User blog:MrSolomon/Solomon's Tale; The Aftermath!

Solomon's Tale; The Aftermath.
All Chapters will be posted in a single blog post only. It avoids looking like spam.

Note: Anything this story tells is purely End of Chapter 3 and Post-Chapter 3 Speculation.

''The Story so far: Solomon, Seeker of Truth. Has loyally served Promestein for 2 years. After Ilias' assault on the world began, he continued to serve Promestein. However, one day, Promestein had given Solomon a final mission whilst she proceeded to betray Ilias with Black Alice, the 8th Monster Lord; To survive the assault and help evolve humanity like Promestein had dreamed. After defending his hometown from angels, he is now a wanted man. Solomon travels the world now, exploring the new world where coexistence is the norm, and trying to avoid being captured.''

Chapter 1: Sabasa; Vampires and Mermaids in the desert?
I sat at the Mermaid Pub bar in Sabasa, drinking and chatting with the bartender. It felt nostalgic to spend time here. Back in Port Natalia this would still be my prime spot to relax and hang out in-between mercenary jobs. However, the time has changed. Not only are mercenaries in zero demand as countries no longer have major conflicts or much work for hire, but I can't even show my true abilities and skills without being hunted down.

"So, I hear you expanded the pub to another major city." I asked the bartender, a mermaid around my age.

"Of course!" She said with a smile. "We're now in Grand Noah and planning on a Mermaid Bar in Goldport." The idea of expanding all over the world was a dream the mermaids of Port Natalia had. Now that Queen Laura approved, they can finally accomplish that goal.

"I hope competition isn't bad," I said concerned. "I saw a Vampire Bar down the road."

She sighed before saying; "Yea, the Vampire Queen and the Sabasa King made an agreement, but it isn't too bad. At least we're not sucking your blood in-between drinks."

"Heh, well despite the gothic style, Mermaid Bar is too nostalgic with me, I could never choose otherwise." I said. "I was born and raised in Port Natalia."

She immediately smiled; "That's awesome to hear!" But our conversation was cut off by two vampires and three men entering the bar. We both looked at them as they looked around the bar, staring at the male customers, including myself. One finally spoke out;

"Look here sister," she had began, "tons of handsome guys that missed out on the Vampire Pub."

"Oh don't worry sister," the other began to spoke, "no one ever wishes to disappoint our Queen. Isn't that right boys?" She had asked the three men that followed them inside. They mostly nodded and gave quick, positive answers. This group was trying to steal customers directly.

"Hey you can't just walk in here and take our customers!" The bartender had shouted. The other mermaids agreeing. I stood and walked towards them. I held my disguised gun-staff at the ready.

"Oh, don't worry, they can stay if they want." the first vampire said. She was intrigued by me approaching her, as if she had caught the attention of a possible customer. "Why hello there handsome."

I smiled and held up my gun-staff, still disguised. "Would you ladies and your boy-toys kindly leave? You're interrupting a nice chat I was having."

"Oh we shall leave," the second one said. "but you and at least half of these men should follow."

"Yea, and you can't do anything about it." one of the men had said.

I shake my head. "Well that's your warning. So I guess I won't go without force."

The first vampire tried using her eyes to put me in a trance, but was shocked when it didn't work but attempted to hold me with her cloak. I quickly undisguised my gun-staff and smacked her with it before shooting her with a charged, electrical bolt that paralyzed her.

The second merely looked shocked as the three men were backing away slowly. She tried advancing at me, but was forced back by another charged shot. The three men were convinced I meant business and tried to run but were stopped by a pink haired vampire. They turned back and felt confident now.

"Carmilla's here now." One had said.

"He's toast," The other had said.

Carmilla walked towards the two Vampires, whom were both stiff from paralysis, and shook her head. "Who said you could attract customers here? Elizabeth ordered you to advertise the place around town without troubling the mermaids." she had said, angered by their disappointing attempt to draw in customers. She looked up at me as I disguised my weapon and immediately smiled. "Oh I know you! You're that cute, unbaptized man from that meeting!"

I put a finger to my lip and said; "Shh.. I've already drawn too much attention. Give the Queen my regards." I said and paid for my drink. Saying goodbye to the mermaids as well.

"Wait!" the bartender had shouted. "I didn't get your name."

I merely smiled and pointed to my wanted poster. "Same name as that guy." I said and turned around leaving the bar. Having explored Sabasa enough, I decided to head North to the Gold Region. However I stopped at a general store in town and got a strange book about the Hero Luka's adventure by an author named Amira. The store clerk mentioned a book signing in Succubus Village. I decided to have a read while traveling. But I wasn't quite finished in the Sabasa area. I decided to first see if an old partner of mine would be willing to talk things out. I decided instead to head South first.

Chapter 2: Hunted in Witch Hunt; Solomon vs Lucia The Rematch.
I had arrived at the village in the afternoon. All of Lily's experiments were walking and living free of any persecution and forced disguises. The village shouldn't be named 'Witch Hunt' anymore and all of the guards are just sitting around and hanging out. It felt nice to not be accused of witchcraft on the spot. But I should focus on finding Lucia. I went to the group of guards and decided to get information.

"Excuse me, is anyone by the name Lucia living here?" I asked.

"Lucia? Yea she's at the Lord's former mansion. It's quarantined because of dangerous chemicals that Lily used. You might want to wait outside the manor." He said.

"Don't worry, I'm an old colleague." I said and began walking towards the manor. "Thanks!" I had arrived at the manor. I ignored the 'Do not enter' signs and headed inside. As I arrived at a center room, Lucia turned and noticed me. Her expression wasn't darkened at all strangely enough.

"Solomon," she had said. "It's been a while. What are you doing here?"

I looked around the room. "It's only been a short while, I was just in the area and I thought I'd visit."

She smirked and walked towards a bookshelf. "So Promestein's gone now, what have you been up to?" She asked calmly. "No Drain Lab, No Remina laboratory, I haven't even read any signs of fast travel."

I didn't even answer, she knew I was coming. I just checked the tracking device on my goggles and found both mine and Lucia's signals were still up. "Why do you still have the means to track me?" I asked, slowly removing my disguise just in case.

"Solomon I'll be honest. I know you're going to carry out some crazed last wish of Promestein." She began to speak, revealing her tentacles. "I was asked by the Monster Lord to clean out dangerous chemicals from Lily's mansion. But when I was finished..." She looked at me and smiled. "I was told to track you down and make sure anything you're planning was stopped."

I readied my gunstaff. "Lucia, you do know what you're getting into. Why not just tell the Heavenly Knights then?" I asked curiously. If she could track me, then all four Heavenly Knights would be capable of finding me. "Or perhaps...you think you're enough for me alone?"

She licked her lips and stared at me. "You see, you really messed me up last time we fought." She said. "And since then, I've been craving some payback. And luckily for you, I'm also quite hungry from working all day."

Without any hesitation, I knew to retreat. "Zylphe!" I called and dodged her attempt to grab me with the artificial spirit of wind. I darted to the foyer of the manor and noticed the doors and windows were magically locked down. "Damn! She thought ahead this time." I looked around for a way out. My goggles then picked up an incoming threat and I jumped back as Lucia had attempted to grab me again using Zylphe this time.

"Hold still Solomon," Lucia had said. "Don't you wanna have some fun before I send you to the Heavenly Knights?"

I took aim at Lucia with my gunstaff. "Lucia, don't make me hurt you. Right now I'm just traveling." I said and switched to Gnomaren to prepare for any grab or attack.

"But what about later?" She said and began using her tentacles to try and pleasure me into talking. "Talk! I know Promestein gave you some mission. She trusted you with taking me down over La Croix and I knew she had you hide while angels and chimeras were assaulting the world."

I managed to withstand the attacks and shoot Lucia with a few electric pulse shots. Whilst she was flinching and blocking I drew my blade. "Gnomaren!" I called and used the Artificial Earth Spirit to empower my attack. "Piercing Upper!" I shouted and sliced upward with my sword, knocking Lucia down. Before she could react I grabbed the base of her tentacle arms with my earth-enhanced claws and tried pinning her down. She laid there struggling. "If you must know she asked me to live on pursuing knowledge." I answered. "And for the umpteenth time, keep your tentacles to yourself!" I shouted on instinct. Recalling the times Lucia would try to wrap me up when we were working.

