TWF: *dressed as Donkey Kong* Hulk Smash!
Fen: Wrong character dude… -_-
TWF: What? He still smashes barrels. That should count, right?
Fen: That's… never mind. Anyways, we're up for another chapter you guys!
TWF: Before we do anything, wanna comment on the latest comment you received, dude?
Fen: *looks at review* ughhhh… son of a… you know what? That's it! I'm sick and tired of you trolls pointing out nothing but f-in flaws! This is FanFiction! How we interpret the story is up to us and not you! So F off already! If you're such an expert then you write your own version! If you don't want to read it, then just leave! That's all you gotta do! Damn it, now I'm pissed!
TWF: Wow… such intensity. o.o;
Fen: I'm through with these trollers man…
TWF: Well, let's just troll these guys back with what we do best: writing!
Fen: Exactly.
Disclaimer: Same thing.
Ughhhhhhh… what happened?
Oh wait, I remember… I kicked Karel's butt. Hehe… oh, I feel really good right now.
"Oh, you're awake now." Erk's the first one to noticed while I saw Serra was sitting next to him, sleeping on his shoulder.
"Welcome back, lad." Dorcas greeted. "How do you feel, aside from your wounds being healed up?"
"Like a million gold coins…" I sighed in content.
"And the voice herself?" Pent asked
"She's back."
"..." Hawkeye just remained silent, guarding the caravan intently from the inside.
"Where's Karel?" I asked.
"He is on the other caravan." Gills informed. "His sister is there to keep an eye on him."
"You had everyone worried, lad." Dorcas said. "Normal people would've died with those intense attacks."
"Well I'm not normal." I said as I slowly got up. "Itetete…"
"Easy lad, don't push yourself too much." Dorcas said, as he helped me to sit right up.
"So… you are the rumored bug–eyed warrior." a new man said, getting my attention. "One that precedes the expectations of others."
"Uh… who are you exactly?" I tilted my head.
"He is Harken." Wil said. "Y'know, Isadora's supposedly missing fiancé?"
"What?" I said wide–eyed. "You're Isadora's fiancé?"
"I am as he claimed." Harken nodded. "But… the tension between us surfaced…"
"They're having love quarrels, dear." Louise added.
"I noticed." I slightly deadpanned.
"If I were you, you should keep your tone down." Harken said, looking at someone who was next to me, sleeping with a blanket covering her body. "She is resting from her sickness."
"Kaa–san…" I muttered.
"Beg pardon?"
"Huh? Oh sorry, my mother."
"Your mother? She looks so young, despite having more silver hairs than blond." he said.
"It's a long story." I sighed.
"Lady Lyndis has been worried for both of you." Lucius informed. "Though, she seems to be more worried for Lady Joan."
"She coughed out blood during her battle." Raven said, crossing his arms. "Eliwood said so."
"I see… I'm running out of time." I muttered. "Thanks you guys. Lucius, mind doing a favor for me?"
"If it is within my strength, my friend." Lucius smiled.
"I need you to get the Promotion Item bag from Merlinus." I said. "I'm promoting some people."
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 Kurogasa, standing alone in the busy streets of Japan, wearing his school uniform as many people passed by him. He was frowning, as his bangs covered his eyes. The view around him was all in grey, giving the nostalgic feeling within his surroundings. As he looked to the front, he quickly ran in fear, until he passed through to Elibe, now in his current clothing.
(Yugami saki ho~koru basho~, nobasu te ga, mogaite kizanda jikan ni yure~ta) As he looked at the view, Lyndis' Legion, Eliwood's Elite and Hector's Horde looked at him from afar, as they were waiting for his arrival. Lyn extended her hand towards him, keeping her smile while she wore the necklace proudly around her neck. Kurogasa smiled, as the feathered necklace fluttered around his neck proudly, extending his right arm, which had Serra's bracelet and held Lyn's hand, flashing to the next scene.
(Tada itamu no ka? Mite egaku no ka? Boku no kanjou wa…) At nighttime, Nino was running in front, seeing the stars that enveloped the sky beautifully while holding Jaffar's hand, to show him the beautiful view with her bright smile.
(Where is the truth? Doko ni kakusu no? Nageki mo sezu…) The screen then moved to the scene, where both young Athos and Nergal was studying together within the library. The screen then shifted to years later, now the old Athos confronts Nergal before him.
(Kaze ga fukinukete yuku~ sora wa~…) At the large open field, the female in dark armor, Joan, stood tall, with her back turned away from the camera. As she looked to her left, she showed her charismatic side, as the battleflag opened up on its own revealing the Agito symbol. When she turned around to see the camera, it showed a youthful Joan in white Cleric clothing without her weapons and armor and only wielded her staff, smiling a bit while shedding a tear, as a flash of light engulfs the whole view.
(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, morphs of previous enemies, including the El Lords, were resurrected, stopping him in his path.
(Mamori sugita (Realize!) egao mukae ni) Eliwood, Hector, Lyn and the rest of the army charged in to meet the Morph Army, shoving the Morphs aside, to give Kurogasa the room he needed as he pressed forward.
(Nakisakende kao o dashita yowasa no keshin mo~!) Nergal opened up the Dragon's Gate, chuckling darkly as his morph, Limstella looked on. The dragons made their escape from the Gate while spewing flames at 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 Sacae plains. Lyn and Kurogasa walked together side–by–side with their backs turning away from the camera, and the screen ended as the two intertwined their hands together, held it before the screen flashed white.
Chapter 28: Battle Before Dawn
Two assassins in the employ of the Black Fang move in.
They've been set loose in the palace to murder the crown prince, Zephiel.
Eliwood hurries to prevent them from fulfilling their contract.
Our small army continued to move as we were on our way towards the Manse. After Lucius got me what I needed, I called the three Pegasus Sisters, Rath, Heath, and Lyn to the caravan.
"Beloved, why are you calling us?" Lyn asked me.
"Yes, Kurogasa. We're just about to have a meeting in the war tent." Heath added, while Hyperion rested its head on his left shoulder, making him patting its snout and it let out a purr.
"If this is about wanting to exchange the tiara for the gold you have now, I'm all ears!" Farina added.
"Sister, is it really necessary to talk about gold?" Florina asked.
"…" Rath just remained silent.
"Actually, that's not why." I swear dropped.
"Then, what troubles you, my liege?" Fiora asked.
"Nothing. I'll cut to the chase. I'm promoting all of you."
"...does that come with benefits?" Farina asked.
"Farina…" Fiora sighed a bit. "Forgive my sister, Kurogasa. She is just… being herself."
"No worries." I waved off. "I can just keep docking her pay if she keeps asking like that."
"Hey, we had a deal, buster!" Farina snapped.
"S–Sister, calm down!" Florina panicked.
"Kurogasa, as much as you want to tease her, time is against us." Heath informed. "The Prince's life is at stake."
"Er–hem, yes, sorry." I cleared my throat before pulling out Four Elysian Whips. Heath, Florina, Fiora, Farina, these are for you."
"An Elysian Whip…" Fiora added, looking at it in her hands.
"A–Are you sure about this, Kurogasa?" Florina asked nervously. "E–Even for s–someone like me? I mean, I tend to blunder some things unexpectedly, and um…"
"With Nergal almost back to full strength and the Overlord of Darkness getting ready to kill everything in sight, we're going to need all the power we could get." I said.
"Think of this way, Florina. Maybe Hector would be more impressed of seeing you in flight." Lyn encouraged the shy girl, instantly making Florina beet red about the said brash Lord.
"Oh~? Seems like my little sister really do have a crush on someone like Hector." Farina teased.
"F–Farina!" Florina stammered.
"I gotta admit, he's pretty hunky himself." Farina smirked. "If you don't show how much you like him, I'll steal him from your arms, then!"
"Okay, okay, enough." I said. "Just crack those whips and you'll be Falcon Knights and Wyvern Lord respectively."
"Of course." Fiora nodded before the Pegasus Sisters and Heath got on their mounts. And then all of them cracked their whips.
*WAPISH!*
"OW!" I cried out after Farina's whip got me.
"Whoopsie, my bad." Farina grinned impishly.
Why that little–!
Before I could say anything else, their bodies and the mounts glowed brightly making us shield our eyes. When the lights faded, they revealed themselves in their new armors. The Pegasus sisters' armor were now shinier as if they were made out of huge gems and their Pegasi now wore golden armor on various parts of their bodies and they a horn on their heads too. Heath's armor grew a bit bulkier and more sturdy and his mount had silver armor that were armed to the teeth with spikes.
*ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAR!*
"Yes, you've gotten stronger, Hyperion." Heath assured his partner.
"Whoa, check out these armor out!" Farina grinned widely. "It's brand new!"
