AN: Here we are once again. Ugghhh. So many bad news. The worst of which was the passing of Akira Toriyama. May he rest in peace.
Conspiracy
Mòrag was busy going through reports and notes she had in her office. All these papers were leading her towards the answer to one simple question. How did Ryuko and Satsuki get their hands on official documents that permitted them entry to an Ardainian military base? This had some uncomfortable implications of a high-ranking Ardainian noble or officer being involved. That said, Mòrag's investigation has already narrowed down the list of possible culprits significantly. Although there was one name she was tempted to strike out of the list purely because that one wasn't mentally capable of a plot like this, but for the sake of being thorough and because certain pieces of investigation point towards the name in question she still hadn't done it yet. Which was why she had asked Qrow to see if he could verify her suspicions. After all, with his unique set of skills he should be able to sneak close enough to verify things without being caught.
"Qrow is coming back!" yelled Kasandra who was sitting in a chair impatiently, startling the Special Inquisitor out of her thoughts.
Mòrag let out a weary sigh as she rearranged the papers. "Then go to the gates and escort him in."
"Not in the city, the sky." Kasandra clarified.
"What?" Mòrag asked with a bewildered look. Just then, something knocked on the window. Looking to the source, Mòrag saw a red-eyed black bird standing on the windowsill outside pecking on the glass. "Right." The woman sighed in mild disbelief and moved to open the latch so that the window could be opened. The bird hopped to the side to dodge the opening and then flew inside. Mòrag had barely turned around before Qrow stood up off the kneeling position on the floor. "Did you find anything?"
"Yeah. And I'm surprised that someone that crazy was involved without botching anything." Qrow said, reaching for his flask, but then his Kasandra sense tingled and he gave up on that plan. "More importantly, he's the Driver of those two and can't keep his hands to himself."
Surprise briefly washed over Mòrag's face before her look hardened, "Elaborate."
Qrow took a free chair and sat down. "Let's see, he groped the white-clothed one and-" "Not that! His involvement!" Mòrag yelled in outrage.
"Alright, alright." Qrow raised his hands in surrender, "Well mostly he was rambling about the changes he would make for the Empire once he became the emperor. He also said something about looking forward to the new crown that he commissioned. He also bragged about how he had the city in his pocket now. Though it sounded like he had some people backing him up. But from the sound of it, they're not Ardainians. or at least he called one of them a furball."
"Then it all adds up." Mòrag said with a furious look, "This backer wants to overthrow Niall and put that...imbecile on the throne so that Mor Ardain would collapse. And judging by their attempt on Queen Raqura, these people are also targeting Uraya."
"So, they're anarchists who want to destroy nations." Qrow sighed, "I took a look at the city while I was there and I can tell you, if that guy gets on the throne that's the end of Mor Ardain."
"Is it that bad?" Mòrag asked with a scowl.
"Well, not with a quick glance, but if you look closer, you realize there is a tension in the air. Like an open container of unstable Dust that could blow up if you so much as sneeze near it." Qrow explained. "But I can say this based on what little I heard about his plans, if that guy gets the throne, things will get worse for the entire world."
"I take it you didn't actually talk to anyone," Mòrag stated, trying to ignore the part about the world that they had all fought so hard for being in danger.
"Nope." Qrow popped the p with a cheeky grin, "Didn't think it was safe for me to walk there, what with soldiers patrolling at every corner."
"That sounds troublesome," Mòrag muttered as she brought her hand to her chin in thought. "Was there anything else?"
"Not unless you count his delusions about Pyra and Mythra," Qrow said, sounding like he was trying to hold back laughter.
"...I'm afraid to ask, but what did he say?" Mòrag asked, bracing herself for the worst.
"Oh, just that once he has awakened them, the Aegises will be good additions to his harem. Honestly, it sounds to me like that geezer has some kind of god complex." Qrow explained, letting out a small laughter at the end.
Mòrag had a disgusted look at the said delusions. She had heard some similar talks about Brighid. Except those were innocent by comparison. Some were wishes from soldiers to have a smile out of her for a job well done, a pat on the head, or even a kiss on the cheek. The last one always earned a sarcastic "Right, and then the Queen of Uraya wants you as her royal consort." or something similar. Regardless, those were few and far between and Brighid herself finds them hilarious. But sadly, the delusions of this madman are neither innocent nor hilarious. "What we have now is enough to start a full investigation, but I fear that Dreyf won't go down without a fight. We will have to get him away from his troops somehow. Without him in command, the rest of the soldiers should submit to the Emperor's authority. And hopefully with minimal casualties."
At that moment, Qrow's Scroll rang. "Hmm?" Picking up the device, the veteran huntsman saw that it was from Yang. The man shared a glance with Mòrag who gave her permission with a nod. With that, Qrow answered, "Wassup, firecracker?... Really?... Well, well. Isn't that convenient," Qrow grinned as he shared a conspiratorial smile with Mòrag. The Special Inquisitor had a feeling that something good just fell on their lap as she allowed herself to smile.
A few days later, Yang and Dragunov moved down the hallway of the old town of Teddim where they were supposed to make the transaction for the Dragunites. Or at least where instructions received from the client directed them to. The draconic Blade still wasn't happy about this plan, especially after he heard what the client wanted the gems for.
Yang understood very much, considering his reaction to the recreation of Wind Dragunite. Besides, the gems are too big to be put on a crown as they are so they would need to be cut and according to him, the gems would lose their effect of having the elements they represent swirling inside them if that happened. This made Yang clutch the wooden case that contained the eight treasures a little tighter. She was still surprised that Dragunov trusted her with them. Truthfully, she felt flattered by her Blade trusting something so precious into her hands. Not that he needed to know that.
Dragunov sniffed the air as he turned to another corridor, "This way."
"How does your nose tell us where to go?" Yang couldn't help asking as they then entered into a large open room with a walkway that led to the other side where stairs that would lead upwards could be seen. But they weren't interested in that, instead they moved downstairs which was right next to the doorway they came from.
"It smelled less stuffy," Dragunov replied.
"I didn't smell anything different," Yang said, trying to sniff the air herself, but all she smelled was dry air and metal. Then again, Dragunov's nose is far keener than hers.
"Your nose is a decoration compared to mine." Dragunov joked, "While mine is nothing to sniff at." Then he sniffed a few times.
Despite being insulted, Yang snorted in amusement at the joke. "I understand, your sniffiness. Or at least that you nose where we are."
Now it was Dragunov who snorted. "That was horrible."
"Yeah, not my best work," Yang admitted. After going down several flights of stairs they moved to a door. Yang took a closer look at the metal door with a round window on it to peek what was outside. "It's not fully closed, just like the instructions said." With that, Yang stuck her fingers on the slightly ajar door and pulled on it, sliding it the rest of the way open. A small breeze greeted her as she looked outside. Looking outside, Yang saw another walkway surrounding a large pipe. The walkway had stairs that led down and up. Or probably used to have instead of upstairs that seemed to end halfway. Maybe whatever they led to had collapsed, making those stairs useless. Lucky for Yang, they weren't going up, but down. Looking at the walkway that had multiple holes that allowed her to see downwards, a certain thought crossed her mind. "I'm surprised this thing is still sturdy enough to carry you," Yang said looking at large patches of rust on the metal.
"Lucky me then," Dragunov said without a care in the world, until his right leg fell through the floor, earning a yelp from him. After gathering his wits, the dragon gave his Driver an accusing look, "You cursed me."
