A Crimson Musing

It had been some time since he went to clear his thoughts. Verathius couldn't be sure about some things but something told him he wasn't there yet. What was it he was lacking in terms of everything going on? Ashlei was someone he'd been unable to protect after all. He was making a fine mess of things again. His eyes glanced towards the number 2 on his frame. Was he even worthy of this number anymore? The question lingered as he let a sigh out of his lips. This was no good, nothing he did was preparing him for the further end of things. He clenched a fist his eyes of crimson glaring. Was there a way for him to get stronger so he could protect Rose? He thought back to when the Tribal Hierro awoke within him against the Shark. That strength had almost killed him to awaken this. Perhaps, perhaps the answer laid with him and others. Verathius needed strength and it was time he went out and found it. He had no interest in taking places that were free. No, he had an interest in something else entirely. He wanted to get stronger and become able to trade blows with that beast. As he was now was no good and it clear to him that was the case. Verathius couldn't keep going this way anymore. Ashlei was gone and now the Mischevang only had he and Rose. Rose couldn't be everywhere anymore as he clenched his fist slowly. He needed to be strong enough to be more than just some bulwark that protected her. He would raise them back to heights unseen by the world. He was an honorable warrior and intended to do something about it. These stairs he remembered the white stone very well. He was going to get stronger no matter what the cost was. Even if it meant him going to the Rukongai and bringing havoc with him. But that would be later his thoughts were settled on what must be done. Rose was important to him and he couldn't leave her behind this way. But death would have meant nothing but trouble for him. How could he protect her from the next phase of his life? The answer was relatively simple.

He couldn't protect her if he invaded like some mindless monster. How could he grow stronger without putting it all on the line? The answer was rather simple he couldn't. Something dawned on him during the Demonic Incursion. He'd been prepared to fight a Shinigami Captain in honorable combat. But it was ripped away by some sniveling Demon. Verathius needed to get stronger inside his gut he didn't trust Nagato. The reforms and everything going on, it all bothered him immensely. He ran his hand along the stone as he sat down finally. His strength wasn't good enough by a clear mile. But something did dawn on him at the very least he could use Tribal Hierro. Something about it was unexplored and meant, even more, could be possible. It wasn't enough though this strength wasn't enough to claim these lands. To protect what mattered to him most of all. It wasn't enough at all, this strength paled in comparison to others. He raised his firing a massive cero off in frustration. No answers existed for this problem as the crimson light exploded in the distance.

The answers just weren't coming to him at all. Perhaps the Princess of the place he once called home. Perhaps she could provide him answers to the question he sought. What is strength, how does one obtain the strength to protect what is precious? Is strength only wielded by those without the desire to protect it? Could he get stronger than those around him now? All these questions lingered in the mind of the Forgotten Mischevang as he wasn't sure what would be next. What was strength in it's purest form? Was it the power that Queen Mana wielded for some unknown cause? Or did it belong with others who were protecting a dream? He wasn't sure but it was frustrating not able to find a satisfactory answer. Only one thing existed in a way for him to find out. He would fight every single being he encountered when he invaded and pose it to them. What does it mean to be strong, what is strength? He wanted to know as he felt he was getting closer.

Closer to the answer that seemed just outside of his grasp. But for now, what could he do without a sparring partner? Verathius would have to think everything over carefully. Blind ambition without cause or reason would lead him nowhere. He wanted answers to this question and something told him her Majesty wouldn't be able to answer it. But that said perhaps it was best he went right into the place and started something. He wanted answers and he wanted them now. This question was burning itself into his soul. He could feel that calm rational side trying to talk him out of it. But nothing was working as he made his resolve clear. He would have answers even if he had to fight Princess Sing and Queen Mana. He would find out where it came from and what it was. As he stood staring out he always seemed to find some resolve here. And the resolve, this time, made it clear to him. He would fight them all with reckless abandon and find the answers he sought. He would fight that Captain again, he would fight this world to find the answer to that burning question.

What is Strength?