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Digimon: The Great Crimson Tamer Chapter 16: Naga's voice...

Say'ri had felt some relief pass over her, now that the Shepherds had finally started heading towards The Great Tree. Once there, everybody had stared in awe over how large the tree really is. They could even climb and stand on the roots without seriously damaging it. Although, the Digimon themselves were absolutely hypnotized by the site of the tree. As though, in some way... It was calling out specifically to them like a siren calls to sailors, minus the killing part of course. Though Renamon was unsurprisingly the only one who showed any sign of composure underneath the hulking tree. "Whoaaa... I don't think I've ever felt so small..." Lissa said, while making sure Wormmon doesn't turn into a zombie like the other Digimon. Chrom immediately went and shook V-Mon, Tharja casted a hex in front of Lucemon to snap him out of his trance. And Konner, merely grabbed onto Gumdramon's tail and lightly smacked him in the face. "I can't even see the top of it!" Basilio added, trying to get a good view of the area. Frederick looked up and said "Most impressive indeed... So the shrine hides all the way up in it's branches?"

Say'ri nodded in response to Frederick's question and answered "Aye, sir. A great staircase inside the trunk leads up to it. However, the empire has closed off the only route to the steps. Or perhaps "roots" to the steps, I should say." Chrom looked in front and said "Then we'll just have to break through. Come!" And everybody prepared their weapons for the upcoming fight. "So, captain... Do you think I'll play an important role in our victory?" Cynthia asked Konner who looked at the newest member of the growing portion of his army, and answered "My suggestion isn't to go charging in. I simply say that, you should stick to our squad and until you see something that only you can handle... I recommend following orders, all right?" Cynthia then saluted Konner and said "Yessir! I'll do my best to make sure I'm ready for anything!" Konner smirked and responded "Oh, and for now... You'll be assisting Matthew with aerial combat. No fighting any archers, unless you're sure they're alone... Understood?" Cynthia nodded and mounted her Pegasus for combat. Matthew gave her a thumbs up to approve of her position with him, and the two took flight.

"I have to wonder how much practice it took you, just to make sure you could lead new recruits without being nervous." Patrick says to Konner, who responded "Pat... Do you really want me to answer that question? Cause, I think right now, I don't need to feel nervous during an important battle." Patrick nodded and he mounted his horse for combat. Konner approached Owain and said "Owain, you're with Lissa and Vaike. I know it sounds a tad bit predictable... But for now, I need you to get used to Chrom being the leader. Understand?" Owain saluted Konner and headed towards Chrom's group. Konner, Gumdramon and Rena on the other hand, prepare to go down their path with the others in his squad. The man on the opposite end of the Shepherds, with a large array of men who seem to be consisted of mostly promoted units... Was a General, who had no hair on his head. However, he did have a massive mustache over his lips. As though to make it so he has to chew through the stache in order to speak properly. "That's Cervantes!" Say'ri said to Chrom, who asked "Wait. You know this guy?"

Say'ri nodded and then answered "He is one of Walhart's strongest generals. Although, he is not much compared to his master, nor the other people who outrank him." Konner then asked "Wasn't Cervantes a Pirate?" Say'ri sighed before responding "Sometimes, people like to take other people's names just to sound intimidating. However, this man is the exact opposite of intimidating. The only thing I'd worry about is his defensive skills... And the amount of men he brought. I'm fairly certain that he brought reinforcements, just waiting for us down at the bottom of the tree." Before anyone could willingly volunteer; Ricken, Panne, Tharja, Lucemon, Gaius, Libra, Cordelia, Nowi and Gregor all volunteered to take out the reinforcements. "You ready, Nowi?" Gregor asked Nowi, who responded "Sweety... I was born ready!" Before taking on the form of a dragon. Panne figured to do the same thing, to make sure Ricken's mount has sufficient backup. "So... Ms. Tharja... Do you think I could... Y'know...?" Lucemon asked Tharja, who answered with a nod of approval. He then prepared a small sphere, for the reinforcements. Libra was praying to the Gods, hoping that they'll bring him victory in this battle... While Cordelia was praying that Phila and the other Pegasus knights besides Sumia were watching her.

