Hey guys! Here is Part 3 of the Codename series!
The first chapter is more of a filler leading into the main plot, so it's fairly short.
Enjoy, and as normal writers say, read and review!
EDIT: Totally forgot, if you haven't already, read:
-Codename - Part 1: Rising
-Codename - Part 2: When the great fall
o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0.
Ange's pissed. This'll be good.
Ange, Max IS Suicidal!!!!
JK did nothing.
You guys went to his domain and assulted him! He defended himself.......
... and they got him killed! Well.... Kinda....
Drake shuddered. And it wasn’t just because it was cold. And desolate. And lonely. And empty. And…dangerous.
Ange didn’t even bat an eyelid when she passed through the one-way gate to the Gauntlet. They had only survived last time because Max was there to pull them out of the fire, literally.
But with him gone, and Ange being…reclusive and aggressive, truth be told, he wasn’t sure how this was going to turn out.
Enzer was as silent as his leader. Whatever opposed him in this arena, he’d more than happily help in lobbing off its head. Feeling emotion was never his strong point, normally he’d just smash everything in his way. And with Ange doing what he usually did…
He wasn’t about to miss out on the action.
* * *
If Ange was puzzled, she showed no sign of it.
They were approaching the third stage of the arena, and so far, there had been no resistance. None whatsoever.
The moment she stood on the Party button prior to this moment, the gate opposite opened. No fight. No monsters appearing, ready to slash them to bits. Nothing.
Drake however, was shaking with the tension. What was going on? Were they waiting to ambush them? An all-out strike when they’d least expect it? He didn’t particularly want to find out.
Enzer was coping better. On edge, he definitely was. Distressed, less so.
Ange just continued on her way. If anyone tried to oppose her, it would die. If no-one came…
So be it.
* * *
“What are we waiting for!?” A gremlin hissed to the massive assortment of monsters assembled under the Gauntlet. “Why have you not attacked yet!”
“Well!?” He demanded as his initial speech brought nothing but silence.
A Tenderfoot Mender peeked out from behind a Mecha knight. “…Monomi…Monomi has forbidden it…” he said shakily.
The gremlin was taken aback. “WHAT!? You heed the words of a pacifist, instead of letting hell upon these creatures that dare enter our domain!?”
Before the Tenderfoot could reply, a much more reserved voice spoke.
“Calm yourself Akelendon. This is a battle best not fought.” The voice was level and even, and the gremlin hissed as the speaker same into view.
“My name is Exel.” He spat. “And what gives a Lovepuppy the right to dictate which battles may or may not be fought?”
Monomi raised an eyebrow. “You forget whom you speak to. Speaking modestly, I am a the Lovepuppy.” She sighed. “Normally, you would be right. As a pacifist, matters of war and battle are beyond my field.”
Her gaze quickly hardened before Exel could celebrate. “But. There is something about confronting this enemy that doesconcern me.”
“Oh, and what could that possibly be? What could possibly concern a matchmaker in a matter of battle?” Exel’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
Monomi’s eyes glazed over as she gazed dreamily, but with a slight frown, into thin air.
“…She is…a knight…Who has had her heart broken. She yearns for a friend she has lost, and walks his path in a vain hope of seeing him again, else seek vengeance in his name. A heartbroken knight, fighting to avenge the one she loves. That is what concerns me.”
Excel spat. “I will not sit here because some machine decided to dictate a battle because of something as petty as love.” He stormed out, calling over his shoulder, as heads turned to listen to what he had to say.
“Come my brothers, machines and creatures alike! Let us show these knights that they must fear us, they WILL fear us, because we do not CARE about the trivial matters that may burden them!”
He continued yelling his rally call as Monomi sighed, shaking her head. “He will never learn…”
* * *
Ange looked around. She remembered this room well. It was where Max first proved to them what power he commanded.
The Gauntlet was known everywhere as a deathtrap for all who entered. Even veteran Knights, fully prepared, had to steel their nerves before entering.
Max followed them in, and was the first to fall. But in a freak accident, he got back up, but with critical levels left in his energy field.
Despite his handicap, Max soloed the Gauntlet, relentlessly tearing through the masses of enemies without taking a single hit.
The slaughter left the place with scars. The room was charred, explosions had torn fresh holes in the ground. There were scratch marks, blast residue, and broken rocks.
At the time, the difference wasn’t all that noticeable.
Looking at it now, Ange vaguely wondered how she could have missed the extra carnage that had taken place in this room, seeing as how Max had survived it, and easily too.
He appeared every bit as godlike as it would to anyone who heard that story.
The button fell with a heavy *clunk* as Ange and her party stepped onto it, and Drake started with a high-pitch “eep!” as for the first time since they entered the gauntlet, monsters appeared.
“ONWARD!” Exel roared! “Let us show these…” He turned around to address his army, before realising that he was the only one there.
He was stunned. Did they really hold the words of Monomi in such a high regard? Was this not a battle, and should be fought as such?
He was brought back to his senses as his ears registered a mumbling from behind him.
Turning around, he froze with fear as he saw two slitted eyes glaring at him, cold and unforgiving. He gulped as he realised that her, he assumed this knight was a ‘her’, sword wasn’t at his throat, realizing with a sinking feeling that she may do something far, far worse…
The murmur repeated itself, and he blinked. “…Um…what?” He asked sheepishly.
