第4章:DIVINE SWORD 闘技
Chapter 4: Divine Sword Competition / 2 Falchions
With another few days until the Khan arrived, Miriel decided to meet with their tactician. She was not only curious about his plans involving the Khan, but the technology that allows his transformation. When she arrived in his tent, however what she saw surprised her. Rather than studying politics as she expected, he was studying his Gamer Driver.
He was carefully observing and sketching every little detail he could see. Miriel was intrigued, and thought to ask what he was doing.
"I'm trying to learn how to recreate it.." he answered the question she hadn't asked yet. She was taken aback by his seeming precognition. "You were standing in my door for a good five minutes watching me sketch this thing."
"Of course," she responded matter-of factly.
"Well, since you're here I may as well let you in my plan." he stated causally.
"And what does this plan entail?" she questioned, her curiosity still rising.
"To use the technology in this thing to make games."
"How so?" Miriel leaned closer trying to understand his meaning.
In response, James pulled Mighty Action X from his pocket. "It may not look it, but this device carries the data for a game. The Gamer Driver only has the power to use that data for our transformations, so I want to make something that can play the games in their entirety."
"I see," Miriel, who was now taking notes, nodded.
"I've still got a ways to go," James leaned back and took a deep breath before he suddenly sat straight up. "It's your turn to cook, and dinner is in an hour." he pointed out.
Miriel mentally scolded herself for forgetting. "You're correct, I must go." she showed herself out.
Now alone in his tent, James looked at Mighty Action X more closely as he retrieved the other one. "Maybe I should look more into how you two work?"
Roughly an hour later, Yume reached the infirmary, a bowl of soup in hand. "Hey, John, I brought tomato soup, your favorite." she called out in a motherly voice.
"Don't treat me like a little kid." John frowned from his bed. He was still in pretty bad shape from his fight with the bandits.
"I will when you stop getting beaten to a pulp." she shot back with a smile.
"Shut up, and give me that soup." John pouted.
After giving him his soup, Yume pulled up a chair and started eating her own.
"Hey, Yume." John caught her attention. "Just so you know, I'm only in here because I went straight to level 2." This caught Yume's attention, she hadn't heard anything about that. John noticed her surprise, "Yeah, knocked my gauge down by half," Yume went pale, it was that dangerous?
"I'll be sure to warn James," she said solemnly. Once she finished her dinner and went to find James, he appeared in the doorway.
"Chrom needs us in the Longfort's main hall," he announced and left right away.
Yume could only sigh before helping John get up on his feet, "C'mon, let's go."
Raimi had gathered all the Shepherds to what appeared to be a throne room. "Prince Chrom, please wait here while I summon the Khan,"
"Of course." Chrom replied before Raimi took her leave.
"So, where is the Khan?" John asked, annoyed that he was pulled across the living quarters on crutches.
"Out training, I'd wager. The Khans of Ferox prefer battle to politics. Or rather, battle IS their politics." Chrom noted as he adjusted his armor to look better.
"So the Khan's a warrior eh?" James asked as he took a seat. "Probably huge, pristling with muscles and hair." He snickered at the mental image.
"Am I now? Please go on," a voice, unmistakably feminine called out.
Everyone turned to see a dark-skinned blonde covered in red and silver armor.
"Shorter than I expected." James shrugged.
" You're the—?! Er, that is to say... The Khan, I presume?" Chrom fumbled his words in an obvious attempt to make a good impression.
The woman turned her full attention to Chrom. "One of them, yes—the East-Khan. My name is Flavia. I apologize for the troubles at the border, Prince Chrom. You are welcome in Regna Ferox." Chrom remained visibly nervous.
"Thank you, but I'm confident we can put that misunderstanding behind us. Is it true bandits posing as Ylisseans have been ransacking your border villages?" Chrom bowed, using his best 'Please like me' voice.
