Azul's body started to fall apart from the blast of magic as well as his own actions. The feeding was needed. But to much into, and the Auxilary Field was breaking down. As the output of magic started to build up for another wave, something in him broke free.
Power hungry voices far away were calling out to him. Darker and more sinister than last time. They were all his own. The voices demanded and screamed for him to take her, or kill her. She was a threat. She had sway over him. If she had something over him, then she could manipulate him.
Voice one said: She can kill you. Kill us.
Voice two said: Or she can serve again. Be our instrument.
"Her life means everything. Killing her will make my power diminish a hundredfold!" Azul gitted his teeth. "She has never betrayed me. Ever!"
Voice three said: What about Chari?
Voice four said: She got in your way. Stopped us from killing them. We were hurt for it. Lost an arm and so much more. Almost lost the Sisterhood.
Voice two said: We can always get another. There are so many available.
'What the hell is this? Who the hell are you to demand me to kill my wife and mate! I don't care who you are. I can't believe you are me, any of you.' Azul reached out to them. Even if it is his own voice, he was not just gonna listen to it. 'Galtea what is this? There are more than last time. Even darker in nature.'
Galtea:
'Answer me?!' Azul could still feel her present from the link but nothing else.
Galtea:
Voice Five: Don't be foolish, we are you. We have done what you cannot. What you have not done yet actually, you have it in you. Just need a nudge in the right direction. Kill her and take back your power. It is easy in her current state. We all killed someone close to ourselves and gained immense devil power.
The voices all started after one another egging him on. Trying to beat down his resistance.
System: Willpower Check 36 Pass Intelligence Check 35 Pass
"I refuse." Azul said with steel in his voice. He switched the focus of all his mental energy. "My guess with the Persona power technically being somewhat mental and demonic in nature as well as the Devil gene inside my ki abilities, it triggered this reaction. Last time because of my Psycho power this happen. Now this time, Ki. But that last voice, the Dragon I take it."
Raising his hands to contend against the magic, Azul pushed his biotics up a notch. "Biotic Shielding." The barrier came out and soaked everything in.
'I .. I re..fuse. Even if I regret this on my deathbed. I can't kill her. I promise to help her and I will. I don't just screw over my people for my own benefit. If you are truly me, you would understand!' Azul didnt think they would happen here and now. To much like last time. Worst than last time. He made a note to talk to Galtea about this. 'If Mileuda doesn't get ahold of herself, I am gonna die.'
'You have failed us and yourself. Death is all that will await you on this "Path" User.' The voices said as they dimmed out.
Trickster: Clap, Clap, Clap. Good job boy. You are doing better. Continue your current "Path" and we might make something of you again. Here is your reward. Best of luck with living with yourself. Shame you didnt take the offer. But I am happy you are moving forward still. Talk later... Son-in-law.
System: Discovery of Oneself II Quest Completed
Reward: All personal Soul fragments of the Tekken Universe. Knowledge from yourself in Magic The Gathering. All personal Soul fragments from Super Robot Taisen Universe. All personal Soul fragments from Fire Emblem Worlds. All personal Soul fragments from Final Fantasy Worlds. Contains all the remnant powers of yourselves as a Devil Ki, Psychic, Tome Wielder, Summoner power User.
Failure: Would have been the Emperor of Mankind, Serenes Forest, ???, ????, ???? losing faith in you. Death of Mileuda and Tietra. The reputation of Lluvia, Galtea and all crew, companion, and pets loyalty drop. The Trickster would have sent you to a worse World for training and reconditioning.
As Mileuda calmed down. The scenery started to turn back to normal.
Galtea: Auxillary field shutting down. You have used up a lot of its power User. It is also damaged. It will take time for it to repair.
'What the hell happened?'
Galtea: It was part of a quest for yourself as well as part of Mileuda's quest. Helping her helps another group of people it would seem. If you would have killed her... I believe you would have failed the unique companion quest as well. I spoke to you but, The System blocked my words to your link. If you were a higher level, we could have talked mentally. The powers will all be available upon you taking a short rest.
Galtea: Save Argath and change history.
Rewards: Argath can join your party. The Knight holds a secret that is related to the twins. Their fate is tied to your own.
