullBottle is made, that is when this place will show itself for everyone to see what he has in store. He planned this for centuries. Each paused or delayed no thanks to Vernage. This time thanks to his dear boyo, it will go swimmingly!
"What a day… What a lovely day!" He boasted until his Scroll rang. "Damn it just when I was about to dance my victory!" He reached for it and activated its projection function. "Oh it's you two knuckleheads. I take it Ozma and his groupie are running around like a King Taijutu without heads?"
"Um… partly?"
"… What did you two idiots do this time?"
"W-Well… uh…" 898 swallowed.
"She wants to speak to you, boss!"
"Hm? 'She?'" Evol blinked with surprise from the fact someone wanted to speak to him. He paused and facepalmed. "You two devilish idiots told that newbie maiden I was your boss?!"
"Ehehehehe…"
"When I see you two, I am giving you the chainsaw beatdown!" The threat made the duo squeak, hugging each other. "Put her on before I got up a level on the thrashing."
The projection shifted and revealed Cinder. "Alright missy speak up cuz I'm on a schedule here."
"Then I'll cut to the chase… I wish to serve you, Lord Evol." Cinder revealed.
… Did he hear that right? Salem's own agent… want to work with him? What on the cosmos was she eating?
"You… want to work with me?" He shifted a brow beneath his armored skin.
"Yes… Since you know so much about Remnant, you must also know most lives here, correct?" She questioned him, "If so, then you know all about me… and what I desire…"
Evol pondered. "What's stopping me from twisting your limbs like clay when you are Salem's little dog."
"Honestly nothing. I just want power. And here I thought Salem was the most powerful being ever… I wanted that same power. But now that I know there's something more vast and great than her? I'd be an idiot not to chase after it. Plus, this'll give you ears and eyes within Salem's circle and what she thinks of next." Cinder revealed with a devious grin.
"Hmm… I do have Bat-chan on my side…" The lifeform paced left and right. "One with Vernage's magic… another girl with Magic that came from old man Ozma… never had eyes and ears in Salem's circle before…" he began rambling plans, his words now gibberish if not alien to Cinder. To her it sounded like he was making rapid calculations, immediate plans that have backup plans that also held such and so on.
"I'll make another addition as well. Salem plans to capture your bat girl in order to figure out your technology and plans so she can stop it. Even sending in Tyrian to take her… Oh and same goes for the General." Cinder revealed as she held up her scroll alongside the plans that Ironwood had laid out in secret to the Ace Ops.
"898. 899."
"Y-Yes boss?"
"I'm letting off the leash. But only on the two groupies she mentioned."
"Ahh! Fun time!" 899 shouted with utter delight.
"As you wish, my lord." 898 bowed.
"If you go all devil on others then I will tug those leashes and make you both wish you were not Hell Bros."
"We understand, Lord Evol." The two said in unison, both understanding well.
"As for Cinderella there. If you wanna help me? You have a loooooonng way to earn my trust. Unlike everyone I groomed, you are late on that."
"But of course, Lord Evol. I shall do my part and wait until you approve of me." Cinder said with a bow, as she clearly understood to be patient.
"Good. Meet up at the center of Remnant."
"Pardon? That is… nothing but ocean waters."
"Hehe, my dear… You should know that nothing is what is seems when it comes to me." Evol grinned before ending the call, letting Cinder's thoughts stew as he leaned back in his chair.
Amused, he was. To think the prize possession of that witch would fully offer herself to him! True, she may backstab him like most others, yet he found her amusing and could make some fun entertainment too. For now, he'll play along.
[Central Isle Rising in T-Minus 2 hours]
"Time for round 2. Let's rock this joint! Lights!"
Screens ignited in the air around him.
"Cameras!"
The screens he summoned procured images of every kingdom on Remnant but also hacking into communications and broadcasting to give them a grand view of the upcoming fight.
"ACTION!"
