The Fallen arc
Outside of an imperial occupatated town lies a forest. Deep within this forest were magical creatures, large trees and beautiful big flowers. But what else lies deep within this forest, was the wreckage of an Imperial Transport vehicle lying on the ground on its side covered in roots.
Within the area not far from the vehicle were blood stains, mechanical body parts and the corpses of imperial soldiers lying on the ground covered by roots. Some were even hanging from trees by the very same roots. This was no ordinary forest. It is an enchanted forest filled with dangerous wildlife.
The Azalea Forest. A place of high mana reserves imitating the trees and plants. The plants carry so much mana, that they even come to life and feed on animals and trespassers.
Within this forest was a young boy, about seven years old, running for his life from imperial soldiers. He had spiky hair, it was a mixed color of black and white. He had purple eyes, pale skin and he was injured. Covered in scratches on his face and bruises on his stomach. The boy was being pursued by dozens of imperial soldiers.
"Catch him! Don't let that brat escape!"
The soldiers tried to catch up to him but despite his injuries the boy was still too fast for them to keep up. So some of the soldiers began opening fire on him. The boy ducked his head and ended up tripping onto the ground barely missing their shots.
"Hold your fire! Our orders are to bring him in alive!"
As they stopped shooting at him, he quickly got up and continued to run as fast as he could. The boy had never been in this forest before but he was confident that his sense of smell could lead him back home. But even then he was scared for his life. He wanted to be with mother and father. He wanted to live. But in this situation he could only rely on one person to come to his aid.
"Please! Please help us!
***
Republic Warship:
Training Room
It's been a week since Jayden had met Ziera and been living aboard the warship of the Republic. Ziera had been training Jayden on how to use his powers ever since. Right now, Ziera was testing Jayden on his target practice against the holograms she summoned.
"Okay! Let's do this!" Jayden said. He carefully aimed his Omni-Cannon at the eight targets in front of him as he loaded up his weapon.
"Omni-Blast!"
Jayden shot down the first hologram right through the chest disintegrating it. He then shot the next two down without missing a single shot.
"Not bad. But let's see how you handle targets that fight back." Ziera said. She pressed down on a button on her wrist and the holograms swiftly ran around Jayden. They were much faster than that of a normal person but with his enhanced abilities this was no problem for Jayden. His scanner could track their movements as they circled around him. He waited for the right opportunity until just like that they sprung on him.
Jayden dodged the punch from the first hologram and kicked it back. He then blocked the second attack from the next hologram and punched it back. The next two tried to jump him from the back at the same time but he turned and turned both his arms into Omni-Canons and shot them down. The last one came at Jayden with a punch and he was ready for it.
That is he was until the hologram transformed into Ziera. Jay stopped himself hesitating. Which led to the hologram socking him hard in his helmet knocking him face first onto the ground.
"Ow". Jayden said.
"And you failed. Again." Ziera remarked as she shut off the holograms.
Jayden groaned as he transformed back and started picking himself up from the ground. "You don't make it easy you know? Ouch! Damn that thing hits like you." Jayden said.
"Oh really?" Jayden was startled as he looked back at the supposed hologram behind him. But holograms can't talk can they? "Maybe it's because it is me." Ziera said with a smirk. Jayden looked at both Ziera's before him and was completely dumbfounded.
"Whoa what the hell!? But that's..! Wait! Who!? Who's the real Ziera!?" Jayden asked, staggering his words.
"Haha. Like I said, it's me. Look." Ziera demonstrated by pressing the button on her wrist making the person who Jayden thought was originally Ziera disappear. "That was actually a hologram the whole time."
"What!? No way! It was talking and when I got here it..she was-."
"Responding to you? That was me controlling the hologram while being disguised as a faceless hologram myself. This little gachet is what I call, "Makeover". With this I can disguise myself or others by completely changing their appearance and voice. I can't make them look like anything though. Only people and some animals like dogs. Nothing crazy like buildings, ships or giant dragons. I gotta work out the kinks on that. But still it's no big deal." Ziera explained.
"I know you're trying to sound humble but you can't hide that smug look on your face Ziera." Jayden said.
"Anyways to answer your other question, the hologram that was talking to you like I said was being controlled by me. Specifically, those were just pre recorded voice lines I set up in advance to trick you." Ziera said.
"What!? How!? I mean you-I mean it didn't say much but there's no way you could have accurately predicted what I would say!" Jayden said, baffled by her explanation.
"What? Are you serious? Just who do you think you're talking to here?" Ziera had an offended expression on her face.
"Well it's just.."
