"So, how do you combine this?"
Sonata asked, handing Oswald the Chopin's Nocturne Op. 20 towards him while Alastair observed the artifact that Konami created and good news is that the Mail-Hunters calmed down from the whole mess. Lloyd recovered so does his family, so he apologized for making them worried (and they apologized to him as well for their hard time on him). Oswald looks like he was already done with the whole mess, he stared at the artifact on his hand before he look back at her weapon. "This gunblade... was all well, but why did they created this Nocturne..." he scratched his head, before he make another yawn and Sonata's wolf ears perked up to hear that.
Alastair knew he was being 'slandered' by Oswald's last comment before he handed him the Tears of Empress. "Well, it makes sense... there are a lot of Nocturne Ambers that had scattered throughout the hills of Canaria, that's how it got its name. I thought this flute would be perfect," he mused, although Oswald wasn't so proud but his brain made a clear that Alastair is a genius inventor of Automotive Gear weapons--especially he has his own version and based on the users that fitted to the guns. If the user does, everything will not be too much chaotic at most. "Let's infuse this artifact with her weapon to test, if it works..."
Infuse...? Sonata thought, although she can defeat Cabernet Husk with her full power--combined with her mentor Alastair's Automotive Gear weapon and her own Automotive Gear weapon; Oswald warned her that Spiritus Husk is not the same case as the Cabernet Husk she used to defeat in the past. She doesn't have idea why, so she must ask Oswald first to get the answer. Alastair opened the lid part of the weapon, before Oswald insert the artifact, causing it to combine with the Chopin's Nocturne Op. 20 fully and making the blade gleams with blue orbs in each eyes; it was 'complete' with a new look--plus different colors.
Sonata was in awe as her friends also watched the progress, Claude was wondering what happened to make the Chopin's Nocturne look like this brand new. Gabriel was watching him from behind and Claire also wanted to enhance her Automotive Gear too, this is the first time they saw the process. Amaris glanced at Senja, who is surprised as he observed the weapon and Xinglan narrowed his eyes. "Hmm... this is fascinating," Solvine commented, looking at his daughter Sonata's enhanced weapon.
Lloyd whistled, he couldn't believe how did the weapon got enhanced--it was beautiful but can be a dangerous one. "Well, as long as it can work for us, I'm the next one," Alastair spoke, since Sonata has the priority since she is the one who would confront the Spiritus Husk first. "If some of you die horribly, I won't visit your funeral--because not even the burial doesn't matter to me," Oswald joked, but everyone gave the stare towards him as the Archmage just rolled his eyes.
Konami laughed nervously, knowing that her mentor is so bad with the jokes but really--she's confused. That isn't the Oswald that she knows... how come there's another side of him? Guess that... every person can find a genuine smile somewhere, but not at this. "I'm joking and you all were boring."
Few minutes later...
Mathilda was curious about Konami who was the last Archmage of Sinclair Family, she learned that not only she's the protégé of Oswald--but also powerful and known as 'Archmage of Alchemy' while Oswald is 'Archmage of Vision' and that changes a lot with the inventions they made to create the new era. "I'm not old, Master Mathilda... I just turned seventeen today," Konami corrected, but the Secretary-General wondered about something. "Right, but why should a young lady like you become the Archmage and helping the adults? You can have fun!"
Oswald wanted to choke her as a retort, but he couldn't. "I'm an Archmage from birth, I couldn't rebel against my ancestors even if I rebelled I still continue this. They have missions, goals, and jobs that they can achieve their dream's reality through... also, thank you for offering me to become a Mail-Hunter like you guys--I don't want the government to kidnap us, and have other families taking our place because we are a danger for them..."
"...wait, why don't we start a new revolution?"
Konami was a bit surprised upon hearing Mathilda's sudden suggestion, when it wasn't her will to help other people... though she was amazed and in a good mood to make the Sinclair child like that. Alastair doesn't want to refuse this, he had to learn a lot from Oswald until this very minute... he had to endure his annoying attitude, he is quite unpredictable but he thinks about ways for any battles or even future--in which was pretty cool. "Sure, why not. If Lloyd would agree, then I have nothing to say," he spoke.
Lloyd was smiling happily as he approached Konami for a moment, he wanted to make her an 'Honorary Mail-Hunter' because of her strength and with that title--it can give her the status. The last time this title was being given for a few generations, but not at this time and Konami gladly agreed as she never wanted to be another Archmage--but at least she enjoyed her time with them as Oswald requested.
