Blazing Steel and Freezing Bullets

by Shinn of Destiny

Left alone in a blazing forest, Relon is soon saved and the path before him opens. With much to learn about such as his past, family, friends, even the very people trying to destroy the peace and him to an extent, his enrollment at Thors will be anything but normal.

57. From Zero To Hope Part 2

Shinn: Life can be annoying.

Danny: Genshin is lowkey fun.

Andrew: At least you guys are ready to do more writing now, right?

Both: ...

Andrew: Guys?

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I'm becoming more active on discord so anyone just a fan of fanfiction, any of my current or future works, or just wanna vibe, you're more than welcome.

Discord - GZM5HRMntp

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"Munechika… huh." Relon murmurs, taking in the familiar before him.

The power resonating from her spoke a lot. Though given she was his grandmother's familiar of this world, he wasn't surprised. In the given moment, all he could care about now was strangling the life out of Zero.

"So you can use English." Rinwell voices.

[I was once able to speak the language with ease but I no longer can due to that cryptid. Though many in the village rarely used English, I found it interesting to learn.]

"Why use it now instead of a moment ago?"

Not answering for a moment, the familiar's eyes trace over to Relon.

[I realized how much truth held behind not just his actions but his words.]

"Oh… So, that plant monster we fought was a cryptid. I've heard about them from Grandmother. But in this world, the main language is that of the witch. That's basically the reverse compared to ours."

"How are you feeling? Can you fight?" Relon asks for a nod to come alongside more words.

[Thanks to your care and my healing arts, I have recovered much of my strength.]

"Well that's relieving." Rinwell smiles.

"Hoot hoot!" Hootle chirps in agreement.

"Will you remain here?" He asks for her expression to soften as a shake comes as the text changes.

[My time here has long since become overdue. No matter how much I try, the roots and monsters shall continue to seep closer and closer into Eryn. The last fragment of what I can deem as 'home' no longer exists. That all died when my master and family perished…]

"Munechika…" Rinwell murmurs for her peripheral to capture Relon walking forward.

Widening as he grips the woman, she's about to speak out for Relon to beat her to it. On instinct, Munechika winces from the hot touch she feels from his hand.

"Home? You think everything you love is gone when it dies? You're wrong!" He hisses,

Munechika's eyes go big as she looks into his piercing dull eyes. "I don't give a shit how old you are for a familiar because apparently you didn't learn squat on the meaning of life. So let me tell you something." He speaks so calmly all of a sudden, it matches the wide-eyed eerie look he gives while gripping her with both hands. "One's existence, their memory, gives meaning because we, the living, refuse to forget what they've done for us! Every talk, every action, all of it culminates into the present day! You're alive because they fought back! They refused to go down like some animals! So get off your wallowing ass and START MAKING IT UP TO THEM! BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THE HELL I'M GOING TO DO!" With a push, she falls back onto the bed as he turns. "We're leaving," is all he utters, ripping apart a portion of the bed's blanket before departing from the room.

"Relon, wait!" Rinwell calls to look between the stunned familiar and the hybrid. Relenting, she hurries after him leaving the woman alone.

"So get off your wallowing ass and START MAKING IT UP TO THEM! BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THE HELL I'M GOING TO DO!"

When was the last time that such harsh words had struck so true? She was only a few hundred years old but even during her own lifetime, Munechika had rarely ever failed to understand something due to her time at Roselia's side. In all her life, she had always taught and learned through the perspective of a familiar. Yet, even though she was one, she failed in her duty. In their final moments combating Zero, Roselia used what little strength she had to save Munechika instead of herself. The job of a familiar is to stand by their faithful and protect them. Even putting their life on the line to ensure their own can prosper further. But for her, the opposite happened. She failed. Roselia protected her. She was the one who was left to live. Not anyone else.

So why did it hurt? This feeling in her chest. Was it due to that boy, the one who saved her, speaking such blunt and true words? Yes, but that wasn't it. There was another feeling. One that bothered her greatly. The same feelings she felt after awakening as the lone survivor; guilt. He openly declared to be the one to avenge the fallen victims of Eryn.

Balling her hands, Munechika's eyes go to the open door as she slowly rises.

That wasn't his job. It was her job. She would be the one to avenge them. She would be the one to bring an end to this darkness encompassing the continent.

As soon as that motive was brought to the forefront, as if a heavy weight was lifted off, her body suddenly becomes light.

I see… It's as they say. The first step is acceptance…

Glancing back to the door, conviction reaffirmed, Munechika walks forward. Elsewhere, the trio can be see walking towards the entrance into Eryn.

"Did you have to be like harsh?! Relon! Why'd you tear off that blanket?! Hey! Your eyes are still dull, you know! Will you listen already?!" Rinwell calls having caught up to touch him to retract her hand. "Ouch! You're burning up!"

"Rinwell." He calls calmly, finally stopping his stride. "You said you wanted to watch over me, right?" He slowly turns for her body to go still at the dull-piercing gaze his eye meets her with. "You lack experience, right?" He turns fully to face her, Hootle quivering atop her shoulders. "Then shut up and wait. She'll be here soon so we can leave." He answers to turn.

Finally grasping his words, the tension in her body departs for her unease to shift to happiness as a smile graces her features.

"Munechika!" She calls, Relon stopping once more to look over his shoulder.

Carrying a book in hand, she offers a wry smile before bowing.

"Does that mean… you're traveling with us?" She blinks for the cat woman to nod for text to appear with a flick of her finger.

[I must be the one to avenge our clan for what Zero has done. This pain isn't just mine to bear. Many have suffered and I wish to end this…]

"Get in line." Relon voices gaining their attention. "You're not the only one who wants Zero's head."

Meeting him with a neutral look, her expression lifts slightly to toss the normal-looking book. Catching it with one hand, he opens it for his eyes to open slightly. Flipping through page after page, his surprise only grows by the second.

In his hands was a book. A simple yet powerful book. The witch's native tongue, incantations and all, translated in the English language.

Lifting his head to the two, said women notice the dull color vanish as he asks only one thing.

"Why?"

In response, the floating text changes.

[It would help for one with an innate magical presence to learn their native language.] Munechika herself sporting crossed arms under her bosom. [Also, it would help to understand me without needing a translator.]

Narrowing, he turns fully to the cat woman as her tail swishes without a care.

"You expect me to learn an entire language in an unknown span of time?" A nod comes from the woman as the text changes.

[Where is that confidence you once held earlier?]

Feeling the tension in the air thicken between the two, a shiver escapes Rinwell and Hootle. Moments later, a sigh leaves the mouth of Relon.

"Fine. Let's go." He answers faster for her eyes to go huge.

"Wait, really? Just like that?" Rinwell asks, she and Munechika walking after the male as they all touch the teleportation rune.

"Yeah." They vanish.

Eerie Woods

"Just like that." He adds, discarding the book for now. "She isn't wrong after all. I would have started learning my mother's language sooner or later."

Cat ears perking at the comment, she tilts her head as words form. Not needing to eye at the text, he looks ahead.

"You're asking about my mom, right?" She nods. "It's likely the owner of the blue bed you laid on." He departs for the familiar's eyes to widen as he looks over his shoulders. "Come on, we've got ground to cover."

He's her son? She had a son? It would seem our worlds are more different than I thought…

"Munechika!" The voice of Rinwell snaps the woman from her thoughts. "Come on or Relon will leave you!" Rinwell waves with Hootle copying her gesture.

"I'm not mean enough to do that." He responds with an eye roll.

"Earlier you said otherwise." She deadpans. "Also, your eyes are normal again."

"I noticed. This time at least." He responds as the now quartet departs with Rinwell leading the way.

"What did it feel like?"

"Like I was ready to evolve but couldn't." He answers for her eyes to turn back showing a droopy look. "I'm not wrong. But… there was more. It felt as though I was using Nameless' power to a degree."

"That's twice now you've become like that. This time it wasn't even over a fight. You weren't even fatigued so I guess it just comes to a mental snap of some sort."

"An emotional trigger so to speak." He corrects while looking at his open palm.

Lost, Munechika arches a brow.

"Long story short, Relon can't transform due to an evil witch that attacked us but that look he had is something new we're trying to figure out. He can normally wield fire." She points with a thumb for Relon to bat it away lightly as Munechika's mouth forms an 'o.'

"Didn't Grandmother teach you not to point?" The only answer he gets is a light stick of her tongue.

"So where are we heading first? Based on the maps Shade left behind, our destinations are somewhat limited." Rinwell muses pulling out said objects.

"After stopping by the Resistance's base in Misante, we're traveling around the border starting in Ordis."

"The entire border?!" Rinwell gawks as Munechika simply raises her brows in surprise.

"Shade mentioned Erebonia and the countries bordering it being all that's left. All of the places I want to check on are near the border so it's killing two birds with one stone. With any luck, we'll obtain information from the Resistance bases and cities we stop by."

"When you put it like that…"

"As for your earlier bombardment of questions, this is why I took that cloth." He answers for both Pippin and Pappan to fly from their sheathes revealing the cloth tied at the tip of their handles.

"Why do that?"

"So that we don't fall off when we fly, should these two need to go faster. Besides, I'll rarely use them as a double saber. On top of all that, it'd be dangerous for them to merge as one when we have more options when they're separated."

"That's… logical."

"In a one on one fight, I can't fight Rean or that Lloyd person, much less Zero, unless I use Pippin and Pappan. Even then, I can barely hold out. So it goes without saying that we should stay clear of Zero's Army until we're fully prepared." Both females and Hootle nod in agreement.

"Until we've regrouped with Shade and Magilou, we'll have to hold out on saving Sissy and everyone…" Rinwell relents to let out a huff of confidence.

"Is that okay with you, Munechika?" He asks to gain a nod.

Given the way things are, Munechika may be the strongest in our arsenal considering she was Grandma's familiar. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious to see what she can do in a fight.

"So, why Ordis first?"

"A friend of mine told me their family lived there. Given the fact that she lived in Heimdallr, I'm hoping either she or her family are there."

"Was that dorm we entered…?" He nods. "Then…"

"Yeah. I'm not getting my hopes up."

"Well… we'll know once we get there."

Nodding, the group continues their pace.

Musse… Please be alright.

Milsante

Several teleportation devices later, the group found themselves once again in the middle of the woods.

Taking the lead was Rinwell with the two at her sides and Hootle atop her shoulder.

Having emerged from a hidden entrance in the ground leading to a lighter density of the forested area, Relon immediately spoke the first thing that came to mind.

"To think there'd be more of those devices this well concealed… Now I can see why the Hexen Clan is so good at its secrecy. Note to self, never play a game of hide-and-seek against any of y'all."

Earning a deadpanned look from his cousin and a silent giggle from Munechika, he can only look away sheepishly.

"Seriously?"

"Hey, you try playing hide-and-seek against a bunch of kids and see how difficult it is! They don't even have powers and their skills keep getting better every time. It's becoming more and more tempting to use my senses…"

"Pfft, maybe you just suck at hide-and-seek." She snorts.

"That's… huh." He pauses as they near the highway.

"What is it?"

"Looking back on my life, I've never really been bad at anything. You could be right…"

"Well, you are a prodigy in a way."

"I've always thought of myself as a fast learner but considering my heritage, maybe that's the cause. I'm just… naturally more adept at a lot compared to normal humans. Hmm…"

"Is something wrong?"

Lingering for a moment, he dismisses his first response.

"It's nothing. Just another tidbit about myself to ponder on for another time. Let's go."

Tilting her head in response at the attitude shift, a quizzical glance at Munechika told the young witch that this conversation would be postponed for now.

Soon catching up to a hunched Relon peering over the highway, one glance down at a wooded entrance told that to be their target location.

"Coast is clear. Ready?" Nodding in acknowledgement, the three hop over the ledge onto the highway.

"No going back now." Rinwell quips as they embark forward.

"You make it sound like we can't just fly away." Relon notes putting on his gloves. "The map says that one of the resistance bases is here…"

Stopping inside the gate. "The question now becomes where the hell is it?"

Like his question hinted at, the environment around gave little indication. Small homes, stores, and the famous inn all sat in a threadbare state. The large tree smack dab in the middle sat littered with an extra layer of eerie roots spiraling from its base.

"Where should we start?"

"Anywhere is a good place I suppose. You and Munechika can check this side of town and I'll check the other. We'll regroup here and head towards the lake if we don't find anything. Sounds good?"

"Yup. Let's go, Hootle, Munechika."

"Be careful, you two."

With that, he watched as the trio departed into one of the houses.

"Okay." He breathes. "Pippin, take to the skies. Let us know if you spot anything." Nodding, it ascends into the sky until it is a small dot. "Let's get to searching, Pappan."

It has always been him and Pippin who tended to tasks together. Their link and general understanding of the other made the duo both proficient yet abnormal opponents.

Now that they were reunited with Pippin's other half, their fields to improve were vast and ripe for learning. Pippin has the unique ability to manifest into the forms of weapons. Thus far, it has only regained its greatsword due to Laura and Uncle Victor as well as its slimmer sword from Rean. With how things were going, it wouldn't be long before it adopted the others' weapons like Gaius' spear or Alisa's bow. Now that the idea was surfacing, could Pippin copy an orbal staff?

