59 Symmetry

The jaws of the massive wolf came plowing down at Imogen, who stood there in panic. Barret watched in horror, only seeing the beast impact the location. The ruins becoming completely dismantled as it's mouth crashed down.

"I-Imogen? IMOGEN!" Barret yelled.

Glacetra's eyes widen madly, as she begins to laugh crazily, "He's gone! He's gone! Ripped to shreds, and swallowed, like a slab of meat." She says, adding in another laugh.

Barret was shaken, "SJ...We have to do something.." He says, turning to SJ, who wasn't by his side at the moment. "SJ? Where did he go?"

A dark vortex appeared beside Barret suddenly. SJ had his grasp on Imogen, pushing the boy back to the ground, as he formed back his power scythe, keeping his attention set on Glacetra and Snowy. Imogen was shakily looking between the foes, and to SJ.

"Huh? Oh, forgot you could do that. Good job man!" Barret says, looking back to Glacetra, Snowy was now searching the ruins.

"What? Wait a minute! YOU JERK FACE! You pulled him away from my DOGGY!" Glacetra shouted. She then calms herself, "Well now, I guess I'll just have to kill you, then string you up for him to eat later...Or now, DOESN'T MATTER! Time to teach Snowy how to FETCH!" She says, as her bunny ears glow, while she points at them all.

Snowy's attention turns from the ruins, and instantly to where Glacetra was now pointing.

"We can't take that thing! We have to get out of here!" Barret yelled.

"You might not be able to, but I'm a reaper." SJ kept his focus on the wolf.

Barret became silent, "Well...Urgh.." He turns his attention back to Glacetra, and Snowy. "I'll try to hang back, and do what I can..."

Glacetra cackles, "What's that? You boys want to play with Snowy too!? You hear that Snowy? They want to play, there's going to be so much red snow, we won't know what to do with it all! Ah ha ha ha ha!"

A blizzard begins to pick up around them. Barret was shaking. "SJ... I sure hope you know what you're doing..." He says, as he takes out his sniper rifle.

SJ smirked, "Leave it to me." He said, phasing over to Glacetra and Snowy. He swung his laser scythe, with dark dama glowing around him, an eerie expression crossed his face.

Glacetra's expression turned to fear, as she spots SJ slash through Snowy. The wolf explodes into snow, falling around them all. A strong force of wind kicks up, blowing the snowy debris all around.

"S-S-SNOWY!? SNOWY! YOU BLEW UP MY DOGGY!" Glacetra says, as she runs at SJ, her sword drawn.

As she was about to slash, her neck is gently met with the edge of the scythe. It was held in place, as SJ's eyes peered down to her. "You sure you wanna do that?"

Glacetra slides backward on the icy ground, created from the blizzard slowly. She had her head held down, as she was shaking of anger. "You may have won this time...But next time...you won't be so lucky. Snowy will totally eradicate you. Heh...ha ha ha..."

Barret shakes his head, "You're insane, your dog is dead..."

Glacetra turns to Barret, "Don't you know? Guardian spirits like ice titans can't die. They're immortal you idiot! Ha ha ha ha ha!" She says, before teleporting away.

"Great... Another hassle to deal with later..." Barret says, holding his head.

SJ disengaged his power glove, turning back to Barret and Imogen, who still sat on the ground. "There always will be hassles out there.

Perhaps it would be wise to return to the camp." He said, approaching Imogen, as he crouched down to his level. "Are you alright?"

"..." Imogen was still shaking, but looks off. "I... I'll be alright... Thanks.." He muttered.

SJ decided to help Imogen to his feet, "Come on. You can finish the rest of your quest later. Would be wise to rest a bit." SJ said, getting Imogen up into a piggyback position.

"..." Imogen was shivering, but didn't argue.

"Yeah, what a mess, (That unit was no joking matter, I really hope we can place K.A.O.S out of commission...) Okay, I guess I'll lead the way down..." Barret says, walking ahead of SJ.