"And, if you two happen to 'love' each other..."
Lloyd got smacked by Oswald as a reply.
***
Tonight is the planned midnight, but, they noticed that time is still on their side. Everyone was getting prepared at their workplaces or just continue whatever they're doing, the others will stay on alert or to make sure none of the people will betray their comrades. Konami was in the lab together with Dr. Chamberlain, his assistant Marie and his research team--she was overseeing the incubators at first until she heard the voice who wants to speak up with her, a light voice and a sweet young girl and thus, she turned to face her friend.
"Master Konami? Uh, can we talk for a moment? It's about Master Lloyd and Master Oswald."
"Call me only Konami, all of us aren't in the society of the aristocratic yet... please. You're Sonata, right?"
Sonata nodded with a smile on her face, she felt easy talking to the last surviving member of the Sinclair that now joined them as an ally, her new status as a new Mail-Hunter has been blessed. Although her friends Gabriel and Claire is pretty upset of her past (Xinglan also doesn't like hearing it and Amaris feel bad for her), Suona is not--because they knew she didn't have a choice as Oswald claimed himself as her legal guardian since it has been eight years. "Yes, that's me! Anyways, I thought... I saw a strange mark at Master Lloyd's right wrist and I was a little bit worried. Then, I realized that it was just a scar from the past... by then, Oswald has been acting normal to us and to Lloyd. How did you know Oswald...?"
"Our ancestor happened to be good friends with him, but how? They have died in the past year, and Oswald is the last living heir, the remaining Seymour..."
Konami's voice turned uncertain, wondering how much everything really affected the Mail-Hunters and postal employees, as well as Sonata on the other hand. "Oswald explained everything to me when I was young, he was like... older than me--I was like twenty-years younger than him, despite him acting older like an adult for so many times," she laughed, before she smiled. "Please don't mind his somewhat harsh and cold nature... he suffered a lot of memories and dreams that will vanished into thin air, and the present... isn't so keen on trusting in him as the one who watched Canaria more than anyone can. He protected Canaria for centuries in the past, and now the present is... he tried his best and wished that he can assist Lloyd for this battle. We wanted to give hope for Canaria, to experience what was used to be."
Oh, no wonder why he often discourages people when he was working as a HR Director because he didn't want anyone hurt or betrayed, unlike his colleagues Mathilda and Alastair who really hated his habit. Sonata really should have known that Oswald wasn't allowed to speak for himself in such a way, but he must've worked together with his boss Lloyd for anything that would come up later. "Thank you so much for explaining them, I should have known before," she said in a respect, putting her hands on her chest. "I really wanted to see Sun rising at all, and to make a smile for us."
"That's the spirit."
Oswald complimented, as he doesn't want to know how some things still not going back on track--he hoped everything will be alright before the sky turned midnight. Sonata screeched even everyone got scared by his sudden presence, he glared at them as that gave everyone the chill. Konami didn't even bother listening to him anymore, as all Oswald did was just give the threats to them to finish their asses up before the battle can really escalated into something unexpected. "A-Anyways, I still have questions about the... Artificial Light--is there a possibility that it won't go down after we got rid of the Spiritus Husk?"
On the other side, Lloyd was curious about what does Oswald looks like when he had no glasses on--because he never seen him taking them off unless when he's alone. "Oh look at him, how old is he when we first met...? Wait, we met like long time ago ago," Lloyd wondered, he want to see him without his glasses for one day or maybe two. Hmm... if he makes everyone didn't see him in half a day and then told him to take it off from six to ten in the evening, he might win or... at least convince him to do it.
"Wow, it sounds ridiculous. Take them off for one or two days... that's kinda risky," he muttered, his train of thought was rudely interrupted by Alastair poking his left shoulder. "Sorry, what? Haha, did I just did the squeaky toy talk?" he spoke, before Alastair spoke. "Lloyd, we don't have that much time for playing. Alright, give me all of them right now and--hold up, are you thinking of..."
"NO! I want to see Oswald without his glasses on! Just... not right now," Lloyd protested, Alastair is perceptive as hell and it made him wondered whether the man learned mind reading or not. But, he would surely enjoyed to see Oswald being unaware of his surroundings is so enjoyable and surprising, maybe he will do his requests just for his entertainment. Alastair couldn't read his mind, he can do so if his mind is being loud but... did Lloyd realizes his gaze full of determination in those purple eyes? Maybe.
