Noe slumbered while Lucette watched her calmly. This was a much-needed rest for her, if it could be called that. She was in the midst of a nightmare, desperately trying to wake up.
Fire...fire everywhere... So many fallen bodies, such gore and death! And this fire...It was everywhere! All these faces, she knew...Those from her past, those from her present, all dead...so very dead...Was this her judgement, then? Eternal flames to purge her wrongdoings? She looked around at the surroundings, but there was nothing...Only death, flames, and burning. She couldn't help but flinch when the crackle and roaring of the fires grew louder, forcing her to move. There was no escape, was there? Nobody could jump that high...The flames seemed to go on forever, and there was no sky in sight. More roaring, another forced flinch. A voice rang out, venomous and full of some twisted glee.
"This is your new home, girl! Better enjoy it for what it's worth, right? Just look at all the beeeeeeeeeeeeeeautiful scenery...Heh, I'm sure you'll appreciate that joke later."
"I haven't been a little girl in years, so don't call me one..."
"Aah...? Then let's fix that, shall we?
And with a snap, Lilette found the flames growing higher and higher...No, it wasn't the flames...It was her, shrinking...She was... a little girl again?! All she could hear were the maniacal laughs of the unknown combined with the ever-growing roaring of the fires that surrounded her. She reached upwards in some desperate attempt to escape, and the flames began to engulf her.
In the real world, Liliette's body began convulsing, even with the restraints in place. Her heart rate increased rapidly, the previously steady beeping of the machine turning to a frantic pace. Silence reclaimed her for a moment, before she let out a sudden, piercing scream, more than audible. Her body tried escaping its bindings, to no avail, and her heart rate shot up once more along with her eyes, as if even it was trying to escape. Her screaming continued, frantic and pained, though nobody could figure out what was causing it at a glance.
A good deal of the passengers were disturbed by the scream and glanced over at Noe and witnessed just what was going on. Any members of the SDF whom were thinking of trying to sleep would have no such luck now. It was quickly becoming a spectacle.
Lucette experienced the worse of it being so close to her and had to speak up to avoid an incident, "My fellow passengers! The situation is under control I assure you! I do apologize for her violent cries, she is clearly being driven mad by something in her sleep. No one is in any danger and she will remain like this until she is normal again. I do not know what or how to stop it so please do understand we cannot vanquish her nightmares without knowing what they are....Healers can cure the body but the mind is a realm we have no entrance into..."
She tried to calm Noe down by whispering to her,"Be serene, dear Noe! There is no need to be frightened, you are safe now. Please return to normal, please do not humiliate me like this Noe! You can beat this! You are stronger than this. Overcome your fears, let your doubts and hesitation float away! The battle is over, you won! Wake up please! You are not this weak!!!" These words were a risk, there was no telling if they would help or make her nightmare worse. They could even just go unheard by Noe in her current state. Lucette thought this was the only option she had. Loosening the straps would make it even more dangerous, either causing her to fall or letting loose a crazed Noe. " "I don't understand what is going on with her..I wish she'd tell us more about herself maybe then we could help. We could figure out what is wrong with her and help her! Then she wouldn't be suffering like this..." Lowe said to Carla as his eyes displayed his regrets.
"It is not something we can change, Lowe. She didn't want to join this organization to make friends and that is a respectable sentiment.. Perhaps Edward could try looking at her later on if need be but even then...Her mental state is one we may never truly understand. To overcome a psychological alignment is no easy task. We all have our inner struggles at times, Lowe.." Carla attempted to console Lowe, reminding him of how it was out of their control. It did little to alleviate his concerns. Yet her words were true, Lowe was still distraught over Dark Bogan slaughtering their comrades and the loss of his own family.
Carla lost her only sister and possibly her entire race. She tried not to let her mind wonder but she longed to know what became of her parents and the Underworld itself. Did her people survive? Did the Underworld descend into further chaos? If there were survivors; what role would they play in the ongoing war? The answers she desired most always eluded her.
Nacim thought to himself after the whole scene seemingly came to an end. "What the hell is going on with that girl? I don't like this, not one bit... The way she is behaving Reminds me of Idris and her madness! I will have someone keep an eye on her if this behavior continues...."
As the time passed the air seemed to go up and down, calm then edgy. It was something that would be caused by this third rate train. It was comparable to the old days back in Abscus, the old subways they used to have there where all the slime in the city would go to get transport, find someplace warm, heck even live. Not much changes about the world, and here Shintaion was replicating the past, broken and beaten, but still replicating. There were very few trains that had remained, most of the surface ones had their tracks destroyed. There was a few though that ran to the north end of Colt, those trains were assumed commandeered by the OOA and constantly Lavion was barraged internationally by the ALF for aiding them. This was never proven though and a war with Lavion meant the sure destruction of the ALF so no action had been taken in the past years. In fact the ALF had hired Edward before making sure some cargo would get to the Colt warehouses along with their agents. Last he heard of that job, the explosive was found and there were four missing members of the ALF Commandos.
Times long past since then, and in that time Edward had found himself several jobs only the most recent being a job for the Resistance. The SDF as they were called now were mere guerilla units deployed in strategic places to fight stragglers, infiltrate mock-up science buildings hidden in ruins, and even keep the peace the Lavion has held for so long. That was one of their primary missions he had assumed today. Not being trusted with too much information, Edward was stationed in the next car down. It was no problem to him, only that now he was left alone with Sister, who had not let Madesi seize control for awhile. It begged the question if Madesi was really that tired or if Sister was really the one that begged Madesi to stay with him for the next few months. Either way it felt uncomfortable guarding both the SDF and her. As the train passed under the plains south of Colt there came to be an interesting force growing in the next car over.
The girl, Noe, she had been struggling again with her selves. It was interesting, it felt fairly familiar, very much like the time he met her for the first time. In that brief moment Edward had a very chilling thought. What if she never left and instead willed herself into existence again. But that was just about the end of that thought. There may be magic, but even that was a science, something the OOA would gladly overlook. It was troubling to say the least, if souls did exist in that sense, but it was not his job to dwell on those thoughts, not anymore at least.
Noe's nightmare continued, the flames licking her skin relentlessly. She was burning, but why wouldn't it stop?! The pain was too much to live through, so why wasn't she dying?
"Let me out...let me out...Let me out!!"
She braced herself and escaped the flames, seeing a dark figure ahead. That was her target, then! She approached rapidly, positive she'd be able to vanquish this demon without issues. As she readied her fists, she felt a firm grip take hold of her arms, yanking her back from her assault. More hands, and more, and even more began holding her still, as the figure stepped out of the darkness. Its voice was heavily warped, leaving her unable to determine who, or what, it was.
"Poor little you, so helpless... It must break your heart to know you can't do anything....Not by yourself, anyway. Not without those other parts of you. Without them, you're completely useless, and you know it! So why do you act like that's false? Denial is a terrible thing, you know...I believe a punishment is in order for you."
Multiple pillars of fire shot up towards that unending sky before curving down like snakes, all centered on Noe. She screamed as the attack hit her with an unimaginable amount of pain. She struggled against the arms holding her in place, ready to injure her own body in the process. In the real world, she continued screaming and her arm struggled against the restraint, made of toughened leather. It began to cut into her arm a bit, cutting the circulation slowly. This caused her more pain, causing tears to begin streaming down her face once more. And yet, she continued to struggle.
