Another Earth
"I'm sorry. You're saying there's a multiverse? I thought that was theoretical. I mean, that completely changes how we understand the initial singularity. We're talking about an eternal inflation system. And how does that even work with all the quantum, its insane. "
— Peter Parker / Spider-Man
XXX
Salamandinay the Shrine Maiden Princess of the Dragons of her people was busy tending her duties, she wasn't just a priestess she had responsibility for her people's wellbeing especially those who were sent to battle. Ever since Aura was taken from them by the Tuner she and her people have strived to regain their goddess from its grasp.
It was the High Priestess. Aura Midgardia, a long-cherished dream along with everyone.
After many sacrifices and setbacks they decided to build their own weapons to fight the Norma , Ryuu-Shin-Ki another Ragna-mail production here was Prototype Type-0 Enryugo or Enryugo for short. Their first attack was to show how Enryugo capabilities and it work beyond measure.
As it destroyed a portion of the Island base in one blast.
But during the fight she meets two unexpected people one was a blonde haired woman piloting the infamous Villkiss and the other one was the Overlord pilot by a male human.
She knew the story of the Overlord during the time Aura was still human , it was said she had premonition one day to build something like Ragna-mail but a counter to the original in her own design. Unlike the others that destroyed this one was able to create, but that's how the story was told. Before it could be used, Embryo stole it.
Aura managed to input a failsafe, something that prevents Embryo from using the machine, an AI that seeks who is worthy to ride.
Fearing of another attack, and another solution to fix the planet.
Aura decided a different method was to modify a body with the capability to survive in an environment inhospitable for human life after the events of World War VII She is the first human who adapted her body and she also became the first DRAGON.
Then others also follow her, modifying their bodies, allowing their bodies to survive the fallout, and also cleansing the radiation. As the years passed, the earth was habitable again, mostly.
But alas peace didn't last as they were attacked by Embryo and Aura was captured and used like a battery as the new humans' light of Mana, thinking about it sickens her as more of her brethren that were captured were used like toss garbage after being used up.
Her first attack with her retainers managed to damage Arzenal and it means recaptured Aura was neigh. But she had a problem ever since she returned from the singularity she can't stop thinking of the male pilot.
His features were handsome but what took her off were his eyes, the eyes that didn't show fear towards her as they pierced her very soul. He didn't look at her with awe and confusion but more like equals something that nobody looked at her like that.
It's not just his eyes, his demeanor that shows how strong he was ,it felt like she wanted to embrace him and maybe do something more.
As a Shrine maiden it was unbecoming of her to fall to such a man.
She still regained her composure among her pier but when alone she just couldn't forget about it. She won't admit that it was love at first sight as she was a warrior and that her pride is shattered by the presence of a male. This isn't a high school drama scene. Even they get a glimpse of a vision.
The more she thought about it the more she wanted to meet him and talk to him. Or even feel his body, the muscle and the scar especially the scar that had a stab mark. It shows that the male had fought and survived the battle; it means he's strong.
As a DRAGON it's normal to seek stronger mates.
"Salamandinay-sama we have news ." A voice called out.
"What is it Naga?." As she quickly put on her neutral face.
"We captured three intruders and two Ragna-mail the Villkiss and Overlord." As she explained.
"The Overlord? It has returned?" Salamdinay was shocked that it finally returned back where it once came. But she didn't want to believe it until she saw it with her own eyes.
"Yes it has return along with the male that we encountered before"
Her eyes widened of the words but quickly composed herself which was unnoticed by Naga. "Then lead me to them."
The trios including Dragon Vivian were subdued and captured to be transported, as it headed towards their destination wherever that is, they were in a large container. And right now Ange was complaining probably because someone disturbed her beauty sleep as they say.
Will you watch it!" Tusk yelled. "We've got girls in here!"
"I wonder where they're taking us." Kaito said, looking calm as always.
"Probably to be executed." Ange remarked. Finding out that this world was inhabited was shocking enough but no one expected it to be the home of the DRAGONS. Behind Ange, her bulk taking up most of the interior, Vivian whimpered in dismay.
"I don't think so.". "If they wanted to kill us they would have done so by now." Kaito said logically.
"Maybe they intend to torture us, for information ."
"Possibly." Tusk thought. "But if so they would have taken us as we were. Instead they allowed us to change back into our clothes."
"Well that means their civilization is away , My guess is they want something from us more like information about the other side . Our best bet is to play it by ear and not surrender anything too valuable. So long as we can convince them we're worth more alive than dead we can gather information and hopefully make our escape." Kaito suggested the trio.
Moving over to Ange, Tusk kneeled down and gripped Ange's shoulders. ." Don't worry Ange, No matter what this world likes I will protect you." Vivian blushed and hid her face behind her claws while on their side of the crate; Kaito covered his face with his hand of the migraine Tusk trying to act cool. "Oh brother."
"Your right ." She was ignoring Tusk . "Those people or things spoke our language , if we could speak to them , we might learn something about this world"
"That's true…?." As his so-called felling wasn't heard.
Kaito just signed as Ange to focus ignoring her surroundings.
"Whatever they are, I can conclude three things." Kaito said as he showed his three fingers with Ange, Tusk and Vivian looked at him curiously. "One is that they are civilized, that means they have culture and language." The trio nodded. "Two, we have already been carried by DRAGONS. It means that these Dragons might be the ones that we faced at Arzenal.
Ange cringed hearing that statement knowing the things she fought aren't monsters but human beings. And the world was covering it up.
"And finally they have technology seeing the Para-mail that we faced before and how they receive the distress beacon means they have technology and technology means civilization similar to ours."
All three of them understand what Kaito means.
"Sookah"
Then out nowhere the entire crate suddenly dipped forward as the Bridge carrying them began to dive. As the inside was jumbled.
"Hey watch your hands!." Ange cried
"Sorry!.". "I swear it was an accident!." Tusk said trying to Defend himself
"Yeah I bet it was! And Kaito, don't touch Vivian in inappropriate places!." Ange warns Seeing the Rider was squashed by the Dragon's chest.
