{|} Chapter 2: Palastori Rubrikt {|}
} Part 1 {
"And now that you ARE here, I believe it's time I shared some important truths with you!"
said [Riiji] Yasaka, leaning forward just a little on his throne as he looks down at everyone.
Kazuma sent him a serious, hard stare in response. Ruffian had a similar look on his face as well, Lynn's face showed a mixture of hurt, anger, and confusion. As for Aqua, she had no idea what was going on here and thus, was just looking around nervously, waiting for something to happen.
Finally, Kazuma breaks the silence and says-
"Let me see if I understand everything that's going on here now, [Riiji] Yasaka. You sealed up your granddaughter and son-in-law inside crystals, kept them sealed away for over a month, and all for the sole purpose of getting me to come back here for another visit."
"Wait, Kazuma. We've been sealed away for a full month? Why'd it take you so long to come check up on us?"
asked Lynn, still in his arms as her strength hadn't yet returned enough to allow her to stand on her own.
"That is a correct, Satou Kazuma."
said [Riiji] Yasaka, a wicked smile forming on his face. Ruffian, his anger building, shouts out-
"Why was that necessary, father. You knew he was going to come back eventually. We would have brought him back ourselves once the Eris Festival was over. Surely you knew that."
"Would you have? I wonder, given the fact that Cecily girl had used the power of a Divine Relic to turn everyone in Axel into her devoted slaves to serve the Axis cult. After that, Kazuma, along with the goddess Eris and the goddess Aqua, who has surprisingly graced us with her presence..."
"Not by choice!"
"I'm sure Satou Kazuma would disagree there. No matter... those three had been whisked off to another world by the powers of the traveler known as Rubrikt where they remained a few days before finally returning. After that, he's been allowed to take it easy since then, in order to help him recover as his body... well, let's just say he's not doing so good, are you boy?"
"That's none of your business."
growled Kazuma. Lynn looks at Kazuma, her thoughts now on him and filling with worry and fear over what she had just heard from her grandfather. Ruffian also spares Kazuma a glance before looking back at the [Riiji], then says-
"And how would you know about all that he went through, father. It's not like you were there when it all went down."
[Riiji] Yasaka's smile only grows wider as he says with a playful tone-
"Wasn't I?"
This makes them all become even more confused for a moment before Kazuma's eyes really narrow as he finally says-
"You... are you..."
"Are you finally figuring it out, Satou Kazuma?"
Lynn could feel Kazuma's hold on her tighten. While she wasn't having a problem with that, she knew now wasn't the time to be allowing herself to enjoy such things. Instead, as she felt her strength had returned enough to stand without support, she pulls away from Kazuma and gets back to her feet so she could address the [Riiji] directly.
"Grandfather... no, [Riiji] Yasaka, tell me what's going on. Are you... are you really my grandfather?"
"Oh, dear Tia-Lynnya, I guess you really didn't hear me before... not surprising, I guess. I mean, you and Ruffian were just sealed inside the crystals. As such, I shall repeat myself just this once."
[Riiji] Yasaka then finally stands and takes a few steps forward till he was right at the edge before the steps that led down to the group.
"You keep calling me grandfather. You REALLY shouldn't."
A harsh cold comes over Lynn, making her knees shake. Kazuma was quick to place his hands on her, there to support her should she need it. Ruffian didn't falter though. Instead, he moves forward to become a kind of shield that stood between the others and the false [Riiji].
"You're not really the [Riiji] then, are you. Just who are you, really?"
"Hm, I suppose I can tell you now, seeing as it is time for the reveal to finally happen."
The false [Riiji] then brings a hand up, snapping his fingers which makes a bubble appear around him. That bubble then begins to glow as the entity within begins to reshape itself, taking on a new appearance.
When the change had been completed and the bubble had faded, what stood before them now was a man who appeared to be in his forties; hair of azure with slight hints of gray here and there, black-gold eyes, and the palest of skin. He also had a neatly trimmed beard too.
"Allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is..."
"Rubrikt!"
Kazuma said the name himself, not needing to hear it said or confirmed. He wasn't sure why or how he knew this, but he did. It just made so much sense to him.
Rubrikt smiles, giving a simple nod before saying-
"Those are some good instincts you have there, Satou Kazuma. I wonder though, is it really ALL you though or is it the Entropy that's inside you that confirmed this truth?"
"I don't know. You tell me, old timer. Either way, I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time now."
"As have I, I assure. Though if I'm being honest, we have interacted before. Twice, actually!"
This causes confusion to arise within Kazuma, making him blink for a moment before saying-
"I feel like I would remember meeting you if we had crossed paths before."
"I'm sure you would. I can assure you that we have met twice before, though I don't blame you for not remembering those encounters. You will though, once I reveal my NEXT truth."
Rubrikt then snaps his fingers again as his body once again undergoes a shift in appearance, taking on a form Kazuma was very familiar with.
"No... Palastori... I thought... I thought you were a..."
"What, a friend? Did I ever actually say that? Sorry, Satou Kazuma, but I can't remember if I did or not. If I did say that before, then I must apologize for leading you astray. I swear I won't be doing that no more. Now, allow me a chance to reintroduce myself to you all, to do it properly this time."
He then snaps his fingers again, returning to his adult, middle aged man form.
"I am Palastori Rubrikt, he who travels from one reality to another, through many of the different timelines as each reality can offer, all for the sake of increasing my knowledge and power. So nice to finally, properly, meet you."
} Part 2 {
"So, you're the guy we've been searching for. I have a lot of questions for you, Rubrikt."
"And I'll be happy to answer those questions. That is why I am here before you now."
said Rubrikt before taking a seat again upon the throne of the [Riiji]. Lynn growls at him as she says-
"Get off my grandfather's throne."
"And stand as I answer all your questions, while I'm explaining everything to you all? I think not."
"Then tell us where he is. Where's the [Riiji] and the rest of the Faea?"
shouted Ruffian.
"We'll get to that soon enough, I promise. First, let's get the other obvious questions out of the way first. Now, if you will, Satou Kazuma."
