What is Love?

Ezekiel featured in the cover alongside the five significant rejections of his life, encompassed in weak flames that incorporate quenched resentment

## WHAT IS LOVE?

### Synopsis

A month after the events of Bioaerosol, Nikolas attempts to qualify for the All-Star rank as Erwin catches feelings for Frieda upon their mutual comfort. Ezekiel, who has been diagnosed with stage 2A stomach cancer, finds out about this and seeks to stop Erwin because he had seen the hellish world of love and wants Erwin to avoid it at all costs.

## Details

### Antagonist(s)

Ezekiel Hollenfeuer, Aina Hanabira (appearance)

### Goal

For Erwin to earn the feelings of Frieda (ongoing), For Ezekiel to stop Erwin from deep infatuation (failed)

### Location

Heilbronn, Germany

**What is Love** is the fifth chapter and first psychological development chapter of **Descendants of Calamity.** Nikolas attempts to qualify for the position of an All-Star while Erwin catches feelings for Frieda as the concerned Ezekiel attempts to prevent his deep infatuation.

## **Story**

### **Chapter 5:1 - Joy**

#### **Chapter 5:1:1 - Growing Feelings**

Erwin, now with longer hair and a much more developed body has finally recovered from his wounds, as such he had been communicating with Nikolas through letters. Nikolas had written a letter announcing to Erwin that he is undergoing qualification training to become an All-Star due to that he had demolished 2 Sentinels within a year of service. Erwin expresses his gratitude to the letter he is about to send. Seeing that Nikolas whom is younger than him is taking leaps greater than his. But at the same time, feels some sort of envy and jealousy yet he manages his feelings and overlooks that fact. As Erwin walks down the hallway toward the postbox, Frieda spots him and immediately calls out his name but Erwin pretends to not hear out of embarrassment as Frieda runs toward him.

**Frieda:** Erwin, hey! I was calling you, haven't you heard?

**Erwin:** Oh, uh... I didn't... hear you... My uh, ears were ringing.

**Frieda:** Oh, reasonable enough. But, I wanted to give you something.

**Erwin:** Huh? Why? You went through lengths to find me this early in the morning to give me something?

**Frieda:** Yes I did.

Frieda reaches into her pocket, revealing 5 hair ties.

**Frieda:** Your new hairstyle looks amazing, I figured they'd look better if you tied them up, and take this as a token of my gratitude.

**Erwin:** That's a passive-aggressive way to put it but, thanks. I will use them.

As Frieda and Erwin wave their goodbyes, Erwin takes quick looks at each hair tie before using one of them, pocketing the others. In the distance, Ezekiel alongside Serene turned out to had been spectating their interaction. As Erwin takes notice, Ezekiel signals with a thumbs up as Serene simply waves at Erwin. Erwin waves back and nods before taking one's leave. Ezekiel suddenly appears dismayed at the sight, as Serene takes notice.

**Serene:** What's up?

**Ezekiel:** Oh, nothing.

**Serene:** You aren't okay, are you?

**Ezekiel:** No.

**Serene:** Is it because you're jealous?

**Ezekiel:** No.

**Serene:** Is it because you didn't eat breakfast?

**Ezekiel:** No.

**Serene:** Do you say anything other than no?

**Ezekiel:** No... wait, Yes.

**Serene:** Hah, dumbass. Just eat your breakfast today.

#### **Chapter 5:1:2 - The Petal of Death**

That same morning, an outsider, who seems to be a botanist enters the town of Heilbronn. A young, dazzling woman with blonde hair and an eye mask reminiscent of leaves, holding a pot of a seedling. Walking within the premises, as a guard interrogates her of her intentions. The woman doesn't talk until the guard attempted to point his rifle toward him, long before a tree branch suddenly impales him from the side and kills him. The young lady dives into the pot as it rolls away. The Petal of Death, Aina Hanabira returned to Heilbronn to attempt to find Ezekiel once again or else kill off more members of the DoC to strengthen herself.

Upon her entrance within the high-security civilian premises, she slowly sneaked onto a market selling plants. She concealed herself as a potted plant for sale as she attempts to hear rumors and information about the Mercenaries. All of a sudden, a Sergeant of the Military Police, SGT. Claude, leads his men directly in front of the plant market. He announces that a murder had just happened and that they are sent by Ezekiel to investigate. Aina concludes that Claude and his men are directly under the command of Ezekiel, as such she thinks that it is a breakthrough and aims to seize Claude and his men.

As a man was sent to the murder scene, Claude and the others leave and report back to Ezekiel, however Aina decides to intercept the man sent to investigate and stealthily returns to the nearby dead body. In the park, the man inches near the crime scene, however along the way, Aina places herself in the middle of the path as a distraction. The man takes notice of the pot, as he attempts to pick it up.

All of a sudden, a large branch grows out of the pot, completely wrapping the man in thick, flexible branches as it slowly compresses, slowly killing and depriving the man of oxygen, forcing him to breathe the pine. However, the suffocation doesn't kill the man, the compression and sheer pressure fractures every bone in his body, as the bones dislocate, the skin and muscles open, blood dripping as he is left to suffer in silence and his screams are unheard as he gags out his final oxygen and dies within the branch.

