"Speaking"
"Thinking/Thoughts"
"[Intercomms]"
*Noises*
______________________________________
Babylonia
After the mission
Raiden is waiting on the Gray Raven Lounge waiting anxiously as he tapped his pen on the table waiting for Chrome, Strike Hawk and Kiri to return
Lucia : "Commandant? You seem anxious"
Raiden closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before letting it out and facing Lucia placing the pen down
Raiden : "...Nothing...I'm just waiting"
Lucia : "I'm sure Strike Hawk will return safely"
Raiden : "...Lucia...what do you think of Kiri...not by the past...but by the present"
Raiden asked towards Lucia straight away wanting to figure out what he could do to make sure Kiri will not have a target on his back sometime in the future based on his reputation
Lucia : "In the past...Hmmm...I don't have any vivid recollection but just bits of data with no meaning...as if the information was never there"
Raiden : "I see...I see"
Lee : "Commandant...in the past Scarlet was one of the most talented scientist in Babylonia he was the one who perfected the Recall functions of Constructs...even though his later career years are not pleasant"
Lee took a moment before speaking again...he wasn't fond of Scarlet that is known to him but he couldn't deny that the man was the best at his job
Lee : "He was the replacement Commandant of the Gray Ravens and personally chose me and Liv to be a part of it as he recognized our potential"
Raiden : "...What do you think of him now?"
Lee : "Kiri...huh...I say he is quite a more mysterious person who never talks the truth but merely uses clever wording or is very intelligent...I also deduced that he can be quite of a loose cannon as we never knew his motivations or even reasons"
Raiden : "For all we know he can be using us to pursue his own agenda is that what your saying?"
Lee nods as he did thought about it for a while now
Raiden : "Did Scarlet also hate Kurono?"
Lee : "He hated them...no hate... is a small word he outright despises them for their methods"
Raiden : "I see...Lee...do you thin-"
However Raiden was cut off when Lee suddenly interjected the conversation
Lee : "That Kurono was the one to bury his body and research him? Dissecting him of his knowledge or silenced him without a trace?"
Raiden : "I...wow"
Lee : "I have given thought of that...It would be beneficial for Kurono to remove Scarlet off the board so they get rid of one of the major threats in their way"
Liv then enters and sees the three talking...she then with a curious outlook on her face spoke up
Liv : "What are you guys talking about?"
...
...
...
Lee, Lucia and Raiden kept silent waiting for someone to tell Liv and after a few moments Liv seemed to get the message and her face turned quite solemn
Liv : "It's about Scarlet or Kiri-san is it?"
Raiden : "...Sorry Liv"
Liv : "It's fine..."
Raiden : "What was he like before?"
Liv : "Caring, hardworking, overworked, mentally fatigued and physically taxing...yet he always smiled despite that saying 'I will protect all that is Beautiful in the world' that was his Motto in life"
Raiden : "I see...Protect all that's beautiful in the world...what a motto huh"
Liv : "After the incident he flipped...he was longer the man I knew...he changed drastically in such a short span of time...I could never forget it...and never recover from that...I don't hold a grudge against him anymore...nor do I despise him or hate him...he tried and tried...he did his best and perhaps he died maybe miserably...but I just wish to speak to him one last time...and say goodbye on good terms"
Raiden : "...Liv..."
Lee : "Your too kind..."
Liv : "...I...loved him..."
The Girl says in a whisper with her head down and fidgeting her fingers together
_________________
_________
_________________
Somewhere in Babylonia
Ishmael or rather known as the Merciful One is staring a capsule with a person inside of it
Ishmael : "Soon...Soon you'll be reunited and from then on...you'll be needed once more...Chief"
Ishmael says tapping the capsule before looking at the person inside of it...a female was there
_________________
_____________
_________________
Aircraft Area
Kiri is seen laying Chrome on the stroller with the help of Kamui
Kiri : "Your quite stubborn..."
Chrome : "...I don't need to hear that from you"
Kamui : "Stop bickering... we're lucky that the Ascendant didn't hunt us while we were unconscious"
Wanshi : "...Thanks...Mister Kiri"
Kiri : "...You want my thanks? Just make sure you are fine and taken care of...Raiden will have my head if you guys got into serious trouble"
Wanshi, Chrome and Kamui doesn't respond back as Kiri then began walking away presumably back to the The Gray Raven Lounge
Camu however...just snaps his fingers at that...to him there was something more when he arrived to see Kiri pointing a gun at Neggut point blank
Camu : "How interesting...I wonder what happens next"
________________
_________
________________
Gray Raven Lounge
Kiri enters the Lounge area and sees Raiden doing a bit of paperwork
Raiden : "Hey...How's the experience?"