"Oh please, you don't seriously believe that," Yang said, trying not to laugh at her Blade who was already pulling his leg out of the new hole. "But yeah, I would blame something like this on Uncle Qrow, but he's not here."
"Shame he's not then," Dragunov said as he now looked more carefully at where he stepped as he and Yang continued to the stairs that went down to another walkway, and then another set of stairs that went around the pipe that was going down into the ground.
Once the two reached the bottom of the stairs, Yang took the note from her pocket and read it over. "It says now we need to find the nearest set of stairs and turn right until we reach our destination."
"Like those?" Dragunov asked, looking towards another set of stairs not far from them.
"Probably, let's go. I'm starting to get tired of this." Yang said and started moving in that direction. "I should have taken Bumblebee for this trip."
"The bike would have been useless in the district. Besides, I think we would have fallen here if my leg has anything to say about it." Dragunov said as the two made it down the stairs. Strangely the only monster in here they saw was a Mammut. And even that was a fair ways away and to their left which meant that they didn't need to go near it.
"Whoa!" Yang let out as they walked what they now guessed was Mor Ardain's chest. At least judging by the Titan's head looming ahead and above their current position. Seeing Mor Ardain was a very intimidating sight the first time she and the others had arrived in this world. It would still be if it wasn't for the fact that it wasn't moving anymore. Just like all the other Titans. Come to think of it, Mor Ardain was supposed to crumble under its own weight, but it still hasn't. "Drag, do you think the Titan is dead?" Yang asked.
"Honestly, I don't know." Dragunov shrugged, "The thing I'm more worried about, is that now that the Titans have become one with the land, what will happen to us Blades now?"
"That's right, no more Titans means no more Blades... But...becoming a Titan was part of the life-cycle of a Blade, so what happens now that the cycle is broken." Yang muttered, now looking a little sad.
Dragunov sighed heavily, "...Maybe we should focus on the mission."
Yang nodded and the two kept going towards the final step of the instructions. Soon enough they spotted a large metal building protruding out of the cliff that is part of Mor Ardain's body. And a set of twin doors were wide open.
"...You smell an ambush too, right?" Yang asked, giving the open doors a highly distrusting look.
"Oh, it reeks of one," Dragunov said, glaring at the open invitation. "...I'm starting to wonder if that guy is just planning to kill us and take my treasures." the fire Blade's cracks along his stone scales glowed red at that thought.
"...Still gotta go in." Yang said, "Just be ready to fight our way out in case you're right."
"Only if you swear on Ruby's life not to drop the Dragunites." Dragunov sounded terrifyingly serious about it. Earning a red-eyed glare from his Driver. "Okay, fine. Just don't drop them."
With that, the two went inside, fully expecting an attack. Suddenly the doors slid shut behind them.
"You got the goods?" Asked a voice from behind them. The fiery Blade and Driver turned around to see Ryuko staring at them, hand on a switch that no doubt closed the doors.
"All eight." Yang gave the reply that was instructed on the note.
"Good, follow me." Ryuko then said before walking past them and further into the large hallway that acted as the lobby.
Yang and Dragunov moved after the Blade, but they kept their eyes on her and their surroundings just in case this was a trick.
After walking down a strangely clean metal hallway, the three were in the factory proper. A large warehouse with multiple buildings and some metal walkways crisscrossing above them. They also noticed a few factory lines that weren't in use anymore.
"So uhh... Just out of curiosity, what was your boss planning with the Dragunites?" Yang tried to make conversation.
"That's not for me to tell you," Ryuko said dismissively as she led them to a rather large building with multiple Ardainian soldiers guarding it. Some of them were Drivers. Looking up the windows, Yang saw that at least two people were watching them from a window on the fourth story of the building. She couldn't make out the shapes clearly from the ground floor, but she did have a good guess on who it was. And from what little she had heard made her blood boil.
The soldiers didn't stop the three when Ryuko entered through the sliding doors of the building with Yang and Dragunov right behind her. Moving inside, Ryuko immediately led them up the stairs. Yang was honestly surprised, that the place seemed so empty. But then, upon reaching the fourth floor which looked like some kind of control room, Yang saw an extravagant couch with a fancy coffee table in front of it that looked very out of place. And on that couch sat the man who wanted the gems, Count Dreyf. Mòrag and Nia weren't kidding, this guy was a lard barrel. Or well, Nia called him a lard barrel, while Mòrag simply called him round. Standing next to the couch on the left was Satsuki. Then Ryuko moved to the right to join in guarding Dreyf who was the two's Driver apparently. There were also four soldiers in the room with their rifles in hand.
Dreyf had an arrogant smile as he didn't even mask inspecting Yang from top to bottom. "So, you are the one to deliver my order? How considerate of them to send a pretty thing like yourself here."
Yang resisted a cringe at the blatant flirting and instead presented the case, moving to put it on the coffee table.
"Uh-uh-uuh." The count said, raising a hand in a stopping gesture, before motioning to Satsuki, "Be a dear and inspect the case for me."
With that, Satsuki moved to Yang and accepted the case. Then the white-clad Blade opened it to inspect the contents. "These are the Dragunites, sir." Satsuki said as she looked towards Dreyf.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Bring them here." Dreyf said impatiently as he even wagged his finger like Satsuki was some kind of pet. Satsuki obeyed and placed the open case in front of her Driver. Then Dreyf leaned towards the now open case as he produced a small loupe from his breast pocket. Then he picked up the bright yellow diamond, the Light Dragunite first, and put the loupe over his eye to inspect it. "Hmmm... Yes, this is definitely the genuine article. From soft rays to dazzling brightness." Dreyf said as he turned the gem every which way. Then he placed that away and inspected the dark purple, almost black, diamond, the Dark Dragunite next. "...From the calming velvety blanket to an all consuming void." Dreyf then placed that one down before picking up the yellow Electric Dragunite, "From singular sparks, to an untamable lightning storm.". Next up was the brown Earth Dragunite, "From the soft soil, to unyielding mountains.". Then came the cyan colored Ice Dragunite, "From beautiful glaciers to unfeeling blizzard." Now the blue Water Dragunite, "From calm crystal clear surface to unrelenting waves.". Then the red Fire Dragunite, "From warming flame, to a raging inferno." Lastly, the green Wind Dragunite, "From a gentle breeze, to an unrelenting gale.". With the final one, Dreyf gave off a sinister smile, "I must admit, this one is a very good replica."
"What?" Yang asked while Dragunov looked angry.
"I have it on good authority that the Wind Dragunite was shattered a long time ago." Dreyf said with a smirk, "But I am curious, where did you procure such a convincing replica."
"That's the real deal." Dragunov said with an angry look.
"Oh, I think not." Dreyf said now sighing, "You know, I was planning to just let you go if you had told me the truth, but now I must find out where this replica came from." With that, Dreyf signaled to his guards who trained their weapons on the two.
"Wait! Do you know the story of the Dragunites?" Yang quickly asked, earning a surprised look from her Blade.
Dreyf raised his hand to stop his guards. "The story?"
"How did the Dragunites come to be? Do you know that?" Yang asked quickly, causing Dragunov to look alarmed.
"I heard they were created by a Blade. What of it?" Dreyf asked with a raised eyebrow.
With that, Yang gave her Blade a look. Dragunov narrowed his eyes in a silent message. Yang then motioned her head towards Dreyf. The two held their gazes for a few moments before Dragunov growled and gave Dreyf his attention. "My name is Dragunov." Dragunov then introduced himself.