Agria's weapon, Chimeriad, was used as a conduit to cast Lucinance Arts after all. The obvious guess behind such arts were that they were probably only fire-related. Sara mentioned during orientation that his "status" as a otherworldly half-breed was likely the cause behind why he couldn't cast arts.

If I could cast support arts on myself to further enhance my parameters, that in tandem with Spirit Unification would become a deadly combo.

There was also this new form of awakening if he could even call it that. His emotions had erupted so much it felt like the space in which they bursted had overflowed. The only thoughts that came to mind were it being a temporary evolution into his 2nd phase. The eyes and hair changed when a Lucinance entered that phase so maybe this was a branching element of that? Regardless, he still had no clue how to even use it. All that's the common norm for him is get angry and bam! Powers go brrrrr!

Sighing as they exit yet another home, he pauses to take sight of the others having done the same. Peering next to him, his next set of ordeal came.

Pappan.

Much of the weapon was still a mystery. This entire time, he had surmised it to be with his sister, Kanada, or his mother and it turned out to be the latter. Which now meant that Kanade's whereabouts are still a mystery as well as dire. However, unlike Pippin, Pappan doesn't seem to have its memories altered or wiped. At least it hasn't notified Relon of such. These past 17 years it has been with his mom and Alister doing who knows what.

"Just what have you all been up to?"

It was a simple thought manifested aloud yet despite that, the sword never reacted. Relon didn't see or feel anything.

Luna had relinked their severed connection so he could "feel" what Pappan intended and he could "see" the path should they become separated just like with Pippin. But… that's it. Unlike Pippin who offered its own incentive at times, Pappan was just… reactionary. It never did its own thing whether small or grand. The sword only ever acted independently when fighting. Outside of that, it only answered to Relon's will.

"Are you remaining quiet on your own accord or because they said to?"

He knew and was certain Pappan knew whom he was referring to. With the way it communicated with Pippin, anyone could see the sibling relation. They acted like a well balanced duo of their own. Sometimes messing around and other times acting like a well-coordinated unit.

Relon and Pippin were solid. There was no explanation needed there. Pippin and Pappan were obviously the same given what they were. So, for their new 3-unit fighting style to be refined, Relon had to break whatever barrier was keeping the two from evolving.

He saw Alister unleash a ghastly stream of something otherworldly using said sword but Relon didn't have the first clue on how to. Then there was what he did know.

The portals.

Probably the greatest tactical device in a magical fight; the ability to move instantaneous. It is an obvious that speed plays a major factor. Whether one refers to travel speed or combat speed, both are important. However, this factor is tossed out the window with the usage of Pappan. Seriously, having this thing back just made their already potent fight capabilities sky-rocket to unfair levels.

He was proud of his speed before, not counting the usage of Spirit Unification, but now he could dodge basically anything when the right factors are in place. The biggest simply being reaction time-

"Wait." He pauses the moving of a sliced couch to blink dumbly at the floor.

Instant transmission from one spot to another requires control, focus, and most of all reactability. But since Lucinance's had the enhanced visual prowess upon reaching stage two, his biggest weakness practically didn't exist!

"Okay, maybe we Lucinances can be seen as a small issue." He mutters in awe at his abilities.

Feeling a tap, he looks to Pappan float before him expectantly.

Correction; their abilities.

Regarding his flames, practically every ability of his, Relon's mind has always been the conduit. From Clustering Cinders to Solar Impact to his aerodynamic control of the magic-imbued blue flames, his mind conjured the explosive power behind their appearance. He can enter through one and in that limbo, dozens can appear forcing the enemy to guess. The only downside, which he didn't feel so drastic due to his mother's magic cloth acting as an amplifier, is that if he were to do that again, he'd probably top off his entire reserve.

What he needed now was to refine his mind and body. Specifically, his Arseid style. He'd only had two years to adopt it and ever since, he's made it into a style he's comfortable with. He'd have to get with Laura and Aurelia for specialized training when they got back.

With such great abilities came a flaw that couldn't be righted. In the event that Relon is separated from either blades or worse, they're broken, his immense tactical advantage in a fight will dwindle to a simple fight any dangerous foe has likely dealt with before.

"In the end it comes back to getting stronger." He surmises reaching the tree in the middle of town.

Even at his own acknowledgement, Pappan didn't respond in any way.

Much would need to be worked on but that took time. Something Relon could only hope they'd get more of once they return home.

"Nothing for you guys either, huh?"

Stirred from his thoughts, Relon turns to meet the approaching females and Hootle from the direction of the inn.

"Nada. No hidden components or anything."

"Same."

[Shall I do a sweep for any human life?]

It took a moment for Relon and Rinwell to register what she wrote.

"You can do that?" Both asked though not at all shocked as they receive a simple nod.

"In hindsight, I should've thought of that. A powerful familiar under Grandma should be more than capable of something like that." Relon chuckles.

"Yeah, that was kinda silly of us."

[Your words of praise mean a lot.] Munechika gives a curt bow.

"Is it possible for you to do a small scan? Don't want the resistance to get spooked and attack."

"Or worse; Zero to take notice."

[Very well.]

Walking forward, she stops atop the hill overlooking the once scenic view. Now lies but another barren wasteland. Once luscious trees now devoid of life as corrupted roots spiral upwards. The continent-famous lake known to sparkle from the numerous waterfalls now stood all dried up. Where greenery and crystal blue intertwined, now stands dead life merged into one.

Watching the familiar take a breath, white particles begin to dance around her. Extending a hand outwards, her focus goes still. Culminating into a single white sphere, it descends like a droplet of water into the ground. Like a splash, the light pulses in all directions before quickly vanishing.

For a moment, she remains like a statue. Noting of her ears flicker for a moment, she eases herself.

"Found them?" Another nod. "Alright, where at?" Lifting a finger, she points at the large empty basin. "Ah…"

"That is a good hiding spot." Rinwell offers her two cents. "Not anyone would think to go underground."

"We should hurry. We're burning daylight just standing around."

Departing down the trail into the forested area, Relon's eyes snap up to Pippin zooming down and across the lakeside.

"Move!" He barks kicking off.

"Huh? Wait, Relon!"

"Give me a boost!"

Rushing across the bridge, through the trail he comes upon a lone man surrounded by giant bipedal roaches and pincer-like beatles. Hands flexing at the ready, his eyes catch a creature lunging behind the unsuspecting man for Pippin to pierce its throat, sending the two crashing.

"The hell?"

"Heads up!" Rinwell shouts, wind circulating at her palms before she thrusts forward.

Feeling the gust begin to push, Relon jumps tucking in his legs. "Blast off!"

"Ha!" He roars, crashing his fist into the pincer of a smiling insect before shattering it.

Ignoring the screeches of pain, he skids to a halt before the man.

"Who are-"

"Relon, Rinwell, Munechika, Hootle, Pippin, and Pappan. Fight first, questions later!" He blurts taking off, redirecting a pincer into the chest of another creature.

Watching the individual blur past, Relon can only watch in awe as he shreds through the monsters.

"Look out from above!" Rinwell announces in the air as her tome emits a green color. "Swallow Flight!" From around her, disks of razor wind scatters mincing the approaching insects.

Rushing through the plumes of energy; one Munechika. Light veiling her hand, it expands into a transparent claw. With a single swipe, several crescents rip the remaining monsters into particles.

"That takes care of that." Relon breathes. "You okay?" He beckons to the male as the others regroup. "What's-" Cutting himself off, Relon shares in the wide-eyed look the stranger sports.

In the male's hand, an exact replica of Pippin. To be correct…

"Kernviter…?" The man murmurs.

"What's that?" Rinwell questions.

"That's… Pippin's actual name. Just as Pappan is Angbar." Relon gestures for the man's eyes to nearly double over.

"Explain yourself."

"Yeah, no. The whole ordering me after saving you whether you needed it or not doesn't apply." Relon states noting of the air subtly shift. "We're friends of Shade and Magilou."

For a moment, the male doesn't respond. Not bothering to hide the shifting of Kernviter, which causes Pippin to motion itself in front of Relon defensively, the man eases up.

"... Follow me." Not waiting, he sheathes his blade departing deeper into the forest.

"Rude." Rinwell pouts while Munechika silently chuckles as they follow.

"Can we get a name at least?"

"Loewe."

"Straight and to the point." Relon comments easing Pippin with a reassuring rub atop its handle. He could feel the mixed emotions swirling around in not just himself, but his most faithful partner.

A feeling like this… was never good.

Milsante - Resistance Hideout

Rinwell wasn't surprised, not in the least when Loewe led them to a patch of branches. Rinwell wasn't surprised when he removed it, revealing a secret tunnel. No, what brought her over the edge was when the tunnel expanded into an underground base with seemingly hundreds of soldiers and citizens out and about.

"To think so many would be hiding out here…!"

Despite the numerous peering gazes of curiosity and suspicion, none warranted the direct focus of the hybrid. Instead, his sole attention was on the mysterious blade at Loewe's hip.

Feeling a tap, his eyes cut out the corner to Munechika writing something small with a finger.

[How are you holding up?]

(I'm… fine. Pippin however…)

It was odd to the familiar. Despite knowing very little on the group personally-based, Munechika could tell that the sword in question protected by its hole-filled sheathe was bearing its sight on the weapon Loewe sported.

(I can feel so many things swirling inside its consciousness. I'm usually the one racking with questions. Having our roles reversed; it's different.)

Another tap comes.

[But you're still there for each other regardless, no?]

Lips curving ever so slightly, he nods.

"Yeah." He answers in an audible tone.

"We're here."

Refocusing ahead to a door splitting open, they enter to what Relon can only guess to be a meeting room of sorts as noted by the detailed descriptions of Zero's Army's numbers and other information. That and the meeting table. All rooms to talk had a meeting room from what Relon discerned.

"The others are still out surveying things so it's just me." Loewe begins taking a seat at the far end.

"Just so you know, you'd probably find it hard to believe but not impossible given you stating the obvious just now."

"Go on. Amuse me." He states placing his sword on the table before them. "You also have a Kernviter-"

"Pippin." Relon cuts off taking a seat as do the others. "Pippin is Pippin. Its official name, if you will, is something it's not fond of. As for Pappan, well, it hasn't complained yet."

"Go on."

"Do you believe in different realities?" At the question, his eyes narrow as he leans forward.

"To a degree. I take it you come from a plane that's on a different layer from us."

At this, all widen.

"How did you know?!" Rinwell shoots up in exclamation.

"It's not too far-fetched… given what I've experienced."

"What you've experienced?" RInwell tilts with curiosity.

"It's of no concern. So, you all are trying to return to your world I take it?"

"Yes, but a few problems lie with that. One; we don't exactly know how. Two; we want to take down Zero before we leave. Three; there's a witch assassin that came with us but we have no clue where she is."

For a moment, Loewe just looks at the protagonist. After a long moment, he shakes his head.

"It took a lot to not think you weren't joking." Loewe grunts rising up and moving towards a diagram of Erebonia.

"Trust us, we wish we were."

"Given you found this location, it stands to reason you're aware of the other resistance locations as well as the reactors. Reactors assumedly give power to Zero. Shut them down, Zero grows weaker. A weaker Zero…"

"Increases the chances of victory." Relon surmises. "What can we do to help?"

"Hmpf, find more fighters. As it stands, much of Erebonia is all that remains on the continent. Given the sheer number of Zero's Army, we're heavily outclassed in every category."

"But knowing this, how do you guys plan to win? You all do plan on winning, right?"

"If not, then going down fighting is the next best option." He answers. "Our original plan is to have several teams take down the reactors. In the ensuing chaos, our main force will attack Zero before he can gather his forces."

"A coordinated pincer attack with little time for reaction, huh?"

"He may act like a God but his weakness couldn't be any more obvious. Especially with how much the reactors are fortified."

"Being nerfed like this is irritating all over again."

"Nerfed? What's that mean?" Rinwell blinks.

"It means weakened. It's a term people use in card games and whatnot when certain rules are affected. Anyway, we shouldn't have issues with that on our end. We have Rinwell who can literally summon a falling star. Not to mention Munechika who's a whole different threat by herself."

Smiling appreciatively, the familiar woman nods her thanks.

"He's not wrong. Remember what Sissy and I did to Demeter before your family showed up?"

"Which one? The mortal one being my adoptive father or the ones that are literally pyrokinetics?"

"Obviously the pyrokinetics."

"Hoot!"

"See? Even Hootle agrees with how obvious that was."

"Had to ask." He shrugs.

"Hold on." Eyes redirecting from one another past the gobsmacked Munechika to an equally stunned Leowe. "You're a pyrokinetic?"

"Yes."

"... Are you by chance related to the Almighty Conflagration?" At his question, Relon snaps to his feet.

"Alister is here?!"

"As I thought. That explains why you also have Angbar. I take it he goes by that name in your world?"

"Well, he goes by McBurn I'm pretty sure but his real name is Alister. Probably his own alias when he's with mom."