Kiri : "Very interesting to be honest"
Raiden : "Oh?"
Kiri : "The Strike Hawk are...how should I say this... Professionals...they have everything in a team...Kamui with his bulky build, Wanshi being the Backline support, Camu the Juggernaut and ofcourse Chrome...who is everything you could ask for a leader"
Raiden : "Is that so?"
Kiri : "But...they are nothing compared to you guys you four have that...certain edge so to speak"
Raiden stopped himself and looks at Kiri who then sits at the couch and lifts his feet to the table making himself comfortable
Raiden : "...Really?"
Kiri : "Everyone has their certain uniqueness that just meshes well with everyone...Lucia...truly a perfect fit for a leader role...Lee being the most logical and often calculating type having backup plans...And Liv...An Angel"
Raiden : "...You have some...Interesting Analogy of the team"
Kiri : "...Yeah...let's say it like that"
Kiri says looking at the ceiling and closing his eyes recalling several memories...Three girls with their own unique traits yet worked together extremely well
Kiri : "...They are quite...Unique"
Raiden : "True that..."
Raiden chuckles before blinking and continuing his work
Kiri : "Where are they by the way?"
Raiden : "Liv is at the Star of Eden...Lucia picked up some training measurements...Lee is doing his own thing somewhere"
Kiri : "Heh...Raiden...There is another Ascendant"
Raiden's face morphs into that of seriousness at the mention of an Ascendant
Raiden : "Is i-"
Raiden was about to say a certain Ascendant only for Kiri to cut him off with a hand sign saying stop
Kiri : "...No"
Raiden does a deep sigh and shifts from his seat before taking in a deep breath calming himself
Raiden : "Sorry it's just..."
Kiri : "Don't worry...I know"
Raiden : "Anyways...Explain"
Kiri puts his feet back at to the floor and shifting himself into a more serious seating
Kiri : "Dark Brown Tone, Business like aesthetic, Manipulative, Quite has the tounge, Opportunistic, Quite a scientist...And Mysterious"
Raiden : "Oh..."
Kiri : "His name is Von Neggut"
Raiden : "..."
Raiden then clicks and remembers something
Raiden : "Like THE Von Neggut?"
Kiri : "...Perhaps"
Raiden : "Well...this got tricky real quick"
Kiri : "...I'm sure...Things is gonna get interesting in the following days"
Raiden sighs before focusing back into his paperwork...However Kiri waves a feather infront of Raiden while looking at the ceiling
Raiden : "...How?"
Kiri : "I have my ways..."
Kiri says dropping the feather down gently on Raiden's desk before putting his hands downwards
The Male high fives another hand that appeared in a small hand sized portal on the ground away from anyone's gaze before disappearing again
...
...
...
After that whole talk
Kiri lays on the office that he always was...many files and paper are littered around the ground as he sat at the chair bored out of his mind
He then looks up the ceiling before gazing his eyes to the ground...He then sighs before straightening up and looking at files again
He lifts one up before suddenly a Photo falls from it making him groan
Kiri : "Great..."
The man muttered to himself before bending over and getting the photo he waves it before looking at it...
His face then morphs into that of curiousness and intrigue...The photo captured an individual presumably Scarlet standing along a tube filled with green liquid...and on the tube is what appears to be a curled up child
Kiri : "..."
Kiri's face then softens up before closing his eyes and feeling the photo...he then takes his hand off the picture and then summons his flintlock pistol and pointing it towards the left side of his head with the picture inbetween
*Bang*
_____________________
_______
_____________________
*Footsteps*
*Footsteps*
A certain Medic girl was walking towards back the lounge when she passed by Kiri's room...She was about to knock only to hear a
*Bang*
The sound of a gunshot being fired...Her senses skyrocketed and immediately She kicks down the door
Liv : "Kiri-san! Are you alright!?"
Liv says holding her hands out with her levi-guns charged up as she barged into the room preparing to fight
Kiri : "Ah!? Liv!?"
