WOOOOOOOO! Okay, second set of midterms done! NaNoWriMo, almost finished! And Thanksgiving, almost here! LET'S DO THIS!
But first, REVIEW REPLY TIME, GOOOOOOOOOO!
RedRat8: Hehehe, I had fun with Tabitha's breaking scene there as well. It was fairly easy too, since it's just thinking about "she's been holding it in all this time, so let's let everything come out". I'm glad you had fun with Kurt becoming Sasha for a second there. Aaaaaaand muahahaha, will I cut down Sasha and Kurt? Ship it all you want, but we'll see whether it sinks XD Thanks for the review!
The Digger92: Oh. You shouldn't miss sleep just for my stuff. Sleep much more important XD Beatrice was nice to write along with Sasha. And yeees, I'm just happy we finally get to Tabitha/Gallia, because this is probably where my favorite scenes I have planned are. Ehhh, I don't think my politics writing is very good though. I mean, I'm dealing with a very early system of politics, so I probably wouldn't do so well elsewhere. As for your meat hooks... hmhmhm. We'll see what happens. Thanks for stopping by!
DGKSilver: You do not know the screaming that occurred when I read your comment. I was half tempted to go back and revise it to include that line, but I chose not to. It was... like... HOW DID I MISS THAT?! Also, how was the Beatrice scene hard to read? I want to know so I can fix any potentially bad habits I might have made. Thanks for reading!
Krazyfanfiction1: Thanks! I hope today's chapter keeps up to what you're expecting of me! Thanks for dropping by!
Reishin Amara: Hehehe. Kurt might be able to. Trust me, you haven't seen the full extent of his powers yet. I've been holding out to create some scenes later on XD Thanks for your review!
PEJP Bengtzone V2: We're about to find out XD Thanks for reading!
spartan-140: With the Kurt and Sasha dialogues, it kind of just comes to me. It's probably because I also have a friend of mine who is kind of the Sasha to my Kurt, wherein she plays the voice of mostly reason when I get out of hand. As for the more dramatic dialogues between them, it's really just a matter of trying to think of how to keep them in character. It's not like they have any strict dialogue patterns, so really, I try just to go for what sounds like a natural conversation between them. Anyways, here's the next chapter! I hope you like it!
Demons Anarchy of Pride: Ohhhhh no. It's not going to end well for some people. Let the storm beeeeeeegiiiiiiiiin! Thanks for reading!
dvilleza: Haha, glad to know you read all of it! Here's the next chapter!
Alright, well, that's about all! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! As usual, author notes on the bottom. LET'S GO!
Chapter 35: Final Hope
"Above all else, you will not take this freedom to think."
"Okay, so just so you're all aware, I'm currently in an excavation with Agnes watching me, a doppelganger of me is running around pretending to be me with no one thinking it's actually me 'cause you can't fucking prove that shit, and said doppelganger has just kidnapped you while making their way to rescue Tabitha before targeting Tiffania in an attempt to hold the world hostage by taking two Void mages and two well known princesses. Also, thank you Sylphid, because you're hella fast."
"Thank you!"
"Oh yeah by the way Sylphid can talk. If Tabitha asks, she went into a panic when she ended up getting kidnapped by Magic Bitch."
"…Kurt, you're going to explain now." Louise growls.
"Nope. That's about all I'm allowing myself to tell you because that's all you need to know. After all, this is something critical. Seeing that all of us are currently fugitives, you should probably just listen to what I have to say." I say with the wave of a hand.
"…Um… fugitives?" Louise asks, suddenly becoming a lot more fearful. "Uuuuumm…"
"Well, considering that you told Henrietta that you were going to rescue Tabitha, causing her to jail you to protect her nation because you posed a threat to a peaceful relationship between Tristain and Gallia. My doppelganger broke you out, but that doesn't change the fact you are now an escaped prisoner. And I also had you knocked out, so it's been about three days."
"Uuuwuu…"
"Um, is there something I overlooked?"
"Oh Brimir, Mother's going to find out about this."
…Oh shit.
"…Then it seems time really is of the essence."
If my guesswork is anything to go by, our enemies might be planning to do the same thing to Tabitha as they did her mother. I mean… our enemy is a fucking sadist, apparently, who also has no qualms about mass killing people. It should stand he might derive some enjoyment from it.
So not only that, but we're competing with Karin who might be coming after us.
"Okay, that's something I didn't exactly plan for. Now, if we do get attacked by her, I'm pretty sure she's only going to come for me."
"Kuuurt…"
"Don't question it, I know what I'm doing." I interrupt, looking straight on ahead. "…While it's unexpected, it's not anything I can't work around. Let's go."
