And with that I have all the chapters uploaded! So I will come out and admit this was merely to bait a troll, a certain person on fanfiction that absolutely loves to harass Fen and his friends. But well, he never took the bait, oh well. it was kind of stupid to even try or even attempt to do it when thinking back on it. I was wasting energy. Blegh.
But then over the course I decided to say, fudge it let's just bring this story back in it's entirely, and it took me a while to find the chapters. But between finding the ones I did have and then forgetting about uploading then, I kinda ended up letting this be in limbo for a while. Sorry about this you guys. Anyway, all the chapter of season 1 of Wizard of Zero are officially up! I know this story was rather beloved by a few people so I am happy to bring it back to you guys.
So some of you are wondering why not on his account, well, look above. Petty reason to try and get at someone. Yeah I know it's pathetic. Did Fen know about my pathetic attempt at a poor plot, eh kinda yeah kinda no.
At this moment I can't guarantee season 2 will be back, as I am still trying to see if I have any of the old files. Nor can I say if this will have a continuation, or be on here for long. I will alert you guys whenever or if this story will be deleted, but also where it will be located next. But at the end of the day, that is entirely Fen's decision.
Otherwise, this remains on my profile. Sorry for the long way for the final chapters everybody!
I HAVE BEEN GIVEN EXPLICIT PERMISSION TO UPLOAD THIS FANFIC
The group and I after a long walk returned to the village of Tarbes and back to Siesta's home where her family was. It was time I confronted them about the Zero Fighter and tell them what I saw.
When we got back, Siesta's parents were there. "Oh, you're back." Siesta's mother greeted.
"Were you able to see the Dragon's Raiment?" Siesta's father asked.
"Sonotori da (That's right)," I said, speaking in my native language. Both of Siesta's parents stiffened, looking at me in shock. "You understood that, didn't you?" I asked.
Siesta's father grimaced at that before saying, "Hai (yes)…"
I then started talking to them in my native language, but for you readers out there it will be italicized in English. Some of it that is, "So the man did come from Japan," I nodded. "As if the Zero Fighter and the memorial were enough of a clue,"
"Hai…" Siesta's mother said.
"Naze da (Why)…?" I asked. "Why would you hide such a thing besides the obvious?"
"Who would believe it?" she asked. "And if they did, chances are some noble would want to take it as some trinket to make them look impressive and force us to give it up."
"(Dakara) That's why…" I began. "That's why you let me take it."
Siesta's father looked surprised, "Nandato?!"
"I… can take it back to where it came from," I explained. "Colbert can study it to get it back to working order and when the eclipse comes, I can bring it back to Japan."
"Shikashi (But)…" Siesta's mother began.
"Wakatteru yo (I know)…" I said. "It's the family heirloom, but it's best that it goes back to where it belongs."
I didn't want someone stealing the thing and learning how to make the machine guns, as unlikely as that was. These people had an easy enough time killing each other with their magic. Also, if people learned about what it could do, which they would since many of the noble group weren't exactly the most ironclad secret keepers. People would hear, and if the wrong sorts heard of it they would want to take it for themselves.
Siesta's parents looked at each other in worry before Siesta's mother said, "Hontou desu ka (Are you sure)?"
"Hai…" I nodded firmly.
"Are you getting any of what they're saying from that strange language they're speaking?" Louise whispered to Professor Colbert.
"Not a bit," Colbert shook his head. "But it is fascinating."
The parents looked at each other before Siesta's father said, "Wakarimashita (I understand). We'll give the Dragon's Raiment to you."
I smiled at that before bowing saying, "Arigatou (Thank you)."
"Eh?" Louise blinked.
"Dou itashimashite (You're welcome)." Siesta's mother said, bowing back.
"Huh? What are they saying?" Kirche asked confused.
"How should I know?" Montmorency huffed. "Though I'll admit, that Kurogasa's language is rather unique."
"So… we get to bring the Dragon's Raiment back with us?" Colbert asked hopefully.
I turned to the professor and gave a thumbs–up. "We're good to go."
I swear the man looked like a kid at Christmas. "Splendid! I'll start making arrangements!"
(Cue Theme)
Colbert came through and managed to get a carting service to help begin to ship the Zero Fighter. He paid them extra to keep quiet about it in order to assuage any fears of trust that Siesta's parents had. Soon we had to leave, much to the disappointment of the kids who wanted us to stay longer. They all came to say goodbye as we loaded up. Siesta's own parents saw me off like a favored son… or maybe son–in–law with how they eyed me since I arrived.
"You can come back anytime you like." Siesta's mother said. "The kids would love to have you back."
"I'll try to do that," I nodded. "Even I need a vacation every now and then."
"Are you going to come back soon?" One of the kids asked.
"Maybe," I said. Of course, I said that, because I'm still deciding whether to go home or not.
After making promises to return sometime to each of the kids, we finally managed to get on our way. Siesta stayed behind since she was still on vacation. She was disappointed that I had to go, but I was the only one that knew anything about the Zero Fighter so Colbert had to bring me along lest he accidentally blow himself up or something while poking at the thing.
We were all in the wagon with Colbert driving it and the movers moving the Zero Fighter were right behind us. However, as we went along, I looked to Louise who looked worried. "Louise?" I asked. "Is something wrong?"
"Nothing!" she huffed.
"C'mon Louise, even I can tell it's a lie." I frowned.
"I said it's nothing!" Louise insisted.
"Look, if you're worried about me leaving, I still haven't decided yet." I sighed.
"I'm not worried!" Louise insisted, turning away. "You must be happy to be able to go home. I promised to help you when we first met anyway."
"Louise…" I said sadly.
This wasn't making my decision any easier.
LINE BREAK
We got back to the Academy and unloaded the Zero Fighter. Colbert was like a kid in a candy store, going over the machine inch by inch as he asked me question after question. It certainly didn't help when it came to students gathering around to see it too and I'm starting to get irritated right now.
"Okay, Okay, everyone calm down," I sighed, getting the chattering students to stop. "I know you're all curious about this object but if you want complete answers you're just going to have to wait until Professor Colbert publishes his findings."
"Awwwwwwwww…" The students groaned.
"I beg your pardon?" Colbert looked up at hearing his name, but then saw the students. "Oh now honestly, you all have your own projects to work on over the break. Shoo! Go get some work done. You can gawk at it later!"
"Awwwwwwwww…" The students groaned again before finally leaving.
I shook my head as I turned back to see Colbert looking over the engine of the machine, likely trying to figure, out how it worked. Derf wriggled from the sheath that's on my back before asking, "You seriously thinking about going home Partner?"
"I'm considering it." I said.
How couldn't I consider it? I had a life all built up back home in Japan. Louise plucked me up and took me away. Everyone who knew me must be freaking out at my disappearance. Then again… it's not like I have a family I can come back to…
This was going to be the hardest decision of my life.
I then noticed something at the corner of my eye and looked to see Louise looking at me. She noticed me looking and promptly sniffed and turned away, heading for the dorms.
"Dang it, my decision just got even harder…" I groaned.
"Yeah, a cute girl always makes things tough," Derflinger agreed.
"I'm gonna be missing a lot of things here if I leave this world." I said, looking back at the Zero Fighter. Of course, that was provided we could get the thing to work. Otherwise it was all moot.
"Yeah, you'd be missing a lot of things. Besides, things are always happening around here and it's been a wild adventure for ya." Derf pointed out.
"Yeah," I agreed.
Well, I still have some time before the eclipse, so until then, I'm gonna work on this Zero Fighter with Colbert.
LINE BREAK
Louise was walking towards her dorm room, being pompous as ever, but that attitude soon faded as she thought about the recent events. Kurogasa now had a way back home. He could go back home where he belonged, before she rather unfairly took him away just so she could prove she could cast magic. But… if he were to leave, then Louise would regress into the Zero she is. Plus, Kurogasa had told her that he'd be her hope. She knew he was in the right to go home, but she really hoped he wouldn't. Things were going so well since he came…
He showed he can cast magic, won the Familiar Exhibition, helped capture Fouquet, assisted in catching Turenne red–handed about his dirty deeds, and assisted in getting Wales out of Albion. Well… scratch that last part. But overall, things were going well for her ever since Kurogasa came. She just wasn't sure if she could keep doing well if he wasn't there to help show her the way. And with this Reconquista crisis on their hands, she needs Kurogasa now more than ever.
'Please stay,' she silently prayed. 'I don't want to be a Zero again. You said you would be my hope. I don't want you to go.'
LINE BREAK
Meanwhile, in Albion...
Inside what was formerly the castle of Albion's royal family, were three figures stood around a map of Halkeginia. Wiseman, Cromwell, and Wardes were looking down at the map, moving figurines representing soldiers and ships towards Tristain.