As the guts gush out of the branch, the remains of what was once a man drops from the branch that finally unwraps. The pot rolls away and keeps its distance from the "corpse." Aina giggles as she comes out of the pot in a completely different form.

It turns out that the Sentinels have been attempting to rebuild. Curdle has been replaced a while ago with a new holder of the Fifth Rank, whom is now a candidate for the Fourth Rank alongside a newly appointed Fifth Rank that is as strong as her. Aina Hanabira resents Ezekiel and aims to kill him in order to avenge her fallen cousin. But it seems that it isn't as shallow as that, Aina seems to have deeper resentment.

#### **Chapter 5:1:3 - Wilted Rose**

A long time ago, Ezekiel was looking for love as he was currently doing exceptionally well in his final years of college, in which during this time, the Hollenfeuers were ousted and revolted against and they were in Luxembourg. Aina happened to be in the country, looking to study a specific flower. In a café, Ezekiel had met Aina as both had fascination for writing and poetry. Afterwards, both had befriended each other, however it was obvious that Ezekiel had developed feelings for her, in which Aina decided to take advantage of due to her impulsive and emotional spirit.

Ezekiel was fully conscious of Aina's actions but continued to submit due to his love for her. Due to his masochism, Ezekiel accepted manipulation, and therefore slowly learned possessive and toxic psychology from there. Ezekiel couldn't let go due to his undying desire for reciprocation, which he never received until now. Aina once experimented with mustard gas and flowers, after a reaction and chaotic upbringing, the experiment went wrong and it had given her the kinetic art of Botanikinesis.

Erwin secretly envied their relationship, however kept his mouth shut. As Ezekiel talked to more people, mostly being even men and only one girl, that being Serene, Aina grew more hatred for him, seeing herself as a victim of cheating though that is not the case. Ezekiel's pride led him to focus on building his military career, for a good reason in which to provide for him and Aina. Yet, Aina overlooked that fact and accused him of cheating due to his platonic friendship with Serene. Conflict stirred up and eventually, Aina's friends, Lisa, Amiyah and *The Vengeful Caster* had decided that she needs to break up with Ezekiel, to which she follows through.

After an argument, Aina effortlessly and mercilessly leaves Ezekiel, which led to Ezekiel's obsession with getting stronger as he was conscious that he got hurt, but only saw the pain as progress and a way to please himself due to him receiving "too much fortune" in life. Afterwards, Aina had joined the Vengeful Caster, Amiyah and Lisa in Southern Germany. They were practically baited into service for the SPA, which they accepted. However, only Aina had survived so far apart from the Vengeful Caster who was already allegedly a member of the Sentinels. Both have mutual hatred for Serene Ziegler and united to defeat her, but that is yet to be determined.

While during that time, Ezekiel was too hurt, that he ignored it. By that point, his heart was numb and felt nothing, all he had left were his cousins, his brother and Serene. By now, he sought to protect what he has left and his auxiliary goal was to destroy Aina. Yet, people fail to understand why Ezekiel was still joyful and masochistic of this mentally-tipping event, yet they accepted it if it meant that this was the way Ezekiel had to get stronger.

### **Chapter 5:2 - Pleasure**

#### **Chapter 5:2:1 - Feast your eyes upon this news**

Ezekiel hosts a lunch with the Descendants of Calamity's high and medium command with the absences of Nikolas and Zacharias. Currently, Ezekiel plans to deploy PSYOPS into significant parts of enemy territory while also planning to distribute a convenient amount of food and rations to civilians as a compassionate duty. Erwin sits and observes how Ezekiel acts in order to plan on how to surpass him strategically. As the feast continues, Ezekiel decides to ask about Zacharias' status.

**Ezekiel:** How about Zacharias? Is the man still alive?

**Hauptmann 1:** We are uncertain, the Golden Eagles aren't writing back to us.

**Hauptmann 2:** We've heard that they are currently preparing for a ceremony, I'm not sure what for but it is confirmed that they are.

**Ezekiel:** What? How can Oberoffiziers refuse to cooperate? That isn't righteous, it's immoral to refuse to cooperate with your fellowmen. How about Bavaria? Has that bastard even affirmed the Grandieoffizier of his status and what he's doing? I'll court martial him if he chooses to close communication.

**Hauptmann 3:** I'm afraid that Colonel Bavaria is unable to affirm us.

**Ezekiel:** Why?

**Hauptmann 3:** I'm afraid that the unthinkable was thought and the impossible was possible.

**Ezekiel:** What? Don't tell me that he...

As a moment of silence reaffirms, Erwin watches Ezekiel look down in frustration and absolute respect for the death of Bavaria. The other Hauptmann join him in silence as they pause from eating. Nevertheless, after thirty seconds, Ezekiel looks back up and nods to break the silence.

**Ezekiel:** Alright. Arrange me a place for the ceremony. That aside, let's talk about important topics. Does anyone wish to relay information or conflict in order for us to solve it?

**Hauptmann 4:** According to the MP, about one and another murder has happened just this morning among the premises of Heilbronn. We aren't sure of who the culprit is but all our breakthroughs, they seem to have been brutally murdered therefore we believe it is most probably a socialist saboteur. Nonetheless, The Prussian Spear and Saboteur battalions have started investigating them and the MP are on alert and had raised their activity. Perhaps I felt the need to let you know.