"Like what! all I see is fat." Kaito said.
"What did you say?!." Vivian growled.
After the bumpy and tight ride, the trio and one dragon of them felt a tremor, signifying they had landed. "You can come out now." The door opened and all of them fell out of the container they attempted to detangle themselves from the pile they had formed.
They were greeted by a group of women in white short tunics and pink loincloths of different lengths. They also wore thigh high white stockings with sandals, making them look like priest guards but what truly caught their eyes was the two wings sprouting from their backs and tails.
But even more amazing was where they were now. A lush forest surrounded a massive canyon carved into the earth on top of which was built a small city. What truly marvelous for the eyes to see was the city was built under the tallest and biggest tree they have ever seen. It was probably the first tallest tree the trio ever witnessed in their entire life.
Its branches reached towards the heavens as the sight was majestic and marvelous like a fairy tale. Its height even dwarfs the tower.
"What the hell is that huge ass tree!." Ange screamed seeing something like that for the first time.
"It's the most tallest and majestic thing I've ever seen in my entire life." Tusk said in awe.
'Yggdrasil' Kaito whispers as those words remind him of the corporation that took everything from him. After all, it was named after the world tree in Norse mythology.
A sudden shriek from Vivian caught their attention and they turned around just in time to see her wobble over, A purple haired girl walked to Vivian and shot a tranquilizer dart at her neck, rendering her unconscious before allowing the guards with her to bring the unconscious DRAGON away.
"Vivian!." Ange cried. "What the hell did you do to her!"
In response, the two DRAGON pilots pointed their weapons at them. As in response the men put their hands up in surrender.
"Slyphis' daughter is no longer your concern, We will see to her care now." Ange grit her teeth but Kaito grabbed her arm and held her back.
"Don't do anything stupid." He warned. "Right now we're in enemy territory and clueless." Kaito said.
"Let's go, The High Priestess will see you now."
"Let's go see this High Priestess." Tusk suggested. "Then we can figure out what to do next. I don't think they're going to hurt Vivian. They do seem to know all about her so let's leave her to them."
Knowing he was right Begrudgingly, Ange relaxed and alongside the others followed after their two escorts. Into the temple deeper inside, Kaito was amazed by the interiors.
"Hey." Tusk whispered. "Haven't you noticed something's missing here? Or rather some people?"
Now that Ange thought about it, in all the time they had been here they had passed several women, all of whom gave Tusk and Kaito second glances.
." I agree something is missing here, something that is so obvious." Kaito can feel ,it was the tip of his tongue.
"Yeah something doesn't feel right, And Kaito are you alright you don't look so good as you're sweating." Ange looked at Kaito's concern ever since they came to this place. Kaito was sweating and breathing hard. It was unusual. She knew he was trying to hide it and isn't fooling her.
"Yeah, it's probably the journey I'm not alright with." Kaito said, Ange wasn't convinced however.
Finally, they stood before a pair of large red doors flanked by two guards women with spears.
"Naga…Kaname." One of the guards said. "The High Priestess has been awaiting you. Are these the False Humans?"
'False humans why do they keep calling us that' Kaito thought it's like an insult.
'False humans?' Ange wondered.
'False Humans?' is there a meaning Tusk wondered.
"They are." Said Naga.
The guards pulled the doors open and they found themselves gazing on what had to be the keep's main hall. Red pillars and tripod brazier torches lined the walls while at the far end, a five-level shrine rose up before them. On each level, a figure sat on opposing sides behind a silk screen that hung from the ceiling. And at the very top, a single small figure sat behind a bamboo blind.
"High Priestess we are here." Behind the screens, the various figures began to whisper amongst themselves.
"Woman from another world, And two men as well. Tell me…what are your names?." Asked the High Priestess.
"You should introduce yourself first before you demand someone's name!." Ange demanded in her own way that cause hostility.
"How dare you disrespect the High Priestess?!
"Ange!"
Kaito quickly called out trying to mend the situation. "Forgive my friend outburst she is tired from her long journey and didn't get any rest, as she's very cranky as they say." Kaito trying to mend the hostilities.
." Kaito?" Ange was confused seeing him like that.
"Ange be quiet we should trend things carefully." As she pouted like a schoolgirl.
Kaito bowed in one knee. "I'm Kumon Kaito , This is Ange and Tusk. To whom do I have the honor of addressing?." . Kaito said in respect and well manner.
"It seems there are those knew courtesy"
"I am Aura Midgardia. Descendant of the Great Mother and guide to the Children of Aura in her stead."
"So then is that what you refer to yourselves as? 'The 'Children of Aura'?." Kaito wasn't impressed as he already fought a lot of riders with different titles.
"It is. Now you will answer my questions. How did you manage to come here? No singularity has opened as of late." Aura Midgardia asked.
"I can't say for certain how we came here. All I can honestly say is that something transported us here without our intention, your grace." As much Kaito didn't like it bowed to someone but as they say when in Rome.
"Liar! You flew here on that cursed machine!." Snapped one of the figures on the altar.
"Answer the High Priestess's questions!." Another one asked.
"Are those really men?"
"How did you come to be acquainted with the Sylphis girl?"
"What is your true objective?"
'This why I hate politics' Kaito thought, already hating this as those high up asking too many annoying questions As one question after another assaulted them, Ange felt her anger grow until finally she couldn't take it anymore.
"Just shut up!" She finally snapped.
"In case you haven't noticed we're just as confused as you. What is this place? Who are you? Why do you keep attacking us? You want answers then you'd better give us…." Before she could finish, Tusk grabbed and pulled her back, his hands covering her mouth.
"What am I going to do with you?" Kaito was having a migraine as someone began to chuckle.
"You certainly have a daring spirit." From the level beneath the High Priestess, one of the figures stood up and moved into view. As she did, Ange felt herself go numb with shock. In addition to the pink tunic she had worn last time, the figure before her now wore an ankle length red skirt and a golden crown that resembled a pair of DRAGON wings.
"You again!" She gasped knowing who she was.
Even Kaito was surprised to see a familiar face.