Ange growled and hoisted him up by the collar, making him squeak in terror.
“…I SAID, you’re in my way.” Ange hissed at his face, before dropping him to the ground.
Exel sat there, stunned for a moment. With a quick, fleeting apology, he raced to the end of the Arena and jumped off the edge, back to safety.
Ange sighed, and continued on her path, her companions keeping their distance, they themselves shocked at bother her coldness and mercy.
* * *
Exel breathed heavily; his heart was racing after that terrifying encounter. He was SURE he was going to die.
Hearing a grinding of gears, he looked away as Monomi wheeled up to him.
“…I know…I know… I was lucky to get away with my life, right?” He breathed, waiting for the inevitable ‘I told you so’s.
“…No.” Monomi replied.
Exel started. “Excuse me?”
“You were lucky she didn’t run you through, dismember you by ripping you limb from limb, maiming each part, burning you as she dragged your remains across the ground while you were still conscious then going after your family based on the picture you keep in your pocket.” Momomi continued, with barely a hint of a smile.
Exel paled, his hand instinctively dropping to the pocket where the picture of his parents and sister was kept, before bolting in the opposite direction.
Monomi giggled, before her smile faded into a frown.
“…I don’t know who you are knight,” She said, gazing upwards as she imagined her, walking tall as she continued on her silent quest for vengeance. “but surely you know that a path of destruction leads only to destruction? Undoubtedly, your friend gave up his life for your safety. So why...”
She closed her eyes. “Why do you insist on invalidating his sacrifice by giving yourself what he tried so hard to keep away from you?”
“May the Core guide your steps, vengeful warrior. Godspeed, and good luck.” Monomi said as she saw Ange descend down the lift.
“…You’re going to need it.”
Why didn't they disable Monomi for the spare parts so long ago? Need backstooorrryyyyyy.
Great chapter, good to see Ange not stick Lady through every clockworks inhabitant.
Spare parts? Wut?
Anyway, Monomi is supposed to be like the 'Legendary Lovepuppy' of sorts. So she's VERY well respected.
That's why we have a statue of her in Haven. Even if we didn't know why.
However, my idea is based on the fact that she takes the form of a Gun Puppy and is the creature in the core. The swarm is the opposite of everything she does. She is represented as a Goddess.
Deeeeeerp.
Atrum buddy, I think you've spent a LITTLE too much time with love puppies.
That its taking me so long. My new math's teacher's a homework happy one.
I'll try get it up soon.
FINALLY.
No, Chapter 3 is not out yet.
BUT. I have the weekend to work on it, having a possible opening from my homework to be able to continue the half-complete chapter. All my past spare time has gone into creating Sacrifice for Xairathan's contest. Now that it's complete, I can focus back on completing the Codename chapters.
Expect a chapter in the next few days. If I fail that, then hunt me down with an angry mob.
Sorry I've left this hanging for so long, but I've really been pushing time, even to write Sacrifice. I've been pulling late-nighters for the past week and was once so moody I forgot to eat for the whole day after eating the equivalent of one slice of bread for breakfast at 7:50AM. The next I ate was dinner at 7PM.
Now that I have a little time, Chapter 3 should be coming sometime in the next few days. Please bear with me, and thank you for your patience.
Although to be honest, most of you probably forgot about this story. ><
Amuse yourselves with Sacrifice in the meantime if you want, but just a warning: If you have a weak spot for tragedy, or broke down when Max died in Codename Part 2, Sacrifice is going to be a rough ride for you.
Though it was rushed. It's quality may falter in sections.
I thought psycho had updated and you commented.....
Atrum, I am disappoint.
There have been more delays, but I'm working on it now.
Parents mostly, they insist on me watching this particular documentary every single night. I have enough time to START something after dinner, before they call me over to watch for an hour, START again, then have to go to sleep or get yelled at.
Really REALLY sorry, but fortunately for me, my usually-homework-happy maths teacher is giving us a free revision weekend! And my other teaches gave me next to no homework!
Family conditions permitting, there should be a chapter this weekend.
Really, really so sorry!
I understand.
*Puts knife behind my back*
I really understand.
ooh! Whatzzat?!?!
*Plucks Atrums knife from behind back*
ooooo! This looks tasty! *Is about to eat the knife*
Aw, what am i thinking. This is atrums, it doesnt belong to me!
Would u like a tasty snack atwum?
*Shoves knife down atrums throat.
I lost track of your story!
*Pokes Atgatg's eyes out, then blugeons her to death with a BAB(it explodes as I hit her)
Isis told me 3 of the character's names in my story are somewhat similar to yours, and the last one is EXACTLY THE SAME.
Ok....here we go.
Ender=Enzer
Angie=Ange
Max=Max
See? Isis IS right. Please don't say hurtful things to me for that.
Interesting co-incidence.
I didn't steal the names from your fic if that's what you're thinking, I don't think I've read yours yet.
But I don't think you took them from mine if that's what you're worrying about either, so chill.