"Oh?" Florina blinked.
"What's the matter, Farina?" Fiora asked.
"We… have a sheath for swords." Florina noticed.
"It's normal. We are the promoted aerial units, after all. We are now known as Falcon Knights." Fiora added.
"Sounds great in my ear! That means my service will become much more expensive!" Farina said with glee, making me sigh.
"…" Rath looked at me, waiting for something.
"Well Brother, it's time I gave you yours." I said as I gave him the Orion's Bolt. "This will promote you to Nomad Trooper."
"The title that Hamon, one of the Eight Heroes, once donned." Rath noted. "I'm honored. Not many receive such a title…"
"And you are one of those few." I nodded placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm counting on your continued help and support, Brother."
Rath remained silent, nodding lightly. I can't really tell whether he's satisfied or even happy because of his stoic face, but I guess his actions speak for itself. Gripping the Orion's Bolt, his body and mount glowed brightly and after a few seconds, it faded. Rath's clothes now had brighter colors and more tribal markings on them. His horse had cloths on it that had prominent tribal markings as well and next to Rath's side was a saber.
"A sword." Rath commented.
"Yes. Mother Earth and Father Sky has blessed you with the new skill you have acquired." Lyn told him. "Should you lose your bow, you can wield a sword in its place."
"..." Rath remained silent before he left the view.
"C'mon, girls! Let's go get some swords!" Farina chirped up, as she quickly leads her Pegasus towards the caravan.
"W-Wait up!" Florina exclaimed, fumbling with her reins before the sisters head out.
"Come, Hyperion, we should get some axes in our disposal." Heath noted, making Hyperion stretched its wings and flew towards the caravan.
"All that is left is me, beloved." Lyn said. "Do I get promoted, too?"
"Of course. I saved the best for last after all." I smiled a bit before I pulled out… the Heaven Seal.
"Beloved…!" Lyn gasped. "This is…"
"The Heaven's Seal." Eliwood said, much to Lyn's surprise.
"Eliwood? Why are you here?"
"I want to see it, Lyndis." Eliwood said.
"What makes you say that?" she asked.
"I… can't use it." Eliwood said. "Not yet, at least."
"Lyn…" I said as I walked towards her. "I know you're gonna be worrying about me a lot. And you'll never stop worrying. But… maybe with this seal, you can become stronger and if something happens, you can protect me. And you won't have to worry a lot. We always look out for each other, right?"
"Yes, I know that, but-"
"If you are worrying about Lady Joan, she'll be fine." Eliwood assured her. "Lucius will tend her, which I wanted to remind you of something, Kurogasa."
"What?"
"There will be a few of us who wouldn't be able to participate this battle." Eliwood informed. "Karel is still passed out from his battle this morning, and Karla stayed by his side. As Lady Joan is currently being healed up by Lucius, it would seem we needed someone to guard the caravan where Merlinus would be at."
"What are you suggesting?" I asked.
"I suggest we should have both Harken and Isadora to be on station. What do you think?" he said.
"Alright. We can do that." I nodded. "Maybe Farina and Dart too, just in case. You can't be too careful."
"If that is your wish." Eliwood nodded back.
Meanwhile, Lyn was looking intently on the Heaven's Seal, admiring it a bit. "I must use it, to become stronger." she added. "It is not for my sake… it's for everyone else's."
"Let the seal decide for you, Lyndis." Eliwood said.
"Yeah, Lyn. Just as Mani Katti saw your worth, I can tell the Heaven's Seal does the same thing, too."
"You think so, beloved?"
"I know so." I smiled. "Go on."
Lyn looked at it once more and closed her eyes. "Please… heed my call."
And just like that, the Heaven's Seal suddenly glowed radiantly, blinding both of us momentarily. And while that happened, a ray of light from the heavens shined down on her and… do I hear a choir singing?
After quite a while, the light dimmed down and oh boy, I wasn't expecting this at all. While she still had her initial appearance, her stance were much more confident, her ponytail is higher than the usual one, and on her, she wore a long sleeveless trench coat made from leather and she had another sword resting on her side.
Did she become a female samurai or something?
"A Blade Lord." Eliwood recalled.
"What?"
"In Sacae, one who walks the path of the sword honed themselves to become a Swordmaster. But that was meant for men." Eliwood said. "Since the women of Sacae are not allowed to wield a sword in the past, only a few selected disobeyed the rules of the land and became one of the few that can only be promoted through the Heaven's Seal. She is a Blade Lord."
"Whoa…" I said in awe. I have to admit… I have the hottest wife ever.
"What's with the look, beloved? You make me feel unease…" she said, nervously.
"Huh?!" I snapped out of my stupor. "S–Sorry, it's just… you look amazing…"
"Oh… thank you." she thanked.
"Well, I hate to ruin the moment, my friend, but everyone is waiting for us for a quick meeting." Eliwood informed me.
"Right." I nodded. "Okay, let's get going."
As night deepened, the guards patrolled the area all around the Manse. As they left the said area, Jaffar took a quick peek against the walls, making sure the coast is clear. "…Come."
"W–Wait!" Nino panicked a bit before she quickly followed suit.
The two continued to run and hide for quite a while, until the came across to a big door, that leads to his room. "The prince's room… Is that the door?" Nino asked.
"…" Jaffar didn't say anything, but nodded.
"General Murdock, the prince's bodyguard, should be away. The king concocted some errand to call him from Zephiel's side…" Nino said, looking around a bit more. "There are no guards around anymore. This is an… easy job, isn't it?" she encourage herself. "I… I can do this! This is my first mission, you know? I guess I'm a little nervous, but… I mustn't fail. Mustn't let Mother down." she mustered up her courage, now looking at him with determination and a big smile. "Are you ready, Jaffar?"
"I've no desire to be a part of your blundering…" Jaffar said. "If you fail, I will, without hesitation, finish the target and then you."
Nino looked surprised. "What!?"
"Do not be so naive as to expect help from "friends."… remember that." Jaffar added coldly.
"I… I knew that." Nino chided him. "Don't have to tell me… I'm a member of the Black Fang, after all. Ha ha…" she laughed nervously, but Jaffar is unfazed by her attempts. "…I won't fail. I will become worthy… I will. Mother will be proud of me. She will see the daughter I've become, and she will love me." She then looked around again. "…There are no guards. It's just like we were told, but… something's strange."
As Nino leaned onto the door, while Jaffar held the doorknob, she stopped him, whispering, "Listen! A voice! Someone's talking in the room!"
"No… someone's praying." Jaffar noticed.
"You're right… It's the prince, isn't it? I wonder what he's praying for." Curiosity gets the best of the young mage, as she decided to give an ear on it.
"I offer this prayer unto thee: My coming–of–age ceremony is tomorrow." Zephiel began. "As the prince of Bern, I've tried… I've tried my best not to be an embarrassment to my father. I know I've not met with his expectations. But I will try harder. I will please him. I vow to do better. For him."
While Jaffar waited emotionlessly, Nino had somehow felt sympathy for the prince, as if she can relate it to him.
"…Hear me: Tomorrow, I will be a man…" Zephiel prayed. "So this is my last wish as a foolish child. It's the same one I've asked of you every night for all these years, but… please, bring Father and Mother together again. Please, let the day come when Guinevere and I and her mother… when all of us can live together happily in the castle."
"!" Nino lightly gasped.
"It's time…" Jaffar said before quietly opening the door.
"Oh! Jaffar…" Nino got out, as Jaffar quickly came in and did a quick chop to the neck with his hand.
"!" Zephiel was shocked by the Assassin's sudden ambush, as his view is started to get blurry. "What… villain…"
*THUMP!*
Now, the prince laid face first onto the ground, while Jaffar stood tall.
"That will leave him unconscious for some time." Jaffar said before turning to Nino, coming in. "Now, the time has come for you to do your part…"
Nino remained silent as she slowly approached the unconscious prince.
"…Do it." Jaffar ordered.
"…O–Ok." Nino noded as she drew out her own dagger and slowly raised it up high.
"…" Jaffar waited for it, but noticed her hands shaking violently, and her eyes are swelling up in tears.
"I… cannot." Nino gave up, putting the dagger down.
"What!? What did you say?" Jaffar hissed.
"Listen to him… all he wants is his parents' love… to be accepted… that's all…" Nino sobbed. "He's just like me. No matter how I try, Mother always looks at me as if I were nothing. Her eyes are so filled with disappointment. She's never held me… not even once…"
"Stop this foolishness!" Jaffar snarled. "I told you! I will not permit you to ruin my opportunity!"
