Hello Fanfiction readers! Ashbel Longhart here to bring you another new chapter! It makes me glad that some many people loved the previous chapter despite me being gone for a while. So I hope you enjoy today's chapter too. But first, cue disclaimer!
(Disclaimer: I do not own Familiar of Zero or Kamen Rider Wizard. They both belong to their respective owners. I just own this story and my OC's)
Oh my god people, I just realized something…we're almost done with the second season! Two more chapters and we're done with S2! Oh my god! Which means it won't be long until Haru has to face the Army of 700,000! Get hype! Alright, with that said, ladies and gentlemen, it's…SHOWTIME! Let's ride!
CH 22: What Good is Honor!?
(Last Time)
"Tristain Magic Academy. That is your target."
"I overheard what you said yesterday, about heading to the frontlines to aid Her Majesty."
"Though I may not be good at magic, if it's for Her Majesty, I will do anything!"
"Does that mean you'll even kill, Louise?"
"'To fight for Her Highness' sake.' 'To defeat the enemy for the country's sake.' No matter how you phrase it, it's still murder!"
"Now, let's say we get right down to business."
DRAGO TIME!
DRAGON FOUR-MATION!
"I said that I, Benubiro, once burned down an entire village!"
"You're…You're the…You're the one who…burned down D'Angleterre! You're the captain who burned down my home village!?"
"Heh, sorry to break it to you, but I was only the vice-captain at the time. Enja the Flame Snake was the captain. He's an even more crueler person than myself, and that's saying something."
"Prof. Colbert…is the captain of the group that burned Agnès village!?"
"For years, I've searched for the one responsible for burning my village! Now that I've found him, I do not plan to let him escape. I'll kill him even if I have to die too!"
GRIM REAPER! DRAGON! JIGOKU! JIGOKU! JIGOKU! WELCOME TO HELL!
"Back then…I always thought…obeying orders…was the correct thing to do. But…I learned…that it was wrong. Even during war…killing someone is…a sin!"
"He has passed away…"
"If you want to cry…then cry. It's okay…to cry."
"I haven't had the best life…tears of happiness I can shed…but tears of sadness…I dried those out a year ago. So I can't cry…and it frustrates me that I can't!"
"You are crying…you're crying…on the inside."
(Now)
"You know you didn't have to see us off, Kirche." Louise said as I finished loading the luggage onto the ship heading to Albion.
If you're all wondering what was going on, me and the girls were at the ports of La Nocher. We had gotten a message from Henrietta summoning us to Albion which could only mean she wanted out help in the war against Albion/Reconquista. I was reluctant to let the girls go, but Louise was stubborn and Kyoko more so as here we are. Kirche and Tabitha had come along to see us off.
"But this will be the last time I'll see darling in a long while." Kirche said with a smile, but I knew the events of the attack on the academy were still affecting her. I knew because she did not take the chance to stuff my head into her breasts. In fact, the entire school was still reeling from the attack. The girls of the school were less cheerful, some paid more attention class while other didn't, and I even saw a few scurrying off at the sight of fire. The whole academy was still shaken up after the attack, especially after the…death of Colbert.
Louise looked ticked at what Kirche said, but made no movement to take out her wand in order to blow the red head up. I had taught her to get rid of the habit of blowing up things that annoyed or anger you and I'm glad I did or else this ship would fall down the mountains.
"Thank you for seeing us off." Kyoko, being the nice one, bowed in thanks.
"Oh no, it's not trouble at all. I just have a lot of free time on my hands." Kirche said before turning to Tabitha. "Come on, Tabitha, say something. I can't be the only one who speaks here."
Tabitha was nudged forward, but did nothing for a moment. She then walked up to me and to my surprise, wrapped her arms around my waist for a hug.
"Be careful…" Was all she said.
"Oh my." Kirche said, a hand up to her mouth in surprise as she had probably never seen her friend act like this.
"W-W-W-What are you doing!?" Kyoko and Louise exclaimed.
As for me, I simply blinked in confusion before I relaxed and returned the hug.
"I can't make any promises." I said before we ended the hug and got on the ship when the captain informed all passengers that it was time to depart.
Me and the girls waved goodbye to the two girls who returned our waves with waves of their own. We continued to wave until we could no longer see them in the distance. I don't know why…but something in my gut told me I won't be seeing Tristain for a while. Not me and the girls, just…me.
(Insert Oath Sign by LiSA)
(Instrumental) We see Haru standing alone in a field of flowers. Then, just before the song really begins, Dragon flew over him and into the horizon as the tile appears.
(Kurikaesu sekai Nando te wo nobashitara) We see Kyoko running through the halls of Tristain Academy with Louise following before she turns towards the screen.
(Hakanai namida wa kuroi kokoro tokasu no?) We focus on the Flame Ring before we see Haru, sitting down at the entrance of his built house. He then looks up, grabs Derf next to him and straps him to his back before walking out.
(Mebae dashita omoi ga mune ni hibiita nara) We then see Kirche petting her familiar, Flame with Tabitha laying against her familiar, Sylphid as she was reading a book. Then we see Guiche actually training, swinging a wooden practice sword as Montmorency was watching him train. Then, we see Henrietta, now crowned queen as she gazes at both the Water Ruby and the Engage Ring.