Lucia merely looked at me and slowly stopped struggling. "So you're not trying to continue her goals and efforts?" She asked. "No experimenting? No reviving of the Seekers of Truth?"

"I can promise you, I am not trying to go at Promestein's unreasonable standards for her scientific research." I said. "I admit, she often went too far." I let Lucia go and backed away. "Especially when it came to that plan she had with Black Alice and that White Rabbit." I said.

Lucia merely looked at me and stood. "So you're still upset at Promestein's death?" She shook her head. "Then why not use her failure as a reminder and not make the same mistakes?" She asked.

"What?" I said looking confused.

"You can be so oblivious to the obvious sometimes." She said. "She meant that if she were to fail, you were supposed to continue your ambitions and learn from where she left off and not make the same mistakes."

I had never thought about it that way. I knew Promestein was always moving forward. But now that I think about it more, she had never looked backwards at what she achieved. She always discovered or created some ground-breaking success and just shrugged it off and started again. I guess being imprisioned and forced to do nothing but research and experiment for eons does that to you. The I remembered an important thing Promestein had said to me one time during my training and studying under her wing;

"Ah! It can be so frustrating. After all I achieve, when another problem is revealed after you've solved one. I want to solve everything and learn the truth! Will we ever truly finish the search for knowledge?"

I always just followed her and told her not to give up. But I guess I should have told her to stop and look back on her success. I looked down and thought about it. Lucia merely looked at me.

"Well Solomon, I'm sure you realize now what Promestein meant." She said. "So I suggest you surrender now and explain to the Monster Lord that you mean no threat to the world."

I heard what she said and laughed. "Surrender? What? So you can just wrap me up and have your way with me while they take their time coming here?" I jokingly said.

"Solomon, I'm serious." She said. "But if you put it that way, then yea just lay back and have fun before you're arrested. I haven't contacted them yet so you can stay a while."

I smiled, I know now that I'm going to continue my travels. I'm going to use Promestein's advice and move forward. And I know I won't make the same mistakes. I raised my blade and pointed it to Lucia. "Sorry," I had said. "but I'm not giving up. You want me, you're going to have to beat me."

Lucia merely sighed. "Well, win or lose you probably will know why I suggested that. But it would bring up old memories to rape you again." She said. "I always liked how you resisted when your body wanted more." I had twitched hearing that. I had a sick feeling but I didn't know she felt that way for sure. "But I think I can delay calling the Heavenly Knights and keep you for myself Solomon." She had lewdly suggested before calling out; "Gnomaren!" and raised all of her tentacles.

I sighed and held my blade. "Gigamander!" I shouted and imbued my blade with the power of fire. At this point, I decided to do a gamble. I felt my body performing this before, but the possible strain it could do would cost me the battle. I got into stance and waited for Lucia to move in close.

"Going to use your dash blade Solomon?" She said. "I know that won't work anymore." And ran towards me. I was definitely not able to withstand more of her attacks, so I had to finish this now.

She guessed wrong. I focused and spun the blade around, hitting Lucia. I span rapidly and managed to successfully mimic the technique. "Black Tyrant.....Wyvern Blade!" I shouted as the first and second floor of the room we were in was torn, and bombarded by a crimson cylcone. It was nothing like Hyde's potential, but it was definitely enough.

As I finished the technique, Lucia fell to the foyer. She was unconscious. I panted as I wobbled around the room. Both dizzy and exhausted. Hyde does that technique without any strain on the body easily. But I can't handle it as well. I know I won't do that again. I regained my composure and had to act fast. I used my goggles to scan the manor and locate my tracking device. I hacked and smashed at it so the Heavenly Knights can't use it and decided to leave. But before I could, Lucia slowly got up.

"Damn, you win again Solomon." She said as she stood up straight. She was too injured to fight. "You didn't have to take it that far, I just wanted to keep you as a lover and/or slave."

I smiled and walked to her slowly. I knew this might be a bad idea, but I didn't care as she did seem honest. I kissed her cheek and stepped back. "Thank you." I said. "Maybe when the heat's off I'll visit more." I said and warped away. Just before I had left however, Lucia's face was red and she seemed extremely happy.

I warped back to the Northern gate of Sabasa. I decided to continue my travels North. There was a mountain shortcut to the Gold Region. As long as I avoided Grangold, I could travel safely. I put my disguise back on and checked my map. But to my surprise, there was only one good desert stop I could stay the night in; Fyrestone.

Chapter 3: Duel at High-Noon.
After a long morning of traveling, thinking it was better to leave in the mornings and just pass Fyrestone to avoid trouble, I had arrived at the mining city of Fyrestone. The town was famous for its convenient location when mining veins of precious minerals here. It was a safe-zone for traveling to Gold from Sabasa as the city was well protected. According to my guide of cities and kingdoms of Sentora, the Sheriff, whom is also one of the best marksmen in the continent, has singlehandedly dropped crime and defended the city from monster attacks. The Sheriff was named Viper. And there's no doubt even without Lucia, he probably fought off entire hordes of angels during the assault.

That name, Viper, he was the sheriff who stopped me from capturing Lucia last time I was here. He would definitely be trouble to run into. Luckily, despite paralyzing a civilian and bombing a building, my disguise worked out and no citizen recognizes me. However at the center of town, the sheriff stood. He wasn't dense either, he was quick to recognize me.

"You got some nerve coming back around here." He had said. "Especially after destroying half a bar and opening fire at my citizens."

I sighed and knew a confrontation was coming. "I apologize, however this time I mean your town no harm." I said, trying to reassure him that I won't hurt anyone.

He pulled out a wanted poster and examined it. "I see you caused trouble all over the place Mr. Solomon." He said. "But why should I not just throw you in the slammer, un-arm you, and see if there's a handsome reward in it for me?"

I thought about it for a moment, and then I answered; "Well let me answer that with a question;" I began to respond; "Have you ever been in a long search for answers and goals?"

He rolled up the wanted poster and placed it in his pocket and looked up at me. "I can't say I haven't. I still am actually." he answered.

"Interesting..." I responded. "So what are you searching for?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"I'm looking for a reason that Ilias would do something like what you were involved in." He responded. "I tried asking her myself, but I got no response."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I had almost lost interest at first. I had thought he was just another Ilias-fanatic in denial about her trying to destroy humans. But it felt strange how he asked her, as if he tried asking directly. I decided to respond; "I have no idea myself. I had never met her." I said. "But I can confirm that Ilias definitely had something troubling her when she decided to wipe out all humans."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">He then smiled. "You then understand what I believe," he said. "Ilias was lonely and upset. She just had enough of it."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I nodded. Maybe Ilias was just a lonely individual, longing for attention. And maybe hundreds of years of humans breaking her commandments just drew the final straw. "You and I have a lot in common," I said. "we're both torn at a loss of a heavenly being guiding us."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"I heard," he said. "This Promestein was definitely your inspiration for pursuing your goals." He placed his hand on his weapon. Suddenly he signaled passing by townsfolk to stay away from the center of town. "You know what? I'll let you through. If you pass this trial. Get that weird gun stick of yours."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I did as he said, expecting a fight. "What's the trial?" I curiously asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">He pointed at the clock. "When the clock ticks High-noon, we'll have a duel. First to get hit loses." he then readied himself. "If you win, you can leave this city. But if I win, you surrender and wait for the Monster Lord to retrieve you." He then readied himself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I drew my gun-staff and activated my scanner. I knew the best strategy to win, Zylphe could help me dodge near-point-blank and my gun-staff was powerful enough to intercept the ammunition that weapon used. "Zylphe." I called and decided to imbue wind-power to aid in dodging. "Hope that aint unfair." I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Not at all" he said. "You won't be so lucky like last time."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">We waited as the time ticked towards noon. I knew he wouldn't wait a millisecond after Noon to fire. As soon as the clock struck High Noon, we both drew and fired simultaneously. The bolt and bullet collided and created a loud bang. Immediately he began quickly aiming and firing. I dodged and returned fire, but he was also quick to dodge enemy fire. However after another quick scan of his weapon and his patterns. I knew every sixth shot was when reloading was necessary. He reloaded quickly and was still able to evade my attacks. I also had to prevent weapon overheating from repeated fire.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">After his third round of fire, he reloaded and took a swig of his flask while I was allowing my weapon to cool down quickly. Suddenly, his shots were faster. And his pattern was more difficult to read. Zylphe had helped in evasion even more. I scanned his flask and was extremely confused.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Wait... how did drinking sweat tea with a hint of lemon make you so quick??" I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Guess I was just slowed down from thirst" He jokingly answered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I decided I had to make an opening. We both either dodged or intercepted. After re-activating Zylphe's strength. I decided to attempt a flashbang. However after the flashing light messed up his vision, I saw a loud signal flare fly in my direction. It went off and disoriented me. We were both matched. And we both couldn't make an opening. As fun as it was and as amazing as it is compared to combat training, the duel went nowhere. I had to think. I then had a crazy idea from Promestein's scolding;

