Infelious X ~ For The Love of X
Although it was still miles away, X could see the rising pillars of smoke on the horizon growing larger with each passing minute. To create such a spectacular display, he knew the level of destruction would be of the irreversible kind—that city would never rebuild, and that land never to regrow. Such were the fates of those who opposed the conquering might of Weil and his Ragnarok forces.
X's hands formed tight fists as they pressed hard against the stone surface of the balcony railing. Abel was the last country between Ragnarok and Neo Arcadia… and from his tower, he saw the ragged refugees filtering into his gates. The Kingdom of Neo Arcadia would be the next target… they were the only ones left. X bowed his head, prayer forming in his mind when his eyes closed. The world had been in a state of chaos ever since he ascended the throne, and no matter how perfect his Kingdom was, the rest of the world had gone to hell.
And Weil, the demon, had come to collect his due.
Except he didn't stop there. The Reploid ruler turned his eyes skyward to the artificial, leafy canopies of his palace. The paradise of Neo Arcadia, protected by the Tree of Life constructed so long ago, was now threatened for the first time in years.
X looked back to the horizon, despair sinking in. If Abel fell, how would Neo Arcadia survive?
/ The flame creeping up from the land,
It bathed itself in God's breath and became conflagration.
Immoral men were burned, and all at once turned into ashes… /
"They march to us, my lord," Phantom's voice cut through X's cloud of doubt, making the ruler spin around. Kneeling respectfully behind just inside the room the balcony was connected to were X's Four Generals.
"I know," X murmured. "Be honest to me. Your armies… could they hold off the Ragnarok forces?"
Harpuia, the leader of the Four, turned his eyes to the ground in what X assumed was shame. "A day, at most," he answered. "Another day or two at the palace gates."
"I can flood the Low Sector," Leviathan added. "That would give us more time once the main gate is destroyed."
X shook his head before Fefnir could add in his part. They could destroy their home, little by little, to delay the inevitable. All that would do is assist what Weil plotted anyway, and that was just as sinful as surrendering. X had seen the struggle his people had to put together this paradise; he would not tear it down.
Footsteps made all five look back toward the entrance of the room, watching as the door opened to revealed the bright red armor of X's fifth Guardian. At the sight of him, somehow, X felt immensely safer, and despite the presence of the other four he rushed into Zero's arms.
Zero held him without a scold, and no one said a word. Who would deny the ruler comfort when he needed it? X's embrace was tight, his face hidden against the coarse fabric of Zero's vest; if only he could melt into the warrior, disappear from the world and yet still assist it in some way.
Zero petted the back of X's hair, murmuring to him, "Neo Arcadia will stand so long as you do, love."
X remained quiet, giving himself this moment of temporary peace. He knew what Zero said was true—it was said that so long as the ruler lives, so will the kingdom. That was why he was built… a Reploid was eternal, in some respects.
But older than what any Reploid lived, was the Tree they stood within. X inhaled deeply, eyes widening. So long as he stood… so long as the Tree stood.
Yggdrasill had been the massive tree of which the entire Kingdom was built upon. Turning from Zero's arms, X returned to the balcony and placed his hands onto the railing, looking up into the lofty branches. Time had taken the natural life of the tree, but technology had given it back. A technology implanted into their home to give them the edge, the required weapon and shield, to defend their home.
"Prepare your armies," X murmured, and yet it was like thunder in the Guardians' ears. "Weil comes to Neo Arcadia. We shall stand our ground."
Harpuia and his other three left with him, but Zero remained. Once they were alone, the blond crossed the boundaries of duty and embraced the ruler from behind, cradling him close with such devotion and love X had to hold his breath for several minutes to avoid breaking down.
All had fallen before Weil. X looked out to the destruction coming toward them, and wondered just how many of his people were going to die… and if one of them would be his beloved Zero.
"I know," X murmured. "Be honest to me. Your armies… could they hold off the Ragnarok forces?"
Harpuia, the leader of the Four, turned his eyes to the ground in what X assumed was shame. "A day, at most," he answered. "Another day or two at the palace gates."
"I can flood the Low Sector," Leviathan added. "That would give us more time once the main gate is destroyed."
X shook his head before Fefnir could add in his part. They could destroy their home, little by little, to delay the inevitable. All that would do is assist what Weil plotted anyway, and that was just as sinful as surrendering. X had seen the struggle his people had to put together this paradise; he would not tear it down.
Footsteps made all five look back toward the entrance of the room, watching as the door opened to revealed the bright red armor of X's fifth Guardian. At the sight of him, somehow, X felt immensely safer, and despite the presence of the other four he rushed into Zero's arms.
Zero held him without a scold, and no one said a word. Who would deny the ruler comfort when he needed it? X's embrace was tight, his face hidden against the coarse fabric of Zero's vest; if only he could melt into the warrior, disappear from the world and yet still assist it in some way.
Zero petted the back of X's hair, murmuring to him, "Neo Arcadia will stand so long as you do, love."
X remained quiet, giving himself this moment of temporary peace. He knew what Zero said was true—it was said that so long as the ruler lives, so will the kingdom. That was why he was built… a Reploid was eternal, in some respects.
But older than what any Reploid lived, was the Tree they stood within. X inhaled deeply, eyes widening. So long as he stood… so long as the Tree stood.
Yggdrasill had been the massive tree of which the entire Kingdom was built upon. Turning from Zero's arms, X returned to the balcony and placed his hands onto the railing, looking up into the lofty branches. Time had taken the natural life of the tree, but technology had given it back. A technology implanted into their home to give them the edge, the required weapon and shield, to defend their home.
"Prepare your armies," X murmured, and yet it was like thunder in the Guardians' ears. "Weil comes to Neo Arcadia. We shall stand our ground."
Harpuia and his other three left with him, but Zero remained. Once they were alone, the blond crossed the boundaries of duty and embraced the ruler from behind, cradling him close with such devotion and love X had to hold his breath for several minutes to avoid breaking down.
All had fallen before Weil. X looked out to the destruction coming toward them, and wondered just how many of his people were going to die… and if one of them would be his beloved Zero.
/ I am terrified of the Melody of Conviction echoing in the sky,
And I am terrified of the lament of mankind that buries the land. /
They had perhaps three weeks to prepare for all out-war. Although his Guardians were busy prepping their armies for the slaughter, X had already begun the movement of the civilians and supplies to beneath Yggdrasill's massive roots and underground shelters. Neo Arcadia was more or less the end of the world, and there were no other Kingdoms of which to send his refugees. X could only hope should they win, the people could merely return to the surface and rebuild.
Should they lose, at least they all retained the dignity of burning with their great tree.
He met several times with his Head Scientist, the new young Ciel, when Zero was busy preparing his special unit of soldiers. At the heart of the palace laid the heart of Yggdrasill itself: the Silver Wolf Chamber, where the pulsing form of the being known only as the Mother Elf slumbered, Her power feeding the great tree and thus feeding Neo Arcadia.
"Father always said She would speak to the Head Scientist," Ciel commented as X once more visited her within the laboratory built around the Server Core. Within, all X could see was a brilliant orb of pure light, the form all assumed the loving Mother Elf took. "Truth be told, She never spoke to me or Father. The data we read actually were old thoughts of Mother Elf. She hasn't 'said' or thought anything new for a century."
X wanted to make a joke about how old fashioned this all seemed. Millions of years ago, he had researched and learned, humans once made pacts with gods or spirits and thought they could communicate with them. But gazing upon Mother Elf, knowing She was merely a large concentration of sentient data much like him, made him think of such. Was he going to enter a contract with a goddess-spirit, or was this all a suicidal attempt to prevent what many Neo Arcadians believe their final fate?
