TWF: *disguised as Fen-kun* Heya, welcome to the latest chapter of Kamen Rider Agito: Rekka no Ken!
Fen: Hey! Why are you dressed me?!
TWF: I… kinda ran into trouble… 8O
Fen: What did you do?! DX
Voice: Mr. Fang, please come out with your hands up! You are being arrested for stealing the secret recipe of eggnog!
Fen: You idiot! Do you realize what you've just done?!
TWF: It wasn't me! Someone's framing me to it, dude! You gotta trust me! D:
Fen: Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii~ *stares hard at Wild Fang*
TWF: …do I look like I'm lying to you right now? -_-;
Voice: Mr. Fang, come out or we'll bust through this door!
TWF: Look, I may be an idiot for eggnogs, but even an idiot wouldn't go this far… you gotta help me, dude! *suddenly give Fen-kun the cutest puppy look evah!*
Fen: *eye twitches*
Disclaimer: Same thing.
We were only a day away from the Dragon's Gate and by now we had to rest after traveling for a while, so we set up camp for the night. However, I really couldn't sleep that night. I was in a tent, sleeping with Lyn and I stared up at the tent as many things were going through my mind. Ever since I got that book, I've been reading it non stop, hoping to find more clues about my origins, but none have turned up so far. I sighed as I sat up from my sleeping roll, running a hand through my hair.
"Child… you should sleep." Elimine told me, as my left eye glowed gold. "You do not want to worry your spouse, do you?"
"I know but… I've been restless ever since I found that book…" I sighed.
"I understand your uneasiness." she said. "But… I don't think you're the one that is worried."
"Huh?" I asked confused.
"Do you recall why you shed tears without your knowledge?" she said. "Your body resonated with my spirit… and… it is I, who actually cried…"
"What…?" I gasped lightly.
"I do not understand myself…" she added, as our gaze fixed on the book, especially the picture. "Something about this book seemed familiar. It's as if one of my most sacred memories I've sought out are hidden there. The very moment you laid eyes on this book, I… my mind and body reacted to it… especially the picture."
"Are you saying…it's your book?" I asked.
"I do not know, child." she said, as I shook her head due to our synchronization. "I do not recall having this book… but rather… someone else had our piece of memory written and drawn onto it…"
"I… see." I muttered as Lyn was starting to stir.
"Please… worry not of its contents. I assure it does not involve you…" she said kindly. "We'll find the answer to this question together…"
"Okay…" I said.
"For now, you must return to your spouse's side. She is waking up…" Elimine reminded me before the light in my left eye faded.
"Right…" I said.
"Kuro… gasa?" Lyn murmured sleepily, getting up while covering her modesty with the blanket. "Why are you up? Having nightmares?"
"Sorry… just thinking…"
"Is it still about the book?" she asked. "You've kept your eye on it throughout the march…"
"I know. I was hoping to find some more clues about my origins, but nothing has turned up…"
"I see…" she nodded lightly. Getting up, she pressed her body on my back, wrapping her arms around my waist for comfort, saying, "You shouldn't worry about it too much, Kurogasa. I'm sure we'll find the answer soon enough."
"Yeah… you're right." I said as I held her hand.
"Serra was right. You tend to be worrywart…" she smiled a bit, now resting her chin on my shoulder.
"Did she now?" I chuckled. Lyn then suddenly had me laying down on my back with her on top of me. I was enjoying the bare view while her necklace dangled around her neck.
"Yes, she did." she smiled. "You're my worrywart husband, after all. You take on everything by yourself. Don't forget, Kurogasa: I'll always be there to lift your burden, when all hope is lost."
"Yeah, I know…" I smiled gently as I held her eagle feather necklace while looking at it before looking at her. "I'm really glad to have you in my life, Lyn…"
"Me too." she replied, as her hand held onto mine that held her necklace. "I guess the wait was worth it."
"Definitely." I agreed. "And speaking of, I'm… definitely in the mood."
"Again?" she giggled. "My, you really do act like a wild beast in our sanctuary…"
"Just shut up and kiss me." I said before we did just that and from there… yeah, I'll let your imagination go wild on that one.
Once, dragons and men coexisted.
They shared a peace forged in wisdom, a peace that lasted many generations.
All was lost when mankind disrupted this balance in a sudden onslaught.
Man fought dragon in a savage war that shook the foundations of their world.
This war was called The Scouring.
Defeated and humbled, dragons vanished from the realm.
In time, man rebuilt and spread his dominion across the land and on the islands beyond.
A millennium has passed since those dark days ended.
(Cue Brand–New World by Shiena Nishizawa)
(Instrumental) The screen began with the Golden Agito insignia forming in the black background. It started to shrink into a Seed of Agito. As the music began to play, when another scene revealed itself, the seed entered into a baby in young Elimine's arm, with the dragon behind her. The screen faded and reappeared three more times, replaced with the Eight Heroes and First Agito. Followed by Lyndis's Legion. And finally, it showed Lyndis's group along with Eliwood's and Hector's altogether with Kurogasa's small group. The screen then zoomed in on Kurogasa's face that soon changed into Agito's helmet before the screen faded to reveal the title. Moments later, the title and screen shattered.
(Kiri ni umore~ru asa wa~, mada shiranai~ kage o utsusu~ (By! My! Side!)) The scene starts with Lyndis's Legion, standing back–to–back in a circle and Kurogasa stood in the middle of it. All but Kurogasa looked forward, parting ways. Lyn, Kent, Sain, Florina and Wil headed towards the castle, Erk and Serra towards the road, Nils and Ninian held hands while walking towards the city and Rath trotted his horse towards the desert. Dorcas, Wallace, Lucius, and Matthew went their separate ways. As Kurogasa stood there, he gazed forward with a determined look, walking alone.
(Yugami saki ho~koru basho~, nobasu te ga, mogaite kizanda jikan ni yure~ta) The scenery changed with sakura petals flying over, as the confident Kurogasa continued walking with both his feather necklace and bracelet, now with Hiroji and Karla by his side. They saw three groups heading towards them. While reuniting with Lyndis's Legion, the other two consists of Eliwood, Marcus, Lowen, Rebecca, Bartre and Isadora in one group and the other being Hector, Oswin, Guy, Merlinus, Priscilla, Raven, and Harken on the other.
(Tada itamu no ka? Mite egaku no ka? Boku no kanjou wa…) At the pier, Canas walked around, as Dart was loading off some crates, while Geitz was hanging around the crates, letting out a yawn. A travelling swordsman, Karel, just happened to walk past Heath with his wyvern, keeping his stoic expression.
(Where is the truth? Doko ni kakusu no? Nageki mo sezu…) The screen split itself into two, each with a black and white background. On the black side, it showed former Black Fang units such as Legault, Nino, Jaffar and Vaida while the white side revealed Pent, Louise, Hawkeye, and Athos. Renault and Gills appeared in between the two sides, showing a serious look while Gill let out a roar before the scene changed.
(Kaze ga fukinukete yuku~ sora wa~…) As the scene moved to the sky, Florina, Farina and Fiora soared with their Pegasi, forming a Triangle attack. It was then followed by Heath and Vaida on their wyverns. As the screen zoomed down, it showed Serra and Karla, standing back–to–back. As the screen faded to black, a tear ran down from the two silhouettes, as ripples appeared on the screen. On cue, the screen started cracking before it shattered completely, moving to the next scene.
