NationStates Jolt Archive

The first round of the game was over as Albedo put it. Two weeks had pasted since Lamia had disrupted the plans of Albedo and his master. Mujo was dead and the humans were now free agian.

Soon i will make him and everyone he cares for pay. I will ruin his life untell he begs for death and i will grant him his wish. Albedo thought to himself was he neared a Abh space city. It was a redlight type city the very city where Greed had been killed a year befor. Albedo knew this for he and the other 6 worked togather closely he even brought Lust with him to aid in his twisted game.

Albedo was able to keep the betterman from tracking him as he was far diffrent from any race they had dealt with. He was one of a kind. His information network had given him jucie bits of information. Anything from the Betterman Council,Richard Rahl's location, The Bettermans Enemys and Lamias weakness'. A weakness could be somthing much diffrent from a body part. It could be somthing as simple as a attachment to a persion and still have a grave effect on how one fights.

Albedos ship was registered a Neo Zetan trade ship bringing in some military goods that had been held up when the boarders had been closed

In that two weeks time Kiern've had taken a well deserved vacation and was planning on seeing to an old friend from another nation but for now he needed a break and had some reports to file. Lamia on the other hand was back with the Betterman Council informing them of the recent events.

The lush planet was tucked soundly away in the middle of the Empire with a small population on a completely different continent. Lamia allowed all members to experience the battles through his lipid channel. The reports didn't make a single member flinch. Hardly a single spec of emotion could be detected. However, the idea of a full Betterman muster was forming in their minds. A fleet slept below their feet that could be easily aroused in a time of need. Until that time came, they would put their faith in their youngest member Lamia.

The ship was allowed to pass by and go on about its way into the Empire.

Hinoki and Kaita Ayono were dual piloting a new type of mobile suit for the Empire. Mobile suits were now a rare comodity used in police measures and perhaps moving them to the ground battles.

"How does the throttle feel Hinoki?"

"Looking pretty good Kai-chan. This new claudia engine is far superior to what the older models had." Hinoki moved the mechanical arm to the sniper rifle and worked on the targeting system that was programmed in.

As the ship docked it started to unload its cargo. Albedo and lust payed the captian for his service to the nation and left the ship in a stealthy manner. Once in the city Albedo and Lust met with a man who looked like he had been in many battles. Scars covered his face and his arms and god knows where else.

" Have my information lacky of Greed?" Albedo said in a arrogent tone " How is your boss anyway?"

The man looked sharply at him " You know damn well greed was killed a year ago." The man said

Albedo smirks " Yes i do tend to forget about the minor players in this game. Now give me the information i want or you too will find that its game over."

The man gave Albedo a disk with information on how to get around the Empire undetected as well as possible leads to look into.

" Where is my money?" the man said. " Ah yes your payment" Albedo said " It will be a quick death. That is your payment my friend" Befor the man could react lust had run him through with her claws cuting his heart out of his chest. The two then left the scean into a nearby bar to rest and hide out from any police who might come across the body.

The gears of time, destruction and chaos are all in motion. Possibly our greatest foe has now arisen and it will take the strength of us all to ensure that the balance of the universe is maintained. I know that I have not always been true to the council's ways but you all must understand that our hope must be protected and it has been. The great void and bringer of destruction was still defeated those years ago. I ask that all our efforts be united in this battle and bring the fleet that rests below our feet to life once again. Give them their drive back and let us wage war against this new enemy.

Lord Bodayichu was the first to speak up. Lamia we have heard this speech before. What will the Abh think if these ships come back to life and begin moving around? It also taxes our energy and powers to control their numbers and weapon systems.

Yes Bodayichu and that is why I ask you all to give them their independence for this so that our energy is not taxed and we remain at full strength. At their full strength they are close to unparalleled. If more assistance is needed, then we will approach the Emperor and ask for his assistance.

The debate would rage on for hours with lipid channels flashing back and forth though a sound was never made.

Lamia's worrys were correct a threat unlike anyother worked in the shadows. They could be detected for they had yet to open a gate way to this diminson however they still had agents.

Albedo went through the information on the disk and turned to lust. " Hinoki is named in this disk. No picture or what link she has to lamia however it says its worth looking into. Dosnt give any directions on where to find her. Maybe i shouldnt have killed the guy so soon maybe he could have found out for me. Oh well all that matters is finding her."

The energy output on the sniper rifle was high enough to punch through shielding systems and penetrate the armor. This type of rifle would be used to target command areas of either ships or any armor units that were put against it.

"Woah nice shot Hinoki. What do you say we head back to base and report in. I'm getting hungry and its almost lunch time."

"Oh Kai-chan, you still think with your stomach. Alright lets head back."

The mobile suit walked across the windswept plain on the planet of D'Hara which was also home to Lord Rahl who was currently occupied with a tournament. Though he was not the only power in the area, just the greatest. Still there were still those that can bend anyone who uses magic to their will.

The mobile suit production facility and base was located in a mountain range called the Spine of the World.

Albedo and Lust arranged for transport on a smugglers ship who had claimed to have been able to get to where they needed to go. Albedo used his ability to feel out his preys life signs to plot a coarse. Once in route Albedo went into the cargo hold where he waited in the darkness where he felt at home.

So you are not going to aid me in this battle?

The elder was now in control over the matters at hand and lead the opposing side to this new idea. No. We will be patient and monitor the events of the galaxy as we have been. Currently a nation is attempting to fight a God in which the Abh have lent their support. That would be more dire than this little problem that you have brought before us.

Lamia's black sunglasses tilted down a little as Lumai perched on his shoulder. The only Betterman on his side. You know as well as I that the Abh do not believe in a god. It is perhaps an old race that the people of the planet fear as much as a god. It will be dealt with without incident I am sure. If you will not help me, then lend me one ship so that I may look after our hope myself.

A feeling of consent and Lamia departed without another thought. The lush jungle stretched for miles beyond the earthen temple while an ancient fleet of ships slept beneath the soil. The jewel in his chest glowed forth with yellow radiance and the earth began to shake.

" We are almost there so wake up" Lust said as she entered the cargo hold

" I am always awake, I never sleep,drink or eat i have no needs to keep myself running."

Lust shurgged off albedos cold response " Either way i suggest you be on guard. This world is host to many magic users."