Bonus rewards: Sealed Tome.
'What the hell are you talking about all of them? This.. ah fuck it I don't have time for this. I came here for Mileuda's, Tietra and the twins. Get a little rewards here and there, now these shenanigans.' Azul had walked over to Mileuda. She had a very embarrassed expression on her face.
"Hehehe, sorry. I dont know what came over me." Mileuda kept stealing glances at Azul, then looking to the ground. "That was.. I mean.. Argh, I dont know what to say."
"Come on. We can talk about it later." Azul said while grabbing her hand and walking to the others.
Galtea: User when you have time, talk to them. There are unique characters missions with Alistair now. You should be thankful.
'Damn it understood... and thanks.' AzuI looked to Mileuda, "Let's continue on our way quickly. I have a bad feeling." She just nodded with a smile.
After an hour of trecking through the woods, they came across a broken fortress. It has definitely seen better days. They traveled another five minutes and came across a village. Mileuda took point up ahead and went to talk to some guards. She came back after a heated discussion.
"Boss these are my fellow villagers, please help them," Mileuda said as she gestured outward to her people. "Things have gotten rough in the last few days."
Before the group, there were a little over 140 people or so. Almost all were in motion working on something fixing on something. Children were moving rubble to a small area. At the location older children smashed it with hammers made of denser rocks.
Off to the side, the elderly were pulling weeds up from some type of vegetable. Looking close to a potato but it was yellow. By the looks of it, anyone between eleven and sixty was doing a type of hard labor.
"I don't even know where to begin," AzuI mumbled. Before stopping once, he looked to one who had rags for clothes, he could see the individual's ribcage. The stomach was flat but muscular. The skin seemed tough, but there were scratches all over. "What the hell is going on here? I know you have money. What gives."
Tifa came up to Azul on his left. Her face looked heartbroken. "Why is this happening to them. Who poisoned them?"
"Commander, from what I can tell the major problem for them all would be they are malnourished. The adults are eating Chocobo food. For the young ones, it is not as bad but for the elderly, it will keep them alive but… it is poisoning the body," Riku said.
I could see the clocks turning in her head as well as the rest of my squad. Alistair squad seemed unfazed except some of the squires they had looks of pity. I turned to look at Alistair.
"Mileuda, what the fuck is this? I have seen poor, but this is fucking destitute. These conditions are monstrous. Are they mixing dirt in that broth by the fire? How did this happen?!" AzuI was becoming unnerved.
Biotic strands that fed into him from these people kept him baffled. None of them would give up. They believed a brighter future lay ahead of them. The strand that came from Mileuda gave him pause though. She was filled full of guilt for some reason.
"Boss follow me. The rest cannot follow." Mileuda said grimly as she turned and made a path to a hut. Stopping a child on his way, she mumbled something off.
The child took off and came back with some other children that left to go help show the others around.
"Everyone, see what you can do about treating some of the people here. Melee units search the area for wildlife. Kill them and bring back the remains. If there is any vegetation that you think is safe mark its location and head back. This is an order that is non-negotiable," Azul said as he turn back to continue on his way with Mileuda. He was stopped by a voice from behind.
"You can't be serious," Argath said plainly. He looked at Azul defiantly. "I say again, you can't be serious about this. We need to return to Eagrose castle and report. Saving the count is more important than these peasants!"
"Argath you simple minded fool." Azul approached him and grabbed him by the collar. Letting his biotic's flare outward, but channeling it slowly onto him specifically. "If you don't like how I do things than leave. I am not begging you to stay. I am trying my hardest not to kill anyone boy. But you are really pushing it. You are only still alive because you have a chance at something more. The moment that stops I will rip you apart with these hands of mine. Do you understand me?" After a cold hard stare, He dropped him headed to catch up with Mileuda.
Argath looked at Azul fearfully.
"Tch fine," As he got up and fixed himself. "You heard him fan out, the sooner this is done the better."
"He is quite the charmer," Riku said before darting off. Dyshana floated behind her keeping pace. "Why are you coming with me?"