"Right."
"Mhmm, Darling is really serious now, isn't he?" Kirche asks, wrapping her arms around my waist. "For Tabitha, too."
"I'm not going to give a meaningful response to that obviously loaded as hell statement." I say back with an eye roll. "Sylphid, let's hang low. Don't need anyone spotting us for now."
"Kyuuuuui!"
"Hold on."
We suddenly dive, Kirche wrapping herself around me even more while Louise grips onto my arm. While we're still flying, we're close to the ground so we can still keep moving fast.
I had also used that one day Henrietta gave me to tap into my deep information networks. Spies, double agents everywhere, some of which I had cultivated without Henrietta's knowledge. I mean, I had helped her set up her intrigue branch, so I thought I might need it later. They are… well, loyal to only me, after all. It helped that they were part of the underground book movement and had ties in with the king.
Well truthfully speaking, I had only gotten a bit of an area from them. Sylphid had followed them under the guise of trying to get back Tabitha, as a familiar usually would. However, upon sensing a certain magic, she retreated, but not until she confirmed where Tabitha was being held.
She was being kept in Alhambra Castle. And the certain enemy had been an elf.
Sasha, I'll ask you again. Are you okay with this?
I have had to fight my own kind before. You have done the same. It should…
Yeah, but that's because I have full control of my body, right? You don't really have much of a choice other than to try to take control, which I can easily block. That's why I'm asking if it's okay.
I… I would prefer that you don't kill them, as I still feel a connection to them, but…
If I have no choice, I must.
Yes. This… is your freedom, Kurt. It's your life. I can only offer what help I can.
I know, but we're partners. Just because I'm in control doesn't mean… I have the right to just tread on you like that, now, do I?
You are a very interesting ma—oh no.
Sasha?
She is trying to take control. And her aura and presence… it is full of malice and hatred, with such determination…
Meaning?
This fight will take much longer than usual. You might… not even be able to utilize my power, because I will not be there to help it flow into you since we'll be vying for control.
…Agh, that's going to be difficult. Especially when dealing with a possible elf opponent… And not to mention that I won't be able to utilize my electricity powers to keep my cover of just being a doppelganger.
I take a look at the metal glove-weapons that cover my two hands, keeping the runes on my left hidden. Ha… nothing but my own two fists and knives. That's all I have at this point. No electricity, no runes, just… my own fighting skills and a load of determination.
Well, I guess it was like that before I got my powers as well. Hehheh. It's time for some mayhem, huh. Besides, I have a pretty nice bag of tricks.
"Okay, so after I confirmed with Tabitha is, I have the schematics. I also have some insider information and know that we're going to run into an elf. However, we have not had any sort of contact with elven nations, so we can't assume hostile, but be wary of them. You've heard the legends and rumors about them, so be on guard."
After a few more hours, we land in the middle of nowhere. We're near a tree, which is useful…
"Um, Kurt?" Louise asks as I handcuff my hands behind the tree.
"Louise, take the key. Release me only in the morning."
"Um…"
"Runes are acting up, trying to make me do shit because of some stupid base programming." I explain without trying to make me panic. "I'll be alright, but this is just a precaution. We'll strike tomorrow night. I'd honestly like to scout out the place and get a better feel for the guard positioning, but we don't have time for that."
Time is of the essence… we have to get to Tabitha as soon as we can. Every second is just… we cannot risk it. Both on a personal and business level…
K… kurt…!
Sasha?!
I… it's… I'm… I'm able to hang on…
Do you need me to assist?! I can leap in any—!
N-NO! She… she's got a tr—shit! She has a trap and is prepared…! Dammit, she's caught me off guard…!
Sasha…!
Just… Kurt, you can't depend on me! I'll try to fend her off, but after this…!
After this?!
Seek… seek the master of Lifdrassil… if I do not return… the elf girl… AAAAAAAAH!
Sasha? Saaasha? SASHAAA!
There is no response.
Dammit…!
Damn… no electricity, no Derf, no rune abilities… things are really looking bad for us. I mean, I knew this is how it was going to be, but I was hoping to at least have Sasha for a little boost in strength.
"Shouldn't you eat first?"
"Turns out it's probably better like this." I spit out, grumbling as I slouch on the tree.
"Then…" Louise says, breaking out some of the bread I had brought with us. "Here, Kurt. I'll feed you."
As Louise sits in my lap, I can feel my arms struggling. Dammit…! She's already losing her edge!