"Honestly, I want to ask you those two questions too. But seeing as you want to hold on on those answers, fine. Tell me Rubrikt, are you the one who's responsible for the mana drain that the world is currently suffering from?"
"Mana drain?"
asked Lynn, finding that question an important one. Was there something happening with the world's mana supply she hadn't taken notice of yet.
"No, not exactly. How the mana drain started wasn't of my doing, though I confess I have been in the position to stop it for quite a while now. However, I have decided to let it continue as I'm curious as to what will happen once it is all over with."
"Why?"
"Hm, you'll find out soon enough. Very, VERY soon in fact!"
"OK, now tell me this. Where is your base of operations?"
"Same place as where all the world's mana is being drained into! Beyond on that, you tell me."
"That's what you meant when you said you had the ability to stop the mana drain but didn't."
said Ruffian, getting a nod from Rubrikt.
"Correct. Just so we're clear, Satou Kazuma. Me not telling you how to find my base, find the source of the mana drain, isn't me being difficult here. I'm staying silent right now because I have found that in order for that place to finish doing whatever it is it's doing will require it to do... something. Something that will make its location very much known to one and all."
"No offense... guy, but this all sounds like you're playing a game with everyone on this world."
said Aqua suddenly, finally joining in the conversation.
"I assure you, goddess of water, this is not a game to me. Know this about me; I am an academic, a scholar at heart. I seek knowledge and understanding about anything and everything. Everything I do, I do in order to gain new knowledge about things, to better understand that which I currently do not know. Take the situation between Satou Kazuma and Entropy, for example."
"So that has all been you too, Rubrikt. You're the one who's responsible for me having this piece of Entropy inside me to begin with. I'm betting you're also somehow behind me getting these Lich powers I have too."
shouts Kazuma. To everyone's surprise, Rubrikt shakes his head while his smile fades, becoming more of a frown.
"Actually, no. Neither one of those had any involvement from me. You obtaining those Lich powers was just pure dumb luck on your part. Same goes for your encounter with that avatar of Entropy you and the thief girl encountered down inside that crypt that one time."
"Before that moment, you weren't even a blip on my radar. I mean, why would you ever be. After all, I have visited hundreds of thousands of different timelines within this reality and have seen just as many versions of you. Why would I bother to waste my time on you when I have seen, at least, a thousand other Satou Kazuma's that were EXACTLY like you are, personality wise."
"What made you stand out from any other wasn't because you were different from other Kazuma's, nor was it even you having Lich powers as I had already seen that happen a few times before. No, what made you become an interest to me was one simple thing... Entropy leaving a piece of herself within you!"
Hearing that makes Kazuma's blood run cold as he didn't know what to think about that. He didn't know what to say now. Despite that, Rubrikt continued...
"When I became aware of that, that's when I began to observe you more closely, even taking steps to make sure you would be kept safe. After you were nearly stolen away by Entropy during your little trip to Arcanretia, I decided to play it safe an erect a little barrier around this timeline to keep Entropy from being able to return for you. Sure, there IS one way for her to come back and claim you but... never mind as that isn't important now."
"I have to disagree with that, Rubrikt. I'm sure the others would say the same too."
shouts Lynn.
"Maybe I'll tell you how she can make another appearance later. Now, back to the topic at hand. When the Duchess of Kessex planned to have you, and those girls who hang out with you, killed, I stepped in and saw that she couldn't be an issue for you anymore."
"So that's it. You're the reason Aberlina went missing."
"Yes... and no. I simply paid her a little visit, listened to her rant about you, then I offered to help her get her revenge... by introducing her to someone who COULD help her out. However, I forgot to tell her to not mention your name to Entropy, which she did, resulting in Entropy killing her in order to protect you. In case you haven't realized it yet, Entropy seems to have quite the hard on where you are concerned."
"I've noticed, trust me. My conversations with the Entropy within me has been more than willing to tell me all that herself. Tell me this, Rubrikt. The version of Aqua from Iris's timeline, the one who had been corrupted. Was that all you?"
"Wait, what's this about me being corrupted again?"
shouted Aqua, though her words are ignored.
"Yes, that was my doing. I thought she had potential when I crossed paths with that timeline. I believed she had ALL the potential one would need in order to become an Entropy-like entity, much like the poor girl who actually became the Entropy you know. However, she failed to become a second perfect Entropy, just like so many others both before, and since, her."
"Like the proto-Entropy that attacked my friend Lia before?"
"You know about that? Yes, that one was also of my doing and I'm not surprised it fell so easily, if I'm being honest."
"Bastard, you do realize that encounter caused Lia to suffer some serious memory loss."
"And I feel awful about that. Luckily, I believe there are ways to fix that little issue, assuming the goddess Eris takes the time to remember her situation and do something for her."
Kazuma growls, his fist clenching tight enough to cause droplets of blood to drip onto the ground. Ruffian, meanwhile, having been listening to this conversation closely, decides to ask-
"Tell me, Rubrikt. What is your intention with trying to create more Entropy entities, like the one that seeks our Kazuma here for some reason?"
"First, I should say the creation of Entropy itself wasn't something that was planned. It was just a little experiment I was doing, a simple curiosity I was exploring because I had the materials needed to create such a being and I wanted to see what would happen if I could actually manage to create one. In fact, the Entropy you know of wasn't the first. There were thousands before her and I had honestly all but given on on that interest, due to all the failures of the previous ones."
"Then what made you do it to the girl who became Entropy? Who even is the girl that became Entropy?"
"It was a whim, honestly. There was something a little bit different about her, when compared to other versions of her I encountered across the many timelines. So much so that I decided to try one more time to see what would happen. And as a result of that choice, something even I couldn't have imagined occurred; the birth of an Entropy that went above and beyond even my wildest ideas and dreams. As for who she was before? Well, let's just say she was someone you were VERY close too... at least the you from her home timeline."
"And is that the reason she's so obsessed with our Kazuma? Is our Kazuma similar to the one she knew?"
asked Lynn.