"Because I can," Dyshana said deadpanned. 'I want to know more about them. First, the one who turned away from him. She has the most chaos inside her.' Dyshana licked her lips hungrily. 'I must get everything I can before Lluvia has to enact her plan. Find out who is capable of going to that place.'
"How about we go togethor Argath?" Hotshot asked. Argath nodded and followed.
"Just me and you help the people here Mr.Knight," Tifa said.
Catching up with Mileuda they entered a hut. She started to tell Azul what all happened here as they traveled down a staircase that lit up as they walked downward.
"Boss the reason I need your help is.. Codis Beoulve killed my people and used them to awaken a Zodiac stone. This was in the original timeline. We were able to fend him off with the help of your village assistance. But, the stone zapped the lifeforce of everyone in the area. The crops as well. I never told Tietra or the others. But I did tell Tifa in a letter. This village here is the remnants of the tribe that first forged ties with the demons. We are half breeds. This was not what happened to me originally. But Agria was a half breed." MIleuda paused to listen if Azul had a response. He didnt say anything. "I have taken her place it seems. Hope you are not upset." Mileuda paused and looked back at Azul. For one to see if he was listening and two he stopped at a hole in the wall.
"I am listening. Just a lot to take in. Before you continue, why not tell Tietra? From what I know, she would come help. You two are still friends right? Did she change a lot in your travels?" Azul was a little puzzled. 'Did she not tell her cause of her brother. Or something else? Had Tietra become untrustworthy?'
Galtea: No my User. I think it is something very simple. Besides them both having a little power increasing.
Mileuda paused as she seemed to have trouble gathering her thoughts. She placed her head down and started kicking the dirt. Then the biotic strand hit Azul, he couldn't believe it.
"You and Tietra were a thing! Hah, that is probably the real reason Delita separated you from her. That boy is damn near a sis-con buahaha." AzuI started to laugh uncontrollably. "Man, why don't you tell her how you feel when we get back to Eagrose castle? Tell her how much you miss her. I think during this time or a little in the future we will be able to see her there if you want. But it is most likely gonna take a lot for you to keep her way from me."
"Th.. th.. a..nks Boss I would really appreciate it. It would be great if I have your blessings. Since you know your our husband and all." Mileuda said looking away. "I was hoping you wouldn't be upset. Knowing your dark desires and talking about them, are to different."
Galtea: User there is a way for that to work. I will act when the time is right with your permission.
'Go for it, I may be an ass but if her feelings are 1/10 of what I felt from that biotic strand, then hell. Far be it from me to break up or try to stop that relationship.' Azul thought about it for a bit then nodded his head. "Go ahead and continue. They may be getting antsy up top and we have been traveling for a bit."
"Right Boss, back when they were actually the Zodiac Saints, before falling and turning to evil. There use to be tons of my kind. But with the turning of the Saints into the monstrosity Zodiac Braves and the church using them for there bidding resulting in a purge from the righteous members of the church and the house of the Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern Sky. History was rewritten and the Braves turned into heroes as we know it today and the Saints all but vanished. The Eastern and Western Sky was destroyed and almost all of there history lost in time." Mileuda said pained a little.
"Tsk, more or less the same. The psychic echoes in here are strong." Azul ran his fingers along the wall. Taking it all in, he gained a good bit of info.
"Behind here is the forge for making the Saint stones. Once we solve the puzzle I will be able to make Saint stones. At least that is the plan." Mileuda said.
"How will this help your people?" AzuI couldn't help but ask this seemed weird to him. "Are they suffering from magic overflow?"
System: Intelligence Check 32 Wisdom Check 29 Medical Check 22
"The stones can help my people survive the magical overflow that we carry inside us. If it wasnt for Codis, we would be a lot better off. My people were healthy before. The reason we live like this, far away is to keep from killing others. Only 1/13 child has been born with a low enough magical ability to live somewhat normally. I am one of the lucky ones. The village is low on the magic stone shards that could help for us to live normally." Mileuda said with little hope left. "Hopefully we can buy some from the shop."
"Give me a minute woman, I think I know of a way," Azul told her while he dived into his store and started a conversation with Galtea.