"Are you sure about this?" Ciel asked, drawing X's attention to her. "The evacuations are pretty much complete. The armies are waiting. Your commanders are on standby, and your lover screams your name with a devotion envied by heaven. Everyone is looking to you, my lord…"
"I know." X whispered. He walked to the newest addition to the Chamber, right below that of Mother Elf's cradle, and touched his fingertips to the glass, peering inside. "So long as I stand, so will Yggdrasill. So long as Yggdrasill stands, so too will Neo Arcadia… That was what my Father built me for, so that I may stand forever. That was why this was all tucked away, ready to be installed."
Ciel frowned heavily. "But such a price…"
"No miracle is free, Ciel." X turned his eyes upward. He wished he could see the free sky, but instead all he saw was the caverns of inner Yggdrasill.
The Head Scientist said no more. If there were anyone that had the right to say anything, it was Zero, not she.
Should they lose, at least they all retained the dignity of burning with their great tree.
He met several times with his Head Scientist, the new young Ciel, when Zero was busy preparing his special unit of soldiers. At the heart of the palace laid the heart of Yggdrasill itself: the Silver Wolf Chamber, where the pulsing form of the being known only as the Mother Elf slumbered, Her power feeding the great tree and thus feeding Neo Arcadia.
"Father always said She would speak to the Head Scientist," Ciel commented as X once more visited her within the laboratory built around the Server Core. Within, all X could see was a brilliant orb of pure light, the form all assumed the loving Mother Elf took. "Truth be told, She never spoke to me or Father. The data we read actually were old thoughts of Mother Elf. She hasn't 'said' or thought anything new for a century."
X wanted to make a joke about how old fashioned this all seemed. Millions of years ago, he had researched and learned, humans once made pacts with gods or spirits and thought they could communicate with them. But gazing upon Mother Elf, knowing She was merely a large concentration of sentient data much like him, made him think of such. Was he going to enter a contract with a goddess-spirit, or was this all a suicidal attempt to prevent what many Neo Arcadians believe their final fate?
"Are you sure about this?" Ciel asked, drawing X's attention to her. "The evacuations are pretty much complete. The armies are waiting. Your commanders are on standby, and your lover screams your name with a devotion envied by heaven. Everyone is looking to you, my lord…"
"I know." X whispered. He walked to the newest addition to the Chamber, right below that of Mother Elf's cradle, and touched his fingertips to the glass, peering inside. "So long as I stand, so will Yggdrasill. So long as Yggdrasill stands, so too will Neo Arcadia… That was what my Father built me for, so that I may stand forever. That was why this was all tucked away, ready to be installed."
Ciel frowned heavily. "But such a price…"
"No miracle is free, Ciel." X turned his eyes upward. He wished he could see the free sky, but instead all he saw was the caverns of inner Yggdrasill.
The Head Scientist said no more. If there were anyone that had the right to say anything, it was Zero, not she.
/ O Sacred Father, O sublime Heaven
I sacrifice myself to thee,
So that this wish of mine reaches thee,
And so that thou grant me only one miracle… /
It was improper of them, but X took Zero to bed with him the night before the appointed day of attack. He expected his more proper lover to protest, to make some sort of excuse, for Zero was much more kingly than he ever could be and would know going to bed early just to seek pleasure for the remainder of the night was selfish and foolish.
But Zero said nothing of the sort. He gave command to his second, bid the fellow Guardians good night from the barracks and surprised X by climbing in from his balcony, just like he did years ago when they first began seeing each other. The rapping on his glass doors had at first frightened X, but once he realized what Zero had done, he had been zealous in their final night together.
Dawn was threatening to break when they finally ceased, and Zero held X tightly to his chest, peppering his face and lips with kisses and whispers. When the first ray of sunlight washed over them, they greeted the day with a lingering, loving kiss between the two of them.
When their lips parted, Zero lightly brushed his fingertips along X's chin. "I love you," he murmured. His eyes slowly opened, staring into X's own teary orbs.
"I love you," X replied just as quietly, their foreheads leaning together, lips so close and comforting. "Victory or loss, my heart is yours. So long as you stand, so shall I."
"Death or life, so long as you live, so shall I."
"And I shall live forever." X closed his eyes as tears streaked down his cheeks, and Zero's lips tried to kiss them away. Yet more came, creating steady rivers of crystalline lines and X bowed his head onto Zero's shoulder. The tears dripped from there down Zero's bare chest, and all the blond could do was hold him close.
X was going to live forever, Zero knew he would. But only X knew forever was not the paradise he thought it would be.
But Zero said nothing of the sort. He gave command to his second, bid the fellow Guardians good night from the barracks and surprised X by climbing in from his balcony, just like he did years ago when they first began seeing each other. The rapping on his glass doors had at first frightened X, but once he realized what Zero had done, he had been zealous in their final night together.
Dawn was threatening to break when they finally ceased, and Zero held X tightly to his chest, peppering his face and lips with kisses and whispers. When the first ray of sunlight washed over them, they greeted the day with a lingering, loving kiss between the two of them.
When their lips parted, Zero lightly brushed his fingertips along X's chin. "I love you," he murmured. His eyes slowly opened, staring into X's own teary orbs.
"I love you," X replied just as quietly, their foreheads leaning together, lips so close and comforting. "Victory or loss, my heart is yours. So long as you stand, so shall I."
"Death or life, so long as you live, so shall I."
"And I shall live forever." X closed his eyes as tears streaked down his cheeks, and Zero's lips tried to kiss them away. Yet more came, creating steady rivers of crystalline lines and X bowed his head onto Zero's shoulder. The tears dripped from there down Zero's bare chest, and all the blond could do was hold him close.
X was going to live forever, Zero knew he would. But only X knew forever was not the paradise he thought it would be.
/ Please, O Implanta, Tree of God
I shall turn my body unto stone, so as to support thee eternally;
And I wish that thou save mankind with this last strength. /
X should have told Zero of the plan before he even began to set it in motion. Yet he knew his beloved would protest, would fight him over it. And X was terrified of a rift forming, but he could not not tell him… and he had run out of time when the marching of Weil's massive armies were heard miles away.
"Mother Elf sustains Yggdrasill," X said in a clear voice as his Guardians met with him within the throne room. Behind him the throne was gone, replaced by the steps leading to the Chamber. "And Yggdrasill sustains Neo Arcadia. I finally understand what sustains Mother Elf."
All eyes of his Guardians, of their seconds in command, were on him. Zero's eyes were on him, and X had to choke out the words now, for he had no other chance to do so but now.
"Father designed more than just me as his final testament of love for this Kingdom." X said. "'So long as the ruler lives, so shall Neo Arcadia.' This does not mean producing heirs or such… it is literally my life. If I give it to Mother Elf, I can activate Elysium, the ultimate weapon and defense mechanism imbedded within Yggdrasill."
"What?" Zero stood from his knelt position. X's heart shattered upon the look of shock and pain in Zero's dark eyes, knowing this was something he could not soothe away later in private moments. "What do you mean, X? Elysium is the weapon of Mother Elf, and She has more than enough energy to use it! That is how we won the Elf War a century ago!"
"Since Her corruption and purification, Mother Elf has suffered complications," Ciel said as she ascended the stairs behind X. The ruler whirled around, not expecting her to appear. "She can sustain the Kingdom as always and could for centuries more, but Elysium is beyond her now. King X's special potential system will not only give Her the power to use Elysium, but his binary code is just what She needs to boost the power to defeat Weil. In essence, the late King Light made X an extension of Mother Elf Herself… a sort of 'baby elf' if you will."
Zero's glare turned from Ciel to X. "And you waited til now to tell me you're going to die?" he hissed.
Only Zero could ever speak to X in such a way and not elicit a riot or offense in X. The King merely bowed his head, one hand over his chest.
"I will live forever," X whispered, "as part of Neo Arcadia itself. Should this work, I appoint Zero as King in my stead."
