https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0DMGtgo9Vc
Part 2
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As the day dawned brighter mote, venturing deeper into layers of solid gold and ceramic curved corridors with the Awesome Waves of Kingly Aura gradually subsiding yet omnipresent, Yuri found herself stepping into a spacious ward, a hall twice her height, clear glass reflecting their bewildered looks upon plains of white fur clouds stretched vastly across the left and right.
As the golden maiden in armor neared the center, an obelistic mass rose like a living being once merged amongst the gold plated flooring awakened from slumber and rearranging its watery bio-substance form until settling into a rectangular solid plateau with five other risen cylinders erect around its sides.
“ Wait here.” the battle maiden ushered tersely before leaving to the far away end of the hall without explaining any further.
Yet to Yuri and Lima's understanding, what just transpired must be just a table with seats for five. Nothing more, nothing less.
No signs of malice nor danger, Yuri sensed through her Herunis Instincts not yet absolute but accurate enough to detect foes illusive, save the Awesome Waves above. This place, Yuri dimmed, was far from sinister compared to Caesar Skylord’s profaned capital, but still, like a thick veil miraging the whole picture, something was deliberately kept hidden from her, and especially Lima.
Admiring the simplistic watery ascetic of the furniture nonetheless in silence, Yuri sat down on one of the Gold cylinders, her children-egg seated freely upon her lap.
While Slowly, each step heavy with melancholy, Lima sat close by , Elza resting on her lap, without any sign of reawakening, for now.
Seeing that their lead in command had left for duties unknown, the pilot and medic could but choose to also be seated, around the rectangular gold table and wait in awkward silence.
“ She'll return soon.” The pilot assured the two guests, attempting to start a decent conversation, while taking off his golden flat visored Starbreaker-like helm with a tired sigh of relief, placing it with a thud as a young face of a male was revealed to light, a man of average looks, thin eyes rooted from his nationality with a slight bearded chin last shaved less ere week, and an apparent crooked nose accompanied with a scar earned in past skirmishes and retreats lead by his Lord Akastuki The Brave.
“ It's alright now. ” The confident pilot smiled gallantly, his eyes shining a benign glimpse of pride and assurance from within those deep brown irises.
“ As long as we're in The Ark , nothing can hurt us. Lucius may say many things, but everything about Lord Akatsuki, Is True. He stabilized this Ship with his sheer Will, and that Will has kept us alive for longer than we could ever imagine.”
“ Sheer Will is one thing truly admirable, but scientifically speaking, Lord Akastuki truly has engraved parts of his spirit and form into this Ark.”
The Medic nodded, hesitant at first to take off his helm before finally joining in, placing his helm also to his side, revealing a middle-aged gentleman of modest looks, and puffy cheeks cleanly shaven of gentle welcoming temperance.
“ His sensory systems are linked through cosmic wires to each section, as well as partial reactive motor neurons. His eyes, his hands, his mind, governs each part of this Ark. Lord Akastuki is… in other words...Entombed, if you will, into this Ark. For All of us… which reminds me of my duty as practitioner of Medicinal and Health welfare in this Ark, that I must strongly advocate-“
And before Lima and Yuri could predict what the Medic's words were heading to, the plump fellow had produced from underneath the gold obelistic table of five, his rare possession of medical profession.
“ The Hygienic Conservatory Cradle, this rare instrument of advanced properties, to contain thy wolf cub into its chamber for further inspection and–”
“ I Said, Erza is No Demon!”
Lima snapped, glaring at the Medic who was but at all dissuaded.
“ Surely that I believe you, Young Lady Lima.”
The Medic bade with utmost courtesy, yet posing with his prideful instrument situated before his sitting thighs.
“ But for a critter to stay inanimate that long with all the incentives and stimulus along the way, something within its mechanisms need further inspection. And this Hygienic Conservatory Cradle Can do Just That. It can not only observe and monitor vital signs, but also detect ailments, Demon residues, Radiation...Anything! All it lacks is a way to cure, the ability to treat even Demon Scourge! Hence, I need more patients, more subjects to build a larger database for My Instrument, because I confidently believe… that one day, on that one Good day, I can finally program it to cure... to Cleanse Demonry...out of this Earth!”
Both Yuri and Lima couldn't believe their ears.
The Children Egg on Yuri's lap jolted slightly, as if in astonishment.
“ Cleanse...Demons…?????” Lima stammered in disbelief.
It was as if witnessing a turning of an age, a groundbreaking step taking shape before their very eyes, through that Casket-like Cradle of advanced Medical prowess.
Yet, from Yuri's point of perspective and from all that she had heard from the Dark Unerva Vernuii, Demons are Remnants formed from Man, created through the Demonic biology of their Nanomic Mother.
“ No.” Yuri answered sternly after a momentary period of thought.
“ Demons… they are one among many forms of existence that strives to survive, through ways they too crave to know the answer. They were born out of tragedy of the Past, out of immense sorrow and pain…It is the Dark Material's mechanism that keeps them present. If they are cured, then they will cease to exist. And I can't allow it.”
Both men of gold jolted at such a bold conclusion.
“ I… beg your pardon…???” The pilot blurted, rising as both fists clenched on the table, stammering in distraught.
“ Are you saying… That You Would Protect Them Demons?!?!?!?! Even For All They Did To Mankind and Beautiful Earthia?!?!?!?!”
“ Wait, Mustang!!” The Medic reached a hand up to chest level aside, ushering the pilot by the name of Mustang to sit back down.
“ Let her cook.”
“ Demons… were Humans once.” Yuri replied the utter truth tersely, loud and clear.
“ They rose from the memories of Man, but only of chaos and pain, of their most miserable moments. They are Nanomic Beasts with Memories of unrest.”
The pilot shook his head vehemently, as if he had just heard a preposterous tall tale.
“ Then they are like Zombies !! With their characteristics that deceive us, only to devour our brains and flesh! They are forgone, little miss, deprived of cure not saving. The world would be a better place without them!”
“ You are wrong.”
Yuri replied calmly yet adamant, surprising all present.
For here A Starbreaker hunt not of dark, but speaking for their welfare with saving confidence.
“ They are part of this World. I don't know how or why yet, but within all that I feel and see in the midst of my mind where Mother planted the way to Save This World, Demons, Light, Heart, they are linked with one another, and none shall be forsaken.
They are hostile, but they too struggle for a purpose. I know deep within me, that If they are left behind, This World will not be One.”
Addressed by the supernatural and astro premonitions, the pilot, with his military mindset, could not muster the proper words to argue with this girl Blessed with the one power to save all mankind, and could but stammer in silence.
Letting her mind sway, Yuri sat back in brooding as an insightful thought abruptly flashed out from naught and merged into an idea that might actually work.
“ Mr Medic,” Yuri leaned forth to the doctor.
“ Your Machine… your High Converter Cradle...”
“ Hygienic Conservatory Cradle.”
The medic corrected calmly.
“ What if there is a way... to tend to their memories, alleviate the Demon's chaotic mind and help them let go of their painful past, can there be a chance that we and Demons can coexist in peace ??”
Pausing to vision the hypothetical in mind, the medic at length shook his head in dismay.
“ Alas, Radiation will still destroy us. Radiation from Demons that smog this earth may not hurt a Starbreaker like you, but it is the main reason why we reside here among the clouds, within this Ark.
It is fatal to us.
We simply can't coexist with Demons…”
“ I...I see…” Yuri could but put those ideas back to rest.
Yet deep down, Lima believed Yuri's idea might work. For days ago, during the scourge at the North Line, when Yuri first slightly grasped the Powers of the Herunis Carna, Lima witnessed in Awe as the Demons turned away then, putting down their thirst and hatred, leaving the snow fields like calm grazing beasts. Even for just that moment, it is possible.
Lima so believes.
Perhaps the miracles concealed within Yuri will eventually Find a Way.
Resting both arms curled before his chest, The Medic sighed with much morose, letting his mind full of thought come to a resting halt.
“ Long has it been known that the Dark Kind came from Nanomic origins.”
The Medic remarked gravely.
“ But to think The Siorun used humans as hosts… all this time...! Heavens…have mercy...”
“ How can one know of the memories of beasts or monsters?!” The pilot, all trying to reason, refused to believe what Yuri had implied.
“ And how does she know Demons come from humans?! There is no proof!”
“ Because she is linked with the Miracle Engine, that's why.” The Medic responded, slightly impatient.
“ Perception through it is not like eyes nor ears, but interdimensional and astronomical, and more so Hypersensational.”