XXX
In moments, screens either turned on or flickered as once again the feed was hacked as Evol appeared on screen for everyone to see once more and dread what he plans to do now.
"You think you all enjoyed your fun? Nay! It was I, Evol! Ha! I always wanted to say that!" He casually said. "As you all may know you humans and Faunus have two weeks and 6 days until the Walls come up. Which you can't do a damn thing about. Hahahahaha! Aaahhhh." He wiped away a tear. "But! To do that! Someone I know has to kill, emphasis on kill, eight more of my selected sacrifices who are so delighted to die for my Relic!"
Within the hospital room, Cody, Yang and the girls looked on with annoyance and distress from Evol's broadcast as they waited for the reveal.
"Given Bat-chan and I beat the shit out of him, I had already sent one of my special medicines to give him good recovery."
"He did?" Weiss blinked with some surprise, believing such medicine to be untrue given the state of the rider.
"Now that said before the fight, I want you all to see the rise of a special place. And for your information it isn't HQ of Faust. That place is super duper secret." The cameras shifted to reveal the ocean.
"Uh… just water?" Ruby blinked.
Everyone suddenly felt a rumble in the earth which startled them. In the footage watered boiled, the Grimm within fleeing with haste. To everyone's shock and astonishment was the rise… of a massive island. Only it looked unique. Crimson red technology littered the place, coiling around ancient buildings that had remained in pristine condition since the dawn of time. An energy dome over it to protect it from the outside and finally one very large tower in the center of it, looking like a spire that could reach the heavens.
"Welcome to the special girl's old kingdom: Eden."
"Eden…?" Blake grimaced as she looked to the window, able to see the large spire even from the distance. Seems like everyone in Remnant could see it in some way.
"A kingdom ages past. A kingdom that was once home to an ill king and her daughter. Her daughter… the bitch who I hate oh so very much, Vernage. This kingdom… I sank without a shred of mercy." He chuckled darkly. "But it was my first place to call home when I arrived on this planet. So, I sank it to kill everyone and occupied it as my HUGE mansion. Neat huh?"
"Taky is more like it…" Yang huffed, arms crossed.
"I heard that, blondie!" Evol responded as it made everyone flinch. "As I was saying before a girl interrupted, the tower is of my own design. Similar to ones I placed across Planets I ate. This is the epicenter where all four kingdoms will be blocked by the Sky Wall."
"So what… am I supposed to crawl over there for this next fight?" Cody questioned, still unsure about the medicine to heal him.
"As to Cody who is listening to this. The third round of Lost Smash Hunting starts! With. Her." The screen shifted to reveal a cuffed scientist whose head was lowered but her teeth were gritting angrily. Unlike before she had a black marking running down her cheek and a number on her neck. "This bitch. The one I assigned to Group 900 to oversee the experimentation of you."
"Mother…" Cody soon glared, his eyes shimmering briefly with blood red before returning to the blue eyes he has.
"Your mom?"
"Everyone from 900 called her that… Her real name is Beta. She is just a twisted woman." Cody frowned, "She made every minute with her a torturous event… Always just happy and enjoying our suffering… and mine."
"My third sacrifice! So! Cody, you can kill her and everyone will see the monster of a bitch she is for experimenting on Experiments 900-999. Good luck! For the walls will rise up in two weeks and six days!"
Cody grimaced as the feed ended only for it to cut back to Evol once more.
"Oh and one more thing! Jimmy cricket, and to the bitch sending that scorpion. I may have… slipped off a leash on two of my devils. Welcome everyone… to my Eden. Laters!" The footage was finally cut.
"What did he mean by that?" Ruby asked, worried what it could lead to.
XXX
"Grrraaauuugghhh!" Ironwoods howled in rage, destroying the table from Evol once again knowing everything! He dialed up his Ace Ops to tell them to halt their advances as he didn't want to lose his personal team.
XXX
Salem on the other hand was also furious as magic poured out of her body from the footage. She already could tell there might be a mole in her fold, but she must relax and wait for her plans to continue, only then will she punish who she believes to be the root of it all.