(Kakero! Kirameki me o samashita koe ga, takaku tsugeta (Free myself!)) G3–X let loose with his Cerberus, shooting the monsters inside the temple. As he shot out his missile, it exploded, giving Agito and the Three Great Lords behind him to make their way towards the Dragon's Gate.
(Yuzurenai negai ga (Remember!) arun darou?) Gills broke off from his seal, letting out a monstrous roar before the Gills Stinger and Filler behind him spread out. As it disrupted the screen, it was already in the air, delivering the Exceed Heel Claw attack.
(Dakara sou yuiitsu muni no shoudou hashirasete~ (Keep my faith!)) As Kurogasa continued to run forward, swords clashed between Eliwood and Lloyd, followed by sparks from Hector's and Linus's axes. Near the end of it, Ursula volleied light attacks, as Lyn fended her off while dual wielding Mani Katti and Sol Katti in hand.
(Mamori sugita (Realize!) egao mukae ni) Kurogasa kept running forward, his armor quickly changing from Ground Form, to Flame Form, followed by Storm Form, Saint form and finally Trinity Form before the El Lords hovred before him. Karel, Pent, Louise, Hawkeye, Dorcas and Renault fight off against them, giving Agito the space needed before rushing forward.
(Nakisakende kao o dashita yowasa no keshin mo~!) Nergal opened up the Dragon's Gate, chuckling darkly as his morphs, Ephidel and Limstella looked on. The dragons made their escape from the Gate while spewing flames on the screen.
(Subete komete tokihanate~! Brand–new World!) Athos then used his magic to make a fake sun making Agito shatter away his Burning Form, to reveal his Shining Form. Agito jumped in the air wielding his two Shining Calibers, as he clashed with the Overlord of Darkness head on. The screen revealed behind Agito's helmet, Kurogasa, letting out a roar as the two sides clashed, blinding the whole view.
(Instrumental) The screen then faded into a view, where there was an open desert. The camera then zoomed to a single tent at the far end of the desert, ending with the camera panning on the highest desert hill, where the hilts of Mani Katti and Shining Caliber crossed together, tied with a feather necklace and bracelet.
Chapter 20: Dragon's Gate
Following Uhai's last words, Eliwood ventures toward the heart of the forest.
He is greeted by an extraordinary sight.
A building unlike any he's ever seen.
It was clearly not wrought by human hands… It is waiting… waiting for the masters who abandoned it centuries past.
Massive beyond belief, these ancient ruins have nothing to do with humankind.
Eliwood has arrived.
He has found the Dragon's Gate.
As the sun was still down, and the night is still young, Fiora kept her gaze upon the large temple up on the hills, with her Pegasus by her side. She could only remain silent, still remembering her fellow comrades died in their scouting.
"You are Fiora, correct?" Kent asked, getting the Pegasus Knight's attention.
"Oh, yes, I am." she nodded, focusing on the cavalier before her. "And you are Kent?"
"Yes." he nodded. "We haven't properly met after being traveled for a few days together."
"I noticed that. And I am still familiarized myself with the company." she told him. With a small smile, she said, "You must be the one who has look after my sister under Lady Lyndis' service. I thank you for that."
"Of course. It's no problem." Kent waved off. "Come to think of it, your sister, Florina, speaks of you often. She says that you were a lot like me."
"She did?" Fiora gasped lightly. "In what way, if I may ask?"
"…Well, I'm not quite sure myself." Kent shook his head lightly. "I just remember her saying that is all. But in any case, I hope we work well together in the future."
"Yes, we shall." she nodded, as the two exchanged handshakes.
"Drats…" Erk cursed, as he couldn't get one color on one side of the Rubik's' Cube. He is wan the Mini Tornador, after a quick scouting with Hiroji at another part of the camp. "This is impossible…"
"Impossible? Not really." Hiroji said, cleaning and polishing the G3–X's armor. "Your brain just messed up and is not able to focus on one thing."
"How can you say that without testing it for yourself, Hiroji?" Erk asked, making Hiroji roll his eyes.
"Gimme that." Hiroji said, fetching the Rubik's Cube from Erk's hand. Looking at each sides of the cube, he commented, "Wow, that's some jumble you did there."
"It's hard to make it one side–"
"Colored? Like this?" Hiroji asked, immediately twisting and turning the cube without even looking… until one side was filled with one color.
"What?!" Erk gasped. "How did you do that?"
"Oh, I'm not done yet." he grinned, continuing to twist and turn in a very fast pace… eventually, he placed the said cube in Erk's hand, all in one color on each side. "There!"
"This… can't be…" Erk said in awe, seeing the cube in their original positions. "It took me hours trying to get a single line in colors."
"That's why you need to calm down before you start moving those parts around. That's the function of Rubik's Cube." he commented. "Sometimes, you just need to think outside of the box to make it possible."
"Think outside of a box?"
"A method that is different than the usual ones." Hiroji noted, taking the cube from Erk's hand and started to twist and turn once again… until the center color of each sides is surrounded by one color of borders that surround the center. "If you can figure out the way to overcome your hurdles, the next step's going to be easy."
"There's a step on mastering this cube?"
"Much like a step on how to master even the very basics of magic." he compared, handing it back to Erk. "Now, this is the very basic of the Rubik's Cube. Try solving it, but don't rush it. Take all the time you need, Erk."
"Hm…" Erk looked at it. "Think… outside the box."
"Yep." he nodded.
"If I may ask…"
"5 years." Hiroji cut off. "That's how long it took to learn the twists and turns of that cube. I was like you, too, being frustrated for not able to get it a single color on one side."
"Mastering the very basics of everything…" Erk pondered on those words. "That is what my Master said, as well…"
Meanwhile Renault was sitting at the bonfire staring into it as he was thinking about things. "To think that the Saint herself would even speak to a sinner like me… I feel…" He muttered.
"Ah, excuse me. Your Excellency." A voice said, making Renault turn to see Canas approach. "If I could just have a moment of your time, I would like to ask a question."
Renault raised an eyebrow. "…You don't waste much time…"
"Ah, yes, well, excuse my manners." Canas said sheepishly with a sweat drop before before he sat down next to him. "But I am on a journey to gather knowledge…"
"A scholar, eh…"
"Yes. Well… For the moment, I am more like a shaman traveling to hone my skill in the ancient magic. But at heart, I am still just a scholar, as you say." Canas then fixed his monocle. "As you have been guarding Gills, what can you tell what creatures can be found here? About the ones with eyes of gold?"
"Morphs?" Renault got out, perking Canas up.
"Ah! So you do know of them!" Canas said enthusiastically. "Where did you learn that name?"
"It was… a long time ago."
"If I have to ask… do they possess souls?"
"Souls?" Renault said, looking at Canas.
"Yes. I am dreadfully curious to know. The Elimineans say that all creatures possess souls… Of course by the heavens. But what of those created by man? And these manufactured beings… do they dream? Do they think and suffer as we do? Or must their emotions be… crafted… by another?"
Renault pondered on this as he thought about it. "Well… that I do not know." he said, looking at the Dragon's Gate at the hills, eyeing on it.
The next day had come by and after packing up everything we marched on our way towards the Dragon's Gate. Although as for me, I was in a bit of a daze.
"Ehe~" I swayed a bit.
"Kurogasa, mind the horse…" Lyn patted my back lightly, getting me back on track.
"You look bright today, Tactician." Hector noticed, as I was at the front lead, with Lyn behind me and Ninian at Eliwood's.
"Did the meal have an effect on him?" Lowen pondered. "I could've sworn I checked every ingredient carefully before making that stew."
