Difference between revisions of "ETREUM"

Latest revision as of 04:57, 30 August 2021

Severen

For the next few weeks, Quorra and Troy brought me along with them to search for Deka's crew.

From what we had gathered, Deka was somewhere in the past Star System.

Somewhere in the dark sector.

And at some point, his coms went out.

Quorra tried to get Yelena, her Ship Dataform, to contact Folock, but there was no luck.

"Don't worry, Shane. We'll find them." Quorra reassured me.

I sat on the bed Quorra had tried to make for me. She had Yelena create a personal quarters for me, claiming she knew exactly what I wanted. In other words, she didn't know jack shit about me.

I stared at the numerous dumbbells and gym equipment that I just didn't need neatly racked all around my room. There was a poster of Reagan Glass, the champion bodybuilder of her time, flexing his guns at me every time I woke up in the morning.

The words "DON'T PULL OUT, PULL UP!" Were plastered at the top of my doorframe. For a 16 year old girl, Quorra had quite a dirty mind. It made me kind of scared.

I sighed and got up, bonking my head on a punching bag that Quorra had installed from the ceiling, and walked up to Ais, inspecting it.

Severen metal and Severen designs. The thing looked demonic, but sported its own grace to some degree. It was weird. I knew the Severens and the Torons were both rivalling factions. But you would think with their eight appendages and alien-like appearance, they would be living in some kind of spaceship like the movie Alien.

Not quite the case.

These past few weeks have been nothing but a rollercoaster of emotions. No matter how much I tried to fight back at fate, it just came back to bite me in the ass. SHADE was right; fate never stops messing with you. I thought I had a new life, fighting alongside Captain Price, in his battle to get his mother back.

My days spending time with Rinne.

Chilling with Umbra and Flippy.

Letting Aurora try out new foods and cuisine like an older brother.

But now, I couldn't have any of that. With the truth being revealed.

I am SHADE's past self. I would eventually grow up to become the Severen's greatest monster. Everything I had with Captain Price would disappear. No. It was already beginning. I could only hope they were safe. But safe from SHADE and the Severens? Was that even possible?

Quorra had my back. But even Quorra herself admitted she stood zero chance against SHADE. And even if I chose not to believe her, I witnessed it myself. When she joined the top ten of the Valian Council to take down SHADE, only three of them survived. And SHADE let them go on purpose to prove a point.

As long as SHADE was with the Severens, we were at a severe disadvantage.

SHADE couldn't be beaten.

I put my hand on Ais. The only Valian that had ever fought toe to toe with SHADE was the legend himself, Zennen Ful. With Zennen on our side, the Valians believed they stood a chance against the Severens. But Zennen had gone missing for years. No one knew what happened to him. At this point, many of the mid tier and low ranking Valians questioned if such a Valian even existed.

"We're here." Yelena notified us.

We got off the Landing Craft and stepped onto a platform on what I presumed to be Europa. Was this Dark Sector? No clue. From what Deka had told me, it was controlled by the Toron Corpo of his time. But as of now, the whole icy place was completely overwhelmed.

And it didn't take a genius to know who was causing all the ruckus.

"That's an Eidolon."

I turned to Quorra. "Like those giant chickens?"

"Chickens?"

"Isn't that what you guys call those things? Deka always called those chickens."

"I think you're confusing that for the Ropalocyst. We never once called those things chickens."

My face became red with embarrassment.

Troy let loose a laugh. "Ahhh don't worry about it, Shane! We can take that thing out easy peasy."

I stared at the towering Eidolon as it made a large howl, stamping on buildings as it made its way across the icy mountains.

"Can we even put a dent on that thing? I think Quorra should just-"

"Nope."

"Heh?"

Quorra began tending to her Landing Craft.

"You two will capture that Eidolon for me so I can extract information from it on Dekani's whereabouts. Use the training I gave you. You two should be able to defeat it without my help."

Troy and I stationed near the front of the Severen. I nodded at Troy, who closed his eyes and began to glow purple just like Quorra did whenever she used her void powers. Then he blasted into the air, void dashing right through the enormous adversary and pinning it to the ground, completely shattering its shields.

I took out my Upgraded Harkanon and took aim with one arm, firing an extremely high velocity shell at the synovia. I then took my other Harkanon and fired, blasting the other synovia into pieces. Simultaneously reloading and firing and repeating until all the synovia's were destroyed.

The Severen screeched and fell to its knees, summoning a bunch of its Severen brethren from within the shadows to assist it, but I leapt in to intercept them.

"Lance Upload Protocol: SLINGER Peacemakers 210%"

Everything slowed down as everything became instinct. Impulse. My body moved on its own, as my senses dialled to eleven.

"Ain't nothing coming out of this without bullet holes." I heard myself say. Damn you, Slinger.

In the span of two seconds, everything was destroyed, and the Severens began to prime themselves to explode, taking me with them, but Troy leapt in front of me, unleashing a massive wave of void energy, disintegrating them.

The Severen screeched and groaned, as Troy turned to me.

"It's done."

I retracted my Regulators back into my forearms, and putting my Harkanon Rifles back into their straps. I walked to the head of the Severen and drew Ais.

"Tell me where your brethren are. Where SHADE is. Tell me where Deka is."

The Severen said nothing, as it glared at my sword.

Quorra approached us, resolved in her own Slinger Lance.

"We can't communicate with Severens. But that sword... maybe it might help."

I inspected Ais. I didn't like using this sword. But objective wise, it was superior to Gram in so many ways. If it meant getting information about Cap from this bastard, I had to do it.

I placed blade against the Severen's head, as it began to screech. My brain became flooded with thoughts.

"Wow I didn't think that would work." Quorra said.

What the hell?!

My knees buckled as I collapsed. I could hear Troy shouting my name, but his cries became distant as reality warped in itself. Until I was somewhere else.

I gasped as I stumbled around, staring at my hands, which were mere projections of nothing. I was like a ghost, as I took in my surroundings.

A large contrast from the Toron architecture was an understatement. Dark grey walls, angular, like a citadel. It felt like I was in a dark medieval society. Almost like a dark reflection of the Toron. I never thought much about the Severens. Because they seemingly looked so alien like. So inhuman. Yet... this place. It was hard to describe in words. But this place proved me wrong.

The Severens had an entire civilization of their own. They sported grace like the Toron, but in their own way.

I took a step forward, when suddenly, I heard a bunch of chattering and clicking. I quickly hid behind a pillar as I watched several Severen drones lead a pack of prisoners down a pathway. I narrowed my eyes and nearly gasped out loud.

Toron Corpo.

What was the Corpo doing here?

I followed quietly, as the prisoners were brought into a citadel. Upon entering inside I was taken aback by the architecture. This place reminded me a lot of the Catholic Churches I used to go to. White and red trim decorated the entire place.

This place almost contrasted with the Toron perfectly. The Toron architecture was always white and gold trim. Blue emissive lights. But the Severens were white and red trim. Yellow emissive lights.

"Adam Virgo." A voice said, from one of the highest pillars of the place.

A voice squeaked from one of the prisoners.

"Yes, my liege?"

A large Severen opened up its appendages, levitating to the ground. I clenched my fists. I knew who this was.

Queen Lena.

Deka and Quorra's adopted mother.

"Why were the Amalgrams not completed as requested?"

Adam began to sweat.

"A mere miscalculation, my Queen. I have sent my men to investigate-"

"This mere calculation has cost us greatly. The Valians have made their move. Father slumbers."

"I promise it won't happen again."

Adam Virgo. Deka told me Adam was the leader, CEO of the Corpo. To think this money hungry business mogul was scared shitless, it was almost beyond me. But then it all made sense. The owner of the huge business media empire would never have voluntarily joined the Severens unless it was for two things.

Profit.

Or survival.

"Take him to the confines." Lena ordered, as Adam and the others were pushed and shoved out of the room. I watched them leave, making the decision to stay and hear out Lena.

"My queen." Another voice said, as a large, sickly figure stepped out of the shadows.

Nero.

"Brother, what progress has been made in our efforts?"

"The father dwells. Our body, together, but shattered by the Void Devils. SHADOW continues to weaken the weaker Valians, and SHADE has destroyed their best.

"Seven of the Ten. Victim of Ais. Three remain, as instructed."

I clenched my fist. SHADE. He killed those kids in cold blood. I thought I had saved Quorra and those two other Council members, but it was all because he had truly done so on purpose.

"The Void Devils. Children of the Toron. Why was such a thing created? Why were these children created... Ballard?"

Ballard? Umbra's creator?

Nero yanked a chain, forcing a sickly man to step forward. His skin was purple, but his lower half... it was...

"I beg for your mercy, my Queen. My body, my soul, my face. It was so perfect." Ballard muttered, his voice full of defeat.

"You were always perfect, dearest Ballard. Your existence is to serve the Severens. From the day you chose to abandon the Toron. You were always perfect for us." Lena said, as she hovered to Ballard.

Nero grabbed Ballard's head and slammed it to the ground as Ballard whimpered.

"You shall address your Queen with gratitude."

"Thank you, my Queen." Ballard said.

So Ballard, the creator of the Toron Lances. The guy who made Umbra and almost all of the Toron warfare, was under the Severen's control. This was bad. That meant they had every trick up their sleeve against the Valians.

"Tell me, Ballard." Lena hovered closer to his face.

"Tell me about the Unarmored Valian. How is a Terran able to wield your technology without a Lance? How is this possible?"

My blood turned cold. The Unarmored Valian? Was that... was that me?

Ballard was silent.

"No. Such a process should not be possible. The art of war. The Infestation. This is what gave the Lances strength. That was what gave our test subjects the power to move, to fight, to serve. To throw a mere boy into the Infestation, and to not only fight alongside his comrades, but retain his humanity? His own control? This is simply not possible."

"Yet Umbra walks among them."

"The Umbra model was different. His sentience was through unparalleled rage. Horror. Pain. These feelings were what drove him to stay true to himself. But a child like Shane Mayen should not have the mental will to resist the Infestation without turning into a mindless monster like the millions before him."

"You say such things, yet the one known as Shane Mayen walks among them. The one known as Shane Mayen fights like them. And not only that...

"His movements. He possessed two styles. The first style, the Way of the Valian, likely taught to him from the Valian Dekani Price. But his second style, perhaps he himself does not realize it, is the very style of Ciel Licita. The Seventh Sense. The General of the Tora."

Ballard's eyes widened. "A Licita lives?"

"Yes, Ballard. Shane Mayen possesses the blood of a Licita. For reasons unknown. But he has not mastered the full potential of it. But should he do, he will pose a threat much greater than any of us can imagine."

Nero walked next to his sister.

"Indeed. Because one of our own, also possesses the blood of a Licita. SHADE. With both Severen and Licita blood in his veins, he has become one of our best. But to have another SHADE on their side, would be disadvantageous."

"No. It will not." The doors opened, revealing a tall man with long white hair and a Severen style trench coat. He walked in, dragging the head of a Lance with one hand. A Saryn's head.

Shardis tossed the head to the feet of Nero.

"The job is done. Kiyoria, the leader of the Odin Alliance, has been eliminated. Her reliance on her pathetic Saryn, and delusion that she was the best, was of no challenge to me."

Ballard stared at the head of one of his creations.

"My Saryn..."

"Very good, SHADE."

I glanced at the severed head of the Lance. He had hunted down another high ranking Valian. Kiyoria Nikion. MR30, Council Rank 19. Apparently she was one of the best Saryn users of all the Valians. This was huge loss on their end.

But what about Deka's crew? SHADE had said he was looking for them. I needed to know where they were. That was the whole point of this.

"The Valians are at war, yet they fight amongst themselves. Their pride keeps them from fighting their enemy with full vigor. An influence from the Toron, perhaps?" SHADE turned to Ballard, who was still staring at Saryn's head in horror.

SHADE knelt down and grabbed Ballard's head. His tone suddenly shifted, whispering with full malice.

"Listen here, Toron trash. My name is Shardis Licita. No matter how powerful you make your Lances, it is useless. Because I will always be stronger. It doesn't matter how many Reactors you stuff into that Saryn bitch. I will cut her head off all the same. The Valians exist for Ais to cut through them."

SHADE got to his feet and bowed to Lena.

"My Queen, I will take my leave."

SHADE got up but paused, staring directly at me. My eyes widened as I instinctively stumbled backwards.

"Ah, I see." The future me muttered, as he smiled.

SHADE turned around.

"My Queen, would you like a status report on your problem child, Dekani Price?"

Lena descended from her throne and approached SHADE.

"Tell me."

Shardis smiled and brushed his hair back.

"The Rogue Valian continues to resist the Infestation. As with the girl. The Lance, Umbra, has been dismantled and fed to the Infestation Culture created by Ballard, ready for deployment. As for the rest of the people on the Orbiter, we have them ready for execution on command, but I believe a proper ransom can be put in place for the Dataform. After all, Folock is quite a valuable resource for the Valians. Perhaps a trade set by the Corpo slaves."

"I see. Dismissed."

SHADE left the building, but not before beckoning me. I followed him, my eyes wide, and my fists shaking in rage.

"You... sick fuck." I growled.

Shardis turned around, his eyes empty and face void of emotion.

"Temporary. As all things are."

"Even if they are temporary, why would you tear it away like that! Umbra dismantled?! Are you telling me he's dead?!"

"That Lance was never alive. He was supposed to die when he became that monster and was blown up by Lena."

I reached behind my back to draw out my guns, but my hand went through like mist.

"You are just an astral projection. Do you think you have what it take-"

"RAAAGH!!" I roared, charging forward and slamming into my future self as we spiralled into reality, landing in another region of the Severen base.

I fell to the ground but got to my feet, as Shardis brushed off dust from his jacket. His face showed no signs of concern as he regarded me.

"Show me then, Shardis Licita. The results of your training with Quorra Lavine."

I took out my Harkanon, my hands no longer projections, and fired repeatedly as SHADE deflected them with Ais.

"Lance Upload Protocol: HELOS Flashgrenade 50%"

I tossed a flashbang at SHADE as I went high, readying my sheathe.

"Lance Upload Protocol: ASH Fivefold Bladestorm"

Five of my clones closed in as I readied Ais summoning everything I had and slashed behind me, intercepting SHADE.

"You're beginning to fight smart. That is good." SHADE said.

"Shut up." I snarled, as I summoned Kien's strength and pushed him back.

I landed on the ground and brought my hands up in a cross.

"Licitian Potential: Kien Licita, Ciel Licita, Tricity Licita"

My body exploded with power as I levelled Ais and blasted forward, slashing and cutting to pressure SHADE, but his face remained calm. How was he able to keep up against all three Licita's?!

"Not yet. You're not a proper vessel for fate yet." SHADE muttered, as he dodged another swipe, and leapt into the air.

"GRAARR" I growled, shooting into the air like a comet, the power of the Licitian Potential overflowing from my body, giving me a blinding white glow.

SHADE landed on the top of an arch, his face disgusted.

"I forgot how repulsive I used to be when I fought." He said, as he raised his hand, forming a fist.

I continued approaching him, my body no longer listening to me, as it became berserk from the overflowing power.

"I have revealed enough. All in accordance to fate. All in accordance to the progress of Shardis Licita."

SHADE began to glow white, as his fist swirled with power.

"Licitian Potential: Kien Licita - 600%"

SHADE brought his foot back and smashed me in the face with overwhelming force, the punch rippling through my body as everything shut down. My muscles burst as all the strength left my body. I smashed into the ground as I slowly began to lose consciousness. Everything turning dark as I watched SHADE approach me, his face, empty. His eyes, lifeless.

"Go to sleep, Shane Mayen."

"Why... what happened to you. Why did you become this... How did I turn into this..." I croaked.

SHADE stopped walking, slowly turning around.

"In time you will understand. At some point, you will truly see that the only way through all the obstacles that life puts in front of you is to barge straight through. No one can understand what it's like. Not Deka. Not Rinne. Not Troy. And all they will do is try to help. But because it is the very fact that they don't know what it's like, that their help turns into obstacles."

SHADE closed his fist.

"And the only way to get through obstacles is to barge straight through."

Mantle

"We can't go after them like this." Quorra shut me down.

"What?! Are you serious? We have an idea of where they are and you're telling me we can't go?"

Troy held me down as Quorra inspected the interface Yelena had made for her.

"That place you just described is a Severen drone ship in the outer proximity of Mars. It's completely swarmed with their battle units. My Vessel is going to be blown up to bits. We need a Railjack to clear them out."

"The Clan Railjack..." I muttered.

Quorra raised an eyebrow. "Come again?"

"The Clan Railjack. The one Deka stole from you guys. You don't have it anymore, right?"

"Shane, did SHADE knock you in the head a little too hard?"

"What are you saying?"

Quorra got up and pointed outside. I followed her and couldn't believe my eyes. Before me was a massive ship with starboard cannons, floating next to her Orbiter.

"Every Valian has their own Railjack. There is no Clan Railjack, Shane."

"But... Deka told me..." I muttered. This didn't make sense. Was Deka lying to me this whole time?

How he had told me, was he had infiltrated one of the Gladiator Clan dojos and stole the Clan Railjack, which happened to the be the Clan that Quorra was leading herself. When he had gone and left in it, he was pursued by numerous Valians in their Archwing, but they weren't enough to take him down because of the Railjack's importance. Then Deka had integrated the Railjack into his own Orbiter to form a Superorbiter, the Lotuscraft. That was how the story went.

Then Quorra had somehow found out, then raced to find Deka herself. Despite having the Lotuscraft and all of his Lances on his side, Quorra still defeated him, destroying almost all of his Lances, until Deka had revealed to her his intentions of saving their mother. She let him go, and he went back in time, in turn, saving me from Lena's invasion forces that day.

That was how the story went.

That was... until now.

Quorra leaned in closer to me.

"Shane? You look like you're about to be sick. Don't worry, I didn't find your naughty magazine collection."

"No!" I yelped. "What are you talking about, I'm fine."

"About the Railjack or-"

"The Railjack!"

Troy tried to hold back a laugh. "But Quorra, you said you needed a Railjack. We have one here. Why don't we use it?"

Quorra shook her head. "If it was a normal Proxima mission, I would clear it out in seconds."

"Glad to know the elitism in you never went away over the past few months." I grumbled.

Quorra continued. "But, this isn't a normal Proxima mission. There are way too many guards that can adapt to my firepower. I can't go out and fire void beams. The best way is to use multiple Railjacks to take them down with different damage types so we can cycle and take down the fighters guarding it."

Troy put his hand on his chin.

"And our mission going back to the past is strictly confidential, right? From the rest of the Valians?"

"Correct. Meaning there is only one person I can ask."

Quorra pointed at me.

"Shane's adopted brother! Arsanios!"

My face paled. Remembering the last time we met. I never had myself beat up so bad in my life.

"Oh. Great. Fantastic." I muttered.

By the time we returned to Quorra's time period, the Licita mansion was no longer the same place as it was. Rubble and debris littered the whole place. The gates were smashed in. The house was nearly demolished. My boots crunched on the ground as I entered the first two gates, knocking on the door.

"Hello? I need to have a word with the lord of the household." I said.

"The lord is unavailable to speak to you at this time. Please go away." A voice responded.

I clenched my fists. There was no time for this. I looked at Quorra, who nodded at me.

"There is little time. I need to speak with my brother." I replied.

The voice was silent for a few seconds, until resurfacing with a new tone. One that almost sounded borderline heartbroken.

"Shardis, is that you?"

The maid who tended to me, Lexa Pixus, inspected my birthmark on my stomach.

"It is true. You are indeed a Licita. How could this be? How have you returned after what Kirin had done?"

I stared at Lexa. "What are you talking about? I don't even remember anything from my past life. All I remember was growing up with my adopted parents and being-"

A pod. That was what Mom had told me before she died in my arms.

"The pod..." My eyes widened.

Lexa took a shaky breath. "What could this mean. This is... too much." She gasped, clutching her chest.

"Hey, take it easy." I got up, kneeling next to her.

"Please, let me see Arsanios. I can only imagine what has happened to this place, after recent events."

Lexa wiped her eyes, hyperventilating, as another maid ran forward and tended to her.

"Breathe Miss Pixus. We must always retain our composure in the face of those with the honour of Licita in their names."

I glanced at the smashed photos that lined the walls. The Licitas. My ancestors. And on the far right, the most recent one, was a proud man with long black hair. And a face that looked almost like mine.

Kirin Licita.

The maid got up and bowed to me.

"My name is Yelene Reinhart. To say the long lost son of the Licita household has returned is a mere understatement. I too, am in shock at what has transpired, Lord Shardis."

I took a deep breath. This place, the first time I was here, was blooming with luxury. With class. Clean polished Toron architecture decorated the entire mansion. But now all I saw, was destruction and havoc. Of remains. This place was almost unrecognizable. And for some reason, seeing this home in this state, made me angry.

"Tell me what happened here. Please, Yelene."

Yelene closed her eyes.

"To the war room, Lord Shardis. I will explain everything there. Your guests, I apologize for not tending to them. This household has taken very substantial losses. Our workforce is almost depleted."

"They're with me. Quorra Lavine and Troy Lucien serve the Valians."

Yelene glanced at the Hannibal Lance.

"The legend herself? The Quorra Lavine, leader of the Valian Gladiator Alliance?"

Quorra bowed.

"I am happy to be here."

Yelene smiled at me. "As expected, from a Licita. A noble chooses his companions wisely. Always."

My heart wrenched. Did I though? What was Deka to me now, knowing he had lied to me about the Railjack all this time? What else was he hiding? My trust in him had wavered when Quorra told me that every Valian owned their own Railjack. Why did Deka lie to me? Why keep these things secret from his First Mate, his most loyal companion?

"Your seat, my lord." Yelene held out her hands for me, gesturing me to sit. I sat down in the fancy chair in front of a large round table.

Yelene smiled. "You are just like your father."

"What?"

"Not so much the appearance, but your mannerisms. Your habits and the intricate details."

I paused. "Wha... What was my father like?"

Yelene pursed her lips.

"Let us not discuss Master Kirin, for Lord Arsanios listens. I will update you on our situation."

Yelene showed me a big complicated holographic interface, as she filled us in on the current state of the Licita household.

"Our household is in ruins. Lord Arsanios came to visit that day, critically injured. His Orbiter, destroyed, his Ash Lance, barely functional. We, as loyal servants to the Licita, ran to our Master's aid, but against the might of the Valians, we knew such a fight would never be a fight to win."

I watched as everybody in the household stepped in front of Arsanios in the hologram. The butlers. The maids. The cooks and gardeners. Ordinary people who could not fight, grabbing whatever they had. Be it spades, broomsticks, kitchen utensils, rakes.

These were ordinary people. They didn't belong in the battlefield. Women, and even children who looked up to Arsani, putting distance between their Master and the Valians. No one backing down, despite many fearing for their lives.

"No..." I muttered.

"Members of the Licita household, step away from the Price." A Valian said, who was resolved in a Faerar Lance, as roots began to sprout from the ground, wrapping around the servants' legs.

"We shall not yield!" One of the servants cried out. His face was filled with terror.

Another Valian readied their guns. "Mere fodder trying to protect their phony master. He isn't even a Licita. Must you all need to be re-educated on what Dekani Price had done?"

The servants were terrified, but stood their ground.

"Shane." Troy said, as he put his hand on my shoulder. I realized my hands were trembling. My eyes completely immersed in the hologram.

"Licita or not, Arsanios treated us as people. He cared for us, fed us, and gave us the earnings we need to support our families. Even from a young age, when his parents were killed and even after returning from the first Valian-Severen war, he still remained steadfast in caring for us. Tell me, what kind of Valian would do something so kind? This can only be done through love. And just as he defended us, we shall defend him."

The Faerar Lance Valian sighed. "A shame." He said, as he pulled out his Orcus Shotgun Pistol and shot the maid who gave the speech in cold blood, killing her. Screams of horror erupted from the masses, as I stared at the maid's lifeless eyes. Blood pooling from her wound, and turning the white flowers in the garden red.

"White roses, stained with red." The Valian said, as he and the other four Valians took aim and began shooting the servants left and right, as the servants screamed, their eyes wide in terror, charging with their instruments of war. The very instruments that were used to maintain the mansion, which represented their love for their master, turned into instruments of bloodshed, as servants were shot and killed left and right.

"Stop. Run for your lives. Please run." Arsanios begged, his voice hoarse as he watched his servants be gunned down before his very eyes.

"No turning back. We lived as servants to the house of Licita. We will die as servants to the house of Licita! Even if you yourself do not believe yourself to be one, we still love you all the same!" A cook shouted, as he rushed in with a big frying pan, but a Slinger Lance simply smirked and shot him straight through the chest.

The cook's corpse crumpled to the ground in front of Arsanios.

Arsanios' lips moved at the same time as mine. As we both shouted the same thing. Like brothers.

"STOP!!!"

Arsanios got up and resolved into his Ash Lance, which was so damaged that it was unable to move properly. But Arsanios took a step, and another, as his limp turned into a brisk, into a run, and into a sprint as he launched himself into the air and charged the Slinger.

"Disgraceful. To know you were once a part of us through Quorra's Clan. You've stained both her reputation and ours for your Price blood."

The Slinger reeled back and entered Peacemaker mode, bombarding Arsanios with hundreds to thousands of bullets as Arsanios fell backwards, resolving out of Ash which broke into pieces.

The other two Valians, a Abaddon and Ran, approached Arsanios, drawing their blades.

"Pin him to the ground, Ran."

The Ran Lance Valian held out her hand, and Arsanios was pinned down by dozens of aquatic projections, forcing him to face the Valians.

"Master!!!" The servants screamed, trying to run to Arsanios, but the Faerar stepped in, intercepting them with hundreds of vine growth and bullets.

The Abaddon knelt down and began to carve Arsanios' face, disfiguring it as the Valians chuckled in amusement.

"A Price living as a Licita, must have been luxurious for you. Let's fix that. Playing noble for so long has given you such nice skin, you don't deserve any of it." The Abaddon Valian snarled, as Arsanios yelled and screamed in agony, blood gushing from his cheeks as the blade continued cutting into his face.

I continued watching as Arsanios' face kept getting cut, it was too gruesome, but my eyes didn't peel away. My hands went from trembling out of shock, to trembling with rage. Yelene noticed and quickly turned off the feed.

"My lord, I deeply apologize. I have shown too much-"

"No." I said, as I got up, turning to Quorra.

"That vision I had of Lena and Nero. The Severens have been making their move. Taking in Ballard. SHADE killed our top seven Valians, and assassinated one of the greatest Saryn users. SHADOW continues to haunt the lower ranking Valians during their missions, as powerful as ever. And what the hell have the Valians been doing? Killing unarmed women, children, working class people? Defenseless ones?!"

Quorra couldn't meet my eyes, as she stared at the ground.

"Shan-"

"This ends." I said, cutting her off. I turned to Yelene.

"How much people are left?"

Yelene sighed. "Seventy five percent of our workforce is dead. Another twelve percent are in critical condition. Six percent are wounded. In terms of performing workers in the mansion, we are only at seven percent."

"What about Arsanios? Is he..."

"Lord Arsanios is in critical condition as well. But during his last moments, he gave me a request. He gave us all a request.

"Find his brother. Shardis Licita, for he roams this world. He must continue on where he left off. Because right now, he is the only one that is fit to lead. Take him in, just as we took him in."

Yelene took my hand as gazed at me.

"Shardis Licita, command us."

I walked with Yelene to the main hall, where workers were stationed, trying to rebuild the house to no avail. One of the workers noticed me and beckoned the others, who all stopped working to stare.

"Is he... that face. That hair."

"He has returned."

Yelene brought her hand up.

"Members of the House of Licita. The brother of Master Arsanios has returned. I know we have suffered losses. Myriam and Lancius, died peacefully last night, but even so, for the longest time we thought it had been in vain. But no longer. Master Shardis has come home."

One of the workers got up, as she stared at me, inching forward hesitantly. She held out her hand reluctantly.

"My lord..."

I sighed as I stepped forward and took it. Why did I choose to step into this role? Wasn't the whole point of fighting against fate rejecting who I was? Wasn't I just stepping into the void fate had made for me? By becoming Shardis Licita, and accepting that past, that self, I was taking another step to become SHADE. The Severen monster.

But looking at this servant girl's eyes. My own reflection from her tears. I realized. Someone needed to be there for these people. Because if it wasn't me, there was no one else. There was absolutely no one else.

No one can lead them.

But Shardis Licita.

I want to become a hero.

I took off my coat and placed it on the servant's shoulders as she began to sob.

One who saves everybody.

More and more servants got up and huddled around me, wrapping their arms around my body.

One who descends from the skies.

I looked at the sky, through the hole in the roof, as the sun began to shine from underneath, illuminating the small group of servants who were crying and burying their faces into me.

To protect everybody. And to tell everyone that...

"It's okay." I said, gently, as Yelene, Troy, and Quorra smiled at me from the corner of the room.

"I'm here now."

Shardis Licita

"You want me to what?!" Quorra yelped.

I rested my chin on the palm of my hand as I fiddled with the office decorations.

"You're gonna teach my people how to fight. You taught Troy and I, didn't you? I want them all to learn the teachings of Lena. I don't want another bloodbath to happen again."

"Shane, you know, teaching Troy was just a one time thing. To pass on Lena's teachings is taboo."

"Yet you didn't hesitate to train me."

"Because it was very clear Dekani didn't know what he was doing!"

I leaned back in my chair.

"Well, I don't either. Do you want me to teach them?"

"Gods, no." Quorra muttered.

"Then get to it." I said.

"But what about my admin tasks? I'm still a leader of a massive alliance, and I have my own clan to run. I'm a busy woman."

"You're 16. Besides..."

I beckoned Yelene over.

"Yelene's done admin stuff in the past. She says she is more than happy to take the load off of your shoulders."

Yelene bowed.

"It is a pleasure to be of assistance, Lady Lavine."

Quorra blushed. "Ah, well. I don't mind being called that now..."

I got up and turned to the pictures lining the wall.

"I'm doing this different. All of it different. Because I'm not like my brother. I am going to train these gardeners, cooks, maids, attendants, workers in the art of war. This is no longer the peaceful sanctuary we once thought it was, because of these bastard Valians doing whatever the hell they please, instead of devoting their time to fighting this battle. If they want to bully us, we're fighting back with full force."

The next few days saw massive changes to how the Licita mansion handled things. Quorra began to teach my servants the art of combat. The Way of the Valian. Of course, this gave her a lot of bonding time with Troy, by using him as a training dummy and knocking him to the ground. Apparently seeing Troy get beat up was super funny to the children. And I certainly didn't mind the entertainment.

As for Arsanios, he was still in critical condition.

"Master Arsanios is currently comatose." Edda said, as she inspected his pulse.

"What can we do for him at this time?"

"Right now, we need more capable doctors. But because of the Arsani Price scandal, we have lost a lot of support from our clients."

"Which clients are we talking?"

"Numerous ones." Yelene said, as she walked into the room. She had a clipboard.

"The House of Licita holds powerful political status, and by that right, had access to many shares to many corporations. While discrete, many of these corporations earnings go to us, while retaining their respective names. By far, one of our biggest shares goes to one that you may familiar with.

"Toron Corpo."

"Corpo, eh." I grumbled. Those bastards were serving the Severens. There was no way we could get them on our side. But I guess that's just how it was. That was what they believed when Arsanios was still in charge. But now we got new management.

If the Corpo wasn't going to give us financial aid because Adam Virgo was being a bitch to the Severens, I'll have to do it myself.

By taking over their entire corporation.

"What is the status on the Railjack?" I asked.

"Unoperatable." Yelene responded, showing me the clipboard. I leaned in closer and narrowed my eyes.

"Ship intrinsics are linked to Master Arsanios. If your sole objective is to obtain his Railjack, you must awaken him. But such a thing will be a miracle at this rate." Yelene glanced at her former master, her eyes full of worry.

"We'll get Arsanios back." I reassured her.

Even if we couldn't get him back, there was still the Corpo. To save Deka and Rinne. If all Quorra needed was more than one Railjack, if I gained total control of the Toron Corpo empire by killing Adam Virgo, I could get the entire corporation to funnel development costs into building Railjacks. Under the curtains of course. And to pull off such a curtain trick, I had Yelene.

I put my hand on the window and clenched my fist. Deka. Rinne. Please just hang in there. Until my plan goes through. I promise. I promise I'll get you two back, along with Aurora, Flippy, and Folock.

And I will avenge Umbra. If it means tearing these Severens with my bare hands. One Severen at a time.

That night, Yelene gave me a progress report.

"Training has gone well. Forty two percent improvement in physical assessment tests, and Lady Lavine reports that their technique has seen drastic improvement. Clientele continues to diminish. I hope your plan with the Corpo sees fruition. Despite our income still sustaining us, we will soon need to rely on our emergency response funds to support this household. No improvement on Master Arsanios, and my connections have revealed enough information to begin drafting a plan for our heist."

"Thanks Yelene. You're the best." I said, as I turned to her.

Yelene smiled, but the worry in her eyes was so obvious.

"I live to serve, as the advisor and attendant to the head Licita."

"You don't need to keep saying that. You're a highly trusted ally." I responded.

I sat on my chair as I stared at my weapons strewn across the desk. Ais. Gram. Harkanons. Hellfires. All of which were modded with new Supra Mods supplied by Quorra to deal upgraded damage. All weapons that were becoming more and more like the ones SHADE used in my visions. I was becoming more and more like him every day.

"Tch." I muttered.

"My lord?" Yelene asked, as she stepped closer to me. "You look stressed."

"We all are."

"But the worry in your eyes, I cannot ignore it."

I turned to Yelene and noticed she was extremely close, as she began to stroke my face. Her breath smelled of wine.

"Yelene-"

"Please, relax with me, my lord. We can relax together, tonight."

My heart began to race and before I knew it, my instincts took over as I pinned my attendant onto the bed. Yelene grabbed my face until I suddenly stopped.

No. This was wrong. This was very wrong.

"Stop." I said, as I got off Yelene and stood up.

"My lord? Is this your first time?" Yelene asked coyly.

"Enough of this, Yelene. You're drunk. Take the time to sober up. We can't have this." I said, as I dismissed her and kicked her out of my room. I sat on my bed and buried my face in my hands.

What the hell am I doing? How did everything go so downhill so fast? Ever since I discovered my true destiny, everything just became a shitshow. I became forced to look after these people as their master. The family and friends that I had with Captain Price were now in jeopardy. Umbra was dead. Deka and Rinne were being tortured while I was about to have intercourse with my own damn attendant?

I glanced at the wine glass that Yelene was drinking out of. I totally didn't even know she was drinking. Drinking her sorrows and pain away.

I glared at Ais.

I didn't want to become a monster. But the more I let my morals take hold, the more people got hurt. Why even was I defending and fighting for these Valians? Were the Severens all that bad in comparison? I had no part in this war, and I only joined because I felt it was the only place to go. The only place to find a purpose.

But here I was, with all the purpose in the world. And I wanted none of it.

Fate was funny and cruel.

The next morning didn't get any better.

I woke up to hear arguing in the main hall.

"Yelene?" I asked.

"Yes, Master Shardis."

"What's going on down there?"

Yelene clasped her hands. "Tension. Some of us are against your decision to train women and children in the art of combat. They say it is defiling the ways of the Licita."

I followed Yelene to the main hall, as I overheard the arguing.

"He isn't Master Arsanios. Why must we stain our hands in blood to survive? We shouldn't learn such disgusting ways. Reason is the only way forward." One maid exclaimed.

"Do not speak ill of Master Shardis' decisions." Another responded.

I made my way down the stairs as more of the servants noticed me and bowed, quieting down.

I regarded the people who were causing the ruckus. Several very fashionably dressed individuals who were oozing with privilege. Something I was very familiar with. Something that I hated a lot. Because it reminded me of a select group of people who thought the same way. A group of cocky teenagers.

"What is happening here. Who are you." I said.

The group eyed me. "We are the bourgeoisie. Those of upper class in the Licita household. We have returned from our ventures, hearing of Lord Arsanios' condition. To know a filthy peasant has taken his place and is training our people in combat. How repulsive. Who are you to-"

A vein popped up on the side of my head as I quickly drew my Hellfire Machine Pistol and aimed it at the "noble". My expression cold. Several members of the household gasped.

"Did you just call a Licita a filthy peasant?" I asked, my voice dangerous, almost unrecognizable. I had no idea what was going on in me, but whatever happened, was like watching myself go into autopilot. Certain decisions seemed right. Even if they were questionable. Maybe it was the stress from last night with Yelene. Maybe it was the thought that I wasn't enough to save Umbra, and that Deka and Rinne's lives were at jeopardy. Aurora was about to be auctioned off. All that stress, all that pent up emotions inside me was slowly changing me.

"No, my lord." The nobleman replied.

"Kneel." I said.

The nobleman got to one knee, reluctantly, as I aimed my gun at the rest of the ruffians.

"Starting now, I am in charge of this household. My name is Shardis Licita. Unlike Arsanios, I am a legitimate child of Kirin and Caterena Licita. You will do as I say because that is the law. And if you refuse, then I'll have to let you in on a little secret. I'm not as nice as Arsanios. I've got shit on my plate too."

I gestured and beckoned Yelene over.

"Starting today, move these men to the janitorial position. If they're delusional enough to believe reason can get through the Valians, then they will have all the time scrubbing floors to lament this stupid way of thinking."

"Yes, Master Shardis."

The nobleman's eyes widened. "What did you just say? How dare you! Master Arsanios would never treat his subordinates in this way. You are inhuman. Disgraceful. You are-"

"What this household needs to survive this war." I responded, as I turned around, facing my servants. I clenched my fist. I couldn't believe what was happening. What I was turning into. Because the next thing I said was so unlike me, that I was slowly seeing how Shane Mayen would slowly devolve into something much worse. How SHADE had turned into who he was. At first, I thought it was impossible. Our ways of thinking was just too different. SHADE was crazy.

But as more and more things piled up on top of me, I slowly began to see.

Shane Mayen is worthless in this world. A fighter can't win every battle unless it's a fight. This world needed someone better. This was no longer a question of what would Shane Mayen do. It was a matter of what would a Licita do. What would Shardis Licita do.

"You are all going to follow me. By force if necessary. The Severens are our enemy. It doesn't matter if you choose to be neutral. You will be eliminated by the enemy. The only way is to become tougher and stronger. This is how cruel the world is. And if any of you disagree with my plans, then I will ask you to leave. If any of you try to interfere with my plans, then I will end your life. You might be wondering what my plan is. That plan is simple.

"I will use everything I have as a Licita, from physical power to political power, to destroy my enemies"

I brought my gun up as I stood at the top pedestal, towering over my people.

"And I won't stop until they have all been exterminated."

I thought about how wretched this world was. Why did class matter? Why attack those of lower class? Why kill untrained men, women, and children?

Who were my enemies? Anyone who posed a threat on my loved ones or myself.

Severens.

Toron Scrava.

Toron Corpo.

And eventually, the Valians themselves.

The Shardinian Revolutionist Movement

The following few weeks, my people saw drastic improvement in their combat skill. Several of our more avid followers, who began to dub themselves the Shardis Legionnaires, requested they undergo the same Infestation operation that had given me my cybernetics.

Quorra was against this, obviously, and instead decided to teach them the way to channel the powers of the void. Unfortunately, this meant sharing her power to these people.

"You're the last batch." Quorra said, attempting to conceal her fatigue. She began to lean on Troy as she held out her hand, almost like a blessing to the remaining dozen of the Legionnaires.

Quorra's knees buckled and Troy caught her.

"Hey, don't push yourself too hard."

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not. Shane, we need to find other ways to-"

I got up from my seat, my Toron cloak, now embroidered with Licita markings, indicating my status as the new lord of the household. I walked down my steps and regarded Quorra from above.

"Yelene, call Eros over."

"Yes, my lord."

Yelene beckoned Eros, the household science officer, as she made her way and bowed to me.

"What may I do for you, Master Shardis?"

"Run a calculation. A net combat prowess of the forces of our Legion after Quorra has expended her void energy, and compare it to what we have now. Determine if Quorra should continue lending our people her power."

Troy's eyes widened. "The hell are you saying, Shane? Don't you care what happens to Quorra?"

I glanced at Troy, expressionless.

"Numbers don't lie. If we're gonna win this war, we have to do it ourselves. The Valians, as you knew, are useless. Fruitless egotistical children with no goals in mind. Thinking they are so high and mighty. Whatever happens in this calculation, will be pure numerical fact. And this fact will lead us to victory."

Troy stepped forward and attempted to grab my collar, but I did nothing as several of the maids in the room rushed forward with their pole-arms aimed at Troy's throat. Each one of them strong enough to defeat and match Troy's combat skill alone.

"You say all this about the Valians being all high and mighty. Yet here you are doing the exact thing. Power's ruined you, Shane. Who you were before, that's the man who will win this war. Not whatever the hell you are now."

Quorra stared at the ground.

"Stop, Troy."

Troy turned around. "Quorra?"

Quorra's fist shook. "He's right. Look at us. I lead a Clan of forty thousand. An alliance in the hundreds of thousands. I'm a member of the Valian Council. Yet we've done nothing to aid in the war against the Severens. All we've done is use our class and power for ourselves. If it wasn't for the whole idea that we are distinguished warriors, the people in this mansion wouldn't have suffered so much."

Quorra looked at her boyfriend, her face pale and defeated.

"Tell me, Troy. What have we done? What have I done? The only times I have aided in the war's efforts, have been with Shane. At the end of the day, it's Shane that's the only one fighting, and he's only half Valian with his Lance cybernetics. I won't stand for this. If it means helping Shane, then so be it."

The room went silent, as I went back to my chair, resting my chin on my hand, while Yelene continued updating me on the progress, and Eros continued her calculations.

Troy glared at me, as he shouldered his girlfriend.

"Where's Quorra gonna stay for the time being."

I looked up from the bangs of my hair.

"Take her to the Med-bay. Cera, lead the way." A maid took and led Quorra by the hand as Troy glared at me one last time.

"We'll be waiting on the results... Shardis."

I watched as the two left the master room while Yelene continued updating me on our progress. But everything she said seemed to come in one ear and go out the other. Because I just wasn't having it. I knew something was happening to me ever since I watched those Valians slaughter those women and children. In cold blood.

The face of that poor maid, with a hole in her forehead, her eyes, still pleading for the Valian to leave her beloved master alone. It wasn't just gory. It broke something inside of me, psychologically.

Little children playing with guns should never be a thing. Yet here we had the Valians, teenagers running around with power too much for them to handle. Acting like they owned the place and terrorizing the people with this stupid social hierarchy.

That night I went up to Ais and took the sword.

"Alright. Let's see how they're doing." I muttered, as I plunged the blade into a piece of the Eidolon Troy and I captured, my vision flooding with a new scene.

* * *

I was back in the Severen home system. Severen civilization all around me, as a familiar voice called out to me. I knew that voice, because it was my own.

"You have taken yet another leap in your developments. That is good."

I turned around.

"Update me on Deka and Rinne." I ordered.

SHADE smiled. "A lord cannot order another lord to do his bidding. We are after all, one and the same."

I clenched my fist.

"If I'm going to play along with your fate BS, at least tell me, tell me what I'm doing is right."

"Cap and Rinne are still alive, they still fight. After all, they're Valians through and through."

"And Aurora?"

"You have two months, Shardis Licita. Two months to get them back. But you will get them back. At a price."

"I don't care what the price is. I'll get my friends back." I growled.

SHADE threw his head back and stared at the sky.

"Indeed you will. You will get them back. But only them."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

SHADE turned around and gazed at the horizon, as multiple giant Severen dropships emerged from the sky.

"I want to become a hero."

"What?"

"One that saves everybody. One who descends from the skies."

"Why are you reciting that?"

SHADE held out his hands, as more and more dropships came from the sky, the entire sky flooded with white and red Severen flesh. A horrific sight, knowing full well, that our enemy was so overwhelmingly vast.

I stumbled back, instinctively, as SHADE turned around, his Severen cloak fluttering in the wind as he was backed up by thousands upon thousands of enormous Severen ships, an entire army seemingly at his command, ready to destroy and exterminate all of his enemies.

"To protect everybody. To tell everybody that I am here now."

I took another step back and realized that SHADE wasn't the only one who knew I was here.

Shardis Licita, do you truly understand, what you are facing now? SHADOW hissed behind me, as I spun around, Ais in hand, but the sword suddenly dissipated.

SHADOW readjusted his own great sword, War, along his shoulder as he joined SHADE.

You may see us. You may see all of our secrets, but that is the true nature of overwhelming power. It doesn't need to be concealed. No amount of knowledge can prepare you for what happens next. All in the glory of Lord Gargantua. To avenge our queen. For it was the Valians who betrayed the Toron that day, and killed my people. It was the Valians who continue to brandish their power among the weak. If you choose to fight against us, then you will see defeat. But eventually, you will realize...

SHADOW brought up his sword, holding out his hand as I stared at my Toron Arm Sheathe, which sparked.

Your Valian powers are useless. Because you don't belong with them. Shane Mayen fights for justice, to avenge those who were wronged. The more you walk your path to becoming SHADE, the more you will see, that the true way of justice, is to join us. To join the Severens.

* * *

"Master Shardis, we are approaching the rendezvous." Yelene notified me. I nodded at her, as I turned to my squad.

Two months ago, these people were Maids. Butlers. Chefs. Gardeners. Cleaners. Workers and servants.

Now they were warriors.

I couldn't help stare at Yelene, who was dressed in full battle gear. Bulletproof skin tight leather. Instinctively, my head flashed back to that night when I had pinned her down on the-

No. What am I thinking. This is not appropriate.

"My lord?" Yelene asked.

"Nothing." I responded a little too quickly. "You know the plan. Infiltrate and destroy the vision. Cut them down all at once so no one suspects anything. Yelene, and Travis' squad are with me to capture Virgo."

"Affirmative." My squad said, along with the rest of the other squads from the other mini-landing crafts.

I peered down at the building from above from within the concealment of our cloaked dropship. I had Quorra help research pieces from her Artemis Lance to incorporate her powers into our tech. Each person was able to go into stealth mode if needed.

"It's time, Master Shardis." Travis said to me, as we all jumped out, and landed into the building. As expected, no alarms were tripped, because our other squads had already infiltrated their security systems.

We made our way to the main hall, in a pincer move. There were two exits for Adam Virgo, and each exit was blocked. If he attempted to escape by blowing a hole through the wall, he will be gunned down by the Legionnaires outside.

There was no running from me.

"Hey!" A Corpo crewman shouted at me. "You shouldn't be he-"

One of my servants shot him right between his eyes with a Supra Tessera. The assault rifle smoking at the barrel.

None of us batted an eye as we continued walking, slaughtering crewmen left and right as we made our way to the main office. To Virgo's lair.

"Master Shardis." My coms buzzed in.

"We have located the subject. He is fleeing on foot and sent his guards to distract us."

"Good." I responded. "Fight off the guards and let him come to us."

We located the sounds of Adam's running as the CEO of the Toron Corpo ran into us. His eyes wide in terror as he stumbled back.

"Who are you people. Do you know who I am? Do you know who you are messing with?"

I took out my Harkanon Supra, which underwent yet another upgrade, taking aim.

Adam yelped as he ran the other direction for dear life. But there was nothing he could do. He was completely trapped. His security, torn to shreds by my forces.

Adam got himself backed in the corner, as my squad closed in on him.

"Now now. Let's not have this. I can offer you quite the reward for sparing me. Perhaps a-"

Adam was cut short, as one of the maids hit him in the legs with her staff. The CEO fell on his face as my squad tied him up, bringing him with us to the main dropship.

Yelene spoke into her coms.

"Subject secured. Return to rendezvous."

We made our way back to rendezvous, and loaded the CEO of the Toron Corpo into the back of our ship, near the cargo load. Yelene ripped the blindfold off of Adam's face as I entered the room, gesturing the servants to leave. I calmly locked the door and sat on a chair in front of him as Yelene held out her pistol, aimed right at Adam's forehead.

"What do you people want from me?" Virgo gasped.

I brushed the hair out of my eyes, tucking it behind my ear.

"On the eighth hour last night, I made a purchase." I said, as the cargo hold shook, intimidating Virgo. Yelene remained emotionless, as her aim with the gun remained steadfast. Acquired only through diligent training with Quorra.

"A purchase?"

"Yes. The Toron Corpo have been a major client for the Licita Family for the longest time. But today, things are different. From now on, the Corpo isn't just my client. It is mine."

Virgo's eyes widened. "What are you talking about?"

"For the longest time, you possessed the majority shares to the company and empire. Now those shares belong to me."

I held out an electronic document hologram, showing the forged signature of Adam handing over his company to me.

Adam struggled in his restraints. "What is the meaning of this? This is my company. You have no right to take-"

"I have every right to take back a company that was mine in the first place." I said, cutting him off.

Virgo's face paled. "I don't know what you are talking about."

I scrolled through the hologram, through numerous articles, until I found the one that I needed. A police report, legal document, that outlined how Adam had become the CEO of the Toron Corpo in the first place.

"When the Toron Empire fell to the Severens, the empire was split into two subdivisions. Toron Corpo, and Toron Scrava. But for the longest time, when my ancestor, Lilith Licita, began advocating pacifism in our bloodline, she turned to political and business power. Due to her close relationship to His Majesty at the time, she was given total control of the Toron Corpo. Do you know what this means?"

Virgo was silent, beads of sweat going down his neck.

"The Toron Corpo was initially entirely under the control of the Licitas. Until one day, a certain CEO had her hands muddled. Ruined. By one who created fake alibis and allegations. Her reputation in shambles. Daria Licita, the wife of Adam Virgo."

"This isn't true! This is bullshit. How dare you accuse me of-"

"Daria had a compelling argument during the court, but unfortunately, an anonymous tip bribed the judge that day. And Adam Virgo was handed the reigns of the Toron Corpo. And from then on, became the CEO. As for Daria Licita, due to her status as a Licita, her punishment did not influence the rest of our family. The Licita reputation remained unstained, but at the cost of her life. It's rather cruel isn't it? For a husband to betray his wife like that."

"You are playing a very dangerous game, sir." Adam snarled, but I leaned forward, propping my elbows on my knees.

"It would seem that no matter how you do it, this world will forever favour certain individuals. You're a very lucky man, Adam, that this world favours you. Which is why if you're going to play things dirty, so will I. Because I'm not like my ancestors. I will do things in the name of justice my own way."

I got up from my seat and peered at the window, glancing at the landscape of Pluto. Nearly inhospitable, to the point where no one, not even Valian Lances could set foot on.

I turned around, my eyes cold yet brimming with murderous intent.

"Starting now, your company is mine. Of course, I know you aren't the type to want something like this. So I guess I'll have to take matters into my own hands."

Adam began struggling even harder, and Yelene reattached the gag in his mouth.

"MMF! MMMMMF!" Adam yelled, as he began to convulse, his eyes filled with tears.

"If you chose to live your life as scum, then you should have known you would die as scum." I said, as I grabbed the former CEO of the Toron Corpo, and brought him to the edge of the dropship, the sheer temperatures, causing his tears to instantly freeze on his face.

Adam turned to me, his eyes pleading. But there was no more chances for him.

"You were a lucky man, Adam. To win the affection of Daria Licita. But the moment you chose to betray her, you made an enemy to the Licita bloodline. And today, a Licita will take away everything from you, just as you had taken away everything from a Licita."

Yelene handed me the gun and I aimed it to the side of his head.

"This is goodbye."

