{CONTEST} Accept the Darkness in Ones Heart

[yuureiookami]

Zah-roche has been traveling the land beyond for quite some time now. During his travels he has lost friends and is beginning to understand what it is his dreams signify. The more he has learned about himself the clearer these dreams became.

During his time doing research with a Silverhollow scientist they discovered a way of terraforming, recreating the Earth's environment to the way it was in the past using naturally enhanced soil, only found somewhere in the land beyond. This was done in secret and when the higher-ups of both the Silverhollows and Goldsblooms found out they feared they will begin to lose control of the citizens in the city. So they cooperated and hired a team of assassins to kill all those involved in the experiment. One of these assassins
attempted to assassinate Zah-roche, but led to his father's death instead.

Zah-roche then retreated to the science facility that was supposed to be hidden in order to help the scientists escape. He arrived too late they had already killed all those involved with the experiment except the head; the woman who took Zah-roche in and taught him the science and technology of the Silverhollows. Zah-roche unable to recall this woman's name but he remembers looking into her eyes as she was restrained and the scientist among her lay silently as their blood pours out onto the dull brown tiles. He remembers the tears forming in her eyes, feeling sorry for getting him involved. As the assassins began to attack Zah-roche, he became ferocious defeating two at once. It was unlikely the two would get out alive and as the second wave approached Zah-roche began to defend himself; for if he does die he will go down fighting, taking out as many as he could as long as life remained in his body. The commander finally gave the order for them to stop the pursuit on his life. As his men halted he approached Zah-roche.

"If you want this woman to live you will stop fighting and willingly allow us to perform one last experiment, you as the specimen."

Zah-roche did not wish to see her die and if the experiment, killed him at least he will not have to watch her die. The woman cried out.

"No we should just die here together."

Tears began to flow from her eyes, but Zah-roche could no longer look into them, because he chose to except this final experiment as long as the woman survived. The deal was made and Zah-roche was taken away, but his final glimpse of her was her being touched by this evil man. At that time Zah-roche's eyes began to gleam as he tried to hold back his tears. Zah-roche's eyes fell to the ground feeling disappointed in himself for allowing her to go through such a thing.

Before the mysterious man took her away to a secluded room for his malicious intentions he whispered something in her ear.

"You will do as I say or that man you care so deeply about will either die in this experiment or be used to slaughter the rest of those who stand against the Three Houses."

Her eyes widened as she realized that there were individuals from the Three Houses that have been working together behind the scene manipulating the people in the city. She then looked down and the man turned her towards him and planted a kiss. Signifying her obedience she did not pull away and more tears began to fall.

Zah-roche was locked in a cell that once contained wild animals they used to study the evolution of Hybrids. There he waited for the experiments to start. He sat on a bench staring into a corner of a dark and gloomy cell. He reflects on how he allowed the only woman he cared for to be violated in every way. It becomes the only thing he can think about.

"I should have saved her, even if we both died in the end. I put her in a far worse situation than death."
The prison guards lingered outside Zah-roche's cell, taunting him every chance they got.

"I can't even imagine what the commander is doing with that fine ass woman of yours. Woo wee probably showing her how to be a true woman. She's probably squealing like a dog right now. Man I would do anything to ravish a body like that one; she's filled out everywhere, I can't wait to have my turn. Yah know he wont be around her forever."

Zah-roche was filled with anger and its one of the only times he showed how angry he could get.

"Shut your damn mouth."

"Hehe yeah man I'll eat that thing up and can't no one do a damn thing to stop me hehe."

For hours Zah-roche had to succumb to being helpless, having to listen to the disgusting fantasy of the guards. He realized why his people did not interact with those in the city. These people will do whatever it takes to satisfy their own needs. Unable to sleep Zah-roche is haunted by the things that are most likely happening to her. He refuses to sleep because he would rather suffer from sleep deprivation for nothing is worse than what she is going through right now.

Zah-roche, unaware that morning had came the guards opened his cell and forced him out. The cuffs around Zah-roche's hands seemed undisturbed as if he made no attempt to free himself. The guards began to push him with the hilts of their guns and Zah-roche's eyes never left the floor. As they enter the lab he sees the face of the man who has defiled the woman he loves; Love is the exact word to describe the feelings they shared for one another, it wasn't about bedding with one another for one night, it wasn't about spending every bit of time having fun, it was about the longing to be together forever, wanting to protect each other from their weaknesses, longing to share a life together no matter what hardships come along. With some much work to do and many things to accomplish they were never able to reveal the love they had for one another. As Zah-roche's emotionless face shifted to the people working in the lab he noticed humans, metal men, and hybrids working together. Somehow this malicious organization has been able to cohabit the existence of humans, metal men, and hybrids. But most of all he noticed the face of the one person he was helpless to save. She was being forced to work on the experiment that may end Zah-roche's life.

"Good Mooorning, so the specimen is finally here... Oh not a good morning for you, I'm sorry."

An evil grin appeared on this man's face, but Zah-roche is not focused on him, he is focused on that woman. As he stares at her, she remains unwilling to look at him; either in shame, disapproval, fear, resentment, all appear to be good reasons she can no longer look at him.

"Prepare the sub-tank the binding begins now."

The man finally orders the scientist to perform the procedures. The woman steps behind the tank controls and begins to operate the machine. That man steps in behind her and looks over her shoulder, not even a hair could fit within the space between the two. Zah-roche could now see how this man has dominated her; before she wouldn't allow any man to get that close to her without getting a few words and then a fist to the face.

"Now with no further adue let the show begin."

The guards force Zah-roche to the woman and even then she does not respond to his presence. Zah-roche is now truly ashamed of himself, but he musters up the courage to speak to the person who no longer trusts him.

"I'm sorry, all I wanted..."

The guards pushed him towards the tank as it began to fill with some sort of green liquid.

"All I wanted was a chance for the both of us to get out of here alive."

Zah-roche willingly walks closer to the tank large enough to hold a full grown bear. The man still smiling, the guards waiting for the experiment to start, and the scientist all at work to make sure nothing goes wrong. Zah-roche then stops as the water drains from the tank to allow him to step in. Zah-roche gently looks back at her once more and the scientist begin to uncuff him. He then looks up towards the experiment #000 above the tank and smiles, as if accepting that the fact that he may die; this being their first test.

"My name is Zah-roche, I am a native from beyond the outskirts. Here I stepped into The City of Three Houses, naive to all it holds. But here I met the one woman I have been unable to share my love with, the one person that makes me weak from fear of what will happen as a consequence of my actions. Today you WILL stand there and listen to what I have to say. Here I walk in a weak man, a helpless man, a naive man. I shall do whatever you ask of me for the safety of the one woman I love."

Her eyes begin to widen as if waking up from a bad dream, all life in the room has given Zah-roche their attention. They waited to hear what a man who will most likely die has to say and are satisfied with what they have already heard. Those who are not working are smiling as they watch a man stripped of his pride as he speaks his last words.

"But listen hard and listen close, for if I walk out of this chamber alive and my wishes have not been met, you all will feel my anger, my hatred, my wrath. For I will kill every last one of you, but not before I strip away what you have stripped away from me."

Only the guards begin to wonder about what will happen if what he says comes to pass. That man's face no longer displayed a malicious grin, but an undeniable glare for no one has ever disgraced him or put him in a place of fear his whole life.

Zah-roche then stepped into the chamber to await the procedure about to overtake him. The chamber swooshes closed and the speakers began to echo throughout the chamber. Zah-roche looks around and looks back toward that man, his face now distorted by the green glass that separates them. The man's voice is then carried through the entire chamber as the vibrations can be felt from the speakers.

"Now you will learn what this experiment is all about. First we will begin with the grueling and painful procedure of converting a human's entire skeletal frame into that of a metal man and after that the best part begins. So please survive at least until the second part it is what we are all looking forward too seeing, and that is... That is the binding of one of the most feared beasts in the world, one that even the gods had trouble killing and that is...The soul and spirit of none other than the giant wolf Fenrir. Its not like we are going to resurrect him and physically fuse him with your body. Hmhmhmhm we're going to summon his soul through dark magic and infuse it with a host body. Who knows what will happen after this, will your body become hamburger meat while turning you into a metal man, will your soul be taken over by the giant hound thus being locked away as he gains full control over your body, or will you do what you say will happen and kill us all. No matter what happens you should be glad you maybe the first to be reborn through the use of science and magic."

"I’m...sorry Zah-roche."

She had finally spoke to him as the tank begins to fill with a mysterious liquid. A serene expression emerges on Zah-roche's face.

"Don't worry its my turn to suffer and it'll all be over soon."

That man turns to her and with one quick motion slaps her across the face. Her true nature finally surfaced as she shoved him away.

"You bastard just wait till this is all over and..."

"And what... exactly, the both of your lives are in my hands I'll kill him first and do whatever I want with you."

She turned away and the grueling procedure finally began as saws and drills ripped through Zah-roche's body. His screams were like no other, even as he remained on the edge of death you could sense his will to survive. What seemed to be keeping him alive was the mysterious liquid which rapidly healed him as he was being created into a metal man combined with his longing to share his life with that woman. After hours of this gruesome experiment the procedure of turning him into a metal man were complete. As everyone waited to see a response of life other than his pulse being monitored on the computers they are in awed with how the tank no longer appeared green, but red with all the blood he has lost and the skin, tissue, and muscle that now floats in it's place. One guard was seen hurling at the sight during the procedure, but the woman never turned away. She watched as his body twisted, squinged, and turned until he no longer moved in pain.

"Yeaaaahhhhh!!!"

A great applause and celebration for the next step was about to begin. There have not been to many people who have survived this procedure, at least without sedatives. The tank was then flushed out and Zah-roche's body dropped to the floor of the chamber and rested on his knees as he tries to hold himself up with his forearms. He begins to cough as his body awakes from the painful procedure. Too numb to get up Zah-roche lifts his head and looks toward that man as if trying to taunt him for he has survived what he thought was the worst.

The woman holds her hand to her chest in joy that he has survived what she as well thought was the worst. The man then assured them that the worst has yet to come.

"What you think the worst is over, it's time for you to witness true fear. Don't give him any time to rest start phase two NOW."

"Starting phase 2."

That man turns from the chamber and walks towards the woman now its time. The man begins to touch her in places that should never be touched in public.

"STOP IIIITTTTT!!!"

Zah-roche musters up enough strength to deliver a punch to the glass, but it only cracks. He looks at his metallic hand and is shocked by what he has become.

"You can't break that, it can with stand the raw strength of a 100% metal man. It is now time for you to do as I say you naive little fool."

Wires then emerge from below him gauging out his eyes. Before he could cry out wires from the ceiling pierce into his brain.

"Hahaa ARE YOU READY FOR WHATS NEXT, WELL HERE...IT...ISSSS!!! I have planted a chip into your brain which will allow me to control your every movement and every thought, lucky for you I wont activate until you have fully merged with Fenrir's soul."

"You..cant...do this."

The woman was being molested in front of him. Zah-roche's anger began to rise, all he could hear was her soft voice as the man touched her.