XXX
"Okay let's-" Coco was spun around like a top, her shades falling slightly. "Wha-What the hell? Did… someone run past us?"
"FREEDOM!" Two male voices cheered. "WOOHHOOO"
"NOW IT'S A DEVIL PARTY, BROTHER!"
"Yup. Two actually did." Velvet nodded.
"Where are they going in such a hurry?" Yatsuhashi questioned.
XXX
Mad Rogue sat on a mailbox in the streets of Vale, waiting patiently as her violet visor glanced at Beta. 801 leaned beside her, the user of Lost Owl keeping an eye on potential disruptions.
"Lily?" 801 spoke up, "I thought for sure you'd be ecstatic to see Beta finally hit the chopping block?"
"…" the Rider looked at the older brunette. "What is the point of that satisfaction?" Her lenses looked at the streets.
"I mean… with everything those bastards in the high council have done.. Shouldn't this feel fantastic to you too?" 801 questioned.
Mad Rogue stood up and got close to 801's personal space. The woman saw the glimmer of frustration before the vice commander shifted her gaze away. 801 hesitated for a second but raised a hand against hers.
"Just hang in there alright?"
Mad Rogue was silent before lightly shoving 801's hand away from hers. To Faust, it was pointless to be… closely involved with the Lost Soldiers as they were marked to die for the Blood Relic.
"Subject 931 approaching." The Guardian informed.
Limping to the scene with Yang holding him up as the rider had finally joined.
"Odd, only Cody is supposed to be here. Not… some blonde." 801 noted.
"Hey, you're the ones who are forcing this on him before he could heal." Yang frowned.
The brunette rolled her eyes and tossed the item to the two blondes. Yang caught the item and noticed the familiar med kit.
"Then use that and get out of here." Mad Rogue declared.
"I'll use it… but I'm not leaving. Don't want you attacking him like a mad dog again…" Yang glared at the bat rider.
"Either get the hell out or 801 will go after your old man and sister."
"Yang…. It'll be okay… I promise this time." Cody reassured her, looking to the brawler as he didn't want more problems going her way.
"Fine…" the buxom blonde sent a glare at Mad Rogue before she helped give the med kit to the young rider, as in moments he felt most of his broken bones being fixed, albeit audibly.
"I have orders. Kill Beta so we can obtain another Lost Fullbottle." Mad Rogue told Cody. The Guardian shoved the woman forward. "And the world will watch the crimes she has done for it."
"Since when did Faust choose to send their high members, Lily?"
"Evol…" The male experiment looked at Beta who bitterly spoke. "Bastard decided to pardon some of the Chosen and us being the replacements… that snake. All leadership is now on him."
Now this was a shocking revelation. He didn't expect Evol to just throw the high council members away like that. It also meant the snake now wasn't playing around if he got rid of those that helped build up Faust's might.
"Beta you know your orders."
"Like hell I will you little crying bi-!" Mad Rogue slammed her armored head against hers, breaking Beta's glasses.
"Either do that or I will force you to."
Beta groaned from the hit, hissing as while she was one of the few that retained her own self, she wouldn't lie down like this. She'll make sure that she kills these brats before taking on Evol himself. She knows things as well that can cripple that snake, and she'll make him pay.
"Are you frozen in fear?" Cody called out to the mad scientist, "Cause either way, this will be cathartic for me. I owe you years of payback…"
Beta winced but pulled a small fragment of glass from her face. "Still sore for all that? After the love I gave all of you 100 kids?"
"Shut it! What you did was torture us!"
"It was utter love! Love for me to give and take." she defended herself yet was grinning deviously and maliciously, "You children were simply made to become byproducts for us adults and our evolution. You were just nothing but tools for us so that we can be immortal too and transcend the cosmos! You should be thanking us for making you into such useful pawns! Your lives are just another piece of trash to deal with… And in fact…" She soon turned to the peaking Yang in the distance, "That one will do nicely… A very nice body to pick apart and use for myself…."