I fired, and let go of the body, as Adam Virgo's corpse plummeted into the depths of the icy tundras of Pluto, the blood from his head instantly turning into ice.

The following few days, I took the initiative to change the resource allocation of the Corpo to Railjack implementation. Yelene assisted in covering this up by appearing that we were expediting the deployment of the Amalgram units. As for the public image of the Licita household, I took it upon myself to give everyone an introduction to who was running the household now.

"My name is Shardis Licita." I said, through the communications beacon, to all the media in the Star System. Our forces at the moment were strong, but not strong enough. We needed more people.

"I am the true heir to Kirin and Caterena Licita. But unlike my ancestors, I was denied my title as a Licita, and lived my life in the working class family of the Mayen. I lived my life as Shane Mayen, an ordinary man who had no particular skills. I was spit on by the world, disrespected, watching those who were blessed become successful, favoured by the world, while I myself, faced repeated failure. My entire life, I strove to step up and become better, despite the unfairness of this world. And now that I have reclaimed my title and position of power, I will make it a mission to rid this world of its unfairness. Starting with the Severens."

I reached over and grabbed the Corpo medallion that signified ownership of the entire empire, a family item that once belonged to Daria, which was then stolen by Adam, then stolen back by me.

"As you can see, I now control the entire Toron Corpo, along with the Licita household. I will continue rising in power, not because I am a Licita. But because I lived my life at the bottom, just like all of you. I possess the hunger for power, unlike my adopted brother, who continued to watch as the working class suffered in his posh little living arrangements. I will only become more powerful, until my enemy is exterminated. Who is my enemy, you may ask?"

I stood up and pulled my hair back, revealing my numerous cybernetics, my eye, my infested flesh from the multiple operations with Yggdrasil.

"All those who forced me to become this monstrosity to become one that could survive in this world. Those who were unfairly given power and authority, just because they were born this way. Just because they were special. The Severens with their power. The Corpo with their industrialization. The Scrava with their numbers. And...

"The Valian, for their class. I won't stop, until every last one is exterminated."

"Congratulations, Master Shardis. You now have total control of the Toron Corpo Empire. Combined with your status as a Licita, our status has now stabilized." Yelene said, as she entered my room, standing at the door.

"Thanks." I replied.

"You've created quite the movement, do you know? The movement has become known as the Shardinian Anarchist Revolution against the Valians and upper classmen."

"I didn't force to make this revolution. They did it themselves. All I did was be myself."

"Is that so?"

Yelene showed me a news article, as the projection pulsed a live feed of massive protests all across the cities. Rights and freedom for the working class. Valians being stoned and jeered at.

One Valian aimed his Amprex at a group of protesters.

"You have some nerve, speaking to me like tha-"

"You kill us, we'll keep coming. Who decided it was fair for you guys to have everything? Why do some of us, who work just as hard in our jobs, remain in poverty, while you children get to be at the top? Bullying the lower class?"

I watched as the Valians were jeered off, by the thousands of protesters all over the cities.

"A large number of these protesters request that they gain the power to aid in your efforts. Many more have conducted theft to obtain weapons in aiding with your movement."

"I see."

Yelene looked down, as I glanced at her.

"You're uneasy, huh."

"Master Arsanios was always so pacifist and kind to us. He fought for his Valian brethren, but still took the time to be caring and nurturing, using his class and his mannerisms in a positive way. This is all... just so much. The change and transition. I never imagined myself to have my hands stained in blood."

"You saw how pacifism did for the people who lost their lives that day."

"I know. It's just... part of me wishes that things were the same as back then. Children playing in the backyard with the toys Master Arsanios bought for them. Not playing target practice with their sniper rifles. I'm sorry, my lord. I am out of line."

I got off from my desk. She was right. No one wanted this. But this is just how it is. That's just how it was all gonna play out in the end.

One event leads to another.

To follow the threads of fate.

Until I end up becoming the very monster that I feared.

And there wasn't a single damn thing I could do about it.

"Master Shardis, I cannot take this any longer."

"Huh?" I turned to Yelene, her face was red, as her eyes became watery.

"I am requesting you find another to replace me. I am no longer qualified to be your advisor."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, in disbelief.

Yelene walked forward and put a hand on her chest.

"Master Shardis, I cannot get drunk."

"What are you talking abou-"

Then it hit me. That night. I thought she tried to seduce me because she was drunk, since I smelled wine in her breath. But... if she couldn't get drunk... that meant...

"You knew exactly what you were doing." I deduced.

Yelene looked away.

"When Arsanios was left brutally battered and comatose, I came to the realization. That we had no more pureblood Licita remaining. With Arsanios being all we had, despite being an adopted one, I knew. A Licita cannot be fabricated from words. Or actions. A Licita is a biological trait. I ran out of hope, being someone who served the Licita, my parents, serving the Licita before them. I was just a little girl when I served your father.

"Without the Licita, my life has no meaning. So could you imagine the hope and joy I felt, when I discovered the true son of Kirin and Caterena Licita was alive? And well?"

"I-" This was coming at me too fast. Yelene's family served the Licitas for generations. I guess it must have hit hard to know that with them gone, generations of service would be put to an end. But I wasn't understanding what she was getting at.

"Preservation. That is all I wanted. To know that the new lord of the household is a warrior like Master Arsanios, but one who was willing to step foot in the battlefield and get his hands muddled. This was too much. I know I cannot convince you to stay away from the battlefield. My only wish was to ensure that a Licita remains safe."

Yelene put a hand on her midsection.

"One person must stand up and take that role. If it means giving birth to as many Licita heirs as I can, that would mean the chances of preservation of the bloodline would be increased manifold. Shardis Licita, that day I seduced you on the bed, was completely intentional."

I was speechless, as I watched Yelene turn around and leave the door.

"I await my punishment, Master Shardis." Yelene muttered, as she excused herself, leaving me dumbfounded and unable to respond.

Troy Lucien vs. Shane Mayen

I entered the med bay, to be greeted with Troy assaulting me.

Troy glared at me as I slammed against the wall, sliding onto the ground as he began kicking my face over and over again. Sharp twinges of pain arced across my body, but my cybernetics quickly responded, delivering nanotechnology and endorphins to cease the pain and repair my body.

I said nothing as Troy continued punching me over and over again.

"You bastard. Look at you. The Shane Mayen I knew would never sacrifice his friends like that. You've become the very scum you hated."

Several of my attendants rushed to my aid, but Yelene held them back.

"No." She said.

I regarded Troy from the ground with cold dead eyes.

"Say something, you shitstain." Troy growled, grabbing my collar.

"Eros has run the calculations." I replied, as Troy loosened his grip.

"And?" He asked nervously.

"Quorra doesn't have enough power to fuel our ranks. With more and more people joining the Shardinian Movement, she will dry up like a grape."

Quorra sat up on the bed.

"What are you going to do now, then?"

I calmly got to my feet.

"Is every Valian able to share their Void power?"

Quorra shifted on her feet.

"Yeah, I guess. But not every Valian has the skill to do so. Such a technique is extremely advanced."

I turned to one of my attendants.

"Call Seraph right away. I have a project in mind."

"Yes, Master Shardis."

"Right now, we have two options. Either these Shardinians become infested cyborgs like me, or they become warriors like the people here. If every Valian has the ability to share their void power, then I'll force that potential out."

Quorra regarded me.

"What are you saying?" She asked.

"I'm saying, I'm going to have Seraph conduct an engineering project to design a device that can extract the void energy from Valians. We have the resources of the entire Corpo Empire on our side. I'm going to make good use of it."

Troy's eyes widened.

"Are you saying you're gonna harvest these Valian like livestock?!"

"Yeah."

Troy's hands shook in rage.

"Every time I see you. I recognize Shane Mayen less and less. Do you even know what you're suggesting? This is cruel beyond limits. I know the Valians have done some questionable things, but they're kids."

"Yet you're dating one of these 'kids'."

"Well that's different. I'm around the same age as them."

"So now you're going to use your 'college prodigy' card? Have you not forgotten the things they've done. The shit they did is beyond questionable, Troy."

"Just because they've done these things, doesn't give you a right to do so either! Look at all the shit you've done so far ever since you embraced your Licita side. Using Quorra like a resource. Killing Adam Virgo. Killing all those Toron Corpo crewmen who had families. Objectifying. Murdering. Destroying. No amount of justification in the world can give you a reason to fall this low!"

"And do you think the Severens will care? Do you think just because we have morals this means the Severens will just get up and forget about the whole invasion? If you saw half of the shit I saw, the sheer size of their fleet of soldiers, you wouldn't be saying these things."

I took out Ais and planted the sword on the ground.

"We're at war, Troy. War is never a beautiful thing. This is what you've been dragged into. You're conflicted because for the first time in your life, shit isn't going your way. Well imagine how I feel. This is what I've been going through ever since I was born. You have no right to reprimand me on anything. I'm going to do what it takes to get Cap and Rinne back. And I'm going to destroy the Severens. At whatever cost necessary."

Troy said nothing, as everybody stood in silence. The tension in the air almost overwhelming.

"Fuse." Troy muttered.

"What?"

"I refuse." Troy replied.

I raised an eyebrow. "Well, your compliance isn't a factor."

"I know. But I'm telling you now. I refuse. If you want to use Quorra like this, and these kids like this, then you're going to have to get through me. Shane Mayen, I challenge you for ownership of this entire revolution."

I narrowed my eyes.

"Then we fight in the arena. For all to see."

Yelene put her hand on my arm.

"Master Shardis, is this wise?"

I turned to my advisor.

"They need to see the person who is leading them is strong. They all need to see. And there is one way for this to happen."

I looked at Troy, who was clutching his own sword. A Pangolin Supra. Quorra trying to reason with him not to fight his friend.

"We fight in Rathuum. To the death."

* * *

We were transported to the Rathuum arenas. A large underground fighting ring organized by the Toron Scrava. While such a thing was considered illegal in many states, the Rathuum arena was used by many Valian who wanted a means to obtain resources and quick cash.

Or those desperate enough to make a living, when no other option exists.

Every fighter in the arena had something to fight for. But usually that something boiled down to one thing. Survival. At whatever cost, for the entertainment of the Scrava.

I walked down the filthy halls, taking off my cloak, and tying my hair back. Small tufts of hair on my side scraped my shoulders and my black tank top, as I ran my hand across my Hellfire Supra machine pistols strapped to my belt. The Harkanon Supra dual purpose rifle strapped to my back. Gram and Ais, also strapped to my back in parallel.

Plastered all over the media and media tabloids across the Scravan outlets, was the fight advertised.

SHARDIS LICITA VS. TROY LUCIEN - TORON CYBERNETICS VS. VOID SORCERY

"Master Shardis, if you win this fight, you will gain even more support and morale from your followers than before." Yelene informed me.

"Thanks."

"I wish you to stay alive. For not just us. But for me."

I turned to Yelene, and noticed that in the dim light, she was slightly blushing.

"I will return to you, for the betterment of this future." I replied.

Yelene grabbed my face and pulled me into a kiss, as I wrapped my arms around her midsection in impulse.

"I am the type of woman who gets attached to the man she affiliates with. Come back to me, Shardis Licita."

I suddenly paused. No. This was wrong. Yet... it felt right. It was almost like my feelings for Rinne dissipated.

I pulled away. "My battle awaits."

I stepped into the arena, as the entire crowd cheered fiercely. I stood face to face with Troy, who was dressed in full battle gear as well. Purple arcane lines decorated his arms in an elegant manner, signifying his immense connection to the void after rigorous training with Quorra.

"I wished it didn't come to this. It's funny. It seems almost like yesterday when the two of us looked forward to moving into the same sublet, living together. Now we're trying to kill each other." Troy said.

I glanced at the commentator, who shouted into the microphone.

"Shardis Licita, as you may have guessed, is the brother of one of our most famous executioners. Arsanios Licita. Who racked up a tally of two thousand executioner kills since his affiliation with us. Earning him his nickname, the Demon of Rathuum. Will Shardis live up to his brother's title? Will he become the NEXT DEMON OF RATHUUM?!"

The crowd roared in approval, as I glared at Troy, taking my place. The arena was raining, but the raindrops were acidic, giving the entire arena a corrosive stench.

I watched as the counter ticked. Each second feeling like an eternity. Yet for some reason, I wasn't nervous. I felt calm and focused. Everything that happens, like SHADE said, is for the betterment of fate. I finally began to understand what made SHADE so powerful. Why every time I tried to deny who I was, things would happen to force me to walk a certain path.

I was destined to align myself with fate.

As long as I follow its threads.

I cannot be defeated.

No matter how stacked the odds are against me.

As long as I follow its threads.

I put out my hand, as the last two seconds ticked down.

I will fight.

Fight.

"FIGHT" The commentator shouted, as the crowd roared.

I instantly pulled out my Hellfire pistol and fired, and Troy held out his hand, creating a void shield.

I reached behind me and pulled out my Harkanon with my other hand, taking aim, and fired an anti-aircraft shell at my former friend, the explosion rocking the arena as the crowd cheered.

I spun around, and intercepted Troy, who I predicted was going to attack me from behind.

Trivial moves.

Troy gritted his teeth, as he pushed back, propelling himself into the air and creating multiple void clones of himself.

I put my Harkanon away and drew my other Hellfire pistol, dual aiming the automatic weapons as I peppered the clones that attempted to rush me.

I took a step back, and jumped into the air, using a nearby rock to leverage myself as I shot towards Troy, wielding Ais, who blocked my swing with his Pangolin.

I gritted my teeth as I reached deep inside.

"Licitian Potential: Kien Licita - 140%"

I pushed Troy back as I sent him hurtling across the arena, to the crowd's approval.

"Lance Upload Protocol: TESLA Discharge 300%"

I held out my hand and projected a massive arc of blue electricity that paralyzed Troy.

I landed on the ground, and brought my foot back.

"Licitian Potential: Tricity Licita - 40%"

I blasted forward, bringing Ais back.

No hesitation.

No regrets.

Troy Lucien.

I closed in on Troy as time seemingly slowed down as I accessed more and more of Tricity's speed. The Queen of Altra. The mentor of Mach. The fastest Licita in existence. The fastest Tora in existence. Everything was meaningless when everything was in slow motion.

I always hated you, Troy.

Because you had everything.

I lifted Ais into the air and swung down at his neck, picturing myself decapitating his head.

I tried to escape you by going with Deka.

I tried to escape.

But instead, you followed along.

I thought I could be special being Deka's First Mate.

Then you decided to do the same thing, being Quorra's First Mate.

"Why can't you... leave me alone..." I growled, as the blade continued to lower, getting closer and closer to Troy's neck.

Get out.

Get out of my life, Troy.

I hate you.

I hate how you're so kind to me.

I hate how you're so kind to everybody.

"No. Stop." Troy's voice boomed across the arena, as my blade stopped, frozen, millimetres away from Troy's neck, as he held out his hand. My whole body was frozen. Troy got to his feet. The crowd went silent.

"Why are we fighting, Shane? We were friends. Do you remember? All the time we had together. That day I told you that I never really had any long term friends. You told me you would be the first. We went through thick and thin together. I don't get it. Why are we trying to kill each other? Why?"

I seethed, trying to escape the void bind.

"Licitian Potential: Kien Licita - 350%"

My body exploded in power, trying to escape, but it was no use. It was like Troy had created a conduit straight to the Void, locking me in place.

Troy levelled his Pangolin, aiming it at me.

"If I wanted, I could kill you easily. This fight was never meant for you to win. This fight was never meant for Shardis Licita to win. Maybe if you were still Shane Mayen, but right now, you're consumed by rage and bloodlust."

Don't.

Do NOT lecture me.

"GrrrrRARRRR" I growled, trying to escape the binds with as much of Kien's strength as I could, but it was no use. Not even Kien could escape these confines. It was seemingly vast and limitless.

"I'm not gonna kill you, Shane. I refuse. I win." Troy put his sword on the ground, and faced the crowd.

"I have defeated Shardis Licita. I am the winner."

No you are not.

Do you think I was just sitting in my chair doing nothing while you were out training?

What kind of leader am I if I'm not strong myself?

"Licitian Potential..."

Troy turned around, giving me a disappointed look.

"Stop, Shane. You've lost. You can't end the Void Bind. This is one of Quorra's most powerful abilities. The ability that cemented her position to be on the Valian Council. You can't-"

"Neumani Licita - 100%"

Instantly, the Void bind was broken, as I stumbled, regaining my balance. Troy's eyes went wide.

"How..."

I glared at Troy, as I rushed forward with Tricity's speed, and launched a devastating punch to his gut. Troy smashed into the other side of the arena.

The crowd roared in approval, as I turned towards my subordinates. Yelene looking at me proudly, while Quorra's face was pale.

I brought my forearm up.

"I'm going to end this. With a little irony." I said, as I concentrated.

"Lance Upload Protocol: QUORA Strangledome - 150%"

Instantly, dozens of chains erupted from my sheathe as Troy's body was retrieved from the wreckage, completely tied down by the binds.

I walked forward, my eyes threatening, as I brought my hand out. As much as I hated the Valians. I still observed them. Always watching. Always analyzing. I knew all about their meta builds. I knew all about it.

"Lance Upload Protocol: QUORA Whiplash - 350%"

My hand instantly materialized a glowing red whip as I brought my foot back, and swung the whip, as it lashed Troy. Blood erupted from his side as Troy yelled in agony. I brought my hand back and lashed him again. And again. And again.

"Die. Disappear. Disappear from my life, Troy." I growled.

By the eighth lash, my sheathe popped and smoked, indicating that it was on cooldown. The Strangledome undid itself as Troy crumpled to the ground.

I took out Ais and approached him.

"Don't do this... Shane..." Troy croaked.

I lifted my sword, when suddenly, Quorra screamed from the balcony.

"STOP! Shane! Please!"

My eyes widened as I hesitated, and at that moment, Troy took advantage of that moment of opportunity. That moment where I was exposed. Troy swept his leg and I hit the ground, banging my head against the cold rocky surface of Rathuum.

A purple bind appeared around my body as Troy hurled me into the ceiling. Smashing into the rocks, as I pulled out my Hellfire and fired in response. But Troy began void dashing around the arena, and closed in, slashing with his Pangolin Supra and cutting a deep gash into my chest.

"I'm sorry it has to be this way." Troy muttered, as he held out his hand, and blasted me with a powerful blast of void energy. I smashed into the ground.

Troy landed in front of me, his body purely ablaze with purple fire. He was going all out.

"Why did it end up like this, Shane? How did something so good end up into something so bad?"

I got to my feet. If he was going to go all out, so will I.

I clenched my fists as I assumed my stance.

Licitian Potential.

Ciel Licita's Skill.

Tricity Licita's Speed.

Kien Licita's Strength.

Neumani Licita's Negation.

Gunthel Licita's Constitution.

My cybernetic eye reticules focused on Troy, analyzing and determining the appropriate approach.

I readied Ais and drew Gram with my other hand.

"That's the thing, Troy." I replied.

"What we had never was good. It never was. Because for the longest time, since day one..."

I lowered my blades as I took a deep breath, Ciel's style fully engrained in my subconsciousness.

"I've always hated you."

A tear ran down Troy's cheek as he brought his hands back, generating an explosive burst of void power as he shot towards me. I readied myself and leapt forward, my foot leaving behind a shockwave as I met his charge.

Neither one of us was brought up in this future timeline.

Yet both of us were the stars of tonight. Because at the end of the day, the very pinnacle of all the unfairness in my life, was Troy. At the end of the day, this was the battle most important to me. A battle I could not possibly lose.

Troy Lucien vs. Shane Mayen.

Invasion

"I got screwed over." Troy said, as we checked our midterm exam results.

"You did?!" I asked, laughing, as I propped my feet on the table.

"Well, it's okay. Grades don't matter at the end of the day. Don't worry about it."

I was happy. I got above average in this exam, finally. Now I got to act cool about it, because I finally beat Troy-

"It was because half of my exam was marked. The instructor forgot to grade the last half of the exam. Ugh."

Troy turned to me.

"Could have gotten 100%. Ah, oh well."

I charged and slashed at Troy, cutting at all the Void constructs he created, as we zoomed and zipped across the entire arena. Leaving behind purple and white trails of energy due to our sheer unmatched speed.

"RAAAR!!!" I roared, as I charged up another arc of power, this time using Amber Licita's pyrokinesis and launching blasts of flame from Ais at Troy, who effortlessly dodged and retaliated with hundreds of Void Beams.

I dodged them all with Tricity Licita's speed and shot in with a downward thrust with Gram, but Troy opened his hand and blew me back as I smashed into the ceiling of Rathuum, coughing up blood.

I won't fall.

For the first time in my life, I felt like I had power.

I had the power of all my Licita ancestors, the best of the best of the Tora, at the palm of my hand.

I can't lose.

I held out my Harkanon and fired repeated rounds at Troy, utilizing my Cybernetic Eye to guide the bullets and trace him down, but Troy unleashed a powerful void wave which interfered with the signal, causing the bullets to ricochet.

"Yield, Shane!" Troy shouted, as he zipped in to slash at me. I kicked off of the ceiling and fired more anti-aircraft rounds at Troy, but Troy brought his foot back, and launched a slash that cut the barrel to my rifle in half. The gun exploded in my hand as I fell backwards.

"Hey, Shane?" Lily said. That night. I was with Lily that night on the rooftop. She told me she wanted to talk to me. This was it. The great confession that I had yearned for so long. If I could have only one thing in this unfair world, it had to be Lily. Please. If there was a god in this world, please, let me have Lily. Please.

"What's up?" I asked, trying to keep my mouth from quivering in nervousness.

"I wanted to tell you... for the longest time..."

"Tell me what?" I asked, my heart beating faster and faster.

"I like..."

Like?

"I like Troy. I'm sorry, Shane. You're a good guy, it's just-"

"I'm not good enough." I cut her off, as the disbelief shattered me from inside. Something inside me hurt.

It hurt.

It hurt a lot.

Lily glanced at me.

"I love Troy. I loved him ever since we met. Anyway... I guess I'm headed back to the plaza."

Lily left me alone as I stared at my reflection from the water of the campus fountain. If it was deep enough, I would have jumped in and never went back up. So I could save myself the pain by drowning to death.

Right now.

Right here.

I had to win.

Just once.

To not let this world play with me till the very end. Please fate. Please let this be my destiny.

I threw the busted Harkanon on the ground and took out my Hellfire.

"Licitian Potential: Serena Licita - 120%"

My sheathe began to glow as Serena's power imbued the device with extra energy.

"Lance Upload Protocol: MIRAGE Eclipse - 850%"

My Hellfire began to glow with a blinding white light as I yelled, firing significantly enhanced blasts of power at Troy. The bullets moving so fast that there was no way he could evade them.

Troy held out his hands as he tried to block the bullets, but the sheer force of the rounds shattered his void shield and cut into his body as he crumpled to the ground.

This was it. My opening.

I took a step forward as my sheathe disintegrated into pieces. I took out Ais and ran forward, the blade back as I swung as hard as I could.

"Want to know a fact about me, Shane?"

"What?"

"Of all my years in school, I've made a lot of friends. But they all came and go. I never had anyone to talk to long term. What I'm trying to say, is I don't have any real friends."

"I could be, if you want."

"Really?" Troy said, his eyes twinkled.

"I can be your first real friend. As long as we stick together." I said, smiling.

"It's a deal, man!" Troy held out his hand as I took it, shaking. This was the first time we had a heart to heart.

"Shane, no matter how bad it gets, no matter how shitty life gets, I'll always be there for you! I'll always help you out."

"Yeah? Same with you too, bud." I replied, as we walked back to the campus.

I reeled back, each beat of my heart becoming like a war drum, Ais inches away from decapitating Troy's head.

"Die. Disappear." I snarled, when suddenly, time seemed to stop.

I looked down, to see a Pangolin Supra blade sticking out of my midsection.

"Huh?"

Troy gave me a look of sympathy as his hand was outstretched, the blade piercing me right through my stomach as my body began to ramp up in pain. I stumbled back, choking out blood as Yelene cried out my name. The crowd went wild, as my subordinates were in shock, just like me.

"Shane, this was one of Quorra's first lessons. To always keep a clear head and not let your emotions get the better of you. Otherwise you let your guard down."

Troy stood up as I was forced to adjust myself to avoid the blade from sliding against my wound.

I struggled to speak or even breathe, as my vision began to turn blurry.

"I... lost...?" I muttered, in utter disbelief.

I...

Lost...

I lost my balance as the blade slipped through me. I fell on my back as my head hit the rock.

Troy turned to the crowds of Rathuum.

"I, Troy Lucien, have bested Shardis Licita in combat. And by the rules of the bout, I now have total control of the Revolutionist Movement."

No.

This...

This shouldn't be happening.

This wasn't how it was supposed to go down.

I was supposed to win.

"Kien... Ciel... Trinity..." I croaked.

"I need... your power..."

You cannot handle our power. As we speak, your soul is entering the Licitian Convergence. This is your last few moments of life, Shardis. Tricity's voice boomed in my head.

"No... please..." I begged, as my eyes began to water.

"Not like this..."

You restored honour to the Licita bloodline by retaking the Toron Corpo, albeit with questionable methods. That in itself, deserves praise.

"I want to live just a little longer."

That, unfortunately, cannot be granted.

"I can't... I can't lose... I can't." I gasped, trying to cling onto life, as Troy was about to deal a finishing blow, when suddenly, an explosion rocked the entire arena.

Troy stumbled, as I ripped the blade out of my body. Frantically recruiting as many drones in my body to heal my wound as possible before I passed out.

"What?" The announcer yelped, narrowly dodging a flying chunk of rock.

I couldn't believe my eyes, as the entire Rathuum arena was swarmed with explosions. The spectators running for dear life, as the roof of the arena was ripped off.

Troy tried to readjust himself, when suddenly, a dark ominous figure materialized in front of him, his white hair flowing with the winds of his movements.

"Ah. Troy. You can't kill him, unfortunately. That's not how it's supposed to go." SHADE said, as he turned to me.

"Fate dictates the full transformation of Shane Mayen to Shardis Licita."

Troy tried to swing his blade, but SHADE swiped his version of Ais and disarmed him quickly before side stepping, and knocking him in the head. I watched as Troy was easily defeated and crumpled to the ground.

Severens began to swarm the place from above, as both Scrava and other spectators were picked off. My people ran to my side.

"Master Shardis, await orders!"

I clenched my fist.

Were we enough to fight against these guys? Were we?

SHADE turned to the Legionnaires, who all brandished and aimed their weapons and fought off the Severens.

"Not bad. Each one of you is at least as powerful as Troy before he received his void upgrade."

"Why are you here." I growled.

SHADE regarded me.

"Not for you. Not for them. But for the devils."

"The devils?"

Suddenly, the arena was flooded with a new batch of warriors. Numerous Valians entered the fray, shooting Scrava and Severens alike.

SHADE pointed at a vessel, containing a young teenager inside. He was banging against the walls, trying to use his void powers to escape.

"Freud Timmins. MR24. I'm sure you know of the one Valian who tried to advocate class neutrality through his clan."

I knew. This guy tried to start a movement just like mine, according to Yelene. But in the end, it was just because he wanted something to gain on his end, and apparently, he himself was hypocritical to the ideology. From a Valian who was removed from the Clan, his testimony was this.

Lies and contradiction.

To say he didn't care about class and that everybody deserved to be treated the same.

Yet he put himself in an ultimate position, favouring those he liked, and abusing those he didn't.

Safe to say, the Clan never picked up momentum.

I watched as the Valians attempted to fight off the Severens with their weapons, brute forcing, but the Severens had upgraded their adaptation. The Shardinian Legionnaires were able to fight and kill due to possessing Quorra's void connection.

But one thing didn't make sense.

"Why are you telling me all this? Why help your enemy?" I asked SHADE.

SHADE turned around.

"Because of fate."

My hands began to shake.

"Enough of this fate BS. I want to know why. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I don't even know if I should trust you or not."

SHADE smiled.

"As impossible as it is, everything that I do is in accordance to fate. Showing you our secrets. Showing you our plan to lure out the Valians. It is all in accordance to fate. You believe by walking the path of fate you can be indestructible, but you are only scratching the surface. The thread of fate is convoluted."

I watched as my Legionnaires continued taking down the Severens left and right in a crossfire extermination. Several of the Legionnaires tried to fight the Valians, but Yelene called them off. She knew as they were now, getting vengeance was not possible.

SHADE held out his hands, and I felt myself get shackled to the ground.

"Do not interfere, Licita." SHADE said, as he jumped into the fray, killing Valians left and right. Making his way to one Valian in particular. One in a Helos Lance.

"Huh? You want some too big guy?!" Rinzler shouted, as he took out his Sawgun, firing repeatedly at SHADE but having the blades bounce off harmlessly.

"No. Don't." I muttered, as SHADE grabbed Rinzler's Helos and zipped into the ceiling, smashing the Lance into the rock.

For some reason, maybe it was because SHADE was my future self, I could hear everything coming out of his mouth. It didn't make things any less uncomfortable.

"Rinzler Thresh. For the longest time, I always wanted this. It seems fate was unkind to you today. But one's misfortune is another's victory."

"The hell are you even saying?" Rinzler grunted, struggling against SHADE's grip.

"How dare you rape my beloved Rinne. How dare you abuse her from the first day she became your adopted sister. I will enjoy getting my vengeance, for I have been waiting many years to do this."

"Wh- Wha?" Rinzler whimpered, as SHADE brought his hair back, and ripped Rinzler out of his Lance. I watched the Helos crumple to the ground.

Rinzler's eyes went wide with terror.

"You... Mayen! How?! Why?!"

"I loved her. I always loved her. But I could never have her because I was destined to be this. The pain of watching someone you love have her heart broken because of things you can't control, is the hardest pain in the world. You, Rinzler Thresh, have been a source of her pain. And now, I have the chance to do something about it."

"Wait. We can organize something. I can offer you the world, Mayen. I can give you my house. My Orbiter. My-"

"Don't you already know? I already have the world. I am a Licita. But the one thing I wanted the most, escaped through my hands. So I will settle things with the next best thing."

SHADE plunged Ais through Rinzler's midsection, as Rinzler squeaked in pain, his eyes brimming with tears and terror.

I watched as a future Shane Mayen dropped Rinzler's corpse from above, as it sailed and fell into the abyss of Rathuum.

I realized my shackles were undone, as SHADE landed in front of me, strapping Ais back on his back.

"Find her."

"What?" I asked, still in shock at what I just witnessed.

"Our Rinne. She is in that Murex." SHADE pointed at a ship that was from the air.

"Bring her home, and cherish her. Before it is too late."

"But what about Cap-"

"I cannot reveal this. Fate only wants one."

I turned to the chaos and fighting, as the Valians battled the Severens to get Timmins back, killing and slaughtering as my Legionnaires followed suit.

I stepped toward the light, the ship in full view.

"Rinne..."

I was going to rescue Rinne. That was one of the three. Yet... why wasn't I excited? Why did I feel so down?

Then it hit me.

I glanced at Yelene, who rallied our allies and ran to our side, as SHADE concealed himself from their view.

"Second thoughts, Shane?" Shardis asked.

"I- It's just... with Yelene..."

"Yeah."

For once, SHADE's face looked pained. This might have been the first time I saw the guy with any other emotion other than bloodlust.

"Between you and me, fate aside, I. No. We always wanted to be with Rinne. But fate had us with Yelene. We loved Rinne, but it was Yelene who had our baby."

"Wha... what happened to our kid?"

SHADE looked at me, with dead eyes.

"You will find out, in time. I cannot stay longer." SHADE turned around and entered a shadow, and disappeared.

SHADOW

I ran forward, intercepting a Valian who had just killed off a Severen.

"You... you're the Unarmored Valian, Shane Mayen!" The Valian said, but I clutched Ais, walloping the kid over the head and knocking him unconscious. I took his K-drive and flew into the air to the direction of the Murex.

"Rinne... Rinne, where are you!" I cried out, desperately, as my cybernetic eye focused towards anything that could have been her energy signature. If only Folock was here. But ever since I was taken into Quorra's vessel, my coms unit with the Lotuscraft had gone out. I was completely in the dark.

"Unrecognized proxy detected. Commencing defensive pro-"

KABOOM.

I lowered my Harkanon, the barrel still smoking as I rammed into the side of the ship.

"Give her back..." I growled, as I took aim again, firing over and over as the explosions rocked the hull.

"GIVE RINNE BACK!" I screamed, as I slammed my fist through the shell and ripped it open with Kien's strength. The vacuum pulled me in as I fell into a deep Severen room. The alien flesh of the Murex began to seal itself back again, as I found myself inside the ship.

I breathed heavily, panting and catching my breath as I assessed my inventory. My gear was completely trashed. Only one Harkanon and one Hellfire left. My sheathe was gone. Gram and Ais were still on my back, but Gram wasn't looking too great. From my fight against Troy, I could make out a crack forming on the edge of the blade.

But even so, I had to get Rinne back.

No matter what.

I aimed my Hellfire as I sneaked across the Murex, my cybernetic eye lighting the way and assessing the ship directory to show me any possible routes to Rinne.

As I continued walking, memories flooded my mind. Memories that warmed me up and what seemed like ages ago.

"How could you say these things?!" I asked Rinne, as Rinne put away the dinner plates.

"Because he is my brother, Shane. It doesn't matter what happens. I will always love him. No matter what."

"He hurt you. Molested you. Verbally abused you and called you an embarrassment. That isn't family. That's not even human."

Rinne sighed as she stacked a plate then turned to me, smiling.

"I like to believe everybody has a reason to act a certain way. The truth is, of all the Valians to be able to control the Void, I am said to have the most potential."

"Well, yeah. You're the healer of the Lotuscraft after all."

Rinne ran her hand through her hair. "Aw, that's really sweet of you. But of all the people who knew about that, Rinzler knew it the most. After all, he knew me the longest. He knew just how capable I was with the Void. And it was when I was taken in by the Thresh family, did he truly understand why. Why I was chosen to be a Thresh."

My memories shunted back into reality as I reached a door. I kicked it open, to see a girl floating in a tank. Wires connected to her body. Her face was pale, as if almost all of the life was sucked out of her.

"Rinne!" I cried, as I rushed forward, fumbling with the controls and releasing her. I put my arms around her body and tried to shake her awake. Rinne's head bounced aimlessly off my chest as I got to my feet and made my way to the exit as fast as I could.

"Mmmm.... Sha...ne?" Rinne muttered, as her eyes fluttered open.

"Rinne! Oh my god. I- I thought I lost you." I sobbed, wrapping her in a hug.

"I'm sorry... for worrying you." Rinne replied, as she ran her hand across the back of my head. I hadn't felt this warmth in such a long time.

"We need to get you out of here." I said, as I swerved the corner.

"Shane... put me down."

"No. We need to get you out of here-"

"Shane."

"Listen to me. This is an order. Your safety and wellbeing is my number one priority-"

"I'm not wearing any clothes."

I glanced at Rinne, her face was beet red, and the realization hit me. I was carrying her around while she was naked.

"R- Rinne... I... oh shit. Holy shit." I stammered, all cognition left my mind as I put her down, fumbling with my words.

Rinne looked away as she tried to cover herself. I took off my Licitian Toron Robes and handed it to her as she wrapped it around herself like a towel.

"Don't look at me like that." Rinne muttered.

"I'm not." I said.

"Yes, you are."

It took me a couple of moments to realize I really was staring at her. Like a complete pervert.

But I would trade in being called a pervert for the rest of my life to see Rinne again. After all those months. All that bloodshed. All that pain and suffering and stress thinking I wouldn't see anyone from the Lotuscraft Crew ever again.

"S- Sorry. Let's go." I led the way out of the Murex to the sounds of fighting.

"The K-drive is here. Take it and let's-"

Leaving? So soon, Shardis Licita?

Rinne and I froze at the exit, as we slowly turned around to see a menacing black Excalibur wielding a large great sword. War.

"SHADOW." I said. I turned to Rinne.

"Get out of here. Take the K-drive and run!"

Rinne stared at me.

"Did he call you... a Licita?"

"Just go!"

"Shane, I don't understand. Why is SHADOW calling you a Licita-"

"RINNE!" I snapped, causing her to jump. "Leave. I'm not gonna ask you again."

Rinne gripped the cloak as the sounds of fighting and winds caused it to flutter.

"Do you really want to keep doing this alone, Shane? After everything we have been through together. Are you going to leave me alone again?"

"No! I... I just... I lost you once. I can't afford to lose you again."

Rinne gazed at the battlefield dejectedly as she stepped onto the K-drive, driving off without looking back.

I could hear SHADOW laugh.

It's ironic. That the Valian girl left her abusive brother, for an abusive boyfriend. Isn't that what you would call, fate?

I took out my Hellfire and aimed, shooting SHADOW, who deflected the bullets with War.

"I'm gonna take you out, SHADOW. This time, I'm not letting you get away."

SHADOW charged, and closed the distance, but my eye had already increased by agility enough to deflect his strike with Gram just in time.

You have improved, Mayen.

I gritted my teeth, switching my Hellfire to shotgun mode and firing at SHADOW's midsection, as he weaved out of the way. I spun around fluidly and fired another round that caught him in the face.

I went low, putting Gram back and took out my Harkanon with my other hand, setting it to Anti-Aircraft, and fired a shell which caught SHADOW in the stomach. The explosion rocked the Severen as he crashed into the arch of the Murex.

"You're not that hard to figure out." I said, as SHADOW fired a laser ball at me. I switched my Hellfire back to Machine Pistol mode, my cybernetic eye focusing on the projectile as I fired, blowing it up mid air.

I aimed at SHADOW's kneecaps and sprayed, as SHADOW darted to the other side. I swapped my Harkanon with Gram, and slammed the blade into the ground, the shockwave tossing the Severen into the air. Then I took out Ais, leaping in.

"For a decent Valian, you're light work. And I've become stronger than an average Valian now."

Ais connected, as SHADOW crashed into the ground of the Murex. I stood above the Severen.

"How did it feel, messing with a Terran who barely knew what he was doing, then getting your ass kicked by that same Terran who trained his ass off to become stronger?"

SHADOW said nothing, as he got to his feet and readied War.

"Licitian Potential: Ciel Licita - Way of the Seventh Sense."

I brandished both Gram and Ais, as SHADOW and I clashed. I began to overpower SHADOW with Ciel's technique.

I slashed, and cut, severely damaging SHADOW's armour more and more with every slice.

"I'm gonna crush you Severens one by one. Starting with you." I sneered, as I kneed SHADOW in the chin.

SHADOW fell back, as I aimed Gram to his throat.

"Die." I said, coldly, as I brought the sword back.

SNAP.

"Wha-" I said, as I stumbled backwards. I stared at Gram, which had been cut in half. With speed even greater than before.

What just happened?

SHADOW got to his feet.

Did you think I was going to let a Licita kill me? After what the Valians did by forsaking the Toron, here stands before me, a Toron nobleman doing the same thing. Did you really think I would let that happen?

SHADOW's voice became more and more sinister as he got to his feet. War began to glow a brighter cyan.

Don't underestimate me, Shardis. Don't you dare undervalue everything that I had been through. Betrayal. Pain. Watching everything go so well, just to have it fall. That day, everybody was happy. It was the happiest day of our lives in the Toron. Then the bloodshed. It all went to hell because of the Valians. Only monsters can become strong in this world, and to become a monster, they must have the entire world taken from them.

SHADOW closed in with ridiculous speed, faster than before, and knocked Ais out of my hands, then slashed at my chest, my leg, and my arm as I skidded back. SHADOW then spun and kicked me into a column as I coughed out blood.

I crumpled to the ground as everything became blurry.

Did you truly think I was fodder? Second to your future counterpart? The SHADOW of the Severens will not stop until all the Valians are dead. For they took everything from me. You should be on my side. An heir to the house of Licita. You are a nobleman to the Toron empire. Just like me. To know you not only joined them, but you trivialized my reasons, my conquest. That. I. Will. Not. FORGIVE.

SHADOW grabbed my by the collar and launched me out of the Murex as I smashed onto the roof of Rathuum. Lightning boomed as SHADOW appeared over me.

The truth is, I am just a monster SHADE is. My power, shackled, by order of Lord Gargantua. But just this once. I will show you my true power. Because you have done what very few have managed to do. You have become something that I hate even more than the Valians. Release restraints. Level Zero.

SHADOW began to glow a demonic red as he lifted War, and blasted away from my field of view. Before I knew it, my body had sustained brutal damage, blood exploding from me as I was lifted into the air.

"Ack!" I coughed, my eyes wide from pain, as SHADOW appeared before me, materializing, and slammed me across the polluted city of Sedna. I smashed into a Toron Scrava cargo hold, denting the wall and slamming into the ground.

SHADOW approached me and grabbed my face.

"Ciel Licita 120%" I muttered, as I grabbed SHADOW's hand and twisted, throwing him off my back and launching him away, but SHADOW leveraged himself, and shot forward before I could react, flying into the air as we smashed through the walls of the Murex and tumbled into a large grand chamber, decorated with numerous Severen architecture and decorations.

I struggled to my feet, as my body began to leak blood, peppering the ground.

SHADOW brought War down, and slashed again, Gram shattering into pieces as I fell backwards.

The Seventh Sense's power can only sustain you for so long. Even SHADE cannot use the Licitian Potential forever. You most certainly cannot. From here on out, I will execute you. In the grand theatre of this Murex. The execution of a Toron noble, a sacrifice worthy of entertainment to Lord Gargantua and all the Severens.

I breathed hard, taking out my Harkanon, and my Hellfire. Ais was still somewhere in Rathuum from when SHADOW disarmed me. All I had were my guns.

I aimed and fired, my guns set to full automatic, the bullets being deflected by SHADOW's War as he rushed forward. I darted around, attempting to summon Tricity's speed. But I was fatigued. I couldn't summon any more than 15%. And SHADOW was only getting faster.

I continued darting around, evading and dodging. I knew I couldn't keep this up. I was hoping a lucky bullet would manage to catch him in a weak spot in his armour.

I wasn't so lucky, as SHADOW managed to get the first hit in. A side cut into my ribs as I growled in pain, collapsing.

SHADOW approached me and swung War, disarming my Harkanon, then smacked me in the side of my face as I flew the other direction, skidding across the chamber. The sounds of War scratching the ground echoing in the large room.

I tried to get to my feet.

I couldn't die now.

There were people waiting for me.

Rinne.

The Revolution.

Yelene.

And above all else. Everybody in the Lotuscraft crew. They needed me.

I shakily aimed my Hellfire at SHADOW, as he laughed.

Pathetic. You claim to destroy the Severens with your so called movement. Your so called Shardinians. Yet you struggle in a single duel. This is the end for you, Shardis Licita.

SHADOW brought War down, as I closed my eyes.

"Dammit!" I yelled, when suddenly, the blade stopped mid air.

I looked to my right to see what had interfered SHADOW, as a Helos Lance stepped forward, kicking SHADOW back.

My eyes widened in disbelief.

"You... you're supposed to be... but how? How are you still alive, Rinzler?"

The Lance turned to me, and to my shock, Rinne's voice resonated from within the armour.

"Because I'm not Rinzler, Shane. And I'm not leaving you alone. Never again."

Rinne resolved out of Helos in an operator uniform and hugged me, her warmth spreading across my body as my wounds began to heal.

"No more fighting alone Shane. Let's take SHADOW, together. Okay?" Rinne pulled away and stroked my hair.

"Y-Yeah." I said, as I got to my feet.

Rinne resolved into Helos once more, as the two of us faced SHADOW.

Having a Valian on your side will not turn the tables, Mayen. This will only add more to the sacrifice. A Licita and a Valian, dead at my feet.

Rinne drew her axe and took her stance.

I cocked my Hellfire pistol and took aim.

"We'll see about that." I said, as Rinne and I charged the Severen.

Mutation

"Do you have any dark thoughts?" The voice in my head asked me.

"Yeah." I responded, honestly.

"Hatred. Anger. Malice. Vengeance. It seems our mood has only ever been these four. Why?"

"You know why."

"But I want you to say it, Shane. Why do you have these thoughts?"

I could feel my body sinking. SHADOW must have knocked me out. But none of that mattered. Even if I was in the middle of a battlefield, it seemed like nothing mattered.

Just me alone with my dark thoughts, and my voices.

"I want to leave. But I need money. I need to find work and a place to live. Yet he's pushing me for a timeline."

"Yes. A timeline."

"A date. A fixed date."

"Why is that?"

"Because I told him. I told him I wanted to leave. I didn't like living there. Because he always attacked me."

"But he said he never did, did he?"

"Of course."

Of course he would say that. He had a way of words. A deceptive, cunning, yet vile way with words. To manipulate it against me, even if he himself was the one who hurts others.

"Fundamentally, the bad guy should lose, right?"

"Not this time." I muttered.

Physical abuse is easy.

You can always call the cops and find a way to make it out financially.

It's when the abuse is verbal.

There is no grounds for me to report this to anybody.

"Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt-"

"I hate that saying." I interrupted the voice.

Give me a date. I want a date when you leave. Also a date when you pay me back all the money I wasted on you. You say you want to move out? You say you hate me? Want vengeance? Do you even have a right to say any of that? How about this. I won't pay for any of your things anymore. No tuition. No food. You'll be doing all of the labor every single day.

"I never wanted to even be here." I told the voice.

"I never asked to be born."

I shook my head. The voices. The deep sense of fatigue and depression that was washing over me. It was so intense that I felt nothing about my battle with SHADOW.

The voice continued.

"But it's wrong. To say these things. You live under his roof. You need to do as he says."

"So abuse is okay?"

"Is it? It's all words after all. As long as you do what you're told."

"But even when I did, he still attacked me."

"Yet no one else complains. I'm sure everybody else has been through this before. Do you really think you're in the right to snap back at your fath-"

"He is not my father."

I could feel something inside me want to erupt. A tingling sensation that started to turn painful.

"But he was the one who paid for everything. Your school. Your food. The internet. Everything."

"Yet he also verbally abused me. Yelled at me for the smallest things. Made everything a living nightmare of exchange and trade. What kind of father demands compensation for food they bought for their infant son?"

"I'm happy he died."

My back burst in pain, as something red began to rip out of my skin, turning into alien flesh.

Severen flesh.

"I hate him."

More pain, this time along my other arm. The one arm that wasn't replaced by cybernetics, was turning red and black, just like the texture of Ais.

"I wanted to kill him."

My leg began to transform, as the voice laughed.

"I wanted to make him pay."

"Why do you want to make him pay, Shardis Licita?"

I closed my eyes, as wave after wave of fatigue and defeat washed me over, dousing me. Almost like it was cleansing the rage away, but leaving behind something barren.

"I will never forgive him. He disowned me once when I defended my mom, forgiving everybody in the family but me. Then he selectively abused me again. It's just me. And if he wants to single me out like that, then I'll single him back the same way."

The side of my face began to transform, mutating into Severen metal. Transforming me into a monster.

"I'm glad he died. But I wish I had the power to bring him back to life, so I can kill him myself."

My hair began to turn white, the roots turning white as I watched my black hair starting to disappear, assimilating before my very eyes. It was all over.

Why was I so scared about this? This wasn't so bad. I'm free. Free from Shane Mayen. Free from all the burdens of living my life. I can embrace my life as Shardis Licita. The head of the Licita noble household. The leader of the Revolutionist Movement.

Then becoming SHADE.

The most feared entity in the cosmos. I wouldn't be bound anymore.

"But there is one thing I want to ask you, Shane."

I stopped, as the voice got in real close. Like it was whispering in my ear, but I couldn't feel its breath.

"Why were you crying when he died?"

I paused.

"What... are you talking about?"

The voice continued.

"When he was ripped apart. You shed tears. If such a man is as terrible as you say, to the point where you thought about killing him, why would he risk his life to protect you from that Severen that day?"

"That..." My voice trailed off.

Why did he protect me? There was a reason behind it. I knew it. I should know why.

My transformation began to slow down, as my hair's whitening process began to stall to a halt, leaving behind half whitened strands.

"Was it all bad, Shane?" The voice began to change. Almost like it was being overridden by something. The voice, started off like my own, began to sound feminine. Like a woman's. Soothing. Calming.

"I-" I stammered.

"In the end, he was your father. Don't you remember? All those times he gave you love. Affection. When you were a little boy."

My vision went back in time, to an image of a man, who was a little bit older than me. Probably around 26. He was holding a little kid in his arms. His face was full of joy and happiness. My mom was exhausted from doing chores, but she also had a smile on her face. But that man.

His smile was the biggest in the room.

He lifted a kid version of me up high.

"Dana. We finally did it. I know he isn't ours. But... he's my son. Our son. Can you believe it? I have a kid. I'm... I'm..." Tears leaked down his face.

"I'm a father, Dana. I'm a dad."

The voice returned.

"He loves you. From the bottom of his heart, he always did. Maybe it was a little twisted. Maybe it was a little malformed. Maybe it was a little toxic."

My Toron implants began glowing, fighting back the Severen infection in my body as everything came into balance. Both Severen and Toron in my body, balancing each other out. Cancelling each other out, as everything began to turn bright.

It was then did I realize who that voice belonged to. It wasn't the voice in my head anymore. It was someone else.

The voice was Rinne's.

"That's why he chose to protect you that day. Because he loved his son. And because you loved your father, you cried when he died. You got angry because he died. You wanted to kill the Severens because he took your father from you."

My vision returned, as I made out the surroundings of the Murex theatre. SHADOW had backed off, as I realized my body was emitting pulses of red energy. Rinne's Lance was completely shredded, but her hands were glowing gold, as I felt her embrace through the Toron engineering of her late brother's Lance.

"Come back to me Shane. We still have to win this fight." Rinne said, as I regained my composure.

SHADOW hesitated.

Severen flesh. This is unexpected. Lord Gargantua never...

Rinne cut him off as she sliced down with her axe, but SHADOW dodged.

Shardis Licita. I can see why you were sent back.

I was motionless.

"What are you talking about..."

Rinne turned to me.

"Now isn't the time, Shane! We need to finish him off while he's disoriented!"

SHADOW holstered War.

A Licita denied of his heritage. Forced to live a life in another timeline. His identity, shattered. His goals, shattered. His dreams, shattered.

Rinne tried to charge forward, but I stopped her.

"Shane-"

"No." I ordered, as I pointed a finger at SHADOW.

"What are you talking about. Why was I sent back? What do you mean my goals and dreams being shattered."

From within his twisted Excalibur mask, it was almost as if SHADOW was laughing. Like he was enjoying every second of it as he brought down the heavy truth.

Shardis Licita. As you may have guessed, you are destined to become SHADE, the Great Valian Killer.

Rinne clenched her fists. Her Helos Lance was in critical condition, as the sounds of combat filled the air outside of the Murex.

"Shane..." Rinne muttered, as SHADOW continued.

But no Licita has proven to be such a powerful force on their own. We Severen have been at war with the Toron for eons. And in our many millennia of existence, we had conquered many civilizations. But not once have the Severens encountered a being like SHADE. His power. His skill. His abilities. They are all crucial to our forces.

SHADOW pointed at me.

Many Licita have served the Toron Empire. From Ciel Licita, the General of the Tora, to Neumani Licita, the Great Tinkerer. The Streak of Altra, Tricity Licita. All of which suffered a similar fate. They simply were not strong enough. But SHADE was different. SHADE was special. Even amongst the Licita. And for the longest time, our people could not understand why. How could a Licita be so strong? But now, I understand why.

"That's enough." Rinne said.

"Shane, he's playing with your mind. We need to get out of here. We need to find Deka and Aurora. We need to-"

"No." I said, my eyes glued on SHADOW.

