Hehehehehehehehehehehe.
Hehehehehehehehehehehe.
I've been waiting for this.
But first, REVIEW REPLY TIME, GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
The Digger92: Haha, yeah the omake should be on the way, maybe over the weekend once I get the final pieces hammered out. Thanks for reading and thinking Storms Overhead is doing good! And don't worry, Gig will meet Tiffania soon enough. Hehe.
James Shadows: Aaaaaaaaaaaay somewhat caught the Chaos;Head reference :D Thanks for leaving a review!
Krazyfanfiction1: Thanks for stopping by! And if Louise somehow got a hold of a willpower battery… well, if you know what the other familiars are capable of, you should be able to piece together what can happen XD Thanks for your review!
Demons Anarchy of Pride: Mwwwwwahahahaha! I guess you'll find out today. Hint hint: It's a call back to a previous chapter. If you remember the line, then you should understand what's about to happen. Thanks for dropping on by!
KingArthur3: Yes, that is entirely possible, actually. Although for the final battle… well, we're a long way from that. Thanks for your review!
Hfdt123: HELL YEAH I AM XD
PEJP Bengtzone V2: Yes, I did use such a term. I was aiming to show that Guiche's trauma at watching tons of his soldiers die caused his to physically be unable to see red. It's a shout out to Valkyria Chronicles, to those that are familiar with the series. Thanks for leaving a review!
StoneMountain2040: I hope today's chapter can top the last one, then! I'm aiming to constantly improve with each chapter. Here's hoping you'll enjoy this one!
Xbox432: Ah, yes… Louise and Kurt's relationship has been probably the trickiest thing for me to tackle this entire time. I've been debating how to eventually make their relationship, but I think I finally have my answer. And as for whether or not they talk things out… hehe, let's just say that communication is always key. For the other girls… yeah, Kurt's going to need quite a bit of healing. With Guiche though, it's more of just setting him up for later events, but I did think that he needed to at least have something to do with the war. Thanks for reviewing!
GrimKid98: Hell yeah for smashing Julio! XD When I read his thing in the light novel, my first reaction was something along the lines of "Geez, what an asshole", so I decided to let him get what was coming to him. Thanks for stopping by!
JadeiteAX: Oops, forgot to explain last time. I accidentally uploaded the document that lacks the author notes, so if you go back it should be up. Here's the update, and I hope that things remain interesting!
Edit v1.1: Fixed a few typos I didn't catch. Hopefully I snagged all of them this time around.
All right, that's everything I wanted to respond to! LET'S DO THIS!
Chapter 25: Origin
"I'm coming home."
"Kurt!"
…That voice…!
I almost stumbled over from being tackled by a certain black haired look-a-like and reminder of home. "Siesta…? What are you doing here?"
She turned me around with a smile, several others coming into my view. Oh God, no. Not him.
Not him, indeed.
Glad to see you're still in a cheery mood.
I figured you needed me to at least deal with him.
…Wow.
…Was I wrong?
No, you weren't. But seriously, where the hell did Scarron find leather tightsuits here?! Geez…
To make a long story short, they were here as a Consolation Corp, sent to help deliver and distribute food because of the message that got relayed to Henrietta because of my foresight. Having a nice, steady supply line is good.
But yeah, Siesta was part of that Corp. She really did take a shine to helping people, to be honest. Maybe it had a bit of being different from nobility behind it, as nobles tended not to help too many others. Though unfortunately, Sauron—er, Scarron, was part of the group was well. Same difference, really.
He was off to the side, complaining about the fact they only had beer rather than wine. Something about class, or whatever. I guess wine is somewhat classier…
To me though, they're still alcoholic drinks. Which I'm staying the hell away from. Also he started talking about plans to open a shop out here. I could probably help out with that, seeing that I can provide some business consultation.
"Though I have to ask," Scarron said as he looked at me. "Why are you in Albion? I thought you were… moving."
Ah, maintaining the cover story, I see. "I decided to help out the side that gave me a home, even if briefly. I have to ask in return why Siesta was here."
"Kurt is moving?" Siesta asked.
"No, that was just a term I used to mean I was heading back to the Academy. Technically my place of residence while Louise was working at the castle was Scarron's place. So 'moving' just meant going back to the Academy."
"Ah, I wish you had said that earlier. I would have sent for you."
"And clearly, I did not wish to be sought."
"Oh yes, that much is evident. But to answer your question, Siesta is a relative of mine!"
…No. Oh my God, no.
This information… is crippling.
I knew that black hair was a definite trait as a mark of being a relative of someone from Earth, but no, please no.
"Y-yes… from my mother's side." Siesta said with what seemed like a bit of panic, considering I was making it semi-obvious Scarron creeped me the hell out. "Oh, but that is how you know each other?"
"Yeah. As much as I'd love to mix an orange juice right now, they're not exactly brimming with fruits around here. Somewhat unfortunate, really."
"Oh, yes indeed." Jessica agreed before looking around. "Oh? Where is little Louise? You brought her around one time. She's not with you?"
"She… isn't exactly yet accustomed—and I hope like hell that she never does becomes so—to the horrors of fighting." I resisted adding that I wasn't either, but in the end didn't say anything. "I wouldn't disturb her at the moment, she's resting for now."
