Chapter 1: World of Zenith
I've lost my mind.
Gone! Poof! Out the window like the family cat when I got a puppy!
So, to keep what scraps of sanity I have remaining, I figured writing my experiences down would be a smart move. Maybe a record of my life on paper, (or a scroll, I guess,) will be better than the gibbering mess of spit and bulging eyes I'm sure I'm going to become.
Ok, let's set the ground work. I'm Tazio; odd name, sure, but my younger sibling is apparently named Kiran. I say sibling because I've never met them, and don't know their gender, so off to a good start there.
Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked.
I was having possibly the best day of my life. I was going up to win a lottery. A lottery! As I'm going up to collect the massive, glossy, glorious cheque, I suddenly felt dizzy, and collapsed. Even with my eyes closed, I could feel light radiating against my face, a light so powerful I thought I was being nuked or something.
The light faded, and I felt whistling wind, and the chirping of birds, for about two seconds. Then, my body collided with what I'd later find out was grass.
I still screamed out when I landed.
I wasn't hurt, more shocked than anything. I could remember feeling the grass, and the cool drops of morning dew soaking through my clothes. It all smelt fresh, earthly, untamed. Nothing like the astro-turf back home.
I head a girl talking at that point.
"Oooh?! You're actually here? Then the ritual actually worked…?"
I muttered a "Huh?" as I pushed myself up off the ground, opening my eyes, tears streaming down my face after the light. I finally noticed my arms.
I was in a pale-white cloak, with golden-stripes materializing in Celtic-like patterns along my forearms. I wore dark coloured gloves, thick enough to stop the cold, but tight enough for me to feel anything I needed through them. I reached up to my face in confusion, and found a hood hanging over my head as well.
"I- Wha-?" I stammered, spinning around on the spot to check my entire body out now, afraid to find something else new, like a tail, or webbed feet.
If you're suddenly wondering why I'm writing things so detailed here, I was hoping to become an author in my old world. Thanks for prying. Moving on.
The girl cleared her throat, and I looked at her finally.
A young woman (I won't write down what I'd guess her age to be, in case she ever reads this…) stood before me. She wore a tunic of similar colouring to mine, pale-white with golden patterns along the stomach and chest. A large golden pauldron covered her left shoulder, covering feather-like fabric coming over her arm. A similarly designed gauntlet protected her left forearm as well, but her right arm appeared free of armour. A plain blue cape sat ragged against her back in the morning damp, limp and almost lifeless.
A strange neck-brace/ornament wrapped up from an emblem on her chest to a wing-like shape beside her head. She was obviously some kind of warrior, a knight maybe, I thought at the time.
I looked at her face. She had closed her eyes, but I could tell she looked pretty. She had the kind of face that made me think she winked a lot, and was quite coy. She had deep red hair tied off into a ponytail that trailed behind her cloak.
I was a strange mixture of surprised, scared, and aroused. I don't want to go into it more than that.
The knight-lady began a speech that sounded like she'd practised before. Her voice was as level as could be, and deep and serious sounding.
"O Great Hero from another world! Thou hast come far to fulfil your role in our legend!" She stopped, and raised her arms, opening her eyes, smiling slightly.
"For our kingdom stands on the very brink of ruin, and thou…!" Her smile faltered.
"And thou…" Her arms dropped to her sides, her shoulders sagging.
She must've seen the gapping mouth, popping eyes and general bewildered expression I had on my face. I was good at making that face. It must've been practise for that day, I suppose?
"Hold on, are you really our Great Hero?" She asked, her left hand on her hips, her right poking a finger to her chin in contemplation.
"Am I your what?" I asked as incredulously as possible.
"Hmmm, yeah, you don't look or sound like the 'thee-and-thou' type…" She confirmed, nodding her head while appraising me. I felt like she lingered on my lack-lustre arms for too long.
"Oh, really?! Well, I have no idea what you are supposed to be, or where I'm supposed to be?! Imagine my confusion, lady!" I screamed at her, gesturing with my arms, the robes flapping as I shook in anger.
The lady gave a sly smile. "Oh, you want to know where you are? Probably how you got here as well? That's fair enough. Well, you're in – "
She was cut off by the violent rustling of shrubbery to our left. I only just then noticed the large, stone dominating the background. I guess I was to confused by everything else to pick up on it.
Anyway, a man clad in navy and gold armour burst out into the clearing. He hefted a large, nasty looking axe in both arms, before he pointed straight at the girl.
"FOUND YOU!" He bellowed in a rough, accented voice. It sounded Nordic to me, but I'm not a linguist, so all bets are off for what he sounded like.
"Drat!" the lady shoved me backwards, making me fall on my backside. She raced off to an axe that lay against a tree to the right of the temple. She was surprisingly fast with all that armour on. "How did one of those Emblians get here already?" She gripped her axe, the silver blade glinting in the rising sun. "Oh, I guess it was the flash of light…" She mumbled loudly. She looked back at me and yelled, "Stand back! I'll take care of him, somehow!"
I was already pushing myself away from the open field, into the forest, my heart racing.
Then, the strangest thing happened.
You know, on top of being summoned to another world.
I looked out at the field, and could almost see all of it, like I was standing above it all. I could see the axe fighter beside the temple, and the knight girl a good five or six paces from him. The battlefield lay open to me to see, to plan and toy with…
I blinked and the 'vision' was gone. Anna carefully stepped out into the middle of the plain, he boots clicking against the worn stone covered in tufts of grass. She was just out of range of the fighter, even if he lunged at her.
The fighter stalked out onto the field now, his axe ready, his stance low and predatory, his feet moving him carefully forward.
The duellists began circling each other. The Emblian guy tried to spook the girl by feinting forward with his axe, or quick stepping to a side.
But the girl kept her cool. She smiled that coy smile, and stood tall, her shoulders straight, her axe held in front of her.
She attacked!
She charged at the fighter with a 'Yaaa!", her red eyes ablaze. She struck down a savage blow upon the fighter, her blade slamming into his shoulder. He growled and pushed the flat of his blade against his opponent, flinging her back a bit. He then retaliated, his axe chopping through the air for the warrior-ladies neck.
I watched this all, and could see it all happening in a strange, almost cinematic fashion. But, I could also see the fighter's strengths, weakness', and tactics. In a word, sloppy.
I saw the pattern of his swings, and shouted out "Left side, now!"
The girl smirked, dodged another swing, and put all her force into her next attack, swinging her weapon into the Emblian's left side.
The man croaked out a cry of pain as the head of the axe sank into his softer, clothed side.
And like that, he vanished.
There was no explosion of sparks, or the melancholy dispersion of glowing lights, like in a movie. He just faded away.
Kind of anti-climactic in my opinion, but I'm just the guy sitting on his butt on the sidelines, so…
The girl sighed once the fighter had vanished, and leaned onto her axe for support. After a moment of rest, she walked over to me. I'd pulled myself up off the floor, flicking mud off my white robes. I'd pulled my hood off as well.
"Thanks for that. I probably had him, but you saved me a lot of time and effort," She said, winking.
"Anytime…" I said without thinking, putting my fists to my hips.
"Now, I bet you want answers, huh?" the girl asked. I nodded, tapping my now booted foot to accentuate my desire.
"Well, my name's Anna! I'm the Commander of the Order of Heroes!" She said proudly, puffing her chest out. "We believe that Heroes should live free, in their own worlds. Our enemies, the Emblian Empire," She waved back to where the soldier had been, "Enslave them… Those fiends..." She spat.
I tried to put my hand up to slow her down and explain a bit more, but she was on a roll. And I'd seen her use that axe.
"Anyway, the realm we live in, Zenith, has gateways to other Worlds, the Worlds Heroes come from. Have you ever heard of the Worlds of Awakening? Birthright? Conquest? What about Revel- oh, wait, never mind that one!" She said with a girlish giggle, her finger to her chin again. It seemed to be her pose, of sorts.
I just narrowed my eyes and shook my head no, hoping she'd get on with it.
"And that's only a few! There are many more Worlds, and many, many more Heroes! The Emblians invade those Worlds and binds Heroes to serve them with magical contracts. We, as in the Order of Heroes, fight to free them! As you could see, that soldier was from the Emblian Empire. They're mounting a full scale invasion of my kingdom of Askr, their neighbour, and we're running out of resources, and most importantly, Heroes."
Anna sounded defeated now, her eyes dropping to stare at the floor.
"I was desperate for help…" She admitted, and turned back to look at the temple. Or was there something past it?