"I don't want the crown!" Zero protested, swinging a hand out in frustration. "I told you that years ago! We had agreed, when you were still a prince, I would take only the consort title. My duty isn't on a chair, it's on the battlefield!"
"Forgive me," X's voice was small, timid almost, yet it ceased Zero's heated anger within seconds with its softness. "I love you, Zero. I've loved you then and now and forevermore. If I could live forever with you I would… but as you would die on the battlefield for me and Neo Arcadia, so shall I suspend myself eternally for you and Neo Arcadia. Our duties to our country demand the same price for a miracle and I must pay it. But Zero, you are the best candidate to take up the mantle."
Zero knew it was true… he had been told that by the late King Light himself before, when it became known X had taken him as a lover. But he wasn't going to back out of the battle now. "I will fight today," he said firmly. "If I fall?"
"Harpuia," X said, looking to the green-armored Guardian. "Will you rule Neo Arcadia, should Zero fall?"
The Wind Guardian bowed his head. "We will defend the Consort-Prince with our lives, my lord. Zero shall not fall."
Zero scowled. "Harpuia, you're being stupidly idealistic."
Leviathan rolled her eyes. "We're pledging our lives to you and you're being a jerk, Zero. Harpuia will do it, but we'll be damned if you die before us."
That wasn't what Zero wanted to hear. He threw his hands up, anger once more returning, but he said nothing more. Instead he took off down the steps to the Chamber, rushing by Ciel in such a manner it made her shriek in surprise. X called for him, but Zero did not slow—the King hurriedly gave his final orders to his remaining Guardians before sprinting down the steps after his beloved, the Head Scientist following shortly after.
Harpuia turned to his siblings, and all of them nodded. Now was the time.
"Mother Elf sustains Yggdrasill," X said in a clear voice as his Guardians met with him within the throne room. Behind him the throne was gone, replaced by the steps leading to the Chamber. "And Yggdrasill sustains Neo Arcadia. I finally understand what sustains Mother Elf."
All eyes of his Guardians, of their seconds in command, were on him. Zero's eyes were on him, and X had to choke out the words now, for he had no other chance to do so but now.
"Father designed more than just me as his final testament of love for this Kingdom." X said. "'So long as the ruler lives, so shall Neo Arcadia.' This does not mean producing heirs or such… it is literally my life. If I give it to Mother Elf, I can activate Elysium, the ultimate weapon and defense mechanism imbedded within Yggdrasill."
"What?" Zero stood from his knelt position. X's heart shattered upon the look of shock and pain in Zero's dark eyes, knowing this was something he could not soothe away later in private moments. "What do you mean, X? Elysium is the weapon of Mother Elf, and She has more than enough energy to use it! That is how we won the Elf War a century ago!"
"Since Her corruption and purification, Mother Elf has suffered complications," Ciel said as she ascended the stairs behind X. The ruler whirled around, not expecting her to appear. "She can sustain the Kingdom as always and could for centuries more, but Elysium is beyond her now. King X's special potential system will not only give Her the power to use Elysium, but his binary code is just what She needs to boost the power to defeat Weil. In essence, the late King Light made X an extension of Mother Elf Herself… a sort of 'baby elf' if you will."
Zero's glare turned from Ciel to X. "And you waited til now to tell me you're going to die?" he hissed.
Only Zero could ever speak to X in such a way and not elicit a riot or offense in X. The King merely bowed his head, one hand over his chest.
"I will live forever," X whispered, "as part of Neo Arcadia itself. Should this work, I appoint Zero as King in my stead."
"I don't want the crown!" Zero protested, swinging a hand out in frustration. "I told you that years ago! We had agreed, when you were still a prince, I would take only the consort title. My duty isn't on a chair, it's on the battlefield!"
"Forgive me," X's voice was small, timid almost, yet it ceased Zero's heated anger within seconds with its softness. "I love you, Zero. I've loved you then and now and forevermore. If I could live forever with you I would… but as you would die on the battlefield for me and Neo Arcadia, so shall I suspend myself eternally for you and Neo Arcadia. Our duties to our country demand the same price for a miracle and I must pay it. But Zero, you are the best candidate to take up the mantle."
Zero knew it was true… he had been told that by the late King Light himself before, when it became known X had taken him as a lover. But he wasn't going to back out of the battle now. "I will fight today," he said firmly. "If I fall?"
"Harpuia," X said, looking to the green-armored Guardian. "Will you rule Neo Arcadia, should Zero fall?"
The Wind Guardian bowed his head. "We will defend the Consort-Prince with our lives, my lord. Zero shall not fall."
Zero scowled. "Harpuia, you're being stupidly idealistic."
Leviathan rolled her eyes. "We're pledging our lives to you and you're being a jerk, Zero. Harpuia will do it, but we'll be damned if you die before us."
That wasn't what Zero wanted to hear. He threw his hands up, anger once more returning, but he said nothing more. Instead he took off down the steps to the Chamber, rushing by Ciel in such a manner it made her shriek in surprise. X called for him, but Zero did not slow—the King hurriedly gave his final orders to his remaining Guardians before sprinting down the steps after his beloved, the Head Scientist following shortly after.
Harpuia turned to his siblings, and all of them nodded. Now was the time.
/ Please, may this Scripture of Prayer be tied unto the wish of mankind;
And may this feeling of mine reach your heart,
My beloved Maoh. /
X was afraid of what he'd find when he caught up to Zero in the Silver Wolf Chamber. Would he raise his anger against Mother Elf? Would he destroy the very things that'll bring Neo Arcadia its victory? Would he sacrifice himself? Such a disturbing thought fit Zero far too perfectly, and X picked up his robe and ran faster down the steps. Why did they never install a Tran server or lift in this damnable place?
None of X's fears were founded once he entered the Chamber. He found Zero just standing before the newly installed pod, staring it down but his weapon undrawn. Mother Elf's cradle remained unmarred, and when X approached the distraught warrior whirled around to face him. Upon his face was a stricken expression that made X freeze; Zero's eyes were filled with tears.
"You cannot leave me," Zero whispered. "We promised, we swore…"
X forced himself to move toward the blond, arms outstretched to him. The sudden role reversal shocked him as Zero fell into his arms, and although he did not weep, his body shook with the despair he wrestled with. They fell to their knees, Zero's heavier frame leaning too much on X's slighter one, and Zero buried his face against X's neck and clutched him tightly. All X could do was rock him, whisper to him sweet little words and pet his hair, once in a while pressing a kiss to his cheek.
A few moments of comfort was all he could have, Zero knew, and he pulled away to look at X. He saw his love's anguish and fear, but also he saw the determination and patriotism befit a worthy King. X's passing would cripple their Kingdom, not this needless war.
"I will not leave you," X said, pressing his hand to Zero's chest. "I shall be here. I shall be here forever."
"Forever is hell without you near." Zero kissed him desperately. "I need you."
X slowly shook his head before bowing it, denying Zero his lips. "But so does my kingdom."
And Zero could not compete with that. He tucked his fingers under X's chin and gave him a firm kiss, pouring his feelings into it the best he could. He could only hope his devotion and love shone through, for once X returned the gesture, he was overpowered by what his royal heart passed to him. More than just his feelings, but his hopes and dreams as well. All Zero could do was accept it, and with feeling and expression only, swear he would fulfill it.
Ciel eventually made it to the Chamber as well, and with her she bore the news: Weil was approaching quickly. The process to being Elysium took some time and they must start now else risk complete loss of Yggdrasill.
"I love you," Zero whispered when X made the move to go into the pod. He gripped X's hand, wanting to find more words, but none came to mind.
And they were the only words X needed. "I love you." And he slipped into the pod.
