Chương 103: 100th Adversary: Lisa Flameheart
Dragna City.
"That's what you were planning?"
Sasha asked Aeon after hearing his explanation of what happened between Miko and Luka.
"Doesn't it benefit Miko as well?"
Sasha folded her arms in front of her.
"Well, that's true."
"And here's the reason why I agreed to it."
Nero butted in.
"This will help Miko and Luka's relationship."
"Only if everything goes as you planned. Miko won't necessarily follow along."
"Don't worry. The benefits are too great for him to pass on."
Renacido.
"How do you like it?"
Miko was sitting in a wheelchair with Gizmo standing in front of him.
"It's pretty comfy."
Miko shifted around in the wheelchair, which was built to look like a metal throne.
"That's good to hear. I made it look as majestic as possible so that people won't think you're resting from an injury, but is instead enjoying your luxury."
"That's good thinking, Gizmo. Thanks."
"Hey, you didn't add anything strange to this right?"
Kirika asked.
"That depends. Is a laser cannon strange?"
"Take it out, now."
"Eh? Why?"
Miko asked.
"Because you were probably gonna go blow up some stuff to test it out."
"Isn't it common sense to blow stuff up with laser cannons?"
"I did it all the time as a kid."
Alec and Gizmo wore confused expressions.
"Take it out."
Gizmo started grumbling while working on the wheelchair.
"You guys completely forgot Miko is in a wheelchair so he can rest, didn't you?"
Momo asked.
"What's more relaxing than laser cannons?"
In the end, all the weapons were removed from Miko's wheelchair, which was surprisingly a lot.
"This wheelchair is automatic. It has a stair-climbing function, so you can go wherever you want. It also has a flight mode, an underwater mode, and a smoothie dispenser. So you're all set."
"Is it me or is the smoothie dispenser the closest thing to normal about this wheelchair?"
"I'm more surprised he said it like it was equivalent to the prior functions."
Layla and Hina commented. Miko pressed a button and was handed a banana smoothie by a robotic hand. He took the smoothie and drank it with a delighted expression.
"Alright. Let's go to the Flameheart Residence."
"Huh?"
"Now, how do I use the flight mode on this thing? Ah, I don't know how to fly….Well, I'll figure it out."
"Wait, wait, wait!"
Everyone blocked Miko's path.
"Why are you going to Flameheart Residence?"
"Why? I wanna check on the situation."
Miko answered as if it was obvious.
"The situation at the Flameheart Clan has been on my mind for the last week I've been recovering. I want to confirm the situation with my own eyes."
"You aren't planning to go alone right?"
"Of course not."
Ishma and Regis appeared at his side.
"I'm taking them as well."
"You can't be serious. That is enemy territory."
"Joesph Flameheart."
Everyone stiffened up when Joesph was mentioned.
"Alec, according to you Joesph is the strongest person in this empire right?"
"Well, it's only my assumption but I believe he's slightly above Krow and the Branch Leaders. Although Lady Kimiko might be able to assassinate him, I doubt she can do it without giving up her own life. As for Markus Saevus, I'm not sure since his and the Saevus clan's strength is a mystery."
"Then if Joseph wanted me dead, wanted to harm me, or even wanted to capture me could anyone stop it?"
"I doubt it."
"Then since he didn't do any of those things mean he doesn't mean any harm."
"Even so, what about the rest of the clan?"
"Didn't Darwin discipline some elders? I doubt they'll act up again. Besides, I'm really curious about Joesph."
"Even so, going alone isn't an option. So We'll come as well."
Kirika said.
"Hm…As long as I get to talk to Joesph alone I don't mind."
Lushun, Flameheart Residence.
Miko arrived with the others at the large entrance. There he could see some guards blocking their path. He used the wheelchair, which was in flight mode and was using magnetism to stay afloat, to approach the guards.
"Yo, I doubt I need to say who I am, so let me get to the point. I'm here to peacefully meet with your higher-ups. So here's how it's going to go. You're going to inform them of my arrival, Darwin, my aunt Maria, or Joesph any one of them would do."
The guards looked at each other as if troubled about what to do.
"Um…."
"What is it?"
