Event The Primordial Saga (Treasure Hunt)

[Ichimonji]

The Great Pangean War #40
@kakashi19283
​

Butterfly Effect Triggered!

Pangean Plains - North
Tension one could cut from the air. The great Admiral turned to Leo, shadow on his face. Leo spoke of how he understood Zephyr’s last breaths, even while his hands leaked with the great Sensei’s blood. No haki, emotion, spirit, or Will came from Kizaru, which made it all the more tense, unfiltered. Shadow still on his face, Kizaru slowly lifted his hand to the sky, that shadow in his face growing darker.

Suddenly, total darkness took the area, such that one could not see their hand in front of them. As if someone had blew a candle. The entire light spectrum in the Pangean plains had been snuffed, absorbed into a single watt of light in Kizaru’s palm. No doubt, Kizaru’s absolute attack. Leo would have his answer.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed Kizaru’s hand in the darkness. The light suddenly returned to Pangea, as if one flipped a light switch.

[Tsuru] “Desist. You were the one who asked for this end. Control your emotions, Borsalino.”​

​

[Tsuru] “And you, Leo. You disobeyed orders! We were to capture him. We’ll deal with your insubordination soon. Right now, we need to move.”​

The Great Advisor appeared next to the two, stopping Kizaru. Her words were cut with empathy and stern. The legendary marine told Leo he had disobeyed orders - she was the commanding officer, and orders were to capture Zephyr. Insubordination. Dalmatian and Onigumo arrived, both of them limping heavily, riddled with deadly wounds. Tsuru was banged up good, but not as severe. Kizaru had the least of wounds, only a few scratches here and there.

[Tsuru] “How long, Dalmatian-boy?”​

​

[Dalmatian] “Judging by the smell, I’d say we have a few minutes. There is a cave not to far from here. That’s our best bet.”​

Dalmatian explained the plains were breaking off, the earth collapsing no doubt as remains of the battle. Onigumo concurred, suggesting they take shelter in the cave. The group followed Dalmatian. Kizaru had grabbed Zephyr’s body, slinging it over his shoulder and taking it with them. Silence took the journey. All of them remembered Zephyr, their sensei. Dalmatian and Tsuru had tears on his eyes, though quiet. Onigumo and Kizaru looked stoic, unmoving in emotion - felt deep.

A crack in the earth led to a long corridor and then a cave. Light shined on a single beautiful tree in the middle of the cave, surrounded by clear water. The group settled in. However, the group all turned to Leo. Now what? They had no leads, no hostage, and they were all wounded. Onigumo spoke up, demanding an explanation.

[Onigumo] “You have some explaining to do.”​

END OF ACT II
​

Spoiler: 🦋 Butterfly Effect #3 🦋

Decision: Kill or Capture Zephyr

• Leo chose to kill Zephyr

Butterfly Effect:

• + Zephyr’s Happy End
  • Zephyr accepted his role and death. The man died with a smile on his face, now to be used as a martyr for the world, positively affecting millions.
• - Lost Valuable Intel
  • Saving Zephyr would have led to the exact location of Lia. Now, her location is unknown. No information on how to proceed.
• - Relationship with Tsuru/Dalmatian/Onigumo
  • Everyone began to distrust Leo, having disobeyed mission orders. They begin to think of him as an enemy.

 

[Kaka]

With the passing of their former instructor Zephyr, Leo and Kizaru stood in front of one another. Leo did not suspect anything, though Kizaru's silence and demeanor clearly showed some of the emotions that he was experiencing. What came next, however, startled even Leo. Kizaru lifted his arm and suddenly, the Pangean plains were robbed of all light. It was as if they were in a room, and the lights had just been switched off. All of the light compressed and culminated in the palm of Kizaru's hand, as if summoned there.

Kizaru what the hell are y-...!

Leo reacted, realizing that Kizaru was about to attack him. However, Tsuru appeared, grabbing Kizaru's hand. The attack faded, and light was returned to the Pangean plains. Tsuru urged Kizaru to stop, stating that it was him who asked for this end. However, Tsuru was not happy with Leo. She had ordered the capture of Zephyr. Instead, Leo had ended his instructor's life. Onigumo and Dalmatian finally caught up as well, significantly injured from their fights.

Onigumo urged the group to a cave as the Plains started to rumble with weakness. Kizaru hung Zephyr's body over his shoulder, and the group moved. Once inside the cave, they would be witness to a rather serene sight - a beautiful tree in the middle of the cave, shined on by light, and surrounded by clear water. As the group sat down, Onigumo turned to Leo, demanding an answer. An explanation. Leo, sitting down, with flickers of Phoenix fire healing some of his injuries, spoke, though he was clearly annoyed by Onigumo's question.

What is there to explain? In case you haven't noticed, I'm too exhausted to heal you. That should speak of the situation that I was in.

Leo said.

