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"We march, we march, we hmmm hmmmm hmmmm." Vidar carried along at the front of the horse driven cart. The sun was being dragged down by the mountains in the distance, and a torch lit in preparation of its absence. The cold walked to meet them and really expressed itself on the metal chains binding Jack, Stella and Ace to the metal cage. Vidar and The Dog sitting in front of them watching the road with occasional glances inwards.
It must have been a couple of hours towards their journey to what Jack guessed was the capital. The only sounds were coming from the mouth of the monstrous general that seemed to voice every thought that popped in his head. Stella shed tears silently, but stopped for a while now, her glances were on her comrades but stolen by the back of the killer at any noise he made. The fire in her eyes dried any tears and the slight clenches of her jaw made Jack grateful for the chains.
It was too much. The strength to reach the best of the world was just too much. Virgo was the chosen one, the human granted the gifts of nature. Jack accepted that he would be a natural phenomenon, but this normal man crushed...killed...it was so fast. The images of the past month flowed into his head. He thought back to home, the peace it had at home, Noa would have made fun of Mathias. He made everyone laugh this past month, always around and excited. That one wind spell...that damn wind spell. The image of Vidar's hand holding Noa's body constantly flashed over any memory in Jack's mind. Tears forming at the bottom of his eyes again. It should have been him. Vidar said he wanted him. They are lucky all three of them aren't...this is frustrating.
What did they do wrong! They helped the people with resources. Gave them better living conditions. They all moved forward with a smile. How can that be a crime? Why did he have to die for helping...for doing good...why did he have to die?
"Why did he have to die? What did we do that was so wrong!" Jack screamed at the front of the cage. The mask turned to face him, but the sound came from the General that didn't look back.
"Are you stupid, boy? You overthrew a kingdom in the Empire. What did you think would happen?"
"We helped those people. They all said it themselves. Everyone was doing good, they were happy...you didn't even hesitate. No one tried to understand. You just killed him."
"It was supposed to be you. If everyone did whatever they decided, even if it was for their so called good then...I forgot what the emperor says, I never cared about the politics. I know that it is my job to crush any enemies to the empire. I keep the peace, so if you want anyone to blame. Blame yourself."
Jack bit down on his lip. He knew responsibility fell on his shoulders too, he didn't need to be reminded. He knew what he was getting into. Wave even warned him, but could he have walked away? What is the answer? What could have fixed this? "How can you casually talk about peace when you are a killer?"
"It is because I stop the ones that want war. Don't mistake me boy, I enjoy a fight, but I have my position for a reason. It is you all that want war, and it is better to snuff out those troublesome embers before the Empire is in flames."
"Why are we still alive then?" Stella growled.
"We want Magna. Rebels must have an idea where the Rebel Army is."
"We don't. There is no tie to them, so you wasted your time," Stella continued.
"You asking for a fight isn't the right answer girl. You all can say what you want, but Magna might act on your capture and that is a win for us. If you are telling the truth, then it doesn't cost anything for us to keep you around a bit. I wanted to only have one of you, but I was stopped."
Jack looked towards the mask, then looked toward his mentor. Ace had been staring at the floor the entire time. Tears fell on the ground on occasion, and he mumbled something to himself every couple minutes. His eyes never acknowledging anyone in the cage. He was beat up when he arrived to help them. There was something else going on, but Jack couldn't bring himself to trying to understand anything more. If he found himself even more guilty then he wasn't sure what he would do.
"The strongest warrior in the empire is needed to capture the revolutionary leader, I can understand that, but you were scared of Ace. Why would The Dog be afraid of someone they just met? Do you know us? Is that why you saved me?" Jack didn't expect a response from behind the mask. His presence didn't feel real. The silence, the look, the stories that came with the title.
A sigh came from behind the mask. "Call me Nine, and I want to say that I am sorry Jack, no one was supposed to die. I didn't know this muscle brain would kill someone. I didn't come for Magna, even if he was there, we might have lost with the small numbers we came with. The plan was never to capture Magna, but to observe, and I wasn't supposed to come. We arrived and saw no sign of a military and that is what caused Vidar to engage, but I came for that man."