"Rrragghhh...rraaaggghhh...I will...RRRAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH I WILL KILL YOOOOOOUUUU!!!"

A shock ripples through the chamber putting Zah-roche in place for the chair that emerged from beneath him. The automated system strapped him to it and the dark mages casted their summoning spell. An alchemic circle appeared beneath him and a faint image of a horrific wolf appeared to illuminate within the chamber. It begins to speak with a grueling and deep growling voice.

"I am Fenrir raised by the gods and betrayed by my master I shall seek my revenge even if it takes all eternity."

"Fenrir please we offer you a new vessel, that which is the best we humans can offer; a human body enhanced by science that is capable of using your monstrous strength."

"Human? I despise all humans. You take the form of the gods that restrained me for fear of what I might do in the future, but it was their actions that led me to do what the prophesized."

"Well I'm sorry to hear that Fenrir but you have no other option. Like the gods we will bind you to the Earth by merging your soul with the soul of a man also bound by our power. Start the fusion now."

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH."

The pain Zah-roche felt was far worse than the transformation into a metal man. All the darkness and all the hatred felt by Fenrir is now burrowing into Zah-roche’s soul; burning through his metallic bones, burning to his heart as it is being consumed by the evil within the beast, and the blood in him flowing like a volcano.

The man moves away from the woman and watches this master plan in action. He begins to reflect on the person who has made all this happen, how his theory of merging demons into the minds of metal men surpassing all human limitations.

Fenrir's strength begins to overwhelm Zah-roche and his body begins to fail. The restraints began to brake. His body no longer twitching from pain. His vital signs began to weaken and eventually stopped. He laid frozen on the piled remains of the chair he sat on. His hands fell open and his eyes remained stuck open.

The woman stood motionless as his vitals were falling. Her eyes wide open as she waits for a pulse, but nothing comes.

"You killed him."

She speaks gently in disbelief. And once again she feels the sadness beginning to overwhelm her once more.

"He left me. After all he's done and said... he left me here all alone."

"You are not here alone."

A satisfying grin appeared on that man's face, even though the experiment was a failure.

"That dirty little savage finally died. Even though I hoped he would survive, the chances were slim. Our studies here will benefit further experiments in the future. And you, you will be there beside me. I own you now. You can't even kill yourself, your pride in your research takes far more priority than your love for this insect."

The woman has devoted her life to her research. She became conflicted with how she has lived her life without love and trust of another. From this day she will never think for herself again. Her judgment had led to the greatest tragedy she had ever witnessed. Sadness will fill her heart and she will be haunted by this day for the rest of her life. The scientist began to turn off all the machines as their research comes to a conclusion until only the machine that tracked Zah-roche's vials remained running. His eyes now closed and life seemed to have faded from the chamber.

("So what will you do boy. Will you give up?")

As Zah-roche lied there motionless a voice began to speak to him as he fell into the depths of a deep sleep brought by death.

("It is not the beast of this world that are the demons. It is the humans and their creations that cause all the conflicts that have existed in this world. They wish to satisfy their selfish needs at the cost of even their own kind. They are the demons that plague this world. Will you become their next victim, will you be erased from existence, or will you become just a number of billions of people who have been killed because of the greed of the human race?")

Zah-roche began to drown in his own darkness that lied deep within his subconscious. Their he lied in conflict with himself. What Fenrir suggests is true, the humans have been killing one another for simple greed and lust; but he was raised to forgive, raised to see the best in people, raised to only fight for survival not for revenge or power. That day he had witnessed first hand the depth of the evil deeds humans are capable of. Today he has wished to push aside all that he was taught to seek revenge.



For a moment the darkness began to consume the room as the machines are no longer functioning. Silence fills the air as Zah-roche life comes to an end.

("No Fenrir, I can understand your pain and suffering the reasons that makes you wish humans should be wiped from existence. God made man in his image and you believe with that came dominion of the world. But you must understand, there are many who do not wish to walk this destructive path. They fear those with power that exceed their own. They do not trust one another because many have felt betrayal before. One cannot stand before many, its suicide, but one can influence those to rise and take claim to what is theirs. I have been taught that time and again humans have walk the brink of destruction but managed to change their ways because someone stood firm to their beliefs and others fought along with them for the good of the world. I came to this city in hopes of discovering a way to bring back the life of this ruined planet; and now the one person that has helped me has been forced to the other side. What I know is that humans do not wish to die a meaningless death, they have a need to be remembered. We humans are to blame for what the world has become, but give us a chance and maybe we can right our wrongs once more.")


("The only reason you are alive now is because of my powers and your body and mind have not fully rejected me yet. Like you said no human wants to die a meaningless death and that is the same for those that you call beasts and monsters. We do not wish to be killed for the pleasures of a mere game, we do not wish to live a life of forced into captivity, and we sure do not wish to be hunted cause we have killed a human in order to protect our own. So what will you do now, the woman you love stands before you in the hands of your so called humans, THEY WILL BE THE ONES WHO ABUSE AND HUMILIATE HER, THEY WILL BE THE ONES WHO FORCE THE WORLD INTO TOTAL CHAOS ONCE MORE!!! Are you willing to allow that to happen? I am Fenrisulfr and I shall not die a meaningless death again. I shall take your body and as a gift I shall kill those that lie in front of us.")

As the beast's voice echoed through his mind, Zah-roche made a pledge as well.

("I am Zah-roche, no WE ARE FENRIS-ZAH-ROCHE. IF THE WORLD NEEDS SOMEONE TO STAND FOR THEM IT WILL BE US, I SHALL BARE THE SINS OF THIS WORLD, AND GLADLY BECOME THE VILLAIN OF THIS GENERATION. This will not be for revenge or selfish gain, this will be for the life that will continue on when this is over. Accept me Fenrir let your sins become mine and mines yours, let my heart be yours and yours mine, LET OUR SOULS MERGE TO FORM ONE MIND AND ONE BODY!")

As Zah-roche and Fenrir souls merged together the host body rose from the cold floor and began levitated. As the vital signs appeared on screen the machines burst into pieces. The lights were destroyed and everyone was absorbed by the darkness. The woman shielded herself and the rest stood in awe over the existence of this new entity. Zah-roche's body began to regenerate and he appeared as if he were still human. Sparks began to fly as the machines began to malfunction. The light from the sparks continuously lit the room and darkened it. Everyone watched as they could no longer see Zah-roche until the sparks flew once more. Then there was a long pause where everything was encased in black. No longer were the people who ravaged and destroyed the lab and its inhabitants excited over the experiment, they now feared what would emerge from the chamber. Wires began to spark revealing Zah-roche's lowered head. The man tried to activate his control chip, but it was also destroyed due to the power surge.

"Ahhh our new creation is completed. With this we shall rule supreme as we create more of these mechanized beasts. Obey me, Obey me, and bow to my feet."



The man smiled insanely unaware of how he has no control over this beast.Zah-roche's head began to rise as sparks flickered past his face, the streaks in his hair began to emit a crimson glow, and no one felt more fear until his eyes revealed emitting the same ominous glow.

"RRRRRAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH."

The glass chambered shattered to pieces from Zah-roche's cry. The mages were blown into the wall knocking them unconscious, and the guards, that man, and the woman were all knocked to the floor. There they witnessed the most frightening transformation ever. For Zah-roche's body no longer existed in the chamber, but in its place lied a mechanical hound more than twice his size. You could see the beast breathe its first breath and a mist of steam emitted from his body.

"Aaahahahahahaha, mhmhmhmhmhmh."

The woman began to laugh hysterically.

"It's such a shame, all your hard work has been in vain and now you'll die here. No matter what happens today even if I die, even if I will never be able to carry out another experiment, I will enjoy watching him destroy all that you've built. I have been selfish for too long and if I am a casualty for change I'll gladly accept it."

"Shut up woman I created him."

"Ha you can create what was already there, this new being created itself. We just helped it get there and for that if he wishes to seek revenge on me I have no right to deny him that."

The new beast takes sight on everyone and let out a mechanical howl destroying all the equipment in the lab. Things began to shatter debris was launched everywhere.

"Hooowwwwwllllll... grrrrrrrrr, grrrrrrr, grrrrrr... IT WILL BE US WHO BRING DOWN WRATH UNTO ALL THOSE WHO STAND WITH THE THREE HOUSES.!!!"

A combination of Fenrir and Zah-roche's voice was spoken, declaring its place in the world.

"RArrgh!"

He leapt forward to attack and Zah-roche could not recall anything beyond that point. After the incident Zah-roche awoke chained in shackled on his back to a stone slab. His people stood over him in the ruined plains of the land beyond the city. There he could not remember getting there and he saw his body ripped apart and he could see as it slowly began to heal itself. The new chief of his nomadic tribe, resembled a dear friend of his spoke to him.

"The people of the city have chased you out back to this barren land, there you killed many people. You have betrayed the teachings of our tribe and we shall leave you here for we fear what you will do to the rest of the Earth. It is something we have discussed and everyone agrees, do not seek us out and..."

His voice began to fade as he fell into a deep sleep, but the voice he could here was Fenrir.

"You cannot leave me here, I refuse to be bond again."

By the time Zah-roche awoke there was no telling how much time had passed his body had fully healed and he regained consciousness. It could have taken 1 day, 10 years, or even 100 his mind had been distorted and all he remembered was being in a chamber and waking up there. He had forgotten being merged with Fenrir. He broke free of the bindings and saw a bag that he carried to the city which contained various soils and growth steroids. With this he could recreate the experiments on plants for rapid growth. Until he could remember what has happened to him he will begin his journey of terraforming, eventually leading up to the events of remembering this lost history.

[yuureiookami]

As Zah-roche approached the place where he was shackled, he saw writing on the slab.

(Here once lied the bound soul of Fenrir. For the mass killing performed by this beast, we leave here in hopes that one day the soul Fenrir was bound to would remember what he has done and in hopes find himself a true path to walk. The shackles I'm sure are now destroyed were not created to bind someone in place, but to lock part of the soul that lied here so that they will no longer created chaos in this world.)

The presence that seemed to drive him on a dark path was Fenrir himself. He was trying to break free of the lock placed on their soul. Zah-roche looked to the heaven's and closed his eyes.

"Fenrir I shall remove the lock that keeps us separate, for we are no longer two separate beings, we will forever be one mind and one body. I have found myself and the goal we must accomplish. We must protect all those being oppressed by The Three Houses and destroy those who have allied with them. I will no longer refer to us as you or me, we are I, we are one. Now Fenrir break free of your bindings and let us become 1 once more."

A gust of wind surrounds Zah-roche's body and his cloak lifts above his head and his arms held out. The presence of Fenrir begins to emerge.

("GRrrraaaaaaa...I am surprised at you Zah-roche. I believed you would find joy and not having to share a body with me. By summoning me once more I could have easily took control of this body and done whatever I pleased.")

"No Fenrir you wouldn't have. Like I said before I am you and you are me, I trust myself so there for I trust you. One thing I do know about you is how dear you hold on to trust, you were tested many times and although you betrayed your master, it wasn't until he betrayed you first."

("So you think you know everything about me now, do you?")

"No I do not, told you how I felt, we felt."

("Really, then what is next.")