"I need to hear this. Why was I sent back in time. Why is SHADE so strong. Why. There's so many questions I have about my life. Why was I denied my heritage."

SHADOW put War back onto his back as he paced the Murex. He knew full well that we were not going to attack him.

Severen flesh. SHADE. Licita. SHADE was never transformed into a Severen, like Ballard was. I'm sure now you know why.

I stared at SHADOW as the realization dawned on me. I dropped both of my weapons as they clattered to the ground.

"Shane...?" Rinne's voice trailed away.

"No... this doesn't... this can't be..."

Severen flesh.

SHADE never was transformed into a Severen.

Meaning SHADE was always a Severen.

Meaning...

Shardis Licita is half Severen. SHADOW laughed, his voice echoing throughout the Severen theatre.

Half a Licita. Half a Severen. For the people of such a noble household, to have a Severen as their heir. Simply was not an option. It has all come together, little Licita. Why you were denied of your birthright. Because it was never yours to begin with.

I looked at Rinne, as she had resolved out of Helos, her face was pale in shock.

"I'm..." I muttered.

Rejoice, Halfling. For you have been blessed with the glorious power of the Severens. A naturally born halfbreed. Unlike one such as I, who's Severen flesh was grafted onto me by the great Father, Gargantua. You are a natural born. The first of your kind. As you fully embrace who you are, you will become the most powerful being in this universe. You will become the Great Valian Killer.

Revelation

"You're going to adopt Arsani?" I asked, incredulous, at the faces of the Licita nobles.

"Don't, Price." Ikes held me back before I could strike with my Lance.

I couldn't let these people take my little brother away from me.

Over my dead body.

Arsani was all I had left.

Mom.

Dad.

They became mad from the Void incident. They tried to kill us. Whoever those two adults were, they were no longer our parents. I remembered that day, when Mom held out a knife.

A knife that was bestowed upon the Price bloodline. Of Toron origin. Handed down generation after generation, from the first day our ancestors had defended each other from when they had to fend for themselves in the forests of Sanguine, to the days the Price family would use the blade to protect their own from robbers and muggers due to our low class.

That knife stood for hope.

And Mom was using that knife to kill Dad. Then she turned to Arsani.

That twisted smile.

Ikes stopped me from attacking Kirin and Caterena Licita.

"Don't, Dekani. If you attack, we'll have to fight their guards. We can't declare war against a Toron Noble."

"We're not loyal to the Toron. After what they did to Freya. What's one more enemy, Ikes?" I muttered.

Ikes shook his head.

"Just don't. This is for the betterment. For our war against the Severens we don't have a choice. Once the war is over, we will all strike. But now, we need to be patient. That is the way of the Valian."

I turned back to the noble family, still resolved in my Lance. The Volt Lance armour concealing the rage in my eyes.

"If my little brother goes to you, I don't want him to know. If you are going to take care of Arsani, please. Treat him like your own. Treat him like an heir. I don't want him to walk the path of a Price."

Kirin nodded.

"I understand. I know it must be painful to part with Arsani. From this day forth he will walk his life as a Licita."

Caterena ran her hand on Arsani's sleeping face.

"Nios. Toron for anew. From this day forth, Arsani will be reborn. He will live a life as a noble. Free from the bloodshed of the Valian. Free from the discrimination of the Price family. He will be known as Arsanios Licita."

We were about to leave, but Kirin stopped me.

"I must have a word with you. Regarding... my son."

I gritted my teeth, turning to Ikes.

"Leave us."

Ikes bowed before the Licitas and took his leave.

"We have a scheduled raid in a few hours, Price. Don't be late."

Kirin led me to his room, an office, and sat down.

"Will you stay in that Lance during this meeting, Valian?" He asked.

I hesitated, which caused Kirin to raise an eyebrow.

"You do not trust me. That is good. Despite the controversial upbringing of the Valian, brought up from the Void incident, to the rumoured experimentation by the Toron and Lord Ballard, I hold respect to warriors."

"Yet the Licita bloodline have renounced their rights to hold a blade in battle."

Kirin ran his finger against the desk.

"We are nobles. Our strength lies in politics and conflict resolution. Our time as warriors have passed. But your time, Valian, has yet to come. I have predicted that much."

Kirin tapped his temple.

"Every Licita possesses a unique power. The Grand Licitian Convergence allows the House of Licita to uphold excellence in all fields of combat, even if we are pacifist now. My power, is the ability to read the time stream."

"And I suppose you predicted the future?"

Kirin nodded gravely.

"My son. Shardis Licita. The reason why Arsani has been adopted to our family, is because Shardis Licita cannot possibly be the next heir. And it is my fault."

"I don't... understand..." My voice trailed away, as Kirin gazed out the window into the streets of Luam.

"You may be a powerful warrior. Valians who outclass even the mighty Tora themselves. But in the end, you still a child. And children will never understand such things."

"Give it to me straight, Kirin."

Kirin looked at me.

"Caterena is not Shardis' mother. From the day I met her, I had an affair with another. I brought her to my bed. She was enticing, and we made love. And from her, came Shardis."

Kirin's hands clenched into fists.

"A Severen."

My heart stopped.

"You..." I tried to prevent myself from taking out my Braton Supra and shooting him point blank.

"You laid with a Severen?!"

Kirin analyzed me.

"Does that anger you, Valian?"

"Yes it does. Do you truly think me foolish enough to hand Arsani over to a traitor to the Toron?!"

"Yet... you. Dekani Price. Are you not doing the same thing? Are the Valians not plotting their revenge against the Toron for killing Freya?"

My mouth went dry.

Kirin continued.

"We are aware of this. Of the inevitable. I am aware of this. It is my ability to see the future to a certain extent. I know what becomes of the Toron Empire. And because of this, I know what becomes of my son. To take in Arsani Price and convert him into Arsanios Licita. It is all part of the time stream. It is all fated to end this way. I cannot have a Severen become an heir to the Licita bloodline. Shardis, no matter how much love I give him, is fated to be overwhelmed with darkness. And he will weaponize our family name."

"And you would make the assumption that your own son would turn into a tyrant? You said it yourself. Your ability to see the time stream is limited. How do you know for sure that Shardis will become a tyrant?"

Kirin shook his head.

"He will be. Because I have seen his fate. I have seen what he becomes. He will embrace his Licita side. But then he will recognize that the Severen side is superior. And he will use that, and eventually he will accept it. I want... what's best for both him and our family. Should he be overwhelmed by the darkness, I cannot possibly give him more power to feed into it."

Kirin clenched his teeth, as a tear ran down his face.

"You will never understand, because you are a child. But I love Shardis. I don't want him to suffer. If it means denying him his heritage to protect him. I... I will do everything in my power to change his fate. I will do everything in my power to change his future. Because I love my son. I love him to the point where I would gladly hurt him to save him. And you, Dekani Price, I am sure you feel the same way about Arsani. You want him away from the war with the Severens. That is why you let us take him."

I slowly got up from my seat, and left the mansion.

"Dekani Price. Know this. My ability may be limited, but I am certain of one thing. The Valian. The mightiest of the Toron. Even the Valian will not stand to Shardis' might. In the end, Shardis will kill your people too."

I watched as Caterena put on a memory loss drug into Arsani's drink before giving it to him.

I turned around to see my little brother for the last time.

Shardis Licita.

I headed to my Landing Craft, overlooking the city of Luam, and there, I noticed. A young boy playing in the garden. He had black hair just like Kirin's and a face that looks so innocent. This boy.

This boy was going to be the one to end the Valians.

Several months later, the Severens attacked. They fought off the Tora, killed many. Then moved forward to slaughter the people of the Toron. But the Valian, the Toron's prized jewels, the epitome of experimental success, in our Lances, fought back the Severens. Our might was too much for them, and we drove them away.

It was during this time, did I learn of the deaths of Kirin and Caterena Licita. Two Severens had infiltrated the Licita household. One male, and the other female. The male assassinated Kirin and Caterena. Then proceeded to slaughter another noble named Lilac, who was Arsanios' girlfriend at the time. The female, she claimed to be Shardis' mother.

But it didn't matter. Because in the end, my prerogative was to annihilate the Severen.

Because I was a Valian.

The Severen had Shardis in arms reach, but she could never reach her son, because I had already shot her in the head. I hated what I did. I shot this boy's mother in cold blood right before him. It was only irony that he did not know of her identity.

As the war progressed, I continued fighting with my brothers and sisters of the Valian. Until one day, I recognized one Valian recruit.

"Dekani Price, Ikes Dronol. For this mission, you will be paired with these Valian recruits. Please look after them."

The recruit went up to me and shook my hand.

"I am Arsanios Licita. I look forward to fighting by your side."

My face was pale. The blood had already left it the moment I saw his face.

I shook my brother's hand like a stranger.

"Dekani. Likewise."

During that raid, a Severen had managed to kill two of ours. One was a recruit. And the other was Ikes. Impaled by one of the Severen's limbs.

I watched as Ikes bled to death. His Lance shredded and in pieces.

Yet Arsani simply looked at the corpses with no emotion.

"Death is part of war. I will avenge our brothers." Arsanios said, coldly.

After the war ended, the Toron bestowed upon us gifts and honours as heroes to the empire. But we did not accept them. They still owed us for what they did to Freya.

For what Ballard did to Freya.

And so we brought our weapons down. The blades against their necks. The sounds of gunfire tearing apart the Toron.

The Toron Empire collapsed.

For months on end, we were without anyone. Freya was all we had to a mother. And she was killed. Until we met Lena.

Queen Lena, who looked after us. We did not know of her origins. But she was like a source of warmth. Something we never felt in a long time. It was Lena who filled the hole in our hearts. And it would be Lena to send us into stasis.

To allow us to escape our sins as killers.

At some point, we awoke from our slumber. Lena had woken us from our hibernation, nursing us back to health and, we became mercenaries to the Star System. But by the time we had awoken, everything was different.

The Toron Empire was no longer. For it had split into multiple factions.

The Toron Scrava, a faction of genetically engineered and mutated humans.

The Toron Corpo, a faction of industrialization, business, and profit.

The Infested, a monstrous faction of mutated humans with no sense of intelligence or basic human function.

As we continued to return to our place as the Valian, we had formed alliances. Clans and Legions to cooperate. At this time, I decided to revisit the Licita household.

"Dekani, fancy seeing you here again." Arsanios opened the door himself, against his maid's wishes.

"Lord Arsanios, you must let us tend to the door next time!"

"Come now, Yelene. We are all family here." Arsanios smiled. His time as a Valian had made him a cold hearted killer. But his time away from the Licita household made him long for them, and he treated them like his own.

It was painful, but it made me happy to know Arsanios was loved. Even if the family he was with was not by blood.

Arsanios himself led me through the mansion like a tour guide. All around me, the maids bowed before us.

"This is... father's office." Arsanios' face went grim.

"I'm sorry." I said.

Arsanios took a breath.

"It is alright. He was a great man. Feel free to take a look."

I stepped in, resolved out of my Lance, and read the files.

And that was when I discovered it.

"Blueprints?"

I flipped through the pages, making sure Arsanios wasn't around. Because of the nature of the noble household, surveillance was not a thing, and Arsanios trusted me, being a Valian himself.

My heart stopped.

"What is this..."

I stared at the blueprints to some sort of time warp device.

"Time warp..."

This was the technology that must have displaced Shardis away. And was the same technology that the Severens had developed to destroy us once and for all. We had no means to replicate it. And I never understood how the Severens could obtain it. And now I knew. They got it from the Licita.

If news got out about how the Severens could eradicate us from existence, it would lead to widespread panic amongst our people.

I had a means to stop the Severens. And if that was possible... if I could go back in time...

I took the papers with me before bidding Arsanios farewell.

* * *

"Folock."

"Yes Operator!"

"Integrate this into our Orbiter."

"Is this... timewarp technology?"

"Yeah."

Folock began making weird incomprehensible noises.

"But Operator, this technology is wildly unstable. The statistical probability of us landing into a war zone may be high. Not to mention the durability of this craft! Oh dear! I don't feel like this is a good idea."

I clenched my fist.

Shardis.

This kid was forced to live a life away from his family. He didn't deserve this. But I knew for a fact that if I brought him back here and revealed everything, it would make it worse. I would instantly kickstart his future as a monster.

I remembered that Severen that invaded the Licita household. I recognized him. Because over time, I began to detect his presence. His aura. It made him frightening. It made him infamous. His accomplishments began piling up until he did the impossible.

He managed to infiltrate the Valian Gladiator Alliance. The strongest Alliance in Valian history.

But this kid was being forced to live a life against his will.

And if the rumour was true that the Severens were going back in time to erase us from existence, it meant they might go back in time to destroy the past.

Shardis would die to those monsters. Alone. Without any family.

I had already killed his mother. I had already done so much. I needed to make it up to him.

I needed to go back in time to save Shardis.

Shane Mayen

"Please! Take me with you! I have no one else. I... I'll scrub your floors man. I'll call you king. You like that right? Alien shit?"

My eye twitched in annoyance.

Was this really Shardis Licita?

The heir to the Licita bloodline?

I looked him once over. He looked poorly groomed. His hair was so long it reached his shoulders. He had grown muscles all over his body like a repulsive bodybuilder. But his face, it was desperate.

He must have went through a lot.

Kirin... how could you do this to your son?

"What is your name?" I asked.

"Sh- Shane. Shane Mayen." Shardis responded.

So his name was changed too. I shook his hand.

"From this day forth you will be my first mate. I will be your captain. Welcome aboard the Lotuscraft."

Shane cried out and immediately fell to his knees, grovelling.

"Th- Thank you man. I- I don't know how to thank you enough. Thank you. Thank you."

My heart hurt to see a noble reduce himself like this. To see a Licita reduce himself and castrate himself before me. From the day he was such a high class boy playing in the mansion. Now here he was, his face covered in grime and soot. Dragging his face on the ground hysterically, covered in tears as the two foster parents he had were killed right before his very eyes.

"Yo, Deka?"

"Deka?"

"Yeah. Deka. I mean, Dekani. Deka for short. Sounds good don't you think?"

"I... um... suppose so."

"This ship is frickin amazing man. I can't believe you stole your own Clan's rail jack to make it!"

"Yeah." I said, as I couldn't look him in the eye.

I was feeding him so many lies.

So many false stories.

There were many things that I told him. Some were true. Some were not.

I remembered what Quorra had told me after SHADE had infiltrated her Alliance.

"Our Railjacks. Our Necrons. Our heavy hitting equipment. We were lucky that SHADE didn't get access to these things. If he did, it would be a huge disadvantage to us in this war. They could quite literally turn the tide. These are our trump cards."

If Shardis gave in to his transformation into SHADE, I could not let him access those pieces of equipment.

And so, I fed him the lie that each Valian did not have access to a Railjack. I fed him the lie that I never met him before. I fed him lie after lie after lie.

And from these lies, Shane saw me as a brother. He looked out for me and I looked out for him. Guided him and reprimanded him whenever he acted out of hand. I taught him the way of the Toron. Not the way of the Severen.

Every day I felt like telling him the truth. But I would always stop myself. Because I knew if the truth came out, his spiral to becoming the monster Kirin predicted would catalyze.

The end of Shardis Licita.

And the beginning of someone worse.

The beginning of The Great Valian Killer.

The beginning of SHADE.

"What the hell?! That's unfair!" Shane shouted at me.

I had reprimanded Shane due to attacking Rinzler and his two Valian lackeys. There was a lot of political tension arising in Luam. Class and social status overrode everything. In terms of power, the Valian had both political and physical superiority.

But that wasn't the only reason why I had him reprimanded.

"Unless you learn to hold back, I'm not letting you out on the field. Besides, this mission is a spy mission. The last thing we need is some gun slinging lunatic alerting the enemy!" I told Shane sternly.

Shane backed down, but he still looked upset.

I regarded my first mate.

Shane Mayen.

Shardis Licita.

His primary precept was to walk the life of a hero. But his idea of being a hero was twisted. And it took me so long to realize that.

Being a hero sometimes meant to kill.

But to kill did not make you a hero.

That was what Shane never understood. This was something I had tried to drill in his head ever since he became my first mate. But the more I watched him grow as a warrior, the more I began to realize that if I kept letting him do what he wanted he would eventually wind up in the same situation Kirin didn't want.

I resolved into my Loki Lance and joined Rinne as we headed into the Landing Craft. From the field of my vision I could still see Shane sulking.

"Quorra." I spoke into the coms.

"Deka!!! How are you." Quorra responded.

"I need you to do something for me."

"What is it?"

"I want you to watch over Shane. Just for a little bit. I'm going to the Veil."

"The Veil? Deka, are you sure? You know you won't be able to survive it at your mastery rank. At least let me send some of my subordinates to-"

"No." I cut her off.

"They will never support me. I have to do this without Shane. It's just way too much risk if I bring him with me. It's bad enough I'm dragging Rinne with me."

Quorra was silent for a few seconds.

"Okay, Deka. You better come back in one piece. We need you, even if everybody thinks you're a traitor."

"That's fine by me. I want what everybody wants, and that's to have Lena back. If we send everybody to the Veil, there will be a chance we all get wiped out in the Severen home system. But at least if I die, it's not a big loss."

"I really hate that about you, Deka. That mentality of yours is no different than the Toron Scrava."

"I'll do what I need to do." I answered her, as I shut off my coms.

I'll do what I need to do.

I owe Shardis that much for killing his mother.

I owe Arsani that much for abandoning him.

Even if it was for the purpose of a better tomorrow, I can never forgive myself.

Etreum.

To save by deceiving.

An old Toron word that was what Lord Ballard had lived by. He thought he could save the Toron Empire by deceiving Freya, allowing her to look after us when in reality what she was doing was nurturing a new species of killers.

I hated Ballard for that. So much that I joined my brothers and sisters of the Valian to slay the old man's trusted officials during the honours ceremony.

Yet here I was doing the same thing.

Difference between revisions of "ETREUM"