Cromwell was in a sour mood. His ring finger was reattached, but it was still bandaged and he needed constant medical attention to make sure it would heal properly or else it would be gone for good. His rebellion wasn't as successful as he had hoped either. Although for all intents and purposes Reconquista had won, the people weren't as accepting of them as he hoped. With Wales still alive, people still loyal to him held out hope for his return and no amount of his lies about the crimes of the monarchy would convince them otherwise. The people refused to believe the slander and still sided with the royal family. If only Wales was as selfish as his father had been, the slander would actually be working.
Wardes was a persona non grata in Halkeginia. He was traitor to the royalty and would be hunted down by law officers of every kind from the other countries. He was essentially jailed in Albion since he couldn't go anywhere outside of it. It was far from the kind of life he had been hoping to make for himself after he discovered Louise was a Void user and in line for a huge amount of power and prestige. He was supposed to become a powerful figure in Tristain, not becoming a fugitive with nothing to his name.
Wiseman, he didn't seem to care how many imperfections were going on in his allies' plans. He had his own plans and he didn't care about what his allies had planned unless it interfered with his own designs. Of course, they didn't need to know that.
"Our warship is ready to invade Tristan Lord Cromwell." Wardes began.
"Good," Cromwell nodded. "We should make the castle our top priority. Wales is likely hiding out there. If we can kill him and the Princess then our invasion will be a success as will our hold on Albion."
"Needlessly rushed, don't you think?" asked Wiseman, inwardly chuckling at the fool. His greed was making him hasty. Also, he honestly believed one warship was all that was needed to take Tristain, even if it was filled with the Dragon Knights, the elite of all mounted forces in Halkeginia.
"This is the perfect time to attack!" Cromwell snapped. "I will not rest until Wales is dead and that his head is on a plate!"
"Oh yes. That will endear the people to you," Wiseman snorted. "Savagely murder and kill anyone who opposes you. Isn't that what you told the people to get them to side with you in the first place? That the monarchy unjustly convicted and killed innocent people who spoke out against them?"
"Silence heathen! What I do is all for the glory of the Founder! It is my right to carry out his will!"
"Oh please. You've broken every commandment that Founderism set out in your little crusade," Wiseman laughed. "Stop hiding behind your image of a priest. We all know you threw that away for your greedy little crusade. Stop trying to act like one and instead act, like a general if you want your selfish little rebellion to succeed."
Wardes, although he didn't say it out loud, agreed. Hypocritical of him perhaps, but he was getting tired of Cromwell playing the part of the pious priest when everyone who knew the truth of the rebellion knew that he was greedy, corrupt, and selfish in pretty much every way possible. He wasn't crusading for the Founder, but because in all, his ego he seemed to think he deserved to lead Halkeginia. How he got that idea Wardes would never know beyond a guess at typical noble arrogance. Fortunately he was spared from that by having to work for his previous status.
"In any case, we shall our troops ready and set out on the day of the eclipse." Wardes said. "We will focus on an entry point to begin our invasion: The Village of Tarbes."
"What's so special about that place?" growled Cromwell.
"Absolutely nothing," Wardes answered. "That's why there will be no military there to fight us when we come in. No nobles are their either. It is filled with commoners and farms."
Cromwell chuckled evilly at that, "Excellent… Excellent…"
Wiseman nodded, "I can send agents to clear the way. I have Phantoms in Tristain who pose as traveling mercenaries or bastard children of nobles. They can make sure there is no resistance in the off chance the commoners fight back."
"Good. Good. See to it that the commoner don't resist."
"Then we are set to begin," Wardes nodded.
"Yes we are…" Cromwell chuckled. "Soon, all of Halkeginia will be mine."
LINE BREAK
I sat in the cockpit of the Zero Fighter, gripping the controls. I had learned that since the whole machine was considered a weapon, by my standards, I could fly and use the whole thing just by holding onto it thanks to my Gandalfr runes. I could fly like an expert and probably gun down anything I wanted thanks to those markings.
"Okay, this is the throttle, this is the brake, and here's the button to fire off the guns…" I said to myself.
"Pretty cool machine here if half of what you said about it is true," Derflinger praised.
"Well it's all thanks to the runes." I said. "I completely have no clue on how to fly this plane, but as soon as I touch it with my hand that has the runes, I'm suddenly an expert at it."
"Handy, isn't it?" asked my sword.
"It sure is." I grinned.
Still, I couldn't fly the machine yet. Colbert was still trying to figure out how to replicate the fuel. There was some left in the tank he could collect. Of course, I had to keep him from blowing himself up when he was about to light a fire spell so he could see inside the fuel tank.
Oh and there were very few bullets in the machine gun turrets, so I asked him to replicate some too so that I can have full ammo.
I didn't have much hope that he could, considering that precision machinery was needed to make the bullets, but I was hoping that he could figure out something which could make the machine, battle worthy again. I did promise Siesta's parents I'd take it back to Japan but… something in the back of my mind was telling me making the Zero Fighter fight capable again was a good idea.
"Hey Derf…"
"Yeah," Derf asked.
"If I decided to go home, what's going to happen to ya?"
"Well… I was kind of hoping I could go with you," Derflinger replied. "Otherwise I'd probably end up back in the bargain bin somewhere."
"You'd go with me?" I asked.
"Of course, we're partners for life!"
In a way, that made me feel better about my decision. If I left, I'd bring a piece of Halkeginia with me.
"And besides, I kinda like to see what your world is like if you ever do go back home."
"It is wild compared to this place," I teased. "It's good you don't have a head or it would explode from how awesome it is."
"Hahahahaha, that gets even more excited!" Derflinger laughed.
I laughed heartily. The lighthearted moment helped me feel better about the whole thing. It would be nice to have Derflinger around if I left.
"It looks like we're made for each other after all." I chuckled. "Thanks, aibou,"
"No problem!"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, THIS IS HORRIBLE!"
I blinked and looked around to the source of the screaming. It was Guiche coming in, riding on a horse coming back to the Academy. He must've been doing some kind of errand after we got back, but with the horror expression on his face, something has to be up.
"Hey Guiche," I shouted.
Guiche looked around and noticed me. "Ah, Kurogasa, it's terrible!" Guiche yelled, riding his horse over to me and stopping near the Zero Fighter.
"What? What is it?"
"It's Albion! They just renamed it Reconquista and has declared war on Tristain!"
WHAT?!
"Get the message to the Headmaster right now!" I barked, causing Guiche to nod and make a break for the school again. I hopped out of the plan and ran to find Colbert, "Professor!"
"Huh?" Professor Colbert asked turning around to see me. "What's wrong?"
"I need the fuel and bullets ready! Reconquista has declared war on Tristain!"
"Dear Founder!" Colbert gasped. "They can't! They just took over Albion! There is no way they have the logistics to make a successful invasion! Even if they have the advantage of flight, they can't have the resources to make it work!"
"You never met Cromwell," I shook my head. The man was as egocentric and arrogant as they came. Knowing that, he probably believed since they just took over Albion, they could use that momentum to take Tristain.
"In any case, you need to make that fuel and the bullets now!"
"But what about getting home?"
"Screw it! I'm not going home!"
Professor Colbert looked shocked, "What?!"
"I can't leave this world as it is now." I said. "Back in my world, I've practically lived my life aimlessly without a purpose in life. But now I do. I'm a Kamen Rider that can cast magic and as a Kamen Rider, it's my duty to protect this world!"
"Guess you made your decision Partner!" Derflinger laughed.
"You bet I did!" I grinned. "Professor, can you make the fuel and bullets faster?"
"I'll try my best." The Professor nodded. "I'll go all night making them if I have to."
"Good." I nodded back.
LINE BREAK
In Castle Tristain, all was not well in the royal court. News of Reconquista declaring war on Tristain has reached the castle and the entire royal court was in an uproar. All Tristain's General met with Wales, Henrietta, and the Queen for an emergency meeting and right now, they can't decide the best course of action on how to deal with such a situation.
"I'm telling you the Dragon Knights will be the ones to lead the charge!" Wales insisted. "They are the only airborne units Albion has aside from our ships and those are too sluggish and slow to lead a charge. They will likely only be transporting troops. You must prepare the Griffon Knights to meet them!"
"But our Griffon Knights don't stand a chance against those Dragon Knights!" One of the generals countered. "Not to mention that our own Griffon Knight Captain has betrayed us all!"
"Well obviously there is a vice captain isn't there?" Wales shot back. "And I know the maneuvers of the Dragon Knights as well! I was made to train with them growing up!"
"And if you were to die, right there in battle what are we to do then?!" A second general asked.
