Chapter Text
“It feels like we’re going in circles,” Yuugo said to Lucas when they were in private. “An artefact here and an artefact there isn’t really giving us any clues on what we should do next or where we should go.”
“The materials will always be useful to us. Even more so now we are desperate for artefacts. The Nethicite was an amazing find, though it was dangerous to obtain. Next time we won't allow him to act so recklessly regardless of his magical abilities.” Lucas paused for a moment before continuing. “Lambda is worth investigating but…” He was concerned for their safety. They were having to rebuild some of the weapons that had to be discarded after the incident. Norman no longer had a rod to support them but Don finally had a replacement for Cocoon’s shield. It was a lot to ask for as Thoma, Lannion, and Nigel seemed to work endlessly on the things they needed. But to further strengthen the item, they needed materials. “Otherwise, I think we should regroup back at Paradise or even retrace our steps at your bunker for anything that could point us in the right direction. Maybe even revisit some temples.”
Yuugo gave a nod in agreement. “I miscalculated how difficult it would be to run into Mujika and Sonju again. Because they are constantly moving from place to place it makes them difficult to locate.”
“But not impossible. Pulse is massive but they are out there. Who knows, if they are familiar with the bunker area, they could be lingering there. Guess it doesn’t help that we’ve been flying so much either.” Lucas was suggesting they revisit the bunker because maybe they just keep missing them. Over the past couple of months that have passed, they haven’t been lucky enough to cross them again but that’s just how they are. Lucas stayed positive that they would run into them eventually. Though the more time that passed the more he could tell that Yuugo’s hope dwindled and he was sure that Norman felt discouraged too.
After about thirty minutes or so, everyone rejoined back into the lobby, Nigel carrying three double-filtered masks. “They were pretty dusty so I cleaned them up and made sure there wasn’t any damage to them.” It wasn’t like they hadn't been used before but it had been a very long time. Most of the equipment aboard the Palamecia was already there upon its discovery. It had taken a lot of work to get it up and running again especially since airships that could still take flight were a gem in the world of Gran Pulse all on its own. However, the starships that replaced the airships of Pulse are now piloted by PSICOM soldiers of Cocoon.
“Are we sure we want to do this?” Nigel asked, looking from person to person.
Hayato frowned. “Don’t forget that there might not even be a way in.” He reminded everyone.
“We can still have a look around the perimeter if anything.” Ray extended his hand for one of the masks from Nigel but Yuugo took it instead.
“There’s a way in.” From his experience, most places had alternate entrances and exits. “And, I think I can speak for most of us when I say that sendin’ a ticking time bomb inside a place with unidentified gas floating around is a bad idea.” Yuugo announced.
Ray glared at him. “You think I’ll blow it up?”
Norman tapped his arm. “You did just do work. What if you stayed back this time?”
“You too?” Ray muttered and stepped back. “Fine. Then who else is going?”
“I’ll take Oliber and Bean Head.” Yuugo picked his own team.
Oliver’s gaze landed on Violet but she rolled her eyes and turned around to just ignore whatever else Yuugo had to say.
Don’s eyes fell half lidded. “Don is so much easier to say.” But at this point, most of them had given up on trying to get Yuugo to say their actual names.
Lucas turned to Oliver, opening his mouth to speak but Oliver beat him to it. “I’ll be fine. We can do this quickly. Just in and out.” Lucas didn’t doubt that Oliver was capable but he did worry about him like a parent would. Oliver looked over his shoulder at Violet again who shrugged, smiling slightly.
“You guys got this. Don’t take too long.” She told them but focused mainly on Oliver.
“Please be careful.” Hayato added.
Oliver nodded and gave Yuugo and Don their earpieces so they could still verbally communicate within their masks. “Hopefully no issues this time.” He said looking over to Ray, noticing the way he averted his eyes. That indicated to him that he had heard them within the ice cavern and chose not to talk. Why would he do that though?
They each gave it a test and got a soft static sound which meant it was functioning properly. Then they traded their firearms for a blade or a spear which seemed like the best choice of weapon since they weren’t sure what they were dealing with down below. Lambda exploded before, even if it was so many years ago it could still obtain dangerous, active materials that they were unaware of.
Before Yuugo, Don, and Oliver put on their masks, Gilda greeted them after briefly disappearing from the room. She held three tiny cups that contained a bright orange liquid, handing them off to each of them. Don was the first to take the shot of liquid like it was nothing but he was used to her mixes since he’s been taking them since they departed from Cocoon. Well, and he was pretty much the only guinea pig willing to take them during their training. Oliver was a little reluctant but he didn’t think it was dangerous because he trusted Gilda and saw how easily Don took his. He’s witnessed her synthesize liquids before but he’d never taken one. While it might have been smart to at least question it, he figured he’d let Yuugo do the asking since he was glaring at the cup and then at Gilda.