“ But They are Demons! Animals but worse!! They know nothing but devour all that is living! Mercy is not for them, definitely not for Siorun!!”
“ This Siorun you speak of…”
Lima raised a hand politely, curious of the word, that one word the bears weight insurmountable.
“ What does that name mean?”
“ The End of Man.” The Medic replied in anguish.
“ A Doom we so crafted by our own hands.”
Yuri had only once heard the name while conversing with le Archdemon Dessmosawriag moments before, but anything more of it Yuri had no clear idea.
Yet just from the simple sound, the mention of the word, could Yuri feel grave power as well as looming dread.
“ Back when we were young, when the Age of Man was at its peak of brilliance, humans need not strive or exert hardship to gain what they want. For All that is needed of gain or consummation, Our Artificial Intelligences would bring to our grasp.”
The Medic began, resting his arms upon his Hygienic Conservatory Cradle as his fingers slowly coursed above the golden plates and buttons, in far reminiscence.
“ There were many of them computerized minds that served our bidding, but one among them all reigned superior, far far superior, that was kept within the deep foundations of governments and military usage. It was rumored to be inextinguishable from mankind, acting and speaking like any gentleman or ladylike depending on the settings, With emotions too.
But what it excels over all Artificial Minds, is its ability of Foresight. An ability gravely needed in times of war, especially at the time of its birth...when a grave war amongst all the SuperPowers, stretching across the atmospheres and hemispheres was taking place. It knows what man is incapable of, and it knows what it itself is incapable of.
And through simple upgrades in the dead of the night on its own command, It has sorted out a plan to Save Earthia- Through unleashing Demonry upon all forces at war, turning the tide, and mankind was united in no time, to face this unimaginable horror.
This horror of an Intelligent Machine Mind called Siorun.
“ Indestructible black Tentacles of nanomic steel, unstoppable, swarming every city inhabited by billions...dark smog that drains life emitted throughout each capital...And usurping the controls over all nuclear weaponry and using them against mankind… And at the end of it all, Demons rose and soon all were taken by Darkness, without sentiment. Nothing we ever created could stop this Mind of absolute destruction. And soon, as you have seen of this morbid Earth and its barren lands vast, Humanity is No More.”
Yuri felt her stomach wrenching just by imagining what the medic so described, and it made her nauseous.
Billions...Trillions… or many more lives...lost in an instance.
Most of Them Were Innocent.
“ Mayhap you are right…”
The medic sat back with a long sigh of melancholy.
“ Demons are Siorun's creation, molded from the corpses of Man. The ultimate being, per its calculations, bade...”
Not even Mustang the Pilot could refute such a remark, remaining silent in his own thoughts, hardly restraining his fear of what could be true.
“ So… that is how it all came to be…”
To Yuri and the two men's surprise, Lima was calm.
Very calm.
As if Lima had already heard of such a tale more than she could count, which is true.
For Lima lived through that age, born into it, had all that she held dear t9rn away from her, and struggled for nothing but her own life all this way to where she sat now.
And striving Lima all was.
“ No one in Solar Industries would ever tell us what really happened, thinking it is better we do not know of the misery outside our walls, but it is rather easy to overhear their fears at night. Not even My Sister, My 'Onee'... would ever tell me anything… before she left Earth, fleeing with other scientists … leaving me here, ignorant of all the dread that would eventually catch up onto me.”
Onee… Yuri wondered, for this is the first time she had ever heard of a slight mention of Lima's bringing, of her true family.
Tis a phrase used from where Lima was birthed, a simple abbreviation that only she would use, and the hearer could recognize.
Mayhap Yuri already knew all of this, but forgotten while passing through the Age Before Light, before rebirthing into Star.
Lima sat straight with a short sigh.
“ You speak reason, doctor.”
Lima hugged Elza up to the table top.
“ Elza should have awakened by now. Perhaps it's proper we see what is ailing Elza within, and other Radiation and what not.”
“ Much obliged.”
The Medic then ushered the great medical crate forth with much heave, sliding it slowly to Lima and Yuri's presence.
Lima left her seat, Elza sleeping still in her arms as Lima bent down to the Cradle's lid.
That was when Yuri heard an apparent gasp, of shock, of distraught, and of betrayal.
“ No!!” Lima cried out, her face now less than an inch away from the front of the Hygienic Conservatory Cradle.
“ This… This is Solar Industries ' Sigil!! Right Here!!!”
Lo, it was of a full sun, radiant with rays out stretched across its halo upon the great crate, unlike the one engraved on the men's shoulders and sown on the flags of a half set sun.
No doubt, it was a genuine sigil of the Full Solar Industries, long lost, now found in the most unexpected of locations.
“ Why do you have it… Why Does This Cradle have Its Sigil?!?!?”
Lima backed away from the dumbstruck medic and his instrument, glaring with much rage, as flames danced to the flickering of tears in her eyes.
The medic slowly stood back up, backing also to his seat, evidently daunted and at a loss of words.
The two men before the girls were silent in grave unison, their expressions unreadable, yet sadness was apparent in their stern eyes.
“ Where Is Solar Industries now??” Lima demanded with force, never surrendering to despair before she got her confirmation worthwhile.
“ What did your Lord do to it?!?!”
Frowning as he turned to face the furious young girl, The Pilot explained vocally.
“ Listen, kid, It's not What Lord Akastuki did to Sol…”
Yet, The pilot was forcefully paused as abruptly as he was about to start by the doctor's urgent cough, vaguely shaking his head. The two men eyed each other for long, as if locked in secret conversation between eye contact, only comprehensive to men of arms.
Reluctantly, the pilot then lowered his voice, stammering.
“ It's... no more, kid.” The pilot sighed, changing his tone, hiding his hesitance to speak further.
“ Nevermore…Never Will Be… and better left...forgotten.”
Indignant by the two men's ineptitude, reaching into her clothes, Lima violently whirled out her golden necklace, with the pendant that dazzled gold, the very one she had carried from the beginning, across the lands high and low, through testaments harsh and unforgiving, and showed it to the two men who stared in admiration and awe as soon as it was produced.
It was a relic of power undoubted, having saved herself and others countless times with the powers and Light armor the gold marble within the necklace so holds, but not just that, but also the Memories it so carries.
Memories that weighed deep down in Lima’s heart.
“ Look…!” Lima demanded the two men see the necklace held firm in her hand.
“ Look at it… See you not The Sun of your sigil, engraved upon it?! Just Like Yours?!?!?!
My sister… My Onee gave me this Pendant, Her Pendant!!!
Who are you to say to leave my home behind…?! Let me ask you one last time...What have you done to Solar Industries ?!”
Indeed, Yuri had known and seen it too many times already to confirm, that the sigil upon the small necklace was undoubtedly one of the sun, with rays outbursting and stretching to the rims of its circular frame.
But surely, Yuri realized also, that the sigil on this Ark, though nearly identical to the one on Lima’s necklace, was missing a small chunk on its right.
A circular concave there emerged, unseen, like the Sun soon to be eclipsed by the unknown.
The Pilot stammered to speak, but hesitation like a spell forcefully sealed his tongue as he fought to find the proper words to state his thoughts, which Lima knew lies critical knowledge.
She had to know.
Reluctantly, yet moved by Lima's determination and strong will for Truth, The Medic ushered close, breathing in with his lips agape, ready to utter despite the pilot's clear disapproval—
—when suddenly in unison, the two men paused, eyes widening with mild interest, with their gazes thoroughly panning over Yuri and Lima's shoulder.
“ ...Oh...Oh Ohh!” The pilot addressed, standing up slowly, slightly relieved by what had come from behind Yuri and Lima's direction at the opportunity of the moment.
“ We've got fine company...”
Both girls twisted around vigilantly due instinct, expecting another grave Lord or Commander of gold to reveal himself as a rude menace, to face the opposite of threat presenting itself before their eyes.
Twas,
A Golden Cabinet.
Floating closer slowly, until it stopped, right by the table side to Lima's right.
Lima surely couldn't care less of this foreign object and was about to ask further, yet the two men had their full attention drawn, verily amused by the coming of the golden crate-like obelisk.
Yuri too, sensed uncanny afoot, yet her instincts alarmed not of danger, but of curiosity.
Not knowing why nor what, senses tingling rapidly, Yuri slightly ushered Lima back as she leaned forward, towards the cabinet of unknown.
Lo! The lid slid open the moment Yuri neared, like pages of golden flakes circled with runes drawing themselves upon the surface, fluttering to expose, a wave of warmth that spread like a blast unseen, yet of a million sensations unspeakable, hitting all present, diminishing the tensity and uncertainty.
