Seraphina's Story: The Nightmare of Faust

## Chapter 1: Fake Call in Fort Despair

We finally made our descent into the old ruins of Fort Despair. After looking at the scenery of the autumn leaves on the trees and the old building to the left. The coordinates printed in the message are just a few feet ahead, and of all people that requested me was Erika. Ever since what happened in Kuromorimine, I've had incredibly tough relationships with Erika, since she was the whole reason I quit that school in the first place, so I wouldn't have to see her again. I've always hated looking at her smug bitch face. That's when I got the orders to head on forward to meet with her myself. *"Nope!,"* I reply, *"I am NOT going to see her. Come on Maho, please agree with me on this. You remember what happened back in Floodways!"* She comes out from her Tiger with a smile saying. "Sera please, she's my friend, and she did specifically request you of all people to come. That means it must be important," I sigh and I give the order to drive ahead to find her while clenching my anger. There was one problem that arose when I made it there. It was eerily quiet and there was no Erika to be seen. Once I made it to the coordinates I opened the commander's hatch and looked around to see if I can find her, cause she could be somewhere in the area. She was nowhere in sight. I shouted her name, hoping to get her attention, and then looked again to see if she might've responded. Just then a quick and sharp pain had hit the right part of my neck. I was looking around to see what hit me and almost fell of the turret. *"Gah! What the hell was that!?"* I look around sharply in all directions to see where it could've came from, but to no avail I found nothing, and thought it was just a fly. After a few minutes of looking, I went back to tell the news to the others. What I didn't know was that moment would change my life forever.

## Chapter 2: Pain Through The Nightmares

We decided to stay in Fort Despair for the night, so we did our part to make a campsite. After everyone went in their tents to hit the hay, I decided to sleep on my AMX to look at the stars. It wasn't comfortable, but the view was breathtaking. I drifted after a few seconds, and then it got all hazy. I woke up a few minutes later and not on my tank, but instead in a black space. Blood-red smoke poured out in the whole void around to my waist, and I could barely see a thing. I yelled to see if anyone was here, but no response. And so I ran as fast as I could. I ran and ran and ran until I stopped dead. What I saw figured to be a person in the smoke, and it felt so familiar. It was me but, she or it wasn't me. Her eyes were jet black, like night and her pupils were an evil blood-red that ran a chill down my spine. She wore a red and black mask with four canisters, two on each side pouring out red smoke. She also adorned a 5th Reich tank commander's uniform. Sera: *"Hey! Where are we?"* No response. Then in the blink of an eye, we both were transported to a ruined laboratory. Fire was surrounding the building, broken debris had been scattered everywhere I looked, and the red mist was around to my feet. In between us, a large, shattered glass canister laid in the middle of the large room. I started to shake as I ask her, *"Who are you? Why are you doing this!?"* She started to speak and her voice was my own but, distorted and strange. She said, *"I am you, Seraphina Kurusu. This place here is both a memory of your future, and a fragment of your past... This is the End, and you have yet to reach the beginning. Wake up Seraphina, our master awaits you soon."* She pulled my own gun out and shot me in the chest. I woke up in a scream, grabbing where she shot me, which scared everyone. Maho came up and asked if I was ok, and I answered, *"Um.... y-yeah, I'm fine Maho."* She then went back to her Tiger and climbed up. Before we departed I thought to myself, *\*Who is that girl, and what was she talking about?\**

## Chapter 3: Suspicion Between Allies

It seemed nothing much happened on the road to Faust, and it will take awfully long to get there. I started to get nervous. I felt sick ever since Fort Despair, but I hid it from the rest of my crew and my friends. Although, it wasn't long until one Makoto Nijima, my viewfinder, started to get suspicious of me. She asked me if I was alright. I tried my best to hide it, but I said I was alright. From the face she was pulling, she knows I'm not fine. But I don't notice and had gone back to looking. "Psst! Ryuji, she whispered, "Over here!" He said, "What is it now Makoto? I'm busy he-Wah!" She dragged him over without a fuss. Makoto: "Hey, you see Sera over there?" He looks to her and then back at Makoto. Ryuji: "Um, yeah. What about her?" M: "Look at her. Doesn't she seem, I don't know, acting strange?" R: "Uh, nope! Nothin' here." She facepalms herself and he goes to look closer. R: "Oh! I see it!" She slaps him before he can yak anything else out. M: "Not so loud dumbass, or she might know!" She quickly looks to see if Seraphina had noticed, but it seemed that she couldn't hear them. They resume talk in whispers. M: "Just keep an eye on her alright? I'm worried about her. If anything goes on with her, we need to let the other commanders know". R: "Ok, you can count on me!" He does a half-serious salute then goes back to his position. They go back to their spaces in the AMX 12 t. We all stopped at a rest and resupply place called Black Goldville. While everyone refilled and got supplies ready, my team decided to go out and see if anyone was following us. To my surprise, no one was in the area. And so, we regrouped with the others and in no time we were continuing our way to the snowy depths of Faust.

## Chapter 4: Corruption in the Silo

We finally made it here, the abandoned ruins of Faust. It felt like years after what happened in Canyon. It felt quite easy since we were able to follow a weakened brainwashed Anchovy here. We managed to catch up with the brainwashed Anchovy. This was it, she was cornered in the middle of the silo, with Phoenix, Alice, Maho, Miho and me surrounding her. Sera: "Come out Anchovy." Her tank immediately shut down, and we were all in shock. I came out of my tank first to investigate the corpse. Slowly walking and climbing the tank, I opened the commander's hatch and found Anchovy looking like she's exhausted and unconscious. I carried her out, and looked at Phoenix. Sera: *"Hey Phoenix, you said you knew this place like the back of your hand. You know where the medical bay is?"* Phoenix: "Yeah, to the right, it's room 45-A, can't miss it." Sera: *"Alright. Alice and Miho, tow Anchovy to the medical bay. Phoenix and Maho, you two go find something to help Anchovy wake up. I'll go investigate the place to see if there's anything here."* They all nod and head off in their own directions. As for me, I went off to search the place. As I was far off to the edge, I started to look at the snowy night. Just then, I felt severe pain in my mind. My vision began to turn all hazy, and I started to have the biggest migraine of all time. I went on my knees as I felt my mind slowly breaking apart into two. When I fell to the ground, a person appeared in front of me. I looked up but couldn't see his face. I kept trying to get up, but my body refused to move. ???: "Well well well, it seems the dart finally took effect. Took long enough". Sera: *"Who.... are.... you?"* ???: "It doesn't matter who I am, but the one who hired me to shoot you. Mr. Vermillion really paid a huge amount to get you and your friends too." Sera: *"No, you won't... get away... with this..."* Just then, my eyes became lifeless, and a black & red mist enveloped me, changing my look. I stopped struggling and laid there, motionless. The mist has fully enveloped me and I stood up, and look at the man. The Malice has taken full control. I open my eyes with a new flare made of corrupt and evil. Sera/Mali: \*with black eyes and glowing red-yellow pupils\* *"And so begins the Era of the Corruption."*

## Chapter 5: Betrayal by Corruption

I stand up beginning to feel more corrupted. The man looks at me again. ???: "These are reinforcements that will help you take care of the other threats." Sera/Mali: *"They look weak, but they are acceptable. They seem to be more quantity than quality though."* One of them aims his gun at me without my notice, and the one near his left stops him while saying, "Alex... no." As they talk, Phoenix and Miho discover them conversating, until she picks them up. She turns to the hill they hide behind. Sera/Mali: *"You three, go deal with them. I'll handle the others."* As Phoenix and Miho almost get shot at, they retreat just in time. Anchovy wakes up in the Medical Bay confused as of why she is even there. Alice: "Good, she's awake." Miho: "Anchovy, what happened that made you so crazy enough to attack us?" Anchovy: "Ugh, all I remember is that I was walking back to my room on the school ship, and then some man grabbed me and stuck me with a needle that made me unconscious. Now I'm here being looked at by you guys. Oh! I also remember a deep voice that said "Bring the pink-haired girl to the silo. Everything will come to plan later." Both look at each other and realize that this was planned to capture Seraphina. Alice: "Oh no! We got to tell Seraphina and the others about this before-" Sera/Mali: *"Before what exactly, Alice Shimada?"* She is shocked to see Sera of all people holding a gun at them. Alice: "S-Seraphina? W-W-Why? I thought we were friends?" Sera/Mali: *"Who? Oh you mean this ugly defect I'm using as a host? Sorry girl, but now she's now under the allegiance of the Europan 5th Reich. I could kill you right now, but the boss wants you all alive, so surrender now or we'll just use the good old 'sedatives and mind control trick'."* Alice begins to feel rage at her friend and she runs towards Sera. Alice: "Let go of my friend! NOW!" She tries to land a blow on her but she rushes to Alice before she can even blink, and she grabs her by the neck and slams her onto the wall. Before Maho and Anchovy could react, the soldiers aim their guns at the back of their heads. Deep in my mind, I lay on the black surface on my knees chained to the ground by corrupted chains. I look through my own eyes to see Alice being injured. Sera: *"NO ALICE!!"* Maliphina laughs as she keeps watching. Mali: *"Don't you see. These humans have made you weak and as soft as them."* Sera: "Why are you doing this to them!? They have done nothing to you!" Maliphina turns her head to look at her with one eye and an emotionless scowl. Mali: *"Humans are evil and sadistic. They have destroyed forests and polluted oceans. Starting wars while killing thousands to millions in the process, and for what? Another war to take it's place. But you Seraphina, were created to kill, to corrupt, and become a being of death and power."* She turns completely and goes near her with a creepy smile while saying, ***"You can't escape your destiny! No matter how fast you run!"*** Alice begins to lightly bleed from the back of her head as Maliphina stares at her directly in the eyes. Before she fully passes out, an explosion occurs and both Phoenix and Miho, in lightly damaged tanks roll out of the flames and Phoenix's IS destroys one of the Reichi tanks while Miho flanks and destroys the other. The corrupted Seraphina drops Alice to the ground and looks at both tanks. Phoenix looks at the hurt Alice from the tank's hatch. As Miho aims, he holds his hand up, signaling to let him handle it. He jumps out and tries to attack Seraphina in a fit of rage, and yet she dodges all of his brutish attacks and slams him into the white snow. Maho and Miho try to pin her down yet she counters by throwing them off into different directions. Maho came to help Miho out as she got in her Tiger I and drew away the other soldiers. Phoenix went to Seraphina and saw Alice with her head bleeding on the ground, and as he did, he felt so much rage. Sera/Mali: *"Aw, has the lover-boy come to rescue his little girlfriend? **HAHAHAHA!** Pathetic! Let's see what you go-"* Before she could finish, he socked her right in the face at quick speed and she hit the wall next to her. She stood back up and spit some Malice-blood on the ground and said, *"Heh. Nice shot, but it'll take a lot more than that to finish me."* His eyes were filled with fire and fury as he kept trying to land blows on the corrupted Seraphina. Both at the moment were equally matched in skill, but eventually Phoenix had the advantage. As the corrupted friend tried to stab his back, he grabbed her arm and broke the bones. She screamed in pain as he tossed her to the stone wall. As she staggered, holding her broken arm, he gut-punched her so hard, he had punched the malice out of her. She went on her knees for a moment as her eyes had changed from red to blue and then to a dull gray and then fell onto the red snow below her, unconscious. Her face and body was covered with bruises and blood, and she seemed to be barely breathing. The two other soldiers immediately became shocked as they saw Seraphina go down. Alex: "Uh John, should we?" John: "Definitely." They quickly retreat with no pursuit. Everyone was all bruised to some extent and some of the silo was broken apart. After a moment, silence.