"I know…" Nino said as she dropped her dagger with her head lowered. "Do as you must, Jaffar. I won't resist. You can do it easily. But… please don't hurt the prince. …For pity's sake…"
"!" he was in complete shock of Nino's relevation, as she kneeled before him, looking at him with her teary eyes.
"…I'm… ready to die." Nino whispered.
For a moment, time stopped for the Angel of Death, looking at the desparate girl before him. Part of him wanted to execute her on the spot because of the rules. "…" he paused, holding the daggers on its sheath, while Nino closed her eyes.
But then, he remembered how Nino treated his wounds, despite her disobeying the law of the Black Fang. She took care of him while he is out, despite the clumsiness she tends on his wounds.
With a heavy heart, there's only one solution for the Angel of Death.
"…Come."
Nino looked surprised. "What?"
"We're leaving. Hurry." Jaffar said before quickly running off.
"Jaffar?" She said confused before getting up and following him out.
"…This is it. Come here." he gestured, after taking a quick peek.
"Bu–But if you do this… Jaffar, you'll…" Nino got out.
Jaffar looked at the Mage's eyes, saying, "Don't worry about me. Hurry up." Just as he's about to force her out, his senses tingled, making him full alert. "…No!"
And yes, his senses held true. The sound of a trotting pony can be heard, as Ursula entered the Manse without a care of what others said about bringing a mount inside the castle. With a quick gesture, his arm forced Nino to hide behind him, while the Valkyrie approached him.
"Hello, Jaffar. Finished already? Such magnificent skill." Ursula chuckled. "Is this why they call you the Angel of Death? Sonia told me that you were behaving oddly, but… it appears her fears were groundless."
Nino then suddenly appeared in front of Jaffar. "I'm sorry! It's not Jaffar's fault! It was me! The prince… I couldn't…"
"Nino!" Jaffar gasped.
Ursula frowned. "What's all this? Why is the girl still alive?"
"What?" Nino looked confused, while Jaffer could only gritted his teeth.
"You received Lady Sonia's orders, did you not? You were to dispose of the worthless little–" Ursula began as she drew out her tome.
"No!" Nino cried out before Jaffar got in front of her.
"Hold your tongue." he threatened her, already drawing out his daggers in a blink of an eye. "You will not speak another word."
Ursula narrowed her eyes as if studying him. "…So that's how it is? Jaffar, do you plan on betraying Lord Nergal?"
"I will not let Nino die." he said with absolution. "Get in my way, and I'll kill you."
"Jaffar!" Nino gasped.
Ursula couldn't help but laugh at the irony. "Ha ha… So you have some human emotion in you after all. You always seemed just like those creepy morphs. I bet you didn't kill the prince, either. Maxime!"
"Yes! I'm here!" A Paladin in deep purple armor came trotting in with his mount.
"Take your men and put out all of the lights. Block all the entrances." Ursula ordered. "Your targets are Prince Zephiel and two traitors. Finish this before we draw attention to ourselves. Go!"
"Come!" Jaffar exclaimed, now holding Nino's left hand and made a quick dash out of there
"Get them!" Maxime ordered, as the Black Fangs started to chase them.
As the two picked up their pace, Jaffar and Nino came to a halt, as the young Mage panted a bit. "Go now… I will buy you time." he said, gesturing to the only door that leads them outside.
"N–No! You must come, too, Jaffar!" Nino exclaimed.
"Nino… You must live." he said, placing his hands on her shoulders. "You are worthy of living." Jaffar said before running off.
"No! Wait! Don't go! Jaffar!"
"There he is!" the Black Fang member exclaimed, as Nino heard the exchanging blows of blades. Nino could only trust he'd make it out alive as she quickly ran out of the door, seeking for help.
It took us another hour before we finally arrived at the Manse. As we breached in with the remaining group that tagged along with us, there was something strange going on.
"This is the royal manse." Eliwood said.
"Yeah, we're back where the trouble started earlier." I said.
"The lights have been doused." Lyn noticed then heard something else. "That's the sound of fighting. What's going on?"
"I don't know, but if they're still fighting, we might not be too late! Let's hurry, Eliwood!" Hector said.
"We have to get inside! We have to protect the prince!" Eliwood commanded.
"Let's suit up, partner!" G3–X said, equipping his helmet to complete his transformation.
"You got it!" I said, as I had the Alter Ring materialize on my waist.
"I as well!" Gills said, as the belt formed around his waist as well.
"HENSHIN!" Gills and I shouted before I pressed the solver buttons and went into Ground Form while Gills morphed into his Exceed Form, bypassing the normal form.
"Alright, we split into our three groups. I'll head over to the prince's room to make sure he's okay!" I said.
"You do that! We'll search for the source of the trouble and destroy 'em good!" Hector added.
"Let's move it! Go! Go! Go!" I shouted before I ran off.
"Can't believe I'm going to collide blades with my old comrades again…" Legault sighed before he put on his poker face. "No use complaining. For the sake of the truth."
"You heard Kurogasa! Let's go!" Lyn said before the group split into three.
"Ugh, I hate running!" Serra complained.
"Ahh… Ow…" Zephiel groaned as he was coming to while standing up and looking around. "What's… my room… that man… he's gone. What's going on?"
*CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!*
"His head is mine!" one of the Black Fangs exclaimed.
"You're dea– GAAAAAAAAAAH!" the scream of a fallen Black Fang can be heard, as Jaffar kept his glare upon his enemies.
"Ah! We're under attack! Coming this way… 10… 20…" He calculated. "I have to get away… no… That's wrong." Zephiel shook his head. "That's not the way. If I run, they'll simply follow and surround me… rather than run, I should wait and face them here." the prince looked around, looking for a weapon in sight. And lo and behold, his training rapier on the wall, thus, he can use it as his weapon.
While the main group headed out, the reserved team decided to stay behind, under Eliwood's orders. "This stinks." Farina grumbled. "I was just about to use my sword on my enemies and show them what I'm made of, but no~! Mr. Blundering Tactician told me to stay put!"
"Shut yer barnacles, will ya?!" Dart snapped. "I'm trying to read something!"
"Gee, you're a killjoy, that's for sure." she deadpanned. With a sigh, she asked, "Alright, I'll bite. What's your dream, big guy?"
"Huh? Where did that come from?"
"Just answer my question, shell for brains!" she snapped. "I'm sure you remember our little chat the other day."
"Oh that." Dart remembered. "Well, it's this." He said before showing an old piece of paper. Which was actually a map.
"Whoo, that smells musty…" she cringed, fanning her hand to get the smell away from her nose. "What is it?"
"Don't get all squeamish on me, now, girlie. It's a treasure map…" Dart glared. "It belonged to the legendary pirate king, Han Gak. If I can just decipher the riddles he used to mark the location of his buried treasure, then I should be able to find it…"
The word "treasure" alone is more than enough to get her interest. "So…treasure, huh?" but knowing herself, it is best to play it cool to make sure she doesn't get fooled by his words. "How much do you think it's worth?"
"Well, at least one hundred million, I'll wager…" Dart shrugged.
"That much, huh?"
…
…
…
…
"Wait a second! Did you just say ONE HUNDRED MILLION?!"
"Whoa!" Dart suddenly backed off from Farina's sudden look right in his face.
"Is that thing for real!? You wouldn't lie about money, right!? Tell me you wouldn't!" she panicked.
"Now hold on, relax, just calm down…" he told her, as Farina ended up sitting back at her log. "It's the real thing, I swear."
"I can't believe it… I mean, just think…" she began to imagine about it… until something seemed off. "But wait… how would a wharf rat like you get hold of something like that?"
"…Wharf rat?" Dart deadpanned.
Farina deadpanned a bit, knowing he had no idea what she meant. "Right, forget about it…" she waved it off. That treasure would a big change in her life. Thus, a cunning plan is needed to put to motion. "But let's just say…"
"Yeah?" Dart raised an eyebrow.
"That map is probably fake, but let's just say I were to buy it from you…" she said. "How would… 3,000 gold sound?"
Dart popped a vessel. "You think me daft, woman?! Who would sell their dream for a few clinking coins in their pocket!? My answer is no, whatever the price!"
"But… it's so obviously a fake!"
"What!? Open your beady little eyes and look here, missy!" Dart said before putting the map close to her face. "The pirate king signed his mark, right here!"
Farina squinted her eyes. "Mmm… anyone could have written that!"
"Shut yer trap!" he snapped. Urgently, he took out another piece of paper from his pouch and showed it to her. "Compare it to the one on this letter of his…" he claimed, as Farina looked at it closely. "Ha! Now, you see it, don't you!"
Farina's smirked, saying, "Haha… sucker…" this caught Dart off guard, as she quickly snatched it from his hands, much to his surprise. As she made a quick getaway, she added, "Thanks for the look at the map… I think I'll just go find it myself!"
