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Chapter Seven: Vengeance and Desperation

Edward continues to fight the Nemesis.  However, no matter what he threw at it, it kept on coming.  Of course, Edward wasn't using his full power as Neo Shabranigdo.  After all, his Dragon Slave Cannon may destroy the beast, but it could also cause some casualties, and maybe even take out the tower itself.  He couldn't risk it.  But, as the fight continued on, he thought of one attack he learned recently.  A ninjitsu he learned in the Leaf Village.  Knocking the Nemesis back, Edward starts to gather energy in his hand.  It swirls around in an orb, and he then runs up to the Nemesis and thrusts the orb of energy into the creature.

"RASENGAN!!!"

The metal skin of the Nemesis cracks under the force, then the energy bursts through the creature.  After the energy finally disperses, the Nemesis falls to the ground, and crumbles into dust.  Edward stands there for a moment, turning back into his normal self.  "Dammit..." he says, "What a pain in the ass."  He was tired, but he knew he couldn't rest.  He had to go on.

Meanwhile...

Shippou, Croix, and the others make their way to the entrance to the tower.  However, as they get there, they see three Sonic Tyranids guarding the entrance.  "What the hell are those things?!?!" says Croix.  "They must be Sonic Tyranids." says Shippou, "We got to take them down."  "Let me." says Luca, walking up behind them.  "Luca?" says Shippou, "What are you doing here?"  "I'm not going to run and hide if Croix is in danger." says Luca, "Let me use my song magic."  "Luca..." says Croix, "I don't want to put you in any more danger.  But, I guess I can't talk you out of helping us, can I?  Especially after all we've been through."  "Thank you, Croix." says Luca.  Just then, Luca begins to sing.  As she starts to gather the energy from her song, the Sonic Tyranids open the plates on their arms, backs, and heads.  The all of a sudden let out a burst of sound, and dissipate the energy from Luca's song.

"What?!" says Leglius, "Those things were able to cancel out Luca's song magic?"  "That would explain why they chose to use these new creatures in the attack." says Shippou, "Being able to use sonic attacks may just be a secondary function.  Their real purpose must be to jam song magic use."

"Observant, aren't we?" says a familiar voice.

"Tarantulus!" says Shippou, looking over at the statue.  Sitting right on top of it is none other than the mad spider scientist himself.  "It's true." Tarantulus says, "The Sonic Tyranid project were meant for this purpose.  To prevent Reyvateils from causing any trouble while we take the tower for ourselves.  I must say that I have been looking forward to this day for quite some time now.  Soon, we will have the power to overthrow any and all opposition that could stand against us!"  "You're insane." says Leglius.  "So they say..." says Tarantulus, letting out an evil cackle.  "Now then, I think it's about time you were all dealt with."  He then snaps his fingers, and dissapears.  As if by command, the Sonic Tyranids start their sonic attack.

Meanwhile, outside the Grand Bell Hall...

The Angelus bursts through the front doors.  "He's here..." she says, "I sensed his power, even if but a moment.  My vengeance will soon be complete."

"Foolish little angel," says a voice in the room.  "You have no idea the true impact of the current events, do you?"

The Angelus turns to the voice, and sees Thunderwing standing there.  "And just who might you be?" she asks.  "The person you are possessing knows full well who I am." says Thunderwing, "After all, we're both IPDs, as well as Maidens of Mio."  "Infel." says Angelus, "She says you're dead.  But, I also sense Loki's aura around you.  Is it safe to presume he had a hand in your resurrection?"  "Mildly." says Infel, "But I do not serve him.  He is using you, as he had tried to use me.  All that is happening now, the attacks, the monsters, all of it is his doing.  Are you so blinded by your revenge that you cannot see you're helping the enemy?"  "After I have dealt with Ruby Eyes," says Angelus, "I shall deal with the other matters around here."  "By then it will be too late." says Infel, "Can you not see that Fullmetal is trying to save this world?  Is your revenge really warranted after seeing that you were in the wrong the last you fought him?"

