The Kuipter Files: A Ludusian Crisis

About
This is a story about the events of The Kuipter Files and The Kuipter Files: FINALE!, in the format of basically a regular story, which the former of these doesn't have. It will encompass the events from Kuipter's first landing on Ludus to the end of his tale, giving scenes for the important moments in between.

This is currently a work in progress.

Current Writers:
 * A, Mori

Chapter 1: Unraveling
Kuipter was far different from others around him, by very many standards. Even as a Dark Matter, and a member of the Zeronius clan, he was of the highest status to an individual.

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

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

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

Kuipter: Mura... Revelian...

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 Anything that was left from Lord Zeronius' Dark Star was outdated information, to be left only to his memory.

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

Kuipter sighed.

Kuipter: Bring up data from one month ago.

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

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

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

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

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

''Mura: ... K... Kuipter? Brother... ''

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

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

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

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

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

Kuipter smirked at the thought.

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

He chuckled, as his eye narrowed down.

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

He leaned back a bit, still sitting up.

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

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

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

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

 Kuipter: But, another thing...

Mura: Hm?

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

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

''Mura: Aheh... Sure thing! ''

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

Kuipter leaned forward and stopped the recording.

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

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

Kuipter smirked.

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

Kuipter frowned, furrowing his brow.

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

Kuipter exhaled.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' Kuipter: ... Hello, Mura... ''

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mura then proceeded to give an explanation anyway.

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

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

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

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

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

''<font color=B30000>Mura: I'm not really sure myself, but... I think I should just start from he beginning. You know what I told you about earlier, how I gave him an early Chanukwanzaa gift? ''

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

''<font color=B30000>Mura: It was a sword... I know it can be dangerous, but I know he likes swords, and thinks that they're cool, so he could handle it. He's an adult, after all. So I went to a blacksmith and had a sword made for him. ''

Mura looked up then, managing a shy smile.

''<font color=B30000>Mura: Hehe, I told you about that sword, right? The blacksmith named it after herself and me, because I requested it be made and she made it, she said. So it was called the Muramasa... ''

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

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

In the recording, Kuipter nodded.

''<font color=B30000>Mura: I gave it to him because... Well, usually he isn't in the mood for Chanukwanzaa... But today, he went off to the Chanukwanzaa party with his friends. And, I mean, that's really good, because it means he's getting over the whole... ''

Mura looked down and sighed.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Nevermind. It's nothing. I just want him to be happy. And I want to be a part of his life. But, I don't know...

Kuipter: It's a simple problem, Mura. </i>

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Uh... Alright...! That sounds good...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Sure... </i>

Kuipter closed the file quickly.

Kuipter: ((Pointless...))

Kuipter clenched his teeth.

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

Kuipter coughed, and stood up.

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

Kuipter started to walk out of the room.

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

Kuipter closed the door, and sighed.

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

Chapter 2: A Shadow Across The World
Busy work. Though it was to the opinion of almost no one but him, busy work was a pleasure. In usual cases, those around him felt that they didn't want to bother him with requesting that he do menial tasks about, but, if it was for their benefit, Mura was glad to oblige for it. Actually having something to do other than sitting around, which is something that happened much too often, was enough to get him out of his seat and working to help out others. But beyond that, the simple fact of knowing that he would be making them happy and helping out, was a driving force for Mura all by itself.

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

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

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((The communication is only a middleman, anyway. It should be... Reserved, for only if I don't know what the request is. Prolonging my ability to answer any such request... It's so bothersome.))

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

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((And it's not as if he can just invite one of his friends over to his home, so much of the time, to do this job... It's something that he could only trust the people who live with him, his family, to do.))

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

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((This... It is a bit... Well, uncanny, at least for me.))

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: (Hm...)

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: (All right, then.)

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

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

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((What is he doing up so early?))

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Revelian?

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Oh, hey, Mura.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Why are you going to work so early?

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: I'm getting called in for an early meeting today. Some weird stuff, I think. Since it's pretty much the first day of going back to work this year, I guess they're just trying to get a comparison of the information from last year, probably.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Oh... I didn't know about that. Sorry for bothering you, I was just curious.

Revelian scratched his head.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Eh, no need to worry about it. I'll be early for the whole thing, anyway, so it's not like this will effect my time getting there.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Ahh, that's good!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: But, anyway... What are you doing up this early?

Revelian seemed to stare him down then.

<font color=B30000>Mura: I was just getting ready to get to the chores about the house.

Mura offered a bit of reassurance with his tone.

<font color=B30000>Mura: I do want to get things done with early, anyway.

Revelian let out an annoyed sigh.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Damnit, Mura... You really need to stop doing this. It's unhealthy for you.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ... Doing what?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Oh, you know what! You've been like this for over a week now. You're all on edge, and trying to do every job in the house at once. You've just been going around and working almost non-stop.

<font color=B30000>Mura: There's nothing wrong with that! I'm just trying to be helpful.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: You're going to overexert yourself if you keep this up, Mura.

<font color=B30000>Mura: ...

Mura looked away slightly, staying silent.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: You know I'm right about this. And I'm worried about you.

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: So, hey, just, try to take it easy, alright?

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... Alright?

He was met with silence for a moment.

<font color=B30000>Mura: ... You shouldn't worry about me... I'm your older brother, so I'm the one who should be worrying about anyone's well being here.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Now you're just being ridiculous! Me worrying about you is fine, regardless of me being your younger brother.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Well... You really don't have to worry about me, I mean. I'm fine, bro! You're just being paranoid. I'll just keep working as I am, and--

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Mura!

Revelian cut him off.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: I'm saying that I don't want you to keep working! Seriously, I...

Revelian paused for a moment, trying to think.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Just, can you do something for me? Can you just not work around the house today?

<font color=B30000>Mura: W-what?!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: I mean, take a break! You need it now more than anything!

Mura sputtered, surprised by his request.

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((He wants... No... No, I can't do this! That would mean...))

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Well?

<font color=B30000>Mura: But... I can't just to this, not on such short notice!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Mura, you're going to overexert yourself if you keep this up.

<font color=B30000>Mura: That's not going to happen! I'll be fine! But the pets won't if I'm not taking care of them!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Then I'll just stay home and take care of them! They're my pets, anyway, so they're my responsibility.

<font color=B30000>Mura: But you're supposed to go to work today!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: I'll call in for a personal day. They'll understand.

<font color=B30000>Mura: You said today was very important, though! You just have to go!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: No, I don't. In fact, I'm not moving from this spot until you agree to take a break.

<font color=B30000>Mura: But...

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: So, what's your answer? Or am I going to stand here all day?

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: T... Tomorrow!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Eh?

<font color=B30000>Mura: The break you want me to take... I'll do it tomorrow! Just let me get the pets all cared for today, so that it'll be okay for me to take the day of tomorrow! Then you can go to work and we'll be just fine!

Revelian gave him a sideways look.

<font color=B30000>Mura: And... You can go to work today, and just request a personal day tomorrow, so that then, we can spend the day together... And, everything will be fine, then! Okay...?

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... So, this is what you want, then?

<font color=B30000>Mura: Y-yeah...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... Eh, alright. Yeah, it sounds good. Okay.

Mura beamed up in joy.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Great!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: We haven't really had a day off together in a while, right? Usually because we're busy with work, or with friends... It'll be good to just hang out like that again. Kind of like back in the day.

Mura gave a childish smile.

<font color=B30000>Mura: It sure will!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Right... So, yeah, I'd better get going to LDZX now.

<font color=B30000>Mura: That's right! You might be late if you stay here too much longer! Go, go!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Eheheh, alright.

<font color=B30000>Mura: I'll be getting ready for us to have our day off tomorrow! Don't you worry about a thing, I'll make sure everything is right for it!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: That's good. Don't work yourself too hard in the process!

<font color=B30000>Mura: I won't!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: M'kay, goodbye.

<font color=B30000>Mura: See you later!

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((He's gone now... Alright.))

Mura stepped away from the door and turned around.

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((Now... I have to get everything ready for tomorrow. Time to get started...))

<font color=B30000>Mura: Cygnus!

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

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Yeah, what is it?

<font color=B30000>Mura: Are you ready to help me out?

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

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Yeah, yeah, I guess. Ready as I'm going to be.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Are you sure that you're alright with this, Cygnus? I can get someone else to help me out if you don't want to...

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

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: I'm good. Let's just hurry this up.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Right, then! Let's get right to it.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: So, if I'm to leave the place alone for tomorrow... We'll need to put some of the responsible pets in charge of respective areas for them, and give provide them the supplies they'll need for the pets they will be in charge of.

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Got it.

<font color=B30000>Mura: And, just to make sure that nothing goes wrong, I'll be putting you in charge of monitoring them over the next day. Can you do this?

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: I sure can.

Cygnus tried to hold back a smirk, but failed.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Great! I knew I could count on you.

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Mhmm.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Aheh, uh, why are you smiling like that?

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

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Because... You look funny in that apron.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Hmph...

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

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: So, should we get started already?

<font color=B30000>Mura: ... Yeah, we should.

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Well, then?

<font color=B30000>Mura: Right. Let's get on with it.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Uh, it looks like the first thing we should do is go to the aquatic biome of the pet chambers. Just, in the biomes for most of it. Most of the pets are in there, anyway.

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: I figured.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Anyway, we can give a lot of the biome responsibility to the pets who roam the areas there. I'm thinking that, for the aquatic biome, Midas could be in charge. And, for the grasslands biome, I think that Omegasus could manage. Leorina would do well for the mountain biome. I think we can rely on Gemly to take care of the windy biome.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: And, for the out of biome pets, can I count on you to take care of them?

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

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Of course you can. I'll do a great job.

Mura smiled.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Great! Let's go to the aquatic biome, then.

And off they went.

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

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Well, if it isn't mister Mura! Good morning!

<font color=B30000>Mura: Good morning to you, too, Midas.

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

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

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: And a warm good morning to the dear Cygnus!

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Yeah, uh, hi there.

Midas seemed to give them a warm, inviting smile.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Well now, what brings you two here at this time of day?

<font color=B30000>Mura: Well, it's kinda a long story... But, putting it simply, we came here to ask if you could help us out.

Midas seemed to almost beam with joy.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Well then, go ahead and tell me what you want me to do! I'm sure I can manage the task.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Alright! Tomorrow, I'm going to be gone for the day, just taking the day off for Rev's sake, and I'm looking for pets who are capable of providing for the other pets here, because, well, I can't do that when I'm gone.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Oh?

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

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: And, this is just an assumption, but I can presume that you are going to request my help in this?

<font color=B30000>Mura: Yeah, that's it. We'd like for you to be the one to take care of the others here in the aquatic biome. You are the most mature of them, after all. Will you do it?

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: I shall! This is my gift to you, dear Mura, for your well-deserved day off.

Mura blushed slightly.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Ah, gee... It's not like I deserve it that much...

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Nonsense, my friend. You've been working your core out day and night for all of us here. Such a thing cannot be said for anyone else.

Cygnus mumbled something under her breath.

<font color=B30000>Mura: I honestly don't think I've been helping that much... There is just so much more than I can do, anyway!

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Sir, you have no need to be modest, I speak the truth here.

<font color=B30000>Mura: You mean, there's nothing else that you could possibly want here?

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: No... Well... Actually, now that you do mention it...

<font color=B30000>Mura: So there is something that you want?

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Yes, in fact, there is. It's something that anyone would want, really...

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

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Really, the community is a bit... Lacking, in terms of any suitable mates around here. The most of them are either already hitched, or they are far too young for my tastes. I do say, I am a healthy male adult, and at my age I shouldn't be so far off in terms of finding a gal of my own.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Mhm...

Mura nodded with understanding. Cygnus took a step back.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: And, as you may know, master Zeronius is not one to adopt pets too often. At such a sparse rate, it may be quite some time before someone who I would like to spend my time with is brought here. Do you understand this predicament?

<font color=B30000>Mura: Yes, I do.

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

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Then, do you have any plans for what to do about this?

<font color=B30000>Mura: Sure, I'll just get him to adopt some more pets. If he gets a lot of them, then surely the one who's perfect for you will come along.

Midas beamed with joy.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Wonderful, wonderful! Thank you, Mura, you truly are a kind man!

<font color=B30000>Mura: Aheh... It's no problem, Midas. Just helping out someone in need...

Mura smiled under his scarf.

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Ahem?

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Oh, right. So, you will be able to take care of the other pets here tomorrow?

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: I most certainly shall.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Great. We'll just leave you with the supplies now...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: So, you're all set, then?

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: I do believe that I am, indeed, ready for the next day.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Perfect! Now, we just have to go to the other biomes...

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Everything's ready to go.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Then, I'll be seeing you soon, Mura.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Right, see you later.

Mura turned to leave with Cygnus to the next biome.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Oh, but Mura, before you leave...

Mura stopped and turned to Midas again.

<font color=B30000>Mura: What is it, Midas?

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: I just wanted to give a bit of attention to this...

<font color=B30000>Mura: ... Eh?

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Well, as you may know, the others who reside here are not as naturally mature and disciplined as I am. And it is unlikely that all of them are as friendly to you as I am, unfortunate though that it.