Maribelle, Frederick, Miriel, Stahl, Sully, Kellam, Virion, Cherche, Olivia, Henry and Falcomon went to take the soldiers on the left side. Olivia was still trying to get Henry to feel something, other than smiling of course. Though, Falcomon was failing to see the purpose since he doesn't really know humans other than Henry all that well. Chrom and his portion of the Shepherds went down the middle, with Wormmon taking advantage of his ability to cling onto various surfaces to cling onto the sides of the tree in order to go for a sneak attack. Konner's squad were headed down the right side, in order to help advance the escort of the central squad. However, it would appear that Cervantes, who was all the way at the top, was expecting them this whole time. "So! They arrive at last, eh wot! "Yes, come closer," said the hairy spider to the flies..." Cervantes said to himself, before one of the soldiers said "General Cervantes! Lord Excellus was right, the Ylissean League approaches!" Cervantes felt like there was an unknown echo playing in front of him and he then responded "...Are you daft, boy? Did you not hear what I was JUST saying?!"

Cervantes looked back down at the Shepherds, who were fighting against the soldiers who charged against them, and said "Hmm... They must have some skill to make it this far... But no matter. We will show them the meaning of the word "fear"..." The soldier then looked confused at his commanding officer, and responded "The meaning of "beard," sir? Er, yes, I'm sure they would be most impressed... But perhaps-" But was interrupted by Cervantes shouting "Fear, you deaf ignoramus! FEAR!" The soldier then bowed nervously and said "Y-yes sir! Of course, sir! ...Sorry, sir!" Cervantes sighed and then said "...They are impressive, though, aren't they? My whiskers? Ha ha! I've not shaved since my very first battle. And have I ever lost? No! Not even once! Ergo, my moustache makes me invincible. It's science, my boy-Science!" The soldier was then left confused, before they saw that there was some silk around his blade. "What the...?" Unfortunately, he was thrown around like a ragdoll due to Wormmon's immense strength. "I'm sorry that I'm too strong..." Cervantes looked at the Shepherds in frustration, as he saw that his units were getting taken out by several of the Shepherds.

However, Cervantes smiled underneath his mustache and said "Heh ha, yes! "Come, reinforcements," said the spider to... The... Other spiders." Though it would appear that it confused some of the men... But, they understood the order perfectly enough. Wormmon had gone back to help Chrom, V-Mon and Sumia with their enemies on the path to Cervantes. Konner and his squad seemed to have cleared the right side, but then a few Falcon Knights, Wyvern riders and Griffon Lords have arrived to fight him. "Gummy... You know what to do. And make sure Rena doesn't end up hitting you!" Konner said to Gumdramon who nodded and immediately evolved straight into Arresterdramon to take down a Wyvern rider. Rena had shot down quite a few of the fliers. And Matthew, along with Cynthia decimated the Falcon Knights. "Tch, show off." Patrick said to himself while dispatching another fighter. Virion and Cherche were fighting some of the Berserkers, which had provoked him by... Using bows. "They have no craftsmanship, nor discipline. And therefore, can't seem to understand how a bow is supposed to work! It's a delicate weapon, only used when-" However, Cherche interrupted him by blocking an enemy attack and slaying the enemy in front of them.

"Only when you have properly mastered the bow, like yourself. I've heard that speech before, milord... And you tend to lose yourself in the speech." Cherche said to Virion who responded "My apologies... I shall try to be more careful with my words next time..." The reinforcements on the bottom end of the tree were surprised by the forces waiting for them. Gaius then said "Probably should've just ran away, huh?" Before Lucemon fired two spheres at the soldiers in front of him and Tharja, who watched as the angel destroyed the soldiers. Henry and Olivia seemed to be dealing with the reinforcements on their end with considerably more effort, since Falcomon was not as powerful as Lucemon without evolving. The others had defeated their section of the reinforcments, and Chrom had finally reached Cervantes... "Fiend! You invade kingdoms and bully them into submission... Why? What does it achieve?" Chrom shouted to Cervantes, who responded "Do you even need ask, whelp? Emperor Walhart is destined to rule this world, plain and simple." V-Mon then asked "Yes, we get that... But to what end? What will all this accomplish?!" Cervantes then answered "Irrelevant! Walhart's mind is beyond the grasp of common men."

