Heroic New Era: Fantasies of Heroism
Chapter 3: The Crimson Blade VS. The Clemency Blade
As the group dropped down in Hykros, they were immediately given pass by security, as the Archon awaited them, as were their other allies.
"Welcome back! How was the grand tour?" Yang asked.
"Better than last time. You guys look… cold? What have you been doing?" Siege asked.
"D-d-d-doctor J-J-Joaquin asked u-us t-t-t-to retrieve Simula-acra memories…" Ruby said, shivering. "S-s-sure we got p-p-proper protection from the radiation but… brrrr… W-W-Warren Snowfield is cold…."
"Poor Overlord." Heiwa remarked, before she then conjured a large fox-fire ball that hovered over Ruby, warming her up greatly. "Better now?"
"Yeaaah… sorry… being used to warm climates in the demon realm didn't exactly prep me for the cold…" Ruby sighed.
"Regardless, it appears Shirli is fine and well, considering she's in your ranks now." Elric would say, before looking upon Brazera. "And you retrieved our missing Executor."
"Huh?" Brazera asked, looking at Elric, puzzled.
"Yes, you are an Executor. We lost contact with you and feared the worst when you did not respond, but we're glad to see you're back and in action." Elric declared.
"We'll dwell on that later. The Omnium Towers have all been activated, Archon Elric. I sense something sinister behind the scenes." Siege warned.
"Ah, yes. No doubt the work of the Heirs of Aida." Elric mused.
"And we got some troubles of our own as well." Richard stated. "Let's just say that if you find anyone dressed in black with top hats, or an intent to have any of us dealt with… they're not going to be friendly. Hell, they might be in cahoots with the Heirs of Aida, if I know them decently enough…"
"So you know of the foreign presence now appearing in our world then?" Elric asked. "Any information you can divulge in the here and now will allow me to report to the higher beings of this world. It is pertinent you don't withhold this information, for we need to know about these new men in black suits."
"The threat he speaks of is those from a different dimension entirely, Archon." Siege declared. "The World Government, an organization dedicated to nothing but their own selfish gains. I wouldn't doubt it if they even have the means to not only arrive in Hykros, but have the absolute gall to place bounties on heads of people of this world."
As if Siege spoke the very name of the Devil, he felt a presence from above as he quickly turned and blocked, blocking a blade from the Elite Agent Irelia, which had aimed for Elric himself.
"People like her." Siege growled as he sent Irelia flying, as she skid to a halt, summoning multiple blades.
"Move. Your bounty is insignificant for what the World Government wants for that Archon." Irelia declared. "Although yours will be a nice bonus, should I take you out in the process?"
Multiple WG Agents dropped down, having somehow gotten past security in Hykros.
"You're picking the wrong fight. I can wager that you're not even CP9." Richard scoffed. "But I'll give you this, you Cipher Pol agents are tenacious, if they send such branches towards us. But the question is… how did you even trace us down here?"
"The shot that my boss used hit the girl's shield and implanted a tracker in her suppressor. Don't even think of trying to remove it, removing it will require you to disable her suppressor. And I'm sure you don't want to have her befall an ill fate to the virus, would you? Also, you have 1 minute." Irelia declared.
"That was not my answer, and you know what I mean." Richard snarled back. "You did something impossible, and I will have my answer, even if I have to drag it from what remains of you."
"One minute for what…" Siege growled.
"My agents snuck bombs all around this area." Irelia declared. "Unless you plan to expend all your forces here, you will be suffering casualties on this bout, no matter what you attempt to do."
"Kid!" Franz exclaimed as Brazera nodded, as he, Brazera, and Shirli ran off to disable the bombs, as Irelia attempted a pot shot at Shirli, only for the blade to get blown apart by Yang.
"Tch." Irelia growled.
"Your fight is with us. So pay attention as we beat your ass to a bloody pulp!" Yang roared.
"Very well. Attack, and make sure our paycheck and reputation is known, men!" Irelia declared as the WG Agents attacked!
"Elric, get those who can't fight out of here, the fighting will not discriminate between targets!" Richard warned Elric, before he then rushed into the fray, as he used his wind magic to boost himself faster, before colliding with one of the incoming agents with a high-powered kick that sent them flying right across the entire citadel, and right into the depths below.
