Chapter 8, A new beginning

[Greenstar]

(Posted Image)

[Greenstar]

The wind blew softly, wavering the grass gently and making it seem alive. A calm surrounded the area.
A small path stood systematically, as if it was woven, across the field. Somewhere, in this net of small
and modest pathways, there was a surge in sinder armor. In front of her, two large stones stood in the
ground. This wasn’t really a sight out of the ordinary, not in a cemetery. But these two stones held a
special meaning for the surge. On both stones, there was engraved text. The left one read, “Diji, One
of two halves, never to be separated.” The right stone read, “Gigantor, Another of two halves, together
in the very end.” A cold breeze gave the scene a sort of tragic warmth. The soft sound of steps in the
path of sand approached the surge. “It’s been a while.” The surge looked up. Behind her, there stood
a ram in worn Frost-grapper armor. “Digiwatt,” the surge said softly. “You’re right,” she said, “it’s been
two years after all.” The wind turned a bit warmer as a reunion formed itself. “I’m sure we have a lot to
tell each other,” Digiwatt responded, as he looked to the two stones. “But this is not a suitable place for
that, now is it. Let’s leave the dead to rest in peace. There’s a park nearby. Come, Leonic.” The two
headed along the path to a large, open metal gate. The gate led formed an opening to the large metal
fence surrounding the cemetery area. Outside the gate lay a small path, decorated with tress, leading
outward. Everything was quiet, it seemed as even the sounds of the bust city in the distance seemed
to fade away peacefully. Somewhere along the path, there was a sole bench by the path. Leonic
hovered over to it and sat down. Digiwatt remained standing. “It’s hard to believe it can be so still in a
place so close to the city,” Digiwatt said. “It has been quiet lately, hasn’t it,” Leonic nodded. “I see you
haven’t really changed much,” Leonic said, looking at the old Frost-grapper. Digiwatt turned to her.
“Look who’s talking, Sinder girl. I thought you went to get special training, but you’re still wearing that
low level armor...” Leonic giggled. “Oh, I’m just wearing this because I want to. In fact, I have a special
modified Jet-Peak armor now,” she said. “I just prefer not to wear my battle gear when I’m not using it.”
She looked away. “I’m no longer the weak person I used to be. My training has made me strong, both
physically and mentally.” Digiwatt grinned. “You’ll never catch up to me though,” he said. He sat down
on the bench, next to Leonic, looking at the sun. The sun was really low on the horizon, because it
was still so early. But it had a peaceful glow in it. It was a pretty sight. Leonic looked at the horizon.
If only this peace could last forever, she thought. She looked at Digiwatt. He really hadn’t changed
much. Not only in appearance, but also in personality. He was still the Digiwatt that she’d met when just
joining the bots army, still the Digiwatt she had been through so much with, still the Digiwatt she...
Her line of thought was suddenly interrupted by Digiwatt “It’s really been two whole years, hasn’t it,”
Digiwatt suddenly said. “I’ve been doing so much on this time that I haven’t really realized it, but now
that you’re here next to me I can see that all this time I’ve really missed you,’ he said. “Yeah,” Leonic
replied. “I’ve missed you too.” They looked each other in the eye. There was a moment of silence.
“Digiwatt, I...” Leonic wanted to say something, but she quickly realized there was nothing to say. There
were no words to describe this emotion. She hesitated for a moment, looking at Digiwatt. And then,
without saying anything further, without words... They kissed.