Albedo begian to laugh uncontrolable " I have no need to fear their petty magic. It would be useless on a being such as me besides the more magic they use the sooner the shadow will cross over. Now stop worrying about the minor players whos names arnt even worth knowing." Albedo said as he stood up

Meanwhile the ships captian asked for permission to land.

The individual that was in charge at the moment of the People's Palace and all of D'Hara was a woman that deserved to be feared. In a war that had cost the entire planet its existance, Nicci had earned the title of Death's Mistress. A tantalizing beauty who only wore a straight tight black dress and low cut 'v' neck. Her straight white hair lay just below her shoulders. The white hair did not match her youthful age nor did it do anything to dismiss her beauty, on the contrary it quite enhanced it. Though this one wasn't someone that Albedo should fear but perhaps anyone else would have solid reason to fear for their lives should they bring about her wrath. Long ago she had fallen in love with Richard but knew she could never be with him as his love rested with Kahlan...always.

Still, she had come to accept that and lived her life to protect him and serve him. There were her potential loves but she wasn't interested at the moment. There was still work to get done.

An upcoming leading D'Haran soldier was just such that lover. Typical D'Haran, the man was large and well muscled. Scars that told of his exploits as a soldier with a green cape to show a bit of rank. "My Lady, we have in incoming shuttle requesting permission to land."

Nicci turned up from a parchment that she was reading. "We don't have any scheduled ships coming until Lord Rahl returns."

"Shall I hold them up?"

The woman returned to the paper. "Where are they heading?"

"The merchant district of the planet."

"Scan them as they enter and report back to me once you have a reading. Until then, allow them land inside the port at the canyon wall."

"Right away my lady." The man thumped a fist to his heart in salute and spun on heels to leave.

Permission was granted for the ship to land at the side of the canyon wall where the starship port had been built.

As the shuttle landed Albedo stood with lust at the hatch dressed in his normal outfit with the symbols of the Blue Cosmos. The symbols of a group that had made a name for its self in the slaughter of countless innocents in the Deatharon and Republic Wars. This group evolved into the Imperial Guard which Albedo leads. Albedo wasnt worried about the symbols giveing himself away. He doubted many were old enough to remember Blue Cosmos. The only ones who would be around to remember would most likely be abh and they were known for their dislike of being on planets when it can be helped.

As they opened the hatch albedo begian to track his prey and set off to confront her. Lust followed behind keeping a every watchful eye out.

The cliff faced dockyard only lead up through a series of tunnels and stairs that were cut under the ground. Torches and guards were set at close intervals to monitor everything. The tunnel would eventually lead up and out into the bright D'Haran sun in the merchant sector of the People's Palace.

D'Haran guards in leather armor with green capes blowing in the wind and multiple weapons strapped on stood on guard practically everywhere. Today wasn't especially crowded in the market other than the typical shopping for basic needs and last minute runs. Tall and thick walls rose high into the sky with seige towers set along with machines of war mounted on top. It fit the mold for a perfect medieval fortress. It was near impenetrable from that sort of tech base and the men of D'Hara were some of the greatest soldiers that the Abh had to offer.

Guards paid attention to them every so often as they passed by.

Hinoki and Kaita had just finished putting the mobile suit away and decided to head down to the mess hall for a quick bite to eat.

Several Star systems away, earth began to move and a lone ship was freed from a long slumber underneath a lush planet's surface.

Albedo ignored the guards as he passed them by. He slowly tracked his prey untell he found his prey was inside of what seemed to be a base.

" What now Lord of the Shadows?" Lust said looking at the guards in front of them.

" If we cant get to her then we have her come to us" he said as he turned and closed his eyes.

Soon Hinoki would feel a tug at the back of her mind. Somthing calling her to come to it.

The base that Lust and Albedo found was far away from any living sector. Wind swept plains lay behind them and towering mountains before them. Hinoki and Kaita had just finished their lunch and were going to head back to work. "Kaita, you go on a head and I'll be right there."

"Huh? Where are you going Hinoki?"

"Can't I go to the bathroom?"

Blushing, "O-oh. Sorry."

Hinoki first made her way to the bathroom just about the same time that an unknown ship entered the atmosphere of the planet and headed down to military installation.

Hinoki left the room after her washing her hands and started walking towards the exit of the base for some reason.

"My lady, an unknown ship just flew past the check point and is heading down for the military base. We have some of new technicians working on war machines for the empire."

Nicci spun around from looking at the window. "Rikka!"

The Mord-Sith in her red leather outfit entered the room. "Yes?"

"Take two other Mord-Siths with you and escort the Captain here to greet our new 'guest.'"

"Right away."

Albedo sat agianst a wall in a darkened allyway waiting his eyes looking at the ground. Ignoreing anything said to him by lust he only waited. He was confident his prey would make her way to him. Then he would find out what if anything this girl knew and if she was worth anything to him.

Lamia's vessel touched down alongside the mountain range that held the military base. From a side door, Lamia and Lumay walked out into the cold wind and headed inside.

Hinoki was walking down a dark alleyway in the installation that had just recently been opened and no security measures had been set up yet.

Albedo looked up seeing his guest had arrived. Albedo started to sing a song as he stood up " I will slaughter i will destroy all.... Dont you know? I will kill you..I will Kill you..I will kill you" He ended his song and begian to advance on her looking into her eyes he would soon know if she was worth keeping. Humans are easy to read when afraid and most would be more then a little afraid after such a song.

Lust came behind Hinoki to make sure she didnt try and run off.

Hinoki gasped and eyes wide at seeing the man. She started to back up but bumped into Lust. Her eyes darted around looking for a way to escape. With no where to run, her fear began to grow. "W-what do you want with me?"

Kaita...please help me Kai-chan.

Kaita was beginning to worry about Hinoki. It was approaching they targeted time to begin testing the latest feature of their mobile suits that allowed them to link with it, much like an Abh would be able to feel a starship, and increase their performance. He began to wonder off towards the bathrooms to look for her.

Lamia's progress was unheeded as he just basically flew past the guards and security stations. Anyone that happened to have been in his path would have only thought that a gust of wind had passed by. Lamia. Are you sure this is wise? You will not be able to use the seed of Forte in here.

I must Lumay. Our hope is in danger and I must protect it even if it costs me my life.