She tilted her head at his reaction. “What is it?”
Yuugo scoffed. “That’s what I should be askin’ you. What is this? Is it from Cocoon?”
Gilda furrowed her brows at him and pushed her glasses up further on her nose. “I have disposed of all the materials I brought from Cocoon. You know this already. Stop being stubborn and just take it.”
Yuugo clenched his jaw, looking between Don who only had an amused expression from what Gilda just told him and Oliver who had a slight look of discomfort as he swallowed the orange stuff.
“It enhances your focus. You’ll thank me later.” She smiled proudly. “Duration usually lasts about thirty minutes for that amount so tread quickly but be safe.”
Again, Yuugo was trying to avoid doing anything even remotely related to Cocoon, but since it was on a timer and even Oliver took some, he decided to just take it and stop being difficult. If it really did help he didn’t want to waste it. But it didn’t taste good as he cleared his throat and made a sour face, holding the cup back out to her.
“Not much I can do about flavor for now.” Gilda was still pleased with her work as she should be since being a Synergist required so much knowledge of materials. It was a good thing she studied Pulse so intently so she was able to find substitutes for the synthetic materials on Cocoon. Ever since she’s been mixing on Pulse with new items, the authenticity of the items has even improved the stats of everyone that has consumed liquids from her. “You’re welcome.” She said almost in a sarcastic tone while the three in front of her started gearing up and heading down the hall to the entrance of the ship where the ramp would allow them to exit at close to ground level.
Violet was handling the piloting since Oliver was doing a different task for now, hovering but not landing the ship. They would stay airborne while the three investigated the ruins. It seemed like the smartest thing to do since Norman seemed affected as they previously spoke about.
Until the door was open and shut, everyone except for Lucas dispersed to safer, closed areas on the ship. They were trying to minimize exposure because of the unknown but Lucas would see them off anyway. “Talk to us. We’ll drop immediately at your request, otherwise, I think thirty minutes is enough time to see what we are dealing with.” Oliver proceeded to give a salute and Yuugo simply nodded. Lucas hung back in the ship as the door raised and the other three were able to hop a few feet from the ramp to the ground below. Violet was so precise, careful to not touch the Lambda grounds but allow them enough room to land without injuring themselves. This was a risky mission and Lucas was worried, especially since Oliver was with them. But he tried to seem okay in front of everyone.
After they had departed, Violet began to ascend again, and where they would drift slowly around the Lambda facility. It was much bigger than Hayato remembered as he peered out one of the windows, eventually retreating to where the others were.
Nigel and Gilda were both sitting next to a control panel and using a headset to make sure they could hear them if they were spoken too. Zack was assisting Violet since he was also learning more about the controls of the ship. While no one was hurt, which he was always thankful for, he wanted to be of more use to the crew so picking up another task would certainly be helpful for these exact situations when their other pilot was preoccupied.
For now, it seemed like things were quiet. There were some questions here and there from Gilda and Nigel as they communicated with the others on the ground but otherwise Ray was glad for the moment of peace and quiet. He was sitting with Norman, one leg crossed over the other, arms folded against his chest, a strange aura was between them and he didn’t like it.
Norman’s gaze was directed at nothing but he was thinking far too intently, not noticing that Ray was studying his posture and even his breathing.
“Are we good?” Ray asked from what seemed out of nowhere, breaking the silence and the train of thought from the other.
Norman looked at him a little surprised and straightened his back out, accidentally finding himself leaning over too much at times. “Of course we are. Why do you ask?” He smiled slightly but he felt so vulnerable with how Ray was able to read him so well. Knowing one another their entire lives made it possible.
“Just checking on you.” Ray answered, but it didn’t entirely seem that way to Norman. It seemed more like Ray also had something to ask but decided to keep it to himself. Why did they do that? Both of them always went in circles about things they wanted to say to each other. It didn’t do them any good to try and preserve information or feelings.
“There’s something suspicious about Pulse.” Ray finally said. “Just like Cocoon, it has secrets.” Norman was looking at Ray now that he’d turned away. “We will debunk this, okay?” Ray cared so much. He knew Norman was pushing back that emotion. It was heartbreaking to even think his friend felt this way. “The government will be held accountable one day for their deceitfulness to us and to everyone on Cocoon.”