She looked back at me, grinning now. "So, I performed a summoning ceremony! And instead of a random, wea- ahem, low level Hero appearing, you appeared instead! Like out of the prophecy! Lucky us!"
"Yep, lucky you…" I said, scratching the side of my face, wincing.
"Oh, but we don't have time to rest. We have to go, now, if we're going to save my kingdom!" She said urgently, suddenly remembering something. She reached out and grabbed my arm, and began pulling me through the trees beside the temple.
"Woah, hey, stop!" I cried out to her, but she was strong, and my attempts to resist were futile.
"That was like, half an explanation, miss Anna!" I said after giving up, following her lead now.
"Yeah, ok, ok," Anna admitted without turning around to look at me. Her head moved side to side, peering through the forest shrubbery.
"First things first; I summoned you here with the divine Breidablik," she pulled an ornate silver and gold handgun like tool from out of a pouch on her belt.
"Bread-a-blak?" I tried to repeat back to her.
"No, 'breed-ah-blick'," she pronounced slowly for me. "Anyway, that's the name of this relic I brought with me. It fires something out of it, according to the legend, but it doesn't look like any bow I've ever seen…" She turned to look at it in detail, and turned the barrel up to her eye.
Fearing calamity, I reached out and snatched it from her grasp. "Best let the Great Hero hold the Legendary Relic, right?" I said quickly.
Anna arched an eyebrow, and shrugged.
I looked down at the tool. It was very much like a handgun from my world; with a long barrel, handgrip, trigger. It was kind of like a toy gun, one that fired pellets of darts, except this felt warm, had a historic aura to it, and was almost alive.
For a second, I thought it whispered to me, but I'm sure it was just my imagination.
"The legend also calls it 'the true key', which, if you raise it high, will summon the 'Great Hero' whom can fire it. That's what I did. And now, you're here!" Anna said cheerily. We walked out of the forest into a new clearing, filled with massive stone walls. "I guess it's all yours now. Hopefully you can figure out how to – "
"THERE SHE IS! GET HER!" came another Nordic bellow. In front of us was another Emblian soldier, also wielding an axe.
Actually, now that I think about it, he looked and sounded exactly like the first soldier… I wonder if they were related?
Anyway, Anna had immediately shielded me with an arm, her axe up.
"Damn! More of those Emblian Soldiers…" she cursed. We both saw another soldier peer around behind a short but sturdy looking wall, a bow in his gloved hands.
"Gaaah! I can't beat them all by myself… And you're not equipped, or ready, to help me…" she began muttering. She tilted her head to look back at me. "Go! You run while I hold them off! Take Breidablik and get out of here, Great Hero!" she ordered, shoving me down into a narrow gap between the tall, ancient walls. But the axe fighter had already charged, and was hurtling for me!
On instinct, I raised the Breidablik, and fired, just like I would a toy gun (all I've ever fired, I'm no gun-nut).
Some sort of energy erupted from the weapon, twisting and swirling multicoloured flashes of fire and light. It struck the fighter, sending him reeling back behind the wall. In the distance, a beam of light shot up into the lighting sky.
"What?! That light, is it coming from…?" Anna asked to herself.
A wave of white light erupted out of nowhere. I blinked, and in a second, my eyes had recovered. Only to blink again, surprised.
Standing where the soldier had just been was a new man. He was tall and thin, with well-maintained bluish-grey hair combed into neat rows down his narrow face. He was dressed in stylish, gentlemanly attire, with a cravat placed expertly on his breast.
"I am Virion," he announced, sounding vaguely French, or European at least. "Ze finest archer of ze fairest of realms! Delighted to be of service."
My lips floundered, like a fish's out of water.
He gripped a simple bow in his hand, and bounded over to stand next to Anna, his long legs taking him far.
"Hello, mon-cheri!" Virion said with as much charm as he could lay on. And he laid it on thick. "Would you enjoy my assistance in ze coming battle? Or maybe assistance in finding a rose as delicate and beautiful as yourself? Perhaps ze battle first, as ze rose would take a lifetime to find, no?" he said with a kind smile, and soft, small eyes.
Anna ignored him and looked at me.
"How'd you do that?! You were able to summon a Hero, just like that! You only just picked up Breidablik, but you're already able to use it?! That's amazing!" she exclaimed, arms wide.
I frowned. "He's a Hero?" I asked, pointing at Virion as he continued to smile, a little uncomfortably now.
"Ah, ze battle, mon-cheri?" he asked.
There was a groan beside the wall. I peeked around, and saw the soldiers pulling themselves up off the ground, shaking their heads.
"There's no time to chat about it now. Get to safety. This Virion and I need to get fighting!" Anna said, confidence returning to her. I nodded, and fled.
"Wee wee!" Virion confirmed, standing next to her, at the ready. "Er, you know how to do ze, ah, battling, no?" He asked suddenly.
I had snuck between a gap between some of the mighty walls and hid myself behind them, away from the archer.
I felt the feeling I'd had at the clearing before. My vision of the battlefield. And this time, I let it take control.
I could see over the walls and trees of the battlefield, and could see all the combatants. Anna stood ready, a grim smile on her face. Virion was grinning, giving short glances over at Anna, his bow ready with his first arrow notched.
I don't honestly know why I did, but I called out to my allies, using my vision of the world to help them push across their entrenched position.
"Anna move ahead one pace, Virion, move next to her!" I ordered. They both moved up, Anna crying "Onward!" as she moved, her axe held high; Virion said "Very well,". He isn't that exciting, truth be told.
Anna had blocked the entrance to the walled off alcove they were sitting in. The Emblians had to come straight at her, but I knew she was tough enough to take them.
The soldiers, after recovering, attacked now. The axe fighter took Anna on, grinding his weapon against the wall as he charged a second time.
He swung low, but Anna hopped over him, and smashed her elbow on the axe fighters helmeted noggin. He roared out, and slammed the flat end of his axe into Anna's side, making her wince.
Virion reacted now, and swiftly placed an arrow in the fighter's shoulder, sending him spiralling away, only to vanish, much like the first fighter.
The archer fired at Anna now, having rounded past the first wall. The arrow landed in her left shoulder, making her gasp in pain.
"M'lady!" Virion called out in concern.
Anna gritted her teeth, snapped the wooden arrow shaft, and raced at the archer as he readied another arrow.
She cried out in excitement, and I could sense an aura of extra power flowing out of her. "Time to show the Summoner my real power, with Night Sky!"
She pounced on the poor little Emblian. "We will triumph!" she called out as she swung her axe into her foe with frightening speed, slashing and smashing him with a flurry of four attacks. I'm gonna say four, because that's what I counted, but it could have easily been more. It was that fast.
The archer faded as well. I couldn't help but grin this time. I caught myself, and put on my annoyed face again. I was here against my will.
I came back around to my allies. Virion came up to Anna, laughing heartily, and gave her a pat on the back. She winced, grabbing at her arrow wound.
She turned and saw the concerned look Virion and I had. "Don't worry, this uniform slowly heals us. But hey, we won!" She exclaimed, standing up straight. I could see the arrowhead slowly being pushed out of her wound as she spoke.
"And it was all thanks to you, Summoner!"
"And me, no, mon-ami?" Virion asked expectantly.
"Yeah, you fought well, Virion," Anna said with a big smile.
Virion clutched at his heart, "Oh, your words, like arrows to fuel my admiration!"
Anna looked at me. "You know, I never asked your name, Summoner?" She said, her finger back up in her pose.
"No, we got a little excited, didn't we? Well, I'm Tazio," I said after a brief time of thinking about if I should reveal my name.
"Well, Great Hero Tazio, thank you! You know, none of us in the Order of Heroes can actually summon Heroes, except with certain ceremonies, and they aren't that good, honestly," she said, turning to leave the area.
"Glad I'm a useful Hero then," I said with a shrug. I could feel my cheeks prickling with heat.
"Ha!" Anna exclaimed all of a sudden, putting a gloved hand on my shoulder. "I should never have doubted for a second that you were the Great Hero! You're going to be the one to save our kingdom!"
"Well, no pressure then…" I grumbled, smile gone.
Anna pulled ahead of me, a serious smile on now.
How do I know what all these smiles look like? Guess these Heroes telegraph themselves well…
"Tazio. Our Order is small, but Summoner, I welcome you into our ranks. Please, help us find more Heroes to assist us. Now that you're here, I know we'll win the fight against the Empire!" she said solemnly.
I sheepishly smiled. "Yeah, thanks…"
We took off again, into the bush again. Virion was chattering away at Anna, who nicely smiled and nodded to him. We came to another clearing before too long, and Anna, looked back at me.