A dark lust pours into my arms and legs and groin as Louise sits there. But she doesn't care… no, it's not that. It's that Louise wholly trusts me not to do anything. She can see that I'm struggling to repress it, now that Sasha's on the losing edge, but at the same time I'm learning to keep it under control.
Louise nods.
I open my mouth as her hand draws near.
It cries out. Some carnal beast inside of me. It wants to suck on her fingers, to please her, to invite her to further heights. It doesn't care that Kirche is here. In fact, it couldn't care less about her. It only cares for Louise, for the one they label as Master. It wants to wrap her in my legs and press her closer to that lies between them. It wants to ravage. It wants to please.
And it will not take over.
I focus a bit of my mind, having traced the runes with Nerve Vision before, and with Sasha being more willing, showed me what nerves to target. I send a brief burst of electric signals across those nerves. The physical urges almost immediately cease, but I can feel that they're still trying to get active again.
Sasha… just hold on. Don't worry, I believe in you.
As if powered by those words, I feel the urges completely cease. Thank you… I'll solve this quickly and come help you however I can.
After Louise feeds me the last share of my bread, I close my eyes. "You two might want to make some distance between me, as well. I don't know how I'm going to react. Anyways, I've disciplined myself to wake up early, so I'll be up."
"Um, Kurt… those handcuffs, they're metal, right?" Louise questions.
"The runes can only take control of my body. She's keeping the bad parts occupied, and I have a pretty good subconscious defense with the electric circuits in my head. I've had it going and developing since the beginning, so don't worry about it for now. They won't take my mind. Louise, do you mind taking first watch?"
"No problem, Kurt."
I won't allow it. Above all else, you will not take this freedom to think.
With that thought perpetuating in my head, I go to sleep.
Louise watched in pain as the runes, no longer glowing white light, but burning black something, erupt from underneath his glove. His body struggled, trying to free itself from his self-imposed bond.
Kirche, too, watched as she held Louise close, watching as the man they both loved fought and suffered so they would be out of danger, no matter the amount of discomfort he experienced.
Low hisses, like a demon rising from the depths of hell. Snorts of anger, that he would dare go this far.
She pleaded in her heart that she could do something… and that she would end this soon so his suffering too, would end quickly.
I snap awake to the light of the sun filtering into my eyes. I do a quick Radar Pulse, confirming that we're the only ones in the area. I don't see any traces of anyone having come around here as well.
"You guys…" I mutter, realizing that Sylphid is awake. "You were supposed to wake me up for my turn on the watch."
"They didn't want to put any more stress on you." Sylphid explains as the other two rouse from their slumber. "Are you okay?"
I nod, watching Louise get up and fish out the key. "Have a good night, Louise?"
"Mmhm… here, let me get you out of those."
She fumbles a little bit with the key before breaking me out of the handcuffs. I take back the key and put it into my pocket along with the handcuffs. "Alright, let's get going. We can at the least, scout out the place."
We ride Sylphid, low to the ground, off the roads, going closer to our destination. We also hike the last portion of it, with Sylphid going back into her human girl form.
Fishing into my bag once the castle Tabitha's being held into comes into sight, I pull out my binoculars. We're hidden out by the forested hills, so I can observe without being seen.
The first thing I notice immediately is a very obvious lack of guards. That must be due to that elf… nonetheless, I'm still going to have to take them down. It's not like there's not any guards, just that their numbers are low enough that I don't need to worry about a mass slaughter or the others.
Damn, having Agnes here with a sniper rifle really would've helped. Too bad I can't use a gun.
…One of these days I'm going to make a magical gun that doesn't explode when I touch it.
That's a thought for another time, though.
"Sylphid, how many elves did you see?"
"I only saw one."
"Riiight…" I say, scanning around. I see one elf as well, so I make a list of his characteristics.
His hair is like a blonde-white-tan-like color and so are his eyes. He's wearing a dark brown cloak, white pants, and what appears to be something like a stockman hat. I'll remember that in case I see another one later.
As the day goes on, I keep watching, analyzing guard movements and the elf—oh.
There's another. Same hair color, but different eyes. Jade green eyes… yes, I can see both of them. The tan-eyed one is heading inside just as the other is heading out. Damn, two elves… this is going to be troublesome.
"…Okay, I've got a plan, at least. I'm going sneak in the front. You two are going to slip around the back. Use stealth and avoid contact. See that huge tower?"
The other two nod.
"It's most likely where Tabitha is being kept. I'm guessing the elves—yes, elves—are swapping watching over their prisoner. Only engage if necessary. Kirche, you're probably going to be on attack duty. Louise, watch for casters, and if you see that, I want you to focus on Dispel and keeping Kirche casting. If there's no casters, go crazy."
