The next morning after we got our supplies from the townsfolk we head off for Bern. It was a long walk even if we were on the border, so I decided to read up on Eclipse since I now have the skill to do so without drawbacks of any kind. Eclipse speaks a lot about the Moon and it's various phases. Turns out there were some Druids who believed that the Moon contributed to how our magic worked. An odd observation to say the least. The creators of this Tome found that through finishing Eclipse and a fair amount of Anima knowledge would open doors that not even the most powerful of this Class can reach. I guess that's just mean I should start reading Anima Tomes.
Wes is ½ done through learning Natural Element Manipulation!
"Yo Wes!"
"Kole, how are things?"
"Fine as they can be for our scenario. What are ya readin'?"
"Eclipse Tome. I found it in the Nabata Desert not too long ago."
"Yea but why are you readin' it now?"
"This is the only chance I have to read it Kole. Now is there another reason as to why you are talking to me or are you going make fun of my habits the whole way?"
"Heh, sorry. What I was trying to say is, thanks."
"Thanks? For what?"
I ask as I put Eclipse away.
"For inviting me on this trip with ya and Rei and Fae. If you didn't show yesterday I would'a been bored outta me skull! So, I swear to ya, I will prove me worth to this team even if it gets me killed."
"Kole I appreciate it, hopefully your death will be the event that will prove your point. I shudder to think about your family if they caught word of your death."
"Family? Wes, mate. I don't have a family. To me, my parents have been dead for a decade and some change."
"What? Why? How?"
"Maybe later. But I said enough, till next time Wes."
And she fell back to where she was.
"Kole. What went wrong?"
Support Lvl. Increased.
"Yo Druid!"
"I have a name Linus. But what is it?"
"We're nearly there. Since violence is inevitable, be wary of the guardian of the place. A Bishop named Kenneth. He's easy to see cause he's fat. He's also pretty adept with an Aura Book."
"Tome, and good to know. Anything else we should look out for?"
"No, save for a couple of Monks. But everyone else is either a Shaman, Druid, Sage, Anima Mage, or something not related to magic at all. The numbers should be small too. This is very hidden but we should try and take out as many as we can before getting caught, because reinforcements come fast."
"Alright. Guess at how long until we arrive?"
"Roundabout 10 more minutes. But we've made good time though so maybe 8 minutes."
"Okay. We got 8 minutes until we arrive at the stronghold. Not a lot of enemies but we will kill silently for as long as we are able. I can't combat the Monks or Bishops, so that will be left for everyone else. Who has a high Resistance for Magic?"
"I do. Tricksters have hella Res."
"Alright, we'll split into small groups. Kole, Hawkeye, and Harken you're with me. Geitz, Fae, Rei, and Linus, you're the second group. We will take out soldiers, while you scout ahead. Until we get caught leave fighting to us. Any questions?"
Silence amongst the normally loud group.
"I'll take that as a no."
"We're here. Everyone get low."
We all hide behind the bushes. We don't see any enemies so far, but we just arrived so that makes sense.
"Where do you think it would be a good idea to split off?"
"Now if you don't mind."
"Scouts, it's go time."
"We'll give you a signal. Geitz get your Bow ready."
"Uh huh I already have it out."
The scout group go and inspect the first building. After a bit they motion for the rest of us to come.
"What's the scenario?"
"Two Shamans, one Druid. Three Wyvern Riders around the corner. How do you want to play this Wes?"
"Kole."
"Wassup?"
"Can you kill them fast enough where they can't call for reinforcements?"
"I can take the Shamans but the Druid's where I need help."
"Harken, go with Kole on my cue."
"Understood."
"Geitz, with me."
"Ahh I see."
We arrive at the corner and like Geitz said there are three Wyvern Riders.
"What's the plan? I can't shoot all three of them down fast enough."
"I know that I'm not demanding. I got an idea. Pull out an arrow."
He complied and pulled out a Steel Arrow.
"What are you thinking?"
"This."
I say as I cast a Flux spell on the arrow tip.
"Now aim for the Rider in the middle."
"Okay."
Geitz got into position.
"Alright on three. One. Two. Three!"
Harken and Kole went inside the building and Geitz shot the arrow. The arrow nailed the middle Wyvern's head and I set off the Flux killing the group of Wyvern Riders. I turn around and I see Kole and Harken, as if nothing happened.
"Everything go well on your end?"
"Yes Wesley."
"You're not bad at this y'know?"
"If you think I'm good wait until you meet Mark. The guy's a tactical mastermind."
"Good t'know."
Soon after we hear a horn.
"That's the reinforcements horn!"
"What!? But we didn't get caught! Linus you set us up!"
"Let's not jump to conclusions. We didn't get caught but Eliwood and the others probably started the battle in another area."
"Oh. Right, sorry Linus."
"I bet you are."
"Alright change in plans. Does anyone want to stay hidden?"
Silence again.
"Fair enough, find Eliwood, tell him your with me and join the frontline offense. When you do that you'll be under watch of Mark, he wears green and yellow robes and has brown hair. Eliwood is a redhead. Anyone with them is an ally. Until you get to him don't attack unless you are attacked first. Understood?"
