EvoBlaze: Control Sequence/V2E5: Arrival of Irregularity (Nex and Kiryos)/Transcript

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A Sign of Abnormality
 
Area: The 13th Hierarchical City of Kagutsuchi 
Outside Residential District
Left alone as a breeze passes her by, Myri dips her head, her eyes looking at the earth while her fingers fidget and tap one another in quick succession. Her opposite hand runs through strands of her blue hair.
Myri: He’s been gone for a while...
Saying it to herself while sitting on the log, Myri’s fingers slide along the surface of the cat sculpture that she removes from her pocket. The object gives off a faint glow from its grey body as the cat beastkin’s spirit rests within.
Suddenly, a twinge of discomfort tugs at her, causing her to sit upright and quickly look in the direction the rebel went. Silence hangs in the air before she makes a quiet noise in her uncertainty.
Legna: Your mind is quite troubled isn’t it?
The sound of the dignified voice almost startles Myri from her contemplative state. Two golden eyes look down at her from a mound of stone formations standing high along the landscape, and the girl almost shies away until realizing who the figure above her is.
Myri: (Lifts her head) Miss Legna…? I thought you were busy…?
Legna: As fate would have it, it will be some time yet before my next meeting is arranged…
Myri: Oh, I see. (Sighs, setting her hand against her jaw) I suppose I can’t hide that I have so many unpleasant thoughts. I do worry a lot.
Legna: That man can take care of himself… but, it doesn’t mean he should always be left to do everything on his own, even if that’s his desire. Sometimes what we desire is not what our souls need, after all.
Myri: (Unsure) But he told me to stay here, I don’t want to bother him… he always gets upset if I do that.
That timid response leads Legna to let out a sigh, and she tilts her head toward the outpost in the distance.
Legna: (Closes her eyes) Surely you sense something is off.
Pondering over the words, the blue-haired girl frowns in recollection. After a few seconds, her eyes open with a small gasp escaping her lips.
Myri: Oh right, I did feel some strange sensation. Almost like I was getting tugged forward-- (sets her hand above her chest) but from the inside. A reaction, or...
A knowing nod is directed at her while Legna shifts her stance and feels the artificial breeze whip strands of her hair.
Legna: You have already experienced that.
Myri: (Tilts her head, lowering her hands to her lap) Really? Odd. I don’t remember it.
Legna: (Sighs) You felt it during your encounter with both Nex and his... brute of an ally.
Myri: Hmm... there was something off about Sylar when I met him. But still, the only thing that comes to mind is that they’re both connected to the Boundary… and I didn’t feel it near beings like those living bodies of Seithr.
Legna: They are not a strong enough force to bother you.
Myri: But why does it react with me specifically? Because Lazarith never let me near places that had even the slightest touch of Seithr corruption, or cases of Black Corrosion, so I don’t understand.
There’s no response from the Observer as she remains silent. A meek question from Myri draws her attention once more.
Myri: Hey, Legna? You say you’re observing Nex’s and my own progress, but...what about you? Do you know your role in everything?
Legna: My role…?
That question leaves her in a rare and visibly stumped state, the delicate features display the most subtle hint of underlying frustration. Myri continues.
Myri: Yes. Is it your family’s duty you follow? Or is it something more personal? I guess I'm asking... (turns around and looks up at her) why do you watch us? You always seem disappointed with us, especially Nex... it's almost like watching a show you don't enjoy. Why not just stop? Why watch us suffer?
Legna: Hmm... because the souls of this world don't know how to handle themselves and their desires. Not yet. The world they live in is... troubled. I'm awaiting what comes after, even through all this ugliness.
Taking in her response leaves a solemn frown on the girl’s face, and she grips the stone.
Myri: Huh...I wish I could be as strong-willed as you. To be able to Observe all of this pain, and to actually hold onto the belief that it would change after so many conflicts…
Legna: Don’t mistake that for my faith in humanity… I barely have any. But, someone has to try and see more of these possibilities. I’m one of the only ones left who can, your world after all has declared Observers a hindrance to it and its ideas.
With guilty eyes, she keeps her stare away from Legna.
Myri: Yes...I have heard Lazarith talk about that. (Breathes in and looks back up) For the record--I don’t agree with it. I think Observers are good, you’re guiding us after all, even if it’s into an unknown path.
Legna: Observation is the key to bringing something into existence and leading to understanding it... but that power is held by the system alone, or so humanity believes. They ensured that every other form of interference would disappear...so they could prevent any form of Irregularity. But their folly is that some objects are capable of self-observation...no logic from humanity dictates their existence.
Myri: Observation is how you brought back Koyoto, isn’t it?
Legna: Yes, it is. Regrettably, my strength is not what it could be... but I still know the possibilities that can occur. That alone makes me wish to Observe it for myself, and for others to see what I’ve seen as well. A Possibility I know exists, but it requires both you and Nex to realize it for yourselves. Even so... I have little faith you two can.
Myri: (Smiles nervously) Ah, that’s not very comforting you know... but I’m trying. I am. Believe me, I’m frustrated I haven’t discovered how to do more.
Her expression turns solemn, and her fingers brush through strands of her hair.
Myri: But I can’t fault you for how you feel either, I imagine to an Observer, we’re just all flailing around clumsily, struggling and failing. But unlike Observers and Gods, we don’t know every answer. We don’t know what those possibilities are. Sometimes we’re scared to face reality too.
Legna: The Gods are just as flawed as humans… and are a reflection of their flawed desires they cling to. But no matter how much a baby wishes to stay in the bathwater, seasons change, all things change, and people inherently fear that change. You have to understand fear, and despair, what it makes your heart desire--before you can overcome it, or it will consume you.
The words stick in her mind, leaving the girl looking at the ground, away from the vampire and feeling those words weigh heavy on her heart. Her mouth doesn't move, until something tugs at her again, but she still can't look Legna in the eyes.
Myri: That sensation is getting stronger...I'm not sure I should ignore it.
Legna: It is raw Irregularity...a distorting force within souls and the world itself at this rate. You can detect sources of it. Even I cannot Observe them, as it is outside of my authority…
Coming to a realization, Myri sits up straight and looks back at the outpost's direction.
Myri: But if I sense that here--that would mean…
Legna: That more Irregularity is enveloping this city, yes. I do hope the people of it are prepared...or this might get unpleasant for them.
Myri looks on before she stands up and begins to run off toward the outpost. Just as she leaves, Legna's eyes follow her until she is past her sight.
Legna: Irregularity...the apparent source of suffering and something that the world rejects in its vision for eternity. Yet it is beginning to sprout in every soul...what will you choose to do?
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Primordial Awakenings: Episode 5
-Arrival of Irregularity-
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Area: Kagutsuchi 
13th Aeigis Ars Barrier
Connecting glyphs surround the outer limits of Kagutsuchi’s lower levels, creating a flexible wall of solidified particles. Shadows slither across the ground, a humanoid shape forms together and then lunges in with spread hands, bouncing off of the invisible force that throws it away back into a moving blotch of black that reforms. By its side are several more of the things, doing similar movements.
NOS Soldier: We need to restore the barrier energy, the Seithr Beings are breaking through!
A commanding bark of the officer is heard behind the makeshift walls, barriers of concentrating particles struggle to hold together, flickering swiftly against every strike the beings make to it. The Seithr of their bodies breaks apart the instant they make contact, causing some to hiss and fall back, while others still haphazardly throw themselves against it.
At the same time, another official works on a nearby terminal.
NOS Soldier B: Link with Naobi central defense system established.
