66. Cer, Ber, and Res and Frost’s Vow

Frost wept uncontrollably in this lonely place. Jury was not here to comfort her. Only little Ingis and Our Happiest Moments were. She despaired that these tragedies were unavoidable. No… that they were avoidable, but she was still too powerless to do anything.

How could have the Ateliers allowed this to happen.

It pained her that she was the only one; a person who came from an entirely different world, who wished for people to live happily in this one.

Our Happiest Moments then looked up at her and took her first ever photo. When the spider went to investigate the polaroid, it suddenly froze and stared at her with something shimmering in its lens.

It saw something incredible.

She didn’t know what it was, of who it was, or why it took a photo of her in the first place until she realized its true intentions. This little critter wanted nothing more than to show people their happiest moments in their darkest hour.

< Realization Criteria Reached >

< … I’ll do it in your stead, Frost >

< Our Happiest Moments has successfully been Blessed >

The spider’s eyes glistened again as it moved to her shoulder and began to poke at her cheeks, as if trying to cheer her up. It pulled up the photograph and she saw someone. A woman with long, ragged pale-blue hair and golden eyes much like hers and Jury’s.

But she didn’t know who this was.

Yet it made her happy to see them. Still, she despaired and even though the battle was over, Frost remained in this state for an unknown amount of time. For some reason her heightened emotions didn’t subside.

Then, the void cracked.

Nav.

“Yes Frost?”

… Nothing. I just wanted to hear a familiar voice.

“Is now a good time show you the result of…”

Eating Calfasio. The Iron Candle. Please, show me.

Frost mentally spoke, holding Ignis in one hand as Our Happiest moments hopped onto her head.

“The novella of the weeping candle has been closed. Ignis’ has just begun. As has Our Happiest Moments. The Archivist promises she’ll take care of Calfasio’s book next to the unfinished tale of the Price of Paradise. She says she’s also sorry for not speaking much.”

‘She’ huh… The Archivist sounds like a kind person. In contrast to everyone up there in the Nexus.

“She thanks you for thinking so… and she says Jury was a delight to have in her Library.”

Ah… Hm. Yeah. She’s wonderful, isn’t she?

< Stats from the Iron Candle gained >

< Unique Ability Gained >

< ABILITY: Unwavering Wick >

< EFFECT: Your precious memories may never disappear >

< Remember what is most important. Never let them burn >

< Iron Candle has been added to your Corrupted Persona collection >

< You may wear the Iron Candle any time. Only one Corrupted Persona may be worn at a time >

< Do you wish to wear the Iron Candle? >

Will I lose my memories no… what am I saying? I just received a new ability that prevents it.

“You’ve noticed how some of the skills you inherit change slightly. This one also won’t take away your memories. But… Losing one’s memories is a cruel fate, isn’t it?”

It is. It really is. For the person, and the people around them. I won’t wear it. Not now. Not in front of Ignis.

“As you wish.”

One by one, the pieces of the cracked void fell much like how the Black Forest crumbled, and before long – the world was revealed to her again. It was a hideous world. Worse than she remembered. Everything was still alight, burning all around her.

And then – sparks of electricity ran through the center of the city, striking many Abominations at once. Cer, Ber and Res had entered the fray and did what no others could.

They chose to fight the Plagued Heart for reasons unknown to her.

Frost stood up and primed herself for battle, still half-battered by the ordeal. Her Judge’s Aid saw that the others were fine now that Jury was awake. She seemed stronger now as well! To the point where she couldn’t help but to fondly smile despite battling the fog of despair that ate at her mind.

Plagued Heart | HP: 20,000

They were almost finished with it…

“HEY! You managed to kill that Corrupted huh!? If you’re that strong – THEN GIVE US A HAND OVER HERE! The spillage of this damned thing is going to be a pain the ass for everyone!” Cer exclaimed.

Each spoken word somehow electrocuted the Abominations, and with only the snap of her jaws, she annihilated them in the dozens with an attack reminiscent of a neon-blue Prejudice.