Kiri in a shocked tone shouts before stumbling downwards and falling off his chair into the floor backwards
Liv : "Are you alright!?"
Liv says before rushing in and going beside Kiri helping him stand up
Kiri : "Ye-Yeah I'm alright now...thanks"
Kiri says as Liv helps him stand up
_______________
_____________
_______________
Sometime later
Raiden, Kiri, Lucia, Liv, Lee, Chrome and the Strike Hawk squad are in a room...with Chrome having an entirely new look
Raiden : "I gotta say...you look good Chrome"
Chrome : "Thank you... Commandant"
Raiden just does a smile before looking at Kiri who just rolls his eyes and looking elsewhere
Chrome : "I assume you've received the message?"
Raiden nods at Chrome's question before turning his head to Liv and Lee
Raiden : "Liv...Lee I'm taking Lucia only for this mission...you two stay here"
Kiri : "I'm coming aswell by the way"
Lee : "Is that so?"
Raiden nods...Liv just puts both hands on her chest
Liv : "I wish you guys return safely"
Lucia : "Don't worry...we will Liv...I won't let Commandant be injured"
Liv : "Well that's good to hear Lucia"
Raiden then looks at Kiri who was away from the group looking at the Earth outside having his back turned on everybody
Seeing nothing better to do...Raiden went in and walked beside Kiri and looked at him
Kiri : "It's beautiful isn't it?"
Kiri says not looking at Raiden and having his gaze focused on the Earth instead...Raiden chuckles before looking at Earth...Humanities Home
Raiden : "It is..."
Kiri : "That Blue Planet...The sun would rise from the south and the mountains would come alive"
Raiden then turns somber but still retains his smile and closes his eyes vividly imagining it despite his experiences on Earth as a scavenger
Raiden : "...Once we take back Earth...I would like to see that Sunrise"
Raiden then feels Kiri's hand on his shoulder and looks at him
Kiri : "Then I'll be with you every step of the way"
Raiden blinks with widened eyes before turning them to a joyful one and smiles...he then grabs Kiri's hand with his own
Raiden : "...Every step of the way?"
Kiri : "Uh huh"
Raiden's face softens up a bit
Raiden : "Promise?"
Raiden says before putting his pinky finger up towards Kiri...Who chuckles and accepts the promise with his own pinky finger
Kiri : "Promise"
Raiden : "Thank you..."
...
...
...
Lee who has been looking at the two for some time puts a finger on his chin in a thinking position
Lee : "Are they related? Why does it feel that way? There's no way correct? The chances are...low...But there is no denying...Commandant and this Kiri...Can it be?"
...
...
...
Later
Everyone except Liv and Lee boards the Aircraft that will take them to the mission objective
Liv : "Stay safe...everyone"
Lee : "We shall await your arrival"
The Aircraft doors closed and began to fire up it's engine getting ready to leave
_______________
________________
_______________
At the Aircraft that takes them to their destination
Kiri and Raiden sat in silence along with everyone focusing on themselves and preparing for a fight just in case
Kiri however was just reading a book while sitting at the very far back away from the group...Raiden does notice this but doesn't object and let's Kiri do what he wants as long as he doesn't bother anyone
Raiden then tugs his arms and takes the necklace he always wore inside his commandant suit...he also kept a secondary necklace in there as to always remember a certain someone
Lucia : "Commandant?"
Raiden : "Yes Lucia..."
Lucia : "Stay Behind me...at all times"
Raiden : "...Ofcourse"
Raiden says with a smile as Lucia lifts her hand up and Raiden grabs it as both of them looked at each other in the eyes feeling drawn to each other
...
...
...
...
...
______________________
______________________
Some Hours Later
Everyone was walking around the facility again
Raiden : "...Wow...So this is what you guys encountered?"
Chrome : "Yes...Becareful around here Commandant"
Wanshi : "Hmmmm..."
Kamui : "Don't worry Commandant! I got your back!"
Raiden chuckles at Kamui's antics as he still held onto Lucia's hand while walking beside her...Lucia meanwhile was steadfast as ever always looking around just in case a fight ever breaks out
Kiri stayed at the far back...watching the group with a small smirk in his face as he had his hands on his coat pockets...He then closed his eyes and opened them again revealing a red glint...before dissapating
...
...
...
After a while
Raiden along with the group had only dealt with several hetero creatures and not much else as the Ascendant didn't even show themselves
Chrome : "It's too quiet"
Raiden : "I agree..."
