"Hmmmm…" Shifting in her bed, Karen would groan in dissatisfaction, turning onto her side in an attempt to get comfortable. "Nnnmmmmm…" Finding being on her side even worse, she would then shift to lay face down on her pillow, instantly sighing in discovery that it had done no better in order to help her go to sleep.
"Mmmmmrrrrrnnnngg…" Groaning the loudest she had before, Karen's head would turn to look at her PDA, seeing the black screen through the darkness in her hospital bed.
'He didn't call for the whole day…' She thought with worry, unable to return to sleep and shifting back to sit up in her bed. As she was about to reach for her tablet to play games, the sound of the door opening would catch her off guard.
"Eep!" She'd squeak as she hid her tablet underneath her blanket, the girl turning to the door. "M-Miharu! I swear that I was sleeping! I just…" Her nervousness would slowly go away, realizing that the woman at the door was far too small to be her nurse, neither tall enough to be even Sakura. But the light from the outside made it difficult for her to see who exactly it was. "Um… hello?"
"Oh, sorry. It's brighter out there." A quick flick of the dim lights would reveal Charlotte as the one who entered, closing the door behind her.
"Dr. Dimandias?" Karen would say in confusion, wondering why the woman was here.
"An update from LiZa told me that Artorian hasn't called, so I figured you could use a visit." The scientist said, walking up to the chair next to Karen's bed and taking a seat, holding two cups with steam coming out. "Coffee or hot chocolate?"
"Artorian says having hot chocolate this late is bad for me."
"Well then, it'll be our little secret." Charlotte would wink, handing one of the cups to the girl. Karen was hesitant, mostly due to the time of the day, but eventually accepted the cup of hot chocolate, blowing on it to cool it before taking a sip. "Hard time sleeping?"
"Mmhhmmm." Karen hummed, pausing from her drinking to look to Charlotte. "Artorian said he would try calling, and it's… what time is it?"
"It's one in the morning."
"It's that late-I mean early!" Karen gasped, groaning to herself as she hid her mouth behind her cup. "Ahhhwww… Artorian and Miharu are going to be upset with me for staying up for so long…"
"Oh, I'm sure they'll go easy on you." Charlotte reassured Karen, smiling to herself as she took a sip of her coffee. "I can't imagine them being disappointed, not in a cute girl like you."
"Still… I'm a little worried." Karen said, keeping her mouth hidden as she looked to her hot chocolate.
"Something wrong?"
"…You know about Artorian's condition, right?"
"Yes." Charlotte said, going to her PDA and typing in a few key commands before locking and deactivating the audio systems in the room, officially separating them from most outside sources. "Is something the matter?"
"Yesterday, I had read Artorian's fortune on my cards. What I saw made me worried that he… that the Abyss might take over." Karen admitted, putting her hot chocolate onto her nightstand and grabbing her tarot cards. "I got more concerned and rechecked it, and I saw the signs of loss. The chances of being controlled is even greater, and then I had… I had…"
"A bad dream?"
"A vision." Karen admitted, recalling back to when she first attempted to go to sleep. "I couldn't make it out, everything was really dark, and I couldn't make sense of most of the images. But I know what I did see, blood. A lot, and a bright bolt of green lightning. I'm afraid that… if Artorian hasn't called, maybe something bad's already happened."
"Clairvoyance is always a burdening gift. You can give warnings, but you cannot tell what is true and what is only a possibility." Charlotte noted, her expression turning somber as she took another sip from her coffee.
"You believe in clairvoyance? I thought you were a scientist?"
"Often times people call something magic in the absence of science. But you must remember, I worked with Artorias for years. Knowing magic is very real is a very difficult bomb in reality to ignore." Charlotte chuckled. "And in the presence of fire-wielding Gods, lightning being summoned from fingertips, entire wounds healing instantly, and darkness possibly personified; I think predicting the future is the least shocking of gifts to have."
"I… I guess. Miracles from the Lords is a rather shocking thing to see." Karen said, looking to the small box in her room that contained the pendant that she used to ward off Artorian's Abyss. "I just wish… I wish I didn't end up like this. Maybe if I didn't contract Severance, I'd be able to do something more."
"…Can I tell you a secret?" Charlotte asked, putting her coffee to the side as she reached into her lab coat. "Not many people know this, Mei Mei and LiZa are the only two on this boat currently that know. Not even Artorian knows."
"A-Are you sure you want to tell me? Wouldn't it be better to keep as few people in as possible? That's why Artorian says to avoid telling people about the Abyss."
"True, but this secret isn't a world class danger like the Abyss." The scientist said, pulling her hand out with something in her hand. Karen only had to look for a second before her eyes widened in realization, shock evident on her face.
"…T-Tarot cards?"
"Artorias got them for me a few months after we met. It felt like a silly joke he made, since when he first told me about magic I laughed at him directly to his face… before he conjured a black flame in his hand." Charlotte chuckled to herself, recalling the memory. "Sometimes… after I met him I'd have lucid dreams, I couldn't recall everything but at moments I felt an odd sense of déjà vu. I didn't think about it back then, but after he died I think he was trying to tell me I was clairvoyant."
"No way…"
"By the time I thought about it, I had spent too long neglecting my potential magic to effectively use it. Without becoming a Vessel, I had no chance of using it. It comes and goes, but I have no say over how to use it. I don't even know the first thing on using these cards." Charlotte will look to the cards somberly remembering to when she first got the cards. "Sometimes I think maybe if I hadn't forgotten about it, maybe I could have helped Artorias, maybe even prevent his death. But I'll never know, and truthfully I don't want to know. The past is the past and I can't change it."
"But you, you can help Artorian now. You give him something to come back to and your visions alone can help him immensely." Charlotte would then give Karen a supportive smile, winking to her in confidence. "Despite what you think, Artorian will always come back, and that's because of you. So don't worry about him because he's already busy worrying about you. I promise you he'll be back before you know it."