Latest revision as of 04:57, 30 August 2021

Contents

Severen

Mantle

Shardis Licita

The Shardinian Revolutionist Movement

Troy Lucien vs. Shane Mayen

Invasion

SHADOW

Mutation

Revelation

Shane Mayen

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-==Prologue==
+==Severen==
-The Grail.
+For the next few weeks, Quorra and Troy brought me along with them to search for Deka's crew.
-The one sought prized treasure. Each year, a team of the most powerful warriors would assemble to do bloody combat to win over the grail and fulfill one wish.
+From what we had gathered, Deka was somewhere in the past Star System.
-These battles would be great and mighty, but incredibly violent. Their violence spreading across the world. Causing massive catastrophe and disaster.
+Somewhere in the dark sector.
-My name is Ethereum, Ether for short. I am what you can call an Etreum, a shadow based mage. I specialized in spy and reconnaissance missions. So upon hearing that the item I needed to complete my mission was a grail, you know what that means.
+And at some point, his coms went out.
-"You're going to steal the Holy Grail?!" Ashley yelped.
-"Absolutely!" I said, standing tall and proud.
+Quorra tried to get Yelena, her Ship Dataform, to contact Folock, but there was no luck.
-"How can you say that all high and mighty?! What happened to the grail being sought after by the most powerful warriors through bloody combat?" Jake asked.
+"Don't worry, Shane. We'll find them." Quorra reassured me.
-"Well, you see..." I laughed nervously.
+I sat on the bed Quorra had tried to make for me. She had Yelena create a personal quarters for me, claiming she knew exactly what I wanted. In other words, she didn't know jack shit about me.
-"I'm not exactly a fighter..."
+I stared at the numerous dumbbells and gym equipment that I just didn't need neatly racked all around my room. There was a poster of Reagan Glass, the champion bodybuilder of her time, flexing his guns at me every time I woke up in the morning.
+The words "DON'T PULL OUT, PULL UP!" Were plastered at the top of my doorframe. For a 16 year old girl, Quorra had quite a dirty mind. It made me kind of scared.
-Jake grabbed me by the collar.
-"You idiot! But you said you were a damn Etreum with shadow magic powers. What do you mean you can't fight?!"
+I sighed and got up, bonking my head on a punching bag that Quorra had installed from the ceiling, and walked up to Ais, inspecting it.
-I suddenly dropped my airhead act. My grimoire materialized in front of me, opening and flipping to the page I wanted.
+Severen metal and Severen designs. The thing looked demonic, but sported its own grace to some degree. It was weird. I knew the Severens and the Torons were both rivalling factions. But you would think with their eight appendages and alien-like appearance, they would be living in some kind of spaceship like the movie ''Alien''.
-''Shadow Magic: Umbral Bind''
-Black chains erupted from within the shadows of the room as Jake was tied up.
+Not quite the case.
-"Jake!" Ashley cried out, as she instantly burst into red flames.
-"You dare attack my beloved, human?!" She snarled, as she leapt at me.
+These past few weeks have been nothing but a rollercoaster of emotions. No matter how much I tried to fight back at fate, it just came back to bite me in the ass. SHADE was right; fate never stops messing with you. I thought I had a new life, fighting alongside Captain Price, in his battle to get his mother back.
-I reached within my trench coat and drew my Garrison M55. I took aim and fired, shooting her square in the chest and sending her crashing into the couch. Her wounds were already starting to regenerate. Made sense. I wasn't using Black Bullets. If I did, she would be dead. Which would instantly terminate my contract. Which would mean my sister was going to beat me up for failing to bring food to the table.
+My days spending time with Rinne.
+Chilling with Umbra and Flippy.
-I broke open my gun.
+Letting Aurora try out new foods and cuisine like an older brother.
-"Let's not resort to combat!" I said, cheerfully.
+But now, I couldn't have any of that. With the truth being revealed.
-I reached into my grimoire and pulled out several glowing dark bullets, loading them into my gun.
+I am SHADE's past self. I would eventually grow up to become the Severen's greatest monster. Everything I had with Captain Price would disappear. No. It was already beginning. I could only hope they were safe. But safe from SHADE and the Severens? Was that even possible?
-"I could easily kill you with my Black Bullets, succubus." I said, coldly.
-Ashley calmed down.
+Quorra had my back. But even Quorra herself admitted she stood zero chance against SHADE. And even if I chose not to believe her, I witnessed it myself. When she joined the top ten of the Valian Council to take down SHADE, only three of them survived. And SHADE let them go on purpose to prove a point.
-I let go of Jake.
+As long as SHADE was with the Severens, we were at a severe disadvantage.
-"Right now, what we're looking for is the Grail to turn her into a human. There doesn't exist magic that can change a succubus into a human. The only way is the Grail. And to speak the truth, I'm not a fighter. The only thing I can do is bind and shoot with regular ass guns. So realistically, the only way we can get a hold of it is to steal it!"
+SHADE couldn't be beaten.
-Ashley began to sob as she buried her head into Jake's shoulder.
+I put my hand on Ais. The only Valian that had ever fought toe to toe with SHADE was the legend himself, Zennen Ful. With Zennen on our side, the Valians believed they stood a chance against the Severens. But Zennen had gone missing for years. No one knew what happened to him. At this point, many of the mid tier and low ranking Valians questioned if such a Valian even existed.
-"Oh Jake, I just... I don't want to be this thing anymore. What are we going to do?"
-Jake stroked her head.
-"It's going to be okay. It's okay. Ether is a moron, but he's a cunning one. He can help us."
+"We're here." Yelena notified us.
+We got off the Landing Craft and stepped onto a platform on what I presumed to be Europa. Was this Dark Sector? No clue. From what Deka had told me, it was controlled by the Toron Corpo of his time. But as of now, the whole icy place was completely overwhelmed.
-"Hey, who are you calling a moron?" I asked.
+And it didn't take a genius to know who was causing all the ruckus.
-I stepped into a shadow and began to dissolve, my body slipping into its subconscious as everything began to melt. Concentrate on that point. Concentrate.
+"That's an Eidolon."
-Everything began to gain form, as my vision returned. I was in a dark closet. I creaked the door open as I peeked out.
+I turned to Quorra. "Like those giant chickens?"
-No one in sight.
+"Chickens?"
-I slowly opened the wardrobe as I stepped out.
+"Isn't that what you guys call those things? Deka always called those chickens."
+"I think you're confusing that for the Ropalocyst. We never once called those things chickens."
-''Shadow Magic: Shadow Walker''
-My feet became one with the shadows, lowering the sound of my footsteps as I snuck around the room. Suddenly, my foot got caught on a piece of fabric. I looked down.
+My face became red with embarrassment.
-"EEEUGH!!!" I yelped, nearly tripping over.
-A bra! Oh god. Where the hell was I? Was this really the Grand Commander's Room?
+Troy let loose a laugh. "Ahhh don't worry about it, Shane! We can take that thing out easy peasy."
+I stared at the towering Eidolon as it made a large howl, stamping on buildings as it made its way across the icy mountains.
-Then it hit me.
+"Can we even put a dent on that thing? I think Quorra should just-"
-The commander's name.
-Oliviera Rentrace.
+"Nope."
-Oliviera.
+"Heh?"
-I was in a woman's room!
+Quorra began tending to her Landing Craft.
-Shit!
+"You two will capture that Eidolon for me so I can extract information from it on Dekani's whereabouts. Use the training I gave you. You two should be able to defeat it without my help."
-Calm down. Calm down. I can't let my shut in life get the hold of me. Just think that bra belongs to my sister. Not turned on anymore are you? Yeah.
-Now I'm disgusted!
+Troy and I stationed near the front of the Severen. I nodded at Troy, who closed his eyes and began to glow purple just like Quorra did whenever she used her void powers. Then he blasted into the air, void dashing right through the enormous adversary and pinning it to the ground, completely shattering its shields.
+I took out my Upgraded Harkanon and took aim with one arm, firing an extremely high velocity shell at the synovia. I then took my other Harkanon and fired, blasting the other synovia into pieces. Simultaneously reloading and firing and repeating until all the synovia's were destroyed.
-I cleared my throat, regaining my calm composure. I glanced at the door. I needed to keep watch of that door. The last thing I wanted was to be caught snooping around in a lady's quarters. I didn't even care if it was the Commander's. There are worse things than death. Like that time I Shadow Walked into my sister's room by accident. I had an ice pack on my face for a week.
-I opened my grimoire.
+The Severen screeched and fell to its knees, summoning a bunch of its Severen brethren from within the shadows to assist it, but I leapt in to intercept them.
-''Shadow Magic: Umbral Copy''
+"Lance Upload Protocol: ''SLINGER Peacemakers 210%''"
-The darkness in the room gained form, until a copy of mine took shape. The copy went to the door to keep watch. Drawing its Garrison.
+Everything slowed down as everything became instinct. Impulse. My body moved on its own, as my senses dialled to eleven.
+"Ain't nothing coming out of this without bullet holes." I heard myself say. Damn you, Slinger.
-I opened the cupboard. So where was her log. I sifted through papers as I tried to look for any intel on the Grail's location. Of all the factions battling for the Grail, Rentrace's faction was leading by a long shot. There had to be some kind of intel on the Grail's location.
-There it was. I opened the logbook and skimmed it. One of the great skills I learned in high school. Correction. One of the ''only'' skills I learned in high school. Reading tons of stuff and picking out only the details I cared about.
+In the span of two seconds, everything was destroyed, and the Severens began to prime themselves to explode, taking me with them, but Troy leapt in front of me, unleashing a massive wave of void energy, disintegrating them.
-The Grail was being kept in a room, sealed by a ton of traps. A guardian blah blah blah. I took to the location with Shadow Magic.
+The Severen screeched and groaned, as Troy turned to me.
+"It's done."
+I retracted my Regulators back into my forearms, and putting my Harkanon Rifles back into their straps. I walked to the head of the Severen and drew Ais.
-The Guardian was huge. He looked like one of those angels from Diablo. If anything, fighting that guy was essentially suicide. There was also no evading him. In fact, I wasn't the only one who had found this location, obviously. Rentrace's troops were already there, engaging the Guardian, being slaughtered left and right.
+"Tell me where your brethren are. Where SHADE is. Tell me where Deka is."
-I hated up front fighting. It was never my style. In fact, being hasty is the stupidest thing ever. Guts and manliness, one of the core traits to a meathead, are also core traits to a fool.
+The Severen said nothing, as it glared at my sword.
-I made sure no one could see me, as I slipped through the skirmish. These guys could hold off the Guardian for me. I was getting my hands on that Grail.
+Quorra approached us, resolved in her own Slinger Lance.
-The room was elegant. But ethereal. Decorated with golden drawings of war and myths. My boots knocked on the ground as I approached the Grail. A golden cup, suspended in thin air.
-I guess this is it. Job well done. After what seemed like weeks of stalking Rentrace's army, her generals, and even going as far as checking the barracks, I had finally achieved what numerous warriors would have only dreamt of having.
+"We can't communicate with Severens. But that sword... maybe it might help."
-By cheating.
+I inspected Ais. I didn't like using this sword. But objective wise, it was superior to Gram in so many ways. If it meant getting information about Cap from this bastard, I had to do it.
-I held out my hand, as my grimoire materialized in front of me.
+I placed blade against the Severen's head, as it began to screech. My brain became flooded with thoughts.
-''Shadow Magic: Umbral Copy''
+"Wow I didn't think that would work." Quorra said.
-A clone manifested in front of me, as I melted into shadows, becoming one with the darkest parts of the walls.
+What the hell?!
-The clone stepped forward and held out its hand to touch the cup, when suddenly, a spear appeared, piercing him. My clone shattered into a black mist.
-"I guess it wasn't gonna be that easy." I muttered.
+My knees buckled as I collapsed. I could hear Troy shouting my name, but his cries became distant as reality warped in itself. Until I was somewhere else.
+I gasped as I stumbled around, staring at my hands, which were mere projections of nothing. I was like a ghost, as I took in my surroundings.
-"Ethereum, to think you would go so far as to use us for your own personal gain." A woman's voice appeared from my side.
+A large contrast from the Toron architecture was an understatement. Dark grey walls, angular, like a citadel. It felt like I was in a dark medieval society. Almost like a dark reflection of the Toron. I never thought much about the Severens. Because they seemingly looked so alien like. So inhuman. Yet... this place. It was hard to describe in words. But this place proved me wrong.
-Rentrace approached the cup.
+The Severens had an entire civilization of their own. They sported grace like the Toron, but in their own way.
-"I know that wasn't you. You sneaky little shit. Come out and face me."
-I sighed. I guess this was unavoidable.
+I took a step forward, when suddenly, I heard a bunch of chattering and clicking. I quickly hid behind a pillar as I watched several Severen drones lead a pack of prisoners down a pathway. I narrowed my eyes and nearly gasped out loud.
+Toron Corpo.
-I stepped out of the shadows, my hands in my pockets as I regarded the commander.
-"Mi'lady."
+What was the Corpo doing here?
-"Oh shut up. We both know you are a traitor." Rentrace took out her sword. Six feet of murderous steel.
+I followed quietly, as the prisoners were brought into a citadel. Upon entering inside I was taken aback by the architecture. This place reminded me a lot of the Catholic Churches I used to go to. White and red trim decorated the entire place.
-"I'm going to cut you down. My army has no place for traitors like you."
+This place almost contrasted with the Toron perfectly. The Toron architecture was always white and gold trim. Blue emissive lights. But the Severens were white and red trim. Yellow emissive lights.
-Oh yeah. By the way. I may or may not have enlisted my services to help Rentrace. I guess she didn't like my treason too well.
+"Adam Virgo." A voice said, from one of the highest pillars of the place.
-"I don't suppose it's too late for us to talk this out?"
+A voice squeaked from one of the prisoners.
-Rentrace walked to my direction, her face full of disdain.
+"Yes, my liege?"
-"Um, new hairstyle? Looks good on you. Makes you ten years younger!"
-"That means you think I'm old."
+A large Severen opened up its appendages, levitating to the ground. I clenched my fists. I knew who this was.
+Queen Lena.
-The hell? Sis, you told me that worked on women!
+Deka and Quorra's adopted mother.
-There was no way around it. I had to fight. I usually didn't like fighting, I'm more of a laid back kind of guy. But Rentrace wasn't giving me much of a choice.
+"Why were the Amalgrams not completed as requested?"
-I held out my hand as my grimoire manifested.
+Adam began to sweat.
-''Shadow Magic: Shadow Moon''
+"A mere miscalculation, my Queen. I have sent my men to investigate-"
-A black orb appeared above me, as my surroundings began to darken. Dimmer and dimmer, until I could barely make out our figures in the everlasting darkness.
+"This mere calculation has cost us greatly. The Valians have made their move. Father slumbers."
-"So, the traitor has some tricks up his sleeve after all. But nonetheless. This battle is decided. For you are just a mere scout. While I am a commander. A warrior!" Rentrace shouted, as she charged.
+"I promise it won't happen again."
-''Shadow Magic: Umbral Bind''
+Adam Virgo. Deka told me Adam was the leader, CEO of the Corpo. To think this money hungry business mogul was scared shitless, it was almost beyond me. But then it all made sense. The owner of the huge business media empire would never have voluntarily joined the Severens unless it was for two things.
-Several chains erupted from the shadows of the ground, as Rentrace was pinned down.
+Profit.
+Or survival.
-I calmly closed my grimoire as I walked up to the grail, and plucked it off its pedestal, throwing it into the shadows. Contract completed. I guess it was time to dip-
-''CLANK''
+"Take him to the confines." Lena ordered, as Adam and the others were pushed and shoved out of the room. I watched them leave, making the decision to stay and hear out Lena.
+"My queen." Another voice said, as a large, sickly figure stepped out of the shadows.
-"Heh?" I turned around, narrowly dodging Rentrace's sword swing. That was too close!
-I put my hand inside my trench coat, pulling out my Garrison. I took aim and fired. The high penetrating round soaring in the air and cracking Rentrace's sword.
+Nero.
-Rentrace scowled, as I leapt backwards.
+"Brother, what progress has been made in our efforts?"
-I took aim again and fired, but Rentrace was already charging forward, deflecting another bullet.
+"The father dwells. Our body, together, but shattered by the Void Devils. SHADOW continues to weaken the weaker Valians, and SHADE has destroyed their best.
-I fired again, and again, the bullets deflecting off of her sword.
+"Seven of the Ten. Victim of Ais. Three remain, as instructed."
-Damn.
-I reached into my coat with my other hand, drawing out my sidearm. My FN P90 submachine gun, as I took aim and fired a stream of bullets in her direction.
+I clenched my fist. SHADE. He killed those kids in cold blood. I thought I had saved Quorra and those two other Council members, but it was all because he had truly done so on purpose.
-This time, Rentrace couldn't block them all, as some of the bullets hit her square in the armour. Although not as powerful as my Garrison, the P90 was still a gun. Rentrace slowed down, as her face contorted in pain.
+"The Void Devils. Children of the Toron. Why was such a thing created? Why were these children created... Ballard?"
-"You little-"
+Ballard? Umbra's creator?
-''Shadow Magic: Umbral Bind''
+Nero yanked a chain, forcing a sickly man to step forward. His skin was purple, but his lower half... it was...
-Rentrace was once again wrapped in chains. Even with the dark boost of the surroundings amplifying their strength, I knew it wasn't going to be enough to keep this beast caged. I put my P90 away.
+"I beg for your mercy, my Queen. My body, my soul, my face. It was so perfect." Ballard muttered, his voice full of defeat.
+"You were always perfect, dearest Ballard. Your existence is to serve the Severens. From the day you chose to abandon the Toron. You were always perfect for us." Lena said, as she hovered to Ballard.
-''Gun Magic: Black Bullets''
-I reached into my grimoire's pages, retrieving a handful of obsidian bullets. With my other hand, I opened my Garrison, loading the bullets in. Even the power of the Garrison M55 wasn't enough to completely shatter her sword. I'd have to resort to my black bullets to take her down.
+Nero grabbed Ballard's head and slammed it to the ground as Ballard whimpered.
+"You shall address your Queen with gratitude."
-I took aim, just as Rentrace snapped the chains, and fired. The bullets shattering her sword and hitting her square in the chest. I fired again, taking out her arms. Then her legs. I lowered my firearm as the Great Commander fell to her knees.
+"Thank you, my Queen." Ballard said.
-I turned around and melted into the darkness. But not before hearing Rentrace's final words.
+So Ballard, the creator of the Toron Lances. The guy who made Umbra and almost all of the Toron warfare, was under the Severen's control. This was bad. That meant they had every trick up their sleeve against the Valians.
-"Ethereum. You truly are... the scum of this world."
+"Tell me, Ballard." Lena hovered closer to his face.
-I smiled.
+"Tell me about the Unarmored Valian. How is a Terran able to wield your technology without a Lance? How is this possible?"
-"You're damn right."
+My blood turned cold. The Unarmored Valian? Was that... was that me?
-After all, to these guys, I was the biggest asshole in the world. Someone who only cared about myself.
-But in reality, I was Ethereum. A magus who specializes in shadow magic and gun magic.
-Taking on jobs, unseen. Untouchable.
+Ballard was silent.
-Infiltration, subterfuge.
+"No. Such a process should not be possible. The art of war. The Infestation. This is what gave the Lances strength. That was what gave our test subjects the power to move, to fight, to serve. To throw a mere boy into the Infestation, and to not only fight alongside his comrades, but retain his humanity? His own control? This is simply not possible."
+"Yet Umbra walks among them."
-The Recon support, to Captain Dekani Price of the Lotuscraft.
+"The Umbra model was different. His sentience was through unparalleled rage. Horror. Pain. These feelings were what drove him to stay true to himself. But a child like Shane Mayen should not have the mental will to resist the Infestation without turning into a mindless monster like the millions before him."
+"You say such things, yet the one known as Shane Mayen walks among them. The one known as Shane Mayen fights like them. And not only that...
-==Champion==
-I left a now human Ashley to Jake. I didn't bother asking Jake for the crown just yet, since it didn't feel right to tell him to fork over the goods after everything those two went through.
-I guess it isn't my style to pry into other people's businesses. But since I was hired by Jake, well actually. ''Deka'' was hired by Jake, that made his business our business too. Ashley Barnes was initially a succubus, who was thrown out of the underworld because she was "different" from her kind. Jake took pity on her, and the two became a couple.
-Or something like that.
+"His movements. He possessed two styles. The first style, the Way of the Valian, likely taught to him from the Valian Dekani Price. But his second style, perhaps he himself does not realize it, is the very style of Ciel Licita. The Seventh Sense. The General of the Tora."
-Ashley hated her nature, and wanted to become human. Jake sought the Grail, but after failed attempts, and nearly getting himself killed, Ashley convinced him to seek for other help. Deka and his crew happened to be around at the time, and Deka, the good natured tool he was, volunteered to help, offering his services. But after realizing that his gear and Lance, Umbra, were vulnerable to magic, Deka tasked me with retrieving the Grail.
+Ballard's eyes widened. "A Licita lives?"
-I watched as the two embraced, crying tears of joy.
+"Yes, Ballard. Shane Mayen possesses the blood of a Licita. For reasons unknown. But he has not mastered the full potential of it. But should he do, he will pose a threat much greater than any of us can imagine."
-Meh.
+Nero walked next to his sister.
-You could say I have a cold heart. But I've seen so many of these already. Wholesome moments, that it's almost become cliche for me to even bother describing. Long story short, Ashley became human, and Jake now owes us.
+"Indeed. Because one of our own, also possesses the blood of a Licita. SHADE. With both Severen and Licita blood in his veins, he has become one of our best. But to have another SHADE on their side, would be disadvantageous."
-"Ether, about the reward..." Jake handed me his necklace.
-I took it, glancing at Ashley, who was hiding behind the door.
+"No. It will not." The doors opened, revealing a tall man with long white hair and a Severen style trench coat. He walked in, dragging the head of a Lance with one hand. A Saryn's head.
-"No point eavesdropping. Especially when you're so bad at hiding." I said. Ashley opened the door and stepped in, embarrassed.
+Shardis tossed the head to the feet of Nero.
-I looked at Jake. He looked kind of sad. I guess that would make sense. The Crown was one of his most cherished possessions. And I happened to be that guy who said the reward of turning his girlfriend into a human was just that. Deka didn't want to go that route. But we needed the Crown for the Lotuscraft. This was the only way.
+"The job is done. Kiyoria, the leader of the Odin Alliance, has been eliminated. Her reliance on her pathetic Saryn, and delusion that she was the best, was of no challenge to me."
-"Thanks, Jake. We won't let it go to waste."
+Ballard stared at the head of one of his creations.
+"My Saryn..."
-Jake smiled. "Yeah. You better not. I guess this is goodbye."
-I waved as I stepped into the shadows, putting on my hood.
+"Very good, SHADE."
-"Yeah. Look after Ashley. Starting now, you two have a new life ahead of you. Go and make that slice of life anime a reality."
+I glanced at the severed head of the Lance. He had hunted down another high ranking Valian. Kiyoria Nikion. MR30, Council Rank 19. Apparently she was one of the best Saryn users of all the Valians. This was huge loss on their end.
-"Did... did Ether just say anime?" Ashley asked.
+But what about Deka's crew? SHADE had said he was looking for them. I needed to know where they were. That was the whole point of this.
-I shadow teleported to the Lotuscraft. The place was bustling with life ever since Deka had recruited more people onto the ship. I kept myself dissolved in shadows as I looked around. But no one was there.
+"The Valians are at war, yet they fight amongst themselves. Their pride keeps them from fighting their enemy with full vigor. An influence from the Toron, perhaps?" SHADE turned to Ballard, who was still staring at Saryn's head in horror.
-But just to make sure.
-''Shadow Magic: Stalker Sense''
+SHADE knelt down and grabbed Ballard's head. His tone suddenly shifted, whispering with full malice.
-My eyes inverted colour, as my scleras darkened. I sensed two presences from behind the walls. Marked by dark trailing wisps.
+"Listen here, Toron trash. My name is Shardis Licita. No matter how powerful you make your Lances, it is useless. Because I will always be stronger. It doesn't matter how many Reactors you stuff into that Saryn bitch. I will cut her head off all the same. The Valians exist for Ais to cut through them."
-Flippy the Doggo, Umbra, and... a little girl?
+SHADE got to his feet and bowed to Lena.
-How long have I been away from the Lotuscraft? Who's kid was that?
+"My Queen, I will take my leave."
-Whatever, I just needed to drop off the crown.
+SHADE got up but paused, staring directly at me. My eyes widened as I instinctively stumbled backwards.
-I emerged from the shadow of Deka's pedestal. I took a walk around, admiring the decorations. The place still had the good old spaceship feel. Even after recruiting Shane Mayen, and expanding his crew, some things stayed Valian. Good on him.
+"Ah, I see." The future me muttered, as he smiled.
+SHADE turned around.
-I approached his desk and put the Crown on the table.
+"My Queen, would you like a status report on your problem child, Dekani Price?"
-For a few minutes I shadow walked around the Orbiter, my footsteps obstructed by the shadows in the ship. I hadn't fully mastered the Total Eclipse spell yet, so as of now, it was Half Eclipse, which makes the spell caster half invisible. Which is useless.
+Lena descended from her throne and approached SHADE.
-Much had changed. From what I heard while I was away, Deka had recruited some girl who was also a Valian. At this point, he might as well have held a daycare for defective people of the Star System on the Lotuscraft. Because apparently, the girl didn't know how to fight, despite being a Valian.
+"Tell me."
-I glanced at the new living quarters that Folock had made for her.
+Shardis smiled and brushed his hair back.
-Cute.
+"The Rogue Valian continues to resist the Infestation. As with the girl. The Lance, Umbra, has been dismantled and fed to the Infestation Culture created by Ballard, ready for deployment. As for the rest of the people on the Orbiter, we have them ready for execution on command, but I believe a proper ransom can be put in place for the Dataform. After all, Folock is quite a valuable resource for the Valians. Perhaps a trade set by the Corpo slaves."
-''CLACK CLACK''
+"I see. Dismissed."
-I quickly dissolved into a shadow as I watched Deka and some girl, who I presumed was the defective Valian emerge from the Landing Craft.
-"Good work on today's excavation, Rinne." Deka said, as Rinne stretched her back.
+SHADE left the building, but not before beckoning me. I followed him, my eyes wide, and my fists shaking in rage.
-"Thanks. I'll see you in the meeting room."
+"You... sick fuck." I growled.
+Shardis turned around, his eyes empty and face void of emotion.
-I watched as Rinne walked dejectedly to her living quarters, while Deka resolved out of Umbra and approached the Foundry.
-"No point just staring at me, Ether. I know you're there." Deka smiled.
+"Temporary. As all things are."
-"Ah, you got me!" I said, cheerfully, as I emerged from the shadows.
+"Even if they are temporary, why would you tear it away like that! Umbra dismantled?! Are you telling me he's dead?!"
-Deka watched as my body melted out of the shadows and gained form.
+"That Lance was never alive. He was supposed to die when he became that monster and was blown up by Lena."
-"You know, it wouldn't hurt to come visit us more often. You're still a member of our crew. I'm sure you'll get along great with Rinne."
-I readjusted the collar to my trench coat.
+I reached behind my back to draw out my guns, but my hand went through like mist.
-"I'm needed in the field." I replied, bluntly.
+"You are just an astral projection. Do you think you have what it take-"
-"I know, it's just, you're kind of family to me now-"
-"We're not family." I replied a little too quickly. Deka jumped in surprise.
+"RAAAGH!!" I roared, charging forward and slamming into my future self as we spiralled into reality, landing in another region of the Severen base.
-"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." I said, as I walked across the Orbiter.
+I fell to the ground but got to my feet, as Shardis brushed off dust from his jacket. His face showed no signs of concern as he regarded me.
-But it was true. The only family I had was my sister. Ruby is all that matters to me. The only reason why I took on Deka's offer to become his Recon support was because I needed the money.
+"Show me then, Shardis Licita. The results of your training with Quorra Lavine."
-"It's fine." Deka replied.
+I took out my Harkanon, my hands no longer projections, and fired repeatedly as SHADE deflected them with Ais.
-I followed Deka to his room as he inspected the crown.
+"Lance Upload Protocol: ''HELOS Flashgrenade 50%''"
-"Damn. I didn't think you would manage to get this thing. How is Jake?"
+I tossed a flashbang at SHADE as I went high, readying my sheathe.
-"He's fine." I replied.
+"Lance Upload Protocol: ''ASH Fivefold Bladestorm''"
-Deka sat down as he continued inspecting the gem. I glanced at a busted up mask that was sitting on his desk. It was Shane's version one Toron mask.
+Five of my clones closed in as I readied Ais summoning everything I had and slashed behind me, intercepting SHADE.
-"Where's our little Javlok?" I asked.
-"Shane? He's with another Valian right now. But lately, I haven't been able to contact him, don't know why. Maybe it's static."
+"You're beginning to fight smart. That is good." SHADE said.
-I clenched my fist.
+"Shut up." I snarled, as I summoned Kien's strength and pushed him back.
-It sure as hell wasn't static. I knew everything.
+I landed on the ground and brought my hands up in a cross.
-Shane Mayen wasn't what these people believed him to be. The gutsy kid who would charge his enemies head on with big guns and big swords. I was there when that Severen monster SHADE slaughtered the Valians. Deka had requested I check up on Shane, after Quorra had informed the team that she was under suspicion from the Council. I was going to report to Deka right away, but then the biggest plot twist happened.
+"Licitian Potential: Kien Licita, Ciel Licita, Tricity Licita"
-Shardis Licita. Shane Mayen was no Severen. At least not now. But what everyone didn't realize, was that this kid and SHADE were one and the same.
+My body exploded with power as I levelled Ais and blasted forward, slashing and cutting to pressure SHADE, but his face remained calm. How was he able to keep up against all three Licita's?!
-People can't escape fate. No matter what you do. No matter what you say or how you warp the story.
-This kid was going to grow up to become SHADE. We were literally nurturing a monster that would kill us all in the future.
+"Not yet. You're not a proper vessel for fate yet." SHADE muttered, as he dodged another swipe, and leapt into the air.
-Of course, I didn't feel like telling Deka this. He grew real fond of Shane during the years. I didn't wanna break that bond.
+"GRAARR" I growled, shooting into the air like a comet, the power of the Licitian Potential overflowing from my body, giving me a blinding white glow.
+SHADE landed on the top of an arch, his face disgusted.
-I picked up a little bobblehead of an Excalibur off of the table.
+"I forgot how repulsive I used to be when I fought." He said, as he raised his hand, forming a fist.
-"You're into bobbleheads now? Cap?"
-Deka laughed. "No, it was a gift from Quorra. She loves collecting those. Thought it would be a funny joke on Umbra."
+I continued approaching him, my body no longer listening to me, as it became berserk from the overflowing power.
-I put the bobblehead down as Deka continued fiddling with the crown. We were silent for a few minutes.
+"I have revealed enough. All in accordance to fate. All in accordance to the progress of Shardis Licita."
+SHADE began to glow white, as his fist swirled with power.
-"Captain, I'm going to the Severen mothership to investigate Nero."
+"Licitian Potential: Kien Licita - 600%"
-Deka stopped fiddling.
-"Come again?"
-"You heard me." I gave him a thumbs up.
+SHADE brought his foot back and smashed me in the face with overwhelming force, the punch rippling through my body as everything shut down. My muscles burst as all the strength left my body. I smashed into the ground as I slowly began to lose consciousness. Everything turning dark as I watched SHADE approach me, his face, empty. His eyes, lifeless.
-"I'm the only one in this crew who can do it."
-"But... if you get caught, it's over for you. None of us are equipped to fight Nero. Even with Quorra's help I couldn't beat him. I forbid you from doing something so reckless."
+"Go to sleep, Shane Mayen."
-I smirked.
-"Yeah. Which means I have to add some more spells to my grimoire. I'll be taking a pit stop to a special place first. Don't worry. I'm not going in without a plan."
+"Why... what happened to you. Why did you become this... How did I turn into this..." I croaked.
-Deka still didn't look satisfied.
-"Look. Just go in, get enough intel, and extract as soon as you can. Promise me that, at least."
+SHADE stopped walking, slowly turning around.
-I nodded.
+"In time you will understand. At some point, you will truly see that the only way through all the obstacles that life puts in front of you is to barge straight through. No one can understand what it's like. Not Deka. Not Rinne. Not Troy. And all they will do is try to help. But because it is the very fact that they don't know what it's like, that their help turns into obstacles."
+SHADE closed his fist.
-"Hey, Deka. I was just-" Rinne's voice appeared from behind me as I heard the doors slowly open. I quickly melted into shadows as I dissolved into the corner of the room.
-Rinne paused. "What was that just now?"
+"And the only way to get through obstacles is to barge straight through."
-Deka raised his eyebrows. "What are you talking about?" He said, nervously.
-"I could have sworn I saw someone... nevermind."
+==Mantle==
+"We can't go after them like this." Quorra shut me down.
+"What?! Are you serious? We have an idea of where they are and you're telling me we can't go?"
+Troy held me down as Quorra inspected the interface Yelena had made for her.
-I resurfaced from behind the building of Mercy Hospital. Champions Universe.
-If it meant finding spells. There were a couple of people I could ask. But by far the best and largest variety of spells I could locate in a single region would have to be Millennium City.
+"That place you just described is a Severen drone ship in the outer proximity of Mars. It's completely swarmed with their battle units. My Vessel is going to be blown up to bits. We need a Railjack to clear them out."
-This place never ceased to amaze. Flying hover cars, high tech buildings. The place was brimming with life. Almost every civilian had some superpower of some kind. Meaning there were plenty of mages residing here.
+"The Clan Railjack..." I muttered.
-And because of that, the ones who stand at the top, the ones who worked the hardest.
+Quorra raised an eyebrow. "Come again?"
-I could steal their tricks for my own.
+"The Clan Railjack. The one Deka stole from you guys. You don't have it anymore, right?"
-First target: Bethany Duquesne. Codename Witchcraft (I'm not joking, that's really her codename).
+"Shane, did SHADE knock you in the head a little too hard?"
-Specialization in sorcery and flight, Witchcraft made a name for herself for her heroics. But really, I don't give a shit about that. The only thing that stood out to me, was that her family had experience in dark magic. Which is the progenitor of my shadow magic. If I could gain access to her grimoire, I could copy her incantations and possibly find ways to upgrade my current spell set.
+"What are you saying?"
-The only problem was... what I'm doing is technically mage theft. If I got caught, I'd be labelled a villain and criminal.
+Quorra got up and pointed outside. I followed her and couldn't believe my eyes. Before me was a massive ship with starboard cannons, floating next to her Orbiter.
-So nothing out of the ordinary.
+"Every Valian has their own Railjack. There is no Clan Railjack, Shane."
-''Shadow Magic: Shadow Walker''
+"But... Deka told me..." I muttered. This didn't make sense. Was Deka lying to me this whole time?
-I dissolved into shadows as I travelled around the city, searching for magic residue.
-It took a few hours, but I managed to track down the witch. I had two options. Either I take her down and obtain her grimoire by force, or I put on my airhead persona and let her teach me directly. Time-wise, the first option would have been better, but Witchcraft was a very well respected figure in this city, being an iconic hero. If I did that, I would risk making an insurmountable number of enemies.
+How he had told me, was he had infiltrated one of the Gladiator Clan dojos and stole the Clan Railjack, which happened to the be the Clan that Quorra was leading herself. When he had gone and left in it, he was pursued by numerous Valians in their Archwing, but they weren't enough to take him down because of the Railjack's importance. Then Deka had integrated the Railjack into his own Orbiter to form a Superorbiter, the Lotuscraft. That was how the story went.
+Then Quorra had somehow found out, then raced to find Deka herself. Despite having the Lotuscraft and all of his Lances on his side, Quorra still defeated him, destroying almost all of his Lances, until Deka had revealed to her his intentions of saving their mother. She let him go, and he went back in time, in turn, saving me from Lena's invasion forces that day.
-I decided to go for option two.
+That was how the story went.
-I spent the next few weeks under the tutelage of Witchcraft. It was surprisingly easier than I thought.
+That was... until now.
-"What was your magic affinity again?" Witchcraft asked.
-"Dark magic. My mom told me not to pursue it, but I want to show the world that even if I use dark magic, I can still make a difference."
+Quorra leaned in closer to me.
-That really hit her in the feels. I did my research from infiltrating the PRIMUS archives. Witchcraft was born in a family who used dark magic. Ritualistic weirdos, she wanted to go into sorcery for the better of good.
+"Shane? You look like you're about to be sick. Don't worry, I didn't find your naughty magazine collection."
+"No!" I yelped. "What are you talking about, I'm fine."
-Am I a scumbag to use her horrible past to get what I want? Absolutely. Am I bothered by it? No.
+"About the Railjack or-"
+"The Railjack!"
-"Your magic is bound by your mana. Sometimes, keeping it simple is the best way forward. Take for instance, your binding spell."
+Troy tried to hold back a laugh. "But Quorra, you said you needed a Railjack. We have one here. Why don't we use it?"
-Witchcraft pointed her stick at the chalkboard drawing of my spell. Obviously, when I showed her my magic, I only showed her a very small portion of it. So only one chain manifested.
+Quorra shook her head. "If it was a normal Proxima mission, I would clear it out in seconds."
-"You don't have a lot of mana. So at the moment, you're bound by that one chain. Usually, I would advise you train to increase the number of chains to better its effectiveness. But in your case, I would advise something else."
+"Glad to know the elitism in you never went away over the past few months." I grumbled.
+Quorra continued. "But, this isn't a normal Proxima mission. There are way too many guards that can adapt to my firepower. I can't go out and fire void beams. The best way is to use multiple Railjacks to take them down with different damage types so we can cycle and take down the fighters guarding it."
-Witchcraft opened her grimoire and summoned a spell, binding the training dummy with pure magic.
-"Try going for a pure mana spell. Rather than expending your mana on a chain medium, try using pure darkness."
+Troy put his hand on his chin.
+"And our mission going back to the past is strictly confidential, right? From the rest of the Valians?"
-Pure darkness spells. This witch was good.
+"Correct. Meaning there is only one person I can ask."
+Quorra pointed at me.
-"Hey, Miss Duquesne, I prepared tea!" I bounced in, cheerfully, as Witchcraft smiled, taking the cup.
+"Shane's adopted brother! Arsanios!"
-"You're such a sweetheart. Thank you, Terrance."
+My face paled. Remembering the last time we met. I never had myself beat up so bad in my life.
-I joined Witchcraft as we sat together in her living room. Terrance was the name of my father. He died from cancer when I was six.
+"Oh. Great. Fantastic." I muttered.
-"I haven't had an apprentice for so long."
-"Why's that?"
-"I never wanted someone to carry the burdens of a superhero. But I guess with you, I just see so much of myself. Dark magic. A foul magic known for being evil. Yet, you strive to become a kind and gentle soul. Something that I wanted to go for as well. I will keep guiding you until you see it through."
-For the next few weeks, I learned to hone in my Umbral Bind spell, gaining a stronger variant of it. This variant was dependent on its application. If I wanted to use it in a similar manner as restraints, it would require more mana than my usual binding spell, but in exchange, better effectiveness. If I wanted it to just grab things, it would be more efficient.
+By the time we returned to Quorra's time period, the Licita mansion was no longer the same place as it was. Rubble and debris littered the whole place. The gates were smashed in. The house was nearly demolished. My boots crunched on the ground as I entered the first two gates, knocking on the door.
-I gave it the name Prominence Umbral Bind.
+"Hello? I need to have a word with the lord of the household." I said.
-But it wasn't enough. During those weeks, I discovered that Witchcraft was capable of something called "Anti-Magic". This power would essentially erase the magical powers of mages or even beings who used it offensively. I needed to learn about it, but there was no way I could ask her to teach me. The reason being, was because anti-magic was so powerful in the mage community, it was considered taboo.
+"The lord is unavailable to speak to you at this time. Please go away." A voice responded.
-One night, I had decided to sneak into Witchcraft's quarters, and learn Anti-Magic on my own. Eventually, I managed to figure it out, but at the cost of being discovered.
+I clenched my fists. There was no time for this. I looked at Quorra, who nodded at me.
+"There is little time. I need to speak with my brother." I replied.
-"Terrance, what are you doing?"
+The voice was silent for a few seconds, until resurfacing with a new tone. One that almost sounded borderline heartbroken.
-I paused, my face shrouded in shadows. I knew this day would come. There was no point in me trying to be all touchy feely.
+"Shardis, is that you?"
-We may have had what appeared to be a student master relationship. But there is nothing genuine in something that was built from a lie.
+The maid who tended to me, Lexa Pixus, inspected my birthmark on my stomach.
-''Shadow Magic, Prominence Umbral Bind''
+"It is true. You are indeed a Licita. How could this be? How have you returned after what Kirin had done?"
-Witchcraft was suddenly pinned down by dozens of shadow arms.
-"What is the meaning of this?! How are you able to summon so many binds at once-"
+I stared at Lexa. "What are you talking about? I don't even remember anything from my past life. All I remember was growing up with my adopted parents and being-"
-I glanced at her grimoire, which was glowing with mana, attempting to return to its user. I summoned a dark tendril from the shadows of my vicinity to restrain it.
+A pod. That was what Mom had told me before she died in my arms.
-"No... you were playing me all along..." Witchcraft muttered.
+"The pod..." My eyes widened.
-I said nothing, as I glanced at the pictures of Witchcraft and her hero squad on the wall.
+Lexa took a shaky breath. "What could this mean. This is... too much." She gasped, clutching her chest.
-So she had a loved one.
+"Hey, take it easy." I got up, kneeling next to her.
+"Please, let me see Arsanios. I can only imagine what has happened to this place, after recent events."
-"I'm sorry, Miss Duquesne. But this is the end of the road for this relationship."
+Lexa wiped her eyes, hyperventilating, as another maid ran forward and tended to her.
-"What are you talking about? Why are you doing this?!"
+"Breathe Miss Pixus. We must always retain our composure in the face of those with the honour of Licita in their names."
-I guess option one was always the option I was going to go with. No matter what I did. How nice I was. Things would never go my way. I guess that's just how it is.
+I glanced at the smashed photos that lined the walls. The Licitas. My ancestors. And on the far right, the most recent one, was a proud man with long black hair. And a face that looked almost like mine.
+Kirin Licita.
-I put on a big smile.
-"There's no other way. I guess this is how the world works!"
+The maid got up and bowed to me.
+"My name is Yelene Reinhart. To say the long lost son of the Licita household has returned is a mere understatement. I too, am in shock at what has transpired, Lord Shardis."
-Witchcraft tried to struggle and call upon her spells, but her grimoire was no longer in her possession.
-I opened it up and stared at the incantations for her Anti-Magic spells. I had already figured out a way to integrate it into my magic arsenal.
+I took a deep breath. This place, the first time I was here, was blooming with luxury. With class. Clean polished Toron architecture decorated the entire mansion. But now all I saw, was destruction and havoc. Of remains. This place was almost unrecognizable. And for some reason, seeing this home in this state, made me angry.
+"Tell me what happened here. Please, Yelene."
-"There's no point trying to wield that type of magic. It's incompatible with your dark magic."
-"No. But it ''is'' compatible with something else."
+Yelene closed her eyes.
+"To the war room, Lord Shardis. I will explain everything there. Your guests, I apologize for not tending to them. This household has taken very substantial losses. Our workforce is almost depleted."
-I closed the grimoire as it dissolved into ash. I really wished there was another option. But because I was caught and had to use take her spells for myself by force, I had already become an enemy to the people of Millennium City. Meaning there was only one way to move forward.
+"They're with me. Quorra Lavine and Troy Lucien serve the Valians."
+Yelene glanced at the Hannibal Lance.
-After all, I can't be an enemy if I'm not discovered.
+"The legend herself? ''The'' Quorra Lavine, leader of the Valian Gladiator Alliance?"
-And the only way to do that is to eliminate the witnesses.
+Quorra bowed.
+"I am happy to be here."
-I pulled out my Garrison M55, cracking open its barrel and reaching into my grimoire.
+Yelene smiled at me. "As expected, from a Licita. A noble chooses his companions wisely. Always."
-"Even if you kill me, what's in it for you?" Witchcraft muttered.
+My heart wrenched. Did I though? What was Deka to me now, knowing he had lied to me about the Railjack all this time? What else was he hiding? My trust in him had wavered when Quorra told me that every Valian owned their own Railjack. Why did Deka lie to me? Why keep these things secret from his First Mate, his most loyal companion?
-"Absolutely nothing." I said, coldly.
+"Your seat, my lord." Yelene held out her hands for me, gesturing me to sit. I sat down in the fancy chair in front of a large round table.
-Witchcraft stared at me.
-"What?"
+Yelene smiled. "You are just like your father."
-''Gun Magic: Anti-Magic Bullets''
+"What?"
-I took out three bullets, slipping one into my Garrison, then aimed the barrel to Witchcraft's head.
+"Not so much the appearance, but your mannerisms. Your habits and the intricate details."
+I paused. "Wha... What was my father like?"
-"There is nothing to gain out of this."
+Yelene pursed her lips.
+"Let us not discuss Master Kirin, for Lord Arsanios listens. I will update you on our situation."
-I fired a bullet, which nullified Witchcraft's protection field. I slipped the second bullet inside the chamber.
-I fired another bullet, which cracked open her armour that she had secretly kept invisible.
+Yelene showed me a big complicated holographic interface, as she filled us in on the current state of the Licita household.
+"Our household is in ruins. Lord Arsanios came to visit that day, critically injured. His Orbiter, destroyed, his Ash Lance, barely functional. We, as loyal servants to the Licita, ran to our Master's aid, but against the might of the Valians, we knew such a fight would never be a fight to win."
-One more bullet.
-Into the chamber.
+I watched as everybody in the household stepped in front of Arsanios in the hologram. The butlers. The maids. The cooks and gardeners. Ordinary people who could not fight, grabbing whatever they had. Be it spades, broomsticks, kitchen utensils, rakes.
+These were ordinary people. They didn't belong in the battlefield. Women, and even children who looked up to Arsani, putting distance between their Master and the Valians. No one backing down, despite many fearing for their lives.
-"I thought you of all people would understand how I feel." Witchcraft said, her eyes getting teary. "What it's like to be suppressed from greatness just because you were born."
+"No..." I muttered.
-I paused.
-To be suppressed from greatness, huh. That was exactly what Javlok had said to Deka.
+"Members of the Licita household, step away from the Price." A Valian said, who was resolved in a Faerar Lance, as roots began to sprout from the ground, wrapping around the servants' legs.
-I never agreed with Javlok's personality. Being bitter and brooding about the world just because he couldn't have his way. But just because I didn't agree with his views, didn't mean I didn't agree with his belief.
+"We shall not yield!" One of the servants cried out. His face was filled with terror.
-This world is unfair. It treats certain people so badly that you might even wonder why the hell you're alive. Why you were even born.
+Another Valian readied their guns. "Mere fodder trying to protect their phony master. He isn't even a Licita. Must you all need to be re-educated on what Dekani Price had done?"
+The servants were terrified, but stood their ground.
-Javlok continued resisting. Every day, I would see him training hard, pushing through every barrier fate had put on him. Willingly letting that grotesque monster of an infestation destroy his body so he could become a hero.
+"Shane." Troy said, as he put his hand on my shoulder. I realized my hands were trembling. My eyes completely immersed in the hologram.
-But I was different. I was better. Because I fully understood that no matter how hard I tried, this world would find ways to ruin it.
-After all,
+"Licita or not, Arsanios treated us as people. He cared for us, fed us, and gave us the earnings we need to support our families. Even from a young age, when his parents were killed and even after returning from the first Valian-Severen war, he still remained steadfast in caring for us. Tell me, what kind of Valian would do something so kind? This can only be done through love. And just as he defended us, we shall defend him."
-I was born cursed. Just like Mayen. Just like Witchcraft.
+The Faerar Lance Valian sighed. "A shame." He said, as he pulled out his Orcus Shotgun Pistol and shot the maid who gave the speech in cold blood, killing her. Screams of horror erupted from the masses, as I stared at the maid's lifeless eyes. Blood pooling from her wound, and turning the white flowers in the garden red.
-If this world was going to treat me poorly,
+"White roses, stained with red." The Valian said, as he and the other four Valians took aim and began shooting the servants left and right, as the servants screamed, their eyes wide in terror, charging with their instruments of war. The very instruments that were used to maintain the mansion, which represented their love for their master, turned into instruments of bloodshed, as servants were shot and killed left and right.
-wouldn't it be right to treat it back the same way?
-It was unfair for Witchcraft to die like this. To have her feelings played with. It was unfair for Defender to watch the love of his life be killed.
-But this world was always unfair.
+"Stop. Run for your lives. Please run." Arsanios begged, his voice hoarse as he watched his servants be gunned down before his very eyes.
-I pulled back the firing hammer, as I cocked the gun.
+"No turning back. We lived as servants to the house of Licita. We will die as servants to the house of Licita! Even if you yourself do not believe yourself to be one, we still love you all the same!" A cook shouted, as he rushed in with a big frying pan, but a Slinger Lance simply smirked and shot him straight through the chest.
-"That's just how it is." I said, pulling the trigger.
+The cook's corpse crumpled to the ground in front of Arsanios.
+Arsanios' lips moved at the same time as mine. As we both shouted the same thing. Like brothers.
-"You... why?" Witchcraft gasped.
+"STOP!!!"
-I held out my gun, the barrel still smoking from my last shot that intentionally cut off the magical runes around her feet. I had identified those runes during my monologue. It was faint, but it was very obvious. It didn't take a genius to realize she had summoned a beacon spell. I erased them just before they could let loose a signal.
+Arsanios got up and resolved into his Ash Lance, which was so damaged that it was unable to move properly. But Arsanios took a step, and another, as his limp turned into a brisk, into a run, and into a sprint as he launched himself into the air and charged the Slinger.
-"Why indeed." I muttered, staring at the photo of Witchcraft and Defender. She didn't deserve death. There was no reason to execute her like this. I had what I came for. Even if I was an enemy to this world, I could still get what I wanted using the spells I currently had.
+"Disgraceful. To know you were once a part of us through Quorra's Clan. You've stained both her reputation and ours for your Price blood."
+The Slinger reeled back and entered Peacemaker mode, bombarding Arsanios with hundreds to thousands of bullets as Arsanios fell backwards, resolving out of Ash which broke into pieces.
-I approached Witchcraft, and knelt down.
+The other two Valians, a Abaddon and Ran, approached Arsanios, drawing their blades.
-"I know that you are capable of summoning runes. Your magic is independent from the grimoire."
+"Pin him to the ground, Ran."
-Witchcraft glared at me.
-"Tell me, Bethany." I said, as my own grimoire materialized before me, its pages flipping to another section in the book, separate from the other spells. I pulled out a magical gem from within my trench coat.
+The Ran Lance Valian held out her hand, and Arsanios was pinned down by dozens of aquatic projections, forcing him to face the Valians.
-''Shadow Magic: Abyssal Summoning - Pack Leader''
+"Master!!!" The servants screamed, trying to run to Arsanios, but the Faerar stepped in, intercepting them with hundreds of vine growth and bullets.
-Four hunting dogs gained shape from the shadows surrounding the room, as they glared at Witchcraft, snarling, foam coming from their mouths.
-"These are my Abyssal Hounds. I have instructed them to avoid killing you. But there are worst things than death. These fellas haven't had the luxury of eating non-abyssal flesh. I will deactivate my relic, if you tell me...
+The Abaddon knelt down and began to carve Arsanios' face, disfiguring it as the Valians chuckled in amusement.
+"A Price living as a Licita, must have been luxurious for you. Let's fix that. Playing noble for so long has given you such nice skin, you don't deserve any of it." The Abaddon Valian snarled, as Arsanios yelled and screamed in agony, blood gushing from his cheeks as the blade continued cutting into his face.
-"Where Lawrence Wright of Darkstar is."
+I continued watching as Arsanios' face kept getting cut, it was too gruesome, but my eyes didn't peel away. My hands went from trembling out of shock, to trembling with rage. Yelene noticed and quickly turned off the feed.
+"My lord, I deeply apologize. I have shown too much-"
-==Darkstar==
+"No." I said, as I got up, turning to Quorra.
-There was no point in using Witchcraft anymore. Even if she was capable of Rune Magic, for one thing, she hated my guts. But the other, is that her magic, though formidable, was not the best. I needed the best.
-And there was no other rune magic user that was better than Lawrence Wright. The Deputy Leader of Darkstar.
+"That vision I had of Lena and Nero. The Severens have been making their move. Taking in Ballard. SHADE killed our top seven Valians, and assassinated one of the greatest Saryn users. SHADOW continues to haunt the lower ranking Valians during their missions, as powerful as ever. And what the hell have the Valians been doing? Killing unarmed women, children, working class people? Defenseless ones?!"
-In the end, I wasn't able to extract the information from Witchcraft, so instead, I threatened to kill Defender. Obviously, she wasn't too thrilled about that. But I instantly made her change her mind.
+Quorra couldn't meet my eyes, as she stared at the ground.
+"Shan-"
-"You won't be getting any information from me, you worm!" Witchcraft shouted.
+"This ends." I said, cutting her off. I turned to Yelene.
-I stood up, fingering my relic.
-"Return."
+"How much people are left?"
-The four beasts backed off, returning back to the shadows.
+Yelene sighed. "Seventy five percent of our workforce is dead. Another twelve percent are in critical condition. Six percent are wounded. In terms of performing workers in the mansion, we are only at seven percent."
+"What about Arsanios? Is he..."
-I held out my grimoire again, the pages flipping to another section.
+"Lord Arsanios is in critical condition as well. But during his last moments, he gave me a request. He gave us all a request.
-''Shadow Magic: Umbral Copies''
+"Find his brother. Shardis Licita, for he roams this world. He must continue on where he left off. Because right now, he is the only one that is fit to lead. Take him in, just as we took him in."
-Two clones manifested. One on each side, as they regarded Witchcraft.
+Yelene took my hand as gazed at me.
-"If you do not give me my information, we will hunt down Defender."
+"Shardis Licita, command us."
-''Shadow Magic: Shadow Walker''
-My clones melted into the shadows, searching and locating Defender as I held out my hand. Showing Witchcraft an image of my clones, who were dissolved in the shadows of James Harmon's lab. Defender was doing maintenance on his suit, as one of my clones approached from the corner, completely undetected in the darkness of the corner.
+I walked with Yelene to the main hall, where workers were stationed, trying to rebuild the house to no avail. One of the workers noticed me and beckoned the others, who all stopped working to stare.
-Slowly, the clone reached into his coat, pulling out his own Garrison M55, and loading in a bullet.
+"Is he... that face. That hair."
-The clone took aim, while the other clone followed suit from the other side.
+"He has returned."
-"Defender doesn't have 360 degree vision. Even if he catches one of my clones, the other's bullet will still catch him." I said.
+Yelene brought her hand up.
+"Members of the House of Licita. The brother of Master Arsanios has returned. I know we have suffered losses. Myriam and Lancius, died peacefully last night, but even so, for the longest time we thought it had been in vain. But no longer. Master Shardis has come home."
-Witchcraft's eyes were wide in terror.
+One of the workers got up, as she stared at me, inching forward hesitantly. She held out her hand reluctantly.
-"I shall... give you his coordinates." She said, staring at the ground.
+"My lord..."
+I sighed as I stepped forward and took it. Why did I choose to step into this role? Wasn't the whole point of fighting against fate rejecting who I was? Wasn't I just stepping into the void fate had made for me? By becoming Shardis Licita, and accepting that past, that self, I was taking another step to become SHADE. The Severen monster.
-I snapped my fingers, as my clones lowered their guns, dissolving into shadows.
-I got up and left, deactivating the shadow binding spell I had on her.
+But looking at this servant girl's eyes. My own reflection from her tears. I realized. Someone needed to be there for these people. Because if it wasn't me, there was no one else. There was absolutely no one else.
-"Terrance."
-I stopped at the door, turning around. Witchcraft had her hands clenched.
+No one can lead them.
-"There is no atonement for people like you. There is no future for those who manipulate and harm others."
+But Shardis Licita.
-"You're absolutely correct." I replied, as I left the house.
+I want to become a hero.
+I took off my coat and placed it on the servant's shoulders as she began to sob.
-"I'm home, honey!" Lawrence shouted, as he closed the door to the penthouse. It was quite extravagant. I guess the legend was true. Lawrence Wright. Saviour of Croft. The Lazarus. Focused on healing magic and rune magic. The guy became extremely proficient in rune magic after he had given up his soul link creature.
-It was best to avoid fighting this guy. Not because he was a strong mage, that wasn't it. His skill with rune magic was probably the best in this city, but in terms of pure magical power, that honour would go to...
+One who saves everybody.
-"Welcome back, Lawrence!" Calliope Ariandal leaned in and kissed her husband.
+More and more servants got up and huddled around me, wrapping their arms around my body.
-I always felt weird watching couples display affection. It wasn't any better that I was basically stalking them from within the shadows of the crevices in the apartment.
+One who descends from the skies.
-Calliope Ariandal. The princess of Croft. She was famous in that country for being quite possibly the most powerful mage in history. Her soul link creature, the Seraphim, and her magic affinity: Celestial Magic, was by far the most powerful type of magic in existence. My magic stood no chance against someone of that calibre.
-Against Lawrence, my magic was still inferior, but I had spent years honing in on alternatives. Gun Magic, for instance, was a type of magic I had learned after I realized I was shit with Shadow Magic. Yes. That's right. For an Etreum, I am below average. Spending hours studying in the academy, just to get outdone by my classmates.