"Understood!"
"Alright. Best of luck to all of us, and try not to get killed!"
And the group split off, leaving just Hawkeye, Rei, Fae and myself.
"You guys are still here?"
"We want to stay with you. You seem to have the most rational mindset out of everyone here."
"So, where to Uncle Wes?"
"I'm going to find Eliwood."
"Then so are we. Lead the way Husband."
We head in the direction of reinforcements we saw. I turn around I see more Wyvern Riders flying towards us.
"Behind us! Rook! Luna, now!"
Rook flies and flings the Luna spheres utterly destroying the troupe of riders.
"I think it's best we go it alone from here. Who knows when we can be ambushed."
"I'll stay with you Wesley. If Eliwood can't recognize then Pent and Louise most definitely can find me."
"Sounds like a plan Hawkeye."
"We will survey the perimeter of the compound for more reinforcements. Come Fae."
"Stay safe you two."
They both transform and head off in the opposite direction. Hawkeye and I continue our trek southward of the compound.
"You have concocted quite a group Wesley."
"What do you mean Hawkeye?"
"Somehow you have managed to make, a Princess, a Manakete, a Wanderer, a Foreigner, a Tribal Berserker, a Black Fang Alum, and a reformed Hero all work together under one team, with little to no backlash."
"In truth I was worried that my plans earlier would go south. It was luck that the plan actually went through without a hitch."
"But that is besides the point. You, despite your natural attitude can bring unity among any type of person. A skill that is lacking in the general public today. You should never forget that you have that ability Wesley."
"With how politics have been working in the here and now, that will be really difficult Hawkeye."
"But I have the utmost faith that you will see it through."
"We'll see in time won't we Hawkeye?"
"Indeed we will Wesley."
Support Lvl. Increased.
"Ahh, I see Eliwood. He's fighting some Mages."
"I will rendezvous with Pent and Louise."
"Godspeed Hawkeye."
And Hawkeye goes towards Pent and Louise. I rush towards Eliwood and got to him just as a Mage was about to strike him from behind. I quickly cast a Flux spell on him killing him near instantly. Eliwood turned around and noticed me.
"Wes!"
"Eliwood. About time I ran into you again."
"Yes I agree completely. We can wait until later to catch up. Will you lend us your strength?"
"Of course. Some of the folk I met up with while I was away are fighting them as we speak."
"Perfect! Mark! Wes is with us once more!"
"Really? It is so!"
"Mark, it's good to see you again."
"Likewise. But the friendly banter can wait."
"I await your orders Mark."
"Yuki and Luphy are inside the building fending off the reinforcements."
"Say no more. I'm on it."
I say as I book it inside the main building. I see my friends, fighting off the stairwell reinforcements. I run up to them both and join in on their assault.
"That's that."
"Wes!"
"Wes! You're alive!"
Yuki responded as she gave me a big hug.
"It's good to see you both again. But the reunion can wait, we have a battle to finish."
"Right."
"We're with you all the way."
We start to push through the building.
"Wait a minute."
It was Pent.
"We'll come with you right Louise?"
"Of course my beloved."
We basically ravage the main building. After reaching the end an Aura spell barely misses me.
"Wes!"
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, the spell missed. That must be Kenneth. Linus told me about him."
"Linus!?"
"Long story short, he defected and is fighting with me now."
"I'll save the questions for after the battle."
"I'll take care of Kenneth. Seeing as he's a Bishop he doesn't stand a chance against me."
"Here Pent."
I say as I toss the Silence staff at him.
"Where did you-"
"I don't think you met Harken yet. I'll introduce you after."
"Please do. Alright. Silence staff, work your magic."
Pent raises the Silence up and soon after with the exception of us every other mage has been silenced. In the distance I see some chests.
"Someone get Matthew or Brother Legault."
"Brother Legault?"
"I'll explain later."
"I'll get Matt."
Luphy says as he runs to get Matthew. I turn back around and I see that Kenneth is dead at Pent's feet as well as a trail of mage corpses laid around the hall. I also see a man in blue with a weird looking sword in his hand.
"What the hell just happened?"
"That man Karel? After having a brief conversation with Lyndis has joined our cause."
"Oh. Okay. Is Kenneth dead?"
"Of course."
"Did you burn the body?"
"I did not."
I run past him and head into the room where Kenneth's corpse lay. It was gone.
"Damn. Pent, did you forget what Elder Athos said? About how we burn the bodies of our powerful enemies so Nergal can't gather Quintessence?"
"I did forget. My apologies Wesley. But safe passage for the team is priority as of right now."
"That's fair. But next time don't forget."
"I won't. I'll make sure of it."
"Matt this way."
"Ah I see it. Wes! Good to see that you're still alive!"
"Imprisonment was bad but I toughed it through. And hey, I got a promotion out of it."
'"I see! What with your new robes and such. I remember that eruption of Purple Flames at Black Fang HQ like it was yesterday. We'll talk later, for now I got some chests to open."
Matthew said as he took off for the chests. With the battle pretty much over, I made my way to Merlinus' tent. Only the Gods know of how things were with me being gone. On the way Luphy caught up to me.
