Now for things to pick up a little and I think it's time for Alfin and Tita to make a return, don't you agree? Also, it may seem like Alex is doing it for himself, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Besides, if that really was the case, he would be killing everyone left and right without holding back.
Duelling Imperials
Dateline, August 22nd. 1206.
The next day came on by and we were all ready to continue in touring around Erebonia. Angelica had fully recovered and she was now in charge of steering the airship, with Towa in charge of communication controls.
As for me, Celine and I explained to everyone what had happened and they had various expressions on show.
"So to clarify, I got my soldat back. The Red Constellation has suffered heavy losses, and Gareth is no longer with them."
"I see..." Rean nodded.
"Well, you did warn us that you had no other choice." Gaius added.
"But damn, to think you could take down an entire jaeger corp on your own." Ash said.
"Yeah, I was frustrated at how much our foes were gloating over us." I replied.
"Understandable." Duvalie said. "Maybe it was some kind of bloodlust you were experiencing."
"That may be so, but at least I didn't lose my mind. Anyways, I did learn one thing after inheriting Gareth's soul. I need to sacrifice just four more of our foes. So in other words, I don't need to kill all of them. There may be hope yet for some of them."
"Thank Aidios..." Alisa said.
"But that doesn't mean you're out of the woods yet." Kurt added.
"Nope, not by a long shot." I replied. "As for whom to go after next. Well, that'll depend on where we need to go next. Because even though we rescued the Empress, we still need to find Alfin, as well as Elise, Tita, and Tio."
"Sorry to keep you all waiting." Towa said. "I finished scoping out the situation throughout the Empire."
"Wow! Nice work, Towa." Rean replied.
The monitor above switched on to show the map of the Lamare area.
"Nice, looks like we can visit Alster and Raquel again." I said. "But it seems we're nowhere near close to getting to Leeves."
Towa sighed. "I'm sorry, everyone. I tried to find us an opening to Leeves. I really did."
"It's okay, you're doing far much more than we were asking for. By the way, I hope my look isn't too scary."
She giggled. "You actually match well with that tail."
"She may be right. It's unusual for a guy to have such an interesting tail." Angelica said. "But my heart still flutters when it comes to beautiful women. Say Towa, how about a reward of twenty kisses per hour?"
"Yeesh! It's like I never left." Crow said.
"Anyways, so the one who shot you was indeed George?" I asked.
"Yeah, he was the one who shot me, no doubt." She replied. "But he didn't shoot me in the vital organs, so I was barely hanging onto dear life."
"I see." Rean said.
"And Alex, I know how much you hate him, because of what he did to the Courageous, but-"
"Don't...it's hard enough for me as it is." I said, interrupting her. "Besides, now that the Red Constellation is all but gone, Zephyr will no doubt respond."
"Yeah, those jaegers will be on the lookout for you." Sara said. "Shirley's definitely gonna flip when she sees you."
"But what interests me is the person you saw." Musse added.
"Yeah, Celine and I met Mariabell Crois." I replied.
"What, you did?" Juna asked.
"Yep, but she didn't attack us." Celine said. "She must've been wanting to introduce herself, and she took the chance to see us, of all people."
"And because she has ties with the society, I declare that she is added to the list." I cleared my throat. "Lastly, I learned about the true origin of my family name. It's not Lionheart, it was never Lionheart to begin with. My real family name is Damon, and I've asked the Empress to see if I can have my surname changed back to the real family name."
"So you have no relation to Dreichels, what so ever?" Sara asked.
"Nope, it was just a coincidence. But I'm okay, I feel a lot better now." I sighed. "Anyways, let's just focus on what we can do today. There's still a long road ahead of us."
Towa nodded. "You're right. I already have a few requests coming in, so go and check them."
We went to the monitor and there were three requests to do.
"A request from Alster, a person search, and yet another extermination request." Rean said.
"Wait, who's this Kaela person?" Juna asked.
"Remiferia...could it be one of those two we met at the lodge before?" Kurt guessed.
"All I'll say is that one is from Remiferia, and the other...well, her circumstances are rather exceptional, you see." Musse said. "Though I suspect it's exactly as you already may have guessed."
"Say, mind if I be your watchdog?" Ash asked.
"Ash?" Rean responded.
"Actually, I'll be your watchdog now. I'll keep a tight leash on you, so you better get it together."
Juna frowned. "You can tell he's actually enjoying this."
"Oh boy...okay, Ash. I'll be counting on you." Rean said.
"With that, let us prepare to set off once more." Laura added.
And so, the world-saving tour resumed, with me getting in some more magic training.
Whilst Rean and his chosen team explored around the places we could go to, I was in the training room with Emma and Celine as my elemental and weapon combo training continued. I was learning a new element, the ice element which was the exact opposite to fire. It lasted for a long while, but I eventually got used to calling for it, just like with the fire element.
"All right, Alex. Call for it and with a different weapon." Celine said. "You need to be versatile with your new magic."
"Of course, I'll always keep that in mind." I replied. "Ice Glaive!" A glaive appeared in my hand and it was covered with the glow of ice.
"Nicely done." Emma praised before she shivered. "Even if it's a little too cold."
I then let the weapon vanish so the room temperature would go back to normal.
"So that's two elements I now have, but I know there's more to learn." I said. "Such as wind, earth, water and electric."
"Yes, but you don't need to learn it all in one day." Emma replied. "As long as you keep learning them one at a time, you'll have all the elements eventually."
"Yeah, I guess I can afford to be patient. Even though time is against all of us."
"Anyways, that should do for today." Celine said.
"You know, I was thinking back to how Alisa felt when you told us." Emma added. "She seemed very relieved when she heard what you learned."
"Yeah, I could tell that she was feeling a lot better. Because she now believes that there is a glimmer of hope." I replied. "Even if it's just very faint to the rest of us. But then there's also the relationship she and Rean share."
"Well, they did pretty much tell each other." Celine said. "Even though the rest of us were there."
"I think at that point, neither of them cared, they just wanted to reignite the love they found which happened nearly two years ago. Speaking of which..."
"Oh, that's right, it'll almost be two years since we got together." Emma reminded as she blushed. "Once it's late October, we should do something to commemorate the day we fell in love."
"Oh, boy..." Celine sighed. "...maybe I should leave you lovebirds alone."
"Hehe, sorry, Celine. But I still get flustered when thinking about romance."
"I know...we'll resume elemental training tomorrow, okay?"
"Sure, I'll remember that." I replied before Celine left the room. "So what do you have in mind?"
Emma held my hand. "Well, that depends on you. Do you still remember the exact day we started dating?"
"Ah, I believe that was October the 21st, it was when Rean and Alisa were in Heimdallr to collect the outfits for our class concert."
She smiled happily as she hugged me close. "Yes. I'm amazed you remembered all of that."
I held her close to me in return. "Well, with a beautiful girl like you, how could I ever forget?"
"Oh, Alex..."
We shared a soft kiss, but it was cut short when we heard an announcement.
"Attention, everyone. This is Towa, please report to the bridge."
"Guess we can continue some other time." I said.
"Of course, let's go together." She replied.
We left the training room and went over to the bridge. It wasn't long before Rean and his chosen team returned to the ship to rejoin us.
"We just got worrying news that a former noble became the Interim supervisor of Saint-Arkh a few weeks ago." Towa said.
"Who is it?" I asked.
The monitor switched on to show a familiar face.
"You have GOT to be kidding." Juna said.
"Marquis Wilhelm Ballad." Musse reminded, "Uncle of the former Duke Cayenne...my granduncle."
"Guess that greedy, old mongrel got his hands back in the henhouse, huh?" Ash asked.
"Remember, he is still a member of the nobility." Altina said. "Though I am inclined to agree, for the most part."
Jusis sighed. "Selling out to the government to further his own prestige again, is he? As if that buffoon hadn't caused enough damage in Ordis."
"Hm, I could've sworn they'd kept him under house arrest after that whole debacle at the Imperial Provincial Council." Angelica said.
"It's clear the government decided otherwise, frankly speaking." Laura added.
"Yeah." Towa nodded. "Apparently, he arrived from Heimdallr with two guests in tow. One of them, a member of Thors, and the other...a member of the Imperial Family."
"Well, considering who's still missing...are you talking about Tita, and the other one being Princess Alfin?" I guessed.
"It's almost identical to what happened in Ordis, play for play." Machias said.
"In any case, that's all the information we currently have." Rean added. "We'll have to sneak our way into Saint-Arkh, the capital of Sutherland province."
"And if the Imperial Army is involved, that big fortress you told me about could give us something to go on." I pondered. "In which case, we have our next mission."
"Then the three of us will be coming with you." Juna said. "Me, Kurt and Allie!"
"Well, in that case, I might as well come with you too." Elliot volunteered. "Dreknor Fortress isn't too far from town. I might be able to find out more about my dad, and the 4th Armored Division."
"I feel like me and Sara should tag along, too." Fie added. "The guild has a temporary branch there. Might end up useful."
Sara nodded. "Agreed, but we can't both go. We've got bracers operating all over. One of us needs to stay back and be a liaison."
"I see your point." Rean replied. "We can decide for sure when the mission starts."
"It'll have to be first thing tomorrow, the sun's already setting." I pointed out. "As for drop off location, I'm already sensing a disturbance with the spirit veins."
"In other words, we can't use the teleport stones in Eryn." Celine said.
"So the location has to be at our own discretion." Gaius added.
"I'll begin searching for candidates." Towa said.
Rean nodded. "Right, let's call it a day and get ready for tomorrow's mission."
Dateline, August 23rd.
After preparing the next day, we were ready to begin the next mission. We had agreed to use the field exercise camp site as the drop off point, just like we did in Ordis. However, that was only half the situation solved, the other half was how to get to Tita and Alfin.
"As far as we know, there are no underground pathways in Saint-Arkh." I said. "And trying to force our way in where Imperial soldiers are guarding would be too reckless."
"Says the guy who knocked out the Heimdallr Military Police without breaking a sweat." Crow smirked.
"Well, that's because they were loyal to Osborne. It's different with the Imperial Army, we have connections with most of them after all. Such as General Craig, General Vander, even the former Principal is among them."
"Then in that case, our best bet just might be Marquis Ballad himself." Angelica said. "Even after the Imperial Provincial Council, he's still a capable person in his own way. There's no doubt about that. He's a downright genius...when it comes to protecting his assests and profits, that is. But in the end, his short-term greed ended in a long-term stint as the government's personal stooge."
"As well as that whole fiasco in Ordis." Jusis added.
Duvalie hummed. "I suppose taking advantage of him wasn't exactly a challenge."
Crow chuckled. "So in short, he's fussy yet sloppy, like a big ol' baby."
"Right." Angelica nodded. "One we'll have ample chances to take advantage of."
"Thanks, Angelica. I get the feeling this'll come into play." Rean said.
"We'll be arriving soon." Gaius added. "Prepare for landing everyone."
Rean chose to have the new Class VII, along with Elliot, Fie and myself and soon enough, the airship dropped us off at the field camp.
"To think that this was where our first field study began." I said as I got off first. "Huh? Where's Rean?"
"Didn't he come along with us?" Kurt asked.
"I beleive Alisa wanted to speak with him." Altina said. "He shouldn't be long."
Rean then came out. "Sorry to keep you waiting, I'm ready to move out."
'Hmm, that doesn't sound like the usual Rean...maybe something happened with Alisa earlier?'
I shook that out of my head, I could talk to him later.
"It's so quiet." Eliiot said. "There's no one around as far as the eye can see."
"Yeah, this could be a good place to hide Valimar." Fie suggested.
"Now that that's settled, let's get going to Saint-Arkh." Rean said. "We should be able to use it from the northern road."
"Then let's go." I added.
We left the field camp and turned left since that was the way to Saint-Arkh. However, when we got close, we noticed that the main enterance was guarded by imperial soliders and a pair of those new soldats.
"Zauber Soldats." Juna said.
"And the Imperial Defence force, too." Kurt added. "Security appears to have been heightened since the last time we were here."
"Looks a lot tougher than it was at Ordis." I sighed. "I don't fancy my chances with this one."
"Well yeah, we did get pretty wild over there." Ash said.
"Doesn't look like we'll be able to just walk in." Elliot added.
Fie looked around and noticed something. "Over there. We can get to the railway lines from here."
I nodded. "Oh right, we did that before, when we were trying to get to Garellia Fortress."
"That could work." Altina said.
"It's the best chance we have at slipping through." Rean added. "Let's get going."
We rushed over to the cliffside path, passing along the railway line before we found a hole in the security line. Altina then used her black doll to lift each of us up to the above bridge one at a time, until we were all off the railway line.
"Phew, looks like we were able to pull it off without them noticing." Elliot said.
"That shortcut sure came in handy." Juna added. "You bracers really know your stuff."
"I'd say my jaeger background played just as much as of a part in getting a lay of the land." Fie replied. "Plus, I found this paticular shortcut before. Glad it could help out."
"Anyways, now that we're inside, let's gather some info and confirm this town's situation." I reminded. "Oh, and I won't be doing the same thing as before. The Imperial Army is not my enemy, they're just being forced to follow that stupid law by Osborne."
"Yeah, the National Mobilization Law has really put my dad in a difficult position." Elliot replied. "There's also Fiona we need to find as well."
"Right, let's be careful around here." Rean said.
We explored the town to find any leads. We started with the Cathedral Sqaure where we found a trio of performers who were discussing about Sully which sparked up a conversation between us and them. They were touring around Lamare, but had to make a detour to Saint-Arkh cause Marquis Ballad requested them. We wished them well when they left and this gave Elliot an idea, but he wanted to be sure before telling us.
We then headed to the noble district and over at the enterance gate to the mansion, was a limo and a pair of gaurds who were with an old noble.
"Uh oh, looks like Marquis Ballad is heading out." I said quietly.
But he was then brought back into the mansion by the Imperial soldiers.
"Okay, I guess not. Looks like going in that way is defintely out of the question."
"I think I'm starting to get the real picture." Rean said. "About how Saint-Arkh, Marquis Ballad, and the Imperial Defense Force function together."
Elliot nodded. "Right, if we can just get past that, then..."
We then moved to the residential district, heading inside the April Cafe where a familiar person was sitting by the counter.
"Well, look who it is, folks." I said as we walked up to her. "Good to see you again, Fiona."
She got up and turned to see us. "You guys!"
"Haha. Hey, sis. It's been a while." Elliot said. "Actually, it's been forever since we've been able to get in touch. It's good to see you're all right."
"So what Alex said the other day..." Kurt whispered.
"That is indeed correct." Altina whispered back.
"Elliot?! Is that you, Elliot?!" Fiona responded. "It's really you, I can't believe it! And who's that with the gray hair?"
"Good to see you, Fiona." Rean replied. "Let's just say...a lot has happened."
We then grabbed a table for all of us to sit around to discuss the situation.
"Heh, it must've been fate we meet like this." Fie said. "When I became a bracer and came to the capital, she helped both me and Sara out a ton."
"Machias and I have met with her several times since the civil war." Rean added. "This was while Alex was away, overcoming his own burdens."
I nodded. "Yeah, feels like a lifetime ago now."
"And I'm glad to see you're all well." Fiona replied.
"It's a relief to see you again." Elliot said. "I'm sorry I made you worry."
"It's fine, really. All that matters is that you and Class VII are okay. Now if only I knew what was going on with Father and Neithardt."
I blinked. "Neithardt? Oh right, I forgot that he went back into military service."
"Thinking back, you did say something about trying to go to Dreknor Fortress, didn't you?" Kurt asked.
"That's right." Fiona replied. "In truth, I haven't been able to get in contact with Father or Neithardt for some time. Inspections in the area around the fortress have gotten very strict, and I haven't been able to make it through to check on them."
"Hm. I think the answer lies in why security has been strengthened so much around the fortress right now." Rean said. "As a matter of fact..."
We then shared what we saw outside the mansion.
"Fiona, do you have any more info that might be useful for us?" Elliot asked.
"I certainly did gather a lot of information while trying to find out about you." Fiona answered. "But I'm sorry to say this is the first I've heard so much as a whisper of what you just told me."
"Then we'll have to keep finding out and get more details." I said. "We need to find a way into the mansion after all."
"Then let's get moving. We'll see you again soon." Juna added.
"Of course, take care of yourselves." Fiona replied. "Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."
We then left the cafe and confirmed what we found out.
"So how can we get into the mansion?" I asked.
"About that...I have an idea." Elliot said.
"Really? Let's hear it." Juna responded.
"Hah. Well, I can't guarantee it'll work, can we talk about it in private?"
"Let's try the old guild building we went to last time." Fie suggested.
"Yeah, good call." Rean nodded.
We made our way to the apartments and upstairs before going into the room. The place was empty and when we were in, I closed the door and heard about Elliot's plan. It involved getting Marquis Ballad to let us in so we could do a performance, it would be something the IDF would turn a blind eye to. But if a music performance was our way in, then I had to get involved. That was when Fiona turned up, willing to help us put up a concert that will get Ballad's attention.
With the plan in place, we made our way to Catherdral Square, Elliot and Fiona had set up their instruments with me on the vocals and holding a guitar that I had to learn pretty quickly, because if we wanted to bring some life back into Saint-Arkh, we would have to...rock it out. The performance began and I got ready to sing.
World turns black and white
Pictures in an empty room
Your love starts fallin' down
Better change your tune
Yeah, you reach for the golden ring
Reach for the sky
Baby, just spread your wings
And get higher and higher
Straight up we'll climb
We'll get higher and higher
Leave it all behind
Run, run, run away
Like a train runnin' off the track
Got the truth bein' left behind
Fall between the cracks
Standin' on broken dreams
Never losin' sight, ah
Well, just spread your wings
We'll get higher and higher
Straight up we'll climb
We'll get higher and higher
Leave it all behind
So baby, dry your eyes
Save all the tears you've cried
Oh, that's what dreams are made of
'Cause we belong
In a world that must be strong
Oh, that's what dreams are made of
And in the end
On dreams we will depend
'Cause that's what love is made of
And then, the performance ended and we had gathered a large crowd which started cheering and applauding.
"Thank you for watching, everybody, maybe we'll see you all again soon." I said to the crowd. "Phew, I haven't sung like that for a long time."
"Hehe, those were some high notes you hit, Alex." Elliot said. "But I had faith that you could do it."
"Yeah! You were rocking it, Alex!" Juna praised.
"You seem to have plenty of experience." Kurt added.
"Well, I was an advisor for the music club, and music is kinda like my hobby." I replied. "But that said, with how much we were doing, this is surely gonna get the mansion's attention."
Just then, two gaurds in red uniforms came up to us.
"Pardon the interruption. We come bearing a message from our lord." One of them said. "He has requested to see you all in person. Follow us."
We were then escorted away from the sqaure and over to the mansion through the back door so that the IDF didn't notice. We were now inside the mansion, and we followed the gaurds taking a left turn and into a large room where the Ballad man himself was looking through the window.
"Pardon the intrusion, my lord." One of the gaurds said. "We have brought them over as you requested."
"Ah, at long last!" Ballad replied. "So you're those musicians everyone's been talking about..."
He then turned to face us and he gasped as the two gaurds left the room. Altina called for her black doll and Elliot casted a dome around the room.
"Audio insulation field activated." Altina said. "Though our mission was impromptu, it appears to have succeeded nonetheless."
"Hehe, great." Elliot added. "And now that we've made sure no one can hear you..."
"We're just gonna have ourselves a nice long chat, shall we?" Ash finished.
"Woah, hey!" Juna intervened. "You're making us sound like the bad guys here!"
Fiona giggled. "Now now, Elliot. Tone it down a bit."
'They seem to be more fired up than I am...'
Ballad then saw Rean. "Wait a moment. Your hair is different, but there's no doubt, you're the Ashen Chevalier! And is that Midilne?!"
"Nice to see you again, Marquis Ballad." Rean replied.
Ballad moved to his chair and sat down in defeat. "Hmph. I've fallen completely into your trap. I'm losing my touch. Since the downfall of the Imperail Provincial Council, it's been a downhill slope. Damn it all! Was this all part of your scheme, Mildine?"
"Hmph. I foresaw the fate of the Imperial Provincial Council and the timing." Musse replied. "But the rest was all the result of your foolish actions, dear Great Uncle."
"To think a distanct grandneice would return, just like that...and now what's to say she won't raise an army and revolt against the government? Hmph!"
"Listen, we don't really have time for all this moping around." I rubbed my head. "We're here to ask you if Tita Russell and Princess Alfin are somewhere in the mansion."
"Hm? Thors and the Imperial Family?" He then saw me. "Wait! It's you...you're...you're the one who went and...and massacred those filthy jaegers!"
"Guess news of my notorious actions is spreading quickly. So yeah, but what's your point?"
"Dah I mean...ahem! What I mean is that they're NOT here!"
I pondered. "So if they're not here in the mansion then it must be..."
"Dreknor Fortress!" Elliot answered. "That's where Father and the 4th Armored Divison is garrisoned."
"Then it looks like we have no other choice, but to go to the fortress itself."
"We'll be taking our leave now." Musse said. "You won't tell us we were here, dear Great Uncle?"
"Hmph. What would I gain by telling you that your class was here?" He responded. "Now be on your way!"
We then left the mansion through the back door and then back to the former guild room to discuss preparing for when we go to Dreknor Fortress, that was when Agate turned up, saying he got contacted by Sara to come and help us, he also got us a way in thanks to Celine being a decoy...poor cat.
We then followed his plan and I couldn't quite remember how it happened, but the next thing I knew, we were being shipped around in small containers that were being delivered to Dreknor Fortress. It was a bit of a bumpy ride, but we eventually were inside the fortress and when the coast was clear, we got out of the containers.
"We're in." Juna said.
"I'm out of breath..." Altina added.
I sighed heavily. "No kidding...I need an oxygen tank."
"This wasn't how I imagined it to be." Kurt said. "I take it that device you used blocked the bio-sensors from detecting us?"
"Got it in one." Agate replied. "The sensor blocker is a miniturized version of an invention Tita's grandfather put together. You know, we did something similair a while back in Liberl. But that black cat's little distraction came in handy, too."
"And as for what we heard about Alan, it has to do with the curse." I said. "But we have a more important issue at the moment. We need to make our way through the fortress and rescue Tita and Alfin."
We made our way up the stairs, although it was too quiet around here...something was very off about this. But just then, as soon as we entered a big room, an alarm started ringing throughout the fortress.
"Shoot! So much for going all sneaky like." I sighed.
"My greetings to you, Class VII. And to you as well, Heavy Blade." A voice greeted from the speakers.
"I had a feeling you'd come, Elliot." Another voice spoke.
"Wh...dad?!" Elliot responded.
"And Lieutenant Colonel Neithardt." Rean said.
"Rean! Alex!" A sweet voice greeted.
"Agate!" Another voice called.
"Princess Alfin!" I replied.
"Tita, you there, too?!" Agate added.
"Thank the Goddess you're all okay." Alfin said.
"Your Highness." Rean replied.
"I'm relieved to hear as well." I added. "Especially after we worked hard to save your mother."
"Agate...you really did come for me." Tita spoke.
"Hah. Course I did!" Agate repplied. "I said I'd look after you, didn't I?"
"So where do you two stand?" I asked.
"You have no cause for worry. Her Highness and Miss Russell are being treated with the utmost care." Neithardt said.
"Correct. They are under our protection after all. Not as prisoners, but as guests." Olaf added. "We'll be waiting for you in the control on the top floor. Should you wish for their freedom, you will have to come here and earn it."
"However...you enter the headquarters of the 4th Armoured Division. Loathe as we are to use them, we do have archaisms patrolling the premises. If you expect it to make it past them, you'll need to give it your all."
"Hah! Ya think that's gonna stop us, you got another thing comin'!" Agate slapped his fists.
"You better believe we'll give it our all!" Rean said.
"Be careful everyone." Tita warned.
"May the Goddess protect you!" Alfin said.
Juna sighed. "Man...we suck at being stealthy."
"It's because they know who we are and what we do, they had to be expecting us." I said. "But I suppose that's just how famous we've become for the past few years."
"That's true, we have a lot to deal with." Fie added. "How about I create a distraction to keep some enemies off you?"
"Fie...that's-"
"We don't have time to argue, Rean." I interupted. "If you and I know Fie well, you should know what she's capable of."
"All right...
I looked at Fie and she nodded. "Agate, make sure Rean doesn't go too far, okay?"
Agate chuckled. "Sure, have fun playing the decoy."
"Right, catch you later." Fie ran down the stairs.
The rest of us went on ahead, and we battled our way through many small archaisms through the long corridors and hallways. We also had to contend with the Imperial soliders that were loyal to General Craig, I chose to go after the archaisms since I can tear those down without hesitating. After making our way up the floors, we reached a large hanger area where three Soldats were waiting.
"Rean...Alex...and Class VII? What in Aidios's name are you doing here?!" The one in the red Soldat asked.
"Wait a second...is that you, Alan?!" I responded.
"So it is you all. I haven't been briefed about this! What is going on? And why are we even bringing out these weapons just to deal with a handful of intruders? Just a few 4th Armored Dvision soliders is all it would take to subdue them!"
"What's wrong with you?" Juna asked. "You're a Graduate of Thors, aren't you?"
"I am...which is why I don't understand this at all! Don't you give a damn about the future of Erebonia?!" The red soldat raised its sword at us. "Why are you trying to jeopardize it? You may be my former classmates, but right now, you're the enemies of the Empire, me, and Bridget!"
"Oh, Alan...that curse is screwing you up." I shook my head. "Rean, you ready?"
"Yeah, I'll make sure yours is brought in as well." Rean raised his hand. "Heed my call! Valimar, the Ashen Knight!"
Valimar appeared and so did my silver soldat, we got into them and started the battle.
*Battle Skip*
We won, and the three soldats were on their knees.
"Screw you all...menace...to the Empire...to Bridget." Alan said before he fell unconcious.
We then got them out of their soldats and it seems the curse was indeed affecting them. Some of the Imperial soldiers from earlier showed up and they volunteered to look after them whilst we went on ahead, going up one last floor before we finally reached the commanders room.
"There you are. We've been waiting." Olaf said as we entered the room.
"Dad! Lieutenant Colonel!" Elliot replied.
"You okay, Tita?" Agate asked.
"We're all right...but what about you?" Tita responded. "We heard about one of you...growing a tail."
"Oh, you mean this?" I asked as I lifted up the cape to reveal my tail.
"So it's true, it's starting to affect you." Alfin said. "I can't help but worry for you, after all we've heard."
"General Craig...Lieutenant Colonel Neithardt, you have my thanks. I know with you, they've been in good hands." Rean said.
"Naturally. We could do no less for Her Highness, nor a student of Thors." General Craig replied.
"Though perhaps it wasn't quite the most entertaining of stays." Neithardt said.
Juna laughed a little. "Well, it can't be half as bad as being stuck with Marquis Ballad for company."
"Agreed. That would be tantamount to torture." Altina said.
I chuckled. "I almost feel bad for him...nah, not really."
"That said, my commendations to all of you for making it thus far." General Craig said. "I have to say I'm impressed. Not even the full might of the 4th Armored Division was enough to stop you. You've done your father proud, Elliot. Gone is the cute, little cherub I once cradled in my arms."
"Aww, come on, Dad. Do you really have to call me that in front of everyone?" Elliot asked. "You should already know this by now. We won't let anything stop us. We decided we were gonna win, and that's what we'll do."
"My boy..."
"It does me a great honor to see how immensely you've grown in the many years I've known you." Neithardt said. "Schwarzer, Young Vander. It seems you've started to break free from the doubts shackling you."
"Yes. Thanks in no small part to everyone who's stood by our side." Rean replied.
"And you as well, Alexander Damon. While time remains unkind to you, you have also grown into a powerful young man. Your father would've been proud of you, I am certain of that."
"Ah...so you two found out?" I responded.
"Just the surname alone. Any details behind the name remains a secret. According to Her Highness's wishes."
I then looked at Alfin who smiled at me and I smiled back as if to say 'thank you' to her.
"Anyways, we have come a long way and we've always rose to the challenge." I got my gauntlets out. "I won't use extreme force for this duel, but I will give you all I have, not as a demon lord, but just me."
"He's right. We owe it to them to rise above you...and come out on top." Rean said.
"Lieutenant Colonel. To you, I may still seem young and inexperienced." Kurt added. "But there's no better way to prove how far I've come than giving you my best fight!"
"Yeah, I'm right behind you, Kurt!" Juna agreed.
The Imperial Generals seemed impressed, then they drew out their weapons.
"This will be your final test!" General Craig said. "Prove to me your strength and resolve! Prove that you can still stand tall against an empire driving itself to despair and destruction!"
"We will!" Rean replied. "Let's go everyone!"
"Heck yeah!" I exclaimed.
*Battle Skip*
Well, they weren't called Imperials for nothing, both the General and Neithardt pushed us very hard, but we still won.
"Wow...talk about...exceeding your own body." I panted.
"Looks like...we did it, guys." Rean said.
"Hah...remarkable." Neithardt replied. "I didn't expect you to measure up to us so quickly."
"Hahahaha! Measure up to? Why, they utterly crushed us!" General Craig said. "You've more than proven to me that you possess both the strength to fight for what you believe in and the resolve to guide you there."
"Dad." Elliot replied.
Alfin ran up to Rean and cuddled him, I guess she missed him a lot.
Tita then ran up to Agate and she hugged him tight. "Agate!"
"Woah, Tita! What you scared I wouldn't win or somethin'?" He replied.
"Ohhh, don't you start that. You're always, always looking for trouble! Did you even consider how dangerous this all was?!"
Agate chuckled as he hugged her back. "Calm down, it wasn't all that bad. It's not like I came on my own after all. Besdies, I'd do anything to come rushing to save you."
"Well, look at that." I winked. "I guess even a tough guy can be a softie."
He looked at me. "Shut up!"
Juna giggled.
"Your Highness, I hope you can forgive me for taking so long." Rean said.
"Speak nothing of it! You don't need to apologize at all!" Alfin replied.
She then pulled away and suddenly hugged me.
"Woah!"
"I'm so relieved you're all right as well, after what happened to you at the Gral." She replied. "I once thought I wasn't gonna see you again."
"Alfin...honestly, I feel so lucky to be still moving." I accepted the hug. "But compared to what Rean and I have been through, it must've been heartbreaking after what happened to Olivert."
She nodded sadly.
"I feel mad at myself for failing to protect your family like I promised. But I can let it go, after hearing from both of your parents, who do not blame me for what happened."
"And they're right. You shouldn't blame yourself for something that was out of your control. Because after all, you did what you promised my mother, didn't you?"
I nodded. "Yeah, she wanted me to find and rescue you, and with the help of my best friends, I was able to do that. It feels good to actually succeed after we fallen to the enemy so many times."
"He's right." Rean said. "You should be proud of how strong you are. Elise is proud to have a cherished friend like you. And best of all, we're glad to even know you."
"Oh Rean...you and Alex really are far too kind and selfless for your own good." Alfin replied as she pulled away. "No matter how you both look, you'll always be the two friends I cherish, as if you were my brothers."
I laughed nervously. "Woah, let's not go that far, shall we?"
"Elliot, my son and shine. You've made a fine man of yourself." General Craig said. "I always knew you'd surpass me eventually. I just didn't realize the day had already come."
"Haha, I think it's safe to say that day is still a long ways off." He replied. "Still, all my progress I owe to you and my friends. In the end, it's Thors that made me into the man I am today. And even though it wasn't easy, I'll always be grateful you sent me there, Dad. Thank you."
"Oh Elliot...your mother looks down from the clouds with great joy...she would be so proud of you."
Just then, Fie and Fiona arrived and it seemed that there was something going on between Fiona and Neithardt, but I must had been hearing things. Of course, letting Alfin and Tita go would result in both General Craig and Neithardt being deployed to the front lines as punishment, but it was a risk they were willing to take for us.
"Well then, we should be off before the IDF groups arrive." I said.
"Oh, wait a moment." Alfin replied. "General, do you have the box ready?"
"Indeed, Your Highness." General Craig replied before going behind the desk and lifting up a small crate. "We were ordered to transfer this to you, Alexander."
"Me? What for?" I asked.
"I'll explain about that once we leave." Alfin answered. "So then, shall we be on our way?"
"Yeah, let's get back to the Merkabah." Rean replied.
We then left the fortress and with those two giving the orders, we were able to leave the area with Tita and Alfin on board. But before we could wrap up for today, there was one last thing to discuss.
"Alex, please open the crate." Alfin said.
We were in the storage room of the airship and I opened the crate.
"Huh? What are these cuffs?" I asked.
"Those are the new orbal cuffs. They were recently developed from a distant nation and were imported here through a private connection."
"Did you get the name or company that sent it?"
"All I was told, is that it was 'returning the favor' for when you did your secret assignments with Principal Aurelia."
Aurelia...so the secret tasks I did...they were all working towards this.
"So how do these orbal cuffs work?"
"From what Tita saw when we looked at them, each orbal cuff has an automated lock system. Once you place the orbal cuffs on someone, only you or Imperial soliders will be able to unlock them again. But that isn't all, they are installed with a designated teleportation system. Meaning that once they have been cuffed, they will shortly be teleported to an Imperial Military Prison."
"I see...to think these orbal cuffs could contain so much. I assume you've been told about what I must do."
"Yes. They did explain that you must sacrifice a few foes. But if you choose to not do that, then I would kindly ask you to have them arrested once they are defeated."
"Well, it'll be hard to do that with all of them, because they have ways of avoiding being cuffed, but I'll try my best."
She nodded. "That's all I can ask for, Alex."
"Right, time for me to call it a day."
"Okay, goodnight."
I left the storage room and went to one of the quarter rooms. With Alfin and Tita rescued, it was just Elise and Tio that we had yet to find. I then forgot something, I was supposed to talk to Rean after the mission. I guess I can ask him tomorrow.
Yeah, the orbal cuff idea seems a little far-fetched, but I was barrel-scraping for ideas at the time.
Next time! The battle of class pride is on the line, as the team of New Class VII return home to Leeves.