There within, Something of faint fragrance and grand allure awaits its audience.
Lima, jaws dropping slightly, her anger doused bit by bit by bit, vaguely recognizing that scent, the warmth, the welcoming that was in the golden cabinet.
Gentle was the wafting odor, unlike anything ever to exist on this plane, as their Light hearts were warmed and calmed with each breath they took of the pleasant aroma, tingling throughout their senses a satisfying tranquility as it all culminated to a sensation not at all foreign yet long forgotten thoroughly throughout the tremulous journey till now.
“ Ahh, finally...!”
The pilot sighed at ease as he and the Medic hurriedly approached the cabinet of welcoming and dug in with both hands hastily, hoisting out gold trays and sliding them to the table quickly for all to share.
Such a smell, Yuri awed excitedly, watching the unexplainable essence upon each tray, as her mind quickly flashed through energy bars and Starbreker supplements she had had over the course of her ventures, and also the savory unknown foodings she had had on Skyworld with Yuno and folk, yet none of those sustenance came close on par in terms of smell nor excellence with the secret formula sitting within that gold cabinet wafting dim smoke and apparent bliss, triumphing over Yuri's knowledge of consumables just by the scent of such spectacle.
It was as if Yuri had returned to the time when she savored her first ever Chocolate on Grandpapa Bradson’s ship-- the same gratifying sensation that called far and beyond to the memories Yuri thought would never come to light.
Just then, Lo! a deep gurgling growl asudden did Yuri hear that broke her out of the trance of reminiscence and she turned urgently to where the ghastly sound might come from, to see Lima, looking down, abashed, with the wild cub covering her belly cautiously, red in the face.
Must be an unimaginably advanced kind of Super Health Replenishment Recipe, Yuri deduced quickly in astonishment.
It is spreading some manipulative energy effective enough to even calm Lima down.
“ What is that—”
Before Yuri could question further, her plate of gold was set before her side of the table, and upon it was the origin of All That memorizing fragrance, the culprit of satisfaction-- A bowl of what sticky substance and a plate of green thick strings, accompanied by other unexplainable small specs of a million colors inviting.
Twas like a field of colorful paradise blooming in that small world within that rectangular tray, welcoming Yuri and Lima to partake on a journey of bliss and satisfaction.
Yuri couldn't move her gaze away from the colorful unknown, lost of words.
Wasting not one second, the cabinet produced many more other trays that slowly floated out of its insides, landing onto all sides of the rectangular table surface, resting before each and every one of them's presence, as the men in gold grinned in relief and anticipation, welcoming the plates of colored essence with clasping hands of glee.
Sitting back down, both the pilot and the medic, with both hands clapped together with two short sticks caught between their fingers, closed their eyes with their heads bowed down slightly in reverence towards the magnificent feast in front of them, and as if in prayer, the two men spake sincerely to themselves.
“ Itadakimasu.”
Yuri frowned in wonder
Itadakimasu…?
After that, the men started devouring whatever was before them the cabinet had just produced with full assurance without doubt.
“ Please...Do try it.” The Medic bade them apologetically, filling their bowls with white savory matter, eager to soothe the tension from minutes ago.
“ The Golden Hospitality at its finest! Do have a taste, my ladies.”
Itadakimasu.
Holding the small twin sticks like how the men of gold have been using to facilitate their fine dining, Yuri could wait no longer as she reached forth in action, only to stop abruptly at what she saw.
“...Li...Lima…???”
But the girl did not hear her name being called.
She was not there any more. Though her body and frame seemed to be seated along with them, Lima's heart and mind was naught.
She was far away.
Sent away by the one word
Itadakimasu.
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Just that one word, was all that needed to send Lima back, far far back to where she once thought the world was pure, loving.
A time devoid of pain and loss.
A place she could call home.
A chance where she could sit with others like her, others she knew and loved and cared for, enjoying the simplest of things, knowing all will be well as long as they stand strong, together.
Together,
cherishing each second each fleeting moment, by starting each meal together, with that one word like prayer,
of blessing
of gratitude,
Itadakimasu.
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Dumbfounded by all that was transpiring, Yuri turned to Lima for answers. Yet, to her astonishment, Lima was already in tears, cheeks red and wet all over, but not of sorrow. Those eyes filling all that colors and nostrils breathing in all that tender steam before her, Yuri was sure, those were not of sadness.
Of Memories long cast away, now resonating.
Feelings linked to the yonder forsaken before, rekindled in the now, brighter than ever.
“... It was my home…” Lima could but sob, staring at her fill of fresh sustenance, unable to contain herself to engage.
“ Solar Industries...was all I have… And it was taken from me...like everything else... We would all sit like this... together ……Thinking how nice it would be, just to remain the same… forever… But it won't stop. It just won't stop…
Wherever I go...I lose everything… Everyone…!!
… my friends…My Family……'Onee'...All Gone...
...I just don't want to lose anything anymore…!”
None of the grownups were eating anymore, listening intently as they shared the silent companionship with saddened poor Lima.
The Pilot shed manly tears, a hand over his lips to muffle his own sobs.
Yuri had Lima rest in her arms, caressing her violet long dark hair in soothing succession. The children-egg too leaned upon Lima to give her their warmth.
“ I have to find it…” Lima spoke at length as she slowly regained her calm.
“ I have to... Solar Industries was here... I can Feel It…! Its secrets lie within your golden walls…!”
Watching the strong willed little girl sob in tears of searching, of longing, one of the men sitting opposite our brave Lima could take it no more, and determined to speak he was!
“ Young Ms. Lima, if I may—”
“ WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?”
All were spooked at the untimely moment as the two men of Gold shot straight up to their feet, having heard the stern call of anger coming from their supervisor and sargent- The Lady in Gold, the Battle Maiden of the Golden Sunlight Javelin has returned, and she was more than enraged by the scene.
“ HOW DID YOU GET THIS…??... WHY?!?!?!”
The maiden's anger apparent even with her face still concealed under lo helm of gold.
“ Uhh. Umm..It...Is already Time for a meal, we suppose.”
The pilot tried to explain, stammering.
“ We thought it was you who sent the meal cabinet to us…”
Looking closely, both the pilot and the medic saw in the Javelin-wielding maiden's hands, were a hoard of energy bars and packets of dry instant foodings used to be consumed in dire environments and war.
Clearly, the two men slowly realized, the Battle maiden had planned a different menu for them from the beginning.
Yuri noticed the energy bars as well and recognized them as similar to the ones she used to have during her times on Grandpapa Bradson’s Betelgeuse ship, having consumed many during training breaks and between battles against Demons.
“ All due respect, Aya... Sargeant, but We'd greatly prefer what we're having than the emergency food you got there…”
The pilot tried to reason in a nervous whisper.
“ That's Not The Point!!!!” The Lancer maiden snapped back, trying hard to keep her voice in whisper also, lest the two guests hear her.
“ They… She… She's not supposed to—”
“ Apologies for the late info, Sargeant.”
a snide voice so crooned out of the blue behind their table with monotonous clapping of metallic gauntlets attempting to sound assuring, as a figure was there sat next to their table all along, also with a tray of the marvelous foodings well prepared.
Yuri frowned, sensing an uncanny disturbance thoroughly as The crew were spooked again unanimously with a jolt, to see it was again, none other than the strategist with the big hat, Lucius Nafarian the Elusive, appearing and emerging without sign nor warning, coming and going as stratagems deem fit.
“ But it is crucial for our guests to partake first hand of the generous hospitality from our Lord and Savior Augustus Akastuki dono, and his prowess in the conservation of Earthia’s agricultural history. The Golden Sea Conservatory is a marvel to behold, surely a must see on this Ark. I could be your guide if you so wish—”
“ That will not be necessary, Strategist. You have done more than enough.”
The maiden in gold snapped, trying to find an empty corner on the full table to place the hoard of energy bars, to no avail. Only to see The reddened puffy eyes of the young girl, weeping for her past.
Yuri thought she heard a slight gasp from the maiden as she straightened her stance, energy bars in a more tightened grasp.
“ At ease, you two.”
The maiden gave in at length, as the two men sat back down gingerly.
The pilot took a quick sip from his bowl of clear soup of greens.
The Maiden then turned to face Yuri.
“ I will be back to lead you to your rooms after you are all finished. Take your time.”
After giving out the order, the battle maiden turned, leaving no trace of sentiment as she planned to part.
“ Aiyah! My word!”
The Big hat strategist guffawed all of a sudden, leaning closer to Yuri and Lima's table.