"No, Lowen." I said. "Just… had a good night sleep, last night."
"You were frowning heavily yesterday, lad." Marcus noted. "Not even fully focused on our strategy meeting. But now look at you. You look… chipper than usual."
"Well, that was… uh…" I said before blushing a bit.
"…" I can feel Lyn's glare behind me, not wanting me to tell them about it.
"Lyn?" Florina blinked, genuinely confused.
"Ah, I see." Matthew grinned mischievously, as he led the main Tornador. "Had a blast last night huh?"
"Gh!" I flinched heavily, knowing Matthew really hit the spot.
"Goodness… the company can really get out of hand during nighttime…" Fiora sighed lightly.
"Ah, yes! The Tactician and the Lady of Caelin, budding beautifully in their sanctuary…" Sain sighed wistfully. "Kurogasa, my friend, you are becoming a great man in my eyes!"
"Do you really need to spell that out, Sain?" Kent grumbled, as I facepalmed.
"I really don't need this…" I grumbled.
"You can thank the way Lyn's voice sounded in the middle of the night!" Hector teased. "It was loud!"
"!" Lyn went on full alert, clearly blushing and hid her face on my back, tugging on my cloak tightly… way too tight, as if she's… blaming it all on me.
"Dang it…" I slumped.
"Wohoo! Strike one for the home team!" Hiroji teased on the mini Tornador, clearly enjoying the moment.
"Thar he blows!" Dart joined along, making me annoyed.
"URUSAI!" I shouted.
"I truly blame this on you, Kurogasa…" Lyn mumbled embarrassingly, still hiding her face on my back.
"E–Eh?!" I gawked, though the way she mumbled is… kinda cute.
"Enough." Oswin got out, as the whole cavalry stopped.
"…We're here. The Dragon's Gate…" Eliwood said, looking at the large temple up on the hills.
"Dat some steps…" Hiroji said, looking up on them. "Whelp, the caravan's out of the question, and so are the horses and pony puff princess."
"A what?" Merlinus looked at him, confused on the last term.
"My kinda term for Priscilla's pony." he pointed out. "Just be glad I didn't say My Little Pony, because that'd be so awesome in so many ways!"
"Other than his last words, Hiroji is right, Kurogasa." Eliwood said, getting off from his mount and helped Ninian off. "We will have to travel on foot from here. Unless our mounts have wings, it's unlikely we can get them up there…"
"Or we could use DragGolder." Hiroji said.
"No." I denied immediately. "I don't want to get tired from the get go."
"Alrighty, your call." Hiroji shrugged before he entered the caravan to wear his armor.
Meanwhile, Ninian stood alone at the building and for some reason, I can see her trembling slightly, rubbing her arm nervously. "What's wrong, Ninian? You're trembling." Eliwood noticed.
"…This place… so frightening." Ninian muttered, still a bit scared. "Something… powerful…"
"It's her power, isn't it?" Lyn said worried as she got off the caravan along with me after calming down from her blushing.
"Her power? What's that?" Hector asked.
"Ninian has the ability to sense impending danger. Her memory may be gone, but her power remains."
"…" Renault stared at the said building, before noticing Gills growl at it. "You felt something, don't you?"
"Yes…" Gills growled quietly. "I feel… uneasy… this building makes me… fill with rage."
"He's not… going to rampage on us, is he?" Guy asked.
"If he is, he would've done it right off the bat." Matthew pointed out.
"What is it you sense, Ninian?" Eliwood asked.
"I… should not have… come here." Ninian got out, stepping back. "Something awful will happen if I'm here. Ah!" She felt head being in pain as she held it and knelt down.
"Ninian!? Snap out of it!" Eliwood said worried as he knelt next to her.
"This place… No… I… I…" Ninian got out, shaking her head frantically. Clearly, something about this place makes her afraid pretty badly.
"We have to get her away from here!" I said. "Let's take her back to the ship, quickly!"
"You'll not be going anywhere."
That voice!
"Look out!" G3–X exclaimed, shooting out a missile towards the air. On contact, it exploded in mid air, as I saw Ephidel looking at us from above the steps, hovering.
"That little bird has escaped this island cage twice. Now that she's back, she'll not be allowed to fly away again."
"Ephidel!" I snarled, as Ephidel landed on the steps, unfazed by the explosion.
"That's Ephidel?" Eliwood asked.
"We meet at last. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Ephidel bowed.
"You're Ephidel? I've been looking forward to this." Hector growled, brandishing his axe.
Ephidel remained calm, unfazed."…Gallantly spoken. Of course, I know who you are. Marquess Ostia's younger brother, Lord Hector." He paused, now looking at Lyn who was by my side. " And here we have Caelin's beloved princess, Lady Lyndis. Or should I properly say… Agito's newlywed Seed–bearing wife?"
"…" Lyn glared at him, her hands already holding the hilt of her Mani Katti.
"Easy, Lyn…" I told her. "We don't wanna rush things. He's clearly trying to mess with our minds."
"By the way, the gift I left for you in the forest…" Ephidel reminded us, looking at us emotionlessly. "Was it to your liking? The corpse of that filthy red–haired traitor?"
I gasped. "So it was you?! You killed Leila?!"
"Monster! Stay right there! I'm going to crush the life from you with my bare hands!" Hector snarled.
Ephidel nodded a few times, now understand the meaning behind his words. "Now I see. She was an Ostian spy, wasn't she? Don't worry, she did not suffer. It only took one blow."
"One blow?!" I suddenly snapped. "There were two cuts on her corpse!"
"Die!"
"Lord Hector!" Oswin exclaimed, as Hector was already running up on the steps. With a big swing, he thought he already had chopped Ephidel in half, but…
"He… vanished…" I noticed. Then from out of nowhere, Ephidel appeared next to Ninian, grabbing her.
"Wha–!?" Ninian got out, alerting all of us.
"This girl is needed for my master's ceremony." Ephidel said, as a teleport seal started to glow.
"Let the lady go, buttkiss!" G3–X exclaimed, aiming his Scorpion at him.
"No, don't! You might hurt Ninian!" I shouted.
"Tch!" he cursed. "I really wish bullet bending would be real already…"
"Ninian!" Eliwood called out.
"Lord Eliwood! Let me go!" Ninian begged.
"You're not getting away!" I said running towards the two.
"Naive." Ephidel said, creating a black explosion on the ground, covering the area with smoke.
"He's getting away!" Lyn exclaimed.
"I'm not letting him!" I snapped. "Henshin!" I said, as I did the various movements to make the Alter Ring appear with the purple core and white ring and assume Burning Form before I used my flaming aura to disperse the smoke.
"They…" Merlinus got out.
"Vanished…" Lyn finished.
"Blast!" Hector cursed.
"Everyone, head for the building!" Marcus commanded, as we literally gave chase.
"Hey, Dandy Man! Look out for our stuff, alright?" G3–X said before he also followed suit.
"Agito!" Hannah called me out, getting my attention. "I foresee something in the battle…"
"What is it?! Tell me quickly!"
"If you do not stop the ritual, it would be end of mankind." Hannah said. "That is what I can see."
"Why's that?"
"This place is called Dragon's Gate for a reason." Hannah said solemnly..
I thought about it for a moment wondering what she meant.
"Kurogasa, we better hurry!" I heard Sain calling out to me.
"A soul's life is in danger." Lucius added.
"Also…" Hannah cut in, stopping me again. "No matter what you do, even defying fate itself, someone will die…"
"What…?" I gasped.