(Kimi no tonari de zutto kawarazu mamoru darou) Now we see Wiseman/Carbuncle with Medusa, Neptune, Phoenix and Kamen Rider Sorcerer. The Elite Phantoms stood in front of Wiseman like they were his bodyguards while Sorcerer was looking through a crystal ball, Kyoko's image inside said ball.
(Ochita kibou wo hirotte Asu ni tsunaide yukeba) We now see Haru standing on a magic circle. Then, the circle rises up, transforming him into Kamen Rider Wizard as he drew Derf/WizarSwordGun.
(Karamatta ibitsuna negai datte hodokeru) We then see both Kyoko and Louise back to back as they both glowed with magic surrounding them. Then we see Haru as Wizard with both regular and black Derf as normal and black flames spewed from both swords, Haru looking ready for battle.
(Hikari wo kazashite tamerai wo keshita) We now see Haru battling against Sorcerer. Both their weapons collide before Haru steps back, transforms into Flame Dragon Form and charges again at Sorcerer.
(Agetakatta no wa mirai de) We then see Kyoko and Louise being attacked by Phantoms before suddenly; Kamen Rider Beast appears and saves them.
(Naiteru yoru daita mama nageki wo sakende) We then see the army of 700,000 marching forward. All alone, Haru charges at the army, Derf raised as in the great distance, Kyoko stretches her hand out in vain in order to reach out for her big brother.
(Fumiireta ashi wo tooku no risou ga) Now we see Haru battling against Medusa, Neptune, and Phoenix while Beast battles against three Kamen Rider Mages
(Sotto iyashite yuku) We then see Kirche, Tabitha, Guiche, and Henrietta about to be attacked by more Phantoms until the White Wizards appear and save them.
(Tashikana kizuna wo tsuyoku nigiri susumou dokomademo) Now we see Haru with Beast and the two White Wizards standing in front of Wiseman, the Elite Phantoms, Sorcerer, and the three Mages until both sides charge towards one another as a blinding light over took both groups.
(Kegare kitta kiseki wo se ni) Then we see quick scenes of Louise surrounded by light, Kyoko holding the Philosopher's Stone in her hands, and finally Haru walking away with a shadow of Grim Reaper hovering above him as a Wanted Poster of the Mage Killer flew behind him.
(Tristain Base)
After a full day of traveling, the ship landed at the port Henrietta and her troops managed to take over. After getting dressed into my ZAFT Uniform, same goes for Kyoko, we got off and were met with a man who identified himself as General Poiter. So he's this army' general. After introductions, we followed Poiter to a meeting room to meet up with Henrietta. Agnès was there as well and boy was Henrietta glad to see us.
"Louise!" Coming down from her throne, Henrietta kneeled down to Louise and Kyoko who was kneeling before her. I chose to stand up, as always.
"Your Highness…"
"I'm sorry for call you out here to Albion. Kyoko too."
"Oh no! It's no trouble at all, Your Highness!" Kyoko said.
The three girls got up before Henrietta turned and walked up to me.
"Haru."
"Long time no see, Henrietta." I said before I jumped in surprise when she hugged me. I felt glares coming from the girls as they gave a silent question that was, 'What is that?' I just held up my hands in confusion to tell them I don't know. I looked towards Poiter and he did the same. What is with girls and hugging me these days?
"Sorry." Henrietta said, ending the hug and stepping back with a blush. "I don't know what came over me."
"It's fine." I said, hiding a small blush of my own. "So, why were we called here?"
"Yes, the reason why you were called here." Poiter said. "We're sorry to ask you of this upon your arrival, Miss Vallière, but we would like you to wield your magic for the sake of our country." Excuse me?
Me and the girls looked at Henrietta for confirmation and she nodded.
"…What's the plan?" Kyoko was the one who asked.
Poiter then guided us to the table that had a map spread out.
"This is where we are, the Lowscythe Military Port," Pointer said, pointing over to a specific part of the map. "And this is our final destination, the capital of Albion, Londinium. Currently, the enemy's line of defense is located between these two places, at the city of South Gotha. We predict a large resistance against our invasion into this city. Therefore, I would like you to eradicate the soldiers in the city of South Gotha with your Void Magic, like you did against the forces of that marched into Tristain."
"You're telling her to kill people?" I asked, eyes narrowed at Poiter.
"Please understand." Henrietta spoke up. "If battle were to break out within the city, innocent civilians will get dragged into the war. I would like to avoid that."
Louise turns to Henrietta and her response surprised me. "Understood. I'll do my best to meet your expectations."
"I'm glad to hear that." Henrietta said with a small smile before turning to me and Kyoko. "And what about you two?"
"Wherever Onee-chan goes, I'll go!" Kyoko said.
"I see. And you, Haru?"
"…Can I speak to you in private?" I asked instead of giving her an answer.
"Her Highness asked you a question, boy." Poiter said.
"It's alright, General Poiter." Henrietta said, raising a hand to stop him from doing or saying rash. "Can you please give us a moment alone? That includes you, Agnès."
"Understood." Agnès said before Poiter responded the same away and the two plus the girls left the room, leaving me and Henrietta alone.
Without me having to ask, Henrietta casted a silence spell to keep the upcoming conversation private which had a high chance of erupting into an argument.
"I sense you are displeased." Henrietta said.
"You don't know the half of it." I said, rubbing the bridge of my nose before looking at her. "You do realize what you are asking of Louise, aren't you?"
"I do. And believe me when I say that I wish there was another way."