Oswald was busy with his paperworks and reading the profiles from the candidates before he got interrupted by some of the rookie Mail-Hunters and Postmasters, who barged in suddenly as their footsteps and cheers resounded through the hallway. Before he realized... they arrived and peeking at him. His gaze absolutely terrifying as hell, especially with a dangerous glint in his glasses as he speaks. "Is there something wrong...?"
Lloyd was walking down the hallway as he grabbed his cane, seeing the male and female rookie Emissaries ran off in fear when Oswald caught them. Good thing he hides behind the big huge vase just beside the door, not wanting Oswald to caught him peeking at the Emissaries. Oswald let them go before he resumed to his work, while Lloyd thought Oswald would scare them when he asked them what do they want. He watched him sighed before he take off his rounded spectacles, The Postmaster-General ended up covering his mouth when he saw Oswald's eyes--his eyes resembled pair of 3's together, making him more comical and hilarious that made Lloyd snorted hard which caused him turn around... his expression completely changed.
Lloyd saw how Oswald 'sensed' his presence, because he feels the current Postmaster-General is looking at him and staring. "What?"
"Nothing! Nothing!"
Before he ran off, the leader ended up bursting into a laughing fit while pointing at Oswald like the funniest joke that he witnessed in his life, knowing that Oswald doesn't enjoy being laughed at by the Postmaster-General, but Lloyd realized that things start to change after what happened few weeks ago. The only thing that separates them are the office walls and the different section in a building, except during the reunion parties that held in the Captaincy where the Postmasters, Master, Vice and the Postmaster-General attended. "What was that?" the latter whispered, putting on his spectacles after Lloyd fled from there.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chamberlain noticed the bunch of messy plans on the table in his place, alongside the maps on the desk. He then heard footsteps in the other room of his large workshop, before he heard the door was locked. He is really surprised to see Suiren had entered, holding a rather large envelope that Lloyd wanted to send in public. "How was it?" the doctor asked, Suiren nodded his head as he give him the letter. "It's all settled, Dr. Chamberlain," he answered.
Dr. Chamberlain checked his new blueprint and the schematic design of the organ pipe-like incubator that can sealed the Melodic Scores into them. Alongside with new machinery, a special laser generator and many other new inventions that still have been studied in all kinds of testing phase. Suiren always amazed how a scientist can make such ideas and inventions in his crazy mind, meanwhile he speaks in front of the room--messy. "A music pipe to bring back the day... really, how did the masterminds was this smart to think of it and know the existence of the Melodic Scores, now the problem is we need to retrieve them and sealing it into the incubator?"
They couldn't respond, knowing both knew the risks. "Also, about the Spiritus Husk problem. It's already been five hundred years, correct? We need something else if we want to accomplish the task and save Canaria from calamity. Destroying the Artificial Light in Canaria might not save the people, not the ones within its' borders and we are facing two problems; Spiritus Husk and Awakened Spiritus Husk."
Wait, Awakened Spiritus Husk? In his mind, Artificial Light is the only potential man-made sun that can possibly giving so much light--and that's the only 'nest' that might awaken the Husk once the supply of the Melodic Scores running out.
"That is called... Celestial Star," Suiren stated, he was surprised to hear him speak those words... and did he just confirm the doctor's thoughts? The Celestial Star, one of two biggest flaws and disasters before the darkness fell--eradicating light. "Another artificial sun is forbidden for experiments, too unwise and too dangerous. Only the Artificial Light that knows how to stay balanced due to its' pure intent--but turning too cold would led into Spiritus Husk transformation and too much warmth will led into the Celestial Star... a massive burst of heat will burn all living things in its' path until it's the brightest that no one couldn't stand."
"On this day, the Canarian government mission is to ensure that all spiritual beings will be captured if they are losing their control and all of the Spiritus Husk's strength needs to be erased. Even so, we aren't sure to make and maintain a balance... so, we have to destroy the Artificial Light and destroy the Spiritus Husk inside it--so the government won't be able to save their asses."
"By destroying the whole Artificial Light, this artifact that Konami and Master Oswald created will create a new sun that is purely not man-made and didn't receive modifications or intervention from any individual ever since it was first being created. Since it comes from Canaria Imperial Palace's resources, as well as the materials that come from the stars. I assume that no one knows about this information aside the four, correct?"