"And pray tell who might that be?"

That was something Munechika had been eagerly waiting to hear confirmation of. Though she did not expect the chance to arrive so soon.

"Vita Clotilde."

Outskirts of Ordis

"To think our own agendas would overlap so much with Loewe's and the Resistance's. Pretty good luck, huh?" Rinwell muses seated atop Pappan to Hootle who chips in response.

Carrying her gaze over to Relon deep in thought, her own worry shows.

Following the revelation and confirmation of the roaming witch being indeed his mother, a few things followed. Not that Rinwell didn't already know, given she was there when the witch had made her appearance near the end of their long and hard fought battle. She just looked very different from what Grandmother had described. Then again, Lucinance abilities tend to do that.

Still…

The fact that Relon hadn't spoken a single word since departing was nerve racking. She couldn't blame him though. With the revelation of his mother's identity came the forthcoming information of how Loewe knew her. Both were apparently a part of an organization known as Ouroboros. A name Relon had apparently heard in recent passing. The blunt question of "whose side they were on" was met with an indistinguishable answer.

"Somewhere in the middle for some. Good now for the rest."

It was an ill feeling. To know that such an organization was once evil. What struck both, Relon more, was to know that his mom, in this world at least, was an Anguis. One of the highest ranks any could get being right under their supreme leader who had vanished

not only knew her as an Enforcer a part of an organization both she and Relon had only heard of in passing. The same was said for Alister, aka Mcburn the Almighty Conflagration. Supposedly the number one strongest enforcer. If she felt darkened by the very thought of her Grandmother and Emma revealing such a secret, she could only imagine the turmoil Relon was currently going through.

This was a different world, yes, but the lives in it reflected much of their own. The people, the towns, the very Earth itself sans Zero's evildoing.

They were learning more things than they should. She could only hope the repercussions upon returning home with such information wouldn't be grave…

"Hoot!"

"Huh?" From her own thoughts, Rinwell's focus shifts forward.

Far off in the distance acting as a front for the open sea like a battered wall.

"Hey, I think I see Ordis!"

Following her gaze, his vision takes sight of the ruined landscape far off in the distance. Indeed she did. Or what off it was left. True to her words, the slight comparison of his past memories matches the now damaged landscape.

"That's definitely it." He mutters eyeing the root-covered lighthouse still standing. "Stay sharp. We're not far from one of the reactors so there's sure to be Zero's army patrolling." Everyone nodding, they descend off to the highway before approaching the destroyed entrance.

"Just like Heimdallr…" Rinwell mutters as they enter. "Barely anything is left standing…"

He's back to talking. That's good at least.

"Ordis, otherwise known as the Port City, is the second largest city in Erebonia behind Heimdallr. At least, it was."

"Any ideas where we should start?"

Before he can answer, he feels a vibration a moment before a buzz chimes. Flipping his ARCUS open, Shade's name sits on the screen.

"It's Shade."

Looking around, they head inside of one of the destroyed structures. Tapping the answer key, he connects.

"What's up?"

"And good morning to you as well, how's your end doing?"

"We just reached Ordis after leaving the Resistance's base. It's completely trashed just like Heimdallr. How about you two?"

"We reached Bashton pretty quickly after we left the village, but it seems this place is a giant tech hub with two asshole professors running the scenes. Which base did you visit?"

"The one in Milsante. Nothing out of the ordinary aside from a guy with Pippin of his own. Said his name was Loewe. We're both still recovering from that one honestly."

"Loewe? Well then if he's on the Resistance's side then that's great for us, but I got info for you and some of it concerns Rinwell as well."

Scrunching in reaction, his eyes meet Rinwell's.

"How concerning are we talking…?"

"In seven days this world will end. Zero said so himself. Also I found Claire."

Widening to equal proportions, all four exchange silent looks as a breath escapes Relon.

"Hold on. I need to sit against something." He sighs leaning against the beaten bricks. "Shit, where do I even start?"

We're on a tighter time limit than I originally thought. And Zero told Shade himself? What of Claire?

"I'll start with Claire since that's how I ended up talking with Zero again. She's commanding a small command center in Bashton and ended up ambushing me. She's fine. I didn't attack her, just her men, but one of them was possessed by Zero who told me when his plan would be finished and even asked me to join him. Relon, most of the people under Zero think of him like a damn god."

"I… am so tired… of dealing with Godly beings… and people who think they're Gods." He bangs the back of his head against the bricks.

"Unlike with Sephiroth, Zero's followers are being controlled." Rinwell mutters.

Claire…

Reeling in his anger knowing it won't do anything to help now, he allows another sigh to escape. Running a hand from his hair down his face, he looks from the ground back up to his companions.

"How are you and Magilou?"

"I'm fine for the most part and Magilou is asleep, but it seems we picked up a third for our group. A girl named Renne, who can fight as well… at least I hope she can fight right now."

"Right now? Did something happen?" Rinwell asks with worry.

"She lost her friend Pater-Mater who was a giant archaism, so she's been crying ever since. Hell, she's only like 13 years old."

"A machine?" Rinwell responds.

"13, huh…?" Relon muses caressing the handle of Pippin. "If anything happened to Pippin, I'd probably be in the same boat. It's my best friend after all. Losing something so dear at a young age no doubt hurts." He hops off to walk towards the entrance taking in the city. "Let her cry. Let her cope. We'll need all the help we can get if we want to take down Zero."

"Relon?"

"I don't like the idea of having a young one fight, but the younger fighters always give each battle their heart." He says eyeing Rinwell who gives a soft smile in return.

"I know she will, trust me. Also I do have good news, communications are back at 100% which is how I'm even reaching you right now."

"I figured. That's good at least. So what will you do now?"

"Once the girls are up and ready I'm ditching this place and heading to the base in Avon Hills. From what we know, Zero is unaware of it so I wanted to see what's there. Also Shirley from the base at Twin's Dragon Bridge said she'll start informing people about what Zero said. Sounds like she has a plan as well."

That must be one of the Resistance higher-ups alongside Leowe.

"If we've got only seven days, then we need to find as many people that'll help as possible and take him down. It's crunch time, people. We'll be roaming the borders seeing what we can find."

"Oh, I meant to ask but how are the two of you doing?"

"Not counting Hootle, we've also gained a traveling companion. Remember that cat? Turns out, she's a familiar of the head witch so the three of us have been traveling together since this morning."

"Thought so, also tell Hootle I'm sorry for forgetting about him."

"Hoot!"

"He says you're forgiven." Rinwell speaks.

"So, what's her name?"

"Munechika. She lost her ability to speak but uses magic to communicate."

"Munechika… well I can't wait to meet her, and not just in her cat form."

[As do I, Shade.]

"She says the same."

"Glad to hear it, anyway that's all I got to say for now. If I find out anything else I'll give you a call, also I got bad vibes from the professors here so if you ever come here, watch yourselves."

"Will do. Be safe, Shade."

"Same with you lot."

Just like that, a click sound indicating the line over.

"Well, that was a lot." He blinks.

"Well, we found Claire. So that's good, right?"

"Yeah. Just wish she wasn't an enemy like everyone else."

[This Claire woman. I take it she and yourself are close back in your own world?]

"Yeah." He nods. "All the more reason to take Zero down."

"Seven days… No pressure or anything." Rinwell chuckles.

"Hoot…"

"Hey, we'll be fine! We're already plenty strong even if Relon is nerfed."

Twitching an eye out of irritation, he ignores it.

For now, we need to focus on the task at hand. Pippin and I's own dilemma can come later. It's a race against the clock.

"Anyway, where were we?"

[Deciding how we should go about our time here.]

"Best bet is to just start roaming and see what we can find like in Milsante. Ordis is much bigger so Pippin, Pappan, take to the skies. Notify us if you catch sight of anything. Human or monster." Nodding, both ascend high into the sky before splitting off. "Munechika, can you scan for any presences like before? Your sensing abilities are probably better than mine." Nodding, the cat walks forward before she's enveloped in a light.

Dimming down, both take sight of her humanoid form once again.

"Good. Though I don't want you to use anything that consumes a noticeable amount of mana." At his words, Rinwell perks up with curiosity.

"How come? Won't using searching arts make it easier on us?"

"It will but it'll also make it easier for Zero to find us. Considering he's already encountered magic, it's better to take no chances. There weren't any of his men in Milsante when she did that last scan but this may be different. Someone may get spooked if they see a random pulse run across the ground and buildings."

"When you put it like that…"

"Let's start." Beginning their trek, they come to a halt at the square. "The Business District where stuff like the mall, the court, and shopping outlets lies."

"So a lot of the main stuff for tourists would be here?" Rinwell wonders looking around the blue-roofed structures encircling them.

"Basically." He sums to go quiet. "I'm not sensing anything." Looking at Munechika shaking her head, they continue on.

"I wish I could sense like you guys."

"Just gotta practice. If you can't sense using magic then try the natural way like I do. Calm your nerves and sense for anything that bothers your body. Once you do, focus on that thing and direct your focus towards it. Basically listen to what your instinct tells you."

"You make it sound easy." She comments before attempting to do such.

"It's easy to explain. Hard to put into practice. You wanted experience and I'm giving you that."

"Hmm. Now where are we?" She pauses to ask as text forms around Munechika.

[Judging by the tattered mansion-like architectures, would this be a district for nobles?]

"Right on the money. We're in Ordis' Noble District. Nothing but nobility stuff as far as the eye can see… normally."

"That cathedral has seen better days. That's for sure." Pausing for a moment to take a whiff of the air, her eyes go to Relon. "I don't smell anything weird."

"Neither do I. Doesn't mean they're not hiding rotting corpses elsewhere." He responds walking toward the religious sanctum.

Hearing his words, the cat woman widens looking at Rinwell to gain confirmation in the form of a nod. Her own demeanor settles into a scowl at the actions of Zero.

She'll make him suffer dearly for his unforgiveable transgressions.

Cautiously peering the door open, he winces from the slight creek to pause before further opening it. Seeing the normal seats and aisle with no presence nearby, he steps forward as the two follow close behind.

"I'm not sensing anything…"

Easing up only slightly, Munechika nods in agreement as Rinwell lowers her book.

"Then I guess the coast is clear."

"One way to find out." He calls out.

Reaching the podium with a swift kick, it tilts for Relon to catch it.

"Well?"

"Nothing." He answers for Munechika to cross her arms as text forms.

[It could be possible that the bodies are located elsewhere…]

"Considering some bodies were still scattered all over Heimdallr, that means the larger cities have them stowed away somewhere."

"Why bother hiding them?"

"Good question. Whether it's something vital or simply a personal preference, we won't know standing around here."

In agreement, the four depart from the destroyed structure to continue their search.

One hour of searching.

Nothing.

Three hours of searching.

Nothing.

An entire morning of searching.

Nothing.

In every building left standing, amongst any rubble and debris, all they found… was nothing.

"Ugh, we've spent all morning checking every nook and cranny of both the Noble and Business Districts."

He too was sharing in the irate mood Rinwell sported. All that searching and they found nothing but chaos and remnants of blood amongst Ordis' wreckage. Worst part is; there are still two more major districts to go.

Glancing up to squint his eyes, he barely makes out the silhouettes of both swords surveying the area.

Nothing still, huh? Come back you two. Heeding his call, both swords reach them in seconds.

"So what now? We continue searching in the next district or stop for now?"

"I guess we'll-"

Tap tap.

Snapping their gaze ahead, they find the culprit to be Munechika with the tip of her boot hitting the ground just loud enough for them to hear.

"You found someone?" She nods, text appearing as the cat woman takes off with the rest close behind.

[Three.]

"We haven't been this way yet!"

"We're heading for North Street. It's the district with a little bit of everything. Homes, shops, mansions, etcetera. But something's not adding up."

"Yeah. Why was Munechika able to sense them now? Could it be pure coincidence or maybe because we weren't close enough when we first arrived?"

Head lifting for a second, Munechika pivots taking off in a different direction.

[They're on the move. Their subtle pace has quickened.]

"Don't tell me…" He mutters looking around as they reach the lower level of the city. "Do they have orbal cameras too?"

"Guys…!" Rinwell voices falling behind.

"Tch. We've lost the element of surprise already. Munechika!" Nodding, she sprints forward to leap onto the building and out of sight. "Come on, Rinwell!" He calls sending Pappan her way as he jumps on Pippin hitting the corner. "We're in the Harbor District now meaning it's a straight shot" Gripping the cloth, Pippin's acceleration sends his body back for only a second as he adjusts.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Da da da da da!

"Gunshots!" Rinell exclaims.

Boom!

"An explosion too?!" She widens.

As soon the words leave her mouth, a glowing light is sent over the building.

"Munechika!"

Lowering the dome-like shield, both stop in front of the cat woman dusting herself off as they take sight of three individuals running across the road.

"You okay?" A nod comes as her answer as they take off.

Watching them enter the harbor through a small ramp, the three reach a door.

"Wait! We only want to talk!" Though desperation is written in his voice, it falls on deaf ears as the three enter before slamming it shut. "Damn it!" He groans as they near for Munechika to halt.