"Oh, so you're part of the organisation who put up that insult…" Heiwa stated, before she then began to laugh with malicious intent, as there was a murderous look on her face. "I hope that you have someone to pray for a quick and gentle death… because I don't intend to let you die easily after that mockery."
Heiwa then began to rush through the fray, as she began to engulf anyone in her path in flames, even shoving down fireballs right into the bodies of those unfortunate to be in her path, as they exploded in flames, and pieces of flesh.
Siege clashed with Irelia herself, as the two separated after a bit and Siege caught yet another poster.
Wanted: Dead or Alive
Archon Elric
Reward: 100,000,000,000
"You're kidding me. So the World Government thinks they have the right to place bounties on the heads of anyone they fucking want!?" Siege exclaimed.
"They can. And will. This message is meant for the one who threatened the higher ups. 'The Hero Alliance we'll leave alone, if only to show you the fallacy in believing you're a threat to us. All of your dimension is getting bounties put on, and if Magina tries to legalize, we now know counter laws to debunk her and refute her. You've crossed lines far too much, aggressor to the World Government, now know our wrath." Irelia declared.
"Ah geez, well, guess neither of us are backing out of this." Mokou sighed deeply. "Fine then, no use discussing this further. Just know that your threats only hold water… if you can actually bring any of us down first, from what I have heard."
Mokou then proceeded to throw a wall of flame right before Irelia, causing her to back off, allowing the others to keep on thinning the Cipher Pol agent numbers. It wasn't too much longer and all the goons were killed or mutilated, leaving only Irelia, as Brazera returned.
"The bombs are defused!" She yelled, as she leapt up, holding a Molten Shield V2 as she crashed into Irelia in brilliant flames.
"Tch…!" Irelia growled as she skidded back, looking at the scenario before her in disbelief. "...You're only digging your graves further. The World Government will multiply your bounties to the point every organization looking for profit will come after you. There is nothing you can do to stop us!" Irelia declared, before vanishing in a poof of cherry blossoms.
"Jeez, how could it get any higher…" Richard scoffed. "I'm already at the point that even Blackbeard would blush at the fact I have half a billion over him. But then again, when you make direct enemies of the WG… any bounty is justifiable."
"Is everything clear?" Brazera asked, looking around for more enemies.
"Yeah, for now." Heiwa remarked.
"Alright, regroup… and let's now have a proper conversation with the Archon." Siege declared as they regrouped.
"So that was the World Government?" Elric asked, looking over his own bounty poster in disdain.
"Yeah." Richard sighed, before rubbing the palm on his hand against his face with a disgruntled expression. "I swear… the Gorosei just dropped several rungs on my ladder of respect with that dick move. Making enemies of everyone… how did they even last this long to begin with, without the one above?"
"Regardless, let's change the subject." Siege said. "The Omnium Towers."
"Yes. It is important they be shut down. I sense the Heirs of Aida are plotting something very sinister… I'm trusting all of you to make sure their plot doesn't go through." Elric explained.
"You heard the man. No more reserves. All boots to the ground, we need to get these towers shut down and pronto." Siege ordered.
"Brazera, if you could stay a little longer, I have something to give to you." Elric declared. "Go and see Cobalt-B if you will."
"Okay." Brazera nodded.
"Let's go then, let's report to Franz, who should be waiting for us outside." Siege declared..
Richard nodded, before he then looked around for Franz, who managed to find somewhere to meet the group, having seen the brief chaos that happened in the citadel.
"Franz, you alright?" Richard asked, with some concern in his voice.
"I'm fine. Just a bit rattled from all that. So, the Archon's got you guys on this mission now?" Franz asked.
"Yep. And all of us are comin'." Yang nodded.
"Well, I don't know who this World Government thinks they are, threatening lives like this. I'm gonna need to get some intel on them if we encounter any more." Franz said.
"Well don't expect us to simply capture them. They're a thorn in our side." Siege growled.
"Ditto." Richard nodded.
"Well, do your best." Franz said. "In any case. Back to the matters at hand."
"Right. Let's get the towers all shut down." Siege nodded.
"I think Banges is a good place to go next. Meet up with a guy named Kolador, he might be able to get you what you need." Franz informed.
"Alright, let's move." Mokou stated, as the group immediately used Richard's sukima to head to the edge of Banges, where they would be able to search the region for Kolador.
