Yosai Fortress NCRP

Non Canon Section of Yosai.

An Alternate Awakening
Drake begins to hear the sound of footsteps approaching the test tube.

''He faintly opens his eyes, his right eye white and his left eye black, both have red rune circles and glyphs on them, his body in ruins as there is burns and scars from the previous battle all over him. On both his arms, an intricate display of runes go from his shoulders to his wrists, on his palms are two rune circles. His eyes and runes glow dimly as he hazily looks into the distance, noticing a figure...''

A solitary woman dressed in white with black details decorating her fair dress is walking up to his tank.

After a moment, Drake's head is fixtated on her, but it moves slowly due to the state he's in, unable to really do anything and still recovering from the attack.

She looks up at him quietly, then turns to a console and begins typing.

As she types, Drake closes his eyes and exhales, as the bubbles float to the top Drake tenses up completely in pain, an audible grunt can be heard but it's muffled.

Suddenly the liquid drains and the glass begins to open, as she looks back at him he notices her dress is a lot more tattered than he thought, she seems to be missing an arm.

''Drake staggers and falls out, landing on his knees he gasps for air then slowly stands up. He looks at White with a... Mixed expression, he doesn't bother speaking, instead just looking away mainly from the missing arm.''

"Welcome back to the world of the living." She turns away from him.

"What..." ''Drake says his voice raspy but the irritated tone can easily be detected. ''"Don't you turn away from me... What happened..."

"Yosai is beaten, Phoenix shattered, and I and the survivors just remain."

"...How long was I out for... The last time I was here..." ''Drake growls lightly and looks at his battered body. ''"Those fucking Gods..." ''He then looks back at White, his expression remaining stern. ''"And these survivors?"

"The last of my creations not killed." Drake notices there is an incredibly damp, heavy feel to the area.

''He takes a look around and feels slightly claustrophobic. ''"So this really did go to ruins... But you didn't answer my question; how long was I out for?"

'Roughly a year. It's been a long time."

''Drake goes quiet for a moment before he starts to walk up to White, but still limping due to the pain. ''"...Let's just get to the surface, I'm not liking it down here."

She quietly turns and places her hand on his shoulder, and a wave of soft light washes over him, cleansing his wounds.

"...Thanks..." ''He says rather reluctantly, although slightly surprised of her action, he slowly stretches, tensing up his muscles then relaxing. ''"I guess you lead the way."

She begins to walk off down the tunnel leading into the room.

''Drake follows suit, taking one last look at the tube he stayed resting in for almost an entire year, he feels uneasy about the situation. ''"Catching up on everything is going to be a pain..." He mumbles to himself before looking back at White.

She continues on, the air heavier and wetter as she walks deeper.

"So... What made you decide to wake me up instead of leaving me for dead?" Drake curiously asks, eventually walking beside her.

"Would you rather have died?" She asks, no change in her face.

"I wouldn't have been the one making that choice... But personally, I wouldn't rather have died." ''He glances at White. ''"So, still an emotionless queen without her crown, men... And apparently fortress."

"Presumptuous at best on two fronts, that I am emotionless, and that you know enough about me to make such statements."

"So you're going to tell me that you have emotions? ...Right." ''Another moment passes when Drake speaks up. ''"...So why was I kept in stasis for so long? And a straight answer would be nice."

"One doesn't think about such things when they're at war."

"Implying you're still at war... You lost, nothing you can do now." He casually says.

"I meant it wasn't on my mind while the fighting was going on. A boy in a tank is irrelevant compared to state of affairs."

"...Fair enough, so considering everything now... What are you going to do?"

"Live alone, that is all I really do." As they walk, he notices several of the corridors they pass are flooding, and kind of fast.

''Drake paces himself faster and eventually grabs White's wrist. ''"Come on, you're being slow, just tell me where to go so we don't drown."

About this time, several colossal sounds rip into the quiet of the area, akin to the metallic roars of a beast, as the section of the labs behind them suddenly buckles and collapses on itself, a huge wall of water roars into the opening after them.

"Oh for fucks sake..." ''Drake throws White onto his back as his wings stretch out, he makes a running start then begins to fly as far away from the floods as possible, navigating around to find a way out. ''"A little help?!"

"Tunnels drive down deeper further south, travel upward toward north. Center of north complex is the nearest elevator out."

"Basically go North and find the elevator, got it!" Drake flaps his wings once more and speeds away, going as far North as he possibly can, after a while, Drake eventually finds the elevator and takes a sigh of relief.

She removes herself from his back, as soon as her feet touch the floor, it shoots up a massive vertical shaft, as they go up it though, Drake hears the entire underwater facility roaring as countless simultaneous failures report their arrival in a cataclysmic fashion, the shaft itself cracks, buckles, and shifts as the entire facility begins to collapse from structural failure.

They had just barely avoided being crushed under the sea.

''Drake falls back onto his ass and just relaxes for a moment. ''"Ok... Ok... That's one way for me to make sure I'm fully awake, that was too close..." ''He looks down at the sea then looks back at White. ''"Guess I have to thank you for waking me, guess you're not as cold hearted as they made you out to be."