Wales flinched at that. Henrietta and the Queen could only look at Wales in worry.
"So I die," he finally answered. "Better that while fighting to free my people than hiding like some recluse. I'll write down everything I know about the Dragon Knights so your men may study it in case of my… demise."
"Wales, you–" Henrietta began standing up from her throne.
"I have to Henrietta." Wales said, turning to her. "My people are suffering because of Cromwell. They don't deserve any of his cruelty."
"If you ask me they welcome him with open arms. Shows how loyal the people of Albion are," one general sniffed.
Henrietta's eyes narrowed before she said, "There is another option!"
"What option your Highness?" asked one of the generals.
"We will place our hopes on one man." Henrietta said firmly. "One who has called himself the Diamond of Justice in the Rough the Oppression; The Jewel of Hope unearthed from the Sands of Despair."
"You mean…?" asked Wales. "Him…?"
"Yes. Him…" Henrietta nodded.
"Who is this "him" you are referring to?" another general asked.
"A… special agent to the crown," Henrietta explained. "He was the one who hunts down those beasts who masquerade as our people. He rooted out the corruption within our noble offices, and he was the one who evacuated Wales before Reconquista could complete their assassination attempt."
"She is right. I have seen it for myself. He is a man like no other." Wales added.
"Do you really expect us to put the hopes and future of Tristain on one man?!" the first general asked incredulously.
"He has done more in the short time here than anyone else has," Henrietta replied. "There are worse people we could trust."
"But–"
"My decision is final." Henrietta said. "He is a man that I would trust with my life. We are putting all our hopes on him. Do I make myself clear?"
"In the unlikely case he fails, we can always prepare a counteroffensive while the enemy is still recovering from his attack," Wales offered to the generals.
The generals looked at each other in doubt and worry, but eventually, the first general sad, "Very well, we will trust your judgment Your Highness."
Henrietta nodded then turned to one of the soldiers in the room. "Excuse me, sir knight."
"Your Highness!" the solider saluted.
"Send a messenger to Tristain Academy. Tell Headmaster Osmond that I require the presence of Sir Kurogasa."
"Yes Your Highness!" The soldier saluted before leaving the room.
LINE BREAK
Nighttime fell and the Academy was all in an uproar. The Headmaster called all the students and staff to meet in the main assembly hall for an emergency meeting. All of the students stood in front of the staff with worried looks on their faces and I don't blame them. How were you supposed to react when you heard that an enemy country has declared war on yours?
The students were going to be sent home until the battles were over, but I heard a number of the male students say they were going to enlist, or their families told them to enlist for the sake of their honor.
As admirable as it is, I find it very foolish and stupid that one would throw away their lives for honor. It doesn't mean crap when you die. Once you're dead, you're dead. You can't come back to life. Life is the most precious thing that one must always cherish and treasure, not something you should throw away like it was trash. Giving up your life for a good cause was one thing, but for something as simple as because your family expected it was just a stupid reason.
However during the meeting, I noticed that Louise wasn't here. I wonder where she is.
"Hey Kirche, have you seen Louise anywhere?" I asked.
"Not that I recall," the flirty redhead denied. "Oh, but you're invited to come to Germania with me until this rides out!"
"Thanks for the invite, but I'm not going."
"Oh Why not," Kirche pouted.
"I'm going to fight in this war."
"You're what?!" Kirche gasped. "But–"
"I'm not leaving this world as it is Kirche." I said turning around with my back facing her. "Besides… Louise needs me now more than ever."
Kirche was silent for a moment before saying, "Kurogasa… could it be that you–"
"No… I don't think of Louise that way." I answered. "She's like a little sister to me. I have to fight in this war… to protect those who are precious to me…" With that, I left without another word.
I ignored the sounds of her swooning as I left.
I continued walking around the campus until I came up to Louise's room. When I did, I knocked on the door before opening up and I saw Louise… packing up a few things in a small bag?
"Louise, what are you doing?"
"Isn't it obvious? I'm going to the castle. I'm joining Henrietta in the war."
"YOU'RE GOING TO WHAT?!"
"I didn't stutter."
That was when I went up to her and held Louise's arm. "No Louise, I'm not letting you."
"You don't tell me what to do!" she snapped at me.
"I have every right to!" I snapped back. "I can't lose you in this war!"
"Well I can't abandon Henrietta!" Louise frowned.
"And I can't have you get yourself taken by Reconquista! Do you have any idea what they will do once they capture you?!"
"I'm willing to take the risk!" she retorted.
"I'm not!" I frowned. "They have WISEMAN on their side, remember?! An army of Phantoms may be in the invasion and you know how well the soldiers can fight them!"
"But–"
"I'M NOT LETTING YOU GO!" I shouted loudly. In fact, it was so loud that Louise looked scared. I realized it then bowed my head down, the bangs of my hair covering my eyes. "Please don't go…" I trembled. "I can't lose you… I can't lose you like I lost my parents…"
"Kurogasa…" Louise whispered.
"You're like a little sister to me… to me you're the only family I have left…"
Things were silent for a while before Louise said, "Kurogasa… you never talked about how your parents died."
"I didn't," I nodded, but didn't say any more. Please don't ask…
"Can you…"
"I can't…"
"Please Kurogasa…" Louise said. "I want to know… maybe your story can convince me not to go, since you're that insistent."
I grimaced, but conceded, "They… were taken…"
"Taken?" asked Louise. "Were they…?"
"Not in the literal sense," I sighed. "Dad died in an accident and Mom… just wasted away."
"W–What do you mean?" Louise asked.
"My dad Kyoshiro, died in a work related accident. My mom, Yukina, and I were so devastated to hear of his death… especially her. In fact… she was so devastated that her health deteriorated and she got really sick to the point where she was bedridden most of everyday. I had no choice but to drop out of school just so that I can take care of her as best as I could. But… in the end, she…"
It was like she just wasted away and no one could do anything about it.
"Kurogasa…"
"I couldn't do anything… I couldn't save her…" I trembled as tears now streamed down my face. Louise felt her own eyes tear up before she reached out and hugged me. "L–Louise…?" I gasped.
"It's okay," she whispered. "You don't have to hold it in."
"Wha–"
"Let it out… I won't judge…"
I think that was the first time I cried over my parents for a long time.
LINE BREAK
It was already the next day and by the time I woke up, I felt my eyes being a bit puffy. I must've cried the whole night. In a way I felt better about letting that old pain get off my chest.
As my vision cleared, I realized that I was lying down in Louise's bed with Louise sleeping next to me…
…
…
…
…WAIT A MINUTE! DID LOUISE AND I DO– OH NO!
Okay, keep calm! Nothing bad happened! Nothing at all! I looked down under the covers and saw… my clothes were still on… Phew… okay… I was worried for a minute for there…
I looked over to Louise and saw that… her clothes were on… okay… so nothing happened…
"Mmmmmmmmm…" Louise mumbled. Okay, just slowly slip out and no one will ever know…
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*
Crap!
"Munya…?" Louise mumbled, waking up.
"Uh–oh…" I gulped. Gotta dart out of here!
"Sir Kurogasa, are you here?! You have been summoned by Princess Henrietta!" A voice said from the other side of the door. I all but teleported out of Louise's bed so it looked like nothing bad went down. I didn't even want Louise to even think anything went down other than a much needed comforting. Nothing improper happened. Nope!
The person that was at the door was startled for a bit and it happened to be one of those messengers from the palace. "Hi," I smiled weakly. "Could you repeat that? I don't think I heard that properly?"
"Yes. Princess Henrietta has requested your appearance at the castle." The messenger said.
"I'll set off right away then," I nodded.
"Very well, I shall wait for you at the entrance of the school and escort you there."
"Won't be a moment," I nodded as I brushed past him to head to my modest little home. I needed a change of clothes for this trip.
LINE BREAK
After writing a note to Louise, saying that I'm heading to the palace to meet with Henrietta, I went back to my modest home and gathered the necessary things that I would the need for the journey and after that, I rented one of the horses from the stables and rode with the messengers to the palace.
I didn't want my bike scaring people in the midst of an impending war.
We've been riding on the horses for quite some time, and after riding for some time, the messenger and I arrived at the entrance of the palace and two more soldiers took the horses before the messenger escorted me to Henrietta.
I was taken to the throne room where Henrietta, Wales, and the Queen were looking over maps and reports of the impending war and where it was likely to begin. No one looked optimistic, especially since Albion had the air support Tristain didn't.
"Your Highnesses, I have brought Sir Kurogasa over!" The messenger said.
"Ah, splendid," Henrietta looked up with a smile.
"Hi Henrietta," I smiled.