<font color=B30000>Mura: What about it?

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Well, considering these facts, it would not be wise to go around them in... Such an attire...

Midas looked at the apron that Mura was still wearing.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Wh... What's wrong with it?

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Do tell me, and do not be modest about this, but are you being bullied into donning such an outfit?

<font color=B30000>Mura: Am I what??

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

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: In regards to your recent actions, you've completely changed your wardrobe. Your shoulders now are exposed, your darker jeans have been replaced with lighter shorts, and you've now taken to wearing an apron. Mura, surely you realize this is the attire that, done by those undeserving of any gentlemanly title, been likened to the role of a mother and housewife? Of course you do, this is the point of it. Whatever pet residing in this house has found your caring for the masses of us akin to motherly behavior, and has insulted you in the demands of the undertaking of a fashion choice such as this.

<font color=B30000>Mura: ... I...

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: I've hit the nail on the head, haven't I?

Mura slumped where he stood.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Okay, okay, this was just my choice, no one is bullying me to dress like this. It's just a cute little outfit, nothing connected to any type of person. You're being all weird about it, too...

Midas gave him a befuddled stare.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Oh... My bad, Mura.

<font color=B30000>Mura: And... Am I really seen as a 'housewife' or 'mother' to the other pets?

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: In a way, yes... Your caring and respective role in relation to Revelian has marked it so.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Wait a minute, hey! Revelian is my brother! And you're calling me his... That's not right!!

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: No, I didn't mean it in that way... Are you sure you're not making such a connection of your own accord?

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Ha! The old man goes beyond an acceptable Freudian slip and then he blames it on you.

<font color=B30000>Mura: That's it, this conversation is over!

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

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Oh, come now, don't be like that. The apron actually looked good on you.

<font color=B30000>Mura: I'm not wearing it anymore. If something like it is going to inspire conversations like this... Yeah, actually, thanks for telling me about it. Now I don't have to have the conversation with anyone else.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Oh, dear... I'm horribly sorry if I insulted you in your fashion choice, or familial role.

<font color=B30000>Mura: No, it...

Mura sighed.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Wasn't my idea, anyway. And I'm pretty sure it didn't do what it was supposed to...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: I'm alright with it. Just, next time, when we're talking about my theoretical person... Well...

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Try not to be such an old man about it.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Cygnus...

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Yes, I shall seek more sensitivity on the side of the younger group. Of course, in my old age, I've lost all understanding of what is in the now, what is the right thing to say, and how to properly address people of the new generation. It's all been lost with age... I will do all that I can to recover it.

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: See, try not to do that.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Well, we have to get going now... Goodbye, Midas.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Ahem... Goodbye for now, Mura.

<font color=B30000>Mura: And that's everyone!

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

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Yes, it is.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Now, for outside the biomes, I'll need you to care for the few pets that are outside of them.

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: You can most certainly entrust me with this task.

Cygnus nodded her head slightly.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Alright! Thank you so much, Cygnus. You really helped me out today.

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Eh, it wasn't too hard.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Now, everything's prepared for tomorrow...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Uh... Cygnus, you can just go off for now. We're done for the day.

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: Okay!

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((Though I haven't really acknowledged it before... He has become very independent... It's evident in his behavior towards me, now, when he acts with maturity and care...))

Mura walked over to a nearby chair and sat down.

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((And, what he wants... He has only specified that he wants me to take tomorrow as a day off, but surely, he can't mean this to be the only day off that he wants me to ever take. How many days will he ask for this? What will it lead to him asking of me in the future?))

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((Why is he messaging me now...?))

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: (Huh?)

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((Oh, right! How could I forget?))

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

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

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Kui? The image and sound is all messed up, I can barely here you.

Kuipter: ... There.

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((How could I possibly see my little brother as frightening, or scary?))

His youngest brother then spoke again.

Kuipter: Are you receiving this transmission clearly enough?

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Yeah, I get you loud and clear, Kui! It's better now.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Aheh... Don't worry about it! I'm not going to hold it against you.

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

Kuipter: Right...

<font color=B30000>Mura: ...

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

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

Mura managed a nod.

<font color=B30000>Mura: A little bit, yeah... Usually it's every other day that I hear from you, but the last two days you were pretty quiet.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: I see... Sure, I think I can help you out again, Kui!

Mura gave a cat's smile.

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((The feeling... It is a lot like when I help Rev... Hehe, maybe Kui could be a bit of a backup for if Rev ever does become independent... Maybe...))

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Mhmm...

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

Kuipter: Good...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: So...

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Er... Join you...? In what?

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

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Yeah, I was... I didn't really want to be out there, even if it was to serve Sauphara... It's not like I would do anything, even...

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

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

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

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

Kuipter: ...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ... What about it, then...?

Kuipter stood and faced him.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: What...?

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

Mura stared at him with a blank expression.

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

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

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

Mura gave him a surprised look.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Wh... C-conquer Ludus? Why would you do that?!

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: That's not what I... Why would you do this at all?

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: But...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: I don't want to conquer this planet, Kuipter! This is my home, where innocent people live... I would be putting them through a lot of pain if I did this.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Kuipter... I don't have any reason to do this.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Why?! What reason do you have for wanting to do this?!

Kuipter: Resources, power, and control.

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: No! Of course not!

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

Kuipter smirked.

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

Mura looked at him sternly, though Kuipter just laughed.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: No! I won't do that, either!

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

Kuipter: Oh?

<font color=B30000>Mura: I... I can't just join you while you do this... This isn't right...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: How can you say this? You wouldn't be able to accept the conquering of your home, so how can you expect me to?!

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

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ... No...!

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

Mura started to speak, but Kuipter interrupted him.

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((He's right... What can I even do to stop him from doing this? He said he won't listen to my words, but... Can I get through to him? Or...))

Kuipter gave a snort to him.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: He wouldn't join you! He's not like that anymore... Besides, he'll have no reason to join you at all!

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: He won't even come to know that you created a scheme like this... I... I'll stop this... For the sake of honour, fight me on conditions of the winner deciding what the other will do!

Kuipter raised an eye at him.

Kuipter: Eh...? I...

<font color=B30000>Mura: I know you want to see my fighting spirit... I'll show it to you! Because I understand why you're doing this... You have a pained heart, Kuipter. And it hurts me to see you in such pain like this... That's why I'll rid the pain from your heart!

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

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

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: I don't think you'll like the "show" that I'm going to put on...

Kuipter laughed.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: I don't want you to be scared of me... I know you're already scared, Kuipter. I'm sure you feel alone and afraid, and... I don't want you to feel like that anymore! Just... Come here... And I can show you...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Hey, Zosh, I need to ask you something.

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

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

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Yeah, what is it?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: I know it's nearly the start of the new year and all, but I need to ask you for a day off tomorrow.

Zachary raised his head slightly.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Why? Are you sick or hurt?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: No, it's just a day off. Like, a personal day.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Aheh... If it's alright for me to ask, why are you taking a personal day this early in the year?

Revelian scratched his head.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: It's Mura. He was so eager not to take a day off, he's making me take the day off with him.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: A bit of a weird agreement you two reached?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Yeah, it is.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Eh, it can be expected out of you two...

Revelian gave him an annoyed look.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: What, is that just some regular thing for the two of us?

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: It kinda can, honestly.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... That's no good.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: What do you mean?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... It's nothing.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: I'll take your word for it.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Anyway, am I good for a personal day tomorrow?

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Sure, family matters fall under reason for personal days. But, of course, we'd be lenient for denying you anything, since you've already been a big help to the place.

Revelian let out a sigh.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Thanks, Zosh.

Revelian stood and turned around.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Anyway, it's already pretty late now, so I'm going to turn in and get home. Is that alright, too?

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Of course it is. And, hey, you really put some good work into the employee evaluations today, man. You're becoming a real model employee for everyone. Keep up the good work!

Revelian offered a shy smile.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Heh, thanks, I guess... Goodbye.

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

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Oop-- sorry about that.

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

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: R-Revvy... You... Outside...

Ludicrine almost wheezed.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: What are you on about?

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: You need to get outside, as quickly as your legs can get you there!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... What? Why??

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: There's this big... Thing... Up in the sky! You need to see it!

Revelian gave him a stern look.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Damnit, Lud, you had me worried there for a second. I keep telling you, those things are just regular birds!

Ludicrine waved his arms in a frantic display.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: No, it's not that! It's definitely not a bird...! I'm almost positive it's not!

Revelian lifted his head.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... Are you sure about that?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Unless something that looks like a black, second moon is an avian species...

Revelian's eye enlarged, showing his surprise.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Are you saying that's what you want me to see?!

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Yup!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: But the only thing that... No way!

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: What the fuck is the Dark Star doing here?!

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((How could I forget my old home, the Dark Star...? It has been so long, though... And now... Lord Zeronius no longer is in control of it, apparently Kuipter bested her...))

Mura swallowed, with feelings of anxiousness.

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((He must have been pretty powerful to defeat Lord Zeronius... And me, I'm just... Can I really...?))

Mura shook his head at his own notions.

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((No, I can't be thinking like this! I need to believe in myself, that I can defeat Kuipter's pained heart... If I don't, then I'll lose... And I can't lose, not at the cost it will be!))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: I'll never join you! I would die of grief if I allowed this planet's doom to be on my conscience! And I would be breaking my promise to you... That I would rid you of your pained heart, don't you remember?

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Never!!

Mura then ran forward to Kuipter.

<font color=B30000>Mura: I don't wanna be your soldier, or your ally, or anything! I just want to live my life on this world!

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: In this world, without the pains of the waking people!

Kuipter began charging up energy into his left arm.

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

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

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

He then released the orb of energy towards Mura.

<font color=B30000>Mura: I won't let that happen!

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

Kuipter: We'll just see about that.

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

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

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Gah...!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Okay, then...!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Kuipter...

He then spoke suddenly, interrupting Kuipter's thoughts.

<font color=B30000>Mura: The reason I was able to do this is because, fighting isn't all about power. You do have a lot of power. But fighting requires discipline and understanding, too... It's a skill, not just a chaotic event.

Kuipter growled at him.

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

Mura seemed to ignore this remark.

<font color=B30000>Mura: And, the reason I haven't done anything is because you may very well be fatally wounded if I was to continue.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Kuipter... You don't get it... We both share the same pain. I have no reason to kill you.

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: I know you do...! But that doesn't change anything. I won't do it... I couldn't kill my brother!

Kuipter: You fool...

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: I will never kill you, I couldn't bear to do it, but I can stop you... I've proven that here and now. A-and I'll do it! Time and time again, until... we can finally understand each other... Okay...?

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

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

Kuipter then gasped, and collapsed.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Kuipter! Are... Are you alright??

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ... Now...

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

<font color=DB0000>Revelian: Mura!

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Bro!

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

<font color=DB0000>Revelian: What happened here?!

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: It... It's a long story, but... Uh, don't get mad at him for doing this, but Kuipter, he...

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

<font color=DB0000>Revelian: Kuipter... You said?

<font color=B30000>Mura: Y-yeah... Our younger brother... He came here, and...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Ah! Kuipter, I told you...

Mura looked back to Revelian.

<font color=B30000>Mura: Bro, you should get back! Kuipter's power is very dangerous...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: R-Rev... Let me go, Kuipter is...

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

<font color=DB0000>Revelian?: <font color=D09007> HEHEHEHEHEHEHE…

<font color=B30000>Mura: R... Rev...?

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

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: Re... You...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ((Is this his doing...? How does he have this power??))

<font color=D09007>???: HAHAHAHAHAHA…

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

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

<font color=D09007>Shenanigans: AND I KNEW THE SAP WOULD COME RUNNING TO HIS, DEAR, YOUNGER BROTHER...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: I...

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

<font color=B30000>Mura: ...

Kuipter: Hahaha...

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

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

Kuipter dropped him back onto the ground.

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

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

<font color=D09007>Shenanigans: HIS BODY HAS NOW BECOME A CORPSE...

Kuipter: Pick it up and take it with us.

<font color=D09007>Shenanigans: HEHE... GOT IT, BOSS.

Shenanigans lifted up Mura's unmoving body.

Kuipter: Before we leave...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ((Was it... Just a trick?))

Revelian stared back up into the sky.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ((I was only outside to see it for a second, before it went back up into the sky... But why the hell would it be like that?))

Revelian shook his head.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Ugh... ((I really need to talk to Mura... This shit is getting to me in more ways than I'd like it to be.))

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: What the fuck happened here?!

Revelian stomped up to the door.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Damnit, Cygnus, I swear, if you let C-Tree and Leorina out at the same time again, after I told you not to, I'm gonna--

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

<font color=B30000>Hey, bro! Sorry, but I've gone out for a while, and I may not be back soon. If you're wondering about anything that happened, it was probably my fault... Unless I tell you otherwise, later. I did get everything prepared for tomorrow. All the pets are ready. I think it's going to be a great day for the two of us, yeah? (Even though I don't really like the idea of leaving the pets all alone.) But it was my idea, so I'm sticking with it, instead of the alternative. If something comes up, just stay in the house! I'll take care of it. You don't have to worry, I can handle it. I left Cygnus in charge, too. And, also, if you read this letter, it's because I didn't come back yet. (Well, duh.) If I don't come back soon, don't worry too much! And also, be nice to your brothers! I don't just mean me, silly. All of your brothers. Anyone who you consider a brother, friend or family, be nice to them! You probably won't get this now, but just trust me on it. This advice will do you real good. And remember it, this is what I want. ~Mura

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... Huh... ((Wonder where he went off to. Does it have something to do with the Dark Star I saw, or was that really just nothing...? Ah, whatever. I'll find out soon enough.))

