Mogul vs. Remnants Pt. II

Chapter 19 (Remnant 9)

Having superhuman strength is great. You can do whatever you want, beat up whoever (except for Mogul... and Merrow I guess), and get away with it. Right?

No. Not if you want to get stronger. Because as someone who has a strength evo that can't be turned the hell off, I can't go to a regular gym and expect to have progress. I have to be creative.

I spent the day training with boulders. Grabbing Pariah, and smashing, slicing. Building my strength with each blow. Each cut, reminded me of Arman, and it made me sad. Months had passed, since Arman was frozen in the ice. We had never figured out how to free him from it, and every day, Michael went to check, and it turned out that Arman's life force was fading away. With every day, we lost more of R1.

"Raaaah!" I yelled at the sky, having sliced the last boulder in half. It had started to rain, and I became bombarded with raindrops. My face was wet, but I couldn't tell if it was the rain, or my tears.

Pariah's tip clunked on the ground, as I fell to my knees.

Was there even a point in training? It seemed that no matter how hard I tried to push, it was useless. I wasn't getting stronger, at least strong enough to be of any threat to Mogul.

I rested on Pariah, the blade glowing silver in the rain, my long hair plastered to the left side of my face, slightly covering my left eye.

"Arman..." I muttered, thinking back to our time together.

"You have a brother, Brickhouse. I am your brother, and I will be here with you."

I sobbed in the rain. Where no one could hear me. "I loved you too bro. I just... couldn't tell you." I muttered.

I looked at my reflection. I had grown over the past few months. My rapid aging as a Remnant really showing. I probably looked around the same age as Arman. Since he had told me that when he grew, it plateau'd around 22. My face became more chiseled, but at the same time, I had lost my energetic, confident, and cocky grin. Could call it maturity, but I felt like it was more depression.

I remembered how Arman always cared for the wellbeing of everybody else. He was every definition of a saint. Every time he smiled, it filled me with happiness. Obviously, I wouldn't tell him that. I never thought much of it at the time, but now, knowing that Arman isn't here, it made me realize how much of my brother I had taken for granted.

I sat on the ground, my arms resting on the hilt of Pariah. I had looked so badass, those many months when I strapped Arman's sword to my back, declaring I would carry on his legacy. Merrow looked so proud, and I knew a sliver of hope had entered her.

But looking at those boulders that I struggled to chop down. I knew Arman could have cut them down in seconds. It took me a whole day.

I could never live up to Arman's name. I could never live up to Merrow's expectations and give her the same smile Arman had. Cuz it just isn't me.

I closed my eyes, and got to my feet, putting Pariah onto my back. I didn't deserve this sword. I knew that more than everybody. But somebody had to step up. Even if it was temporary.

I looked at my hand, which was blistered from wielding Pariah all day. "I'll get you out of this, big bro. So Merrow will be happy again. And we can kick Mogul's ass together. Properly this time."

Chapter 20 (Remnant 9)

"Back from training, Lucius?" Merrow asked me, she was in the office again, studying. She looked as beautiful as ever. But I knew she was with Michael. Nothing can be done about that. Also, you might have noticed that she started calling me by the name that I was given. I couldn't care less anymore. The Brickhouse... I was no Brickhouse. I didn't deserve to be called that, after getting my ass kicked by Mogul.

I said nothing as I took off Pariah, and put it gently next to Arman's body. He looked so at peace, smiling, still trying to comfort Merrow thinking she was there. I put my hand on his face. It felt cold to the touch, but at the same time, looking at his smile, filled me with warmth.

Merrow was at the doorframe. I turned to her.

"Got any leads on my brothers?" I asked.

"I haven't gotten far. I'm... sorry."

"It's all good." I replied.

I walked back to my room and took off my shirt. I had gained some muscle mass. Maybe a little bit. My arms had gotten bigger, and my shoulders too, making me look wider. I was still nowhere near Michael, or those guys you would see in the ring who actually knew how to fight and train. But it was alright progress. I would I could say the same for my power though.

I sighed, filled a cup of water, and sat on the sofa. I sifted through Arman's old letters he had written. They were meant to be for Lyra and Kaius, but since he... well. Let's just say the letters never were sent. We had no means of exiting more than 25 meters from the house without being too separated. Yes, I said house. We had relocated, since Mogul found our old location.

Dear Lyra and Kaius,

I am doing well. Lady Rivenlight has taught me the customs of "fashion". She purchased me these garments, as it has helped me integrate myself into modern society. One day, if I make it, perhaps we can go to the malls together. I am very well certain that Lyra will get along greatly with Lady Rivenlight.

Would you believe it, if I told you I met my brother? He looks just like me! You claim I jest, but if you saw him with your own eyes, the resemblance is uncanny! He is undergoing inner turmoil, and I struggle to connect with him, as I did with the children in the Church. But I will not give up. Because like you two, he is family. And I love him.

I miss you two dearly, and be well!

In all respects and wishes,

Arman Wan of Argen