"Hey, Tactician! What's the hold up?!" Hector snapped at me.
"Alright, I'm coming!" I snapped back before looking back at Hannah then back at the others before running up to them. I'm not going to let anyone die! Not on my watch!
"This death will break the heart of a man…" Hannah muttered, looking up as we continue to run up towards the building. "One where his will would be truly tested."
Meanwhile, inside the temple, Darin was waiting for Ephidel impatiently as he paced around like a tiger in its cage. "Grrrrrr… where is he?! He should be here by now!" He growled before he saw a teleport seal and Ephidel with an unconscious Ninian appeared. "Lord Ephidel! Is the girl with you?"
"As you can see…" Ephidel said as Darin looked at the unconscious Ninian.
"Oho! The ritual can take place at last!" Dariin laughed.
"Yes. However, we have an infestation of mice to deal with… they should be scurrying in here momentarily." Ephidel said, as he started walking away from him. "They must be dealt with before the ritual takes place. May I entrust this task to you?"
"Of course. Who do you think I am?! I am Darin, Marquess Laus! Ruler of this world!" Darin boasted.
"Very well, I leave it to you." Ephidel nodded before walking away completely. "Humans… they are so very fragile…" he muttered.
"Ruler of the world… Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Darin laughed.
"Damn, this is big…" G3–X whistled, seeing the inside of the temple is as wide as the eye can see. "You can fit Castle Doran in here if you want."
"Castle Doran?" Dart looked at him. "What in barnacles is that, matey?"
"Enough joking around!" I shouted.
"So, what's the plan, Kurogasa?" Eliwood asked me. "If we stay together, it's going to take a while to cover the whole place."
"And I wanted to give a piece of my mind on that fool!" Hector got out.
"I know that…" I gritted as I was trying to think.
"Child. Calm yourself." Elimine's voice comforted me. "You would only cause more damage to your allies if you do not quiet the storm of doubt in your heart. Clear your mind of all distractions. Recall Wallace's words. Only then you will find solace in your battle."
"Little brother?" Serra looked at me worriedly, as I noticed some of them were a bit worried as well.
"Otouto…" Nee–san got out, noticing my pain as well.
"Okay, here's what we'll do." I said after calming down to focus. "We'll have to split into groups of three." I said. Earlier today, I talked about splitting our army into three groups since there was so many. Lyndis's Legion of course will consist of Lyn, Kent, Sain, Florina, Wil, Dorcas, Matthew, Erk, Serra, and Lucius. Eliwood's Elite will consist of Eliwood, Marcus, Lowen, Rebecca, Bartre, Guy, Hiroji, and Nee–san. And Hector's Horde will consist of Hector, Oswin, Canas, Dart, Fiora, Priscilla, Renault, and much to my dismay, Raven. Don't ask why, but he was insistent on letting him join his group. Hopefully his sister can keep him in check.
"What about you?" Oswin asked.
"I'm going to search for Ninian." I said.
"All by yourself?!" Lyn hasped.
"There's no time!"
"Kurogasa, that's dangerous…" Lucius noted.
"If you're thinking of going alone, then I'll tag with you." Lyn decided. "Whether you like it or not!"
"Lyn…" I muttered.
"Let me come with you…" Gills said, stepping up.
"Okay." I nodded. "Kent, you'll lead the Legion."
"Very well. By your command, Kurogasa." Kent nodded.
"Okay, Lyndis's Legion, will take the east side, Eliwood's Elite, take the north, and Hector's Horde will take the west. Move out!"
"Yes, sir!" They shouted. Wow… so this what it feels like to be commander… I could get used to this.
"And again, Hector's Horde?" Hector looked at me.
"Got a problem with it?" I asked.
"You don't like me that much, do you, Tactician?"
"No. It's just that I don't have any good fancy H names to come up with after your name." I shrugged.
"How about Heroes? Or maybe Hent–" G3–X said.
"No."
Meanwhile, Ephidel finally arrived at the farther chamber with Ninian in tow where Nergal was waiting while Elbert had his hands tied behind his back. "I have returned with the girl."
"Ah…you've done well. Precious Ephidel. Shall we prepare for the ritual?" Nergal asked.
"Nergal!" Elbert yelled at him, making Nergal chuckle while looking at the helpless Marquess.
"Does it gall you, Marquess Pherae? It's destiny." he said, keeping his grin. "There could be no other outcome. Despite all of your mischief, the girl was fated to return to me."
"My son… where is Eliwood?" Elbert demanded.
"He's still alive. Of course, it's only a matter of time before the Black Fang finishes him." Nergal replied.
"…Nergal! Prepare to die!" Elbert shouted as he… let loose his binds and charged at him?!
"Eh!?" Nergal said surprised as Elbert had a dagger out and was about to strike him but…
"…" Elbert suddenly felt a chill running down his spine, feeling a murderous glare from behind. It was all too late, as Jaffar easily disarm him and immediately made Elbert lay flat on the ground, stomach first.
*STAB!*
As a safety insurance, Jaffar stabbed his weapon hand, rendering it useless.
"Urrgg… grrr… haa…!" he scream in pained, clearly felt the blade passes through his hand before Jaffar yanking it in a flash.
"…That was a surprise. When did he undo his bonds?" Nergal sighed in relief, but then chuckled. "Heh heh… Why do you not heed my warnings, Lord Elbert? You cannot alter destiny. Stop this foolishness."
"…Urrgh… grraa…" Elbert held his hand in pain.
"Jaffar, take Marquess Pherae and the girl to the far chamber. I will begin preparations for the ritual." Nergal commanded.
"Thy will be done." Jaffar nodded, before grabbing Elbert's collar shirt and carried Ninian by his shoulders.
"Hey, you! What are you doing there?!" A soldier asked as he confronted a man in his late 20's with long lavender hair that went down his midback and wears a purple bandanna on his forehead. He also had a scar going down his left eye. His clothes consist of a midnight blue shirt with leather chest armor on his left side and a belt around his waist holding his brown pants and a set of lockpicks and keys along with his daggers. And he wore black boots.
"What am I doing? Is that a proper greeting?" The man asked. "If you don't know me, you must be a new recruit, yes?"
"Uh… I was assigned to the Dragon's Gate about one month ago." the soldier said.
"I thought as much. I am Legault. You've heard my name, yes?"
"Legault… Ah!" the soldier realized, now showing respect to him. "You… You're the Hurricane?! Second in ability to none but the Four Fangs?!"
"Yes, yes. That's me." he waved it off.
"I… I beg your pardon." He apologized, saluting immediately.
"No worries." Legault assured him before walking away. "…Now then, time to fill my purse with treasure and leave the Black Fang behind. No sense staying on a sinking ship. No sense at all."
"Gah, there are too many Archers at this corner!" Sain complained, as the Legion hid at the corner, while arrows continued to fly at them before hitting the wall at the end.
"If only I had Bolting…" Erk said. "With it, I can blast them away with ease."
"But the sellers at the ship does not provide us one…" Lucius noted.
"We will have to make due." Dorcas muttered.
"Alright, no more Ms. Nice Serra! You're dead!" Serra snapped as she got in the line of fire, opened up her Shine tome and let loose her Light Magic at the group of Archers, blinding them.
"Now!" Wil shouted as he came out of hiding and shot multiple arrows at them, hitting each target.
"Since… when did Serra stop being a scaredy cat?" Matthew blinked.
"Since the day Kurogasa promoted her." Kent said.
"Oh, our beautiful Serra! She has grown valiant!" Sain exclaimed.