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Solomon, did you try and jump over three Chimera Chariots....With a Giga-bomb blast-jump?!" I recalled Promestein saying infuriated at the mess I had made.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I began charging for a Giga-bomb whilst dodging his fire. I knew he would dodge it normally, but what if I made an opening with it? He knew I was charging energy for a bigger blast and braced himself to dodge the attack, I then jumped and using my armored boots for protection and Zylphe  to enhance my air-time. I shot the ground and with a large explosion. I jumped clear over Viper by a dozen feet, still searching through the smoke and dust.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Did you just blast-jump??" Hyde asked. "I thought I was crazy!"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I landed behind Viper and quickly turned and fired. I felt relief when a direct hit had landed. It felt bad hitting him from behind. But I had won.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"I'll be honest Sheriff," I said. "had Promestein allowed me to make a backpack jet flying system I would have never tried that."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">He turned and brushed dust off his outfit. "Now I've seen everything." he said. "at least outside of what Heaven has to offer." He put his gun away and held his right hand out. I shook it to honor both our deal, and a possible friendship. "A deal's a deal Solomon, I'll let you leave... after you clean up the crater you made in the main road." he had said pointing at the crater I made.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">After I did some work patching up the damages. I decided to head straight to Succubus village. I said goodbye to the Sheriff and walked off, listening to the catchy tunes on his guitar.

Chapter 4: An Unfortunate Author.
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Despite the stronger monsters of the Northern half of the continent, the travel through the Gold region was much safer as monsters are more allowed in human settlements. I continued my travels towards Succubus Village. The only safe-zones in Gold were Goldport, the abandoned Lady's Village, and Succubus Village. Goldport only saw me during my aid on the assault to intercept Luka, so my disguise worked, Lady's Village was abandoned after the rumors of disappearing men was linked to a powerful monster running a village of voracious monsters which were stopped by the Monster Lord and Luka apparently, and Succubus Village is a perverted paradise that I've had no connections with.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I arrived at the village to find what it had become. Before, the village had surprisingly no succubi and had only seen them during the Purple Sabbath where they roam wild and free. Now, all the succubi live here with their male slaves. Men migrated from all over just to live here in a supposed paradise.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Damn perverts." I whispered to myself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Didn't you have a 'thing' with the Succubus Queen?" Hyde asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"If by 'thing' you mean a five-minute fight that ended with one hell of a blowjob, then yes." I answered. I continued walking to the town library, which was surprisingly tame for a Succubus home city. The library was filled with people and monsters from all over the Gold Region awaiting to meet the author of this new best-seller about the Hero Luka. After reading the book in my spare-time I thought it wasn't that bad. However Hyde had different thoughts...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"This Amira chick goes too deep into the lovey-dovey." Hyde said, feeling annoyed and disgusted.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Well the fact that it's a story about the Monster Lord and a Nephilim Hero who traveled the world and saved the day on numerous occasions, there's bound to be romance." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"She must've been lonely." He had said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"What are you talking about?" I said. "Amira is a cute name often given to lamias and other serpent monsters. Men would be charmed by her naturally." I knew she was a lamia as it was stated in the 'About the Author' section, which surprisingly had no picture, and that the name Amira would fit a lamia more.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">When the mayor of Succubus village came and introduced the author, I almost couldn't believe what I was looking at that was walking to the table and taking a seat. She was a lamia alright....in a backwords sense. Her top-half was serpent and her bottom half was human. I had never seen anything like it, it was astonishing, I almost wanted to take DNA samples. Promestein would have dissected her on the table she was signing books at. Hyde was just babbling and wondering what the hell I was seeing. I waited in line patiently. I couldn't be speechless at seeing what was possibly an extremely rare type of monster.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Greetings sir," she said as I set the book down and allowed her to sign. "did you like my novel?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"I did." I answered. "Please don't be offended but I've never seen a monster like you before."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Ahh yes, it's true..." she said, sounding like she was going to confess a sorrow in her heart. "To other monsters, I look like a cursed individual. All the children point their fingers, the adults can't look me in the eye. All the money in the world can't break their feelings towards me."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"My word..." I said having felt sorry, but before I can continue, a little girl hugged Amira.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Big sis Amira!" she said. "I love your book!" after she left a couple walked up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"You're among the top authors in the world Amira!" they said complimenting her and smiling without any care for her appearance.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I looked at her in disappointment. "Sounds like you're quite in a world of pain." I said sarcastically.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"A...anyways." Amira said, seeing as her ruse was uncovered. "Who can I make this out too?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I smiled and said honestly; "Solomon ma'am."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">She signed the book and closed it and responded as I took it back; "It's funny, you look like the tall, mysterious stranger I saw hoping up and down Grangold's buildings when Luka was there. But that's impossible, he's probably hiding across the world. He became a worldwide, wanted criminal."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I chuckled and responded; "That doesn't sound like me."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Well, thanks for enjoying my story Solomon." she said. I left the library and stopped in an alley to check my map to plan my next location. I had a few choices, enjoy some matches at the Coliseum in Grand Noah, check out the village of Enrika which is no longer a forbidden village, or go sight-seeing at the Ilias continent. I figured whatever option I took teleportation would be quick this time as I'm no longer tracked by Lucia under orders of the Heavenly Knights.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I decided on Enrika, this village is a mystery that vexes me so. It's been standing for nearly 30 years today, and is a completely isolated part of the world only doing local trading with nearby villages. Rapunzel was sent there to intercept Luka but according to Promestein, a Fallen Angel of pure terror walks that village and Rapunzel would have been decimated. One angel whom, in her words; "Has been the bane of Third Eden's existence and would make the angels I've seen piss themselves." I figured she would be friendly however, as Ilias' word is no longer law and with more angels traveling to Earth from Heaven, they needed a guide to help them coexist with humans.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">As I was about to leave however, I heard a voice asking around for information. I turned and saw the worst possible outcome, a Nine-tailed Kitsune was asking about anyone who has seen a man on a wanted poster. Tamamo of the Heavenly Knights. I knew it was me on those posters, I decided to warp out of there quickly, I hoped I had evaded her. I could lay low across the world if they decided to search Gold Region.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo's ears perked up as she suddenly sniffed around. "Teleportation magic..." she said. "But who could have casted that?" She walked to the alley I was in and sniffed around. "This type was made difficult to track. But it's similar to Promestein's." She looked upwards. "Where are you Solomon?" she asked herself. "I'll have to trace him later, I still have to finish what I was doing." She then knocked on a door to a large building. The door opened to reveal a succubus. "Excuse me Mayor? I'd like to request a favor regarding the Hero Luka, he'll be traveling around these parts soon." <h2 class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Chapter 5: Number One. <span style="font-family:Cambria,serif;">I had arrived at the forests near the outskirts of Enrika. It was relaxing to walk through a quiet forest. There were Dark Elves patrolling, but they allowed me to pass without question. I arrived at the village. To my surprise I saw an old friend sitting outside her house bored.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Icarus?" I said. Deciding to call that particular Cupid by a formal name.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">She looked towards me and smiled. "Solomon!" She called and flew towards me and nearly tackled me to the ground. I dodged however. "Man, it's been ages! What are you doing in Enrika?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"I've been sight-seeing." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Well after Ilias was defeated and Eden was sealed, all the unsealed angels had came to Earth." She said. "They mostly either live here or in former cities of strong faith in Ilias. It makes them feel at home." She pointed at her new home. "This is my place! I'm rooming with other archangels I trained with." She then grabbed my hand and excitedly gave me a tour, pointing out everyone's homes and shops, introducing me to various angels. Some were ranked as high as the 7th Hierarchy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Icarus then stopped at a house at the center of the village. "And this is the village chief's home." she said. "Wanna meet a Seraphim??" She said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">My eyes opened in surprise. "Thir- I mean Seraph Eden?" I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">She giggled. "Not Eden, she might not be back for a century maybe." She said and turned to the door. "This is Micaela's house, The First Seraphim."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">My heart skipped a beat. Promestein had told me stories during my training and studies. Micaela and her twin sister Lucifina were the first angels and the absolute strongest fighters in the Heavens at Ilias' command. Micaela, the Sword of the Heavens as she was called, was said to be as vicious and brutal as she was beautiful. I was frightened, Hyde was curious but hesitant which was something he never was.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Icarus knocked on the door. "Great Seraph Micaela? It's me Icarus! I brought a friend I want you to meet." She called out and looked at me and noticed me shaking. "Hehehe" she giggled. "She's not gonna hurt you." she said. "Micaela isn't in her prime anymore. But when she was... it was said that sinners would regret being born male when she had to punish them." That last fact made my eyes open wide. I really hope she didn't know I was a wanted criminal.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">The door opened and I saw the Fallen Angel. She looked a lot like drawings and sketches of Ilias. Beautiful blonde hair, blue eyes, all that was missing was white robes, the wings, and a halo. She looked at me with a serious expression. "This must be that servant of Promestein you told me about." she said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I simply tried backing away slowly. Icarus grabbed my arm and forced me to introduce myself. "Yes, hello. My name is Solomon." I slowly held my hand out for her to shake.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Micaela suddenly smiled and shook my hand. "Pleased to meet you." she said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Wait, you're not mad? I served Promestein and helped her betray Ilias." I said confused.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Ilias was ultimately using her anyways. As long as you're not trying anything on Promestein's extreme level anymore or causing anyone trouble." She said. "You're not still attempting any ambitions of the Seekers of Truth correct?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Well, I'm still traveling and wanting to seek knowledge." I said. "But that's too extreme. No more chimeras or brutal drugs. Maybe some inventions to help advance humanity. I mean, humans will still evolve over time."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"As long as you know your limits and not become a threat to the world, then I have no reason to stop you." She said. I felt relieved, she seemed quite intimidating despite no longer being in her prime. "Come in! I'm sure you'd like to ask some questions." She said. I went inside with Icarus and sat on a couch. Micaela sat on a chair across from me as she told Icarus to leave me and her alone. "I do apologize for the questioning and intimidation," she began to say, "truth be told my Sword of the Heavens is rusted over now. But I had to see if you were still following the Seekers of Truth."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I asked curiously; "I know Promestein was condemned for giving humans fire, but was shutting her in a cave down at Earth the only way?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Micaela shook her head. "Thinking about it over time, the humans evolution sparked survival and greater faith in Ilias." She explained. "An angel giving humans fire is like a message from the heavens. Over time, humans survival and evolution gave Ilias a chance to further allow them to continue worshiping her. Truth be told, Ilias would have lost humanity and be forced to find another creature to help evolve.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Like what? Dinosaurs?" I jokingly asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"No, Ilias wiped them out." She said. "Well, it wasn't entirely her. She asked if me and Lucifina wanted to try it as well."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I looked surprised. "So wait, a meteor didn't kill the dinosaurs?" I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"No, Lucifina dropped a Daystar on a massive pack of some and it left a crater." She explained. "Humans saw it eons later and thought it was a meteor." I was left speechless. Years of scientific theory, crushed by a dino-massacring Goddess and her angels.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Well, another question." I asked changing topics. Thinking about what's happened during my time with Promestein. I then remembered Luka's holy power. "Is Luka...related to you?" I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">She nodded. "He's my nephew. Seraph Lucifina is his mother." she answered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"That explains why Promestein was interested in his power." I responded. "Well, Promestein's plan was to combine the White Rabbit with Luka's power." I explained. "Which would theoretically make  her the Ultimate Being. Like Black Alice was."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Yes and both of them were used." Micaela said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Used..." I said. "Promestein was used by Ilias. Forced to attack humans." I looked down, upset.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"This is true, but only because Ilias held freedom away from her." Micaela said. "But let's not get upset. You're alive, carrying the memories of when she could aid humans the way she wanted to."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Micaela was right. I was one of two humans who got to be under her wing. Training and studying and seeking the truth. I would definitely live on and pass that knowledge on to the world.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Micaela then asked Icarus to come back as it was getting late and whispered something in her ear. I only heard the tone of it sounding like a question. Icarus responded in a whisper. Micaela then looked at me. "Oh? Is that so?" She said. "Well Solomon, my apologies but I rarely get this opportunity and it's been ages since I've last done this."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Done what?" I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Micaela then removed her ring and transformed into her angelic, true form. "You see, occasionally an angel who punished humans for sins often has relapses of pleasures it brings them. They very rarely happen me and you just so happen to be at the right place at the right time." she explained. "And Icarus has told me of quite a few sins... Just for the night I promise you, as mine usually lasted until the man was crippled and/or asking for a sex-change, but I think you should be punished."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"What?! Wait!" I tried to stand but was pinned to the couch by some holy magic. Micaela stood over me and covered my mouth with her hands.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Just sit there, shut up and take your punishment like a man. If I could call you that even." Micaela said and soon began stripping me. I was soon going to confirm the rumors of Micaela's 'punishments.'