"You talked to them! I knew you had an interested in that man there, so I understood you talked to him, but you are talking to them too. This is ridiculous. Speak Dog." Vidar was enraged enough to stand on the moving carriage, until it came to a sudden halt.
"General, this is a good spot to make camp for the night. Shall we set up here?" A soldier moved from the horse in front.
"Ugh, do it. I don't understand anything that is going on anymore. I wanted to face Magna, and now I am stuck with this stupid situation that is going to piss the emperor off, and worse is that this asshole knew about it, but doesn't talk to anyone." Vidar jumped off the wagon and began walking toward one of the supply carriers. He grabbed a bottle of something and a crate and made his way to find a spot to sit as the 20 men rushed to get a couple of tents organised and a fire started.
"He was pissed off. You don't talk to anyone?" Jack asked.
"This role doesn't need much talking. I only talk to those I can respect, those I can look up to. Before today, the only ones I talk to are the Emperor and Magna."
"Not even Virgo?" Jack continued.
"Nah, he is just an aimless man with no purpose behind that strength. An avatar for the creatures that gave up on their purpose in this life. They just secluded themselves and gifted their strength to a wild man. I would kill him, but if the Mystical Creatures decide to act then we are all in trouble." Nine open the cage and began to unbind their chains from the cage.
"I know I am missing something, but," Stella said as Nine got to her binds, "why are you talking to us?"
"You are Ace's students. How could I not. I am envious of you! I want to know all about you two. Who you are? What's this story? It is insensitive to say this to you guys, but this is one of the greatest days of my life, I just wish he wasn't like this right now, but he will get over it. He is Ace."
The two of them were stunned. The strongest warrior in the Empire was envious of them, because of this man. How could he even know about him? Stella helped Ace to his feet when their chains were released. His red eyes finally made contact with hers.
"Stella...I...I am sorry." His eyes fell to the ground again and his voice became soft enough for only Stella's ears to pick up. "I can be free...it will be alright...I don't have to fight...it will be alright...I can be free..."
"What is the deal with you and Ace? How can you even know about him?" Jack asked.
"Does the empire have access to Dimension magic? Is that possible now?" Stella continued as she set Ace on the ground. The soldiers stared at them surprisingly and then at Nine. They must have been surprised to see them unchained but who could tell him anything.
"I have no idea what you are talking about miss, but I must be one of the only people that know his story. I might be the only one considering how I know it, but that is why I came to get you guys. I plan to use you as leverage to get him to join the empire again. He can shake up this entire world. He will be a hero."
"Again? Hero? So you know about Ira. Are you trying to stop Ira too?" Jack asked.
"Ira?" Nine raised his forearms to show the rectangle gauntlets. "The black dragon Ira? What about it?"
"Why are you showing us that?"
"Cause you said Ira, and you know Ace. You don't know what this is? You know about Ira, and you know Ace, but you don't know what these are." Nine scratched his mask and took a seat. "These are Ira's scales. A Mystical Weapon, that used to belong to Ace. It has an entire story, and it's the reason I am here today. What do you actually know? Why would you bring up Ira, if not for these?"
"I am missing a lot of what is going on, but Ira is coming back, and Ace has to stop him," Jack said.
"That is wrong. Ira died over a thousand years ago, and the three exiled themselves because of it. This makes no sense. Tell me your story."
Stella and Jack took turns telling their tale while they were served soup. Ace was slumped off to the side, not eating anything. The tears had stopped falling but he was in a daze, just staring at them, or through them. The flickering orange light on them kept them out of shadow.
"He never told you who he really is. I don't know why, but I can't say he is completely lying because the dimension thing explains a lot. Ira on the other hand is hard to believe," Nine said as his mask looked at the fire. He didn't eat anything, just listened to their story.
"What is his story?" Stella asked.
"Hmmm, can't say. I don't think I am wrong about what I know because he acknowledged it in Kofka, but somethings might not line up. If he didn't want to tell you then I am not going to. The thing is, even if it's in my head, I really respect that man, so I'll follow his plan."
