EvoBlaze: Control Sequence/V2E6: Core of Dissonance (Nex and Siegfried)/Transcript

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Fragile Faiths
 
Area: The 13th Hierarchical City of Kagutsuchi 
Within the NOS Outpost
In the presence of his foe, Nex struggles to maintain composure, his squinting eyes focus fiercely on the General at the center of the outpost's inner chambers. But Akuhei doesn't even flinch at this, instead huffing in amusement, Myri stays behind Nex not wanting to cast a single glance to that man. 
Kiryos slowly back away against a wall, shivering from Akuhei's presence, while Koori yelps and hides behind him, growling at the General. 
Kiryos: General? W-why are you here?
Akuhei: A distress signal sent by (Puts his stare to the blackening body) our late squad leader there. I wanted to see for myself what was the cause for alarm. Azure 0, I'm sure is one reason, but as far as I know he doesn't normally go out of his way to cause people to go through such a violent transformation.
Nex squints his eyes at the man's response. The worming motion catches his attention when Leviathan pulls away, returning to it's owner with the red-colored crystal firm in between the weapon's maw; a second afterward, it drops the small object down upon the General's empty palm when his hand slips out of his pocket. Glancing to it momentarily, Akuhei’s face turns back forward, his leering gaze fixing itself on Kiryos.
Akuhei: But a better question is what are you doing here, Major? 
Somehow, he manages to scrounge up small remnants of composure to answer his superior.
Kiryos: I was asked by Lieutenant Colonel Mysteria to investigate the sudden loss of contact with this outpost.
Akuhei: Ah. (tosses the crystal around in his hand) Did you at least succeed and figure it out? 
Kiryos feels uneasy looking at the object, as faint whispers ring through his head, and Koori whimpers and dissolves into mist.
Kiryos: An... attack by an individual who seemed to be a Destructive Irregularity.
Akuhei: Really now? I can't imagine what one would want here... (Shrugs openly) Guess Zaezel stirring up chaos has attracted more attention than we initially thought.
Deepening a scowl to his words, the rebel bites his tongue and turns his head slightly, glowering at the man.
Akuhei: Ah well, not like the lives here were terribly important… (Glances to Nex) did you get what you were looking for here, kid? All that killing worth it? Did it satisfy you? Give you pleasure maybe?
Nex's eyes widen only for a second until he frowns with an askance squint in offense.
Nex: I do it when I have to. And that's the only time I do it. I don't get pleasure in it.
Akuhei: (Grins and shakes his head) Debatable, given your history... (Leans in and points to Myri) have you, by chance, told your tag-along about any of your past tendencies? The little snags you have to deal with, all that hunger you let build up? Or maybe the lengths you went with that Grimoire to stop the NOS in your grand debut as a Phase Black Destructive Irregularity?
When feeling his piercing stare, Myri quickly shies away once more and tears her eyes from the General.
Nex: It isn't goddamn relevant.
A scoff in amusement escapes Akuhei's lips before he tilts his head back and shows a disbelieving smile.
Akuhei: Hear that? Guess you'll never know, girl, until you're dead like the last one...
Nex: ...What the hell are you talking about?
Akuhei: Oh, nothing. But, now that the Grimoire is awake... what do you think is going to happen?
Nex: (In a firm growl) Not a damn thing. I know what to expect now.
Akuhei: Kheheh, think what you want then. Although I don’t think you’re the only one dealing with mental issues lately…
Nex frowns in confusion until he puts eyes on Kiryos who wears an uneasy and pained expression. When those words reach him, Kiryos averts his eyes from the General and coughs in pain.
Nex: Kiryos…? 
He glances at the patches of scourge beginning to form on his body, and Myri gasps in concern, immediately recalling the recent events with the NOS officer.
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Primordial Awakenings: Episode 6
-Core of Dissonance-
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He glances at the crystal in the General's hold, struggling to deal with the substance trying to stick to his skin.
Kiryos: (Coughs in pain) You know about the curse of my bloodline... put it away.
Akuhei: Oh, count me surprised. Even a weak crystal like this can trigger it? Or maybe it's something else you're sensing...
Myri: (Steps out and looks at Kiryos) W-what's going on? What's happening to Kiryos? Is he going to--to turn into a thing like that?
Akuhei: You ever think “Why” the clans are never spoken about anymore? Where their power went? Funny... how the ones entrusted with the knowledge of the Azure ended up in their current position, and now the Azure is lost to this world, deaf to humankind's cries of suffering. Only the NOS' desires exist now...
Kiryos: My kin was known for their low Seithr tolerance--put it away.
Akuhei: They were known for more than that, boy. Failure, regret, sacrifice... sin. Contributing to the downfall of your world, it's a miracle they're even in the picture anymore...
Sudden movement by the General brings the rebel’s stare back to him, taking notice when he begins walking forward. As he approaches, Nex’s hand draws his sword out, steadying its edge. With a fierce motion, it travels in a horizontal slash, but part-way it collides with the serpentine chains of Akuhei's weapon, immobilizing the sword when it coils along its body.
The sinister words slip with a daring glare drilling right through Nex's composure. Akuhei's right hand bathes itself in emerald shadow, while the other still casually toys with the crystal. Nex utters a growl in response and pulls Necros away when he feels the grip loosen enough, and following a ringing shriek the edge of the sword pulls away from the Exitium’s spiraling chains.
Akuhei: Not yet. Just wait.
He puts his stare back to Kiryos who struggles to deal with the harsh whispers and heavy weight on his soul that creeps in.
"Your hands are stained with blood! Murderer! Child of sin! You know you should have died a long time ago! Rid this world of your existence!" 
Kiryos: Make... it stop... make it stop!
A distant memory appears in his mind, of him standing atop a large building adorned with NOS banners. Raindrops are banging against the steel roof as the young man looked down at the lower levels, where people were walking concerned with their own matters, not paying any attention to him.
Kiryos: (To himself) This was after I killed my first target... I thought that I had to carry the burden of taking a life through my whole life... I contemplated whether or not I should have let this end.
He takes a few breaths, mentally preparing himself to jump down.
Kiryos (Memory): I can't wash this blood away... but I can end this.
But as he attempts to walk off the ledge, something inside him gives out, and Kiryos just freezes in place, looking down.
Kiryos: (To himself) I realized that by ending my life there, I would be a craven who decided to take an easy way out. That was not the way Mother meant for me.
"Liar! You could stop your suffering. You could be at peace."
Kiryos: (To Akuhei) Make it stop... 
Noticing his blank expression, Myri looks at the Major with concerning clouding her eyes and accompanying a frown stretching across her face. Nervously, she calls to him.
Myri: Kiryos, what's wrong?
Akuhei: (Offscreen) You want it to end?
The harsh hiss comes through his teeth.
Akuhei: Why am I not surprised...It isn’t like you were ever that useful anyway.
The corner of his mouth creeps up into a devious snarling grin oozing with contempt.
Akuhei: You don’t have the same qualities as others in your ancestry who were connected such sinful desire. Hell, even those idiots training you to be a killer, and they couldn’t even do that worth a shit now could they?
While speaking he slowly walks up to him, his words becoming more sinister with every syllable sliding along his forked tongue. Nex attempts to move, but his foot doesn't even get off the floor before he catches the warning glare at the corner of his nemesis' right eye when he passes by his shoulder. Staring at the General's back with venom, a short burst of air surges through his teeth when the rebel stays put, but his fingers curl inward to form a fist and a rare look of frustration plagues him.
Fixating his gaze to the younger male, Akuhei comes close enough to place the crystal right near Kiryos' eyes, waving it around slowly as he seems to play with it between his fingers. He chuckles as the crystal's glinting body shines, and Kiryos expression twists deeper with pain; the whispers grow even louder, and his own rationality begins to slip. His will, his desire, all distorting in the presence of this object, and those whispers keep pounding his mind. Finally, Akuhei's words break the silence.
Akuhei: You can fix it though. You know what you should do… what you should have done long ago. You know deep down they’ll all be better off. Not everyone is qualified to play in fate's game.
Kiryos: Is that what you want?
Surprise replaces Nex’s earlier look when he takes in the sight of the Major so willingly putting his own sword near his throat. Muttering to himself in disbelief, Nex glances to Myri who steps out of hiding from behind the silver-haired male.
Myri: Stop it! No one wants this, Kiryos!
