AN: I won't be saying too much about this one. All I can say is, something really BIG happens in this one.
So head on in, and Enjoy!
Arc 7: The Tower Incursion
Chapter 41: Wisdom of Ovidius Loman
Ram slowly opened the door, and sighed at what she saw.
"I had a feeling you'd be here."
Genau laid himself on a desk, a certain one that was used constantly, by a good friend of theirs.
"If Natsuki Subaru catches you here, he'll be quite upset."
"...I know, but-"
"-It's not healthy to be doing this, we both know that."
"Yeah."
He hopped off the work desk and shook himself, like any dog would after being awakened from their sleep. Mid-afternoon was the time, and while the light of the sun luminated this room...the dust that had gathered, and the unfinished pile of papers made it clear that this room had seen better days.
It had become a shrine to the legacy of a man. Acting as reminders of days when various members of this estate would pop in and speak with him; asking advice, needing an opinion, or just for a quick drink and chat. This was where he was to be found, for his deep thoughts. As Echidna was during her time, Ovidius became the scholar, philosopher and advisor for his fellow Red Lanterns and King Emilia.
But it was no longer like that, not anymore.
As Genau began to exit the room, Ram slowly began to close it behind them...with just a single moment, her eyes hallucinated.
"That must be the case."
Because she clearly saw Ovidius at his desk, reading a small book.
Ram shut her eyes and closed the door, leaving the desolate room alone.
It had been like this, ever since the end of the Tower Incursion...one year ago.
Nijino was sitting in a new patio, constructed with only the finest of cedar wood and the finest chairs one would be able to find.
Sitting there, sipping on some fine cognac, her long rainbow hair swaying in the breeze. Taking a big gulp, she glanced over and saw how far from the estate she was, and it was a good place to just get away from things.
Shutting her orange eyes, she reminsced it, the day they returned to the estate. How Subaru worried over the destruction the estate accumulated again, and fawning over Emilia and the others, unsure if they were hurt. A few smiles, a few chuckles, a groan by Ram; told him that wasn't the case. It became arid and nerve wracking, when all the surviving Red Lanterns then came, bowed to her and watched her confused face, slowly, painfully, shift into complete despair. Wilhelm carrying the body of Ovidius...and the loud deafening scream Emilia let out, no one could forget the lunacy cries and denial Emilia would spout. Ram and Felt having to hold her, pick her up and comfort her. No one was unaffected.
Petra choked up, Beatirce covered her face, Felt bit her lip in sadness and the Lewes Clones lowered their heads.
Reinhard even, closed his eyes in remorse.
Emilia's loud shrieks echoed throughout the grounds they stood on, that day.
Opening her eyes, she heard some steps behind her. Taking a peek, she instantly relaxed, seeing her pal coming to see her.
"Hey Wilhelm."
"Good afternoon."
Wilhelm stepped closer, before taking a relaxed seat.
"Come to join in on this?"
"No, I just came to check on you."
"Really? Can't you see I'm doing pretty good myself?"
Nijino chugged back her drink and set it on the tile floor, letting a small breath of heated relief.
"We have a lot time to relax before tomorrow, Wilhelm."
"This is true, but I would think you'd be doing something different."
"Like what, like the old days?"
"Maybe."
"...Like when Ovidius was still alive?"
Both went quiet, but Nijino seemed most eaten up by her own words, scratching her rainbow colored hair and grunting.
"S-Sorry, I didn't mean anything by that."
"Not at all, I understand."
"...Guess so."
Wihlem sat up straight and glanced at the grass slightly moving with the wind.
"We all still miss him, he was a trusted ally, a good friend. Had he met my wife, I am sure they'd be a unique pair."
"The sword and the brains?"
"Quite right, ahaha."
"Hmmm."
Nijino relaxed more, and crossed her legs, staring at her Red Ring...and a black one on her pinky.
"To think, he had given us these."
"Even after his death, his ingenuity still creeps its way into our lives."
"Metia rings, each with the capability to use one spell, a means for even non magic users to use mana, to protect oneself."
"...If he had this ready for us-"
"-HE KNEW HE WAS GOING TO DIE THERE."
Once again, they went silent.
"Still, they eerily remind me of my arch enemy."
"Stride was it?"
"Yes, he is to me...as Crusch is to Subaru-sama."
"An eternal enemy, huh?"
"...I do feel for him in some ways, he constantly spoke of some odd things."
"Like?"
"How we're all creations, and mere constructs for unseen eyes to watch our misery for entertainment."
"Pfft, and I thought people like Garavito were crazy."
"Well, he was a Sin Archbishop."
"True, but then again, I only encountered the Witch's Cult once."
"Good thing, they were truly awful people."
"...We still haven't found two of them, right?"
"The one bearing the name, Pandora. However, she is the only one."
"Oh? We found Hector?"
Wilhelm tapped his nose and nodded.
"Last month in fact, Frederica found him, he was hiding in Tupelo."
"And?"
"Subaru-sama used him as a Blood Sacrifice, that is how he marked tomorrow as the day we have to finish the project."
"Looks like he ended up being useful."
