"How boring…" The Truth muttered as he left the scene.
His luxurious-looking shoes clacked on the hard ground of the vast compound as he stole away into the night.
He only had one statement to make after seeing someone he used to respect in such a state.
"Disappointing."
Clearly, he was completely let down by Noir's poor performance. To think a powerful being could sink so low… it was frighteningly repulsive.
>ZZZZTTTZZZZ SELECTED~
~COMMENCING PROTOCOL~
And then—
*
*
*
"Wow…" Truth mumbled, watching the unbelievable amount of power gather around the fallen foe.
>BOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!!!KYIIIIIIIIIIIIIBOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!BOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!<
The disastrous fireworks painted the firmaments, parting the clouds above the two fighters as the shockwaves sent tremors to the ground.
Slowly, the excitement died down and the noise quieted.
"Ah, I see what you did there… you used your pesky ability again, didn't you?" Noir smiled, holding his head as he winced.
"You're no match for me, Zero. Even in your awakened state. Do not attempt to drag this out any further… or I'll have to resort to 'that'." The Truth warned, narrowing his eyes.
"Don't be so uptight. I was just giving you a warm greeting. You did say you were disappointed by the previous performance I gave, right?" Noir, in his Zero persona, responded casually.
"Typical." His counterpart responded.
Every semblance of sense told him to capture the rogue right there and then. Despite that, the Homunculus hesitated.
"So, what are you going to do now?" Noir's chilly, yet playful voice sounded.
The Truth sighed, shaking his head. He turned his back and made to leave.
"Who knows? This is certainly an important development. It will be fun enjoying our fight without any interruptions… maybe some other time." His voice sounded distant, and he didn't bother looking back another moment.
"That won't be possible if the higher-ups know of this event."
Noir smiled as he watched his brother leave.
"I don't have my full memories. But, I can say this… that day when I left, it was for a good reason. That's all I know"
The Truth paused upon hearing Noir give a seemingly sincere answer. Perhaps that would be enough to redeem him for what he did—the crime he committed, and the consequences of that reckless action.
"I don't care. That doesn't matter anymore. When next we meet, I'll be taking your life. Don't forget that"
In a flash, he vanished, leaving Noir alone in the badly damaged land.
"I see…"
Suddenly, a sharp sensation coursed through Noir's head, sending his entire nerves into shock.
"Ah, I'm out of time already. I understand…" His eyes dimmed and the smile on his face faded away.
Just as with a lid, the energy within his body became suppressed.
With this, his consciousness went black as he fell to the ground.
Not knowing what to expect while in his weakened and vulnerable state, Noir passed out again.