Akuhei: (Offscreen) Look at all of you scrambling around to salvage the city…
Akuhei approaches and looks at each of the structures maintaining the barriers. Automated ars units fly around and repair the damage while others latch to them to replenish ars. Tilting his head up at it he flashes a grin in amusement while the soldiers in the area come to attention.
Akuhei: So that was how our invaders got in. For a bunch of outcasts, they certainly have moxie…
He approaches the main tower-like structure and looks it over briefly, noticing the programming in the device has been tampered with. As the drones attempt to repair the mechanism, an error screen continues to flash.
Akuhei: An interference with the system’s defenses directly, huh?
NOS Soldier: (Quickly responds) Yes sir. Although we can’t determine the source of the disturbance, it is similar to an Azure Interface Prime Field Device’s signature.
Akuhei: Did any one of you happen to record this?
NOS Soldier: The wavelengths and patterns were detected by Ars drones... s-sir. I have it here if you--
Akuhei: (With impatience) Then let me see it.
Speaking right over the top of the soldier's voice leaves them unable to make a sound. Hurrying over to the General, the blue-clad official tries to keep their composure and extends his arm to shakily hand over the findings. When the general takes it, the soldier backs off immediately leaving him to look the results over. Rare surprise fills the Serpent's eyes briefly, but he hides a knowing smile.
Akuhei: I’ll tell the Marshal... one of the models may have been compromised.
Placing the documents away in his uniform's pocket, the soldier speaks up to get his attention again.
NOS Soldier: I-it’s nothing we can’t handle--right General?
Akuhei: Of course. It is why I'm here after all…
NOS Soldier: (Shakes his head) I don't doubt you at all, sir. But things haven't gone to hell like this since the War...
Akuhei: Things could get a lot worse, be glad it's only Kagutsuchi getting targeted.
With those words, Akuhei turns to the barrier, beginning to go toward it. His actions cause the soldiers to look on in surprise, but none of them voice their concern and instead maintain their position as their General crosses over to the opposite side. Following a sigh of dissapointment with his mouth curling into a sneer, he looks back at the officers in a sharp motion.
Akuhei: What? Do you believe I'm standing here to take in the scenery? (Gestures to the barrier with his hand) Lower the barrier.
NOS Officer: But sir, that would--
One of them tries to reason with Akuhei, but again is spoken over making them flinch at his tone.
Akuhei: I need to check a signal out… it seems to be an Irregularity that the Marshal wants me to look into. So shut it down--just for now--unless you'd rather explain to him why you're not complying?
Processing that, the soldiers become uneasy, and they all exchange quick glances with one another. One heavy sigh of uncertainty later, one of the soldiers finally gives a signal, raising their hand up and waving it in order.
Moments after, a grinning Akuhei saunters on out toward the edge of the city leaving the officers behind him. While he crosses, thickening particles of Seithr form a haze that begin to shroud him and block all sight of him. The General then slides a hand into his uniform's inner pocket and removes a spherical object. A circular construct is dull and primarily pitch in tone, yet faint auras of color swirl in it and energy in vein-like patterns pulsate slowly.
Akuhei: I’ve got time to kill anyway… Now let’s see if this is worth my attention.
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The Overtakers
 
Area: Kagutsuchi 
Inside the NOS Outpost - Commander’s Office 
Nex: I’m not gonna ask twice.
An aggressive tone is directed to an officer in decorative attire, Nex's two-toned eyes glaring daggers with the tip of a heavy blade pointing itself at the NOS official who stays lopsided on the floor. Head tilting back while the blade just misses his skin when the rebel speaks again.
Nex: What’re they planning?
Outpost Commander: (Raises his hands in defense) It would help if you gave me more details…
Nex: More details, huh? Alright. Apparently, according to one of your soldiers, the royal families are planning something against their problems here, and that includes me. This isn't the first time I've heard that crap.
This barbed response is met with a stare of confusion from the officer who refrains from moving an inch. Cold metal that is tinted a dull red from the Seithr on its edge still rests against his throat.
Outpost Commander: (Frowns, replying shakily) Why would I know anything about this…?
Nex: I’ve seen a hell of a lot of you sequence dogs, (nudges his head down at the uniform) but usually one that’s dressed like you has a higher position.
Swallowing and breathing in quickly, the officer musters up a reply; careful to keep his eyes honest and on the silver-haired male, despite the ferocity behind that man's stare.
Outpost Commander: Barely... just serve them. I’m not one of the core members.
An audible huff of annoyance comes from Nex who tilts his head away after hearing that. The sword is held steady, its wielder listening to the rest of the man's words with a scowl present the whole time.
Outpost Commander: We’re just sent as a backup to the higher families involved. Sorairo... Hikamigawa, Schtauffen... some others too. A lot of us are being deployed now that the terrorist attacks are increasing in this city...
Tense silence hangs in the air. Nex closes his eyes in thought, considering these words. A few seconds later, the younger male abandons his aggressive posture and turns his attention to a workstation in the back of the room before he steps closer to it while the officer watches him. As he does, the NOS member breathes out a silent sigh of relief when the blade finally leaves his neck.
Nex: Well, even if what you're sayin' is true, somethin' has to be goin' on for so much attention to be drawn to this outpost.
Outpost Commander: (Puzzled) I thought you were the one to cause this damage...
Nex: (Sighs) Everyone always thinks that. To an extent, yeah, I did, but there were some others who were following me.
He stops near the workstation, trying to make out the recent commands, but it makes him groan and rub his temple in frustration. Turning back around he points his stare to the officer once more.
Nex: So why’re you here then? Can you tell me that?
Outpost Commander: There’s an ex-NOS official hiding here in this sector of the city…
Nex: (Squints in thought) Ex-NOS?
Outpost Commander: Yes. We were told not to allow their studies taken in Wadatsumi to get out in the public… so we’ve been searching for them using this database in the outpost.
Taking another side glance to the database, Nex tries to search through it once more. Although it takes a few seconds, the image displays a shop district.
Nex: Sensitive information the NOS doesn't want getting out about the ruined city Wadatsumi...
His eyes go to another display on the screen which shows a relatively small container sealed with complex magic glyphs and rune-like Ars.
Nex: (Nudges his head to it) ...What's that thing?
Outpost Commander: It's confidential cargo we were instructed not to let fall into enemy hands. It was entrusted to a family in our ranks, but the Marshal has requested it be brought here to Kagutsuchi and--
Before his words can finish leaving his lips, a prickly response drowns them out.
Nex: (Scowls) Lukain is involved?
Outpost Commander: Yes, but I just said I can't--
Nex: Can’t or won’t? There’s a damn difference. What’s your life worth to you?
When Nex walks back over to the official and engulfs his free hand in Seithr that sticks to it and slowly alters it to the shape of a claw, blackness and crimson energy twines along his skin from the shoulder down. This sight causes the official to gasp, quickly replying.
Outpost Commander: If you kill me I can’t tell you anything. I don’t have your answers!
Nex: (Glares in doubt, stepping forward) Why don't I believe you?
Outpost Commander: (Raises his hands in defense, backing away) Listen--believe it or not but I’m not high enough in rank to get any kind of tip on what this is! That information is directly from the Marshal to the family he requested the aid of, and considering the families backing Necaros are some of the most controversial, I doubt anyone who isn't in their circle or in the World Order Council knows about it.
A heavy sigh filled with irritation comes from the rebel. His steps stop, swiftly clicking his tongue and swinging his head away.
Nex: …Won’t lie that does sound like somethin’ he’d do. Tch, bastard never makes things simple.
Clenching his hand, the claw vanishes, but the official can see Nex's aggression has hardly left.
Outpost Commander: (Places his hand out) But I can tell you where the cargo is going--if you don’t kill me.