"Ok, I have to ask, how'd you get it to work?" she asked expectantly, her eyes greedily looking at the relic.
"Oh, that was easy, I just aimed, and pull the trigger," I said, aiming out into the clearing, and mimicking the movements again.
Once again, bolts of energy blasted out of the Breidablik, and a flash of light in the distance signalled a wave of light.
Once I'd cleared my eyes, a young man in simple, ragged clothes stood before me. He had a boyish smile, kind eyes, and ruffled red hair.
"The name's Matthew. I'm in the service of the young master – I mean, milord – Hector. Good to meet you."
"Wooah!" Virion and Anna said in unison.
"Hi Matt, nice to meet you too, I'm the Great Hero Tazio" I say cheerily. "Hey do you mind if you come over here for a moment?" I say, waving him over.
"Ok, sounds fine to me, Great Hero," Matthew said with the raising of an eyebrow.
"Ready for another Hero?" I asked, looking back at my new entourage.
I gripped Breidablik in both hands, and squeezed the trigger again, expecting the light show this time.
This time a young boy stood before us, with lush green hair (I know, weird, right?), midnight green robes, and a dark scowl on his face. He held a heavy looking boom under one arm.
"I am trying to learn the deepest secrets of the dark arts!" the boy announced, his voice as mysterious sounding as he could make it.
I stifled a laugh. "Got a name there, mister Edgy?"
The boy huffed. "If you must know… It's Raigh," he said, crossing his arms and turning his head away from me.
"Ok, alright Dark Child, step aside, I've got Heroes to summon!" I commanded. Raigh groaned and stepped over to stand beside the others.
"Do you know someone called Nino?" Matthew asked the boy as he came close.
The boy blanked, colour draining from his already pale face. "N-no, never! Why do you ask?"
"Oh, you just look like a girl I work with in my world, is all. I wondered if you were related…" Matthew said smoothly.
"You work with…?" Raigh muttered.
"Ok, another Hero, fresh and hot, coming up!" I called out behind me.
I pulled the trigger, my smile wide.
My smile began to droop.
I pulled the trigger again.
My smile sagged.
I pulled on the trigger three times in a row.
My smile dropped.
"Hey, what gives? It run out of batteries or something?" I asked, turning back to Anna.
"I don't know what you mean, but I guess whatever it used has run out, so if we can figure out wha- hey!" Anna grabbed at a pouch that sagged empty on her belt.
"Where'd all my orbs go?!"
After Anna stopped crying, (largely in part to Virion's cravat being used as a handkerchief) we set out again. The trees began to thin, and we were on a simple dirt road, winding through lush hills.
"Hey, Anna, where are you taking us?" I asked after what felt like an hour of walking. My soles were starting to feel the pain of an extended stay in hard leather boots.
"We're going to the port of Askr, where the Prince, and an Order Member, is, fighting Emblians. Now that we've got some new Heroes, we're going to reinforce them!" Anna said, raising her axe in triumph.
"Oh… more battles where I risk life and limb…" I said under my breath.
"Do you Order guys ever not fight?" I ask after a bit.
"Well, we do head out to some festival competitions when they're around, but we haven't won any of them for awhile now…" Anna said, finger up. "Hey, maybe that'll change next festival with you here, Tazio!"
"I'm not a miracle worker, Anna…"
"No, but you seem like a capable strategist. You'll be very helpful around here!" She said with a wink.
"I thought you were the Commander?" I said, pointing at her.
"Yep, and I command you to be our tactician."
I groaned, and fell back to talk to the Heroes.
"Alright fellas, tell me about yourselves. Where're you from, what're you good at, etc." I said, arms behind my head.
Virion spoke up first; "I am but a wandering gentleman, seeking ze hand of a radiant beauty. As you saw previously, my art is ze bow, my canvas; ze enemy,"
"Ok, Casanova, settle down. Matty, what about you?"
"You want to know the real Matthew? Ha!" He said loudly. He leaned in close to me. Quiet now. "Let's take it slow,"
I will admit, a shiver went down my spine as I looked at his big brown eyes, staring into mine.
"I'll give you half-truths instead of lies," he said, looking ahead once more.
I let out the breath of air I suddenly realised I'd been holding and scratched at the side of my head, feeling flustered and confused.
"Erm, Raigh, what about yourself?" I asked, looking back at the youth behind us.
His head was down, and he was muttering to himself. I couldn't hear him, but it sounded serious.
I reached back and poked his forehead. He looked up, grimacing.
"What is it?" he barked at me.
"I'm wondering what your deal is, kid. Besides muttering behind us,"
"What my 'deal' is? I shall master the dark arts!" Raigh said, raising his tomb to the heavens. "Even if I must destroy a world, or three, to do it!"
Matthew and I chuckled at the kid's conviction.
"What?!" An incredulous Raigh asked, "I'm serious!"
"Sure, sure, but why the dark arts? Any reason why?" I said, looking back at him with a grin.
Raigh slowed for a moment, lost in thought, before he answered. "You can't do anything without power. Including… protecting those whom you must protect…" He was quiet for a moment. I glanced over at Matthew, who only shrugged. Virion was chatting up Anna again.
Raigh looked up and pointed an accusatory finger at me. "So that's why I must master the dark arts! At any cost!"
"Ok, ok, dark arts master in the making, gotcha!" I said, palms raised between him and I.
"And don't you forget it!" Raigh said, pointing his nose up at us, his book tucked under his arm again.
"Righto!" I said as I turned around again, shaking my head.
They were all crazy!
"Ok, we're nearly there, let's hustle!" Anna called out suddenly.
I could smell the sea salt on the air now, and could hear the seagulls and crashing waves.
As well as clashing metal on metal, and battle calls.
Anna broke into a jog, axe in both hands. Virion well into step behind her, then Matthew fell in. He moved so quietly, and quickly!
Raigh and I were in the back, our bodies used to sitting and studying/writing than physical labour. I panted while he wheezed. It was a symphony of exhaustion.
We rushed through the walled off fishing village, and past the flocks of villagers retreating into the shops and homes lining the streets. Past them were the various docks connected to the small islets within the cove. In the cove sat three small troop ships with dark sails. One of them was slowly sinking, fire spreading across the sails and deck.
"Commander Anna!" A voice called out ahead. Anna stopped next to the young man, who wore similar apparel to Anna, including the strange wing neck thingy. He had deep blue hair (Have I stepped into an anime?), with golden tips along the edge, a kind but serious face.
"You're alright! Wait, who are these people with you? And who's that? Could it be…?" He asked as the Heroes fell in behind Anna. Raigh and I finally caught up, panting and sucking in air.
We ran something like 200 meters. Man, I'm out of shape…
"It is, Prince Alfonse! The legend is true!" Anna said excitedly. "I raised Breidablik, and then Tazio appeared! Our Great Hero is here!" She said proudly presenting me.
"Hey," I said with a small wave between huffs, "Wazzup?"
"Um… And he can use the divine weapon too!" Anna pressed on. "As for what Breidablik shoots? It's truly wonderful… It fires Heroes right out of it!"
I raised the divine relic at the golden prince. "Pew pew," I said with a goofy grin.
"Unbelievable…" He said, looking down at me with wide eyes, "So you're our Great Hero, come to us from another world?"
"Yep, it's what everyone keeps telling me," I said, standing up straight now, rolling my shoulders.
"Great Hero Tazio. I am Alfonse, Prince of Askr and Member of the Order of Heroes. It is a true pleasure to meet you." He said, offering his hand to me. I took it, and he held it firmly, shaking mine.
"I'm so sorry to ask this of you so soon after we've met, but I have need of your help. Our order is devoted to fighting the Emblian Empire, which invades the worlds Heroes come from." The Prince said solemnly. Still shaking my hand…
"Oh, yeah, Anna explained that bit," I said, jerking a thumb in her direction. "She didn't bring up how I can get back home though, so…"
"Hmm, we'll discuss that later, I'm afraid. But for now, I have dire news. One of the worlds the Heroes come from is the World of Mystery, and the Empire has newly taken over it. We have to make our way to the World of Mystery to free it!" Alfonse said, gripping my hand tighter and tighter as he spoke.
"Ow, ow, dude, dude! Please let go of my hand!" I yowled. He let go. I felt like my hand would swell to twice its size…
"Oh, I'm so sorry! I can get… intense… when I think about the Empire taking over other Worlds…" Alfonse admitted, nervously rubbing his neck.
"Sure, but what about this port? Aren't we defending this place?" I asked, looking out at the remaining troop ships. I just noticed they were turning and heading out of the cove.