"Hmph! Don't underestimate the intellect of the former princess of the Machina Empire. I could run circles around you with my arms and legs bound together. And for your information I didn't say much into the recording. Just enough to not throw any suspicion. You notice how my hologram rushed you into your training today right?" Ziera asked. Jayden placed his fingers on his chin as he started to really pounder about it.
"Well now that you mention it, when I came in to greet you that thing barely greeted me and hurried me into training immediately. I just thought you were pissed or something but I guess that explains it." Jayden replied.
"And not only that but I-." Ziera stopped herself. Jayden was confused and thought something was wrong. Ziera's cheeks grew slightly red as she looked away from Jayden and started twisting her short green hair. "Well I just think we've known each other well enough at this point for me guess what you'll say is all." Ziera timidly said.
Jayden blushed at her words. "Oh uh, you don't say?" Jayden chuckled nervously.
"Alright don't get a big head, Cortez. By the way, the reason I did all this was because the point of today's lesson was misdirection."
"Misdirection?" Jayden inquired.
"That's right. This will help you a lot against future enemies. You can't just rely on raw power alone. Coming up with strategies to throw your opponent off their feet will help you achieve victory. Use their own power against them. Exploit their weaknesses and keep at it till you have the upper hand. Just like what I did with you right now." Ziera said.
"Wow. You really know your stuff Ziera. You're awesome." Jayden said.
"Heh. As I said before, flattery will get you nowhere here Cortez." Ziera said with a smug smile.
"So using these holograms this way can actually help me beat someone really strong. Like even a member of the crimson knights?" Jayden asked.
"It's possible. But that's not the only way to use the holograms. This was just an example. They may not look like much but a lot can be done with just this gadget alone. You just gotta get creative. Think outside the box and your opponent will never see you coming. Of course using the Makeover alongside it helps as well. But remember these holograms aren't invincible. They have our mana but can't have a full strength. And they can be destroyed rather easily. At your level you could only produce about ten so far. So if you're gonna use this strategy, be smart and don't be wasteful." Ziera ordered.
"Got it. By the way, how many of those holograms can you produce Ziera?" Jayden asked out of curiosity.
"Twenty." Ziera said with a smirk and twinkle in her eye.
"Uh, are you sure you need my help to beat Zenal? You seem to have this on lock yourself." Jayden said with sweat dropping.
Ziera stopped smirking and frowned. "Of course I can't. If I could I wouldn't have gone through the trouble of nearly killing myself to get Ragnarok in the first place now would I? Besides, it's not like it chose me." Ziera said bitterly.
Jayden immediately regretted what he said. He should have thought Zenal was a touchy subject for her. "Wait Ziera I didn't mean to-!"
"It's fine. Just forget it." Ziera said. She crossed her arms and looked away from Jayden.
Jayden was at a loss for words. He just didn't know how to talk to Ziera when she got like this. Though it's not too surprising to him. Ever since he blew up at her that one night Ziera avoided trying to get into any personal talks like this one. She would just shut down and try to brush it off. He didn't realize he hurt her feelings that much back then.
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Jay has tried to apologize multiple times but Ziera would brush it off every time. Just what was he to do at this point? He just wanted things to go back to the way they were between them. Oh crap. Is this what Emilia is feeling right now with Henro?
Before the awkward silence could continue, the door to the training room opened. "Hey guys! How's training going!?" Emilia came in asking. Speak of the devil. "Since it's still early I brought everyone donuts and cakes for breakfast! Dig in! I hope you guys like....it."
Emilia finally caught wind of the situation in front of her. Neither Jayden or Ziera were looking at her nor at each other. They were just standing there in awkward silence. "Um, Is something the matter you guys?" Emilia asked out of concern.
"Nah we're fine Em". Jayden drily replied.
"We're good." Ziera replied bitterly not meeting her eyes.
Emilia had her eyes closed as she smoked towards the two. "Why can't we all just get along"? She thought to herself.
"What's this? Are mom and dad fighting again?" A dark shadow flew over Emilia's head and entered the room. The shadow formed the shape of a person. That person being Henro. "That just breaks my heart." He said.
"Um good morning Henro." Emilia nervously greeting him with a smile.
Henro looked at her with a neutral expression for a second and then looked away. "Hey." Henro said uncaringly.
Emilia's smile dropped. She looked back down at the ground upset.
"Just great. And what do you want?" Jayden asked sarcastically.
"Isn't that obvious? What better way for me to kill time than to watch you get destroyed by the princess over here on a daily basis?" Henro snickered.
"How about actually doing some training yourself? You've been slacking for weeks." Ziera said.