"She was the pilot of the red unit! The one that almost destroyed Arzenal!" Ange shouted in anger.
"Captain of the Guard, and Princess of the Freyja, Salamandinay. I am pleased to welcome you, inhabitants of the False Earth." The dragon girl introduced herself to the group.
If it wasn't bad enough she had come face to face once more with the one who had nearly killed everyone on Arzenal, the condescending tone of this Salamandinay only stoked Ange's ire even more.
"You know them?" The High Priestess asked.
"Indeed. She is the pilot of Villkiss who matched my Enryugo in battle. And the brown haired man is the one who flew in Aura last legacy." The figures seated along the altar gasped and whispered back and forth.
"Are you telling us the Overlord has been ridden by this male , her so-called last Legacy was stolen before it could be used ." One of the figures was surprised.
"Yes , I have confirmed it myself, as he used aura Legacy ability to stop the dimension cannon easily." Salamdinay explained during the battle.
Everyone shouted in Grimm and joy but not everyone was happy as they pointed fingers at Ange.
"The pilot of Villkiss!"
"She actually fought one of the Ryuu-shin-ki with his stolen power!"
"They are dangerous!"
"We cannot allow them to leave!"
"We must dispose of them now!"
Ange smirked and shrugged. "Go ahead." She dared them. "It wouldn't be the first time someone tried to execute me. But don't think you'll have any more luck than they did."
"You do remember that you didn't escape by yourself right?" Kaito reminded her.
"You dare threaten the High Priestess?" Naga growled as she drew her swords.
"Shrine maidens, council members, please hold!" Salamandinay called out. Descending the stairs, she gestured for Naga and Kaname to lower their weapons as she turned to address the others. "This girl is able to pilot a Ragna-mail and this man is able to pilot Aura Legacy and bring it back to us. That in itself bears great weight. Until we learn all that we can, I feel it would be wise to keep them alive. If it pleases you, then allow me to take responsibility for them."
After another round of whispering, the High Priestess gestures for them to silence.
"Very well then. Salamandinay, I shall entrust this matter to you." The high priestess made her choice.
"Thank you, for your holiness." Salamandinay bowed before turning to them. "Please follow me.'' As everyone was about to move, Kaito collapsed on the floor with him gripping his left hand in pain. The pain was unimagined and familiar.
"Kaito what's wrong ." As Ange kneel down with a worried look
"Something is happening to his left arm!" Tusk pointed, freaked out.
"Here let me help." As Salamdinay quickly examined the Rider left arm as seeing his left arm growing leaves as he groaned in pain, it was the familiar pain when receiving the wound from Redue, as something wants to come out.
"Arrrrgggghhhh!." Kaito cried in pain when his left arm changed into a yellow claw. His head also grew two horns and had canine teeth similar to his Overlord Baron form. "Huh huh." The pain subsided and Kaito relaxed.
"Kaito what happened to you?." Angel looked in shock at how different Kaito looked, including those in the altar scene gasping in shock. Salamdinay then saw a lock seed fall from Kaito's shirt during his pain transformation. She concluded that he was related to that person and their savior. "Do you know the man of Beginning?" The dragon priestess asked.
Kaito looked shocked at Salamandinay that she knew. "How do you know, that name?"
"Please excuse the high priestess, it seems this man knows about our savior and it would be wise for me to let him be in my care before we ask more questions as our savior would have wanted." Salamdinay explained to the council.
Everyone wanted to ask more questions, but they agreed that they would be answered later on.
Salamandinay had private quarters prepared for them. Like the rest of the keep, the room they found themselves in was sparsely decorated, giving in an open but not exactly barren feel to it.
The main piece of furniture was a futon set on the hardwood floor while light was provided by a series of standing paper lanterns. "Ange and Tusk, wasn't it?" She asked. "This shall be your room Ange."
"Kaito, yours is through that door there including Tusk. Naga, Kaname, you may take your leave."
"What?" Naga gasped. "But my lady…." A simple glance from Salamandinay was enough to silence her and they both departed through the sliding main door.
"This is pretty cozy for a prison cell." Ange noted.
"You may find this odd, but I do not intend to treat you as prisoners." Salamandinay answered.
"What about Vivian." Tusk pointed out.
"Is that what you have named the Sylphis girl? She is currently being treated. You may visit her once they are done." Salamdinay explained the trio
"In the meantime, I have also ordered our technicians to commence repair of your machinery."
Ange wasn't convinced. "Well isn't that generous, And what do you want in exchange?" Salamandinay gestured to a corner of the room separated by a screen.
"I simply wish to talk. Come join me." The group exchanged bemused looks but ultimately did as she requested. Behind the screen, the floor was covered with straw mats, in the center of which was a clay pot atop a low brazier and a lacquer tray carrying bowels, a jar, and several bamboo utensils.
As they took their seats, Salamandinay prepared refreshments. From the jar, she scooped several servings of green powder into four bowels to which she then added hot water from the pot before beating the mix into a paste with a whisk.
"A tea ceremony huh?" Kaito looks at a familiar scene from his home country and dimension.
"Indeed it is. Are you a practitioner as well Sir Kaito?" Salamdinay was curious.
"Yes, I needed to learn everything when I was a child besides its ancient traditions that soothes the hearts and minds." Kaito said.
"I see. I certainly hope you can forgive my overlooking of certain steps." Salamandinay looked up with an impressed smile as she began to add more water to the mixture.
"Not at all. I can understand that our presence here was unforeseen or shocking you know what I mean." Showing his new claw arm as he flexes a familiar feeling.
"Unforeseen." She agreed as she handed him a bowel as he took with his right hand. "But not unpleasant." She then handed a bowel to each of the others. "Please drink. I am sure you must all be very weary." Kaito took a sip first and savored the bitter brew as it flowed down his throat that was familiar from his home country Japan.
Kaito smiled. "A good blend, but my old teacher made it better." Kaito admired her skills and preparations with elegance and focus.
"Thank you. I hope my brew will surpass your teacher one day?" Salamandinay asked, hiding her blush.