"We are heading to the city once more, but this time I'm prepared to fight if I have to, but I don't want to reveal your power yet. We are going to sneak in and we are going to take them from within."

("Sounds easy enough.")

"Ha I see you have a sense of humor, then lets be on our way."

Zah-roche set off towards the city. The sky began to turn gray yet it didn't rain. He lifted his hood above his head and continued to walk. All he could think about was how he would get into the city. Surely that don’t get to many strangers from beyond the outskirts. Maybe by not revealing his new strength he could pass as a mere human, but his eyes would give him the most problems. He would have to avoid eye contact with anyone before he got into the city.

As he slowly approached the city, he became more impatient. For some reason he met with no confrontation from the beasts that existed in the land. Maybe they feared his presence, for he has within him one of the most feared beasts of all time. He needed to get to the city and end the suffering as soon as possible. Zah-roche began to sprint his way there, but Fenrir made a suggestion.

("I know before you could only access my power based on your emotions, but you now have them at your disposal. So if you don't mind can you pick up the pace?")

"Hmm so you must be getting anxious to get this over. I shall use your power, now lets GOOOOOO!"

The ground beneath Zah-roche's feat began to crumble and the air crackled as he dashed towards his destination. Zah-roche was astounded by the difference Fenrir's power made compared to his own. The world around him began blur till all he could see was the path in front of him.

("I should warn you, though your body is more durable than the average human, using my power will greatly fatigue you. You wont be able to use it for awhile.")

"Well that will pose a problem if we have to fight. There are some formidable warriors in that city and I may have to rely on your power. Guess I'll have to manage, I'm not the type to rely on others strength, that way if we really do need your power we could fight to the fullest."

("What exactly can you do with all that stuff you carry in your bag. I understand some can enhance strength, speed, and endurance, but what about the rest?")

"It's not for me, or not intended for me. I'll only use it if I have to, but basically I have healing herbs which can restore lost strength but causes nausea. It's not intended for battle. Its like providing someone access to magical powers temporarily, but at a high cost. It'll take awhile to explain all of them, but you can just read my mind and see for yourself. For now lets stay focused."

Zah-roche and Fenrir are able to communicate with one another in there mind. By doing so people will be unable to listen into there conversations, unable to determine the existence of two minds in one body. The city begins to appear over the horizon. They still could not see how far it stretched symbolizing its amazing size. They began to slow down their approach until they suddenly stopped.

"We should take it slow, we cant let them see us coming."

They walked the rest of the way. The night has overtaken the light and they find this to be their best time to get through. This allows them recuperate from their long travel and form a plan to infiltrate the city.

By the time they reach the outskirts it is midnight and they realize how unprotected the outer sector is, as if it were cast aside unimportant to the city. Concealed in darkness they approach slowly watching out for danger, because nothing is never left unprotected. Zah-roche comes to a slow stop.

"You feel that Fenrir?"

("Yeah, it feels like someone is stalking us.")

"I can feel their movements, I think we are being hunted."

A strong presence of two beings seem to be surrounding Zah-roche. Remembering how he has learned from animals to hunt, he recognizes the pattern of approach led by two animals.

"I think we are in Hybrid territory, this is not good. They are very protective, the last time I was here there were thugs that would attack the human citizens. I'm sure it has been awhile and they may have grown stronger, get ready."

("Its all on you Zah-roche, you don't need my powers for this. You've spent your life hunting your own food, surviving attacks by monsters in the night, I trust you can handle this alone. I interested to see how much of a warrior you truly are.")

"Wow, Thanks Fenrir."

Zah-roche replied sarcastically as the enemy approached him. Zah-roche took a defensive stance as a black panther emerged from the darkness attempting to take off his head. Zah-roche quickly responded by lowering his body and reflecting the attack away from him. Soon came the same approach but from a different angle, this time a black leopard. Only this time he rolled away. He could now see their eyes emitting a glow as the moons light reflected off of them. The two began to encircle him imitating behavior of wolves searching for a weak point. Zah-roche stood straight as he waited for their next approach. This time the leopard leapt passed him to draw his attention and as soon as his eyes left the panther, it pounced right on top of his head. Expecting for the fangs to bear into his neck, the panther took the form of a human; standing on his shoulders about to draw a knife to his neck. Zah-roche put his hand up as the knife whipped by trying to slice his throat, but instead caught his hand. In the form of a human woman the panther kicked him across the face as it flipped off his shoulders.

("Hahahahaha are you going to let these women kill you? I didn't realize you were this weak, maybe you don’t deserve my power.")

Fenrir began to joke as the fight progressed.

"I cant hit a woman."

("Take it from me, if a woman fights you had better put her in her place soon cause there will be nothing keeping her from killing you.")

This time the panther attacked, Zah-roche stepped forward tossing it to the side. It landed on it feet, still ready to fight.

"That’s no surprise."

Before the leopard had a chance to continue the assault men approached them holding sticks lit by flames. An arrow was shot and it grazed the leopard as it reverted to human form.

"Stop those damn hybrids they are attacking that man."

The panther took that time to escape into the night leaving her companion behind. Surprised by the beauty of the leopard woman, Zah-roche chased after her when she attempted to escape. He cornered her between the walls of the city and a tattered tent.

"Where did it go?"

"I saw it go that way. The thing bit me and I'm going to kill it."

Listening to Zah-roche's words the men ran into that direction and he turned back toward the angered leopard woman. Surprised at what he did the leopard woman lowered fangs as her ferocious eyes reverted to that of a calm hybrid.

"Why you do that? Especially after we attacked you."

"Oh... well... I... uh... I don’t really like to hurt girls."

Scratching his cheek, embarrassed by having to come up with a reasonable answer. The leopard girl rose and walked out from under the tent.

"You know that will get you killed right?"

"So I've heard."

"What are you doing here, you'll get yourself killed, ya know a human in hybrid territory and all."

"The better question is what were those men doing here in hybrid territory?

I just came here from across the land."

"What, you came from the land beyond; I heard it gets dangerous out there. As for those men, they are always looking for the rebel base, oops. I should not have said that."

"I’m not interested in your base, I was just trying to get into the city unnoticed."

"Well, I think I can help you with that, as long as you don’t go telling anyone where we are."

"No problem, if they want to find you they should do it themselves."

As the tension in the air died down the two were able to conversate as if they had not been fighting minutes before. Foot steps could be heard approaching silently. As the lavender blue haired woman, dressed in black emerged from the shadows Zah-roche turned toward her. When their eyes locked at each other, the woman drew her blade and charged at him.

"No wait!"

The leopard girl demanded her to stop. Her blade almost touching his throat. Zah-roche not flinching a bit looks down on her with fearsome eyes.

"What the hell is he doing here and why haven't you killed him?"

As the panther woman continued to look into Zah-roche's eyes fear came over her. His eyes did not blink nor shift from hers. He stood gleaming at her as if he were in the favorable position. The leopard woman then separated the two.

"He's not from the city; he came from the land beyond. I'm sure he doesn't know what’s going on here. He was just trying to find a way into the city."

"Well does he know about our..."

"I kind of let it slip."

"What, then we should still kill him."

The panther woman drew her blade once more. While the other stood with her hand on her head and a smile on her face, feeling embarrassed by letting such vital information touch the ears of someone they don’t even know.

"I'm sorry for her she is only trying to protect our hideout. My name is Leilah, Leilah Talbot and that’s I'm not sure she likes to keep it a secret."

"Well my name is Zah-roche."

"I'm going to take him to my brother, he'll know how to get him into the city."

"Are you crazy not only did you tell him where the hideout is, but you are going to show him where it is too!"

"Well he saved me when you left me behind, so I think he deserves some trust. And besides if we cant trust him, I'm sure my brother would kill him."

"Do as you please I'm going to find those men before they go telling people where we are."

"Come on lets go. Hey you're cute."

"Ooookkkk."

Zah-roche was surprised how things turned out. But he did get to experience his first fight with a group of hybrids. Fenrir still lying dormant yearning to see how Zah-roche handles his own. Before all he could do was sense the danger he was in. He only assumed that person controlling the body was strong because no matter how hard he tried to open the lock on his mind alone he could not. Zah-roche decided not to talk with Fenrir because he needed all his attention on the hybrids.

As they approached the ruined dome Zah-roche begins to feel uneasy.

"I thought we were just meeting your brother."

"Oh about that, he's probably in a meeting right now so we are going to have to talk to him then, he'll be mighty busy later."

No one could fend off a hybrid attack alone. As they approached, there stood a man with golden hair. From the look of him he looked pretty threatening.

"Hey Idris!"

Leilah seemed too comfortable with the situation she has put Zah-roche in. In Zah-roche's eyes it was like she was doing this on purpose as if testing his abilities as a fighter.

"Watch out Leilah a human's behind you."

Idris prepared to attack. In order to save Leilah from what he sees as a preemptive strike he lunges forward preparing the poison that has accumulated in his body.

Idris launches a wave of venom at Zah-roche. Zah-roche already prepared to fight he leaps backwards. Idris takes this time to grab Leilah and remove her from the combat zone. Idris was unprepared for a fight and became reckless. Instead of analyzing his opponent. Instead of staying with his retreat Zah-roche rushed forward until he was face to face with Idris. The two performed a cross punch, the impact staggering the two back. As the two were about to continue Leilah interrupted them.

"Stop, both of you! This guy has nothing to do with the humans. He has no clue what’s going on here. He says he came from the land beyond the outskirts."

"What, that’s a lie, a human cant survive alone out there."

"Its not a lie, I was just lucky. Besides there are places out there other than this city."

"Anyways this guy helped me escape. There were humans roaming the area and that panther girl said she would take care of them."

"Well I guess if you trust him enough to bring him here then maybe we have nothing to worry about, but if he messes up once I'll wipe him off this planet."

"Come on Zah-roche, my brother is inside right now. I'm sure he'll help you out. After all you saved me so he'll owe you one."

"Yeah, I'm starting to think you're doing this on purpose."

"Oh, sorry I just keep forgetting you're a human. You're not like the ones in the city."

Leilah pushes the doors open and walks in to see her brother. Idris glares as Zah-roche passes by, walking in behind her. Zah-roche continues walking forward and as the door begins to close he looks back at Idris, as if he were hiding his intentions. The doors closed and Idris stood outside alone.

"I'll have to watch that guy, he seems way to calm to be walking into our territory like this."

Zah-roche put his hood back on to avoid the attention of the other hybrids that lurked within the dome. As they reached the center of the dome the sun shined brightly through the cracks in the ceiling. They didn't even notice how the sun rising into the sky. In the center stood Leilah's brother as he gave his speech to his fellow hybrid companions. Leilah approached interrupting his speech.

"Lionel what’s up."

"Leilah? Where have you been. I was getting a little worried."

"I ran into some trouble while patrolling the area and this guy saved me."

"Who?"

Lionel sniffed the air. He didn't like the scent he picked up. The scent of a human put him into a fury.

"Damnit Leilah you brought a fucking human into our hideout."

"No wait Lionel."