[Greenstar]

I ran through the hall as quickly as I could. I nearly knocked over a random secretary as I rushed toward
the the other side. I almost crashed into the door as I tried to stop. I pressed a button on the side of it,
and it slowly opened. I’d be out of breath, if it weren’t for the not having lungs. “You’re late,” was the first
thing I heard. I looked up. The general was sitting behind his desk, leaning back and sipping coffee.
“I’m sorry, I uh...” Doggo placed his cup on the desk. “Save me the excuses Berserk. Close the door
behind you, your team -or what’s left of it- is waiting,” he said coldly. I looked over to the other side of
the room. A ram in old, worn Frost-grapper armor and a surge in Sinder stood there, looking at me kind
of accusingly. “Eh, sorry. It’s been a while, hasn’t it,” I said as I moved next to them and saluted. Doggo
took a few papers out of his desk and looked at them. “Let’s brief you guys, shall we. It’s been two years,
but since Digiwatt has kept on working voluntarily under us during his free time, and Leonic’s received
special training, you guys are still up to it. Although have my doubts about you, Berserk.” I glared at him.
“It’s not like you do much more than sitting on your lazy ass all day, Ge~ne~ral,” I stabbed back. Doggo
placed the papers on his desk. “Anyways, let’s get to briefing you guys,” he said. “First of all, I’ve decided
to disband the squad as an infiltration team.” “What?” I exclaimed. “Let me explain. Through studying
your abilities as a quad closely, I’ve come to the conclusion to promote this squad to the Advanced
Assassination Force.” “Whatt?!?” the three of us yelled, shocked. The Advanced Assassination Force
was one of the most prestigious ranks in the army for an elite. But at the same time, it was also a feared
job. “Trust me, your skills are more fit for this job, than infiltration. Although your experience in your
old class will help you.” I calmed down, realizing that my first expression might have been a bit too much.
It just came so sudden. “Now that that’s settled, I’ll brief you on your first target, so you can get on your
way.” I smiled. Nothing had changed, Doggo was still the same lazy general who would always send us
on missions so suddenly and unprepared. “I know that your squad is incomplete, but we still haven’t
arranged for any replacement of the ‘open space’. But you shouldn’t concern yourself with there issues,
it involves the higher-ups.” “You mean the tower guard?” I joked. “Shut up. Anyways, Berserk, here’s
your target,” he said as he handed me a piece of paper. “This virus is an ex-training supervisor who
specialized in training virus troops in advanced one-on-one tactics. He was feared for his combat skills
in one-on-one combat. He’s now retired. Your mission is to kill him and return. His location is specified
on the piece of paper. Now get going.” I looked at the picture on the document. It depicted a Grade-A
type virus. We headed out of the office as Doggo put his papers back in his desk and leaned back...

[Greenstar]

I sighed. Once again, we found ourselves on our way to some unknown planet, with absolutely no
given time to prepare. I was piloting the space craft, and Leonic and Digiwatt were sitting in the back.
It was a much smaller spaceship this time, but at least it wasn’t a crummy smuggler’s wreck. There
wasn’t any need for camouflage, after all. “Aaaaahhhh,” Digiwatt let out as he leaned back. “This brings
back memories, don’t it?” “Except we’re now assassins set out to kill,” I commented. “I have no problems
with that~” I looked back. “Leonic?!?” I exclaimed. The Leonic I knew sure wouldn’t say something of
the like. She turned one eye to me. “What? I’ve been training for combat these two years. I think I
deserve some due ass-kicking, thank you very much!” She looked away. Leonic sure had changed
a lot over the two years - except in appearance, apparently. “You sure won’t be the one dealing the
punches in that old armor,” Digiwatt laughed. Leonic looked up. “Oh, that’s right! I have a new battle
armor, a custom made edition, at that,” she said proudly, her eyes glowing like a baby bot who just
got it’s first toy hovercar. She took her gear bag from the floor. “Let me just get changed right away!”
She said and proceeded to remove her armor. “W-W-W-W-W-W-WAIT!!!” Digiwatt yelled, turning a
deep shade of red. “You can’t... I mean... You know...” he stuttered. Leonic looked at him, puzzled.
then she refastened her armor. “Oh, right. Sorry.” He smiled. “I’ve been training alone with my
master for two long years, I guess my sense of modesty might have faded a bit...” she said, blushing.
“That, and I’m really excited about showing you guys my new armor!” I looked ahead through the
cockpit window. “Your training must’ve been real tough, if you’ve lived alone with your master for
two whole years...” I said. “Well, it was worth it. Just wait ‘till you see how I’ve improved.” She seemed
really happy. In the past, Leonic had always been the weakest of the group, standing in the
shadow of all the others, and watching helplessly as the situation around her worsened when she
couldn’t do anything. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for her. But now, she had gone
through extensive private training, for two entire years. all that just to get level with us... I felt
a slight jealousy as I remembered how I had done nothing at all these two years; she’d probably
be a lot stronger than me now. “We’ve arrived,” I said as we entered the atmosphere. I looked
at the planet’s surface. There was absolutely nothing but mountains and rock. I found it hard
to believe anyone would live there. But the coordinates were clear. “I’ll land is on a small plateau in
the mountain, to keep us hidden. We’re assassins now, we need the element of surprise.”
Shortly, the ship touched down on the hard rock. I opened the docking platform and stepped
outside. Digiwatt followed me. “You guys go on ahead, I’m going to change into my battle armor,”
Leonic said. It was a small plateau, surrounded by rocks. There was small pathway ahead.
I walked towards the opening in the rocks, about to go on, when Digiwatt stopped me. “Berserk,
you shouldn’t leave a lady behind like that,” he said. “But she said-” “we should wait for her,”
he said as he forcefully sat me onto one of the rocks. “Aren’t we the gentleman today,” I snapped.
But it wasn’t long before Leonic was finished... And appeared before us in an armor unlike any
we’d ever seen before...