"…Y-You're right!" Karen would say in response. "Artorian's strong enough by himself, he can beat anything if he gets serious! My visions and predictions don't always come true, so he'll be just fine! Thank you Dr. Dimandias."
"Oh sweetie, just call me Char." Charlotte responded, reaching and patting Karen's head. "Would you mind if I stay and we talk some more? I haven't had the chance to properly meet you. And I've always wanted to see the girl that Matsuda and Hamaki brought into this world."
"You knew mom and dad as well?"
"Of course, we go back."
"W-Well… I guess I could use some company." Karen would agree, putting her cards back away as she picked up her hot chocolate. "And maybe… I could show you how to use your tarot cards?"
"I'm a lost cause with these, but I would love to see a master at work." Charlotte would laugh, smiling brightly to the girl as she grabbed her coffee. "We can see what I can do, but don't be surprised if it turns into a bust."
"N-Not at all!"
'She's a sweet girl.' Charlotte would think somberly, the scientist listening to the girl's description on how to properly use the cards. 'What ever is happening to you Artorian, get back here.'
"One, two, three, four, five." The Nameless King counted, his eyes going from Krovanh, Nakri, Nesat, Emilia and ending on Artorian as he did. "The amount of Akin here is a rather whimsical find. Of course though, I must admit I'm disappointed at the clear limit at least two of you have. Especially you, kinsman." The Lord stated, focusing on Artorian.
"Back off." Emilia would state, stepping in front of the downed hybrid with dragoon cannons summoned, all four pointing at the Nameless King.
"Don't fire." Artorian grunted out, the loss of his energy and his excessive injuries hitting him with a wave of fatigue.
"I would listen to the Akin, attacking would be unwise." Oristin warned, his spear at the ready as he regarded the Slayers.
"You, blonde female." The Nameless King would then shift his attention to Claire, the Slayer having all her cannons targeted to him at different positions. "You're the commander of this group, are you not?"
Claire would remain unresponsive, her gaze sharp as energy was charged in the floating pods, all ready to fire at the Lord at a moment's notice. But despite that, the Nameless King showed not even a hint of concern, his eyes measured but calm as he looked to her.
"If you desire for them to all survive, you will fall back and leave the Akin behind." He spoke, green lightning dancing across his swordspear as he gripped the pole. "I promise to spare the rest. Bloodshed will not be a requirement in this encounter."
"Akin? The Hunters?" Claire questioned. "Are you working with them?"
"He means… the Variants…" Matthew coughed out, getting the attention of the Slayers as he did.
"He's after us?" Emilia asked, confused at the information.
"Claire, we need to retreat now." Liddy stated, steeping next to the president as she kept a worried glance at the two Little Garden Variants. She recalled in one of her sessions with Artorian the mention of a Forgotten Sun, removed from the Annals of Lordran after he betrayed them. And a single look at his predatorial glare, glowing green eyes and the altered V shape of his pupils gave her all the evidence she needed to assume this was that same Lord.
"Liddy?"
"You can sense it, can't you? His energy…" The Slayer attempted to shift Claire's attention, knowing that she couldn't reveal his identity without blowing Artorian's cover. But the raw presence the Lord brought was more than enough to get her point across. "He has more energy than all of us put together. And the two with him posses large amounts as well."
"…" The blonde remained silent, turning her attention back to the Scorned with narrowed eyes. She felt the energy from all of them, the strength behind them were impossible to ignore. And with at least two of them being clearly Lords, they had a disadvantage in physical strength alone. And with Artorian currently wounded and an apparent target, it made fighting a dangerous option.
"This will be your only offer. Leave the Akin, and you may live for when the Exalted return."
'There's too many injured, if we fight and it takes too long we could risk them getting hurt.' Claire would think, looking across the field to see Liddy's team all injured along with Matthew. But two of her comrades were targets, one with serious injuries that required treatment.
Taking a calming breath, Claire would close her eyes as she stood straight up, her cannons powering down and floating back over her. They would then surround her, causing the Nameless King's eyes to narrow as he registered what she was doing.
'So, it is going to be like that?'
Opening her eyes, Claire would explode with energy, a gust of wind dissipating it and causing debris to fly off in every direction as her Full-Body Armament activated. A constant flow of energy was being released by her, the lights of her variable suit glowing brightly at the release of her power.
"I will not allow you to take anyone from Little Garden, and the Hunters are to be brought in for questioning." Claire declared, her cannons all priming instantly as she glared at the three Scorned. "If you wish to take them, then you will have to take them."
"I was hoping to avoid an incident, but expected this outcome." The Lord shook his head in disappointment, turning his attention to Ato and Oristin. "Ato, immobilize the Akin within their ranks and the ones acting against them. Oristin, deal with the remaining humans. By the time Sidero returns we should be finished."
"Of course, my liege." Oristin would respond, Ato giving his own growl in understanding before they readied their weapons, all of the Slayers getting ready for the fight to come.
"Everyone, stand ready." Claire ordered, shifting her feet as she prepared herself for the fight. "Protect the wounded and prevent them from reaching Artorian or Emile."
"Damn it, no. You can't fight him." Artorian attempted to argue, coughing a bit of blood out as a spike of pain went in his chest. He'd struggle against it, attempting to push himself up with his good arm. However as soon as he got to his knees, he'd go into a coughing fit, concerning Emilia and having her turn to him.
"Artorian, you're too hurt. Just stay down and-" Before the Slayer could finish, her eyes would widen as she felt a sudden presence of energy and turned to see Ato directly in front of her, his eyes golden as the Variant Virus powered up in him.
'So fast!' She'd think in alarm, crossing her arms and summoning an energy barrier to block his swing. The clash would immediately shatter her barrier, forcing her to step back in recoil before he struck forward with his fist, striking her stomach and sending her skidding back.
"Emile!" Artorian shouted in concern, stopped from getting up further as Ato kicked to the side and sent him crashing into the nearest tree. The impact nearly uprooted the tree, the Slayer coughing out spit and blood as he felt the full force of the impact through his variable suit.