As the other hybrids turned to look at this man that was brought into there only place of sanctum Lionel took the offensive. In an attempt to gain their trust Zah-roche began to remove his hood, but even that didn't stop Lionel. Grabbing Zah-roche's cloak, Lionel lifted him into the air and slammed him to the ground. Time felt as it were slowing down and Fenrir began to speak to him, furious with how he allowed to let anyone touch him the way he did.

("What the Hell are you doing Zah-roche! Are you really going to let a stinking animal put his hands on you like that and not defend yourself?")

"I cant harm their leader it'll be a disgrace to all of them. And I cant fight them all. I'm trying to gain there trust, not make enemies."

After conversating with Fenrir time began to flow naturally. Lionel crouched over him bearing his fangs at him. All Zah-roche could do was stare back into his eyes and to not show fear.

"Damnit Lionel you owe me one, and if I say he saved me and I decided I was going to help him, you sure had better listen to me."

"But you brought a fucking human hear, he'll tell the rest where our hideout is."

"If you stop and listen to what I said you would know he's not from the city."

As Lionel looks back at Leilah he begins to retract his fangs and throws Zah-roche to the ground.

"You sure better be right about this guy Leilah."

Zah-roche slowly gets up, trying to show that he was not there for a fight. As he began to stand he brushed himself off and looked at all the hybrids that stood before him.

"Like your sister said I'm not from around here, I have no idea what going on..."

"Did I ask you to speak. You're in our territory you don’t speak unless I say so."

"Calm down Lionel."

("Are you really going to let him talk to you that way. I think we should put this bastard in his place. He has no clue who the hell he's dealing with.")

"He's only defending his territory, I expected no less. Though I hoped it wouldn't get this far. Its common behavior for all creatures on this Earth. They'll defend whatever it is they care for with there life."

Zah-roche waited patiently as Leilah told her brother what was going on. He had to endure the eyes of the other hybrids as they watched his every movement. As the two siblings discussed a plan, Zah-roche and Fenrir had a little discussion of their own.

("Don't you ever let someone do that to us again. I wont allow anything to have domination over me. The next time something like this happens I'm taking over and I assure you I will kill all that stand before us.")

"Sorry I'll try not to get into a situation like that again. I feel the same as you, but we have to hold back this time. I don't want to make enemies with those that could possibly be our allies. I trust this girl even though I believe she's been getting me into the situations on purpose. She hasn't let things go to far."

("Alright then it seems you have things under control.")

Fenrir decided to lay dormant for awhile and the two siblings seemed to have finished their conversation.

"Hey Zah-roche Lionel says there is one way he could get you in, but you may have to fight."

"Ever heard of the pit fights, its a place where people go to fight for glory and honor. Sometimes some are forced into the ring and sometimes those who participate don’t make it out alive. Leilah says you held up against Idris and that’s something impressive. But that’s it I never want to see your face again and if I here you've been giving information to someone about us you'll see me again. I no longer owe you a damn thing now go."

Lionel walks away and Leilah sticks her tongue out at him as he passes by.

"Don't worry about him, as long as you don't speak of us ever again that is.

I'll be going with you I have business in the city. Once we get there you're on your own. We're going to be escorted by our own hybrids that can pass as humans, they'll get us through the gates and from there you'll be taken to the arena."

"Sounds good, and thank your brother for me the next time you see him."

"Will do. Lets go."

[yuureiookami]

Zah-roche and Leilah departed with their escorts. The sun had risen and the crows scoured the land for food. The two remained silent as they approached the entrance into the city. Their escorts began talking with the guards, arranging their shipment to the arena. The guards took one look at them a forced them into a large transport carriage. The carriage was dark and gloomy, the rags that draped over it let in little light, the wheels squealed as they rotated across the rough terrain. They were not alone in the carriage. There were a few nameless hybrids that were also being transported to the arena. As they were going around a tight corner the carriage shuttered and shifted and that’s when Leilah took her chance to escape. She ripped and leapt through the hole in the carriage. The guards had assumed that they were transporting poor and weak hybrids. They were surprised as the carriage shook and watched as she escaped through the streets. It was early and not many were roaming about. The guards sent a patrol after her, but it was unlikely that they would catch up to her. After her escape the guards took extra precaution with the other prisoners by strapping them together. Fenrir was also surprised to be abandoned by the leopard girl.

("Wow can you believe that? She left us.")

"Well we are going deep into her enemies territory. It didn't surprise me that she left, after all she repaid her debt by getting us here."

Later that day they arrived at the Pit Arena. The guards gathered the prisoners and tossed them into one cell that led to the arena itself. You could see the iron rust on the bars, smell the blood that had poured onto the floor days before. But Zah-roche got an even stranger feeling, as if he had been there before. As he began to study the cell he realized it was the same cell he had been before when he was captive right before he and Fenrir were bound together. Zah-roche asked the panicking prisoners how the arena came to be, but there was no answer. The prisoners had succumb to there fear, nothing could get through to them now.

An announcer came on the speakers, which echoed throughout the arena and could be heard from within the cell.

"Welcome all today the arena fights will be taking place early and will begin later again tonight. So get ready and let the first battle begin. If you have been longing to see a massacre then today is your day. We have brought to you some thieving hybrids who thought they could get away with stealing from the citizens in this city."

"Booooooo, Booooooo."

"That’s right folks let the rotten hybrids get what they deserve. Here they are."

The floor beneath them began to elevate to a higher level. The light shown brightly as the gates began to open. Outside the gates were guards who began to force the prisoners into the arena.

"Today we'll be having a team battle. The prisoners against one of our greatest warriors The Pit Demon, the bloodthirsty MARINAAAAAAA!!!"

"Yeaaaaahhhhhh!!!"

The crowd begins to go crazy. On the other side of the arena Marina and a group of other hybrids emerged from their cells and stepped into the arena. Marina looked at his competition and began to smirk.

"Hmmm I guess this will be a massacre. You are a disgrace to all hybrids if you are unable to make this battle a great one."

"Now let the battle BEGIN!!!"

The hybrids that entered the arena along with Zah-roche began to coward in fear of their death that lied ahead.

("It seems you are on your own. I assume you'll need my powers.")

"No, this is my battle after all. Its time to give them a better show than they expected."

As power began to bream from Marina, blowing away the other hybrids Zah-roche stood his ground as his cloak danced with the wind. Marina decided Zah-roche would be his opponent since he appeared to be the only one willing to fight. Marina leapt toward Zah-roche emitting a ferocious roar. Zah-roche still remand still as he watched from beneath his cloak Marina attacked blindly not even sensing his power. As Marina took a great swing at Zah-roche, upon completion Zah-roche had seemed to vanish, his punch devastating the ground he stood on. When Marina turned, he realized Zah-roche attacking the men that entered the ring after him. Zah-roche side kicked one across the face, then performed a reverse spin kick to another, they both flew straight into the walls of the arena. As Marina watched Zah-roche take out the rest of his team he couldn’t help but feel the excitement for their battle. But before they could begin their battle the announcer decided to save the battle for another time.

"Well fans it seems we have ourselves a fighter, what would you say we save this battle for later tonight!"

"Yeaaaaahhhhhh!!!"

"But since only one fought the rest...shall be eliminated."

Warriors from within the crowed jumped into the arena and began hacking and slashing the other members of Zah-roche's team. Zah-roche owed these men nothing, they didn't even assist him in the battle, but yet he still felt shame as they were slaughtered. He couldn't stand against overwhelming odds without revealing what he truly has to offer. It reminded him of that time where he couldn't save that woman, only this time they were complete strangers. Zah-roche was unable to watch silently as they were being slaughtered and attempted to save them. He would sacrifice all that he worked for to get there, but instead Marina grabs him and throws him aside.

"It'll be over soon. There is nothing more you can do for them. Its the way of the arena. If you don't fight you'll be killed."

Zah-roche stood up with a ferocious look on his face as he watched the last hybrid being killed. Now nothing more could be done. The remaining fighters retreated into the cell they came out of with Zah-roche accompanying them. As they were being lowered underground Marina approached Zah-roche.

"You did well for your first pit fight."

As he watched Zah-roche’s expression he couldn't help but question him.

"Why do you feel as if you owed those fools anything. They brought it upon themselves when they decided to act like cowards and not fight."

"Is it really cowardly not to fight or is it cowardly to fight and win against an opponent who doesn't fight back?"

"You'll learn someday that showing mercy will get you killed. If you don't fight to survive you don't deserve to live, especially if you're going to let someone fight for you."

Once underground the area appeared much more luxurious than the cell Zah-roche was in earlier. There was a bar for fighters to drink from, chairs to sit in and even women to serve them. Marina took this opportunity to inform Zah-roche on how they treat their winners.

"See look around it's not to bad here. There are plenty of women, plenty to drink and eat, and guess what... plenty of more women. Hahahaha.”

Zah-roche appeared to be unresponsive to what Marina had to say.

"Wow why don't you take that stick out your ass."

"I just don't see the joy in all this. Alcohol inhibits your abilities, the food here can't even be considered food, and the women here are dirty no matter how beautiful they are."

Zah-roche decides to sit alone in a corner so that he is not bothered by the other contestants or the servers.

("Look at all your women. They walk around hoering themselves just to get ahead in life its disgusting.")

"I know I hate seeing this too."

("About that Lionel fella, he's leading his rebel forces and intends on taking over this city. You know eventually we'll have to fight him, because the way things are now if he wins he'll end up making the same mistakes the humans have made. And that’s thinking their race is superior to that of others. They'll eventually do what the humans have done and enslave them... So what will you do then?")

"Yeah, I understand where you are coming from. If he ends up allowing the world to stay how it is now and not change the order here then we will have to face him in the future."

As the sun began to fall, the attendees began to arrive at the arena. During this time the fighters were visited by a noble from Goldsbloom. The man was accompanied by a coyote hybrid. As they approached them, they were only separated by the bars extending to the ceiling.

"To all the contestants in this evenings fight, here I offer you a great opportunity. By winning today you will be given the opportunity to leave this arena and work for a noble in search of a strong hybrid that will pose as their body guard."

Marina steps forward to speak on behalf of the hybrids in the room.

"Why don’t you give us that piece of that ass you have with ya. Now that will make for some hell of a prize, right boys."

"Yeah!!!"

"Sorry, she's mine. I can't have someone dipping in my personal slave."

"It seems Oscar enjoys having his own fun with a hybrid broad."

"He wouldn't be getting anything if I weren't his slave."

"Shut up you stupid bitch."

Oscar slapped his hybrid slave across the face. She puts her hand over the red mark left by Oscar's hand.

"Damn man we were just joke'n around."

"Don't you dare interrupt my conversation again. I don't know how many times I have to say this, but the next time it'll be more than just a tap on the face."

Zah-roche looked towards the gate where Oscar stood and the hybrid woman next to him.

"We shouldn't accept anything from a woman beating noble."

"What was that… you remove that hood when you're talking to me!"

"Make me. People like you disgust me."

"Maybe I will. Putting trash in its place is what we nobles do. I'll be watching from the stands. Lets go Tweedle-Dum, I'm sick of talking to these ingrates."

Oscar and Tweedle-Dum began to walk away and Zah-roche continued to speak to Tweedle-Dum.

