Chapter 38: The Final Battle Part 3 - The Past is Dead and Finally Buried
After the ferocious close call Kazuko and co. all glanced at what was left in the wake of the blast. Shadow and Zonic see for themselves what that blast had just caused and knew it was serious. "What has that monster done?", Shadow said.
"The chaos nulifier just went critical and took a portion of the mobius strip with it!", Zonic exclaimed.
"I'm assuming that means were all going to die very soon if we do nothing?"
"More or less, but yeah. That means we have to fix this right away."
"Alright then, tell me what to do."
"You have to go into the center of the the entire mobius strip, from there you need to use all of your power to try and fix it."
"Even if Kazuko did use all of his power, it won't be enough."
"Yours added with his wouldn't be enough either even with the emeralds you have. If only the last two of your worlds set of chaos emeralds were found!", Zonic yelled in frustration slamming his fist to the ground.
"I've searched our dimension for every hint of a trail. But those two from all I have learned, have been missing for hundreds of years."
"Shadow we NEED those last two to use their full power and restore the multi-verse. They have the stabilizing force to bring a realm of total balance and order out of it's own destruction. But like we've discussed, we need the two that hail from exactly that universe. And there wouldn't be enough time to search an completely different set.", Zonic explained.
"Wait, if I exhausted all of my chaos energy, every last ounce I had inside me and Shadow was with me to channel it, could that be enough?", Kazuko suggested.
"Kazuko, you do understand that giving every last ounce of your chaos energy could very well kill you.", Shadow warned.
"I don't then we all die. I have to try.", Kazuko said.
"We don't have time for any goodbyes Kazuko, we need to go now. I'm calling my hover car to take you both to the center. Meantime I'll send word to The Order and your other allies from the other dimensions to return to their original homes just to be safe or else they're all stuck in FOZ."
"F O Z?"
"Abbreviation for the name we gave to that dimension.", just then the hover car came and landed opening it's hatch. "I have set for the center, it'll take you most of the way but when it stops you guys will go on foot. Don't worry it's a straight path from there. Good luck!", Zonic said speedily running through the ensuing battle. After that the car took Kazuko and Shadow to the center watching as the pristine infinite web of lines connecting thousands of worlds was collapsing. In a way it was grand in of itself of how something so magnificent had come to a grand fall from grace. The ounce white surroundings became red with a sense that it was in pain.
With everyone else who managed to escape from Itsuki's trap, safely back in the palace after Shadow teleported them to safety, they all tried to comprehend what had just happened. Guiche held Montmorency as she cried still depressed of Kirche's gruesome death. But Louise was hurt the most, they had always been rivals when she became a mage and just after summoning Saito and Kazuko, but not long after she began to respect her, and it felt that Kirche did her. Louise wished that things could be different in some way, did she deserve it?
Would she really change? Probably not but she looked back to when Kazuko briefly dated her. For some reason she recalled every interaction she had with her when Kazuko came into her life. When she did they weren't as hurtful, restrained in some instances, and some were genuinely considerate. Was she making some amount of effort to start over? Louise never gave it much thought since she was often vengeful, mostly around Saito, but held a firm albeit understandable grudge since at first she was cruel to her. It was all too confusing. Louise however decided that in the end her final thoughts of her, the ones she would look back and remember her for would be this, "A loyal friend to Tristain and...everyone around me, including myself."
Meanwhile with Saito and Henrietta...
As the battle raged between Tristain and The Order's armies Henrietta and Saito pushed forward at last making it through the portal. Henrietta felt the battle taking a tool on everyone having costing so many lives just to reach this point. The burden of winning this battle she knew no rested on her, pushing back the ground forces meant that they were keeping them from destroying the palace and the rest of her world.
Saito was leading the very charge carving through the enemy like ribbons, in the past he had felt uneasy taking a life and would have questioned why he did it, why it was in him to. But this was different, this was for survival and to keep his promise to come back alive to Louise. They would not show him neither anyone else mercy, and after seeing what Itsuki just did fueled his anger and determination exponentially.
Henrietta held the same feelings, there was no redemption or reason to end things peacefully, this was war and a line was crossed that Henrietta knew from watching Tabitha and Saito that it ends either victory or death. The Order's ships were becoming less coordinated and starting to become more manageable to evade with the Black Knights attacking them fleet.
Without Master Guns or Itsuki commanding the fleet and troops they weren't as efficient and this was becoming clear for the opposing side. Zero was noticing the decline and knew what to do next from there. "Alright I'm going out in the field and taking point.", Zero left his command center and went to pilot his own Knightmare to deal a devastating blow to The Order.
In the Mobius strip...