Do not be so quick to throw it away Lamia.

Albedo grabs Hinoki by the arm " I want the destruction of the betterman known as Lamia. He was foolish enough to anger me. And through you i will make his life hell untell he begs for death. Now hold still this will be painful."

Albedo slowly pushed his left hand agianst Hinoki's stomic. Slowly it seemed to turn the area around his hand into a jelly like substince as he merged his hand into her and entered her mind and soul. Seeing every memory and throught. The most painful and persion ones no matter how well hidden. It was in a way a rape of the mind. The pain would be extream both physical and Psychological would be even more painful.

Hinoki unleashed a horrified scream as she felt the pain seering through her body. Kaita heard it and ran down the hall. Not only had he heard it but so did Lamia.

So great was his speed that by the time he had arrived, Albedo only had enough time to learn a few things like how her and Kaita were keys to maintaing the balance in the universe and how Hinoki could create a far superior animus flower. Not the least of these memories, was her tie to her brother Mario who had mysteriously disappeared at an archeological dig. The man in her mind bore a striking resemblance to Lamia.

Lamia's claws were extended and he came at Albedo's head at full force trying to lop it off from behind.

Albedo smirked only a secound befor the claws struck. One would wonder if he was able to follow Lamias movements or if he just felt somthing in his gut tell him what was about to happen.

The sound of blood,bone and meat getting ripped off the neck of Albedo would make many people sick as the blood splatered forword and to the sides. Albedos body fell to the ground pooring out blood.

Lust stood there then turned her head slightly to see Kaita. " Well well what the little hero come to save the girl." She said turning her claws not extended for she knew lamia had her in his slights. She rased her hands " I give up with Albedo dead i am no match for you" Her voice was so emotionless not a hint of worry or defeat in it.

Hinoki followed Lust's gaze. "Kai-chan! You came after me."

"Don't worry Hinoki, we'll get you out of this."

Kaita. Take Hinoki before Albedo arises again.

"Oh right, come on Hinokit. Let's get out of here."

Lamia watched to see Hinoki and Kaita head back down the hallway. Lumay was perched on his right shoulder as she typically was. A clawed hand reached down and picked up what was left of Albedo. By no means did Lamia even think he was dead. The point was just to throw the body as far from him as he could and that he did as he launched the bloody carcass down the hall.

Albedos body fliped in mid air landing on its feet. The energy cloud seen befor when Albedo had rengenrated appeared agian as his head reformed. His laugh was not far behind " What a wasted effort i could have dodged your first attack but i wanted to see what kind of power you have. Its nothing but a joke even transformed your still mortal somthing which i am not."

Albedo eyed lust " go after them dont kill the girl but kill the boy." Lust noded as he ran off following the two.

Albedo returned his gaze to Lamia "Dont think i am showing mercy by not killing her but i wouldnt want to give you a superior animus flower to use."

Albedo started to smirk " I wonder are you her brother or did you just take his form and memorys out of compassion so that he would live on in you. Or maybe you just were a ugly bastard and needed a new body?" he said laughing as he pointed two fingers at Lumay " I will deal with the weak one first." Albedo let out of a dark ball of energy about the size of a golf ball. Rather small but able to do alot of damage. It moved fast closeing in on its target. Albedo followed it chargeing Lamia his sword still not drawn.

Lumay flew off of Lamia's shoulder. Are you alright?

Yes, I am fine.

Lamia's head nodded as his lipid channel continued to flash. Then protect those two from that abomination.

The golden bird flew away down the hall like a bullet while Lamia just stood there waiting for Albedo to continue his charge.

The blast missing its target slammed into a wall once passed. The explosion rocked the area. Albedo came out of his charge just out of arms lengh of lamia pointing his two fingers at Lamia and fireing his shot agiant at point blank range.

Lust cought up with Hinoki and Kaita. The claws on her right hand were extended she cut at Kaita's back with a lightning fast slash.

The claws slashed through Kaita's back and he went down with claw marks in his back. "Kai-chan!!"

Hinoki knelt down by his side as blood began pouring out. She ripped pieces of his shirt and tried to bandage it.

Lumay flew past Lust's head buzzing her as she went. A purple seed was in the Betterman's talons as she began to eat. Blinding golden light issued forth as the creature changed revealing a woman floating on air dressed in a golden translucent dress.

The blast hit Lamia at full force shaking the hall. As the dust began to settle, it was clear that Lamia was still standing there. Flickering lights reflected off of his black sunglasses as he stood there emotionless with his arms crossed.

You will go no further.

Lust looked on at the betterman her claws back to normal length " Why do you fight on when you have no hope? I my self can rengrate much lilke Albedo. Killing me for you is impossible for you are no alchemist nore do you have what is needed to weaken me. But yet you still fight on..its illogical"

Albedo nods " Good if you had been hurt by such a weak attack then i would have wasted my time on you. Unlike Lust and your little friend your on a diffrent level. To bad for you i have a enitre unvierse above you. So go on hit me with all you have."

The golden woman turned to face Kaita. Almost instantly his wounds began to heal and he began to moan away the pain and stiffness. "Oww that hurt."

Hinoki hooked an arm around his and helped him to his feet. "Come on Kai-chan. Let's get out of here."

"Hinoki, help me back to the armory. I have an idea how we can help."

Lumay then turned back to face Lust.

Lamia still stood completely still. Why bother attack you? Even know the two that you came here to kill are moving to safety and you cannot pass me. Begone from this place and never return. If it is me that you wish to fight, then let us find a more preferable arena.

" You think i came to kill them you missunderstand me. The girl far to importent to die in my game. As for a better place to fight i dont wish to kill you yet. Even transformed you have your weakness' I saw your fight with Mujo i understand your power. Reading the girls mind filled in some blank spots as well. You dont wish to fight here becuase you dont want to transform here. And you know fighting me in your current form i would have every advantage. So no you wont die yet but i feel i must show you what your dealing with so you can inform your masters their time is at a end!."

Albedo's left foot moved forword as it did he seemingly vanished. He reappeared infront of Lamia his sword already slashing at Lamias midsection.

Lust looked her oppent down and sighed she extended the claws on both hands to their full lengh and lashed trying to cut the betterman to shreads.

Lamia was gone in a flash already out of reach of Albedo's sword. He launched back in with a roundhouse kick.