"So you're just going to just take what he's done to you. People like him will never stop."

Oscar pushes Tweedle-Dum towards the exit and turns to face Zah-roche.

"I'm a noble you step out of line again and I'll have the lot of you killed."

"Stop boy, you'll get us all killed speaking to a noble that way."

Silence fills the room as the tension begins to die down. Oscar finally leaves and Zah-roche remains seated. But Marina still angry at the fact that Zah-roche almost had them all killed. Marina punches the, the wall above Zah-roche cracking it and pieces fall onto his cloak.

"Don’t you ever risk the lives of everyone here. We all have something to live for and the nobles will kill us all if they find us going against them. But it was cool how you pissed off Oscar. But he has beef with you and he may send someone out to kill you."

Zah-roche doesn't respond to Marina's anger or his compliment. He stays silent waiting for the arena matches to begin and he begins to form a plan. The sun finally falls and the arena is packed with attendees. The loud speaker comes on once again. Many fights begin, some came back as victors and some not at all. Zah-roche and Marina were raised to the top floor as they awaited to be called.

"Now for the 5th match. Next up we'll be continuing the match between non other than our Pit Demon, the bloodthirsty MARINAAAAAAA!!! Against the new comer the Silent Warrior!"

"Let this be a good fight."

"I'm sure it will be."

("Now I get to see you in real action. Don't let me down Zah-roche.")

"Let the match BEGIN!!!"

Marina let out an epic roar starting the battle. It created a shockwave which nearly knocked Zah-roche off his feet. Zah-roche shielded his face and was unable to see Marina move towards him. When Zah-roche looked up he could see Marina standing above him, his large body was intimidating enough. He lifted his arm into the air and swung it towards Zah-roche's face. Zah-roche raised his arm to protect himself, but his strength was too overwhelming and Zah-roche staggered to the ground. As he began to drop, Marina swung a his fist into Zah-roche's chest sending him flying into the wall. The impact left Zah-roche entrapped within the wall and Marina attacked once again. With his fist aimed straight for Zah-roche's head he swung, only this time Zah-roche raised his hand towards Marina fist stopping it right in front of him. Marina was surprised no human has the strength to intercept a hybrid of his caliber. Zah-roche raised his head and for a split second his hair and eyes glow as if he were accessing dormant powers. Zah-roche tightened his grip on Marina's hand and leapt into the air kicking him across the face. Marina seemed unfazed until Zah-roche spun for the second kick making him flinch. Zah-roche realized he couldn't simply fight Marina with brute strength he would have to use his cunning to defeat him. Zah-roche flipped over Marina and landed another kick to his head causing him to stagger forward.

The crowed went crazy with how the fight was going. Even Oscar became on edge as he watched the two in action. When Marina turned toward Zah-roche, he let out another roar. This time he attacked in a blind rage. Zah-roche didn't stand still this time, he to rushed forward, and as Marina swung Zah-roche ducked beneath him, sweeping his leg putting him off balance. Zah-roche then flipped backward around Marina's arm, as his legs raised towards the ceiling Zah-roche twisted on one hand landing a devastating kick again to Marina's head. Zah-roche completed the spin and tried to jump off of him, but instead Marina grabbed his leg in mid-jump slamming him to the ground. As the pain coursed through Zah-roche's body Marina kneeled over and put to crushing blows to Zah-roches face. As the third came Zah-roche flipped up hitting Marina in the chin. They both took a crouching position as they began to stare each other down. Zah-roche has studied animal behaviors before, he could analyze how and when an animal would attack and Marina remained unfamiliar with Zah-roche's attack patterns and style.

"You shouldn't try to over analyze me boy."

"Its not that I'm over analyzing its just I can feel the flow of battle, I'm not just watching what moves you are about to make, but all possible moves you can make. But I won't bore you with details, I'm sure you know your own weaknesses."

As the two stood to continue there battle a man with a sword leapt into the ring slashing at Zah-roche. Zah-roche was aware of his existence and even that of the assassins that lurked in the crowd. He easily dodged the man's attack. As he stood up Marina and Zah-roche observed the man and realized it was non other than Oscar. Oscar had put a lot of money on Marina to win, but as he watched the fight it seemed Zah-roche fought exploiting all of Marina's weaknesses. This would be bad especially if other fighter become aware of them.

"I'm ending this fight. Round 5 will be me against this sneak, this metal man."

Everyone was surprised because all the contestants that day were all hybrids. Marina was pissed at how Oscar interrupted there fight.

"How dare you interrupt our fight like that."

"Stand down Marina I said your fight's over. You would have won anyways and I wanted a chance to fight this mysterious metal-man before you killed him."

There was nothing Marina could do so he just stood aside and watched as their fight was about to begin. As Marina watched Zah-roche pass he couldn't help but say something.

"Why don't you put this fool in his place. No one's had an opportunity like this to fight a noble. If you win it'll be one less to worry about... and I know you can win so wipe the floor with this bastard."

Like always Zah-roche says nothing but he does smirk. He then turns towards Oscar with his sword drawn and the fight about to begin.

"I Oscar Theodore Goldsbloom will put down the assassin sent to kill Marina."

("It seems royalty can still bullshit their way through any situation. This isn't good for us, the people now think we're an assassin.")

"Its nothing to worry about we'll use him to get the heck out of here."

The crowed boos Zah-roche. They believe he is an assassin Oscar has made him out to be. Zah-roche prepares himself, for he now faces an enemy with a weapon and he has no clue how it will effect him. Oscar slowly approaches Zah-roche and begins to twirl his sword. Zah-roche takes a crouching pose, allowing the Oscar to move around him.

"I hope you know how to use that blade."

"I'm a noble, I specialize in all kinds of combat forms."

Oscar performs a swift strike and to test his body Zah-roche blocks it with his arm. The blade was unable to cut through the metal of his forearm. But he also realized that that was not Oscar's full strength. The two look at each other, and for a short moment things seemed to have slowed down.

("Zah-roche it seems your body is rather durable, but it won't be enough to fight a master swordsman. They know techniques that can cut through the thickest metal.")

"Thanks for that."

Zah-roche pushes Oscar away from him and rushes forward. Oscar slashes at Zah-roche's neck, but is swiftly dodged as Zah-roche rolls passed him. Oscar turns with a vertical slash and Zah-roche stays with his momentum side steps the attack. There Zah-roche steps onto Oscar's blade and kicks Oscar across the face knocking him away from his sword. As his body drug across the ground Zah-roche took this time to escape. All eyes were on Oscar and when he rose. Zah-roche was no where to be seen.

Zah-roche had escaped into the crowed and headed towards the armory. There he found his bag of herbs that were confiscated from him earlier. The guards were to busy checking on Oscar. The layout of the area remained the same as it was years ago and Zah-roche escaped through a passage that led to the central sector. When Zah-roche emerged from the sewers he ended up in area beside a shelter. Zah-roche needed to gather information fast, he was sure the house of Goldsbloom would be after him after the disgrace he gave Oscar. He decided to go to the house of Silverhollows. Zah-roche placed his hood over once more so that he wouldn't draw more attention and walked the streets of the orphanage. Then a woman and a young boy emerged from the orphanage and they watched as he passed by.

"Stay here Alphred, I'm going to see what this stranger is up to."

"Ok Ms. Safya."

Safya called out toward Zah-roche, asking who he was and what he is doing around the orphanage.

"I'm sorry miss, but I don't know how I got here. I was just trying to get to the House of Silverhollows."

"Well now if you come with me I may be able to help a stranger like you. Hey Alphred I'm going to help this man find something, why don't you find the other kids and keep them busy for a while."

[yuureiookami]

The two walk the streets at dark. They finally arrive at a bar, where Safya plans on getting Zah-roche and herself drunk. Before they walked into the bar Zah-roche spotted a shadow lurking around the alley further down the street. It seemed as if he were watching him, but he had to follow this woman cause she was the only person that would probably help him. As Zah-roche walked into the bar Safya had already ordered drinks for the both of them and was sitting far from the rest of the people inside. He sat in the seat right next to her and looked down at the drink in front of him.

"Go ahead drink up it's on me."

"Why are you doing this?"

As Zah-roche said that he raised his glass to his lips. He could smell the liquor inside.

"Wait a minute I didn't come here to get drunk, I thought you were going to help me."

"Don't worry it'll be fine. We can talk and drink."

"Yeah, I don't drink anything with alcohol in it."

"Oh come on loosen up, besides its just one drink."

She whispered into his ear. She had already got drunk and Zah-roche began to wonder what was in it to make her get like that so fast. But he's not the one to pry in someone’s business.

"You said you could help me get to the House of Silverhollow."

"Yeah but first it'll cost ya."

"And what will it cost?"

"Hmhm... there's an inn down the street, why don't we find out there."

"Sorry, but not interested."

Safya became very persistent. And the more Zah-roche denied her the more provocative she became. She began to open her shirt revealing her cleavage. Even though Zah-roche thought that she was attractive, he would never do such things with a person he shared no feelings for.

"Look if you are not going to help me, I think I'm gonna just head on out."

Safya finally gave in and decided to get serious.

"Fine then if you don't want to do anything for me then you'll have to give something to me."

"I don't really have anything to give you."

"Well it seems you're in a predicament. What’s in the bag."

"Only berries and herbs. I use them to produce other plants."

"What kind of berries are there?"

"Well... Here try this one."

Zah-roche gave her a berry that would sober her up and eventually she’ll get tired and fall asleep.

"How's that."

"Mmmmm...Its good. Okay if you give me 5 more of those then I'll help you out."

"Ok, but be careful to much will end up putting you to sleep."

"Alright, now then I know someone who can definitely help you. His name is Xerxes. He knows everything, trust everything he says, but don't trust him. He will rarely lie to a stranger, but he always has an ulterior motive."

"Where could I find him?"

"That guy you saw outside. That was him. He may already know you're coming. Just go to where you saw him and he'll come to you."

"Thanks for your time Ms..."

"It's Safya and you are?"

"Zah-roche, but you should best forget me. You could get into trouble talking to me. Just tell them you had no clue who you were talking to, I'm sure they'll believe you. Thanks again."

Zah-roche left the bar. Leaving Safya there wishing she could bed with a honest and sincere man like him. Zah-roche turned towards the alley and began walking, observing his surroundings.

("I can't believe you didn't do anything with that slut.")

"Dang Fenrir, I didn't know you knew words like that."

("Your mind is my mind, I just said what you were thinking.")

"Then you also know why I wouldn't do anything with someone like that."

("Well I was about to take over and pounce on that ass. Creatures like me need to procreate and eventually you'll have those same egress.")

"No Fenrir I think you'll lose those ergs when you understand why I will never what to mess around with any woman you can't trust."

Zah-roche finally reached the alley. It was dark and damp, the ground was littered with trash. It was disgusting enough for Zah-roche to just wait on the edge. When he turned around, there he was. The man called Xerxes.

"You finally made it. I'm Xerxes. What is it that you need help with."

Xerxes appeared so suddenly with a smirk on his face, as if he were the only person one could come to for information. When Zah-roche stared into his face, he became overwhelmed; like he knew him from somewhere.

