Chapter 11: Point of no return, and the wrath of the sun.

"The God Eater Akos, he, amongst them all, was the strongest. He, who had slain countless gods, who ruled as god-king of humanity, was still a man. And man was never meant to hold divine power."-?

Vert POV

Thanks to my status as a Goddess, I was able to procure information on the terrorists, as fortunately for me, they appeared unaware of the true purpose of the guild cards they held. Indeed, they only held a person's name, age and rank, but those pieces of information were a gateway to more. All it took was a few questions here and there, and more interesting information would be discovered. For example, that IF girl, according to Yvoire's information network, was a follower of mine despite hailing from Lowee, something I could take advantage of.

I had seen what their group was capable of. I had seen the senseless destruction they caused. Therefore, I knew I was no match for their power. Despite the Lowean evangelists' suggestion, I could not waste time garnering trust when they could just decide to wreak havoc whenever they wished. I had recently lost my divine authority, something that still haunted me every waking moment. So even though my pride was disgusted at my use of underhanded tactics, I did what I must.

"How does it feel? To lose your power as a goddess? To feel helpless in the face of a being stronger than you are? I could kill you right here. Right now. But where would be the fun in that?"

That dammed voice echoed through my mind whenever my loss of strength came to mind. Always mocking me for my helplessness, for my uselessness. I could not even play any of my games without that mocking voice returning! (That is why I must do this.) that singular group of people proved dangerous, both to me, and my people. It was for their sake, that I stooped so low.

Zed POV

Morning was a blessing, for the night was nothing but harsh. No matter how hard I tried, the nightmares kept coming. The same scene over and over, appeared as I slumbered. My sword held within my bloodied hands, a constant reminder. Ban's final words echoing, again, and again.

*chirp*

Suzaku's voice made itself known as I got up from my bed. Throughout the night, he repeatedly tried to comfort me. But no matter how much he tried, no matter how much affection he gave, the nightmares persisted. "You tried, that's what matters." I spoke, petting the draconic creature. looking around the room, I noticed that the others were absent. Not wanting to keep them waiting, and to keep up appearances, I quickly freshened up and headed downstairs to greet them, Suzaku laid on my shoulders.

"Good morning girls." I spoke, plastering an illusory smile on my face. """Good morning Zeddy/Zed.""" they greeted back, genuine smiles on theirs. From there, IF ordered breakfast for us all and we ate in peace. "Thank you for the meal, Iffy/IF." Compa, Neptune, and I spoke. the girl in question smiled, before answering. "you're welcome, you three." from there we quickly started to discuss what we would be doing today. "I vote we check out the local arcades and eat pudding!" Neptune suggested, ever the anti-worker. If I were to be honest, with the hell I went through the previous day, her suggestion sound heavenly. "I agree with Neptune." I said, shocking the other two, who looked at me as if I had grown a second head.

"You feeling okay Zed?" IF spoke. "Yeah Zeddy, are you sure you're not feeling sick?" the nurse-in-training said. (No, not at all.) but they didn't need to know that. Neptune looked at me as if Christmas came early, with the large grin she was sporting. "Yesssss, Zeddy has joined the Nep side!" she then continued to laugh maniacally for a while. "Hey! You with the purple-hair, shut it, some of us are tryna eat in peace!" one of the inn patrons shouted, not at all pleased with the loud noise. This caused Neptune to quickly become quiet.

"Party pooper..." the goddess said, pouting childishly. IF and Compa quietly laughed at the sight of the purple-haired girl being told off. I had to admit, the sight did bring a small smirk to my face. the next few minutes were filled with idle chatter, something I was inwardly grateful for. After a while though we did eventually get back to business. "Seriously though, what are our plans for today?" IF asked once more. "Well, like I mentioned earlier, I was planning on going with Neptune to visit the local arcades. So what about you two?"

I said, my answer causing Neptune's eyes to brighten considerably at the reminder. "Hmm, how about we go shopping Iffy?" Compa suggested. Giving IF what I presumed was her best puppy eyes impression. IF being the pushover she not-so-secretly was, caved in immediately. "Okay fine, we can do that." the brown-haired girl said, rolling her eyes at Compa's display. "Okay, great, come on Zeddy, lets-a-go!" the next thing I knew, I was already being dragged out the inn by Neptune. The purple-haired girl giddily laughing all the way to the nearest arcade.

The second we arrived; she immediately used her own puppy eyes on me. "Please can I borrow some credits, I promise I'll pay you back!" she said, clearly remembering she lacked any form of money. I quickly caved in to her demands, being in no form capable of resisting. "Very well, spend them wisely." I spoke, handing her some credits. "Yay! Thanks Zeddy, you're the best!" she said, wide smile on her face. "Now then, let's see what kinda games they got here!" once again, the girl dragged me around. This time to multiple arcade cabinets.