'The rings from Growlanser can help with the magic can they not? The runes from Suikoden Tactics and Suikoden V would work right? Since the more magic you have, the higher the rune level or something. I can't really remember. Oh wait, I do know. They will work as needed. Or should I use the crest from Tales of Symphonia this time? I don't wanna figure out a puzzle. If she wants to afterward, that is fine but I am more of a smash them up kind of guy.' AzuI shot off some ideas to Galtea waiting for a response.
Galtea: Those all are applicable. They will all count since it is your points you will be spending. You can make them all Dragoon spirits or unlock their Persona.
"Mileuda, we know of a way to save your people right now actually. Without having to risk your life. It should also allow them to be able to fight back as well in case anything untoward happens." Azul started purchasing simple rings and small runes while explaining to Mileuda how they are used and there function. As he handed them over to Alistair and received a prompt right after.
There was an explosion above ground. It was best they hurried up.
Galtea: Everything is fine upstairs my User do not worry.
'Alright if you say so.'
System: Quest 2: Become famous or Infamous ll. Became famous/infamous to the residences of a village. Reward: Saint Stone.
Quest 3: Your companion wants you to help save her village and loved ones. Reward companion ability unlocked. Priority! Mileuda is a diehard supporter. She will choose whatever you wish for.
A colorful stone floated in front of Azul. The more he looked at it, the stronger he became. As he reached out for it, he immediately pulled his hand back. He pushed it towards Mileuda with his Biotics.
Mileuda looked at him puzzled. She slowly reached out and accepted the stone. Briefly one could see symbols of stars surrounding her. Her eyes shine liked stars as well before returning to normal.
"Boss why me? This is your reward is it not." Mileuda looked at him puzzled.
"True but it will be better in your hands than in mine. Besides if what you said is true with my personality I have a chance of turning that thing into another Zodiac Brave and we do not want that. I will keep this in mind for the future." AzuI said drily to her. "Count this as a wedding present. Let's head back."
"Hold on one second, I think I can take this with me," Mileuda said before reaching back and outstretching her arms and sucking in something from the hole afterward the hole collapsed.
"For the future, I will be able to make you one once I figure out how it all works Boss." Mileuda had a big grin on her face. "It will be my other wedding present to you."
"Oh, whats the first then?" Azul asked looking at her. HEr biotic strands were happy and still rising.
"Me silly. But just the first few times." Mileuda said blushing. "I am centuries old, and here I am blushing like a maiden."
"Haha," Azul laughed and swept her in a hug and carried her up the steps. "Avy, you are. But you are my century's old maiden. Oh and Tietra's. Tell me how that got started."
As they made their way back upstairs. They talked about old times and who they missed. For Mileuda it was really only Agria and Mileena. The others were just friends to her. Stepping out the gave each other a look, sharing a kiss as the lights out.
"Sigh you ready for what comes next? I had Tifa take care of your people already." Azul said looking at her.
"Yes, we will win the fight. Dont worry. I have prepared to make sure everyone makes it. As well as having your villagers come here. A few sleeper agents inside the Akademy to make sure the ones who didnt join us, went there." Mileuda said.
Azul and Galtea had a conversation going up about some pulls that needed to be done. When he takes the rest next, they will commence the pull. She informed him it will be quite soon actually for the first. Covering up the entrance a Rift opened.
System: Medium Pull x1 commencing... Target locked... X-Men Legends.. Lucas Bishop.. has agreed..
"Sup?" Bishop said stepping out. "This looks fun. A dark house with a man and a woman. Thought we were killing some demons and what not?"
"We are Bishop." Azul shook his head. "We are taking out an evil one anyway. It is complicated and Galtea was supposed to explain it to you. Speaking of."
Galtea: I will right now. You two were about to get to comfy. A fight is getting ready to happen up top. The others are prepared for the one from last time. You know it will be different this time. Even with the twins help, and now Bishop. It will be difficult.
Tifa came running up with Argath in tow. She gave Bishop a look and shrugged. Tifa spoke first. "We have no idea where the people disappeared to. The buildings are gone as well. I am sorry Commander, this should not have happened." She sent him a message psychically next. 'We but down the defenses and everything, but the people still disappeared. The others made it out far enough away.'
