A/n: Here is Chapter 13 with Negima! Also, the English translation of Claire's Song, Song of the Breeze is here. So special credit to A Reyvateil's Melody for the lyrics!
Chapter 13: To Climb the Tower: Part 1: Claire's Song and Bourd's Darkness
Aurica opened her eyes and got out of the capsule, Lyner did the same.
"Aurica, how do you feel?" Lyner asked. Aurica pressed her fingers nervously. "I feel… a little more stronger than before. But let me try something." Aurica closed her eyes and shouted "Costume Change! Skuwat!" A bright light covered Aurica. A few seconds later, Aurica was wearing the costume she wore in her Lvl 2 Cosmosphere.
Aurica looked at her new clothes. "This is…!" "Aurica, you changed clothes!" Lyner gasped. "Oh that? In certain levels of a Reyvateil's Cosmosphere, once you completed them, you get a Costume based on the Reyvateil's feelings and thoughts. Costumes help a Reyvateil increase her powers and Song Magic. There are many Costumes, so try them out!" The Dive Man explained.
"I feel a little more powerful than before. Lyner, let's continue diving later on, okay?" Aurica closed her eyes and smiled a little. "Y-Yeah…" Lyner smiled. In his thoughts. 'Aurica… The more I dive into you, the more I learn about your tragic past. And I will help you overcome them." Lyner thought to himself.
After the two heroes regrouped with the party, they headed for the Elemia Church.
They entered the Church.
"I'm so glad to see you made it back. Did you get the Hymn Crystal?" Bishop Falss asked with a smile. "Yes, I got it here." Lyner showed him Purger. "Its color… and shape… This is definitely a real Hymn Crystal." Bishop Falss said in awe as he stared at its beauty.
"That's good to know. We didn't risk our lives out for nothing." Fukuyama stated. "Yes. This is good news for all of us." Bishop Falss smiled. "Yes. Thank you for all the help." Lyner bowed gratefully. "Oh, you don't have to thank me. So, what are your plans now?" Bishop Falss asked. "I have to get back to Platina. Even at this moment, Platina is in great danger. I have to get back there as soon as possible." Lyner said seriously.
"I see… However, I heard your airship is destroyed." Bishop Falss stated. "Yeah, it's in pretty bad shape. I decided to climb the Tower." Lyner added. "The Tower? But, the Teru Tribe prevents people from climbing up there…" Bishop Falss stated. "Yeah, but I have no choice. Besides, if I talk with the Teru Tribe, I can probably convince them to let me through." Lyner suggested. Bishop Falss was silent.
Then he smiled. "Very well. I offer you the full support of the Church to aid you in reaching Platina." He stated. "Really? But, I can't accept that. It's more than I deserve." Lyner shook his head. "This isn't just a matter for Platina any more. As citizens of the Tower, we can't ignore this matter. Helping you return to Platina is the least we can do. Radolf, Aurica, please continue to aid Lyner and his friends." Bishop Falss smiled. "I will…" Radolf stated, he eyed Bishop Falss suspiciously. "I will too." Aurica nodded. "Bishop Falss… Thank you very much." Rayne bowed politely. "It's my pleasure. Please come see us any time." Bishop Falss smiled. "May the Trio of Elemia bless us all…" Lyner and his friends exited the Church.
Back at the inn, Lyner remembered he has to give the Fragment of Yuteria to Claire. The party head to the bar.
"Welcome." Claire greeted. "Hello Claire. Have I ever told you that you smell as sweet as a hiblacus in bloom on a warm tropical day?" Jack smiled politely like a gentleman. "Back off, she's mine…" Fukuyama glared at Jack who glared back. "Wooo… that was so horrible it just sent a chill down my spine!" Krusche said sarcastically. "Don't you have to do an oil change or something?" Jack countered. "You all must be great friends. Say, Jack, did you find Lyner and his friends?" Claire asked with a smile. "Yep. Thanks to you." Jack nodded.
