Episode 21- My Brothers' Keeper
"I thought you were just grieving, you fool! This is not a fix!", shouts Red Dawn. "Wait. This is good research! You...you defended him!", says Tojo as Zero stands up from the ground. "What does this mean?", continues Tojo, "Interesting.".
"This is a general?", asks Zero.
"Yes. He, unfortunately, is a very high ranked general, responsible for thousands of technological inventions and advancements throughout Grandoria. Other cities and countries adopt his technology for a price. He never attends a meeting and doesn't care for his title. The only thing that matters to him is his 'research'. If one hundred creatures, even humans, have to die in order to advance civilization, he'll be the type to make the decision without batting an eyelash.", says Red Dawn.
"How?", asks Zero while looking at Red Dawn, "how were you able to stand next to these 'generals' and consider yourself fighting for a just cause?".
"I'll explain everything one day. But you may look at me differently.", responds Red Dawn.
"Interesting!", Interrupts Tojo, "The way you say that he 'may look at you differently', It implies an importance to how he sees you. Maybe...lovers? Possible lovers?", asks Tojo.
Tojo looks at the two as neither respond.
"Astounding!", Tojo concludes as he writes a bit in his book.
"Test subject 3,004. Contains highly likely male genitalia with unknown reproductive functions, along with high levels of physical strength. Further capabilities require further testing.", says Tojo while writing. He then closes his book to address Red Dawn, "Might I add Red Dawn? Defying me, getting in the way of my research, or being ludicrous enough to attack me, means you have now waged war against Grandoria. The legacy of your mother and father would be immediately destroyed by a simple bad choice. Make sure you make the correct one. I'll ignore your previous assault, but there will be no next time.".
Red Dawn grits her teeth, unable to respond or make a decision.
"Don't worry, I'll handle this myself. If he wants an animal to test on, I'll be the last one he ever needs.", says Zero. Zero then faces Tora-Dora in which Red Dawn responds by taking five steps backwards.
"Let the research continue!", shouts Tojo. Tojo looks at Tora-Dora, then points at Zero, still maintaining a sinister smile, "Play!", he shouts.
Excited and full of bloodthirst, Tora-Dora runs on his hands and feet towards Zero and leaps in the air.
In the mind of Zero, time seems to stop. Everything is pitch black except for himself. Zero stands in a mental prison without any armor or clothes. Standing two feet in front of him appears himself, fully clad in the dragon scale armor. The fully armored Zero says nothing and just looks directly at the nude Zero. "It's you isn't it? The voice in my head.", says the nude Zero. "Yes. You have reached a point where not only has your power grown, but you fully acknowledge my existence. This is not my true form, but a form you are currently able to understand.", says armored Zero. "How were you created?", says nude Zero. "I was born with you. Noir Drew gave you power, but gave me balance. I am what those around you call a 'curse'. Without me, you would just be a child.", says armored Zero. "What is your purpose?", asks nude Zero. "To guide us to our destiny", says armored Zero. "And what is this destiny?", asks nude Zero. "I don't understand your question. Are you not aware of our destiny?", says armored Zero, "You could simply take your life and your power and flee. Build a life elsewhere, but you don't. You can't. We are to keep the good and fill the corrupt with a greater darkness than they could have ever imagined. We are to rule all of Grandoria.". The nude Zero pauses for a moment, unable to deny the satisfying possibility of conquering Grandoria. The armored Zero continues, "What did you think the outcome would be after killing General Teno? Why do you think you would return to a city that has caused you so much pain? A city where you have no place? It's because your place is to be at the top. The leader. The ruler.". "How do I access you? How do I reach you?", frantically asks the nude Zero. "You can't. You aren't strong enough. I do not wish to take over your mind and body. I fear that if you had access to all of me now, it would happen. "Let me deal with that. If you were born with me, then you should know I'm a lot stronger than most people think. I'll deal with the consequences. If you know me, then you know I'll find a way.", says the nude Zero. "Very well. I knew you would say this. To know me is to know pain and wear it as armor instead of avoiding it. Know my name, and call me. I'm always with you.", says the armored Zero. "What is your name?", asks the nude Zero.
Time continues as Zero leaves his mind. The eye area on the helmet of Zero glows light blue with a fierce energy while Tora-Dora is mid-air leaping towards him.
Zero softly speaks words to himself, "Let's go on a rampage, Blight."
The normal eye failed to trace the next actions. With abnormal speed, Zero throws a left-handed punch to the stomach of Tora-Dora, followed by a roundhouse kick with the left foot to the face of Tora-Dora. In the blink of an eye, large dragon wings grow on the back of Zero. Zero then gives a strong and fast punch to the chest of Tora-Dora. The blow has so much power that it pierces through the chest of Tora-Dora, thereby piercing his heart, and coming out through his back.
Flesh and blood splash out of the back of Tora-Dora. With a yell, Zero pulls his arm out of Tora-Dora. He then uses the same right hand to punch into the mouth of Tora-Dora. The punch is so powerful that it explodes out of the back of the neck of Tora-Dora, causing more flesh and blood to spill out.
While the right hand fist is lodged into the mouth of Tora-Dora, Zero punches his left hand into the stomach of Tora-Dora. Again, the blow is so powerful that the fist explodes out from the back of Tora-Dora. While both fists are lodged into the body, Zero lifts his entire body above his head. Zero then roars like a dragon and spreads his arms with his strength, thereby separating Tora-Dora's body from his head.
Zero throws the lifeless body off of his left hand making it slam hard into the ground. He then throws the head off of his right hand, resulting in the head tumbling on the low grass, stopping only a foot away from Tojo.