Zero let his hand go so that the pod could close, and once the lid clicked into place the blond pressed both hands to the glass surface. Their eyes met and gazed for several long seconds before X nodded, and Ciel made the move to the console.
As she began to flip switches and press buttons to activate, she began to whisper the prayer of Yggdrasill. Her voice rose as the machines roared to life, and when she reached the end she repeated it. Zero's eyes didn't leave X's, although he could see the King too, was reciting the prayer as the pod lit up, locking his limps into the contraption. Mother Elf seemed to come to life and a song reverberated throughout the chamber, but Ciel's voice rose higher still. Zero was sure if he pressed his ear to the glass, he would hear X's voice. Instead he pressed his forehead against it and finally shut his eyes tightly as the hymn washed over him, a tear finally slipping free and splashing to the ground unnoticed.
"May this power be bestowed upon me, so this love protects everyone, and
Enshrouds this darkness with its light.
That is the greatest reason for my prayers.
And please, bestow to them a life overflowing with happiness…
Fill them with your love, protect them
And shield them from the evil and hateful ones.
Light, bestow your holy protection upon them,
Invite and guide them with your power to
Create
A paradise of righteousness…"
~*~
The battlefield was already soaked with Neo Arcadian blood, and Harpuia took to the skies with his army as Fefnir's rolled out beneath him. Weil's attack had been brutal and without pause, the gates crashing within the first few strikes of their laser war machines. As he gazed down, Harpuia was thankful the people were well underground and did not have to witness the savagery their home was subjected to: homes burned, landscape scarred beyond repair. Some of Ragnarok's machines left scars deep enough to expose Yggdrasill's holy roots to the bloody sun.
Leviathan's ice dragon streaked past Harpuia, the blue-clad Guardian hooting upon it as they sped for the nearest Ragnarok's war machine. The dragon crashed into it, shattering into millions of projectiles for Leviathan to fling out in every direction. The machine was badly dented, its weapon useless, and several thousand grunts were pierced by ice. And yet the line kept advancing, even as Leviathan summoned another dragon of ice.
Fefnir's tanks collided with the main Ragnarok line, golems wrestling with massive machinery in a deadlock. Fefnir himself was within his Armed Phenomenon, rolling over enemies without care and firing off massive spheres of fire at larger enemies.
Harpuia screamed a command and his Falcons swooped from the sky to the sheltered ranged line of the enemy. His soldiers grabbed the offensive canoneers and threw them into the air to crash down and splatter in a marvelous display of blood and parts, yet for every ten they got rid of, Harpuia swore a hundred took their place. The enemy was inexhaustible.
He chanced a look to the left to see a massive ball of darkness descend onto another segment of Ragnarok's front lines. Phantom and his Shadows would hopefully have better luck than the rest…
Yggdrasill seemed to scream and Harpuia whirled around, worried they had missed something. Did Ragnarok have stealth units? The Tree shuddered, causing the ground to shake at a higher magnitude than the fighting did, yet blades crashed with blades and shots were fired without a care.
Their land was coming apart.
None of X's fears were founded once he entered the Chamber. He found Zero just standing before the newly installed pod, staring it down but his weapon undrawn. Mother Elf's cradle remained unmarred, and when X approached the distraught warrior whirled around to face him. Upon his face was a stricken expression that made X freeze; Zero's eyes were filled with tears.
"You cannot leave me," Zero whispered. "We promised, we swore…"
X forced himself to move toward the blond, arms outstretched to him. The sudden role reversal shocked him as Zero fell into his arms, and although he did not weep, his body shook with the despair he wrestled with. They fell to their knees, Zero's heavier frame leaning too much on X's slighter one, and Zero buried his face against X's neck and clutched him tightly. All X could do was rock him, whisper to him sweet little words and pet his hair, once in a while pressing a kiss to his cheek.
A few moments of comfort was all he could have, Zero knew, and he pulled away to look at X. He saw his love's anguish and fear, but also he saw the determination and patriotism befit a worthy King. X's passing would cripple their Kingdom, not this needless war.
"I will not leave you," X said, pressing his hand to Zero's chest. "I shall be here. I shall be here forever."
"Forever is hell without you near." Zero kissed him desperately. "I need you."
X slowly shook his head before bowing it, denying Zero his lips. "But so does my kingdom."
And Zero could not compete with that. He tucked his fingers under X's chin and gave him a firm kiss, pouring his feelings into it the best he could. He could only hope his devotion and love shone through, for once X returned the gesture, he was overpowered by what his royal heart passed to him. More than just his feelings, but his hopes and dreams as well. All Zero could do was accept it, and with feeling and expression only, swear he would fulfill it.
Ciel eventually made it to the Chamber as well, and with her she bore the news: Weil was approaching quickly. The process to being Elysium took some time and they must start now else risk complete loss of Yggdrasill.
"I love you," Zero whispered when X made the move to go into the pod. He gripped X's hand, wanting to find more words, but none came to mind.
And they were the only words X needed. "I love you." And he slipped into the pod.
Zero let his hand go so that the pod could close, and once the lid clicked into place the blond pressed both hands to the glass surface. Their eyes met and gazed for several long seconds before X nodded, and Ciel made the move to the console.
As she began to flip switches and press buttons to activate, she began to whisper the prayer of Yggdrasill. Her voice rose as the machines roared to life, and when she reached the end she repeated it. Zero's eyes didn't leave X's, although he could see the King too, was reciting the prayer as the pod lit up, locking his limps into the contraption. Mother Elf seemed to come to life and a song reverberated throughout the chamber, but Ciel's voice rose higher still. Zero was sure if he pressed his ear to the glass, he would hear X's voice. Instead he pressed his forehead against it and finally shut his eyes tightly as the hymn washed over him, a tear finally slipping free and splashing to the ground unnoticed.
"May this power be bestowed upon me, so this love protects everyone, and
Enshrouds this darkness with its light.
That is the greatest reason for my prayers.
And please, bestow to them a life overflowing with happiness…
Fill them with your love, protect them
And shield them from the evil and hateful ones.
Light, bestow your holy protection upon them,
Invite and guide them with your power to
Create
A paradise of righteousness…"
~*~
The battlefield was already soaked with Neo Arcadian blood, and Harpuia took to the skies with his army as Fefnir's rolled out beneath him. Weil's attack had been brutal and without pause, the gates crashing within the first few strikes of their laser war machines. As he gazed down, Harpuia was thankful the people were well underground and did not have to witness the savagery their home was subjected to: homes burned, landscape scarred beyond repair. Some of Ragnarok's machines left scars deep enough to expose Yggdrasill's holy roots to the bloody sun.
Leviathan's ice dragon streaked past Harpuia, the blue-clad Guardian hooting upon it as they sped for the nearest Ragnarok's war machine. The dragon crashed into it, shattering into millions of projectiles for Leviathan to fling out in every direction. The machine was badly dented, its weapon useless, and several thousand grunts were pierced by ice. And yet the line kept advancing, even as Leviathan summoned another dragon of ice.
Fefnir's tanks collided with the main Ragnarok line, golems wrestling with massive machinery in a deadlock. Fefnir himself was within his Armed Phenomenon, rolling over enemies without care and firing off massive spheres of fire at larger enemies.
Harpuia screamed a command and his Falcons swooped from the sky to the sheltered ranged line of the enemy. His soldiers grabbed the offensive canoneers and threw them into the air to crash down and splatter in a marvelous display of blood and parts, yet for every ten they got rid of, Harpuia swore a hundred took their place. The enemy was inexhaustible.
He chanced a look to the left to see a massive ball of darkness descend onto another segment of Ragnarok's front lines. Phantom and his Shadows would hopefully have better luck than the rest…
Yggdrasill seemed to scream and Harpuia whirled around, worried they had missed something. Did Ragnarok have stealth units? The Tree shuddered, causing the ground to shake at a higher magnitude than the fighting did, yet blades crashed with blades and shots were fired without a care.