"Shouldn't you be with her?" She asked, arms crossed while giving me an admonishing look. Come on, I don't deserve that.
"I've got a trusted friend with her. I'll be instantly alerted to the instant she's in trouble."
You have that correct.
"Though not to be rude, I did somewhat want to be alone for now, so if you'll kindly excuse me—"
I didn't get to take a single damn step before a loud BANG interrupted us. What the hell was that?!
I sprinted over through the streets to where the sound was, finding a shot man from Tristain and another Tristain soldier with a smoking gun. Within the next second I had safely disarmed the assailant and pinned him to the ground. "Who knows where this guy has been in the past few—"
Another shot, which hit me in the left shoulder. I knocked out my shooter with a magnetically hurled projectile. "Someone fucking tell me, right now!"
Someone came spilling through the crowds. Probably a doctor, considering he was dressed in all white. "No, dammit! This is the third case today…!"
I looked up at the man. "What?"
"Soldiers moving gunpowder, shooting fellow soldiers." He explained while tying up the man's arms behind him. "I don't know what's causing it. It's some sort of magic I'm not familiar with—"
"Get me accounts of every single person who knows where those other cases are." I turned to one of the soldiers that came running up. "Do you know this guy?"
"Y-yes, sir! He said he was going to drink some water from the town well since his throat was parched from drinking beer."
Water… Oh shit!
"I heard similar cases—"
I immediately got to my feet and yelled. "Everyone! Get the message out not to drink the water! There's an unknown pathogen that's causing the soldiers here to go loony! Come on, get the message out!"
The doctor gave me an odd look. "How did you…?!"
"I'm assuming this place gets water from wells or rivers, which is derived from that soldier. It makes sense that the enemy could poison the water supply. And if everyone's drinking beer that makes them thirsty so they'll drink water…"
"Everyone will drink the poison! T-thank you mister!"
With that, the doctor hauled off his tied up patient and ran off after the crowds. "Tell the generals if you see them! And get a quarantine set up!"
"Will do!"
"Noooo! Guiche!"
Oh fuck!
I barreled through an alleyway and drew a knife, managing to block the downward strike from Guiche… to Montmorency. Holy shit…
His eyes were empty. A quick view with Nerve Vision alerted me to the fact something was wrong. He was a weird sort of color rather than the usual hues a healthy person had. The poison probably had something to do with the nerves in order to control people, now that I think about it.
"Guiche, please listen to me!"
"Mont—" I was interrupted by a barrage of attacks which I was barely able to dodge. "Dammit, get away!"
"I can't!"
"Why the—" Dodge and block! "—hell not?!"
"I can't… I can't just leave him!"
This… is an opportunity…? Hm… well, I believe in the power of love, huh? Let's see it at work. God only knows that in a magical world, it's going to work. If not, I can always incapacitate Guiche.
"Why can't you leave him?! He's clearly off his damn rocker right now!" I kicked him, sending him stumbling back, but he got back up and kept coming up against me.
"Try healing him!"
"O-okay!"
Montmorency began to chant. But with a scream from Guiche as he attacked me, stopped. "Guiche, please come to your senses!"
"Dammit!"
Sparks flew as I traded blows with him, knife against sword. Only my increased strength and natural ability were keeping me up for now. I was at a disadvantage—not to mention the fact I needed him alive.
"He… he attacked me…" She broke down into tears on her knees. "I knew it… he really hates me for what I've done…"
"Montmorency, you can't think about anything else! Just focus on him alone! Just focus on healing him alone! Will you let your mind be clouded by such dark thoughts?! Or will you clear them and hope for something better?! The damn poison is water based, and you're a fucking Water Mage! Magic is altering the world! Are you or are you not one of the best damn Water Mages the Academy had? Can't you think for yourself? Do you want to help him or not?! Do you still believe he can forgive you?!"
A beginning of a chant gave me my answer.
"Fuck!" I growled as my knife was tossed off to the side by a good enough sword hit. "Motherfucker—"
A bright flash of blue light.
"Ha?"
Guiche's dull eyes regained their color. He slumped with the sword in his hand before dropping it with a panicked look on his face, shouting when he realized where he was.
"K-k-kurt?! Whaat… where am I?! I was drinking water when—"
He didn't get much further as a sobbing Montmorency tackled him to the ground, hugging him as if letting go meant death for the both of them. She explained to him what happened, with me giving the technical information so he'd piece everything together.
"You… healed me?"
"I… I couldn't…"
"Why…? I thought…"
"I… idiot… I couldn't just leave you… I wouldn't want to leave you there…"
"Mon… mon."
"A-ah?!" Montmorency half-shrieked as Guiche held her close.
"Thank you… Monmon."
Aw… agh, er… whatever.
"If you two don't realize, the city is currently falling apart due to whoever decided to fuck with the water supply. Get a room after we stop this. Guiche, escort Montmorency to the hospital ward areas, I'm sure they've quarantined whoever has the poison in them. Have a messenger tell the generals what you're doing, I'm going to go check on our VIP."
I busted down the door just to be faster, Gigawatt Blade flaring to life. However, Louise was already holding Derf in a ready position, her blade stopping right before it would have cut across my face.
"A-ah! Kurt! You gave me a scare!"