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: What the...?

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

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

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

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

Chapter 3: The Dragon's Arts
A meeting had been called. The twenty-fourth floor of the LDZX Corps. HQ building was prime for the occasion. Usually, important meetings of the company were held within the thirteenth-and-a-half floor, but it was found to be far too casual (And with too much of a backstory that no one wanted to have to explain) for the event. The regular floor was prime for the invitation of sitting around and being enjoyed by the company of the regulars of the company, of course, and there was nothing wrong with it. But the occasion was far too formal for the events of the spouts of what was arguably common that went on within there.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: So, you see, we can't really do anything until they get here, because we don't know what they called the meeting for...

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

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Mhmm yeah he said we have to sit here longer.

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

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: And, well, until then, perhaps we could bring up other urgent subjects? I mean, I know Kuipter has started acts of terrorism against Ludus, and there is some ways that we can help...

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

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

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

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

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

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

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Right, uh, our "advanced technology"... I don't really think we have much availability to anything that couldn't just be created here.

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

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: They don't have much non-Gridile technology.

Lazro sighed.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: We're actually a bit behind in some fronts, technologically-speaking.

Alden: ... I see...

Alden gave a look over the room for a moment.

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

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

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Yes, this would be a great help... A good start, at least.

Alden looked over to Delbin.

Delbin: He thanks you.

Alden nodded.

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... When the hell are those two going to decide to show up??

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Be patient, Rev, I'm sure it'll be soon.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: I'm tired of waiting here and doing fucking nothing! That's all we've done since Kuipter dropped down on us in the first place, nothing!

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Well, that's exactly what we're doing here now, trying to do something.

Zachary sighed. Alden looked over to Lazro for this.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Rev, please... I know you're really suffering right now, but you can't let your emotions get the better of you. Right now, we have the chance to get the ball rolling with this...

Revelian huffed at Zach.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Don't patronize me as if you know how I feel. Why don't we just put all our resources into action and blast Kuipter all across the fucking galaxy?!

Lazro quickly repeated this for Alden, who then stood.

Alden: Mister, Revelian Zeronius, was it?

Revelian gave him an annoyed look.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: What?

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... Yeah... It's military strategy in which you cut the supply lines and starve out the enemy.

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

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: What do you mean?

Delbin: Yeah, what do you mean?

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

The room was silent for a moment.

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

Zachary stood up.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: I think that doing this is our best option... I hope I can speak for everyone when I say that we're on board for it.

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

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: ... Right, then. So, as for our course of action...

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

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Mister Isles...

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

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: They're here now. We can begin.

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

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: G'Mornin', everyone.

Revelian sat up, his annoyance evident.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Morning? It's noon, you moron.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Oh, hush, you.

Revelian gritted his teeth.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: It would have still been "morning" if you'd bothered to show up when you had the meeting scheduled. But instead, it's now the afternoon. And we've been sitting in this damn room the whole time waiting for you two to get here.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Yeah, yeah, I get it.

Ludicrine looked over to Mori while he began setting up the laptop and the projector.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Well??

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Well what?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: What's your terrific reason for being so late to this, then?

Ludicrine sighed.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: You know that little guy of mine, Bruidic? The little troublemaker. He needed me to help him out. In love with a crazy girl and all, needed some advice.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: How the fuck is that more deserving of your time than this is?!

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Oh, come on, could you look the other way if he came to you asking that?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Yes, I could, because Bruidic is a delinquent little shit.

Zachary stood up.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Alright, both of you, that's enough! This is a professional meeting, not a debate club.

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

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

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Got it.

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Hello, everybody. I'm pretty sure that everybody here is concerned about that Kuipter guy who's been going around and blowing stuff up, right?

He was met with a single cough, and silence.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Mhmm I know. So, we need a way to stop that jerk.

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Righty-o. There's no doubt in my mind that this is what we need to do. It's like something just came up, saw us really confused, and shoved a huge sign in our face to get us going. We got it from a prophecy...

Ludicrine activated a slide on the projector.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: This one, we got from the Wonder Jungle just yesterday... Which is why we called the meeting today, because we wanted to analyze it for a while.

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

Mori adjusted her glasses.

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Plus, he's a dark matter and all, so darkness makes sense for him.

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

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Wait a minute...

Zachary stood up.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: The prophecy refers to a dragon saving people... Is it possible that that part of the prophecy refers to me? Dragon, dragonkin, you know?

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: (A bit silly, though...)

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: This, right here, is something that we've been studying for a long time. It's called a Mindstone Fragment.

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Wait, what the hell is all this stuff about "Fragments"??

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: That's kinda a long story, but I guess it's on topic, so yeah, let's talk about that.

Ludicrine cleared his throat.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Some time after Mori joined the business world, we came across the parts of a single Fragment of a little something called the Mindstone. Putting it simply, the Mindstone is a living "stone" of sorts that holds great power, even in its' currently fragmented state.

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: It's very clear to us that the prophecy is giving us specific instructions. "Fragment of Will, from Mindstone's power, return in Ludus' darkest hour"? There isn't a doubt in our minds that this is saying we need a Mindstone Fragment known as the Fragment of Will to resurface. And, since we're not one to believe in coincidences, we're pretty sure we need to use the power of it to defeat Kuipter and save the planet, like the prophecy hints at.

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

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: And, what about the other parts of the prophecy? The seven it speaks of?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: It's all a part of the Mindstone Fragment. In our research, we also found out something pretty important... Even though the true power of the Mindstone is only fragmented into smaller pieces, it still has limitations to how the power manifests itself. It is not at its full potential unless a being opens their mind and achieves intense enlightenment. The Mindstone Fragment requires multiple vessels to manifest into to unlock its full power.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: So, what, we're supposed to shove parts of this Will Fragment into seven people and it will blast Kuipter to hell?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: It's not really that simple... A Mindstone Fragment itself can only take residence in a singular being at a time, but it still requires multiple outer vessels to manifest with their own power and abilities to truly be unlocked. It needs hearts and souls to manifest, not just a single powerful being, or else it will truly be a nonexistent power, without flesh or essence.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Interesting...

Zachary stood up.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: I don't really get all of it, because it's all really complicated, but I understand the gist of it... So, how exactly will the power undergo manifestation? I assume that the prophecy refers to a specific set of seven, so how exactly will we know who those seven are?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: That's actually a bit of a complicated spot... We know how to find out who these guys are, but we don't know exactly who they are.

Ludicrine rubbed the back of his head.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: I think that Dr. Wasp puts it best, so I'll give it to him.

Ludicrine turned to Dr. Wasp.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Right... We are looking for specific pets who have the qualities of an adequate vessel for the Will Fragment's power. Now, this isn't something that can just be accomplished by a pet who has what the Mindstone Fragment needs- a willing heart, and an available soul. They require forms of mind-honing abilities that are needed for it. These qualities make them entirely fit for being harnessed as vessels for such a power. It is not just any skill, it is a specific set of traits... I believe I know exactly how to identify it, when it is presented to me, but I do not know the exact details of what each specific trait is or how exactly it is used. Of course, if I did, I could simply point out and say "there, it's this one!" or just teach it to people myself. But it is unique, to those who are vessels of the power of a Mindstone Fragment. And we know exactly how to find these traits...

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: We just need to use the Pillory.

The room gave him confused looks.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: What the fuck is the Pillory?

Ludicrine rubbed the back of his head again.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: It scans pets for something, but I'unno what it does other than that. Hehe, it was a weird night...

He smiled, looking upward in reminiscence. Revelian scoffed.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: And by using the Pillory, we can identify these specific traits in pets that will become vessels for the Mindstone's power. It's a type of form-changing art that they will know once scanned... Though I know very little about it, I know that they are called the Ryu arts.

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

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: But, wait... Where exactly is the Will Fragment, then, if these vessels don't have it with them, like you said?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: We don't really know about that. But it is stated that it's going to save us right when we need it, in the prophecy, so we do know that we're going to get it.

Revelian scoffed again.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Why the hell do you have so much faith in this prophecy? What if it's all a bunch of bullshit, and we turn out to have wasted our time pointlessly unlocking these Ryu arts?

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

Mori adjusted her glasses.

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

Mori gave a smile.

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

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

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Yeah, it's everything. We're starting the project to scan all the pets we can with the Pillory and see if they have what we need, and we wanted to announce it for if anyone had any questions about what we were doing, or if they had any candidates for it.

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: So, I think that this meeting has gone well enough. Let's call it here, everybody.

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

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Hey, Rev, hold up!

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: What is it?

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: I just wanted to talk to you... About... Uh--

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Well, spit it out. I don't have all day.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: It's just... You know, you're not really required to go to these meetings. If you want to stay home, it's alright.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Yeah, I get it. If I didn't want to show up, then I wouldn't.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: But, it's just... If you want to take a day off or two... You have been coming to work all the time since, you know, Mura... Ugh, I hope I'm not sounding like an idiot in this. But, well, you don't have to go into situations where you think you'd get into a confrontation, or something like that.

Revelian sighed.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Look, Zosh, I know you mean well and all, but I'm alright. I want to actively be a part of stopping Kuipter, for what he did. So I'm not going to sit at hope moping around while you guys end up messing things up in my absence.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: But, Rev...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: This is my choice, Zach. Stop worrying and just let me do this.

Zachary was silent for a moment.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... Whatever.

Revelian began to walk away, but he was then interrupted by a pet trying to get his attention.

Chilled, the little girl monster with a blue outfit and light blue hair, approached him, and tugged on his jacket. She looked up at him with an anxious, yet hopeful, expression. Revelian seemed a bit upset at first, but after looking at her, his expression became normal.

<font color=9A9CFF>Chilled: Hey, hey, mister Rev!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Hi, Chilled.

<font color=9A9CFF>Chilled: Hi!

Chilled gave a big smile to him.

<font color=9A9CFF>Chilled: Do you have it now?

Revelian sighed.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: You need to stop pestering me about this all the time.

<font color=9A9CFF>Chilled: But do you have it??

Chilled started shaking around in her anticipation.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Yeah, I just got the rope and the bottle. But it's in my office, so we'll have to go there first.

<font color=9A9CFF>Chilled: Yay! Thanks a bunch!

Zachary looked on with confusion.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: ... What's this all about?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Don't worry about it.

The two then walked off.

Chapter 4: Veyron's Family
<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Cygnus, someone's at the door!

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

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: I'm on it!

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: (Ugh, just let yourself in, you know me!)

The doorbell kept ringing.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... Cygnus! Hurry the fuck up!

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: I am!

The doorbell was still chiming.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Cygnus!!

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: What?!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Did you answer the door yet?!

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: I'm getting there!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Damnit, just yell to Lud and Zosh to let themselves in already!

<font color=6855D2>Cygnus: I think they can here you from over there, actually.

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Nevermind, Cygnus!

Revelian warped at full speed towards the door.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: I'll get it myself.

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: You done messing with the doorbell?!

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

<font color=FF0000>Reveilan: ... What...?

His eye narrowed.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ((Strangers or not...))

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

<font color=EB151C>???: Excuse me, sir...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Who are you?

<font color=EB151C>???: Oh, well...

She cleared her throat, and held up a hand.

<font color=EB151C>???: My name is Veyron. These people...

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

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: Are my family...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: O... Okay??

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

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: Oh, um, where are my manners? Let me introduce you...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ((To all of them?)) Uh, are you sure you need to?

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

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: This is my husband, his name is Deception <font color=EB151C>...

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

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: This is my sister, <font color=D01017>Omega <font color=EB151C>...

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

<font color=D01017>Omega: Hello, sir.

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: And these are my children... <font color=4A0000>Lust, <font color=00E000>Greed, Grief, <font color=FFFF57>Wrath, <font color=E6FFFF>Loneliness, <font color=B001C9>Envy,  Pride, <font color=BFA6A6>Gluttony, <font color=EB151C>and <font color=151E14>Sloth.

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ((The names of her children...)) Well... Hello, I'm Revelian. I... I don't know what exactly you're here for, but I'm expecting company soon, so... uh, make it quick.

Veyron turned back to him, with a hopeful expression.

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: Yes... I need you to protect my family, from Kuipter.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: From... Kuipter?

Revelian looked at her.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ((What, is she that paranoid she thinks Kuipter will go out of his way to target her?)) I'm sure you'll be safe if you all stay with the person who adopted you all.

Revelian started to close the door.

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: Wait! None of us were ever adopted.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Then... Just go back to the adoption center. You'll probably be safer there than here.

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: What adoption center?

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ((Is she playing some sort of game? How would a pet capable of this kind of communication not know about the adoption center?))

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: ...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... Look, you're just being paranoid. Kuipter doesn't know you at all, so why would he go after you?