"What, of course I was there at the arena and saw as they brought you in for you first fight."

Zah-roche heard what he said, but that’s not where he thought he had seen him. As his heart began to pound faster and faster. His vision became blurred and images began to flash before his eyes. Zah-roche thought to himself as he came out of the daze.

"That Man."

"What was that."

Zah-roche finally came back to reality. When he did he saw the face of that man. The one that defiled the woman he loved, the one that put him through the mostgrueling procedure, the one that he hated more than any other person in the world. But it couldn't be him. The two men have different eyes, but Zah-roche was not simply going to just forget their resemblance. He would get the information he came for and will be sure find him again. At the time the world took precedence over his own grudge. Zah-roche finally decided to ask him his question, after all that’s why he came.

"I need to know a way to get into The House of Silverhollow without being noticed."

"Well that's a serious request. To be frank that would cost you a lot of money, but I'm in a generous mood. How bout I give you the info free of charge. After all you are new here, I want your first visit to be a good one."

"Thanks I guess."

Zah-roche still remained suspicious about Xerxes. Like Safya said, "You can trust his info, but not him."

"I appreciate your gratitude."

"Don't worry about it... If you’re fast and agile enough you could easily get in the building. There are guards who are on patrol, but I know a certain few who are going to try something stupid and that'll give you your chance to get in. Be there at 9:00 a.m. and when the guards leave their post make your move. Most of the ones inside aren't tough, but you most likely won't run into the others. They are always off doing their own things. Does that satisfy you enough?"

"Actually it does I could get in and out with no problem. Thanks, what you have to say sounds trustworthy enough."

"Ha all my information can be trusted, it is my job."

Xerxes smiled throughout the entire conversation. Zah-roche still had his suspicions, but he would have to leave it at that. He needed to rest for the next day.

"Oh and before I go, there's an entrance in the Goldsbloom manner that leads to their garden. From there you can get anywhere in the manner without suspicion. Ya know just in case you wanted to know."

Xerxes began to walk from the alley and vanished around the corner. How could he know what Zah-roche was thinking. The info. he holds far surpasses anyone’s expectations. Perhaps he knows to much information.

("Zah-roche we are definitely going to have to watch out for this guy. He knows way to much, and how did he know we were going to go to Goldsbloom next. I don't think we should let him roam around to much longer, with that much information he has more power than the Three houses combined.")

"I know Fenrir all we can do is trust him for now. He hasn't betrayed us yet. We'll have to be on our toes, we can't have any surprises tomorrow. He now has thing on us so we'll have to act fast, just in case he does try to betray us."

Zah-roche emerged from the alley and noticed Safya just leaving the bar. She couldn’t even walk straight. He was worried about leaving a woman on the streets in that shape so he decided to escort her to the orphanage.

"Safya you're just now leaving."

"Oh look its...hic...Zah-roche. How are youuuuu."

"I'm good how bout I take you to the orphanage."

"Or you can take me to some place in private so you can do knotty things to me."

"Nope, I think I should take you to the orphanage. Can't have the kids wondering what happened to you."

Instead of just walking with her, Zah-roche scooped her up into his arms and began carrying her back. Safya felt his muscular physique as he lifted her and became rather embarrassed. As she started to fall asleep she whispered something.

"I wish you could have been my..."

Zah-roche looked at her as she fell asleep. Her glasses had fallen to the peak of her nose, revealing her gentle face. Her lips softly separated. Even Zah-roche could barely withstand the temptation to kiss her lips. Then he heard her say...

"Thank you."

Zah-roche smiled and said...

"No problem."

He finally reached the orphanage and a young boy opened the door before they arrived scratching his eyes as he began to yawn. He then looked at Zah-roche.

"Hey you brought Safya back, thanks."

"It was nothing, just try'n to do the right thing."

The boy allowed Zah-roche to walk in and place Safya on a couch.

"Hey if you don't have anywhere to stay you can take my bed."

"Thanks but no thanks, its your bed you should be the one that sleeps in it. I think I'll just sit here if its okay."

"Sure... My name is Alphred I'll see you in the morning."

Before Zah-roche could tell him his name he ran off to bed. Zah-roche sat on the floor next to the couch Safya slept on. There with his hood down, Zah-roche to fell asleep with his legs and arms crossed.

[yuureiookami]

Before the sun rose Zah-roche awoke from his short slumber. That night he had no dream, or was it a dream of being overwhelmed by the darkness. Safya still lied silently; the berries remained in affect. Zah-roche stood up slowly so that he wouldn't wake her. He through over his hood and cracked the door open enough for him to squeeze through. As he was about to set out the door opened behind him. Zah-roche turned barely, enough to see who it was while still concealing his face. There emerged the restless Alphred, wanting to wish him safe travels.

"Hey wait up!"

Alphred gasped for air.

"You're going to leave without saying goodbye?"

"Sorry Alphred, there's something I have to do. It'll be tough, but it must be done. If I don't do it, it's likely no one will."

"Sir, I'm sure whatever it is you're trying to accomplish will be the right thing. You shouldn't have any doubts, you should overcome all obstacles that lie ahead. I believe in you. You have been the first to take care of Safya like that. Will power will get you to where you need to go."

"And your spirit will make it happen. You're pretty wise for a kid. See ya around."

Zah-roche began to walk towards the House of Silver Hollows, but he stopped mid way.

"Oh and kid, don't let anyone talk you into doing anything that you believe isn't right. Even if they make a joke of you. You're a strong kid and in the future people will need someone like you. Guide the next generation into a world that prospers, not like the one we're in now!!!"

Zah-roche left words that Alphred would carry throughout his life. As Alphred watched as Zah-roche ran towards his future, he couldn't help but wonder when he'll do the same. Zah-roche reached his destination long before 9:00. He managed to avoid the detection of the citizen throughout the city, but he was sure some maybe watching him. Zah-roche climbed up to one of the buildings and faced the Silverhollow manner. He observed the guards for what seemed to be hours. The sun had risen into the sky, yet the sky remained dull and grey, as if it were a bad omen. In the distance a huge explosion could be heard deep within the city. This, this must have been what Xerxes was talking about. Zah-roche watched as the guards flooded out of the castle, as if they were preparing for war. As the last man left Zah-roche's heart began to race.

"This is it Fenrir. I don't know who's inside, but its not important. I should be able to easily slip through without being seen. I'm sure there are some elite warriors in there. We must avoid them at all cost. They’ll slow us down allowing their head to escape."

("Seems like a plan, for not having a plan.")

"Let's go."

Zah-roche leapt from the building and using his metal man strength he was able to leap across to the top of the manor. There he was able to slip through a window; slip through as in breaking the window. The noise he made was filtered by the explosions outside. When Zah-roche walked in he saw a door guarded by to elite warriors.

"Ah crap... Hey Fenrir you ever seen someone bullshit their way through a situation. Cause if not you'll witness it first hand."

Zah-roche walked up to the guards concealing his face. The guards encased in armored drew their spears.

"HALT, what business do you have with Mistress Arriana."

"That's none of your business, step aside this is urgent. You here that explosion outside, someone has started something and I have information on who they are. I'm sure they know that I would arrive. Now step aside or I'll show you why you are her guards and not her elite warriors."

The guards withdrew their weapons and stepped aside.

"Sorry sir please go on in."

As the guards open the door Zah-roche watches as the door slowly reveals a well endowed woman, kneeling away from the door. Zah-roche's eyes were on her and once again everything else seemed to vanish. Zah-roche slowly made his approach. The room seemed cold and so to did the woman. It was as if the room held many hidden secrets and Zah-roche could sense the same from her. The woman turned with a dark and emotionless glare.

"How dare you step into my sanctuary. What guards let you in here?"

Zah-roche not wanting to put those naive guards in danger of an execution, he conceals the fact that they let him in.

"The ones I killed. I guess they had no choice but to let me in."

The woman turned away towards the eternal darkness that existed in the depths of her room. Her eyes came to a close, as she ignored the intruder about to take her life. Zah-roche walked closer to her; and even then she ignored him. Instead of continuing his approach he stopped, for he believed she could be luring him into a trap.

"I didn't know the head of the Silverhollows was a woman."

"What...How couldn't you know or are you trying to insult me."

"For a woman to be the head she must have done some under handed things. Like most civilizations women aren't fit to rule over the many. For there to be no heir to replace the man who died seems suspicious as well."

"Who the hell are you to say something like that. How dare you disgrace the House with your lies!"

Zah-roche seemed to have pushed a button that triggered the rage within this woman. But one thing was for sure, the more serious Zah-roche became the more Fenrir's personality began to appear. The woman finally stood up to look this man in the eyes. As she rose and turned towards him and their eyes met, Zah-roche was hit with so many emotions. His eyes widened, his heart raced, and he felt angry for some reason.

"I Arriana Louise Silverhollow will not take your ridiculous accusations."

"A...Arriana..."

"Surprised are you, so it seems you do know who I am."

Zah-roche stood there frozen. Arriana bared so much of a resemblance to the woman he loved, but that was 100 years ago. Zah-roche became conflicted, he came here to kill the head of the Silverhollows, but this woman had the one thing that Zah-roche could never overcome; the face of the woman he loved.

"That...can't be your name, nor could you still be alive."

"What the hell are you babbling about. I know who I am."

"You don't know who I am?"

"How could I know the name of the assassin sent to kill me."

"You can't be human. 100 years ago we were forced into an undeniable fate. When I came to, I assumed you were dead because of how many years had passed."

Zah-roche began to sum up his dream and the woman looked at him as if he had lost his mind.

"I never seen a savage like you before, nor will I ever wish to be in a relationship with a man like you."

Zah-roche finally came to his senses. This woman could be anyone. There are many people who look like one another. This woman pushed him to realize the nonsense he was speaking and a serious look came over him. As he continued to talk to her he began walking closer.

"You're right a person like you wouldn't want to be with a man like me. A woman like you only needs herself, pushing everyone around her away. In the end you'll live to be an old lonely woman, and die a lonely death. No one will cry, no one will be by your side when you breathe your last breath. I bet you live your life in away you can't be hurt, not to ever be tossed away like trash, and when you die that's exactly what it will happen. They'll discard your body and erase you from existence."

Zah-roche didn't allow Arriana to get a word out. By the time he realized he was face to face with the woman. The glare that now appeared on his face was that of someone welcoming the powers of darkness. His eyes began to emit a crimson glow as he looked down on her. This became one of the only times she experienced fear. She pulled out a hidden dagger that dripped with poison and tried to stab him. Quickly Zah-roche grabbed her wrist and gripped it tight. Zah-roche forced the knife downward towards his heart. She tried to pull away as Zah-roche continued on with his speech again.

"Why force those around you beneath you?"

"Let go of me you bastard!"

"You have the power to change the ways of the Silverhollows. Yet you send the world into more turmoil. I won't stand here and let you get away from all this. You reap what you sew. Now I pass my own judgment. Today I will kill you and just like the thing you fear most, they'll toss you out like the trash you are."

"How...dare you...How dare you!"

