Chapter 2 - No Matter

Three days had passed since the attack on Desert Town. Thanks to their escape route and the efforts of the Desert Pirates the casualties were kept to a minimum and some districts stood unharmed. The parts of the birds were easily salvaged for money and townsfolk along with hired carpenters were steadily building the town back up. Emric handed the credit for the kill off to Tilly and her home town was once again rejoicing for their hero.

Emric had been helping the town with rebuilding for the past two days and he has now found a day to simply relax and work on his debt. He had his setup close by the same food vendor he first met. He was painting the picture Miria had asked for and enjoying the sunny desert day.

Miria: Ooohh.. -She watches Emric paint- Wow you're amazing Emric.. learning to draw like that must have taken years and years huh?

Emric: Heheh! yeah. My old work used to be nothing but splashes of nonsense on a canvas but I didn't really care about the quality I just enjoyed it. Then yeah time and practice kind of runs it's course.

Miria: Heh! I can only draw some flower doodles... that's about it.

Emric: I'd like to see em' sometime!

Miria: Uhh.. no way! It'd be an embarrassment to show you my art.

Tilly: -She appears out of nowhere- Ahh hello my love!

Miria: Tilly no!! -She runs and shoves her over-

Tilly: Gah!! -She sits up- Gee What the hell!?

Miria: You were gonna glomp Emric and he's painting right now and you would of ruined my painting!! He needs to focus! So leave him alone!

Tilly: Hmph!! I just wanted to say hi...

Emric: (Ahh Miria you really are an angel from sand heaven!) So, Tilly! I take it since you're out and about you must be feeling better.

Tilly: No thanks to you jerk! I had all these daydreams of you being my concerned servant. Feeding me my meals and making sure I was comfortable, but no instead I get my usual lackeys! Thanks asshole!

Emric: Yep you're definitely all better..

Tilly: Right! And now that I am! I have quite a few questions for you, Emric!

Emric:.... -He continues painting- Go ahead.

Tilly: After what I saw you do to that bird.. It's become painfully obvious that you were the same person that killed the Hydra Worm out in the desert.

Emric: Well it was me or him I guess..

Tilly: What's the deal with the black paint? How are you able to slash open powerful beasts with a paintbrush?

Emric: Ehh... well it's sort of a complicated thing to break down. In a nutshell my brush is enchanted.. and I use a special type of paint to activate it's abilities. The black paint is called Slash Paint. It can cut through any surface.

Tilly: Huh? So when your brush is dabbed in black your virtually wielding a spear..

Emric: A spear that can cut anything, yeah..

Tilly: I've never heard of a mage using anything even close to this nonsense..

Emric: Because I invented it.

Tilly: Wha!?

Emric: My path as the mage was Symbolic Magic. It's a path almost all current mages find extremely primitive and stressful. I chose it because I liked writing runes.. and if you're willing to put in the effort it's virtually a limitless canvas as far as the abilities I can acquire. Guess I thought it was fun once upon a time.

Tilly: So you self crafted a paint brush capable of slaying anything.. All those runes on the brush.. and the tattoos on your arms and legs. Those are all short cuts for your symbol based magic..

Emric: You're more perceptive than I thought Tilly.

Tilly: Hehe thank you! ... Hey wait you sayin' you thought I was dumb!?

Emric: No I just thought you weren't smart.

Tilly: Oh okay... Hey!! Why you!!

Miria: -She tackles Tilly- Nooo!!

Tilly: Get off of me!!

Miria: Hurry Emric I don't know how long I can hold her down!

Emric: It's almost done..

Tilly: You asshole! You're the dumb one! Who got swindled into bed and got their stuff stolen huh!?

Emric: That was alcohol, fatigue, and boobs! You could never do that to me ever again!

Tilly: Like hell I can't! You're my booty Emric!!

Emric: Ehhh...

Meanwhile some kilometers out from Desert Town. A large carriage was being pulled through the sands by two mighty dino steeds. Purple and black banners with a tribal scorpion as it's center piece. Many of armored troops were marching along side it. Within the carriage were two very unique looking individuals. One was a man heavily armored from head to two in shining gold armor. His face could not be seen. He looked like a golden man sized golem. Strange orbs floated around him as he sat cross armed on his side of the wagon.

The other man wore the upper halve of a skull over his face. The skull had horns, only a single slit for it's eye and a red gem on the forehead. He had unkempt brown hair coming out of the back of his mask and two strands that stood out like a pair of hair horns. He was dressed in all black. A trench coat, tight shirt and belts across his torso, and pants. Strange silver trinkets and chains hung off his shoulders and waist. He sat looking at the floor with his arms rested on his knees. He looked up at his associate and began to speak.

Skull: Perhaps we should have... had a wardrobe change before we came here..

Gold: ....

Skull: Though I guess it wouldn't matter for you.. Always cooped up in that armor. Heheh It must be quite the sweat fest under there eh?

Gold: ....

Skull: ...-He sits up straight and then leans back against the wall of the cart- Must you be such a silent bore the entire way Agnes?