The entire group arrived at the port, seeing the port town lively and excited. It seemed like a festival was about to take place there.
"Huh. Looks like people are getting ready for festivities of some kind." Siege stated, seeing all the decorations and lanterns being worked on.
"It's a good thing that people can take some refuge from the dreariness of the world with these kind of celebrations." Richard stated. "Perhaps we should do some charity work for them, maybe it might help in finding Kolador… or even lead us right to him by chance."
"It looks like some of the lanterns aren't working. I'll take it upon my charitable Overlord status to efficiently fix them!" Ruby heroically declared as she dashed off.
"Looks like some people need some supplies brought up from the port. Wanna help me with that, Mokou?" Yang asked.
"Sure, it's been a while since I went out to do some good work." Mokou answered back, as she cracked her knuckles, preparing for whatever labor awaited her.
"Let's see…" Siege began to say before they all saw a girl with pink hair approaching them. "Oh, hello."
"Hi there! Are you all new? I'm glad you're helping us out even though you just arrived! Let me formally welcome you all to Banges Port! I'm Hilda, nice to meet you all!" Hilda said with a warm smile.
"It's good to meet you, you seem to be preparing for a festival of some sorts." Kaguya stated. "Would you like some help? I assure you that it'll be a great help."
"That would be awesome!" Hilda smiled. "I got plenty of stuff for you guys to do in preparation for Grace Day!"
"Grace Day?" Siege asked.
"I'll tell you along the way." Hilda would say, leading the main group off as Sam noticed Brazera and Shirli talking and going off on their own, before he noticed some purple streaks as his eyes narrowed, as he detached from the main group for a bit.
"You really think it's a good idea to take time off like this?" Brazera asked.
"Yeah! I mean, we've gone through a heck of a lot I know… but maybe this Festival could be what we need to collect our thoughts." Shirli smiled.
"...Okay. maybe you're right. But… let's stay here a bit okay? I find the waters… calming." Brazera smiled.
"Oh! Sure!" Shirli smiled as she and Brazera walked along the beach, before Brazera suddenly sensed something was wrong.
"...Shirli, behind me." Brazera said, EM Blade out and on high alert.
"Huh!? What!?" Shirli exclaimed, the two looking around in a panic for the perceived threat.
They soon found it being ahead of them, as there was a pair of people before them, as they had cybernetic armor, and pink energy blades. One seemed to be bald, with a scarf covering most of their lower face, and the other seemed to be a woman with red long hair tied into a ponytail, both of which were talking to each other.
"Please be assured that everything has been arranged, my lady." The bald man answered back.
"If they are unwilling to cooperate, you know what to do." The woman stated.
"Yes, my lady." The man answered back, before tipping his head.
"Go, then. We've been followed, and I need to take care of that." The woman stated, giving a side-glance towards both Shirli and Brazera, while the bald man disappeared in a flash of energy. "Now then, why don't you show yourself?"
Brazera held her blade defensively, as she and Shirli didn't move, looking at the woman from afar. "Who are you…?" Brazera called out to the woman.
"My name does not matter to you. But if you insist… Frigg is it." The woman answered back, before she then flash-stepped right before them. "You'll remember it for as long as you will live… and that will not be for long."
Cue: The Only Thing I Know For Real - Cover by GO! Light Up!
Frigg then slashed down, as Brazera was about to get hit when…
CLANG!
"Now. What kind of greeting is that?" The familiar Brazilian accent of Jetstream Sam filled the air as his crimson blade blocked Frigg perfectly. "Seems like you lack social skills. I could give you some pointers." Sam chuckled.
"Interesting… so you're that other presence I could feel. A more dangerous one than these two." Frigg remarked, as she immediately took a stance. "Very well, I'll deal with you first. Let me see with what power you intend to protect those two with."
"Heh. You speak simply, yet eloquently as well." Sam smirked as he twirled the HF Murasama a bit before assuming his usual stance. "OK. Let's dance." Sam smirked.
Brazera and Shirli backed off quite a bit, so as to not get caught in the mastery of the swordsmanship duel about to happen before them.
As opposed to how he usually began his fights, Sam would take initiative, sending a red burst of slash waves at Frigg from a distance, as the swordswoman began to flash-step across the attacks, as she went for a diving slash, only for Sam to block it, as he began to take attacks from all sides, although Sam's centered stance made it easy to parry every single attack away. On one of the parries, he managed to lock blades with Frigg as he smirked.
