"Nanashi and Asahi... Will they start gaining prominence in season two? Interesting... Don't get me wrong, this is not a criticism, but I sincerely hope that in this fanfic, Nanashi makes better decisions than he did in 'Shin Megami Tensei IV: Corrupted'.
Flynn can be a big brother to Nanashi." -Lucian Naruto
We'll see if he can. He's meeting Flynn a lot earlier in this story which will naturally make him consider future decisions involving Flynn more. From that alone this version of Nanashi already differs from the version of him in that story. I wanted to establish the two of them earlier because there's no reason the prentices shouldn't have come across Kinshicho beforehand. Especially considering it's closer to the Sky Tower than Ueno. Also, considering the revelation with Nanashi near the end of Apocalypse I think it doesn't make much sense that he only does stuff in Apocalypse. Which is like an alternative timeline. He should do stuff in other routes considering how important he is. Like Gaston I wanted to establish their characters beforehand. Nanashi will definitely have some involvement, but I cannot say how much for spoiler reasons. Also, I didn't know you read my other SMT IV story. Did you like it?
Chapter 2 Unexpected Alliance
"I refuse. Those crown Samurai…are acting like those ritual heretics I will not condone that!", Flynn replied, angrily.
"Is he talking about the Ring of Gaea?", the man with dreadlocks questioned.
"…Don't tell me…surely not even they would be bold enough to provoke the angels?", Nikkari said.
"They are the reason this is happening then…", the blonde woman replied.
"If that's the case why did we get dragged into it?", Asahi questioned.
"You don't want to do this, Lord Flynn. What you're saying is against the crown.", the official replied.
"It has to be some sort of mistake! There's no way a king of such a peaceful kingdom would order this! It must be some imposter impersonating his majesty!", Flynn replied.
"Steve. Retrieve Lord Flynn and his fellows. It seems they will need some more intense re-education.", the official replied.
The 'Unclean Ones' shuttered not liking the sound of that. Neither did Doomkaiser who snarled at Steve before grabbing him with his tail.
"Don't kill him.", Flynn told his monster.
"Flynn…Nevermind.", the Samurai with the black uniform said.
He was about to say he should finish the enemy, but then he was reminded of what it was like when Flynn was actually going to do it. That moment was extremely frightening for him.
Odd-Eyes was sniffing Flynn like a dog which made him sweat drop. The dragon smiled before rubbing his head against Flynn and Doomkaiser tensed. He was surprised and taken aback by the unfamiliar dragon's affection.
"He's good. I can feel it.", Odd-Eyes said.
Flynn turned over to their and Odd-Eyes' direction. He looked over each of them. Nikkari's eyes widened seeing his face. Suddenly, he froze when he locked eyes with Nanashi. They both did. A strange pulse rang through their chests. Flynn's signer mark appeared for a moment.
"That face…that's impossible!", Nikkari thought.
Though the others were finding themselves more drawn to the glowing mark. Flynn winced in pain from the mark looking down at it.
"Why is it reacting now? Am I close to a signer dragon?", Flynn thought.
"What's going on with his arm?", the blonde woman questioned.
"He's…a signer…One of the ones meant to wield a signer dragon.", Nikkari replied.
Doomkaiser looked out for any incoming crown Samurai.
"He looks and sounds like that guy from my dream. I'm sure of it.", Nanashi thought.
"You all need to get out of here, especially the children.", Flynn said.
"Flynn!", a familiar voice said on top of Ancient Sacred Wyvern catching his attention.
He was going so fast he practically stumbled off the dragon. It was another Samurai with a blue uniform.
"W-woah, Jonathan!", Flynn said, catching him.
He noticed there was something on his gauntlet. It was an image with some static on it. It appeared to be Sister Gabby.
"Esteemed Samurai…zzzt…majesty….zzzt corrupt…zzzt…led by greed…zzzt…turned from God…", Sister Gabby said, through a garbled message.
"It looked like she was being held somewhere! You don't think one of the evil spirits summoned did something to his majesty do you? Everything started becoming weird when her and Abbot Hugo disappeared.", Jonathan questioned.
"It's possible…he's either possessed or an imposter.", Flynn replied.
He looked over to the chaos going on. It filled him with righteous rage.
"Whichever the case is, we need to stop this! They're even targeting children!", Flynn replied, with a determined expression.