"And you?"
"Well, I have to sell that it's not me. That means, of course, probably killing but without my usual means. Oh, and put these on." I say, handing them collars. "You're going to need these to later sell the story that you were controlled."
"Kiiinky~"
"Not now, Kirche."
"Oooh, later then?"
I instantly regret my choice of words.
…The invading silence the follows really stings. Damn… Sasha, I'll be there to help soon.
The rest of the day goes by as I keep watching from various angles, further developing my plan of attack. Where the best spots for Kirche and Louise to go are, where I need to be at certain points in the guard intervals so I can maximize attacks with less chance of detection.
After all, Kurt Bright is not particularly known for his skill in stealth.
Someone trying to impersonate him, but going against everything he's usually fitted for… there's going to be some confusion and doubt then.
After a few more hours, the sun fully sets.
"Operation, start." I mutter, getting up. Louise and Kirche have already gone to their positions. They're still hiding, only meant to enter if they hear an explosion or some other sign of trouble, which means I've gone into combat mode.
Right, can't just parkour up this wall…
Taking a rope attached to a grappling hook, I hurl it up and have it extend out between the gaps in the rampart lookouts. Testing the rope, I make sure that it can hold my weight before climbing up.
I'm tempted to grab the rope and take it with me, but again, I need to keep things like it's not me. Sloppy, desperate, and ridiculous.
Tch… it's so unlike me… heh. Well, let's get this started.
I activate Nerve Vision, trying to see where everyone is, despite the fact I know what the guard patrols are like. It always pays to make sure.
Fortunately, the guards here are incredibly stupid, patrolling solo around the place. I hide behind a crate and use my hearing to determine when to come out.
Just as he passes by, I spin around, knife him in the throat, and then drag his body down to be hidden in the shadows, slumping over on the crate I was hiding behind before continuing over.
The guards on the ramparts are no match for me. Soon enough there's probably… ten corpses up there, all with a knife wound to the neck. Too easy.
The problem is… the guards down below. There's no way I can take them all out. They're in clusters, so looks like I'm going to have to go in loud.
Well, I'll keep the stealth going for as long as I can.
I crouch down and hide up in the shadows, waiting for a patrol of three to pass. Just when it's time, I leap down and stab two of them right in the back before shooting up and slitting and stabbing the throat of the third.
No time to hide the bodies. I already see another patrol.
Dashing behind some crates, I crouch low and run around, using Radar Pulse in order to locate where they are. I see you.
My footsteps are silent—well, if I was taking steps. I'm sort of cheating, as my cloak is covering my feet. This allows me to use magnetic fields to glide along silently by floating oh so slightly above the ground, which I probably should have considered when I was up there. Eh, I suppose I did want to attract some guards up there to make my job somewhat easier.
Either way, because of my lack footsteps, the guards down here don't notice me approaching. There's no light either, so they can't make out my shadow. It's already too late as I stab two of them in the throat once again and move onto the third.
Hm, someone's bound to notice these dead bodies sometime or another. Tch, I don't want to risk being discovered too quickly, but at the same time I have to keep my cover. Disintegrating might mean I was here. I need to minimize any clues that lead to my actual involvement.
Louise and Kirche might have moved in as well. I need to hurry too. Dammit, this was a really badly thought plan. Ugh, I let my emotions get the better of me, but then again I couldn't risk it.
…But I could have always just healed Tabitha even if they pulled the same potion with her mother, right? If we recovered her in time, I might be able to get to the potion if it was still in her system.
What am I saying…?
I… I risked everything so she might not have to go through that same hell. Why am I second guessing it now?! Tabitha's someone I care for!
Agh, fucking conflicting interests!
But I'm a stubborn son of a bitch, right? I'm going to do my damn best to get everything I want. Save Tabitha while still preserving all of my work leading this place to become a better world. Since when has a little difficulty slowed me down?!
That's right… it's time to go!
I move around, eliminating another set of guards. Unfortunately, one of them was armored, so when he hits the ground—
—It immediately alerts another patrol that's passing by.
I throw my two knives before the patrol that comes up to face me. They find they mark, but there's a third. I immediately draw another knife and charge him—!
Contact.
The enemy drew a short sword in time. Dammit!
The sound of metal crashing rings loudly and without mercy in the dark, silent night. It alerts everyone.
Well, let's get to work.
With a quick movement, I slice through the one who messed everything up, just as the other patrols arrive to check out the noise. Lightly armored ones first!
Taking out a rudimentary frag grenade, I pull the pin out with my teeth and hurl the explosive right into the middle of the light armor ones. It explodes, killing those at the center of the blast and further injuring the ones who weren't killed right away.
