The seas of the Sol Empire
The Sol dimension, a parallel universe neighboring Sonic's universe. In that parallel world there is also a counterpart to Mobius. One that wasn't scorched by nuclear fires and rebuilt by towers born from ancient civilizations. In this alternate Earth there is a land known as the Sol Empire. This empire once ruled much of the planet and was known as the empire where the sun never sets. But now it is merely a kingdom although a very important one due to its possession of the Jeweled scepter and the Sol emeralds.
In the seas of Downunda Doctor Eggman entered one of his wrecked abandoned bases. As he had at one point in the past attempted incursions into the Sol Empire. Dragging a coffin like stasis device out of the ship he used to get here. The Doctor looked at the sky he saw that a series of aurora's above. As if light was falling from the sky crashing into an invisible barrier. "I see someone is trying to beat me to the punch. I need to hurry or else." Eggman pressed forward tossing away a strangely familiar cyan colored robot pirate and the skeleton of Eggman Nega that were blocking the entrance door to the lower hangars. With the robot pirate flickering to life for a few moments before shutting down.
Once Eggman reached the lowest levels. He is met by a giant mecha with massive bulk and a barely humanoid shape. With what is essentially a miniaturized Death egg composing its legs a containment device in the stomach, large arms with a claw on the right and a buster cannon on the left, and a modified Eggmobile for a head with four horns adorning the top. As Eggman opened the stasis device he looked at the young girl inside it. He picked her up and placed her in the containment device causing the machine to activate. "So it is true. These magical girls really can be used as a substitute for the Chaos Emeralds. Good with this I will be able to use the Genesis energy and create a proper Super Genesis wave. And this time there will be no Albert, no Megaman, and no Super Sonic to stop me!" Eggman smiled as he went up the stairs and began preparations for the launch. "Yes, I have become Alpha, and this will be the Egg Omega! Bwahahahahahaaa!" Cackling with glee as the Egg Omega came to life.
The year is 2021. Ten years have passed since Madoka Kaname became the law of cycles. But due to either naivete or badly misplaced goodwill. She allowed one girl to remember the old world. Which was enough for the incubators to usurp her and create an era of darkness for the universe. Now a rebellion is forming in the distant corners of the universe. Composed of the Anim federation a series of 100 worlds dominated by sapient humanoid animals. The Reibai empire which is only composed of three worlds but is home to a race of technologically advanced warriors famed for successfully overthrowing the incubators and eliminating the witch system. The Medical mechanica movement that seeks equal rights for robotic lifeforms. The human kingdom of Atlanta where the descendants of ancient astronauts from Atlantis call home. And the Zoah a race of sentient crystals that were a powerful warrior race until they disappeared.
These forces would be known as the Intergalactic Alien Alliance. And they would one day become the founders of the Internal Fleet Systems. A strategic and cooperative union of nations, peoples, and worlds. Which served common interests.
Chapter 30: The golden age: Part 1
Reibai Research facilities, October 26, 2021 A.D.
In the depths of the RRF laboratories a group of researchers were completing their work on their ultimate weapon. Overseen by the Reibai emperor himself who was currently overseeing the operation. A mysterious figure in a floating throne made from organic technology and looking like the ornate throne of a medieval king. Except that it floats. And wearing and encompassing black mantle and a black mask that hid his face. The scientists working on the nanomachine mass placed inside of a stasis pod with a spherical device in the middle of said mass having several cables connected to it and a beam of swirling vortex of green energy above it that is being funneled into the core.
"The connection to hell is successful. And the souls of the damned are being transferred into the core drive." One of the scientists reported as the head scientist of the project a Reibai known as Kagami Ichijin orders that the activation of the robot be done as the vortex shrinks into the core which activates and starts to beat as veins of green energy form on the mass as it takes the form of a young human girl. "Yes! Yes! It's alive! It's aliiveeee!" Another researcher known as Saitou Dattaga remarks when he is dopeslapped by a tentacle by Ashtamangala the robot responsible for recovering the souls from hell and placing them into the core. With the robot reprimanding the Reibai with. "Do you have to do that?"
Kagami meanwhile was thinking. "At long last it is complete. Even though using an AI based off an organic is essentially illegal due to moral, ethical, and pragmatic reasons. The IAA high council was willing to overlook Project Zeroth for the purposes of having a standing army that can fight across the entire universe simultaneously. Once the AI and systems testings are done we will move forward to immediate mass production. The council ordered one million troopers by the start of 2024 and the beginning of Operation Unmasked World."
And as the girl awakened and got up Kagami finished with. "All of this for a singular purpose. To kill God. No, the usurper who killed God. Madoka Kaname."
Kagami Ichijin
Reibai scientist and lord of the Ichijin clan
Saitou Dattaga
Reibai scientist
Ashtamangala
Robot scientist
Theme of the Reibai
Jedi temple march, Stat Wars Revenge of the Sith
The girl wakes up and takes a look at herself. Noticing that her entire left arm was replaced by a cybernetic prosthetic. Her breasts removed and replaced by a metal chestplate, and her private parts missing with it just being nothing. "What happened to me? One minute I was in hell and then a giant robot appeared and saved me from being torn apart by demons. And now here I am." Kagami introduces herself and her colleagues and briefs the girl of her situation. That of being brought back from the dead by an alien race as part of an experiment. "Well you see, miss?" "I think my name is Homura..." The girl replied while clutching her head in pain. "Sorry, I can't remember very well." "That is to be expected. Usually the reincarnation process leaves one a complete blank slate. The fact that you can remember your name and even communicate is proof that you have considerable willpower. Enough to overpower all of the other souls and become the dominant personality." Homura looks shocked at the revelation as Kagami continued her explanation without skipping a beat. Explaining that the core that maintains Homura's existence is powered by thousands of damned souls and that their collective knowledge and ability is now in her hands.