Suiren nodded, he already discussed everything to Dr. Chamberlain's subordinates regarding their next step once the big strike happened. Speaking of which, Oswald spoke once about the possibility of the Artificial Light's ultimate destruction, making Marie had to came up with several hypothesis regarding that possibility. "It's not easy to destroy the Artificial Light, considering that the government will be alerted and Prime Minister Aldo might send several underlings of his goons to make the situation turn 180 degrees. Let's hope all of them would be fooled and assumed that it would destroy the world so I wish them good luck," Suiren hoped for the best of them.
They began to enhance the Automotive Gears with the Tears of Empress so they can defeat the offsprings of the Spiritus Husk and the Spiritus Husk itself--along the Artificial Light. Oswald supervised them alongside Alastair as he watched Claire's Automotive Gear weapons has been enhanced with Tears of Empress, along Gabriel's and the rest. Suona was excited for her new enhanced weapon, she thanked Oswald for his contributions and Sonata thanked him after revitalized and revised her weapon too. Amaris was testing her gunlance of her Automotive Gear as it now improved with several Melodic Scores, somewhat satisfied with the result. Xinglan tried his erhu-like Automotive Gear weapon, tuning the strings as a little stream of blue energy glowed and swirled from it.
Chase continued to master his flintlock-like weapon while Vincent assisted him. It is difficult to hold it alone, not to mention due to the changes; he narrowed his eyes as he concentrated and aim carefully at the dummy in the middle of the room with a magic circle. The magic circle formed and as long as it circles around the victim or target; it's a dead shot for the intended victim--the Husk's version was based on the combination of alchemy, Melodic Amber and Archmage magic, using toxic and dangerous substances that could harm them along with others around that direction. After he took down the dummy, everyone, including the Master and Vice along their subordinates complimented him.
"How was Xingfa and the rest in Stardust Express?"
"Konami assisted them with their Locomotive Gears, it was equal to ours when Master Zhilan tried once on her weapon."
The Chief Human Resources General replied, folding his arms while he watched everyone testing out their new weapons. Alastair nodded, before he goes to approach the other rookie Mail-Hunters who need help with their customized new weapons and he assisted them on how to use it.
Oswald suddenly having another vision, he really hates his intuitions and precognition abilities even though there are two powers in his side... it's either good or bad. The vision showed the capital became the biggest graveyard ever, no one is truly safe from their touch... turns out it was the dead government officials so why he was worried so much? Unless... it was somehow similar to...
"The government... my God, the government officials," he muttered, closing his eyes and turning around--taking off his rounded spectacles and rubbed his eyes. "What was the matter? Are you alright?" a voice made him snapped from his daze, glancing over to his subordinate. It turned out Oswald's concerned look turn out a surprised expression upon seeing the person. Oswald wore his rounded spectacles, Claude was nearby when he was the one who asked him that.
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Oswald putting on his spectacles, he then glanced away awkwardly and couldn't look at him for too long and sometimes when Claude stood closely near the former. "Nothing, I'm fine," his superior muttered, it was too silent between them--before Claude broke the ice.
"Master Oswald, you can describe them but in obscure, poetic... or general manner, right?"
Hang on, is this his special interrogation session by Claude? Or he just try to amuse him by asking something suspicious? For heaven's sake, those two just kept on walking like they trying to walk through them with their bodies passing one another. He didn't seem bothered at all, at least for Vincent it is--or the way he should ask about someone's real emotion and thought, just like that time when he was using his trick to convince Oswald to cooperate with him.
"Yes, I can do that. But, do I look like Nostradamus to you? This could be a very bad... or good prediction. Because sometimes my precognition power, even though the same with 'guesses', had shown me dark futures that could occurred and preventing it while there are others that must be revealed. So, are you suspecting me...?"
"I was trying to enjoy the silence until now, I also want to get to know about you while Master Lloyd isn't doing any stupid nonsense or tries to scare our subordinates."
Claude said with a smile, before he shrieked when Oswald glared at him with deadpan face, sweat started to run down his forehead. What kind of response he gave him? Claude just thinking of ways to know more about Oswald, not only he is scared of Oswald. "Claude Oak, next time... keep your mouth shut and don't let that come out, got it?" his words with his gaze were enough to tell, just that he want his subordinate to learn what to and what not to speak about. "Yes, Maestro Oswald Hughes. I will be more careful next time," Claude responded with a bow of his head.