"You may never underestimate of someone who fights for those who she cares mostly..." Dorcas said.
"Y–Yes… I–I understand what he's saying..." Florina nodded a few times.
"Eeeekk!" Serra suddenly hid into a room nearby, seeing more arrows flying at her "You guys, where are you?!"
"I spoke too soon…" Matthew sweat dropped.
"She's still as needy as usual…" Erk deadpanned.
"HAH!" Eliwood shouted, stabbing his Rapier onto a Paladin.
"Lord Eliwood, look out!" Marcus shouted as he downed an Assassin that tried to sneak up on him with his Steel Lance.
"Thank you, Marcus." Eliwood thanked him.
"Think nothing of it, milord." Marcus nodded. "I do not want to simply put you at risk, as your Brave Sword has been broken in half by Gills' Fangs."
"Never would I thought, such a strong blade would be easily be broken by his fangs..." Eliwood noted
"Raaaaaaaaaaagh!" Lowen cried out as he charged in a bit recklessly with his Javelin in tow at another Cavalier.
"That's the way, boy!" Bartre laughed happily, seeing Lowen dealt the killing blow on the enemy.
"…" Karla remained silent, easily deflecting the arrows with her sword, much to the Archers' surprise.
"That's impossible! How can a woman stopped a fast arrow?!" the Archer got out.
"Take this!" Rebecca shouted as she shot her arrow. The Archer was clearly distracted and she hit her mark, hitting the Archer in the head, before falling down to his doom.
"Quickly, send the Mages!" another Archer commanded.
"…" Karla glared at them, seeing now the Black Fang Mages come into play.
"Hiroji! We need you to deal with that bunch!" Guy exclaimed.
"You want it? You got it!" G3–X smirked, now standing in front of them. He then quoted some of his favorite lines, "Like what Creed Diskenth said, 'Let us start a festival…'"
*WHIRRRRRRR!*
"'…a Blood Festival!'. Eat bullets!" G3–X roared, before unleashing bullet hell on the Black Fang long ranged attackers. "MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"Hiroji… is truly an unpredictable man…" Rebecca commented, seeing many holes on the Black Fang enemies on their bodies. It even penetrated through walls, killing them easily.
"I think I'm going to get nightmares with him like this…" Guy sweat dropped heavily.
"Where in the world did Kurogasa find that boy?" Bartre asked.
"…don't ask the obvious." Karla replied.
"RAAAAAAAGH!" Hector yelled, as he jumped up high and brought his Wolf Beil axe onto a General, hacking him easily.
"Good show Lord Hector!" Oswin praised after stabbing a Shaman with his Silver Lance.
"Yeah, quite a display you did there." the said Thief got out, getting Hector's attention.
"You're Black Fang, aren't you?!" Hector demanded, making Legault pondered.
"Mmm…" he pondered. "To be accurate, I'm Black Fang no mo–"
"I thought as much! Take this!" Hector shouted, trying to swing at him.
"Whoa! A touch hasty, aren't you?" Legault said, immediately taking a big step back after Hector's reckless swing. "Hear me out, will you? Black Fang no more! No more! I have only recently severed my ties with them. Now, I'm merely a thief. Satisfied?"
"Huh…" Hector got out, resting his weapon. "So you're just looking for an easy way out?"
"Nothing better than being carefree, is there?" Legault shrugged nonchalantly. "I will admit that everyone has his own set of values, though. Well then, I'll take my leave of you."
"Hold it!"
"Hm?" Legault paused his tracks, looking at the Lord before him.
"If you're not one of them, why don't you help me out?"
"Me? Help you?" Legault raised an eyebrow.
"You're not with the Black Fang anymore, right?" Hector asked.
"Are you seriously going to fight them?"
"Uh–huh." Hector nodded. "And we got ourselves one knack of a Tactician, too. He's a bit reckless and has a screw loose somewhere in his brain, but he'll get over it for the group's safety."
"Let me tell you a little something, okay? Your enemy here isn't Brendan Reed. There's this creepy fellow named Nergal…" Legault explained.
"I don't care! They're all responsible for attacking my homeland and my friends. I'm going to rip them apart with my bare hands!" Hector said.
"You sound tough, but are you anything more than a little lordling?" Legault asked, teasing him a bit.
Hector growled, "What did you say?"
"I've always been fond of simple, honest children. They're so sincere… things are never boring when they're around." Legault chuckled. "…You know, I think I will help you. However, I know almost nothing about the current Black Fang. If that's ok…"
"No problem. Any little thing you can tell me will help." Hector said, after calming down a bit.
"I'm Legault. I'll help you as long as I feel safe."
"Oi matey! A little help here would be nice!" Dart snapped, after slashing a Soldier with his two axes.
"Yes, we appear to be in a bit of a bind." Canas said, sweating a bit, using a Flux Tome to make another implode on himself.
"Lord Hector, let us assist them." Oswin said.
"Right." Hector nodded. "Hey, you!"
"Me?" Legault looked at him, noticing Hector took off his armband and gave it to him. "What's this?"
"Don't ask and wear it on your arm. That thing will protect you from our friends killing you by accident."
"…you got a point there." Legault shrugged off.
"Stay close to me, Priscilla." Raven said, keeping his fighting stance.
"Yes, brother…" she nodded, wielding her Fire Tome in hand.
"By thy light, purify the madness within their hearts!" Renault chanted, making his long staff glow radiantly. "Divine!"
*FLASH!*
"Waaaarrrrgghhhh!" the Black Fang Mercenaries screamed in pain, being vaporised by his intense light attack.
"Your Excellency, you should stay behind me!" Fiora said, getting in front of him. "You would only expose yourself to danger!"
"…" Renault nodded silently, keeping quiet as Fiora threw her Javelin at the remaining surviving Mercenaries.
"Alright, where's Ninian?" I gritted as Lyn, Gills, and I went down the hallway.
"Grrrr…" Gills, in human mode, growled, after taking a sniff in the air.
"I don't think we'll find her here…" Lyn noted. "There isn't too many guard protecting this hallway…"
"Up… stairs." he growled, quickly running up, leaving the two of us behind easily.
"Gills, wait up!" I shouted, running after him.
"Kurogasa!" Lyn called, before following us.
"Are you sure this is the right way?!" I asked Gills.
"No mistake…!" Gills answered.
"We should believe in his wild instincts." Lyn suggested. "He might know where he's going…"
Hearing Lyn's suggestion doesn't seem so bad, after all, as Gills lead us to the steps that lead us to the wide area… where the General in large yellow armor, can be seen protecting the entrance.
"Who dares go against my master's will?" Darin's voice echoed the area.
"You…" Lyn growled. "Are you Darin? My grandfather… you tried to…"
"Darin? As in Marquess Laus?" I asked a bit surprised.
"What? Who are you?" Darin asked.
"I am Marquess Caelin's granddaughter, Lyndis!"
"Oh… that senile fool?" he mocked, clearly making Lyn angrier than before. "…That doddering wreck dared disagree with me… I was so happy to be rid of him."
"You're wrong on that!" I snapped. "He's alive and well!"
"You!" Darin noticed me. " The rumored bug–eyed freak!"
*POP!*
"I told you it's Agito!"
"Bah, you and your fancy name! It matters not once I rule this world, boy!" Darin clearly mocks me now.
"I don't think so!" I said, before I had the Alter Ring materialize.
"Grrr!" Gills roared for some reason… until he suddenly shoved both Lyn and I away?
*BOOOM!*
"Ooft!" I winced, as Lyn landed on top of me.