Their land was coming apart.
/ "Parting with the foolish past,
Respecting the remains of the land, I continue to live on earnestly,
For the sake of Atonement. /
Harpuia swept close to the ground, his twin sabers cutting through an entire line of torsos before he was forced to flip backwards to avoid a charged shot. He tried to fly higher, but the acrobatic maneuver left him too slow—small missile came from the side and impacted one of his wings. Pain wracked his mind as he spiraled to the ground, falling on the other side with a sickening crunch. Harpuia cried out in pain as his other wing was crushed in the landing.
He pushed himself up and gazed out the front gate of his beloved Kingdom. Looming in the once beautiful frame's smoking remains was the massive Ark of Ragnarok… the conqueror Weil riding at the bow, a satisfied smirk on his face. He believed he won already.
Harpuia didn't care if his wings were useless to him now. He surged to his feet and began to run to that Ark, slashing down anything blocking his way. If he couldn't cut it down he got around it—if he could strike down Weil than Neo Arcadia could be saved. Perhaps even his King.
Harpuia cried out as he fell to the ground suddenly and sharp pain shot up from his legs. Horrified, he looked down to see a large sword had him pinned by the calves to the ground. He slowly looked back up, and before him stood Weil's ultimate warrior: The golden-clad Omega.
Omega gripped the hilt of the large cross-shaped sword and pulled it out with a snarl. Harpuia hissed and tried to will himself to stand, but the sword did not just crush his legs—they had been cut off. And without his wings, Harpuia was immobile.
Omega's face was hidden by a black helmet, but Harpuia knew the monster was grinning under it. He had to be.
The golden-armored warrior raised his massive sword up to slice Harpuia in half, and the green Guardian swore he could hear all of his siblings, no matter the distance, all scream for him to get up. He almost swore he heard the Consort-Prince yell for him, too. But perhaps that was just his hazing programming playing tricks.
Omega swung down, but then was thrown back a step and the sword pushed aside as something round and green bounced off its edge. Harpuia blinked, unsure of what he saw, until the sounds of running footsteps came closer from behind him.
"Here," Harpuia gaped as a portable Tran server was dropped next to him and Zero stepped over him, saber drawn and his eyes locked on Omega. "You must fall back."
Harpuia sputtered as his senses returned to him. "I swore to—"
"You aren't protecting anyone on the ground like that," Zero snapped. "I'm ordering you to fall back, Guardian. Your men will function without you. Ciel will try to patch you up as quickly as possible."
Harpuia glowered, but one did not refuse an order from the future King, for if Zero was here… "Yes, my lord." The Guardian snatched the item and was gone.
He pushed himself up and gazed out the front gate of his beloved Kingdom. Looming in the once beautiful frame's smoking remains was the massive Ark of Ragnarok… the conqueror Weil riding at the bow, a satisfied smirk on his face. He believed he won already.
Harpuia didn't care if his wings were useless to him now. He surged to his feet and began to run to that Ark, slashing down anything blocking his way. If he couldn't cut it down he got around it—if he could strike down Weil than Neo Arcadia could be saved. Perhaps even his King.
Harpuia cried out as he fell to the ground suddenly and sharp pain shot up from his legs. Horrified, he looked down to see a large sword had him pinned by the calves to the ground. He slowly looked back up, and before him stood Weil's ultimate warrior: The golden-clad Omega.
Omega gripped the hilt of the large cross-shaped sword and pulled it out with a snarl. Harpuia hissed and tried to will himself to stand, but the sword did not just crush his legs—they had been cut off. And without his wings, Harpuia was immobile.
Omega's face was hidden by a black helmet, but Harpuia knew the monster was grinning under it. He had to be.
The golden-armored warrior raised his massive sword up to slice Harpuia in half, and the green Guardian swore he could hear all of his siblings, no matter the distance, all scream for him to get up. He almost swore he heard the Consort-Prince yell for him, too. But perhaps that was just his hazing programming playing tricks.
Omega swung down, but then was thrown back a step and the sword pushed aside as something round and green bounced off its edge. Harpuia blinked, unsure of what he saw, until the sounds of running footsteps came closer from behind him.
"Here," Harpuia gaped as a portable Tran server was dropped next to him and Zero stepped over him, saber drawn and his eyes locked on Omega. "You must fall back."
Harpuia sputtered as his senses returned to him. "I swore to—"
"You aren't protecting anyone on the ground like that," Zero snapped. "I'm ordering you to fall back, Guardian. Your men will function without you. Ciel will try to patch you up as quickly as possible."
Harpuia glowered, but one did not refuse an order from the future King, for if Zero was here… "Yes, my lord." The Guardian snatched the item and was gone.
/ As I force myself through Genesis' Paradise
I can hear enraged Heaven roaring to the wind. /
Omega roared like an animal at seeing his prey get away, that anger transferring to Zero in a display of flashing sword strikes. Zero wasn't expecting such a heavily opponent to be so quick, and he was forced to parry for several of the hits, backing up at least two steps per strike. Once his footing was restored, however, Zero let loose a dazzling, sweeping sword swing to repel one of Omega's strikes and knock him back.
The exchange between them was a morbid dance highlighted by shallow strikes and soaring droplets of blood and oil. Neither could hit a weak spot, despite their given advantages: Omega obviously had the power and defense, but now within his element, Zero had more speed and agility. Their duel moved from the front of the Ark into the city itself, Weil watching from his perch passively.
Zero ducked under a horizontal swing and delivered a thrusting stab in retribution—however, despite hitting his mark, he just did not have the power to fully get by Omega's thick armor. The resulting hole was scorched and smoking from the plasma of his saber, but there was no blood, and Zero hissed a cursed as he dodged a would-be fatal hit.
He had to keep the enemy from Yggdrasill, just for a little while. Zero knew he could hold Omega… but there was still the rest of Ragnarok's army. Not to mention that Ark was probably still full to the brim with enemies.
Please, beloved.
Zero gritted his teeth as edge of Omega's stab sliced his arm, but his grip on his weapon was absolute, and he replied to the hit with a diagonal strike across Omega's chest. It sliced through the armor, but again, no blood… was there no Reploid under all of that? Was this thing unstoppable?
It didn't matter. He would fight.
The exchange between them was a morbid dance highlighted by shallow strikes and soaring droplets of blood and oil. Neither could hit a weak spot, despite their given advantages: Omega obviously had the power and defense, but now within his element, Zero had more speed and agility. Their duel moved from the front of the Ark into the city itself, Weil watching from his perch passively.
Zero ducked under a horizontal swing and delivered a thrusting stab in retribution—however, despite hitting his mark, he just did not have the power to fully get by Omega's thick armor. The resulting hole was scorched and smoking from the plasma of his saber, but there was no blood, and Zero hissed a cursed as he dodged a would-be fatal hit.
He had to keep the enemy from Yggdrasill, just for a little while. Zero knew he could hold Omega… but there was still the rest of Ragnarok's army. Not to mention that Ark was probably still full to the brim with enemies.
Please, beloved.
Zero gritted his teeth as edge of Omega's stab sliced his arm, but his grip on his weapon was absolute, and he replied to the hit with a diagonal strike across Omega's chest. It sliced through the armor, but again, no blood… was there no Reploid under all of that? Was this thing unstoppable?
It didn't matter. He would fight.
/ Without guidepost, without blessing
Many, many times, I have been defeated,
But I still stand up. /
Within Yggdrasill Mother Elf continued to sing, even as Ciel herself had ceased praying. Harpuia laid unconscious on her bench, and although she knew it was her duty to repair him, Ciel would not turn her eyes from the cradle and its new adjacent addition. Within her King rested, his eyes shut and yet still tears streamed from his eyes.