"I better thank you too, Miss Claire. Jack saved my life. Oh and I brought you the thing you wanted…" Lyner gave her the Fragment of Yuteria. "You're so generous. Thank you." Miss Claire smiled. "Yeah, but I have no idea it was a part of the Guardian's armor." Lyner sighed. "It was?" Claire gasped. "I'm sorry, I had no idea. I just heard it from someone." Claire apologized. "Don't worry, Claire. It's good for Lyner to do all these crazy things at his age. It'll help him grow into a better man. It's good experience for him." Jack smirked. "Oh brother…" Amara rolled her eyes.
"Well, I'm still sorry. Please, let me buy you dinner." Claire offered.
One dinner later…
Serena and Naruto were still snoring after eating dinner. Aurica brought up a question. "Claire, what do you need it for?" "I need it to fix my lute." Claire answered. "Your lute? So can you play it sweetheart?" Jack gasped. "Oh yes, I'm pretty good too." Claire closed her eyes and smiled. "I can't wait to hear it! So, can you play it right now?" Jack asked excitedly. "No. Unfortunately, I still need a few things to fix it. I need some strings. I wish I knew someone who can meld them…" Claire sighed, Zoey grinned as she pushed Lyner forward. "Lyner can meld them for you." Zoey said playfully. "W-What?" Lyner gawked. "You will? Thank you. Once I get some strings, I can play as much as you like." "yeah, so get to work!" Jack shouted. "I'm getting you for this later, Zoey…" Lyner whispered angrily at her who snickered. "Thank you. Here is the Recipe Card for it. You can keep it if you'd like." Claire smiled as she handed him the Recipe Card. 'Hmm. And why I'm at it. Maybe I can meld that sword recipe and others too.' Lyner thought to himself.
Lyner and Aurica went to Lyner's room and Lyner cracked his knuckles. "Okay, let's get to work." Lyner smiled. Lyner for starters, made some healing medicine just in case and let Aurica name a few of them. Next, Lyner made some materials for later. Third, Lyner made the Cieroceamics Sword, it was slightly more powerful than his Bastard Sword, so he equipped it right away. Finally, he made the Yuteria String. "I made it! I better take it to Miss Claire right away!" Lyner smiled as he and Aurica went back to the bar.
"Miss Claire, I made the strings." Lyner said as he handed over the Yuteria String to Claire. "You did? Thank you! …Please wait here." Claire smiled as she went to get ready.
5 minutes later, Claire came in with her lute now fully repaired. "Now, it's been awhile, so I hope I can still play it well." Claire hoped.
Night came and everyone came in as Claire played her lute. A huge crowd appeared.
The gentle wind brushes gently against your cheeks. Gently saying about what it could have seen. From beyond the faraway closed skies. Listen carefully to it as it collects and returns waves of the grass.
Conveying this to you, who are so, so far away. Even now I am awaiting for you. Someday, in the hill of the sunlight that filters through the trees. I will receive your tired heart
Your heart will stand still at the end of the way. While the beads of rain gently fall. The long darkness will melt and turn into a river. And the sleeping land will be shaken awake, and the spring will be revealed.
You always have the answers. Grasped in the palm of your hands. Whatever the age or the place. Where the unchanging dreams will be born.
Conveying this to you, who are so, so far away. With this wide world. Together with the flying birds. Many times, I will see your back while saying farewell to you.
The white clouds will always be lead by the wind, while they listen gently to the continuation of its dreams. Embracing the overflowing future. While the blue seeds softly descend. And the sound of the collected and returned waves of the grass reaches you...