Nine walked over and picked up Ace's still full bowl before taking it to the side. He joined the pair again. "Let's go. You didn't get your training today, right? I'll teach you both."
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The soldiers made a quick attempt at a protest before Nine raised his hand. The entire camp remained quiet and returned to their task when Nine shook his head. A scoff from the general before he signalled for another bottle.
"You are going to train us? What?" Jack stood up. "That doesn't make any sense, and I don't think we are even up to train."
"Listen...it seems that Ace is in that slump because of today. I am taking his place because I feel like it is my responsibility until he gets better. We have roughly a week until we reach back to the capital with the carriages so I will make use of that time.
"I am going to tell you both this again, but I am sorry. I should have been there to protect your friend, but none of this is a game. You were unlucky that was your opponent, but lucky you are still alive. Ace is still a human. You all have to have some responsibility yourself."
"I know we do...we don't blame Ace, but..." Jack started.
"Let's go. Can I borrow a spear?" Stella stood up and stretched her arms. "This is the second time Jack. This time I felt it more than the last. I never want to feel that powerless again, I never want to bow my head to an asshole like that for nothing ever again. Ace is probably one of the strongest in the world, and this all proves it more, but I am not going to pass up training with another one of the strongest in the world."
Jack clenched his fist. "Noa would have loved this."
"He really would have," Stella replied.
"Let's go."
"Oh, you have the support of the mutt, and you think you can bark at me. Train all you guys want, unless you are on our side, then you will end up like your friend sooner or later, and probably by my hand too. Fate has a funny way of playing out that way."
Jack and Stella both closed their fist. Rage was painted differently on each of their faces, but an orange glow danced around the shadow of eyebrows against their eyes. The Dog released a sigh.
"You always wanted to fight me again, right Vidar? You said you are frustrated about this mission, so play with me a little." Nine turned to the General.
"You talked to me? Why? Why do I now have your attention?" Vidar sat up.
"Turns out I have students now. A teacher needs to make sacrifices for his students, so if that involves talking to a entitled boar, then I will. It seems they didn't like your little comment, so you going to pass up on it or you going to grab you weapon to keep looking tough."
"General! That is The Dog. Don't take him on, he is just testing you," soldiers inputted.
"Stupid comments like that is what makes me want to fight him. You all idolise a glorified secretary over those that fight for the empire. I will show all of you. Bring me my axe and set up a search light." Vidar got up and began to walk away from the camp.
"Why are you going to fight him? Is it really because of what he said?" Jack asked.
"Mostly, but I want you to pay attention to how I fight. I want you to understand why I am fit to be a substitute."
***
The circle of soldiers was spread wide with multiple of them holding onto large boxes that emitted white light. Syng tools that required them to be funnelling their mana. How much mana does that take? How long would this fight last?
Vidar stood there, still shirtless, but this time wielding a one-handed axe. The blade looked like it was made from a large sharp tooth. The pointed end being the back of the axe while the flat edge was sharpened as the blade. Vidar looked serious; his eyes were focused on Nine taking his time getting ready.
"So, you said, that he can't use mimics anymore, and that he doesn't have mana," Nine said while taking off his dragon scale gauntlets and handing them to the boy. "I can't use dark mimics like he used to so I will use these." Nine created a sword made of blue with yellow swirls, in a slender traditional shape to Stella's blade.
"Is it that easy for you to beat him? You really won't need these." Jack asked.
"No, he is someone to look out for. It can be in trouble so I would prefer fighting with them on, but that's not the point. Keep those safe and pay attention."
"I will," Stella replied. Nine raised his fists for a small bump of encouragement. Both students hesitated, but the hands floated in the air. They obliged with a soft touch of knuckle on knuckle before the masked man turned to face his enemy.
"You seriously think you can fight me without the dragon scales. I want to kill you so bad but breaking a few bones will have to satisfy me." Vidar readied his axe.
"This is why I don't talk to you. You say stupid shit like that." Nine stretched his hand as the enraged General swung his hand low to the ground. Yellow wisps flocked to the ground at a speed they have never seen. Jack felt like he was being drawn in, the world was creeping towards the general. What class did that have to be? The upward motion of the general's hand caused a massive yellow wall rip from the ground at least 10 meters high and swooping to the left with yellow spikes erupting from the sides.