Appearing to contemplate over the response, the rebel shuts his eyes. A few seconds after this, he gestures for the official to go to the terminal and without hesitation, the officer stands up and makes his way over. It isn't much longer before a dot appears on the screen above displaying a building that is covered in foliage and appears abandoned.
Nex: (Lifts his eyes to it) An old observation facility, huh?
Outpost Commander: I would have to assume it's for testing purposes. That object hasn’t seen use in decades.
The rebel's eyes watch the official with a fierce intensity, but the response seems genuine enough, and he finally responds.
Nex: Guess I’ll buy it.
He turns his body to face the officer once more while crossing his arms.
Nex: You could die for giving me information about your Government's plans.
The NOS official's fingers brush their uniform and rip a communication device off that is pinned on the inside collar. When it drops on the floor, Nex watches it, but the object has long been deactivated.
Outpost Commander: (Lets out a resigned sigh, resting their hands on the terminal) I'm aware I could die or be exiled for treason. It doesn’t matter, either way, it’s better than serving those families. Ever since the end of the War, the Innovos Duodecim has been having internal issues.
Nex: Huh?
Outpost Commander: Too many clashing ideologies and the Marshal has a huge influence of his own, many families side with him, and it's hard to blame them. Everyone is starting to think we’re on the cusp of another crisis, that Zaezel is just the start. You’re not exactly a good omen either... it all went downhill when you showed up.
While the officer is expecting to be cleaved in half by that last comment, Nex's hand doesn't move an inch toward his blade. Instead, the young man huffs.
Nex: Can't deny it. But the system you all rely on for protection, for guidance, for power...it's been failing for a while now. Or none of this would be happening.
Left silent from the silver-haired male's reply, the official looks at the terminal. Turning away, Nex begins to make his way out, heading for the stairs.
Nex: So the eternal World Order is showing cracks in its unity. Still, I have to figure out what the hell is going on, the families involved, and what this project is that Lukain is so keen on. As for you, I don’t care what you do.
Outpost Commander: Wait--
Stepping away from the machine, the man turns around and calls out to Nex, causing him to halt.
Outpost Commander: Who exactly infiltrated our outpost, if it wasn’t you who did this damage?
Nex: (Shrugs in dismissal) Hell if I know. You seemed to attract more than just my attention.
???: That’d be us.
A voice responds to the two, leading Nex to direct his attention to the individual who spoke. A handful of people are led into the room by a man with pale green short hair wearing a patterned and sleeveless vest with a short sleeve shirt under it, both showing wear and tear. His tan pants are torn and lead into brown combat shoes. Around his wrists is red colored wrapping and bracelet-like constructs. With a flick of his hand, tonfa-like weapons manifest from crests that connect to the rings and they form with bladed edges, he spins them once and makes his way toward the other two males.
Nex: (Squints in confusion) ...And you are?
Without stopping, he responds to Nex, lime-colored eyes looking at him directly.
Malais: Compared to the all-powerful Beast of Sin, the Destroyer himself…? No one. We’re labeled as Irregularities, and looking to make a dent in the World Order. You can call me Malais.
Nex: Irregularities...? I don’t need a bunch of opportunistic criminals dragging themselves into my business. I can do this on my own.
Passing right by the rebel, the rest of the group stays behind and fans near the stairs.
Malais: You do know you'd be insulting your best friend too with comments like that. Isn't he also one of the most powerful criminals around who is involved here?
Nex: ...You know Sylar?
Malais: Never met the man personally… but I heard about his infamous exploits in the region back when he was around there. We never crossed paths during operations since we weren’t quite up to his level on that criminal hierarchy--at the time.
Outpost Commander: How did you get here? Are you with that being Zaezel?
Malais: We're not crazy enough to deal with a sort like him. But, the recent activity between him and the Destroyer did open an opportunity to get inside.
Nex: So you're a branch from Nadir, then. The criminal society of Taoreta.
Malais: I'm surprised you'd know. You didn't deal with little old us after all... you and that Demon were caught up in much bigger problems.
Nex: I admit it's not what I was expecting, I only heard about your sect from Sylar. Why the hell are you here?
Malais: You wouldn't care about it.
He makes a gesture to the others in command.
Malais: Go get that officer, access the terminal with his card key so we can get the information we need.
Nex appears surprised as he watches the others rush by him and head for the commander of the outpost. Before he can move, he grunts in surprise as he is met by one of the blades on the tonfa Armagus.
Malais: In the meantime, we don't need you interfering.
Nex: (Squints without concern) I wasn't planning to. I was going to leave.
Malais: You'll stay here until we're done.
The threat is met with a glare from the rebel.
Nex: You want to die that badly? You wouldn't last five minutes against me.
Malais: In a fight, probably not. Still, you can at least entertain it. Not everyday small fry get to swim with the sharks.
Shaking his head once at a loss, Nex brings his blade out and scowls in warning.
Nex: Have it your way. Remember you said that when you're beat to an inch of your life, idiot.
Summoning a crest underneath himself, the male comes forward and makes a slashing blow with his right tonfa-like weapon, the bladed edge of it meets with Nex’s blade, producing a high-pitched echoing ting. The agility of it visibly surprises the silver-haired rebel as he feels his defensive stance falter slightly, but he weaves to the right and allows his opponent to lunge right by him with their following jab. Turning around they swing the tonfas together as auras shoot through them and twin crescent streaks fly forward like a pair of boomerangs, creating a vacuum of whirling energy that rips and scatters the flooring into particles of Seithr. Jumping back just in time, Nex growls.
Nex: Stronger than you lead me to think. You have an Altered Drive... should have guessed that when I saw the ars you’re usin’.
Twirling the Ars, Malais lowers and takes stance once more.
Malais: Thought you’d be sharper than that.
With a downward hammer-like motion of his arms, the blades lodge into the ground and a shockwave rips through the ground before bursting under Nex’s feet, but he meets it head-on with a wide slash, kicking up a flurry of Seithr that becomes a nightmarish claw to rip through. Jumping in, Malais brings the left tonfa into a blow aimed at the young man's head but misses when he ducks and delivers a punch into his stomach, sending him toward the ceiling. Flipping over, Nex's foe bounces off it with his feet nimbly, landing on a machine below.
Malais: So you’re really ‘the’ Destroyer, huh? I’ll be honest, I don’t quite see it yet...shouldn't you have killed me by now? Everything I've heard about you thought you would.
Nex: Taoreta harbors a lot worse people than me.
At the same time, the outpost leader is easily overwhelmed by the forces following Malais. The official is dragged over to the terminal with weapons pressing against his back.
Malais: Can’t argue with you on that one.
Criminal A: Access it.
One of them speaks, pushing the official with the barrel of a gun-type ars. This prompts a quick response from the official.
Outpost Commander: What is it you’re after on this terminal?
Criminal B: In the residential area, we’re looking for the one aware of the Wadatsumi incident.
Breathing in sharply, the commander quickly swipes their card and types in a command. After a few seconds, the mapping display shows the block of a residential district in a portion of Kagutsuchi. The picture zooms in on a bar establishment. Taking the information into a small spherical device, it seals itself and the criminal makes a signal to Malais.
Malais: Well, that didn’t take long at all.
A growling rebel brings his leg into a wheeling blow and shrouds himself in Seithr while doing so, but instead of Malais, his darkness-encased leg smashes the ground instead. Shortly after, the Irregularity makes his way over to the NOS official.
Malais: This is a parting gift from Nadir...just to let you know we’re serious.
From an Ars transportation circle, he pulls a glinting crystalline crimson object from it. The sight of it widens Nex’s eyes briefly.
