Truth
Here is the newest chapter I am sorry been a while. Let us get on to the story.
In a place of a sprawling blue sky, green hills, and flowing water from hovering islands above, the leaders of the World of Mana were gathered underneath a gazebo that overlooked a seaside cliff. The unprecedented attack on Arzenal by the DRAGONs had immediately drawn their concern, Rosenblum in particular as Arzenal was under their jurisdiction. Misurugi as well, due to being in charge of Singular control. All in all, one could surmise this meeting as a source of two countries mucking up their jobs. At its base, Embryo sat and read as the simulated Fauns of the Grotto clustered around him.
"To think that the DRAGONs would launch such an attack." Grumbled the emperor of Galia, a gruff man in a brown uniform.
"These Para-mails..." the king of Rosenblum noted as he examined the red Para-mail with the Discord Phasers and the twin-drive machine. "They aren't really the DRAGONs' are they?"
"It is the Misurugi royal family's duty to manage the Singulars." The dusky-skinned Queen of the Velda Dynasty reminded them. "Holy Emperor Julio, please explain." 'If only they knew why.' Cipher thought, glancing back at the man sitting under the tree. 'But it's under your orders we leave that part out. May as well let the boy save some face.'
"There's no sign that the Dawn Pillar was activated," Julio said, his brow furrowed in irritation.
"That is impossible!" Snapped the general secretary of the Marmeria Republic, a short and portly man who compensated for his stature with his voice.
"We must restore Arzenal and reinforce it at once. We're lucky the damage was kept to a bsir minimum." The king proposed.
"We can't." Galia's emperor waved his hand, and two images were brought up: the Villkiss and Epyon, both glowing in their empowered states.
"One we know of that should have been destroyed in that damn revolt from ten years ago!" The King stated. "The other is unknown."
"Rosenblum is meant to oversee Arzenal, so how was it the presence of these machines went unnoticed?"
"The commanding officer never reported anything out of the ordinary." Galia's emperor remarked. "Was she duped by the Norma? And didn't you also send a special investigator to make sure nothing was out of the ordinary? Talk about incompetent."
"No wonder your daughter was so easily captured by Norma." The secretary general's dry remark brought Cipher to loudly sigh. He never cared for the squabbling between political leaders. It always devolved into this level of petty bickering and insults. 'And people honestly believe there's peace in this world. What a farce. These louts are only kept from going at each other by the fact they have a common enemy to focus on.' He thought.
"How dare you!" The King growled, slamming a fist on the table. "I won't allow Misty to be insulted by the likes of you!"
"Calm down, both of you." Julio said.
"Silence, boy!" The king snapped. "It was your sister who took my daughter!"
"That thing is no longer my sister." Julio said, his voice going cold.
"Do you think we'll accept such an excuse?" The secretary-general growled. "Were it not for your actions several months ago, she never would have been at Arzenal. Perhaps we would have avoided this chain of events!"
"And you'd say that knowing now she's a Norma?" Julio challenged. "If I hadn't exposed her for what she was when my foolish parents insisted on hiding her true nature, it could have turned into something far more chaotic for us."
"Tch, you and your family of criminals!"
"Enough!" The queen said. "We need to discuss how we'll protect the world instead of arguing amongst ourselves."
"If we can't rely on the Norma..." the Enderant Union leader said. "Will we humans ourselves have to do battle?" The statement brought silence among the leaders. Such a thought was unthinkable. The sudden clap of a book being shut broke the silence as Embryo stood up. His long blonde hair glinted in the sunlight as his green eyes glanced across his shoulder to the leaders.
"You're all hopeless."
"M-Master Embryo..." The king stammered.
"Truly hopeless." Embryo said, flicking his bangs to the side as he approached the table. "We have several options before us. One, to surrender unconditionally to the DRAGONs." The leaders gasped at the very idea. Truly the absolute worst-case scenario. "Two, to wipe out the DRAGONs."
"But that's unthinkable." The queen said.
"Quite right." Embryo nodded. "Then, that leaves us with option three: To remake the world. Destroy it all and reset it. Kill the pests, replace the dirt, and purify the world." 'The only real option he would allow.' Cipher thought.
"To destroy and rebuild it..." Julio murmured. "Can such a thing be done?"
