(This episode will mainly focus on the investigation, meeting up with the Rainbow Sage, and going to the Bottomless Canyon. So three parts! No battle until the end of this chapter, where we'll bump into a friend that was mentioned earlier in the story - a couple of friends, more precisely. Who could they be? We'll find out!
I only own myself and Colette, everything else belongs to their respective owners. Let the gates open.)
Episode 17: Taste the Rainbow, Mother Firetrucker
In the pocket dimension that Azura created, we'd find the investigation team now with Silas in their ranks, leaving Flash as the first to speak. "So we don't have to worry about the curse affecting us in here, right?"
"Truly." Azura reassured. "We can speak here about the case unobstructed." The group, minus Silas, collectively sighed with relief.
"Pardon me, but what's this all about a curse?" Silas asked. Azura filled him in. "Got it. I won't tell a soul."
"I feel like we're an actual group of law enforcement investigators." Flash giddily stated. "Withholding information from the public, using our minds to solve a high profile and highly personal case, and it also being entwined with our mission of ending the war between Hoshido and Nohr. Even though times have been sad and all, I'm gonna be honest Azura - it's been a blast for all the good times we've had."
"At least you're enthusiastic." Azura nodded softly. "But we have business to get to."
"Right." Kaze agreed. "But where to start?"
"Maybe we could try my new ability?" Felicia suggested.
"Ah, your ability to combine evidence? Yeah, let's do that." Flash agreed. "It'll probably lead us to new information and produce a break in the case!" It was then a glow started in front of Felicia, forming something.
"Wha...what's going on?" The maid was confused. When the light faded, a custom made revolver was slowly placed in her hands. The grip of said revolver looked to have frost covering it and the main body of it was a light purple in color, along with frost forming around the barrel and holes in the cylinder where the bullets went.
"I think that's an Evidence Revolver." Flash mused. "Try using it to combine evidence."
"O-Okay. If you say so." Felicia agreed in a haphazardly way. Taking a deep breath, she began to sift through the evidence that was presented to her in the form of bullets.
"Ah, I see what to do. If we connect our thoughts concerning the evidence, we should be able to uncover new facts." Azura suggested.
"Sounds like a great idea!" Felicia complimented. "But...I'd rather go over the facts since Silas here doesn't know everything."
BGM: Dangna Ronpa 2: Goodbye Despair 'Class Trial - Dawn Edition'
"Very well, let's review." Flash agreed. "Silas, here's what happened to the best of my memory. So we're having this public announcement to let the people of Hoshido know of Corrin's presence, right? Then this guy in blue robes with white bandages walks forward and holds out his hand, and Corrin's sword at the time - Ganglari - is forced into his hand." Flash then went on to elaborate about how Mikoto was murdered - the shrapnel of the murder weapon was directed at Corrin, but Mikoto shielded her child, and died to protect him.
"That...Corrin, I'm so sorry." Silas clenched his hands into fists and was...welling up? "She sounded like such a sweet lady, too."
"Yeah. She was...Flash vowed that he'd find her killer." Felicia mentioned. "And so far he's been making good on his promise. But, we don't have any clear suspects…"
"His Majesty, King Garon. Could he be a possible suspect?" Silas suggested. "He did gift Ganglari to Corrin in the first place."
"Huh? Are you suggesting that was his plan from the beginning?" Corrin was shocked.
"It's nothing conclusive, but it is a possibility." Azura elaborated. "Think about it. Whoever wanted you dead knew, and still knows, you're a key player when it comes to the royalty of both Hoshido and Nohr. If you were gone, whoever did the deed would be attacked by the other kingdom, seeing your death as a reason to go to war."
"I...I can't believe he would…" Corrin was horrified.
"Um...Azura? I think there's a flaw in your logic." Felicia spoke up.
"What is it, Felicia?" Azura coolly asked.
"Well, I don't deny that the killer knew about how much of an influence Lord Corrin is, but Lord Leo told me something about Garon...I think it can rule him out as a suspect." Felicia then repeated what Leo told her and Flash back at Izumo. "So basically, I don't think Garon is our culprit."
"Very interesting...but tell me something, Felicia." Kaze chimed in. "Why did he only tell you and Felicia? Why tell us now?"
"My guess is that Leo had more trust in the two of us than the rest of you." Flash wagered. "Because he did say before he left to make sure an act of kindness Corrin did wouldn't be the death of me."
Corrin had black anime lines run down his face at that comment.
"Lord Leo told us that Garon used to be a doting father, but something about him changed…" Felicia began. "It's as if someone replaced him. In fact…" The dots began connecting in Felicia's mind, combining two bits of evidence together for the first time - the testimony that Leo gave them regarding Garon, and the testimony Yukimura gave them about Mikoto believing dark forces being at work.
"What'cha got, Felicia?" Flash inquired, liking where this was going.
"I believe that these dark forces Queen Mikoto believed were at work are the ones that Lord Leo claims 'replaced' Garon." Felicia reasoned. "Not entirely sure what kind of forces, but if we're to believe that Garon had a hand in the murder, there's no reason we should discount this fact!"
"Agreed." Azura nodded. Flash registered this fact in his mind as well. Felicia got to thinking again.
"While Queen Mikoto is still relevant to this discussion, there's something that is bothering me." The maid spoke up. "If we're going to state that these dark forces replaced Garon, there's the matter of the murder weapon."
"What about it?" Kaze raised an eyebrow.
"Lord Corrin, is it true that Garon gave you Ganglari?" Felicia asked for confirmation sake. When Corrin nodded, she continued. "Garon had to have a hand in this murder due to the fact that he was the one who gave the murder weapon to Lord Corrin. Another fact we shouldn't discount."
"Understandable." Azura nodded. "There is one thing I would like to know regarding this - when Garon gave the murder weapon to Corrin, was this a step towards premeditated regicide?"
"That's...admittedly a good question." Flash conceded. "If Garon is the killer, we don't know of his motive if there is one at all."