Oswald adjusted his spectacles, before he explained--in a rather obscure and vague manner. As he spoke, Claude began to think of the bad possibilities that could occur in the battle they are about to start.
"The Artificial Light might not be what it seems, the sun's light could turn us into ashes by its' radiant glow if we hadn't destroy the government offsprings in the capital. Furthermore, you shouldn't trust the government or rely too much upon their kindness, not even this nation is perfect. It will be quite chaotic, especially when you will become the main target that the government wants the most... so be warned."
Oswald told the young, his words was laced with warning and danger of his precognition, hoping that it would be heard. In his vision, it seems the government is in cahoots with those who responsible for creating the Artificial Light... not to mention they will 'keep' the Maestros from interfering at all, because according to his visions--claws of monsters grow bigger than him when in reality. Cursed canisters has been used as a fake Sun, with a fake god turned out it was a tool of the government to prevent the situation and the Spiritus Husk's 'breed' have being created.
It seems that Claude didn't seem fazed, like he somehow accepted it as a fact and couldn't care less even if a thousand monsters emerge from the canisters.
Few days later...
Midnight is almost near.
Konami watched as their group gathered in front of the clock on the center of the Canaria--where a special ceremony was supposed to happen before their time, but today is different. Lloyd looked energetic and nervous before he headed out to the podium along with his two subordinates, he doesn't seems afraid of being dismissed by them anymore--let alone being captured. Sonata was determined, she wanted to crush that man-made sun after they gathered the Melodic Scores from the letters. The Melodic Scores need to be in a special container, and there would be Spiritus Husk in their attempt if all of them aren't being careful enough.
Lloyd seems very carefree in the outside, not giving a damn anymore when all of the citizens emerged from their home. They marched into the Canaria Square with their flags raised high in the sky, Claude and Gabriel stared at each other before Oswald nodded at them, hoping they could pull off the plan successfully. "Even if I got dismissed and meet my downfall someday, all of you will fall with me," he mouthed in silence as the two vice Masters silently nodded at his words.
Right now, everyone has prepared to retaliate against this corrupt government.
They know that it's been days until they have enough courage to speak, if not for the rebellion...
Sonata was the only one who stayed silent, mostly because she had to go to the area where the Artificial Light is being kept in secret. She then noticed Suona approached her, making the snow-white haired girl tilted her head as her dear friend smiled at her. They had no choice but to fight against the government's minions so no one will get imprisoned and they may will able to stop Aldo once and for all.
After all, to fight injustice and overthrowing it with one action means using their weapons, it's no problem for them. The letter exchanges had told them to fight the injustice. The citizens of Canaria gathered on the square, listening to the broadcasted and public speech in the distance of the large structure before they start with a rebellion.
Lloyd stood in front of the podium, above the stage before his audience. Alastair is really happy to hear that despite being terrified and trembling since the moment they all gather in a hideout (actually he doesn't like appearing in public). Today, he is one of the employees that helped the Postmaster-General to prepare and announce the plan and its' purposes to the world.
"The day of my downfall will be also be the day of another conflict, tonight the truth shall be revealed from us... and from the deity known as The Empress," he stated, seeing the resentment of the public towards the Empress who was once the god that was praised and worshipped by the locals and many people in Canaria--until the realization that she was affiliated by the government. They choose to worship the Four Fantastic Beasts, they began the strike the flag that represents the animals, symbolizing one that lead Canaria forward--creating the new dawn and a new era.
Claude nudges Gabriel as he pointed with his head, both of them saw that many people raised high the flag, shouting and chanting the battle cry that brings it forward and the battle for justice will start on this day. Their hearts began to race faster as they couldn't stand hearing the speech for too long, they even pulled him to do this rebellion--though they all know that Lloyd was capable of persuading the citizens and other Postmasters along with their subordinates to come with him to destroy the Artificial Light once and for all.
"I have something to say regarding about the Prime Minister, you know what? Just wait for it."
Alastair glared at Lloyd behind him which his gaze saying 'if you show that finger again, then I will throw you down to the ground' and Solvine merely listens, he keep an eye on his daughter Sonata and mouthed a sentence 'I'll be waiting for you'. Means, even if he was scared--Solvine will keep the ones he cared safe along with his mission.