Wanshi : "Which is unlike what we expected"
Kamui : "Yep not very much activity going on"
Kiri then steps forward still having his arms crossed and walking ahead of the group before stopping making everyone stop
Kiri : "He's here"
Kiri says...Raiden raised an eyebrow and then stops when he hears footsteps...Lucia went Infront of Raiden and draws her sword keeping Raiden close to her
Chrome, Wanshi and Kamui took their stances preparing for a fight just in case it does break up
Neggut : "Visitors...How nice of you to show yourselves ahead of schedule"
Raiden : "So your...The Ascendant?"
Raiden says behind Lucia intensely looking at Von Neggut and has a hand towards his waist where a gun was being held
Neggut : "Fear not...your here as guests...I just want one thing and it's not a fight"
Kiri : "Alright then..."
Kiri turns to the group with a sigh
Kiri : "You all go ahead...He wants me to a talk"
Raiden : "...No way we're not leaving you Kiri"
Raiden says but Kiri stops him with a hand
Kiri : "Do not worry...I'll be with you all shortly"
The male says before a small red orb floats from his finger towards Raiden and it lands on his necklace
Kiri : "I'll know where to find you...However I can't leave you all without saying something"
Neggut turns around and walks away to let Kiri finish what he wants to say
Kiri : "There is a Secret area somewhere...follow the Red tide and it will lead you there whatever is in that area will make you guys face a battle"
Lucia : "...I see"
Kiri : "Lucia, Raiden, Chrome, Kamui, Wanshi...beware as there are multiple enemies coming your way...and be prepared for the worst...there are also some constructs that you should know about and try to rescue them"
Chrome : "How do you know all this?"
Chrome interjects...Kiri merely shakes his head signifying that now is not the time nor place to speak that
Kiri : "...The Ascendant Luna is not here...Gabriel has been upgraded...The little girl Ascendant shouldn't give you some trouble...And Becareful...Another Ascendant is somewhere here"
He says before turning around and following Von Neggut to wherever he leads him too
Raiden : "...There's something going on...Kiri-sama...I hope you don't turn on us"
Chrome : "These two...they have this aura of uncertainty... Secrecy and mystery..."
___________________
__________
___________________
After some time
The Group was as Kiri told them followed the red tide and coming across a hall where Red Plants with the Punishing Virus are kept
Lucia : "Commandant..."
Raiden : "...Plants with the Punishing Virus etched into them"
Chrome : "Avoid them...we don't know what they truly are"
...
...
...
...
...
The Group continued following the red tide till they reached the suspected secret room
And at the very middle of the place was something hanging...In the shape of a heart
Raiden : "Proceed with caution everyone"
Lucia : "Ofcourse..."
Chrome : "It's like a heart"
Wanshi : "Those red strings...acting as its oxygen and blood"
Kamui : "Then let's take it down!"
____________________
_____________
____________________
Meanwhile with Von Neggut
Both individuals have their respective items in their hands from their exchange
Neggut : "One more thing..."
Kiri : "...I know"
Neggut : "My only promise is that I won't kill them"
Kiri : "I know...and my promise is that I won't kill you...as like me...I also want to see how far this evolution goes"
Neggut : "...As a fellow researcher...I'm sure you'll be surprised of its potential"
Kiri lowly chuckles at that as he took the cube to his own
Kiri : "As Researchers...Ahahahahahaha hahaha"
The male laughs in a joking tone which made Von Neggut chuckle in response
__________________
______
__________________
Back with the Group
The Hetero Hive Mother continues to syphon the red tide as it's energy and oxygen like a living being...The group was about to do something about the Hetero like creature hanging when suddenly
*Slash*
Lucia with her senses slashes an oncoming Hetero Piranha mid air putting everyone at high alert
Cinderelik : "What are you doing here!?"
Wanshi : "That's...the other Ascendant"
Raiden : "Prepare yourselves!"