If you're gonna search for it, Type "Clockwork Catastrophe." It has music, but most of it is from Final Fantasy VIII. I don't know why I'm addicted to it. Anyway, I update every day, because of the time I get to enjoy the computer. Also, for the part 2 song when Max was fighting Vanaduke, you could have used Eyes on Me from FFVIII, But that's just my opinion. Anyway. Gonna check it Psycho? If Searching is too time-consuming, I could send you a insta-link :)
I'll check it out, but later. I gotta get Chapter 3 out, it's been too long a wait already.
Ok. Get That out, and check mine out. I plan on making it very sad and cold at the end....you'll know after 6 Days. Chapters 10-14 will be VERY SAD. But 15....NO SPOILER THERE, I'M LETTING YOU FIND OUT 11 DAYS LATER!
It parells the ending of Final Fantasy VIII.
Now I'm triple dissapoint....
Not only did I think Psycho made a chapter, but I also am now apprehensive towards the end of Clockwork Catastrophe. I was also hoping for Atgatg to kill Atru- wait what? *Whistles innocently* <_<
Triple Disappoint? nope.avi There WILL be a sequel to clockwork catastrophe. And something that happened to the max in this story *will* happen to Ender....but he finds his way out. How? Wait for it.
Don't worry Isis, unless something drastic happens, like my laptop blows up, the next chapter should be out soon. I passed the halfway mark as well as the boring filler bit. I'm running on full-on pre-thought ideas now.
Lets ROCK!
ETA tonight or tomorrow, I'm nearly done.
Again, sorry for the wait.
FYI, that's based on my timezone. It's 10PM here.
Ange looked up at her destination. At last, after fighting her way through the clockworks on her path of vengeance, she had arrived.
Before her stood the Royal Jelly Palace, very much unchanged since they last saw it. Still the spires stood tall, and still the cold wind whistled between the stone.
They were not welcome here.
Ange strode through the gates, her mind set on one thing. She was intent on making this castle the Jelly King’s resting place.
‘Rest’ being a severe euphemism to what she REALLY intended.
Drake glanced at Enzer, who just shook his head slightly. If they ever planned to snap her out of her silent rage, now was too late.
They entered the main courtyard, and for the first time, witnessed the damage Max had caused.
When they were last here, they were too busy trying to stop Max from dying to notice the state of the courtyard. Chunks from the stone walls had been strewn all over the floor, there were spikes lodged into the floor and walls. There were pools of gelatinous slime scattered all over the place, but most noticeable was the giant crater in the centre of the room.
She had memories of the crater. None of which were good.
In her current state, the memories came in fragments. A single knight. A horde of jellies. The knight danced, his sword bringing death. A purple eye. A burning bullet. A vortex. An explosion. Then sadness; The knight, broken on the floor.
She caved.
“Hnng…” She ran into the courtyard, Lady Grey at the ready. “ROYAL JELLY! Get your slimy butt out here!” She yelled, her voice echoing off the walls.
“Do you hear me? You killed a friend of mine, a friend with little self-worth, who cared for others more then he ever cared for himself!”
She pointed her sword toward the gates. “I swear, I will make you PAY for what you did to him-for what you made him go through!”
Drake and Enzer exchanged glances. Their expressions said it all: ohboy. She mad.
Ange was breathing hard, her chest heaving from yelling so loudly. Or was it maybe because she was sad? Upset?
She shook her head angrily. “If you don’t get out here right now, I swear I will go in there myself and TEAR YOU TO SHREDS.”
She was alerted to activity behind her by a muffled “Mmmph!” Spinning around, she saw Enzer being dragged away by some jelly cubes, a Mini Royal stuck in his mouth to prevent speech. Drake was freaking out and pelting everything with bullets.
But her attention wasn’t on them. Just beyond her friends, the Sovereign Slime slithered towards her, it’s every move seeming to mock her; the way it swaggered into the room, casually surrounded by its minions…
She clenched her fist around her sword. She had HAD it with this slob.
Before anyone could move another inch, Ange had disappeared from her standing spot and reappeared; right on top of the Jelly King.
“You will die.” She hissed, her voice dripping with venom as she plunged her blade deep into the gelatinous mass.
“And this time…” She braced her legs on either side of her sword, pulling it up and out in a savage tear, leaping back in the same movement and back-skidding to a halt.
“You better staydead.”
She let loose a quick charge attack, the dark energy explosions tearing across the ground, spraying jellies in all directions.
Running through the chaos, she darted back towards the giant slime, her eye’s little more than slits that showed her focus.
Her opponent quivered for a moment, a wave of smaller jellies rushing to his aid; creating a wall between Agne and him.
Ange held her sword in a double handed grip as she continued to rush towards the wall, drawing it back. “…You won’t stop me…” she muttered.
*BOOM!* Her sword impacted, demolishing the wall, as she flew through, gouging a deep trench through the side on the slimy sovereign as she passed it in her attack.
“…None of you will…” She spun around, ready for her next attack, with Lady Grey humming as if in agreement.
* * *
“Enzer, get up.” Drake said as he reloaded his gun.
Enzer groaned as he rose to his feet, the ground around him smoking with Drake’s recent assault on the jellies.
Drake looked over to Ange. “…She’s in fight mode now, what we do or what happens to us won’t matter to her. We need to make sure she completes what she set out to achieve, or there may be trouble.”