They smash into the water above as it begins to pour in as the facility fails, and the elevator smashes through it, a bubble of air blocks it from crashing into the pair, and it surges forth up toward sunlight. Meanwhile, Drake can see the entire facility below collapsing into the abyss below.

''He watches in pure astonishment. ''"Holy shit... I mean, I know that I would be pissed to see all that go if I was in your shoes... But just holy shit... Was there anyone or anything else down there?"

"If there was, then know that I probably elected to spare you instead of few remaining. Besides, the few mistakes of mine still left alive, the better off the world is. Pissed... vulgar, and incorrect. It's... liberating. To know the last remnant of your sins finally is destroyed."

"Huh... I thought you would have been much more... Sadistic, cynical... Evil... But I guess whatever the hell happened up there changed you a lot." ''Drake sounds surprised but ultimately glad that he doesn't have to deal with a sinister White. ''"So do you plan to stay on this fortress for however long?"

White silently turns to face Drake. "Until I wither away into dust." The platform explodes out of the water, and Drake beholds a sight that confounds him. A vast, black and jagged large island sits on the water, and strewn throughout this huge island is the shattered remnants of a huge fortress, one that Drake had once fought in prior to his coma... ...Now only fractured sectors of the fortress remains, with big and small segments scattered across the huge isle, with a lone, shattered solitary tower standing lonely amidst the black, all of the pieces of the fortress seem to have been thrown back to the edges of the island, with a vast black plain separating them from the center tower.

"We must depart, the platform has lost all of its power, and will never rise again." She jumps off, and lands in the center plain.

''He flies up and lands on the plain next to White, he takes a look around and feels even more uneasy now that he sees the ruins of the once proud fortress. Drake's expression has a hint of pity as he looks at White, he then sighs as he places his hands into his pockets. ''"So... This is what Yosai has been reduced to..."

"There is not a place you can look here where you cannot see the end result of the scale of my last stand and failure. Or success, I suppose."

"What do you mean success... Can you call this a success?"

White doesn't look back to him. "Motivations of those around you are not as clear when you view them as your enemy, are they?"

"I suppose not, but look at this, White... This isn't what I would call a success." ''Drake says rather brashly. ''

"True... the scene does miss something. Me being dead. That would be a true successful conclusion to this tale, wouldn't it? ...In either case, you're free to do as you wish." She walks toward the tower.

''Drake just stands there. ''"...Well that was rather sudden..." He begins to fly around the plains to get an understanding on where he is.

There are eight main sectors split off from the center, with many dozens of small fragmented areas littering the area inbetween them and the tower. There is no sight of land in any direction in the horizon.

''A moment or two passes as Drake flies to one of the sectors. ''"So... I was out for a year, Yosai and Phoenix has shattered, White is suicidal, and I have no idea with what's going on outside of this... Island... This is going to take a while to get used to."

Drake can hear faint speaking in an unrecognizable language, albeit sounding solemn and bored. An occasionally scape of metal is heard as well, growing louder and louder along with the speaking.

"Hmm... Well this'll be interesting..." ''He lands down not to far from the source of the sound, leaning against rubble he looks towards the figure. ''"I know it isn't my native language either, but speaking in English would be nice."

"English is a really counter intuitive language, so I'd rather not.' The figure moves in sight and is wearing rather jagged and darkened armor, clearly weathered. He takes his helmet off, and purple hair can be seen as its removed. "Schön, dass Sie zu treffen...Ich denke."

"Right... I'm Drake Ryunexo AKA the person who was in a coma underneath Yosai for around a year, assuming you have a name too?" ''Drake says as he looks at the purple hair quite... Curiously. ''"...Not what I would have chosen but hey, to each their own."

"I think I've heard talk of you occasionally, never really took the time to investigate. And I didnt choose the color, its like that naturally. I personally wouldn't have chosen those eyes of yours but like you said, to each their own." He puts his hand to the handle of his holstered sword. "Vzark Ryddias, Vladen Fleischer, Eta of Fear, whichever works for you."

"Vzark it is. So I'm guessing you're one of the creations White mentioned to me before... Actually there's a lot you could fill me in on, like what the fuck exactly happened here?"

"I'm a Chaos Engine, yeah. Some time after you were asleep, Yosai was invaded during a war with Fantasy and Earth and we were kaputt gemacht. Demolished, you see. And with Yosai....so were majority of the other Chaos Engines. Thousands of us... annihilated . Phoenix lost and we were put into the state we are now. How fucking great of you to wake up at this time." Vzark's voice sounds coarse, but there is clear sorrow inside. "...Sorry, It's not the best of things to recall." He leans against a wall, and begins twirling a staff made of aura between his fingers.

"War is war, so you really can't expect everything to go smooth sailing... Although with White calling this a success, I could say otherwise for her..." ''Drake glances at the other sections and then looks at the center tower. ''"So who else is here?"

Vzark remains silent before shaking his head. "You, White, me and a few other Etas. Maybe the occasional bird if we're lucky. Thats it."

"Wow... How you people managed to not starve yet is surprising... Or haven't gotten sick of each other by the sounds of it."

"At this point getting sick of each other is impossible, why would we make reaons to make our situation worse? Besides, some of us were sick of each other even before this all went to shit. Welcome to our hell."