Homura shocked at hearing it yells. "So i'm a homunculous now?! Like the ones in Full Metal Alchemist?! Oh God!" Homura begins weeping as Kagami nonchalantly claims. "Don't worry, they're hell spawn so who cares?" Homura falls deeper into despair as Kagami leaves to give her reports to the emperor as Tsuruya and Ashtamangala both cringe at their bosses remark with Ash commenting. "Sometimes the boss needs to learn to shut up." As the duo look on at a crying Homura.
As time passed and Homura was walked off by the assistants. Kagami and the Emperor observe the situation with Kagami providing exposition to the silent emperor. "Its time, now all we need is to convince her to join us. Observers, make sure to collect all the data." A series of floating drones flew off and spread across the nearby areas.
October 28, 2021 A.D.
Two days after awakening. Homura was allowed to explore the outside. Looking at the vastness of Windu lake and the forests and mountains. Gazing upon the clear skies the young girl now wearing a simple green long sleeved obi was amazed at the sight of the blue sky and one of the planet three moons being visible in the horizon. "So this is an alien planet. I was expecting something more alien." A voice then explains. "That is because of the Precursors." Homura looked to see another Reibai in a miko outfit with a distinctive orange leaf skirt who continued her story. "Long ago we Reibai were just like the grass and trees. Mere plants that were uplifted by the Precursors. They created our race and many others to aid them in their tasks. Our purpose was to serve as engineers and scientists. So that their legacy would be continued long after they died. And died they did. Leaving us alone in this world. But that all changed when the calamity came. These insidious demons seduced our youth with promises of wealth and power. Only to turn them into witches. Monsters that killed and devoured our countrymen. This went unchallenged for centuries and it seemed that our people would become extinct. Until the emperor came about uniting our people, driving off the invaders, and hunting down every demon down to the last. After that the emperor guided our people to build an army and go to the stars. So that we can liberate and enlighten the universe and bring about peace for all." Homura looks once more at the horizon and asks about the emperor which the Reibai continues to exposit upon. "The emperor protects us all. He has led us for 500 years as we have rebuilt and prepared to strike back against the Puella magi and the incubators."
Homura reacts to the comment and memories flashed in front of her as green malice begins to pour out of her in rage. She is then stopped by Kagami who greets the other Reibai with a hug and kiss. "Tetsuya-chan! How have you been?" Kagami reacts to the Reibai miko who blushes and smiles.
Tetsuya Dattaga
Miko of the Reibai
Homura is surprised at seeing what is happening and asks what is happening. "Telling long stories huh? Sorry kid. This is Tsuruya the head miko of the Dattaga temple in the Yodda settlement north from here. She's also my fiancee." Homura is shocked at the revelation to which Tsuruya notes that humans really aren't accepting of those who are different." A remark that hits home towards Homura who has to agree about it. Tsuruya breaks up the gloom by stating. "Anyways I brought food. So get big brother and Ash out of the lab and let's have lunch." Kagami goes off to get Saitou and Ash while Tsuruya opens her container and takes out the picnic equipment as she places it on the shoreline of Windu lake. "So, who are you?" Tsuruya asks Homura who shyly replies her name and her situation to a Tsuruya who takes out a sizable roast and several fish and insect dishes. Literally nothing but meat which Homura notices. Tsuruya looks at the girl and explains. "Our race was mutated from carnivorous plants" The others join in with Saitou rushing to get food only to be stopped by his sister and Kagami explaining. "In your terms we evolved from the Drosceracaea genus of plants. Or at least an ancestor that evolved such abilities independently. While we can perform photosynthesis we still need protein to obtain important nutrients. The same can be said for you Homura." Homura shocked to hear all of that remarks. "How is that even possible? And how did I understand all of that?"
"That is because you are the first of a new species." Kagami explains. "An avatar. A perfect technorganic fusion between flesh and metal. That left arm of yours is proof enough of that. It isn't a prosthetic or a modification. You are literally capable of growing machinery inside your body at the genetic level. And the Reibai modifications within you allow you to regenerate lost limbs. You can even have your entire blown off and you will simply grow another one. Modified and enhanced to ensure that whatever took you out the first time wont do so ever again. On the same level as if it was Bugs Bunny or Deadpool." A confused asks. "So that means I have a Wolverine healing factor?" "Like I said, more like Doomsday's. Considering that your body adapts to become stronger every time you die." Saitou hands over a kebab to Homura stating. "You should eat as well." Which the girl takes and eats wondering if there is anything else. Ash comments that "You should get used to this since due to your new biology you're gonna need to sustain yourself on proteins. Even though we have humans as reference subjects we weren't capable of replicating their biology which means that you simply aren't able to digest fibers. On the plus side you don't need to since you can synthesize any supplemental nutrients thru photosynthesis." Looking at the food Ash remarks. "You know, if this works we robots will be able to sustain ourselves with real food. We wouldn't need electricity or internal generators like we do now. So on behalf of all robot kind we expect great things from you Miss Homura." Ashtamangala reaches out with a robotic tentacle which he uses to shake the confused girl's hand.
October 30, Yodda settlement
Yodda settlement is one of several Reibai cities. A city built into the forest itself with the treescape being intertwined with machinery and pottery. There is also seemingly a fair amount of shinobi periphenelia around the town. With small children playing around with large sticks using them as swords. Kagami and Tsuruya smile as they see the children play with Tsuruya noting that the human visitor is really hitting it off. A curious Homura wonders about it to which Kagami leads the trio to a dojo where a human was living right now. They are met by a young human girl in her 20's wearing a makeshift handmade kimono and with green hair tied by a long ponytail and ribbon who greets the group with a cheerful smile and an armband containing a strange device. "Is that a new girl?" The human replied. "I am Shirona Tenma a descendant of ninjas!"
Shirona Tenma
Iga Ninja lost in space
Kagami remarked that Shirona was a defecting Puella Magi who was stranded in this world to die. Shirona sorrowfully noted. "Yes, fortunately these girls found me and managed to find a way to save me from witching out." "What?!" Homura replies as Shirona shows off her armband. "Look at this. It's a soul clamp. A device that can remove the impurities of a soul gem that is placed inside it. Anyways come inside! After all the training is going smoothly."