"Pfft. As if. I'm perfectly strong as is. Besides, like I already said I'm the medic here. So it's your guy's job to protect me." Henro retorted.
"Ha! So what? You're just a coward who lets Emilia do all the fighting for you? Now that's pathetic." Jayden chasized.
Henro wasn't very amused by that response. "What was that? Why don't you repeat that Cortez?" Henro threatened.
"Aw what's wrong asshole? Did I hurt your feelings?" Why don't you come and do something about it? Or are you gonna hide behind Emilia again?" Jayden challenged.
"Alright Ziera take five. I have to teach the newbie over here a lesson. I hope you like applying your own stitches Cortez because you're ungrateful ass won't be getting anything from me." Henro said as he walked towards Jayden and cracked his knuckles.
"Whatever man you're a shit doctor anyways." Jayden retorted, getting in a fighting position.
"Guys come on! Ziera shouldn't we stop this?" Emilia asked.
"Why? I'd say let 'em kill each other. It's no skin off my teeth. In fact I'd say cheer 'em on". Ziera said with a shrug.
"That's not helping at all! Friends shouldn't fight each other like this!" Emilia shouted.
"WE'RE NOT FRIENDS!" Jayden and Henro shouted in unison.
Beep. Beep.
A beeping noise came from Henro's phone. He pulled it out and when he saw what was on the screen, he was sweating and looked afraid. The others took notice of this.
"Henro? What's wrong?" Emilia asked out of concern.
Henro didn't answer. He just turned around and sprinted out of the room in a hurry leaving everyone else baffled.
"Henro!" Emilia called out to him.
"Whoa! What's going on with him?" Jayden asked.
"That alarm on Henro's phone. Could it have been...". A realization went through Emilia's mind and her eyes opened wide with shock. Come on, we have to go after him!" Emilia said as she sprinted out of the room next.
"Let's go Jayden! He's heading towards the command center!" Ziera said.
"Right!" Jayden complied. He didn't know what the heck was going on but if it had Henro spooked it couldn't be good.
***
Republic Warship:
Command Center
Jayden and Ziera chased after Henro and Emilia to the command center. When they got to the door they heard screaming.
"YOU BASTARD!" Henro shouted from inside the room.
Jayden and Ziera were taken back but still entered the room. When they did, they saw Henro look absolutely furious towards the holographic projections of the order. Emilia was hugging Henro from the front trying to hold him back.
"Henro! Please calm down!" Emilia pleaded.
"What do you mean I can't go!? Do you even know what's at stake here!?" Henro shouted.
"Do you, boy? Risking this mission for something as insignificant as this is ju-." Odysseus asked.
"INSIGNIFICANT!? YOU SUNOVA!" Henro raged out but Emilia wouldn't let him go.
"Henro stop!" Emilia cried out.
"Henro that's enough!" Ziera jumped in and started pulling him back.
"Dammit man calm down! What the hell is going on!?" Jayden jumped in next trying to restrain him.
"All of you get the hell off me! I'm not going anywhere until I get a straight answer!" Henro demanded.
CLAP
A loud clap echoed from the entire room. The group ceased their struggle and froze in their place as they looked at where it came from. It was from Tenjin who had a menacing look on his face.
"Enough." Tenjin said with a low tone. The others got off Henro. He still looked really upset but he didn't dare talk back to Tenjin. Jayden couldn't wait any longer to speak up.
"Hey can someone please tell me what the hell is going on!?" Jayden desperately asked.
Tenjin sighed. "I assume you were all there when Henro got the alarm on his phone right?" Tenjin asked. Jayden, Ziera and Emilia nodded. "Well Emilia already knows but to give an answer to you two, it was a distress call." Tenjin explained.
Jayden and Ziera were surprised. "A distress call? From who?" Jayden asked.
"Luca Gremory. A kid I treated a long time ago back in the republic. He was once a prisoner of the empire. All because he's half demon." Henro explained. Jayden couldn't even fathom what he just heard. The Empire is targeting demon children? Is there low they won't stoop down to?
"What!? You gotta be kidding me! I knew the empire was low but kidnapping kids just because they're half-breeds?" Jayden asked.
"No. Luca isn't a half-breed. He's something the empire considers much more valuable. A Fallen. A hybrid between a demon and an angel." Henro stated.
"Say what!? Jayden thought. A hybrid race between angels and demons? He didn't even think that was possible given their long history.
"A hybrid between a demon and an angel? I thought the races couldn't stand each other? Is that even possible?" Jayden asked.