Akuhei: Well you know what they say, you can’t always get what you want. Without his kind around...the world would be a much better place you know. Isn't that what you want? Less suffering, less pain?
Myri: I don't care if it would be. Because I learned my power was used in the War, possibly for terrible things... guilt weighs on everyone--even me. But that doesn't mean we have to give up to it. Why should a bloodline or the past define who people are right now? How can anyone know what they might become, if they don't even have a chance?
She looks to Nex who appears surprised by her boldness.
Myri: It's no different for Nex... he said the world sees him as the enemy. And even if that's the case in reality, he can try to desire something better for himself. (Looks back to Akuhei and shakes her head) So I don't care if Kiryos has tainted blood at all, or if his ancestors have done some horrible thing, none of that matters. I want to believe in other possibilities... I desire that.
Akuhei: ...Ugh-- shut up already!
His smile disappears into a scowl of contempt, his tone is disdainful as he growls in annoyance and he throws Leviathan out at her, Nex reacts, jumping in front and knocking it away.
Akuhei: I suppose that’s why the system believes you’re the Divine Vessel capable of handling that force. Well, doesn’t matter a bit! Because if Lukain's theory is correct you’ll see for yourself just what ideas like yours have done for the world. I'd like to see you spouting that shit when you realize what that power actually is!
Kiryos' eyes shine with shock, every word registers, but he can't stop his body and the edge of the blade touches the skin of his neck. Kiryos clenches his teeth, sucking air through them frantically as the voices rend his mind.
Kiryos: Stop it... I don't want it...
His hands are shaking, drops of cold sweat run down his forehead, but the sword doesn't move an inch.
Kiryos: Silence them...
Myri watches the events, unchanging, and suddenly she feels a pulsating resonance in the air. An overwhelming force suffocates and distorts the space around her, as she senses something coming from deep inside the Major's soul. She can't understand the events but she watches as a crystalline blue fragment appear to her, and she watches it fly at the Major. Distorting the air in rippling waves and revealing something to her. She watches the blade in the Major’s hand run right across his neck, and it flickers to show him as a husk getting overtaken by scourge, his soul withers away swallowed by the blackness.
Myri: (To herself) No, if you desire this, no... you can't listen to it--! That's not what you're meant for! You have to save yourself! Please!
However, Kiryos still stands, the blade hasn't moved and nothing of what Myri saw is in reality. But there's a powerful force that floods the room and Akuhei watches the crystal react to the girl's energy.
Akuhei: (Under his breath as he looks at her) The hell? This interference with the crystal--she managed to get through the warped desires and is strengthening the ones she wants for him to live...but it's too late. (Outloud) Do it already!
Nex senses the force trying to reach him, confusing him briefly. He then turns his eyes to Myri subconsciously. Squinting in thought something is wracking his essence to the point he can no longer ignore it and he decides to act, lunging ahead and pulling his hand back before swinging his right fist into a strike. Though the General had been distracted, he catches the movement and quickly reacts. Growling he turns to him to utilize Leviathan to deflect the incoming blow, but Nex instead slashes the crystal with his blade’s edge. As it occurs, Akuhei appears momentarily surprised.
The cracks spread throughout the crystal and Akuhei doesn’t bother to make an attempt to stop the young man from carrying the strike through. Instead, a rare sense of confusion fills Akuhei’s stare while Nex’s sword howls by. He mutters, enough for the rebel to hear at earshot.
Akuhei: (Squints in realization) No… you wouldn't decide to intervene. You answered her call. Despite everything you know... your Azure’s power answered her desire to change things--to help her save him--why?
Nex: (Scowls without looking to him) I’m just as surprised as you.
When the crystal breaks, Kiryos finds himself able to move again though his headache lingers. Suddenly mentally fatigued, Myri opens her eyes and calls to him.
Myri: Kiryos! Quick, get away from here, please!
Kiryos nods subtly and runs towards the exit, leaving the building while Akuhei is still mystified by the events.
Akuhei: You’re not lying, are you...? Still, I guess I shouldn’t have doubted Lukain’s theory on that girl. But you do know you’re facing a possibility of real vulnerability now, and I mean beyond what you dealt with in your past... and the hilarious thing is you don’t even know why. Or maybe you do and you just don't want to believe it...
The shards finally scatter, and Akuhei grins faintly while Nex looks away in response. The short moment between the two ends, and the General raises his tone back to a normal level, turning his eyes to his own hand which previously held the crystal.
Akuhei: Ah, well, looks like that crystal was weak...not that I expected much from a literal nobody in our Order. Still, goes to show how weak-willed the Major really has become. I'm still gonna kill him you know. And you know you can't stop me...
Nex: (Clicks his tongue, looking over to Myri urgently) Myri, go follow Kiryos, I’ll handle this.
Left drained, the force in the air disappears and quiets, while Myri slouches with a few pants.
Myri: But…I can help--I can help you win if I could save Kiryos...if my desire does hold power, then maybe I can give you strength--somehow...
Nex: Myri...that's not--
Akuhei: (Chuckles) Y'know...go on if you want to press your luck, go on and see if you can get through Leviathan's desires...try and help him win, girl.
She quickly steps forward and challenges the man with her response.
Myri: (Frowns in an upset) I can!
Nex: Myri--get out of here, now! You can't do anything, you'll just get in my way!
Myri flinches, shying at the sound of his growling inflection and backs away, but she touches his hand and leaves something in it before turning away and running off. Nex feels the small sculpture of a cat resting in his palm.
Akuhei: Rubbing off on her much? But do teach her to fail like you, okay?
After closing his eyes and breathing out, Nex opens the shells on the back of his hands as a dark aura ignites around him. In response to this, Akuhei chuckles and brings Leviathan around himself, shifting it to its chain form.
Akuhei: Well then, let's get to the good part.
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A Burning Waltz
 
Area: Kagutsuchi 
Area 03: Unknown Seithr Observation Facility (Outside)
Siegfried waits outside of the facility he’d been asked to guard, boredom evident on his expression while he sets a spark of of blue flame alight over his blade’s edge and tries to gradually control its intensity. Occasionally, his curiosity makes his eyes glance to the facility behind him, recalling the General's invitation to 'look' inside. Folding his arms he exhales in annoyance.
Suddenly the sight of an incoming cargo carrier draws his attention and he straightens his posture, perking up with a squint. Igneus is drawn forward, its edge touches and rends the earth in a trail of blue flame as he grins.
Siegfried: Looks like my boredom is over at least.
Following the path toward the carrier, he keeps his weapon readied. But on closer inspection, the Ars Magus vehicle sports the colors of their government and the insignia is plastered on its body. Slowly, it draws closer.
Siegfried: Well, guarding this place is making a lot more sense. Wonder what it is this time…
[Cut to Siegfried speaking to the NOS Offiicers]
The Brigadier stands in front of a few officers nearby the Ars Magus vehicle, as a sizable square container covered in glowing ars seals is taken out of it and lands on the ground with a thud. His curiosity is clear as the blue-haired young man tilts his head up and toward it.
Siegfried: State your business, Soldier. I've been ordered by General to guard this facility.
NOS Officer: Sir. We've been instructed to transfer this object to the facility for the Research Division.
Siegfried: Under whose orders?
Following those words, the soldier takes out a scroll that is sealed with Ars.
NOS Officer B: (Hands Siegfried the letter) Read for yourself, sir.
Extending his arm out to Siegfried, the Brigadier takes the letter without hesitation. The seal shatters the instant he touches it, allowing him to reads over the contents. At the corner of it is the stamp of the Duodecim and a family name he recognizes right away, lowering his head in thought over it.
Siegfried: I see. That does bring more clarity into all this.
NOS Officer: The worsening situation within Kagutsuchi is warranting the possibility of utilizing this device in the future. That's all we know.
Siegfried: (Puts the slip away) Fine. And what exactly has been occurring in Kagutsuchi anyway? I admit ever since our little match with Zaezel I haven’t been paying attention... General so kindly keeps me occupied me with this task.
NOS Officer B: The briefing details that Kagutsuchi has seen confirmed invasion by the society of Irregularities in Taoreta known as Nadir Union. We’ve yet to determine their intentions in Kagutsuchi, but we believe it has to do with an artifact located in an incident in the Ruined City of Wadatsumi. (looks at the container) If such a thing were to come into effect, this device may become a necessity.