The others go inside as Homura is left alone in her thoughts. Remembering the many deaths of Madoka Kaname. "If, I only had that. Maybe I could have... No... Even if I could save her, then what? It doesn't what I do. Kyubey will continue chasing after Madoka. No matter what." Homura looks at the people living their lives around her and ponders. "Was this what I really wanted?" Clutching her head for a moment Homura is told to get inside it which she does in a hurry while apologizing.
Entering the building, the group went down a lift that took them to an underground dojo where Reibai are training in the ninja arts. No magic, no nonsense, the actual basics of being a shinobi. Including combat training, survival tactics, and how to engineer tools and weapons from the surrounding area. Shirona introduces the new ninja training grounds to the others while stating. "Impressive isn't it?" Kagami remarks. "The second group will soon be ready. And the first group are all now training their own classes all over the world." "Good." Kagami muses before dragging Homura to the grounds in order to train much to the latter's horror and Tsuruya's amusement. As Kagami shows off her usage of dual swords to the newbies before handing one to Homura who looked at the weapon with disgust. Clearly remembering Sayaka Miki and all the times she got in the way. That is when Kagami gave some words of wisdom. "Do you know why you failed to save Madoka?" Homura quickly took notice upon hearing that. "Because you lacked wisdom. I took a look at the data that composed your original self. How she repeated a single month over 100 times only to always fail. And that you stupidly revealed the truth of the law of cycles against the enemy. Then you attempted suicide by turning into a witch. Only for said witch to betray and imprison Madoka." Homura looked like saw a ghost as Kagami continued. "You may not realize it. But you've been dead for ten years. And in that time your witch has ruled the Earth in an eternal stasis. As far as humanity and the universe is concerned. You are the arch traitor responsible for the Homu heresy and the instigator of the magical girl war. An universal conflict that has lasted for ten years now."
Theme of the Reibai
Jedi temple march, Stat Wars Revenge of the Sith
"But, if I was the one responsible, then why?" Homura asked Kagami who merely smiled and held out her hand. "Because we have a common wish. To protect the universe. And we cannot do that as long as a single incubator exists. Join us and I will make sure that you become the ultimate warrior. Someone who will never fail again." Homura is brought to tears as she grabs Kagami's hand and states. "Yes, my master." Kneeling down at the feet of her new lord. Who then states. "Good, You will become a powerful knight. And from this day forward you shall be know as... Tsurugi Kagemusha. From this day forward you are now a member of the Reibai knights. We will hunt down and butcher the wretched incubators. And then... We... Will have... Peace... Now Kagemusha, rise!" "As you wish my master." Homura stood up and faced her new master as the crowd around him applauded and congratulated her. For the first time in Homura Akemi's life she felt appreciated, respected, and loved. And she would do anything to ensure to not lose this feeling again. No, Homura Akemi died Tsurugi Kagemusha killed her and Kagemusha killed the last remnants of her old life by cutting on her long hair with her sword she then stood in a combat pose and faced Kagami. "Shall we begin?" Kagami also prepared herself stating. "Yes."
As the training began Kagemusha could feel her hatred empowering her. Soon she would return to Earth and claim vengeance upon Kyubey. This time there will be no mistakes. No, she will become perfect and surpass Madoka. Tsurugi Kagemusha will bring forth the utopia Madoka Kaname was never able to achieve.
Later that night there was a celebration in the village square and everyone in town was there. Not just the people of the settlement but the lab crew that lived in Windu lake was there as well. As the people were gathered around the podium. Kagami and Tsuruya were giving a speech about the induction of their newest knight and champion. Meanwhile Homura had finished putting on her armor. A pitch black bodysuit with dark green chest plates, boots, and gauntlets. And most of her hair sheared off as she is staring at her mask. A fully concealing helmet with a large glossy visor shaped like the beak of a bird and green winged earpieces. As the speech continues Ashtamangala comes in and asks if something is wrong to which the girl replied. "No. With this Homura Akemi finally dies." Homura puts on the mask which seals itself around her head, activating the heads up displays and life support systems as well as distorting Homura's speech electronically. As the mask's eyes light up and green tinted mana pours from the exhaust vents the girl remarks. "I Kagemusha, killed her." Ash then points out to remember to act like a man. Since it would be bad if anyone suspected that the arch traitor still lived. Kagemusha just nods and walks toward the stage.
As the Reibai pair introduce Kagemusha to everyone. Another Reibai brings in a captured magical girl. This girl, a young goblin-like alien child no older than eight. And having numerous wounds and cuts that were the result of torture and experimentation. As shown since her soul gem was welded to the girls chest with black rods piercing it. Keeping her alive and preventing her from witching out. While being very painful and regularly shocking the girl in order to keep her paralyzed and unable to escape her bindings. Being paraded at the front of the stage where she is pelted by food, rocks, and the occasional bottle all the while Kagami explains her past, how she was captured, and her crimes against the people of Reibai.
"So how is your first witch trial?" Ash comments to Kagemusha who merely remains indifferent. "Good, don't forget that you are one of us now. And that she must be dealt with in the name of peace." Kagami then finishes her speech saying. "Now, Kagemusha! For your initiation trial. You must execute this criminal!" Kagemusha simply nods and walks towards the panicking goblin who is crying and pleading for mercy. Being ignored as Kagemusha uses her arm to sprout a metal blade from it and visualizes Madoka taking her place. Remembering all of her suffering, all of her rage, and all her despair rushes toward the magical girl and begins to slash her in the face, chest, and stomach causing blood and gore to splatter everywhere as the girl screams in pain while Kagemusha continues tearing the Puella magi to shreds until finishing it off by spearing her bladed arm clean thru the soul gem and into her body. Tearing out her heart and crushing it. Leaving nothing but a bloodied lump of mangled flesh amidst the cheers of the entire village.
Kagami cheerfully states. "Excellent! Flawless victory!" As the crowd has been whipped into a frenzy. Kagemusha then starts laughing. First a light chuckle, but soon it becomes a maniacal tear filled laughter that echoes across the night sky. "Ashtamagala impressed at the carnage notes. "Damn, chief! You've made one hell of a monster." As he gazes at the event from backstage.