''Drake only chuckles at Vzark's remarks. ''"You call this a hell? ...This is going to be a playground, but first I want somewhere to rest..." ''Drake walks to the edge of the section and looks off to the ocean, Vzark notices the runes on Drake's arms glow as he places both his hands on the floor. A moment pases before a small landmass much smaller than the section rises from the sea, the smaller island is entirely made of rock but Drake smirks and walks onto it. ''

''He presses one hand against the rock and tribal markings form all over the rock as it suddenly crumples away, revealing a small Cyanican style building chiseled out of the rock. "There... Just so I feel a little bit more at home." He says rather proudly.''

"No matter how homely you try to make it, and no matter what you call it, a hell is still a hell. You'll realize soon enough." Vzark looks to the building and raises a brow. "At least put a fence around it, it looks a bit bland."

''Drake rolls his eyes and flicks one hand up, causing a medieval style fence to form out of the rock and around his 'home'. ''"There, and how about I add some lighting or maybe I'll have a multi-level swimming pool that also transforms into a fishtank?" He says with heavy sarcasm.

Vzark smirks. "Go ahead, it'll fit how over the top your eyes are." He laughs to himself, before standing up. "But in all seriousness, I might as well accompany you for a bit. I have had nothing else to do and you're probably going to end up breaking this place even more."

"Well I may as well get to know the others..." ''Drake stretches out his wings then begins to hover in midair, he looks at the section East of the center tower. ''"How about we go there first?"

"Sure, although I'm just going to warn you, some people...aren't worth meeting. But come on, lets go." Vzark sprouts wings and starts to take off.

''Drake follows Vzark, eventually catching up to him, he tunrs to that he's looking at Vzark while still flying to the East section. ''"Is there anything I should know about anything here? Or..."

"What, specifically in this direction? Well, we're going to eventually hit one of the member towers, some places designed for the community, but nothing extremely important. In general with Yosai a lot of us are...split up. Along with me we have a few wandering loner Eta's, and one or two larger groups. I tend to check up on everyone but occasionally there isnt a reason to. Now regarding specific people...just be wary of White."

"White won't be an issue for me." ''He says rather casually. ''"And it's nice to know that you like to see how the others are doing, so... What, are you like a father to them? Or are you all brother and sister?"

"Oh god no, im not like a father. Eh...even brother and sister is a stretch. I just check in because really we're all we have. I dont want to see everyone waste away alone. I guess you can say we're family, in a way..."

''Drake simply goes quiet and chuckles at what Vzark says, he then changes position so that he's directly flying towards the tower. Drake looks towards the center tower and notices White still making her way there, he shakes his head before landing on the roof on the East tower.''

Vzark quickly lands soon after Drake does, looking around. "I actually was meaning to check around here soon, im...looking, for someone. Regardless lets see if we can find anyone."

They can hear noises in the tower, curiously almost like someone singing while in a shower, very muffled. The voice seems almost child like.

''Drake just creates a black fireball and juggles it between his hands, he looks at Vzark and smirks. ''"If it's her you're looking for, then you have some issues."

Vzark gives an annoyed look. "Tch, no its not her. And if you still want to go in this direction, you're the one with issues. That's likely Nezumi. Strange, where could Kana be...?"

They hear a voice behind them. "...Eat dirt, blockheads." Suddenly a foot kicks the two off the top and onto the hard ground below.

''Drake manages to stretch out his wings so his descent slows down, enough to land on his feet, he looks up at Kanashimi and tilts his head. ''"Well, fuck you too then."

Vzark does the same, dusting himself off. "Dont take her personally, thats something you'll have to learn." He looks up to Kana, folding his arms. "You do realize kicking someone isnt the best way to say hello, right?"

Looking up at her, Drake notices she looks a lot like himself, maybe a bit younger. She appears to have red hair with white edges, which is long and put up in a pony tail. She has strong red eyes with slits, she seems to have a similar vibe to Drake, only a bit more subdued and passive, brought out by a perceived threat.

"You do realize sitting right above my little sister classifies you as a pervert, right?" She returns, using the roof edge to swing into a lower windowsill and out of sight.

"Come on in if you're going to come in, just don't you dare go in there with Nezumi!!!" She yells from inside.

Vzark turns to Drake with a blank expression. "I blame you, dummkopf." Vzark quickly flies up, heading into the windowsill where Kana entered from.

''Drake just laughs as he jumps up onto the windowsill. ''"Oh this tour is going to be entertaining to say the least." He says with a smirk on his face.

Kanashimi is sitting in a chair in the corner, staring at them as they come in, her eyes narrow slightly at Drake, but otherwise says nothing. They appear to be in a small kitchen.

Vzark nods at Kanashimi, before letting releasing a deep breath. "Kana, meet Drake, Drake meet Kana, blah blah blah. Hes the one who was sleeping for all this time as you'd prpbably know."

''Drake just idly waves at Kana, not really paying attention to her as he looks around the kitchen. ''"...Well that answers my hunger assumption..."

She looks at Vzark quietly. "So why are you here?"

"...Well, one I'm showing Drake around Yosai, and two...isn't important. You do know I tend to check on everyone occasionally, though. But that's beside the points. How have things been?"

"...Fine. I don't know why you bother."

Vzark looks to the side. "Someone has to make sure there's some amount of community throughout us all. Plus, things get boring real quick around here."