"Are you even trying?" Sam asked as he kicked Frigg in the knee to knock her off balance and land some quick free slashes while he could before flipping back from some hard counter slashes Frigg threw. "Yikes! Almost had me there!"
"You are no simple swordsman… Reading my own movements… you fought people like me, haven't you?" Frigg asked, as she halted her assault to converse for a moment.
Sam chuckled as he stroked his beard. "Deductive aren't you? Well, you caught me red handed. This isn't the first Japanese anime duel I've taken part in. Certainly won't be the last." Sam said with a shrug. "...But the way you conducted your attacks told me something else… Tell me, your origin didn't exactly start with a great childhood, did it?" Sam asked with a curious smile.
"...I do not wish to speak about it." Frigg remarked, as her eyes narrowed greatly at the question offered. "It is nothing that I wish to share with others, and you would know that well."
"Heh. True that. You're not very open about a lot of things as I can deduce from your bladework." Sam chuckled. "But let me ask you this…" Sam smiled as he was closing in on properly sinking Frigg this time, as opposed to the last attempt. "...Why do you fight? What do you believe you're fighting for?"
"I fight to end a reign of suffering." Frigg answered back, pointing her blade at Sam. "After seeing what has been taken away by this 'blessing' called Omnium, I intend to ensure that the Tower of Fantasy will fall… so that the world may truly live once again, a world where the Omnium will cause no more suffering and misery among those. But you believe otherwise… or else you would not have fought me."
Sam laughed as he shook his head. "You see… there are two problems with your statement!" Sam said as he suddenly charged, forcing Frigg on defense, as Sam struck perfectly to keep her from flash-stepping out of combos. "Firstly, I couldn't care less about Omnium or any of that! I fight for order and peace, and the order of the natural course of the worlds I battle for!" Sam said as he locked blades with Frigg again, as he still held his smile. "And number two, which I clearly see now… you deny your weapon its purpose!" Sam smirked as he shoved Frigg back, hitting her in the head with the pommel of his blade, stepping back as he sheathed his sword to finish this fight just as he did a young Raiden years ago.
"My weapon… What is this nonsense…?" Frigg stated, as the grip on her blade grew tighter. "My weapon is merely an extension of my will, what purpose could it have?"
"And that…" Sam said as he looked to slash, only to flash step himself, as he dropped down. "IS YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE!"
SHLAAACK!
The blade hit its mark, as Frigg got hit full force, a nasty cut on her chest as blood spewed through the air from Sam's attack, her very blade knocked from her grip by the force of the attack.
"What…" Frigg hacked, as she collapsed onto a knee. "...Ah… so that's how it is… you're one with your blade… and that's why you were beyond me…"
"Now you get it." Sam said as he sheathed his blade. "I suggest you search deep within yourself, and the weapon that chose you. You find what your true purpose is. What you truly want. You just might find where you are is not where you should be. Even if it is, becoming one with your blade is essential for me to even acknowledge you as a warrior." Sam stated harshly. "Now, you better get that cut looked at. Wouldn't want you to meet an untimely end before you understood what you truly wanted. And when you acknowledge the purpose your weapon has, you come talk to me." Sam added.
Theme end
"...Are we just going to leave her out here to bleed to death?" Shirli asked in concern.
"Hmp. Do as you wish. I'm reporting what I saw to the boss." Sam scoffed as he left the area, as Brazera looked at him before she looked at Frigg, then at Shirli, as the two of them ran to her side.
"Hey… here, let me help you up." Brazera offered as she started to aid Frigg in standing.
"Why… Why are you helping me?" Frigg asked with a strained voice.
"We're not the type of people to let you bleed out and die here. You might be someone from the Heirs of Aida… but I firmly believe you shouldn't just be left out here to die." Shirli said as she began to heal Frigg some using the equipment she had on hand. "Consider this as well. Those of the Heirs of Aida never came to you this quickly with aid before, have they?" Shirli asked.
Frigg remained silent, as she had no rebuttal to Shirli's words.
"I will agree with Sam on one front. You should look deep within yourself and figure out what you truly want. Not what the Heirs want." Shirli added as she finished applying the temporary bandage. "There. That should fix you up nicely. Until we get you to the Banges infirmary."