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">~The next morning.~

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I woke up still stiff from that 'punishment.' Micaela was upstairs in her room. I got dressed and walked outside. Icarus went over to me giggling.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Had fun there Solomon." she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I just stood there, remembering what she did. I soon responded; "Promestein, Lucia, La Croix and her exposed spine, and Laplace have all punished me in their way...." I said. "....but none of that...is even as close as cruel...as what that woman does to a guy unlucky enough to cross her."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Icarus laughed. "I wanted to punish you myself but Micaela asked me for a favor." she said. "So I guess you're leaving?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Yea," I said. "I'm going to visit my friend Chrome at San Ilia. But I'll visit again sometime. As long as Micaela doesn't have another....relapse."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Alright I'll warn you next time." Icarus said. "Bye Solomon!"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"See ya." I said and teleported away to San Ilia. <h2 class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Chapter 6: Back to Where it all Started. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I arrived at the outskirts of San Ilia and began to walk around the town. It felt like a few days ago that I came to this city to take care of a haunted manor incident only to become a Seeker of Truth. I searched around, looking for any signs of where Chrome might be. I had heard she returned to San Ilia and decided to run a shop around here. I then noticed a sign where the old church was I walked up to it and it read; 'Chrome's Doll Shop.'

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Here it is." I said and opened the door. I saw Chrome sitting down towards where the altar used to be. "Chrome?" I called out.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">The Succubus looked at me and smiled. "Hi Solomon!" She said. "Where have you been?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"I've just been around..." I said. "So you opened a doll shop here?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Chrome happily jumped off her seat and showed me around. "Yep! After the assaults began, churches were closed and used for various businesses." She said. "And doll-making is another Artiste family skill."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Better than being a Necromancer that's for sure." I said. "Still banished from the Monster Lord's castle?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Apparently Alice XVI holds grudges..." she said. "All I did was use Spi and Rit to spook her." She then showed her doll collection off. "But I don't care, I did the right thing in the end. Look at all of my creations now."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I noticed two of them given their own spot on a shelf, "Those two....are both me." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Chrome grabbed them and showed me them. "This one is when you first eavesdropped." she said showing the doll of me from two years ago. "And this one is what you became after training. Except I couldn't keep the back claw on right. I'll fix it later."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I smiled and placed them back on the shelf. There was a doll of Shirome, Chromes sister who was also known as La Croix. "There's your sister... I'm sorry for your loss." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"It's okay, she's at rest now." Chrome said. "So tell me about your travels since after the final battle."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I figured Chrome would be eager to hear about my travels. So I started explaining my journey;