## Chapter 6: Traveling Through Time

Note: (This takes place after Chapter 5 and about a few weeks after Mozzy's adventure)

All that went in my head afterwards were myself, trapped in the cage of my own mind, watching as that "thing" was using my own body, to hurt my own friends. I saw everything become black, and then I saw her. Mali: *"Hello Sera. Enjoyed my little show?"* Sera: *"Shut up creature, and get out of my head! You've caused enough hell to my life!"* She smirked at me and said, *"You idiot, I have no use for your body anymore! I have all the data I need. My physical body is now complete which means I both don't need you and I can do whatever I please. Enjoy the show loser!"* She laughs and disappears instantly. Just then I instantly wake up to see something very different. I look around to see I'm in a hospital room, and on me are multiple life supporting devices, including a breather mask on my face. I immediately rip it off, and I try to think back on what the hell happened. Just then I remember Phoenix gut punching my stomach until blood spurted out of my mouth. I take the covers I am under off to see several parts of my body in bandages. *'Oh, so that's why I feel so weak.'* I feel my eye to see some kind of patch with a cord on it. I look to see a night-stand on my right and on it was my phone, a gym bag with spare clothes, and a small parchment. It says 'Look up.' As I do, I see a familiar face smiling directly at me. It was Mozzy, from the Das Finale tournament. Although, she looked incredibly different. Looking at her attire, the white hair that was originally pale green last time I saw her, it looked like she didn't even come from here. What was she doing here? Before I open my mouth to ask, she immediately hugs me. Mozzy: "I'm just happy you guys are alive! Sera, what you did could've drastically changed the futures of you, your friends, and everyone in Japan!" Sera: *"What are you talking about Mozzy? You're making no sense..."* She looks at her hands as she hears that nickname. Mozz: "Heh... Mozzarella... I haven't heard that nickname in decades. Sorry Seraphina, but I'm not your Mozzarella. Our real name is Sahira Venator, and you already know that name from the brother of Vermillion." Shocked at the realization, I figured out that Mozz or "Sahira" is the daughter of my own 'uncle'. Sahira: "Come with me, I want to show you something. I'll give you as much time as you need." I fall from my hospital bed, while trying to move. Mozz: "Oh yeah I forgot, the sedatives haven't worn off yet." She picks me up with ease, strangely. She carries me to what was instead a P.43 was instead a P.44 Pantera. It was donned with strange tech all over it, none that I have ever seen in my life. She opens a hatch inside and sets me down in one of the seats. Sera: *"Thanks Mozz, I mean Sahira."* Sahira: "Please, you can call me whatever you like, now buckle up. We're going to my universe." I'm very shocked to hear that there are more universes out there. She activates the Pantera as a small portal opens. Sahira: "Hope your okay with time sickness!" And in an instant, we zoom inside the portal and it closes. As we traveled through a beautiful blue tunnel, she explains to me her whole Excerpts, my origins, her universe, and how I was created to be a human super-weapon. Sera: *"Ok, lemme get this straight... Your saying that I'M a superweapon, there's actual MAGIC in my universe, I'm able to unlock these 'Skill Set' things, and also... I WAS A SUPER WEAPON!?"* Sahira: "Yes, not exactly, yes, and um.... same answer as the first question." I sit there, thinking about how much I believed about my life. *\*My whole life..... all just a simulation and a lie. But..... I just can't believe it.\** I've thought for so long, it turns out we're reached her universe.

## Chapter 7: Unlocking New Paths

Sahira: "We're here! We just need to stop by my place then go to some specific parts. Uh.... here, you'll need to wear this. You can't be going around in that hospital gown in public." She tosses to me a sleek and elastic suit. I caught it, so it seems the sedatives have worn off. Sera: *"What is it?"* Mozz: "This is known as a polysuit. Just put it on, think about what you wanna wear, (other than jewelry) and it'll manifest that into the clothes you chose." Sera: *"Um, ok....."* I put the suit on, and it tightens on me enough to fit comfortably on my skin. *"Wow, you weren't kidding about it fitting like a glove! Both tactical and practical... I love it!"* The suit immediately changes to a street-hacker style gettup. A ripped up jean jacket, a basic long sleeve red tee, and some marked jeans. I decide to put my hair up into a ponytail as well for the time being. We park at her place and go inside. Sera: *"So what is it that we need from this place Mozzy?"* Sahira: "Oh it's just a little something." Sera: *"Oh, um do you know where the bathroom is in here. I've been dying to go since we left the hospi-"* I feel a hard numbing pain on my head, as if I got hit by a bat, and I fall to the ground unconscious. I wake up dazed, strapped onto a table with metal cuffs and a strange cord attached to my neck. I look around and I see Sahi working on a computer. Sera: *"Oh of course. I'm trapped and got double-crossed.... again. What are the odds.... What are you gonna do now huh, mind control me? Who do you work for anyways? Waffentrager? Venator? Mikhail X?!"* She turns to look at me. Sahi: "I work for none of those old fools. This is just how it all the data of your Ability usage needs to be transferred into you. That is what the cord's for anyways." Sera: *"Wait WHAT!?"* Sahi: "Shh, you just need to sleep Sera. It'll be painless." Sera: *"NO! I WON'T BECOME SOMEONE ELSE'S PLAYTOY!!! I REFUSE!!*" I keep struggling, trying to find just one solution, anything that can help me. Sahira: "Just stop struggling alright, it'll be al-" Sera: *"Your father may have been justified, but you never will!"* Her face changes to a pale expression. She looks down to herself and activates a small lever as I begin to feel a jolting pain all over my body. I scream and struggle as my eyes turn to numbers of data and code that are running through my brain. All of it coming so fast at once it makes my brain feel like it's being ripped into two. I struggle and scream as I beg her to stop until I feel a spark in my head, and black out of exhaustion. I wake up in the same hospital I was in earlier with the same devices on me from before. I take the breather mask off and see that my wounds have already healed, which is strange. I look to my right again to see the same nightstand from before to see my phone, a red box, and the gym bag from earlier. I rub my hand on my head for a bit and wonder, \**Was that all really just a dream? It felt so real.\**

## Chapter 8: The Mysterious Mask

I open the box to find a strange Purifier Mask inside. Although, this one felt very different from the one I wore before. I look at it a bit more. A looped tubing on the left and what looks like two canisters on the right. I hesitate before putting it on, and once I do a covering comes over my eyes and I can't see anything. I panic for a bit and as I try to take it off I press on a small bump and some light blue text appears. `"Scanning brainwaves."` Sera: *"Scanning brainwaves? What the hell does that mean!?"* I try to move my hands towards the mask but my body refuses to move. Then, the same voice takes the form of a light blue sphere. ???: `"Greetings Ms. Kurusu. I am EMMA."` Sera: *'So it's some kind of smart mask?'* EMMA: `"You are quite correct Ms. Kurusu."` Sera: *"How do you know what I'm thinking!?"* EMMA: `"I am speaking to you through your mind Ms. Kurusu. I know your name through your memories and I have stored them into my database. I am also able to pilot your body if your in any trouble as well as protect you from any chemical gasses that may cause you harm."` Sera: *"Um... ok... Could you at least let me see?"* EMMA: `"Gladly. Removing cover."` I'm able to move my body again as I look around the room. When looking around I see a little crosshair in the middle of my sight. As I look around the room, the crosshair follows my line of sight and I can also see clearer. It seems the visor on this mask has enhanced my vision. Sera: *"Well uh, thanks I guess EMMA."* EMMA: `"It is no problem Mrs. Kurusu. I was specifically designed to help my user in any possible way."` Sera: *"Not to be rude, but could you at least not sound so... robotic? It's kind of making me feel.... uncomfortable..."* EMMA: `"Of course! Please wait for a few seconds."` After a couple of beeps, she sounds different. EMMA: `"Well, does this suit your taste or are you still not impressed?"` Sera: "Well now... you got a voice modifier AND a bit of sass. Quite impressive EMMA." EMMA: `"Aw why thank you Ms. Kurusu."` Sera: "Don't worry EMMA. You can just call me Sera." EMMA: `"Well then, 'Sera', now that you don't need me as a mask, I'll just do this for the time being."` She quickly transforms into a watch that sticks onto my left hand. Sera: "What just happened?" EMMA: `"I transformed into something more practical since you don't need me as a mask. I'm also able to transform into many more devices if you like."` Sera: "I didn't know you were capable of doing so much EMMA. You're very unique you know." EMMA: `"One-of-a-kind my friend!"` I laugh for a bit at the snarky remark she makes. Sera: "Well that was a bit of a laugh. You can rest up until I can need you, alright?" EMMA: `"Really? Thank you. No one has ever let me go to Sleep Mode until they needed me."` Sera: "Of course! It's what friends do!" `EMMA: "Friends?"` She powers down and goes to Sleep Mode. I smile and reach to the nightstand on my right. I look at my phone for a bit to see anything new. Nothing. I look into the gym bag for those extra clothes and instead I was shocked to find what was inside. All there was inside was a sleek elastic suit, the same one from the dream. I decided to leave that thought alone and I went back to sleep.