"I'll help you walk." Brazera said, the Executor letting Frigg lean her weight into her for support.
"...Thank you." Frigg answered back, as she leaned against Brazera firmly.
Back in Banges…
"So you ran into what you believe to be two members of the Heirs of Aida?" Siege asked.
"A bald man escaped from me, but the woman stayed and attacked Brazera and Shirli. Luckily I noticed and stepped in when I did." Sam said.
"Well, if you saw Heirs of Aida, then that confirms they're up to something." Siege mused before seeing Shirli and Brazera helping Frigg into Banges. "...I don't suppose the red haired woman with a large bandage across her chest is the one you ran into, is it?"
"Hm!?" Sam exclaimed, turning to see Brazera and Shirli hauling Frigg to Banges' infirmary area, with Hilda even helping them. "...Tch."
"Sam, don't go judging her. After all, you staunchly stood for your beliefs but didn't really have a choice to bail from a bad situation. Maybe she's in the same boat." Siege suggested.
"...Sorry. You're right. Maybe I was a little too harsh… but considering last time-" Sam was about to finish.
"You need to be more aggressive, I get it." Siege nodded. "Let's just hope it paid out for you, and the rest of us, in the long run. In the meantime, I'll ask some of our friends to drop by and give Festival greetings to Frigg. Maybe she just needs to be reminded of the good things this life still has, as well as digging deep into her own soul for answers." Siege suggested.
"Sì. I hope you're right." Sam said as Siege looked to see Richard helping customers at a local food stand.
"Hey! Richard! I need a favor, pal!" Siege called out.
"Yeah?" Richard asked back, walking over, after putting down a crate of ingredients.
"We need to treat someone who just got checked in to Banges' infirmary. A nice meal should perk up her spirits. Why not ask the restaurant owner there about what their most popular dish is, and order it for take out? Then present it to the newest person in the infirmary. I think that would be a great way to introduce her to Grace Day." Siege smiled.
"Sure." Richard nodded back, as he looked at Frigg for a moment, before then moving over to where the restaurant owner was. "Got any chef's specials? I think that we need a take-away for a friend that is truly famished."
"Sure thing! One of our most popular dishes is the Banges special! Grilled medium rare steak topped with a healthy combination of herbs and spices, with a bit of mixed vegetables on the side! How many orders do ya need?" The owner asked.
"Two, just in case." Richard answered back, before depositing the money for the order. "Here's the money, plus some tips for the sudden order."
"Thank you sir! Your order will be ready shortly!" The owner said before heading to the back. It wasn't 10 minutes later, and a lady came out with two nice looking to-go plates with beautifully cooked steak and mixed vegetables on each plate!
"Two orders of Banges Special for you, Mr. Liu?" The lady asked to confirm the order.
"Yep." Richard stated, before taking the plates. "Thanks."
Richard then took the meal plates right towards Frigg, before laying it down on a crate near where Frigg was laying. "Here, eat up." He stated.
Frigg looked at the food for a moment, before she then began to gingerly eat it, as some warmth appeared on her face for a moment, although only a few of the group could pick up on it.
Sam was one of them, as he slightly smiled and looked to Siege, who smiled back and gave a firm nod, the two walking away to allow Richard time to converse with Frigg if needed.
"So… you planned something regarding this entire situation, weren't you?" Richard asked Frigg, who merely looked at Richard in silence. "Don't get prickly. I'm not accusing you of anything truly atrocious. You're far too honorable to have something like that on your mind."
"I merely intend to seek someone and gain their assistance in our mission." Frigg answered back. "It is a shame that he is fairly secluded, or else we would have not have to resorted to such drastic measures to seek him out."
"Him?" Richard answered back, raising an eyebrow. "Hm… I have a feeling that we're seeking the same person, but I can't trust that you'll tell me who 'he' is without me telling you first, and you wouldn't trust me to do the same. How about this, you and I say who we think 'he' is, at the count of three."
"You have a strange round-about way of getting an answer to that question." Frigg remarked with an intrigued look in her eyes.
"It's the best option I have, since I need the information, but I won't throw you under the bus needlessly. So, deal?" Richard asked back, as Frigg nodded. "Alright, at the count of three. One… Two… Three…"
"Doctor Kolador." The both of them said simultaneously, as the name caused them both to become silent, before Richard placed a hand under his chin.