SJ followed after Barret, carrying Imogen with him, on his back. "Right behind you."

Back around the camp, Myde was keeping the girls close. She looked around, but everything seemed fine, as Issac was gone.

"Perhaps everything is under control, extra precaution never hurt." Myde sighed a bit, keeping her wits about her.

Sheka was looking at the stars, "...I really hope they return soon.."

Lilly looks to Sheka, "It won't be like back home..."

Sheka sighs, "Lilly..."

Malichai was walking back to his quarters, and spots them He approaches them, and clears his throat. "Myde, it is getting late. They haven't returned yet, hmm. Well, I suppose I'll go do some more work before turning in, make sure the girls are in bed, before it gets too dark... Oh, and I wish a safe return to your friends." He says, turning away from them.

"You're still a bad man." Lilly says to Malichai, clinging to Myde.

Malichai turns his attention to Lilly, "...Sheka? You need to check into can't have her spreading bad rumors about me. Especially seeing all I've done to protect you two, this far."

Sheka nods nervously, "I-I will, I'm sorry Malichai... Lilly you can't go talking like that."

Lilly shakes her head, "He hurts you..."

Malichai grunts, turning from them. "I only do what's necessary... You are my responsibility. Myde, I want you to forget this."

Myde's ears go back. "I'm not sure I can, explain what they're talking about. Now."

Malichai turns from Myde. "That is none of your concern. The subject is far too fragile. If you've looked into Atom Maker research, you might understand."

"..." Myde kept her gaze on him. "You're not making yourself any less concerning. You tell me what's going on, or you force my hand."

"Hmph, you would risk the world, by taking them? I suppose I can spare a bit of insight." He turns to Myde, his silver hair casting off the moon's light. "I found Sheka and Lilly with objects, known as Ele-orbs. If they are taken too far from the orbs, such as off of this island. You risk a massive world epidemic." He explains, shutting his eyes.

"..." Myde's gaze looks to Sheka and Lilly. "Is this true?"

Sheka nods,"Yes...That's why our planet was destroyed...Turned into Pandora... Malichai does punish me if I go too far away from camp... But it's all because he wants to make sure everyone is safe..."

Lilly shakes her head, "It's still bad! You shouldn't make her scream!"

Malichai sighs, "You're too young to understand, but Sheka is old enough know better."

Myde crosses her arms. "(I'm not sure what to do here... It's a very complicated situation...)" She tilted her head, with a soft groan.

Issac was seen in the distance, rushing their way. He stopped in front of them, glancing around. "... Is everything alright? Anyone hurt?"

Malichai turns from them, "Everything is fine, good to see you've returned safely. Again, be sure they get back to their cabin, before it gets too late." He says, walking away from them.

Myde watched Malichai head off, as Issac peered over. They both seemed on edge, as an unknown force observed from the distance. Upon a high point of the village, the full moon was in place. Two silhouettes stood there, perched in place. Their postures matched, mirroring the other like a perfect set. Sharp female eyes focused from above. "Well now, this is quiet the surprise."

The Male's gaze also peered down, but more at ease. "A preemptive strike, leaving only room to improvise."

The girl peered over to the other, with a sly grin. "Then I believe it's time for us to say 'hello'."

"Now Sis, don't think about doing this solo." The brother chuckled, a single red rose in his hand.

Both moved, getting to a closer position, as they faced the group from above. "Peace Makers, your time has come!" The female called out to them. There was no room to react, as the sudden sight of twins arose into view.

"We'll mess you up, you worthless scum!" The brother added.

"You sought to stop the Kaos nation." The sister crossed her arms.

"But did you expect a Zodiac complication?" The brother held his hands up, with a shrug.

Both Issac and Myde took defensive posture. "Zodiac." Issac gritted his teeth.

"With luck on my side, you'll be sure my bow won't miss." The female pulled to her bow, drawing it back, as she aimed to them.

Her brother pulled to his tomahawk-whip. "It'll be quite the misfortune, once you feel my Axe's kiss."