"I wasn't sure whether or not you were safe at the moment." I replied, taking Derf into my hands. "I'm glad you're safe. There's been an emergency, we need to report to headquarters for now."
"Oh, that's why there was so much panic outside. I was ready to have to fight my way to you…"
Fortunately, within a few hours we had managed to isolate everyone who had drank the water as well, leaving them quarantined and eventually healed. Montmorency was currently being hailed as one of the few "Angels of Tristain" that could heal the poison. Apparently she had taught the same method that I had told her to others, where one emptied someone completely of all foreign influences or something like that.
Crisis fucking averted, to say the least.
Though we were all on high alert since it seemed that might be the prelude to something. Tonight…there might an attack. Even if the poison didn't fully cripple the city and the army, it did some damage. The panic, the fear, it might be enough to bring an attack here.
Even if I wasn't that injured though, Siesta was tending to my wounds that I had sustained from the Guiche battle and several other cleanup efforts throughout the city. Muskets tend to fire non magnetic projectiles, which really sucks for my passive block. I'd been developing my Polarity Wall ability so I could actually start blocking more projectiles.
She didn't really have to help me with them, though. They weren't exactly harmful to me and besides, I'd heal rapidly compared to the ordinary folks around here. But Siesta didn't really care and pushed her way past my complaints and decided to do so anyways.
I guess my natural healing wasn't as good as before. Maybe the cold was starting to get to me. I probably should've bundled up, body's not exactly doing so well compared to before. At least I'm not sneezing or feeling a fever just yet. Greh… ugh.
I winced as she applied a damp cloth to the cuts to clean off the dried blood, still facing the fireplace.
"O-oh, did that hurt?! I-I'm sorry—!"
"No, it's fine Siesta." I said, keeping a straight face. "It comes with cleaning wounds."
"You were really brave today… thank you for saving me as well." She whispered, moving to my neck. Oh yeah… I had actually saved Siesta from a group of poisoned soldiers, having to take a bullet or two for her. Which is why I was bleeding, anyways.
"Well, I can't exactly just run away now, can I?"
She nodded. "Mhm."
"It's just doing what I have to do. Even if I have to hurt myself, as I can recover better than most people. It's pretty damn hard to kill me. Which makes it not exactly bravery. Bravery would be if I was a simple mortal and still did that. Exactly that would also be stupid."
We remained silent after that, as Siesta helped to finish patching my wounds. However small they were and regardless of their healing progress, she treated each one as if it was a severed arm. Hm… she has such a delicate touch…
I blinked and for a second I was back inside the abandoned house that we were taking shelter in, just in the same state right after the Ice Giant battle. Siesta wasn't dressed in a maid outfit, but a simple sky blue dress, and her eyes were back to Cynthia's…
Shaking my head back and forth, I brought my vision back to normal. Dammit…
I must've sighed, because Siesta leaned in close and looked me in the eye with a slightly bit lip of concern. "Kurt? Are you okay?"
"Yeah… I'm all right. Just a flashback of home."
"Hmm…"
Siesta then went ahead and pulled up a chair and then sat in front of me. "Kurt, please hold out your hands."
I raised an eyebrow but did as she asked. Siesta dumped a small jar into my hands, looking a bit sorry. "What is this…?"
Siesta turned her head away, looking at the floor with her eyes closed, biting her lip. Her hands were clasped tightly as she held them close to her chest. I put the jar in my lap and then extended a hand out onto her shoulder. "You can tell me. I won't be mad or anything."
She sighed, turning her head back but still finding the floor more interesting than my eyes. "…Those are sleeping pills."
"Sleeping pills?"
"I… I heard from Professor Colbert that you and Miss Vallerie both have nightmares due to the fighting and everything you'd done and had to see. So… I… I bought them for you, but I thought you might also give some to Miss Vallerie so she'll stop having those horrible nightmares. G-grandfather had them occasionally where they yelled about the fighting and I just… I just wanted you to—"
Before she could say anything more, tears leaking out of her eyes as she choked on her words, I wrapped Siesta in a hug, the jar falling to the ground but not breaking. Her tears began to dampen my shirt, only to be dried due to our proximity to the fireplace.
"It's… why… why do good people like you… have to suffer…" She sobbed out as I increased the tightness of my embrace. "And then those… those real villains get away…?"
"Reconquista won't get away." I growled. "I'll make sure of it. That's a promise."
"Mhm…" Siesta returned the embrace, holding me closer. "…But I keep having dreams as well. I… I keep having nightmares that something bad will happen to Kurt."
I stroked her hair as I pulled away a bit. Just a tiny bit. "Siesta… there's not all that much that can happen to me. Don't worry about me, okay? I can take care of myself. You should worry more about yourself."
"I-I know… Kurt is really strong…"
I looked away, unable to gaze into her brown eyes. "It might be a while before I get to the Academy, though. But I can assure you that we'll win. I'll make sure it happens."
Siesta gave a brief and fleeting and oh so heartcrushing smile that even the most stoic of souls would have trouble not wincing at. "I… I wish there were a better time to say this…"
"Siesta…?"
Her voice was barely audible over the flames and drunken partying outside. "Forgive me, Kurt… but I have to say it…! I can't hold it in anymore…
"I… Kurt… I… I love you."