"Then why not just send me? You know who I am; you know what I'm capable of."
"It's because I know what you're capable of is why I didn't send you." Henrietta said, getting up from her throne. "What would the military think when on the same day I called upon you, the Mage Killer just so happened to appear in South Gotha and do the mission I just assigned Louise? They would know who you are and plaster your face on a wanted poster they have prepared for so long."
"Prepared?" I raised an eyebrow at that.
"For a while now, discussions of the Mage Killer, you, has been brought in many meetings with the Royal Court. Despite not knowing your face, they made a wanted poster for you. Not knowing what you look like is the only thing stopping them from sending out those posters."
"So what? You think you're protecting me? This isn't about me; this is about you bringing the girls into the war!" I said, my voice almost raising up into a shout. "I'm sure you heard from Agnès, about the attack on the academy."
"Yes, I have, and I'm sorry for the loss of Colbert." Henrietta said.
"If you know then you should obviously know that the girls aren't ready for this! A few days may have past, but the entire academy is still reeling over the losses, over the events of what happened that night! And now you're telling Louise to get her hands dirty!"
"You of all people should know not everyone can live through life without getting their hands dirty."
"Oh I know! I know that fact all too well! But no matter how small this task is, the girls are not ready! They're not mentally prepared for this!"
"Then what do you suppose I do!?" I stepped back in surprise when Henrietta shouted at me, tears threatening to escape her eyes. "As the new Queen of Tristain, I have no choice, but to make the most difficult of decisions for my country, for my home. But I'm only seventeen; I'm barely older than you. What do you think I felt when my mother announced that she was stepping down and said that I would be the new Queen?" I didn't answer, but she continued anyway. "I felt like a weight had just been dumped onto my shoulders, responsibilities that I was not ready for. I knew that after the death of my father, my mother would step down from the throne, but to me, she did so too soon. Doubt flowed through my head. I am young, how was I supposed to run an entire empire by myself? But I had to stay strong. The Royal family has its own share of enemies and if they sensed any weakness, they would come and attack at any time. Do you know how hard it is for me to do this? To make all these decisions? To handle all this responsibility?"
"…No, of course not." I said as I walked up to Henrietta and brought her into a hug. "I'm not you; I don't know what you're feeling. Sorry for speaking to you like that."
"No, it's okay." Henrietta said as she wrapped her arms around me. "You're just worried about your sister and Louise. I wish there was another way I could handle this, but for the sake of not getting innocents involved, I had no choice, but to call upon Louise's power. And as one of her Familiars, you'll be there for her, won't you?"
"Of course I will. But I don't have to like all of this." I said as I ended the hug between us. "Well, guess I have no choice, but to go with this plan. I'll see you later, Henrietta." I then turned and headed for the door.
"Haru!" Just before I could grab the handle, I turned to Henrietta. "Please, be careful."
"…Can't make any promises." I said before leaving the room.
(Later)
Using the Connect Ring, I summoned forth the repaired Zero Fighter and the girls and I took off for South Gotha. Hours had past as we flew and nighttime had hit along with a blizzard which was good. As long as we stayed high enough, we were concealed from the enemy. But since we had to get close enough to the city for Louise to use her magic, the enemy would see us when we strike so we have one shot at this. Still…
"'I'll do my best to meet your expectations?' That's easy to say, but can you actually do this?" I asked as I flew the plane.
"Shut up!" Louise said. "All you need to do is fly this thing! Her Highness is seeking help from me, someone who's been ridiculed for being unable to do magic since childhood. I can't possibly tell her I can't do it."
"Onee-chan…" Kyoko placed a hand on Louise's shoulder in comfort.
As for me, I stayed silent as I flew the plane downward. "We're nearing the place we were told to go. You sure you can control your Voice Magic?"
"Yeah. Leave it to me." Louise said before the sight of what I assumed to be South Gotha appeared.
"That must be it." I said before opening the hatch, letting the biting cold wind and snow hit us. "Now's your cue, Louise."
"Be careful." Kyoko said before Louise stood up and began to chant.
To Kyoko and I's amazement, light seemed to fill the sky as Louise's wand illuminated the area around us. If the enemy didn't see us now, they'll defiantly see this. The light was bright a blinding white until the color changed from green, blue, yellow, and then red before…nothing. Literally nothing happened.
"What the? Louise, what-!?" I could finish what I was about to say when Louise collapsed on top of me.
"Onee-chan!" Worried, Kyoko shook Louise to see if she was okay. "Onee-chan! What's wrong?"
"I figured as much." Suddenly, Derf appeared from his sheathe.
"What do you mean?" I asked as I focused on flying.
"During critical moments, she had released all the energy she had charged up throughout her life. Void Magic isn't can't be used freely to begin with."
"Derf, why didn't you tell me that earlier?" I asked.
"Thought it wasn't important."
"…You're not getting polished for at least a week."
"That's cruel, aibou!" Derf said as I flew over the small city.
"What happened to me…?" Not long after I flew over the city did Louise regain conscious.
"Onee-chan! You're alright!" Kyoko said, relieved. "You passed out when you attempted to cast your Void Magic."
Instantly, Louise got back up to her feet. "Turn around! I'll do it again!"
"I don't think we can." I said as I turned the plane around.
"Why not?" Louise asked before I pulled her back in and closed the hatch.
"They've spotted us." I said, pointing to the enemy Dragon Riders ahead of us.