"And?" Dreyf asked with a warning tone. Instead of answering, Dragunov crossed his arms and gave a pointed look to the Wind Dragunite that was still in the count's hand. The count followed the gaze to the green diamond. Then the cogs started turning, judging by his eyes visibly widening. "You created the Dragunites?"
"Over the course of many lifetimes to my understanding," Dragunov said simply.
"So, the destroyed Wind Dragunite... You made a new one?" Dreyf had a glint in his eyes that Dragunov didn't like.
"Yes."
Dreyf had a gleeful look on his face as he visibly worked to compose himself. Then he turned his attention to Yang, "Miss, I would like to buy your Blade. How much does he cost? I can pay anything you ask."
Yang's eyes widened at this guy actually wanting to buy Dragunov off of her like he was some kind of object. Then she felt warmth at her side and a quick look revealed that Dragunov's cracks were glowing orange, even though his face was neutral. "What do you say, Drag? Want to become this guy's Blade?"
Dragunov's head snapped towards his Driver in a look that can only be described as a shocked betrayal. "Over my shattered Core!" Dragunov roared, his cracks turning gold now.
Unfazed by her Blade's wrath, Yang turned back to Dreyf and shrugged her shoulders, "Well, you heard the man. He doesn't want to." Though, she did notice how Dragunov stopped emitting heat.
"But I'm asking you, though, miss. As I said, I can pay anything you ask. You won't have to work another day in your life." Dreyf said with his attempt at a charming smile. "And if you were to still decline, I do have other ways to acquire him."
Yang scowled at this, "I'm sure you could pay whatever I asked, but the thing is, and I can't believe I'm saying this, I would miss him. As for the other way you mentioned, if that meant killing me, then Dragunov only knows how to make Wind Dragunite. And if anything happens to me, he won't remember that if you were to awaken him."
"...That would be troublesome." Dreyf then said in thought. Then he brightened up, "Oh! I know what arrangement we can make, one that benefits all of us."
"And what would that be?" Yang wasn't sure why, but she had a feeling that this old guy had a very twisted idea of benefits.
"Why don't you become my concubine," Dreyf said like he was offering the moon from the sky.
"Excuse me?!" Yang and Dragunov let out as one.
"I understand your confusion, usually such an honor isn't bestowed on a commoner." Dreyf explained, sounding completely serious, "But you are beautiful enough to qualify. What do you say, my dear? Becoming the concubine of a future emperor allows you to live in the lap of luxury, and who knows, if I find myself unable to find a proper wife, you might even receive the honor of giving birth to my heir. Of course, we will have to make some changes for you. And of course, most importantly, your Blade will use his abilities to mass-produce beautiful gems for me."
As Dreyf explained this, Yang took a look at Ryuko and Satsuki. The two Blades shared a look that Yang interpreted as, "Is this seriously happening?".
"-and of course, you will relieve my stress from the day anytime I ask." Dreyf finished the explanation that Yang had unknowingly tuned out.
Unfortunately, she now had the urge to find brain bleach at the horrible thoughts that wanted to creep up into her consciousness. Judging by the heat emitting from the side, Dragunov wasn't any more thrilled about the prospect, or maybe just the part about him being a gem factory. "I uhh... What I uhh..." Yang had no idea what to say other than what was on her mind, but she was supposed to buy time until everyone else could launch the attack. Which meant that she couldn't blow her cover just yet. And yet, a very big part of her was screaming, "Screw the plan, this old fart dies now!"
"Okay, I have to ask." Ryuko suddenly piped up, "Why do those cracks of his start glowing every time-"
"Ryuko! What have I told you about speaking out of turn?" Dreyf said angrily, turning to face the dark sailor uniform-clad girl. Ryuko just rolled her eyes and looked away in annoyance. "Why is it so hard for you to be nice and obedient like Satsuki." Dreyf sighed.
"Screw you," Ryuko said, not bothering to acknowledge the man. Suddenly several bangs were coming from outside.
"What was that?" Dreyf demanded even as one of the guards moved to the windows.
"We're under attack!" The soldier cried out.
"What?!" Dreyf stood up, his lavish cloths jiggling along with his mass at the sudden rise. "What were the sentries doing?! And who is attacking?!"
"The Emperors troops," the soldier said, "And the Flamebringer is leading them. Along with other Drivers."
"Oh thank goodness!" Yang couldn't help exclaiming, earning everyone's attention. "Count Dreyf, about your offer. My answer is, not in a million years!" Yang then deployed Ember Celica while Dragunov brought out his talons.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Dreyf all but demanded even as Ryuko and Satsuki drew their weapons.
"The meaning is-" Dragunov began with a grin that was mirrored by Yang. "-You're busted, jerkface!" The two yelled in unison and charged in.
(Play Xenoblade Chronicles 2 OST: Incoming!)
"Drag, keep them busy!" Yang called out as she went after one of the guards who opened fire, but she kept weaving so he missed. Then she gave a good punch on the face with enough force to slam him into a wall. The guard slumped down even as the blonde brawler went after the next one. Meanwhile, Dragunov engaged both Ryuko and Satsuki.
Satsuki tried to get Dragunov's attention so that Ryuko would be able to hit him from behind. Unfortunately for Ryuko, Dragunov was aware enough of her presence to swipe his tail at her when she got too close. Still, that also meant he couldn't give Satsuki his full attention. Although he finally felt his tail hit something that let out a high yelp of pain. Followed by the splintering of wood.
"Get me out of here, now!" Dreyf cried out as he retrieved the case from the floor where it landed after Dragunov swiped Ryuko to it. With that, the remaining guards gathered around Dreyf to secure his exit.
"Oh, no you don't!" Yang yelled out as she sent a shotgun blast at them. But Ryuko quickly rolled in and deployed a barrier just in time to stop it.
"Ryuko, Satsuki, keep them busy and then return!" Dreyf commanded as he and his guards ran down the stairs.
"Hold it, right there!" Yang yelled, trying to go after them, but Ryuko got back up and moved to block her.
"As much as I hate him, he's still my Driver. So, you'll have to go through me, blondie!" Ryuko declared and prepared her Scissor Blades. Now that Yang got a proper look at the weapons, she began feeling nervous. She had already lost a large chunk of her hair, which was still hidden by a ponytail. And the thought of losing the rest to those scissors was not pleasant.
As Yang and Ryuko had their standoff, Dragunov had managed to get Satsuki on her back by smacking the couch on her with one hand, splintering the lavish seat in the process. Then he tried to hit her with his talons, but the white-clad Chroma Katana wielder rolled out of the way and quickly got back up.
Satsuki realized quickly that this Blade was much stronger than her. Probably has Superstrength, judging by the dent he left on the floor along with punctures from his Knuckle Claws.
"Rending Scissors!" Ryuko called out, which was followed by a scream from Yang.
(Song change: Wanted Nia)
"Yang!" Dragunov yelled out in alarm, only to then notice Yang actually running behind him and hiding. Trembling like a leaf in the breeze.
"Don't let that thing near me!" Yang actually cried. Dragunov quickly looked to what Yang meant and his jaw dropped. It was Ryuko who looked just as baffled as him with her Scissor Blades combined into one large pair of scissors.
"Are you serious!" Dragunov roared at Yang, "It's just scissors!"
"Just scissors?!" Yang screamed back, "Those things could take out the rest of my hair!"