The audience clapped as Claire bowed. "You're… incredible…" Lyner gasped in awe. Motoko looked down in sadness. "It's so… moving." Krusche smiled. "You played like a pro." Jack gave her a thumbs up. Aurica was silent. "It's been a long time since I heard her sing. But, she always blows me away." A man commented. "Please don't say you're gonna play once a month. I want to hear you everyday." A adventure pleaded. "Yeah! I came here everyday to hear you sing." A guard cheered. "Yeah, me too!" The man laughed. "Oh you guys…" Claire smiled. "Thank you…"
After the party went to bed and the audience left, only Lyner and Claire were left. "Thank you. Not just for the strings, but for bringing the fragment too." Claire said gratefully. "Don't mention it. You already paid us back by playing that beautiful music for us." Lyner smiled. "Hmhmhm, thank you." Claire closed her eyes and smiled. "It wasn't quite as powerful as Song Magic… But it still made me feel all warm inside." Lyner smiled. "That's the best compliment I can receive. You see. I am a Reyvateil, but I gave up Song Magic long ago. …Not many people know this, but I used to belong to Tenba." Claire looked down in sadness. "Really?" Lyner gawked. "…Yes. But, I left when I realized their goals are completely different than mine. Have you ever thought about the real power of Songs?" Claire asked Lyner. "Huh? You mean, like how magical they are?" Lyner blinked. "No, not like that." Claire giggled. "I think that songs are the best way of conveying what you really feel in your heart. They're not something you can see or touch… I know this sounds crazy but…" Claire stopped and smiled. "With just one song today, I made everybody feel happy." "Hmm…" Lyner thought. "I decided to only sing songs that can touch the hearts of everyone. A Reyvateil that doesn't use Song Magic… Hmhmhm… sounds strange, doesn't it?" Claire smiled warmly. "It's unusual, but I still think you're amazing." Lyner told her with a smile. "Thank you. Please come back whenever you want to hear my songs." Claire smiled.
Night went deeper, Lyner was still awake. "Alright, and now, I can finally go back to Platina." Lyner looked up. "But, I'm glad I took the time to hear Miss Claire sing before we left." Lyner was silent. "I hope Lady Shurelia and Ayatane are still okay. And I hope that monster Naraku doesn't find a way up to Platina. And I hope dad is ok too…" Lyner sighed sadly. "I can't sleep. There's so much on my mind right now. I'll think I'll go for a walk…" Lyner said as he went outside.
Lyner went to the park and saw Aurica singing near the Song Stone. "…Oh? Aurica…" Lyner whispered. "Sing the Songs of Gaia! Resonate through the Skies of Creation." Aurica sang. Lyner walked up to her.
"You sing beautifully." Lyner smiled at her. Aurica turned and gasped as she saw Lyner. "Lyner?" She gasped. "Do you sing like this often?" Lyner asked. "...I'm not that good at singing, so I have to practice…" Aurica pressed her fingers nervously. "You were being too hard on yourself. You were great." Lyner assured her. Aurica turned away. "You don't have to lie to me… My Songs don't help anybody." Aurica walked towards the edge. "I'm not like Claire… People need her…" Aurica looked down. "And I always get in the way… I'm nothing but trouble…" Aurica said sadly. Lyner was silent for 20 seconds then he said "So, you and Miss Claire grew up together?" Aurica turned to Lyner. "…Yes Unlike me, Claire can do anything she wants. Just like the concert today… People can count on her when they need her. I joined the Church and tried my best to become a candidate for the Holy Maiden. But, as a Class D Reyvateil, I couldn't even find a partner… So when the Bishop ordered me to join the Singing Hill mission, it made me so happy." Aurica looked at Lyner with a smile. "I actually felt like someone needed me." "But I do need you, Aurica. At the Singing Hill, when I was about to fall… you saved me with your Song Magic." Lyner told her, Aurica looked down in embarrassment.
"Don't act like this. You never got in my way…" Lyner assured her. Aurica looked at the Tower. "…Why are you being so nice to me?" Aurica wondered. "…Huh? Me? Nice? …I'm just a normal guy…" Lyner nervously smiled. "No, you're are" Aurica told him. Lyner was silent. "…You're really kind." Aurica stated.
Meanwhile… back in Platina…
We see a Knight of Elemia and Reyvateil fighting some Guardians. "Heh…Heh…" The Reyvateil panted. "No matter how many enemies I beat, there's always more to take their place…" She wiped some sweat from her forehead. "How are you doing? You've been singing for awhile… Do you need to take a break?" The Knight asked in concern. "…No, thanks. I'm okay for now. Don't worry about me, we have to defend Platina!" His partner told him. "Damn viruses… they took control of the Guardians!" The Knight growled, suddenly, another Reyvateil came up to the pair. "Emergency! The defensive network protecting Platina has been breached…!" The 2nd Reyvateil panicked. "What?" The Knight gasped. Then, another Knight of Elemia ran up to the three with worry on his face. "Captain! The viruses at the Altar of Apostles are acting… strange!" "What?" The Knight captain gasped in shock.
