Tides Of Protomis XX(20)

Another Intervention? Watanabe's Counterattack

Watanabe tightened his grip on his blade, as did Minoru. The two continued to focus their gazes on one another as they both pushed forward. But, it was clear that Minoru had begun to waver. The overwhelming strength of the one who’d just appeared was an issue. Especially in the state, he was in. And, as such, he adjusted his stance, in an attempt to guard himself, before he attempted to step out of range, only for his opponent to follow him.

“Who I am is the least of your concern right now…”

Taiki pulled his blade back, swinging once more, only to have his blade stopped by Minoru, whose blade moved to intercept. However, Minoru was soon sent flying back. But, he would not do so for long, as he planted his feet onto the ground, kicking up dust, ripping it apart as he skidded back. Until he finally came to a stop. Just a few feet away from them, Arctaius stood looking at Watanabe with a look of surprise. Eventually, however, he regained poker face, clenching his fist.

“What is he doing here?!”

Zhao continued to stand in the crater that Minoru had put him in… He was outmatched, he understood that much. But two questions were raised in his head. How would this have ended if Minoru’s strike killed Bijan, how would this end now that this man had arrived... and last, but not least, who was he? Though, as he heard Arctaius talk, his attention was soon turned to him. He floated out, landing by his ally.

“ Corde, do you know him?”

Arctaius glanced over at Zhao as he asked his question, before looking back at Watanabe.

“Yes, He is the reason that I’m in Yamato… I was chasing after Nolan Frost-- and he killed him before I could… I followed him to the empire… I made rounds there for a few years. I was traveling from Yamato to Russia and vice versa until the war ended 3 years ago.”

Taking note of the conversation, a certain brown-haired man floated toward the two, landing in front of them, a hand placed on his chin, as he got deep into thought. For a few moments, he was silent, until he snapped in realization, putting his arm at his side.

“That explains why I found you so familiar… Were you by any chance at the battle of Moscow with him?”

Arctaius nodded.

“I was. I suppose Shima wasn’t our first time seeing each other then…”

Soon afterward, however, the conversation reached its end, as Kazimir turned to watch the battle taking place in front of them, as did the others. Watanabe shifted his left leg forward, bending it, his right leg back, bending it as well. As he held his greatsword in front of his body. And, with his stance achieved he began to watch Minoru, to see any of his possible actions. The swordsman got into his own as well. For a few moments, it was a staring match, neither was willing to take the first move... Rather, they settled for seeing what their opponent might try. These two knew the most, rushing in unprepared was one of the worst things to do on the battlefield. For quite a bit, it’d been as if they both turned into statues. Until Minoru burst forward, as did Watanabe, charging to meet him. And, not even a second later, they met between their previous spots, a loud clang echoed, and sparks flew as their blades clashed once again.

Watanabe stepped back, taking a swipe at Minoru’s chest. Minoru, soon pushed his blade forward, stopping the attack. He inched backward before he swiped down diagonally. However, Watanabe moved back as well, Placing his blade above him, and stopping his attack. The two had stopped for a moment, but, soon enough, they launched a rapid flurry of strikes at one another. They clashed time and time again, as the loud clangs continued to echo. The area around them was torn apart with the force of their swings. Strike for strike, the two continue to meet each other. However, as Watanabe squinted his eyes, something began to change in his attacks. His movements began to get much quicker, as, he stopped swinging, as he pulled back. Regardless, Minoru raised his blade, bringing it down upon him. Only for Watanabe to hold his blade above him, the point facing the left. Minoru’s blade was stopped and, and, with a push, sent upward, nearly tipping the man over, if he wasn’t quick to regain his balance.

“His moves-- I can’t predict them…”

Watanabe begins to take more swipes at his opponent, taking advantage of his lack of defense. Minoru, taking notice of his situation, steps out of his range. Watanabe stepped forward and brought his blade down upon him. Minoru moved, Blocking his attack, and sending Watanabe flying back as he pushed, seconds after. However, as Watanabe flies back, he glances over his shoulder. Taking notice of the wall behind him. He spun in mid-air, facing the wall feet first, and safely landing on it. Within moments, he bent his knees and rebounded over to Minoru. Minoru put his blade up again, and sparks flew as their blades locked once again. Watanabe ducked and attempted to sweep his opponent off of his feet. But he jumped, dodging his attempt, as he twisted his body, reeling back. Watanabe soon did the same, twisting in the opposite direction. Soon, the two twisted their bodies back at their opponent, with, yet another clash of their blades occurring. The city around them trembled with the force of the clash, the shockwave ripped apart the earth, nearly throwing the tides off of their feet. Minoru stepped back once more, but Watanabe stepped forward, taking yet another swipe, and, unlike last time, Minoru did not get away uninjured, with a gash forming on his chest soon after. They were like this for some moments, until Minoru had decided, it was enough. He leaped backward, landing on his feet. He stood there, unmoving, as he glanced at the tides.