Nex: You know how to use those?
Malais: I think someone like you can get a few ideas of how we came across these gems. Either way, it’s a good way to get the message across as we aim to put a chip in this behemoth of a World Order.
Although in the predicament, the officer remains resilient and shakes their head once at Malais' actions.
Outpost Commander: If you’re trying to make a statement through me, it’s worthless. I have no significant standing in the NOS.
Malais: Maybe not. But we don’t like leaving loose ends behind. As we draw attention, we’re bound to catch one of the more important names. Have to start somewhere.
The crystalline object is jammed into the person’s gut where a wound is, and it disappears into their body spreading Seithr in the form of vein-like streaks, as their body begins to decay, the area around them also distorts and bends and spreads more of the substance that solidifies and becomes visible in the air.
With a groan of alarm, Nex lurches his body forward as though beginning to run forward, but his body freezes up as he feels the substance concentrate and affects him within.
Malais: I doubt he’ll last long as a conduit for it, so you’ll be fine in a few hours, give or take. Probably regret not having that girl with you right now. She’d be helpful in this predicament.
Short-lived surprise fades from his expression as Nex's eyes squint.
Nex: You--? You guys are spying on the events here, is that it? You doin’ it for someone in particular?
Malais: I’m from Nadir, a group known as the Crimson Overtakers. We work by our own code... what the boss wants done we see through. It’s as simple as that. Been a pleasure, hope to talk to you in better circumstances sometime. And tell the Demon his old friend would like to see him some time too.
Nex: Wait, you--
Despite his resistance, the force becomes overwhelming and he groans as seithr fills the space. Malais and his forces soon leave the room and seal the entry, leaving the rebel frustrated as he looks around the room as the substance continues to swarm.
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A Lost Light
 
Area: Kagutsuchi 
Restricted Area: 13th Abyssal Field 
Seithr drifts by in visible particles that clump together, one drifts and lands on the head of a collapsed male. It drifts away and the young man wakes up in the middle of an expansive wasteland. Across it, the remains of former occupation show themselves in the form of broken down, beat up structures and buildings being swallowed by the earth from its scars of conflict. The air is difficult to breathe, as concentrated particles of Seithr drifting through it make any visibility unreliable at best. Coughing, he pushes his body off the cracked and dusty floor. After shaking his head, the male looks around; but confusion is evident in his expression when he takes in his surroundings.
Although a pounding headache greets him, the male manages to start walking out. Instinct pushes his feet forward step by step, even if he fails to recognize the area. Turning his head up, a dreary haze clouds the sky, and strange markings on the landscape occasionally rupture through fragile earth. Within the openings, there is a burst of melding, distorting color. Everything around those spots is sucked within and decaying away into Seithr.
Hiro: (Looks around with a frown) Well, this place just screams inviting... Now where the hell am I? None of this looks remotely like anything I've seen.
While trying to gather his thoughts, a shadow darts across at the corner of his eye, and in an instant, an inky mass of a deformed hand with a claw aims to gouge him. The young male’s eyes widen and he steps back to see the vaguely humanoid form of a being of dense Seithr particles near him. Stuck in their deformed body is a crystalline hunk of the substance that glows a faint crimson, the rest of the entity is pitch as night with barely any discernible features to it.
Hiro: (Grimaces in surprise) Okay... that's only mildly disturbing.
The Seithr being doesn’t seem to back down, and once more attempts to strike Hiro with a hand that turns into a tendril briefly. Although he jumps away to dodge it, the second-hand transforms and whips him to the ground from the air, causing Hiro to cough and spit out the soot.
Seithr Being: Why are you here? Your soul is lost. Return to the Boundary’s depths, your desires have no place here.
It’s mouth doesn’t really move while it hisses the words to him, instead, it seems to be projected from that object in the creature’s body which glows brightly as the being speaks to Hiro.
Hiro: That was rude-- you freaky ass abomination.
Hiro attempts to reach for some sort of weapon and upon realizing he is completely unarmed sighs.
Hiro: Now how in the hell was I this unprepared? (Resigned) Oh well.
Hiro steps forward and throws a cautionary jab at the Seithr Being. But when the male’s fist makes contact with the pitch creature, it becomes liquid and that substance covers Hiro’s hand. Grunting in surprise and slight pain as it causes a burning sensation, he swiftly recoils and shakes off the murky Seithr from his hand but it’s surprisingly adhesive. The thing swings at him again darting in shadow and drive its claw down at Hiro who is surrounded by motes of Seithr that begin to illuminate, causing the creature to look at them. They gather at the male’s hand and burn off the remains of the black liquid and an intricate crest of bright gold appears underneath Hiro as a Drive activates. Right before the creature’s claw makes contact, it then bounces off a newly-formed weapon of the illuminated particles in the male’s hold who lifts it in instinctive defense.
Hiro: Okay, note to self: Punching things made of seithr is not a good plan...
Hiro twirls the blade in a flourish before returning to a two-handed grip.
Hiro: But this should work nicely.
Seithr Being: ...What is that weapon? Are you connected to the Boundary’s power?
It emits a distorting pulse that ripples through the area and Seithr gathers forward forming a few shadows that pop up near it turning into similar beings.
Seithr Being B: You don’t know? Then we’ll send you to the depths while you’re still unaware.
A second one responds right after the first and continues the thought as if their mind is in synchronicity. But after the hiss, Hiro jerks his head to see a total of four of these entities surround him and look his way with their beady red eyes on their void faces.
Hiro: (Sarcasm) Great, they multiply. (Squints, looking at each) Alright, a nice orderly line you abominations-- I will get to all of you shortly.
Before any of them can make a move, the air snaps in a high pitch in Hiro’s earshot as an emerald-colored streak darts through each of the beings. A serpentine head bounces between their bodies, the fangs of a snake removing the crystalline masses within the Seithr Beings one by one. When this happens, their deformed shapes collapse into a murky liquid and dissolves back into the earth. One manages to escape as it slithers away into shadow and Seithr just before the weapon reaches it after its allies were so easily slain.
Still holding his weapon, Hiro frowns in confusion, watching as the odd object recoils and wriggles backward, placing itself back together into the shape of an onyx colored chain-blade with a glowing spine of green and serrated edges. It’s wielded by a man who steps forward and slings the weapon to the side with a grin.
Akuhei: Pests. Nothing but a sad existence clinging to life and trapped in their pain. I have to wonder what that’s like... to live your entire meaningless life consumed in a void of torment.
Something about the man makes Hiro go on edge, picking up on the vibe that's far more unsettling than the beings that just tried to assault him.
Hiro keeps his blade at the ready and refuses to say anything.
Akuhei: What’re you so on edge about? I just got rid of your problem. (Gives a disingenuous sigh) Can’t get an ounce of appreciation these days, eh?
He walks over to Hiro who holds his defensive stance, bringing his sword close to his body. The other man shows no concern toward its presence and keeps approaching until he’s close enough to move his finger along the edge of Hiro’s weapon.
Akuhei: (Leans in with a smile) Nice toy. (Squints as he pinches the blade, unimpressed by it) It’s a blade summoned by your Drive, huh? You willed it into existence…
Hiro: The amount of venom in your voice makes it really hard to want to even remotely talk with you.
Akuhei: Well, you are an Irregularity… (glances to one of the crystals) oh--not a Seithr Irregularity like those poor creatures, but an actual one…
Hiro frowns in confusion and Akuhei pushes the blade away with a bit of force and then chops his chest with his opposite hand, making the younger male cough with a small glare.