"Wes! I still can't believe you're here."
"Alas Luphy, I'm here, alive and well. I see that you haven't promoted yet."
"Yes, I have the Guiding Ring on me, I just want to wait until I know I am ready."
"A smart decision, but we're reaching the final stages of this war. Better you promote sooner than later."
I say as I pull out Eclipse.
"Wes! Are you really reading Eclipse? Remember what happened with Fenrir?"
"How can I forget? But with a meeting with Athos, my Weapon Proficiency skyrocketed. To me a Fenrir, feels like a Flux now. It truly is astonishing."
"If you are so sure. But do be careful. We just got you back, and it would hurt us all if you did something rash."
"I'll bear that in mind Luphy. We'll talk later."
"Of course!"
Support Lvl. Increased.
Luphy left, and Yuki quickly took his place.
"You're back!"
"I am. How are things Yuki?"
"Well."
She said as she took a deep breath. Or several.
"Luphy and I are planning on getting married after the war!"
My eyes widen at the comment.
"Really? That's fantastic news! It took you two long enough. I was wondering when Luphy would finally build the nerve to ask you out."
"Really?"
"Yes really. He thought that you were too good for him."
Yuki blushed madly at the prospect.
"Oh dear. I do love him so much. And now that you're back, it's the icing on the cake."
"Sorry I took so long. I had to make sure I was prepared to be surrounded by people I care for. The Promotion was nasty. At times I have flashbacks of the Dread Isle where flooded the Black Fang HQ grasslands with Fenrir."
"We're here for you Wes. You know this, and we'll do whatever necessary to make your return as nice as possible. Well, for our situation anyway."
"Thanks Yuki. You're the best."
"I know. But hearing it from you is sweet."
She responds as she hugged me.
"I'm going to find Luphy. We'll talk later?"
"Sure Yu."
Support Lvl. Increased.
I arrived at Merlinus' tent.
"Merlinus? Are you there?"
Merlinus popped his head out and upon seeing my face he brightened up.
"Wesley!"
He hopped out of the tent and nearly tackled me.
"I thought you were done for! We all thought the worst!"
"I'm glad that you trucked on Merlinus. It must've been devastating to the morale, when Ephidel took me. But he got his, I made sure of that."
"Will you stay with us?"
"Of course. I see no point in not doing so. We can catch up whenever I have to guard your tent again."
"Yes! Yes we will Wesley! It's good to have you back!"
I head to leave but I stop.
"Merlinus?"
"Yes Wesley?"
"Two things. One, Matthew should come by soon with some more inventory."
"Noted. And two?"
"I need a Thunder Tome."
He throws one at me and I catch it.
"Thanks Merlinus."
"Not at all Wesley!"
A Thunder Tome. Shamans and Druids joke and call it Fire 2.0. I laugh at myself. That joke is terrible. Comparing Elder Magic to Anima Magic is like comparing an Encyclopedia to a Children's Book. I open it, and because of how easy it was to me I almost already finished it. I would've but my Mother stopped me when I was nearing the end.
"Wesley? You look good with those Druid Robes on."
"Thanks Mother. I see that you're still here."
"Why would I not be? Especially after you were taken, I had to save my baby boy. Mother was the one who went back home. Your disappearance did more damage than we all thought, especially to her. But I had to be strong for you. I am the woman who brought you into this world after all."
"You would really do that despite not raising me?"
I ask with a little bit of shock and sadness.
"Of course honey. I may not have raised you myself, because of your ability to cast Elder Magic naturally. But I still love you like a mother should love her child. I would have visited you more often but your father-"
"Father was an abusive man Mother. He all but disowned me when he learned that I would be a Shaman. He was abusive to the both of us. I still remember you would come and visit Grandma and me and I would notice Shine wounds. To me, him catching Magicblight was Karma."
"Yes, indeed it was. I'm sorry I couldn't be there more sweetie. But Mother did a good job raising you regardless of this. I don't want you to grow without knowing that I love you so much Wesley."
"You mean it?"
"I'm your Mother Wesley. I have to, it's my duty from the day I gave birth to you."
She motioned for a hug. I gave it to her.
"I love you Wesley. Never forget that."
We separate and I can see tears coming down her face.
"Mother, don't cry."
"I'm sorry Wesley. I just want you to know that I mean it."
"I see it now Mom."
"Mom? You haven't call me Mom since you were a child."
"I admit, I have been childish myself. When I was young I used to hate you because you never did visit often. Even Grandma couldn't calm me down. Then I would be so giddy whenever you did come, but I hated the fact that you had to leave. I'm so sorry Mom."
I say tears running down my face. She gave me another hug.
"It's okay. It's okay, I'm sorry I couldn't visit you more. But here we are, and we are closer than ever before. So no more tears okay? For both of us."
I sniff and wipe my face with my sleeve.
"Okay. Thank you Mom."
"Anytime dear. Anything for my baby boy."
Support Lvl. Increased! Wes and Lea have reached A Support!
"Well, I should leave you to finish that Thunder Tome."
"I mean, I'm already almost done. Anima Magic is kind of a joke to me."