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"I traveled to Sabasa, nearly got in a bar-fight, but discovered I might be in good terms with the Vampire Queen. Then, I visited Lucia, she's another Seeker who worked with your sister, and... I think me and her might be... lovers." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Ha ha!" Chrome laughed. "Solomon and Lucia sitting in a tree." she began to sing.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Shut it!" I said blushing before I continued explaining. "Then I went to a desert mining town and got into a gun-duel at high noon. After that, I met this weird backwords lamia-"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Amira? That famous author?" Chrome asked. "She tipped Luka off about a lot of stuff."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Yea but I still can't believe there are monsters like her." I said. "Then I went to Enrika, met the First Seraphim, discovered what really happened to the dinosaurs, long-story short the meteor was Luka's mother's doing, and then got raped by the Seraphim."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Slow down there Cassanova." Chrome said teasingly. "I hope Lucia doesn't hear of that."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Knock it off." I said blushing, although I do hope she wouldn't be mad that I let a Seraph angel rape me. "And now I'm here, I'm probably going to go to Grand Noah next. Just hoping the Heavenly Knights aren't hanging around there."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Chrome then smiled. "Well let me warn you; Avoid the Coloseum because Alma Elma's more active there than ever now. And Plansect is the temporary home of Erubetie and Undine until the springs are clean according to what I looked into."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Yikes, I guess Grand Noah's too dangerous." I said. "I don't wanna get captured yet, I'm still not done seeing the world. And I'm afraid of what they'd sentence me to." Although I just expected them to throw me in a dungeon and rape me honestly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Chrome then looked towards the window and shut the curtains. "Solomon, I think you should leave then." she said. "Go out the other exit, hide out at the manor. Someone's coming and they might recognize you."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I didn't wanna take any chances. I quickly got up and left. "Thanks Chrome, good seeing you again." I said and snuck out before Chrome let the 'visitor' inside. I quickly yet quietly moved to the manor's location, trying not to attract any unwanted attention. I soon made it to the manor and stood at the front steps. I couldn't help but stare at this mansion entrance. The window I looked through, the exact spot Hainuwelle intercepted me, where Chrome and Promestein stood, this was where it all began and I knew all of that day by memory even after these years. It was amazing I survived this long under the Seekers of Truth's training and experimentation, and although I didn't enter the mansion until I delivered tech to Chrome, I still hold a fond memory of this place now. I walked up the steps and grabbed the door, but I sensed a strong, oppressive force behind me. The voice of a young woman spoke up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"About time I found you. You were a sneaky one, although I always had my suspicions since the day you came to me for my wisdom, it ends here and now, no more running, your scent is hard to track and you sabotaged Lucia's means of tracing you. But even if you teleport now, I will be able to follow quickly." She said. "I underestimated your intelligence Solomon."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Indeed." I agreed. "But I still wish to continue my travels, so apologies if I resist arrest." I turned around and faced my opponent. She was definitely stronger, more intelligent, and somehow capable of defeating that which was made specifically to deal with her, but I knew I had to fight at this point. I removed my disguise and readied myself for combat. "You're not going to capture me so easily, Tamamo."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Cambria,serif;">Tamamo stood there and stared at me with a serious expression. "I was afraid of that." she said and got into a stance. "But Alipheese Fateburn XVI insisted on your capture Solomon." <h2 class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Cambria,serif;">Chapter 7: Battle for Freedom; Solomon vs Tamamo. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo faced me, awaiting any escape attempt. I knew escape was no longer an option, her light body combined with heavy Earth power would ensure that. "Now then, I should start seriously. Breath of the Earth!" she said as she imbued Earth power just as I predicted. Her defense and offense were through the roof. A single punch would incapacitate a normal human.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Evasion was the key, she's more physically powerful, but Earth does not affect speed. "Zylphe!" I called and used wind power to counter her earth.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Artificial spirits..." Tamamo said examining me at first. "I was hoping I didn't have to deal with those again." She then ran towards me, "Tamamo Punch!" she called out and tried punching me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I managed to evade but was astonished at her speed. I attempted two quick strikes with my blade but I only found that I couldn't pierce her defense. I jumped back and sheathed my blade, grabbing my gun-staff instead.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"I'm not gonna hold back. I'll use both physical force and pleasure to subdue you." Tamamo had said as she waved all nine of her tails around.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I scanned her to find a powerful attack was incoming. "Just like those other two..." I whispered and knew immediately how to counter. I deployed a flashbang and whilst Tamamo was trying to search for me I moved out the way.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"I won't fall for that!" Tamamo said and attempted to attack. "Nine Moons!" she shouted and shot her tails towards me. Despite the bright flashbang impairing her vision I was barely able to avoid her tails all directly aimed at me. As the flash died down, Tamamo opened her eyes and smiled. "You dodged that still? Well just a fair warning, I can smell you. Yao and Nanabi warned me of that staff of yours." she said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I took a few steps back. She had a scent so flash bangs didn't work. And my sword is useless without a different spirit. I dodged more of her attempts to smack me with her nine powerful, albeit fluffy tails. One tail managed to knock down a massive tree.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Hold still!" she said and soon wrapped a tail around me and lifted me up. "Now, to ensure you won't escape." she said raising her other eight tails.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I found my back-claws were free and grabbed my gun-staff. I charged an electric bolt with them. "I wonder..." I said as I jabbed the staff at the tail holding me. To my surprise an electric surge ran through Tamamo's entire body. She let me go as she was shocked. Her hair and tails puffed out from the electricity. "Heh, it worked. And you're even more fluffy." I said laughing.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo stopped and dusted herself off and managed to de-fluff her tails slightly. "That seriously hurt." she said. "I guess grabbing will be too risky as long as those extra hands are there."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">My confidence was regained. I knew that I could hold her off, now I just had to be able to incapacitate her long enough to escape and buy some time. "Alright then Tamamo." I said and drew my blade. "Now I'll show you, Gnomaren!"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo observed me as I now was empowered with Earth. "Interesting. You're not just using that artifical Earth spirit like those monsters, you're actually achieving what they were intended to be used for." She smiled. "I should have brought backup."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Something didn't seem right however, she was hesitant. I looked around and saw what she was waiting for. The sun was setting, and from what I remember a full moon is tonight. I didn't have much time. I switched to my sword and prepared to fight Tamamo before the moon rises.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo tried to punch me again, I blocked the punch with my blade but was forced back far. I got up and retaliated. "Wing Dash Blade!" I shouted and struck Tamamo with six sword strikes. Gnomaren's power did actually allow my blade to deal damage. But it wasn't enough. I grabbed a fuel drive and placed it in my sword and ignited it. "There we go!" I said smiling.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo  looked at me. "So you think you can burn my fluffy tails?" she asked smirking.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I laughed and looked at her. "I just needed an extra punch to deal with you."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">We then continued fighting. Although she was stronger, I could observe and respond accordingly to brute force. And her pleasure attacks were easier to dodge. She attempted to grab me again. I countered and sliced at her tail, cutting it off.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Ahh! My fluffy tail!" she shouted.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Oh Goddess I'm sorry!" I said and jumped back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">She grew it back however with some magic. "Enough! The moon is rising now, it's all over Solomon." she said and raised her tails in the air gathering energy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I scanned her tails and found she was charging a beam. I could dodge it, but the mansion would be destroyed and anyone in range would be injured. I thought fast and had one last attack to finish this.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Solomon! You know Promestein said only use that when you wanted your opponent to be organically deconstructed or whatever." Hyde warned me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"She'll endure it I'm sure." I said and got into posistion. My secret, ultimate technique. Promestein was frightened by its power even. I aimed both back claws at her and activated the gauntlet function of my gun-staff. I split the staff in half and wore both halves like gloves and aimed at Tamamo with both palms facing her. My back claws then placed every fuel drive I had left into the gauntlets before aiming back at her. I began charging energy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo finished charging and gave me one last warning; "Stand down Solomon! Or face the consequences."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I shook my head and charged it to full power.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Very well then..." Tamamo said before unleashing the energy. "Moonlight Cannon!" she said and fired it directly at me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Then face my Oblivion Blast!" I shouted and fired the massive black and crimson energy beam at Tamamo's Moonlight Cannon. It overpowered her blast and created a massive explosion. A direct hit. As the explosion cleared, I saw that to my surprise, Tamamo survived the blast. She looked like she was out cold however. I set my gun-staff back to normal and put it away, as it was shut-down for recharging. I couldn't believe what I did, I took down a Heavenly Knight. But before I could celebrate, Tamamo stood up slowly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"What is she made of?" Hyde asked actually surprised.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Man..." she said. "What was that??" she coughed as the smoke still was clearing. "That would have vaporized the Giganto Weapon."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I drew my blade and pointed it at her. "Enough is enough." I said. "I'm leaving now."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo then opened her fan. "That was the final straw." she said. "Now you'll see the last thing your little sacrifical Next Doll saw." she said. I felt the same aura she had back in the Monster Lords castle. She soon began to say an incantation, one we knew about in our data; "I ask thee, eternal time...My body, shackled by the powers of creation, I beseech thee..."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I took a step back. "You were sealed with the Six Ancestors seal this whole time?" I said suprised. "Then....that means in your full power you're..."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Return my true body to me!" Tamamo said as she finished. A dazzling light filled the air as incredible magic power descended on her. Her body morphed into a more adult appearance. Although beautiful, the sheer dark, oppressive aura it released was impossible to endure. She didn't even speak, she stared at me directly in the eye. Awaiting any attempt to resist at this point.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I couldn't even speak. I took a few steps back as her own aura was enough to send me back. I couldn't run, and there was no way I could fight one of the Six Ancestors even with Hyde's power. I stood for a few more seconds, then I dropped my sword and fell to my hands and knees, consumed by total fear. "I.... surrender....." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo returned to her sealed body, and walked towards me. Even though she's back to her weakened self, I still didn't want to possibly provoke her any further. She shook her head. "You were smart to surrender, just one attack completely destroyed Tsukuyomi in that form." she said. She had helped me up. and restrained my arms with her tails. I sighed a breath of relief that the battle was over, but I was going to pay for my crimes from before somehow. She grabbed my sword and sheathed it for me, then we both teleported to the Monster Lord's Castle.