Ange was irritated seeing how she interacts with Kaito. She chugged down the bitter flavor including Tusk as they couldn't handle the flavor.
"It's not meant to be chugged." He told her. "Take it in sips and don't rush it." Kaito showing them how it's done.
"Excuse me, But we do have a lot of questions." Tusk suddenly asked.
"But of course Sir Tusk." Salamandinay responded, especially regarding the elephant in the room as Ange , Tusk and Salamandinay looked at Kaito. Especially his left arm and horns, it brings up a lot of questions about who Kaito really is.
Kaito wasn't offended and might as well tell the truth and finish down the entire tea. "If you want to truly know who I am, I'm neither from here nor from your world Ange."
"Excuse me?." As Ange didn't hear it right.
"I'm from another earth like yours except neither this earth or your earth another earth, a world where we don't use Mana or are infested with DRAGON'S."
The groups were shocked by the revelation that another earth existed. It also meant the multiverse theory was real about the existence of infinite earths.
Ange felt anger at the kept secret. "Why didn't you tell me?!"
"If I told you, would you believe me that I'm a man from another world?" Kaito said.
She pouted but knew why , she would think him insane and should be lock up in an asylum.
"So you're a person from another world?." Tusk didn't expected but it did give him few ideas how he was different than the rest.
"I'm surprised to see another off worlder but not from false earth." Salamdinay was intrigued as Kaito would be the first person she met from another world.
"But still doesn't explain the transformation and what you really are or who you are ." Ange looking at Kaito inhuman features.
"Since we have time, I might as well explain my origin story."
Kaito then tells his tale about his earth that was similar to Ange and Salamandinay with the exception that his world doesn't have any mana, para-mail and dragons as their technology wasn't as futuristic.
He told he hard his childhood was as Ange and Hilda knew about that, and that he was a leader of a group called team Baron in city as a dance group called beat riders it was a time where teen groups of dancers form a team and compete in an inves game . A game where they summon monsters and fight the winners to gain a place to dance at said location. It was a fun time, but all that changed when 'we learned the truth he says'.
That earth was invaded by beings from another world as Zawawe city was the center of it, the Inves game or inves creatures are actually monsters from a world called Heilheim ''called land of the dead in Norse''. Heilheim was covered in living forest that cover the entire civilization with Inves it's inhabitants preparing to invade and turn our planet into its own version of green
To prepare for such invasion the government and Yggdrasill corporation collaborate to study and use the forest to counter as such a man with a higher Ego created the Sengoku Driver , an armor suits to fight the invasion and as such the beat riders are the guinea pigs for the experiment.
It started as a small skirmish but in time more inves kept coming and the forest kept trying to enter earth and terraforming to its own version but that's not the worst of all he said.
He told them how they produced some kind of fruits that tempted and entranced anyone or any living being, with just one bite and you turn into an inves instantly and there's no cure.
The governed try to cover up and use the Beat Riders as scapegoat to avoid panic of the invasion.
But in the end war was inevitable, invasion started and anarchy began. Those who are armored riders fought each other for the control of the city, including himself as Kaito fought as armored rider Baron to protect his comrades and regain power to change the world.
But a lot of friends and loved ones were killed or missing. Either one of them turned into an inves, as even if we can't tell.
Only himself and another rider Kazuraba Kouta also known as Kamen rider Gaim fought to the last stand and determined who can control the world. Kaito's ambition was to create a perfect world as he said so that others would never feel sadness and powerlessness.
Kaito would never reveal all of them about the Golden Fruit, such power would only bring more destruction and temptation.
But he was defeated and stabbed to the waist as he showed the scar bit during his last breath. He wanted to know why Kouta was strong.
"As I die I don't remember much except that I woke in an alley in another earth and gained some ability to use mana technology probably to avoid suspicion by the populace. No, I don't know who or what deity or kami sent me to your earth . That's my story ." As he finished telling his tale.
Ange mind was mixed knowing the man that she meet for the first time was from another world and it would explained how he wasn't like the Sheeps in the Empire as he was already different , it explained why he was stronger as Yggdrasil company was the one took everything from him as a child as needed to grows stronger so nobody would suffer just like he did.
He was similar to her in a way as both of them had everything and was stolen from them by the world, forced to grow up and become stronger than anyone to survive.
But how he ended here was by kami jokes or something. It doesn't matter, for Ange to know that he wasn't like others makes her intrigued especially about him being an armored Rider. Kaito who helped her and cared for her in his own way and why he tolerated her.
Tusk didn't expect that his rival was from another world, only that he wasn't like him, an ancient human that was replaced by Mana humans. But he felt a tinge of jealousy at how no matter how bad or he was knocked down Kaito never gave up and moved forward unlike Tusk who just ran away and hid.
Salamdinay was the one that was most intrigued, to find out that the man that she had sights on was from another earth but not from the true earth and false earth but another earth, it means the multiverse theory is true.
"I'm sorry for what happened to you , to come here alone." Salamdinay said honestly.
"Don't be. I think as a fresh start to become better, even I curse the heavens or whatever deity sends me here." Kaito didn't despair, rather think of another chance to change himself.
"I still have a question." Tusk voices out. "You and the others refer to this as the 'True Earth'. What does that mean?"
"And what exactly are you?." Ange added. "People or DRAGONS?"
"We are humans of course." Salamandinay explained. "As for your question Sir Tusk, we call our world the True Earth because it is the origin of all humanity."
"That doesn't make any sense, We're humans and we definitely aren't from here." Ange said.
Salamandinay hummed as she took a sip from her bowel. Not concerning of her outburst
"So then this is Earth, just with a different history than my own. Kaito"
"Exactly." The priestess ." I assume you saw for yourself when you were dwelling in the ruins. An entire civilization lay to waste by greed and war. When this happened, a group of humans from our world migrated to yours which they then made their own."
"You mean they just gave up on their own world?." Tusk asked.
"The full story is a bit more complicated than that." Salamandinay explained. "but essentially that is what happened."
"Bunch of Cowards rather than pay their sins they decided to move somewhere else." Ange was angry.