Doomkaiser reacted to this roaring furiously. The ground rumbled again and ghostly howls could be heard freaking out the Unclean Ones. Flynn was surprised to see hordes of undead spirits swarmed the attacking spirits. He stopped looking around and saw more and seemed to continuously appear and rise. He could see blue wisps in the air as the zombie monsters appeared. Everyone around looked shocked at the massive horde. While some were very weak there was a lot of them. A truly staggering amount.
"Flynn…did you do that?", the Samurai with a black uniform questioned.
"…I don't know…", Flynn replied, looking equally confused.
"Well you are the Lord of the Undead Spirits.", the Samurai with a black uniform replied.
"I've…never seen spirits act like this…they're all working in unison on such a large scale.", Jonathan said, stunned.
"…It was you.", Doomkaiser said, his speech capacity seemed much lower than Odd-Eyes.
Flynn looked completely stunned at this remembering what happened with Walter. Strong feelings can influence spirits. And he's a Lord so his will…could it really affect all of them? The massive monsters found themselves becoming overwhelmed by the zombies and the others.
"Holy fuck…if that's true. That guy is crazy powerful!", Nanashi thought.
However the invaders still didn't give up just yet. Then they were all left stunned as something moved so fast they fell over. Odd-Eyes looked up into the sky, his eyes widening. He tried to reach out to something, but he just fell. Despite being a dragon he had no wings of his own. Flynn's mark reacted again and so did Jonathan and the others prentices again. When the humans got up they were astounded to see the invading force had been annihilated.
High in the sky was a white dragon with a black underbelly. It had no feet instead blue pieces of armor almost like thrusters. There was blue armor over its white scales. It had three horns, two of which were on the side of its head, all coming out of the armor. It had golden eyes and a long white and black whiplike tail. Its hands had six fingers. Its wings were its most prominent feature. They were shaped like blades and were made of some translucent turquoise material. On its waist it had four diamond shaped crystals made of the same material. That translucent material glowed in the darkness which made the dragon very spottable.
"That must be it! The primordial dragon!", Flynn said.
Nanashi's gaze was frozen on the strange and majestic dragon. It gave him a similar feeling as when he saw Flynn. Though it captivated most of them. Nikkari grumbled for some unknown reason after seeing the dragon.
"Sister!", Odd-Eyes said, jumping and trying to gain the dragon's attention but she didn't seem to see him.
"Sister?!", many of them questioned.
The white dragon didn't seem very happy. Screens around Tokyo suddenly lit up, confusing everyone. On the screens appeared a middle aged man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wore a white dress shirt and a grey suit. He had glasses and a green earring. Flynn didn't like the condescending smile on his face.
"As I have always promised. The Asura Kai has protected Tokyo. While the Hunters ran for their miserable lives my guys defended you. Let this be known to the angels of Mikado…You cannot defeat the Asura Kai! As we possess the strongest synchro monster in existence! The legendary Clear Wing Synchro Dragon!", the man in a suit said.
The other Tokyo residents grimaced at this.
"There he goes…", the blonde woman said.
"Tayama probably waited so he could make the Hunters look bad…", the man with dreadlocks snickered.
"Clear Wing Synchro Dragon, that really is it! We need to get that card.", Flynn said and the samurai with a black uniform grabbed his arm.
"The quest seems to be going well.", Burroughs said, updating his quest info.
"Settle down, Flynn. That mission isn't important right now. Considering the king gave the quest you should ignore it.", the Samurai with a black uniform replied.
"Issachar, the Monastery wanted us to get the signer dragons and that is one. I can get it qui-", Flynn was saying before Issachar yanked him sweat dropping.
The Tokyo residents became wary again at the mention of the Monastery. Not to mention apparently they were supposed to recover the signer dragons.
"They might turn them against us if they get them…", the man with dreadlocks whispered.
"Don't be stupid! Did you just see that thing defeat all of those guys?!", Issachar questioned.
"Issachar has a point. It or as the red dragon referred to she seems too powerful for us right now.", Jonathan replied.
"Alright…we shall focus our efforts on his majesty solely for now. It looks like the crown Samurai are retreating. We need to regroup with the others.", Flynn replied.
The Samurai then activated their gauntlets. Nanashi looked over to the sad looking Odd-Eyes.
"She's right there and she can't see me.", Odd-Eyes said as he pointed at Clear Wing.
Two more Samurai in blue uniforms appeared. They're clothes were ruffled.
"Good thing we dived or the dragon would have killed us.", the one with spiky hair said.
"Isabeau! Walter! Are you alright?", Flynn asked.