“And for all the children that had their lives stolen from them. I cannot forgive them.” Norman added, brows furrowing as he was reminded of his hatred for Cocoon’s government. A situation where the tables had been turned for the supposed demon killers. Norman’s heart wavered on what was right until she disappeared from him. That’s when he knew that Cocoon was in the wrong. He was in the wrong and it changed his outlook on both worlds entirely.
“Norman?” Ray spoke his name to break the rage forming in the other’s eyes. “We’re going to find out what happened to her. So don’t falter on me, kay? Otherwise, I might have to slap some sense into you again.”
Hayato leaned forward defensively pointing and glaring at Ray. “No.” He said sternly. But Ray stood up, causing Hayato to sink down into his seat. Since Ray already towered over most of them and Hayato especially, it was even scarier if he was sitting down. It was like looking up at Zazie from anywhere.
Norman dropped his gaze, a smile lingering on his lips. “Thank you.” His eyes looked up at Ray’s visible one. “Someone’s got to keep in line, right?”
Hayato had to stop himself from making a face. Norman wasn’t talking about the being slapped part, right? Either way, he guessed that boss knew what he was talking about. Though he didn’t condone any violent behavior from Ray unto another person. The first time it happened had shaken him up enough.
Meanwhile, on the ground, the heavy mist reduced their vision but all three of them felt extremely sharp with their senses and reflexes. Was this what Gilda gave them to enhance their focus?
Oliver didn’t know if it was the enhancement itself but he felt unusually relaxed, unfazed by the possible danger they could be in. Don and Yuugo didn’t seem any different than usual which made him think they were a decent trio when it came to working together. It’s not like they haven’t in the past but for this task, they seemed well balanced.
“Let’s start by examining this side of the building.” Yuugo began, voice coming through their linked mics. All of them should be able to communicate with one another, even from the ship’s height.
As they cautiously investigated the area, keeping close to one another, Yuugo was the one that had eventually discovered the part of the wall that looked like it had finally crumbled from the years of neglect. He already knew that there would be a way in regardless if it was the building falling apart or not.
Don shook his head slightly as the hole was foggy and dark. Lambda’s secretive nature barely had any windows to allow the sunlight through. They were especially thankful for the sun today. “Too much sun for them today, hm? I don’t want to imagine what’s in there.” He said while crouching down.
“Watch out.” Yuugo said calmly. It was his way of telling the prior Cocoon citizen that he would be going in first. This surprised Don a little bit.
Oliver and Yuugo had doubled their blades, one on each hip. Twenty inches of obsidian steel for close range attacks. Not necessarily their favorite fight style but evasion would be most important for this mission. Today, the blades were for defense if they became trapped or cornered.
Don had been the first one to receive his replacement weapon after having to abandon his old shield. It had been tough to let go of it, having grown up with it nearly. All the years of training with that shield back on Cocoon. It had been special to him. Now with the increase of items from Gran Pulse, Lannion and Thoma put their heads together to make a shield of pure orichalcum.
Their weapon creation abilities, thought process, teamwork, made them a big threat to Cocoon. As they all were and upon a more recent discovery, trashed and abandoned from their own planet. Two years after their departure from their homeworld, they’ve grown beyond the expectations of Cocoon and were very much alive, bending reality to achieve what was thought to be impossible.
One at a time, they entered, having to brush back layers upon layers of cobwebs that were piled on from the vacancy. Even if the air wasn’t questionable, the dust must be awful in there. The tiny bit of light that came in through the hole and the small cracks along the side didn’t provide much help so they would have to be careful as they stepped forward into the eye floaters and dust particles that stirred for the first time perhaps in many years.
“Watch your step.” Yuugo whispered as he motioned for Oliver to come closer so they could evaluate the energy radar. It reacted much like thermal vision or heat detection. That’s why it had been a quick find for Ray to discover the gem within the ice. The energy was shown on the radar as darker blue or sometimes purple depending on the levels of power things emitted.
The facility most likely had different floors for the old testing labs they’d heard about. It was much bigger now than they were here, intimidating even. And that was without demons or fiends.
Yuugo made it clear that splitting up was out of the question, as if he needed to state the obvious, then they made their way deeper into Lambda, following the radar to a few key points that were highlighted for them. So far, they hadn’t seen any movement or heard any suspicious activity which was a little strange. Perhaps the inside was more deserted than expected.
Most of the rooms either didn’t have doors or they were broken and unlatched. They made quick sweeps through some of them, only taking something if it was worth it but so far no major find. Besides, they needed to take extra precautions when taking something like placing it in a jar or wrapping it up. Can’t be too careful.
Don stayed in the rear but he kept looking over his shoulder, rather paranoid that they were being followed since he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. He would talk quietly to Gilda hoping for some reassurance or something that took his mind off that feeling.