**Ezekiel:** Emphasis on brutal murdering. What method were they killed?

**Hauptmann 4:** The first murder, they were impaled and were left there to die by their side, there seemed to have been sticks and branches and a sharp broken branch was nearby. The second one was much more brutal, we only ever found the obliterated corpse, a foot and a hand and a head remaining. Around the body however we did find some parts of stick or wood.

**Hauptmann 1:** Perhaps the killer specializes in a wood-based kinetic art?

**Hauptmann 3:** That is honestly the only reasonable options.

**Hauptmann 2:** Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense for someone to perform 2 murders with sticks and stakes within the span of 3 hours.

**Ezekiel:** I see. I will investigate, however to all the Obersoldaten and Hauptmann, please finish your meals and I hope you appreciate my choice of cuisine.

**Obersoldat 1:** Don't worry, sir. You've made a good choice.

**Obersoldat 2:** I second that statement, sir. We appreciate the effort of yours to cater us lunch, it really shows your care as a leader.

**Obersoldat 3:** All we can really say is thank you, sir.

Ezekiel smiles with glee as he nods to his men, whereas Erwin quietly and respectfully eats his meal while the others chatter. Erwin is currently undergoing the grief and empathy upon the knowledge of the major battle and a major loss. Much to Ezekiel's notice, he attempts to talk to Erwin.

**Ezekiel:** You seem to be silent, Erwin.

**Erwin:** I really just don't know what to say, I've been busy with training and other activities.

**Ezekiel:** So, I've seen you talking to Frieda frequently, what's up?

**Erwin:** Ah, well, it's nothing, I've just been trying to get to know other people.

**Ezekiel:** That's very good, getting social. What do you plan to do with others, though?

**Erwin:** I'm not entirely sure.

**Ezekiel:** I suggest branching out, maybe talk to Serene, she thinks you're cool and finds you talented.

As the troop continues to eat, a doctor, holding a clipboard enters the room, as Ezekiel takes notice of him, recognizing him as a member of the Apricots of Humanity, Serene's battalion. As such, the doctor shows Ezekiel papers, as Ezekiel reads them whilst the Doctor explains in a silent manner, Erwin looks at Ezekiel as Ezekiel's aura completely changes to a disturbed and internally raging aura. Erwin is overwhelmed by his presence however Ezekiel covers it up by smiling once again and thanking the doctor for his time, long before continuing to eat as Erwin pretends to not have noticed.

#### **Chapter 5:2:2 - Cancer Man**

As the feast ends, with Erwin and the rest of the men completely gone from the dinner hall. Ezekiel, with a completely different expression walks away from the dinner hall. As to his unpleasant surprise, Serene is waiting in the hall, holding a sweater she wishes to give, as Ezekiel has no choice but to talk to Serene. Serene slowly approaches him yet Serene detects Ezekiel's unpleasant and aggressive aura. Curious, Serene decides to ask him about it.

**Serene:** Hi, you seem tense, anyways here's your sweater, look your best, damn it.

**Ezekiel:** You're a little mean today, aren't you?

**Serene:** It's in my nature. Anyways, what's up? Why are you mad?

**Ezekiel:** What do you mean?

**Serene:** Don't play dumb, just tell me why.

**Ezekiel:** You wouldn't like it.

The two walk together toward Ezekiel's office as Serene continues to persuade Ezekiel.

**Serene:** Zeke, come on, dude.

**Ezekiel:** Are you sure you want to hear this?

**Serene:** Yes, dumbass, tell me.

**Ezekiel:** Stage 2A stomach cancer.

A short silence ensues as both stop in front of Ezekiel's office. Unable to understand what Ezekiel had just said, she asks for a restatement.

**Serene:** What?

**Ezekiel:** I have a tumor growing inside my organ, that's basically what it is.

Serene unable to accept what he just said, is quickly stressed, as Ezekiel remains calm.

**Serene:** Ah, well... Shit, We'll get that thing out of you, I promise!

**Ezekiel:** Don't.

**Serene:** What...? What the hell do you mean "don't"?!

**Ezekiel:** I know I don't believe in fate, but this is just physical fate. I can't avoid it.

**Serene:** Don't say that, there's chemotherapy, there's surgery, there's radiation therapy.

**Ezekiel:** Only the weak avoid fate and destiny, I am not weak.

Serene is absolutely disappointed by such philosophy, so much so that her 4 other eyes start to close as she seems to return to a normal appearance while Ezekiel displays his hopelessness.

**Ezekiel:** I'll make a man out of myself with the time I have left, don't you worry. Everything will be settled before I die. I need to get stronger.

Upon trying on the new sweater, Ezekiel smiles to express his gratitude. Nonetheless, thanks Serene and tells her that he'll start wearing it regularly soon. He calmly enters his room and looks one last time at Serene before waving back at her and closing the door calmly.

#### **Chapter 5:2:3 - Quality Time, Gifts, Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Acts of Service**

In the late afternoon of the same day, Erwin calmly stands by the balcony, enjoying the calm breeze while observing the picturesque view of trees. His hair is tied up with one of Frieda's hair ties. As Erwin enjoys and breathes within the serene afternoon, Frieda appears from the corner, to which Erwin invites her to watch the view with him. She accepts and stands alongside him. Frieda, submitting to the cold wind asks Erwin in a concise manner as both are together at temporary peace.