[Greenstar]

She was wearing a jet-peak armor - only recolored in pink and more slender. It had pure black
decals on it, and I could swear I felt the power resonating from it all the way to where I was sitting.
“How do I look?” she asked joyfully, twirling around once. “A-Amazing,” I said. Digiwatt remained
quiet. “Let’s go,” he said, and moved towards the passage. We followed him. Walking down
the mountain pass, it seemed like the path would stretch out for some distance before we
got to our destination. “Heh,” Digiwatt finally said. “Only jet-peak? Two years of training and
you’ve only moved up on armor class?” He looked at Leonic smug, but playfully. I expected
Leonic to get angry at any moment - subtly taking a step to the side... But instead, she grinned.
“You should learn not to judge a book by its cover, Digiwatt,” she said. “I already told you -
it’s a custom modification.” The smiled. “This armor actually holds the power of a... Sabercron.”
Digiwatt tripped over a rock, crashing to the ground face first. “S-s-s-s-sabercron?! In that thing?!”
Leonic put her claws to her hips and grinned. “I’ll show you that a woman will always be a better
warrior than a mere man,” she said. Digiwatt looked a bit pale. “Leonic... You’re master was a
woman, right? What was she like?” I asked, curiously. Leonic turned to me. “She was amazing,
I tell you! Such a capable woman, she would never give up on anything, and she could handle
herself without even the slightest bit of help! I really look up to her...” “Speaking of that...”
Digiwatt said, joining in on the conversation as we started walking along the path again. “Does
she work for the bots army...? Or, y’know, why’d she agree to train you privately for two whole
years...?” “Well, she’s actually not working for the army, but she still has relations with it~”
“Still?” “Oh, that’s right - she’s an ex-commander of the army.” “Ex... COMMANDER!?!” I exclaimed,
surprised. Digiwatt looked surprised too. “Well, I, uh... Y’know. Eheheh.” Leonic blushed.
I suddenly felt really bad. It seemed I was way behind on everyone else in development...
After a long walk, and some more small talk, we finally came upon the end of the path.
We were in an open area within the mountains, although there were still rocks scattered
everywhere. To the left, there was a plateau, rising just above the open area... And on it,
an amazingly large mansion, built in a classic style - it really stood out here in the vast
nothingness of the planet. The overall look was amazing, it has large glass windows,
had wood finishing, and a small path leading up to the plateau to the front door - this
open space was probably a landing spot or something. There were even... Plants around
The house. Plants, on this desolate piece of rock. “Waaaah, those virus sure have one
hell of a pension,” Digiwatt said, stunned. Leonic hit him in the head. “Don’t praise the
enemy, idiot!” I looked at the large building. “I... suppose we’ll not be entering through
the front door, right?” I said. “Yeah, we’re assassins, now,” Digiwatt said proudly. “We don’t
need them pathetic doors!” I checked my bag to see if I had remembered to bring
rope. “Let’s go,” I said, and I moved along the mountain side towards the plateau.
We didn’t really need the ropes here, climbing it was a synch; it was about one story
high, tops. Leonic took this chance to show off her new skills and just jumped to the
top. I now closer to the building, I could examine it a little better. It stretched out to the
mountains in the back; most likely passing through it - and separating the front area
from the garden by the high cliffs. Though the thought of a garden here was still a bit
off. All in all, it was a huge building. “Berserk, stop admiring the architecture and get
moving!” Leonic snapped me out of my thoughts and pointed to an open window on
the third floor. “We can sneak in through there.” I took out my ropes and firmly attached
a hook to it. “I’ll go first,” I insisted. “I’m the leader after all.” I threw the hook over the
through the window. It firmly attached. I climbed up to the window and jumped inside.
We’re in, I thought to myself - right before freezing on the spot. Right before me
stood someone. A surge... in a maid’s uniform? She smiled at me. “Welcome. My master
has been expecting you...”