"Nggh! You gold–snatching with!" he cursed. "Well, all I have to do is decipher the riddle before she does… and I'll find that treasure first! Or my name isn't Dart!"
Meanwhile, as Harken was stationed at Merlinus' caravan, where Lucius is tending Joan next to it inside the tent, Isadora approached him, with a stern look on her face. "Harken…"
"Isadora…" Harken muttered.
*SLAP!*
And yes, he received another slap. This time, she did it properly.
"What have you been up to, Harken, tell me!" she cried out, glaring at her former fiancé. "For a month, you did not return to Pherae, you sent no word…" he looked away, but she is determined to get some answers from him. "Where did you go, forgetting your duties as a knight of Pherae?"
"I am sorry. It was all… the fault of my recklessness." Harken answered. "How will I be punished?"
"Punished? Harken, do you understand at all what you have done?" she scolded him, as tears are threatening to fell from her eyes. "Do you know what trouble your absence has caused Pherae? Have you any idea? I… I was so worried…"
"Isadora…" Harken got out, as he wiped off the tears that was streaming down from her eyes. "Please do not cry. I cannot stand to see your beautiful face weep so." He then held her face, "I… I have given you much reason to worry. Please… Please forgive me."
"No." she said, swiping his hand off from her face. "I cannot forgive you. Not after worrying so much. Never." she added before she left him be.
Harken could only look down sadly, muttering, "I am sorry…"
"Lady Joan, please wait!" Lucius got out, as Joan tiredly got off from the caravan, wielding her battle flag. "You are still in recovery! Think what would happen if your son finds out you're still moving while you are still injured!"
"I… must go." she said without her armor, but only in her uniform. "My… senses are telling me so."
"Your… senses?" he added, quickly follows suit.
"My Seed bloomed to enhance my senses and keen intuition." she explained. "I can tell there is someone who needs my help…"
"Who?" Lucius asked, as she paused in her tracks.
"That girl…" she pointed out, looking afar, as a silhouette of Nino is looking around worriedly, seeking for help.
"Oh my." Lucius murmured as the said girl kept running.
"Have to… keep running…!" Nino panted as she didn't see where she was going.
"Unbelievable…" Harken said surprised from Joan's keen instinct.
*BUMP!*
"Kyaa!" Nino squeaked as she fell on her butt and looked up.
"Peace, child." Joan assured her motherly after getting her balance. "You are safe from harm."
"W–Who are you?"
"I am Joan." she smiled. "And you are?"
"N–Nino."
"Nino?" Lucius recalled. "Isn't she the one that Lord Eliwood and others mentioned about, Lady Joan?"
"Are you from the palace? The prince is in his room! You have to save him!"
"Rest assured, we will do so." Joan told the young mage. "But… there's something you should know… about the current Black Fangs, Nino."
"What?" Nino got out.
"We overheard some things… things that have gotten much worse since its formation." Joan said before she started explaining to her. When she finished…
"…What?" Nino said horrified as she shook her head. "But… you must be lying…"
"I'm sorry… but it's the truth." Lucius noted. "The Black Fang is no longer the group you thought it was. Nergal is using it to his own ends."
"Mother… It can't be…" Nino murmured.
"Forgive me, Nino. But your Mother never loved you from the very beginning." Joan said sadly. "I'm not asking you to believe this all at once. But… it's the truth. The only truth." she added, now extending her armorless hand to the young child. "Come with us, child. Shall we discover the truth together?"
"…" Nino remained silent as she looked at her hand.
"..." Joan smiled gently, still extending her hand.
"I can see why Kurogasa had such charisma…" Lucius recalled. "He inherited it all from his mother."
"Who?" Nino got out.
"My son." Joan said. "I'm sure he would love to meet you."
"But… you look like… my age."
"Oh don't let my age fool you, I'm much older than you think." Joan giggled.
"Lady Joan, are you certain you can still fight, even without your armor?" Lucius asked. "Kurogasa and Lyn would be worried for you more."
"I will be fine. I have Nino to protect me." Joan assured, surprising Nino a bit.
"W–What?"
"I trust that you can."
Nino looked at Joan's face a bit, not knowing what to do. Thinking back about the Angel of Death's own battle for her escape, she had to return back to him somehow. "Alright, please help me! I need to save someone in there as well!"
"Then, I shall participate." Harken offered. "I cannot let you venture on your own, Joan."
"Sir Harken, thank you." Joan nodded. Looking back at the young mage, she asked, "Nino, would you please lead us to the man you wanted to save?"
"Y–Yes!" Nino said. "It's this way!"
"W–What about me?" Merlinus popped out from the caravan, but there's no one else in sight. "Oh dear… am I all alone?"
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" I yelled as I swiped the Black Fang enemies mercilessly away with my Flame Saber and Storm Halberd.
"Beloved, behind you!" Lyn exclaimed, taking an enemy's bow and arrow and shoots him down behind me. I was surprised to see a Berserker's head got shot with an arrow, killing him instantly.
"Thanks…" I gasped.
"You said it yourself. We have to look out for each oth–"
*STAB!*
Lyn was surprised to see an Assassin behind her but his head is struck by my Flame Saber.
"Consider us even." I grinned behind my helmet.
Lyn could only smile before she drew back her two swords before both of us quickly defeating the next foe.
"WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Keep them coming at me, you wee lads!" Wallace laughed, swinging his large axe to chop his enemies that surrounded him in half.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! Get away from me, you freak!" Serra snapped, unleashing a strong blast of Light attack onto the enemy Shaman. Her strong will caused the enemy to explode to bits, much to Matthew's chagrin.
"Yikes, that's an overkill." Matthew got out.
"Serra, you're bringing too much attention to yourself…" Erk sweat dropped.
"Well, you should protect me, Erk!" Serra said, annoyed. "You really want a lady like me to do all of the killing here?! It's so against my moral code!"
"And here you are, being a Bishop slaughtering en masse…" Erk deadpanned.
"S–Shut up!" Serra snapped, blasting another Shaman with her rage.
"I rest my case…"
"It's your fault I'm like this, Erk!" Serra scolded him, making Erk sighed on her usual antics.
"You should blame your 'little brother' for promoting you." Matthew said.
"No way! He's my little brother!" she exclaimed. "He got special treatment from his big sister!"
"Kurogasa, I have no idea how you attracted her to you…" Erk sighed one more time.
After going through more enemies, Lyn and I arrived at the prince's room. "I'm going in. Cover the entrance." I said and Lyn nodded before I barged in.
"!" the young man inside the room raised his rapier, preparing to attack. "Who are you? An enemy?"
"I'm not here to harm you." I assured.
"Your armor…" he recalled. "You're the rumored bug–eyed warrior, correct?"
"Yes, yes, I am…" I sighed. "Seriously, Agito is not that hard to remember…"
"Why are you here?" he asked.
"Why else? To stop this assassination that your Father put up." I said.
"My Father? No, he wouldn't do such a thing!" Zephiel got out.
"And yet he did. Damn paranoid bastard…" I growled. "You don't deserve any of this…"
"…" he remained silent for a moment, thinking about my words carefully. "I don't know if I should trust your words, but… for now, please aid me, rumored Warrior."
"I will. And it's Agito." I said.
"Agito? It is such a strange name."
"Kurogasa, are you unharmed?" Kent entered the bedroom, along with Sain.
"Is the prince safe, Warrior of Light?" Sain asked dramatically.
"He's fine." I said. "Get back out there you two. I'll handle things here."
"No, Lady Lyndis had stationed us here to help you." Kent informed.
"So, we must comply to her words, my friend!" Sain added.
"Of course she would."
"Ah! Incoming enemies!" Zephiel said, as a few more entered the room and one came from the open window.
"Oh, this darkness would give us a disadvantage over these ruffians." Sain noted.
"Don't worry, I can still see them." I said. "Prince, how good is your swordsmanship?"
"At the very top!" he said, already getting into his stance.
"Good, then let's put it to good use. We're fighting our way out of here."
"ATAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!" the Black Fangs charged in at us, as the four of us got ready to fight.
"They are persistent…" Fiora said, as she, Florina and Heath flew around the castle, as the enemy Archers shoots them from afar, keeping them in bay.
"Kyaaa!" Florina squeaked as she moved Huey to dodge them.
"They won't let us get near the castle that easily." Heath noticed.
"Any suggestions?" Fiora asked.
*THUNK!*
"Warrrrrrgh!" They heard a roar of pain, as Rath was on his horse, calmly drawing out another arrow and shoots another one down.
"Oh yeah! Strike another one for the team!" Wil cheered.
"Focus, Wil! Don't cheer happily just yet! That's just a few of them!" Rebecca told him.