"Honestly, I'm not sure. Entropy is protective of ALL Satou Kazuma's. If she visits a timeline where she finds a version of him that has suffered even the slightest bit of sadness and hardship, she'll take it upon herself to take him away to a place where he can live safely and happily forever. As for the why she does this? Who knows, really. Maybe she just feels regret for something that happened to her Kazuma. Perhaps... perhaps she was the one to hurt HER Kazuma in her home timeline."
"I'm betting you know the answer to that, but you won't tell us for one reason or another. Fine then, at least answer me this. Was her success into becoming a perfect Entropy the reason you're still trying to create more of them now?"
"Not exactly. Having created a perfect Entropy, a new thought came to me. What if I could create another perfect Entropy. If I could, then what would happen if two perfect Entropy came into contact with one another, what if they did battle, what would be the end result of that conflict? Once that question was thought, I just needed to know the answer."
"And that's why the Aqua of that timeline became Corruption!"
"She came SO close, so much closer than any other. If only she hadn't been so lazy, so content with just her own timeline, she could have become a perfect Entropy and then I could have had my question answered as I'm sure the two of them would have done battle; Corruption wanting to prover her superiority and Entropy wanting to punish her for how she treated her Kazuma in the early days."
"Kazuma-Kazuma, what's he saying. Please, I really want to know more about this other me now."
said Aqua, moving to Kazuma's side and shaking him as she asked for an explanation. Kazuma ignores her as he says-
"So, your plan is to create a second perfect Entropy so you can have the two do battle against each other. How many others out there will have to suffer because of you?"
"Perhaps only one, who is here before me right now!"
This takes Kazuma back, making Rubrikt nod in response to the unanswered question.
"Correct, Satou Kazuma. You yourself have the potential to become a perfect Entropy, because of the piece of Entropy that's within you. That is what me sending that timeline's Iris to collect you was all about. A test, really. A test to see if you had the potential to be what I needed you to be."
"And...?"
"Perhaps you are, perhaps you are. There will be one final test, in order to be sure. That test... will be held in THAT place where all the world's mana is being collected at. That place... which you will be coming to visit soon. And now, to answer the question you have been wanting me to answer, Tia-Lynnya..."
"What happened to the Faea? What happened to the [Riiji] Yasaka Kyoichi, your grandfather."
} Part 3 {
"Don't call me Tia-Lynnya. I only allow those who have earned my trust and affection to call me by that name."
"Fair enough, now... shall we begin the telling."
"Hold on, before that. Any chance we could get some snacks to munch on? Maybe even a few chairs we can use to sit too? I have a feeling this is going to be a long story and I hate standing during long stories, especially when I don't have anything to entertain myself with, or at least distract myself."
asked Aqua, making Rubrikt let out a sigh before snapping his fingers. This makes several chairs appear, each having a bag of chips and a drink resting upon them. Aqua cheers as she grabs the bag and drink off her chair before sitting down, quickly opening the bag to enjoy herself. The others remain standing as they await the explanation they had been promised.
"Before I begin, I want to make it clear that I myself don't know much about what I about to tell you. The information I have I only have based on the writings of the [Riiji] Yasaka I discovered after first finding this place. Everything that happened all went down during the time of a Goddess's Kismit and Regina, well before my arrival within this timeline. And now, I shall begin."
"Long ago, the proud and dignified Faea people lived, making their home across this entire continent with Artashire being the crown jewel of their massive kingdom. So great were the Faea that they decided to travel across the sea, to explore new lands and set up colonies to expand their reach. Upon reaching the eastern, or western depending on how you look at it, continent, the Faea made an unexpected discovery; another race of being's that looked very much like them, save for lack of any animal like features about them."
(Lynn) "You mean humans."
"Correct. These humans were young, a child race when compared to the Faea. The Faea found these people quite interesting as did the humans of that time find the Faea fascinating. A friendship between the two sides was on the verge of blossoming until what usually happens happened between the two people: WAR!"
(Ruffian) "Let me guess, it was started by the humans, wasn't it."
(Kazuma) "It wouldn't be that surprising, seeing as it's human nature to fear, possibly even hate, anything that's different from themselves. It doesn't help us humans REALLY seem to love conflict for some reason."
"Actually, it was the Faea themselves who started the war with humanity. Strange plot twist, I know, but that's what [Riiji] Yasaka wrote down in the text he had left behind."
(Lynn) "It was the Faea... who started the war? Why...?"
"If my understanding is correct, it was all because of humanity lacking the same level of intimacy with the world."
(Ruffian) "What do you mean, Rubrikt?"
"Again, this is just speculation on my part, but I believe the Faea had a deep bond with the world, a special kind of connection humans have yet to awaken too. This allowed them to live within the world in a rather unique way. Take all the creations of the Faea for example. None of this around us was built. Rather, it was grown from the earth, molded and shaped by the will of the Faea into the form we see it as now."
"Humans, in contrast, approached things differently, as I'm sure you already know. They dig into the earth to mine what they need. The cut down trees to obtain materials. Things like this would have been seen as sacrilegious to the Faea people. Add the fact humans didn't seem to have the ability to hear the voice of the world led them to believe humans had been cursed by the world they lived on and the Faea, believing themselves to be the arbiters of the world, decided to take it upon themselves to purge all humans from the world forever. And thus, the war began. The Faea, in their hubris, believed this would be a quick and easy task as they were stronger, more powerful, and wiser than any human. But..."
(Kazuma) "Us humans proved to be far more capable than they had expected."
"Correct, Satou Kazuma. The Faea didn't expect humans to be as aggressive and capable as they ended up being. Your potential to wage war and to fight back is nothing short of... amazing. So much so that even if they had all the advantages, the Faea actually found themselves being pushed back over and over and over again."
(Ruffian) "Funny, hearing you talk almost makes it sound like you aren't human, Rubrikt."
"When did I ever say I was human? Sure, this body of mine has a human shape to it, same as the Faea had a human shape. But look at my skin, my hair, my eyes. Nothing about those screams' human, don't you think. I suppose you must be wondering what I am if I'm not human. Well, sorry to say that my secret shall remain a secret for now. Perhaps forever!"
(Lynn) "Rubrikt, if what you're saying to us about the Faea is true, then does that mean the back story you told Kazuma about my grandfather... does that mean it isn't true."