"Are you seriously more worried about your hair than your life?!" This was one of the few things Dragunov couldn't understand about Yang. He knew she liked her hair, but to cripple her in front of scissors? That was just ridiculous.
"Do you know how long it will take me to grow it back?!" Yang kept yelling, tears streaming down her face, which only further made Dragunov not know what to do. "It will be years off my life before it's back."
"...Umm... Sorry to ask, but is your Driver always like that?" Satsuki asked, earning the two's attention.
"I knew she liked her hair, but this is news to me," Dragunov said, clamping his hand over his mouth as he realized he did something he shouldn't have.
Satsuki shook her head, "It's a shame that all it takes is a pair of scissors to cripple her. Your strength is wasted on trash like her."
Dragunov's eyes narrowed, "She's still better than your Driver, though to be fair, that doesn't take much effort."
"Hey!" Yang cried out, actually forgetting her fears for a moment.
"Snip snip," Came from Ryuko who still had her Scissor Blades together and kept opening and closing them. Which then made Yang cling to Dragunov's side. Which in turn made Ryuko laugh.
"Yang, you're embarrassing me." The dragon growled lowly before letting out a defeated sigh, "You know what, how about we switch opponents."
(Song Change: Exploration)
"Sounds good!" Yang said, reluctantly letting go of her haven. Although she briefly looked outside. The Ardainian soldiers were still engaging Dreyfs forces, along with team JNPR, Oscar, Qrow, Rex, Nia, Mòrag, Tora and Ruby. Blake, Penny, and the twins were missing, but if they were doing their jobs, then Dreyf wouldn't get far. Which left them to clean up here.
"You know, I kind of feel sorry for you having such a bimbo for a Driver," Ryuko said with a smirk. "But I guess having a chest like that would make you very-" The Scissor Blades wielder stopped to put up a barrier to block a large fireball Dragunov flung at her even as the dragon Blade himself dashed at her to unleash his red glowing wrath.
As Ryuko fought Dragunov, Yang was facing off against Satsuki who kept her at blade's length. "You know, you should have accepted our Driver's offer. You could have spent the rest of your days in luxury, never wanting for anything. And all you would have to do is look pretty and maybe open your legs every once in a while."
Yang's eyes turned red as she deflected a slash from the Chroma Katana and sent in a punch. "Yeah, right! Who in their right mind would like that with old fatass. Besides, I like being active. Going places, fighting monsters. Maybe I'll settle down when I feel like it, but that's still a long time away."
Satsuki scowled at Yang and the two kept engaging each other. Unfortunately, as a Chroma Katana user, Satsuki specialized in avoiding attacks and giving a few quick strikes to Yang in return. "You're pretty strong for a human, but you can never defeat me." Satsuki taunted just before crossing her sword and sheath as she avoided another flurry from Yang. "Bakuzan: Gakou Kouryu!" Satsuki unleashed her Art on Yang, launching her against a wall with great force.
"Yang!" Dragunov called out in concern but was then forced to block Ryuko.
"Hairless eyebrows on me, ugly!" Ryuko yelled as she kept trying to slash wildly at the dragon.
Satsuki meanwhile took her chance to stab her Chroma Katan on now downed Yang's head. But at the last second, she moved her head to the side which caused the sword to stab into the wall. Then Yang grabbed Satsuki by the sword hand's wrist as her hair ignited with her semblance. "Got'cha." Yang said with a triumphant look before unleashing a single powerful punch to the side of Satsuki's face with her free arm. Launching the white-clad Blade through the window and who knows where from there.
(End Song)
Yang didn't waste time and jumped outside through the new hole. She then unleashed concussive blasts from Ember Celica to soften her landing. A quick look around told Yang that the fight was practically over. The Ardainian soldiers and her friends had beaten and subdued most of the enemies. Some of them looked like they had surrendered.
"Yang, are you okay?" Ruby asked quickly, "What was that?!"
"Just sent Satsuki flying," Yang said, looking proud of herself. Strangely she noticed that Satsuki was right in front of her, completely motionless. "Huh?" Yang looked upwards and saw a walkway that was greatly bent. Right around the height of the window, she came out of. "Well, that's lucky," Yang said with a grin.
"Yang, how was it? Where's Dreyf?" Jaune quickly asked.
"Drag's still fighting Ryuko and Dreyf got away," Yang said like nothing was wrong.
"Well then, let's hope that everyone else has done their part." Mòrag said with a smile, "In the meantime, perhaps we should go and assist Dragunov."
As if on cue, Dragunov let out a mighty roar which was followed by a shattering window. And then Ryuko fell on the floor, having bad-looking burns on her midriff and the bottom of her top looked singed.
"What happened to her?" Nora let out first even as Yang looked up.
"No." Yang said with a horrified look, "What have you done?!"
Before Ryuko could answer, a crash came from above, causing all Blades to deploy their barriers on their Drivers on instinct. Which protected them from the small amount of debris that came when Dragunov broke through the wall and jumped down. But they soon realized why Yang looked so horrified. That look was soon shared by everyone who had seen this before.
(Play Xenoblade Chronicles 2 OST: Death Match with Torna)
Dragunov stood back up in his Sun Dragon form and let out a roar of pure rage as the dragon heads spewed white flames above him.
"How?! How did he go Sun Dragon without Yang?!" Nia screamed out.
"That's what I want to know?!" Yang yelled back as she watched Dragunov's wrathful glowing gaze falling upon Ryuko who was now getting up.
"Soldiers! Mòrag yelled out, "Take the prisoners and get out of here now!"
"Ma'am?" A high ranking Ardainian questioned.
"Don't question me! This one is too dangerous for you!" Mòrag barked as she prepared herself for another round with the Sun Dragon. Fortunately, it looked like right now he was more interested in Ryuko who backed away from the monster.
"Stay away, you monster!" Ryuko cried out in a mix of fear and anger as she was now doing everything she could to avoid Dragunov's golden talons of white flame. But she also had to use her weapons to deflect the dragon heads that were snapping at her. And every success burned her own shoulders.
"Guys!" Yelled out Gyro who just arrived with Penny, Kos-Mos and Theory, "Blake sent a message, Dreyf is se- What are you doing?!" Gyro's report turned to a yell when he saw Dragunov attacking Ryuko while the soldiers were getting the prisoners out. Before anyone had time to stop him, Gyro ran to the raging dragon. "Stop fighting! Can't you see she's already hurt?!" Gyro's yelling managed to earn Dragunov's attention. and he raised his talons for a strike against him.
"Gyro, run!" Nia cried out, but it was too late as Dragunov's fist already was fast approaching the blonde Ardainian. Fortunately, Theory put up a barrier to barely stop the attack.
"What the heck is his malfunction?!" Gyro yelled out as he prepared Theory's Chroma Katana. At that moment, Ren shot Dragunov with Otohime's Ether Cannon to get his attention.
"We'll explain later, get away from him!" Ruby yelled out this time, firing several shots from Roze's scythe to distract him further.
Gyro didn't need to be told twice, but his eyes fell on Ryuko who looked scared as she slowly backed away. "Ryuko, come on!" Gyro called out as he grabbed the Scissor Blade wielder by the arm and dragged her away.
"What?!" Was the only protest Ryuko let out as she was dragged away from the rage monster. "Wait, Satsuki!" Ryuko looked to her fallen sister Blade who was still terrifyingly close to Dragunov. But Theory grabbed the unconscious female Blade and dragged her away from the threat.