"We had a bit of a scare. But, we're alright.", the female Samurai, Isabeau replied.
They told their fellows about the current situation.
"Hell yes! I wanted to knock that stupid king for a loop since he dropped those crown Samurai on us.", the spiky haired one, Walter replied, with excitement.
"Something always seemed off about the crown Samurai. Now, I see why I felt that way. Not to mention it's possible the Monastery is in danger.", Isabeau replied.
"We can't just fight all of the crown Samurai alone though. We need help.", Issachar said.
"Hey, angels!", the blonde woman called out, attracting their attention.
The other Tokyo residents looked at the woman, some more wary than others.
"If you are willing to help those guys you should seek out the Hunters to help.", the blonde woman said.
"Hunters…? They're the ones that man mentioned right?", Jonathan questioned.
"Me and the guy with me are Hunters. We were trying to take the kids away from the conflict. That's what the other ones in Kinscho were doing.", Nikkari explained.
"How noble of you.", Jonathan replied, genuinely complimenting them.
The Samurai got closer to them and Flynn's gaze was briefly drawn to Nanashi again. He didn't exactly know why it was.
"You sound like some nice fellows.", Walter said.
"We would gladly accept their assistance. My name is Flynn. What is your name, madam?", Flynn said and the Tokyo residents were taken aback by the formality.
"You don't have to call me madam, Mr.Samurai. You can just call me Nozomi. I know where the leaders of the Hunters hang out. You can lead you to them.", the blonde woman replied.
"Thank you, madam Nozomi.", Flynn replied with a light bow making her sweat drop.
"These guys are weird…", the man with dreadlocks whispered.
"We shall formally introduce ourselves. I am Jonathan.", Jonathan said.
"Issachar…", Issachar said.
"I am Isabeau. Nice to meet you.", Isabeau said.
"Name's Walter.", Walter said.
"My name is Nikkari and the other is Manabu.", Nikkari said, pointing to the man with dreadlocks.
"These rugrats are Nanashi and Asahi. I don't really know the littler guys.", Manabu said as he put his hands on the teen's heads ruffling their hair.
This made the two teens very embarrassed, especially Nanashi.
"Hey, we can introduce ourselves!", Nanashi replied.
"And I am Odd-Eyes Dragon!", Odd-Eyes said cheerfully poking out.
"That's no dragon. That's a massive red chicken.", Walter said without thinking making the dragon sulk.
In Mikado…
The king grumbled when he was met with the beaten crown Samurai. There were some who didn't come back at all. The official also looked very disappointed.
"This Asura Kai…you need to find out everything you can about them. I must reclaim my family's birthright.", the king said.
"What about the signers, your majesty? What do you want to do about them?", the official asked.
"The only one that interests me is that boy. We could use him. I don't care what you do with the others.", the king replied.
In the Unclean One's country…
Odd-Eyes had run off to look for any struggling survivors. He was going to get spirits he knew to help. That way the humans could focus on figuring out how to deal with the invaders. The Samurai looked rather amazed when they saw the mystic relics the Hunters had rode on. Though, they were currently totaled. They had returned their monsters.
"A m-metal horse?!", Walter questioned, pointing at the mystic relic.
This made the Tokyo residents sweat dropped at the wide eyed looks. Flynn touched the mystic relic patting it like an injured animal. The Samurai looked very sympathetic towards the mystic relics thinking they were alive.
"Have you guys never seen one of them before?", Nanashi questioned.
"They look like that spirit Nathan rode!", Issachar pointed out.
"Those are duel runners. We use them a lot in Tokyo. They're not horses and they're not alive. I mean…they never were alive to be exact.", Nozomi explained.
"What's a horse?", Asahi questioned.
"Tokyo…?", Flynn questioned.
"That's what this whole place is called.", Nanashi replied, motioning his hands in the air.
"You guys don't even know that? What do you know?", Manabu questioned.
"What we know from fairy stories. In them this Tokyo was referred to as the Unclean One's country where dangerous sorcerers reside-", Jonathan replied.
This made Nanashi break out into laughter.
"Are you guys for real?! Do any of you actually think that? You guys are the ones with real solid vision monsters. We just have shitty old solid vision. That's why those guys just wrecked us.", Nanashi replied and Asahi looked at him, sweat dropping.
The Samurai froze, starting to rethink what they were taught about this place. The Unclean One's no…the people of Tokyo were completely helpless against them. Only the Asura Kai was able to drive back the crown Samurai with the primordial dragon.