In order to further my image from the civil Kurt Bright, I leave those dying in pain and instead focus on those that have yet to be hit.
A flurry of thrown knives kills even more. The soldiers watch as their few comrades are torn down—ah, it seems that there's three armored knights.
These guys won't be hit as well by the frag grenades, but I've got another thing I can work with.
I throw a flashbang right in front of them and turn away, allowing my natural hearing protection to survive it without ringing while also hoping my usual eye protection from being to control lightning protects my eyes.
As they're blinded and disoriented from the flashbang, I move in. My knives find the weak points in their armor and kill them on the inside.
Blood gushes from the joints and helmet. Disgusting…
—I dodge another strike. Hmm, a larger knight, this time? This time, he's armed with a battleaxe. Well, let's go a little overkill. It should serve nicely to really distance myself from my usual methods.
I take out two flashbangs and throw them. One goes behind him, one in front. Just after that, I hurl a frag grenade and throw it at his face. No point cooking it, no real way to do that accurately, anyways.
I hear the flashbangs go off, causing a cry of pain. Closing the distance, I pull the pin out from the frag grenade and then lift the visor before cramming the frag inside, slamming the visor shut before leaping away.
A bloodcurdling scream echoes through the night as the armored knight sinks to the ground, bleeding from his eye visor. Tch…
Either way, they're all dead now.
"I see even while holding yourself back, you are still a formidable foe."
"Heh." I say, giving a predatory grin. "You think so?"
"How far you go for that girl… it is truly admirable. You'd risk everything you've built up so far…"
"…Who the hell do you think you are? Heh, though it's really nice that my disguise has worked so well." I say, drawing a second knife and crossing my arms as the blades go into a reverse grip.
"My name is Bidashal. And you are Kurt Bright, for the spirits cannot lie. But if you insist on keeping this up, then go ahead."
"Heh."
I shoot forward, but hit an invisible wall and am thrown back. Damn.
Trying again, I throw a knife.
Like some circus trick, the knife reverses vector and shoots back at me (I catch it, of course) when it's about three feet away from him, with almost no indication it did so. The fuck is this?! A counter magic? Damn, it must be something elves can do.
Okay, let's try something else. I need to know what this counter spell does.
This time, I throw the knife purposely three feet to his left while throwing one directly at him.
The one the goes directly for him does the same trick.
The one three feet to his left keeps going. Heh…! I know what it is, now! That Counter spell of sorts, it somehow senses an attack deliberately at the protected. Fucking magic and it's cheating…
Regardless, it means that only attacks directed at him are reflected. Flashbangs ought to do the trick, but there's something else I need to try.
I hurl two knives. One targets his face, the other his stomach.
Both get turned away with no effort.
Okay, how about something else?!
Getting near a wall, I push myself against it, bracing my legs. Throwing myself forward at him, I time it so I can throw a knife and still be going fast enough to throw a knife backwards at him so they hit almost at the same time.
Both knives, despite one being behind him, fly away.
Damn, I know elves can communicate with spirits… that's how he's perceiving those attacks. I need something that acts fast…!
"Don't think I'll be on the defensive the entire time."
I quickly change my positioning, leaping backwards as my almost sixth sense in combat directs me to do. Rock spikes erupt from the ground.
But that was just a distraction, apparently.
Bidashal is carrying two swords, but is not even taking up a stance. Is he praying to them or—Oh shit.
He lets go of the swords and they soar through the air, each taking up something similar to a stance. Are you fucking kidding me? Man, no wonder people are so scared of these guys!
Well, it looks like I'm just going to need to break those swords, hm?
Fortunately, I've got a lot more tricks up my sleeve!
I grab a sticky grenade. Hahaha, I know it's incredibly cliché, but hey, it works!
With my speed, I slide underneath two slices and manage to snag a blade with one. Right dead center, motherfucker!
The metal breaks apart, sending the handle and blade in different directions. Just to make sure, I take the blade and bend it over my knee, just because I can be that fucking strong.
Sparks fly as I use my other hand with a knife to block the strike coming down for my head from the other sword. I kick the handle and send it flying away.
Heh, these guys are nothing compared to Karin!
With an evil smile on my face, I dash up to the sword and plant another explosive in the same place.
This time, the sword knows not to let me away. It attempts to follow me with the explosive still attached to it. Getting smart, are you?
Hm, I wonder…
I leap back and plant myself just close to the elf. The flying sword immediately stops and hesitates, exploding just before I throw myself away.
Counter doesn't activate.
