Chapter 19: Rematch and the resting of tired souls.
Zed/Noah POV
After talking for a while, Neptune and I met back up with Compa and IF, something that was a complete coincidence. I took notice if how calm the two girls were as they approached, contradicting how they realistically should have been. Sure, I could accept IF's strange reasoning, but Compa? As kind as the nurse-in-training was, something akin to what I did could not have been taken well. "So, I suppose you have made a decision?" I asked, letting go of the hand of my beloved.
Similar to how they appeared, I was surprisingly calm. If they rejected me, then I would simply deal with it, if not? Then even better.
With everything that happened within such a small amount of time, I admit I began feeling numb.
IF spoke first. "While it hurts to know that my dad is...dead, I understand why you did it. Part of me wants to just run away from all of you, give myself some alone time. But I know that would be the worst thing to do." She began, voice shaking slightly. "Instead, I'll just keep on moving forward, as we've always done." She finished, eyes teary, but face full of determination. The brown-haired girl then patted Compa on the back, as if to coax the peach-haired girl into speaking. Something said girl was slow to do.
"I-I still Don't understand it all..." She began, voice similar to IF's. "Why everything had to happen this way, I mean. But something I do know is that you are a good guy, Zeddy. If...if my Grandpa had to die regardless, if him dying of natural causes would have been so bad, then I guess I should thank you..." The Great Granddaughter of Akos paused for a moment, contemplating her next words.
"What I'm trying to say here...is that I forgive you." She finished, smiling lightly. However, I could clearly see the pain in her eyes. She needed time to grieve, that much I knew. "Neptune my dear, stay with our sisters for a moment, I think now would be the perfect time to clean up some loose ends." I spoke. "Aww, really? But we just got together..." My beloved spoke jokingly. Smiling, I gently gave her a kiss on the cheek. "The girls need you." "I know, but try to hurry, please?" The purple-haired girl replied, smiling back. "I'll be as quick as I can, promise." I replied, leaving the girls to their own devices.
I was tired, at least mentally. I wanted nothing more than to fall asleep, and rest for what I felt could be decades. But I knew I'd be irresponsible to do that. The more time I spent unnecessarily, the higher the chance there was of Blade doing something. Sure, he sounded like the honourable type, but knowing what my, by his own words, brother has done, could I honestly expect nothing of those that work with him?
Besides, something within myself was beginning to scare me, and the further away I was from Lowee and its people, the farther I could keep myself from that 'something'.
(Let's hope it's just the exhaustion talking.)
I had enough to worry about already.
Location change: surface of Lowee.
It took longer than I thought it would, but with the help of Financier I was able to get myself back up to the surface, the area around me looking the exact same as it did before, covered in the rubble that were once homes to countless families. (Still nothing, huh?) I asked myself. (Hmm, well never mind that. For now, focus on finding that edgelord.) "HEY BLADE, GET YOUR ARSE HERE, NOW!" I shouted, hoping to get the man's attention.
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...
"Well, shi-" I leaped backwards, narrowly avoiding a sword through the stomach. "Bit rude, aren't you?" I asked. My shout had done its job, Blade had come. The man sheathed his weapon, before opening his mouth to speak. "So, you have returned... hopefully this time you will prove a challenge." He spoke, his monotonous voice having mocking undertones. "Oh trust me, I'll be a challenge alright..." I replied, summoning one of my many blades and leaping into action.
Unfortunately, my first strike was blocked. However, I could see a difference in my opponents' reaction. Whereas before he would block with no effort, now I could see him struggle. "Having trouble?" I snarked. "...Don't be foolish, this is nothing." My opponent replied, before disengaging our weapons and attempting to create distance. With my senses enhanced as they were by the power of Gods, Blade's movements were no longer untraceable.
The sound of clashing weaponry rang out as our blades met, matching blow for blow. "So how does it feel?" I began, flicking away my opponents' sword with my own. "To be outmatched by someone you once thought yourself superior too?" I finished, blocking yet another strike. To my surprise, Blade began to smile. "Extraordinary, with power like this, maybe you deserve a place by Lord Jin's side after all." In response, I attempted to slash at his face, knowing he would more than likely block again. "No, I don't think so. You can take your offer, AND SHOVE IT!"