"Yeah. At the time he gave that to me, I don't think there was any reason he would have wanted to do that to me." Corrin spoke up.
*End BGM*
"What if Garon was using you as a means to an end?" Azura suddenly suggested.
BGM: Dangan Ronpa 2: Goodbye Despair 'Class Trial - Odd Edition'
Corrin felt like he was just kicked in the face by a horse. "Wh- what the hell kind of assumption is that!? Why would he use me like that!?"
"I know it's something you don't want to consider, Corrin...but hear me out. Yukimura told us that Mikoto was certain to die. Could it be entirely possible that Mikoto was the intended victim all along?" Azura frowned.
"That...that does make sense, but…" Kaze seemed horrified. "Using your own children to help commit murder?"
"With them none the wiser too…" Silas clenched his hands into fists. "That's horrible!"
"Well, it's only a theory, but unless we have more information I'd rather not jump to conclusions." Azura closed her eyes.
*End BGM*
"Agreed." Flash broke the tension. "Not to mention I think we're almost at Notre Sagesse."
"Then let's go." Azura brought them back to the Captain's Quarters, and when the six left…Flash was indeed right.
"Boss, we're here!" Colette waved. "What have you been up to?"
"Case work." Flash answered her. "Now can we go?"
"Actually we've been waiting for you guys…" Birgus confided. "But yeah, let's go!" With that being said, the group got off Royal Champion and headed into town. Corrin met an old man to see if they could get information on where the Rainbow Sage was.
"Greetings, traveler! It must have taken you some effort to reach Notre Sagesse." He said. "Do you have business here?"
"Yes." Corrin answered. "We've heard that a man known as the Rainbow Sage lives here. We have need of him - could you please tell us where we can find him?" The old man noticed the sword that Corrin had.
"Hmm...that weapon you're holding...it's the Yato, isn't it?"
"Hm? Oh! Yes, it is." Corrin confirmed. "I'm surprised you recognized it."
"Why do you wish to meet the Sage?" The old man inquired. "Do you seek power?"
"No, we want to ask him a question." Was Corrin's response.
"Ahh, so you're after knowledge, then. Fascinating...on top of Mount Sagesse is the Sevenfold Sanctuary. The Sage is said to reside on the highest floor of that place. The mountain itself is quite high, so most people don't reach the sanctuary. And...that's all I know, really." The old man explained.
"Thank you for your help." Corrin thanked. "If we learn more about the Sage as we go, we'll be sure to share what we learn." As he left to tell the others, the old man had one last nugget of wisdom to give as a parting gift.
"Try your best not to die on the way up!"
Later on, we find the whole group on the way up the aforementioned mountain trail. It was a bit steep. Flash and Colette were leading the way, not bothered by this at all. A few others, namely Rinkah, Birgus, Effie, Hana, and Subaki soldiered on behind them just fine. Everyone else on the other hand…
"That old man wasn't kidding." Takumi was getting a bit winded. "This is the steepest hike I've ever done…"
"Are you doing OK?" Corrin asked in worry. "Hey, everyone! If you feel tired or faint, make sure to speak up! We can always rest."
"What about you, Corrin?" Camilla asked, with the same amount of concern. "Your face looks a bit flushed…" She then got an idea, complete with a smile. "If you need me to, I can carry you on my back like when you were small!"
"Ah...I'll be fine. Thanks." Corrin responded. Alicia on the other hand?
"Bruh...I'll take you up on that offer." She was a tired chibi at this point, extending her arms out. Camilla took the cue and picked her up.
"Alright." Camilla then put Alicia close to her heart. "Rest up here, darling."
"Okee!" Alicia responded cutely.
"How is your man so built to handle this kinda hike?" Hinata just had to ask Alicia, who saw this whole thing as normal.
"Grizzleheim strong, dudebroman." Flash laughed. "And Colette's a tough chick too. Probably one of the best assistants a guy can ask for."
"Yes Flash, we get it." Takumi groaned. "You're built like a fortress."
"No, that's Effie." Flash rolled his eyes. Elise let out a yelp of surprise as she fell off her horse. Sakura, almost with ninja like reflexes, caught Elise before she hit the ground.
"Are...are you alright, Elise?" Sakura asked, staff at the ready if she wasn't.
"Nice catch, Sakura! Thank you!" Elise was grateful. "Falling all the way back down this mountain would have hurt a ton!"
"Yeah, no sh*t." Selena was internally thankful, but outwardly annoyed Elise stated something like that. The retainer even thought that it wouldn't have even been all the way, more or less a few feet.
"No...I don't think you would have fallen all the way back down…" Sakura had an anime sweatdrop at this.
This proceeded on for about an hour and a half - mainly due to Flash and Colette marching on undeterred, when a structure at the top of the mountain was visible to the group.
"Look! Is that the Sevenfold Sanctuary in the distance?" Takumi wondered, pointing to it.
"It must be...there can't possibly be two of these up here." Corrin agreed. "We must be near the summit."
"Hmm…" Takumi thought aloud. "And the Sage is waiting at the very top…"
"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Flash exclaimed in an enthusiastic manner, getting groans out of some people.
"Just...lemme...catch my breath…" Lux got out, having carried Anna up most of the way.
"See? This is why we should have taken turns." Anna deadpanned. "But thanks for the ride."
"Our real trial will start soon." Corrin wasn't as tired now. "Ryoma said that the Sage will only meet with the strongest people. I don't think this will be an easy task."
Those that were tired all exchanged glances with each other. Seeing as the hike up the mountain took a bit out of them, and figured that they didn't have the stamina to face this seemingly dauntless battle. However, those that did? Flash, Corrin, Colette, Birgus, Hana, Subaki, Effie, Camilla, her retainers and Rinkah?
It didn't take a genius to figure out what their next move would be. Alicia was an exception to this group that was tired because she was busy taking a cat nap in between Camilla's frontal assets.
"Bae…" Alicia softly got out, sleeping soundly.
"Only the strongest, huh?" G wondered.