"We were ordered to let you in if you came here by the clan leader. So…."
"....."
"...."
There was an awkward silence between the two parties. Miko moved the wheelchair closer.
"Never tell anyone of this conversation."
"Too late! We already heard it!"
Ace's voice could be heard behind him.
"Open the gates!"
"Yes!"
The guards immediately did as Miko ordered and opened the gates. He flew inside without waiting for the others as if he was too embarrassed.
"Yo."
He was greeted by someone he didn't think he would see immediately.
"Joesph Flameheart."
He saw Joesph laying down on a tree branch eating pizza.
"Wants some?"
"Hmm….Why not?"
Miko piloted the wheelchair and floated next to Joesph. He took a slice of a piece out of the box Joesph handed him. He quickly took a bite and started to relax in his seat.
"Good, right?"
Miko nodded.
"I bought it on the Night Continent this morning."
Joseph said. The others came in and were shocked to see Miko sharing a slice of pizza with the strongest man in the empire.
"Hm?"
Joseph looked down and waved at them. His eyes stopped on Alec for a while before he looked away.
"So Miko, what did you come here for?"
"A truce."
"I don't remember ever beefing with you."
"Not you, But your clan. I want to squash things between us."
"Then tell Darwin. I'm not the clan leader, you know."
"But you're even higher. You're the clan founder. If it's your words then no one would dare to oppose it."
Joesph ate another piece of pizza before speaking.
"Did you forget I promised the clan won't target you any longer?"
"True, but there's still grievance. I want to put an end to that. I can't focus outwards if I have enemies on the inside."
"You figured out what those brats in your clan wanted to happen?"
Miko nodded.
"They want to unify the empire using me."
"And you're fine with that?"
Miko shrugged.
"If you get pissed every time someone uses you for their own benefit, you won't make it far in life. Instead of getting pissed, I'll take advantage of what's in front of me and use everyone."
"Meaning?"
"Let them use me, but in the end, I'll take this empire as payment for my services."
"Hahahaha!"
Joesph burst out laughing.
"Augustus genes are pretty strong inside you."
He stood up on the branch.
"However, that just makes me not want to help you even more."
He pointed at Miko.
"Augustus Dragna was a natural conqueror. There's nothing he didn't want and there's nothing he didn't try to take. But what about you, Miko? Are you a conqueror as well? You need to show me."
"I don't need to show you or anyone anything."
Miko frowned.
"I'm not Augustus, I'm me. And I'm no conqueror."
"Then what are you?"
"Just someone who likes to do as he pleases."
Joesph laughed again. Miko brought his wheelchair back to the ground.
"But I guess you're right. I mustn't seek help from strangers so easily. If I want a truce I'll just force one."
He headed deeper into the Flameheart Residence. The others wanted to follow him but they all looked at Joesph.
"Go ahead. No one's going to stop you."
He took a seat and looked in Miko's direction. Everyone nodded and chased after Miko. Joseph turned his attention to them. His eyes landed on Alec.
"That boy really is something. I can feel the ferocity of the Bloodflame inside him."
He then looked at Kirika.
"She's like a walking sword. She's sheathed now but if she pulls her blade, blood would rain."
He looked at Momo.
"A lot of untapped potential. She must have some mental blockage slowing down her growth."
His eyes then locked on the trio.
"These three are the most mysterious. I can't see through them at all. It's like they're being protected by something or someone….."
His eyes landed on Gizmo.
"Strangely enough, he feels the same."
He grinned.
"Miko has a very intriguing group."
Miko went deeper into the residence. He ignored the glares and the people visibly shaking from anger.
"Miko, aren't you being too reckless?"
Regis took her human form and sat on one of the armrests of the wheelchair.
"Are we going to assassinate someone?"
Ishma appeared on the other side.
"Nope, we're going to save someone."
Miko used Darius' memories to navigate through the Residence. He quickly arrived in front of a large mansion. This was where the Flameheart main branch lived.
"Miko."
Miko saw a beautiful woman at the entrance.
"Aunt Maria."
"I figured you would come here. Did you already talk to my father?"
(He's your father?)
Miko nodded.