With a shout, my left hand, coated in golden-orange flames, met his face. An explosion of flames erupting from where my fist landed. "Gh!" Blade grunted in pain, before his mask, now dented and scorched, fell off, revealing his face. "Huh, with a face like that, no wonder you used a mask." I commented, something my opponent seemingly ignored. "I suppose all gloves are off then, very well..." the blue-haired man spoke.
!
Instinctively dodging back, I avoided being blasted by a column of azure lightning.
"RRRRAGH!" with a shout full of emotion, the lightning died down, revealing the newly transformed form of my opponent. His blue hair floated through the air, crackling with electricity. His eyes, ones that were once an azure blue, were now a glowing silver. Across his legs and arms were cyan scales, akin to ones you would see on a dragon. From his hands and feet there appeared sharp ivory claws. Finally, from his head there sprouted two horns, thin and elegant, their colour a pale gold.
In response to my opponent's transformation, a fire was lit in my soul.
(Be careful, while nowhere near the full strength of one, his power is that of a Primal Dragon!)
Rex warned, something that was completely unnecessary. Here, right in front of me, was one who would stand against the peaceful life I wish for my loved ones. "It doesn't matter what form you take; your rampage ends here!"
Play Xenoblade Chronicles 2 OST- Still, Move Forward! (Combat theme 3)
Quickly chanting, I activated Septimal Surge, dodging to the side straight after to avoid a set of claws to the face. It appeared my opponent wanted to go for a round of fisticuffs, who was I to deny him? Dispelling my blade, I placed my fists in front of my face. "Come, dragon of Jin!" As if provoked by my statement, the draconic figure dashed at me. Within a fraction of a second he was already right in front of me, right hand outstretched, claws extended in an attempt to disembowel his opponent.
Quickly grabbing his right wrist with my left hand, I pulled my opponent and punched him in the stomach, making him cough up blood in the process. Grabbing his left wrist, avoiding another clawed strike in the process, I raised my right leg and kneed him in the chest, throwing his body to the side afterwards. To my surprise, the draconic man managed to catch himself mid-flight.
"Hyk! How...?"
"'How' what?"
"How did you get such power? You were defeated so easily last time."
Using my enhanced speed, I dashed towards my opponent.
"Fuck you-"
And swiftly kicked him in his side, sending him flying yet again.
"-That's how."
Once again, he caught himself.
I dash towards him, knee him in his side, throw him, repeat.
"NO!"
Until my opponent decided that, apparently, he's had enough, and grabs my leg while it was mid-air. The wind all around us became electrified, suddenly crackling with malice. "CRASH BOLT!" A pillar of pure white and blue lightning struck down from the heavens, enveloping myself and Blade. My opponent was unaffected by it, me on the other hand?
(AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-)
I was not. The pain, while not as severe as what I felt when I unsheathed Terminus, was still great, and seemed to be a somehow different kind of agony. Fortunately for me however, the pain was short lived, the blinding light quickly dying out. "I'll give you...credit for that at least." I spoke, shocked at the fact that even with what I presumed was half of Akos' power, I was still able to be harmed. Shaking off the pain, I quickly punched Blade in the face, making him let go of my outstretched limb.
"No, not this time!"
Before I could move any further, barely being able to place my foot back on the ground, Blade shouted, and I quickly found myself being kicked in the face with a clawed foot. (Ngh...) moving against the force being applied to my face, I stared right into the eyes of my opponent. "I tire of this. You can clearly see I have the strength, so why do you continue to fight?" I spoke. Blade lowered his leg, returning it to the ground, before replying. "I have my orders. For you to pass, you must defeat me. You wish for this to end, yet here I still stand."