Oboro was the first person to try and move them, which she accomplished by running at them…
And right into Rinkah's outwardly extended forearm, her neck slamming right into it and falling back hard on the ground. She was out cold again.
BGM: Super Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 'Ancient Barrow'
After about a minute later, those mentioned along with G and a KO'd Oboro were tossed forwards into the entrance of the Sevenfold Sanctuary.
"Oh, REAL FUNNY GUYS!" Flash shouted. "REAL FUNNY!" Selena flipped a few of them off.
"You must be tired after such a long time." A voice echoed in the ground floor. "However, if you wish to meet the Rainbow Sage, you must pass the trials ahead."
"Is this gonna be like one of those mystery dungeons?" Colette thought to herself.
"Only then can you open the door to the top floor." The same voice finished. A stairway was visible to the group, and Flash let out a huff.
"Can you believe them?" He grumbled.
"Seeing as we climbed up a giant mountain and you were so eager about it...I think we had it coming, Cap'n." Birgus told his captain.
"It'll be fine, darling." Camilla soothed. "If we aren't gassed from a mountain, this should be of no problem to us." Rinkah said nothing and starting dragging Oboro, hair first, to the stairway.
"Trials, hm?" G wondered.
"Guess there's only one way to find out." Hana was ready. "Ready when you are, Captain Dove!"
"Let's get this over with." Flash followed Rinkah up the stairs. G brought up the rear. There were a couple enemies on the floor they went up. One with a naginata, a heavily armored one with a lance, a third with magic, and the last one having a bow.
"Really? Just four?" Birgus complained. "C'mon, Rainbow Sage! I wanna challenge!" He engaged the first one.
"If it's so boring, then how about you fight all four at once, Birgus." G said cheerfully.
After defeating the first, the crab gave a laugh and did just that in a short skirmish.
"Show off." Rinkah frowned.
"You're one to talk, Rinkah." Colette sweatdropped, heading on up.
The next floor featured double the enemies, half of which were magic users.
"Colette! We can take them, right?" Hana called.
"We can try." She put her fists up and raced forward with the samurai. Rinkah joined in on the melee too. G hung back and watched them fight. Flash did the same thing, conserving his power for higher floors. Colette struck enemies with punches seemingly having the force and speed of lightning strikes. Of course, this was how Flash saw it.
"Kick their asses, Colette!" Flash cheered. Hana and Rinkah slashed and smacked the other enemies into submission, Rinkah fighting with one hand, and keeping Oboro from getting hurt with the other.
"We done here?" G wondered. With the girls and their teamwork, they were done with this floor.
"Yeah, safe to say." Colette didn't even break a sweat. "Ready to keep going?" G nodded.
"These floors are awfully easy..." Onto the fourth floor. We find the challenge ramping up, the number of enemies doubling again.
"I'll get in on this." Camilla smiled. "All I hope is that my darling Alicia doesn't fall out..."
"How can she sleep through this?" Effie just had to ask, running a foe through with her lance. Indeed, Alicia was still snoozing away.
"She's a heavy sleeper," G commented as he continued to watch. With Subaki and Rinkah joining in on the melee, this fight took a bit longer and was most uneventful…
If it wasn't for one enemy breaking Rinkah's club.
"Damn!" She hissed, then remembered she was still holding Oboro. "Desperate times...sorry Oboro, but I gotta do something!" Grabbing Oboro by her legs, she started to swing Oboro around like a flail and did surprisingly good damage to the enemy. G burst out laughing at this development.
"Look at it Flash! Look at the gloriousness!"
"Oh my goodness!" Flash laughed as well. "I think I now know the grievous harm that can be caused with a body!"
"Dios mio..." Colette went wide-eyed at this. G kept on laughing.
"Your face, Colette..."
"I haven't seen anything like this!" Colette defended.
"First time for everything." Hana sweatdropped. After this, it was only a matter of a minute before the battle was won. Shouting of pain could be heard as Oboro was just now regaining consciousness.
"Poor Oboro!" G laughed. "Except not really."
"Argh...what the hell!?" She loudly spoke. "Why does it feel like I've been trampled by a stampede of horses?"
"And their carriages?" Flash chimed. "Did those trample you too?"
"Oh...shut up..." Oboro grit her teeth, blood trickling down her forehead. G snickered at her. Flash stopped laughing when he saw the extent of her injuries. The aforementioned blood running down her face stemming from a nasty gash her forehead, bad bruising, a possibly broken arm, and worst of all, she might have been concussed.
"I think I'll fix her up right quick..." He said, going over to her, casting Curaga.
"She'll need more Curaga than that." G deadpanned.
"I know." Flash noted, continuing the process until Oboro was back to full strength.
"Thanks...I guess." Oboro scratched the back of her head.
"Next floor, then?" Corrin was still shaken up from what he just witnessed, but ready to continue.
"Next floor." G affirmed. The group proceeded onwards. Onto the fifth floor, the enemies were once again doubled...plus one guy who seemed a little fatigued from all the climbing. He had a bow, but looked nothing like the guards there with white hair and a bit of black in it.
"Phew...jeez, I have to be getting close to the top by now, huh?" He spoke to himself. "That Rainbow Sage definitely didn't make this easy...I have to keep going though. I can't give up now. I need to make it. I know he can give me the strength to rebuild Kohga. I'll do whatever it takes to earn that strength - killing, stealing...it's not like I've had to do such things already." G frowned.
"There are a lot more this floor...what a nuisance."
"What about that guy?" Corrin gestured to the odd man out.
"Eh, I don't think he'll attack us." Camilla dismissed.
"He's probably also challenging the trials." G said cheerfully.
"Maybe we could help..." Corrin went over to him. "Wait a minute, sir...you don't look like one of the sanctuary guards."
"Someone's deserving of the accolade 'Captain Obvious'..." Birgus verbally jabbed.
"Don't compare me to these freaks." The man responded, getting hot under the collar.
"All right, sorry!" Corrin raised his voice. "But now that I've got a better look, you seem like a thief...are you here to steal treasure from the sanctuary?" Flash facepalmed due to this.