"It certainly can." Embryo said, a finger brushing the bird perched on his shoulder. "Of course, first we would need all of the Ragna-mail and appropriate riders for them. Acquiring the Wyvern and its pilot will also be a priority. The abilities it holds are most valuable, and in the wrong hands it could become... problematic."
"Brilliant!" Julio said with an elated expression as he leaped out of his seat. "Then what are we waiting for? It was all a mistake to begin with. That Norma can exist at all, that the world needs them, it's all a mistake."
"Are you mad?" The secretary-general objected. "Are you saying we should just abandon our entire world?"
"Can any of you propose other methods?" Julio challenged. To no surprise, nobody answered.
"It may just be our only option." Galia's Emperor knitted his hands, a tense expression on his face.
"Then here. Feel free to use the tools in the yard." Embryo approached Julio and handed the young man a key. "I'll have Cipher accompany you of course. Do be careful, Julio."
"You can trust in me, Lord Embryo!" Julio said.
"A sensible suggestion." Embryo chuckled.
"We're leaving, Riza." Julio and the head guard left.
"I will let that fool do the dirty work, then make my move." Thought Embryo.
He then remembered a talk with Kortax.
''Master it is so wonderful to see you again.'' Said Embryo.
"Yes, yes I am sure." Said Kortax. "Now listen I have a job for you."
"Yes, whatever you wish." Said Embryo like a child wanting a parent's love.
"Before that, I want to make clear one thing, " said Kortax as he showed the Gundams. I want these machines brought in as undamaged as possible, and the pilots as well, mainly the one in the red suit."
''Why did he want these machines and pilots so bad.''
''Are you questioning my orders?" Asked Kortax his eyes glowing as Embryo started to sweat.
''No, my lord never.'' Said Embryo.
''Then do as you are told.'' Said Kortax as the screen went off.
''Embryo held his heart as it beat with fear.
Present.
"What is it that my master wants them for." Wondered Embyro.
At Arzenal.
Everyone was working to clean up what happened. Among them gathering up the dragon bodies. The Gundams were meeting with each other. To talk about what to do next.
With half the grounds destroyed and knowing they all would be leaving Arzenal for good soon, since they ship almost
"So what's the plan?" Asked Trowa.
''The absolution is just about complete, The time to leave is now.'' Said Dead.
''But what about?'' Quatre was about to ask about Salia and the others.
''We will tell them and ask them if they still want to leave.'' Said Heero assuring him.
''Still, I think those machines are something we should still worry about.'' Said Wufei.
"Agreed, I have a feeling we will see them again.'' Said Dead.
''Is that cause your new girlfriend said she would return for you?' Asked Duo in a fake dreamy voice as Dead grabbed him by the neck and hosted him up.
''How many more times do I have to hurt you till you learn?'' Asked Dead.
''At least till it's not funny anymore.'' Said Duo as Dead dropped him on the floor.
''Still, I am worried about what they said..'' Said Heero. ''Some of what they said I can not figure out.''
Before more could be said Jill came up to them.
''I need a word with your leader.'' Said, Jill. ''In private.''
''Whatever you have to say can be said with us.'' Said Trowa as Dead stopped him.
''It's alright, we will discuss it later.'' Said Dead as he left. ''For now, take it easy and take things easy.''
Later
"Makes you feel alive don't it.'' Said Jill as she smoked enjoying the hot water.
''Why are we doing this here?" Asked Ange blushing. ''And why is Dead here too?''
"Don't act like you aren't enjoying having him here?" Asked Jill.
''In case you have forgotten he is a boy.'' Said, Ange.
''Yes, and I hear everything you say so be careful or you might regret it.'' Said dead as Ange went quiet.
''Can we please just talk about what you said we would.'' Said Ange wanting to change the subject to avoid getting hurt.
''No need to hurry, it's just us here, sure you don't want to try and have a little fun with Mr. Prime here.'' Said Jill smirking as Ange blushed a deeper red.
''Don't act like you are not interested I know you looked at and even bought some of those pictures taken of him, mainly the naked ones. Same with those pictures of Tusk'' Said Jill as Dead looked at Ange with a raised eyebrow while looking a bit irritated.
''I can explain.'' Said Ange trying to hide her embarrassment and how her heart was racing as she stood up waving her arms as she stood up.
