Author's Note:
To my loyal readers, I'M BACK BABY! New content if you're following this story! New readers are welcome! Changes and rewriting are complete and no Owl House character ripoffs! IT'S PURE ONE PIECE AND DRAGON AGE BABY! AND IT FEELS GOOD!
…Sadly we're reverting back to the Mecha Island arc in terms of chapter placement. So please bear with me, we'll get to the epic showdown soon enough! But for now… Chapters 11-16 are the new arc—but most of all, enjoy!
—Sorceric7
Chapter 17
Holding On
Maxwell and Toma exited the office, after their meeting with King Cello. The hall was dim, even in midday. The weight of what was about to happen was intoxicating!
They were close… No, he was close, Maxwell couldn't deny that now, so close to leaving these islands. Possibly 2 days away from freedom… or death.
The Nightmare—he didn't have a different name for it—wanted him. It wanted a way into the material plane, specifically on the Grand Line. Otherwise, it would have just risen in one of the four Blues.
Facing demons was dangerous, no matter what kind. They were natural inhabitants of the Fade, and thus had a greater inclination towards magic. Thus, in Thedas, it was normally considered a catastrophe whenever spirits crossed over the Veil. Reality was no longer rigid, compared to the Fade, where apparitions could shape their surroundings with a thought.
…Thinking back, Maxwell could now make a feasible comparison on how mana acted back in Thedas. He used to believe everything magical was just energy—and that method still applied! But in Thedas, magic and reality were like the other three states of matter.
If the material world was a solid, then the Fade could be considered a gas. Mages were composed of a more pores rock, a constitution allowing spiritual gasses to leak and escape into reality. Mana then, would be fluid. Taking both the material and spiritual laws and condensing them into a molten solution. Breaches, where the Veil was thin, was that fluid, that lava, in abundance. Eroding the material plane, burning the Fade, and magic made easier to manipulate.
However, this world had no such limitation! Demons could very well have the breadth of their full power here! Power, that was so free, it was a frequency! Will and attainment determined how hard it could oscillate.
The only anomaly was the Grand Line. It acted like a sort of border. Spirits could still manifest, but they had to already have been in the Grand Line.
…And a part of Maxwell was excited. If he could defeat this demon, he would prove, even if only to himself, that he belonged with the Straw-Hats! Losing his hand had been a major blow to his self-confidence. However, it didn't cripple him like he expected.
Maxwell still had his mind! He still experimented with spells! He could still fight! And in that way, he has not changed! That just made him all the more determined to return to his friends!
Maxwell walked by the the varnished floors, the velvet rugs, and plastered walls. The delicate vases, the grand paintings, and suits of armor. It had a simpler appearance that reminded him of home, back in the Free Marches. Not the Trevelyan estate of course—too much Orlesian gold, but his tower along the Silver Sea… It seemed like forever ago, now.
"I'm heading back to the inn to meet with Schneider and Saga. Do you wish to come?" Maxwell invited the marine. He, Schneider, and Saga agreed to meet back at the Motel Merveille after his meeting with Cello. They may no longer had a room, but they all agreed that they needed a drink after the last few days.
"No, thank you," Toma shook his head. "I still have to prepare the base. Maji's interrogation hasn't told us that much, but I think it'll be useful for your mission. I'll let Schneider tell it."
Maxwell nodded. He hadn't been to involved with Maji's interrogation. Mekao's daughter had roped him into healing all the marines they assaulted… Some were in better states than others. Frostbite, sword wounds—the Shichiseiken was truly a nasty sword, and a few concussions. It had been a very tense medical ward!
"Alright. And you're sure your wound is fine?" Maxwell double-checked. Maxwell treated his injuries so he didn't command from a wheel chair. Toma was back in fighting shape, but still had bandages around his chest. The Shichiseiken had a unique mystical property that kept blood from congealing, or the wound from closing. As much as modern medicine couldn't help, it was a magical malady.