November 10
Time passes and the snowy season is in full swing in the Windu province. With a blanket of snow covering the settlement. The people of Reibai are celebrating Alvis a strange variation of Christmas where everyone eats fried chicken and gets drunk off whiskey. With the whole Dattaga family being together at the shrine including the youngest brother Hatta. A young cheerful Reibai child with a love of headgear and constantly wearing a mining helmet with a flashlight on it.
Hatta Dattaga
Small child
The young child was pulling the now masked Kagemusha through the streets which are full of stalls and vendors. With Kagemusha buying a scarf to wear with the new armor she has worn ever since. Hatta comments. "Don't you ever take off that thing." The kid remarks as he eats a candied trout. Yes it is a fish coated in caramel and sold as a treat. To which Kagemusha remarks. "This is my actual face." As she eats a kebab with her mask on somehow. Much to the shock of Hatta who was looking on. Then they look at a shrine containing the Reibai emblem known as the cardinal clock. With Hatta wondering out loud. "I wonder if the Shitennou will appear someday." "The shitennou?" Kagemusha asked to which Hatta simply smiled and grabbed Kagemusha by the arm. "Let's go! I have something to show you back at home!"
As the two entered the house next to the Dattaga shrine. A humble wooden house at the foot of the shrine which is a giant tower that reaches the sky composed of a strange bone like material which is covered in cracks that reveal ancient machinery intertwined by a bronze colored musculature and flesh. With four statues surrounding it across the cardinal directions. One of an Ancient, a strange watery humanoid with long serpentine limbs and dreadlocks. One of a Precursor which was lost a long time ago. One of a Reibai miko with a long flowing dress and a tall cap with a shroud. And one of a armored humanoid with the same bone like structures covering its skin like plate mail. Apparently some ancient long extinct race that created the tower that is used as a shrine. The house itself has the statue of an armor plated dragon in the front yard which also housed a small shrine and donation box.
And then Hatta turned on the lights in his room. And showed off to his guest his comprehensive videogame collection. "So what do you think?" Hatta proudly smirks as he reveals his bookshelf full of old games and numerous consoles and handhelds. To which Kagemusha just stares at. Much to the kids annoyance. "Seriously?! Don't you get how awesome this stuff is?! I mean video games haven't been made since the war started and the industry was crippled by the sealing of Earth! I even have a Nintendo Wii here! That shit was hard to get back then!" "I'm sorry, but I never played video games before." Kagemusha replies to the shock of Hatta. "Why?!" "Well, I spent more or less my entire life going from hospital to hospital for medical treatment. And even with all that I never really got better. And then I found out that I sold my soul my devil and became a zombie. All for a girl that never really saw me as anything but a tool." Kagemusha's body language really showed that she was hurting from everything to which Hatta gave the masked warrior a head pat and a Sega Genesis controller. "What's this for Hatta?" "Fu fu fu, Sonic the hedgehog. Trust me it'll change your life!" Hatta turns on the television and the Sega Genesis and begins teaching Kagemusha how to play the game and some of the series history.
The two begin playing games all through the night. Taking turns on the controls Kagemusha started out poorly while Hatta was quite skilled and experienced. Until the two got caught and after being scolded by Tsuruya was sent off to sleep. With Saitou holding a piss drunk Kagami who finishes passing out at the entrance. Falling down face first into the floor and falling asleep in a puddle of her own drool. With the remaining trio carrying Kagami to a guest room. The siblings offered for Kagemusha to spend the night in their house.
Later that night Kagemusha went back to the library in the second floor where Hatta's game collection was located. Where he started looking for information about games. Reading old books and manuals while looking up databases. Analyzing and copying the data within as the night went on. Eventually Kagemusha would assimilate all the data. And would regularly spend time playing games with Hatta as the years of preparation went on.
November 11 to 31
Returning to the RRF labs the team spent the rest of November training, collecting data, and readying things for the first production batch. As Kagemusha completed her latest trials under the watchful eye of Kagami and Saitou the latter muses to her compatriot. "To think that just a few years ago we were doing this for the purpose of medical research." Kagami remarks. "Correct. The mahou driver system we are developing was made for the purpose of helping the sick and injured to live longer. And now thanks to the war we are now making super soldiers and weapons of war." Kagami mourns to which Souta disagrees. "Well the ends justify the means. Three years ago we were worried that we would go bankrupt. But now we have unlimited funds and resources. And carte blanche on getting results. Even Medical Mechanica had no choice but to approve the creation of Kagemusha's AI and they are incredibly strict about their guidelines. Sure the clones will likely be disposed of after the war is over. But we will become rich and famous beyond our wildest dreams." "Souta!" Kagami immediately reprimanded her companion who merely shrugged it off. "You can only hold the moral high ground because you haven't lost anyone. If something were to happen to Tsuruya you would also become a monster." :I would never do that!" Kagami replies. I'm, we're, doing this for the sake of peace."
Shifting the conversation topic Souta asks if its true that Ashtamangala was going to transfer somewhere else which Kagami confirmed. "Yeah, thanks to the war there is finally an incentive to put permanent colonies on the moons of Reitu and Reizan and Planet Reidai next door. The moons are being turned into massive defense stations and prison complexes where the Deincubification project will be carried out. So they need to isolate the prisoners in case they witch out during the experiments. And the knights are making permanent outposts on Reidai so they can use the death world as a permanent training ground. It's expected that elite forces from all over the IAA will be sent there to work in survivalist training." "Deincubification? That name blows." Saitou snarks to which Kagami sighs and remarks. "It's a work in progress."