Siegfried: (Closes his eyes in thought) Wadatsumi, huh? (To himself) I remember Imyo taking us there... there definitely was something odd about that place. Not like it’s my problem anymore.
[Cut to a red-haired woman nearby watching from a distance on raised ground, moving a rifle-like Ars forward, then return to Siegfried who looks over.]
NOS Officer: (Offscreen) Permission to enter, sir?
Siegfried senses the presence of someone in the area, looking at the higher ledge with a squint. Suddenly, a ball of energy fires off at their position, and heads for the container. In the blink of an eye, Siegfried reacts with a timely swing of Igneus kicking up several streaks of blue flames that fly at the sphere and detonate it with a resonating, deep rumble. On second inspection, a field of scourge begins to form in the area and causes the officers to grunt in alarm while Siegfried makes a thrusting gesture with his hand.
Siegfried: (Sharply glares to the officers) Don’t just stand there-- get that thing inside. I’ll deal with the intruder.
NOS Officer: Y-yes sir! We’re counting on you, sir!
Siegfried: Of course you can count on me. Who better? Now go on. Get your job done!
He rushes north and heads for the cliff, jumping to avoid another shot. Making his way up, he throws his sword forward in an angled slash, but the target leaps away to another spot, and looks his way with her scarlet eyes gleaming with amusement.
Valetha: Oh, only one is guarding this place? My my, they must have a lot of faith in you if so... but I will admit that raging fire you have in you is exciting. Too bad you’re unaware of your path in those flames, and that’s the way they prefer to keep it, too.
Her slim figure leans with confident posture against a cliff’s rocky face while Siegfried keeps his weapon readied, watching the woman carefully, her words slightly vexing the young man.
Siegfried: You seem to know the possible consequences of your actions quite well if you were so bold to make a shot like that. What were you hoping to accomplish, hm?
Valetha: The better question is what do you hope to accomplish under the World Order? Dousing your spirit like that with their constant management...
The returned question leaves Siegfried surprised, if only briefly.
Siegfried: Doesn't matter right now...what do you even care what an NOS Brigadier even would hope to accomplish?
Valetha: It's not about what you hope to accomplish... but instead what you're willing to do to achieve those desires.
Siegfried: (Confused) What are you talking about?
Valetha: (Smiles placing her hand up over her chest) I can sense the beginnings of a soul’s inner conflict, its desires and its hunger. I was left with this extra sensory as a parting gift of what I witnessed that night in Wadatsumi… coming in contact with such a thing has consumed my mind...(sets her index finger on her chin) or perhaps "enlightened" is a better term?
Siegfried: Wadatsumi…? Why does it matter?
Noticing the woman is hardly listening to him, Siegfried sighs as she continues to respond passionately.
Valetha: I will surely locate the greatest source of it all if I keep following the trails... my search led me here, (gestures to Siegfried with an open hand) but it also led me to you for some reason. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t aware a human could contain that level of strength... humanity is usually nothing but flawed and ugly mounds of disappointment.
Siegfried: (Smirks and folds his arms) By the way you're talking it would seem you hold a grudge against humanity.
Valetha: I do. I’m on the verge of abandoning my human links completely. I have no faith in this world or those in it.
Siegfried: Oh, it seems we share that. Or rather in my case I just don't care what happens to this world, its easy to abandon those connections in a world such as this. Makes you wonder what’s the point of even trying to save something, especially when it has no redeeming qualities about it make it worth saving.
His aggression seems to die down, but he still remains in a focused state, watching Valetha's every move while the woman is relaxed.
Valetha: This world doesn't deserve to be saved. You can sense that, too. (Closes her eyes as she frowns in apathy) Yet humanity keeps it going, desiring an impossible reality... and one that’ll never come to pass as long as the ‘Red’ exists. This world is already dead, and it’s souls are burning in a constant flux of suffering. But those flames are stoking a more beautiful and complete possibility in each of us... an idea that it will never understand--connecting us to the Red’s inevitable embrace once more. Yes, when I cut myself from humanity at the Gate… my eyes will open to desire and it will reveal my true possibility, bringing me closer to the ‘Red’.
Intrigued by her words, the young man hums in amusement and sets Igneus to the ground in front of him, stabbing its tip to the earth.
Siegfried: When you cut yourself from humanity? (leans forward) Do you think its so easy to just cut something you don't like from yourself? Not that i'm saying you can't or that you shouldn't do it, but instead do you have a reason for wanting to do that?
In response to her, Siegfried gains a smirk while kicking the base of Igneus's edge, which sends the sword up and over into his hand and with practiced ease he easily catches it. Adopting a slight stance, he charges a bit of energy into its blade, lighting it up in a blue burning aura.
Siegfried: I'll take that challenge. But I don't plan on holding back just because you're a woman. You will behold a weapon passed down to me by my father, reborn as Igneus.
Lunging forward with a feint, Siegfried sends out a small wave of azure fire then rushes to the side. Keeping a fast pace moving in a zig-zag motion, to prevent his opponent from locking on to him, using the flames and light generated as cover while he closed the distance between himself and her.
Rushing with elegance she bends her body and vaults herself over the wave. Just as she lands, her fingers twirl Iblisa separating the guns as she sweeps the ground with dual pistols creating a strong hail of crimson shots leaving a vertical bursting crimson colored eruption to hit her opponent, she lands away from him just slightly the pressure kicking her slim fitting dress coat back a bit.
Slashing forward while leaning his weight backwards, Siegfried launches himself into a roll as a blaze of azure fire explodes directly in front of him, countering the vertical spray of shots, his tattered cloak flowing elegantly as he landed on his feet with a smirk. Then, the young man sprints forward launching himself on the ground, feet-first towards her aiming for her legs his boots resounding loudly as they scraped against the earth.
Before he can make contact, Valetha points the weapons down and shoots, creating a burst that launches her up. Her scarlet hair glistens and sways from the winds whipping around her. While twirling through the air she smiles in amusement, scarlet eyes hiding a deep enjoyment of the fight. With a sharp motion, Valetha connects the weapons and aims at her foe from above and launches a single beam of the scourge gathered into the barrel. The crimson energy bursts outward, whistling with a high pitched wail as it seeks to burn through whatever it hit in a angled concentrated shot of pure force.
Grunting in alarm, Siegfried reacts swiftly, stabbing Igneus' blade into the ground. With it he manages to slow himself enough to avoid the major part of the blast, but was pushed back a few feet. Without much time to dodge Valetha's shot he charged energy into his sword, holding it in a defensive stance. Aiming the sword carefully he somehow catches the beam, and without a second of hesitation he released the stored energy in Igneus. Resulting in explosion of azure blue light, which launched him backwards into the air, smashing him hard against the wall.
The reckless burst is felt by the midair criminal, and she's sent hurdling through the air as the soles of her boots grip the ground sliding into the cliff back-first. The crackling sounds of the burning blast filling her ears as she straightens her figure and twists herself back into stance. She doesn’t wear a scowl, only an impressed smile with a twist of interest.
Valetha: What a reckless countermeasure... but I have to admit, I kind of like it. It reminds me of an old friend of mine I ran into out in that region... just blowing everything up in his sight just out of boredom. But I’m not sure that suits you... I’ll have to see more.
Growling, Siegfried recovers, adopting stance as his blade’s aura ignites once more. In a few seconds, the two dash back at each other.
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Hatred and Hunger
 
Area: Kagutsuchi 
Within the NOS Outpost
Rushing through the chamber and dodging Leviathan, Nex goes to the door of the outpost and makes contact with a ars barrier that bounces him backward.
Akuhei: I locked the way out--kinda figured you go for that...
The voice comes from behind him, as Akuhei saunters in with a shrug at his actions and a present grin. Growling, the silver-haired rebel turns around and glares, keeping his weapon ready.
Akuhei: What's the problem now? Why unleash your strength against a small fry nightmare like Zaezel, but not me?
Nex: Does it matter that much to you, prick? Doesn’t it just make it easier to beat me? No one in the NOS aside from you or that bastard Lukain seem to care whether I use it or not.
The grin across his expression widens, Akuhei waves his hand out as Leviathan wriggles around with serpentine motions.
Akuhei: Fair enough. Then fail all you like, Azure 0. I’ll be there to make your suffering the most delightful experience each time. You know as well as I do that you won’t succeed confronting our system without the power the Grimoire can grant to you.