The moment the two Variants were struck everyone moved into action, Claire charging her cannons and firing at the Nameless King as he remained in place, the energy simply colliding with an N-Barrier and dissipating it. She would clench her teeth as she rushed forward, seeing Oristin attempt to interrupt her with a strike to her side.
She'd fire two blasts at the Lord, shifting his spear's direction and having it collide into the ground. She'd then jump off the spear, kicking off him and firing three more shots at him and striking his chest, getting him to stumble back from the impact of her energy.
As he recovered and readied lightning in his palm, Erica's Everlasting would clasp around his arm, preventing him from firing off the bolt. He'd then pull his spear out and block Liddy, the lance immediately stopping at the impact of his weapon.
'Interesting, a Vessel?' He would think, keeping Liddy back as he recalled the presence she had. 'The Abyss is absent; did she already have it removed?' The Lord then pushed against her, sending her skidding back on her feet while cutting at Erica's chain, slicing through it with ease as lightning coated his spear.
"An interesting approach." The Nameless King would note, watching as several more of Claire's shots simply dissipated against his N-Barrier, the Slayer landing on the ground before aiming all six cannons directly at him. "Most commanders would send their soldiers out first."
"A good leader leads through example!" Claire announced, firing a chain blast of her Hundred directly at the Lord. His barrier once again broke the energy, his body unflinching as she fired a barrage of bolts at him.
"I couldn't agree more." He said, summoning green lightning to his hand and flicking it out towards her. The bolt would go against Claire's own, growing instantly upon exiting his barrier and enveloping all of her shots with ease. Claire's eyes widened in shock at the size, but held both her arms angled down as she focused her energy into her palms to create a barrier.
And explosion then went off, creating a cloud of smoke and debris that enclosed the area the two were in. The Nameless King remained in place, his eyes tracking the surrounding area before he'd see the cloud of dust move to the right, flicking another bolt of lightning out to strike the Slayer. But when it struck and detonated, he'd see in interest that it was one of Claire's pods moving on its own to serve as a decoy, the blonde appearing from the dust behind him with five of her cannons already charged.
"Clever." He'd smirk as she fired at point blank, five beams continuously digging at his barrier from behind as he remained still. Her eyes would narrow in frustration as his barrier alone was easily taking it and dispersing her attack without any effort from him.
'His barrier's not even cracking, even a Trenta would flinch at this much energy.' She'd think, watching the Lord as he turned his shoulder to the side so that he could look directly at her. His mouth was covered, but seeing his eyes showed the blonde that he was smiling in interest, almost as if he was more curious at a find than in a fight.
When she'd see him charge another bolt of lightning, she'd jump back and form her pods into a shield before adding her own energy to boost the defensive abilities. When the lightning struck, she was almost completely floored by the amount of power, getting forced back almost to the very edge of the open terrain as her feet struggled to keep herself standing.
"A dragoon Hundred with a user whose physical capabilities are above average?" He'd hum, almost as if he was studying her when her shield disassembled. "You're quite different from any of the Slayers I've observed, and with as much energy as you do. Tell me, how much of the Exalted's presence is inside you?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, and I don't care for it!" Claire announced, focusing her energy as the thrusters on her back opened up. "Come forth, my Petals!" The dozen smaller pods all flew out and surrounded the Lord, firing constantly as they circled him. She'd then take off into the air, her cannons forming a circle around her as she pulsed her energy enough to form an aura of her green energy.
"Oh this is going to be good." The Nameless King smirked underneath his scarf, watching as Claire fired six large beams of energy down at him while her Petals fired with unrest, an explosion of the energy alone engulfing around him when the beams connected.
"Krovanh, Krovanh!" Nakri would say to her cousin, shaking him as she and Nesat were kneeling next to him. "Come on, we need to get out of here! While the Slayers are distracted we can grab the variable stones we have and get out of here."
"I can barely move my body, I'm completely out of energy." Krovanh said weakly, coughing out blood. "I pushed my limit too far, I can't do anything now." He'd then look to his cousin and sister, wincing as he felt a spike of pain in his ribs. "You need to… run. They're going to be coming after you next."
"We aren't going to leave you!" Nakri shouted, grabbing his arm and slinging it over her shoulders. "We can carry you, we just need you to stay awake and we'll get out of here!"
"I'm dead weight, I'll only slow you down."
"…We aren't abandoning you." Nesat said, slinging his other arm over her as the two girls helped stand him up. "…We're family, no one is left behind."
"Nesat… please, get Nakri out of here and-!" Krovanh's eyes would widen as he saw Ato approach, the Scorned narrowing his eyes as he aimed for the male Hunter.
Nesat's eyepatch would shift as she copied Liddy's Hundred, releasing Krovanh and moving forward to protect the two from the Variant. She would block with her shield, but a single burst of energy from Ato would completely overpower Nesat, sending her crashing back into her fellow Hunters and knocking them down to the ground.
As Nesat would push herself up, she'd open her eyes to see Ato already preparing another swing, the blow about to hit her before Claudia's flail struck the Scorned on the side of his head.
"How dare you hit Lady Emilia!" Claudia would shout as she pulled her flail back, the thrusters on her hips propelling her forward to rush the Variant. Ato would turn his eyes to her, shifting the grip on his sword before blocking her attack. Sparks would fly from the collision, but a moment later Ato would reach out and grab Claudia by the face.
The Slayer wouldn't be able to react much more than the surprise of being grabbed before he slammed her into the ground. With her stunned, he'd stand back up and throw her to the cliffside, the Slayer hitting the rock with enough force to crack the surface. But before he could shift his attention back to the Hunters, four blasts of energy would then hit his back, getting him to turn to Emilia who stood across from him, a small trail of blood coming from the corner of her lip.
"That's a serious punch, seems you've gotten your Variant powers down really well." She'd say, wiping her mouth with her wrist. When she finished, her eyes would turn to the same vibrant gold as his, her energy drastically rising upon the activation of her virus. "I've got a decent grasp of them too, wanna see who's got the higher tolerance?"