"Yes, I heard Mother make jokes about Thunder Tomes being Fire 2.0. She thinks she's clever."
"Heh. It's a joke to all Druids and Shamans. I'm surprised Uncle Canas hasn't told you this before."
"Wesley! Nephew!"
Canas comes and hugs me.
"Uncle! How are you? How's little Hugh?"
"He's fine as am I. I see that imprisonment wasn't fruitless."
"Yes, as you can see I am a Druid now."
"Yes, the look suits you greatly."
"That's what everyone is telling me."
"Wes! I have questions about your travel mates!"
"Uncle, Mom. We can talk later."
"We'll be here sweetie. Right Canas."
"Lea you're pulling my ear!"
"I know smartass! Fire 2.0 huh?"
I walk up to Eliwood, Hector, Mark and Lyndis. With them were Kole, Rei, Geitz, and Linus.
"Care to introduce us to your teammates?"
Mark asked. Hector looked furious as he stared Linus down.
"Where's Fae and Harken?"
"Fae is with Hawkeye, and Harken is talking with Lady Isadora. Now back to our original question."
"No need. Kole is a Trickster from Ylisse, and a legend in her own right. They call her The Beastkin without a Beaststone."
"Which is why she is barefoot."
"Don't knock it till ya try it, Sister."
"The woman next to her is Rei, the Princess of the Beast side of Rendall."
"A pleasure to meet you all."
"The pleasure is ours Princess Rei."
"Rei will do Eliwood."
"Next up is Geitz. Besides being a Warrior who agreed to help, I actually don't know much about him."
"It's not your fault Wes. I like to keep to myself is all. Nice to meet you all."
"So, we finally reach the Elephant in the room. Linus, what are you doing fighting your own men?"
"They ain't my men anymore Red. Wes here told me of Sonia and what she's doin' to the Fang. The Fang is nothing like it was when I was younger. Are we enemies or not?"
"Not the answer I was expecting to hear."
"Well that's the truth Red. Believe it or not I don't care."
"What do you think Hector?"
"Do you honestly care Eliwood? He's Black Fang, therefore he's dead to me."
Hector says before storming off.
"Don't mind him, Lord Uther has just passed, turns out Oswin knew the whole time but was under orders not to tell him."
"Or anyone for that matter. He's been furious ever since."
"Regardless, if you are true to your word then you may fight with us. Wes, if anything bad happens.-"
"Not to worry. I'll kill him myself."
"Really Druid?"
"But you won't. So there's no need to worry."
I shrug.
"Is that all?"
"Yes, Linus since you are with us now, I hope this means you would tell us of Nergal's plans?"
"Sure Brain. I'm an open book."
"I guess that's my cue to leave."
"Many thanks Wes and it's good to have you back!"
"It's good to be back Eliwood."
I respond before heading back to Merlinus' tent. Lyn catches up to me and strikes up a conversation.
"Wesley. I think we're overdue a chat."
"What makes you think that?"
I ask a little confused.
"Well our last conversation was a tactical as we were in Castle Caelin. You wanted to prioritize killing Bauker first, then saving the Soldiers second. Why did you think that when it having more hands would clearly be beneficial?"
"As beneficial as it is to have more soldiers, the common rabble are more likely to be focused?"
"How does that make any sense?"
"The enemy knows you are the heir to the throne once your Grandfather. Any lost soldiers would deal mental damage. So now since you freed them, we had to work twice as fast to make sure they weren't killed. Then I was taken and you know the rest."
"That makes a lot of sense. But it wouldn't work, I'm a strong one."
"Yes you are."
"Lady Lyndis, who is this?"
A Teal haired woman came up with a Pegasus.
"Oh right! Fiora, this is Wesley. He was the person we were trying to save along with Ninian, but escaped because of his promotion."
"Oh, it's nice to meet you. Luphy, Yuki, and Ms. Lea spoke about you a lot."
She shook my hand and had a warm smile. I return it.
"You look like Florina."
"Well we are siblings after all."
"Ah, that makes sense. It's nice to meet you Fiora."
"Such manners. I look forward to fighting alongside you. Lyndis, Florina has asked for you."
"Oh! We will continue this conversation later Wes."
Support Lvl. Increased.
"They are planning to do what!?"
"An assassination attempt on Prince Zephiel, constructed by King Desmond of Bern."
I walk up to Linus and Mark.
"What kind of a father would hire assassins to kill his child?"
"A Mad One, that's who Druid."
"Sounds like somethin' Gangrel's stinkin' ass would do."
"When is this assassination attempt?"
"Tonight, so if you plan on stopping it we best move and fast."
"Everyone pack up! We head for Castle Bern!"
Mark says as he runs to tell Eliwood. Rei, Fae, Geitz, Hawkeye, Pent, Louise, Legault, Luphy, Uncle Canas, Mom and Yuki join the rest of us.
"Why are we heading for Castle Bern when it's almost nightfall?"
"Sonia is sending assassins to kill Prince Zephiel tonight."
"What? Who would do such a thing?"
"Apparently King Desmond. I don't know what caused him to pull something this maddening."