"The charming archer, Tao" The sister posed, dynamically.

The brother mirrored her movements. "Just a jinx away, I am Tieh."

"We are the messengers of Life, eventually you'll fall." Tao went on, pointing to them.

Tieh flexed his bicep, holding it with his other hand."If you give up now, we wont force you to crawl."

"So hand over the girls, or else you'll fall." Tao went on.

"For we are the Gemini twins. Yin and Yang Unite!" Tieh grinned.

"The dynamic duo will soon take flight!" The twins leapt down, in a perfectly symmetrical fashion, focusing on them.

Sheka gasps, stepping back, as she she pulls to Lilly, and runs behind Myde. "What do they want with us!?" She cried.

Myde peered back to them, and focused to the Gemini twins. "I can't be certain, but keep close."

Issac formed his power glove's saber. "What's with these guys?..." He scoffed, keeping a defensive position.

Tao began unleashing a barrage of shots at them, but Issac got in the way, slashing back the arrows as they fired. Tao's eyes sharpened. She turned her aim to Issac, firing an arrow his way. It struck his Power glove, cancelling out his laser sword.

Issac stumbled, trying to fix the glove. "What the heck!? COME ON YOU STUPID THING!" He gasped, frantically.

"Brother, you get the targets. I shall handle this distracting nuisance." Spoke Tao, and she readied another arrow.

"But of course dear sister, their methods are useless." Tieh spoke, rushing Myde, as he prepares to swing his tomahawk-whip.

Myde formed her sword-staffs, as she gritted her teeth. The tomahawk came crashing her way, as she attempted to counter the attack. However, it under cut Myde, tripping her back to the ground. She was completely taken by surprise, as she was left in a vulnerable state.

"Bad luck for you, now how about you pucker up for that kiss!" He says, as he approaches Myde.

"Now brother, make sure you don't miss." Tao instructed, as she kept aim on Issac, who was still trying to get his glove functional once more.

"You had to remind me, that was one time, sis!" Tieh retorted, as he swings his weapon.

Sheka screams, holding to Myde tightly, seeing the tomahawk flying their way. As the weapon came close, it was ricocheted back at Tieh suddenly. A dark figure stood between Myde and the assailant, as Tieh's own weapon came rushing back his direction.

Teih takes the blunt force of the side of his tomahawk. He falls backwards holding his face. "Ouch! Hey, no fair knocking back my tomahawk like that!"

Tao's eyes pan over, "Tieh, how many times must I correct you? Handle that cat!" She snapped, pulling her bow back, as she fired once again at Issac, who noticed the attack, and jumped out of the way. Tao's eyes widened, "He dodged my attack?"

Tieh noticed the figure before him lowering his boot. Standing there was Cravic. Even Myde seemed taken by surprise of his appearance.

Tieh groaned, pulling his weapon back to his side, "Hey, what are you, some quack?"

"You gotta death wish, or something?" Cravic narrowed his eye, sharply. He formed both of his power gloves.

"Life has plans, I'm just fulfilling them. Now if you don't move, you'll be next on the chopping block!" Tieh says, preparing to strike once more.

"Brother, we have a job to do, now's not the time to squawk." Tao stated, growing annoyed as she drew an arrow from her quiver.

Tao prepared to fire the shot, pulling it gently along her bow. As it released the arrow ,a stray bullet flies it's way, shattering it. From the mountain path, emerges Barret. He had his sniper drawn, and his eye was sharply set on the twins. "Zodiac... I presume?" He muttered.

Tao gasped, seeing her arrow obliterated. "... How?!"

Issac glanced back, spotting Barret and SJ carrying Imogen, not too far off. "Dude! We have a major problem over here! This chick broke my power glove!" Issac called to Barret, urgently.

"Calm yourself Issac, don't worry. We've got a reaper on our side." Barret says, aiming his gun to them.