"I see… so it IS as I thought. You're looking for him too, you and the Ravagers." Richard said. "But why would you seek him, rather than exterminate him? You have the numbers to do so."
"We need his expertise. That is all I'm willing to say on the subject." Frigg responded back.
"Fair. Same on our end. That's why we're on the opposing sides." Richard sighed. "Either way, you're in no state to be getting up and fighting, that's for sure. And I state for your own well-being, please don't. We'll treat you fairly as a POW of sorts. It'll be as if you aren't captured to begin with… so long as you don't do anything funny. After all, Sam did a bad number on you."
"...I concede that. Very well, I will remain in your captivity… But know that, when I recover enough, I will find a way to release myself." Frigg answered back.
"As long as you don't harm anyone on your way out, or cause more problems… that's acceptable conditions." Richard stated, as Frigg hummed
"Hmph. They only left one person guarding this lone and injured Angel of Clemency, hm." A familiar male voice rang out as Richard had a gun pointed to the back of his head. "I suggest you don't make a single move. And I suggest you hand the woman over to me nice and quietly. After all, the Heirs desire their 'tool' back in their hands."
"You again…" Richard remarked, as his mood became foul, as he peered behind him, while keeping his body still. "Not content with what happened back at that base, were you? I gotta admit, you caused quite the mess for all of us."
"Of course I'm not satisfied. If it had gone to plan, we could have been cashing in on a bounty. As a matter of fact, if I truly wanted to, I would kill the woman in your captivity for the bounty the World Government placed on her head. But I'm sure that would… sour relations between us and the Heirs of Aida." The man said with a firm tone. "On the other hand… they have replacements in line to easily replace her usefulness with some of our own highly skilled men…"
Frigg clenched her fists, as she was fairly powerless in the situation, although she was surprised that Richard had not an ounce of fear in his expression, despite the precarious situation that he was in.
"Typical World Government mindset." Richard scoffed. "I'm surprised that you men would put a bounty on anything that poses even the slightest threat. But then again, so what if bounties exist? They're basically treasure traps for mercenaries and morally-bankrupt pirates. Kaido had a bounty, Charlotte Linlin had a bounty, Shanks had a bounty, and countless more did. And funny thing, no-one dared to cash them in, because those who did, they never came back. The smart ones knew that bounties are a measure of warning. But I suppose that doesn't matter to you Cipher Pol goons. Speaking of which, you speak more like a mercenary than a government agent. And here I thought that Cipher Pol had its priorities straight, but then again, I only know that CP9 and CP0 are staunchly loyal to the cause. If any of them were in your place, they would have blown my head off by the time I was talking… but then again, I would have been able to tell since they emanate more of a killing intent than you. You're a whole different kind of interesting, I have to concede."
"Tch. For the words you speak I should blow both you and the woman's heads off and call it a day. I merely want answers before I kill you. What good was there in sending us that threat? The World Government has contacts with multiple mercenary groups, varying in size and power, they have contacts to basically anyone and everyone they want to send your way. That threat you sent to the Elders is nothing more than a provocation notice for the World Government. So why. Tell me why the hell you believed you could actually threaten us with a poor excuse of a threat letter." The man demanded.
"Believe?" Richard stated, as a sly smirk appeared on his face. "I know that the World Government is walking on egg-shells at this point. After Wano got liberated, the world balance has shifted greatly away from them. I merely doused your precious government in oil, so that the sparks of revolution would ignite it in a great conflagration. Of course, you might have some arguments about something like that, but we both knew that's not the point of this little exercise. After all, you're here, and not over there. So it proves me right: The Gorosei now actually fear me to send as many Cipher Pol agents to smother my little group down. But the thing is: You don't even realize that this is a sunk cost fallacy. Send as many as you like, but the more you send to me, the more corpses you're going to bury, or more accurately, the more empty coffins that your superiors will have to make in a measure to retain morale."
Richard then sighed. "But why am I wasting my breath talking to you? Elite you may be, you don't compare to the likes of CP9 and CP0. Only they actually deserve hearing my full explanation, and telling you a part of it is already too much for me." He continued, before his eyes drifted to the gun. "Say… do you know why it's never a good choice to place a gun right on the temple of someone who is confident enough to speak without a sense of fear?"