Kanashimi seems to be looking at him with an analytical edge. "Something just puzzles me with you sometimes. It's like there's an electricity buzzing all over you."

He keeps looking away, seeming a bit awkward. "I'm...not really sure what to say to that. I'd understand the puzzling bit though, I can be confusing to pin down at times." He finally looks to her, smirking. "I don't really see that statement shocking at all." He wears a smug grin, which quickly subsides. "...Sorry, that was really bad."

She smirks faintly, then looks off to the side as footsteps can be heard from the staircase. "Nez, we have guests, you better be dressed."

"Does she usually walk around undressed or something? Nevermind, i'd rather not know. How has Nezumi been though?"

"I'm not answering that question even if you were my mother. And she's been fine."

The last of the footsteps can be heard, and Kanashimi's much smaller, youthful sister Nezumi is seen, having white hair with red tips, and softer, gentler eyes than her older sister, and she appears to be wearing a simple robe.

"Oh, sister, the funny man is here."

"I noticed."

"Funny man...? And I did say nevermind after asking that question." He looks down to Nezumi, raising a brow.

"I don't see anyone else who has funny hair and strange jokes."

"Fair point..." He puts his hand to his head. "Is my hair really that odd?" He shakes his head. "I agree on the strange jokes part though, no one here really tries to have a sense of humor. Considering the other things I could be called, funny man isnt that bad."

Kanashimi looks at Vzark. "Well, we're fine, aren't you going to see the others?"

"Mhm, kinda glad we ran into you first though. Anyways, I suppose we'll be off then. See you two some other time." Vzark starts to exit through the window, waving. "Come on Drake."

''Drake seems to have... Acquired some food on his way out, which can be obvious by the crumbs around his mouth, before Kanashimi can become even more hostile. Drake smirks and sits on the windowsill and gives a small wave before tilting back and falling out. ''"Thanks for the food!" They hear his laughter as he flies up into the air.

Kanashimi just smirks, holding Drake's pants. "How long before he realizes he's not the only one who 'acquired' something?"

''The item of clothing in Kanashimi's hands suddenly melt away and slithers away and back onto Drake. ''"...Ok, need to watch out for her... So, what's next on the list?"

Vzark is silently laughing to himself. "Can't say specifically, but I can name a few. Silent Angel, Koruda....Kagerou...ugh. Lets just hope we dont run into the latter."

''Drake chuckles. ''"Sounds like you don't like him, what's the issue between you two then?"

"Hes an asshole. He finds tormenting me to be an amazing use of his time, and often fucks over everything for me. Its nothing personal with you but i'd rather not be present when you meet him."

"Fair enough, I can see how he can be so... Unlikable." ''Drake looks around. ''"So, what is everyone like specifically?"

"Kagerou's an asshole, Silent Angel is quiet but helpful, Koruda is....strange, Sukimu I actually don't know much about, Lyre is pretty anti social, Tanoshimi is interesting, there are one or two more I'm not actually sure about..."

Far below in the center, a white haired male can be seen traversing the area below.

"Oh for fucks sake. Come lets uh...skip this area..."

The male suddenly vanishes.

"...Ok then." ''Drake shrugs and flies ahead of Vzark, but soon grows bored, he then glances at Vzark and smirks. ''"Say... Who's the best at combat here?"

The white haired male flickers and appears in front of Drake and Vzark. "Yo, who is the new guy Vzark? Looks just like me."

"Fick mein leben." Vzark looks to Drake and then back to the white haired male. "Hes the one who was asleep under Yosai for all this time. Drake...meet Kagerou."

"Uuuh... Hey there." ''Drake simply nods towards Kagerou but gives a small smile. ''"Nice to meet you."

"This is like looking in a fucking mirror."

"Eh... I don't see it, not that much anyways..." ''Drake responds but chuckles before his expression changes, his eyes focus on the center of Kagerou, as if he can see directly into his soul. ''"...That's... Similar... What did she do while I was asleep..."

"Lot's of things, things I don't care bout frankly." He moves on.

"...A lot to ask her then." ''Drake's eyes narrow at Kagerou, cautious but then eases up. ''"Alright then..."

Vzark seems a bit confused and oddly on edge. "O...kay. Yeah, you actually resemble most people here Drake. Its strange but...things happen? I dont fucking know."

It appears to be getting a bit dark out, up north they can see lights on in a few clustered buildings.

"...Well it's been fun, but I'm gonna let my curiosity get the better of me, see you whenever." ''Without warning, Drake speeds towards the lights, flying high above even the tallest tower on the island. Leaving Vzark and Kagerou behind.''

"Christ, he cant sit still at all. Good talk, see you." Vzark quickly flies off without waving. "Especially since it was short."

Drake notice there are a few people milling about the north area.

After a quick fly by, Drake eventually lands and takes a look around before looking back for Vzark.

Vzark quickly lands beside Drake, sounding annoyed. "Do you usually just fly off and do your own thing with little notice?" He looks around where they landed, spotting the people.

They see a woman who looks much older than Kanashimi and Nezumi but appears to be very similar to them, who eyes them as they land.

"Ah, that'd be Tanoshimi." Vzark starts to walk forward, waiting for Drake to follow.