She stepped to the pod, staring into it with her hands clasped at her chest. The screen next to the glass showed a fifty-seven percent synchronization, and she wondered just how many more of her people were going to die in the last ten minutes to fully sacrifice her King to Mother Elf.
Ciel looked up to Mother Elf's glowing form, now fully shining through Her Chamber, the song growing in intensity as X was slowly pulled from his body and into Her.
"You take from us our King," Ciel whispered. "And in return You promise us life. But if there is inherent goodness within You, Mother, than share with my King the happiness he deserves."
Mother Elf simply sang, and Ciel bowed her head. Praying was an old fashioned tradition done only during formal times, and yet in the heat of this battle before her dying King within the shuddering Tree, Ciel prayed feverishly.
She stepped to the pod, staring into it with her hands clasped at her chest. The screen next to the glass showed a fifty-seven percent synchronization, and she wondered just how many more of her people were going to die in the last ten minutes to fully sacrifice her King to Mother Elf.
Ciel looked up to Mother Elf's glowing form, now fully shining through Her Chamber, the song growing in intensity as X was slowly pulled from his body and into Her.
"You take from us our King," Ciel whispered. "And in return You promise us life. But if there is inherent goodness within You, Mother, than share with my King the happiness he deserves."
Mother Elf simply sang, and Ciel bowed her head. Praying was an old fashioned tradition done only during formal times, and yet in the heat of this battle before her dying King within the shuddering Tree, Ciel prayed feverishly.
/ I might fear the wish entrusted to me
And the hope that was left behind.
But even though I now carry those heavy feelings on my back,
I shall still live on for the Atonement,
And for Rhaplanca who became the cornerstone of this land… /
Zero grunted as he dropped to a knee, the action blessed in that it let him avoid another attempt to behead him. He forced himself to roll to the side as Omega attempted to split him in half, his body groaning in protest. He finally drew blood on the monster, but he had been bleeding so much more already; he was uncertain now if he could hold Omega back.
The Ark had entered the city by this point, and Weil was again watching the dueling warriors. Upon seeing Zero still on his knees, the conqueror laughed from his safe perch.
"Aren't you the almighty fifth Guardian?" the wizened man called. Zero raised his eyes. "The one said to have single-handedly won the Elf War a century ago? Struck down by a single warrior… Neo Arcadia is mine! Give up!"
Zero didn't give him a response. Instead he forced himself to his feet, a little invigorated by the enemy's taunting. Neo Arcadia did not belong to anyone but its people… but its proper King! No man like Weil would rule her holy city or take the Tree.
X would live forever, and Zero would ensure of it!
The Ark had entered the city by this point, and Weil was again watching the dueling warriors. Upon seeing Zero still on his knees, the conqueror laughed from his safe perch.
"Aren't you the almighty fifth Guardian?" the wizened man called. Zero raised his eyes. "The one said to have single-handedly won the Elf War a century ago? Struck down by a single warrior… Neo Arcadia is mine! Give up!"
Zero didn't give him a response. Instead he forced himself to his feet, a little invigorated by the enemy's taunting. Neo Arcadia did not belong to anyone but its people… but its proper King! No man like Weil would rule her holy city or take the Tree.
X would live forever, and Zero would ensure of it!
/ I shall let bloom myriads of flowers
That will fill this land you protect to the brim.
I shall hold the hand of these children without a place to return
And together with them, sow seeds onto this land, into our hearts. /
Leviathan swung her halberd single-handedly around her, sheets of ice spreading from her exotic dance to cover the hordes of enemies around her. She then backflipped just as Fefnir raced through in his Armed form, landing on his back canon gracefully. She clipped the halberd to its place on her back and, seizing the canon, swung it behind her and began to fire with a scream. What enemies remained after Fefnir's rampage were gunned down, and Fefnir swerved to go down another line.
Leviathan glanced up for a moment, worry on her face as she again did not see Harpuia. His forces were still in action, which made her hope he was alive, but surely he'd be up there commanding them?
"Left!" Fefnir's cry made Leviathan panic, and she swung herself hard to the right and let off a large sphere of fire. "If you're not going to gun then get off!"
Leviathan snarled at him and jumped into the air, landing on the dusty ground in a crouch as Fefnir sped off. He always was that way in fights… but surely even that thickheaded idiot knew what this battle entailed?
She surveyed the area, her heart clenching. Once a beautiful tourist mall, now smoldering ruins and debris. Saplings she remembered helping some children plant were withered sticks under black rocks and smoking wood, and she knew once she brought the people back to the surface, all they would see would be scenes like this.
But they could rebuild. Saplings can regrow. Leviathan heard the marching of another horde released from the Ark, and she summoned an ice dragon, hopping into its back and directing it toward the fighting. As she did, she screamed for her troops through the communicator—it was time to make it rain.
Leviathan glanced up for a moment, worry on her face as she again did not see Harpuia. His forces were still in action, which made her hope he was alive, but surely he'd be up there commanding them?
"Left!" Fefnir's cry made Leviathan panic, and she swung herself hard to the right and let off a large sphere of fire. "If you're not going to gun then get off!"
Leviathan snarled at him and jumped into the air, landing on the dusty ground in a crouch as Fefnir sped off. He always was that way in fights… but surely even that thickheaded idiot knew what this battle entailed?
She surveyed the area, her heart clenching. Once a beautiful tourist mall, now smoldering ruins and debris. Saplings she remembered helping some children plant were withered sticks under black rocks and smoking wood, and she knew once she brought the people back to the surface, all they would see would be scenes like this.
But they could rebuild. Saplings can regrow. Leviathan heard the marching of another horde released from the Ark, and she summoned an ice dragon, hopping into its back and directing it toward the fighting. As she did, she screamed for her troops through the communicator—it was time to make it rain.
/ Will this feeling of mine ever reach you one day?
Will this me who continue to live on like this fulfill your wish?
Will it ever come, the day when these questions are answered? /
He had been made for the defense of this Kingdom—Zero knew well what his creator had in mind for him when he was crafted. Although not nearly as strong as Omega, Zero was among the more powerful Reploids in the world, with the speed and dexterity to make him possibly the ultimate Reploid. Arrogance had once been his wife, and Zero had risen through the ranks of the army with such speed and power the people feared him. Once, Zero liked that fear.
But Prince X, when he was created, changed all of that. When Zero was appointed his bodyguard for a day, he was shown all those years as an arrogant powerhouse was wasted. Those few hours in X's presence, sharing conversation, made Zero reanalyze what he was created for. Once he thought life was about being the most powerful, perhaps the most feared and respected. But he had learned, thanks to X, life was so much more.
Staring Omega down, feeling his life slowly ebb out of him, Zero wondered if this was what he would have been if he had never met X. A mindless monster, a gladiator slave with no soul that thrived off blood and chaos… he could have been. Blessed be X, his beloved.
You made me into who I am today, Zero rose to his feet, spinning the saber into a ready position once more. I am a better man today because of you. I want you to know I…
Omega's roar of battle shattered Zero's thoughts, but his heart was louder still; he charged.
But Prince X, when he was created, changed all of that. When Zero was appointed his bodyguard for a day, he was shown all those years as an arrogant powerhouse was wasted. Those few hours in X's presence, sharing conversation, made Zero reanalyze what he was created for. Once he thought life was about being the most powerful, perhaps the most feared and respected. But he had learned, thanks to X, life was so much more.
Staring Omega down, feeling his life slowly ebb out of him, Zero wondered if this was what he would have been if he had never met X. A mindless monster, a gladiator slave with no soul that thrived off blood and chaos… he could have been. Blessed be X, his beloved.