Wilhelm just sat there, puckering his lips as the wind blew around him...his ponytail, which was slightly longer now, had him contemplate for a moment...but, he smiled.
"Nijino-san."
"Hm?"
"I think I'll take you up on that drink."
Nijino obliged with a smile.
The bustling capital, continued it's harmonious and busy tasks here and there. Standing near a fountain in the middle of the city, was a large podium...and on it, was the statue of Ovidius Loman reading a book. This was one of six statues that were located throughout the country; two in the capital, two in the south, one each for the west and east.
Him reading a book, allowing an eagle perch itself on his arm, reaching out to the sky; all different poses representing the beloved son of Lugnica.
Felt sighed as she exited her day in Academy.
All the students bustling out from the long day, yet she was the only Red Lantern who attended at this hour.
"Jeez, what's with this whole edu-crap? I did just fine on the street smarts I had!"
As she grumbled, with her hands to her sides, she turned a corner and encountered a certain big, furry old buddy.
"Hey Jolokia!"
"Oh Felt, how is it going, grrrr?"
Jolokia was out and about, with a little something on riding on his shoulder.
"Oh, is this your little man?"
"Yes indeed, grrrr! My son here is named, Huancaina. Sorry, but he is really shy."
What a special being he was, the small baby, was already crawling around despite his age. He had a truly humanoid appearance, yet he was still a hybrid demi-human.
Grey fur, red colored eyes, and sharp fangs like his father. His mother, rewarded him with eyes shaped like hers, red markings under his eyes and blue hair that looked sharp and claws to match.
Despite this, he was adorable and used his comfy looking jacket to almost hide away from Felt.
"Awww, c'mere lil man!"
"Ahaha, sorry, but he's especially afraid of girls...his mother plays too roughly with him."
"So he's scared of her?"
"No not all, grrrrr, he still hugs and plays with her all the same."
"Ohhhh, well, let's hope he gets over it when he gets older."
"Of course, grrrrr."
Felt yawned, with Jolokia looking on as he shifted his shoulder, helping his rowdy child lay on it.
"Long day today?"
"Oh yeah, Subaru-nii chan and the others are making me and Petra go to school! It's such a drag, learning about all this stuff."
'What kind?"
"Math, History, Literature, Philosophy and Art!"
"Seems to me that it's perfect to be a respected member."
"HUH?! Did you ever get an education?!"
"Not really, grrrrr, but it's been rumored that it'll be a requirement for all Red Lanterns to receive 2 years of education in order to keep their, on the ground positions."
"HOW COME!? The knights don't even need to do that!"
"We have different standards of work ethic, and with these positions, we handle different jobs than the Knights or Mages."
Felt scratched her head and stuck out a tongue.
"Hmph, who the hell came up with such a-"
"-It was Ovidius-sama."
Both went dead quiet, as the noise of the city and the movement of everyone around them, made the situation a little more awkward.
"...I had feeling, about that."
"Ovidius-sama was always intent on not having us rely on him forever, that's the case in all this, grrrr. And where you've been getting your education?"
Felt put up a proud posture.
"Fine then, I'll pass these stupid classes and show that smart guy, he'll be watching me from the afterlife making a smug face when I graduate."
"Grrrrr, I am sure he will."
Jolokia smiled, as he finally grabbed his son off, and pulled him into a soft hug, despite his muscles. Felt sighed at the sight of the sabertooth tiger beastman, as as he used his snout to rub his son tenderly. She only took one small glance behind her, and smiled, returning to Jolokia. Both decided to hang out, in order to get Huancaina accustomed to her. As they walked away, they left behind the incredibly busy academy. A beautiful example of architecture, with gorgeous trees and bushes...all for the building known as, The Ovidius Loman Academy of Higher Education. Known affectionately as, The OL' Academy
In the south, where the Priestella Estate resided, now renamed Bluebird Estate, after the birds that suddenly became native to the area, mysteriously.
Emilia walked through the vineyards, the humongous amounts of plentiful glistening grapes marveled anyone who saw it the first time. Emilia's hair was tied in a small ponytail still, and once again in the outfit once worn by her mother figure Fortuna.
"Emilia-sama, should we head back inside?"
"No, I just need a little more time. Besides, the tour doesn't get here for another fifteen minutes."
"Well, if that's the case, Rem will hum us a song."
"That sounds nice."
The necklace she wore which housed Rem's soul began to hum, making the environment that much more palpable.
The tour which Emilia mentioned, was indeed organized by the committee of this area, as it was quite a popular tourist destination. Though people did come for to see Lugnica's largest winery and to see the only standing establishment of the Barielle Family, there of course was more patriotic reasonings.
For in truth, most people came to see the new bodies of water, the moss that grew over abandoned patios and monuments there. That's right, they would come to see the scars left behind by the battle between the Priscilla and Emilia Camps; known to some as, "The Bloodstained Roses War", others called it, "The Barielle Conflict"...but most, including some history books...referred to it as, "The War For The Throne".
And...in some cases, it was believed Emilia was not just complicit with it, but actually orchestrated the War itself, by sending a weak at the time Subaru to instigate hostility between the groups. The truth of which, was lost to the passage of time.