"Pfft, like I care about treasure." The man scoffed. "I'm here for the Sage's strength. I need to gain as much strength and power as he can give me. I need it to defeat the self-proclaimed daimyo of Mokushu. That scum destroyed my homeland - I have to defeat him and rebuild..."
"Mokushu?" Colette remembered. "We were there a while ago!" The man heard Colette's exclamation.
"You were? What happened to the daimyo?" He asked.
"Oh, Saizo killed him. That assclown you call the 'daimyo' is deader than hell." Flash told him in the most casual way he could. The man seemed shocked.
"WHAT!?" He then paused thinking. "Hmm...I suppose I owe you my thanks. You got my revenge for me."
"You're still so naive, Corrin." G snickered.
"Anyway...my name is Shura. What about you guys?" Shura asked, then pointed at Corrin. "Pretty sure you're Corrin."
"That's right." Corrin nodded, looking back at G and frowning. "Seriously?"
"Captain Flash Dove, leader of the Lightning Shadow Vagabonds. LSV!" Flash introduced himself. "With me we've got my lovely and tough as nails assistant Colette Monarch, my right hand man Birgus Latro, Lady Camilla of Nohr, her retainers Beruka and Selena, the chick sleeping in between Cammy's frontal assets is my girlfriend Alicia, one of my bosses G, Lady Sakura's retainers Hana and Subaki, my rival Rinkah and...I think that about covers it." He did a headcount. "Oh yeah, and the blue haired chick is Oboro." G snickered again, yet Oboro did not look amused.
"What's your story?" Colette asked Shura.
"I'm a ninja from Kohga, a land that was devastated by Mokushu." Shura explained, then looked at Flash. "You?"
"Sky pirate, raised for eight years of my life by a bear clan in Grizzleheim after being separated from my parents at the age of four." Flash told him. "Followed in the footsteps of my parents and became an adventurer, and now I'm the Captain of a commissioned and legal pirate crew." Shura couldn't help but stare at Alicia, still snuggled up.
"Um...is your girlfriend normally like that?" Shura just had to ask.
"Oh. No. You'll get used to her eccentricities." Flash answered. It was now he acknowledge the thirty-two enemies in the same room with them. "Hey...Oboro. Wanna vent? Like...now?"
"Gimme my naginata." She demanded. When Flash did that, Oboro let out a scream and started stabbing guards at random. Pretty much...everyone would join in on the brawl once the first stab landed. G chose one guard and bombarded him with cards that turned into fire. That guard was lit aflame and ran around screaming. G laughed and watched him writhe in pain.
Flash helped Oboro take one out by holding the guard in place while Oboro turned him into a stab bag until he died.
"Ah, feels good to release, don't it, Oboro?" Flash laughed.
"You're damn right!" Oboro grit her teeth in a scowl/smile type of expression, going to find more enemies to stab. G then bombarded another guard with ice cards. G would find that he'd get a popsicle. Just needed a stick. With a mighty bodyslam from Birgus, the floor was clear.
"Not bad, not bad." Flash grinned. Everyone - save for himself, G, and not surprisingly Camilla - had a couple scratches and bruises, but they could easily walk that off.
"I think there's one more floor after this?" Colette wondered aloud.
"Sure hope so. Just when I thought I could do that battle without a scratch..." Subaki had a hint of whine in his voice.
"Oh get over it, baby." Selena humphed.
"Then let's keep going." G said. Onto the last floor before the Rainbow Sage, Flash looked around and did a headcount of the guards.
*End BGM*
BGM: Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam - 'Mixed-Up Scramble'
"Sixty four oh my Arceus." Flash paused, then looked at G, suddenly smiling. "We got this, don't we?"
"Lemme help!" Colette spoke up.
"Greetings to you. This is the highest floor. Your trial is nearly finished. I am the guardian of this place. Defeat me, and you may proceed to the Sage." There was one guy on the throne, he looked like the head of the guards. Magic wielder from the looks of it, readying a fan.
"Right. Colette, Flash, and I will handle this floor," G said, stepping forward. Flash and Colette stepped forward as well, the others hanging back.
"Alright. Here's the plan. See if you two can force them all together, and I'll bombard them with Thundaga from the air. Good? Good." Flash twirled Nohrian Conquest around.
"Very well." Colette punched at the air a few times, limber and ready to go.
"I wanted to bombard too! Colette, you do all the forcing together! This is an order from your grandboss!" G whined.
"Okay...I'll try." Colette nodded, getting a Pokeball. "Alright, help me out here Medicham!" She called out a Medicham.
"What is that?" Shura wondered to himself.
"I'll explain later." Colette informed. "Medicham, try and Psychic them into a bunch!" As her Medicham used the move to force all the guards together, Colette attacked any stragglers with her fists to get them in line. It was quite a bit of effort, and the assistant took a few knocks, but stood strong. "Boss, G! Now!"
"Hoka he!" Flash shouted, using Aero to get up in the air, then shot down a Thundaga spell. G leapt up in the air too.
"Rain of Arrows!" He tossed down a bunch of cards which turned into little blasts of light. The spell from G and Thundaga from Flash did quite a number on the guards, but some were still kicking. Flash went in to slash at those remaining, and Colette contributed with fast jabs, straights, and crosses. G joined by beating them with his still sheathed sword. The three of them would succeed after a bit of effort!
"Knew we had it!" Flash chuckled.
"Of course!" G said cheerfully.
*End BGM*
Shura smiled. "Good show, ki-" Before he could finish, Birgus stopped him.
"I...wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you." He advised.
"Why not?" Shura asked. The crab gestured over to Colette, checking herself over. She was still a bit beat up, moreso than before, but otherwise okay.
"She gets a little feisty around the word 'kid'. Or any variation of it."
Shura sweatdropped. "Anyway...good show, guys. Guess that settles it."
"Settles what?" Corrin was a tad confused.
"That fight settles I'll be helping you. You defeated that Mokushujin scum, after all. If I go with you, you may accomplish my other goals for me, too!" Shura laughed.