What kind of bullshit was this? "That's stupid! You know I have the strength to beat you. For fucks sake, look at the past few minutes!" It was clear already that I far surpassed him, even if he could still harm me. Besides, I was tired, really tired. "Look, I have a future wife and two little sisters to get back too, can we please just call it a day here?" If all he was going off of were orders to test my strength, then surely the past few minutes would have been enough? Now that my strength was proven to him, could he not just leave?
"'Future wife'...I assume you are referring to that vile Goddess of Planeptune?" Blade replied, answering my request with a question.
I gripped him by the throat.
"If you must know, then yes. Though if you call her that again, I will snap your neck." I spoke, blinking in confusion afterwards, having surprised myself with my sudden bloodthirst. Letting go of my opponent, I watched him breathe heavily for a moment, before seeing him stand up straight. "I know full well that you lack the knowledge of their sins, but still, to hear someone show such love and loyalty to one of them, Is quite disturbing." Blade replied. Despite his even tone, I could see something resembling fear in his eyes. "But...I do see your point. While you have not technically won, you clearly are not lacking in the strength to do so." He continued, before snapping his fingers, making a familiar object appear.
"Here, you've earned this. Take it and the others to the central Basilicom of Planeptune. In its depths you will find the fairy of knowledge. Farewell for now, Lord Noah." Blade finished, throwing the key fragment at me, and disappearing in a flash of lightning. Picking up the thrown item, I placed it within my pocket, and made my way back to the others, seeing no reason to stay any longer on the cold surface.
Location change: underground bunker.
The way back was the same as the way there, only backwards. Thankfully my memory was good enough for me to remember the directions, though climbing down the ladder was annoying, considering my tired state. Eventually I was able to reach the bottom of the ladder, wherein I gave IF a call on my phone, said object's existence suddenly being remembered. "Hey little sister, it's me. I've kicked Blades arse and got the fourth key fragment. Where are you?" I asked.
"Hah, as if there was any contest." IF started, speaking of my victory. "Anyway, me and the others were just walking around the different areas of the bunker. Sadly, I think Compa is gonna need more time to process everything that's happened, so I'll tell Neptune to meet you back where we separated earlier, while I keep our shared sister company." The brown-haired girl finished. "Hmm, very well, I'll start making my way there then, shall I?" I replied.
"Yep, see you later Zed, love you."
"Indeed, I love you too."
"Don't get Neptune pregnant, yeah?"
"Of cour-wait WHAT?"
*BEEP*
As can be inferred, IF had hung up on me. (Eh well, she was probably just teasing me.) I thought, before I began my walk to mine and Neptune's meeting spot. In doing so I had walked past a few of Lowee's citizens, who I politely waved to along the way. Eventually, after a considerable walk, I laid eyes upon my beloved. "Heeeey future huzzy, how's work, did your big mean boss scold you again?" my future wife said jokingly. Walking up to her and giving her a quick peck on the lips, I replied.
"Hmm...Yeah, apparently he didn't like the fact that I was constantly bragging to all the other employees about my wonderful girlfriend." I replied in jest, before leaning closer to her ear and whispering. "Though In my opinion, I think he was just jealous." I finished. "PFFFTHAAHAHAH! S-seriously though, how'd it go with Blade, I'm guessing you won, right?" Neptune replied. "Of course, did you really think I could lose?" I questioned, pretending to feel mocked.
"Of course not! My future huzzy could never lose to a single pringle like Bathe!"
"I think you mean 'Blade'?"
"I know what I said!"
...
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"...Anyway my dear-" I started, before bowing and presenting my right hand for her to take. "-Would you like to join your 'future huzzy' for a moment of snuggling together on top of a comfy bed?" I finished, quickly feeling Neptune place her hand in mine. "Oh of course my good man! Though I do have to ask if a warm blanket is included." My purple-haired girlfriend said. "Why of course my dear, only the best for you~" the both of us laughed heartily once more.
"On a more serious note however, I am very tired, so I do think we should get moving."
"As you say snuggle buddy, lead the way!"