It was almost the opposite of what happened to Zoro, after his duel with Mihawk. His wound wouldn't close because something in Mihawk's sword prevented him from interfering. They had to suture the wound, wrap his torso, and let it heal from there. And sadly, he didn't know any other medicine at the time.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine!" Toma waved him off. "I'll see you here tomorrow! Good luck."
Maxwell looked out the window at the crisp blue day. They had a few potential hours before Ratchet's arrival, and Mecha Island was out there somewhere.
"Senior," Maxwell straightened and looked away from the window. "Senior Magister…"
Maxwell recognized him, "You… you're the butler that came in when the king first hired me." It was the hunchback Maxwell had seen when he first arrived on Maruchi Island. He was out of the butler attire, and instead wore cloth mantel to cover his hump, a tunic, leggings, and cloth shoes. "I never got your name."
"Cal, senior…" the hunchback hastily bowed. "Forgive my eavesdropping, but is it true? What you said about the princess?" He was referring to Helsing.
"…She has indeed been taken—"
Cal nearly dropped to the ground, his face awash in anguish. "Maldita sea! Sabia que deberia haber ido con ella...!" Only the wall kept him from falling onto the floor.
"You sound… more worried then most." Maxwell didn't understand what Call was murmuring. "What's your relation to Solona Helsing?"
"…Understand, senior. The princess has been kinder than many that look upon my appearance—"
"So you're her spy," Maxwell concluded, subtly drawing Mineive's wand. "Are you working for the cult or—?"
"I AM AND ALWAYS WILL BE LOYAL TO DUCHESS SOLONA VON HELSING!" The hunchback yelled louder then Maxwell thought possible! But it did also brought him pause. Cal was still trembling, still affected by the news of Helsing's capture.
"Mi senora…!" the hunchback began to weep. Maxwell put away his focus and turned away from Cal. He never was good with tears…
"…I don't know what I can say to assure you," Maxwell told the servant. "She might be alive. She may be dead… But whatever your opinion, at least know the king fully intends on taking her back."
"…Stop them, Magister," the butler sniffed. "Stop the cult…"
And Maxwell walked away…
O O O
The mage, Schneider, and Saga all sat around a table at the Motel Merveille.
Saga was having a bottle of saki. His Shichiseiken, resting in the corner with all the other weapons the trio had in their possession.
Schneider was having a lager, sitting close to his wife. Roba was looking better after having a few days rest and a shower. Adelle, the little girl, sat with them having juice. She was clearly bored of being here, but stuck close to Roba. It wasn't like they had anywhere else to place her. And Buzz laid down beside Schneider's chair, partially napping, partially waiting for food.
It was like an awkward family dinner, with none of them sure what to say.
Maxwell though had his typical glass of wine, mulling over his plan for today's mission.
Schneider wiped away some foam from his lips. "So, how did the meeting go?" No one had spoken since they placed their order.
Maxwell paused, twirling his drink, "…Well, we're out of the fire, so to speak. He amenable after Toma shared his side of the story. But he wasn't too happy to hear about his niece though…"
"Makes sense," said Saga from behind his saki cup. "He just found out he had been duped into doubting his own family. And she's in real trouble now."
Maxwell couldn't help but wince. The guilt must weigh heavily on Cello, especially after what Toma revealed.
…There was one document Toma kept secret, when he found the evidence to convict Dreak. He didn't share it with Jonathan. He only shared it during their meeting with Cello.
Secret orders to capture Solona, and deliver her to the Tenryubito. Signed by the Cipher Pol.
There was some hope for her. The document had a clause that said if they couldn't corner and villainize her, she would be left alone. However, Dreak had taken this as harassing her until she finally broke government law.
Suffice it to say, the three of them destroyed it. They didn't want to give Dreak an excuse for his innocence. Toma also quickly erased any documents issuing her arrest. They hadn't been sent to Marine HQ yet, and thus her status as a criminal wasn't yet established. Maxwell was suddenly glad the Lieutenant Commander was now drinking out of a straw!