"The members of your team have had to save you every time you try to prove yourself, and what good has that done for you? It's made you even weaker, something I thought was impossible for you... You're a burden. It's really hard to say what's worse...You helping those idiots out for a cure that will never come, or the fact that you're entirely dependent on others for anything in your life... We still have more fun, though, so don't worry..."
Real world: Noe continued struggling, and with one mighty push, managed to tear the leather restraint in half, freeing her left arm, which then shot towards Lucette's throat. she was unable to control her grip, so it was more of a stranglehold than anything.
"L-l...-let...me...out..."
Her eyes closed, but her grip did not soften for some time. Her heartbeat slowly went back to normal as her nightmare ended for now.
[OOC: Refer to post #49 for these character's original introductions.]
Lucette was startled when she forced Noe's hand off her with her own. She then saw Noe was back to normal and made sure the other restraints were still in place so she would not go flying. "Praise Arlon! The crisis is over. Sleep, dear Noe. Oh we are blessed. I just hope she will be fine. For I would love to have a rematch one day..A elegant fight yes..I would so love it. But we must focus on the mission at hand. She must be taken care of and she must well. Even if I must stay awake a bit longer myself to insure she is fine." She thought to herself.
*A few hours later*
The conductor announced to all the passengers,"All passengers we are making a stop at the Ashland station for some quick refueling and minor repairs. This is standard procedure to insure your safety. The train will be docked at the station for an hour, you may stay seated or exit temporarily but do not forget to return before then as we will leave without you otherwise."
With that everyone began to get up and get out for some fresh air. Lucette had already removed the restraints from Noe. "Mrs.Lasereve, how about some fresh air? Allow me to escort you to make sure you are fully recovered, my friend!"
The others stepped out of the station as well. It wasn't much at all. Ashland was not in a good state, it had been abandoned. The barriers were broken during the wars, allowing the place to become overrun with monsters and vegetation. The OOA weren't interesting in conquering it, Colt was enough for them. That and it seemed Lavion or Shintaion would be more keen on taking it one day. It certainly would be an ideal place for a farm, if one could eradicate all the creatures in the rain forest like area that it was.
The station itself was not note-worthy but it was very secure. Being underground and mostly sealed off from the surface. To even get in from above would be dangerous and require knowing the password at the barrier sealed door. You would have to be someone in the know get into it. This way no bandits or undesirables could get inside. No trains started from Ashland, they merely stopped for repairs and other things there. It was also a trading port with Colt, since Lavion was neutral to them as well but not as on good terms with the OOA.
However, one special person was there today in disguise. A light beast was there looking throughout the crowd along with her shadow. It was none other than Lucia Aegle herself, leader of the Order Of Aegle! She was going to board the train under a pseudo-name and in disguise. Her shadow Arabella was with her too. Despite how famous they were, they had hidden themselves quite well and no one in the station knew who they were. They wore modest white garbs and veils over their faces. Standard light beast healer attire.
Sure Lucia had paintings but few outside of the OOA territory had seen her. She only risked being spotted by higher ups or lucky peasants whom she had healed in Colt. Her mission was a simple one it seemed, to purchase some materials for Arabella. Ones she needed for an unknown reasons, perhaps for some sort of ritual relating to Lucia's plans.
She said quietly to her shadow,"Oh Arabella...This is an interesting place indeed.. Ashland is so beautiful up there. I hope one day it can belong to us...But fear not..They have the materials you need..You will feel better soon. Do not worry. Ignore those wretched apes we may pass by. Humans are so repulsive. If only we had dealt with them before they abused and destroyed the beautiful world the Gods created for us. And the foolish among our people helped them create death weapons! When will they ever learn that man should never construct weapons capable of destroying our beloved planet? Their judgement day will come, Arabella, their judgement day will come. Only I can become a Goddess after all! And one day..I will bring the light back to this world!"
Arabella, the mute light beast..She was Lucia's bodyguard and akin to her shadow, always being around her at any given time. She was mysterious and never spoke a single word. Some questioned whether she was a living thing or a construct, no one ever got close enough to find out and it mattered little in the end; she was effective at her job, no one ever touched Lucia and lived to tell. She expressed no emotions at all but seemed to have an aura of sadness about her. As if she did not enjoy being Lucia's bodyguard. She had no time to peruse her own desires as she always was on guard duty.
Lucia felt an odd sensation and Arabella tapped her on the shoulder noticing how she froze up. "Arabella! Did you feel that? Amazing...Yes..That kind of power..Many in but one body. My sensory powers are limitless you see.... It's fated I meet this person... This is in the plans of the Gods!! Let us find her first and then we will deal with your personal crisis. I can almost feel her prescience....Just the type of person we need!!! I need a new pure warrior..To be a new hero yet never to become more loved than by the masses than me. We shall recruit her if we can. This is perfect! First that perfect pawn Sienna, now a great knight in the form of this new girl, now if you will Arabella..I must add to my fine collection."
Arabella glared at Lucia as if disapproving or showing some hesitation. Lucia responded back with orders still speaking quietly,"No, of course I would never replace you. You are the only one I can trust with everything. All my plans. You promised to help me ascend to being a Goddess and I know you will never betray me...You will always have a place at my side. Likewise, I will not abandon you. We will find her..This girl..A demon..Lead me to her now..Follow the path..We may not know what she looks like exactly but I will take her hand and confirm it is her when I feel it. I can offer free healing to her as a tribute to the Great Lady Lucia...We will reveal ourselves only when we have her isolated."
With that, Arabella began to lead Lucia around the area in hopes of running into Noe. But in order to remain somewhat hidden, they had to keep up with their disguises. Lucia was posing as a modest travelling healer while Arabella would be a merchant co-worker of hers whom needed Lucia to speak for her. This way they would not be found out easily at all.
When Noe had finally woken up, she ran off to an empty part of the train to be alone, recovering from her nightmare. She couldn't let anyone see her crying over something so stupid, or at all. She wouldn't be called weak again...She felt a twinge on her arm and looked to her wrist, noticing the rather deep cut from the restraint attempting to stop her, effectively limiting what she could do with that arm for now.
-Later- Noe had no choice but to travel with Lucette, but she wasn't going to escort her, regardless of what she believed. She knew it wasn't an escort, and so did Noe. She walked in the direction Lucette led, keeping a safe distance from her. The sun was shining rather brightly, forcing her to shield her eyes, and the red spots under them.
"Oh..There she is...That must be her...Now Arabella..Let us move in as casually as we can." She whispered to Arabella since she spotted Noe and Lucette.
The two of them moved towards Lucette and Noe. "We are travelling healers.. Our services are not free but we will charge a fair price....Oh?" She looked at Noe and attempted to flatter her. "My, such fine skin and complexion! A beauty..A fair young maiden there you are. You look very important to me. But I sense some...pain..Something holding you back from being all that you desire to be... If you do not mind, I can make contact with you. I can find out what it is..For free..."
