The Kuipter Files: A Ludusian Crisis

The content of this page is relevant to the Nu Timeline.

## Chapter 1: Unraveling

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*"Our clan, like all others of the species, has always been a conquering, hivemind
 kind, intent on unifying all life under our rule... Under the Eye of our Lord."*
~Lord [NAME REDACTED] of the [REDACTED] dark matter clan

```

Kuipter was far different from others around him, by very many standards. Even as a Dark Matter, and a member of the Zeronius clan, he was of the highest status to an individual.

He was within a world of his own creation, which he had brought about from the ashes of his scorn. Where he resided, though created by his mother, Lord Zeronius, was his own world, the Dark Star. This was by several points; that he had imprisoned her and controlled her power, taking over her army and the Dark Star, that he had completely redesigned it with his superior technology, and many more reasons.

It was the outstanding abilities of him, an individual, that allowed this to happen. The power of a technical godslayer was nothing that one could call a merely thing, in any sense. And there was definitely a reason for this.

He knew of it all too well. He walked along a corridor in his Dark Star, to a room that he had designed himself. It was filled with computers and screens and buttons, technology that he'd created himself, and that very few people knew how to work. He'd made something similar for the city, he remembered. But this left his mind, as he stared intently at one of the monitors, which displayed the sole reason for his power.

Kuipter: Mura... Revelian...

The image displayed listings of information gathered for him about his brothers. The more recent information, of course. Anything that was left from Lord Zeronius' Dark Star was outdated information, to be left only to his memory.

It felt to him as if the wait had been so long. It had only been just over a month, though. Even though he was nearly seven centuries old, he still felt as if the wait had been ages for him. It was impatience... He had waited so long for the opportunity of this, he knew. It was within reach, but he still needed some patience.

Kuipter sighed.

Kuipter: Bring up data from one month ago.

The screen changed, bringing up only a few bits of the information from the great scale of which he'd previously had. He eyed down a text that displayed that it was a recording. He remembered it very well.

He felt a drowsiness wash over his body, and leaned forward slightly, staring at the screen.

Kuipter: ... Open file "Conversation 1".

He spoke with a bit of disdain in his tone. He'd listened to this time and time again. He'd even been in the original recording of it. But he wanted to see it again, for a reason beyond him. Maybe it was just for the slight amusement it brought him, he mused.

The screen changed to form the image of his oldest brother, Mura Zeronius. He wore a red top and sleeves, and brown shorts and red-striped leggings, and a bluish mask. The outfit seemed somewhat casual for a member of the Zeronius clan, Kuipter thought.

*Mura: ... K... Kuipter? Brother...*

Ah, yes. When his oldest brother first saw him, he immediately recognized him. It had surprised Kuipter at first. Though he was a bit disappointed that he couldn't get the opportunity of causing him guilt for a bad memory, he had stated to Mura that he was happy that he'd still remembered him.

Kuipter: ((It was a pointless sentiment... It changes nothing, whether I am but a memory to him or not.))

He looked at the screen. His oldest brother beamed a smile at him. It made him uncomfortable at the time, and it still did. Him following it up with "I'm so happy to hear from you again, my brother", in such a cheerful tone, still sent jolt through his blood.

Mura's antics amused him. He was so unassuming, so trustful. Of course, with Kuipter's cunning, it was a natural reaction, but the way he did it... It was as if he didn't want to give Kuipter a reason to lash out at him for doing something wrong. It was only the past that had this effect on him.

Kuipter: ((I wonder... If I expressed my deep scorn at him, would he get on his knees and beg for my forgiveness, as long as it took for me to say I did?))

Kuipter smirked at the thought.

Kuipter: ((He probably would... He is extremely apologetic. I see him pleading the forgiveness of complete strangers. Oh, and he does so fancy his brothers, it's the most obvious of his traits. So an even greater treatment would surely await one of them...))

He chuckled, as his eye narrowed down.

Kuipter: ((It would be worthless then, wouldn't it? Yes. An apology only matters if it comes from someone who actually has pride... In any other condition, it means nothing to the people giving it.))

He leaned back a bit, still sitting up.

Kuipter: ((And it's just it... It's why I could never accept an apology from him. How could he expect my forgiveness, no matter how true he is with feeling bad? It would mean nothing. It's just small talk, like every word that comes out of his mouth. "Hi, it's so nice to see you!" "Hope I can hear from you again!" "I really like talking to you!" It's pointless.))

Kuipter let the recording play on, as he ignored it in his thoughts.

Kuipter: ((Were he a proud man, one who gave sentiments only to the worthy... Then, yes, I would forgive him. Ha, what is it he says? "It wasn't much of a bother to me anyway, so don't worry about it." Perhaps I could even manage that around him, in such circumstances...))

Kuipter laughed at the frivolous thought. He then looked back at the recording.

*Kuipter: But, another thing...*

*Mura: Hm?*

*Kuipter: If I may ask, please do not tell Revelian of my presence... I... I wish to surprise him myself.*

He saw the recording of himself managing a forced smile. He was giving a wicked one inside, of course.

*Mura: Aheh... Sure thing!*

Kuipter: ((Trusting, I said? More like gullible.))

Kuipter leaned forward and stopped the recording.

Kuipter sighed. The mention of Revelian's name had made his blood boil. This always happened. He sat still for a while, trying to calm himself.

Kuipter: ((A proud, worthy person... It's the only kind of person that Mura could be if I were to allow him my forgiveness, and the kind of person that Revelian already is...))

Kuipter smirked.

Kuipter: ((But, no... All that he did. Building this empire up, just to fail in the moment of truth, and leave it to come down on top of itself. Mura going after him, I could forgive. Mura just abandoned us with no help. He never made a major contribution to it. But Revelian's efforts, followed by his crushing defeat...))

Kuipter frowned, furrowing his brow.

Kuipter: ((No matter how proud he may be, and no matter how sincere he may make it, I can never forgive him for that...))

Kuipter exhaled.

Kuipter: He'll be getting what I have coming for him, though...

Kuipter said this out loud, to reassure himself. He then sat for a while and let himself calm down.

Kuipter: ... Bring up available data from 25/12.

The screen changed to bring up the data from a later date. This one had quite a few more pictures than the last one. But still, it was only a single available recording. This one was a bit more memorable to him.

Kuipter: ... Open file "Conversation 17".

The screen changed again. The circumstances were very similar visually, of course. Mura seemed to be sitting down in this one, instead of standing. Yet, he still greeted Kuipter with a smile.

*Mura: H-hi, Kui...!*

Kuipter made a frown. Kui was a shortened nickname for him that Mura had made up, just as the counterpart to calling Revelian "Rev". Kuipter hated it. It just reminded him that Mura thought they were on equal ground, peers, to the point at which he could be so casual with him.

*Kuipter: ... Hello, Mura...*

At the time, he had looked over him. He looked distraught. It was against Kuipter's habits to point out his emotional state, feigning ignorance to it, but you'd have to be blind not to see that he wasn't well at the time.

*Kuipter: Well, now, brother... You seem very down.*

*Mura: O-oh... Uh, sorry...*

*Kuipter: Appearances are important, yes... But what is it about?*

Mura had looked up at him with a pout. His oldest brother was already starting to become oddly comfortable around him.

*Mura: It's nothing, really... You probably don't even wanna hear about it, anyway...*

*Kuipter: If you're so sure about that, then.*

Mura then proceeded to give an explanation anyway.

*Mura: It's about Rev... He... W-Well, I'm really scared about what's happening to him...*

*Kuipter: Scared? What, is he hurt, sick, going down the wrong path?*

When he had mused these possibilities at the time, he couldn't help but give a wicked smile, but Mura gave no attention to it.

*Mura: No, it's nothing like that... It's... Ah, I can't believe I'm talking about this, but...*

Kuipter had stood, as if being a caring, attentive little brother. Though he knew he was far from it, he still could not resist the chance to get close with him and learn in this instance. It would be something better to crush him with later.

*Mura: I'm not really sure myself, but... I think I should just start from he beginning. You know what I told you about earlier, how I gave him an early Chanukwanzaa gift?*

The concept of Chanukwanzaa was foreign to him at first, but Kuipter had come to understand it. In the recording, he nodded.

*Mura: It was a sword... I know it can be dangerous, but I know he likes swords, and thinks that they're cool, so he could handle it. He's an adult, after all. So I went to a blacksmith and had a sword made for him.*

Mura looked up then, managing a shy smile.

*Mura: Hehe, I told you about that sword, right? The blacksmith named it after herself and me, because I requested it be made and she made it, she said. So it was called the Muramasa...*

Kuipter did remember that story. It showed a lack of creativity on the part of the blacksmith to have named it that.

Kuipter: ((What kind of name is "Muramasa", anyway?))

In the recording, Kuipter nodded.

*Mura: I gave it to him because... Well, usually he isn't in the mood for Chanukwanzaa... But today, he went off to the Chanukwanzaa party with his friends. And, I mean, that's really good, because it means he's getting over the whole...*

Mura looked down and sighed.

*Mura: Nevermind. It's nothing. I just want him to be happy. And I want to be a part of his life. But, I don't know...*

*Kuipter: It's a simple problem, Mura.*

Kuipter spoke with a hint of wisdom in his voice. Mura looked up, a glint of hope in his eyes.

*Kuipter: Just try harder to be important to him. And to get his attention. Then you'll be fine.*

*Mura: Uh... Alright...! That sounds good...*

*Kuipter: But, say, could we talk about something else now?*

*Mura: Sure...*

Kuipter closed the file quickly.

Kuipter: ((Pointless...))

Kuipter clenched his teeth.

Kuipter: ((The whole scheme is just so pointless... Why does he think that I would care about his life like that? The damn fool... What is he, mad or something?))

Kuipter coughed, and stood up.

Kuipter: ((It's just like everyone else, isn't it? The planets of people that think I should care about the directions of their lives. Who think that they deserve their own rule instead of mine. It's all the same. Just like my mother, who believes that I should rule nothing. It's something that infects all living beings, isn't it? A damn madness...))

Kuipter started to walk out of the room.

Kuipter: ((I'm the only one in all of existence who isn't like that. It's only me. This is why I should be the ruler of all the faulty creations in existence. Those who can't even see the truth in this...))

Kuipter closed the door, and sighed.

Kuipter: ((... The universe is mad. And these children of madness who wonder among it should not be listened to by the ears of the wise. It all comes together with me, anyhow.))

## Chapter 2: A Shadow Across The World

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*"And so it was, in the absence of their brother, Galatha and Valkis began to
 develop in contempt and hate for one another. Their feelings would boil into rage
 soon enough, and it would not end until it came at the cost of both their lives."*
~Excerpt from *Libro Dracones*

```

Busy work. Though it was to the opinion of almost no one but him, busy work was a pleasure. In usual cases, those around him felt that they didn't want to bother him with requesting that he do menial tasks about, but, if it was for their benefit, Mura was glad to oblige for it. Actually having something to do other than sitting around, which is something that happened much too often, was enough to get him out of his seat and working to help out others. But beyond that, the simple fact of knowing that he would be making them happy and helping out, was a driving force for Mura all by itself.

The forces of pointless boredom were the opposite of usefulness. As long as he was not experiencing one, he would be experiencing the other. Yet, much to his disdain, these forces were like many other aspects in life; they were balanced. With the great feeling that came of usefulness came the eventual downfall into pointless boredom, leading to trying to find more usefulness along the way. Without pointless boredom, he would not try to seek out usefulness for him.

And, in the case of helping out his dear brother, Revelian Zeronius, he could never get enough. His agreement to assisting him was instantaneous to the moment at which he was asked, or even if he wasn't asked.

Perhaps it was the frequency at which Revelian needed something that had caused this. Revelian was a capable adult on his own, of course, but he was nowhere near being a self-dependent individual. He did need the help of others, not just Mura, but of all his friends, even if he didn't want to admit it. Though strong, he was misguided. So Mura would give it his all for his problems.

Though, just as well, it may have been Mura's connection to Revelian as a brother. Yes, the sensation of helping others was something great in itself. Watching over an item of a stranger while they looked down to adjust the laces on their shoes or went off to retrieve something from their four-wheeled automotive vehicles was a sensation in itself that was enough to make him beam a smile under the scarf covering his face. But with Revelian, it was something different. He was anxious for every request that his brother would ask of him. He silently begged for him to hurry if he was taking too long to ask it. That had began to become such a worry to him that Mura had picked up the habit of just telling Revelian that he didn't have to ask him to do simple, everyday things, and that he'd know to do it without having to be asked.

Mura: ((The communication is only a middleman, anyway. It should be... Reserved, for only if I don't know what the request is. Prolonging my ability to answer any such request... It's so bothersome.))

For this reason, his nights had become quite restless as of late. It had all been since Chanukwanzaa, he knew. The holidays had been a hard time for Revelian, he knew. The first Chanukwanzaa that he'd celebrated, now just over twenty-nine years ago, was the cause of this. Having everyone in the town turn the day where one of his friends was killed trying to protect others, and another friend was sent into a comatose, ageless state which he would remain in for nearly twenty-seven years was a surefire way to make him hate the day with a passion. But this year, for some reason, his attitude was different from the others. At first, it seemed like he was going to do the same thing he'd done every year, and stay home with Mura instead of going out with the others to celebrate. But, much to Mura's surprise, he went outside just as his friends were leaving, after their failed attempt to cheer him up in this time of the year, and went to join them for the Chanukwanzaa party. Mura, of course, was thankful for a more cheerful disposition overcoming his frustration, but it just struck him as odd, to say the least. It invited fears into him which he had not chosen to consider previously.

Revelian would come to live without him. He would become dependent on his new friends, as opposed to Mura. He would no longer have a need for his older brother around, and would live his life without him. And because of this, Mura would lose whatever usefulness that he had in the life he currently lived, along with his beloved brother, who would grow up without a need for him. More than anything, he wanted this not to happen. The fact that he'd recently been fired from his job, which Mura only did to support him and Revelian, and they were instead now being supporting by Revelian's high-ranking position at the big business IDC Corporations, seemed to just support this as a possibility.

So, very recently, he had tried even harder to be important and useful to Revelian. Quite clear to him, Revelian owned quite a few pets, adopted from the IDC Corp. Adoption Center. Adoption of the pets was something that all employees did as a usual thing, which was, in the very least, to give them homes that they could not normally get from being adopted by the customers, a majority of whom were still somewhat wary of inviting these Monsters into their homes. It wasn't entirely accurate to call them pets, though; they did have the same sentient behavior that any Gridmask, Dark Matter, or any other intelligent species had. But, they did need homes, like any other being, and had needs to be met. They were just taken care of like one would a simple pet. And this was something that Mura saw as a great opportunity for him. Not only did these pets have needs, which he could fulfill, they were also cared for by Revelian, and in helping these pets he would in turn be helping his brother.

Mura: ((And it's not as if he can just invite one of his friends over to his home, so much of the time, to do this job... It's something that he could only trust the people who live with him, his family, to do.))

Restless as his nights were, it was no bother to him to get up fairly early in the morning to start to work on the duties of attending to Revelian's pets. He did get up early to get prepared for this, so that he could start doing a lot throughout the day and be finished at a suitable time.

His regular busy work outfit, which was literally the same as his casual, everyday clothes, consisted of a red sweater without sleeves, and red sweater sleeves, a tan color of shorts, and styled dark red and red leggings.

The last piece of his intended outfit, though, he regarded with an expression both somewhat flustered and apprehensive.

Mura: ((This... It is a bit... Well, uncanny, at least for me.))

He held a light brown apron, with a flower design sewn into it. This was intended to be fitting for his work, in a sense. He was going to be serving those around the house. And it was also supposed to catch the eyes of others, just to show his purpose.

Mura: (Hm...)

Though the design in itself was a bit much for him, he'd thought. He could just as well manage in his regular outfit, he knew, but this was something extra. Something to showcase his attributes, in the least. He figured, it wasn't too much of a bother, anyway. It was just part of an outfit, nothing more. Not too strong a statement, not too weak of one.

Mura: (All right, then.)

He simply donned the accessory and proceeded to get into the work.

Getting started with this was simple enough, he thought. He'd already had much of the supplies for the job prepared. He'd be carrying around some tools for cleaning, if there happened to be messes in the pets' living areas, for one. He'd also be toting around the consumables for these pets, a notable necessity for them. The final tool for his preparation was first aid supplies. Though it wasn't too often that a pet would get hurt, it was better to be safe than sorry, especially in the case of a bad accident. These supplies would serve to carry him through his tasks with ease.

Having found all of his supplies accounted for and readied at the time, Mura decided that this would be a time as good as any to get started on the task ahead of him. It was still fairly early in the day, he knew; around seven in the morning. Revelian usually didn't get around to going off for work until about eight. He would have a bit of time to spend before Revelian awoke, he believed.

However, as he began this thought, he heard a familiar noise of footsteps within the home. As it drew closer to downstairs, it became evident that it was Revelian. He became puzzled by this. He had heard these footsteps earlier, but had dismissed them as merely being Cygnus or someone else roaming around the house. But this was definitely Revelian.

Mura: ((What is he doing up so early?))

Mura went around the lower level of the house to the front door. Without having spoken a word, Revelian was already fully dressed in decorated grey jacket and trousers and shirt, ready to go off for work. Just as he was about to open their front door, Mura spoke.

Mura: Revelian?

Mura saw his brother freeze and tense up for a moment, supposedly a bit startled by hearing Mura's voice all of a sudden. But, after a moment of realization, he turned around, knowing it was just Mura, and greeted him.

Revelian: Oh, hey, Mura.

Mura: Why are you going to work so early?

Mura tilted his head slightly when asking this, as to give a visual assistance to his confusion.

Revelian: I'm getting called in for an early meeting today. Some weird stuff, I think. Since it's pretty much the first day of going back to work this year, I guess they're just trying to get a comparison of the information from last year, probably.

Mura: Oh... I didn't know about that. Sorry for bothering you, I was just curious.

Revelian scratched his head.

Revelian: Eh, no need to worry about it. I'll be early for the whole thing, anyway, so it's not like this will effect my time getting there.

Mura: Ahh, that's good!

Revelian: But, anyway... What are you doing up this early?

Revelian seemed to stare him down then.

Mura: I was just getting ready to get to the chores about the house.

Mura offered a bit of reassurance with his tone.

Mura: I do want to get things done with early, anyway.

Revelian let out an annoyed sigh.

Revelian: Damnit, Mura... You really need to stop doing this. It's unhealthy for you.

Mura tilted his head again, staring at Revelian with a blank eye.

Mura: ... Doing what?

Revelian: Oh, you know what! You've been like this for over a week now. You're all on edge, and trying to do every job in the house at once. You've just been going around and working almost non-stop.

Mura: There's nothing wrong with that! I'm just trying to be helpful.

Revelian: You're going to overexert yourself if you keep this up, Mura.

Mura: ...

Mura looked away slightly, staying silent.

Revelian: You know I'm right about this. And I'm worried about you.

Mura started to pout his cheeks under his scarf, somewhat beyond Revelian's view.

Revelian: So, hey, just, try to take it easy, alright?

Mura looked off to the side slightly, not meeting Revelian's gaze.

Revelian: ... Alright?

He was met with silence for a moment.

Mura: ... You shouldn't worry about me... I'm your older brother, so I'm the one who should be worrying about anyone's well being here.

Revelian: Now you're just being ridiculous! Me worrying about you is fine, regardless of me being your younger brother.

Mura: Well... You really don't have to worry about me, I mean. I'm fine, bro! You're just being paranoid. I'll just keep working as I am, and--

Revelian: Mura!

Revelian cut him off.

Revelian: I'm saying that I don't want you to keep working! Seriously, I...

Revelian paused for a moment, trying to think.

Revelian: Just, can you do something for me? Can you just not work around the house today?

Mura: W-what?!

Revelian: I mean, take a break! You need it now more than anything!

Mura sputtered, surprised by his request.

Mura: ((He wants... No... No, I can't do this! That would mean...))

Revelian: Well?

Mura: But... I can't just to this, not on such short notice!

Revelian: Mura, you're going to overexert yourself if you keep this up.

Mura: That's not going to happen! I'll be fine! But the pets won't if I'm not taking care of them!

Revelian: Then I'll just stay home and take care of them! They're my pets, anyway, so they're my responsibility.

Mura: But you're supposed to go to work today!

Revelian: I'll call in for a personal day. They'll understand.

Mura: You said today was very important, though! You just have to go!

Revelian: No, I don't. In fact, I'm not moving from this spot until you agree to take a break.

Mura: But...

Mura stammered, trying to think of something to say. Nothing came to mind. He knew that once Revelian but his foot down for something, he wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted. It was a stubborn habit of his, one that Mura knew he could never fight against. He was too loyal to the will of his brother to even try.

Revelian: So, what's your answer? Or am I going to stand here all day?

Mura thought for a moment, his heart racing. He needed something...

Mura: T... Tomorrow!

Revelian: Eh?

Mura: The break you want me to take... I'll do it tomorrow! Just let me get the pets all cared for today, so that it'll be okay for me to take the day of tomorrow! Then you can go to work and we'll be just fine!

Revelian gave him a sideways look.

Mura: And... You can go to work today, and just request a personal day tomorrow, so that then, we can spend the day together... And, everything will be fine, then! Okay...?

Revelian took a moment to look at him in silence. He was contemplating the idea of it, thinking whether or not he wanted it. Mura knew that whatever he did decide on was final. He hoped that he would agree with him on his suggestion. Mura became slightly anxious.

Revelian: ... So, this is what you want, then?

Mura: Y-yeah...

Revelian: ... Eh, alright. Yeah, it sounds good. Okay.

Mura beamed up in joy.

Mura: Great!

Revelian: We haven't really had a day off together in a while, right? Usually because we're busy with work, or with friends... It'll be good to just hang out like that again. Kind of like back in the day.

Mura gave a childish smile.

Mura: It sure will!

Revelian: Right... So, yeah, I'd better get going to IDC now.

Mura: That's right! You might be late if you stay here too much longer! Go, go!

Revelian: Eheheh, alright.

Mura: I'll be getting ready for us to have our day off tomorrow! Don't you worry about a thing, I'll make sure everything is right for it!

Revelian: That's good. Don't work yourself too hard in the process!

Mura: I won't!

Revelian: M'kay, goodbye.

Mura: See you later!

With that, Revelian waved his brother and left through the front door, disappearing from view. Mura waited a few moments, before he came to the small window on the door, moving the curtain out of the way with his hands, and peering through it. Already, Revelian was nowhere to be seen. This was expected, anyway; it took him around six seconds just to go all the way around the planet, so just going to the IDC HQ would take barely any time at all.