A wave of Hetero Creatures suddenly emerged out of nowhere and began charging towards them
*Bang*
*Bang*
*Clank*
Wanshi fired his gun as Kamui spun around and took care of those behind them
Lucia then runs towards the enemy and slashes every single one while also dodging...Chrome uses his bullet to provide cover long range while using it's blade part providing side cover
Raiden meanwhile uses the pistol and shoots at the enemy from the other side
Raiden : "Not good"
Lucia then slides downwards noticing that Cinderelik seems to be the cause...She immediately stiffens herself and grips her Katana before running towards Cinderelik
*Slash*
Lucia leaps to the air and dodging a strike before spinning her body mid air and slashing a Hetero Scorpion and landing on a Piranha before rushing to Cinderelik
The Ascendant girl was taken a back by the sudden attack and got hit by Lucia's kick which sends her backwards
Lucia : "She's the cause! Back me up!"
Kamui : "Alright!"
Kamui goes Infront of Raiden and shields him...Wanshi used Kamui's shield as a jumping ramp and shoots enemies mid air
Chrome overloads his gun blade and rushed to Lucia dealing with the enemy Hetero Creatures and slashing them
Cinderelik : "No! I must protect mother!"
Cinderelik shouts as she began releasing Energy akin to the Virus pushing both Lucia and Chrome back...Wanshi shoots at Cinderelik putting the energy out for a single moment before landing and going Infront of Raiden to shield him just in case
Kamui then grabs his greatsword and swings its upwards sending a few hetero creatures upwards...Kamui then swings his Greatsword back as it glows before unleashing it on the horde
...
...
...
Cinderelik struggles with Lucia and Chrome while still using and continuesly releasing quite the energy making it hard for Lucia and Chrome to get close
However bit by bit Cinderelik grows weaker and Lucia and Chrome knew it...The two then looked at each other
Chrome nods before overloading his Gun blade again and using it's ice based capabilities for a shield barrier...Lucia kicks it and uses it as a cover while rushing to Cinderelik's direction
Cinderelik : "No!"
Lucia then slashes Cinderelik when the Ice barrier dissapated but only managed to damage The Wing like structure of Cinderelik
Lucia attempts to slash again only for a shield to block her strike before flinging her to the other side...
Raiden : "Lucia!"
Kamui : "Wanshi!"
Kamui signaled readying his sword as a jumping trampoline...Wanshi nods and was about to run and jump
______________
A Dark red blur then passes by Kamui, Raiden and Wanshi which stunned them...the blur used Kamui's greatsword as a jumping pad
Lucia felt someone grab ahold of her and before she knew it her instinct let's her hands do themselves and latch on to whoever saved her
The Blur lands and it's revealed to be Kiri is the one to save her...he then stood up still carrying Lucia Bridal stance and turning towards Neggut
Kiri : "I would like it if you don't flung my Pals one of many girlfriends like that again"
Lucia : "Eh? One of what?"
Raiden felt his cheek blush for a moment before sighing in relief
Raiden : "Thank God your here..."
Kamui and Wanshi just sigh in relief at Kiri's arrival but still held on to their suspicion for disappearing with an Ascendant leader
Kiri takes Lucia down and She stands...Kiri then turns to Neggut and to Cinderelik to whom which he found...Quite curious
Kiri : "Oh? Who's the little girl?"
Cinderelik : "...Your...the Same Mister? That Master Neggut talked to?"
Kiri nods before walking towards her and getting his hand out to reach her
Chrome : "Wait Kiri! You can't break the shield!"
Chrome warned only to be shocked when Kiri's hand completely goes through the shield and towards Cinderelik's head
Raiden : "Wait Kiri! Don't touch her!"
Kiri giggles for a moment before making contact with Cinderelik's head and gently patting her
Kiri : "You look so adorable"
Cinderelik : "...Intention unclear...Why is your hand in my head?"
Kiri : "Oh nothing...don't bother about it"
Cinderelik : "Mhmm...I don't mind"
After a while Kiri stops and goes back towards Raiden's group...He then turns to Neggut and then to Chrome
Chrome blinks as Kiri looks at him and then at Neggut
Neggut : "Your also interested in 'Mother' though she's just the first...like moths drawn to a flame...I can't blame you"
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
After some time
Chrome was left to deal with the Hetero Hive Mother so that The others could safely retreat
Somewhere else however Von Neggut took the others into a more controlled space with containers
Lucia was very close to Raiden holding him in an embrace with one hand while carrying her Katana with another...Raiden doesn't mind it because he thinks it's for safety that Lucia is doing
Wanshi, Kamui are behind the two still keeping themselves on high alert...Kiri just walks in between with his hands on the sides
Neggut : "You seem overly confident Kiri..."