We tried many different types of arcade games, from racing games to first-person shooters. But the purple-haired goddesses' favourite kind of video game appeared to be fighting games. "Hah! Take that Zeddy!" her character cycled through a complex combination of moves, before my own character was swiftly defeated. It appears Neptune was quite adept at games. "Very well done my dear, you have bested me." if I was honest with myself, I did not mind losing. Being able to have fun playing games with her, and see her smile so brightly when she won, was more than enough for me.

"y'know, ya seem way too happy about losing, are you a masochist or somethin'?"

(WHAT?)

I almost visibly showed my surprise. How did she come to THAT conclusion? "i can assure you my dear, that I am not in fact, a masochist." I said matter-of-factly. "i just enjoy seeing the happy smile on your face when you win." I answered honestly, causing Neptune's face to go slightly red. "H-hey no fair, you're not allowed to embarrass me, it's supposed to be the other way around!" she shouted indignantly. I smirked at her, emanating an aura of smugness. "Too bad, my dear. Better luck next time." she pouted at my response, causing me to feel some small amount of remorse.

Blood flowed from his wounds.

(Nnnghhh!) memories of what occurred the day before flooded my mind. I didn't deserve this, I didn't deserve to be here right now, having fun with Neptune like this. I did not deserve her affection or her friendship. "Zeddy? Are you okay?" her voice snapped me out of my state, my mind quickly supressing the traumatic memories. "I-I'm fine my dear, just a headache from all the time spent watching screens." thankfully she bought my excuse. "Oh, well, do ya wanna go get something to eat then?" she asked, changing the subject. "Yes, that would be lovely." I replied, putting on my best impression of a smile.

The walk to the nearest restaurant didn't take long, presumably because Neptune had done her research beforehand. We sat down at a table and ordered food and drinks. While we waited for them to arrive, Neptune and I conversed. "So Zeddy, which form of mine do you prefer, my itty-bitty regular ol'self, or my super cool, mega mature, other form?" her question was unexpected, and seemingly random, but even so, the answer was simple. "Both." she pouted at my answer. "That ain't an option mister! Now choose!"

"How could I choose either, when they're both a part of you? Regardless of which form you're in, you're still my precious Neptune." my answer was honest, either form had both positives and negatives, each one lacking merits of the other. But they were still a part of who Neptune was. How could I honestly choose between them? "C-curses, why must you use your harem protagonist skill on me?" (My...what?) "What are you talking about?" "You know what!"

"Excuse me, sir, madam, but your meals have arrived." our conversation was interrupted by a waiter, who arrived with our orders. "Ah, thank you sir, my apologies for the noise." I spoke apologetically. The waiter merely shook his head. "it's no concern sir, many couples who come here have done the same. I will ask however that you be quieter in future." he said, causing both Neptune and I to feel embarrassed, judging by the heat I could feel on my face, and the red I could see on Neptune's. "W-will do sir." I said, causing the waiter to nod, before laying our meals and drinks out in front of us and leaving.

Neptune and I ate in silence for a while, the both of us embarrassed. That is until the Purple-haired girl began to speak. "Hey, do you think we could get a couples' discount if we pretended to be an item?" her words almost caused me to almost spit out my food in surprise. Then I remembered who was talking. (This is Neptune we're on about, to do something like this for the sake of food it definitely in character for her.) "If you truly think it would work, then I don't mind. Though I doubt we would get much of a discount, if any, in most places." Neptune appeared to almost visibly deflate as I spoke, my words dampening her spirits. "Though I am curious on why you care so much about getting a discount. Unless you plan on actually paying for any of this?" she smiled awkwardly at my question. "Heheh... no." (thought so.) that girl was terrible at handling money.

The rest of our visit to the restaurant went without issue. we returned to the nearest arcade to continue playing games afterwards at Neptunes' request.

(Wait, where's Suzaku?)

IF POV

"How does this look?" I asked Compa. We were in the middle of our clothes shopping, and I had just tried on a dress, and asked the nurse-in-training for her opinion on it. "It looks great on you Iffy!" the girl replied cheerily, bringing a smile on my face. "Thanks, I'll guess this one's a keeper then." with her opinion gathered, I quickly changed back into my regular clothes and left the changing room, carrying the discarded dress with me. "Hey Iffy, do you think Zeddy forgot about our dates?" Compa asked, her words making me think for a bit before I answered back.

"Maybe, but it doesn't seem like something he'd just forget about, being a massive flirt an' all." I answered. (maybe he has a lot on his mind or something?) "Well, I suppose we'll have to remind him when we're done shopping." Compa said, giggling good-naturedly. "That we will." I wasn't all to bothered about my date with Zed, I only joined in because I didn't want to be left out. Besides, I hadn't hung out with Zed in ages, it would be nice to finally be able to do so. Not to mention I still owed him for what he did for us back during the incident with that witch.

(Heh, maybe I can finally stop feeling so bad about it.) it was embarrassing, I was a veteran of the guild. Yet I was saved by a newbie of all people! (Then again, our group isn't exactly normal.) you had Compa, a nurse in training who I knew for a fact would be nice to even the worst of people. Neptune, the amnesiac Goddess of Planeptune, Zed, a mysterious man who had a voice in his head and a power unlike anything I had ever seen, and me, a Maker.