"I don't like that look on your face Husband. I haven't seen you like this since before we killed Paul and Jasmine."
"Did she call you Husband?"
"We aren't married, but that doesn't stop her from calling me that."
"I can't help myself."
"Well we must save the child, if Zephiel is killed then that would pretty much solidify Bern's allegiance to Nergal. The last thing we need is a repeat of Darin. And if he wants his son to die he is psychologically weaker than Darin was."
"I'd like to have a chat with the King of Bern. As in violently murder him in his throne room."
"No Wes. We don't need you to relapse. Next thing you know you'll be lost to the Elder Magic yourself."
"Yes I know. Hearing that gave me flashbacks of my father."
"He's gone sweetie. How about focusing your anger towards whoever is performing the hit?"
"Remember our talk Wesley. Now is not the time to lose focus. You are the adhesive that keeps this group together. You lose focus and this group falls in shambles."
"Fair enough."
I look at our previous battlefield. It was all but devoid of life, save for us.
"Well it's time to go."
"After you."
"What a ragtag group of Outcasts we have here."
"But we get along though."
"Let's call this group Team Outcast!"
"Oh Fae, that's cute."
"Eh, we'll take it. Good job Fae."
"Yay!"
Support Lvl with Team Outcast has increased to B!
After clearing out of the stronghold we moved as fast as we can to Castle Bern. On the way we see footprints, and Eliwood notices.
"Oh no."
"On the double people!"
I yell to the group. I take the time to finish up Thunder. A weird Element to say the least. But at least I have an answer for Bishops if absolutely necessary. And because of it I now have a general idea on a strategy.
Wes has learned Natural Element Manipulation!
"Brother Wes."
"Ah Brother Legault. It's good to see you."
"Yea, same. We're about to head straight into the Black Fang's best soon. I think Ursula may be here too."
"Really? Well I'm going to assume it's gonna be dark in the castle but I'll keep an eye out."
"Say, Brother Wes."
"Yea Legault?"
"You think she'll defect like Linus?"
"You don't think so?"
"I never said that. But she has a very complex set of standards when it comes to people she would fight and work with."
"Hurricane ain't wrong Druid. One time she wouldn't spar with me because I had a Tomahawk and not a Killer Axe on my person."
"That is odd, you two are right. But she gave me her word that she planned on leaving. I plan on seeing it through, no matter it takes."
I say as I summon the Dusk Lantern and throw the Thunder Tome inside the flames. I send the Lantern away. We finally arrive at the back of Castle Bern. Eliwood stops us all.
"Alright we're all here. Before we have Mark explain the plan, I would like to say that Wes is once again with us, more powerful than before. Good to have you with us again Wes."
"It's good to be back."
"Now Mark?"
"Alright, we cut for time as is so I'll keep it short. There are two back entrances, we know this because we had Florina scout ahead. One way is open already but the other way is locked. One of our thieves I say Matthew will open the door and we'll send him and six others down that path. We'll send another seven down the other path. The rest will guard Merlinus. Any questions?"
No one said anything.
"Alright. Matthew, Harken, Isadora, Raven, Lucius, Hector, and Marcus take the locked door."
They all followed Matthew to the locked door.
"Eliwood, Lyn, Oswin, Kole, Ms. Lea, Wes, and Linus you take the other path. Best of luck. If anyone gets hurt bring them back and we'll switch. Understood?"
"Understood."
"Godspeed to us all. Hopefully we can still save the Prince."
We break off into our separate units. We head inside and like I predicted it's near pitch black.
"Anyone got a Torch?"
I ask the group.
"Yes, Merlinus gave me a few before we departed. Ms. Lea, would you please light these."
"Sure sweetie."
Mom says as she lights up the Torches. I pull out the Dusk Lantern and light it with a Fenrir Flame.
"What is that Wes?"
"This was the Levin Sword I had but after some events it became a Lantern. If I throw a tome inside the fire it picks up its secondary effects. So far it knows the secondary effects of Jormungand, and Luna."
"Wait if it knows Luna's secondary effects then you can light up the torches in the hall."
"But if we do that we'll give away our position and make them move faster to kill Zephiel, if he even is alive. We should keep using the Torches and the Lantern as a light source because they don't have them."
"Fair enough. We'll follow your lead."
We keep moving down the halls until we see a Fighter. Armed with a Swordslayer.
"See this is why we shouldn't light the halls."
"Point proven. So what should we do."
"Kole you have a Lancereaver on you?"
"Say no more. Be back in a jiff."
Kole says before sneaking and quickly killing the Fighter. She motions us to come where she is.
"Good job Kole."
"It's nothin'. Let's keep movin' yea?"
We all comply soon enough we get to the corridor and we see a girl with green hair and a white and blue getup. Linus stops us all.
"Wait a second. That's Nino!"
"You know her?"
"She's sister in law. Sonia's kid."
"Why is she fighting Fang members?"
"Apparently she defected too. Linus go tell her what's happened. We'll stay and guard the place. Lyn go with him, to make sure he's not an enemy."
"Right come on Linus."
"Yea yea."
The pair go off to talk to Nino. In the meantime, we hear a faint galloping noise.