**Erwin:** Nevertheless, thank you for your thoughtful gift. I've just used one of them, they feel and look great. You're a very caring person, I want you to know that as well. I have something in return, though.

From his pocket, Erwin presents Frieda a pair of socks, and Frieda is taken by surprise by this, unable to say anything other than to question what it is. Erwin refuses to make eye contact and looks down.

**Frieda:** Huh? What's this?

**Erwin:** Take it, I wanted to give you something as well.

**Frieda:** Oh, uh. Thank you.

**Erwin:** It's not much, but I hope you like it.

**Frieda:** Don't say that! I'll treasure it!

**Erwin:** No need to treasure them. I'll buy you more gifts, I promise.

Frieda nods as they revive the calm silence. In which they watch the view for a while. Afterwards, out of boredom, Frieda pats Erwin's head as Erwin continues being silent and internally flustered at what's happening, thinking that he does not deserve this. All the while their shoulders gently press against each other's, which stir up the chemical reaction

### **Chapter 5:3 - Sorrow Part 1 - Why Ezekiel turned into Panzer**

Alone in his office, attempting to cope with his diagnosis, Ezekiel decides to think to himself for a few minutes. Upon looking to the side of his office, his angered face sees the wilted and dead flowers he had kept. Those flowers were meant to be given to the people he had admired, 12 of them to be exact, yet were never given due to the imperfections of romance. His anger continues to grow, his hatred for people in terms of romance. The anger fuels his cold resentment that is already overflowing from it's container. Nevertheless, he remembers. He asks himself as to why he's a cold-blooded killer putting up a face of half-false philanthropy.

#### **Chapter 5:3:1 - Abuse is done by the weak people**

When Ezekiel was a child, his mother expected highly of him. As such he wanted him to become a child prodigy. Undervaluing and overlooking his emotions, she did everything to make him learn at a tender age. Every time he made mistakes, he was reprimanded for making them. He was disciplined incorrectly, threatened to be hit, threatened to be hurt whenever he takes a wrong turn even on accident. Ever since then, Ezekiel was so afraid of making mistakes, he was so afraid of disappointing others because he thought he would lose them. Because of the abuse, Ezekiel learned to bear up by the age of 5 and nullify the pain.

Because of these conditions, he never felt love. He strived to be perfect to live up to his mother's conditions. Nevertheless, he inherited his mother's pride due to what he was taught. He was broken but he never realized it. Upon the birth of Erwin, their mother weakened. Every night, the brothers would hear their parents arguing, which hurt them but Ezekiel comforted Erwin. For all of his life he dedicated himself to prevent others from feeling the same pain as he did, starting with Erwin. However, one day, Erwin had just started resenting and envying Ezekiel but he didn't know why.

As a result from his household, he learned by himself as to why people think that way, and as such, developed Emotional Intelligence at such a young age. By this point, he journeyed into romance by the age of 7, looking for someone that'll love him for who he is and not what he can be.

#### **Chapter 5:3:2 - Uno, the first rejection**

At the tender age of seven, Ezekiel had met a girl, to which he never shared the name of but he liked to call her "Uno". She had mildly short hair and a passion for art. Nonetheless, she was also one of the only nice people toward Ezekiel. By second grade, he had met her when she was drawing an art piece, to which he admired her art style. Ever since then, they had a friendship, alongside Serene. Ezekiel effortlessly admired her but hid his feelings nonetheless. However, one day she had found out through Ezekiel's childhood nemesis, Isaac Hanabira who turned out to had spread rumors about it.

Ezekiel was confronted by her, much to Ezekiel's honesty he admitted his feelings nonetheless. However Uno revealed that her preference was different, that she preferred girls over guys. The naive Ezekiel asks how that's possible and he was introduced to the concept of Pride and LGBTQ, to which he had taken to account. Ezekiel had attempted to give her a daisy, but much to Uno's refusal, he was heartbroken, but easily moved on upon feeling a rise in strength after the defeat.

#### **Chapter 5:3:3 - Musia, the fourth rejection**

By the age of 13, Ezekiel was seasoned with romance. With his last three being of the same rejection reason as Uno. As such, Ezekiel avoided those whom are members of the LGBTQ, knowing that he definitely has no chance with them. In a school concert, Ezekiel had watched her performance and fell in love with her voice. As such, he hid his feelings this time and decided to be a secret admirer, sending her letters, to which she writes back. The letters were promising, as if they had decent chemistry. Ezekiel was so happy, but one time, Ezekiel failed to avoid her and Musia had taken a notice of him, to which she approaches him.

The first thing that she commented on was his height. He was literally and figuratively belittled and made fun of by Musia because of his height. Ezekiel is clearly dismayed and tells her that he can't control that and ridicules the stigma that ideal boyfriends are required to be tall. As a result, Musia leaves him alone and both stop writing letters to each other. Ezekiel burns the sunflower he aimed to give her.