Before the agent could even process the words, Richard seized the arm, before grabbing it hard enough to cause a pain spasm to release the gun, as Richard then kicked the elite Cipher Pol agent aside.
"Because chances are, they have reactions faster than your trigger finger." Richard scoffed, as Frigg rose to her feet, to assess where the safest location to take cover was, in the impending fight. "What now? You just lost your advantage. Got anymore men for me to deal with? I do need something to vent my frustrations on, with all of this happening."
"...Tch… I've got more where-" The man was about to say before he got blasted through the head by two lasers, his eyes rolling in the back of his head as he collapsed, dead. The source of the shot?
Richard and Frigg turned to see an angry Shirli at the command of two hovering automated cannons. "That guy was getting annoying fast!" Shirli growled.
"Good shot." Richard smiled back, with a thumbs-up. "I assumed that help would come, so I decided to stall him a little, so that his attention goes off his gun. Amateur mistake. So, we better look around for Doctor Kolador… Actually, Shirli, could I ask you a favor?"
"Sure thing! Whatever you need, Richard." Shirli smiled.
"Keep an eye on Frigg for me, will you? I can't simply lead her to him, while I have to escort her." Richard stated. "And I can't be sure that there aren't more people like that agent here, who want Frigg either captured or dead. So I ask that you temporarily keep watch over her for me. After all, you're the one who saved her life, she should feel a sense of gratitude and safety to you, and if things get bad… well, you could just restrain her in her weakened state."
"Nrgh…" Frigg grumbled, fairly sore about her weakened state being mentioned.
"Not a problem Richard! I can keep watch over her, but I've got an idea that might help her warm up a little more." Shirli smiled as she walked up to Frigg. "You can trust me on this, okay?" She said to both Frigg and Richard, Frigg for reassurance, and Richard so he understood this was a big part of Shirli's plan for conversion.
"You have my trust on whatever plan you have." Richard answered back.
"Great!" Shirli smiled as she would help Frigg stand. "Come on, let me show you around Banges Port! You've never experienced the Grace Day festivities have you?"
"I…" Frigg stated, before she then noticed that she indeed has not been in festivities since her induction into the Heirs of Aida. "...I have not."
"Then we're gonna change that! Come on!" Shirli smiled as she helped Frigg from her room and began to walk around with her in Banges. With Frigg now properly taken care of, Richard could now track down Kolador, which wasn't hard as he looked up to see Siege and Sam talking with President Kolador from where he was.
"Siege, Sam. How are things with the good sir?" Richard asked both Siege and Sam.
"He promised to show us where the Astrum we need to shut off the Omnium Tower is after the Grace Day festivities. How's Frigg?" Siege asked.
"She's better, getting warmer." Richard responded back. "And Shirli took care of a part of our problems. Girl's a good shot."
"A good sho- Richard what the hell happened while we weren't looking?" Siege asked.
"Let me guess. World Government." Sam deduced.
"Hole in one." Richard smiled back. "But I would hold off celebrations, one goes down, two more pop up, it's like the mythical Hydra over again."
"We can't exactly move the Grace Day celebrations. Everyone is expecting the festivities tonight." Kolador explained.
"Then we do a full sweep. We cover all the ground of Banges port, snuff out any remaining World Government members, and the celebration goes off as planned." Siege said.
"You've all done so much for us already… I thank you for the efforts you've put in to make this possible." Kolador smiled.
"You're welcome." Richard stated, before he then noticed something. "And Pres, question, you a father?"
"I am. Theo is my son. What about it?" Kolador asked.
"Just a hunch that something bad is about to happen to him." Richard stated. "I might be just feeling bad vibes in general… but if it is possible, could I see him just once… after we secure the safety of the Grace Day festival?"
"...Fine. I'll spew it. The truth is my son only has half a year left to live. His condition is deteriorating by the day. The truth is I wanted to use the Astrum to save him… but your friends pointed out to me that my machinery may not have the capacity to hold the Astrum and use it fully… so I've resorted to giving it to your cause." Kolador explained.
"You…" Richard stated, before letting out a sigh of relief. "...That was a smart choice. I know that we can't guarantee a fast cure for him, but we are certain that he will live long enough to be cured. After all, we have seen a lot of maladies before… and I'm sure that even his condition has a cure, even through other-worldly means."
"...From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Now go. Make sure our festivities go on without a problem." Kolador requested.