“I’ll leave you heretics for now. You’re lucky that one came in time- otherwise, you’d be dead right now…”

“Leave… Like hell you are!”

Watanabe burst forward, and, as he did, the tides glanced at each other, nodding, bursting forward as well. And, as Minoru took note, he tightened his grip on his nodachi.

“Tch. Looks like I'll need to fight my way out of this.”

The group of 5 continued to close the distance with Minoru, as he pointed the tip of his blade at him… At the least, until, jumping in front of Minoru, was a young woman, with green hair that touched her shoulders. Most notable, however, was the uniform she wore. Black, and buttoned-down, that much made it clear who she was with. For that moment, nothing changed, until she yelled out two words.

“Sensory Scrambler!!”

As she invoked those words, a green light appeared in her palms, which soon began to wash over the group of five... One of the first to get caught within was Watanabe. His sight soon went dark, as did his hearing, though his senses occasionally dipped back in, it was not nearly enough to see what was going on. Hell, even his sensing of protomis was being thrown off.

“Lord Ito, I’ll keep them here, you have to go with the others!”

Minoru glanced at the soldier in surprise…

“If I'm leaving, you are too. Let’s get moving-”

“With all due respect, milord, I can’t do that… You’re instrumental to Ardam’s crusade succeeding.”

Minoru went silent as he heard this… This wasn’t his preferred course of action, but he could not deny that fact.

“Tell me… What is your name”

“Lisosia Chanim.”

As she spoke, Minoru put his gaze on his opponents, the one who’d given him so much trouble. As he began to elevate himself. Eventually, he turned away, putting his gaze back onto Chanim.

“I’ll make sure you aren’t forgotten.”

The man soon flew away, leaving the woman by herself. Regardless, she continued her attempts to hold them in place… She wouldn’t let them go any further, not if she had anything to say about it… But, her grandstand was interrupted, as, charging blindly from the field, was Arctaius, with his fist outstretched. Her eyes widened in surprise, as his fist smashed into her chest… But, it did not stop there, in fact, it went right through, coming out the other end, and leaving a gaping hole. Though, this was enough to disperse the field, as, one by one, his allies' senses began to return.

“Man… Took long enough, felt like I couldn’t even hear myself think.” Kazimir mumbled.

However, the other fighters took note of something, while the one who jumped in front of them was here. Albeit, quickly moving away, as she fell to the ground. The one that the Kaemerge called an apostle, was nowhere to be seen. Arctaius frowned at this development, soon, descending as well, landing upon the earth.

“Dammit, He got away…”

As he spoke, Watanabe landed just in front of him.

“He was right, you know… So, what might you be doing here?”

As Minoru focused his gaze on him, the light surrounded Watanabe's blade once again, as it returned to its previous form, a cigarette. Something followed by him reaching into his jacket’s pocket, and pulling out a lighter. He flicked it open and lit his smoke. He slowly inhaled the smoke, Exhaling it soon after. Regardless, Arctaius’ expression stayed the same.

“It’s no business of yours, Watanabe.”

Watanabe stepped forward.

“You’re my responsibility-- the government has said so. As such, It is my business… Corde.”

Arctaius began to walk toward Taiki in response, With the two stopping some inches away from one another. From here, silence. They only kept their gaze on one another, as the other three watched from behind.

“Fine then... If you really must know-- I've found the group that supported the Amerikanisches reich in the past. They call themselves the Kaemerge. My reasoning for what I'm doing is simple-- I’m going to get vengeance for my deceased family… They are the root cause, That man especially.”