Akuhei: You know, right there. An Irregularity somewhere in the soul of that fleshy body of yours. Not that you would understand that. But our world doesn’t like those. When it picks up on a particularly troubling one, it means that people like myself have to come out and see what it is.
Hiro: Not like I wanted to just wake up here.
Akuhei: I don’t care if you wanted it or not, you’re here now. But I really was hoping you’d be someone else, like our mystery prime field causing problems. So forgive me if I don’t particularly sound thrilled about seeing another face that just disappoints me… and what are you doing out here anyway? I find it really difficult to believe you just ‘woke up’ here. (Gestures to the distortion in the area) Unless, you know, the Boundary spewed you out or something from one of these rifts.
Hiro: Oh, you know, the first thing I'd do after waking up with no knowledge on how I got here would be to go on a lovely stroll of this absolute wasteland. Honestly, I'm just trying to leave this goddamn place and see something other than nothing.
Akuhei: (Tilts his head and scoffs) Nothing? This is a remnant of the War’s events, kid...it’s a lot more than ‘nothing’, almost every city was scarred in some way by it. In fact, I think it has a certain charm.
He gestures with open arms to the desolate landscape.
Akuhei: I mean, where else can you see so much Seithr concentrating like this (Lifts his hand, wriggling his fingers at the air) and feel the Boundary’s power in the very atmosphere, or an unstable landscape that defies logic?
Akuhei walks by him and looks down at the crystallized crimson hunks of energy left behind by the beings. He lowers and takes them from the floor and puts them into a dull-looking black sphere that he removes from his pocket. The sphere absorbs it and a faint red light flickers within.
Akuhei: But if you’re looking for more mundane sights, the city is just north of here. Can't miss it.
Hiro: (Sighs) So is this the part where I get arrested or something? Seriously getting those sort of vibes right now.
Akuhei: That depends.
He stands back up and turns around, speaking the next words with a squint and a malign grin.
Akuhei: Who are you exactly? And to be clear--I’m not really asking. Tell me who you are and you can go.
Hiro: My first name should be enough. I'm Hiro.
Taking in the response from Hiro, Akuhei closes his eyes, frowning as he ponders something.
Akuhei: Hiro... Hiro Yokai? Are you, by chance, a brother to Cyril Yokai?
Hiro’s eyes widen as he hears that and an emotional upset immediately sets in.
Hiro: (Angrily) How the hell do you know my brother? Where is he?
Akuhei: (Opens his eyes) Oh, so you are... I thought the Exitium Abduxuel killed you during the whole collapse of that thing? But then here you are in front of me. That explains why they were reporting the object in the Gate had been having some weird reactions though…
He notices Hiro glaring at him with barely-restrained fury.
Akuhei: Ah, right, you asked about your brother. He’s...fine? At least as far as I’m aware.
Hiro: The hell are you talking about?
Akuhei: Nothing you need to worry about. You’re not going to survive to see him again anyway.
The General's gaze darkens as he gains a wicked look in his eyes while moving his weapon as the chain blade extends to become a chain once more, its fangs gleaming before it coils around.
Akuhei: I’m a Sequence Destroyer, an agent of the Boundary Management System... my arrival means your existence as Irregularity is forfeit. And now that I know who you are, I’ll sever your possibility from the world completely and drag it straight to the depths where it belongs!
He thrusts his hand and the weapon flies at Hiro with a hiss. Although he tries to react, it’s too fast for him and disappears before it strikes from behind snapping on his shoulder, pushing him to the ground with its force. After this, Akuhei chuckles, then pulls back and recalls the weapon and it forcibly drags him across the sooty floor and flips him to his back. The whiplash leaves Hiro dizzy and disoriented as he struggles back to his feet, clutching his shoulder.
Hiro: Gah--dammit...
Just as he gets to his feet, Hiro groans as the injury is infested with green markings. Before he can gather himself, he feels the edge of Akuhei’s shoe strike him in the gut, knocking him to the floor again. His next sight is the General looking down at him with a snaky smile.
Akuhei: Not your lucky day is it? Oh, but you are pathetic, I’ll take delight of sending you to join that man you call a father. I mean, I had nothing to do with that whole family thing, I’m just nipping a problem in the bud, you see. But you can do me a favor and go on and scream in your wretched woes as Leviathan, the fangs and blade of the Underworld Serpent leaves nothing of you! Hehehaahaa!
The weapon springs out from behind Akuhei and is engulfed by emerald veins that burst through its body in a shadowy miasma of greenish auras that takes on the appearance of an otherworldly snake, and it soon rushes right down at Hiro as the manic man leaps off his prey and commands Leviathan to strike. However, a blinding flash fills the vicinity before it can make any kind of contact. The flash fades into sparks of lightning that dance around the area near Hiro.
Ellie: Now, now, that's quite rude of you snake. How about you challenge someone who is slightly closer to your level, hmm?
Landing back on the floor with a confused squint, the crackling and lightning’s energy slowly fades out, allowing Akuhei to make out the person who stood in front of Hiro who holds a naginata.
Hiro: (Coughs) H-how did you…
Ellie: (Twirls her naginata electricity crackling around it) I’ll tell you later.
Akuhei: Gh--what the--?
Shaking off his brief stupor from the flash, Akuhei withdraws the weapon with a motion of his hand and notices the core become inactive as it remains in its blade-form. Clicking his tongue at it he squints at the newcomer.
Akuhei: (To himself) Leviathan...only certain things can disrupt my weapon. (Aloud) And who the hell are you, beastkin?
Ellie: Combat trainer and guardian extraordinaire. And that's all you'll get from me snake.
Akuhei: (Scoffs) 'Guardian extraordinaire', huh? Yeah, sure...
He looks at Leviathan, watching its energy slowly recover.
Akuhei: (Gestures at Ellie) You know, I met a bold beastkin like you once. I spent several years trying to kill him and take the kid who was with him. What do you think happened? I'll tell you what. (Raises his voice) He died! We killed him! When we finally cornered that meddlesome beastkin years later--while we never did get the kid--the cat’s death was a sight reward enough all on its own!
He lifts his head with a sinister grin.
Akuhei: And that brings me to the point: A guardian always dies…that’s their fate. And I’ve killed so many like you, I’ve lost count in fact! Those who protect those dear to them, their cries are the sweetest... and you're no different from those corpses. You'll be one soon enough.
Ellie: (Frowns in defiance) Sure whatever you say.
Akuhei: Cocky one, huh? Well then...
When he notices the emerald veins pulsate through the weapon once more, Akuhei moves Leviathan and flashes a grin as he sends it forward.
Akuhei: Now I know you’ve used a bit of your energy, so let’s see you do that little trick of yours and stop me twice!
Swiftly, Ellie creates another flash, but this time instead of disrupting the General’s assault, Leviathan strikes empty air as the two vanish in the interim, leaving Akuhei clicking his tongue in annoyance looking around for the duo but finds no sign of them.
Akuhei: Tch…of course you run away, rob me of my thrills, eh? (Shrugs it off) Ah, whatever. I’ve wasted enough time here...he’s not my problem to deal with anyway, not right now.
Reaching to his communication device at his uniform’s collar he contacts someone, waiting for a response.
Akuhei: Lukain, can you do me a favor and contact Abduxuel’s wielder?
Lukain: (Voice only) What for? Did you discover what the Irregularity was? Was it the girl?
Akuhei: No, it wasn’t her. But it wasn't a complete false alarm. I think he’ll want to hear what I did find out… (Turns around and walks north) So do that for me would you? I’m going back to the city to check on those two for myself.