Oliver turned to Yuugo at a certain point. “These spots that are faded,” He was pointing at the radar’s screen. “Look like they have some energy to them but the radar might not be picking it up as strongly because they are on the level beneath us.”
The other gave a nod. “Let’s see if it gets stronger if we get closer.”
Nigel was quick to respond to that. “Okay but you’ve been inside for sixteen minutes. Look quickly then wrap it up.”
“Got it.” Oliver responded and he led the way in search of some stairs, head still tilted downward as he watched the radar.
The deeper they ventured into Lambda the darker their surroundings became. Once they couldn’t see the outline of each other in front of them, Yuugo broke one of the glow sticks he’d taken from the Moonflow to give them a path to follow. It was either take their chances with this soft blue light or become lost in utter darkness. They would only be down there a few minutes anyway.
Taking the lead to give off light, they began to descend down the stairs; about halfway down, he halted when he came upon a demon carcass splayed out along the jagged, crumbling stone steps. It wasn’t decomposing or regenerating. It was just dead with its dark red blood pooled around it and splattered across the wall. He turned his head to look at the others then pulled out his blade to make sure it was dead by tapping its medium sized body. Though the atmosphere made him uncomfortable now. This demon hadn’t been dead for very long.
Don got a better grip on the shield that was currently in its smaller stage, holding it up higher on his arm as if he were preparing himself for a quick reaction to a preemptive strike.
Oliver whispered, “Found a fresh demon body.” He reported to the Palamecia.
Lucas and Ray had been lingering behind Nigel and Gilda for a few minutes now, catching pieces of the conversation from what they could hear.
“Come back.” Lucas said and Nigel pointed over to Violet who had been watching them for a signal so she could make the descent.
They didn’t want to push their luck and, now that they’ve seen the inside, figured they could return better equipped another time. Yuugo shook his hand in the air, ushering the others back up the staircase and into the main hall again. It was lined with debris and the floor was falling apart in some areas. They had to pay attention to the ground most importantly.
With Don in the front, he was as careful as he could be with their limited sight and Yuugo was fixated on the rear now, coming slower than he and Oliver were going. The silence was unnerving but Yuugo had the most experience and an ultra sense of danger.
Finally facing the others again, he made a slight adjustment to the mask that was really more of an annoyance than anything and just pointed for them to go. They didn’t need to be told again but weren’t going to leave him behind.
As they progressed quietly, they were suddenly halted in their tracks as something began passing between rooms in front of them. It was slow and was making a rough dragging sound as it moved. Oliver pulled Don into the open room next to them and Yuugo jumped into the darkness of another, separating them. Where had this thing come from?
Oliver and Don were ducked beneath the window view as the large cracked glass panels would have given their position away if someone or something was walking by. Yuugo was trying to inconspicuously get a look at the creature that had passed while also trying to get the others’ attention without speaking. He waved the glow stick low to the ground and Oliver turned to get on all fours so he could easily peek around the door frame.
Holding the edge of his mask in place, he watched Yuugo in the faint glow, hand motions trying to give him instructions. For now, sitting still and waiting for that thing to get out of the area was the smartest thing to do but what about their time? The others were expecting them back soon and they didn’t want anyone to worry or think they had to enter the building to look for them should their time be a bit extended.
Yuugo pulled out an unlit glow stick and after checking the hallway, slid it over to Oliver. The rooms were pitch black without any source of light which made it all the more terrifying. Don had been watching the darkness of the room, observant and cautious. Every so often, something would settle in the room, a tiny noise here, a small creak there. The building was falling apart, probably one of the oldest landmarks ever to still be standing without any general maintenance done to it. But he knew something was off.
As Oliver broke the glow stick with a soft crackling sound, the outline of a monster stood with its back to them in the corner of the room. Well, at least it looked like the back of it. Don was quick to clasp his hands over the glow stick in Oliver’s hand and pull it away from him to hide its light. Even their breaths stilled now, the slightest tremor felt from the other as both of them inhaled. Whatever it was, it was bound to hear their heartbeats.
While it could be heard shuffling around now, it didn’t become aggressive and behaved more confused since it really didn’t do anything. When it turned at the right angle, it had unique markings along its body that became visible due to a green light that was emitted beneath the skin. That was the giveaway. This wasn’t a demon because demons didn’t glow or maybe it was a kind they hadn’t run into yet. Other factors from the brief glimpse said otherwise though.
The soft green light wasn’t enough to help it see but now that it turned around and revealed itself it had at least given them an advantage so they would know where it was. Yuugo turned back moments later and saw this for himself, panic stricken for the safety of the boys. How was it that they managed to walk through this place flawlessly but when they were ready to leave things started happening? They were danger magnets.