Kagemusha meanwhile was continued his training as she ran at higher and higher speeds. Leaping and vaulting past obstacle courses and death traps placed across miles and miles of underground tunnels. As Kagemusha found herself at a tall climbing wall full of hovering turrets she decided to try something she saw in one of Hatta's games. Taking some steps back she ran and leapt towards the wall and landed on it feet first. Then proceeded to kick it to proper herself upwards over and over again. "It's working! Just like in Megaman X!" Homura thought as she avoided the turrets fire before rolling herself into a ball and propelling herself towards the drones. Using them to propel herself to the top thru momentum and landing in a crouching pose not unlike Sonic the hedgehog's and continues her run.
At that time the laboratory was completing the first batch of the aforementioned Zero troopers. The first batch being 100 cyborg troopers classified as Zeroth class units. Machines created specifically for military and law enforcement. As well as having legal clearance for murder under Isaac Asimov's Law Zero. With one of the scientists remarking. "100 forces today. Millions upon millions by two years time." Saitou asks for a report on the programming to which the team remarks. "The souls in hell are all being harvested, blended, and poured into the units. With the data we obtained this time we are able to properly construct obedient personality composites instead of worrying of having a dominant personality taking over." With a second catgirl scientist continues with. "And with all the damned souls getting sent there every day. We won't have to worry about running out any time soon." Saitou remarks as the stasis pods activate. "Yes, yes, yes. I'm sure we are all glad to finally have an use for all the evil bastards in the universe but... ARISE MY ZOMBIES! ARISE!"
Ost: Awaken, Jojo's bizarre adventure, Battle tendency
The one hundred pods erupt in pillars of smoke as the horde leaps out from the pods and land behind Saitou as they all strike JoJo poses in unison. With Saitou imitating Kars. "Behold! My invincible army of Aztec gods! OF FITNESS!"
In another portion of the facilities construction is beginning on the inner frames of a series of giant robots. As the engineers test a new transmission system. One of the older engineers was in the middle of a video diary explaining their current experiments. "By placing monopole stones in strategic areas and using the Tomino mana furnace drive we can use them to form numerous physic fields that can be synchronized into a localized physic aura allowing giant robots and walkers to move around in gravity without running afoul of the square cube law. Up until now we relied on either super robots or by infusing kaiju biology into the mechs. Now we can mass produce real robots for mundane purposes. If only we had this during the great liberation. Now we no longer have to fear witches. If anything with this and the mahou driver system now any normal person is capable of fighting a Puella Magi on even grounds. With our combined manufacturing and material superiority we will be able to finally surpass the incubators."
As the machinery whirred to life and the physic fields reduced the gravitational effects in the immediate area the Waltzer frame was ordered by remote control to perform the required mobility tests. As the mecha moved as the exercises demanded it the engineer noticed a green particle exhaust come out of the cooling vents noting. "Those green particles again... Apparently they are an exhaust created by the consumption of a specific class of dark matter used as a magical catalyst. Although it is undetectable by conventional means it is quite plentiful and does not seem to abide by Newtonian laws. Apparently the incubators used this to create Puella Magi and after the liberation of our home world. Their allies were captured and their assets were all confiscated. Including the early research into using magic as a green energy source. This research would have revolutionized the universe and made the collaborators rich if they succeeded. Of course they didn't. And they were all burned at the stake as an example by the Emperor."
As the waltzer returned from its mobility tests it was powered down and stored in one of the launch racks. With the elderly researcher noting. "Now all that's left is equipping the armor and weaponry. And of course the test pilot. Hopefully the new units will be able to bring out the machine's potential."
December 1
Ashtamangala had finally completed his transfer to Melenge prison in Reizan the outer moon of Reibai. As Ash looks to the sky he notices how the inner moon Reitu is being converted into a battle station. With much of the formerly barren moon being overtaken by armor plating and weapon emplacements with the Equator being converted into a massive launch hangar for all kinds of ships and mecha as the insides of the moon are converted into a base. Melenge prison is in a similar position as Reitu as the outer levels of the prison and the nearby spaceport are finished with the rest of the moon being converted. And while entering thru the tunnels witnesses a pair of Galats passing thru musing. "Am I glad i'm not one of those automata like them."
The Galat's are meant to be the cannon fodder. As automata they lacked capacity for free will and are typically under the command of a supervisor who gives commands to the hordes. And are used for disposable hard labor. Whether it's loading containers. Patrolling certain areas. Or be used to overwhelm an enemy thru sheer numerical superiority. Galats are especially designed for the third purpose with powerful limbs that can equip a number of lethal weaponry and strong armor that can shrug off small arms fire. The ones Ash saw were the basic guardian models. Robots designed to protect the area from threats and strong enough to overpower an organic. An useful ability in what is essentially a prison for war criminals.
Entering one of the laboratories where the depowering experiments Ash looks at the facility. A massive chamber where hundreds of captured Puella Magi were being experimented on. Whether they are contained in stasis pods, being dissected in various ways and forms, or being spliced together with machinery as test subjects for the upcoming avatar project. As Ash looks at one of the prisoners. A Puella Magi that couldn't be older than ten has not only had her soul gem bound with black rods but also had her arms and legs cut off and pulling out his tentacles says. "Now, let me hear you scream." As the tentacles spin at high speed like a drill and pierce into the girls stomach who can't even scream because of the gag placed on her. Which Ash notices and states. "Oh, never mind." As he continues his dissection of the subject in an utterly casual and uncaring way.
April 5 2022
Spring has come to the Windu province and the reveal day for both the Mahou driver system and the Waltzer class giant robot has finally come. With these weapon systems it is hoped that the IAA will be able to launch a full offensive to break the incubators. The lab crew headed to Mundi plains where waltzers are in a mock battle to test their abilities in the open grassy fields of the Kiadi province, with the giant robots trying their beam rifles on solid light targets. Causing the occasional Rampapapa which is a bird like grasshopper that can grow up to three feet in length flies away. Being spooked by the lights and noise.
The lab crew composed of Kagami, Saitou, Tsuruya, and Kagemusha alongside several Galats and a group of Zero troopers with their armor including Jango who has more or less become the leader of the first batch of troopers. While the others are wearing their typical garb. Kagemusha has also shifted to wearing her trooper armor. A black and green bodysuit that alongside his masked helmet hide her former identity as Homura Akemi. To the point where she is mistakenly referred to as a young man by several others including his "younger siblings" In the Zero troopers squadron. Something that Kagemusha found annoying at first but eventually rolled with it after Kagami explained that this way she could live free after the war. Unburdened by her past. Something that appealed to Kagemusha.