"Hrn." Ato would grumble, spinning the blade in his hand before getting into his stance. Emilia and Ato would then both lunge for each other, the white-haired Slayer transforming her Hundred into a scythe and clashing against the Variant's greatsword. The initial impact would cause Emilia's arms to jolt, Ato's physical strength keeping him more controlled as he'd swing again, this time the girl blocking with the pole and skidding several feet on her heels.
Once she stopped, she'd concentrate energy into her blade and swing again, this time matching Ato's attack when he reached her again. She'd then spin the scythe, using the momentum of her movements to add on to her attacks to properly collide against Ato's sword.
After twenty consecutive blows, Ato would apply energy into his own blade and slash hard against Emilia's scythe. She would block, but as her guard was broken he would raise his blade to strike again. Claudia's flail would then shoot out and strike his blade, throwing his aim off and having it slam into the ground next to Emilia.
The impact caused the ground beneath them to collapse, but as Emilia flipped to her side her Hundred would transform into a martial-arts type, special gauntlets and greaves forming as she landed on her feet. With enhanced speed, Emilia would bring her fist up and slam it against Ato's chin for an uppercut. The Variant would only flinch as he took the blow, fighting against her in order to stare her in the eyes with a narrowed glare.
The two then broke off, with Emilia putting her arms together to block his next swing before Claudia flew in past Ato, rearing her Hundred arm back. All of their energy would flare as Emilia sent her leg forward and Claudia struck down at Ato, bright blue, teal and green energy exploding from the combined strength.
Emilia and Claudia would both slide back, the former digging her hands and feet in the ground to stop herself sooner and rush forward to where Ato was. As she reached the cloud of dust, her instincts flared in panic and she dodged to the side, Ato's sword being thrown out and stopping her approach. When she recovered her footing, she turned in shock to see Ato already in front of her, energy coating his fist as he swung at her.
She'd swing her hand down to parry the attack, throwing her own punch that he blocked with his forearm. They'd then focus energy into their limbs, their speed increasing as they collided in direct hand-to-hand combat. Blocking for Emilia was difficult, as Ato's physical strength and surprising speed made her have to prioritize each move. Meanwhile Ato was certain to prevent her legs from hitting him, the first overhead kick having informed him of the shifting gear that amplified the effectiveness even more.
When Ato would parry Emilia's latest punch to have her go to his side, he'd duck under as Claudia flew over him, having attempted to land a hit on him while he was busy with Emilia. The Slayer would click her tongue in anger at her miss, using her thrusters to flip her mid air and set herself up to strike him again.
Ato would this time release his energy into an N-Barrier, blocking both Claudia's follow up and Emilia's kick from behind. Cracks formed in the barrier, however it held long enough for him to send out a pulse of energy. Off balancing the two, Ato would first kick out and strike Emilia in the face, stunning the girl before she was sent skidding across the ground on her back.
When he turned back to Claudia, he would grab her flail as she sent it out at him, the Slayer landing and attempting to recall it. However the Variant would keep a firm grip on the Hundred, tightening his grip on it as his energy spiked. He then eventually closed his fist, shattering the flail and disarming Claudia.
Panic filled Claudia's face as she attempted to jet back, but was stopped as Ato instantly reached her, striking her stomach with enough force to get her to cough spit and blood. He then followed by kicking the side of her head, the blow stunning her before she crashed back into a tree, going through it before rolling to a halt on the ground.
"Claudia!"
"Gremlin…"
Emilia and Artorian would both speak out in concern at the girl, her Hundred deactivating as she remained motionless on the ground. The former of the two would push herself up and run to Claudia's side, flipping her over to get a look at the damage.
Aside from her blood from the punch and the decent sized cut on her face from the kick, she appeared mostly fine. Although she was knocked out completely from the pain of Ato's enhanced attacks.
"Emile… what's her…" Artorian grunted out, pushing himself up to a single knee as he looked to the two. Truthfully he didn't care much for Claudia, but in the situation they were in every life was on the line.
"I think she'll live, she's knocked out but breathing still." Emilia informed, laying Claudia back down as she got back up. As Ato walked and pulled his sword out from the ground, Emilia would tighten her fists in anger, turning back to flash her eyes at the enemy Variant. "Now you're going to get it."
Transforming her Hundred again, Emilia would this time summon a multitude of rapiers, two forming in her hands while four more floated around her like her Arms Shroud. Summoning more energy forward, Emilia would move at high speed directly at Ato, the Variant blocking her as she jabbed at him with both her rapiers.
He'd immediately push her away, swinging his greatsword side to side as her floating blades all went at him. After the last one was knocked to the side, she'd lunge at him as he parried. She'd then spin on her heels, delivering several blows before spinning under a swing from Ato. He'd then knock one of the returning rapiers away before blocking her dual slash aimed at his back.
As he would spin to push her away, he'd block two more of her floating weapons, dodging top the side as she attempted to pierce him. He'd then wince as the fourth rapier grazed his cheek, leaving a small cut before he blocked Emilia's latest attempt at impaling him. Seeing her pulse her energy into her entire body, he'd growl in response before jumping back to avoid two of her rapiers on the move.
When he landed, he'd spin to his right and knock one away, using the momentum of his swing to spin and slash at the approaching Emilia. She'd duck under, sliding between his legs and turning once she was behind him to swing at his head. The Scorned would turn quickly, his mouth opening before he bit down on the tips of the two rapiers, his aura appearing as he pulsed his strength to preform the feat without getting stabbed.
Emilia was caught off guard by the method of blocking, leaving her open as Ato swung wide and struck her side with his blade. The swing had cut right into her variable suit, grazing skin as she pulsed her energy in time to avoid getting a serious injury. But at the same time his energy pulsed as well, the enemy Variant timing it in synch with her own to send her crashing back into the cliffside.