<span style="font-family:Cambria,serif;">Chapter 8: Interrogations.
<span style="font-family:Cambria,serif;">We arrived at the castle entrance, Tamamo stripped me of my coat, my backpack, my weapons, and my goggles. I requested that she search the backpack for my old glasses so that I could see. She did so and soon we walked towards the Monster Lord's throne room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Solomon," Tamamo said. "I'd just like to admit that you were definitely quite the force to be reckoned with." She examined the weapons and gear she was holding. "If you were my pupil, I'd give you a definite A-plus." She finished with a smile.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I smirked and looked back at her. "Really? Honestly I didn't think I'd last that long." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Promestein must have trained you thoroughly," Tamamo said looking concerned. "Lucia's potential was greatly multiplied within a few days, and she was already top of her class in Magical Sciences. To think an above-average level mercenary could become a top soldier and have a tremendous, scientific mind within two years..."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">We arrived to the throne room where Alipheese Fateburn XVI was sitting on her throne. She looked at me. "Well, seems like the chase is over." she had said. "Wait....where's his other arms? I had ripped one off before but he grew it back with a second one..."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo held up my backpack. "For the last time, he didn't have multiple arms. They were mechanical claws he had attached to his backpack."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I looked at her. "Wait... you thought I actually had four arms?" I started chuckling.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Alice suddenly stared at me, I felt an oppressive force try and push at me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Sorry." I said looking down.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Alice turned to Tamamo. "I want him in the dungeons for now, store his gear somewhere safe." she said. "Tomorrow, you and the other Heavenly Knights will interrogate him...." she thought for a moment and then spoke up again. "Oh and remind Alma Elma that we are not using sexual interrogation please."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Aww man." I said under my breath, half-expecting them to try that.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Alice then looked at me and slowly said; "Damn pervert."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Well I'm sorry," I said. "It's just for the past few years; My boss was a sexual-experiment obsessed angel, I am unbaptized due to a last-minute illness, all of my co-workers were and still are sexually interested in me, and everything in that lab tried to rape me."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Alice rolled her eyes. "Just take him to the dungeon." she said. Tamamo soon walked me to the dungeons.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I was taken to a cell and was told that tomorrow I will be questioned. Tamamo had also stated my gear would be well-preserved and not to worry about any of it breaking. As I was left alone in the dungeons, I sat on the bed and looked around. I then realized, this is the Monster Lord's Castle. Think of the history around this place, if I wasn't imprisoned I'd definitely be admiring the architecture and seeing just what this place had to offer. But I guess I'm just thinking positively about being in jail now.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Hey Solomon." Hyde said. "This prison doesn't look inescapable..."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"You're right." I said after some examination. "Especially with the Artificial Spirits. Gnomaren can help bend bars or break through them, Zylphe and Grandine for evasion of guards, after find gear I could use all four of them and fight my way out and hide in Remina until the coast is clear... but I think it's best to wait for now." I knew it was possible, but with all four Heavenly Knights, Alice, and Luka I'd need an army of Chimeras and the Next Dolls just to hold them off.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Can't you teleport?" Hyde asked. "It's boring in here."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I tried doing short range teleportation to move to a different cell, but it didn't work. "Can't, this place must be designed to prevent magical escapes." I said. "I can still use the spirits, but I am afraid of just what is guarding me." The Heavenly Knights were smart to take my goggles. They had a pre-made map of Hellgondo loaded in case of evacuation from Remina's lab. I decided to just sleep and think about what to do tomorrow.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">~The next day~

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I woke up to a familiar feeling, the feeling of when I discovered my capture wasn't a dream. The last time I woke up like this was when I was first taken to the Drain Lab. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and looked at the dungeon's entrance. Suddenly the door opened, and Tamamo came walking in.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Greetings Solomon, I trust you slept well?" She asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Not really..." I said. "So you're here to begin the questioning?" But after that a sharp blade came up to my throat from behind.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Make one wrong move... And I'll personally see to your demise." a voice came from behind me. I gulped in response. That voice was so familiar.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Easy! We don't want him dead yet!" Tamamo shouted to the figure. The blade retracted and a familiar figure appeared from the shadow next to Tamamo.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Hmph. Yes Mistress Tamamo... At least he's got the message." the figure said. He eyed me cautiously.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"You've met our Assassin, Shadow. You fought him back at Remina." Tamamo continued.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"We've met." I said nervously.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Let's begin." Tamamo said, soon pulling out a list. "Alright, let's start with when you first met Promestein... and no lying, I'll know. Otherwise I'll take the leash off Shadow."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I thought back and began recalling my first encounter with her; "I was a mercenary, taking the request of the Haunted Manor incident. I encountered a meeting between Promestein and Chrome. I was captured and instead of killing me, she asked me about my goals of traveling the world and learning many things about it. After that, she took me to the Drain Lab."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo smiled. "Wow, that was easier than I thought. I was comparing your story with data we have on you in those disks" She said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"No point in lying." I said. "This is information of the past. Your foe is already defeated, there's no fear of punishment."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo then continued; "Well now you were tasked with gathering elemental energy for Artificial Spirits. But what about when you visited Grand Noah and Yamatai?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Again, no fear of punishment as the Seekers of Truth were no more, I answered truthfully; "In Grand Noah, Alma Elma's fighting style had to be recorded for Hainuwelle's data. As for when we met in Yamatai, I required tail hair samples for Tsukuyomi. But my questions I asked you were actually me wanting to learn things from you."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo shook her head. "Well it seems you went through a lot." she said. "One more question; It's regarding Shadow here, about those Chimera's Promestein made."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"The Darkroid?" I asked and looked down. "Unfortunately I had nothing to do with that specimen, I knew little about it other than that it was based off an extremely powerful monster and other information. Shadow seems to be the base for its combat and design."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"... Darkroid... She said she was another Next Doll designed to counter me. She had all of my abilities plus she could manipulate shadows in various ways I'm not able to. But if he doesn't know anything..." Shadow muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"I see..." Tamamo said. "Well just continue to cooperate and be honest and this won't take long.  Just sit and wait for the other Heavenly Knights, they each have their own questions. Unfortunately Erubetie was asked by Undine to help clean the toxins from the spring, so only two more Heavenly Knights will interrogate you. Thank you for your cooperation Solomon." Tamamo then walked out, leaving me and Shadow.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Listen Shadow, I wanted to apologize about nearly killing your friends." I said. "I was under orders, it was a war, you don't have to forgive me."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Shadow had spoken up. "You know your place. Try anything like that again and... Well, you get the idea. I will be watching you." He then walked back into the shadows and disappeared. I sat for a little while before the door opened again. This time, a familiar voice rang out.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Yoo-hoo! Solo-boy!" Alma Elma had called out. Knowing full well I hated being called 'boy.'