"Do you guys hear that? Sounds like a Horse galloping."
"Yeah I hear it. I think it's getting louder."
"Die enemies of Lord Nergal!"
A voice yells from down the hall.
"Mom, Elfire!"
I say as I fling a Luna Sphere down the hall. Mom casts an Elfire spell at the same time. We don't hear the galloping anymore.
"I think it hit."
"I'm not taking any chances. Someone toss their Torch. I have an idea."
"I wanna see this."
Kole says as she tosses her Torch in the same direction. We wait a second for it to hit.
"Ow!"
"That's my cue."
I say as I cast another Fenrir Flame, throw it in my Lantern and I fling my Lantern. A second later we hear it break and we see a combined eruption of red and purple Flames. Along with that Paladin's screams.
"Holy Shit!"
"Ingenious Wes! How did you know that Fenrir's Flames would spread with the regular ones?"
"I didn't. That was a wild guess."
"Are you serious?"
"I'm no Superman Eliwood. A Druid is only as powerful as his creativity. And plus we don't have to worry about getting flanked this way. At the cost of not being able to traverse that hall until the flames die down."
"A smart play regardless. Look Linus is giving us the okay to move in now."
We move up to where Linus, Lyndis, and Nino are.
"So Linus. What the hell is happening?"
"Sonia sent Nino here and Jaffar to kill Prince Zephiel but Nino refused to do it. She defected and Jaffar did the same, but they were followed. I'm convinced that Sonia hired Jaffar to kill Nino after the hit was performed. But like I said he was moved by Nino's merciful actions and defected too."
"So Zephiel is alive?"
"Yes Red. The Prince is alive."
"Great! Change of plans, fight up until we arrive outside his room and then we will guard it. Someone should tell Mark of the news."
"I'll go, and I'll see if I can get some reinforcements."
"Good idea Oswin. Godspeed."
"I'll go with ya Big Guy can't go anywhere alone. We a team now."
"Thank you Kole. Onward."
Oswin and Kole head off to tell Mark.
"Nino can you fight?"
"I'm an Anima Mage. I have an Elfire Tome but if you have any others I'll take those instead. Elfire is a little difficult for me right now."
"Her child, have a Thunder instead. I'll take your Elfire for now. My name is Lea. It is nice to meet you."
"Well Ms. Lea it is nice to meet you too."
"We'll have a proper greeting after we solidify that Zephiel is safe."
"Right. Let's keep moving."
We continue fighting our way through the corridor, until we arrive at the center of the Palace.
"This is the Prince's room. I remember not closing the door when me and Jaffar left."
"Someone should go in and tell him of the scenario."
"That's a horrible idea! We don't want to scar the kid. Someone should stay and guard the door while the rest of us fight off the enemy."
"What did we miss?"
Kole asked with Oswin, Dorcas, and Legault.
"Uncle Legault?"
"Nice to see ya Little Nino."
"Not much Kole. We're outside the Prince's room. We're debating on who should guard it."
"I'll do it."
"Really Kole? I would think you'd want to be on the front line."
"Not when I can't see Wes. Being the best damn swordsman in the world don't mean shit if I can't see my enemies. Instinct can only go so far."
"Good point."
"Well that's one. But we should have two to be safe."
"Wes, join me."
"Why me?"
"Because I think we need to have a discussion after our last talk. Now get your scrawny ass right here."
Kole said through clenched teeth.
"Yes Ma'am."
"Well I guess that's it. Best of luck you two."
And the group goes on ahead.
"Well Kole? What do you want to talk about?"
"I want to talk about earlier."
"Oh that. You said you didn't have a family. What do you mean?"
"Look, it's a long story. So if you don't want to-"
"Kole we are friends right? I will listen to what you have to say."
"Thanks mate. Anyway, like when we first met I said me Pa was Chon'sinian and me Ma was Plegian. They were both great Swordmasters in their own right. But they didn't want their baby girl to follow in their footsteps. But when I persisted, they started to gradually treat me worse and worse. When I was thirteen when I made clear that I still want to be a swordswoman they disowned me. Threw me out on the street. Not too long after that Pa left Ma and went back to Chon'sin. So with no one to go to, I went and gone to the arena. On that day a great Swordmaster was there fighting against a Lance Paladin. And the way he moved Wes, it was something I never seen before. So, with a wooden stick as my sword I mimicked everything he did. The stance, the poise, the way he swung, the way he parried, dodged. Everything."
I say nothing as Kole goes along with her story.
"He would be there every week and whenever he was I would sneak in the arena and do the same thing. Next thing I knew, three years had passed. At the age of sixteen I went and became a Myrmidon, using the money I got through begging on the Plegian streets and slums I got an Iron Sword. I entered myself in the next arena tournament. And by the grace of the Gods I won, gaining a place to lay me head, and a place to earn money. Another year passed and I had an undefeated streak in the arena. So much wins in fact, they had to temporarily kick me out. So using some of the money I earned I took a ship to Chon'sin. At this point I could pinpoint me own weaknesses. I was surrounded by brutes unrefined soldiers so me offense was great. But due to the fact that they were brutes, they couldn't move at all. I went to an arena in Chon'sin to see what the Swordmasters did over there. And I saw him. I saw me Pa. He was fighting that day, against that same Swordmaster who I mimicked when I was thirteen."