"Always glad to help a fellow in need!" Flash exclaimed.
"Let's keep going." G hummed.
There was only one place to go, and that was the door where the Rainbow Sage was.
"This is the highest floor, the Sage has gotta be behind that door." Effie confidently spoke.
"Hang on. I don't know why, but there's something strange about this door..." Oboro interjected. "I can't quite tell what though..."
"Is that so?" Subaki raised an eyebrow. "Very well, let us proceed with caution."
"Let me go with my darlings first." Camilla started walking to the door, motioning to Flash, Corrin, and G to follow her. "Come on. We haven't got all day." Flash eagerly followed her in, and Corrin did so a bit...reluctantly. G followed at Corrin's side. When they entered - Alicia still sleeping - Corrin would get a sense of deja vu.
"What the?! But this is-" Corrin began, stumbling over his words. The old man from earlier was there!
"Oh! Hello! Hoo hoo! Welcome back." He greeted.
"Huh?! But…you're the old man from before! You were at the base of the mountain. How did you get up to the highest floor?" Corrin was dumbstruck.
"Ah, so close - this room is actually linked to the highest floor. Quite convenient for me. I commend you for overcoming the trials I put forth. You are worthy of meeting me." The old man chuckled.
"I see. So you're the Rainbow Sage!" Flash deduced. A white light flashed through the room, and the old man now looked more like a sage.
"Indeed I am. Your friend here set up the mountain in order to ask me something, did he not?" Flash nodded, and the Rainbow Sage turned to Corrin. "Well, let's hear it."
"We're looking for...a dragon. We've been told that we needed to meet one. The dragon will help us stop this endless conflict between Nohr and Hoshido. I have to do whatever it takes to stop the fighting!" Corrin explained. G smiled softly, flipping his hood over his head.
"Ho...So you want to end the war, huh? Fascinating. And admirable. All right. I'll tell you where to find a dragon. But first, let me see that Yato of yours." The Rainbow Sage requested.
"OK. Here you go." Corrin handed it over. The Rainbow Sage took it.
"I, who forged the sacred blade...I, who committed the great sin...I, who wove the divine colors...I call on you now, Seal of Flames!" He exclaimed. Another bright white light flashed behind the Yato. The blade was now glowing blue, with the hilt being transformed.
'Great sin?' Camilla thought to herself. 'Wonder what that's all about.'
"Your blade...It should be a little stronger now." The Rainbow Sage commented.
"Thank you so much! Is this...the Seal of Flames that Fuga mentioned?" Corrin wished to know.
"No, not quite. To complete the Seal of Flames, you need the other four divine weapons. Once you have them, the Seal of Flames will become the Fire Emblem." The Rainbow Sage corrected.
"The Fire Emblem..." Corrin thought.
"Uh...I think I might know what weapons those are..." Flash thought to himself, aloud.
"You do?" G wondered.
"Flash, you're a genius!" G praised. "And that means we have one already! We just have to beat up the other three...dammit, why couldn't anyone PLEASANT wield them..."
"I am?" Flash blinked.
"Or we could just let our darling Corrin sway them over to our side?" Camilla innocently suggested.
"We're not beating any of them up!" Corrin agreed with his sister.
"Regardless..." The Rainbow Sage interrupted. "Without that, you have no chance of succeeding in your quest... Don't lose heart. Continue down the path you've chosen. It should lead...you to each of the weapons you need..." He started coughing, and then collapsed.
"Sage?! Something's wrong!" Corrin exclaimed.
"Well no sh*t, Sherlock!" Flash responded. As he went to use Curaga, The Rainbow Sage weakly held up his hand.
"Don't waste your energy, Captain...I have lived well beyond my time already..." He got out.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Flash questioned, confused.
"Human magic...and the magic your blade uses...will not work on me." He answered. "I am the dragon you've been searching for. Long, long ago...Twelve dragons were filled with desire...They fought over who would control the world... For my part, I create the Yato and the divine weapons. Doing so pulled humanity into our war. I wasn't able to die...until I had atoned for those sins..."
"But...that was so long ago..." Corrin couldn't believe his ears.
"I've given your Yato...the last of my power...Corrin...Use...the Yato...Make...your own destiny..." With whatever waning strength he had left, The Rainbow Sage turned to Flash. "Captain...help him...win his destiny. Save this world...from destruction...you and...your companions...are the last hope..." And it was then, The Rainbow Sage breathed his last.
"..." Flash was completely silent, in sort of a shock.
"Interesting," G hummed. "At any rate, that should clear something up for you."
"...Thank you, Sage. I mean...Thank you, great dragon...I will make sure that your sacrifice is not in vain. Let's head to the Bottomless Canyon. The skies will soon change above Hoshido and Nohr." Corrin firmly spoke. He then shook Flash by the shoulder. "Hey Flash. Are you still with us?"
Flash snapped out of his shock. "What...what does this mean? That last thing he said to me?"
"You'll find out." G hummed.
"I think it means you're a hero after all, Captain." Camilla mused. It was then a yawn came from her bosom. It was Alicia!
"Hey...what'd I miss?" She asked in a sleepy tone of voice.
"You'll find out." G hummed.
With that, the four headed back to the others, and began to leave.
Once they got back out to the others...
"You all better be counting your blessings that I'm a forgiving person." Flash shook his head. "I understand you guys were tired and all, but was that really needed?"
"S-Sorry, Captain..." Sakura frowned, hiding her face from Flash.
"We- we won't let it happen again!" Elise added. "I promise!"
"If you kick me into a place I don't wish to enter, I'll bring my wrath upon you all." G said calmly. That simple threat was enough to send shivers down their spines...
Well, all but one of them. Flash paused. "Wait a minute...something's not right here." He walked up to a new face, a girl with a translucent, purple veil over her mouth. Appearance wise, she looked a bit on the...young side. "Who in the Righteous Side of Hell are you supposed to be?"
"Hrm. So you're the Captain of this 'LSV' group I've heard so much about from your crewmates." She spoke. "Let me make this clear. I don't need your help, or the help of your friend here." She gestured to Corrin.