"That I agree." Kaito said.
"I think I understand." As she sipped from her bowel, Ange's eyes were locked on Salamandinay. "And considering how you keep attacking our world then you have a way of getting us back there!." With a surge of movement, Ange smashed her bowl against the wall.
"Ange, wait!." Tusk yelled.
Grabbing the longest piece, Ange lunged for Salamandinay and pointed the sharp end at her neck
"What part of 'don't do anything stupid' wasn't clear to you?." Kaito was annoyed.
"Shut up! I'm already fed up with all this shanigan." It was true Ange was getting stressed from all the nonsense and questions.
Naga and Kaname ran back into the room when heard the crash and shouting.
"Lady Salamandinay!" Kaname cried.
"You barbarians! I knew we couldn't trust you!" Naga growled.
"It is alright." Salamandinay assured them as she picked up the shard Ange had dropped. "We are merely having a diplomatic disagreement."
It didn't look like a diplomatic talk.
"It's true." Salamandinay admitted. "We do have a way for you to return. But if so what then?" All eyes turned to their hostess as she finished her tea. "What awaits you? A life of servitude killing my brethren with your machines? Do you truly miss it that much?"
"Shut it!" Ange growled. "After all you've done you've got no right to be all high and mighty." Salamandinay sighed and set down her bowel.
"False humans from a False Earth fighting a False War. There is much that you do not know." Taking up the shard Ange had nearly attacked her with, Salamandinay handed it back to her, much to their surprise.
"Come with me and I will explain further. If you wish, you may take me as your hostage while we do so. Naga, Kaname, attend to the others while I am gone." Picking up her sword, Salamandinay made her way towards the door with Ange in tow. "Sir Kaito, this also concerns you too."
"Hey now wait a minute, How am I supposed to hold you hostage if you leave me behind?." Ange was a bit confused and angry at the same time.
"Ange put that thing away you could hurt someone, we're being diplomatic. Besides, whatever happened to the teaching of a princess should be in such a situation." Kaito pointed out.
Ange heard that hurt her pride knowing even a disgrace she was still a princess.
Salamandinay led the pilot of Villkiss and Overlord out of the temple to where one of the Dragon was waiting for them. "Come." She gestured as he lowered his neck.
"He will take us to where we need to go." Ange gave her an incredulous stare to which Salamandinay couldn't help but giggle. "If you are scared we could always walk." The girl scowled and climbed on behind her followed by Kaito.
Kaito urged Ange. "Just get on with it." Once they were both secured between his horns, the dragon spread his wings and took to the sky. Over the city they flew towards the far end of the gorge where a single massive structure stood in the center.
"Do you see it? That is our destination." Behind her, Ange peered over her shoulder and her eyes widened in surprise.
"It's the Dawn Pillar. So it exists in this world as well." She said.
"Indeed. We however call it the Tower of Aura. Long ago, it was one of several Draconium reactors scattered across the globe."
"So it's like a power plant that provides energy to the city." Kaito speculated.
"Yes it was used as a power source for the entire country once." Salamdinay explained.
"I heard about that in the ruins." Ange remembered the V.I. spoke. "What exactly is Draconium?"
"According to the ancient texts, Draconium was a super symmetric particle discovered at the end of the 22nd century that contains a copious amount of energy. It was hoped that Draconium would bring peace and plenty to the world. Instead, it became the cause of a war between those who sought to use its power to gain dominion over all. I assume you saw the effects afterward."
"Yeah." Ange said, a frown on her face as if remembering something terrible seeing the entire world end in a matter of minutes.
Kaito scoffed. "It's just human nature, every country would want such resources for themselves, a simple, cheap and powerful source of energy could advance an entire country's both technology and economy."
Nobody said anything as it was a sad truth, it was just human nature, especially politicians. And world leaders.
XXX
Finally, their ride landed atop the tower's and lowered his head so they could dismount.
"This way." Salamandinay beckoned. "We must now proceed to the heart of the tower."
Down the elevator shaft Ange and Kaito rode with Salamandinay To their surprise, the platform seemed to work the same as the Mana lifts in her world, controlling it through a console rather than mentally.
"Seriously though, how far down does this shaft go?" Ange wondered. By her estimate, they had already reached the bottom and were now underground. As they descended, Salamdinay continued her story.
"As I said back at the temple. When the war was over, some of the survivors departed for your world and they founded what you refer to as the Age of Mana".
" Oh great this story again" Ange grumbled.
"However, not all left behind perished in the polluted wasteland that our world had become. A select portion learned to adapt by altering their bodies at the genetic level to thrive on the pollution rather than perish."
"So in order to survive you undergo body modification to ensure survival in a radiation poison world that would kill anyone who is exposed to the draconium radiation." Kaito understood the process. It's no different than using Helheim fruits to survive the forest.
"Yes , it's our only way as you can see that the tail and wings are the byproduct of the gene modification my ancestors did." As she wiggles her tail like a cute cat.
"I assure you it is no different than me." As he showed her his claw arm and flexed it as if it was something normal.
Rather than be afraid she touches it feeling it's difference.
"I like the arm." Salamdinay said as she felt the claw arm every touch.
Ange was fuming seeing how Salamandinay was so close to Kaito and it irritates her , no ever since that dragon priestess saw him , she can't stop this feeling of irritation like someone was going to take something from her or that her woman's intuition was alarming.
Finally, the shaft opened up and they found themselves in a massive underground chamber
"What is this place?." Ange wondered.
"It's big enough to hold a concert ." Kaito look awe.
In response, Sala took her hand and a sudden flash of energy traveled up Ange's arm, making her gasp in alarm as the world faded to black. Then, a sudden pinprick of light appeared in the void and began to grow in size and intensity to near blinding levels. When her eyes adjusted, Ange looked up and was overcome in awe. Before her was the largest DRAGON she had ever seen, even bigger than the First-Of she and the others had fought. Its pristine body shone with a golden light and her wings stretched the length of the entire chamber while its three hinged jaw opened to unleash a roar that pierced Ange all the way to her core.