"Oh, look Emilia-sama."
"Ah, Mimi-chan."
Soaring down from the sky, leaving a red trail of light behind her, Mimi landed safely down. Her hair was now longer and no longer had any of her signature hairstyle choices, and still had a large white fox scarf around her neck.
But, Emilia made a saddened expression, when she saw the goggles Mimi was wearing. Even with spiral crazed eyes, it was evident the pride she had wearing them...and the man, she dearly missed.
"Lady Emilia! Lady Emilia! Mimi has arrived, and ready to do whatever you need!"
"Uhm, can we just take a small walk?"
"Ayyay my Lady!"
Mimi walked alongside Emilia, taking quick grabs of the nearby grapes, every once in a while. Only to be every so often, humbly, yet sternly, scolded by Rem's voice. It was a nice walk, a calming little moment for herself and the little Red Lantern as the wind blew, blue birds flew by and the streams could be heard from far away.
Emilia found a bench, built there several years ago after the initial battle against Priscilla. So she took a seat, letting Mimi lay down and rest her head on her lap. Emilia saw the beautiful scenery, yet it was Rem's voice that spun her out of her moment.
"Emilia-sama?"
"Yes Rem?"
"Are you worried at all about tomorrow?"
"Not in the slightest."
"Not even a smidge?"
Emilia giggled from her persistence.
"Well, it's good to worry, but I think we should have some trust in what he's doing."
"I do trust Subaru-kun and the others, but what-"
"-Apparently, he's using some instructions Ovidius left behind."
"...Rem sees."
Emilia closed her eyes, smiling, letting a small breeze swept up the worries she did actually have.
"He was really smart like that, right?"
"...Ovidius-sama, was one of the brightest men Rem has ever known. To create such weapons, to instruct such plans, write such wonderful books...to be so devoted to his friends, such a thing is amazing."
"Yeah."
"...Does Emilia-sama, still miss him?"
"...Yeah, he was my teacher, my friend...a big brother; even with me being an only child."
"Rem saw him almost the same."
"I want to make things right."
Emilia opened her eyes, filled with determination and strength within them.
"We're gonna make a better world, for everyone. For Roswaal, for Sarah, Anastasia, for all those soldiers...and for Ovidius."
"...Emilia-sama…"
"Their deaths won't be in vain, I swear it."
"With you, and Subaru-kun in the helms? Rem is sure it'll happen."
"Thanks."
With Mimi continuing to slumber, Emilia continued to relax...not having to look up at the sky. For just a few meters up, floating there were her additional guards, thee Red Lanterns.
Linnea, Bulldozer, and a female tanuki demihuman named Womack.
Womack sat in the air, reading over the last of Ovidius' books, released posthumously. It was called, "Pillars of Wisdom".
All the while, Jolokia was letting the rat sit on his shoulder.
"Should we get closer?"
"No, that won't be necessary BDZ, let's just let them, have a moment."
"Whatever you say."
The female voice of Bulldozer yawned, as the rat laid on her shoulder, but it didn't bother Linnea even a tad.
Frederica sat there, in the dojo meditating. Kong was sitting in the adjacent room, drinking tea as his wife poured more in her own cup. The silence was palpable, an evidence to Frederica's response to Ovidius, and his fate.
Her head had filled with thoughts.
If I had been stronger.
Faster.
Smarter.
More attuned.
More durable.
Better than what I was...maybe he'd still be alive.
And so, Frederica rigorously trained, everyday she could.
Her eyes opened, and the meditation was done.
She was now in the De La Soul Estate, taking off her clothes, jumping into a shower that was created by utilizing water gems, air gems and other techniques left over by Ovidius in order to further enhance humanity's living conditions. What was easily noticeable, was her scars, cuts and burns marking her physically imposing body. She still had her hourglass figure, every feature that made her a symbol of beauty...yet her muscles were toned, defined and would be the envy of any female athlete back in Subaru's world.
Frederica soaked her face, closing her eyes...recalling her attempts to send forces to find Crusch, find Exogenesis, and bring them to justice. These attempts were in vain, as not a single base could be found, resulting in skirmishes with individual members, and no big catches. Nothing of value.
Frederica, rubbed neck down.
"The Tower, once that's complete, I'm sure it'll mean something."
The water dripped down her face, her worries allowing them to flow effortlessly.
"I will have it done, no matter what."
Frederica Priestella resumed her duties, thereafter.
Later that day...
Moussaka waved to the carriage, as the afternoon breeze blew past him. The carriage struggled a tad, but eventually made it through the sands.
For this was the Augria Sand Dunes.
There were countless Red Lanterns, constructionists, laborers and more, toiling away with the final adjustments to the Tower. Said building, was pitch black, with jagged spikes along the side of it, with a sort of open curve on top of it, as if something was meant to rest atop of it.
Moussaka went to the now parked carriage, opening the door for who was inside.
"Welcome, Lady Masquerade."
"Hey, oof, thanks."
Hopping off, was a well dressed Liliana, she allowed her hair to flow instead of being restricted by anything, having a dress etched with swirls of gold and glitter.