"Yes," Flavia confirmed before her face twisted with rage. "Those Plegian dogs! We found documents proving as much on the corpse of one of their captains. Plegia must see some benefit in raising tensions between your kingdom and ours." This caught James's attention, with the provided evidence he could only see one way Plegia wanted it to play out.
First they 'subtly' increase tensions between the the two nations, enough to cause a war. It didn't matter who won, because the winner would be down on soldiers, supplies, and morale, which plegia would have in abundance. The following war would be a sure-fire win for Plegia, giving them near total dominance over however much of the continent they could keep hold of.
"Damn them!" Chrom shouted until he realized that he wasn't being very diplomatic. "I... Forgive me, Your Grace. That was...indelicately put." he quickly apologized.
Flavia laughed, "Damn them and damn delicacy! Here in Ferox, we appreciate plain speech." As soon as she said that, Chrom became visibly more relaxed.
"In that case, you should have a word with your damn border guards…" he remark as he settled into a more comfortable position.
Flavia burst out laughing. "Now that's Feroxi diplomacy! Yes, I like you already." her face suddenly went serious, "I know why you have come, Prince. But regrettably, I cannot provide any Feroxi troops for Ylisse." Chrom's face was filled with distress.
"What!? why not!?" Lissa asked in a panicking voice.
"I lack the authority." Flavia stated plainly.
"If you don't have the power, who does?" James asked, bringing himself to the center of the room, standing shoulder to shoulder with Chrom. "You mentioned that you where the East Khan, so I presume that the power is with a different Khan?"
"Yes, In Ferox, the Khans of east and west hold a tournament every few years. The victor acquires total sovereignty over both kingdoms. And that means they have the final say when it comes to forging alliances. The West-Khan won the last tournament, you see, and so…" The Warrior ruler explained.
"When's the tournament?" James asked bluntly.
"Soon," She responded with a smile as she realized what he was implying. "The captain of my border guard informs me your Shepherds are quite capable. Are you perhaps considering representing the East in the upcoming tournament? If you win and I become ruling Khan, I will grant your alliance." she stated with an ever growing smile.
"I'm not sure that we really have a place in all this," Yume noted from the back of the group.
Once again Flavia let out a jovial laugh. "On the contrary. The Khans themselves do not fight—they choose champions to represent them. Otherwise our land would be rife with blood feuds and dead Khans! We don't involve comrades or kin for the same reason. Over time, it was decided the tournament should be fought by outsiders. Although the outsiders have never included foreign royalty. ...That I know of!" She laughed at the thought. "Regardless, it is your choice to make."
Chrom stepped forward, "There is no choice, East-Khan. My people are desperate. We face not only Plegia's constant attacks, but now the added threat of the Risen. If fighting for you is the quickest way to an alliance, then we will take up our steel." He spoke with unshakable resolve.
Flavia let out a heart laugh. "Oh, I like you, Prince Chrom. I do hope you survive the tournament! Come, I'll show you the arena where the tournament is held. But be wary! I hear an equally able swordsman champions the West-Khan." she warned, well aware it won't change anything.
"He shall be defeated by Ylisse's necessity." Chrom replied, he face as stern as stone.
"Well spoken again—I look forward to seeing if you're equally skilled with a blade!" From there, everyone began the journey to the arena in the center of the country.
Several days later as they approached the arena. James went over to John, "Hey, man."
John, off his crutches but still walking slower, turned to his friend, "yeah?"
James took a deep breath, "I need to know if you're good for combat," the tactician asked his friend.
"Lissa should've already told weather or not I'm good to go." He responded nonchalauntly.
"Oh, I know you've healed enough to fight," he remarked, earning a look of confusion from John,
"I want to know if you're ready to fight."
John sighed and looked down at his feet, "no, for now I want to avoid combat, ever since we got here, it feels like I've been doing nothing but killing and never once objected. I think I need a time to work out all this stuff on an emotional level." he looked back up to James who had a warm smile.