Kiri : "I know your gonna attack...it was just not kill afterall it has many loopholes"
Neggut : "Quite observative"
Neggut says before using his unknown power to send the top half of a container to fall on them
Lucia : "Wai-"
Kiri without looking up and with his eyes closed in a single motion summons both Flintlock Pistols from his hand and shoots upwards in a fast manner the container in a matter of seconds went from steel to dust as Kiri stopped firing which widened everyone's eyes
Kiri : "I'm sorry but... Ceasefire has finally ended"
Neggut : "Smart"
Kiri : "...I know a guy like you once...only that man managed to reach a place thought to be fiction"
Neggut : "Oh"
Neggut then out of nowhere shoots at Lucia and Raidens direction only for a large metal hand from behind Raiden shield him
Neggut : "Huh?"
Kiri chuckles before proceeding to shoot at Neggut followed by Wanshi and Kamui who immediately goes in only for their weapons to not affect the Shield
Neggut continues to hurl objects towards the group being countered by Kiri...Lucia keeping a firm hand on Raiden who held onto Lucia dodging the objects
_____________
*Clang*
*Clang*
Chrome dodges another strike from the Hetero Hive Mother before parrying it with his Gun blade
The Hive Mother shreaks before sending a ball of Punishing Virus to Chrome who dodges it by going left and attacking the Hetero Hive Mother
It then strings itself upwards before unleashing an onslaught of attacks to Chrome
*Clang*
*Cut*
*Cut*
*Clang*
Chrome managed to parry two and got severely cut by the other two attacks he failed to parry before getting sent backwards
The Hive Mother then goes up as Chrome stands up feeling quite tired even though he was a construct...He then grips his gun blade and stands up before breathing
Chrome then dodged the attack coming from the Left triggering matrix which gave Chrome some room to deal some damage as he began overloading his Gun blade sending enhanced ice attacks at the Hive Mother
Once it ended...Chrome jumps backwards anticipating an attack that will come
Chrome : "Focus Chrome... They're counting on you...Raiden is counting on you...The team is counting on you"
Chrome thought to himself remembering his past of how to be perfect...he knew that being perfect is unachievable and merely a dream he knows he has flaws...But he won't back down in any case as long as he still has the strength in him
The Hetero Hive Mother walks around Chrome who lifted his head up wiping the vital fluid off his cheek before gripping his Gun blade and overloading it
Chrome : "Come at me"
The Hetero Hive Mother screams before turning red and launching itself at Chrome who pressed his Gunblade and slams it to the ground creating an ice explosion
________________________
Back with the other group
Kiri shoots from his flintlock Pistols while sliding across Whatever Von Neggut saids at the groups general direction
Kamui : "He is really soloing this boss fight?"
Wanshi : "I don't know about you but"
Wanshi leans to the left avoiding a rubble before shooting another making it explode...Kamui then slices a container in half
Lucia just stays defensive never letting go of Raiden and only does basic dodge manuevers
Lucia : "Just hold onto me Commandant"
Raiden : "Ofcourse"
Lucia with one hand uses her Katana to slice a medium sized rubble before dodging left and rolling
*Bang*
*Bang*
Kiri continues shooting at Von Neggut whom hurled more objects at him which Kiri slides onto as a new platform even when in the air...he has quite the smile on his face while shooting and sliding while Von Nugget continued to hurl objects at him
________________________
Back with Chrome
*Clang*
*Clang*
Chrome parries another Attack from the Hetero Hive Mother...The Hive Mother then string itself upwards again and hovers for a moment
Chrome narrowed his eyes and his Gunblade goes on an enhanced state and grips it tightly
Chrome : "Now Chrome!"
The Hetero Hive Mother then dove back in and attacks Chrome...Chrome swung his Gunblade
*Clang*
Followed by another swing
*Clang*
Followed by a overhead swing downwards
*Clang*
Before a final spinning attack ending in a
*Clang*
The Hetero Hive Mother crashes to the toe side upside down...Chrome charged in and began hacking away at the Hive Mother with all his strength
Chrome then does three overhead swings downwards upon the Hetero Hive Mother...The Hive Mother used it's strings before going up and then walking to the other edge
Chrome took some breaths in and looks at the Hive Mother...He then dodges backwards as the Hetero Hive Mother attempted a dive attack towards him
Chrome : "Again!"