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: But he does know us!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ...

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: Your home is the only place I've seen him go to on the planet, and I know that you and he are enemies, so you must have the compassion to shelter my family!

Revelian stared at her with a puzzled expression.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: How the hell...? How do you know he was here?!

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: He told us it was where he'd gone.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: You... You've personally met him??

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: Yes! My family and I were born in his lab, just like his other creations.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: His... Other...?

Revelian looked over her family. His eye then narrowed.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: You're... His...

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Gee, it sure is nice out today, Lud.

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

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: ... Huh, yeah, it is. Didn't notice before. Thanks for pointing that out.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Uh, you're welcome...

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Oh, and sorry for me being in zombiecrine-mode. I got practically no sleep last night.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Scanning pets in the Pillory?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Of course. Nothing much else to do but that. You know, we really should find a way for that thing to have a shorter recharge time.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: It would make things go a lot faster.

Ludicrine sighed.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: If only I knew how the helc it worked... Then I could do something about it.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: ... Hey, do you wonder why Rev wants us to come over to his house today?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: I'm pretty sure it's because we're making him take a day off. And he really wants to get involved with the Kuipter stuff.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Heh, I've noticed.

Zachary looked upward.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: It's the whole reason we're making him take the day off is because of it. I mean, it's really worrying, you know?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Mhm. Just seeing him when he gets all angry like this...

Ludicrine shivered.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: I guess we can't blame him, though... Kuipter killed Mura, the person who was closer to him than anyone... I can't say I'd fare much better in his shoes.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Well, I get that, but-

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Lud, would you?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Would I what?

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Would you deal with that kind of loss better than him? Before you go on with that "but" thing.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Depends on how you think a better reaction is. I'd deal with it differently, but maybe not "better."

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: How's that?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: I'm sure no one wants to hear a man crying and moping in his office for weeks on end.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Huh, I can't really picture you being like that.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: And hopefully you'll never. But, anyway...

Ludicrine tucked his notepad into the pocket of his jacket.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: I do sympathize with him all the way, and I've seen people like this before... I'm just always scared of it. I don't want to touch an angry mourning person with a twelve-foot anchor. Not that I ever tried to touch an angry mourning person with an anchor. Or with anything else, for that matter. Or really anyone with an anchor of that size.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: I guess you have a point there. Even so... It was Mura who was lost... I mean, we all knew him, and he was a good friend to all of us, and a good guy overall. I can't say that I'm taking it nearly as bad as Revelian...

Zachary sighed.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: But just for that, I would like to give that jackass Kuipter a piece of my mind.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: We all do. You know, he's just one of those total dibs that make it impossible not to hate him. I mean, not just for attacking government bases and being a terrorist, him killing Mura was the worst of it. I mean, it's Mura! The nicest guy. At least that you could meet. And Kuipter offed him! His own brother, even.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Yeah, so we can only imagine how Revelian feels about it.

Ludicrine suddenly stopped. Zachary did the same.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: I don't think we have to imagine it.

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

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

Kuipter: Well?

Liruac examined the body that Kuipter had brought.

<font color=5C6532>Liruac: Er, um... You did take quite a while bringing it back here.

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

<font color=5C6532>Liruac: Unfortunately, this may alter the state in which he can be brought back... And there is a lot of compression inside of him. It's dangerous for someone to just go cutting around like this.

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

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

<font color=5C6532>Liruac: You are very talented yourself, you know.

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

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

<font color=5C6532>Liruac: No, but... We both know that a procedure like this is nothing beyond your abilities.

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

<font color=5C6532>Liruac: I'm... Not used to operation in this sort of condition.

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

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

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

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

<font color=5C6532>Liruac: ...

Kuipter: Well, then? What is it?

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

<font color=5C6532>Liruac: Alright, sir, I will do it.

Kuipter: Very good.

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

<font color=5C6532>Liruac: With the plans you have, I estimate the procedure will take... Up to three weeks.

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

Liruac attempted an apologetic look.

<font color=5C6532>Liruac: Hey, it's the best I can do. Just be patient.

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

<font color=5C6532>Liruac: That's unfortunate. You'll just have to find some other way to entertain yourself, then, or just get more creations.

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

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Forget it!! I'm not letting you in my house!!

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: W-why?! My family--

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Don't think I'm just going to fall for the sympathy card! You just admitted to being a part of Kuipter's whole scheme!

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: No, we're trying to get away from him!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Bullshit! This is the most horribly disguised plan to get close to me and finish the job for Kuipter!

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: Please, we need your help! My family is not safe with Kuipter around!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Stop trying to play the sympathy card with me! You're all his creations, right? Then, just like all of his creations, you serve him alone!

<font color=D01017>Omega: You have to understand that we don't side with him, at all! He's a horrible man!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Well, if that is true, then you can just hide out in the Adoption Center instead of here! You know, a place where you all can't take just a minute to go and bludgeon me in my sleep!

<font color=B001C9>Envy: (Damn... His place is pretty nice...)

<font color=00E000>Greed: (I want a castle like this...)

<font color=B001C9>Envy: (Psst, hey, I call dibs on the bigger room.)

<font color=E6FFFF>Loneliness: Like he's going to let us stay here at all...

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Hey, Revelian!

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

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: What's going on here?

Revelian gave a scowl. Veyron turned to them.

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: E-excuse me, but we--

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Well, thanks for finally deciding to arrive! Right here we have the most shittily disguised assassination attempt since dropping a fleet of fucking bombs on a government building, done by our very own rainbow eel family!

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Oh, good grief...

Grief: W-what is it?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: ...?

Grief: ...

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Anyway, what the actual helc is going on here?

Veyron stepped forward.

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: My family and I need protection from Kuipter. I fear for their lives, if we cannot find a safe place to stay!

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Why would Kuipter go out of his way to target you all?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: They're his creations.

Revelian folded his arms.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: And because they're so keen about staying with me, of course I'm going to not trust them.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: What? Are you sure that all of these guys were made by Kuipter?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Yes, I'm pretty sure.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Eh... I've seen some of Kuipter's creations before, and they sure didn't look anything like this...

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: I assure you, we all came from his labs...

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Hm... Maybe so, but you sure don't look like anything else he's made. I mean, unless the "big shrieky three-headed dragon monster thing" was phase for him.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: I--Wait, what do you mean "big three-headed whatever"?

Ludicrine scratched his head.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Didn't you get the news? Zach and I even saw the monster thing trying to attack the town a night ago. Didn't leave any casualties, but he did leave a pretty big mess of a building of two.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: And it was Kuipter's creation? How do you know??

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Well, the thing looked like a dark version of your old C-Tree...

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: And if what happened over the last month is anything of importance, which it is, then Mura could've accidentally gave Kuipter Cerby's DNA unknowingly for it.

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: So what if it looked like Cerberus Tree? Hell, what if it's--or, he, is just her monster brother or dad or something?

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: The thing is, we know it has the DNA of a Dark Matter in it. The aura it was giving off made a whole bunch of stuff go all crazy, just like the stuff that happened with you and Mura that one time you didn't hold back your powers, remember?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: So... You think that it's...

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Yeah, we're pretty positive that it's some sort of experiment by Kuipter combining his and Cerberus Tree's DNA.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Unless, you know, it was some freaky bunk with you and C-Tree doing the zippity-doo-da.

Revelian glared at him again.

<font color=4A0000>Lust: Doing the what?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Nothing.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: If you honestly need to ask, no, I've never done anything like that with Cerberus Tree.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Yeah, I didn't think so.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Then why the hell did you bring it up in the first place??

Ludicrine shifted his glance to the side.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: I wasn't being serious about it...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Well, whatever this thing is, it doesn't matter right now. We can talk about it later. There's still the matter of... Veyron and her family.

Revelian turned back to Veyron.

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: Yes?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: You can't live here.

Veyron looked up at him in desperation.

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: We know of nowhere else to go...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: That's exactly why I think you're lying to me! You're all monsters smart enough for speaking like any other sentient being, but you're choosing to deny the existence, even the recognition, of the adoption center and the system of which you could stay with various other people! You're trying to stay here, not stay somewhere safe!

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: We honestly know nothing about this!

Revelian gave an annoyed sigh.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Rev, they probably don't actually know anything about this planet. Just think, they're Kuipter's creations, so they wouldn't know much about Ludusian culture or anything like the normal AC pet does.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Hm. A likely story.

Revelian turned back to Veyron.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: But, hey, if it is true, then you know about it now. SO, GO THERE INSTEAD.

Veyron flinched upon his yelling.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Woah, Revelian, hey! You don't need to yell at her like that!

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

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: You don't need to yell at her like that. She just didn't know about this stuff, she's probably not going to try anything, anyway...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: I don't care, I don't want her or her family to be anywhere near me.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: I think you're just being paranoid. I mean, look at these guys.

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

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Look at these two! Innocent, adorable kidren. And you think they're trying to kill you?

<font color=EB151C>Veyon: Oh, be careful about Gluttony! He still bites, sometimes.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Oh, no worries, I'm good with kids!

<font color=FFFF57>Wrath: (Hey, Gluttony. Are you listening to me?)

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

<font color=FFFF57>Wrath: (Hey! Over here, fatty!)

Gluttony immediately looked over to him.

<font color=BFA6A6>Gluttony: (What did you just call me??)

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Look at these two, adorable brothers! Comparable to the likes of you and your brother, in fact!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... Fucking seriously? You're going to try and play to my emotions about Mura?

<font color=FFFF57>Wrath: (I didn't call you anything. But, hey, get this man to let go of me!)

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: No! That's not what I'm trying to say!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Then could you do me a favor and stop bringing him up in front of me every five fucking minutes?!

<font color=BFA6A6>Gluttony: (Eh... Fine.)

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Oh, I'm sorry about--

Gluttony then bit onto Ludicrine's hand.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Ow!!

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

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Whoa! Lud, are you alright?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: I think so...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: And you want me to let these kids into my house.

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: Well... If you don't want us in your home, then I guess we have no other option than to try the... Adoption Center that you speak of...

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Mister Revelian!

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

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Just what, may I ask, is the meaning of all this noise?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Midas, now's not really a good time.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Revelian, I speak at the behest of every other pet residing within these walls when I ask for an explanation. The exclamations released by you and your current company can be heard, albeit somewhat incoherently, by every other resident of our home. I do not expect to return to them without, in the least, a reason for these events.

Revelian gave him an annoyed expression.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Why, I'll thank you not to give me such a look, sir. I bring about my intentions in the light of only the most respectfulness that I can grant.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Ugh. Well, if you insist... This is Veyron, her husband, her sister, and her children.

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

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Hm...

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

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: I... Er, wait, what was the cause of the commotion, then?

Midas coughed to himself a bit.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: It's... Wait, are you alright? You sound sick... ((He's a looking a little red, too...))

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: I'm fine, I assure you! Now, to the point, please!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: They want to live here, like any other of my adopted pets, but I don't trust them, so they're not going to.

Midas turned around, giving Revelian a stern look.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Mister Revelian! How is it within you to act in such a way, in these desperate times?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: What the hell are you on about?

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Why, denying a lady and her family shelter in their time of need? This is most ungentlemanly, I say to you! Knowing full well of the dangers this planet alone has to offer, piled onto what your villainous brother also brings to it!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Midas, these eels are also his creations. Kuipter made all of them.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Revelian, this is even worse! You come to judge beings by their origin, instead of giving their current lives regard? Why, this, by any denomination of honor... It's beyond what is acceptable!

Midas turned back to the family.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Why, it is within my title of a gentleman to act of my own volition in this matter. I offer that which I call my home to you, Veyron, Omega, and family!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Midas, what the hell is wrong with you?!

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Mister Revelian, the question of greater importance is what is the matter with you, sir? You have never acted in such a way before! Your distraught is no excuse for it, nonetheless!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: I'm not having them in my home. And it's my decision to make.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Your notion means nothing to me! I act within that which is of the greatest cause! It was the dying wishes of your brother, that he were to know your home blessed with more eels! And, unless I am wrong, I am wise enough to recognize this as just such a blessing!

Revelian gave Midas a scowl.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: You talk about me being so low in this, yet you're going to go and play some "dying wishes" crap just to get what you want? Why the hell are you so adamant about having them stay here, anyway?!

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Why, Revelian! I am insulted by this! Some of the last words he spoke to me were agreement to the idea of your adopting of more pets, and not only does he have his wishes insulted by your paranoia, but I am accused of lying in my word during so? Revelian, I must suggest, do pay attention to your actions! They are far more offensive than you may believe!

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: Um...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: They were just about to go off to the adoption center before you came out here, anyway!

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: The adoption center is nowhere near as hospitable place for such company. If we are to care for them, they must be given the best, and only that.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Well, I don't fucking trust them. They're creations of Kuipter, for fuck's sake. Does it occur to no one that they'd try to kill me, or something?

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Revelian, you needn't fear for your life.

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

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: If wicked intent, have they, the first place they will find themselves within upon the engagement of such will by in my domain. And none shall wreak havoc under the watch of an intent gentleman, who strikes fear into the hearts of the wicked!

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

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

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Exactly my point! If this one were wicked, he would be trembling where he stood.

