"That Djinn" Septima, is it the same type as me?" Lumen pondered.
"Don't tell me, that's the power that could revive Veschrome and the wood Golem?" Copen guessed.
"Oh my, please accept my apologies for that. That was an experiment of ours as part of our reasearch into other life forms with Septimas." Zed apologized.
'Is he referring to Dystnine?' Gunvolt thought.
"An experiment?... Research!? You were just making their rampages worse!" Copen yelled.
"I can... understand why you'd be upset. But now that we're done with introductions, let's talk about that power of yours. I'd like to measure it in real time, in the midst of battle." Zed declared as he powered himself up.
His first attack was a spread of bird looking energy as he flew into the air.
"I know all about you Gunvolt. You're Sumeragi's reowned "all powerful" Azure Striker. Just so you know, my Golden Trillion" is no slouch either." Zed remarked.
"Golden Trillion, it looks like a fire Septima." Copen noted.
"Mmm, not quite. My Golden Trillion is closer to that which illuminates all... a Septima of the Sun." Zed elaborated as his second gauge was enacted.
"The Sun... it can't be... The power of nuclear fusion?" Copen asked as three "birds" swooped down to attack while Zed watched.
'My Azure Striker can call forth unlimited amounts of energy... Azure and gold... I never imagined there was yet another Adept with a limitless energy source!' Gunvolt mentally droned.
"A brilliant light from whic one must avert their eyes:the golden dawn of a trillion suns. Will you be able to look straight on?" Zed mocked.
"The light of a trillion suns? Big talker, are't you? You don't even hold up to one Sun, let alone a trillion. You can talk it up if you want, but a Septima is a Septima. And my might will take it down!" Copen protested as the opponent shot 9 arrows at once.
"Excellent, I like your assertiveness. However, you'll find that it's not so easy to seal up the path to the future we've chosen. Illuminate the word, Golden Trillion! Shine upon our righteous path!" Zed added as he was defeated.
"Wonderful! I knew you would be strong! I expected nothing less from the Adept Slayer and his companions." Zed applauded.
"What are you trying to accomplish by launching thse missiles!?" Copen fumed.
"Ah, well about that. First, let me clear up your misunderstanding. This isn't a missile; just a means of transport. ... Though it is made from a missile so I guess you're half right." Zed elaborated.
"Means of transport?" Lumen queried.
"This country is protected by Sumeragi's Kamishiro barrier, so this was the only way we could break through. I'll admit it makes for a rather violent entrance, but we needed to enter the country by any means necessary. My associates should have already disembarked from their transports at this point. Now, I could explain exactly why we're here... but I wouldn't want you to get in our way. Either way, you'll understand soon enough.I"ll be seeing you!" Zed declared before teleporting away at the speed of light.
"Hold it!" Copen hollered.
"He's gone... He said he's with "ATEMS". What in the world are they up to?" Moniqa queried.
"I kow it's not a real "missile", but we should stop that field generator just in case." Copen advised.
Atari clung to Zeno for dear life the entire return trip. Back home he tried to get her to sleep. He wound up explaining Mega Man to her and passed out on the floor was well. He awoke the following morning to a back ache. But seeing Atari asleep, looking so precious and peaceul instantly made up for it. Zeno stretched and got up to make grits with fried egg eyes and a bacon smile when his phone began to ring. Hurriedly, as to not wake Atari, Zeno picked up the phone and responded to the call.
"Hello?" Zeno greeted as he looked at Atari's room door in the hall to make sure he didn't wake her.
"How's Lily doing? She must've been really tired last night." Gunvolt worried.
"She's doin' better; how's Joule?" Zeno answered.
"She's glad I'm back. I'm gonna see you later, Copen wants us to bust into S-FIT tonight. We're gonna meet up at one thirty this afternoon at his place." Gunvolt finished before ending the call.
Zeno was caught off guard as he heard Atari yawn. She was holding the Lumen plush in her left hand while rubbing her right eye.
"Sorry, did I wake you up?" Zeno asked.
"I smell food." Atari yawned.
"Grits, eggs and bacon. The grits are done, egs ae almost finished and I just started on the bacon. You may wanna sit down, it's gonna take a bit still." Zeno notified.
Atari sat at the kitchen table and put her plush on the tabletop, lost in thought.
"You're wondering about the guy we saw last night too huh?" Zeno supposed.
Atari nodded sheepishly.
"I've got an idea. How about we go see if Mytyl's book is out yet? I heard she thanked you in her book for inspiring the plot and main character." Zeno suggested as he set down their bowls to cool of.
"All that stuff about S-FIT, what happened at the old one, you didn't kow about it right? Nobody told you yet?" Zeno queried.
Atari's head drooped.
"Well, Cope's dad worked there with his assistant. They worked on giving Asimov the Azure Striker Septima. Apparently they codenamed the boss "Takefutsu" which sounds completely lame. Anyways, the implant was successful. That data said the boss was a kid at the time, his parents were illegal immigrants. Seems after busting out, he partnered up wit some other people and made QUILL." Zeno informed as he stirred his food with a silver spoon.