"Ok," it was all he said, but it was also all he needed to say. John nodded, tears forming in his eyes as James went forward to meet with someone else.
There was a town coming into view. The even from the distance, they could already see the massive arena. Seeing it put a knot in Yume's stomach, she was worried about what might happen when they get there. "Daiki will be fine." Yume turned around to find James coming up to the front of the group with her. "Even if he is fighting for the west Khan we just have to beat him without killing him."
Yume pouted, "Easy for you to say,"
"Yes, it is easier to say that, while I've always thought of Daiki as more than just a friend, you're the only family he has in this world." He slowed to match her pace. "Of course, it seems like Daiki has made at least a couple new friends, like that lady, Olivia, I think." Yume's face went red, provoking a chuckle from James.
"On a not-entirely-unrelated note, if we found a way back to our world right after the tournament, would you take it?" Yume stumbled for a bit.
"If you asked me before John recruited Donny, I'd would've said yes without hesitation, but after meeting the kid, I don't know." She admitted.
"He was the one that showed that they aren't all that different from us, or like John and I at least, your family is stinking rich." he shrugged.
"Hey, we're not that rich." she snapped back.
"Your dad gave me a house when we started dating," Yume had no response. "Though I suppose it would be fair to tell you that even if we found a way back, I'd probably choose to stay." Yume looked at him with genuine surprise.
"I've already left my mark on our old world, my game should've launched months ago. And this world is standing on a knife's edge, if I can help to keep it stable and save lives well then I've gotta do it."
Before Yume could respond, James placed a hand on her shoulder. "Thanks for the talk, I feel alot better." he than turned around and disappeared into the crowd.
"Silly James, I'm the one that feels better."
When they came to the arena, they were greeted by a wide circular floor covered in elaborate ring-shaped artwork. The walls were made from brick, as sturdy as it was old, and when feature James noticed that Flavia seemed surprised by, was a cage hanging from a chain in the center.
When they arrived at the arena, John and Stahl, whose horse had been killed at the Longfort, made their way to a viewing area. Once there, they were met by two other people, Feroxi fighters, presumably. One of them was a woman with pink hair in garb that left very little to the imagination. The other was a tall man with a sword on his waist sitting as far away from the woman as possible. Not wanting to sit quietly for the whole time he looked over to the pink haired woman. "So, uh, what's the story behind that hanging cage?"
She visibly recoiled and she did her best to shrink into a tiny, unnoticeable ball. When that didn't work, she tried her best to answer so the strangely dressed man would stop looking at her. "L-Lord Basilio said it's supposed to be a special r-reward for the winning champion, I think D-Daiki said something about a red k-k-kaijin, I think the word was, when he heard about it."
"Huh," Was all John said as he turned away, much to the woman's relief.
When the Shepherds entered the arena, Lissa was the first to notice their opponent. "Chrom! Look!" She pointed to the swordsman at the other side of the arena.
"I see him," Chrom replied solemnly as looked upon his opponent, Marth, the masked man from the forest. Standing next to him was Daiki, already wearing his driver and with gashat in hand.
Chrom looked to his masked foe as James looked to his friend. The masked man was silent as a mouse.
"Marth! One question, before we begin?" Marth said nothing and reached for his sword. "Fine! Our swords will speak for us!"
Both drew their swords giving James and Chrom their first good look at Marth's weapon, it was perfectly identical to Chrom's which, James had read, should be impossible. "How did you get that?" the tactician pondered before turning to his own opponent.
Wasting no time, Chrom and Marth charged each other, their blades meeting over and over again, each a perfect mirror of the other. "Tell me—Who taught you to fight like that?" Chrom questioned between strikes.
"My Father!" Marth declared as he struck with enough force that Chrom was knocked back. Both lunged at each other, their swords deflecting each other, both landed on their knees. It took Chrom only a moment longer to raise to his feet, but that was more than enough time for Marth to close the gap a go for another swing of the sword.