When Akuhei finally departs, Ellie pants as she hides herself and Hiro in the rubble of an old establishment in the wasteland. Noticing the injury in Hiro's shoulder appears to be infected, as Seithr tries to stick to it. The young male is on the verge of losing consciousness but still seems to recognize the beastkin with relieved eyes. However, the younger man is unable to respond, and Ellie takes the male from the floor into her arms. Stepping out of the rubble she looks on to where the General made his way. There in the distance is a city that stands at the crest of the higher landscape.
----
Glimpsing a Crystalline Horror
 
Area: Kagutsuchi 
Outside the NOS Outpost 
Approaching the outpost, Kiryos comes to view the clearing on a higher area but sees no immediate threats. There's a strange empty feeling in the air, however, and no soldiers are on guard duty. The barriers are left broken down and sparking on the floor.
Myri: I’ve got to find him...
The sound of the girl’s voice catches Kiryos' attention, watching her rush over to the steps leading up into the outpost, and sits on it with a frown. Her appearance visibly surprises him.
She shivers as a breeze passes by her. Placing her hand on the step and turning her head behind her, Myri takes notice of the massive doors leading into the outpost, the ars protecting them is disabled.
Myri: Doesn't seem like anyone is here...I'll wait inside.
Kiryos: I wouldn't do that if I were you.
Kiryos jumps down to the lower level and walks towards the girl.
Myri: Huh? Kiryos?
She seems shocked to see the Major, flinching as she stops her advance up the stairs, looking back to him.
Myri: (Looks back to the doors) You startled me...
Kiryos: What if this was a trap? Think about it: no living soul around, barriers being broken... you're a brave lady if you dare to venture into this place, Miss Kukiyona.
Myri: How so? I'm just looking for Nex. I'm not in any trouble, I assure you.
She pauses in thought and sighs.
Myri: Although I guess I am still a little too used to just being able to walk into places without any worry since I would do it with Lazarith all the time. It never crossed my mind that it might be a trap...but because I chose to help Nex that might have changed how the NOS is going to approach me now.
Kiryos: This world is a cruel place. The sooner you learn it, the better. Not everyone is going to act friendly towards you, no. (Sighs) Your naivete may be endearing, but it's not going to save you from the dangers of our reality.
Myri: (Crosses her arms with a dissatisfied frown) Hey it isn't like I don't know completely. Don't treat me like a child. At least I'm trying. But no one told me I was going to be kidnapped by the most wanted guy in the world and taken on some journey. I didn't exactly get any warning.
Kiryos: You expect everything to be told to you to digest? No. Life doesn't give us this luxury that often.
Myri: Right, which means I have to learn by myself and my own actions. It's rough sometimes, sure, but I'm not unhappy. Even though you say the world might be cruel, that doesn't change anything other than me wanting to do something about it. That is why I've chosen to stay with him, so I can learn for myself.
Kiryos: That's good. Try to learn as much as you can.
Myri: Right now I just want to learn my part in this, even if that means becoming involved directly with the abilities I have. I want to be able to do my share.
Kiryos: And you will... you're stronger than you look, Miss Kukiyona.
Myri: You think so? (Smiles) That’s kind of you to say, (looks to the side and sighs) although to be perfectly honest, I don't know how to turn my abilities into any power or anything yet. I mean, I don't think I even have a Drive.
She looks at her hand, raising it up a bit so the light from the sky hits it, but she wears a frown.
Myri: Lukain said my abilities are from pure magic, that my thoughts and desire can affect other things, even Seithr in ways. But willing this force to do anything seems impossible, aside from calming the Grimoire through some kind of manipulation. (Sighs, lowering her hand) I suppose I just have to keep trying...but it is a bit frustrating.
Kiryos covers his arm in ice and outstretches it to Myri.
Kiryos: I need to know how your magic reacts to mine. Touch my hand.
Myri seems puzzled, but she places her hand out and touches Kiryos'. As she does this, he concentrates briefly, trying to sense Myri's magical potential, and feels its vastness through his ice-encased hand. Her expression becomes pained as the ice burns her arm, and Kiryos quickly ends the contact.
Kiryos: I'm sorry I've hurt you.
Withdrawing her hand, she calms down, shakes her head, and manages a reassuring smile.
Myri: N-no, it's okay... I know you didn't mean to.
Kiryos: (Sighs) Your magical aptitude is... incredible. Just how did you end up with such amazing potential?
Myri: Um, I’m not sure of it myself. All I know is that my family was researching this power, it was in use during the Third War. And...
Her face shows hesitation as she folds her arms behind her back, frowning while swaying away.
Myri: Well, I really don't know much. Lazarith always told me the NOS was protecting me and that they believe that one day I could help mend and improve the world with my power. (Shakes her head at a loss) But I never understood what he meant by it, and no one will tell me.
An aura of particles dance around her fingertips, the strange particles moving around on their own; the color is beautifully vibrant and transitions in vivid teals and whites.
Myri: So far though, I’m not seeing how this power would help to stop any real threats to the world, even though Lukain had mentioned it was used in the past during the War, and that the NOS would only use it to stop a crisis.
Myri sighs, making the small auras vanish when she closes her hand and rests it back at her side.
Myri: So I have a lot of questions... and no idea where to start looking for answers. Aside, well, Lukain, but he scares me.
Kiryos: I think there may be another way to find what you're looking for.
Koori trots towards the two, having scouted the surrounding area. She looks at Kiryos and lets out a yelp.
Kiryos: So no one around... strange. Usually, there would be NOS personnel in this area.
Myri: (Looks over to the entrance of the outpost once more) Maybe they were all distracted by the recent attacks?
Kiryos: No, they wouldn't leave their posts. Something must've happened.
Myri: (Turns to him and nods) Well then...we should go look and see for ourselves.
As she speaks, Myri turns around and starts walking up the steps again, though Kiryos seems uncertain about the idea.
Kiryos: (Reaches with his hand in warning) Wait, let me check what's inside first. You wouldn't want to walk straight into a trap, now would you?
Myri: (Glances to Kiryos) But you just said no one was around, so how could that be a trap? The NOS isn't here, so I'm going inside. Besides, I think Nex is somewhere around here.
Kiryos: (Sighs) Suit yourself.
Myri: I don't like just standing on the sidelines all the time. That's not something you or Nex would understand since you're both capable fighters.
She says it with a sigh before she resumes her approach and heads through the main entry, a creaking groan of the massive doors is all that's heard in an empty main chamber. Carefully, Myri peaks in and seems uncertain, but steps inside gradually onto the tile ground.
Kiryos walks up the steps and takes a look inside the structure, while Koori carefully enters, sniffing the air around.
Kiryos: Where did everyone go?
Catching a sudden whiff of a strange scent, Koori raises her head, pointing her nose up. It occurs for a couple more seconds before without warning, she dashes down a corridor further in the interior. Her conjurer notices her darting away into the next room and goes after her, a bewildered Myri following in haste.
Myri: Hey, wait, (walks over to Kiryos with a frown) don't just run off like that! What was that for?
But the Assassin stares at the wolf, and what she chased after. Myri exhales in frustration until the object of her attention becomes the same as the others, but when she sees it, her look twists with alarm. Koori sniffs at a sizable set of corpses strewn about the room all have blackness eating at their skin. The girl becomes uneasy at the sight of the deteriorating humanoid husks and steps back.
Kiryos: Now I see... Seithr Beings were here, if not Zaezel himself.
Myri: Z-Zaezel? This might get bad, we should--
One of the windows in an office shatters, causing the duo to look over. A person wearing the NOS uniform goes flying through the air with a yell, and on contact with the ground, they go skidding across the tile, stopping a short distance away from both Myri and Kiryos. Picking their back up from the ground, they touch their communication device with a pained growl.