[Greenstar]

Of course, soon my companions reached my position too. To this day I still regret not
turning around to see the look on their faces. “Um... We’ve been... Expected...?” I uttered,
completely flabbergasted. “Yes,” the maid replied with a friendly smile. Somehow I just
couldn’t manage to retain the thought of being in enemy territory. “Follow me please.” She
turned around and started walking down the corridor. Hesitantly I followed. “Hey Berserk,”
Leonic whispered. “Are you sure it’s all right? It could be a trap... We’re in enemy territory
here...!” The maid turned her head and looked at us over her shoulder. “Do not be afraid.
You are our guests. It is my job to treat you as I would my master.” She smiled again. Damn
lucky bastard, I thought to myself thinking of our target. After walking silently through a series
of hallways, we finally arrived at a door. “My master will see you now,” the maid said, turning
around. She noticed our backpacks. “Ah, those must be heavy. I’ll take care of them,” she
said. Reluctantly, I surrendered my backpack, and so did Digiwatt. Leonic looked at us with
a suspicious glare. “You guys...” she muttered. Though she did give her stuff too. The maid
smiled and opened the door. “Please, enter,” she said. I walked into the room. It was the
most beautiful room I recall seeing to that day - the room was slightly large, but there was
an unbelievable warmth as the sun came in through large windows on the side. There were
plants positioned neatly around the room, and there were large bookshelves placed against
the walls. A soft, red carpet stretched out across the room, and there were classical luxury
sofas placed around a low, wooden table in the center of the room. A large, gold chandelier
hanging from the ceiling. The door softly closed behind us. “Ah, our three guests have
arrived,” a voice said from the center of the room. My attention turned to what I believed was
part of a Grade-A sitting in one of the sofas, facing away from us. “Take a seat, make yourselves
at home.” I moved to the center of the room, to where the sofas surrounded the table in the
center. Perhaps this was a meeting room of sorts. I took a seat opposite of the Grade-A. This
was the first time I’d ever seen a Grade-A without that typical big sword they always use to
chop up our numbers. He was lounging comfortably in his seat. Digiwatt and Leonic took
a seat in the sofa to my right. “I do hope you’ve had a safe trip, my honorable guests,” he said.
I sure wouldn’t be so relaxed talking to people sent out to assassinate me. Digiwatt looked a
bit uncomfortable. “How the hell did you expect us? It’s not like we were invited or anything!”
he said, a tone of force in his voice, getting straight to the point. The Grade-A smiled. “Ah, we
saw your ship land in our secondary landing platform, of course.” He sat himself straight. “But
where are my manners? I have yet to introduce myself. I am Devlin, the owner of this mansion
and ex-training supervisor of the Virus head training facility. I’ve been retired for quite a few
years now. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” The maid from earlier walked in, carrying a
platter with a teapot and some cups. She gently put the platter on the table and poured me
a cup of tea. Then, with an elegant bow, she left again. This world was so different from ours.
“Now then, I don’t think you’ve given me your names...?” Devlin continued, pouring himself a
cup. “Um... I’m Berserk. I’m the leader of this team...” “I’m Leonic,” Leonic said cautiously.
“Digiwatt,” the last member stated. The Grade-A sipped his tea. “Now then... Shall we talk business?”