Lumay danced around Lust's nails. Each Betterman had different powers and control over different elements. Her voice rang out in a high pitch song and a metalic wall began to grow from the floor.

The armory opened to Kaita's command to reveal a row of mech suits and respectable weapons. He limped down the rows until he reached a sealed and coded vault. "Code clearance ultra-violet E.S.W.A.T. Kaita Ayano Mitsugoro."

Pressurized air hissed as locks were released and the doors swung open to a prototype rifle that was being worked on. "Suit up Hinoki and get the rifle. I'll act as your cover."

Both found the suits that they were working on and Hinoki made her way to the rifle. (Suits: http://www.nautiljon.com/images/anime/appleseed/appleseed_07.jpg)

Albedo blocked Lamias kick and counter attacked his sword aimed at Lamias left hamstring.

Lust jumped back waiting for the betterman to make a move as well as learn what tricks it had.

Lamia pushed off Albedo's block also missing the sword cut.

The metalic wall that was being grown by Lumay was completed and sealed her and the other two away from Lust and the battle between Lamia and Albedo.

Loud metallic thumps could be heard down the hall as Hinoki and Kaita were moving closer.

Albedo jumped up matching Lamias speed and every move " Havnt you noticed i am toying with you. In your untransformed state your nothing but a child to me. Now let me show you what real power is!"

Albedo landed and useing both hands created a energy ball but unlike befor it was large. Bigger then Albedo and its power was enough to destroy the entire section of the base. " You wont dodge this nore will you have time to run!" Albedo slammed the energy ball down at his feet creating a large votrex sucking anything near it in for .6 seconds befor the explosion came ripping anything apart inculding Albedo. Even a powerful barrier would only help so much. And at this range damage was assured.

Lust was badly burnt by the heat blast from the explosion as it met with the wall Lumay created.

Lamia's feet began sliding as the vortex sucked him forward for a moment. The energy blast met the fortitude of Hecto Folex head on. Light and darkness battled back and forth for dominance until both energies were spent. Lamia was thrown back quite a ways with burns, a tattered jacket and cracked sunglasses. Other than that he was remarkably fine. His DNA composure was resilliant and able to regenerate themselves at a rapid rate.

Your energy attacks will never beat me and I am not attempting to best you. I am merely keeping you in your place.

"Hey Hinoki. Did you feel that?"

"Yeah, I wonder what it was."

The two continued to walk along for some time. "Hinoki! It's Lumay..."

Albedo had already regnrated he stood there laughing " You cant best me thats why you dont try. You cant destroy me ever no matter how hard you try. And i have much more to my power the energy attacks. Did you forget the first time we met what i did? Let me remind you then."

Albedo swiftly punched forword even though he was a good ten feet from lamia. The energy from his punch and the force headed silently and swiftly at lamia's chest with enough force to go through a normal human.

Lust lay burnt on the ground hardly able to move from the blast.

Lamia brought his arms up fast enough to block off the full brunt of the attack. The imprint of Lamia's body was there to greet Hinoki and Kaita as they arrived at the scene. "This doesn't look good Hinoki."

Lumay could sense their thoughts and the metallic wall slowly opened up to reveal Lamia lying on the floor. Their mobile suits looked down to see an expressionless and motionless Lamia. Without much effort, Lamia kicked out and up to regain his feet and charged back off at Albedo with claws extended and fangs bared.

Albedo poped his neck " Time to end this incounter" Albedo appeared Behind lamia smileing " Your to slow i'm over here!" In another flash he was standing on one of the mobile suits then beside Lumay with a energy ball the size of the one he used just befor almost touching Lumay.

" Its always a good feeling to have a life in your hands. I could destoy her befor you or her could blink. The only reasion i dont is if she lives or dies makes no diffrence in the game." He looks at Lumay as a child would look at a toy that he wasnt sure to keep or brake. " I offer you Lumay a chance to have untold power. To be the most powerful of your kind. I can share some of my power with you. And the power is nothing to turn down i have destroyed soal systems with my power." Albedos eyes started to glow black as he started to lose it " I could destroy every damn thing in this solar system right now if i wanted! infact maybe i could bring the peace of nothingness to this world and open a gate to the Twisting Neither!!"

Lust looked at him " Albedo your starting to lose it calm down"

He laughed as his eyes went back to normal " I do get carried away when i am haveing fun forgive me. So Lumay what do you say. You can go from being a pawn to being a Knight in this game. My offer stands to other pawns as well" He said looking at the two mobile suits.

Lumay powers were much like that of the Betterman's elder only it worked in opposite. She concentrated on the dark energy ball from Albedo and began to expand it until it would grow until it covered the entire hallway.

Hinoki caught on to Lumay's plot and brought the prototype rifle to the mobile shoulder. "Look out Kai-chan."

Kaita dived out of the way just as the De-Atomizer rifle fired a single shot at Albedo.

Albedo smirked as cought the blast in his hand. He bounced it up and down like a ball. "Intresting this might have hurt if i hadnt traped the energy as soon as you fired. He dessolved the energy and turned to Lumay i have a message for you to give to your council." He slamed his hand into her reading her memories as a black cloud formed takeing her in to the twisting neither. The twisting neither was a diminson void of form only twisting dark energy. Her body was ripped away leaving her soul only. She would feel every kind of pain and sorrow at once. Albedo pulled her back after only a second her body reformed.

However the second in this diminson is that of 1,000 years in the twisting neither. Not even a betterman or anything for that matter comes out of it with out emotion scars. Albedo turned to Lamia " Transform and i will show you how weak you are"

Lamia's fangs were now showing through. That last little bit got to him as Lamia was a mimic of Hinoki's brother, Mario; Lumay had taken the body of Hinoki's mother and ultimatly Mario's.

Then come outside and let me rip you a part.

Albedo laughed " Still you care for those in this base. Its a weakness lamia but i will spare them for now" he said starting to walk outside.

Lamia had his hand in the vest of his leather jacket. A red glowing seed fumbled into his fingers. He would be going straight for the throat this time. Lumay was back in her bird form again perched on his shoulder. Lipid channels flashed back and forth as they conversed.

Albedo smirked while looking back at Hinoki as he reached the outside. he handed a timer to lust and set it for 5 mintues " This wont take long."