Mura: ((He's gone now... Alright.))

Mura stepped away from the door and turned around.

Mura: ((Now... I have to get everything ready for tomorrow. Time to get started...))

Mura: Cygnus!

Mura called out to his temporary assistant, the lavender-skinned delinquent teenaged monster girl, Cygnus. She mumbled under her breath as she dragged her feet into the room.

Cygnus: Yeah, what is it?

Mura: Are you ready to help me out?

Cygnus gave an annoyed sigh, avoiding Mura's gaze.

Cygnus: Yeah, yeah, I guess. Ready as I'm going to be.

Mura: Are you sure that you're alright with this, Cygnus? I can get someone else to help me out if you don't want to...

Cygnus muttered something incoherent under her breath. Mura tilted his head.

Cygnus: I'm good. Let's just hurry this up.

Mura gave her a light smile, one that was hard to see under his scarf.

Mura: Right, then! Let's get right to it.

Mura fluttered through a present list of chores for him to do.

Mura: So, if I'm to leave the place alone for tomorrow... We'll need to put some of the responsible pets in charge of respective areas for them, and give provide them the supplies they'll need for the pets they will be in charge of.

Cygnus: Got it.

Mura: And, just to make sure that nothing goes wrong, I'll be putting you in charge of monitoring them over the next day. Can you do this?

Cygnus: I sure can.

Cygnus tried to hold back a smirk, but failed.

Mura: Great! I knew I could count on you.

Cygnus: Mhmm.

Cygnus' mind filled with the devious actions she could take part in if she were left here without supervision, in charge of things. Her smirk began to stretch to each side of her head. Mura then started to notice her expression, and looked at her in confusion.

Mura: Aheh, uh, why are you smiling like that?

Cygnus quickly changed her expression, and thought of something to answer Mura's question.

Cygnus: Because... You look funny in that apron.

Mura crossed his arms and pouted his cheeks. He was already somewhat self-conscious of the thing by itself, and Cygnus' comment only reaffirmed his suspicions that he looked silly in it.

Mura: Hmph...

Upon seeing his expression, Cygnus then tried to change the subject.

Cygnus: So, should we get started already?

Mura: ... Yeah, we should.

Cygnus: Well, then?

Mura: Right. Let's get on with it.

Mura then picked up what appeared to be a list that he'd made and examined it.

Mura: Uh, it looks like the first thing we should do is go to the aquatic biome of the pet chambers. Just, in the biomes for most of it. Most of the pets are in there, anyway.

Cygnus: I figured.

Mura looked back down at the paper, appearing somewhat flustered.

Mura: Anyway, we can give a lot of the biome responsibility to the pets who roam the areas there. I'm thinking that, for the aquatic biome, Midas could be in charge. And, for the grasslands biome, I think that Omegasus could manage. Leorina would do well for the mountain biome. I think we can rely on Gemly to take care of the windy biome.

Mura looked back up at Cygnus, giving her a stare that she found somewhat unsettling.

Mura: And, for the out of biome pets, can I count on you to take care of them?

Cygnus froze for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.

Cygnus: Of course you can. I'll do a great job.

Mura smiled.

Mura: Great! Let's go to the aquatic biome, then.

And off they went.

As they entered the aquatic biome, a yellow shape dashed upwards through the large tank of water. A familiar face arose to greet them.

Midas: Well, if it isn't mister Mura! Good morning!

Mura: Good morning to you, too, Midas.

From a distance, Midas may well have been confused for a short man in an entirely yellow outfit. However, he was far from it. Any closer inspection would have revealed that he was not wearing a yellow outfit, but rather is was his natural skin colour, and that what appeared to be a large and round hat donning his head was actually his head itself. He himself was an eel-like creature with a body shape that seemed somewhat stacked upon itself.

At this moment, Midas also noticed that Cygnus was accompanying Mura.

Midas: And a warm good morning to the dear Cygnus!

Cygnus: Yeah, uh, hi there.

Midas seemed to give them a warm, inviting smile.

Midas: Well now, what brings you two here at this time of day?

Mura: Well, it's kinda a long story... But, putting it simply, we came here to ask if you could help us out.

Midas seemed to almost beam with joy.

Midas: Well then, go ahead and tell me what you want me to do! I'm sure I can manage the task.

Mura: Alright! Tomorrow, I'm going to be gone for the day, just taking the day off for Rev's sake, and I'm looking for pets who are capable of providing for the other pets here, because, well, I can't do that when I'm gone.

Midas: Oh?

Midas' eyes looked as if they flashed with a light of realization, if only for a moment.

Midas: And, this is just an assumption, but I can presume that you are going to request my help in this?

Mura: Yeah, that's it. We'd like for you to be the one to take care of the others here in the aquatic biome. You are the most mature of them, after all. Will you do it?

Midas: I shall! This is my gift to you, dear Mura, for your well-deserved day off.

Mura blushed slightly.

Mura: Ah, gee... It's not like I deserve it that much...

Midas: Nonsense, my friend. You've been working your core out day and night for all of us here. Such a thing cannot be said for anyone else.

Cygnus mumbled something under her breath.

Mura: I honestly don't think I've been helping that much... There is just so much more than I can do, anyway!

Midas: Sir, you have no need to be modest, I speak the truth here.

Mura: You mean, there's nothing else that you could possibly want here?

Midas: No... Well... Actually, now that you do mention it...

Mura: So there is something that you want?

Midas: Yes, in fact, there is. It's something that anyone would want, really...

Midas rubbed the side of his head, seemingly a bit flustered. He looked around, and then spoke in a tone that was much more quiet than how he'd been speaking before. Mura leaned forward slightly to hear him better.

Midas: Really, the community is a bit... Lacking, in terms of any suitable mates around here. The most of them are either already hitched, or they are far too young for my tastes. I do say, I am a healthy male adult, and at my age I shouldn't be so far off in terms of finding a gal of my own.

Mura: Mhm...

Mura nodded with understanding. Cygnus took a step back.

Midas: And, as you may know, master Zeronius is not one to adopt pets too often. At such a sparse rate, it may be quite some time before someone who I would like to spend my time with is brought here. Do you understand this predicament?

Mura: Yes, I do.

Midas seemed to perk up a bit more. His normal tone returned.

Midas: Then, do you have any plans for what to do about this?

Mura: Sure, I'll just get him to adopt some more pets. If he gets a lot of them, then surely the one who's perfect for you will come along.

Midas beamed with joy.

Midas: Wonderful, wonderful! Thank you, Mura, you truly are a kind man!

Mura: Aheh... It's no problem, Midas. Just helping out someone in need...

Mura smiled under his scarf.

Cygnus: Ahem?

Mura turned back to Cygnus, before remembering what they had come here to do.

Mura: Oh, right. So, you will be able to take care of the other pets here tomorrow?

Midas: I most certainly shall.

Mura: Great. We'll just leave you with the supplies now...

Mura and Cygnus then retrieved the supplies and bestowed them to Midas.

Mura: So, you're all set, then?

Midas: I do believe that I am, indeed, ready for the next day.

Mura: Perfect! Now, we just have to go to the other biomes...

Cygnus: Everything's ready to go.

Midas: Then, I'll be seeing you soon, Mura.

Mura: Right, see you later.

Mura turned to leave with Cygnus to the next biome.

Midas: Oh, but Mura, before you leave...

Mura stopped and turned to Midas again.

Mura: What is it, Midas?

Midas: I just wanted to give a bit of attention to this...

Mura: ... Eh?

Midas: Well, as you may know, the others who reside here are not as naturally mature and disciplined as I am. And it is unlikely that all of them are as friendly to you as I am, unfortunate though that it.

Mura: What about it?

Midas: Well, considering these facts, it would not be wise to go around them in... Such an attire...

Midas looked at the apron that Mura was still wearing.

Mura: Wh... What's wrong with it?

Midas: Do tell me, and do not be modest about this, but are you being bullied into donning such an outfit?

Mura: Am I what??

Cygnus began snickering to herself. Mura pouted in her direction, trying to get her to stop.

Midas: In regards to your recent actions, you've completely changed your wardrobe. Your shoulders now are exposed, your darker jeans have been replaced with lighter shorts, and you've now taken to wearing an apron. Mura, surely you realize this is the attire that, done by those undeserving of any gentlemanly title, been likened to the role of a mother and housewife? Of course you do, this is the point of it. Whatever pet residing in this house has found your caring for the masses of us akin to motherly behavior, and has insulted you in the demands of the undertaking of a fashion choice such as this.

Mura: ... I...

Midas: I've hit the nail on the head, haven't I?

Mura slumped where he stood.

Mura: Okay, okay, this was just my choice, no one is bullying me to dress like this. It's just a cute little outfit, nothing connected to any type of person. You're being all weird about it, too...

Midas gave him a befuddled stare.

Midas: Oh... My bad, Mura.

Mura: And... Am I really seen as a 'housewife' or 'mother' to the other pets?

Midas: In a way, yes... Your caring and respective role in relation to Revelian has marked it so.

Mura: Wait a minute, hey! Revelian is my brother! And you're calling me his... That's not right!!

Midas: No, I didn't mean it in that way... Are you sure you're not making such a connection of your own accord?

Cygnus: Ha! The old man goes beyond an acceptable Freudian slip and then he blames it on you.

Mura: That's it, this conversation is over!

Mura threw the apron to the ground. He then pouted and crossed his arms.

Midas: Oh, come now, don't be like that. The apron actually looked good on you.

Mura: I'm not wearing it anymore. If something like it is going to inspire conversations like this... Yeah, actually, thanks for telling me about it. Now I don't have to have the conversation with anyone else.

Midas: Oh, dear... I'm horribly sorry if I insulted you in your fashion choice, or familial role.

Mura: No, it...

Mura sighed.

Mura: Wasn't my idea, anyway. And I'm pretty sure it didn't do what it was supposed to...

Mura took a second to regain himself, and offered Midas a smile.

Mura: I'm alright with it. Just, next time, when we're talking about my theoretical person... Well...

Cygnus: Try not to be such an old man about it.

Mura: Cygnus...

Midas: Yes, I shall seek more sensitivity on the side of the younger group. Of course, in my old age, I've lost all understanding of what is in the now, what is the right thing to say, and how to properly address people of the new generation. It's all been lost with age... I will do all that I can to recover it.

Cygnus: See, try not to do that.

Mura: Well, we have to get going now... Goodbye, Midas.

Midas: Ahem... Goodbye for now, Mura.

Mura: And that's everyone!

Mura turned to Cygnus, as their jobs of going into the biomes were now complete.

Cygnus: Yes, it is.

Mura: Now, for outside the biomes, I'll need you to care for the few pets that are outside of them.

Cygnus: You can most certainly entrust me with this task.

Cygnus nodded her head slightly.

Mura: Alright! Thank you so much, Cygnus. You really helped me out today.

Cygnus: Eh, it wasn't too hard.

Mura: Now, everything's prepared for tomorrow...

Mura stood still for a moment and thought. He started to ponder on Revelian's behavior this morning. He hadn't gotten a chance to earlier, as the whole discussion with him had happened fairly quickly, and he had since been focused on the task of supplying pets for his day off tomorrow. He did want to take a bit of time to focus on Revelian and think about him.

Mura: Uh... Cygnus, you can just go off for now. We're done for the day.

Cygnus: Okay!

Cygnus dashed off with a surprising speed, leaving Mura to his thoughts.

Mura: ((Though I haven't really acknowledged it before... He has become very independent... It's evident in his behavior towards me, now, when he acts with maturity and care...))

Mura walked over to a nearby chair and sat down.

Mura: ((And, what he wants... He has only specified that he wants me to take tomorrow as a day off, but surely, he can't mean this to be the only day off that he wants me to ever take. How many days will he ask for this? What will it lead to him asking of me in the future?))

Mura's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of a mechanical chime going off near his head. He looked up for a moment, confused as to where it was coming from. He then realized that it was coming from his visor.

It was the built-in messaging system. He wasn't entirely used to hearing the notification that he was getting a message. For a moment, he was confused. He wondered why Revelian would be calling him now, as he usually doesn't at this time.

Mura: ((Why is he messaging me now...?))

Mura opened up the contact list and viewed it. To his surprise, he wasn't being contacted by Revelian at all.

Mura: (Huh?)

The username that was contacting him read "maniacalMachinations" in a yellow text.

Mura: ((Oh, right! How could I forget?))

It was just a message from his youngest brother, Kuipter. He wondered how he could have forgotten already. For at least the past month or so, Kuipter had been contacting him every other day. It was their time to talk now, he remembered. They often talked for quite a while, and Kuipter had a pattern that had become quite predictable to Mura at this point. He would seem somewhat distant, what Mura had assumed was shyness, and he would often ask for something from Mura, and that it be delivered to a certain place to be obtained by him. They hadn't met face-to-face for the duration of the month they'd talked, despite Mura's requests to do so. He did want to see his youngest brother once in a while, of course. It had even come to the thought of a fancy for Mura that Kuipter could serve as Revelian had to him, when he needed his services more often.

In front of him, a dark yellow holographic image appeared, accompanied slightly by the sounds of static. The image was quite blurry and hard to make out, though it did appear to have a humanoid figure. Mura heard the projection of Kuipter trying to talk to him, with its' messages clouded by the static.

Kuipter: ... Hello... This... From...

It continued on, as Mura could only make out small patches of what was being transmitted.

Mura: Kui? The image and sound is all messed up, I can barely here you.

Kuipter: ... There.

The holographic image then slowly began to become more focused. The sounds of static and feedback began to cease, and the image became more clear. Mura saw his humanoid figure come into greater focus, the body of a Dark Matter. He was fairly large, a lot like Revelian, though, as Mura noticed, he was shorter and burlier than Revelian. He seemed to be wearing thick metal shoulderplates today, which reminded Mura of bolts on some sort of gridmask machine, and he was also wearing a scarf around his mouth, cheeks, and neck, and a large, heavy goggle on top of his glowing red eye. He was also dressed up in what seemed to be a sort of military uniform, one so fancy that he may very well have been a high-ranking officer.

He stood with his hands on his sides, standing slightly above Mura in this projection. He did look like a bit of a frightening individual, but to Mura, he was simply calming, even soothing, in his look. It was just because of how Mura knew him, perhaps, that he saw Kuipter like this.

Mura: ((How could I possibly see my little brother as frightening, or scary?))

His youngest brother then spoke again.

Kuipter: Are you receiving this transmission clearly enough?

Mura nodded, clearing his throat. He offered him a smile.

Mura: Yeah, I get you loud and clear, Kui! It's better now.

Kuipter: That's... Good. Hello, Mura. Sorry about that, there has been some... complications, with the communication systems lately. That was just a side effect of that.

Mura: Aheh... Don't worry about it! I'm not going to hold it against you.

Kuipter seemed unamused at his minor gesture. He lifted his head slightly, so as to lower his eye when looking at him.

Kuipter: Right...

Mura: ...

Kuipter cleared his throat, interrupting the bit of Mura's uncollected thoughts of wonder as to what Kuipter wanted to talk about today.

Kuipter: It has been quite a long time, hasn't it? Since we last saw one another, that is.

Mura managed a nod.

Mura: A little bit, yeah... Usually it's every other day that I hear from you, but the last two days you were pretty quiet.

Kuipter: Despite this abruptness, I do feel that, sooner than later, I need to ask something of you.

Mura: I see... Sure, I think I can help you out again, Kui!

Mura gave a cat's smile.

Mura: ((The feeling... It is a lot like when I help Rev... Hehe, maybe Kui could be a bit of a backup for if Rev ever does become independent... Maybe...))

Kuipter: Hm... I can see from your expression that you must be interested.

Mura gave a light smile, as he tried to hold back his excitement.

Mura: Mhmm...

Kuipter's eye seemed to gleam with light for a moment. He almost looked like a predator, ready to strike on his newly discovered prey.

Kuipter: Good...

Kuipter became silent for a moment. Mura could feel a sense of anxiety building up within him.

Mura: So...

Kuipter seemed to give a haunting smirk. Mura ignored this, infatuated with the possibilities instead.

Kuipter: Yes, now, as for what I want from you... I need you for this, brother. Join me.

Mura: Er... Join you...? In what?

Kuipter closed his eye for a moment. The holographic image of him then seemed to turn and pace, though it stayed in place for Mura. Mura bit his lip slightly. His confusion was only a fuel for his anxiety. He so badly wanted to know.

Kuipter: Remember, back in the day, you never really were a fighter. I never once saw you in the ground troops of Lord Zeronius, and I often wondered why this was, until I found out that you simply never went with them.

Mura moved his right leg upward, letting the toes support his left leg and touch the ground instead of the rest of the foot. Whenever he became very tense and anxious, he would do this.

Mura: Yeah, I was... I didn't really want to be out there, even if it was to serve Sauphara... It's not like I would do anything, even...

It was a well-known fact that Mura desperately detested conflict and violence. He was a devout pacifist, something very unnatural for his conquest-bound kind. In truth, this was because of his reaction to seeing others in pain.

It could be said that this was much like the counterpart to his enjoyment of helping others. Though helping others did give him a warm feeling of joy, the pain of others did the exact opposite. In some sort of empathetic reel, not of his own accord, he could not stand to see another person in pain. He knew it all too well. The experience itself was horrifying. If he were to see someone in pain, his reaction was a constant.

His breathing would begin to become very heavy, and he felt as if the air were trying to crush him. His eye would cloud with visions of redness, blurring out his vision until he could not see, even though he tried darting his eye around to see if there was somewhere he could see clearly. His body would begin to tense up, making it hard for him to even move from his position. His body would begin to shake, making keeping a fair balance nearly impossible. His head would begin to ache with such pain, and a loud tone would fill his ears, making him deaf to everything happening around him. Even though his senses became utterly dulled to the point of not being able to hear this, his mind would still hold the clear image of events. He knew the experience, and felt that he himself would die if it continued for too long; his heart would implode on itself, killing him.

This showed often when Lord Zeronius had originally tried to send him off on missions. He feared for his life when he was out where he saw his people causing pain to innocents. Because of this, he sealed himself away into the Dark Star for so very long, never going out in the conquests again, despite what Lord Zeronius asked of him. He was the only one who did not participate in these conquests, for the drones and his brothers always had.

Kuipter: ...

Kuipter himself knew of this. He seemed to be thinking all about it at the moment. Mura wondered why his expression had changed to make him seem annoyed.

Mura: ... What about it, then...?

Kuipter stood and faced him.

Kuipter: I know that you cannot truly be like this... You are my brother, and the brother of Revelian, and the child of Lord Zeronius. Our blood runs through you, as well. The blood of our conquest-riddled kind.

Mura: What...?

Kuipter: Your fighting spirit, Mura... Show it to me.

Mura stared at him with a blank expression.

Kuipter: Unlike Lord Zeronius, who was idle for so long, I know that you, Mura, will join me. The times of conquest have returned.

Mura felt somewhat nauseous. He wondered what Kuipter was even on about. This was all very strange to him.

Kuipter: And the first planet that the Zeronius clan will conquer is Ludus!

Mura gave him a surprised look.

Mura: Wh... C-conquer Ludus? Why would you do that?!

Kuipter: In the least, convenience. We're all here already. I've been directly preparing for it for over a month, even.

Mura gulped. He realized that this must be why he asked all those strange things of Mura over the last month.

Mura: That's not what I... Why would you do this at all?

Kuipter: What are you saying, Mura? Treating me as if I were alone in the action... I just asked you to join me in this. I haven't got the patience for a psychological analysis of my actions.

Mura: But...

Kuipter seemed to simply raise an eyebrow at him. Mura's mind became frantic at him. He wondered why Kuipter could look so casual about all this. Over the last month, he hadn't seemed like the kind of person who would engage in this violence, let alone even joke about it to this extent, if this was what he was doing. Mura had been convinced that he'd actually been a spearhead for the ceasing of violence for the Zeronius army.

Mura: I don't want to conquer this planet, Kuipter! This is my home, where innocent people live... I would be putting them through a lot of pain if I did this.

Kuipter gave him a sideways look, before letting out a laugh. Mura nearly twitched in reaction.

Mura: ...

Kuipter: Why should you care about these people at all? They are not your kind. I am.

Mura: Kuipter... I don't have any reason to do this.

Kuipter: Even if you do not, I still do.

Mura: Why?! What reason do you have for wanting to do this?!

Kuipter: Resources, power, and control.

Kuipter sighed. Mura felt like he should yell at him for being so aloof about all this, but he didn't.

Kuipter: So, you're not going to fight by me, then?

Mura: No! Of course not!

Kuipter: That's a shame. I would have loved to see you in battle, brother. I've always been curious as to what that would look like.

Kuipter smirked.

Kuipter: But I can understand it. I don't like getting my hands dirty, either. Why do it when you can make others do that for you, right?

Mura looked at him sternly, though Kuipter just laughed.

Kuipter: Fine then. I won't disregard your emotional attachment to this floating rock. You can stay up in the Dark Star while it all goes down, just like you always have.

Mura: No! I won't do that, either!

Kuipter couldn't contain his smirk. He'd been hoping for this reaction all along. A speech he had prepared for just this moment had been festering in his mind for so long, and he would soon get his opportunity for it. He gave a sly feigning of ignorance towards Mura's words.

Kuipter: Oh?

Mura: I... I can't just join you while you do this... This isn't right...

Kuipter: So then you're opposing me. Hm, I feared for this, but I didn't want to believe it. But you truly are the disappointment of a Zeronius that I remembered you as. Not only are you standing against your own brother, your standing with a filthy alien race.

Mura: How can you say this? You wouldn't be able to accept the conquering of your home, so how can you expect me to?!

Kuipter: You think I wouldn't? Fool, I already have! The Dark Star was my home, and I conquered it myself! Yet you refuse to do the same to this planet.

Kuipter laughed about his air of superiority over his older brother.

Kuipter: A disappointment indeed. You lack the resolve that I have, and this is why this planet you hold so highly will fall before me.

Mura: ... No...!

Kuipter: Tell me no, will you? How can you stand to say this as if it were true? What are you going to do to stop me?

Mura started to speak, but Kuipter interrupted him.

Kuipter: You've proven to be a simple pacifist, so surely you won't try to fight me! And you're mistaken if you think I'll listen to any argument of yours. The strong do not take orders from the weak!

Mura started to look downward. He was already thinking of what would happen.

Mura: ((He's right... What can I even do to stop him from doing this? He said he won't listen to my words, but... Can I get through to him? Or...))