Moon
Cer
< Electric Fang >
Soul Rank: Incandescent | Atelier: Nil
LEVEL : 200     ORIGIN : Demi-Human     HP : 50,000     ATT : 3,000     MAG ATT : 3,000
ATT DEF : 2,000     MAG DEF : 2,000     MP : 10,000     RESIST : 100     AGI : 55

“Are you going to just stand there!? C’mon! We got someone waiting for us in Grandis! You wannabe Apostle!” She snapped. “A Hungry here of all places. You’d think Scarlet Logic would be the type to clean up after their mess!”

Her stats were quite frankly insane. A level 200 was truly God-like in the face of everything else beneath the Nexus. But it was strange. As she moved in to help, devouring the Plagued Heart without care, she had to wonder why they decided to fight this thing in the first place.

Also… they didn’t realize it was her. The one they taught a while back in the Nexus. Not that it mattered seeing that they probably had to act as the receptionist for hundreds. Still… it felt strange seeing familiar faces.

But a part of her was also wary. They were Moons. Straight from the Nexus.

“Mimicry!?” Ber exclaimed, pointing her fist at her as Frost ate at the walls of the defenseless Plagued Heart. “S-say something!”

Moon
Ber
< Electric Claw >
Soul Rank: Incandescent | Atelier: Nil
LEVEL : 200     ORIGIN : Demi-Human     HP : 50,000     ATT : 3,000     MAG ATT : 3,000
ATT DEF : 2,000     MAG DEF : 2,000     MP : 10,000     RESIST : 100     AGI : 55

Frost, realizing she was mistaken for someone else yet again, had to formally introduce herself.

“Ah! It’s Frost! You… well, you probably don’t recognize me, huh?” She presented herself, holding Ignis defensively as Our Happiest Moments hid inside of feathers. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it Ber?” She somehow managed to smile, despite having all the blood dripping from her face.

“Huh…? R-Res? Can Mimicry speak in full sentences?” She had to ask, not knowing herself.

Mimicry?

“An urban legend that plagues the City of Spades. It is said to take the appearance of anyone and anything, and is only capable of speaking a handful of words.”

Sounds a lot like the Hungry…

“This one is capable of perfect mimicry, however. According to the legend, that is.”

“Mimicry is a dumb rumor and you know it! That’s… wait, she said Frost didn’t she!?” Res, after firing a literal electric laser beam from her eyes onto the Plagued Heart, quickly approached to assess the situation. “A different Frost for sure. This isn’t her. And – state why you’re in the attire of the 1st Apostle. Who do you think you’re trying to fool!?”

Moon
Res
< Electric Eye >
Soul Rank: Incandescent | Atelier: Nil
LEVEL : 200     ORIGIN : Demi-Human     HP : 50,000     ATT : 2,000     MAG ATT : 2,000
ATT DEF : 2,000   MAG DEF : 2,000     MP : 20,000     RESIST : 100     AGI : 55

“Then does the Amalgam mean anything to you?” Frost had to say, hoping that at least this name was familiar to them as Cer finally landed the finishing blow against the creature.

It did not wail, scream, or cry. The Plagued Heart only vibrated with the woes of countless thousands before shriveling inwards like a deflated balloon.

“You – how do you know about the Amalgam!?” Res demanded, trying to decipher what Frost exactly was.

“Another secret unit working on this secret mission?” Ber whispered loudly.

Now that she thought about it, what exactly was the proof of her being the Amalgam now that she was in the face of something potentially stronger than herself. While she had no qualms in fighting them one on one, she could not see herself winning against all three.

And so, she had to default back to her own name unfortunately.

“I was in the Nexus with you, wasn’t I? My appearance is different now, but you do recall a woman build like me? In navy blue clothes with black hair?” Frost could not believe she had to say this now of all times, let alone places. “I watched Ber and Cer get arrested by those twins, remember?”

“… huh. Which time was that?” Ber had to wonder, counting on her fingers.

For fuck sakes.

For some reason her heightened emotions didn’t disappear, as if she was still in combat. Seeing that the situation within the inn was under control, she began to spread her Judge’s Aids around as well as… the mini hers around.