(Come to think of it, we all fit right in, to our own little group of weirdos.) "Hey Iffy, what's taking you so long? hurry up!" snapping out of my thoughts I realised I was lagging behind, Compa being far ahead of me, and already at the checkout. "Ah, sorry!" I said, quickly catching up. When I reached the counter, Compa and I paid for our stuff, and left.

On our way back to the inn, two things happened. One, Suzaku appeared out of nowhere and latched onto Compa's shoulders. The bird-dragon-thing chirping happily. And two, a man with long grey hair came up to me and started talking. "Miss IF I presume?" I nodded. "i am Yvoire, right-hand man of Lady Green Heart, I come with an invitation. Lady Green Heart wishes to see you." (….What!?) was...was he being serious!? This was a dream come true! I've been dreaming of this for years!

"Ha, um, thank you Yvoire...?" (don't phrase it like a question, dumbass!) I inwardly berated. I was just so nervous. "Here." Yvoire spoke, handing me an extravagant-looking letter and apparently ignoring my screw up. "Take this. When you visit the central Basilicom, show the staff this, and the guards should let you through." he continued, before swiftly leaving. "Oh, wow Iffy, I have never seen you act like that before, you were so funny!" Compa said. "Forget about what you saw!" I shouted. (the others must never know!) "oki-doki Iffy!" (Oh, thank goodness.) with that crisis averted, Compa and I continued our journey back to the inn.

Zed POV

Even after looking around for a while neither I nor Neptune could find out where Suzaku had gone to. "Maybe he went to go see Compa and Iffy?" Neptune suggested. (That... actually makes sense.) Suzaku had shown himself to be smarter than he looks, so it was very unlikely that he just got lost. Considering he saw Compa as some sort of mother figure, it wasn't impossible. "Maybe you're right my dear. Should we return to the inn now?" I asked. Neptune nodded, and we made our way back. During our return however, we were interrupted by a man wearing the attire of Leanboxes Basilicom staff.

"Mr Zed Lux Nati, I presume?" the man asked. Nodding my head, I responded. "Yes." the man took out a regal-looking letter. "Lady Green Heart wishes to meet with you and miss Neptune for dinner." he handed the letter over to me. "Go to the central Basilicom and present this letter to the guards, and they will let you pass." the man then swiftly left. "Meeting with another Goddess? Neat! If she's anything like Nowa, this will be awesome!" Neptune spoke, cheer very much present in her tone. "i guess we must take a detour."

IF POV

When we arrived at the Basilicom I did as I was instructed and showed one of the guards the letter. He let me in, but not Compa. "The Lady has asked for your presence only, miss." he said. "Er, sorry Compa, do you mind waiting here for a bit?" I asked. While i would normally feel suspicious at been asked to come alone, I trusted Lady Green Heart, she must have had her reasons. "it's okay Iffy, go have fun." with her approval, I followed the instructions written on the letter, which led me to a door. Opening said door revealed a room. And inside that room was some assorted furniture, a bed, and Lady Green Heart herself.

"Hello IF, it is nice to meet you."

(AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!)

"Are you feeling alrigh-"

"YES, I mean, yes my lady." (Dammit!) I had let my excitement get to me, causing me to mess up my introduction. "Very well, why don't you come sit with me? I have things I must discuss with you." shoving my fangirling self deep down inside my soul, I began acting as professional as I could. "If you insist." I then sat beside her on the bed. "What is it you wish to speak of?" she smiled, before replying "first I feel the need to congratulate you on your achievements thus far. I have heard many great things about you from the guild. You and your group handling that Kyuubi creature was nothing short of impressive."

It took everything I had to not squeel in absolute joy. THE Lady Green Heart was praising ME! "To add on to that, handling multiple ancient dragons, and your resume is quite impressive indeed." she paused for a moment, before continuing to speak. "That group of yours, would you mind telling me about them? I have heard less of them as I have of you, so I'm quite curious." she asked. (I suppose it makes sense, I've been an adventurer for a while, Compa, Zed and Neptune are only recent additions.)

"their names are Compa, Neptune and Zed. In that order, Compa is a trainee nurse who has been with Zed and Neptune for a bit longer than I have. She's an airhead at times but is the kindest person you could ever meet. She can't handle teasing of any kind and is the kind of person who would heal our enemies if they asked nicely." Lady Green Heart nodded at my words, an inquisitive look on her face. "Then there's Neptune. She's quite a strange girl who fell out of the sky and constantly makes references to video games. Shes incredibly lazy person who hates working, loves pudding and hates aubergines, which she calls 'eggplants'. But she's also capable warrior and someone who wouldn't think twice about helping people."