We turned to Lady Shurelia and the three from before near the entrance to the Altar of Apostles.
"What's the situation with the viruses?" Lady Shurelia asked. The Knight Captain turned to Lady Shurelia with a serious look. "They're surrounding themselves in some kind of barrier." He reported. "…A barrier?" Lady Shurelia wondered. "Getting close to it made us sick… It is definitely made of powerful energy." The Reyvateil reported. "…I don't like this. We must go to the Altar of Apostles." Lady Shurelia stated, the Knights and Reyvateil saluted as they entered the Altar of Apostles.
Inside, the two Knights and Reyvateil prep themselves for battle as Lady Shurelia approaches. She recognized the virus named ELMA-DS. "..You!" Lady Shurelia gritted her teeth. ELMA-DS let out a roar, and suddenly, a dark voice was heard. "Long time no see, Shurelia…" The voice said sinisterly. "That voice…" Lady Shurelia gasped. "It's been awhile… I can come out now… but only with my voice…" The voice mocked. "Lady Shurelia? What's happening?" The second Knight demanded. "You've finally awakened… Mir…" Lady Shurelia said seriously. "I have… fortunately…" Mir said evilly. "I don't know how long it's been… but you haven't changed at all…" Mir said coolly. "…Why do you side with humans? Humans are weak and fragile cowards. They are the real virus… destroying our world." Mir said bitterly. "No… they aren't like that!" Lady Shurelia protested. "Hahaha… Shurelia, you're just as I remember." Mir said evilly. Lady Shurelia was silent. "I think… it's time to make my dream come true. But to do that, I need to exterminate every living being in the universe…" Mir said as ELMA-DS charged a green field. Suddenly, the first Knight charged at the virus. "What are you doing?" Lady Shurelia demanded. Suddenly, ELMA-DS lifted the Knight Captain in the air and shot a blast at him, the Knight Captain screamed in agony as he was obliterated.
"NOOOOO! Captain!" The Reyvateil gasped before turning to ELMA DS with an angry look. "You're horrible! Why would you do that…?" The Reyvateil demanded. "Calm yourself, my darling child… I'm doing this all for you…" Mir said with a motherly voice. "…What do you mean?" The Reyvateil was startled. "I'm going to exterminate every living being in the universe, creating a Utopia for Reyvateils with His help!" Mir said gleefully. "No… I don't want to live in a world like that!" The Reyvateil grabbed her head in terror. "Every living being in the universe? And who is this He you speak of?" Lady Shurelia demanded. "… No matter, I won't allow you to sabotage the Tower any more…" "Hahaha! You won't allow me? How do you plan on stopping me? I'm faster than you." Mir mocked, Lady Shurelia was taken back. "This is only the beginning. …Now I'm ready to begin working on a much larger scale. I'm going to host the greatest ceremony anyone has ever seen to usher in the new world…" Mir said evilly. "No! She's going to purge the Musical Corridor!" Lady Shurelia gasped, before she can act, ELMA DS roared and unleashed another blast that knocked out Lady Shurelia.
Back in the Lower World, a piece of the Musical Corridor came off and felled into a area.
With Lyner and Aurica.
The ground shook, Aurica gasped but Lyner caught her. "What's wrong?" Lyner asked in concern. "Something's happening…" Aurica stammered. "No! Not the viruses again!" Lyner gritted his teeth in anger. "…What?" Aurica blinked. "Never mind. We better get back to the Inn. Everyone's probably worried about us." Lyner told her. "You're right." Aurica nodded as the two future lovebirds headed back to the inn.