"Hm, oh that. Oh no, it's very much true... at least that's what his journal said anyways. According to [Riiji] Yasaka, he was a child from a Faea colony here on this world that had been attacked by humans, following the Faea's burning of a human village. He likely would have died that day his village was destroyed if not for the human who had saved him. Not any old normal human, but one who was special. One who had been sent on a divine mission."
(Kazuma) "That human was someone from Earth, wasn't he?"
"Brought to this world by the goddess Regina, of all divine. She was getting tired of seeing the Faea, her charges, wage pointless war against the children of Kismit and had decided to call a human from Earth, who had a different perspective on things, here to try to bring an end to the fighting. During his time living with Yasaka, the young Faea learned much and began to better understand humanity and it's greater place in the world; the very reason why they existed to begin with."
"Once he was old enough, the Faea who had taken the name Yasaka Kyoichi set off across the sea, returning here to Artashire to try to end the war by changing the hearts and minds of the Faea by sharing with them what he had learned. And to his credit, his words then eventually have impact as many Faea then began to second guess their actions and the conflict as a whole. Not every Faea, mind you, but enough. Especially affected by his words was the daughter of the then Faea [Riiji], Zor-pakabae, who ended up falling in love with Yasaka, eventually marrying him and allowing him to take over as the new [Riiji]. A new [Riiji] for a new age, as they say."
(Lynn) "But it wasn't that simple, was it?"
"Nothing in life every truly is, Tia-lynnya. Remember what I said before, not everyone within the Faea believed that they had been mistaken in how they treated humanity. Some were extremist who wouldn't settle for anything less than total genocide. Because of this, they used their knowledge and powerful magicks to create a terrible plague; one intended to wipe out all humans within a single generation."
(Ruffian) "Instead, it was themselves they ended up wiping out, am I right?"
"Good instincts, Rustaban. Yes, these particular Faea would be the ones who would bring the doom of the Faea upon everyone. You see, it turns out the world itself wasn't happy with the Faea, using the gifts it had given them to wage war on a younger, more innocent people. They had become so obsessed with seeing humans, who they believed to be an abomination to the world, that they themselves had lost touch with the very world itself. They had lost the ability to hear the voice of the world, probably thought it was all because of the humans too; their contact with humans, I mean."
(Lynn) "The world turned against them."
"Yes, it did. Like with all that the Faea had, this plague was a creation born from the world. The exact specifics of the plague are not known to me, all I know is that it had a connection to the world as was meant to wipe all humans out completely. But it was also because of this connection that allowed the world to turn the plague around and use it to destroy the Faea instead."
"By the time the truth was revealed, it was pretty much too late for the Faea to survive. Despite this, [Riiji] Yasaka still wanted to save his daughter, Ka-lynnya, your mother. So, he placed her into a deep sleep and sealed her away while he and the rest of the Faea awaited their ultimate doom... which I don't believe took long based on when the writings stopped."
(Ruffian) "Was there no cure? Nothing they could have done to save themselves and make amends with humanity?"
"Of course, there was a cure. There's always a cure for such things, but the Faea couldn't bring themselves to take it, either out of pride or because they felt this doom with their deserved punishment. All I know is that before he died, [Riiji] Yasaka created a series of illusions to greet Ka-lynnya once she awoken, so she wouldn't be completely alone in the world."
"And for a time after she had awakened, she wasn't lonely. I'm not certain if she ever knew all the Faea around her were just illusions of magic, recreations of a past and people long since dead, but I know it wasn't long before she set out to see the world, to live alongside the humans her father had told her about. And it was during her travels that she met you, Rustaban. I believe you know what happens next."
There was no need for words as everyone was already aware, more or less, the story that came after. Well, maybe Aqua wasn't aware of any of it, not that she seemed to care as she appeared to be more focused on the snacks and drink she had been given, at her request, by Rubrikt.
(Lynn) "Rubrikt, do you know how my mother died?"
"Hm... I believe she died from the same plague that killed the other Faea. I can't be certain, of course, but it does make sense. She was afflicted along with everyone else but only survived as long as she did because... perhaps it was her long slumber that did it, slowing the plague's ability to claim her or perhaps it was the will of the world that she lived just long enough to have you, Tia-lynnya."
(Ruffian) "Wait, I don't understand. If my Ka-lynnya, my Lynn, died from the plague, then does that mean my other Lynn will also..."
"No, I don't believe she's in any danger. My reason is because I believe Tia-lynnya herself is the cure to the plague."
(Lynn) "I'm the cure? What do you mean?"
"It is as I said. You are the cure, what the world wanted to see happen. Human and Faea becoming one. You are the first human-Faea hybrid, the first of the soon to be many. It may seem hard to believe but I think you'll become the great mother to an entirely new race of being, a new kind of Faea."
(Lynn) "Me? I'm going to become... the mother to all future Faea?"
"I don't envy you, the weight that is now on your shoulders. But I believe you'll be fine. After all, your mother believed in you, your father believes in you, and all your friends do too, right Satou Kazuma?"
"Of course, I believe in Lynn. What kind of stupid question is that. Now tell us, how long have you been playing the role of the [Riiji] here, Rubrikt?"
Hearing Kazuma say he believes in her makes Lynn blush before turning her attention back to Rubrikt once Kazuma had asked his question.
"Not an especially long time. I became aware of all of this around the time little Tia-lynnya had been born. Once I had learned all there was to know from the illusion of the [Riiji] I deleted it and took its place until just a while ago."
Just then, a ringing sound is heard, making Rubrikt pull a pocket watch from his pocket.
"So, the time has nearly come, has it? My apologies, I'm afraid this little conversation must end for now. However, if you come pay me a visit at the end of the world, I shall be happy to talk more with you all then."
Rubrikt then stands, making a motion with one hand as he does so to make a portal appear.
"Oh no you don't. I'm not done with you yet, Rubrikt."
shouts Kazuma, suddenly running forward and leaping into the air while drawing Chunchunmaru from its sheath. He sends the blade slashing down, a strike that is blocked as a light forms around Rubrikt like a barrier. The collision between the sword and the light causes the blade of Chunchunmaru to snap in half like it was a twig.