All my words were true and genuine. Neptune may have been the strangest girl I ever met, but she was by all accounts, a good person. "Then finally, there's Zed. I found him to be more of a mystery then the others at first. While the others were more obvious with their eccentricities, he was more normal, if you ignored his flirting and more complicated speech. He had shown himself to be quite a capable fighter as well, near equal to Neptune, which I've attributed to the strange power he has, that being something involving golden-orange flames." the person opposite me nodded her head, before asking a question.

"Is there anything else you can tell me about this 'Zed' person?" she asked, seemingly curious about my orange/brown-haired friend. "Hmm. Well come to think of it, he's quite protective of us, Neptune especially. He's the one who caught her when she fell. Despite his flirtatious nature, he's especially caring when it comes to our group." his sacrifice came to mind, something I promised to eventually pay back. "i believe if he was given a choice to save us at the cost of himself, he'd take it. That's the kind of man he is."

Lady Green Heart's eyes widened as I spoke, seemingly surprised at my praise of the guilds' 'Radiant Prince.' "Excuse me IF, but are you sure that is who Zed truly is?" she asked, face contorted into a serious expression. (what is she getting at?) despite her doubting words, my answer didn't change. "Yes, without a doubt." she appeared slightly bothered by my resolution. "Do you like it here, IF?" she asked, completely out of the blue. Though I was confused on where she was going with it, I responded honestly. "Yes. To live here permanently would be a dream." she smiled at my words, before asking another question. "If you could live here, and continue to put your faith in me, with no repercussions whatsoever, would you?" she asked. My answer was obvious. "Yes, without a doubt, yes." Lady Green Heart smiled at me gratefully, something I found beautiful, before responding. "i apologise for being so abrupt, but I have something to ask of you. Do what I ask, and i can grant you official citizenship in my land of green pastures."

Now that got my attention. Not only was I currently speaking with the one person I idolised above all else, but she was asking ME a favour, and if I did it, I would be granted official citizenship. Could this day get any better!? Calming my emotions, something that was getting incredibly difficult as time went on, I responded. "What is it that you ask of me, my lady?"

"i need you to poison Zed and Neptune."

(what!?)

"Why do you ask that of me? Did you not listen to me just praise them? Why do you want me to bring them harm?" I was confused, and a little scared. Why did Lady Green Heart want me to...to kill two of my best friends? "Those friends of yours are not what they seem. I have seen the destruction they have caused. If they continue to live, countless will be harmed." her eyes were desperate, afraid even. I had no idea why, but she was scared of them, of my friends. "i need an answer IF. Will you do as I have asked?"

Her offer was tantalising, almost perfect. I had dreamed of being a citizen of Leanbox, of being able to follow Lady Green Heart without being judged for it, of being able to be who I wanted to be, rather than what was expected, for as long as I could remember. But I could not. Would not. Kill my friends in order to be able to do it. Neptune was one of my best friends, and I owed Zed. I would never betray them like that.

"No. I'm sorry my lady, but I cannot harm them. I don't know why you're so convinced that they're a threat, but I can't just kill them. Neptune is one of my closest friends, and I owe Zed my life." she looked at me with a mix of disappointment and fear. "Is...is that your final answer? Will you not reconsider?" my answer was the same, no matter how many times she asked. "No, my answer is final." her face changed into a serious expression. "Then I suppose plan B will have to do." she then pulled out a phone, something that I found strange considering Leanboxes' lack of technology, before speaking into it. "Yvoire, plan B." plan B? (Wait, if she was planning on making me poison them, does she have someone else as a back-up?) before I could run out of the room, I felt a hand grab my wrist. "i can't let you interfere. If you leave here, I will have the entire Basilicom after you." (Dammit!) while I was strong, the sheer number of staff the Basilicom had would eventually tire me out.

Thinking quickly however, I remembered the crystal Zed had given me. Bringing it out from one of my pockets, I tried focusing on the orange-brown haired man, only to be disappointed. Nothing had happened. Looking at the object in my hand, I noticed it began losing any and all colour, orange-gold energy flowing from it, and flying off elsewhere, eventually becoming as clear as glass. For whatever reason, the damn thing chose now of all times to not work.

I stayed, but that didn't mean I sat there and did nothing. "Why are you doing this, why have them killed?" if I couldn't warn them, then maybe I could learn exactly why Lady Green Heart wanted them dead and convince her to not go through with it. "I've seen the destruction they've caused in Lastation, I can't allow anything like that to happen here." her face was completely serious as she spoke, confusing me. "What destruction? The only thing they did in Lastation was rescue Noire and keep her safe." she didn't look convinced at all. "Liar." what? "I'm not lying! You can check with Noire herself!"

"Nice try, I know she's already been coerced by that leader of yours!" was she talking about Zed? "Coerced? He rescued her! If not for him, she'd still be in the clutches of Avenir!" I was starting to get angry, she was going to have Zed and Neptune killed, and for what? Destruction they never caused in the first place! "Who told you that shit!?" normally I would have never even thought of speaking vulgarly to Lady Green Heart like this, but the entire situation was just batshit insane!