## Chapter 9: As Time Moves On

A couple of months later, I was to be discharged from the hospital along with the rest of my friends that were hurt too except Alice. I ask Phoenix. Sera: "Phoenix... Where's Alice?" He looks down with a grim face. Phoenix: "Still recovering, because of you..." I ignore what he said and suggested not to speak to him for a while, or at least when Alice is discharged from the hospital. When I got back to Maho and Miho's house, I was greeted with a large hug from them both. I decided not to yet, since I was still a little weak. I also decided to enroll for the newly-made Red Blossom High School, and passed with flying colors. I managed to defeat Alice and Phoenix's IS in a 1v2 round. He was tough, and though he had a some Pravdan spirit in him similar to Nonna's, he managed to play fair. I was appointed as a Sub-Commander afterwards. I walked up to the guest room I was staying in and put down my bags. It seemed to be all cleaned and organized since I left. I guess Mrs. Nishizumi cleaned the place up a little as I was gone. I'll have to thank her later. I sit down on my bed and decide to make a bit of art. I opened up a small desk to find what was a small, golden key I was not familiar with. Sera: *\*Huh? A key? What's this doing in my desk?\** I take it out and look at it for a bit more. It was decorated with ornate patterns and what was in the middle was a blue eye, with a small sapphire as the eyelid. After holding it a bit more, I felt something calling to me. I quickly stood from my desk and left the room and quickly walked out to the door. Maho stopped me with a suspicious-looking face on her. Maho: "And where do you think you're going? You need to rest." Sera: *"My mind's just a little cloudy, so I thought taking a walk would make it better."* She sighs and puts a small smile on her face. Maho: "Alright. Just please make it back before dark. Me and Miho don't want to be searching for you like last time." Sera: *"Thanks Maho."* I hug her and I leave the house. I take out the ornate gold key and I follow to where the whispers call to me. It leads to Phoenix and Alice's neighborhood. I keep following and it leads me to a strange house. It looked like it's been untouched by nature and it was absolutely huge. It must have been like 2 stories. I look at the door and take out the golden key. I put it in the lock and once I turn it, it fits and opens the door. I stand inside the place in awe to see that it's been untouched. I walk around and look to see the place's layout. The counters are spotless, there's fresh food in the fridge, and there are some clothes in the closet. It seemed that someone had lived here before. No trace of them is to be seen, which is very strange. Suddenly, I'm seeing visions of me living here with two more people. A tall man that pats my head as he walks by, and a kid with glasses that I've never seen before that says, **"Morning sister! How did you sleep?"' *The me in that memory says,* "Eh, pretty fine. I woke up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night though." *I flash back to real time. I think to myself* \*Who were those people? Could this have been my old house, and was that kid who called me his 'sister' related to me somehow?\* *I shiver to myself and realize that this could be my actual house! I get a ringing from my phone. A text from Miho appears saying, 'Where are you Seraphina? Lunch is ready.' I reply back saying* 'Thanks for the notice Miho! I just need a minute of two then I'll be back!** I'm just near Phoenix and Alice's house. I hang up and decide to organize the place and explore a bit more. I clean around a bit more, throw out some of the food in the fridge, and explore some more rooms. I go up the second floor to find two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a strange gray door that won't open to the ornate key. I look into a room and seeing that it felt like it was my room, I decided to go inside. I looked around and under to see if there was any thing interesting. I looked into a closet and I was shocked. An armor stand stood in place in the center, and all there was on it was a simple golden chest plate. It glistened beautifully with teal accents and cloths holding it together. There was an emblem in the middle of the armor piece resembling a dragon's skull. I decided to leave it here, since I didn't want to bother it. After that, I go down the stairs and into a hallway to a garage that is absolutely enormous. It's enough to fit three tanks comfortably inside, though it's all filled with old junk. I guess I'll have to renovate this later. As I begin to leave, I hear the same whispers calling to me, and my body begins to stop. I go to the side of the house to find stairs going down to a sort of basement room. My instincts tell me to get out a different key. Instead, I take out a simple purple-eyed silver key and I put it in the door. I open it to see what looks like a large science lab. Metal parts, blueprints, and chalkboards with equations were strewn everywhere. In the center of the room, was a large computer that looked like it was from the future. I search through these blueprints and it seems to be instructions of EMMA. Sera: *"Hey EMMA! I think I found blueprints of you in this room!" EMMA: `"Wait, you found WHAT!?"` Sera: "I just said I found some blueprints of you, and some other models of you."* EMMA: `"Interesting... see if you can find anything else that's interesting in this mess!"` I begin to search around some more in the computer. There isn't anything much. I begin to search around some more, and once I find pictures of what looks like me, I quickly slam it. EMMA: `"Sera, what was that?"` Sera: *"It was nothing. Let's go.... now...."* I leave immediately. I close the door behind me and lock both the front and side doors with each of the corresponding keys. When I walk out, the sun was setting. Was I really in there that long? I walk back to Maho and Miho's house and say nothing about the house, and the two and their mother Shiho Nishizumi sits with them. As we eat dinner, Shiho asks, "So Seraphina, how was your little walk?" Sera: *"It was.... quite interesting.... Thank you for asking Mrs. Nishizumi..."*

## Chapter 10: A Visit From an Old Friend

As I'm laying down on the couch in Phoenix and Alice's house, throwing a ball into the air and catching it, I heard ringing from my phone. I put the ball down and try to reach the phone behind me and successfully get it. The number on the phone is one I don't know, or at least remember, but the tune of it sounds strangely nostalgic. I sit up, answer the call and say, "Go for Seraphina. Hello?" The voice sounds loud and strange, yet somehow familiar. Caller: "Hello tiny woman. You may not remember me, but I am old friend of yours. I want you to go outside your house and look. When you see me, you'll know." The call ends abruptly before I could say something. Just then, the ground starts to shake. Alice wakes up to hear it. Alice: "What the hell is going on!?" Sera: *"I don't know! It's coming from outside."* Alice rushes out, but I struggle to get up as I'm still healing. I limp out to see Alice, mouth wide open to see a massive tank rolling to our house. It's an early model of a T-135, a sort-of-brother to the KV-6 Behemoth. Just then, a hatch from the main turret opens, and a huge man in red soldier-like attire gets out and climbs off the tank. He looks absolutely massive, like he could simply kill someone just by choking them out with one hand. He walks up to me. Alice butts in between us but he comically picks her up with his two large hands and puts her aside. As he goes to me he opens his arms wide, and I brace for impact. He laughs and hugs me while saying, "Oh! It's been SO long since I've last seen you Seraphina! It seems you have gone into rough spot huh?!" I'm in his arms there confused for a second trying to see what this man is talking about until something hits my mind. 'That voice.... and that phone tune.... I haven't heard that since, Badwater!' Sera: *"Wait a minute, Misha!? Is that you!?"* Misha: "Oh is so good to see you remember me again!!" \*he hugs me harder which makes it tougher to breathe.\* Sera: *"Hey Misha.... could you.... put me down? I can't breathe...."* As he puts me down I gape for air. Sera: *"Oh where are my manners!? Misha, this is Alice Shimada, another friend. Alice, this is Misha Blascovitch, an old friend of mine."* Misha goes to shake her hand. Misha: "Well, any friend of Seraphina, is friend of Heavy! Anyways, may I come inside? I can make sandwiches and tell you all stories of my adventures!" We look at each other and nodded and looked back at him. Both: "Come on in!" After waiting for the sandwiches to be done, we sit at a table and eating and we laugh as we hear Misha's stories. Misha: "And then as I knock out second bear, a third one comes behind me and pounds me in de back. But did Heavy fall? No, I made that bear fall to the ground with just one FIST!" He punches a fist into the air and we laugh. Sera: *"I knew you were strong, but I can't believe you single-handedly took down three adult grizzly bears... and those things are like monsters. Also these sandwiches are delicious! It's like your getting better at making them every day I see you!"* Misha: "Bah! Those tiny cubs were nothing. You should have seen me dominating Watchtower. But enough with stories, tell me about you." I flinched at what he said about him wanting to know about me. Sera: *"Well, it turns out I remembered everything about my past. And what I told you about "bad people being after me". They found me and tried to hurt me. But luckily, that's when I met my friends. Alice, Phoenix, Maho and Miho. They were all so kind to let me into their homes and let me stay with them."* I tell him the rest of what happened in Fort Despair, Canyon, and Faust. Misha: "Wow, Heavy never knew you went through so much since we last met. You used to be timid, cowardly girl. But now you are brave and fearless woman... Heavy is proud to call you his friend. And if any baby man that tries to hurt you, Heavy will be sure to squash them like tiny bug!" He pats her head gently as he grabs and eats another sandwich. Misha: "Actually, I have great news for you. Heavy will be staying here for a bit and join this new school. What was it called again? Oarai! I found a gigantic tank on the ship and students that said they were friends of yours helped me get it out." Alice: "That's amazing Misha! I can't believe it! I just hope you know what your doing, cause sometimes Phoenix can be a stick in the mud at times, but he's got a heart of gold and a spirit of fire." Misha: "Phoenix, huh? He seems to be a very good friend if he means that much to you." She begins to blush. Alice: "Yeah..... I guess he does mean a lot to me... b-b-but we're both boyfriend and girlfriend! I have NO intention in g-g-going to THAT level with him, I swear!!!" Her whole face turns bright red and she hides it by rolling into a ball-like position on the floor. We both look at each other and laugh.

## Chapter 11: Back in the Garage

It's been a while since I've gotten discharged from the hospital and which watching the TV, I've found out that the Sensha-dō tournament season has finally come on. Noticing these news, I get absolutely ecstatic and I quickly get up and begin to pack. Although, I thought to myself that it's been quite long since I've driven a tank, since what happened back in..... nevermind! That's in the past! I put on some casual clothes, and exit and lock the door before leaving. I also bring EMMA with me just for good measure. I put her on as a watch so I wouldn't be peered at by others. She begins to speak to me through telepathy. EMMA: `"Seraphina, where are we going!? You're supposed to be resting!"` Seraphina: *"I've just found out about the new Autumn Sensha-dō season. So I'm hyped up for the new season and was hoping to train."* EMMA: `"But Sera, the doctors and your friends have told you to heal!"` Sera: *"I'll be fine EMMA! Don't worry about me, I'll be okay."* I keep walking down the sidewalk and stop at a corner and I form a cute smile. Sera: *"Ah, I've missed this place! Feels like a second home!"* I look in the distance to see Oarai Girls Academy beginning to form in the distance. As I look, I begin to see an earlier version of me carrying a backpack and some books in one hand and a Boba drink in another, heading towards the garage. The visions end as I carefully run down the path to see my team's old tanks passing by me as I jog. The Porsche Tiger, Hetzer, StuG III G, B1, Chi-Nu, and the M3 Lee. I stop at the garage doors and see that it has a scanner on the right side of the wall. I pull out a small ID card with my name on it, that lets me enter into the garage at any time before, during, or after school hours. I slide it and the doors open and I'm in surprise. My AMX 12 t is still intact. A little beat-up maybe, but still good in some level. EMMA: `"Well, now that we're here, I suggest we upgrade this hunk of junk so we can at least prepare for any other Reich attacks."` Sera: *"You may have a point there EMMA. What do you suggest?"* EMMA: `"Well I don't know as much about tanks as your friend Yukari, but I suggest a slimmer turret, a better gun with a quicker reload, easier penetration and improved handling, and a faster engine with a pair of tracks that can at least handle any terrain better."` I pace around for a bit after hearing her suggestions and I begin to form an idea. Sera: "Hmm... I say we first focus on the hull and turret. I know just where to go to get those new compartments. Now let's see.... which of my tanks is faster? Bingo!" I look down my array of tanks that I have used before. The AC IV Sentinel, the T1E5 Grizzly, the Assault III AGS, and the ISU-152. Though, I don't exactly need a tank, I'm look at the bicycle on the turret of a VK 168.01 (P). I give it to him and I ride it down the road. Sera: *"EMMA, find the quickest way to B.C. Freedom Academy!"* EMMA: `"Of course!"` She sets up the best possible path. EMMA: `"But why would you want to go there?"` Sera: *"Well the AMX 12 t was actually a gift from them after beating Marie and her two bickering assistants easily with my T1E5, so she may have what I need."* We soon arrive there and I enter the place. It seems nothing ever changes cause both sides were still at each other's throats since the last time I was here. I enter Marie's room and am greeted with a plate that has a slice of cake on it. She sits at a small table. Marie: "Please, sit down. I was expecting you." Sera: *"Oh, thanks Marie. Still feeling a little uncomfortable with the whole 'Two Sides' thing."* Marie: "To be honest, I'm not exactly fazed by it at all." Sera: \*sigh\**"Alright. I wanted to see if I can have-"* Marie: "A better hull and turret and better gun for the AMX 12 t? I can do better by giving you at least a new tank." I become shocked that she even knew that. Sera: "How did- I mean yes please!" Marie: "Very well. PIERRE!! CLAUDE!!" After a minute, the twin doors slam open with two massive men entered carrying parts of a blue tank. I am shocked to see them carrying it without making a sweat. Marie: "Deliver those components to Oarai High School, will you?" They both nod and exit the room. Sera: *"Wow! Thanks Marie! This means a lot to me!"* Marie: "Think nothing of it, dear friend! I mean, you were able to beat me, Asparagus, and even my finest commanders with just a mere T1E5. That is considered to be no easy feat. That considers you to be a very tough opponent in my book. Think of it as.... a gift. Now, I have another appointment. See you later, oh and send Alice my regards, will you?" Sera: *"Sure... I'll make sure to repay this Marie."* I leave the large room and the school back to Oarai to see the all of the pieces were even put together in the garage. EMMA: `"Wow. Even I'm shocked at what that girl is capable of."` I look at the tank to see a small note on it's side. I take it off and read it, ***'AMX 13 75. Treat with care.'***. I checked off the main components. Sera: *"Now then, let's see how we can put this together."* We designed the blueprints for the new engine and tracks to the AMX, and we developed several types to see which would or wouldn't work. I ran several grueling tests on each component, and eventually, I got even better results than what I wanted. I look at it as it shines in the spotlight. Sera: "Hmm..." I think for a bit, as if I'm stumped on a hard math question. EMMA: `"What is it Sera? Something on your mind?"` Sera: *"I just can't think of a name or insignia for this tank.... Metallcia? Onslaught? Terrorizer?"* She scans it. EMMA: `"I've analyzed all the possible nicknames that are a good match for it, I believe that Cyborg would be most of a successful match."` Sera: *"Cyborg, huh? I think it's perfect!!"* She leans in closer to the turret as EMMA keeps talking. EMMA: `"Though for an insignia, I'm drawing a blank for this one. Because there aren't very good results for the ones I've scanned for it, but nothing's coming to mind."` I go to the back and dig through a large crate. EMMA: `"Um, what are you doing?"` Sera: "Trust me on this." I get out a makeshift insignia desktop. I form it to look like a Cybernetic Dragon Skull. I then imprint it onto each side of the turret. EMMA: `"Well... I guess metal dragon skulls can count as an insignia. Adding to database..."` Sera: *"Now, I just need a way to self drive."* EMMA: `"Allow me to help with that Seraphina!"` She jumps off my arm and merges with the tank and produces a strange VR headset inside the turret. Sera: *"May I ask what that is?"* EMMA: `"That my dear friend is what I dub the Model XI Neuro-Driver System, or NDS if you like. It limits the use of any crew altogether because it can basically do anything that you need it to while your driving or shooting. Also, it comes with radio so you can communicate with your other team members. Pretty neat right?"` Sera: *"EMMA, you just read my mind!"* EMMA: `"Um, I can understand you telepathically. Of course I can change your mind, silly!"` We both laugh before I leave this old place while riding my newly- AMX 13 75 back to my house. I press on the blue ornate key to open the two garage gates and I enter through to park it. I exit and charge EMMA for the night. I go to cook some dinner in the kitchen as I watch the news. A giant crater has appeared where B.C. Academy used to be. Headshots of Marie and several other students pop up on the top right as the title on the bottom says 'Entire Sensha-dō School Disappears. Only a Crater Remains.' My face becomes pale as I slip to the floor, and sob to myself. As I contemplate these dire news, I only think to myself, *\*Could this have been why Marie gave me the AMX? Did she know this was going to happen?\** And as a matter of fact, I had a bad feeling that this will someday come back to bite her, and the entirety of the world right in the ass.

