"So, let's hear it.", Isabella relaxed on the balcony's railing.

"You heard what they said, didn't you? About all that happened? As of late, I've been cornering Hikari, trying to get her to admit it all. But I caught on to Magi's words, and I wanted to sort of do the same. I want to hear your part too.", Dante showed a little bit of faith, "Help me understand, from A to Z, what the hell is actually going on?"

"Aren't you going to just classify that as more lies, coming from me instead of her?"

"Don't mistake this as a show of trust, because I sure as hell ain't handing that out, especially to you. No matter how beautiful you try to look, or how powerful and unwavering, that concept is pure fantasy. I just want to hear what you have to say, so you can either shut me down or at least try to explain everything."

Isabella complied, "From my part, or from Hikari's part?"

"Whatever came first."

"If you want to know me through and through, the gist of it goes as follows: I was born and raised in Canada, probably a place you don't know. My mother was a scientist also born there, around Baker Lake, my dad was a fugitive from Japan, and he met her while trying to get away from his old 'friends' at one of Japan's districts. Which I don't know, since he wanted me not to know. They had a lot of success with a Hadron collider in Europe, S.E.R.N., and decided to make another one in Canada. Being who she was, my mother took the opportunity to work there. The last few things I remember were the Yakuza my dad had a history with busting in there, him going after mom, and me following after, only to then fall inside the massive collider. Next thing I know, I was drowning in the Quantum Irregularity."

"And you met Hikari inside the matter sea?"

"I...I don't think I met her. I must've been remolded, somehow. I've always been a secondary anyway.", Isabella sighed, "Hikari to me always felt like the first option among us two, despite not wanting to be treated as such. Hell, when she did enter that place, she almost...she got merged with me, in a way. I gave her the name Hikari, since in Japanese, it meant light. The only light worth seeing there."

"So you're telling me that you were the one rearranged in the Quantum Irregularity, thanks to Hikari, but you named her and everything? Does that not sound the least bit weird to you?", Dante got suspicious.

"It does, but for all the experience I have, I never claimed to be a scientist."

"Neither did Tiki, and take a look at how she pulls more M.O.D.s, theories and classifications on Obsulyte out of her ass, faster than the crap coming out of her mouth."

"And unlike Tiki, from the rift that day, I only knew one thing, which was to fight."

"So Hikari did the building and you did the fighting...weird. Ikarisa is also a name she went by, and if Mellistar's words line up with yours, she was different after a certain point. Could that point be the rift?"

"Embracing the role of an Overseer isn't easy."

"Please, Overseers and funny titles. There are no heroes and villains here, there are only jobs and goals. If you're not on par for the job, you don't get it, if you don't have a reasonable goal, you're not reaching it. It all stems from gauging what you're capable of now, and how you can be more capable by the time you make that choice. Hikari's goal: make a better world, which she was not capable of. Hikari's job afterward: fixing that broken mess, which she also wasn't capable of. The fact that she lied to me, played the goddess part to persuade me into following just because she wanted a part of me, or more accurately, the same weapon that keeps Mellistar alive via feeding off of the Abnormal Space, makes me reasonably hate her more. You're a logical person, right? Try to put yourself in my shoes. Not for empathy, mind you, I don't give two shits about that. Based on what you know, if you were me, what'd make sense to do?"

"Despise...everything and everyone. Especially the person responsible for bringing you to this point. Or who you thought brought you to this point. Be in a constant state of anger and spite without necessarily showing it, and looking for vengeance around every corner. I don't need to put your shoes on to understand that."

"You thought Mellistar was the reason that Hikari broke, right? When she accidentally killed him? He told me, that during the First Collapse, in the Abnormal Space, he died in Hikari's arms after she went mad with Obsulyte, the exact same way I did, and went in for the kill. He didn't let her focus on her goal specifically. But her goal was just her being as delusional as possible. The only thing she achieved with what she had done, was to divide the world into the following: normal humans, Obsulyte-user humans, half-breed Obsulyte-user humans, fully feral Turned, monsters divided into either Shadowers seeking and Enmities providing energy. After that, we got Luna's case, where they forced Obsulyte where it didn't belong, and made amalgamations until they succeeded with Luna. After that too, we got our factions consisting of the New Hopes Light assholes, the Church, those who don't care, and the list goes on and on. What part of this mess did she want to fix first, when all she needed to do but never did was to simplify things?"

"You think fixing the world is that easy, just simplifying things?"

"Of course not, we're not built for that. Neither are we supposed to accept whatever bullshit they bring in our door. But being forced one way or another, like we did because of our powers, to do something we feel like we have to but do not want? That is something that very well speaks for the world itself. Do this, do that, tell me where and how to act. Hikari wasn't going to break the odds and make a perfect world with humans being a factor."