I couldn't bring it in myself to stop Siesta as she kissed me. Maybe it was because she was so much like Cynthia. Maybe it was because she had worked up so much to get here. Maybe it was because this was a consolation, for the fact she'd probably never have a chance with me. Maybe it was because I just wanted someone to finally just… hold me. Maybe… maybe. The only thing I was certain of was that I didn't return the kiss.
Strangely enough, the runes didn't say anything.
I… said I would be quiet.
I thought you'd yell at me or something.
…there is not a reason to admonish you.
…I…
Please leave me out of your thoughts for a while. There is something I must ponder.
Siesta looked apologetic as my view came back into focus. She mumbled an apology about stealing a kiss like that, how wrong, how disgusting, how terrible it was. But I just gave her a hug and said sometimes… we gotta do what we gotta do.
She told me she would wait forever, that not even the veil of mortality would keep her from loving me if I somehow, God forbid, died in some crazy freak accident. But she still knew where my heart lay. And Siesta, however much she wished to be with me, said she wouldn't trespass on that.
So we decided to just stay there for a while in each other's arms. There were some soft strings in the background, so I taught her how to waltz.
Siesta giggled as I twirled her. "Oh, Kur—"
The world lit up.
…It wasn't fireworks. There was no way it could be that simple.
…I knew it.
Siesta leaned in closer, wrapping me in a hug. "Why now…?"
I forced myself to pull away. "Siesta, you have to go. It's not going to be safe here. Get to Scarron and blitz the hell out of here."
"Kurt…"
I turned around to Siesta, who took my chin and gave me another kiss. "Please come back."
She got a nod in return. "I'll do my best."
With that, I marched off in the opposite direction Siesta ran off in, up the stairs and into Louise's room.
When I opened the door, Louise was already up, currently dressing into more combat appropriate clothing. "Kurt!"
I leaned onto the frame of the door in the doorway. "Hey. It's time."
"Mhm… Oh." She tossed me Derf and I put him on my back. "What do you think we'll be doing?"
"Probably holding the defensive line. With the celebration truce currently underway, I doubt we're really ready."
Louise bit her lip as she tucked her wand away. "We need to get going."
There was just a lone messenger who left a piece of paper for us before running off. Hm… no command figures, no officers… Yeah, I think I know what's going on.
I opened up the letter and read it out loud to Louise.
The plan was simple: Sacrifice us… and have us hold off the incoming force while everyone else fucking evacuated. Seventy thousand versus two of us.
"Huh…"
Louise's face was a mix of relief and terror. Any would feel terror, of course. The fact one was facing such a strong army where death was… yeah, pretty much anyone would die. But yet Louise looked much at peace. Death was… release from the nightmares, the voices, all of that. Even if I told her death should never be the way out, one couldn't help but find it so appealing.
I decided… there was only one thing to do. Runes…?
I… do not agree with deception. But… this is what you must do?
Yeah.
"Hey Louise, you look a little sick."
"I suppose."
With heavy hands, I took out the jar. "Siesta gave these to me. She noticed I hadn't been doing well, so she got me them. They're supposed to help the feeling."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah, I took one earlier. I feel loads better."
Louise nodded, having come to inherently trust me with everything I had done for me. I had never knowingly led her wrong before and she had come to know me as someone that wouldn't lie to her.
I'm… I'm so sorry, Louise. I wish I didn't have to betray you like this, Louise… you always thought that whatever I did would be for our benefit. I don't want you to die here. Someone so young and innocent doesn't belong here… in this place of horror.
As soon as she swallowed it, the effects began taking place. There were some tears in her eyes as she realized what I had done. For the first… last… and only time… I'm sorry, Louise. Please find it in your heart to forgive this selfish bastard.
The tears streamed down her cheeks as she looked at me one final time.
The words were barely audible. "You… Kurt… why… idiot…"
I leaned down and whispered into her ear. "Because I love you like a younger sister. And no brother worth his goddamn fucking salt would make his younger sister march onto the battlefield."
And with that, I caught the slumping Louise before she hit the ground. As if to further mock me, lightning struck overhead with a crash of thunder as she fell into my hands as the rain poured.
"Kurt!"
I turned around to the sounds of horse hoofs knocking on the stone paths. Guiche…? "Guiche?!"
"You weren't retreating with the others. I found that maid and she told me you had left with Louise somewhere, so I assumed you were at the general's tent."
"I see…" I traced his gaze over to the sleeping Louise. "Guiche, take Louise with you and get going."
"Y-you?"
"I've… got orders to fulfill." As I began to walk away, I didn't turn around. "And Guiche?"
"Ye-yes, Kurt?!"
"Tell Louise and Colbert… I am sorry, so sorry, and no matter how many times I say it, it won't be enough. They will know what I mean. Now go! This place is about to become hell on Earth and you'd do wise not to be caught up in it!"
With that, I strode across the wet streets, using my magnetism powers to draw in all the scattered and dropped weapons around the place. They all levitated behind me in a mass, intimidating cloud, ready to be used.
I looked up to the crying, dark heavens above. "Cynthia… wait for me a little bit. I'm coming home, all right? Derf… let's get going."
"Mhm, partner."
The walk through the streets in the long night of solace was one of silence, so I decided to break it by talking with Derf. I told him of my final moments with Cynthia, how it was to bear witness to something like that… not even all the strength in the world could've saved her life.