 

[Ichimonji]

—————————————————————————————————
START OF ACT III
————————————————————————————
Chapter Black:
The Atavism of the Primordials
@kakashi19283​

Pangean Plains - North
The scene was illuminated by the light coming from the sliver cracks in the ceiling, showing the lone healthy tree. A beautiful tree in the middle of rocky molten earth. Water swayed around it like a moth to a flame, to take in its beauty. Perhaps a metaphor of how even in the worst, hope can always spring anew. Light can always illuminate darkness.

That darkness is where the group was. Stranded in Pangea, heavily wounded, no leads, no support, and dissent among the ranks. The Contemporaries were ripping at the seams, and to everyone else it seeemed Leo was pulling at that seam, having killed their mentor and ensuring they had no intel. The reaction was strong - they questioned his motives.

All but one. Admiral Kizaru simply stared at the tree, Zephyr’s body still over his shoulder. Not even the loud voices shook his trance.

[Onigumo] “Don’t lie to us, you bastard!”​

​

[Dalmatian] “Leo-senpai, we saw it before we got there. Zephyr-sensei was down. You did have a choice...”​

Onigumo roared, his hate for Leo showing. Yet, even in his jealousy and hate, Onigumo never spoke out of turn in disrespect; Leo was a hero after all. Now, with Zephyr’s blood on his hands, and no way to proceed, that was all left behind. Dalmatian was more calm, yet he still barked, literally. The legendary vice-admiral, Tsuru, had crossed her arms, taking a resentful posture, and shook her head.

​

[Tsuru] “That was a direct order from your commanding officer. Nothing short of insurrection.”​

​

That was all Tsuru would say. She turned to Kizaru, whom was still in a trance. The Great Advisor looked at Zephyr’s body and lamented. In the background, Onigumo and Dalmatian, mostly Onigumo, kept pressing Leo. It became clear they were scared, in their current condition, and needed to blame someone. Leo was that someone.

While the arguments and accusations echoed in the cave, Kizaru had stepped into the lake. A shadow was on his face, yet the shadow of tears could be seen, flowing down like the water rushing in the small lake. Kizaru took a knee in the base of the tree and gently laid Zephyr’s body down. He made a rudimentary grave. Propped up was the remnants of his legendary prostethic arm, its fist oddly closed tightly shut.

In the middle of chaos, a tree of hope. Metaphor. A fitting grave for The Great Zephyr.

[Kizaru] “Rest, Sensei.”​

​

The group went silence for those words. A moment of silence for their great mentor. Was Zephyr their hope in this hell?

When the moment of silence ended, now what? No leads, dissent, and a breaking group. How could they get out of this one? Could they even trust each other? Words carry weight. But which words? From whom would it come from?

 

[Kaka]

The silent tree and the tranquil water that surrounded it presented a calm brilliance, a stark contrast to where the group was currently - at a nervous and dangerous impasse. There was heavy disagreement and emotions were boiling high. The fact that there was so much arguing, when most of the party wasn't even there to witness everything that had happened, was proof that most were talking with heart and not brain. However, they made a miscalculation. If they thought Leo would be patient at this time, they were wrong. Leo, too, was heartbroken, and everyone piling on him would undoubtedly end up in an outburst. When Onigumo accused Leo of lying, and called him a bastard, Leo's eyes suddenly burst open and an enormously powerful wave of Hao-shoku no Haki erupted from Leo. The Hao-shoku no Haki was highly mastered and highly controlled, and the full weight of it ripped right into Onigumo, not touching anyone else. With a glaring look in his eyes, and unsuppressed flames of the Mera Mera no Mi momentarily flaring up, Leo, like a lion, roared at Onigumo.

Watch your words.

Leo said, before continuing.

If you wish to go on with this, we can settle it here and now.

Leo said, the full brunt of his anger piling onto Onigumo like an avalanche of heavy snow. When Tsuru jumped in, pointing out that Leo had disobeyed orders, Leo calmed down slightly, looking at Tsuru. It would be clear from Leo's words, that he had more respect for Tsuru, than he did for Onigumo.

Tsuru-san... I did what Zephyr-san asked of me. It was one last request from a mentor to a student. If the higherups want to question me, they can do so when we get back. I will take any punishment that is given to me.

But for now, we have a mission to complete. And... it seems that my sister Lia is here in Pangea.

 

[Ichimonji]

Chapter Black:
The Atavism of the Primordials
@kakashi19283​

Butterfly Effect Triggered!

Pangea - Sunlight Cave
The scene was tense, emotional, and nonsensical. Emotions flared, mixed with fear and helplessness, everyone lashed out - everyone but Kizaru. The Admiral buried his mentor amidst the shouts, bringing a sense of deafening to an otherwise loud room. They all looked at each other, sad about Zephyr, and in a spot of panic for their lives. They needed a leader to take charge. Leo could have been that leader, but he too was emotionally rash.

Onigumo fell to his knees by Leo’s angered will. However, The “hero” failed to account for one thing: Onigumo’s close-to-fatal wounds. The HQ’s Vice-admiral’s wounds were so severe, that action, the Will exerted on his body, caused his wounds to open wildly.