He prayed it would last forever.
Oswald took out the scrolls he found once about the Celestial Star research, knowing that Lloyd wanted to announced it that day. He narrowed his eyes, before his vision shows Aldo was there... Oh no, he can't let him take the scrolls with him... it was no use since Alastair then realized that he might have the scrolls with him! He glanced at Lloyd before he whispered, making Lloyd paused his speech and listens to Oswald, eyes widen in shock.
'Oswald... you have the scrolls, give them to me... and quickly.'
After Oswald handed him the scrolls, he then smirked before he faced the citizens with new found confidence. "My deep apologies, but this speech doesn't really do a great job at catching your attention... I guess? Let's start this plan first, to rebel against the tyranny that had befallen upon us," he added, raising the scrolls before the citizens cheered for him.
Dr. Chamberlain quickly ordered the other researchers and his subordinates to gather the other Automotive Gears and other devices for the incubators, Marie was already assisted as Oswald kept a close eye on them through his vision--in case things getting worse and more Spiritus Husk will came upon them. "We just need Lloyd to bait Aldo to come out... if he didn't, then we have to go for Plan B. Which is going to the main facility of the Artificial Light, destroying the Sun and preventing the Artificial Light to move forward. Destroying the Spiritus Husk energy from the artificial sun will prevent an outbreak," he added as Marie nodded.
Before it goes to the worst case scenario, he needs to calm him down before he went worse and being sued by the government and ended up getting killed (which is their plan because they have to bait Aldo out so the one who planned to assassinate him) before things turns to the plan. Suona gulped as she and Sonata stared at each other in the balcony, keeping an eye on every people in case there's an assassin nearby--Xinglan was getting prepared because he had to keep Lloyd away from being assassinated and Amaris obviously hates these officials so bad.
Oswald's eyes supervising to all of his subordinates, ordering them to keep an eye out and prepare themselves; in case that things get ugly between the Postmaster-General and Prime Minister Aldo. Chase already standby if someone got too brave to attack the Postmaster-General of the Mail-Hunters, with his flintlock Automotive Gear weapon and Vincent might shows up and save Lloyd's ass from being killed. Vincent came up with a plan, he knows that Aldo might want to get Lloyd and put the blame on someone but... he had to be smart about this.
Xingfa watched the scene happening before their eyes, not surprised that Lloyd will plotting this and he always wanted to see the downfall of Canaria--even the people who supported the Postmaster-General might either be executed in the site or trialed before the judges. His wife Zhilan clasped her hands, before her eyes widened as she recalled what happened during the battle against the Merlot Husk--it was Jilian who sacrificed herself for them because... she was going to be the target of the government because of her suspected involvement with people outside the government's sphere.
Zhilan thought that the Stardust Express supposedly not part of the government, but turns out there was a spy amongst them and she narrowed her eyes. The other crew regained their memories of Jilian, realizing that there's a traitor amongst them while they watched Lloyd's speech. Ruka growled that she had to search who was the one behind this mess, Kaisen and Shina got intimidated but they have to do what Oswald ordered them--guarding the lair of Akasha Garuda so nobody even the government come right at them. "There you are!"
The man got caught escaping from the crew, before Shintaro ran towards him and Nico ambushed him--with Alice appearing beside Rin and Natsuki once he was caught. "Ah, I see now... looks like we need to taught you some lessons, huh?" Henriette taunted, her lips covered by her fan as she watched the man's terrified face towards them.
Meanwhile, Aldo was angered by this act of rebellion against him. This man... how he truly enraged to meet a Postmaster-General like Lloyd Warren, someone who will defy him with all his strength--which is his biggest flaw. He decided to make Oswald Hughes as his adversary instead. However, when he had to search for that Archmage--he suddenly was grabbed by none other than the two Mail-Hunters from the beginning of it.
They looked pleased to see him, before he met the biggest surprise.
"Hello, Your Majesty."
Xinglan greeted, he was holding his wrist as Amaris smirked--she was eager to beat him up. They slowly brought him to Lloyd's destination... it seems there's something that he wanted to say and tell him personally. "Look at you, going to your doom and a pathetic, desperate leader. Are you ready for us? I hope you won't regret saying these stupid words and bringing more troubles to the Canaria, I might be a mere Mail-Hunter--" Xinglan went behind him, while Amaris took a step closer at the leader. "... but you shouldn't underestimate the Maestros that I had work with, Prime Minister Aldo," he finished.