''Drake puts his hands in his pocket and starts to walk beside Vzark. ''"Tanoshimi and Kanashimi... You don't notice how that seems very similar?" He asks.

"Yeah...that'd be because Tano is their mutter." Vzark begins walking towards Tano, giving a faint wave. "Oh, that means mother, by the way."

"Because apparently English is too hard a language to use..." Drake says with light sarcasm, he glances at Tanoshimi and waves.

She walks over to him and Vzark. "I see that you visited my daughters."

"Mhm, they seem to be doing well, what about you?"

"I'm well."

''After a moment, Drake just begins to walk ahead, looking around at the others before looking up at the tower. ''"Yeah, Vzark, you have fun socialising, I'm still hungry..." Drake then enters the tower and decides to take a look around.

The North Tower seems to have undergone some reconstruction, considering it looks the most intact of all of the areas he's seen thus far. Tanoshimi seems to follow him.

"You're looking for the kitchen then, I presume."

"Yep, any idea where it is? I sorta need food before I starve..." He 'jokingly' says.

"Of course I do, I live here. Follow me, I'll cook some ham."

''Drake's mouth drools slighty, a crooked but hungry smile grows on his face. ''"Yes, I would like ham."

She walks him into the kitchen and begins cooking.

"Well, at least you're kinder than your daughter." Drake says before sitting down, waiting patiently for the food.

"Kanashimi? She doesn't trust outsiders."

"I see, any idea why?"

"She's the kind of person who doesn't like what isn't normal for her, even if it could be a good thing."

"So... An introvert, basically... Lovely." ''Drake rolls his eyes, he then looks at her. ''"So both of you are Chaos Engines?"

"Yes, that's right. Ever since she regained her memories she's been like this. She refuses to let people get close to her sister."

"Wait, regained memories...?" Drake asks, slightly confused.

"We are synthetic beings, we originally were human, but were transformed into what we are now, hybrids of many races. ...Including your own."

''Drake goes silent as his expression grows even more puzzled. ''"...What?"

She sighs. "Part of our genetic sequence has your DNA. White made use of you, that's the only reason you weren't killed in that battle."

There's a cold atmosphere in the room as Drake suddenly stands back up as a dark air floats around him, without saying a word, his wings stretch out and he exits through the window.

Vzark ends up walking to where Tanoshimi ism seeming confused. "Hey, where'd the new guy go?"

"Probably off to kill the lady in white." She says dismissively.

"...I see. Any reason why exactly? To want to kill someone after a year of sleep so suddenly is a bit strange."

"I told him she made us with his DNA."

"And he flipped out...? I guess thats understandable, there are probably a lot of things running through his mind. He might just need some time alone."

"At this point it's like beating a dying puppy. Or a dead horse. Honestly I think that woman is already broken, and him going after her is just going to do nothing at this point. Nothing that was already done."

"As broken or dead White could seem, im sure theres still some sort of spark in her. Although I have a feeling that spark is going to be used by brutalizing Drake. I mean, I hope not but its likely."

"No, honestly that woman doesn't have fight left in her. Kanashimi can tell that the woman is in a dark place right now. She told me her presence is barely noticable, and not in the deliberate way. She's barely there."

"Hmph. To think I've been checking up on everyone except White...maybe I should have been doing that." Vzark sighs, impulsively cracking his fingers. "Do you think shes at the point where she'd let Drake kill her?"

"Who can say? You never know how low a broken doll will sink."

"Guess we'll just have to wait and see. How have some of the others here been doing by the way? In relations to you I mean."

"Well, we're maintaining order at least."

"Sounds like things could be better, then." Vzark ponders for a moment. "Do you consider all of us as a family? Sorry if its an odd question, i'd just like to know."

"...Well, family is too fond, too close a word. Right now, we're really just all in this if we like it or not."

"Thats what I thought. Kana asked me early why I bother checking in on everyone and I think I kind of bullshitted my answer. I dont see us all as a family, which made me think about what everyone else saw us as."

"I don't know what our fate is to be, but hopefully something good will come out of this meager existence, this meager rock." She looks off toward the setting sun. "That's about all we can do now."

"Its a meager rock but it's our rock, I guess." Vzark looks to the sun as well, tilting his head. "I always preferred the moon. Funny how some people can argue back and forth about silly things like whether the sun or moon is cooler. What they always forget is that they both shine the same light. Same light, different methods. I kinda see it as a way to view our situation. We're all trying to get by, sometimes we argue and even fight, but in the end we all want and get the same thing, right?"

"I suppose that's a way to look at it. By the way, you have an eye for her, don't you?"

Vzark says nothing. "...I'm sorry? I uh...I'm not sure what you're asking..."

"You mean to tell me that I, a mother, can't tell when a boy is interested in her own daughter? Please. Do you or do you not want to at least get to know her more?"

Vzark sighs. "...Yes, I'd like to know her more. Sorry I'm just not...too confident when it comes to things like that. Especially since you're her mutt-...mother."

".....Live with us for now on."

Vzark nearly chokes. "Fuck that caught me off guard, you're sure?" He clearly seems a bit happy.

"Live with me and my daughters. That is the only way she will let you close to her. What you're doing will never bypass her defensive behavior."