There were two of them, but no doubt there will be more. The two dragons fired fire at us, but I maneuvered the plane to dodge the streams of fire. As I passed the Dragon Riders, I managed to catch a glimpse of one of the Riders and in my opinion; the Rider kind of looked like Suzaku from Code Geass. Weird. I maneuvered the plan to do a flip before flying right up. Taking careful aim, I fired bullets at the first Rider, striking the wings of the dragon. With only one why to support it, the dragon plus Rider fell towards the ground. Only sparing the Rider a glance, I turned my attention to the last Rider and fired, killing the dragon, but not the Rider as the two descended towards the snowy grounds.
"You did it!" Kyoko said.
Just when I was about to relax, a barrage of feathers suddenly appeared, striking the plane. We all were shaken inside the cockpit before I flew the plane out of the barrage.
"What hit us!?" Louise said until we looked out and saw a, "Phantom!"
Indeed, it was a Phantom. The Phantom had the body of a man, wearing armor that covered its chest, legs, and arms, but the head was that of a horse. Not only that, but white as snow wings were seen sprouting from its back. In its hands were two spears.
"A Pegasus Phantom, now that's new." I said before a bang was heard and smoke appeared from the engines. "Dammit! Bastard took out the engines!"
"What do we do!?" Kyoko asked.
"Hang on tight!" I told them as I gripped the control handle with both hands and the ground soon got closer and closer to us.
Well…this is gonna suck. And I just finished repairing this thing too!
(With Henrietta)
"What happened to Louise?" Henrietta asked.
"She along with her familiars have yet to return." Poiter said. "There doesn't appear to be any changes in the enemy lines either. The tactic of utilizing Void magic seems to have failed."
"That can't be…"
"It was a mistake to have depended on unreliable magic. The only remaining option is to charge at them head on. Please, give us the order to march into South Gotha!" Poiter said.
Henrietta closed her eyes, thinking before opening them back up. "Very well. Proceed."
"Yes ma'am." Poiter said before taking his leave.
"Your Highness," Agnès spoke up. "What about Haru and the girls?"
"I do not believe that they are dead." Henrietta said. "Agnès, send Julio in search of them before General Poiter and his troops begin to move."
"Yes ma'am." Agnès said, bowing before taking her leave.
Now alone, Henrietta stroked the Engage Ring in her hand and looked out the window.
"Haru…" For some reason, Henrietta had found herself muttering only Haru's name. Of course, she was extremely worried for her best friend and even Kyoko too for the girl had found a place in heart as well, yet she found herself only muttering Haru's name.
Henrietta stared at the Engage Ring in her hand, the Ring she had for some reason chosen to bring with her. Was it possible? Could she be…for Haru…?
(Back with Haru and the girls)
"I was careless." I said as me and the girls trekked through the snow. I was carrying Kyoko on my back while Louise walked next to me. I used the Connect Ring to send the Zero Fighter back to the academy. It was of no use to us now in its condition. "I didn't expect them to have a Phantom stationed there."
"How should I apologies to Her Highness for this failure?" Louise asked, holding onto the trench coat of my ZAFT uniform I had given to her for warmth.
"Our tactic only failed because you couldn't use your magic." I said bluntly.
"What did you say!?" Louise exclaimed, angry.
"Onii-chan, please don't provoke Onee-chan here." Kyoko said.
"I'm just saying." I said before potting a nearby cave. "There. We can take shelter for the night in there."
It didn't take us long for us to get to the cave and it didn't take long for me to gather wood and start a fire. Magic has its uses.
"So~ warm~!" The girls immediately huddled up, placing their hands over the fire as the warmth of the fire spreaded all over the cave.
"This blizzard doesn't look it'll stop anytime soon." I informed them. "We'll have to spend the night here tonight before returning to base."
"Well that's just great." Louise sarcastically said.
"Why don't you just teleport us back to base with your magic, Onii-chan?" Kyoko asked.
"Because since there is a Phantom here, I have to take care of it before we leave." I said.
"I see." Kyoko said before she went silent. "…"
"Something on your mind?" I asked. Even as kids, Kyoko would go silent when she had something on her mind.
"Oh! No, it's just…" Kyoko seemed to be thinking of how to explain what was on her mind before speaking. "What's your relationship with Tabitha and her Highness?"
"Huh?"
"I'm wondering that too." Louise said. "I've never seen Tabitha get so close to someone before and the same goes for Her Highness."
"Nothing is going on between us." I said.
"Then how do you explain all the hugs you've been getting?" Louise asked.
"How should I know?" I said before dropping the subject. Henrietta and Tabitha…oh gods, it's like Rise and Ritsuko all over again.
"You know," Kyoko spoke up again. "Ever since Yugo-san showed up, I've realized something."
"And what did you realize?" I asked, curious.
"Onii-chan, you never really told me what you've been doing since I've been in a coma." I almost froze up right then and there. "I didn't ask before because I thought it would be rude, but after hearing some things from Yugo-san, I can't help but ask what have you been doing while I was stuck in a coma?"
I didn't answer right away; rather I looked outside into the dark blizzard.
"Onii-chan?" Kyoko must have known that I was avoiding the question.
"…I'll tell you one day." I said before lying down. "Get some sleep you two. I plan on hitting South Gotha and I could use your help. Goodnight." And with that, I closed my eyes, but that night, I found it hard to sleep.