"Do not test my patience." says Angelus, "I will strike you down right here and now!"  The Angelus readies her lance, but is unable to connect her attack.  Something is holding her back.  "Bad move on your part Angelus." says Infel, "Cloche is not totally under your control yet.  You may have sealed away her conciseness, but she will not willingly let you attack her friends."  Infel then takes her leave.  "I will let you go, for now.  I too have other matters I must attend to.  Keep in mind the words I have given you, lest you be seen once again as an enemy of the gods."

When Infel disappears deeper into the building, The Angelus says "Your words cannot sway me from my goal.  Ruby Eyes' blood will coat my lance.  However, it seems I'll need to work harder on suppressing the will of my host.  She may prove problematic if I let my grasp slip for a moment."

Back at the tower's entrance...

The sonic attacks of the Sonic Tyranids keep any of the warriors from attacking them.  In fact, they were barely able to keep on their feet.  "Dammit!" says Shippou, "My skull... is going to crack at this rate!"  "What do we do now?!" says Maria.  "If we can play a sound at the opposing frequency than at what they're broadcasting at," says Valentine, "we could cancel out their attack, or even turn it against them."  "But I can't sing if they can just jam it!" says Luca.  "I wasn't thinking about that." says Valentine, "Shippou, hand me Nevan!"  Shippou tosses her a demonic guitar.  "Now then..." Valentine says as she plays a note on the guitar.  When she dose so, the Sonic Tyranids reel back, canceling the attack.

Valentine keeps playing the guitar in a furious manner.  The Sonic Tyranids howl out in pain, and when Valentine plays the final cord on the guitar, the three Sonic Tyranids explode.  "Well..." says Shippou, "I've seen thrash metal music before.  But I've never seen a face-melting rift like that."  "I have..." says a voice from behind.  They all turn to see Edward coming up behind them.  "Valentine, you've been watching my AVGN videos, haven't you?"  "I had to keep myself entertained while you were away on your previous mission, brother." Valentine replies.  "Well..." says Shippou, "It doesn't matter anyway.  What matters is that the path into the tower is clear  We should get going before something else tries to stop us."

Just then, a ship appears from below the tower, and a woman jumps out and smacks Edward upside the head.

"OW!" says Edward.  "Dammit Edward!" says Masane, "Did you really think you can keep me out of a loop here?"

~End of Chapter Seven~

Chapter Eight: Light and Dark

Mayuka and the others were flying up to Pastalia along the side of the tower inside Neo-Oki, who was in her spaceship form.  "I can't believe this ship was once that small furry creature moments ago." says Saber.  "Nor can I." says Amarie, "Just looking at that little thing, I wouldn't have know she would have been able to turn into this."  "I felt the same way when I first saw her transform." says Masane, "But then again, I've seen some weird stuff in my life."  "We're almost at the tower entrance." says Mayuka, "Get ready, we may be in for quite the welcome party if the Chaos beat Edward to the tower, or The Angelus."

Just then, the entrance to the Administrator's Tower comes into view.  As they look on, the see a group of people gathered in front of it.  "It looks like Edward has teamed up with the Grand Bell." says Mayuka, "Good thing too, given the situation."  "If you'll excuse me..." says Masane as she leaves the ship and jumps out at Edward, smacking him upside the head as she lands.

"OW!" says Edward.  "Dammit Edward!" says Masane, "Did you really think you can keep me out of a loop here?"

"Nice to see you to Masane." says Edward, "I didn't think the Witchblade's connection to The Angelus could go beyond dimensional boundaries.  Besides, I didn't want to get you involved.  The Angelus wants me or The Darkness.  And since I was the one who got the Aser involved, her rage would be greatest with me."  "So what you're saying is that you plan to martyr yourself to keep her from hurting anyone else." says Mayuka as she and the others step off Neo-Oki.  "Not exactly..." says Edward, "Although if my contingency plan fails, it's an option."  "And what is this plan of yours Edward?" asks Shippou.  "It's a spell that Dragonmaster Eradose taught me." says Edward, "I know using it may be a long shot, but..."  "You mean the spell Eradose used to remove Pharaoh 90 from her victim." says Mayuka, "Edward, you know what the conduit is for that spell, right?"  "Hence why I said it's a long shot." says Edward.