"How could anyone dodge that? It was so fast and massive." Jack shifted to the side to get a better view of the fight.
"Like that." Stella pointed to a green trail already in front of the general. They waited in anticipation for the masked warrior to appear but there was nothing. The massive yellow wall dispersed into thousands of fading yellow orbs, with the grass slightly flattened by the wall. "He saved mana by making the wall very short lasting. That takes control but it helps a lot."
"I think Nine just threw a green trail. I don't think he Wind Walked." All eyes frantically looked for the mask. A large red orb was heading towards the ground at a rapid speed. "How did I not feel such a massive shift of wisps."
"Damnit, you really went that high to waste mana. You are trying to make this a teaching lesson, and it is pissing me off." Vidar waved his axe toward the massive orb, and a torrent of water rushed into orb scattering like a large bubble. Heavy drops of water crashed onto the surroundings.
"That is a Lusca tooth. A Mystical Weapon with a power to create water torrents and will them in all kinds of ways," Nine said from behind the pair. They twisted to meet the mask. "By the time the fight is over, I want you to tell me why you weren't able to feel that orb. Pay real close attention now, it's going to go much faster." Nine dashed forward between them. No trail but gone in a flash. His step was way quicker than Noa's. Noa would have been blown away...Noa should be watching this man get crushed. Jack felt a lump in his throat and his chest felt warm. This wasn't even close to what Jack wanted to happen to the man, but it felt important.
"Crush him!" Jack surprised himself with his words.
"You really are pissing me off Mutt. Get serious." Vidar swung is axe in the air again as water tornadoes tore through the ground at the Nine.
Nine used green to shift out of the way, but also carve a path all around the battlefield. It wasn't the straight shot that Jack always thought of using. The paths branched off, and yellow shot from the ground, red flashes cut from above, Vidar barely out of the way of each spell. Vidar was fast, and his footwork was quite nimble for such a size. A general must be amazing to survive such an onslaught, but why so much mana in these attacks? How much does he have?
"He is everywhere. The path he carved; it looks just like—" Jack started.
"Yea, lightning. It is like the general is fighting the embodiment if a lightning strike." Stella finished. "Jack you are better at it than me so I can't tell but I think I have a theory. Do you feel his mimics pulling?"
"No, it was just the Wind Walk at first, but nothing since." Jack's eyes widened. "They are feints aren't they."
"I think so, but I also don't think you can just let it hit you. He said he was going to show us why he can be a substitute, and I thought he just meant show his strength, but don't you think..."
"I got you!" Vidar turned to the warrior dashing from his blind spot. His fist swinging with his body to connect with the forward moving moment. Nine didn't have any hesitation in his movement. A red orb crashed into the back of the general causing him to lose balance. An ice sword broke across Vidar's neck. Nine shift his weight and ended up behind his opponent as another ice sword broke across his back.
Vidar's feet caught himself from crashing to the ground. "My durability is unmatched. You underestimate me Dog."
Vidar used his falling motion draw yellow from the ground to catch Nine by surprise, but the warrior shifted just enough. A torrent of water followed, and a normal slash towards the only open area around the general, but his anticipating movement caused the axe to cut through air and a yellow pillar sent the large man skating across the ground.
"Only an idiot would brag about being able to be constantly hit." Nine close the distance as they engaged in close combat. Nine has the advantaged, constantly using feints to shift into the general's blind spots, but the general was able to keep up on some occasion, almost connecting.
"If it wasn't for the use of mimics and this is at a way higher level than we could ever bring out, but yea I think I get the feeling of Ace too," Jack said.
"I guess there is no doubt that Nine knows our mentor. Jack, I didn't want to say it in front of everyone...I didn't want to look weak, but Ace is really broken, right now. We don't know his past, but we know it's a lot. Jack, you have known him way longer, it's you or Tenny, but please help him." Her eyes were sharp and locked onto his, but they seemed distant, like images flashing behind them. "I know we can wait. I know we should have faith, but I can't lose someone else, I can't lose anyone else. We can't lose Ace."
