I'm not asking for spoilers, but I wonder when Toki will show up? One reason I favor her over Asahi is that even though she was initially influenced, the game's options allow Nanashi to treat her very kindly, as if she were a normal girl. I believe that even before meeting Nanashi, Toki had certain regrets, even though she didn't show it, she wanted to have had a normal life (as far as possible in Tokyo) like Asahi.
Not that I hate Asahi, but I find Toki much more interesting for Nanashi... Although this isn't a romance game. Whether using her as a weapon or treating her as a human being, Nanashi was the first person who valued Toki, unlike those two old ladies who treated Toki as a disposable tool. -Lucian Naruto
I can't say when exactly because spoilers obviously. What I will say is that her first appearance will be before Apocalypse. Like Nanashi, Asahi and Gaston I want to establish them before Apocalypse actually happens. Considering she's supposed to be like a secret assassin and stuff it will be awhile before she interacts with Nanashi.
Chapter 13 Storming the Castle
As they left to the Sky Tower the silhouette of a dragon was watching them from the shadows.
"I can sense my signer…I wonder…is he strong?", the dragon thought.
It felt so surreal climbing up the Sky Tower. Flynn and his fellows had spent so long descending down Naraku. He never really thought of Mikado as above, only the Unclean One's country of Tokyo as under them. This must be their perspective he's experiencing.
Flynn tried to keep his mind away from the Ring. Whenever he thought of them he couldn't help, but feel this intense rage buildup inside him. They were ritual users, the very heathens he'd been fighting. To think they would have to fight alongside them now. He was relieved it was a temporary arrangement. The Black Samurai was likely among them. He wondered which one of them it was. It had to be one of the women.
"Hoy, Flynn are you alright?", Issachar asked, drawing his attention.
"It's nothing.", Flynn replied simply.
"Remember we're supposed to be allies with them for now so chill out a bit. At least until this is all over.", Issachar said as Flynn's eye twitched.
"I know that…", Flynn hissed, lowly.
"I don't think you do. Not judging by those glares you've been giving them.", Issachar replied, getting closer to Flynn.
"…How do you expect me to act around those heathens, Issachar? After what they did to both of us.", Flynn replied as he gritted his teeth.
"I'm expecting you to act like you.", Issachar replied.
"What's that supposed to mean?!", Flynn questioned, drawing the others' attention before the two waved them away.
"This hatred. You were never like this before…the ritual stuff started happening.", Issachar explained.
"That's exactly my point this…Ring of Gaea is the source of all our troubles. If they are the only ritual summoners it must be them that were behind corrupting the souls of those in Mikado.", Flynn replied.
"We don't know that for sure yet. Not until we find the Black Samurai.", Issachar replied.
"All I need to tell those heathens aren't innocent is those blue framed cards they possess.", Flynn replied.
"Did you forget I had a ritual monster?", Issachar questioned.
Flynn went silent, his expression was hard to pin down. He gritted his teeth as he looked down.
"You don't hate me because you know me. You don't know them though or what drove them to turn to ritual summoning. Not everyone who took up ritual summoning is a power hungry asshole like Nathan.", Issachar explained.
Flynn was still silent, frowning deeply. He tried to think of an objection to his own hypocrisy. But, he couldn't give an answer.
"You helped former ritual users like me and some of the other guys we caught. Despite your grievances you showed them compassion. You haven't given these fellows you don't know an ounce of it. What changed?", Issachar said.
Issachar could hear Flynn take a deep breath. Internally Issachar knew what really was the inciting incident for his blind anger. He knew the moment it happened that something went horribly wrong. But, he needed to hear Flynn say it.
Flynn finally looked back to Issachar. His head was lowered down and a low grumbling could be heard. His shoulders slumped in defeat. He knew too, he knew very well what changed.
Flashback
"Hoy, mother wake up!", Flynn said, shaking Maria as he held her in his arms.
Panic started to fill Flynn as he got no response. He recognized those blank eyes all too well. When he looked around he noticed a few people still standing: the Samurai, Lord Damien, the king, and few others. That's when he caught sight of his father. Lord Damien looked completely shocked to see him suddenly fall over. Brianna had fallen into the same state too. From under Walter's hat he pulled out his gauntlet growling angrily as figures entered the building.
Doomkaiser growled lowly from his deck and a chorus of ghoulish angered howls joined in. The zombie dragon appeared behind him in spirit form as he continued to growl.
Flynn held his mother close to his chest. A maelstrom of emotions flooded through his mind as he tried to hold back his tears. He felt something deep within him breaking apart. However, now was not the time for grievance. He glared at the intruders and he took off his gloves revealing his gauntlet underneath. He instantly turned on his gauntlet which already had his deck inside and the blade materialized with a hum. Then he unbuttoned his tunic revealing his Samurai uniform underneath. The others prentices pulled out their hidden gauntlets glaring at the intruders.
It was not the time of grievance because now was the time for vengeance. Anger flowed through Flynn like never before.