In her arms, was something making her legs shake insanely.
"Um, Liliana-san, may I take him for you?"
"N-Nah, I mean, do I look like I'm gonna mess this up?"
"Um, well…"
Now her arms were struggling as well.
"It unfortunately does."
"...Yup, please?"
"Sure thing."
Moussaka took him into his arms, carefully and took a good look at him.
"He is quite adorable."
"Thanks, he has both our good sides, none of our bad, I HOPE."
In his arms, was Liliana and Ovidius son, a baby boy with tanned skin, yellow hair and green eyes. His little body was in a comfortable bear suit, a popular thing for babies to wear.
"My lil' Zosimus is the cutest."
"Zosimus?"
"...It was what Ovidius wanted, if we ever had a boy."
"...Did-...Did he know?"
"...No…"
She hung her head low, somberly in deep thought. Moussaka came to this realization, that she must've found out she was pregnant, only after Ovidius had already died.
"He would've been so happy Liliana-san."
"I know, he was so eager to teach his child anything and everything he could."
"We'll make sure he's knowledgeable, and well protected."
Finally, she raised her head, smiling at the concept of this new family of hers, helping her to raise this child.
Even if he did not meet to HIS expectations, he'd still be a worthy member of society.
"Shall we?"
"Yup."
"Felix-san, will you be alright in there?"
Felix Argyle, wearing a nice dark blue business suit and smoking a cigarette, glanced back from the driver's seat.
"Hm? Yeah, I am just going to snooze here for a bit, take the lil' lady and have fun."
"Well, alright then."
Both of them began using the newly constructed paved road, to head towards the Tower.
Looking out a window, Attero sniffed it, leaving some condensation on it. He shook his large head, making his way through the dark room which had barely any light to it. He headed up the spiral staircase, which was an odd spectacle, witnessing a large black ma-beast using such a human traversing method. But he was punctual if anything, despite this.
Attero used his head to open the door, and eventually found himself looking all around him. He was at the top of the Tower.
"Subaru-sama."
"...Hey, what's up?"
Sitting on the edge, was Subaru, the main driving force behind everything.
"Is there anything you need, my lord?"
"No, that's not necessary."
"Very well-"
"-Wait, actually…"
He turned his head, nodding.
"Can you ask Beatrice what time this'll be ready for a test run?"
"Understood."
The Guiltylowe lowered his head, in a bow, and rushed off to do as ordered. Just then, Petra flew down and sat down next to him.
"Hi Subaru!"
"Hi Petra."
Petra snuggled up to Subaru, excited to be near him yet again. Yet, when she looked up at his face, she could see the emptiness he was feeling.
"Huh? What's wrong Subaru, are you bored with me?"
"No, nothing like that."
He patted her head, making the young girl blush immensely, as Subaru continued staring out to the dunes.
"It's just that kind of thing."
"What kind?"
"The contemplation I guess, about how things should've been?"
"Like?"
Petra imagined herself being wedded by Subaru as she tossed her bouquet, allowing them to smack right into Emilia's face.
He imagination ceased, when Subaru answered.
"...I wanted...I wanted Ovidius to see this."
Now, both of them became depressed by it, the fact every individual wanted Ovidius to see the culmination of his work, of his desires and the goals he set out for himself. But it would never happen, and so, they were forced to move on.
Petra took her chance and hugged his arm, holding it tight and lovingly.
"Everyone did, it's not fair how he was taken away."
"...So what now?"
"Well, I guess we continue his will, not letting his wisdom etch away."
Raising his brows, he peeked at Petra, who mustered a beautiful smile, one too radiant for words.
"You really are a keeper."
"Hm, I'll take that as a compliment."
He chuckled at her phrasing, and looked out to the sands, the far off distance. Recalling the papers left behind, his will, his blueprints, and messages for all his friends and special acquaintances. To further the indomitable will of his knowledge, to become unflinching in the genius ideas, plots and calculations he would leave to them; fully cementing him as on par with Echidna when it came to such intelligence.
But, a secret letter, one given only to Subaru, written by Ovidius, maybe days before the Tower Siege.
With just a single warning….
"I heard you loud and clear Ovidius."
.
.
.
.
It said, "Beware, The Holy Dragon is a traitor."
Attero used his paw to knock on a door…
"Come in, I suppose."
Attero entered, reaching a humongous place, the amalgamated fusion of their Comfort Eagle Library and another. The specific area, was the Library of the Dead, as they called it. Books upon books of people who had died in this world, their entire memories and history written into these pages, only readable to those who personally knew them. It was decided that Beatrice would be the main custodial guard of this...Clementinium, divided between the Comfort Eagle Library and the Library of the Dead. No one, outside of a select few, were ever allowed here without express permission.
"What is it Attero?"
"Subaru-sama wants to know if the proceedings are ready?"
"...Betty was able to send Felix Argyle to procure the last of the materials, I suppose. It should be ready by the early morning tomorrow, as planned. There is no need to worry, I suppose."
Beatrice brushed her snow white hair, being still in the body of her mother, Echidna. She got up from her seat and set aside a book she was looking over. Walking over, she patted the Guiltylowe on his head.