"We will tonight. As soon as we get the chance." Jack placed his hand on her shoulder. "Let's make the most of this first."
Vidar was skilled in close combat, it showed in his effortless motions to protect where he needed. The general looked to be getting familiar with the style of attack, biding his time for an opening, but the likely hood of it happening felt slim. Nine was quick and attacked from area's that only became blind spots while he was in motion. It was a constant barrage or strikes, with mimics mixed in for slight impacts, or what they imagined might be slight impacts.
Vidar took a grab to Nine's clothes, but it was the opening in the guard the masked warrior needed. The combination of punches was much for even Vidar as his knee's finally hit the ground. There was a half-hearted attempt cleave at the attacker, but he it was stopped with a sturdy grip and punished with a strong right hand that drove Vidar's face into the ground. Nine let the opponents arm fall to his slumbering body, as he stretched out his limbs. He signalled for the soldiers to come and take care of their leader, as the bright lights all switched off in a scramble.
Jack and Stella's unadjusted eyes only saw black until they felt the hand of their substitute mentor pull them back. They followed until the soft glow of the fire revealed the mask once again.
"First things first, why weren't you able to when I formed the massive red orb?" Nine asked.
Jack thought back towards the exchange, regretting that he forgot about the question until now. Stella frowned immediately, she didn't have faith in her sensing ability in the first place, let alone trying to understand why she couldn't feel what she didn't know she could feel.
"Is it because it was formed slowly? It didn't pull too much too quickly?" Jack asked.
"No, it is night time, and the place is still decently cold, so forming an orb that large and slowly would be extremely difficult. I just went up really high. I just made sure I was far enough away. You would be surprised by how many people don't look up in large battles. That move is often a game changer at the right times."
"That is so simple, but still beyond belief. To be able to climb so high in the sky." Jack noted. "I guess you just make impossible things look easy. I thought you said it could be trouble."
Stella helped Vidar mount the gauntlets back on his forearms. "It could have been, but I was at a significant advantage. Vidar can't fight the way he does when his soldiers are around. With the Lusca Axe, he might be the best Vanguard in the empire. He runs ahead and wipes out as many as he can with the torrents and his ridiculous strength.
"Besides that point, he is a great grappler, but my style, well..." Nine waited a couple of seconds for the two to catch on.
"Yea, Ace's style is suited to handle grapplers," Stella answered.
"Great you noticed. I was kind of worried when you guys didn't figure out the jumping thing. So what do you guys think of Ace's style when he had mimics?"
"It taught me a lot. It was really an extra high-level battle even if there were limitations," Jack said.
"That is what I am saying. It may be because I was fanboying a bit for one of my heroes, but I am quite the big deal. The strongest of the empire is a tough title to claim, although it is just a title that comes with the position. Truth be told, they just say it about all the Dogs."
"I mean you clearly just proved there is merit to it." Stella looked back.
"I did, didn't I. I am the best, until that guy came back here. Vidar couldn't pass up the opportunity to fight me because we all have our duties, and we really get the chance. I told you already that I wasn't supposed to be on this mission, but I made it my business. You two have been through a fair amount in a short time, and I have respect for you, so I won't lie to you. I want Ace. I want him to join the military again and shake up the world."
"We are just leverage. It is like when you threatened to kill us in Kokfa," Stella said.
"It was exactly that, although don't take it to heart, there was no point in killing you. Just putting a consequence to him acting was what I needed, but if he did kill Vidar, I wouldn't have gained anything from killing you, I could have made things worse."
"So why train us? Since you are being honest," Jack asked.
"How old are you both?" Nine asked.
"18," Jack answered.
"I will be 19 in a couple of months," Stella answered.
"I am 38. I was the Dog for the previous emperor too, but my age is a secret so forget that sometime. I am in my prime right now and might be for a while again. I listened to your story and getting Ace on my side might not be as easy as I hope, but don't get me wrong, I am planning to exploit you to get what I want as much as I can, but that isn't the point here. If you keep up your training with Ace, and I get you for a short time, I think you guys can do it.
"Would either of you like to be the next Dog?"