(Albion Palace)
In the meeting room, Sheffield was seen looking out the window as a soldier came in to make a report.
"Magistrate Sheffield, our enemy has sent its forces to the city of South Gotha. We need to send reinforcements."
"There will be no need for that." Sheffield said. "Simply tell the troops there to retreat. And while doing so, make sure they take as much as the city's food and supplies as possible."
"Food and supplies?"
"Even if they occupy the city, being unable to replenish their food and supplies would put them at a disadvantage. We'll be able to stop them there."
"But what will become of the citizens?"
"I don't care what happens to them. Sacrifices are needed to win a war. Begin the retreat." Sheffield ordered.
"Yes ma'am." The soldier said before he left as reporter came in and whispered into Sheffield ear.
"An iron dragon?"
"It seems to have crash landed in the mountains around South Gotha. My guess is it's the thing that showed up during our invasion of Tristain."
"Hoh? That's interesting. Find this iron dragon. And make haste."
"Yes ma'am." The reporter said before taking his leave. Once he was out of the room, none other than Wiseman appeared.
"I see the Yubiwa no Mahoutsukai is finally here." Wiseman said. If the Wizard was here, that could only mean the Philosopher's Stone was also here in Albion.
"You have a Phantom stationed there, right?" Sheffield asked. "Tell it to stay there while the rest of the troops retreat. Even if Tristain will be at a disadvantage since they can't replenish their supplies, it doesn't hurt to take out a few of their men."
"I like your way of thinking." Wiseman said before taking his leave while also making plans of his own. Since the Philosopher's Stone was here in Albion, he had to approach this carefully. If not, then an endless stalemate between him and Sorcerer would ensue and he did not feel like fighting him anytime soon.
(Back with Haru and the girls)
"Is it dead?" Kyoko asked as I slowly approached the body of the dragon.
It was now morning. The blizzard had subsided and once the sun broke the horizon, me and the girls got up and headed towards the direction of South Gotha. Along the way, we ran into what appears to be one of the enemy Dragons. And seeing how it wasn't moving plus the specks of tried blood and broken wing, it was safe to say that it was dead.
But where was the Rider?
"Hragh!" Oh, there he is, jumping out from under the dragon's wing. Since I suspected him hiding, I was prepared and moved out of the way of his charge.
"Nice surprise attack, but you'll have to do better than that, Suzaku look-alike." I said as a part of me was expecting the guy to bust out a Spinzaku on me.
"You're the Rider of that iron dragon!" The Suzaku look-alike exclaimed before he pulled out a sword-wand and casted a wind spell at me, but I canceled it with Derf who ate the whole spell up. "What!?"
"Sorry, but that's not gonna work on me." I said.
"Damn…!" The guy said before he suddenly fell down.
"Huh?" What the? I didn't do anything and the guy's already unconscious.
"He's injured." Kyoko said, pointing to his wounded right leg.
"Well, lucky us." I said, sheathing Derf.
"That's it? How anticlimactic."
"Haru, carry him."
"Excuse me?" I asked, not sure if I heard Louise right.
"I said carry him!" Louise repeated. "If we leave him here, he'll freeze to death."
"So?"
"Just do it!"
"Do I have to remind you that he's the enemy?" I said. "Why do you want to help him?"
"If I were to forsake a wounded person, my reputation as a Noble would be ruined." Louise said and for some reason, I felt annoyed at that. "Now hurry up and help him!"
"Fine, fine…" I said as I approached the guy when he suddenly regained conscious.
"I'll protect my honor even at the cost of my life!" He said as he slowly got up, using his sword-wand for support.
"Stop! You're in no condition to fight!" Great, now even my sister's showing mercy to the enemy. Ugh, the things I do for family.
"I don't need your pity-GUH!" I stopped from talking by kicking him in the face and kicking away his weapon.
"Shut up." I said, drawing Derf and pointing him at the Dragon Rider. "My sisters are showing you mercy. Just give up and surrender."
"Mercy? There's no such thing as mercy in war." Okay, I have to agree with him there. "Just hurry up and kill me already."
"Well, if you're so insistent in dying, I'll grant you your wish!" I said, going to stab the man in the heart.
"Haru/Onii-chan!" Both the girls cried out, but I ignored them as I got closer and closer to the man.
But I then stopped when I felt something beneath my feet. Looking down, I moved away my feet and saw a locket. Picking it up, I opened up the locket and saw a small picture of an attractive woman with chestnut brown hair and purple eyes.
"Give that back!" I moved out of the way, letting the Rider crash into the snow.
"Who is this woman?" I simply asked.
"That's none of your business!" The man said, getting up, but he made the mistake of using his wounded leg to get up, causing him to fall back down.
"Is this woman your lover or something?" I asked.
"Why do you want to know so much?"
"Just answer the damn question." I said, getting impatient.
"Tch! She's my ex-fiancée. What's it to you?" He asked.
I said nothing and closed the locket before tossing it back to him. He caught it no problem as I sheathed Derf.
"Come on. You'll die if you stay there." I said, walking up to him and offering him a hand.
"Huh? You're…not killing me?" He asked. "Why? Is it because I'm wounded or is it because it would tarnish your Noble honor?"
"Does this look like the face of someone who would stop fighting for reasons like that?" For some reason, what I said came out rather coldly if the guy shivering said anything about it. Helping the guy up, I carried him on my back and walked towards the direction of South Gotha with the girls who carried our swords.