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I covered my face with the palm of my hand. "Why do you call me boy? I'm twenty-one years old!" I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Alma Elma merely winked at me. "I call every young man I have to fight boy." she had explained. "And I'm supposed to be asking questions here."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Fine," I said, "ask away." I had sat down on the prison bed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"First off, why haven't you been coming back to the Coloseum?" she asked. "Everyone misses you there! Including me. I figured with Promestein gone you'd be fighting there again."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I was taken by surprise at just how casual this interrogation was. "Wait, is this really an interrogation?" I asked. I was confused by her sudden small-talk, but then I realized I had grown a reputation at Grand Noah. "Wait, everyone missed me?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Of course!" Alma Elma said. "The Queen wanted you in the Queen's Cup, all the regular monsters wanted another shot at you." Alma Elma giggled. "And with all the men flooding the place, your comeback might see some real opponents."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I smiled hearing of how popular I had become. "Really? Well, maybe if and when I'm out of here..." I said. "I'll visit again and fight you once more."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Alma Elma giggled. "Well Tamamo said you're quite cooperative with her questioning, and I'm sure Alice doesn't want you in a cage forever." She then winked at me. "But if a death-sentence happens, I'll put in a good word to send you to Heaven myself Solo-boy."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I blushed imagining Alma Elma raping me to death. "Can't you just make me a slave?" I requested. "I'd rather live the rest of my life in good hands instead of dying with a smile on my face."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Alma Elma smiled. "We'll see. But for now I've caught up enough with you Solo-boy, they won't let me rape information out of you so interrogation seemed boring without that." she said and was about to leave, but stopped and turned back around. "One more question, about those claws of yours..." she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"What about them?" I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Can you make me a pair?" She requested.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Wait...why?" I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">She merely smiled. "I thought of some ways to use them when playing with women at the Coloseum."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I blushed as I knew immediately what she was implying. I shook my head. "No! You got two hands, grab breasts with those!" I yelled.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Alma Elma looked genuinely upset. "You sound like Tamamo when I asked to borrow them." she said and soon shrugged her shoulders, looking like her usual, playful self. "Ah well, I'll see you around Solo-boy." She said and walked out.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Later in the day, Granberia then walked inside. I was afraid of what she might ask me. She and Hyde battled before, and she was really upset at me stealing Salamander's elemental energy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Greetings Solomon." Granberia said. "Normally I'd punish you for what you've done myself, but I swore to Lord Alice that I would not use violence."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Good to know" I said. I could only imagine how restless Hyde might be.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"I'm merely going to ask a few questions about you." She said. "First off; your sword skills. You seem like you have potential, why do you use that electric staff?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"That's what I've been saying!" Hyde said. Granberia could not hear him however.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Well, I'm not the best swordsman..." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Nonsense!" she said. "You held off monster after monster in the Coliseum according to Alma Elma, you dueled Shadow, our own assassin, and need I remind you of our fight at Oremist?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Oh, that wasn't me back there." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"What are you talking about?" Granberia asked "I recognized you from Salamander's volcano. It had to be you."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I shook my head. "It wasn't me exactly..." I said trying to explain. "It was technically me, but something controlling me."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Granberia thought for a second. She then spoke up; "Wait, Tamamo said something about that."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo then warped inside the room. "Did somebody need me?" she said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Tamamo, Solomon said he was being controlled back when he tore apart that village and we dueled, explain again how it was done." Granberia said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo pointed at me. "Okay, this is Solomon normally." she said, beginning to explain. "But with a medicine he developed, he becomes a psychotic, murder-prone sword master. The 'Hyde Injection' is what the medicine is called and he calls the man he becomes Hyde."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I nodded my head. "Exactly. You were fighting Hyde. And Shadow, with those two kitsune, had also fought Hyde."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"I would've won! Had it not been for your squishy body!" Hyde said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Squishy?" I said. "Hyde you were the one trying to destroy my body by overdoing it."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Wait, you can talk with the persona you become?" Tamamo asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Yes... I don't know how myself." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"That's not normal," Granberia said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Correct," Tamamo added on, "usually with a dual-persona that's switched via a trigger of sorts, the second personality is dormant, not speaking or controlling the body until it's allowed to. The fact that you can talk to Hyde is an extremely rare case."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I had thought about it, Hyde isn't supposed to be speaking freely, meaning something about the Hyde Injection now brought up a new problem. "Well thankfully I'm completely out of the Hyde Injection." I said. "The remainder of it was destroyed with the Drain Lab and I used my last dose Protecting Port Natalia."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo smiled, "Just as long as Hyde's contained, there won't be any issues." she said. "I'll look into it later. As for now, it's late. Graberia, finish up then allow Solomon to sleep. We'll discuss his sentence tomorrow morning."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Very well," Granberia said. "My other question was about your technique, that 'Black Tyrant Wyvern Blade.'"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Oh, Hyde uses that technique." I said. "But I've been able to mimic it, at the cost of a lot of stamina however and it's not as strong, so I tend to avoid using it now."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Granberia nodded her head. "Yes, a normal human shouldn't be capable of performing such a powerful technique." she said. "Hyde's seemed to be equal to my Vaporizing Rebellion Sword. He even managed to take down two high-level Kitsunes with it. I managed to mimic the technique and nearly destroyed the training grounds."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Damn," I said. "but impressive that you could do that only seeing it one time."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Granberia nodded her head. "The point I'm making is, that technique is made specifically to destroy." she said. "Don't go using it, or Hyde's power in general, unless it's a dire emergency."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"You got it." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Thank you Solomon." Granberia said. "But once this whole thing is settled and you can keep Hyde in control," she had started saying "would you like to..." she was hesitating, I noticed she even blushed a little.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I nodded my head. "Of course, I'll duel you with it and try not to kill you." I said. "Or even try my hand against you without Hyde."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Granberia smiled at hearing that. "Yes, it will be a great match I'm sure." she said and walked off. "Good Night Solomon, and Good Night Hyde, you murderous freak."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Hey! Don't talk to me like that with your back turned! You honor-bound knight!" Hyde said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Good Night Granberia." I said. "Well Hyde, maybe you'll get your wish and rematch Granberia."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Yea! Forget Arc-en-ciel!" Hyde said. "I should have fought her before when we invaded this place."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Cambria,serif;">I laid in bed and soon closed my eyes. Ready to sleep and see what tomorrow has in store for me.