Gashacon Sword!
Yume, not even transformed yet blocked the strike. "Are you alright captain?" She asked, assuming the stance that Chrom taught her.
"Yes, I'm fine" He answered as he readied himself to continue.
"Good."
Taddle Quest!
James and Daiki looked away from the other duel and from the rest of the forces fighting around the edge of the arena, the looked each other dead in the eye and prepared to fight.
Bakusou Bike!
"Henshin!" he slotted in his gashat and kicked his rider icon, dropping into a fighting stance.
Gashatto! Let's Game! Metcha Game! Mutcha Game! What's your name?!
James readied his gashat, a grin forming on his face.
Mighty Action X!
He moved his arm clockwise from his left until he was pointing his gashat at Lazer.
"Dai...Henshin!" he called as he slotted in his gashat and, not even waiting to properly transform before he opened the lever.
He could hear the others telling him not to do it, he knew why, he read the reports of what happened when John did this, but he didn't care. He needed level 2 to win, he'd just have to win fast.
Gashatto! Gachan! Level Up! Mighty Jump! Mighty Kick! Mighty, Mighty Action X!
He tapped his icon, which merged with the energy screen, letting him transform right away. As soon as he transformed, electricity arced from his Gamer Driver, just as it had with John. But, unlike Snipe, Ex-Aid didn't seem to take any damage. He raised his left arm and flicked his wrist, the electricity arced away from Ex-Aid, seemingly at his command.
"Holy— of course he can jump to level 2 just fine, but when I try it I nearly die!" John complained as his friend assumed a combat stance.
"If you cannot fight to your full power from the beginning, than you are too weak for your power." the man in the back stated clearly.
"I know that!" John called back, only staying in his seat to watch the fights. "That's why I have to be stronger than Taiga!" The other man didn't respond as John's eyes wandered to the hanging cage.
Ex-Aid had quickly gained the upper hand over Lazer, not only due to his longer arms and sword, but due to a relentless offensive. So far Lazer had only managed deal minor damage to him by using his tire-blaster. Lazer caught his lucky break when he managed to grab Ex-Aid's arm and spun at high speed.
He threw Ex-Aid threw the air, giving Lazer the chance to open fire on him with his tire-blaster. When Ex-Aid hit the ground, Lazer followed up by spinning at high speed and ramming Ex-Aid. While being thrown back, Ex-Aid managed to catch sight of John pointing at the cage.
As Lazer came back for another attack, Ex-Aid threw the Gashacon Breaker at a choco block. An energy item flew out and raced to Ex-Aid.
Hakkō!
There was a bright flash, blinding nearly everyone in the arena, giving Ex-Aid the chance he needed to put distance between him and Lazer. He moved to the bulk of the shepherds, who were winning against the Feroxi troops thanks to a mix Frederick's monstrous strength and Sully's reckless charge, supported by Kellam of course. "Sumia," he called to the pegasus knight. She turned her attention to him, which would have gotten her killed if not for Kellam. He pointed to the cage, "I need your help to get up there."
Sumia nodded, "Right, climb on!" Ex-Aid leapt over her head and landed softly on the pegasus and held on tight.
Once Lazer could see again and he saw Ex-Aid heading towards the Ylissian pegasus knight, he realized what he was doing. He pointed to a pair of Feroxi soldiers and called out to them, "Hey, you two, I need to get to the cage before Pinky does!" he gestured to Ex-Aid.
One of the soldiers rushed to set up a ramp while the other went to meet Lazer as he opened the lever on his Driver.
Gachan! Level Up! Bakusou Dokusou Gekisou Bousou Bakusou Bike!
Once Lazer was a bike, the Feroxi soldier climbed on as they wheeled over to the ramp. The Feroxi soldier, having more experience with Lazer than the one at the Longfort knew just what to do.
Bakusou Critical Strike!