"I think she knows that too, now. Before all this, facing the things she did...no, both of us. While I knew a bit more about how the world worked, I still learned too. Worrying about something all the time and weighing it on our shoulders, while being told it's what we must do for things as mundane as the title that Hikari herself denounced on the first day...it sucks. But it's a trap we will fall in again, for sure. At least when we do next time, we'll know how to get out of it."

"And you? What about this new look, the cooking and stuff?"

"I found what I wanted in life, surprisingly. After all this time, a shot in the head from a laser weapon was what made me realize it. I neglected myself for this dream that was basically just a carrot dangling in front of my face. So did Hikari. When I treated myself and realized how beautiful this world could be...that's when I realized what was missing from that dream. A reason. Because let's be honest, it isn't a dream if you don't have any sort of satisfaction to earn from it. And to be able to wake up to silence instead of bombs every day, that's what I will keep fighting for. So will Tiki for her reasons, Terna for her music, Luna for her directive and her little sister, Lina to protect and serve while 'kicking the butt of all the baddies out there'. Being who we are, and me being as young as I always have been thanks to that recycled Obsulyte, finding it out at this time is nothing more than a blessing. Granted, there's things to work on."

"That's well and good. I don't see any of that, however. What am I fighting for, exactly? I'm not a saint, and I sure as hell won't put myself on the frontline for anyone who chooses for me to do so. My home was burned to the ground, and those I knew were slaughtered. I killed my mother and people around me are so screwed in the head they try to simply call it 'mercy'. I'd like to see Angelica's, Angelico's, and Freya's faces when I tell them that. Actually, minus Angelico, because he can go fuck himself. Maybe one day I'll figure it out like you did, but that's unlikely. I can't blame Hikari or you for what happened, and the people responsible are dead. If we count that Makaro, the manifestation of the monsters, sure, I could stretch it, but that gives me no clear goal. Other than that, I can maybe go out and start slaughtering said monsters like a maniac, but that's not really how I like to go about things."

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Your train of thought is...not that solid, I get that."

"Tell that to Mrs. Narritive Change hiding in the back. Whatever, I won't drag this on, I just wished to know a thing or two about you to better gauge how much Hikari's words could be true this time. As for what goes from here, it's none of my business anymore. We fight Makaro, and as soon as I see a job done, you guys can go have fun in Galatea. I, on the other hand, will go north. I need to see them again. My...my family. Freya may also be there if she hasn't spent an extended period of time studying at that place."

"None of your business?"

"Like I said, I'll use this Obsulyte of mine how I deem fit. And I sure ain't going to service a world that took everything from me. At the very least, it won't be used by Alexandra or Thaddeus anymore. Same for Hikari's goal."

"I know the world better than you do. But wondering it yourself may yield different results."

"Sure you do. But you were, and still deeply are, just like Hikari. Clueless and scared. Based on what Tiki said, it's possible that this place is just your Earth, but in different dying times. It'd make sense that Hikari, in a way, rearranged you back into full form. Assuming you fell into the collider, while active and you died, her input of exact same DNA under a different timeline might've caused you to spring back up."

"And you mean to tell me that you ain't scared? You're bluffing too, Dante. From one adult to the other. And as for that death, I didn't just die, I was broken into atoms. The collider we had near Baker Lake was triple the size of an average human figure, putting S.E.R.N. to shame. It wasn't the creation of black holes they should've been worried about when they made the bloody thing."

"Whatever the case may be, talk with her when you get the chance and figure it out. I don't care enough to insert myself in that subject, not anymore. And cut the adult shit when we both know our shortcomings. Same with everyone else here. Now, to make ourselves useful, let's meet with the others and get going."

Agreeing to follow, they both went back down to meet with Tiki, Magi, and Terna, all prepared and ready to go, while Drima had prepared some secondary equipment for Isabella and Dante to use. Having recently lost their ability to manifest anything at all, they were quick to accept the gears, before getting into their respective M.O.D.s and waiting for their pick-up.

"This is a weird fit.", Isabella stretched in her armor.

"It's a quick scaping of a mod I put together, of course, it'd be unfit for you. It contains most of everything you're used to. Is the weight on the weapon itself good enough for both of you?", Drima took notes.

"Mellistar's Gate is apparently very weirdly weak, but this one will do. Legendary blade and all that, just to become useless when it's daddy isn't clearly around anymore. Whatever, I'm good.", Dante got a feel for the claymore.

"Cecilia's Gate is also the same, but it'll serve as a weapon nonetheless. The sword I got is pretty much the same, feels good, nothing spectacular.", Isabella sheathed the sword.

"You guys will do fine, I'm sure of it.", Magi encouraged them.

"Considering some of the shit they pulled off, Gates are an overkill, to begin with. But if you need someone to hide behind, I'll be there.", Tiki chuckled.

"Don't encourage me to break your other arm.", Dante very menacingly whispered.

Terna scooted him, "Ehm!"

"What?", he shrugged at her.

"Is Anya joining us?", Yuno wondered.

"Not a good time at all. She's literally stuck in Vardard, she went through hell and back to get there from what she told me.", Magi said.