"To be fair you guys have some misconceptions about us too. We're no angels we're just humans.", Walter replied.
The Tokyo residents were relieved hearing confirmation they weren't angels. This greatly confused the Samurai. Though, the very little kids were still wary of them.
"The ritual books are from here right?", Flynn questioned.
"Yes, though only one faction has both them and ritual monsters…the Ring of Gaea. No Hunters or Asura Kai members have them.", Nozomi replied.
"I see…the Black Samurai must be a part of their group then…where are the Hunter leaders?", Flynn replied, keeping a mental note of that.
"I guess I'll lead the way then.", Nozomi replied.
They started walking north of their current location.
"So, where are we going?", Asahi asked.
"I think it's safest to follow the Samurai for now. They have real solid vision after all.", Nikkari replied.
"Are you sure about this? They mentioned a Monastery…they could be Messians for all we know.", Manabu whispered, looking between him and the Samurai briefly.
"They are willing to cooperate right now. This arrangement is temporary. We'll leave them when we get to a safe place.", Nikkari whispered.
"These guys are really from the surface? Like for real?", Asahi questioned.
"Yeah…it's pretty obvious they're not from around here. Their skin is much more olive and they are so tall.", Nanashi replied, sweat dropping as the Samurai looked dumbfounded by everything as they walked.
The two noticed the Samurai had broader shoulders that they were used to seeing implying they were more built too. Despite only being three years apart the teens were rather diminutive compared to the Samurai. Jonathan especially was like a giant compared to them.
"That's because they likely have a much better diet. Animal meat and various crops that we can't get here.", Nikkari explained.
"I hope next time we meet the crown Samurai they try to duel instead. All this violence creates far too much destruction…", Flynn commented, looking at the tremors and debris that cover the streets.
"That would definitely be preferable.". Issachar replied.
They eventually made it to a place the Tokyo people called 'Shinjuku'. Thankfully most spirits were too injured from the battle to mess with them so they weren't stopped by any. As they neared another underground place they suddenly saw a strange girl with long brown hair and brown eyes. She wore a tan uniform and a black skirt. She carried a blue bag.
"Hello.", the mysterious girl said.
"H-Hoy are you alright…? After the attack I mean…"; Walter replied, sounding oddly nervous.
"Is she in a school uniform?", Nikkari questioned, perplexed.
"I haven't seen you before. Where are you from?", the mysterious girl asked.
Flynn stayed silent feeling suspicious of the strange girl. She was completely fine, not injured or dirty at all after that chaos.
"We are from the surface.", Issachar replied.
"The surface? You mean that place on top of the ceiling? Ooh, are you some of the 'angels' some people were talking about? Neet…", the mysterious girl questioned, seeming oddly calm.
They found her giggling especially strange.
"This chick is weird…", Nanashi commented.
"Who are you? Do you have some business with us?", Isabeau asked and the girl walked closer making some of them wary.
"I'm Hikaru. And I'm interested in you surface people.", she replied as Walter blushed.
"You are…? I suppose I am grateful for that.", Isabeau replied.
"By the way I heard some ritual users brought some of their books there and provoked those invaders from the surface. I know a place where there's lots of hidden ritual books.", Hikaru replied.
The Hunters looked very skeptical at her words. Flynn and Isabeau seemed particularly skeptical as well.
"Truly? Hoy, tell us…ah, if you please.", Walter replied.
"It's the Juraku Bookstore in the city called Ikebukuro.", Hikaru replied.
"I'm pretty sure that place got blown sky high by the massive fireball.", Nozomi replied.
"Not all of Ikebukuro. It merely destroyed the westernmost part.", Hikaru replied.
"This seems like important evidence. I'll make note of it in the quest.", Burroughs said.
"Tell me…why are you showing us such kindness when we've only just met?", Jonathan asked.
"Didn't I tell you already? I'm interested in you guys. Well, see you later!", Hikaru replied, before walking away.
"Uhh…", Asahi said awkwardly.
"That was the most suspicious woman I've ever seen.", Nanashi commented.
"I concur.", Isabeau replied.
"Never mind her. Let's get going.", Flynn replied.
Though he looked back to the strange woman briefly. He was sure they had met somewhere before but he wasn't sure where. However, as Issachar said it was time to focus on the king. They went down to the underground area.
"So, people live underground here?", Issachar questioned.
"In Tokyo most humans live underground except Tayama and his lackeys.", Nikkari replied.