Before Enzer could protest, Drake continued: “Mini Royals will be coming from there, there and there” he said, pointing to different areas of the room. “You’ll need to repel them with your heavy attacks. Don’t focus on damage, focus more on knocking them back. I’ll be…”
“Waitaminute,” Enzer cut in. “Who died and made YOU leader?”
Drake glared at him for a moment before responding. “Max did, since Ange is in no state to lead us, and I seem to be the only one even thinking at the moment.”
Enzer raised his sword arm to object, making Drake burst out in anger.
“I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!!!” He yelled, making Enzer jump. He pointed to the still fighting Ange with his gun. “If we don’t get out there and help her NOW, SHE may die just like MAX did, then we would be REALLY screwed seeing as our COMBINED skill isn’t even HALF what their was!”
Drake turned around, making sure his gun was loaded. “Do what you want, but I’m going to do what I need to. Play hero all you want Enzer, but I’m not going to let another friend die because I couldn’t do ANYTHING.”
Drake ran off, leaving Enzer standing there awkwardly. He lowered his hand. As much as he hated to admit it, Drake had a point.
Enzer pulled his sword up, re-affirming his grip. Drake needed his help; he wasn’t going to let another friend die today either.
* * *
Ange backflipped to avoid a straight-forward attack by some jellies. Slamming her sword down as she landed, she sent dark shockwaves across the floor, tearing into the masses.
She didn’t notice the mini royals that had snuck up behind her until they slammed her in the back, causing her to stumble into a polyp spike which just grazed the top of her helmet.
She gritted her teeth in frustration. Max made it look so easy, even if he was draining all of his energy. She could probably match his strength and speed, so why wasn’t this fight going her way?
Looking at her opponent, he barely looked phazed. Those mini slimes that surrounded him kept healing him before she could damage him again.
She growled. She was not going to let this end in his favour. She was going to destroy him, whatever it took.
She charged forward again, slashing through the jellies that barred her path, carving a path right through the masses towards her enemy.
Before she could even reach him, the Jelly King lurched forward, smashing her head on with a heavy tackle, sending her flying back.
Ange skidded across the ground, but recovered quickly by jumping back to her feet before she hit something. Unfazed, she ran back into the fray, cutting, slashing and smashing everything that opposed her.
Switching her sword into a backhand grip, she tore past the Jelly King, putting all her weight into a heavy slice that dug deep into said creature’s flesh. Spinning back, she used her momentum to deal another heavy blow in the form of a backhand cut that shaved off the corner of his body.
The Jelly King quivered angrily before swinging into another tackle, sending Ange flying back yet again.
She fetched up heavily against the wall. With a groan, she tried to get back on her feet, only to have a glob of slime land on her squarely on her chest, driving all the air from her lungs.
She could barely breathe, her chest felt like it was compressing itself, and she had no strength left in her arms to even move them.
“…No…Get…Get…up…!” She groaned, straining to move her arms, to no avail. “Can’t…won’t…let it…end. Move…”
Slowly, darkness filled her vision as she blacked out.
* * *
Ange opened her eyes.
Oddly, she didn’t feel anything anymore. Checking herself, she noted that her body was still there.
“Where…where am I?” She said aloud, speaking into the empty whiteness that was her new surroundings.
She thought back. “…I was fighting the jelly King, then I blacked out.”
She felt no pain, no physical stress; nothing.
She looked around cautiously. Something wasn’t right, it couldn’t be right. Was she dead?
“…Ange, what are you doing?” A familiar voice spoke, shaking her from her thoughts.
“Who…?” Ange spun around, only to see Max walking towards her, a frown on his face.
He was exactly as she remembered him: the same old Spiral Culet, the same old Wolver Cap, down to the scar across his right cheek.
It was a dream. It had to be; Max was dead.
So she wasn’t all too surprised.
“What do you think I’m doing?” She replied coldly, deepening Max’s frown.
“No, I mean, what do you think you’re doing? Why are you doing this?” He shot back.
Ange shrugged. “You tell me. You left us with nowhere to go, after you were taken from us. What else was I supposed to do but avenge your death?”
Max sighed. “Ange, you’re smarter than that.”
Ange glared at him. “What did you say?” She growled.
“You’re smarter than that. This.” He replied in a softer tone. “Ange, I lost my life- sacrificed it to protect you and your friends. Do you really think you’re making good on my sacrifice by putting yourselves back in the line of fire?”
Ange was taken aback slightly. “…I…”
“What was the last thing I told you before I went into battle? What did I say about the paths we walk?” He pressed.
She blinked. How could she forget that? Of all things…how?
She hung her head in shame as she quoted it. “A path of destruction leads only to destruction.”
Max nodded. “Ange, by trying to avenge my death, you’re only bringing yourself and all who know you more pain.”
He waved his hand, making a screen in the air. “Look here Ange.”
Ange complied, looking at the images playing across the screen.
Drake was there, blasting away with his Shadowtech, his face contorted by his focus. A polyp fired a spike behind him, the projectile whizzing to meet with his head.
He spun around, pumping the trigger, vaporising the offending projectile before it could get close. Whipping out his Prismatech, he blew another jelly into oblivion without even glancing at it.