"Speaking of which," the mage stood up in his chair. After sailing around for so long, Maxwell had caught onto some of the more universal gestures of this world. So, he bowed. "Schneider, Roba. I'm sorry for what I need to ask of you, but the king has a mission and it involves your son."
Schneider and Roba looked at each other, their own guilt weighing heavily on them. Adelle seemed interested, knowing she wasn't going to be told to go away. So, she listened in.
The old pirate sighed, "Let's hear it Max."
Maxwell sat back down, "The objective is to collect documents held on Mecha Island. Ratchet's blueprints for the machine he's building for the cult, and the direct location of Creamy Mist's hidden temple. But first, I need to be able to get there…"
"Ratchet is coming this afternoon to formalize his conquering of the archipelago. Cello won't stand for it. Schneider, we are hoping you are willing to face your son this afternoon."
Schneider breathed deep, knowing this had to happen sooner or later. All he could do was nod while Roba looked at him mournfully.
"While that happens… I'll need Roba to come with me." Both Schneider and Roba looked up! "The plan is to commandeer the flying machine Ratchet has been using to travel between here and Mecha Island. Cutting off his escape, and providing transportation. Roba, I'm hoping you can lead us home. Do you have any idea how to operate that thing?"
"That spinning contraption?" Roba knew what he was asking about. "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure how you plan to have two people on that thing. Every time I've seen Ratchet of his friends use them, it's always been operated by one person. It's a fancy glider!" Maxwell had never seen the machine so he couldn't comment on its capabilities.
"…But, you will need the turtle-pose to reach Shimagame." Roba took out the locket, containing the small turtle. She looked to her husband, knowing he had been longing for home. However, Schneider nodded, trusting both his friends and his wife. She handed it over, "I'm trusting you to keep it safe."
"Now, hold on!" Schneider butted in before Roba could give the turtle-pose. "Who says you can't go?" he asks his wife.
Schneider raises his hand before she could respond. "Take Buzz with you," the old king looks between the two of them. The old dog raises his head, hearing his name, but chuffs when he does see food.
"Buzz can fly between islands if he has too. He's done it with me for years!" Schneider looks down at his old companion, "He's getting up in years, but he still has some skip in his step! And Roba is even lighter than me, so she is a perfect passenger!"
Roba chuckled lightly, "You're lucky I don't care about my weight now a days. If you said that 20 years ago—"
"I would have been judo-thrown and gone tumbling down into a rosebush!" Schneider completed her sentence. The old couple smiled at each other, suddenly remembering the little moments they had together… They seemed like yesterday, even when they were so long ago…
"Okay, Roba can ride Buzz," Maxwell nodded. "Saga, you'll be Schneider's back up if he needs it."
"Fine," the swordsman shrugs. He threw back another swallow of saki and his cup chucked against the plate it came with.
"Hey, skinny-man." Maxwell blinks when he realizes it was Adelle speaking to him. "How are these cult guys supposed to be summoning their demon anyway?" All of the adults look at the child, but then turn to Maxwell.
"Kid has a point, Max," Schneider spoke. "And how is that machine Ratchet designed supposed to help?"
Maxwell took a deep breath before blowing it out… "Okay. Do you remember that thrall I mentioned. The one I said was freed from Sliep's control?"
"You mentioned him. Boruto—or whatever," Saga crossed his arms. Maxwell had already given them a more detailed rundown of what happened after the burlesque.
"Borodo," Maxwell corrected. "When he was briefly awake, he mentioned an object that was quite… significant to me."
"Fancy word there mage-boy…" Schneider watched from behind his glass.
Maxwell rolled his eyes, "He mentioned an Eluvian. I didn't even think there was one in existence here! Of course, you guys have no idea what it is, but in my w—country, they are quite important." Especially when an ancient elven god was going to be hoping around Thedas, plotting to tear down the Veil!