"Long ago, this was the dwelling place of Aura, the first and greatest of our ancestors. It was she who altered our flesh so that we might survive the damaged Earth. To use your own terminology, she was the first DRAGON."
"How…how are you doing this? I'm Norma. The Light of Mana doesn't affect me." Ange asked.
"Same here. I can see the Dragon aura too." Kaito said.
Salamdinay answered. "That's because this is not the Light of Mana It is the Light of Aura, a sacred power that has been passed down from the Great Mother herself."
The giant DRAGON vanished and they now found themselves outside. All around them, DRAGONS of different shapes and sizes paraded through and soared over a valley.
"Once we no longer needed to fear the Draconium radiation, under Aura's guidance we dedicated our lives to atoning for the greed and misdeeds of our predecessors."
"From Sala's back, her wings suddenly extended to their full length and Ange cried out as she found herself pulled into the air alongside her. With a bird's eye view of the valley, Ange watched as both the larger DRAGONS and the smaller Schooners grazed on the glowing foliage. "The trees absorb the Draconium radiation from the ecosystem."
Sala explained. "We then consume it so that it becomes stabilized in our bodies. The males however absorb far more than the females, hence their larger size and their inability to assume human form. When they mate, the females return to human form and bear children. When the sons come of age, they assume their transformed state and join their fathers while the daughters aid the mothers in the management of our society. And so, we have lived like this for over five centuries."
"So this is how DRAGON live on this earth, it's like a fantasy." Kaito said, amazed. It was truly like a fantasy novel. It also explained why theirs no males around them as they already in dragon form.
"Unfortunately, Aura is no longer here." Sala removed her hand and the vision faded.
"What happened? Did she die?." Ange asked.
"No." Sala shook her head. "300 years ago, she was taken from us. The one responsible was the same man who discovered Draconium, created the Ragna-mail, and ruined our world before leaving for another only to return and steal our Great Mother for his own foul use. The one you know as Embryo."
Ange was speechless. If what Sala had told her was true then she and the other Norma had been nothing more than accessories to genocide this entire time.
Kaito frowned hearing those words. Embryo was really like Sengoku Ryoma who made use of people as his toys and discarded them when they were used up or useless like trash.
"Ever since Embryo took our great mother we have been in despair and lost all hope, only the will to find a way to regain her back that was our goal and dream." Salamdinay cannot hide her anger and sadness
Then her demeanor changed to hope. "But one day something or someone appeared a human being white haired and silver armored, floating around the ruins of the aftermath of Embryo destruction. We didn't know who or what it was but he had the saddest eyes and called himself –"
"The Man of the Beginning"
SALAMANDINAY eyes widened in shock. ." So you do know him, the man with just a flick of his finger causes rain to fall on the land and make the fires out of nowhere, and then he heals all those that were injured from the attack. He was truly our savior. He didn't say anything, just his title and one final thing he planted a seed that would bloom to that giant tree you all saw."
"The Yggdrasil has the ability to absorb draconium faster than anything and turning the surrounding area habitable not only that the fruits can be eaten and used for anything, even the seeds were to plant other places that would grow into smaller trees turning the area habitable."
"We are truly grateful to our savior, as we would do anything to repay his debt, unlike you. Do you understand? Your existence is false. You exist solely to plunder and kill because that is how he designed you to be. Unlike our savior he was a real and the tree it's existence that we eternal grateful to him. We built this statue to honor his act of kindness that would be remembered by future generations."
"And now that you know the truth, do you still intend to go back?." As she finishes her story.
"I do." She said. "Because even if what you say is true, it's still my home. And whatever your deal with Embryo is, it's got nothing to do with me. Besides you have that great tree so why do you need her back." Ange asked, annoyed.
"Even it's substitute it cannot replace aura as it's still our dream to regain back aura ,Then I will have no choice but to stop you. Otherwise, you might wind up killing more of my brethren." Ange sneered and pointed the shard at Salamandinay. It was time to teach this holier than thou lizard bitch a lesson.
As much as Kaito would intervene his guts was telling him no and shouldn't get involved with catfight between two females. It's better to let Ange release all her frustration and anger.
"Just try it. I'm not so easy to…." Something slapped her wrist and Ange dropped the shard . Pulling back her tail, Sala spread her wings and beckoned for Ange to come on.
"Damn you!" Ange charged and punched but Sala weaved out of the way, her wings carrying her up and around to grab Ange's wrists from behind.
"Ange she has the high ground you can't win." Kaito said
"Shut up and help me already." Ange called the former overlord for help.
"No, Thank you. I'm not getting involved with another female fight." Kaito remembered the Ange and Salia tussle and he got involved.
"Do not force me to kill you, Unlike your kind we do not revel in pain and violence." Salamdinay warned.
"Except for when you tried to kill everyone on Arzenal!." She spat. Ange pulled herself free and threw Salamdinay off of her. "Do you have any idea how many people you killed?"
"Is it any different from how many of my people have been killed by you?" The pristess countered. "I did not want to use Enryugo's Discord Phasers but I had my orders and my duty. There was no evidence that Norma would ally with us nor could we risk contacting you and allowing you to reveal our presence to your masters. If our roles were reversed, can you honestly say you wouldn't do the same…Princess Angelize Ikaruga Misurugi?"
Ange's rage faded to shock at Salamdinay accusation. How did she know her real name?
The dragon smirked. "Surprised?". "I know all about you thanks to Lizardia, our spy in the Imperial Palace. Though you may know her as Riza Rundog."
"Wait what?" She gasped.
Even Kaito didn't expect that the woman was a spy.
"We sent her across when a singularity opened. Though we had hoped her skills as a soldier would grant her access to vital information as a guard, we never expected her to catch the fancy of your elder brother." That condescending smirk on her face was too much and Ange's rage finally exploded.
For Kaito knew how dangerous a female spy was as being a femme fatale to their target but he didn't expect the idiot prince was fancy for her.