"Gh!" Lyn winced a bit.
"Gills, what are you–"
"Evil… presence…" he growled.
"Why do you still oppose us, Agito?"
"Ephidel!" I snarled as the said Sage appeared before Lyn and I.
"Despite everything I've told you, you're still going to stop my Master's will?" Ephidel noted.
"You darn right I am!" I answered.
"Clearly, I can see why the Overlord of Darkness told me of your stubbornness…" he added.
"Grr…" Gills growled, as his Meta Factor starts to form on his waist.
"And what's this? One of Nergal's failed experiments. I thought for sure he got rid of you." Ephidel said.
"Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrragh!" Gill roared. "Hennnnshiiiiin!"
"Kurogasa." Lyn said, getting up from her fall. "I think you should help Gills. If we left him be, he might destroy this entire place…"
"What about you, Lyn?"
"I'm going to avenge my grandfather from that fiend." she said, walking up while wielding her Mani Katti.
"Hah… hah ha ha!" he laughed, mocking her. "You dare challenge me? I, who will rule the world!?"
"Those who laugh and injured my grandfather will be paid back in blood!" Lyn said, as I recognized the glare in her eyes.
"Lyn! No!" I shouted. "Don't give in to your hatred!"
"Haaaaaahhhh!" she exclaimed, dashing at his direction before she suddenly disappeared in his view.
"Hah! You're fast!" Darin scoffed, before raising his shield to protect himself from Lyn's sudden attack on his right. "But I'm faster!"
"Lyn!" I exclaimed.
"Go!" Gills shouted.
"What?" I gasped.
"Sage, mine… go!" Gills urged.
"Gh… okay!" I said, before running towards Lyn. "Henshin!" I shouted before assuming Burning Form.
"Do you think your wild instincts can harm me, failed experiment?" Ephidel said cryptically. "You should learn by now why Nergal decided to deemed you useless…"
"I don't care! I fight for what's right! I fight for friends!" Gills shouted before running towards Ephidel.
"Your idealistic ways is the very reason why Master Nergal placed the ancient Berserk magic on you." Ephidel said, hovering up while Gill's Filler started protruding out from his wrists. "Very well. I shall be the one that will decimate you completely, failed experiment."
"UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRGGH!" he roared before thrusting his tentacle–like whips at him.
Meanwhile I rushed towards Lyn to help her out against Darin. "Hahaha! You fought well for a girl!"
"Shut up!" Lyn snapped.
"But you are still just a girl!" he added, using his shield to make Lyn off balance.
"!" she got out, noticing she's wide open.
"LYN!" I shouted.
"Now, you die– GAH!" he got out. Just before he could speared her down with his Steel Lance, I did a Spear on him, WWE style.
"Kurogasa!" she gasped, seeing me take him down with ease, despite how heavy his armor was.
"Your fight is with me Darin!" I snapped after backing off.
"What kind of a move was that?!" he snapped, standing back up using his lance as a support.
"That was a Spear!"
"A Spear? I see no weapon from it!" Darin exclaimed.
"I used my whole body as a weapon like a spear, you idiot!"
"Bah, only a fool would call everyone else a fool!" he bragged, getting into his stance. "Now, stand still, boy! Your head is mine for the taking! I shall be the one who killed the rumored bug–eyed freak!"
"I don't think so." I said before taking out my Shining Calibur – Single Mode.
"DIE!" he exclaimed, thrusting his chained lance.
"HaaaaaaaAAAAHHHHHH!" I exclaimed, striking his lance with my Shining Calibur right down the middle.
"What?!" he gasped, seeing his lance was being split into two.
"You're finished!" I shouted as I got into my stance and soon a blue flaming symbol of Agito appeared in front of me so I can execute my Shining Rider Kick. At the same time, I felt Lyn's foot step on my shoulder, launching herself up high in the air.
"Gh! "He gritted, not knowing which one of these attacks he should defend.
"Haaaahhhh!" Lyn exclaimed, cutting off his weapon arm with her Mani Katti.
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" he roared in pain, seeing gushes of blood oozing out from his hand.
"Kurogasa, now!" Lyn exclaimed, leaping to one side.
I nodded before I jumped up high in the air and tucked my left leg in while sticking my right leg out as it shined brightly. "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" I yelled as I went through blue flamed Agito symbol.
"No!" he roared, using his large shield to protect himself. But that would not lead him to his safety, as my kicked pierced through his large shield and it dragged him all the way back to the walls behind him. The Agito insignia was printed on it, as Darin was in total shock.
*COUGH!*
And he started to cough out blood from his mouth.
"Blood? Is this… my blood?" Darin coughed. "Ephidel! Come to me! Your master… calls you! I am the ruler… of… the… world…"
"Hiyah!" I exclaimed, delivered a side kick that made him went through the walls behind him, now falling for dear life beyond the pits.
"Good riddance…" I muttered.
"Yes." she nodded, panting slightly while she held her left waist, where a tear and blood can be seen, damping on her dress.
"Lyn, you're bleeding…!" I noticed.
"Don't worry… it's a small wound, Kurogasa. I'm sure Serra would heal this wound up in no time." she assured me before she looked at the pits again. "He was mad."
"And letting greed get the best of him." I said. I really wanted to quote this so much, I just had to say it. "I pity the fool."
"Agreed." she nodded.
"Hmph, you're quite stubborn." Ephidel said, annoyed, continually dodging the veins.
"You come down!" he roared, whipping it across the area before Ephidel teleported elsewhere again… whoa, he's literally trying to destroy the walls without even thinking about it!
"Gills stop! He's gone!" I shouted.
"UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRGGHHH!" he roared, as I had to apply a Full Nelson hold on him stopping his rampage.
"Kurogasa! Lyn!" I heard Eliwood shout as all three groups arrived at our location.
"You guys, stay back!" I said, still applying the hold. C'mon Gills! Don't make me do the Skull Crushing Finale on you!
"Grrrrrrrrr!" he growled, as the struggle started slowed down and his horns started to shrink as well.
"Calm down, Gills… you're fine." I said sternly.
"Grrrrr…" he growled before he morphed back to his human form. "I'm… sorry… anger… got the best of me..."
"It's fine. Don't worry about it." I assured before I let go of him.
"What about Ephidel? Did you wipe the floor with him?" G3–X asked.
"Bastard escaped… again… plus I sent Darin to his grave."
"…Lord Darin." Eliwood got out.
"C'mon, Eliwood! This is no time for sentiment." Hector said, patting his back heavily.
"Your father needs you!" Lyn pointed out.
"Family…" Gills muttered.
"Everyone, stay here. Lyn, Hector, Eliwood, and I will go get Lord Elbert." I said.
"Aww, you always get the good part, dude!" G3–X whined.
"…" Gills remained silent, looking at the hole in the wall.
"If that is what you commanded, then, we shall follow, otouto." Nee–san nodded.
"Go ahead and save the girl!" Bartre laughed out.
"Let's go, everyone!" Eliwood suggested, as the four of us ran up the steps, heading towards the temple.
By the time we arrived at the top, we looked around and saw the place was dark.
"Geez, this place is dark…" I groaned. Luckily, my armor did provide some light, though not enough to brighened up the whole area.
"Father! Father!? It's me! Eliwood! I've come to save you!" Eliwood said, searching for each cell he came by. "…Father?" Eliwood called out before moving onto the next one.
"It's dark in here. Can't see a thing…" Hector said. "Good thing your armor glows, Tactician. You're like our second Torch, next to nothing! You do have your usefulness, after all!"