Hinoki and Kaita were outside on the windswept plains in their mobile suits. Lamia and Lumay stood in front of them facing Albedo and Lust. Light glinted off of Lamia's glasses while he stood their with his arms crossed.

" Well lets get this over with. I can tell your mad i hurt your mommy. Oh thats right i know i took my chance to flip through her mind like a book befor i sent her to the twisting neither. I know everything even the last time little mario peed the bed." His voice changed into that of Mario and Hinoki's mother " Now kill me if you can little boy"

Lamia's feral growl echoed off the mountains causing rocks to rumble and roll. He charged straight in with claws extended.

Albedo stood there yawning gathered another energy ball and hit it sending it forword,however unlike his other attacks it went out like a shot gun blast scatering.

Lamia jumped impossibly high and came back down his boot heel leading the way to Albedo's chest.

Albedos feet sunk intot he ground as Lamias kick connected. But he didnt move other then that " All you got weak little Lamia?" Albedo grabed Lamias foot and swung him around letting go after the 3rd spin

Lamia flew about a hundred feet but managed to land on his feet tearing up a little dirt on the way. He stood tall and straight as he reached into his black jacket's pocket. Forte fell into his grasp in the form of a red prickly seed. Lamia's fangs sank deep into the seed and the transformation that Mujo saw, began to take place in front of Albedo.

Albedo looked on as lamia transformed his eyes were emotionless.

" Atlast your not going to hold back."

Lamia's transformation was complete and the flames disappeared. Forte stood there with fists at his side. Red flaming eyes glared back at Albedo.

" Two Mintues left,think you can do it in the time you said?" Lust said

Albedo says nothing to her but yells at Lamia " Come on i dont have all day! Attack me and see how useless it is"

Forte raised a heavy and dropped it down with a loud crash tearing a deep crevice in the ground as it went for Albedo.

Albedos right arm was ripped off as he was unable to fully dodge the attack. He jumped forword his arm regnrateing in mid jump. The clock reached 20 secounds. As Albedo headed right for Fortes neck. However at the last secound he lowered and crashed through the crystal with his full body grabing Lamias bodying and slamming it and himself out the back of the Forte shell. His grip around Lamias throat started to tighten as Albedo laughed as he begian to poor his dark energy into Lamias body to try and knock him out.

A strange thing happens when a betterman's actual body is attacked, its actual form turns inky black. The only color were Lamia's red eyes as he began choking. His pupils started to roll in up in the back of his head.

A loan shot rang out from the barrel of deatomiser carried by Hinoki.

Off in the distance, the low rumbly of a hundred hooves could be heard. The famed D'Haran calvary was also coming to the scene.

Albedo dodge the shot just in time and even moved Lamia out of its path. " I told you that i wouldnt kill you today. The game has only started for you my friend."

Lust walked up to his side " Enemy units closeing in."

Albedo looked at Hinoki " You my dear will provide the time we need to flee. Untell we meet agian."

Albedos eyes widened as he triggered the present he left in Hinoki's. She would hear the sound of classical music playing atin her mind as her brain waves started to respond to Albedos soul. The mind rape allover agian. However this time it was trying to force her to engage the nearist allied unite long enough for Albedo to flee

Hinoki screamed madly from the pain of the mindrape. The muzzle of the rifle started to lift slowly as she tried to fight it and Kaita was the closest person. "Hinoki it's me Kai-chan. Fight it Hinoki. I know you can do it."

"R-r-r-run K-kaita."

Lumay's voice rang out loudly like a symphony from the heavens. It was much like Lamia's hecto folex as it tried to cancel the posession.

The commander of the D'Haran forces thumped his horse's rump with the flat of his blade. A hundred bright spear tips leveled at the group far off on the planes as they closed the distance.

A shuttle flew down from orbit. It was from the smuggler ship that brought Albedo to the world. He now would have them take him to meet his personal flagship where we would let Lamia regroup and plan his next move agianst his foe. He entered the shuttle with lust and took off heading for orbit.

The commander pulled up short with the rest of his men on his heels. "I am commander Ike of the D'Haran First Phial. I pressume you are of the Betterman Council while you two are among Star Forces. Don't worry about him, we'll have every ship in orbit after that shuttle. We'll trace it back to where it came from."

Lamia shook his head the best he could. "Don't. He is already gone."

Lumay floated over to him. What will you do?

I must sleep. Lamia leaped up and dashed off at the speed faster than any horse, vehicle, or ship could move. He was soon over a cliff at the edge of the ocean. Lamia searched for a few minutes until he could find a cave. He plopped down cross legged as a crystalline structure began to encircle him. This was Lamia's regenerative process and also his major weakness but only known to the Bettermen themselves. Lumay would be there within the hour to keep watch over him.

Once in orbit and on the Smugglership they set coarse to secter J-3 only a solar system there was split between the Humankind Abh and Neo Zeta. Albedo would head to the Neo Zetan side where his Reman Warbird Mk II awaited him as well as his new asstinces.

Albedo knew of the other weakness somewhat as he learned it from Lumay. However Albedo knew attack now would kill lamia and end the game. Also he still wished to draw more of the Betterman out and disrupt if not destroy their council.

The sun sinked down behind the rolling waves painting the D'Haran sky a rich violet. Sounds of glass breaking and little crystal pieces falling away signaled that Lamia was awakening renewed and refreshed. Lumay, as always, was there to greet thim. Your foe has left and is now in a solar system where the Abh and Zetans share joint custody. What do you plan to do?

I must speak with the council once again. If they do not hear me, then I must seek the ultimate form.

But to do that you would need the seed of Turbo and Lord Equila's seed. How will you convince them?

Lamia stood up now appearing dusty gray. I do not know but I must try.

Lamia and Lumay were fast back in the ship and heading back to the lush planet where the Betterman council resided. Security on D'Hara was intensified and all cargo ships would be subject to full inspections.

After a ten hour trip Albedo and lust docked with the NZSF Osaka. Onboard Albedo had two guest waiting for him one friend and one foe.

So Lamia, you were defeated by this great foe and now you come back to ask us for something. You are quite the stubborn one even for one so young as yourself.

Lamia looked up at Lord Equila. I want the power that was capable of destroying the Chogra. I fear that this foe is just almost as powerful if not equal with the Chogra.