Nex lowers his head only slightly, clicking his tongue. However, the man suddenly feels a resonating energy within the statue in his pocket, taking it out into his hand and looking at it in surprise when it is set aglow with light.
Koyoto: Its seems no amount of shedding can change your skin, snake.
When the cat beastkin's spirit manifests, a barrier of magic erects in front of Nex and Akuhei, separating the two.
Koyoto: Funny how after all this time you haven’t seen how fruitless your efforts are.
Nex: (Surprised) Wha--What the hell are you doing here?
Nex questions the cat beastkin spirit, eyes full of annoyance and confusion when he looks at him after taking his eyes from the barrier briefly.
Koyoto: He and I have history, as you may expect. I’m getting involved because fighting the snake now is ill-advised... 
Nex: (Shoots a blank stare at him and huffs) You can tell Legna that I don’t need to be supervised like I'm a child, god dammit. And what the hell are you talking about, you two have history?
A piercing burst of laughter draws their attention back to the General, who straightens his stare back at the pair with amusement brimming in his voice.
Akuhei: Khahahaaha! Back from the dead, eh? Must’ve been the vampire... I mean I already knew that she helped Azure 0. But she has the gall and the power left in her to restore a destroyed existence? (Tilts his head back) Hah... just goes to show how imperfect humanity’s little toy really is, I suppose. As much a thorn the vampire is, bitch knows what she’s doing.
Koyoto: (Smirks) Don’t give yourself too much credit here, I wasn’t nearly as destroyed as you implied. Enough of me was left over for Legna to put me back together even in her under-powered current state. And we both know I know more than enough to put a serious dent in your plans going forward.
Akuhei: (Scoffs in confidence) So what? You really think you can do shit to me in that state? Even with the Vampire’s help, you can't. And if you want to talk about fruitless endeavors, I can go on all day about your failures in the War...
Nex: (Shakes his head at a loss) Tch...clearly I’m missing something here.
Akuhei: Ah, memories are so much fun to revisit... you know, Azure 0, he was with Imyo all those years ago, back when you first got the Grimoire. Remember that?
The perplexed stare of the rebel is enough to answer Akuhei’s question, and he raises his brow, leaning in with mock surprise.
Akuhei: You don’t? Oh that’s... unfortunate. Sounds like someone messed with your head. Besides me, I mean…but how can you trust someone you have no recollection of? He’s been involved with you quite a bit, not on Heilo or Imyo’s level, but…
Nex: I really don’t care, to me it doesn’t matter. He can do whatever the hell he wants.
Akuhei: (In amusement) Ow. He doesn't seem to like you much.
Koyoto: (Sighs, deadpan) Evidently...
Akuhei: Oh, now that's going to be entertaining. I get he’s not Imyo, but even all these years later you still haven’t let go, Azure 0? You should grow up! Can’t live for the dead’s desires forever. What good has it done you to live by his beliefs? How many precious to you have died, or suffered worse fates because of you going that path?
Nex’s eyes flash with an unfathomable anger and his teeth touch.
Nex: Shut up, right now.
Koyoto: The way I see it, Imyo’s teaching has already done some good, hell he hasn't unleashed the grimoire on you and torn your head off yet which speaks loads to his patience. I also find it funny you talking up Leviathan after the last time we met, you're strong sure but you're sure as hell not Yamarochi, and you can't catch me off guard next time.
While speaking, Koyoto turns his focus to the exit that's sealed off by Ars. He tries to concentrate to dispel it, but the process is taxing on him.
Akuhei: The times you battled me were when you were still flesh and blood, cat, when you were connected to your magic. (Flicks his hand dismissively with a grin) You’ve got none of that now, or at least not the level you need...I mean look! You can't even stop that Ars to get yourselves a way out-- you're out of practice, while I haven't missed a step.
He eyes the barrier in front of him, walking right up to it while the Exitium moves around.
Akuhei: Heheh, yeah… don’t think I can’t see that you didn’t “come back” unscathed. I can taste it all those regrets, and... oh--
Nex watches the man pace along the path of the magic barrier, still grinning as he raises a hand pointing an index finger to Koyoto casually. But he notices the beastkin’s eyes darken with a pain all the while Akuhei continues his crude questions, his sharp tongue needling Koyoto while his words quicken and his smile slithers wide.
Nex: Hey, just stay focused, just keep working on dispelling the seal on the entry.
However, Koyoto doesn't seem to be paying attention to Nex's words, much to his frustration. The beastkin spirit's focus is kept on the General.
Akuhei: --that’s just it isn’t it? You hold regrets right before you bit the dust. Poor feline ball of shit... gotta think real hard. I experience ecstasy like no other when seeing the suffering of a soul break them entirely. (Waggles his finger in thought) I’ve done it to so many it’s hard to keep track, but there was someone close to you who caused it, wasn’t there? Someone counting on you to protect them...
Koyoto: (Eyes darken as he glowers at Akuhei) I have no idea what your talking about, I left nobody behind.
Just as he responds, his eyes widen as the manifestation of his spirit flashes and he collapses in pain.
Akuhei: Your pain says otherwise...
Nex glances over to the collapsed Koyoto with surprise and looks at the statue and hides it in his coat, glaring at Akuhei as he watches the barrier break apart. The General walks back ahead, a green shadowy aura enveloping his hand which Leviathan’s chains move around in response.
Akuhei: You’re right that I’m not on Yamaorochi’s level... but don’t worry, 'cause I’ll be better than him.
Nex: (Growls) What the hell just happened? What'd you do?
Akuhei: It’s called being damn good at finding a weak point in the soul and psyche. Magic requires a lot of focus, after all. Now then, with that out of the way…
Throwing his hand forward with a swift motion, Akuhei launches the chain forward. Nex looks to the higher level, jumps away from Leviathan and cuts a hanging structure in the chamber, Akuhei steps out of the way nonchalantly, avoiding the object’s collision and when the dust clears, the rebel is gone.
Akuhei: (Offscreen) You’re gonna hide now, really?
Away from him on the higher balcony, Nex stays against the wall and takes the statue back out in his hand, looking at it.
Nex: (To Koyoto) Aren’t you the one supposed to be remaining calm?
Koyoto: I … I don’t know, something about what he said made my mind go blank, like it was trying to connect to something and failed. I must not be fully restored from the erasure yet, which explains why it was so easy for Akuhei to break the barrier. I don’t know who he could be talking about, though...
Nex: (Sighs and rests his head back against the wall) Well, now that you mouthed off at him, he isn’t gonna screw off. You two have issues...
Koyoto: It seems we have that in common...
Nex: (Rolls his eyes) Look, just hold on, I'm gonna try to find an alternate route... I didn't get in through the entry after all.
Moving his eyes around the outpost, he tries to locate any kind of opening in the interior of the establishment. The closest options are windows, leaving him wincing at the thought of dropping into the lower levels.
Koyoto: … I remember enough though, and in many ways that's even worse.
Nex: Huh?
Koyoto: I mean to say all of the failures weighing on your mind, everything you know that you could have changed if you’d succeeded. Back then Imyo and I were able to… at the very least understand that, having been through the worst of it together. I failed then and this second chance gives me the ability to finish Imyo’s duties and fix my own failings in a way.
Listening to the beastkin brings Nex’s eyes away from the statue, settling down into a subtly somber frown as he finds his way around to the higher room where the squadron leader was stationed.
Nex: It's bothering me how much I can relate to this...
His steps halt when Akuhei raises his tone so the young man can hear. Walking around the lower floor, Akuhei finds another stairwell, passing statues and banners in the outpost while he climbs up nonchalantly.
Akuhei: Go on then and run. Guess not much has changed since running and leaving lil' blue behind. You know, I thought you would be curious to hear about how that all went down, but damn I guess you just don’t care anymore, hmm? That’s... impressive. Unless I’m wrong.
He still keeps moving and looks at the window of the remains of the upper office, outside is a clear escape but those words cause him to freeze.
Nex: (Quietly) Sieg…
Koyoto: (Curses to himself) So they got him, how unfortunate. Look Nex, you need to keep going, if he’s pulling this out to stop you, what he’s going to do is important and you need to get away.
Nex: (Troubled) Ah… right...
Akuhei: (Offscreen) I know… let’s play a game, kid, you answer my questions and I'll let you go. Sounds easy, yeah? How did a kid who was being raised to go against us, end up hating everyone who helped him grow?