Kuipter gave a snort to him.

Kuipter: Look at you... Already trembling in fear of me. Forgive my foolishness for thinking you'd be of any use to my cause. Just like our mother... Heh, perhaps our brother will be more willing than you. At least then there will be one other useful Zeronius.

Mura: He wouldn't join you! He's not like that anymore... Besides, he'll have no reason to join you at all!

Kuipter: Heh... Keep going on with your nonsense.

Mura: He won't even come to know that you created a scheme like this... I... I'll stop this... For the sake of honour, fight me on conditions of the winner deciding what the other will do!

Kuipter raised an eye at him.

Kuipter: Eh...? I...

Mura: I know you want to see my fighting spirit... I'll show it to you! Because I understand why you're doing this... You have a pained heart, Kuipter. And it hurts me to see you in such pain like this... That's why I'll rid the pain from your heart!

Kuipter seemed to give a frazzled look at him. He then regained his composure, closing his eye and talking in a smug tone.

Kuipter: That's right... You're a Zeronius, so "pacifist" or not, you are still drawn to battle... I accept your offer, then.

Mura took a deep exhale, then realizing that he'd been holding his breath during this.

Kuipter: You could have escaped while you had the chance. Yet, you've chosen to put on a show for me. Splendid.

Mura: I don't think you'll like the "show" that I'm going to put on...

Kuipter laughed.

Kuipter: Here it is already, the talk before the battle that's supposed to intimidate me. Pathetic, to that you think I'd ever be scared of you. What's next? "We'll see about that?"

Mura: I don't want you to be scared of me... I know you're already scared, Kuipter. I'm sure you feel alone and afraid, and... I don't want you to feel like that anymore! Just... Come here... And I can show you...

Kuipter: Just outside, then. Be ready, I'd hate to end have it all end too quickly.

Mura: ...

Revelian: Hey, Zach, I need to ask you something.

Revelian watched as Zachary turned from his stack of papers to look at him. Zachary Isles, Co-CEO of IDC Corps., was a grey-skinned Dragonkin, and a good friend of Revelian. Though his famed and intimidating title of "Co-CEO of IDC Corporation" may lead some to assume him to be some serious, scary businessman type in nature, he was far from it. Zachary, or Zach, as his friends called him, was very friendly and outgoing. Furthermore, his wardrobe reflected that he was not the type he was thought to be; he often wore casual clothes, and his black hair was spiky and messy very often. Though some may not have a dinosaur man be the first thing to come to mind when they think "approachable", Zachary very much fit that description.

He greeted Revelian with a smile, through his jagged mouthline.

Zachary: Yeah, what is it?

Revelian: I know it's nearly the start of the new year and all, but I need to ask you for a day off tomorrow.

Zachary raised his head slightly.

Zachary: Why? Are you sick or hurt?

Revelian: No, it's just a day off. Like, a personal day.

Zachary: Aheh... If it's alright for me to ask, why are you taking a personal day this early in the year?

Revelian scratched his head.

Revelian: It's Mura. He was so eager not to take a day off, he's making me take the day off with him.

Zachary: A bit of a weird agreement you two reached?

Revelian: Yeah, it is.

Zachary: Eh, it can be expected out of you two...

Revelian gave him an annoyed look.

Revelian: What, is that just some regular thing for the two of us?

Zachary: It kinda can, honestly.

Revelian: ... That's no good.

Zachary: What do you mean?

Revelian: ... It's nothing.

Zachary: I'll take your word for it.

Revelian: Anyway, am I good for a personal day tomorrow?

Zachary: Sure, family matters fall under reason for personal days. But, of course, we'd be lenient for denying you anything, since you've already been a big help to the place.

Revelian let out a sigh.

Revelian: Thanks, Zach.

Revelian stood and turned around.

Revelian: Anyway, it's already pretty late now, so I'm going to turn in and get home. Is that alright, too?

Zachary: Of course it is. And, hey, you really put some good work into the employee evaluations today, man. You're becoming a real model employee for everyone. Keep up the good work!

Revelian offered a shy smile.

Revelian: Heh, thanks, I guess... Goodbye.

Zachary waved goodbye to him, before looking back down to his paperwork. Revelian then walked out to the stairs. The elevator was currently out of commission, something that was highly inconvenient for a building with such a massive amount of floors, but Revelian, with his speed, found it faster to take the stairs anyway, rather than waiting in the slow elevator.

On his way down, he stumbled right into someone who was already frantically running up the stairs.

Revelian: Oop-- sorry about that.

Jast bounced back from the impact, breathing heavily, presumably from having been running up several flights of stairs.

Jast could easily be confused for a mythological angel, at first glance. However, at second glance, it was easy to see that he was far from it. His head was lacking of normal features, such as hair, a nose, and a mouth, and his skin was completely white. In place of his ears were white wings. And, at third glance, it was quite clear that he was nothing like an angel. He wore simple clothes; a black T-shirt, a grey jacket, and jeans. A fourth glance would also reveal that he was blind in one eye.

Jast: R-Revvy... You... Outside...

Jast almost wheezed.

Revelian: What are you on about?

Jast clutched his chest, taking a moment to steady his breathing. He then resumed his thought.

Jast: You need to get outside, as quickly as your legs can get you there!

Revelian: ... What? Why??

Jast: There's this big... Thing... Up in the sky! You need to see it!

Revelian gave him a stern look.

Revelian: Damnit, Jast, you had me worried there for a second. I keep telling you, those things are just regular birds!

Jast waved his arms in a frantic display.

Jast: No, it's not that! It's definitely not a bird...! I'm almost positive it's not!

Revelian lifted his head.

Revelian: ... Are you sure about that?

Jast: Unless something that looks like a black, second moon is an avian species...

Revelian's eye enlarged, showing his surprise.

Revelian: Are you saying that's what you want me to see?!

Jast: Yup!

Revelian: But the only thing that... No way!

Revelian charged down the stairs and out of the building, leaving Jast behind. He looked upward, pushing away the commotion of pets around him that he'd stumbled into. He looked upward, and felt a cold sensation overtaking him as his suspicions were confirmed.

Revelian: What the fuck is the Dark Star doing here?!

Mura stared upward into the sky. It looked like there was a second moon within the atmosphere, though this was one a large black dot, spiraled by purple energy. It could have been mistaken for a black hole of sorts, but it was clear that it had moved from space to the planet. And Mura knew exactly what it was.

Mura: ((How could I forget my old home, the Dark Star...? It has been so long, though... And now... Lord Zeronius no longer is in control of it, apparently Kuipter bested her...))

Mura swallowed, with feelings of anxiousness.

Mura: ((He must have been pretty powerful to defeat Lord Zeronius... And me, I'm just... Can I really...?))

Mura shook his head at his own notions.

Mura: ((No, I can't be thinking like this! I need to believe in myself, that I can defeat Kuipter's pained heart... If I don't, then I'll lose... And I can't lose, not at the cost it will be!))

Mura stood facing upward towards the Dark Star. He stared as what appeared to be a dark yellow dot in the sky departed from the giant black sphere, descending in its slow levitation to the planet. As it neared Mura, the figure of Kuipter, now in full color rather than the dark yellow holographic image he was before, was seen. His outfit was the same, as he had not changed for battle, though it was now seen to be mostly red instead of yellow.

Seeing his confident and somewhat stylish appearance, Mura became slightly apprehensive at the thought of facing him. However, despite looking underdressed and uneasy, Mura cleared his minds of these negative thoughts, and stood with confidence. And Kuipter, in response, let out an amused laugh, drenched with condescension. It was like the laugh that a trained professional fighter would give to a child in cardboard armor who wished to face him. Mura's eye narrowed in response, as if to say, *it wouldn't be wise to underestimate me.*

Kuipter: Well, the pacifist actually showed up to the fight. Ha! You're a greater fool than I thought.

Mura growled for a moment. Kuipter then extended his left arm towards Mura, holding it with the other. In an instant, a yellow orb emerged from his left arm, and launched itself towards Mura. Mura ran to the side, and barely dodged the explosion of it, as it left a hole in the ground that's diameter was nearly Mura's height.

Kuipter: Do you honestly think I am so weak, to fall against someone who has no experience in fighting?! Don't be ridiculous!!

Mura rolled away from the impact and got back onto his feet. Then, Kuipter touched the ground with his own feet.

Kuipter: Well, do you still wish to face against me? Or are you going to spare me the trouble of getting my hands dirty now?

Mura: I'll never join you! I would die of grief if I allowed this planet's doom to be on my conscience! And I would be breaking my promise to you... That I would rid you of your pained heart, don't you remember?

Kuipter: Oh, don't kid yourself! I wouldn't hold any of it against you if you were to abandon these wishes... You will be more useful to me than anyone else, so how could I?

Mura: Never!!

Mura then ran forward to Kuipter.

Mura: I don't wanna be your soldier, or your ally, or anything! I just want to live my life on this world!

Mura ran and delivered a kick to Kuipter, which he blocked using his armored left arm. He was pushed back slightly.

Mura: In this world, without the pains of the waking people!

Kuipter began charging up energy into his left arm.

Kuipter: That is quite disappointing to hear. You could have put your trust in my wishes and gain anything that you could ever wish for. But perhaps the wants of the weak will forever be so lackluster.

A large orb of energy began to grow in size in front of him.

Kuipter: No matter. Oppose me now, as you so wish. I will crush you underfoot like the weakling bug that you are, Mura!

He then released the orb of energy towards Mura.

Mura: I won't let that happen!

Mura hopped into the air and levitated above the energy orb, letting it pass him. Taking no time, he surged forward to Kuipter, grabbing him by the arm and throwing him off to the side. Kuipter stumbled in one direction for a moment, before regaining his balance, and then he turned back towards Mura.

Kuipter: We'll just see about that.

Kuipter quickly charged the power in his left arm. Mura ran towards him, not wanting to give him the opportunity to use it. Kuipter then waved his left arm around in every direction very quickly for a moment.

Kuipter: If you're so light on your feet, then dodge this!

Then, small orbs of energy began to emerge from his left arm, sending a volley of them off towards Mura's direction. Mura was able to dodge some of them, but due to the unpredictable nature of the attack, quite a number of the energy orbs did make contact, sending him sliding backwards from the impacts.

Kuipter took this short opportunity to strike again. He dropped down and kneeled, touching the surface of the ground with his left arm. Power began visibly charging up in his left arm, as he lifted it from the ground for a moment, and then pushed it back down. The solid earth beneath it cracked and quaked, revolving jagged pieces of the ground in what looked like a ray in front of him.

Mura: Gah...!

Mura shook off the attack and levitated above the moving earth, letting his feet glide onto the rising, pointing tips of the earth as he moved forward. He jumped closer to Kuipter.

Kuipter then held his left arm straight upward, as if pointing towards something in the sky. A green energy began to build within it, and it then shot off in every direction, in what seemed to Mura like an air-shattering energy. Mura pressed onward through it, going on as it dissipated, and delivering a flurry of punches to Kuipter.

Kuipter stumbled backwards from the attack. Mura stepped forth and jumped, raising his feet to Kuipter's chest, and extended his legs, pushing Kuipter back. Mura flipped in the air and landed on his feet.

Mura ran forward to him again, giving him almost no chance to recover. Kuipter raised his left arm towards Mura and began charging its' energy, as Mura spun, arms extended, hitting him in the side of his head. Kuipter reeled slightly, before turning back with a hard fist from his charged left arm, which hit Mura in the center of his face.

Mura fell backwards. His visor had broken from the impact of it. He would have just merely created another one from himself, but he hadn't the time to focus on that in the middle of the fight, so he removed it from his head and threw it to the side.

Kuipter: Hah! You almost look pitiable, without your headgear on.

Mura stood again, charging into Kuipter and thrusting his knee forward into him, hitting in his torso, and knocking him back slightly. Mura's hands began to glow, and he delivered a series of hard jabs to Kuipter, his energy coursing through them. Kuipter stumbled back slightly, but he once again began charging the energy in his left arm.

Mura began getting closer to him again, so as not to give him the opportunity, but this time Kuipter managed to fire a small, simple beam at Mura, which pushed him back slightly. Kuipter then stepped on forward to him, the energy power still in his arm, and swung it onto Mura, hitting him on the side of his head and knocking him to the ground. Mura lifted himself up and stood, backing away from Kuipter slightly.

Mura: Okay, then...!

Mura held out both his hands, and a red spiral of energy began to form. Kuipter gawked for a moment as it began to grow in size, and then charged forward to Mura, trying to intervene the process of his magical attack. Mura slid backwards as Kuipter approached, holding the red spiral in his hand, as he dodged Kuipter's fist. Mura then jabbed his elbow into Kuipter's back, causing him to stumble forward. Mura extended his arms and unleashed the spiraling energy forward, towards Kuipter. It spun him around and pushed him backwards, and as he landed, he dug up the ground where he touched it. Mura then ran forward, standing over Kuipter, and lifted him upwards, causing him to fall onto his back.

At this point, both of the combatants were breathing heavily, and had visibly sustained injuries from the fight. In their dark matter bodies, these injuries would heal in about two days all on their own, but they were surely close to going past what their bodies could handle. They both realized this. Mura stood over Kuipter's body, looking down at him. Kuipter knew that Mura was at the advantage now. He struggled to lift himself up.

Kuipter: How could this happen?! How could I sustain injury like this, from a pacifistic weakling like you?!

Kuipter growled to himself in anger. He looked back up at Mura for a while. Some time passed, as Kuipter's anger began to fester inside of him, before he realized something. Mura had not done anything now. He was simply standing over him. Kuipter had expected him to try and attack again, or for him to attempt to finish the job. But he hadn't. He was just standing over him and breathing heavily, with a sort of spent expression.

Kuipter: ... Why... Why haven't you done anything?

Kuipter became angry at this. Surely, someone like his brother should have no capacity for such an ambiguous and subtle action.

Kuipter: ((Could he be preparing for an attack? Or is he trying to toy with me?))

Mura: Kuipter...

He then spoke suddenly, interrupting Kuipter's thoughts.

Mura: The reason I was able to do this is because, fighting isn't all about power. You do have a lot of power. But fighting requires discipline and understanding, too... It's a skill, not just a chaotic event.

Kuipter growled at him.

Kuipter: Don't speak as if you know anything about it! You have always been idle when a true battle was happening... You cannot possibly be so sure that your view is truthful.

Mura seemed to ignore this remark.

Mura: And, the reason I haven't done anything is because you may very well be fatally wounded if I was to continue.

Kuipter: Tch... Of course, it's the morals of these people that bind your actions...

Mura: Kuipter... You don't get it... We both share the same pain. I have no reason to kill you.

Kuipter: You're the one who doesn't get it. I have my own reasons.

Mura: I know you do...! But that doesn't change anything. I won't do it... I couldn't kill my brother!

Kuipter: You fool...

Kuipter shakily stood up, giving Mura a scowl. As he was in pain, he could not stand up all the way, and he was kneeling forward slightly. Mura's head was still above him, even when he had gotten up.

Kuipter: If you cannot kill me, then you can never hope to save this planet from the destruction I will bring about. Even then, would you hesitate to act?

Mura: I will never kill you, I couldn't bear to do it, but I can stop you... I've proven that here and now. A-and I'll do it! Time and time again, until... we can finally understand each other... Okay...?

Kuipter started shaking. Ever word that Mura spoke rose his temperature, until his blood was boiling.

Kuipter: ... Your morals... I can sense your sincerity with them... And I can feel the weight of your decision...

Kuipter then gasped, and collapsed.

Mura: Kuipter! Are... Are you alright??

Kuipter didn't speak, but it was clear to Mura that he was still alive. Mura simply set him down on the ground, wanting to let him rest.

Mura: ... Now...

Mura looked up into the sky, to marvel the Dark Star that was now stationary among the clouds. It was quite a reminiscent sight, to say the least. Mura wondered if he should try to go up there. Taking Revelian with him, though, he thought. He, too, would be, well, interested, to get involved with this.

Revelian: Mura!

As if he was summoned merely by the thinking of his name, Revelian came by. Mura turned around, surprised by his sudden appearance. But, his surprise was quickly changed into relief.

Mura: Bro!

Revelian was running over to him, seeming quite frantic. Mura guessed that he must have seen the Dark Star in the sky and had wanted to come to Mura before acting. It was what Mura himself was just going to do, anyway. Mura started to walk slowly over to him, too, though the injuries he'd sustained from fighting Kuipter made going at a fair pace somewhat difficult.

Revelian: What happened here?!

Mura was far too relieved to observe how strange Revelian sounded. He embraced Revelian shortly.

Mura: It... It's a long story, but... Uh, don't get mad at him for doing this, but Kuipter, he...

Revelian looked over Mura, to see Kuipter's form, lying still on the ground. As he looked over to him, Kuipter began to move.

Revelian: Kuipter... You said?

Mura: Y-yeah... Our younger brother... He came here, and...

Mura turned around, too. Kuipter was now standing, though not fairly balanced, and was holding out his left hand towards them, as energy began to build up around it, concentrating into an orb.

Mura: Ah! Kuipter, I told you...

Mura looked back to Revelian.

Mura: Bro, you should get back! Kuipter's power is very dangerous...

Mura tried to turn around to him shortly, but couldn't. His hands were being forcefully held by Revelian, and he could barely move his body.

Mura: R-Rev... Let me go, Kuipter is...

Mura froze. The sound of a foreign voice's laughter was sending chills down his spine.

Revelian?: HEHEHEHEHEHEHE…

Mura: R... Rev...?

Mura looked back, and saw as the image of his brother transformed before him. His spiky hair rolled into four single rows, coming to resemble a joker's hat, with a star pattern on it. His head changed to became large, round, and red, and wearing a yellow mask that covered half of his face, with a large smile carved into it. His body changed to be covered by a red and yellow cloak, with a star pattern on it. He was gripping Mura's wrists tightly, with his large, tan, hands, with sharp nails that dug into his arm.

Mura felt his blood run cold as he faced the figure.

Mura: Re... You...

Mura tried to change the form of his body to get away from this figure, but he could not. He felt a strange energy forcing his power not to work.

Mura: ((Is this his doing...? How does he have this power??))

???: HAHAHAHAHAHA…

Mura looked forward again. Kuipter was charging up his energy into his arm. He realized what had happened. It was a trap.

Kuipter: Good work, Shenanigans... I knew you wouldn't let me down.

Shenanigans: AND I KNEW THE SAP WOULD COME RUNNING TO HIS, DEAR, YOUNGER BROTHER...

Mura stared into Kuipter's energy orb like a walker gawking at the headlights of an automotive.

Mura: I...

Kuipter then fired a beam of his power towards Mura, hitting him right in the chest, and piercing through. Shenanigans, behind him, seemed to have the beam pass right through him and his cloak. Shenanigans released his grip on Mura, letting him fall forward. He collapsed onto the ground, landing on his front.

Mura: ...

Kuipter: Hahaha...

Kuipter shakily walked over to Mura. He picked him up by his hair and held him, as Mura's vision began to go blurry.

Kuipter: Your words hold no meaning to me, Mura. The only thing that matters is strength. And there is no match to the strength that I wield, whether it be mine or the strength from those that I use. You should never have hoped to defeat me in the first place. That is how it will be for those before me. They shall either kneel to me and my might, or they will be destroyed by my strength.

Kuipter dropped him back onto the ground.

Kuipter: Oh... But destruction will not be your fate. No, this wouldn't be your greatest despair, and I must ensure this before all else.

Kuipter looked back up at Shenanigans. They were silent for a moment.

Shenanigans: HIS BODY HAS NOW BECOME A CORPSE...

Kuipter: Pick it up and take it with us.

Shenanigans: HEHE... GOT IT, *BOSS*.

Shenanigans lifted up Mura's unmoving body.

Kuipter: Before we leave...

Revelian: ((Was it... Just a trick?))

Revelian stared back up into the sky.

Revelian: ((I was only outside to see it for a second, before it went back up into the sky... But why the hell would it be like that?))

Revelian shook his head.

Revelian: Ugh... ((I really need to talk to Mura... This shit is getting to me in more ways than I'd like it to be.))

Revelian walked onto the scene of his front yard. The place was a mess, with most of the ground torn up and cracked.

Revelian: What the fuck happened here?!

Revelian stomped up to the door.

Revelian: Damnit, Cygnus, I swear, if you let C-Tree and Leorina out at the same time again, after I told you not to, I'm gonna--

He stopped, then seeing a note tied to the front door. He paused to look at it, and saw that it was from Mura.

```
Hey, bro! Sorry, but I've gone out for a while, and I may not be back soon.
If you're wondering about anything that happened, it was probably my fault...
Unless I tell you otherwise, later.
I did get everything prepared for tomorrow. All the pets are ready.
I think it's going to be a great day for the two of us, yeah?
(Even though I don't really like the idea of leaving the pets all alone.)
But it was my idea, so I'm sticking with it, instead of the alternative.
If something comes up, just stay in the house! I'll take care of it.
You don't have to worry, I can handle it.
I left Cygnus in charge, too.
And, also, if you read this letter, it's because I didn't come back yet.
(Well, duh.)
If I don't come back soon, don't worry too much!
And also, be nice to your brothers!
I don't just mean me, silly. All of your brothers.
Anyone who you consider a brother, friend or family, be nice to them!
You probably won't get this now, but just trust me on it.
This advice will do you real good. And remember it, this is what I want.
~Mura

```

Revelian: ... Huh... ((Wonder where he went off to. Does it have something to do with the Dark Star I saw, or was that really just nothing...? Ah, whatever. I'll find out soon enough.))

Mura snatched the note off of the door, and something fell out of it.

Revelian: What the...?

It was Mura's mask, with a broken frame. Revelian immediately picked it up upon recognizing it. He turned it around, trying to examine every side of it, as if one of these sides would tell him what was going on.

Revelian looked at the note again, wondering if something was on there. There was a back side to it. It looked as if it had dark matter blood on it. Revelian became frantic, and looked at the words etched onto this side of the note.

```
Consider this as a parting gift, taken from our late older brother.
~Kuipter Zeronius

```

Revelian stared at the note in disbelief, unmoving, for a long time. Shortly after, Cygnus opened the door, grabbed his arm and walked him inside, while he moved as if in a trance.