"Freedom... Sounds nice to be free." Kagemusha thought as everyone else saw the waltzers stand down and the pilots get out of their respective cockpits. Being part of the troopers with the pilot trio of Gaia, Ortega, and Mash. Three heavy built brothers with brown hair. With Gaia being the leader and the oldest with a well kept beard. Ortega in the middle who is bald and has thick eyebrows, and Mash, the youngest who wears an eye patch that covers up a nasty scar in his right eye. All three wearing custom black and gold armor. With Jango preferring to use a white uniform with blue accents getting the debriefing with Gaia jokingly calling out to Kagemusha. "Hey, Char! Why don't come here and hang with the rest of us?" With Lalah a dark skinned female with black hair that is smaller than average with a yellow uniform chiding her older brother Gaia. "You know that the captain is shy with people!" "Sorry Lalah, but you have to admit Captain Char should open up more. He never even takes of his helmet." Jango notes. "Yes, that is a good point. I mean he eats, sleeps, and even bathes with the damn thing on. Is he some sort of Red comet fanboy?"
Kagemusha walks towards the group and remarks. "I wear this mask because nobody wants to admit the mistakes of their youth." In a joking manner to which Gaia says. "See! He said the thing!" Kagemusha looks at the waltzer and states. "Now, let's test the performance of our new mobile suit."
Kagemusha then gets in the test type waltzer and activates it while thinking. "I guess I have been watching too much Gundam. I've been spending my free time either playing games with Datta or online watching old shows." All the while she was pushing the waltzer to it's absolute limits. Causing the generator to overheat and break down leaving the mecha dead in the water much to the amazement of everyone watching. "Did you see that?!" Tsuruya commented as she was holding a broken speedometer to which Kagami smiles and says. "Interesting. Kagemusha and Jango are the best so far with the Tri star siblings and Lalah not falling far behind in the scores."
June 8 to December 18
Time passes and the military buildup continues. With the Zero trooper construction and training continued. With the stasis pod's churning out new forces 24/7 who are then swiftly processed into training and education. With the process being streamlined and perfected as new batches are being made. This time lacking the weaknesses of the original design such as an inability to float or swim as well as being able to consume and process plant fibers. With the original batch training the new recruits and developing a proper armed force. Jango himself became the commander of the overall clone forces with his distinctive white and blue gear being used for the Reibai command corps. Kagemusha's training continued alongside other highly skilled soldiers forming the Assassination corps which later obtains the nickname of The burial fleet. A magical girl hunting organization not unlike the Mechanica Manhunters which are meant to wipe out rebel forces. Gaia, Ortega, and Mash, AKA the Tri stars. Taking charge of the mechanized battalions which not only include Waltzers and Galats. But tanks, jets, boats, submarines and all other forms of mechanized cavalry. With the group using black and red uniforms. And Lalah was part of a newly made organization in the Special projects division. A group of researchers using black and yellow uniforms. That are composed of multiple species and working on a series of new battleships.
There is also the ground troopers who are trained in multiple forms of combat and wearing black and blue suits and are accompanied by both Galats, Galaxs which are an aerial and space variant with retractable skewers and utilizing a monopole frame system to defy gravity. And Buildoras, mass produced automata variants of Ashtamangala's design. Only one feet tall compared to Ash's three feet tall as they are designed to ferret out threats.
The Balboa Gingkos cruisers designed for Reibai's planetary defense after the great liberation. But have become obsolete not just due to the passage of time but the discovery of other worlds and their technology which have forced the entire fleet to be refitted. Because while Ginko's pack an incredible punch thanks to their compliment of heresy lasers. Arrows of light with homing capabilities that were some of the first technologies recovered from the study of the towers. Whose technology and systems have been researched for centuries. Their defenses are weak by comparison. Being refit with layered shield systems and dedicated warp engines. And even then they were mostly relegated as both support and force multiplication as the Deathgleamer cruiser line made by the Atlantans, and the White whale battleships which are mass produced versions of the four heavenly kings. A series of four prototypes fielded by the Anim and the first vessel to successfully use a pocket dimension interior system. Several of the Ginko's were also planned to be modified into a specialized recon and exploration unit that removed the core tree and completely changing the armor from core tree bark to an at the time experimental alchemic composite metal known as Artorium and a dedicated EWACS system.
By the end of the year the Special projects division had completed a custom machine for Lalah. The Arc, a prototype super robot class mecha. Meant to be both a decisive weapon for breaking planetary fleets and with a special combiner ARMS system. Composed of the Core Exxu a one person shuttle fighter armed with four funnel units a pair of high output cannons and the ability to combine with an arm and leg unit. Drone units that combine into the craft. "So Lalah, how's the Arc looking?" The elderly engineer asks over the comms to which the pilot responds. "The arm unit is having problems due to the funnels getting in the way. But the legs seem to be doing well. Frankly I think that if this is going to be mass produced that you should just turn it into a plain old plane/chicken walker hybrid. By the way old man. How are the waltzer tests going?" "Unlike us the waltzers work like a dream. They can function in any terrain. Have extended aerial operation times and they can leave and return to orbit unassisted. It's pretty clear by now that the Waltzer is going to replace the old RR systems that we have been using up until now."
December 25
The day of the wedding between Kagam Ichijin and Tsuruya Dattaga. As the two tie the knot in a wedding ceremony not unlike a traditional Japanese one. Possibly inspired by Shirona who was in charge of decorations. After winning a game of rock paper scissors between herself, Saitou, Lalah, and an unwilling Kagemusha who threw the game using some sleight of hand and time manipulation to force multiple ties and then throwing a bad hand midway. While Saitou admits that the whole thing looks good. Lalah is still fuming to which Kagemusha tells her to chill out. Only for Lalah to complain that Kagemusha is a lazy bum. Kagemusha doesn't really respond or care as he isn't really interested in forming bonds again. Her previous life taught her that friends will inevitably betray you someday has left her aloof and distant of everyone else.