"Then...why are you here, Noire?" Flash took a referential jab at her.
Somewhere, far away from the current setting, Noire, AKA Lady Black Heart, sneezed.
"They insisted I stay to speak with you and Corrin." She folded her arms. "I just want to get away from civilization and be left alone..."
"Alone...You're by yourself? Do you not have family?" Corrin questioned. The girl went silent.
"...I lost anything that would qualify as a family a long, long time ago. They all found me repulsive and forced me away. So I'm alone. But I'm happy that way." She told him.
"Hmm...Well, you could always join us instead of traveling alone." Corrin offered. The girl looked shocked.
"Are you insane? Only a fool would ask a total stranger to joint their party. You don't know my past..." She persisted.
"True, but what's in your past is just that: in the past. Everyone has a secret or two they don't - or can't - talk about. There's no reason we can't be friends in the present." Corrin spoke. The girl seemed to ponder this.
"Hmm...You're pretty convincing for such a young one. Determined, too." She responded.
"That's because I have a big secret that's driving me. I can't tell anyone about it...But that doesn't mean I can't have friends who trust me regardless. And I know what it's like to be alone. I don't wish that feeling on anyone." When Corrin said that, Flash had a hint of a glare.
"You don't think I know that feeling either?" Flash seemed to get a little hot under the collar at that remark. "When I was brought to Hoshido by Rinkah? I didn't feel I had anyone here I could trust!"
"Calm down, Flash," G sighed. "Didn't you have Camilla?"
"Yes...but she wasn't with me in Hoshido." Flash admitted. "It was pretty nerve-wracking having an ally on the other side."
"Oh, c'mere darling..." Camilla wrapped her arms around Flash, Alicia climbing up to the blueblood's head now. "I'm here now...I've been here...it's going to be fine..."
"As for your name, miss?" Corrin asked the girl.
"Nyx. I'm coming with you. My power is yours to use as you see fit." Nyx introduced.
"Now Corrin...how exactly are we going to get to the Bottomless Canyon? I don't think we'll be able to make it in time as we are now..." Camilla asked.
"Ah, I think now's the perfect time to say this!" Colette spoke up. "So when we were on our way here, I took to tinkering with the lift thing on the ship, and guess what? I got it fully functioning now! Know what this means?"
"She's airworthy again, everyone! We're gonna make it in time!" Birgus answered for them.
"Wait, it can FLY?" Felicia exclaimed. "Wow...that, that's amazing!"
"Let's go." G said.
Colette called out Royal Champion, which did indeed float in the air. After getting it anchored down, she readied the gangplank as everyone began boarding.
There was one voice that called out though, which stopped Corrin.
"Lord Corrin!" It was male, and very familiar.
"Jakob?" Corrin stopped to see it was indeed Jakob, and he was glad to see him. "Jakob!"
"Ah, Lord Corrin. Good to see you again!" Jakob greeted. "I've heard you caused quite a stir in both Hoshido and Nohr, and well I had to make sure you hadn't gotten into any trouble."
"Well, I've certainly been in trouble before, but thanks to my friends, Flash, and his crew, we've been able to survive." Corrin chuckled.
"With all due respect sir, I know you're in a hurry but I must request I accompany you from here on out." Jakob requested. "I'll serve you on and off the fields of battle however you wish."
"Thank you Jakob. Given where we're going, we'll need all the help we can get." The two were the last to board, Birgus and Rinkah getting the gangplank back up on board.
"Let's set sail to the Bottomless Canyon, G! We've got a deadline to meet." Flash grinned. G hurried to the wheel and set them on their course.
Elsewhere, back at Hoshido, we find Yukimura catching up with Ryoma and a woman with blonde spiky hair and red armor, who have returned from their excursion in Cheve.
"Lord Ryoma! I'm so glad to see you've returned unharmed." Yukimura happily exclaimed.
"It's good to be back. I'm sorry that you had to care for everything for so long." Ryoma said.
"Hey there, those glasses of yours are pretty sharp! Any chance you could point me toward wherever I could get a pair?" The woman asked. Yukimura took a double take.
"What? Who are you?" He questioned in response.
"Ah, I forgot to introduce her. This is Scarlet. She was part of a resistance group in Nohr. We became friends in Cheve, and she's returned with me to lend a hand. Some of her fighters have come, as well. They'll help defend Castle Shirasagi." Ryoma introduced her.
"Glad to meet you!" Scarlet grinned.
"Ahh, yes...The pleasure is all mine…" Yukimura sweatdropped.
"By the way, Yukimura, I ran into Corrin in Nestra…" Ryoma mentioned. "Along with the good Captain that Sakura joined with."
"Lord Corrin and Captain Dove made it all the way there?" Yukimura blinked.
"Indeed. He asked me to join them in trying to end the fighting." Ryoma reported.
"...He said the same thing to me when we met at Fort Jinya. He said that, if I wanted to help him, I should meet him at the Bottomless Canyon. He also said I had to be there before the skies over Hoshido and Nohr change color. Corrin claimed there was more, but that he wasn't able to share it…" Yukimura revealed.
"Huh...So he told us the same thing...I don't think it's in Corrin's nature to lie. And there's a leadership quality about him that just attracts followers. I remember being jealous of him as a child, in fact. Even at such a young age, he displayed the characteristics of a ruler. Silly to be jealous of him, right?" Ryoma softly chuckled, reflecting on this. "And that Flash friend of his...he's a strong fighter, also a good leader like Corrin. No wonder he can manage his perky new additions."
"Lord Ryoma…" Scarlet frowned.
"I wonder if that played a part in my transgression against him." Ryoma contemplated.
"What do you mean?" Scarlet was slightly taken aback.
BGM: Kingdom Hearts 'Dearly Beloved'
"The day that the Nohrians came and kidnapped Corrin...I was there. If I had been stronger, I could have been able to stop them. I failed in my duty as an older brother. I knew it then, and I still feel that pain. And I can't be sure that I tried my hardest...because of that jealousy." Ryoma explained.