Leglius looks over the group that just arrived.  "That's odd..." he says, "I thought for a moment that I saw four of you."  "Huh?" says Mayuka as she turns around.  She saw Amarie standing there.  Neo-Oki changed back into her Cabbit form.  Masane was still chewing out Edward for keeping her in the dark.  The only person not there was...

"Say," says Amarie, "Where's Saber?"  "Saber?!" says Shirou, "Saber was here?!"  "More than likely she ran into the tower while we were distracted." says Maria, "Given what the Chaos did to her, she's probably out for revenge just like The Angelus."  "Wait a second!" says Masane, looking at Maria as if she had seen a ghost.  "You're dead!"  "So you noticed." says Maria, "I was brought into Baal's demon Einherjar project.  Hence, why I once again stand before you."  "I hate to butt in," says Croix, "But shouldn't we go into the tower now?"  "He's right." says Edward, "The longer we wait here, the closer the Chaos get to the top of the tower.  Let's move out people."

Meanwhile...

Saber runs through the tower.  "Shirou..." she says to herself, "I'm sorry, but I cannot let you see me like this.  I cannot risk this... thing I'm becoming hurt you."

At that same time, deeper in the tower...

"I sense your Sonic Tyranids have failed, Tarantulus." says The Fallen.  "I did not expect them to use sonic weapons of their own." says Tarantulus.  "Regardless." says Omega, "I think at this point we may need to split up.  I'll take the Fallen to the top of the tower.  Tarantulus, you and Telos head back down and take care care of our... 'guests'.  Even if you can only buy us time."  "And what of the Angelus?" says Telos, "Her goal is to take revenge against Fullmetal.  But, if she dose so, she may become problematic."  "We shall deal with her in due time." says The Fallen, "What matters now is the tower itself."

Later on...

Edward and the other make their way up through the tower.  Eventually, they reach an open area in the tower.  But, before they could go any further, Edward felt something coming at them, fast.  "Masane!" he says.  "I feel it too Edward!" says Masane, "It's the Angelus.  Everyone, get ready!"

At that moment, ten living armors storm into the open area.  They ready their lances in attack, but stop short of striking.  "What... the... hell?" says Edward.  The Angelus then walks into the room.  "Why..." she says, looking at Croix.  "Why is it that I see your face that I cannot strike you down like any other dog?!"  "Cloche?!?!" says Croix, "Is that you?!?!"  "So you do know this body." says The Angelus, "The girl you know as Cloche is nothing more than a faint echo within me.  However, after holding back my hand once before, I thought for sure that I have suppressed her.  She must really care for you if she stops me even now."

"That's enough Angelus!" says Edward, "You have what you want.  I'm right here.  Let them go."  "Ruby Eyes." says The Angelus, "Do you really think anyone will be spared my wrath?  These humans do not matter at all.  All that matters is that every trace of darkness and demonic power be wiped clean from all creation."  "And that is why you were imprisoned in the first place." says Edward, "Your zealous nature threatens the alliances forged between gods and demons.  Just because something is dark, or born with demonic taint dose not mean it should be destroyed.  You have no right to pass such judgment."  "Still your tongue!" says The Angelus, pointing her lance at Edward.  "Your words do not sway my resolve.  It's time for you to die!"

As The Angelus charges into her attack, a wall of ice appears between her and Edward.  "Who dares!?!?" The Angelus calls out.