You made me into who I am today, Zero rose to his feet, spinning the saber into a ready position once more. I am a better man today because of you. I want you to know I…
Omega's roar of battle shattered Zero's thoughts, but his heart was louder still; he charged.
/ Counting each day till when the trees bear fruit
I smash my own powerless arms in grief… /
Harpuia stared hatefully at his useless stubs as Ciel hurried rushed around him, trying to get him a decent pair of legs to fight with. Each second he spent here, safe and secure in Mother Elf's song, a brave man or woman sacrificed themselves for this Kingdom and he was spared. He, a sword Guardian… confined to bed because he was foolish in the middle of battle!
"Don't make that face," Ciel said as she began to apply new wiring to his legs, now hooked up to a separate machine away from him. When Harpuia glared, Ciel returned the look.
And then the Head Scientist grabbed the bench he rested on, making it shake. Harpuia grabbed the edges instinctively as she removed the brakes and wheeled the bench around until he was in front of King X's new tomb, the screen flashing ninety-six percent.
He stared, and Ciel let out a sigh. "I will not fix you before the battle is over," she said. "So I think, you should take the chance your siblings cannot—say farewell to our King."
The words were a punch to Harpuia's throat, and he choked as the ninety-six became a ninety-eight. In a single minute, King X would be gone forever, absorbed by the Mother Elf and becoming one with Yggdrasill.
Gone forever, dead forever; Harpuia shook his head slowly as the realization, now no longer impeded by adrenaline, slammed into his chest. The same young Prince he watched the late King Light craft so lovingly, the same Prince who turned that bastard Zero into the hero he was, the same Prince who showed kindness and mercy to any and all and had all of Harpuia's loyalty, devotion and…
A hundred percent.
"King X!"
"Don't make that face," Ciel said as she began to apply new wiring to his legs, now hooked up to a separate machine away from him. When Harpuia glared, Ciel returned the look.
And then the Head Scientist grabbed the bench he rested on, making it shake. Harpuia grabbed the edges instinctively as she removed the brakes and wheeled the bench around until he was in front of King X's new tomb, the screen flashing ninety-six percent.
He stared, and Ciel let out a sigh. "I will not fix you before the battle is over," she said. "So I think, you should take the chance your siblings cannot—say farewell to our King."
The words were a punch to Harpuia's throat, and he choked as the ninety-six became a ninety-eight. In a single minute, King X would be gone forever, absorbed by the Mother Elf and becoming one with Yggdrasill.
Gone forever, dead forever; Harpuia shook his head slowly as the realization, now no longer impeded by adrenaline, slammed into his chest. The same young Prince he watched the late King Light craft so lovingly, the same Prince who turned that bastard Zero into the hero he was, the same Prince who showed kindness and mercy to any and all and had all of Harpuia's loyalty, devotion and…
A hundred percent.
"King X!"
/ Repeating days, repeating questions,
Even though my heart might cower in fear,
I shall not stop believing in this wish.
Honoring sublime Heaven, respecting the land left behind
Loving all people…
These will be proofs of my oath to you. /
Zero screamed as Omega's sword sliced through his right shoulder, severing the arm completely. It fell useless to the ground with a torrent of blood and oil, sparks flying even as Zero dropped the saber and covered the exposed circuitry in vain. On the Ark Weil laughed wildly as the blond once more fell to one knee, panting heavily through the pain.
He could not give up… but gazing up, seeing the gloating Omega above him ready to strike and he had foolishly tossed aside his weapon, Zero could see the end. He had failed… and this failure would never be forgiven.
He bowed his head and waited.
Yggdrasill shuddered, and because of their proximity to the palace the resulting quake disrupted Omega's stance. He faltered, and Zero's head shot up. If he was fast enough... he made the reach for his saber, but Omega recovered faster than he moved, his cross-shaped sword descended to Zero's neck.
The Tree suddenly seemed to explode and the entire world seemed to shiver. The Ark of Ragnarok tilted precariously and every soldier not on the ground or in the air was rocked to the dirt, left scrambling as massive tendrils of light fanned out from the canopy of great Yggdrasill. Zero's eyes widen as from behind him, the Tree itself joined the fight.
Tentacles of pure, retributive light descended onto the ground, slamming into throngs of soldiers, Neo Arcadian and Ragnarok alike. But when the light vanished, only Neo Arcadians remain—the enemy had been obliterated.
Elysium had begun its purge.
Weil screamed for the drivers of the Ark to get them to move as massive cord after massive cord of light fell to the ground. Debris flew into the air, and although the soldiers were spared, the buildings were not. The light used whatever means it needed to destroy the Ragnarok soldiers, even the colossal chunks of earth it spread into the air. Neo Arcadians began to run for cover and thinner, seemingly friendlier strings of light embraced their forms. Although when those lights disappeared with the Neo Arcadian soldiers, Zero had a feeling their fate was much better than those of the Ragnarok.
Omega roared at the descending lights, although none hit him. As the city was made clear and the Ark was fleeing, Yggdrasill released two long arcs of light, drawing a massive circle around the entirety of the city. One arc sliced the Ark in half, and Weil tumbled with the second half back into the city as the circle was complete and a force field erected.
No more Ragnarok soldiers could get in, and any inside faced no mercy from Elysium.
Zero gazed up, his eyes widening as the largest beam of light suddenly whipped for him and slammed right into his weakened, kneeling form.
He could not give up… but gazing up, seeing the gloating Omega above him ready to strike and he had foolishly tossed aside his weapon, Zero could see the end. He had failed… and this failure would never be forgiven.
He bowed his head and waited.
Yggdrasill shuddered, and because of their proximity to the palace the resulting quake disrupted Omega's stance. He faltered, and Zero's head shot up. If he was fast enough... he made the reach for his saber, but Omega recovered faster than he moved, his cross-shaped sword descended to Zero's neck.
The Tree suddenly seemed to explode and the entire world seemed to shiver. The Ark of Ragnarok tilted precariously and every soldier not on the ground or in the air was rocked to the dirt, left scrambling as massive tendrils of light fanned out from the canopy of great Yggdrasill. Zero's eyes widen as from behind him, the Tree itself joined the fight.
Tentacles of pure, retributive light descended onto the ground, slamming into throngs of soldiers, Neo Arcadian and Ragnarok alike. But when the light vanished, only Neo Arcadians remain—the enemy had been obliterated.
Elysium had begun its purge.
Weil screamed for the drivers of the Ark to get them to move as massive cord after massive cord of light fell to the ground. Debris flew into the air, and although the soldiers were spared, the buildings were not. The light used whatever means it needed to destroy the Ragnarok soldiers, even the colossal chunks of earth it spread into the air. Neo Arcadians began to run for cover and thinner, seemingly friendlier strings of light embraced their forms. Although when those lights disappeared with the Neo Arcadian soldiers, Zero had a feeling their fate was much better than those of the Ragnarok.
Omega roared at the descending lights, although none hit him. As the city was made clear and the Ark was fleeing, Yggdrasill released two long arcs of light, drawing a massive circle around the entirety of the city. One arc sliced the Ark in half, and Weil tumbled with the second half back into the city as the circle was complete and a force field erected.
No more Ragnarok soldiers could get in, and any inside faced no mercy from Elysium.
Zero gazed up, his eyes widening as the largest beam of light suddenly whipped for him and slammed right into his weakened, kneeling form.
/ Let this oath be carved on my heart, as I walk on
And as I break open the wilderness covered in crawling thorns.
Pouring love that never withers
I shall bring up the blooming green Paradise. /
He expected some sort of peaceful death or to be teleported somewhere safe when the light crushed him, but neither were granted when Zero slowly opened his eyes. His pain from the wounds he suffered was gone, although he still bled and was missing a limb, but he was filled with warmth. It started from his heart and spread throughout his entire body, soothing physical and emotional aches, like the presence of his X…
Zero stood when a sort of form, outlined in a soft blue, coalesced before him. He didn't have to ask, knowing well whose soul appeared before him one last time.