There was a "silence" for a moment while the council convened amongst themselves. Minutes slipt by before they returned to Lamia's mind. Do you know what it is that you ask?

I do.

Two seeds floated towards Lamia. One being from Lord Bodaichu while the other came from Master Equila. They converged with Lamia's remaining seed of Forte to form a new seed that glowed pink and contained physical aspects of all the seeds. Our powers combined with yours to make us all one. Do not misuse this power Lamia for with this you are nigh invincible. No one else knows of its capabilities except you.

Lamia took the seed from the air and turned to leave the temple with a parting nod.

" Major Lia of Section 9, to what do i owe this honor?" Albedo said laughing

The major gave him a cold look " Your actions have not gone unnoticed. Section 9 has reported you illegal trip into Abh space. You are here by ordered to return to Bevelle."

Albedo laughs " Sorry but i dont take orders from you nore the High Council."

The major begians to speak but albedo cuts her off " Only a Emperor or Empress has any power over me your idol threats are meaningless now leave my ship and be gone."

The Major turned and beamed aboard her cruiser however it stayed next to Albedos ship.

Albedos other guest was a surprise even to him.

" Your time in this game is running out if you arnt careful. It would be a pitty for your role to be so small and end so soon." A man in a Blue cloak and hood said.

Albedo looked at the man " Your wrong for once,my time isnt comeing to a end. Time it self is comeing to a end."

The man started to vanish but left a parting message " They will come all of them to end you. When that time comes we will make our move and the game will truely begian."

The same ship that bore Lamia to D'Hara, was now tracking Albedo down all through Neo Zeta. He would now take the fight to Albedo and return the favor of torturing Lumay. It would be different this time with this one seed.

Back at the planet of the council, the earth began to shake and part as more and more ships slipped out from their slumber and out into space. The Bettermen were preparing an ancient fleet should it be needed.

" Sir incomeing ship unknown design" the sensor officer said

" Give instructions to dock with Space Station Maka in orbit around the world." Albedo said

" Sir the station is abandoned is it not?"

Albedo shakes his head " Me and my toys will be there to welcome him " he said heading for the transporter room.

The ship's rear fins folded in and prepared to dock with the orbitting station. As soon as Lamia set a booted heel on the hard floor, he knew something was amiss. There was no life signs around except for a small sign of life. Lamia made his way cautiously towards the only source of life he could detect.

After a decent walk Lamia would find himself in a large chamber. At the center sat Albedo. He was surrounded by girls all the age of ten or so. All Realians. They were much like the Abh as they were biomachines and made to work best in space. However they had yet to gain freedom. These brand were used for running star ships and stations. However Albedo had command of them and decided he would test Lamias will to do anything to beat him. If he didnt have what it took he felt their was no reasion to fight agian.

" Well you return to face me agian. I would be more then happy to face you however my guards here have a problem with it."

Some of the Realians looked sad they did not want to fight but had little choice. They had grown up being told they wernt humans but tools to be used by Humans.

Lamia stood in the middle of the large room staring at the Realians. Stand aside. I have not come here to fight any of you. You are free to go and live your lives as you please.

" I make the rules here betterman. Toys destroy him now or you die." Albedo said.

The Realians had little choice. They charged in with daggers and rifles fireing at Lamia. They were faster then normal humans but nothing compared to Lamia or Albedos speed.

Lamia had dealt with robotics before in different situations and were hardly a problem for him. An easy jump in the air to make sure he could cover the entire area and then his hecto folex was activated. Lamia had the ability to send it electrical charges and shut down or take control of mechanical objects. In this instance he merely wanted to shut them down.

ooc: Realians arnt robots they are bio. No mechanical parts in them.

ooc: I thought they electrical uplinks and such just like KOS-MOS could be programmed and such by Shion when they were in that holographic alternate reality type thing.

OOC: I checked agian they do have more implants since they are observation types.

IC: The Realians systems shut down as and they fell to the ground in a sleep. Albedo booed " Your no fun you know." He held one of the shut down realians in his arms looking at it almost with a hateful pleasure look in his eyes.

" I do wish your betterman council had come to face me. I had hoped for some fun this time. However it seems your council has become lazy and unwilling to act. Your diffrent but your solo heroics is foolish. I have a special network boardcasting everything here on what i bealive you betterman use as your little telepathic network. Your fellow betterman will see their doom in this fight."

Albedo charged at Lamia useing the child realian as a shield. Waiting at the last moment he stabed his right hand through its midsection grabing at Lamias throat.

It's not that they are lazy. They just see you as someone who is not worth their united effort. However, we are all here in a way.

With the force of a tidal wave and the strength of steel, Lamia's fist punched up at Albedo's wrist trying to break the grip around his throat.

Albedos hand was knocked away but he took some flesh with it. " I know they would have given you somthing to try and give you a fighting chance. You may be foolish however your not crazy. You would not come to fight me so soon unless this was so. So please show me what it is that you think will save you."

In the darkness far away in a room that looked much like a small council chamber Three figures in hoods and cloaks spoke as another man spoke

" All gose as planned for the most part. Our man in charge of of running things in Neo Zeta reports set backs. His right hand Albedo attempts to deal with the entire betterman threat befor moveing on to the greater threat of Richard."

" He will be beat by the betterman in his current power they are more of a threat then he knows" Said the firgure in the Blue Cloak

" However we could awaken his sleeping powers." The figure in the Black Cloak said

" And atlast the last missing peice to the Testaments will be born. The betterman council will no longer pose a threat to us and we can get to work on dealing with Richard and the goverments."

" We will deal with the betterman however to prevent them from slowing us down. The dark lords grow tired of waiting if we do not hurry they will send in their other agents. Those agents are with out stealth and will ruin everything. We must ready our forces for a secret blitz on the key forces that stand in our way. The betterman,Richard and his clan, The Abh Goverment and any Jedi who get in our way." The man at the center of the chamber said.

The three cloaked figures bowed and turned walked out of the room.

ooc: You're gonna make me watch the last disc of Betterman just so I can get this name. blast. heh.

IC:

Lamia peeled away his black sunglasses and tossed them to the side. He reached into his black leather jacket and found the side pocket that typically contained various seeds. Only one was there this day and had the combined power of three different betterman forms. A pinkish glowing seed with thorns all over it rested in Lamia's palm. Fangs began to tear it apart as he ate hungrily.