In the chaos of the struggle to hold the line what was walking towards the battle was the hollow shadow of a man. Master Gunnery Sergeant Richard, ounce Itsuki's most trusted and loyal ally and confidant to his shady schemes, now became the very figure that his friend loathed more than even his greatest failure, Nightmare. This was not all just some strange coincidence that his life lead him to soul edge and that he would become the next vessel of its wielder.
As Richard looked and saw the battle he recalled the events that lead him to this point.
Flashback...
After the battle between Kazuko and Nightmare from the battle of Albion and Tristain, the sword itself vanished after Nightmares death. The sword itself needed to find someone who could wield it, who would be tempted by its power and be easily consumed. It's only chance would be using it's energy to the floating continent of Albion where plenty would seek to use it. However it was found by someone it didn't expect.
During Richards mission to tell Itsuki's Apprentice Tiffania, to make the Tristain army turn into enslaved monsters bent on killing the Queen. However before he reached her, Richard discovered the sword. It's haunting glow causing him to inspect and see what it was. He knew of Nightmare and his weapon but was unprepared to face it's temptation.
Richard felt the power, the potential, the feeling of invincibility. From merely touching it, the rush was immeasurable from it's euphoric manipulation. The sword, almost talked, communicated to Richard as he held it up. It promised to grant him the power of the control over everything he desired, it promised to slay his enemies, its promises of power over those who commanded him.
Richard was no fool, he could see past those promises as being false to try and unintentionally make himself a slave of the sword. Instead he released his grip on it, but...it was something to consider using. Not completely as its influence was too much for him. But instead believed another way to use it. Richard brought the soul sword to Tiffania where she examined it with her Void Magic.
"I can't figure a way to extract the power from the sword itself. It has a mind of its own it feels.", Tiffania exclaimed.
"But can you contain it until I find a way to?"
"Why this interest in this? And what about Itsuki? Does he know about this?"
"I believe this is Soul Edge, the sword the demon Nightmare wielded, and I know for a fact Itsuki would have this thing destroyed with no hesitation."
"Then why would you try and keep it a secret, I would be forced to tell this to him."
"Tiffania, you and I have been apart of The Order for a large portion of our lives. Haven't you ever wanted out? Wanted freedom? A life away from Itsuki?"
"But he found me after my mother died, and he said I owe him my life."
"I've been serving The Order for my whole life, this right here might be our only way out. I have nothing to go to, you don't either, but help me and this will give us a chance to lead a new life."
"Itsuki...he is like a father to me."
"I didn't forget all that he's made you do when it tore you up inside. I could see how when you silenced all those people in Ostland when they refused to make work on that golem. He said it was to ensure our secrecy. But did it matter for him that you were forced to kill that woman, that duke's familiar, right in front of him? Tiffa we can leave that all behind and start over together. No one else has to die."
"I'm not that scared little girl anymore! Don't act like I need saving Richard. Sigh...I have nothing to live for, except Itsuki. But I respect you more than anyone in The Order outside of Itsuki. And because long ago you chose to help me when it was outside of your best interest, I will help you. Meet me back here when you return after Kazuko is captured."
"Thank you."
After Richard set up the area where Kazuko fought against Albion's army, he secretly met with her and was given an enchanted case to contain the swords power and influence. However Tiffania said that it can be used but only in brief periods of time and to be used again after at least a full weak, to ensure his control.
While Richard heeded her warnings he still chose to find a way to harness all of its without losing his will. Without realizing it he was doing exactly what he tried avoiding. The power tempted him and the more contact he had with it the more he wanted more until it controlled his thoughts and soon his behavior. He rarely used it battle, but used it for guidance in events transpiring.
During his time between the events in the Mobius Strip and on Tristain he secretly tried to overcome it's influence, yet while he did so, it had no effect. Unknown to him, Soul Edge was toying with him. Allowing him to believe that while he focused hard enough he could control it.
And so all this time he waited to use it until in the end it was nothing but to lull him into a false sense of security to become the next Nightmare. The trick was so obvious, but his single minded overconfidence and belief he could use something so powerful and dangerous lead him to betraying and killing his friend. Along with the only person he viewed as relatable in having nothing but an endless existence of nothing but a life of following orders and eventually losing yourself while forced to follow them.
End of Flashback...
With Richard now under Soul Edges control and having a new host, it saw the feast of souls that were fighting in the battle and desired only one thing now, kill them all.
Back to the fighting at hand...
Tabitha kept the pressure onward as her unbridled hatred for Itsuki fueled her magic. The wound of loss felt as fresh as when she first gazed with her eyes Kirche's neck being slit. But soon The Order's army began to push through her onslaught and adapted, causing her storm to be ineffective. Soon one of the soldiers mounted themselves on to the floor and took aim to get a clean shot.