"Surround him, ranged attacks only!" Ruby called out as she and any other Driver with ranged attacks began shooting at Dragunov from all sides. With that command, Ren, Penny, and Oscar spread out and started circling him, each releasing their Arts on him. But they couldn't even tell if they were dealing damage to him when he wasn't even slowing down. Luckily it seemed Dragunov couldn't decide who to go after since his attention was always grabbed with the next blast that hit him.
"Dammit!" Yang exclaimed and dashed toward her rampaging Blade.
"Yang, wait! Stop!" Ruby was close to panicking when her sister got close to Dragunov and unloaded a shotgun blast to his face.
In response, Dragunov roared at his Driver preparing to strike. Yang was ready to avoid the attack when to her surprise, her Blade stopped and started sniffing the air. Getting closer to her as he did. Then Dragunov growled and looked around himself, his eyes fell on Ren. Then Dragunov roared again and started running towards the black-haired boy, leaving Yang alone.
"Did he just ignore me?" Yang wasn't sure how to feel about that.
As for Ren, it seemed like Penny, Oscar, and Ruby blasting him at once wasn't getting his attention anymore. In desperation, Ren fired another Blossom Burst at him, but the dragon barely slowed down.
"Ren, move!" Otohime called out. And just in time for Ren to duck and weave around the raging dragon's fists and the snapping jaws of dragon heads. At one moment, Otohime took her chance and reached for Dragunov's hexagonal Core Crystal on his forehead. The dragon Blade's glowing gaze barely turned to Otohime's hand when her fingers contacted the Crystal in its golden frame.
"Disrupt!" Otohime commanded, causing Dragunov to back away, and clutch his head in pain. But to the water Blade's shock, he wasn't going down. "How can this be?!" Otohime demanded even as Ren fired a Zen Barrage on him and pushed him further away.
"Otohime, you have to seal him!" Ren said desperately as Dragunov was finally brought down when Penny fired Mach Breaker on his leg.
"I have been trying." Otohime said, "But... he is resisting it. Even with direct contact to his Core, I could not cut him off."
"What?! But how can he do that?!" Jaune asked, "Didn't you seal him before back in Tantal?"
"...What I sealed back then was an overflowing river. This is a raging tempest." Otohime said, clutching her hands into fists as she did. Ren gritted his teeth as he fired another Zen Barrage. But it looked like even the water element wasn't having any effect. Suddenly the two dragon heads took a deep breath and then blew white flames all over the place. All Blades deployed their barriers to stop them. Which also meant that they had to stop firing.
As everyone else was trying to suppress Dragunov, Gyro and Theory were watching over Ryuko and Satsuki. Ryuko had her arms around still unconscious Satsuki. "Why are you doing this?" Ryuko asked from Gyro.
"Because Dreyf's vision for Mor Ardain ain't that great," Gyro answered not taking his eyes off of the battle as Dragunov then charged at Oscar.
"Not that! Why are you helping us?! We are the enemy!" Ryuko yelled, protectively embracing her sister Blade.
(Change Song: Walking With You)
Gyro locked his moist eyes with Ryuko's hateful ones. "Would you believe me if I told you it's because I care about you both too much?"
This did surprise Ryuko, "What? Why would you care about us? We've never met!"
"No... We haven't. Not in this life." Gyro said, now looking away.
"This life?" Ryuko caught on, "You mean you knew us before?"
"Yeah. Me and my brother." Gyro said, letting tears out. "Dammit! I knew you wouldn't remember us, but... seeing it..."
"...How do I know you're telling the truth?" Ryuko asked, less hostile.
"...I don't know. I don't have anything to-" "Would this do for evidence?" Theory interrupted Gyro as she produced what looked like a piece of paper and handed it to Ryuko.
The Scissor Blade wielder snatched the paper up and took a look at it. Her eyes widened at the contents. It was a photo. Of herself, her sister, and two little boys sitting on each of their laps. And then the platinum blonde man between the two who had an arm around each of them and his hands on the boys' heads. But the most bizarre thing for Ryuko was that they were all smiling, looking so happy. "Those boys... and that man..."
"That's my Driver, Gyro, and his brother Pierce on your laps. The young man is your previous Driver, Azure. The two's older brother." Theory explained. "From what I have heard from Gyro, you and Satsuki were the closest thing they had for a mother."
Ryuko looked skeptical at that, "That doesn't sound like me."
Theory had faintest of smiles on her otherwise emotionless face, "There is another picture where rub your knuckles against the head of the child on your lap."
"I can imagine Ryuko doing that," said Satsuki, causing Ryuko to jump a little.
"Satsuki, when did you wake up?!" Ryuko asked in slight alarm.
"Around the time you asked about this picture." Satsuki said as she freed herself from Ryuko's arm and looked at the picture in question herself. "...It's strange... I have no memory of this picture's event, but it feels so...nostalgic." Satsuki's usual scowl was replaced by a fond smile.
"You too?" Ryuko asked, "So it wasn't just me. But even if this is true... what does it mean for us?"
"...I know I'm being selfish, but Pierce and I want you two back home," Gyro said as an explosion caught his attention. What he saw was a hole in the wall with steam flowing out of it. Turning to where the battle was supposed to be, he caught Otohime tossing her cannon back to Ren. She must have used a Special Art on Dragunov, which was probably what caused the hole in the wall. Sure enough, Dragunov charged back out, although it looked like his scales were glowing dimmer. "You two stay here, I have to go and help." Gyro said as he got up.
"Really? You are going to leave us here without anyone to make sure we won't run away?" Satsuki asked, baffled at Gyro.
"Where would you guys go? Dreyf is caught." Gyro said simply.
"What? No he isn't. He ran away!" Ryuko said, remembering clearly how their lard barrel of a Driver got out.
"We had people stationed at all exits. I was stationed at one, until I got message that the other team caught him." Gyro said before dashing in, "Come on, Theory!"
Theory looked like she had something to say, but just scowled at the two before following her Driver.
Gyro didn't make it far before Ryuko looked to Satsuki, "Now's our chance, let's run."
"No." Satsuki said with a defeated look.
"What?"
"Check your resonance." Satsuki said. Ryuko did as told and checked. Dreyf wasn't too far away, which was strange. And judging by the consistency of the signal he wasn't moving anywhere.
"...Come to think of it, I think I felt him being hurt a little earlier." Ryuko said as she realized that the boy was telling the truth about their Driver's capture. "So, what do we do now?"
(End Song)
Satsuki looked to the battle that Gyro joined. They seemed to now have some kind of plan since the mech riding Blade and a Blade in leotard and red scarf had flown the rampaging Blade to the wall and were pinning him there.
"That thing took a Special Art and doesn't look least bit hurt." Satsuki said as she then looked for something. "I think they're overlooking an obvious solution." And then she found the blonde one who was just standing and doing nothing.
"What are you saying?" Ryuko asked.
"...We can't stop that Blade, so let's stop wasting time on him." Satsuki said as she summoned back her Chroma Katana that was lost when the blondie sent her flying.
(Play Xenoblade Chronicles 2 OST: Incoming!)
Yang was really hoping that this plan would work as Wulfric and Roc got to work. While Herald and Poppi were pinning Dragunov down to the wall, the other two would take out his talons, toss them to Yang, and hopefully when Yang put them on Dragunov would form the affinity link with her on instinct. And then she could snap him out of it. Because yelling at him and even using a ranged attack from Ember Celica hadn't worked. The only saving grace was that Dragunov still recognized her as his Driver. Or at the very least, as something he shouldn't attack. Evidenced by when she got in his way, he moved past her.