"Oh, don't let me stop you." says a familiar voice.  "Thunderwing?" says Edward, "What are you doing here?"  "I was just passing through when I heard what was going on." says Thunderwing, "Now then, I have no real intention on stopping your battle.  I have other matters I wish to attend to.  However, there was some information I did wish to pass on before I left."  Thunderwing then walks up next to Edward, and whispers in his ear, "I have read your file, and I know this girl all to well.  If you plan to use a mental attack on her to break The Angelus' control, I suggest focusing on your loss.  The one that caused the sin your metal limbs will not allow you to forget."

Edward looks at Thunderwing with a puzzled look on his face as Thunderwing walks away.  "How do you know so much about her?" says Edward.  "Me?" says Thunderwing, "I am just the former Maiden, back from the dead."  "Infel?!?" says Luca, "But, your cosmosphere data was deleted when Metafalica was created!"  "The Chaos..." says Shippou, "They brought you back to life, didn't they?"  "More or less." says Infel, "My cosmosphere was backed up on a grathnode crystal.  And they used it to bring me back in this artificial body.  However, now is not the time for idle chat.  I have a cybernetic bitch to fry."  The ice wall then dissapears.  "Time in."

Edward barely had the time to dodge The Angelus' attack.  Edward remembered Infel's words.  "My loss..." he thinks to himself, "Could she have meant my mother..."  Edward kept dodging the attacks sent at him, but her knew he could not keep it up.  But, he also didn't want to attack.  Cloche was nothing more than a innocent puppet in all this.  He couldn't let her end up the same was as the previous Angelus host.  Edward started to prep the spell.  "Whatever you have planned," says The Angelus, "it will not work!"  Her lance makes contact with Edward's left leg, shearing the automail appendage in half.  Edward takes the advantage and tries to grab the lance with his right arm.  The lance pearces through the metal arm.  But, as The Angelus tries to pull the lance out, Edward maintains his grip on the lance.  She lifts the lance into the air, and Edward slides down the lance towards her.  "SOUL BURN!!!" he calls out as his left hand makes contact with The Angelus.

In a bright burst of light, Edward and The Angelus are flung across the room.  The Angelus is unconscious, and Edward's eyes are blank.

~End of Chapter Eight~

Description
Chapter Seven: Vengeance and Desperation

Edward continues to fight the Nemesis.  However, no matter what he threw at it, it kept on coming.  Of course, Edward wasn't using his full power as Neo Shabranigdo.  After all, his Dragon Slave Cannon may destroy the beast, but it could also cause some casualties, and maybe even take out the tower itself.  He couldn't risk it.  But, as the fight continued on, he thought of one attack he learned recently.  A ninjitsu he learned in the Leaf Village.  Knocking the Nemesis back, Edward starts to gather energy in his hand.  It swirls around in an orb, and he then runs up to the Nemesis and thrusts the orb of energy into the creature.

"RASENGAN!!!"

The metal skin of the Nemesis cracks under the force, then the energy bursts through the creature.  After the energy finally disperses, the Nemesis falls to the ground, and crumbles into dust.  Edward stands there for a moment, turning back into his normal self.  "Dammit..." he says, "What a pain in the ass."  He was tired, but he knew he couldn't rest.  He had to go on.

Meanwhile...

Shippou, Croix, and the others make their way to the entrance to the tower.  However, as they get there, they see three Sonic Tyranids guarding the entrance.  "What the hell are those things?!?!" says Croix.  "They must be Sonic Tyranids." says Shippou, "We got to take them down."  "Let me." says Luca, walking up behind them.  "Luca?" says Shippou, "What are you doing here?"  "I'm not going to run and hide if Croix is in danger." says Luca, "Let me use my song magic."  "Luca..." says Croix, "I don't want to put you in any more danger.  But, I guess I can't talk you out of helping us, can I?  Especially after all we've been through."  "Thank you, Croix." says Luca.  Just then, Luca begins to sing.  As she starts to gather the energy from her song, the Sonic Tyranids open the plates on their arms, backs, and heads.  The all of a sudden let out a burst of sound, and dissipate the energy from Luca's song.