This ended up confusing Chrom, Sumia and the Digimon partners. "So... You don't even know what you're fighting for?" Sumia asked Cervantes, who then turned to her and answered "I tend to my own beard, young ones. A soldier does not question orders. But he gives his loyalty, and maybe his life... In the service of greater men." Chrom was somewhat disgusted by his reasoning and asked "Great men? Is living only to conquer so great an ambition?" Cervantes looked back at the prince and answered "What could be greater! Once I had dreams myself of commanding a nation... But Walhart? Aye, he dreams bigger. He would rule the entire world! Mine is nothing compared to the moxie of the Conqueror. I am but a single tiny hair on the beard of a flea in his great moustache! Have you not tasted the thrill of being part of something bigger than yourself?" Chrom was starting to lose patience to the General, mostly because of his necessity of beard comparisons. "Not at the price of inflicting cruelty and suffering, no." Chrom answered, before pointing his sword at Cervantes, who then responded "Hmph. Then we have nothing more to discuss. Prepare to learn the meaning of the word "beard." ...Fear, I mean fear!"

Although, he noticed Say'ri, along with Lon'qu and said "...Eh wot?! It cannot be! Say'ri, my mortal enemy..." Say'ri then pointed her blade at Cervantes and responded "General Cervantes... Your reputation... And your gut... Precedes you." Though, she seemed to have a similar lack in patience as Chrom. Lon'qu also saw what annoyed his superiors... But wasn't as vocal as they were. "But we have met in battle before, girl! Have you forgotten?! Not long ago, you and I, locked in deadly combat. I was sure we had won the day until you appeared..." However, before anyone else could say anything, Lon'qu then asked "Excuse me... But tell me something... How well do you die?" Cervantes was confused, until Lon'qu then struck Cervantes five times... Until he was knocked out. However, when he got up he said "Nngah! But... How can this be? My invincible moustache! Blasted science, you have... Played me for a... Fool..." Before he fell unconscious again. "Marry! What fighting! I almost pity the enemies of Ylisse." Say'ri said, while looking at the man who took out the enemy. "Say'ri, do you know the way up to the shrine?" Chrom asked Say'ri who answered "Aye, sir. Follow me... And let us be quick about it!" Chrom then signaled the other Shepherds to climb up the tree to reach the ancient staircase...

Say'ri looked at Lon'qu and wondered what made him want to finish the fight so soon... Though, considering the scenario it made perfect sense. He looked back at her, and wondered what she was looking at him for... And seemed to be a little more comfortable around women. Lissa, as per usual complained about climbing the stairs... "Ugh... How many stairs are there in a case of stairs? Because I'm already sick of this stupid staircase!" She then nearly collapsed on the top of the steps, if not for Owain and Vaike. "The Voice truly lives all the way up here?" Morgan asked Say'ri who didn't really answer until she saw a woman, who seemed to be in her 20s and seemed to be wearing a red dress, with her chest exposed to the point where there was a visible cleavage window. the dress went down to her upper thighs and she seemed to wear red thigh high boots. Nowi seemed to sense some kind of familiarity with this woman, despite never meeting her in her entire life. Gregor didn't really question Nowi's curiosity, and let her ponder what was going on.