801 showed a tablet to Mad Rogue who briefly nodded. Hazard Levels were rising.
"For once… I won't feel bad if you're gonna be the ones I have to erase…" Cody seethed in anger, placing on the Sclash Driver for this one. "This is for every child you have taken and killed…"
"Fine. And I'll be sure you learn the reality. Of you." She twisted the Fullbottle, the Nebula Gas erupting and turned her into a Lost Smash. She somewhat had a pteranodon theme to the design but with chipped and shredded pieces of metal on her body, along with the obvious scissor blades on her forearms, back and head.
"Henshin!" Cody pressed the lever of his buckle.
DRAGON IN CROSS-Z CHARGE!
BUUUUURRAAAA!
Once his armor was donned on, he leaped towards Beta, as he slammed his fist into her face, sending the vile scientist into the ground with a crater being formed from the impact of his hit. He was exploding with anger from all the emotions that he had against this Faust member.
The drone raised the camera to broadcast the fight whereas Mad Rogue and 801 watched.
The Smash blocked Cross-Z's fist and punched him several times but the blonde parried it and returned twice the number.
"It was because of you, I had to free all 98 others like me and Lily from the pain Faust did! Of what you did!"
"And you grew up with great results! You are becoming stronger the higher your Level increases!"
"You killed so many people for results?! You stole everyone's lives away!"
"Every single orphan Evol found in the streets be it from Grimm or survival, was granted a place in Faust! Groomed for a purpose! Look around you! THIS is his work! Every occupation, especially soldiers!" Beta laughed.
"Granted? We were taken! Kidnapped and forced into that hellhole! It was hell on Remnant!" Cross-Z hissed. "You only cared for yourselves! And now look… a monster inside and outside."
Beta growled and backhanded Cross-Z and gave a vertical slash that caused sparks to fly. "You all lived! Especially you, 931! Evol saw you as special the day you were brought to us with your mother!"
The Rider paused in which caused Beta to use her feet to deliver a flying kick.
"Have you ever wondered about her? Do you remember how she raised you for four years until the Guardians took her away the moment she passed away?" The former council member crooned. "She gave you love. But when we did tests… I was the one who discovered an interesting revelation that made you so special as Evol once told us."
This soon brought the attention to Mad Rogue and 801, both of them wanting to know but realize as well this could be compromising as Mad Rogue dialed up Evol about the situation. "Lord Evol… she is bringing up possible sensitive information." She whispered.
"Let it continue."
"S-Sir?"
"Maybe its time he too learns the truth. Wonder how his Hazard Levels will react to that?"
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?!" The rider questioned.
"Every child is given a screening to ensure their health isn't compromised. When your results came up, your DNA was… foreign. Akin to a greater being and yet… there was identical genomes to him."
Cross-Z roared, hefting the Smash up. "Who?!"
The Lost Smash giggled before cackling as she was about to drop the bomb in front of the broadcast to the whole world, "Don't you see?! The reason for your strength! Your increase of Hazard Level without difficulties! You are a Magic born… you. Are. EVOL'S HYBRID SON! A REMNANT-BORN BLOOD TRIBESMAN!"
This soon shocked the rider and Yang, he was the son of Evol? He was part alien and thus the reason for his strength and growth? That couldn't be true! How could that even be possible? Confusion and fear began to swell around in his head, freezing the young boy as he started to hyperventilate over this reveal. He wasn't human… he was a monster too.
"That… That's a lie!"
"Your mother searched for the box because she wasn't just an archaeologist but an agent for Faust! However she turned a new leaf after learning she was pregnant upon touching the Pandora's Box! She couldn't have children before! That incident made her turn tail and raise you in secret before we found her!"
"STOP LYING!" He shouted out with his fear and anger, only for an eruption of power exploded out of him, as the same red-like power Evol had was now on his body.