[Dalmatian] “S-s-s-top! Y-Y-YOU’RE KILLING HIM!”​

Tsuru‘s eyes widened in utter shock - she felt Onigumo’s “voice” wavering, dwindling like a candle about to go out. Onigumo not only fell to his knees, but he kneeled over, falling with a large thud. He was no longer conscious. Vice-Admiral Leo had done the unthinkable - he had raised a hand against his own. Onigumo was close to death, slowly dwindling - had Leo killed another Marine?

Kizaru had not moved. Only stared at Zephyr’s corpse.

​

Vice-Admiral Tsuru, the Great Advisor, looked at Leo shocked - with a face none had seem from her, even when Zephyr appeared. Leo was about to kill Onigumo, and they could do nothing about it. Leo’s anger had boiled over, made him do the unthinkable, and it was clear it was because of this “sister”. This was not just insubordination - this was treason. Vice-Admiral Leo, the “hero”, had just crossed a line he could never un-cross.

Kizaru, Tsuru, and Leo were the only ones who could feel it: Onigumo was about to die.

[Dalmatian] “Oni-San! STAY WITH US!”​

Amidst the chaos, Zephyr’s flesh arm, hanging off the makeshift grave, had opened - out of riger mortis. From it, a small den den mushi clanged on the ground. The hair on the den den mushi was purple - like Zephyr’s own.

Spoiler: 🦋 Butterfly Effect #4 🦋

Decision: Take Responsibility or Lash Out to nakama

• Leo chose to Lash Out

Butterfly Effect:

• - Act of Treason
  • All trust was lost. The eventual reports to the Commanding Office would be, at this point, career ending.
• - Lost alliance
  • At this point, no Marine on Pangea would help Leo any longer.

 

[Kaka]

Leo's powerful burst of Hao-shoku no Haki swept through the tranquil cave, rocking it.

The full pressure of his Hao-shoku no Haki was focused on Onigumo, whose eyes immediately went blank. His mouth foamed, and he fell to his knees, before falling forward, his body hitting the ground with a thud. Dalmatian shouted, telling Leo to stop, and that he was killing the man. The glare in Leo's eyes immediately disappeared as he realized that he had underestimated the severity of Onigumo's wounds. Conqueror's Haki was not a power that was used for killing, and so Leo couldn't have possibly thought that that would have happened.

However, upon realizing it, his display of Conqueror's Haki immediately ceased, and Leo's eyes snapped out of it.

Tsch, damn it...!

Leo said outloud as blue flames covered the palm of his right hand. The color of the flames, as well as the lack of heat, would leave Leo's actions impossible to misunderstand. He was coming in to heal Onigumo. Running up to Onigumo, Leo crouched down next to him, shouting for space.

Back away, I can still save him!

Leo said, bringing the flames of the Phoenix onto Onigumo and engulfing him in them. From there, it was all up to fate. Leo's intentions were clear. Would the world allow Onigumo to live? Or would he perish down here, in the depths of Pangea?

 

[Ichimonji]

Chapter Black:
The Atavism of the Primordials
@kakashi19283​

Pangea - Sunlight Cave
Treason. Vice-Admiral Leo, once a Hero, brought Onigumo to the brink of death in his anger. The whole mission shifted permanently.

Realizing what he had done, Leo held back his will, but the damage had been done. Onigumo was dying. Vice-Admiral Leo, perhaps feeling too guilty to think straight, thought the best way to approach would be to ignite flames on his hands, and amidst the chaos, charge Onigumo. Leo had blue flames, but in the emotional state they were, and after Leo had clearly raised his hands against Onigumo, to some it seemed he was going for the killing blow.

Dalmatian stood between Onigumo and Leo’s approach, to protect his friend, Dalmatian body turning to hybrid, barking.

[Dalmatian] “GET AWAY FROM HIM!!!”​

Dalmatian had planted his foot, hands vibrating with Haki. Any Marine would understand Rokouyogan was being charged. Dalmatian’s eyes came bloodshot, tears streaming down. The dogman was not being rational - none of them were. He did not distinguish the flames being of healing properties. Dalmatian felt so much emotion, he had tunnel vision. That vision only bore to protect his friend.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed Dalmatian’s own. Vice-Admiral Tsuru stopped Dalmatian.

[Tsuru] “Control your emotions, Dal-boy. Look at the flames. Feel his intent. Peer into his heart.“​

Tsuru commanded the room like a season vet would. The pup whimpered, falling to his knees and crying. Dalmatian wept as Leo went past him to try to heal Onigumo. Dalmatian was scared for his life, for his friends, and Leo was the easy blame. He realized this now. It was clear now: the fear, sadnes, and regret was palpable, infecting their very minds. Dalmatian was an example of how little trust they had within the group. The Contemporaries had entered Pangea together and strong - now they were in shambles, perhaps down a member.

Onigumo’s “voice stabilized”. Leo had stopped the Vice-admiral’s death, for now. It was up to Onigumo now whether he would survive. The next six (6) hours would determine everything. To heal someone so close to death, and stop a sure death, it would have exhausted Leo, added to the six days of fighting and grand battle. Now, it was a up to luck.