+I looked at the sky, through the hole in the roof, as the sun began to shine from underneath, illuminating the small group of servants who were crying and burying their faces into me.
-I had accepted that I would never succeed as a full power shadow mage, so instead, I sought other methods. So I could be useful. My own way.
+To protect everybody. And to tell everyone that...
-If I could get Ariandal out of the picture, I could beat Lazarus easily. But I would have to be smart about it. One mistake could be deadly on me.
+"It's okay." I said, gently, as Yelene, Troy, and Quorra smiled at me from the corner of the room.
-I spent the next few weeks inspecting and analyzing Lazarus' schedule. He was usually out doing some kind of housework. Calliope was often found in Croft. If I attacked Lazarus now, it would take a few minutes for Calliope to arrive. Meaning I had that window of opportunity to defeat him. But if Lazarus managed to pull out a portal, then it would be over for me.
+"I'm here now."
-I watched as Lazarus kissed Calliope goodbye as she left the suite.
-"Go get em!" He said.
+==Shardis Licita==
+"You want me to what?!" Quorra yelped.
-"Ugh. So many meetings." Calliope muttered.
+I rested my chin on the palm of my hand as I fiddled with the office decorations.
+"You're gonna teach my people how to fight. You taught Troy and I, didn't you? I want them all to learn the teachings of Lena. I don't want another bloodbath to happen again."
-I waited an hour in the darkness after Calliope had left to make sure she was gone for good.
+"Shane, you know, teaching Troy was just a one time thing. To pass on Lena's teachings is taboo."
-''Shadow Magic: Umbral Copy''
+"Yet you didn't hesitate to train me."
-I nodded at the clone, as he nodded back, dissolving into shadows and kept an eye on Calliope. Through the clone's eyes, I could see what she was up to, and to make sure she wouldn't come back for her husband.
+"Because it was very clear Dekani didn't know what he was doing!"
-Lawrence began sweeping the floor as I watched. A whole day of housework? Doesn't this guy ever get bored.
+I leaned back in my chair.
+"Well, I don't either. Do you want me to teach them?"
-Suddenly, Wright put the broomstick on the ground.
+"Gods, no." Quorra muttered.
-"Come out. I know you're there."
+"Then get to it." I said.
-A chill ran through my blood.
+"But what about my admin tasks? I'm still a leader of a massive alliance, and I have my own clan to run. I'm a busy woman."
-How did he know?
+"You're 16. Besides..."
-I didn't answer, but Lazarus put up his hand, and a rune manifested, revealing a single dot in the radar. It was me.
+I beckoned Yelene over.
-"I'm guessing you're the Mage Hunter. If you're going to go against me, you'll have to try a lot harder than that."
+"Yelene's done admin stuff in the past. She says she is more than happy to take the load off of your shoulders."
-I needed those rune spells.
+Yelene bowed.
+"It is a pleasure to be of assistance, Lady Lavine."
-I slipped out of the shadows as I slowly revealed myself. Lazarus didn't look surprised. I closed the door and locked it.
+Quorra blushed. "Ah, well. I don't mind being called that now..."
-"Lawrence Wright. Darkstar's Lazarus." I said.
+I got up and turned to the pictures lining the wall.
-"You know who I am? Well I know who you are. You made quite a foolish choice betraying your teacher like that. Are you not ashamed?"
-What? How did he know about this? I made sure to deactivate Witchcraft's magic with my anti-magic bullets. There was no way she could have alerted-
-The phone. Dammit.
+"I'm doing this different. All of it different. Because I'm not like my brother. I am going to train these gardeners, cooks, maids, attendants, workers in the art of war. This is no longer the peaceful sanctuary we once thought it was, because of these bastard Valians doing whatever the hell they please, instead of devoting their time to fighting this battle. If they want to bully us, we're fighting back with full force."
-I should have trapped her in a shadow binding spell or thrown her in the Abyssal realm. But I was hasty. And overconfident that I had taken down a world class famous mage.
+The next few days saw massive changes to how the Licita mansion handled things. Quorra began to teach my servants the art of combat. The Way of the Valian. Of course, this gave her a lot of bonding time with Troy, by using him as a training dummy and knocking him to the ground. Apparently seeing Troy get beat up was super funny to the children. And I certainly didn't mind the entertainment.
-And now my plan was off the rails.
+As for Arsanios, he was still in critical condition.
-Lazarus held out his hand and summoned another rune, but in one swift motion, I pulled out my Garrison and fired an anti-magic bullet, dissipating it.
+"Master Arsanios is currently comatose." Edda said, as she inspected his pulse.
-"So that's what you wanted out of Witchcraft, huh." Lazarus muttered, as I took out my submachine gun with my other hand, aimed, and sprayed a stream of bullets in Lazarus' direction.
+"What can we do for him at this time?"
-Lazarus leapt back and summoned three runes, which formed a force field.
+"Right now, we need more capable doctors. But because of the Arsani Price scandal, we have lost a lot of support from our clients."
+"Which clients are we talking?"
-With my other hand, I slipped in another anti-magic bullet as I switched guns, firing and dissipating the field.
-''Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Bind''
+"Numerous ones." Yelene said, as she walked into the room. She had a clipboard.
-Several chains wrapped around Lazarus, but suddenly, he dissipated into green sparks.
+"The House of Licita holds powerful political status, and by that right, had access to many shares to many corporations. While discrete, many of these corporations earnings go to us, while retaining their respective names. By far, one of our biggest shares goes to one that you may familiar with.
-I spun around in shock, as Lazarus had materialized behind me. I held out my P90 and fired behind me as Lazarus evaded, forming another shield. But the bullets were starting to crack it as he landed on the ground.
+"Toron Corpo."
-Not good. I was at a disadvantage. I was already desperate with my attacks, and Lazarus didn't look fazed at all.
+"Corpo, eh." I grumbled. Those bastards were serving the Severens. There was no way we could get them on our side. But I guess that's just how it was. That was what they believed when Arsanios was still in charge. But now we got new management.
-I thought I could take on Lazarus because he was seemingly the weakest out of all them members in Darkstar, but I guess I was wrong.
+If the Corpo wasn't going to give us financial aid because Adam Virgo was being a bitch to the Severens, I'll have to do it myself.
-I slipped in and out of the shadows, as Lazarus sent dozens of fireballs and lightning bolts at my direction.
+By taking over their entire corporation.
-Rune magic.
-The type of magic that calls upon other affinities through incantations and symbols. By fighting Lazarus, I was fighting someone who had basically every magic affinity in his kit.
+"What is the status on the Railjack?" I asked.
-I was never a fighter. But if it came down to it, I had to learn. After all, this world is never forgiving.
+"Unoperatable." Yelene responded, showing me the clipboard. I leaned in closer and narrowed my eyes.
+"Ship intrinsics are linked to Master Arsanios. If your sole objective is to obtain his Railjack, you must awaken him. But such a thing will be a miracle at this rate." Yelene glanced at her former master, her eyes full of worry.
-''Shadow Magic: Umbral Copies''
+"We'll get Arsanios back." I reassured her.
-Three clones manifested, as they drew their grimoires, reaching behind their backs to take out a larger firearm from the rest. The Argent BAS X170 shotgun.
-''Gun Magic: Black Shotgun Shells''
+Even if we couldn't get him back, there was still the Corpo. To save Deka and Rinne. If all Quorra needed was more than one Railjack, if I gained total control of the Toron Corpo empire by killing Adam Virgo, I could get the entire corporation to funnel development costs into building Railjacks. Under the curtains of course. And to pull off such a curtain trick, I had Yelene.
-The clones each loaded in their bullets into their guns as I materialized from underneath Lazarus' feet, taking out a different relic.
+I put my hand on the window and clenched my fist. Deka. Rinne. Please just hang in there. Until my plan goes through. I promise. I promise I'll get you two back, along with Aurora, Flippy, and Folock.
-''Shadow Magic: Abyssal Summoning - Serpentine''
-A huge snake erupted from my grimoire, as it instantly wrapped itself around the mage, holding him in place from the waist down, pinning his arms.
+And I will avenge Umbra. If it means tearing these Severens with my bare hands. One Severen at a time.
-The clones all fired as Lazarus flew in the air, and crumpled on the ground, blood splattering the floor.
-"Black bullets, huh." He muttered, as he tried to heal himself, to no avail.
+That night, Yelene gave me a progress report.
+"Training has gone well. Forty two percent improvement in physical assessment tests, and Lady Lavine reports that their technique has seen drastic improvement. Clientele continues to diminish. I hope your plan with the Corpo sees fruition. Despite our income still sustaining us, we will soon need to rely on our emergency response funds to support this household. No improvement on Master Arsanios, and my connections have revealed enough information to begin drafting a plan for our heist."
-My clones dissipated as Serpentine slithered on the ground, wrapping itself around Lazarus and baring its fangs.
+"Thanks Yelene. You're the best." I said, as I turned to her.
-"Serpentine is capable of Abyssal Poison Magic. Those Black Shotgun Shells will keep you from regenerating and healing. If it so much as bites you, you're finished." I said, as I reached in my coat and took out my Garrison. I took out my grimoire and loaded in an ordinary bullet into the chamber as I aimed the barrel of the gun to the mage's head.
+Yelene smiled, but the worry in her eyes was so obvious.
+"I live to serve, as the advisor and attendant to the head Licita."
+"You don't need to keep saying that. You're a highly trusted ally." I responded.
-"I'm afraid you're in no position to make demands." A voice appeared behind me.
-I spun around and fired several bullets with my P90, but nothing came out. I stared at my hand, which was frozen in ice.
+I sat on my chair as I stared at my weapons strewn across the desk. Ais. Gram. Harkanons. Hellfires. All of which were modded with new Supra Mods supplied by Quorra to deal upgraded damage. All weapons that were becoming more and more like the ones SHADE used in my visions. I was becoming more and more like him every day.
-Trill Cohen, The Coldarrow.
+"Tch." I muttered.
-My clones took out their Garrisons and fired, three bullets converging on the mage, but their guns were also frozen in place.
-"Who are you." Trill said, as a large glowing cyan wing erupted from his back, slicing my clones as they dissipated into black mist.
+"My lord?" Yelene asked, as she stepped closer to me. "You look stressed."
+"We all are."
-I held out my hand.
+"But the worry in your eyes, I cannot ignore it."
-''Shadow Magic - Shadow Moon''
-My spell cast all around the room, as the place flooded in darkness. Now I was at an advantage once more.
+I turned to Yelene and noticed she was extremely close, as she began to stroke my face. Her breath smelled of wine.
-''Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Bind''
+"Yelene-"
-Dozens of shadow arms latched onto the Avatar, as I took out my shotgun, grimoire out. This guy.
+"Please, relax with me, my lord. We can relax together, tonight."
-Trill Cohen. He was one of the mages in the Mage Academy, the same one Lazarus was in. Apparently, he was soul linked with a Hyperborean, which explained his ice powers. That ice, it needed to go.
+My heart began to race and before I knew it, my instincts took over as I pinned my attendant onto the bed. Yelene grabbed my face until I suddenly stopped.
-''Gun Magic: Anti-Magic Shotgun Shells''
+No. This was wrong. This was very wrong.
+"Stop." I said, as I got off Yelene and stood up.
-I loaded my gun and fired it with my main hand, the shells racing to his location, when suddenly, they stopped. Suspended in mid-air.
+"My lord? Is this your first time?" Yelene asked coyly.
+"Enough of this, Yelene. You're drunk. Take the time to sober up. We can't have this." I said, as I dismissed her and kicked her out of my room. I sat on my bed and buried my face in my hands.
-"A fight? And I wasn't invited? Rude!"
-What is it now.
+What the hell am I doing? How did everything go so downhill so fast? Ever since I discovered my true destiny, everything just became a shitshow. I became forced to look after these people as their master. The family and friends that I had with Captain Price were now in jeopardy. Umbra was dead. Deka and Rinne were being tortured while I was about to have intercourse with my own damn attendant?
+I glanced at the wine glass that Yelene was drinking out of. I totally didn't even know she was drinking. Drinking her sorrows and pain away.
-My eyes widened as a massive force cascade came flying my way. I instantly dissolved into shadows as all my spells were obliterated by the sheer force of Dennis Wagner's attack.
-This was bad.
+I glared at Ais.
-Against just Lazarus, I might have stood a chance. But against three of Darkstar's members, this was extremely one sided.
+I didn't want to become a monster. But the more I let my morals take hold, the more people got hurt. Why even was I defending and fighting for these Valians? Were the Severens all that bad in comparison? I had no part in this war, and I only joined because I felt it was the only place to go. The only place to find a purpose.
-Lazarus looked at me.
-"Never underestimate a team. We've been through thick and thin. If you think cutting out my coms with your anti-magic bullets was enough, then you're sorely mistaken."
+But here I was, with all the purpose in the world. And I wanted none of it.
-I emerged from the other side of the room. I had to get out of here. There was no telling how bad I would be if I-
+Fate was funny and cruel.
-I paused. What was this ominous, terrifying feeling?
+The next morning didn't get any better.
-What...
+I woke up to hear arguing in the main hall.
-What is...
+"Yelene?" I asked.
-The dark realm. It was always my home turf. I would always travel in it, be bathed in it. But this time... it felt...
+"Yes, Master Shardis."
+"What's going on down there?"
-Dangerous.
+Yelene clasped her hands. "Tension. Some of us are against your decision to train women and children in the art of combat. They say it is defiling the ways of the Licita."
-I slowly looked up, as I was face to face with a gargantuan monstrosity. A massive dark being with long hair, and demonic spikes all around it. Towering over me, its claws, surrounding me, keeping me from moving.
+I followed Yelene to the main hall, as I overheard the arguing.
-"You're not going anywhere, Etreum."
+"He ''isn't'' Master Arsanios. Why must we stain our hands in blood to survive? We shouldn't learn such disgusting ways. Reason is the only way forward." One maid exclaimed.
+"Do not speak ill of Master Shardis' decisions." Another responded.
-Standing on its shoulder, was The Black Jason.
+I made my way down the stairs as more of the servants noticed me and bowed, quieting down.
-"So you specialize in gun magic, huh." Jason said, as he took out his own gun.
-"I never thought I would have to use Sentry's powers again. Ever since my father died, I swore to only see Sentry as a friend."
+I regarded the people who were causing the ruckus. Several very fashionably dressed individuals who were oozing with privilege. Something I was very familiar with. Something that I hated a lot. Because it reminded me of a select group of people who thought the same way. A group of cocky teenagers.
+"What is happening here. Who are you." I said.
-I had no choice. It didn't matter if it was a Hellspawn. I could still take it down.
-I held out my grimoire, swapping my shotgun with my Garrison.
+The group eyed me. "We are the bourgeoisie. Those of upper class in the Licita household. We have returned from our ventures, hearing of Lord Arsanios' condition. To know a filthy peasant has taken his place and is training our people in combat. How repulsive. Who are you to-"
+A vein popped up on the side of my head as I quickly drew my Hellfire Machine Pistol and aimed it at the "noble". My expression cold. Several members of the household gasped.
-''Gun Magic - Black Bullets''
-I loaded my gun and fired, the bullet soaring to Jason, but Jason held out his own gun. It looked incredibly advanced. Almost like it was from the future. The gun imbued with darkness as suddenly, my bullet was split in half, a streak of darkness cut my face as I stumbled back.
+"Did you just call a Licita a filthy peasant?" I asked, my voice dangerous, almost unrecognizable. I had no idea what was going on in me, but whatever happened, was like watching myself go into autopilot. Certain decisions seemed right. Even if they were questionable. Maybe it was the stress from last night with Yelene. Maybe it was the thought that I wasn't enough to save Umbra, and that Deka and Rinne's lives were at jeopardy. Aurora was about to be auctioned off. All that stress, all that pent up emotions inside me was slowly changing me.
-"Nice weapon. I like the old fashioned polished wood look. But in terms of firepower, it will never match mine." Jason said, as Sentry brought his fist down. I narrowly dodged.
+"No, my lord." The nobleman replied.
+"Kneel." I said.
-This was bad. I couldn't escape. Not through shadows. Not through the real world. I knew attacking Team Darkstar was a bad idea, but I didn't think it would be like this.
+The nobleman got to one knee, reluctantly, as I aimed my gun at the rest of the ruffians.
+"Starting now, I am in charge of this household. My name is Shardis Licita. Unlike Arsanios, I am a legitimate child of Kirin and Caterena Licita. You will do as I say because that is the law. And if you refuse, then I'll have to let you in on a little secret. I'm not as nice as Arsanios. I've got shit on my plate too."
-I tried firing again, but Jason destroyed my bullets before they could even get close. How was he this fast? There was no way his reflexes were human.
-Jason regarded me from above. Six feet of pure muscle, and silver eyes that made me want to curl up into a ball and die.
+I gestured and beckoned Yelene over.
+"Starting today, move these men to the janitorial position. If they're delusional enough to believe reason can get through the Valians, then they will have all the time scrubbing floors to lament this stupid way of thinking."
-"SPART205. The second eldest of us. This was his last gift to me before he gave his life. Against all firearms, I have trained with this gun to the point where it will always be at the top. No matter who I am up against."
+"Yes, Master Shardis."
-No option. I had to do it. I had to go all out against the Black Jason.
+The nobleman's eyes widened. "What did you just say? How dare you! Master Arsanios would never treat his subordinates in this way. You are inhuman. Disgraceful. You are-"
+"What this household needs to survive this war." I responded, as I turned around, facing my servants. I clenched my fist. I couldn't believe what was happening. What I was turning into. Because the next thing I said was so unlike me, that I was slowly seeing how Shane Mayen would slowly devolve into something much worse. How SHADE had turned into who he was. At first, I thought it was impossible. Our ways of thinking was just too different. SHADE was crazy.
-''Shadow Magic: Umbral Copies''
-Four clones manifested as we all took out our shotguns and P90's.
+But as more and more things piled up on top of me, I slowly began to see.
+Shane Mayen is worthless in this world. A fighter can't win every battle unless it's a fight. This world needed someone better. This was no longer a question of what would Shane Mayen do. It was a matter of what would a Licita do. What would Shardis Licita do.
-''Gun Magic - Abyssal Sharpshooting''
-Dozens of magazines and bullets flew from our grimoires as we unloaded a barrage of bullets, all five of us, as the bullets instantly replenished. Firing everything we had.
+"You are all going to follow me. By force if necessary. The Severens are our enemy. It doesn't matter if you choose to be neutral. You will be eliminated by the enemy. The only way is to become tougher and stronger. This is how cruel the world is. And if any of you disagree with my plans, then I will ask you to leave. If any of you try to interfere with my plans, then I will end your life. You might be wondering what my plan is. That plan is simple.
-"You like spells, huh. Then I'll show you a fraction of mine!" Jason said, as he leapt from the shoulder of the giant, landing on the ground, dodging all of the bullets as his body sparking with demonic black energy, his body glowing blue. Jason drew his katana, taking a deep breath.
-''Kaiju Boost x400000 - CONTINENTAL SLASH''
-A massive wave of darkness blasted me and my clones away as we were ripped away from the shadow realm. Just from the pure force of his attack. I flew right out of the shadows into the real world as I smashed into the city.
+"I will use everything I have as a Licita, from physical power to political power, to destroy my enemies"
+I brought my gun up as I stood at the top pedestal, towering over my people.
-I got to my feet. I was screwed. There was no escape. My only means of protection was guarded by quite possibly the most frightening dark mage in existence.
+"And I won't stop until they have all been exterminated."
-Jonathan Crypt. The Black Jason.
-The Remnant of Decen the Paladin of War.
+I thought about how wretched this world was. Why did class matter? Why attack those of lower class? Why kill untrained men, women, and children?
-I turned around and managed to dodge a sound blast, following by more dark magic bullets from a girl and guy. Reya Park and Toby Rufus.
+Who were my enemies? Anyone who posed a threat on my loved ones or myself.
-Everybody was coming to get me. I needed to eliminate myself as a threat.
+Severens.
+Toron Scrava.
-''Shadow Magic: Abyssal Summoning - Pack Leader''
+Toron Corpo.
-Several hounds appeared at my feet, as they snarled at the two, rushing forward, but suddenly, Toby got on all fours, transforming into a massive white wolf.
+And eventually, the Valians themselves.
-My hounds whimpered. Right. Toby was the son of Fenris. How could I have been so stupid.
+==The Shardinian Revolutionist Movement==
+The following few weeks, my people saw drastic improvement in their combat skill. Several of our more avid followers, who began to dub themselves the Shardis Legionnaires, requested they undergo the same Infestation operation that had given me my cybernetics.
-I took a step back, but suddenly, stopped. My feet were stuck in the ground.
+Quorra was against this, obviously, and instead decided to teach them the way to channel the powers of the void. Unfortunately, this meant sharing her power to these people.
+"You're the last batch." Quorra said, attempting to conceal her fatigue. She began to lean on Troy as she held out her hand, almost like a blessing to the remaining dozen of the Legionnaires.
+Quorra's knees buckled and Troy caught her.
-"What business do you have with Lazarus?" A girl's voice appeared behind me.
-I clenched my teeth. It was all over.
+"Hey, don't push yourself too hard."
-A beautiful woman with black and silver hair approached me. That brown aviator jacket. And beside her, was an extremely muscular man, even bigger than Jason.
+"I'm fine."
-Amana Cross and Ferris Wheeler.
+"No, you're not. Shane, we need to find other ways to-"
-I said nothing as Amana stood in front of me, her tail turning bright red, her orange eyes regarding mine critically.
+I got up from my seat, my Toron cloak, now embroidered with Licita markings, indicating my status as the new lord of the household. I walked down my steps and regarded Quorra from above.
+"Yelene, call Eros over."
-"You might want to say something." Jason said, popping up beside her as he brushed off his t-shirt.
+"Yes, my lord."
-I couldn't. I was going to die anyway. Also why would I be intimidated by The Fox of all people? She was always the rational smart one. There would be no way she would scare me.
+Yelene beckoned Eros, the household science officer, as she made her way and bowed to me.
-"My son was sleeping peacefully for once. Endless days and nights he would be crying. I've lost a lot of sleep. Then you had to ruin it by attacking one of my closest friends. So not only have you decided to mess with Lawrence, you took away valuable sleeping time from my little boy." Amana's eyes became murderous.
+"What may I do for you, Master Shardis?"
-Holy shit!
+"Run a calculation. A net combat prowess of the forces of our Legion after Quorra has expended her void energy, and compare it to what we have now. Determine if Quorra should continue lending our people her power."
+Troy's eyes widened. "The hell are you saying, Shane? Don't you care what happens to Quorra?"
-Jason raised an eyebrow.
-"Shadow magic huh. You decided to pick a fight with us, I can't for the life of me, understand how people can be so reckless."
+I glanced at Troy, expressionless.
+"Numbers don't lie. If we're gonna win this war, we have to do it ourselves. The Valians, as you knew, are useless. Fruitless egotistical children with no goals in mind. Thinking they are so high and mighty. Whatever happens in this calculation, will be pure numerical fact. And this fact will lead us to victory."
-I struggled against my restraints. I had to get out of here, but the only thing I could do was give into their demands. There was nothing I could do right now.
+Troy stepped forward and attempted to grab my collar, but I did nothing as several of the maids in the room rushed forward with their pole-arms aimed at Troy's throat. Each one of them strong enough to defeat and match Troy's combat skill alone.
-"I need his rune magic. My friends and family are in danger from an unspeakable threat in my universe. If it means giving my life to protect them, then so be it." I replied.
+"You say all this about the Valians being all high and mighty. Yet here you are doing the exact thing. Power's ruined you, Shane. Who you were before, that's the man who will win this war. Not whatever the hell you are now."
-Jason took a deep breath.
+Quorra stared at the ground.
-"Giving your life, huh." Amana said dangerously, as she stepped closer to me.
+"Stop, Troy."
-"Do you really think that's going to change anything? If you died?"
+Troy turned around. "Quorra?"
+Quorra's fist shook. "He's right. Look at us. I lead a Clan of forty thousand. An alliance in the hundreds of thousands. I'm a member of the Valian Council. Yet we've done nothing to aid in the war against the Severens. All we've done is use our class and power for ourselves. If it wasn't for the whole idea that we are distinguished warriors, the people in this mansion wouldn't have suffered so much."
-My eyes widened. Since when was Amana Cross this cold? Didn't the stories and legends say she was the most accepting of all the members of Darkstar?
+Quorra looked at her boyfriend, her face pale and defeated.
-"Amana..."
+"Tell me, Troy. What have we done? What have I done? The only times I have aided in the war's efforts, have been with Shane. At the end of the day, it's Shane that's the only one fighting, and he's only half Valian with his Lance cybernetics. I won't stand for this. If it means helping Shane, then so be it."
-"No, John. I'm going to lay it out for you straight, kiddo." Amana held out her hand, as her tail projection grew larger and spikier, her body began glowing red.
+The room went silent, as I went back to my chair, resting my chin on my hand, while Yelene continued updating me on the progress, and Eros continued her calculations.
-"You can do whatever you want. But if you so much as lay a hand on ''my'' friends and family, I will destroy you. I've had enough, Sam."
-Sam? Who the hell was-
+Troy glared at me, as he shouldered his girlfriend.
-Was she talking about Samuel Mason?
+"Where's Quorra gonna stay for the time being."
+I looked up from the bangs of my hair.
-Amana suddenly paused, her eyes widened, as she became paralyzed. Her orange eyes began forming tears as her tail projection dissipated.
+"Take her to the Med-bay. Cera, lead the way." A maid took and led Quorra by the hand as Troy glared at me one last time.
-"Huh? What am I- what am I saying..." She muttered, as the restraints around my feet loosened. Ferris put his arms around her as Amana stared at me, her face had gone completely pale.
+"We'll be waiting on the results... Shardis."
-Ferris turned to Jason.
-"I'll take care of her. You deal with this delinquent."
+I watched as the two left the master room while Yelene continued updating me on our progress. But everything she said seemed to come in one ear and go out the other. Because I just wasn't having it. I knew something was happening to me ever since I watched those Valians slaughter those women and children. In cold blood.
-Jason nodded, as he regarded me.
+The face of that poor maid, with a hole in her forehead, her eyes, still pleading for the Valian to leave her beloved master alone. It wasn't just gory. It broke something inside of me, psychologically.
-"I still don't know who you are, aside from the fact that you're an Etreum who decided for whatever reason it was a good idea to fight us. But right now, you're coming with me for questioning."
+Little children playing with guns should never be a thing. Yet here we had the Valians, teenagers running around with power too much for them to handle. Acting like they owned the place and terrorizing the people with this stupid social hierarchy.
-==Noctis==
-"Why did you attack Lazarus?" Jason asked, as I found myself in meta human cuffs. My grimoire was confiscated by Lawrence himself.
-I glanced nervously at Amana, who was at the door.
-Jason turned to her and waved his hand.
+That night I went up to Ais and took the sword.
-"It's okay. I can handle him."
+"Alright. Let's see how they're doing." I muttered, as I plunged the blade into a piece of the Eidolon Troy and I captured, my vision flooding with a new scene.
-Amana shot me a glare and left the room.
-Jason noticed my sweating.
+<div align="center"> * * * </div>
-"Amana wasn't always like this. These past few years have been really hard for her."
-"I would have guessed that out myself. Stories said she was the most rational and level headed of the team."
+I was back in the Severen home system. Severen civilization all around me, as a familiar voice called out to me. I knew that voice, because it was my own.
-Jason leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.
+"You have taken yet another leap in your developments. That is good."
-"As scary as Sentry is, he is a good person. And I'm not a violent gunslinging maniac people like to make me out to be. When I fought you, I sensed desperation from your movements. What's got you all tied up?"
+I turned around.
-"These cuffs."
+"Update me on Deka and Rinne." I ordered.
-"Funny guy." Jason chuckled, as he got up from his seat, putting his hand on the window.
+SHADE smiled. "A lord cannot order another lord to do his bidding. We are after all, one and the same."
-"No wonder Amana hates you."
+I clenched my fist.
+"If I'm going to play along with your fate BS, at least tell me, tell me what I'm doing is right."
-"She mistakened me for one of yours. Me and The Blackflame have nothing in common."
+"Cap and Rinne are still alive, they still fight. After all, they're Valians through and through."
-"You're right. You're nothing in comparison to Samuel Mason. He was the greatest and best of us."
+"And Aurora?"
-I shouldn't have gotten myself involved with their problems. If I had kept my face covered, this wouldn't have happened. But then again, I looked nothing like him, so why was-
+"You have two months, Shardis Licita. Two months to get them back. But you will get them back. At a price."
+"I don't care what the price is. I'll get my friends back." I growled.
-"You're probably wondering why she did it." Jason read my mind, as he turned to me. His face, though calm and objective, was mixed with a little bit of sadness.
-"Was it something I said?"
+SHADE threw his head back and stared at the sky.
-Jason sat back down.
+"Indeed you will. You will get them back. But only them."
-"What about Blackflame do you know? The stories and legends that circulate around here."
+"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
-"He was the guy who defeated an entire Aspect army on his own and saved the multiverse. Fought and held his own against the Prime Aspect Deimos, who had the power to literally alter the natural laws of the universe. The guy was strong enough to decimate an entire country with one chop. What else is there to not know about him?"
+SHADE turned around and gazed at the horizon, as multiple giant Severen dropships emerged from the sky.
-"I'm not asking about his accomplishments. We all know about that, even if it is slightly inaccurate."
+"I want to become a hero."
-"Inaccurate, how?"
-"Answer my question."
+"What?"
-Jason's hypercritical eyes focused on me, like he was analyzing how to take me down.
+"One that saves everybody. One who descends from the skies."
-"Legend said that he was selfless, rarely thinking about what he was doing and charging ahead on instinct.... oh."
+"Why are you reciting that?"
-Jason's expression confirmed it.
+SHADE held out his hands, as more and more dropships came from the sky, the entire sky flooded with white and red Severen flesh. A horrific sight, knowing full well, that our enemy was so overwhelmingly vast.
-"Amana loved Sam like family. After all, she had lost her blood relatives from an Infernal attack. Sam was with her from Day One. His death shook her to the core, and even after all these years, she never got over it. Because he left her so suddenly. Left us so suddenly. All because he made what Amana believed to be a selfish choice in sacrificing his life for us."
+I stumbled back, instinctively, as SHADE turned around, his Severen cloak fluttering in the wind as he was backed up by thousands upon thousands of enormous Severen ships, an entire army seemingly at his command, ready to destroy and exterminate all of his enemies.
-Jason reached to his side pocket and ran his hand over his combat mask.
+"To protect everybody. To tell everybody that I am here now."
-"Since then, she's been suppressing it. I thought she was happy again when our son was born. But I never knew it still haunted her to this day. Then you came along, with the reckless goal of attacking one of us, for the purpose of protecting your loved ones. It rubbed her the wrong way."
+I took another step back and realized that SHADE wasn't the only one who knew I was here.
-I clenched my fists. Getting involved in other people's drama. This was not how I was supposed to go about things. I was the guy who slipped in and out without a trace. Who did things in the shadows. In the background. Why was I suddenly in the spotlight? I hated it.
+''Shardis Licita, do you truly understand, what you are facing now?'' SHADOW hissed behind me, as I spun around, Ais in hand, but the sword suddenly dissipated.
+SHADOW readjusted his own great sword, War, along his shoulder as he joined SHADE.
+''You may see us. You may see all of our secrets, but that is the true nature of overwhelming power. It doesn't need to be concealed. No amount of knowledge can prepare you for what happens next. All in the glory of Lord Gargantua. To avenge our queen. For it was the Valians who betrayed the Toron that day, and killed my people. It was the Valians who continue to brandish their power among the weak. If you choose to fight against us, then you will see defeat. But eventually, you will realize...''
-"Look. I didn't mean to bring up any past traumas. I'm just here to learn the necessary magic to complete my mission. If I can't gain anything here, I'm going. So please, just let me go."
-Jason put his hand on his chin, as he took out my grimoire, flipping the pages.
+SHADOW brought up his sword, holding out his hand as I stared at my Toron Arm Sheathe, which sparked.
-"Lazarus is a remarkable mage. Known widely as one of the best. But in terms of magical knowledge, I would have to say Trill Cohen and I are the best. Since he was the only one of Darkstar who fully completed our degree in the Mage Academy."
+''Your Valian powers are useless. Because you don't belong with them. Shane Mayen fights for justice, to avenge those who were wronged. The more you walk your path to becoming SHADE, the more you will see, that the true way of justice, is to join us. To join the Severens.''
-"Wha-?"
-Jason continued flipping the pages.
-"Your specialization is in shadow magic. But judging from the way your spells are oriented, they look inefficient. Cross spell amplification - Shadow Moon and Umbral Bind limits your casting speed. Not to mention almost half of the main shadow spells, like Total Eclipse, and Death Flood are not even inscribed in this book. I'm guessing you're not too proficient with this affinity, which explains why..."
+<div align="center"> * * * </div>
-Jason flipped to another section.
-"Your grimoire possesses dual magic attributes. Gun Magic with Bullet Alchemy. You tried to seek an offensive attribute to offset your lack of offensive spells. Am I correct?"
+"Master Shardis, we are approaching the rendezvous." Yelene notified me. I nodded at her, as I turned to my squad.
+Two months ago, these people were Maids. Butlers. Chefs. Gardeners. Cleaners. Workers and servants.
-What the hell was this guy? He completely saw through me.
+Now they were warriors.
-"What are you getting at." I grumbled.
+I couldn't help stare at Yelene, who was dressed in full battle gear. Bulletproof skin tight leather. Instinctively, my head flashed back to that night when I had pinned her down on the-
-Jason gave the book back to me, as I felt my restraints crumble.
+No. What am I thinking. This is not appropriate.
-"I'm offering to help you with increasing the power of your spells. Lazarus may be a good mage, but I'm a dark affinity mage just like you. I can offer you a few tips."
+"My lord?" Yelene asked.
-He held out his hand.
+"Nothing." I responded a little too quickly. "You know the plan. Infiltrate and destroy the vision. Cut them down all at once so no one suspects anything. Yelene, and Travis' squad are with me to capture Virgo."
-"I used to be just like you. I wanted what I wanted without a care in the universe about what happens to others. But I want to set an example for my son, and maybe for you too."
+"Affirmative." My squad said, along with the rest of the other squads from the other mini-landing crafts.
-I stared at the hand. Was this really a good idea? Should I trust this guy? He seemed nice enough. But the moment I start developing bonds, it always comes back to bite me in the ass. I had to be careful with this guy. No getting attached to his group. Everything came down to getting the job done.
-Remember that, Ether.
+I peered down at the building from above from within the concealment of our cloaked dropship. I had Quorra help research pieces from her Artemis Lance to incorporate her powers into our tech. Each person was able to go into stealth mode if needed.
-Remember.
+"It's time, Master Shardis." Travis said to me, as we all jumped out, and landed into the building. As expected, no alarms were tripped, because our other squads had already infiltrated their security systems.
-Everything you're doing is for Ruby.
+We made our way to the main hall, in a pincer move. There were two exits for Adam Virgo, and each exit was blocked. If he attempted to escape by blowing a hole through the wall, he will be gunned down by the Legionnaires outside.
-I took Jason's hand.
+There was no running from me.
-<div align="center">* * *</div>
+"Hey!" A Corpo crewman shouted at me. "You shouldn't be he-"
+One of my servants shot him right between his eyes with a Supra Tessera. The assault rifle smoking at the barrel.
-"Welcome to Eldia, home of the pixies." Jason said, as he spun around. Then he looked at me with a deadpan expression.
+None of us batted an eye as we continued walking, slaughtering crewmen left and right as we made our way to the main office. To Virgo's lair.
-"Ether, if you're going to get yourself one, can you at least look like you want to be here."
-I emerged from the shadows of a tree with a scowl.
+"Master Shardis." My coms buzzed in.
+"We have located the subject. He is fleeing on foot and sent his guards to distract us."
-"I wanted my spells to be stronger. I didn't ask for Tinkerbell."
+"Good." I responded. "Fight off the guards and let him come to us."
-Jason shook his head.
+We located the sounds of Adam's running as the CEO of the Toron Corpo ran into us. His eyes wide in terror as he stumbled back.
-"There is currently no way I can think of that will amplify your strength other than a familiar."
+"Who are you people. Do you know who I am? Do you know who you are messing with?"
-"Then give me a wolf or something. Besides, I have tons of familiars." I opened my trench coat, revealing my relics that I used for Abyssal Summoning.
+I took out my Harkanon Supra, which underwent yet another upgrade, taking aim.
-Jason raised an eyebrow.
+Adam yelped as he ran the other direction for dear life. But there was nothing he could do. He was completely trapped. His security, torn to shreds by my forces.
-"Abyssal Summoning can only get you so far. They consume mana. With a pixie, her power will add on to yours, amplifying your spells greatly. Besides, you seem like a lonely guy for your age. Having a pixie girl sounds nice."
-"The last thing I need is an annoying pixie chatterbox by my side when I'm doing recon."
+Adam got himself backed in the corner, as my squad closed in on him.
-Jason paused.
+"Now now. Let's not have this. I can offer you quite the reward for sparing me. Perhaps a-"
-"Believe it or not, Samuel Mason also had a pixie. But she was more of a Guardian than pixie. They didn't get along too well at first, but over time, they became close."
+Adam was cut short, as one of the maids hit him in the legs with her staff. The CEO fell on his face as my squad tied him up, bringing him with us to the main dropship.
-I didn't hear about that. I knew Samuel Mason had Sentry, then passed it on to Jason. What was this pixie he was talking about?
-"What happened to her?"
+Yelene spoke into her coms.
-"She sacrificed herself in his struggle against Deimos."
+"Subject secured. Return to rendezvous."
-"Oh."
-"It's here." Jason said, pointing at a grove. It was the one place where the sunlight shone down in a circular region. It kind of looked magical. Actually, it probably ''was'' magical, with all the pixies here.
+We made our way back to rendezvous, and loaded the CEO of the Toron Corpo into the back of our ship, near the cargo load. Yelene ripped the blindfold off of Adam's face as I entered the room, gesturing the servants to leave. I calmly locked the door and sat on a chair in front of him as Yelene held out her pistol, aimed right at Adam's forehead.
+"What do you people want from me?" Virgo gasped.
-The asshole part of me wanted to pull out a can of bug spray and see how they would react.
+I brushed the hair out of my eyes, tucking it behind my ear.
-We stood there, as little orbs of light began to gather. The orbs began to grow until they were the size of a smartphone. Pretty ladies with wings of different colours surrounded us.
+"On the eighth hour last night, I made a purchase." I said, as the cargo hold shook, intimidating Virgo. Yelene remained emotionless, as her aim with the gun remained steadfast. Acquired only through diligent training with Quorra.
-"Ooh, who's this cutie?!" One of the pixies squealed.
+"A purchase?"
-My eye twitched in annoyance.
+"Yes. The Toron Corpo have been a major client for the Licita Family for the longest time. But today, things are different. From now on, the Corpo isn't just my client. It is ''mine''."
-"Don't call me cute-"
-"Haha, I appreciate the compliment Seras!" Jason held out his hand as the pixies perched on his shoulder and all across his arm.
+Virgo's eyes widened. "What are you talking about?"
+"For the longest time, you possessed the majority shares to the company and empire. Now those shares belong to me."
-Typical.
+I held out an electronic document hologram, showing the forged signature of Adam handing over his company to me.
-Jason turned to me.
+Adam struggled in his restraints. "What is the meaning of this? This is my company. You have no right to take-"
-"During the pixie binding ritual, the pixie chooses her master. But sometimes, the master can choose the pixie, but must engage in combat with her."
+"I have every right to take back a company that was mine in the first place." I said, cutting him off.
-"I don't mind shooting up these bugs."
+Virgo's face paled. "I don't know what you are talking about."
-One of the pixies gave me a raspberry.
+I scrolled through the hologram, through numerous articles, until I found the one that I needed. A police report, legal document, that outlined how Adam had become the CEO of the Toron Corpo in the first place.
-"Wow. You clearly don't know how to talk to girls."
-The other pixies chattered amongst themselves, calling me an incel.
+"When the Toron Empire fell to the Severens, the empire was split into two subdivisions. Toron Corpo, and Toron Scrava. But for the longest time, when my ancestor, Lilith Licita, began advocating pacifism in our bloodline, she turned to political and business power. Due to her close relationship to His Majesty at the time, she was given total control of the Toron Corpo. Do you know what this means?"
-Jason nervously scratched his head.
+Virgo was silent, beads of sweat going down his neck.
-"Look, Ether. You need to be more friendly with them. The whole point is to get them to like you. Maybe just-"
+"The Toron Corpo was initially entirely under the control of the Licitas. Until one day, a certain CEO had her hands muddled. Ruined. By one who created fake alibis and allegations. Her reputation in shambles. Daria Licita, the wife of Adam Virgo."
-"If they don't like me for who I am, in what way am I obligated to put on a fake mask to please them?" I responded.
+"This isn't true! This is bullshit. How dare you accuse me of-"
-"A prophet. How amusing." A voice said, from the corner of the grove. The pixies turned to the source of the voice. I narrowed my eyes to locate her.
+"Daria had a compelling argument during the court, but unfortunately, an anonymous tip bribed the judge that day. And Adam Virgo was handed the reigns of the Toron Corpo. And from then on, became the CEO. As for Daria Licita, due to her status as a Licita, her punishment did not influence the rest of our family. The Licita reputation remained unstained, but at the cost of her life. It's rather cruel isn't it? For a husband to betray his wife like that."
-She looked stunning. Long silver hair, pointy ears, and critical cyan eyes. Her wings were beautiful, cyan but translucent, like glass. Unlike the other fairies, who wore dresses, she had what looked like several appendages from her hips that almost reminded me of Deka's Archwings that decorated her full body black leather.
-She kind of reminded me of a biker.
+"You are playing a very dangerous game, sir." Adam snarled, but I leaned forward, propping my elbows on my knees.
+"It would seem that no matter how you do it, this world will forever favour certain individuals. You're a very lucky man, Adam, that this world favours you. Which is why if you're going to play things dirty, so will I. Because I'm not like  my ancestors. I will do things in the name of justice my own way."
-"Ugh. Noctis, you're always such a tomboy. Why can't you be more graceful like the rest of us?" One of the pixies said.
-Noctis glared at her, but said nothing.
+I got up from my seat and peered at the window, glancing at the landscape of Pluto. Nearly inhospitable, to the point where no one, not even Valian Lances could set foot on.
-I stepped forward. "She can be whoever she wants to be-"
+I turned around, my eyes cold yet brimming with murderous intent.
-"Stop." Noctis held out her hand, cutting me off. She crossed her arms.
+"Starting now, your company is mine. Of course, I know you aren't the type to want something like this. So I guess I'll have to take matters into my own hands."
-"Just because I don't fit in with the rest, does not automatically make me compatible with an oddball like you. The other pixies are still right. You have no respect for us. You will not be my master."
+Adam began struggling even harder, and Yelene reattached the gag in his mouth.
-Well, I guess it was never going to be this easy. But looking at Noctis, I realized she had power unlike the others. She was an ice based fairy, but her ice seemed almost ethereal.
+"MMF! MMMMMF!" Adam yelled, as he began to convulse, his eyes filled with tears.
-"You're a Cryo-abyssal Pixie." I said.
+"If you chose to live your life as scum, then you should have known you would die as scum." I said, as I grabbed the former CEO of the Toron Corpo, and brought him to the edge of the dropship, the sheer temperatures, causing his tears to instantly freeze on his face.
-Noctis raised an eyebrow.
-"And? I'm not interested in serving a half baked Abyssal mage."
+Adam turned to me, his eyes pleading. But there was no more chances for him.
-I smiled.
+"You were a lucky man, Adam. To win the affection of Daria Licita. But the moment you chose to betray her, you made an enemy to the Licita bloodline. And today, a Licita will take away everything from you, just as you had taken away everything from a Licita."
-"Then I guess that's that. Noctis, I, Ethereum Lux, challenge you to a bout for mastership."
+Yelene handed me the gun and I aimed it to the side of his head.
-A large rune appeared in the grove, as the other pixies moved out of the way. Jason leapt back as he gave me a nod.
+"This is goodbye."
-"Good luck." He said.
+I fired, and let go of the body, as Adam Virgo's corpse plummeted into the depths of the icy tundras of Pluto, the blood from his head instantly turning into ice.
-Noctis clenched her tiny fists as she fluttered into the air.
-"Unbelievable. After everything I said, you're still delusional enough to choose me. This isn't one of your stupid fantasies where the weird girl becomes your lover."
-My grimoire manifested in front of me.
-"I only chose you because you know when to shut your trap. That's all you are to me." I said, coldly.
+The following few days, I took the initiative to change the resource allocation of the Corpo to Railjack implementation. Yelene assisted in covering this up by appearing that we were expediting the deployment of the Amalgram units. As for the public image of the Licita household, I took it upon myself to give everyone an introduction to who was running the household now.
-''Shadow Magic: Umbral Bind''
-Several chains manifested, but Noctis zipped around elegantly, dodging every chain coming her way.
+"My name is Shardis Licita." I said, through the communications beacon, to all the media in the Star System. Our forces at the moment were strong, but not strong enough. We needed more people.
+"I am the true heir to Kirin and Caterena Licita. But unlike my ancestors, I was denied my title as a Licita, and lived my life in the working class family of the Mayen. I lived my life as Shane Mayen, an ordinary man who had no particular skills. I was spit on by the world, disrespected, watching those who were blessed become successful, favoured by the world, while I myself, faced repeated failure. My entire life, I strove to step up and become better, despite the unfairness of this world. And now that I have reclaimed my title and position of power, I will make it a mission to rid this world of its unfairness. Starting with the Severens."
-"A binding spell on such a small target? Pathetic." She said, as she zoomed in, manifested two icicle daggers.
-"This is over, foolish magus." She hissed.
+I reached over and grabbed the Corpo medallion that signified ownership of the entire empire, a family item that once belonged to Daria, which was then stolen by Adam, then stolen back by me.
-''Shadow Magic: Shadow Moon''
+"As you can see, I now control the entire Toron Corpo, along with the Licita household. I will continue rising in power, not because I am a Licita. But because I lived my life at the bottom, just like all of you. I possess the hunger for power, unlike my adopted brother, who continued to watch as the working class suffered in his posh little living arrangements. I will only become more powerful, until my enemy is exterminated. Who is my enemy, you may ask?"
-An orb manifested, as the entire place flooded with darkness.
+I stood up and pulled my hair back, revealing my numerous cybernetics, my eye, my infested flesh from the multiple operations with Yggdrasil.
-Noctis paused.
+"All those who forced me to become this monstrosity to become one that could survive in this world. Those who were unfairly given power and authority, just because they were born this way. Just because they were special. The Severens with their power. The Corpo with their industrialization. The Scrava with their numbers. And...
-''Shadow Magic: Umbral Copies - Fivefold Umbral Bind''
+"The Valian, for their class. I won't stop, until every last one is exterminated."
-My chains manifested, in an even greater frequency, chasing down Noctis as she was blinded by the darkness.
-"Tch!" She muttered, as she flew into the air, spinning and releasing a shower of frost, freezing all of my chains and clones in place.
-"You're the type of man who uses underhanded methods. How repulsive!"
+"Congratulations, Master Shardis. You now have total control of the Toron Corpo Empire. Combined with your status as a Licita, our status has now stabilized." Yelene said, as she entered my room, standing at the door.
+"Thanks." I replied.
-Noctis fired hundreds of icicle daggers as I leapt back, dissolving into shadows.
+"You've created quite the movement, do you know? The movement has become known as the Shardinian Anarchist Revolution against the Valians and upper classmen."
-I watched as Noctis dispatched all of my clones, one by one.
+"I didn't force to make this revolution. They did it themselves. All I did was be myself."
+"Is that so?"
-"Are trap spells all you can do?" Noctis taunted, but suddenly paused.
+Yelene showed me a news article, as the projection pulsed a live feed of massive protests all across the cities. Rights and freedom for the working class. Valians being stoned and jeered at.
-"Not quite." I said, as the surroundings became flooded with a different kind of darkness. Thank you Witchcraft. I didn't think you would have this kind of rare magic for me to use.
+One Valian aimed his Amprex at a group of protesters.
-"You're absolutely correct, Noctis. I'm the kind of man who uses underhanded methods. I'm complete scum. But at least I'm honest enough to admit that."
+"You have some nerve, speaking to me like tha-"
-''Shadow Magic: Emotional Extension - Flood''
-Noctis' memories exploded from out of her body as the darkness lit up with ethereal projections of her memories. Her emotions. All of her insecurities. I saw them all.
+"You kill us, we'll keep coming. Who decided it was fair for you guys to have everything? Why do some of us, who work just as hard in our jobs, remain in poverty, while you children get to be at the top? Bullying the lower class?"
-"No... stop this. Stop. Stop now!" Noctis pleaded, as I saw everything.
+I watched as the Valians were jeered off, by the thousands of protesters all over the cities.
-Noctis was born a Cryo-abyssal. Her powers, were labelled as disgusting by her mother, who abandoned her from the nest. I watched as Noctis spent her childhood away from the other pixies, learning to become tough and fighting off predators all on her own.
-"Leather makes me harder to kill." I saw a child Noctis say, as she put on her leather suit for the first time.
+"A large number of these protesters request that they gain the power to aid in your efforts. Many more have conducted theft to obtain weapons in aiding with your movement."
-"Ugh, look who the cat dragged in." One of the pixies said, as Noctis joined the others in the grove dejectedly. One of the mages, a handsome man, had a ton of pixies all around him, asking for his hand in marriage.
+"I see."
-Noctis approached from the back, but was too shy.
-"I... I like you too..." Her timid voice squeaked.
-"You wish, No Husband Noctis!" One of the pixies said, as the insult rippled through the assembly."
+Yelene looked down, as I glanced at her.
+"You're uneasy, huh."
-The present Noctis stared at me in horror, her eyes wide and teary. Her mouth trembling.
+"Master Arsanios was always so pacifist and kind to us. He fought for his Valian brethren, but still took the time to be caring and nurturing, using his class and his mannerisms in a positive way. This is all... just so much. The change and transition. I never imagined myself to have my hands stained in blood."
+"You saw how pacifism did for the people who lost their lives that day."
-"No more... please..." She begged.
+"I know. It's just... part of me wishes that things were the same as back then. Children playing in the backyard with the toys Master Arsanios bought for them. Not playing target practice with their sniper rifles. I'm sorry, my lord. I am out of line."
-I melted out of the shadows.
+I got off from my desk. She was right. No one wanted this. But this is just how it is. That's just how it was all gonna play out in the end.
-"Not until you submit as my servant." I said.
-"Otherwise, your whole life story is going to unfold for me to see."
+One event leads to another.
+To follow the threads of fate.
-"I... I can't. I don't want to... I don't want to.... to..." Noctis stammered.
+Until I end up becoming the very monster that I feared.
-"Then let's keep going." I said.
+And there wasn't a single damn thing I could do about it.
-The projections continued, as the pixies continued jeering a teenage Noctis. The mage parted the pixies aside as he knelt down in front of a crying Noctis.
-"You like me? I think you're kind of cute too. Be my servant."
+"Master Shardis, I cannot take this any longer."
-The pixies stared at Noctis.
+"Huh?" I turned to Yelene, her face was red, as her eyes became watery.
-"Her?! Why her?! Hey! Come back!"
+"I am requesting you find another to replace me. I am no longer qualified to be your advisor."
-Noctis perched on the shoulder of the mage as they walked off. She clung onto him desperately.
+"What are you talking about?" I asked, in disbelief.
-I raised an eyebrow.
+Yelene walked forward and put a hand on her chest.
-"You were chosen by that mage boy. Yet... you're..."
+"Master Shardis, I cannot get drunk."
-Noctis stared at the ground, her face empty, as tears streamed down her face.
+"What are you talking abou-"
-The memories continued as I watched a teenage Noctis spend time with the mage. And I finally understood why Noctis was back in the grove again. I watched as the mage abused Noctis, forcing her to clean his house, whipped her, had his fun with her.
+Then it hit me. That night. I thought she tried to seduce me because she was drunk, since I smelled wine in her breath. But... if she couldn't get drunk... that meant...
-"I didn't think I would find a pixie so damn submissive!" The mage bellowed, as he and his asshole buddies took turns bullying and tormenting the pixie.
+"You knew exactly what you were doing." I deduced.
-This continued throughout her teenage years, until one day, a young adult Noctis was forced into her full size, tied to the bed.
-"Looks like you're legal age. So there ain't nothing illegal about what I'm going to do now. After all, you're my servant." The mage said, as he began to undress.
-I clenched my fist. Even though this was a memory, I felt full of rage. This man. I myself am considered a scumbag, but this man was the worst of the worst.
+Yelene looked away.
+"When Arsanios was left brutally battered and comatose, I came to the realization. That we had no more pureblood Licita remaining. With Arsanios being all we had, despite being an adopted one, I knew. A Licita cannot be fabricated from words. Or actions. A Licita is a biological trait. I ran out of hope, being someone who served the Licita, my parents, serving the Licita before them. I was just a little girl when I served your father.
-"No... stop! Stop!" Noctis screamed, as the man paused. The mage stared at the dozens of icicles that had pierced through his body.
-"You... little bitch!" He gasped, as the mage doubled over, dead. Noctis frantically escaped her restraints as her body began to sparkle with cyan light. She was dissolving. I watched as Noctis fled back to the grove, barely making it back alive.
+"Without the Licita, my life has no meaning. So could you imagine the hope and joy I felt, when I discovered the true son of Kirin and Caterena Licita was alive? And well?"
-Throughout the journey, I watched as Noctis became more and more resentful. Angrier and angrier. But also in pain.
+"I-" This was coming at me too fast. Yelene's family served the Licitas for generations. I guess it must have hit hard to know that with them gone, generations of service would be put to an end. But I wasn't understanding what she was getting at.
-I closed my eyes and held out my fist.
+"Preservation. That is all I wanted. To know that the new lord of the household is a warrior like Master Arsanios, but one who was willing to step foot in the battlefield and get his hands muddled. This was too much. I know I cannot convince you to stay away from the battlefield. My only wish was to ensure that a Licita remains safe."
-"Deactivate."
-The projections dissolved, as I looked at a sobbing Noctis in the corner of the battle ring.
+Yelene put a hand on her midsection.
-"Of all the mages to have come here, you're the absolute worst piece of garbage I have ever seen." She heaved.
-"You can say that. I'm complete garbage. But at least I'm garbage who knows what you're going through." I said as I knelt in front of her tiny body.
+"One person must stand up and take that role. If it means giving birth to as many Licita heirs as I can, that would mean the chances of preservation of the bloodline would be increased manifold. Shardis Licita, that day I seduced you on the bed, was completely intentional."
-"You were born into this world cursed. There's no such thing as looking at the bright side of things, when even fate doesn't allow it. After all, you can't fight fate."
+I was speechless, as I watched Yelene turn around and leave the door.
-"Shut up... you don't know what it's like. To be defective. To be... to be..." Noctis muttered.
+"I await my punishment, Master Shardis." Yelene muttered, as she excused herself, leaving me dumbfounded and unable to respond.
-"I'm not going to lie to you. Your life isn't going to get any better when you're with me. I'll use you like a tool. Because that's all you're going to be. But at least it's better than whatever the hell that psycho had in mind."
-Noctis glared at me, her eyes puffy from crying.
+==Troy Lucien vs. Shane Mayen==
+I entered the med bay, to be greeted with Troy assaulting me.
-"I'll kill you!" She screamed, as hundreds of icicle daggers manifested in front of me.
+Troy glared at me as I slammed against the wall, sliding onto the ground as he began kicking my face over and over again. Sharp twinges of pain arced across my body, but my cybernetics quickly responded, delivering nanotechnology and endorphins to cease the pain and repair my body.
+I said nothing as Troy continued punching me over and over again.
-"Ether!" Jason shouted.
+"You bastard. Look at you. The Shane Mayen I knew would never sacrifice his friends like that. You've become the very scum you hated."
-I reached into my coat, as Noctis held out her hands, more and more daggers formed, ready to turn me into a magus shish kebab.
+Several of my attendants rushed to my aid, but Yelene held them back.
-"Die like the rest. Die like the other men." She snarled, as she let loose with a yell.
+"No." She said.
-''Gun Magic: Anti-Magic Bullets''
+I regarded Troy from the ground with cold dead eyes.
+"Say something, you shitstain." Troy growled, grabbing my collar.
-I pulled out my P90, loading the magazine into the gun and firing a large stream of bullets that chased down each magical projectile like a homing missile. The bullets erased the daggers instantly, as Noctis kept creating more and more.
-She was being extremely reckless. Which was all according to plan.