Issac groaned, rolling out of the way of Tao's range. "Fine, you know what. You handle her! I'll get the girls out of the cross fire!" Issac shouted, rushing to Sheka and Lilly. He grabbed them, quickly. "Myde, I got them. You and Cravic can handle this Zodiac now!"

Myde Stumbled back to her feet, keeping by Cravic, as he stared down Tieh. SJ sat Imogen to the ground not far off. "Stay here." He said, before he and Barret entered the battle zone.

Tieh frowns, tapping his weapon over his shoulder, "Sis, you took too long, now they have backup."

Tao sneers over to him, as she steps backwards. "It was not I who let the first one interrupt, so shut up." She snaps, pulling another arrow from her quiver.

"Why are they rhyming?" Barret asks himself, trying to keep his focus.

"Barret, please keep your focus!" Issac shouted at him.

"Speaking of which, I almost forgot about that quack, and his damsel in distress." Tieh says, swinging his tomahawk at Myde quickly.

Cravic grabbed Myde, pulling her out of the attack range. She was blushing slightly, in response.

Tao jumped back to the roof tops, preparing to unleash a barrage of arrows at Barret and SJ. "They may have gained allies, but this is nothing more, than a game of chess." She said, blasting rapid shots to them, abruptly.

Barret rolls out of the way of some of the arrows, getting caught by a few of them. "Urgh!" He grunts, as he grips to one stuck in his leg.

Tieh looked to Cravic sternly, "You're becoming a real thorn in my side! I could tell that you two are close, I must confess."

"You're really starting to piss me off." Cravic growled, rushing at Tieh, with both sabers at ready.

"I'm not gonna waste my time on you. Sorry, but it's the girls I need." Tieh says, hopping over Cravic quickly, in direction of Issac and the girls. Issac looked over, uneasily as he kept his grip on them.

Barret was wounded already, as Tao readied another arrow. "That's right brother, stick to the plan. Soon they all shall bleed." She said, firing some more shots. This time some at Cravic and Myde as well.

Myde rolled out of the way, barely dodging. She swung her sword-staffs at Tieh, who was nearing Issac and the girls. The chain caught his leg, as she spun him back in the opposite direction. He was thrown across the ground, just below the perch of his sister. Her rapid shots were continuing, however SJ appeared behind her. She was then slammed back to the ground. as the twins crashed into each other.

"There's far more opponents than we anticipated. We can't allow ourselves to be defeated this way. Whether we fight or flee, the chances are against us. Even with my luck." Tao steadied herself, as the twins got back to back.

"With how jinxed I am, we should of had the upper hand, maybe we should have waited. They're not fighting fair, with their foul play. I guess Life is just going to throw us under the bus. Either way, this is going to suck." Tieh peered back to his sister, with uncertainty.

Tao pulled to her bow, as the others were closing in. "We should give it one more try."

"Even if we're going to die?" Tieh pulled to his tomahawk, observing the battlefield.

"I suppose it's time for us to say 'goodbye'." Tao kept her confidence, but her tone was shaken.

"Please sister, don't cry." Tieh kept close, with furrowed brows.

The twins rushed once more at the protagonists, knocking back Myde and Cravic. More arrows flew at Barret, sending him tumbling back in the dirt. The Gemini twins were closing in now on Issac and the girls, but right as they were in range, Issac grabbed the girls, hiding their face as he used himself a shield. Within moments, a power scythe came swinging the twins' way. Red droplets hit the ground, as the twins fell onto each other. Their bodies now mangled from the impact left of SJ's power glove.

Sheka was squinting, and she opens one eye, she could see a bit of SJ, but not much else. "A...Are they?..." She asked, her tone quivering.

"Don't look..." Issac told the girls, as he released them, so he could glance back.

SJ looked to the others as they were regaining footing, and then to Issac. "I would take them back to their cabin. Little girls shouldn't see this."

Issac nodded, "Yeah, I was just thinking the same. Sheka, Lilly. Keep your eyes closed, okay? You don't want to see this." He said, helping them up to their feet.