With Lady Shurelia…
The Reyvateil and Knight were knocked out. Lady Shurelia weakly stands up. "The Musical Corridor controls the climate of this world… I can't believe you destroyed it… No one can live without it. You won't only kill the humans, you'll kill the Reyvateils too…" Lady Shurelia growled. "Don't worry, I'm not stupid. I've calculated everything…" Mir said coolly. "What are you planning to do?" Lady Shurelia demanded. "I told you… I'm going to create the perfect Reyvateil Utopia by exterminating every living being in the universe. And with His help, I will expand the Reyvateil Utopia across the universe. And, I already have many plans in motion… For instance… there's one waiting next to you…" Mir mocked. ELMA DS emitted another shock wave and vanished, leaving Lady Shurelia knocked out. Suddenly… Ayatane came in and checked Lady Shurelia.
"…Lady Shurelia." Ayatane whispered. She said nothing. "Lady Shurelia…? She's unconscious…" Ayatane continued to stare at her. "…She's so beautiful. Just watching her sleep makes feel better…" A smile formed into Ayatane's lips. "Lady Shurelia. I'll do anything to protect you… always…" Ayatane stands up and stares at the Altar of Apostles. "As a Knight of Elemia… and also to save my Mother…"
(Back with Lyner and the party)
Lyner and party were here except for Krusche.
"Where's Krusche?" Lyner asked. "She said she wanted to check something out." Jack answered. Suddenly, Krusche came in, pushing Jack aside with a serious look on her face.
"Hey I got some big news! A part of the Tower fell on one of Tenba's facilities." Krusche reported. "What?" Lyner gasped. "And, all of Tenba's executives were having a meeting there… Including that gigantic guy and the president lady…" Krusche stated grimly. "You mean Bourd…" Zoey said seriously. "It must be him. No one else in Tenba is even close to his size." Radolf frowned. "Then… Misha might have been there, too." Naruto frowned as he crossed his arms. This made Jack gasped. "Misha! No!" Jack pounded his fist on the ground. The others looked at Jack. "…Jack? You know Misha?" Lyner asked. "Yeah… She's the reason I've been traveling around." Jack stated. "Really? So, it was Misha who was telling you about me…" Lyner gasped. "…Something like that. But, now's not the time to talk! We gotta go save Misha! Like right now!" Jack ordered. "Okay…" Lyner nodded. '…Misha, hold on!' Jack thought to himself.
The party headed for Hexagonal Plate northeast of Nemo.
When they got there, the area looked almost destroyed.
"W-What the hell is this?" Ed gawked. "What happened? Damn! Those damned viruses!" Lyner gritted his teeth in anger as he pounded his fists. "That's… some crash…" Jack's eyes widen. Suddenly, Sakura A. spotted someone. "Hey! I see someone knocked out!" The party ran up to the person, it was a young boy. Lyner shook him awake. "Hey! Keep it together!" Lyner yelled as he shook him.
The boy named Negi slowly opened his eyes then gasped and backed away in a corner. "W-Who are you people? And Where am I?" "Calm down. We're on your side. So tell us what happened." Renee asked.
"Well, let's see. It was three days after we brought back Asuna from the dead. My students and I were taking a vacation. Then suddenly, we felt an powerful energy and a strange portal sucked us in. And then…" Negi realized something. He looked frantically for his missing students. "Hey, don't worry, we'll find your… students?" Sakura H. blinked. "What the heck? You're a teacher? I thought you're supposed to be old enough to teach." Naruto gawked. "Well, I have already achieved a Bachelor's Degree."
"Well, you must be really smart." Radolf smiled. Krusche noticed an opening. "Ah… I think we can get inside over there." Krusche pointed. "Let's go!" Renee shouted. The party entered the building.
The party explored the Hexagonal Plate. After getting some Juicy Meat, they entered the second hall.
When they emerge from the entrance, Lyner heard something and told everyone to listen.
They heard footsteps and then suddenly, 31 teenage girls appeared right around the corner. Negi recognized them.
"Negi sensei!" The girls yelled happily as they ran up to him and hugged him. Makie Sasaki noticed Lyner and smiled.
"Hey, he's kinda cuter than Negi sensei." The girls stopped what they're doing and turned to Lyner.
"Like, how do you help our sensei, cutie?" Sakurako Shiina asked sweetly.
"Are you a fan of guns?" Mana Tatsumiya asked.
"And do you fight good?" Chao Lingshen asked.
'Oooh boy…' Lyner sweat dropped as the students of Negi asked him different questions. Aurica looked down.