And as Res and Ber tried to remember, Cer rocked up walking with her arms held over her head, proud of a job well done. Frost looked into the direction of the Plagued Heart and used Prejudice to showcase her strength. However, Cer took that as a challenge and did the exact same thing as well.

… they’re just going to think my Corrupted Skills are part of my skillset.

“They cannot see your status as well, so this makes it more difficult. But there is indeed another threat present.”

Where!?

“Unknown.”

“You really want to get yourself killed by Scarlet Logic, huh? The war wasn’t even that long ago. So~ What the hell are you doing out here, wearing that get up?” She stood before Frost, staring deeply into her eyes with unrivalled conviction.

“I should ask you the same question, Moons.”

Frost was not the one who said this.

Someone else did. It was spoken in a strange, buzz-like voice. They looked over just past the mound of flesh as a Bee-man donned in crimson armor emerged, carrying blades in all four of his hands.

Frost’s eyes widened.

It was a Star of the Nexus.

Star of the Nexus
Red Giant | (275)
< Midnight Drone Scout Team >
Soul Rank: Incandescent | Atelier: Scarlet Logic
LEVEL : 200     ORIGIN : Insectid     HP : 55,000     ATT : 3,500     MAG ATT : 2,100
ATT DEF : 2,500     MAG DEF : 2,500     MP : 9,000     RESIST : 100     AGI : 45

“Bzzt. Five treaties broken the moment you entered Grandis. Did you miss your home that much? That same Wandering Healer still roams those lands if you wish to meet her again.” The Bee-man spoke both coldly and condescendingly towards them. “Intruding on this Plagued Heart is a violation of the new rules set in place. To limit our movement while we track down the rats of the Nexus. Bzzt. And look. Who. Arrived –”

“I get it, your Midnight teams are lazy. Look at you keeping your distance like a coward. 11th Branch, go get him!” Cer also spoke with utter spite towards this person.

“Get him!” Ber riled her on.

“You two…” Res hissed.

“Hold on – why are these three in trouble!?” Frost demanded an answer.

“Bzzt? 11th Branch Apostle? For breaking the treaties placed in Grandis. We have reason to believe that Beholder Galia and Marionette would send someone into the fray. I cannot believe they sent you as well… Bzzt? No. Who are you? No matter. I will personally see these… fools be reprimanded. You have no affiliation, but none will believe that you moved on your own accord. Never into Grandis.”

Reprimanding of intervening…

Frost saw it as reprimanding for trying to help. For destroying the Plagued Heart that Scarlet Logic failed to. Upon hearing this lackluster explanation, she felt something break inside of her.

She did not see this Star as a person. To reprimand them for merely doing what they should have done… which would have prevented all of this from occurring twisted her morals in was she could not describe.

Though she vowed to never be like them… it did not change that there was one language these people understood like the back of the palm.

Violence.

Frost, having enough of all this madness, and knowing that the Scarlet Logic revived after death; targeted the Bee-Insectid for Judgement.

But first, she needed to ask him but one thing. She made her presence known, approaching him with an abnormal air of mystery. Despite the despair that gripped her heart, she had to fight on and present herself as if she was worth more than all his previous iterations combined.

“Was it so wrong of them to cleanse this city of the Crimson Hunger?” She calmly asked.

“Lives are weighted by their strength and usefulness. Tactically speaking, it would have provided as a natural defense against Grandis now that a Star has left the Nexus. Your eyes tell me… that you are not satisfied. Then allow me to put it simply. Those beneath the Nexus, and those beyond the walls of our cities matter very little to many of us. There are bigger fish to catch. So why bother with these? Why stray from our absolute mission?”

His answer was unapologetic.

Frost then realized why the battle was not yet over.

There was one more enemy in her presence.

“A Midnight Drone Scout being here is also a breech in the treaties, no? I’ll remember this. And I ask of you to remember my name as well when you return to your Atelier.” Frost began, confusing them all.

However, the Moon triplets grew wary now.