[Greenstar]

Immediately, Digiwatt snapped. He jumped up from his seat. “Business?! Do you even know what
the hell you’re-?!” “Digiwatt!” I interrupted him. “Calm down. This isn’t going to get us anywhere.”
Reluctantly, he sat down again. Devlin took another sip from his cup, looking sideways at Digiwatt.
“Now then, where was I?” He seemed so suspiciously calm. “Well, if I am to understand this correctly,
you are a team of assassins sent out to kill me, am I not mistaken?” There was an eerie silence.
I slowly nodded. “Very well. Now, how do you supposed we resolve this matter?” He asked. I had
the feeling he already had the answer. Both Digiwatt and Leonic seemed quite nervous themselves.
“Uh... I don’t know?” The virus put his cup on the table and crossed his arms. “True, how would we
resolve this, given the fact that in our current situation...” He looked me directly in the eyes. “It will
not be over until either I am dead... Or you are.” Digiwatt flinched in surprise. “You... Can’t be...
Serious!” Devlin looked to Digiwatt. “Are you saying this isn’t true?” Digiwatt didn’t counter it. Because
it was true. Only... This person was way too calm. The virus took his cup and sipped from his tea
once more. “Let me be quite honest with you. Actually... I already know of a way to resolve this.”
He put down his cup and stood up. “Gentlemen... Young lady... Follow me.” He moved towards the
door. I swiftly looked over to my two teammates. I got up and heedfully followed him. Leonic and
Digiwatt reluctantly followed. The Grade-A took us through another series of hallways, stairs, and
corridors. Eventually, we reached another door... The door to the area outside of the house...
Except on the other side of the mountains. What I found there was something I really had not
expected. Instead of a backyard, something one would expect to find behind a house... There
was an enormous battle arena, with a stadium-like shape. There was a large, deep trench surrounding
it, save for one single bridge across the gap. I looked down the trench. I couldn’t see the bottom.
The virus turned to us. “Now then. Here’s how we’ll solve this. This is my arena, especially designed
for dueling. One versus one. I shall let you fight me. The fight will be to the death - when I die, you
win. When one of you dies... Another of you will fight me. Therefore, you have three chances to
kill me.” “WHAT?!” Digiwatt exclaimed. “Are you serious? And who said we’d cooperate with your
little game, huh?!” He took out his gun and pointed it at the virus. “What’s to stop us from just
ganging up on you right here and now?” Devlin grinned. “I’m glad you asked. You see, do not
forget that this is my turf. I have defense systems placed everywhere around here.” “Hmpf.” Leonic
crossed her arms. “We can take your little defense systems,” she declared. “Oh, I have no doubt
about that,” the virus replied confidently. “It’s just that... I believe you wouldn’t want your ship -
your only way of this desolate planet - to be destroyed, would you? My cannons have it right
in their range of fire. One snap of my fingers...” “You... Bastard...” Digiwatt uttered angrily. “So,
I suggest you play by the rules. Otherwise... The game wouldn’t be as fun, would it?” Digiwatt
retracted his gun. “This ‘game’... Have you played it before?” I asked. The virus turned to me.
“Infact, I have. For one, I used to play this game back before I retired with traitors and criminals...
But it is also not the first time assassins have reached me here. However, I won... I beat all five
in a row.” There was a tense silence. “You will be allowed to choose a weapon of choice to fight
with. Now then... Who goes first?”