"Yes, we will need assistance cleaning the remnants of this rabble out, but we must make haste to the World of Mystery after. All we've done here would have been for naught if the Empire replenish their numbers within that world," Alfonse explained.
"Wait, replenish?" I asked.
"We in the Order believe that Heroes in those worlds are bound into contracts to serve the Empire. But weaker, less heroic individuals are converted into mindless fighters to fill the Emblian Army. We have no proof, but many have suspected this to be true for a while now," Alfonse detailed, his face grim.
"Geez…" I said, thinking back to the soldiers we fought in the forest.
Alfonse looked to Anna again. "And, Commander Anna, there is one more thing. I spotted someone odd with the soldiers attacking here. A strange man upon a horse. Not an imperial soldier, nor a Hero from the World of Mystery now under their control."
Anna put her finger up. I'll stop mentioning the finger now…
"A strange man, you say? Did he seem allied with the Emblian Empire?"
"I don't know. I've never seen him before. He wears a mask and keeps his face a secret even from them," the Prince detailed.
There was a cry behind Alfonse. He turned, and we saw several soldiers rushing to our position from across bridges.
"Blast! We must rush into battle, as soldiers approach!" Alfonse called. He raised his sword, and prepared his position.
"Oh, yeah, thanks for telling me they're coming!" I called out after him. "Prince Obvious…" I said under my breath.
"Tazio, come! Your tactical assistance would be greatly appreciated!" Anna said as she ran to meet Alfonse on the field.
"Ok, sure, if it gets me home quicker. Alright boys, who's ready?" I said, turning around to face them.
Only Raigh stood behind me, leaning against a stall filled with iced trouts. His head was in his book.
I spun and saw Matthew and Virion in position behind the two Order members, ready to go.
"Raigh, stay here, alright?" I ordered as I hurried out as well. No response from the gloomy boy. I rolled my eyes.
I stepped onto the field, and my vision exploded up into the sky. I was looking at the battlefield again.
I wonder how much of a battlefield I can view? Sorry, random thought, let's carry on.
It seemed only three of the Emblian soldiers were left. Each soldier was coming from a different islet, and each had a different weapon; from the north was a spear wielding soldier, to our east was a sword fighter, and in the south-east was another axe fighter.
Who also looked like the other axe-fighters we'd fought. I guess they're all clones from captured worlds. Kinda sad when I think about it. They've got no identity to speak of, except the weapon they bring into battle.
Ah, I'm sidetracking myself again.
The fight was simple after Alfonse briefly explained how certain weapons were more effective against certain weapons. They call it the 'weapon triangle'. It's kind of like paper-scissors-rock, but with blades.
So it's more fun.
Swords trump axes, axes smash lance, and lances, well, you can finish this one off.
With my newly acquired knowledge, I was able to position Anna in front of the oncoming lance soldier, whose weapon she deftly splintered with a swing of her axe.
Alfonse moved south to take on the axe fighter as he came over a bridge. Alfonse was strong, and capable, it seemed. The Prince was able to block the swing of the axe with his simple, but sturdy, sword, locking the head of the weapon in place. With a kick to the knee, the soldier fell to the ground, where a slash ended his, (it's?) existence.
I had Virion and Matthew lay a trap for the sword fighter. Once the soldier had braved enough courage to get onto the bridge, I had Matthew dart across the entrance, a knife flying straight into the warriors side.
He bellowed in pain, and I could see he (wait, it? I need to pick a pronoun…) was weakened.
As in, I could see the clone's attributes decrease. Like I was in a video game, or role-playing game.
Anyway, Virion finished the weakened sword-holder with two quick arrow shots to the chest.
The Heroes returned to the mouth of the town, tired, but safe.
"Thank you, Great Hero, for your assistance today," Alfonse said as he walked up to me.
"No problem, but Tazio is fine," I replied, rubbing the back of my head.
"Hmmm…?" Alfonse reacted to something behind me.
I swivelled, and saw a tanned man with pale hair, a black and gold mask over his eyes, and black and gold robes sporting a magnificent cape and black-feather styled collar.
He was hella stylish. Hey, how come my magic robes aren't as cool? I've just got a hoodie!
The man seemed to be staring at us, the milky white eyes under his mask looking… furious, is all I can say.
"Who are you, stranger?" Anna called out to the man. He paid her no mind, staring at me directly. His lips curled briefly. A chill fled down my back.
"Alfonse, this must be the masked man you were talking about, right?" she breathed behind us. Alfonse slowly nodded, his eyes narrowed. He was hardly breathing.
He licked his lips before he said, "You! Tell us – are you a soldier in the Emblian Empire?"
The masked man turned to look at Alfonse. The smirk was replaced with a sneer.
"If so, you stand on the side of evil. Your Empire shouldn't be entering the Worlds of Heroes – let alone conquering them!" Alfonse called out. I looked down and saw his sword hand shaking.
The man spoke suddenly. He was quiet, but contempt dripped out of every word he spoke. Waves of ice seemed to be spilling down my back as he spoke.
I thought the ASL thing was over with…
"Oh really? And I suppose you want us to close the gateways too? Hmpf. In your dreams…"
He turned on his heels, and stalked out of the town, his cape billowing.
"Raigh, watch out!" I cried out as I saw the mystery man power past the empty stalls.
The verdant-haired boy peeked up out of his book as the man went by. He stopped to stare down at the youth.
"Bah… Heroes…" He left the boy, only to hop upon a mount in a single bound.
"How dare you!" cried Alfonse as he belted down the town, hot on the mans trail. "Where are you going? Get back here and answer for yourself! Hey?!"
He reached out to grab at the mans shins, but with a 'yaa!', the steed, and its rider, bolted out of the port town.
"Damned fellow…" Alfonse growled. He threw his sword to the ground with a clatter.
I went up to Raigh.
"Hey, you ok, lil buddy?"
He turned to be. His eyes were massive, and staring.
For about a second, then he blinked, and he sneered, a bit like the masked man (I need to get him a nickname… Lawrence? Bob? I'll start with Bob…).
"What would a master of the Dark Arts have to be afraid of that fool for?"
"Good thing I don't worry about you," I muttered, walking over to Alfonse, my arms crossed.
"What did he mean by 'want us to close the gateways'?" I asked the man as he looked out in the direction Bob had speed off to.
"Those gateways he mentioned, Tazio…" Anna said, coming to pick the sword up. "They connect our world to all those where Heroes live. The royalty of the Askr Kingdom, like Alfonse, have the ability to open these gateways." She said, explaining.
"And the royalty of the Emblian Empire are able to close the gateways," Alfonse added, turning to join the conversation. "Long ago, our two families worked together in harmony to open and close these ways into other worlds. But then Embla began using its power for evil, leaving all of the gates open. The Empire began invading other worlds, and we cannot slam the gates shut." He uttered each word as if to close gateways with them. "Only they can…"
Alfonse kicked idly at a pebble. It just rolled over, doing nothing.
"But…" Anna began, looking over at me. "We can fight them! That's why we Askrans formed the Order of Heroes – to stop the Emblians!"
She put her hands to her hips, smiling at us, the gathered Heroes.
"Now, let's hurry to the World of Mystery. Alfonse, your sister… she was on a scouting mission there. I fear she may be in danger." Anna said
Alfonse perked up a little.
"Now come, we should be able to charter a boat to the isle the gateway's on."
She waved us back to the port. Virion and Matthew were right behind her, with Raigh behind them.
"Hey, uh, Al… Can I call you Al?" I said as I hung back with him.
"Yes, I suppose…" He said, looking ahead.
"That guy really rattled your cage. You wanna talk about it?" I said, peering over at his face.
"He looked so… familiar - but… Never mind. No, I'm just annoyed by the Order's lot in life. Running around behind the Empire. Always on the back heel."
"You'd prefer to be the one to attack?" I asked.
"Only to bring peace to Zenith!" Alfonse protested, turning to me. In the sunlight, the small crown nestled in his hair looked like… angelic wings of gold…
"But you can't, if they've got legions of cloned soldiers taken from all the Worlds they've taken. Worlds they can keep going to for more soldiers, no mater how many your Order cuts down," I said slowly, putting the pieces together.
"Exactly." We stepped onto the small wooden boat Anna had procured quickly after a heated bartering argument.
"Well, stress less, Al!" I said. I held my Breidablik high. "We'll have a legion of Heroes, enough to guard each World we take back!" I said triumphantly.
"Hmmm," Alfonse said, looking up at the exotic gun, crossing his arms. "Maybe…"
"Hey, Tazio!" Anna called out to me as the ship was pushed out into the cove.