It was as if they had witnessed something similar before.

The Judgement and Despair she wielded caused Cer, Ber and Res to freeze momentarily. Their animal instincts did not recognize her as a human at all. Or perhaps anything they knew.

No there was one thing that was similar to her now that they noticed it.

“… The Arbiter said something similar, didn’t she…?” Cer uttered.

“Shh… Don’t… say anything. You remember when the Arbiter first arrived, don’t you?” Res begged them in a silent whisper.

“I am the Amalgam from the Floor of Amalgamation. The one the Arbiter wishes to meet. You will tell them that I am coming to fix the Nexus.”

“Bzzt. Oh. Amalgam? Perish the thought. The Mimicry rumors may be true after all. You have the appearance of a human, but wear the aspects of the Apostles. And yet your speech is perfect –”

[Judgement].

She had enough, and so, she judged the Star of the Nexus.

The 300,000-damage attack was destined to eradicate any of these people if its HP was any indicator. She needed them to know of her presence, and their place compared to her. She needed to return to the Nexus and fix this mess in whatever way she could. She was aware that other Archetypes existed on those floors, and so far, she understood that at least the Archivist was a helpful soul.

Therefore, if there was anyone she could trust from there, it would be the Archetypes.

A grand Scorched Tree rose from the ground, ensnaring him by the throat as he was raised tens of meters into the air. Cer, Ber and Res instinctively threw themselves away, not knowing what else to expect.

“Struggle. Kick. Slash. You cannot escape my judgement. Remember my name. I am the Amalgam. May we never cross paths again.”

One snap was all it took to kill the Bee-man. His innards fell in the form of golden feathers, showing the desolate world in its strange light. Our Happiest Moments managed to take hold of one as another fell onto Ignis’ head.

“If Archetypes are destined to enact some sort of change like the Arbiter – then believe me when I say this; I am going to uproot every coward and every one of those unholy deities up there who allow these things to happen.” Frost vowed with all her heart as her heightened emotions gradually dissipated.

To kill a Star of the Nexus in only a single attack left the Moon sisters in… awe? Frost found it difficult to read their faces. And now that the battle was finally over –

They realized that this was indeed the same Frost they knew from the very start.

“N-No way! It really is her! Frost! That’s you, isn’t it!?” Ber was in disbelief when her appearance returned to normal.

But Frost was tired. Too tired to respond properly at all.

“It… It really is her! Here of all places!? Not in Infernis… thank goodness.” Res exclaimed.

“… Those eyes… are so intense. E-eat?” Cer was excited for an entirely different reason.

Frost felt like a mother surrounded by children as they swarmed around her, investigating every inch of her body as she desperately tried to keep her eyes open.

She wasn’t physically drained. It was all…

Mental. Psychological torture. Judgement, through to despair. I’m lucky I didn’t end up alone in there. And I’m even luckier I have you in my mind.

“Shouldn’t you be thinking of someone else now? Jury’s on her way.”

Ah… that’s right. You can talk to Jury directly. How convenient…”

“The same as these two. Ignis… won’t respond, but Our Happiest Moments has taken a strange liking to you.”

That photograph, who do you think it was?

“Unknown. I cannot see, remember?”

Yeah… that’s right. I’ll make sure to keep it close. Just touching it… makes me feel warm. A weird longing.

Frost shut her eyes, almost dozing off before suddenly –

“FROOOOOST! ARE YOU OK!?” She heard Jury’s voice and her eyes instantly lit up.

From the smoldering ruins she saw the woman sprint towards her, her arms held out wide. She swiftly embraced her, mashing her face against hers as if she hadn’t seen her in years. “I’m sorry I was asleep this whole time! I’m sorry you had to shoulder everyone on your own!”

“Tch… she has someone already?” Cer clicked her tongue.

“Shh!” Res snapped.

“Don’t be… it’s not like you could’ve helped it. Was… the Archivist nice?”

“She was incredible… but Frost, please don’t try to dismiss your thoughts! Nav told me everything that happened. You did all you could. So don’t blame yourself.” Jury exclaimed.