## Chapter 3: The Dragon's Arts

```
*"The truest test of a person's character...? [...] It can only truly be determined
 through giving them power."*
~Emporer Taku de Gridmasque

```

A meeting had been called. The twenty-fourth floor of the IDC Corps. HQ building was prime for the occasion. Usually, important meetings of the company were held within the thirteenth-and-a-half floor, but it was found to be far too casual (And with too much of a backstory that no one wanted to have to explain) for the event. The regular floor was prime for the invitation of sitting around and being enjoyed by the company of the regulars of the company, of course, and there was nothing wrong with it. But the occasion was far too formal for the events of the spouts of what was arguably common that went on within there.

Though, arguably, it was not because the guests would not enjoy the thirteenth-and-a-half floor, it was, in a prideful notion suggested by the employee Lazro, that the thirteenth-and-a-half floor was far too good to have to disgrace itself with the presence of outsiders such as these government men. The thirteenth-and-a-half floor was their own sacred place, which only they truly understood, Lazro had insisted. However, this notion was unanimously seen as ridiculous by everyone else, mostly due to the fact that Lazro himself had never gone to the thirteenth-and-a-half floor.

So it was up to the twenty-fourth floor to fit the bill.

High-ranking members of IDC Corporations sat in chairs along the conference table. Their guest, the official head of the Ludusian Military, sat on a side of the table opposite of the present IDC Co-CEO, Zachary, and was, for whatever reason, surrounded by Gridmasks on all sides. Not just behind him, as he had come accompanied with two men, but also to the side of the conference table, as there sat Delbin, the community-famed employee who had been employed for just three quarters of a year around now, and Lazro de Gridmasque, the worldwide celebrity descendant of First Emporer Taku de Gridmasque, who had been an employee of the company since the week it was started. Both of these employees were uncomfortable with the choice of seating that Military Commander Alden had taken, and for different reasons. Delbin himself was uncomfortable sitting next to a man who looked so intimidating, and who apparently knew of his actions regarding his initial employment to the company. Lazro was normally uncomfortable around any sort of government official, who he had grown very accustomed to their noting of his ancestry, yet the fact that this man himself requested to sit next to Lazro, who had been at the company for so long, as well as requesting to sit next to Delbin, who hadn't really been here that often, regarding them as if they were both in equal ranks of the company.

It seemed that the theme of this particular meeting was annoyance, as it had taken up much of the emotions felt by the people forced to sit there in that day. And for many reasons, in fact.

Delbin and Lazro, of course, already had their own reasons to be annoyed, yet they were granted with another one, to the aiding of Alden. Alden himself was somewhat hard of hearing, and as the others were far from him, he started looking to them to repeat what had been said.

Assorted members of the meeting were just annoyed because they had no point in being there. At the time, nothing was being done, and their minds filled with things that they would much rather be doing at the time.

But the single annoyance that struck everyone present at the meeting was towards the ones that had called it. Co-CEO of IDC Corps., Jast DeCurro, and CEO of the IDC Corps.-affiliated company, AM Inc., A Moriam. These two had requested themselves that everyone come here, specifically saying that it was important above all other things that they could possibly have to do today. And yet, clearly long past the time they had requested the others to come, they had yet to show up at all.

Zachary: So, you see, we can't really do anything until they get here, because we don't know what they called the meeting for...

With this explanation, Alden looked to Lazro, sitting at his right. Lazro was leaning against the table, trying to flick hairpins around in front of him.

Lazro: Mhmm yeah he said we have to sit here longer.

Alden: ... Right, I see...

Zachary: And, well, until then, perhaps we could bring up other urgent subjects? I mean, I know Kuipter has started acts of terrorism against Ludus, and there is some ways that we can help...

Alden looked to his left, at Delbin. Delbin was about two or three years older than Lazro, and, with his experiences, he was far more mature. It was even present in his appearance. He wore a dark grey and aqua-lined suit, and kept his dark hair neatly combed. However, in this state of boredom, his maturity wasn't showing, as he put his hands in the shape of a goalpost, giving Lazro something to shoot for.

Delbin: We want to get rid of Kuipter, just like you do. We want to know how we can help you.

Delbin stifled a swear as Lazro flicked a hairpin into his eye. Alden looked back up at Zachary and nodded.

Alden: Concerning this... In the military, we do have access to our own offensive weapons, of course, but that doesn't mean we couldn't use the help that you can provide... Through pets with offensive capabilities, and technology of your own kinds.

Alden tugged at the neck of his shirt, and let out a cough.

Alden: Of course, if it dissuades you to provide us with the knowledge of your access to any such technology, you can feel safe knowing that we will not ask questions...

Zachary: Right, uh, our "advanced technology"... I don't really think we have much availability to anything that couldn't just be created here.

Alden looked to Lazro. He always alternated between looking at him and Delbin for this.

Lazro: They don't have much non-Gridile technology.

Lazro sighed.

Lazro: We're actually a bit behind in some fronts, technologically-speaking.

Alden: ... I see...

Alden gave a look over the room for a moment.

Alden: I suppose, however, that we could provide one another the help that we could manage... In these times, good help is hard to come by, something I know all too well. In terms of gathering intelligence, we are matched by no other... Kuipter's idleness before his strikes have only helped us in this field.

Alden paused for a moment, looking over the room again, to see if anyone was going to speak.

Zachary: Yes, this would be a great help... A good start, at least.

Alden looked over to Delbin.

Delbin: He thanks you.

Alden nodded.

Revelian shifted uncomfortably in his chair at the mention of Kuipter's name. He folded his arms, giving a disgruntled expression.

Revelian: ... When the hell are those two going to decide to show up??

Zachary: Be patient, Rev, I'm sure it'll be soon.

Revelian: I'm tired of waiting here and doing fucking nothing! That's all we've done since Kuipter dropped down on us in the first place, nothing!

Zachary: Well, that's exactly what we're doing here now, trying to do something.

Zachary sighed. Alden looked over to Lazro for this.

Zachary: Rev, please... I know you're really suffering right now, but you can't let your emotions get the better of you. Right now, we have the chance to get the ball rolling with this...

Revelian huffed at Zach.

Revelian: Don't patronize me as if you know how I feel. Why don't we just put all our resources into action and blast Kuipter all across the fucking galaxy?!

Lazro quickly repeated this for Alden, who then stood.

Alden: Mister, Revelian Zeronius, was it?

Revelian gave him an annoyed look.

Revelian: What?

Alden: Are you familiar with the concept of starvation tactics?

Revelian: ... Yeah... It's military strategy in which you cut the supply lines and starve out the enemy.

Revelian caught himself, and then nodded, for Alden to see.

Alden: So then, you do realize that a similar strategy is the best method to ensure our victory?

Revelian: What do you mean?

Delbin: Yeah, what do you mean?

Alden: Currently, we have no power that can overcome Kuipter as a whole. He is a being that far surpasses the technology and weaponry which we have available to us. Futhermore, he has access to several units which could very easily wipe us all out if they were to put their power together. If we are to destroy these forces one at a time, however... His army will grow weaker, until we will be able to easily overtake him. It's very similar to starvation tactics, in that we are severing that which gives him the great power over us, the units in his army, one at a time.

The room was silent for a moment.

Alden: Ludus has always excelled in this strategy in particular. The starvation of power is what saved our planet from a number of invaders. I have full confidence in our ability to use this tactic now. So, we may rely in a single shot that will, though very unlikely, possibly put an end to things, or we can focus on a calculated strategy that will last a while longer, but will almost ensure a victory...

Zachary stood up.

Zachary: I think that doing this is our best option... I hope I can speak for everyone when I say that we're on board for it.

Zachary looked around the room. No one said anything in disagreement, but Revelian definitely looked like he wanted to.

Zachary: ... Right, then. So, as for our course of action...

The door to the conference room was then opened. Standing in the doorway was an adult male humanoid creature, who was dressed in a labcoat and glasses, and the other garb of a typical scientist-type, with short black hair and a yellow-ish skin, and that had antennae sticking out of his head.

Dr. Wasp: Mister Isles...

Dr. Wasp was a scientist that worked for IDC Corps. along with Jast and Mori in some of their more famous trades. He was fairly well known around the company.

Dr. Wasp: They're here now. We can begin.

Zachary managed a smile. Everyone else let out sounds of slight relief, while Revelian grumbled "finally" under his breath.

Jast and Mori entered the room, as Dr. Wasp held the door for them. Mori carried in a laptop and a projector.

Jast: G'Mornin', everyone.

Revelian sat up, his annoyance evident.

Revelian: Morning? It's noon, you moron.

Jast: Oh, hush, you.

Revelian gritted his teeth.

Revelian: It *would have* still been "morning" if you'd bothered to show up when you had the meeting scheduled. But instead, it's now the afternoon. And we've been sitting in this damn room the whole time waiting for you two to get here.

Jast: Yeah, yeah, I get it.

Jast looked over to Mori while she began setting up the laptop and the projector.

Revelian: Well??

Jast: Well what?

Revelian: What's your terrific reason for being so late to this, then?

Jast sighed.

Jast: You know that little guy of mine, Bruidic? The little troublemaker. He needed me to help him out. In love with a crazy girl and all, needed some advice.

Revelian: How the fuck is that more deserving of your time than this is?!

Jast: Oh, come on, could you look the other way if he came to you asking that?

Revelian: Yes, I could, because Bruidic is a delinquent little shit.

Zachary stood up.

Zachary: Alright, both of you, that's enough! This is a professional meeting, not a debate club.

Revelian scowled at him, but he sat back down. Mori, meanwhile, finished setting up the projector.

A. "Mori" Moriam was another Gridmask member of the group, and she was an individual interested in the subjects of magics and science in many fields of them, and he often helped Jast with some strange research and projects. Mori, right now, was wearing a dark green coat and suit, along with her signature pair of glasses.

Mori: Alright, Jast. It's ready to go, now.

Jast: Got it.

Jast looked over the room, where all eyes were then on him.

Jast: Hello, everybody. I'm pretty sure that everybody here is concerned about that Kuipter guy who's been going around and blowing stuff up, right?

He was met with a single cough, and silence.

Jast: Mhmm I know. So, we need a way to stop that jerk.

Mori: And we believe that we have discovered just such a thing for it.

Jast: Righty-o. There's no doubt in my mind that this is what we need to do. It's like something just came up, saw us really confused, and shoved a huge sign in our face to get us going. We got it from a prophecy...

Jast activated a slide on the projector.

Jast: This one, we got from the Wonder Jungle just yesterday... Which is why we called the meeting today, because we wanted to analyze it for a while.

Mori: "Fragment of Will, from Mindstone's power, return in Ludus' darkest hour. Of Speed, Strength, Sight, and Mind, Stamina, Kin, and Keeper of kind. Seven must have their power awaken, before the final toll is taken. The dragon comes to save them all, or else to darkness this world shall fall."

Mori adjusted her glasses.

Mori: We believe that this prophecy refers to the recent events of Kuipter. The final toll, of course, referring to drastic actions that he will take, that will cause, as said in the prophecy, this world to fall to darkness.

Jast: Plus, he's a dark matter and all, so darkness makes sense for him.

Mori: And we believe that the rest of the prophecy is supposed to be a guide to stop this from happening. Which is where we go to the meaning of it...

Zachary: Wait a minute...

Zachary stood up.

Zachary: The prophecy refers to a dragon saving people... Is it possible that that part of the prophecy refers to me? Dragon, dragonkin, you know?

Mori: Uh... That's... doubtful. But, I guess, we won't utterly rule it out as a possibility... Even though we are thinking of a different answer to it.

Jast: (A bit silly, though...)

Jast activated the next slide, which showed a small, blue stone fragment, a picture taken from IDC documents.

Jast: This, right here, is something that we've been studying for a long time. It's called a Mindstone Fragment.

Mori: Not the Will Fragment referred to in the prophecy, but related and important to it.

Revelian: Wait, what the hell is all this stuff about "Fragments"??

Jast: That's kinda a long story, but I guess it's on topic, so yeah, let's talk about that.

Jast cleared his throat.

Jast: Some time after Mori joined the business world, we came across the parts of a single Fragment of a little something called the Mindstone. Putting it simply, the Mindstone is a living "stone" of sorts that holds great power, even in its currently fragmented state.

Mori: Our research has led us to a lot of information concerning the Mindstone... We believe that there is a set number of Fragments lying around all over the universes, and that the one you see here is the dormant, broken pieces of a single one of those Mindstone Fragments. Though it does hold great power, it does not even have the chance to be truly unlocked until the other specific pieces of it are connected to it, a disadvantage that only a small number of the Mindstone Fragments currently suffer from.

Jast: It's very clear to us that the prophecy is giving us specific instructions. "Fragment of Will, from Mindstone's power, return in Ludus' darkest hour"? There isn't a doubt in our minds that this is saying we need a Mindstone Fragment known as the Fragment of Will to resurface. And, since we're not one to believe in coincidences, we're pretty sure we need to use the power of it to defeat Kuipter and save the planet, like the prophecy hints at.

Mori: The dragon, we believe, does refer to a certain detail of the Mindstone... It does have relations to dragons itself, but there is something else that we know...

Zachary: And, what about the other parts of the prophecy? The seven it speaks of?

Jast: It's all a part of the Mindstone Fragment. In our research, we also found out something pretty important... Even though the true power of the Mindstone is only fragmented into smaller pieces, it still has limitations to how the power manifests itself. It is not at its full potential unless a being opens their mind and achieves intense enlightenment. The Mindstone Fragment requires multiple vessels to manifest into to unlock its full power.

Revelian: So, what, we're supposed to shove parts of this Will Fragment into seven people and it will blast Kuipter to hell?

Jast: It's not really that simple... A Mindstone Fragment itself can only take residence in a singular being at a time, but it still requires multiple outer vessels to manifest with their own power and abilities to truly be unlocked. It needs hearts and souls to manifest, not just a single powerful being, or else it will truly be a nonexistent power, without flesh or essence.

Zachary: Interesting...

Zachary stood up.

Zachary: I don't really get all of it, because it's all really complicated, but I understand the gist of it... So, how exactly will the power undergo manifestation? I assume that the prophecy refers to a specific set of seven, so how exactly will we know who those seven are?

Jast: That's actually a bit of a complicated spot... We know how to find out who these guys are, but we don't know exactly who they are.

Jast rubbed the back of his head.

Jast: I think that Dr. Wasp puts it best, so I'll give it to him.

Jast turned to Dr. Wasp.

Dr. Wasp: Right... We are looking for specific pets who have the qualities of an adequate vessel for the Will Fragment's power. Now, this isn't something that can just be accomplished by a pet who has what the Mindstone Fragment needs- a willing heart, and an available soul. They require forms of mind-honing abilities that are needed for it. These qualities make them entirely fit for being harnessed as vessels for such a power. It is not just any skill, it is a specific set of traits... I believe I know exactly how to identify it, when it is presented to me, but I do not know the exact details of what each specific trait is or how exactly it is used. Of course, if I did, I could simply point out and say "there, it's this one!" or just teach it to people myself. But it is unique, to those who are vessels of the power of a Mindstone Fragment. And we know exactly how to find these traits...

Jast: We just need to use the Pillory.

The room gave him confused looks.

Revelian: What the fuck is the Pillory?

Jast rubbed the back of his head again.

Jast: It scans pets for something, but I'unno what it does other than that. Hehe, it was a weird night...

He smiled, looking upward in reminiscence. Revelian scoffed.

Dr. Wasp: And by using the Pillory, we can identify these specific traits in pets that will become vessels for the Mindstone's power. It's a type of form-changing art that they will know once scanned... Though I know very little about it, I know that they are called the Ryu arts.

Mori: It is interesting to note that, for whatever reason it may be, Ryu is a word that translates to 'dragon'. It's one of the notable connections that is had with dragons and the Mindstone Fragments.

Zachary: But, wait... Where exactly is the Will Fragment, then, if these vessels don't have it with them, like you said?

Jast: We don't really know about that. But it is stated that it's going to save us right when we need it, in the prophecy, so we do know that we're going to get it.

Revelian scoffed again.

Revelian: Why the hell do you have so much faith in this prophecy? What if it's all a bunch of bullshit, and we turn out to have wasted our time pointlessly unlocking these Ryu arts?

Mori: I don't think that it will be a waste of time at all... Even if we are unable to unlock the power of the Will Fragment, we still will have unlocked great power from these Ryu arts, which surely will prove to be somewhat of a capable weapon against Kuipter, possibly just as well as the Will Fragment will have been.

Mori adjusted her glasses.

Mori: But, I do not have a blind faith in this... On the side of assisting the Ryu project, I will try to locate the other dormant pieces of the Mindstone Fragment that we currently possess. Even if it is not the Will Fragment detailed in the prophecy, it may very well serve as a replacement if anything goes wrong, and it will definitely be a good help for it, being of equal power.

Mori gave a smile.

Mori: So, we assure you, there is nothing to worry about with it. We have it all thought out.

Meanwhile, in the back of the room, Delbin and Lazro were desperately trying to reiterate the complex conversations back to Alden. After some time of silence from the front of the room, they got caught up with everything. By this time, Alden nodded.

Alden: I understand... Is this everything that you wished to talk about?

Jast: Yeah, it's everything. We're starting the project to scan all the pets we can with the Pillory and see if they have what we need, and we wanted to announce it for if anyone had any questions about what we were doing, or if they had any candidates for it.

Alden nodded after hearing it again from Delbin. Jast exhaled loudly.

Jast: So, I think that this meeting has gone well enough. Let's call it here, everybody.

The IDC employees then began filing out of the room, after Jast, Mori, and Dr. Wasp had. Military Commander Alden had gone off by himself at this point. Now, Revelian had also started to leave the room, bored with the confinement of it. Zachary approached him on his way out.

Zachary: Hey, Rev, hold up!

Revelian turned around for a moment, while Zachary caught up with him.

Revelian: What is it?

Zachary: I just wanted to talk to you... About... Uh--

Revelian: Well, spit it out. I don't have all day.

Zachary: It's just... You know, you're not really required to go to these meetings. If you want to stay home, it's alright.

Revelian: Yeah, I get it. If I didn't want to show up, then I wouldn't.

Zachary: But, it's just... If you want to take a day off or two... You have been coming to work all the time since, you know, Mura... Ugh, I hope I'm not sounding like an idiot in this. But, well, you don't have to go into situations where you think you'd get into a confrontation, or something like that.

Revelian sighed.

Revelian: Look, Zach, I know you mean well and all, but I'm alright. I want to actively be a part of stopping Kuipter, for what he did. So I'm not going to sit at hope moping around while you guys end up messing things up in my absence.

Zachary: But, Rev...

Revelian: This is my choice, Zach. Stop worrying and just let me do this.

Zachary was silent for a moment.

Revelian: ... Whatever.

Revelian then walked away, leaving his boss to stare in silence.

## Chapter 4: Veyron's Family

```
*"The arrogant young prince denied the enchantress warmth and shelter. Scorned by
 his actions, she cursed him, and all his servants, with an agony that would not
 be lifted until his heart changed."*
~Old Gridmask myth

```

Revelian: Cygnus, someone's at the door!

The castle was filled with the sound of the doorbell ringing out.

Cygnus: I'm on it!

Cygnus' voice came from halfway across the house. Closer to the front door than Revelian was, at least. Revelian sighed, and sat down in a chair in the main room. The doorbell was still constantly going off.

Revelian: (Ugh, just let yourself in, you know me!)

The doorbell kept ringing.

Revelian: ... Cygnus! Hurry the fuck up!

Cygnus: I am!

The doorbell was still chiming.

Revelian: *Cygnus!!*

Cygnus: What?!

Revelian: *Did you answer the door yet?!*

Cygnus: I'm getting there!

Revelian: Damnit, just yell to Jast and Zach to let themselves in already!

Cygnus: I think they can here you from over there, actually.

Revelian sulked in his chair. The doorbell was still chiming, and he'd started to get impatient.

Revelian: Nevermind, Cygnus!

Revelian warped at full speed towards the door.

Revelian: I'll get it myself.

Revelian jerked the door open and greeted the people standing outside with an angry expression.

Revelian: You done messing with the doorbell?!

Revelian's expression changed. Instead of the early Jast and Zachary who he'd been expecting, the ones behind the front door were a group of several, multicolored eel-like monsters.

Reveilan: ... What...?

His eye narrowed.

Revelian: ((Strangers or not...))

One of the eels, who appeared to be the an adult female, possibly the mother of the ones who looked younger eels, stepped forward. Her body was literally every color of the rainbow, coming from the top of her body being red, and the rest of the spectrum all the way down. She had a very ladylike posture.

???: Excuse me, sir...

Revelian: Who are you?

???: Oh, well...

She cleared her throat, and held up a hand.

???: My name is Veyron. These people...

She motioned her hand behind her, towards where all the other eels were.

Veyron: Are my family...

Revelian: O... Okay??

Revelian gave her a sideways look. Veyron turned back and caught his gaze, being silent for a moment. She then looked down.

Veyron: Oh, um, where are my manners? Let me introduce you...

Revelian: ((To *all* of them?)) Uh, are you sure you need to?

Veyron nodded. She then turned to look at the others, motioning with her hands.

Veyron: This is my husband, his name is Deception...

Revelian looked at the large eel with dark, monochromatic skin, who was behind her. He didn't appear to have a mouth, yet he did have a large, white eye.

Veyron: This is my sister, Omega...

Revelian looked at the eel that looked similar to Veyron in many ways, including her color, but slightly different in the shape of her body.

Omega: Hello, sir.

Veyron: And these are my children... Lust, Greed, Grief, Wrath, Loneliness, Envy, Pride, Gluttony, and Sloth.

Revelian looked at the nine multicolored eels. They seemed very familiar in form to teenagers and children, at least their faces did.

Revelian: ((The names of her children...)) Well... Hello, I'm Revelian. I... I don't know what exactly you're here for, but I'm expecting company soon, so... uh, make it quick.

Veyron turned back to him, with a hopeful expression.

Veyron: Yes... I need you to protect my family, from Kuipter.

Revelian: From... Kuipter?

Revelian looked at her.

Revelian: ((What, is she that paranoid she thinks Kuipter will go out of his way to target her?)) I'm sure you'll be safe if you all stay with the person who adopted you all.

Revelian started to close the door.

Veyron: Wait! None of us were ever adopted.

Revelian: Then... Just go back to the adoption center. You'll probably be safer there than here.

Veyron: What adoption center?

Revelian looked at her closely, trying to examine her expression.

Revelian: ((Is she playing some sort of game? How would a pet capable of this kind of communication not know about the adoption center?))

Veyron: ...

Revelian: ... Look, you're just being paranoid. Kuipter doesn't know you at all, so why would he go after you?

Veyron: But he does know us!

Revelian: ...

Veyron: Your home is the only place I've seen him go to on the planet, and I know that you and he are enemies, so you must have the compassion to shelter my family!