Dead also stood up as they got a good look at his body. Despite his age, he was a fine specimen, Jill even gave a whistle as she saw his little friend.
''Now I know why Maggie had you come for so many check-ups.'' Said Jill grinning.
Dead walked right up to Ange as he did Ange felt her heart start racing.
''Oh god. Is he going to ravage me?'' Thought Ange who did think he was attractive like she did Tusk and while she would rather die than admit it part of her had thought of having a threesome with the 2 of them. Dead got closer as Ange felt herself get weak in the knees she almost fell over only for Dead to catch her as Dead got her to sit down as he did the same. ''We will talk about all that later for now Jill will you tell us what you brought us here for.''
Ange sighed as she was now heavily blushing tho felt funny bellow.
''I think I just came a little.'' thought Ange blushing.
"OK.'' Said Jill as she smoked a bit.
"Alright," Jill said, clearing her throat. "A Long, long time ago, there was God. God was tired of seeing war after war, tired of seeing people do nothing but fight and destroy themselves and the earth in ruins."
"Wait, what?" Ange said, an annoyed look on her face.
"Everything from the beginning, right?" Jill responded, throwing Ange's own words back at her.
''Wait till she done.'' Said Dead.
"So, God decided." Jill said. "to create a new humanity. A gentle one with no desire for conflict and free of prejudice. The advanced information technology, Mana, allowed things to be manipulated with the mind. This ended suffering of all kinds and led to the creation of an ideal state, where people wanted or nothing and could have all they desired. All that was left to do was watch over humanity's development. At least, that was the plan."
"But... of course, something didn't fit in." Ange murmured.
"Norma," Dead said. "The anomaly of the so-called perfect world."
''Yes and the ancient humans.'' Said Jill. ''People from the pre-mana age. No place to call their own, rejected by god they tried to fight back. But were pushed into hiding.
"It started out small but they started appearing more and more," Jill continued. "Baby girls who carried within them the old genes that God used to make his new humanity. As time went on, the rate of these mutations began to increase exponentially. The people began to grow anxious and social order threatened to break down. But God eventually found a way to use these imperfections to his own advantage. He implanted data into the collective consciousness of humanity that these girls rejected the Light of Mana because they were violent, anti-social monsters called 'Norma'. So, the world came together to deal with these Norma send them away into designated prisons across the 6 nations, cut off from the rest of the world. Having something to discriminate against actually helped to stabilize human society. Sacrifices, scapegoats, offerings all the same. Norma have only one purpose. To be hated." Jill heard the water shift and looked to Ange whose expression remained stony but her eyes exuded disbelief. "What's wrong? Don't believe me?" Ange frowned as she regained her usual proud front.
"You're quite the storyteller. How did you come up with this nonsense?"
"You think I can make this up? If you don't believe me, you're free to leave." Jill said as she downed the rest of her glass.
"Nah," Ange decided. "Might as well tell me the rest. But tell me one thing. You said God made all humanity hate the Norma. So then how do you explain Tusk and how he can't use Mana. He admitted himself that he is not a Norma?" Jill smiled and poured herself a fresh glass of wine.
"Brace yourself. This is where we get to the best part kids." Said Jill.
Ange let herself ease a little, despite how farfetched the Commander's tale was the heat of the water allowed her mind and body to relax and she decided to indulge in having Jill meet her demands. She felt her hand be held by Dead which took Ange by surprise bt she just blushed and let her fingers intertwine with his.
"With the world finally regaining balance, society was at peace. A golden age for humanity had opened but not everyone was meant to be included in this new time of peace and prosperity." Jill spoke and her words peaked Ange's interest. "A small group of humans from the preexisting world known as, 'The Ancient Folk,' rejected God's ways. Humanity knew they couldn't share the world with them as like Norma they couldn't use Mana but didn't have the same mutation to reject it."
"So that's why Tusk can't use Mana?" Ange gasped.
"Yes, He is the last of his kind," Jill added.
"How did they almost go extinct?" Ange asked.