The girl gasped in pain as the impact knocked the wind out of her, her eyes returning to normal as she collapsed to her hands and knees, coughing as she desperately attempted to get air back into her lungs. He left hand was pressed against her side, feeling the blood flow out from the cut he had managed to land on her, revealing the dangerous edge to the weapon he possessed.
As she would attempt to push herself up, she was met with Ato's boot, getting kicked hard enough to knock her back into the cliffside and leave several massive cracks against the rock. The blow managed to stun her completely, the Slayer collapsing to the ground as she felt her muscles lock up from the pain. She was now bleeding from her side, lips and nose, the kick having nearly broken her nose and managed to cut her lips.
Ato would remain standing over Emilia with a cold stare, keeping his greatsword ready as if he was expecting her to get up again. When she would remain down, struggling to get herself to move, he would step away to avoid a rock being thrown at him. His eyes would then turn to Artorian, the hybrid keeping himself standing by leaning against the tree beside him.
"Oi, feeling tough there… prick?" Artorian grunted out, grinning nervously as he looked to his rival Variant. "Must feel pretty good, beating up two girls that are nearly a foot shorter than you."
Ato would show little reaction to the accusation, simply turning to have his entire body facing Artorian. However as his eyes were drawn to Artorian's own, the predatorial ferocity in his vision would enhance, his pupil shrinking as his energy would burst around him.
"…You…"
"Ah… shit." Artorian would just get out before Ato sped to right in front of him, giving the hybrid no time to react before delivering a heavy punch to his gut. Just as he took the blow, Ato would grab at Artorian's variable suit and swing him against the tree, nearly splitting it in two from the impact before keeping him in place.
Artorian would cough blood through his closed teeth, attempting to keep the pain down as he'd look at Ato in the eyes. "Damn… was it something I… said?" He'd chuckle weakly, seeing the enraged stare from Ato.
"…You… abandon…" Ato would attempt to speak out, blood escaping from his lips as his voice sounded hoarser with each word. "…Kill…"
"Gonna… have to… use… normal… speech…" Artorian would taunt the Variant, using the same tone before grinning. "Sound stupid and… generic if you don-GAH!" Ato would interrupt the hybrid as he struck his stomach hard, the force transmitting through him and into the tree causing it to shatter and collapse to their side.
Ato would keep Artorian standing for a few seconds before releasing him, letting him drop into a coughing fit on his side as blood nearly blocked his throat. He'd hack out several blotches of blood before his breathing finally settled and he looked up to the Scorned, attempting to push himself up to his hands and knees.
"That… all… you… got…" He was answered as Ato kicked up and struck the open cut across his chest that Krovanh left, getting a gasp of pain before Artorian collapsed back to the ground. "Ghh… not bad… for a novice." Ato would then kick at Artorian's side, striking his side continuously as his eyes were widened in rage.
"Artor…ian…" Emilia would groan in pain, lifting her head up to see Artorian as Ato ruthlessly kicked at his side. It wasn't until a firm kick struck hard enough to break a rib did Artorian shout in pain, the scream, getting most of the Slayers attention and even the Nameless King.
"Artorian!?"
"Ato, stand down!" The Nameless King ordered, his subordinate stopping just short of delivering another kick to the downed hybrid. "You are to do as little damage as possible while keeping them down! If you strike him again I will step in!"
The threat alone had gotten Ato to stop, stepping back from Artorian as the hybrid remained motionless on the ground, the occasional pained gasp and winced eye being the evidence that he was still conscious.
After his warning, the Nameless King would turn his attention back to Claire, who stood at the ready with her Petals and gun pods all floating around her, building up energy for her next volley. "Hmmm." He'd hum, thinking as he looked to the blonde.
"What?"
"You've been firing these projectiles constantly at max power with barely any note fatigue. I'm under the assumption this is merely a fraction of what you're capable of." He'd say. "Tell me, you wouldn't happen to be an Akin with a dormant blessing, would you?" Getting a silent glare in return, he'd come to his own conclusion at the message.
"Well then tell me, what if I could offer you a power past that of the Akin?" The Nameless King offered, holding a hand out for the proposal. "The Akin are powerful, but they lack a final piece in order to become what they are to be destined to be. Such a prominent… Slayer I believe you're called, would be wasted simply fighting for the dregs of humanity. The Exalted could make a true Archon out of you."
"I would never betray my post, an offer such as that spits in my role to protect humanity. Dregs or not, our numbers are coming back, even if slowly." Claire responded, her weapons primed to fire.
"A stubborn one then. A shame you desire to resist, the Exalted's Blood would have transformed you into something more than just a human." The Nameless King would sigh, holding his swordspear to the side as he looked to her. "Then let us not waste time and get to the finale sooner."
"And what do you mean by that?"
"You have been holding back, attempting to find my barrier's weakness. I assure you that there is no weak spot in my defense, and your current energy will not provide any damage." The Lord stated, his eyes trained on Claire as he did. "So my proposition for you is simple. Charge all of your energy into your strongest attack, and fire at me."
"You're insane."
"Not insane, just confident in my abilities." He responded. "Tell me, why hesitate? I'm offering you a chance to fir everything you have at once. I will not even move, I will take and defend myself from your full power. And if it works, then you rid yourself of me then and there. Is that not the best chance you'd have?"
"…Tell your two to stand down." Claire said, getting an entertained hum from the Lord. "I will not fire while my Slayers could be caught in the blast. So call off your men so that no fighting is happening around us."
"A rather noble sentiment, I respect a leader who concerns themselves with their subordinates' wellbeing." The Nameless King commented. "Foolish, but a respectable notion regardless. Ato, Oristin, stand down." At his order, Ato took several more steps away from Artorian's downed form, while Oristin would parry Liddy's latest attack and jump back, confusing the Slayer at the action.
"Now then, shall we conclude our business?" He would question, everyone's attention on Claire as he smiled underneath his scarf. "The Exalted's will is a pressing matter, so let us end this little skirmish."
