Misuna & Knavus

The cell isn't as dirty as I thought it would be. Misuna thought in a dark empty cell of Choro Emplexion.

Misuna sat on her bed and examined her clothes. She still wore her commando outfit, but her weapons, gear, and cape were confiscated.

What life is there for me if Kumiciel doesn't want me back?

The navy metal door slid open. A woman with teal hair stepped in.

"Hello. I'm General Lifen Saitori," She greeted. "Your name is Misuna, correct?"

"How did you know?" Misuna shrunk to the corner of her bed.

"Your friend Calice told me."

"Calice. Is she okay?"

"Don't worry. She's alright," Saitori sat on the bed with Misuna. "Calice explained your situation."

"Oh..."

"What do you think about the decision you made?"

Misuna clutched her pillow. "A-are you going to hurt me?"

"Of course not. I'm only here to talk."

Misuna hesitated. She looked down at her pillow, thinking about her fatal choice to doom the people who welcomed her for false love with Kumiciel.

"Myia," Misuna mumbled.

"That's the girl who gave you the hairpin, right?" Saitori crossed her arms.

"How is she?"

"She's healing," The General sighed. "We're providing Myia with mechanical legs to help."

"I-I didn't want to hurt her," Misuna stuttered. "I chose... I wanted..."

"The Federation promised you a home. Kumiciel promised you his love," Saitori exhaled deeply. "I've been there."

Misuna's eyes widened.

"I used to be like you," Saitori closed her hands together. "I was a Shin-Kaminari alongside Overseer Amitonyx."

"You?" Misuna sat upright. "The Shin-Kaminari built the Federation's droid army."

The General nodded. "All of us Shin-Kaminari built machines for Fanghui because he provided us a home."

Saitori paused before turning to Misuna. "Amitonyx, Sychrom, Maika, and a few others lost our homes and families to the Yakuza when we were just kids in Japan. We survived together as the Shin-Kaminari street gang."

That's who the Shin-Kaminari are? Misuna thought. This was not what I imagined the makers of Federation technology to be like.

"We struggled to fit into society, running about the streets in ragged clothing and trash-filled alleys. People spat at us and refused to help," Saitori clenched her fist. "We survived by doing two things. Stealing and building."

"Like building machines?" Misuna guessed.

"Yes, Amitonyx was gifted in making machines out of anything. He taught us that talent, hoping people would accept us if we showed them our creations. We worked our hardest, but everyone mocked us and threw mud at us."

"That's when we created the crusader droids, stealth hounds, SANDRA, Cyroid," Saitori's hands shook. "And I made Zentroid."

"Zentroid Crucifyzoa?" Misuna remembered the demented PC that attacked the SHRIKE base. "He's SANDRA's machine assassin. You made him?"

"I did. A sadistic cybernetic organism I made to punish those who hurt us, including all of the Yakuza."

"What happened then?"

"We brawled with Japan's military. That was until Fanghui invited us to the Arcane Phalange, promising us a worthy place in society where we have a roof over our heads, have plenty to eat, and never have to run in the streets ever again."

"So, that's how the Shin-Kaminari came to serve Fanghui, but why are you telling me this?"

Saitori wiped her tears. "Like you, I made horrible decisions because I cared for myself. The Shin Kaminari and I helped Fanghui destroy countries so we could receive his abundance. We caused so much pain just because we wanted a roof over our heads, real food instead of insects and garbage, and clean beds to sleep in."

"Like how I put Myia in danger... hoping for Kumiciel's love," Misuna clutched her knees.

Saitori nodded. "I learned it's easy for us to follow promises and blindly follow wicked leaders like Fanghui to be accepted in society."

"So, what's in store for me now?"

"I want to give you an opportunity. Would you consider starting a new life here?"

"But everyone here hates me."

"Not everyone. Calice and Master Fermato care about you."

"I know, but Isrina almost killed me."

"Don't worry about her. Let me tell you. When the UICA found me all those years ago, they were frightened and wanted to kill me. But despite all the monsters I created, UICA President Cecilius protected me."

The General closed her eyes, remembering Cecilius passing the leadership to her before his death. "Stop looking, and stick with those who care about you. That's what Cecilius told me. He believed that people who have done wrong deserve another chance. Misuna, some people like Calice, Fermato, and I want to help you. Would you be willing to have a fresh start?"

Misuna clutched her hands together. "But you shouldn't care about me... you shouldn't trust me."

"That's my decision to make."

"Then..." Misuna fell to her knees. "My life is yours."

"Wait, what? No need to bow!" Saitori pulled her up. "You're not in the Federation anymore. There's no swearing loyalty here."

"N-nothing?" Misuna looked confused. "Hernamidos forced me to do this when he found me."

"I'm not Hernamidos. There's no need for any of that," Saitori sighed. "But I could use your help."

"Help with what?"

"Information on Maika's chimaera fleet."

"Aren't chimaeras made by the Shin-Kaminari? Wouldn't you know about it?"

"I left the Shin-Kaminari before they made the chimaeras."

"I see."

"Their ability to transport themselves across the globe through portals is dangerous. The UICA is prepared to retake America, but we need to accomplish two things first."

"What?"

"One, prove our innocence to the public. If we just attack, people would be frightened. They still view us as enemies," Saitori crossed her arms. "Two, we need to cut off the chimaera reinforcements. Maika will have endless reinforcements if she can call in more chimaeras anytime."

Misuna scratched her hair.

"You used to be one of Hernamidos' corporals of the Reaper Squad. Is there anything you know that could help us?"

"I remember one thing," Misuna nodded slowly. "The Samsara Crinoid."