"Oh ha ha, very funny…" I said sarcastically.
"Just ignore him, Kurogasa and let's help Eliwood out for his father." Lyn suggested.
"Eli… Eliwood…" a frail old man's voice was heard nearby, getting his attention.
"Ah! Father! Where are you?" Eliwood gasped.
"Back there! Eliwood! His voice is coming from back there!" Lyn noticed before I do.
As soon as we approached to the door, it's locked tight. "Hey, there's Ninian next to him!" Hector pointed out.
"Ninian!" I got out. "Guys, stand back." The three of them nodded and did as told before I kicked the cell door down.
*BANG!*
"Iteeeee!" I cried out in pain hopping on one leg.
"That's gotta hurt." Hector teased.
"Ah! Father!" Eliwood got out, noticing him. Just as he approached to the weakened figure, he let out a sigh of relief, saying, "You… You're all right…"
"Eliwood…" he got out, seeing his son was well and alive. Looking at the standing Ninian, he realized about it and immediately told his son. "Forget me! Take that girl and flee!" Elbert gritted.
Eliwood gasped, "Ninian?!"
"…" she remained silent, as if she's in a trance.
"That girl… She's the key to the Dragon's Gate." he explained. "Hurry! Go, before Nergal notices you!"
"Key to the Dragon's Gate?" I asked.
"Worry about that later, Tactician!" Hector exclaimed, as Eliwood held Ninian's hand.
"Ninian! This way! We must flee!"
"…" Ninian didn't respond to his words… or even try to take a single step forward.
"Something's wrong with her… yet we've no time to hesitate." Lyn noticed.
"Eliwood! I've got got your father!" Hector said, as he shouldered the weakened man on his arms. I can see a cloth wrapped around his hand, indicating the cause of his weak condition. "You take Ninian!"
"I understand!" Eliwood nodded, immediately carried her in bridal style.
"Lord Elbert! I'm going to move you a little. Be strong." Hector said.
"Hector…you came, too? …Thank you."
"It's nice to meet you Lord Pherae. I'm Kurogasa." I greeted.
"Your armor..." he noticed. "You're the rumored–"
"Save your energy, Lord Elbert!" Hector said, supporting him. "Come, let's leave this place."
"We're gonna get you out of here, okay? I promised your son to get you out of here alive and I'm not going back on my word."
"…" Lord Elbert could only nod, as I shifted my attention to Lyn.
"Lyn, lead the way!" I said, as she nodded and ran off.
"Hurry, this way!" Lyn exclaimed, as we quickly followed suit. I even helped Hector out by lending my shoulders as well, supporting him.
"We're almost there! Just hang in there a bit longer!" I said before–
"Ah!" Lyn suddenly stopped, seeing a lone figure standing between our way out.
"…You will not pass here." this new Black Fang muttered, glaring at us. For some reason, his glare seems… emotionless and with killing intent. Almost like Karel's.
"When did you–"
"You must not fight that man!" Lord Elbert got out. "That man… is dangerous. You cannot defeat him on your own."
"Father, there's no time. This danger must be faced." Eliwood said.
"…Be a good boy, and listen to your father, young master Eliwood." Ephidel suddenly teleported, with cuts and wounds on his body after his quick battle with Gills.
"Ephidel!" Eliwood gasped.
"Agito." Ephidel said. "You must learn something. Even among the Black Fang, this man is feared for his skill… You are no match for him, not even as a group." He then turned to the said man. "…You've done well, Jaffar. That is all. Return to Bern and begin your next assignment."
"…" The Assassin now known as Jaffar then left without saying a word.
"Hear my word! I have an invitation from my master. In honor of your hard–fought arrival, he's prepared a special show for you." Ephidel rejoiced.
"Stop it! You cannot release the dragons!" Lord Elbert shouted.
"WHAT?!" I said surprised, really caught off guard.
"Does that surprise you, Agito…" Ephidel said calmly.
"Perhaps he's too surprised…" another voice said, as the teenager walked out from the shadows, standing far away between us and Ephidel.
"The Overlord of Darkness!" Lyn exclaimed.
"We meet again, Agito." he said. "I hear you bested one of my lieutenants..." he said, looking at me before shifting his attention to Lyn. "And you did so with your Seed–bearing spouse."
"Gh…!" I gritted.
"Ah, so you are Agito." Another new voice said as a figure walked out from the shadow. He was man who looked to be in his 60's with a teal blue hair goatee and has a purple turban around his head that covered one eye. He also wore purple robes with red designs and had a purple cloak too. "We finally meet at last."
"Nergal!" Lord Elbert suddenly snapped.
That's Nergal!?
"Father? What's all this about?" Eliwood asked.
"…You will know shortly." Ephidel said, as Overlord of Darkness suddenly got into his stance. "At the expense of your father's life!"
"…" the Overlord of Darkness remained silent before he suddenly… disappeared?
*BOOM!*
"Gaah!" Lyn, Hector, Eliwood and I suddenly flung a few meters away, but only Lord Elbert remained… and Ninian near him.
"!" Lord Elbert gasped.
"Your soul is ours…" Overlord of Darkness muttered, as his hand morphed a bit before–
*STAB!*
"Guwaah!" Lord Elbert winced in pain, as the said fiend pierced his hand through his stomach before pulling back out. This causes Lord Elbert to be on his knees, now holding onto his stomach before the Overlord of Darkness suddenly teleported back to Nergal's side. "…Gaa… ghaa…"
"Father!" Eliwood exclaimed, rushing to his side and supported him with Lord Elbert's arms around his shoulders.
"Bastard! What did you do?!" I demanded.
"A ritual." Nergal grinned devilishly, as I can see an aura seep out from Lord Elbert's stomach wound.
"G–gaarrrrrrrrrrggghh!" Lord Elbert wailed in pain.
"Lord Elbert! Hold on!" Hector shouted.
"Huh?" Eliwood got out, noticing her approaching towards the Dragon's Gate for some reason. "…Ninian?"
"Pow… pow… er…" she muttered in a trance, as more of the aura starts to cover the gates. "…power…"
"Now, Ninian… at last. Open the Dragon's Gate." Nergal chuckled.
"…Gate… Open…gate…" she muttered, as her arms were spread out widely and the seams between the door started to blow dust away, much to our surprise.
"Yes… that's it…" Nergal grinned, as all of the sudden… the whole area started to shake really bad!
"Whoa! What's… What's this rumbling!?" Hector got out.
"Unh! I can barely keep my feet!" Lyn added.
"What… what's happening!?" Eliwood asked.
"I don't know, but it's not good!" I shouted.
"Here…" Ninian called out in her trance, as the gate was now wide open, with swirling essence in it. "… Come, children of… flame. Come… to me…"
*ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!*
Oh… crap.
"No… this cannot be…" Elimine suddenly muttered, as my left lense flickered upon seeing this red… HUGE dragon slowly popping its head out.
"That gate… is a gateway to the world of the dragons?!" I gawked.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Yes, come out!" Nergal laughed out loud.
"…It can't be." Hector was in awe, shocked on seeing it for the first time.
"Ah… No… It isn't…" Lyn trembled in fear.
"Is that… truly… a dragon?" Eliwood got out.
Nergal laughed with joy. "Ha ha ha ha ha! Yes! Use all your strength! Squeeze every drop from your body! You will call dragons!"
"You're not the only one!" I snapped as I took out the Wiseman's Monolith.