"I know why you're here and what you want to do, but before I let you go, I need to know something…..What are your chances of succeeding?"
"50/50."
"At least you're honest."
Maria moved out of the way.
"Go ahead."
"Thanks."
Miko moved forward but stopped.
"Luka is fine. She was treated by our best doctors. She's in an induced coma so that her injuries could heal faster, but she should be up in no time."
Miko nodded and entered the mansion. Using Darius' memory again, Miko arrived in front of a door. Despite seeing it for the first time tears started gathering in his eyes as he read the nameplate on the door.
"Lisa Flameheart."
He took a deep breath and opened the door and entered.
Meanwhile, Maria was still standing at the entrance when Momo and others arrived.
"Aunt Maria."
"Miko is inside doing something very important. I understand your worries but I need you all to wait here."
The others looked at each other and thought. Forcing their way in wasn't an option because of where they were and who the opponent was, so all they could do was wait.
"Princess."
Jeffery's voice rang in Maria's ears despite his figure being nowhere to be seen.
"Are you sure about this?"
"We have no choice but to bet on Miko. The Dragna clan wanted the three clans to be united through him, but I doubt this was in their plan. They probably thought my father would keep everything under control, but what if Miko saves Lisa? He'll move from an enemy to a benefactor. This is the ideal outcome we can hope for."
Meanwhile, Miko was face to face with the doll-like Lisa.
"Lisa…."
Seeing her caused his emotions to go out of wack, but this was good. If he felt this close to her despite meeting her for the first time, then Darius' emotions were as present as ever inside of him. He parked the wheelchair and slowly climbed out of it. The moment he stood up he almost fell on his face, but Regis and Ishma held him up. With their help, he approached Lisa and stood in front of her. Her dead emerald eyes caused him great heartache. Even so, he placed his hands on the sides of her head.
Black static flowed from inside him and into Lisa. Immediately Miko's consciousness was drawn into Lisa's. He found himself in a world filled with broken fragments. He couldn't make anything out and everything was a mess.
This was the state of Lisa's mind.
"Where is she?...Ah."
He looked around and spotted a little girl. She was stooping down and crying all by herself.
"Lisa."
The little girl, who looked like a younger Luka, was Lisa. Miko took a deep breath and approached her.
"Hey."
"...."
Lisa silently looked up with tears in her eyes.
"I'm Miko. You're Lisa right?"
"....Yeah."
(Good, she's responsive. This is the first I've connected to someone like this. Also from her appearance, it seems her mind has reverted to a child-like state. This should make connecting with her easier…..Looks like this could work.)
Miko thought. He stooped down and smiled at her.
"Lisa, could you tell me why you're crying?"
"...."
"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. This is just between you and me."
"…..I'm cursed."
"…..Why do you say that?"
"Because everyone I love eventually leaves me. They either die or disappear. My mother, my brother, and now my husband."
"....."
"No matter how hard I try, I can't stop them from leaving. I'm sure my daughter and everyone else will end up leaving me. I can't take it anymore."
Miko watched as Lisa visibly turned gray. It was as if all the color was being sucked from her life.
"I see. But you're wrong, Lisa. Not everyone left you."
Miko pointed at himself.
"I'm a good friend of your brother Darius. He sent me here to help you out."
"My brother?"
Miko nodded.
"I even brought him here to meet you."
"Really?! Where is he?!"
"Right in front of you."
Miko suddenly transformed into Darius before her eyes.
"Darius!"
Lisa pounced on him.
"Is it really you?!"
"Yeah…Lisa, it's me."
Darius caressed Lisa with tears flowing from his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Lisa. I'm really sorry for leaving you."
"You're damn right, you stupid brother!"
Lisa started crying even harder. The two held each other while crying for a long time before calming down. After they separated, they smiled at each other. Darius placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Lisa, I need to tell you something."
"What is it?"
"…I'm dead."
"Wha?"
"It's true. I'm only a ghost."
Lisa started shaking her as tears gathered in her eyes once again.
"Don't cry!"
Darius shouted causing her to flinch.
"I'm dead, but I'm still by your side! I'm still your stupid older brother and you're still my bratty little sister! I haven't left your side, I'm just here in a different form!"