Hahaha! It wasn't an attack directed at you… no, it was just a byproduct of another attack!
Counter… a reflect spell that seemingly "Reflects all perceived attacks directed at the protector". Useful, yes… in fact, Ancient Magic bears some similarities to Void Magic, in that it has a bit of flexibility in its semantics.
But if it reflects all magic directed at you…
…what happens when an attack isn't for you, but there's just something else that's a byproduct?
Heh, magic can be really fickle, especially when people don't have any specifics. It just means it's up to me to discover those loopholes… and exploit the living fuck out of them.
Bidashal makes an effort to dodge the blade launched by the explosion.
My mind goes into overdrive, processing what I know.
All attacks perceived by the user are reflected. If he can somehow realize that the attack is coming, he can reflect it with Counter. Multiple attacks don't do anything to get around that. Attacks that come from behind, if he can tell they're coming, then he can use Counter to block it.
The problem is that elves, who are able to communicate with the spirits of the world, are therefore able to detect and perceive more than what a human might. Therefore, even if I attack from almost infinite angles, as long as the information gets to him in time, he can reflect it.
Things that aren't directed at him, just a byproduct of another attack, can't be reflected. Bidashal had to dodge the blade that flew off because of the explosion. It wasn't directed at him, it just happened.
So therefore… I have multiple options.
I can either try for a complicated set up and attack to create a chain reaction to get around that property of Counter… but wait…
There's the way he gets all of this information. If I can just exploit…
The spirits.
That's right.
Isn't that how he's been perceiving all of the attacks that he can't see for himself?
How fast can they communicate? How much can they see? How much do they know? Do they know what a frag grenade is? What a flashbang is? Can they tell him exactly what's coming up?
And what if… he doesn't know it's coming? It's not like the spirits have instant communication with him. Heh! I think I've got a plan!
It's time to screw the supposed rules that everyone's laid out! Fuck the rules, I have scientific observation!
Let's do this!
Rebounding off the wall, I hurl a knife at him while throwing a flashbang at the wall to bounce off and explode right off on his side. Let's test something out…
I throw another knife and this time, a frag grenade, since it'll take too long for me to push off. While he's still turned to look away, the grenade goes off.
The knife flies away. Yes, the prerequisite for that Counter is he has to perceive the attack! And I know that elves can communicate with nature spirits—
BOOM!
—But what if they don't get the message in time?!
"Gah!" Bidashal grunts as the shrapnel embeds itself in his right leg. He flinches, stumbling to reground himself because of the pain.
Let's not let this opportunity just rot away!
Not being one to waste a moment, I come in and pummel his pressure points. While he might be an elf, he still has the basic human-like anatomy. My guess is confirmed when he grunts out in pain and seizes up.
Heh… even with Ancient Magic… it's the fundamental weakness of magic. The fact it takes even the smallest sliver of time to prepare, the fact that it has drawbacks compared to some good old fashioned fighting styles.
He almost collapses, sinking while trying to change his stance once again. However, I kick him where the shrapnel is, causing Bidashal to hiss out in even more pain and distract him. No mercy for now…
"Aegh! Agh! Eeegh!" He screams with every kick before losing his balance and falling down.
Or he would have, had I not kicked his chin to force him back up, though he's just balancing on his left leg at this point.
"Ugh…!"
I pin him to the wall, foot against his throat.
My next words come out more like a statement rather than the question is should be. "Where is she."
"I—"
"I'm not done. What do you plan to do with her?" I finish up.
"So you show your true colors?"
"No, it's just that I have plans for that girl. If your plans interfere with mine, then I want to know."
"…The poison that once afflicted her mother."
"Why are you doing this?"
"…Because I mus—" He stops as I push harder on his throat, giving him a glare that even the most hardened veterans of war and destruction would flinch at.
"Liar. Tell me."
You know who I truly am. We're just carrying on this façade. So tell me, then.
"…Because King Joesph will wipe away my people with that accursed Void magic if I do not!" He says, partially strained by the foot on his neck.
I pull my foot off and Bidashal take a large breath. "That was easy, now wasn't it? Well, I suppose I'll put a letter with that Louise girl later when I inevitably face off against Kurt Bright. I may not be able to bring you salvation, but I'm fairly sure he can."
"He would bring us salvation? From the Mad King? Hmph." Bidashal mutters, no longer maintaining a hostile aura. "…I actually, surprisingly, believe it… and have hoped that it was true."
His vision snaps up. "But there are those that do not believe."
I'm about to ask him what that means when I hear two female screams along with a massive storm of fire in the air.