"Munechi-" About to question why, he widens.

"They likely think we're with Zero." Rinwell surmises to not get an immediate response. "Guys- Erk!" She winces covering her nose and lowering herself in reaction. "That stench…!"

"Hoot… hoot… hoot!"

"Damn it…! It's even worse than in Celdic!" He mumbles out, noting Munechika not faring well herself.

Being an animal, her senses are better so this definitely isn't helping.

"Don't tell me." He forces his hand out. "The rotting corpses of Ordis are just through this door…? If the smell is this bad with the door closed, then I'm scared to know what it's like when we open it…"

"And those guys went in without hesitation? Maybe they're not civilians. What if they're with Zero? That could be how they knew where we were."

"Regardless…" He gulps adjusting to the smell. "We have all the more reason to give chase." He gives an unsteady breath stopping in front of the door, arm reeling back at the ready.

Feeling a hand place itself atop his shoulder, he pauses to see Munechika mouth something for a white aura to form around him before vanishing. After a moment, she does the same to Rinwell, Hootle, and herself.

"What did you do to us?"

[I casted a spell that gives us immunities to odors.]

Taking a subtle whiff, his eyes transfix on the door to punch it. After a few more, it bends inward. With one final hit, the entrance goes stumbling down the staircase with a thud.

"You're a lifesaver, Munechika." He gives his thanks as they enter.

Ordis - Underground Waterway

Descending the staircase, his eyes narrow to halt.

"What's-" Cut off, the answer lies before the girl. More so answers.

Disconfigured and dismembered carcasses of varying coloration lay sprawled all around the walkway. Glowing roots lie about protruding out of the water, walls, and ceiling.

"Aidios, there's so many…"

"Holy shit…!" Looking at Relon peer down over the edge, both follow to widen in horror.

Literal bodies comprise above and beneath the water's surface.

Shielding her eyes and Hootles, both older individuals grip themselves in anger. Hearing a shaky, husk-like, breath, Munechika looks to her left to take in the male's eyes shifting to slits.

"Zero will pay… dearly!" Snapping away, he continues. "Let's go."

Allowing Hootle to hide in the confines of her hoodie, Rinwell composes as does Munechika before they carefully walk after Relon.

Da da da da da! Bang! Bang!

"AAHH!"

Hearing the shrieking sound, leans forward dashing off traversing the metallic platform one leap at a time before disappearing around the corner.

"Relon, wait!" Rinwell exclaims for Munechika to touch the girl before they're enveloped in a light reappearing at the end of the room to give chase.

Turning another corner, Relon's eyes take sight of a large corridor. At its center; the familiar three individuals. The young woman seemingly wounded as the elderly woman holds her as both adults fend off as best they can. Watching the large six-legged shelled monster approach, likely the leader of the group, clicking sounds from their weapons indicate their now empty magazines.

"KUZZZZCCCCHHH!" The creature sounds as the swarm nears.

"Theodorre…!"

"We were… so close… to the bunker…"

"Damn you, Zero! Damn you, creatures! You couldn't settle for taking away our Mildine, could you?!" Switching to holding the gun by its barrel, he raises it ready to bash with what remaining strength. "I'll fight to my last breath!" With that declaration, he charges the bloody creatures.

Out of nowhere, two blurs strike the lunging sphere-like creatures as plumes of dark energy burst.

"Wha-" The elderly man sounds out for the creature to hiss as a crunching sound emits from its side before its sent off its feet crashing against the wall.

Touching down in a crouched position, all three look to their mysterious savior as he rises.

"Relon!" Looking past the male to the sight of a girl and woman… with cat features appear, their confusion only skyrockets.

"Who are-"

"Munechika, help them out. Rinwell, on me." He calls, taking a hold of both swords.

"KREEEE!" The monster hisses, struggling onto its legs.

"Relon, it's stomach! It's affected by those roots!"

True to the witches words, its veiny transparent stomach shimmers in the same eerie color. Uncaring, he walks forward as it finally topples back upright to screech. From the other entrance comes more sphere-like creatures, slimes, and floating fishes with large sharp teeth surrounding the leader.

"I'll leave my back to you." Taking one step, he dashes forward.

"Right!" She nods, already flipping to a page.

Growling, the fish jet out towards Relon from three different directions.

Grip tightening, his eyes focus down the three aquatic creatures rushing him.

Swinging Pappan with his right, he catches the left fish by its maw. Pivoting a full 360, he smashes the side of the right fish before following through with the middle fish into the ground. Raising Pippin, he jams its blade through the three like a shish kabob. Jacket flying from the shockwave of particles, his piercing eyes glare forward at the goo hurling his way.

"Purge Malevolence! Freeze Lancer!" Zooming past and above, large icicles clash against the liquid melting in mid air as the remaining ones hit their mark vanquishing the creatures.

"Phew." Rinwell breathes a breath of relief.

Walking forward, the last of the creature's vanguard take positions in front of it. Not faltering for a second, Relon only maintains his pace. Hunching down, they bounce. Striking faster than the eye can follow, the elderly couple can only watch in awe as the male's pace doesn't seemingly stagger one bit as plume after plume of dark particles burst until only he and the large boss remain.

"Who is that child?"

Stomping as if having a tantrum, it charges for Relon to sidestep with ease. In doing so, he cleaves a leg off causing it to tumble with a screech. Body responding with an odd sensation, he narrows.

Lunging forward with both blades, he slides to a halt as the decapitated head hits the floor.

"Your last ditch effort was to emit a sound that absorbs our strength. Too bad I saw through it." He speaks walking to the head somehow still conscious.

Lifting his boot, it drops as a puff of energy releases followed by the last one off to his side.

Eyes glazed to where its head was, his grip on his swords eases somewhat. Just enough for them to discard from his grasp to hover at his side. Hearing footsteps approach, he looks to Rinwell sporting a victorious expression. Seeing her raise a hand, he smirks slapping it with his own. Walking past, both take notice of Munechika supporting the young woman alongside the elderly couple.

"This bunker. Where is it?"

It was only a few minutes through the other corridor and a left turn before the group came to another room with an odd insignia over what seemed like a vault of sorts. Watching the man move to do something to it, the vault soon whirls open. With a daunting clamp, the entrance comes to a halt. From within, they can make out what seems like a spacious room of sorts with a circular parameter. Makeshift futons and meals located at various points within the room. At the epicenter, the same odd symbols on a slightly leveled placement in the ground. Around it, small spires all with the same odd pattern as said insignias arch overhead..

"What is this place?" Rinwell voices the obvious question as Relon watches Munechika assist the group in settling down.

"The Cayenne family's Secret Trial Ground." The elderly man answers looking at Relon and Rinwell.

"Trial Ground?" Relon repeats with a raised brow to focus on the center of the room. "I'm guessing that drops to another room?" At his question, the elderly man nods.

"Yes. A series of 'tests' were conducted. Now, it is just a hollow space. One in which we take refuge from time to time…"

A test huh…?

The closest thing that he could relate to a place like this was the Old Schoolhouse and its topsy-turvy self. Now that he thought about it, the interior was somewhat similar. Albeit faint.

"I'm Rinwell by the way." Snap from his thoughts, he looks over to his cousin presenting herself. "This is Hootle, that's Munechika, and the guy lost in thought is Relon."

Blinking at his cousin, he returns his attention to the elderly man to give a curt bow.

"Hello. Sorry for the trouble earlier." Cutting her eyes to him, he ignores it as Rinwell soon returns to focus on the man.

"No." He sighs. "We shouldn't have fired so hastily."

"Given the way things are, it's natural to have done such. So don't worry about it. None of us think ill of you or your actions. Right, Munechika?" Lifting her head from the young woman, she gives a sincere smile nodding in agreement to the two elders. "She's mute by the way."

Looking at his demeanor shift from mild surprise to understanding, the elder only nods before walking and taking a seat next to his wife.

"My name is Theodore. Theodore Egret. This here is my wife, Suzanne. The one being tended to is our faithful maid and dear friend, Setsuna."

"It's nice to meet you guys." Rinwell smiles. "I wish it was under better conditions but…" She dies off to glance towards her cousin.

This however would only make her furrow in confusion once again.

"Relon?" Like that of a statue, his form remained still. "Relon?" Again, she called. Only now, all remaining eyes began to shift his way.

Worry rising, she inches closer. In doing so, her eyes make out the ever so slight tremble of his pupils.

"H-Hey, what's-"

"Did you say… Egret?"

It was as though he'd seen a ghost. That was the only cause she could grasp as he wore such a horrified expression that matched an indescribable voice of distress.

"... Yes. Why?" Theodore carefully nods, attentive of the strange nature Relon now sports.

In response to his answer, the trembling spreads from his eyes to the rest of his body. Watching the male grip his wrist, Rinwell's own worries surge.

What comes next is but a murmur. One so deafly quiet none can make it out.

"Come again, Relon?" Theodore asks. "We didn't catch that."

Watching the male's teeth grit as though seething, an unstable breath, somewhat ragged even, escapes before he speaks once again.

"Musse…" He mumbles clearly in distraught to finally meet Theodore's own eyes. "Are you related to her?!" He forces out.

The sudden raise in voice as well as the urgency behind it made the witch jump.

As soon as that surge came, a default silence filled the room. As she stared at the wanting Relon, her eyes forcibly shifted away to widen at the equally wide-eyed adults. All three wore the same astonished expressions as her cousin?

Why?

Why were they? Who was this Musse that Relon just mentioned?

The first to recover is Suzzane who immediately begins to quiver followed by releasing a few audible sobs as Setsuna and Munechika consoles her.

"No…" Relon shakes his head in refusal as he slowly rises to his feet.

"When Zero took over…" Theodore begins grimly. "Heimdallr was one of the first locations in Erebonia affected."

"No, no, no…!" Relon croaks fighting back with teary eyes. "Mildine and Musse can't be the same person! That's-"

"Minty hair." Setsuna cuts him off as his voice catches. "She was famous for having that colored hair. Before becoming a student at Saint Astraia Girls' School, her hair was long. Shortly after, she cut it to have a new look." She chuckles in reminiscence.

"That flirtatious attitude was courtesy of yours truly." Theodore remarks with a low chuckle meeting the defeated visage of Relon. "I'm sorry, lad. The one you know as Musse… Our Mildine… they're the same."

"Damn you, Zero! Damn you, creatures! You couldn't settle for taking away our Mildine, could you?!"

Wordlessly, Relon turns with gripped fists before walking towards the exit. Placing one hand on the door, a voice calls out.

"Her grave is just outside Ordis' Noble District along West Lamare Highway atop a hill overlooking the beach. It was always a favorite spot of hers." Theodore passes along.

Not responding, Rinwell rises for Munechika to gesture with a shake of her head. Reluctant, they can only watch as the hybrid vanishes behind the booming creak.

West Lamare Highway

Uneven bricked roads, patches of dead grass without its greenery, and roots spawned all over the place; the comparison between his memories couldn't be more stark in contrast. Yet, he didn't care.

Nothing mattered.

Before him overlooking the bleak sea illuminated by the underwater roots glowing that eerie color, it was as though the sea itself was a beating heart. The very heart that took away Musse's.

Peering down to the sole gravesite, solemnity is all that exists.

[Mildine Juzalith de Cayenne]

[Otherwise known to those close as Musse Egret]

"Cayenne, huh? Heh, that secret double life you warned me about, no one ever found out yours." He gives a wry smiles, his pores going stuffy as he feels the fumes of his eyes burn. "You got to live it the best way you knew how." He forces through a grin as water treks down his cheeks. "I bet whoever you messed with in this world sure had their hands full, haha."

He knew this wasn't his Musse. He was fully aware that the Musse of this world never knew him. The interactions that he's had with his Musse shouldn't have meant anything towards this one. So…

"Why…?" He croaks falling to his knees as droplets pelted the dry ground. "Why does it hurt so much?"

Throughout the night until he lost consciousness, only the distant echoes of tears and decaying agony would be nature's only companion. Once again, an unbearable pain stung the heart of the half human. A pain in which he didn't understand why it hurt so much. The entire time, he missed the ever faint purple flame that ignited a single blade.

Day 6

Awakening by nothing, his eyes meet the same dark skies that's blanketed this Erebonia since their arrival. Turning to the side, his eyes meets the tombstone that beared his emotions the night before.

Sniffling away the remnants of sadness before anymore can emerge, he gives one last parting before heading back.

"I'll make him pay, Musse. I promise."

Head perking as he nears the entrance, he passes by the witch as she falls into step with him.

"We're meeting at their manor." She voices for only a nod to come as she leads the way.

Rinwell was aware of Relon's situation. Now wasn't the time to ask and even if she did, would he vent his honest thoughts or put on a strong face? She didn't know and wouldn't push until he was willing. It pained her to see her cousin constantly in pain. Laura, Emma, and his other friends being evil, Vita's background revelation, one dear friend also evil and now this Musse person was no longer among the living. Nothing she could do at this moment could fix his existential crisis. All she could do for now was be there for him as she has thus far.