Darkness and flame swallowed his body as the transformation took place. He grew to new statute in hieght with the head appearing much like Forte. His face, hands, and feet glowed pearl white while the rest of his body was pitch black including the massive wings that he now sported. Typically the jewel would have been covered with some sort of armor, now it was plainly and boldly set in the middle of his chest.

The greatest form that once defeated Congol. Baltos.

Albedo looked on at this new form his arrogent look was gone replaced by a seriouse look as taped his energy. He would use all he had this time. He charged forword jumping into the air fireing two energy balls at his foe.

" This form of betterman puts Albedo at a disadvantage. He can not win this battle." The figure in the red cloak said.

" Then should one of us go and destroy the betterman?" The figure in black said

" No let Albedo learn of his limits and when he is at deaths door we will step in and remove those limits and deal with the betterman." The figure in red said.

Both energy balls hit him square on the chest. Smoke swirled around and then disipated to reveal an unharmed Baltos.

Massive wings whipped at the air sending a whirl of razor sharp wind for Albedo.

Albedo dodged some of the attack for a few seconds. However one hit his mid section ripping him in half. His two halfs fell to the ground in a pool of blood. His regenration begian and soon he was whole and standing.

His normal look of arrogents was replaced by now with a somber realtlization. This form of betterman might be his equal or maybe even more. The two attacks he used at first whould have been enough to turn Forte into ash.

Albedo powered charged forth aiming his punchs at the bettermans eyes. Its only clear soft spot.

ooc: the blue jewel on his chest it the weak spot.

IC:

This form of Betterman was a special one indeed. Lamia could see Albedo's regenerative cells. Infinite cell division allowing you to regenerate was the same ability used by Congol. The way to defeat it is by overwritting the program within the cells by splitting the DNA and cancelling building blocks.


Psycho Birth.

The blade on the back of Baltos's head glowed and flung straight out for Albedo as he jumped to go for the eyes. The blade wasn't designed to kill but it packed enough force to punch through his chest and pin him to the far wall. The components within the blade had the ability to cancel the program that was in regenerative cells.

Albedo was flung to the wall by the blade. It cut near his left lung only missing by a inch. Albedo was fast to remove and attempt to regenrate. He looked down however and saw blood still pooring out. His face showed his shock " Dont tell me you were telling the truth."

Albedo punched forword sending high powered air waves at Baltos " Damn you just die already. Your role is to die!!!"

The air waves hit Baltos with full force but did very little damage if any. The molecular structure of its body was far superior to that of even Forte.

Baltos charge forward with his right claw extended ready to tear Albedo apart.

Albedo dodged the brunt of the attack however he took a rather large gash on his side. Blood poored out as he was unable to regenrate. He fell to the ground as he strengh left with his blood.

" Is it time?" The figure in black said

" Let us go then " The Red figure said as a portal opened the three jumped threw ariveing on the station behind Albedo.

Baltos stopped from finishing off Albedo as he stood there looking down at the three cloaked figures.

Are you more of those that seek to upset the balance of the universe?

" The Balance of one Universe is a small way to look at things young betterman." The figure in blue said.

" The Balance by nature is flawed for their can never be a true balance. It goses between good and evil,Light and Darkness,Choas and Order. Never a balance its always one or the other." The Black Figure said

" So we come to bring true balance. With nothingness their can be no light or darkness, No Evil or Good, and no Choas or Order. Only nothingness and you stand in the way. You need not worry however you will be long dead befor this happens." The figure in red said.

The figure in blue placed his hands on Albedo as a light covered him returning his ability to regenrate. He looked up " It will take me a while longer to awaken his full powers. And after that he will need some time to rest and adapt."

The figure in red noded. "Then i will make sure this betterman dose not bother you." The figure in red took off the cloak showing she was a she. Her hair was white as snow but she looked to be about 18. She looked up at Baltos with no sign of emotion or feeling.

Baltos slowly descended to the ground and his wings retracted.

Be gone. I have no quarrel with you. My fight is with Albedo at the moment. Our fight will come soon enough if you wish to pursue this path of nothingness.

" Albedo is to be the 4th of our order. Your fight is now with me but it is one you can not win."

She pointed her hand at the chest of Baltos smileing " Be cleansed in the fires" A flame shot up around Baltos as hot as the core of a planet. The flames were able to melt through starship armor even Baltos would feel the pain of these flames.

It was indeed hot and it did cause the Betterman some discomfort but she was wrong if she believed it would stop him. Baltos shook the flames away from his body.

My turn

Light formed in front of Baltos's mouth and began to expand. High pitch sound blasted forth from his mouth but was too high for any normal being to hear. The sonic blast was headed straight for the stranger.

The grounds around her ripped apart and shattered from the high pitch waves. However she stood there as her clothes and hair blew as if a hurricane was blowing. she smiled as the wave passed " I really hate useing energy. And because of my lazyness you lived to attack and mess up my hair. This really pisses me off i had my hair perfect. But if you want to see whos scream is louder then here we go." She opened her mouth wide and let out a high pitch scream shattering everything in its path. Unlike Baltos's attack it was not projected at anyone target. It was wide spreading attack.

Baltos extended his wings and pounded at the ground sending vortex to meet the attack and dispel it. The station was being torn apart from the inside out, too much more of this and they would all be standing in the void.

She looked into Baltos eyes and smiled " You too can see fighting here will end up destroying the station. Now you must wonder if i can put up a barrier or teleport out either way being uneffected by this. And i myself wonder the same of you. You're also wondering if i am holding back which in fact i am. Your question should be how much am i holding back. Thats somthing your council is thinking as well. I will give them a taste then befor we must part ways."

She charged in a blink she was at Baltos. Energy gathered in her hand glowing red. She was a inch from the blue gem on the chest of Baltos.

" Now if i attacked the attack would go through this shell and destroy your real self. I am assumeing it is in there even if i am mistaken. it would do major damage to the shell put the blast would destroy the station. Even if you blocked it your arm would be gone and the station as well. So for now we must end our match." She said letting the gathered energy reabsorb into her body.