Agnes: ....

Skull: -Sigh-

Agnes: I do wish Yukimaru were here...

Skull: Ahahaha!! There you go! A joke from the gold stiff dick! Yuki would keep it cool would he not!

Agnes: I'm seriously going to have a talk with Lord Felgrand... about the missions I do.. and who I partner with.

Skull: Oh come on Goldy! It'll be such fun..

Agnes: Zeros... Our mission is simply to employ the Pirate leader... This village's time is not yet up...

Zeros: Oh I know.... BUT! I can't help but hope someone tries to step to me... Then I'll have full right to kill them.. Lord Felgrand made it perfectly clear!! I can kill if I am under attack!

Agnes: You're thirst for a fight will be your own undoing.

Zeros: You trying to lecture me now!? Hahahahahaaaa you forget your place Goldy!?

Agnes: Not a lecture.. just a tip..

"Good" Zeros says as he holds out his hand with an open palm facing into Agnes' direction.

Agnes' Helmet seemingly starts to deteriorate into shining gold dust and eventually nothing. Agnes' face is revealed. His stern face looks directly back at his partner. The disappearing helmet dust flowed passed his pulled back black hair. His hazel eyes stared back at the mask of death that was now trying to bully him. Though he knew Zeros was his superior Agnes refused to show any fear.

"You'd best not forget what it is I can do to people Agnes.." Zeros said with a smug tone.

Zeros then clenched his fist and in an instant Agnes' helmet reshaped like nothing had happened.

"I won't... but, Zeros.. In that same respect you'd best not underestimate me." Agnes stated

Zeros looked around and saw floating spikes all set up around him. He began to laugh hysterically. He fell to his knees and grasped his mask in laughter.

"You see! We're already having fun!" He said with a voice shaking in between crazy and ecstatic.

One of the soldiers walking alongside the cart stated that their destination was close. Zeros took his seat again. His hands were twitching and his legs were shaking in excitement. Agnes simply sat with crossed arms eager to do his mission and leave the desert as soon as possible.

Over the hills of desert sand the wagon that held these fierce warriors was headed straight towards Desert Town. Only mere days after a deadly assault by avian beasts the little desert town was now in for more danger than ever before.

Nobody was aware of this impending danger. Back in the town the folks continued away on rebuilding. Emric had seemingly finished the painting for Miria. The timing couldn't be more perfect as Tilly had pulled her self up from under her and began charging the painter. Emric jumped out of his chair and ran away. Tilly was chasing him all over the alley as he made it as difficult as possible to catch him. Jumping over obstacles like a childish game of tag. He continued to evade her.

Miria got up and slowly walked towards the picture. Her eyes lit up in joy and amazement.

" Oh my goodness Emric, It's beautiful!" She exclaimed.

"I'm happy you like it!" Emric said in a disgruntled voice, as he was now trapped in a rear naked choke hold by Tilly.

Tilly: Heheh! You're my booty Emric! -She bites his ear-

Emric: Ahhhh Help!! Help me she's a rapist!!

Tilly: It ain't rape if it's my property bitch!

Miria: Thanks so much for this picture, Emric!

Emric: You're welcome!! Ahh!!

Miria: Hey guys.. during you're discussion about magic and stuff.. Did Tilly say that you killed the bird Emric?

Emric: Uhhh...

Tilly: He did!! -She tightens the choke hold-

Emric: Gah!

Tilly: But he was too modest to take the credit. He's so cute like that!

Miria: Wow... so your a painter and a monster slayer..

Emric: Not really!

Miria: How long till it dries!?

Emric: Ahh with how hot it is out here I'd give it fifteen minutes or so. Maybe even sooner. It'll still take a couple weeks for it to be completely ready to face the elements of life. So be careful with it.

Miria: I will!

Emric: Gah!! -He pulls himself free of Tilly's submission torture-

Tilly: Aww!! Come back!

Emric: Never!! -He stands up and dusts himself off. He then looks back down to Tilly who has sat up-

Tilly: ...Heheh.. -She grins widely and extends her hand-

Emric: ...-His eye twitches a bit as he reluctantly reaches out for her-

Tilly: -As their hands connect she tries to drag him down. Emric quickly slips his hand out and she drags herself into the ground with her pulling force slamming her head- Ahhh!! Ow!!

Emric: Ahahahahahahaa!!

Tilly: I swear, Emric you're the most defiant booty I've ever owned!

Miria: Hmmhmm.. you two are so cute together...

Tilly: Ya' think so?

Emric: Miria please don't ever say that again!

Miria: -She giggles- I'm going to go home to make sure I have a great spot for this painting! -She turns and begins running but in her excitement she did not see the armored man she ran straight into-

Miria collided into the golden armored man and fell right back onto the ground.

"Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry!" Miria said as she slowly tried to get up.

"Indeed you will be." The golden armored man stated, as two metallic spikes flew out from behind him headed straight for the downed Miria.