"The world leaders waged a war to wipe them out without the knowledge of their people. Their hidden communities were decimated until only a handful were left, scattered across the world and lost. Save for a few"
"This group of Ancient Folk challenged God to reclaim their homeland. Though they were outnumbered and were eventually pushed back. They came close to giving up and awaited their extinction, but they finally discovered something that could change things. 20 years ago, they gathered what was left of their forces and attacked the Dawn Pillar. They fought long and hard, costing them half their comrades including the twin's mother, but the Ancient Folk finally breached through and found God's ultimate weapon, the Ragna-mail." Ange's eyes expanded.
"So it was Villkiss they stole?" Ange realized.
"Yes, Though it was originally named the Bilkiss, the Ancient folk chose to baptize it as Villkiss, to turn god's own invention against him." Jill went on. "But God was one step ahead of them. He had placed special locks on Villkiss that required a special genetic signature to unlock it. All hope seemed lost once again until then they found Arzenal. That's how they met the Norma. Both rejected by the world, they joined forces to overthrow God in an alliance called Libertus." Jill paused for a moment.
As for breaking through Villkiss' locks. All that was needed was a Norma of royal blood, and it just so happened Arzenal had one. A young Norma from the Galia Empire had been shipped off to Arzenal when she was 10 years old. Her name was Alektra Maria von Loewenhurz the first Norma ever born from royal blood."
"Alektra Maria von Loewenhurz?" Ange said while thinking hard. "I read about her back in Misurugi. She was a princess of the Galia Empire who died at age 10 of an unknown disease. They said that her death was greatly grieved by all six nations." Jill smirked as she climbed out to sit on the onsen's ledge.
"You heard wrong. They sent her to Arzenal to protect the pride of the Galia Empire. They hoped she'd die. She nearly gave in to despair during those first 5 years, but she gained purpose when she was chosen at 16 years old to pilot Villkiss. The blood of a royal Norma allowed Villkiss to accept her as its pilot and her Royal Ring, an heirloom from God himself, allowed her to control it." Ange's eyes went wide as it dawned on her whose presence she was in.
"You? Your Alektra?"
Dead figured it as Jill started and did not care.
"You want me to continue or do you need a breather?" Jill asked sarcastically as Ange frowned at her. Dead simply looked as he always did.
"As time went on and with Villkiss' power finally unlocked, it allowed those at Libertus to study God's machine. "With everything they now had, Libertus prepared to strike its final blow against God. I had been cast into hell but now I had comrades, a purpose and a mission. To obliterate this world and all of God's fabricated bullshit along with it. But I was too weak and didn't have what it takes. I failed them all."
"What happened?" Ange asked. Jill grimaced as she stared at her prosthetic arm and clenched its metal hand into a fist as the worst day of her life replayed over in her mind.
"IT ALL WENT TO HELL." Said Jill. ''I lost my arm and my ring and many lost their lives.''
Ange stared down at her mother's ring, her mind racing so fast she couldn't think straight. Jill, or rather Alektra, her story was so convoluted yet incredible that it couldn't be real and yet there was no other explanation. She had seen the evidence with her own eyes.
"When you gave me back my ring," she said, "it was so I could awaken Villkiss? And you kept me alive just for Libertus?"
"That's correct. I've been waiting for someone like you for a long time. But I needed you to reach your full potential so you could fight. So I threw you to the wolves knowing you would either get stronger or die." Slowly, Ange rose up to Jill's level.
''If you think what I just told you is mind-blowing you should hear what.'' Before Jill could finish Dead narrowed his eyes and Jill started to gasp for air before letting her breath.
''How did?" Asked Ange as Dead gently grabbed her by the face and brought hers to hiss. Ange Blushed as Dead closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to hers as Ange then saw things, they were images from Dead's past.
''You wanted answers about me and my team you got them.'' Said Dead.
Ange was speechless, everything Jill had revealed in full detail was incredible. But what she just learned from Dead was more so.
"Now you know what's at stake, not just for yourself and all of us, but your knight as well." said Jill. "Libertus can't happen without you, the final lock on Villkiss has been released thanks to your song." Standing up, Jill stared down at her with eyes that burned with pride, hope, and rage. "End this world Ange. Do it for the sake of all the Norma suffering across this world. Destroy it all with your song." Ange looked to her mother's ring and through the storm of emotions raging inside of her, came to a decision.