Lucette spoke up, "It will do you no good I am afraid. Her wounds are not physical. Just leave us be. She needs fresh air more than anything now.Now, please do leave us. She needs fresh air and not to hear some peddlers attempting to get some easy money out of her! We are not interested-"
"Please. Let me at least try. You are also a healer..But please..Let me at least try to figure out what may be wrong.. Perhaps it is a curse upon her very soul or maybe even an evil spirit looming over her. Consider it a second opinion. It will only take a second..Please. From one healer to another. Just as the book of Arlon decrees, we are meant to share this world with one another. To be good to other races, to reach out to those in need. Why do want to turn us away, is that what she even wants?" Lucia questioned. Her acting was top-notch, she truly was sincere about wanting to help Noe but only in hopes she would join them not out of being true to her faith.
Lucette sighed and caved in,"You have a valid point there and I can tell you are being honest and true. I am glad even in a place like this there are still those who believe in Arlon. Noe....If you want them to heal you, I will not protest. Just do forgive me. I just do not trust merchants or peddlers, they usually are out to get something. To cheat people out of their hard earned money to survive... It is truly sad the state the world is in. There are more of those who wish to take than those who want to give back."
Lucia nodded in agreement. "I will not hold it against you. I know, I know this world is truly a sad one. That is why I do this. I charge in most cases only to cover the cost of our travels, my sister and I.. Now.. Allow me us to work, please. We can try to help her. That is better than giving up on healing whatever it is that haunts her very soul...I can even show you a demonstration of what I can do if you'd let me..Arabella if you would.."
*Meanwhile*
Despite how Noe's situation had long sense ended, one particular guest on the train was not happy. Once Lowe and Carla decided to get some fresh air, Lowe found himself shoved aside by an older grizzled-looking earth beast, nearly falling around the tracks. He then pushed Carla out of the way was well, this time knocking her off her feet. Lowe helped her up right after he regained his own footing.
"Make way for a hero, Shintaionite!" The earth beast laughed as he passed Lowe. Carla gave him a death stare but did not attack him just yet.
Lowe stared and shouted at the earth beast, "I was born in Shrivisk for your information. Now I am not a violent man but thugs like you just bring out the worse in me! Shoving me out of the way was one thing..But you don't treat women like that! What gives you the right to do that? You owe Carla an apology and one for me as well!"
The earth beast laughed and retained a smug look on his face. "I have the right to do whatever I desire! I am above you, I am above women, I am a hero to all of you people! Don't you know who I am, boy? I helped save Shintaion and the remaining continents with my actions. But no one gives me the credit for it. I saved this world and no one recognizes that. I just wanted a little peace and quiet but that little wench with your unit would not shut up! Wailing like a banshee! You put a stop to it or I will, a hero has the right to rest! If she is in such pain, then perhaps death is the only solution to it! Give me my peace or I will take it for myself!"
"Listen, I don't even know who you are. To me, you look like an old man past his prime. Thinking he's entitled to everything and everyone has to do as he says. That's not the case, hero or not! Noe's issue is something private and we will handle it ourselves!" Lowe said as he raged against the earth beast.
"Private? Anyone could hear she's insane and dangerous! Such people need to be cut down for the sake of this world! Hmm.." He glanced at Carla. "I should not expect one who desires to procreate with the last dark beast to have sound judgement. You know how many of those things I had to butcher in the war? More than I could count...Ones just like her, some even her age. Sliced to ribbons. Just...like..that! We don't need their species to make a comeback! That is my power, boy and you need to respect it! You need to realize you're part of the reason this world is burning, you desired any of the suffering you received, you little-"
Losing his cool, Lowe punched the earth beast in the face, knocking him down with ease. He then spoke as he saw the earth beast get up. "I don't even care who you are anymore. Just leave us alone and we'll leave you alone, ok? I lost it there..I'm sorry but you took it too far. You don't even know me and I don't know you. Looks to me as if you're still sobering up now that I see...You're shaking! You are just intoxicated and looking for petty reasons to fight! Look, I know you might have done good deeds and maybe didn't give you credit but that is no reason to take it out on us!"
Ignoring Lowe's words he yelled, "You SDF punk!!! You...cheap shot me and expect me to allow it? No. We're going to fight. You and me, boy! You'll remember my name! Forever! I assume I need to spell it out for you..Now...Look at this technique, boy!!!! Look at this skill! Any earth beast brat would know this!!!I am famous!!! This is the stuff of legends, boy!" The earth beast forced people out of the way to make room for a potential fight. He then began to form a large zanbato of earth energy.
Lowe sighed. Now he recognized just who the earth beast was. He muttered to Carla, "The myth was bigger than the man apparently..But even the Professor Blaze and Mr.Blaze told me he was a good man..I should have noted the usage of was in their stories. Well Carla, I doubt he'll leave us alone. I think I have to humor him..."
"....Don't pay him any mind Lowe...He's not worth it. I don't care about him. Let's just go back into the train if we must. The station security would break up any fight regardless. They're already eyeing us...." Carla said to Lowe. He nodded and readied to follow her.
"What, is she like your mother now telling you how to handle me, BOY? Why don't you fight me like a man instead of using her as an excuse for not fighting!" He yelled. He then figured out he was being ignored. He pointed his zanbato in Lowe and Carla's direction but did not swing it at them.
"So you think you're better than me, boy? Still don't know that I am the single greatest hero in the entire world? What's my name, boy, what's my name?! What..Is..my NAME?! SAY IT! SAY IT YOU DIRTY DARK BEAST LOVING SCUMBAG! What is my name???!!!What is my NAME, PUNK?! ANSWER ME! What is my GODAMN NAME?! SAY MY NAME!" The earth beast began repeating, each time getting more aggressive and loud. He was starting a one-man shouting match, clearly still intoxicated and angry.
Despite all of this, the security did not move in to stop him. They continued to watch the earth beast go on his tirade as if they were afraid to deal with him. Lowe and Carla were unsure of what to do either. They began to move towards the train again but they saw he was following them and still asking them to say his name. They just were not willing to fight him like he wanted and it bothered him but did not end the situation.
Hearing the commotion and recognizing the loudest voice among them. Lucette told Noe,"Pardon me. There appears to be a problem. I shall investigate and make sure they are okay. I will return once it is resolved. I trust you ladies to watch over dear Noe in my stead if you may. Arlon bless you!"
Lucette took off making the situation perfect for Lucia. Not only was Lucette gone but now people were distracting by the ensuing chaos caused by the rowdy earth beast. They were alone now with Noe. She walked to Noe and spoke to her, "Now..Please tell me what it is that ails you...I can sense it might be something deeper..Even if bless and mend your body with my touch it might not be enough..I know, I know. This feels strange.. A young woman's body, mind and soul are the pieces that make up a temple, sacred and pure. Not just anyone should be allowed in..But you can trust me.. So please, take my hand and I can heal all your pain away... I promise you.. Give me this opportunity. I can heal it all away if you trust me.." She extended her hand to Noe awaiting anxiously.
Noe stared down Lucia and her guard without an ounce of caring in her eyes. Superstitious tricks were no help in her state. She was more interested in the guard, simply based on appearance. There was something to be said for modesty, but walking around with a disguise or a mask of some sort to hide one's appearance...It left her intrigued in a sense, but not overly so. Before long, Lucette was forced to leave to take care of some manner of ruckus. In a way, Noe was glad, since she was free of her presence. On the other hand, now she was stuck with these two weirdos. Lucia offered her hand, but Noe didn't take it.