Emric's eyes widened as he saw the impending death headed her way. The runes on his shoes lit up and he stepped off the sandy concrete. He was like a flash of light as dust flew and cracks formed from where he once stood. He shouted Miria's name as he lunged out in front of her tightly embracing her. The two spikes jetted right into Emric's back. His eyes watered and he bent backwards in pain. His grip on Miria loosened and he quickly shoved her into the direction of Tilly. Miria shuffled over into Tilly's arms and Emric dropped to his knees in pain.

He groaned in pain as blood seeped from his wounds. A spike lodged into the right side of his upper back and the left of his mid back. He reached back and tried to grab the wounded area out of instinct but soon fell on all fours screaming in pain. The golden armored man scoffed at Emric and raised his hand up. The two spikes ripped out of his back and floated back to the armored man. Emric shouted out in more pain as he fell flat he slowly reached across his back. The spikes shifted shape in mid-air and transformed into orbs.

"Strange.. I tried to push them through you but something in you seemed to reject my attack. Would I be correct to assume you're a mage?" the gold armored man boasted.

Emric said nothing as he slowly tried to get to his knees. Completely prone to another attack he tried to shake off the pain. Miria was crying for Emric and Tilly held her tightly keeping her from lunging into danger. Armed with only a cutlass on her waist Tilly knew she had to get Miria away before she could try and help.

Agnes: I was trying to kill you quickly as to keep your agony to a minimum, but if you want to die slow and painful.. then so be it.. -He raises his hand- Huh... just a few buckles eh... well Your lucky I can't do more. -Almost as if he could control Emric like a puppet he raised his hand and flung it right, Emric then rose off the ground and was sent flying right into a building-

Miria: Emric!

Tilly: (So this is.. the power of the Demonic 10.) Miria, stay behind me! Go, go way over there!

Miria; -She nods and runs to a hiding place in one of the houses-

Agnes: Ah.. Tilly.. Captain Of The Desert Pirates..

Tilly: What of it!?

Agnes: You are the one we have come here to see..

Tilly: Is that right?

Agnes: A few days ago your town was tested for the utopia.. Seeing as it still stands you have passed..

Tilly: What!?

Agnes: Yes... the group of Fire Ravens were a test from our Lord Felgrand himself. He's constantly looking for more powerful soldiers. To defeat three fire ravens.. no to simply survive an assault by three Fire Ravens and a Queen is more than enough to be worthy of the rebellion.

Tilly: Felgrand... sent all that death this way!?

Agnes: Nothing personal it was simply a test.

Tilly: So this is a recruiting mission...

Agnes: Indeed.. Now what say you Captain Tilly?

Tilly: -She unsheathes her blade and takes her stance- Sorry but I'm not a freelancer at the moment.

Agnes: You do understand what refusal is equal to yes?

Tilly: I Do...

Agnes: Such a waste..

Tilly: -She steps off the ground and lunges forward with her blade ready to strike-

Agnes: Hmph.. -He stretches out his arm and aims an open palm at her-

Tilly: Guh!! -She's instantly stopped in her tracks. The sword in her hand starts pulling backwards and it pins her down the ground- What!?

Agnes: Huh.. unlike that painter your are much more vulnerable to my attack..

Tilly: (The metal!?) -She releases her sword and tries to get up but is instantly pinned right back to the ground- Ahh!

Agnes: -Sigh- My orders are to persuade you or kill you. You're quite the beauty so I'm being a bit nice here.

Tilly: Wha!?

Agnes: To be honest even if you resist to the bitter end.. I'll probably keep you for a couple nights before I end you.

Tilly: Rrrgh!!

Agnes sends his orbs of metal over to Tilly and they slowly change shape into shackles around her wrists, legs, neck and waist. The metallic half pipes clamp into the ground and pin her down tightly. He then manipulates her sword. It slowly floats over her chest and lightly presses down on her.

"Now.. last chance Tilly.. Will you join the rebellion" Agnes asked.

"No!" Tilly shouted as she continued to squirm on the ground.

"Oh.. one more question I suppose.. would you be interested in a wild night?" He asked as his voice tone changed to pure arrogance.

"You can fuck off!" Tilly retorted.

"No to both counts..." Agnes said as he sighed.

He used his power and slowly dragged the sword down her body he cut her shirt right down the middle. Tilly began to squirm and shriek. Agnes chuckled as he continued dragging the sword down her body lightly brushing her skin with the blade. The sword reached her skirt and just as he did with her shirt, he slowly cut through the fabric enjoying his slow victory. Tilly had no way of escape she simply closed her watery eyes and turned her head to try and keep her expression from Agnes. He continued to make strange noises under his helmet as he watched his work.

Suddenly the sound of dozens of pull strings erupted all around him from the rooftops. Arrows from all directions fired by Captain Tilly's pirates. Agnes grunted in disbelief at the counter attack. Though before any arrows could reach him they all shattered and turned into dust. Tilly's relieved expression soon turned back to shock and fear as from around the corner a man in all black wearing a skull over his face slowly approached the field of battle.