"Very well, I'll show you the strength of Little Garden." Claire spoke, her eyes narrowed as her gun pods all dissipated into energy, forming her Buster Cannon while her Petals all shifted and locked into place around the barrel. Energy then began to build up in her weapon, her aura exploding out as she summoned all that she had to power the Buster Cannon up.
"A rather large amount of energy, I can see why he desires to end this now." Oristin noted, confusing the Slayers as he remained perfectly calm, his tattered plume waving sporadically as the energy Claire was generating began to turn violent. The raw amount began to send wind in every direct ion, as well as even shake the ground with the presence alone.
"Claire… don't…" Matthew tried to warn, grunting as he pulled himself up to a sitting position against a tree. "He's… baiting you." His words wouldn't reach the blonde, the roar of her energy charging deafening most of the area as she aimed to the Nameless King.
"Yes, this is a rather impressive surge of energy." He'd say, his eyes glowing as he remained steadfast. "It is a shame you won't consider joining us. The power you'd have as an Archon could've gone nigh unmatched."
"I would never abandon my duty as a Slayer. I will use my power to protect those without it, and to uphold humanity's survival and progression!" Claire stated in response, the energy around her dying out as all of it was now building up in her Hundred, the barrels of her Buster Cannon and Petals all glowing with the barely contained power. "Take this!"
With her shout, her Hundred would fire, the moment the energy shooting out caused a massive shockwave to surround her, nearly shattering the ground she stood on. The massive beam of energy traveled with destructive might, tearing up the terrain as it picked up speed as it spiraled towards the Nameless King. The Lord remained in place, his smile turning into a smirk as it connected against his barrier.
Upon initial impact, the barrier held up perfectly as the beam was pushing against it. The negative properties within the barrier seemed to be eating at the energy, although the raw strength of Claire's attack was continuous. Any attempt from the barrier to dissipate the energy was met with a growing struggle, and after ten seconds of the clash a crack would form in the barrier surrounding the Nameless King.
"Yes, this is the energy I've been expecting." He'd say, watching as several more cracks began to form across his barrier. "And from a regular human, the Exalted's plan of Ascension truly is working. First Ato, now her, their plan is working perfectly."
After a near minute of the beam being fired, most of the Nameless King's barrier was cracked, barely holding together as Claire's power continued to push against him. It wasn't until she felt her energy waiver that she knew she had to finish this, and as she'd plant her feet Claire would push forward and fire whatever remaining energy she had.
The amount was enough to shatter the Nameless King's barrier, the Lord staring in excitement as the energy enveloped him and caused a massive explosion. The shockwave following matched that of when the Nameless King first appeared, the Slayers present all struggling to keep themselves in place. Even Ato and Oristin had to plant their feet into the ground, still losing some ground as Claire's energy detonated in a chain reaction.
The explosion remained active for nearly a full minute, the bulk of Claire's energy releasing burst after burst of remnant power that continued to build off the previous detonation. When it was finally over, debris and dirt was floating in the air, surrounding almost the entirety of the field the battle was in.
Claire was panting heavily from the exertion, her energy almost completely depleted, her Hundred shutting off from the critical levels and transforming back into a variable stone. She'd manage to catch the stone, barely keeping herself on her feet as she looked to the cloud of debris. She'd stare at the obstruction, attempting to sense if there was any energy remaining at the center. As her senses focused, her eyes widened in shock, followed as a gust of wind caused the wind to disperse.
"Destroying my N-Barrier, even at it's normal state with a single over charged blast…" The Nameless King would say, looking on from the crater he was in with a sense of appreciation. "I must say Slayer, no one's broken through any of my barriers since Ornstein. Your growth is impressive, admirable I'd dare say."
"H…How…?" Claire muttered out, shocked at the Nameless Kings condition. Parts of his body were steaming from the attack, however not a piece of his armor had been destroyed, the clothe barely even scorched from the energy's heat. But aside from that, no visible damage had been taken by the Lord.
"All of Claire's energy, all of it in one blast didn't even faze him." Erica gasped in horror, everyone still conscious sharing the growing fear at the impossible sight.
"You further prove two things to me." The Nameless King stated, walking out of the massive crater, stepping to the edge as his swordspear sparked. "One, it is a true shame that you refused to become an Archon. With that much power, the Exalted could've benefited from you immensely."
"Claire…" Artorian would groan out, struggling against his fatigue and attempting to push himself up, only to fall face first back into the dirt.
"And second, the Ascension is growing stronger in humanity." He'd continue on, patting his shoulder off to stop the smoke. "If your kind survive for ten more years, then perhaps the Exalted will have a greater use for all of you. I only wish you could be there to see it."
"Claire… move…" Artorian grunted again, spitting out blood as he fought against his body and pushed himself up by his left hand. "Damn it… body, move…"
"I… will not go down so easily!" Claire would announce, managing to charge a sphere of energy into her palm despite her growing weakness.
"You mistaken yourself, you've provided more of a push against me than anyone present could. You have my respect human." The Nameless King spoke, flicking his hand up and summoning a bolt of lightning down in front of Claire, the resulting explosion sending Claire skidding back and dissipating her energy. "But, this is the end."
"Claire no!" Erica shouted as she activated her thrusters to move forward, but was stopped as a bolt of lightning collided against her.
"You won't interrupt." Oristin stated, firing a second bolt at Liddy who blocked with her shield, the impact still stunning the Slayer and preventing her from moving.
"Liddy, Erica!" Claire would shout as she looked to the two, her momentary distraction preventing her from seeing the Nameless King's approach. When she turned back to the Lord, her eyes widened in shock, her body going stiff as the sound of metal piercing flesh was heard. Everyone's eyes then widened in horror as they witnessed the Lord impale Claire with his swordspear, the width of the blade going through a portion of her torso vertically.