Stopping along the street to look towards a small segway off to the side. Taking it, they stop before a manor with a small flight of stairs. Or at least what of it remains.

Knocking, a voice calls for the two to enter. Despite the damaged exterior, a surprising amount of the interior was in decent condition. Watching the three plus Munechika move around readying what looks like breakfast, Suzanne is the first to speak.

"Ah, there you are. Come along, breakfast is just about ready. Go ahead and get washed up upstairs" She smiles.

Before long, the group sits down to eat.

"This is so delicious!" RInwell exclaims.

"Teehee, I'm glad you like it." Setsuna smiles to give a momentary glance at Relon gesturing him to try it.

Doing so, he gives an approving nod to get a nod in return. Before long, they prepare to head out.

"Here, Relon."

Turning to face Suzzane, his eyes sport confusion as she moves to place something in his hand. Opening it, he looks at the accessory. It's a green sphere with varying shades of green with a whirling-pattern held by a chain.

"A necklace…?"

"It's called an evergreen. It belonged to Mildine's mother before she passed." Head snapping up to the smiling woman, any can understand his confusion. "Can you do me a favor, young man?"

"... What is it?" He finally speaks for the first time today.

"Give that as a gift to your Musse once you all defeat Zero."

Eyes widening further, his eyes shift to Munechika, Rinwell, and Hootle who all nod at the obvious question before back ahead.

"She never introduced any boys that fancied her interest." Theodore comments. "But hearing from Rinwell about all that you've done in the short time she's known you…"

"Plus the care you have for this Musse." Setsuna adds. "One that you don't particularly know… Take it. As a symbol of our connection to the one known as Musse."

"Can you do that for us, young man?"

He hadn't realized it but once more, his vision had blurred as tears descended. A gift meant for Musse that was never delivered. Regardless of what the coming future would bring, he'd make one thing certain.

"I promise."

Peering at the prized possession as they flew through the sky, Relon gave a glance back at the now distant city before looking ahead to discard it.

The hopes and dreams those three cherished- no. The future all envisioned, yearning to become a reality, were something to be respected. No matter how impossible it may seemed. That's what made the term 'possibility' so distinct in the field of research and common sense. When one's own drive reigned superior over anything else, they were a force to reckon with.

Withdrawing the small book given the previous morning by Munechika, he opens it.

"Looks like he's finally getting around to studying it." Rinwell comments to Munechika now a cat who nods. "Where to next, Relon?"

Not looking up, he says one word that Rinwell was eager to hear.

"Ashland."

Ashland

Landing along the road with no infantry in sight, the three look forward. Behind them, a normal forest with the eerie roots. In front of them, the same forest.

"Looks like Ashland isn't so ash-like."

"Because of the Lucinance's flames, anything hit by it remained heated permanently. That's why there is constantly ash and soot. Heat sources bouncing off each other causes the ground and leaves to go charred which then gives it the name. Looking at this however, it's as though the mere existence of anything Lucinance-related does not exist in this world."

Stepping into the forest, they embark forward.

"Anything we need to look out for?"

"Munechika, sense anything? Creatures? Wolves specifically?"

Closing her eyes as particles form to seep into the ground as they continue, she shakes her head moments later.

"Seems it really is just us." Relon muses.

Eventually, they come to a tree.

"Why did we stop?"

"This is the tree where it all started." Relon answers by placing a hand on it for nothing to happen.

A part of him was thankful but another part wished for something to happen.

Sighing, he continues on with Munechika as Rinwell looks between him and the tree.

"What do you mean?" She asks to catch up.

"I was adopted by the Wandering Beast. That's where he found me."

"So you meeting everyone, becoming who you are…"

"Yeah. That spot means a lot." He gives a fond, albeit small, smile as they stop before the base of the mountain.

Looking at the same spot he's been to before, he places a hand against the wall. Seconds pass for nothing to happen.

"I guess that hypothesis is concrete then." Rinwell surmises.

"Guess so." He breathes out. "Come on, let's get a better view." He beckons hopping onto Pippin as they do Pappan.

Zooming along the mountainside well over the peak, all widen.

"That's…!"

"So much…!"

Along the visible border of Erebonia itself leading into Liberl, giant roots larger than anything he's seen acts as a wall. That same dim glow as they've seen from all of the smaller roots.

"The roots have gotten that big across the rest of the continent?!"

"It really is just Erebonia and a few others left…"

"So what now? We have six days left. We gotta make the most of it as we can."

"We keep on the move. Let's go by Legram. I want to see the condition of it next…"

Legram

The witch's language was somewhat easier than Relon had originally thought. Well, correction, it was difficult just like any other languages he's heard about. Though most in the continent still used English as the primary but with an ascent. The witches tongue was not this however. Simple terms like 'light' or 'imbue' were the most difficult to translate despite being singular words.

Take for instance 'listen to my words.' In tongue, that translates to 'audite sermonem meum.' Apparently that is also a hypnosis type of spell. Relon was somewhat glad there were no known males that used magic. If they could hypnotize people… Yeah, he's leaving that thought alone. If he indeed was capable of using magic, then it would be a good replacement for his flames until he can get those.

"Hey, is that Legram?"

Slowly descending from the blanketing clouds, he takes in the once small second home.

Like Trista, heavily armored facilities littered the town with a metal bridge leading between the heavily armored castle sporting railguns and the town itself. Three other bridges stretch into other directions from the castle.

"It's just like Trista…"

"We don't want to-"

SSSSHHKKK!

Snapping down, the rail guns along the castle begin to shift.

"Up! NOW!" Blurring up into the clouds, they can only look from their angle as the turrets halt.

"Phew, that was close." Rinwell breathes out.

"They sheer sensing capabilities those things have from this distance is dangerous…"

"What should we do?"

"Nothing. We have no need to try and fight given there's no reactor."

Flying away and out of sight, the group is unaware of a certain Arseid looking strangely from atop the castle.

"Is something wrong, daughter?"

"The rail cannons detected something but they ceased their movement only seconds later…"

"What are your thoughts? Do you believe it is those from Heimdallr? Your report mentioned their ability to use flight."

"Hmm. We should report to Rean and Lord Zero. Any possibility must be noted." She departs to stop. "Father? Are you not coming?" Eyes noting of the man remain still, a single step of hesitancy is all it takes before he continues on.

"Let us be off, Laura…"

Sky

Hours passed of meandering through small towns familiar and unknown as what could only be guessed to be sundown as noted by his ARCUS, the four continued forward. Rinwell taking in the dead environment as far as the eye could see, hope filling for only a sliver of a moment whenever the slightest hint of life caught her eye. Munechika was doing something with Hootle atop her shoulder though she was still peering around every once in a while. Relon, being the still bookworm, was once again studying the witch's language. For his part, he had to be honest with himself. It was just slightly becoming easier to understand. Speaking it verbally was a different story but he was slowly beginning to make out familiar texts. At least he was getting somewhere at a good pace.

"Hey, I think there's an area not affected by Zero yet!"

Lifting his gaze, already in the process of discarding the book after hearing such unique info, he looks to see her point in said direction. In doing so, all he could see were the land covering roots emitting that same eerie glow he's grown to dislike since first arriving in this alternate Erebonia.

"Let's check it out then." He says rising to stand on Pippin. "That sounds good to you, Munechika, Hootle?" He calls to the familiars who both nod in agreement. "Alright, next stop; the unknown."

"That doesn't sound safe at all, you know."

Speeding up, Relon can only thank Luna as they begin to descend. Grimacing at the intimidating hulking roots far off in the distance, his eyes take a quick glance of the small village.

"This should be a safe enough spot to land. We'll walk the rest of the way on foot."

"We're still quite a ways away. Here's to hoping we don't get attacked again."

"Given how we nearly got spotted in Legram, better safe than sorry."

"You're right about that. Still, the fact that this place hasn't been overrun with those roots makes me feel uneasy."

[We should tread with caution.]

Nodding in agreement, they began their trek. Both swords now take their positions at the wing with Relon leading the group. Munechika as vanguard with Rinwell in the middle. It was a simple formation but given the number of times they've been ambushed and forced to spread out, this would ensure a few things. One; with Relon at the forefront, he could react to any threat from any angle through using either sword to counter. Rinwell being only a long ranged specialist left little to be explained. Surrounded on all sides with her only having to worry about above at the most would allow her to conjure arts with relative ease. Munechika with her profound sensing abilities would make it easy to lock onto any lingering traces of hostility should any attempt to either follow them or launch an attack from their blindspot.

Eyeing the spacious forest, his eyes return up ahead along the invisible path.

I saw some residents when we landed. Not many but why would they still remain here despite Zero's roots being so close? Is it too dangerous to travel over the border into Erebonia? Due to Zero practically seeing nearly everything, that would make sense? Could it be due a monster or some other threat? If so, we could likely assist in that ordeal. If not that either, then…

Shaking his head of the darker thoughts, he regains his focus.

Thinking what ifs won't help. Best way to learn is to ask the source.

"Hey, look. Isn't that a sign?"

True to her words, a small wooden sign stood before them.

"It says Shade Village…" Blinking a few more times, Relon gives a curious glance to the others who seem to have the same thought in mind. "If the name 'Shade' isn't a big indicator, you guys don't think..."

"That this could be his village?" Rinwell decides to ask the million mira question. "Could be. We never bothered to question if 'Shade' was even his real name."

"Not that it mattered." Relon adds continuing on with the group close behind.

"Why would he…?" She lingers still not understanding.

"Everyone has a reason to do what they do. Whether some tragic backstory or for another reason that's important or personal. Maybe for no reason at all. Shade's Shade and that's all that matters. He has his own stuff to deal with as we have our own. Yet, no one ever questions those things. Mostly due to respect for privacy but more so because it's not important to know."

"I… see your point. Yeah, that makes sense."

"Shade's our friend. There's no need for us to ask such in-depth stuff. Not until we're like super besties." He grins.

Taking in the childish action, a small smile graces the witch's features as the moldering negatives cease.

"Thanks, Relon. You're right! Before we can become good friends, I need to apologize! Right, Hootle?"

"Hoot!"

Watching the girl jovial once again, a smile grows on Munechika's face as well.

These children… They too are able to be shrouded in darkness. Yet, their hearts remain strong with purity.

Eventually, they come to a stop. The entrance lies in sight as well as a large majority of the village itself.

"For being called Shade Village, it's quite out in the open isn't it?" Rinwell notes nonchalantly.

About to respond, his mouth closes to inspect the area. Numerous houses of varying sizes surround what seems like a church or some kind of religious structure at the center. As Rinwell had mentioned, the village itself has nothing covering it allowing for a clear view of the dark sky.

"You make a good point…" He answers dumbly. "Stay sharp. Windows, cuts, everything. We still don't know the status of this place." Nodding in affirmation, they enter only stop short as two individuals meet them.

One is a middle-age man resembling a member of some church, likely the middle structure mentioned moments prior. The other is a beautiful woman with brown hair ending at her lower back.

"Greetings travelers, may we ask what brings you here to our holy village?" The man greets.

Noting of the numerous villagers with weapons all around, Relon doesn't need to give a risky glance back to see the others ready at a moment's notice. Instead, he mentally shrugs to answer.

"We heard from a friend about this place being his home so we felt we outta check on it for him." In response, the religious man's arms loosen only slightly.

"A resident of our village, you say? None have left here so it is clear what you say is nothing but a farce." Minds piqued, Relon continues.

"Really? Same height as myself, red eyes, black hair? No?" For a moment, the woman scrunches her face before it's plastered with neutrality.

"Would you care to reveal this individual's name? I speak only as a precaution for the safety of our home."
"You say that but what do you plan to do about the roots slowly inches this way?" He arches a brow with crossed arms.

"Relon!" Rinwell snaps incredulously.

"I know, I know." He sighs to eyes the man before turning to the silent woman. Inspecting her face, he blinks a few times dismissing a passing thought before speaking towards the male. "Does a child being born half human, half demon, ring a bell?" Finally getting a reaction of stunned shock, it's the silent woman who reacts as the man holds his own surprise well.

"Alex…?" She questions for the religious man to finally react as she did.

"Don't spout his name against possible enemies, Angela!"

"Oz, none have ventured from our village nor has any extracted information!" She snaps back for the man to stagger back.

Wow, I thought he had some backbone. Guess, he's just all bark no bite.

"Tch! Fine." With a dismissive hand, many of the nearby villagers ease themselves to return to their own devices. "My name is Oz. I am a member of our holy church here in Shade Village. Given you somehow know of the boy, which I cannot fathom a possible cause yet, I would implore you all to leave and never return once you have finished 'checking in.'" As soon as the words leave his mouth, he gives one last side glance to the woman now known as Angela before leaving in the direction of the church."

"Phew! That was tense! What the heck were you thinking acting like that?!" She demands. "We could have been attacked!"

"On a scale of zero to a hundred. My level of doubt is easily a hundred. They wouldn't have attacked unless Oz gave the order. It's clear their defense isn't that strong at first glance. Am I right, Madam?" He arches a brow for the woman to nod.