"Oh, you worry too much Rebecca." Wil waved off.
"I'm serious here!" She huffed.
"Hey! Argue later! Kill now!" Guy shouted, slashing an enemy with his Killing Edge.
"Over there!" Nils pointed out, as G3–X shot down another hidden Assassin with a few shots of his Scorpion.
"This stinks!" G3–X whined. "Why can't I let loose like I always do?"
"This is the Manse and if you let loose then Berm will really come after us." Dorcas said.
"Ugh, I really hate this!" he complained before parrying a Mercenary's ambush with his Jutte and kills him off with another shot. "Why I can't just do what I always do?"
"He is… certainly unique…" Pent commented.
"Oh my, he certainly is." Louise got out.
"Hiroji… there are enemies… behind that wall…" Ninian pointed out, where Hiroji looked at where she pointed.
"Behind that wall, huh?" he got out… and a cheeky grin can be seen behind his helmet.
"Hiroji, don't do it." Dorcas said sternly.
"SCREW THIS!" G3–X shouted before pulling out his Cerberus. "Let's see what's behind door #1~!"
*RATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATA!*
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!" the sound of the enemies behind the wall cried in pain, as Nils and Ninian covered their ears from the loud shots made by the Cerberus.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I FEEL SO ALIVE!"
"He never learns, won't he?" Dorcas sighed.
"Never…" Nils cringed.
"Look! The traitor!" one of the Black Fangs recognized Legault.
"You seemed famous!" Bartre commented loudly.
"Eh, you get used to it." Legault shrugged.
"Then let's be more famous!" Geitz grinned, as he threw his Silver Axe towards a Sniper, hitting him straight on the head.
"*whistles* Nice shot, kid." Legault grinned, holding his daggers downward.
"Oh there's more where that came from." Geitz smirked.
"Though, not as impressive as what I'd do." Legault said.
"Blast! Get away!" Lowen cringed as he stabbed a Sage with his Javelin.
"UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!" Hawkeye lets out a roar, swinging his axe mercilessly. Some enemies got chopped in half and some flung towards the nearby wall, killed by the impact.
"Keep pushing!" Oswin shouted as he bashed a Knight with his shield.
"We're almost there!" Marcus added.
"Yes… just a little more!" Canas added, casting his dark spells.
"Kyaaaa!" Priscilla cried out as she fell off her horse and enemy Mages surrounded her.
"Priscilla!" Raven shouted as he ran towards her. "Stay away from her!"
*SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!*
"Brother…" Priscilla got out, as enemies drop dead like flies.
"Are you alright?" Raven asked.
"Yes, I'm alright…" she got out as she held out her hand and Raven brought her up to her feet.
"We must press on." Renault said, approaching Priscilla and starts to heal her. "These Black Fangs will not stop until the prince is dead."
"Y–Yes, of course, Your Excellency!" Priscilla got out.
"I will clear a path." Renault said before extending his arm and a light shone in the darkness blinding the enemies. Without hesitation, he charged forward, using his staff to fight back like a normal Mercenary does so.
"Are you sure your nose isn't fooling you?" Hector asked.
"I smell… a familiar scent in this area…" Gills replied. "One that have many blood tainted on this man."
"Hector, let us believe in Gills' words for now and let his guide us. He never failed us before." Eliwood assured him.
"Well okay. If you say so. Lead the way."
Gills nodded before he turned to another corner. The sound of the clashing sword and screams of death is getting louder and louder until they eventually encountered the Black Fangs are fighting someone, who is on his own. "There."
"!" Jaffar let out another diagonal slash before quickly backing off, taking a few steps back while panting heavily. The enemies continue to overwhelm him in numbers.
"Give it up, Angel of Death! You will die soon enough!" Maxime exclaimed, as a few more chuckles came out from the Black Fang.
"…" Jaffar remained unfazed before getting into his stance, while enduring the bleeding wounds on his arm and stomach.
"It's him!" Hector exclaimed.
"Why is he fighting the Black Fang?" Eliwood asked confused.
"DIE!" Maxime exclaimed, as one of the Mercenary jumped on the tired Jaffar.
*THUNK!*
"What?" Maxime gasped, seeing his man got hit with the blunt part of a… battleflag?
"Just in time."
"Lady Joan?!" Eliwood and Hector asked shocked. The said woman leaps above Jaffar while catching the battleflag that was recoiled from the said enemy earlier before landing in front of Jaffar, protecting him.
"Jaffar!" Nino exclaimed rushing towards him.
"Nino?" Jaffar gasped. "…I told you to flee."
"No, these people came and helped me!" Nino said, as Harken stood next to Joan to aid her. "Hurry, Jaffar! Come with me!"
"Hey, Eliwood, isn't that girl Nino?" Hector asked.
"Yes, it is. I suppose she ran into Lady Joan for help." Eliwood guessed.
"There's no need to save a life without worth." Jaffar said to the girl.
"Jaffar…" Nino said sadly.
"I am a corpse. I have been dead since the day I was born. Leave me…"
"No! If you're not coming, then I'm staying! I do not want you to die, Jaffar!"
"Nino…"
"Jaffar, we may have our differences in the past, but…" Lucius said, looking at the man before him as he handed Jaffar the vulnerary. "Nino has placed her faith in you. Therefore, we will help you, even if you're our old enemy."
"…" Jaffar remained silent before he took the vulnerary and downed the contents.
"Lord Eliwood! Behind you!" Harken shouted as he jumped up high and the Hero brought them his sword on an Assassin.
"Nice save." Hector complimented him.
"Are you alright, my lord?" Harken asked Eliwood.
"I'm fine." Eliwood nodded. "Where's Isadora?"
"She's…" Harken trailed off. "She decided not to participate."
"I see. I cannot blame her for standing by at the hideout." Eliwood said.
"Lord Eliwood. This may not be much but I will do all I can to make up for my blunder when I failed to protect your Father."
"And I shall rely on you once more, Harken." Eliwood said, assuring him.
"Enough!" Maxime exclaimed. "The enemies of Black Fangs and the targets must be dead!"
"I'm afraid I cannot do that." Joan said, held her battle flag proudly. "And you must be taught a lesson."
"Their numbers are dwindling!" Kent noticed as Kent, Sain, Zephiel, and I ran down the hallways.
"Good! We just have to keep this up!" I said.
*BOOM!*
"What was that?" Kent asked.
"It sounds like an explosion…" Sain added.
"What do you think it is?" Zephiel asked.
"Probably something not good." I frowned before we head to a corner and saw Lyn defending herself against a Valkyrie before her.
"Hah!" Lyn exclaimed, swinging her Mani Katti and another short sword to deflect another Anima blast away from her, letting the wall near her to leave out a big hole.
"You fight quite well, woman." The Valkyrie said.
Her voice… it sounds familiar…
"Kent, Sain, stay with the Prince." I said before rushing in to help Lyn.
"Kurogasa?" Kent blinked.
"Where are you going?" Sain asked.
"Tell me… are you afraid to die?" the Valkyrie asked.
"As long as I draw breath, I will not let you harm my friends!" Lyn exclaimed.
"You insolent fool! You shall die by my hand!" Ursula exclaimed.
"LYN!" I shouted as I rushed in with my two weapons in tow and tried to slash the Valkyrie
"!" the Valkyrie noticed the predicament, as the barrier she casted earlier bounced off my weapons with ease.
"Beloved?" Lyn blinked. "Where's the prince?"
"He's fine. Kent and Sain are with him."
"We meet again. Rumored bug–eyed warrior." the Valkyrie said. "Or would you prefer to be called… the Seed of Humanity, Agito?"
"So it was you…" I frowned. "The one who gave us that Hammerne staff."
"Yes, was it quite useful?" the woman said.
"It was…" I muttered.
"But I specifically told you to kill her off, not humiliating her to her defeat." the woman frowned.
"Bailed out on the last second." I said. "More importantly, why are you here to kill the prince on King Desmond's behalf?"
"For the greater good of the Black Fangs and to fulfill Lady Sonia's wish of human trash's extermination." the woman smirked. "Nothing else matters."
"That's it? Why follow someone like her? Why follow Nergal of all people? Don't you realize what you're trying to do?"
"Does it truly matter?" the woman scoffed. "All there is there for me is to worship Lady Sonia."
"Of course it does matter!" I snapped.
"Then, you are a naive fool." she said before another blast of Anima magic descended down right above us. "Let's see how you fare against me. Ursula, the Blue Crow!"
"MOVE!" I shouted to Lyn and we both dodged the incoming attack.
"Come and face me! Show me what you are truly made off, Agito!" Ursula laughed out loud.
"Gh! You want it? You got it!" I gritted as I was about to go into Shining Form.