"Sup?" I said as I strolled over.
"Look what I found!" she said, excitement on the tip of her tongue.
"A new orb!" she said as she presented a small, solid looking… well, orb.
"So this is what you had in your purse?" I asked, taking hold of it. A multitude of colours flashed across the surface as the sun illuminated it. It was about the size of a regular old apple.
"Yeah! We find them all over the place, but they're kind of rare. We couldn't actually do anything with them back home, but I liked to hoard any we found on missions, because I know a crazy collector who pays top gold for them," the cheerful redhead explained.
"You're a thrifty one, ain't ya?" I said, handing the orb back to her. "You would have been a great Scout."
"Oh, no, you hold onto it now." Anna said as she pushed the orb away. "They work for your Breidablik, and that tool is more important than our coffers… well…" she seemed to be changing her mind, reaching out for the orb, a finger creeping up to her mouth.
"Nope, you said it was mine!" I said, pulling the precious thing away from her.
"Ok, ok, I was just teasing!" Anna said, laughing.
The rest of the cruise was largely uneventful. The sailor's daughter quietly excused herself from Virion the first second she got. Matthew wasn't seen from all trip, while Raigh found the darkest part of the deck of the boat to read in, hunched over his book. I think it was a different one to the first tomb he had.
We came upon a small island within view of the coast. A small collection of trees were spread out on the rocky island, but it wasn't like it was a forest or anything.
On a hill at the back of the island, stood a large stone arch, decorated in more of the Celtic line art that this continent seemed to love.
"Ok, Raigh, you're fighting with us this time," I ordered the boy as he followed behind us.
"I would have fought in the other battle, had you asked," the dark magician replied coolly.
"I did ask, you little snot!" I said, fists forming.
"Hmmm…" He mumbled.
"Virion, Matthew, guard the entrance, this kid's gotta earn his keep!" I commanded, grabbing the kid by the scruff of his dark cloak.
"Hey, hey, let go of me you - you ruffian! I shall destroy you; make you but ash!" he hollered, dragging his feet and beating his hands on my chest.
"Oooh…" Anna said as I walked through the gateway, thinking I couldn't hear her. "A take charge guy… very nice…"
"Commander…" Alfonse groaned as he hurried behind me.
"What? I just like a no-nonsense tactician!" Anna protested on his heels.
Virion and Matthew looked at our vanishing forms as we walked into a mist within the gateway. I later found out they had a brief discussion that went something like this;
"Do you think ze Commander will be ok wizout us? I pray she does not befall ill fortune wizout me," Virion said, a hand over his heart.
"You do know I know that's a fake accent, right?" Matthew stated.
"Ahh… It shall be our little secret, no?"
"… Got any figures we can discuss…"
"Zut alores…"
After passing through the mist, we came to a mountain range dotted with clumps of trees. The air was fresh, but a little dry. And I guess it was a little hot, but it was an otherwise lovely place.
I let go of the ignorant child, and looked around. Anna and Alfonse caught up.
"Which way do we go?" I asked.
"Commander Anna! Brother!" A piercing cry filled the air. I winced, and looked up at a nearby, small cliff top.
Waving from the top was a blonde haired, ponytailed girl waving frantically at us. A lance was tucked under an arm as well.
She bounded down the cliff side, screeching to a stop amongst a shower of loose rocks and dirt, her arms pinwheeling to stop herself from toppling over. Once standing safely, she straightened up, looked at us, and put a hand to her hip.
"What has taken you so long to get to the World of Mystery?" she asked with a silly smile.
Alfonse's sister (I assumed) had an outfit much like Anna and Alfonse's; white tunic, golden designs, golden armour around the arm, legs and shoulder, and she bore the wing-neck ornament.
I hope I don't have to wear one now that I'm in the Order…
She had golden-blonde hair. It seemed to radiate light, but I'm sure it was just an illusion, and my mind messing with me. It was just her personality.
The girl had golden eyes, braids running through her hair, a cute, rounded face, and a massive smile.
She sounded just like her hair was coloured; honey-sweet, and loud. People would either find her loud and annoying, or energetic and adorable.
I was in the latter camp.
"Sorry, Sharena. We had to battle our way here," Alfonse explained.
"Oh, that explains why you were so slow!" she said, bumping her shoulder against her brothers, the smile getting even bigger, if you can believe it.
Her eyes widened as she took Raigh and I in, leaning in close. "Who's this with you?" She spotted the Breidablik in my hand. "Oh my!"
She stood up ram-rod straight. "You're holding the divine relic… and it's all aglow!" She raised her hands to her mouth, dropping her lance. "Are you…the Great Hero?" she whispered.
I nodded once.
"Ahhhhh!" the girl squealed.
At that point, I felt like changing my opinion on her voice… (Please don't read this Sharena!)
The bubbly girl rushed me, and pulled me into a massive hug, her arms wrapped surprisingly tightly around my whole body, my arms being crushed against my sides.
"Our group has hoped beyond hope that you might come save us!" she cried into my shoulder, spinning me around with little hops.
"Sharena!" Alfonse grabbed the bouncing girl. "Please, calm yourself!"
"Oh, right!" Sharena disengaged her arms from me. I gasped some air in. "Sorry!" she said, hands behind her back, wincing.
"This is Tazio," Alfonse announced. I was rubbing my poor ribs, feeling for any breakages. "As it turns out, the Great Hero is a talented tactician as well. We're already in good hands."
"Ohhh… that's amazing!" Sharena said, eyes wide in admiration as she looked at me. I have to say, I felt just a tad more uncomfortable now than when she was killing me.
She then looked down at Raigh. "And who are you, cutey?"
The furious teenager looked up at the girl, eyes blazing. "If you must know, I am Raig. But never, ever call me cute, ever again, lest I reduce you to dust on the wind!"
"Awwww!" Sharena ducked down to pat the boy on the head. "Aren't you just adorable! Is he a Hero?"
"Still figuring that part out, actually…" I said with a shrug. Raigh gave a 'humph!' and looked back at his book.
Sharena stood and put her hands to her hips. "Great Hero, you're already as great as I imagined! I'm going to be your number-one fan. Oh!" she realised something. "My manners have gone right out the window. I'm Sharena, Alfonse's darling little sister!" she ran up behind her brother, and hugged his left arm under her chin. The Prince rolled his eyes, but smiled all the same.
What an adorable family they are, I thought. With a pang of regret. Ehhh, forget I wrote that part…
Anna stepped in now. "All right, all right… Just tell us, what's the situation here?"
Sharena let go of her brother, and stood at attention with a salute.
"Simply put? Absolutely dreadful."
There went the sunshine…
"The Empire has taken control of a Hero from the World of Mystery. She swoops through the skies near here. She's a fearsome figure, all in red," the Princess reported.
"A red flier from Mystery? That could only be… yes, it sounds like Princess Minerva," Alfonse confirmed after a moment of thought.
"My brother here has memorised all the Heroes that live in each world. He's like a Heroes Encyclopedia!" Sharena whispered loudly to me.
"I have not memorised all the Heroes!" Alfonse barked at his sister. "Just the ones from Mystery! And… Awakening, Blazing, Binding, Radiance, Conq- erm, never mind…" he said quietly.
"Still!" He regained composure. "This battle will be tough. We should bring a Hero who's an archer, or perhaps…"
There was a blood-curdling roar as a beast came over the mountains before us. It beat its leathery wings above us all, it's eye glowing a hot orange as it peered down at us. It wielded thick, muscular legs adorned with black, glinting claws, and a long, powerful tail lined with spines.
I can admit here that I was both terrified and in wonder as the beast snapped it's square, reptilian snout at us, it's forked tongue darting out to hiss once it was pulled up to hover.
Pulling herself upright atop the beat was a stern looking woman with red hair, ornate, crimson red armour across her whole body, bearing wing-like shoulder pauldrons. She gripped a huge, heavy looking double-bladed black axe effortlessly in one hand. She aimed it down at us as she stood tall on her mount.
"Begone, outsiders! I am Minerva, Princess of Macedon. I will only warn you once – return to your world. Now."
She didn't shout. She didn't bellow. She stated each fact calmly, with conviction, till they settled into our ears like weights.
I'm not sure how I managed to speak, now that I think about it, but I was able to squeak out, in the dirt, "Why?"
"I am now bound to serve the Emblian Empire, and the Imperial Princess, Veronica, has given me an order. She has commanded that I attack a kingdom near her Empire. As such, I have no time for the likes of you," the red Princess said. She wasn't gloating, or overstating her power. It would simply be inconvenient if she had to deal with us…
Alfonse spoke out to the dragon rider (I later found out they're actually called wyverns, but, eh?).
