Magnifico twirled midair to try and kick her and she slid underneath, stepping back to kick him in the head only for him to roll forward and pivot in place to face her. He did a front flip and she moved to block only to have his legs wrap around her arms. Pulling on her legs, he tried to trip her, but she simply flipped forward with the weight he was putting on her arms, landing on her back and slapping an ankle lock on him that forced him forward. She scrambled to her knees as he laughed, “Magnifico! Nina! You are ready!”
She put some leverage on his leg, making him laugh harder, “Not this time, old man! Not until you say it!”
He spun with the lock, throwing a kick her way in the process, making her spin out of the way and turn it into a proper leg bar. “Magnifico does not submit, Nina!” Despite her solid lock and immense leverage, his smile wasn’t fading. He seemed to know something she didn’t. She didn’t expect to see him pulling himself along the mat. Eventually, he slid his upper body out of the ring, compromising her lock and allowing him to slip free, pulling her forward towards the ropes like he was scraping her off. She was ready to keep going until she noticed he was limping a little as he flipped back to his feet. She gave him a stern look and walked the opposite side of the ring, climbing over the ropes and eventually taking her mask off. He shouted, “Why are you quitting? You are actually challenging me for once!”
Anisa shook her head, “This mask isn’t the face that cripples an old man.” She looked at the plain mask that she had dyed orange at his suggestion.
He seemed offended at first before he seemingly realized something and nodded, “If that is your honor, I will not challenge it.” Approaching her, he asked, “Have you considered how you wish to design your mask?” She didn’t respond. He sat down next to her and said firmly, “You seek to be born anew, yes? That’s why you found Magnifico.” More silence, “Your kicks sting and your grip is firm. All of these have made me recommend a scorpion before. But you hesitate to embrace the symbol.”
She nodded, “I don’t have the best history with them.”
He laughed, “All the better then! Take their face for yourself! Allow this to renew your strength and claim pride in your scars!”
She shook her head, starting to cry as she tried to push the memories aside. Putting her mask back on, she felt them subside. This was the face of a brave hero. Not a monster. Not her. She said, “The ghosts won’t let me be proud of that.”
He nodded, considering carefully what to say next. “You are a strong warrior who knows no fear. You fight for the justice in your heart. If you do not seek to redeem simple scorpions, how can you redeem yourself?” She thought about it and seemed to want to tell him. He had been more present than her actual dad but she didn’t want him thinking she was crazy. He stated again, “You are a strong hero who fights for justice. Whatever haunts you cannot be escaped. So why deny these scars?”
She didn’t want to tell him. Even after all this time she still couldn’t say it. Even with her mask on, all she could feel was shame and regret. It wasn’t even her decision, but it was her body. Her hands. His wife entered and said, “Darlings, there is something strange on the television.” Anisa blinked, there were people who still watched that? Even after these years she hadn’t fully realized just how rustic this family was. Magnifico left to go see after patting her back and she followed after.
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What she saw on the screen was completely confusing to her and put her on edge, “After much discussion with this new organization, we have decided to accept the occupation of the Falos Empire. The measures being taken by them should resolve most of our humanitarian crises and give true equality to all people’s under their rule. We ask that people of all nations cooperate with their representatives and all Cosmic Patrol officers in this peaceful transition.” This felt wrong but she couldn’t figure out why.
Thinking back to the memories of the other time, the Falos hadn’t come to this planet and the Cosmic Patrol wouldn’t be formed for another few years. This was very concerning. Did Sculptura escape? Did she remember the other time too? Did she bring them here? Anisa’s mask couldn’t hide her expressions from her mentor. Of the figures on the stage in the broadcast, a woman with long flowing white hair and a single spiral horn stepped forward. “Worry not, Humans. You will find submission under our Emperor to be benevolent. We are aware that all of you have no say in what occurred. But we have clearance to bring swift peace to any who wish to continue their petty minded antics. You will find your place within the empire, or you will be removed from it.”
Magnifico shouted, “She is a villain! She is not even hiding it! Her words speak peace but her eyes speak genocide!” Anisa didn’t recognize her from the other time, but she knew that look from when she used to look in the mirror. This was not her quarry, but his assessment was exactly on point.
Her phone rang and she picked it up without hesitation. “I saw it, Terry.” She sighed, “And no, this was not a thing I saw coming.” Magnifico turned, a firm but gentle stare in his eyes. She had tipped her hand and she knew that keeping him in the dark was not an option any longer. Sitting at the table he motioned her to join him. She sat and took a deep breath, taking off her mask. “A friend of mine saved my life and changed history. Before he saved me...”
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Sculptura walked into the emperor’s throne room, she was annoyed to be called to his side. The mad emperor spoke in a kindly tone, “Hello, Lady Sculptura. I hope your trip was pleasant. I did tell them to be kind if you were cooperative.”
She looked at the faceless gold and red robotic soldiers and shrugged, “Your Mannequins are more cooperative than your Knights.”
“That is intentional, my dear. Now, I’ve heard rumors of a wandering warrior that shadows your steps and seems to spread thoughts of revolution through my empire. Since he hunts you, I figured you would know more about him.” He crossed his hands in thought, measuring her.
Realizing her advantage, the parasite seemed to be scheming. Anisa readied herself to resist all attempts to pry information, but oddly Sculptura seemed to leave her be.
This Visto is a tyrant and a tactician. He can only be trusted while you hold value. I may live, but as my host I’m rather attached. I will protect your body and home if you cooperate, little vessel.
She was asking Anisa to trust her while holding all she valued hostage. All at the cost of Shawn. She couldn’t betray him, but again the parasite didn’t seem to be asking for her to help. Just not to fight. Keeping her guard up, she allowed the parasite to go unresisted.
Sculptura laughed as she leaned forward, “I can share, but I want to warn you now. He doesn’t know you exist yet. Not truly. The longer you keep it that way, the longer you will live and the more time you will have to prepare.”