"You mustn't feel that way! That event was out of your control. You were very young then, and even if you'd been as strong as you are now... It's impossible to think you could have changed the outcome that day."
Ryoma slightly hung his head, a single tear threatening to roll down his cheek and fall to the ground. "I know, Yukimura...But I still believe that I need to come to terms with these feelings. Which is why I'm going to head to the Bottomless Canyon. I've decided that I trust Corrin and Flash, and will fight for my brother's cause. That is the only way I feel I can make up for failing to protect him."
"Ryoma, I won't ask you to explain any further. But if you're gonna go fight for Corrin, I'll join you." Scarlet offered.
"Thank you, Scarlet." Ryoma thanked. Those simple words meant quite a bit to him. It was then Hinoka flew in on her pegasus, dismounting and approaching the three.
"Hello, Ryoma." She neutrally greeted.
"Hinoka. I see you've done an excellent job protecting the castle. I'm sorry to do this to you, and I know I just arrived, but I must leave again. Corrin needs my help at the Bottomless Canyon. I want you to remain here with Yukimura and continue your de-" But before he could finish, Hinoka shushed him.
"No, Ryoma. I'm going with you this time." Hinoka firmly stated.
"What?"
"I overheard you talking with Yukimura. You're not the only one who feels responsible for Corrin's kidnapping. You remember why I decided to learn how to use a naginata?" Hinoka asked.
"Of course. It was so that you could rescue Corrin someday...right?" Ryoma guessed. Hinoka gave a nod.
"Correct. I can't even describe how much I regretted not being able to protect Corrin. I kept thinking: if only I had been stronger, or a better fighter...I could have protected him. But then, on that day when he chose not to side with either kingdom...I felt so betrayed. We'd only just gotten him back, and he was turning on us. I was so stunned by his decision, I again couldn't act to change things…" She stepped forward. "But I've had time to think, and now I know for sure - I'm going to help him. I want to show Corrin that I believe in him. As his/her older sister, I want to be with him until the end."
"Somehow, I'm not surprised that stubbornness runs in this family. Sorry, Yukimura. Looks like you'll be handling the castle's defense on your own." Ryoma apologized.
"Heh. You all cause me nothing but trouble. Don't worry about the castle, Lord Ryoma. I'll make sure it's here when you return." Yukimura chuckled.
"Thank you, Yukimura!" Hinoka grinned.
"However, I do have one stipulation. You aren't allowed to complain if the castle isn't in the exact same condition. No harm shall befall the throne room, of course. But I can't be so sure that the bedrooms, specifically yours, won't be blown to bits. Anything can happen in war, you know." Yukimura added, which wiped the smile clean off Hinoka's face.
"Of c-course." She stammered.
"Also...You must promise me that you will return. Hoshido needs its royal family." Yukimura requested.
"Of course, Yukimura." Hinoka promised.
"You have my thanks, Yukimura. I promise we will come back." Ryoma added.
"Then I wish you good hunting." Yukimura waved goodbye to the three.
"It's time to go. We haven't a moment to waste! The skies will change soon!" With that, the three headed off to the Bottomless Canyon.
*End BGM*
Back with the main party, they had docked at an area near the Bottomless Canyon. Corrin, Camilla, Flash, and Elise were the first four to get off the ship.
"Aw...There's no one else here…" Elise pouted.
"It looks like neither Ryoma nor Prince Xander were swayed to join us…" Takumi frowned, coming off the gangplank.
"Let's not give up yet. The skies above Nohr and Hoshido haven't completely changed." Camilla reassured, looking up to the skies. The sky looked as if one end was cloudy and dark, while the other end had a noontime light, both opposites approaching one another.
"Still, there isn't a lot of time left. It's getting more difficult to see the difference between noon and night." Azura frowned.
"I never knew what it looked like when the skies changed…" Sakura was amazed. Flash then spotted something.
"Huh? The hell is that?" Whatever this something was, it caught his attention.
"What is it, Boss?" Colette asked, coming off the ship.
"Hang here, guys. I've gotta check this out." Flash started running off east.
"Where are you going?" Elise called.
"Looks like a signal from my crew. They might've found me, so I gotta meet up with them!" Flash called back. "You all wait here until I get back - that's an order!" And before any of them could say anything else, he was too far out to stop him now.
When Flash got to where he saw the signal, he began calling out names. "GC? Penny? Anyone!? Hello!?" Cupping his hands around his mouth, he hollered again. "Hey! Any Vagabonds here!?"
"There's only one I see." A voice spoke - and it was in no way friendly. Instinctively, he summoned Nohrian Conquest.
"Who's there!?" Flash barked. But what came would shock him.
BGM: Pokemon Sun and Moon 'Totem Pokemon Approaching'
Starting to surround him was a massive force of Nohrian troops, wielding a myriad of weapons and spell tomes. They began to encircle him, leaving him only ten feet of open space to look around for who that voice was. It was then Flash learned, that the one who said that was none other than Hans. With him, Iago.
"Should've known…" Flash grit his teeth. "What do you two want?"
"You've meddled in our plans for far too long, Pirate." Iago answered. "King Garon ordered your death, and we've come to put you down. Once and for all."
"I've been meddling? If you hadn't have kidnapped me in the first place, this wouldn't be happening!" Flash pointed out.
"So what if I slipped up? I'm adapting, and if we take you out your crew and new friends will be too distraught to think clearly." Iago smirked confidently. "'Cut off the head of the snake, the body dies with it'...I could say the same for your crew."
"Follow Iago's orders, you scum!" Hans yelled to the soldiers, easily numbering over one hundred. "After we kill this meddlesome pirate, we'll hurl the Hoshidans and traitors into the canyon!"
A roar of approval resonated throughout the crowd of enemies, which resulted in Flash putting the hood over his head.
"Damn, all these stupid bastards…" He muttered under his breath. However, they didn't know he wasn't going to go out like this.
Not if he didn't have anything to say about it. And Flash had a lot of things to say.