NOS Soldier: Send backup, dammit! We’re losing our whole team here... the commander of this outpost is dead...
The one who presumably delivered the attack jumps down to their level.
NOS Soldier: Who the hell are you people?
Malais: An exile, apostle, or a criminal. Whichever you prefer. Let me put it this way, to your world, I’m no one. I'm an Irregularity, and my name as an agent is Malais.
NOS Soldier: Criminal? Are you with that terrorist and them?
Malais: I guess you could say we’re here as a result of that monster’s actions stirring up the activity of the Boundary.
He stops his approach and stares at the soldier on the ground.
Malais: Thanks to you being the loyal NOS peon, your team leader died today. But you did do one good thing--at least we know what we need to keep the operation going. I hope your soul can rest knowing that.
They lower to the NOS soldier and strikes them with the tonfa in the skull, instantly killing them. After a gasp from Myri, the duo quickly approaches the newcomer.
Kiryos suddenly feels a jolt of pain going through his body as he approaches the man, and whispering voices start ringing in his head. He can only understand a few words: "death", "Seithr", "hatred", "get out", but he blocks these ominous signs from his mind.
Kiryos: You seem to be in a foul mood.
Malais: (Turns his eyes to them and stands back up) Another NOS pawn. As pleasurable as this has been I have to report to the others so we can get this all moving.
Myri stares at the band around the man’s wrist, seeing an odd and violent aura around it that almost whispers when she focuses on it. She quickly shakes her head in surprise.
Myri: That...that thing on your wrist… what are you connected to? What is with you?
Malais: (Slightly surprised) You sense that wavelength of the Boundary's energy...? But you’re not one of--? Who are you?
The glare she feels with his last question makes her flinch as she regrets saying anything.
Myri: I...
Kiryos: (Sharply) She doesn't concern you... now leave.
Taking a few more seconds to take in the blue-haired girl's appearance who stays near Kiryos he snaps his fingers in realization.
Malais: Oh, you’re the girl aren’t you? The girl with the Destroyer.
Myri: Wait--do you know Nex? Is Nex here?
Malais: Now, I never said that. But it’s good to finally see you, lady Kukiyona. You’ve caused a lot of chatter in our region. You’re the ‘Divine Vessel’ right? An old idea caught up in the actions of that family in that defunct agency during the Third War... who were they? (Taps his arm while in thought) I know I've heard of them...
Myri: (Gasps and frowns) No. You haven't--and I...I don’t know what that means...
Malais: No? How could you not know? Ah, well, it doesn’t matter right now. We were just leaving.
He walks by them, taking another look at Myri before he walks down the corridor's hallway and leaves the two in the chamber.
Myri: Something was wrong with him. That was deadly and distorted energy around him, coming from that odd crystallized device on his wrist...
Kiryos lets off a sigh. His head is clear, and voices are silenced.
Kiryos: It's Scourge-based... whenever I come in contact with large quantities of Seithr such as Scourge, I experience headaches and start hearing voices in my head. This man triggered my affliction, so he may as well be connected to Zaezel.
Myri: But, all these poor people, did he do this to them?
Kiryos picks up on a trace of energy, it doesn't appear to be Seithr but due to the experience he's attuned to it, he tries to track it down but has a hard time pinpointing it. A very faint but familiar warmth, like a quiet and powerful pulse surging through reality, yet its shared with disorienting and unsettling darkness when he thinks about it too much.
Myri: Now what's wrong?
Kiryos: I feel something... some sort of energy. It's not Seithr, but something different.
Following his reply, Kiryos is already walking ahead to go into the higher levels, where he comes into the room by the staircase where the officer previously had been. When he walks into the interior of the workplace he's hit by another disorienting sensation, as Seithr blankets the room and builds itself inside into odd shapes sucking energy away.
In particular, one of those strange constructs traps another young male, though on closer inspection it's Nex. Taken by surprise by it, Kiryos can only assume that it was his Azure's energy he picked up on, and he begins to approach. It's difficult to deal with the heavy doses of the Seithr, but he manages to push it aside to pull his blades out and tries hacking at the construct with quick slashes. Several strikes in, it breaks down and Nex lands on the ground coughing before he pushes himself back up partly, swaying his head in recovery.
Nex: Ghah. This isn't--what I was expecting to deal with...
Kiryos: We should stop meeting... under these circumstances.
Kiryos starts coughing profusely as Seithr starts overwhelming him, looking back at the entrance.
Kiryos: I'm not... well...
Nex, despite being weakened, notices the mass amounts of Seithr causing distortion in the area around them. With a growl, he forces himself to move out of the room and pulls Kiryos away as well, prior to violently slamming the door shut when the shadowy particles chase them, trying to coil around the rebel, but misses him and strikes the doorknob instead. When they're out, Kiryos begins to calm down but still remains in pain.
Nex sits down placing his back against the wall, wincing and holding his head as red veins surge through bits of him the Grimoire reacting due to the profuse amounts of Seithr and energy contacting and being absorbed into him.
Kiryos leans on a railing and coughs, his vision gains clarity, and he looks at the rebel.
Kiryos: I have to thank you again... you've saved me.
Nex: You got me a way out, I could't move. My body doesn't respond well to the Scourge.
Myri: (Looks up to their level) Nex! What...what are you doing here? Are you and Kiryos okay?
Kiryos: I'll be fine, don't worry.
Nex: (Closes his eyes and lets out a sigh in exasperation) Didn't I ask you not to follow me until I got back...
A couple of minutes later they’re back on the lower levels. Myri looks to Nex who sits back against a decorative structure.
Myri: So, Nex...what happened? Why were you here?
Nex: (Sighs as he gathers his thoughts) It had to do with one of the NOS’ research projects I dealt with years ago, you remember what I told you I'm here to do, right?
Myri: (Tilts her head) Sort of?
Nex: That thing is a conduit and key to power deep in a Gate the NOS connects to in order to use it with their Boundary Management System. Lukain was involved with it alongside specific people in the Innovos Duodecim, and so I tried to destroy it.
Myri: Okay? But what does that have to do with attacking an outpost?
The rebel casts a glance to the office he left, where the officer from earlier is at that still remains motionless, as though comatose. Nex's eyes close a bit as he continues to explain.
Nex: The leader of this squad was part of the Duodecim, so I thought he’d know which of them I needed to talk with to figure out where that thing Lukain was working on currently is.
A scowl flashes across his expression and he leans his head back up to the surface of the object.
Nex: Then it was all screwed up by that guy who was able to manipulate the Seithr to levels I haven’t seen in awhile… (Squints in a troubled manner) not sure what it was he wanted from that database.
Kiryos: He said he'd already gotten what he needed. Do you think he's in cahoots with Zaezel?
Nex: Might be. Could be the people who let Zaezel out... either way, he’s from Nadir, a society in Taoreta.
Myri: (Shakily) Taoreta... you mean the place people get exiled to? Where the Seithr Scourge is at its worst? That horrid place?
Nex: He’s a criminal...an Irregularity. It's the only place he could live without being hunted down or killed. His abilities aren’t normal, he uses the Scourge to power himself, like Sylar or I do. The only place I've run into types like him was Taoreta.
Kiryos: It's an unsavory place, so I've heard from Mother. Those who manage to adapt to those conditions become rather powerful... some even spread their influence into Hierarchical Cities.
Nex: You don't wanna go there. No law, no control, even the NOS doesn't go there much because they're risking their lives the minute they step into their borders. The anarchists there hate them.
Myri: Oh god...Nex, I get you're a strong person, but why would you ever go there?