"Princess Minerva!" the monarch looked over to the boy. "Please, hear me out! I am Prince Alfonse, of the kingdom you plan to attack. I beg you, please, put down your weapons. We of Askr have no desire to battle you noble Heroes." As he said this, the young Prince planted his swords tip into the ground, his hands over the pommel.
Minerva narrowed her eyes briefly.
"I am under contract to obey Princess Veronica," she said.
Alfonse groaned, and gripped the swords handle.
"However,"
We all looked up at the fearsome fighter.
"There is only one way to release me." She pointed at us with her powerful axe once more, a smirk on her lips. "Prove you are stronger."
"Must we resolve this with a battle, Princess Minerva?" Alfonse pleaded.
But the warrior-princess had already seated herself, and was flying away, to prepare for the battle.
"Prince Alfonse! She has named her terms. We must fight - and win!" Anna ordered her troops, and hand on his shoulder. The boy was look at his sword again. He finally pulled it up, at the ready.
"Everyone, prepare for battle!" The Commander cried out.
We all hustled around the mountain range, and lined up, looking at a worn, crumbling wall. I waited behind the four heroes, out of the line of fire.
I briefly saw Sharena reach over and put a hand to Alfonse's shoulder, smiling sadly.
"You tried, big brother. Don't worry, I'm sure we will be friends with them soon enough, now that the Great Hero's here!"
Alfonse shrugged his sisters hand off him.
"That wasn't the problem…"
"Here they come!" Anna cried out, her legs spread, axe low.
I focused, closed my eyes, and viewed the battlefield.
In the south-east corner, Minerva was flying towards us. Next to her were to ladies on Pegasus, one green haired young lady holding a brilliant red sword, and a blue haired girl with a long, wicked lance.
I'm just going to take a moment here to say this; the animals here are fantastic! For years, I've lived on fairy tales of Pegasus, unicorns, dragons and other magical beings, and now, I get to have an army of them! Mind you, they're all owned by their Heroes, but still, I get to own freaking dragons!
A young girl in a white dress and with a simple staff was idly standing by behind the walls in front of us, picking up flowers in the grotto she was playing in. She had bright red hair, the same luscious colour as Minerva's. At the time I wondered if they were related.
I relayed the troop descriptions to my Heroes, and Alfonse immediately told me who the Heroes were. In detail.
The red sword flier was Palla, and the lance flier was her younger sister, Catria. There was a third younger sister, apparently, but she wasn't here. The little girl was Maria, Minerva's sister, and was a cleric, who used her little staff to heal her allies.
I looked at the surrounding mountain ranges. The fliers had no problem getting around them, and so going through the grotto Maria was in wasn't going to help us.
However, if it looked like we were…
"Raigh, can your magic blast that wall away?" I asked the boy.
He gripped his tome, and smirked. He held it flat in his palm, and began reading, speaking in a strange, lyrical language, his eyes focused and held fast to the dusty mound of brick before him.
With a shout of "Rauohrwolf!" (Apparently there's a little runic symbol I can write, but it sounded like that, so it's what I'm writing down.)
At his command, a fiery wolf shape materialised and ran headlong into the wall, howling, smashing one side into splinters of rock and dust.
"Woah!" I exploded after his attack. "That looked so cool!"
The boy just looked at me. Smug.
I looked back at the battlefield. Minerva and the Whitewing sisters, as Alfonse had called them, were flying in formation to us. Fast.
I got Sharena to stand on the outside, ready to intercept Palla, while Anna readied to strike down Catria as the flier lunged down for her.
I had Alfonse stand next to Raigh, the two of them ready to strike Minerva down in a double hit.
Looking at the battlefield once more, I saw Minerva had broken off from the Whitewings, and was hovering next to Maria, her gaze sweeping around the grotto, axe ready.
I was briefly befuddled, until Anna and Sharena entered battle.
Sharena was attacked first, with Palla diving low, leaning out of her saddle to swing her sword at Sharena. The golden Princess was able to block the attack with her lance held upright, the metal pole scrapping against the ruby blade, harmlessly skimming up into the sky over Sharena's head.
The Princess retaliated with a twirl of her lance into a two-handed grip, which she used to jab into the passing pegasus' right wing.
The animal whinnied in fright and confusion before being calmed quickly by its skilled rider.
But Sharena wasn't done. She followed the wounded animal, leaped, lunged forward, and thrust with a single hand her lance into the retreating Palla. The tip entered the ladies back, and she cried in confusion and pain, fading away with her mount.
Anna had met her opponent at the same time. The younger Whitewing attacked at the Order's Commander, thrusting her lance downwards.
But in the girl's haste, she overextended, letting Anna reach up and yank the girl down off her steed by her weapon. Catria yelped as she collapsed elbows first into the grass.
Anna quickly pulled the weapon out of her grasp, throwing it behind her, and with a 'sorry,' she swung her axe mercilessly into Catria's side, disappearing her as well.
Now the Macedon Princess' remained.
I cautiously urged Alfonse and Raigh forward, Alfonse in the lead, into the grotto, to deal with them.
As soon as the Prince entered, Minerva attacked. She barrelled her way at Alfonse, her wyvern low, her axe high. Sparks sputtered off the weapon, scattering across the sky in Minerva's wake.
Alfonse was barely able to block the first attack, their blades sparking as he threw Minerva's attack glancing skyward.
But Minerva didn't slow. She circled up and over a mountain to Alfonse's right, and then screamed down to Raigh, who was stuck between Alfonse and the collapsed wall.
I cried out to the boy, focusing my eyes, rushing at him. He was yelling, conjuring as many wolves as he could muster, throwing them up at Minerva. Each apparition surged forward, igniting into embers across the meteoric dragoon.
But she didn't wince. She didn't slow. She just protected her little sister.
Her axe slammed into Raigh's midsection, sending him crashing into the remnants of the wall.
I remember crying out a dramatic 'Nooo!" as I rushed to him. The boy was shocked, and feebly reached down at the weapon in his body, only to vanish, much like all the foes we'd defeated previously.
Alfonse spun around and tackled Minerva off her wyvern, her axe stuck in the wall.
"Anna, take her dragon out!" I yelled at her.
"You mean wyvern?" she asked as she casually walked to it.
"Now!" I bellowed, overcome with grief.
"Ok," she shrugged, walking up to the snapping beast. She quickly dropped her axe across it's neck, turning it to smoke.
Alfonse and Minerva were struggling on the ground still. Alfonse was trying to pin her, but the Princess was incredibly strong, and quick.
In my anger, I ran up and launched a kick into the side of her face, knocking her out.
Now, in my defence, I didn't know that Heroes returned to the castle after being defeated, so my shock and anger were kind of well founded.
But still, I didn't even know how much I cared for that uptight kid after he was gone. Shows how much I know about myself.
"Sharena…" I panted. "Take her sister out. I want this over and done with…"
The Princess raised an eyebrow, and walked into the grotto. I watched as she calmly walked up to the small girl as she nervously fidgeted against a rocky mountain wall.
"I'm really sorry about this. But we'll be good friends some day, I'm sure of it!" Sharena said brightly before shoving her lance into the girl's shoulder. She cried out, and vanished as well.
I looked back at Minerva. Alfonse had crawled off her, and had risen, looking down at the fighter with a little smile.
Minerva suddenly opened her eyes, and pulled herself up. She extended an armoured hand to Alfonse.
"Well done, Prince Alfonse." The two shook hands, eyes locked. "You have proved strong enough to break our contract with Veronica. And so, we are free once more." She stepped back, nodding. The Princess was slowly fading away now. "I give you my oath that we will not attack your kingdom. Farewell!"
The area was quiet.
Then I erupted.
"What was that?!" I said, hands pushed out, waving at where Minerva had just faded.
"I am not sure I follow, Tazio?" Alfonse asked, walking up to me.
"She killed Raigh, and she gets to walk away, scot free? Really?!" I screamed at the Princes.
"Oh, no, Raigh isn't dead," Anna explained, walking to me. "If a Hero falls in battle, they are returned to the castle. They will feel a fair amount of pain in their defeat, but Raigh is just fine. He will most likely have a bruised ego, however…"
"I- but he- what?!" I was dumbfounded, looking back and forth at Anna and Alfonse, checking to see if it was a bad joke. I finally put my head down and whimpered, glad the rollercoaster of emotions had stopped.