Sheka nods, "O...Okay." She says, holding Lilly's hand tightly.

"I want my mommy!" Lilly cried.

Myde sighs, walking over to the girls. She scooped Lilly up in her arms. "Shhh... It's going to be alright. Issac, allow me to take them."

"Yeah, go for it. Just get them away from this mess." Issac pocketed his hands.

Myde carried Lilly, and led Sheka back over to their cabin. Issac was left with Barret, Cravic and SJ. The four of them peering down to the bodies.

"..." Cravic glanced back to Myde, not having anything to say.

SJ noticed Imogen getting to his feet, to approach the mess. The ginger came up beside them, looking to the dead zodiac. "...We... Should tell Mal about this.."

Barret looks to Imogen, "Yeah, good idea." He then looks back to the bodies, inspecting them a little.

Cravic and SJ were left to keep an eye on the bodies with Imogen, as Issac and Barret decided to head to over to inform Malachi on the situation. The silver haired man was in his office, and heard a knock at his door.

Malichai got to his feet, and opens his door looking to them. "What is it now?"

Issac looks to Malichai. "We had a Zodiac complication, they entered the camp and attempted to take Sheka and Lilly. Before you get worried, we handled the situation. The girls are safe in their cabin, and the zodiac are dead. We just need to dispose of the bodies." Issac explained.

Malichai turns from the two of them, "So, are you telling me, that Zodiac was found in my camp? This close? While I am grateful, that you have kept the girls safe. Having them even here, jeopardizes more than just the girls, I'm afraid... Thanks to this, I'll have to step up more security. They know they're here, and whoever Zodiac is working with, must have this location as well. Call it a victory if you want, but this is far from one under my standards. I want you out of my camp first thing in the morning."

Barret growls, "Yo-...Yes sir..."

Issac narrowed his eyes, "Whatever you say dude. (This guy is a real jerk...)"

"Well, I guess we should head, and check on the others, Issac." Barret says, turning away from Malichai, he clearly didn't want to stick around.

"Yeah. Let's go." Issac said, as the two headed away from Malichai.

They regrouped with the others, as some of Malichai's workers removed the bodies. Myde looked to the others, as she approached.

"The girls are resting now. So, are we to stay til morning, or proceed back to base now?" She inquired.

"Captain jerk-face said to leave in the morning, so guess we stay the night." Issac said, putting his arms behind his head.

Imogen glanced over, but had nothing to say.

"After all of the stuff we had to put up with here...Urgh, well at least the girls are safe..." Barret states, as turns his attention to Cravic,"By the way, it's good to see you Cravic. I wasn't expecting to see you here."

Cravic glances off. "Hmph."

Barret smiles coyly. He then turns to Issac, "So, I guess Asuna is going to be the first person we visit when we return? You gotta get your weapon fixed."

Issac sighed, looking to his glove's shattered gem. "Yeah... That really blows man."

SJ walked over, taking Issac's glove hand. Issac gawked a bit, as SJ looked to it. "This isn't actually too bad." SJ stated, taking out the crystal, and then switching in a new one; that he kept in his pocket. "That should fix the problem."

Issac looked to his glove, and it turned out. "Hey, it's working! You rock dude."

SJ chuckled, turning off from the others. "Unfortunately it is time for us to part ways, I'm afraid."

"Oh? You're leaving? Okay, thanks for all the help." Barret says, smiling.

"Of course." SJ smiled back to the others, however he turned to Imogen, approaching the younger boy. He placed a hand to his shoulder. "I do hope you'll be more careful from now on, and try to smile more. Until our path are to cross once again." He smirked to Imogen, but to everyone's surprise, he leaned in to kiss Imogen on the lips.

As SJ released the ginger's mouth, Imogen looked completely shaken; staring in utter shock. SJ chuckled, turning off as he stepped through a dark vortex, vanishing from the camp ground.

"WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!?" Imogen shouted, becoming enraged and uneasy.