Trying to stay focused as he approaches the window and looks at it, Nex doesn't respond, but he becomes uncomfortable as he registers the question.
Akuhei: How did he decide that joining us would give him more opportunities than what his own foster family could offer?
Squinting and lowering his head away, Nex finds himself stuck listening to the words, every harsh whisper, as his mind is flooded by the imagery of his late-teenage and early-adult years he spent with Imyo and Siegfried.
Akuhei: How did the two who were meant to work together to challenge this system... suddenly clash? (Insincerely) It’s just heart-wrenching! Oh, what? You don't the answers? Or do you just not want to say them?
Anger becomes visible on his face as his composure shatters, Nex’s hands clench tighter with every passing second. He hasn’t moved an inch, and stares ahead with a furious look in his two-tone eyes. Suddenly a shrill chuckle breaks his stupor.
Akuhei: (Voice only) Gotcha!
From behind, Akuhei’s hand lands right around Nex’s throat as he slams him frontward into a wall. On impact it scatters the papers that were pinned on and the small sculpture drops out of the rebel’s coat and rolls nearby a corner of the room under some furnishing. Koyoto barely manages to maintain mental connection with Nex.
Akuhei: You're decent at avoiding showing your weaknesses, or letting me get in your head--not good enough though.
Growling in anger and pain, Nex claws at the wall trying to use his weight to push away from the General.
Koyoto: (To himself) Shit, I can’t do anything to get us out of here, even that barrier was to much for me right now. (Outloud) Dammit, Nex, do something, don’t let him get what he wants.
Nex pushes further, swinging his elbow into the General’s chest in an attempt to jab him. Before the impact, Akuhei backs away and snaps his body sideways into a kick right to the younger male’s temple as Nex spins from the heavy blow and crashes into the wall once more falling to the ground in a daze against his back. He shakes his head, attempting recovery but the back of his skull slams right to the edge of the wall with an unpleasant thud that makes his head begin to bleed.
Nex: Ahgh!
Akuhei: I’ll tell you the answers.
A dazed Nex holds his head as Akuhei approaches him, the General leaning forward slightly with a sinister smile creeping up.
Akuhei: I’ll let you relive it, and discover why he despises you, what he went through.
Nex watches the Exitium move around and point its metallic snake-like face at him, his eyes squinting as it's energy coils around him and keeps him from moving.
Akuhei: So pay close attention, okay? Leviathan--go on. Show him.
Following it's wielder's chuckle, the weapon lunges, energy breaking through its body in the form of emerald streaks, turning into a serpentine manifestation that engulfs Nex, turning into a suffocating aura of greens and reds that swallows him. There's a flash and a sudden surge of mental agony makes his world go dark and he feels the sensation of sinking into a void.
----
Flame of Disorder
 
Area: Kagutsuchi 
Area 03: Unknown Seithr Observation Facility (Outside)
Just outside of the observation facility, Valetha and Siegfried continue to clash, time passing them by as they do so and try to best each other. The woman approaches with speed before she slides low and swings her guns, releasing a cyclone of shots around her as she comes in, a crimson flurry glistening around her.
Squinting in concentration, Siegfried reacts, sweeping his hand through the air, crafting a large light blue barrier of fire that wraps around in front of him. When the projectiles come close, the fire swallows and nullifies them. Taking an aggressive stance, Siegfried's barrier bursts apart in a blindingly bright azure light of embers that scatter to the air like burning crystals, which engulfs the whole area, blinding Valetha. Fueling his blade with the absorbed shots, he then slashes horizontally three times to create waves of azure blue flames that fly toward Valetha.
Valetha dodges the waves with weaving motions, however, Siegfried begins to focus on and channel his negative emotions into his soul and Azure's power as he unleashes it, using the power to slow time almost to a halt. With what seems like lightning speed to her, he slashes straight through the air, due to the slowdown of time for his opponent makes it appear as if he's instantly disappeared. Appearing behind her, he slashes and the streaks of flame burn all around to engulf her in the vortex.
Eyes widening in surprise Valetha can do nothing as she takes the hit and the azure flames explode around her. With a single groan she hits the cold metal ground and, despite bleeding from injury, the pain transitions into a short laugh of amusement rolling herself over and looking at him with an impressed smile.
Valetha: And here I believed only the beast himself would have me on the ground. You’re a pleasant surprise...
The next sight she's greeted to is the blade of her opponent pointing at her.
Valetha: You've won. I'll go with you to be taken in, or you can kill me. I don't care which.
However, the sword drives into the earth next to her. Such an action leaves her in confusion. Lifting her eyes to see him raising a hand to brush his hair from his eyes, Siegfried's normally cold and expressionless face flashes a smile of amusement and enjoyment, not an empty one as it normally was. The uncharacteristic smile remained on his face for a few more seconds, before it was replaced by a more forced one, holding out a hand to help her up to her feet.
Siegfried: I'll take that as a compliment then. (Laughs) Although it wasn't easy to beat you, I'm surprised at your strength... to think someone outside of this Government and Nex could present myself a challenge... it exceeded my expectations entirely. I'll admit you are one of the few people to actually make me feel a brief sense of dread, but only a bit.
Valetha: Oh, did I? (Lifts her head with pride) Well, you'd be amazed what's outside of the barrier, it's another world out there. No rules, no worries, just yourself and your desires. You should come see sometime...
Siegfried: As interesting as it sounds, I have to pass on that for now.
Valetha: I knew you'd say that. But I still had to offer nonetheless. Despite your flame being ice cold, it has an inviting aspect to it too. Warmth...as much of a oxymoron that is.
Siegfried: (Smirks running a hand through his azure blue hair and shrugs) I've lost count of how many times I've been called cold, hearing anything different is surprising. (Blinks, folding his arms) Perhaps we'll meet again sooner or later and you'll give me a rematch.
Valetha: (Raises her brow in surprise, setting her hand on her hip) A rematch would imply you're letting me go.
Siegfried: (Shrugs dismissively) My orders don't include you. Besides, I wouldn't actually mind losing to a worthy foe such as yourself, and that's saying something since I hate losing and being considered among the weak.
Valetha: Hmm, you are someone to keep an eye on. So perhaps I'll take you up on that offer to dance once again sometime. You’re not weak in the slightest, in my eyes. (Her eyes dart to the side) Though I’m curious…
Siegfried: About what?
Valetha: If your abilities are so similar to each other, both being fueled by such destructive desires, then why did you not join him? He is the one who opposes the world and will become its Destroyer. It makes more sense in my mind for you two to join forces.
Even hearing those words brings a twinge of frustration to the Brigadier's face, a cold disdain settles in once again.
Siegfried: That's never going to happen. (Tucks his elbow under his arm and leans his head against his hand with a scowl) Any chance of us working together went up in flames the night he turned his back when I needed him most.
Valetha: What? What do you mean?
Whether it was the fatigue of the battle or pent up and bottled up emotions he'd held in for so long, Siegfried finds himself talking about it with just as much frustration as a deep-seated pain.
----
Area: In the Boundary 
Independent Sector, Outside of Imyo's grotto
Nex: (Groans in pain) Damn... I let that bastard get in my head. Where am I? Which memory is--?
Lifting himself up off his back before standing upright, Nex begins to look around his surroundings with a frown. Soft rain pelts his face, and he lifts his head to watch it come down from the pitch black sky peeking in from a small opening in a lower cave. Shortly after, he shakes his head from the sensation of wetness, but he takes notice that the pain of injuries leaves him. The young male's gaze is lower than usual, and the feeling of powerlessness torments his mind. He realizes he’s a bit younger, just fresh into adulthood, and a sickening feeling twists in his stomach.
Imyo: (Offscreen) Nex-- there you are… thank the gods, you got somewhere safe…
The sight and tone of the cat beastkin alarms Nex who falls back a few steps. Disbelief is bright in his eyes when he stares at his late mentor and guardian. The alarm dulls his tone to a rare whimper.
Nex: I-Imyo?
Urgent words fill his ears as the cat beastkin begins to respond, putting a paw on the male’s shoulder.
Imyo: You need to get away from here--they found us, somehow… (Looks down, shaking his head once) I tried to hold them off, but they’re going to break through.
With every clatter against the stone and gust of wind, Imyo keeps looking back and up, his cat ears flicking in alertness.
Imyo: It’s only a matter of time… I knew I needed to get back here to you and Siegfried.