"You've grown careless in your pathetic fantasies Agnes..." Zeros said as he walked over.

"Tch as if.. no amount of arrows can hit me so long as I dawn my armor!" Agnes retorted.

" I'm sure if they were hexed arrows or a magician's arrow your hide would be pierced.. However you are fortunate that these were mere sand pirates, and that I was around of course. Heheh despite our personas.. our powers make for quite the unstoppable force Agnes." Zeros exclaimed as he looked around seeing the pirates pull back another round of arrows.

"That is true.. as much as I detest working with you.." Agnes replied.

"Ah.. you wound me Agnes dear.. Tell me.. Lord Felgrand only desired the pirate leader correct.." Zeros asked as his voice shook between a crazy and violent tone.

"That is correct." Agnes replied.

"Tchehehehahahahaha!!! Ahhh wonderful... Go on boys.. shoot again..." Zeros said as he provoked the pirates.

The pirates launched a second flurry of arrows, but just like the first wave they all broke apart into dust and vanished into thin air. Zeros laughed maniacally as he himself slowly broke away into a dark sand like dust storm. The particles flew off in all directions to the rooftops. before the pirates could react they had their arms, legs, heads, and various body parts ripped from their bodies. A disturbing mass genocide as blood and limbs flew up in the air the dust storm of death passed through each individual pirate. Short screams of pain and terror as the pirates were literally ripped apart and the harmonies behind the sound track of screams was the maniacal laughter of Zeros echoing through the streets of Desert Town's 3rd district. Tilly's face turned pale as she shockingly watched her friends be ripped to shreds for the second time in the course of a few days. Some limps rolled off the roofs and hit the street grounds. The smell of blood became strong and sickening. After the last pirates fell apart the dust storm flew through the street level it swirled around Tilly, she could feel a hand lightly grab her chin and tilt it upward. She saw the skull of Zeros as if he was mocking her loss. The particles zoomed back over to Agnes' side, and they quickly began reforming and took the form of Zeros. He reappeared still laughing in delight one hand over his stomach, the other over his face. He slowly stopped his laughter as he panted for air.

"That was fun.. ahh but look I made such a mess.."

Zeros then lifted both of his hands and snapped his fingers as for some form of showmanship. In the instant all the dead body's and parts exploded into dust just like he did the arrows. Just like that there was no blood, no sign that the souls he ended ever existed.

Zeros: Ahh.. So Agnes.. your going to take this one as a trophy?

Agnes: Yes.. I intend to violently inject her with persuasion... Should she still refuse to join us by the time we reach the palace.. I'll have her killed before we report to Felgrand.

Zeros: Oh Agnes you're so cruel my friend.. I'm not sure Felgrand would approve of this behavior..

Agnes: You gonna tell on me?

Zeros: Hmmm... maybe.. I dunno' yet.. We can make a deal.. you be a nicer buddy buddy and I won't tell..

Agnes: hmph.. I'll take my chances.. -He uses his power to lift Tilly off of the ground slowly- I look forward to our nights together, Tilly.

Tilly: ....

Suddenly the building walls beside Agnes shattered and out of the dust and debris came Emric The Painter. Like a flash of light Emric swiped Agnes right in between the neck guard and helmet with his dagger. Agnes' armor was crafted to perfection. Though this should have been a death strike Emric could feel that he barely pierced him giving him a big cut but nothing more. A silver liquid splashed out of his armor slit. The color was the same as the metal orbs he used on Tilly. Emric landed and saw the splash of metallic blood slowly take the shape of needles and sail towards him. Emric jumped back and his feet danced as the metallic blood continued to chase him down. Tilly shouted Emric's name, he looked over and saw the shackles that held her were off, and now in the form of spikes headed for him. Emric jumped and twirled his body through the air in perfect form. Every spike flew right passed him as he landed on his feet. The spikes all began circling him as it seemed it was time for an all out surround attack. Emric quickly sheathed his daggers and held out both hands as the prison of spikes jetted at him. Every spike then collided with a sigil of blue light and was stopped in place.

Agnes grunted in anger as it seemed he tried to push his spikes with all his might. Emric's magic field continued to fend off the attack and slowly all the spikes back away and turned back into orbs floating around Agnes.

Agnes: How can you move like that after I had you skewered earlier? Speak you wretched painter...

Zeros: He's a mage Agnes... Clearly after you tossed him aside all carelessly. He used a spell to hold his body together and slowly heal his wounds..

Agnes: How annoying..

Zeros: Judging by the mana flowing to his wounds.. I'm assuming he's using lightwave magic. Heheh.. I'll also go as far as to assume it was his lightwave magic he cloaked his dagger in.. in order to cut your usually.. un-cuttable skin.. further more Agnes.. did you catch the color of his blades?

Agnes: I did not.. nor do I care..

Zeros: The blades were violet.. it's manarite.. crystallized mana made especially for killing other mages. Either he stole those from the North.. or he's a remnant of the Mage Reaper Project.. Heheheheh..