Chrome shouts before attacking the Hive Mother...The Hive Mother then goes up again and slides across the arena...Chrome does a leap charge attack
*Clang*
Parries the Hive Mother who spun swing back again...Chrome then does a spin attack
*Clang*
And Parries it sending the Hive Mother flying and crashing to the side
________________________
Back with The Other Group
Kiri jumps upwards...Raiden then orders Wanshi and Kamui to stay close to him still being carried by Lucia
Neggut : "Heh"
Neggut sends a container towards Kiri whom just smirked
*Shing*
*Slice*
The Container emitted white lines before breaking apart signifying they have been cut
Kiri then feels a metal hand grab onto him and lands him safely to the ground...as Von Neggut stops his attack
White hair flutters with the wind as the individual stands up while holding onto Kiri with both hands
Kiri : "...I thought you would have left"
The Group stops and just stands in their positions...Lucia particularly on high alert
Lucia : "Why are you here?"
Lucia says looking at the individual whom stood up as Kiri stands up on his own before turning to Lucia
Alpha : "...How good to know...your not as lost now"
Alpha simply says before focusing on Von Neggut
Neggut : "You saved me quite the time searching for you"
Alpha unsheathes her Katana and points it at Von Neggut and everyone stood on a standstill
________________________
Back with Chrome
*Clang*
*Clang*
Chrome parries the Hive Mother's attack and it was clear the Hive Mother was nearing it's Destruction
Chrome : "Your close Chrome..."
The Hive Mother then launches itself towards Chrome who dodges it quite easily...It then strings itself upwards before hovering again
Chrome anticipates the attack despite the amount of damage he has already taken
Chrome : "This is it...Time to finish this"
The Hive Mother descends towards Chrome who then overloads his Gunblade and swung at it
*Clang*
The Hive Mother got parried and spins before swinging back which Chrome responds with a Overhead swing followed by a spin attack
*Clang*
*Clang*
The Hive Mother swung itself across the room for a final attack...Chrome then prepares with His Gunblade raised
The Hive Mother descends and goes in towards Chrome hurling itself towards him
Chrome : "Now!"
Chrome's Gunblade flashes and he presses a button before slamming his Gunblade down creating massive ice explosion
The Hive Mother crashes to the wall before falling to the side...then rolling before falling into the Red Tide below
Chrome sighs in relief before going on one knee and breathing heavily...however he knew he was not done yet...he then stands up despite his damaged up state
Chrome : "They need me..."
Chrome then proceeded to run
________________________
Back with The other group
Kiri stands behind Alpha with his flintlock Pistols drew up...Alpha keeps her blade pointed at Neggut
Kiri : "I didn't think of you to personally come Alpha..."
Alpha : "...Don't overestimate me...Kiri"
Kiri does a light huff...Raiden couldn't help but smile a little at Kiri and Alpha he figured they may have just become friends
However Neggut chuckles before the entire place starts to shake shocking everyone and surprising them
Lucia : "Commandant!"
Lucia helds onto Raiden tightly as she stabs her Katana to the ground
Kamui : "Wanshi!"
Wanshi : "Kamui!"
Wanshi jumped and held onto Kamui's hand who also stabbed his greatsword to the ground
Raiden : "Kiri!"
Raiden shouts noticing Kiri who began to slip...meanwhile he just has a hand on Lucia while using a metal arm of Project Bunny to hold both he and Lucia in place
Kiri then slips and began falling to which Alpha notices...She then rushed and stabs her Katana to the ground held her hand out and grabbed Kiri's outstretched arm
Kiri : "Ehehehe?"
Alpha : "Don't even..."
Neggut : "What will you do now? Kiri?"
Kiri just closed his eyes and smiled before letting go and ran in a split second into a dark blur before appearing behind Neggut who was taken aback by Him appearing out of nowhere
Kiri : "Quit hiding"
Kiri says his flintlock pistols turning into a dark coated small sword made from red dark crimson like smoke
Neggut blocked it with his shield as Kiri began going ham on his defensive form sending him backwards
Kiri : "Your true self! Reveal it!"
Cinderelik appears out of nowhere and blocks Kiri with her Punishing Virus power before parrying his strikes...Kiri continued to attacking with Cinderelik being less experienced manage to hold up pretty well...She then sends two sharp like daggers to which
Kiri jumps highly upwards and backwards before deflecting the on coming blades of Cinderelik
Alpha : "...Is that even you anymore? Commandant?"