"What?!" says Leglius, "Those things were able to cancel out Luca's song magic?"  "That would explain why they chose to use these new creatures in the attack." says Shippou, "Being able to use sonic attacks may just be a secondary function.  Their real purpose must be to jam song magic use."

"Observant, aren't we?" says a familiar voice.

"Tarantulus!" says Shippou, looking over at the statue.  Sitting right on top of it is none other than the mad spider scientist himself.  "It's true." Tarantulus says, "The Sonic Tyranid project were meant for this purpose.  To prevent Reyvateils from causing any trouble while we take the tower for ourselves.  I must say that I have been looking forward to this day for quite some time now.  Soon, we will have the power to overthrow any and all opposition that could stand against us!"  "You're insane." says Leglius.  "So they say..." says Tarantulus, letting out an evil cackle.  "Now then, I think it's about time you were all dealt with."  He then snaps his fingers, and dissapears.  As if by command, the Sonic Tyranids start their sonic attack.

Meanwhile, outside the Grand Bell Hall...

The Angelus bursts through the front doors.  "He's here..." she says, "I sensed his power, even if but a moment.  My vengeance will soon be complete."

"Foolish little angel," says a voice in the room.  "You have no idea the true impact of the current events, do you?"

The Angelus turns to the voice, and sees Thunderwing standing there.  "And just who might you be?" she asks.  "The person you are possessing knows full well who I am." says Thunderwing, "After all, we're both IPDs, as well as Maidens of Mio."  "Infel." says Angelus, "She says you're dead.  But, I also sense Loki's aura around you.  Is it safe to presume he had a hand in your resurrection?"  "Mildly." says Infel, "But I do not serve him.  He is using you, as he had tried to use me.  All that is happening now, the attacks, the monsters, all of it is his doing.  Are you so blinded by your revenge that you cannot see you're helping the enemy?"  "After I have dealt with Ruby Eyes," says Angelus, "I shall deal with the other matters around here."  "By then it will be too late." says Infel, "Can you not see that Fullmetal is trying to save this world?  Is your revenge really warranted after seeing that you were in the wrong the last you fought him?"

"Do not test my patience." says Angelus, "I will strike you down right here and now!"  The Angelus readies her lance, but is unable to connect her attack.  Something is holding her back.  "Bad move on your part Angelus." says Infel, "Cloche is not totally under your control yet.  You may have sealed away her conciseness, but she will not willingly let you attack her friends."  Infel then takes her leave.  "I will let you go, for now.  I too have other matters I must attend to.  Keep in mind the words I have given you, lest you be seen once again as an enemy of the gods."

When Infel disappears deeper into the building, The Angelus says "Your words cannot sway me from my goal.  Ruby Eyes' blood will coat my lance.  However, it seems I'll need to work harder on suppressing the will of my host.  She may prove problematic if I let my grasp slip for a moment."

Back at the tower's entrance...

The sonic attacks of the Sonic Tyranids keep any of the warriors from attacking them.  In fact, they were barely able to keep on their feet.  "Dammit!" says Shippou, "My skull... is going to crack at this rate!"  "What do we do now?!" says Maria.  "If we can play a sound at the opposing frequency than at what they're broadcasting at," says Valentine, "we could cancel out their attack, or even turn it against them."  "But I can't sing if they can just jam it!" says Luca.  "I wasn't thinking about that." says Valentine, "Shippou, hand me Nevan!"  Shippou tosses her a demonic guitar.  "Now then..." Valentine says as she plays a note on the guitar.  When she dose so, the Sonic Tyranids reel back, canceling the attack.

Valentine keeps playing the guitar in a furious manner.  The Sonic Tyranids howl out in pain, and when Valentine plays the final cord on the guitar, the three Sonic Tyranids explode.  "Well..." says Shippou, "I've seen thrash metal music before.  But I've never seen a face-melting rift like that."  "I have..." says a voice from behind.  They all turn to see Edward coming up behind them.  "Valentine, you've been watching my AVGN videos, haven't you?"  "I had to keep myself entertained while you were away on your previous mission, brother." Valentine replies.  "Well..." says Shippou, "It doesn't matter anyway.  What matters is that the path into the tower is clear  We should get going before something else tries to stop us."