At the wedding Kagami was dressed up as the groom. While Tsuruya is the wife. Which its justified with Kagami as she always dressed in a masculine manner and it was her idea that Kagemusha would disguise herself as a man. Essentially tricking everyone outside the lab crew about her true identity. As the two walked down the aisle a group of flutists led by a young human boy with a ponytail wearing red and a cat girl in white. Who are playing You will know our names from Xenoblade Chronicles during the reception. While Kagemusha found it odd everyone else was crying rivers over the wedding.
And then they exchanged vows and kissed to the cheers of the crowd around them. As the reception ends and the newlyweds left everyone else is enjoying the catering. With the Reibai locals wondering about the large wedding cake to which a familiar old man. Barragan Natch who at this point was an incredibly old zombie. Only lacking his famous cybernetic headpiece and eyes greeting everyone. "I truly hope that those girls will be happy." The zombie said in a contemptuous tone of voice as he touched the cake with his bare hands causing it to decay and collapse into dust to the horror of everyone who saw it. "Oh, my apologies. These weddings are so boring that I can't focus." Before going off in his merry way alongside two other figures. "Who is that bastard." Hatta comments to which he is swiftly reprimanded by Saitou. While Shirona muses. "Apparently he is some sort of Atlantan billionaire who funds the IAA military." "He's a Murian?!" Saitou screams in shock. To which Shirona muses. "Papa apparently talks to him. They say that he turned himself into a zombie to obtain immortality and never give up his money."
Saitou in his thoughts notices that Barragan cannot be trusted. And that they needed to get rid of him and his compatriots after the war ended. Preferably thru lethal means.
December 31
As the fleet was completing its construction alongside both Reibai's orbit. Kagami Ichijin with Kagemusha and Jango serving as bodyguards went into space to oversee the final inspections where she stumble into an odd new pair of faces. Two young human girls who are aiding the engineers. Well the girl with the long auburn hair was. While her glasses wearing companion was merely snarking back at the other's boasts.
The two girls Touka Satomin and Nemu Hiiragi are oddities even among the unlikely group that is the IAA. It seems that the two are complete resurrections of two girls that died on Earth shortly before the Homu heresy, Not only are they very intelligent especially Touka who is a child prodigy no questions asked. Easily understanding and mastering the use of alien magitek with incredible ease. But the duo had also managed to figure a way to infiltrate the barrier surrounding Earth but have managed to gain some support from several organizations. Including the Satomi family and thru them obtained alliances with Promised Blood and Folklore of Zero. Two groups of Puella Magi with a major bone to pick with the incubators. As well as an alliance with Japan and the United States with the other members of NATO promising to join as well in a cooperative agreement. With Shirona's father a NATO colonel along other volunteers being snuck out in order to better organize the IAA military structure and to aid in combine arms warfare training.
Jango greets the two girl remarking. "Hey Rookie!" To which Touka angrily complained. "It's not rookie! It's Touka!" Jango chuckles and then states. "Be careful. After all you girls are supposed to be our guides to Mikitihara." Nemu looks gloomy thinking. "I wonder how Iroha would react to seeing us again. After all we came back but Ui didn't." Touka attempts to cheer up her friend saying. "Don't worry Nemu. After all its not like we're going to end up creating a cult of super powered racists that brainwash people and attempt world domination." Nemu bites back stating. "You do realize that i'm the pro novelist? And that your imagination has led us into trouble before?" Touka retorts. "If you're gonna use that plotline for your next story. I expect recognition in the credits."
Confused Kagami asks. "A story? Of what?" To which Nemu explains. "Well it's a story about a girl who is on a quest for memories..." With the others nodding in unison as Nemu explains. "As she goes on her journey. She meets friends, love, defeats a cackling eldritch horror, is bound by a magical monster bracelet, punches out the human embodiment of suicidal despair, and becomes God." The crowd is stunned silent after hearing the description as Nemu continues to speak. "I think i'll call it Magia record." Touka asks. "How did you come up with all of this?" To which Nemu stated. "Oh, I was inspired by a dream. I wonder why that figure kept calling me mom?"
A bit later Kagemusha looks at a series of completed Waltzers. With Touka joining the loner in watching the construction of these special operation types. "So you're that Darth Vader looking guy? Apparently we can use magic now." Touka remarks as she finger snaps a small flame into her fingers. With the masked man commenting. "Talk about a prodigy. I worked so hard to learn how to use my abilities. Yet you guys are leveling up with no problems." Touka for once remains silent as the duo looks on noticing that there are things on the mysterious masked man's mind. "We really are counting on you kid." An annoyed Touka puffs her cheek in annoyance and then states. "Don't worry, I know. After all papa and Iroha are riding on this."
January 1 2024
The eve of the offensive. The people of the Windu province were celebrating with a massive feast and celebration. With many of the troopers and machines partying alongside the Reibai civilians. The Reibai emperor now standing and wearing a shining golden power armor alongside an eight foot long golden polearm with a three foot long blood red blade decorated with magical runes in the same podium where Kagami introduced Kagemusha almost two years ago. Stands in front of the crowd with the rest of the Reibai elders, as well as several generals and important people including Kagami and Shirona and begins to give a speech. All the while cameras were showing everything in real time all over the universe.
"Since time immemorial the incubators have claimed to guide us. To support us. That they maintain the universe for us to inherit. But all of that is a lie. It has always been a lie! To think that mankind is so weak that they need the help of the devil to leave their caves is laughable! It is an insult! We Reibai proved to all that incubators can bleed! That there is another way than being cattle to the slaughter! And with that we went to the stars and created a massive army to free the stars from their evil! And now, once more, we head to war! To shatter the malice of the arch-traitor! And finally bring peace and prosperity to the cosmos! Hate the incubator! Hate the Puella Magi! Hate the devils that seduce our children with sweet words! Only to devour them like raw meat! For we are the gods of a new world order! We are the soldiers the legions of light! We are the center the depth of the sun! Fire and flame we are one!"