"I am going to destroy every single last one of them…", Flynn thought, venomously.
Flashback end
It was difficult to fight the anger he felt. That all happened just yesterday. Even still Issachar was right he even didn't know these people he had to at least give them a chance. For all he knows there could be those among them like Issachar or Vincent or other poor people roped into it. He should surely try to save such people. That's what a hero of justice would do.
"…we don't…want to…", Flynn froze as he suddenly raised his head looking forward.
He saw the shadowy version of himself which made him shake. This wasn't a dream he was in reality right now.
"…right…?", the shadowy Flynn said in an annoyed tone tilting his head frowning.
"Wrong!", Flynn thought as he could feel the shadowy Flynn growling.
"You…wrong…you…lying…", the shadowy Flynn replied.
"Shut up! I'm not going to listen to you. I'm going to listen to my fellows. Issachar's right I'm being stupid.", Flynn thought.
This made the shadowy Flynn much more upset. The darkness swirled around the shadowy Flynn before he vanished.
"You can't…", was the shadowy Flynn's parting words.
He felt slightly better now. Much more calm than he had been previously. Flynn put his hand near his chest.
"I'm sorry Issachar…I've been acting stupid and childish…", Flynn murmured as he dipped his head.
Issachar simply patted him on the back, chuckling.
"I'm just glad you realized it. Hoy, I'm not much better. Remember how I was? I was going to actually take my own best friend's soul. How messed up is that?", Issachar replied, with a warm smile.
"Yeah…you got better though.", Flynn replied.
Issachar gripped Flynn's hand tightly.
"It's obvious we need each other to stay on the right path.", Issachar said.
Flynn nodded with a light smile. He was very thankful he had Issachar with him. Their conversation really passed the time. The staircase leading up to Aquila Plaza was in view. Flynn straightened himself up and Issachar got serious. They needed to be strong. The time for battle was here.
Everyone activated their duel disks. Flynn went to the front leading the way. He stood before the door leading to his home. He grabbed the handle of the door firmly. Whatever came next he was leading everyone here into…something. Would that something be hope or despair?
Skins felt nervous remembering the last time the people from Tokyo had come this close to the surface. Hopefully things will be different this time. He was still unsure of how much to trust Flynn.
"You better not let us down like Akira, kid.", Skins thought.
Flynn creeped the door open and small bits of light slipped through. Those from Tokyo instinctively shielded their eyes from the blinding light. It was not a man made light like those in Tokyo. Instead it was the most natural light of all. Something some of those here have never experienced.
The exit was surrounded by crown Samurai however their numbers were noticeably much less. Among their ranks were some master Samurai who glared at Flynn. Flynn was silent fearlessly walking in the middle of the encirclement.
"It's that traitor…he's finally showed himself.", master Samurai 1 grumbled.
"I always knew he was against us since the Doomking incident.", master Samurai 2 said.
"That bastard truly is a filthy Casualry through and through…", master Samurai 3 grumbled.
Flynn took a deep breath.
"Hoy!", Flynn shouted, surprising everyone and causing the masters to stumble.
Issachar looked at him sideways wondering what sort of scheme Flynn was concocting. Right now he was the center of attention.
"I speak to all Samurai who firmly believe in justice!", Flynn said as he put his fist to his chest.
"Justice my ass, you traitor!", master Samurai 4 yelled back.
"I rather be a traitor to the unjust decree of man than the holy decree of God!", Flynn shot back fiercely, making the man flinch.
Walter whistled while some of the Tokyo residents scowled at the mention of God.
"Those who follow the king knowing his intentions fully have sold their souls to a tyrant! Your slaves cowering from what's true and righteous! You must break free from the tyrannical chains of sin and return your heart to God!", Flynn said.
"I didn't come here to hear a sermon…", Kaga murmured.
"In case there are those among you who aren't aware…the king has imprisoned key figures in the Monastery including Abbot Hugo and Sister Gabby! Then, the crown Samurai were imposed onto the Samurai to police the thoughts of those trying to protect the people of Mikado! Then…he sent the crown Samurai not to find the perpetrators behind Mikado's misfortune or to deliver justice to those harmed by the ritual users! Instead blinded by greed he sent the crown Samurai as aggressors to plunder Tokyo of mystic relics! Killing any man, woman, or child who got in the way!", Flynn explained.
Nozomi was one of the few who appreciated the summary Flynn gave. It provided added context for her as to why the prentices were upset with the king. The other Tokyo residents started to get riled up when Flynn spoke of their misfortunes.
"Just shut up already you damn angel…", Hunter 1 hissed venomously.
"I can't wait to get revenge on all these religious assholes…", Hunter 2 grumbled.
The other prentices, Nozomi, and Skins noticed this growing concerned. They were further back still in Naraku so Flynn couldn't hear them.