"Hey…" Louise spoke up.
"Hm? What is it, Onee-chan?" Kyoko asked. "Do you need to use the toilet?"
"Wha-!? No!" Louise said, blushing before calming down. "I was wondering…how I should report our failure to Her Highness."
"Simply tell her that you failed. It's as simple as that." I said as we continued walking.
"Just saying it like that won't cut it!" Louise said. "Her Highness…gave me this mission because she had faith in me. I failed to meet her expectations."
"What? You gonna kneel down and commit seppuku just because you failed one mission?" I said.
"Onii-chan! How could you suggest that!?" Kyoko said.
"It was a joke, Kyoko." I said.
"Seppuku? What's that?" Louise asked.
"It's another term for hara-kiri which is ritual suicide by disembowelment with a sword. It was formerly practiced in our home country by samurais, our version of 'knights' as an honorable alternative to disgrace or execution." I explained.
"That does seem more presentable than returning home." Louise said.
"If you so much as try to commit seppuku, I will stop and punish you." I said, glaring coldly at her.
Under my gaze, she jumped and nodded frantically. I then stopped and focused on walking.
"Listen Louise. Success and failures are a part of war for both sides. One or two failures won't make a difference." I said.
"My failure may not mean much to you, Haru, but I'm a Noble!" Louise said. "As a full-fledged mage, I have to be of use to Her Highness! If I can't do that, then it's better to die!"
*SLAP!*
Faster than Louise could blink, I dropped the guy on my back and quickly slapped Louise across the face. Louise was wide eyed, holding the place where I slapped before slowly turning to me.
"Don't you ever say that in front of me, you hear me!?" I shouted, grabbing Louise by the shoulder to make her look at me straight in the face and in the eyes. "Don't you ever talk about dying! Do you really think Henrietta would be happy with you doing that!? Stop letting your stupid Noble pride get the best of you! As long as I am around, you are not going to die! You hear me! DO YOU!?"
"Stop! Just stop!" Suddenly, Kyoko got in between us, tears in her eyes. "Please, stop fighting!"
I breathed in and out, still angry before I calm down somewhat and picked the guy up again. We then walked in silence for about an hour, enough time for Kyoko to wipe her tears until the guy spoke up.
"I had heard that Tristain Nobles were wusses, but it seems that rumor was wrong."
"You shut up. I am not in the mood." I said as I continued walking.
"What's your name?" Kyoko asked, probably wanting something to change this mood in the air.
"My name?"
Kyoko nodded. "I'm Kyoko Yamamoto. The guy who's carrying you is my Onii-chan, Haru Yamamoto. And this is my Onee-chan, Louise."
"Oniichan? Oneechan?" The guy said in confusion.
"It means big brother and sister." I said.
"And last, but not least, I'm the legendary sword, Derflinger!"
"A talking sword!?" The guy said in surprise.
"Derf here is my Onii-chan's aibou, his partner." Kyoko said. "What's your name?"
"…Henry. Henry Stanford of the Albion Air Force." The now named Henry introduced himself.
"Nice to meet you, Henry." Kyoko said with a smile.
"…Is your sister always this nice to strangers?" Henry asked me.
"Most of the time." I said.
"By the way, what happened to your iron dragon?" Henry asked.
"I sent it back to Tristain." I said. "And it's not a dragon."
"If it's not a dragon, then it's some kind of new magic weapon?" Henry guessed.
"Magic weapon? Ha! You're couldn't be more far from the truth." I said. "But yeah, it is a sort of a weapon, that much I'll tell you. The rest is secret."
"I see. So that's why it was faster than Winzar…"
"Winzar?" Kyoko asked.
"My dragon." Henry said. "Thanks to your brother here, he died in action."
"What? Do you expect an apology? Cause you're not getting one." I said.
"Was he your partner or something?" Louise asked, finally speaking up.
"Yeah, he was an important friend." Henry said. "It was alive until this morning. It's only thanks to him that I'm still even alive."
"Friends and comrade die in war. That's a fact." I said.
"Heh, true. In war it's kill or be killed." Henry said. "That is an undeniable law in life."
"You two seem to be getting along nicely."
"We're not!" Both me and Henry said at the same time, making us look at one another.
"Hehe, you're already starting to talk like one another."
"Two weeks without polishing." I threatened.
"I'll stop talking." Wise move.
"Hey," Henry spoke up. "From your little outburst with the pink head here, I'm guessing you aren't here fighting for your Queen?"
"Oh, I'm fighting for her, just not in the way that you're thinking." I said. "I'm fighting for Henrietta for a different reason."
"And what is that reason?" Henry asked.
"I'm fighting for the ones I love." I said. "Louise, Kyoko, Henrietta, Tabitha, Yugo, the people back at the academy, people that I've come to know here. They're the reason why I'm fighting."
"Haru…" Louise muttered.
"Of course, a Noble like probably wouldn't understand." I said. "Noble pride and honor, they always boast about it, but in the end, none of that matters. Their very same pride and honor is what always allows me to end their lives before they even realize it." Louise probably knew that I was also speaking to her if her flinch was anything to go by. "In my eyes, there's no point in fighting for those things."
"There's no pint you say?" Louise's courage must have risen back up if she had the courage to talk back now. "It may seem pointless to you, but honor is the most important thing to a Noble! Right, Henry!?"