Argath piped up right after, "on the outskirts we did not find any of the villagers but some strangely garbed men. Your other troops have already went back to Eagrose. That woman Riku already had the other Akademy cadets help with that. Hotshot and Dyshana are waiting on the embankment to ambush them if need be." Argath looked around a little scared for a moment. "Maybe we should have kept them nearby for help. There are a lot of knights."
Galtea: The people are in a safe place. I recommend getting out of there. Something else is happening.
'Aye, very well Galtea.' Azul pulled in the stong biotic strands in. Especially from the two. 'Hmm, the strands from Argath is the worry for the people. It is small but acceptable he is developing compassion more quickly than before.. The worry for his fellow cadets in arms even more so. He also does not wanna confront the knights.
"Move full speed back to Eagrose castle do you understand. Your priority is to stay alive first. Second is to not engage the enemy no matter what. As far as the villager's, it is no concern. Do not mention anything. Tell the troops that as well. They will be ok Argath. Me, Bishop and Mileuda will engage the enemy to buy you all time is that understood." Before Azul could continue Tifa cut him off.
"Commander, I will not leave your side. I will fight with you. They won't make it here for a few hours we can definitely help with more traps." Her conviction was strong but still. "Come on, I can do this!" Tifa balled her fist.
Azul looked around there was no way she would be able to fight in the dark with the way here Pather powers were. 'Especially if there was demon around like last time.' Azul knew Mileuda and the twins would be fine. Even Hotshot and Dyshana would be fine.
System: Persuasion Check 27 Pass
"Head back now. That is a direct order as your Teacher and your friend. Me and the others are gonna engage in special warfare. I can not risk the operation with you involved. In the future, I will teach you to fight like this. But now is not the time... so go." AzuI projected as much confidence as he could into his speech.
After a slight hesitation, they took off.
"So what's the special plan?" Mileuda asked as she stepped forward. "Are you that worried about her? Should I be jealous?" She chuckled.
"We will be using special abilities that are not from here. I am gonna get some upgrades right quick. I suggest you fine-tune your Persona power as well as your new Zodiac stone." Azul quickly told her as he made some purchases in the store. They barely made a dent in his points. "Jealous, dont be ridiculous. I dont have my eyes on her. Right now I am only thinking about you and Tietra in this world. Ok and Hotshot. Heck, I am having trouble enough as it is."
"So she is available?" Bishop asked with a smile.
"Go for it. I won't interfere in my people finding happiness with each other. Just stay away from my.."
Azul stopped when he felt his head pound a little. Grabbing his head he sat down for a bit. "Ughh just get ready."
Bishop walked off. Mileuda stood by him. "Are you ok?" She asked sitting next to him. "Headaches again?" Azul nodded. "It has to be tied to the you here. You didnt have them before."
"Yeah, your right. But what is it? Galtea cant tell me till I discover more on my own. I will just finish the purchases quickly and go to sleep. I should be stronger when I wake up." Azul looked at her intently. Her eyes were a little weird with double pupils. She blinked and they were gone.
"DO what you have to. I will stay by to watch over you. I already have mastery of my Persona. Just have to fine-tune this one." Mileuda said grinning. "Where do you think I have been spending my points? It was Quistis idea. You will see when you get to her."
Azul purchased the Space Marine upgrades for Bishop. As well as two runes to start for his other field of magic training according to Galtea. The True Water Rune and True Fire Rune. Despite Galatea's desire for him to get the Rune of Punishment. And last but not least, he acquired a mental upgrade to resist the power of the voices. Even with his Willpower way above it was last time, there was no reason to take that chance.
The others received upgrades to there magic as well as mental control. The twins received a special rune according to Galtea after he made the purchase and she upgraded them with her points. Dyshana received the True Holy Rune. Hotshot received the Black Gate Rune. Mileuda received the Dragon Rune. Tifa received the True Earth Rune. Riku didnt get any. She declined so there was an extra in Azul's inventory.
As the implants took effect AzuI was placed into sleep by Galtea with some points. With that bit of points spent he leveled up. Which was definitely gonna be needed to deal with this new threat. His upgrade's was very much welcomed by the others.