"It…it was you!." She screamed. Lunging for Salamdinay, Ange furiously punched but her wings kept her safely out of reach. "You took everything from me!" Swinging her leg high, Ange aimed for her head when her opponent caught her attack and twisted, throwing Ange down onto the floor hard. Before Ange could counter, Salamdinay had pinned her leg across Ange's throat.
"To be accurate your brother was the one responsible. We simply chose not to interfere."And that Irony was truth from Salamdinay words.
Ange's lungs burned from lack of air as her vision began to fade."I swear…." She wheezed. "…I'll…kill…you…"n as Ange finally blackout from the lack of oxygen leaving just the dragon priestess and the former overlord
Kaito just looked how the fight was over and this is their problem to solve as he won't interfere just like man only trough fighting we can understand each other
"Sir Kaito, what do you think about us and Ange?. Situation" she asked curious.
Kaito took a deep breath and sigh. "In truth I don't care what happened to her when I first met her, she was a spoiled brat but she started to change and I was tasked to take care of her. As it's my responsibility as her superior, the attack on Arzenal. You have your reason and duty for your people's sake. I would have done the same thing."
It was true Kaito would choose his team first before the truth was revealed.
Salamdinay didn't expect such an answer as this person didn't view the world in black and white and understand her people's plight. "Sir Kaito. "
"I'm just angry knowing both sides are being used by one man for his own convenience that looks at us like toys to be thrown out, that kind of person is the one I wanted to punch his smug face. I'm going back to the other side to fight that shitty Embryo." Kaito hated to be used as a pawn; it reminded him of Sengoku Ryoma.
"Then you can join us in our fight." As she got near and tripped even her wings did flutter to balance her fall as Kaito instinct held her from falling. "My apologies, my body just moves on its own." As he help her up
." It's alright how about we go back to the temple." As the priestess hide her blush
Ange was in a forest but what disturbs her is the ire feeling as theirs no sound at all no wind, no birds chirping and not even an insect, deadly quiet . She continued waking then she saw an armored man back. She walks slowly and when he turns around what she saw from the cracks an inhuman face( Lord Baron ).
…With a scream, Ange jumped herself off the bed.
"Man you're scary!" She gasped. Someone next to her cried out in surprise as well and Ange looked over to see Vivian standing beside her.
"Vivian? You're human again." She looked at the familiar face.
"Here's a pop quiz." Vivian sang. "How did Vivian get back to her adorable self? Time's up! The answer is…um…actually I forgot."
"I made adjustments to your genotype D control factor." A woman with chin length orange hair and dressed in a scientist's smock walks to her side. "Now you'll be able to maintain your human form indefinitely without the need of continuous medication."
"Yeah, what she said!." Vian pointed to the doctor.
"I see…." Ange said.
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
"Not really." Only her Pride that was hurt.
"That's good Salamandine-sama must have gone easy on you ." The doctor said.
"Gone easy? That was her going easy on me." Ange thought how the women easily overpowered and defeated her, not only that Kaito didn't even help at all saying that he doesn't want to get involved with a cat fight.
Tusk was so worried about you Ange and Kaito was the one that carry you back here.
"Tusk , Kaito?"
"Somebody help me!" Tusk shouted and was heard from the room across the hallway.
"Carefully where you're touching that!" Kaito also shouted but it's more like a threat.
"Tusk! Kaito." Ange shouted as she ran out and opened the door.
Vivian, and Dr. Gecko followed behind her and saw that Tusk was bound on a table with several girls around him. It's not just him. Even Kaito was the same as the girls surrounding the two males touching them every part of their body.
"Come on, let go of me!" Tusk demanded before he gasped as one of them touched a certain part of his body. "Hey! That is not a good place to touch!"
"I agree! , there's got to be a level of decency." As there were touching similar place
"Hey, what are you doing to them?!" Ange exclaimed as she ran towards the Duo while pushing girls around her out of the way.
"Oh no…." Tusk mutters.
"Oh crap." Kaito feel dreaded
"Tusk I'll save you both…!." Ange said before she slips on a bottle that was on the floor and lands on top of Kaito, which made him gasp.
"What the heck was that…?." Ange asked as she stood back up and soon blushed when she saw that Tusk and Kaito were completely exposed. "Wait, why are you both naked?"
"Hey you're not bad." Vivian said while giving Tusk a thumbs up .Then she saw Kaito giving two thumbs up that really hurt Tusk pride.
"Wait, Ange, I can explain…." Tusk mutters before Dr. Gecko walks behind him.
"As you can see Mr. Tusk and Mr. Kaito have been a huge help in our study of human sexuality. We don't get to see many mature humanoid males so the chance to study their sexual habits and behavior is quite enlightening." As she spoke, Dr. Gecko playfully stroked Tusk's face as she cast a hungry gaze towards Kaito.
"Of course, Mr. Kaito Situation he's more than welcome to contribute his own data." The scientist looked at Kaito claw arms and horns with interest as making her more horny like a predator." We'd love to see how the two samples compare." The girls around them giggled.
"I need an adult please or someone, this reminds me of that Christmas dinner." Kaito remembered how Peko forgot to wash their clothes and had to substitute with towels.
"Wait sexual studies…? And he was helping…?." Ange said before she glared at Tusk and Kaito. "Is that right?"
"This feels like a girls high school dorm where girls haven't even seen a male before." Kaito said.
Ange picking up a feather duster and a large pair of tweezers.
"W-What are you doing?." Tusk asked, sounding a little scared now.
"Ange, put those down please." Kaito pleaded for the first time
"You perverted animals!" Ange shouted and both was beginning to laugh because of her torture.
Vivian had taken Ange out into the courtyard to cool off while the boys were recovering from the misunderstood ordeal. Ange was washing her face and gurgling at a stone water basin. Vivian handed her a towel.
Salamandinay, Naga, and Kaname approached Ange and Vivian alongside wearing a light blue tunic and loin cloth while her chin length hair was the same shade as Vivian's. In fact, now that Ange had gotten a closer look she almost looked like an older version of Vivian.
"You left your bed so I assume you are feeling better." Salamandinay greeted Ange. Ange glared angrily at the DRAGON princess but thankfully she kept her temper in check.