"Will do, pres." Richard stated, before he then cracked his neck side-to-side. "Come on, we got a festival to maintain, Siege. You too, Sam."
"Right." The two of them said in unison.
And thus, a full Port sweep was began by the entire group, making sure all traces of WG were taken out and disposed of. Frigg, meanwhile, was enjoying the festivities along with Shirli as she was doing some deep searching through it. No. She didn't want what the Heirs wanted. What she wanted was much different. The truth. The truth behind the Cataclysm, the truth behind what made her this way. It wasn't for this world's damnation or the damnation of Omnium. It was to find the truth. And being with the Heirs for so long had blinded her from that true purpose.
After a while, Siege and the others returned to Kolador. "All traces of the World Government have been removed, President Kolador." Siege explained.
"Wonderful. Then let the festivities resume." Kolador smiled as it was now time to shoot off fireworks.
As the fireworks go off, Shirli and Frigg sat back in the infirmary, as they watched the fireworks as Shirli smiled.
"So, how have you been enjoying the festivities?" Shirli asked Frigg.
"Yes, I think that I have learned many things from this." Frigg answered back. "...How ironic it is, that my perceived enemies have taught me the truth. I suppose that is a sign I was never on the right path to begin with."
"...Are you saying what I believe you're saying?" Shirli asked with a hopeful smile.
"I cannot truly fight alongside you for now… nor can I say that I will leave the Heirs of Aida… but if you are saying that I'm sympathetic to what you are trying to do…" Frigg stated. "Then yes, I will do my best to stay out of these affairs, and aid you however I can. The Sage will not forgive betrayal easily, and I have seen that. So think of it as inside information."
"However you decide to help us is good enough for me." Shirli smiled. "Just know when you leave, stay safe okay?"
"I will." Frigg stated. "Take care, young Shirli. You have a bright future ahead for you"
"See? All it took was some good speaking classes and now look at you." Sam smiled as he looked at the scene with warmth in his expression. "I see you found your true purpose now." Sam deduced.
"Heh." Frigg chuckled. "I see now."
"No more words need to be said then." Sam smiled as Siege walked by and nodded.
"I heard enough from afar as you talked with Shirli about your decision, Frigg." Siege said as he pulled out a card. "Declare Spell: Health Sign: Full Revitalization."
Frigg suddenly felt all her energy returning, and no more pain in her chest as she tore the bandage off, revealing no more marks of the blade's attack, though a scar might be there underneath her skin tight suit.
"Go and do what you must. I trust you." Siege said with a nod. "And if Sage gives you any trouble, you know where to find us."
Frigg nodded,before she then disappeared in a flash of energy.
"We'll see her again… right?" Shirli asked.
"I'm certain of it." Siege smiled before he would hear his comm going off. "What's up?"
"Hey Siege! We got the Omnium tower shut off but… uhm… why is Hope in our dimension, if I might ask?" Yang called from the other end of the line, as she had gone with Heiwa and Popol to shut down the tower with the Astrum Kolador gave.
"Hope…? ….Wait a damn second." Siege exclaimed before turning to Richard. "Richard… you don't think that's… What I dread it is, do you?"
"Wait, Hope in our dimension… and the WG is serious now, which means…" Richard stated, before his entire expression froze, as he paled greatly. "...Oh… Oh fuck."
Richard then suddenly laid down a series of sukimas before dragging Gus, Kaguya, and Mokou out through each of them.
"Hey, what's the big deal-" Kaguya stated, before seeing Richard's horrified expression. "Oh, something bad has happened."
"Siege, I'm not sure if this is a threat worth getting everyone, but for the sake of our mental peace, get everyone else here. For all of your sake, please." Richard told Siege with a sense of urgency in his voice.
"...Holy fuck. Okay." Siege said, as he summoned Rutega and Makoto from the Golden Blaze as they came through a portal.
"What's up?" Rutega asked.
"Steel yourselves… we're up against a foe like none other." Siege said, returning to comms. "Yang, I know you, Heiwa, and Popol are all there, I need you guys to get out of there. PRONTO!"
"Huh!? What do you- …Oh shit, Heiwa, Popol, MOVE! AAAGH-" The comms cut to static.
"Yang? YANG!? YANG!?" Siege exclaimed before he paled. "We have to get to the Banges Omnium Tower, NOW!"