But here… here I had the power and strength and the ability to save lives. Lives that are important to me, ones that I wouldn't let go without a fight.
Was I playing hero…? One of the things I hated to do? Maybe a bit. But I'm willing to admit that.
"Are you afraid?" Derf asked as the silence set back in.
I laughed bitterly. "Of facing seventy thousand people by myself? Of course. Death, no matter how much one seeks it, always a bit of element of fear with it. There isn't losing fear of death, there is simply accepting that when it is your time, it is your time. And this… well, it may be time.
"In case we don't make it… it was an honor to wield you."
I stopped right outside the city gates where Reconquista would be coming from.
Sorry Wales, but I'll have to break that promise I made to you.
I sat there, waiting for some time. The army stopped, their commander, who was number one on my hit list today, probably was confused as fuck. Soon, a messenger came through the rain and snow.
"I know what you mean to ask. Yes, I am the only protection here. I have an ultimatum. Tell your forces to back down… or I will destroy them. Your leaders have an hour to respond or I will assume hostile intentions. Any firing will be assumed to be hostile."
The messenger went back to carry my decree as I drew Derf and brought out the Gigawatt Blades.
So runes, it appears that we're in this together, huh?
It appears so. I doubt that we will survive.
Hey… what were you thinking about before?
About your relationship with Master… how you look at her. I thought… I thought that love—romantic love—would give the ultimate ability to fight. Yet… you have displayed so much ability and strength when you only look at her like a little sister…? It… it confuses me.
I see…
For this battle here… I will not attempt to tamper with your memories should you decide to use my full power. You may die with your memories intact, should that happen.
…That's… a nice surprise.
But… my sincere and deepest apologies, Cynthia. I have to lock down my emotions, for there was no place for them here on this battlefield. I'd have to suppress guilt, regret, all of that.
I am here for that.
Ah…
Be warned, similar to that letter you read before, my capacity is only so much. Anything too shaking will flood your mind with the suppressed memories.
Then I suppose we'll have to hope that doesn't happen then, huh?
Indeed. And if I may… as I want you to know just in case… it was a pleasure, if at the very least, an extremely frustrating one, to work with you.
I could say the same right back.
Just after that, the armies came in, charging and brandishing their weapons, footsteps shaking the earth below me, their cries piercing the air as if they shouted uniformly against the heavens themselves. Hm, they've got some Dragon Knights from above, as well.
Heh, this one time, I don't have to give two fucks about morality, others, collateral damage, casualties, all of that! It's a chance for me to really cut loose and show these fools just how powerful I really am.
I know… that this is running away. Running away from my responsibilities and everything… knowing that I'm going to try to leave… I guess. But sometimes shit just gets too tough, even for me.
"Tonight… I don't know where I'll end up! Heaven, hell, oblivion, the void, or doomed to walk this fucking world, it doesn't matter! YOU WON'T STOP ME FROM COMING HOME! COME THEN, YOU ARMIES OF THE FUCKING FAÇADE CALLED RECONQUISTA! COME AND FACE THE STORMS OVERHEAD! CAN YOU STAND AGAINST THE HEAVENLY LIGHTNING ITSELF?!"
With that, I called up two spears from the pile of weapons. As they came to my hands, I launched the spear in my right hand with some magnetic acceleration, taking out several in one go. Exchange the left into my right hand. Launch again.
The army hesitated to walk forth as I marched up to meet them, weapons being flung with magnetic manipulation that took out so many at once, the bodies of Dragon Knights falling on top of them.
They readied their weapons as I continued to just pace along, launching weapon after weapon. The thunder above matched the sound of my booming voice. "I am Kurt 'Gig' Bright! I am the Master of the Storm, come to strike down with lightning those that believe they are mighty, to deafen those that listen to their own lies and so willingly believe them, and wash away that which remains!"
When my weapon supply ran out, I moved.
I cut down the horses that the cavalry that charged me rode on, knocking them onto the ground only to be shocked into submission, their bodies sizzling as they screamed in pain.
Unminding of the musketeers and mages, I charged the one of the field officers. In the blink of an eye I plunged the Gigawatt Blade into his chest and moved my hand up, leaving sizzling flesh, melted bones, and a fountain of blood where he stood, temporarily stopping the lines of gunfire.
Being alone… it was like fighting the militia by myself again. No one to watch out for, no one to mind. Just me and my enemies to destroy! Ooooh, it feels so good! I haven't been able to just let loose like this in forever!
I weaved through their ranks, cutting them all down, shocking them to death, all the while they couldn't do anything while I didn't even so much as have to fucking worry about those around me.
As their bodies fell, so too did their swords, which I used as projectiles with my magnetism powers. Those powers allowed me to be efficient in dealing with the iron clad soldiers. Entire squads would fall to a sustained current, arcing out to hit their allies. Before they died, I could sap their electricity, using my fallen enemies to further fuel my destruction of them.
The hills near the city soon ran red with rivers of blood mixed with rain and snow. At times the lightning would ripple overhead, giving me a temporary weapon to use against Reconquista.
Oh, how they all just ran when they saw that a lightning bolt struck me, only for me to laugh as it went right their wear while I let out a maniacal laugh as lightning fucking coursed through the blood rivers.