Arabella did not spring into action this time. Despite seeing how Lucia's hand was slapped by Noe, it was a mere slap. Not worth drawing attention to themselves. They still had to attempt to recruit her as well, attacking her would only upset Noe further. Arabella made a wise decision as healers were not supposed to be capable fighters under most circumstances, she wanted to maintain the act. Unless Noe became a threat to Lucia's life, she would not attack her.
Lucia was not at all pleased with Noe's reaction. Yet she kept calm. She knew this wouldn't be easy. To deal with someone so crazy and twisted on the inside was quite a task. Lucia was not going to give up. When she desired something, she would find a way to obtain it no matter what it took!
"I am no Charlatan. What I am speaking to you of is all real! How can I prove it to you? Would you believe me if I showed you my power used on my lovely sister here perhaps?" She glanced over at Arabella.
Arabella seemed to disprove. She was not one to turn down orders but she knew Noe would not be convinced that easily. They had to heal someone who was neutral, an outsider to this conversation. A stranger. They had to come up with something.
The disturbance continued as the earth beast did not give up yelling at Lowe. One of the security got brave enough to try blocking his entrance back into the train. A young human lady, she knew he had a strict moral code that he would abide by even when intoxicated.
"Sir, please settle down! I know you did a lot for us and this world. You are a special VIP but please, don't do this. Please don't ruin your reputation or taint your legacy. What would your family think of you, Mr.Natu?" The woman said to the earth beast, giving away his name and angering him.
Cruelly the earth beast punched the woman in the face, smashing her nose. He then hit her in the stomach. Finally he pushed her away, "Get out of the way, woman!You think just because you're a woman I'd stop? No, I am a Hero! A legend, you're just a grunt! A mere human one at that! I could kill all of you in my sleep if I had to! Know your place you bawd! Now..Where was I? WHAT IS MY NAME, BOY?"
The security staff were terrified of Sho Natu and did not dare to help their fallen co-worker up or else they risked passing by him as he banged on the windows of the train with his zanbato.
Lowe had enough he rushed outside and formed his stone fists. The earth beast tried to swing at him but soon found Lowe had broken his zanbato in half with his punch. "ENOUGH!!!! You're pathetic.. It tears me apart to know I looked up to you as a child, Sho Natu The Twentieth! The stories they told..Of a great man...You're nothing like that anymore! You should know better than anything else that you can't just beg and yell and expect to get everything you want! In this world, you have to work for it! If you want people to recognize you as a hero, why don't you try to bring peace to this world instead of being a petty criminal? You're taking the easy way out.. You know these people aren't going to stand up to you!"
"A criminal? You son-of a bitch! How dare you!!!! That's it.. You and me are going to fight to the death right now, you SDF PUNK! We'll see who is a coward here!" Sho readied to fight with Lowe but before he could create a new zanbato he heard a familiar voice.
Lucette ran up near Sho and faced him looking upset. "Mr.Sho Natu..Cease this behavior at once!!! It is inexcusable! If you wish to blame anyone for Noe's nightmares, blame me! I lack the power to cure her in all honestly!"
Lowe took this opportunity to head back into the train and sit down next to Carla. He had enough of Sho Natu's drunken ravings.
Sho reacted with joy as he saw Lucette. He walked to her and put his hands on her face. "Lucette...You are beyond beautiful my dear..Just like your mother when she was your age.. I'd love to see her once in a while....If only I had been your father, Lucette...Not Regulus...He didn't deserve her.. That idealistic fool!!! His ideals ended only in tragedy for the Arceneau family! A man who gets himself killed, leaving his wife and little girl to fend for themselves?!!!That is no hero he was a-"
She pushed him away feeling rather annoyed at him expecting a warm reception. She took an anger tone and said, "Do not speak ill of father!!! You may have done a lot for my family when he passed Mr.Natu but you've gone off the deep end! Do not touch me!!! If you do not stop, I will have your VIP pass revoked and you will have to walk back home!!! Mother does not want to speak with you! She is busy with her work at the Lavion Assembly! I know your life is difficult and you have little to show for your heroic deeds but you must move on with your life, Mr.Natu! I have seen to it I will fulfill my father's wishes! Or are you expecting your brother to be the only respectable member of the Natu blood-line?"
Sho Natu seemed upset but he didn't argue with Lucette. He merely calmly walked back into the train, defeated and still angry. He shouted to no one in particular,"This is the way they treat Heroes. You don't want to be one...They call me a lesser man for accepting their hand-outs. A lesser man just trying to accept rewards they offer so graciously?!!! Why did I do all of this if my only reward was to be vilified, called me a butcher of dark beasts? Do they not remember how I stopped some of the bombs? DO YOU PEOPLE EVEN CARE?!"
He raved again to himself aloud, "It wasn't my fault those mad men destroyed the world! I did damn near everything I could..But it just wasn't enough.. Maybe this world is damned by Arlon, maybe you have to accept that! Why continue to fight the inevitable? Why don't you people realize we're living in some of the last years of this planet's lifespan?!! Do you realize it was not the gods that ruined the world but we, ourselves did it?!! I'm not throwing my life away just to appease the masses who are too lazy to fight for their own world's sake!"
Lowe, Carla and the others were in awe. They were not sure how to react to the whole thing. Trying to reason with an intoxicated Sho Natu would be pointless. They merely sat back down and waited for the train to take off again. At least they didn't have to sit anywhere near Sho Natu and would most likely not see him again. Lucia saw the injured member of the security team walking past her,"You...Allow me to mend your wounds.." Somewhat forcefully, Lucia grabbed her hand and began to heal her. Almost instantly, the woman's face was healed, removing the blood and restoring her broken nose back to normal. The woman was shocked but grateful, "Thank you, thank you whoever you are! How can I ever repay you?" Lucia merely nodded.
"Just carry on..I did it out of sheer good will...I can sense you were brave and tried to make a stand...I am thankful for how you tried to protect us. You don't need a reason to help others, my friend." The security member smiled at Lucia and walked off. She didn't even realize who Lucia was or else it would have been quite a big scene.
Looking like a true savior now, Lucia spoke to Noe being as sincere as possible and staring right into her eyes, "Now do you believe me? Will you trust me? Can you really beat your inner demons by yourself? If you wish to end your torment.. I can help..I sense your current problem is because you have..many within one body...But if you trust me..I can find a way to heal you so you can live a normal life! Isn't that what you want? Please, let me help you! What more can I do to earn your trust and prove to you I am telling the truth?"
Noe simply watched as Lucia healed the injuries of a member of the security team without warning. While she seemed thankful, Noe wasn't all that impressed.
"You're not the only person who can use healing magic, beggar. I have seen many others with that ability, so don't go thinking you're special because of that."
She turned away from the duo so she could wait for Lucette, until Lucia spoke those magic words.
"Can you really beat your inner demons by yourself? If you wish to end your torment.. I can help..I sense your current problem is because you have..many within one body...But if you trust me..I can find a way to heal you so you can live a normal life!"
Noe spun around quickly. Her arm shot out to grip Lucia's throat, her grip tightening slowly as her anger rose, bewildered at what Lucia had said.
"How the hell do you know anything about me?! I'm not some pity case who can't handle herself, and I'm not some book you can just read! How'd you know I was ill, and how the hell did you know about them?! Who are you to call yourself a savior to someone you don't even know, beggar?!!"