"Yeah." Henry said. "But…'fighting for the ones you love,' I'd like to say that myself one day."
"Eh?"
"It'd be nice to live solely for the sake of love." Henry said. "But Nobles wouldn't hesitate to break up with the ones they love if it's for the sake of honor."
"Well then, it's a good thing I'm not a Noble." I said. "I'm gonna go on a limb here and guess that you broke up with your ex-fiancée, right?"
"That's right." Henry said, not even denying it. "I applied to the military after dissolving the engagement with my fiancée."
"Eh? Why?" Kyoko asked.
"I managed to live through this time, but I know I'll die one day if this war continues." Henry said. "If I can't return alive, then it's better to break up and free my ex from the burden of a man doomed to die."
"…How stupid can you be?" I said.
"What did you say?"
"You heard me right. What you did was stupid."
"You dare mock a Noble!?"
"I don't care if you're a Noble or not. Only an idiot would go out and die for the sake of honor." I said.
"Why you…!" Suddenly, I pushed down to the ground, meeting the snow face first as I felt Henry get off me. "I won't take insults from the likes of you!"
I turned and quickly caught the thrown fist aimed for my face before I kicked his injured leg, making his cry out in pain before falling on his butt. One quick punch to his face was enough for him to lay flat down in the snow before I picked him up by his cape and brought him close to my face.
"'Free her from the burden of a man doomed to die?' Just who do you think you are, Deadpool!?" I shouted. "Hasn't the thought of staying alive no matter what in order to return to her side, didn't that ever cross your mind!? Don't you even love her!? Answer me!"
"Of course I do!" Henry said. "She's the best thing that's ever happened to me!"
"Then do what any fucking man would do and survive! Quit trying act all cool!"
"But…"
"When a Noble goes off to war, they must be prepared to die." Louise spoke up. "However, it's strange to have a death wish from the outset. Death…comes at the very end, doesn't it?"
"Death comes for all." What the-!? Reaper!? "Cover your ears, close your eyes, hide yourself, it won't matter. Death comes for all and delivers everything to the same end equally. But of course, you know that, don't you?"
'Shut it.' I thought, forcing Reaper's presence down.
"So until then, you have to do your best at living!" Louise said.
"Onee-chan is right." Kyoko said. "Henry, you have to live and make it back home to your lover!"
"But…I broke up with her." Henry said.
"That doesn't matter." I said as I got off of him. "Despite breaking up, she's still probably waiting for you." I offered a hand to him. "Love is an unpredictable thing. It's not something that can just be tossed away on a whim. Return to her. And when you do, give her all your love and make sure you have no regrets."
"Haru…" Henry stared at my hand before he took it and I helped him up. But then…
*BOOM!*
An explosion occurred in the distance not too far from us.
"That was from South Gotha!" Henry said.
"Is Her Highness' army invading the city?" Louise guessed.
"We'll just have to find out." I said before I picked up Henry and carried him. "Let's go!"
The girls nodded and we took off towards the smoke in the distance. But before we could move past a feet, I came to a stop.
"Quick, hide!" I told the girls before quickly hiding behind the trees, setting down Henry since he would just be seen from the trees. Looking, I saw a small group of soldiers and they weren't a part of Tristain.
"Enemy soldiers." I said. "Kyoko, give me Derf."
"Wait." Henry said. "Give me my sword."
"You're going to fight against your own comrades?" I asked.
"Heh, I wouldn't do that after just talking with you bunch." Henry said as Louise gave him his sword. "All I'm doing is repaying you for saving me. It's what a Noble does or do you not like that either?"
"I never said I did." I said.
"I'll draw them away while you three head for South Gotha." Henry said, using his sword for support before taking his leave. But not before saying, "I hope we meet again."
"Maybe." I said before the girls and I took off towards South Gotha.
(South Gotha)
"Haha! Pathetic!" The Pegasus Phantom laughed as he killed two more soldiers with his spears before throwing the dead bodies off. Using his wings, he blocked bullets before with a wave of his wings, he sent steel feathers at the group of soldiers firing at him, killing most of the soldiers. "Hmph! Boring~! And these are supposed to be Tristain's army? What a joke!"
"D-Damn! What is that monster!?" Poiter said, kneeling down as blood dripped from his forehead.
"Oh? A survivor? Well, I can't have that now." The Phantom said before sending another wave of steel feathers.
"Shit!" Poiter cursed before he instinctively brought his arms up. But then…
DEFEND! PLEASE!
A wall of earth rose in front of him and blocked all the feathers that would have killed him.
"What the!? Who did that!?"
"I did." The Phantom turned around only to get slashed across the chest, sparks flying. The culprit was none other than Haru in his Land Style armor.
"Kyoko, Louise, take Poiter and any men still alive and get them to a safe place." I told the girls who nodded and helped the general up before taking him away.
"A surprise attack, that's was unfair."
"This is war, there's no such thing as fair." I said.
"Heh, true. Wiseman-sama told me to kill as many men as possible, but he didn't say anything about you. He'll reward me handsomely once I take out you!"