Nex: (Still shaky in tone) But I-- I don’t want to leave…
Each passing second the silver-haired rebel finds himself getting sucked deeper into the memory, playing the role of it. The feelings of it rush through him and paralyze his psyche. Inhaling when a chill sets in, he frantically shakes his head.
Nex: Not again...I can’t-- I know what’s…
Right when his words trail off, the young male shuts his eyes.
Imyo: (Sternly) Now you listen to me, kid.
Nex looks at Imyo quickly.
Imyo: I told you this day was going to arrive. I just... (sighs in disappointment) wasn’t sure it would be so soon. But when I come back here, you better be gone. Go find Legna an--
Nex: (Strongly) No! I don't have to, let me help, I can…
His words trail off, unable to find the strength to finish them. He glances at his hands, no sword, no way to access his strength. Slowly, his fingers curl until they all close into a fist.
Imyo: Dammit, Nex, listen to me. You can’t allow those bastards to take you to that system! The catastrophe that would occur from your Grimoire and its power meeting and rejecting one another… all the sacrifice of my allies up until now would have been for nothing!
Nex flinches when the beastkin raises his tone with his ears pinned back. Imyo soon quiets down and sighs, softening his voice again.
Imyo: Kid, we need you to be around to fight that thing in our place.
Shaking his head a few more times, Nex displays his refusal, stepping forward.
Nex: Imyo, I can’t run--don’t make me! What about Sieg? He’s still back there, and he's supposed to fight with me! Why do I have to do all this alone?!
Imyo: I’ll get him, don’t you worry, kid. We’ll all meet back up and--
Scowling at the response, the younger rebel growls, hurt by what should have been a reassuring response, but it only leaves him frustrated.
Nex: (Through his teeth) That’s a lie! I’m never going to see you again! And Sieg...he's--
Taken aback by the younger male's tone, Imyo's eyes become solemn and his muzzle drops into a frown.
Imyo: (Sighs) You're catching on, aren't you? Sometimes... we have to make sacrifices. Today is one of those days. You'll hate yourself for this at the time. But... you know it's the only option.
Two paws are set on the rebel's trembling shoulders, and he still won't look his mentor in the eyes.
Imyo: And if I know you, kid, you’ll find a way to work together to bring this world and its desires a new balance. You’re the only one who knows what Siegfried’s true purpose is. I told you to protect him. I expect you to continue to do that even if I'm not around.
Nex: (Frustrated) No... I can’t protect a damn thing, that’s what you don’t get. I tried to follow your ways but I’m not--I’m not what you wanted me to be...
Nex hears the sounds of movement outside gradually growing louder and closer. Imyo instantly jumps up and looks back at Nex while hanging off the edge of higher ground.
Imyo: Nex, go through the passage and get outside to Legna! That's an order!
Watching his guardian jump out leaves Nex staring up in concern and the sounds don't quiet any. His steps gradually place him further into the cave, but he finds himself unable to go that direction. Clicking his tongue, he chases after the cat beastkin, climbing out of the cavern with grunts of effort as his hands and shoes slip and slide on wet stone. Eventually he pulls himself up out of the cavern's hide and to the clearing near the grotto.'
Nex: (Turns his head frantically) Imyo! Imyo?!
His cries are loud, but no one answers. With a huff he runs toward the grotto, the ground muddy and sopped from a steady rain now. Something moving in the corner of his eye catches his attention and he spots the figure of a younger male hiding himself, huddled away in a mossy crevice.
Nex: Sieg...
Immediately, he hurries over to the boy hiding in the thicket growing inside the crevice, but his eyes don’t notice him, and he doesn’t seem to hear him. With hesitation to his movement, Nex reaches to Siegfried’s hand from outside.
Nex: Sieg, this is what you had to go through, isn't it? (Shakes his head) No, doesn't matter, it doesn't have to happen. Come on, let’s go--
The boy doesn’t move an inch or notice Nex's hand.
Nex: (Raises his voice) Come on dammit, we need to go!
Even after repeating this, not a sound comes from the boy's lips, his eyes focusing on the grotto ahead of them. There’s a perpetual frown of anxiety to his expression. Another set of sounds come north toward the grotto, causing the younger Siegfried to flinch in alarm as he gets up and pushes himself out of the crevice.
Young Siegfried: Imyo...? Nex...?
Stepping out cautiously, he breaks into a sprint from hiding and heads toward Imyo's hideout, Nex reaches his hand out to him and chases after Siegfried in a hurry.
Nex: Sieg, wait! Don't go there!
His steps come to an abrupt halt when they get closer. Nex’s teeth touch as he sees Imyo’s beaten body slung across the floor like a ragdoll by the mouth of Leviathan. He lands in the grass next to a mortified Siegfried who stands there, staring, unable to say a word. Nex's eyes widen as he witnesses this mangled image of his guardian, wanting to close his eyes but he keeps looking at it. He glances to Siegfried who is paralyzed by fear and disbelief.
Nex: Sieg, come on--let's go, we have to get out of here...
Even if his words wouldn't reach Siegfried, the memory is too real, too vivid and it cruelly tricks his mind.
Akuhei: (Offscreen) Stupid cat! Where is he, you worthless--!
The mocking, grinding tone of the General comes from ahead as he appears near Imyo and takes Leviathan back into his hand as it becomes a blade, and he pokes the tip to the motionless Imyo.
Akuhei: Oh, is he dead? Is he finally dead?
His voice rings with a manic frustration and glee all at once.
???: (Offscreen) I think you’ve done enough, General…
Nex frowns in confusion as he hears the voice of another male, but while attempting to see through the steady rainfall, he can't find them in the area, presuming Siegfried must've never seen the person.
Akuhei: Don’t tell me I’ve done enough, Nicht.
Nicht: (Offscreen) That's Anotatos Kokatsuki... the Marshal gave me my title, please use it.
After those words hit his ears, Akuhei rolls his eyes.
Akuhei: Although that was satisfying, if nothing else...
Nicht: The Marshal didn’t send you here to torment a corpse, with all due respect.
Akuhei: Yeah well, you fail to understand how much I loathe this cat and his allies.
Speaking through his teeth, he kicks the cat beastkin’s lifeless corpse with vigor and a sneer on his face. Siegfried flinches, a trembling scowl appearing on his face, but he can't get himself to act.
Akuhei: If it wasn’t for them... for those damn idiots who decided to play heroes in that War and effect the system-- Well, I wouldn’t be in this position, now would I? Yamaorochi specifically did things differently to avoid this, but because of their influence I’m stuck here.
Nicht: (Sighs at his complaints) The Schtauffen boy, General… if Azure 0 has fled, at least bring the Schtauffen back. Marshal and I can take care of the rest.
Akuhei: Fine, fine.
With slight disinterest, Akuhei moves over to Siegfried who still is trying to process everything occurring. When he notices Akuhei looking over him, he gasps, and that sight livens the General up again, as he smiles at the teenager's alarm.
Leaning in a bit, the man lifts a finger and points to the cat beastkin crumpled on the grass.
Akuhei: You see that, do you see it? Do you? I want you to know, know what it means to go against me. Your guardian is dead, and poor lil' Nexi couldn’t handle this either, abandoning you to your fate. (Shrugs, coming behind Siegfried) Well, he didn’t seem to like you much anyway. If he cared, he’d still be here! But unfortunately for you... he’s the Destroyer. He doesn’t care about anything, least of all a weak little brat like you who can’t even look me in the damn eye!
Siegfried doesn't look at Akuhei, keeping his eyes downcast as the words torment him. Unable to stay silent any longer, Nex's teeth touch and he yells out in anger at the Serpent.
Nex: You bastard, leave him alone!
A grin appears on the General's face as he turns his head and squints right at the silver-haired young adult.
Akuhei: Oh, good. You're paying attention? I can see you, Azure 0.
Nex: (Shocked) H-huh?
Akuhei: (Mockingly) "But how!" Well, it is Leviathan showing you this after all, isn’t it? So who do you think is behind the curtains of these fragmented tales lost in the Boundary you’re shown at times? Makes it hard to know what's the truth-- doesn't it?
Nex is left baffled by the words and frowns in fury, trembling with a growl.
Akuhei: Ah, but, don’t bother trying anything. It’s a memory... can’t do anything to each other here. (Waggles his finger) Although mentally? You’re probably gonna feel it.