"Neo Arcadia shall stand forever, " X's voice whispered in Zero's mind. "Because of you, my love. "
Zero shook his head. "Not I… you are the rock Yggdrasill stands upon now."
"And you shall protect me so that I may never fall."
"Forever."
He couldn't see it, but Zero could feel X's smile. The outlined form rushed to him, embraced him, and Zero felt the entirety of X's love for him. He held the apparition close, desperate and clinging, although he knew this moment would end far, far too soon.
"Will you deliver us?" X asked, and Zero stared into the spirit, barely seeing the ghostly form of X's beautiful face. "Will you be Elysium's final strike? Will you be my final gift to my people?"
Zero's fingertips tried to touch his cheek, but the sensation was breezy, like touching spring. "I shall be your everything." Zero swore before his lips sought X's one last time.
Zero stood when a sort of form, outlined in a soft blue, coalesced before him. He didn't have to ask, knowing well whose soul appeared before him one last time.
"Neo Arcadia shall stand forever, " X's voice whispered in Zero's mind. "Because of you, my love. "
Zero shook his head. "Not I… you are the rock Yggdrasill stands upon now."
"And you shall protect me so that I may never fall."
"Forever."
He couldn't see it, but Zero could feel X's smile. The outlined form rushed to him, embraced him, and Zero felt the entirety of X's love for him. He held the apparition close, desperate and clinging, although he knew this moment would end far, far too soon.
"Will you deliver us?" X asked, and Zero stared into the spirit, barely seeing the ghostly form of X's beautiful face. "Will you be Elysium's final strike? Will you be my final gift to my people?"
Zero's fingertips tried to touch his cheek, but the sensation was breezy, like touching spring. "I shall be your everything." Zero swore before his lips sought X's one last time.
/ I offer you myriads of flowers
So that they fill this land you protect to the brim.
Even if the road of atonement is without end
I shall sing and continue to recite the Song of Hope. /
When the light vanished, even Omega took a step back in surprise, Weil staring in shock. What was once a battered and beaten Reploid now stood a proud, fully repaired warrior clad in deep red, white and black armor, shimmering white feathers descending around him as his now silvery-white hair floated back into place. In his hands rested the gathered, solid form of Elysium itself, sheathed in a scabbard of darksteel, a flashing Z in its embedded green jewel.
Zero brought the sword up, pulling the scabbard down a few inches. The blade shone green, like his normal saber, but with a pulsing and vengeful light. Neo Arcadia had been slighted and demanded reprisal—Zero would be that instrument to carry the will of Yggdrasill.
The will of King X.
Zero flung the scabbard off the blade and charged across the field. Omega brought his massive weapon up to parry the horizontal swing, grunting in shock as he was thrown back several feet by the pure energy of the now invigorated Neo Arcadian. He landed roughly on his back, and when the monster attempted to use his sword to help him up, he fell to the ground again in agony and shock.
Zero's blade had completely broken Omega's. Not even reactivating it worked.
Weil took a step back as Zero stepped toward him, fear-inspired awe on his face. "Neo Arcadia's Mythos," he whispered. "Impossible, only the King can use Mother Elf like that!"
Zero paused, then closed his eyes and bowed his head slightly. Within himself he still felt that warmth, with those hopes and dreams. No, he wasn't King, but he carried King X within… and that was enough.
Zero began to run at Weil, who tried to stumble back and flee. The Reploid caught up to him and with a flick of his wrist, Elysium sliced through Weil's protective gorget, the madman's head sent flying. It hit Omega's chest with a sick, splattering thud seconds before Zero's sword pierced the monster's chest itself.
Omega didn't make another sound as Zero spun, ceasing the movement with his back to Omega as the two pieces fell to the ground. The soil was soaked with their life, and Yggdrasill accepted the offering within its roots.
Not even looking back, Zero took off into the palace to the Tree. It was foolish but he dared to hope…
Zero brought the sword up, pulling the scabbard down a few inches. The blade shone green, like his normal saber, but with a pulsing and vengeful light. Neo Arcadia had been slighted and demanded reprisal—Zero would be that instrument to carry the will of Yggdrasill.
The will of King X.
Zero flung the scabbard off the blade and charged across the field. Omega brought his massive weapon up to parry the horizontal swing, grunting in shock as he was thrown back several feet by the pure energy of the now invigorated Neo Arcadian. He landed roughly on his back, and when the monster attempted to use his sword to help him up, he fell to the ground again in agony and shock.
Zero's blade had completely broken Omega's. Not even reactivating it worked.
Weil took a step back as Zero stepped toward him, fear-inspired awe on his face. "Neo Arcadia's Mythos," he whispered. "Impossible, only the King can use Mother Elf like that!"
Zero paused, then closed his eyes and bowed his head slightly. Within himself he still felt that warmth, with those hopes and dreams. No, he wasn't King, but he carried King X within… and that was enough.
Zero began to run at Weil, who tried to stumble back and flee. The Reploid caught up to him and with a flick of his wrist, Elysium sliced through Weil's protective gorget, the madman's head sent flying. It hit Omega's chest with a sick, splattering thud seconds before Zero's sword pierced the monster's chest itself.
Omega didn't make another sound as Zero spun, ceasing the movement with his back to Omega as the two pieces fell to the ground. The soil was soaked with their life, and Yggdrasill accepted the offering within its roots.
Not even looking back, Zero took off into the palace to the Tree. It was foolish but he dared to hope…
/ Even now, oh my precious Rhaplanca,
Even if my love my no longer reach you,
I wish that its warmth would reach your frozen body. /
By the time Zero reached the chamber, Elysium's circuit was complete and he returned to his normal form. The pain of his earlier wounds returned, for the transformation only momentarily healed him, and he nearly tripped down the winding stairs several times. He left a trail of blood from his severed arm, and he didn't care, not at this moment.
At the bottom of the stairs and within the Chamber, Mother Elf had ceased Her singing. Her glow had returned to normal, and She rested peacefully within her cradle. Ciel screamed at Zero's ragged, bloody appearance, and Harpuia himself gaped, but neither mattered to him. Zero rushed by them, his good shoulder butting into the pod and he looked inside desperately.
X's form remained, still and unliving, frozen and sealed within the pod. As his eyes drank in the sight, Zero moaned softly, falling to his knees and bowing his head to the floor, remaining hand pressed against the pod in vain.
Although he wanted to cry, Zero managed to hold his tears. He remained on the ground for several minutes more before he finally got up, turning and leaning heavily against his love's tomb. He looked up to the chamber's ceiling, the inside of the Tree he fought so hard to save.
He closed his eyes. "May this power be bestowed upon me, so this love protects everyone, and…"
At the bottom of the stairs and within the Chamber, Mother Elf had ceased Her singing. Her glow had returned to normal, and She rested peacefully within her cradle. Ciel screamed at Zero's ragged, bloody appearance, and Harpuia himself gaped, but neither mattered to him. Zero rushed by them, his good shoulder butting into the pod and he looked inside desperately.
X's form remained, still and unliving, frozen and sealed within the pod. As his eyes drank in the sight, Zero moaned softly, falling to his knees and bowing his head to the floor, remaining hand pressed against the pod in vain.
Although he wanted to cry, Zero managed to hold his tears. He remained on the ground for several minutes more before he finally got up, turning and leaning heavily against his love's tomb. He looked up to the chamber's ceiling, the inside of the Tree he fought so hard to save.
He closed his eyes. "May this power be bestowed upon me, so this love protects everyone, and…"
/ Today too, I pray for you
Tomorrow, too, I pray for you
Neverendingly and eternally, I pray
For as long as I am still alive…" /