"Yes. Although we have ways to defend ourselves, such methods are.. currently preoccupied you could say."

"Will that or Oz prove to be a threat?" Relon wonders.

"It is a possibility. I must ask, why are you weary of Oz and not I…"

"Relon." He assists. "You don't have that hostile air like everyone else. Simple as that." He dismisses with a hand.

"I could be capable of masking such intentions."

"Then we'll simply deal with you like the rest that have crossed our paths."

Gulping, Rinwell could only remain silent as Relon retook the forefront as the speaker. Both had a heavy air around them despite the tone their voices carried. It was subtle but, both were laced with a readiness to act in a moment's notice. Whether Relon would call one of his swords or her a hidden weapon or the villagers still nearby, she couldn't tell.

Catching sight of Angela's gaze move past to meet her own, the witch quickly steels herself until the stranger's eyes eventually move to Munechika before back to Relon.

"I see." Turning around, she looks over her shoulder. "Come. Allow me to escort you all to an individual I believe will hold your interest."

With those final words, she takes off at a leisure pace.

(What should we do?)

(What else? Follow her.)

Allowing a worried groan to sound through her lips, Rinwell relents in acceptance as they follow. Taking in the land as their silent guide leads them further away from the church and deeper into the village, their eyes take in the common jobs found in any other town. Blacksmith, produce and other goods being offered and exchanged, etc.

"We have arrived." At her notification, they look ahead to see they've stopped before a home similar to the rest.

Cling!

Head perking at the low sound, Angela's head goes to the side of the home.

"Follow me. They are in the back." Doing so, the sound of clanging metal becomes more and more audible. Reaching the corner, Relon's eyes widen as do the others too.

Caught dodging a horizontal strike to flip away, a familiar male around Relon's age with red eyes lands. Lifting his head to reveal a grin, he speaks towards his opponent.

"You almost had me, Vergil!" The familiar voice belonging to Shade sounds from the white-haired teen. "You'll have to do better if you want to best me this time!"

"Ha!" The other male, now known as Vergil, gives a hardy laugh as he points a katana forward. "How many times do I have to remind you, Alex? Might controls everything and without it, you can't protect anything much less yourself."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Become strong enough to protect myself then I can boast, yeah?" He grins spinning his weapon, a sword of an odd alloy, around to copy Vergil's own pose.

Facepalming, a chuckle escapes the opposing male.

"That's the gist, Bro." With that, both launch forward returning to their spar.

"Who is that?" Relon questions Angela.

"Those are my sons. Vergil… and Alex."

"Alex?" A nod is her confirmation.

"Boys, we have guests!"

Perking at the call, both cease their own focus to redirect said thing onto the group themselves.

That face is definitely Shade.

"It's getting late. Come on in so we can have supper. You all are welcome to stay the night. It's dangerous out in the wilderness during late hours."

"Thank you very much, ma'am." Rinwell bows.

Being led into the house, a relatively quaint and cozy setting compared to previous location, Angela excuses herself to prepare rooms for the group.

"I guess introductions are in order." Vergil states matter-of-factly. "The names Vergil."

"I'm Alex."

"Relon."

"My name is Rinwell. And these are Hootle and Munechika." She gestures for the owl to chirp as Munechika nods. "She's mute by the way."

"And I'm guessing those cat ears and tails are preference?" Alex wonders.

"You could say that." Rinwell chuckles.

"To each their own I suppose." Alex surmises noticing Relon's tilting gaze on him. "Is there something wrong, Relon?"

"Sorry, I don't mean to stare. You just… really look like a friend of ours."

"I look better looking right?" He smirks for the group to chuckle.

"I'd say you both are about the same." Rinwell answers, earning a second batch of laughter.

"I gotta say, Relon, you look like quite the fighter." Vergil comments. "Which makes me have to ask what has three people like yourselves wandering around this part of Calvard at this time of day?"

It was instantaneous how quickly the tone in the room shifted. Rinwell was still in the process of chuckling when his words clicked in her mind. Already both Relon and Munechika had gone into serious mode as have the brothers.

"Simple. We're looking for-"

"Would anyone care to assist me with dinner?"

Cut off for the umpteenth time, Relon and company look to Angela now wearing an apron.

"Sure, I'll help Mom." Alex smiles, void of the expression he wore mere moments ago.

"Munechika, we should help too. It's only right."

Looking to Relon, he gives a friendly nod ignoring the stare he feels from Vergil.

"While they're making our grub, what say we head out. The night is quite something, you know." He beckons not waiting for a response.

Following after into the yard, both round the side towards the front to peer at the seemingly empty village.

"Everyone's inside already. No surprise there." Remaining silent, Relon finds his words to be true.

Whereas just a little while ago, there no longer holds any workers or villagers.

"Gotta ask, are you the quiet type? Ya know, the one that doesn't start conversations or do you just suck at talking?"

"... More so mentally exhausted." Relon finally says with a sigh. "A part of me was hoping you wouldn't try to fight with us separated."

"Haha, yeah right. My brother is strong but it doesn't take a genius to know that a situation with an innocent bystander, much less our own mom, isn't ideal. But I am curious about my earlier question."

"That can be answered at dinner. Ms. Angela already knows a good amount behind the cause for our being here."

"I see, I see. That's a relief. Didn't want to have to rough you all up too much." He grins.

"Bold of you to assume you could." Relon muses as they depart back.

"Oh? Is that a challenge?"

"Nope. I don't need to fight at this moment."

"And if I attacked you at this very moment?"

"Then you'd get hurt." Relon blinks as they reach the backyard.

"Saying something like that so nonchalantly, now I kinda want to see what you're made of."

"We're about to eat." He deadpans.

"I know, I said want not that I was gonna." He scoffs.

Returning inside, both follow the scent of the freshly made meal.

"Ta-dah~." Rinwell grins with open arms at the banquet of food.

"How did you-" Relon begins to halt. "Nevermind. Thank you for the meal." He decides on as Vergil pats his shoulder before they all sit down.

"So, let's get down to it shall we?" Vergil begins munching on a loaf of bread before taking a swig of his drink.

"We're from a different world." Relon answers for Munechika to put up a tiny forcefield as Vergil spit take.

"Argh, ahem, that's one way to start it."

Remaining silent, Alex and Vergil glance at their mother who nods.

"He is already aware of your powers."

"Demon abilities to be exact." Relon answers after taking a bite of meat.

"So your world has demons like us?" Vergil wonders with a careful eye.

"Nope. Not that we've seen." Rinwell answers for the brothers to clearly become confused.

"Then…" Alex pauses once again meeting Relon. "Your friend…"

"Is you." Relon gestures with his fork. "Another you."

"Another Alex? Get outta here." Vergil crosses his arms. Prove it."

"His name is Shade."

"Shit, they're telling the truth." He swears for an audible thud to sound. "Ow!"

"No swearing at the table." Angela says calmly.

"That's the name I take whenever we use aliases…"

"Glad you believe us now?"

"Don't have much choice now. So what brings you all to this neck of the woods?"

"We want to stop Zero." Relon states.

"You want us to fight?"

"What we want is to save this continent before returning to our world."

"Hard pass." Vergil waves off."Tell us something, do you have any concrete way of defeating that monster?"

"The reactors are the source of his strength. Take them down and he becomes easier to defeat."

"Easier you say…" Alex says inwardly in thought. "But not guaranteed."

"Mom, your thoughts?" Vergil wonders.

"I am already against the idea but I still wished for them to hear your responses. That and I found them in an ill situation against Oz and the villagers."

"Well there you have it. We ain't risking our lives for mere probability." He says rocking in his chair. "Sorry but I'm not about to abandon my home just to get offed without no one knowing."

"But that's also-"

"A possibility." Alex cuts Rinwell off. "Yes, and it's one we do not wish to experience. I'm… thankful to have a mother and brother. I don't… want to be in a world without them."

"If you don't fight back, then the roots will eventually overtake this village." Relon says with clear worry.

"We have accepted that and will move until there is nowhere left to go."

"If you do that, Zero's troops will find you and…" Rinwell shudders at the thought.

"Then we'll fight until we can't."

"Either way, you'll still face conflict."

"The risk of death is less potent should we choose the latter as opposed to your proposal." Alex notes. "It'll allow us to be together far longer.

"Mom is against it, Alex has said no, and I'm wanting no part of this. Sorry people, deals a no go. We wish you luck in your future endeavors."

"But!"

"Rinwell." Relon calls calmly. "They've made up their mind. All we can do is respect it." He decides taking another bite of his meat.

"But Relon…"

"We apologize things have to be like this but we cannot part from one another. We're family after all." Angela gives a curt bow. "I pray you can understand."

"... Yes, ma'am. We do. Thank you for offering your time and hospitality." Rinwell bows back as do Relon and Munechika.

Following dinner, the groups said their goodbyes before turning in.

Settling down for the night, Relon looks out the window to the village square. The night sky blanketing the covered stars… if there are any even visible.

"I get it but… I also don't like it." Rinwell sighs dropping onto he bed.

"Why risk your life when you can be with the ones you love? It's understandable. We're strangers despite having evidence of our own history and world."

"That just makes it even more frustrating. They clearly know how to fight."

[During that conversation, Alex seemed hesitant on the topic.]

"Huh? What do you mean?"

[Relon's words and attitude towards Zero as well as his brief description of Shade… I believe it stirred something.]

"It did seem like he was fighting back wanting to go. What do you think, Relon?"

"Only time will tell." He says laying down. "All we can do… is move forward." He ends off as the fatigue finally settle in. "Rest up, tomorrow we're heading out.

"He's certainly not dreading anything. We have five days left and today didn't feel like we accomplished much."

[I wouldn't be too hasty. The resistance, those in Ordis, the status of Ashland and Legram. Much was accomplished. Otherwise we never would have known Tomorrow shall yield better results.]

"I suppose. Yeah, you're right. Goodnight Munechika, Hootle."

"Hoot!"

Down the hall in another bedroom, Alex stares at the ceiling.

"If you don't get some sleep, then you'll be too tired for tomorrow."

Perking at his brother inspecting their belongings, Alex lifts up.

"You're thinking about it too, aren't you?"

"Who wouldn't?"

"I thought you didn't want to go?"

"I don't."

"Then why are you looking over our stuff?"

"There's a nagging feeling. That's all. What about you?"

Quiet for a moment, he falls back returning to look at the ceiling.

"I can't help but wonder. What the other me is like…"

Day 5

"Thank you again for your hospitality everyone." Rinwell bows.

"Think nothing of it. We apologize you couldn't obtain better results."

"Don't be, Ms. Angela. We should get going. We have a lot of ground to cover before we meet back up with Shade and the others."

"Better hurry before Oz and those geezer villagers get up." Vergil snorts to look to a quiet Alex.

Noting of said male, Relon nods. Without a gesture all widen as both swords hover from his hip.

"So that's what you meant last night. Cheeky bastard." Vergil grins watching them settle on the swords.

"Take care of yourselves, everyone."

"Try not to get killed yoursel- ow!"

"And you do the same." Angela nods.

With that they elevate until the three are but dots. With one last glance down below, they take off.

Nudging his brother, Vergil doesn't get a reaction. Something being all he needs to know what's whirling in Alex's mind.

"It's too bad that didn't go as planned."

"It couldn't be helped. But coming here did give me an idea of another place to check."

"Where exactly are we going?"

"A place where more survivors may be."

Longlai, Calvard

"Huh. So I was right." Relon muses.

Far below lies a quaint town encompassed by mountain ranges.

"Where are we?"

"We're now deep within the Republic of Calvard. More specifically Longlai. A once wonderful location for travelers. Renowned for its hot springs and green tea. The peaks that overlook Longlai have long been the object of veneration and pilgrimage. These mountains have been exploited by local people for raw materials. Of course, only trained individuals are allowed near the higher peaks due to the dangers of animals and the natural climate."

[So you wish to investigate the peaks for any survivors.]

"Exactly. Given the entire place is within a large basin, the large roots have yet to reach though the smaller roots have already made themselves apparent." He explains noting of the pulsating roots scattered about the ruined town. "Though the same may not be said for the mountains as they're at a much higher elevation. Hence why we're here." He explains as they lower to the ground in front of an inn.

"Hekizanrou, huh?" Rinwell reads a sign over the would be door showing the destroyed interior.

"I remember coming here with Dad when I was younger. It was quite comfortable too."

"Back to searching?"

"It's much smaller compared to Ordis so it shouldn't take that long."

"Let's hope…"

After another rousing search with no clues or anything, all eventually reconvened. With a unanimous shake of their heads, their attention turned to the path leading up towards the mountains.

"Please tell me we're flying up."

"As much as I'd love to, we probably shouldn't."

[Given Theodore and the others saw us in the sky during broad daylight, it may be better to remain on foot.]

"Couldn't have said it better."
"Ugh, this is gonna take forever."

"Not necessarily." He refutes hoping on Pippin. "Just because we're not flying high in the air doesn't mean we can't hover close to the ground.

Eyes gleaming in relief, Rinwell practically blurs to Pappan.

"Walking will take forever. Not to mention, we'll be exhausted once we either reach the summit or run into something."