"Yeah. I don't blame you for not believing it. Fallen are a rare species for that very reason. Not many know of their existence. And they're not only rare, but very powerful. They take the elemental attributes and inherited abilities of both races. For demons, their healing factor, enhanced sense of smell and ability to manipulate dark magic. For angels, their ability to manipulate light magic and gift to heal and purify any injury or ailment. Not to mention the enhanced strength and flight capabilities, they take the best of both worlds. That's why the empire sees them as so valuable." Henro explained.
"But if Luca is one of them, why wasn't he better protected from the empire!?" Jayden asked.
"Because someone wasn't doing their damn job. Just like how these guys won't do theirs right now. I want to go down there and get him but they won't listen!" Henro yelled.
"We are listening to you Henro but you need to listen to us and calm down. We understand what's at stake but just stop to think. We can't just let you rush down there with the empire still on your tail. Remember you are still in imperial territory. Everyone will be looking for all of you and that includes some loyal citizens." Cory said.
"If you go down there you could risk exposure to yourself and everyone on this ship. Is that what you want, boy? To risk sabotaging the mission for your own personal matters?" Odysseus asked.
"Odysseus. I didn't say that. I'm saying we have to be more rational on how to approach this." Cory said.
"Is this not more rational Ms. Nocturne? Ignoring the prattle of a brat who wants to risk destroying what we've built to combat against Zenal?" Odysseus argued.
"So what you're telling me is as long as the mission is a success you don't give a damn about anyone else that's suffering right now? Like in the grand scheme of things Luca is just a necessary sacrifice!? He's just that insignificant in your eyes?" Henro challenged.
"Yes, he is." Odysseus simply said. Henro and the others were taken back by Odysseus's statement. Then Henro's pupils sharpened as flared up at Odysseus and balled up his fists so hard blood started dripping out of his palms.
"You're garbage!" Henro exclaimed.
"Think what you want of me but it's the truth. Right now your priority should be crossing the border to escape the imperial forces. Then to reach the Kingdom of Titus to meet with King Ogun so that you can learn more about the kingdom's sacred relic. This isn't about you or that boy, it's about the very fate of this world. Retrieving the relics is all that matters. Everything else is trivial." Odysseus stated.
"Well if that's all that matters to you, then you guys aren't what I thought you were." Jayden said suddenly. Everyone turned their attention towards him now.
"Excuse me?" Odysseus asked.
"I mean don't get me wrong, yeah Henro over here can be annoying and a real pain in the ass but for once he's not wrong. I didn't join you guys just to go find some relics, or to even just fight Zenal, I came to make a real difference in the world. To give people hope and become a hero just like the Guardians were. That includes standing up for the little guy. You guys may be The Order but you don't get to dictate where I go just because it's a matter of priorities. If a kid like Luca needs my help out there then screw your mission because I'm going to help him whether you like it or not. If you guys still think that saving a kid who's crying for help is insignificant, then you're no better than Zenal. And not the people I looked up to at all." Jayden said flat out.
Ziera grinned in approval. Emilia smiled. Tenjin made a small smile. And Henro was just in shock at the fact that Jayden stood up for him and Luca.
Cory giggled. "My what a charming young man. He's full of gumption. I'll give him that." Cory said.
Odysseus glared at Jayden. "You little brat. Do you have any idea who you're talking to? Perhaps I should remind you of your place." Odysseys threatened as his mana began to rise.
"Odysseus." Tenjin called out. Odysseus stopped and looked at Tenjin who was glaring at him. "You must have a bad memory because I think I made myself clear that you won't be making any threats towards my people. Or should I fly down to Arcadia myself and tell you in person so you'll understand?" Tenjin threatened.
Odysseus glared back at him and didn't back down. "You know I'm right, Tenjin. This operation is too important to risk being blown right now. Not when we can finally have the upper hand over Zenal."
"Yeah, I get it. Which is why I'll say this." Tenjin then walked toward the console and pressed a button. Out came a holographic image of the area their ship was in and where Luca was located.
"Henro. I hate to say it but Odysseus is right on this one. That boy Luca, is located a good amount of miles away from us here within that deserted village. There are two imperial warships hovering over that forest which means dozens of imperials will be there. We can't allow you to run out there and expose yourself to the empire again. The same goes for this warship. We can't go down there and risk it getting shot down by the imperials either. And if I were to start cutting them down, they'll send a lot more and maybe even a crimson knight to come after us. Then we'll really be in trouble. So I'm sorry but it's not happening". Tenjin stated.
Henro glared at him and gritted his teeth. Emilia then jumped in. "Please Tenjin! I know it's important but Luca could be in real dange-."