Behind him, Enzer was working furiously to keep the jellies away from Ange’s body after he had hacked away the excess slime. One heavy sweeping strike after the other, he blew away anything that tried to get to her.
Ange looked on in shocked silence, as Max waved his hand again.
“Let’s see what was going on before.” He said quietly.
* * *
The scenes started again in the time before Ange fell. Drake was jumping off jellies, dark bullets flying in all directions to specific targets.
“Enzer! Get yourself over there! Repel those jellies before they can get to Ange!” he barked.
Enzer lumbered over there, using his shield to bump away whatever got in his way.
“I’m trying, but there’s too many!” he yelled back.
“Never mind! Just push back as many as you can! Ange can handle what you miss!” Drake yelled.
His eyes widened. “Wait, watch out!” Drake brought his Shadowtech to bear and released a few shots towards Ange, each bullet intercepting another Polyp spike heading her way.
“Argh!” Enzer roared as he smashed his blade into the ground, scattering the small slimes. “There are just too many Drake! We gotta pull…”
“The jellies won’t listen, TO YOUR WHINING!” Drake roared back, startling Enzer. “Neither will Ange in the mood she’s in, so shut up and fight!”
As tough as Enzer was, and considering who Drake was and what he was normally like, he had to admit, even he didn’t feel like arguing with Drake now.
* * *
Ange buried her face in her hands as Max closed down the screen.
Max walked closer to her, laying a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“…Ange, you say you’re fighting for me, and I’m flattered you would do that, considering you barely knew me.” He said softly, making her look up.
Max continued. “But you need to understand, you have other friends too. People you’ve known for longer, fighting to keep you safe from a danger you put yourself and them in. People you abandoned, for someone you barely knew.”
“But…I…” Ange stammered.
“Take Drake. He’s thinking: ‘Ange doesn’t care about us at the moment. I doubt she even cares what we’re putting ourselves through for her. All she cares about is avenging Max, and we could all burn and die while she focuses on that.” Max said bluntly.
Ange was tearing up. She felt horrible.
“But.” Max added. “He knows that despite that, you’re still his friend. And he’s going to protect you as best as he can. He’ll do what he needs to help, because all he wants if for you to come back safely.”
He looked at Ange, who had fallen to her knees in tears. He knelt down beside her.
“…Ange, if you’re going to fight, fight for those who care for you Ange, and live on. Never seek vengeance; it’ll only lead you to more pain.”
Ange sniffled as she nodded weakly. Max had sacrificed himself to help them; she was invalidating his sacrifice by trying to avenge him, and put her friends in danger in the process.
She had failed as both a leader and a friend.
Max sighed and stood up. “Well, sitting here isn’t going to solve your problems Ange. Remember: fight to protect those who care.”
He looked down at her. “…On your feet.”
Ange looked up at him through her tears. “…What?” she said weakly.
“I said…” Max drew in a deep breath.
“ON YOUR FEET ANGE!”
* * *
Ange’s eyes snapped open as she re-awoke on the battlefield.
She looked around at the new developments. Enzer was sprawled out on the floor just ahead of her, drained of his energy, and Drake was struggling to keep up his defence.
You listening Ange? Max’s voice spoke in her ear, making her jump. I’ll be giving you instructions as you fight, so listen up and don’t fall behind.
First, there’s not much you can do for Drake, you’ll have your hands tied enough with this fight. Max added.
Ange looked toward the Jelly king. He’s your main target, but keep an eye out for other hazards. You can’t just rely on your sight. Sound, feel and gut senses help a lot.
Ange heard the squishy *swish* of a polyp spike being flung her way. Duck, then counter. Ange dodgerolled to the side, then sent a charge attack in the direction of the spike, tearing the polyp apart.
Nice, now jump left. Ange started, unsure of the sudden, random instruction.
Her hesitation ended with another polyp spike impacting heavily on her shoulder, dropping her to the ground.
On your toes Ange! Pay attention! The voice snapped. You can’t afford to stay still in a battle! Stay sharp!
Ange gritted her teeth and stood up. Alright, duck. Ange ducked, a jelly blob sailed over her head.
Dart forward. Ange complied, dashing straight towards the crowd. Backstep. Ange narrowly avoided an upspike. Leap forward, downcut. Ange jumped up, bringing her sword down for a heavy downcut that carved deep into the Jelly King.
Backslash. Ange spun around, her sword cleaving another jelly cube in two before it reached her. Shield Ange shielded as the Jelly King tackled her again, his attack bouncing harmlessly off her shield.
Counter. Ange blasted him back with a charge attack, the explosions tearing chunks off him. However, the Mini royals moved in quickly, healing the damage.
You wanna win this, you gotta do this fast. Go! Ange darted forward again, Lady Grey flicking out for an irritating nick in his side, before she jumped over his attack, landing on his head.
Deal some damage, then get out. Ange dug her sword deep into the jelly, then keeping her blade in there, slid down the side, leaving a deep cut in her wake.
Good, now stay focused Ange, you can’t afford to slip up now. Ange blew away more jellies with another charge attack, but an upspike nailed her in the leg. She knelt over to one side in pain.
C’mon Ange! You can take it! Focus! Ange grimaced and rose back to her feet. She needed to move faster, she couldn’t keep up with all her opponents.