Zed POV

Surprisingly, when Neptune and I arrived at the Basilicom, we encountered Compa. Apparently IF had also been summoned by Lady Green Heart. "Wanna come with us Compa?" Neptune asked, being as friendly as ever. The nurse-in-training nodded her head in affirmation and joined us on our little detour. After asking a member of staff, who politely gave us directions, we were able to reach our destination. Said destination ended up being an elaborate dining room. "Ah, Mr Zed and Miss Neptune, I presume?" as soon as we entered the room, we were greeted by another staff member.

"Indeed/Yup!" we answered back. "Oh, and who's this?" the man gestured to Compa, who was smiling happi-what if she kne- ignoring the non-literal voice in my head, I replied. "This is Compa, a dear friend of ours, that is not a problem, is it?" I asked. If it somehow was, I would be having words with his superior. thankfully, he shook his head. "Not at all, though unfortunately there was a limited amount of food prepared. She may stay, but she won't be served." he spoke factually. "Fair enough sir, one of us will just have to share." I said, the former to the member of staff, and the latter to Neptune.

"Rock paper scissors?" the purple-haired girl spoke, referring to a way of deciding who had to share. Knowing of her, quite astoundingly large, appetite. As well as my now non-existent own, I decided to choose another option. "it's fine dear, I'll share. I'm still satiated from our earlier meal." Neptune looked at me with a massive smile on her face. "You're a real pal Zeddy!" she thanked, causing a slight genuine smile to appear on my own face. Truly, i made the right decision in choosing to accompany her. "With that decided, perhaps we should sit? It seems our host is not here yet." I suggested. Neptune looked at me with what appeared to be...relief? "Finally, all the walking has made my knees turn to jelly." the purple-haired girl spoke exaggeratedly. From there the three of us sat down at the long table, the two girls sitting either side of me. "So, uh, what do you think Miss Green Tart wants to talk about?" excuse me? "Um, I think you mean Miss Green 'Heart', Nep-Nep." "Yeah, sure, whatever. Anyway, any guesses?" despite her... misnaming our host, she did have a point.

Why exactly were we called here? No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't think of an answer. "Perhaps we will just have to wait and see." I spoke. "Party-pooper, that response is no good. We need more spicy ones!" (what in the world is she on about?) "Eh, I'll go first. Maybe she's heard all about Zeddy and wishes to join our group? Wait, that would lead to her trying to steal my pudding suppli-I mean friend, away." Neptune began, before looking at me. "If she asks, you must absolutely say no, I mean it!" her gaze was completely serious.

"Very well." I had no other way of responding, being confused as I was. What I wouldn't give to know how her mind came to that conclusion. "Wait, Miss Green Heart wants to take Zeddy away!? You can't go with her Zeddy, please don't leave us!" Compa spoke, apparently only partially hearing Neptune's earlier words. Wanting her to calm down, I gently laid a hand on her shoulder. "Compa, no one is going to take me away. Neptune was merely making strange suggestions as she is prone to doing." thankfully my words appeared to calm the girl down. "Oh, good. Ah, sorry about the noise." Compa replied.

"it's alright." I, on the other hand, was definitely not. The act of simply laying a hand on her shoulder made me feel absolutely sick, what right did I have, knowing what I did to her- (Nono, calm down, you don't want to appear suspicious.) I didn't think I could ever be comfortable in her presence, but I couldn't let it show. She absolutely, could not, ever find out why. I knew I wouldn't be able to bear it if she asked questions. Thankfully the singular member of staff in the room began to converse with us shortly after.

"Our apologies, Lady Green Heart is busy at the moment, therefore she has had to postpone her appointment with you to a later date. However, I do hope you three will stay for the meal we have prepared, we have taken great lengths to provide you adequate service." despite being thankful at his interruption, I also couldn't help but feel suspicious. With Lady Green Heart being an active goddess, it was strange to see such blatant disregard for basic planning. "Aw snap, well Zeddy, at least we're getting fed." Neptune spoke, sounding disappointed, but seeing a silver lining. "Ooooh, I wonder what kind of food we'll get!" Compa said excitedly.

Fortunately for her, our food did not take long to be served. "Oooh, this stuff looks amazing!" Neptune spoke. I couldn't help but agree, the food looked quite delectable indeed. "Ahhhhh." Compa even looked to have sparkles in her eyes. "Sir, Madams, I do hope you enjoy." the server spoke, before swiftly exiting, leaving only, Compa, Neptune, and myself in the room. "Hmm, I suppose it would be quite rude of us to refuse, lets partake, shall we?" "Well duh, it eatin' time!" "..."

"Hmm, Compa, ya feeling okay? You're looking at your plate as if it'll suddenly move or something." Neptune asked. Looking towards Compa myself, I saw that she was indeed looking at her plate of food strangely. "Indeed, is something the matter?" she looked at us apologetically. "Ah, its nothing. My tummy just feels a little strange is all." she spoke. "Ah, I get it, you must have eaten something strange earlier." Neptune said. "In that case, ya don't mind if I swipe your plate, do you?" she continued. Compa, on her part, only nodded. Neptune then slid all of the food on the nurse's plate onto her own, before beginning to eat.