"Lamia." Salamandinay gestured to Vivian. "This is her. We have confirmed through genetic testing that she is one of the lost daughters of the Slyphis Clan. She is without a doubt your child."
"Wait what?." Ange thought. A quick glance around and the girls seemed just about as shocked as he was.
"Mi?." The woman in blue half sobbed. "Is it really you?." Dashing forward, she seized Vivian in an embrace as she continued to weep in joy. "Mi!"
"Whoa, wait a minute lady!." Vivian cried out. "The name's Vivian and…." And Vivian paused as she leaned in and sniffed at the woman hugging her. "Wait. I know this scent. It's kind of like how Ersha smells. Who are you!." Lamia smiled as she loosened her hold on Vivian.
"I'm your mother."
"Your Mother? That's kind of a strange name." Vivian didn't understand what it means.
"She is the woman who gave life to you." Salamandinay explained. "Mi, or Vivian as you call her, must have been playing out in the fields when a singular opened and she instinctively flew through it in pursuit of Aura. It is a miracle she has survived for as long as she did."
"I'd say we have Jill to thank for that.". "She must have found her and had her raised as a Norma. I guess it beat the alternative and she was killed on sight." Ange knowing Jill knew the DRAGON were humans all along and probably used her.
"I suppose there is truth in that." Salamandinay agreed. "Naga, Kaname, have a ceremony prepared. One of our own has returned home."
XXX
And so, after nightfall, a crowd had gathered at the base of the Tower of Aura. The people who had gathered radiated an atmosphere of joy and love, almost like one huge extended family.
In addition to the humanoid females; a number of Brig, Galleon, and even a few of the Bighorns had gathered as well, including a swarm of Schooners. On the steps leading up to the entrance to the Tower, Salamandinay stood with the shrine maidens alongside Vivian and Lamia. Like the crowd before them, they held paper lanterns in their hands that glowed with a soothing warmth.
Salamandinay spoke. "Children of Aura.". "For many moons we have suffered the loss of countless siblings. But now, one of our own has returned. Let us give thanks as we set these lanterns free. Just as they soar to the sky and return to the Earth, may the souls of our brethren ride the wheel to be reborn once more."
With a toss, Salamadinay set her lantern off into the sky. Lamia nudged Vivian and together, they joined in as all present released their lights until the sky overhead was full of lanterns who rose like souls to heaven. As he stood with the girls, Ange bore witness to the spectacle. It was unlike anything they had ever seen before in her world.
"Now that's a sight."
"Reminds me of the moon festival back on my earth. "
a voice said behind them. The group turned and who else but Kaito and Tusk appeared.
"Hey, are you feeling better?." Ange asked.
"Just a few tests to see how my new appearance would affect me." Kaito rubbing the back of his neck
Tusk stepped towards her but Ange simply glowered at him.
"Come on Ange, why are you so mad? I swear I didn't know that was what they intended. You know my heart belongs to you ."
"It wasn't your heart they were grabbing." She reminded him.
"Well no I guess not." He admitted. Finally, Ange cracked a smile.
"You already saw too much I mean during the examination." Kaito felt like pervert saying that
"I Resent that okay it was just an accident and wasn't my fault." Ange making an excuse.
"So you like what you see." Kaito teasing the princess
"You dummy." Ange giggled. And they laughed at the ridiculousness of it all." Kaito, you said you had such a festival like your earth. I'm curious, does it have similarity?"
"It's the same in a way the lanterns or The Lantern Festival celebrates the first full moon of the year . It marks the departure of winter and the beginning of the spring season".
"That sounds fun"
"It is , even the craftsmen who can create a warm and beautiful scenery just like this one , something we all should appreciate." Kaito reminisced about his time in Japan.
"Still, I can't help but wonder what's going to happen now. What's their real plan? Why are they showing us this?" Ange was confused.
"Lady Salamandinay wants you to learn about us." Naga said along with Kaname."
And in turn." Naga continued. "She hopes we can learn about you as well."
"But what would be the point?." Ange said. "You've killed our people. We've killed yours. What more do we need to know?"
"I hate to say it." Tusk added. "But that is a valid point. Even if we all were being manipulated by Embryo, we can't undo anything that's happened."
"Which is why the best thing to do is move forward." Kaname said. "Hatred, bitterness, wrath; all they lead to is further suffering and ruin. But humans can change. They can learn from their mistakes and correct them to make a better future. This is what Aura has taught us."
"Wise words I can guess why you respect and worship aura like a goddess." Kaito said,
"Honestly, The princess is too kind for her own good." Naga mutter
"Well by all means, feel free to tell her so." Kaname countered with a smile.
"They're asking us to stay." Tusk said.
"Should we?." Ange wondered. "But Vivian looks happy. We can't ask her to go back there. Not now."
"Well maybe we should stay, Think about it. Humans. Norma. Libertus. Embryo. If we stayed here, we'd never have to worry about any of it ever again."Tusk suggested.
No one responded. They simply looked to the sky as the paper lanterns continued to rise up to the stars.
Kaito decided to say something as he had already made his decision. "I'm not staying. If I stay here it will be no better than running away. I am already tired of waiting for a miracle that would never happen and running from my problem's responsibility, I refuse such a life of ignorance bliss as I will fight until I break Embryo perfect teeth.
"Kaito." Ange knew what he said was true , one part she can stay here and live her life in peace away from the pain and misery but the other part she had so many things to do on the other side knowing the world hurt her.
Tusk already knew that Kaito would walk the path of carnage but what worried him was that Ange would follow Kaito. Ever since that Island he could see how Ange was very close to Kaito in her own way. Even the truth about him being a human from another earth didn't deter her respect and admiration towards him.
I wanted to get the fantasy like thing with a giant tree and dragons as such Kouta being kind hearted would help the Dragon with his power but he cannot intervene to much. As he still has responsibility managing his world and preventing any invasion from heilmeim. Also Draconium seems to have an effect on half inves like Kaito making him look like a humanoid dragon.