Don and Oliver were probably thinking the same thing right now, which was how were they to communicate without speaking or even being able to radio back to the others, much less even move. But even with that thing looking around, it didn’t see them. Otherwise, they knew they would have an unpleasant greeting.
Yuugo still carried his sleep dart gun, which he eased from the strap on his hip. This device didn’t use firepower so it was safe because it delivered a serum through injection, something that wouldn’t ignite. He had one refill, so that meant two shots for the two of those things. The only downfall was that it took several seconds to reload the next vial so if the other creature came quickly to investigate the commotion, they would have to improvise.
The rooms across from each other were a bit off-centered but that was a good thing. He began to think that if he could get the one in the hall to go down, it would drive the other one out of the room. As he held the smaller, pistol-like gun against the door and pointed it into the hallway, he waited patiently for it to back up into the line of his shot. Then something else started happening. A demon that walked on all fours, just like the dead one on the stairs, emerged from the hallway. The hallway from where they had entered the lab. It began to snarl as it approached this other creature and Yuugo waited because he wanted to see what would happen.
As the demon bared its long row of sharp teeth, its vertical eyes narrowed as it picked up speed, preparing to attack. How unusual, is what Yuugo thought as he continued to observe but then something unexpected happened. The tall, almost glowing-like creature extended an arm and snatched the demon right out of the air by its head once it lunged forward. The demon screamed and tried to free itself by struggling but, horrifically, Yuugo watched this unknown being crush the demon’s head in its hand like it was nothing.
What were they dealing with here?
Oliver and Don remained as quiet as they could after realizing they were sharing a room with a monster and when they heard the commotion in the hallway, they too hoped it drove the thing out. It wasn’t Yuugo’s original plan but it worked and the monster began to move around more, closer to them but they were unseen for unknown reasons yet. If it wasn’t finding them by scent then maybe it only used sight and hearing. Since it behaved like it didn’t notice them, they could assume that the darkness was on their side and it didn’t have any type of night vision.
They were brave, always have been. Oliver had seen so much pain, death, and the other horrors that Pulse had to offer at times. Don had seen more in the past year and a half than he would have ever hoped or even thought of. He was strong and fearless just like his companions, but everyone had a limit. These creatures didn’t even look like they were from Pulse at all. After seeing so much, this was something that he could say he definitely hadn’t seen yet.
Yuugo was the same way. Stunned in bewilderment. The way that thing took out that demon with minimal effort, something that Yuugo had to learn himself after being alone for so long. What was this strength, this immense power of these monsters? They needed to get out now but they couldn’t be caught. There would surely be another way out of the building but they would have to travel in complete darkness.
Once the creature came dragging out of the room where Oliver and Don were, Yuugo let his glowstick illuminate a small portion of the floor just to try and get their attention. Don uncovered his light and their room was clear but he kept the top covered just in case those things could see the light from above the glass window. They were both a little shaken. After all, it had been really close to them, and unlike the quick acting demons on the plains of Pulse, the creature seemed a bit slow and incoherent, yet unpredictable.
Oliver and Yuugo were using hand motions to communicate but weren’t really making much progress about what they should do. While waiting for those things to get out of their way, they didn’t know how long they could be held up for, and waiting around wasn’t an option anymore. Yuugo made sure Oliver knew to be quiet and to put out their light. It would be hard to move around in the dark with little to no visibility but if they could keep quiet, the darkness would protect them as far as they knew.
Yuugo tested this by crouching and carefully going into the hallway. The glowing monsters lingered over the dead demon body but they didn’t mess with it or attempt to consume it. A demon would usually eat its kill regardless of what it was so that was a good indication that they weren’t dealing with a demon type at all. Very bizarre.
Oliver eased his way out into the hallway as well and Don followed shortly after. They knew to be as silent as possible and they were already a good distance away from those things. Now as long as they didn’t make any noise and didn’t run into a demon, they could find an alternate exit. Yuugo constantly looked over his shoulder to make sure they weren’t being followed but it was likely that more of those beings could be hiding in the dark just waiting to hear something or see movement. They had to do something though.
It was a long, terrifying, process as the three had to slowly feel their way around in the dark. Oliver found the corner that would branch off into another hallway and he went ahead, hoping to get against another wall and out of the main hall where the monsters were. Then he could finally radio Nigel and the others about their current situation. But to his dismay, the floor was weak there and he crawled onto a spot that was aged to the point that it couldn’t hold his weight, letting him crash through the floor into a nightmare beyond comprehension.