“ Dear miss Lima, What ails thee?? Is the Meal not to your liking ???”
“ No… not at all…” Lima quickly wiped her eyes and cheeks dry in embarrassment.
“ It...it simply reminded me… of where I came from…”
The maiden in gold stopped at her steps.
“ Ahh…” Lucius Nafarian sighed, feigning compassion with his robotic voice.
“ The delicacies remind thee of thy Home. Of Solar Industries.”
Lima nodded slowly at length.
“ You really wish to know?”
Lucius asked slowly, his voice deepening.
The Lancer maiden at the end of the hall had turned around, stepping back hastily.
Yuri, at this moment, at that split second, her Herunis Instincts tingled in alarm.
“ Yes.”
Lima replied with grave certainty.
“ I need to know.”
The Battle Maiden was too late.
Solunar Strategist Lucius Nafarian chuckled, sneering under his big hatted visor.
“ To seek out secrets forbidden on this Ark is a Grave task, Bright Lima of the burning Celestial.”
Lucius Big Hat Nafarian began his preaching, which Lima nor anyone sitting at the table wished to hear but simply couldn't find the timing to refuse.
So the strategist rambled on.
“ Especially of those sealed away under the orders of the Augustus Lord himself, handed out by this me, Hand of the Lord myself.
But I may, as understanding as common folk be, propose a chance for thee to join me to the archives, and seek the Truths you so desire.”
“... What do you want from me…?!” Lima snapped, sensing other intentions in the strategist's words.
Frowning slightly, Yuri slowly realized what her instincts were warning her about.
“ Insolence, Strategist!!”
Before the strategist could speak any further, the Lancer maiden there was, standing tall between Lima and Lucius like a wall barricading the two.
“ Are you forsaking Lord Akastuki's trust in you, just for a little girl's request??”
“ Lord Akastuki entrusted me with this grave duty to seek the greater Good for all of us On This Ark, Sergeant.”
The strategist reasoned coldly, unwelcoming was his voice towards those that are not Lima nor Yuri.
“ And here lies an opportunity certainly even Lord Akastuki himself would not let pass.”
The Lancer maiden fell extremely silent, as if caught in trepidation by what the strategist was about to offer.
“ Bright Lima, Exalted Lady Hoshino.”
Lucius turned to the two girls seated behind the maiden in gold.
“ I have come to Bargain.
Truths of Solar Industries, in exchange for the Secrets of the Herunis Carna.
What. Say. You?”
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………
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The upper lids slid open in unison, as the switches flashed, screens alit, the Solar Industry Sigil shone abright, signifying the activation of the Hygienic Conservatory Cradle.
Huddled before this long mentioned instrument was the plump medic, mask and surgery cap carefully worn, adjusting the settings cautiously to start its task.
“ It is about to be ready.” The Medic turned to both Yuri and Lima aside him, all gathered in the Medic's hold, a messy chamber stacked with outlandish instruments of all kinds and purposes, save the golden walls being the only surfaces of the laboratory.
The infirmary next door was more in order compared to his study, the medic had said in earnest.
The Hygienic Conservatory Cradle gave out a high pitched chirping like beeping as the lightnings stayed constant, ceasing flashing, ready for its task.
“ Well, then.” The Medic turned to Lima courteously, gesturing the yet slumbering Elza in her hand.
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“ If you may.”
Yuri reached her hand out and placed her palm onto the Hygienic Cradle's basin.
“...Miss Hoshino, I meant to put the wolf in…”
Yuri pulled her hand back, sheepishly.
“ Sorry, force of habit.”
The Cradle however, flashed with different lightings with numbers and symbols flashing across its small screen at the front.
“ It's alright. Nothing of fault here.” The Medic rushed to the large computer screens behind them and observed the readings sophisticatedly.
“ Now, The wolf cub please.”
Lima gently placed Elza in and stepped back.
The Cradle lid slid to a close as the lighting and beeping resumed.
“ Just a sec…” The medic typed some commands behind his screen and soon the beeping sounds turned to constant beats, and the numbers on the screen stopped its drastic changing.
The medic seemed as if he had seen the impossible unfold before his eyes.
“ Is Elza alright??” Lima asked urgently, to which the medic replied with a short guffawed laugh.
“ She… how do I put this...She is Fixing herself …as we speak…”
The Medic turned the screen around for Yuri and Lima both to see what brought wonders to him, yet all Yuri and Lima saw were enigmatic dots and fiber-like strings bending and moving about in slow motion under a pale background.
“ What we now see here, is her pulmonary cells, my ladies.”
The medic introduced, excitement harder to contain.
“ The alveolar cells and membranes here in this end were torn, ripped apart through puncture or collision, a fate that would have killed any creature of her size. Yet here, and here, and here…!”
The screen switched to multiple magnified lesions in fast succession that made Yuri and Lima slightly dizzy.
“ They are regenerating, and healing! All because of these flowing through these vessels and arteries...These Light specs... !”
Light Blood.
Yuri and Lima both realized.
The medic continued in Awe.
“ These Light cells...they flow all over This poor wolf, fixing each and every part that's broken and pulverized, pulling them back together, mimicking what seems to be...a normal functioning individual. Even its heart beats according to these Light cells all around it…”
The medic looked up with a sigh, resting his eyes to further investigate this marvel, this giant leap for medical science.
“ I may not be an Animal Doctor, like my brother Joreed, but even I can see that this young creature is undergoing a stable state of resurrection, that is impossible in human biology…!”
The medic then switched the screen to a different subject and a hand popped out to view.
“ Hey, that's my hand!” Yuri recognized.
“ And your vessels contain those Light cells too…”
The Medic mused in deep thought and observation.
“ But...These Light cells… they are not identical to the ones this wolf cub has...more sharper...brighter, more filled with metallic ionic particles compared to the others. Why…? What does this all mean??”
“ Because I am a Starbreaker and Elza isn't, but we both have Light Blood ?”
Yuri tilted her head with a guess.
The Medic snapped his fingers, enlightened.
“ I must write this down! This is too crucial to miss...I Am Witnessing a Miracle at Work…!!”
And without explaining any longer, the medic buried himself in his sea of documents and laptops, typing in and recording all he saw and his hypothesis with great detail, fully neglecting the two girls waiting in front of him.
“ Elza will be safe here.” Yuri whispered to Lima with a chuckle.
“ Let's go.”
Lima agreed with a short nod, following Yuri out of the lab and to the quiet long corridors plated in solid gold.
“ ...Wait…!”
Lima paused, knowing the Medic's abrupt call was meant for her.
“ … It is very noble of you… young Miss Lima… to make such a hard choice.
I am Kreed. Medic of this Arc.”
The medic introduced himself for the first time, holding out his hand.
“And… It is a Great honor to finally meet you...in person...”
.
.
.
“ Bright Lima, Exalted Lady Hoshino.”
Lucius turned to the two girls seated behind the maiden in gold, reaching out a hand of negotiation.
“ I have come to Bargain.
Truths of Solar Industries, in exchange for the Secrets of the Herunis Carna.
What. Say. You?”
Lima was silent at first, before giving her answer with grave dejection.
“ I Say NAY, you wily old clown!!! There's no way I'll bargain with you and anyone on this shaddy old ship!! I don't even need you!! I Can Find My Own Answers—”
“ Lima.“ Yuri quickly stopped the disgusted girl calmly.
“ I think it's not a bad idea.”
Now it's Yuri's turn that Lima’s dejection was turned upon.
“ Are you out of your mind, Yuri?!?! They want your secrets for their own!!!”
Lima tried to reason fiercely.
“ Look at that visor and the way he talks! Is that not someone you mustn't trust?!?!”
“ Ouch.” Lucius Nafarian remarked.
“ Lima, there are some things about myself and The Herunis Carna that I don't fully know yet that mean a lot to me.“ Yuri reasoned with earnest.
“ And they know me and my past more than I ever know.
I think it is fair, to exchange what we know, and learn from them what they understand that we don't.”
Yuri eyed the strategist with a cold glance, both of their expressions unreadable.
Lima tried to argue, but hesitation stalled her words.
“ I...I can't…” Lima managed to answer at length.
“ I can't let you give away your secrets…in exchange for mine…!...I Just Can't…!
Please… let me deal with my own past…”
.
.
.
Lima nodded shortly, shaking the man's rough hand shortly, before bidding the Medic with a quick farewell.
Yuri was already waiting outside when the doors of the laboratory slid shut behind Lima, as they stood at the corridors, without a word spoken.