"He is out cold. So cute." Mileuda said poking Azul's face. Galtea appeared next to her. "Why are you here?"
"To ask you to do something for me," Galtea said.
"Oh, and that would be?" Mileuda looked at the screen absentmindedly. 'Eh, her special screen.'
"To convince him. He will do it, if you ask him two."
"To do what?" Mileuda asked confused.
"This Quest," Galtea said as she showed her the screen. "He has the advantage. It will work."
"Tsk, are you crazy?!" Mileuda said looking at her. "After everything that guy did.. you want to save him dont you? You rotten bitch!"
"I .. want to try."
"Did you not absorb all your memories?" Mileuda looked at her trying to figure out why this was happening.
"I sealed a part away," Galtea said. "I didnt want to see the fight. As well as the start of it."
"You resent Azul, dont you? You want him to fight against that idiot just to save him. You have lost your mind."
"He was.." Galtea bit into her bottom lip. Her arms shaking in frustration.
"Shut up!" Mileuda said angrily. "I will pretend this never happened. Ask somebody else to do it. If you were ever our friend, you would drop this quest."
"I.. cant," Galtea said before disappearing. "Azul is on the road to forgiveness. Maybe he can forgive even this."
'Stupid woman. Lluvia was right. What do I do now?' Mileuda sat with Azul and felt the future was gonna change in a very shitty way this time. She abstenmindly stroke her former and future husband's face. Touching his chest, she opened his status screen. 'You are way more powerful than before. But still not enough for those threats.'
Status Page 1 Name: Azul Lunastrider Class: Soldier Adept? (Experiment) Level: 11 AC: 21 Second Class: N/A Health: 240
Strength: 20 Constitution: 30 Dexterity: 27 Intelligence: 29 Wisdom: 29 Charisma: 21
Athletics: 3+5 Magic: 3+9 Acrobatics: 3+8 Misdirect: 3+6 History: 3+9 Intimidation: 2+3+5
Medical: 3+9 Nature: 3+9 Perception: 3+9 Persuasion: 2+3+5 Stealth: 5+8 TechWork: 3+9
Religion: 3+5 Survival: 3+10 Seduction: 2+3+5
Cantrips: Lv3 Adrenaline Rush, Lv5 Biotic Shielding, Lv3 Biotic Charge, Lv5 Misty/Flame Fist,
Lv2 Concussive Shot, Lv4 Mental Cleansing
Spells: Lv4 Rune Magic
Status Page 2
Physical Traits: Biotic Armored Body, Ki, Overlord, True Water & Fire Rune
Mental Traits: Lustful, Brash, Curious, Dazful, Blunt, Foolish, Kind, Ruthless, Egotistical
Groups: Lady Maldova's Marauder's
Enemy Groups: Krogan War Band Terminus, ????
Location: Lost Village
Ship: The Last Stand
Standing: Galtea:??? Lady Maldova (Lluvia): Soulbond Chari: 1742 Hotshot: 2232 Ciela & Lettie: Soulbond Zelda: Unbreakable Bond Hotshot: ??? Rayna: 231 Torbin: 122 Candace: 34
Mileuda: Unbreakable Bond
Crew: 424
Equipment: Equipment: System, Omni-Tool, Alliance Experimental Implant
Skills: Gun: B 15/250 Melee: B 103/800 Tech: C 55/250 Sword: C 35/250 Medical: C 110/460
Science: C 124/310 Engineering Reversal: D 93/200 Magic: C 185/400
Titles: Wandering Soul, ????, ?????
Abilities: Mediation III, Mental Suppression III, Ki, Psyker
Knowledge: Alliance, Cerebus, Shirai Ryu, Lin Kuei, Geneticists, Magic The Gathering, Path of Radiance, Zanarkand,
Equipment: System, Omni-Tool, Under Terra Spear
Inventory: X-High Level Pull 2x, High-Level Pull 4x, Medium Pull 4x, Weapon Pull 5x, Armor Pull 3x
System Abilities: Inventory Large, Store, Observe,
Companion Slots: /3
Follower Slots:
Pet Slots:
System Points: 38,440
Companion Points: 1532
Loyalty:????