"Partner, look up!"
I took a look into the sky where a myriad of arrows rained down upon me, blotting out the view of the clouds.
Holding Derf tightly, I began my magnetic field manipulation, freezing the arrows in place before repelling them, sending their own arrows all over the army. Screams of pain filled the air as I walked, arrows splashing down upon us.
A roar distracted me for just a second. Hmm… two of those Devourer things that attacked Tarbes from before. These guys were a real bitch to kill. Heh, looks like Reconquista's bringing out the big guns. Except most of their soldiers are panicking. I sense a third party playing a role.
Well… I've got the advantage.
Swiping low, I knocked down one of the still alive soldiers. Using magnetic field manipulation, I started stringing him along with me, over to the beast.
"W-wait, no! Please, don't—"
"Do me a favor and shut up." I then turned to the beast. "Oi, ugly!"
With that, I launched the soldier at it, its tongue lashing out and beginning to thrash him. Aaaand now that it's distracted… knife.
That beast monster thing didn't even know what hit it as a myriad of cuts appeared all over its body. Its blood spilled out like a fountain as it burned underneath the sizzle of the Gigawatt Blade. That wasn't enough for me, since I so hated this creature, so for good measure I launched a dozen weapons lying around me at it with the speed of my railgun attack, watching it be skewered.
It wasn't very hard to take them out, after all, when I had a distraction. Hm, if only I had thought of this before. There surely were Reconquista stragglers that day Tarbes was attacked. I could've made things a lot easier on myself.
Bah, it's the past now.
The lines continued to fall and break apart as I slowly advanced forward, leaving a path of fallen, half-dead, crying in pain and regret, soldiers that their healers would be torn with. No, I wasn't aiming for killing everything.
I was going to send a message to those backing Reconquista. You better be ready for me. Because Kurt Bright will fucking find you and kill you, but not before I put you through as much pain as I can.
There wasn't time to think as the enemy mages began to get in range, firing spells at me with increasing frequency. But they were all no match for Derf who would simply absorb them. Nothing they launched at me could match to Karin. They simply weren't good enough for that and neither were their reflexes, since before they could begin to chant again I was hurling electricity at them.
Screams of pain were always around me as I walked, unflinching, towards the back of the army, completely uncaring of the soldiers that filled in to come and attack from behind.
A lightning strike hit me, charging me up.
Tilting my head back while not turning around, I spoke out loud to them. "Oh, so you think you can just flank me and that'll be enough? Let me clear out what's behind me. Master Spaaaa—"
A flash of blue.
Louise woke up.
And she saw where she was.
She wasn't by his side. She was in… the cold air? On a pier?
No, she was on an airship.
The memories of what had happened flashed in her mind. Kurt had… given her a sleeping potion of sorts. Siesta had given—
She saw that maid.
And she made her move.
Guiche immediately moved to hold her back while Scarron instinctively moved to protect Siesta.
"You… you… You're just going to let him die alone?!"
"I'm sorry, Miss Vallerie…" Siesta sobbed, sinking to the ground on her knees. "I just… wanted him to be able to sleep at night without thrashing around with nightmares… I didn't know he would do something like this…!"
I don't know how long I had been here on this battleground. Minutes? Hours? Days? Hell if I know. However long it was I spent slicing, dicing, cutting, electrifying, shocking, destroying was unknown to me.
But I had barely begun to suffer any wounds, as I continually healed electricity by sapping it from my fallen foes or from the continuous lightning bolts that founds their way to me every time I was so close to death.
The estimation of seventy thousand was far off. It just aided the assumption that Reconquista had to have an outside backer for their revolution.
Because goddamn, I had faced in addition to those soldiers… at least two dozen Devourers, hundreds of trolls, even more ogres, at least a thousand smaller creatures like goblins by now. Dragon Knight squadrons had continued to rain down on me—and subsequently get shot down—from the skies above. Not to mention those fucking Scyther things that came in droves.
Their bodies lay everywhere, the stench of burning and death with them. Some of those bodies were so disfigured from either shocking, falling, or impact that it was difficult to believe they at one time resembled something like a human being. Let alone the dragons, all singed to the point one could not tell they were a supposedly invincible dragon before.
Others stumbled, even puked, when they saw the bodies. But I merely danced to the tune of death, fighting forevermore, advancing ever closer and closer to them.
I saw the commander, surrounded by his men and at least a thousand soldiers.
And my arms just… stopped.
"You… can see the carnage I have brought here."
I was tired.
Tired of this shit.
Tired of murdering.
Tired of mass murdering.
"If you just walk away… then I don't have to destroy you. Indicate your surrender by dropping your sword."
"You are aware that honor dictates we cannot do such a thing."
"…Then I will destroy you."
"Wait."
He turned around and faced his men. "You know what we are about to undertake. If there are any of you who would like to go back to your wives and children, I do not blame you. Go, now, like those before I told to."
And several did. They were not killed as they did so. But he sent off them before, huh? Knowing that fighting me here was certain death, he let them go if they didn't want to risk it. And yet they fought… how inspiring.
"It required much courage to be able to do something like that." He declared, turning back around and looking at me. "What is your name, o courageous soul that has stood against my army? While I already know, it is simply courtesy."