Considering the only place I knew I could go to for rest was the cell-like place I woke up in earlier, I decided to take us there. Thankfully the bed was big enough for the both of us, if barely.
"Sooooo...What d'ya wanna talk about?" Neptune asked, snuggling into my side as we lied in bed. (Hmm, come to think of it...) "I... don't actually know. I presumed you would be the one to pick a topic." In truth I wasn't one who could do small talk. Or perhaps it was the situation? Before now, as far as I know, I've never had to make small talk with someone who was sleeping in the same bed as me.
"Hmm, lemme see...Oh, I know! Where do you see yourself in the future? Like what job do you think you'll end up doing? Oh, and you can't say 'taking care of my super awesome future wife' that's already a given!" Heh, the cheeky woman knew me well. (Though that does beg the question. For someone like me who has always moved forwards, rarely thinking of consequence. What future would really be suitable?) For something said by Neptune of all people, it was quite a meaningful topic.
But in truth, while I didn't know what my future held for me, I knew one thing. "I don't know, but as long as I can stay by the sides of those I love above all else, nothing else really matters, other than their happiness as well, I mean." I replied. Neptune, Compa, IF, as well as Blanc and Noire to a far lesser extent, to me, nothing else mattered more than their happiness. As seeing them smiling and happy, made me happy too.
(Though, perhaps if I consider Neptune's identity as a Goddess...)
"Though if I had to pick an occupation, then I suppose being a househusband would be more than good enough. While you will have all of our support, being a Goddess won't be the easiest thing in the world. In that case, would it not be better for me to take a more domesticated and supportive role?" I spoke, taking note of the happy smile on my snuggle buddy's face. "Heh, for someone who's always taking care of me, I guess a job like that would be heckin' awesome... Though, is that really what you want?" Neptune replied.
Her smile had disappeared, replaced with a look of melancholy. "What do you mean? Of course I do. Have I not already said how you all being happy brings me happiness?" I spoke, confused at what she was getting at. "It's just, being a Goddess is a full-time job. I can't promise that when I go back to doing it, that we'd be able to spend much time together. I love you Zeddy, more than anything, but I don't want us to be together if you will have to spend most of your time without me."
This...This didn't suit her at all. (Someone like her shouldn't have such thoughts. Worry? Why should I let her feel like that?) I gently cupped her face, staring into her beautiful eyes in the process. "Don't think like that, you're far more beautiful when you're happy. If that worries you, then I guess I'll just have to find a job that means I can always be at your side." I spoke, pressing my forehead against hers. "I love you, and I will continue to do so forever, no matter what happens." I began.
"Life, living with a purpose, rather than just existing. All of you, yourself especially, are responsible for giving me all of it. So what if you're a Goddess, so what of any sins you may have committed, so what if you'll be busy, None of that matters to me." I let go of her face, choosing to embrace her in a tight hug. "As long as I can love you, as long as I can make you happy, and see you smile, to me, that's what matters most."
I wasn't exaggerating. Thanks to all of them, I had purpose, I had a reason to live, rather than just wallow about, barely even existing. It may come off as just me exaggerating things, but there was no doubt in my mind that something like it would have been the case had Ban not given me the task to check up on Compa all that time ago.
"Heh...y'know just what to say, dontcha'...Thanks, Zeddy." While I couldn't see her face, I had the feeling she was smiling as she spoke. "Anytime, my love."
We lied in silence for a while, enjoying each other's company.
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...
"Y'know, Compa loves you too, right?"
Huh?
"Huh? Where is that coming from?" I asked. "Well, I guess since we're together now, I thought you should know, don't wanna make things all awkward now, right?" Neptune replied, making a surprising amount of sense. "I...I suppose I had a feeling she might, but I thought that with what I did to her, any feelings she might've had would have disappeared... Was that why you complained about us just getting together earlier, before I left?" I spoke, getting a nod from my bed mate.
"Yup, probably not the best way to go about it, but hey, at least I was able to tell her properly afterwards." She replied. (Huh, so that's what she got up to...)
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"Soooo...are we, y'know, gonna...do it?"