Tilly: ..(Mage Reaper.. Why does that sound familiar?..)

Zeros: I'm guessing he was hoping to slay you in one shot like a true mage assassin.. However lucky for you Agnes.. you're no mage..

Agnes: Huhuhuhahahahaaa!! You're telling me.. that this fool thought I was a mage!? HAHAHAHAHAAA!!! You'd be so bold as to assume my power is anything like your primitive abilities!? Ahahahahaha!!! You insolent whelp! I'm carrying two of the greatest Body Mods that the South ever crafted. The Iron Blood Mod, and The Magna Sphere Mod!!

Zeros: My friend.. Our dear Agnes truly believes our craft is primitive.. It's humorous is it not..

Emric: ....

Agnes: Why so silent, Painter!?

Emric: .... -He draws his paintbrush from his back and black paint seeps out of his item pack and quickly hovers over the bristles like a magnet-

Zeros: Ooohh... what's this?

Agnes: A paintbrush!? What? Are you going to do!? Draw me!? Hahaha!!

Zeros: (Agnes you fool!! This one is a hardened killer! I can see it in his eyes! You're going to die!! I can't wait!! You sit here boasting and he's already planned out every move to your demise! I'm getting so excited!!) Ooooohohohoho...

Emric: (He's using body mods... that explains why I sensed absolutely no mana from his attacks. The other one's a mage.. and he's using Matter Magic.. I've never seen anyone master it as he has without killing themselves.. though he's clearly out of his mind. Long time side effects of that magic. I can easily take out the gold guy but that'll reveal my hand to the mage.. I don't know enough yet..) .....

Agnes: I'm gonna' murder you, Painter!! Then I'll fuck that pirate!

Agnes sends out his metallic spikes for an assault formation on his enemy. Emric responded by swinging his brush up creating a giant wall of black paint. The spikes run through and Agnes quickly halts them after he loses clear sight of them. He didn't feel any impact in his metal spikes. the wall of paint fell into a puddle on the ground and Emric was gone. Agnes paused and looked around for him. He shouted in frustration demanding he show himself.

Emric came off the roof behind him going for a slash with his dagger again. Agnes saw it coming and his very armor disconnected from his body and the spikes on his shoulders and gauntlet ran Emric through. Agnes boasted but not for long. Emric coughed and exploded into gray paint splashing all over Agnes' arm and chest area.

Disgusted by the new paint job he had, Agnes quickly summoned his armor back onto him in place. He quickly called his orbs back to him to play sentry.

"Really!? A doppelganger... made of paint no less!? You coward! Face me like a man!" Agnes shouted in rage.

Suddenly Emric appeared jumping off the roof of another building to Agnes' right side. He flew with his paintbrush ready to strike. Agnes again saw it coming and easily had his metallic orbs shift into spikes and skewer Emric. This one exploded into more gray paint and it infuriated Agnes more.

"How dare you!? You dare to sully my glorious armor.. with this disgusting paint!! I'll have your head on a pike!!" Agnes shouts echoed through the streets.

Agnes slowly began to levitate and get high up above the rooftops. He floated up high looking for his enemy.

"Where are you!? So long as I have the high ground... heheh or sky in this case.. You'll not surprise me again... Also as long I am fully armored.. not even your lightwave magic can harm me.." Agnes continued to boast.

"You're pure scum you know that!?" Emric's voice echoed through the streets.

"Am I!? Then come and do something about it!" Agnes retorted.

Suddenly Agnes saw two Emrics both running up to him in full sprint. Blue rune circles lighting up under their feet as they looked to be running up invisible steps in the air. Agnes set up his spikes and prepared his counter attack. He launched his assault downward One of the Emrics took it like cannon fodder and the other knocked the spikes away with a shield of light much like the real Emric did before. All spikes changed their path and headed straight for him. Emric continued running up the air and got right into Agnes face before he jumped off a bigger rune circle in the air. He picked up higher altitude than Agnes.

Agnes grunted in disbelief as his own spikes jetted toward him. He stopped them inches before his face. He gloated again and put down Emric's tactics with more verbal assault. Emric appeared behind Agnes going to strike him with his giant paintbrush. Agnes turned and the metallic blood from his neck wound shot out like a blade. His quick self defense saved him and Emric was pierced through the chest. However his old trick continued to frustrate Agnes as once again the painter melted into gray paint. Agnes floated for only a split second fuming in anger but before he knew it fully he felt the airwaves above him move. He quickly tried to sway to the side but Emric, the real Emric landed a direct strike with the brush and sliced Agnes' right arm clean off his body. Agnes screamed in utter agony. His tormented voice echoed in his golden helmet.

Emric continued falling and landed in the streets, his magic gave him a safe landing as he damaged the ground on impact. He glanced over and saw Zeros to his left. He expected a move but Emric grew confused as the Skull wearing mage simply shrugged his shoulders. Feeling uneasy Emric made a hasty dash into a safe distance from him. He looked up to see his work in progress. Agnes flailed as splashes of silver blood sprayed from his open wound. His falling arm hit the ground oozing it's metallic blood. The armor rung through the streets when it hit. Agnes seemingly lost focus and fell from the sky screaming as he crashed into the roof of a building.