<span style="font-family:Cambria,serif;">Chapter 9: Solomon's Sentence
<span style="font-family:Cambria,serif;">After I awoke, I sat in the prison awaiting for their decision. I looked towards the door and it had opened. Tamamo had walked towards my cell and opened the door.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Solomon, it's time." she said. I stood and allowed her to restrain my arms as she escorted me to the Monster Lord's throne room. When we had arrived, Alice was sitting on her throne.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Good morning Solomon." Alice had calmly said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Good morning." I said back to her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"After much thought, The Heavenly Knights and I had decided on your sentence." she said. "We checked with Chrome and Lucia this morning regarding your aid to them. We had also talked with the Mermaid Queen, and it seems like Lucia, you were willing to defend humans and monsters and seem to support coexistence as well."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I kept quiet and nodded my head.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Since your case is similar to Lucia's? Then I have no other choice, you must serve time working for me." She said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"What?" I asked. Making sure I understood that.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"You heard me," Alice said. "I sentence you to work on making the hostile chimeras capable of living in society without any incidents of murder. It occurred to Tamamo that peaceful talking won't convince some of these creatures to stop attacking humans. You need to take care of those and find a way for them to learn to live peacefully amongst humans and other monsters."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I had nodded my head. "Ah, I see." I said. "Perhaps I could work on something to apply changes to artificial programming... if I had a lab."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo spoke up; "Well fortunately, Promestein's laboratory in Remina is still intact. We can move equipment before our project to rebuild the city takes place and store it in this castle's old lab."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Great!" I said. "Everything needed should be there. If not everything, then enough to get started and create the tools needed."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Then it's settled," Alice said "Solomon you will be pardoned for those crimes if you agree to become the Monster Lord's Chimeric Engineer."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I sighed a breath of relief, I kneeled in front of the throne. "I accept then, Lord Alice." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo then spoke up again. "Well, then follow me to the old lab, your gear is in there and you can help me with something I've been needing an expert to look at."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I shrugged my shoulders and followed Tamamo out the throne room, we walked through several hallways before coming across a large door. Tamamo opened it to reveal a room with extremely old lab equipment and covered in webs.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"What is this place?" I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo opened the only clean cabinet on a shelf and handed me my coat, goggles, and backpack. She then opened a closet and handed me my gun-staff and sword. "The old chimera lab." she said. "It was a scientific research facility for the Great Monster Wars, long abandoned as no Monster Lord since Alice II had interest in chimeric monsters."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Wow," I said and looked around. "when was the last chimera made here?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo pointed at a large monster. "That stubborn girl." she said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">The chimera stood, I immediately recognized it as the Giganto Weapon from before. It looked at me and stood there. "Uh hi there..." I nervously said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Don't worry, she hasn't been ordered to battle anyone." Tamamo said. "But we will be watching you so don't make me sick her on you."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Chimera rape if I don't obey?" I asked. "It's just like the Drain Lab!"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Good, you'll be right at home then. Once we get you Promestein's more updated equipment from Remina." Tamamo said. "Now for what I need you to do," she then pointed at the Giganto Weapon, "is a simple check up on her. It'll test your skills as a Chimeric Engineer."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I put on my gear and walked towards the chimera, it looked at me as if ready to attack. I raised a hand, palm facing her, "Stand down, standard maintenance check procedure." I commanded.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Acknowledged, Standing Down." The weapon had said, calming down and allowing me to check up on it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"How'd you do that?" Tamamo asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Oh, it's still a chimera." I said. "Though not created by Promestein, it still recognizes basic commands for its creator and any scientist in charge of repairs to approach it." I continued scanning and moving around the chimera. "The creator of Giganto Weapon knew it would be used in the future. So it made sure it would recognize scientists other than them." I moved to the front of the Giganto Weapon. "Well, everything is fine. She's in great condition despite 1,000 years of age. Just one more thing and she'll be good. I started climbing up to the human half of the Giganto Weapon, I held it's tusks as I faced it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Solomon, what are you doing?" Tamamo asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Well, her energy fueling has been used up a lot. Possibly from the recent battles." I explained. "And sealing it just preserves the energy, rather than refuel it except for when you unseal it with your magic. Humans have the best energy to feed this thing directly, but it's semen extraction tail would kill a man in minutes."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo looked concerned. "So how will you feed it then?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Well, she has a second means of draining energy." I said. "Just be prepared to catch me if I lose consciousness..." I then looked at the Chimera and said; "initiating non-lethal energy transfer." And kissed her on the lips, her tentacle-like tounge pushed into my mouth and began draining energy. After about thirty seconds, she let go of me and I fell back off of her panting.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo helped me up. "Are you alright?" she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I shook my head and stood up straight. "Yea, I'm fine." I said. "Needed less than I thought. She should be good now."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo then smiled. "Then you're definitely capable if you can handle the Giganto Weapon." she said. "Tomorrow we shall head to the Remina Lab."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Very well," I said. "Where will my quarters be?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Well unless you wanna sleep with our residents, this lab was build with a living quarters over there." She pointed at the corner of the lab, with a small bed-room set up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Well, I'm gonna spend the day doing clean-up." I said. "I'd rather not be in anyone's way here"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Very well, Giganto Weapon has a new roomate!" She said. "Maybe I don't have to keep her sealed up now."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I walked up to the Giganto Weapon. "Hear that? I'm bunking with you."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">The Giganto Weapon smiled and kneeled down, her human half then hugged me, causing me to blush. Before letting go and sitting back in her corner of the room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Aww she likes you." Tamamo said. "Well prepare the lab for the equipment you might need when we head to Remina tomorrow.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Will do, and thank you. All of you guys." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Don't consider us full-blown allies just yet." Tamamo said. "Just do what you're tasked to do and there will be no problems."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Cambria,serif;">I nodded my head and began cleaning the lab. Giganto Weapon watched and relaxed. <h2 class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Cambria,serif;">Chapter 10: Return to Remina. <span style="font-family:Cambria,serif;">Tamamo and I arrived at the ruins of Remina. The chimera beasts surrounded us however they were cautious. Tamamo reigning over beasts allowed for them to back down due to intimidation. I still decided to give commands to ensure no fighting.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Stand down chimeras, you don't have to guard the lab anymore." I said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">The chimeras were cautious to approach Tamamo, but after my command, they stood down and continued laying around the city ruins. I proceeded to the trapdoor and let Tamamo inside.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Even after your assault, there's still so many of them." Tamamo said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Beast-type Chimeras are extremely cost-efficient." I began to explain. "For a standing army, Promestein needed a strong, yet cheap to produce infantry. Though I'm unsure if these types were used in Remina thirty years ago." I then led Tamamo to the central room, where Luka and Alice fought Promestein.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Tamamo looked around the lab, "Now before you attacked my subordinates, we were supposed to retrieve a final case of disks." She said. "Get the tech you need and get the rest of those disks and I'll teleport them to that lab."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I begin gathering the tech I needed. "The box of disks is right there." I pointed at the shelf where a box filled with cased disks sat. "By the way, what about the Biolabs?" I asked, curious about La Croix's laboratory.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Chrome took care of that place for us." Tamamo said as she grabbed the disks. "These disks seem really handy." she said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I look up at Tamamo, "Was that lab how you translated them?" I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"No," Tamamo said. "I merely did this." She then stuck a disk in her mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Hey what are you..." I began to ask but Tamamo pulled the disk out.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"It's another journal log." Tamamo said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Monsters can decode disks with saliva?" I asked, looking stupefied.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Of course," Tamamo answered. "You didn't know that?"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I continued looking shocked and in awe of what I just discovered. "We're using proper machinery." I said. "No offense, just it's kind of freaky."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Freaky?" Tamamo said. "Need I remind you one of these disks contains a list of all the Seekers and Chimeras that you were extracted by and their methods." She looked at me with an eyebrow raised.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"No comment..." I said and grabbed everything I needed. Before I grabbed the last thing, I noticed a small, red disk on the floor. Tamamo had her back turned to me and I looked at it. I had never seen red disks before. I grabbed it and placed it in my coat pocket before heading over to her. "Here's the last of what I need." I said. "My plan is to place Chimera beasts and certain other chimeras on a sleep mode globally as they're raised as weapons of war without souls or personalities, the other hostile chimeras will be trained and reprogrammed by me to be integrated into society amongst humans, monsters, and angels using non-lethal feeding means."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Great!" Tamamo said smiling brightly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Little secret, some chimeras can obtain energy from other sources of food." I said. "We'll just see if we can only accept willing sex partners and eat the food they need without killing anything."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Get right to work then." Tamamo said, teleporting both of us and the tech to the lab. Tamamo then supervised my work throughout the afternoon and evening.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I managed to get close to a global sleep mode for the hostile weapons. The night got late however and Tamamo went to sleep. I decided to read that red disk. I placed it into the disk reader and the blueprints and information came up on the screen:

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Chimera Next Doll Model: Tyrannea." I read as I saw it was a schematic and research notes for a Next Doll level Chimera. I kept reading and suddenly looked at the screen in shock as the last line read; "Designated Target: Black Alice In the event of treason after accomplishing the true purpose of the White Rabbit."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I immediately rushed to a chimera tracker and inputted the model names of the Next Dolls to see if they were in the log:

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Hainuwelle: Destroyed at Ivory Tower. Amphisbaena: Destroyed at Ivory Tower. Tsukuyomi: Destroyed at Ivory Tower. Arc-en-ciel: Destroyed at Ivory Tower.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">I typed in the name "Tyrannea." The location was unable to be tracked. However, the recent status of the chimera; 'Dormant' made me breathe a sigh of relief. Although it's previous location wasn't in the Drain Lab at the time of explosion. It had been evacuated beforehand.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"What's that?" Hyde asked. "Tyrannea? It sounds like Tyrant."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"It's an extremely powerful and dangerous chimera. Made to kill Black Alice when her plan to devour Ilias was accomplished." I explained. "It's out there, sleeping until it's needed."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"It's strange that Promestein never woke it up." Hyde said. "But it sounds like a fighter. We should find it!"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Hyde stop being crazy." I said and prepared to go to sleep. "If I go after it, I'm gonna make sure it's off permanently."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Come on Solomon!" Hyde said. "At least make me fight it or something... I wanna fight!"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"I can't, it's part of my agreement with Alice." I said. "Now good night."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">"Ugh... fine good night." Hyde said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">