Nex: Had my reasons, but I met people who'd I'd rather forget... they make most in the Governments look tame. They live by ruthlessness and sacrifice, and some have learned to wield the Boundary's power like it was their own.
Myri: That sounds so horrible... (Worried) if this person really is from Taoreta... then why are they here in Kagutsuchi? Do they want to overthrow it?
Kiryos: Their motives are unclear.
Nex: Doesn’t really matter what their motive is, so long as they don’t get in my way.
The rebel stands back up, checking his arm once more and watching the dark auras slowly shrink away back toward the concentrating Seithr around his shoulder blades, the blackened bits give a surging crimson glow prior to becoming dull. The Grimoire's visible portions slowly fade away into crystalline black and red vapors.
Myri: (Looks at Nex in surprise) Wait, you’re...not even going to try and stop them?
Nex: (Scowls as he places his hand against his right side) Why the hell should I? Their business in Kagutsuchi doesn't concern me, (Looks to Myri, gesturing at the bits of the Seithr still on him), and did you see what that asshole did? Almost made my Grimoire go haywire if it wasn't for Kiryos.
Kiryos: (Ruffles Koori's fur) Well, I'm glad I've found you in time, otherwise you'd massacre us.
Nex: My point exactly.
Myri lowers her head when she hears Nex's response, but quickly looks back up and frowns at him.
Myri: But the city might be in danger...
Nex: (Sighs in annoyance) We've been through this. I'm not the guy who swoops in and saves the day, you do know I'm the Destroyer, right?
Myri: (Gives him an determined, stubborn stare) Nex, stop being so jaded about it. I know that's not what you want. You want to help the person you lost, it isn't just about destroying everything.
Nex: Tch. (Looks to the side and away from her) Either way, it isn't my problem to deal with. It's the NOS'. They deal with Irregularities.
Myri: (Sighs) Well, I didn't know the infamous Nex was afraid of small-time criminals. Guess people really can only rely on Governments.
Nex rolls his eyes at the comment, keeping his glower.
Kiryos: He's right... we can't do anything about it. We can try, but it won't make a big change.
Nex: It's probably better that I don't get involved with these people, otherwise I'll attract unwanted attention, and I do that enough already.
Myri seems dissatisfied but exhales her frustrations away, giving the rebel a final huff in disapproval.
Myri: Doesn't mean we can't at least try. I want to try and make a difference in the world.
Nex: (Shoots a glare of warning at her) Listen, you don’t get it, Taoreta is the last place you want to be involving yourself in and--
Meanwhile, the body of the NOS outpost leader suddenly twitches, as blackness leaks out of their wound where the crimson construct was connected to his body. It begins to draw in the scourge and the husk animates.
Distracted by their conversation, Nex's attention is suddenly drawn away as he looks to the higher level to see the husk of the individual and vague remnants of their human form. Myri's eyes widen and she soon hurries back over to his side.
Myri: N-Nex, what's wrong with him...!
Nex: (Squints) I don't know... are they becoming a Seithr being?
Kiryos: (Frowns with caution) That wound is infected. He doesn't have much time to live.
Outpost Commander: Ki...Kill me, I don't want this, I've only ever served this order, this world--GHHHAAG!
Their words are drowned out by a horrible gurgling scream. Bits of their skin turn metallic black, rapidly spreading and transitioning into partial sludge that consumes their limbs. Black constructs jut out of the wound, wriggling around as the person themselves begins losing shape while a putrid pitch liquid pools around them.
Myri gasps in horror and backs away, hiding behind Nex and closing her eyes tightly with a scream.
Myri: That doesn't look like an infected wound I've ever seen!
Nex growls in slight surprise as he draws his sword.
Nex: Tch, wasn't expecting to deal with shit like this in a government-controlled city...that thing took over entirely.
Kiryos: So that's how they add more to their numbers... a fate worse than death.
Just as Nex readies his blade, something speeds by, coiling and twisting as it lunges ahead in an unorthodox manner. The young man’s eyes widen when he watches a serpentine head contact the struggling officer, burrowing into the remains of the human shape.
Akuhei: (Voice only) Oh, look at them squirm. Their suffering became too much, it looks like...
Eyes narrowing with sudden anger the instant he registers the mocking hiss, Nex looks over his shoulder to see Akuhei behind them. Leviathan's chain meanwhile strangles the squad leader. As it happens, their body loses shape even quicker the green auras steadily engulfing them. The snake's head eventually presses through deeper with its metallic fangs, shredding through the victim’s body. Their struggle doesn't help them escape.
Myri trembles while hearing the person’s screams of pain, but is pulled away by Nex's right hand gripping her wrist. Placing her behind him, the rebel turns gingerly, now facing the General and holding back a growl in disdain that momentarily slides through his teeth.
Wearing a grin, Akuhei approaches with slow steps, one hand whimsically manipulating the chain, and the other snug in his uniform pocket.
Akuhei: (In mocking tone) Their valiant work to protect the outpost will be remembered in our hearts.
Only a second passes before he bursts into a laugh at his own words that had been dripping with a cruel insincerity. The clacking of a red-colored crystal dropping down to the tile ground out of the blackening body catches Myri’s eyes as energy is pulled into the object. A frown in unease appears on the girl's expression while watching it and staying close to a tense Nex.
Nex: Akuhei...
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The Irregular Eye
 
Area: Kagutsuchi 
Outside the NOS Outpost 
Malais: Well, we took care of our end of things…
He looks around and feels someone watching nearby. Turning his head up he spots a young woman with maroon-colored hair watching from higher up on a platform overlooking the outpost.
Malais: Color me surprised. Didn’t expect to see you here yet.
She looks down to the male with a frown.
Malais: It’s pretty early for you to be out and exposing yourself. Did you decide to help with this operation after all?
Maroon-haired Woman: No. I’m watching the events for my own reasons.
Malais: Right-- I saw you save him earlier.
Surprise appears in the girl's eyes but it returns to composure soon after as she turns her head away.
Malais: It’s not like that guy can’t deal with the NOS...if you want to talk to him, there’s better ways to do it.
Maroon-haired Woman: (Sharply, with a glare) Do your job... inform me once you procure that convict and discover the Gate we need to reach that object.
Malais: Ouch. Tongue as sharp as your blades... alright, I hear you. I’ll get them all moving soon enough. What about you?
Maroon-haired Woman: My actions don't concern a lower-rank soldier like yourself.
Malais: Why do you have to bring rank into this? Do you know how to find that thing or not? Nadir doesn’t like their time wasted, neither does the boss.
Maroon-haired Woman: (Assuredly with a squint as she frowns) Of course I do. That power doesn’t belong only to them...and I will prove that, rest assured. You’ll have your moment to strike a blow to the World Order.
Malais: That’s all we need to know. Look forward to continuing our work.
He walks off and rejoins the other operatives, gradually disappearing from the woman’s sight. She closes her eyes, listening to his voice draw further away.
Malais: (Offscreen) Yeah. I found where our target is. Give me a few to decipher what we’ve got from the database, start heading to the coordinates I’ll send you.
The young woman in an ornate crimson cloak wearing a headdress that holds a polished stone at its raised centerpiece continues to stare at the outpost from a distance.
Maroon-haired Woman: This flawed system that so many souls rely on... a system that will never understand us or our desires--considering us Irregularity, a threat to its order, it must end. You know that too, don’t you, Nex? (With resolve) I won’t allow you to get caught up in its lies that deny our freedom. (Squints) But you cannot continue to deny the desire born from your pain either.
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End of Arrival of Irregularity
Continues in: Core of Dissonance
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Category:Control Sequence Transcript