Revelian stared at her with a puzzled expression.

Revelian: How the hell...? How do you know he was here?!

Veyron: He told us it was where he'd gone.

Revelian: You... You've personally met him??

Veyron: Yes! My family and I were born in his lab, just like his other creations.

Revelian: His... Other...?

Revelian looked over her family. His eye then narrowed.

Revelian: You're... His...

Zachary: Gee, it sure is nice out today, Jast.

Zachary attempted to make a conversation with Jast, who'd been absorbed in writing down in a little notebook for most of their walk. They'd had to go from Steckenburg to the other side of the nearby sea, so it had been quite the walk. They were supposed to be going to Revelian's house, which was just on the other side of it from IDC Corps. HQ, where their houses were just along the way, depending on which way you went around the sea. The shortest way, however, had their houses just along the path.

Jast looked up for a moment, and then looked around in several different directions.

Jast: ... Huh, yeah, it is. Didn't notice before. Thanks for pointing that out.

Zachary: Uh, you're welcome...

Jast: Oh, and sorry for me being in zombiecrine-mode. I got practically no sleep last night.

Zachary: Scanning pets in the Pillory?

Jast: Of course. Nothing much else to do but that. You know, we really should find a way for that thing to have a shorter recharge time.

Zachary: It would make things go a lot faster.

Jast sighed.

Jast: If only I knew how the helc it worked... Then I could do something about it.

Zachary: ... Hey, do you wonder why Rev wants us to come over to his house today?

Jast: I'm pretty sure it's because we're making him take a day off. And he really wants to get involved with the Kuipter stuff.

Zachary: Heh, I've noticed.

Zachary looked upward.

Zachary: It's the whole reason we're making him take the day off is because of it. I mean, it's really worrying, you know?

Jast: Mhm. Just seeing him when he gets all angry like this...

Jast shivered.

Zachary: I guess we can't blame him, though... Kuipter killed Mura, the person who was closer to him than anyone... I can't say I'd fare much better in his shoes.

Jast: Well, I get that, but-

Zachary: Jast, would you?

Jast: Would I what?

Zachary: Would you deal with that kind of loss better than him? Before you go on with that "but" thing.

Jast: Depends on how you think a better reaction is. I'd deal with it differently, but maybe not "better."

Zachary: How's that?

Jast: I'm sure no one wants to hear a man crying and moping in his office for weeks on end.

Zachary: Huh, I can't really picture you being like that.

Jast: And hopefully you'll never. But, anyway...

Jast tucked his notepad into the pocket of his jacket.

Jast: I do sympathize with him all the way, and I've seen people like this before... I'm just always scared of it. I don't want to touch an angry mourning person with a twelve-foot anchor. Not that I ever tried to touch an angry mourning person with an anchor. Or with anything else, for that matter. Or really anyone with an anchor of that size.

Zachary: I guess you have a point there. Even so... It was Mura who was lost... I mean, we all knew him, and he was a good friend to all of us, and a good guy overall. I can't say that I'm taking it nearly as bad as Revelian...

Zachary sighed.

Zachary: But just for that, I would like to give that jackass Kuipter a piece of my mind.

Jast: We all do. You know, he's just one of those total dibs that make it impossible not to hate him. I mean, not just for attacking government bases and being a terrorist, him killing Mura was the worst of it. I mean, it's Mura! The nicest guy. At least that you could meet. And Kuipter offed him! His own brother, even.

Zachary: Yeah, so we can only imagine how Revelian feels about it.

Jast suddenly stopped. Zachary did the same.

Jast: I don't think we have to imagine it.

He pointed forward, where Revelian's castle was very close in front of them.

Kuipter returned to the dark room. There stood his most technologically experienced agent, greeting him with a nervous expression.

Kuipter: Well?

Liruac examined the body that Kuipter had brought.

Liruac: Er, um... You did take quite a while bringing it back here.

Kuipter: I needed it back at the labs for harvesting. He is a precious resource.

Liruac: Unfortunately, this may alter the state in which he can be brought back... And there is a lot of compression inside of him. It's dangerous for someone to just go cutting around like this.

Kuipter: That's right. Someone. But you're not just 'someone' when it comes to this, are you?

Liruax gave a reluctant sigh, slumped, and crossed both arms, as forms of expression. Liruac then stood back up, remembering how Kuipter felt about that.

Liruac: You are very talented yourself, you know.

Liruac hoped that, with flattery, the undertaking of undesirable tasks could be avoided.

Kuipter: Surely the student hasn't come to surpass the teacher quite yet.

Liruac: No, but... We both know that a procedure like this is nothing beyond your abilities.

Kuipter: Which means it should be just as easy for you.

Liruac: I'm... Not used to operation in this sort of condition.

Liruac maintained a serious expression, but this did not hide the fact that what was said was merely an excuse.

Kuipter: Hm. Why are you so reluctant now? I told you this was to be done before, and you had no quarrels with the premise. Just imagine the patient as being very still.

Kuipter began tapping his foot. Liruac knew that it was nearly impossible to dissuade him when he wanted something. Liruac had never been able to accomplish it before.

Kuipter: Or, is this some form of rebellion from you? Sure, I could do this on my own, but I already have enough of a *busy schedule*, and you know that.

Liruac: ...

Kuipter: Well, then? What is it?

Liruac let out a sigh. There just was no getting around it, it seemed.

Liruac: Alright, sir, I will do it.

Kuipter: Very good.

Liruac turned, and began inputting the information for the procedure into a computer.

Liruac: With the plans you have, I estimate the procedure will take... Up to three weeks.

Kuipter: Ugh... Are you sure it's going to be that long?

Liruac attempted an apologetic look.

Liruac: Hey, it's the best I can do. Just be patient.

Kuipter: Hm... I was hoping it would be shorter. I don't think I've made quite enough to fill in a whole three weeks. I was hoping it would only be one...

Liruac: That's unfortunate. You'll just have to find some other way to entertain yourself, then, or just get more creations.

Kuipter: Hm... Yes, dragging it out surely will be fun.

Jast and Zachary began to approach their companion's home. They stopped suddenly, upon seeing figures standing in front of it, accompanied by yelling.

Revelian: Forget it!! I'm not letting you in my house!!

Veyron: W-why?! My family--

Revelian: Don't think I'm just going to fall for the sympathy card! You just admitted to being a part of Kuipter's whole scheme!

Veyron: No, we're trying to get away from him!

Revelian: Bullshit! This is the most horribly disguised plan to get close to me and finish the job for Kuipter!

Veyron: Please, we need your help! My family is not safe with Kuipter around!

Revelian: Stop trying to play the sympathy card with me! You're all his creations, right? Then, just like all of his creations, you serve him alone!

Omega: You have to understand that we don't side with him, at all! He's a horrible man!

Revelian: Well, if that *is* true, then you can just hide out in the Adoption Center instead of here! You know, a place where you all can't take just a minute to go and bludgeon me in my sleep!

Envy: (Damn... His place is pretty nice...)

Greed: (I want a castle like this...)

Envy: (Psst, hey, I call dibs on the bigger room.)

Loneliness: Like he's going to let us stay here at all...

Zachary: Hey, Revelian!

Zachary and Jast were then noticed behind the group of eels.

Zachary: What's going on here?

Revelian gave a scowl. Veyron turned to them.

Veyron: E-excuse me, but we--

Revelian: Well, thanks for finally deciding to arrive! Right here we have the most shittily disguised assassination attempt since *dropping a fleet of fucking bombs on a government building*, done by our very own rainbow eel family!

Jast: Oh, good grief...

Grief: W-what is it?

Jast: ...?

Grief: ...

Jast: Anyway, what the actual helc is going on here?

Veyron stepped forward.

Veyron: My family and I need protection from Kuipter. I fear for their lives, if we cannot find a safe place to stay!

Zachary: Why would Kuipter go out of his way to target you all?

Revelian: They're his creations.

Revelian folded his arms.

Revelian: And because they're so keen about staying with me, of course I'm going to not trust them.

Jast: What? Are you sure that all of these guys were made by Kuipter?

Revelian: Yes, I'm pretty sure.

Jast: Eh... I've seen some of Kuipter's creations before, and they sure didn't look anything like this...

Veyron: I assure you, we all came from his labs...

Jast: Hm... Maybe so, but you sure don't look like anything else he's made. I mean, unless the "big shrieky three-headed dragon monster thing" was phase for him.

Revelian: I--Wait, what do you mean "big three-headed whatever"?

Jast scratched his head.

Jast: Didn't you get the news? Zach and I even saw the monster thing trying to attack the town a night ago. Didn't leave any casualties, but he did leave a pretty big mess of a building of two.

Revelian: And it was Kuipter's creation? How do you know??

Zachary: Well, the thing looked like a dark version of your old C-Tree...

Jast: And if what happened over the last month is anything of importance, which it is, then Mura could've accidentally gave Kuipter Cerby's DNA unknowingly for it.

Revelian glared at Jast, being as visibly upset with him as he could make himself out to be. He'd tried making it very clear that he didn't want anyone to mention the part that Mura had unknowingly played in things like this. He'd just been played by Kuipter all along, he knew.

Revelian: So what if it looked like Cerberus Tree? Hell, what if it's--or, he, is just her monster brother or dad or something?

Zachary: The thing is, we know it has the DNA of a Dark Matter in it. The aura it was giving off made a whole bunch of stuff go all crazy, just like the stuff that happened with you and Mura that one time you didn't hold back your powers, remember?

Revelian: So... You think that it's...

Zachary: Yeah, we're pretty positive that it's some sort of experiment by Kuipter combining his and Cerberus Tree's DNA.

Jast Unless, you know, it was some freaky bunk with you and C-Tree doing the zippity-doo-da.

Revelian glared at him again.

Lust: Doing the what?

Jast: *Nothing.*

Revelian: If you honestly need to ask, no, I've never done anything like that with Cerberus Tree.

Jast: Yeah, I didn't think so.

Revelian: Then why the hell did you bring it up in the first place??

Jast shifted his glance to the side.

Jast: I wasn't being serious about it...

Revelian: Well, whatever this thing is, it doesn't matter right now. We can talk about it later. There's still the matter of... Veyron and her family.

Revelian turned back to Veyron.

Veyron: Yes?

Revelian: ***You can't live here.***

Veyron looked up at him in desperation.

Veyron: We know of nowhere else to go...

Revelian: That's exactly why I think you're lying to me! You're all monsters smart enough for speaking like any other sentient being, but you're choosing to deny the existence, even the recognition, of the adoption center and the system of which you could stay with various other people! You're *trying* to stay here, not stay somewhere safe!

Veyron: We honestly know nothing about this!

Revelian gave an annoyed sigh.

Jast: Rev, they probably don't actually know anything about this planet. Just think, they're Kuipter's creations, so they wouldn't know much about Ludusian culture or anything like the normal AC pet does.

Revelian: Hm. A likely story.

Revelian turned back to Veyron.

Revelian: But, hey, if it is true, then you know about it now. SO, GO THERE INSTEAD.

Veyron flinched upon his yelling.

Zachary: Woah, Revelian, hey! You don't need to yell at her like that!

Zachary stepped forward, getting closer to the two of them. He put his hands up in a sort of defensive position, although he did not get very close to being in between Revelian and Veyron.

Zachary: You don't need to yell at her like that. She just didn't know about this stuff, she's probably not going to try anything, anyway...

Revelian: I don't care, I don't want her or her family to be anywhere near me.

Jast: I think you're just being paranoid. I mean, look at these guys.

Jast pulled out two of Veyron's children, Gluttony, a large tan eel, and Wrath, a smaller yellow eel, from the group of them, holding on to their arms.

Jast: Look at these two! Innocent, adorable kidren. And you think they're trying to kill you?

Veyon: Oh, be careful about Gluttony! He still bites, sometimes.

Jast: Oh, no worries, I'm good with kids!

Wrath: (Hey, Gluttony. Are you listening to me?)

Wrath whispered to his brother, trying to get his attention. Gluttony, however, was oblivious.

Wrath: (Hey! Over here, fatty!)

Gluttony immediately looked over to him.

Gluttony: (What did you just call me??)

Jast: Look at these two, adorable brothers! Comparable to the likes of you and your brother, in fact!

Revelian: ... Fucking seriously? You're going to try and play to my emotions about Mura?

Wrath: (I didn't call you anything. But, hey, get this man to let go of me!)

Jast: No! That's not what I'm trying to say!

Revelian: Then could you do me a favor and stop *bringing him up in front of me **every five fucking minutes?!***

Gluttony: (Eh... Fine.)

Jast: Oh, I'm sorry about--

Gluttony then bit onto Jast's hand.

Jast: Ow!!

Jast let go of the two of them and looked at his hand. It was covered in several marks, apparently where Gluttony's great amount of teeth had dug into it.

Zachary: Whoa! Jast, are you alright?

Jast: I think so...

Revelian: And you want me to let these kids into my house.

Veyron: Well... If you don't want us in your home, then I guess we have no other option than to try the... Adoption Center that you speak of...

Midas: Mister Revelian!

The others turned to look to where Midas was coming up towards the front door.

Midas: Just what, may I ask, is the meaning of all this noise?

Revelian: Midas, now's not really a good time.

Midas: Revelian, I speak at the behest of every other pet residing within these walls when I ask for an explanation. The exclamations released by you and your current company can be heard, albeit somewhat incoherently, by every other resident of our home. I do not expect to return to them without, in the least, a reason for these events.

Revelian gave him an annoyed expression.

Midas: Why, I'll thank you not to give me such a look, sir. I bring about my intentions in the light of only the most respectfulness that I can grant.

Revelian: Ugh. Well, if you insist... This is Veyron, her husband, her sister, and her children.

Revelian stepped to the side to let Midas see Veyron's family. He scanned over them.

Midas: Hm...

He then stopped as he saw Veyron's sister, Omega. He stared at her for a moment, which she noticed, and gave a shy wave to him in return.

Midas: I... Er, wait, what was the cause of the commotion, then?

Midas coughed to himself a bit.

Revelian: It's... Wait, are you alright? You sound sick... ((He's a looking a little red, too...))

Midas: I'm fine, I assure you! Now, to the point, please!

Revelian: They want to live here, like any other of my adopted pets, but I don't trust them, so they're not going to.

Midas turned around, giving Revelian a stern look.

Midas: Mister Revelian! How is it within you to act in such a way, in these desperate times?

Revelian: What the hell are you on about?

Midas: Why, denying a lady and her family shelter in their time of need? This is most ungentlemanly, I say to you! Knowing full well of the dangers this planet alone has to offer, piled onto what your villainous brother also brings to it!

Revelian: Midas, these eels are also his creations. Kuipter made all of them.

Midas: Revelian, this is even worse! You come to judge beings by their origin, instead of giving their current lives regard? Why, this, by any denomination of honor... It's beyond what is acceptable!

Midas turned back to the family.

Midas: Why, it is within my title of a gentleman to act of my own volition in this matter. I offer that which I call my home to you, Veyron, Omega, and family!

Revelian: Midas, what the hell is wrong with you?!

Midas: Mister Revelian, the question of greater importance is what is the matter with you, sir? You have never acted in such a way before! Your distraught is no excuse for it, nonetheless!

Revelian: I'm not having them in my home. And it's my decision to make.

Midas: Your notion means nothing to me! I act within that which is of the greatest cause! It was the dying wishes of your brother, that he were to know your home blessed with more eels! And, unless I am wrong, I am wise enough to recognize this as just such a blessing!

Revelian gave Midas a scowl.

Revelian: You talk about me being so low in this, yet you're going to go and play some "dying wishes" crap just to get what you want? Why the hell are you so adamant about having them stay here, anyway?!

Midas: Why, Revelian! I am insulted by this! Some of the last words he spoke to me were agreement to the idea of your adopting of more pets, and not only does he have his wishes insulted by your paranoia, but I am accused of lying in my word during so? Revelian, I must suggest, do pay attention to your actions! They are far more offensive than you may believe!

Veyron: Um...

Revelian: They were just about to go off to the adoption center before you came out here, anyway!

Midas: The adoption center is nowhere near as hospitable place for such company. If we are to care for them, they must be given the best, and only that.

Revelian: Well, *I don't fucking trust them.* They're creations of Kuipter, for fuck's sake. Does it occur to no one that they'd try to kill me, or something?

Midas: Revelian, you needn't fear for your life.

Midas turned back towards Veyron's family. He crossed his arms and lifted his head upward, giving an attempt at a threatening look.

Midas: If wicked intent, have they, the first place they will find themselves within upon the engagement of such will by in my domain. And none shall wreak havoc under the watch of an intent gentleman, who strikes fear into the hearts of the wicked!

Pride: You're not that scary, old man.

The other eel children gave a little laugh, and murmurs of agreement.

Midas: Exactly my point! If this one were wicked, he would be trembling where he stood.

Pride rolled his eyes.

Revelian: Fucking hell, are you just going to keep arguing with me until I let them in??

Midas: Why, I shall fight until fallen!

Revelian: Oh, stop acting so damn valiant about it, you're not in a war.

Revelian sighed.

Revelian: You know what? Fucking fine! If everyone is just so keen on having Veyron and her family stay here instead of *anywhere fucking else*, for whatever reason, then fine. They can stay.

Some of the eels let out exclamations of joy or cheer, while others grunted or sighed in response.

Revelian: But if I even get evidence of something going on, I'm going to get Cerberus Tree on all of you. Got it??

Veyron: Yes...! I promise, my family and I will cause you no trouble...!

Grief: Yeah, right.

Midas: Ah, yes! You heard the man, welcome to our home! As the gentleman of the house, I feel it at my liberty to direct all unescorted members to their separate rooms.

Midas walked over to Veyron and Deception.

Midas: The mother and father, of course, getting their own room together, as one would see quite fitting.

Midas then walked over to Omega.

Midas: And, if I may ask, do you currently have any partner, here or otherwise, who I would have to make rooming preparations for in the case of his or her arrival?

Omega: No, I'm not seeing anyone...

Midas: Splendi--Er, yes, then, your solitary room it is!

Midas looked over her children.

Midas: And this such bunch of youngsters, may I presume, is likely to have no such accompaniment?

Wrath: I don't know, I think Lust has a few guys who she might want over.

Envy: A few dozen, more like it.

Some of the others laughed.

Lust: Oh, bite me. Not you, Gluttony!

Midas: I am to presume no horseplay on the part of the youngsters.

Midas opened the door for them.

Midas: Welcome to our home, clan of Veyron! I do hope you enjoy your stay.

Veyron's family entered the castle door. Revelian crossed his arms, giving everyone else there an annoyed expression.

Veyron: Thank you for this... Revelian...

Revelian: *Oh, believe me, it's my pleasure.*

Revelian gave her an angry look. She stared blankly at him for a moment, before going inside with her family.

Midas began to follow suit.

Revelian: Hey, Midas!

Revelian called over to him, getting his attention. He stopped in his tracks, and then turned around.

Midas: Yes, mister Revelian?

Revelian: Why the hell are you so passionate about them being here, seriously?

Midas tugged at his undefined collar.

Midas: A sort of, gentleman's code, shall we call it.

Revelian: What does that even mean??

Midas: Aheh, nothing to concern yourself with.

Midas then skipped along into the home, to accompany Veyron's family.

Revelian looked on with an expression of annoyance. He then turned his attention back to Jast and Zachary, who had been staying quiet for a while now.

Revelian: Oh, you two are still here?

Zachary: Yeah, we never really got to talk about much, so...

Revelian sighed.

Revelian: No, just forget it. You guys can just go home.

Zachary: Eh? Are you sure you just want us to go?

Revelian: Yeah... After that whole scene, I'm not really in the mood for talking. And, hell, we already shared a bit about that Cerberus Tree copy and Kuipter's eel family creations, and since I'm going to be spending a lot of time with the latter from now on, I think I've got just about enough of it for one day.

Zachary: Well, alright.

Revelian stepped inside his home, holding the door.

Revelian: Goodbye, guys.

Jast: See ya'.

Zachary: Bye, Rev.

Revelian closed the door behind him, leaving the two of them outside.

Jast let out a sigh.

Jast: Well, back to work with the Pillory it is, then.

## Chapter 5: The Will to Fight Forever

```
*"Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, you've got yourself
 company on your fishing trips."*
~Gridmask proverb

```

Dr. Wasp: Alright, let's see...

Dr. Wasp propped himself up by his elbows, giving a tired stare into the machine in front of him, which was processing a colored piece of paper. It seemed to be printing through a slot. It inched along every second or so, developing more of the message.

In just the past few days, the Science Division had become quite the hotspot for pets. And naturally so for these monsters, who had directly received benefits from their connection to IDC Corps., as it had been made as public a message as possible that any able pet possessing a notable skill of intelligence was to be scanned by the Pillory. Or, at least made as public as a lot of yelling and poorly drawn posters could have made it.

Though, seeing as Ludus' monster community could easily be described as "a small world" in many places, the requests had attracted very much attention. This was especially something that could be said about the Science Division, specifically the Pillory, as it was not often that the device was ever used, reasons for such being a mix between it's slight confidentiality and the fact that the Science Division it was located in just wasn't that popular a place before.

Previously, around ten pets had been recorded as receiving scans from the Pillory, in the entire eight or so months the company had owned the device. To be fair, one and a half of those months consisted of trying to figure out what the device actually did, as no one knew. The four people who'd ordered the device, cleared for its' use, and installed it, had no memory of the night in which this all happened, and had made the unfortunate mistake of losing the owner's manual, if there ever was one. One of the pets that had been recorded as being scanned was also one of the pets recorded as scanned, though even the results of that were lost and forgotten.

And now, there was quite a drastic change in terms of use. Since the message was issued, the line to the Pillory had caused the halls of the Science Division to become crowded, nearly to the point of making it impossible to pass through the line. A spectacular incident which no one had thought of resulted from this, in which it took two hours for the people inside to get themselves and the other monsters out of the building, in all the chaos of the scores upon scores of people crowding it. It had even resulted in the unfortunate trampling of two scientists in the center, the bodies of which have yet to be found. A recorded number of four hundred monsters had been scanned by the Pillory in the last few days, all producing different results of their abilities from their scans.

However, much to the disappointment of the workers, who'd spent several tedious hours scanning pet upon pet in the Pillory, none of them had produced the desired result. None of them had what they were looking for.