"However, while Odysseus is correct in his assessment, he never said you lot couldn't all go down and save the boy." Tenjin said.
"WHAT!?" Odysseus questioned.
"UM!" Cory said.
"HUH!?" Henro questioned.
"WAIT HUH!?" Ziera questioned.
"WAIT FOR REAL!?" Jayden questioned.
"HOORAY TENJIN!" Emilia cheered.
"That's right. It would be foolish for you to go off on your own. I seem to remember you criticizing one of your teammates for that very same behavior right?" Tenjin inquired.
Henro looked down to the ground. The images of Emilia looking sad over his behavior flashed through his mind. "Tch!"
"So why not take your own advice and use this opportunity to work together with your teammates. Look, I may have lost an eye awhile back but I'm not blind yet ya know? I've been seeing the tension between you four for about a week now. I thought you kids could get along without too many problems but I guess I was wrong. So consider this mission as also a part of all your training. You four are gonna go by yourselves to save that kid." Tenjin said plainly.
"You can't be serious!" Odysseus exclaimed.
"I'm dead serious. The operation is important but I wouldn't sleep well at night knowing I ignored some kid crying for our help. Besides, if these kids are gonna be stuck together during this operation, then they better damn sure learn how to work together. I don't know what issues you kids are having bug work through them. That especially goes for you Jayden. You said you wanted to be a hero like the Guardians right? Then it's time to man up and prove yourself here and now. Go save that kid without drawing too much attention from the imperials. If you see any there, deal with them. I don't care how you do it, just work together to save that boy. Got it?" Tenjin asked.
"Yeah! You got it!" Jayden said with a smile. "Man! I knew Tenjin was cool but he's even cooler now!" Jayden thought to himself.
"Roger that." Ziera said.
"You can count on us!" Emilia said cheerily.
"Yeah whatever." Henro said plainly.
"And one more thing!" Tenjin announced as he walked up to the group. "All of you come back alive, you brats." Tenjin said with a smirk.
Jayden and the group looked determined. Despite what issues they may have with each other now, they are ready to face whatever challenge is coming their way together.
"RIGHT!" The group said in unison.
***
Imperial Warship
The Bridge
Inside the bridge of the imperial warship, was none other than General Fury, the Fenrir. Ranked 9# amongst the Crimson Knights. Zenal's elite warriors. He had his injuries attended to and was now wearing his formal imperial armor. It was painted silver and red, dawning a large red cape and spiked shoulder pads with the imperial insignia painted on them, a red belt showing the insignia of a wolf, a silver chest plate with the wolf insignia painted red on it. The chest plate went over his chest but still exposed his stomach and scarred toned abs.
Fury was sitting in his chair. Resting his head on his hand looking at the distance through the bridge's windows. Fury then turned his attention toward his men. "Where is that republic warship located now?" Fury asked.
"Sir! They seem to have halted their advance but shouldn't be too far away. It'll take a day at most to reach them at our current speed." The soldier responded as they displayed a holographic map of where the ship was.
"Hmm. Why there? Are there any towns or villages within the area?" Fury asked.
"Yes sir! One village. Though it's deserted due to the operation carried out by General Silas, sir!"
"Operation? Oh. THAT operation hehehe." Fury chuckled. "Do we have any men in the area?" Fury asked.
"Yes sir! Two imperial warships are within that location. Though they are a part of General Silas' division. They are carrying out their own operation, sir!"
"Tch. Silas must be looking for more Fallen to play with." Fury had no love nor care for Silas. They may both work under Zenal, but as ruthless as Fury was, something about Silas rubbed him the wrong way. Even more so than with Zenal. "Wait. Is that why their ship came to a halt? Could they be going to that town for that very reason? I can't see Tenjin being that careless. Especially when it risks the life of the new wielder of Ragnarok. So why?" Fury pondered to himself.
When Fury was on the hunt, he would always start out with stalking his prey to gather any information he could find before going in for the kill. How his prey fights, how they think, how they interact with others, how they carry themselves, their goals, beliefs and what are their strengths and weaknesses. It could take days, weeks, or months even, but because of that the result was always the same. He'd kill his prey and win. This is how he produces results for his emperor.
"Wait. Didn't Silas say that he lost one of his toys to the republic? Could it be that....?" Then it hit him. Fury grew a big sharp grin on his face as a plan came to his mind.
"Men! Change of plans. Get me in contact with General Silas. I'm going to need his toys for this." Fury ordered.
"Yes sir!"
Fury chuckled to himself as he rested his head back on his hand. "This hunt could be more fun than I thought it would be."