Pride rolled his eyes.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Fucking hell, are you just going to keep arguing with me until I let them in??

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Why, I shall fight until fallen!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Oh, stop acting so damn valiant about it, you're not in a war.

Revelian sighed.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: You know what? Fucking fine! If everyone is just so keen on having Veyron and her family stay here instead of anywhere fucking else, for whatever reason, then fine. They can stay.

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: But if I even get evidence of something going on, I'm going to get Cerberus Tree on all of you. Got it??

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: Yes...! I promise, my family and I will cause you no trouble...!

Grief: Yeah, right.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Ah, yes! You heard the man, welcome to our home! As the gentleman of the house, I feel it at my liberty to direct all unescorted members to their separate rooms.

Midas walked over to Veyron and Deception.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: The mother and father, of course, getting their own room together, as one would see quite fitting.

Midas then walked over to Omega.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: And, if I may ask, do you currently have any partner, here or otherwise, who I would have to make rooming preparations for in the case of his or her arrival?

<font color=D01017>Omega: No, I'm not seeing anyone...

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Splendi--Er, yes, then, your solitary room it is!

Midas looked over her children.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: And this such bunch of youngsters, may I presume, is likely to have no such accompaniment?

<font color=FFFF57>Wrath: I don't know, I think Lust has a few guys who she might want over.

<font color=B001C9>Envy: A few dozen, more like it.

Some of the others laughed.

<font color=4A0000>Lust: Oh, bite me. Not you, Gluttony!

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: I am to presume no horseplay on the part of the youngsters.

Midas opened the door for them.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Welcome to our home, clan of Veyron! I do hope you enjoy your stay.

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

<font color=EB151C>Veyron: Thank you for this... Revelian...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Oh, believe me, it's my pleasure.

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

Midas began to follow suit.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Hey, Midas!

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

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Yes, mister Revelian?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Why the hell are you so passionate about them being here, seriously?

Midas tugged at his undefined collar.

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: A sort of, gentleman's code, shall we call it.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: What does that even mean??

<font color=FEFD00>Midas: Aheh, nothing to concern yourself with.

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

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

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Oh, you two are still here?

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Yeah, we never really got to talk about much, so...

Revelian sighed.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: No, just forget it. You guys can just go home.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Eh? Are you sure you just want us to go?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Yeah... After that whole scene, I'm not really in the mood for talking. And, hell, we already shared a bit about that Cerberus Tree copy and Kuipter's eel family creations, and since I'm going to be spending a lot of time with the latter from now on, I think I've got just about enough of it for one day.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Well, alright.

Revelian stepped inside his home, holding the door.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Goodbye, guys.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: See ya'.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Bye, Rev.

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

Ludicrine let out a sigh.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Well, back to work with the Pillory it is, then.

Chapter 5: The Will to Fight Forever
<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Alright, let's see...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Rider, your special ability is... Potazio... The power to explode anything that contains potatoes.

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

Dr. Wasp sighed.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Potazio. Potazio. Ha!

Dr. Wasp stood up.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Great. No, really, that was wonderful. This cruel joke the universe is playing on me, or us, probably payback for whatever uncountable amount of, I guess, unspeakable acts that we must've committed in past lives. Yeah, no. That's great.

Dr. Wasp slumped back down in his chair.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Potazio. Great.

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

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Ugh...

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

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: This is just ridiculous...

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Ah, cheer up, Wasp. We'll get there, sometime.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: We haven't even got one pet with the results of a Ryu art yet. And we're supposed to find seven of them. If this trend keeps up, I'll go insane before we get done.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Whatever you say...

Ludicrine's eye widened. He sat up suddenly.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Wait, we did get you to sign those papers when you started working here, right?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: No. You don't do that for pets, remember? I'm pretty sure you only do that for Gridmasks.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: ((Oh, shoot!)) Uh, hey, do you have any living relatives? Or significant others? Or good friends? Or nosy people who'd go around asking questions if something happened to you?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Just you guys, really...

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: ((Whew...)) Alright, never mind.

Dr. Wasp gave him a confused look.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: ... What?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: ... Nothing.

Dr. Wasp looked over the piece of paper again.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Good grief... I honestly feel sorry for most of the people who come in here and get stuff like this. Potazio. They go off and hope they'll have some special ability that's really helpful or great, but then it turns out that they're great ability is to slightly alter the weather only to give them a minor advantage, or to be able to walk slightly faster than normal! I'm glad my test results for this things were lost before anyone found out about them.

Mori: Really? Wouldn't you want to know if you had any special power or ability? Even if it's something only minor.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: I especially don't want to know about it, if it's some stupid power. Then it'll be all I can think about! I'm better off thinking I have some remotely useful power and not knowing how to use it or what it is.

Mori: If you say so.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: I just... Really want to get this over with already.

Ludicrine slowly stood up.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Alright, I think we've spent enough time sitting around. Let's go take in the next pet.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: And here we go again...

Dr. Wasp stood up and walked over to the door of the room. He could see, through a small window on the door, the line of pets that was crowding the hall, and it was impossible to see the end of the line.

Wasp let out a soft sigh, and pushed open the door. The rambling of the crowd was very audible, but just as much so incoherent in the mass amount of it. Most of them began looking over to him.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Alright, now we'll be taking...

<font color=AB9078>???: GET OUT OF MY WAY!!

He stopped in the middle of his thought, interrupted by a yell which drowned out the voices of everyone else. Even if he'd kept talking, though, no one would have been able to hear him over it.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Oh, what the hell now?

<font color=AB9078>???: OH, YOU WERE HERE FIRST? WELL, EXCUSE ME. I DON'T CARE, I'M GOING FIRST.

Dr. Wasp couldn't see where all the noise was coming from, so he wasn't able to tell exactly who the pet was causing the commotion, but he could hear him as if the pet were right in front of him.

<font color=AB9078>???: THAT'S RIGHT, JUST SLIDE AGAINST THE WALL. MAKE ROOM, PEOPLE.

Dr. Wasp walked forward a bit, and began calling out to the man.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Hey, excuse me, sir! You're supposed to stay in your own spot in line! Go to the back and stop cutting through everyone!

<font color=AB9078>???: WHO SAID THAT? WAS IT YOU? OR YOU? HOW ABOUT YOU?

There was an audible whimper coming from several members of the crowd. Dr. Wasp furrowed his brow, letting out an annoyed sigh.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Oh, are you going to ask every single pet in the line?

<font color=AB9078>???: THAT'S IT, SMARTASS! SHOW YOURSELF ALREADY! FIGHT LIKE A MAN OR KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: I'm at the front of the line, and I work here! I'm telling you the rules, not trying to start a fight!

<font color=AB9078>???: AHA!

Suddenly, the halls were filled with the sound of feet pounding onto the floor, as the man ran rapidly to the front of the line.

<font color=AB9078>???: OUT OF THE WAY, EVERYBODY! COMING THROUGH!

The large crowd of pets hugged the walls as he passed by, and a path forward began to form for him. The man was easily twice Dr. Wasp's size, and, despite clearly being a muscly figure, he was nearly as thin as Wasp. His body structure appeared to be made of several brown, fiber-like structures forming a body-like shape, as much of his skin had ragged lines stretching over it. His large feet appeared to have mushrooms growing on them. On top of it all, in place of a neck and head was a large, mushroom-like cap. Not even eyes or a mouth were visible on his person, but it was clear that he could see and speak just like anyone else. The latter he actually tended to do better than most people, or at least louder.

The figure was unmistakable, of course. Dr. Wasp recognized him as the infamous Ergoth.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: THAT'S IT, I'M ALMOST THERE.

Ergoth skidded to a stop near the front of the line. The other pets stood motionless, as he took a second or two to look around and catch his breath.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: ... Alright, WHO WAS IT?

Ergoth scanned the crowd. Every pet he looked at was silent. He didn't even bother to look at Dr. Wasp, though, despite Wasp being right in front of him.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Ergoth, you're supposed to take your turn.

Ergoth jumped and faced him.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: AHA! So, it was you!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Of course it--Woah!

Ergoth grabbed Wasp by the collar of his shirt and held him just inches below the ceiling.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Do you have a deathwish, punk?! Do you know who I am?!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Do I know who--Ergoth, I've known you for a year now! We were literally neighbors for four months, before you were adopted.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: ... Eh?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Do you honestly not remember me??

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: No.

Wasp looked somewhat hurt.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: I don't care if you were or not, anyway! Hell, since you know me, you should know better than to go around telling me what to do!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Ergoth, there's a lot of other pets who have been waiting in line longer than you here. You have to wait your turn.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Oh. Well, guess what?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: ... What?

Ergoth suddenly released his grip on Wasp's collar, letting him drop halfway from where he was. Then, in a motion almost too quick to see, Ergoth jabbed his free hand forward in a fist, delivering a blow directly to Wasp's torso. Wasp was sent flying through the door and into the room, where he crashed into a nearby machine, and fell to the floor.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: It's my turn, now!

Mori and Ludicrine looked up, and walked over to Dr. Wasp, helping him up. Wasp took a moment to catch his breath, after having the wind knocked out of him from the blow.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Are you alright, man?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: No, but thank you...

Dr. Wasp sighed, and shakily stood up by himself.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Hurry up, let's get this show on the road. Whatever it is.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Wh... Ergoth, do you even know what this is about?

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Uh... Sure... Everybody's in line to use the thing.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: "The thing"?

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Yeah, that techno magic thing, that you stand on and it gives you powers. That thing.

Dr. Wasp facepalmed.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: I don't think that we possibly could have witnessed a less intelligible analysis of the situation unless it was delivered in caveman babbling.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: It... Eh?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: First of all, "the thing" is a highly complex piece of machinery called The Pillory. Second, it's not "magic". Third, it doesn't give anyone any powers, it allows them to realize their powers and potential that are hidden within them.

Dr. Wasp walked over to Ergoth. He gestured for him to come closer, and Ergoth leaned his head in slightly.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: And, fourth-- this part being very important, so pay attention. Are you listening?

Ergoth nodded.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Fourth, we're doing this for a reason, you dolt!

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: FUCK YOU. Why are you doing it?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Ah, so you don't know at all why we're doing this? Huh, how did I know that? It's like I can look into the future.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Oh, you can? Is that your stupid power you got from the pill-ray?? Hey, you can see that I'm going to punch your sarcasm-spewing face???

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Pillory, Ergoth.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Yeah, the who-gives-a-damn. Tell me already!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Well, if you must know... We're scanning for pets who have the trait of a specific sort of mind-honing ability. It's so that they can be the vessel of a power, which requires such pets with traits of honed applicable intelligence to even be unlocked, as well as used. It's a little something called a "Ryu art", that they need to have for it.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Alright, then. Now fire up the Hillary and scan me.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: What? No. Pets are supposed to wait in line to get their turn for it, not just run to the front and hold everyone else up.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: I'm already here, just do it!

Dr. Wasp sighed.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: And, also, I'm almost positive that scanning you would be a complete waste of time for the pursuit of a Ryu art.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: What? Why's that??

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: In case you weren't listening, Ryu arts are only owned by pets with, and let me highlight these terms, intellectually-honed pets, with high mental abilities and skills.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Yeah, so what?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Ugh. I said we're looking for smart pets!

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Ha! Then I'm perfect for it!

Wasp raised an eyebrow at him.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Really? We're looking for intelligent beings, and you not only are able to fit the bill, but you're "perfect for it"?

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Damn right!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: More like "yeah, right."

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Hey! Are you calling me dumb?!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: If you're only now figuring it out, that's just proving my point.

Ergoth grabbed onto the collar of his shirt and picked him up again.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: HEY--

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Ergoth!

Ludicrine and Mori went over to the two of them.

Mori: Alright, that's enough, both of you.

The two tried to separate the pets.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Would you put me down?

Ergoth grunted, and released Dr. Wasp.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Scan me.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Are you honestly so intent on wasting our time with this?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Oh, come on, let's just scan him and get it over with.

Wasp looked over to Ludicrine.

Mori: It's going to be faster if we just do it now, instead of arguing with him until he leaves. In fact, doing the latter may not even be successful.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: That's right! Arguing with me is pointless!

Dr. Wasp looked around at the others, and then sighed.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Well, since they have more say on the issue than I do, I have no choice but to submit.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Haha! Now, lets do this already!

Ergoth jumped around and moved onto the Pillory.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: This is the thing, right?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Yes, it's the Pillory.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Alright! Fire this baby up and stand back! I'm about to be scanned up a storm in here!

Wasp sighed.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: This is ridiculous...

With the assistance of Ludicrine and Mori, Wasp activated the Pillory. Ergoth stood there for a while, growing impatient. The process took them a few minutes.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Alright, now I just have to pull this lever, and the Pillory will scan you and designate any hidden powers you have.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Well, it's about damn time! I almost started growing a fungus in here!

Wasp sighed once again.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: And, here we go...

Dr. Wasp pulled the lever.

<font color=825D78>???: This is very interesting...

The man leaned forward, taking a closer look. He tried holding up parts of the files closer to the light. He then turned to the side for a moment, regarding the company with him.