"I want to thank you." She finally said. "If we hadn't met, I'd have no idea just how helpless I was. I was so weak and naïve when I first got here, I wasn't worth my own skin." Jill smiled but Ange frowned. "And because of that...my answer is no."
"No?" There was a distinct empty chill in Jill's tone, but Ange's mind was set.
"Even if everything you told me is true, the only one who gets to decide what to do with my life is myself. No matter how noble your goal is, I decide my fate and I won't be used as your little tool for Libertus."
"So, you want out of Libertus?" said Jill.
"Don't get the wrong idea, I still want retribution for what this world has done to me. '' Said Ange.
Jill looked at Dead.
"And what do you say?" Asked Jill.
''I have similar feelings about this as Ange does.'' Said dead surprising them.
''If Ange wants to do things as she said she may, I have no interest in forcing her. And while I do agree this world is corrupt it is not my buisness.''
''Then what are you going to do?" Asked Jill.
''Give you and the other norma something you never had before.'' Said Dead.
''And that would be?" Asked Jill.
''A choice, my team and I are planning to leave.'' Said Dead shocking them.
"While it was not planned they have grown attached to a number of you and wanted to ask if you wanted to come. So I decided to let you choose to stay or come the choice is yours."
"And if we chose to stay?" Asked Jill.
"We will accept it." Said Dead. "As I said I am giving them and you a choice something you were never given before. But either way should the humans attack as we leave we have no problem wiping them out." Dead then got up and left.
Ange looked at Jill
"I've already told you enough," she answered. "If you want more, then it will cost you" Ange glared at her and Jill took a small amount of satisfaction of denying Ange's request. "Now get out and get back to your duties, princess." She ordered in her coldest voice leaving Ange alone in the onsen before she went to join Dead.
Meanwhile
Vivian woke up feeling strange and when she went out the others got scared of her and ran off Confusing her.
As they both walked Dead got Ange against a wall as he placed a hand near her head.
''Care to explain the pictures?" Asked Dead.
Unable to think of a good lie she decided to tell the truth.
''Might as well, hope this goes as I hope.'' Thought Ange as she was about to speak.
when they heard a noise.
They saw a dragon moving down the hall. Followed by some troops.
Sensing something dead went after them.
''DAAAAMMMMNNNNN IT.'' Yelled Ange angry at the moment being ruined. She soon followed Dead.
As the dragon ran about the base before trying to flay.
As it tried to get out was confronted by Hildegard who attacked it. Only for it to dodge her and cause Hildegard to trip with its tail as she fell into some debris that caused bits of the ceiling to crack and begin to fall.
''Look out.'' Came Tusk's voice as he got her out of Danger. Hildegard was shocked that man saved her.
Tusk got her to her feet as he joined the others in chasing the dragon.
Later at the beach.
Dead and Ange arrived at the beach. Jasmine just piled up some dragons in a pile and set them on fire. A few norma were ready to shoot the dragon till Dead said. ''Sleep and they fell asleep.
''How did you?" Asked Ange as Dead went up to the dragon as the others of his team arrived. Followed by Ersha, Chris, Rosalie, And Hildegard.
''Stand down,'' said Dead as the dragon landed in front of him.
It looked like it was trying to say something as Dad reached out and placed a hand on its head. Dead like during the battle began to sing.
Iruna etelero
Iruna etelero
Nadia, ezelevote
Lezelko, mikemesta
Iruna etelero
Iruna etelero
Satoa aimeltewa
Lezelko, mikemesta
Ameru, mikelmo
Toimesez, mikelmo
Maseri, imekuwoze
Towona mizaimesta
Kesela, kesela
Kesela setoru
Amelwa, etelerowo
Miteteva
Maria, ezelevote
Lezelko, mikemesta.
The dragon from what they could tell seemed to be tearing up and almost smiled as to they were suprise a puff of pink smoke happened and when it was gone. There stood Vivian. Who was smiling and crying as Dead placed a hand on her face as Vivian held it crying like a child enjoying their parents' touch. Before hugging Dead who hugged her back.
''Just when you think you've seen it all.'' Said Duo.
''I swear this world is crazy,'' said Wufei.
"What in the hell?" Asked Ange. Who then saw the burning pile and to her shock, the dragons were now in human form.
''Seems another secret just got out.'' Said Heero.
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Side note I Have a slightly different version posted on another site. )