Snapping her fingers, Lucia signaled Arabella. Arabella looked around for anyone who might be listening into their conversation. She saw no one, some people were still talking about the ruckus Sho Natu caused and some were watching him intently, expecting him to start another tirade or to fight someone else this time. He was like a ticking-time bomb.
Arabella nodded to Lucia, giving her the ok to speak openly about who she truly was. Not only was it safe but Arabella had also made other preparations.
Lucia made a half smile as she told Noe the truth, "Because I am the world's greatest healer. I am no beggar nor am I a common healer. Does the name Order Of Aegle ring a bell? Would a person have armies at their command if they were a false Goddess? My power allows me to sense the ills of those I touch .and to the power to heal anyone I choose with these purity of my soul... And you...I know you need it..A charming girl such as you does not deserve to suffer so much..."
She shook her head. "Some may doubt my intentions..But my only desire is to purify this world of all evil. Of evil men and monsters that plague our world. To restore it to its former beauty.. To heal it...But we can't do that with these other factions in power I am afraid. Their sins anger the Gods, their mad desire for power brings all of us nothing but sorrow.. To think creatures born from this world would take delight in destroying the very planet the Gods made for us to live on.....A world we were meant to share in peace, not to bomb and kill one another on....Yes, the rain that falls is the very tears of the Gods themselves...Weeping for this hopeless world but...I can change it...Imagine...Imagine.."
She turned back to face Noe. "A sanctuary for all living things. No one is forced to fight or die. Pain, sickness, disease..They are all things I can exterminate forever and will become things of the past. Discrimination would never occur as we would all live like equals..You would all be loved by the Goddess. Even this dying world..I can breathe back life into it! If I am able to unite the world under my rule..It would be a true utopia! Instead of these endless wars, we would have peace forever more! I am Lucia Aegle, the Goddess of life! The one who will lead her people to a new age. That is my identity Noe...."
Arabella continued searching the area, making sure no one dared to listen into the conversation. She scared a few people away as she held up her sign and attempted to beg them.
Lucia proposed an arrangement with Noe, "Paradise... You see Noe..I can heal you. You are special, blessed by the Gods. That is how I found you. You have great potential but you need to be cured and treated before it is too late.. I cannot bare to let that happen to you but you must understand...If I do this for you..You must join me in my crusade..I don't want the SDF to use you any further. They may tell you they can heal you but...It is a pack of lies! They are inept and not fit to rule this world much less the holy land of Shintaion they have defiled...Now...Tell me, Noe do you wish to be healed and freed from your internal struggle forever? Please..this time, take my hand.If you believe in me...I promise you I can and will purge your inner demons away for all eternity! Help me end not only your suffering but the suffering of this entire world!"
Her natural charisma truly came in handy. Sure Zigus and the ALF President had their own but none could inspire people as greatly as Lucia. People worshiped her. Some maidens wished to be here, men praised her beauty endlessly and painted her. Shrines were built to worship her. She was truly one of the most powerful people in the world. She could tell people to jump off a jagged cliff and they would do it as long as she told them it was in the plans of the Gods! Almost no living souls could tell when she was being sincere or just looking to advance her own plans.
Noe laughed out loud when Lucia revealed her true identity, with no regard for who heard her.
"The leader of the Order? And you want me to help you? Ahahaha! Do you really think I'm going to stop sinners with what I am?! Or are you just expecting them to vanish magically with sunshine and rainbows?! If you knew anything about me, you'd know how much wrong I've done already! The ALF...They promised me they'd cure me of this...that they'd find some way to get rid of this...these people..."
She paused for a moment, and released her grip on Lucia's throat.
"I've been helping them for...longer than I can remember... I wonder...if they've forgotten about me...about the promise they made...I wonder if they're liars, too... If...if they're lying to me... I'll... I'll....have to use... my... tools...." She trailed off and went into a semi-trance before snapping out of it. Without thinking about what she was doing, she grabbed Lucia's hand firmly.
The station was actually fairly crowded considering the route they were on. The train had stopped here, not only to give everyone a chance to get out but Lavion, since the incident, never liked not double checking passenger cars. Madesi and Edward may have not been recently wanted but hopefully nobody would remember their faces. It was lucky for them a ruffian from the crowd had upset things. It was none other than the shameful likes of a hero Sho Natu. "Terrible shame what war had done to him." Edward commented seeing his situation compared to his own. "Atrocities do many things." "Ah Madesi so you're back, what kept you?" "She was worried about you so I let her stick around a little longer than usual."As she got a grip on her surroundings she went back to what she had said earlier."That was Sho Natu, long while back he was known as the greatest warrior Shintaion had to offer. Remember the Varker Clan?" "Yeah, a powerful force back in the day. We were hired near the end of the war to keep damages to a minimum." "Yes, it took us awhile to come back from that mission, the only mission we quit." "Who could blame you, the money was not worth it. You were lucky you escaped Sho's grasp. But something else is bothering me right now." Edward looked around the people on board the train had started to gather in groups. Being the conscious being he was, there was something incredibly odd about it all. "We should have been back on the train by now. And what's worse is I seem to have lost track of that girl, either an anti-telekinetic barrier exists, or…" "Or?" "Or she is near someone exuding a fairly powerful aura that wants concealment. Find some way to get in contact with the station managers, hopefully the Ashen Guard still has some pull with them."
Arabella held back her urges to strike Noe as Lucia raised her hand, signaling it was ok during the whole affair. She truly never believed she was in danger. Lucia was surprised but happy when Noe made her decision.
"Thank you so much Noe.You my comrade now..Of course you may have sinned before, yes. But forgiveness my dear, forgiveness is what you can attain. Penance! Helping me will more than make up for your past sins.. Now..There is only one other thing I need you to do..."
"The SDF base...Please do what you can to ruin their business before you leave them. They will only get in the way if you don't. Any information you may pick up would be very nice as well, I have my doubts about the true identity of that Nacim character among other issues. Any information we can use against them will help us greatly.. You must do this to prove your faith and loyalty to me...After that, then you can come with me and join the order. Do not worry about coming to us, we'll come to you and insure your safe escape...."
She then faced Noe and asked her, "I know it was a tough choice..But you made the right one..Are any of those people your friends? Do they even know you or care? You will lose little in leaving them Noe but you will gain the world in joining me. New comrades..A new healthy life free of what holds you back... You and your OOA comrades will be like family. For we are all united in our cause and goal. We all desire this utopia.. That is why I know I can banish the wicked from this world, because we are the largest military force in the world, you have made the wise choice! I look forward to taking you to my cathedral and blessing you there to start your new life.
She added,"I truly wish I could heal you here and now in this moment but..I do not wish to be spotted and it could be quite time-consuming. You must tell no one of this encounter we shared. Is there anything else I can do for you or that you wish to know, precious Noe? I do not wish to leave you here troubled, I desire to remove these doubts and alleviate your fears.. I know some of it will take time but if there is more I can do, do not be afraid to ask me."
Arabella was signaling Lucia to end the conversation soon. They didn't want to risk getting caught by staying at the station any longer than they had to. Lucia was not afraid however and did not rush Noe to respond. It was a major life decision. No one was listening into the conversation yet but Lucette was on her way it seemed.