"At least she's doing alright, health-wise?", Dante wondered.

"That she does. All good, and I doubt she'd tell me otherwise if it wasn't that way.", Magi nodded.

"That's always good to hear.", Terna sighed in relief, "I was worried for her too."

"We all were.", Dante agreed, "Now, what's our next move?"

"I'll keep Lina here, and unaware as best I can. Luna is still on standby to flip the switch in the reactor room, and I'll give her the go-ahead when we're set up.", Drima informed them.

"Alright, then that means Reina just needs to drop us off and we're good, right?", Tiki asked.

"Pretty much. An exclusion zone has been set up from the stationed troops, all citizens were removed and they've circled the massive Obsulyte ore I suspect of being the burst point.", Drima finished taking notes, "Go up top to the helipad and get in when you're ready. Alexandra has been informed with the excuse, by the way, and she knows nothing about the project, so try to be vague and keep it that way."

"Got it. Any other plans for this?", Isabella got ready.

"Not really on my part. The military stepped in, so whatever their plan, you go with that. You're all powerful Obsulyte users, yes, but don't forget that the military also has said users and a plan with a reason.", Drima went to the conference room, "I'll yet again be your operator. This time, with access to the military's hardware, I've been actually officially assigned by Alexandra to watch over all of you specifically. Now get going...we've got a major battle ahead of us."

All of following the usual course, they went up to the rooftop yet again, with a massive helicopter, Reina and an escort of official soldiers all on standby for them. Going up first, Magi briefly talked with Reina, before then telling them to move forward, entering the massive helicopter first.

Reina lined them up, "Alright, listen up! We've set the exclusion zone at a perfect angle around the expected area blast. We aim to keep whatever sky-high monster pops out of the ground within that circle, with hell breaking loose if it does. To prevent this, we have set our most powerful artillery from Gardard facing at it, so in case of a breakthrough, we contain it away from it. Your job is to take the fight on the ground along with the battalion we've assigned you under the Grand Counselor's orders. Keep in mind that your restrictions are very strict, as we expect a number of waves from lesser monsters coming through that as well. The assigned battalions are, under the orders of military generals, a total of 3, all to be led by 2 of you at a time, with the exception of Magi, who under the last monarch of Insinia's orders, is to lead a full battalion on her own."

"Pretty funny how Thaddy made that call, but I'm down with it. So long as I get to give that son of a bitch a wack myself.", Magi nodded.

"How will we lead 2 battalions, 2 at a time, when there's 5 of us?", Yuno wondered.

"You did not seriously suggest that we'd let a flying midget like you play leader, right?", Reina raised an eyebrow.

"Seriously?", Yuno got annoyed.

"Didn't look the part for the role either. We'll work with that. Can we move in, towards the monster, and try to damage it from there?", Dante asked.

"I have no idea how someone of your magnitude will cause a dent on that thing that Drima warned us about, but so long as the battalions move cohesively and hold the lines, we'll be fine. The Counselor has a lot of faith in you, from what you can tell."

"I'll pair up with Terna, just to make sure this time. Not the first time I'll lead a group of people either.", Tiki went beside Terna.

"We'll make a great team, just you wait and see!", Terna got excited.

"I'll take the other one with Isabelle then. Pretty sure we can manage.", Dante accepted.

"I say we go first on the offensive too. Makaro's defenses aren't the easiest to break either.", Isabella nodded.

"We have no room for errors or the typical bullshit. This time, having better resources, things are serious. So I'll do this along with the others, just this once, and make it count.", Dante went towards the helicopter.

Reina scoffed, "Huh, I kind of like that kid. To the point, follows orders and is assertive, he'd make a good addition to the Victorian army."

Magi chuckled, "Yes, he would. Oh, and before you approach him to say this exact thing to him instead, consider if it's worth going to bed with less limbs than you woke up with. And don't go spreading your experience as an excuse for why you'd top him."

"So he's the lead not led type?", Reina wondered trying to figure out how to recruit Dante.

"Just drop whatever approach you want for that subject for him already. Wasting your time won't do any of us good.", Isabella went to the helicopter.

"Alright, Tiki, let's go too!", Terna grabbed Tiki and tagged along.

Magi approached Reina before they started going in too, "Look, just drop it entirely. I don't want any of those kids involved in this shitshow. Let them do what they want and tell them when you just need help, not yanking them under your command like that."

"Yeah, I get it. That said, I'd like to see for myself, how they do under orders."

"Not everything is black and white, I tell ya. He's from Dirunon, you wouldn't exactly love working with him when he still has these...issues left over from what happened there. That said, Drima also has another girl who'll join us later down the fight, but she's much more skilled than what'd expect, so just tell her what to do, and you'll start loving how she follows you to a tea."

"Ah, the genocide...yeah. I get you, don't worry. Well then, getting our head into what we know, shall we go?", she offered Magi to step onto the helicopter first.

"Yeah, let's get started."