As Leo tried to heal Onigumo, Kizaru picked up the den den mushi. The Admiral had not even peered back at the chaos - he seemed possessed. The Admiral placed the den den mushi on the grave and hit the button. Suddenly, a projection came from the eyes of the den den mushi, hanging in the middle of the clear water. In the shot was their beloved teacher.

A message from beyond the grave.

 

[Kaka]

Vice Admiral Dalmatian, overtaken by emotion, got inbetween Onigumo and Leo, transforming into his Hybrid form and getting ready to protect Onigumo. Leo tsch-ed, realizing how ridiculous this whole situation was.

Ready to get past Dalmatian using great speed and the ability of Future Sight, Leo was spared the trouble fortunately by Tsuru. The leader of the group, she was wise and collected, despite the situation. She realized Leo was not meaning any harm. Dalmatian, overwhelmed, dropped to his knees. Leo rushed past him, getting to Onigumo and crouching down. The blue flames of the Phoenix whirled around Leo's hand. He placed the hand on Onigumo's chest, and the flames suddenly unwhirled, basking Onigumo in a bath of healing fire. More and more healing fire was created, cladding Onigumo's body like a miracle potion. Leo started to breathe heavily. Slowly but surely, Tsuru, using Kenbun-shoku no Haki, would feel Onigumo's voice come back to life.

Leo would push further, hoping to stabilize Onigumo as much as possible. Leo pushed it to the limits, before the flames suddenly wisped away, and Leo fell backward into a sitting position next to Onigumo.

Exhaling a breath of exhaustion, Leo was tired. What a mess.

In that moment, Kizaru found the Den Den Mushi hiding inside the grasp of Zephyr's Battle Smasher. Activating the Den Den Mushi, the image of the mentor suddenly showed up. Leo's eyes widened in shock. A dying message.

 

[Ichimonji]

Chapter Black:
The Atavism of the Primordials
@kakashi19283​

Feign the howling of primordial wolves and let the fear-addled sheep slaughter. A haven, yea, yet it must fall err we be saved. Retake the black, lest it spread. Greet the end there, in the land where it all began.

362048° N, 138.2529° E - MF

- G

Pangea - Sunlight Cave
Tensions turned to tears. Fear turned to helplessness. The Contemporaries were broken, wounded, and without hope. Their actions spoke louder than words, fighting amidst the pack like children scared. What now? There was a silence and a gasp as Zephyr’s face appeared over the lake. A message from beyond the grave.

Zephyr looked into the camera. It was a message to someone. A message before Pangea began.

[Zephyr] “This is a message for ’G’.”​

[Zephyr] “I received your reply. You don’t understand… you haven’t seen what I have… we should all die. I mean all of us, humans. YOU’D THINK SO TOO IF YOU SAW THE VIDEOTAPE!”​

​

[Zephyr] “I saw it all. Every single minute of it. It‘s the video they label ‘CHAPTER BLACK’!”​

​

A voice interrupted the broadcast.

[Tsuru] “CHAPTER BLACK?!?!”​

Tsuru looked aghast. She took a step back, eyes wide. It was clear from her face - she knew what Chapter Black was.

 

[Kaka]

The dangerous moments of raw emotion passed. The possibility of a complete breakup of the group now less likely, but always a looming possibility, for the Pangean depths had their own ways of working and testing those that walked it.

What ushered the Contemporaries along was the projection of the mentor - former Admiral Zephyr, now deceased. A Den Den Mushi facilitated the image, and the Zephyr of the past spoke. This was a message for ''G''. Leo wondered who G was - it was not him, nor any of Zephyr's other known students. It was not Lia either. The only person that Leo could think of, was the legendary Marine Hero... Monkey D. Garp. But that was mere speculation. Zephyr continued on, stating that all of us should die. Who was us? Marines? Humanity? And then there was a mention of a videotape. That warranted most attention. After all, this videotape was physical evidence of what Zephyr was talking about. Did the videotape still exist? And if so, where was it? Was it in someone's possession? Endless questions, no answers.

The recording ended with a shocking revelation. The name of the videotape. Chapter Black. As soon as Chapter Black was mentioned, Tsuru burst out, looking aghast. She was in disbelief of what she had just heard. A strong reaction. She knew something the rest did not. Leo looked at her, glaring strongly.

What is the meaning of this, Tsuru-san? What is Chapter Black?

Leo asked, before looking over at Kizaru.

You know something about it, Kizaru?

 

[Ichimonji]

Chapter Black:
The Atavism of the Primordials
@kakashi19283 @QuickZilver708 @Gambit ​

Pangea - Sunlight Cave
Chapter Black. A videotape. G. Zephyr sent a message to this G, communication what he saw, what he witnessed, and the reason for his defection. Standing over his grave, projected with his very body in the background, the Great Zephyr showed his demons. And perhaps… the demons of us all. Enter Chapter Black.

Tsuru stepped back, in shock. Kizaru, back to his joking demeanor, threw in a comical response, making fun of Tsuru’s reaction.