Zah-roche didn't realize the sadness and fear that has been expelling from Arriana. Her eyes had glazed over as they began to fill with tears. Zah-roche stared into those eyes for what seemed to be hours. All of a sudden the glow from his eyes faded and what use to be a dark and scary glare was now eyes filled with sorrow and regret.

"I...I..."

Zah-roche was at a loss of words. He has done one of the worst things a man could ever do to a woman and that was torture them. Not physically, but emotionally. He came there to kill the head, but the head was a woman; a woman that possessed the eyes, the face, the lips, and the body of the woman he loved. She wasn't just a woman, but one that has felt the horrors of betrayal, being left alone, forced to do things she would never do. Zah-roche then did something she would never expect, something she had never felt for a long time. A hug; Zah-roche hugged the most ruthless woman alive. His hug was filled with love and serenity. He was sorry for what he had done to her. She could have easily put the knife into his heart, but she to felt something as he brought her closer to him. They shared an embrace like no other. She has never felt something unconditional before. She didn't have to hug him back, but she did. She didn't realize it, but she to had her arms wrapped around him. But the feeling finally went away and Arriana pushed him away.

"You...you...you dare put your hands on royalty. I should have you killed!"

"You dare lead this world into turmoil. I...should kill you!"

Zah-roche couldn't bring himself to kill a woman who has suffered like she has. Though he may regret what he had done in the future. He would give her this one and only chance. Zah-roche stepped back from her and they stared at each other one last time. He then turned away and walked towards the exit.

"I can't bring myself to kill you. But nothing will keep me from doing so if you continue to ruin the world we live in. That's a promise I intend to keep."

Before Zah-roche opened the door Arriana to declared their future.

"If I ever see you again, I will have you killed. Nothing that has happened today that will stray me from the path I've created myself. You will regret ever stepping into the House of Silverhollow."

"Then you had better hope I die before I see you again."

Zah-roche opened the doors, and as they closed behind him Arriana turned away. The doors were thick enough to keep their conversation a secret and the guards did nothing as Zah-roche left. A presence seemed to be guiding him, for he did not escape through the window. He decided he would walk out the front door. No one who saw him leave thought much of it and before he knew it he stood outside the manner.

"So you're not going to say anything."

("It's not my place. No matter what you say, that maybe the only thing you can't overcome. But one things for sure, that sneak Xerxes seemed to know something like this would happen. In fact he knew everything that would happen today and I don't think you should go try to kill the head of Goldsbloom.")

"You maybe right, but we will make ourselves known. Not by the citizens, but to the royalty themselves. They are the ones that should fear me."

Zah-roche seemed to vanish among the crowd. With all the excitement throughout the city no one was concerned with the man shrouded in darkness walking through the streets. By the time Zah-roche reached the Goldsbloom manner it was noon. He heard all the talk in town and apparently hybrids made a primitive strike in order to declare the existence of the Hybrid Revolution. Like Xerxes suggested Zah-roche followed the secret entrance into the Goldsbloom manner. The manner was large enough to be considered a palace. If Zah-roche didn't follow Xerxes directions he would have gotten lost for sure. The path led straight to the garden and there Zah-roche saw a girl kneeling, attending to flowers. Zah-roche didn't wish to frighten her, but she was in his way. She would notice him for sure if he tried to sneak by. So instead of remaining silent, he spoke up as if he belonged there.

"Sorry miss I didn't mean to stumble here."

The girl turned and looked at him with an alarming look. Zah-roche could see that she was surprised and tried to calm her.

"Oh no, don't be scared I just got lost. If you could be so kind as to direct me to the Goldsbloom manner; I would surely appreciate it."

"I'm sorry but who are you? I can't simply give you that kind of information."

Zah-roche had to come up with something quick. He didn't want to lie to the girl, but he did need to get by. It was best that he played dumb than to let her know why he was there.

"I'm kind of new here. I was told that the Goldsbloom manner was where I could find the man in charge of this sector. I don't know who to talk to and everyone I've met so far don't seem to be trustworthy."

"If I may ask, what is your name?"

"Well, my name is Zah-roche, but you needn't remember it. I'll be gone soon and you may never see me again."

"Zah-roche, strange name for someone from the city."

The girl stood up and looked at the man that emerged from her garden. He slowly walked closer to her and as she looked at his eyes, she realized he had the eyes of a metal man.

"You're a metal man."

The girl stepped back as she covered he right eye. Zah-roche didn't want to scare the girl even more so he to stepped back.

"Yes I'm a metal man. Perhaps I should go. I didn't mean to startle you."

As the two turned away from one another, Zah-roche could see under the crack of her eye patch. She had the eye of a metal man as well. It's strange for a human to have a metal man's eyes.

"Wait your eye... Are you a metal man as well."

"No of course not. I'm a member of the Goldsbloom family, Lilian Goldsbloom. None of us could be a metal man. We are all human."

"You are a member of the Goldsbloom family. Why don't you tell me why your father allows the world to go into ruin. He gives humans the right to own hybrids and even have metal men as slaves. You have a metal eye, that would mean he..."

"Stop, my father loves me. In fact I think he is doing the right thing by enslaving those disgusting hybrids. Metal men were created by us humans, so why can't they serve us?"

"You're missing the point. Look at the world. No human is doing a thing to save it. God created humans, so why don't they serve him?"

Lilian went silent, for she had no answer to the question. Zah-roche felt as though there is no use talking to royalty. If they don't wish for change, then change won't happen. As long as they are satisfied they can careless about anyone else. Zah-roche then turned away. He gave up on the mission at hand. Just like a hydra, removing the head won't stop the beast. More will grow and take it's place. He walked the way he came and looked at the girl once more. Foot steps could be heard from the distance as the grass began to rustle.

"Lily I'm here. Sorry that took so long!"

A metal woman began approaching Lilian. But Zah-roche couldn't be found. So he said his final words to the girl.

"You shouldn't be ashamed of who or what you are, nor should you judge someone by that. To be the same means to not be yourself."

Zah-roche jumped behind the pushes he appeared from and headed away from the manner. Lilian turned towards the woman that had walked into the garden. All she saw was a shadowy figure leap over the bushes.

"Oh Braidy a strange man was here."

The meal woman Braid took Lily's fear personally. She vowed to find out who it was that had entered the garden and put Lily’s life in danger.

"I'll find out who you are. Just you wait."

Zah-roche had done enough damage. Even Fenrir thought that what he had done was foolish. Instead of accomplishing what he set out to do. He let himself be known, knowing that he couldn't fight both houses alone. They were now hiding in an alley within the city. Thinking about what to do next.

("Zah-roche you're being foolish. Do you know what you have done. These are people corrupted by riches and power. You exploited their weak spots and they are sure to send people after you.")

"I know you're right!"

Zah-roche slammed his hand against the wall of the building. The impact had left a crater in the wall and Zah-roche stared as if he had been making the wrong decisions. All he could think of was how much of a fool he was.

"It's to late to take back what I've done. I'll just have to make do."

[yuureiookami]

Zah-roche walked into the crowd. The excitement had died down and now everyone went about their business. When he turned his head he noticed the woman that he met awhile back. The woman that gave a prayer to his dead friend Fury. When their eyes met they had felt excitement on the inside. But it seemed they both had things on their minds and the excitement they felt didn't show in their expression. The two walked closer to one another and there they stood face to face.

"Hey it's been awhile."

"That it has. And sorry I never told you my name, but it's Jeanne La Pucelle de France or just Jeanne D'arc."

"That sounds..."

When Jeanne told him her name, Fenrir became riled up. He was on edge. Though he could not recognize the woman, he did recognize her name. Zah-roche tried to ignore Fenrir's frustration and it began to show in his speech.

"Yeah that name sounds... nice."

"I'm actually glad you made it here. I could feel your presence and your longing to fight for a good cause. I myself have been searching for a way to establish peace in this new world. I assume you have chosen a path to follow. You no longer possess that look of a lost person."

"Well it has been awhile. Many things have changed, even more so since I arrived in this city. Between me and you these nobles that rule this city will not sway to the words of their citizens. The forces they hold far exceed those that stand against them. The way things are, it seems the end of the world is at hand. Science can only progress so far and the planet and it's resources are at their limits. If we don't fight the world as you see now will be nothing compared to how it'll be in the future."

"I wish there was something I could do. Right now the god's have not told me my next mission. I can only wait until the gods give me my next mission. I hope then I would have companions to help me in this fight."

"If I'm still around you can trust that I will gladly fight along side you.

"And I will gladly accept your offer, but until then..."

The two were interrupted by the appearance of none other than Oscar, the Goldsbloom heir. Zah-roche and Jeanne turned and faced him as he shouted out to him.

"I've finally found you, you BASTARD."

After his arrival Braid had appeared across the street. She was in a rage, she had found out from somewhere that Zah-roche was out to kill Lilian along with the other nobles. Braid had to protect Lilian at all costs. So she decided to find him instead of waiting for him to make his next attempt on her life.

"How dare you come here to assassinate the heirs of Goldsbloom."

The people began to scurry about as a great battle would emerge in the streets of Central Sector. Then through all the skirmishing came through Lionel in a rage.

"You fucking little worm. You get us to help you then you betray us by letting them know about our attack. I promised I'd kill you the next time I saw you. You might want to answer the door because death is knocking and you're his next victim."

Zah-roche was surrounded by his enemies, but how did they know where he was. Nothing could know he would be there at the time and place. In the shadows away from all the people that man was standing there smiling. Xerxes had used Zah-roche as a scapegoat. He needed a fall guy to play the role as the man going between the houses helping them until they eventually killed themselves. And worst thing of all Jeanne began to believe every word they said.

"Is this true, it can't be. You were the one out trying to assassinate the members of the houses, trying to take advantage of the hybrid revolution, and the one planning to kill children."

Of all things; when Jeanne had mentioned children he knew it was someone trying to frame him. He would never kill children even if they may grow to become the greatest villain the world will ever see. They have time to change and when they are of age that’s when they make the decision of how they will live their lives. When Zah-roche looked toward Xerxes again, the man had turned and vanished within the darkness emitted by the alley.

"I don't know what you are talking about Lionel. I didn't here any plans about your attack. Nor would I betray you in any way."

"You lie, you're just like every other human in this world. You use us in any way then stab us in the back when it convenient you."

"Well you're wrong, I'm not human. At least not anymore."

"A metal man huh...I hate them just the same."

The situation became tense and from the looks of things Zah-roche could not survive a fight with all of them. But for some reason power began to serge through Zah-roche, but it wasn't Fenrir's. Zah-roche began to feel the rage he felt long ago. The power he was feeling was the strength he received when he survived being turned into a metal man. Zah-roche notice that Jeanne seemed to be out of it, as if she were daydreaming. Jeanne was listening to a voice. As it spoke to her, her place in this new world was clear.

(("A beast will emerge in your world and with it he will bring total destruction to all that inhabit it. You must slay this beast at all costs, for he threatens the very existence of the human race."))

Jeanne couldn't make anything out of the mission she was given. She knew no beast, nor did she know where to find it.

(("The man that stands beside you, is the vessel of the beast Fenrir. Slaying him will lead you to your next mission."))