"…Raymon." Bidashal says in a low whisper. "He is unshaken and has almost gone off in despair. He had no hesitation about giving that girl the poison. I slightly delayed it, but he always argued against it—!"
"You should heal up." I say, walking behind him.
"Right…" He seems to pray for a second, but I suppose he's just asking the spirits or something to help heal him, as his leg seems to be doing better. Or at least, it's not bleeding and hurting him with every step. Bidashal however, does have a slight limp.
Actually, I'm lying. It's just me subtly using Heal Pulse.
"You know, with all the magic I've observed, Ancient Magic is so much like cheating." I scoff, causing Bidashal to chuckle as he hobbles along.
"But I didn't—"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. It was annoying to deal with, let's just get going."
Sighing, Bidashal shakes his head before following me.
I start talking as we run (well, I run, he more or less just limps quickly) up the stairs to where they are. "So, as you were saying, you've always hoped that Kurt Bright would one day liberate you from the oppression?"
"Perhaps… and it was also a test of his words. He preached equality. How far did that go? Did that apply to all sentient beings…? That is what I wished to know. What many elves wish to know, if he will be an enemy to our existence."
"I see. Well, I am sure that he definitely would be willing to extend that to the elves after he ensures peace can exist between humans and elves."
"Hm. We will see."
We arrive to the area of the fight, which is another rampart that has a larger area to stand in. I can see some of the soldiers that I killed still slumped over some crates.
"Dammit!" I hear Louise yell out as she leaps back from the flames, pointing her wand after muttering something and dispelling the flames. "You…!"
Ah right, Louise is a good actor now considering how much she has to lie with all the shit I get involved with all the time. Haha.
"Fire girl." I say to Kirche, looking at the other elf whose green eyes are glaring daggers at her. "…How weak your flames are. I brought you along because I thought you were a powerful flame. But I see your fire is nothing. It cannot even burn a flame to your friend, let alone a brighter tomorrow."
Sorry Kirche, but I know this worked with Montmorency, so why not?
"I heard rumors, you know, that you were passionate about your friends. How should one person, whether they be elven or human, stand in your way of that? Whatever. I'll take care of him. Now allow me to—"
"HAAAAAAA!" Awwwright, Kirche's fired up.
I look at her face.
Instead of the usual, playful passion, there is something else. A dangerous passion. One who has thrown away all else for the sake of a passionate bond, in romance or friendship.
Something in Kirche ignited.
After all, no one dared question the passion of a Germanian, let alone Kirche of all people. Who would dare question if she wanted to be with her dearest friend, Tabitha? Who would dare to get inbetween whom a Germanian loved? Who could even steal a lover or friend from them, those who gave their hearts out and poured it out like a flame?
Well, that person would be toast, obviously.
"…Hm. So you do have some use. Very well. Keep your mind about you as you control those new flames. Create your tomorrow."
Kirche gives probably the widest grin I've ever seen on her face. "Purify the dark night with the flames of my heart!"
Oh come on, Kirche, way to be cheesy. And not just plain cheesy, I mean so cheesy that it's dangerous to hear if you're lactose intolerant.
Anyways, you know how I mentioned that Counter can reflect attacks that you perceive?
What if you just perceived pure flame, with all of it rushing towards you? Not really so much of an attack but rather, just fire everywhere. Well, either that, or even Counter has its limits on how much it can reflect. I could probably test that if I had access to my electricity powers, but not right now. I'll have to make a note of it later.
Because Kirche broke through it. With what looked like a giant fire version of Flame. Her salamander thing, I mean. Well, I guess it can—you know what, you know what I mean.
In the end, it didn't really kill him, but it left the elf pretty injured. His tan hair's pretty charred as well.
Bidashal goes over to him. "Raymon… Raymon, listen to me."
"Bidashal…!" Raymon growls as he takes Bidashal in a weak one handed choke. "You traitorous bastard…!"
"Raymon… stop this madness. They do not mean to kill us. Let us go. This in the end, is most likely one of the Master of the Storm's plans. Please, Raymon, believe… believe that he will one day come to free us as well."
"You… you would trust that slime…" he hisses, pointing at me. "And you forget that we do not have a choice! If you go against the Mad King… you will be responsible for all our people's deaths! Can you really accept that?! Are you ready to take the responsibility for such a burden?! I hope you remember this when you watch all of them die! I hope you are the lone survivor, so you can live with that guilt!"
"Raymon… you know I was always reluctant to believe it, but this… is a risk I am willing to take. If you will not be with us in those who look towards tomorrow… then I hope you find peace in death."
It's impossibly fast.
But Bidashal slits his throat, or perhaps more, seeing that Raymon instantly dies.