Just then, a ship appears from below the tower, and a woman jumps out and smacks Edward upside the head.

"OW!" says Edward.  "Dammit Edward!" says Masane, "Did you really think you can keep me out of a loop here?"

~End of Chapter Seven~

Chapter Eight: Light and Dark

Mayuka and the others were flying up to Pastalia along the side of the tower inside Neo-Oki, who was in her spaceship form.  "I can't believe this ship was once that small furry creature moments ago." says Saber.  "Nor can I." says Amarie, "Just looking at that little thing, I wouldn't have know she would have been able to turn into this."  "I felt the same way when I first saw her transform." says Masane, "But then again, I've seen some weird stuff in my life."  "We're almost at the tower entrance." says Mayuka, "Get ready, we may be in for quite the welcome party if the Chaos beat Edward to the tower, or The Angelus."

Just then, the entrance to the Administrator's Tower comes into view.  As they look on, the see a group of people gathered in front of it.  "It looks like Edward has teamed up with the Grand Bell." says Mayuka, "Good thing too, given the situation."  "If you'll excuse me..." says Masane as she leaves the ship and jumps out at Edward, smacking him upside the head as she lands.

"OW!" says Edward.  "Dammit Edward!" says Masane, "Did you really think you can keep me out of a loop here?"

"Nice to see you to Masane." says Edward, "I didn't think the Witchblade's connection to The Angelus could go beyond dimensional boundaries.  Besides, I didn't want to get you involved.  The Angelus wants me or The Darkness.  And since I was the one who got the Aser involved, her rage would be greatest with me."  "So what you're saying is that you plan to martyr yourself to keep her from hurting anyone else." says Mayuka as she and the others step off Neo-Oki.  "Not exactly..." says Edward, "Although if my contingency plan fails, it's an option."  "And what is this plan of yours Edward?" asks Shippou.  "It's a spell that Dragonmaster Eradose taught me." says Edward, "I know using it may be a long shot, but..."  "You mean the spell Eradose used to remove Pharaoh 90 from her victim." says Mayuka, "Edward, you know what the conduit is for that spell, right?"  "Hence why I said it's a long shot." says Edward.

Leglius looks over the group that just arrived.  "That's odd..." he says, "I thought for a moment that I saw four of you."  "Huh?" says Mayuka as she turns around.  She saw Amarie standing there.  Neo-Oki changed back into her Cabbit form.  Masane was still chewing out Edward for keeping her in the dark.  The only person not there was...

"Say," says Amarie, "Where's Saber?"  "Saber?!" says Shirou, "Saber was here?!"  "More than likely she ran into the tower while we were distracted." says Maria, "Given what the Chaos did to her, she's probably out for revenge just like The Angelus."  "Wait a second!" says Masane, looking at Maria as if she had seen a ghost.  "You're dead!"  "So you noticed." says Maria, "I was brought into Baal's demon Einherjar project.  Hence, why I once again stand before you."  "I hate to butt in," says Croix, "But shouldn't we go into the tower now?"  "He's right." says Edward, "The longer we wait here, the closer the Chaos get to the top of the tower.  Let's move out people."

Meanwhile...

Saber runs through the tower.  "Shirou..." she says to herself, "I'm sorry, but I cannot let you see me like this.  I cannot risk this... thing I'm becoming hurt you."

At that same time, deeper in the tower...

"I sense your Sonic Tyranids have failed, Tarantulus." says The Fallen.  "I did not expect them to use sonic weapons of their own." says Tarantulus.  "Regardless." says Omega, "I think at this point we may need to split up.  I'll take the Fallen to the top of the tower.  Tarantulus, you and Telos head back down and take care care of our... 'guests'.  Even if you can only buy us time."  "And what of the Angelus?" says Telos, "Her goal is to take revenge against Fullmetal.  But, if she dose so, she may become problematic."  "We shall deal with her in due time." says The Fallen, "What matters now is the tower itself."