#### **Chapter 5:3:4 - Juli, the sixth rejection**

Resilient as ever, Ezekiel is now 15 and at this point he is continuing to master his Geokinetic capabilities, under the responsibility of his grandfather. Yet, he still admired people. He changed his ways and now he chooses girls based on their intelligence, believing that one has to match his. His last rejection was similar to Musia, he was belittled for being short and his resilience and care was ignored. However, when it came the girl he abbreviated as "Juli", he was passionate for her intelligence and mutual knack for writing. Nonetheless, he hid his feelings which ended up hurting him inside, dealing with envy and resentment.

Although one day, he ended up hearing that Juli wanted to study first, and that she was also a member of the LGBTQ, identifying as an aromantic. Seeing it as a honorable act, Ezekiel opted to suppress his feelings and surrender due to that information. However, him bottling up ended up only breaking his heart, yet he ignored it as he continued to feel pleasure from failure, believing that he gets stronger from every failure. The orchid he wished to give to Juli was kept in a jar and Ezekiel treasured it ever since.

#### **Chapter 5:3:5 - Meth, the seventh rejection**

As an accident, after his recent admiration for Juli, he had fallen for a girl in which he dubbed as "Meth". At this point, he was aware that love is a drug for him, using his failures as pleasure despite he knows it hurts him in some ways. Meth was the most significant rejection by far, her having a knack for both writing and drawing which Ezekiel truly admired. However his admiration was much more shallow, he was tempted by her looks, finding her cute and adorable as he overlooks the consequences. Ezekiel often wrote her letters but she never wrote back, Ezekiel felt pain for the first time in a while. A while later, he would find out that Meth never cared for him and that she had started dating a man.

Furious, Ezekiel's Panzer persona had manifested for the first time but he was able to hold him back. Due to this, he completely had let go of his nice self and started to show his aggression more and more, tired of bottling up the anger he had saved up. Nevertheless, Ezekiel ate the flower he wished to give to Meth and moved on after a month of mourning, under the supervision of Serene.

#### **Chapter 5:3:6 - "Nez", Aina Hanabira, the failed reciprocation**

After his hopelessness, getting rejected for the twelfth time, he felt no self-respect and felt useless. As he copes in a café, a girl named Aina Hanabira sits by him, to which both had befriended each other. Day by day, they would see each other after they had finished their respective jobs. Upon their expression of feelings for each other, they had started a relationship.

However it wouldn't last very long, as Ezekiel was emotionally manipulated but he submitted as he felt pleasure and that he saw the power of words and actions. Aina did this due to her possessive spirit, however Ezekiel saw it as a way of learning from her and how he can utilize this later in his life. The tensions arose due to Serene's appearance and status as Ezekiel's close friends. Although Ezekiel completely belittles Aina by this point, he shortly remembers the last words of Aina toward him.

Ezekiel realizes that despite his efforts to do everything for Aina, he still wasn't loved, seeing that Aina was just a reflection of his mother. As he laughs, he makes it his goal that before he dies that he eradicates those who had lived similar to him, those who kept changing themselves for others. Yet, before long, he remembers another memory of a significant conflict he had fought.

### **Chapter 5:4 - Sorrow Part 2 - Heart of the Dragon**

#### **Chapter 5:4:1 - Ezekiel against the Karpakovs**

Ezekiel, not in a traumatic way remembers his defiant victory against the Karpakovs, a clan of criminals who served as the first Red Sentinels and how he handled with such ease with the assistance of Felix Heisenberg and Lieutenant Germany. He defeated Luis Karpakov whom was the First Rank, Miranda Karpakov whom was the Second Rank and Svetovoy Karpakov who was the Third Rank. He spared Curdle, whom hadn't had that name yet and was instead known as Dmitri Karpakov whom was the Fourth Rank.

As fire and smoke dominate the area, Curdle lays on the floor before the standing Ezekiel, who seems to look down on him but has no intent to kill him.

Curdle looks up in terror as his claws are demolished, taking notice of Ezekiel's rock claws and having had seen his fighting style makes him admire Ezekiel as a warrior. As Ezekiel looks in his eyes, he initiates a conversation with him,

**Ezekiel:** I hate seeing the sight of your sorrow. I'll give you this, your brothers stood a good chance and because of the drugs they used, they couldn't feel pain. Nonetheless, I made sure to leave no trace of their guts so I know for sure that they're dead. I'm sorry, but it's how it should be. I want you to live, I pity you and I want to give you a chance at redemption, Dmitri.

**Curdle:** I...

**Ezekiel:** Don't utter a word. I want you to be one of the people I'll let end my life, I honor you. You're a defiant fighter.

Curdle stays silent as he stops squirming as he falls on his elbow. 10 seconds of silence passes by as Ezekiel finally talks again.

**Ezekiel:** You could've chosen a better path, Dmitri. I hate those who have potential yet choose the wrong path.

Long before, a man with glowing eyes and his pupils replaced with swastikas, standing defiantly behind Ezekiel as he takes notice of it.

Ezekiel stops thinhking as he decides to sit down calmly enjoying the cold air saved in his office. As he sits down and finds peace within himself, he rejuvenates in his half-empty office, trying to come up with who the culprit of the recent murders may be. Nevertheless, Erwin enters his office.

#### **Chapter 5:4:2 - Flames of love burn your feelings**

Erwin comes in interrupting Ezekiel but he doesn't mind. Erwin observes Ezekiel's office and notices multiple trinkets, especially the preserved flowers in jars. Erwin continues to explore his office before finally talking to Ezekiel.