"See?! The magic in you, the magic Evol took when he possessed that human ages ago is seen!" Beta held her face in delight. "You truly are a magnificent experiment since day one! How does it feel now that your father is a world devouring lifeform? Watching you kill me!"
The scared and confused boy panted, holding his head as he was beginning to have a panic attack, dropping to his knees.
"Make your daddy proud! Go ahead and KILL ME!"
But in a surprise turn, the armor of the dragon rider disappeared as Cody got up and started to run in fear. Something that was fully unexpected.
"Orders, Lord Evol?" Mad Rogue asked.
"Let him be. The fight will be delayed until tomorrow. Otherwise, Beta can wreak havoc as she wants." Evol replied. "Take Beta to the quarantine chambers."
"Wha-?!" Beta was electrocuted by the Guardian and 801. They knew fully Beta would try to flee from them, thus making sure she doesn't leave their grip.
XXX
Cody was running through the alleyways, panting with fear and shock from his reveal ties to Evol. He had to get out of there, he was a danger to everyone now! He… He… He slowed down and fell to his knees, grasping his head.
"I-I can't be that bastard's child… I can't be…" He whimpered.
"Cody…?"
The boy flinched as he looked up to see Yang and a concerned look on her face. Panic swells in his head again as he was about to flee once more only for Yang to stop and hug him.
"Let go! Let me go!" He pleaded in a panicked state. "J-Just leave me!"
"Didn't we just have this conversation hours ago? I said I won't leave you alone!" Yang shook her head as she held her grip, surprised that he wasn't truly trying to fight back.
"Please! I don't want to hurt you like the monster that I am!" He pleaded to her in anguish. "Just go!"
"NO!" Yang shouted as she made him look at her, her eyes once again changed but they were red, but a lukewarm orange. "Again… I promised you, didn't I? I won't let you be alone again, I won't judge you again. And I won't let you wallow with your fears take hold of you again. We're friends and I never leave my friends. So stop letting their mind games get to you, damn it!" She said before headbutting the boy with a loud hit, making both of them bleed from the strike.
Cody held his forehead, stunned on the pain and also the hit Yang gave him.
"I know what it's like to worry about your bloodline… I know how it feels that you were taken advantage of and worried you'll be the same as them…" Yang said before she shook her head, "But you are not him. You're not that snake… You are Cody, Cross-Z. My friend… and I promise you once more, even if the world is against you, I will stay by your side. Your blood doesn't make you a monster… So let your actions show them that you won't be held down by them either!"
Tears welled in his eyes and sniffled. Then Cody broke down in anguish. He didn't want to leave everything but scared of how others would view him. Heck, with what was just revealed, he was expecting Atlas to be swarming them around any moment and make him to blame for everything.
Yang could only hug the boy, knowing that such a reveal is unfathomable to comprehend. Being the son of this world devouring monster is beyond what anyone could understand. But with that reveal it now made sense as to why he was treated so 'special' in the eyes of Evol. He's trying to get his 'son' to join him as the new Blood Tribesman or become just another meal like everything else.
XXX
Lily took a deep breath as she was jabbing her steak whereas 801 ate with her. The diner was vacated by the Guardians who provided the meals for the two.
801 took notice of Lily's silence, as it was obvious her thoughts were in a spiral as well. Both of them now know the truth as well and it made things completely obvious now. The question was, what is Evol truly planning then if he wants to turn 931 into another Blood Tribesmen?
"So um… guess we know why Lord Evol has interest in him, huh?" 801 spoke up, trying to break the ice and learn what Lily is thinking.
"…"
"Lily?"
"What…"
"What is on your mind?"
The bluenette shifted her gaze, her eyes staring at the emptiness of the diner. "What is the point of me… when Evol's goal wasn't just to raise the wall but for Cody to be his heir."
"Don't doubt yourself. You were given a replica Evol Driver! That has to count for something for Evol still wanting you!" 801 stated, trying to cheer the bluenette up.