"Child, wait!" Elimine tried to stop me, getting the Overlord of Darkness' attention.
"Hm?" he got out, looking at me. "I can hear another voice in you, Agito…"
"Elimine, we have to stop that dragon!" I said.
"Please do not rush things!" she pointed out, which was rare that she shouted at me like that.
"Elimine…?" it muttered. "That name… it's…!"
"I will not allow this!"
Eh? That voice… that sounded like…!
"Who's there?!" Ephidel demanded, as Nils suddenly walked out of nowhere. "…You!"
"Nils!" Lyn exclaimed.
"Ninian! Come to your senses! You must not do what they want!" Nils shouted.
"…Ni…" she stuttered. " …Nils…"
"Nils? Not now!" Nergal snarled. "Grrr… Ephidel! Stop him!"
Ephidel nodded, as he approached towards the young bard. "Desist, Nils! The power…" Ephidel paused… until he turned around, realizing that the gate's power was overwhelming, and the dragon started to roar in pain. "It runs wild!"
"NINIAN!"
Ninian suddenly realized the source of the voice, breaking out from her trance. "…Nils?"
"Here!" Nils exclaimed, suddenly putting Nini's Grace on her finger. "Hurry! The dragon is crumbling. Everyone flee!"
We didn't need to be told twice as we got out of there with Lord Elbert in tow.
"It's crumbling…" Nergal got out. Just then, he noticed the Overlord of Darkness leaps towards the dragon's head, thrusting his right arm forward. "Hm?"
*SWOOSH!*
"…it's mine now." Overlord of Darkness muttered, looking at the glowing essence in its hand.
"Ephidel, stop that dragon at all cost." Nergal commanded, as both Nergal and the Overlord of Darkness suddenly disappeared, leaving Ephidel on his own.
"Hyaaaa! Stop… You mustn't come here! Lord Nergal! Lord Nergal! Please…! Guwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!"
"Whoa… what's shakin'?" G3–X blinked, confused.
"Kurogasa?" Matthew noticed, as we started to run downstairs very quickly.
"RUN! THIS PLACE IS GONNA BLOW!" I shouted.
"Meep!" G3–X squeaked, being the first one to run really fast.
"Grrr!" Gills growled before quickly following them and soon the rest of the army.
As we continued to run outside and through the steps, we can hear the building crumbling down behind us… and a rather large explosion occurred, causing the debris to fly in all directions.
"BARRIER!" Priscilla shouted as she cast a Barrier to protect us.
"Barrier!" Serra does the same, fortifying it even more to protect the caravan as well.
"AIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" Merlinus freaking out, hiding inside the caravan.
After the large debris fell off on the barriers, it eventually came to a close, as only the red pillar of flame shot out from it, as we're safe from danger now. "Is it over?" Eliwood asked.
That was answered when Nergal and the Overlord of Darkness appeared in front of us.
"No! I've failed! Nils, you whelp! If not for your interference…" he growled, slowly approaching towards us. "Come! Both of you!"
"What? No!" Ninian exclaimed.
"Never! We will not follow you!" Nils rebuked.
"Uh… dude? Who's the shrimp?" G3–X asked.
Then all of a sudden…
*STAB!*
Nergal cringed in pain. "Eh!"
"Father!" Eliwood gasped. How in the world did he get there with that wound on his stomach?!
"You will… not!" Lord Elbert gritted, as he stabbed Nergal on the stomach with his hidden dagger.
"What!?" Nergal gritted, trying to remain composed. "…Impossible… not… by your hand…"
Elbert coughed out, "…I told you. I will…oppose… you always…" and he took out the said dagger making Nergal stagger back.
"…Why… won't… you… die? Nnn…" he growled a bit before casting a teleportation spell on himself and the Overlord of Darkness.
"…" the Overlord of Darkness remained silent, looking at me, for some reason.
"…" even Elimine's glance seems to reply with his stare as well via my left lense is glowed in gold.
Do these two… know each other?
And on cue, the teleportation spell enveloped both of them, now leaving us on our own.
"Father!" Eliwood exclaimed as he caught him in his arms. I went back to civilian form and knelt next to Eliwood and the others gathered around.
"…Eliwood. Be prepared. He will return…" Elbert coughed out.
"Serra! Priscilla! We need you!" I called out.
"It's… alright, Agito…" Elbert coughed it out. "I… won't make it."
"No! C'mon! Don't say that! Don't you dare die on me! I'm not letting another good man die on my watch!"
"Kurogasa's right, Father!" Eliwood panicked. "Let's leave this island and head home!""
"No, my son… I'm done here." he muttered, coughing out more blood from his mouth. "You, Eliwood… you must finish this. With… Agito's help."
"Lord Pherae! Stop! You need to live! Your wife is waiting for you!" I said. "Serra! Priscilla! C'mon, do something!"
"Mother would be devastated if she learnt of this!" Eliwood exclaimed, as tears formed in his eyes. Both Priscilla and Serra went over to his side and started to heal him, despite their fatigue from keeping the barrier up earlier.
"Ah… Eleanora… She will be cross with me." Lord Elbert smiled sadly. With his last ounce of strength, he gripped his son's hand tightly, muttering, "Eliwood… Your mother… I'm sorry… tell her… I'm… sorry…"
"LORD ELBERT! NO! DON'T DIE!" I shouted.
*PLOP!*
"…Father?" Eliwood got out, as his father's hand plopped onto the ground, as his head leaned away from his son's body.
"My predictions never come wrong, boy…" Hannah said sadly, looking at the deceased Lord. "And yet, you tried to defy it…"
No… this can't be happening… I let another good man die…
"No… Please, not now…" Eliwood started tearing up, shaking his dad violently. "Not after all we've done to find you again…" his sadness got worse, as tears now streamed from his eyes. Our army could only bow their heads down. "Father… Please… Open your eyes…" on his last futile attempt, he could only shout to the sky, uttering the last word from the top of his lungs.
"FATHERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!"
PREVIEW:
Nils: So much has happened since we left you and Caelin.
Lyn: Quintessence?
Nils: The substance of the human spirit… Power. Energy. The essence of life itself. …Nergal, he stole this quintessence.
Ninian: This is… This is all my fault… These nightmares… All these terrible things…
Hector: Don't blame it all to yourself, Tactician. There are things that are bound to happen.
Woman #1: "Obey your father's dying wish." That is her message to you, and I have delivered it.
Next Time on Kamen Rider Agito: Rekka no Ken: New Resolve
Elimine: To discover my lost memories… and learn of the Overlord's identity…
Fen: Dang, that sucks…
TWF: See? What did I tell you?! The Pigs did it!
*seeing the Pigs in human costume being escorted into the police car*
Fen: I'm talking about the chapter, dude.
TWF: I know that! But no~, Mr. Blame-it-all-on-Fang here thinks I'm the one that steals the secret formulah! O:
Fen: Alright, alright, I'm sorry! Geez…
TWF: Good, you owe me an eggnog! :D *walking away… with a paper sticking out from the back pocket*
Fen: What's that?
TWF: Oh, this? *taking out the paper* It's a secret recipe for Krabby Patty. Want some?
*KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!*
Voice: Mr. Fen, come out with your hands up! You are being charged with stealing the secret formula!
Fen: YOU SON OF A *BEEP!*! YOUR FRAMED ME WITH YOUR DISGUISE OF ME!
TWF: Uh… oops? It was by accident? O.o;
*BANG!*
Cops: There he is, boys! Get him! *starts chasing Fen-kun*
Fen: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