"Tayama was the guy with his ugly mug on the screens. He's the leader of the Asura Kai.", Manabu added.
Nozomi saw thankfully the suited man who usually guarded the entrance wasn't there.
"We've really conceded a lot to the Asura Kai. Haven't we? But, these guys…I feel like they can make a difference especially if they take those dragons from them. They are not beholden to them due to their control over most places and transportation due to their real solid vision. They can fly over any barriers they build.", Nozomi thought.
"We'll be parting here.", Nikkari said and the Samurai and Nozomi waved their goodbyes.
They continued to another part of Shinjuku. After going north of the branching road they eventually made it a building at the end. It read 'Cafe Florida'. Nozomi showed the guard some box with matches and they were let in. Inside were a few patrons. A man with white hair's breath hitched when he looked at Flynn.
"Ryou?!", the man questioned as another man holding a sheathed blade walked over.
"Who..?", Flynn questioned.
The two older men looked at him like they saw a ghost. They looked over to Jonathan and Walter, finding they looked familiar as well.
"Fuijwara, there's no way…", Skins said as his eyes widened.
They were weirded out as Fuijwara scrambled to pull out a picture. He compared the three Samurai side by side to the picture and the two gaped.
"What's with these old folks?", Walter questioned.
"You need to be a bit more respectful, Walter.", Jonathan replied.
"Is something wrong?", Nozomi asked, before the Fuijwara revealed the picture in his hands, shocking all of them.
The picture depicted people in armor like the Black Samurai without their helmets on. What drew their attention instantly is one of them looked exactly like Flynn even having the same haircut. Another looked similar to Jonathan though his hair was less curly instead more spiky going off to the sides. Another looked similar to Walter though his spiky hair was more separated and he had two scars on his face. One on his cheek and the other on his nose.
"What kind of portrait is that?!", Jonathan questioned as Issachar looked over to Flynn.
"It's a photo. Though…it's strange. Why do you look like the three in that picture? Especially you Flynn it's like dead on.", Nozomi asked.
"The Mallory ancestor…", Isabeau muttered, remembering what Vampire Genesis said.
"Sir, who are those people in that 'photo' as you call it? They're wearing the same armor as the Black Samurai.", Flynn questioned, pointing at the picture.
"Ryou, Kiyoharu and Kenji. You three look so much like them it's creepy.", Fuijwara replied.
"But, all three of them are dead. So, who are you?". Skins questioned.
The Samurai introduced themselves again. Flynn looked at the photo intently, suddenly remembering something from what his mother told him. The angel said he was 'the hero of the Unclean Ones' in his previous life.
"There's no way…is that really me?", Flynn questioned as Issachar looked over his shoulder.
"I understand why they were so shocked. It's really weird you guys look like those dead guys.", Issachar replied.
He noticed Flynn looked rather deep in thought. Jonathan and Walter were bothered too remembering the discussion they had about seeing each other in their dreams before they met.
"It's a long and tragic story but…apparently when I was an infant this angel said I was…'the hero of the Unclean One's' in my previous life. Whatever that means.", Flynn revealed, shocking everyone.
"Hoy, Flynn why did you never bring this up?!", Walter questioned as Flynn's head was down.
He stopped when he noticed Flynn's dreary expression. Just mentioning it made him look very pained. Nozomi was completely lost and wondered just what kind of people she had picked up.
"We're those three signers as well?", Isabeau asked, surprising the older men.
"Yes…they were. Don't tell me…", Fuijwara said.
Walter was the first to lower his sleeve to reveal his mark. The men's eyes widened especially as Jonathan did the same then Isabeau. They then looked over to Flynn.
"Mine disappears and reappears for some reason.", Flynn said.
"Ryou's did that too…those two even have the same marks as Kiyoharu and Kenji.", Skins replied.
"This is all very strange but…there's a more important matter, sirs. I'm sure you know of the invasion that happened a few hours ago.", Flynn said as he went on to explain his and his fellows stances and their need for the Hunter's help.
"So, some people from the surface want to invade, but others don't. It seems even in that 'paradise' people still fight. We will gladly lend you and your fellows the support of the Hunters against your mad king.", Fuijwara replied.
"Thank you very much, sir.", Flynn replied with a light bow.
The older men were also weirded out by the extreme formalness. Nozomi sweat dropped knowing the feeling.
To be continued…
This chapter was mostly plot. There should be some dueling action in the next chapter.