[Kizaru] “Say it with more feeling.”​

Yet, they all looked now at Tsuru. The feed had stopped for a second, as Zephyr rocked and looked in the distance, almost looking mad. Whatever he had seen, whatever he sat through, had churned his soul. Dalmatian could not even comprehend, looking at Tsuru for answers. Vice-Admiral Leo turned to the experience woman, asking her is she knew what it was. Tsuru nodded. Kizaru shook his head - he did not know.

[Leo] “What is the meaning of this, Tsuru-san? What is Chapter Black?”​

Tsuru answered, her voice quivering.

[Tsuru] “It’s legendary. Dragon has wanted to get his hands on that tape for years.”​

[Kizaru] “That good of a flick, huh?”​

[Tsuru] “It is a piece of intelligence. Supposedly kept in the deepest bowels of Marijeous’ Records Department.”​

[Tsuru] “Over its millennia of existence, the human race has committed very heinous crimes against others and their own. This videotape is a compilation. It documents the most unspeakable acts of all. It is said to run thousands of hours…”​

[Tsuru] “I knew well of the tape’s existence, but never imagined it would be an impetus in this cas-”​

The looks of shock would be many, even on Kizaru’s face. That such a thing could exist. If it got out to the general populace.., who knows what the consequences would be? This was what turned Zephyr into the egomaniacal man they met in Pangea. He saw the human's worst. How would the general populace react, if someone with steel nerves as Zephyr crumbles? The group's mission had been sent to take what was taken from the vault - they finally knew what. The item stolen from the vault and what they needed to recover was the videotape: Chapter Black.

Tsuru was interrupted by Zephyr’s voice, as the recording continued, trying to explain to ‘G’ what he saw, and why he turned.

[Zephyr] “So many horrifying things marching across that’s screen. You don’t know what we really are! What we’re capable of…! I saw it all! If you saw it, you'd think differently to... you'd understand we're doomed..."​

There was silence. A shock that came too great. By the man's words, Dalmatian whimpered. Tsuru had her head down, lightly trembling. It all came together. Why it was only Chimera who would be sent on this mission. There was no room for failure, for failure would be a result of proportions the surface could not survive. They had sent the most ruthless man in the World Government, Chimera, to do whatever it took to get Chapter Black back - even kill their own, even kill a lone sister Lia.

The tape went silent, before Zephyr's eye widened, bloodshot, remembering what he saw.

[Zephyr] "Have you ever seen hundreds of people standing in line to be killed in a camp?" [March 17, 1942 - June 1943]​

[Zephyr] “Have you seen horsemen raid and destroy a village? Dance on the bodies of their victims, crushing them as they celebrated victories, singing HAPPY SONGS?!” [February 13, 1258]​

[Zephyr] “Have you ever seen a gigantic bomb wipe away millions who had never even picked up a weapon?!” [August 6, 1945]​

[Zephyr] “CIVIL WAR WHERE A MOM IS HACKED DOWN IN FRONT THEIR CHILD OR A CHILD IN FRONT OF HIS MOM!” [September 5, 1793 - July 27, 1794]​

[Zephyr] “AND THE SOLDIER LEADING A FAMILY INTO A FIRE… AND HIS EYES ENJOYING THE TORTURE…” [May 1940 - January 1945]​

Enter the Black. It was not a tangible thing. It was inside of us all. Humans just like us who committed atrocities unforgivable, swept under the pages of history. Zephyr saw it all. Thousands of hours of the worst humanity has to offer. The Black was consuming. To Absolute Justice, it had it be extinguished - enter the Primordials. Those words. Words Leo may recall. Words of a man driven to madness. Words that would now make sense.

This was not a war between worlds. This was a war of morality.

[Zephyr] “What happened? I broke from the chains. Broke from the veil. The Primordials have shown me the way. The way to stop The Black.”

 

[Kaka]

Zephyr, post his death, revealed the secrets of Pangea. Tsuru elaborated on them. Between the two, history was explained. Horrid times of past, they showed the worst of humanity. Leo, who was part Giant and part Dwarf, was not a human in the truest sense of the word - but the mantra of the World Government, the mantra of Justice, had led him to believe that living as a human being was right. But now, it was all on display. Evil. Like a horrifying dance, Zephyr and Tsuru tagged in and out, revealing the truth. Onigumo was unconscious, but Dalmatian was there to hear it. So were Admiral Kizaru and Vice Admiral Leo. For Leo, his life was flashing before his eyes. He had been fighting against all of this his entire life. Against evil. In the name of Justice. But was there ever a point? Based on the history of the Black, no. Zephyr's words made it sound like there was no winning. Like evil was inside humanity, and there was no uprooting it. Here was a man, Leo. Known as Hero of the Marines. A man of immense Haki. A man who had eaten two Devil Fruits, an act that granted him unparalleled power. A man that was clearly destined for greatness. And yet, even a man like him... was drawing a blank.

What could he do to uproot evil? He did not know. A sense of despair was starting to arise deep within Leo, though he did not know it, or feel it, yet. For now, emotions were bottled up, and logic was the driving force of his actions. Whether Zephyr's last message had ended or not yet, Leo intervened momentarily.

Tsuru-san... we should inspect sensei's body. We have to know if the videotape is there. On his person.

Then, we have to find her. My sister, Lia. She must know more.