***

Shien opened his eyes in a hotel bed in Zinthesia City. How did I end up here?

"Shien!" Mivangeline smiled from the doorway.

"Mivange, hey- oof!"

He felt Mivangeline jump onto him with a hug.

"What's up, Mivange?" Shien hugged her back. "You okay?"

"Yeah," She sat on his bed. "I'm so glad you're okay!"

"Did I pass out?"

"Thalamoid poisoned you with her claw. Thankfully, the police droids healed you in time."

"That delusional robot girl cheated? That's dirty."

Mivangeline looked down and realized she was holding hands with Shien.

"Eep!" She pulled her hand out. "Sorry!"

"Oh, come on. You make the moment too short!" He pouted. "I felt like I was in heaven until you stopped."

"Sh-shut up!" Mivangeline crossed her arms. "Don't embarrass me!"

"It's fun to tease you," Shien laughed.

"Get back here!" The two heard Elysia roar downstairs.

"What's going on?" Shien ran downstairs.

"Oh, no, not again," Mivangeline followed.

When the two arrived at the hotel lobby, they saw Knavus scrambling between tables and chairs as Elysia chased him with pounding fists. Ritom and Naivern were left to struggle through the freshly broken furniture in her wake.

"Chillax! Elysia!" Ritom managed to jump onto her. "Stop breaking things!"

"He's Rodigand's son! That stupid House Speaker who agrees with everything the Federation says, even the killing of Vulpi!" She barked. "I don't know what Mivangeline's thinking of letting him join us!"

"I-I swear, I never wanted to hurt anybody!" Knavus tripped on a book. "I didn't think Thalamoid wanted to kill you guys!"

He curled in a ball to hide from Elysia's growling as Ritom struggled to hold her back.

"Girl, come on," Naivern helped him. "Why don't we just sit down and have a rational conversation."

"I-I want to help the party... I'm not kidding," Knavus ran for the hotel elevator. "Let me f-fix what I did wrong."

"Grr!" Elysia forced her way through Ritom and Naivern, sending them sprawled onto the floor.

"Guys!" Shien ran to his friends.

"Elysia! Stop!" Mivangeline begged.

She pounded her knuckles together as Knavus frantically pressed the elevator button. When the elevator bell rang, Knavus shivered at the sight of a giant muscular man inside.

"Alrighty! My dad's taking his daily nap!" Ruddigus bellowed.

Elysia jumped at Knavus, but Ruddigus stopped her.

"Get out of the way!" The Vulpi girl hissed.

"Take it easy! What harm is there to let him join our party?" The muscular man reasoned.

"You're like this big. You can beat him up. Send him flying!"

Ruddigus raised an eyebrow. "Just because I'm this big doesn't mean I punch everyone like you do."

"Elysia, Remember when you told me how you used to be part of the Waxing Sickle?" Shien held her shoulder. "Knavus is like you. He's done wrong, but he wants to fix it."

The Vulpi girl hissed at Knavus, leaving him to cower behind Ruddigus' buff body.

"Think about it. You've been at his place," Shien shook her. "We should give him a chance, like how Phoenicia and I supported you."

Elysia thought for a moment before turning away with a huff. "If Knvaus falls behind, I'm not gonna help him!"

"Ouch..." Naivern lay on the floor, giving Mivangeline a peace sign. "Sup, Commander?"

"You alright?" Mivangeline picked her up.

"Never better."

"Pick me up too..." Ritom begged.

Mivangeline helped him up.

"Thanks," He adjusted his red jacket. "So, what's the plan? Do we attack the Dynsatiotron or something?"

"Zirconessa's calculating where the Bismuth Wartram will hit next. When she reports to us, we'll know when and where to board it."

Ruddigus stood a terror-frozen Knavus upright. "There you go. Elysia's nothing to be afraid of!"

"Knavus," Mivangeline walked to him. "You okay?"

"Y-yeah. Again, I'm sorry. I was so focused on getting out of this game that I didn't realize Thalamoid lied to me. Please let me know how to help the party."

"We all want to get out of the Syanic Earth, Knavus. We're in this together. I just need to know your traits and fighting style.

As Knavus showed her his crescent-tipped rapier, the Commander finally saw his other trait below Contour Haze.

"That's an excellent trait."

"Really?"

"Knavus, that can help beat the Francium Warbird!"

"B-but I don't use this trait because it costs 100,000 HP every time."

"I know, but if we can use it wisely, it will benefit us greatly!" Mivangeline assured, making Knvaus smile.

"Where's Enshiron?" Shien looked.

"He hasn't left his room all day," Elysia leaned on a wall.

"Did you guys talk to him?"

"I tried," Ritom sighed. "But he's... not his usual self."

"Ugh, he can't just cry all day in there," Naivern stopped Shien from charging upstairs. "Let me talk to him, Shien. Sometimes, you just need a woman's touch."

"Meanwhile, we should prepare for our attack on the Dynastiotron," Mivangeline suggested.

As the group rested and prepared their weaponry, Shien walked with Mivangeline.

"Mivange," Shien skipped beside his crush. "I just want to say that you've improved so much since I first met you. You've grown up and I'm so proud of you!"

The Commander blushed. "O-oh, thanks. I'm also thankful to God for using you to teach me."

"Hey, do you want to train in the Saberdome Arena together?"

"Okay, sure."

"Would you like to learn the Avian Form? I can teach you."

Mivangeline blinked her blue eyes. "Eh?"

"I just thought it'd be cool to teach you self-defense. My mom said practicing Kung Fu boosts your confidence!"

"I-I mean, I can try, but how does Kung Fu boost my confidence?"

Shien took his crush's hand and led her to the arena. "No sweat! You'll see!"