Lynn, goes to cast a spell to back Kazuma up but Rubrikt responds by blasting Kazuma was a force spell, sending him flying back to the ground and into Lynn, sending them both falling onto the ground. Ruffian tries to attack as well but only ends up being sent off to the side.
Aqua, for her part, decides it may be better to not get involved as she doubted she would fare any better here.
"Ah, so eager for a fight. You truly are different from some of the other Satou Kazuma's I have seen, though maybe this is because your situation isn't as stable as theirs. No matter. If you really want to fight me, then just wait till we meet again at the end of the world...which you see for yourself before this very day is over."
Rubrikt then turns and begins to walk into the portal...
"Wait... I'm still not done with you yet."
He stops and looks back to see Kazuma getting back onto his feet, making Rubrikt sigh.
"Persistent, are you. Fine, if that's how you want it."
Rubrikt then snaps his fingers, making the Faea illusions start to appear, except they all looked different than they had before. They almost looked like zombies.
"If you really need a fight now, then fight them till the mana in this area has weakened to the point where the illusions can't be maintained. A fair bit of warning though, you won't be able to use Teleport to leave this place until they have been removed from the area and if you take too long, you may not even be able to use Teleport to get back home, thus forcing you to take the LONG way back."
"Rubrikt, you damned..."
"Sorry, but I really must be on my way. I don't want to miss it's awakening after all. Hm, maybe I'll invite some guest to join me in watching the awakening. See you soon, Satou Kazuma."
Rubrikt then steps into the portal which closes right behind him. This triggers the illusion zombie Faea to start attacking as Kazuma roars out-
"RUBRIKT!"
} Part 4 {
The Trinity.
A trio of golden rings always in motion, looping and spinning around one another. This was a powerful divine tool used for very specific things. In this case, it was being used to help reawaken the sleeping memories of a one-time goddess who had long since retired from the trade.
Currently standing inside the Trinity was a girl from the Crimson Demon clan, a girl who had been one of Megumin's former classmates, having a unique hairstyle for one of her clan, having streaks of pink in her otherwise black hair which was done up in pigtails.
Outside the ring, Eris stood with her eyes closed and arms outstretched before herself. Off to the side, Clover and Tsunami watched on, waiting for the girl who's name they didn't know to open her eyes and, hopefully, confirm that her reawakening had been a success.
After all, this was the first time Eris, or them for that matter, had ever been involved in such an act.
"Talking about lucking out, huh? Having Kismit's current mortal self living her life on this very planet we watch over, huh?"
"Well, I guess being an angel of luck, working under the goddess of fortune, has to count for something. Still, I wonder just how much trouble we're going to be in once the higher-ups catch wind of this."
"Odds are they probably already know about it. The fact we're still here, doing this now, must mean they're at least OK with letting us finish up here."
"True enough."
"Enough with the distracting talk, you two. It's hard enough to focus on the task at hand as it is without all the banter happening behind me."
This makes the two angels go quiet, looking embarrassed, as Eris goes back to doing what she needed to do. Several minutes later, the eyes of the Crimson Demon girl finally open, the crimson of her eyes still sort of present but now having a golden glow shining from her pupils.
"What... where am...? (looks around the room, then stops to focus on Eris) … Eris? Oh, you could be in SO much trouble for doing this, I hope you know that."
"Tell me something I don't already know. It's good to see you, mentor. So, how's mortal life treating you, Kismit?"
The girl formerly known as the goddess Kismit quick brings a finger up and gives it a quick wag as she says-
"No-no-no-no, I am not Kismit anymore. I am... (does a Crimson Demon style pose) My name now is Kikinike, Crimson Demon and wielder of advanced magic and she who will one day discover a new species never before seen by anyone in the world."
(AN: In case you're wondering, the 'nike' in Kikinike is pronounced 'knee-quay' so her name is 'key-key-knee-quay.)
There was a pause as, impossible as it should have been, a tumbleweed goes rolling by, pushed along by a strong gust of wind that shouldn't even be there with them.
"No doubt about it. She's become a Crimson Demon all right."
said Clover with Tsunami nodding quickly in agreement.
Eris, for her part, snaps her fingers and makes the trinity shrink and become a mark over Kikinike's heart, allowing the two girls to step forward and hug each other. Once the hug ends, Kikinike then asks-
"OK, getting serious here, what made you feel the need to bring me back to the surface? I'm assuming it's not because you had this strong desire to chat with me about the good old days again."
"You're right, mentor, though I confess I wouldn't mind if we could take some time to talk about current events going on in my life, get some advice and such. But we can see about that another time, for now... for now, I have a serious problem and I could really use your help figuring it all out."
"Must be pretty serious to make you take a risk at calling me forth like this, though I guess it must be fine as the higher ups would have stopped you by now if they weren't OK with you doing it. No matter, just tell me the situation already."
For the next few minutes, Eris recounted what had been going on with the world; about Rubrikt and the sudden loss of mana and the note Rubrikt had left for her. Once she had finished, Kikinike takes a moment to think about what she had just heard.
"Sounds like things are getting pretty bad, especially if you've had to resort to calling me back to the surface. Anyways, show me the message this Rubrikt person left for you. I'll see what I can figure out from it."
Eris nods before summoning the message into her hand, then handing it to Kikinike who reads it over. Once she had finished, she looks up and says flat out...
"First, whoever wrote this seriously sucks when it comes to doing a proper rhyme. I mean it, this Rubrikt guy should have come to us Crimson Demons and asked us to write this out for him. We could have done SOOOOO much better with it than he did."
"Been there, done that with saying how lame it sounds."
said Tsunami.
"Putting aside the crappy nature of the rhyme, is there any chance you may know what is being talked about inside the message."
"I'd like to think so, yes. Let's see, I believe the part about 'the ladies watched all' is talking about two Goddess's, specifically Regina and myself. As for the 'place they parted ways' part, it's likely talking about the old ruins of Roankira, a once great city that was the first city ever built on this world."
"Roankira, the first human city...? I've never heard of it before."