Part B

Arctaius thinks back to his past... A young boy, his mouth bloodied, looks up at two taller men from behind a bush. To the left, is Ajax corde. And to his right, a man looking somewhat similar, with the same sharp chin, and wide nose. Although he was a tad bit darker than ajax, with a few gray hairs dotting his face... Both of them, injured, bodies covered in gashes, bodies stained with blood, and patches of darkened skin., with what little remained of their shirts soaked in that same blood. Around them were the burning ruins of their home, formerly a peaceful city, now, nothing more than a warzone. in front of them, the very same man with the blue glow around his hand.

“ How disappointing- Cyamus, and Son Of Cyamus… Has domestic life weakened you? Neither of your powers have changed since the last time we fought…All that fighting you did, and you were unable to protect this family of yours. Your Children, Grandchildren, Wife, Siblings… All gone. But then again… This must be the will of Ardam.”

As the man finished his speech, the two men said nothing. The older, Cyamus corde, wiped the blood off of his mouth. Ajax glanced over at his father, as he spoke.

“This ain't good, Pops…”

Cyamus glanced at him.

“As if you had to tell me that.”

Arctaius only continued to watch this battle, his eyes watering as he saw the sight, two of some of the strongest men he knew, his family, being defeated, by this man, the same one who’d personally overseen the death of the rest of them. His mother, his brothers, older and younger… And yet, he simply wasn’t strong enough to change a thing. As such, he turned his gaze away from the battle.

“Arctaius: Father… Grandfather...Everyone...No, I can’t stay here...Otherwise-- their sacrifices to help me escape will have been for nothing… I have to find Mars and get out of here.”

Arctaius froze for some moments as he looked over his shoulder at the two. Knowing full well what could happen to them. Even so, he began to make a mad dash away from them. The tears stream down his eyes, as he runs… Never looking back.

“I want to survive… I NEED to survive!!”

Although the Young Arctaius was once a scared boy. What he would go through later would change him... His will to survive, and eventually. His will to avenge.

Arctaius continues to keep his gaze focused on Watanabe. Neither of the two averting their eyes. Though, Arctaius would eventually turn away, walking toward the other three.

“Don’t try to bring me back to Yamato… Even if you do- I won’t go. I have my own mission…”

Arctaius glanced over his shoulder at Watanabe.

“And by any means, I will achieve it.”

“Even if you say that The point is... The emperor wants you back in Yamato.”

“You've known me for long enough Watanabe. I've said this before, and I'll say this again, I'm not going back until I'm finished with my mission…”

Watanabe squinted his eyes.

“So. Do I have to drag you back with me?”

“You may try... But don't forget what I said all those years ago. Anybody who gets in my way will be treated as an enemy... Whether it be you, or the whole damn Yamato Military…”

Soon, stepping forward as well, was Alarick.

“I’d have issues with you taking him as well… Though I may not like this straffällig all that much... I consider him a part of this team- we all share a common goal.”

Watanabe begins to glance around at the fighters, who all seemed prepared to strike at any moment. He looked between the four time and time again, before he put his focus on Arctaius.

“...Geez… If that’s how it is, Alright then. Just make sure you stay alive out there. I know full well what the Kaemerge are capable of…”

Watanabe turned on his heel, Placing his gaze onto the south... His eyes squinted as he took note of something protomis, a lot of it, Bingo. He began walking, but, he soon heard a

“Hold on!”

From the distance, and, as such, he stopped in his tracks, looking over his shoulder. As he did, he took note of an approaching soldier, wearing a uniform he found familiar, one of the Ceron’s royal guard members. The black armored plates on him obstructing his body, and the visor, obstructing his face. He soon caught the gazes of all of those there. Including Watanabe who turned on his heel. Eventually, the man soon stopped in front of the tides.

“I am Nino Jarquez-- Commander of Squad 4 within the Ceron guard. We’ve been asked to initiate contact between His Majesty Junacho and the group who prevented the city's complete destruction!”

Jarquez reached into a slot in his armor, and out of it, came a thin metal slab that served as his communicator. As he tapped a button on the side, the machine’s holographic display came out. And, on it, was Juancho, sat onto his throne.

“Hello- you four... Though I may not have acknowledged you in the past. My agents have informed me of your actions-- and I admit… Though the damages are extensive, You’ve helped to keep it from spreading any further. And for that-- I must thank you.”

Arctaius stood with his face unchanged.

“ No need-- I only speak for myself when I say this. But I did this for me.”

As if in agreement, they all said nothing. Juancho’s expression remained unchanged.