Leo said, looking for an answer. Here, in the deep, deep Abyss. Where more questions than answers were always found.

 

[Ichimonji]

Chapter Black:
The Atavism of the Primordials
@kakashi19283 @QuickZilver708 @Gambit ​

Pangea - Sunlight Cave
Chapter Black. Enter human’s darkness.

Zephyr had seen it all. All the black. His voice echoed through the cave, fitted with a sorrowful and manic tone. A man such as he, shattered. If this tape went out to the general populace, who knows if the world could survive? The room fell silent. The group contemplated the implications, the black, and most of all, their own humanity. Were humans really worth saving?

Kizaru, perhaps for the first time ever, shed a single tear. Whether it was for the implications of what Zephyr saw, or seeing his Sensei so broken, no one could know. Dalmatian had fallen to his knees, hugging himself, whimpering as a dog would. Tsuru never broke her shocked expression - only breathed harder and slowly. A shocking revelation.

But then, Leo would speak, suggesting the tape and stating they must save this “Lia”.

[Tsuru] “No. The tape is well hidden.”​

​

Dalmatian dragged himself up and checked Zephyr’s body - nothing. There was no response to this “Lia”. Frankly, they had not processed the tape yet to move on to Lia so quick. Yet, by Tsur’s face, she heard. For now, however, a single life was the least of their worries. With the tape now at play, the whole world’s lives was at stake. The very controlling race, humans, stood to be toppled. The Contemporaries knew it.

[Kizaru] “We must recover the tape… whatever the cost. Why would such a thing even exist?!”​

​

[Tsuru] “Balance. It is part of a two part set, never meant to be seen alone. One is just part of the argument. You see, t-”​

Tsuru was again interrupted by the feed. Zephyr was not done. He had come out of his frantic breathing and began to speak again. This time, to this “G”, it seemed more of a plea than an actual message. The camera began to fizzle out, making Zephyr’s message the more impactful. Had the Black enveloped him?

[Zephyr] "T-t-hat’s not all, G! T-t-t-he Avatism! There is one. One person who bears the recessive gene of the Primordials who can unlock primordial DNA… b-b-but so much sulfur! The smell! I-I-I can’t get it off me!”​

The avatism. What did he mean? Sulfur? Where? Zephyr began to punch the ground, not finished, but unable to continue. There was another lull. The Lull of the Avatism. Suddenly, unbeknown to everybody else, Leo would get a flashback - something Zephyr had told him during their battle. Would Leo share with the group?

it was clear now. The Avatism of the Primordials was Lia.

Zephyr answered, direct, as his body gained a full transformation. A shocking revelation.

​

[Zephyr] “She is special like no other. Lady Lia is the catalyst to turn those chosen back to Primordials. Be witness…​

​

[Zephyr] “RRRRRRAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!”​

 

[Kaka]

Leo, his inner emotional disarray still bottled deep down, clung to logic to push him ahead. He suggested to look for the videotape on Zephyr's persona, but Tsuru dismissed the idea. The videotape was hidden extremely well, she said. How did she know, with certainty, that Zephyr never found it and kept it on himself? It was a strange notion from Tsuru, but one that Leo did not dwell on, nor doubt, for now. That was how much trust he head in Tsuru, he did not even contemplate anything weird for a second. Kizaru stated that they had to recover the videotape no matter what, something that Leo agreed with. But, before the group could so much as move on and begin to think about their next steps, the final part of Zephyr's message started. The avatism. Leo's eyes immediately widened in shock. His mind took him into a flashback, if it could be called that - for it took him to a place only a few hours ago. When he had to fight against his former mentor. Leo remembered Zephyr's words.

Zephyr answered, direct, as his body gained a full transformation. A shocking revelation.

[Zephyr] “She is special like no other. Lady Lia is the catalyst to turn those chosen back to Primordials. Be witness…

[Zephyr] “RRRRRRAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!”

It was Lia! She was the key to all of this. And fate had brought Leo to Pangea for this very reason. This was a development that Leo would have to contemplate on, whether he would share it with the group or not. This was not a development that he could share lightly. But, for some reason, his heart spoke before his brain could react.

It's Lia! He's talking about Lia.

Zephyr-sensei mentioned it in our fight... He said she is special like no other. A catalyst to turn those chosen back to Primordials. She is the avatism...!

The truth was out. How would the group react? Leo didn't even consider it before speaking. Perhaps a moment of rashness.

 

[Ichimonji]

Chapter Black:
The Atavism of the Primordials
@kakashi19283​

Butterfly Effect Triggered!

Pangea - Sunlight Cave
Zephyr continued. The Avatism. There was one who bore the recessive gene of the Primordials, pushed back and lay dormant for thousands of years. Lia “The Avatism”. Fat had not just guided Leo here - it had placed him in the predicament. The man wore Absolute Justice, but now, his own kin was a danger to the world. If she were to surface, she had the potential to change hundreds back to Primordials. Would Leo save her family, or look towards the greater good. Confront your Black.

The Contemporaries were still reeling from the revelation when another one came. This one of an Avatism.