"Yeah, Vernage who he hated."
"But she's dead and you're not her! Why would he give his greatest enemy his ultimate power like it was a piece of candy?"
Lily looked away. 'She isn't…' the one thing was the woman she hears and dreams of. There wasn't a doubt who that woman was.
"Maybe Lord Evol is testing you and him. To see if the heir or the one that serves our lord is worthy to stay by his side when he eats Remnant?" 801 pointed out to her.
"…." Lily's grip on her fork tightened, almost bending the utensil. 'I want to be mad at Cody but…' She remembered the pure and utter fear he had at the revelations. Was he right? He…
801 and Lily quickly ducked their heads when something burst through the window. The Guardians immediately took action, their guns firing at the attacker.
A mad cackle was sounded off as the person was easily dodging the bullets, somehow even able to decapitate the Guardians before landing on the table as standing there was a lanky, pale man with claw-like weapons and a scorpion tail.
"Hello my little birds! I have come to take you, little bat… To my queen as per her commands." The man said, bowing gently but with an evil grin.
801 frowned at the Faunus. She raised the Fullbottle and inserted it into her wristlet, shifting her body into the Owl Lost Smash. She spread her wing arms, summoning the turrets from then. Lily raises her own Fullbottles and placed them into the duplicated Evol Driver. "Henshin!"
BAT/ENGINE!
As the vice commander donned on her alternative form, the duo charged at the attack who dodged their swipes as he returned back with those claws, somehow actually casting sparks off of their bodies.
"Who is this madman?" 801 grunted.
"An agent of the witch no doubt." Mad Rogue gritted.
"A witch? Oh… you girls are truly arrogant! My goddess is the one true being of this world… And one who'll stop that vermin in the end."
"Only Lord Evol is allowed to achieve this world." Owl hissed.
"You can't even stop a mere boy!" He cackled out. "And wasn't it revealed he is the heir and son to that snake?"
"And your point?"
"My 'point' is that you two are just as useless as any other tool! And I'm only here to collect this bat so our Queen can finally have a means to kill that snake." Tyrian huffed. "But I may as well make things interesting and kill this owl while I'm at it…"
801 snorted whereas Mad Rogue glanced at her, nodding. 801 can only be killed as per the ritual. Not by the hands of some insect.
"Hmm, you two seem to believe you'll make it out in one piece.. Sadly, you failed to even notice one little problem…"
The owl tilted her head, "And that is, insect?"
"Why… how did I harm you, of course?" He snickered, licking his claw blades. He paused to notice their stares. "You two are daft?"
"Our bodies are strengthened by Nebula. A chemical that overrides any invading counter agent. I take the poison you plan?"
"Hehe, oh I wasn't referring to my poison. I only use my tail for that. How about a better demonstration?" He grinned as the blade began to glow multiple colors…. His weapons were infused with magic.
"How are his weapons enchanted?!"
"My queen gave me a very handy addition to counteract that hide of yours! Magic bestowed by my queen… I'm just truly blessed!"
Mad Rogue brandished her Steamblade and lunged, two meeting one but the Faunus' eyes looked up as data appeared above and formed a sword that flew downward. "Tch!" He dodged but several rings appeared like a path in which Mad Rogue thrust her arm, creating an eruption of lances.
"At least I can take some frustration out on the witch's pet…" Mad Rogue huffed. "Owl, secure the premises and contact-" The Bat Rider was hurled through the window from the table hitting her.
"Ah, ah, ah! This is just between us three… No snakes or brats to bother us…" Tyrian cackled before lunging back at the Owl Lost Smash.
Turrets formed from the Lost Smash, firing relentlessly whereas she used her arms to block the magic-infused blades.
801 was beginning to be annoyed by this Faunus. She attempted to tackle him but her opponent was too nimble as he dodge and kicked her into a wall, only for Tyrian to leap onto her and started to slash away like a maniac, casting sparks off of her hide until blood would show.