"What do you mean?"
"Miko and I have become one. He's me and I'm him. I live on inside him. Whenever you want to talk to me, just talk to him."
"I don't get it…."
"You don't need to. Just know that I'm always here, even if I look different."
Darius transformed into Miko.
"Even if we no longer share the same blood or parents, we'll always be brother and sister. If it's for my little sister, I'm willing to live for eternity no matter how I do it."
"?!"
Despite knowing that Miko was saying those words, Lisa couldn't help but see her brother in front of her.
"You're really my brother…"
She started crying again.
"Sheesh."
Miko used his finger to wipe the tears from her eyes.
"Since when have you been such a crybaby."
"Shut it. Since when have you become so feminine."
"Shut it."
The two glared at each other and started laughing. They laughed for a while. The broken fragments started coming together forming a bright and colorful world. Miko then witnessed Lisa grow from her childish state to a charming adult.
"Miko was it? Are you perhaps Uncle Nero's son? You look just like him."
"Grandson actually. I'm Sasha's son."
"Ah, I remember now. Sasha did have a son, didn't she? You've grown."
"I'm not the only one who's grown. Luka has as well. Oh, I'm her fiancé by the way."
"Fiancé?! She's already engaged?!"
Miko nodded.
"Yeah, but we had a fight recently."
He said with a shy expression.
"Oh?"
This caused Lisa to start grinning.
"What?"
"It's nothing. I was just happy my daughter seems to be strong-willed like her mother."
Lisa had a proud look on her face.
"Well, she is…..Do you want to meet her?"
"…..Yes."
She smiled.
"I want to see her and everyone else."
"I see. Then let's go meet them."
Miko stretched his hand out towards Lisa. Lisa looked at it for a while before taking it and nodded.
"Let's."
A bright light engulfed the two. When Miko opened his eyes, he was inside Lisa's room. However, Lisa wasn't in front of him. He looked around and saw Lisa standing by a window and looking outside.
"Are you checking to see if things have changed?"
"Yeah. I'm disappointed. The place looks tacky as always."
She turned and faced Miko.
"Well, it's still home I guess. Thanks for bringing me back."
Miko shook his head.
"I just did what Darius would. I promised to live for his share as well, I can't do that if his beloved little sister can't enjoy life herself."
He stuck his chest out.
"If there's anything you need, just ask. I may not look it but I'm quite reliable."
Lisa giggled a bit.
"Then…"
"Lisa! I heard Lisa's voice!"
Darwin suddenly burst through the door with a crazed look in his eyes.
"Lisa!"
The moment he spotted his daughter, he ran up to her and lifted her into the air.
"Lisa! Lisa! Lisa!"
He kept repeating her name while spinning her around.
"Stop, Father! I'm not a child anymore!"
Lisa's face was red as she pleaded with her father, but her pleas fell on deaf ears.
"Miko, help me!"
Lisa looked but didn't see Miko or the two girls who were holding him up.
"….He left."
"Miko."
When he left Lisa's room, Miko exited the mansion and was immediately greeted by everyone.
"Looks like you were successful."
Maria smiled at him.
"You can say that."
Miko faced his group.
"My work here is done, let's go."
"Are you sure?"
Hina asked.
"Miko, you seem a bit lonely."
"…..It's just your imagination."
"You want to be a part of the heartwarming celebrations, but you know you're not really a part of their family, so you chose to leave and not get in their way."
Joesph appeared walking towards the group, this time eating an apple.
"These feelings aren't my own. I have my own family, my own siblings."
"True, but didn't you inherit Darius's everything? Doesn't that include everything that he loves?"
Miko didn't answer and approached Joesph using his wheelchair.
"What do you want from me?"
"I don't really want anything more than seeing my master's wish come true."
(Master?)
Joseph placed his hand over his chest.
"I'm not your enemy, Miko. It would be too much to be called your ally, but I am your supporter."
Miko stared at Joesph for a while before moving away from him.
"If you're my supporter then I won't hold back on asking favors in the future. Is that okay with you?"
"Of course."
Miko smiled as he left.
"Renacido, let's go home."
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