Before Tabitha realized it the gun fired but not before it was misdirected by a friendly blue cosmic hedgehog. "Hey there, looks like you could use a hand.", Zonic said. He picked up Tabitha and carried her off to Henrietta where Saito had just reported back to her after gaining a tactical victory in battle.
"Henrietta, our ground army has taken The Order's left flank. If we keep up the pressure they'll be boxed in."
"Good, but-", suddenly Zonic came holding an exhausted Tabitha in his arms.
"Scues me but this one is a friend of yours yes?"
"Oh my god Tabitha. She's fine?"
"Yeah, nearly got shot. She looks out of it but I think she'll be alright. And btw I have some others coming who you wanna see.", Zonic pointed to a small group coming from out of the thick of battle. Louise, Guiche, and Montmorency.
"Louise!", Saito screamed in joy thanking to god that she was still alive. Saito hugged her in his arms crying for joy knowing at this moment she was alive still. "Wheres Kazuko? Is it over?"
"No, were in serious danger. The whole multi-verse is collapsing after that explosion. Kazuko and Shadow are headed to the center of it all to try and fix it."
"Then what do we do?"
"Right now we have to get everyone to evacuate to their own dimensions. In case whatever happens causes the whole thing to be erased from existence it's better to have everyone back to their own worlds. Call Zero and Fury tell them to go forth with the final phase.", Zonic said.
But then, "Lady Henrietta!"
"Zero?"
"There is a new enemy attacking both The Order and our forces. A dark purple knight, one demonic hand with a sword with an eye near the hilt. Any idea who this monster is.", Zero asked.
Louise, Guiche and Montmorency knew immediately who, but even to Saito and Henrietta it was obvious. "Zero, do not engage I'll handle him. If I can draw his attention away can you clear a path for the remaining factions to make it to their respective world?", Saito asked.
"Yes, Shadow's map was very detailed and accurate where everyone hails from within the Strip. I'll call Fury now and have everyone retreat", Zero replied.
"OK good luck. I'm going after Nightmare.", Saito stated.
"Satio I'm coming with you. No arguments.", Louise replied.
"Louise I can't have you go even with Saito, I'm coming as well.", Montmorency said.
"Need I say what I'll do?", Guiche stated.
"As will I.", Tabitha said waking up. She stood up with Zonic gently letting her down to stand up by herself.
"Unconventional as it may, I will assist you too Saito.", Henrietta said.
"Then its settled, we bring down Nightmare together.", with that Saito lead the charge with fighting all the enemies in their way. Zonic assisted with the evacuation and soon the Black Knights were in full retreat headed back to their dimension. The Order became confused by their course of action but quickly began to realize why. The Order around the entire Mobius Strip became aware of its impending doom and knew that it needed to regroup and find a way to stop its collapse.
With that now confirmed the forces fighting the army Tristain had formed ceased fighting each other. However that didn't stop Nightmare from his blood lust fueled rampage. Despite everyone running instead of fighting, Nightmare sliced through the hordes of victims crossing his path. But soon he began to realize that they were all running from something. No one was even putting up a fight, he turned back to see the Mobius Strip collapsing.
He sought to find refuge in the portal leading to Tristain seeing that it would be the end of him if he stayed fighting any longer. But his path was blocked by 6 residents of said world. "Your not surviving this battle Nightmare."
"You have no hope, I am fully rejuvenated, you will all become a feast of souls."
"Partner, that sword is the source of his power. Destroy it and he can't return.", Delfinger stated.
"Louise.", Saito said, they both knew what to do.
With that glance to each other, Saito drew forth his sword and everyone else their wands. Four mages and a familiar against the Azure Knight. Saito held fast ready for Nightmare to make the first move. Nightmare held with him a plethora of combat experience due to having Master Guns as his host. His years of being in the field and prowess knew that this would require a more comfortable weapon of choice. Nightmare held out his sword and it glowed.
The sword morphed and attached itself on to Richard's right arm, transforming it into his preferred weapon. His shot gun now with a Soul edge blade on the bottom like an arm blade. After that Nightmare lunged and Saito went on the defensive. Nightmare was by far the stronger fighter and his experienced mixed with Richard's experienced trumped Saito's. "Partner, he's got you out matched but not if you trip him up! Do what you normally do, act outside of the box!", Del said.
Saito didn't question he just stopped relying on his Gandalf power to fight. If he did what Del just said then maybe it could give him an opening. Saito went on the offensive. Nightmare toyed with Saito and parried each attack, but without warning Guiche and Montmorency combined their magics and formed a shuriken hitting Nightmare in the back knocking him down. Nightmare was shocked seeing that they just formed water and earth out of virtually nothing, but Richard quickly realized a basic principle of the strip, the whole thing is comprised of cosmic energy being transported from one dimension to the next to sustain their connection.