"Attero, we both know what tasks have been thrusted upon me, not only that...but what I have now inherited since then."
"Beatrice-sama…"
Her words were heavy, as he brown eyes scanned over to the unfathomably long halls filled with books upon books. This was for a reason…
In the end, it was decided that Beatrice would read several Book of Memories.
Who?
Echidna, Roswaal, and Ovidius.
Now, it fell upon Beatrice to perform the duties as the official replacement for Ovidius. She, who would continue the legacy implanted upon her troubled soul.
The Wisdom of Ovidius Loman, would continue through her.
Genau flew through the sky, the red streak of light behind him, showing how fast he was going. Finally breaking through the atmosphere, he continued his course until he kept flying, past the moon, past some asteroids. He landed his feet carefully, until he sniffed around. He looked out, and saw how far away from everything it all was. He was on a piece of massive asteroid...and began destroying the meteor.
"GROOOARRR!"
Constructs and beams continued to blast away, until there were almost no pieces left of it.
"FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU! SSSSHAULA! CRUSSSSCH! WITCH'SSSS CULT! DAMN YOU! FUCK YOU!"
Every hit and scrape on floating rocks, left his mind with a static image of those namesakes, those who fought to keep them from being at peace. Finally, he panted and heaved, having obliterated the asteroid...until he heard a voice.
"I think that's enough."
He flinched, turning around and seeing Ram.
"What do you want Ram?"
"...Checking on a mutt causing a ruckus, have some class will you."
Once again, her sharp tongue poked and prodded his mind.
"Come now, we should go home, we have a busy day tomorrow."
"...Okay, where'ssss Rem?"
"I left her in Nijino's care."
"That'ssss fine, I guesss."
He...made a solemn expression, even for a wolgarm. Surprising him though, Ram went over and patted his head.
"You'll need to find something else to occupy your depressed thoughts."
"Knitting?"
"Pffft, yeah right."
Ram smiled, so did he. The two flew off, back to their world, hoping to leave things be.
The early morning, there were many gravestones.
But it was one specific one, where Jolokia, Callaloo, Moussaka and Juel went to visit. They didn't say a thing, only watched on. Then with the sun rising even more, the four of them began to make their way off, rustling their feet on the fine grass.
They had said their prayers to Stanley, and had their work ahead of them.
The morning was fully lit, and the Founding Seven, now only six; met up in the hidden space above the Tower. Subaru did however allow a select few others attend as well.
Thus, it was: Subaru, Genau, Wilhelm, Frederica, Mimi, Nijino, Ram, Emilia, the gem holding Rem's soul, Beatrice and Felt.
Felt voiced her concern, mainly on a simple fact.
"Wait, am I really that important enough to be here?"
"Duh."
Subaru winked at her, giving the young Red Lantern a startle.
"You were one of the first people I met when I came to this world."
"Huh? Was I, really?"
"Well, I died a couple times trying to save you, but I feel like, I don't regret a thing."
"...Wow, thanks Onii-chan."
Her little tooth showed as she smirked at him.
When that happened Emilia went over and held his hand, showing her trustworthy nature on him. Not only that, but she was the one wearing the necklace that had Rem's gemstone. Giving him the comfort of knowing the two of them were there for him. They all looked upon, a large contraption, tesla coils wrapped in gemstones of different colors, woven with magical incantations, all of which are connected to the star that was in the middle of the room. Above it, was their Red Lantern Battery, held in place by more steel holdings.
Together, it would help yield their rewards.
"It's time, Beatrice, would you please."
"Of course, I suppose."
"..."
"What we do now, is the very sum of our hardships, I suppose! Here and now, the results of the wars, the fighting, the deaths that have stacked onto our minds and souls have pushed us to this moment! Betty knows, we all know, I suppose! That, once this succeeds, the world will have full connection to the power of the Red Lantern Corps, which will insure our peace, EVERLASTING PEACE!"
Silence.
"Now, let's get to it, I suppose."
Beatrice aimed with her palms, began to speak strange incantations, energy flowed through the coils, surged up through the steel, and began to make the star and Battery glow. Wilhelm stared in amazement, Genau lost his breath, Mimi jumped up and down. Nijino got nervous, Frederica watched in stern composure, Ram got anxious and Felt was a bit scared. Subaru smiled, so did Emilia...and an explosion of magic occurred behind them.
Turning around, he saw who it was.
Emerging from the pillars of light, was Crusch.
"I am not letting do as you please, Natsuki Subaru!"
Running next to her, were the rest of her high ranking officers; Exogenesis was trying to prevent their plans.
The Red Lanterns that were outside, found themselves fighting the remaining Exogenesis members, who had hijacked several Zeppelins and Tanks. Not only that, but the reason behind their sudden appearance, was storming forward. Liliana, who had stayed overnight, was being carried away with her baby by Jolokia.
"Jolokia what is that thing?!"
"Grrrr, Liliana-san, we have to get you out of here!"
Longinus, the spirit which was formed by the anger towards the Red Lantern Corps, roared as the Red Lanterns charged forward.
Moussaka killed a few mounted gunman on the compartment of a zeppelin.
"Where the fuck is the Sword Saint?!"
Linnea Helena puked out napalm blood, melting an enemy girl's face clean off and made her body tumble to the ground far below.
"Subaru-sama sent him on a mission to investigate the Holy Dragon!"
"What?! WHY?!"
"I don't know, but even if he does know about this, it'll be minutes before he gets back!"
"Fine! Just keep it up!"
Subaru clashed with Crusch.
"Everyone protect Beatrice, she can't move right now!"
"You hear that my fellow brethren?! Attack the white haired woman!"
Wilhelm and the others were busy trading attacks, and firing beams trying to protect Beatrice.
"Puck!"
"Alright, let's goooo!"
Puck appeared and froze a female mage alive, but soon had to create a barrier to protect Emilia from oncoming fire.
Subaru and Crusch had their weapons become tangled, steel upon construct.
"I'll have you pay for killing Al!"
"You bitch! He's another reason Ovidius is dead!"
"You're psycho philosopher lost his life in exchange for his!"
"You really worked up about it, was he like, your lover or something?!"
"...!"
Her refusal to answer, was an answer itself. Thus, Subaru made a truly disgusting smile.
"Ohhhh, what a poor lil skank, losing your mate huh?! Now who is going to keep you warm at night?!"
"SHUT UP!"
She shoved him back and they continued with swings dodges and near hits.
"You are truly the devil, and I will cleanse this world of you!"
"THAT'S MY LINE FOR YOU, KARSTEN!"
Beatrice suddenly opened her eyes, which shone so brightly, it was very scary beyond words, as if she attained some kind of demonic energy.
"It's done!"
Her eyes changed back to the brown color, watching, as the star was stabbed by a sword.
"HUH?"
Looking back, she saw Crusch had flung a spare sword forward. In slow motion, everyone, no matter what team they were on, stared at the predicament that had occured with total shock.
"Whatever it is you are planning, I will not allow it."
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, I SUPPOSE!?"
Suddenly a large wave of black energy swirled throughout the room. Gravity left the room, leaving them weightless and hovering above the ground. And could feel the room get smaller and smaller.
Until, they felt it.
"Oh shit."
Subaru's words, echoed.
As a bright light shot through the room, then out of it, ceasing all combating outside as they could only stare at it.
Jolokia swiftly put Liliana into a carriage, with Felix at the helms.
"Hey what was that light?!"
"GROOOAR! Nevermind that! Get out of here, hurry!"
The carriage hurried off, as Jolokia rushed past the commotion alongside Linnea and Moussaka.
Entering the room...it was empty. Save for the contraption created, and the sword still plunged into the star, there was not a single thing in that room.
"Where is everyone?"
Linnea fell to her knees, and Moussaka trembled terrified.
"Hey, grrrrr, where is everyone?!"
Finally, Jolokia, could only scream in a full horrified panic.
"GROOOOAAARRR! WHERE IS EVERYONE?!"
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Within this fast moving tunnel of energy, consisting of lights and colors, melding together to form various combinations, even some none had ever thought of before...they were all caught in its current. Everyone was screaming, grunting in frustration, and trying to stop themselves. Subaru used a construct chain to try and latch onto something, but it pointless as hell, having the construct break apart once it touched the side of the tunnel.
"Guys, don't touch the sides!"
Everyone there, even Crusch and her men tried to steer themselves against the immense gravity of this strange place. Yet, it was Capella who took advantage and slapped her massive claw against Felt's back, making her get pushed, right at the side of the fast moving force. Wilhelm clicked his tongue and rushed to grab her.
Then she felt his hands on her shoulders, and her back touching something. Once they both looked, they suddenly became light and disappeared.
"BROTHER WILHELM!"
"GENAU, FOCUS!"
Nijino called out to him, but Genau rushed to see the spot where they vanished. Giving the tunnel itself a chance to yank Genau from above, causing him to become light and disappear.
Nijino held her mouth, but felt a tug as one of Crusch's associates tried to make her disappear. She kicked his head, smashing it into pieces, but the impact pushed her back.
"Uwah!"
Her back hit the tunnel's sides, and disappeared, along with the man's corpse. Subaru in shock over what was happening reached out to Emilia, only to see Crusch behind her, raising her sword high.
"Emilia!"
But Frederica tackled her away, trying to force her touch the tunnels walls, but Capella wrapped her arm around her neck. Making Mimi slap her off, and Frederica tossing Crusch right at Capella. Both flew, careening up both of hitting the top ceiling of this strange tunnel, disappearing as light. But not before the sudden surge of gravity caused Frederica to crash into Mimi and they both spun violently in this tunnel...before they suffered the same fate, hitting the bottom of it, becoming light...vanishing.
"FREDERICA! MIMI!"
"Emilia! Hang on, I suppose!"
Emilia launched ice spears at the remaining Exogenesis members, killing them and having their bodies flying around wildly, eventually sharing the same outcome as the others. Subaru tried flying up and reached out his hand, but another surge of gravity of some kind, resulted in him missing her hand. Beatrice tried to do so, diving towards her.
"Emilia, take my hand!"