<font color=825D78>???: Excuse me, I still haven't gotten used to my bad eye.

Kuipter held up a hand.

Kuipter: Oh, Lori, it's alright.

<font color=825D78>Lori: ((Lori...? A nickname, perhaps...?))

Kuipter: Though, I could very easily get you a replacement, if you want it.

Kuipter's guest looked up at him, with a bit of alarm in his expression.

<font color=825D78>Lori: Where would you get another eye?

Kuipter: I'd make a mechanical one for you, I mean. It would work just as good as your old one, if not better.

<font color=825D78>Lori: Maybe... I just don't think I'd ever get used to it. I've had a hard enough time adjusting to having just one eye, even after so long, so you can imagine how I'd struggle with going back to two.

Kuipter chuckled slightly, then stopped himself. His guest gave him a bit of a puzzled expression.

Kuipter: ((Of course, he isn't joking...)) Suit yourself, then.

<font color=825D78>Lori: I shall.

Kuipter sighed.

<font color=825D78>Lori: But, as we were.

Lori set the files back onto the table.

<font color=825D78>Lori: I must say, your simulation this time around has you at a bit of an advantage. I personally would like more of a challenge.

Kuipter shrugged.

Kuipter: Knowing so much and having so much only comes with a lot of effort. The advantage is well deserved.

<font color=825D78>Lori: Just my tastes, not something I want to try to enforce onto others.

Kuipter: Ah, we should hope not.

<font color=825D78>Lori: But, anyway, with the plan you're trying to take up, you may want to reconsider the act of going right in as soon as possible.

His guest gestured to a file next to them.

<font color=825D78>Lori: If the information recorded from the Eos creature's initial attack on the town is right, they have adequate defenses and trained men ready to act in the case that you or your men went anywhere near them. If you do want to go anywhere near the large building, you will want to send something out there first.

His guest paused for a moment, adjusting his hair.

<font color=825D78>Lori: A single powerful unit will cause them to exhaust much of their weaponry resources, if it's powerful enough. The expendability of the unit is in question. However, if any unit is expendable, then it would be easy just to direct them to attack the building itself, knowing they will fail, yet have the intended effect.

Kuipter: Hm...

<font color=825D78>Lori: That's my suggestion, at least. It is your decision, and the point of any game is to have fun playing it, so, please, don't feel any pressure if you're against it.

Kuipter chuckled.

Kuipter: That's not true, Loripathys.

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: What isn't true?

Kuipter: The point of a game isn't to have fun. The point is to win.

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: ...

Kuipter: You hold a competition to see who will win. Not solely for the enjoyment of everyone involved.

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: I don't think that I would always hold such competitions.

Kuipter: I mean, anyone would do such a thing.

Kuipter turned away from Loripathys.

Kuipter: Though, as to what you were saying... It does sound like a good plan. Oh, and I have the most splendid idea of who to send out.

Kuipter laughed to himself.

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: I'm sure you do...

Kuipter: Well, then, I believe this should conclude our meeting.

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: Oh, we're done already?

Loripathys' eye averted Kuipter's gaze for a moment.

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: I still had something else I wanted to say...

Kuipter: What is it?

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: I wanted to make note of another detail I noticed in the information for this simulation of yours...

Kuipter tilted his head slightly, as a curious gleam crossed his eye.

Kuipter: Go into more detail, then.

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: I noticed that this particular simulation includes a mention of, who you said was your brother, I believe? Revelian Zeronius.

Kuipter: Indeed it does. What of it?

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: I just find it interesting... It's something unique to this simulation in particular, yes. Perhaps, is this your way of making the game more evenly matched? I mean, this planet in particular has defenses much lesser than others you've conquered before, so it would seem like an easy task, but with someone as powerful as Revelian Zeronius also being an inhabitant...

Loripathys gave a light smile, and closed his eye.

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: Of course, I don't need to remind you that Revelian is a powerful adversary. My eye is undeniable evidence of the fact. His presence on the planet may very well pose a problem to your attempt at conquering it...

Loripathys then opened his eye again.

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: though, of course, something much more interesting may be in store in the future. He's quite a strange one... He seems to change between black and white moralities at a moment's notice. Both a hero and an anti-hero at different times, perhaps purely circumstantially. It's impossible to know what he will do. Will he serve as a protector for the planet? Will he be passive towards your assault on it? Or will he even come to join you? It's hard to tell.

Kuipter laughed. Loripathys looked confused.

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: What is it, Kuipter?

Kuipter: It's so typical of you. You only see the white and the black. Never the grey...

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: ... What do you mean?

Kuipter: Oh, you wouldn't understand.

<font color=825D78>Loripathys: Huh...

Kuipter: ((Honestly, it may very well be mentally impossible for him to understand that grey exists among black and white...))

Kuipter coughed.

Kuipter: Well, then. Our meeting is adjourned.

The Pillory itself looked like it was exploding.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: AHAHAHAHAHA!!

Red waves pulsated through the Pillory's base, pushing upward from Ergoth's mushroom-covered feet, going upward above his head, and pushing against the ceiling. They seemed to sway off of it, like waves hitting a beach.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: W-What the hell?!

Immediately, Wasp, Ludi, and Mori jumped to attention. They'd been caught completely off guard by this. They stared at Ergoth's form with eyes wide and mouths agape.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: THAT'S IT!! LOOK AT THIS POWER!!

The red energy around Ergoth seemed to become more transparent, and became a lighter cone shape upward and around him. And Ergoth's own form had changed. He looked like he'd doubled in height. He had to bend his knees just to keep his head from grazing the ceiling above him. His body seemed much less ragged than before, the lines of it now taking a more clear, sturdier shape of a muscle-bound creature. And his arms, from elbow to fingertip, had become a pale yellow shape, the skin looking as if it were straining against his inside body. His knuckles looked just like yellow bone, even.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: AHAHAHAHA!!

Ergoth began walking forward slowly, and started punching the air rapidly. His punches were so rapid, it was nearly impossible to see his fists move.

Dr. Wasp looked down for a moment, as the Pillory began to print out a red sheet of paper. In his anticipation, Wasp nearly ripped it in half as he tore it off to read it. His eyes widened as he saw what was on it.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: N... No way!!

Ergoth didn't even have to read what the paper said to know what his results were.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: This is it!! This is the power of a Ryu art!!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Ryu-Chi (竜-氣) ... Ryu art of Stamina!

Dr. Wasp began stuttering, utterly befuddled by the event. Ergoth simply continued laughing.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: HAH!! I FEEL LIKE I COULD FIGHT FOREVER LIKE THIS!!

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: ... Um, excuse me for a second.

Ludicrine started to lie down on the ground, so as to let his jaw drop to the floor.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: B-but... This...

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: Oh yeah, that's right!!

Ergoth inched closer to Dr. Wasp.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: Ha! Bet you feel like an idiot now, don't you! You thought I wasn't even smart enough to be a Ryu! Haha! Who's the smart guy now?!

Dr. Wasp furrowed his brow. He placed the results paper back on the desk.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: What's the square root of two hundred twenty five?

Ergoth paused for a moment.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: That... Uh... Square...

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: What was that, mister Smart Guy Now?

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: ... It...

Ergoth suddenly lunged forward and punched Wasp square in the forehead. He fell straight to the ground from the force of it.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: Fuck you. I'm a Ryu thing.

Dr. Wasp rubbed his forehead, which had developed a noticeable bruise. He did not, however, stand back up.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Not just any Ryu thing, the Ryu-Chi.

Mori walked over and picked up Ergoth's results paper.

Mori: Ryu-Chi, the art of Stamina... Also known as "The Dragon's Energy". It provides a great increase of energy that can be exerted and used...

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: Damn right it does!!

Mori: So, not only are your attacks, your punches, for example, more powerful, you can also keep punching repeatedly for long periods of time. Interesting... Chi is an old term for Energy, isn't it?

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: You hear that! I'm like a tank that never runs out of ammo!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: This means...

Dr. Wasp suddenly stood up.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: We've finally got a confirmed Ryu!! Do you know what this means?!

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Does it mean what it implies?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Yes! Exactly that!

Dr. Wasp laughed.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: This is great! After all this time, we've finally got one!

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: You heard it here. I was first!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Ergoth, don't you see? It doesn't matter who was first, what matters is that we have a Ryu! We've done it!

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: Yeah, it's me. I was first.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: And what this also means is...

Dr. Wasp turned away for a moment, placing his chin in his hand. He seemed to be deep in thought for a while, and was whispering to himself.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: That's it! The rate at which the next Ryu will be found! Considering that Ergoth is the four-hundred and second person to use the Pillory, and there were ten users before this... For every three-hundred and ninety-two pets that we scan, one of them will be a Ryu!

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: Well, duh. I think.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: And, at the rate of six other Ryus that we have to find, that brings us to... two-thousand, three-hunded and fifty-two pets, give or take about three-hundred and twenty-five, that we still have to scan to find them all!

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: Woah...

Ergoth scratched his head.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: That's a whole hell of a lot of pets to scan.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Of course it is! It makes the number of pets we've already scanned seem almost miniscule, and we've already scanned hundreds!

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: Then--Ugh, hold on a minute.

Ergoth held up his hands.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: This damn Ryu whatever is making it hard to stand. Can I just turn it off somehow?

Suddenly, the red aura around Ergoth began to dissipate. He began to shrink down in size steadily, and his body regained its normal color and shape.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: I guess like that.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: You've only had this power realized for a short time and you already have the ability to call it at will?

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Sure, whatever. Anyway, why do you sound so damn happy about having to scan so many pets?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: It's all about the time, Ergoth!

Mori: He's right. At that rate, we'll probably be able to get all of the other Ryus before the month ends.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: And the quicker we do it, the better! Good for us being able to defeat Kuipter as soon as possible.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Oh... Heh, damn right!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: So, now...

Dr. Wasp put a hand up to his head suddenly.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Ah! What are we doing wasting time like this! We should be getting to scanning the next pets right away!

Mori: Right.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Uh, okay, I'll get the door, everyone else, take your positions so we can get this over with quickly!

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: What am I supposed to do?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: You, uh... Just stand around or something! I don't care, really. Just don't get in the way of this. And don't get yourself killed, either! We need you, now!

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: On it!

Ergoth stood straight up, with a vertical posture.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Alright, alright...

Dr. Wasp walked over to the door and opened it.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Eh?

Dr. Wasp jumped, startled by the sudden appearance of someone right in front of the door. Zachary grabbed the door before it could close.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Hey, guys!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Ah, uh, hi.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: You haven't seen Ergoth coming through here, have you? I think he tried running through the line and...

Zach's large eyes didn't need to scan the room too much to see Ergoth standing right in the middle of it.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: There you are!

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Yo!

Zachary entered the room.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Ergoth, what are you doing here?

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: What does it look like? I'm standing around.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: I mean...

Zachary sighed.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Ergoth, you can't just go running around like you own the place. What about all the other pets that wanted to go here?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Er, wait, mister Isles...

Dr. Wasp approached Zach from the side.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Ergoth, you see... He's the Ryu-Chi!

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: That's right!

Zachary gave him a surprised look.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Wait, you mean you found a pet with a Ryu art, and it's Ergoth?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Yeah, Zosh. Also hi.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Hi, Lud... But, didn't you say that the Ryus were supposed to be possessing a high intelligence?

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: Yep.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: And... You're all positive that Ergoth is one of them?

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Hey!!

Ergoth put a foot forward, and raised his fists. Zachary looked at him from across the room.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: What's that supposed to mean?!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Yes, we're positive he's one of them.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Huh...

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Here, I'll prove it to ya'!

Ergoth then struck a pose. A red aura erupted around him, and he once again changed form.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: See this?? I can turn it on and off, any time I want!

Zachary looked onward in awe.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Woah... So this is what a Ryu looks like?

Zach walked over to Ergoth. Zach then gave an amused smile.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Ahaha... Look at how tall you are now!

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: I know! It's amazing I haven't brushed any spores off on the ceiling!

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: And I thought you were big before! Hah, and look at your arms!

Zachary approached Ergoth. Then, Zachary also started to emanate with a red aura, faintly at first, but it grew greater the close he went to Ergoth.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: They look like big yellow bones! And you're glowing red!

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: You're glowing red, too! What's up with that?

Mori: Hm... His aura seems to notably effect others, too...

Ergoth then returned to his normal form.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Ergoth, that's amazing!

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: That's right. I know I am.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Wait, I think we should take this opportunity to perform tests on the Ryu-Chi!

Ergoth looked up.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Eh?

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Yes! It could prove to be very helpful The more data we can collect on Ryus...

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Yeah! I'll get him back to HQ right away. Hank and I could run a few tests...

Ergoth looked somewhat wary.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: What kind of tests??

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: All kinda of tests, of course!

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Alright then, you gotta come with me.

Wasp looked confused.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: M-me??

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: No, one of the other three nerds in the room.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Why do you need me?

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Don't be stupid, stupid! You're supposed to help me cheat on my tests!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Ergoth... That's not...

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: It's not the kind of test that you can do something like that with, Ergoth. Tests like, physical endurance, and energy output...

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Oh...

Ergoth turned back to Wasp.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Nevermind, then. You're off the hook.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: ...