“Hm- Keep telling yourself that, I suppose.”

“With that said-- Let’s grab lafeyah, we’re moving.”

The four floated and then began a dash toward the building they left Bijan in. On the ground, Watanabe watches as they leave. But, as they began to move out of his sight, he turned his attention to the squad of Armored soldiers in front of him. Their armor differs a bit from the Ceron’s. The Colors being a mix of greens and browns rather than black.

“So, It looks like the army is here…”

Watanabe began stepping toward them.

“Yep… LT. Dirk Alberran, 23rd Platoon… That aside, it’s strange to see the Silver Lion’s captain all the way over here.”

Watanabe eyed the man he spoke to, who wore a steel pin, in the shape of a diamond, three diagonal marks within it, showing his rank.

“Had some business to take care of… That aside, I saw one of the enemy’s head honchos heading south, thinking that may be where they’re heading.”

And, as such, Dirk began to walk toward him.

“Well, Isn’t that lucky… The brass wants us to start looking for any stragglers. Guess that makes our job a lot easier... Move out, men!”

And, just like that, the soldiers under his command began following. A few moments afterward, Watanabe began to walk with them.

...

Only an hour later, the tides found themselves in the Ceron Manor’s medical wing. The long stark white walls were devoid of any color. Just as the room was devoid of any declaration. They all sat within fluid-filled healing pods, separated by the curtains, on either side of the room. Standing in the space between them were Maeda and Valaria. For the most part, the pods were visible, aside from one with the curtain closed, the occupant unknown. For quite some time, the room was dead silent, Until Maeda began to pace around.

“You’re going to leave looking like that?”

Arctaius glanced at him.

“But of course… Regardless of our injuries- the Kaemerge are unpredictable.”

Alarick nodded in agreement.

“As of right now, you never know when they’ll strike next. As such- every day counts.”

Zhao pressed a button on the side of the pod, as the liquid within began to drain, and, eventually, the top opened, allowing for him to swing his legs off the side.

“We don’t have the luxury of downtime… Something tells me after that display- the Kaemerge will be coming at us more fiercely.”

Valaria’s eyes darted between the four, as she listened to them talk. She closed her eyes as she sighed, and then opened them.

“If you’re going to leave, then I might as well address this. I’m sorry for my actions earlier. It’s not as if you would’ve known I was in there...While I’m still not fond of you staying there for so long. That truly was stupid of me…”

As she made her statement, Maeda stepped forward.

“What About M-”

“Oh No, Not you…

“HUH?! Oh, come on!”

This much caught Arctaius’ attention, as he began to glance between the two.

“Just a question- Maeda. If you two dislike each other this much, why do you both live here? I doubt that she’s a relative of yours.”

Maeda stopped pacing, scratching the back of his head.

“That’s because she isn’t… Not yet-- she just happens to be my betrothed.”

Soon, Alarick pressed a button on the side of his pod as well, letting the same process take place, before he stood, stretching.

“Well isn’t that unfortunate...If my house was still alive- I likely would’ve had to marry mine as well…I think she's still around somewhere. Though it's not as if I know where.”

Soon, Arctaius and Kazimir did the same as Zhao and Alarick did. Getting up as well. At the least, until, Arctaius heard a chime from his bedside table. And, as he glanced at it, he took note, he grasped it, tapping the side, and bringing the display up. Now, he began walking to the center of the room. Soon, the tides followed, stopping around him.

“What is it?”

Arctaius remained silent, but, for a second, one could catch a smirk on his face, as he tapped a button on the side, turning the device off.

“A message from Watanabe-- he said that he entered the remains of the niopolis fortress. It was empty. And almost everything was destroyed… but he managed to gain the locations of Kaemerge fortresses worldwide.”

Alarick’s eyes widened.

“What?!”

Kazimir began stepping toward the room’s door.

“If that’s the case, what are we waiting for, we grab Lafeyah, get to the ship and get going.”

“The closest bases are in Jamaica and South Valeoux… Getting into south Valeoux would be a hassle. Since the new regime took over back in 09’, they locked down the borders nationally…” Stated Arctaius.

“I suppose we’ll have to go to Jamaica then…” Replied Alarick.

“Yeah…”

“They have a base in Southern Shima… perhaps that explains those visions of mine… Regardless- I can’t allow my emotions to get in the way of this. Not only are the other silver lion members there-- but so is Jirou… He’s a reliable fighter- he wouldn’t be my rival otherwise.”