"What happened?"
"Me Pa won. But instead being a sport and sparing him he broke the rules and killed him."
"What?"
"Me thoughts exactly. But I got what I came for. Pa had a moniker. The Chon'sinian Snake, from the way he moved. He fuckin' slithered how he used his feet to move. Lookin' back at it he was pretty flamboyant, and he had a superiority complex. So, I told me self, "don't use his movement. Don't honor the bastard!" What I didn't know was that he noticed me. And when I was on the way out of the arena he blindsided me. He then furiously asked me how I was alive? He then angrily spat that I should've died in Plegia. And when I told him that I was here to learn how to move better to better me swordsmanship it drew him over the edge. He nearly killed me right there if it weren't for a Beastkin. A Cat Taguel, he ended up nursin' me back to health and after telling him of my quest to better me swordsmanship by improving how I move, he offered to teach me the ways of the Cat Taguel. So for two years I lived with this Cat Taguel, and he taught me on how I can transfer how Cat Taguel moved in their beast form into human movement, which explains why I move the way I do. It was because of the winters there that me hair became snow white, and me skin so pale. Also because I learned the culture of the Taguel I stopped wearing shoes."
"Your hair isn't naturally white?"
"Not at all. Family's hair was a dark orange. But Chon'sinian winters changed that for me. Not that I miss it, I hated me hair when it was orange. When it became white I welcomed it. He also gave me scars on me face that would reminisce me of the Cat Taguel. They look similar to whiskers. But anyway, at nineteen I finished the training the Taguel had for me, and I returned to the Chon'sinian mainland and entered the next arena tourney to test me new movements. I blew threw me bracket, and I faced me Pa in the finals."
"Did you win?"
"By the skin of me teeth. It stung him greatly to live with the fact that the person who handed him his first loss ever, was his own kid whom he thought was no longer alive. The next day I left Chon'sin to head back to Plegia. I never been back to Chon'sin. When I returned I went back to where I used to live before they kicked me out. Ma still lives there. I go there, and I challenge me Ma to a duel. I knocked her on her ass. She couldn't recognize me anymore cause of me hair and skin. When I told her that it was her daughter she broke down and asked why did I did this to her? And I responded with: "You made me do this Mama. You neglected me and I used your hate as motivation. All of this is your fault. If you loved me all these years this wouldn't have happened." I left after that and I never returned. I moved to Ylisstol, and became a regular at the arena there. And that's where I remained until I decided to come here. I never had a family, I had no friends. The only thing I could rely on was the sword I carried. You know how that feels Wes? To have the only thing you can place faith in is an inanimate object? It's a feelin' no one should have to go through. So, when you and Rei and Little Fae and Hawkeye and I met and you let me come with you on this crazy journey. I was makin' regular conversation for the first time since I left the Cat Taguel in Chon'sin. We had a beer together. It may have been nothin' to you, but to me it was the world."
"Wow Kole. I didn't expect all of that from you."
"It's always the people with the most simple of dreams that have the most complex background. But for the first time in me life, this group of misfits are people I can place me trust in. I can call this group me friends. And this is all because of you Wes. So for that, I am eternally grateful. Thank you so much, from the bottom of me heart."
"Kole, you're welcome. I hope this friendship lasts for a long time."
"Me too. Sorry for ramblin' like that. Let's get back to guardin' Zephiel eh?"
"Yea, let's do that. And there's no need to apologize, it seemed like you needed to vent to somebody. I'm glad you did it to me. Now we're even closer."
"Yeah. We are aren't we? Thanks a bunch mate."
Support Lvl. Increased.
"What's going on?"
We turn to see the Young Prince himself Zephiel.
"It's a long story kiddo. People are tryin' to kill ya so head back in your room and hide."
"No."
"Excuse me?"
"How do I know you're not the assailant?"
"Because kid, if we were we would not be having this conversation. Smart ass brat."
I say before I look back at the main corridor to see the two groups fighting together. Seems like they united and are holding the Fang off.
"Well…."
"You are still here? Kid, head back inside. We will make sure no one comes after you."
"O…. okay."
He then went back to his room.
"Jeez."
In the distance I see a familiar figure. Her blue hair makes her easily recognizable.
"Kole stay here, I have some persuading to do."
"You betcha."
She responds as I book it towards the mounted figure. I finally catch up to her. Ursula.
"Ursula!"
"*Gasp*! Wes! You are here!"
"Of course I'm here! What the hell are you doing?"
"I'm feigning allegiance to Sonia. What does it look like I'm doing?"
"Uh, you are hurting your allies! Legault, and Linus are with us!"
"They are? Oh no! I messed up! Alright, I'll join you now to make up for my mistake."
"You better! If you kill a high priority target make sure you burn the body so Nergal can't take their quintessence! I'm heading back to my guard post!"
"Sorry! I'll work extra hard for you!"
I hear as I rush back to my post. I didn't have to stay for too long though thankfully.