"I wouldn't think Kana would be too thrilled about it at first, but I'll have to try. You're right though, I sincerely doubt visiting once in a while and saying meaningless shit will help. So I'll...I'll take you up on that offer."

"Good." She pats him on the head. "Come back to the tower before midnight. And just so we're clear, no love making."

Vzark flushes red and chokes again. "Of course, y-yeah...see you then, I imagine. Thank you, by the way."

"Don't mention it. Later, I have to make sure everyone here is ok before I head home."

"Mhm, I'm probably going to make a run or two to check on a few things, mainly make sure I have everything I need. Will there be a room I'm able to stay in by the way or will I have to improvise?"

"There will be a room. Take care."

"Ah good, see you then." Vzark starts to walk off, quite peppy.

Meanwhile, White is sitting on a bed in the central tower, hunched over.

"Knock... Knock..." ''Drake punches a hole through the wall, the shattered stone just missing White. On the other side is a very pissed Drake who glares at White. ''"So that's why you left be alive..." ''He hovers over to her then grabs her by the neck, holding her off the floor. ''"TO BE A FUCKING INGREDIENT FOR YOUR CREATIONS!?"

''Within one moment, Drake quickly lets go then punches White dead in the face with enough force that she gets blasted out the other side of the tower and across the floor. ''"Fucking... Pathetic..."

She doesn't get up, but coughs heavily. "What do you want me to say that hasn't already been said? The war is over. That's what it was. A war. In war, people get hurt. Especially those who get involved in affairs they had no business in. The whole reason you're alive... is because I gave you mercy... even though by all rights, I should have executed you... left you for dead. You assaulted my fortress, yet complain when your enemy makes an example out of you? I suppose I can't help it if I'm the only one who sees the foolishness in that..."

She raises her head to look at him, her face bruised. "Do as you please, I've already been beaten more times than I care to remember."

''He simply continues to glare at her, he walks towards her and grabs her by her neck again. Although it seems at first, Drake is hesitant to deliver the killing blow, rather he clenches his fist and punches White once more, hopefully knocking her out. He then throws White onto his shoulders and walks back to the center tower, growling at himself. ''"I can't believe you made me pity you...  Ugh..."

''Once he gets to the tower, he goes up to one of the beds and lays White down on it then sits down against it. He somewhat twitches with dark energy but sighs and closes his eyes, waiting for her to awake again.''

Eventually she stirs with a groan, pained.

''Drake glances over at White before silently standing up, a green rune circle forms underneath White with rather soft looking runes on White herself. ''"Took you long enough, don't bother moving for a minute."

When her eyes open, they are a dark grey. "...."

"Do you want those pains to be gone or not." ''Drake says rather impassively. ''

She tiredly closes her eyes and says nothing.

''Drake begins to whisper in Cyanic tongue, the runes faintly glowing and pulsing a soft green energy on White. She feels her aches and pains suddenly vanish, the energy itself feels warm and relieving, after a moment the runes slick away from White and disappear. ''"There."

"..." She opens her eyes again, more of a faint misty grey this time. "...Why are you giving me pity?"

"Because mercy is too kind a word for you." ''He responds quite harshly. ''"Honestly, I have every reason to kill you and if it wasn't for you not leaving me for dead, you would be buried under this tower. However, considering your creations seem to be... Indifferent about your wellbeing, assuming that because no other Chaos Engine came to check on you after you tasted the floor for a bit. So assuming that no one here really looks after you, I guess I'll have to do it, won't I?" ''Drake sits on the bed, giving a expressionless glance at White. ''"Besides, if you went out of your way to make sure that I was ok, I may as well do the same for you... Mercenary rule."

"....Interesting. I won't- -rather, can't stop you, so do as you please..."

''Just as Drake is about to say something, his stomach rumbles, he gives an annoyed sigh and stands up. ''"Guessing you're hungry too, right?"

She looks off to the side. "No." Her eyes narrow sharply as a loud gurgle comes from her stomach.

"Right... And since both of us have familiar... Tastes, let's just say, I assume you want something savory... Do you eat meat?"

"...Yes."

''Drake simply nods and walks off, once ending up in the kitchen he starts to grab everything he needs and begins cooking. Around ten minutes past until an aroma akin to a full roast fills the room White is occupying, a few more minutes pass and Drake comes back, with four dishes filled with different kinds of savory meals levitating in mid air. The dishes all get put on a table beside the bed and Drake sits back down. ''"Take your pick."

"...Far right one."

''The dish itself looks similar to ratatoullie with some minor differences such as small slices of beef and a glazed sauce drizzled over the entire meal, Drake passes the plate over to White. ''"...Do you need help eating?"

White sets the plate on her lap, sitting up and using her only hand to hold a fork and eat.

''Drake grabs one of the dishes and begins eating, occasionally looking at the arm that's supposed to be there before looking back at his food. ''"...So how exactly do you lose it?"

"In the battle with my brother, Kado. He cut it off."

"Kado... Haven't heard that in a long while... It seems you've coped with it pretty well."

"...Bearing with it feels more appropriate."

"I guess that does suit it better... So, enjoy the food?" Drake says before taking another bite out of his meal.

"Aye..."

''He faintly smiles at her answer. ''"Thanks for liking it." ''He takes another bite out of his meal then looks at White. ''"So what's with the depression?"