+"Eros has run the calculations." I replied, as Troy loosened his grip.
+"And?" He asked nervously.
-I continued firing with my submachine gun, until Noctis fell, her wings failing her as she crumpled onto the ground.
+"Quorra doesn't have enough power to fuel our ranks. With more and more people joining the Shardinian Movement, she will dry up like a grape."
-I approached her, the sounds of my footsteps echoing as I suddenly realized the other pixies were quiet for once.
+Quorra sat up on the bed.
-I reached into my pocket with my other hand and pulled out my Garrison M55.
+"What are you going to do now, then?"
-Noctis breathed heavily, her eyes barely open as she stared at me.
+I calmly got to my feet.
+"Is every Valian able to share their Void power?"
-"You... a mage using firearms? What kind of... taboo... is..."
+Quorra shifted on her feet.
-"I was born with a genetic defect." I said, as I loaded a bullet into the chamber.
+"Yeah, I guess. But not every Valian has the skill to do so. Such a technique is extremely advanced."
-"Wha... What?" Noctis said, her voice surprised.
+I turned to one of my attendants.
-"Whenever I use my shadow powers, my body deteriorates. I'm told that I will die by the time I hit thirty if I keep using stronger shadow spells. Effed up, isn't it? That the one magic I was allowed to use, since it happened to be my magic affinity."
+"Call Seraph right away. I have a project in mind."
-I inspected my P90.
+"Yes, Master Shardis."
-"My little sister had the same disease. One day, we were attacked. My sister decided to use Total Eclipse to help me escape. But the spell took too much out of her body. Since then, she's been in critical condition. I am all she has, and I don't have enough money for an operation."
+"Right now, we have two options. Either these Shardinians become infested cyborgs like me, or they become warriors like the people here. If every Valian has the ability to share their void power, then I'll force that potential out."
-I aimed the barrel to Noctis' face, which was full of shock.
+Quorra regarded me.
+"What are you saying?" She asked.
-"To make money, I was forced to take up contracts. But what use is a mage that can't even use their magic to its fullest? So I took up marksmanship, and bought a couple of guns. Everything I do is for Ruby's sake. So I don't have time to mess around with some chatterbox bitch."
-I cocked the gun.
+"I'm saying, I'm going to have Seraph conduct an engineering project to design a device that can extract the void energy from Valians. We have the resources of the entire Corpo Empire on our side. I'm going to make good use of it."
-Noctis closed her eyes.
+Troy's eyes widened.
-"I... I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I don't deserve to be your servant. Just... kill me. I know that bullet is designed to kill magical beings."
+"Are you saying you're gonna harvest these Valian like livestock?!"
+"Yeah."
-"Ether! Stop! You've won, just stop!" Jason pleaded.
-I regarded Noctis' defeated stance. Come to think of it, she wasn't cute. She wasn't girly. Or super "kawaii" like those fairies you see in the anime.
+Troy's hands shook in rage.
-She was mature and tough. Been through hell and back. Hardened.
+"Every time I see you. I recognize Shane Mayen less and less. Do you even know what you're suggesting? This is cruel beyond limits. I know the Valians have done some questionable things, but they're ''kids''."
-Despite that, she was still on her feet.
+"Yet you're dating one of these 'kids'."
-She wasn't cute or girly like the pixies.
+"Well that's different. I'm around the same age as them."
-She was incredibly beautiful. Strong.
+"So now you're going to use your 'college prodigy' card? Have you not forgotten the things they've done. The shit they did is beyond questionable, Troy."
-She was my type.
+"Just because they've done these things, doesn't give you a right to do so either! Look at all the shit you've done so far ever since you embraced your Licita side. Using Quorra like a resource. Killing Adam Virgo. Killing all those Toron Corpo crewmen who had families. Objectifying. Murdering. Destroying. No amount of justification in the world can give you a reason to fall this low!"
+"And do you think the Severens will care? Do you think just because we have morals this means the Severens will just get up and forget about the whole invasion? If you saw half of the shit I saw, the sheer size of their fleet of soldiers, you wouldn't be saying these things."
-I dropped the gun, to everybody's shock. I glanced at my P90 and threw that on the ground too. Both guns clattering to the floor.
+I took out Ais and planted the sword on the ground.
-"I'm not killing you." I said, as got down on my knees and used my finger to wipe her tears.
-"Crying doesn't suit a badass like you. Get yourself together. It's time we got to work, Noctis."
+"We're at war, Troy. War is never a beautiful thing. This is what you've been dragged into. You're conflicted because for the first time in your life, shit isn't going your way. Well imagine how I feel. This is what I've been going through ''ever since I was born''. You have no right to reprimand me on anything. I'm going to do what it takes to get Cap and Rinne back. And I'm going to destroy the Severens. At whatever cost necessary."
-Noctis gasped as she put her tiny hands on my finger. A smile crept on her face.
+Troy said nothing, as everybody stood in silence. The tension in the air almost overwhelming.
-"Just don't expect me to be like the other pixies, then. And for the record, I still find you incredibly repulsive."
-"I don't mind that." I said, as Noctis fluttered into the air and perched on my shoulder.
+"Fuse." Troy muttered.
-The rune glowed, dissipating, signifying the pact was set in place.
-Jason ran forward and slapped my back.
-"You did it! You're amazing, Ether!"
-"Meh. Now what."
-"Well, I mean. You get to know your pixie. You two are now together for eternity."
-Shit. I didn't know that. I thought this was a temporary thing.
-Noctis looked at me with her cyan eyes.
-"Um..." I muttered.
-"What is it?" Noctis asked.
-"Do you mind not sitting on my shoulder. It feels uncomfortable."
-Noctis got up and fluttered off.
-"Thanks." I said, but suddenly, paused.
-Noctis fluttered to the top of my head and curled up in my hair.
-"Hey! What the hell?!" I exclaimed.
-"You never said your head was off limits. I might just go to sleep. This is technically your fault, by the way. Since you made me use up my mana. I have no love for tricksters."
-==Jonathan Ko==
-"We're heading back." Jason said, as he got up and left the grove.
-Noctis had fallen asleep on the top of head, snoozing away. The fact that she could sleep while my head was bobbing from walking was honestly beyond me.
-"Your pixie's pretty." Jason said.
-"Whatever."
-"Abyssal Cryokinesis is actually a really good magic type that compliments your current spells. You made a good choice."
-I put my hands in my pockets. I hated revealing my personal life to people. But for some reason, I felt obligated to tell Noctis. I really hoped this wouldn't develop into anything more than mere colleagues. If I was caught being in a relationship with Noctis, I'd be labelled a pixie con. Or whatever the term is.
-"I didn't know your body was, like that. I'm sorry if I pushed you into doing something you didn't want."
-"There wouldn't have been any way you would have known. That information is strictly confidential. Do not tell anyone about this. I don't need more people knowing about my weaknesses."
-Jason laughed. "Got it."
-"But... I guess now that you know a bit about me, mind telling me more about yourself? Equal exchange."
-Jason looked surprised.
-"You're interested in knowing more about me?"
-I looked away. "It's not like I'm interested. I just- I told you guys about me. Figured it was only fair if you told something about yourself."
-Jason clapped me on the back. "Haha, alright. Let's see. Where do we start."
-Jason showed me to a room in his apartment.
-"Amana is staying at her old house in her universe. Figured it would be safer to take care of Benedict there. No hard feelings."
-"I don't give a shit."
-I reached to the top of my head and gently scooped a snoozing Noctis and placed her on a piece of tissue paper. I hoped that was good enough for a bed.
-I put my hand on my chin.
-Maybe a few more layers.
-I thickened the tissue bed. Noctis moaned as she stretched and went back to sleep. Did that mean she was still uncomfortable? How did Ruby make beds for her dolls when we were little?
-I glanced at my bed. Oh. Pillows.
-I ripped another tissue and turned it into a wad, gently lifting her head and resting it. Then I took another tissue and wrapped it around her like a blanket.
-Bona fide master right here.
-"You know, for everything you've said about making her a tool, you sure are treating her like a person."
-"I can't have a tool acting defunct in the field just because of a sore back." I explained.
-Jason snickered. "Sure. We'll go with that then."
-I rested on my own bed as I thought about Ruby. From my current pace, I made around half of the expenses to pay for the operation. Ruby didn't have long. I needed to keep making money.
-Hang in there, sis.
-I stared at my grimoire.
-"Wow, your grimoire looks so shabby compared to mine!" Ruby said,
-"It's only shabby because heroes start out at the bottom!" I shouted, cheerfully.
-I remembered. I wanted to become a hero. A hero mage. Just like Mom and Dad.
-Ruby clutched her grimoire.
-"I want to be a doctor."
-I busted out laughing. "You? A doctor?! Seriously?!"
-"Don't laugh." Ruby pouted. "What's wrong with an Etreum being a doctor? You're an Etreum trying to be a hero. We both save lives!"
-"Yeah, but your dream is so lame. Mom and Dad are heroes and cool. I want to be cool too."
-Ruby brought her knees to her chin.
-"I don't wanna."
 "What?"
-"I don't want you to be a hero."
+"I refuse." Troy replied.
-"Why?"
+I raised an eyebrow. "Well, your compliance isn't a factor."
-Ruby shifted in her seat.
-"Because I don't want you to end up like Mom and Dad."
+"I know. But I'm telling you now. I refuse. If you want to use Quorra like this, and these kids like this, then you're going to have to get through me. Shane Mayen, I challenge you for ownership of this entire revolution."
-"I won't get cancer and die during a mission. I will become strong and-"
-"You're all I have!" Ruby sobbed.
+I narrowed my eyes.
+"Then we fight in the arena. For all to see."
-"Ether." A woman's voice said, as I jolted awake.
+Yelene put her hand on my arm.
-"Wha- What time is it?" I asked, staring at Noctis' face.
+"Master Shardis, is this wise?"
-"3am."
+I turned to my advisor.
-"And you woke me up.... why?"
+"They need to see the person who is leading them is strong. They all need to see. And there is one way for this to happen."
-"My neck hurts."
-"And how is that my problem?"
+I looked at Troy, who was clutching his own sword. A Pangolin Supra. Quorra trying to reason with him not to fight his friend.
-"Because you made the worst bed imaginable."
+"We fight in Rathuum. To the death."
-I sat up and glanced at the little tissue paper thing. The pillow had flattened, as did the rest of the "mattress".
-"I tried." I said, and turned around, but Noctis fluttered to the other side, grabbing my nose.
+<div align="center"> * * * </div>
-"Ow! Cut it out!"
-"Let me sleep here."
-"Hell no! I'm not sleeping with a woman!"
+We were transported to the Rathuum arenas. A large underground fighting ring organized by the Toron Scrava. While such a thing was considered illegal in many states, the Rathuum arena was used by many Valian who wanted a means to obtain resources and quick cash.
-"That is not up to you to decide."
+Or those desperate enough to make a living, when no other option exists.
+Every fighter in the arena had something to fight for. But usually that something boiled down to one thing. Survival. At whatever cost, for the entertainment of the Scrava.
-Noctis curled up on the pillow as she closed her eyes.
-"I'm your master, dammit. You will obey my commands. And my first command is for you to get the hell out of my bed!"
-Noctis opened one eye, and smirked.
+I walked down the filthy halls, taking off my cloak, and tying my hair back. Small tufts of hair on my side scraped my shoulders and my black tank top, as I ran my hand across my Hellfire Supra machine pistols strapped to my belt. The Harkanon Supra dual purpose rifle strapped to my back. Gram and Ais, also strapped to my back in parallel.
-"No thank you. And since you are acting like an incel, I'll do this."
+Plastered all over the media and media tabloids across the Scravan outlets, was the fight advertised.
-Her body began to glow cyan as she grew bigger. Bigger and bigger until she was human size.
+''SHARDIS LICITA VS. TROY LUCIEN - TORON CYBERNETICS VS. VOID SORCERY''
-It took me two seconds to realize I was in a bed with a full grown woman.
+"Master Shardis, if you win this fight, you will gain even more support and morale from your followers than before." Yelene informed me.
-"Dammit, Noctis! What are you playing? Don't you know how suggestive this is?!"
+"Thanks."
-Noctis snuggled next to me as she smiled.
+"I wish you to stay alive. For not just us. But for me."
-"Am I suggesting anything?" She teased, as she shifted closer to me until we were only an inch apart. I began sweating bullets when suddenly, she turned around, taking all of the blanket for herself, as my pixie moved to the far side of the bed away from me along with the sheets.
+I turned to Yelene, and noticed that in the dim light, she was slightly blushing.
+"I will return to you, for the betterment of this future." I replied.
+Yelene grabbed my face and pulled me into a kiss, as I wrapped my arms around her midsection in impulse.
-I should have expected this to happen.
+"I am the type of woman who gets attached to the man she affiliates with. Come back to me, Shardis Licita."
+I suddenly paused. No. This was wrong. Yet... it felt right. It was almost like my feelings for Rinne dissipated.
-"Good morning, whoa. Did you sleep at all last night?" Jason asked, cooking breakfast.
-"Did I sleep at all?! Look at me, Jason. I'm a mess. And it's all because-" I stopped myself. What was I supposed to say? That Noctis ended up in my bed and we slept together? I couldn't say that. It even sounded wrong in my head.
+I pulled away. "My battle awaits."
-"Huh? Where's your pixie?" Jason asked.
-"What?" I looked around. She was nowhere to be found.
-"She must still be in the room."
+I stepped into the arena, as the entire crowd cheered fiercely. I stood face to face with Troy, who was dressed in full battle gear as well. Purple arcane lines decorated his arms in an elegant manner, signifying his immense connection to the void after rigorous training with Quorra.
-"Go and wake her up. Oh, and take this with you." Jason handed me a plate.
+"I wished it didn't come to this. It's funny. It seems almost like yesterday when the two of us looked forward to moving into the same sublet, living together. Now we're trying to kill each other." Troy said.
-"It's breakfast. We'll train early today, so you better eat up."
+I glanced at the commentator, who shouted into the microphone.
-I took the plate and went to the room. Noctis was in front of the mirror, doing something with her hair until I barged in.
+"Shardis Licita, as you may have guessed, is the brother of one of our most famous executioners. Arsanios Licita. Who racked up a tally of two thousand executioner kills since his affiliation with us. Earning him his nickname, the Demon of Rathuum. Will Shardis live up to his brother's title? Will he become the ''NEXT DEMON OF RATHUUM''?!"
-"Hey, it's morning. Come with me... aaaand do I even want to ask what you're doing."
-"I'm doing my hair."
+The crowd roared in approval, as I glared at Troy, taking my place. The arena was raining, but the raindrops were acidic, giving the entire arena a corrosive stench.
-"Come on, we don't have time for that."
-Noctis turned around.
-"My appearance is very important to me."
+I watched as the counter ticked. Each second feeling like an eternity. Yet for some reason, I wasn't nervous. I felt calm and focused. Everything that happens, like SHADE said, is for the betterment of fate. I finally began to understand what made SHADE so powerful. Why every time I tried to deny who I was, things would happen to force me to walk a certain path.
+I was destined to align myself with fate.
-"It's not like people are going to care. You're like minuscule 99% of the time. No one's going to sit there and admire your hair with a god damn magnifying glass in hand."
+As long as I follow its threads.
-Noctis pouted, as she began to grow to full size.
+I cannot be defeated.
-"Take this." She said, as she handed me a strand of her hair. I took it and sighed.
+No matter how stacked the odds are against me.
+As long as I follow its threads.
-"Fine, we'll go once this is over."
-Noctis smiled, as she continued braiding her hair, forming a braid down the right side of her face.
+I put out my hand, as the last two seconds ticked down.
-I sat on the side and ate my breakfast as Noctis reduced to her pixie form. She fluttered next to me.
+I will fight.
-"You're not gonna eat?" I asked.
+Fight.
-"Pixies don't eat." Noctis replied, but then her stomach growled.
+Fight.
-"Yeah, sure they don't." I said, sarcastically.
-I held out a piece of pancake to her.
+"''FIGHT''" The commentator shouted, as the crowd roared.
-"Here."
+I instantly pulled out my Hellfire pistol and fired, and Troy held out his hand, creating a void shield.
-Noctis crossed her arms.
+I reached behind me and pulled out my Harkanon with my other hand, taking aim, and fired an anti-aircraft shell at my former friend, the explosion rocking the arena as the crowd cheered.
-"I refuse to be fed by a man."
-"Okay. I guess I'll eat this incredibly delicious pancake all on my own. The fluffiness is too tempting for me to share anyway."
+I spun around, and intercepted Troy, who I predicted was going to attack me from behind.
-Noctis' eye began to twitch.
+Trivial moves.
-"Damn, look at how the syrup and butter mix together. So glad I get to eat something like this in the morning."
+Troy gritted his teeth, as he pushed back, propelling himself into the air and creating multiple void clones of himself.
-I raised the fork, when suddenly, my hand was suspended. Noctis grabbed my wrist in her full size form.
+I put my Harkanon away and drew my other Hellfire pistol, dual aiming the automatic weapons as I peppered the clones that attempted to rush me.
-"Maybe just... a little." She muttered, her face red.
-Noctis sat down next to me, with her hands on her lap.
+I took a step back, and jumped into the air, using a nearby rock to leverage myself as I shot towards Troy, wielding Ais, who blocked my swing with his Pangolin.
-I handed her the fork as she stared at me.
+I gritted my teeth as I reached deep inside.
-"What? Did I just do some weird pixie custom?"
+"Licitian Potential: Kien Licita - 140%"
-Noctis' face was still confused. "You're not going to feed... nevermind." She said, angrily, taking the fork and wolfing down the pancake.
+I pushed Troy back as I sent him hurtling across the arena, to the crowd's approval.
-She finished the piece then glared at me.
+"Lance Upload Protocol: ''TESLA Discharge 300%''"
-"What? What did I do? Why are you so mad?"
+I held out my hand and projected a massive arc of blue electricity that paralyzed Troy.
-"I wouldn't expect an incel like you to understand. Men like you only care about looks anyway. Repulsive. Disgraceful. Repugnant. Unsightly."
-"Do you want the rest of the pancake or not? I'm already full." I said.
+I landed on the ground, and brought my foot back.
+"Licitian Potential: Tricity Licita - 40%"
-Noctis took the plate and turned around, pouting.
+I blasted forward, bringing Ais back.
-I sighed, scratching my head.
-Maybe I chose the wrong pixie after all.
+No hesitation.
+No regrets.
-"The first step to using your pixie, is to combine her magic with yours." Jason said.
+Troy Lucien.
-I held out my hand, summoning my grimoire.
+I closed in on Troy as time seemingly slowed down as I accessed more and more of Tricity's speed. The Queen of Altra. The mentor of Mach. The fastest Licita in existence. The fastest Tora in existence. Everything was meaningless when everything was in slow motion.
-Jason drew his katana.
+I always hated you, Troy.
-"Your most used ability is your chains. With the combination of your shadow magic with Noctis' cryoabyssal magic, integrate the two together, and form a restraint strong enough to bind me."
+Because you had everything.
-I concentrated.
+I lifted Ais into the air and swung down at his neck, picturing myself decapitating his head.
-''Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Bind''
-Dozens of arms emerged from the shadows, surrounding Jason in a large radius. The tendrils of darkness closed in fiercely.
+I tried to escape you by going with Deka.
-"Do it, Noctis." I said.
+I tried to escape.
-Noctis held out her hands, attempting to fortify the arms. I watched as they began to glow cyan, but Jason sliced them into pieces with his katana.
+But instead, you followed along.
+I thought I could be special being Deka's First Mate.
-"Not durable enough. Try again."
+Then you decided to do the same thing, being Quorra's First Mate.
-"Tsk!" I said, as I concentrated again.
+"Why can't you... leave me alone..." I growled, as the blade continued to lower, getting closer and closer to Troy's neck.
-''Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Bind''
-Noctis attempted to strengthen my bind again, but Jason shattered them into pieces.
+Get out.
+Get out of my life, Troy.
-"Are you even trying to make them harder?" I asked.
+I hate you.
-Noctis glared at me. "Excuse me? I already enhanced them. Have you maybe thought that your spell was too pathetic for me to even enhance?"
+I hate how you're so kind to me.
-"The hell did you just say? That's a Prominence Umbral Bind."
+I hate how you're so kind to everybody.
-Jason buried his face in his hand.
+"No. Stop." Troy's voice boomed across the arena, as my blade stopped, frozen, millimetres away from Troy's neck, as he held out his hand. My whole body was frozen. Troy got to his feet. The crowd went silent.
-"Look. You two need to keep trying."
+"Why are we fighting, Shane? We were friends. Do you remember? All the time we had together. That day I told you that I never really had any long term friends. You told me you would be the first. We went through thick and thin together. I don't get it. Why are we trying to kill each other? Why?"
-''Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Bind''
+I seethed, trying to escape the void bind.
-The arms were sliced again.
+"Licitian Potential: Kien Licita - 350%"
-Noctis turned to me.
+My body exploded in power, trying to escape, but it was no use. It was like Troy had created a conduit straight to the Void, locking me in place.
-"This isn't work. We need to-"
-I doubled over, clutching my stomach.
+Troy levelled his Pangolin, aiming it at me.
-"Ether!"
-"Shut up. We need to do this."
+"If I wanted, I could kill you easily. This fight was never meant for you to win. This fight was never meant for Shardis Licita to win. Maybe if you were still Shane Mayen, but right now, you're consumed by rage and bloodlust."
-Noctis fluttered in front of my face.
-"Ether, we can't keep this up. Your body will-"
+Don't.
-"To hell with my body. We're gonna figure this out, no matter what! Ruby is going to live!"
+Do NOT lecture me.
-Noctis grimaced, as Jason crossed his arms.
+"GrrrrRARRRR" I growled, trying to escape the binds with as much of Kien's strength as I could, but it was no use. Not even Kien could escape these confines. It was seemingly vast and limitless.
-"It looks like this isn't going to work. I guess you're no Samuel Mason after all."
-I got to my feet.
+"I'm not gonna kill you, Shane. I refuse. I win." Troy put his sword on the ground, and faced the crowd.
-"I never said I was."
+"I have defeated Shardis Licita. I am the winner."
-"So you mean to tell me that all that talk is for nothing? Show some results. If you want to keep saying you're willing to throw your life away to save your sister, then I want to see results."
+No you are not.
-Noctis grew into full form, standing between Jason and I.
+Do you think I was just sitting in my chair doing nothing while you were out training?
-"My kind were fawning over you. But I see that your kindness is but a mere facade. How dare you demand something like this out of Ether? Can you not see this is damaging him?"
+What kind of leader am I if I'm not strong myself?
+"Licitian Potential..."
-Jason drew his katana.
-"It is only when a warrior is backed into a corner, do their true colours show. What separates a man from a coward. If you so choose to grow stronger for the sake of your sister, then reach deep inside..."
+Troy turned around, giving me a disappointed look.
-Jason's body began sparking with black electricity, glowing a dark blue.
+"Stop, Shane. You've lost. You can't end the Void Bind. This is one of Quorra's most powerful abilities. The ability that cemented her position to be on the Valian Council. You can't-"
-"AND BRING THAT BEAST OUT." Jason roared, as his body began to gain demonic features. His sword arm manifested samurai plating, and his hands became claws. A fang appeared on his mouth.
+"Neumani Licita - 100%"
-''Kaiju Boost x50000''
+Instantly, the Void bind was broken, as I stumbled, regaining my balance. Troy's eyes went wide.
+"How..."
-"Right here. Right now. If you two do not merge your powers, you will die." Jason said, as he leapt into the air with frightening speed, bouncing around and gaining momentum.
+I glared at Troy, as I rushed forward with Tricity's speed, and launched a devastating punch to his gut. Troy smashed into the other side of the arena.
-Noctis took a step back, her face terrified.
-"Such frightening, overwhelming, incomprehensible power. We're... we're going to die..." She muttered.
+The crowd roared in approval, as I turned towards my subordinates. Yelene looking at me proudly, while Quorra's face was pale.
+I brought my forearm up.
-I clutched my midsection, scowling.
+"I'm going to end this. With a little irony." I said, as I concentrated.
-Could we do this? ''Can'' we do this?
+"Lance Upload Protocol: ''QUORA Strangledome - 150%''"
-Can we fight a Remnant of Decen?
+Instantly, dozens of chains erupted from my sheathe as Troy's body was retrieved from the wreckage, completely tied down by the binds.
-Jason positioned himself against the wall of the building, and launched himself forward. Going straight for Noctis, who was paralyzed in fear.
+I walked forward, my eyes threatening, as I brought my hand out. As much as I hated the Valians. I still observed them. Always watching. Always analyzing. I knew all about their meta builds. I knew all about it.
-"Noctis!" I shouted, as I ran forward and tackled her to the ground.
+"Lance Upload Protocol: ''QUORA Whiplash - 350%''"
-I pulled out my P90 and took aim, firing at Jason as he deflected all the bullets with his katana.
+My hand instantly materialized a glowing red whip as I brought my foot back, and swung the whip, as it lashed Troy. Blood erupted from his side as Troy yelled in agony. I brought my hand back and lashed him again. And again. And again.
-''Kaiju Boost x50000 - Towerbreaker Smash''
-Jason wound up his sword, and unleashed a slash projectile to us.
+"Die. Disappear. Disappear from my life, Troy." I growled.
-''Gun Magic - Black Bullets''
+By the eighth lash, my sheathe popped and smoked, indicating that it was on cooldown. The Strangledome undid itself as Troy crumpled to the ground.
-I quickly loaded my Garrison and fired back, neutralizing the slash as it soared to Jason, but Jason grabbed the bullet with his clawed hand, smiling at me with his fanged teeth.
-"Your normal magic is no match for the power of Connor Shel. Evolve, Ethereum Lux. Or you will die and never see your sister again."
+I took out Ais and approached him.
+"Don't do this... Shane..." Troy croaked.
-Dammit. Noctis wasn't gonna do jack shit. She was literally finished. Whatever was going to happen, had to be done with my own magic.
-I brought my shirt up staring at the black veins all across my chest.
+I lifted my sword, when suddenly, Quorra screamed from the balcony.
-No. There's no time for worrying about that.
+"STOP! Shane! Please!"
-"I gotta evolve. Noctis, get out of here." I said, as I took a step forward, holding both of my guns in the air.
-Noctis had fallen to to the ground, staring at me.
+My eyes widened as I hesitated, and at that moment, Troy took advantage of that moment of opportunity. That moment where I was exposed. Troy swept his leg and I hit the ground, banging my head against the cold rocky surface of Rathuum.
-"Ether?"
+A purple bind appeared around my body as Troy hurled me into the ceiling. Smashing into the rocks, as I pulled out my Hellfire and fired in response. But Troy began void dashing around the arena, and closed in, slashing with his Pangolin Supra and cutting a deep gash into my chest.
-I turned to her.
-"Go back to the grove. I'll keep Jason busy. That way, he won't come for you once I die. And you won't dissolve away."
+"I'm sorry it has to be this way." Troy muttered, as he held out his hand, and blasted me with a powerful blast of void energy. I smashed into the ground.
-"But-"
-"I know. You hate your life back at the grove. But... just remember."
-"Remember what?"
+Troy landed in front of me, his body purely ablaze with purple fire. He was going all out.
-"Our time together. Even if it wasn't much, you have to admit it was probably better than your time with that dumb shit mage. If you ever feel down..."
+"Why did it end up like this, Shane? How did something so good end up into something so bad?"
-''Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Copies''
-Seven clones manifested, as we all held out our guns in unison.
+I got to my feet. If he was going to go all out, so will I.
-"Our time together, it will give you strength in this piece of shit world."
+I clenched my fists as I assumed my stance.
+Licitian Potential.
-Jason wound up another attack, as he began to power up even more.
+Ciel Licita's Skill.
-"This is it, Ether. It looks like your pixie was worthless after all. Whatever happens, is going to be your full power. Whether or not you can break through your limiter shells, comes down to this moment."
+Tricity Licita's Speed.
-''Kaiju Boost x 5 million - WORLDBREAKER SLASH''
+Kien Licita's Strength.
-A massive glowing black blade manifested, cutting and slicing the sky, as I stood before it.
+Neumani Licita's Negation.
+Gunthel Licita's Constitution.
-No running away.
-No turning back.
+My cybernetic eye reticules focused on Troy, analyzing and determining the appropriate approach.
-Ruby.
+I readied Ais and drew Gram with my other hand.
-I stomped on the ground, as my clones all summoned their respective grimoires.
+"That's the thing, Troy." I replied.
-''Gun Magic - Prominence Abyssal Sharpshooting''
+"What we had never was good. It never was. Because for the longest time, since day one..."
-I yelled, as my clones and I all fired a huge torrent of bullets at Jason, who brought his sword down, the huge black arc clashing with our bullet storm.
+I lowered my blades as I took a deep breath, Ciel's style fully engrained in my subconsciousness.
-"ERRRRRRRGRAAAAAH" I roared, attempting to hold it off, but we were losing the clash. My chest hurt like crazy.
-I was going at full power, but there was nothing I could do.
-This was it.
+"I've always hated you."
-"Heh... I guess... Deka's gonna have to find another recon member." I muttered, as the black veins went up my neck.
-And to think I was so confident too.
+A tear ran down Troy's cheek as he brought his hands back, generating an explosive burst of void power as he shot towards me. I readied myself and leapt forward, my foot leaving behind a shockwave as I met his charge.
+Neither one of us was brought up in this future timeline.
-"Raid." Noctis muttered. I turned to her.
-"What are you doing?!" I screamed. "Run back to the grove!"
+Yet both of us were the stars of tonight. Because at the end of the day, the very pinnacle of all the unfairness in my life, was Troy. At the end of the day, this was the battle most important to me. A battle I could not possibly lose.
-"Afraid."
-"What? No shit you're afraid. Just go! I'll hold him off-"
-"Not of him..."
+Troy Lucien vs. Shane Mayen.
-"Is now really the time to get deep-"
-"I'm afraid of US!" Noctis screamed, her eyes tearing up.
+==Invasion==
+"I got screwed over." Troy said, as we checked our midterm exam results.
-"Noctis...?"
+"You did?!" I asked, laughing, as I propped my feet on the table.
-"I'm... I'm afraid of falling. Of falling in love." She muttered, running up to me and embracing me from behind.
+"Well, it's okay. Grades don't matter at the end of the day. Don't worry about it."
-"I'm afraid of falling in love with you, Ether!" She screamed.
+I was happy. I got above average in this exam, finally. Now I got to act cool about it, because I finally beat Troy-
-My eyes widened.
+"It was because half of my exam was marked. The instructor forgot to grade the last half of the exam. Ugh."
-Well.
-Shit.
+Troy turned to me.
-The one thing I didn't want happening between us ended up happening.
+"Could have gotten 100%. Ah, oh well."
-"If you die and I end up back in the grove, I don't want to remember. I don't want to remember our time together, because it will hurt me." Noctis said, as her hands began to glow cyan, covering me with frost.
-"Noctis, I'm going to freeze- wait. I'm not cold?"
-Noctis began to glow brighter, as she shrunk, fluttering in front of me, as I watched my bullets begin to cover in frost too. My dark magic gaining a cyan glow.
+I charged and slashed at Troy, cutting at all the Void constructs he created, as we zoomed and zipped across the entire arena. Leaving behind purple and white trails of energy due to our sheer unmatched speed.
+"RAAAR!!!" I roared, as I charged up another arc of power, this time using Amber Licita's pyrokinesis and launching blasts of flame from Ais at Troy, who effortlessly dodged and retaliated with hundreds of Void Beams.
-"Jonathan Crypt, you will not take Ether away from me! You will not take my master away from me!" Noctis yelled, as I felt power erupting inside of me. Some kind of power, as my black veins begin to retract, disappearing.
+I dodged them all with Tricity Licita's speed and shot in with a downward thrust with Gram, but Troy opened his hand and blew me back as I smashed into the ceiling of Rathuum, coughing up blood.
-My body stopped hurting, but my spells were getting stronger.
+I won't fall.
-Jason smiled from within the black slash.
+For the first time in my life, I felt like I had power.
+I had the power of all my Licita ancestors, the best of the best of the Tora, at the palm of my hand.
-"Very well then, Noctis. Then show me. Show your master just how powerful you are. Because now, I will show you just how powerful ''I'' am!"
+I ''can't'' lose.
-''Power of the Guardians: FULL REMNANT REGIMENT''
+I held out my Harkanon and fired repeated rounds at Troy, utilizing my Cybernetic Eye to guide the bullets and trace him down, but Troy unleashed a powerful void wave which interfered with the signal, causing the bullets to ricochet.
-Projections? No. Those things were not projections.
-Fourteen ghosts appeared next to Jason. One of them had a gun. The other had a mask. Both items were part of Jason's arsenal. One kid was holding two swords, glowing gold. Another with long hair, had a cool spiked arm that was glowing red.
+"Yield, Shane!" Troy shouted, as he zipped in to slash at me. I kicked off of the ceiling and fired more anti-aircraft rounds at Troy, but Troy brought his foot back, and launched a slash that cut the barrel to my rifle in half. The gun exploded in my hand as I fell backwards.
-"Lucius Cassidy, I request the help of our brothers. You're okay with that, right big bro?"
-Lucius held out a large silver sword which glowed silver, as all the ghosts pooled together. Lucius put his hand on Jason's shoulder.
-"Continue fighting on our behalf. My little Jonathan Ko." Lucius dissipated along with the blade, entering Jason's body.
+"Hey, Shane?" Lily said. That night. I was with Lily that night on the rooftop. She told me she wanted to talk to me. This was it. The great confession that I had yearned for so long. If I could have only one thing in this unfair world, it had to be Lily. Please. If there was a god in this world, please, let me have Lily. Please.
+"What's up?" I asked, trying to keep my mouth from quivering in nervousness.
-Jason gritted his teeth and smiled. A huge boom shook the whole place, as Noctis and I began to lose the struggle.
+"I wanted to tell you... for the longest time..."
+"Tell me what?" I asked, my heart beating faster and faster.
-"From here on, you will be facing the full power of Paladin Decen. Prepare yourselves."
+"I like..."
-Noctis and I yelled as we poured everything we had into our attacks, but Jason was too powerful. Decen was too powerful.
+Like?
-"We're not giving up!" Noctis and I screamed.
+"I like Troy. I'm sorry, Shane. You're a good guy, it's just-"
+"I'm not good enough." I cut her off, as the disbelief shattered me from inside. Something inside me hurt.
+It hurt.
-My vision turned bright, as things began to appear that shouldn't be there. It was hard to explain, but it was like I was hallucinating, but everything I was seeing was absolutely real.
+It hurt a lot.
-''Mage contender''
-A voice said, from all around.
+Lily glanced at me.
-I turned to Noctis.
+"I love Troy. I loved him ever since we met. Anyway... I guess I'm headed back to the plaza."
-"Do you hear that voice?"
+Lily left me alone as I stared at my reflection from the water of the campus fountain. If it was deep enough, I would have jumped in and never went back up. So I could save myself the pain by drowning to death.
-Noctis nodded, as she struggled to keep up the clash.
-''You are no longer battling just Jonathan Ko. For he has summoned me in the form of my Remnants. I am the warrior spirit pertaining to Paladin Decen of Acadia''
+Right now.
+Right here.
-Wisps of energy formed in front of me, creating a boy with spiked hair, a green jacket, a chain, and two swords.
+I had to win.
-''Remnant 1, the Kingslayer.''
+Just once.
-Remnant 1 charged as my eyes widened.
+To not let this world play with me till the very end. Please fate. Please let this be my destiny.
-"Ether!" Noctis shouted at me, but I shot her a glare.
+I threw the busted Harkanon on the ground and took out my Hellfire.
-"No."
+"Licitian Potential: Serena Licita - 120%"
-''Shadow Magic: Abyssal Summoning - Prominence Basilisk''
+My sheathe began to glow as Serena's power imbued the device with extra energy.
-A dark serpent emerged from my relic as it battled the Remnant in hand to hand, keeping him restrained.
+"Lance Upload Protocol: ''MIRAGE Eclipse - 850%''"
+My Hellfire began to glow with a blinding white light as I yelled, firing significantly enhanced blasts of power at Troy. The bullets moving so fast that there was no way he could evade them.
-More wisps came out of the energy.
-''Remnant 2, the Warchild. Remnant 3, the Fury. Against the power of Decen, you still hold true.''
+Troy held out his hands as he tried to block the bullets, but the sheer force of the rounds shattered his void shield and cut into his body as he crumpled to the ground.
-I summoned one of clones to my position as he fired a volley of bullets, but Warchild glared at the clone, and in one swift motion, even faster than Jason, blasted the bullets away. Each bullet he fired had connected with the bullets my clone fired.
+This was it. My opening.
-Remnant 2 and 3. They were Jason's inspirations and older brothers. There was no winning.
+I took a step forward as my sheathe disintegrated into pieces. I took out Ais and ran forward, the blade back as I swung as hard as I could.
-Remnant 3 put on his mask, and I recognized it immediately as the same one Jason always wore.
-''Angelbreaker Smash - Full Gatling''
-The third Remnant, his hair white as snow, rushed in and pummelled me as my body exploded in pain.
+"Want to know a fact about me, Shane?"
-Noctis stopped assisting me and leapt in front of me, growing into full size and shielded the blows with her own body.
-"Noctis! Stop!" I pleaded, but Noctis held her ground, wincing in pain.
-"I have already made my decision." She gritted her teeth. "To be by your side. For all eternity. In life... and in death."
-Remnant 3 regarded the pixie, who had fallen to her knees.
-''Deacon Chow. The Wrath of Decen. Against the flames of Diablos, your ice will never quench. Do you still have the resolve to protect your master, little pixie?''
-"I do!" Noctis shouted. "I will protect him with my life!"
-Deacon's flames dissipated, as the resistance from my attacks suddenly stopped. The vision returned back to normal, as all the energy in the room returned to Jason.
-I caught Noctis before she could fall to the ground.
-Jason smiled, as the room returned to normal.
-I still held out my gun, aimed directly at his head.
-"Relax, Ether. I'm no longer a threat." He held up his hands.
-"You have one messed up way of training, old man." I said, dangerously.
-"Old?! I'm not that old, come on." Jason said, as he laughed it off.
-"I'm sorry I had to amp it up this far. I really am. But now you know. You've gotten far stronger. Both you and Noctis."
-Noctis shifted in my arms.
-"Ether..." She muttered, as she glared at Jason.
-"I hate your methods. I really, truly, hate them." She said.
-Jason looked down. "I guess a simple sorry isn't enough. But at least you're more honest about your feelings for your master."
-Noctis' face turned bright red. "Wha- No. That was just... that was just from the spur of the moment. There is nothing between us. I am his tool. That is all."
-Jason smiled.
-"I guess something like this needs more time. But I'm glad the two of you have bonded."
-I sighed. The amount of power I had gained was incredible. But I still needed to remember why I was here in the first place.
-"I think I've been here long enough. My powers have increased enough to continue with my mission."
-Jason looked disappointed. "Are you sure you're not going to stay a little bit longer? At least stay the night?"
-"After you tried to kill me and Noctis?!"
-"Hey now. You tried to kill Lazarus first!"
-Noctis raised an eyebrow.
-"I'm sorry? What did Ether try to do?"
-"Nothing!" I yelped. "We can stay the night."
-==Acquisition==
-I walked with Jason back to the penthouse after we had completely destroyed the abandoned mansion in the woods. I guess they didn't need to worry about paying the facility fee or whatever. Since the facility didn't exist anymore.
-"Hey, Noctis. It's time to go." I said, gently.
-"I can't move." Noctis muttered.
-"It's okay. I'll carry you." I slipped my hand under her back and legs as I hoisted her up. Instantly, my arms began screaming in pain.
-"Ughhh... never mind. You're too heavy like this..."
-Noctis gritted her teeth as her nails dug into my back.
-"Ow!" I yelped.
-"Don't call me heavy!"
-"Well, you are!"
-"Then maybe it is because you are weak. Are you really a man?"
-"Dammit, Noctis. I'm trying to be nice. Just shrink to fairy form, we're wasting time."
-Noctis smirked as she shrunk. I scooped her up as she climbed onto the top of my head and closed her eyes.
-Jason held back a laugh as we continued walking.
-"I guess even after all there's still some things that will never change between the two of you. But I'm not gonna lie, it is pretty adorable seeing you two bicker. I hope it never goes away."
-"I don't think I'll ever be able to get her to shut up, if that's what you're asking. She's a pixie, after all."
-I gently placed Noctis on the pillow and brought the blanket over her.
-"Sleep well, Noctis." I said, quietly.
-I walked to the main living space and noticed someone familiar. My heart stopped. Oh no.
-Black flowing hair streaked with silver.
-Amana Cross.
-I held up my hands.
-"I mean you guys no harm. Really. Your husband was teaching me and showing me how to-"
-Wait. No. Jason was Sam's teacher. I would basically be-
-"It's okay." Amana said, as she walked to the counter and picked up an old photo of several people. Team Darkstar. Amana ran her finger over the picture of Blackflame.
-"I should be the one apologizing. You didn't deserve anything I said. I pushed my problems on you just because I wasn't strong enough to learn to move on." Amana turned to me.
-"You're the kind of person who prefers to stay out of the thick of things, being a stealth mage, so I'm assuming you weren't too thrilled about being involved with my dramas."
-Damn. So that was the deductive power of the leader of Darkstar.
-"I'll be leaving this universe soon to continue with my mission. Thank you again for letting us stay."
-Amana sighed.
-"Did John talk to you about Sam?"
-"A bit. I'm sorry about what happened to him. I know he was a really core member of your group and your family. It must have been really hard for you all these years. You must really miss him."
-Amana closed her eyes. "Did John tell you that?"
-"Uhhh, maybe."
-"Well he's not entirely correct."
-"Huh?"
-Amana put the photo back on the counter.
-"For the longest time, I hated Sam. I hated how he made me love him so much, like a brother. I hated how he was so pure and innocent. Then how he became more and more serious, losing that kind goofy nature of his once he discovered what he was. I hated how I grew to love him just to have it ripped away from me."
-Amana wiped her eyes.
-"The final straw was when he decided to sacrifice himself. All because of some prophecy. He wanted to die a hero so badly he was willing to hurt us to do it. That was what I believed for the longest time."
-"Then seeing you. It was like I was reliving all of it again."
-I glanced at the cradle in the other room.
-"Is Benedict the name of a family member?" I asked.
-"How did you know?" Amana asked.
-"Jason told me you lost your family. When Sam came to your life, it was almost like he became a brother to you, right? Sorry if I'm being intrusive."
-"No, no. You're correct. Benedict Cross was my father. He inspired me to go into a field I loved. I named my son after him."
-"You know, even if it hurts, you still have a family here, right?" I asked. Even I was surprised at what I was saying. I guess maybe I could relate, since I was kind of in a similar situation with Ruby.
-Amana ran her hand through her hair. "I know. I guess..."
-"A family that loves and cherishes you. When your son grows up, he'll love you the same way you loved Sam. He may not be here, but these people." I spread my arm.
-"These people are here."
-Amana smiled. "You're quite the speaker. Have you thought about taking on leadership roles over stealth recon?"
-"Nah. I'm more of a one trick pony."
-I held out my hand.
-"I know we didn't start off on good terms. But your husband helped me a lot with my mission. If you guys ever need my help, I'll be here."
-Amana took it and we shook hands.
-I went back to my room. "I'll be heading out tomorrow morning. Thank you again for letting me stay here."
-Amana nodded. I was going to go back to my room, but I wanted to say something.
-"You know. If you miss him that much, why don't you honour him? Jason told me you were thinking about having another kid. If it's a son, you could name him Sam. If it's a daughter, you could still name her Sam. Dual purpose."
-Amana paused. "That's... actually a good idea. Thank you."
-The next morning, Noctis and I headed out.
-I put on my coat.
-"Okay. I'm going to use Shadow Walker to get to my next destination. Are you good with Shadow Travel?"
-"Yes." Noctis responded, as she fluttered next to me. "I am familiar with other Etreums and how their spells operate."
-"Ah. Yes. Cool." I muttered. I felt strange. When Noctis brought up the other Etreums, I felt... weird.
-"Is something the matter, Ether?" Noctis asked, tilting her head curiously.
-"No." I lied, as I opened my coat.
-"Alright, get in." I said.
-Noctis fluttered into my coat as I felt her clutch my chest with her tiny hands.
-"You know, I half expected you to be flustered over doing something like this." I said, as I began to melt into shadows.
-"Being flustered will not do us any good. To put it in your terms, it would only delay the mission."
-"Is that what I really sound like to you?" I asked, incredulous.
-We began travelling at the speed of darkness. Our surroundings elongating and warping, the sounds of echoes and voices all around us.
-"Ether, I have something to tell you." Noctis said, from within the folds of my coat.
-"What's up."
-"I overheard your conversation with Amana Cross."
-"You were awake the whole time?"
-"Yes. I didn't expect you to say such comforting words to her. Perhaps my views on you were a bit... skewed. You have gained my respect."
-Of course, once we arrived at the destination, Noctis' views reverted back to normal.
-"You... you ingrate! After everything I said about you! Why here of all places?!"
-I showed the man my ID as I stepped into the casino. It was time to earn some cash before continuing on with the investigation. After all, I needed the money to buy some gear for my guns.
-"I need cash." I explained.
-"And you decided the best course of action was to engage in ''gambling''?"
-"Yeah." I replied.
-"You are abhorrent."
-"Wow, a new insult!" I joked.
-Noctis pulled on my hair with her tiny hands, causing me to flinch.
-"Ow! What the hell?"
-"I always took you for a rude, insulting, antisocial lowlife. One who couldn't possibly achieve anything other than a quick contract. But to think my master was a gambling addict too-"
-"Noctis, it's just going to be for a few rounds. I need the money, okay?"
-"Come one, come all. Place your bet on the table!"
-The mixer mixed a bunch of dice in a bowl as we began placing our bets all over the binning regions.
-"This is a game in the casino?" Noctis asked, in her full size form.
-"Yeah. Why?"
-"This game is unusually easy. I am just surprised." She said.
-"Well, more for us then!" I said, as I threw my bid on the highest range values.
-"Ether." Noctis said.
 "What?"
-"What are you doing?"
+"Of all my years in school, I've made a lot of friends. But they all came and go. I never had anyone to talk to long term. What I'm trying to say, is I don't have any real friends."
-"What do you mean? I'm placing my bet on the largest average. Duh."
+"I could be, if you want."
-"Are you serious?"
+"Really?" Troy said, his eyes twinkled.
+"I can be your first real friend. As long as we stick together." I said, smiling.
-I turned to her. "What do you mean am I serious? That's how the game works. The more dice you roll, the more opportunities to get a higher average for your roll. Are you stupid?"
+"It's a deal, man!" Troy held out his hand as I took it, shaking. This was the first time we had a heart to heart.
-Noctis grabbed my ear, yanking it as I yelped in pain. "''You'' are stupid! The best bet is so painfully obvious, yet you chose the complete opposite! How are you even allowed to be in casinos with your level of idiocy- heh?"
+"Shane, no matter how bad it gets, no matter how shitty life gets, I'll always be there for you! I'll always help you out."
-Noctis stared at the other betters, who placed bets all over the board.
+"Yeah? Same with you too, bud." I replied, as we walked back to the campus.
-The dice began to mix up, as Noctis' mouth hung open.
-"Are you all... braindead?"
+I reeled back, each beat of my heart becoming like a war drum, Ais inches away from decapitating Troy's head.
-The dice averaged to 3. The midpoint of the dice values.
+"Die. Disappear." I snarled, when suddenly, time seemed to stop.
-"Dammit!" I muttered. I took the last bit of coins I had left.
+I looked down, to see a Pangolin Supra blade sticking out of my midsection.
-"We gotta do this. All in." I took my stack and was about to put it in the same spot, when suddenly, Noctis grabbed my wrist.
-"No. Put it in the center."
-"What? Why?"
-"Just trust me. It's statistically almost guaranteed to land in the centre, with these many dice being rolled."
-I took a deep breath as I waited for the dice to mix.
-Sure enough, it averaged to 3 again.
-"H- How?!" I gasped, in disbelief.
-Noctis closed her eyes and sighed.
-"To think the people in this universe have such a low intellect, it hurts. It really hurts. And to see my master being among these idiots..." Noctis' eyes began to tear up.
-"Are you seriously crying?! How dumb do you think I am?!"
-"Extremely dumb!" Noctis snapped.
-"Congrats on your crazy winnings you two! My my, Mr. Lux. Your girlfriend here sure knows her stuff when it comes to these dice games! Say, want to come again? I'll give you a discount-"
-"No." Noctis cut him off, as she grabbed my ear and dragged me away.
-"Also, I am not his girlfriend." She said.
-The man raised his eyebrows. "What? Then what are you? His sister? Cousin?"
-"Ether Lux is my master, sadly." Noctis said.
-I walked down the night streets of Neo Tokyo. According to this universe, the Americans had taken a large part of the land, leading to heavy Westernization.
-This place was also where I went to get all my gear for my firearms. After all, nothing beats a good old American firearm, and the exotic innovation of the Neo age was just a cherry on top.
-It had begun to rain, as I slipped on my hood.
-"Hey! What about me?" Noctis asked.
-"Just slip into my coat."
-Noctis grumbled something about me being an insufferable incel and female pixie rights as she slipped into the crevice of my collar, her upper body poking just under my chin, covered from the rain by my long hood.
-"So I am assuming that stop to the casino was for something useful?"
-"Yeah." I said, as I rounded the corner, reaching the gun shop.
-"Quick gear update. Then we start the real mission."
-"Ah, Ether, my boy. How are my guns holding up?" The man behind the counter, Guthul, greeted me, as we opened the door, the bell jingling.
-"Over half of my arsenal isn't even yours. You stole them!" I said, as I reached behind my back, pulling out my shotgun, and handing it to Guthul.
-Guthul inspected the weapon.
-"Good old, Argent. Never failing to impress me. The X170 BAS has always been a star prototype to them. A shame it got... borrowed." Guthul gave me a wink. I rolled my eyes.
-"I need you to modify this weapon. I want a sniper mode installed."
-"Hmm. That will require a separate ammunition storage unit. And a new barrel. Shotgun shells don't pass as sniper bullets, I'm sure anyone with a brain knows that."
-Noctis' tiny face peeked from inside my shirt. "So it's no surprise Ether didn't know."
-"Irk!" I stammered, as I stumbled back.
-Guthul gasped. "Who's this lovely lady?"
-"My name is Noctis."
-"A pixie? Wow, not much of those here in Neo York. How did you end up with this drunk?"
-Noctis gave me a disappointed look.
-"So, you have an alcohol problem as well. As expected."
-My ears turned hot.
-"Give me a break! I need a good pitcher after a hard day's work. Don't deny a man of his drink!"
-Guthul laughed heartily. "Well said, Lux!"
-Noctis fluttered onto the top of my head, sitting on my hair and crossing her legs.
-I glanced at her reflection from the mirror. She looked so graceful. My face felt hot.
-"What's wrong?" Noctis asked.
-"Uh. Nothing. Right, Guthul, so a sniper mode for my shotgun please." I said. Guthul was holding back a laugh.
-"Quit laughing, old man. I need you to be professional at times like these."
-Guthul cleared his throat. "Erp. Right. The shotgun will take a few days to me modified."
-"A few days? Can you expedite the process?"
-"The best I can do is expedite the orders for resources. We don't have much on hand to give modifications on a weapon of this rarity. You'll need to wait."
-Damn. My investigation on Nero wasn't going to complete itself. I needed a sniper for high range dispatchment.
-"Fine. But in the meantime, what snipers are you willing to offer?" I asked.
-I could get a sniper now, while Guthul was working on my Argent. The only thing I'd be missing was my shotgun, but if I was doing a simple recon mission, my P90 or Garrison should be enough.
-Noctis bent over and poked her head in front of my face from above.
-"Should I remind you that I am also present? I am capable of offensive ice magic, don't disregard my pres-"
-"Can you neutralize Severen Adaptation properties the same way my Black Bullets can?" I cut her off.
-Noctis pouted as she sat back on the top of my head, crossing her arms.
-"Give me that one." I said, pointing to a sniper that was hanging on the wall. Any firearm fan would have recognized this weapon instantly. Especially if they were Russian.
-"Ah, the Dragunov SVD. One of my greatest creations." Gunthul said, his face all high and mighty.
-"Your last name isn't even Dragunov you filthy liar." I snapped.
-"Hey. That's how you run a business. It's all about doing whatever it takes to make money. I figured someone like you, who's entire grimoire was basically stolen spells would understand."
-I sighed, as I paid Gunthul for both the weapon modification and the sniper.
-"I also need body armour." I said.
-"What's wrong with what you have right now?" Gunthul asked.
-"Not for me."
-I pointed to the top of my head.
-"Heh?" Noctis stopped playing with my hair.
-"For her."
-Noctis fluttered in front of my face, putting her hands on her hips.
-"I will have you know that my suit has provided me with adequate defences for years."
-Gunthul shook his head.
-"I don't have the expertise to craft something that small, unfortunately. Also, don't pixies have a full human form as well? I don't have the technology for that."
-I pursed my lips. Damn.
-"Hey! Do not ignore me, Ethereum. How dare you make such a ridiculous accusation about my armour?"
-"Noctis, the Severens have technology that far surpasses the predators in the forest you're used to. I don't want you to get hurt."
-Noctis' face turned red, as she turned the other way.
-"I... appreciate your concern. Idiot."
-What a tsundere.
-Gunthul scratched his beard.
-"You're currently under the employment of that Valian right? Dekani Price? Maybe he has tech for your fairy."
-"Huh. I didn't think of that." I said.
-It was true. The Valians use a Lance called Titania, which was basically a pixie. If they were able to develop the technology to shrink her down and clad her up, maybe I could borrow some of that to protect Noctis.
-I waved Gunthul goodbye as I took the case with me on the way out. It had stopped raining as Noctis fluttered next to me. Her tiny fairy wings glowing and illuminating the alleyway a warm, calming cyan.
-"Noctis" I said.
-"Yes?"
-"What happened to your boots?"
-Noctis paused. "What do you mean?"
-I pointed at her feet. "You're wearing those slippers. Those won't do in the field. I'm kind of surprised, someone like you wearing something that fairy-like."
-Noctis' face reddened.
-"It's... nothing."
-Something was definitely off. I couldn't have Noctis running around with those fairy slippers if we were getting shot at by those Severens. Her original combat high heeled boots gave her better protection. I had a good feeling what this was about.
-"Noctis, do you mind going full size for me?"
-"Wh- Why do you ask?" Noctis stammered.
-I turned around and crossed my arms, critically regarding her.
-"This is an order."
-Noctis reluctantly grew into her human sized form, her wings closing inward as she landed on the ground. She winced as her she stumbled in those slippers. Something told me she did not wear those often.
-I stepped closer to her.
-"E-Ether?" She stammered.
-I stepped even closer as I locked gazes, eye to eye. At eye level. That was the problem.
-"Noctis, why are you intentionally hunching your back?"
-"I do not know what you are talking about." Noctis looked away.
-"Stop being silly. Put your combat boots back on. I don't have time for these shenanigans when we're on mission."
-"But..."
-"What's gotten into you today? First the body armour, then the slippers, now the back?"
-Noctis straightened her back, as she struggled to look me in the eye.
-"I'm truly sorry, Ether. I didn't mean to hide my height. I'm sure there are many women in the world out there who are shorter than you. I didn't mean to-"
-"Noctis, does it look like I give a shit about the fact that you're taller than me?"
-Noctis stared at me.
-"But... as a boy, aren't you insecure about your height?"
-She must have confused me for Shane "I'm only 5 foot 8" Mayen.
-"What's the point of fretting over my own height when the guy's flat on their ass after I beat them up?" I asked.
-I picked up the sniper case as I held out my grimoire, summoning a shadow portal. I threw the case in for storage.
-"Besides, I don't mind being short. People don't expect the little guy to win. Meaning less pressure for me."
-Noctis sighed in relief.
-I reached into the void, and pulled out Noctis' high heeled boots.
-"Now put these back on. Chrissake. Look at you. You can't even walk in those."
-Noctis put on her boots, her face filled with embarrassment.
-"I deeply apologize."
-"Noctis, you shouldn't apologize for worrying about my insecurities. Just be honest. If anything, apologize for using my Shadow Space for your shoes!"
-"But there's nowhere else to put them!"
-I shadow travelled to the Star System. When it came to space travel, there wasn't much I could do. Maybe I should have invested in some oxygen masks or some space suits. But those things were far too expensive and out of my budget. The best I could do was stay in shadow form and get to a place with sufficient air.
-"Is that the ship?" Noctis asked, though the folds of my coat.
-"Yeah. Wait. What's-"
-The ship was being tailed. Deka was in a middle of a gunfight with...
-"Severens! Damn!"
-I ported to the main hall of the Lotuscraft, as Noctis and I emerged from the shadows. I pulled out my P90 and Garrison.
-"Stay quiet, Noctis. Try not to alert the Severens if you can." I whispered.
-Noctis nodded, as her hands covered in frost. She fluttered to my side.
-''Shadow Magic: Stalker Sense''
-My eyes widened as everything pulsed with black mist. I began to track down the enemies.
-"Four Severens breached the Orbiter. Dammit Deka. I leave for a little while without sending clones to watch over you and this is what happens."
-Noctis and I sneaked to the kitchen. One of the Severens was floating around. A Battalyst.
-I could use my bind to tie it down, then shoot it with my Garrison. But the whole sequence could give it an opportunity to alert the enemy. I could instead force it into the shadow realm, but all of my shit was in there. If the Severen went apeshit, I would lose my belongings and buy everything all over again. Just like last time.
-"Ether, I can freeze it in place. It will not be able to communicate through Abyssal Frost." Noctis said.
-I nodded at her. "Go for it."
-Noctis fluttered behind the Severen and froze it, as the whole thing froze in place. But cracks began to form as the Severen started to break free.
-I screwed in my silencer barrel on the Garrison as I loaded the gun.
-''Gun Magic: Black Bullets''
-I carefully took aim and fired, the bullet penetrating through its head as the Battalyst collapsed onto the ground, its eight appendages sprawled all over the kitchen.
-"Good work, Noctis."
-Noctis sat on my head as I walked up to the Severen and took aim, shooting it again twice more to check my kill.
-Deka and his crew were still nowhere to be found. I should dispatch the remaining three Severens as fast as possible. I avoided using clones until now, to conserve mana, but I guess there wasn't much of a choice.
-''Shadow Magic: Umbral Copies''
-Two clones manifested in front of me, as they held out their own grimoires and sunk into the shadows, tracking down two of the Severens aboard the vessel. Noctis and I approached the last Severen and killed it the same way.
-Noctis fluttered in front of me. "How are the other Severens?"
-I closed my eyes. Kill confirmed.
-"They're dead." I said, as I snapped my fingers, my clones dissipating into black mist.
-I got to my feet.
-"What should we do now?" Noctis asked.
-I went to the Transference room. Deka was still inside, his eyes closed.
-"So he's in Lance form." I said, as I put my hand on the console.
-"Folock, it's Ether. What's the status on the Operator?"
-"Ether? Thank goodness you're here! We are under attack by the Severens. I'm in Railjack mode along with Dataform Silas to fend them off, but there's more than we can handle. We could use your help to MAKE THEM SUFFER I mean drive them away! The Operator and Rinne are in their Archwings right now."
-I reached into the shadow void and pulled out my case, assembling the Dragunov.
-"Folock, take me to the roof."
-I walked to the edge of the ship, as I noted the massive horde of Severens.
-Leading them, was none other than Nero. The Severen Prince and brother of Lena. Deka's adopted mother.
-I activated Stalker Sense to single the Severens from the chaos of energy blasts. Sure enough, Deka and Rinne were attempting to fight them off in Archwing mode.