"You are to not stall Evol's ritual by attacking a Lost Smash!" A whip ensnared Tyrian's neck. yanked him out of the restaurant and greeted with a boot to his face. Mad Rogue's arms ignited with magic and caused a magic circle to appear beneath Tyrian, creating a burst of fire to erupt.
The Rider stared, keeping a sharp gaze in the flames. Slowly she turned around to march to the restaurant to retrieve the Lost Smash, she felt back of the hair stand under her helmet. Turning around in a full 180, her steam blade and data blade crashed against the Faunus's blades but judging from the condition, his Aura had no doubt shattered upon the burnt edges of his clothes.
"Sorry, but my queen has ordered me to take you." Tyrain snickered.
Her violet lenses looked back at the Lost Smash then at him. This armor was said to be strong as Evol told her. She won't let some insect hinder Evol's… goal.
"Doubting your own lord are we?" The man's grin grew ear to ear, making Mad Rogue stiffen and her blades shoved up and sparks cast off her armor. The girl rolled across the ground, panting. Her suit's systems were warning her of any further damage that would cause dismissal.
"Lily!" 801 shouted with worry. The Lost Smash lunged towards Tyrian, but due to her outburst of emotions she was unable to defend from his next assault, causing the woman to lose her Smash form and roll to the ground, now wounded. "Grh…" She gripped the Fullbottle tightly.
"And like that, all worries my Queen will have will be thrown away…. Just like you trash." Tyrian said, raising his tail to 801 to pierce her with his stinger.
A bullet whizzed across his cheek, making Tyrian pause. He pressed a few fingers and saw his blood. "What the-" Black ribbon coiled around him, making him hop left and right before being flung into several boxes as they crashed ontop of him.
801 managed to crawl over to the weakened Mad Rogue. "Was that your Semblance's use…?"
"That was a… grh… a ribbon." Mad Rogue grunted. "Not my taste."
"Then… who just did that?"
Mad Rogue scanned her surroundings but briefly noticed a girl she recognized. That cat Faunus.
"Y-You…?"
"While I may not have forgiven any of you for what you did to us…" Blake stated as she turned her head, "But… I can understand how you feel, Lily…. But this will be the only time I save you… but I'm thankful that Cody still wants to help you… otherwise I don't think I'd do this for you." The cat Faunus said before she leaped away, leaving the area so she wouldn't get caught, allowing the two girls to have time to escape before Tyrian got up from his stumble.
"Come on… we should go…" 801 said, slowly getting to her feet.
"Get back here!" The Scorpion Faunus called angrily from the boxes.
801 glanced as she supported Lily. "You may want to tell the two that." She escorted the bluenette.
XXX
From the fallen boxes, Tyrian bursted out of it. Cracking his neck a bit from the sudden surprise drop as he looked around with a frown, realizing they escaped.
"Well That was annoying… But matters not… They can indeed be beaten…" He chuckled softly, "Now, where should I go next?"
"Ask us that." Tyrian turned around, seeing twins Cinder had once told him about. But unlike the casual clothes they wore, their Faust uniforms were a mix of apocalyptic style with the back of their jackets having half a gear while the other half being of a beast with its mouth open. 898 had a mask over the lower half of his face that were reminiscent of a demon's jaws whereas 899 had his upper half of his head being a mask that obscured his eyes, slit-like markings that glowed yellow.
898 had gauntlets. 899 had armored sabatons over his legs.
"Hmph… Go back to that brat girl of yours that has your leashes. I don't have time to deal with you…" Tyrian waved off, uninterested in the duo.
"Oh she isn't holding our leash."
"Lord Evol had decided to let us go from the said restraints." 899 craned his head, grinning to reveal his rather sharp teeth. "Because we get to have fun now as the devils he made us to be."
The moment he saw the grin, Tyrian's own grin formed on his face as he cackled out.
"Oh~! So seems even Evol has some men that know my way of life! Now I'm interested!" Tyrian said, getting into his fighting stance.