Aldo was surprised, his eyes were wide before Amaris suddenly lifted him with one hand--throwing him like a bag of trash into the podium where Lloyd standing and waiting for him. He saw Lloyd's gaze under his frameless spectacles darkened, perhaps a grudge and anger were emitted within his gaze. Lloyd began to laugh... a laughter that was mixed with anger and disappointment before the Postmaster-General stopped, noticing the crowd kept staring at him with surprised expression. "Well well well, didn't expect you would come... I was wondering if you're willing to cooperate with us," he uttered a sly smirk.
Aldo want to pull out his gun, until Alastair restrained him and threatened him, "Don't be so cocky, your crimes are not yet being unveiled. Look, we might have no solid evidence against you or anything... well, no one won't be innocent too, but still. Think about the innocent citizens you had killed after... this entire situation has gone out of control," he said calmly. Amaris raised her brow when Dr. Chamberlain and Marie passed them alongside several researchers and the latter quickly moved them aside, ignoring the two Mail-Hunters.
Aldo became furious, does the Mail-Hunter knew something he hasn't known before?
Oswald narrowed his eyes, his round glasses reflected a sense of danger on him.
"Few of the monsters were already on the way to the Canaria right now, the citizens must escape first. We don't know what is coming our way and the Prime Minister's personal bodyguards... and his elite team could already around, perhaps watching and waiting for us to make a decision and let's see if Lloyd able to buy enough time to escort the citizens," Oswald reported, before he glanced at Sonata who has arrived with Suona after she left the city--they need to be quick before they reached him, the Maestros might have to split up and distract them so they can reach the artificial sun.
Lloyd nodded at the people blow him, before he simply kicked Aldo towards them and let them do whatever they wanted with the prime minister. Alastair quickly ordered Gabriel and Claude to lure some of the populace to the safety shelter of the incubators while the others go to the exit and safety spots, no doubt that the road is blocked by the guards and government forces so they needed to ensure they will take the longer path and outrunning the guards; or they could get trapped again.
But if the two guards go out right now... there's a chance they will found and followed them to their destinations, they just wished everything will turned out fine once they prepare to make a move.
"We need to break the shell of the artificial sun first, it requires several Emissaries to aim their Automotive Gears to destroy it since the 'shell' part is hard as a jewel. It's made from rare items that had been extracted in the heart of Canaria. If we wait, we could do nothing--until the light that spreads across this whole nation in every city died forever," Oswald explained, leading Alastair to lead the others when a certain commotion started to build.
Sonata gulped, she couldn't believe she was faced with the huge ass Artificial Light before her eyes--it was so beautiful but deadly. She never thought she would watch the artificial sun in front of her, Suona blinked and she was nervous but ready to assist her friends. "Sonata, leave this to us. We'll keep the other Husks at bay and destroy the shells' core, go for the core and destroy it!" she screamed as Sonata nodded her head, sending a salute.
This might as well will led into massive disaster.
Perhaps a 'beautiful' one.
"Then, I will destroy the Spiritus Husk by myself..."
Two figures loomed over her, using their shadow to cover her pale form and Sonata gazed over who stood above her with narrowed eyes, they introduced themselves as the special ops from Prime Minister Aldo himself, she didn't quite expect this. However, they were ambushed by the blasts of Melodic Scores came from Claire and Gabriel. "Keep moving! We'll take care of this for you!" Gabriel cried and Vincent accompanied him in this battle, so does Chase with Xinglan and Amaris. "Leave us, we could defend this area on our own and prepare for the final battle."
Vincent added, making Sonata becoming determined and nodded with serious expression. Then, she glanced at her mentor Alastair and her father Solvine for a moment. Perhaps, she can combine her Automotive Gear with theirs. "Father! Master Alastair! Can I borrow your Automotive Gears for a second? I have a plan in mind," she asked while they exchanged glances, although at the end both nodded their heads. "You know what to do, these weapons can take you anywhere when it comes for an emergency."
Alastair warned, handing her his weapon and her father also handing his weapon to his daughter. "Sonata, be careful. Okay? We'll be waiting for you," Solvine reminded her, smiling as he kneel down and gave her a warm hug. Sonata nodded with a smile, hugging back her father and he began to kiss her temple and forehead before she ruffled his hair with a grin--and that does it, Solvine smiled at her one more time before he leaving with the Vice and the latter turned at her.