"In any case," Alfonse said, putting a hand to my shoulder, "That completes this mission, Tazio."
"You're such an excellent tactician, Tazio!" Sharena said at my side, beaming. "Why, I think I'm going to be very fond of you!"
I could feel my face redden again as I took in that precious, pure smile.
"Hmmm?" Anna looked back the way we'd come. Matthew was running up to her, a scrap of parchment in one hand. He dropped it into Anna's hand, and without missing a beat, headed back out the gate.
Anna quickly unrolled the paper, and scanned its contents. She groaned.
"Everyone, listen up. This report is informing me that Emblian soldiers are advancing on our castle!"
"What? Then, all of this, here…?" Alfonse asked, looking around at the World of Mystery.
"It was just a distraction…" Sharena said slowly, thoughtfully. "We've left our kingdom open to attack!"
"Yes, but what's done is done," Anna consoled. "Now, let's make haste. Back to Askr!" She called out, waving us back through the gateway.
I tried to think of something to say, but finally just sighed, and followed behind the three Order members.
The return trip to Askr was largely uneventful. We sailed back to the village, and all of us piled into a caravan Anna hired. Sharena and Virion (who was chatting her up as soon as he saw her) were driving the cart, while the rest of us sat in the shaded, straw covered trailer.
"Oh, Anna!" Sharena said, between one of Virion's stories of bravery and wit that the peppy girl ate up. "I found an orb while scouting in the World of Mystery."
She pulled the glittering object out of a pouch, and tried to hand it back to her Commander.
I quickly pawed it before the hungry looking Anna could pounce.
"Thanks, Sharena, but I'll look after any orbs you find from now on," I said, quickly putting the orb with my other one. "The Breidablik uses them to summon Heroes," I explained.
"Oh, so that's what they're for? I wondered why they glowed near them. Guess we'll use that stash you've been building then, eh, Anna?" Sharena said.
"Why'd you have to tell him about my stash?!" Anna cried out tearfully. "I could have made a killing with them…"
After what felt like an eternity (I didn't have a watch or smartphone anymore, so time is going to drag from now on, I think…), we finally came within view of the capital of Askr.
Golden ramparts and pillars made up the huge castle in the middle of the city. Across it's face was a large, intricate shield with more Celtic patterns of gold and blue, the colours of the nation, I presumed.
Sitting around the castle was a sizable city, stretching out around the castle, up into the hills to the north, and around the huge lake in the east.
But the castle was the centre-piece, drawing attention to it at all times.
The city looked like it was well defended as well. We passed through a huge, double layered wall, manned by soldiers in ornate chainmail armour. I counted at least ten soldiers there alone.
One came up to the cart, saluting at Sharena.
"Princess Sharena! I'm glad to see you safely returned. Is Commander Anna with you?" he asked briskly.
"In the back," she answered with a jerk of her thumb.
The soldier hurried to the back opening, and shoved his head in.
"Commander Anna! We're so glad to see you. We're being assaulted at the Northern gate by Emblians. The last report I got shows we've held them off, but new Heroes are swelling their ranks!"
"Thank you. Step on it, Sharena!" Anna called out.
The caravan bolted through the city, bouncing across the flagstones. Virion and Sharena were screaming at the townsfolk as they hurtled ahead, waving at them to move.
The caravan rolled to a screeching halt in the courtyard of the castle. Anna leapt out as it stopped, followed by Alfonse and Matthew.
I fell out clumsily moments later. A real Great Hero, aren't I?
The Heroes walked up to the castle doors. Raigh was there, alive and well, just by the massive, bronzed double doors, tapping his foot.
"Took your time," he commented.
"Give it a rest, Raigh," I asked as I ran to catch up.
"I would have words with you as well, Tazio," Raigh said, pointing up at me.
"Later, we're being attacked right now," I told him, walking into the halls of the castle.
"Heroes!" Anna called out as she walked down the carpeted hallway of the stone interior.
Coming out of side hallways, or turning away from boards of information, were several colourful characters.
I later learnt the names of all the gathered Heroes the Order had managed to scrounge up, but at that moment, I was just looking at people from a LARP (I think that's how you write it, never been to one…).
"We are under attack," Anna bellowed. "But we have hope. Our Great Hero, the summoner, is here, and with his tactics, we shall repel the Emblian Empire once more! Now, form up, I am going to assign you positions along the wall. Get into your teams!"
I watched as Anna quickly organised three teams of four Heroes. I was quite impressed with her team formations, all things considered; cavalry were kept together, healers paired up with front-line fighters, and there was a good mix of ranged fighters as well.
As the teams were sorted, Alfonse and Sharena got a map of the city for me to analyse, so the teams could be sent to the location best suited for them.
After ten minutes of discussion, cavalry were sent to the hills around the north, a ranged team set up shop at the top of a hill, and the mixed front-line team went to one of the locations with the heaviest enemy presence.
"That leaves their frontal assault to us," Anna concluded, looking to Alfonse, Sharena and Virion.
"Raigh, stay here and guard the castle, just in case," I instructed the young mage. He was about to argue, but he absently felt around his gut, and nodded.
He hurried through the city streets. I only saw glimpses of the town, but it looked idyllic, with stone and wooden homes and shops, alongside an occasional crystal clean fountain or flower garden. The townsfolk were trying to go about their business, but many were hurrying home, just in case.
As we ran, a small gaggle of playing children ran to catch up.
"The Order of Heroes!" they all sang out, nipping at our heels.
"Go Prince Alfonse!" One little girl said, waving a wooden sword.
"Yeah, go Princess Sharena! You're the prettiest!" A small boy added.
"Nah-uh, Commander Anna is!" a girl next to him argued, punching the kids shoulder.
"Who's the new guy?" one kid asked.
"Is it a guy?" One said, pointing at Virion's long hair.
"No, the one in the hood!" the first kid said.
"He looks cool! Is that a new weapon he's got?"
We soon left them behind, with several of the kids falling behind of fleeing the closer we got to the sounds of battle. Anna shooed away the 'brave' kids that tried to follow us onto the battlefield, mentioning (in her Anna pose) how much it costs to fix any injuries on the battlefield, and asked if their parents could afford such injuries.
We finally came to the northern entrance to the city. It was further from the city than any other entrance, with trees dotting the landscape, and worn, ancient looking stone symbols drawn into the ground, a lot like the temple Anna had found me at.
Once we were spotted, the defending city guard retreated back into the city proper, dragging wounded comrades to waiting healers.
"They've got an incredibly powerful Hero with them, Commander!" one guard warned as we ran to the gate. "But we kept them outside the walls,"
"Good work, soldier," Anna said, looking ahead, trying to spot the enemy.
"Oh no… She's here…" she breathed.
I peered ahead, to look at the foes at the city's gates. There weren't many Emblian's left, but in the middle of the masses was a powerful black horse, decked out in black and gold armour, with two figures atop in.
One was a regal looking man with wavy blonde hair, a chiselled, stern face, and the upright posture and presence of a commander, or a king.
Sitting in front of the man was a little girl, with long, prickly looking grey hair, a wheel-like crown at the back of her head, wearing robes of black and deep red.
She looked sad and melancholy, her eyes red but lustreless.
We could hear her soft, breathy voice even though we were leagues away.
"Scurry, scurry, little Heroes…" She ran her fingers up the head of her Heroes horse. "Steal for me. Spread destruction. Kill all those who stand in my way. This kingdom must fall."
She sounded a touch bored, to me. Like this was all part of the daily grind; the pillaging, killing, burning.
She looked up at her Hero behind her. "Once it's gone, no one will oppose me. Every Hero, in every world- they'll all be mine. Every. Last. One."
"Indeed, Princess Veronica," spoke the Kingly Hero in a refined voice.
"No!" Alfonse cried out, raising his sword to the short Princess. "We won't allow it, Princess Veronica. And I will personally never forget this violation to my kingdom!"
The sad girl looked over at us finally. "Oh. It's you… And after I went through all that trouble to arrange that playdate…" She crossed her arms, looking thoughtful. She took a double take, and noticed me this time. Her eyes glowed this time.
"Hmmm. Now, who are you, stranger?" She looked at my Breidablik. "Oh! You have that silly relic father spoke of. Then… you must be the legendary summoner. My, my…"
She had a small fit of quiet giggles, her hand up against her lips.
"Ahh. No matter. It simply means you'll be the first to die- Oh!"
The Hero behind Veronica gently lifted the girl off of his horse, setting her on the ground.
"Xander!"
The Hero, Xander, stared down at us, across the short stretch of stone and walls.