**Erwin:** What's up with those? You still treasuring those?

**Ezekiel:** Ignore those, how's life?

**Erwin:** Still the same, you better open your ears with this new information you'll need to swallow.

**Ezekiel:** Tell me.

**Erwin:** You've seen what you saw earlier, Ezekiel.

**Ezekiel:** I knew from the sight of that, I'm disappointed.

**Erwin:** What? Disappointed at what?

**Ezekiel:** You're in love.

**Erwin:** So?

**Ezekiel:** You know the shit that happens in love, don't you, Erwin?

**Erwin:** So...? I care about Frieda, it feels very platonic, don't be hypocritical.

Ezekiel lets out a disappointed sigh, before explaining his stand in the conflict.

As Ezekiel's rejection flash before his eyes again, he finally looks at Erwin with a stern face and talks with a stern voice.

**Ezekiel:** Beware of what you say. Claude Fabonnaci is a person whom had seen the worst passive side of society.

**Erwin:** I won't fuck up. He's a broken guy, I want to fix him.

**Ezekiel:** It's not that easy, Erwin.

Erwin exits Ezekiel's office as he makes a call to Claude Fabonnaci. The radio buzzes as Claude picks up.

**Claude:** Military Police Squadron: Bonnet.

**Ezekiel:** Descendants of Calamity, Sergeant, it's me.

**Claude:** Panzer, you... How do you explain the recent murders?

**Ezekiel:** I've heard but hear me out. I am not the culprit of those. Your investigators had found that the weapons or suspected materials were made of wood. Yes I impale my victims but usually leave large holes on their abdomen. Look, someone's coming to meet you.

**Claude:** I don't want to be bothered, Panzer.

Claude deactivates the radio as Ezekiel is frustrated.

#### **Chapter 5:4:3 - Claude Fabonnaci**

In the park of Heilbronn castle, Claude Fabonnaci and his men are investigating the recent murders. Fabonnaci is currently alone, standing by to act as a bait for the murderer as they suspect it to still be there. The park is rid with chirps of birds as the ambiance of chanting soldiers can be heard in the distance. Rustling footsteps nearby, Claude prepares himself for his inevitable death, as he says. However, it turned out to just be Erwin who had found Claude already. As Claude partially turns around, Erwin calls him.

**Claude:** So, you've heard of my story? Now it's time I hear of yours. You must be the brother of one of my friends, certainly you must've had a romantic crisis before.

**Erwin:** I haven't, just puppy love and I knew where to stop. However I do resent and envy my brother's smarts and capabilities as a person with advanced emotional intelligence and Kinetic capabilities. Nonetheless I recently had fell in love, it seems as if she will return the feelings, however I am also not certain. I had bought her gifts and she has as well. We also had hung out more after we met, I'm just not sure.

**Claude:** It's best to not assume. If one rushes things they will just fail especially if a strong and bright bond still hasn't been forged. When one assumes that such feelings will be returned, it will stimulate their confidence and eventually pique their hubris, as a result, making you rush everything.

**Erwin:** But in some cases, some opportunities need to be taken and I don't know which ones are the best. Have you heard of the butterfly effect?

**Claude:** Your argument is solid. However I believe that some are too risky and you risk your entire journey, you must be smart about it. I am not that wise when it comes to advisory, only the Geokinetic All-Star is capable of that. But, I have heard that when people hear my stories, they know what to do and what not to do.

**Erwin:** Well then, let's hear your stories.

**Claude:** Don't berate or make fun of me afterwards.

**Erwin:** Why would I do that?

**Claude:** People make fun of the weak and broken, they only listen to me just because they want wisdom.

**Erwin:** Well, apart from me seeking your wisdom, I know that you're in pain, that is why I wanted to talk to you as well.

**Claude:** You seem to care.

**Erwin:** Because I do, I'm supposed to, you're a friend and a human, no more and no less.

Claude is touched by Erwin's empathy and care, he feels safe to tell his story due to the kind charisma. As such, he says his story.

#### **Chapter 5:4:4 - Brittle bones, fragile heart**

*"Here is my story, Hollenfeuer. I was born in a Military heritage family dating back from the Prussian nation. All descendants of my bloodline, particularly the men were always expected to be powerful, courageous and resilient people. Nevertheless, they are expected to succeed their fathers in Military enlistment. My father was a former soldier of the First World War, and as such he had been seasoned with a military spirit. However, he was attacked by mustard gas but he failed to receive the same powers you all have. The mustard gas within his circulatory system eventually reached his own blood, as such, while he shot me out of his sacks and I became a fetus, the dirtied blood of mustard gas had reached my cells."*

*"Because of the dirtied blood, I had multiple birth defects. My bones were less sturdy, maybe even brittle, however still strong enough to hold on their own. My muscles were underdeveloped and below average. As such, I was never proven to be capable of succeeding my father. I was seen as a disappointment and I was ignored, only seen as another mouth to feed. At home, I didn't really feel safe or important, if I made mistakes, I will get hit. But my Father had an idea that I become a Military Police officer, as such I worked my way up the ranks as young as seventeen. But I'm still sad because they didn't love me for who I was, but who I could've been and who I could be. But, they're still my parents, so they hold a high value in my heart."*