"A lot of Phantoms have said that before dying." I said before I stop stalking and charged at the Phantom. I struck got his shoulder, but he blocked my strike with one of his spears before attacking his other one, aiming for my head. I quickly moved my head out of the way before spinning to deliver a spinning heel kick which connected which the Phantom's back, making him stumble forward which gave me the chance to slash his back. He cried out in pain as sparks flew before he turned and glared at me. Truning, he trusted both spears at me in rapid session, forcing me to constantly move to avoid getting stabbed, but he suddenly did something unexpected and swung his right spear, slashing me across the chest. I rolled in the snow before looking to see the Phantom rise up into the air before sending a barrage down at me. I quickly rolled out of the way, gathering some snow on me along the way before I got back up and switched rings.
SHABADOOBIE, TOUCH TO HENSHIN! SHABADOOBIE, TOUCH TO HENSHIN!
HURRICANE! PLEASE! FU! FU! FU! FU! FU! FU!
Jumping through the green magic circle above me, I flew towards the Pegasus Phantom and engaged him in aerial combat. Our weapons met and sparks ignited between them before we pulled back. I flew and went for a stab, but he flew out of the way and soon showed me that he was the faster flyer as he was darting all over the place that, to the normal human eye, would have made him look like a blur. A strike to my shoulders made me grit my teeth before I slashed, but hit but nothing air. I kick to my back sent me crashing to the ground as the Phantom's laugh annoyed me.
"What's wrong, Yubiwa no Mahoutsukai? Is that all you got?"
"He's one hell of a flyer."
"Yeah. I'm gonna need a pair of wings for myself." I said as I switched Rings again.
(BGM: Blessed Winds by RIDER CHIPS)
SHABADOOBIE, TOUCH TO HENSHIN! SHABADOOBIE, TOUCH TO HENSHIN!
HURRICANE DRAGON! BYU! BYU! BYU! BYU! BYU! BYU!
With a windy version of Dragon appearing and blowing tons of snow around, I was upgraded to the Hurricane Dragon Style the second Dragon crashed into me. Now for the next spell.
LUPPATCH MAGIC, TOUCH TO GO! LUPPATCH MAGIC, TOUCH TO GO!
CHOINE! SPECIAL! SAIKO!
Slowly rising into the air, the Dragon Wings sprouted from my back and I quickly rose into the air, faster than before as I wielded Derf in a reverse grip. Seeing me coming, the Pegasus sent another barrage of feathers, but I easily flew out of the way and with one powerful flap, I zoomed past the Phantom, delivering a powerful slash across the chest. Seeing that ranged attacks won't work with my new speed, he flew towards me and attacked with his spears. We traded blows with one another, I went for his head, but he moved out of the way and both trusted and swung his spears at me, but I batted them aside with Derf before pushing him back with a swing of my wings.
"Sa, finale da." I said as I switched Rings again.
CHOINE! THUNDER! SAIKO!
"This one's for you! Dragon Sonic!" I shouted my finisher before I started flying around the Phantom, gaining speed the more I flew and soon, a hurricane of green wind and electricity spun around the Phantom. He tried to escape, but a clap of thunder would always pull him back until with one might lightning bolt, he exploded into bits.
"And that takes care of that." I said, still in the air.
(BGM End)
"Louise! Kyoko! Haru!" Wait a minute, I know that voice. Turning to the right, I saw Julio riding his dragon not too far from me.
"Julio." I flew towards him.
"Ah! Haru! If you're here then the girls must not be far behind." Julio said.
"They're back in South Gotha looking after Poiter and his men." I explained. "What are you doing here?"
"Agnès asked me to search for you. After all, my mission is to help Her Highness." Julio said. "Since you're all armored up, I can guess that there was a Phantom, right?"
"Just took care of it." I said. "Come on, I'll take you to the others. I can tell the girls would love a nice, warm bed."
"I bet."
(Lowscythe Base)
"Louise!" Happy to see her best friend was safe, Henrietta embraced Louise into a hug before looking at me and Kyoko. "Kyoko and Haru too. I'm glad everyone's all right."
"Yeah, so am I." I said.
"I heard what happened. Is General Poiter and his men all right?" Henrietta asked.
"They're all healing up in the infirmary. They'll live and fight another day." I said.
"Your Highness." Suddenly, Louise got on her knees. "I'm sorry I couldn't be of any help to you."
"Louise…" Henrietta looked at her friend in surprise before giving her a reassuring smile. "It's thanks you and the others that we managed to seize South Gotha. There's nothing for you to worry about."
"No, Haru did all the work." Louise said. "I must atone for this. Please, give me any mission regardless of its danger."
"Onee-chan!"
"Stay out of this!" Louise's raised voice made Kyoko step back. "To fight and die for Your Highness is the greatest honor for us Nobles. Please, Your Highness."
"Louise…"
"…Honor? Again with the honor bullshit?" My voice brought everyone's attention to me as I shouted at the top of my lungs. "IS HONOR REALLY THAT FUCKING IMPORTANT TO YOU!?"
I didn't wait for a response as I turned and stormed out of the room in anger and frustration. That stupid, stubborn little girl! That stupid honor of hers is gonna get her killed one day! And I refuse to let that happen!
If anyone needs to die…it should be me.
And done! Wow, that went by quicker than I thought. Then again, this isn't 10,000+ words chapter I should be surprised that it went by so fast. Hope you enjoyed today's chapter. Only two more chapters and we've completed the second season! Which means it's only a matter of time before Haru faces the army of 700,000! Oh, I'm so excited! Stick with me readers because I guarantee that the S2 finale is going to be epic! At least, I hope so. Until then, this has been Ashbel Longhart here, signing out. Till the next ride.