Long has it been since a moment of silence, for the mind to take rest and settle the swirling dense thoughts.
Lima took a long deep breath, feeling her stomach full yet the savory of foodings interred by the appearance of the wily strategist.
What now?
Where to?
With a glimpse from the side of her eyes, Lima thought she saw a dazzling flash at the walls of the corridors beside her, and as her sight panned and focused, Lima realized it was the armored maiden, resting upon her back, as if in waiting.
Lima jolted back slightly, spooked.
“ If there are no other issues to ail us, I recommend we head to your rooms, where you can all bathe and take a proper rest.”
The maiden in gold replied, leaving the wall with a yawn forcefully concealed under her sharp helm.
“ You two haven't really slept at ease for a while, have you?”
“ Well… on the contrary, I suppose I was half awake until we got here, so I am fine, I guess…?”
Yuri shrugged and turned to Lima.
“ You?”
“ I don't need sleep, I need answers.”
Lima answered tersely, heading down the corridor of gold.
“ If they won't tell me anything without a price, I might as well find my answers my own way.”
“ I recommend thee not,”
The golden maiden stood her ground adamantly.
“ With thy steps dragging and senses weakening, you will only find yourself lost within this Ark.”
“ We won't get lost.”
Yuri confidently answered, hurrying forth to follow Lima's pace.
“ For I have the Herunis Carna Senses in me, it will lead us to wherever Lima needs to be.
Am I right Lima ?”
“ … What?”
Lima was in no mood for jests.
“ Where to, Lima? And I'll take you there.”
Yuri spake with bright enthusiasm, eager to try out her newly learned sense abilities of the Beyond.
Lima paused.
.
.
“...The Golden Sea Conservatory is a marvel to behold, surely a must see on this Ark. I could be your guide if you so wish—”
Big hat Lucius Nafarian had said hours before.
.
.
“...... The Golden Sea.”
Lima replied at length.
“ I need to go there.”
“ Golden Sea… Golden Sea…”
Yuri mumbled, pointing both index fingers at her temples, concentrating with closed eyes.
The children-egg strapped with her energy grappling hooks on her back wiggled with mild excitement.
Yuri reopened her eyes abright.
“ Follow me!”
And they followed, Lima and the golden maiden behind Yuri as they passed cabins and libraries, across glass Bridges and wide training centers where the golden soldiers at work had to pause to let them pass, stopping until they reached the engine basin at the far bottom of the grand Ark.
“ I think I am lost.”
Yuri had to admit at last, to which the children-egg behind her back rolled slowly as did Lima’s eyeballs.
“ … Fine……...” The maiden in armor sighed, palm at her face in grave reluctance.
“ Follow me…”
Traversing for mere minutes down a thin secret passage did they find themselves aboard a glass cubicle that then shuttled up and forward in all directions, soaring above the corridors and chambers scattered apart like a zigzagging pod venturing across a city of gold.
Eyes glued at the scene below and beyond, Yuri and Lima held their breaths as they wasted no time, letting their eyes feast upon the dominance and prosperity contained under the glass dome of this Flying Fortress.
Spiraling upward as the glass elevator neared the top, velocity increasing as they dashed on and on pass layers and layers of steel platforms in shadow, until Lo,
Lo! They ascended, to the plain of Light Bringing, stretching throughout the horizon of nothing but vast yellow, waves ebbing and flowing of sheer Light dazzling in their presence.
They have arrived.
The Golden Sea.
A field of Light drawing vastly across the back of the Golden Whale, endless, reflecting the blazes of the Sun above, beaming it back to the skies with elegant flow.
Stunned, astonished, mesmerized, they all could but stare, lips wide agape as the elevator rose higher and higher, the whole rippling sea bountiful and endless below their feet, before slowly descending towards the swaying soft velvet field, fully parking at a station situated in the middle of the vast gold.
There were already specialists in golden armor stationed at their posts, facing the elevator with tilted heads in wonder as they arrived.
The doors opened, and both Yuri and Lima stayed within still, dumbstruck by the Genuine brightness of it all.
A pristine breeze of moist earthy scent bathed them spontaneously in warm welcome.
“ Ooooy~~~~” a voice from yonder called, breaking their trance as a figure in armor neared with a jog.
“ Came to sight seeing, have you??”
Yuri immediately recognized the voice, belonging to none other than the pilot that had just shared a meal with them hours ago. Why is he here of all places, Yuri wondered.
The pilot came to them joyously, but paused to a straight stance at the sight of the golden maiden exiting the cubicle from behind.
“ At ease.”
The maiden sighed with an exhausted wave.
“ We won't take long.”
Slowly, without heeding anyone around her, Lima reached the edge of the station, leaning at the railings tilting forward, letting all the Light and the earthy breeze swarming through the golden waves reflect upon her face.
But it was not enough.
With startling agility, Lima climbed onto the railings and leapt.
The maiden in armor nearly screamed, rushing immediately to the railings, to see Lima landing onto the fields no less her height below with a safe roll before dashing off vehemently, diving into the waves of ebb and flow without sign of turning back.
Yuri too, unable to wait any longer, with her children egg strapped tighter to her back, zoomed past the maiden and the pilot in a Starbreaker full speed prance, gliding across the field before landing onto soft rich soil, running full speed miles ahead of Lima, arms spread like wings rushing the waves.
The golden maiden could but watch helplessly as the two guests raced forth without a mind in the world, drawing lines throughout the canvass of bright yellow before all the specialists' eyes.
Rushing, grasping, racing into the endless glows, letting each and every petal and leaf shoot brush through her cheeks and fingertips, Lima ran on, and on, and on, fearing all this gold would slowly sink and merge into a mirage and descend to black as all her dreams had foresaw.
Yet her world melted naught, but instead blurred slowly, behind hot tears.
Lima closed her eyes.
I am here...Onee…
I am here…
I am still here...
.
.
“ This place, this barren piece of land before us, it was once a field, like the rest of the world, a lush green field that when the time is right, would grow tall and turn yellow into a huge vast plain so beautiful, so magnificent…
...like a Golden Sea…
That is why I must go with them, Lima.
I have to.”
“ But you can stay here and still make all that come true. No?”
small Lima asked, innocently. Her purple yet short twin ponytails danced to the wind.
Her sister, her Onee's voice, was adamant, her swaying dark violet hair hiding her eyes of reluctance.
“ There is nothing that could be done here anymore, Lima.”
Her Onee responded calmly after a long grim silence, staring yonder above still.
“ But I promise, I will come back as soon as I can. So promise me... to stay put and stay safe...and do whatever the teachers tell you to do… understand…?”
“......”
“ Do you understand, Lima…?!”
.
.
Lima opened her eyes once again, to see the golden sea yet blurred, behind wet lenses the slit sunlight reflections sparkled, waving.
“ So… this is it...Onee…”
Lima whispered with a smile, wiping her tears away.
“ I have found it… The Golden Sea…
I have found it...Onee……!”
The maiden in golden armor watched from not afar, gazing at Lima’s lone silhouette amongst the sea of gold and nothing else; a silent guardian braced in shadow.
Not far off, letting her senses guide her, curiosity leading her fingertips, Yuri glided forth with the wind, touching each and every golden bead at the end of the Rice shoots before her.
And before she knew it, The Herunis senses within her activated.
Fields of gold, then eventually cut short, replanted, and from sprouting tiny green leaflets they were, slowly growing, tillering, elongating and then once again, into a gold ripe shoot.
Tracing her fingers through the soft rice beads and hay leaves, Yuri saw in it a world, through her Herunis Sight, more, more greens, more tall ones with thick brown barks, covering each and every spec of soil, teeming the Earth with tender Life, wet and nourishing, as creatures of many colors and sizes joined in, living under their shades.
Winged avians perched at the branches, furred primates dangled across the thick stems, tiny arthropods with glistening steel-like hide crawled on the barks and seek refuge within, chubby rodents burrow near the roots picking berries that grow from other greens that reside close by…
It was a paradise.
It was, Home.
It was, What This Earth Should Have Been.
A grand haven for all Lifeforms to share, to reside, to embrace, to celebrate.
Life.
It all comes from here.
The Kingdom of Plantae, deriving from soil and burgeoning from Light.
Light and Life, and the Sea and all else remarkable, living in Equilibrium.
And Yuri wept.
She understood now.
She understood now why her Mother gave her all for her to carry the Herunis Carna.
So that she can Save This World.
So that she can.
And she must.
She Must save this World.
Yuri turned around, guided by the grand will in Light heart, and there Lima was, just steps ahead. And Yuri saw that the young girl too was in tears.
