Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from the anime, manga and games they are from. They all belong to their rightful creators. The OCs that appears in this story belongs to me.
Seven Heroines
Chapter Fifty: Onto Different Paths
A carriage was fast approaching Bodum. It soon arrived in the streets that were busy still packing up from the Festival of the Fireworks. The carriage parked in one of the public spaces. Agnes jumped off the driver's seat. She opened up the door to the carriage and Henrietta stepped out. The blonde knight turned to the chaperone. "High class please."
The chaperone nodded. "Yes of course." She climbed onto the driver's seat and gestured the horses to move on.
Once the carriage was out of sight, Agnes sighed as she looked at the streets. "I knew I would miss this."
She heard Henrietta giggle. "Seems the festival is over. I have heard it is impressive."
Suddenly Agnes had a thought of her and the queen watching the fireworks together with their hands about to touch but she disregarded the thought. "S-So it is. Please follow me. I'm sure we've kept everyone waiting long enough."
Henrietta nodded. Now was the time to finally meet Lightning after such a long time. They journeyed to their destination but the queen took the time enjoy the sights. She especially loved the sight of the ocean. "Beautiful isn't it?" Agnes didn't know what she meant by that. "The ocean I mean. Just once I would love to spend a day there." And Agnes suddenly thought of her queen in a bikini and the top falling off. She screamed. "Is there something wrong Agnes?"
The knight shook her head. "No! Nothing at all! Let's get going shall we?!" She started to speed walk. Henrietta giggled. Sometimes her knight could be so strange and yet funny at the same time. They made their way all the way to Lightning's house. The queen felt giddy about finally meeting Lightning and explain the situation to her. Agnes knocked on the door. It took a while for someone to answer the door. The door opened to reveal Sora who looked a bit out of it. "Sora? What happened to you?"
The young heroine held her head and groaned. "Can you please not talk so loudly? I'm experiencing something bad in my head."
A thought came across Agnes' mind. "Wait you didn't drink did you? Sora you're young to do that!"
Sora groaned. "What? No I didn't drink at all. My head hurts because I feel like someone hit me there hard." She looked to the side to see the queen. "Oh hi Queen Henrietta." The young heroine recognized what she said. "Ah! Queen Henrietta!"
The queen giggled. "It's nice to see you again Sora. May we come in?"
Sora looked back into the house and back to the two women in front of her. "Uh sure come in. Just please don't mind the mess."
Both women didn't understand what Sora meant by that. All of them entered the house. The first thing they saw was the all different bottles scattered on the table and in the kitchen. That wasn't the most surprising part. Agnes saw all the heroines scattered on the floor plus Serah and Vanille lying next to each other. A sight she saw on the couch was Lightning and Fang sitting next to each other. "Just what in the world happened here?"
Sora giggled in embarrassment. "Well…the thing is-"
The young heroine felt someone grab her leg. She looked down to see Erza tightly wrapping her arms around her leg. She mumbled something in her sleep. "No…this…is…my…cake…"
Then all of a sudden Erza bit on Sora's leg. Pain instantly shot up in her body. "AHHHHHHH!"
That woke up Erza. "Sora! Are we under attack!?" She looked at the rest of the girls sleeping. "EVERYONE WAKE UP!" Everyone did just that. There were different reactions.
"Ah what's happening?!"
"I swear I wasn't skipping out!"
"Who the hell screamed?"
Jo yawned and Rock just sat up.
"Ah my head."
"Mine too."
"Who the hell raised an alarm?"
Lightning just woke up. See looked around to see everyone looking around trying to find out what was happening. The soldier pinched the bridge of her nose. "I told you drinking was a bad idea Fang."
Erza now understood that they weren't under attack. She looked at Sora who was tightly gripping her leg. "Uh Sora, why are holding your leg like that?"
"Because you thought my leg was a cake!" It was very unusual for the young knight to yell at the other woman like that. That listed as an embarrassing moment for the sword master. "Uh by the way, Queen Henrietta is here. Just letting you know that."
Everyone in the room heard that and looked at the queen. She smiled and waved at everyone. "Hello everyone." After cleaning up in embarrassment, the house was clean for now at least. Henrietta sat in a chair with Agnes sitting in the one next to her queen while Fang and Lightning were sitting on the couch with their sisters and the heroines sitting or standing around them. Mostly everyone had a hangover. "So what happened here?"
IF groaned. "Well to start off from the beginning, we had a party after the festival was over. Fang over here thought it was good idea to bust out the booze."
The huntress scoffed. "Hey we had to celebrate somehow. Besides it wasn't that bad was it?"
"Tell that to Sora who got hit over the head by Lightning after Serah tried to kiss her due to a misunderstanding on her part." The brunette explained.
Serah blushed when she heard that. "Wait I did what now?! That really happen?!"