However, before Lucette could walk right over to them, Sho Natu emerged and spoke to her. He looked far more remorseful now. "I am sorry, Lucette. These years..they've just been hard on me. I still can't get over all of the tragedy. Why did my wife give up her spot on the last boat leaving Shrivisk for that my brother's sickly little girl? She'll be dead in a matter of months now! She sacrificed herself for nothing in the end aside from extending my niece's life for a few years?! Everything I fought so hard for is long gone, everything that gave me hope is gone...And your mother..when I write her my letters, they just get thrown away for all I know.. It's no way to treat a man who helped your family out so much in those trying times. Does she still have the pictures of us all together like a family? Remember those days?"
Lucette shook her head in disgust. "I do not wish to speak with you. You insulted the honor of my family and my father! You do not have the right to just touch anyone where you want you know! Truly you have suffered but you are getting in my way. I have business in Lavion and I cannot afford to waste anymore time on you! Good day, Mr.Natu! Learn to behave like a civilized rational thinking man again, send a written apology and then I may consider it, MAY. That will be all." She began to walk away, turning around to make sure Sho was not following her.
Although he did not lash out at her directly, he created his zanbato of earth and sliced one of the route boards in half as some people stood by it and tried to read it, causing them to run in fear. He cried out, "Why is my brother blessed..Wed to the beautiful Scarlet..Father of two healthy children..And one sick child, as if that is enough to ruin an otherwise happy and easy life! At least he has them in his life and will carry on the blood line. I HAVE NOT A DAMN THING IN MY LIFE! The Gods continue to toy with me and laugh at my fate....What use is free will when the Gods already have decided my destiny for me! Gods that will not let me stray from this path that leads to my own demise!!! None of my actions changed a damn thing! Arlon is nothing but a myth!!!!!What sort of Gods let this world die?! ONES THAT SIMPLY DO NOT EXIST!!!!"
Letting out a heavy sight, Lucette turned back around. "Please do stop this. You're only further staining your legacy, Mr.Natu!!! The security may be afraid to face you head on but I will not let you harm anyone else!!! Cease at once, go back in the train and sober up!!! You will garner no more sympathy from me, Mr.Natu!!! Settle down or much as it pains me I will have to use force to pacify you! It truly would be a sad day when a Hero is locked up, too dangerous to be around other people without harming them and spewing delusions!!"
Sho merely stared at Lucette and didn't say a word. He held up his zanbato by him as if preparing to block attacks with it. This incident could not come at a worse time. Lucia would have all the time she needed now to finish up her recruiting of Noe.
Noe peered at the ground before taking Lucia up on her offer.
"What...what exactly do you expect me to do to the base? And why do you care so much about that Nacim person?"
She took a moment to think. All the people in the SDF....They all promised me safety...safety, cures...All lies...all liars... Everyone's a liar, and liars... liars have to die! But a normal life...maybe...maybe...!
After Lucia finished answering her questions, Noe would be walking away on her own accord, whispering under her breath.
"Everyone's a liar...But...if you lie...I'll gut you myself...Isn't that right..."
"Please destroy any structures that use that sinful technology.. Such as a lab..And their armory. I know they must have one...It is as simple as that....And if possible..The vault..If Zigus trusts you enough to let you in that is..If not, do not fret.. I would rather we personally raid the vault regardless as it it has...I can speak no more of it in public..." Lucia said, speaking especially softly so no one else could hear her aside from Noe.
She looked around personally to make sure not a single person was listening in. She began to explain to Noe about Nacim, "We have reason to believe Nacim is...Not who he says he is, Noe. We support some of the rebel action but judging from what they said...Nacim was an older man with two children. A man who died a slave in ALF territory. This new Nacim is perhaps....A person of interest. A former OOA member who we fought have perished. It deeply concerns me that he has sided with the SDF but...Perhaps he may join our cause as well. Just look into his true identity for me, please precious Noe. That is all..Farewell, we will see one another soon..." Lucia withheld information from Noe and bluffed a bit, she truly did believe Nacim was Shine. It explained why neither of them killed one another in all of the encounters they had. She did not want Noe to know the dirty secrets about why Shine was "killed." It could steer Noe away from them if she knew about such things.
With that, they blended into the crowd that was gathering near Sho Natu. Although he seemed to be calm now. He still held his sword out, even as Lucette was walking away from him and towards Noe. "Oh thank Arlon! Noe, we're getting out of here, the train is ready but these disturbances held it up...I do wish I could have sent those upstanding women off personally but...Sadly we must go now." Lucette quickly ushered Noe back onto the train.
Sho himself let out a sigh as he dissipated his zanbato and went back into the train without so much as speaking. He was defeated, Lucette did not even waste time actually fighting him, she merely ignored him. After he as done, all of the other passengers boarded the train as well.
Nacim moved his seat so he was now directly in front of Lucette and Noe. He asked Noe a question as if he suspected something. The train then started up again and took off.
Breaking the calm that now reigned in the train, Nacim questioned Noe, "Noe, would you mind explaining to me just what held you up back there? We almost left without you...It's very suspicious. As your commander I need to know this." Nacim was good at reading people's true intentions but he wasn't too quick to assume Noe had done anything with anyone. Yet he was beginning to think Noe was up to something, her behavior on the train and now this. He knew something was truly amiss with Noe and he wanted to get to the bottom of it all.
Noe was zoned out for a short amount of time on the train, before Nacim snapped her out of it by interrogating her about her actions moments ago. Of course she wouldn't tell him...But she had to get information on him...
"Why should I tell you, especially when you never tell anyone else here a thing about you? You're a stranger to me, and I was taught never to give strangers information on my whereabouts, so...I see no need to tell you anything."
She wouldn't tell him the truth anyway, but she could take him around for a ride, at the very least.
Nacim was not pleased with Noe's response. "I am your commanding officer, Noe. I don't speak of my own past because it is painful. To be sold to the ALF as a slave! To watch what they did to my only surviving daughter and to be helpless to end her suffering. I will not waste my time trying to get the information out of you. I advise you to behave and not question my authority while we are in Lavion. I understand you went through a lot with your nightmares but such behavior is unbecoming and I will not take it any longer." He backed off as he glared at Noe, showing he was suspicious of her. He made no signs that that immediately gave away whether he was lying or not. Yet none the less, once she met Lucia it could be a clue to helping her identify him as the late King Shine of the Wind Beasts or as this Nacim person he claimed to be.
Lucette despite knowing the truth about who Nacim was did not reveal it to Noe. She instead told Noe unaware that they had met Lucia, "I am sorry, Noe. I wish I could have done more about your nightmares.. Do not take what he says to heart, he is merely concerned for this unit. He is merely doing his job and ensuring the integrity of our unit. I do so wish we could all trust each other fully but...There come times when such questions must be raised. I'll explain to him you were just receiving healing from some kind women of faith and nothing more..."
After that incident, the rest of the journey was quiet. Sho Natu was too far away to cause anymore trouble and appeared to be resting. He would be sober soon at least. The best news of all though was; he would no longer be an obstacle to the SDF.
*A few hours later*
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached our final destination, Aysu Station! I hope you have had a pleasant journey and will ride with us again in the future!"
The group got off the trade as Lucette led them the way. She knew exactly where they had to go. After passing through a security check point and showing their identification, they were cleared to enter Aysu itself. A prosperous city, a city where it seemed the world never ended. The architecture of it was absolutely stunning. Many in the group gazed in awe as some caught their first view of Aysu, the water jewel of Lavion as some called it!