I, not wishing to be rude to the chefs, quickly followed. (Hmm, to be honest, this is quite good.) the dish was well made, far surpassing anything I could make. (I wouldn't mind eating this type of food ever da-)

*CLANG*

*THUD*

"NEP-NEP!"

(Play Azure Striker Gunvolt OST- Struck By Tragedy)

Suddenly, Neptune collapsed, and began convulsing on the floor. (what the fu-nngggggaahhh!) before I could check up on the collapsed girl, I felt a sudden rush of pain flood through my body. My entire being felt as if it were being stabbed by red-hot knives then submerged in ice-cold water. The contradictory feeling worsening as time went on. An indescribable amount of aching and nausea invaded my mind. Being barely able to even think, I tried my best to move closer to Neptune. If it was this excruciating for me, how did she feel?

Placing one of her hands in mine, I willed forth my Septimal energy and attempted to heal her through the pain. (ngghhh, ahhhhrgggg.) but no matter how hard I tried, I could not utter the words, the pain being too much for me. Instead, I began mindlessly forcing my Septimal energy through her body. For a moment, her convulsions halted, but just as quickly started up again. Not knowing what else, I continued to supply her with energy, hoping it would eventually outpace the pain.

(uuuurrrgghhhhhh) black spots started appearing in the corners of my vision, I found it more and more difficult to stay focused as time went on. "AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" Neptune began screaming, the pain of whatever got into her system seemingly surpassing itself by the second. The sound sending chills down my spine, though fortunately sharpening my focus. Using all of my willpower, I forced myself through the blinding pain, continuing my attempt at healing her.

(fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckFUCK!) it wasn't working! No matter how much energy I poured into her, the screams didn't show any signs of stopping, the pain was not going away. (Rex...i don't care...what you...take...just save...her.) no matter the cost, I could not, would not, let her die!

!

Suddenly, a warm sensation came over me, starting at my core, and quickly spreading. Slowly, yet quickening in pace, the nausea, the suffering, the pain, started to fade. Staring at Neptune, the girl was covered in a whitish-gold aura, her screams halting completely. (What is...going on?)

*THUD*

Looking towards the sound, I saw Compa collapse onto the floor. Beyond that however, without the pain and Neptune's impending demise filling my mind, something else took its place.

Rage

Pure unadulterated

Rage.

Compa POV

I was interested in medicine from a young age. I remember my daddy having injuries from work as an adventurer, he would always try his best not to show just how much pain he was in, but I saw through it. His injuries put him through so much. That is, until he was visited by the local paramedics. They, as if by magic, cleaned his wounds and stopped his pain, and in a matter of weeks, my daddy was completely healed. . that was the first time I saw the amazing abilities medical professionals had, the smiles they could put on people's faces.

From then on, I decided that I would become a nurse. On my birthdays and Christmases, I would always ask for biology books and medical supplies. My daddy and mummy would look at me weirdly. "Why are you interested in such adult things, Compa?" they'd ask, every single time. But I didn't tell them why. I wanted to surprise them when I eventually became a nurse, when I had saved people from their pain, just as those doctors and nurses did my daddy.

But, a day before my qualification exam, my daddy, my sweet, loving, and understanding father, as well as my caring, supporting mother.

Died.

Killed during a monster attack while I was away in Planeptune.

At the time, I was beyond emotional, I couldn't focus, couldn't think straight at all. Therefore, I didn't show up for my exam. I failed. Not only had the people I loved the most died, but I had also failed them, failed myself.

But I knew that they wouldn't wish for me to be sad, they wouldn't ever wish to cause me any pain.

So, I smiled, I laughed, I cheered. Fake as it was in the beginning, I decided to never let myself down, let them down, ever again. I would remain their cheery, ever-happy daughter.

Then I met Zeddy, Nep-Nep, and Iffy. They changed everything. When Zeddy was injured by the Guard Vermin, I managed to nurse him back to health. When Nep-Nep fell from the sky, I manged to heal her wounds. With them, I had proof that I wasn't a failure, that I was still someone who my parents could say they were proud of. I had proven my worth, and made the best of friends, all at once.

Now those same people, were on the floor, screaming in agony.

"Nep-Nep!"

First was Neptune, then went Zeddy. Both were quick to fall, and keel over in pain. I was shocked still. From the looks of it, they were poisoned by something very potent. By the looks of it, they would not survive long enough for me to get help. What should I do, what could I do?

{you wish to save them, correct? Then call me, call upon my true name, and they will live.}

The mysterious voice from back when Zeddy and I went on that quest reappeared, now speaking the same language I did.

But what was its' name?

{search within thyself child, you have the knowledge.}

Neptunes' screams and Zeddy's convulsions continued, the sight and sound of such being a never-ending nightmare that was scarily real.