And all the effort had taken a lot out of them. Of course, directing a pet to a machine, turning it on, and reading the results wouldn't take much out of a person, but the repetitive efforts had taken a toll on them. Dr. Wasp himself had gone to work the last two days looking very disheveled and tired, being so infatuated with his work. Jast had gone into such an intense state of focus that he'd started to shut out others when thinking about the Pillory, something that he'd coined as "zambie mode". And Moriam had gone as far as to remove the coffee machine from the main building just so that she and the other two could stay awake during the process.

Still, they received no reward for their efforts. Though Jast had his head buried deeply in his desk, and Mori was busy looking at anything else but what was currently going on, they both could tell that Dr. Wasp had a disappointed look on his face. It was evident in his tone, a small and annoyed grumble which he diverted to when explaining to pets their results, and the small sigh he made every time they didn't get the desired results.

And once again, he did just that. Jast and Mori groaned upon hearing the sigh, which at this point had become permanently etched into their memory.

Dr. Wasp: Rider, your special ability is... *Potazio*... The power to explode anything that contains potatoes.

Rider's eyes widened upon receiving this news, and a curious gleam crossed her eyes. She stepped away from the Pillory for a moment, turning away from the three others there. From her pocket, or possible from some sort of pocket dimension, Rider produced a potato, something that she always had with her. She looked at it with some sort of intent, focusing very hard onto it. The food then produced a small explosion of smoke and warm mashed potatoes, which scattered across some areas of the room, much to Rider's amusement. She smiled and skipped happily out of the room, with the knowledge of her newly-discovered ability.

Dr. Wasp sighed.

Dr. Wasp: Potazio. *Potazio.* Ha!

Dr. Wasp stood up.

Dr. Wasp: Great. No, really, that was wonderful. This cruel joke the universe is playing on me, or us, probably payback for whatever uncountable amount of, I guess, unspeakable acts that we must've committed in past lives. Yeah, no. That's great.

Dr. Wasp slumped back down in his chair.

Dr. Wasp: Potazio. Great.

Mori: I think you should lay off the coffee for a bit.

Dr. Wasp: Ugh...

Dr. Wasp ran his fingers through his hair. He'd picked up doing the habit, as the others had noticed, whenever he was upset. Perfectly reasonable, they thought, to continually get upset under these circumstances.

Dr. Wasp: This is just ridiculous...

Jast: Ah, cheer up, Wasp. We'll get there, sometime.

Dr. Wasp: We haven't even got one pet with the results of a Ryu art yet. And we're supposed to find seven of them. If this trend keeps up, I'll go insane before we get done.

Jast: Whatever you say...

Jast's eye widened. He sat up suddenly.

Jast: Wait, we did get you to sign those papers when you started working here, right?

Dr. Wasp: No. You don't do that for pets, remember? I'm pretty sure you only do that for Gridmasks.

Jast: ((Oh, shoot!)) Uh, hey, do you have any living relatives? Or significant others? Or good friends? Or nosy people who'd go around asking questions if something happened to you?

Dr. Wasp: Just you guys, really...

Jast: ((Whew...)) Alright, never mind.

Dr. Wasp gave him a confused look.

Jast: ... What?

Dr. Wasp: ... Nothing.

Dr. Wasp looked over the piece of paper again.

Dr. Wasp: Good grief... I honestly feel sorry for most of the people who come in here and get stuff like this. Potazio. They go off and hope they'll have some special ability that's really helpful or great, but then it turns out that they're great ability is to slightly alter the weather only to give them a minor advantage, or to be able to walk slightly faster than normal! I'm glad my test results for this things were lost before anyone found out about them.

Mori: Really? Wouldn't you want to know if you had any special power or ability? Even if it's something only minor.

Dr. Wasp: I especially don't want to know about it, if it's some stupid power. Then it'll be all I can think about! I'm better off thinking I have some remotely useful power and not knowing how to use it or what it is.

Mori: If you say so.

Dr. Wasp: I just... Really want to get this over with already.

Jast slowly stood up.

Jast: Alright, I think we've spent enough time sitting around. Let's go take in the next pet.

Dr. Wasp: And here we go again...

Dr. Wasp stood up and walked over to the door of the room. He could see, through a small window on the door, the line of pets that was crowding the hall, and it was impossible to see the end of the line.

Wasp let out a soft sigh, and pushed open the door. The rambling of the crowd was very audible, but just as much so incoherent in the mass amount of it. Most of them began looking over to him.

Dr. Wasp: Alright, now we'll be taking...

???: GET OUT OF MY WAY!!

He stopped in the middle of his thought, interrupted by a yell which drowned out the voices of everyone else. Even if he'd kept talking, though, no one would have been able to hear him over it.

Dr. Wasp: Oh, what the hell now?

???: OH, YOU WERE HERE FIRST? WELL, *EXCUSE ME.* I DON'T CARE, I'M *GOING* FIRST.

Dr. Wasp couldn't see where all the noise was coming from, so he wasn't able to tell exactly who the pet was causing the commotion, but he could hear him as if the pet were right in front of him.

???: THAT'S RIGHT, JUST SLIDE AGAINST THE WALL. MAKE ROOM, PEOPLE.

Dr. Wasp walked forward a bit, and began calling out to the man.

Dr. Wasp: Hey, excuse me, sir! You're supposed to stay in your own spot in line! Go to the back and stop cutting through everyone!

???: WHO SAID THAT? WAS IT YOU? OR YOU? HOW ABOUT YOU?

There was an audible whimper coming from several members of the crowd. Dr. Wasp furrowed his brow, letting out an annoyed sigh.

Dr. Wasp: Oh, are you going to ask every single pet in the line?

???: THAT'S IT, SMARTASS! SHOW YOURSELF ALREADY! FIGHT LIKE A MAN OR KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!

Dr. Wasp: I'm at the front of the line, and I work here! I'm telling you the rules, not trying to start a fight!

???: AHA!

Suddenly, the halls were filled with the sound of feet pounding onto the floor, as the man ran rapidly to the front of the line.

???: OUT OF THE WAY, EVERYBODY! COMING THROUGH!

The large crowd of pets hugged the walls as he passed by, and a path forward began to form for him. The man was easily twice Dr. Wasp's size, and, despite clearly being a muscly figure, he was nearly as thin as Wasp. His body structure appeared to be made of several brown, fiber-like structures forming a body-like shape, as much of his skin had ragged lines stretching over it. His large feet appeared to have mushrooms growing on them. On top of it all, in place of a neck and head was a large, mushroom-like cap. Not even eyes or a mouth were visible on his person, but it was clear that he could see and speak just like anyone else. The latter he actually tended to do better than most people, or at least louder.

The figure was unmistakable, of course. Dr. Wasp recognized him as the infamous Ergoth.

Ergoth: THAT'S IT, I'M ALMOST THERE.

Ergoth skidded to a stop near the front of the line. The other pets stood motionless, as he took a second or two to look around and catch his breath.

Ergoth: ... Alright, WHO WAS IT?

Ergoth scanned the crowd. Every pet he looked at was silent. He didn't even bother to look at Dr. Wasp, though, despite Wasp being right in front of him.

Dr. Wasp: Ergoth, you're supposed to take your turn.

Ergoth jumped and faced him.

Ergoth: AHA! So, it was you!

Dr. Wasp: Of course it--Woah!

Ergoth grabbed Wasp by the collar of his shirt and held him just inches below the ceiling.

Ergoth: Do you have a deathwish, punk?! Do you know who I am?!

Dr. Wasp: Do I know who--Ergoth, I've known you for a year now! We were literally neighbors for four months, before you were adopted.

Ergoth: ... Eh?

Dr. Wasp: Do you honestly not remember me??

Ergoth: No.

Wasp looked somewhat hurt.

Ergoth: I don't care if you were or not, anyway! Hell, since you know me, you should know better than to go around telling *me* what to do!

Dr. Wasp: Ergoth, there's a lot of other pets who have been waiting in line longer than you here. You have to wait your turn.

Ergoth: Oh. Well, guess what?

Dr. Wasp: ... What?

Ergoth suddenly released his grip on Wasp's collar, letting him drop halfway from where he was. Then, in a motion almost too quick to see, Ergoth jabbed his free hand forward in a fist, delivering a blow directly to Wasp's torso. Wasp was sent flying through the door and into the room, where he crashed into a nearby machine, and fell to the floor.

Ergoth: It's my turn, now!

Mori and Jast looked up, and walked over to Dr. Wasp, helping him up. Wasp took a moment to catch his breath, after having the wind knocked out of him from the blow.

Jast: Are you alright, man?

Dr. Wasp: No, but thank you...

Dr. Wasp sighed, and shakily stood up by himself.

Ergoth: Hurry up, let's get this show on the road. Whatever it is.

Dr. Wasp: Wh... Ergoth, do you even know what this is about?

Ergoth: Uh... Sure... Everybody's in line to use the thing.

Dr. Wasp: "The thing"?

Ergoth: Yeah, that techno magic thing, that you stand on and it gives you powers. That thing.

Dr. Wasp facepalmed.

Dr. Wasp: I don't think that we possibly could have witnessed a less intelligible analysis of the situation unless it was delivered in caveman babbling.

Ergoth: It... Eh?

Dr. Wasp: First of all, "the thing" is a highly complex piece of machinery called The Pillory. Second, it's not "magic". Third, it doesn't *give* anyone any powers, it allows them to realize their powers and potential that are hidden within them.

Dr. Wasp walked over to Ergoth. He gestured for him to come closer, and Ergoth leaned his head in slightly.

Dr. Wasp: And, fourth-- this part being very important, so pay attention. Are you listening?

Ergoth nodded.

Dr. Wasp: Fourth, we're doing this for a reason, you dolt!

Ergoth: FUCK YOU. Why are you doing it?

Dr. Wasp: Ah, so you don't know at all why we're doing this? Huh, how did I know that? It's like I can look into the future.

Ergoth: Oh, you can? Is that your stupid power you got from the pill-ray?? Hey, you can see that I'm going to punch your sarcasm-spewing face???

Dr. Wasp: *Pillory*, Ergoth.

Ergoth: Yeah, the who-gives-a-damn. Tell me already!

Dr. Wasp: Well, if you must know... We're scanning for pets who have the trait of a specific sort of mind-honing ability. It's so that they can be the vessel of a power, which requires such pets with traits of honed applicable intelligence to even be unlocked, as well as used. It's a little something called a "Ryu art", that they need to have for it.

Ergoth: Alright, then. Now fire up the Hillary and scan me.

Dr. Wasp: What? No. Pets are supposed to wait in line to get their turn for it, not just run to the front and hold everyone else up.

Ergoth: I'm already here, just do it!

Dr. Wasp sighed.

Dr. Wasp: And, also, I'm almost positive that scanning you would be a complete waste of time for the pursuit of a Ryu art.

Ergoth: What? Why's that??

Dr. Wasp: In case you weren't listening, Ryu arts are only owned by pets with, and let me highlight these terms, *intellectually-honed pets, with high mental abilities and skills*.

Ergoth: Yeah, so what?

Dr. Wasp: Ugh. I said we're looking for smart pets!

Ergoth: Ha! Then I'm perfect for it!

Wasp raised an eyebrow at him.

Dr. Wasp: Really? We're looking for intelligent beings, and you not only are able to fit the bill, but you're "perfect for it"?

Ergoth: Damn right!

Dr. Wasp: More like "yeah, *right*."

Ergoth: Hey! Are you calling me dumb?!

Dr. Wasp: If you're only now figuring it out, that's just proving my point.

Ergoth grabbed onto the collar of his shirt and picked him up again.

Ergoth: *HEY--*

Jast: Ergoth!

Jast and Mori went over to the two of them.

Mori: Alright, that's enough, both of you.

The two tried to separate the pets.

Dr. Wasp: Would you put me down?

Ergoth grunted, and released Dr. Wasp.

Ergoth: Scan me.

Dr. Wasp: Are you honestly so intent on wasting our time with this?

Jast: Oh, come on, let's just scan him and get it over with.

Wasp looked over to Jast.

Mori: It's going to be faster if we just do it now, instead of arguing with him until he leaves. In fact, doing the latter may not even be successful.

Ergoth: That's right! Arguing with me is pointless!

Dr. Wasp looked around at the others, and then sighed.

Dr. Wasp: Well, since they have more say on the issue than I do, I have no choice but to submit.

Ergoth: Haha! Now, lets do this already!

Ergoth jumped around and moved onto the Pillory.

Ergoth: This is the thing, right?

Dr. Wasp: Yes, it's the Pillory.

Ergoth: Alright! Fire this baby up and stand back! I'm about to be scanned up a storm in here!

Wasp sighed.

Dr. Wasp: This is ridiculous...

With the assistance of Jast and Mori, Wasp activated the Pillory. Ergoth stood there for a while, growing impatient. The process took them a few minutes.

Dr. Wasp: Alright, now I just have to pull this lever, and the Pillory will scan you and designate any hidden powers you have.

Ergoth: Well, it's about damn time! I almost started growing a fungus in here!

Wasp sighed once again.

Dr. Wasp: And, here we go...

Dr. Wasp pulled the lever.

???: This is very interesting...

The Entiphon man leaned forward, taking a closer look. He tried holding up parts of the files closer to the light coming from the monitors. He then turned to the side for a moment, regarding the company with him.

???: Excuse me, I still haven't gotten used to my bad eye.

Kuipter held up a hand.

Kuipter: Oh, Lori, it's alright.

Lori: ((Lori...? A nickname, perhaps...?))

Kuipter: Though, I could very easily get you a replacement, if you want it.

Kuipter's guest looked up at him, with a bit of alarm in his expression.

Lori: Where would you get another eye? Surely you wouldn't try to--

Kuipter: I'd make a mechanical one for you, I mean. It would work just as good as your old one, if not better.

Lori: Maybe... I just don't think I'd ever get used to it. I've had a hard enough time adjusting to having just one eye, even after so long, so you can imagine how I'd struggle with going back to two.

Kuipter chuckled slightly, then stopped himself. His guest gave him a bit of a puzzled expression.

Kuipter: ((Of course, he isn't joking...)) Suit yourself, then.

The Entiphon gave a sincere smile.

Lori: Oh, I shall.

Kuipter sighed.

Lori: But, as we were.

Lori set the files back onto the table.

Lori: I must say, your simulation this time around has you at a bit of an advantage. I personally would like more of a challenge.

Kuipter shrugged.

Kuipter: Knowing so much and having so much only comes with a lot of effort. The advantage is well deserved.

Lori: Just my tastes, not something I want to try to enforce onto others.

Kuipter: Ah, we should hope not.

Lori: But, anyway, with the plan you're trying to take up, you may want to reconsider the act of going right in as soon as possible as you've planned it.

Kuipters' guest gestured to a file next to them.

Lori: If the information recorded from the Eos creature's initial attack on the town is right, they have adequate defenses and trained men ready to act in the case that you or your men went anywhere near them. If you do want to go anywhere near the large building, you will want to send something out there first.

His guest paused for a moment, adjusting his hair.

Lori: A single powerful unit will cause them to exhaust much of their weaponry resources, if it's powerful enough. How expendable a unit is in question. However, if any unit is expendable, then it would be easy just to direct them to attack the building itself, knowing they will fail, yet have the intended effect.

Kuipter: Hm...

Lori: That's my suggestion, at least. It is your decision, and the point of any game is to have fun playing it, so, please, don't feel any pressure if you're against it.

Kuipter chuckled.

Kuipter: That's not true, Loripathys.

Loripathys: What isn't true?

Kuipter: The point of a game isn't to have fun. The point is to win.

Loripathys: ...

Kuipter: You hold a competition to see who will win. Not solely for the enjoyment of everyone involved.

Loripathys: I don't think that I would always hold such competitions.

Kuipter: I mean, anyone would do such a thing.

Kuipter turned away from Loripathys.

Kuipter: Though, as to what you were saying... It does sound like a good plan. Oh, and I have the most splendid idea of who to send out.

Kuipter laughed to himself.

Loripathys: I'm sure you do...

Kuipter: Well, then, I believe this should conclude our meeting.

Loripathys: Oh, we're done already?

Loripathys' eye averted Kuipter's gaze for a moment.

Loripathys: I still had something else I wanted to say...

Kuipter: What is it?

Loripathys: I wanted to make note of another detail I noticed in the information for this simulation of yours...

Kuipter tilted his head slightly, as a curious gleam crossed his eye.

Kuipter: Go into more detail, then.

Loripathys: I noticed that this particular simulation includes a mention of, who you said was your past brother, I believe? Revelian Zeronius.

Kuipter: Indeed it does. What of it?

Loripathys: I just find it interesting... It's something unique to this simulation in particular, yes. Perhaps, is this your way of making the game more evenly matched? I mean, this planet in particular has defenses much lesser than others you've conquered before, so it would seem like an easy task, but with someone as powerful as Revelian Zeronius also being an inhabitant...

Loripathys gave a light smile, and closed his eye.

Loripathys: Of course, I don't need to remind you that Revelian is a powerful adversary. My eye is undeniable evidence of the fact. His presence on the planet may very well pose a problem to your players attempt at conquering it...

Loripathys then opened his eye again.

Loripathys: though, of course, something much more interesting may be in store in the future. He's quite a strange one... He seems to change between black and white moralities at a moment's notice. Both a hero and an anti-hero at different times, perhaps purely circumstantially. It's impossible to know what he will do. Will he serve as a protector for the planet? Will he be passive towards your assault on it? Or will he even come to join you? It's hard to tell.

Kuipter laughed. Loripathys looked confused.

Loripathys: What is it, Kuipter?

Kuipter: It's so typical of you. You only see the white and the black. Never the grey...

Loripathys: ... What do you mean?

Kuipter: Oh, you wouldn't understand.

Loripathys: Huh...

Kuipter: ((Honestly, it may very well be mentally impossible for him to understand that grey exists among black and white...))

Kuipter coughed.

Kuipter: Well, then. Our meeting is adjourned.

The Pillory itself looked like it was exploding.

Ergoth: AHAHAHAHAHA!!

Red waves pulsated through the Pillory's base, pushing upward from Ergoth's mushroom-covered feet, going upward above his head, and pushing against the ceiling. They seemed to sway off of it, like waves hitting a beach.

Dr. Wasp: W-What the hell?!

Immediately, Wasp, Jast, and Mori jumped to attention. They'd been caught completely off guard by this. They stared at Ergoth's form with eyes wide and mouths agape.

Ergoth: THAT'S IT!! LOOK AT THIS POWER!!

The red energy around Ergoth seemed to become more transparent, and became a lighter cone shape upward and around him. And Ergoth's own form had changed. He looked like he'd doubled in height. He had to bend his knees just to keep his head from grazing the ceiling above him. His body seemed much less ragged than before, the lines of it now taking a more clear, sturdier shape of a muscle-bound creature. And his arms, from elbow to fingertip, had become a pale yellow shape, the skin looking as if it were straining against his inside body. His knuckles looked just like yellow bone, even.

Ergoth: AHAHAHAHA!!

Ergoth began walking forward slowly, and started punching the air rapidly. His punches were so rapid, it was nearly impossible to see his fists move.

Dr. Wasp looked down for a moment, as the Pillory began to print out a red sheet of paper. In his anticipation, Wasp nearly ripped it in half as he tore it off to read it. His eyes widened as he saw what was on it.

Dr. Wasp: N... No way!!

Ergoth didn't even have to read what the paper said to know what his results were.

Ergoth: This is it!! This is the power of a Ryu art!!

Dr. Wasp: *Ryu-Chi (竜-氣)*... Ryu art of Stamina!

Dr. Wasp began stuttering, utterly befuddled by the event. Ergoth simply continued laughing.

Ergoth: HAH!! I FEEL LIKE I COULD FIGHT FOREVER LIKE THIS!!

Jast: ... Um, excuse me for a second.

Jast started to lie down on the ground, so as to let his jaw drop to the floor.

Dr. Wasp: B-but... This...

Ergoth: Oh yeah, that's right!!

Ergoth inched closer to Dr. Wasp.

Ergoth: Ha! Bet you feel like an idiot now, don't you! You thought I wasn't even smart enough to be a Ryu! Haha! Who's the smart guy now?!

Dr. Wasp furrowed his brow. He placed the results paper back on the desk.

Dr. Wasp: What's the square root of two hundred twenty five?

Ergoth paused for a moment.

Ergoth: That... Uh... Square...

Dr. Wasp: What was that, mister Smart Guy Now?

Ergoth: ... It...

Ergoth suddenly lunged forward and punched Wasp square in the forehead. He fell straight to the ground from the force of it.

Ergoth: Fuck you. I'm a Ryu thing.

Dr. Wasp rubbed his forehead, which had developed a noticeable bruise. He did not, however, stand back up.

Dr. Wasp: Not just any Ryu thing, the *Ryu-Chi*.

Mori walked over and picked up Ergoth's results paper.

Mori: Ryu-Chi, the art of Stamina... Also known as "The Dragon's Energy". It provides a great increase of energy that can be exerted and used...

Ergoth: Damn right it does!!

Mori: So, not only are your attacks, your punches, for example, more powerful, you can also keep punching repeatedly for long periods of time. Interesting... Chi is an old term for Energy, isn't it?

Ergoth: You hear that! I'm like a tank that never runs out of ammo!

Dr. Wasp: This means...

Dr. Wasp suddenly stood up.

Dr. Wasp: We've finally got a confirmed Ryu!! Do you know what this means?!

Jast: Does it mean what it implies?

Dr. Wasp: Yes! Exactly that!

Dr. Wasp laughed.

Dr. Wasp: This is great! After all this time, we've finally got one!

Ergoth: You heard it here. *I was first!*

Dr. Wasp: Ergoth, don't you see? It doesn't matter who was first, what matters is that we have a Ryu! We've done it!

Ergoth: Yeah, it's me. I was first.

Dr. Wasp: And what this also means is...

Dr. Wasp turned away for a moment, placing his chin in his hand. He seemed to be deep in thought for a while, and was whispering to himself.

Dr. Wasp: That's it! The rate at which the next Ryu will be found! Considering that Ergoth is the four-hundred and second person to use the Pillory, and there were ten users before this... For every three-hundred and ninety-two pets that we scan, one of them will be a Ryu!

Ergoth: Well, *duh*. I think.

Dr. Wasp: And, at the rate of six other Ryus that we have to find, that brings us to... two-thousand, three-hunded and fifty-two pets, give or take about three-hundred and twenty-five, that we still have to scan to find them all!

Ergoth: Woah...

Ergoth scratched his head.

Ergoth: That's a whole hell of a lot of pets to scan.

Dr. Wasp: Of course it is! It makes the number of pets we've already scanned seem almost miniscule, and we've already scanned hundreds!