He charged up the ramp at full speed. As he raced through the air, he saw Ex-Aid approaching on the pegasus, which thankfully took quite a bit of time to move straight up. When Ex-Aid saw Lazer flying towards the cage, he took a risk and leapt from the mount towards the cage.
Everything seemed to slow to a halt as Ex-Aid and the guy on Lazer's back reached into the cage. Ex-Aid's heart sank as he saw the Feroxi gripped the prize. However, unswayed by his foe's grip, Ex-Aid used his superior strength and speed to pull the prize from his hand.
When they landed on the ground Ex-Aid wasted no time looking at his prize: a red gashat. He turned to Lazer and made the gashat clearly visible as he activated it.
Gekitotsu Robots!
As the game area loaded, instead of blocks or chests or the like, a small red robot appeared and floated around Ex-Aid. Lazer immediately undid his transformation, knocking his driver to the ground. "I surrender," Daiki said plainly, to Ex-Aid's clear annoyance.
"Oh, come on…" he said, sounding somewhat dejected.
Daiki, not wanting to upset his friend, spoke up. "I won't fight you, but I'll still watch your henshin."
Ex-Aid, excitedly nodded his head as he blew into his new gashat for luck and slotted it in. he closed the lever on the gamer driver and started excitedly posing, "Dai Dai DaiHenshin!" he reopened the lever.
Gachan! Level Up! Mighty Jump! Mighty Kick! Mighty, Mighty Action X! A Gacha! Buttobase! Totsugeki! Gekitotsu Punch! Gekitotsu Robots!
The driver emitted the energy screen again, which was soon joined by a second, red energy screen that became a backdrop for his normal one. The robot split into several pieces, which attached onto Ex-Aid's body as armor, culminating in a large robotic fist over his right hand.
Ex-Aid giggled with delight, "So this the power of level 3."
At this point, neither Chrom nor Brave knew how long they had been fighting. They just knew that for Marth had dodged or parried everything they threw at him. "Just who is your father anyway?" Brave asked as Marth continued to leave them at a stalemate.
"I've said enough for today, ma'am." Marth said coolly.
"Whatever," She sighed. "Anyway, Lissa owes you her life and we are grateful, but we cannot lose here! Don't worry though, I'll try not embarrass you." If not for her mask, one could swear she winked.
Even from across the arena, Ex-Aid was sure that Marth turned bright pink. "Heh, never expected such youthful arrogance…" Marth muttered, almost inaudibly. "We shall see who shames who!" He declared loudly.
Marth charged at Brave, who moved to the side and used her left hand to push Marth towards Ex-Aid. Marth kept his footing and slashed at Brave, causing her body to spark and smoke.
Gashacon Critical Strike!
The moment the sound was heard, Marth jumped out of the way, kicking Brave away as well. The spot where Marth was standing was almost immediately crushed by Ex-Aid's armored hand, spewing flames like a rocket.
In the second between Marth jumping away from the attack and landing, he came under assault.
Kōsoku-ka!
While still in the air, Ex-Aid appeared behind him and grabbed his sword by the gap near the handle, lightly cutting into his hand. He ripped the sword from Marth's hand and jabbed his elbow into Marth's torso. When the two landed on the ground he turned and faced Marth, properly gripping his sword. Marth, who managed to land on his feet stumbled backwards at the sight of Ex-Aid's face. "N-No, stay back! No, no it's not him." if Ex-Aid reacted to Marth's words he didn't show it.
Ex-Aid tossed Marth's sword, embedding it's blade in the floor at Marth's feet. "We win," he turned and made his way to the exit. By this point, the Shepherds had taken out the Feroxi troops, leaving only Marth.
"Impressive...if not surprising…" Marth admitted before leaving the arena, confirming the Shepherd's victory.
After the battle and subsequent cheers from the crowd, the Shepherds gathered in the center of the arena. "Well fought!" Flavia congratulated, "You have my respect. And, perhaps more to the point, you have your alliance. I will provide Ylisse with the soldiers she needs."