[We should go. It's already going into the afternoon.]

"Right. Up next; the Kunlun Range." He says zooming off.

Town no longer in sight, Rinwell's eyes go to the hanging cliffside with roots embedded.

"To think Zero's roots have reached this far…"

"Don't forget, the entire continent has already succumbed to those same giant roots. It's just our luck that the mountains haven't been swallowed in their entirety."

[That also means that any monsters that still reside in the area have been afflicted as well.]

"Yeah. All the more reason to stay alert. If we come across any, we'll have to wipe them out if we wish to continue."

"Hey Relon, did you ever come up this path? Given your dad is the Wandering Beast and all."

"Nah. We came here before I even started my training, much less met Rean. Back then, I was just an innocent boy following a guy who picked me up in a burning forest.

"You make that sound so normal." Rinwell sweatdrops.

"Considering my fiery heritage, it doesn't sound farfetch'd now does it?" He offers a smirk in response.

"There's a difference between normal and odd." She chuckles for Munechika to point past Rinwell, gaining their attention.

Coming to a halt, they hop off. Before them hovering in a group lie several yellow creatures. With tendrils underneath their glowing bodies, two tentacles acting as arms flail.

"Are those… floating jellyfish?" He blinks, taking a hold of his swords.

"I've always read books on aquatic life but seeing this… I have no words."

"I can't even tell if these things are native or if they're here because of Zero's effect on the continent…"

[Regardless, here they come!]

Taking her position behind the two, Rinwell opens her tome already beginning to gather mana for a spell incantation. Rushing in, Relon quickly stops as a jellyfish aims its eerie colored underside at them.

"What the- Whoa!" He shouts, the two dodging from a beam of electricity. "Okay, so they shoot electricity. Noted!" He exclaims to snap to his side flipping away as another barrels through spinning its body.

About to counter, his senses scream as does Munechika's.

"Rinwell, above you!" He shouts pivoting to dash for the girl, his peripheral already seeing more jumping from over the cliff.

Stopping as Hootle rustles from her hoodie, she looks up for her free hand to reel back as wind gyrates.

"Galeforce!" She shouts, thrusting her palm upwards.

Coating themselves in electricity, the clashing bodies send static in all directions forcing the two to dodge.

"Don't… underestimate me!" With another surge of mana, the invertebrates are sent high into the air.

"Try to get out the way of this! Subzero Confinement!" Book glowing blue, two walls of ice appear on both sides of the airborne creatures before it clamps with a crunching sound followed by a poof of dark particles.

"Nice job." He compliments to roll out the way. "Our turn to wrap this up!" Agreeing, Munechika reels back a hand for a glyph to form as Relon reels back Pappan.

Throwing the sword, it alongside a blast of white light pierces the remaining foes. Lifting up, Pappan rebounds back to stop in front of him.

"Good work, team. Nice counter, Rinwell."

"I thought it'd be safe to prepare a wind spell in case anything ambushed us from above. Glad I was right."

"To think those things had an ambush prepared ahead of time. There wasn't a boss monster like in previous times."

[It may be possible that certain region's monsters operate different in response to Zero's power.]

"So those in Calvard are smarter? That's…"

"Unnerving." Rinwell mutters at the thought as Hootle shivers.

"Hoot…"

[All the more reason we should tread carefully but with haste.]

"You're right. Let's get back to it."

Hopping on the swords, they take off once more.

"Hey, I just noticed something."

"What's up?"

"Ever since splitting up, we've only fought monsters and none of Zero's army."

[What are you inferring?]

"I just hope Shade and Magilou are okay. We haven't heard from them sine we split."

"You're being awfully considerate of Magilou as a person." Relon notes.

"Hmpf. Just because she's irksome to be around doesn't mean I completely hate her. When it comes down to it, she's our friend."

[That's very mature, Rinwell.]

"Munechika, you didn't see what Shade and I had to deal with. Those two were like feral animals at each other's throats constantly."

"Well…!" She huffs. "She kept starting it!"

"Every single argument?" He arches a brow.

"Yes!"

"Rinwell…" He calls knowingly for the girl to twitch an eye as Munechika silently giggles.

"Anyway, come on! We're burning daylight!" She harumpfs stomping off with Hootle flapping alongside her.

"Haha, stubborn just like me."

Quickly catching up, some time passes before the four come to a halt.

"Seriously, are all monsters so weird looking?"

Before them popping out of the ground is a serpent-like creature with a transparent head showing its brain. From its mouth, a mass of tendrils alongside dozens of eyes all over its body. Turning towards the group, the monsters arch their backs.

"Sorry to say but yeah. Looks like it noticed us so be careful." He warns allowing Pappan to leave its sheath for Rinwell to take to the air.

"Going in won't work given that they burrowed so…" Rinwell mutters, flipping to a page as she begins to chant.

"Any ideas?" He offers the familiar.

Silently looking as the creatures remain still, she lifts a hand for a light to emanate from it. Firing, the creatures dodge the attack by burrowing into the ground.

"Fast aren't they?" He hums looking around.

Feeling the ground crack beneath, both jump away as the worm creatures resurface.

"Gotcha!" Relon shouts, bursting back in swinging his blade and Munechika her claws for the creatures to vanish once more. "Damn, this is already annoying." He clicks.

"Alright!" Both look up to Rinwell and her blue-hued tome. "Raging Cascades! Spread!" She announces with a hand thrusting in their direction.

Confused at first, Relon's eyes quickly look to the ground at his feet copy the blue glow before he jumps away. A second later, small spouts of water explode around the area sending the creatures into the sky.

"Celestial Hammer!" She adds flipping off for electric rays to pierce the creatures.

Head wincing from the poof of particles, he gives the young witch an annoyed look.

"You couldn't have warned us?"

"The fight already stood and if I had, I wouldn't have finished my casting. Besides, we're having Munechika focus on surveying the area so she doesn't use her many reserves. Don't be salty at me"

Twitching, he sighs.

"Alright, you win this round. Thanks for the help RInwell." He relents for the girl to sport a cheeky grin.

"Teehee, anytime Relon."

Damn it, she was just playing the entire time. Whatever, just go with it.

Letting the thought die, his eyes catch a chuckling Munechika. Opening them to Relon giving her a deadpan expression, her eyes awkwardly avert.

"Mhmm…." He mumbles departing.

Once again, their trek resumed only to cease a short while later.

"Hey, look at this gorge! You can see Longlai from up here! Have we really traveled that far already?"

True to the witch's words, far off down below and across the ridge lies the town and its many roots.

"Yup. Time flies between traveling and fighting."

Furrowing at the usage of wording, Rinwell decides to not question it. About to turn, her confused face scrunches even more.

"Uh, guys?"

Looking her way, his eyes trail past her pointing finger to the approaching… fish?

"Huh. Well that's interesting." He tilts at the sight of the large aquatic creature.

"That's it, I give up. This world's monsters make NO SENSE! Dogs that spit acid?! Tolerable. Jellyfish that shoot electricity?! I can manage. But FISH THAT CAN FREAKING FLY?! Nope. Uh-uh. I draw the line there! AND STOP SALIVATING MUNECHIKA!"

Blinking over, he finds his cousin's words true catching the familiar wipe away dangling saliva for more to take its place.

"We're getting a move on and that's final! I'm blowing that thing into tiny pieces!" At her words, the slitted eyes of Munechika widen.

"You two…" Relon mumbles shaking his head. "This is gonna be a while…"

Later

After more hours of mainly watching Rinwell obliterate worms, jellyfish, and well fish, the group had finally reached one of the highest plateaus. In spite of all of the monsters they encountered, Relon had become genuinely concerned for Rinwell's mental well-being. After encountering birds that could spew fire, something he direly missed doing himself, Rinwell's sanity had dropped. Random cackles, the occasional twitch of the eye; if he didn't know any better, he'd say she was transforming into an actual witch like the ones in books he read as a child.

Looking at the dark sky, he had to thank Munechika for having a spell that could tell time otherwise he'd have been lost long since they reached the mountain. With only a few days left, they were limited on what to do and where to go. Before long, they'd need to regroup with Shade and Magilou to tackle those reactors.

Still, Munechika, a powerful individual in her own right, was only one person. This world's Shade was indecisive but judging from his and Vergil's abilities, they'd be of great assistance should they decide to aid their cause later on. The whole purpose of them traveling is to get a grasp of Erebonia as well as find any survivors that can help in their fight. They've learned more about the Erebonia itself compared to finding options for help. At most; there's their group, Shade's, the rebellion, and… that's it. Yes, the rebels are scattered and supposedly have a decent number but against the sheer size and power Zero governs, they'd have to make each attack count. Regardless, they still needed more numbers. Every person mattered. The more they had, the more options would unlock.

Peering around at yet another empty clearing they've reached just a little ways from hitting the summit, he had to question where those people were? Their entire way up, there weren't any signs of human life. Whoever was up here, if there was anyone up here, they covered their presence well.

"How the hell have we not found a single person up here? Ugh!"

Watching the girl kick a rock over the cliff, the frustration was mutual. Still, dusk was approaching fast. At this rate, nighttime would be upon them and more issues than they already have would emerge. Which means…

"Munechika."

Ears perking, her attention shifts from a wandering Rinwell to the approaching male. Having heard the call, Rinwell and Hootle make their way over.

"Mind doing a larger scan of the area?" Upon hearing his question, Munechika needs only a moment to process before she nods, walking towards the center of the clearing.

"I was wondering when you'd have her do this. We weren't getting anywhere as we were."

"If there are people somewhere out here, they've done a good job hiding. Any longer and we'll be walking slash flying in the dark. Better to try one last time and move on than stay and risk anything bad happening."

"But still. Won't this just make whoever's out there know where we're at?"

Not responding immediately, both exchange a look before shifting to the now glowing Munechika. Seconds come as a white glyph appears on the ground. At first; it encompasses only the familiar. Soon after, it expands past their own feet.

"Bold of you to assume they don't already."

"You think so?"

"We're about to find out."

Watching particles begin to ascend from the ground, a pulse of white gushes forward. All they can do is watch as it travels over the mountain range until it's out of sight. Soon after, the glyph retracts to disappear. Noting of the white shimmer around Munechika dissipate, she remains still before her head snaps to the path they entered.

"Whoa…" He mutters as Munechika regroups with them.

"What? How many?"

"Too damn many." He grimaces. "It's like we're facing Rean's battalion all over again."

"What?!"

"Calm down. If things go south, Munechika, be ready to put a stop in their movements."

Nodding in acknowledgement, he steps forward with the two close behind. Soon, the air around them shifts.

"Hey…"

"I know. Stay sharp, they're here."

From beyond the cusp of the slope, three individuals appear. What follows next makes Rinwell widen.

Dozens upon dozens of clearly fighters donned in black attires covering their bodies and faces march forward to cease in unison machine-like.

"To think so many were able to conceal themselves… We'd never have found them without Munechika."

"Forget that. The fact they just marched without us hearing their footsteps is bonkers!"

"Did you forget about Senate?" Relon voices remaining focused ahead.

"... Good point."

Watching the three individuals stop just a little ways away, Relon takes the moment to examine each.

The oddest looking one is a large and bulky male rivaling Gaius' height. Like the rest of their "group," he too is covered fully in black armor from helmet to the soles of his feet with two purple scarves trailing behind. Only a pair of beady eyes are discernable amongst his being alongside what seems like a large chakram on his back.

On the other side stands a young woman around Relon's age. Silver hair treading down her back, pale blue eyes that seem lifeless, and a combat suit of sorts holding what he can only guess to be related to the eastern culture. She has over herself a simple white jacket. At her hip, a sheathe sword.

Finally at the center stands a male, similar in age as Relon and the woman. Same tired slash dead blue eyes with bluish-black hair in a spiky style with a blue fringe down the front. He's sporting a cobalt jacket over a vest and red shirt, black trousers. At his hip, something resembling a sword but its blunt sides tell Relon otherwise.

"I'm guessing those three are their leaders."

"Seems so."

"What do we do?"

"Be blunt and honest. It's worked so far. If not, well then plan-"

Unable to finish, all catch the white-haired woman blur forward closing the distance in milliseconds.

"Mune!" He shouts vanishing in a light to reappear a small distance from where the woman now stands.

"HEY! WE AREN'T WITH ZERO!" Rinwell shouts in panic.

"We don't want to fight!"

Turning fully to them, the woman readies herself once more.

"That stance… Damn it!" Relon curses beckoning both blades to his side. "A tachi and a similar stance to Rean's; there's no doubt about it. She's an Eight Leaves practitioner."

At his comment the woman's stance lessens just slightly.

"You know Rean, huh…?"

"Please, let us explain!" Despite his cry, the words that flowed forward fell on deaf ears. "Tch!" He clicks, grabbing Pappan and slicing a portal in time for her to widen, stopping and dodging to the side.

In doing so, her eyes shift open to the side of the three now gone. Coming to a halt, she looks around only to freeze at a sharp tip at her neck.

"Enough! We don't want to fight you! Just listen to us! We're with the Resistance and-"

"So?" She cuts making him furrow.