"Everybody! The battle is won!"
I breathe a sigh of relief after hearing that. We all finish off the last of the soldiers before heading out. When we make it outside I see Ursula, Nino, and Jaffar with Eliwood, Hector, and Lyndis. Ursula points at me with a light blush on her face. I sigh and head over there.
"Wesley, I don't know how you can cause Four Fang members to defect like this."
"I don't know either Eliwood. But Ursula is one of us now, and if we have to have the same conditions with Linus then fine."
"No need. You were fantastic tonight. Things should go smoother with you here. Come on we found an inn, and we're going to head there to rest."
"Lead the way."
I say as we pack up and head for the town. When we arrived everyone else for the most part went to sleep, but for some reason I couldn't do the same. I head outside for some air, and I see Jaffar and Nino having a conversation, I put on an invisibility spell and get close enough to hear.
"Nino. Where are you going?"
"I have to know Jaffar… I have to know why Mother lied to me like this. I have to know the truth, before I can move on."
What the hell? Is she talking about Sonia? Yea Linus did say that Sonia wanted Jaffar to kill her after they assassinate Zephiel. So I guess the feeling's justified."
"Then I can go with you."
"Jaffar. Thank you."
And the two went off. I take the spell off, soon enough I was joined by Team Outcast, Fiora and Ursula.
"That poor child. She's going to get herself killed."
"We gotta tell Eliwood!"
"No. We don't want to risk them not going especially Hector. He was giving Jaffar the death stare. We go alone."
"Wes are you sure you don't want me to wake up Lyndis at least?"
"No, Fiora. You don't have to go either."
"Forget it. I want to help too. You guys seem close, and I want to join too."
"Well I wish we can have a proper initiation or something but we're strapped for time. Come on, let's follow them fast!"
I say as we all run after them. When we caught up with them we found Nino having a conversation with Sonia.
"You worthless piece of garbage! Die!"
"Oh no you don't!"
I say instinctively as I fling a Flux spell at her Fimbulvetr Storm cancelling the effect.
"Well well well. If it isn't Mr. Nightmare. I owe you you know? Killing Ephidel like that? It shot me up on Lord Nergal's ranks!"
"You're not welcome. If anything I should be thanking you."
"Hmph. Whatever for?"
"For giving us the chance to silence you once and for all."
"You think you can take me? You and what army!?"
Sonia said as she laughed. But she quickly shut her mouth when Team Outcast showed themselves.
"Well, Mad Dog, Blue Crow, Hurricane. I never expected for you to defect."
"Shut the hell up Sonia! Everything in the Fang went downhill after you and Nergal showed up! Now I'm thankful like Wes, because now I get the opportunity to gut you like the emotionless fish you really are!"
"We shall see Mad Dog Linus! And you Blue Crow! I expected better of you! And you defected too? Why betray Lord Nergal like this?"
"Because Sonia. You and Nergal both treated me like shit, since I joined. I thought you were perfect in every way, but no perfect being would harm a child, especially there own daughter!"
"Hmph. I do whatever I please. If only you came earlier you could've saved your pathetic Father."
"You Harlot!"
"Hold Linus! You're gonna pay for this Sonia. Just you watch. You picked the wrong day to pick a fight with us."
"Hmph! What is a band of freaks, geeks, and outcasts going to do against me, Perfection!?"
"Kill you. A simple question deserves a simple answer after all."
"We shall see Druid."
She simply responds before teleporting away. We see Morphs everywhere. I walk up to Nino, and the former Fang members do the same.
"We're here for you Nino. We are going to get through this. I promise."
"Wes?"
"We all are Little Nino."
"Uncle Legault?"
"Just like old times eh Nino?"
"Big Bro?"
"We're all here for you child."
"Ms. Ursula?"
"Nino. Let's do this."
"Jaffar? Okay. Okay! Let's do this!"
"Wesley! You're our tactician since Mark isn't with us! Our lives are in your hands!"
"Alright. I can do this. I can do this. Okay. Team Outcast! Let's get to work!"
Collective shouts of approval from the group.
"What a big happy family eh?"
"You can say that again Kole."
A/N: And that's a wrap! Now Team Outcast has been completed with Ursula joining and Fiora volunteering. Sorry this took forever but having so many stories up is taking its toll on me. But I won't falter, for the sake of the people. Before I do the usual, let's talk about Wes. Originally Wes was supposed to be a Swordmaster, with the same backstory. But instead of finding solace with Team Outcast, he would find solace in one of the girls. But I decided to change it because I couldn't figure out which girl to choose, I was leaning towards either Lyndis or Karla but I decided against it. So I made him a Shaman instead, which lead to him being Niime's grandson, which lead to the creation of Lea, Luphy, and Yuki. So in the end it turned out well. Anyway, what did you guys think? Did you like this chapter? Did you not? Let me know with a review or a PM, and while you're at it check out my profile and give my other stories a shot! I'm going to start writing Chapter 3 of U.A. after I get some sleep because by the time this chapter uploads it'll be about 2:35-2:40 where I am. So anyway, I rambled long enough I'm gonna let you all go. Bye-Bye!