Jeanne will follow the words of the gods. If she had to slay the man beside her, she was sure it was for a good reason. Jeanne stepped away from him drawing her sword.

"I Jeanne D'arc shall follow the words of the gods. In the name of Odin I shall cleanse the world of the sins brought by the great beast Fenrir. You Zah-roche allied to the monster that will bring world destruction, shall fall to my blade."

Without question Jeanne was willing to kill Zah-roche. Her face became serious and focused on one goal. Zah-roche began to feel exactly how Fenrir felt about the god that bound him, the god that slayed him, and how no matter what they do and say their judgment is considered to be the right and absolute. They take it among themselves to do what they believe the Almighty God would do. This was no longer a fight to save the world, but it was a fight to save the citizens from themselves.

"So...I'm all alone in this fight. Each and every one of you demand trust...each and every one of you fight in this world for your own desires and you dare antagonize me..."

Zah-roche was unable to finish. Lionel had already begun his assault. Idris had taken his position behind him hurling poison from his mouth. Zah-roche stood there, things seemed to move slow and Fenrir began to speak to him once more.

("You see Zah-roche, if you are the one giving everything to trust those around you, you make yourself weak and unable to grasp reality when they betray you. It is what human's are born to do; satisfy their own desires. And that is the reality you seem to be unwilling to accept. I wasn't born to kill the gods. They prophesized that I would one day cause them harm, thus they devised a plan to shackle me; bound to the earth until the day of Ragnarok. Their prophesy came to pass because it was they who made it happen. If they didn't betray me I may not have killed the god Odin, thus his son would not have killed me. No matter what direction you choose Zah-roche I shall follow you. If you wish to allow yourself to be killed then I shall wait with you, but if you decide you should fight I will grant you all of my strength.")

Time began to move as normal Lionel was already over him. Zah-roche clenched his fist and thrust it toward Lionel, countering his attack. Lionel was knocked away and Zah-roche leapt backward to avoid Idris's poison. As Zah-roche took to the sky Braid had leapt and attacked from behind. Zah-roche was unable to avoid her attack and she slashed his back. A deep gash appeared from his left shoulder blade to the right of his abdomen and blood began to spill from his wounds. Zah-roche knelt to the ground as Braid passed through him. She swung her blade removing the blood from it and turned to face the fallen beast.

"Bare witness to my power, for my sword will be the one that slays you."

Before Zah-roche could fully stand Lionel clawed his face, the impact dragged Zah-roche's face into the dirt. Lionel continued his assault by lunging at him once more, but this time Zah-roche flipped from the ground kicking Lionel in the face. As Lionel went to hold his nose Zah-roche had punched him across the face leading into a turn kick, knocking Lionel towards Idris. As his body drug to his friend, Zah-roche stumbled backward barely able to stand. Leilah had arrived seconds into the fight and she called out to her brother and Idris.

"Lionel stop, what are you two doing?!"

Idris turned toward her surprised to see her there. Lionel stood on his feet wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth.

"What are you doing here Leilah? I told you to go back home."

"You are coming with me. We don't have time for all this we'll be outnumbered soon...Zah-roche, why are you two fighting?"

"That’s the bastard that sold us out to the human scum. He's the reason our attack failed."

"What do you mean? How could he know about what we were planning I didn't find out until we met up in Central Sector last night."

No one else could here the conversation they were having. Everyone was too focused on Zah-roche to be side tracked by meaningless conversation. But Idris did listen to Leilah, even if and when they managed to kill Zah-roche they would still have to fight both Silverhollow and Goldsbloom and that would surely be the end of them.

"Lionel, Leilah's right we can't be wasting our time fighting with him. By the time we're done with him Silverhollow and Goldsbloom will be upon us and we will have no escape."

"Damn, I know but we still need to take care of him. He knows to much about us."

"I know but the way things are they may take him out for us. This'll be a tactical retreat. You're our leader what will the resistance do when you're gone?!"

"Rrrrggggg...fine. I hope he dies a disgraceful death."

Lionel, Idris, and Leilah made their way away from the battle. Leilah was saddened as she left Zah-roche behind. She was the only one that remained on his side, the only one that trusted him. Their escape brought Zah-roche some time. Zah-roche watched as the three left the battle, thinking it may be easier to fight if they left.

Jeanne and Oscar began their assault. Zah-roche watched as her sword gleamed in the light of the sun. As if she held the holy blade that will cut through his body. Oscar's encased in gold began to emit a glowing aura of the same color. Jeanne slashed twice at Zah-roche's neck, but he was able to step backwards and avoid all her attacks. Oscar approached from above as his sword came down to cut him in half. Zah-roche stepped to the side and Oscar swung for his legs, but was easily dodged when Zah-roche retreated back. As he landed he faced Jeanne.

"So here we are...minutes ago you were excited to fight along side me, and now you get a mission and think it's okay to betray the person that trusts you. You talk about all the people that fight for greed and power, and how they can't be trusted. You no nothing of trust. Everything you do is controlled by the gods that observe you. You're nothing more than a tool waiting to be used by it's owner. Maybe you should question your so called god, like you question the humans that betrayed you and left you to die in the hands of your enemy."

"How DARE YOU!!!"

Zah-roche had targeted her weak point. Showing how she was no more than an empty

shell, complementing the mechanized body she now possess. Jeanne was not one to attack blindly, her attacks only missed by a few inches but the aura that emerged from her blade was able to cut deeper than the blade itself. Zah-roche grasped the X that appeared bloody on his chest. He began to gasp for air until suddenly he felt the blade of Oscar pierce through his back. Zah-roche coughed blood and Braid too thrust her sword through his front. Zah-roche stood bleeding as he began to whisper something.

"So...you...think...this is fair?"

Even Braid had realized how she fought was dishonorable as it was one against many. But it was already to late. Blood began to run down Zah-roche mouth as he tried to breathe. When he looked up, there high in the sky was Jeanne ready to put an end to the beast.

("So you are choosing to give up.")

Fenrir's voice echoed through his mind as he remembered the events that had occurred in the past. The events that created the being he is today. But of all things he remembered that mans face, Xerxes. The streaks in his hair and his eyes began to emit a crimson glow. His hair darkened the area of his eyes and the glow streamed from the darkness. Dark clouds emerged from the distance and approached their direction.

"None of you bastards will stand in my way."

As Jeanne's blade began to fall to Zah-roche's head, he slowly raised his head glaring into her soul. Zah-roche forced an empowered elbow into Oscar's chest sending him flying through the air, he then kicked Braid right beneath her breasts. Zah-roche quickly pulled the blades from his body and blood began to spurt from his wounds. As Jeanne blade reached him, he deflected the blade with his right forearm leading into a spinning kick with his left, tripping her in midair thus ending with a jumping spin kick with his right into Jeanne's breast plate sending her flying with the others. There stood Zah-roche bleeding from his wounds and the darkness began to emit from his heart. Two voices began to speak; Zah-roche and Fenrir.

"I am Fenrisulfr and I shall not die a meaningless death again. I am Zah-roche, I wont let her death be in vain...no WE ARE FENRIS-ZAH-ROCHE. IF THE WORLD NEEDS SOMEONE TO STAND FOR THEM IT WILL BE US, I SHALL BARE THE SINS OF THIS WORLD, AND GLADLY BECOME THE VILLAIN OF THIS GENERATION. This will not be for revenge or selfish gain, this will be for the life that will continue on when this is over. Accept me Fenrir let your sins become mine and mines yours, let my heart be yours and yours mine, LET OUR SOULS MERGE TO FORM ONE MIND AND ONE BODY!")

A dark aura emitted from Zah-roche's body and the entire block was encased in darkness.

"It is not the beasts of this world that are the demons. It is the humans and their creations that cause all the conflicts that have existed in this world. They wish to satisfy their selfish needs at the cost of even their own kind. They are the demons that plague this world."

Zah-roche faded into the darkness and his transformation began. Soon after the darkness faded and in it's place was a giant mechanical hound. It had large mechanical claws, a long mechanical tail, tubes ran from it's shoulders into his claws, and it possessed the head of a mechanical wolf and had what appeared to be levitating mechanical wings. It let out a ghastly breath as he began breathing. The fear came over them all as they witnessed this beast emerge from the darkness.

"rgh Now witness the power of human and beast as one rgh. rgh I shall destroy

all that stand in my way rgh. rgh This will be your end rgh!"

Zah-roche now a mechanical beast vanished from their sight. Oscar sensed danger behind him and turned to see. There stood Zah-roche breathing on his neck. He raised his arm and slashed Oscar sending him flying into where Braid now stood, his body bouncing across the ground. Zah-roche vanished and appeared between both Braid and Oscar, he then spun in a circular motion hitting the both of them with his tail. As they flew across the ground, Zah-roche crotched and appeared to charge light within his mouth, his wings began to rotate and the quicker it spun the larger the ball of light became. He then let out a crimson beam of light blasting Oscar's ragged body from the air. Zah-roche then turned towards Braid and launched a beam once again, blasting her off the ground sending her into the building behind her, where her body remained as the siding crumbled around her.

Zah-roche turned to Jeanne now standing with her sword in hand still capable of fighting. Zah-roche then knelt taking an animalistic form and from there the ground beneath him crumbled as he launched himself forward. Jeanne was not prepared for the speed the beast possessed and when it swung it's giant claw it knocked her away dropping her sword. Jeanne lied on the ground and as she opened her eyes the beast stood over her with his jaws open growling at her. For some reason he couldn't finish her off. He glared at her for a long time and she looked up at him. She didn't fear him and she began to feel how he didn't want to hurt her. As they looked into the soul of one another a man emerged with a large cannon. It was Xerxes the one that caused it all.

"Now I shall rid the world of a mistake that happened long long ago. Now be gone Fenris-Zah-roche!"

The cannon emitted an invisible wave and as it hit Zah-roche's body it encased him a sphere of energy. The energy began to accumulate within the sphere as it evolved into a large explosion that didn't exceed the sphere. when the smoke dissipated Zah-roche's human battered body was revealed, his arm though metal were broken, the skin on his body was partially ripped off his body. Zah-roche tried to struggle to his feat but he couldn't. Blood filled the ground beneath him.

"Ahhh...aahhhh...rrrrrrrggghhhh..."

Zah-roche's broken limbs began to reform and connect themselves. Xerxes prepared for the next shot, and the weapon began to charge. Jeanne didn't know what to do. With this final shot the beast would be killed, thus completing her mission. But for the first time she felt the emotions for another. It wasn't love it was the sorrow that came when she betrayed Zah-roche. When the blast was fired Jeanne stepped in with her sword drawn. The power the blade emitted repelled the blast protecting Zah-roche.

Zah-roche was finally able to stand on his feat and began his retreat. During his retreat he fainted. When he came to he was back on the slab where he was once bound to. His body began to squirm in pain and his cries echoed through the baron land. As he twisted his sights landed on Leilah, but he was to dazed to acknowledge her when his eyes looked to the ground he saw the bag he carried through his journey. He reached in grabbing a handful of herbs and berries and shoved them into his mouth. Even then his body was still in pain and he eventually fell into a dark sleep.