-I turned to Noctis. "We need to eliminate the leader. Mind slowing these guys down?"
-''Gun Magic: Black Sniper Bullets''
-I loaded my sniper with the bullets as I took aim. Noctis zipped around and created a cloud of frost.
-Nero had noticed the frost but was unable to identify Noctis' tiny form. The benefits of being small.
-I placed the reticle on Nero's head as I squeezed the trigger, the first bullet zooming to him at lightning speed.
-But even against the frost, Nero's speed was still unmatched, as his claw stopped the bullet halfway.
-"What is this... Black Bullets? The Ethereum thinks he can defeat me?" Nero howled into the air, a deafening screech that hurt my ears. Noctis cried out in pain as she flew backwards.
-''Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Bind''
-A shadow arm caught her as I quickly reloaded, taking aim and firing at Nero again, only to have the bullet intercepted by a swarm of Severens that began to charge at me with horrifying speed.
-"Shit!" I gasped, as I leapt backwards, before the Severens could destroy me just like they did with my sniper.
-The Severens circled me, like a bunch of predators who cornered their prey.
-"This battlefield has no place for a mage." One of the Severens taunted.
-I quickly dissolved into the shadows as I held out my grimoire in Shadow Form.
-''Shadow Magic: Umbral Bind''
-Several chains linked up as the Severens were bounded in place.
-I quickly emerged from the other side of the rooftop and held out my P90, loading it.
-''Gun Magic: Black SMG Bullets''
-I unleashed a barrage of bullets with my gun in hand, as the Severens crumpled, going slack.
-I quickly hid, as Nero tried to search for me, to no luck.
-"I have no patience in fighting a coward's game." Nero said, as he he refocused on leading the troops.
-I ran up to a full sized Noctis, who clutched her ears.
-"Ether, my ears hurt. It hurts." She gasped in pain.
-"Calm down. Here." I placed a stimpack that I had stolen on Deka's ship on her body as her ears stopped bleeding.
-"Are you okay?" I asked, gently, as I rested her head on my shoulder.
-"How does he have so much power?" Noctis asked, in disbelief.
-"That's the prince of the Severens. Even with Deka and Quorra, a high ranking Valian, they weren't able to beat them. I thought with my sniper I could assassinate him, but seems his reflexes are even crazier than I thought."
-Noctis held me tighter as she buried her face in my chest.
-I patted her back. "Noctis, you don't have to do anything right now. Your leather armour isn't enough against the Severens as it is. I'm sorry I had to drag you into this. Wait inside the Orbiter."
-Noctis was silent for a few seconds. "I'm sorry, Ether. I'm sorry I was of no use to you."
-"It's okay."
-I tapped my coms unit. I didn't think I would ever use it.
-"Folock, this is Ether again."
-"You contacted me twice now! Are you sick? Allow me to prescribe you some treatment methods. First-"
-"No, I'm not sick, you idiot Dataform. I want you to watch over my pixie for me inside the Orbiter. Keep her from harm. If any Severen so much as lays its disgusting appendage on her, I will shoot your terminal up. Got it?"
-"You're a terrible person!"
-"Can you stand?" I asked, as I helped her to her feet.
-"Yes." She replied as I led her to the inside of the Orbiter.
-I glanced at the one door, labelled, "Dead End".
-I put my hand on it, as the door opened to revealed my quarters that Deka had made for me.
-"Here. Just take it easy, okay?" I said, as Noctis laid down.
-"The stimpack I gave you only sped up the recovery process. So you're likely feeling drained right now. Don't worry, I can handle this-"
-Noctis grabbed my wrist.
-"Ether." She muttered.
-"What's up?"
-"For claiming that you would use me like a tool... you've done nothing but help me. Yet I did nothing for you in return. Please come back to me so I can repay you for everything-"
-"You don't have to repay me for anything. I've seen your memories. You've paid for this world enough. Let me help you, okay?" I said.
-Noctis nodded as she drifted off to sleep.
-==Crewhand==
-"In the face of the almighty power of the Severens, the Valians send, two defective children to battle me." Nero said, as he swatted Deka away.
-Rinne tried to blast Nero with a void beam from the distance, but it was useless. The Severens closed in on her, as her Archwing got ripped to shreds.
-''Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Bind''
-I summoned a shadow arm to catch her midair.
-Rinne stared at me, in shock. "Who are you?"
-I said nothing as I flipped to another section in my grimoire.
-''Shadow Magic: Shadow Moon''
-I flooded the entire area with darkness as the Severens became confused, staggering. I took out my P90 and loaded in my Black Bullets, calmly shooting them down left and right.
-"Etreum trash!" A Severen snarled as it leapt at me from behind. I whipped around with my Garrison in my other hand, shooting it dead in the face. The Black Bullet corroding its Severen flesh as it dissolved at my feet.
-More Severens came my way as I walked up to Rinne, who was sprawled on the ground.
-"Your Archwing is in pieces. I'm taking you back to the Lotuscraft."
-Rinne gritted her teeth. "I can still fight."
-I looked up, as I lifted my Garrison, shooting a charging Severen.
-"You're dead weight. What use to Deka are you if you're dead?"
-Rinne reluctantly took my hand as I shadow teleported to the Orbiter.
-Rinne sat down in her room as she looked at me.
-"What are you going to do?"
-I glanced at the other rooms.
-"Captain Price's first mate is away. I guess I'll have to temporarily take his place for now."
-"How do you know Deka? Who even are you? I have so many questions!"
-I turned to her, putting my two guns back into my coat.
-"I am Ethereum. The Recon Support to the Lotuscraft Crew. Deka's first crew member."
-Rinne's eyes widened.
-"Since Shane Mayen is with Quorra Lavine, he won't be able to fulfill his duties. As always, I have to break my back for Deka. I hope he pays me double the salary this week." I muttered.
-I shadow ported to Nero's location, tapping on my coms unit.
-"Captain Price, Ethereum of Recon is here to serve as your temporary First Mate. I'll provide crowd control on the giant Severen variants. Awaiting confirmation."
-Deka responded.
-"Ether? Damn does it feel good to finally have you around. I'm having trouble battling Nero with those guys everywhere, much appreciated. Request accepted."
-I held out my hand, melting out of the shadows before the Severen army. My grimoire manifested before me.
-''Shadow Magic: Prominence Fivefold Umbral Bind''
-Four clones generated beside me as we all summoned our shadow tendrils which latched onto the numerous Severen giants.
-All five of us took out our guns. Usually, I would have had two clones stationed back at the Orbiter and use that sniper, but Nero had dispatched those stupid chickens that had destroyed my sniper. There was no using it.
-''Shadow Magic: Stalker Sense - Vulnerability Detection''
-My eyes flashed black, as I pinpointed all the vulnerabilities to the giants.
-I nodded at my four clones, as my vulnerability detection marked the giants for them to shoot. The Severens surrounding the giant variants tried to attack my clones, but I took out my P90, shooting them down with my Black Bullets while my clones knocked off each Giant.
-Nero screeched, blowing Deka away as he landed before me, his Archwing destroyed.
-"Dekani Price, you are truly a thorn on my backside. Lena has raised quite the disturbance."
-Deka/Umbra drew his sword. "I came here to get Lena back. I have no qualms with killing a manipulative Severen like you."
-Nero laughed. "You stand no chance against me, defective Valian."
-Then he turned to me.
-"And then there's the mage. Why do you involve yourself with outside affairs? This does not concern you."
-I said nothing, as I willed my clones to dissipate.
-I aimed my P90 and fired at Nero, who blocked the bullets with his claws. I continued firing as Nero grimaced in annoyance.
-"Stop this. Your bullets are nothing to me."
-I kept firing until the magazine emptied.
-"This concerns me because I am under Deka's employment. You're a target." I said, as I locked him down with my shadow tendrils.
-Deka charged in as I shadow ported into a nearby tree. Drawing my Garrison, and taking careful aim.
-"You couldn't defeat me with the help of that Quorra girl. You certainly will not defeat me alone."
-Deka resolved out of Umbra and bombarded Nero with void blasts while Umbra gained sentience, cutting into Nero's legs.
-I concentrated, aiming at the synovia as I fired. The Black Bullet soaring into the air as Nero tried to block it, but was held down by my Prominence Umbral Bind.
-"You worm!" Nero growled as his synovia burst from the damage of my Black Bullet. I loaded another into the chamber and fired at his other synovia as the Severen fell to his knees.
-Deka resolved into Umbra and brought his blade back.
-"Captain?" I asked.
-Deka froze in midair.
-"Captain, now is ''really'' not the time for you to have your moral conflicts. This Severen is manipulating your mom. We need to take him out right here and right now-"
-"I... can't move."
-"What?"
-I turned around. I couldn't see anything, but Deka's eyes were wide in fear.
-"Ether, head back to the Orbiter. Head back as fast as you can."
-"Not until the target is eliminated." I said, as I took out my Garrison and took aim.
-"This is the end, Nero."
-I fired, but suddenly, the bullet got sliced in half.
 "Huh?"
+Troy gave me a look of sympathy as his hand was outstretched, the blade piercing me right through my stomach as my body began to ramp up in pain. I stumbled back, choking out blood as Yelene cried out my name. The crowd went wild, as my subordinates were in shock, just like me.
-I fired again. And again.
-I aimed my P90 with my other hand and fired a bunch of bullets, but suddenly, a wave of darkness overwhelmed me, the bullets sliced into pieces.
+"Shane, this was one of Quorra's first lessons. To always keep a clear head and not let your emotions get the better of you. Otherwise you let your guard down."
-"You have no permission to assassinate my master's son." A sinister voice boomed across the plains.
+Troy stood up as I was forced to adjust myself to avoid the blade from sliding against my wound.
-No way. SHADE was not supposed to be here.
+I struggled to speak or even breathe, as my vision began to turn blurry.
+"I... lost...?" I muttered, in utter disbelief.
-"Licita." I said, as SHADE approached Nero.
-"Very good, SHADE. Destroy these two."
-"No." SHADE said, as he regarded me.
+I...
-"These two must live, for now. Shane must watch them suffer."
+Lost...
-I aimed my gun at him.
-"The secret's out, Shardis. I know who you are. Who you were, actually."
+I lost my balance as the blade slipped through me. I fell on my back as my head hit the rock.
-SHADE said nothing, as he unsheathed Ais.
+Troy turned to the crowds of Rathuum.
-"And what will you do with this information? Relay it across the system? In my presence, everything is on my terms. After all, I know you very well."
+"I, Troy Lucien, have bested Shardis Licita in combat. And by the rules of the bout, I now have total control of the Revolutionist Movement."
-He was right. He knew me as Shane Mayen. He knew me in the past, and definitely knew what I would do in the future and how I was. There was no beating a guy who knew all your tricks.
+No.
-Deka landed next to me.
+This...
-"I'll distract him with a Radiant Blind. Then we make a run for it-"
+This shouldn't be happening.
-"Sorry. But you're not going anywhere." SHADE said, as he instantly closed in. Umbra didn't even have time to react as SHADE slashed upwards, slicing and shredding the Lance's chest brutally as Umbra flew into the air and landed on the ground in a violent
+This wasn't how it was supposed to go down.
-''BOOM''
+I was supposed to win.
-I realized I was frozen, staring in horror, as SHADE turned to me. I couldn't even react, or see.
-My grimoire manifested as I held out my hand.
+"Kien... Ciel... Trinity..." I croaked.
+"I need... your power..."
-''Shadow Magi-''
+''You cannot handle our power. As we speak, your soul is entering the Licitian Convergence. This is your last few moments of life, Shardis.'' Tricity's voice boomed in my head.
-I stopped my incantation, as Ais' tip was already at my throat.
+"No... please..." I begged, as my eyes began to water.
-"Now, Ethereum Lux. Let's have a little chat. I will even forgive you for attempting to assassinate Nero."
+"Not like this..."
+''You restored honour to the Licita bloodline by retaking the Toron Corpo, albeit with questionable methods. That in itself, deserves praise.''
+"I want to live just a little longer."
-SHADE led me into the base of the Severens. I was flanked by them left and right.
+''That, unfortunately, cannot be granted.''
-SHADE took my grimoire and flipped through the pages.
-"Hm. Judging from the spells in here, it looks like you already obtained Noctis."
+"I can't... I can't lose... I can't." I gasped, trying to cling onto life, as Troy was about to deal a finishing blow, when suddenly, an explosion rocked the entire arena.
-I gritted my teeth. He knew everything. I guess the future me was a bit too trusting of this guy, even despite knowing his true identity.
-SHADE closed the book.
+Troy stumbled, as I ripped the blade out of my body. Frantically recruiting as many drones in my body to heal my wound as possible before I passed out.
-"You know, back when I was around the same time your Shane currently is at, I always wondered. I was praying that Deka and my friends were safe. Isn't it ironic that I was praying that they were safe from myself?"
+"What?" The announcer yelped, narrowly dodging a flying chunk of rock.
-"What do you want?" I asked.
-SHADE took off his mask, revealing a horribly scarred face of what used to be Shane Mayen. He waved the guards off until it was just us.
+I couldn't believe my eyes, as the entire Rathuum arena was swarmed with explosions. The spectators running for dear life, as the roof of the arena was ripped off.
-"I came here to tell you, that no matter what you try to do to interfere with your timeline's Shane Mayen, he will ultimately become me. There is nothing you can do. After all, fate cannot be changed. Just like you always said."
+Troy tried to readjust himself, when suddenly, a dark ominous figure materialized in front of him, his white hair flowing with the winds of his movements.
-"So you're just playing along with the threads of fate, then."
-"Correct. Everything I do is in accordance to fate. My encounters with Shane have always been predestined, even if it seems unlikely. Even if it seems absolutely impossible, it all comes down to one thing."
+"Ah. Troy. You can't kill him, unfortunately. That's not how it's supposed to go." SHADE said, as he turned to me.
-SHADE held out his hand, and summoned a gun. I recognized it immediately. It was much more modified than the one Shane was using, but there was no mistaking it.
+"Fate dictates the full transformation of Shane Mayen to Shardis Licita."
-A Harkanon Supra Rifle.
-SHADE aimed it at my leg and fired, as I screamed in pain.
+Troy tried to swing his blade, but SHADE swiped his version of Ais and disarmed him quickly before side stepping, and knocking him in the head. I watched as Troy was easily defeated and crumpled to the ground.
-"There is no heroic ending for Shane Mayen. There is only Shardis Licita. But Shane isn't the only one who will play a part in the future."
-SHADE pointed to me with Ais.
+Severens began to swarm the place from above, as both Scrava and other spectators were picked off. My people ran to my side.
-"Haven't you wondered how I managed to get from one place to another? Even faster than SHADOW?"
+"Master Shardis, await orders!"
-No. It couldn't be.
+I clenched my fist.
+Were we enough to fight against these guys? Were we?
-"The look on your face tells me you've realized it."
-SHADE held out his hand, and snapped his fingers.
+SHADE turned to the Legionnaires, who all brandished and aimed their weapons and fought off the Severens.
-''Shadow Magic: Shadow Walker - Superior Teleport''
-My surroundings elongated as I became flooded with a darkness that felt foreign. It was emanating from him.
+"Not bad. Each one of you is at least as powerful as Troy before he received his void upgrade."
-I found myself in the Orbiter again. Deka and Rinne were held captive by numerous Severens who had invaded the ship. Noctis was with them.
+"Why are you here." I growled.
-"Ether? Ether!" Noctis shouted my name, as she struggled against the guard.
+SHADE regarded me.
+"Not for you. Not for them. But for the devils."
-SHADE regarded my pixie. Then he drew Ais and brought it to my throat.
+"The devils?"
-"That's right, Ether. Your magic will become mine. I will take your magic for myself. It isn't just Shane Mayen who will play a role in the Severen's domination. But your magic, by the byproduct of all your developments, will aid in the creation of the Severen's greatest soldier. Isn't fate funny?"
-I grimaced, attempting to suppress the pain, but my lip quivered. Sweat drenched my body as I tried to keep myself from passing out from the bullet wound. I was losing too much blood.
+Suddenly, the arena was flooded with a new batch of warriors. Numerous Valians entered the fray, shooting Scrava and Severens alike.
+SHADE pointed at a vessel, containing a young teenager inside. He was banging against the walls, trying to use his void powers to escape.
-Deka tried to step forward, but was held down by frost.
-"This magic..." Noctis muttered.
+"Freud Timmins. MR24. I'm sure you know of the one Valian who tried to advocate class neutrality through his clan."
-It was ''her'' magic. How was he able to use her magic from my grimoire?
+I knew. This guy tried to start a movement just like mine, according to Yelene. But in the end, it was just because he wanted something to gain on his end, and apparently, he himself was hypocritical to the ideology. From a Valian who was removed from the Clan, his testimony was this.
-"Dekani Price, I will spare you, because you are not like your greedy, egotistical kind. After all, we've had history."
-Deka paused. "What are you talking about?"
+Lies and contradiction.
-SHADE then turned to me.
-"Unfortunately, for Ether, I have finally discovered what I had been wondering all those many years ago. And I have to say, I am quite displeased."
+To say he didn't care about class and that everybody deserved to be treated the same.
-Noctis clenched her fists as she tried to step forward, but I shot her a glare. If she fought SHADE, she would die instantly. No one in this room could beat SHADE. Even together.
+Yet he put himself in an ultimate position, favouring those he liked, and abusing those he didn't.
-SHADE grabbed me by the hair and yanked me into the air.
-"Take ''my'' place? Temporary first mate? Unbelievable that Cap would let that happen." SHADE hissed into my ear, as he threw me to the ground.
+Safe to say, the Clan never picked up momentum.
-"Consider this a warning. Do not come for Nero again."
+I watched as the Valians attempted to fight off the Severens with their weapons, brute forcing, but the Severens had upgraded their adaptation. The Shardinian Legionnaires were able to fight and kill due to possessing Quorra's void connection.
-SHADE began to leave through a shadow portal as I felt myself losing consciousness.
+But one thing didn't make sense.
-"Ether. Ether!" Deka's voice emanated as I slowly woke up.
-"What... so loud." I muttered, as I sat up. My head felt like it had been microwaved. I looked around to see Rinne and Deka by my side.
+"Why are you telling me all this? Why help your enemy?" I asked SHADE.
-"Where's Noctis?" I asked.
+SHADE turned around.
+"Because of fate."
-Deka sighed as he handed me my grimoire.
-"Open it." He said.
+My hands began to shake.
-My heart was racing. What happened to Noctis? Did SHADE get her? Was she safe?
+"Enough of this fate BS. I want to know why. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I don't even know if I should trust you or not."
-I opened my grimoire and noticed a new section. I flipped to it, and my heart stopped.
+SHADE smiled.
-"These markings... it's her magic! What happened to my pixie?!" I said, frantically as I struggled out of my bed.
+"As impossible as it is, everything that I do is in accordance to fate. Showing you our secrets. Showing you our plan to lure out the Valians. It is all in accordance to fate. You believe by walking the path of fate you can be indestructible, but you are only scratching the surface. The thread of fate is convoluted."
+I watched as my Legionnaires continued taking down the Severens left and right in a crossfire extermination. Several of the Legionnaires tried to fight the Valians, but Yelene called them off. She knew as they were now, getting vengeance was not possible.
-Deka held me down.
-"Noctis is fine. But she told us she needed to go back to the grove, something about for your sake. We thought you knew. I'm sorry-"
+SHADE held out his hands, and I felt myself get shackled to the ground.
-I slid out of the bed as I got dressed.
-"Wait, Ether, you're still injured-"
+"Do not interfere, Licita." SHADE said, as he jumped into the fray, killing Valians left and right. Making his way to one Valian in particular. One in a Helos Lance.
-"I'm leaving. Thanks for everything. Try to avoid getting tangled with the Severens while I am away." I said, as I opened my grimoire and formed a shadow portal.
-"Where are you going?" Deka asked.
+"Huh? You want some too big guy?!" Rinzler shouted, as he took out his Sawgun, firing repeatedly at SHADE but having the blades bounce off harmlessly.
-"I'm going to get my pixie back." I said, adamantly, but the moment the portal opened, I fell to my knees.
+"No. Don't." I muttered, as SHADE grabbed Rinzler's Helos and zipped into the ceiling, smashing the Lance into the rock.
-"Shit." I muttered, as my heart began to ache more than normal. Had I overused my magic? This wasn't-
+For some reason, maybe it was because SHADE was my future self, I could hear everything coming out of his mouth. It didn't make things any less uncomfortable.
-"Ether, your body can't handle any more magic."
-"Yes it can. A mere shadow portal shouldn't take this kind of toll."
+"Rinzler Thresh. For the longest time, I always wanted this. It seems fate was unkind to you today. But one's misfortune is another's victory."
-Deka put his hand on my shoulder.
+"The hell are you even saying?" Rinzler grunted, struggling against SHADE's grip.
+"How dare you rape my beloved Rinne. How dare you abuse her from the first day she became your adopted sister. I will enjoy getting my vengeance, for I have been waiting many years to do this."
-"Ether, your heart isn't just being tolled by your magic. It's being tolled by something else."
+"Wh- Wha?" Rinzler whimpered, as SHADE brought his hair back, and ripped Rinzler out of his Lance. I watched the Helos crumple to the ground.
-"What are you talking about? I'm fine." I said, but fell to my knees again.
-"Ether, you need to rest. We'll find Noctis, but if you go alone in this condition, you'll die."
+Rinzler's eyes went wide with terror.
-I spent the night in my quarters on the Lotuscraft, reading the new incantations in my grimoire. Noctis had transcribed her Cryoabyssal Magic and intertwined it with my Shadow Magic.
+"You... Mayen! How?! Why?!"
-"Noctis, you idiot." I muttered, as I flipped through the pages, when a slip of paper fell out of a notch in the book.
+"I loved her. I always loved her. But I could never have her because I was destined to be this. The pain of watching someone you love have her heart broken because of things you can't control, is the hardest pain in the world. You, Rinzler Thresh, have been a source of her pain. And now, I have the chance to do something about it."
-"What's this?" I asked, as I picked up the paper, and read.
+"Wait. We can organize something. I can offer you the world, Mayen. I can give you my house. My Orbiter. My-"
-''If you are reading this, it means I have terminated our contract of master and familiar. From the first day, you told me that you would only treat me as a tool, and that my own purpose in your eyes was to serve. However, ever since I took on the mantle of your familiar, I have been nothing but a burden. I refuse to play that role. You have done nothing but help me, and I have done nothing but take from you. I wish I could have been more use to you, but watching you helplessly be overpowered by that Severen Assassin made me realize how truly worthless I am. I hope you find a better replacement. Inscribed in your grimoire is a portion of my power. As I believe it is the best I can offer to you.''
+"Don't you already know? I already have the world. I am a Licita. But the one thing I wanted the most, escaped through my hands. So I will settle things with the next best thing."
+SHADE plunged Ais through Rinzler's midsection, as Rinzler squeaked in pain, his eyes brimming with tears and terror.
-The words on the letter began to wrinkle, as I realized I had gripped it so hard I crumpled the paper. My hands were shaking.
-"Noctis, how could you do this... you stupid girl. You weren't equipped to fight the Severens. That was all it was!"
+I watched as a future Shane Mayen dropped Rinzler's corpse from above, as it sailed and fell into the abyss of Rathuum.
-I closed my eyes.
+I realized my shackles were undone, as SHADE landed in front of me, strapping Ais back on his back.
+"Find her."
-She was wrong. She wasn't a burden, and she did help me. Every day I was with her felt a bit brighter. It was ironic, because she loved to put on that badass cold logical vibe, but in the end, she gave off the complete opposite.
+"What?" I asked, still in shock at what I just witnessed.
-I needed her in my life, because without her, it felt like I was back in my old boring lifestyle. A meaningless life.
+"Our Rinne. She is in that Murex." SHADE pointed at a ship that was from the air.
+"Bring her home, and cherish her. Before it is too late."
-That night, I snuck out of the ship, summoning a shadow portal, and ported into the forest of the grove. Unfortunately, due to its high magical density, I wasn't able to get its location exact, and ended up in an outer radius.
+"But what about Cap-"
-My boots sloshed in the forest as it began to rain. I slipped on my hood, summoning my grimoire.
+"I cannot reveal this. Fate only wants one."
-''Shadow Magic: Stalker Sense - Radar Mode''
+I turned to the chaos and fighting, as the Valians battled the Severens to get Timmins back, killing and slaughtering as my Legionnaires followed suit.
-My vision darkened, as white hotspots of living creatures illuminated in my sights.
-I'm coming for you, Noctis. Whether you want it or not.
+I stepped toward the light, the ship in full view.
+"Rinne..."
-I continued walking as thunder boomed in the night. It seemed strange. Almost... wrong. The grove was supposed to be bright and magical. Like a shrine. But now it was dark, raining, and lightning illuminating the place with some kind of ominous feeling.
+I was going to rescue Rinne. That was one of the three. Yet... why wasn't I excited? Why did I feel so down?
-My vision lit up as I followed the hotspot, to an old lady.
+Then it hit me.
-"Young one, what business do you have in the grove?" The woman asked.
+I glanced at Yelene, who rallied our allies and ran to our side, as SHADE concealed himself from their view.
-"I'm looking for a pixie." I said.
-"A pixie, you say? Here in the grove, we have many pixies waiting for their master."
+"Second thoughts, Shane?" Shardis asked.
+"I- It's just... with Yelene..."
-Something felt off.
+"Yeah."
-"And what are you doing here? Are you also looking for a pixie?"
-"No. I am their watcher. Their guardian."
+For once, SHADE's face looked pained. This might have been the first time I saw the guy with any other emotion other than bloodlust.
+"Between you and me, fate aside, I. No. ''We'' always wanted to be with Rinne. But fate had us with Yelene. We loved Rinne, but it was Yelene who had our baby."
-"Guardian? You weren't around when I was here before."
+"Wha... what happened to our kid?"
-"In the day, I slumber. For it is night, when the grove is vulnerable. Where it needs its guardian."
+SHADE looked at me, with dead eyes.
-"Hm." I muttered, as I continued walking through the grove. Pixies began coming out of their hidey holes. One of them made a disgusted face.
+"You will find out, in time. I cannot stay longer." SHADE turned around and entered a shadow, and disappeared.
-"Ugh. It's him again."
+==SHADOW==
+I ran forward, intercepting a Valian who had just killed off a Severen.
-"Ew. No thanks. I'm going back to bed."
+"You... you're the Unarmored Valian, Shane Mayen!" The Valian said, but I clutched Ais, walloping the kid over the head and knocking him unconscious. I took his K-drive and flew into the air to the direction of the Murex.
-"Get lost, incel!"
+"Rinne... Rinne, where are you!" I cried out, desperately, as my cybernetic eye focused towards anything that could have been her energy signature. If only Folock was here. But ever since I was taken into Quorra's vessel, my coms unit with the Lotuscraft had gone out. I was completely in the dark.
-I turned to the guardian. "I'm looking for a pixie with white hair. She wears a lot of leather."
+"Unrecognized proxy detected. Commencing defensive pro-"
-"Noctis?"
+KABOOM.
-"Yes! I just need to talk to her, is she here?"
+I lowered my Harkanon, the barrel still smoking as I rammed into the side of the ship.
-"I'm afraid I haven't seen her ever since I received word that she chose her master. What business do you have with her?"
+"Give her back..." I growled, as I took aim again, firing over and over as the explosions rocked the hull.
-"I ''am'' her master. She left when I woke up, and I need to find her."
+"GIVE RINNE BACK!" I screamed, as I slammed my fist through the shell and ripped it open with Kien's strength. The vacuum pulled me in as I fell into a deep Severen room. The alien flesh of the Murex began to seal itself back again, as I found myself inside the ship.
-The guardian regarded me. "I assume you are a mage, who took her as your familiar. Perhaps the contract did not work out. That is quite common amongst mages and pixies. Why not select another one to replace the one you've lost?"
-I stopped walking, my voice dangerously calm.
+I breathed heavily, panting and catching my breath as I assessed my inventory. My gear was completely trashed. Only one Harkanon and one Hellfire left. My sheathe was gone. Gram and Ais were still on my back, but Gram wasn't looking too great. From my fight against Troy, I could make out a crack forming on the edge of the blade.
+But even so, I had to get Rinne back.
-"Excuse me?"
+No matter what.
-The guardian spread her arms.
+I aimed my Hellfire as I sneaked across the Murex, my cybernetic eye lighting the way and assessing the ship directory to show me any possible routes to Rinne.
-"The grove is home to over a thousand types of fairies. One that can complement the shadow magic of an Etreum quite nicely. Noctis' cryoabyssal magic may not have been compatible, but we have pixies like Arcana, who controls light. Dual attribute magic is quite the combination against opponents who might be a natural counter against your magic."
+As I continued walking, memories flooded my mind. Memories that warmed me up and what seemed like ages ago.
-"Noctis cannot be replaced. If she isn't here, then I'm going."
+"How could you say these things?!" I asked Rinne, as Rinne put away the dinner plates.
-"And where will you go?"
+"Because he is my brother, Shane. It doesn't matter what happens. I will always love him. No matter what."
+"He hurt you. Molested you. Verbally abused you and called you an embarrassment. That isn't family. That's not even human."
-"Anywhere. I don't know. But I won't stop until I find her. No matter what it takes."
+Rinne sighed as she stacked a plate then turned to me, smiling.
+"I like to believe everybody has a reason to act a certain way. The truth is, of all the Valians to be able to control the Void, I am said to have the most potential."
-"Young Etreum, if the pixie has not returned to the grove, it is very likely that she has been killed."
+"Well, yeah. You're the healer of the Lotuscraft after all."
-My hand clenched, as I could feel my vision turn red.
+Rinne ran her hand through her hair. "Aw, that's really sweet of you. But of all the people who knew about that, Rinzler knew it the most. After all, he knew me the longest. He knew just how capable I was with the Void. And it was when I was taken in by the Thresh family, did he truly understand why. Why I was chosen to be a Thresh."
-"What did you just say?"
-The guardian gave me a look of sympathy.
+My memories shunted back into reality as I reached a door. I kicked it open, to see a girl floating in a tank. Wires connected to her body. Her face was pale, as if almost all of the life was sucked out of her.
-"Pixies rely on their master for life sustenance. When the contract is terminated, their power dwindles, and must return to the grove before disintegrating. During this period, they are starved, and unable to use their power. This gives predators the chance to hunt them down. After all, in the forest, the pixie is near the bottom of the food chain-"
+"Rinne!" I cried, as I rushed forward, fumbling with the controls and releasing her. I put my arms around her body and tried to shake her awake. Rinne's head bounced aimlessly off my chest as I got to my feet and made my way to the exit as fast as I could.
+"Mmmm.... Sha...ne?" Rinne muttered, as her eyes fluttered open.
-I whipped around, and aimed my Garrison at the old lady's face.
+"Rinne! Oh my god. I- I thought I lost you." I sobbed, wrapping her in a hug.
-"You're supposed to be a guardian. How can you let something like this happen to Noctis? You're coming with me to find her. If you don't, I'll kill you."
+"I'm sorry... for worrying you." Rinne replied, as she ran her hand across the back of my head. I hadn't felt this warmth in such a long time.
+"We need to get you out of here." I said, as I swerved the corner.
-"Haste is unbecoming of a mage, Etreum."
+"Shane... put me down."
-"To HELL with being a mage. I don't give a shit about mages. Etreums. Customs. I don't care if you're the guardian of this shithole. You'll never understand my reasons for finding Noctis. Do you know what it's like, having someone by your side every morning you wake up? Sharing meals? Even being berated for your stupid decisions? Do you know the feeling, of being with someone who is able to act as your beacon of light even when you yourself accepted the darkness?"
+"No. We need to get you out of here-"
+"Shane."
-My gun hand began shaking violently.
+"Listen to me. This is an order. Your safety and wellbeing is my number one priority-"
-"Noctis... is more than just a familiar. More than just a tool. She's become someone that I can't live without. So don't you go around acting like you KNOW ANYTHING."
+"I'm not wearing any clothes."
+I glanced at Rinne, her face was beet red, and the realization hit me. I was carrying her around while she was naked.
-I took a step forward, and realized my foot had sunk deeper than usual.
+"R- Rinne... I... oh shit. Holy shit." I stammered, all cognition left my mind as I put her down, fumbling with my words.
-The guardian flicked her fingers, and my gun flew out of my hand. I reached into my coat and pulled out my P90, spraying lead at the old lady, but numerous vines intercepted the bullets.
+Rinne looked away as she tried to cover herself. I took off my Licitian Toron Robes and handed it to her as she wrapped it around herself like a towel.
-Another vine appeared and smacked me across the chest as I slammed into a tree.
+"Don't look at me like that." Rinne muttered.
-''Shadow Magic: Prominence Umbral Bind''
+"I'm not." I said.
+"Yes, you are."
-Dozens of tendrils erupted from the shadows as the vines were ripped apart. I held out my hand as more tendrils went after the guardian.
+It took me a couple of moments to realize I really was staring at her. Like a complete pervert.
-I leapt forward, as my body began melting into shadows.
+But I would trade in being called a pervert for the rest of my life to see Rinne again. After all those months. All that bloodshed. All that pain and suffering and stress thinking I wouldn't see anyone from the Lotuscraft Crew ever again.
-''Shadow Magic: Shadow Walker - Black Comet''
+"S- Sorry. Let's go." I led the way out of the Murex to the sounds of fighting.
-I zipped in like a jet stream, adjacent to my umbral tendrils as the guardian began dodging each one. I quickly regained form as I used my momentum to pin the old lady to the ground.
+"The K-drive is here. Take it and let's-"
-I pressed the barrel of my submachine gun to her forehead.
+''Leaving? So soon, Shardis Licita?''
+Rinne and I froze at the exit, as we slowly turned around to see a menacing black Excalibur wielding a large great sword. War.
-"Are you going to kill me, mage?" The guardian asked.
+"SHADOW." I said. I turned to Rinne.
-My eyes were wide, feral. Wild. I wanted to squeeze the trigger after everything she had said about Noctis, but I closed my eyes.
+"Get out of here. Take the K-drive and run!"
+Rinne stared at me.
-Noctis may have hated the grove, but the guardian still protected her. I couldn't do this to her. And with the guardian gone, the pixies would be finished. I didn't have it in me, as I got off the guardian, my tendrils retreating into the shadows.
+"Did he call you... a Licita?"
+"Just go!"
-"I'm going." I said, as I walked off. The guardian said nothing as she watched me leave the grove.
+"Shane, I don't understand. Why is SHADOW calling you a Licita-"
+"RINNE!" I snapped, causing her to jump. "Leave. I'm not gonna ask you again."
-My magic was waning. My eyes hurt, and my heart was aching. Not just from mana overuse.
+Rinne gripped the cloak as the sounds of fighting and winds caused it to flutter.
-My heart was aching for Noctis.
+"Do you really want to keep doing this alone, Shane? After everything we have been through together. Are you going to leave me alone again?"
-I fell to my knees.
+"No! I... I just... I lost you once. I can't afford to lose you again."
-"Come on, Ether. You can do it." I muttered, as I struggled to one foot.
+Rinne gazed at the battlefield dejectedly as she stepped onto the K-drive, driving off without looking back.
-I was seeing double, as the rain had soaked into my coat.
+I could hear SHADOW laugh.
-"Okay, maybe... a five minute break." I slumped on the leaves as I felt the cold air and rainwater freeze to the bone.
+''It's ironic. That the Valian girl left her abusive brother, for an abusive boyfriend. Isn't that what you would call, fate?''
+I took out my Hellfire and aimed, shooting SHADOW, who deflected the bullets with War.
-I held out my grimoire. I had enough magic to shadow port back to the Lotuscraft.
+"I'm gonna take you out, SHADOW. This time, I'm not letting you get away."
-"I'm not going back unless Noctis is with me." I grumbled, as I closed the book and watched it dissipate into black steam.
+SHADOW charged, and closed the distance, but my eye had already increased by agility enough to deflect his strike with Gram just in time.
+''You have improved, Mayen.''
-"GRRRRR"
+I gritted my teeth, switching my Hellfire to shotgun mode and firing at SHADOW's midsection, as he weaved out of the way. I spun around fluidly and fired another round that caught him in the face.
-"Huh?" I sat up, to be greeted by a massive predator. It looked like some kind of wild cheetah thing. It's eyes were full of fury.
+I went low, putting Gram back and took out my Harkanon with my other hand, setting it to Anti-Aircraft, and fired a shell which caught SHADOW in the stomach. The explosion rocked the Severen as he crashed into the arch of the Murex.
-I quickly whipped out my P90, taking aim, but the cheetah was faster than I thought. It swiped its paw and knocked my gun away as it tackled me to the ground.
+"You're not that hard to figure out." I said, as SHADOW fired a laser ball at me. I switched my Hellfire back to Machine Pistol mode, my cybernetic eye focusing on the projectile as I fired, blowing it up mid air.
-I had no mana. I had no strength. And I was freezing.
+I aimed at SHADOW's kneecaps and sprayed, as SHADOW darted to the other side. I swapped my Harkanon with Gram, and slammed the blade into the ground, the shockwave tossing the Severen into the air. Then I took out Ais, leaping in.
-This was it.
+"For a decent Valian, you're light work. And I've become stronger than an average Valian now."
-I remembered. The day Jason had taken me to the grove. The day I had met Noctis for the first time. It wasn't great. These memories were pretty shit actually. Noctis taking away all of my sheets leaving me to freeze in the middle of the night. Noctis grabbing my ear, or my nose, or my hair. Taking her sweet sweet time in front of the mirror every morning. Using my shadow space for her shoes.
+Ais connected, as SHADOW crashed into the ground of the Murex. I stood above the Severen.
-But for some reason, the shittiness of these memories were what made them so great.
+"How did it feel, messing with a Terran who barely knew what he was doing, then getting your ass kicked by that same Terran who trained his ass off to become stronger?"
-My vision flashed to Noctis, sitting on the top of my head, her legs crossed.
+SHADOW said nothing, as he got to his feet and readied War.
-"I'm afraid of falling in love with you Ether!"
+"Licitian Potential: Ciel Licita - Way of the Seventh Sense."
+I brandished both Gram and Ais, as SHADOW and I clashed. I began to overpower SHADOW with Ciel's technique.
-My eyes widened. I can't die yet. Not until I get Noctis back.
-"Get off of me, you stupid cat!" I roared, holding my hands outward and melting into the shadows, pulling the predator in with me. I materialized at the top of the canopy as the two of us tumbled dozens of feet into the ground. The cheetah's neck cracked, as its body went limp.
+I slashed, and cut, severely damaging SHADOW's armour more and more with every slice.
+"I'm gonna crush you Severens one by one. Starting with you." I sneered, as I kneed SHADOW in the chin.
-I struggled to my feet, as I noticed a small cyan light. And a tiny face that was peeking from the corner of a tree. My heart raced, as Noctis quickly hid back behind the tree.
+SHADOW fell back, as I aimed Gram to his throat.
+"Die." I said, coldly, as I brought the sword back.
-"Noctis, there's no point hiding once the person's found you."
+''SNAP.''
-"I'm not going back with you." Noctis said.
+"Wha-" I said, as I stumbled backwards. I stared at Gram, which had been cut in half. With speed even greater than before.
-"And what are you going to do once you're back in the grove?"
-Noctis was silent, as I walked to the other side of the tree. Noctis' clothes were slightly torn, her wings looked slightly degraded, and her face was exhausted, covered in dirt and grime.
+What just happened?
+SHADOW got to his feet.
-"You look like a hot mess." I said.
+''Did you think I was going to let a Licita kill me? After what the Valians did by forsaking the Toron, here stands before me, a Toron nobleman doing the same thing. Did you really think I would let that happen?''
-"You do not look any better yourself, Ethereum."
+SHADOW's voice became more and more sinister as he got to his feet. War began to glow a brighter cyan.
-I knelt down as I took out my handkerchief, gently wiping the grime off of her face.
+''Don't underestimate me, Shardis. Don't you dare undervalue everything that I had been through. Betrayal. Pain. Watching everything go so well, just to have it fall. That day, everybody was happy. It was the happiest day of our lives in the Toron. Then the bloodshed. It all went to hell because of the Valians. Only monsters can become strong in this world, and to become a monster, they must have the entire world taken from them.''
-"I can do it myse-" Noctis paused, as her hand touched mine.
+SHADOW closed in with ridiculous speed, faster than before, and knocked Ais out of my hands, then slashed at my chest, my leg, and my arm as I skidded back. SHADOW then spun and kicked me into a column as I coughed out blood.
-"Were you there? When I spoke to the guardian?" I asked.
+I crumpled to the ground as everything became blurry.
-Noctis didn't say anything, as I propped her tiny body on my lap.
+''Did you truly think I was fodder? Second to your future counterpart? The SHADOW of the Severens will not stop until all the Valians are dead. For they took everything from me. You should be on my side. An heir to the house of Licita. You are a nobleman to the Toron empire. Just like me. To know you not only joined them, but you trivialized my reasons, my conquest. That. I. Will. Not. FORGIVE.''
-I smiled as I picked off the pieces of dead leaves out of her hair.
+SHADOW grabbed my by the collar and launched me out of the Murex as I smashed onto the roof of Rathuum. Lightning boomed as SHADOW appeared over me.
-"Let's go back to the Orbiter. I'm sure Deka still has fragments of his Titania Lance. We can make a nice outfit for you when you're-"
-"Why did you come back for me?"
-I stopped. "Isn't it obvious? You're my pixie. I can't have you running off on your own like that."
+''The truth is, I am just a monster SHADE is. My power, shackled, by order of Lord Gargantua. But just this once. I will show you my true power. Because you have done what very few have managed to do. You have become something that I hate even more than the Valians. Release restraints. Level Zero.''
+SHADOW began to glow a demonic red as he lifted War, and blasted away from my field of view. Before I knew it, my body had sustained brutal damage, blood exploding from me as I was lifted into the air.
-Noctis' bottom lip quivered.
-"I don't understand. I don't get it. I've done nothing but burden you. Yet you still keep coming back for me. Just leave me alone-"
+"Ack!" I coughed, my eyes wide from pain, as SHADOW appeared before me, materializing, and slammed me across the polluted city of Sedna. I smashed into a Toron Scrava cargo hold, denting the wall and slamming into the ground.
-"The only time you burdened me, was when you told me you terminated the contract. Not once have I thought of you as a burden before that, Noctis." I said.
-"But-"
+SHADOW approached me and grabbed my face.
-I sighed, as I opened my grimoire, reforging the contract. Noctis' degradation stopped.
+"Ciel Licita 120%" I muttered, as I grabbed SHADOW's hand and twisted, throwing him off my back and launching him away, but SHADOW leveraged himself, and shot forward before I could react, flying into the air as we smashed through the walls of the Murex and tumbled into a large grand chamber, decorated with numerous Severen architecture and decorations.
+I struggled to my feet, as my body began to leak blood, peppering the ground.
-"Noctis, go to full size for me."
-"But-"
+SHADOW brought War down, and slashed again, Gram shattering into pieces as I fell backwards.
-"Just do it. I want to show you something."
-Noctis hesitated, but then grew to full size until her face was inches from mine. I ran my hand through her silky smooth white hair and took a couple of strands, overlapping them in an intricate manner.
+''The Seventh Sense's power can only sustain you for so long. Even SHADE cannot use the Licitian Potential forever. You most certainly cannot. From here on out, I will execute you. In the grand theatre of this Murex. The execution of a Toron noble, a sacrifice worthy of entertainment to Lord Gargantua and all the Severens.''
+I breathed hard, taking out my Harkanon, and my Hellfire. Ais was still somewhere in Rathuum from when SHADOW disarmed me. All I had were my guns.
-"Ether...?"
-"Hang on, I almost got it."
+I aimed and fired, my guns set to full automatic, the bullets being deflected by SHADOW's War as he rushed forward. I darted around, attempting to summon Tricity's speed. But I was fatigued. I couldn't summon any more than 15%. And SHADOW was only getting faster.
-I slipped another strand through the gap. Noctis' eyes widened.
+I continued darting around, evading and dodging. I knew I couldn't keep this up. I was hoping a lucky bullet would manage to catch him in a weak spot in his armour.
-"Ether, when did you learn that?"
+I wasn't so lucky, as SHADOW managed to get the first hit in. A side cut into my ribs as I growled in pain, collapsing.
-I smiled. "You liked braiding your hair. So while you were asleep replenishing your mana, I spent my spare time learning how to braid. After all, you always spend so long in the morning doing your hair, I figured I could help speed the process by helping you out."
-Noctis ran her hand across the braid in her hair.
+SHADOW approached me and swung War, disarming my Harkanon, then smacked me in the side of my face as I flew the other direction, skidding across the chamber. The sounds of War scratching the ground echoing in the large room.
-"It's quite the job."
+I tried to get to my feet.
-"Really?"
+I couldn't die now.
-"No. It was poorly done. What a mess! I'll have to redo it myself."
+There were people waiting for me.
+Rinne.
-I laughed, as Noctis stared at me.
+The Revolution.
-"What are you ogling at? We're wasting precious mission time. Let's go home, Noctis."
+Yelene.
-I held out my hand.
+And above all else. Everybody in the Lotuscraft crew. They needed me.
-But Noctis didn't take it, as she got to her feet, facing me, fully straightening her back until she was a little bit taller than me.
+I shakily aimed my Hellfire at SHADOW, as he laughed.
-"Noctis, whatever you say, I'm not going to leave you alone until you come back with me to the Orbiter."
+''Pathetic. You claim to destroy the Severens with your so called movement. Your so called Shardinians. Yet you struggle in a single duel. This is the end for you, Shardis Licita.''
-"That isn't it." Noctis said, as she stepped even closer, running her hand across the side of my face.
+SHADOW brought War down, as I closed my eyes.
+"Dammit!" I yelled, when suddenly, the blade stopped mid air.
-"Did you know when you're asleep, your face looks strikingly angelic? Just like your surname. Lux is latin for light."
+I looked to my right to see what had interfered SHADOW, as a Helos Lance stepped forward, kicking SHADOW back.
-"I... didn't know that."
+My eyes widened in disbelief.
+"You... you're supposed to be... but how? How are you still alive, Rinzler?"
-"When you're asleep, your stress goes away. Only now did I realize. Was all that stress because of me?"
-"There's a possibility that your assertion may be valid..." I said.
+The Lance turned to me, and to my shock, Rinne's voice resonated from within the armour.
-"Twisting it doesn't work on me. We've been together long enough for you to know that."
+"Because I'm not Rinzler, Shane. And I'm not leaving you alone. Never again."
+Rinne resolved out of Helos in an operator uniform and hugged me, her warmth spreading across my body as my wounds began to heal.
-"Jeez. Always playing games, at a time like this." I muttered.
+"No more fighting alone Shane. Let's take SHADOW, together. Okay?" Rinne pulled away and stroked my hair.
-"There's still one more game left to play." Noctis said.
+"Y-Yeah." I said, as I got to my feet.
-"Is now really the time?" I asked, but before I could continue berating her, Noctis pulled me in to a kiss.
+Rinne resolved into Helos once more, as the two of us faced SHADOW.
-All of a sudden, the pain in my heart seemingly disappeared. The black shadow poisoning in my system seemed to go away, like I was filled with eucalyptus oil. Refreshed with something anew.
+''Having a Valian on your side will not turn the tables, Mayen. This will only add more to the sacrifice. A Licita and a Valian, dead at my feet.''
+Rinne drew her axe and took her stance.
+I cocked my Hellfire pistol and took aim.
-Noctis pulled away, as she wiped her eyes.
+"We'll see about that." I said, as Rinne and I charged the Severen.
-"Ha. Even after everything we said about not progressing further than just master servant. Here we are. I suppose fate really cannot be changed."
-Noctis shrunk into fairy size, as I felt my magic restoring with her mana combining into mine. She sat on the top of my head as the shadow portal I had halfway summoned fully formed. The reflection of my Orbiter's quarters bed barely visible in the moonlight.
+==Mutation==
+"Do you have any dark thoughts?" The voice in my head asked me.
+"Yeah." I responded, honestly.
-I sighed, as I took a step inside the portal.
+"Hatred. Anger. Malice. Vengeance. It seems our mood has only ever been these four. Why?"
+"You know why."
-"Ether?" Noctis asked.
+"But I want ''you'' to say it, Shane. Why do you have these thoughts?"
-"What's up."
-"Can I... sleep beside you tonight?"
+I could feel my body sinking. SHADOW must have knocked me out. But none of that mattered. Even if I was in the middle of a battlefield, it seemed like nothing mattered.
-"I probably caught a cold from looking for you so long. You're gonna catch it too if we-"
-"That is fine by me."
+Just me alone with my dark thoughts, and my voices.
-"Uh, I'm pretty sure that's not-"
+"I want to leave. But I need money. I need to find work and a place to live. Yet he's pushing me for a timeline."
-"It's fine."
+"Yes. A timeline."
+"A date. A fixed date."
-I smiled, as the shadows around us began to elongate, porting back home.
+"Why is that?"
-"Suit yourself. Just don't go complaining to me when your nose gets runny!"
+"Because I told him. I told him I wanted to leave. I didn't like living there. Because he always attacked me."
+"But he said he never did, did he?"
+"Of course."
-Deka wasn't too happy that I went off on my own.
-"With Shane, I'm not surprised. With him being the hot blooded rebel he is. But to discover you of all people to defy my orders, you do realize I can cut your salary in half, right?"
+Of course he would say that. He had a way of words. A deceptive, cunning, yet vile way with words. To manipulate it against me, even if he himself was the one who hurts others.
-I didn't say anything as I took my seat, the first time in a while. Most of the time they were in their meetings, I would always be in the shadows, but Noctis urged me to join them for once.
-"I apologize. Getting my familiar back was my top priority. I would be sure to consult you in the future."
+"Fundamentally, the bad guy should lose, right?"
+"Not this time." I muttered.
-Deka took a deep breath. "As long as it doesn't happen again. I'm happy that you got Noctis back, though."
+Physical abuse is easy.
-Deka ran down the current mission. We were expected to rescue a hostage, a member of the Taurus Council. According to the Outrider Galactic Justice Corporation, this hostage had crucial info regarding the architecture plans of the Lua. His survival was key.
+You can always call the cops and find a way to make it out financially.
+It's when the abuse is verbal.
-"I guess it goes without saying, we place the survivor of paramount importance. This mission is no easy tas-"
+There is no grounds for me to report this to anybody.
-''Shadow Magic - Umbral Copy.''
+"Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt-"
+"I hate that saying." I interrupted the voice.
-A part of my consciousness detached, entering the copy. As you would expect, almost all my copies were basically just me. My consciousness controlling them. So whatever happened to the clone, I was basically seeing through with my own eyes. It's hard to explain, but it's almost like I could be in basically two places at once.
+''Give me a date. I want a date when you leave. Also a date when you pay me back all the money I wasted on you. You say you want to move out? You say you hate me? Want vengeance? Do you even have a right to say any of that? How about this. I won't pay for any of your things anymore. No tuition. No food. You'll be doing all of the labor every single day.''
-My clone held out its grimoire and shadow ported to the location.
+"I never wanted to even be here." I told the voice.
-''Shadow Magic: Stalker Sense - Radar Mode''
+"I never asked to be born."
-I located the hostage. Some old man. Of course it's an old man. These geezers never cease to get themselves tangled up in things like this.
+I shook my head. The voices. The deep sense of fatigue and depression that was washing over me. It was so intense that I felt nothing about my battle with SHADOW.
-I continued listening in on Deka's plan. No one knew I had already infiltrated the base and located the hostage through my clone.
+The voice continued.
+"But it's wrong. To say these things. You live under his roof. You need to do as he says."
-I pulled out my Garrison and screwed on its silencer, taking out the guard that was watching over him. These guys sure were careless with their camera systems. I had already placed a camera loop pulsar device that had jammed the cameras watching over the hostage before I had taken out the guard. All was left was to rescue the hostage.
+"So abuse is okay?"
-I approached him and took out my utility knife, cutting open the restraints.
+"Is it? It's all words after all. As long as you do what you're told."
+"But even when I did, he still attacked me."
-"On behalf of the Lotuscraft Crew of Valian Dekani Price, I am here to escort you to extraction."
+"Yet no one else complains. I'm sure everybody else has been through this before. Do you really think you're in the right to snap back at your fath-"
-The old man looked at me, gratefully. "Thank you, young man. May I ask your name-"
+"He is not my father."
-The hostage didn't get a chance to finish his sentence, as I grabbed his shoulders and plunged him into the shadows of the ground alongside me.
+I could feel something inside me want to erupt. A tingling sensation that started to turn painful.
-"So, that is the plan." Deka said, as he crossed his arms.
+"But he was the one who paid for everything. Your school. Your food. The internet. Everything."
-"Any questions?"
+"Yet he also verbally abused me. Yelled at me for the smallest things. Made everything a living nightmare of exchange and trade. What kind of father demands compensation for food they bought for their infant son?"
-My clone surfaced from the corner of the room with hostage.
-"Yeah, where does the hostage go?" I asked, as my clone dissipated into smoke.
+"I'm happy he died."
-Rinne stared at me with her mouth hanging open.
+My back burst in pain, as something red began to rip out of my skin, turning into alien flesh.
-Deka sighed.
+''Severen'' flesh.
-"Ether, could you at least try to tell me beforehand that this mission would be a cakewalk for you? I wasted an entire night's worth of work to plan this mission out."
-Noctis kicked the air with her tiny legs.
+"I hate him."
-"I apologize on behalf of my master. His ego is very fragile."
+More pain, this time along my other arm. The one arm that wasn't replaced by cybernetics, was turning red and black, just like the texture of Ais.
-"What?" I exclaimed.
-Deka laughed. "I'm glad someone is here to reign in Ether for me when I'm not around. Keep up the good work, Noctis. I'll take the hostage and transport him to Lua."
+"I wanted to kill him."
-==Escort==
+My leg began to transform, as the voice laughed.
-"What a beautiful day for a walk!" The old man, Pilus, said, stretching his arms.
-Rinne, Deka, Umbra, Noctis, and I were tasked to escort him to the Lua Taurus Citadel, but being the boomer he was, he refused my shadow teleportation method.
+"I wanted to make him pay."
-"I thought this was the moon, why is it so damn bright." I muttered.
-"Are you a vampire?" Noctis asked.
+"Why do you want to make him pay, Shardis Licita?"
-"Very funny."
-Deka turned to me. "If this was the Solar System, a lot of the planets would be inhospitable. But with the Star System, things are a bit different. I guess you can say Pilus is a bit old fashioned."
+I closed my eyes, as wave after wave of fatigue and defeat washed me over, dousing me. Almost like it was cleansing the rage away, but leaving behind something barren.
-I still didn't enjoy walking long distances. With the sun being so bright and hot, I had to take off my coat and throw it into my shadow space.
+"I will never forgive him. He disowned me once when I defended my mom, forgiving everybody in the family but me. Then he selectively abused me again. It's just me. And if he wants to single me out like that, then I'll single him back the same way."
-Just as I was about to close it, Noctis threw in her leather suit into the portal.
-"Hey!" I said.
+The side of my face began to transform, mutating into Severen metal. Transforming me into a monster.
-Noctis crossed her arms and looked the other way, pouting.
-"Hmph."
+"I'm glad he died. But I wish I had the power to bring him back to life, so I can kill him myself."
-We continued walking as Pilus regarded Rinne.
+My hair began to turn white, the roots turning white as I watched my black hair starting to disappear, assimilating before my very eyes. It was all over.
-"Such a sweet young lady like you shouldn't be out in the battlefield."
-Rinne blushed. "I'm simply doing my part for the team. A personal mission of mine, for someone else's sake."
+Why was I so scared about this? This wasn't so bad. I'm free. Free from Shane Mayen. Free from all the burdens of living my life. I can embrace my life as Shardis Licita. The head of the Licita noble household. The leader of the Revolutionist Movement.
-"A boyfriend?"
+Then becoming SHADE.
-Rinne's blush deepened even more.
+The most feared entity in the cosmos. I wouldn't be bound anymore.
-"Haha, that's enough prying into Rinne's love life, Mister Pilus. Why not tell us about yourself?" Deka asked.
+"But there is one thing I want to ask you, Shane."
-"What do you want to know?" Pilus asked.
+I stopped, as the voice got in real close. Like it was whispering in my ear, but I couldn't feel its breath.
-"Brave of you to assume I want to know anything." I muttered, but Noctis elbowed me.
-"Ow! What gives?"
-Noctis crossed her arms.
+"Why were you crying when he died?"
-"You know, you're being a lot more pouty and childish than usual."
-"Am I, or are you just being a bit too ignorant?"
+I paused.
-"What are you even saying..."
+"What... are you talking about?"
+The voice continued.
-We continued walking down the numerous cities of Lua. Eventually, we got to the city of Trife.
+"When he was ripped apart. You shed tears. If such a man is as terrible as you say, to the point where you thought about killing him, why would he risk his life to protect you from that Severen that day?"
-"Let's stop here for the night. The journey is long. I anticipated this, and booked us some rooms." Pilus said.
+"That..." My voice trailed off.
+Why did he protect me? There was a reason behind it. I knew it. I should know why.
-It turned out that Pilus had only booked three rooms. There were five of us. Since Noctis and I counted as one person, as with Deka and Umbra, one of us had to share a room with Pilus.
-Fortunately, Deka volunteered, since there would be no way we were going to let Rinne sleep in the same room as some sketchy old man, and I already had to deal with a pouting Noctis. Putting up with Pilus would mentally break me.
+My transformation began to slow down, as my hair's whitening process began to stall to a halt, leaving behind half whitened strands.
-We opened the door, which brought us to a single bed.
-"Another single bed? Seriously?" I grumbled, as Noctis walked inside and inspected the room architecture.
+"Was it all bad, Shane?" The voice began to change. Almost like it was being overridden by something. The voice, started off like my own, began to sound feminine. Like a woman's. Soothing. Calming.
-I sat down and put my gear into my shadow space, laying on the bed.
+"I-" I stammered.
-"I'm so tired." I muttered.
-"Perhaps it's a wake up call to do more exercise." Noctis replied.
+"In the end, he was your father. Don't you remember? All those times he gave you love. Affection. When you were a little boy."
+My vision went back in time, to an image of a man, who was a little bit older than me. Probably around 26. He was holding a little kid in his arms. His face was full of joy and happiness. My mom was exhausted from doing chores, but she also had a smile on her face. But that man.
-I noticed that Noctis had made herself a tiny bed out of tissues and linen cloth.
+His smile was the biggest in the room.
-"You're not gonna use the bed?" I asked.
+He lifted a kid version of me up high.
-Noctis was silent.
+"Dana. We finally did it. I know he isn't ours. But... he's my son. ''Our'' son. Can you believe it? I have a kid. I'm... I'm..." Tears leaked down his face.
-Come on now. I must have done something to get on her nerves, but then again, I was always on her nerves. She was acting a lot more pouty than usual, meaning something was bothering her. Think, Ether. Think. What did I do? I woke up, brushed my teeth, took a shower. I had breakfast. Did I forget to share it with her? That didn't make sense. I even went to the extent of letting her feed me, sacrificing my manhood for her good praises. What was I missing?