" My name is Dita remember that name well. I am known as the Red Testiment. My color is red and stands for the firey chaos of humanity" She said with a smile

" We may meet agian if fate allows and then we can finnish our match."

If Baltos could smile, he would have. Yes the blue jewel was there in plain view on his chest. It seems Dita never wondered why such an obvious weakness would be unprotected and centered.

Perhaps she would learn the next time.

Dita rejoined the others as they opened a portal where Albedo would be able to rest and adapt to his new powers and where their next moves could be plotted. Befor they left Dita turned to her foe " Be back at your council for in one week all four of us will appear there inform your kind of our goals. We will try and show them the truth of our goal."

Then you will all die.

Lamia exited the body of Baltos which crystalized as soon as he left. One swift stroke from his claws sent the shards flying in every direction.

As he turned and walked away, Lamia reactivated the Realians.

You are free to go and live as you wish.

The Realians noded as they left the station to head to the planet bellow. There the goverment would take them back but it was better then being used by Albedo.

One week passed and as promised a portal opened in the council room of the betterman.

Four figures walked out. One in red who Lamia knew as Dita, One in Black,One in Blue ,and a new addition....a white one who was Albedo

Dita stepped forword and spoke " Hail noble betterman council we come to speak for humanity. For we are the testiments to their ways.

Floating in the middle, glowing a bright aura of white sat Lord Tequilla. At his left side was Lord Bodayichu and on his right was Lamia with Lumay perched on his shoulder. Chandy was on a lower tier with a lizard type creature at her side.

A telepathic message was sent into all four figures from Lord Tequilla, perhaps more powerful than Lamia's. And we are the sembians that protect human existance. Without us, they cannot survive.

Dita nods " As we know but we have come here to present our case. For our task have now turned to becomeing their Judges. Who better judge them then us. We take on their four root ways and emotions. I am their Choas and Rage. Their blood thirst for revenge and passion i take on these ways thus my color is red."

The figure in blue stepped forword " I take one their sorrow and pain.Their deppression and lack of careing is legendary. I take on these ways thus my color is blue."

The figure in black stepped forword. " I take on their evil and dark ways. Their crule nature is with them from their birth to death. I take on these ways thus my color is black"

Albedo then stepped forword. " I take on their view of themselfs being pure and above all else. Their arrogence and pride has no limits only matched by their lack of understanding. Thus i take on the false color of pure white."

Dita spoke agian " All of their ways and emotions spawn from these four roots and end at them. Our job now is to return this universe to its rightful rulers and free humans from their suffering."

ooc: I have just come to the realization that I am in way too many threads.

IC:

There was a moment of silence while their case was discussed amongst themselves.

And how is it that you intend to set humans free? The one in white was inleague with one who saught to destroy them all and attacked one of our own members. How can we trust you?

" Death is the freeing on the soul from the mortal shell. We will free their souls from their sinful bodys. Besides.........." Dita trailed off as a booming voice echoed

Besides it is my will humans be destroyed along with all life who defys my rule. And i will clean it off all impure life. And dont even think your petty race can stop me. You will never catch me unaware, for I do not sleep, and as you should have already guessed, I can read your thoughts as easily as you might read a book. Nor can you hope to defeat me. Your puny minds are incapable of handling the energies I manipulate on a whim. The voice ended

" You should be honored the master rarely speaks to those unworthy of hearing his mighty voice." The figure in black said.

If they were frightened, none of them showed any signs. A telepathy that would have been recognized as Lamia's spoke up. I warned you once before I departed. Now do you see the counsel in my warnings? They pose a greater threat than Congo once did. If you would have but listened to me, we could have put an end to this before it had ever started. Now they must be dealt with.

The entirity of the Betterman Council sat there staring back at the four figures.

Dita had her hand near to her sword if she needed to draw it. However she did not expect the betterman to take action not here. However she looked at Lamia wondering if his actions would be diffrent.

" What will you do?" Albedo said to the Council

Ditas gaze still on Lamia but more so on where he keeps his seeds " What will you do indeed?"

There was silence for a moment with no one making a single move.

We are the guardians of the human race. The semians that are here to keep balance in the universe and to watch over them. You will have to fight us first if you wish to continue your crusade. I warn you though, if you attempt any move against us the oxygen in this temple will be removed while we watch you die slowly. The choice is yours but I suggest you leave now if you have nothing else to say.

Dita laughed " Do you think us to be humans anymore? Our bodys were ripped apart and reformed by our master. Who the hell knows what we are but we only breath to speak. Nore do our hearts beat anymore maybe we are already dead. However we still do not wish to fight here. It would be a waste of out energy,energy we need for other task at the moment. But know this get in our way and your order will be destroyed.......every last one of you."

You may not need oxygen to breathe but once it is sucked out, the room will depressurize causing everything in hear to implode. Can your cells handle that force?

The figure in black looked very upset and was ready to attack the betterman and kill them all. However dita would not allow it yet she only killed those who cuased problems. At times it seemed she still held on to some of her humanity. But now a stare down was takeing place.

A stare off with some of the Betterman was kind of funny. Lumay didn't really have eyes that would blink and Lamia wore sunglasses. The rest didn't need to moisten their eyes by blinking. Such a contest could go on for days or weeks.

Dita eyes were set on lamia for a few moments befor she summoned a portal. The other three went through befor her. She turned and gave lamia one last look. " I hope you and your kind can understand that you are outmatched this time. Leave well enough alone and the master might allow you all a place in his new order."

You must understand that too upset the balance will only lead to your own downfall and destruction. Such a balance cannot be upset or there can be no coexistance for either race and all will die.

" If that is our masters will for us then so be it. We long since have lost the right to make our own choices. Our lives are no longer ours to live" Dita said as she went throught the portal.

They watched as the last of them left the temple. Now you understand why this must be carried out and why we can no longer sit here and watch as the universe evolves before us. We must awake all our powers including the one that sleeps beneath our feet.

There was silence for a time as they conversed amongst themselves.

Back at their lair the figure in blue spoke out " Why did we do that they will now use their full powers."

" We did it so our masters can see their powers in action and for us to destroy them or at the very least weaken them befor the Burning Invasion." Dita said

They all looked at a portal that was still small infront of them. But every day it grew larger and able to allow more powerful beings to pass through it. Soon their master and his armys could cross through it but for now nothing could save maybe rats and bugs.