The two hop down, 898 punching his fists together while 899 tapped his legs.
"We."
"Are."
"The Hell Bros." The twins said in unison, raising their devices. It looked similar to the Steam Gun that Evol and Mad Rogue had, but fully purple, with green and white gears inside it and much larger handgun than the previous model.
They soon reached across their arms and plucked out what looked to be similar to Fullbottles and Lost Bottles, but they were fully yellow with either a white or green gear as they slotted it into their guns.
GEAR ENGINE!
GEAR REMOCON!
"Jundou…" they said in unison as they pulled the trigger.
FUNKY!
Silver and gray mist poured out of the gun as in moments it began to compress onto them, forming machine like armor as white and green gears were formed, attaching onto them as 898 had white gears with silver metal accents on it and an engine side piece on his helmet, while for 899 his green gears were on the opposite side with gray accents on his end.
ENGINE RUNNING GEAR
REMOTE-CONTROL GEAR
The two armored gear-themed soldiers. The two punched their fists together.
"Well then, let us have a blast with this party of death!" Tyrian cackled out, rushing towards the two brothers as he too was going to have his fun and gut them like pigs.
When the magic-enchanted blades reached them, the twins caught it.
"What a bore."
"Boring us to sleep."
The twins glanced at each other and nodded. They reared their free arms back and slammed them against Tyrian's torso as one, the Faunus feeling his ribs crack.
899 soon held up the gun, firing away as 898 drew out the Nebula Steamblade, and rushed in cutting the Faunus's torso as blood spewed from it. Yet instead of run or scream in pain, he just laughed. Laughed as he returned it with an electrically charge slash at 898.
"Blood! Murder! Death! This is what I live for!" Tyrian cackled with delight, realizing he found two individuals as mad as he is.
Unbeknownst to the Faunus, a Guardian was broadcasting the fight. The Brothers' identities hidden due to their uniforms and armor.
"Brother, Double Devil!"
"Indeed!"
The two laughed and delivered their first kick, 898's leg slamming into the knees of Tyrian whereas 899 slammed his leg against the back of Tyrian's knees.
"One!" They spun around in a circle as Tyrian fell to his knees. They swung their forearms, slamming their limbs into the ribs and spine. "Two!" Now side to side, they cocked their arms and gave a double uppercut, shattering a few of Tyrian's teeth and sending him up into the air. "Uppercut!" The two were side to side with their respective arms raised high.
FUNKY ATTACK!
They both aimed their guns at him and let out two single blasts, causing an explosion to erupt and Tyrian to fall to the ground, but now he was much more injured than before, alongside a crushed leg, missing arm and ruptured eye.
"Gngh!" Tyrian hissed in pain, soon realizing he was outmatched by the twins.
"We are the devils of Evol!"
"Brothers groomed straight from hell!" The two punched their fists in a fist pump.
"W-Well… this truly was.. i-intersting.. But sadly now… I must bid you two, adieu." Tyrian said before glaring at them, "But next time… you will die by my tail…"
"Heh, good luck dipshit!"
"Apart we are strong, together we are stronger!"
"Stronger… yes… but experienced? H-Hehe… I outclass you two." Tyrian grinned before his claws glowed and in seconds the Faunus vanished before their eyes.
"Darn… we should have used our Semblance to go ultimate."
"Something he doesn't know which is good for us and sucks for him." He shouldered his arm over his brother. "Hell Bros for the win! Witch's scorpion? Zero! Losers!"
899 rolled his eyes under his helmet. "Now let's go find some Aces!"
"Hey, what about hot Cinder?! I can't miss an opportunity!" 898 waved his arms.
"Still on with that crap?!" The twins began to brawl with each other like mad dogs.
While the feed cut the moment Tyrian fled, the world knew well at how powerful they can be. Alongside someone butting heads with Faust and Evol, but clearly not on the side of Remnant. This was still, just the beginning as there wasn't much time left before the Evol's plan finally finishes.