IF nodded. "Yep. You said something about wanting someone just like Sora and how her sister always chases away the girls away from you. You tried to kiss Sora but Lightning who was drunk after three drinks hit Sora on the head saying 'stay away from my sister.' She knocked her out instantly"
Fang laughed while Lightning was embarrassed hearing that. "Wait that's what happened to me?!" Sora was wondering why she suddenly having this kind of luck. "Why didn't you stop her?!"
"Cause I was prying off Vanille who was bawling her eyes out saying some random crap." IF stated. "Jo wasn't any help and neither was Rock. And don't get me started on Erza." She groaned at that sight. She never wanted to see that side of her again.
Agnes cleared her throat. "If you don't mind me asking, just what was the occasion of all of this any way?"
Serah pointed to Lightning. "We were celebrating because Fang proposed to Lightning on the night of the Festival of the Fireworks. Although we may have been a bit overboard in doing so."
"If you call Raidy grabbing Aisha's chest all over a bit." IF mumbled.
Henrietta clapped her hands. "Oh congratulations. I'm so happy for the both of you."
Lightning crossed her legs. "Thank you. Now let's move on this conversation and talk about why you ordered these seven to find me."
The queen nodded. "Yes you're right. I should be explaining that. You see Lightning, you should know that Rias' has a higher unit other than her Devils of Darkness known as the Hell Elite. Queen Medaka suggested that we should enlist the help of the Divine Four to aid us. Even one would benefit us greatly in the battle against Rias. That's why requested these seven to locate you as you were missing at the time. So now I ask you directly. Lightning Farron of the Divine Four, will you help us fight against Rias and her forces?"
Silence filled the room. The suspense was overwhelming for all of them. Lightning closed her eyes. "Well when you put it like that…" She opened up her eyes and looked straight at the queen. "I'll gladly join. Besides I want a little pay back for what Rias did to me and tried to make me her own toy to use." Everyone cheered when they heard the answer. It was one step closer to ending the war with Rias. "Although that mission you sent me is what made me be in her hands in the first place."
Henrietta looked confused when she heard that. "What mission? I didn't send you on a mission."
Now Lightning was the one confused. "But didn't you?"
The queen shook her head. "No I did not. Who told you that?"
"It was one of Queen Medaka's Rising Knights. Saeko." Lightning answered. They didn't expect to hear that. "She told me that you sent her while she was in the area. She didn't give out the exact detail but would tell me everything later. I readily accepted it and went on with her. We traveled a long way until Rias' army ambushed us. I was ready to fight them when all of sudden I was knocked out. The next thing I knew, I was displayed like a trophy with strange tubes inserted into my body. Every day I screamed in pain until my body just went numb." Lightning clasped her hands together tightly. "While I was still conscious, I wondered how I was in that situation. All I had was this nagging feeling that told me I was set up. It was then I figured it out that it was Saeko who handed me over to them."
Agnes rose up from her chair. "Are you sure about that? It wasn't one of Rias' soldiers?"
Lighting shook her head. "I could handle them easily. The attack came close by from behind."
Hearing that made IF remember something about the Rising Knight. "Now that I think about it, back in Alfnia she disappeared and the gates were opening."
"You think she might be connected to that?" Raidy asked.
IF nodded. "Yeah because it's no coincidence with her being gone and the gates just opening like that."
The more they discussed this, the more troubling it was for Henrietta. "I'm afraid what Alita said is true. We do have a traitor in our midst."
Aisha stood up. "Then we'll have to tell Queen Medaka as soon as possible."
"Speaking of telling, there was something else I heard while in that prison." Everyone looked at Lightning. "With little consciousness I had left, I heard Rias herself saying something about Biscotti and Galette."
Henrietta gasped when she heard that. "Oh no."
Everyone turned to the queen. "What is it?" Serah asked.
The queen sighed. "As you may know, Galette was the first to suffer Rias' power three years ago and as a result many lives were lost that day. They were barely able to fend off the attack. Hearing this makes me think that Rias will finish what she started and may go after Biscotti as well."
It was bad news after bad news. First they learn that Saeko was the one who betrayed them and now they learned that Rias may attack two of the Kingdom Alliance. "What should we do now?" Sora asked.
The Tristian queen stood up. "Agnes and I will head over to Medaka's kingdom quickly as possible to tell her about the betrayal. Meanwhile, I believe the seven of you should travel to Galette and Biscotti to warn Archqueen Leonmitchelli and Queen Millhiore about the incoming attack."
"And where are they located?" Jo asked.
Serah brought out a map of Zeravina and placed it on the table. What was obvious about the land was that it was divided into two parts. "Zeravina is divided into two parts by a large river off in the center." She pointed to the right side. "We're currently on the left side and the right is known as the land of the Faunus also known as Flognarde to them. The only way to travel there is by one of the ferry services that are along the river."
Sora tilted her head. "Faunus? What's that?"
"You met them before. Yukikaze, Éclair, Violet, and Brioche are Faunus. They're beings who have animalistic features such as dog ears and cat tails." Agnes explained.