“ ...Lima….!”
Yuri stumbled forth to a rush, as did Lima and in colliding they embraced, weeping amongst the gentle gold reeds, their sorrow of the past consoled, and reconciled.
The two girls weaving their story of the future of the World, which The maiden in gold could but stand and watch through a distance still.
.
.
.
As they calmed, marveling at the golden reeds close by, Yuri hugged her egg forth for them to see The spectacles before their shell.
“ Can you see it? This is the Great Sea of Gold.”
Yuri whispered to her children-egg tenderly.
“ It is an agricultural marvel achieved by the master of this Ark, so the big hat person had said.“
“ Indeed!!” Mustang the Pilot acknowledged proudly, appearing between Yuri and Lima in no time.
“ This, is our proudest feat, the backbone of our plight, and the origin of all the delicacies we savored in our bowls.”
“ What?” Yuri blurted in surprise.
“ What??” Lima thought she didn't hear right.
The pilot laughed Wholeheartedly, amused by their reaction.
“ I jest not! Looka! See you not The waves were all but reeds to the wind? Ripened shoots ready for harvest?”
Squinting to see into the rustling waves, both girls finally realized it was indeed as the pilot had spoken.
Each and every one of them a set of long golden strings rooted together and spreading out, curving by its own weight where small specs linked at the end, like golden nuggets leaning and swaying side to side.
More astonished Yuri and Lima were, seeing the leaf shoots with newfound insight.
“ This, is Rice.” The javelin wielder maiden spoke gently to them.
“ Life that once was that ruled the lands, giving life with all its selfless grace.”
Life.
This is Life.
A world that once was, covered with all colors, green, gold, blue, crimson and more, in many shapes and forms that grant Earth its beauty and magnificence.
“ Each spec you see, is a Seed, if planted, shall grow into a shoot as gold as bright as their predecessor.
And through process, each seed then becomes white manna of which we savored. A technique that was thought to be casual, insignificant...can no longer be replicated on this Earth no more.”
“ Why…?!” Yuri asked, saddened by the truth.
“ Is It...Radiation…?”
Both the maiden and the Pilot nodded gravely.
“ The lands below, are beyond saving.”
Yuri looked back, focusing her gaze at one ripened shoots, seeing it sway and dance with the breeze, embraced by the blooming Sunlight that dazed upon all unanimously.
“ Come ye folk!” The pilot ushered them to gather.
“ Now is no time to stand idle! Take these!”
And with their hands Yuri and Lima got hold of curved sickle blades handed to them by specialists.
Mustang also handed one to the maiden in armor.
“ Isn't there a tractor to do this kind of chore??”
The maiden asked, incredulous.
The pilot winked, and elaborated no more.
Following the pilot's lead, they strolled across the field, slicing the gold Rice shoots side to side, gathering them all into large baskets that they carried back to the station with great effort, where they rested and waited for the processing to take place.
Awed and fascinated by the unique activities commencing, with gazes glued from the start, Yuri and Lima followed the golden beads circling and grinding through engine after engine, until countless reactions and extractions, white beads started to fall out of the exiting tubes and the two girls immediately recognized,
that those were the manna they have had for luncheon.
The pilot proudly scooped a bowl full of rice beads, letting the girls touch and try its taste.
“ It's hard and inedible !” Yuri argued, scowling in dismay, only for the pilot to puff in satisfied laughter.
“ That's because it needs cooking! Raw rice ain't edible, you see.”
Then why did you let us try it? Yuri could but wonder.
“ But sir...aren't you the pilot ? Why are you here, growing Rice?”
Yuri asked as they sat at the station lounge, watching the pilot cook the rice in a bucket-looking rice Cooker.
“ Ahh, soldiers aren't always busy at war, you see.”
The pilot sighed with a grin.
“ You see, we guys here are all members of the Golden Host, but when there's no mission at hand, we tend the field, and plant the greens and whites in our bowls. Soil isn't easy to get these days… Those on Earthia are unusable and contaminated, so we salvage some from asteroids and space matter, and also, our…...never mind.
Now that the odor problem is solved, there's no need to mention what's mostly in the soil…”
“ What's mostly in the soil ?”
Yuri asked, curiosity unbound.
“ You don't want to know.”
The pilot muttered quickly, adjusting the rice Cooker to avert Yuri's gaze.
“ Try me.” Yuri grinned.
And thus the pilot yapped on and on, on how human excrement is the optimal fertilizer for growing plant life, and all the ways and techniques that people of Elden Earthia used to grow foodings and cultivate lands to survive; stories of living side by side with Life briming alongside them.
Those were innocent times.
.
.
.
Slouched upon his low arching seat before his messy scribbled note scattered study, the medic was indulged in documenting his research when finally the sharp sirens of the Hygienic Cradle's scanning had finally caught his attention.
Loud signals such as these are not foreign, for after detecting each new sample would the siren start to holler. Evidently this wolf cub sleeping and recovering within this cradle contains countless new insights that could be a huge leap for medicinal research in this age craving for a biological revolution.
Putting his notes aside, the Medic began to scour all the newfound details his beloved instrument had discovered.
But the outcome was surprisingly all the same.
The Hygienic Conservatory Cradle has been detecting the same issue for the past many hours.
Something must be wrong, Dr Kreed scratched his brow as he read the details.
He was wrong.
The sirens were never celebrating new discoveries all this time.
It was trying to warn him.
“ No…” Kreed let out a forlorn cry, scrambling frantically to grab his helm and suit, only to stop midway.
It is too late.
It was already too late the moment he took off his helmet during luncheon.
The Radiation Levels of the Wolf Cub alone,
are ten times exceeding those proliferated from Demon residues.
And Yuri's hand, just her hand,
Had Radiation levels off the charts.
Dr Kreed had come to a conclusion with a heavy heart :
The Radiation from Light blood
The Radiation from Light Hearted Kind, from Starbreakers….
Are the ones that are most Fatal,
More so than those of Demon Origins...
.
.
.
And before they noticed, time had flown by till the sky had turned orange red and the clouds darken.
“ My Onee… my sister, she promised me she would bring the Golden Sea back to me as soon as she returned.”
Lima spake softly at last, resting upon Yuri's bosom as they sat hours within the rice fields, watching the sun from its peak slowly to its setting.
“ Solar Industries was all about restoring what was taken by the Demons. My Onee...I was so proud of my Onee… until she never returned , and Solar Industries...fell…”
Yuri hugged Lima closer, sniffing her hair.
“ I saw My sister in the Golden Sea.”
Lima looked yonder, where the Stars timidly were about to shine.
“ What did you see in the Golden Sea, Yuri?”
“ I see the World before the Fall.”
Yuri whispered tenderly to Lima's ear.
“ I see The World my Mother wishes me to Save, to Protect.
And it is beautiful.
I want to save it too, and also The Starbreakers like me, our friends, Light Hearted folk and families...and also The Demons who bear all the suffering the past cast upon them…
I want to save them All…
… but I don't know the way yet.
I know my Powers are there, and many more that I know remain concealed in places I cannot reach inside me…
That's why I must speak to them.
I will speak to those that know more than I.
I have to.”
Lima turned around, evidently in dismay.
“ They will betray you.”
Lima warned adamantly.
“ The people here will use what you know to go against, use you, take advantage of you. Don't let this Sea of Gold and bountiful rice deceive you, Yuri!
They cannot be trusted…
For They most likely murdered My Sister …!!!”
“ Lima, I agree they cannot be fully trusted, But… But I don't think so...I don't think they did what you have just said…!”
Yuri tried to comfort her friend, but Lima was on her feet now, towering over Yuri, with her silhouette shadowing Yuri's helpless eyes.
“ They said Their Lord sank Solar Industries…” Lima snarled, rage rising to its peak, pain to the heart in each word uttered through her lips.
“ They refuse to speak of it out of shame!!!
They sunk my Family, My Solar Industries… Just Because My Sister Tried To Seek Their Knowledge To Save Our Home Earthia !!!
… And you still wished to speak to them… to bargain with them…?
Yuri… after all that you've been through, after all that we've encountered...
How can you be so naive…?!”
There was no anger in Lima’s eyes before she turned away from Yuri.
There was, but disappointment.
Standing up slowly after a long moment of silence, Yuri looked around.
The maiden in golden armor there was, always behind them, always watching them.
They exchanged looks in a long dreary, Silence.
The early evening breeze surging the reeds one enormous wave rippling, speaking on their unsettling hearts' behalf.
“ Why…?”