Ange dashed forward and swung Lady Grey in a backhand uppercut, a dark wave of energy splitting the crowd ahead of her and slicing a side of the Royal Jelly clean off.
Upping your energy output is a risky move. If you’re going to do it, you better make every drop count. Max warned her.
Ange leapt back and slammed her sword into the ground, the shadow explosions ripping the floor apart as more slimes few everywhere.
Focus on your target Ange! Remember who your target is! Ange darted back to the slimy sovereign, her sword supercharged and burning with dark power as she cycled into a spin-slash, the power and depth dealing some heavy damage as she flew past. Bracing her landing, she bounced back, her sword flicking past for another quick, damaging attack.
But she was too focused, and didn’t notice the polyp spikes before they hammered into her side, causing her to stumble with each impact. A royal mini took the chance to tackle her feet, tripping her up.
C’mon! Spring back! Ange pushed of the ground, her foot stamping on the mini jelly before it could attack again.
Keep your senses open Ange, you can’t afford surprises.
Ange ran back into the battle, only to find her path blocked by a multitude of jelly. It seems they now realized the threat and had upped their defences. She had to get past before they got any more difficult.
Ange stopped, energy building up around Lady Grey as she held it in preparation for a backhand slash.
“…Eat this.” She growled, her face lit up by the purple glow of her sword, then released her charge.
A massive shockwave of dark energy ripped through the crowd, disintegrating wall after wall of slime. It rippled past the Slime king himself, reducing him to about half his size.
Another risky move Ange, you put too much energy into that attack. You’re drained now, so watch your back.
Sure enough, Ange’s legs felt heavy. She was tired, her breaths came out in ragged gasps, and her arms felt stiff.
Looking around, she saw Drake had fallen already. Her chat log was filled with all sorts of cursing and encouragement words from both of them.
She smiled. It was nice having friends who would fight for you, who would put everything on the line for you.
She straightened. All the more she had to protect them.
Maybe this was how Max felt when he pushed his energy limits. If so, how did he manage to go on when his body felt like it was made of lead?
Remember who you’re fighting for Ange. Remember who to protect. Max reminded her. Pain doesn’t matter, so long as you can stop others from feeling it.
Already, more jellies were spawning to take the place of the ones she had killed. She had to act fast.
Running back into battle, and let loose a wide-arcing slash that sliced a neat cut into the Jelly king, following it up with a heavy uppercut, finishing with quick downcut.
Ducking to the side, she evaded a tackle from her opponent, taking the opportunity to cut up the other jellies at her feet.
Watch your other back Ange, the fight’s not over yet.
Spinning back for another backhand slash, she narrowly countered yet another tackle from her large opponent, before driving him back with a series of quick cuts.
She was tired of this. It was time to finish it.
Blow after blow after blow, she kept at him, driving him back with each attack. Forehand, backhand, downcut, backhand uppercut; she was going to finish it. It had to end NOW.
Ange, DON’T FO- The voice in her head started.
A mini royal tackled her foot, causing her to loser her footing, only for her target to regain its composure and hit her head-on with a heavy tackle.
Ange went flying back, her energy field drained before she hit the ground.
If she could move, she would’ve smashed something. She was so close! But now here she wa, too tired to even move, if she had any control of her body to do so.
I’m sorry max, I failed. Ange thought sadly as she shut her eyes to hold back the tears.
It’s alright Ange. You did all you could. I’ll take it from here. Max replied.
Ange started. Wait, what? Was that really Max? Was that really him talking to her this whole time? Impossible! He was dead!
“Dammit!” Enzer swore. Ange was so close, and now he’s recovering! We need to get up NOW!”
“Geez guys, give me a sec will ya? I can’t be everywhere at once.” Max’s voice echoed through the courtyard, startling everyone.
“Max?” Drake seemed to have calmed down since his last outburst. “Is that you?”
Max chuckled. “Yeah, it’s me guys. And guess what?”
“I’m back.”
Suddenly, a massive column of light appeared out of nowhere, seeming to strike the ground with so much force it quaked.
As the light faded, a silhouette became visible. Evidently, it was Max, but something was different…
His armour had changed. Now, it resembled is old armour, except it was metallic silver.
His Wolver Cap had changed to know sport an open visor, his eyes protected only by a panel of glass that kept his helmet sealed. The Helmet held a similar shape, except there were now side vents extending past where the ‘ears’ of the cap used to be. A smooth plate of curved metal lay just under his visor, acting as a mouth-guard.
His armour looked just like a Spiral Culet that had armour plating added over it. His shins were now protected by sleek metal boots of a sort, providing light but protective coverage. More armour covered his forearms in a fashion that resembled heavy gloves, except his hands had light protection, leaving them open for more complete manipulation.
Thick patches or metal acted as a breastplate, the coverage confined to the upper torso and extending part-way down his back, where the energy symbol glowed brightly amongst several vents.
As the light faded, Max’s eyes lit up, as well as some patterns along his armour that seemed like simple circuitry, thick blue lines linking his arms, legs and helmet.
The slimes, after recovering from their initial shock, reared back for another attack at the newcomer.