"Alright. So what is it?" Saga eyed the mage.
"An eluvian was a special kind of mirror, used by an… ancient people called the Elvhanan, close to my homeland." Maxwell was pretty sure if he just said "elves" the others would look at him funny. "They were an empire that stretched across maps, conquering vast territories—but even I didn't even think they would make it this far—! These mirrors were how they communicated and traveled between provinces!" And, the Eluvian was PROOF that the Ancient Elves once visited this world!
"Travel?" Schneider raised an eyebrow. "I'm willing to let my mind stretch considering what we're dealing with, but communication? What, they didn't use den-den mushi?"
Maxwell taps on table emphasizing his point, "These mirrors were effectively inter-dimensional portals that connected to one another! You could see the another person on the other side of the mirror, in their entirety! You could move from one city—one country, to another, and it'd take no longer than a 5 minute walk! How would you compare that to snails!? If they established a colony here on Creamy Mist—!" Maxwell had to take in a breath to stop himself.
The mage had interviewed Robin, extensively, on the subject of ancient races, cultures, and practices throughout this world. Spirits were here, but in all the Seven Seas, not once had the elves, or any natural race of pointy eared people, been mentioned in Robin's sources! Maxwell trusted her knowledge of history and archaeology. She was from an island of scholars after all, with a mind like a steel trap! …But maybe her home island hadn't found everything.
The mage waved his hand, "…Sorry, getting sidetracked. Long-story-short, these magic mirrors can connected to the Spirit World, which I know of as the Fade. What the Children are trying to summon, is a demon from that very plane of existence! If they find a way to activate the mirror—"
"That is where the machine comes in," Saga interrupted. "Sorry, it's their way to activate it. I remember the smorgasbord of crimes the Children did up in Jonathan's office. All of the robberies were of old make, or antiques, including mirrors. You think that may help them in any way?"
Maxwell rubs his chin, "If he's trying to fix the mirror, then it's possible shards of the eluvian were stollen, or refurbished to make other mirrors… But even then, after a thousand years, he wouldn't be able to collect them all."
"The machine, and I am guessing here—" They still had to find the design, "is meant to be some channeling apparatus. A machine that is meant to focus Fade energies into the mirror to stimulate or force open a connection. The Eluvians often had specific triggers that were required for people to use. Passwords, actions, positions of status. And the cult is likely using blood magic to hasten the repair time."
There was a character in The Tale of the Champion that reminded Maxwell of this very thing.
Merrill Sabrae. Dalish mage turned Aleinage protector. And naive blood mage banished from her clan.
While the author downplayed her role in the story, her situation was dangerous. She was an elven apostate that performed forbidden magicks, with a most upbeat disposition, in the most corrupt city-state of the Free Marches. Kirkwall.
Merrill originally had the position of First Apprentice under her clan's Keeper, Mahariel. And amazingly, she even knew the Hero of Feraldin. But the Fifth Blight had also set Merrill on a darker path.
The corrupted Eluvian that blighted her friends… she kept it. Like most Dalish, Merril wanted to preserve the history of the Elvhan. However, this artifact was personal. Merrill secretly believed if she could restore the mirror, she could redeem herself for being unable to save her closet friends.
She resorted to blood magic to use in her endeavour, against everyone's warning. A demon was secretly teaching Merrill how to do fix the mirror, but it was a ruse. Her teacher sacrificed herself when the demon's plot came to light, and what followed was pain and regret. The mirror remained broken and inert. Clan Sabrae became extinct. and Merrill lost everything that mattered in her life.
The only difference between her and Sliep was: Maxwell wasn't sure Sliep had anything to lose. The cultist clearly didn't value human lives. However, what Maxwell dreaded was that Sliep may actually succeed.
"Here's your lunch orders!" Ever came to their table, holding full platters in each hand. Schneider had the spaghetti, Roba had the lasagna, Saga ordered a steak sandwich, Maxwell had a chicken caesar salad, while Adelle had the kid's special.