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Well, anyway, we should get going right away. We don't want to waste anymore time... Come on, Ergoth.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: I'm comin'.

Zachary and Ergoth started towards the door. Suddenly, it burst open.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Ow, hey, my arm!

Standing in the doorway was Military Commander Alden, who had Lazro by his wrist. Alden looked somewhat upset.

Alden: Everyone...

Alden's voice boomed throughout the room, making everyone inside become still. Lazro, though, seemed to be struggling a bit, trying to get Alden to loosen his grip. Alden scanned over the room.

Alden: Hello. I need all of you to come with me.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: ... Eh?

Alden: And now. It's not optional.

Alden faced everyone with a dead serious expression.

Alden: Come, now.

Alden gestured with his other hand, and started to walk outside.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Ah! Could you let go of me already?!

Alden: I will not.

Though confused, the room was motivated to follow him.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Uh, excuse me, sir, but what is all this about?

Alden: I'll show you. Stay close.

Alden led them all through the long, long line of pets throughout the halls. They had started hugging the walls to let everyone pass.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: (Zosh, do you think he found out about the-)

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: (Shh! That might not be it this time! Remember from last time, we don't want him knowing more than what he's trying to get us for.)

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: (Oh dang, right. Man, we really need to watch what we hand off to Lazzy next time.)

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: (Hey, hey, we told him that Gammbler was radioactive before he adopted him! That's not on us!)

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: (This is going to be the "burning acid plant" thing all over again, isn't it?)

Alden: Out of the way, everyone! We have a big, big problem to deal with!

Chapter 6: The Red Giant
Earlier...

Kuipter: Ahaha! Now, off you go!

A tan foot, about the size of a large house, crashed into the water. The resulting splash created a light rain in all directions, long enough a distance to reach near Kuipter and the beings with him.

Kuipter: Just keep walking the direction you are, Cassiopeia! Their headquarters are in that exact direction!

Kuipter failed to hold back a laugh. He watched for a while, as the enormous, burgundy-headed walker proceeded to make a slow progression forward, moving her feat steadily as she went forward.

Kuipter: Oh, this is going to be quite the display.

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: Gee, hope she doesn't get too excited. Don't you know how long it takes to clean Griddy-pancakes off the ground?

Kuipter turned around, his expression then changing to one of annoyance and exhaustion. This was usual for him, when engaging with one of the Trollers.

Kuipter: Hm?

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: We're not savages, stupid! We're at least going to clean up the mess.

The stark-white skinned being gave his natural expression, of a wrinkled face with a big grin that stretched to both sides of it. Wearing a golden crown and a red cape, and holding a golden magnet staff, the Lord of the Troller race sat before him in his throne.

Kuipter: What are you even on about?

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: Griddy-pancakes, Kuipter. Oh, ever had one of those?

Kuipter: I don't eat.

Kuipter placed his arms at his sides.

Kuipter: What happened to New?

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: Ohhh, a nickname! You must be pretty fond of Sir Newtroll!

Kuipter: Tell me where he is.

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: What, you can't spend just a while on Trolland without your little trollfriend?

Kuipter: Don't play games with me, Trollus.

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: The-

Kuipter: I don't need you or anything you have to offer.

Trollus froze for a moment.

Kuipter: You may want to watch your tongue, lest I reconsider our agreement. Though, at this point I already am...

Kuipter sighed.

Kuipter: Yes, it is getting quite annoying to entertain you in all of my visits. It would be easier to just take the Trollethia and leave.

Trollus laughed nervously. The ensuing silence ended with a fit of coughs from Trollus.

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: ... D-don't get all butthurt on me now, learn to take a joke!

Kuipter: Backed into a corner, and all you can do is provide this pathetic a defense?

Kuipter sighed.

Kuipter: I may get more trouble with the Gridmasks, but I think it would bring me much less shame to have them watch over the place while I'm gone.

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: You're actually considering those pink-skinned, square-headed, hairy-faced monkeys over us?!

Kuipter: Perhaps...

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: ... Oh... Good one, Kuipter!

Kuipter's expression remained unchanged.

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: You sure do catch on fast. Truly, a troll among men, you are!

Kuipter: ...

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: Wow, first you grace us with your presence, and now you give me the honor of this!

Trollus swayed his head to the side, keeping in tune with his mocking tone.

Kuipter: Think for a moment. You know that flattery will get you nowhere with me, so what will false flattery do for you?

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: Er...

Kuipter: What catches my attention is what matters. Good results. And you can do better for me than any Gridmask could, right?

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: Why, even the notion that I couldn't... You're definitely trolling me now.

Kuipter: I prefer to refrain from calling it that.

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: And I like to call it what it is!

Kuipter: By all means, then.

Lord Trollus' grin seemed to stretch even farther across his face, if such a thing was even possible.

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: Well, results is all you'll see, then! So many, you're one big ol' eye won't be able to see them all! Just leave it to me, the dashing king of trollers.

Lord Trollus proceeded to break into annoying chuckles. Kuipter simply scoffed.

Kuipter: Oh, but what is a king to a god?

Trollus stopped laughing.

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: ... Eh?

Kuipter: This is beside the point, anyway. Newtroll was supposed to be here when I was. Where is he?

<font color=ED3E3E>Trollus: Pfft... I'm pretty sure he's outside teaching someone how to play The Game. That's the kind of kiddy stuff he's into nowadays.

Kuipter: I see.

Kuipter began walking away.

Kuipter: The answer, by the way, was "nothing"...

Alden lead the group of LDZX employees with him, around the building. Needless to say, they were all very nervous about the situation, wondering what Alden knew, and why he was doing this. It could easily be said that the only ones of them who weren't walking in silence and nervousness were Alden himself and Lazro, who was actively struggling in attempts to get Alden to release the tight grip he had on Lazro's wrist.

Alden: There isn't much time, so I will have to conduct this out here.

Alden led them behind a corner of the building, to where it was casting a shadow over the ground. Oddly, Revelian was seen standing near the wall.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Revelian? What are you doing here?

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Huh? Oh, you're here... Alden told me to come over here and wait for him and you all.

Revelian stood forward.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Only, he kinda forgot to explain what the hell this was all about.

Alden: I only wanted for everyone to be here for this.

Alden approached Revelian, with the others following behind him.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Er, excuse me, Military Commander, sir...

Alden turned and looked towards Wasp.

Alden: Yes? And speak up, please.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Is this... Whatever this is, is it because we did something w-wrong, or...?

Alden: Not at all.

A sense of relief washed over most of the group.

Alden: It's... Much more serious a matter than something like that.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Now, will you let go of me already?!

Alden released Lazro's wrist.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Thank you.

Lazro began rubbing his wrist, feigning that it was hurt badly from Alden's grip.

Alden then reached into his pocket, and pulled out a disc-like metal object. It seemed to be a device of some sort

Alden: We've discovered something very unsettling. Another creation of Kuipter, we believe.

Alden placed the device on the ground. A coloured light began to arise from it. A visible form appeared above it, that of a walker with a furrowed brow and a smile.

Alden: Along with it, we have gathered news of a threat, delivered from the land of 'Trolland', an island located to the north of Stekenburg, though far from the main continent...

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: ... Trolland? What?

Alden: Trolland isn't something of common knowledge to most of the population... It's an island that has been inhabited by a non-Gridmask species, which has apparently existed and lived there millennia prior to recorded history. The Trollers, a mischievous species of beings who often seek to invoke angry or upset responses from others with their actions. They did provide us with an unexpected message, right before our satellites first located this creation of Kuipter. The message was "Hope you find Cassiopeia to be a good guest on your continent." The message went on to detail senseless notions of odd laughter and theoretical existences of meaningless concepts, though these things are very normal for messages sent by the Trollers.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: This thing is called Cassiopeia, then?

Zachary looked at the projected image of the walker.

Alden: We can only assume so.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: I don't see why this thing would be a problem to us.

Revelian pointed at the image.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Look at this thing! It's just a puny walker! Unless it has some almighty superpower or something, we shouldn't give this thing the time of day.

Alden: It may look like just a regular walker in this image, but the projection is not nearly to scale of the being's full size.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Well, I guessed that, because walkers aren't usually this small. So, you're saying it's, what, two, three, maybe four times the size of a regular walker? Big fucking deal!

Alden looked somewhat solemn.

Alden: Well, while it does not possess any "superpower" that we know of, its' size is, in fact, a very big deal. Cassiopeia, as we have seen, is roughly four times the size of Revelian's castle.

<font color=00FF00>Ludicrine: WHAT?!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: It's how big?!

Alden: At least larger than three and a half castles the size of yours stacked on top of each other, though the size of Cassiopeia may actually be around four and a half castles of the same size.

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Even at the minimum size, that's ridiculously huge!

Alden: This is exactly why Cassiopeia is such a big problem. And quite literally so.

Mori: Do you have any plans for how to defend against or defeat Cassiopeia?

Alden: Unfortunately, we have little left that we can do. The CS Rifles and Missiles have proven to provide no notable damage to Cassiopeia's skin.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Then... H-how do we expect to challenge this thing? It could crush us underfoot and not even notice!

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: That's easy! Just send me in!

Ergoth stood up to make himself tall, and started flexing.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: I'm the Ryu-Chi! If anyone's capable of putting up a fight with the big red ugly, it's me!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: You? Don't kid yourself. Even as a Ryu, your power doesn't match up with mine.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: What?!

<font color=3505AA>Zachary: Revelian, you haven't even seen Ergoth in his Ryu-Chi form.

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Don't have to. If it was the red-aura power that I was sensing earlier, I know he's not more powerful than me.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: AHAHAHA!

Ergoth jumped up, and raised a hand towards Revelian.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Don't be so sure about that! You may be more powerful than me now, but nothing can match up to the power of a Ryu!

<font color=FF0000>Revelian: Do you even listen to yourself?

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Shut up!! I'm better than all of you, and I'll take on Cass all by myself!

Alden: You'll do nothing of the sort.

Ergoth sputtered for a moment. Alden took the opportunity to pick the device back up, turning off the projection, and put it back in his pocket.

Alden: We need you to stay capable and alive. Close-range combat with a creature of this size is not an option for you.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Who asked you?!

Alden: I don't need to be asked. I'm the one who gives out the orders in battle.

Ergoth scowled at Alden.

Alden: Don't look so upset. You will be aiding in this battle, but not in the sense that you suggested you would.

Ergoth gave him a sideways look.

Alden: You and Revelian are the most powerful of the self-being apparitions. If what I know is true, you two will be able to provide energy and time for us to deploy the main weapon that we will be using against Cassiopeia. We being myself and the young de Gridmasque.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Wha? Why just you and me? And what weapons?

Alden: The Fortress Mech unit. Only you and I have been trained to use the weapon properly. And it does require more than a single pilot. So, as much as I don't want you specifically to be put in danger, I feel that it is our safest option...

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: The--You don't mean... The big robot thing? The red one?

Alden: Yes. Only something of that size and power would prove sufficient in a battle against Cassiopeia.

Alden scratched his chin.

Alden: And, of course, it does have abilities that we ourselves have not yet come to fully comprehend... It's something that we will also have to take into consideration.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: But... Oh, man, this is actually pretty cool! We get to go around in that thing...

Alden: I wish I could be as adamant about it as you, Lazro. But I am far too focused on the bigger picture.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Uh... Right. That.

Alden: And, you all...

Alden turned towards the others.

Alden: In such short notice, it will take us a bit of time to get to Cassiopeia with the Fortress Mech unit. We may need you to provide some sort of stalling or distraction to Cassiopeia, in the event that she comes anywhere near a populated area on her way. However, I foremost want you all to look out for the safety of yourselves and others. My personal suggestion is calling for evacuations towards areas near where she is going. There is no guarantee what the outcome of directly engaging Cassiopeia may result in. While trying this may succeed in stalling her or even coming to defeat her, there is an even more likely chance that the efforts will be in vain. Or, even worse, it may result in Cassiopeia becoming violent.

Alden gave a solemn look over everyone.

Alden: Do you understand this?

Everyone nodded, or muttered in agreement.

Alden: Good, then. Let us all hope for the best...

Alden turned around.

Alden: Well, Lazro...

Lazro looked at him.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: ...

Alden: You will have to come with me, now.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Alright.

Alden: And this is an order, again. I do not want to drag you there by your wrist like I had to last time I told you to come with me.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Hey, that was a completely unnecessary action on your part and you know it.

Alden: Hrm.

Alden turned towards the others again.

Alden: We are going out to recover the Fortress Mech unit. It will save us the most time if we go alone, and entrust you and our other forces to work with evacuations. The Fortress Mech unit is currently residing on the eastern mountain... The project itself is entrusted with someone else.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Yeah, yeah, okay... Can we get going now?

Alden: Yes, the quicker, the better. There is an aircraft in the area that we can take to get there.

Lazro jumped up.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Let's get going already, then, man!

Alden: Right.

Alden stood up.

Alden: Let's all make haste to begin with our own missions.

Alden and Lazro then left.

Kuipter: Everyone is scrambling around, already...?

Kuipter ceased his slow levitation.