"Beloved, as much as I wanted to agree with you, as long as her barrier is not down, we cannot approached to her easily." Lyn informed.
"Shoot…" I gritted.
"Child." Elimine's voice echoed.
"What is it?"
"If you wish to decimate the barrier, use the dragon." Elimine reminded me. "Remember, there are two ways to dispel such protective barriers. Either through my Saint Form or the dragon's."
"That's right." I muttered. I then broke the Wiseman's Monolith from my chest and brought it close to the Alter Ring and it shined brightly before it formed into DragGolder.
"What's this? A dragon?" Ursula noticed.
"Won't you get tired when you call it out, beloved?" Lyn asked.
"I can handle it." I assured. "Let's go DragGolder!" I shouted before getting on its back.
The metallic dragon let out a metallic roar, as it charged head first towards her direction.
"Bah, a mere dragon would never break this shield!" Ursula said confidently, as the bombardment of the DragGolder's attack continuously shoot at the same spot over and over again.
*CRACK!*
"!"
"You forgot one thing about my dragon." I smirked. "This dragon is made from the Seed of Agito. Meaning, it has the infinite possibilities."
*CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!*
"Which also means it has the ability to break through tough barriers like yours!"
*CRASH!*
"What?!"
"HaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaHHHHHH!" Lyn rushed forward, giving her the strong slash attack on Ursula's body, making her stumble a few steps back.
"Let's finish it off, DragGolder!" I commanded.
*ROAAAAAAAAAR!*
I then jumped up as DragGolder surrounded me while I flipped all around before I dove down for the kick with DragGolder behind me as it breathed a breath of light.
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!" she cried out in pain, as the kick connected and she ended up smacked towards the wall. Meanwhile I did a backflip before landing safely on the ground.
"Did that do it?" Lyn asked.
"I hope so." I said. "Stay here." I then went towards the spot where Ursula had fallen. And… she's alive?!
"I'm… not… going to die… so easily…" Ursula got out as she struggled to get up. "I cannot… fail… Lady Sonia…" She added. She was about to fall again when… I caught her.
"You Black Fangs really need to know when to quit…" I sighed.
"...why?" Ursula muttered, looking at me. "Why… do you… spare me?"
"Because I have a mind for compassion." I said. "Listen… it doesn't have to be this way. I don't know what happened, but the Black Fang is not what it used to be. Can you not open your eyes to the truth? Sonia is just using you for her own ends. She doesn't care about you or anyone else. Not even Nergal for that matter. He wants to release the dragons to kill everyone."
"Does that… even matter now?" she muttered, coughing a bit.
"Of course it does." I said. "That's why we're fighting the good fight…"
"I swore my allegiance to Lady Sonia… and nothing else matters…" Ursula stubbornly told me. "And those traitors… must die."
"Yes, and so shall the ones that are deemed weak."
*STAB!*
"!" Ursula's eyes were wide open, as I was also in shock to see that woman appearing out of nowhere, stabbing her arm through her back with authority.
"Lim… stella…" Ursula coughed out before the woman now known as Limstella took out her arm.
"URSULA!" I cried out as I laid her down in my arms.
"We meet again." Limstella said cryptically, now having Ursula's life orb in her hands. "How I yearn to have your essence once more, Agito." She then looked at the said life orb. "This is quite excellent quintessence. I believe Lord Nergal will be pleased."
"Gh…" I gritted.
"Until we meet again…" Limstella smiled a bit before disappearing.
"Where did she came from?!" Lyn gasped, approaching towards me while I went back to civilian form. "And how is Ursula?"
"Damn it! Ursula! Ursula!" I shook her.
"Lady… So… nia…" Ursula got out.
"She's still alive! Lyn, get Serra!"
"I… failed… you…" Ursula got out before her eyes are shutting really fast.
"C'mon Ursula! Stay with me! Ursula!"
After calling her name out, I felt all of her weight shifted on me and her head is on my shoulder. Her arms and legs went limp and I can't hear her breathing anymore.
"Beloved… she's gone…" Lyn murmured.
"Damn it…" I cursed. "If only I convinced her more…"
"Her loyalty lies to Sonia to the very end…" Lyn assured me. "I don't think she could be swayed easily, for the sake of her allegiance for that woman, even if you convinced her…"
"Still…" I muttered.
"Come…" she said. "Let us head back to the caravan. The guards would be arrived soon."
"Okay…" I said as I stood up, carrying Ursula's body, her head being on my shoulder. "Let me at least give her a proper burial… it's the least I could do…"
"…" Lyn didn't say much but to go along with it..
After giving Ursula a proper burial and Renault giving the Final Rites, Lyn, Hector, Eliwood, and I met up with Prince Zephiel.
"Thank you all." Zephiel said. "Words cannot express my gratitude. I am forever in your debt."
"Please Prince Zephiel, there's no need." I waved off.
"We're glad your life is in good hands." Eliwood assured.
"So what happens now?" Zephiel asked.
"The ceremony must go on." Lyn said.
"And we must return the Fire Emblem." Hector added.
"Back to Bern?" the Prince asked. "Where Mother is?"
"Yes. And while there, I can give your father a piece of my mind…" I grumbled.
"Beloved." Lyn glared at me.
"Hehhhhh… I know, I know. We're not here to start a war. I get it…" I sighed.
"Then, we must hurry! Mother must be worried sick about us!" Prince Zephiel added. "And so does my retainer!"
"Right." I nodded. 'Say Elimine… are you good at entering people's dreams?'
'Forgive me, child. I do not have such capabilities. Only those who were invited by the dark would have such craft.' Elimine informed.
'Great… so much for giving him a piece of my mind through a dream…' Wait a minute… there is someone. I'll talk to him later.
"Jaffar!"
"Oh, that's right." Eliwood recalled, looking at the young Mage hugging Jaffar, who stood there doing absolutely nothing to shook her off from him. "She's joining us, along with Jaffar."
"Nino…" Jaffar muttered.
"I'm… glad you're well…" She sobbed.
Jaffar looked at Eliwood before he asked, "Why do you not kill me?"
"If we did that, Nino might die as well."
"You didn't take the prince's life. So we won't take yours. It's that simple." Lyn added.
"So naive." Jaffar scoffed. "Do you know how many of your friends I've killed?"
That is all what it takes to pop Hector's nerve. "You monster! I'll–"
"Hector! Calm yourself!" Eliwood scolded, holding him back.
"Get out of my way, Eliwood! I'm going to kill him!" Hector snapped, as I also have to restrain him. "Tactician, get off from me!"
"Stop it!" Nino shrieked.
*SLAP!*
Whoa… that kid just slapped Hector just like that!
"…" Jaffar remained unfazed, not affected by the surroundings at all.
Hector calmed himself down, as both Eliwood and I backed off from him. With a stern look, he scolded the Angel of Death. "Hey! Why don't you draw your sword?"
"I've not been ordered to." Jaffar answered.
"Ordered to?"
"Please… Forgive Jaffar. I beg you…" Nino begged.
"Nino." Jaffar seems to soften up around her.
"Hector, think this through, man…" I told him.
Hector was frustrated before he relented. "Bah… You live… for now. You're nothing more than a tool. It serves no one to break tools. It's more important that we stop Nergal. But don't forget, I won't forgive you anything. Go back to the Black Fang, or stay with the girl. Do as you will. I care not." And with that, he stormed off.
"Some sins cannot be forgiven, but now… we need all the help we can get to defeat Nergal." Eliwood said. Turning to the silent Assassin, he asked, "Jaffar… you were planning on throwing your life away, correct? If you've come to regret so many of your past actions, then fight with us."
Jaffar scoffed. "Regret? Such emotions mean nothing…"
"Jaffar!" Nino scolded.
*BONK!*
Ehhhhhhhhhh?! Now she hits his head?!
Jaffar didn't say anything, but accepting Nino's blow. Even seeing her determined look says it all, he thought about it for a moment before saying, "…If you want me to… I will… do it."
"Jaffar!" Nino perked up in an instant, making me sweat drop.
"Talk about a split personality…" I deadpanned.
"She doesn't have any split personality. It's just her way to help people out… with her cheerfulness." Legault informed.
"You know this… how?"
"Because I know her very well." Legault added.
"That's good, isn't it, Nino?" Lyn smiled.
"Mm!" Nino smiled before she… hugged me tightly?! "Thank you! Thank you!"
"Ehhhh?!" I said surprised.
"So, first the people of cloth, now female mages?" Sain gasped dramatically. "You have become quite a man, my friend! I am so proud of you! Oh, I woe of seeing you grown up into a real man! I'm certain many maidens shall befall by your charm!"
"Oh, shut up Sain!" I snapped making everyone laugh.