Akuhei tilts his head to the direction of a demoralized Siegfried.
Akuhei: It’ll end once lil’ Blue there passes out. Oh, that’s right! You never got to see your cat bite the dust did you? You ran away.
Guilt flares up in Nex's eyes and he shakes his head in fierce denial while Akuhei steps closer causing the younger male to back away.
Nex: I had to... I--
Akuhei: You preserved yourself! Because your stupid cat painted you as the hero of this story! And you're not! You're a being just as irredeemable as myself. Your existence invites despair and it visited this poor child. Your bond went up in flames because of your pathetic beliefs as a kid who didn't wanna face reality! And this has become just another sad story to fuel that desire to bring this whole world order crashing down--that desire eating at you day by day...
Nex: (Lifts his head and looks at Siegfried urgently) Sieg--don't listen...I do care. But I couldn't do anything...
Akuhei: Of course you couldn't! You're not supposed to! No one is supposed to save anyone in this world! This world...is going to drown just as you do.
Those words leave the male unable to respond, his eyes turn pained.
Akuhei: And just like that, you can live, knowing you've contributed to the darkest flame of disorder that'll engulf the world, (dramatically gestures to Siegfried) go on, kid--burn it all down! Show us how you really feel! Kehehehahaahaa!
With his laughter breaking out at the end of the words, Siegfried lets out a held-in cry of anguish and the Seithr in the air ignites into a blaze of destructive blue flames that engulfs the grotto and everything around him. Nex attempts to call to him, but the words are drowned out, as the enormous sapphire blaze floods his vision and brings an end to the nightmare. 
----
Hatred and Hunger (Continued)
 
Area: Kagutsuchi 
Within the NOS Outpost
Nex awakens and finds himself in the outpost lying on the squadron leader's office floor in front of Akuhei. He growls in pain as the General pushes his weight down on Nex’s chest, until grinding his foot against the rebel’s throat.
Akuhei: Does it all make sense for you now?
Nex: (Growls coldly) You... you made him watch that. You told him I didn't care, you--
Akuhei: Well, no shit. What did you think would happen? You all made him believe that he could actually do something against us, I was merely pounding in his head the reality of matters. You both gave him hope... and that’s dangerous shit, you’d know that, Azure 0!
Nex growls in fury while he stares at the man, eyes burning with vitriol.
Nex: It wasn’t a lie. He could have had his own road… but you damn bastards, you ruined it! You turned him against me...
Koyoto: He could have easily taken another path. Despite what you claim, destiny is not absolute. All you did was force him down a path.
Akuhei: Oh it isn’t? I think we both know how fate works, but well, it isn’t like the kid ever had a strong will. (Looks back at Nex) No...unlike you, tenacious and annoyingly determined, he’s the opposite.
Nex: What the fuck did you do to him?!
Angrily, Nex raises his knee and kicks Akuhei’s abdomen, forcing him to let him up. Breathing with a quickening pace, seething in rage, Nex stares his enemy down. The general sweeps the spot he took the hit and settles into another cruel smile in return.
Akuhei: Nothing in specific, that’s the hilarious thing! (Throws his arms out with a chuckle) See I mighta' nudged him here and there, but... you underestimate just how hard it hit him to lose Imyo. It made it so easy to put strings in his back, about as easy as fucking with his shattered mind. You know since he lost his will to continue after that cat died, he’s just. like. putty. (Lowers his hands) Oh, Nexi, whatever chance he had a fighting back died with your bastard caretaker, and he’s going to destroy himself because unlike you, he has nothing left. That weak shit died in the flames... he’s just a husk and you won’t admit it!
Nex’s eyes wide with rage, he throws himself forward in a horizontal leap, growling and roaring with unfathomable fury as he carries his sword into a falling slash bringing the Seithr into a shape of a beast that crashes down alongside him.
Watching on from the statue, Koyoto groans in concern.
Koyoto: (Begins drawing magic) Dammit, I still can’t draw enough... there has to be a way to get us out of here before Akuhei gets what he wants.
Still keeping his sneer, Akuhei moves past the beast, barely avoiding its path as he laughs and collides with Nex’s sword as Leviathan pulls back together into a chain blade. The two clash together, their blades producing a loud clinging ring as they move around each other until the rebel is pressing against the Exitium with his own weapon, narrowing his eyes in hate as the Azure engulfs his body allowing him to hold the Exitium back.
Akuhei: Guess that’s not what you wanted to hear? So why didn’t you do shit about it? Was he really such a problem to you? Did you want to stop caring, tell yourself that there was nothing you could do?
Nex: (Narrows his eyes) No... don’t even go there-- you venomous piece of shit. I didn’t know he was alive! I thought you--
Akuhei: Killed him? Stop using that excuse to trick yourself into accepting it, you know I don’t kill assets, not while they’re useful pawns.
Seeing an opening, a furious Nex engulfs his hand and infuses it with the darkness seeping from his body, scourge sticks to him as it becomes a claw he rips through with tendrils of scourge following his path, catching him off guard at that close of range. Growling in surprise, Akuhei takes multiple hits before being sent backward against the wall and crashing down to one of the tables.
Akuhei : Gah--haaha!
However, Akuhei's momentary groan quickly transitions into a snicker as he drops to his feet when Nex pulls back his hand, azure darkness swarming around it. But he lowers his head with a solemn stare, hitting that man didn’t make the pain go away, it was only a temporary reprieve.
Nex: I-- hated-- that I had to walk away... but I knew I had to do it, I had to sacrifice that chance. Or everything Imyo had worked for would have been for nothing... I had to keep moving forward.
He says it under his breath in pain, clenching his hands tightly, lost in his own thoughts.
Koyoto: (Struggling to draw even more magic) Nex, there's nothing you could have done, now you may have that chance, but we have to get out of here now. Siegfried is alive, so all you need to do is get to talk to him and hope that you can get through.
Akuhei: That’s not good enough, kid, and my patience is gone. That’s the only hit you’ll be landing...so I hope you enjoyed it. Leviathan!
Nex comes back to attention when he hears the chain, he deflects the first attempt somehow with his blade, perhaps only on instinct. But his distracted state costs him as it spears him through on the second run, Nex’s eyes shut tight in agony and he drops his weapon.
Akuhei: That looks like it hurt.
Nex: Augh...shit--khagh!
He spews out blood as the weapon remains lodged in his upper torso, stumbling back as it becomes hard to see straight.
Akuhei: You won't die, after all that'd be pointless. But you won’t be healing from that anytime soon, either.
His hand slides into a pocket and removes a spherical object from his uniform, holding it in his right hand.
Akuhei: You remember these? It’s been awhile.
Nex: Seithr...core…
He rasps, blood still trickling down his mouth.
Akuhei: I’m giving you an ultimatum here… either you bleed out, pass out and I give you over to our friends at the Research Sector, or you use the power in this bad boy to save yourself. (Extends his arm to Nex with the core in hand) Because if you take a good look, you can see this one has a very familiar energy in it, look at its beautiful red sheen. Doesn’t it excite you?
Nex’s look is replaced with surprise, staring in disbelief at the object in the man’s hand, and he begins to sense an urge tingling through his body, a hunger and desire setting in his mind.
Nex: How the hell could you have tha--UAGH!
Leviathan is torn out of Nex’s body, causing his words to transition to a wail of pain. Shortly after, he crumples further as he holds his injury and groans in agony. Without giving him a chance to recover, the General clutches him by the strands of his hair and forces him to look at the core.
Akuhei: Kagutsuchi has its secrets-- (leans down and gives a harsh whisper) something from the Ruined Cities has taken root here...
Nex: Wadatsumi...just what the hell happened there?
Akuhei: Who knows? But you know exactly how strong these are and what happens when you absorb one. After all, within them is the power of the sealed portions of the Boundary and just one of these if properly handled can create nightmares... weapons, beasts, tools of full-on mass destruction! Good thing for you this one is just a replica, like most, the effects only temporary on your Azure.
While he talks he puts the core right in Nex’s mouth, and unable to resist it, the energy flows through his body in bright red glowing streaks through his throat as it breaks down and is consumed. Nex’s Grimoire reacts out of his control, red veins beginning to squirm about the man’s skin, his eyes flickering red as the auras around him intensify and shrink down as the struggling rebel tries to fight it.
Nex: Damn you--!