[Dalmatian] “Unlock Primordial DNA? What does that mean?”​

Dalmatian quipped, asking the question they all would be thinking. Suddenly, another spoke. Vice-Admiral Hero Leo recalled a conversation with Zephyr. Whether foolish or not, the man revealed to the group who it was. It was Lia. She had the power to turn people into Primordials, like Zephyr before him. The group fell silent. They all turned to Leo, all in shock. If this was true…

Tsuru offered wise words. Leo was right to trust her. She had not been swayed by emotion - like an oak tree in a hurricane. She commandingly took point, dispelling any hesitation they had to trust Leo at this point.

[Tsuru] “Then it is decided. We first find Lia - she might be able to lead us to the tape. With Leo-boy’s connection to her, he’s our best bet to find her.”​

​

[Tsuru] “… I know what you’re all thinking. I will have none of it. Sort out your feelings about Leo-boy when the mission is done. We’ve gotten this far as a group - we shall stick together.”​

Dalmatian had scoffed, clearly not happy. Yet, he nodded. Tsuru had much command of the room. Kizaru looked over to Leo gently, before turning to Zephyr on the screen. It was hard to predict what he was thinking. Oddly enough, before Zephyr spoke, Kizaru implored them to listen. Zephyr had rocked back and forth, looking like a madman, as he spoke manic.

[Kizaru] “Sensei is not done. Temper your ears.”​

​

[Zephyr] “Every night I see them, the victims of that tape! I’ve always seen myself like them? But then in my nightmares, I’m the one holding the weapons… you know? Like all along it’s been me who has been doing those terrible things?! And I feel dirtier and dirtier, like I need t make up for something, but I don’t even know what?!”​

​

[Zephyr] “WHAT DO I DO, G?!”​

Dalmatian looked solemn, wiping away tears. Tsuru clutched her heart, head down. Kizaru looked stoic, his eyes dark. They all felt it - Zephyr had been going through so much. He hadn’t survived - this was his own personal Hell. Tsuru had asked to save him. Kizaru had conspicuously asked to kill him. Who was right? They may never know.

Who was this G? How would they find Lia? Who was the enemy? We’re humans even worth saving? In the Sunlight Cave, they found answers but the truth was hard to discern.

Spoiler: 🦋 Butterfly Effect #5 🦋

Decision: Tell Contemporaries About Lia's connection with Avatism or Not

• Leo chose to tell

Butterfly Effect:

• - Lia Became Target
  • Unbeknown to Leo, the Contemporaries now see Lia as a target. They must not allow her to get back to the surface and awaken Primordials.
• + Forced Contemporaries to Follow Leo
  • With Leo knowing Lia, the new target, now the Contemporaries will accompany Leo to find Lia, though for nefarious purposes. Before, they would not follow.

 

[Kaka]

Leo, caught off guard by Zephyr's words, faltered for a moment, speaking without thinking. Lia was the Avatism. They had to find her! The room was surprised by Leo's words, but Tsuru took command surprisingly quickly. She spoke, stating that they would go find Lia, and that they had come this far as a group, and they would continue pushing ahead. According to Tsuru, there was a chance that Lia could lead them to the videotape. And if not, at least many clues were bound to be around or with Lia. Dalmatian showed discontent with Tsuru's words, something Leo noticed, but didn't care about. Dalmatian was a nonfactor in Leo's eyes. Leo knew the only ones of importance here were Lia, Tsuru the Commander, and Kizaru the Admiral. Dalmatian would have to follow along, whether he liked it or not.

Kizaru summoned everyone's attentions to Zephyr's words once again. The recording was not yet over, it seemed. Zephyr's next words depicted his inner struggles. He truly was a man that had been consumed by the grief of humanity in his final years. An impossible burden to bear - but the fact that Zephyr attempted it, was proof of his unfaltering Justice. Zephyr pleaded with ''G'', hoping that G would have an answer. But none came. The group would not know it, for they were not there for Leo's final battle with Zephyr. But Leo knew. He had done well by his mentor. His mentor died with relief in his heart. He was no longer suffering.

It was time to go. With newfound resolve in his heart, and the prospect of reuniting with his older sister soon, Leo stood up, his aura once again brimmed with energy, though his lingering exhaustion was undeniable.

Tsch... where do we even start...

Leo asked, reaching for his Den Den Mushi. It was one that could connect him to Lia. Leo gave it another go, though whether trying to contact Lia would bring any results, was anyone's guess.

Purururu... Purururu... Purururu... Purururu...

The Den Den Mushi rang, its sound reverberating through the cave, tempering the intensity of the situation.

 

[Ichimonji]

Chapter Black:
The Atavism of the Primordials
@kakashi19283​

Pangea - Sunlight Cave
Lia the Avatism. Zephyr had grown mad. They all felt his pain. Unbeknown to them, Leo had corrected his black, given him peace, and released him from this hell. Yet, they would have none of it. Luckily for Leo, and the mission, Vice-Admiral Tsuru was calm-headed. She was the commanding officer, and with that command, instructed they stick together. Chapter Black. The Avatism. Many things were worrisome. The question was: where to even start? Zephyr was their only lead.