Zeros looked over to the building Agnes fell into. He simply crossed his arms and looked back over to the painter. Emric grew concerned. The mask hid the mage's emotions. Zeros was legitimately worrying the painter as he could tell his abilities far outmatched Agnes. The gold armored tyrant cried in pain as he slowly pulled himself from the rubble of the house he crashed into.

Agnes: Argh!! You bitch! You.. you.. Aaaagghhh!!

Emric: I was trying to cut you in half... to try and keep your agony to a minimum or however you put it... Why'd you move? You want a slow painful death or something?

Agnes: You arrogant prick! Punk bitch child!! Zeros! Quickly re-attach my arm with your magic.

Zeros: Hmm.. I'm sorry Agnes.. my primitive abilities can't help you in this situation..

Agnes: What!? You..

Zeros: -Shrugs-

Emric: You don't deserve mercy Agnes.. but I'll give you and your friend one chance to pack your stuff and leave. Don't come back here ever... or I'll hunt you down.

Agnes: You.. dare try to negotiate with me!? Who are you to make demands!?

Emric: The guy who can kill you in a second.. I'm giving you a chance to live.. try and turn yourself around.. not be such a dick.

Agnes: You're joking.. Ha HAHA! Hahahahaha!! You're honestly trying this shit with me!? I've yet to show you my ultimate ability! -He pulls all his metallic orbs to his arm and reforms a new arm of metal- I'll have to kill you boy! Hrrrraaagghhh!!! - He pulls all the blood from his severed arm and disperses all his armor. the metallic blood forms into various sharp objects of death-

Emric: I'll count to three for your surrender Agnes..

Agnes: Go to hell!! -All the metals swirl around like a tornado and slowly start heading to Emric like a blender of death-

Emric: One...

Agnes: Aaaaggh!!! -The tornado increases its velocity and moves closer to Emric, slashing up the ground and the buildings around it-

Emric: -He taps the ground with the bottom of his paintbrush-

Agnes: -Gray Blades shoot out from all over his body and his metallic blood sprays all over. One of the blades exiting his chest held up a metallic heart that slowly pumped a couple times before it became idle. He slowly fell to his knees and then fell back. The metallic tornado he summoned quickly dispersed and stray metal flew in all directions. All the metallic blood items quickly turned back into splashes of liquid metal.-

Emric: ...Three.. -Armor pieces fly passed him-

Tilly: -She watches in disbelief- ....Wha.. (My Emric.. is so powerful...)

Zeros: -He claps slowly and chuckles- Amazing work my friend.. -He points his hand towards Agnes' body and he breaks apart into nothingness-

Emric: Same offer applies to you.. Just leave and you don't have to die. Nobody has to die...

Zeros: Ohohoho.. no.. no way my friend.. My life has been so boring lately... You.. you are the opponent I've thirsted for my whole life. Heheheh I observed you.. I put the pieces together. You're not "a" Mage Reaper.. you're "the" Mage Reaper!

Emric: -His expression grows colder-

Zeros: Heheheheh! You're the one known as the Nightmare Of The North! The living weapon! The legacy of Vulcanzelle, The War Sage! You.. You by yourself brought mass genocide to an entire Kingdom! I have been a long time fan of your work!

Emric: -Sigh- You're one of those guys who gets a hard on over death matches.. I hate people like you.. there's no reasoning to be done..

Zeros: Weeeeelllll actually.. there is a slim chance we won't fight.. As much as I'd hate to throw away my chance for a fight with the legendary Mage Reaper buuuuuut... my Lord Felgrand has long been searching for you!

Emric: Has he?

Zeros: Indeed! He knows if anyone could understand him it'd be you. You and he are virtually the same.. brought up as weapons for their countries.. then stabbed in the back by the people you were supposed to protect! I'm sure with your ability he'd gladly let you be the new replacement for Agnes among the Demonic 10!

Emric: No..

Zeros: I'm saddened for my Lord.... but boy am I happy that I get to fight you!! Heheheheheh... refusal is equal to death!

Emric: -He takes his stance-

Zeros: Heheh.. I thought you were a lightwave mage.. but I noticed the runes on your paintbrush. Your a symbolic mage! Amazing I'd no idea that symbology could be pushed so far! For the most powerful mage of all time to be using simple symbolic magic! That's unheard of!

Emric: You're running matter magic yourself.. I'm impressed that you've managed to exist this long..

Zeros: Ambition my friend! All you need to conquer the side effects... I lost my mind... decided to keep it lost.. One objective left and that is to have exciting death matches.. one ambition is the key that's the secret of matter magic! Hahahahaha!