Just when Roc and Wulfric had managed to get the weapons off their owner, Yang heard Ruby screaming. "Yang, behind you!"
"What?" Yang turned around.
"Bakuzan: Gakou Kouryuu!"
"Fiber Lost!"
The two high powered Arts hit Yang head on, launching her into the wall right next to where Dragunov was pinned.
"What are you two doing?!" Gyro cried out.
"You want to stop that Blade? Just kill the Driver, it's that simple. How did you not think of this?" Satsuki said like it was the most obvious thing.
"Yang!" Ruby cried out, using her semblance to get to Yang who wasn't moving. "Yang please, don't be dead." Ruby tried shaking her sister. If she was in a more rational headspace, she would have realized that the evidence of Yang being alive was still struggling against Herald and Poppi.
Speaking of which, Yang getting knocked out seemed to have made him struggle harder. Until he was finally able to toss Poppi and Herald off of himself and retrieve his weapons which instantly disappeared from Wulfric and Roc and reappeared in Dragunov's hands.
"Ryuko, I'll distract it, you-" Satsuki was interrupted by the need to put up a barrier when the two dragon heads blasted white fire at them. But she didn't even have time to register that as Dragunov was already in front of them, both arms raised high. Having a very bad feeling, Satsuki took this chance to push Ryuko away right before Dragunov slammed both arms against the barrier, the heads still spewing their flames. The barrier shattered and Satsuki was slammed to the ground with enough force to dent the metal floor.
"Satsuki!" Ryuko cried out as Dragunov then picked up the white-clad Blade by her neck with his left white claws of flame. Satsuki let out a strangled scream as her neck was burning. Then Dragunov raised his other arm. "Let her go!" Ryuko screamed as she dashed in and combined her weapons into giant Scissors. "Rending Scissor!" And then she clamped the blades shut around the fleshy part of Dragunov's arm that was holding Satsuki.
Everyone looked shocked to see Ryuko cut the Sun Dragon's arm off.
"Oh no," Mòrag said with a look of horror alongside Brighid, Aegaeon, and Agate. For they knew what came next before the others were reminded.
Just as predicted, Ryuko screamed in pain as her left arm exploded. She hadn't even fully realized what happened before Dragunov backhanded her to the ground with his remaining arm. Leaving on the Scissor Blade wielder bad looking burns and a scrambled head, judging by her vacant gaze.
"Wh... What are you?" Ryuko managed to say before falling unconscious.
Roc was the first to shake off his shock and dashed towards Dragunov's severed left arm which still had its talon equipped. With the weapon deactivated, it was easy to slide Dragunov's arm off of it. The scales on the forearm and the backs of the hand weren't glowing gold anymore but looked to be burnt black. But now Roc wasn't sure what to do, Yang wasn't conscious, and this whole plan relied on her.
"Get the other talon, now!" Rex yelled out, "Quickly!"
"What? But Rex, Yang is unconscious." Pyra said, looking confused.
"I have an idea, but I need the other weapon." Rex said with a determined look, "Herald, Poppi, can you pin him down one more time?"
"What is Rex planning?" Poppi asked, tilting her head.
"There's no time! We need the other talon!" Rex yelled out before noticing that Dragunov's attention had fallen on Roc. " Roc, he's looking at you!"
Roc turned around to see Dragunov coming at him next. The bird-like Blade squawked before tossing the severed arm at the golden-scaled Blade whose dragon head then caught it like it was a treat. But then Dragunov snatched the arm away with his remaining one and pressed the severed limb against the stump where it used to be. To Roc's surprise, the limb started reattaching itself back on. The arm was barely fully attached when the black scales ignited with a golden glow and flames once again, and then the fingers twitched before they flexed rapidly. At that moment, Dragunov let go and gave his reattached arm a few test swings. Despite still being enraged, his glowing eyes still conveyed some level of satisfaction. It didn't last long because then Wulfric appeared on the side and grabbed onto the remaining talon and then kicked at its owner's side. The beastly Blade managed to yank the weapon off despite his side burning in vengeance from his kick. Ignoring the pain, Wulfric threw the weapon to Rex who then dropped Pyra's sword to catch it. Roc followed that example and did the same.
(End Song)
"Rex, what are you doing?" Mythra demanded, "They won't work for you."
But Rex wasn't listening and put the weapons over his arms. Surprised that his anchor launcher also fit in. Then to everyone's shock, an affinity link formed between Rex and Dragunov which reactivated the weapons once again.
(Play Xenoblade Chronicles 2 OST: Counterattack)
The now linked Dragunov stopped to stare at Rex who suddenly started screaming and clutching his head. The white claws of flame curled around his head and yet they didn't burn him.
"Rex!" Pyra and Mythra cried out in unison. They felt that Rex at least wasn't taking damage, but something was still wrong.
"It burns! It burns!" Rex screamed as he clutched his head more. "I can't... I can't...!"
Pyra moved to Rex's left and wrapped her arms around him, "Yes you can! Because you're stronger than the Sun Dragon's rage!"
"Rex, if you lose it here, I will smack you!" Mythra added in, wrapping her own arms around Rex's right.
"Destroy! Destroy! Destroy EVERYTHING!" Dragunov roared with maniacal rage.
At that moment a blast of water hit him in the face. "Shut up, you bloody git!" Nia who had entered her Blade form yelled back and wielded her Catalyst Scimitar, "Rex is nothing like you!" And then she rushed to Rex's front and grabbed his head with both hands, dropping her weapon in the process, forcing the boy to look at her. "Rex, look at me. Look at me!" Nia yelled, shaking the Aegis Driver's head. Once Rex's eyes were focused on her. Nia's hands glowed with water ether in an attempt to soothe whatever pain Rex was feeling. "Rex, you better not let some mindless rage monster beat you to the ground after everything else you have gone through... What we have gone through. We are not losing you here." Nia said the last part under her breath, tears forming in her eyes. Then Nia said something else to Rex, something that made his eyes widen. The same words were repeated to him by Pyra and Mythra.
At that moment, Rex gained a determined look. Then, the Aegis' Driver yelled in defiance of the rage that tried to burn him. And soon the affinity link's flow reversed, which then made Dragunov stumble like he was struck by something.
(End Song)
"What? What is... Rex! Why do you have my talons? And why do we have an affinity link?!" Dragunov roared, his eyes no longer glowing.
"That doesn't matter, just turn back to normal," Rex said back.
"Oh, no. You are not getting off that easy. Why do you have my weapons? Where is Yang?!" Dragunov roared, which made Rex wince and grab the side of his head that despite Nia's healing felt like it was on fire.
"Turn back, first! Then we'll talk!" Rex yelled in fury that was uncharacteristic of him. Pyra and Mythra tightened their grip on him, which seemingly calmed him.
Dragunov growled at Rex before closing his eyes and taking deep breaths. Then, his dragon heads seemed to get drowsy as the golden flames around his scales shrank. Then the heads lowered themselves against Dragunov's chest, then the flames died completely before the glow started to fade. Before it did, Dragunov's scales were covered in light and when it faded, the scales were once again covered by stone. The talons also turned back to normal. Rex sighed deeply as he relaxed, while Dragunov fell on his knees. "Now then. First things first." Dragunov said before thrusting his arms forward. "Huh?" Dragunov did the motion again. Then again. And again. Then he glared at Rex, "What did you do to me?"