"My name is Kurt Bright." I muttered, flashing the Gigawatt Blades. "And it is time for you to die."
"To arms, men!"
And so the clash began.
I couldn't bring myself to keep killing them.
Nonlethal shocks caused pain. But they did not cause death.
I could have done this from the start.
I should have done this from the start.
…I'm sorry, Cynthia.
As a Wind Hammer spell flew by my head, a conversation between her and I played through my head once again.
"You don't seem concerned that I killed them."
"They… they would have killed the children."
"I thought you supported me never killing."
"W-well… sometimes you have to, right? They would have told the other militia where the kids were and then…"
"Hey, hey…" I muttered, holding her in my arms as she began to cry.
"I only wish that… in order to save some, you didn't have to destroy others…"
"Conservation, huh… the world is a cruel place."
"Mhm… But… I think it's okay, sometimes… I won't pretend that killing isn't wrong… but maybe if it's for something you really believe in…"
—I believe!
I believe in Louise. I believe in her future. I believe in her eventually surpassing of me. I believe in the fact one day Louise will completely outshine me.
I believe in Tristain. I believe in Henrietta. I believe in that she will lead her nation to greatness. I believe in the fact one day Henrietta will lead a just and fair nation.
I believe in Colbert. I believe in progress. I believe in his goal and striving for good advancement. I believe in the fact one day Colbert will lead the scientific movement to good.
I believe in Guiche. I believe in Montmorency. I believe in the love between them will one day conquer their problems. I believe in Tabitha. I believe in Kirche. I believe that they will find true friendship and know more than what is simply in the now.
I believe in Siesta. I believe in her love. I believe in her willingness to wait for me. I believe in the fact one day I might… just do so, even if it is far off.
But none of this will come to pass…
…if I do not fight.
Despite the weariness of my arms.
Despite the tiredness of my fight.
Despite the soreness of my legs.
Despite the trauma of my mind.
I fought.
Harder.
Better.
More efficiently.
…Nonlethally.
Before I could get to the commander and his final three squads, another cry.
…The Absolute Liberators.
"Excuse me."
I don't know why I said that. But I left the commander and walked away to face the guerrilla fighters.
And I let loose.
If there was anything I hated more than Reconquista's twisted message, it was the Absolute fucking Liberators. They took the words of… of justice, of good values, of self-rule, something held so great in my world, and used it to fulfill earthly wants and justify horrible actions.
And for that… I will cut them all down.
Unlike the final bits of Reconquista, I would never tire of fighting them. And I was willing to pull out all the stops for them.
See, the thing was that perhaps there were those of Reconquista that were simply misguided. Something I probably should have realized before destroying them.
…My apologies probably don't mean anything now, but there is a "sorry" somewhere deep in the bottom of my heart. I took out my anger on them, on those that probably didn't know better.
As for the Absolute Liberators… they knew exactly what they were getting into. And for that, I have no mercy or apologies.
My Gigawatt Blades cut through their stomachs, waists, creating human jigsaw puzzles that were forever unsolvable with the sheer amount of parts and blood that rained down everywhere. Come and get some more! I will show you what your abuse has merited!
I returned to where Reconquista was after mowing them all down. I was bleeding all over, probably covered in blood and I'm pretty sure my regen powers weren't as strong due to a lack of electricity or just sheer tiredness.
My vision went hazy every now and then, but I'd jolt myself back to reality.
…But I didn't have to fight them. Though would I?
The commander was tending to his men on the ground. "Do you promise to allow me to tend to my injured?"
I knew what the condition was on that.
"Yes. Of course, I now have to ask why now?"
"Because… honor is a foolish reason to continue this fight. There is no more honor to be found on this battlefield. I only wish to save what I can now."
The general, commander, whatever took out his sword and dropped it. And then he and his men walked away. Perhaps as they saw my fury, they decided there was no point in trying.
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why do you destroy them but not us?"
"…Because I allowed anger to cloud my vision. It means nothing, but… I am sorry. If you'll excuse me…"
And then I walked away.
"You, brave and courageous soul."
I stopped.
"…Thank you."
"…I am not brave and courageous."
"Hm?"
"I'm just a man. My name is Kurt Bright. Not brave and courageous soul. Just call me Kurt."
"Then, Kurt… thank you."
I had nothing to say in reply to that. But those words felt sincere. Perhaps… he was thankful that even some of his men got to go home. That not everyone had to die today. I'd be pretty happy too.
For how long I was walking afterwards, I didn't know. I didn't really have a destination in mind, anyways.
Eventually I reached a forest, where I slumped down against a tree. My hair became wet, which meant I probably was bleeding out or something. Geh…
I closed my eyes… and everything became white.
Eh… I'm in the apartment again…?
"I was going to originally give you a vision of sorts. Something with that girl you loved—sorry, love, a lot, but I figured you'd be able to see through my illusion."
I blinked, realizing who was talking to me.
A figure, rather scantily clad if you ask me.
"I can hear your thoughts, you know. We're in your mind."
Oh. No privacy.
"Oh yes. That has been an annoying factor."
Well I'm sorry for my perversity. I can't exactly control the other head.
"…I'm going to stab you."