*The City Of Aysu, Lavion*
What a sight it was! The beautiful sparkling and clear water! The liveliness of the streets. The plants that grew with ease. The people there even looker healthier and more vibrant than anywhere in Shintaion! The air was fresh and pleasant This was a city that did not know the suffering of war due to its superior defense system, the Aura Laser Dish otherwise known as ALD.
The first area the SDF unit had to pass through was the hotel district which were quite robust but not as booming in the years before the war. None the less it was still quite popular for the very rich and politicians of other regions. All of the hotels were lavish and well-maintained. The streets, albeit not as packed in years prior were still busy and lively. Even some of Aysu's politicians often frequented this district, taking small vacations there. The hotels were different enough to offer unique experiences to them. Such luxury was unheard of in all other corners of the world, aside from places the top leaders lived. Aysu truly was a paradise. People here did not have to work as hard to survive and as a result it was a more pleasant place yet very out of touch with issues outside of the city.
Realizing it would take a bit long to get to their destination on foot Lucette spoke to the SDF members having figured out a solution,"Pardon me but I do believe we should take a Gondola. It would be faster and far more luxurious. Do not worry about the payment, I can handle such things. I do believe you will all enjoy it!." Lucette boasted as she looked around and saw a familiar gondolier, a water beast whom she was acquainted with. She did not pay him any money but he agreed to take them to the government district. It was because he was a friend of Lucette's family and thus did not mind.
They all had to take in the sights, architecture and scenery so beautiful one could forget all of the horrible things going on in the world. It was like a vacation in a way but they could not be lulled into a false sense of security, the threat of dark beasts was still very possible. Yet none of Aysu's people seemed startled by the news at all.
Finally, the unit reached their destination, the government district. While it was not quite as luxurious as what they had seen earlier it had it's share of well crafted structures and buildings such as the City Hall, a large structure that was still in use. It had a large water fountain near by it that served as a landmark. Politicians were not as hated in Lavion as in Shintaion, here they were respected and trusted more. If Lavion politicians did have any hand in the previous war, they kept such information well hidden from the public and were not victims of any political witch-hunts.
Lucette lead them to a facility that was Alicia's lab. Before any of the SDF could touch the doors however, an rough-looking armed human emerged. He was dressed in a Lavion uniform and shut the door behind him. He questioned them with a gruff tone of voice, "SDF? We have been expecting you for sometime now. Now..Show me some identification please. There has been a lot strange activity going on..You people better be who you say you are if you expect to get in. The Doc is paranoid that someone is out to get her."
"Hmph, we are the SDF. So be it. We have nothing to hide from you. I know the Doctor has not been on the best terms with the government lately but we do not wish to be held up. We will provide all that you need." Nacim showed them his identification card without hesitation and the others soon followed. However, once it was just the two mercenaries and Noe left the man raised his eyebrows just from the sight of them.
"Is that girl there the train screamer? I hear you got a nice set of pipes on you but keep it down if you get in. The Doc doesn't take kindly to loud people. Loud little demon girls need not apply if you catch my drift! You know what I mean?" He spoke as he was chewing on a toothpick, not at all worried that he might offend Noe. Lowe cringed at the guard's remarks, it made him come off as unprofessional.
He then spoke to Edward and Madesi, "Mercs huh? Still need to see ID. Don't care for mercs much myself, too many of them are long-tongue liars that'll stab their own mother in the back just for a pretty shiny penny. Oh don't mind me, just thinking out loud..Just thinking out loud and talking from past experience..." It was clear now this guard's personality alone was one deterrent. He was rude, intimidating and unwilling to introduce himself to them just yet for some reason.
Noe made sure to show no fear when Nacim stared her down, to lower suspicion as much as she could. When Lucette turned to face her, she put on her best attempt at a depressed face, even forcing out a tear. She listened to what Lucette had to say and responded accordingly.
"I know...I know I wasn't the friendliest to start with...but... But why should I be targeted like this?! I didn't do anything wrong... I had...I had a nightmare before but...But I can't control tho-those!!"
She was on the verge of tears now, not that they meant anything. Once one tear was forced out, it was simple enough to continue the act to the point of crying... She had to at least earn someone's trust, so Lucette would do. After a short while, she "calmed" herself down, giving Lucette a hug, flashing a smirk where Lucette couldn't see.
"I'm...sorry. I don't usually...do that..."
When they arrived at their destination, the guard raised his eyebrows, bringing up Noe's incident on the train. Once again, she prepared to well up in tears. She made like she was walking inside before turning back to the guard, making sure nobody but the guard could hear her.
"....Mention the 'train screamer' one more time....And you'll be the one screaming.." She gave him a wicked glare before retreating inside the building for good.
The guard wasn't quite sure what to make of Noe's threat. Regardless, he was too afraid to stop her from passing by him. He lost it when he realized what he had done! He had compromised the Doctor's facility! He knew not of Noe's power but he felt he had been tricked by her as if it was a mere bluff!
"Noe!!!!" Lucette called out. "I do believe it would be fair to say... You need an attitude adjustment, sir! You didn't need to remind her of those nightmares! I am going in after her as we have no further time to waste out here, we have a mission! Yours may be to repel visitors and keep Alicia and the lab safe but you're trying our patience and good sir, I am out! Good day!"
She ran in after Noe. This further enraged the guard. "Do any of you Shintaionites follow the rules? God! So be it, just go in there!! One of you already is! I expected much better of you.. SDF..Letting demon girls throw emotional tantrums and run in blindly! Working with Dark Beasts...Even worse a breeder at that. How do we know you haven't already popped out a dozen kids out of your womb?" He glanced at Carla.
"Is your specialty not knowing when to stop talking? Lucette and I agree for once. We have no further business with you." Carla moved in, and Lowe followed behind her but he openly said to the guard,"I think anyone attacking this facility is actually after you, not Alicia."
"God damn it! Commander Nacim is it? Well why don't you control your unit? Assert dominance, what kind of leader are you?! This is Lavion soil, you have to show respect! Now..Let me just run a background check-"
Nacim shook his head, "They did what I would have told them. I can't fault them for showing initiative. Even if this is Lavion soil, you have no business holding us up and disrespecting us all. You are only fostering hatred with this behavior. We know better than to feign respect for someone like you. I only hope Doctor Alicia is more hospitable." Nacim followed the others inside and now the guard stood alone with all of the SDF now inside.
He stood there for a moment thinking and then closed the doors shut and went after the others, he then locked them. Lucette quickly found Noe as she did not wander far luckily. Nacim and the others quickly arrived as well. The guard scowled at all of them.
"You know what? You aren't welcome here, let me make that clear. This is just business. I don't trust any of you. But I'll buzz you in so you can see the Doc! Try anything funny and you will regret it mark my words!" He walked over to a intercom like device that also seemed to have a kind of camera.
"Doc! I've got the people from the SDF here to see you. Don't be alarmed, one of them is a vile dark beast, one is a psychotic demon girl, a few pesky mercs, a shady wind beast,a nerdy earth beast and that stuck up old Lucette!!!" The guard got in some final insults at the group.
"Send them in, please!" A voice on the other end answered calmly. "Ok..Now follow me, this is going to be an elevator ride like you never experienced. I hope none of you are afraid or just ate. Or afraid of water. If you are then too damn bad!!!!" The guard swiped a key-card and lead the group towards an elevator.