This excited some of the heroines. There was a whole land of people with animal ears. Erza already thought of the accessories she could buy while Sora squealing with joy. "How cool!"
"Aw I'm jealous of all of you. You get to go to such an amazing place." Vanille spoke.
Henrietta giggled. "Not only that but I hear they are more advanced in magic then the elves so it should be quite the journey."
Serah had an idea. "Hey maybe Lightning can come with you. You could always have more help."
"I'm sorry Serah but I can't." Lightning's words surprised everyone.
"Hold on a minute! What do you mean you can't go?! You'll have a better chance of success if you're with them!" Agnes yelled.
The soldier looked at the blonde knight. "It's just an idea I had but Medaka did say she needs the help of the Divine Four right?"
Henrietta nodded at the question. "Yes she did. Where are you going with this?"
Lightning chuckled. "I think I made it quite simple." She stood up. "Then she'll have all four fighting against Rias."
Everyone didn't expect Lightning to announce that. "Hold on there! How are you going find the other three if you don't know where they are?" IF asked.
The pink haired woman gave a small smile which was rare from her. "Well I do know someone who said she was the best in tracking."
Fang smirked as she knew the game Lightning was playing at. "Oh really? Is this woman you know of good looking at least?"
Lighting looked at the huntress. "She is and she can hold on her own in a fight but I lost contact with her."
The huntress scoffed. "Well since you have an empty spot in your party, guess I'll have to fill in the spot. You're stuck with me sunshine for this part of the journey."
The soldier chuckled. "Guess so. You don't have a problem with that right Queen Henrietta?"
The queen shook her head. "I hold no objection to this. If you two can locate the other three, then that would be greatly appreciated."
Aisha whispered into Raidy's ear. "Did they just flirt with each other?" Raidy nodded.
Erza looked at the map closely. "So where is the nearest ferry location from here?"
"Not far I'll ya that." Fang answered. "Just a half a day's walk from Bodhum since we're so close to the ocean. Faunus merchants sometimes come by and deals are made for their goods."
The swordmaster smiled. "Then it's settled. We all have our missions. Now let's go onward!" She raised her arm as did everyone else and cheered.
B
With everything sorted out, Agnes and Henrietta left Bodhum and toward Medaka as quickly as possible to tell her the recent developments. Everyone else prepared for the journey that lied ahead of them. Soon they were all standing outside of the entrance to Bodhum. Lightning was wearing her usual uniform with her gunblade set on her hip. She looked at the group of seven. "Thank you for everything you've done up until now. I owe you all a debt of gratitude."
"Yeah same thing. You lot are all right in my book." Fang spoke.
Erza smiled at the two women. "And we wish you the best of luck finding the other Divine Four."
"Ah I feel like we've known you all for a long time now. It's sad to you all leave now." Vanille spoke sadly.
Serah felt the same way. "Not only that but I just got you back sis and already you're leaving."
Lightning smile at her sister. "You don't need worry Serah. I'll be more careful this time. Besides I have someone who I can depend on." She looked over at Fang who smirked at her.
The younger Farron ran to her sister and hugged her tightly. "Take care Lightning."
Vanille did the same thing to Fang. "I hope you have a safe trip Fang."
The huntress hugged back. "Well I don't know about safe but it'll definitely be fun."
Lightning hugged her sister back as well. "I will. You take care now Serah."
Both girls let go. Fang and Lightning gave their sisters one final look before they started to walk away. They waved goodbye to everyone. Jo heard sniffling and saw Erza trying hold in her tears. "Are you crying?"
Erza sniffed again. "I get so emotional at moments like these." Yes their leader was certainly a unique girl. Aisha also felt a bit sad as this scene reminded of her and her younger sister.
Once both women were gone from sight, it was their turn. Sora breathed deeply. "Guess our turn now. It was really great to meet you both."
Both girls smiled at the group. "The same to you all. Thank you for helping and finding my sister."
Vanille giggled. "Have fun over at Flognarde."
Aisha nodded. "We will."
Raidy smiled. "So long!"
After everything was said, the seven heroines made their way. They all waved goodbye to Serah, Vanille, and the town of Bodhum. IF took out the map of the land. "Ok so if we take this path here, we should be able to arrive at the ferry service just before sunset."
"Sounds good to me. I've never been on a ferry before so this is exciting." Raidy was ready for another new experience. All of them shared her excitement. Just when they thought one adventure was over, another one started for them. They were all expecting many new experiences once they arrive in Flognarde, the land of the Faunus.
Lightning Rescue Arc end.
A/N: And now I can say: about damn time I've finished this arc. I will admit the way Lightning was captured was cheap and unconventional but it was the best I could come up with. With that, another arc has ended and the next arc will begin whenever I get to it. I'll tell you all a little something about the next arc. It's going to be an emotional roller coaster. With that said, thanks for reading and stay tuned of the next update.