"What?" Rex asked as Pyra and Mythra loosened their grip while Nia stopped using her healing powers on Rex and let go of his head.
"Why can't I retrieve my talons?!" Dragunov demanded, trying to stand up only to stumble back down.
"Oh, right," Rex said, taking the weapons off. "Try again."
Dragunov tentatively raised his left arm and the left gauntlet disintegrated in Rex's hand before reappearing in Dragunov's own. More confidently, Dragunov did the same with his right. But he didn't keep them long before dismissing them. "Now what happened?"
"You tell us," Mythra said, fully letting go of Rex and putting her hands on her hips. "You suddenly went Sun Dragon without Yang."
"I did?" Dragunov asked before looking thoughtful. Then his cracks briefly lit orange before dying down. "Right," Dragunov said as he looked around. Then he spotted unconscious Ryuko and her arm that was blasted off. "Did I do that?" Dragunov asked, pointing at the Scissor Blade wielder.
"Kind of." Nia shrugged, "She cut off your arm and hers exploded, but you put yours back on."
Dragunov chuckled a little at the almost casual way Nia said that. But then he scowled, "She deserves worse."
"What?" Mythra let out, looking between Dragunov and Ryuko who was now being tended to by Gyro, "Okay, what happened up there?"
"You don't want to know." Dragunov said, still glaring at Ryuko.
"Oh no." Came from Yang who was on her feet again and stomping to Dragunov with Ruby in tow. "Yang! Stop, you could be-" "Ruby, I'm fine." Yang said in a calmer tone before glaring at her Blade, "And you. You're not supposed to go Sun Dragon without me. What happened?!"
"I'm not telling you," Dragunov said, not meeting his Driver's gaze.
Yang stomped the rest of the way and grabbed Dragunov by the front pair of his stone horns and forced him to look upwards to face her. "Drag, I need to know if something like this can happen again," Yang said, locking her now red eyes with him.
"No, Yang," Dragunov growled, meeting her gaze.
"So, you value your pride over the safety of your Driver?" Brighid asked pointedly.
"Stay out of this, Brighid!" Dragunov snapped.
"Focus on me, you boulderbrain! I deserve to know why that happened!" Yang shook Dragunov's horns, which earned a swipe from his hand to slap Yang's hands off of him.
"If I told you, you would hate me for the rest of your life," Dragunov said firmly.
"I seriously doubt I could hate you more than I do right now," Yang said, not taking her eyes off of him.
As Yang and Dragunov were trying to murder each other with their eyes, Nia had her attention on Rex. "So, Rex. Mind explaining to us how you were able to form an affinity link with a Blade that isn't bonded to you?" Nia's question earned the attention of everyone else around, causing them to momentarily forget Dragunov and Yang.
"Well..." Rex scratched the back of his head, "It was something Amalthus said. He said he had the power over all Blades. And Amalthus was Malos' Driver. So..."
"And you thought you could form an affinity link with a Blade that is not bonded to you based on that?" Otohime asked in disbelief, "I find myself wondering if you are brilliant or stupid."
"Hey!" Rex complained.
"She's not wrong Rex." Azurda said from Rex's helmet, "And besides that, you were lucky that the Sun Dragon's rage didn't consume you."
"I know, okay." Rex threw his arms in the air. "I mean... I felt like something wanted to burn everything I am away. How can Yang stand it? She makes it look so easy."
"Even Yang went on a rampage in Tantal." Nia pointed out, "Anyway, don't scare me like that again." Nia poked Rex on the chest for emphasis.
"Right... Sorry for worrying you. And you too." The last part Rex directed at Pyra and Mythra. The Aegis sisters looked relieved to hear that.
"Are you kidding me?" Jaune let out as he took a look at Rex's situation.
"What?" The boy and the three girls said in unison.
"Nothing," Jaune said, looking away. Pyrrha also looked a little confused, and then her eyes widened, and a red tint appeared on her cheeks.
"Uuuuhhh." Nora let out in a chilling tone. While Ren covered his face with his palm.
"What?" Electra asked, looking confused.
"Nothing important," Otohime said while patting the childlike Blade on the head.
"I do not approve of this," Joana said, glaring at Rex like he was some kind of monster.
"Whuh?" Now Rex was confused and scared.
Wulfric and Roc on the other hand seemed to be having a hushed conversation.
"Is everyone okay?" Blake asked, earning everyone's attention, including Yang's and Dragunov's who stopped glaring at each other.
"Blake, when did you get here?" Yang was the first to ask.
"Just now. I heard from retreating soldiers that Dragunov had gone Sun Dragon." Blake said as she looked at the still kneeling Dragunov with a relieved look. "But I guess that problem is solved."
"Blake, what about Count Dreyf?" Mòrag asked.
"Pierce is watching him, although I think he wanted to see..." Blake trailed off as her eyes fell on Ryuko who was being tended to by Gyro and now Satsuki. "What happened to her?" Blake asked, looking disturbed at the stump where the Scissor Blade's left arm used to be.
"Drag happened," Nora replied, earning a snarl from the Blade in question.
"It's Dragunov to you," Dragunov warned. Nora stuck out her tongue in response to that. Dragunov stood up and took a few steps forward before stumbling back down on his hands and knees. The weakened Blade growled before plopping himself to a cross-legged sitting position. "You just wait until I recover."
"Oh really, what're you gonna-" "Nora." Pyrrha interrupted Nora's taunt, "Dragunov can hold a grudge. Please don't give him one to hold."
"Pyrrha, how do you know that?" Jaune asked.
"Talos," Pyrrha said simply.
"Oh, right," Jaune said awkwardly, it was so easy to forget that everything Talos had seen since he learned to use Aura was also seen by Pyrrha.
When the atmosphere became awkward, Dragunov suddenly turned his attention back to Blake, "The Dragunites! Where are they?! I want my Dragunites!"
"Right here." Said Perceval who was holding the case Yang and Dragunov had brought. He even opened it for Dragunov to see that all eight Dragunites were still inside.
Dragunov allowed himself to flop on his back. "Thank goodness. I wouldn't know what to do if they were lost."
Ruby looked at Dragunov like he was being weird, "Dragunov, I know the Dragunites are pretty, but aren't they just-mpf!" Ruby was interrupted by Yang rushing in and clamping her hand over Ruby's mouth.
"What was that?" Dragunov asked with a dangerous tone.
"Nothing, Draggie. Nothing at all." Yang said cheerfully while Ruby struggled in her sister's grip. "Ruby." Yang then whispered, "Never. Ever. Ever. Ever say anything bad about the Dragunites." Ruby glared at her sister in response, and then Yang shrieked and retrieved her hand back. "Did you just lick me?!" Yang shrieked in outrage as she wiped her hand on Ruby's clothes.
"Hey!" Ruby cried out as she started fighting Yang.
As this began, Mòrag shook her head and moved towards Ryuko, Satsuki, and Gyro.
"Lady, Mòrag." Gyro said, giving a short salute.
"At ease, Gyro. You are not part of the military." Mòrag said with a small smile before taking a more serious expression with Ryuko and Satsuki. "I hope you two understand that your association with your Driver makes you criminals."
"Huh?" Gyro let out in shock, "But-" "Hush." Mòrag interrupted Gyro and returned her attention to the two Blades, hands clasped behind her back.
"Yes, we do," Satsuki said with a resigned look. "So... What happens to us?"
"With the amount of evidence we have on Dreyf so far, and what we will no doubt find in his mansion in Chilsain he will face execution for high treason." Mòrag explained, "Which would mean that you two would be placed under the Empire's authority and wait to be awakened by suitable Drivers."