{Choose, child of the God Eater.}

Then, as if appearing by fate, a name came to mind. A name I had sworn to never of heard of before, yet felt so familiar.

(AMATERASU!)

{Ha, indeed you appear to know it. Very well, my power is yours, for now.}

I felt a rush of seemingly endless power go through me. As if by instinct I raised my hand and uttered a phrase.

"Glorious sun, which gives life to the earth."

"Whose rays brought light to the eternal night."

"Bring life to the lost, let salvation await!"

"Sanitatem lucem!"

Golden-white light surrounded Zeddy and Nep-Nep, and their screams, their convulsions, Stopped. I had healed them. (Heh, are you proud of me...mum...dad.) I felt faint. My eyes felt heavy. Before I knew it, I was fast asleep.

*THUD*

Neptune POV

It was weird. One moment I was eating really good food with two of my besties. The next, I collapsed, feeling the worst pain I've ever felt. Boiling hot, freezing cold, I felt both feelings stab through me at the same time. My head felt as if it were being crushed together, yet also ripped apart. The influx of information making me go completely silent.

Until the pain was just too much.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"

My mind was too overloaded for me to think. All five of my senses ignoring everything apart from the agony. The feeling persisting for what felt like forever. At one point I started feeling something else, a warmth that was ever so needed flowed through me, muting the pain. But it was only temporary. a mere moment later, the pain returned. This happened on repeat. The warmth would come, but the pain would eventually surpass it.

At one point, I felt death would have been a far better alternative.

However, as I felt myself slipping, I began feeling something else. a different kind of warmth, similar to a mother's hug. I felt it flow through me completely. Within a short moment, the pain had gone, leaving only exhaustion. My eyes were quick to close.

Bystander POV- outside the Basilicom

Today had been quite a good one. I had finished work in the fields earlier than expected, so I was able to return home far earlier than usual. Meaning I would be able to spend more time with my wife and son. I couldn't help but smile proudly as I strode onwards.

"What in the world is that!?" wandering just past the residence of our Lady Green Heart, I saw something absolutely unbelievable.

The entire building was surrounded by pillars of flames!

Being not too far away from the point of origin, I felt waves of scorching heat roll over me.

(what-what the hell!?)

It was fair to say I was both scared and confused. Not knowing what else to do, I attempted to run as fast as I could back home. Whatever this was, whatever this meant, I was too scared to care. Even if this meant the beginning of the end, I would have at least wanted to see my family. I had faith in Lady Green Heart, as all Leanboxians did. But I cared about my life more, like any sane person would.

*chirp*

"Huh?" before I could start running away, I was interrupted. The creature looked like a feathery dragon. Its slit eyes began staring into my own, I had a feeling it was trying to tell me something. "What do you want little feller?" the creature began gripping at my shirt with its maw, before dragging me off. Within moments, I was home. The strange creature looked at me once more, something akin to relief in its' eyes, before flying off.

Looking far into the distance, I saw that the fire around the Basilicom had spread. Something was happening, and I was too scared to question what.

Zed POV

"Where is she?" "I-i don't know!" my hand wrapped around his neck, slowly tightening. Eventually, he gave in. "S-she's in her bedroom." he was a guard. His job was to protect the goddess of Leanbox. Yet, when his life was on the line, he gave in immediately. "Pathetic." Moving on from that, I was able to gather just where exactly her bedroom was. There were guards, they were many. But they would not stand in my way.

Soon enough, I found myself at a door. But before I could tear it open. Rex began speaking. (Are you sure of this? If you continue as you are, there will be no going back. I sense your thoughts; you plan to kill the woman who orchestrated this. While I cannot blame you, I insist you think it through.) he spoke. (There is nothing to think over.) the door was blown of its' hinges. Revealing IF, and a blond woman who fit the description the guards oh-so-helpfully gave. Summoning a blade, I dashed forward.

There were to be no mercy, for where was mine? Where was Neptune's?

*CLANG*

(Play Xenoblade Chronicles 2 OST- Counterattack.)

"Zed stop!" before my blade could land, IF got in the way, blocking my strike with her own weapons. (Why is she getting in my way?) "Where is your killer instinct? Now is the time!" she did not budge an inch. "Are you really going to kill her, just because she was afraid?" what sort of question was that? "Are you not aware of what she has done!? Neptune and I suffered agony, the both of us almost died! All because she was a coward? Are you really going to let her go so easily?" I wanted her dead, I wished to burn this place to the ground, to make her feel the same pain she caused us. Her and her guards.

(They tried taking her away from me, my everything. So I will take everything from them.)

"I'm not saying she should get away with what she's done. But think about all the innocent people of Leanbox. They look up to Green Heart for guidance and hope. If you kill her, the entire landmass will fall into chaos, you'll be hunted for the rest of your days, us as well! Will you really Cause harm to so many innocents, just for the sake of revenge!? (Stop it. Shut up!) "Do not stand in my way!" her eyes were resolute, full of determination. But also sorrowful. "I'm sorry, Zed. But I can't let you do this." she pushed back with her weapons, something I went along with, causing a gap between her and I.