'Not only Lyner is a Apostle of Elemia, he's also popular with the ladies… I will certainly lose to win his affection… No! Don't say that! You and Lyner are meant to be. You got to show him how much you loved him!' Aurica looked up with determination.
"Wow. Lyner's having it rough…" Kirie sweat dropped.
"Hehe. Lyner, getting popular with the ladies, are we?" Jack grinned..
"Girls, that's enough! We need to find out where we are." Negi said.
Zoey and her friends explained the situation to the students.
"So this Saizen guy is the reason we're in this world and he wants to rule the universe?" Asuna Kagurazka pieced everything together.
"Man, he sounds like a bad cookie." Natsumi Murakami frowned.
"So he got to be stopped before he causes real damage!" Yue pounded her fists together.
So the students joined the party. The party explored the Hexagonal Plate, after fighting some rough Reyvateils and Guardians and gaining some useful items and busting through some security doors, the party entered a room with some tubes.
The party got a good look at them. "What is this?" Setsuna Sakurazaki muttered. "It's the lab where we experiment on Reyvateils to make them stronger." A familiar voice said. The party turned around and saw Bourd looking at them with a sinsater glare. "Bourd!" Lyner gritted his teeth in anger as he got out his sword. "So, you're Bourd Rade…" Serena glared. "Lyner told us a lot about you!" Sayo Aisaka frowned. "The way you treat Reyvateils is… inhumane and unforgivable!" Radolf yelled angrily at the evil soldier of Tenba. "Only strong Reyvateils have any value at all." Bourd frowned deeper. "So, our research… is only doing them a favor. Don't you see that?" Lyner lowered his sword. "…You don't really believe that, do you?" Lyner frowned. "It's like behind-the-scenes look at a slavery ring…" Jack growled. "I can't forgive you for your cruelty against Reyvateils! We're shutting you down for good!" Radolf got his spear ready. "Radolf, how amusing. I think I'll bury you here today!" Bourd got his sword ready. "Both of you, stop it!" A feminine voice commanded.
A woman who wears scantly dressed clothes and gray bluish hair came in and with Misha! "Madam President." Bourd said in a cold voice. "Misha!" Lyner and Jack gasped. "Lyner…and Harm…?" Misha gasped. "Harm?" Ed and Al blinked. Jack ran to her, but Bourd pushed him back. "You're not authorized to approach our most valuable Reyvateil!" Bourd growled. "This isn't the time to fight. Now that we, too have been unfairly victimized, we're all in the same boat." Madam President stated clearly. "Madam President!" Bourd gasped. "Please… excuse the rudeness of our greeting. I am Ayano Raizer Elduke, the president of the Tenba Conglormerate." President Ayano introduced herself. "The President of Tenba!" Lyner gasped. "Yes indeed. I will like to thank you on behalf of Tenba for your relief efforts. Cardinal Radolf, I have heard so much about you, in fact, I hear that you are the church's finest swordsman." Ayano smiled. "But as a favor, you want us to take it easy on you." Zoey stated. "You catch on quick." Ayano smiled. "That is a selfish request." Radolf muttered. "Oh I know. That is why it would be a favor. Will you grant us…. It?" Ayano pleaded. Radolf was silent for 15 seconds then he sighed. "Very well. It's a deal. It is for the best of everyone." Radolf reluctantly agreed. "I appreciate your understanding. Now we must get going." Ayano stated. "Alright…" Bourd sighed irritably as they began to leave. "Misha!" Jack gasped. Misha looked at Jack. "…Harm." Misha said sadly. "Misha… is that really you?" Jack rubbed his eyes. Misha was silent. "What is it, Misha?" Ayano asked. "…Nothing." Misha sighed as the three leave. "What happened to you? …Are you really Misha?" Jack said sadly as he looked at the ground.
Has Misha betrayed Lyner and the gang?
TBC
Next time: To Climb the Tower: Part 2: Misha's Betrayal? Cyner Battle 1
A/n: Okay, next chapter will have Misha rejoin the party and Koi Koi 7, Nurse Angel Ririka and Wedding Peach will join the party and the first battle with Cyner! So see you soon!