“I don’t blame myself at all. I’m just tired. So tired… right now… Jury… have you gotten a little… stronger?”

“I said don’t dismiss them!”

Frost further sunk into her embrace.

“… yeah… I’m sad. I’m moody. I really want to cry. But I also want to push on. I want to change this. As the Amalgam… I want to change what’s happening inside of the Nexus.”

“We’ll change it. Not you, Frost. We.” Jury corrected.

“Aha… yeah. Mhm. Thanks… We… Alright. ALRIGHT!” Frost suddenly yelled, causing the woman to wince before breaking into a smile.

Soon, little patters approached. Many patters, actually. Thinking that it was the slaves and the others, she looked away from Jury’s eyes, only to see another 50 child-like version of herself, all wielding a little stake.

“Frost!? You really did go off and have children, huh!?” Cer exclaimed, sounding way more shocked than she needed to be.

“50 kids. So they’re fiftylets?” Ber stroked her chin.

“Those aren’t her kids… right?” Even Res was uncertain.

Then, there was the question of these three. What were they doing here in the first place. As if reading her mind, Res cleared her throat as she heard the others finally arrive at the scene far behind.

“… Right. Ahem. Frost. Seeing you in the flesh makes things easier. I’ll make it as brief as possible. We were sent to rescue you from Grandis. To bring you back to the Nexus by the orders of Beholder Galia and Marionette.” She announced.

“Those two specifically?” Frost remained wary of them.

“Well, you already know the Arbiter wants to see you so why bother saying that?” Cer sighed. “The Arbiter, the Amalgam… now there’s two of you.”

“And I’m supposed to trust those Beholders?” She spoke scathingly.

“I get you. Galia’s a snake, and Marionette pulls a lot of strings. The Arbiter’s about as famous for murdering 20 Exalted on the spot as they are for the Trumpets.” Cer explained.

I think I found an ally then. The Arbiter seems to understand their language better than me.

“The Archivist says she’s raising a hand as an ally. She has read too many tragic books and wishes to see something different for a change.”

I do as well.

“Besides, wasn’t the Arbiter always an ally? If you realized the invitation sooner, a lot of this could have been avoided.”

But I wouldn’t have saved Ignis. Our Happiest Moments. Jury. Maybe not even you.

Frost found her silver lining, causing Nav to remain speechless as if malfunctioning. Then, it spoke again.

“… What strange logic.”

“But I thought you hated people down here. Especially you Cer. Why did you –?” Frost was about to finish until Cer interrupted.

“Why this, why that. You think a proud wolf is going to turn down a challenge?” She said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “You’re right. I hate everyone down here. Depending on who they are, I wouldn’t lift a single finger to help them. Others, I don’t mind. So long as I get some kind of reward. You understand, right? Call me an Exalted from the Golden Index, cause I have a fondness for bounties.”

Her coat rustled.

And then it hit her.

Maybe that’s why these three were labeled as jesters. The oddities amongst them all. Granted, there were certainly other Moons and Stars without Atelier affiliation, but these seemed to stand out in her eyes.

Well, mostly because she knew them since the very start. But that didn't mean she trusted them. Still, she found conversing with them to be rather... soothing. Nostalgic somehow.

“Heh. To think you would be the Amalgam. Punch? I didn’t think much of you.” Cer said, fidgeting a little when Frost’s gaze fell onto her.

The feathers didn’t rustle. At all.

“… yeah, not much at all.” Res sighed. “Stage one of the mission’s complete! Now for stage two. Getting you back into the Nexus… somehow.”

“Somehow?” Frost asked, but before she could answer –

A band of cheers filled the air, causing her to warmly smile. The others had finally made it here to the city center, elated from the bottom of their hearts that Frost managed to deal with the Plagued Heart. Their combined appreciation caused her to nearly tear up as Jury’s embrace tightened.

I’m glad that all these people managed to make it.

“The Archivist enjoys these moments as well.”

Really, the Archetypes sound like they’re all decent people for a change. I wonder how much longer until we finally meet with the Arbiter.