[Elsword] - Formulated Hearts

Act 29 - Heart(less)

...

Exotic was deceiving them about almost anything and everything. There was no rush to determine the fateful soulmate of Eve. Rena was not involved in the shooting plan, not one bit. The guns were real; the bullets were genuine. The Nemesis was clearly the puppeteer, tugging at the strings.

But why? What was the point of such chaos? What was the ulterior motive behind it?

Chung's mobility was enough for him to avoid Add's shabby bullet. That was usually the case, however... there was no way to do so. Exotic had the event thoroughly thought out. Pulling on both of the boys' legs were two lashes: explosive whips made using Nasod technology. She had released them during the firing of the bullets; the tangled mess clinging onto their ankles acted as some sort of restraining force, similar to the Esper's Void Field. They were unable to move, therefore the bullets had to strike.

A piercing impact had impaled the Chaser and Esper's chests. The duo spat out splats of blood onto the concrete, seemingly in unison. They soon fell over,  as the straps disappeared. The bullets were special in a sense, they appeared to be much more powerful than an average bullet; though it was to be expected from a creation of the Nasods. A river of red spewed from the gashes, a stinging pain spreading throughout. Threads were strongly yanking at their hearts, their lungs losing to the overwhelming capacity.

It was too hard to stand, even if it was for the sake of their beloved Nasod Empress Eve. But was it truly the beginning of the end?

"Sh..it! W...What the f-fuck, you scumbag excuse for a... damn Nasod..!" Add hollered with flinches during his sentence, especially enraged.

"M-Miss... E-Exotic?!" Chung violently coughed before proceeding on. "Wh-Why did you... what..? I-I thought w-we could..." Another cough escaped, followed by several more. "... t-trust you!"

"Trust? Exotic? What a pitiful joke. But, it's not like I would feel pity for lowly commoners like you two. Why did I do this? I have nothing else to do, the life I live can be rather boring. I am the Queen of Destruction, I make my own 'entertainment', and in the current situation, this would be it. My existence is devoted for havoc. Affirmative? Do you know why the throne was handed off to the Empress? Because the Nemesis, of course, is too heartless to care about the rest of her race." she blandly spoke, a hint of coldness in her tone. "Though, perhaps if you two are fortunate enough, you may face your demise happily. I have implemented an emotion circuit into your precious Eve. When it will spark is a mystery, however, take it as my parting gift to you." she added with a nod.

The Diabolic Esper was flat on his stomach, though he began to slowly inch closer towards the Deadly Chaser, weakly leaving behind a slithery trail of blood. "N...Nasod! I cast Seal of Time... before you fucking indirectly shot us...! I-I never trusted you, but... the hell did you do beforehand?! The seal isn't working for shit!" he snapped, though it was evident that he was going to pass out quite soon, as his face was a paler shade than usual.

"Simple. Atomic Shield is very versatile, and I know your tactics relatively well, which is why I allowed you to 'manipulate time and space, to a low degree, for defensive purposes'. Under this barrier, tricks such as Seal of Time will take no effect." she sighed. "It would help the process if you died sooner. Ah, but maybe you would like me to call an ambulance? Those injuries you have there seem awfully painful." Exotic shrugged, glancing around, bored once again.

If Exotic had to be described with one word, it would be heartless, without a doubt.

"Chung...! Add...!" a feminine voice cried.

A certain savior had come to the rescue, as the Atomic Shield shattered into bits and pieces. However, before the boys had a chance to catch a glimpse of exactly who it was, both of them fell unconscious.

...