"I don't see why being happy would be an appropriate reaction to botching the perfect plan."

"No plan is perfect, no matter what happens... But I'm curious, what was the botch?"

"Living."

''Drake sighs. ''"...You need to cheer up, seriously, it's starting to depress even me."

"You don't have to listen to it. You don't even have to be here. For that matter, leave, turn your back on this place, there isn't anything here for you. There's no reason to be here. I'm only a crippled doll after all."

Her stomach gurgles again.

"White, if I leave, what's out there for me? Everyone believes I'm dead and have probably forgotten about me, at least here there's some people who know I exist." ''Drake grabs her plate and places it aside, he then grabs another dish and places it on her lap. ''"And for that matter, if I leave, that's not going to help you. And if you are a crippled doll, then I'll try and fix you."

She now directly looks at him, rather than avoiding his gaze, there is a different color in her eye, blended with the grey he can't read, either because it's too faint, or unless he is seeing things, her eyes just flashed multiple colors at once.

She looks down at the plate after a moment, and begins to eat again. This time he notices her hand isn't steady as she attempts to eat.

''He quietly sighs once more as he lightly holds White's wrist to steady her hand while she eats. ''

She freezes lightly when he does so.

"Your food will get cold if you just leave it out like that." He says with a rather soft tone surprisingly but still has his stern expression.

She after a moment begins to finish the meat.

''Drake lets go of White's wrist then continues to eat his own meal. ''"...I noticed that."

"What are you talking about?"

"When you looked at me, your soul spiked with different... Sensations, I didn't know I had that kind of effect on you of all people." He says the last sentence in a jokey tone but White can tell that he was mostly serious.

"...I don't know what you mean." She says, lying down on her bed.

''She notices a faint smirk on Drake. ''"Ok, whatever you say..." He starts to put the plates back on the table then moves the table away from White.

Her tail flicks in annoyance.

''His smirk only gets wider as he notices the tail. ''"So considering you're not going to be getting out of bed, I'll just make my leave for now."

"...." She doesn't respond, instead burying herself in the blankets.

"Right then... Sleep well I guess." ''He takes the plates and exits the room, after going to the kitchen and cleaning them, he walks outside the tower and looks at the giant holes in the sides. ''"...Ok, gotta fix that..." Drake simply presses his hands against the tower as rock begins to form where the holes where, slowly patching it back up.

He hears silent footsteps approach him as he does, the air a bit chilly.

''Drake pauses his progress and turns towards the direction of the footsteps. ''"What is it?"

A white haired male with pale blue eyes is walking up to him, with pure white, almost ice like armor.

"You're Drake Ryunexo, right?" His voice is quiet, but he has an intense gaze.

"Mhmm, the one and only." ''Drake leans against the tower, his hands in his pockets as he looks at the male. ''"And you are?"

"Lyre. I'm curious. 'I'll try and fix you?'"

''Drake simply nods at Lyre. ''"I guess I'm the only one here who can sense changes and altercations to souls on a microscopic level then... Her soul is fractured and frankly, broken, I can tell she isn't the White that she used to be. Hell, she said it herself that she's a crippled doll. To put it simply, fix the soul, and you fix her. To put it even more simply, I want to help her be herself and not this shell of a person who has one of the most negative and depressing outlooks on life I've ever seen."

"...I wonder." He turns and walks off.

"Strange little creations..." Drake simply resumes on rebuilding the walls.

After a while, it gets a lot darker, as night fully sets.

''Drake spends a few moments looking up at the moon then gazes around the entire island, he sighs and goes inside the central tower. ''"...What a first day..." He suddenly passes out right there on the floor.

At some point in the day, he feels something nudge his head.

''It takes a few more nudges for Drake to finally (and tiredly) open his eyes. ''"Oh my fucking head..."

He sees White standing over him.

"Oh, hey there." He slowly gets off the floor and stretches his arms out, yawning.

"Why were you just laying there?"

"Guess I just passed out due to fatigue, being stuck in a tube for a year really dampens how much one can do in one day..."

"Go lay down in a proper bed. I will make you something to eat."

''Drake blinks in surprise at White's hospitality. ''"You don't need to do that, I'm fine... Just need to train, that's all."

"That wasn't a request."

He doesn't even attempt to turn down her 'request', instead just walking to the nearest bed and sits down.

She then walks off, eventually he smells something in the air.

Drake gets a child-like smile on his face as he smeels the aroma, his stomach grumbles in anticipitation.

She comes out with what looks like an entire feast fit for kings, a storm of platters and dishes seems to orbit her as a table assembles itself nearby, and she sits near him.

''His jaw basically drops when he sees everything on the table. ''"...You didn't have to go this far, like...  A single dish would have been fine."

"Most of it is mine. I can share if you want."

"Oh, just a few plates of food for me then."

The assortment of food gathers and settles on the table, and she begins to eat.

''On the other hand, Drake grabs one of the dishes and begins eating rather slowly. ''"You have a big stomach then?"

"...Aye."

"Sorta surprising considering your size, but I guess that makes sense since dragons eat a lot anyways."

"Yes..." She continues eating.

At this point Drake gives up on talking and just resumes eating.

She currently seems to be eating a lot of bacon.