*"In school however, I was always excluded from social activities when they knew about my heritage and my conditions. I was seen as an outlaw and a monster, it was so horrible to live with that. Yet, I still upheld respect for them. As a gateway drug, I upheld feelings for a lot of girls, but they didn't end well. I felt so alone, but because I am a man, I either had to bear up with it and move on or abandon my honor. I chose to be resilient, and I got to the point where I am now."*

*"I feel only like a sheep, I only take orders from seniors, while I lead a flock of my own which just makes me feel bad. I've always wondered, if I don't receive the same respect I give to others, is there even a point of doing it? I've also noticed that the only people who care about me turn into bad people, is it because I'm poison? It's so sad to think about it. Well, that's my story."*

**Claude:** It's hard to fix a shattered plate, Erwin, it's better to get a new one.

**Erwin:** Sergeant, no, Claude, I care about you and I know you're in pain. You're my friend. I can't let you suffer in silence. A lot of people break, day by day and I want to fix the broken, I want to start with those who I am in contact with and those that I can help directly.

**Claude:** People like you are rare, I'll accept your offer. Do you wish to join me in investigation? I could use some help.

**Erwin:** Yes, we may talk and get to know each other as we do so.

Although Erwin seems to be compassionate, aside his empathy, he really just wishes to surpass Ezekiel.

For all his life, Erwin desired to be better than Ezekiel in fear that he will repeatedly be compared to him and due to most of his resentment and hatred for him, although he still respects him as a brother.

### **Chapter 5:5 - Rage Part 1 - Transformation**

#### **Chapter 5:5:1 - Merciless Hate**

As Ezekiel relaxes in his office after writing another letter to Serene to apologize for his antics, he suddenly receives a call from his PSYOPS specialists. The PSYOPS specialists had been deployed to launch an internal and external investigation. They had found out that the presence of Aina Hanabira within the premises were caused by traitors and confidential informants. Ezekiel sees traitors and those who refuse to show their true intentions as weak people, in which he truly hates the sight of weak people. Nevertheless, the specialists conversed with their senior.

**Specialist:** Colonel, we have important news.

**Ezekiel:** Lieutenant, what is your after action report? Are you unable to meet me face-to-face?

**Specialist:** I'm afraid so, Colonel. However, we have found out that some members of the Apricots of Humanity and Descendants of Calamity are traitors to our order, they are confidential informants to the Socialists, Colonel.

**Ezekiel:** I understand your report. I wish to ask their appearances, and personal information if you have gathered.

**Specialist:** We are afraid that the communications may be bugged, we are sending one of our men to give you the information in a folder, Colonel.

**Ezekiel:** Understood, Lieutenant. Rendezvous with your men at the barracks and get yourselves some rest, tomorrow will be a big day.

As the line cuts, a folder slides from Ezekiel's door as he grabs it and reads the information. The information states that every 8:00 PM, they are commonly seen meeting in Heilbronn Castle's Park. 5 of them in total and none are kinetic arts users. One eavesdropper of a specialist had interviewed one of them and it states that one of the traitors are similar to the younger Ezekiel. In which that there is love stirring up between the ranks of the traitors, and that one of them became a traitor just for the sake of their love. Disgusted, Ezekiel sought to find these people and kill them one by one, seeing them as weak people that will refuse to change, even if given the chance.

Ezekiel waits atop the trees of the park, waiting for the meetup to take place. By 8:04 PM, all of the traitors had gathered. Glaring with anger and hate, Ezekiel growls and prowls to conceal himself as the traitors meet. One of the traitors crouch down to sit down, however Ezekiel descends onto the ground and as he lands, a spike penetrates the ground and one of the traitors.

**Ezekiel:** Corporal Caesar, Private Aaron, Corporal Heidi and Private Mari. Explain yourselves.

**Caesar:** I'm at a lost for words, Colonel.

**Ezekiel:** You're lost in general.

Caesar attempts to run away as he tackles him and kicks his legs down, breaking them and knocking him unconscious, throwing the body in top of the spike that impaled one of the traitors.

**Heidi:** No! Wait!

**Ezekiel:** Shut your fucking mouth, you weak tramp.

Ezekiel turns one of his arms into severely sharp rocks and decapitates Heidi and kicks her body down next to the spike. By this point only Mari and Aaron are left alive, Aaron is physically stunned and undergoing a state of severe shock as his body refuses to move from the inability to process what's happening. Mari suddenly gains the gut to talk back to Ezekiel.

**Mari:** What are you doing? You know you can just arrest us! That's the furthest you can go!

**Ezekiel:** Who are you to talk? With your insensitive comments of the opposite gender? With your obnoxious voice and ideologies? With the way you use others and disregard their feelings even if they want to open up to you?

**Mari:** You just don't know it! He's not good enough! None of you are!

Ezekiel rushes forward and grabs Mari by her neck on top of the rest of the corpses.

**Ezekiel:** The next words to come out of your mouth must be valid reasons. Speak your fucking heart out.

**Mari:** It's because... look at him! He's just standing... there! Why wasn't... he trying to... save... us?!

Ezekiel's eyes deteriorate as he looks at Mari with pure hatred and resentment.