Ergoth: Then--Ugh, hold on a minute.

Ergoth held up his hands.

Ergoth: This damn Ryu whatever is making it hard to stand. Can I just turn it off somehow?

Suddenly, the red aura around Ergoth began to dissipate. He began to shrink down in size steadily, and his body regained its normal color and shape.

Ergoth: I guess like that.

Dr. Wasp: You've only had this power realized for a short time and you already have the ability to call it at will?

Ergoth: Sure, whatever. Anyway, why do you sound so damn happy about having to scan so many pets?

Dr. Wasp: It's all about the time, Ergoth!

Mori: He's right. At that rate, we'll probably be able to get all of the other Ryus before the month ends.

Jast: And the quicker we do it, the better! Good for us being able to defeat Kuipter as soon as possible.

Ergoth: Oh... Heh, damn right!

Dr. Wasp: So, now...

Dr. Wasp put a hand up to his head suddenly.

Dr. Wasp: Ah! What are we doing wasting time like this! We should be getting to scanning the next pets right away!

Mori: Right.

Dr. Wasp: Uh, okay, I'll get the door, everyone else, take your positions so we can get this over with quickly!

Ergoth: What am I supposed to do?

Dr. Wasp: You, uh... Just stand around or something! I don't care, really. Just don't get in the way of this. And don't get yourself killed, either! We need you, now!

Ergoth: On it!

Ergoth stood straight up, with a vertical posture.

Dr. Wasp: Alright, alright...

Dr. Wasp walked over to the door and opened it.

Zachary: Eh?

Dr. Wasp jumped, startled by the sudden appearance of someone right in front of the door. Zachary grabbed the door before it could close.

Zachary: Hey, guys!

Dr. Wasp: Ah, uh, hi.

Zachary: You haven't seen Ergoth coming through here, have you? I think he tried running through the line and...

Zach's large eyes didn't need to scan the room too much to see Ergoth standing right in the middle of it.

Zachary: There you are!

Ergoth: Yo!

Zachary entered the room.

Zachary: Ergoth, what are you doing here?

Ergoth: What does it look like? I'm standing around.

Zachary: I mean...

Zachary sighed.

Zachary: Ergoth, you can't just go running around like you own the place. What about all the other pets that wanted to go here?

Dr. Wasp: Er, wait, mister Isles...

Dr. Wasp approached Zach from the side.

Dr. Wasp: Ergoth, you see... He's the Ryu-Chi!

Ergoth: That's right!

Zachary gave him a surprised look.

Zachary: Wait, you mean you found a pet with a Ryu art, and it's Ergoth?

Jast: Yeah, Zach. Also hi.

Zachary: Hi, Jast... But, didn't you say that the Ryus were supposed to be possessing a high intelligence?

Jast: Yep.

Zachary: And... You're all positive that Ergoth is one of them?

Ergoth: Hey!!

Ergoth put a foot forward, and raised his fists. Zachary looked at him from across the room.

Ergoth: What's that supposed to mean?!

Dr. Wasp: Yes, we're positive he's one of them.

Zachary: Huh...

Ergoth: Here, I'll prove it to ya'!

Ergoth then struck a pose. A red aura erupted around him, and he once again changed form.

Ergoth: See this?? I can turn it on and off, any time I want!

Zachary looked onward in awe.

Zachary: Woah... So this is what a Ryu looks like?

Zach walked over to Ergoth. Zach then gave an amused smile.

Zachary: Ahaha... Look at how tall you are now!

Ergoth: I know! It's amazing I haven't brushed any spores off on the ceiling!

Zachary: And I thought you were big before! Hah, and look at your arms!

Zachary approached Ergoth. Then, Zachary also started to emanate with a red aura, faintly at first, but it grew greater the close he went to Ergoth.

Zachary: They look like big yellow bones! And you're glowing red!

Ergoth: You're glowing red, too! What's up with that?

Mori: Hm... His aura seems to notably effect others, too...

Ergoth then returned to his normal form.

Zachary: Ergoth, that's amazing!

Ergoth: That's right. I know I am.

Dr. Wasp: Wait, I think we should take this opportunity to perform tests on the Ryu-Chi!

Ergoth looked up.

Ergoth: Eh?

Dr. Wasp: Yes! It could prove to be very helpful The more data we can collect on Ryus...

Zachary: Yeah! I'll get him back to HQ right away. Hank and I could run a few tests...

Ergoth looked somewhat wary.

Ergoth: What kind of tests??

Dr. Wasp: All kinda of tests, of course!

Ergoth: Alright then, you gotta come with me.

Wasp looked confused.

Dr. Wasp: M-me??

Ergoth: No, one of the other three nerds in the room.

Dr. Wasp: Why do you need me?

Ergoth: Don't be stupid, stupid! You're supposed to help me cheat on my tests!

Dr. Wasp: Ergoth... That's not...

Zachary: It's not the kind of test that you can do something like that with, Ergoth. Tests like, physical endurance, and energy output...

Ergoth: Oh...

Ergoth turned back to Wasp.

Ergoth: Nevermind, then. You're off the hook.

Dr. Wasp: ...

Zachary: Well, anyway, we should get going right away. We don't want to waste anymore time... Come on, Ergoth.

Ergoth: I'm comin'.

Zachary and Ergoth started towards the door. Suddenly, it burst open.

Lazro: Ow, hey, my arm!

Standing in the doorway was Military Commander Alden, who had Lazro by his wrist. Alden looked somewhat upset.

Alden: Everyone...

Alden's voice boomed throughout the room, making everyone inside become still. Lazro, though, seemed to be struggling a bit, trying to get Alden to loosen his grip. Alden scanned over the room.

Alden: Hello. I need all of you to come with me.

Dr. Wasp: ... Eh?

Alden: And now. It's not optional.

Alden faced everyone with a dead serious expression.

Alden: Come, now.

Alden gestured with his other hand, and started to walk outside.

Lazro: Ah! Could you let go of me already?!

Alden: I will not.

Though confused, the room was motivated to follow him.

Dr. Wasp: Uh, excuse me, sir, but what is all this about?

Alden: I'll show you. Stay close.

Alden led them all through the long, long line of pets throughout the halls. They had started hugging the walls to let everyone pass.

Jast: (Zach, do you think he found out about the-)

Zachary: (Shh! That might not be it this time! Remember from last time, we don't want him knowing more than what he's trying to get us for.)

Jast: (Oh dang, right. Man, we really need to watch what we hand off to Lazzy next time.)

Zachary: (Hey, hey, we told him that Gammbler was radioactive before he adopted him! That's not on us!)

Jast: (This is going to be the "burning acid plant" thing all over again, isn't it?)

Alden: Out of the way, everyone! We have a big, big problem to deal with!

## Chapter 6: The Red Giant

```
*"Fling but a stone, and the giant dies."*
~Heartstone

```

*Earlier...*

Kuipter: Ahaha! Now, off you go!

A tan foot, about the size of a large house, crashed into the water. The resulting splash created a light rain in all directions, long enough a distance to reach near Kuipter and the beings with him.

Kuipter: Just keep walking the direction you are, Cassiopeia! Their headquarters are in that exact direction!

Kuipter failed to hold back a laugh. He watched for a while, as the enormous, burgundy-headed walker proceeded to make a slow progression forward, moving her feat steadily as she went forward.

Kuipter: Oh, this is going to be quite the display.

Trollus: Gee, hope she doesn't get too excited. Don't you know how long it takes to clean Griddy-pancakes off the ground?

Kuipter turned around, his expression then changing to one of annoyance and exhaustion. This was usual for him, when engaging with one of the Trollers.

Kuipter: Hm?

Trollus: We're not savages, stupid! We're at least going to clean up the mess.

The stark-white skinned being gave his natural expression, of a wrinkled face with a big grin that stretched to both sides of it. Wearing a golden crown and a red cape, and holding a golden magnet staff, the Lord of the Troller race sat before him in his throne.

Kuipter: What are you even on about?

Trollus: Griddy-pancakes, Kuipter. Oh, ever had one of those?

Kuipter: I don't eat.

Kuipter placed his arms at his sides.

Kuipter: What happened to New?

Trollus: Ohhh, a nickname! You must be pretty fond of Sir Newtroll!

Kuipter: Tell me where he is.

Trollus: What, you can't spend just a while on Trolland without your little trollfriend?

Kuipter: Don't play games with me, Trollus.

Trollus: The-

Kuipter: I don't need you or anything you have to offer.

Trollus froze for a moment.

Kuipter: You may want to watch your tongue, lest I reconsider our agreement. Though, at this point I already am...

Kuipter sighed.

Kuipter: Yes, it is getting quite annoying to entertain you in all of my visits. It would be easier to just take the Trollethia and leave.

Trollus laughed nervously. The ensuing silence ended with a fit of coughs from Trollus.

Trollus: ... D-don't get all butthurt on me now, learn to take a joke!

Kuipter: Backed into a corner, and all you can do is provide this pathetic a defense?

Kuipter sighed.

Kuipter: I may get more trouble with the Gridmasks, but I think it would bring me much less shame to have them watch over the place while I'm gone.

Trollus: You're actually considering those pink-skinned, square-headed, hairy-faced monkeys over us?!

Kuipter: Perhaps...

Trollus: ... Oh... Good one, Kuipter!

Kuipter's expression remained unchanged.

Trollus: You sure do catch on fast. Truly, a troll among men, you are!

Kuipter: ...

Trollus: Wow, first you grace us with your presence, and now you give me the honor of this!

Trollus swayed his head to the side, keeping in tune with his mocking tone.

Kuipter: Think for a moment. You know that flattery will get you nowhere with me, so what will false flattery do for you?

Trollus: Er...

Kuipter: What catches my attention is what matters. Good results. And you can do better for me than any Gridmask could, right?

Trollus: Why, even the notion that I couldn't... You're definitely trolling me now.

Kuipter: I prefer to refrain from calling it that.

Trollus: And I like to call it what it is!

Kuipter: By all means, then.

Lord Trollus' grin seemed to stretch even farther across his face, if such a thing was even possible.

Trollus: Well, results is all you'll see, then! So many, you're one big ol' eye won't be able to see them all! Just leave it to me, the dashing king of trollers.

Lord Trollus proceeded to break into annoying chuckles. Kuipter simply scoffed.

Kuipter: Oh, but what is a king to a god?

Trollus stopped laughing.

Trollus: ... Eh?

Kuipter: This is beside the point, anyway. Newtroll was supposed to be here when I was. Where is he?

Trollus: Pfft... I'm pretty sure he's outside teaching someone how to play The Game. That's the kind of kiddy stuff he's into nowadays.

Kuipter: I see.

Kuipter began walking away.

Kuipter: The answer, by the way, was "nothing"...

Alden lead the group of IDC employees with him, around the building. Needless to say, they were all very nervous about the situation, wondering what Alden knew, and why he was doing this. It could easily be said that the only ones of them who weren't walking in silence and nervousness were Alden himself and Lazro, who was actively struggling in attempts to get Alden to release the tight grip he had on Lazro's wrist.

Alden: There isn't much time, so I will have to conduct this out here.

Alden led them behind a corner of the building, to where it was casting a shadow over the ground. Oddly, Revelian was seen standing near the wall.

Zachary: Revelian? What are you doing here?

Revelian: Huh? Oh, you're here... Alden told me to come over here and wait for him and you all.

Revelian stood forward.

Revelian: Only, he kinda forgot to explain what the hell this was all about.

Alden: I only wanted for everyone to be here for this.

Alden approached Revelian, with the others following behind him.

Dr. Wasp: Er, excuse me, Military Commander, sir...

Alden turned and looked towards Wasp.

Alden: Yes? And speak up, please.

Dr. Wasp: Is this... Whatever this is, is it because we did something w-wrong, or...?

Alden: Not at all.

A sense of relief washed over most of the group.

Alden: It's... Much more serious a matter than something like that.

Lazro: Now, will you let go of me already?!

Alden released Lazro's wrist.

Lazro: Thank you.

Lazro began rubbing his wrist, feigning that it was hurt badly from Alden's grip.

Alden then reached into his pocket, and pulled out a disc-like metal object. It seemed to be a device of some sort

Alden: We've discovered something very unsettling. Another creation of Kuipter, we believe.

Alden placed the device on the ground. A coloured light began to arise from it. A visible form appeared above it, that of a walker with a furrowed brow and a smile.

Alden: Along with it, we have gathered news of a threat, delivered from the land of 'Trolland', an island located to the north of Stekenburg, though far from the main continent...

Revelian: ... Trolland? What?

Alden: Trolland isn't something of common knowledge to most of the population... It's an island that has been inhabited by a non-Gridmask species, which has apparently existed and lived there millennia prior to recorded history. The Trollers, a mischievous species of beings who often seek to invoke angry or upset responses from others with their actions. They did provide us with an unexpected message, right before our satellites first located this creation of Kuipter. The message was "Hope you find Cassiopeia to be a good guest on your continent." The message went on to detail senseless notions of odd laughter and theoretical existences of meaningless concepts, though these things are very normal for messages sent by the Trollers.

Zachary: This thing is called Cassiopeia, then?

Zachary looked at the projected image of the walker.

Alden: We can only assume so.

Revelian: I don't see why this thing would be a problem to us.

Revelian pointed at the image.

Revelian: Look at this thing! It's just a puny walker! Unless it has some almighty superpower or something, we shouldn't give this thing the time of day.

Alden: It may look like just a regular walker in this image, but the projection is not nearly to scale of the being's full size.

Revelian: Well, I guessed that, because walkers aren't usually this small. So, you're saying it's, what, two, three, maybe four times the size of a regular walker? Big fucking deal!

Alden looked somewhat solemn.

Alden: Well, while it does not possess any "superpower" that we know of, its' size is, in fact, a very big deal. Cassiopeia, as we have seen, is roughly four times the size of Revelian's castle.

Jast: ***WHAT?!***

Revelian: It's how big?!

Alden: At least larger than three and a half castles the size of yours stacked on top of each other, though the size of Cassiopeia may actually be around four and a half castles of the same size.

Zachary: Even at the minimum size, that's ridiculously huge!

Alden: This is exactly why Cassiopeia is such a big problem. And quite literally so.

Mori: Do you have any plans for how to defend against or defeat Cassiopeia?

Alden: Unfortunately, we have little left that we can do. The CS Rifles and Missiles have proven to provide no notable damage to Cassiopeia's skin.

Dr. Wasp: Then... H-how do we expect to challenge this thing? It could crush us underfoot and not even notice!

Ergoth: That's easy! Just send me in!

Ergoth stood up to make himself tall, and started flexing.

Ergoth: I'm the Ryu-Chi! If anyone's capable of putting up a fight with the big red ugly, it's me!

Revelian: You? Don't kid yourself. Even as a Ryu, your power doesn't match up with mine.

Ergoth: What?!

Zachary: Revelian, you haven't even seen Ergoth in his Ryu-Chi form.

Revelian: Don't have to. If it was the red-aura power that I was sensing earlier, I know he's not more powerful than me.

Ergoth: AHAHAHA!

Ergoth jumped up, and raised a hand towards Revelian.

Ergoth: Don't be so sure about that! You may be more powerful than me now, but nothing can match up to the power of a Ryu!

Revelian: Do you even listen to yourself?

Ergoth: Shut up!! I'm better than all of you, and I'll take on Cass all by myself!

Alden: You'll do nothing of the sort.

Ergoth sputtered for a moment. Alden took the opportunity to pick the device back up, turning off the projection, and put it back in his pocket.

Alden: We need you to stay capable and alive. Close-range combat with a creature of this size is not an option for you.

Ergoth: Who asked you?!

Alden: I don't need to be asked. I'm the one who gives out the orders in battle.

Ergoth scowled at Alden.

Alden: Don't look so upset. You will be aiding in this battle, but not in the sense that you suggested you would.

Ergoth gave him a sideways look.

Alden: You and Revelian are the most powerful of the self-being apparitions. If what I know is true, you two will be able to provide energy and time for us to deploy the main weapon that we will be using against Cassiopeia. We being myself and the young de Gridmasque.

Lazro: Wha? Why just you and me? And what weapons?

Alden: The Fortress Mech unit. Only you and I have been trained to use the weapon properly. And it does require more than a single pilot. So, as much as I don't want you specifically to be put in danger, I feel that it is our safest option...

Lazro: The--You don't mean... The big robot thing? The red one?

Alden: Yes. Only something of that size and power would prove sufficient in a battle against Cassiopeia.

Alden scratched his chin.

Alden: And, of course, it does have abilities that we ourselves have not yet come to fully comprehend... It's something that we will also have to take into consideration.

Lazro: But... Oh, man, this is actually pretty cool! We get to go around in that thing...

Alden: I wish I could be as adamant about it as you, Lazro. But I am far too focused on the bigger picture.

Lazro: Uh... Right. That.

Alden: And, you all...

Alden turned towards the others.

Alden: In such short notice, it will take us a bit of time to get to Cassiopeia with the Fortress Mech unit. We may need you to provide some sort of stalling or distraction to Cassiopeia, in the event that she comes anywhere near a populated area on her way. However, I foremost want you all to look out for the safety of yourselves and others. My personal suggestion is calling for evacuations towards areas near where she is going. There is no guarantee what the outcome of directly engaging Cassiopeia may result in. While trying this may succeed in stalling her or even coming to defeat her, there is an even more likely chance that the efforts will be in vain. Or, even worse, it may result in Cassiopeia becoming violent.

Alden gave a solemn look over everyone.

Alden: Do you understand this?

Everyone nodded, or muttered in agreement.

Alden: Good, then. Let us all hope for the best...

Alden turned around.

Alden: Well, Lazro...

Lazro looked at him.

Lazro: ...

Alden: You will have to come with me, now.

Lazro: Alright.

Alden: And this is an order, again. I do not want to drag you there by your wrist like I had to last time I told you to come with me.

Lazro: Hey, that was a completely unnecessary action on your part and you know it.

Alden: Hrm.

Alden turned towards the others again.

Alden: We are going out to recover the Fortress Mech unit. It will save us the most time if we go alone, and entrust you and our other forces to work with evacuations. The Fortress Mech unit is currently residing on the eastern mountain... The project itself is entrusted with someone else.

Lazro: Yeah, yeah, okay... Can we get going now?

Alden: Yes, the quicker, the better. There is an aircraft in the area that we can take to get there.

Lazro jumped up.

Lazro: Let's get going already, then, man!

Alden: Right.

Alden stood up.

Alden: Let's all make haste to begin with our own missions.

Alden and Lazro then left.

Kuipter: Everyone is scrambling around, already...?

Kuipter ceased his slow levitation.

Kuipter: They know... But how could they...? Of course, despite how primitive they are, they still have drones in the air at their disposal!

Kuipter turned on his communicator.

Kuipter: Swat their satellites out of the sky, now!

With the command, from many miles away, Cassiopeia's undefined limb shot upward, reaching far above the clouds.

Kuipter: Damnit... How could I have been so careless?

Kuipter sighed.

Kuipter: Tch... Oh, well, I guess the element of surprise was already out of the question... But now it will be too easy for everyone to just escape.

Kuipter began to rise upward.

Kuipter: Ah... I guess there is something I can do to help her out, though.

He once again spoke into the communicator.

Kuipter: Pick up the pace a bit, now! You have a lot of lost time to make up for.

The giant's footsteps pounding against the ocean floor began to draw steadily close to each other when sounding out.

Kuipter: That's right... Keep them thinking they have time, now, Cassie. Then, strike before they have a chance to be prepared for anything you have to throw at them.

Kuipter sighed, and started to cross his arms.

Kuipter: Well, looks like it's about to be much less fun, now. Hm... I should just wait out at the labs. At least, when Cassie's finished, I may maybe try out the new toys...

Kuipter laughed to himself.

Kuipter: Ah, yes. This would definitely make up for it. Ahaha...

Alden: We're here... The mountain.

Lazro and Alden looked out onto the plane of rock and grass. Lazro looked over several different pets roaming around. It seemed that one or two or the more avid pet collectors lived in this region.

Lazro: Huh, so it is...

Alden gave a bit of a worried look towards Lazro, who was leaning his head almost out of their vehicle.

Lazro: But where is the Fortress Mech unit?

Alden: Stay in your seat, please.

Lazro: Alright.

Lazro leaned back. He gave a slight sigh.

Lazro: Where is it?

Alden: It is here, but the exact location, we'll only know after we get to it.

Lazro: Right, right, okay...

Lazro looked out longingly over the setting.

Lazro: It's a nice place...

Alden seemed not to have heard Lazro.

Lazro: Sign...

Alden: What was that, Lazro?

Lazro: Nothing. Hey, are we going to land soon?

Alden: Very shortly, yes.

Lazro: Very shortly...? Uh, can we hurry this up a bit, maybe? Very shortly is too long.

Alden: We are supposed to land in a designated area, Lazro. There's no way around it.

Lazro: Okay, okay... I was just asking.

Alden: It's alright.

Lazro: Huh... Really nice place, though.

Alden: Oh...? \Ah, yes, indeed... I like it.

Lazro: I haven't been here in a while. They really made everything look nice.

Alden: They planted a lot of grass, didn't they?

Lazro stared blankly at Alden for a moment.

Lazro: ((The grass??)) Uh... Well, I think so... Not exactly what I was thinking about, but yeah, that is new...

Alden gave him a confused stare.

Alden: Lazro, I can hear from your tone that you're a bit... Disappointed, possibly upset? Why?

Lazro sighed.

Lazro: No, just... Exhausted, maybe. I guess. You're a handful, really.

Alden: I'm...?

Alden suddenly turned around.

Alden: Prepare for landing.

The craft slowly descended onto a red stone platform, with a large H in the middle of it. From the side, a young boy in a cyan suit walked up to them. He was a thin individual, and appeared to be a round-headed Gridmask. As the others saw, he had black hair and black beads for eyes.

Alden: Greetings, mister Samuel.

Alden nodded. Lazro gazed at Alden for a moment, before nodding in turn.

Samuel: Hello, Alden.

The young boy looked at Alden's gesture for a moment, and then copied it, letting his large, round head tilt forward.

Lazro: Hey, Sam.

Samuel: Hi, Lazzy.

Though it wasn't too fairly obvious at first glance, Samuel was an alien, originally born and raised on the different, yet very close, planet of Splationia. Splationians were well known for their trait of large, circular heads, slender frames, and unmistakable faces, holding mostly only black beads for eyes and Gridile mouths as visible features. Of other note was a bit of lacking in terms of physical diversity. Fair-skinned at best and black haired was something that could easily describe most pureblood Splationians. However, in terms of an overall color and aura to them, the Splationians were as unique as they came.