"I'm not surprised, seeing as a few years after Regina retired from her duties as a goddess, following the death of the Faea people, who she watched over, the place was destroyed and replaced by a new structure."
"Really? Talk about not caring about the past and the history connected to it."
said Clover, Tsunami nodding in agreement.
"In those days, there were precious few that did care about the past and the history connected to it. So much of human history lost, and all because some idiots believed that looking forward was the only thing that mattered."
"And the name of the place that was built over the ruins of the Roankira ruins?"
"A place you know quite well... the royal capital of Belzerg itself!"
Hearing that makes Eris do a doubletake. Kikinike then adds...
"To be more exact, the very spot we said our goodbye on is where the structure now used as the private residence to the chancellor of the Kingdom. I could be wrong, but there's a chance the chancellor to the royal family of Belzerg could be connected to this Rubrikt person. Hell, perhaps he IS Rubrikt."
It takes a moment for Eris to collect herself. She then bows low and says-
"Thank you, mentor. With this information, I... along with my friends from the mortal plane, will head there right away and end this once and for all."
"I take it these mortal friends you speak of are Linear, Krys, and Realm. Don't try to deny it as I can see it in your eyes... and the fact I know that one of the reasons you became a Goddess was so that you could keep your little family together, no matter the lifetime they were living."
"Guilty as charged."
said Eris, a bashful look on her face as she averts her gaze. Kikinike grins at her, then becomes more serious as she waves her hand, making the entire world appear before her like it was a holographic image.
"Guess that means she still has some of her old powers, huh?"
"Yeah, who knew."
whispered the two angel assistants to one another as Kikinike does something with the world. She sends to two angels a glance and says-
"You never forget the tricks of the trade... sort of. Anyways, there's something you need to know Eris."
Hearing the seriousness in Kikinike's tone makes Eris tense up.
"What's wrong?"
"(sigh) I guess you didn't notice it yet. Not surprising, seeing as your attention has been elsewhere. I really hate to say this but I'm afraid that even if you can manage to stop this Rubrikt from stealing away the rest of the world's mana, it won't really matter in the end."
"What do you mean, mentor."
"I mean, whatever it is that's actually stealing the mana is doing something else here too. It's leaving an instability in its wake, one that will make it so that even if the force that's collecting is stopped, the world will never recover from the mana loss."
"What do you mean, Kismit?"
"The age of mana, of magic itself, on this world will end with this generation of people. It will end before the end of summer and everyone will have to learn how to live like so many others, such as the people of Earth, have been forced to adapt too and live with. That is, unless YOU can find a solution to this problem. And... don't come looking to me for an answer as honestly, I wouldn't know what to do here myself it I was still in charge."
Eris now had an answer to the Rubrikt problem, but with it has come another issue, an even greater problem she'll need to find an answer too... and soon.
} Part 5 {
As Cielo stepped out of the amphitheater, she takes a moment to stop and wipe the sweat from her brow. The latest rehearsal session had been a rather intense one for her and the other members of Idol Hearts. Of course, that wasn't the only reason she was working up quite the sweat now.
It was also hot as hell too. Not too surprising seeing as it was now the middle of summer.
"Why is it taking so long to get the mansion rebuilt? It's been over a month so surely there could be a few Crimson Demons who could come by and work their magic to get it all fixed up for us."
Cielo was aware of the situation going on with the Crimson Demons, or at least she believed she knew what was going on with them. In truth, even Yunyun hadn't been so certain about things, beyond the clan looking into the recent weakening of the world's mana that was starting to become known to everyone.
Speaking of which...
"Even I can feel it now, the thinning of the mana in the air. What on earth is going on with the world?"
she said as she closes her eyes, letting her senses extend out beyond herself, feeling the obvious lack of magical energy flowing in the air.
She then shakes her head to clear her thoughts, deciding it best to just focus on the task at hand; which would be her walk back to the governor's mansion. She had a good walk ahead of her, especially with all the heat and humidity in the air she would have to deal with during her trip back.
'Maybe I should just hang back and stay here for the rest of the day? No, I need to get back as I need to let Kazuma know Lia really needs to see him about something important.'
With that, her decision is made and she begins her walk, already feeling tired from just standing outside the amphitheater. As she goes, she can't help but feel she had eyes on her but she was too tired to really care right now. She'd only worry about it, and deal with it, if it became a serious issue for her.
A while later, at the governor's mansion...
"And... that's my victory!"
said Yunyun happily as she claps her hands together. Darkness let's out a sigh as she leans back in her chair before cracking a smile at her opponent in their little game of chess.
"Not bad, not bad. I honestly thought I had you with the strategy I had come up with. Still, you finding a work around to wedge out the victory was impressive."
"Was it really that impressive?"
"In a way, yes. I mean, that strategy I tried to use against you is one I've used on Megumin before, multiple times in fact. In response, she always throws the 'Explosion' card to auto win the game. I've asked her to not go with that, to try to come up with another tactic to win, but she always says why bother when her method of obtaining victory is always enough."
"What can I say. Megumin isn't the kind of person who likes to lose. I feel the same way, but I'm not afraid of losing every now and then as I feel it helps me to improve myself. Perhaps even more so than a victory can."
"And that's why I like playing against you, Yunyun. You're the kind of person who actually tries to grow and change and evolve unlike a certain someone who thinks she's already at her best."
"In Megumin's defense, she HAS improved a great deal since meeting Kazuma. It's just a question of if she's changed because she wanted to change or if she only changed herself any because it was all for Kazuma's sake."
"Yeah, you're right. Speaking of change..."
Darkness then turns her attention to the figure sitting in an upside down position over on the couch, swinging her legs back and forth without a care. Yunyun also looks at Anna, not sure what Darkness was meaning by her words. Darkness then says-
"Anna, don't you think it's time you start changing yourself a little bit too. You can start by sitting properly on the couch, or at least lay down properly while you're on it."
"Eh, why should I? It's not like me resting like this is hurting anything or anyone. Besides, don't forget I'm already over a hundred years old here. Don't you think that's too old to be changing one's self with?"
"Don't give me that crap. You may be over a hundred but your current body can't feel the ravages of age so you have more than enough time and energy to focus on self improvement here."