"Truly? Thank you, East-Khan." Chrom asked, barely containing his excitement.
"I should thank you! It feels like ages since I've held full power. Come, my new friends! Tonight, we celebrate!" Flavia declared happily before leaving to plan said party.
"Bah! Any excuse for a party and Flavia jumps on it…" The Shepherds all turned to the source of the unexpected voice. He was a towering, bald, one-eyed beast of a man.
"I'm sorry, have we met?" Chro, questoned, audibly nervous in the face of the massive man.
"I'm the West-Khan you so rudely removed from power!" John could be heard identifying him as Basilio. "You're handy with a sword, boy. I thought for sure I'd picked the stronger man."
Hearing a mention of the swordsman, James spoke up. "What do you know about Marth?"
Basilio scoffed. "He's just some sellsword with delusions of grandeur. All I know is that he turned up one eve and knocked my old champion flat. It was love at first sight, and I'm generally too old for such things! Baha! Anyway, he's gone now. Up and fled the moment the tournament ended."
"He's quite the enigma," Yume sighed,
"Sounds like Marth's got at least one fan," James remarked.
"Hey, I'm just saying, he's a skilled warrior and we know nothing about him," she defended, he cheeks tinted pink.
"That guy? Are kidding me?" Daiki declared as he re-entered the arena. He had ditched the fur coat, revealing a silk tunic with Lazer's symbol on the breast.
"Whatever, I don't need your approval." she stuck out her tongue at her brother.
John cleared his throat to catch the other riders' attention. "While this is a riveting discussion, us Ylissians need to go back to Ylissian need to head back to Ylisse to report the alliance."
James and Yume nodded and gestured for the other Shepherds to leave. Before they could however, Daiki raised his hand. "Before you go, my lord has a present for you." he gestured to Basilio, who in turn gestured to someone else to enter the arena. This person was in fact, the quiet man who was in the stands with John earlier.
"This is Lon'qu, my former champion. Not much for talking, mind you, but he's peerless with a sword. As good as Marth, in my mind. To be honest, I can't figure out how Marth bested him so quickly." he introduce as the champion remained silent.
"Marth beat him? But he looks so big and strong…" Lissa questioned as she approached the swordsman.
"Away woman!" he bellowed as he backed away, frightening Lissa.
"Hey! Wh-what did I say?!" the princess asked as she backed away, tears forming in her eyes.
"Don't take it personally, Lon'qu just doesn't do well around women," Daiki apologized. "Either way, the two of us will be going with you to support the cause." he added as he stepped in front of the Khan.
"Are you certain?" Chrom asked the Khan.
"Yes, their your men now." he said calmly as he pushed Daiki to the side.
"And you two, do you have any objections?"
"He gives orders. I stab people. I think our roles are clear." Lon'qu shrugged.
"I'm gonna see more action by hanging around other Riders anyway." Daiki noted.
"Alright then, welcome aboard." Chrom said with a smile before they left for Ylisse to inform the Exalt of their new allies.
Game Clear!
Alright, that's another chapter in the bag. You may have noticed that I cut some stuff of the end of Chapter 4, that's because it will be at the start of chapter 5. I meant to have this chapter out earlier, but Smash bros. Anyway, like I said on my other fic, Kamen Rider Lupin: Phantom Joker, I am asking for suggestions for other rider crossovers I could do, it doesn't have to be the main rider either, if you think an idea works better with say, Ouja or Gills, go for it. I really only have one rule, any suggestions for Amazonz has to work as a side-by-side story with regular Amazon, think of how Sonic Adventure's stories work for example. Of course, if I like an idea, I will contact you to help develop the idea and credit you for the concept.
So, with that out of the way, I'll see you for the next chapter: Sidequest 1: Gekitotsu Bike! Lazer vs Gatton! See you next Game.