Regardless, she was dressed in… not much. But she had some very defining pointed ears and blonde hair, a very thing green cloth covering her torso except exposing much of her chest with an impossibly low neckline, with nothing covering her lower areas save for what passed as underwear.
I guess it's combat effective, if you're never hit.
"I never was."
Oh, well that makes sense.
"But yes, it seems our times of working together are coming to an end."
She knelt down in front of me and extended a hand to pick me up. "It was a pleasure to meet and work with you."
I shook her hand… and you know…
"H-hey."
Was that a stammer?
"No it wasn't!"
Well, I was hugging her. Nothing perverted. I don't know what came over me, but it just felt right.
"Oh. It seems there's a few more enemies. I'll take care of them. Do you trust me?"
…Well, not much to lose. But yeah, go ahead.
As she vanished in a flash of white light, I could feel the sensation of movement. She was cutting them down as fast she could. But there was another feeling… like someone was embracing me.
"Ima… watashi no…"
That song… Cynthia and I would sing that sometimes. Ah… I guess… that means I'm going home, huh? So… I'm coming home. I never really thought I would… would be there. I would have liked to do more in this world, huh? I guess you never… really think about that sort of thing, huh?
Well… I'm in her arms now.
"…Take care." She said, reappearing.
Will you be okay?
"I see things in a new light now. So… I will. Thank you for your concern."
I nodded and closed my eyes. Here we go…
I saw her, putting her right hand over her heart and then clenching it as she nodded. An Earth gesture, I believe. Maybe she learned it from poking around up here.
She did this as there was a sudden divide between us. It wasn't very visible, just a silver line in the void of white. It began to grow larger and larger… or rather, the two parts of white we stood on were getting further and further apart.
Separation, huh…
I don't know if you can hear this, but I'll sort of miss you.
"I will miss you as well."
Then… it was an honor. Thanks, for giving me the capabilities I needed… to realize several things…
Louise could feel it in the air and in her heart.
Like that spark… that life, had just gone out.
Something had happened to Kurt, something so terrible.
Yet why… why did she feel so at peace? Even happy for him? Jealous, even…?
And somewhere… a storm was gathering, searching for its master, washing away all that tried to hide him with squalls from the skies…
And that wraps up the equivalent of Season Two.
So, uh, I'm not really sure what to say for here now. I guess I'll just do my usual summary things.
Kurt gets a bit creeped out at finding out Siesta is related to Scarron, completely understandable. Also I figured I'd show the runes being influence by Kurt as they're a lot kinder to him now.
The whole scene with the quick solution to solving the poisoned water was a little rushed to me, but I think with Kurt's capabilities, he could easily deduce that sort of thing was going on and have the fix to the problem. Plus, I really wanted to get to the Guiche and Montmorency resolution scene. Yep, after pretty much 10 chapters, they are as of this point, officially back together.
Decided just to do the quarantining off screen since it didn't seem like something I needed to add in. Then I decided to further show Kurt's homesickness by his slight hallucination of Cynthia over Siesta. And we also had the big damn kiss between Siesta and Kurt, with her admitting to the whole "I will wait for you" thing.
Originally, for when Kurt gives Louise the sleeping pills, I had a line where he admits that it's the first time he betrayed Louise. I removed this line as to further attempt to show Kurt's mental strength breaking down and his sheer regret at his actions. Compare:
Original: For the first time I hadn't looked out for both of us. I had betrayed her trust.
Revised: For the first… last… and only time… I'm sorry, Louise. Please find it in your heart to forgive this selfish bastard.
And for those currently riding the Louise/Kurt ship… I hope you brought life jackets for the mean time XD That's not a confirmation for any pairing, but I mean, an event like that is clearly going to at least heavily alter the relationship between them.
I also had the runes finally admit their true feelings and be honest with Kurt, since at this point, neither of them have anything to lose or gain from hiding. For the beginning parts of the fight scene, Kurt is pissed. I mean, he's just had to do a ton of crap that's been taking its toll on his current state and he's mad at Reconquista for their message of so called equality, as far as he can see it.
Threw in a small call back all the way back to like, what, Chapter 1? Kurt mentions very early on that he's not one for mass slaughters, which is why after a while Kurt just offers everyone the chance to go home and stop with the killing. And then the Absolute Liberators, which I've tried to show Kurt hates even more, show up and reinvigorate him.
There was the final scene with the runes, where they reconcile and part, as Kurt… well, died. Which is what the hint was point at. Back in Chapter 9, Kurt mentions right before he goes to fight to his death that he's "coming home". But of course, it seems a storm is brewing to find him…
Well, I think that's all I have to say for today. If you enjoyed this chapter, then please do considering favorite/following if you haven't, and maybe leave a review? XD If you have any further questions or concerns or comments, please don't hesitate to leave a review or PM me!
I was thinking of putting my "thank you" sort of letter here, since we—yes WE—have come this far with this project and I really wanted to talk about my thoughts about writing Storms Overhead so far. I might end up just making a YouTube video or something for it XD I don't know, maybe it'll find its way in here somewhere XD
Anyway, that's everything for today! Seeya next chapter!
Poll Results:
Definitely YAY! 48%
Somewhat yay. 18%
Eh… maybe, maybe not. 12%
Somewhat nay. 3%
Definitely NAY! 19%
Cryptic Hint for the Next Chapter:
"She was calling for me."