"CLAIRE!" Erica screamed in horror, the only one forming a reaction as the Nameless King kept the blade pierced into the Slayer. Her variable suit was unable to prevent the weapon's blow for even a second, the material proving even sharper than the Savages own armor. And as she looked down in terror, she'd feel her own blood build up in her throat, before coughing it out in shock.
"Rest well, you shall be reborn when the Awakening commences." The Nameless King would say, pulling his swordspear out of Claire, the Slayer stumbling back into a tree as she became unfocused. Feeling the wound with her hands, she'd look in horror as they were covered in her own blood.
As she felt her senses begin to dim, she'd look over to Artorian, the Lord's eyes wide in dread as he witnessed everything happen. She'd move her lips, attempting to speak, but the words died in her throat as she struggled to even keep herself awake. Eventually, she'd collapse against the tree, falling into a sitting position as her head started to hang.
"Claire…" He'd mutter out, his eyes beginning to shake as he watched her.
"Claire, please no!" Erica screamed as she ran over to the blonde, no one stopping her as she got to her side. "Claire please, stay with us! I… I have medical supplies! Bio-foam can prevent further bleeding and-!" As the Slayer reached for her the dispenser of bio-foam, her hands would be shaking so much that she'd drop the canister.
She'd reach down and grab it, attempting to keep her hands as steady as she could, flipping the needle out and sticking it into Claire's open wound. A white foam would then begin to build up, clotting the blood while Erica attempted to keep Claire awake.
As she desperately did everything she could, Artorian would continue to watch as Claire remained motionless, her chest barely moving as her breathing slowed to a crawl. His eyes would remain wide open as his eyes shook more violently, his hand clawing into the dirt as he stared powerlessly at the scene.
"However, I believe in Noblesse Oblige."
"Such as is our duty, protecting each other is also important."
"Perhaps through working together, we can better understand each other and grow, developing more as Slayers and protectors."
"That… that would sound nice."
"…Be careful."
"Damn it… it's happening again." Clenching his fist into the dirt, Artorian's mind would begin to jump back to the day of the Second Attack. He was just as powerless, and as he was unable to even lift himself up, grief began to fill his mind, the hybrid closing his eyes as he began to shake. "Damn it… not again… not again!" He'd then slam his hand into the dirt, repeating it several times as his mind began to lose focus, opening his eyes to stare into the ground as a tear of blood came out from his eye, his eyes shaking sporadically as his senses were being lost.
A deathly chill went up Liddy's spine as Artorian raised his fist up again, the Slayer looking back in shock in time to see a familiar black mist escaping from Artorian's wounds. The mist came out much more concentrated then before, appearing like smoke the blood dropping from his eyes started to glow.
"DAMN IT!" Slamming his fist down hard, the ground around Artorian cracked, the earth shifting ads the mist continued to escape his body at an alarming rate, slowly building up around him.
"What?" The nameless King appeared shocked, turning to see Artorian wither in pain on the ground after slamming his fist down, one arm reaching out and digging his fingers into the ground while the other was clutched to his stomach. "That… that presence. He's… it's…!" His eyes would then widen in anger, appearing insulted and wronged as he looked to Artorian. "How dare he…!"
"Artorian…" Emilia would groan, pushing herself up to sit against the cliffside as she'd attempt to regain her strength. She stared in concern, seeing the mist escape him as he'd begin to moan in pain, the occasional growl escaping him as he felt himself disconnect from his senses.
'It… it doesn't matter how hard I try.' He'd think, seeing the images of the Kisaragis being buried underneath their home. 'No matter how hard I fight!' The images then turned to Hayato, the last memories of him being blasted by the Trenta. His eyes then closed as he remembered his father, seeing the life leave his eyes shortly after finding him after the attack.
"What's the point of this power!?" He'd scream in fury, the mist condensing and causing further damage to the ground underneath him. "What the fuck is the point if I can't fight when it's important!"
"Ato! Eliminate the Tainted! Now!" The Nameless king ordered, the Variant complying immediately and raising his greatsword up. When he'd swing it down, Artorian's eyes would open wide and he'd instantly rise to his knees, catching the blade in his palm as the mist concentrated to form around him.
"I'll…" Artorian's eyes would stare to Ato, the Variant witnessing as the hybrid's eyes transformed from blue to a glowing vibrant red. "I'll kill you all!" Screaming in rage, Artorian would stand up, rearing his free fist back before slamming it against Ato's gut, the Variant recoiling from the pain. The hybrid then twisted his body, sending a kick to Ato's head that connected and caused a shockwave of kinetic energy, sending Ato crashing across the entire field into a tree.
Planting his feet into the ground, Artorian would stare with wide eyes at Ato as the Scorned fell to his feet from the tree. Once the mist completely formed around him, Artorian would take off at incredible speed, half the Slayers barely following as he reared his fist back when he reached Ato.
Ato managed to react swiftly, ducking under Artorian as he slammed his fist forward, connecting to the tree and shattering the portion he directly hit, splitting the tree from its roots. Reaching out, Artorian would catch the tree and swing around, striking Ato with the trunk and sending him several meters back.
Ato flipped from the impact, but landed on his feet and slashed out in time as Artorian threw the tree at him. With a single cut, he cleaved the tree in two in time to witness Artorian grab his sword out from the ground and lunge forward, swinging it down as Ato returned with his own slash.
"To imagine a Tainted could possess the Blood of the Exalted, no greater sin has been done before now." The Nameless King would say through his teeth, watching as Ato and Artorian clashed blades. "How could this even be possible, the Tainted are supposed to have died out with Artorias Abyssal."
That last bit would get a shocked stare from Matthew, confusing him at the notion as the ringing of Artorian and Ato's clashing went out. 'He… didn't know about Artorian?' His eyes then looked over to Oristin, the Lord having his body turned to watch the fight with little reaction. 'How did he… why?'
"Bastard!" Artorian bellowed in rage, his latest downward swing colliding with Ato's blade and causing an intense shockwave to go off. "I'll rip all you to shreds! I'll turn you into blood ribbons!" They'd then separate, running parallel to each other before stopping and lunging forward, this next strike causing the ground beneath them to crater in.