Buzz also got his bowl of beef as well.
"Many thanks, lass!" Schneider smiled at the girl. They were all very thankful that Ever had been such a gracious host! Maxwell's initial agreement with her had expired, the tavern owner had allowed them to extend the residency. Especially with Roba and Adelle mixed into their business.
She did warn she was going to charge the Spider's Parlor an exorbitant amount of cash though…
Schneider swallowed his pasta whole, to Roba and Adelle's shock, but Maxwell and Saga didn't bother to comment. They already knew his eating habits and were digging into their own meals. The old pirate smiled, watching them all eat. But that smile slowly faded…
"Maxwell," Schneider got his attention, "if you're going to Shimagame, there's something you should know. My son may have renamed it, but our island was called Shimagame for a reason. The island, and everything on it, is on the back of a giant sea turtle."
Saga spat out his saki, "What!?" Meanwhile, Maxwell slowly put down his fork to pay attention. They were aware of some pretty giant seakings, but an entire sea turtle!?
Adelle was the one to speak up, "A giant sea turtle?"
Schneider nodded, "This secret has been passed down the line of chiefs for generations. Our guardian spirit, only meant to be awakened once a generation." Schneider looked to his wife, "As chief, I was meant to teach our son how to awaken her when the time was right. But it seems Ratchet figured out the instructions of the old song. I had hoped Ratchet's coming here is a coincidence, but after learning his connection to the cult, that thought is in the past."
"Do you think he's done something to the island!?" Roba asked her husband.
The old pirate squeezed his wife's hand, "…Just be prepared for what you might see." There was a solemnness in his voice that made the words feel heavy. Like the wick of a candle was burnt out…
O O O
The propeller spun like a cyclone, sharp and belligerent! A flying machine, gliding through the sky above Maruchi! It went over the towns, the fields, the forests, the ocean—all the way to the castle that stood in the lagoon!
And Ratchet smiled! Not for the beauty of the landscape, or the bird's eye view, but his heart quivered in anticipation! The first step to his plan of world domination was finally within his grasp! With Creamy Mist's surrender, he will have the resources to supply an army for his vision of conquest!
Ratchet guided the glider low, letting the bottom skid across the water. When he first designed these propelled gliders, he knew other kingdoms wouldn't have the infrastructure to support his genius! That's why, instead of wheels with these models, the landing gear was a pair of long pontoons! The buoyancy and shapes kept the gliders upright and afloat upon the landing.
The young king switched a lever, disengaging the engine, letting the propeller lose speed. With this mechanism, he essentially had three modes to operate his creation. Neutral, idle, and cruising speed. Idle would allow them to travel ashore while the rubber-band motor exhausted itself.
Behind him, his bodyguard, Honki, landed behind him, following in his wake. In truth, he was more of an aid then bodyguard. Honki at least took an interest in developing his inventions, unlike Maji. His future prime minister might be able to provide feedback on their effectiveness, but Honki was much more tolerable company. Despite his verbal tick.
Looking up, Rachet couldn't help but re-evaluate his design, "I really need to find a way to make this upright…"
One flaw he knew was two-fold, the piloting system. The pilot needed to lay on his belly, in a hanging harness, in order to fly this machine. Upright positions caused too much drag, buffering against aerial friction as the wind flew past. The other issue was turning itself. Piloting required a robust aerobics to operate the handlebars. From lifting the arms up to dip, to pushing them down to catch lift. All against the turbulence battering against the body.
Mecha island only had lumber to build infrastructure. All other metals had been monopolized and reserved his magnum opus. Shimagame was an animal after all, not deep earth. But with the Creamy Mist Archipelago under his control, he could finally have access to other resources! Minerals, crops, trade!
Shimagame was his weapon. Creamy Mist will become his armoury!
They headed towards the beach just outside the castle. There was a small path that led towards the bridge and portcullis. It was likely a play area, rather than some sort of emergency landing. And this beach was filled with pebbles rather than sand. A difference he noticed between here and Mecha Island…
It didn't matter, soon this would all be his!
"Honki," Ratchet dropped out of the harness. "Get the gliders ready for departure. After Creamy Mist's surrender I want to return to Mecha Island as soon as possible."
"Understood-ossu!" Honki took out a piece of metal as soon as his feet touched the beach. He was a tall, muscular man, with a black afro for hair. He would have been considered handsome, if not for his long jaw and long arms. Honestly, if it wasn't for the clothes, Honki could have been mistaken for a gorilla.
However, the man has always been invaluable when it came to testing. Ratchet often had to rely on his strength to move his creations. Even now, when he inserted the crank into the engine, Ratchet would never would have had the patients to see his creations through.
"…I suppose you could call that the power of friendship, kukuku!" It certainly would have delayed his plans for world domination.
Ratchet watched Honki rearrange the gliders after he wound up the engines. Light as they were supposed to be, they were still awkward to maneuver. Wheels were superior in this way, but loose earth seemed to be the universal bane of mechanical transport. "Shall we?"
Ratchet and Honki wandered up the path towards the public entrance of Maruchi Castle, standing before the gates. The young then decided to announce himself, "It is I Dr. Kurokiri Ratchet, future ruler of the world, and your new sovereign! Open the gates!" Ratchet couldn't help but grin as the portcullis grate rose out of the ground. This was an outstanding victory for himself! Soon he will be feasting on the finest meats and—!
"…Where is everyone?"
The courtyard was empty. The first time he came here, he was welcomed by guards and servants! They were practically lined up for the arrival of Doctor Karakuri Ratchet! Now it was nothing but pebbles and shrubbery!
"They are waiting in the wings," a voice spoke out. Hiding from behind a hedge walked out an old man in purple, holding a cane. He was dressed rather poorly, even if his clothes appeared brand new. The purple captain's coat draped like a cape on his shoulders, but it did nothing to his the sweat-shirt and sock-less shoes on his feet.
A new face? Ratchet pushed up his tinted glasses, "Oh? And for what reason are they hiding? Are they simply stunned by my brilliance?"
*Boom!*
Both Ratchet and Honki turned around, as the portcullis closed behind them. "Ratchet-sama! It's a trap-ossu!"
"Aye, it's a trap," the old man nodded. "But I was also hoping this would give us a moment to talk, Ratchet…"
Ratchet looked at the old man, "Talk? …Who are you? What right do you have to stifle the brilliance of Dr. Ratchet, king of Mecha Island!?" There was a nagging sensation in the back of his head, telling Ratchet he should know this!
"…Twenty years is a long time," The old man sighed ruefully. "I suppose it's not unexpected for you to not recognize your old king… Or your own father."
Ratchet's eyes dialated as he felt his body jolt. Like a gunshot had gone off in his mind!
His father…?
The silence was suddenly deafening.
"…No."
Ratchet recognized him…
"No no non no, NO!"
Even with his wrinkled face and receding hair…!
"YOU CAN'T BE ALIVE!"
It was his father.
"Schneider-sama…! ossu," even Honki recognized him.
Ratchet pointed a finger at Schneider, "Why aren't you dead yet!? The odds of you surviving out here are at most 1 out of one-hundred! Even if you had been on these islands on this time, foreign disease and negligence should have eliminated you by now! Why are you here!?"
"To talk to you… Ratchet. My son…" The old man looked like he wanted to reach out towards Ratchet, but held himself back.
"Hmph!" Ratchet pushed up his glasses again. "A bit late for that, father. When I learned you weren't on the ship that arrived to Shimagame, I knew then that that was my chance to expand my horizons. Without you, I would have nothing holding me back from my destiny!"
"Is that what you tell yourself…? Me holding you back? Or is that the devil pouring poison into your ear?"