Later on...

Edward and the other make their way up through the tower.  Eventually, they reach an open area in the tower.  But, before they could go any further, Edward felt something coming at them, fast.  "Masane!" he says.  "I feel it too Edward!" says Masane, "It's the Angelus.  Everyone, get ready!"

At that moment, ten living armors storm into the open area.  They ready their lances in attack, but stop short of striking.  "What... the... hell?" says Edward.  The Angelus then walks into the room.  "Why..." she says, looking at Croix.  "Why is it that I see your face that I cannot strike you down like any other dog?!"  "Cloche?!?!" says Croix, "Is that you?!?!"  "So you do know this body." says The Angelus, "The girl you know as Cloche is nothing more than a faint echo within me.  However, after holding back my hand once before, I thought for sure that I have suppressed her.  She must really care for you if she stops me even now."

"That's enough Angelus!" says Edward, "You have what you want.  I'm right here.  Let them go."  "Ruby Eyes." says The Angelus, "Do you really think anyone will be spared my wrath?  These humans do not matter at all.  All that matters is that every trace of darkness and demonic power be wiped clean from all creation."  "And that is why you were imprisoned in the first place." says Edward, "Your zealous nature threatens the alliances forged between gods and demons.  Just because something is dark, or born with demonic taint dose not mean it should be destroyed.  You have no right to pass such judgment."  "Still your tongue!" says The Angelus, pointing her lance at Edward.  "Your words do not sway my resolve.  It's time for you to die!"

As The Angelus charges into her attack, a wall of ice appears between her and Edward.  "Who dares!?!?" The Angelus calls out.

"Oh, don't let me stop you." says a familiar voice.  "Thunderwing?" says Edward, "What are you doing here?"  "I was just passing through when I heard what was going on." says Thunderwing, "Now then, I have no real intention on stopping your battle.  I have other matters I wish to attend to.  However, there was some information I did wish to pass on before I left."  Thunderwing then walks up next to Edward, and whispers in his ear, "I have read your file, and I know this girl all to well.  If you plan to use a mental attack on her to break The Angelus' control, I suggest focusing on your loss.  The one that caused the sin your metal limbs will not allow you to forget."

Edward looks at Thunderwing with a puzzled look on his face as Thunderwing walks away.  "How do you know so much about her?" says Edward.  "Me?" says Thunderwing, "I am just the former Maiden, back from the dead."  "Infel?!?" says Luca, "But, your cosmosphere data was deleted when Metafalica was created!"  "The Chaos..." says Shippou, "They brought you back to life, didn't they?"  "More or less." says Infel, "My cosmosphere was backed up on a grathnode crystal.  And they used it to bring me back in this artificial body.  However, now is not the time for idle chat.  I have a cybernetic bitch to fry."  The ice wall then dissapears.  "Time in."

Edward barely had the time to dodge The Angelus' attack.  Edward remembered Infel's words.  "My loss..." he thinks to himself, "Could she have meant my mother..."  Edward kept dodging the attacks sent at him, but her knew he could not keep it up.  But, he also didn't want to attack.  Cloche was nothing more than a innocent puppet in all this.  He couldn't let her end up the same was as the previous Angelus host.  Edward started to prep the spell.  "Whatever you have planned," says The Angelus, "it will not work!"  Her lance makes contact with Edward's left leg, shearing the automail appendage in half.  Edward takes the advantage and tries to grab the lance with his right arm.  The lance pearces through the metal arm.  But, as The Angelus tries to pull the lance out, Edward maintains his grip on the lance.  She lifts the lance into the air, and Edward slides down the lance towards her.  "SOUL BURN!!!" he calls out as his left hand makes contact with The Angelus.

In a bright burst of light, Edward and The Angelus are flung across the room.  The Angelus is unconscious, and Edward's eyes are blank.

~End of Chapter Eight~