Emric quickly stepped off his ground and raced towards Zeros. His paintbrush pulled back and ready to lunge forward. Zeros simply stood his ground and as Emric pierced him, his chest broke away and a hole opened up in his body. The paintbrush pierced nothing. Zeros' chest closed up and he took hold of the paintbrush. Emric tried to pull it free. A pair of sickly black hands rose from the ground and tightly grabbed Emric's ankles. Emric drew his daggers and sliced at the hands but they quickly regenerated and kept hold of him. Emric then tried to slice Zeros' chest to get his paintbrush back however Zeros simply took hold of his daggers now. Emric was stuck in a bind and another sickly black hand formed out of Zeros' chest this one ran right through Emric's chest. Emric gasped in pain as the hand came out of his back then crawled up his spine and grabbed a firm hold of his head. The hand pulled his head back. Another hand grew from his back and it seemingly dispelled both seals on Emric's wounds from Agnes. Emric screamed in pain. The hands then slowly retracted into his body. Emric reached into his item pack. A dab of blue paint on his fingers he slowly drew a symbol on his back and a violent blue light erupted from him. The black matter from Zeros shot out of Emric. Exiting wounds from various areas. The force of the spell blew Emric and Zeros back from where they stood. Emric flew across the ground rolling and skidding, Zeros slightly dragged back on his feet.

Zeros: Heheh.. as expected.. I tried to rip your organs apart but you already had an anti-magic seal in effect. My magic couldn't rip you apart like I do normal people... I'm guessing you wear all that clothing.. to hide a massive amount of runes you have tattooed on your body. Tons of spell shortcuts... Impressive. I'm glad you won't die easily..

Emric: -On his hands and knees coughing up blood and gasping for air- ..(this guy.. is the most dangerous foe I've ever faced.) -He slowly rises to his feet- (He can regenerate, materialize himself at will, de-materialize, transform into anything he can imagine. How do I stop him?)

Zeros: Pondering how to kill me?

Emric: ....(Great he can read minds too...)

Zeros: -He chuckles-

Emric: (I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him!)

Zeros: Well that's vague..

Emric: -He draws two smaller paintbrushes from his pack and from the pack two globs of blue paint seep out and attach to the bristles-

Zeros: Dual brushes!? Nice..

Emric: You're magic is crap Zeros! It has a limit! You can only materialize yourself in an equal amount of the body part you sacrifice.. that's why when you went across the roofs earlier.. you didn't use your entire body for showmanship.. you had to keep traveling in order to make yourself a living wave attack! As long as I stay far from you, you will be the one who has to make a move and that's where I come in and counter. So there!

Zeros: Provocation.. I know from how you fought Agnes that this is not how the assassin in you fights. You're all business this change in character is simply a ruse to make me over confident. I've not forgotten you were bred to kill people like me!

Emric: Suit yourself loser! I'm gonna draw the biggest baddest rune that can wipe you out and you won't do a damn thing about it because you know I'm right about your limits!

Zeros: Surely you jest!

Emric: You can read my mind can't you.. see if I'm bluffing! -He begins drawing symbols over the ground nearby, as he moves on continuing to draw runes every couple feet from each other-

Zeros: (He continues to say I'll kill him in his head even as he speaks to me now.) Fine then I'll take your bait!

Zeros turns to his cynical dust and approaches Emric like bladed gust. Emric simply jumps over him and begins running in the other direction all the while randomly painting symbols on the ground and building walls. Zeros chased him down and attempted all sorts of particle formations to rip Emric apart. Emric however seemingly focused on nothing but evasive action as he continued to paint symbols anywhere he landed. Zeros then tried to smudge the symbols painted by Emric, but they were seemingly instantly dry. Zeros became aggravated as he couldn't catch him. He noticed another Emric on the rooftops running across and painting symbols just as the one he chased was doing. He was using his doppelganger tricks again.

Zeros began to grow worried as now maybe he thought Emric might have actually had a spell powerful enough to kill him. He looked and saw yet a third Emric on the other side rooftops. Zeros broke apart and split into three attack storms.

Emric on the street turned and tried to spin slash the cloud, but his dagger had no effect. The dust flew into his mouth and Emric exploded into gray paint and eventually nothing. The cloud on the ground quickly zoomed up the the roof and split joining the other two clouds that chased the other Emrics. The two Emrics jumped back to the streets. The entire district was now covered in blue runes. Zeros joined back into one deadly dust cloud and faced the two Emrics that have cornered themselves. One Emric shoved the other forward.

"Go get em!" He shouted.

Zeros zoomed passed the one that was pushed and quickly tore apart the one behind which turned out be the fake.

Emric: I Can't believe that worked..

Zeros: This fight is starting to bore me... Your plan was simply to run!?

Emric: You're not a least bit intimidated by all these glowing runes?

Zeros: Huh! -He looks and sees that all the runes are now glowing bright and surrounded by magic circles- I see..

Emric: Check.. -He clenches his fist and all the blue lights begin shooting rapid waves of mana at Zeros-

It was a beautiful rain of blue light it looked almost like a flower as the lights converged at one point. Zeros was continually barraged by the beams and having to deconstruct and reconstruct himself constantly to avoid being struck down. Every now and then Emric could hear a grunt from Zeros. He hoped his plan was working.