And so, the next day, after everyone recuperated and Karel has finally awakened from his slumber, we traveled back to Bern Keep with Prince Zephiel in tow to return the Fire Emblem. As we did however…
"Hey Canas, got a minute? Got a little project for ya."
"Oh, a project?" Canas got out. "What is your proposal, my friend?"
"It's like this." I said as I leaned in and whispered what I wanted him to do. When I finished…
"I… see." Canas blinked. "I suppose I can understand your ire hence why you asked me."
"Can you do it?" I asked.
"If the person is still alive, I presume, then yes, it is possible." he said. "But I don't think I can do it while we are on the move, Kurogasa."
"Doesn't hurt to improvise." I said.
"You really are determined, aren't you?"
"I am… I mean, no one should do that to their own child. It's just wrong." I said. "I mean, obviously, you don't do that to your kid, right?"
"I can understand your pain, Kurogasa." he nodded.
In the King's chambers, Desmond slept in his room but he kept tossing and turning as he was sweating.
"Where am I? What is this place?!" Desmond demanded as he looked around in a dark void. "Is anyone there?!" He then turned around to see a lone figure standing there. "Who are you?! Show yourself!"
"I am he who is known as Agito."
"What!" Desmond demanded as he approached. "You! The rumored bug-eyed warrior?"
"I am. And I'm here to warn you of your treachery."
"What nonsense are you babbling about?"
"I know about the assassination of your son."
"!" Desmond looked surprised.
"Do not try to hide it from me! For I see all!" Agito said. "And I'm here to tell you that he is alive and well."
"What?!"
"Why do you try to murder your own flesh and blood?! He has done no evil to you! The jealousy in your heart says it all!"
"Jealously?" Desmond seethed.
"All he wants to be accepted by you! To be loved by his family and nothing more! And you can't see that! Your fears and jealousy and blinds you to the truth!"
"Desist! I will hear no more!" Desmond yelled.
"You ought to be ashamed of yourself! What kind of father tries to kill his own son out of jealousy that he may be better than you?! And maybe he will, but that does not mean that you spite him! No child should be abused like that!"
"I SAID NO MORE!"
"Look inside yourself Desmond! You know this to be true! If you continue this path, you will one day regret abusing him! Learn your mistakes while you can now! See the truth before your eyes!"
"NO MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE!"
"GAH!" I cried out as I was thrown back by the magic. "Ow… that hurt…"
"I warned you of its setbacks." Canas told me.
"Did you get him through his thick skull, little brother?" Serra asked.
"Hopefully…" I groaned as I sat up. "Man… what a way to kick me out of his dream…"
"How painful would that be?" Hiroji asked.
"Very…" I sighed.
Murdock walked out from the castle he was detained for so long, unable to comprehend what just happened. "…What could His Majesty be thinking? Detaining me for so long, without just cause! What!?" he expressed angrily, as he began to think about the situation carefully. Why would the king do such a thing? Unless… "No… It can't be… The prince…"
"Co-Commander! Commander Murdock! You… You must come…"
"What's happened!?" the commander got out.
"Murdock!" the sound of a boy calling out to his name caught his attention.
"Your Highness!" Murdock gasped. "Are you unharmed?"
"Yes, all thanks to these fellow men!" Zephiel nodded. "If it weren't for them, I don't think I'll be alive at this point!"
"Commander Murdock." Louise approached him. "We wished to see Queen Hellene. It is at its utmost importance."
"Yes, and I must see Mother as well!"
"..." Murdock looked upon Louise for a bit before he nodded. "Very well, come with me."
So right now, Pent and Louise managed to get me, Lyn, Hector and Eliwood into the castle, while Murdock led Zephiel to see his little sister, out of concern.
"The servant is fetching the Queen. He said she will be here shortly." Louise said.
"Good." I nodded.
"Are you nervous of seeing her, Agito?" Pent asked.
"I'm just hoping she's more reasonable than her husband…" I said.
"I'm sure she'll be fine." Louise assured me. "I'm quite certain about it, young man."
Just then, the servant came in. "My apologies for the wait. The queen will see you now."
Pent nodded. "Very well."
"Let us proceed, shall we?" Louise smiled before running towards her husband and wrapped her arms around his, resting her head on his shoulder for comfort.
"The queen of Bern…" Hector muttered. "Even if it is a private audience, courtly niceties aren't my strong suit."
"Mine, either." Lyn sighed. "What about you, Kurogasa?"
"Not really."
"…Let's go." Eliwood said.
All six of us enter the throne room, where the queen is standing in front of the throne, facing away from us. "We're back." I said, making her turn around.
"Ah, so you've returned." she got out. "And you were successful? You recovered the Fire Emblem safely?"
"Hold on. Queen Hellene, didn't you even hear what happened?" I asked.
"Hm?"
"Last night in the manse…" Eliwood said, making her recall that memory.
"Oh, something about assassins sneaking in, wasn't it? I've no time for such trifles." she said, now extending her arm for the demand. "Quickly, the Emblem."
What the- she's more concerned about the Emblem and not her own son?!
"Ah… Without a doubt, this is the Fire Emblem." she said, inspecting the said shield where Eliwood gave her. With a smirk, she chuckled, "Ha ha! With this, my Zephiel holds rightful claim to the succession! Now, it will never pass to that annoying Guinevere… Ha ha ha."
Eliwood tried his best to hold in his anger. "Queen Hellene…"
Hellene suddenly recalled, looking at the young Lord. "Oh, yes, I'd forgotten. Your promised reward. The road to the Shrine of Seals, was it not?"
"Queen Hellene… what is Prince Zephiel to you?" I growled.
"Hm?"
"Kurogasa?" Eliwood looked at me.
"Prince Zephiel is your son, isn't he?! Or is he, like the Fire Emblem, nothing more than a tool for securing the throne?!"
"How dare you!" she snapped, slapping my cheek with authority. "Such insolence! To whom do you think you are speaking!?"
"This has nothing to do with title! This is your son we're talking about! How can you place the Fire Emblem above your own flesh and blood?! He was almost killed last night! If it weren't for our army stopping the assassination, he would've been dead by now!"
"What? What do you mean?" she asked. "Of what do you speak…"
"Is that all you ever see your children as, Hellene?! Just tools?!"
"You insolent man!" she scolded me.
"YOU'RE THE INSOLENT ONE!" I yelled. "YOU OUGHTA BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF FOR TREATING YOUR CHILDREN LIKE THAT!"
"Beloved." Lyn suddenly stopped me, making me look at her in the eyes. "That's enough."
"She's right, Tactician." Hector added. "You stopped me before, now's the time to pay it back to you."
"Gh!" I gritted before turning around to leave. "Whatever! I'm not accepting help from someone who treats humans like tools! Especially parents who treat their children as such!"
"Come… let us be on our way." Eliwood suggested before the three followed me. Both Pent and Louise also follows suit, leaving the flabbergast Hellene on her own.
"Wait right there! We are not finished! Someone! Someone stop those insolent children! Someone!" Hellene shouted.
"My lady Queen."
"Murdock!" she gasped, seeing him. "I thought you'd been summoned to the castle by His Majesty."
"That's correct. I've only just returned. One of my men told me all that happened last night. There's something that I must inform you of, Your Majesty."
"DAMN IT!" I snapped, punching a tree to let out all of my anger.
"..." Eliwood just remained silent, as there's nothing to respond as we're currently getting ready to depart without any directions whatsoever.
"Well, that's that, huh?" Hector said.
"Louise… Pent… I'm sorry…" I sighed.
"You said nothing that I did not agree with. Do not think long on it." Pent assured.
Louise frowned slightly, saying, "Lady Hellene has changed. Before she got married, she was a kind woman who wanted to be a good wife and a good mother."
"Humans change throughout the course, my child." Kaa–san said. "Humans would always make mistakes along the way."
"She and the king are ill matched. She has suffered much. And now, she is obsessed with the succession. Such a sad life…" Eliwood commented.
"…His parents are alive. Yet they're both awful." Lyn frowned sadly. "I feel so sorry for him."
"It's over and done with. No sense worrying about it now. Let's consider our next course of action." Hector shrugged. "So, Tactician, what's our next move?"
"I don't know… I might have to check on the map and see where it leads us…" I muttered, thinking about it.
"Or, I may be of assist you." a voice got our attention.
"Who's there!?" Hector got out.
"Go no farther." she said, as the source of the voice belongs to...
"Isn't that Queen Hellene?" Kaa–san asked.
"What are you… where are your guards?" Eliwood got out.
"Your name… It is Agito, yes?" Hellene asked me.
"It is." I frowned.
"Take this book and this seal. My reward to you." She said, giving it to me.