"You wish that hooded one slain, Princess Veronica?" The small child nodded. "As you wish."
"Oh… No! She has Prince Xander of Nohr, one of the most powerful Heroes of Conquest!" Alfonse suddenly realised.
"You didn't pick him at first?" I asked him, curious.
"I- It's been awhile since I read that book! I wasn't a big fan of it…" Alfonse admitted, his shoulders sagging.
"You didn't like it?!" I howled.
"In any case!" Sharena called out, her lance at the ready. "You shouldn't worry! We'll protect you, Tazio."
"Get ready everyone!" Anna called out. Alfonse stood tall, resolute. Sharena gripped her lance tightly. Virion notched an arrow. I focused and began to see the field.
"Let's show this rotten princess what the Order of Heroes can do!"
Xander launched himself across the battlefield, his horse galloping loudly into the space between the walls, a black and lavender sword held high. Flanking him was an archer and sword fighter, racing in behind him.
"Virion, take out that archer from cover to your right!" I called out. Virion ducked into a cranny of interlocking wall stones, to quickly spin out, his arrow flying straight into the enemy archer with a 'thwack', bowling him over.
"Sharena, move up and prepare yourself for Xander!" Sharena stepped up into a collision course with the cavalier.
"Alfonse, back her up with a finishing blow!" I said, pointing at Sharena's left side, just behind her. He hurried into position.
"Anna, you're in the back till the sword-bearers are dealt with." She nodded in agreement, her fingers drumming along her axe's handle.
Xander hammered into the city, yelling a fierce battle-cry. He swung at Sharena, ignoring the bunkered down Virion.
She twirled away from the horseman, jabbing at the horses exposed back-flank, making it rear up in pain.
Xander held tight to the reigns, his legs gripping the sides of his steed.
"Al, go!" I said, pointing at the exposed underbelly.
Alfonse charged and swiped his sword carefully through the kicking legs of the horse, his blade slashing the animal's belly, sending the Hero sprawling to the ground.
The horse disappeared, but Xander was back up on his feet in a moment after the setback.
"Sharena, lower left!"
The golden princess jabbed her lance at Xander's legs, but the man flicked his sword Sharena's way, sending a bolt of dark purple energy at her feet, forcing her to dodge.
"Alfonse, parry!"
Alfonse came at the man this time, his well made, plain silver sword slamming against the legendary, magical blade the Hero wielded.
"This is Siegfried, dear boy. What does your toothpick plan to do against it?" The contracted Hero said calmly, looking down at Alfonse.
Alfonse could only grunt in exertion, struggling to maintain his composure as Xander held the prince back almost effortlessly.
I focused on the rest of the battlefield, and reacted as quickly as I could as I saw the moving pieces.
"Virion, another round! Anna, intercept with a tackle!"
Virion rounded again, taking out the archer who had finally pulled himself up.
Anna collided pauldron first into the sword fighter that came hollering into the city, knocking the soldier to the ground, his sword clattering away.
"Sharena, go again!" I cried out.
Sharena lunged at full strength at her brother's attacker's back. Xander flicked his sword up, sending Alfonse sprawling, only to keep the sword going up and over his head, only to intercept the tip of Sharena's weapon. He'd caught it within the prongs of his split sword!
Xander gripped the sword with both hands, and twisted himself around to face Sharena, who was trying to untwist the caught tip of her lance. She looked at him, eyes wide, lips trembling.
Xander shoved his sword into the ground, yanking Sharena into the floor with her lance. He then deftly disengaged his powerful tool to swing back and knock aside the retaliating Alfonse, sending him to the floor once more.
"Uh, Virion, help Anna finish that guard off!" I shouted out, my calm vanishing.
The nobleman nodded and fired a single arrow at the fighter as he scrambled for his weapon. It pinned his hand down into the dirt, making him cry in pain and frustration. Anna walked up to him, and finished the feeble soldier off.
But, it was too late.
Xander came at me, his sword raised up high, ready to strike me down. I raised my hands up to try and block the incoming blow, preparing for the feeling of my flesh being sliced.
"Rauohrwolf!"
Behind me, a pack of flaming wolves launched themselves upon Xander.
He tried to beat them back, his blade slicing through them, only to make the apparitions explode howling flames onto himself.
In a final attempt, despite the flames surging up his body, Xander roared defiantly, leaped at me, his sword held up high, ready to strike me down. I fell backwards.
It was all Raigh needed.
"RAUOHRWOLF!"
Energy surged out from the small mage, forming the massive head of a pale red wolf, it's maw wide, it's teeth razor sharp. It flew into Xander, the jaw snapping shut on him.
He was blasted high into the air, wheeling past Anna, Alfonse, Sharena and Virion, who looked on in amazement.
Xander smashed into the stone floor, and rolled back out of the wall, right under the feet of an Emblian Cleric. She wordlessly reached down and began healing the Hero with her staff. Xander only groaned, his hair a frizzled mess, his armour singed, his cape in tatters.
Behind them, Veronica looked dissatisfied. She pouted a little bit, a hand on her hip. "Left all alone. Again?" She sighed. "How dull. I'll go console myself back home with… a cup of tea." She nodded to herself in agreement, and walked over to Xander and the cleric.
"Come my Heroes." Xander, looking a bit better after the magical healing, rose.
"I am sorry, Princess Veronica. That boy came from nowhere, but still, my honour is shamed…" the Nohrian Hero said, his head hung.
"Well, for your punishment at failing me, I mill make you piggy-carry me back home!" The small ruler said, pointing up at the massive ruler.
"Very well," Xander said, and with a grunt, lowered himself so Veronica could wrap her hands around Xander's neck, her chin resting on his shoulder. The Hero rested her little legs on his arms as he rose.
With the cleric in tow, the three headed away from the city, Xander slowly limping as Veronica waved her hand forward.
And, just quietly, that whole scene was just adorable to watch. I don't care that she's the enemy, that was cute.
"Well, that foolish princess is retreating with her Heroes," Anna muttered as she helped Alfonse to his feet.
"The battle is won, but this didn't resolve a thing," he said with a sigh. "The Empire will invade again, soon enough…"
Sharena kicked at the floor with her boot, her hands wringing the neck of her lance. "Stubborn girl! Why can't we just talk this through?" She waved a hand back towards the now empty battlefield. "These invasions are crazy! Honestly! That Veronica needs to grow up already. Where's her sense of diplomacy?" She kicked at a rock this time, sending it flying into a tree. "Such a brat!"
"Sharena," Anna said firmly. The princess spun to look at her Commander, frowning intensely. "Don't let your emotions get the best of you. Not on duty. In public." She glanced around at the villagers carefully venturing out.
"I expect you to keep a level head if you're going to serve in this Order," Anna pointed a warning finger at Sharena. "Hostility is their way. Not ours."
"Sure, sure…" Sharena absently twirled her lance. She looked up at the stern Anna. "I mean… Of course, Commander!" She snapped a salute.
Anna turned to me, apologetic. "I'm sorry you've been thrown into this brutal war with us, Tazio. But…"
She pulled me into a big hug.
"I'm glad you're here - an official member of the Order of Heroes!"
"Yeah, thanks Tazio, we'd be done for if not for your help," Alfonse added with a smile.
"You're right. We're so grateful, Tazio!" Sharena beemed at me.
"I-?" I swallowed, feeling silly, heart-warmed, and disappointed all at the same time.
"To be honest," I said, turning to my other Hero, "We'd be done for without Raigh here."
The young boy looked up at the grateful Heroes encircling him. He smirked.
"Of course I would be here to save the day. I need you all to help me learn Dark Magic," he said, crossing his arms in triumph.
I tussled the boy's hair, laughing.
We all returned to the castle, picking up the other Hero teams in tow. I was slowly introduced to them all, and they all explained who they were and what they did.
Once back at the castle, telling everyone how exhausted I was, Anna walked me down a few corridors to my own, private room.
It was small, and plain looking, but it had a bed, a desk, and paper. (And a chamber pot, but that's less exciting…)
I was bid a good night by the Order of Heroes members that had seen me to my room, and I lay my head down on the small but comfy looking bedding.
Only to open my eyes what felt like moments later, an urge to write everything I'd just experienced that day down.
And that brings me to the present.
The wick of my candle is non-existent, and I can hear some morning birds calling out somewhere nearby. My ink pot I found is nearly empty, and my wrist is cramping.
But, I'm glad I got this down. It helped settle my mind.
I still have questions, like how long am I going to be here, how am I going to summon new Heroes, is Sharena single, etc.
But for now, I'm just glad I'm alive.
So, goodnight!