That singular word held no life compared to her movement mere seconds prior. The stark contrast was enough for Relon's mind to jerk like a clogged wheel.

"Relon, watch out!" Eyes snapping to the left, he can only make out a blinding beam nearing him for Munechika to appear, arms outstretched forming a barrier.

"Too slow." The hulking man mutters, swinging his star weapon.

He closed the gap while we were distracted!

"Galeforce!" Hand outstretched past him, Relon can only watch as a condensed hand of wind clashes for the blade to slowly be sent back.

Taking her chance, the girl snaps back for Relon to deflect her blade as both parties regroup.

"What's with you all?! You don't care if we're on the same side?" Rinwell exclaims.

"Same side?"

"Yes, same side! You're against Zero, right?"

"We are." The hulking man in black armor answers.

"Then-"

"But an enemy of Zero is an enemy of us." The male in blue answers. "Sorry. We've lost enough friends to try and fight back."

"It's because of Zero that Calvard is like this! Don't you want to save it?"

"There's no saving our home. We've long since accepted the end." The black armored man states.

"We have barely a week left before the end really does come!"

"There's still time to-"

"All the more reason to wait and accept what comes. We've fought tooth and nail for so long just to protect the country and look at what left. Us; its remaining inhabitants and this desolate landscape. You've seen it. Those roots are slowly making their way here."

"If the end truly is less than a week away, then our suffering is almost over." The white-haired woman says lessing her stance.

"You're wrong!" Rinwell stomps. "The Resistance is still fighting! There's a way to beat Zero!"

"A way you speak of? Tell us, does it guarantee no lives are lost? Does it ensure that our next of kin can prosper under the tutelage of those before them? Or must we risk their very upbringings being left to chance and force each to experience a world void of loved ones?"

The words spoken couldn't be any further from the truth. Yet, to Relon, it stirred something to the surface. Something from not so long ago.

Like a haunting nightmare, the memories from that tragic battle resurfaced. The cold words uttered by Demeter fanned the evil flames that snuffed out the lives sent to assist him. The screams of agony that followed.

For something so similar to happen…

For the survivors to just give up on the lives sacrificed…

For such an indescribable new rage to resonate unlike anything before…

It felt so unnatural yet tame just like any other emotional fit of anger he's experienced before. Ever since arriving, nothing has made him upset related to himself. All moments of anger were related to other matters not about him.

As his body internally quaked, he could only contain so much. As if shackled by chains, he took one step forward. That sole step, however, was like a bomb went off.

All eyes, every focus, in the vicinity snapped his way.

Instinctively, their foes returned to guarded stances. However, it was the woman to notice it first. Since encountering their group, true confusion laced her expression.

"What's going on?" She murmured, gaining her allies' attention.

Another step. His body's heat was surging to an untapped level. No. He's felt this before…

"Relon? What're you…?"

A third step. Just like yesterday. It was happening again, only now it was more potent.

"Halt!" The armored voice bellows, the sheer power behind it made the avians in the area retreat to safety.

That force, despite its own might dwarfed the rising pressure Relon began to exude outward.

With a simple flex of his hand, he realized it. Unlike against Asuma, he could clearly discern the amplified might his own body's limiters had surpassed.

Carefully opening his eyes to the small army before them. The worry once existent vanished.

He was stronger. He was capable of so much as he was now.

But more than anything… he was calm. His heart was pumping so normally that it freaked him out internally. Despite such an odd sensation, his mind could not remove the sheer vexation he felt towards those before him.

Calm yet angry. Two different emotions he was experiencing now. What could he do right now? How far could he go?

Zemurian gloves balling into fists, blades returning to their sheathes, Relon's gaze sharpens making the three stiffen.

That question would come from action. His action. The very individuals before him had taken the meaning behind human life and he was going to reteach them. He'd make them pay.

"His eyes…" The blue male comments. "Shizuna." He warns stepping forward next to her. "We can't afford to waste any more time." As if snapped from a trance, the young woman can only nod reaffirming her readiness.

"Let's go, Kurogane."

For a moment, there was nothing. He only watched as the three prepared to attack. Then they launched.

Huh. So that's where I stand.

Those were his own dumbfounded thoughts as he watched the slow figures charge his way. To think they were so slow, his own bafflement was lost as his eyes shifted between the three.

The now named Shizuna was clearly the fastest. To the like of before, he could only surmise her posture so low to the ground was thanks to experience and training. By being that low and with such speed, she could ambush the human point of vision. Behind her left flank was the blue trench coat wearing male. That weapon clearly wasn't sharp but that earlier beam-like attack was his doing. In the rear, a noticeable Kurogane. Relon had to admit that despite his bulky size, he was clearly able to keep up with their speed as reminded of their earlier clash.

Watching her tachi unsheathe, he only needed to wait and shift his body. Next came the first male. Under normal circumstances, his timing would be only perfection itself. However, this was not that. Grabbing the dull weapon, Relon takes notice of the surprise the male has as he sends him towards a countering Shizuna forcing her to cancel her attempt.

Last but not least…

Peripheral watching as Kurogane descends, he simply kicked back for the four-blade weapon to strike air.

"What's going on?" Shizuna questions as both girls regroup. "Any ideas, Van?"

"None. Except he's no longer holding back."

"Which means you two shouldn't either." Kurogane notes for both's eyes to peer back before forward.

"Relon, your eyes are dull again!"

"Yeah." He simply answers walking forward. "Rinwell, Munechika, I'll leave the rest to you two."

"Relon, can you…" Words dying, she discards the foolish question.

She knew he was capable when times like these arrived. From the short time she's known him, he'd yet to fail her and with the new unveiled attitude, he'd triumph once more. "You got it." She beams a confident grin as Munechika looks on.

How many times would he experience a spur-of-the moment change? What allowed him to overcome his past self mere moments ago? Her endless questions would wait. The sole answer each question culminated into would unfold before her very eyes.

Stopping at the slow sight of Shizuna and the now named Van ready themselves once more, his eyes gloss over the female to recognize that different stance.

"Spirit Unification!"

At once, a wave of golden power washes over Shizuna.

Before him stood the same power he'd fought with from Rean albeit a pale replica.

"That's Relon's move!"

"You've overstepped your bounds. Now you-"

"Shut up." Walking forward once more, Relon's scowl increases. "You've disrespected the lives that fought to ensure you all would see today. I'm beyond pissed! Past livid at the cruelties of Zero and the deranged attitudes you all have! I'm gonna screw that head of yours straight regardless of using a bootleg version of Rean's power!"

"How do you…?"

"Get ready!"

"Ikaruga!"

"Let's go, Hootle!" Rinwell preps her book open as Munechika takes a fighting stance.

"Come on!"

All at once both sides, charge. Munechika donning herself in a light as she fearless charges the horde of foot soldier and Relon towards the three commanders.

"AAAAHHH!"

How many times would something cut him off before he could continue with his action? All at once, his fury burns hotter and freezes at the same time.

In a hoodie resembling Rinwell's the color blue standing atop a glyph in the air. Wrapped in translucent magical bindings, a struggling Rinwell.

"Good to see you alive, Senate Hunter."

Bellowing a deafening roar, Relon blurs forth.

"GRIMOIRRRRRRE!"

Neutral scorn turning to mild surprise at the male appearing mere inches sporting a furious flint like a rabid animal, Grimoire can only raise a glowing hand to vanish alongside Rinwell to a higher space above as the male lands on Pippin baring his open hatred.

Eyes noticing the familiar at work, she fires a thin beam. Raising her free hand to block it, Grimoire cuts her eyes to her flank instinctively leaning back as a portal fires white volleys.

"Pathetic." She mutters to suddenly feel a dense pressure behind.

Cutting back, her eyes meets the murderous vermilion of Relon's. Palm unleashing that same black flame, his hand grips her wrist as a ear-cringing crunch sounds.

"Gr!" She winces.

"Not this time!"

Like a bullet, the form of Grimoire goes barreling of the ground, skids against the rocky terrain, and stops embedded in the side of the mountain.

Carefully grasping Pappan as all can only spectate, he vanishes appearing before the unmoving Leaguient. Without hesitation, the blade jams into her stomach forcing the witch's eyes open.

"Home. Now."

Unresponsive, her bloody mouth coils into a sinister grin as her body emanates a faint light.

"How disappointing…" Before his very eyes, she fades. "Truly." The voice speaks in volume behind.

Slowly turning, his eyes fixate once more on the witch hovering in the air with Rinwell.

"How did she…?" Van wonders to stop as Relon blurs forward once again past them.

"Such a mundane attempt. How futile." With a snap, an invisible force slams into his chest sending him back to the ground.

Recovering, he shoots to his feet into time to see her hold up an unconscious Rinwell.

"Prove your worth, Senate Hunter. Come save your precious friend." With another snap, she vanishes.

Amongst the shock of both sides, resounding stomps loom from the entrance. Over the hillside, familiar soldiers in black and white respectively march in tandem.

"Zero's soldiers!" A member of Ikaruga shouts.

"They're here?!"

As chaos ensued, it was quickly snuffed out.

"STAND FIRM!" The bellowing voice belonging to Kurogane spoke as one order came after another with the small group readying themselves.

Ignoring the urgency, his body goes still as a voice cuts through movement.

"Those under Zero! Surrender or face us for your transgressions!"

The will of fire within burned. His rage. His hatred only grew as did the strength in his body. His eyesight for a single moment shifted to a purple lens before it focused on the individuals at the helm.

At the front of Zero's army stood a girl familiar from a photo shown by Shade. Tio. Next to her stands Victor Arseid and last but not least…

"Laura…"

Looking to the male locked ahead, Munechika can only wince as his body emits a heat far hotter than when he gripped her mere days prior.

What's happening? Relon, what are you…

Through the crowd of soldiers, Relon walks past the readying Shizuna and Van.

"Hey!"

"So, you are here." Laura speaks with an air of superiority. "It's an honor to meet the renowned Senate Hunter. Your reputation precedes you… is what I would say."

"Where are they?"

"If you wish to know, then-" Cut off, her eyes widen as Victor blurs in front of her for a cling to sound out.

Watching him swing with perfect mastery as she has all her lift, her eyes further take in the man being sent back. At the front of the remaining Calvardians, Relon stalks forward, blades at the ready.

"I won't say it again, Laura." Walking forward, she grips her own blade at the ready. "Where. Is. Rinwell?"

Zero's Headquarters

Upon the dim whirring sound of cable, Rean Schwarzer and Lloyd Bannings stand within the ascending elevator.

"The supposed Senate Hunter and his witch have been roaming all along the border according to recent reports sent in by scouts as well as Laura."

"So I have heard, but they haven't done as much as that Shade fellow and his companions."

"Just because they haven't affected us much yet, doesn't mean they won't in the near future. We are only days away from ruination. We can't let something as minor as these weaklings stand in the way of Lord Zero."

"That's why we laid the perfect trap for them, all thanks to those professors. As for Shade, our lord still wants to get him on our side…" Lloyd looks away with disgust.

"What I cannot help but be reminded of is the Senate Hunter's mobility. The capabilities of flight belong to few but allow for much. I dislike the idea as much as you but it would do if Lord Zero requested this Senate Hunter as well. Their skills in our recent clash speaks much. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Why bother getting them when as you said, we are mere days away. So pests like them should be caged or just dealt with rather than put on a leash."

"I suppose. The more numbers we have serving Lord Zero, the better. Regardless, they're problems that need to be solved. Here's to hoping our plans for them work."

"Here's to hope… We're here" Lloyd looks straight ahead as the elevator dings.

Stepping out into a dimly lit room with dark ascents spanning the surroundings, both move forward to kneel. Atop a small flight of stairs seated with a bored expression lies the root of all evil across the world itself.

"Speak."

"The group of the Senate Hunter and witch have been sighted within Longlai, Calvard. The battalion of Victor and Laura Arseid alongside Tio Plato are en route to exterminate those that oppose you."

"Now tell me, will they succeed?"

"We are confident in their abilities, no doubt the Senate Hunter and his companions will be killed with ease."

"And if the other outworlder joins in?"

"We have several of our skilled trackers, a group of long-range hunters, and a select number of lieutenants en route should such a thing occur sir."

"Then you are foolish to underestimate him, or do you want to be like Commander Claire?"

Stiffening for only a moment, both respond.

"No, sir! We shall succeed for your glory!"

"If you wish we shall go to make sure of our victory!"

"No need, I have already sent one of my best to deal with it. For now just prepare the reactors for the coming battles."

"Yes, sir! We shall not fail!"

"We shall make sure the promise day will come!"

"I would hope so, now leave."

---

A/N: A lot happened. Writing other stories, life stuff good and bad. We're here. As for thoughts on the story, everyone's entitled to their opinions. The catchphrase of FFN is to "unleash your imagination" and that's what I'm doing. Don't like it? Go make your own story. Or at least hold any negative comments until after you're caught up.

Fun Fact: Relon's vision prowess is just basically a type of Sharingan. Obvious but necessary to state due to the upcoming Relonverse.