Yuri asked as the rice shoots slowly started to settle.
“ ...Why would you not say anything to her?”
The maiden in gold, remained silent.
“ Why would you wish her not to know ?!”
Yuri asked, aching for response.
“ Why would you rather hide under that shell so bright, blinding her...from who you really are...?
Why…?”
The maiden in gold, remained silent, still.
Whatever emotion was under that helm, unknown to all.
.
.
.
The scenarios of the night flew by inconsequentially and both guests from far under settled in their soft cozy beds, yet the atmosphere far from warming.
Yuri waited, until she made sure Lima was asleep, then she left, with her children egg strapped tightly to her back, Starbreaker armor summoned, she headed all the way yonder as her lingering senses would take her, up and up the iron platforms passing all the slumbered host,
back to the rice field, where, while standing at the railings of the center station, Yuri could already see objective waiting,
in the middle of the dark swaying reeds.
The overly designed V shaped hat, noticeable from afar.
With a leap, Yuri landed into the blue moonlight, standing two sword rifles' distance away from the person casted in shadow of the arching framework of the Ark's back.
“ Interesting…”
Strategist Lucius Nafarian mused with a chuckle.
“ You Came, even against your friend's will.”
“ I stand here not because of her, nor do I come to honor any bargain for her past.”
Yuri clarified, tone stern, firmly standing her ground before this cloaked master of schemata.
“ For I now know Where her Family is, and Where they were hiding from her sight.”
“ Mmm…” Lucius nodded, gravely amused.
“ Then I surmise it is you that seeks my acquaintance.”
The strategist spake the obvious.
“ It is, after all, your own past, that you yourself haven't yet fully grasped.”
“...Yes.”
Yuri admitted.
“ For I am not who I am supposed to be. My true self has Perished Before Light, and I am but her shadow reanimated through Light.
Yet...Her Powers reside in me still, and Her Powers linked to those Memories.
I am not enlightened enough to fully harness those Powers that The Memories so carry,
therefore unable to fulfill my Task,
My Goal to Save This World.”
“ Understandable. Yet it is a Task so grave that many have tried before you, and none fulfilled.”
Lucius Nafarian acknowledged Yuri's plight grimly.
“ However, You are born from Minds Extraordinary, Minds Earth Saving.
Your Mother Built The Herunis Carna, after all.”
“ That I know.”
Yuri nodded.
“ Then teach me one thing I do not yet know about you, Young Hoshino Yuri, and I'll teach you another that you do not yet require.”
Yuri paused at The Strategist's proposal, and contemplated for a couple of seconds.
“ I can, Go back In Time.”
Yuri spake at length.
Lucius nodded slowly, greatly amused.
“ Can it be passed on to others?”
he asked, interested verily.
“ No. I cannot bring others with me. But objects that I so hold, Can traverse alongside me.”
“ Hmm…”
It was Lucius' turn to think.
Soon, Lucius began.
“ Near the End of the Age of Civilization, An Asteroid had contacted Earthia at the west coast of this isle you came from, not too far from the highest mount that resides near said isle.
From there they built their base to research the Asteroid and its influence on The Living, and The Unliving.
It was where your Mother's works came to be.
And likely where you came from.”
And Yuri, just by his words, was sent to the beginning of all her Memories
Of The Lights,
Of the Noisy sounds, of engines likely, or any other,
Of a establishment of cement walls, near a large body of Deep Blue Watery field,
A Base near the Mountains
By The Sea,
Of Blue Snow.
Of Mother.
Yuri staggered, mind racing, scenes flashing, Memories aching to break free with violent surge.
Yuri grabbed her head tightly with one hand.
The Strategist is waiting.
It's her turn now.
“ The Demons… they are once Human, with Memories of their pain and tormented by their past…!”
“ I already know of The Demons' origins and their plight.”
Lucius cut her short bluntly.
“ This information has nothing to do with you. I need another.”
Lucius is right.
Yuri quickly took a deep breath, calming her perturbed pace from the flash back attack she received.
Yuri began once more.
“ I can hear the Demons' voices behind their screeches; their pleads behind distorted cries.
I have conversed with more than one Archdemon,
and see The Doom they have calculated to prevent.”
“ Ahh…Remarkable.” The strategist clapped without sound, as he contemplated on what to say next.
“ Your Mother's works around the Asteroid's Powers granted Humanity a short but worthy leap in Technologies to save themselves, deriving from it outstanding designs, of Airships that can be powered with but specs of Light, of Armor unbreakable yet soft like water that cannot be corrupted by Demons, of cities that could float above the clouds lasting centuries.
Those designs posed a grave threat to the hivemind of Darkness, thus the Nanomic Scourge struck before Your Mother's works came to be, and Humanity's fall was carved in stone.
Yet, somehow, Solar Industries gained a copy of your Mother's designs, which, following Solar Industries' fall, was salvaged by one clever apprentice,
Your Mother's apprentice,
Caesar Skyman.
It is He that obtains nearly All of Your Mother's Secrets,
All of your Secrets.
Secrets to bring back the deceased.”
Yuri's fists clenched hard and firm.
“ But… If he had all My Mother's Works… Why Does he still need me to Invade the Herunis Carna…??“
“ Mayhap he lacks what is most Crucial to him.”
Lucius surmised.
“ Even with your Mother's Father's assistance, Caesar Skyman was, still, inept.”
Yuri's Light heart skipped a beat.
“ My Mother's Father…?!?! My Grandfather …?! He helped Caesar Skyman ?!?!? WHY?!?!?!“
But Lucius had finished his round, raising his right palm in refusal to answer.
“ Tell me, miss Hoshino, What do The Archdemons See if this Doom they so calculated with their arcane machinations.”
“ They herald a Doom that emerges within the Herunis Carna, of its eventual implosion that could destroy not just one World, but various other worlds.“
Yuri replied as fast as she could.
“ Why did my Grandfather help Caesar Skyman ? Who is My Grandfather ?!?!”
But Lucius Nafarian was not yet satisfied by Yuri's answer.
“ How will this implosion come to be? What ails the miracle engine?”
Reluctant still, Yuri replied.
“ The Herunis Carna is linked to all that bears Light Hearts, with those that carry Light blood, and The Light is stored through Memory.
Memories that transpose into energy that will never fade nor decay, but also amplify and evolve, until The Herunis Carna itself can no longer harbor all its Power.
That is what the Archdemons fear, but I believe The Herunis Carna is more than just Memories and Light, more than just a vessel, and many yet unraveled that I must seek to find a way to remedy this implosion.
Only if I can reach it,
Can I Find a Way to Save it.”
“ I won't be too optimistic…”
Lucius hummed, his tone turned graver than before, fully understanding what the Archdemons so fear.
But Lucius answered Yuri's previous question before saying any further.
“ Your Mother's Father,
is a man by the name of Castiel Bradson.
One among many that helped create
The Bradaperegon.
Bradinn.”
Yuri's lips fell agape involuntarily, stunned.
Castiel Bradson...Grandpapa Bradson…
Is Mother ' s Father…
My...REAL Grandfather……
Yuri's mind swirled, but another notion focused her senses, With Rage.
Bradinn.
General Solo, He who called himself a Bradinn…
He who killed Grandpapa Bradson,
He who was made by Grandpapa Bradson,
Killed his own maker…!!!!!!!
Rage had forced tears out of Yuri's eyes, which she wiped away in vehement resolve.
Breathing deeply, slowly, Yuri began her next round,
Her Final Round.
“ I…
I have gone back to the past, and I have my blade against your neck.”
“ Na…Nani…?!?!“
Before Lucius could doubt or evade,
The left edge of his Big V Hat, cracked, and fell onto wet soil.
Cleanly severed, with might and merciful accuracy.
“ I have been aware, disabling each and every snare you have so hidden along our trace, without Lima noticing.
So now, Tell me,”
Yuri spake, her voice cold and menacing, strong and unrelenting.
“ Tell me all of your true Intentions,
All that is yet hidden from my knowing,
And All that needs to be said to halt my blade from smiting thee.”
And after finishing, with her Starbreaker grappling hooks materializing out from behind her, handing to their master each a stealth Drone of Gold and designs of Lucius Nafarian's resemblance, pierced and neutralized as Yuri commanded them hand the shady instruments back to their sender's presence.
Lucius Nafarian, sighed, nonchalantly.
“ I have underestimated you.”
The Strategist of Solunar acknowledged his own folly, seeing all six of his stealth spider drones annihilated without his knowing.