"Beatrice!"
Puck tried to steer them with magic, but his magic broke apart and instead he hugged Emilia around the neck. Emilia struggled, but eventually was able to take Beatrice's hand, only for something to shove the remaining people there to the sides. Subaru and Ram stopped themselves with sheer willpower, and Beatrice used a barrier to stop themselves. Emilia turned her head, staring at Subaru who was on the other side, pathetically reaching his hand out, his Red Ring glimmering.
"Emilia…?"
"Subaru, h-"
The barrier broke apart and Emilia, Rem's Gemstone, Puck and Beatrice hit the side of this fast moving wall, erupting into light and vanishing. Ram and Subaru shook, trembled, tears flooding out of their eyes.
"No-"
They both gave up, and let the force of this place carry them away, sliding slowly across the walls of swirling, rushing light, taking them, holding them. Until they became light, and burst into millions of particles of such consistency...that now, they too disappeared.
The tunnel sped up, going ridiculously fast in surge of velocity, until a truly bright light could be seen. And just for a moment...a slight moment...truly minuscule.
A face could possibly be made out.
Then, darkness
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"Ughhhh, what did I eat?"
Shaking his head awake, Genau came to. Soon the Wolgarm's ears perked up, and he shot up to his four feet.
"G-Guyssss?"
Silence, nothing but the trees around him and an oddly red night sky.
"Guysss? GUYSSSS?!"
He moved around, panicking, and sniffing around as much as he could.
"Guyssss?! SSSSSUBARU?! BEATRICE!? EMILIA?! WILHELM?! FREDERICA?! ANYONE?!"
He flew up into the air, and continued to sniff around and scanned the area with his ring. Then, his ring not only detected, but also a large contingency of them. He flew off to see what it could be.
"Oh?"
It was a village, a small but hidden one. They seemed to have some kind of event, consistent with the torches they had lit, and everyone gathered in the center.
"What'sss going on there?"
Then, he sniffed again.
"Wait, it can't be."
He sniffed, and sniffed, but it was unmistakable.
"THISSSS, THISSSS SSSSMELL…"
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"Felt-chan, please, wake up."
"Oof, damn that is a doozy!"
Felt hopped back to her feet and observed the area around them.
"Huh, how did we get to a forest?"
"I'm not sure, the last I recalled, we were in a strange void of light, then-"
"-We ended up here, huh?"
Wilhelm and Felt glanced around, noticing it was nighttime, and there some mist around their feet.
"Wait a second."
"Wilhelm?"
"I-I know this place."
"How come?"
He pointed forward, and when Felt checked, she saw it.
"No way."
"...Flugel's Tree."
A giant tree stood there, dwarfing them like how and ant would feel. Then, they heard something and turned around, once they did, both their eyes went insanely wide.
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Nijino pushed her way through some bushes, the area around filled to the brim with fog.
"Damn, just where the hell am I?"
Then she heard something, pushing through and out of the fog, she could see it was the evening and the sky was bright orange and red.
"I thought I heard him."
Then she could hear the muffled screams...and when she hopped to the top of a tree, she looked down.
"Oh my god."
Shaking her head in denial.
"IT CAN'T BE."
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Frederica and Mimi trekked over some rocks.
"Where the heck are we anyways?"
"I have no idea Mimi, but our Rings said there are some life over this hill."
Once they reached the top they could see smoke and fire rising, countless men and women fighting with their swords and lances. It was an insane sight to behold. Yet they noticed someone amongst them.
Mimi's ears twitched in shock, and Frederica couldn't help but be surprised.
"Isn't that-?"
Suddenly, countless knights and soldiers...charged right at them.
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Subaru was kicked in the gut.
"OW!"
"Wake up already."
"Jeez, I can only expect a warm greeting from someone like you."
He did in fact get up, and they both looked around, finding themselves in an alleyway.
"How did we end up here?"
"If we had time for stupid questions for you, I'd ask them."
"Er, um, have you tried-"
"-Dumbass, I did try to use my Ring to contact somebody."
"And?"
She shook her head.
"That's impossible."
"Then let's go and snoop around, find out if something is affecting our Rings here."
"...Yeah, we need to find Rem and Emilia."
"Then hurry up."
They rushed off, only to find themselves in a quite busy street, carriages and people our and about. But what they noticed most was the key to their mystery.
"Wait, those clothes."
"No doubt about, Kararagi attire."
"But, this place looks untouched, thriving even!"
"Indeed, most of the cities in Kararagi are still trying to rebuild after the World War, this makes no sense."
"Let's check around some more."
Both nodded and they moved through the crowd, getting stares and the odd comment here and there about their attire. Some kids were especially scared of Subaru, his eyes menacing, his cracked scar on his face and desperate expression adding to the worse aura he was emitting. Then when both turned a corner, they met eyes.
"Ram, is this?"
"No, no it cannot be."
Both were frozen in place, staring at the two figures, staring back at them.
"Are you-"
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Both Emilia and Beatrice awoke to the sounds of birds chirping on this beautiful morning, in some clearing, surrounded by trees and bushes.
"Awk, Beatrice are you okay?"