Akuhei: Well, if you’re going to be stubborn, then I guess your answer is clear. (Shrugs) Can't be helped...
He swings his foot right into the agonized Nex’s rib cage with a sickening and cracking pop, leaning in and grinning at him in a condescending way.
Akuhei: Try not to fall asleep too quickly. I’m going to enjoy beating you to an inch of your life, until you release that damn Grimoire, until you're forced to use it just to force that body of yours to keep going... until your very soul is ripped apart by the agony!
After another swift stomp, a snake strikes the young man and he tumbles backward dropping limply to the ground nearby the window and near the sculpture. He breathes and coughs blood, watching the red veins crawl through his body.
Nex: Darkness... of desires... I can’t let it... swallow me... the Azure...
He doesn’t exactly know what he’s saying, unable to see straight as his mind is overcome with overwhelming thoughts of hate and malice, but he refuses to acknowledge it.
From the position Koyoto stays, a sudden bright flash is generated as rings of magic explode in the room. Akuhei looks over in a squint and the beastkin spirit releases the stored magic. The force pushing through the entire room is enough to throw the General back and sends Nex and the statue out the window, breaking it instantly.
Koyoto: Tuck and roll, Nex, I don't have the strength to stop you from hitting hard--!
Akuhei flies back into a cabinet and is rattled momentarily. He growls in surprise and goes to the broken window, looking out to see the drop is straight off the cliffside and into the lower area. He rubs his forehead, clicking his tongue at the turn of events.
Akuhei: Guess I got a bit too carried away, didn't notice the build up of magic. Doesn’t matter. He absorbed the core. They should be able to work with that…
Nex opens his eyes in surprise as he feels the air whipping by, on instinct his body curls in and he rolls on the ground below panting in shock while he briefly remains on his knee. He stares up at the trees above, unable to see the outpost high above. When he realizes Akuhei isn’t in sight, he spews blood in a single gasp of intense pain.
Nex: Gauuugh…!
As though releasing all the pent up tension, his body screams at him, bloodied and battered he drops back to the ground soon after in safety of thicket as he focuses his remaining strength on withstanding the mental strain from the core. The crimson energy still glistens around him in places.
Nex: You--protected me…?
He gasps and tries to steady his breathing, but it doesn't work so he simply falls back against the ground, giving in to his injuries.
Koyoto: We both have much left to do here. Besides letting you ram yourself against a brick wall and activating your Grimoire’s defense mechanisms would have just made gathering magic harder. Unfortunately, my current state means this was all I could work with.
Nex: (Huffs in amusement as he coughs once) Tch… I guess you have a point… I’m stuck with you. Maybe that's not as bad as I…
He trails off into a groan as his eyes close, his body hit its limit.
Koyoto: …Rest, we should have a little time before we need to move. The cover of the woods means it will take Akuhei some time to find us, and if we need to, I can throw an illusion together that should give us some extra time.
Allowing himself to fall asleep, Nex quiets. Koyoto masks their spot and once it’s finished, he looks at the rebel, the energy emitting from him is unsettling, and causes him to flinch in surprise while the darkness worms through his body on occasion, pulsating with a strange power, and even though Nex rests, he appears pained.
Koyoto: (To himself) I really need to refresh the seal the second I get a chance, Akuhei was trying something, and the last thing I need is an unstable Nex to deal with. He's willing to open himself up now that he knows I’m telling the truth, but it's probably fragile, so I can’t admit everything... (Looks up) Imyo... who would've thought things would end up like this? This was supposed to be your job...
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Trails of Red
 
Area: Kagutsuchi 
Area 03: Unknown Seithr Observation Facility (Outside)
Siegfried finishes his story to Valetha, and rests his blade on the ground tip-first. Valetha is sitting on one of the boulders, and after taking in his explanation, she hops off and lowers her head ruminating over it.
Valetha: I see... you two share a pained history, that’s for certain.
Siegfried: That's one way of putting it.
Valetha: You didn't need to share that, but it appears you have quite the reservations toward the Destroyer. Seeing that develop should be interesting.
Catching the woman pulling something out of her pocket, Siegfried's eyes are cast to a glinting crystalline object that glows a deep red.
Valetha: If you're not going to take me in to your superiors, then at least allow me to give you something in return for this gratitude and your victory.
She tosses the shard to him with a quick motion of her hand. It flies through the air and Siegfried catches it, looking at the crystal.
Siegfried: (Looks back up from the fragment) ...I thought only the Government had access to these. How did you find one?
Valetha: Like I said, it's a whole different world outside. That fragment contains power from the Boundary, it is the tangible connection between it and your mind, and the chance to make your desire become pure power. From what I've seen, I believe you can make use of it.
Siegfried: Interesting... they're always taken due to being connected to the appearance of Irregularities. I've never been given a chance to see for myself what they can do.
Valetha: Then go ahead and do what you like with it. (Nudges her head to the direction of the facility) You may find a means to in there.
Siegfried: In there...? (Looks over to the facility) I'm not sure if I should leave my post just to explore--
Turning his gaze back, Siegfried notices Valetha has left the area. He looks around for a few seconds, but can't find her.
Turning away, Siegfried walks back to his post, his eyes occasionally go to the crystal in curiosity and then back at the facility in thought.
All the while, Valetha walks away from the area with a smile of satisfaction on her face.
Valetha: Maybe I shouldn’t have thrown that wrench into things... but I can’t help but feel it'll be worth it.
Sensing the presence of another as she walks back toward the residential levels, her eyes go to the individual who appears nearby and stares at the district with intent.
Valetha: You...
She approaches the young woman quickly and moves around to obscure their vision which causes her to place her maroon eyes on her.
Valetha: What is this reaction... such a strong force, it dwarfs anything I've felt before.
???: Hmm? You are…?
Valetha: Your essence is incredible... such carnage dwells within you. Your desire is connected to these events forcing the world to act-- your eyes must witness so many calamities! Are you... by chance, close to it? Close to the Red?
Her words are filled with passionate excitement, while the girl merely tilts her head at a loss.
???: (Frowns) Red…?
Valetha: An unfathomable force the world fears will alter everything...my desire was sparked and intensified by it, it allowed me to take action, and I've been searching for a way to it ever since. For it to set me free.
???: I see...so the force you were touched by, it is called the ‘Red’ then. It’s true name lost to the manipulated history of this world…
Valetha: (Elated) So it does exist! I knew it wasn't just in my imagination-- where is it? Please, if you know--
Her words are cut off by the young woman responding to it sharply.
???: It doesn't exist... not anymore.
Valetha: (Frowns) But--why?
Deflated by the maroon-eyed woman's words, frustration sets in.
???: It was severed long ago by this world. You only felt a remnant of its power that someone contacted.
Agitated with the revelation, Valetha scowls and paces around shaking her head.
Valetha: This world disgusts me... why would it deny something so beautiful it's rightful existence? (Gestures at the young woman) Why won't it allow me to desire it?
???: I don't pretend to understand the world. But if your wish is to make that power known once more... you must find the man with a connection to Wadatsumi hiding in this district.
Setting her hand against her hip, Valetha ponders over the words.
Valetha: Oh... is he staying low here? I never expected to deal with him again... quite honestly, I thought he died when it became clear that he couldn't restore what he wanted. Might I inquire-- Girl of the Red, if I can call you that--how are you aware of all of this?
Lowering her head in response, her hand waves over her body and removes the cloaking Ars that kept her appearance normalized. Valetha's eyes widen as she looks at the young woman's true appearance.
Valetha: You're a Prime Field...
The woman stands with a cloak of crimson fitted to her body covered in a black body suit, where her skin is visible, there are visible veins of some kind of energy. The longer flowing bits of her cloak are decorated with crystalline ornamentation that cast a soft crimson glow. Her long, wild hair is maroon with silvery highlights, and she maintains a posture of confidence with fierce eyes looking directly at Valetha. Valetha's eyes are drawn to the pristine vivid crystal that sits embedded in her forhead.
Xiona: A Prime Field like no other... for I see what the world denies. Its nightmares, its regrets, all of it suffocating itself... my name is Xiona. If you truly desire to discover the 'Red', then you must reveal the truth of Wadatsumi and what was uncovered that day. Become the one who will unleash calamity on this city, and prove yourself worthy of it...
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End of Core of Dissonance
Continues in: Outlier's Credence
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Category:Control Sequence Transcript