Arctaius began to step outside, until… His Holo-phone chimed once more. And, he stopped.

“Got another message from Watanabe… I had the guy who hooked us up with this info taken to the manor.”

Alarick’s eyes moved toward the closed curtain in the far edge of the room, one of two that sat beside the window.

“Is it that one there?” Alarick questioned.

Arcrtaius opened his mouth to speak, but he was cut off by a deepened voice, one that was not his.

“Yes… That would be me.”

“That voice sounds familiar… That’s got to be the one who was informing us beforehand.” Alarick mumbled.

While the others were focused on the fact that they’d recognized an ally... For a certain dark-skinned youth, it was entirely different. his eyes widened, as he began to step past them.

“It… Can’t be… YOU?!”

Kazimir glanced between Arctaius and the unseen man, soon followed by the others doing the same. Until, the man behind the curtain finally pulled it away, revealing an olive-skinned man, with a head of curly black hair. Even with the left half of his face covered in bandages. Arctaius certainly recognized him. Especially given his clenched fist, and his face, which began to go from confusion to pure rage. He soon grasped the collar of the man’s hospital gown, before pulling him up with one hand.

“Just what do you think you’re doing here, Iturr-sul Caen…”

The man was silent as he looked down, with an almost, shameful expression on his face.

“It is indeed me… Arctaius”

The other people in the room stayed silent, at least, until Arctaius smashed his fist into the man’s face, a force that caused his head to lurch backward, making him face the ceiling, this much made the tides jump into action.

“OI, OI, OI, What are you doing? That guy’s a source of valuable information!” Yelled Alarick.

Arctaius glanced over his shoulder, turning his glare to him.

“This guy was the one who helped those damned Kaemerge get their hands on my family… After we considered you one of our own, had you around all the time… Even had Ignatius calling you uncle Ittur… You went and pulled what you did.”

And, now, they stopped in their tracks, before, focusing their gazes on Ittur-sul, as if waiting for confirmation.

“I can not deny what he’s said here… It’s all true.”

He sighed.

“I used to work for the Kaemerge Intelligence Agency… My job was to observe the corde family so that we could eliminate them in the opening stages of the war. After all, the one known as Cyamus had gotten in our way once before.”

He paused, as he averted his gaze once more.

“But… I’d make a mistake, I got too deep, That’s why I decided to funnel information to outside actors. Unfortunately, the Sentinel’s caught wind of my info, and I ended up imprisoned at the Niopolis Fortress… I know you don’t exactly believe me, but… I am sorry, Arctaius.”

Now, Ittur put his gaze on Arctaius once more, who continued boring into him with his angered gaze. Until, he finally let go of his shirt, letting him fall on his ass.

“You’re right… I don’t”

He turned on his heel, as he quickly exited the room, though, as he did, Maeda reached out to him. But, he ultimately decided not to say anything, as he took note of his rage

…

Not so long afterward, the Tides and Bijan alike, stood within the wilds outside of Niopolis, a clearing between the gargantuan trees of the Amazon. It was rather serene compared to the warzone that was Niopolis. The buzzing of insects, the sounds of birds calling, the rushing waters not too far away. In the very center, between their circle, was a square stone, with the word, Aegis, crudely carved into it. Stepping toward the circle was Arctaius, with the deceased Aegis in his hands. Having managed to pry the helmet off, it was then and only then that they saw the being’s face, olive-skinned, much of which was covered by strands of blue hair, seemingly, having not been cut in some time. A red glow surrounded the dirt in front of the stone, which was soon removed, and thrown aside into a pile. It was only then that a human-sized stone box, surrounded in this light as well, was placed within. Followed by Arctaius placing the body within. And, the dirt being thrown back into its place, filling in the hole. Kazimir began to step closer to the stone, as he shoved his hands into his pocket.

“You know what… Since the guy didn’t have a name for himself, I think it’s fair that we at least give him a last name, ain’t it.”

He got nods of agreement from the others, and soon began to put this into action, After Aegis, placing the last name, “Lambros” Upon it.

Now, the grave of the man, “Aegis Lambros” was complete.

“Alright… we need to get a move on.” Kazimir proclaimed.

With this, the Tides and Bijan turn- walking away from the grave.

To Be Continued