"I think so, I suppose."
"Where are we?"
"Who can say?"
Rem's voice let out a sigh, Emilia carefully rubbing it with her palm.
"Rem? Are you okay?"
'Yes, Rem is fine, but what has happened? Where are the others, and where are we?"
"No one is sure, but I think we should get moving, Subaru and the others can't find us hidden like this."
Puck floated over and glanced around.
"I feel like we've passed by the place in the past, but it feels different. Doesn't it Beatrice?"
"Yes. Something doesn't feel right about this, I suppose.
Emilia and Beatrice browsed around...until they heard rustling in the bushes near them.
Taking stances evident of combat, they waited and stood firm. The bush could be seen moving still, so Emilia quietly motioned to Puck. Puck narrowed his eyes, while Beatrice had her hands glow with violet magic. The bush continued moving about, until something was actually moving through it.
Emilia and Beatrice prepared for the worst; her amethyst eyes hollowed with complete blood lust and the brown eyes of the former spirit narrowed in utter contempt.
Only for a little girl to pop out.
"Huh?"
"UH?"
The girl patted some leaves off herself and fixed herself up. Giving them all a good look at her.
Long jet black hair, tied into a fine braid.
Sharp almost scary looking familiar eyes, colored amethyst with a light blue iris.
An adorable face that would make your heart melt.
Though small, she appeared to be somewhere around six in age.
The three stared down at this girl, in total confusion as to who she could be.
Though some concerns were blaring in their minds.
This small child, had such an endearing presence, even though they had never met her before. Nor ever seen her black sleeveless dress, with yellow stripes across the chest.
It was too...much...like…
"So that's where you've been!"
"Eh?"
Emilia was stunned, the little girl rushed to hug her.
The silver haired elf too stunned for words, and simply peeked at Beatrice, who was just as floored.
The child let go of the embrace, and checked her up and down.
"Huh? What's with the outfit? Did you cut your hair just now? And where'd your ta-um, tattoos go?"
"Wh-What tattoos?"
"The ones on your arms, silly! You had cool ones, remember, Meili-onee chan gave them to you? Sarah-onee chan said I shouldn't get one till I think a really looooong time, but she sometimes is very mean like that."
"Um?"
The little girl peeked back and saw Beatrice.
"Who's that?"
Emilia was still flustered, but kept up her sternness, even if it failed miserably.
"Um, fi-first thing's first! A person should introduce themselves when they first meet someone."
"...Pfft, what are you talking about Mama, hahaha?"
Words echoed through her head, both the silver haired elf and the white haired sorceress, even the Great Spirit was at a loss.
Then.
"Hey now, Taygete! Come out this instance, I suppose!"
"Oh, Beatrice baa san!"
"What is this baa san nonsense again? And have you found your mother yet?"
"Yeah-"
Pushing through the bushes...was Beatrice. No, really Beatrice.
Golden hair tied in two drills, blue eyes with pink butterfly irises.
But, a frilled dress with white ribbons, tights, and shoes, while the rest was pink. She no longer wore her small crown either. On her back was a pink halo floating in place.
"Beatrice?"
"Emilia? And...And…"
Beatrice, or this normal Beatrice stared at the one with Emilia.
"M-Mother?"
"No, I'm-"
Suddenly, through the bushes two arms raised up, and just as quickly a woman appeared.
"Found ya!"
Her joy faded as she was looking at the shocking scene.
"M...M-Me?!"
"It's me."
Another Emilia.
Unlike our Emilia, this one still extremely long hair, wearing a purple beret with Lugnica's emblem on it. A sleeveless violet dress with a single white flower on near her collar, matching her white pants and shoes. But quite striking, was her full sleeve tattoos.
Exuberant in color and design, they flowed down her arm. Names in cursive could seen, flower shapes and swirls, but on each arm, was one distinct shape and color.
"B-Beatrice, is this?"
"Yup, I suppose."
Both slanted their eyes in exhausted annoyance, and both spoke the same thing, at the same damn time.
"NOT AGAIN."
"NOT AGAIN, I SUPPOSE."
The emblems on this Emilia's arms? Well, one was a yellow "N" symbol….
….the other,
was a yellow BAT symbol.
Random chaos, was truly something.
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ARC 8:
CRISIS OF THE MULTIVERSE
BEGINS!
AN: Hell yeah! It's time for timelines to get messed up, people to have their lives changed and old characters from the past interacting with the future. Crazy stuff is going down in this one!
And before anyone mentions, this story was conceived BEFORE Avengers Endgame, and is mainly inspired by Age of Apocalypse Comics and Batman Dark Knights. Or just any story dealing with alternate realities, so yup!
Maybe there will be surprises? Maybe there will be deaths? Who knows?
Did you recognize the references to the other realities they are visiting?
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The Opening? I guess it's "Synchronizing Bodies" by And One. Simple tunnel swirls around our characters, before showing the insane encounters and battles our 'heroes' will get involved in...suddenly ending on a creepy still image of the Tower.
But yeah, that's that! So be starved for the next part!
NEXT TIME? Ch. 42 - "From Zero"
SEE YOU THEN!