**Ezekiel:** It's because he has honor! He knows he's weak and he accepted that fact! He wouldn't be weak if you recognized the way he felt about you, he gave every inch of his power just for you to hear him out! Yet, you never understood! You never did! You blamed it all on the way he acted, the way he looked and the way he is and what he couldn't control! HE SACRIFICED HIMSELF, WHAT HE COULD'VE BEEN, JUST BECAUSE HE HAD FEELINGS FOR YOU, YOU BLIND JUNKIE!

**Mari:** You... men... always... being... toxic!

**Ezekiel:** How would you feel if I said that all you women are inconsiderate and only care for the tall guys and gay people? You are all so idiotic, false sense of authority, false sense of what the world is! You are all also the same! You've no empathy for tradition! You've only given focus to whatever the hell gay practices you all do! But when you berate men as a whole, discriminate us and consider all of us as rapists or creeps, SOCIETY SAYS NOTHING! BUT WE AREN'T ALLOWED TO CRITICIZE EVEN AN INCH OF WHAT YOU SEPARATE SPECIES DO?!

As Mari asphyxiates from Ezekiel's tight grip, she loses consciousness as Ezekiel severs her leg and arm to accelerate the hemorrhagic shock and imminent death. As her body hits the floor, Ezekiel turns to Aaron, who aims to run away, but is quickly caught.

As Ezekiel completely breaks Aaron's jaws, his kinetic art reaches peak strength due to the overwhelming presence of his hatred and pride in himself. Aaron falls to the ground as Ezekiel loses a grip of Aaron. Due to Ezekiel's efficiency, he barely has any blood on him, as he calms himself down and exits his selfless state. Erwin suddenly appears from behind as Ezekiel hurries to turn around in panic, but in a quick nanosecond, he realizes it's Erwin and abandons his sense of panic.

Erwin falls into envy and lacks empathy to even antagonize Ezekiel. Nevertheless, hides that feeling and raises his right hand slowly, putting his left to his chest. He wishes to show vulnerability toward Ezekiel so that he isn't raising any suspicion. Nonetheless, hides his feelings to retaliate because he knows that he's still too weak to stand a chance against Ezekiel.

**Erwin:** Ezekiel, whatever you're doing, I'll keep it between us.

**Ezekiel:** Promise me that.

**Erwin:** I solemnly swear.

**Ezekiel:** Turn around, walk 20 meters, report to Fabonnaci that nothing happened nearby and you still haven't found any new evidence.

Erwin nods as he slowly walks away, as Ezekiel takes one last look at the dead bodies he's responsible of making. Yet, feeling a knack of guilt and sadness for having to manipulate his younger brother, in which he had treasured him for years and never thought of hurting him this way.

#### **Chapter 5:5:2 - Erwin's love languages**

An hour later, Erwin clears his mind and completely abandoned his emotions and empathy for what he has just witnessed. He currently aims to meet up with Frieda for dinner. He prepares his gift, a red notebook, knowing that Frieda likes doodling and is a bookkeeper. In a nearby diner, he meets up with Frieda and pays for their food. Nevertheless, he prepares to give Frieda the notebook as she eats.

**Erwin:** Here.

**Frieda:** Hm? Oh. What's this?

**Erwin:** A gift.

**Frieda:** Eh? Erwin? You already paid for our dinner! You can't just keep buying me stuff like this!

**Erwin:** I want to, it makes me happy,

**Frieda:** Well, if you insist. Thank you very much for your care, Erwin.

Frieda happily smiles at Erwin, which Erwin secretly admires. Frieda gleefully eats her meal as Erwin slowly eats his. In a span of 5 minutes, Frieda finishes her meal and thanks Erwin for his act of service

As Erwin finishes his meal, he politely sets the dishes aside to make it easier for the cleaners to tidy up their table. He leads Frieda outside the restaurant as both go to Ezekiel's archives office.

#### **Chapter 5:5:3 - Betrayal, the draft**

The archive room is dark, it is clean yet it lacks light. Everything is properly organized, some boxes signed and written on by both Ezekiel and Serene. As Erwin enters, Frieda asks him:

**Frieda:** Are you okay with being alone in there? I can come along if you want.

**Erwin:** Ah, yes. I am good. You need to rest, your day has probably been stressful.

**Frieda:** Don't worry, I can wait for you out here.

**Erwin:** Okay, if you insist, I won't take long.

As Frieda leaves Erwin alone, he scans the area. He remembers the pain he had went through. The way he had to kill Friederich, the way he saw Novak as only a rival and the way Ezekiel killed his potential mentor. Nevertheless, some injuries he had caused and the destruction he was part of back in Nuremberg. His post-traumatic experiences kick in as he scans every document he can find. After about 5 minutes of searching, he had found the 1941 draft archives as he finds his and Nikolas' name on the list.

### **Chapter 6:0 - Love is Hate! - Sentinel Gathering preview**

As Aina attempted to execute another Descendant of Calamity, she is surprised that she is somehow in a different area. A wide and empty marbled floor surrounds her as golden lighting yet foggy environment is what she sees. She scans the area, there are three tall pillars, each with respective heights. She sees 3 different silhouettes on the pillars. On the shortest pillar, there is a man holding a large double-headed flail. On the middle pillar, there is a man of large size, standing so ominously. On the tallest pillar, they can't be seen. Aina then recognizes what's happening, a Sentinel Gathering has commenced.