"…I'm sorry, old friend. But I can't… this is something I must do."
Bidashal stands up without another word. "And now, what will you do with me?"
"You're free to go after you unlock the door to the girl." I say, prepping a flashbang. "Take us there."
After being led up the rest of the tower, we find a rather ornate door. However, there is another door next to it. I activate Nerve Vision and confirm Tabitha's presence, but find someone else in the other room.
"…Who's the other person?" I ask, gesturing with my head.
"That would be the girl's mother."
"We're taking her with us." I add. Bidashal shrugs and removes the magical lock off it as well.
I enter the room with Tabitha's mom and find her patting a doll's head. "Tabitha… Tabitha…"
So… this is the origin of her name now, isn't it?
"Rest for now." I say, taking out an additional syringe and injecting her with the same stuff I did with Kirche and Louise. She slumps over, asleep. I take the doll that looks almost like Tabitha and hand it to Kirche. "Give this to her later.
"…You can go, by the way. Though where you go, I do not know."
"I will head back to the Mad King and inform him what has happened." He says. "I must, or he might take other, much rasher option. I will guide him and delay the conflict as best I can. You do know that taking her will cause conflict, correct?"
"Yes, I do. You also claim to know who I am… so, while I shouldn't need to voice this…"
"You are a fake Kurt Bright. Your disguise is to be commended." He replies, walking away, down the stairs, still limping with the shrapnel. "…Time will tell whether or not Kurt Bright's words of equality ring true for all, or just those he cares for."
"Indeed."
So there are in fact, good elves… AAA… AAAGH! MY HEAD! Stop… negh…!
Dammit…! We need to hurry…! Sasha… just a little longer…!
"To the one day future salvation away from the Mad King."
"To that salvation." I choke out, trying not to sound pained.
With those words, Bidashal leaves us. Kirche and Louise are there, mouths gaping.
"You do do the impossible." They say together. "Did you just—"
"Yeah, yeah. I'll explain later." I growl
"And Darling, I know you were trying to do what you did to Montmorency since she blabbed about it, but you were too harsh, even for me~"
"Oh put a sock in it, Kirche."
"Awa~ Darling is so rough~"
"Okay, can we talk about that later? We've got someone else to take care of…"
I look at the door Tabitha is behind. There's some moans for my name… Tabitha, don't worry. I'm right outside. You don't have to be in pain anymore.
"Kur… Kur… Kurraaaaahhhh…!" I hear. Tabitha… you're calling for me in what you assume to be your final moments?
Well, I'll just have to save you from that despearation.
Now, how shall I do this? Well, I suppose there is my favorite method of dealing with doors.
Bringing up my stance, I ready a kick and then strike—!
Doooone!
Ooooh yes.
So, I don't know how to feel about this chapter. I didn't want to drag it on, but I felt like I rushed it a bit. I even went back and expanded the fight between Kurt and Bidashal a tiny bit.
Sasha going away for some more tension, mainly to leave Kurt with nothing but his wits, as Sasha isn't there to facilitate the power into him like before. Remember there were times Kurt was able to cut off the power by manipulating his nerve circuits, which was Sasha (in her previous, not so friendly version) trying to force her way through, so the runes weren't as effective. Sasha having to fight for control of the power means she can't help him, if you don't remember the hint to that mechanic all the way back... a long time. I think it was hinted in Mott's and Foquet's chapters. His slight internal monologue on whether or not he should have risked everything for Tabitha is a bit of a crux moment for him: he recognizes that he's chancing a lot just to save someone he cares for. But he always admits to being selfish in other locations, which fits here. He really could have let Tabitha drink the potion and cure her then, but… that's not going to fly by him.
The Bidashal fight was fun to write, actually. I'm not sure if my Counter lines up with the canon version of Counter, but I thought it would be a cool way for Kurt and later Kirche to overcome it. By the way, YES I did create an elf character just to be killed off, mainly so I could characterize Bidashal and give rise to Kirche's power. Hm, Montmorency for water, Kirche for fire, I wonder who could be next in a power up? And does it mean anything? Hmhmhm.
After that, there's not really much left to say. Bidashal is pretty much well aware that it's Kurt but as he stated, he's hoping Kurt can do something. Seeing that he's their last shot at being able to resist The Mad King, Bidashal is hoping he can come up with something.
Aaaand then I leave you right before busting through the door. Because I thought it would be best to have a chapter break here and begin the next one with breaking in to Tabitha's room.
So, that's all I really have to say. If you have any additional questions or comments, don't hesitate to leave a review or send me a private message!
Seeya all next chapter!