Again...HUH?
"Erm, if you want, I guess?" I replied. It wasn't that I wouldn't like to, but rather that I thought it would be better to wait for a more fitting occasion to do so. After all, you're only a virgin once, right? I wanted it to be special.
"Nah, you can't just get to say 'If you want.' do you, or do you not, want to do the ol' hanky panky with me?"
"PFT! Only you could say it like that... But what about you though? Do you wish to do so? Because I think that means just as much." I replied. If she wished for it, I wouldn't mind. It wouldn't be as special, considering she deserved better than some bunker, but if that's what she wanted, then I would happily oblige.
"I mean, I wouldn't mind it. But doing it in an old, rundown bunker like this wouldn't feel nearly as special. I just thought you might have wanted to." My beloved spoke, reasoning echoing my own. "Besides, we don't have protection, and I don't wanna have children just yet mister!" She continued, pointing her finger at me.
"Then I think we know the answer then, don't we?" I asked rhetorically.
"Yup, we do." Neptune replied, smirking playfully.
We spent the rest of the day sleeping in each other's arms.
Location change: Chaos cradle.
Blade POV
"Blade... From your return I suppose my brother proved victorious?" Lord Jin asked. Taking a bow, I replied. "Indeed. He was just as fiercely protective as you said he would be." I spoke, before going into more detail. In truth, I had feared for my life. While I did not fear death itself, I feared dying before our dream could be realised. "Hah, that's just like him..." Lord Jin replied, sombre smile on his face. I took notice of the dried streaks on his face. "Are you well, my Lord?" I asked, prompting my brown-haired companion to sigh.
"Indeed, I am well. I-I suppose I'm just feeling sentimental, is all. Noah and I were quite close long ago... I remember when we used to play games. Sometimes it would be the two of us playing together, other times he would simply watch me play." He started, smiling fondly. "We had our fights, mainly when I disagreed with his choices, and how he acted around strangers, but all in all, I loved him dearly, and despite how long it's' been, and despite his choice of friends, I still do..."
I hadn't seen my Lord in such a state in decades, the last time being when his and Lady Arfoire's child died.
"It hurts you know, being on opposing sides like this. I thought I lost my chances of ever seeing my family again the second I was dragged into this world... Yet here stands my precious little brother. Slightly older, and more grown up than when I saw him last, but still the same as ever... I've lost plenty over the years, family, friends, acquaintances... By the end, will I lose him too?"
My Lord and I, alongside our other allies, we had a goal, a dream. One that we've been working on for well over a century. We had all laid witness to the neglect of so-called 'Goddesses', and the countless slaughters of innocents that were caused by said neglect.
Have you ever seen a child get torn apart, piece by piece? To see his flesh peeled, muscles torn, and organs ripped out, as they screamed in agony?
We all had.
The only reason it wasn't a common occurrence in recent times, was purely because we had slaughtered all of the most vicious monsters decades ago, only allowing for the weaker ones to live to serve as a reminder for humanity. The same went for Lady Arfoire's copy ability, as only the weaker monsters were copied. In all honesty, without our assistance, there could be no guild, no adventurers. As if the stronger monster were still around, no human could ever hope to survive.
As for our experiments, well, there was one being who stood above mere Gods, so we would need as much power as we could get if we wished for him to fall as well.
I walked over to my lord's side, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Lord Noah will join us eventually. That is, once the fairy of knowledge reveals the truth."
A small smile came to his lips.
"...Thank you, Blade, truly..."
END OF CHAPTER
An: First off,sorry for the long wait. Real life kept me far too busy to write. Also sorry to all those wanting lemons, while the MC and Neptune are together now, that doesn't mean they'll just suddenly get it on. Besides, I've always seen that sort of thing as an endgame reward, and while we're somewhat close, we're not at the end just yet!
On a side note, anyone else excited about the new Nep game? I sure am.
Finally, while I don't want to sound desperate, a review would be very appreciated. I understand not everyone can be bothered to do one, but any and all reader feedback helps.