Xingfa was guarding the incubators with Dr. Chamberlain, Luka, Marie and the rest of the team as Zhilan commanded the people to go to the incubators. Ruka glanced at her mother who entered the incubator, she prayed that everything went well. "Eleonora!" she yelled at Claire, seeing that she was participating in the protests and the project. "Not now, Ruka!" she grumbled when Claire shouted back, which made her glared at Alastair. "Damn right, your daughter is the same as you..."
Sylvette has arrived as she stopped moving her wheelchair, looking around as she saw the incubators are here. Claude approached her and hugged her, making her worries ceased down. "It's okay, I'm here now," he said, comforting her that she choose to stay by her older brother's side--hugging him back. "I want this to be over, Claude..."
"What was your plan, Sonata?"
Lloyd asked her, making Sonata grew nervous--she can't disclose her plan right in front of her friends, but then she spoke aloud. "I can't say it now, but I know what I'm doing!" she answered, the Postmaster-General grinned. "Take care, Sonata!"
Sonata nodded, she slowly began to jump and dash forward--entering the Artificial Light and holding her Automotive Gear on her hand--her beloved Chopin's Nocturne Op. 20 that always been with her from the beginning of her career. As she faced the projection of all memories they collected all over the country, where Sonata was born and grew up in Night Blues with Suona and now becoming a Mail-Hunter until now.
"This is... the Artificial Light?"
Sonata murmured, before she yelped to see the sight of the pupa in front of her--it is too big and she has to climb and be on top of it--in order to reach the center of it. However, things will be easier because she was confident to take down all of these pupas in a split-second. If she had time. One more fight to go and once she kills her past self's worst nightmare, then everyone else's nightmares will finally vanish.
Sonata floats in the sphere because the gravity inside the Artificial Light is different, she floated as she climbed and grabbed the railings inside the Artificial Light--the insides seemed to look like there's a very wide gap and from how many people in the capital was very tall... this means the Artificial Light will exploded along when everything turned gray and black, showing the terrifying darkness of the night sky. Then, there are sparks and beams forming inside--this is the core, the energy chamber that contained the artificial suns that are powering the light across the cities and provinces of the Canaria. "Alright, looks like I was here. Time to take down those creatures!"
Sonata aimed her gunblade as her Melodic Amber on her weapon shimmering in blue light, reflecting the symbol of the crescent moon and the Winter Wolf on it. The white pastel-like blast with colorful streaks formed right through the cocoons, before it jumped to dodge the beams as she watched its movements. After she landed, Sonata continued to shoot down the monsters inside the sphere before the power soon reached maximum overload.
"Prepare for the impact, after three..."
Before the sphere was even being filled up with the husks, the core started to glow and vibrate right at the next moment. Sonata dodged as her tailcoat's chain hit the railings and stuck there, some of them clawed at her face but she couldn't really feel it... maybe pain will arrived few seconds later, especially since it took over the place of the government's own.
Then, a pillar of light had shot through it from the surface below, destroying the whole structure that powers the artificial sun entirely. Sonata shielded her eyes with her forearm, thinking this is the end. However, she realizes that she's still alive and perfectly healthy as ever--for god's sake, why can't she felt the warmth of the sun? After she landed, she looked around and her eyes slowly getting blurry before she wiped her tears... she didn't know why she was crying--until she heard a familiar voice calling out her name.
"Sonata!"
Suona was the one who called her, seeing the Mail-Hunter was standing there with wide eyes. "Sheesh, you scared me!" the female Mail-Hunter replied, turning around and looking down when Suona embraced her from behind, making the latter chuckled. "I'll help you leap up there. Just like how we battle together, we are still paired up in this mission," the Spring Serpent Mail-Hunter said with a grin.
Sonata was surprised that she will assist her, she nodded before she jumped on her folded fingers--Suona helped her leap up to reach the core where the pupas began to hatch. "Wait, Suona I think you're too--" she screamed when she leaped her too high and made Sonata plunged into the large hornet nest-like cocoon and made her stuck there. "Sorry, Sonata! I can't control myself like this..."
"It's fine... thanks for your help and... leave this to me!"
"Got it!"