"So. You have switched sides. Very well then. You can die together." She must have betrayed me! That had to be it!

"Luminous swords point towards heaven." golden-orange energy gathered around me, as verdant green gathered around my opponent.

"Regret cannot stop their revelation." the energy began shaping form.

"Accept your righteous ruin!" radiant blades took form before me, as emerald winds enveloped my foe.

"Rexcali-"

"Ven-"

"ZEDDY, STOP!"

(W-what is she-) before either of us could finish our attacks, Compa had somehow gotten between us.

Compa POV

{you have done well, but you cannot rest yet.} (what do you mean?) Zeddy and Nep-Nep were saved, so what more was there to do? {The Stranger, the one you refer to as 'Zeddy', is quickly becoming more and more dangerous.} what was she talking about? Zeddy isn't dangerous, strong, yes, but not dangerous! (What do you mean?) {his rage, caused by his near-death experience, as well as the one caused to the one you refer to as 'Nep-Nep', has broken him. So great is his rage, that it will burn everything if left unchecked.}

What!? (B-but Zeddy would never hurt innocent people!) he wouldn't, I knew it in my heart! {maybe not willingly, or consciously for that matter, but his strange abilities care not for innocence.} I had seen Zeddy do things no one else could. I had seen him heal great wounds in an instant, I had seen him destroy dangerous monsters with radiant golden-orange flames. (If he was to get really angry, maybe he really could be capable of things like that.) I didn't like thinking that, that one of my besties could do something like that, but Ammie hadn't lied to me so far...

{right now, you are asleep. Your use of my power was too much for your body to currently handle. But I can overload your body, so to speak, to force you awake for a time. When I do you must hurry and stop the Stranger.} I was nervous of course, but I understood this was something I had to do. I had to save Zeddy from himself. (I-I'm ready.) I wasn't, not really, but I had no time. {very well, I will keep you stable for as long as possible. Good luck, child of Akos.}

Then I awoke.

I felt unimaginable power flow through me, a comforting warmth similar to sitting near a fire on a cold day. Snapping myself out of my initial surprise, I focused on what I had to do. {I can sense his presence; therefore, I can lead you to him. You just need to focus on moving.} doing as the voice said, I moved through the halls of Leanboxes' Basilicom. Along the way, I discovered numerous guards, all of them unconscious and sporting numerous, non-fatal wounds. (W-what?) that was not the Zeddy I knew.

(I-I have to hurry!) quickening my pace, I began hearing loud shouting, following the noise, I reached a room. And inside that room, was a blonde-haired woman with green eyes, as well as Iffy and Zeddy, who looked like they were in the middle of fighting.

"ZEDDY STOP!"

Zed POV

Compa, who had appeared out of seemingly nowhere, now stood between IF and I, arms spread out. Her sudden appearance interrupting my casting, dispersing the produced energy. "Out of my way, she must pay for what she has done." my head hurt, my heart beat wildly in my chest. I needed to finish this quickly. "Zeddy, you can't, Nep-Nep wouldn't want this!" horrific memories assaulted my mind. The pain, the guilt, every emotion I felt the day before, returned. Her face, the face of the granddaughter whose grandfather I had slain with my own two hands. Was staring into mine.

And what was I about to do? What sin was I ever-so prepared to commit once again?

My rage began to quickly leave me, too weak against the violent torrent of guilt and regret. My blade slipped out of my hand, disappearing into a flash of golden-orange flames.

*THUD*

I fell to my knees. Overcome by my own emotions. Not too soon after however, I felt a pair of arms wrap around me. "it's okay, Zeddy. Nep-Nep is safe. We're...all...safe." the peach-haired girl collapsed, falling onto me. With her unconscious I was left with the gazes of two pairs of eyes, one belonging to IF, the other, to the Goddess of Leanbox. My mind was clearer now, I understood fully, the acts I was moments away from committing.

If I didn't hate myself before, I most definitely did now.

END OF CHAPTER

An: So, what did you think? Did I do the previews justice? Was this what you were expecting? Did I overdo it with the edginess and emo-ness?

I was trying to convey the fact that despite Zed trying to act normal, Ban's death still weighed on him. Though I also didn't want to make this an edge-fest.

Good news is that I have the rest of this arc figured out, bad news, is that it's more than likely going to be the next chapter, and I'll need a lot more time to fully flesh out the beginning of the next arc. I have to give everyone's favourite angry muffin some characterisation, after all.

Please feel free to leave a review telling me about your thoughts on this chapter, be as simple or descriptive as you like!

Previews will be rare in future, unfortunately; I had been doing them pre-emptively up until now, meaning before I actually write the chapters, which lead to inaccuracies. For now, unless I somehow get ahead on chapters, previews won't be a thing. My apologies.