[Greenstar]

Digiwatt stepped forward. “I’ll take this guy,” he said to us. “It’ll be over in a seco-” “No, I’ll fight him.”
To Digiwatt’s surprise, Leonic stepped in front of Digiwatt, pushing him back. “I’ll show you that I’m
no longer who I used to be. “But... What if you...” Digiwatt protested. “Die?” She turned around.
“If I die, then you wouldn’t have been able to beat him either.” Without saying anything else to him,
she walked ahead to Devlin. “Okay. Let’s fight.” Devlin grinned. “Very well. Now then, what weapon
do you wish to use?” Leonic crossed her arms. “I don’t need a weapon. I’ll kick your ass with my very
own hands.” He laughed. “Fine by me, it’s your funeral.” That moment, the maid walked towards him,
carrying a large, red sword. Devlin took it. “Thank you...” and swung the sword over his shoulder.
He walked over the bridge, followed by Leonic. “Leonic! Wait!” Digiwatt yelled and ran after her. Just
at that moment, the bridge retracted, and Digiwatt nearly fell into the depths below. Swinging his
arms to regain his balance, Digiwatt softly cursed the Grade-A and walked back. All we could do now
was watch. Devlin swung his sword around some more times, handling the heavy weapon with ease
as though it were a wooden stick. “You sure you don’t want a weapon?” He said teasingly. Leonic
nodded. “...Okay, but don’t come crying to me... when I chop you in half.” He said, taking in a battle
pose. “You can do that after I beat you up so hard you’ll wish your mother was never born,” she
replied as she assumed a defensive position. The maid, standing on the side looked at both. “Are
both competitors ready?” she asked. “Ready as ever,” Devlin said smugly. “I’m good to go,” Leonic
said. “Then...” The maid raised her hand, holding a red flag. “Begin!” she yelled, swinging the flag
downwards in a manner of a traditional dueling referee. That instant, the Grade-A charged at Leonic
his sword ready to strike. Just as he swung his sword horizontally at Leonic, she jumped up immensely
high, right over her opponent. She then turned around to deliver a strike to the head. Devlin reacted
immediately and moved his sword to block it. Now face to face again, the two glared at each other for
a brief instant before Leonic moved in the offense again. She swiftly let herself drop to the floor, sliding
under her opponent. As she slid under the Grade-A, she grabbed his hips from both sides, and used
the connection point to revolve herself, kicking the guy in the back of the head. The surprised Devlin
flew forward, but immediately reacted and stuck his sword in the ground, performing a forward tumbling
move in mid-air and safely landing some distance away from Leonic. Calmly, he turned around to face
her again. “That was an impressive move, young lady,” he said. He smiled. “But would you care not to
be groping my behind next time?” Leonic turned red. “I DID NOT...!” Flustered, she failed to realize
the battle was still going on, and couldn’t react as the Grade-A, now moving in for another charge,
knocked her aside. He crashed to the floor. “Don’t let your guard down, chick,” he said smugly. “Same
goes to you!” Leonic yelled, as she had swiftly moved behind her opponent as he’d said that, and
struck the back of his head once more. However, the Grade-A stood sturdy, and turned around, swinging
the sword at Leonic. Leonic didn’t have the time to jump, so she was forced to let herself fall back onto
the ground. Now defenseless on the floor, she laid there as Devlin proceeded to swing down his
weapon onto her. She quickly moved in the only way possible, rolling aside to dodge the move. However,
Devlin immediately followed up by moving his sword to the side, hitting her with the flat side of the
blade as she rolled. “You underestimated me, girl...”