"I remember when you were young, how you said you had a dream that led you to developing your first invention. A little wind up toy that wheeled around the floor, looking like a little pig…" Ratchet felt his spine slowly straiten as his father spoke. "At first I thought my little boy just had an overactive imagination. That he was a genius in the making! …But I ignored the little oddities, because you were my son, the boy that I loved most in the whole world…! Little did I know you were haunted by a demon—"
"HOW DARE YOU SPEAK SUCH BLASPHEMIES TO ME!" Ratchet yelled at Schneider. "I HAVE BEEN ORDAINED BY GOD, YOU STUPID OLD MAN! BY RIGHT, I ALONE HAVE THE ABILTY TO RULE THIS WORLD AND EVERYTHING IN IT!"
"Even when that god is plotting behind your back!" Schneider bristled. "20 YEARS, I TRIED TO COME BACK TO YOU AND YOUR MOTHER! 20 YEARS I SPENT SAILING THIS OCEAN FOR THE CHANCE TO COME BACK HOME! 20 years… and I find out it was my very son who banished me from our home."
"I sailed out with one hundred men to save our island from starvation… For 20 days we sailed battling rain and wave, without a spec of land in sight! And those men I sent home to ensure our trade, I would never see again… All because my son stole the very compasses that kept those ships safe."
"Hmph! I did no such thing!"
"No, you had Maji steal them," Schneider corrected his son. "Your childhood friends helped place you on the throne, just so you could bide your time, and take advantage of your mother's kindness."
Ratchet laughed, "Hahaha! Curious how you know all of this, father. But sadly, mother is dead. You've been gone too long old man."
Schneider looked at his son for a moment before chuckling, making Ratchet confused. "You couldn't kill me son. And you most certainly couldn't kill your mother… Roba, I think it's time you headed out."
"Yes dear." Ratchet flinched when he heard his mother's voice sound in the courtyard. And his eyes widened when he saw his mother rise on the back of a giant winged beast!
"Roba-jou-ossu!" It was Roba alright! Even if her hair was no longer done up they recognized those wrinkles, those painted lips, and the same black kimono she always liked to wear.
"I'm sorry son… but this is for your own good!" Roba wrenched herself away from looking at her son. And with those final words the winged hound shot up into the sky!
"MOTHER!" Ratchet couldn't help himself, his body moved to watch his mother take off into the sky! Even when he needed to get rid of her, there was still that part of him that craved that closeness with his mother.
He watched as the beast flew off into the sky… and one of his gliders—!
"WHAT DID YOU DO!?" Ratchet round onto his father. Someone had stolen one of his aircraft! Who else had the gal to do this!?
"I AM DISCIPLINING MY SON!" Schneider roared at Ratchet, making the doctor flinch! "Trying to start a war! Colluding with devils and cultists! Attacking foreign shores! I may have failed as a father, but it is time for you to take some responsibility!"
"Honki!" Ratchet looked over at his bodyguard. It was time to leave!
"Right-ossu!" Honki moved to run with him, but he could barely move a step before a sword was held at his throat!
"What do you want done with them, old man?" Saga asked his compatriot. The light was dim in the midday sun, but even Ratchet could tell that sword wasn't natural! Soldier then filed in, pointing halberds at the duo, and Ratchet couldn't help but step back!
Schneider let out a breath, his shoulders feeling heavy. "Take them to the dungeon. King Cello has allowed at least that much…"
What?
The dungeon!?
"HOW DARE YOU!" Ratchet scream as he was taken away. "I AM THE FUTURE RULER OF THE WORLD! I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS MISTREATMENT! I DEMAND TO SEE KING CELLO! WE HAD AN ARRANGED MEETING YOU IDIOTIC…" Ratchet's voice faded as he was escorted into the castle, swinging around the right.
Schneider looked to the sky, wondering his his wife and friend were doing up there.
"Lord… I don't know if you are real. But please, keep them safe…!"