Kuipter: They know... But how could they...? Of course, despite how primitive they are, they still have drones in the air at their disposal!

Kuipter turned on his communicator.

Kuipter: Swat their satellites out of the sky, now!

With the command, from many miles away, Cassiopeia's undefined limb shot upward, reaching far above the clouds.

Kuipter: Damnit... How could I have been so careless?

Kuipter sighed.

Kuipter: Tch... Oh, well, I guess the element of surprise was already out of the question... But now it will be too easy for everyone to just escape.

Kuipter began to rise upward.

Kuipter: Ah... I guess there is something I can do to help her out, though.

He once again spoke into the communicator.

Kuipter: Pick up the pace a bit, now! You have a lot of lost time to make up for.

The giant's footsteps pounding against the ocean floor began to draw steadily close to each other when sounding out.

Kuipter: That's right... Keep them thinking they have time, now, Cassie. Then, strike before they have a chance to be prepared for anything you have to throw at them.

Kuipter sighed, and started to cross his arms.

Kuipter: Well, looks like it's about to be much less fun, now. Hm... I should just wait out at the labs. At least, when Cassie's finished, I may maybe try out the new toys...

Kuipter laughed to himself.

Kuipter: Ah, yes. This would definitely make up for it. Ahaha...

Alden: We're here... The mountain.

Lazro and Alden looked out onto the plane of rock and grass. Lazro looked over several different pets roaming around. It seemed that one or two or the more avid pet collectors lived in this region.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Huh, so it is...

Alden gave a bit of a worried look towards Lazro, who was leaning his head almost out of their vehicle.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: But where is the Fortress Mech unit?

Alden: Stay in your seat, please.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Alright.

Lazro leaned back. He gave a slight sigh.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Where is it?

Alden: It is here, but the exact location, we'll only know after we get to it.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Right, right, okay...

Lazro looked out longingly over the setting.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: It's a nice place...

Alden seemed not to have heard Lazro.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Sign...

Alden: What was that, Lazro?

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Nothing. Hey, are we going to land soon?

Alden: Very shortly, yes.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Very shortly...? Uh, can we hurry this up a bit, maybe? Very shortly is too long.

Alden: We are supposed to land in a designated area, Lazro. There's no way around it.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Okay, okay... I was just asking.

Alden: It's alright.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Huh... Really nice place, though.

Alden: Oh...? \Ah, yes, indeed... I like it.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: I haven't been here in a while. They really made everything look nice.

Alden: They planted a lot of grass, didn't they?

Lazro stared blankly at Alden for a moment.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: ((The grass??)) Uh... Well, I think so... Not exactly what I was thinking about, but yeah, that is new...

Alden gave him a confused stare.

Alden: Lazro, I can hear from your tone that you're a bit... Disappointed, possibly upset? Why?

Lazro sighed.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: No, just... Exhausted, maybe. I guess. You're a handful, really.

Alden: I'm...?

Alden suddenly turned around.

Alden: Prepare for landing.

The craft slowly descended onto a red stone platform, with a large H in the middle of it. From the side, a young boy in a cyan suit walked up to them. He was a thin individual, and appeared to be a round-headed Gridmask. As the others saw, he had black hair and black beads for eyes.

Alden: Greetings, mister Samuel.

Alden nodded. Lazro gazed at Alden for a moment, before nodding in turn.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: Hello, Alden.

The young boy looked at Alden's gesture for a moment, and then copied it, letting his large, round head tilt forward.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Hey, Sam.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: Hi, Lazzy.

Though it wasn't too fairly obvious at first glance, Samuel was an alien, originally born and raised on the different, yet very close, planet of Splationia. Splationians were well known for their trait of large, circular heads, slender frames, and unmistakable faces, holding mostly only black beads for eyes and Gridile mouths as visible features. Of other note was a bit of lacking in terms of physical diversity. Fair-skinned at best and black haired was something that could easily describe most pureblood Splationians. However, in terms of an overall color and aura to them, the Splationians were as unique as they came.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: So, you came for Halley, right?

Having close relation to a famed entrepreneur, a notable position at LDZX Corporations, and being one of the first Splationians ever to come to Ludus, made Samuel a very well-known individual along the Ludusian government. A notable "cohort" of sorts to the planet, and possibly even one of the closest things to a Splationian ambassador that they had, in fact. However, Samuel was possibly most famed for something else. The pets he owned.

Of notable mention, of course, was Iamlevel, who was the size of a number of large houses. However, Iamlevel was trumped greatly by the size of the pet that Samuel had named Big Halley, a large, circular, red, being that was both mechanical and biological.

Big Halley was an ancient device that had existed on Ludus for many years. Though much about it is a mystery, it's original purpose was not. Had the original crew survived, Samuel would not be as well known for one of the first Splationians to go to Ludus. Still, it was greatly fitting that he would come to the planet with the proper knowledge of how to operate and reawaken the great machine.

Big Halley, though clearly a being of sentient life, as noted by Samuel, was not seen this way by the Ludusian government. He was simply seen as a weapon, to be used. So, for the past year and a half, capable individuals had undergone training for the complex act of operating Big Halley. Unfortunately, only seven pilots had survived the experience, and still live to this day. Even more unfortunate was the fact that two of these pilots were currently under extensive care in medical centers, and two more had to be sent home for deep psychological trauma experienced on the job. This left the other three pilots, Alden, Lazro, and Samuel, to suffice for the job, if only barely so, as Big Halley itself needed more than one person to operate.

Months of practice had brought them to the state at which they could sufficiently pilot the unit. Despite the danger it posed, it was heavily believed that, one day, Big Halley would provide a suitable weapon against an evil that was endangering the planet. And this day was the perfect time for it.

Alden: Yes, the Fortress Mech unit.

Samuel tilted his head, showing a bit of confusion to Alden.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: Uh... You mean Big Halley?

Alden: Er, yes, yes... That is what you call it, then?

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: Yep. That's his name, anyway. Aheh...

Sam offered a light smile.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: I guess that'd be what you call him, then?

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Well, he is a robotic thing the size of a fortress.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: Heheh, it's appropriate, then.

Sam gave another warm smile.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: I got him just a bit away from here, now...

Samuel's expression then changed to one of concern.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: Oh, uh... Is this supposed to be for an emergency use of him? I only got things ready for if it had been a trial run of operating Big Halley...

Alden gave a solemn look.

Alden: Though it fills me with dread to finally be able to say this, yes, this is an emergency use.

Samuel's eyes widened, oddly revealing a color other than black to be visible in them.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: Oh no... Ah, I'm so sorry for this! There are people in danger right now--

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Uh, hey, it's alright, man, you just didn't know. I can tell you, this guy isn't the best at sending important details...

Lazro smiled and pointed at Alden. Alden gave him a look, and Lazro then stepped back.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: Wah, we need to hurry up, and...

Samuel started walking away for a moment. He then suddenly stopped.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: No, wait! What am I thinking?

Samuel then brought his hands over his mouth. Lazro and Alden looked on, confused. Samuel then let out a loud sound.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: Ecast! We need to get to Big Halley, and quick!

All of a sudden, a short, circular-headed, aqua-teal creature came from the distance. Having moved so quickly, it seemed as if it had just appeared out of nowhere, which caused both Lazro and Alden to jump in surprise. The creature, as they saw, wore a suit of a similar color to its skin, and a colored, round hat with the letter E on the front of it.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: Thank you for coming as fast as you could, Ecast!

The creature, Ecast, raised a foot to his forehead. It was apparently some sort of solute, judging by Samuel also giving a solute, though with his hands.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: This little guy...

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: You say we need to act fast, right? There's none faster than Ecast here, not in the whole universe!

Samuel then extended a hand onto Ecast. Samuel turned around towars Alden and Lazro, extending a hand towards them.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: Just take my hand and hold on, he'll get us there in no time!

Both gridmasks seemed wary for a moment. But Alden then acted, gripping Lazro with one hand and Samuel with the other.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: Alright, here we go!

The two gridmasks braced for traveling at a high speed for a moment. But, before they could comprehend the travel itself, they were already there. Ecast's abrupt stop slid Samuel forward a bit, and the gridmasks, inexperienced with this, both lost their balance. Alden reclaimed his before making a total fall, but let go of Lazro in the process, causing him to trip over his own feet and land on his head.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: We're here! Thanks, Ecast.

Lazro groggily rubbed his head, as Alden helped pick him up.

Alden: Are you alright, Lazro?

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Yeah, yeah, I'm fine...

Alden then looked up over Lazro's head. Lazro turned around and followed his gaze, which was barely needed. A gargantuan red sphere was right in front of them. Lazro gulped in awe of the being's great size. Seeing something that could crush him without even noticing always made him nervous.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Big Halley... Good to see you again, big guy!

Lazro gave a smile at the thought of calling him that. Big Halley, apparently having heard Lazro, delivered a soft beeping noise in response.

<font color=ADFF2F>Lazro: Aheheheh...

Alden then took Lazro's hand once more. They began walking closer to Big Halley.

Alden: Come, now, we have no time to lose! Board the unit immediately.

As they approached the being, a hole seemed to open up on it, as if it were a doorway welcoming them in.

<font color=00BFFF>Samuel: Ah! Good luck, you two!

Samuel waved his goodbye as the figures of the gridmasks became enveloped by Big Halley. Samuel continued to stare up at it for a while, waiting until it began to move. At a moments notice, the giant began to rapidly roll away.

Ergoth looked over the scene around him. The town was now almost completely abandoned, the roads now only having a few scattered officers, LDZX employees, and the occasional fleeing citizen. Just to the north, if not the northeast, the stomping of the approaching red giant could be heard.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Damnit...

Ergoth started to run to the north end of the town. He was set on this; if they told him he couldn't fight this Cassiopeia, he was at least going to see it. They wouldn't take that away from him.

As he ran, he shoved away anyone who was standing in his path. He didn't care about them. The evacuation job was practically done, anyway. Ergoth growled as he took forward in great strides. He soon reached the edge of the town.

Ergoth looked to the north. He was very shocked at what he saw. He'd expected Cassiopeia to be a lot closer at this point, by how loud their footprints were. But, as he looked out to many miles away, he just saw the being, appearing submerged in the earth.

Ergoth wondered about the sounds. How could they be heard from here, when Cassiopeia was so far away? Was Cassiopeia really that big? Ergoth gawked off at the giant. It started to feel like someone was twisting his heart. This giant beast was approaching. He knew what this was... A challenge.

If Ergoth had a visible mouth, he would have been grinning. He leaned forward slightly, ready to take off towards the large red creature in the distance.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Hold it!

Wasp's call seemed to take Ergoth out of whatever trance he was in. Ergoth flinched, and then turned around towards Wasp.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Ergoth! What are you doing?

Ergoth grumbled to himself.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Pfeh.

Wasp crossed his arms and gave Ergoth an irritated glance.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: You... you were going to go off and fight that--thing thing, weren't you?

Ergoth felt a tinge of disappointment. He might not be able to go off and do it, if the doctor was going to hold him back.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: ((Wonder if I can scare 'im off...))

Ergoth suddenly sprung a leg forward towards Wasp, leaning in closer to him. Wasp was so startled by the sudden movement, he almost jumped out of his shoes.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: For a smart guy, it sure took you long enough to figure it out.

Ergoth grabbed the back of Wasp's collar and picked him up.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: But that's none of your business! Now, run off back to whoever gives a damn.

Ergoth turned him around and released him. Wasp, however, just turned around.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Stop this!

Wasp ran around Ergoth, standing himself in between the red beast far away and Ergoth.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: You're not actually going to do this, are you?

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Yeah, I am!

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: But... You can't! Going up against a foe of that scale... I can't let you enact this death wish of an objective!

Ergoth scoffed at him.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: And what are you gonna do, stop me?

Dr. Wasp hesitated for a moment. Then, he extended his arms, as if blocking Ergoth from passing.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: Why, you...

Ergoth growled several insults and profanity under his breath.

<font color=AB9078>Ergoth: ((What an idiot. I'll show 'im...))

Ergoth then transformed into the Ryu-Chi. His body grew greater in size, practically turning him into a giant compared to Dr. Wasp. There was an explosion of red as his aura emerged and surrounded him.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: You're cocky enough to try and go up against me?! Don't think you can even stand a chance against me at all! Especially not when I'm like this!!

Ergoth let out heavy breaths, as Dr. Wasp simply stood still where he was.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: Hmph.

Wasp finally let out a sound.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: You're the one who's getting cocky here, Ergoth.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: ... Eh?! What the hell are you on about?!

Dr. Wasp let out a chuckle.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: You were arrogant enough to think you were the only one here who could transform.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: ... Wait, what?!

Ergoth gave him a sideways look. Wasp smiled, giving off a smug expression.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: You think that your Ryu-Chi is so great... Just wait until you see my own...

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: ...?

Dr. Wasp threw off his labcoat.

<font color=B4D206>Dr. Wasp: RYU-BEE!!!

Dr. Wasp extended two arms below his top two, which were covered by the sleeves of the coat. The arms were mostly black, except for the yellow palms. Ergoth looked on in surprise.

<font color=AB9078> Ergoth: ((He was hiding two arms inside his coat this whole time??!!))