+"I'm a father, Dana. I'm a dad."
-I glanced at my shadow space, as I rummaged through some clothes, when I suddenly saw it. Noctis' leather armour, it was neatly folded in the corner. She wasn't wearing it. Well, obviously. She was wearing her current Toron Titania suit, which Deka and Folock had made for her while I had decided to take a nap instead...
+The voice returned.
-Oh.
+"He loves you. From the bottom of his heart, he always did. Maybe it was a little twisted. Maybe it was a little malformed. Maybe it was a little toxic."
-"You look really pretty in that. I guess I should have told you sooner."
+My Toron implants began glowing, fighting back the Severen infection in my body as everything came into balance. Both Severen and Toron in my body, balancing each other out. Cancelling each other out, as everything began to turn bright.
-Noctis' face began to blush, but she turned the other way. "Well of- of course it is. It features the elegance of the Toron empire, after all."
+It was then did I realize who that voice belonged to. It wasn't the voice in my head anymore. It was someone else.
-"I honestly didn't think you could pull of that white and gold trim look. Good on you." I said, trying my best to compliment her, but it seemed to be backfiring.
-"If nothing good comes to mind, then don't force it, Ether."
-"Well, I wasn't lying." I replied, getting up and walking to her side.
+The voice was Rinne's.
-The bed was incredibly well made. I had no idea how she was able to connect the parts without any sewing tools.
-"Sorry I wasn't there when you had your suit made." I said.
+"That's why he chose to protect you that day. Because he loved his son. And because you loved your father, you cried when he died. You got angry because he died. You wanted to kill the Severens because he took your father from you."
-Noctis looked at me.
-"Tha- That doesn't bother me." She muttered.
+My vision returned, as I made out the surroundings of the Murex theatre. SHADOW had backed off, as I realized my body was emitting pulses of red energy. Rinne's Lance was completely shredded, but her hands were glowing gold, as I felt her embrace through the Toron engineering of her late brother's Lance.
-"Yeah, I did kind of promise you that I would be the one to help you out. I guess I wasn't around and Deka ended up making it for you. I should have complimented your new look earlier, but I was a bit preoccupied with other things. I didn't know you were so bothered by that-"
-"I'm not bothered by something so trivial!" Noctis stammered. "Such trivial things do not concern me, your opinions on me are invalid. I have... have..."
+"Come back to me Shane. We still have to win this fight." Rinne said, as I regained my composure.
-"Sounds to me you're running out of things to say." I chuckled.
+SHADOW hesitated.
+''Severen flesh. This is unexpected. Lord Gargantua never...''
-Noctis shrunk to fairy form and sat on her makeshift bed.
-"I wish you were a little more aware of the feelings of others." She muttered.
-"So are we good now? Come on, it was just a slight slip up."
+Rinne cut him off as she sliced down with her axe, but SHADOW dodged.
-"I'm sleeping on this tonight." Noctis said, her face adamant.
+''Shardis Licita. I can see why you were sent back.''
-That night, I sent a clone to do some recon while I slept.
+I was motionless.
+"What are you talking about..."
-I needed to continue my surveillance on another member of the Lotuscraft Crew.
+Rinne turned to me.
-<div align="center">* * * Point of View: Shane Mayen * * *</div>
+"Now isn't the time, Shane! We need to finish him off while he's disoriented!"
-I ran the tap to the sink, as I washed my face. My eyes were empty and drooping, but given everything that had happened this week, this was warranted.
+SHADOW holstered War.
-"My name is Shane Mayen." I muttered, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My battle against SHADE had severely damaged my arsenal, and had given me a few more scars on my chest and side.
+''A Licita denied of his heritage. Forced to live a life in another timeline. His identity, shattered. His goals, shattered. His dreams, shattered.''
-"My name is Shane..." I lifted a tuft of hair that had covered my right eye and used my scissors to cut it off.
-"Mayen."
+Rinne tried to charge forward, but I stopped her.
+"Shane-"
-I gripped the edge of the bathroom sink, glaring at my reflection. My hair running down the stream of water into the gutter. It had been a while since I had seen my face like this, only now did I truly realize how out of place my cybernetic eye was. The dark sclera and glowing cyan pupil lighting up the dark room.
+"No." I ordered, as I pointed a finger at SHADOW.
-"I am Shane Mayen. No matter what the world thinks I am, what fate thinks I am, I refuse that name." I said to myself.
+"What are you talking about. Why was I sent back? What do you mean my goals and dreams being shattered."
-My vision suddenly flashed as my hair momentarily flickered white. I widened my eyes as I stumbled back. But realized that it was just a hallucination. It was still me. Same old me.
+From within his twisted Excalibur mask, it was almost as if SHADOW was laughing. Like he was enjoying every second of it as he brought down the heavy truth.
-Quorra and Troy were out on a mission together. They decided it was best if I stayed inside and had some time alone for a while. This has been going on for almost a week now, just me alone in the Orbiter, alone with my thoughts. During this time, I had a lot of time to reminisce about my past.
+''Shardis Licita. As you may have guessed, you are destined to become SHADE, the Great Valian Killer.''
+Rinne clenched her fists. Her Helos Lance was in critical condition, as the sounds of combat filled the air outside of the Murex.
+"Shane..." Rinne muttered, as SHADOW continued.
-"Shane, I checked on your school webpage. You failed your second exam, why didn't you tell us?" My mom had found out I was hiding my grades. Well, hiding is a bit of a stretch. It wasn't so much as hiding. It was more like I gave up. There was no point appeasing these guys. They docked off marks for the stupidest reasons.
+''But no Licita has proven to be such a powerful force on their own. We Severen have been at war with the Toron for eons. And in our many millennia of existence, we had conquered many civilizations. But not once have the Severens encountered a being like SHADE. His power. His skill. His abilities. They are all crucial to our forces.''
-"There was nothing I could do." I replied. My dad stepped forward and slapped my face.
+SHADOW pointed at me.
+''Many Licita have served the Toron Empire. From Ciel Licita, the General of the Tora, to Neumani Licita, the Great Tinkerer. The Streak of Altra, Tricity Licita. All of which suffered a similar fate. They simply were not strong enough. But SHADE was different. SHADE was special. Even amongst the Licita. And for the longest time, our people could not understand why. How could a Licita be so strong? But now, I understand why.''
-"How about this. Next year, you pay for your own tuition. Let's see if you still treat your education as a joke."
+"That's enough." Rinne said.
-I couldn't say anything. I was basically forced into this life. No part of me wanted to study, I hated it. But my parents didn't give me a choice. I never had a choice.
+"Shane, he's playing with your mind. We need to get out of here. We need to find Deka and Aurora. We need to-"
+"No." I said, my eyes glued on SHADOW.
-My dad scooted over on the computer and checked my grade. 65% on the exam. It was a pass, I guess. But then his mouse hovered over the class statistics.
-"No..." I muttered. I had a feeling what it would be, but I still didn't want to see it.
+"I need to hear this. Why was I sent back in time. Why is SHADE so strong. Why. There's so many questions I have about my life. Why was I denied my heritage."
-My dad clicked it, revealing a class average of 85%. My grade was near the bottom of the class. As usual.
-Even if I was expecting it, it still felt shitty. I had given my all on this exam, studied everything the prof had told me to look into. Covered everything. But they pulled shit like this. Asking stuff that was not even mentioned in the syllabus. Yet somehow, everybody was able to get through that hurdle.
+SHADOW put War back onto his back as he paced the Murex. He knew full well that we were not going to attack him.
+''Severen flesh. SHADE. Licita. SHADE was never transformed into a Severen, like Ballard was. I'm sure now you know why.''
-Everybody but me.
+I stared at SHADOW as the realization dawned on me. I dropped both of my weapons as they clattered to the ground.
-My mom went hysterical, grabbing my shoulders and shaking me back and forth.
+"Shane...?" Rinne's voice trailed away.
-"Shane!" She sobbed.
-"I just can't stand it! I can't stand it! Don't you care about what's going to happen to your future?! I don't want you to go homeless!"
+"No... this doesn't... this can't be..."
-My dad joined in, yelling and picking up my videogames and throwing them out of the window.
-I felt like ending my life that night. Because here I was, still being berated by my parents at the age of 20. I should have moved out by now, but I had no prospects in life, so I was stuck living with my parents studying a degree I didn't want. Every day in this degree made me feel just a bit stupider. And my parents losing even more hope in me.
+Severen flesh.
-My dad was abusive.
+SHADE never was transformed into a Severen.
-My mom was crazy.
-And I had to put up with them.
+Meaning SHADE was ''always'' a Severen.
-I fast forwarded my memories like a tape, until I reminisced about the first few weeks living with Troy.
+Meaning...
-"Man, I can't believe I get to live with Shane!" He said excitedly.
-I smiled. I finally felt free from my crazy parents. But the moment I stepped out of the door with my suitcase, my dad grabbed me from behind.
+''Shardis Licita is half Severen.'' SHADOW laughed, his voice echoing throughout the Severen theatre.
+''Half a Licita. Half a Severen. For the people of such a noble household, to have a Severen as their heir. Simply was not an option. It has all come together, little Licita. Why you were denied of your birthright. Because it was never yours to begin with.''
-"You're not really living alone. Once this school year is over, you're coming back here. I was thinking that maybe once you graduate, we could all move to Toronto together. Your mother and I could live in the bottom floor and you could live on the top floor."
-I clenched my fists.
+I looked at Rinne, as she had resolved out of Helos, her face was pale in shock.
-You abused me my whole life, forcing me to do shit I didn't want.
-Almost like you wanted to get rid of me.
+"I'm..." I muttered.
-Now you're not letting me escape.
+''Rejoice, Halfling. For you have been blessed with the glorious power of the Severens. A naturally born halfbreed. Unlike one such as I, who's Severen flesh was grafted onto me by the great Father, Gargantua. You are a natural born. The first of your kind. As you fully embrace who you are, you will become the most powerful being in this universe. You will become the Great Valian Killer.''
-I grabbed the suitcase and stepped into Troy's car.
-"You're truly an asshole. Dad." I muttered.
+==Revelation==
+"You're going to adopt Arsani?" I asked, incredulous, at the faces of the Licita nobles.
+"Don't, Price." Ikes held me back before I could strike with my Lance.
-I snapped back to reality, getting off my bed. Never once have I been in control, only now did I truly realize that. SHADE was right. Fate never stops messing with you. No matter what universe you're in.
+I couldn't let these people take my little brother away from me.
+Over my dead body.
-I watched as the landing craft attached onto the Orbiter, as Quorra and Troy walked in.
+Arsani was all I had left.
-"Hey Shane." Troy said.
+Mom.
-"How was the mission?" I asked.
+Dad.
-"Quorra did everything. As usual."
+They became mad from the Void incident. They tried to kill us. Whoever those two adults were, they were no longer our parents. I remembered that day, when Mom held out a knife.
+A knife that was bestowed upon the Price bloodline. Of Toron origin. Handed down generation after generation, from the first day our ancestors had defended each other from when they had to fend for themselves in the forests of Sanguine, to the days the Price family would use the blade to protect their own from robbers and muggers due to our low class.
-Quorra put her hand on my shoulder. It still felt weird, seeing a big Wisp Lance towering over me and speaking with the voice of a girl.
+That knife stood for hope.
-"Shane, we have an issue with the House of Licita, I know this has been really hard for you, but..."
+And Mom was using that knife to kill Dad. Then she turned to Arsani.
-"You want me to retake my place in the household as Shardis Licita." I deduced.
-Quorra didn't say anything, as Troy gave me a look of sympathy.
+That twisted smile.
-"Ever since Arsanios' true identity got leaked, there is no one managing the Licita Household. They need a trueborn Licita to maintain their social status and politics. You're the only Licita alive, and you have proof with your birthmark."
+Ikes stopped me from attacking Kirin and Caterena Licita.
-I gritted my teeth.
+"Don't, Dekani. If you attack, we'll have to fight their guards. We can't declare war against a Toron Noble."
+"We're not loyal to the Toron. After what they did to Freya. What's one more enemy, Ikes?" I muttered.
-Fate never stops messing with you.
+Ikes shook his head.
-The more I try to reject the idea of becoming Shardis Licita, and by extension, SHADE, the more I'm forced to do things on their terms.
+"Just don't. This is for the betterment. For our war against the Severens we don't have a choice. Once the war is over, we will all strike. But now, we need to be patient. That is the way of the Valian."
-I wanted to become a hero because I wanted a purpose. But it wasn't just that. I didn't want to die knowing I had become a monster. So between being a villain or a hero, I wanted to become a hero.
+I turned back to the noble family, still resolved in my Lance. The Volt Lance armour concealing the rage in my eyes.
-One that saved everyone and to tell people that everything is going to be okay.
-But to walk through a city of corpses and destruction.
+"If my little brother goes to you, I don't want him to know. If you are going to take care of Arsani, please. Treat him like your own. Treat him like an heir. I don't want him to walk the path of a Price."
-==Arsani Price==
+Kirin nodded.
-Quorra dropped us off at the entrance of the Licita Mansion.
-I pressed the doorbell.
+"I understand. I know it must be painful to part with Arsani. From this day forth he will walk his life as a Licita."
+Caterena ran her hand on Arsani's sleeping face.
-"Hello?" A woman's voice buzzed in the communicator.
-"Shardis Licita." I replied.
+"''Nios''. Toron for anew. From this day forth, Arsani will be reborn. He will live a life as a noble. Free from the bloodshed of the Valian. Free from the discrimination of the Price family. He will be known as Arsanios Licita."
-The woman was silent. I watched as the gates opened, stepping in.
+We were about to leave, but Kirin stopped me.
-The whole household looked like it was in shambles. The maid's eyes were puffy, as she inspected the birthmark on my stomach.
-"It is true... Shardis lives. Our little Shardis..."
+"I must have a word with you. Regarding... my son."
-"I was born here, wasn't I?" I asked.
-The maid wiped her eyes.
+I gritted my teeth, turning to Ikes.
-"To Lord Kirin and Lady Caterena. You were their one and only son. But one day, you were sent away. I do not know why, but Kirin had taken a pod and put in their little boy. The Licita lineage seemingly was severed, until Arsani Price was taken in."
+"Leave us."
-I stared at the two people in the photo on the wall. These were my parents. My true parents.
+Ikes bowed before the Licitas and took his leave.
+"We have a scheduled raid in a few hours, Price. Don't be late."
-"What... were they like?"
-The maid laughed gently.
-"Kirin was strict, but kind. Caterena was loving. But you enjoyed the discipline. You wanted to be like your ancestors, a soldier. A Tora. Caterena and Kirin supported you all the way, even if it was against their ideals of pacifism."
+Kirin led me to his room, an office, and sat down.
+"Will you stay in that Lance during this meeting, Valian?" He asked.
-I enjoyed discipline, huh. I wonder where all that went. I guess little old me must have had the time of my life under the "discipline" of Dad.
-I continued letting the maid inspect me like some kind of rare animal. After all, I was the son and true heir of the Licita household that had come back home. But something was still bothering me.
+I hesitated, which caused Kirin to raise an eyebrow.
+"You do not trust me. That is good. Despite the controversial upbringing of the Valian, brought up from the Void incident, to the rumoured experimentation by the Toron and Lord Ballard, I hold respect to warriors."
-"Where's Arsanios?" I asked.
+"Yet the Licita bloodline have renounced their rights to hold a blade in battle."
-The maid paused.
-"Lord Arsanios had been away. For weeks now. No one has received word of his whereabouts. Ever since his true identity was revealed, he disappeared. The Licita household lost almost all its political status."
+Kirin ran his finger against the desk.
-"How much political status did we have?"
-The maid put down my arm.
+"We are nobles. Our strength lies in politics and conflict resolution. Our time as warriors have passed. But your time, Valian, has yet to come. I have predicted that much."
+Kirin tapped his temple.
-"The Licitas were the right hand men to King Quaran of the Fourth Toron Dynasty. In a way, we were treated almost as royalty. High ranking nobles."
+"Every Licita possesses a unique power. The Grand Licitian Convergence allows the House of Licita to uphold excellence in all fields of combat, even if we are pacifist now. My power, is the ability to read the time stream."
-"That much power, huh."
+"And I suppose you predicted the future?"
-"Indeed. As the official advisor to the Head Licita, I have been responsible for numerous affairs on behalf of Lord Kirin and later on, Lord Arsanios."
-"Now that makes you responsible for me, then?"
+Kirin nodded gravely.
-"Yes, Young Lord."
+"My son. Shardis Licita. The reason why Arsani has been adopted to our family, is because Shardis Licita cannot possibly be the next heir. And it is my fault."
+"I don't... understand..." My voice trailed away, as Kirin gazed out the window into the streets of Luam.
-Quorra knelt in front of me.
-"Right now, we need a Licita on our side. Your political status, if you could get it back up, could benefit our war against the Severens. With your power, comes money that could be used to fund our development projects. Since I'm a Top Ten Council Member, and a leader of the VGA, we could partner up and combine our efforts."
+"You may be a powerful warrior. Valians who outclass even the mighty Tora themselves. But in the end, you still a child. And children will never understand such things."
+"Give it to me straight, Kirin."
-"That's assuming I ''do'' get it back up. I was a total loser in high school and even in uni, Quorra. How the hell am I going to be a politician next? I have next to zero qualifications- no. Scratch that. I have ''NO'' qualifications!"
+Kirin looked at me.
-The maid giggled.
+"Caterena is not Shardis' mother. From the day I met her, I had an affair with another. I brought her to my bed. She was enticing, and we made love. And from her, came Shardis."
-"Hey now, what's so funny?" I asked.
+Kirin's hands clenched into fists.
-The maid smiled at me. "Lord Arsanios said the same thing. When he was asked to take on the role of his late father. He always saw himself as a soldier in training. And even when he was conscripted to become a Valian, his dream was to become a Valian Soldier just like Miss Quorra Lavine and Zennen Ful. He never imagined himself to become a political figure of the House of Licita.
+"A Severen."
-"No one becomes a political figure right off the get go, Young Lord. Walk this path your own way."
+My heart stopped.
-Following a tedious process of name registration, I was now officially the head of the Licita household. Quorra and the maid, Yelene, did most of the filing though. All I did was sign papers left and right.
+"You..." I tried to prevent myself from taking out my Braton Supra and shooting him point blank.
-"It's okay if I still use my old signature right?"
+"You laid with a Severen?!"
-"It's fine." Quorra said.
+Kirin analyzed me.
-"But it says Shane Mayen."
+"Does that anger you, Valian?"
-"Is that what it says?" Quorra asked, picking up the paper and inspecting it.
+"Yes it does. Do you truly think me foolish enough to hand Arsani over to a traitor to the Toron?!"
+"Yet... you. Dekani Price. Are you not doing the same thing? Are the Valians not plotting their revenge against the Toron for killing Freya?"
-"My handwriting is not that messy!" I snapped, snatching the paper back.
+My mouth went dry.
-On our way back, Yelene introduced me to the servants of the household. They nodded at me with respect, although a lot of them seemed to have a hidden undertone.
+Kirin continued.
-"The new lord seems... a bit uncultured."
-"What in the world is he wearing?"
+"We are aware of this. Of the inevitable. I am aware of this. It is my ability to see the future to a certain extent. I know what becomes of the Toron Empire. And because of this, I know what becomes of my son. To take in Arsani Price and convert him into Arsanios Licita. It is all part of the time stream. It is all fated to end this way. I cannot have a Severen become an heir to the Licita bloodline. Shardis, no matter how much love I give him, is fated to be overwhelmed with darkness. And he will weaponize our family name."
-"His body is hideous. Strength training is unbecoming of a noble."
+"And you would make the assumption that your own son would turn into a tyrant? You said it yourself. Your ability to see the time stream is limited. How do you know for sure that Shardis will become a tyrant?"
-I stood at the front of the room, alongside all the servants. Twenty in total, managing the mansion. All under me, apparently. I also had a bunch of people under my command outside of the household, but Yelene recommended I prove myself to these servants here first.
+Kirin shook his head.
-"Things are slightly different in the House of Licita, Young Lord. For it is not the Master who chooses the Servants. Rather the Servants who choose the Master. You must prove to them that you are worthy to command."
+"He will be. Because I have seen his fate. I have seen what he becomes. He will embrace his Licita side. But then he will recognize that the Severen side is superior. And he will use that, and eventually he will accept it. I want... what's best for both him and our family. Should he be overwhelmed by the darkness, I cannot possibly give him more power to feed into it."
+Kirin clenched his teeth, as a tear ran down his face.
-"Hello." I said, awkwardly. The servants stared at me. Some regarded me critically.
+"You will never understand, because you are a child. But I love Shardis. I don't want him to suffer. If it means denying him his heritage to protect him. I... I will do everything in my power to change his fate. I will do everything in my power to change his future. Because I love my son. I love him to the point where I would gladly hurt him to save him. And you, Dekani Price, I am sure you feel the same way about Arsani. You want him away from the war with the Severens. That is why you let us take him."
-"My name is Shane- I mean, Shardis Licita. I will be your lord- no. I will be your master. Starting today..."
-My voice trailed off, as the servants looked confused.
+I slowly got up from my seat, and left the mansion.
+"Dekani Price. Know this. My ability may be limited, but I am certain of one thing. The Valian. The mightiest of the Toron. Even the Valian will not stand to Shardis' might. In the end, Shardis will kill your people too."
-"Young Lord, I recommend you try a little harder than that." Yelene whispered in my ear.
-Dammit, I was doing my best!
+I watched as Caterena put on a memory loss drug into Arsani's drink before giving it to him.
-I was about to take another crack at it, but Quorra stepped forward.
-"Shardis Licita is more than qualified. He possesses the birthmark. I, Quorra Lavine, put my trust in him."
+I turned around to see my little brother for the last time.
-I looked at Quorra, gratefully, but suddenly, the servants began to talk amongst themselves.
-"Quorra would have made a better Licita."
+Shardis Licita.
-"I miss Lord Arsanios."
+I headed to my Landing Craft, overlooking the city of Luam, and there, I noticed. A young boy playing in the garden. He had black hair just like Kirin's and a face that looks so innocent. This boy.
-"We lost Arsanios for a steroid freak!"
+This boy was going to be the one to end the Valians.
-I clenched my fist. Do this my own way.
-"What do I have to do to prove that I'm worthy to be your master?" I asked.
+Several months later, the Severens attacked. They fought off the Tora, killed many. Then moved forward to slaughter the people of the Toron. But the Valian, the Toron's prized jewels, the epitome of experimental success, in our Lances, fought back the Severens. Our might was too much for them, and we drove them away.
-Always a good first step to win over the trust of-
+It was during this time, did I learn of the deaths of Kirin and Caterena Licita. Two Severens had infiltrated the Licita household. One male, and the other female. The male assassinated Kirin and Caterena. Then proceeded to slaughter another noble named Lilac, who was Arsanios' girlfriend at the time. The female, she claimed to be Shardis' mother.
-"If you must ask that question, you are not suited to be a Licita." One servant responded.
-What the hell?!
+But it didn't matter. Because in the end, my prerogative was to annihilate the Severen.
+Because I was a Valian.
-My own way? What way was that? I always had the blandest personality. All I knew how to do was fight. I was certainly not diplomatic. You could ask Deka all about that. Was Arsanios really a soldier warrior addict? He seemed to reserved back then.
-A bead of sweat ran down the side of my face.
+The Severen had Shardis in arms reach, but she could never reach her son, because I had already shot her in the head. I hated what I did. I shot this boy's mother in cold blood right before him. It was only irony that he did not know of her identity.
+As the war progressed, I continued fighting with my brothers and sisters of the Valian. Until one day, I recognized one Valian recruit.
-"What was Arsanios like to you guys?" I asked.
-One of the servants raised an eyebrow.
+"Dekani Price, Ikes Dronol. For this mission, you will be paired with these Valian recruits. Please look after them."
-"He respected us. He treated us like equals. Despite his already strong social status as a Valian. Kind and dependable, professional and stoic. He was a warrior and a kind master."
-"I'm pretty nice too, and I'm a warrior."
+The recruit went up to me and shook my hand.
-The servants began to chatter again.
+"I am Arsanios Licita. I look forward to fighting by your side."
-"What? I'm not wrong. I'm a fighter."
-A servant looked at me.
+My face was pale. The blood had already left it the moment I saw his face.
-"From what we have heard from the news, you are that fake Valian. The taboo who was taught the ways of the Valian by that traitor Dekani Price. You went even as far as to get yourself affiliated with him, proudly boasting your status as First Mate. You are an abomination!"
+I shook my brother's hand like a stranger.
-A bunch of gasps erupted from the assembly.
+"Dekani. Likewise."
-After another hour of basically being bullied by my own servants, I went to my quarters. Arsanios' quarters, I guess. I sat on the chair and stared at myself through the very fancy mirror.
+During that raid, a Severen had managed to kill two of ours. One was a recruit. And the other was Ikes. Impaled by one of the Severen's limbs.
-"Do I really belong here?" I asked.
+I watched as Ikes bled to death. His Lance shredded and in pieces.
-Am I really a Licita? A nobleman?
-It didn't matter if I had the birthmark or not. I was raised a Mayen. And I probably always will be a Mayen.
+Yet Arsani simply looked at the corpses with no emotion.
-So it was very obvious that these guys did not want to accept that part of me.
+"Death is part of war. I will avenge our brothers." Arsanios said, coldly.
-I clenched my fists.
-What am I even saying? Wasn't the whole point of me cutting my hair and doing all this, to ''avoid'' accepting that route? I should be happy, that people don't see me as Shardis Licita. That I'm not bound to fate.
-Yet for some reason, part of me really wanted to win these guys over.
+After the war ended, the Toron bestowed upon us gifts and honours as heroes to the empire. But we did not accept them. They still owed us for what they did to Freya.
-Why?
+For what ''Ballard'' did to Freya.
-"What game are you playing, fate." I grumbled, glaring at my reflection.
+And so we brought our weapons down. The blades against their necks. The sounds of gunfire tearing apart the Toron.
-"You pulled me here so I cannot escape my path to accepting my Shardis half. Yet, you put roadblocks on that too. Why are you such a cruel being? What did I do to deserve any of this?"
+The Toron Empire collapsed.
-I glanced at an old photo. Kirin and Caterena with a young Arsanios.
-These two were my parents, but I never knew them.
+For months on end, we were without anyone. Freya was all we had to a mother. And she was killed. Until we met Lena.
-And there were never any photos of me with them either.
+Queen Lena, who looked after us. We did not know of her origins. But she was like a source of warmth. Something we never felt in a long time. It was Lena who filled the hole in our hearts. And it would be Lena to send us into stasis.
-I felt so unwanted. So alone. Unloved.
+To allow us to escape our sins as killers.
-A knock appeared at my door.
-"Come in." I called.
-The door opened, as Yelene walked in.
+At some point, we awoke from our slumber. Lena had woken us from our hibernation, nursing us back to health and, we became mercenaries to the Star System. But by the time we had awoken, everything was different.
+The Toron Empire was no longer. For it had split into multiple factions.
-"How are you feeling, Young Lord?"
-"Do you even need to ask? What kind of lord gets bullied by his own servants?"
+The Toron Scrava, a faction of genetically engineered and mutated humans.
-"You need to prove to them that you are worthy. That might take time."
+The Toron Corpo, a faction of industrialization, business, and profit.
+The Infested, a monstrous faction of mutated humans with no sense of intelligence or basic human function.
-I sighed.
-"And if I don't?"
-"Then the House of Licita shall fall. Because a Licita had failed them."
+As we continued to return to our place as the Valian, we had formed alliances. Clans and Legions to cooperate. At this time, I decided to revisit the Licita household.
-"I was never raised a Licita, Yelene. I was raised a Mayen. From the world that I grew up in. I'm no nobleman. I don't know how to save this household. I don't even know if I even have the right to say it's my household."
+"Dekani, fancy seeing you here again." Arsanios opened the door himself, against his maid's wishes.
+"Lord Arsanios, you must let us tend to the door next time!"
-Suddenly, a large boom echoed in the main hall, followed by a few screams. Yelene's eyes widened.
+"Come now, Yelene. We are all family here." Arsanios smiled. His time as a Valian had made him a cold hearted killer. But his time away from the Licita household made him long for them, and he treated them like his own.
-"Young Lord." She said.
-I quickly got up, and grabbed my Gram, rushing down the steps.
+It was painful, but it made me happy to know Arsanios was loved. Even if the family he was with was not by blood.
+Arsanios himself led me through the mansion like a tour guide. All around me, the maids bowed before us.
-"Lord Arsanios, why have you done this?" One of the servants screamed, as an Ash Lance appeared at the front, through a hole created by his Railjack.
-"This household is no longer mine to control." Arsanios muttered, as he spun his Guandao, slicing through pieces of the mansion. I peered at the end and realized he had decimated everything before him. Even the security.
+"This is... father's office." Arsanios' face went grim.
+"I'm sorry." I said.
-"But my lord..." A servant pleaded, only for Arsanios to plunge the pole arm into his chest. Screamed erupted everywhere in the mansion as I ran down the steps.
+Arsanios took a breath.
-"Arsanios!" I shouted. "That's enough! How could you do this to your own servants? They loved you!"
+"It is alright. He was a great man. Feel free to take a look."
-Arsanios pulled the weapon out and aimed it at me.
-"Their love for me is off of a lie. A false illusion. I am not a true born Licita, yet they loved me ''because'' they thought I was a true born Licita. Without the birthmark, I am nothing! I am the brother of that disgrace of a Valian. There is nothing I can do..."
+I stepped in, resolved out of my Lance, and read the files.
-Arsanios held out two shurikens, which cut into two servants from the balcony, causing them to fall off the top floor.
+And that was when I discovered it.
-"But cut off whatever ties I have as a Licita."
+"Blueprints?"
+I flipped through the pages, making sure Arsanios wasn't around. Because of the nature of the noble household, surveillance was not a thing, and Arsanios trusted me, being a Valian himself.
-I rushed in and caught the two of them from falling to their deaths.
+My heart stopped.
-"Arsanios you damn snake. Even if you're not a Licita, these people still loved you. They refused to let me be their lord because they still wanted ''you''. Can't you see that? Can't you see how they're pleading?!"
+"What is this..."
-"Young Lord, I'm afraid Master Arsanios is gone." Yelene said.
+I stared at the blueprints to some sort of time warp device.
-I readied my Gram.
-"If you're going to keep attacking these people, I won't have a choice but to defeat you right here."
+"Time warp..."
-Arsanios lowered his Guandao, teleporting to my location as we were face to face.
+This was the technology that must have displaced Shardis away. And was the same technology that the Severens had developed to destroy us once and for all. We had no means to replicate it. And I never understood how the Severens could obtain it. And now I knew. They got it from the Licita.
+If news got out about how the Severens could eradicate us from existence, it would lead to widespread panic amongst our people.
-"Are you challenging me to a bout? For mantleship over the Licita Household?"
-"Maybe I am." I replied.
+I had a means to stop the Severens. And if that was possible... if I could go back in time...
+I took the papers with me before bidding Arsanios farewell.
-Arsanios lifted his Guandao and sliced down, but I was already gone. I hoped my many months of training with Quorra was worth it.
-"Lance Upload Protocol: ''MACH Redline - 145%''"
+<div align="center">* * *</div>
-I blasted behind Arsanios and slashed down as hard as I could, catching him in the back with Gram, but the Licita was not fazed.
-"A Licita never cowers from battle." Arsani seethed, as he swung around, catching me by surprise as his Guandao cut into my chest. I leapt back, firing my Hellfire at him. Arsanios spun his spear at lightning speed deflecting the bullets.
+"Folock."
+"Yes Operator!"
-Arsanios rushed in, but I assumed the stance Quorra had taught me, readying myself, and grabbed his arm, spinning and using his momentum to my advantage, flinging his Ash Lance into a pillar.
+"Integrate this into our Orbiter."
+"Is this... timewarp technology?"
-"Anybody who goes as far as to harm his own servants doesn't deserve the Licita name." I said, coldly, as I drew my Harkanon from my back, firing an anti-aircraft shell. But Arsanios dodged it, causing a massive explosion.
+"Yeah."
-"You never lived a Licita. All titles are meaningless without the heart!" Arsanios yelled, as he sliced down with his Guandao, but I blocked it with my Harkanon, and, with my other hand, aimed my Hellfire Machine Pistol in Shotgun mode, cunningly slipping it under his arm and blasting him in the chest.
+Folock began making weird incomprehensible noises.
-I knelt down. Reaching deep inside.
+"But Operator, this technology is wildly unstable. The statistical probability of us landing into a war zone may be high. Not to mention the durability of this craft! Oh dear! I don't feel like this is a good idea."
-''Tricity Licita - 40%''
-I felt my body surge with power, combined with the Mach Upload, as I shot inwards, overwhelming Arsanios with hundreds of slashes with my great sword.
+I clenched my fist.
-"You're right, brother. Titles are meaningless. But the truth of the matter is, I am a REAL Licita. And there are only certain things a real Licita can do."
+Shardis.
+This kid was forced to live a life away from his family. He didn't deserve this. But I knew for a fact that if I brought him back here and revealed everything, it would make it worse. I would instantly kickstart his future as a monster.
-I slashed down but looked up, to realize that Arsanios had summoned his Railjack.
-"You... you went to the extent of stealing your own clan's Railjack?" I asked.
+I remembered that Severen that invaded the Licita household. I recognized him. Because over time, I began to detect his presence. His aura. It made him frightening. It made him infamous. His accomplishments began piling up until he did the impossible.
-Arsanios continued lifting his arm.
+He managed to infiltrate the Valian Gladiator Alliance. The strongest Alliance in Valian history.
-"Clan's Railjack? Every Valian has their own. So not only are you unfit for this household, but you are delusional."
-I paused.
+But this kid was being forced to live a life against his will.
-But... Deka had told me...
+And if the rumour was true that the Severens were going back in time to erase us from existence, it meant they might go back in time to destroy the past.
-In that split second I was distracted, Arsanios took full opportunity, as the Railjack's frontal cannons caught me square in the chest. My body was engulfed in explosions as I felt like I was being torn apart in a hundred places. I yelled in pain as I smashed through more walls in the mansion. My body smoking.
+Shardis would die to those monsters. Alone. Without any family.
-"Young Lord!" Yelene shouted after me, as she ran to my side.
+I had already killed his mother. I had already done so much. I needed to make it up to him.
-"You are terribly hurt. Lord Arsanios, please, stop this. He is down. We can still make amends. You may have been born the brother of the Valian Traitor, but you were raised to be our lord. We will always love you for that. No matter what your name is."
-Arsanios readied his pole arm, his enormous Railjack floating behind him, its cannons ready.
+I needed to go back in time to save Shardis.
-"Miss Yelene, this information is irrelevant to me. The Valians do not see me the same way you do. I must accept my Price heritage. And the first step to acceptance..."
-Arsanios swung his Guandao, catching Yelene in the cheek. She cried out in pain as she fell backwards, a line of red on her face.
+==Shane Mayen==
+"Please! Take me with you! I have no one else. I... I'll scrub your floors man. I'll call you king. You like that right? Alien shit?"
+My eye twitched in annoyance.
-"Is to cut away my past." Licita said, sinisterly.
+Was this really Shardis Licita?
-"You bastard... you god damn insufferable..." I growled, getting to my feet, but Arsanios planted his foot on my head, smashing me into the stone ground.
+The heir to the Licita bloodline?
-"It doesn't matter if you are a Licita or not. You will always be beneath me. I do not even care if you and SHADE are one and the same. All the more reason to eliminate you while you are weak and helpless."
+I looked him once over. He looked poorly groomed. His hair was so long it reached his shoulders. He had grown muscles all over his body like a repulsive bodybuilder. But his face, it was desperate.
-I looked at the servants who were cowering in the corner.
-"Look at your lord. Look at what Arsanios is doing to you people. Why are you still... supporting him..." I muttered.
+He must have went through a lot.
-"Because he has been with us since day one!" One maid screamed.
-Arsanios sighed, as he took out his sidearm. An elegant scaled shotgun pistol. The Orca Supra, and shot the maid.
+Kirin... how could you do this to your son?
-"NO!" I shouted, but it was too late. The maid flew backwards, slamming into a wall and crumpling to the ground, her eyes lifeless.
-"You fools! He's going to kill you one by one!" I yelled, as Arsanios got off me, aiming his Orca at the servants who stood their ground.
+"What is your name?" I asked.
+"Sh- Shane. Shane Mayen." Shardis responded.
-Please. I need power.
-I need it.
+So his name was changed too. I shook his hand.
-If I don't get up.
+"From this day forth you will be my first mate. I will be your captain. Welcome aboard the Lotuscraft."
-These people.
-Are all going to die.
+Shane cried out and immediately fell to his knees, grovelling.
+"Th- Thank you man. I- I don't know how to thank you enough. Thank you. Thank you."
-"Tricity. Kien. Ciel. Please. Somebody... lend me your power..." I sobbed.
-''This is as far as we will assist you, Shardis Licita.'' Tricity's voice boomed in my head.
+My heart hurt to see a noble reduce himself like this. To see a Licita reduce himself and castrate himself before me. From the day he was such a high class boy playing in the mansion. Now here he was, his face covered in grime and soot. Dragging his face on the ground hysterically, covered in tears as the two foster parents he had were killed right before his very eyes.
-"Why?! Because an alternate future version of me is using our power for his own gain? He isn't me! I still have time to change things-"
-''No. He is not an alternate future version of you. He IS you. And he is not doing things for his own gain. He has simply accepted his role in fate. Something you will eventually do.''
+"Yo, Deka?"
-I breathed heavily. My body was wracked in pain. It was a miracle I was still conscious.
+"Deka?"
+"Yeah. Deka. I mean, Dekani. Deka for short. Sounds good don't you think?"
-"How can you people just disregard me like that. After all that training with you all. Over those months. You KNEW I was Shardis. You KNEW I was SHADE's past self. Yet you still helped me. Why now?! WHY?"
+"I... um... suppose so."
+"This ship is frickin amazing man. I can't believe you stole your own Clan's rail jack to make it!"
-Another voice. A male. But he sounded a lot older. Wiser.
+"Yeah." I said, as I couldn't look him in the eye.
-''It is for the very simple reason. Fate. Fate brought us all together. Fate created the Grand Licitian Convergence. Fate is what created SHADE from Shane Mayen.''
+I was feeding him so many lies.
+So many false stories.
-''And it is fate that created Shane Mayen.... from Shardis Licita.''
+There were many things that I told him. Some were true. Some were not.
+I remembered what Quorra had told me after SHADE had infiltrated her Alliance.
-"Who is this..." I said.
+"Our Railjacks. Our Necrons. Our heavy hitting equipment. We were lucky that SHADE didn't get access to these things. If he did, it would be a huge disadvantage to us in this war. They could quite literally turn the tide. These are our trump cards."
+If Shardis gave in to his transformation into SHADE, I could not let him access those pieces of equipment.
-''My son, I suppose the last time we met, you were still a little boy.''
+And so, I fed him the lie that each Valian did not have access to a Railjack. I fed him the lie that I never met him before. I fed him lie after lie after lie.
-"Dad?" I asked.
+And from these lies, Shane saw me as a brother. He looked out for me and I looked out for him. Guided him and reprimanded him whenever he acted out of hand. I taught him the way of the Toron. Not the way of the Severen.
-The voice was silent, as time seemed to stop. My body was humming with power, but nobody could see it but me. Everybody was frozen. The bullets from Arsanios' gun were suspended midair, as I glanced at my glowing hands.
+Every day I felt like telling him the truth. But I would always stop myself. Because I knew if the truth came out, his spiral to becoming the monster Kirin predicted would catalyze.
-"Is this your power? Father?"
-''Every Licita possesses a special power. Lady Tricity possessed the power of speed. Lord Ciel possessed the power of unmatched skill. Lord Kien possessed unmatched strength. The instant you were bombarded by your brother's Railjack cannons, you unlocked my father's power. Constitution. But now, you have unlocked my power. This very power, the very reason why I sent you back in time.''
+The end of Shardis Licita.
-"Time manipulation?" I asked, cautiously.
+And the beginning of someone worse.
-''Very much so, but with limits. My power is not to manipulate time, but to ride along its currents. Time and fate play crucial roles, hand in hand. My power is to experience the currents of the time stream by manipulating the very space around it. In a way, I am simply abiding by its rules. My power cannot be accessed by will.''
+The beginning of The Great Valian Killer.
+The beginning of SHADE.
-"Why was I sent back in time?" I asked.
-Kirin said, nothing, as my vision flashed white. Everything changed, as a new scene was set in place.
+"What the hell?! That's unfair!" Shane shouted at me.
-A little boy, drawing in crayon. Along with a younger boy, being brought home by his parents. The little boy, I recognized him. He was me.
+I had reprimanded Shane due to attacking Rinzler and his two Valian lackeys. There was a lot of political tension arising in Luam. Class and social status overrode everything. In terms of power, the Valian had both political and physical superiority.
+But that wasn't the only reason why I had him reprimanded.
-"Shardy! Come meet your new brother!" Caterena said, as I turned around.
-"Brother?"
+"Unless you learn to hold back, I'm not letting you out on the field. Besides, this mission is a spy mission. The last thing we need is some gun slinging lunatic alerting the enemy!" I told Shane sternly.
-The boy held out his hand.
+Shane backed down, but he still looked upset.
-"I'm Arsanios! A true pleasure to meet you!"
-"Look, Kirin. Our little Arsanios is so polite. Perhaps he can teach our little Shardis how to be a bit nicer when guests are around."
+I regarded my first mate.
+Shane Mayen.
-The scene changed. Fast forwarded a few years. I was now eight years old.
+Shardis Licita.
-"Why does Arsanios never get in trouble! Why me?!" I screamed at Dad.
+His primary precept was to walk the life of a hero. But his idea of being a hero was twisted. And it took me so long to realize that.
-"Young Shardis, your attitude on your little brother is wrong."
+Being a hero sometimes meant to kill.
-"But he is a Valian! We as Licitas were taught to resent the Valians!"
+But to kill did not make you a hero.
-"He is a member of our household. He is Arsani Price no longer. Right now, he is Arsanios Licita, and you will treat your brother as such!"
+That was what Shane never understood. This was something I had tried to drill in his head ever since he became my first mate. But the more I watched him grow as a warrior, the more I began to realize that if I kept letting him do what he wanted he would eventually wind up in the same situation Kirin didn't want.
-I watched myself run up the steps to my room, slamming it.
+I resolved into my Loki Lance and joined Rinne as we headed into the Landing Craft. From the field of my vision I could still see Shane sulking.
-I continued drawing on my little notebook. Furiously scribbling with my crayon. I suddenly realized it was the same drawing that I was working on when I was little, in my last vision.
+"Quorra." I spoke into the coms.
-I had been working on the same drawing for all those years.
+"Deka!!! How are you." Quorra responded.
-But why?
+"I need you to do something for me."
+"What is it?"
+"I want you to watch over Shane. Just for a little bit. I'm going to the Veil."
-The scene changed again. Arsanios and a little version of me were both asleep, and Kirin was inspecting the crayon drawing along with his wife, Caterena.
+"The Veil? Deka, are you sure? You know you won't be able to survive it at your mastery rank. At least let me send some of my subordinates to-"
-Caterena had her hand over her mouth, in shock.
+"No." I cut her off.
-"So this is his Licita power." Kirin muttered.
-The present version of myself stared at the drawing. I never had a chance to really look at it, and the moment I saw it, my heart dropped. It skipped a beat.
+"They will never support me. I have to do this without Shane. It's just way too much risk if I bring him with me. It's bad enough I'm dragging Rinne with me."
-A man, with long white hair, wielding a familiar, demonic and sinister looking great sword. Dead bodies everywhere. Burning buildings. He was walking around it, and I realized this place. I realized the true horror of what I was looking at.
-The drawing, the setting of this drawing. There should have been no way a younger version of me, who lived in the future, would know this place.
-It was my University Campus.
-And that wasn't it. Words at the top. That made my blood turn to ice.
-''I WANT TO BECOME A HERO.''
-''ONE WHO SAVES EVERYBODY.''
-''ONE WHO DESCENDS FROM THE SKIES.''
-''TO PROTECT EVERYBODY.''
-''TO TELL EVERYONE THAT''
-''I AM HERE NOW.''
-"Why... what is... what am I" I stammered, in complete disbelief at what I was seeing. But the vision continued.
-"Beloved, the Licitas have never been in battle for generations. How can our little Shardis..."
-Kirin folded the drawing.
-"Perhaps it is due to his Licita power. He possesses the power of fate."
-"So he can control fate?"
-"No. Quite the opposite. His power is to attract it. It seems, fate has chosen him to play a crucial war in this world. He is truly my son."
-"I do not understand, what is our little Shardis going to turn into?!" Caterena sobbed.
-"Time and fate. Play hand in hand. This world that our son has drawn, it is not of this time. But I recognize it, from the ancient scribes. From the ancient texts that studied a sister system, very similar to our Star System of the past. The Solar System. Perhaps it is fate that Shardis will end up there."
-"What are you saying? That you are going to send our son back in time?"
-Kirin put the drawing into a cabinet.
-"Caterena, it is paramount that this information does not be released to anyone. Not even Miss Yelene. We must continue to raise our little Arsanios as one of our own. But it appears... Shardis must walk his own path. For it is his true purpose as a Licita."
-I watched as Kirin took out a syringe. On the side, was marked:
-"Memory Suppressant MK5"
-"Are you sure, beloved? Won't our son resent us?"
-Kirin sighed, as a tear ran down his cheek. I watched as my father plunged the tip of the syringe into the neck of a sleeping past me.
-"In time, he will understand."
-My vision flashed back to the present. A frozen present, standing in front of me, was father.
-"Rise, my son."
-I got to my feet, my wounds regenerating.
-"Do you finally understand? Why these things have been happening to you? It is not just terrible luck. But rather a very clear guide."
-I was speechless, but for some reason, I wasn't angry.
-I wasn't resentful.
-There was no point being angry anymore.
-I felt empty. Because I knew exactly what was going to happen.
-"There was never going to be a happy ending." I said, finally realizing the true impact of SHADE's words.
-"This was all unavoidable."
-Kirin regarded me with sympathy. "Everything that must happen will happen. Please believe me, my dear son, that I wished with all my being that fate did not choose you. That you could have lived a happy life. But this world, as you have already seen, is cruel. And it will never stop tormenting you. Until you draw your very last breath, as SHADE."
-I stared at my father's eyes. They weren't warm. They were far from it actually. They were empty. Cold. Void of hope.
-I clenched my fists. I thought about Deka and Umbra. Aurora. Everybody in the Lotuscraft Crew.
-Rinne.
-"Maybe you're right. Maybe my fate is to become SHADE one day. But that is what it is. One day. Not today. Not at this moment."
-I took out Ais from my back and threw it to the ground as the vision dissipated, time rolling forward.
-"At this moment I am Shane Mayen. I am going to save these people from Arsanios Licita."
-By the time I opened my eyes, I had realized I pinned Arsani to the ground. The bullets he had fired were lodged deep into my chest.
-"Shardis, you have no right to interfere with this family's matters. You were the one who left us those many years ago."
-"It doesn't matter. Is it a crime to prevent someone from going on a damn killing spree?" I retorted, clashing with my brother, Guandao against Gram.
-My own way. Yelene told me to approach things my own way. Not to be a cookie cutter from Kirin or Arsanios. Or even SHADE.
-Lead these people my own way.
-Walk forward my own way.
-I glared at the Ash Lance, summoning everything I had. The Licitas refused to help me because of what SHADE had done. But I still had this. Think. Think, Ash was a Lance. Meaning he was a person at some point. What did he do? Leverage it. Leverage the fact that he was a person. That's it.
-"Ash... are you really going to let Arsanios kill these innocents? Like Pilio? Like those two brothers?"
-Arsanios' pressure lightened as I stopped sinking to the ground.
-''Arsanios is my will. I am the sword. Nothing more.''
-"You're still Ash. You may be a Lance, but you're still a person. You still have your morals. Don't let what you are now dictate who you will be in the future!"
-''You are mistaken, child. That I ever had morals. You do not know me. You do not know the Scoria.''
-"You say these things, but you're hesitating. If you're really adamant on convincing me, better convince yourself first!" I growled, as I slashed upwards, my cybernetics nearing its limit. Arsanios dove backwards, as I switched to my gun hand, firing an array of anti-aircraft shells at him.
-Without the Licita potential, I was at a disadvantage. I had to find a way to beat that Railjack.
-I took a step forward and my knees buckled.
-"Shit." I grumbled. My cybernetics had overheated. My body felt like it was being cooked from the inside. At this rate, I was going to die.
-Arsanios leapt into the air and stepped on the roof of his Railjack.
-"If you wish to die with them, then you shall join my past as I burn it to cinders."
-I held out my sword, attempting to shield everyone.
-"Damn it!" I roared, preparing for the worst, when suddenly, Arsanios stopped.
-"Tsk tsk. Arsanios." A familiar voice appeared.
-"You-" I gasped.
-"Impossible. Lady Lavine, you shouldn't-" Arsanios stammered.
-Quorra stepped forward, in her Slinger Supra Lance. She put a hand on her hip as she regarded Arsanios with disapproval.
-"Using a Railjack on ''my'' Shane Mayen? How unforgivable."
-The Slinger's voice resonated in my head. A soothing woman's voice, but laced with a wild, daring tone. I guess that was to be expected. Considering her whole getup was a trigger happy cowgirl.
-''A battle well fought, kiddo.''
-I stared at her. "Wha- th- thanks?"
-Quorra held out her hand.
-"Arsanios Licita, for everything I had given you, you sure are ungrateful. When you were just a pretty boy, not even trained in the teachings of Queen Lena, who was it that stood as your representative? When everybody thought you were not meant for the battlefield given your past. That pole arm you wield, how can you mimic my style yet go ahead and try to attack my subordinate?"
-Arsanios clenched his fist.
-"That was all before I knew what I was. I have no place here. The Valians taught me that." Arsanios slowly resolved out of his Ash lance, one foot after another, until his face emerged from his chest.
-"Your face..." I muttered.
-"I was beaten. Assaulted. Unable to resolve into my Lance as our brethren cut up my face. They told me I didn't deserve the face of a noble, of a Valian, and that I deserved one fitting of a Price."
-Arsani put a hand on his wounds, which had undergone an infection, laced with silver.
-"My brother. Dekani Price. On that day, he left me. On that day Lena had taken us in as our adopted mother. We were all trained in the art of war, but I lacked the aptitude. I fell behind. I lost my memories from the void energies because I was biologically weaker than our kind.
-"Lena wanted to protect me by sending me to the house of Licita. To be adopted for being a good for nothing. Dekani was given the option to go with me, or to go with the Valians. And what did he do?"
-Arsanios' hand shook.
-"He abandoned his little brother. Now he chose to betray his kind, knowing full well the backlash I would get. And he never once came back. These scars. My fall. They aren't the fault of those who attacked me. It's ''his''. It's the fault of that boy you call your Captain."
-Deka... how could you?
-Arsanios glared at his Guandao.
-"For a time, I wondered why I still wield this weapon. After all, the Valians don't want me. But the one thing that I had to lean on, as a Licita, has also been ripped from my hands. Through and through, I command the Lances. Just like the Valians. That in itself, is still fundamental to who I am. And that is why to prove that I am not like my brother, I will cut off his head. I will deliver it to the council. I will show my kind that I am still a Valian."
-Quorra was silent. I bet I knew what she was feeling. She had five sisters. And they were all dead. To see Arsanios speak ill of his brother, and not just that, but going as far as to try to kill him, definitely rubbed her the wrong way.
-"Arsanios Licita, you have five seconds to leave this place. Or I'm going to eliminate you."
-Arsanios levelled his pole arm.
-"I will not yield. Until I destroy all remnants of who I was before."
-Quorra's Slinger raised her guns as she assumed her gun form.
-"Five."
-"A true Valian fights to win."
-"Four."
-"When the Infestation rotted the minds of the Toron test subjects, we brought them unity."
-"Three."
-"For they are our hand."
-"Two."
-"And I, the will."
-"One."
-"I will fight. Even against overwhelming odds!" Arsanios roared, as he charged forward, while Quorra's Slinger unleashed a massive barrage of bullets from her Peacemakers. As fast as Arsanios could spin his spear, his Ash was still peppered by the bullets.
-Watching Arsanios get cut down by Quorra was too much for me. It was like someone fighting a one sided battle, but refusing to give up.
-"That's enough! Stop this!" I shouted, but Quorra continued firing. Arsanios' Lance, now fully damaged, unable to resist the bullets as his very body began to be torn apart by the sheer force of the bullets.
-I reached deep inside myself.
-"I said... ''Stop.''"
-Suddenly, both Lances stopped moving.
-"What the, Shane? Was that you?"
-I held out my hand, as both Lances kneeled down.
-"This isn't me. This is both Slinger and Ash. They both want you two to stop. You're both Valians. Queen Lena, your mother, is still being brainwashed by her brother. The Severens are coming for war, and what are we even doing? Fighting each other? Don't you think it's bad news when even your own god damn Lances have a better idea of what the hell is going on than their commanders?"
-Arsanios struggled to his feet, but fell back onto the ground. Resolving out of Ash, the former Licita took his Lance by the arm and carried him back to his Landing Craft.
-"You have shown your true colours, Quorra Lavine. By being in line with Shardis Licita, you openly support Dekani Price. I shall see you as an enemy."
-"If I'm an enemy in your eyes, then come up with your own technique." Quorra replied, coldly.
-Arsani turned around, taking the Guandao out of Ash's hand, and throwing it into the ground.
-"I will do more than that. I will develop my own style. Branching from Zennen Ful. Branching from yours. Superior. Unique. Fierce."
-Quorra resolved out of Slinger.
-"Fierce? Have Queen Lena's teachings not gone through to you at all? As you are now, no Valian will side with you. Everything you work for now, will be on your own."
-Arsanios glared at her.
-"I don't need to battle alongside my brethren to grow as a Valian. I have my own means. From when I had been exiled from your Clan and your Alliance, I had already begun developing my power my own way. Through deadly combat over assassination. From ferocity over grace."
-Ferocity over grace? Was he talking about... no. Not that place. Deka had always told me about that hellhole. A criminal arena run by the Toron Scrava. Known for their underhanded executioners, and brutality. Those who fought in that place never came back the same.
-"Are you seriously going back to Rathuum?" I asked.
-Arsanios' dead stare confirmed it.
-==The Kano System==
-After the scuffle, Quorra assisted me in repairs to the Licita mansion.
-"Getting a girl to bust her back and clean up this mess. You're truly a brute, Lord Shardis." Quorra teased.
-"Aw shut up." I grumbled, carrying pieces of pillars and helping out my servants as we continued to fix up part of the main hall.
-Ever since Arsanios had taken his leave, the servants were dumbstruck. Many were scarred and emotionally unable to work. I gave them the time off to grieve and mourn for the loss of their beloved master. As for Quorra, she volunteered to stay and act as my "right hand ''wo''man", since the servants were still hesitant to trust me. This worked like a double edged sword. Because while her presence gave my servants a reason to listen to me, her presence also gave my servants a reason to make fun of me, since it was apparently Quorra's mission to make me out to be the biggest loser in the Star System.
-"What will be your next steps, Master Shardis?"
-"I told you to stop calling me that."
-"Well, I'll stop calling you that when you start showing up to my training sessions, Shane."
-I buried my face in my hands.
-"Quorra, I have no idea what I'm doing. Aren't you supposed to fill me in on these things?"
-"I'm not telling you anything until you're strong enough to fend for yourself. After all that training you had with me, you ''still'' had trouble taking down a mid-tier Valian?"
-"That's not fair! He was using his damn Railjack!"
-Quorra raised an eyebrow.
-"I can easily one shot a Railjack with my Harkanon."
-"Good for you. I don't have the luxury of Supra Mods."
-"You could always buy them."
-"You're funny, as if I possess all the money in the-"
-I paused.
-"Figured it out yet, dome head?"
+Quorra was silent for a few seconds.
+"Okay, Deka. You better come back in one piece. We need you, even if everybody thinks you're a traitor."
-I called Yelene over.
+"That's fine by me. I want what everybody wants, and that's to have Lena back. If we send everybody to the Veil, there will be a chance we all get wiped out in the Severen home system. But at least if I die, it's not a big loss."
-"Yes, young lord."
+"I really hate that about you, Deka. That mentality of yours is no different than the Toron Scrava."
-"Umm, how much is a Supra mod?"
+"I'll do what I need to do." I answered her, as I shut off my coms.
-"Around 600 diracs."
+I'll do what I need to do.
-diracs for a Supra Mod?! That's six months worth of pay from Deka!
+I owe Shardis that much for killing his mother.
-"Umm, can I get... like all of them?"
+I owe Arsani that much for abandoning him.
-Yelene stared at me. "My lord? Why are you hesitant to make such a purchase?"
+Even if it was for the purpose of a better tomorrow, I can never forgive myself.
-"I, uh." I began to sweat. "Isn't 600 diracs quite expensive? I feel bad using so much money to buy-"
-Yelene giggled.
+''Etreum.''
-"For a Licita, you are quite a cheapskate! With a monthly income of sixty billion diracs after factoring servant wages, estates, bills, company shares, and further charges, do you truly think 600 diracs is expensive?"
+To save by deceiving.
-My face paled.
-So much money....
+An old Toron word that was what Lord Ballard had lived by. He thought he could save the Toron Empire by deceiving Freya, allowing her to look after us when in reality what she was doing was nurturing a new species of killers.
+I hated Ballard for that. So much that I joined my brothers and sisters of the Valian to slay the old man's trusted officials during the honours ceremony.
-I began to sink in my seat until Quorra pulled me back up.
-"Come on Lord Shardis, you have to do better than that. Fainting over 600 diracs. What an embarassment!"
+Yet here I was doing the same thing.