The group followed the guard as he hit the switch and the elevator went down with all of them in it. It moved rather quickly and went deep down. The doors then opened and revealed an underwater lab! They could see parts of it that were meant for viewing that used reinforced glass! One could see some of the under-workings of the city itself and even some fish! Just like the city itself, this was another unforgettable place! There were even some spots of reinforced glass on the floor, allowing them to stare into the depths of the water!
Before they could see the Doctor and her inventions though, there was a steel door with a peep-hole through it. The Doctor walked up towards it and looked at her guests.
"J.O.E., play an upbeat one for our guests..." The Doctor commanded a machine of hers as she sat by a computer.
"Oh for Arlon's sake!!! That is a sad one, the opposite of upbeat!!!NOT what comes to mind when in the lab of a brilliant scientist!" She yelled at the device.
"Yes and thank you J.O.E.!! I will not have to scrap you after all!!! Welcome, SDF to my lab! My name is Doctor Alicia Animus! The number two genius left in the world! I hope Bernard hasn't given you all too much trouble. Forgive him. We've had traitors in here before....Let me open this door. It's an honor to meet you all!" The doctor said, clearly overjoyed. She opened the door from the other side and let the SDF in.
Doctor Alicia was an upstanding young Fire Beast doctor. She looked to be about twenty nine years of age. She wore rather dusty glasses but had lab coat that looked like it needed a wash. She also looked a fair bit healthier than the professor, not being as stressed. Yet the SDF could tell she was slightly sleep-deprived.
Nacim looked around and saw all of the inventions scattered about, the research notes, the equations on the chalkboards. He looked further in the room and noticed several computers and one large screen. The walls were littered with scientific awards, frames certificates and even a few photographs with Professor Ruby in them. There was only one chair, it seemed Alicia did all of this alone.
"Sorry..It has been a long time since I had friendly guests..Let me fix this for you!" She hit a button on the wall and some chairs appeared out of slots in the ground. There was enough for everyone, even the guard. She then sized-up the group and seemed interested in some of them.
Lowe was amazed at the entire facility, "Wow! Even Professor Blaze might get jealous if she saw this..Her lab is ok but it's not like this..Where did you get all the money for this?! This is state of the art!"
Alicia recognized the name, "Professor Ruby Blaze? A fellow student! Ohohohoh!!! How is she doing? And well..Lavion politicians... Money is one thing they are good for but they recently cut off my funding...Say they don't support my research....But..that is beside the point.."
"She's doing fine..She must have told you she got the device working, the purification one that can restore the soil back to being fertile again...Maybe one day heal the whole world so it can go back to the way it used to be over time..." Lowe answered simply.
"I see...I too have perfected my device..Perhaps if we can combine our research together we can come up with a faster solution.. Indeed..Imagine if we could find a way to undo the damage but in a quick and effective manner..Hmmm..." She drank some water before continuing.
Nacim interrupted, "This is all very interesting but can you please get to the point; tell us all you know about the dark beast attacks...We were told you witnessed one such attack...."
Alicia looked a little more somber as she began to speak. "I'd hope...I'd hope you wouldn't ask....But if you must know...It wasn't dark beasts, I swear on my life!!! I was about to go on a vacation of sorts to Ashland..I know, strange and dangerous but...for the creatures and the fauna there are one-of a kind...A rare creature known as the-"
Nacim coughed as Alicia continued, "Our carriage was soon ravaged by the creatures in question when we passed near that old portal to the Underworld we thought didn't work anymore....I don't know where they came from but..They used a type of fire. It wasn't dark energy but the end results..I could see why they'd think it was dark beasts...."
"I barley escaped alive after the carriage went up in smoke...The others didn't make it...But I saw them..the shadows..dragon like creatures..Dragons might be extinct..but these weren't mere dragons..It must have been deliberate..Like they didn't want to be seen..So they killed everyone who saw them. I wasn't in front so I didn't get a good enough look...I did manage to get away with pieces of the carriage itself but..the remains I..Let the Aysu forces handle those..I wouldn't feel right using bodies as pieces of evidence...Arlon bless their souls..."
"Dragons? Are you sure it was not a hallucination or a dark beast trick? How could something of that size that takes flight remain hidden for so long or survive the bombs?"Nacim questioned, remaining skeptical.
Alicia sighed,"No, Commander! They weren't that large..You must believe me..More like wyverns I guess! More sleek and evasive bodies that could remain out of sight, they weren't massive dragons! What else...I...don't have any scientific proof of them existing but..You have to believe me! Come now, haven't any of you seen anything like these in your travels? You must have!"
The roomed remained rather silent. It gave Alicia the impression that they thought she was crazy. Alicia got up from her seat and began asking them each individually. She came up to Noe next.
She whispered to Noe, "Hmm..You're a.. wait I can smell it...demon..demon..demon..demon of the female sex! Ohoho! Well..I don't think you believe me, do you? But...how about you help me with a small blood donation for one of my projects?? Just a little prick would be all it would take! I'm gonna ask the Dark Beast too I think...Its award to ask for someone's blood you know..People don't like needles.."
Nacim was not amused by this at all as he cringed. He thought to himself, "These idiots in Lavion are wasting my time..She's mad..Perhaps even enough to make Noe look like a normal person!"
Alicia looked stressed out as she pleaded with the SDF nearly getting on her knees,"I know this is crazy, but I saw some dragons, so believe me..maybe? NO! That's my lack of sleep talking! Heheh... Definitely is what I meant to say! Believe me one-hundred percent! What..What else can I do to get you to believe me? No one does..But I have to be right..Lavion...Lavion sent me letters at first...Then they sent people, people who negotiated with violence and attacked me..They...Refuse to let me talk. I haven't been able to leave this facility for days...It's not bad but..I miss my home....Please...If I could prove it to everyone..Then...Then I could go home..And I wouldn't have to worry about them watching me all day and night.."
She looked at them with almost puppy-dog like eyes as she took off her glasses. "Please..PLEASE HELP ME!!! I'll...do whatever it takes..I honestly fear for my life....They are out for my blood! I can't let it all end here..I didn't complete the purification device!! I...never got married or had any little ones of my own...Never lived to see the end of the wars...Never got to attend the reunion with the Professor. The woman I owe my life too....Please, I beg of you help me find proof the it was dragon-like creatures, not dark beasts!! I am sick of being treated like this, I want all of us to know the truth! If there's something new and dangerous out there, the world has to know!"
"She is not lying..I see cuts from a blade on her lab coat...Someone must have attacked you, these were not self-inflicted....Now get up! You look pathetic like this, groveling like a starving dog for a bone! You are a lady, a woman of science not a common mongrel! Now..What do you think my comrades, I think we should try to give her the benefit of the doubt..Do tell me comrades, do you believe she is worthy of our trust? I have a good feeling..." Lucette helped Alicia up taking pity on her. She then cleaned Alicia's glasses off and then handed them back to her.
It was hard for the SDF to resist now but was it all just a facade of sorts? Or was she sincere? The SDF had to decide. Two parts of the Doctor's story were true so far though; she had been attacked recently and hadn't left the lab in days. Although she was able to get a lot of work done, it was clearly driving her mad being stuck there for so long.