"Lady Mòrag, please." Gyro pleaded, "I just met these two, and they don't remember me. I don't know if I can do this again. Please permit the use of Overdrive Protocol to have these two transferred to me and Pierce. I promise you won't regret it."
"What?" Both Ryuko and Satsuki were surprised by this.
"You understand that we still don't remember you, right?" Satsuki said, "So why would it matter if we were reawakened or not."
"You said the picture made you feel nostalgic even though you don't remember it. What if you won't feel even that once reawakened." Gyro explained, "I know I'm selfish right now, but if there's even the tiniest of chances of having even the smallest part of Ryuko and Satsuki that we knew back, I have to take it."
"You ask much, Gyro." Mòrag said before looking thoughtful, "But it's not impossible."
"Really?" Gyro looked hopeful.
"Provided that these two will testify against their current Driver during the trials to come." Mòrag said with a stern look, "Furthermore, I still must take this to the Emperor, the Grand Marshal, and Minister of Economy, seeing as the Overdrive Protocols are considered a valuable asset. So, I cannot guarantee that your wish is granted."
"What do you think, Ryuko?" Satsuki asked her sister.
"You know I don't like that old fart." Ryuko said, "Besides... I don't want our bond broken,"
"Understood." Satsuki said and turned her attention to Mòrag, "We accept. We will tell everything we know about our current Driver's affairs in exchange for being transferred to Gyro and his brother."
"Good. Then I will try to see that it's done." Mòrag said, "Although I am curious, Ryuko. What did you do in your fight against Dragunov to make him achieve his Sun Dragon form without his Driver?"
"Oh... Uhhh..." Ryuko said awkwardly.
"What?" Satsuki said, looking at her sister, "Ryuko, you caused it?" Ryuko just looked away. Satsuki wasn't impressed, "What did you do?"
"...Project Perfect Elysium," Ryuko said, earning a confused look from Mòrag, Gyro, and their Blades.
"What about it?" Satsuki asked, seeming to know what the Scissor Blade wielder was talking about.
"...I may have said there was a version that could be applied to humans," Ryuko said, looking ashamed.
"But that's not possible." Satsuki said, "Humans can't equip Aux Cores."
"Excuse me." Brighid cut in, "Care to elaborate what this Project Perfect Elysium is?"
The half-scissor Cored sisters shared a look before Satsuki sighed. "Dreyf had some researcher working on a set of Aux Cores that would alter a female Blade's appearance and mind. Ryuko and I were used as test subjects for these. So far, they only succeeded in altering our appearances, but our minds were the same. Thankfully."
"Alter how?" Gyro asked with an apprehensive look.
Satsuki looked down, a red tint appearing on her cheeks. But it was Ryuko who answered, "The bottom line is that we would have become good little harem girls."
Mòrag's eyes widened while Brighid's opened briefly. "What does that mean?" The Special Inquisitor asked with an apprehensive look.
The sisters opened their mouths, but they didn't utter a sound. Soon Satsuki was able to speak up, "According to Dreyf a Blade's purpose is to dedicate their whole being to their Drivers. So, we should also have the appearance and personality that fits their desires." At the last part, Satsuki clutched her sister's good arm.
"No way," Gyro said in shock now having some terrifying thoughts.
"Yes." Satsuki said, "But the Aux Cores have so far only made us look the part, while it hasn't made us..." At the last part, the Chroma Katana wielder visibly shook.
"Brainless bimbos." Ryuko supplied with a scowl. To which Satsuki nodded in agreement.
At this point, Mòrag's jaw clenched at the images this kind of thing would do to female Blades. "And what does this have to do with what you did to make Dragunov go Sun Dragon?" Mòrag was still able to stay on the topic.
"I said that there was a... brainwashing program that would turn his Driver into what Project Perfect Elysium was supposed to do to us." Ryuko said, "Of course, there's no such thing, but he didn't know that."
Brighid then briefly covered her mouth as she now had the picture, "That explains his rage."
"Why did you tell him such a lie?" Satsuki then asked.
"I thought that by making him angry I would make him sloppy and easier to beat." Ryuko said, now looking at her stump angrily, "How was I supposed to know he would turn into a bloodthirsty monster?"
"Just one question." Aegaeon then butted in, "If the alteration of your appearance worked, why has your Driver not had you wear those Aux Cores? It sounds to me like your Driver would have done that."
"Because the Aux Cores caused our combat power to drop significantly." Satsuki said, looking relieved, "And as much as our Driver wanted us to be near naked all the time, he couldn't afford to lower our fighting strength."
"Thank the Architect for that," Ryuko said in relief.
"Such technology should not see the light of day." Mòrag declared firmly. "If we were to search Dreyf's mansion, would we find this research there?"
"No, the facility is in an old warehouse in the Salvage District. Though I'm sure Dreyf's study would have reports on the progress and other documents related to it. Among other things." Satsuki explained.
"Good," Mòrag said. "Despite your co-operation, I must put you under arrest until further notice. I hope you understand."
"Yes," Satsuki said as she rose to her feet and helped Ryuko get up too.
"Can't we just find my arm and put it back on?" Ryuko complained and then pointed at Dragunov and Yang the former of the two were on shaky feet, "I mean it worked for that guy."
"Except his arm was neatly cut while yours exploded." Satsuki pointed out, "I'm sure your arm has already disintegrated in favor of reforming a new one."
"Are you kidding me!? It will take me a whole day for reformation." Ryuko complained again.
"Quit complaining and let's go." Satsuki said as she then looked to Mòrag, "Just to make this official, Ryuko and I surrender to your authority."
"What she said," Ryuko grumbled.
With that, Aegaeon and Agate took each of the two Blade's sides while Mòrag moved behind them and the two were escorted away.
Gyro on the other hand had his hands clenched into tight fists for a while now.
"...Is something wrong, Gyro?" Theory asked, noting that his face was also tight.
"Nothing," Gyro said quickly.
"So, you aren't harboring murderous thoughts towards Count Dreyf?" Theory asked with a quirked eyebrow. "Don't look so surprised. After hearing something that disturbing, I would have found it strange if you didn't have such thoughts."
"Okay, you're right. If the law wasn't going to get him, then I would have." Gyro said before letting out a heavy sigh. "But... If Dreyf was willing to experiment on them, I'm a little scared of what else he might have done to them."
When his Driver started trembling, the eyepatch-wearing ice Blade moved to his side and placed a hand on his arm. The gesture seemed to relax him a little. "I wonder if Pierce would think the same."
Gyro chuckled, "I'm pretty sure he would want to give Dreyf a piercing through the chest."
Theory smiled at that, while Gyro groaned, "Please don't tell Pierce I said that. He won't let me hear the end of it."
"My lips are sealed." Theory said and with that, the two started to move out with everyone else. Although Dragunov had to be blocked from wringing Ryuko's neck.
AN: Yup. The culprit was count Dreyf. To those who don't remember, Dreyf made his appearance when the ball for Mórag's return was held. And he was considered a joke by pretty much everyone. And yeah, he was definitely a senile old cuckoo. If any of you need a mental images of what Ryuko and Satsuki would have looked like in their new Aux Cores, just look at their original combat designs from Kill la Kill.
But now, Dreyf has been caught and the Scissor Sisters have promised to testify against him in hopes of being returned to Gyro and Pierce through Overdrive Protocols rather than a fresh start.