Suddenly, Leo rang his den den mushi. There was a click on the other end.

[Lia] “Kill…. Killl… kill… kill…”​

​

[Voice] “Keep pumping the sulfur! Let it stink to the heavens!”​

Suddenly, the den den mushi went out. Leo was the only one who could recognize Lia’s voice, but it was similar to the first Primordial they encountered back at the turtle ship. Then, a voice sharp and curt called for sulfur. The smell was rampant. Suddenly, this would make them all recall one of Zephyr’s words said in his transmission.

”b-b-but so much sulfur! The smell! I-I-I can’t get it off me!”

Dalmatian dog ears rose. He suddenly looked towards the distance, through the hole that brought sunlight. His nose rose.

With a beep, the transmission had ended. Zephyr could at last rest.

 

[Kaka]

Leo rang the Den Den Mushi. Suddenly, the line connected, much to Leo's surprise. He had gotten through. On the other end of the line, a familiar voice. The voice spoke as if in a trans of struggle. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill - the voice chanted. Leo recognized the voice, but he also recognized that it was... strange.

There's something off, but that's Lia!

Leo said. Before he could say any more, more came in from the call. A different voice, unrecognizable to Leo, spoke, demanding more sulfur to be pumped. Zephyr's strange words about the sulfur entered Leo's mind, making him realize that something strange was happening with Lia. Gritting his teeth and clenching his fists, Leo was bursting with anger. He had enough of all of this. He was emotionally exhausted, having been looking for his sister here in Pangea for many hours now, to no avail. But they were finally starting to come close - they had to hurry. Leo saw Dalmatian react, his dog nose and ears picking up on something.

What is it...?! Do you have something?!

Leo said. If Dalmatian didn't, Leo would do it himself. He had the ability to fly. He would find Lia from up in the air, certainly. But Dalmatian's nose and ears were more reliable. Was there a clue?

 

[Ichimonji]

Chapter Black:
The Atavism of the Primordials
@kakashi19283​

Pangea - Sunlight Cave
The Avatism of the Primordials. Lia answered the den den sushi, repeating words they had all heard before. Leo signaled it was Lia, and they all intent to listen closely. Another voice spoke of sulfur, bringing the group to remember something Instructor Zephyr had said. They all looked at each other, but only one had significant moveemnt. Dalmatian raised his nose to the sky.

[Leo] "What is it...?! Do you have something?!"​

​

[Dalmatian] "Yes! It's hard not to! That smell, has been overpowering for hours now. The smell of sulfur!"​

No one had a more developed sense of smell than Dalmatian. Indeed, while not the most powerful his distinct abilities made him invaluable. Sulfur seemed to be the key, and Dalmatian had identified it. A clue. Tsuru quickly followed-up.

[Tsuru] "How far? More importantly, is the smell fleeting or lasting?​

​

[Dalmatian] "I-I-I-t's lasting! Around a fifty kilometers away! It's been there ever since we've arrived. The smell is distinct, old. It seems constant."​

​

[Tsuru] "Good. That means it'll still be there tomorrow.... Listen up, Contemporaries! We rest here for the night. We are in no condition to continue. Heal your wounds. In eight hours, with the rise of the light, we follow Dalmatian-san's nose to the sulfur.... and hope that leads us to Lia and Chapter Black."​

​

The group looked at each other. Then, they looked at Onigumo, still unconscious. Their wounds were heavy. Dalmatian was o the verge of collapse. Tsuru was heavily wounded and not much help at the moment. Even Leo himself, the ever reviving bird, had pushed himself to near his limits, having fought for days and fought Zephyr. Kizaru was also wounded. The Contemporaries looked worse for the wear. Tsuru, as the Commanding officer, laid down the decree: rest. They would charge the sulfur in the morning. Tsuru had to make a tough decision.

[Tsuru] "In the morning, we search for Lia as a team."​

​

The decree. How would they react? Kizaru walked over to the group, across the lake - he had something important to ask.

 

[Kaka]

Dalmatian picked up on the smell of sulfur, giving the group a very important lead. Based on Dalmatian's sniffing motions, Leo was also able to discern which direction Dalmatian was smelling the sulfur from. Tsuru handled the rest, asking the important question - how far away was it? Dalmatian had the answer. 50 kilometers.

Once determining that they were too wounded, Tsuru ordered that the group rested, and that they would go find Lia the next day. Onigumo had been healed as much as possible, and so it was now up to him to pull through. No one's life was currently in danger, but Onigumo, Dalmatian and the elderly Tsuru were definitely not in good shape to fight. Leo and Kizaru were tired as well, but if they had to, they could go on right now. Leo could fight for 10 days and 10 nights if he needed to. There was no doubt that Kizaru could do the same. But, Tsuru's orders were clear. Rest for the night.

Onigumo was asleep anyway, and Dalmatian started to settle in as well. When Tsuru sat down to give her old legs some much needed rest, Kizaru suddenly started walking over to the group. He looked like he had something to say, so Leo gave him the opportunity.

What is it, Kizaru?