''And with one fluid motion, Drake manages to snatch one piece of bacon and throws it up into the air, he opens his mouth and the bacon flies straight down into it. He chews on it a few times before swallowing, chuckling to himself.''

After White has eaten pretty much everything else, she finally stops eating and retreats to her bed nearby, her stomach now slightly plump.

''Drake mumbles to himself. ''"...Lazy as a dragon too..." He finishes and puts his plate ontop of the others and then goes outside to exercise.

He sees Kagerou off in the distance, walking about the black rock of the region.

He takes little notice of him, rather Drake simply begins to spar with himself.

Kagerou looks in Drake's direction, watching him spar.

Soon after, Kagerou notices a black shadow opposite Drake, sparing with him, after a moment, the figure stops and glances over at Kagerou's direction, the glance soon turns into a full-on stare and Drake eventually looks over at Kagerou as well.

Kagerou keeps watching, expression not changing.

The two eventually continue sparring but with both combatants using weapons constructed from their own energy and each time the weapons clash, pulses of darkness and chaotic energy would disperse out of them, sometimes affecting the area around them.

Kagerou eventually boredly starts messing around with spheres of water.

''About ten minutes past before the shadowy figure fades away, Drake takes a moment to wipe the sweat off before walking past Kagerou. ''"You need hobbies."

"Mind having a go?"

''Drake gives a small smirk. ''"You'd be at an advantage since you know how I fight and that I'm slightly tired out... But sure."

Kagerou summons a large blade with a chainsaw compnent.

''Drake takes a step back and pulls from the palm of his hand, a blade made from chaotic energy, the power arcs around the hand that's wielding the blade. ''"Challenger makes the first move."

His blade roars to life, Kagerou rushes him at high speed.

Drake jumps into the air at the last second then dives down, swinging the blade sideways as he closes in on Kagerou.

Kagerou creates a spike of earth to block the attack, then tiny smaller spikes just at Drake's face.

''With the open hand, Drake quickly smashes the spikes out the way then lands back down. Suddenly a multitude of fireballs spawn out in the air and they all go straight for Kagerou.''

Kagerou raises his hand and a huge wave of water intercepts them and barrels toward Drake.

''Drake slashes down with his blade, causing the wave of water to split right down the middle, parting away from him. He then speeds towards Kagerou and swings it towards his chest.''

Kagerou blocks with his blade, sparks fly everywhere due to the chainblade.

''A wall of earth raises up from the ground and breaks the two apart from each other, Kagerou can hear chuckling. ''"Ok, you may be some fun afterall."

His chainblade revves up again, and he sends a huge wave of arcing electricity toward Drake.

Drake counters by blocking the electricity with his blade then firing a storm of ice spikes at Kagerou.

Kagerou retaliates by means of a wave of lava.

''Suddenly the wave disintegrates right in front of Kagerou's eyes, not even getting close to Drake. ''"So, shall we stop playing games? I know you can do a lot better." ''The runes on Drake's arms and eyes faintly glow as arcs of chaos itself flicker around Drake. ''

"I don't know what you mean," Kagerou says with a casual air.

''Drake smirks. ''"Oh man I already like you." He instantly appears above Kagerou and slashes downwards.

The chain blade breaks apart into a storm of small teardropped blades which orbit Kagerou, while the greatsword itself splits into twin bastard swords, one of which he throws at Drake, causing the storm of blades to follow in a spiral attack.

''With extreme percision, Drake dodges the sword then begins to catch each of the blades and throws them aside. Pure darkness trickles down from his shoulders all the way to his wrists, they both morph into two blades that easily extend quite far from the hand, almost forming something akin to bladed gauntlets. He then speeds towards Kagerou and begins to strike him multiple times.''

A dark aura forms over him and blocks the strikes, then Kagerou strikes Drake in turn with a wave of black fire.

''Drake quickly jumps back but gets engulfed in the fire, however after a few seconds, he bursts out the fire with massive rocks attached to his hands. Drake then smashes the boulders into Kagerou, the boulders shattering on impact before headbutting him.''

The boulders seem to do little damage, and Kagerou returns him the favor, both hitting each other at the same time, a faint red light in Kagerou's eyes can be seen.

''Drake takes a step back after the headbutt and cracks his knuckles as he observes Kagerou, noticing the red light. ''

Black spikes suddenly erupt from the ground at Drake's feet.

''While Drake manages to dodge some, one spike still goes through his arm, however he pulls his arm out and it heals before both their eyes. ''"...Ok, want to explain what you just did there?"

Kagerou just smiles, as a large clawed hand erupts from the ground and swats at him.

''Just as the hand forms out of the ground to attack Drake, multiple black tendrils emerge from his back and wrap around the hand, just about stopping it from touching him. ''"...Ah, I see what's going on now."

Kagerou maintains the smile, then points at Drake's forehead. "Pulse."

Drake suddenly flickers then disappears from sight.

A burst of lightning arcs from Kagerou's fingers into where Drake stood, but then forms a magic circle around Kagerou.

''A moment passes when Drake reappears behind Kagerou. ''"So, apparently you and Vzark don't get along well?" He curiously asks.

"He's not a good sport," Kagerou remarks dryly as a huge bolt of lightning fills the circle.