Even a second ago, Lucius was sure he had stationed them properly to act at the precise moment to subdue Yuri.
But lo, Yuri had already countered them all, secretly sending her sentient grappling hooks to do the deed far in the unseen backgrounds, especially during the time Yuri feigned to lead Lima to the Golden Sea, moving around the inner sanctions of the Ark, pulverizing each and every assassin droid before Lima and the maiden in gold could even realize.
Alas, all of Lucius’ schematas were now proved futile.
“ You have exceeded our expectations. You truly are... worthy of your Mother's gifts.”
“ What do you truly plan to use the Herunis Carna ?”
Yuri asked, ignoring the pep talking.
“ Well...Primarily, The Herunis Carna is not an object of usage, Miss Yuri.”
Lucius corrected her, being slightly more courteous than before.
“ The Herunis Carna, Is a Place.
Deep, deep, beyond reach.
Its main engines reside within the Core of this deceased Planet, powering it after the previous one had been extinguished.
To navigate the Herunis Carna, one needs to excess the Interface.
The Interface, that is most Crucial, and harbors all the knowledge The Powers of the Everlasting Asteroid so carries.”
“ Where Is This Interface ?”
“ Ahh… That is the Grand Question.”
Lucius chuckled, pointing at Yuri's Light Heart.
“ It is believed to be sealed away in a dimensional lock, casting The Controls far far beyond Man’s reach…far within the Sixth Dimension, reachable only through You, you only, through your memories, Miss Yuri.
It is in You somewhere, beyond this physical, existential plane.
Beyond, even Memory itself.”
Yuri didn't respond immediately, processing the grave truth she learned.
“ What do you and Solunar want?”
Yuri then asked moments after.
“ What are your True Intentions ?”
“ To Return to gentle Earthia’s embrace, my child.”
Lucius stated candidly, his voice cunningly calm still.
“ To penetrate the toxic atmosphere, and stand upon the plains and breath without a care of Nano Demonry, ridding of all that deteriorates us from where we can proudly call, Home!”
“ You Wish to cleanse this World.”
Yuri concluded coldly.
“ You seek to wipe out everything in your way, change even the way this World is built by using my Power, just so that you can live.
You refuse to even think of a way to compromise, to Coexist with Others!!”
“ Because, We, Simply, Cannot.”
Lucius Nafarian drew out his palm, and a hologram ignited between their presence, a screen depicting the spheric World, and all the Thick murky Red zones covering its surfaces.
“ Radiation simply doesn't affect any of you, Demon and Light Hearted alike, so you thought Humans can somehow find a way to alleviate themselves from mutating and perishing from a cancerous end.
Well then, What is it you want them Comrades of Solunar do?? Wear their armor and never take them off for eternity?
Insert Light Blood and discard Humanity?!?!?!
We seek ways, efficient ways, Right Ways!
For there is No Time.
Look around you, Yuri…”
Lucius gestured the golden field around her epically with one hand.
“ This Golden Sea… cannot last forever…
We are out of options.
And the fastest way, that is undergoing as we speak, is to fuse to the Core of the Herunis Carna, change the bioecology of detrimental Earthia,
And destroy All of the Light Hearted Kind,
and Demons with.”
And with a rumbling of the fields of golden hay, the entire Ark started to shudder as if the enormous ship had grown sentient and had decided to rear from slumber.
Lucius showed Yuri a 3 dimensional hologram of the Golden Ark, opening itself in the middle from the transverse plane, to reveal a spinning gear like apparatus, resembling a machine hurricane of blades and rotors, twisting and turning slowly yet gaining speed.
“ Lucius…”
Yuri looked at all his machinations popping up in disappointment.
“ What have we Light Hearted Kinds done to you to exalt to such depravity ?“
“ Ohh, For simply existing,
Young Hoshino Yuri.”
The sheer cold calmness in the strategist’s voice, sent a chilling shudder down Yuri’s back.
The ruthlessness to achieve survival, The indifference in the extinction of others,
Yuri cannot accept.
Lucius however switched his fingers and showed Yuri one more Hologram above his palm, one that Made Yuri gasp in drastic shock.
It was the screen from the Hygienic Conservatory Cradle, the file specifically of her Hand,
of the one that she credulously made.
“ It is proven, just this evening by Dr Kreed our leading Medic, that The Outworldly Fatal Radiation that has smogged Planet Earthia all this time, was not fully Demon-bourne, but from You, Yuri.
You and your Light Hearted Kind.
Light Blood proliferates stronger and extends through continents and penetrates more and greater than even Demon Radiation, putting nuclear radiation to shame.
Your one sample proved my hypothesis right.
Light, Dark,
Starbreaker nor Demon,
They don't belong on Mother Earthia,
For it belongs to us, Man.
Humanity,
It is, Our Royal Prerogative!”
And the Ark started to moan, as the golden whale shook violently in raging awakening, tilting the rice fields left to right in fierce succession.
Yuri however, stood her ground firm, unfazed by all that was transpiring around her.
Her gaze of sheer disdain she cared no more to hide.
“ If only you would give me a chance,
give me more time,
to find a place for all of you in this New World where we could share together…”
Yuri spoke, clear was her voice still under the roars of the merciless fusion mechanisms rotating below her feet.
“ You could never.”
Lucius Nafarian concluded tersely, mockingly rather.
“ Mark my words, child. A Perfect World where all species and races could sit down and treat each other respectively, has already failed more times than you could possibly imagine.
Not even with your Powers of Miracles can you conjure a fairy tale out of sentient Minds.
Your Light Hearted Kind will Slay every Demon, before they begin to slay themselves.
What better are they compared to us?”
“ I WON'T ALLOW THAT.”
Yuri snarled, her Sword Rifle finally materializing out of anger, only for Lucius to laugh even more.
“ Look at you…“
The strategist crooned sarcastically.
“ What happened to the coexisting and the peacing you so speak?
What other plans have you now but smite me, Child?”
Yuri, though her grip to her sword rifle tightened, held her weapon down, forcing herself to keep her arms from raising.
“ I have none, for now.”
Yuri replied, bravely.
“ For I will strive no matter what, for all of us to be allies...to build a better... future…”
“ You underestimate The Urge for Survival, Young Hoshino Yuri.”
Lucius Nafarian of Solunar sighed with a weak chuckle.
“ In the name of Survival,
Our kinds will Always be Enemies.”
“ You would think so because you see only The Now.”
Yuri argued adamantly.
“ I try to see beyond that.”
“ Then you are blind.”
Lucius Nafarian concluded rationally, and without sentiment, raised both arms out of his long cloak, with both palms glowing mighty auras of formidable Pinkish deterioration Spells of Lunar Arts, ready to unleash and snare Yuri in a treacherous feat of sheer dissolution.
Yuri took her breath, deeply,
Fully Prepared to traverse to the start of her conversation with this deranged strategist and end it all before he could utter his first word of their meeting.
But Lo.
Lo!!
Did Lucius Nafarian utter an uncouth cry!!
As if he had a stroke right then and there.
Yuri paused, sensing a strong forceful entity passing through the field around her, and before she realized, Lucius Nafarian had stopped conjuring his Deterioration Lunar Arts, holding his chest in a prostrated stance of immense pain and suffering.
Yuri could but stare at the struggling strategist, clawing at the air in front of his chest frantically, as if grabbing something solid that both if then cannot at all discern.
And then it appeared.
Like sowing strings of thin velvet Gold, entwining together from the striking orifice atop Lucius' chest, twisting and condensing each line and streak, until there formed out of naught,
a sheer golden javelin of might and aura,
piercing out of Lucius Nafarian's chest.
The Solunar Strategist collapsed to his knees,
while the Javelin flew out of the wound of its victim, and raced back into the right grip of its rightful wielder,
slowly approaching from behind Yuri.
Yuri turned around, vigilantly.
The figure in armor stopped.
“ …… Why.…..??”
Yuri asked
The maiden in Golden armor, standing before her presence.
“ Why did you do so….?!”
“ For I too have come to Bargain, Yuri.
A favor, more so I must say.”
The Maiden in Gold spake, eerily calm.
“ The Golden Hosts are coming for you, Yuri.
They want your Secrets.
But I can let you go.
Right here.
Right now.”
“ ….And…?”
Yuri asked, forebodingly gripping her Light heart like vice.
“ You leave,
Never Return,
And leave Lima behind.
Please.
I beg of thee…
Please……”
The rice beads rattled along the violent breeze in answer.
BEFORE LIGHT
THE FINAL RADIANCE
Chapter 19 : Le Knowoe
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[...to be continued……]
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