"Lady Tiki! Are you here? Prithee answer!" Say'ri said, arriving later than the others. The woman, known as Tiki yawned before stretching and standing before the Shepherds. "Ah, my lady... I'm so relieved to see you're all right." Say'ri said, before kneeling to the woman. "So you are Lady Tiki? She who speaks for the divine dragon?" Lucina asked Tiki, who turned to her and asked "...Marth? Oh, Mar-Mar, is that you?!" She then hugged Lucina, who was really confused by her mannerisms. And V-Mon was even curious as to why the legendary voice of Naga would act like a small girl. "...My name is Lucina, milady. Though I did go by the name Marth for a time. Might we have met?" Lucina said to Tiki, who then released her grip on Lucina and said "...Alas, no. I'm sorry... You reminded me of someone I knew. But he is gone now. Lost during my endless sleep..." Lucina felt sad for the poor woman. Nowi then said "Oh! That explains quite a bit actually! You're a fellow Manakete!" Tiki looked at Nowi and nodded in confirmation. "You and your cousin are of the exalted bloodline, are you not?" Tiki asked both Lucina and Chrom, whom then answered "Yes, milady." She looks at Chrom, and sees the Fire Emblem as his shield. "It is quite a relief to see that the Fire Emblem is still within your possession. Thank Naga for that... Although, I only see Argent. So might I ask... Where are the other gemstones?"

Tiki's question confused Chrom and he asked "Gemstones?" Tiki nodded and explained "Yes, there are five of them... Argent, Sable, Gules, Azure and Vert. Each holds a portion of Naga's power. When mounted upon the Emblem, they allow one to perform the Awakening." Frederick then added "The rite by which the first exalt channeled the divine dragon's power..." Tiki nodded and then continued, saying "The very same. With the Fire Emblem's power, the exalt was able to defeat Grima. But such power was too much for men, and so the Gemstones were scattered. I kept Azure here with me." Say'ri then remembered something and added "My kingdom had safeguarded Vert for generations. But the gem was recently stolen by Walhart's men." V-Mon then tugged on Tiki's boot and asked "Um... Excuse me... Do you know where the other two Gemstones might be?" Tiki then pondered the thought and answered "The remaining Gemstones, Sable and Gules, are no longer known to me. They may have been taken long ago, at the time of the Schism."

Basilio then remembered something important and said "Regna Ferox was founded during the Schism. As were most of all nations in the realm, I believe." Lissa then interrupts and asks "Wait! Does that mean you guys have one of the Gemstones, Basilio?" Flavia scoffs and says "Ha! As if anyone would entrust the oaf with such a thing!" Basilio then says "Actually, it's true. We did keep one: Gules. ...Did I never inform you?" He then pulls out the gemstone and Flavia responds "You most certainly did not." Basilio then rubbed his head and said "Hmm... Must have slipped my mind. Regardless, yes. The West-Khans once safeguarded Gules. But it was lost long before my lifetime." Tiki then handed Chrom the Gemstone and said "Here. Take Azure, exalted ones. With it, you possess two of the five Gemstones. Now you must seek out the others and perform the Awakening. Our world must be defended from Grima at all costs!" Chrom didn't seem to understand the urgency in Tiki's voice and said "But I'm confused... I thought Grima's power was sealed away." Tiki nodded and responded "Yes, but ever since, there have been those who would change that. Grima's life force grows even now, and with it, the long shadows of despair." Morgan cringed at the thought of Grima returning in this timeline, because of what that means for her and the other kids from the future...

Chrom looked at Tiki and asked "When will he return? And where?" Tiki shook her head and answered "I cannot know these things. But I can feel his presence... It looms, closer and closer... This task is a heavy burden, but as he of exalted blood, it must fall to you, Chrom." Chrom nods and says "I understand. Thank you, for all your help." Tiki smiles at Chrom's gratitude and Robin then says "We owe you a great debt, milady." Tiki then senses something from Robin and grabs his hand. "Ah! You... You have it..." Robin was confused and asked "What?" Tiki then says "You have power... Like mine." Robin then further asks "I do?" Tiki then tried to say further, only for her to nearly pass out, before Say'ri and Renamon caught her. "Are you all right, my lady?" Say'ri asked Tiki who then answered "I am fine... Just very tired... I haven't the strength to join you in the fray. Not yet. But I will call the people together, in prayer, for an end to this conflict. Though, this will take some time... I suggest you go and inform the people whom my voice may not reach..." Chrom nodded and took this as a suggestion to come back with further reinforcements...

To Be Continued...