"I don't wanna. Anyways, where's Aqua at? She said we'd have another drinking contest together once she got back and currently, we're sitting at even with our little competition."
"Anna, you really are..."
Before another word could be said, the ground suddenly begins to shake, causing Anna to go into a panic as she falls off the couch onto the ground. Around them, several servants coming running into view to stop some expensive looking items from falling onto the ground. Even Darkness moves to help them though Yunyun just waves her hand, stopping anything from falling with her magic.
After a few moments, the earthquake subsides and comes to an end. As everyone breaths a sigh of relief as Yunyun looks at her hands and says to herself-
"My magic is growing weaker. Even my using such a simple spell took a lot more than it should have. I'm actually feeling a little winded."
True enough as Yunyun did appear to be a little tired, breathing heavily for a few moments before finally get back to normal. Darkness just looks at her for a moment, then asks-
"So things are really starting to get bad, huh?"
"Yeah, and I fear it's only going to get worse before it gets any better."
"Ah, don't say that. I don't want to go through that again as those earthquake things are scary."
came Anna as she picks herself up off the ground. Darkness sighs then says-
"You better get use to it as that wasn't the first earthquake we've had to deal with over the last month and something tells me it won't be the last either."
"Terrific. You think the goddess Eris is looking into it?"
"I'm sure she is, Anna. Especially seeing as earthquakes around these parts aren't suppose to be a thing."
That was the truth as on this world, one would normally only expect to feel an earthquake happen around and near active volcano's. The fact they were now being reported happening all over now, alongside the weakening of the world's mana, was starting to become a serious problem that was creating plenty of concern.
Just then, the sound of the front door being opened is heard and a few moments later, Cielo entered the room.
"Did you guys just feel that? I think that one was the strongest quake yet."
"Yeah, we felt it."
"And we hope we never have to feel it again."
"You mean YOU hope it never happens again."
Cielo giggles at that, then notices the lack of Kazuma and Megumin in the room. She couldn't see Aqua either but she figured Aqua was out, causing trouble like always. She then asks-
"By the way, where's Kazuma at? Lia really needs to talk to him about... what's wrong?"
"Kazuma isn't with you?"
"No, why would he..."
"Kazuma left earlier, said he was going to head to the amphitheater to check in on you all and to talk with Lia about stuff."
said Darkness, making them all realize that their leader was missing. It was Anna who spoke the thoughts everyone was now having aloud, saying-
"So Kazuma left here but never made it to the amphitheater... does that mean he's miss..."
"What did you say?"
came Megumin who suddenly comes running into the room. Had she been walking down from the second floor just a moment ago and heard what was being said or had she somehow sensed what was going on and reacted accordingly? Who could really say. All that was known was that she was now giving everyone a serious look as she awaited a reply.
"Did I just hear you all say Kazuma is missing?"
Megumin then goes running up to Cielo, leaning in close and giving her an intimidating stare. When Cielo doesn't say anything, do to her being to freaked out by the look Megumin had about her, said Crimson Demon then does the same thing with Darkness and Yunyun too.
"Well, I'm waiting."
"Um... well, we know he isn't here."
meekly said Yunyun with Darkness quickly adding-
"Kazuma stepped out earlier, after bringing you back from your daily Explosion routine. He said he was going over to the amphitheater to check in on everyone as he knew Lia wanted to talk to him about something."
"Yeah, big bro stepped out a while ago. He should be with you, Cielo, if not still back at the amphitheater."
said Anna, finally righting herself on the couch. Megumin growls before looking again at Cielo who finds herself backing away.
"I... well, I never saw him while I was at the amphitheater. I didn't run into him as I was coming back here either. In fact, the reason I came back around was to remind Kazuma than he needed to come by and talk to Lia. I wonder if we passed each other without taking notice of one another?"
"I suppose that's possible... When did Kazuma leave anyways?"
"That's the problem. He left a few minutes after getting back with you, which was several hours ago. He should have arrived at the amphitheater before Cielo left, assuming you came directly here after leaving."
"Which I did."
Everyone then goes silent as they try to process all of this, leading Anna to say-
"Well, I can think of two things that happened. One, big brother was kidnapped. Two, Aqua went and did something stupid that he's having to deal with right now... or is being punished for, seeing as he's the one in charge of her now instead of Erika."
"Probably the second one. We all know how easily it is for Aqua to go out and get herself, and anyone around her, into trouble. Kazuma's likely out there, wasting time cleaning up one of her messes."
said Cielo, making the others sigh. Megumin then says-
"Guess we should all head out and see if we can find them then. I'll..."
"Megumin, you should remain here, just in case either Kazuma and, or, Aqua come back. I'll head down to the Knight Guard Station and check in with them. Yunyun, can you head over to the Guild and see if anyone has seen Kazuma there."
"Will do."
"Anna, you head over to the cathedral and see if he might be there while Cielo heads back over to the amphitheater and see if he arrived after you left."
"I can do that."
"Sure, leave me with taking the long walk here. Sure, no problem. I was thinking about heading back there and staying the night anyways."
"Wait a moment, why do I have to..."
before Megumin could continue, a closet door suddenly flies open, the pool of vertical light in place of the contents that should be within.
"I'm afraid I have bad news. Satou Kazuma isn't at the Idol Hearts amphitheater, nor is he anywhere inside Axel..."
From the pool of light, a figure emerges. He was youngish in appearance, having azure colored hair, albino pale skin, and eyes of black-gold. It was Rubrikt, taking the form of his younger self.
"Satou Kazuma has been kidnapped!"
} Part 6 {
Night had fallen over the royal capital of Belzerg. The streets were mostly quiet, with most people having already retired to their homes for the night. The few that were still up were either those who were still hitting the local pubs or those who just liked walking around during the nights.
There was a small business, one that had recently been opened by none other than the former Devil King general's and Wiz and Vanir. Beside it was a storage closet, where many of their stock was kept, the stock they didn't have room for on the shelves.
The door to the storage closet suddenly opens but instead of revealing the contents stored within, it was a pool of light the door had revealed. From that portal emerged Palastori with Megumin, Darkness, Yunyun, and Cielo following behind him.