Max flexed his fingers experimentally. In a moment, they glowed brightly, the light reforming into another shape before settling.
A new message beeped on Ange’s Status uplink. She blinked. She thought she had turned that off ages ago.
[Prominence Cannon Online]
The Prominence Cannon occupied half of Max’s forearms as well as where his hand would be. Near the back, blue tanks of energy glowed, with trails of it running towards the front barrel. Just below the main barrel, another energy tank glowed brightly, visible only from the front and underside. The whole thing was fairly even and square in size and shape, except for where it narrowed off at the end towards the barrel, that area outlined by metal bars.
Max levelled his cannon at the oncoming mass, their size focused toward the centre as they prepared to attack him head-on as a group.
[Prominence Cannon gathering energy…Charging.]
Energy gathered at the cannon’s tip, Max’s arm shaking as the energy continued to build up, as the enemy wave drew ever closer…
[…Fire.]
A solid beam of energy erupted from the Prominence Cannon, impacting on the crowd of concentrated slime, before slowly burning it away as the beam continued to feed the attack; the Jelly king and his minions reduced to dust as Max’s attack finally faded.
They all sat there, dumbstruck as Max straightened and returned his hand back to normal.
There was a deep *dong* as all of their energy refilled itself after Max waved a hand.
“How…?” Ange started as she rose to her feet, but Max cut her off.
“I’d love to catch up guys, but that’s time we don’t have. We need to get going.” Max walked towards the exit, beckoning for them to follow.
“We have a mission to complete.”
FINALLY uploaded the next chapter.
Read it before you read this just in case, because I'll just spoil the story with extra info.
People who don't like resurrections: Max 'died' and came back for a reason. More so obvious in future stories, none of which are coming out any time soon.
Prominence Cannon: Hax? Yes. In need of nerf? No. More details will be released later as to why.
I'll try and show some simple drawings of the look I'm aiming for the Cannon later, but I can't do the armour, it's too complex for my simple drawing ability.
Q&A as always is open, but I reserve the right not to answer specific questions. Chances are, the details you're looking for will be released in future chapters.
Go read Clockwork Catastrophe, a Novel by me. ! MAX WAS RESURRECTED?! Naaooooooooooooooooo! I was gonna use some sort of event for Clockwork Catastrophe that involved what happens inside the core. Plus, Ender finds max. Oh well.
So...Max has cobalt blue eyes and a overpowered cannon that can turn royal jelly to a puddle...*cough*black rock shooter*cough* so the mission they will go on is to find and kill Vanaduke at firestorm citadel(just guessing:).
You gave him cannons. You gave him freaking cannons.
Was he not op enough?
Idiot.... What do you know you tiny red-eyed FREAK?!?!?
Get that tongue back into your mouth you slob!
Like I said, the Prominence Cannon is only OP at this stage due to circumstances I will explain in later chapters.
It really isn't all THAT powerful, it's just a good gun.
And it's a cannon. Singular.
BTW, that's not all he's gonna get ;)
And his eyes are only blue at this stage because he just reformed, therefore his abilities are in there more 'true' state. They'll revert back to green later, although I'm not sure whether or not I should make the energy trails across his armour/helm conform with his personal colour.
EDIT: Also, if anyone noticed how it seemed to dull a little near the end of the chapter, yeah, apologies for that, was like 12:30AM when I finished that.
Read my fanfic yet? Also....It's getting closer to the tragic event.
Finally finished my fanfic. Part 2 comin soon!
Not yet, I'll tell you when I do, so don't worry.
You could do that for backstory of HOW he returned in Part 3.
May I do sketches of the Knights featured in you story?
Artists impressions are welcome, although tbh, a fiend of mine is working on them too, so you have some competition XD
@Phantomhamachi I'm not sure if you heard, waybackwhen there was a comment-fest between chapters, but I already have the storyline more or less figured out. The only things missing are fillers inbetween the major scenes.
So don't worry, of course there'll be an explanation of how Max returned. I did it with the Snarby thing, didn't I?
I originally was gonna put that post on my story, so I erased the last part.
The familiar tap-tap-tapping of armoured feet walking on the cold, hard floor rung through the clockworks once more, but this time, with a difference.
Ange walked in the lead, silent on her solitary rampage through the clockworks.
‘Silent’ being the keyword.
Enzer and Drake kept their distance behind her, occasionally glancing at their leader in worry.
“…Would you be annoyed if I said that this is really worrying me, because she never acts like this, and this time is because of some random we met who died?”
Enzer scowled and knocked Drake over the head. “I mad because you called Max a random, and that if Ange is this serious about his death, he meant something more than just ‘a random’ to her, so therefore you just questioned her judgement.”
“ And you’ve been saying that since we got here.” He added.
Drake rubbed his head and sighed. “But seriously, look at her; She barely cares about anything anymore. Destruction was never her thing, but now she welcomes it like an old friend.”
Enzer snorted. “You sound like Max.”
“With good reason.” Drake mumbled.
Just ahead, three mecha knights ran up to meet Ange, the latter not even reacting to their presence until they had reached her.
The first was decapitated before it could even raise its sword. The second’s chest was torn open by a backhand uppercut. Ange ducked under the slash of a third and drove lady Grey up through it’s head, before violently ripping it off and swinging it to the side, dashing it to pieces as it left her sword and smashed into the wall.