"Hmph, you will pay for that.", Nightmare said aiming his gun arm, but Tabitha conjured an ice whirlwind around Nightmare. His vision was blinded by the winds, Nightmare in his calm and collective nature remained in place not letting this distraction get the better of him. Saito waited for Nightmare to lower his guard, but his impatience costed him. Nightmare fired his gun and landed a clean hit on Saito hitting him in the stomach sending him back.
Louise in her distraught state of seeing Saito being shot by Nightmare went to her familiars side. Nightmare heard the wails of Louise crying and begging for Saito to wake up and walked into the whirlwind. When it cleared he saw instead of Louise crying by Saito but was greeted with Henrietta using her own horse to trot on Nightmare.
Nightmare blocked the horses hooves and proceeded to stab the creature. Henrietta then leapt off her stead and used her magic staff and sword to attack Nightmare. While she preferred her magic over close combat it felt like to be useful to get Nightmare to continue guessing. A combination of water splashes, forming from the energy connecting the strip and her own world, and her sword forced Nightmare to stagger back. He swung his arm to return Henrietta's own sword swings. He was growing impatient and annoyed with this petty squabble.
He used his free hand and grabbed Henrietta's arm holding with her staff. Before he could force her to release her grip, Tabitha unleashed a large icicle towards Nightmare forcing him to evade. Tabitha launched another with Guiche and Montmorency firing more shurikens. Nightmare fired his weapon while the others continued firing their magic on him. Henrietta managed to continue fighting Nightmare one on one. Now it was a mixture of four opponents on Nightmare.
With Nightmare forcing himself to evade heavily and strike sparingly, he had few options. He began seeing that he underestimated them, forcing him to try and fight back with overwhelming force. He evaded Henrietta's next sword swipe but placed her in front of one of Tabitha's icicles causing Henrietta to get stabbed in the back. Nightmare returned fire and used his demonic power to strengthen his shots. The blasts were so powerful they knocked out all three mages.
Henrietta was shoved down from that icicle, and her armor protected her from letting it hit her spine. But Nightmare pressed his foot down on her face and was prepared to impale her. "Your soul will be my most prized, imagine Kazuko when he learns I killed another loved one.", he gloated. He lifted his arm, and was ready was ready to strike.
"Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!", Nightmare screamed.
Saito along with a dispel empowered Delflinger cleaved off Nightmare's arm before he could stab Henrietta. Saito used the last of his strength to male sure it went clean off when he swiped up from under Nightmare's arm. With blood and magic leaking out of Nightmare's wound he tried to cover it with his hand. But Saito slashed at Nightmare not letting him try and do anything. His swipes made Nightmare fall to the floor, Saito kept slashed at him until he was certain he was dead. Nightmare tried to keep himself alive with using every inch of his power to survive. But with his final blow, Saito thrust his sword down into the eye of the demonic blade gun causing Nightmare to gasp like his heart had stopped beating.
Nightmare looked and saw his sword destroyed with Delfinger still impaling the eye of the blade. Nightmare's crimson eyes faded, until the armor seemed empty and lifeless. Saito removed his sword from the cursed remains of Soul Edge, and glanced his eyes to Nightmare. He did the courtesy of removing the helmet still showing the poor soul of the man.
Master Gunnery Sergeant Richard, ounce a respected loyal agent of The Order, now a fallen victim of the cursed sword which he arrogantly believed was his to command.
Meanwhile...
Kazuko and Shadow made it to the core of the entire Mobius Strip. The core was beautiful, an endless ocean of possibility and creation. Indescribable, for what words a true for describing the basis for thoughts of what makes reality possible? Kazuko and Shadow wasted no time and used all the chaos emeralds in hand and tried to fix the entire multi-verse.
The core was erratic for a moment, and it felt like it was healing, the two couldn't tell why or how but they just knew it was working. But then that feeling faded and it appeared to be unstable seeing how the damage was increasing. "Dammit! We can't save the multi-verse! Not without those last two! This is hopeless!", Kazuko said.
"Argh! There has to be another way! Has to!"
"It's to much, I gave it my all and could feel it working but we don't have enough power to fix the whole thing. We need those last two chaos emeralds!", Kazuko explained.
The Mobius Strip began falling apart, the damage was beginning to be too erratic causing all of the realities to be open to the multi-verse. The doors to the Mobius Strip were opening, all of them, everywhere. Meaning the end of reality was coming.
But somewhere in a pocket of the multi-verse one person entered the void.
And was going to the heart of the Strip.
Destiny would have it's final battle for survival.
Update
I am pleased to announce that there are only two more chapters to go and then it will be finally over. Chapter 39 will have the epic climax which I will try to finish tomorrow. Chapter 40 I have mostly completed already which I saved for when I inevitably managed to make it to that point. So when I finish 39 expect 40 to be posted not long after.