After Palastori had said his words to them, this had brought the others on high alert, forcing Palastori to explain his connection to Kazuma and Anna, something Anna confirmed to be true. After that, and following his explanation of the current situation, the girls had agreed to join him on a rescue mission.
Once they had all exited the the portal, it closed behind them. After taking a look around, finding that no one was around to see them, Palastori begins leading them towards their ultimate destination. Anna wasn't currently with them as Darkness had asked her to hang back so should Chris or Lynn show up, she can tell them what's going on.
In truth, Darkness could have asked her father and the help to do this, but they felt bringing Anna along could cause more harm than good as she still hadn't fully mastered her special powers to assimilate and morph into creatures she had assimilated.
As they begin moving away from Wiz and Vanir's new shop, Yunyun looks back ans asks-
"Um, I was wondering. Shouldn't we let Wiz and Vanir know what's going on? Maybe they could even come help us?"
"There's no point in us doing that. For one thing, Vanir is likely already aware of what's going on. Seeing as he is a Devil of foresight, he should have seen all this coming days, weeks, even months in advance."
said Megumin with Darkness quickly adding-
"If he felt we needed help with this, then they would have greeted us the moment we arrived her in the capital. The fact that they didn't means there isn't a need for them to help us."
"Either that or they can't help us out with this. Well, it's that or something else. Regardless, I'd like to think Vanir would join us for this if he felt we needed help."
quickly adds Cielo. Palastori spares the girls a glance, then another beyond them back at the shop they were currently moving further and further away from.
This had been his one big concern here, having the archduke from Hell popping up and interfering. The fact that he hadn't must mean everything was going to go to plan for him here and that this Vanir person had decided it wasn't worth the trouble to get involved. At least that's what he assumed.
After a bit of walking, they soon came to a stop, their destination very much present before them. Seeing the building they were clearly heading to makes Darkness make a noticeable noise that gets everyone to look at her.
"What's going on. Why are we heading to the home of Belzerg's current high chancellor? Why are we heading to the home of lord Rubrikt?"
"Rubrikt...? The chancellor of the kingdom is..."
questioned Yunyun with Megumin quickly cutting in to say-
"Darkness, you knew? The man that's been causing Kazuma so much trouble is also our kingdom's royal chancellor to the throne? Why didn't you say anything beforehand, especially when you knew our enemy's name too?"
"What... I... I don't..."
"Darkness?"
asked Cielo, placing a hand on Darkness's shoulder as she appears to be suffering a panic attack, if not a complete breakdown. Palastori then turns and walks over to Darkness, placing his hand against her forehead. He then closes his eyes for a moment before saying-
"I see. So that's how it is."
His hand then glows, that glow seemingly flowing into Darkness which makes her eyes shine. Once he pulls his hand away, he explains what was going on.
"It would seem Rubrikt placed a powerful mental block onto Darkness here, possibly doing this to everyone who knows him as the royal high chancellor. This block appears to make sure anyone who hears the name Rubrikt spoken in the manner you all know him as won't make the connection that Rubrikt the enemy and Rubrikt the high chancellor are two different people, not connected in any way."
"Not even with their names being the same?"
asked Cielo, getting a shrug from Palastori.
"So it would seem. So, you feeling OK now?"
"Yeah... yeah, I'm fine. Damn it, why couldn't I... I could have saved us all so much time, if only I had..."
"Forget about all that for now, Darkness. What matters is that you know the truth now."
"Yunyun's right. All that matters is that we get in there, wreck his shit, save Kazuma and the world, then we can all head back celebrate like we always do."
said Megumin, giving them a thumbs up. They all nod as Palastori once more leads them forward to the home of the high chancellor. As they go, none of the girls take notice of a sly smile Palastori had on his face.
Once they reach the front door, Darkness doesn't even bother knocking, instead throwing herself against the double doors hard enough to force them both open with a crash. They had expected this action would trigger both servants and guards to come running to see what had happened.
Instead, they found only empty rooms, no lights or life anywhere to be seen. Now having caution with each step, they head inside and begin moving from one room to another, taking time to peek into other, side, rooms as they make their way to the chancellor's private study.
"Where is everyone?"
asked Cielo. After a moment, Darkness says-
"Is this place... really empty. That's strange, to not even have anyone around to keep it all neat and tidy. Not even a single guard to patrol the grounds."
"Does that mean Rubrikt isn't even here right now?"
"If he's not here, then maybe he's at his hidden base beneath the city."
said Yunyun and Megumin respectively.
"I believe his plans are close to being realized. Where else but inside his little hideaway would he be right now. That makes things both easier and harder for us."
"How so?"
"Well, it means we know where to look for him. It also means we'll be facing off against him on his turf, facing whatever traps he has laid out for all of us too. As such, I need to ask you all again. Are you all sure you're really up for this?"
"Do you really have to ask?" (x4)
Palastori smiles as they enter the study. He then moves over to a large statue depicting an unknown woman, making Darkness say it is said to be in the likeness of the first queen of Belzerg who was a rather famous figurehead within the kingdom's history.
Using his strange looking key, Palastori taps it against the statue, causing it to slide to the side, revealing a stair that led down. Without the need to wait, they begin their descent down into the unknown. After a few minutes, they reach the bottom and find a strange glowing circle on the ground.
"A teleporter. A device that will likely take us to the place Rubrikt will be at. And with him..."
"Kazuma!"
Palastori nods as he goes to step into the teleporter, only to be stopped by Cielo who asks-
"There's something I don't understand though. If you have a key that can allow you to travel anywhere, even to other timelines, then why couldn't you just bring us to where we're about to go? Why did we need to walk through the capital and into the chancellor's residence?"
"If I had to take a guess, it would be because Rubrikt himself is stopping me from paying him a direct visit. Either that or there's something about this place we're about to enter that can block the power my special key had to it. Now, are you all ready?"
The girls nod, earning a nod in return from Palastori as he turns back and steps into the portal. Then, one after the other, the girls follow him by stepping onto the portal as well, their beings sent off to that which awaited them deep below the earth.
{|} to be continued... {|}