*End BGM*
BGM: Pokemon Sun and Moon 'Battle! Aether Foundation Employee'
Without skipping a beat, Flash instantly shot himself up in the air with Aero, using the same tactic he did back at the Sevenfold Sanctuary, which was raining down on the enemy with a blast of Thundaga. Blasting himself over to safety with Aero to the right side of the battlefield, he transformed into Angel Soul to give himself a bit of a boost.
Those with melee weapons rushed towards Flash while those with magic and bows supported the melee attackers from behind. Sidestepping and flying through the arrows and magic blasts, Flash focused his efforts on taking out said melee attackers as soon as he could. Swinging Nohrian Conquest with great force, he started to cut down foes one at a time, some requiring more strikes than others.
At one point Flash felt an arrow strike one of his wings, causing him to stumble back. He didn't let it deter him as he broke the wooden portion of said arrow using the 'willing contribution' of an enemy axe wielder, removing the obstruction and stabbing him in the eye with the spearhead of it. Topping it all off, Flash blasted him in the face with a darkness blast.
Sword strikes were landing, but Flash endured the pain, striking back at his attackers with vengeance, even stunning a few of them before getting the kill on those unfortunate saps. Blood was staining his robes, to which he casted Curaga on himself to get some strength back. The stain and smell still lingered, but the pain did not.
Hans looked at Iago, and Iago looked at Hans. Iago was very certain in their victory, and told those in the back to up their assault on Flash. The speed of the arrow and spell volleys caused Flash to fly up in the air to evade, and start unleashing a barrage of Firaga attacks on them, killing a few and wounding several more. With this done, he landed back with the melee attackers, disarming one and wrapping his left arm around the foe's neck, using him as a shield against the others, which worked quite well to his advantage.
Of course, some strikes had hit his left arm, but Flash was more than willing to tough it out, casting a weaker but still effective Cura to fix the damage. The captain did not relent in his assault, his kill count reaching to what he estimated to be thirty at this point. But then again, that's where he lost count.
"Iago, do something!" Hans urged, noting Iago's nervousness. "The sooner we stomp this dirt under our boots, the sooner we get promoted!" Apparently Iago didn't account for Flash doing this.
"O-Okay. If you say so…" Iago readied his tome - Ginnungagap.
"Earl Hans...No...Duke Hans...Yes, that has a nice ring to it." Hans chuckled.
"We can discuss our rewards with His Majesty later." Iago shushed. "Right now...I have to finish this!" He began chanting something as Flash kept fighting, when all of the sudden, he was surrounded by a sphere of darkness, that filled with darkness magic and blew up like a firecracker!
*End BGM*
"YAGH!" Flash screamed out, being forced out of his Angel Soul form. He still had a few lingering wounds, and crashed to the ground in a heap. Hans yelled at the soldiers to hold their attacks. He chuckled as they cleared a path for him to walk towards Flash, his axe ready to complete the job.
"Well, well, well. This was the best Grizzleheim could produce?" Hans belittled. "How pathetic."
"Nngh...cheap shotting...bastard…" Flash spat.
"Call it cheap. We call it business." Hans glared.
'Is...is this the end?' Flash thought as he felt his vision blurring. His glasses had fallen off his face during the attack. 'Is this where it all ends?'
BGM: Pokemon Black and White 'N's Goodbye'
"Ladies, gentlemen, Iago my good friend!" Hans bellowed. "We are here today to finally put down the number one thorn in Nohr's side - Flash!"
Flash was thinking about all the things in this adventure leading up to this moment. 'Never thought I would be the biggest thorn in Nohr's side...even though they did drag me into this war.' He felt a few tear drip off his face and onto the cold, unforgiving ground. 'Xander, Leo, Elise...Cammy...I'm so sorry I let you all down. You've still got Corrin, I've got faith you can still fix Nohr...I believe in you all…'
"I can't believe we actually did it…" Iago chuckled, then started laughing. "You were right, Hans! Genius move!"
'Sakura...Gods, how I'm gonna hate losing you. You and the rest of my crew. I did thank you...for telling me that one battle didn't matter. That one battle at Fort Jinya...didn't make a difference to what kind of person I was.' Flash kept thinking, feeling his strength fading. 'That no matter what….I was always a good person. Helping those I willed to help...damn, that felt good.'
"Why thanks, Iago." Hans grinned. "He never saw it coming."
Flash's weapon arm gave out on him, using only his left arm to support himself. 'Nan...I'm sorry for bagging on myself for so long over your arm. I'm sorry for bagging on myself in general over not being a hero. Man, I wanna tell you that so bad. I wanted to tell you...your mom...all the other wielders, and those in the Heroes of Light...how I truly felt. Maybe they could have helped my problems...dammit, I don't wanna die with these regrets…'
"Well then? Shall we finish this right here, right now?" Iago asked.
'To think, all this time I was bagging on myself for not being able to save Nan's arm...but all it took was me being here, facing death, to come to terms with that. I now realize, in my final hour, that while we have limits to what we can do, we shouldn't be kicking ourselves for what we couldn't do. Sounds like some cheesy line from a self-help tape but...doesn't stop it from being true.' Flash's other arm gave out, and he slowly slumped to the ground. Still alive, but turned his head to the side to see Hans stand over him.
"With pleasure." Hans readied his axe to behead the captain.
'If there's one person in particular I'm worried about...it's Tsumiki-san. G told me she was probably murdering people to get answers to where I was...Arceus, please don't let her relapse…' With his eyes slowly fluttering shut, he had one last thought. 'There's no way I could live with that sort of weight on my shoulders…after giving her hope...' And then, he felt his whole world go black.
*End BGM*
"GAH!"
"Wha- what the?"
(Massive, MASSIVE cliffhanger! Please tune in for the next episode, co-written by me and my buddies Nan and G, where we will learn my fate! Please be sure to read, follow, favorite, and REVIEW! I was about to say subscribe but then I remembered something. This is Fanfiction. Not Youtube. XD See ya!)