The crowd bursts into rioting cheers as the worlds of the IAA all join in chanting. THE EMPEROR PROTECTS! THE EMPEROR PROTECTS! THE EMPEROR PROTECTS! THE EMPEROR PROTECTS!
Kagemusha looking on from a distance smiles gleefully even though her helmet wouldn't show it. "So this is how Kyuubey dies... With thunderous applause..." Before breaking out into a maniacal laughter.
Later that night Kagemusha met Kagami at the base of the tower. With Kagami looking at the night sky noticing how the moons have been completely transformed into orbital battlestations. The formerly white moons now being a silvery sheen with lights poking out here and there while enjoying a bottle of sake. She takes a good look at the masked man and remarks. "You've come far Apprentice. To think that you used to be a fallen Puella Magi and now look at you." Kagemusha drops on one knee and states. "It is thanks to your teaching my master."
"Yes but now it is time to talk about the future. And the purpose you were built for." "Killing Madoka master?" "Not only that. Once you kill both the Goddess and your former self. You will be able to absorb the full power of the Law of cycles. And use it to remake reality. We will create a true world of peace. By making it so that the incubators never existed in the first place." Kagemusha simply nodded and then brought up the incubators claims. Something that Kagami quickly shot down. "The lies of a criminal my dear apprentice. After all you witnessed it alongside me. The other realities where incubators never existed. They also developed civilizations just like ours. Everything they say is a lie." Kagemusha agrees with the statement as she remembers the many other possibilities she saw during her training, Infuriating her even more. Something Kagami notices and is amused by. "Good, good, let the hate flow thru you. After all those emotions allow you to focus the mana around you. That hate of yours. Will be the catalyst for our new world."
The morning after came as everyone began to board the shuttle that would take them to the fleet. With everyone saying their goodbyes and Shirona holding back a crying Hatta. Calming him down as his family goes to war.
February 1
The fleet has finally reached Earth. A massive fleet of ships that have blockaded the planet as well as settled in nearby worlds like Mars and Jupiter where a massive supply chain is being constructed. With Mars being used as a forward base and Jupiter being used as a rally point. The Kuiper asteroid belt has also been taken over. With it's many asteroids being mined for resources with many of the larger ones being dug out and converted into factories, supply and weaponry depots, and processing plants for the raw material. And enough forces to not only subdue any incubators but any human nations that would be willing to fight after the first blitzkrieg is finished. With the plan being to infiltrate Mikitihara where the witches barrier is located and then once the barrier is shattered to launch a massive invasion designed to both eliminate any incubator sympathizers. And to ensure that the violent locals don't get any ideas to oppose the new order.
A number of giant robots are preparing to perform atmospheric re-entry. These robots the original waltzers are similar in design to the Zaku only with bulkier armor and black and red paint jobs to designate them as special operation types. As the five Waltzers streak thru the sky like meteors the team leader Kagami Ichijin quickly briefs them on their mission once more. "Alright people we're heading straight into the eye of the calamity planet Earth. The mission is simple we will be landing and hiding our Waltzers in Kamihama to avoid detection from the Calamity. Rookie its your job to guide us there and get us to Mikitihara in one piece."
"It's not Rookie! It's Touka! Touka Satomi!" Touka yelled out annoyed at the perceived lack of respect. "You shouldn't be disrespecting onee-sama like that you know." Tsuruya chimed in "Touka just wants to prove herself Tetsuya." Kagemusha replies to Tsuruya. "Isn't that right Saitou." Kagemusha defers to Saitou Dattaga. Tetsuya's older brother, who merely stutters and panics at being put on the spot. Thinking to himself that it was a stupid idea to volunteer for the mission. Leading Tetsuya to admonish Kagemusha and forcing the latter to apologize.
"Focus everyone." Kagami orders. "We're heading to the drop zone." "Roger!" Everyone else comments. As the mecha descended into the planet and engaged their cloaking devices as they land some distance outside the city. Meanwhile on Earth, a certain amnesiac goddess watched the shooting stars falling onto the horizon.
Operation Unmasked world begins!
To be continued.
That's it for this chapter, if you like what you see. Feel free to subscribe, comment, and interact. We enjoy hearing from you the reader!
The founding members of the IAA are the major power players in the tri-galaxy sphere of influence of the IFS. Alongside the Neo human nations which is composed of the survivors of the destruction of Earth. The anim are all genetically modified beings created by the Precursors another hyper advanced ancient race like the Ancients who became the chao. And were originally meant to be slave labor until The End destroyed their civilization. The Reibai were also created by the Precursors but also crossbred with a Seedrian colony ship that settled in their world. The medical mechanica movement which eventually gave rise to the current race of machines that inhabit the verse. And the Zoah which are the same race from Sonic Chronicles and is foreshadowing.
Also the human kingdom of Atlanta gets its name from the episode of Futurama where they go to the underwater city of Atlanta. Which is a spoof of Atlantis.
The chapter's name is taken from the Golden Age arc from Berserk and is the first actual multiparter story so far. While there have been arc so far this is the first time that there will be a dedicated three part break from the main story and is being used to experiment on future story arcs.
The Waltzers are the real robots of the setting. And are capable of moving around by negating the effects of the square cube law in an immediate area. Which allows them both extremely high mobility and the ability to create artificial gravity and completely negate G-forces by creating localized physics bubbles. The Tomino mana furnace is named after Yoshiyuki Tomino the creator of Gundam which defined the real robot genre and its why Reibai produced Waltzers and Sumeragi's are based of the Zaku II.
Gaia, Ortega, and Mash are obvious expies of Zeon's Black Tri stars. Lalah is well Lalah Sune, And Jango is basically an alien version of Amuro Ray.
To anyone who thinks that the Reibai are acting like a cult. That's going to become important later on. After all the IAA and the IFS is basically the lovechild of the United Nations and the Imperium of man.