All without missing a step.
Or making a sound. Not a peep could be heard from her, not since they got here anyway.
Similar carnage had occurred in previous stages, with Ange silently slaughtering everything that dared try to attack her. Mercy was not an option.
Enzer sighed. “This isn’t right. Ange is freaking out over the death of a single person. Fine. But she’s taking this WAY overboard. She isn’t just trying to finish off the Jelly king, she’s out for revenge.”
Drake was surprised. “Revenge? How so?”
“Max proved his worth to us back in the Gauntlet, so Ange let him fight the battle against the Royal Jelly alone.” Enzer explained, closing his eyes as he recalled the events.
“But because of the intensity of the battle, it left Max too weak to defend himself properly when that Graviton Vortex malfunctioned, leaving him near death.”
“If that wasn’t enough, Max lost just about all of his memory after recovering.” He continued. “His decision to go back into the clockworks cost him his life, and Ange hasn’t gotten over how he continually sacrificed his well-being to save her, up to the point where it killed him.”
Enzer opened his eyes. “But if you ask me, Ange blames the Jelly King for Max’s death.”
Drake scratched his head in confusion, not really understanding what Enzer was talking about. “…Exsqueezeme?”
“Ange believes Max’s fight with the Jelly king was the crux of his death.” Enzer explained further. “If he had never fought the Jelly King, he would have never lost his memory, so he wouldn’t have tried to regain it from the clockworks, which ultimately lead to his demise.”
“To make it worse, the Jelly King which caused all of this never died. Ange is probably furious that the whole reason Max is where is now was because he tried too hard to kill an opponent who never died.”
“…And you know all this how...?” Drake trailed off.
“Ange being my boss, I try and notice these things.” Enzer said indifferently. “Besides, are you sure it’s me being smart, or just you being dense again?” He added with a light grin.
Drake just lowered his head and mumbled incoherently.
Ange remained silent, her thoughts all on Max.
When she first saw him, she didn’t think much of him. A regular guy in wolver gear joining a party he didn’t seem cut out for. The only thing not normal was his behaviour.
Then, he saved her from a possible death. She didn’t think much of that at first, or when he demolished the Gauntlet on his own. She thought well of his skill, but not much else.
Now, she realises that he just tried to stop them from getting hurt. If he revived them, then they’d probably end up dying again. To save them the pain and trouble, he took it on himself to finish it alone.
Which lead her to the JK fight. Maybe she put too much pressure on him, or maybe he was just stressed at his first failure, but either way, Max pushed himself too far and nearly died as a result.
Even without his memory, Max proved formidable in combat. They had followed his trail of destruction through the clockworks, the only survivors becoming friends of his. He nearly attacked them when he found out they were chasing Zack.
When he learned of her sword, Lady Grey’s, disappearance, she could tell he was seething inside. He had some idea that weapons had a soul of their own, and should therefore be treated with respect.
Alone, he faced off the hordes of the maniac Tinkinzar, pushing himself beyond his limits, forcing his body to endure a mountain of physical stress, not counting the toll it probably took on his mental health to sustain consciousness with injuries that severe.
And yet, even with all the damage he had taken, he insisted on fighting with Vanaduke, the Lord of the Undead, alone. Foolishly, she had doubted his reasons, believing he only wished to fight now.
He proved her so very wrong when he took even more damage on top of the damage he had taken already, just to stop her from getting hit by a slag that caught her off guard. He protected her from other threats, pushing himself again, but not seeming to care much of it.
It was then he challenged the flaming titan to single combat in order to bargain for Ange and her friends’ safety. Despite her protests, he forced her to leave; the challenge was issued. Her staying there would only invalidate the sacrifice he had just made for her safe passage.
He fought hard. There was no doubt about that, Ange knew it was the least he’d do.
But it wasn’t enough. She watched though her status link as he took more and more damage. She knew Max wouldn’t make it, but she didn’t want to believe it. He was Max after all, there was no way he could die.
But he did die. In spite of her hopes, she watched as Max’s lifeless body drifted down towards the Core, his body dissolving into particles of light.
He was dead now. Nothing would change that.
She tightened her fist; her strongest response to anything since his death.
Max had died fighting. He was fighting in hopes of regaining his memory. He lost his memory because of the injuries he sustained when he fought the Jelly king, supposedly defeating him.
He had fought hard that day, draining his physical strength in an all-out assault, to end the Jelly King once and for all, for the people he could call his friends.
All that hard work…and his foe was not dead.
Ange’s grip tightened further as her lavender eyes flashed angrily. She was going to make that slob pay the price. The price of a great friend lost.
And he was going to pay it in blood.
* * *
“…It is almost time…” A light voice echoed throughout the darkness.
“Yes…” a fainter voice agreed.
“We must hurry. You have not quite finished, and your moment draws near.” The first voice urged. “I fear that they may discover our plans if we do not finish in time, and our efforts will be wasted.”
The second voice chuckled lightly. “You worry too much. Our plans will not be discovered any time soon, and even when they are…”
“They’ll be too late to stop it.”
With a hiss, a pair of cobalt blue eyes opened, their light burning through the darkness.