"Your Majesty?" Eliwood blinked in confusion.
"This book contains the road to the Shrine of Seals. The seal was a wedding present from Count Reglay from Etruria. I was saving it for Zephiel, but… I believe at this time that you need it more." she explained. "Furthermore, your path will remain clear for the next three days. No matter what happens during that time, Bern's soldiers will not move. I can make no promises about the king's own troops, though."
"You've done more than enough. You have our heartfelt gratitude. But, Your Majesty…why all of this for us?" Eliwood asked.
"Why the change of heart?" I asked.
"I want to thank you, not as a queen, but as a mother. For saving my son, I am forever in your debt. Now, you should get going."
"…Queen Hellene." Eliwood muttered.
"We will." I said. "And tell Prince Zephiel this. Tell him that Agito says to be a good king. One that shall bring peace and harmony to all."
"I will. Thus, I shall bid you all and godspeed." Hellene said before she went back to the castle.
"She is… a very nice woman…" Kaa–san got out. "I think you've judged her too early, my son."
"Maybe…" I sighed. "Now I just hope King Desmond has a change of heart too…"
"Hm?" Kaa–san tilted her head sideways, making me think that… kind of suits her.
"This is…!" Eliwood gasped, seeing something that he just received.
"That's the Heaven's Seal!" Lyn noticed. "The same one I used yesterday!"
"And we'll put it to good use." I said. "Eliwood, can you try it?"
"How about I give it a shot?" Hector offered, snatching it. "I never held one before, remember? Eliwood held it numerous times and nothing happened."
"It was only one time." Eliwood said.
"Oh, it's glowing!" Hector noticed the said seal glow radiantly in his hands. Soon a light from the heavens shined down on him. Seriously, where is the choir singing from?!
A few moments the light died down and Hector was in his new looks. For starters, his entire armor was less bulkier, but its sturdiness made up for it so that he can move faster, his shoulder armor, gauntlets, and leg armor jutted out spikes and his cape was a dark crimson red.
"What do you think? Looks good on me?" Hector asked.
"Yeah sure, Lord Porcupine." I chuckled.
"Your enthusiasm says it all." He deadpanned. "But I can feel the surge of energy in me. Stronger than ever."
"Yes, I felt the same way as well." Lyn nodded.
"In any case, we should head towards the Shrine of Seals as soon as possible." Eliwood suggested. "Time is against us."
"Right. Let's move out!" I exclaimed.
Inside Guinevere's room, Zephiel looked at his sleeping sister, pecking her forehead affectionately.
"Big brother…" she mumbled in her sleep, making him chuckle lightly.
"Sweet dreams, my little sister." he told her. Just as he's about to leave the room, he noticed his mother standing there by the door, looking at him worriedly.
"Zephiel."
"Mother." Zephiel got out. "Is something amiss?"
"You…" she added before she approached to him and hugged him dearly. "You've endured much heartache because of me." she said before she backed off a bit, looking at her son with tears flowing out from her eyes. "…I'm sorry."
"Th–That's not so!" Zephiel gasped.
"Zephiel…" she began once more, caressing his cheek motherly. "My dear, irreplaceable son. From this day forward… I want us to live together as one loving family. Your father and I… and your sister, Guinevere, too."
"Mother…"
"I am ashamed of the way I have behaved. The king may not forgive me for the woman I have been. Yet I shall make recompense, no matter the time. I want to change." she said, determined. "If I speak to him from the heart, someday, he will understand. After all… we are a family."
Zephiel smiled enthusiastically about it, hugging her happily. "That's right! He will see."
(Cue Bravely You by Lia)
(Instrumental) The scene begins with the Dragon Gate, chained and closed up. The piano key notes played, shattering the chains before it slowly opened. The camera zoomed into the light of the gate, moving onto the next scene.
(Kuzurete~ owaru sekai~) Kurogasa, Lyn, Eliwood, and Hector along with their army were on the Isle of Valor. They all rushed towards the temple where Nergal and the Overlord of Darkness were waiting.
(Mujihi ni~ tsu~ge~ru~) Meanwhile inside, Ninian was in her prison cell as she danced a sacred dance, to keep her mind off the current situation. A tear came down her face before it dropped to the ground making a ripple effect before the camera zoomed in on the ripple to move to the next scene.
(Kimi wa~ (kimi wa) hitori~ (hitori)) At the training grounds, Kent, Sain, Lowen, and Oswin surrounded Wallace as they readied their weapons before charging in and the latter saw them coming and defended accordingly.
(Nani wo~ (nani wo) kiiteta~ (kiiteta)) The scene then changed to a campsite as Vaida and Heath tended to their wyverns and Priscilla tending her pony. Legault was at the bonfire as he sharpened his daggers. Nino and Jaffar were there too as Nino mended Jaffar's wound on his arm with a bandage while the latter didn't mind and stared at the fire.
(Boku wa~ (boku wa) tooi~ (tooi)) At another part of the camp, Dart and Geitz were having an arm wrestle as Guy cheered on who's going to win. Rath was silent as he sat next to his horse while Harken and Isadora try to catch up on old times.
(Yume wo~ (yume wo) miteta~ (miteta)) The scene then moved to Hiroji, Athos, Canas, Renault, Nils, and Hawkeye who were gathering at a table with some books opened as they discussed about how to defeat Nergal and to prevent the Dragon Gate from opening while talking about the Lords, El Lords, and Overlord of Darkness.
(Nani o erabi toru? Nani o akirameru?) There was a quick flash on the screen as Erk was being cared for by Louise and Pent at a castle during winter. Another screen flashed, showing Lucius and Raven traveling together at another place.
(Kimeyou to shiteru, boku wa nani sama da?) It was then replaced with the three Pegasus Sisters, where Farina was teasing Florina, while Fiora smiled looking at the two. Then, another memory appeared, where Karel had a standoff against his own sister, Karla, under the moonlight with the burning village surrounding them.
(Nani o erabu kawa, mou kimatte iru) The next scene flashed where Dorcas and Bartre marched on, with Marcus and Merlinus behind them. It was quickly replaced with Wil and Rebecca inside the caravan, fixing their bows together, while Serra and Matthew watched the two.
(Machigai wanai ka, kami ni toikakeru) The final scene is shown where Elimine and the dragon, doting on the baby in their arms. The screen flashed once more, now revealing Joan in her Cleric outfit and her husband doting at the baby in their arms before the screen flashed to the next scene.
(Hitori kiri ja nakatta) The scene changed to Bern in nighttime, as the fireworks are in display, and everyone within the Seeds of Agito watched it from their camp.
(Zutto soba ni itanda kono te wo~ no~ba~su~) Nearly everyone sat next together with their partners or their pair, seemingly enjoying the view together. Eliwood even noticed Ninian's expression in awe with the fireworks, making him falling for her even more, unknown to Ninian.
(Kowaimono nanka nai) Meanwhile, as Joan sat next to Athos, she noticed her son and daughter–in–law sitting together, as she couldn't help but smile.
(Tatoe bakemono ni narou tomo na~shi~to~ge~ru~) Lyn and Kurogasa were watching the fireworks together, with Kurogasa's tactician cloak covering both of them. Lyn leaned her head on Kurogasa's shoulder, smiling a bit making the latter look at her before he smiled too and leaned his head on hers. The scene ends as their hands intertwined with one another and one firework exploded in shape of Agito's symbol.
PREVIEW:
Joan: I'm worried for that child…
Jaffar: It's very late. Where are you going?
Nino: I must learn the truth from Mother.
Brendan: Aaargh… Lloyd… Linus… Forgive your… foolish… father…
Hector: He will always be my enemy! That will never change…
Overlord of Darkness: So you wish to reverse the curse? How foolish of you to ask me.
Next Time on Kamen Rider Agito: Rekka no Ken: Night of Farewells
Nino: I… I… I'm not your daughter?
Joan: Come, let's go home, child.
Fen: Finally… *slumps on desk* I thought we'll never get it done…
TWF: If you guys noticed about the dream and what went down along the way to the finish… *points at Fen-kun* That's his idea, not mine.
Fen: Hey, we aren't doing Binding Blade anyways, so I don't see why not.
TWF: True, but the Binding Blade series, Roy's be the main hero, so Agito will cease to exist and end with Kurogasa. o.o
Fen: You know there's still his kids right?
TWF: Oh, I got that ALLLLLLLLL figured out… in a good way, if you're doubting me.
Fen: I don't doubt you but…
TWF: *ignores Fen-kun* See ya on the next chapter, guys! :D
Fen: -_-
TWF: Now, if you excuse me, I got some jumping plumbers to clobber. *climbs up the building and starts throwing barrels* Come and get meh~! :O