Kiri then sees an opening and smirked before sending his small sword as a projectile towards Neggut who tried to block it with his shield only for the small sword to break through it and make the small sword dissapate...the Shaking stops
Cinderelik then turns back before turning around again pointing her small shape coated arm to Kiri...At the same time Chrome comes in
Chrome : "Commandant!"
Raiden : "Chrome!"
Chrome jumps towards Raiden but fell...Kamui then immediately rushes towards his Captain and helps him up...Raiden just chuckles still holding onto Lucia
Raiden : "I knew you would get out alive...how did you find us?"
Chrome just shows them a locator like device...Wanshi helps Chrome stand up to
Kiri : "All of you...Retreat immediately! Treat your wounds and make sure to keep Raiden safe...rescue the other constructs you've encountered...I'll be with you all in a second"
Raiden : "Alright!"
Kiri : "Lucia!"
Alpha and Lucia : "Hai!?"
Alpha widens her eyes for a moment before coughing...Lucia stiffens not minding what Alpha said
Kiri : "Keep Raiden Safe...Alpha...get them to safety before you leave"
Alpha : "...You owe me one"
Wanshi : "Kiri...again!?"
Kiri : "There's no time to lose! Go!"
Kamui nods at that not even speaking as he carried both his greatsword and Chrome out with the help of Wanshi...Lucia with Raiden on her arms soon followed
Alpha : "...Try not to die...I still need you to answer alot of questions"
Alpha says before sighing and sheathing her Katana but no before saying
Alpha : "And don't turn me into your errand girl...it brings alot of unnecessary memories"
Alpha stated before following Lucia and the others
________
________
________
Neggut slowly stands up while looking at Kiri who held his arms out and walks towards them without a care for Cinderelik's weapon
Kiri : "I have news for you Ascendants"
Kiri starts while walking towards slowly with an attitude
Kiri : "Infront of you...is non other...than your greatest enemy and ally in this ongoing research"
Kiri says again with that smug tone his eyes glinting red but what caught Neggut some attention was the time like clock on Kiri's other eye
Kiri : "I'm...the Traitor as you call it...I've finally remembered"
Kiri stated knowing what he managed to gain from all those files and memories was just a gold mine of information so he figured why not act the part like a jester to just troll everyone into believing him as Scarlet
Kiri : "And I've got to say...My official title according to you and that Collin and Nikola...is...Raksha"
Nugget : "..."
Nuggets sweats at that...as if he recalled a few certain memories from a time long past
Kiri : "ehehehehe"
Kiri stopped before sighing and doing a laugh but very lowly and not boastful
Kiri : "...Let's get one thing straight now Von Neggut...or Vonnegut...I have my eyes on this evolution now aswell I'm very pleased to see where this will go...Consider our business exchange as a success you have piece of a puzzle...and I have my own"
Kiri says before walking backwards and allowing himself to fall off the edge... Cinderelik along with Neggut rushed forward to see Kiri only to see him already gone
_______________________
Back at Babylonia
Somewhere with the Merciful One
*Crack*
*Crack*
*Break*
The sound of liquid rushing forth and glass particles litter the ground...A Hooded person smiles in joy to see
The individual Infront of her...The individual had dark grayish hair...a fair skinned white tone woman slowly stood up opening her eyes revealing dark grayish hue eyes
??? : "Where am I?"
A sweet tone escapes her lips as she stood up...The Merciful One just smiles before speaking
Ishmael : "...Welcome back..."
The woman then looks at The Merciful One and back at her hands...she shakes her head before standing fully upright
Ishmael : "Chief Anastasia..."
The Woman then sighs and looks at Ishmael
______________________________________
Chapter Done
Woooooo...I've procrastinated this one huh...well I can't be at fault since...Schedule is a pain in my life and can't mostly hang around my phone
Playing Star Rail, Honkai 3rd, Pgr, Arknights, Azur Lane, Genshin Impact and Nikke out to drain me hahaha
Mina : "Your phone also can't take your storage anymore...9GB update on Genshin ahahaha your storage is crying!"
Well it's gonna cry more once 22 hits...And Noan arrives...it's a skip for me...oh don't worry I'll just get the Character but I'll just get one copy and be done with it
Mina : "Isn't that like...What everyone does when getting Transcendants or Uniframes?"
...Anyways...See you guys next time