Samuel: So, you came for Halley, right?

Having close relation to a famed entrepreneur, a notable position at IDC Corporations, and being one of the first Splationians ever to come to Ludus, made Samuel a very well-known individual along the Ludusian government. A notable "cohort" of sorts to the planet, and possibly even one of the closest things to a Splationian ambassador that they had, in fact. However, Samuel was possibly most famed for something else. The pets he owned.

Of notable mention, of course, was Iamlevel, who was the size of a number of large houses. However, Iamlevel was trumped greatly by the size of the pet that Samuel had named Big Halley, a large, circular, red, being that was both mechanical and biological.

Big Halley was an ancient device that had existed on Ludus for many years. Though much about it is a mystery, it's original purpose was not. Had the original crew survived, Samuel would not be as well known for one of the first Splationians to go to Ludus. Still, it was greatly fitting that he would come to the planet with the proper knowledge of how to operate and reawaken the great machine.

Big Halley, though clearly a being of sentient life, as noted by Samuel, was not seen this way by the Ludusian government. He was simply seen as a weapon, to be used. So, for the past year and a half, capable individuals had undergone training for the complex act of operating Big Halley. Unfortunately, only seven pilots had survived the experience, and still live to this day. Even more unfortunate was the fact that two of these pilots were currently under extensive care in medical centers, and two more had to be sent home for deep psychological trauma experienced on the job. This left the other three pilots, Alden, Lazro, and Samuel, to suffice for the job, if only barely so, as Big Halley itself needed more than one person to operate.

Months of practice had brought them to the state at which they could sufficiently pilot the unit. Despite the danger it posed, it was heavily believed that, one day, Big Halley would provide a suitable weapon against an evil that was endangering the planet. And this day was the perfect time for it.

Alden: Yes, the Fortress Mech unit.

Samuel tilted his head, showing a bit of confusion to Alden.

Samuel: Uh... You mean Big Halley?

Alden: Er, yes, yes... That is what you call it, then?

Samuel: Yep. That's his name, anyway. Aheh...

Sam offered a light smile.

Samuel: I guess that'd be what you call him, then?

Lazro: Well, he is a robotic thing the size of a fortress.

Samuel: Heheh, it's appropriate, then.

Sam gave another warm smile.

Samuel: I got him just a bit away from here, now...

Samuel's expression then changed to one of concern.

Samuel: Oh, uh... Is this supposed to be for an emergency use of him? I only got things ready for if it had been a trial run of operating Big Halley...

Alden gave a solemn look.

Alden: Though it fills me with dread to finally be able to say this, yes, this is an emergency use.

Samuel's eyes widened, oddly revealing a color other than black to be visible in them.

Samuel: Oh no... Ah, I'm so sorry for this! There are people in danger right now--

Lazro: Uh, hey, it's alright, man, you just didn't know. I can tell you, this guy isn't the best at sending important details...

Lazro smiled and pointed at Alden. Alden gave him a look, and Lazro then stepped back.

Samuel: Wah, we need to hurry up, and...

Samuel started walking away for a moment. He then suddenly stopped.

Samuel: No, wait! What am I thinking?

Samuel then brought his hands over his mouth. Lazro and Alden looked on, confused. Samuel then let out a loud sound.

Samuel: Ecast! We need to get to Big Halley, and quick!

All of a sudden, a short, circular-headed, aqua-teal creature came from the distance. Having moved so quickly, it seemed as if it had just appeared out of nowhere, which caused both Lazro and Alden to jump in surprise. The creature, as they saw, wore a suit of a similar color to its skin, and a colored, round hat with the letter E on the front of it.

Samuel: Thank you for coming as fast as you could, Ecast!

The creature, Ecast, raised a foot to his forehead. It was apparently some sort of solute, judging by Samuel also giving a solute, though with his hands.

Lazro: This little guy...

Samuel: You say we need to act fast, right? There's none faster than Ecast here, not in the whole universe!

Samuel then extended a hand onto Ecast. Samuel turned around towars Alden and Lazro, extending a hand towards them.

Samuel: Just take my hand and hold on, he'll get us there in no time!

Both gridmasks seemed wary for a moment. But Alden then acted, gripping Lazro with one hand and Samuel with the other.

Samuel: Alright, here we go!

The two gridmasks braced for traveling at a high speed for a moment. But, before they could comprehend the travel itself, they were already there. Ecast's abrupt stop slid Samuel forward a bit, and the gridmasks, inexperienced with this, both lost their balance. Alden reclaimed his before making a total fall, but let go of Lazro in the process, causing him to trip over his own feet and land on his head.

Samuel: We're here! Thanks, Ecast.

Lazro groggily rubbed his head, as Alden helped pick him up.

Alden: Are you alright, Lazro?

Lazro: Yeah, yeah, I'm fine...

Alden then looked up over Lazro's head. Lazro turned around and followed his gaze, which was barely needed. A gargantuan red sphere was right in front of them. Lazro gulped in awe of the being's great size. Seeing something that could crush him without even noticing always made him nervous.

Lazro: Big Halley... Good to see you again, big guy!

Lazro gave a smile at the thought of calling him that. Big Halley, apparently having heard Lazro, delivered a soft beeping noise in response.

Lazro: Aheheheh...

Alden then took Lazro's hand once more. They began walking closer to Big Halley.

Alden: Come, now, we have no time to lose! Board the unit immediately.

As they approached the being, a hole seemed to open up on it, as if it were a doorway welcoming them in.

Samuel: Ah! Good luck, you two!

Samuel waved his goodbye as the figures of the gridmasks became enveloped by Big Halley. Samuel continued to stare up at it for a while, waiting until it began to move. At a moments notice, the giant began to rapidly roll away.

Ergoth looked over the scene around him. The town was now almost completely abandoned, the roads now only having a few scattered officers, IDC employees, and the occasional fleeing citizen. Just to the north, if not the northeast, the stomping of the approaching red giant could be heard.

Ergoth: Damnit...

Ergoth started to run to the north end of the town. He was set on this; if they told him he couldn't fight this Cassiopeia, he was at least going to see it. They wouldn't take that away from him.

As he ran, he shoved away anyone who was standing in his path. He didn't care about them. The evacuation job was practically done, anyway. Ergoth growled as he took forward in great strides. He soon reached the edge of the town.

Ergoth looked to the north. He was very shocked at what he saw. He'd expected Cassiopeia to be a lot closer at this point, by how loud their footprints were. But, as he looked out to many miles away, he just saw the being, appearing submerged in the earth.

Ergoth wondered about the sounds. How could they be heard from here, when Cassiopeia was so far away? Was Cassiopeia really that big? Ergoth gawked off at the giant. It started to feel like someone was twisting his heart. This giant beast was approaching. He knew what this was... A challenge.

If Ergoth had a visible mouth, he would have been grinning. He leaned forward slightly, ready to take off towards the large red creature in the distance.

Dr. Wasp: Hold it!

Wasp's call seemed to take Ergoth out of whatever trance he was in. Ergoth flinched, and then turned around towards Wasp.

Dr. Wasp: Ergoth! What are you doing?

Ergoth grumbled to himself.

Ergoth: Pfeh.

Wasp crossed his arms and gave Ergoth an irritated glance.

Dr. Wasp: You... you were going to go off and fight that--thing *thing*, weren't you?

Ergoth felt a tinge of disappointment. He might not be able to go off and do it, if the doctor was going to hold him back.

Ergoth: ((Wonder if I can scare 'im off...))

Ergoth suddenly sprung a leg forward towards Wasp, leaning in closer to him. Wasp was so startled by the sudden movement, he almost jumped out of his shoes.

Ergoth: For a smart guy, it sure took you long enough to figure it out.

Ergoth grabbed the back of Wasp's collar and picked him up.

Ergoth: But that's none of your business! Now, run off back to whoever gives a damn.

Ergoth turned him around and released him. Wasp, however, just turned around.

Dr. Wasp: Stop this!

Wasp ran around Ergoth, standing himself in between the red beast far away and Ergoth.

Dr. Wasp: You're not actually going to do this, are you?

Ergoth: Yeah, I am!

Dr. Wasp: But... You can't! Going up against a foe of that scale... I can't let you enact this death wish of an objective!

Ergoth scoffed at him.

Ergoth: And what are you gonna do, stop me?

Dr. Wasp hesitated for a moment. Then, he extended his arms, as if blocking Ergoth from passing.

Ergoth: Why, you...

Ergoth growled several insults and profanity under his breath.

Ergoth: ((What an idiot. I'll show 'im...))

Ergoth then transformed into the Ryu-Chi. His body grew greater in size, practically turning him into a giant compared to Dr. Wasp. There was an explosion of red as his aura emerged and surrounded him.

Ergoth: You're cocky enough to try and go up against me?! Don't think you can even stand a chance against me at all! Especially not when I'm like this!!

Ergoth let out heavy breaths, as Dr. Wasp simply stood still where he was.

Dr. Wasp: Hmph.

Wasp finally let out a sound.

Dr. Wasp: You're the one who's getting cocky here, Ergoth.

Ergoth: ... Eh?! What the hell are you on about?!

Dr. Wasp let out a chuckle.

Dr. Wasp: You were arrogant enough to think you were the only one here who could transform.

Ergoth: ... Wait, what?!

Ergoth gave him a sideways look. Wasp smiled, giving off a smug expression.

Dr. Wasp: You think that your Ryu-Chi is so great... Just wait until you see my own...

Ergoth: ...?

Dr. Wasp threw off his labcoat.

Dr. Wasp: *RYU-BEE!!!*

Dr. Wasp extended two arms below his top two, which were covered by the sleeves of the coat. The arms were mostly black, except for the yellow palms. Ergoth looked on in surprise.

Ergoth: ((He was hiding two arms inside his coat this whole time??!!))

Dr. Wasp: ...

Ergoth: ...

The two beings then stood perfectly still, in a sort of stand off. Everything was silent for the longest time.

Dr. Wasp: ... Tch...

Dr. Wasp covered his mouth.

Dr. Wasp: Ahehe... Ahahahaha-\*snort\*...

Wasp began uncontrollably laughing, accompanied with occasional snorts and buzzes. Ergoth's face contorted in irritation.

Ergoth: Grrrr...

Dr. Wasp: Ryu-Bee, hah! And y-you, you're standing there like a stoic to this?? I-I can't--

The doctor continued to laugh, to the continued annoyance of Ergoth.

Dr. Wasp: Y... ou just...

Ergoth: FUCK YOU JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP.

Dr. Wasp: Aw, man... I-

Ergoth then punted Dr. Wasp, sending him flying. Ergoth looked off in frustration as the doctor began to seemingly shrink as the distance between them increased, and he looked like just an ant to Ergoth's perspective when he finally landed.

Ergoth paused for a moment. He couldn't hear Dr. Wasp anymore. Satisfied with that, he started running off in the direction of the big red Cassiopeia.

It was not until a few strides had been taken when, suddenly, the doctor jumped in front of Ergoth once more. Ergoth skidded to a halt before running into him. The doctor seemed to have become covered in dirt after Ergoth kicked him.

Dr. Wasp: H-hey! I'm serious! You can't just go and-

Ergoth lunged forward and picked Wasp up.

Dr. Wasp: G-G-EHH??

Wasp exclaimed his surprise in what sounded like an incoherent whine.

Ergoth: Shut up, JUST SHUT UP!! SHUT UP AND DON'T GO TELLING ANYONE!!

Ergoth began running towards Cass while carrying the doctor.

Dr. Wasp: Wh-wh-what do you think you're doing?!!

Dr. Wasp began flailing his four arms wildly. Ergoth wasn't struggling in keeping his pace, though.

Dr. Wasp: Let me go!! I don't want to get killed, too!

Ergoth: I SAID BE QUIET!!!

Dr. Wasp: Stop this!!! Put me down, right now!!!

The doctor's tone was now riddled with fear.

Ergoth: Stop it!!

Not only did the doctor refuse to stop, he now flailed more wildly than before, and yelled at Ergoth even louder.

Dr. Wasp: Let me go let me go let me go let me go!!!

Ergoth: ***AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!***

As the duo's back and forth proceeded, their auras started to glow brighter; as if the flame of their rage was showing itself.

Ergoth: ((I'LL GET YOU TO SHUT UP!!))

There was a blinding light that began to surround the two, eventually absorbing them into it. Wasp failed to notice this, as his eyes were closed while he yelled and flailed and fought in vain against Ergoth's strength. The two beings were lost in the light.

And, as the light dissipated, only a single being could be seen. He slowed his ongoing stride for a moment, looking over himself in confusion.

Ergasp: E-eh?!

Ergasp stood several feet tall, and had a similar build to his Ergoth component, as well as a red glow about him. From his head portruded antennae, longer than the doctor's, and four arms, the bottom pair being smaller than those above. He seemed to also take on parts of Wasp's outfit, as well.

Ergasp: I...

Ergasp seemed to strain his mouth closed. He let out a few muffled sounds, but eventually stopped.

Ergasp: ((How... This... You...?))

Ergasp expressed questions aloud, but immediately had them answered in their own thoughts.

Ergasp: Don't be an idiot!

He shouted this at himself, having both components share a similar thought. Ergasp then continued in struggling to go forward.

Ergasp: What am I doing?!

Ergasp then looked off into the distance. Cassiopeia was there.

Ergasp: I... I'm... I'm...

A sudden overwhelming feeling came over him. He not only dashed forward, he began leaping forward in great bounds.

Ergasp: ... I...

It was determination. Both of his components could sense it. He had a challenge, and a will to overcome it. There was an enemy, a great obstacle, who would come to challenge those who he cared for. And he was the one among them who possessed a great power now--not just that of a Ryu, but that of two adult monsters.

Ergasp: I... Hahaha...

With every doubt that came to his mind, he thought of a way out of it. He would be a hero. He would prove himself. It was all that he could come to see as an outcome of his actions.

Ergasp: I... No, we... We're gonna do this!

Ergasp came closer to the giant creature. Cassiopeia stomped a giant foot onto the land, shaking it heavily. Several gredile weaponry, including helicopters, tanks, and other armed forces, surrounding the giant, but from quite a distance; just far enough to be able to open fire at it. They were afraid for their lives, as Cassiopeia could easily crush them underfoot and not slow her pace. And they may as well have done such, as it seemed to prove exactly the same effect as Cassiopeia marched on.

Ergasp: Heh... You're even bigger than I thought...

Ergasp spoke in a soft tone for a moment, but then caught himself. He exclaimed again, this time with a louder, booming voice, even greater than anything that either of his components could do.

Ergasp: YOU'RE EVEN BIGGER THAN I THOUGHT!

Ergasp clapsed his hands over his mouth, surprised by his own outburst. Then, he laughed, unable to hold back a feeling of joy inside of him.

The monster then lunged forward towards Cassiopeia, jumping around Ludusian tanks, that seemed utterly oblivious to his presence. At least, the tanks made no noticeable change in response to his jumping about, though he guessed that a tank surely couldn't make a face at him to express recognition.

And, soon enough, Ergasp found himself just facing the blocky toe of the giant.

Ergasp: Here we go...

Ergasp then flied towards a random point upon the foot of the red giant, pulling back his fists.

Ergasp: SHOW ME WHAT YOU'RE MADE OF!

Ergasp made contact with the red giant's body. He then sprung back, landing on his feet. Staring upwards now at the face of the creature, he felt confused.

It was completely unfazed, moving along as if Ergasp's attack were but a fly landing on its form. Ergasp clasped his knuckles, which had suddenly felt sore. He opened his mouth, as if trying to speak, but a sound could not escape his mouth.

Ergasp: ((... I... I don't understand...))

His face contorted in what may have been disbelief. The foot of the red giant trudged onward, now casting a shadow over him.

Ergasp: ((What happened...?))

Ergasp felt slightly empty. His red glow then began to fade. He remained unmoving for a long time, only being able to stare upwards towards the foot of the red giant, that now seemed to be coming ever closer to him.

Ergasp: ((I... I couldn't do anything...))

The fused monster then found himself surrounded by a red darkness.

Ergoth clutched his head, then drew it away, as he became unsteady in the heavily shaking motions of the ground.

Ergoth was confused. He looked around, and the first thing he saw was Cassiopeia. It took him a moment to comprehend that he was facing the red giant, before realizing what the being was doing.

Cassiopeia was clutching the foot that Ergasp had been under, with its short, blocky limbs. Ergoth saw that it was now a decimated mass. The red giant was jumping about, retreating away from the shore, and hopping around on only one foot.

Ergoth was confused, and slightly enraged.

Ergoth: Was that me?! Why the hell don't I remember doing that?! Dammit!!

Ergoth suddenly stopped himself, not having meant to say that out loud. The act had just, for some reason, felt all to natural for him at this point. He then looked around, to see if anyone had heard him.

Upon examining his surroundings, what first got his attention was the large red contraption, about the size of Cassiopeia's foot, now apparently in shambles, where the familiar figure of Dr. Wasp stood near, facing Ergoth with a look of terror, or at least apprehension.

Ergoth suddenly remembered the experience of fusion, but he dared not let it bother him at the moment.

Ergoth: Hey, Wasp!!

The doctor flinched in response.

Ergoth: What the hell happened?!

Dr. Wasp: I... Lazro, he was... In this thing...

Wasp looked back towards the red mass that he was standing near.

Dr. Wasp: He... Saved us... And then, he went to Cassiopeia, and...

Ergoth felt a rage building up inside of him.

Ergoth: LAZRO?!!

Ergoth stomped closer to the red contraption, and kicked it. It replied with a slight groan.

Ergoth: WHERE THE HELL IS HE?! I'LL SHOW 'IM, TO TAKE THE GLORY OF THE KILL AWAY FROM ME!!

Dr. Wasp looked at Ergoth with a sense of cold fear, hailing from more of a childish sense of emotion. Ergoth found it off-putting that he even stopped himself for a moment. Dr. Wasp had froze with this face, before speaking once more.

Dr. Wasp: He... He was taken to the Emporer...

## Chapter 7: The Emporer

```
*"I feel that emperor is an entirely unfitting title for the person who
 leads, assists, and watches over Ludus-Prime.
 That's why we call the leader an emporer."*
~Emporer Taku de Gridmasque

```

Lazro clenched his fists, wanting to seem a bit upset, but the only expression he could hold was that of fear in the face of the revered figure before him.

Lazro: ... Emporer...

The Emporer lifted a hand, and Lazro bowed. It was annoying to Lazro to have to bow to this figure, to whom Lazro had attributed much of his social suffering and angst towards, but the motion was almost involuntary to him. It was as if the Emporer was willing him into making such a motion, and he almost inadvertently allowed him to do so.

To the average observer, the continuity of government on the planet of Ludus-Prime may seem a bit odd. As one could observe in settlements across the continent, there is little government forces within placement, for protection or otherwise. Sure, there are local stations for public defenders, though one could see that within Steckenburg and OHC that there's a nigh-exclusive quality to these characters. At the same time, a form of military takes up a majority of proceedings to interplanetary actions of procession to invasion and defense, under the command of a single man named Alden. And, within tales of the past, it has been made quite evident that a system of popularity-based election is to decide who the true leader of government affairs on the planet will be, one who dons the title of emporer.

But, to the average observer, the identity of the leader is unknown. Alden, in his high position, is still but second in command to the Emporer of the time, a man lesser known throughout the whole of the Prism, but certainly the most famous character in the society of the planet Ludus.

The average observer, who may take the theoretical guise of a reader to a third-person narration of the tales of Ludus up to this point, is now about to find out.

Within this square room, decorated with whites, yellows, and greens, there stood near an end a throne of Electrum, and covered in a red fleece, upon which sat the Emporer of Ludus.

He was a figure slightly paler than Lazro himself, and certainly more than an entire wizard shorter than him. Perhaps a quality hard to notice, however, by the fact of his large, messy black hair, with all the ends of the strands facing to the right of the Emporer. The Emporer also seemed to hold a more feminine figure then Lazro, evident in their style and attire, and perhaps even the fact that Lazro weighed more than the Emporer.

And the Emporer himself was less than Gridmask. The very fact of this shown right on his face, which showed a rectangular metal case covering his right eye, holding within it a screen on, which in turn projected a thick red sphere of light, appearing as a sort of eye in place of the one he had lost. This addition to his form was shown as less than what he may have preferred, through the light pink line of a scar which showed vertically across where his right eye would have been.

His face was not the last of his robotic form, though. Along his neck there was a sort of metallic brace, from which the artificial eye-like frame circled around his head to attach to. From this, there also formed black cloth, almost certainly crafted from fibers of a carbon variety, along his body, covering from his neck along the frame of his being, until ending upon his wrists and ankles. Through this, if one were to not take into account other additions to the outfit, would seem to give the impression of the Emporer having a skinnier than fit figure. Along this layer, being aforementioned other additions, were mechanical devices and parts, almost like pieces of armor, in heavy shapes, which covered the chest and parts of limbs in between the joints of the Emporer's body. These attached covers were recognizable as intricate forms of alloys of tungsten, osmium, carbonadium, and white gold, formed both in terms of quality of the metals and familiarity of such elements present within the technology. The devices present were obviously not purely crafts of Gredile knowledge, as, though primarily sharing traits of such, also portrayed features of the technology of other Prism-present cultures, including Binarickan, Martedian, Nazcan, Vestiban, Entilic, and Genoskayan technologies. Such knowledge of construction for the devices were made partly within the presence of such technologies present on the planet of Ludus, though also in the knowledge of the Emporer to which they had been attached to, by necessity of maintaining the longevity and youth of the being, as well as by wish of features within these devices to be present with the control of the Emporer.

The Emporer, in fact, as well appeared very similar to Lazro, in light of their nigh-identical familial relation. The Emporer was, in fact, much older than Lazro, though he still appeared to only be less than a decade his senior, in the least.

Now, in response to Lazro, the Emporer spoke to him.

Emporer Taku: Lazro...

Lazro lifted his head towards the Emporer, in feeling disassociation with the act of regarding him in such a high honor as to bow. Not perhaps through pure disrespect for the Emporer himself, but through more of an association with him. Taku was basically his father, after all.

Lazro: Taku...

He replied, with an equally stern and questioning tone, though in a form of mockery rather than purpose, as the Emporer had directed to him. The Emporer simply replied with a sigh, watching the unsatisfied expression of his audience.

Emporer Taku: So...

The Emporer leaned to his side slightly, placing a finger on the side of his face.

Emporer Taku: Can you tell me what happened with Halley and Alden?