"Welcome," she nodded back despite the gasps of outrage from the generals for my informality. "I wish it were under better circumstances."
"Yeah, I know." I said. "It's good seeing you too, Wales."
"Indeed," the banished prince agreed.
"Hold on…" One of the generals said. "Is… this the man you said to put all our hopes on?!"
"Yes," Henrietta nodded.
"Y–Your Highness, this young man is only an adolescent! You're putting Tristain's future on an adolescent?!"
"Hey, I'm 17 you know!" I snapped.
They didn't seem impressed with that.
"Even so, he has done more than all of you could've done put together." Henrietta frowned. "Who was it who captured the famous thief Fouquet? Who battled the monsters which began plaguing our people under our very noses? Who snuck straight into Albion during the civil war? Who rooted out corruption among our nobility when all of you were toasting at parties and sending out men in shows of force?"
All of the generals flinched at this and looked very uncomfortable and guilty like they just got caught stealing a cookie from the cookie jar without asking permission.
"This young man before you is but a humble commoner, yet he acts how a true noble, should be: To go beyond the call of duty and protecting those who can't fight for themselves. He is truly a Diamond of Justice in the Rough of Oppression and a Jewel of Hope unearthed from the Sands of Despair."
"You flatter me," I smiled.
"It's not flattery." Henrietta smiled back. "You truly deserved to be credited for and be called that. You've shown that through your own actions and have done things no noble even dared to do."
"I do my best," I nodded. "I assume my talents are going to be needed here?"
"Yes. As you already know, but Reconquista has declared war on Tristain." Henrietta began.
"Yeah, I know that much." I said.
"What remaining sources we have say that they have already launched an invasion," Henrietta continued.
"How many are we talking?" I asked as I approached the table.
"One warship," Wales replied.
"…One? Just one…?" I blinked.
"Cromwell believes he needs no more than that, loaded simply with the Dragon Knights," Wales shook his head.
I sighed, "Okay, Cromwell must be downright crazy or just plain stupid to think that's enough. Or else he really believes the Founder is on his side in his so-called holy mission to kill and conquer. How else can the guy think he can win with just that?"
"He's targeting the Village of Tarbes." Henrietta said.
WHAT?!
"Oh no…" I gasped. This was not good at all! Siesta's still there! "So where do I come in?" I asked, hoping Henrietta would say I'd be shooting the ship down.
"This is rather unorthodox, but… since Wardes has been branded a traitor, until a new replacement is found, I want you for this battle to lead my Griffon Knights and assist them in battling Albion's Dragon Knights."
I raised an eyebrow, "You want me?"
"Yes. I trust you with them."
"Okay…" I sighed, seeing she wouldn't be dissuaded. "What do you need of me for this plan?"
"We need you to distract Albion's Dragon Knights with the Griffon Knights. In the meantime, you and two escorts will separate to bomb the warship while the ground forces deal with the Albion soldiers there."
Okay is it just me or am I seeing a Battle of Yavin reference from Star Wars: Episode IV?
Too bad I couldn't ask because I was pretty sure people in the know would say yes. Of course, it'd be awesome to recreate that scene!
"Alright then, consider that done." I said.
I hoped the Force was with me on this one.
"Thank you Kurogasa." Henrietta smiled. "I'm counting on you."
"So am I." Wales added.
"I'll do my best." I nodded.
LINE BREAK
After the meeting, I left the room and used the Connect Ring to get back to Tristain Academy…
…
…
…
…Wait a minute! Why didn't I think of that sooner?!
"Wow, you could do this all the time?" asked Derflinger.
"It's what I should've done the whole time." I said. "It certainly saves me time from going by horse or bike."
Ah well, I could dwell on that later. I had things to do.
"Kurogasa, thank goodness I found you!" Colbert shouted as I saw him run towards me.
"Oh hey," I waved. "What is it?"
"I'm happy to tell you that the Dragon Raiment's is filled up with fuel and the bullets are all loaded into it."
"You managed to replicate it all?" I blinked.
"Yes I did. Of course, it took me all night using my chemistry set and my magic, but it was worth it."
"Perfect timing," I nodded. "Henrietta's assigned me to lead the charge with the Griffon Knights."
"Her Highness, said what?!" Colbert asked shocked.
"I was surprised too, but she wanted me to lead the charge."
Colbert looked stumped.
"In any case, I better get prepared for today's battle. Can you run through a final check with me?"
"O–Of course."
So with that, Colbert and I went back to the Zero Fighter and we ran through some final checks with it before it was ready to go. However, as we did that…
"Professor, can I ask you something?"
"Yes."
"This is gonna be my actual first time of battling against other people. Not just Phantoms, but… actual people… To be honest, I don't want to kill people and dirty my hands in their blood. I'm not the kind of person that becomes judge, jury, and executioner for a person's life. I mean, who am I to judge?"
"I see…"
"And thinking about that, makes me wonder if I'm actually doing the right thing…"
"That is a hard question," Colbert nodded, adjusting his glasses.
"Yeah, it is." I said. "I'm sorry if I'm candid about it."
"No, it's ok." Colbert waved off. "But if you want an answer, in general, killing is something that you should never do. Once you make that decision of doing so, it will affect for the rest of your life and you will have to live with the consequences. As for your case, I can tell you are someone who wants protect those you care about and as long as you think about that, I'm sure that things will turn out okay."
I smiled weakly, "Sounds like good advice."
"Okay then, you are, good to go." Colbert said.
"Thanks." I nodded.
"Take me with you!" A voice shouted. The two of us turned to see… Louise?!
Uh–oh…
"Take me with you, Kurogasa!"
"Louise, don't you remember what we talked about? I'm not letting you go out on the battlefield!" I said, walking up to her.
"Either I go with you, or I go with the Princess!" Louise snapped. "Decide!"
I groaned and massaged my head. Now considering her size and disposition as a noble girl, I may have considered her outburst as a typical noble who wanted to get in on the fight for glory. However, I also knew Louise very well. I knew very well that she would go with Henrietta to Tarbes if she couldn't go with me.
"Ugh… fine, you can go with Henrietta to Tarbes." I said.
If she went with Henrietta, she'd stay on the ground and hopefully where the princess would be coordinating attacks. Most of the battle would be going on in the air since according to Wales; Cromwell would likely want to keep the advantage to the skies with Albion's resources. So long as no ground troops invaded, the girls would be okay.
Louise nodded, "Good! Now, where will you be?"
"I'll be in the Zero Fighter, in the air, leading the Griffon Knights to attack the warship."
Louise sputtered, her eyes growing wide, "WH–WHAT?! You're going to be in the middle of it all?!"
"Well, because of the Phantoms which are going to be there since Wiseman is with the rebels, and because of our string of successes in secret missions, Henrietta asked me to lead the Griffon Knights on their, charge so that we can fight off the Dragon Knights and any Phantoms they may bring along. Speaking of, I should really brief those guys on what Phantoms can do."
"Have you gone demented?!" Louise shrieked.
"No, I'm actually serious." I said calmly.
Yes, it was a very unusual tactic to have a virtual unknown leading the charge, but considering the presence of Phantoms, I had to be there. From what I knew from Cromwell, he was going to pump as many Phantoms as he could into the invasion so he could tilt things in his favor. The Dragon Knights were just going to be his main forces… hopefully. The Phantoms were going to be the special assets.
"I don't believe this…" Louise groaned.
"At least, you'll stay from Wardes and Cromwell since you're staying with the Princess."
"Huh?" Louise looked up.
"Louise, they know you're a Void user," I explained. "That means you are a primary target. So either they're going to want to capture you so Cromwell can use that blasted ring on you to turn you into his Holy Maiden to convince people his cause is backed by your Founder, or just kill you before you can figure out how to use your power against them."
"I see."
I then placed my hands on Louise's shoulders. "I'm going to keep you safe Louise. I'm your Familiar. It's my duty as a Familiar, Gandalfr, Kamen Rider, friend… and brother… to protect you."
Louise face turned as pink as her hair and she began mumbling something, but I didn't get it before she promptly hugged me, for once uncaring about anyone who might see it.
"Don't die…" Louise murmured.
"Not in a million years," I smiled.
LINE BREAK
It was really early morning the next day arrived and Louise and I flew over to Castle Tristain, after final preparations and checks were made. I'm surprised, that this plane is still able to fly after all these years.
We landed outside the castle, just a short walk away. The servants and soldiers there openly gaped at us as we approached the castle.
"You go meet Henrietta," I said to Louise. "I need to go meet the Griffon Squadron and brief them on Phantoms."
"Right," Louise nodded before both of us got out of the plane and she ran off to inside the castle.
I got a guard to stop gaping enough to guide me to the stables where the Griffon Squadron were suiting up and preparing to head out. Wales was with the soldiers themselves, briefing them on what to expect from the Dragon Squadron while their squires set up the beasts themselves. Were it not for the situation, I would've been content to just gape at the beasts and try to pet one. I mean, real Griffons!
"Oh Kurogasa, you're here." Wales said after noticing me as I approached him.
"Your Majesty," I nodded, approaching the presentation. "I'm not interrupting I hope."
"Oh no, I've just finished briefing them on the Dragon Knights."
"Alright," I said. "Then it's time I did my briefing on the Phantoms."
"Phantoms?" asked one of the men.
"Yes. I'm sure you've all heard the rumors of strange creatures which attack seemingly random people?" I asked, causing several of the men to nod their heads. "Well I'm here to explain to you what they are because the source and leader of those creatures has sided with Reconquista and will likely have many of them as part of the invasion."
So I gave the men a brief summary of what Phantoms and how they come to be after that I gave them a brief summary on Wiseman.
"Wait, these creatures are born from our magic when we fall into despair?" asked one of the men.
"Yes," I nodded. "Magic responds to emotion doesn't it?"
"But I've never heard of something like this happening before!" called another soldier.
"Of course you wouldn't," I replied. "Phantoms can mimic the people they come from. They'd pick up right where the person they killed left off. No one would notice so long as they kept up the image which most nobles seem to place heavy importance on."
"So… one of us could be a Phantom?" warbled a cowardly soldier.
"Possibly," I said. "But that's why I'm around. You let me deal with those Phantoms when the time comes."
"What makes you so special?" demanded another officer, someone of high rank considering the frills he had on his uniform.
"My magic is specifically their weakness," I explained. "Regular magic does well, but it can take a lot. My power on the other hand can destroy them with one well–placed strike."
"That's impossible!" The officer shouted.
"I think the phrase you're looking for is, "Not probable." I retorted, "At least, for you that is. Anyways, you now know what these Phantoms are and what they can do. With that said, check everything one last time before we take to the skies."
I emphasized the Phantoms' tactic to induce despair in people and anyone who had magic would be a target. Unfortunately, I could guess that many of the officers were already worried about the campaign, and not in a normal way. Their captain had turned traitor and they were going to fight the Dragon Squadron, one of the elite squads in the continent. I could tell some of them wanted to give up. Phantoms in the fight would home in on that like bees to honey.
As the Griffon Knights were getting ready, Wales approached me saying, "Kurogasa, can I ask you a favor?"
"If you're asking me to look after Henrietta if you die, the answer's no." I said, not looking at him.
"W–Wha–"
"You're gonna get out of this alive Wales." I said, finally turning my head to him. "I told before, if you die, the rest of Albion dies. Not only that, Henrietta would fall into despair so much, she'll die as well."
"But you don't know–!" he tried to argue.
"Oh I do know!" I said. "I'm going to make it happen, Wales. I'm going to make sure you get out of this alive!"
"Kurogasa…"
"I also told you before in Albion, Wales when we came to rescue you… she already lost her father. She doesn't need to lose another loved one. I need you to trust me on this one."
Wales looked at me, but then smiled ruefully, "Truly I have a most stubborn friend."
"And a good one at that too," I smirked back. "Now c'mon, we got ourselves a battle to win."
"Right," Wales nodded.
LINE BREAK
Later on that day, we set out towards Tarbes. The Invasion Force had come, their one ship coming down and blasting a lot of Tarbes down just to make sure no one got any funny ideas. It just made my blood boil. No one in Tarbes even knew magic! They were innocent people who just couldn't fight back! And Cromwell just blasted at them! Why, because he thought it was funny or to crush resistance?
Anyways, I was flying in the Zero Fighter with the Griffon Squadron behind me. Surprisingly, the one I'm leading is called the Red Squadron. There were other colored squadrons in the Griffon Knights, so this was the perfect chance for this scene. Oh, and to make they hear what I said, the Griffon Knights use their wind spells so they can hear my words from the wind.
"All wings, report in!" I said.
"Red 10, standing by!"
"Red 7, standing by!"
"Red 3, standing by!"
"Red 6, standing by!"
"Red 9, standing by!"
"Red 2, standing by!"
"Red 11, standing by!"
"Red 5, standing by!"
Ha! I got my own X–Wing Squadron roll call! Was it nerdy of me to do it? Yes. Was it worth it in the face of this mission? Oh heck yes.
As we went towards the warship, the wind was starting to pick up a bit. "We're passing through some turbulence, hold tight! Cast your wind barriers, double front!" I added. The Griffon Knights did as told as we got closer.
"Look at the size of that thing!"
Can this day get any better or what?!
"Cut the chatter, Red 2! Accelerate to attack speed!" I said.
Despite I was all but re–enacting the battle of the Death Star, my mind was in serious mode again. We were heading in fast and I could see hatches along the sides of the ship already opening. No doubt the Dragon Knights were on their way to take us down.
And to add to that, there were cannons ready to fire at us. "Alright this is it! Red Squadron, I want you to draw in their fire, while I and two escorts start our attack run!"
"Yes sir!" the selected groups replied.
With that, we charged towards the warship and the cannons started firing on us and naturally, we all dodged them. "Return fire! Aim for the canons!" I barked at the attack units.
The Griffon Knights replied and they used their sword wands to cast wind magic at the cannons destroying or redirecting the cannon's aim. In the case of redirecting, I go in and shoot the cannons, destroying them in the process. I saw the men on the ship scrambling to try and reposition the canons or try and replace the ones which we had destroyed. I noticed more hatches along the side of the boat to open as blue dragons hobbled to the edges and opened their wings to prepare to fly.
"The Dragon Knights are deploying!" I bellowed. "Be ready!"
"Yes sir!" The knights responded. As soon as I gave the order, the Dragon Knights started flying over to meet with us and they began engaging, letting their dragon spit out fire at us.
I grimaced as I saw several of the Griffon Knights go down. Dragons had the natural advantage since they had long range attacks with their fiery breath. If the Griffons could just get in close, they would be able to win with their longer arm range and sharper claws, but the Dragon Knights were able to steer to try and keep their advantage.
But I had machine guns.
*RATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATA!*
I fired my machine gun as I took down some of the Dragon Knights as I repeated to myself, "Dragons not people, dragons not people, dragons not people, dragons not people."
My attack was something they couldn't comprehend. Dragon Knights who were way out of range from any magic attack were being shot down like flies. Plenty of them were starting to panic and lose their organization since they couldn't get what was cutting them down so easily. My Griffon Knights were getting more confident, but they knew not to get in front of me when I was shooting.
"Alright, Red 2, Red 3, come with me! We're starting our attack run!" I shouted.
The units came at my sides and we made another run at the warship itself. I wanted to aim for the steering wheel and the captain's quarters. One was to leave the ship unable to move and thus be one big fat target. On the other hand, I was thinking that Cromwell, seeing that his little plot wasn't going so well, would likely run and hide somewhere, likely his cabin. He struck me as the cowardly type.
However, that didn't go according to plan as a dragon got in my way and someone on it casted a wind spell at me, causing us to disperse. The one that attacked was none other than… Wardes!
"Oh great, figures he'd show up," I grumbled.
"Your life ends today Gandalfr!" Wardes shouted.
"Oh I don't think so!" I grinned, pulling the Zero Fighter around. Now this kill I wouldn't feel so guilty about. "Suck lead!"
*RATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATA!*
I fired my machine gun at Wales but his dragon gracefully dodged them.
"You'll have to do better than that Gandalfr!" Wardes sneered. Figures the one guy I was okay with killing would be better than the thugs he ordered around.
I swerved past Wardes, hoping for another round at him but he had agility on his side and managed to get behind me, launching more lightning at me. One bolt managed to nail the tail, causing it to smoke heavily.
"Crap, that's not good!" I gritted as I slowly descended down and was gradually losing altitude.
"Oi Partner, here comes another attack! Block it with me!" Derflinger shouted.
"Huh?" I asked confused.
"Just do it!"
Hitting the release to the cockpit, I allowed it to open before I drew Derflinger and held him up. He acted like a lightning rod and drew in the electric attack. I was expecting to be shocked, but instead all of the magic got sucked into the Hand Author.
"Whoa," I said amazed.
"It's pretty nifty, right?" Derflinger said cheekily. "I can suck up magic like its candy all day!"
That… would've been handy to know earlier, but whatever…
"Resist all you want Gandalfr, you will inevitably fall and your legacy will end here!" Wardes shouted.
"Like I give a crap about it," I snapped.
I managed to pull a turn around and began shooting at Wardes again.
But again, he dodged them. "I don't get it Wardes! Why side with the enemy?! Why betray all of those who looked up to you?! That especially includes Louise! And to be honest, I kinda looked up to you, since you knew what it was like to lose one's parents!"
"HA! You think you know me?! You couldn't be more wrong!" Wardes said. "It's true that I lost my parents, but I did not say how I lost them. And do you know what that is Gandalfr? They were murdered!"
"Oh? And I suppose it was one of their political rivals?" I snorted, hearing a monologue coming. That was fine. Keep him talking. Make him a target.
"Hmph… I don't need to tell you other than the fact that only desire kept me alive… desire for revenge."
"So you blame Tristain for letting the ones who did it get away," I frowned. "Even if it means hurting innocent people, making you an even worse monster than the one you want revenge on. Your parents must be so proud."
"You know nothing about them!"
"I know that no parent wants to see their son turn into scum like you!" I shouted. "I should know… I almost did…" I said, thinking about Kaa–san. Ever since she died, I was depressed, and in a few cases, I was somewhat of a delinquent and got in trouble with the local authorities, but it was thanks to my friends at school, like my best friend Koji that I was able to get out of it.
"You think your story, will guilt trip me?" Wardes sneered.
"No. Just distract you," I retorted, opening fire again.
…
…
…
…
But no bullets came out! Crap, I'm out of ammo! Wardes smirked and launched another blast of lightning at me. I maneuvered the plane to dodge, but it was too late as it hit one of the wings and fuel started to leak out, "Dang it!" The fuel was going to catch fire or run out soon enough and I had to consider bailing out.
"Man, I hate doing this." I said before putting on the Driver on and Hurricane Ring.
DRIVER ON! PLEASE!
I shouted, "Henshin!" before flipping the Hand Author and scanning the ring.
HURRICANE! PLEASE! FU! FU! FU, FU! FU, FU!
With no other choice, I leaped out of the cockpit and took to the sky and used my magic to start flying.
"I have you now Gandalfr!" Wardes crowed as he steered his mount towards me, seeing the Zero Fighter fall.
"Shoot," I gritted. "Alright, if that's how you want it, then fine by me!" I then took out another ring and slipped it on my finger. "Please let this work!" I said before flipping the Hand Author and scanned the ring.
MIRACLE! PLEASE!
My magic circle appeared and WizarDragon emerged from it in his giant form, bellowing.
"What in–!" Wardes got out.
"Burn him Dragon!" I shouted.
"With pleasure," Dragon roared before unleashing his flames at Wardes.
The flames came towards Wardes and the latter had no choice but to jump off his dragon and use his wind magic to keep him floating while his dragon was burned alive. I growled as I watched Wardes zoom back towards his ship. Likely he couldn't keep the flight spell going for long and needed to get back onto solid land before it failed. I couldn't let him get away, considering he was likely one of the commanders for the invasion forces.
But just as I was gonna go for Wardes…
"Hey Partner, look down there! Louise needs help!" Derf cried out.
"What?" I looked down to see where the familiar pinkette should've been. My eyes widened to see Louise, Henrietta, and Wales being harassed by the Ghoul Phantoms! "Dang it," I cursed, turning Dragon towards the approaching Ghouls. Swooping in low, Dragon unleashed streams of fire, igniting the Ghouls and causing them to go up like firecrackers. Swooping over the area, I saw Ghouls weren't just the only ones taking to the battlefield.
"Oh great… Medusa and Gremlin are here too!" I groaned.
"Did you expect them to be elsewhere?" asked Dragon as the surviving Ghouls stepped out of the way of the two Executives.
"Oh lookie, the Mahōtsukai is here!" Gremlin giggled.
"Of course he is." Medusa said. This battle just got a whole lot worse.
"Alright Dragon, let's burn those two!" I said.
Dragon bellowed and unleashed another stream of fire at the pair of Phantoms. They had the sense to get out of the way, leaping aside before they both began charging at the both of us. I quickly converted Derflinger to gun mode and shot at them to keep them back.
"Princess, Louise! Get to safety!" I yelled.
"Kurogasa," Louise and Henrietta gasped.
"Wales get them out of here!" I shouted. "This fight is mine!"
"Don't forget about me!" Dragon bellowed, belching out several fireballs at the Phantoms and Ghouls.
"Haha, you missed me!" Gremlin giggled, dodging them.
"Get serious, Gremlin!" Medusa snapped. Wales took Louise and Henrietta away from the battle, but it wouldn't stop the two Phantoms, "Ghoul Phantoms, after them!" Medusa shouted, "Those two Gates must fall into despair!"
"I don't think so!" I roared. "Dragon, Barbecue them!"
"As you wish," Dragon said before spewing flames at the group of Ghouls that tried to abduct the royal couple. The attack came through and the Ghouls were destroyed.
"Hey, you don't need to waste the Ghouls. We can just have the eclipse do the work for us!" Gremlin said.
Wait, what? What does he mean by… oh, son of a…
Looking up, I saw the moons beginning to align, slowly turning the sky dark. Horror dawned on me when I realized what Gremlin was talking about, "A Sabbath Ritual. You're attempting a Sabbath?!"
"I dunno, are we?" Gremlin asked rhetorically.
"You guys have any idea what you're doing?!" I snapped.
"Of course," Medusa chuckled, "Separating future Phantoms from human trash. With so many nobles, we will receive a small army's worth!"
"I won't let that happen!" I yelled.
"Oh really… can you reach Wiseman before the ritual is complete? I have a feeling you won't." Medusa said.
"Oh? Seems to me he likes to lord over everyone so where else would he be?" I asked, pointing at the boat. "He's not even a real Phantom you know. He was grown in a lab in the old world. One little blast of flame and maybe a real Phantom like you could take over."
"Hmph, patronizing me won't work." Medusa scoffed.
"But at least I tried." I said.
"Still no matter, I will not let you get to Wiseman. You will have to get past me and Gremlin."
"Not if I have anything to say about it!" A new voice shouted.
HUH?!
The new voice then said, "Hennnnnnnnnnnnn~ shin!"
SET!
OPEN! L–I–O–N: LION!
A gold circle burst from the forests Louise, Wales, and Henrietta were hiding in before a figure dashed through the circle, covering himself, in a suit of black and gold armor.
He was donned in a black bodysuit which covered him from head to toe. The shins and forearms were donned in gold protective armor with strong abdominal muscles outlines on the front. The chest plate was black on the right side, but gold styled after a lion's mane with the head of said lion existing on his left shoulder. The left side of his belt held a chain which was made of gold and adorned with several diamond–shaped metal rings made in an assortment of different colors. Finally the helmet was styled after a lion's head with large green compound eyes and a white mouth plate made to look like a beast's mouth.
Not to mention that what was around his waist was the Beast Driver! This was Kamen Rider Beast!
"You've gotta be kidding me!" I gawked in disbelief.
"So Chimera is here huh?" Dragon mused.
Man, that guy must be suicidal or something if he was using the Beast Driver. Chimera was a loaded gun waiting to go off in the user's mouth. Once he stopped getting mana, he'd eat his user's soul. Still, hopefully he was on my side in this.
"You jive–turkeys are going down!" Beast said.
Huh? This guy speaks disco? For some reason, his voice sounds familiar, but I can't put my tongue on it.
"Oh look, another one!" Gremlin laughed.
"Oi," Beast said looking at me. "Leave this ungroovy cat and fox to me, get to Wiseman! White Wizard should be there too facing him!"
He was here too?! Whatever, "Fine! Just take them down!"
"You got it!" Beast said, giving a thumbs–up, before turning to Medusa and Gremlin. He put his hand in front of the belt and a hilt came out of the lion's mouth, before pulling it out to reveal the Dice Saber, "Saa, lunchtime da!" He shouted before charging at Medusa and Gremlin.
"Alright Dragon, let's get to the ship!" I said.
Dragon flapped his wings and we took off towards the ship again which was still firing at my guys, but smoke was lifting from the ship itself still. No doubt the invasion wasn't going as smoothly as Cromwell had hoped.
BARRIER! NOW!
I looked down below to see the White Wizard battling it out with Wiseman on the main deck. And as of now, they were on par with each other as Wiseman fired a dark ball of energy at the White Wizard, only for the latter to block with his barrier.
GIANT! NOW!
I watched as the White Wizard's arm grew before he slammed it down onto the deck of the ship, trying to strike Wiseman. But Wiseman was able to dodge it.
"Okay, I'm going in!" I said, before switching rings and flipping the Hand Author. "I'll take over from here Dragon!"
FLAME! DRAGON! BOU! BOU! BOU, BOU, BOU!
I leaped down to land on the ship with Dragon behind me. He dissolved into flames which wrapped around me, changing me into my Flame Dragon Style. I landed on the deck of the ship, scorching the wood in a circle around me before I turned to the battle going on.
"Well, well, if isn't the Mahōtsukai." Wiseman said.
"You have arrived." The White Wizard said.
"I'm taking you down Wiseman! If you think you're gonna perform another Sabbath then you're dead wrong!"
"Oh? And can you stop the moons from moving?" Wiseman taunted. "No you can't. No more so than you can stop me!"
"Maybe, but I can at least stall you!" I shouted before charging at Wiseman.
"Hmph," Wiseman scoffed before throwing a ball of dark energy at me, but I swatted it away with Derf. I opened up the Hand Author on Derf and scanned a ring.
COPY! PLEASE!
Another Derf formed allowing me to dual wield and I clashed my blades with Wiseman who blocked the attack. "You really think that this Sabbath will do any good to you?!" I snapped. "At least Fueki did it to try and save Koyomi, no matter how degrading he had to go!"
"Will it do me, any good? When it will transform everyone in both armies in Phantoms so that we may begin a grand scale campaign?" Wiseman laughed. "Oh, I think it will."
"Then we'll stop you from performing the Sabbath." The White Wizard said before flipping the Hand Author and scanning a ring.
CHAIN! NOW!
Steels chains appeared from below the main deck and bound Wiseman. The White Wizard then switched rings and flipped the Hand Author twice before scanning it.
EXPLOSION! NOW!
The explosion ripped up the deck, but I had to shield my eyes so I didn't know if it hit Wiseman or not. Unfortunately, it didn't work as Wiseman was still alive and the explosion didn't do anything to him.
"Wow. He's tough," Derflinger commented.
"He ain't the leader of the Phantoms for nothing." I commented. "Either way, he has to go down! We have to at least stall him until the eclipse goes away!"
"But don't you need it to go home?" asked Derflinger.
"Not when there's Phantoms running around in this world. I'm staying."
"Hahaha, you really made your decision huh?"
"You bet I did." I said, before charging towards Wiseman again.
LINE BREAK
FALCO! GO! FA! FA! FA! FALCO!
Beast was passed over by his own magic circle which was orange, placing a mantle over his shoulder topped with the head of a hawk. After that, he flew towards Gremlin and Medusa, slashing them with his Dice Saber.
"Ora, Ora, Ora," he bellowed, slashing at the two.
"GRAH," Medusa and Gremlin shouted in pain as sparks flew off their armor and were sent tumbling to the ground.
Beast landed on the ground, "Okay, now for a final groove!"
He held up his Dice Saber and spun the wheel causing a drum roll to be heard as the die inside the Saber spun round and round. Then, using a Beast Ring that was orange and hexagonal, and has a glyph of a Falcon, he pressed the ring into a slot and the die stopped at six.
SIX!
A fanfare was heard then…
FALCO! SABER STRIKE!
Beast spun his sword in a circle, forming his seal before he slashed through it. Erupting from the circle were six energy falcons with their heads styled like his mantle. All six shrieked and dove at the two Phantoms.
Three of them went to Gremlin and the other three to Medusa, all hitting their targets. The pair of Phantoms went down hard, obviously in pain.
"Owie…" Gremlin whined in pain.
"Grrrrrrr…" Medusa growled. "We can't go on like this. We have to retreat."
"I won't complain," Gremlin groaned.
With that, the two staggered up and limped away as best as they could away from the battle.
"That's right! Get outta here jive–turkeys!" Beast shouted. "Well now, looks like my work here is done. I better get going." He said before flying off with his flying magic.
LINE BREAK
VERY NICE! KICK STRIKE! FABULOUS!
YES! KICK STRIKE! UNDERSTAND?
The White Wizard and I charged out attacks before taking flying leaps at Wiseman. We tucked in one leg and extended the other, coming down on Wiseman to perform our Rider Kicks.
"SEE–YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH,"
Before our finishers could connect with Wiseman, he brought up a barrier to defend himself. Flames and light crashed into the barrier as we pressed on forward. I wasn't going to give up! I refuse to let Wiseman win! I refuse to let more Phantoms be born into this world! I refuse to see anyone else die!
I then did something crazy and scanned my Kick Strike Ring again.
VERY NICE! KICK STRIKE! FABULOUS!
"What are you doing?!" White Wizard gasped. I ignored him as I scanned the ring a third time.
VERY NICE! KICK STRIKE! FABULOUS!
The magic circle passed over me again, intensifying the flames around me to immense proportions. What I'm doing is basically a magic version of Double, doing his Twin Maximum when he had to go against the Weather Dopant. I'm not gonna let Wiseman live through this one!
I released a roar that Dragon would be proud of as the flames around me took the shape of my Phantom. And soon enough…
*CRASH!*
I broke through the barrier!
"BAKANA," Wiseman gasped in surprise before our kicks smashed into him and sent him flying. He screamed as he was enveloped in flames before he vanished, falling right off the ship.
"That should finish him," I said as I panted.
"He's survived worst," the White Wizard remarked. "Are you alright?"
"Why shouldn't I–?" I then grunted as I collapsed to my knees, my armor vanishing right off my body.
"Mana drain," the White Wizard concluded.
"Okay, maybe I went a little over the top." I chuckled weakly.
"Come, let us return to your friends," offered the White Wizard.
"YOU'RE MINE GANDALFR!" Wardes suddenly shouted. Crap, I completely forgot he's here on the ship! Just as Wardes was about to launch a devastating wind spell, the White Wizard protected me with a barrier.
BARRIER! NOW!
The wind spell was blocked and then…
CONNECT! NOW!
The Hamel Cane appeared in the White Wizard's hand as he parried Wardes' sword wand. "Stay out of my way!" Wardes shouted. He looked absolutely insane. Probably after having his pride challenges so much he had snapped.
"I'm afraid I can't do that…" the White Wizard retorted as he shoved Wardes back, "I'm your opponent here."
Wardes roared and charged at the White Wizard who casually parried his attacks. The White Wizard tried for another wind spell but his wand sword was knocked out of his hand by the White Wizard. He then switched rings and scanned it.
CHAIN! NOW!
Chains burst out of magic circles, binding Wardes.
"Release me! Release me this instant!" Wardes ordered.
"Goodnight," the White Wizard concluded.
EXPLOSION! NOW!
The blast sent Wardes flying and crashing against the side of the ship. He then fell, unconscious.
"Is he dead?" I asked.
"No, just unconscious," the White Wizard told me. "He should be out of your way for a while. He won't be able to break free from those chains. He will have to face justice soon after this."
"Good…" I said before I looked up to see Cromwell on the upper deck looking terrified as ever. "It's over Cromwell! Surrender now!"
"NO! I WILL NOT!" Cromwell shouted. "WE WILL TRIUMPH! YOU CAN'T STOP US!"
"Fool. He's succumbed to madness," the White Wizard shook his head.
"YOU CAN'T STOP ME!" Cromwell shouted, "You know why? It's because I have her!" He said as one of his guards brought up… Louise?! What the– How did–!
"KUROGASA," Louise cried out.
"Louise!" I shouted back. "You bastard, how did you get her up here?! Let her go!"
"I know a few teleportation spells. And you seriously think I will release the Void Mage? Impossible! With her power we will change the world!" Cromwell declared.
"You are messing with powers beyond your comprehension," the White Wizard argued.
"It is not beyond mine!" Cromwell shouted. "Soon the whole world will bow before me! And there's nothing you can do to stop me!"
I stood up. Even if I couldn't transform or use magic in my weakened state, I wasn't about to allow Cromwell to use Louise like a puppet. No, I would not. I picked up Derflinger and then shifted him into Gun Mode before aiming at Cromwell.
"Ah, ah, ah, ah," Cromwell said before suddenly taking Louise from the guard and had his arm around her throat while holding her in front of him. "You try anything and she dies too."
"Hmph… who says I need to get through her?" I retorted before I fired the bullet. The silver bullet flew towards Cromwell. Then right as it was about to hit Louise it curved in the air. The bullet hit Cromwell in the arm and he screamed again in pain. At that point, Louise managed to get away and did the most crazy thing yet of jumping off the upper deck towards me and I managed to catch her, "Gotcha!" I said. "You okay?"
"Thanks to you," she smiled as she hugged me.
"You…" Cromwell growled as he cradled his injured twice. I think I had shot him twice now.
"Louise… descendant of the Void, now is the time to awaken your power." the White Wizard said.
"My power?" asked Louise.
"The power of the Void is within you. All this time you have been using spells from the other elements. Today, this time, at this very moment, call upon the power of Void in the name of the Void," the White Wizard instructed.
"How do I do that?" Louise asked.
"Close your eyes and look into yourself," said the White Wizard.
"Grrrrrrrrrrrrr…" Cromwell growled. "If I can't have the power of the Void then no one can! Men! Kill her!"
"Wizard, you must protect her. That is your duty as Gandalfr. Void spells take time to gather power in order for it to be effective."
"Alright," I nodded. "You got this, Derf?"
"Bring it on!"
"And as for added insurance," the White Wizard continued.
PLEASE! NOW!
The Wizard extended his hand to me and began feeding me his own Mana. I could feel it fueling me. "That should be all you need to protect her."
"Right," I nodded before I slipped on my Flame Dragon ring. "Let's do this!" I added before flipping the Hand Author.
SHABADOOBIE, TOUCH TO HENSHIN! SHABADOOBIE, TOUCH TO HENSHIN!
I flipped the visor of the ring down before shouting, "Henshin!" and scanned the ring.
FLAME! DRAGON! BOU! BOU! BOU, BOU, BOU!
My armor formed over me as the magic circle passed over my body. My red coat flew dramatically in the wind as it blew past me.
"You, who do you, think you are!?" Cromwell demanded.
"I am the Diamond of Justice in the Rough of Oppression! The Jewel of Hope unearthed from the Sands of Despair! I am Kamen Rider Wizard! Now, it's Showtime!"
BGM: Life is SHOWTIME
I leapt onto the upper deck with Derflinger to give Louise time to cast her Void spell. The White Wizard stood at her side, protecting her. My job was to buy her time and I was going to make sure we got out of this alive.
"KILL HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM," Cromwell shouted and his men went charging at me.
"You just don't know when to quit, do ya?" I asked as I slashed a soldier with Derf. "The curtain's going to fall on you in this final act we're performing!" I slashed another soldier. "Never again, shall you terrorize innocent lives with your so–called Crusade!" I then pointed threateningly at Cromwell, "So just take your final bow!"
"I will NEVER bow to the likes of you!"
"Oh really… well then let's see if this will change your mind!" I said before switching and scanning rings.
VERY NICE! SPECIAL! FABULOUS!
The Drago Skull emerged from my chest and I took aim. "Now, Dragon," I ordered. The Drago Skull roared as I was lifted off my feet. It then unleashed a blast of flames like a flamethrower straight towards Cromwell. Cromwell screamed as he was burned by the flames. He scrambled about as the flames continued to burn before he collapsed. I knew that I had killed him but he had given me no choice. I couldn't let him live and executed him on the spot.
I then jumped and rejoined Louise and the White Wizard.
"You killed him," the White Wizard spoke.
"He had to die," I justified. If he lived his followers would try to break him out of prison. Sure, there was a chance he might be executed but he could be broken free before that day arrived. I might as well do the world service and take out the corrupt priest. I then looked at Louise who seemed to be in a trance. "Is she…?"
"She's calling on the power of Void and I think she's almost done," the White Wizard said.
Louise's eyes snapped open and I gasped as they were glowing white. She then raised her wand high into the air, the tip glowing with a light that was becoming brighter and brighter with each second that passed.
And the world was suddenly bathed in white light.
End BGM
LINE BREAK
Louise woke up while I was in the middle of polishing my rings.
"Munya…" she uttered as she began to stir.
"Oh, you're awake," I said and her eyes widened as she saw me.
"Kurogasa!" she gasped. "Am I dreaming? Are you really here?"
"Yeah, it's me. This isn't a dream," he confirmed as he went and patted her head.
"But what about the eclipse?" she asked.
"I decided to stay," I told her. "My friends might miss me but they'll move on. Kinda wished I could tell them where I am but I doubt they'll believe it."
"So, you gave up your one chance to go home because of me?" she questioned.
"I promised to be your hope, Louise," I reminded her. "Also, this world needs me more than my own world ever did."
"Where am I?" she asked me.
"You're in the palace now."
"What happened?"
"Well, your Void magic wiped out the invasion force and you passed out," I told her.
"And what about Wardes and Cromwell?"
"Wardes was taken into custody and I killed Cromwell."
"What about the Ring of Andavari?"
"Well…"
Flashback
Kurogasa and the White Wizard survived thanks to the latter using a Barrier Spell to protect them both, the unconscious Wardes, and Louise. They saw the results of the destruction Louise made and he definitely burned the entire ship to a crisp. It was probably going to crash now.
"Whoa…" Kurogasa said in amazement.
"Yes… that is what the power of the Void is capable of." the White Wizard said. "Anyway, we should go. The ship is going to crash."
"Hold on." Kurogasa said. "I need to pick up the Ring of Andavari." He looked around and saw that the Ring of Andavari was still there and surprisingly was still intact. He was about to get it until a cloaked figure from out of nowhere and snatched the ring, "Hey!" He shouted.
"I'll be taking this." The cloaked figure said before jumping in the air using their magic to levitate.
"Give that back," Kurogasa shouted. "That belongs to the Water Spirit!"
"Sorry, but I need it for my plans! See you later!"
"Get back here!" He shouted, but the cloaked figure floated away higher into the sky.
End Flashback
"Then after that, we got you and the unconscious Wardes off the ship before it crashed." I finished. Thankfully, we avoided hitting the village. "And after that, the White Wizard left."
"So, there's someone with that ring," Louise sighed.
"At least we stopped the enemy for now." Wiseman was probably still out there and so were Medusa and Gremlin. Without the eclipse, the chance to perform the Sabbath was gone. However, Wiseman probably had a contingency plan. I was also very surprised that Kamen Rider Beast of all people would come out to help me. And for some reason, the way he talked sounded familiar, but I couldn't really figure out who it is. Oh well, I have a feeling I'll meet him again, so I'll thank him when I do.
At that point, the door to the room opened to reveal Kirche, Tabitha, Montmorency, Guiche, Wales, and Henrietta coming in, "Louise, you're okay!" She cried out, running over to her and tackle hugged her on the bed.
"Ah, Princess," Louise exclaimed in embarrassment as I chuckled.
"She stayed by your bedside most of the time you were unconscious." I explained. "She was pretty worried about you."
"I'm honored, Princess," said Louise before her stomach growled. It was so loud that all of us heard it and we laughed good–naturedly.
"You must be starving. I'll have a meal made for you," said Henrietta.
"And after that is the award ceremony." Wales smiled.
"Award ceremony…?" Louise blinked
LINE BREAK
So apparently, this whole huge award ceremony was all a big deal. These aren't one of those award ceremonies you would see on TV, but nonetheless it was a really big deal and Louise and I really had to look our best. While Louise wore her uniform, I wore my Flame Style jacket, but this time, it was all glittery red. While Louise was unconscious, after hearing about the award ceremony, I went to Ms. Quinn and had her make the same Flame Style jacket, but with more glitter to it making it shine sparkly red. That would probably indicate to some of you that this jacket will be Flame Dragon style jacket. Right now, all the nobles gathered in the throne room with all the students and staff of Tristain Academy on the sidelines as well. Wales and Henrietta were sitting on the thrones with Henrietta's mother next to her before the prince and princess stood up.
"People of Tristain, we have gathered here today to honor these two brave souls in serving our country in its time of need," Henrietta announced, standing in front of us with her staff held in hand. "For their service, they have our eternal gratitude. And I award them the Elven Medal for bravery and service above and beyond the call of duty."
The trumpets sounded as Louise and I stepped forward.
"Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière, your gifts have truly been granted to us by both God and The Founder. We are lucky to have you with us."
If Louise could have smiled any brighter, she would've been glowing. Henrietta moved to me before taking the last medal and pinning it over the crest on my chest.
"Kurogasa Kururugi. Though this is not your home and you were brought here without warning, I am pleased and relieved that Tristain has the support and protection of the Ring–Wielding Dragon Wizard. You are truly our Jewel of Hope."
"Oh gawrsh…" I said bashfully, with a blush. Wait why am I sounding like Goofy?
"I give your our heroes of The Battle of Tarbes!" Henrietta announced, gesturing to us. Louise and I turned to the audience and they clapped and cheered as the trumpets played another song for us. This was all becoming surreal for me. I, Kurogasa Kururugi, once a Tokusatsu fan that, am now Kamen Rider Wizard. I could hardly believe that I can use magic. This was all happening at once, it's crazy! But then again, the life of a Kamen Rider can be crazy too. I might as well get used to it, because I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. I will do whatever I can to protect this world. My Showtime is just starting and I better make it showy as best as I can. After all, I am the Diamond of Justice in the Rough of Oppression and the Jewel of Hope unearthed from the Sands of Despair!
Kamen Rider Wizard