## Chapter 12: A Sibling Surprise

We're battling another Corrupted tank and some Reich soldiers deep in Canal. It's a fierce one, taking the form of a Panther II, and this... thing isn't going to surrender and die easily. The creature aimed for me and kept trying to shoot at my AMX. Even though my speed outmatches it's own, I still can't shake it off. I make a quick turning maneuver and get it to crash into an old warehouse shed. Sera: "Hah! Is that all you got, ya parasite!?" It pulls itself out of the old shed. The tank turret roared and turned to me as half of the turret popped off. The only thing keeping it attached was a sort of red gut-like substance, and teeth are protruding out of the turret's insides. It tries to shoot at me again, but I dash out of the way. It runs towards me with full speed and I easily dodge it again, but it actually grabs the AMX and the thing lifts it up. As I'm stuck inside the tank, I close my eyes waiting for my fate to be sealed, until it drops the tank. I open my eyes in shock to see the creature shriek as it's set on fire from behind. The red guts inside of it smoke up into ashes and the metallic bone of the thing begin to melt and burn. After a few minutes of loud shrieking and roaring, the parasite burns to a crisp and the tank lays there motionless and dead. As the smoke clears, I see a red tank marked with a golden dragon, seeing as its gun has a makeshift flamethrower. A guy pops out of the turret screaming, **"You haven't even taken one step into the wildfire! Never mess with the Red.... Dragon....."** He stops to look at me in shock at him. We get out of our tanks and look at each other. He has sleek black hair and familiar-looking spectacles. As he looks at me, he touches my cheek and says, **"Sister, is that you?"** I was shocked when he said that to me. I slapped his hand away from me while saying, "Who the hell do you think you are!? I don't even know you!!" He's surprised to see her slap his hand away. He thinks for a moment and then comes closer to me. **"Maybe this will help jog your memory, dear sister."** He puts his hand on my head and I suddenly feel as if my life is flashing before my eyes. Except I saw myself and him but as kids. We were wearing these hospital gowns and was inside a beamed cell. We identified each other as brother and sister, as a tall, slender man in a lab coat had watched over us both as we played. The entirety of Neckmarks flashes before my eyes until I return in Canal to him. My face is covered by my hair for a moment, and then I burst into tears in front of him. Sera: "B-Brother?" I embrace him with all of my heart. **"Yes big sister. It's ok. I'm here for you. My name is Akira. What is yours?"** I come back to my senses and I wipe the tears off my face. Sera: "S-Sera... Seraphina K-Kurusu." He forms a cute smile on his face, similar to my own. Akira: **"Such a beautiful name. I give praise the one that gave you it."** Just as he was about to say something, everyone else shows up confused. Phoenix though, holds his gun at Akira. I stand between him and Phoenix with my arms out., covering Akira and facing Phoenix head on. Sera: "Phoenix, what the hell do you think you are doing?!" Phoenix: "Seraphina, are you mad!? That's a Reichi soldier! He drives a Reich tank!!" Akira: **"Um, sister, do you know these people?"** All: "SISTER!?!" They look from Akira to Seraphina and back to Akira again for a bit. Akira: **"Please... allow me to explain. She doesn't remember because of the Lab Explosion. (sigh) This is going to take quite a while."** He explains to them the parts of Neckmarks that he remembers to them in a summary. They are all shocked to find out the truth. Phoenix: "I still don't trust him Sera. He may be a spy from your corrupted self and Vermillion. Also, how can he be trusted when you've first seen him!?" I have no idea how he's commander, when he can't even differentiate between a Reich tank, and a normal one. Sera: "Just listen to me for once dammit!! This time I know it isn't a trick. His AURA, is very unique... it feels like his is somehow related to mine, in a way. Also, I've already analyzed him and my scanner is never wrong! And you know that I'd never lie to my friends, and Phoenix. My point is, I haven't seen him in years, and he was the only thing I had that was my closest to family. The moment we were split apart, I thought I would never see him again. And to know this isn't a trick, I have this..." I show them a strange mark on my neck and he does the same. Mine says "***R.D.V. 67-S***" and his says "***R.D.V. 66-A***" and everyone is very surprised that she has never told them about this.

## Chapter 13: House Renovations

I introduce him to the old house that I'm staying in for the time being, and he seems to get a bit of a nostalgic feeling. Akira: **"It's... the old house.... I can't believe I forgot about this. No need for a tour dear sister. I already know almost all of the layout."** He goes upstairs as I goes into the kitchen. Sera: *"Hey, Aki! Don't you want something to eat!?"* I follow upstairs to see him at the locked door near what was my room. Sera: *"Oh yeah. That door is locked. No need to go in there cause I can't find the key, so-"* The locked door opens. Sera: *"H-How!?"* He smirks while holding a chain with the same ornate key on it, except the eye on the key is orange. Akira: **"Always kept it by my side, Seraphina."** Sera: *"Wow. I never knew that you had a key!"* They both enter to see what looks like his old room. It looked very bland, a bit like my old room. There were several drawings of me, him and Vermillion together. Sera: *"Hey bro. You uh.... wanna help me renovate the rest of the place?"* He smiles widely. Akira: **"OF COURSE!! I always loved working on things around the house! Where should we start?"** Sera: *"Follow. I want to see if that key can unlock any other doors."* Akira: **"Alright. Lead the way."** I go back downstairs into a secret hallway that leads to two large doors. He puts his ornate key in and once the door opens, what's inside is some sort of training room. There wasn't much to behold. It had a sort of old, Ancient Chinese-ish look to it. Three hologram dummies stood in the middle while there were several types of weapons on item holders everywhere. Sera: *"Woah! So many weapons! I guess this is some kind of combat training room? Wait.... ARE THOSE FIREARMS!!?"* She dashes over to multiple small pistol-like guns holstered on the wall. She looks at all of them in curiosity until she spots an old, yet complicated looking one. Sera: *"Wow. I've never seen this one before, but... it somehow... it calls to me..."* Akira: **"I know my guns, but I don't know what this one is.... I'm drawing a blank here sister. Although, it kind of looks like a-"** I accidentally click something on the strange pistol, and the handle immediately transforms into a shining blue Ancient Flintlock. Both: ***"FLINTLOCK!!"*** Both are shocked for a second and yet curious to see it. Sera: *"Oh I'm definitely keeping this!!"* I grab the holster for it and it de-transforms as I put it in the holster. Sera: *"Cool stuff, but why would there be all these weapons and a literal training room here? Huh, what's that?"* I walk to the end of the corridor past the three training dummies. Akira: **"What is it sister?"** He follows me to the end of the room to find three pedestals and three weapon holders. The left one holds an ornate knife, the middle doesn't hold one, and the right holds a strange boomerang. I pick up the boomerang and he picks up the knife. Sera: *"This thing here seems to be called a 'Lizalfos Boomerang.' What's a Lizalfos?"* Akira: **"And this thing here is called the 'Joker's Dagger'. That sounds really cool. Wait a minute, we're getting distracted by all of these fancy weapons! Come on sister, a clean house awaits us!!"** He grabs me as I keep reading and we leave the large room. We continued opening the rest of the doors that we were able to unlock. All we unlocked was another guest room, a downstairs bathroom and a secret part of the kitchen. It had tons of fresh food and water, and a couple of gas masks too. We spent the rest of the day cleaning out the house, the garage, but I didn't tell him about the lab. Sera: *"Ok, I'll go outside and see if I can plant some flowers in our front yard, make it look fancy, ya know?"* Akira: **"No sister, let me do it."** Sera: *"Um, okay.... suit yourself, I'm gonna see if I can repaint some of the house."* He leaves to get flowers. I stand outside cleaning up the garage and putting a new coat of paint on the wall of the house. As I paint, a small, green bird perches by me. It tweets and I look at it. Sera: *"Aww... hello little guy.... What are you doing all the way here?"* It tweets and it pecks at one of the paint cans until it falls on me. In an instant, a fit of rage gets at me. Sera: *"Oh you little shit!"* I try to grab it but it flies off as it makes a chirping laugh. Sera: *"Grrr.... that BIRD!!! Aw man, I'm all covered in paint!! Ugh, I guess I'll go take a shower."* I go back inside to the main showers and rinse the remaining paint off me. After a few minutes, I go back outside with a pair of new clothes on. I look at the house, and it somehow looked all painted with none of the grass getting all white. Sera: *"Ugh.... you know what? I'm not gonna ask. Weird shit happens all the time here, so I'm just not gonna bother."* I decides to call it a day and go to the kitchen to get out a box of store brownies. I sit on the couch with one in my mouth, and watch some Sensha-do rounds. Not knowing that tomorrow will be the day that'll change my life forever.

## Chapter 14: The Attack at Castilla Hills

We headed over in our tanks as fast as we could only to see the city of Castilla in flames. We were only in shock. An all-out Reich invasion, and they knew we'd come. Well we weren't going to give up without a fight. I looked around to find 7 Panthers, a VK 72.01 K and 2 Tiger IIs surrounding us. Phoenix nodded at me and I activated my smokescreen. We immediately rushed inside of our tanks. The Panthers became scattered, confused. We used this to our advantage as we each snuck behind and took out 4 Panthers while incapacitating a Tiger II. The others turned behind as the smoke cleared and opened fire. We immediately became barraged by bullets. Luckily, Phoenix's T-2020 armor came in clutch as we were able to back into a ruined building for cover. As we were hiding, we heard two bangs as the other Tiger and a Panther were destroyed. It came from the two shots of Misha's cannon. The cavalry had arrived. Misha exited his tank to see the commotion. Misha: "Phoenix, Sera. What is problem?" Sera: *"A large Reichi force has invaded Castilla and are setting fires to the buildings. We need you, Maho, Miho and Sahira to split up into squads and put them out. While me, Phoenix and Alice will find any survivors, while Akira and the other forces will handle defending our only escape from the enemy forces."* Misha: "Da. Dis will work. But what about you four?" Sera: *"Four? I thought there was three..."* He points to see Akira behind them in his Blaze. Sera: *"Akira! What are you doing?!"* Akira: **"I want to help too, sister. This is our home, and I want to defend it as well."** Sera: *"No! I need you in the supporting lines. Far away from the real battles, understood?"* Akira: **"I.... \*sigh\* Alright Seraphina.."** He rolls away to the supporters. A large amount of bulletfire lands all over them. Just then, a large-turreted, two-cannoned T34 arrives with a Reichi sign on it. Misha: "Go you guys! I shall squash dis tiny baby man!!" The T-135 rolls towards it and they collide together, and the T-135 pushes the T34 2 back. Misha: "Ohhhhh! Run! RUUUUUUNNN! I'm coming for you!" Sera: *"You heard the big man! Move out!"* All three nod and roll out to the town square. We look around to see the town in flames. The strange thing is that it's been eerily quiet, and we haven't run into any Reich tanks yet. I go on radio to check on the other teams. Sera: *\*Anglerfish Team, any sightings yet?\** Miho: \*My team and Tiger squad are currently evacuating at the moment. Spaghetti team is dealing with the frontlines and putting out the fires. How's your end?\* Sera: \*Nothing sighted yet. I'll catch up after.\* The radio feed ends and we keep exploring the flaming city. We end up finding some stragglers and put them inside the fireproof carriers. We notice there is a large tank rolling up. We panic and decide to retreat since this is an evacuation mission. I go down to everyone in the carriers. Sera: "Alright, which ones of you can move?" Some raise their hands. Sera: *"Alright then, I need you all to grab as many rations as you can and put them in the carriers. We'll deal with the invaders ahead."* Some of the people nod and get out to help. We got everything ready and immobilized the giant tank. We hitched up the carriers and got out immediately. The frontline tanks block the Reichis from the convoy exit behind the hills. As of now, Misha is leaving with his tank almost destroyed with even him having a few beatings. Akira goes to us. Akira: **"I got to help them! They are getting pulverized back there!"** Sera: *"I can't, ok? Just leave the fighting to us!"* I hold him back from going to hold back the pursuing Reichi soldiers in the Castilla city. He gets mad at me. Akira: **"Why won't you just let me go?"** Sera: *"Because I just got you back, okay!?"* Tears run down my eyes as I hold his arms while he holds my shoulders. He's shocked to hear that from her. Sera: *"And I don't... I don't want to lose you again. Your the only thing I have left that's my family. My TRUE family."* Akira: **"You won't. I promise you Seraphina."** I nod and listen to what he has to say. Akira: **"Listen, I suggest we block those ways to the exit. I may be immobile for some time, so cover me!"** Sera: "Don't worry bro, I know just what to do!" I nod and press a rocket button on the tank. I begin to feel incredibly fast as well as the AMX itself. The tank zooms and zips across every tank in front. Every shot becomes a miss, and every shot I shoot hits like a charm. Akira radios that he's done and I immediately zips back, only for a Jagdtiger to pop up out of nowhere and hit my tracks before I can get to the safe zone. A large shot zips by me and immobilizes the Jagdtiger, and as I look behind I can't move and Akira's almost done. He screams for me to hurry. He fires a grappler at the side of his tank and pulls me over just in the nick of time. He shoots a flare blast, and half the side of the hill comes crashing down, as it buries 6 different tanks(Will be useful info in the future). I go over to see if he's alright after I go to fix my tracks. I sniff a little. Sera: *"Aki, you idiot..."* I cover my tears as Phoenix and Alice protect the north bridge so that some more evacuation tanks roll out of the bridge and onto the mountain trail. Once the last one crosses, the tanks back off. Phoenix smiles at the soldiers ahead and he says "Boom." As the bridge explodes and a couple Reich tanks fall into the water. As the last ones leave, Phoenix remembers of something to get back. Phoenix: "Wait! I need to get a picture of my mother back at the mans-" And before he could finish, the Moscva mansion had been blown into smithereens by the giant tank in the distance. He sat there atop his T-2020 in despair, as his body became motionless. Small tears had flooded out of his eyes as the rest of the students felt sorrow, sadness and regret. After a few seconds, he wiped his tears and looked at the ruined Mansion beyond. All he felt now was vengeance towards the ones that pulled the trigger. But he kept it bottled up for now as the rest of the people had finished blocking the entrances and headed towards the path to the Red Blossom's last line of Defense. The Red Blossom school ship.

## Chapter 15: Evacuation

We roll out in a small forest for cover against any Reich air force looking out from above. We ride along a large convoy of supplies while following the four train tracks to Red Blossom. The convoy right now is composed of 9 T-34-85 carriers holding supplies, fuel, repair kits and rations. The convoy is guarded by Misha in the rear, Akira and Phoenix on the right, Maho and Miho on the left, and Alice and me on the front. I sit on top checking the GPS to the final outpost. Sera: *"EMMA, how long until we reach the last outpost?"* EMMA: `"We are halfway there Sera. It'll take some time though because I'm signaling a lot of stress amongst your peers."` I sigh and look around to see that everyone is exhausted. I check my watch to see. It's been 5 hours and we've been driving straight ever since the Invasion of Castilla. We only need to make it through a little longer, and we'll be in the clearing from the Reich for a while. As we drive I see some of the convoy T-34s stopping. Alice goes up to me. Alice: "I'm sorry Seraphina, but we need to stop. Some of the T-34 convoys are slowing down, and I'm afraid we don't have much fuel left." I think to myself. *'This will only slow us down. We need a break or we'll all collapse.'* Sera: *"Alright Alice. But let's drive over to those ruins. I don't sense any Reich there and they can provide as good cover from any peering eye."* Alice: "Thanks Sera." I stop for a moment. The others follow suit and I get out of my tank. Sera: *"Ok. We've been driving for a long time. I suggest we take a small break. But first, we're gonna drive to those ruins there. We'll need to make a temporary camp."* Eventually we stop and find a good spot inside one of the temples to set camp next to some large ruins. They will provide good cover from any Reichi search party. The fire burns brightly as everyone is asleep regaining their energy. I sleep in my tank thinking of what will happen next. I see myself in another dream state. I'm in a forest-like background. Except instead of the green leaves and the darkened brown trunks of the oak trees around us, I'm in a strange red-leaved forest with yellow thin trunks. I look around until I see a large hill at the edge, and a person sitting there. I rush there and I'm shocked to see none other than Ridley Vermillion himself. The tall sleek figure seems to be sitting down looking at the view, wearing the same long, black cloak but with a red scarf over his neck, until his attention turns to me. He turns eerily like a creature's long neck. He has a large crack doing down from one eye and it stops halfway and continues down the other eye. His face looks hideous, but I can see some empathy in his eyes. His voice sounds a little glitched, but I can understand it. Vermillion: ***"Ah, you've arrived. Please, sit down."*** I try to take out my flintlock but it isn't there. Vermillion: ***"Please Seraphina. I wish not to fight. Just please, sit near me."*** I cautiously walk along to sit next to him. You know those awkward moments when you're sitting with your arch-nemesis in utter silence? Yeah, this is one of them. I make the first move. Sera: *"What do you want? And why are you in my mind? I've already had enough pain with your Malice clone controlling me!"* Vermillion: ***"I can assure you, that is not me, dear child. I..... am not in my right state of mind. I need your help."*** I am completely shocked to hear that from him of all people. Sera: *"You. Ridley Vermillion.... need my help?"* Vermillion: ***"Correct.... Please... allow me to explain."*** He puts his hand at my temple and I can begin to see everything that's happened to him. His tragic childhood, his wife and family, the war that killed them, and the deep state of depression he had been in ever since. Everything that he had done, and Neckmarks as well. But now I see things from after, that Akira had never shown me. I see a short, red-haired boy with soldiers surrounding and pinning Vermillion to the ground. Two other soldiers are holding me and Akira away. Vermillion: ***"Cardinal! What the hell is this!? Let them go immediately!!"*** Cardinal: "I'm sorry Vermillion, but I just can't do that. You see, I've grown suspicious of you for quite some time ever since you got those holed hands. And you know what had happened? Someone gave me some very..... very interesting advice.... They told me to go down the elevator to your floor and what did I find? Two small children. I had so many questions that I wished would be answered, but then all that was in my mind, was the power these two could have if they were locked up in that cell. All I had to do was gain your trust until you let your guard down and opened the door for me. Now, I'll be the one taking them from you." He struggles and squirms but the soldiers are too strong. Vermillion: ***"You.... YOU BASTARD!! I TRUSTED YOU WITH MY LIFE!! WHEN I GET MYSELF FREE, I'LL RIP YOUR SPINE FROM YOUR BODY!!"*** Cardinal: "Oh, but I'm afraid that you won't be laying a finger on me, ***~~Chosen Vessel.~~***" Vermillion: ***"No.... Void!! You.... you won't get away with this...."*** Cardinalian Void: ~~***"Oh. But I already have.... Now your body will be mine."***~~ All I can see now is him screaming in agony, begging for the pain to stop, and as Cardinal's limp body falls. He stands up. He smiles maniacally and looks at the two. Akira: **"F-Father?"** Void Vermillion: ***"No.... Not your father....."*** It stops and I look back to him. Sera: *"So... so you really did care for us... Oh my god... I.... I'm so sorry!!"* I hug him but I know he isn't the real thing. Vermillion: ***"Listen to me. There is a large squadron of tanks coming this way. Your friend Phoenix, he has a tracker on him. Now go!"*** Sera: *"W-What are you talking ab-"* A large boom wakes me and everyone else up. I look at Phoenix and Alice in their tanks. Phoenix: "We're under attack! And we're surrounded in Reichi tanks." Alice: "What are we gonna do? We're trapped!!" I think for a minute and analyze the structure of the buildings. I notice a large wheel-like metal structure on top of one of the temples. I look to Maho and Miho. Sera: *"Hey guys! Remember that Ferris wheel trick back in Das Finale?"* Both look to each other and Alice and they smile. Sera: *"Misha, you and Sahira will lead stay here with the convoy and lead it away towards another path to the RBHS school ship. "* Misha: "Hmm..... Da! I got you friend!" Sera: *"Miho and Maho, I'll need you guys to make you most precise shots and aim at the structure above that giant wheel!* They look to each other and then to her and nod. Sera: *"Everyone else, engage in the Pravda Rush from back in the 64th Tournament! If any try to shoot at us, make sure to bounce their guns! Turn it around by using the smaller machine guns, got it?"* Everyone: "HAI!" Sera: *"Ready..... FIRE!!"* The two shots from their tanks go off, damaging the rock structure at the top of the wheel, and causing it to fall in the right direction. It rolls down fast and it causes the Reichi tanks to panic and scatter. Just then before it passes the exit, we floor it. Me, Phoenix, Alice, Akira, Maho and Miho use the wheel as cover while if any enemies try to fire, we shoot at their guns so they are immobile. The large wheel ends up rolling over some Reich tanks as we ride away. Until we're out of the clearing, I secretly grab Phoenix's tracker and stick it on the wheel. Sera: *"Guys, get the wheel to go in a different direction!"* We shoot our machine guns to get it in the other direction, and the Akira fires at it and it zips away from our direction. Until we're in the clearing, we stop. I go on the radio for Misha. Sera: *\*Misha, you there!?\** Misha: \*Da Seraphina! All evil baby tanks are following large wheel, just as planned. Your small friend and I have secured convoy and are heading towards safe point.\* Sera: *\*Good! We'll meet you there. Signing out!\** The radio ends, and I look to Phoenix.

## Chapter 16: Battle in the Storm

I look to Phoenix in anger. Sera: *"We've been tracked Phoenix, and you were the one carrying it!"* Phoenix: "What!? That's impossible! Are you seriously thinking that I led them to our direction?" Sera: *"You've been in contact with your father, Phoenix! Don't play dumb with me!"* He's surprised that I found out about it. Phoenix: "How.... How the hell did you know that!?" Alice: "Phoenix, is this true?" Phoenix: \*sigh\*"Yes, I have, but not for what you think.... He had an offer for me to join him, and I refused." I butt heads with him. We both stare at each other in anger. Sera: *"Lies! Your nothing but a snake!"* Phoenix: "If anyone's the snake it's your so-called 'brother'. He appeared straight after the Reich attack!" Akira steps in between us and goes to Phoenix. Akira: **"Guys, please! Now is not the time to fight!"** Alice steps in to me. Alice: **"Please Seraphina, just calm down. I know everything was stressful since Castilla, but we need to pull it together."** Phoenix: "Who the hell are you to talk to me like that?" Akira: **"I am trying to help calm you down. You are being very irrational right now over something useless."** Phoenix: "Useless!? The only thing that's useless is your talking!! So back off of me!" He shoves Akira into the mud. Thunder is heard and lightning is seen. Rain pours over everyone, and the wind is hard. I looks to see Akira with a bruised elbow from the impact. She dashes over to him and shoves him into a tree. Sera: *"Don't. Touch. Him! Or you will die."* Phoenix: "I think it's time you learn your place and not make threats to your commander!" We leap and tackle each other. I shove him aside but he gets back up and sidesteps me into the mud. He stomps on my back and I feel a sharp tingle. Phoenix: "Is that all you got? Pathetic. And you're supposed to be a super weapon." My eyes flash red for a bit, but then a brighter blue, and I feel an immense amount of strength inside my body. I take out my knife and I jab it in his leg. He steps back in pain as I stand back up and leap at him. I strike my sword with his and he pushes me back. As the lightning strikes, we keep clashing at each other until I stop. Sera: *"Enough of this!"* I charge at him and he makes a right thrust, but I dodge immediately. After I do, I make several devastating blows at his sides, back and legs. I stop and he falls down. I then grab him and shove him into a large tree, and aim my pistol at his head. Akira: **"Seraphina, please! Stop this!"** Sera: *"No, Akira. He deserves this fate for what he said!"* Akira: **"But if you make violence, more violence will brew. If you keep at this, you'll be no better than Vermillion himself!!"** The realization kicks into my head as I almost finish him off, holding my Flintlock at his head. I point my gun to the sky and it fires a blue plasma bullet into the clouds. Tears run down my eyes as I get off of him and run to hug Akira, with my knees down in the mud. He kneels down too as I sob in his arms. Akira: **"I know. Seraphina. I'm sorry I had to say that, but I had to to make you stop."** Alice runs over to Phoenix to help him. He weakly speaks. Phoenix: "Akira.... I'm sorry for calling you useless. You're a valuable member and a great tank commander." Akira picks up Seraphina and nudges her. Sera: *"I.... I didn't mean to accuse you of something so rash. I should've trusted you.... I thought you would join your father and hurt us..... but I guess I was wrong...."* Alice goes on a small radio to tag someone in. Alice: \*Hey. We need two medical vehicles. We'll tell you the coordinates to where we are.\* "Don't worry. Help's on it's way." The rain seemed to stop as Akira and Alice tow Phoenix's tank with us in it as EMMA autopilots my AMX. As the rising sun comes up, they see a massive port with the biggest carrier ship I've ever seen. Until we see the emblem on the side. It's Red Blossom High Schools mega carrier. The grass shined in the sunlight from the dewdrops of the rainstorm from before. The metal seemed to glow in the sea. They noticed two Red Blossom medical vehicles and a large Dragon Wagon heading towards them. Three men get out of each vehicle and go to Alice. Man #1: "Good to see you are alright madam! Your convoy arrived unscathed to the ship. Where are the other commanders?" Akira points to the AMX 13 75 and IS where me and Phoenix are unconscious inside. Man #2: "Oh God this is bad! You two, get the stretchers and load them up!" He points to two assistants behind him and they quickly leave. She looks to the third man, who's the Dragon Wagon driver. Man #3: "No need. I'll get the vehicles loaded up!" As they get loaded out and into the medical vehicles, Akira looks to Alice. Alice: "What is it Akira? Are you worried about your sister?" Akira: **"Yeah. She never acts like this. Why would she accuse Phoenix of all people of having a tracker on him? He would never do so..... unless someone planted it on him!"** Alice: "Do you really think so? Were they trying to follow us to the school ship?" Akira: **"I'm not exactly sure yet, but I have a bad feeling about this.... One of the students from the convoy may have been a rat. Let's not worry about that now... Let's go."**

## Chapter 17: Operation: Apocalypse

In an unknown part of the ocean, the Red Blossom carrier lays anchored waiting for orders of a plan against the Reichi forces. Sander's Osprey lands on the aircraft carrier part of the ship near Kuromorimine's helicopter and Pravda's helicopter. Kay exits the Osprey alone and issues the order to the pilot as she walks to the meeting building. Maho: "Okay then, Saunders has arrived. Shall we begin now?" All of the representative commanders from Das Finale meet at a long table in a tent on the RBHS. Notable absent schools are Anzio, Chi-Ha Tan, B.C. Freedom, and Oarai. Kay: "Any news of Phoenix or Sera?" Akira: "Still recovering..." Maho: "And of B.C.?" Nonna: "Non-responsive." Akira: "It seems his fortress is in the city area of Molendijk. And it's flooding with soldiers and Reich tanks." Everyone looks at Akira as Kay listens while trying to figure out who Akira is. Any plans are optional. Katyusha: "I say we flood them and go on an all-out frontal attack." Erika: And risk getting pulverized? Nein! I say we go with a trident maneuver!" Kay: "We should create an encirclement around the city." As Alice listens to then all bickering, she's had enough and slams the table. Everyone is shocked of her rage and Kay recoils. Alice: "Enough! We need to agree on ONE plan, or this whole operation will be going to shit!" Misha: "Tiny woman is right." He hits his head on the way in. Misha: "Ow. We must not bicker. We need plan to take down tiny baby men!" Kay: \*thinking to self\* \*Maybe that is where he went.\* Misha: Tiny woman is right. He hits his head as he enters. Misha: "Ow. We must not bicker. We need plan to take down tiny baby men!" Kay: "I wonder where he came from...." Katyusha: "Misha!!" She runs over to hug him. Nonna: "About time you make it here, comrade..." He embraces her in his large arms. Misha: "It is great pleasure to see you again, Mоя любовь." Nonna: "Мой дорогой Миша." Katyusha: "Nonna! Misha! Stop speaking Russian this instant!!" She stands between them with her face all red and her cheeks puffed. Akira: **"Okay. Now that the Russian loving is over, let's come up with a plan, shall we?"** Kay: "We need a plan that will assure victory without doing widespread damage. I have too much at stake here!" Sera: *"We won't let that happen, Kay..."* I stand at the door, half-bandaged with an IV line on my arm. Sera: *"I'm fine. And ready to battle."* Kay: "Although I frown upon it, I will let Naomi listen in so we know their movements." Akira: **"Sister. You need to rest!"** I get away from him. Seraphina: *"No Aki. I'll be fine. Guh-!"* Kay: "We need to find their access to supplies." Alice: "Well, from some intel, we have actually found a large supply convoy nearing the castle." Kay: "If we cut them off, they may surrender." Sera: *"Alrighty! Now then. The main force will be conserved of Pravdan, Sanderian, Kuromorimine, and others. While me, Akira, Sera, and Phoenix will sneak by inside to face Vermillion. Misha, I need you to lead the Pravdan division. Erika will be leading the Kurominian division. And Nonna and Katyusha, you'll need to lead the Saunders division. I know your not familiar with leading them, so Kay will need to give them the authority. It may be hard for us to get in, but luckily, we have inside info. IF you will, our Reichi spy."* A radio clicks in the distance and a Dead Ringer noise rings in. Anchovy appears with a Dead Ringer watch on her with some papers on her and a Reich uniform on her. She smiles brightly. Anchovy: "The Duce is here!" Some indistinct-able conversation comes up on her watch & radio. Anchovy: "Pepperoni get lost!" Maho: "Anchovy! About damn time you make it!" Sera: *"Everyone. Here is our little Italian spy! Vermillion still believes she's under his control."* Anchovy: "Not my fault!" Sera: *"So she has a large layout of the fortress. Will you Anchovy?"* Anchovy: "Hai!" She snaps her fingers and Pepperoni and Carpaccio follow Anchovy in with board and rolled papers. The papers are blueprints and layouts of the fortress. Sera: *"The most notable will be the courtroom. Which will probably be where Vermillion's hiding and orchestrating the whole operation. We will need to get there as quickly and silently as possible. While the main forces are distracted, we will head to the courtroom. As we battle, the main forces will activate multiple smoke screens known as the Disappearing Spirits. Once the main force has left, the flanking team will lock out the rest of the forces behind the doors."* Kay studies the map, clearly looking for something. Everyone: "HAI!" Carpaccio starts putting labels on map. Sera: *"Lookin' for something, Kay?"* Kay: "We should also try securing the prison cells. Whoever we find there can help, \*quieter\* and I can find him." Carpaccio: "The prison would be at the 2nd basement level, here." She points to that part of the map. Kay's eyes flicker, then glaze over with thought. Sera: *"Ok then. Anchovy, and a couple others will go to the prison cells. As well as the operation rooms. There will probably be some roboticizing tech or some people there that are willing to help."* Anchovy: "RYOKAI!!" Kay: "We absolutely can not let more of this roboticization happen!" \*slams table\* Carpaccio: so, who will make the courtroom team? Seraphina: *"Akira, Alice, Maho, Miho, Phoenix and I will be Courtroom team. Kay, We'll need you to be at the operation room team. I know it'll be scary. But you need to be ready. You're the only one that can lead that team."* Kay has a fierce look as her eyes glaze over. Kay: "I'll do it. As we say, 'No man left behind." Anchovy: "Capito." Kay: "Got it!" Seraphina: *"Alright then. This plan shall be considered as, Operation Apocalypse. We should let Seraphina rest now. We will discuss more later on. Everyone, tell your divisions to be ready in a week. This meeting is adjour- OW!"* Akira: **"Come on Sera. Let's leave."** He leads me out of the building as they become worried about me. We both sit at a hill that looks to the sunset across the ocean. Akira: **"Hey, don't get all blue on me. We'll show that old man who's boss. Then we can finally be at peace."** I look to him with a small smile. Sera: *"Yeah. We will!"* We both make a small fist bump. When I go back to my old dorm, I immediately go to the closet beside it. I then go to the back of it and open up a secret passage behind it to reveal the same dusty golden chestplate from our house. Except that it wasn't dusty anymore but it was polished and shining. I put it on, seeing it fits perfectly. I grab the small sword near it and look at it's blade. My eyes glow a brighter blue as I look at it and the blade shines the same color, but only for a second. I put the blade away and go to sleep, knowing that the final battle will be tomorrow.

## Chapter 19: Truth

We rush up to the courtroom and I kick down the large doors. The place is absolutely huge, with stained glass windows of what look like a large, red and yellow eye. They seem to stare at us as we walk along the long corridor. And what we see is Vermillion himself, sitting at his large throne, looking at me straight in the face. Vermillion: ***"Well well well. It took you all long enough."*** I walk up to him. Sera: *"Can it Vermillion! We've got you cornered! Admit defeat now, and we'll let you come off easy, maybe..... prison for life?"* Vermillion: ***"You really are something, are you? Thinking you and your little friends can defeat me. Hah!"*** Phoenix: "Your curse on the Senshado art is over, Vermillion!" Alice: "Yeah! We'll make sure you'll never have a Reich to lead!" Vermillion: ***"Children. You don't even know WHAT I am capable of. And yet, you have the audacity to say I am defeated, even when the battle hasn't even started..."*** He stands up and clicks a button and so suddenly, multiple smaller buildings rise up from near the fortress. Just then, multiple flying robots that look like Seraphina, with cannons on their left arms are seen flying from the buildings towards the huge fortress. They land all around us and he smiles to me. Vermillion: ***"Seraphina, I believe you haven't met my Elite soldiers yet. Prototype combat versions of you that are only able to do my bidding and mine alone."*** He looks to the device on the pedestal. Vermillion: ***"I believe a demonstration of my power is at hand then."*** He clicks a couple buttons on the chest. Just then at the top platform of the castle forms into a gigantic railgun-like cannon. It fires a bright blue laser that burns a large hole inside a large school ship. Just then, a large explosion occurs where a whole school ship once was, and nothing but debris is seen in the waters. We are all shocked for what we just saw. Alice: "You..... you monster!! You just killed millions of lives!" Vermillion: ***"Dear child. That was merely a demonstration of what I could do. Now then, Elites. Terminate them!"*** As they aim their arm cannons, Akira quickly goes between them. Akira: **"EVERYBODY STOP!!!"** She puts her body between everyone and turns to Vermillion. Akira: **"Vermillion! This wasn't the plan at all! You said you wouldn't hurt anyone!!"** Vermillion: ***"I would've said anything if it meant you deliver the device to be fully charged. Hate to break it to you son, but you've been duped."*** Akira: **"B-But-"** Seraphina: *"Aki, what's he talking about?"* Phoenix: "Yeah, what 'plan' is he talking about?" Akira: **"Sera, he promised that he could help us with everything! I just had to have you believe me. He promised that he could fix our entire family, and the world could be at peace."** Sera: *"But why?"* Vermillion: ***"Why indeed?"*** He leans over Akira with a dark smile on his face. Vermillion: ***"Enough lies, Aki. If you don't tell them the truth, then I will."*** Akira: **"You.... You wouldn't dare!"** Sera: *"Akira, just what is going on?"* He walks over to his large throne and sits upon it. Vermillion: ***"Did it ever occur to you of how you brother just immediately showed up during that little quarrel at the Canal Warehouse, just when you were about to die, dear daughter? And did it ever occur to you, Seraphina, Phoenix, Alice..... That I would've known where you were hiding in those old Ruins. That one of you would know more than they were letting on? That one of you, might've gotten your hidden spot discovered.... on the purpose."*** As he says it, Akira's face becomes extremely pale. Phoenix: "You've got to be kidding me...." Sera: *"No.... it can't be..."* Vermillion: ***"Oops, looks like I 'spilled the tea', as you kids say it."*** He makes a hardy laugh and slaps his knee. Akira: **"I did it for us Seraphina. The day you were lost, he had found me and had taken me in. He told me about our mother and his deceased children, that he was heartbroken, and had only wanted our family back together!"** Sera: *"Akira."* Akira: **"I still thought he would still be a good person, and if I could get you to believe in me, all four of us could be together, and Mom would still be alive, a-and it did!"** Tears runs down his eyes as he smiles with a teared look. He goes to me with his hands in mine. Akira: **"A-And with it, we could go to a whole new world... where everyone could be at peace, and where no one could get hurt, and we could be together as a family, forever, together!!"** Seraphina: *"How could you Akira, you put the lives of my friends and everyone I know in danger, just for me!!"* Akira: **"B-But look at how much fun we've had! Look at how much you've grown. Look at Phoenix, Alice and your friends!"** As he moves his hand to them, Alice becomes scared of what he's become and Phoenix puts his arm in front of her as they back away. Akira: **"I gave you this Sera. I gave you everything!!"** I turn my hands away from him and I back out from him. He kneels onto the floor in tears. Akira: **"I just.... wanted our family to be happy."** Vermillion: ***"Well that's what happens when you leave your king open, because it all comes down to a checkmate."*** I look at my Phoenix, Alice, and Akira. I step forward. Sera: *"We may have done some stupid things before, but you.... your evil!"* Vermillion rolls his eyes. Vermillion: ***"Ugh, here we go."*** Sera: *"You know, a certain brother once told me that **'Anybody, even the most evil of people can change. That anyone can be a good person, if they just tried.'** But the thing is.... you never tried. Hell, you never even cared! So even though it may be all in vain, I won't stop this now."* I go to Akira and put my hand out towards him. Sera: *"Get up idiot. I know you never meant to hurt anyone. I know you may have done all those things, but I still forgive you."* Tears form over his eyes and he grabs my hand as I lift him up on his feet. Akira: **"Thanks for believing in me, Seraphina."** Sera: *"Hey, if it weren't for you, I would've offed Phoenix, so I'm very grateful!"* I look back at Vermillion, as he sits on his throne with a smug look on his face. Sera: "And you! I'm not done with your dark ass yet! Today, we end this!" I take out my boomerang and Flintlock. Sera: *"Right here. Right now!"* Phoenix takes out his dark saber, Alice uses a Kunai, and Akira takes out his knives and UZIs. Alex and John take out their weapons as well. Vermillion: ***"Oh! So you want a fight, hmm? Well then..."*** He nods to the robots around them, and they aim their guns at us. We use defensive positions. He stands up from his throne, as he towers us in size. He goes into his cloak and takes out a long, white sword. His eyes flare a reddish purple as he gleams at them with hatred and excitement. Vermillion: ***"Well don't stop on my account. Let's have some fun!"***

## Chapter 20: True Colors

Sera: *"Panzer Vor!"* We all yelled ***"HAI!"*** and charged at the elites surrounding us. Phoenix sliced one in half with his dark blade, and Alice used a pistol and shoots off two of them in the air. I charge in at the three robots guarding Vermillion. I manage to shoot a blind head-shot to take one out and two more shoot off their cannons at me. I elusively dodge them and release a smoke bomb. I run in as the smoke engulfs them and I get out from the other end, decapitating them. Just then, Alex takes out a large hammer and bashes its head into the weapon. John shields himself from an onslaught of shots from another Elite and Alex yells to him. Alex: "John!" He turns to see him battling against another robot. Alex: "Batter up!" He smacks the robot hard wit his hammer and sends it flying towards John. He quickly deflects it with his shield and ricochets it to the other robot, which sends it crashing behind them. They high-five each other as there are three more. Just as they are about to get it, multiple shotgun bullets tear into the metal bodies. They look to see a small tank-like creature on legs. Sera: *"Walker! Help us!"* As I finish my sentence, I dodge a strike from another robot which I quickly kill. It cocks the shotgun and leaps up onto one of the robots and spins it to shoot the other ones in a flurry of bullets until it stops this carousel ride by ripping the head off and leaping off the robot before it crashes into the ground. Akira manages to backstab a robot behind Alice, and goes ham on five more by blasting them with burning bullets from his UZI. The go down in an instant. Both eventually become backed up from other robots. Akira: **"Alice! I just wanted to say that I never meant any harm to you, or your friends. I only wanted me and Sera to be happy. For my family to eventually become together again."** Alice: "Akira, I may not know how it feels to not have a mother, but if Seraphina forgives you, then I will too. But for her sake!" Akira: **"I.... can deal with that."** They swap places as Alice shoots her gun into the robot's head, while Akira dropkicks the other robot. I look to see everyone battling and then to Vermillion as he stands there with his sword in his hands. Vermillion: ***"Well then, Seraphina? Give your papa a good battle!"*** Sera: *"Grrrr.... I'll shut your smug mouth for good, Vermillion!!!"* I run up to him and jump from one of the robot corpses and strike him from above. He blocks my strike with his sword, but I use the boomerang's curved blade to swing from his large nail and kick him in the face. He staggers back, and retaliates by slamming his fists into the ground. I jump up to dodge the tremor but then he kicks me hard in the side, and sends me flying to the wall. Phoenix and Alice look as they look back at Vermillion in anger and attack him. I spit out a bit of blood and get back up as he's focused on Phoenix and Alice. As the blue gem on the devices shines for only a second, so does that small puddle of blood. I take out three more Elites until we get cornered. We stand there at him as the corpses of dead robots fall to the ground. Vermillion: ***"ENOUGH!!"*** He slams his sword to the ground and knocks all of us back and we lay there looking at him. Vermillion: ***"Resistance is futile! Why do you still stand? Why do you still fight a losing- What the!?"*** Just then, the Walker grabs his head and scratches his face. He screams in pain as Alice gets Phoenix away from him. He grabs the walker from off his face. He has the same cracked mark from before. Vermillion: ***"Grrr!!! You little runt!! I'll kill you!"*** As the mechanical beast barks, he immediately destroys it's body, and the head pops out and lands at my feet. I look in despair as my little companion lays there destroyed on the ground. Sera: *"NOOO!!! You evil monster! I'll kill you for this!!"* Vermillion: ***"Why do you think you can fight me and possibly think you have a chance against ME!? WHY FIGHT A BATTLE THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN LOST!?!"*** Sera & Akira: ***"BECAUSE IT'S NOT OVER YET!!"*** Vermillion just stands there and laughs hardily as he has a grim smile on his face. He stands near one of the glass windows and puts on a serious look. Vermillion: ***"Hold it! You've all got spunk, real hutspa. But this ends now!"*** He holds Alice in his hand, and she keeps struggling. Alice: "Don't.... listen to this tyrant!! I'll... ngh.... I'll be fine!" Vermillion: ***"We'll see! Now put your weapons down, or this twerpette learns how to fly!"*** Sera: *"OKAY OKAY!! Just.... put her down please..... She's my friend.... just please release her."* He looks to Alice and then to me. Vermillion: ***"That's the thing about friends, isn't it? The more you love them, the harder it is when they go. Allow me to demonstrate."*** He lets go of her and she drops from the highest floor into the ground. Everyone is shocked to see that he has gone so low. I lay with my knees and hands onto the floor, in tears. I go back to remember all of the times we were truly there. Alice: "I'm Alice Shimada, and this is my friend Phoenix. And you are?" Sera: *"S-Seraphina Kurusu....."* Alice: "It's nice to meet you." WE shake hands. It then forms to them in the hospital together. Alice: "Thank you Seraphina, for being there for me when I need it." Sera: *"I will always be here by your side, friend."* It then forms to us looking together at the sunset at the hill I usually sit. Sera: *"Alice. Are you actually okay with me being..... well... a metal freak? I'm guessing you're no-"* She hugs me. Alice: "Of course I'm okay with you being a robot dummy! That just makes you an even better friend, you know." I shed a small tear as I looked at her. Sera: *"Really?"* Alice: "Of course! Even though you may not be human, your still one in here," She puts her finger where my heart is. Sera: *"Thanks Alice!"* It goes back to me. My eyes immediately change to the blue and yellow-pupiled form. The blue gem of the device crackles with energy for a bit and then sparks around. A blue trail of AURA energy flows from it and circles around me. Vermillion: ***"N-No, it can't be...."*** He steps back, and he seems almost scared. Akira then runs out as one of the robots tries to fire, but ends up missing and he jumps out and whistles. A large two-person drone picks him up as he flies down to rescue a falling Alice. I stay in that position as the circle of AURA continues to surround me. Vermillion: ***"She's still connected to the Sapphire! But that's impossible!"*** My hair flares up into a neon blue flame, as it sparks and waves with life as my bruises and blood begins to heal. Suddenly, shards of metal parts begin to form around her and turn her body into the prototype suit. Everyone suddenly becomes paralyzed onto the ground. Phoenix: "What's happening to her!?" Miho: "You think I'd know!? You've been hanging out with her more!" My voice becomes distorted and it changes to anger. A helmet forms around my head with. Sera: ***"Give her back! Give. Her. BACK!"*** A large explosion occurs, shocking the robots around me, and destroying the rest of the glass windows and pushing everyone back. I slam into the ground and disappear. Vermillion looks around frantically. Vermillion: ***"Where did she g-AH!"*** I punch him square in the face incredibly hard, as neon blue tears continued down my eyes. My eyes were full of rage yet the rest of my face read sadness. He gets knocked back so hard, his crown flies off and is slammed into the wall. Everyone looks in at them both in shock. I then fly at Mach speed, bashing him from all directions and end by giving him an uppercut from the front. When he counters by trying to bash the ground, I teleport again and he misses. He looks up to see me at the ceiling. I leap down to him as a lightning bolt at full speed. Vermillion: ***"FIRE!!"*** All the robots aim to the sky and attempt to fire at me. I am simply too fast as I dodge every single attack. I scream in anger as I slam my fist into the ground at Vermillion and the Elites surrounding him. Sera: ***"AAAAAAAAAHHH!!!"*** The impact and shock radius sends all the robots into pieces as a bright blue supernova clashes with the beams of dark red light. He still stands struggling with his sword deflecting her fist. He roars at me in anger, but all I do is open my palm and slam into his defenses and break his sword into multiple pieces. The white gleams scatter everywhere as everyone looks in shock. Vermillion becomes knocked back in his very throne, managing to stop himself any further with his blade handle. He lays there on his side as I levitate down to him. Sera: ***"Give her back.*** ***Give her..**..* *back...."* I fall to the ground as I return to my normal self. Bruises, pink hair and everything. I black out as Phoenix catches me. Vermillion looks at them and chuckles. Vermillion: ***"Hehe.... it seems she can't, control it."*** His blade then becomes a bright purple edged beam and walks up to them. My eyes open only a little. Maho, Miho and Phoenix all smile when they see me. Sera: *"What... happened?"* Alice: "Sera!! SERAPHINA!!" Sera: *"Alice!?"* She hugs me and Phoenix with tears in her eyes. Sera: *"You-You're alive! Oh my god!"* Alice: "Akira saved me just in time." Sera: *"Akira?"* Vermillion stands before us all bruised and banged up. Vermillion: ***"I'll admit now, that you've still got the gift kid. Haha.... just like your mother. Which means, I can't let you go now."*** As Vermillion prepares to strike them down as they embrace each other, possibly for the last time, he gets collided by Maho's Tiger and Miho's Panzer and he gets knocked back again into the back.

## Chapter 21: The Final Excerpt

We were all laying scarred and bruised in the Fortress Throne Room. Vermillion laid there bruised and on one knee, using his Shattered Nail as a crutch. His eyes gleam a dull purple as he's breathing heavily. We stand at the other side, looking the same way. I see Alice and Phoenix holding me up. Maho, Miho and Sahira guard us with Maho in her Tiger I, Miho in her Panzer IV Anko and Kay in the Sherman Firefly. All of their tanks had shown just in time just as the large-scale battle kept ensuing all across the front area of the fortress. Tanks from all the high schools, even some mercenaries, against the Reichi tanks of Vermillion's armies. I lay there in Alice's arms, not even strong enough to stand up. I must have expelled a lot of energy after using that thing. I at least have some energy to stand up, but not enough to fight. Vermillion: ***"Well now, I guess it seems that we're both in the same condition to fight, which would be barely."*** He stands up with his nail on his right hand. Vermillion: ***"But it seems I still have some pep, or whatever you kids call it."*** Akira fidgets with a device while praying it works until he blasts us behind it. Akira: **"Come on, come on, come on.... Gotcha!!"** A teal portal opens behind us, with a stone barrier covering it. It's similar to the gateways in Leviathan's world. Akira: **"Quickly! Get her into the portal now!!"** Alice and Phoenix put my arms over their shoulders as we go. Maho, Miho, and Sahira go inside first. Phoenix gets out a radio. Misha: "We're holding them off and pushing them back, comrade!" Phoenix: "Good, now tell all the other commanders to launch 'Operation: Sneaky Sneaks'. We're done in the castle and we're falling back. Make sure that they can't follow us back and invade the other schools." Misha: "Of course!" Just then, all of the school tanks back up and release multiple smoke bombs into the air. The smoke rises up to fog the windows in the corridor, but not enough to block out the red sunset in the distance of the room. Vermillion: ***"The Device!!"*** He runs up to them about to swing his blade, until Akira shoves him away. I look at him with my body half into the portal with only my head and my arm holding out to him. Sera: *"Akira, come on!"* Akira: **"I just need to-"** He feels a large jolt of quick pain. His eyes spark orange. He looks down to see Vermillion's chest plunged straight into his very heart. He holds the device in his hands. As memories flash back of them both. When they first reunited back at the Canal Warehouse. Akira: **"Sister, is that you?"** Tears run through my eyes just as he called me sister. Sera: *"B-Brother!?"* As I embrace him, another memory transforms. It's from when we are in Castilla. I hold him back from going to hold back the pursuing Reichi soldiers in the Castilla city. He gets mad at me. Akira: **"Why won't you just let me go?"** Sera: *"Because I just got you back, okay!?"* Tears run down my eyes as I hold his arms while he holds my shoulders. He's shocked to hear that from her. Sera: *"And I don't... I don't want to lose you again. Your the only thing I have left that's my family. My TRUE family."* Akira: **"You won't. I promise you Seraphina."** The next memory turns to when everyone has finished discussing the plans for Operation Apocalypse in Red Blossom's Carrier, and we sit down at a hill looking at the sunset in the ocean. Akira: **"Hey, don't get all blue on me. We'll show that old man who's boss. Then we can finally be at peace."** I look to him with a small smile. Sera: *"Yeah. We will!"* Just as we fist bump, another memory forms to where me and Phoenix are battling in the storm in our tanks. Akira: **"Seraphina, please! Stop this!"** Sera: *"No, Akira. He deserves this fate for what he said!"* Akira: **"But if you make violence, more violence will brew. If you keep at this, you'll be no better than Vermillion himself!!"** The realization kicks into my head as I almost finish him off, holding my Flintlock at his head. Tears run down my eyes as I get off of him and run to hug Akira, with my knees down in the mud. He kneels down too as I sob in his arms. Akira: **"I know. Seraphina. I'm sorry I had to say that, but I had to to make you stop."** The next memory forms to the throne room when Vermillion tells everyone about Akira being a spy. Vermillion: ***"I would've said anything if it meant you deliver the device to be fully charged."*** It forms to her explaining why he did it. Akira: **"I still thought he would still be a good person, and if I could get you to believe in me, all four of us could be together, and Mom would still be alive, a-and it did!"** Tears runs down his eyes as he smiles with a desperate look. He goes to me with his hands in mine. Akira: **"A-And with it, we could go to a whole new world... where everyone could be at peace, and where no one could get hurt, and we could be together as a family, forever, together!!"** The memories flash between him talking and to Vermillion with his nail in Akira's chest, and his voice gives off a small echo. Akira: **"I gave you this Sera. I gave you everything!!"** He looks at Akira with disappointment as I look at his face with neonated blue tears in my eyes. Vermillion: ***"Now look at what you made me do."*** He tosses me the device. I look at him again. He speaks as orange tears drop from his eyes. Akira: **"I.... I'm sorry.... for every.... thing...."** His eyes turn grey as he falls to the ground and his knife de-spells from his hand. Sera: *"AKIRA!!"* Before I could finish, the portal closes, and we're all sucked into the Ghost Factory Pilsen base. The teal vision of the court room closes into the wall. Sera: *"Nonononononooo!! NO! NO! NO!! AKIRA!!!"* I bash at the wall in attempt to get it open somehow. Alice goes to comfort me. Alice: "I am very sorry Sera. I really am." Sera: "*If only I was faster.... I could have.... I could've saved him..."* I look into my battered hands, scraped and calloused with red blood and blue essence particles. Sera: *"If only I...."* I stumbled for a bit and then fall back. Sahira immediately rushes to me as well as the rest of my friends. My eyes change from a dull blue to grey as I kept muttering. Sera: *"I could've saved...."* My knees drop my body onto my side as I lay my side onto the stone floor. Sera: *"I need.... rest... I'll see you guys.... when I wake up...."* My eyes finally turn grey and my body becomes motionless. My arm drops to the floor. Yet my AURA still glows, but only in a dull blue.

## Epilogue

After what happened back at Molendijk, the group was forced to stay in the Ghost Factory for some time. Luckily, there were several rations of fresh food and water canisters strewn around the warehouse. Seraphina's Calamity ability has also remained dormant until then. Sera, still unconscious after what had occurred in the main corridor of Vermillion's throne room, had shown no signs of waking up for over 3 months. Since then, a large amount of land 3 times larger than Japan itself rose from the waters, combining with it, having Japan become the eighth continent of the world. Maho and Miho returned to their mother's home to continue their average daily lives.. Alice and Phoenix also returned to their home to look after Seraphina as she lays dormant. Although, Phoenix left many weeks ago, trying to search for other signs of his father, Mr. X. Vermillion has been in hiding for 3 months, with no signs of coming back yet in between. And Akira..... I just hope he's alive. I still want to forgive him for betraying me. He's told me that anybody can be a good person, even if they just tried. I can't say it, or even got the chance to tell him, but when I find him, I'll finally apologize for everything. And bring back our father. And defeat that Parasyte.

Until then, this is Seraphina A. Kurusu, signing off. Possibly not for the last time.

## Bonus: The Poem of the Silent Warrior

With so much at stake,

and with so many eyes upon me...

I felt it necessary to stay strong,

and silently bear any burden.

Through the fields and thunderstorms,

Through the blizzards and sands,

I search for the legendary sword

As I slay my enemies in bands.

After 100 years laying dormant,

On a plateau in the sky

I wake up knowing nothing

But to rid the kingdom of its chaos.

As the Calamity draws near

My light shall open the shrines

And until I speak my final Breath

The Goddess shall always shine

Ex. Link, Knight to the Princess of Hylia