Eventually the lights started to grow faint the runes were wearing down and the rapidness of the attack slowed down. Zeros reformed himself. It seemed he was a bit disgruntled, his coat was gone, half of his mask was missing, you could see his blood shot eye staring a hole through Emric. He seemingly lost those parts during the reconstruction process. He panted and was holding his right arm as if it was wounded.

"How.. How are you doing this to me!?" Zeros shouted, his tone was weaker, his voice was shaky.

He reached out and seemingly went for another attack. As his arm broke apart into something else. A random shot of light came and blasted Zeros' face. He grunted in disbelief as he barely managed to break his face down to avoid the attack.

Up in the roofs and all around the building walls Emric had left some runes still ready for a follow up attack. Zeros quickly regenerated his head but in so his arm exploded into nothingness. Zeros screamed out in pain. It seemed as though he was losing control of his own power. He grunted in agony he started babbling to himself as if he were pleading with his arm to come back. Materialization seemed to slowly form by his shoulder however it seemed every time it would happen one of the remaining runes would fire at his face. As he restored his face Emric himself lunged at Zeros and swiped him with his dagger. Zeros instead of using his ability actually swayed to dodge the attack. His cheek was grazed and blood flew through the air by his face.

"No!' Zeros shouted as he quickly broke into dust and traveled to the rooftops. As he reformed Emric was already there like the reaper Zeros' boasted him to be. Zeros panicked as he stepped back. Emric swung and sliced him across the chest. Zeros slipped and lost his footing. He fell from the roof and landed flat on his back on the hard street concrete. He grunted and tried to recover but Emric had already dropped in, and was aiming to kill. Zeros tried to deconstruct again as he slowly broke away, Emric stabbed his right knee with his dagger just before it could vanish. Zeros lost his focus and the upper half of his right leg exploded into nothing. He reformed on the ground just feet away from the severed limb that Emric pulled his dagger from. Zeros grunted and his voice was cracking as he begged. Tears gushed from his visible eye.

"Why!? Why is this happening to me!?" Aaaagghh!!

"Blame yourself.. for taking the path of matter... also known as the path of self destruction.." Emric stated with a grim tone in his voice. He then gripped his dagger tightly and drove it right through the skull Zeros wore and his actual skull. The blade went through his head and stuck into the ground. Zeros continued to mumble nonsense with a blade through his head. Emric could see he was using all his mana to keep himself alive, he quickly drew his last dagger and sliced his head off his body.

Emric wiped his blade and put it in the case. He took a few steps back from Zeros and slowly dropped to a seated position. Tilly in awe of this entire battle slowly got up and walked over to his side. She dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

"Are you okay?" Tilly asked

Emric simply replied, "I'm tired."

News of their commander's defeat caused the rest of Felgrand's soldiers to withdraw from the town. The villagers rallied and were now declaring Emric to be a local hero. A man who defeated two of the Demonic 10 in one shot. The town slowly got back into the swing of their day and Tilly was stricken with depression as she was once again writing memorials for yet more comrades killed in battle. The Mayor declared that the town would honor Emric that night and a massive party was held. Food, music, drinks, and just a grand celebration of life against Felgrand's tyranny.

Though this was in Emric's honor he only showed up for a short while. As the party raged on he snuck away to the hotel he was staying at. Covered head to toe in bandages and healing runes he prepared himself for an early bed time. Just as he was going to lie down he heard his door being knocked. He reluctantly sat up and walked over to it.

Emric: Who's there?

Tilly: It's me..

Emric: What is it?

Tilly: Can I come in?

Emric: I'm not interested..

Tilly: It's nothing like that, Emric please...

Emric: -He sighs as he opens the door, he saw Tilly wearing her night clothes and her hair down- Umm.. what is it!?

Tilly: Can I sleep here tonight? Or.. or we can go to my place I have a pretty sweet set up! It's better than a hotel room!

Emric: I told you I wasn't interested..

Tilly: It's not like that!

Emric: Goodnight Tilly..

Tilly: Damn it, Emric just listen to me! -She leans against him-

Emric: Huh..

Tilly: I swear... I'm not seeking you as my booty right now.. I'm seeking you as a friend.. I need a friend badly right now.. -Her eyes start to water up-

Emric: -He wraps his arms around her-

Tilly: -She cries as she speaks- In less than a week I had to bury over thirty of my friends... a handful I couldn't even bury because they don't even exist anymore! I've never felt so weak and powerless.. as when that guy.. had me trapped and he tore my clothes off. I couldn't do anything! I jus.. -She breaks down and begins to cry uncontrollably as she speaks nonsense-

Emric: I'm sorry...It's okay Tilly. Don't ever blame yourself for this.. You can stay here..

Tilly: I just want to feel safe tonight.. after all of this..

Emric: I'll keep you safe.. right here okay.. (I became that person again today... I hope you can forgive me. Chere..)

Chapter 2 - No Matter :END: