"Thank you all for coming once again," said the Queen. "Though it seems Motoyasu could not make it."

"So, what's the situation, your highness?" Aris asked.

"I assume you all have encountered swarms of bat monsters, yes?"

Aris nodded. "Raphtalia, Filo, and Pit cleared out a swarm the other day after it started approaching Lighthaven."

"Yeah, we saw some, too," Itsuki added.

Ren nodded his head in agreement. "They don't seem to be related to the Waves."

"Yeah, about the Waves," said Aris. "The other day, after Raphtalia and the others got back from clearing out that bat swarm, the timer on my display disappeared."

Mirellia's eyes narrowed. "Then it's just as I feared. The Spirit Tortoise has revived its kingdom and is rampaging through our world."

"Spirit Tortoise?"

"Yes, the Spirit Tortoise." The Queen adjusted part of her dress. "It is said to revive itself and bring destruction to the world once every few centuries. I believe that the monsters you all encountered are products of its revival."

"And of course it chooses now of all times to start wreaking havoc," Ren sighed.

"We'll see what we can do," said Itsuki, "but I can't promise anything. Anyway, I should get going. I've got stuff to get done."

"So do I," said Ren.

The Bow and Sword Heroes got up and left the meeting room.

A moment of awkward silence ensued between Aris and the Queen.

"Have you found anything about Bitch's whereabouts?" Mirellia asked.

Aris shook his head. "Nope, haven't even bothered looking for her to be honest. She can stay gone for all I care."

"Fair enough," said the Queen. "I imagine you've been busy maintaining your new village."

"Yep," Aris affirmed. "Lighthaven isn't gonna lead itself."

"Does that mean you will stay there?"

Aris shook his head again. "No. The Rebellion and I will do everything we can to take down that overgrown amphibian. Count on it."

The Queen smiled. "I had a feeling you would say that."


BGM: Roxas - Kingdom Hearts II.5


Her smile faded, giving way to a somber frown. She seemed to be on the verge of tears. "The Spirit Tortoise has already destroyed a number of important places, namely border checkpoints, on its way here. Many have already lost their lives. I wish I could have done something to save them, but-"

Aris did something he never thought he would do. He got up and gave Mirellia a gentle hug.

"It's not your fault," he assured her. "Even the strongest of heroes isn't always going to be able to save everyone. I had to face that truth myself, and believe me, it sucks."

Mirellia returned his embrace, softly crying into his shoulder.

Aris continued. "The best we can do is save as many as we can. And by Goddess Hylia, I swear that the dead will be avenged."

The Queen released him, wiping away her remaining tears. "Thank you, Aris. I...I might have needed that."

"Hey, there's no shame in needing to let off some steam." Aris smiled at her. "It's okay to let yourself be vulnerable, especially with people you know you can trust."

"Your friends are lucky to know a kind soul such as yourself," the Queen said. "I wish I had such a good friend."

Aris patted her on the shoulder. "You've got me."

The Queen smiled softly. "I'm glad to know that."

"The others, too," said Aris. "Me and everyone else-we're all with you, through thick and thin."


End BGM


Suddenly, the doors burst open and a familiar blonde boy bolted into the room.

"Motoyasu?!" said Aris. "Where the hell were you?!"

The Spear Hero was hysterical. "It...It happened again! They attacked me again!"

"Who?" said the Queen. "Who attacked you?"

"Those...those ninja people!" Motoyasu panted. "With their sickle blades and jeering laughter...and-and her!"

"Hold on!" said Aris. "Slow down. Describe the ninjas, what did they look like?"


BGM: Desperate Situation - Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity


Motoyasu opened his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by a poof of dust and a taunting laugh.

A figure in a red and black jumpsuit pounced towards the Spear Hero. Aris jumped in to block the attack. The Queen rushed over and helped Motoyasu out of harm's way.

Several more figures in similar dress appeared, all wielding crescent-shaped blades. One, who looked to be their leader, had an exposed red ponytail. Aris felt his blood run cold.

The redhead lifted her mask, and Aris's fears were confirmed.

"You've escaped me once, Motoyasu," said Myne, "but you won't run again! The eye of the Yiga sees all!"

"You...You twisted bitch!" Aris yelled. "You're working with them, of all people?!"

"Indeed I am, Aris," Myne crooned. "Lord Arogha told me what the Yiga did to your homeland, and we'll do it to Melromarc if that's what it takes to end you once and for all!"

Aris reached for his belt and sent out a few Pokémon. Gallade, Decidueye, and Lycanroc emerged, ready for battle. "You won't do shit if I have anything to say about it."


BGM: Master Kohga, Top Banana of the Yiga Clan - Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity


Myne laughed. "We'll see. Attack!"

The Yiga warriors rushed Aris, ready to fight.

Lycanroc and Decidueye leaped into action, dueling them head-on with Stone Edge and Leaf Blade respectively. Gallade fought a pair of Yiga two-on-one.

That left Aris to fight Myne.

The wicked edge of Myne's katana clashed with the sacred blade of the Master Sword. Rings rang out as metal met metal.

"You've been nothing but a thorn in my side ever since you showed your pointy-eared mug in this world!" Myne seethed as Aris parried an incoming strike. "But with the Yiga under my command, you'll be dead before you know what hit you!"

Aris said nothing.

"What?" Myne crooned. "Too scared to say anything? Too shocked that I've become so powerful after you knocked me down? Is that it?"

Still, he remained silent. He wouldn't give her the satisfaction of a response.

As Myne continued to taunt him, Aris focused on the battle. Lycanroc and Decidueye were still fighting against two of the Yiga, but Gallade had eliminated the other pair. Remembering Gallade was a Psychic-type, Aris reached into his mind and mentally threw words at the Pokémon in a way he couldn't describe. Hey, buddy, you can hear me, right?

Gallade looked Aris's way and nodded.

Good, Aris spoke mentally. On my signal, I want you to Thunder Punch this bitch with all your strength.

Gallade nodded again.

The Master Sword clashed with Myne's katana. Aris twirled his divine blade, pushing outwards as he brought it back up along with Myne's. The force sent the katana flying.

Disarmed, Myne resorted to hand-to-hand combat.

Aris ducked a punch from Myne. He allowed himself to drop to the ground. Quick as a flash, he kicked Myne's legs out from under her. He went for an overhead strike, knowing she would dodge. No pair of bare hands could block an incoming sword.

Myne did exactly what Aris had predicted. She rolled to her left and dodged the incoming Master Sword. She threw a punch at Aris. He blocked with his shield. Now! he mentally called out to Gallade.

Before Myne could notice what was happening, Gallade had already struck her with a powerful lightning-fueled fist. Myne went flying through an open window.


End BGM


At about the same time, Lycanroc and Decidueye managed to defeat the other two Yiga. The remaining footsoldiers stood, stunned.

"Lycanroc, Decidueye, they've had enough," Aris commanded. The two Pokémon returned to his side.

Aris addressed the Yiga. "Out of respect for her highness, you may keep your lives for the time being. Now go, lest I change my mind about sparing you."

Fearing what Aris would do if they stayed, the two Yiga jumped out through the open window through which Myne had been launched earlier.

Aris sheathed the Master Sword as Mirellia returned with Motoyasu in tow. "Are they gone?" asked the dazed Spear Hero.

Aris nodded. "Yeah, they're gone."

"Who were those people?" asked the Queen. "You seem...familiar with them."

"I'll explain later," Aris replied. "I don't know why the Yiga are here, but I'll warn both of you: they're dangerous. Steer clear of them at all costs, and don't trust them. If anyone you talk to along the road seems out of place in any way, especially if they seem obsessed with bananas, chances are they're a phony. The Yiga are masters of disguise."

"They're obsessed with bananas?" said Motoyasu. "Why?"

Aris shrugged. "Don't know."

He started to head for the door. "Well, in any case, I should be going. The others are waiting for me in town."

Motoyasu followed behind him, causing a tense silence between the two rivals.

"I see what you mean about Thot," Motoyasu said, finally breaking the silence as he surprisingly called Myne by her new name. "You were right all along. She really isn't someone to be trusted."

"What'd I tell you?" Aris said. "You've finally noticed, after all this time."

"I know." Motoyasu sighed. "I was...I was blinded by how she obsessed over me. I craved the attention, but now that she's stabbed me in the back..."

"You're finally realizing it?"

Motoyasu sighed again. "I just...I don't know what to do..."

"I'd offer some advice, but I've got some stuff to do," Aris told him. "But, if you wanna talk about it, you're always welcome to stop by Lighthaven Village."

"Alright, I'll keep that in mind," said Motoyasu. "Thanks."

Aris nodded. "No problem."

The two separated outside the castle, heading off to reunite with their parties.


That'll be all for now, I'll write more on Sunday (I've got school for most of Friday and a camping trip on the weekend, so I probably won't be able to write on Saturday.

About the part with Aris and Mirellia: I wanted to flesh out their friendship a little more, and I do that best in the form of hurt/comfort scenes.