'This is… this is the Abyss.' Liddy thought in shock, seeing the crimson red glow in Artorian's eyes as he snarled like a wild animal. 'I thought it could only take control of him when he was unconscious, how is it in control now!?'
As Artorian and Ato would continue to clash, the Scorned variant would notice that energy used to enhance his attack would be absorbed into the mist. He took it as a reason to limit the use to his blade, focusing it into his body to enhance his speed and strength. Immediately he'd parry one of Artorian's slashes and slam his free arm into the Abysswalker's chest, several loud cracks being heard as he was sent skidding back.
When Artroian stopped, he'd snap his head down to avoid Ato's follow up swing, only to get kicked straight to the face. Ato the swung his blade down, the hybrid blocking the attack but getting pushed back by the Scorned's enhanced abilities. As he stopped, he'd look up to see Ato lunge as his aura came to life, getting a predatorial grin from the Abysswalker.
Clashing with Ato's blade once more, the Abyss around Artorian would shoot out and collide with Ato's aura, the black mass moving with its own intention and ripping away at the energy.
"You're fighting the wrong way you bastard." Artorian stated, twisting his body and shoving Ato to the side before slashing out. Ato would block the attack, but would feel his energy waiver as the Abyss traveled the length of the hybrid's sword and struck at his aura. The force was much greater this time, getting him to step back before Artorian continued and slammed his fist into the side of Ato's face.
Pulsing the energy just stolen, Artorian would cause an explosion at his hand and blast Ato back. When the two landed back on the ground, Artorian looked up with deranged eyes while Ato's were narrowed in cold anger.
Artorian would crack his neck before raising his sword arm up, the two running right for each other and clashing their swords together. After the initial impact, Ato would flip over Artorian and kick his back, holding his sword across to block Artorian's attack as he turned. The Abysswalker then reached out and caught Ato's cloak, pulling him in and slamming the edge of his blade against Ato's side.
The Scorned's armor protected him, but once he landed on the ground Artorian would continue with a slug to his chest, the Abyss sending several more tendrils to strike across Ato's body. As he went through the final motions of his punch, the green energy would surround Artorian's arm before detonating, sending the two both flying back into a tree.
As Ato fell to the ground, the golden glow of his eyes would vanish, returning back to the human's natural red as he felt his energy deplete more.
'So that's why the Abyss is so dangerous to the Exalted.' Oristin put together, noticing Ato's loss in energy forcing him to deactivate his Variant Virus. 'Not only does it enhance someone to an ungodly degree, it absorbs and repurposes energy.'
"Rahahahahahahaha!" Artorian would laugh as he pointed to the Scorned, seeing the loss in the virus' power as well. "Looks like someone's running low! Wouldn't happen to be getting tired would you!?" Seeing Ato stare up in determination, Artorian's grin would widen to reveal his teeth, the bones slowly sharpening as his body started to mutate. "Good, I want you swinging when I cleave you in two."
"Artorian, you need to stop!" Emilia shouted out. "Don't give in to it!"
"I can't protect anyone when I'm needed the most, so why not!?" Artorian screamed as he lunged forward, Ato holding his blade to his side at the ready.
"Artorian no!"
"Don't let it control you!"
Despite both Emilia and Liddy's shouting, Artorian's hearing was slowly going out. The hybrid was slowly being clouded by the Abyss as he'd swing down, Ato swinging horizontally to collide with Artorian's attack. With his Variant Virus deactivated, the Scorned wasn't able to match the Abysswalker's enhanced strength. However as his sword was knocked to the side Ato would lean back as far as he could, the tip of Artorian's blade grazing across his face and ripping apart the cloth and hood over his head.
"This is your end!" Artorian screamed in demented joy, the sight of Ato's blood exciting him as the Abyss began to condense around his right arm. As he prepared to swing forward, the bandaging that covered Ato's face would fall, Artorian's sword having cut through the wrappings fully.
When the cover had fallen, and Ato's hood fully split from the attack, Artorian's once enraged and twisted eyes would instead turn to one of shock, the red glow of his eyes wavering as he witnessed the Ato grip his sword readily. With his entire head visible, Artorian's whole world felt as if it was crashing down, recognizing the face of the dead.
Doubt filled his mind, but even with all of it at this distance it couldn't be ignored. Ato's eyes were a familiar sight, the combination of his spiked and messy black hair with the red eyes and tanned skin shocked Artorian to his core, his entire body locking up as he realized who was in front of him.
With the Abysswalker's inaction, the human would take advantage and swing upward diagonally. As the sword cut through Artorian's variable suit and into his skin, the Abyss would dissipate as control came back to him, his eyes returning to normal as the shock returned him to his senses.
Artorian by this point was unable to stop him, watching as Ato's sword slashed across his entire torso, continuing after. As the blade then finished cutting through, Ato would twist the blade before cutting straight up, cutting halfway across Artorian's forearm and dismembering him. The flare of pain jolted Artorian's senses into overdrive, the hybrid only now finding the strength to speak as he stared in horror.
"…Hayato…"
(A/N): Dun, dun, duuuuuuuun... cliffhanger.
Oh man this chapter is surely... something. In fact this was supposed to be the end of the arc, but after getting past 6,000 words I realized there was no way that was happening. But oh boy do I get to end it on one hell of a cliffhanger thanks to it. Now if I have to say anything, as I don't want to say much as to avoid letting something out, it's that some things here was pre-planned for quite some time. And there's still a good chunk of that planning being put into the next chapter too.
I technically didn't want to end this chapter here, but that gives me more room to work with the next chapter as well. So it'll be nice not having to feel limited after getting another decent fight chapter out, at least in my opinion as I felt good writing it. Well... mostly good. But aside from that, I don't want to speak much more as I fear in my infinite wisdom I'll sell something out, I'd rather see what everyone's thinking of this.
As always I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I'll see you in the next one. Peace!