"Me and my fellows decided we were not okay with that! Acting as aggressors and attacking the Unclean One's as our friends and families were by those following the Black Samurai! Do you really intend to act as devils like that?! Devils who loot and steal from a struggling people?! If you are the kind of person who is okay with that then you deserve nothing less than my greatest contempt! In the eyes of the lord, those who would do such evil are traitors to God!", Flynn said.
The crown Samurai said nothing with the same eerie blank expressions they always wore. But, the masters looked shaken and unsure. Questioning if a crusade for greed was just.
"I just need one person. All it takes is one person to stand up and say they don't agree with this.", Flynn thought.
They saw the masters squirming with unsure or conflicted expressions.
"Me and my fellows will free those at the Monastery and return Mikado back to how it used to be! Now…will any of you stand with us?", Flynn questioned.
Some masters shook hesitating to stand forward. They sweated immensely with fearful expressions. Those that did had a crown Samurai behind them instantly. Flynn tensed remembering the grown Samurai using similar tactics against him and his fellows.
"Do not let yourselves be controlled by terror! I will liberate you!", Flynn said as his fellow prentices and Issachar joined him.
"Hoy, come on! Don't make Flynn preach more! Unless you're cowards! You have the strength to gain your freedom! Use it!", Walter said.
"That's right! We beat the crown Samurai trying to control our hearts and souls! You can do the same as well! How can you face your loved ones knowing you were part of an effort to kill innocents?", Jonathan said.
"No one can make you do anything! You have to make the choice to fight for what you believe in! If you don't, who will?", Isabeau said.
"Don't be chickens now! Even when I was injured I still resisted the crown Samurai till my last breath! You should never fight for a cause you don't truly believe in or you'll be burdened with regret till the end of your days!", Issachar said.
"…It's time to fight now! If we don't now when will we ever be free?", master Samurai 2 said and they smiled.
More masters started to join in with them.
"Only attack the crown Samurai, the Samurai in the purple uniforms, they are our enemy!", Flynn said.
"Alright! Let's go!", Issachar yelled and those in Naraku poured out.
The crown Samurai were quickly overwhelmed by sheer numbers. They couldn't restrain everyone. The freed masters joined with them.
"Alright! Now to the king!", Flynn said.
"Why are we listening to this angel? Who elected him as leader?", Hunter 3 questioned.
"I dunno. I think it's natural charisma that's making people listen to him.", Hunter 4 replied.
Flynn felt a rush of adrenaline. His heart was beating rapidly in anticipation. Anticipation to save the people of Mikado. It was all so exciting for him. He felt like a general right now leading everyone.
When they made it to the castle more crown Samurai stood in their way, but they fought their way through. Flynn and his fellows were able to get through the door. Kaga was right behind them impressively backhanding a crown Samurai. Then, the floor opened up to a pitfall.
Nozomi was looking around to where her hyperactive juniors ran off too.
"Damn. They got really excited there. Where did they go?", Nozomi questioned, lost in the chaos.
They found themselves in a small dungeon-like square room before a screen lit up. On the screen was the official who smiled creepily.
The king watched them from his chambers with amusement. From behind him a dark twin-headed shadow watched with a devilish grin.
"Greetings Samurai…Unclean One…You will face the Big Five, the strongest crown Samurai, before you will be permitted to see the king.", the official said.
Kaga smiled with interest at such a challenge. Walter punched his hand grinning.
"Great. I was getting bored.", Kaga said.
"Awesome! I'll knock 'em all down!", Walter said.
The wall behind them slid up revealing a corridor.
"You will ascend up through this secret chamber to the king. However, before you can ascend one of you must challenge one of the Big Five.", the official explained.
Flynn looked extremely skeptical at all of this.
"Why is this being arranged in such an odd manner? What are you planning?", Flynn questioned as the official continued to smile.
"The way he words it implies one of us can challenge a member than the rest move up.", Isabeau said.
"I agree it's a suspicious setup.", Jonathan said.
"Who wants to duel first?", Flynn asked.
"Well, I'm dying of boredom. Destroying another drone should provide a modicum of entertainment.", Kaga said.
Flynn looked wary though tried to avoid jumping to conclusions.
"Alright.", Flynn agreed.
They entered the hallway finding the first room. A crown Samurai stood in front of the staircase with a duel disk ready. Kaga quickly raised her own, which was a custom black and orange one. The blade of the duel disk was like a scythe.
"So I will be dueling an Unclean One? I'll make this quick.", the crown Samurai said, dismissively surprising them.
"Hoy, aren't you Steves usually emotionless?", Walter questioned, freaked out.
"Heh. Don't compare me to those weaklings.", the crown Samurai replied.
"I don't understand.", Jonathan replied with confusion.
"Ah…you still aren't aware of the truth of the crown Samurai yet are you?", the official said.
"And what is that truth, sir?", Flynn asked.
The Samurai felt unnerved as the official's smile became inhuman.
"Don't you think it's odd how we produced so many capable duelists on such sort notice? Seemingly out of nowhere?", the official questioned.
"Well…I've always wondered that.", Isabeau replied.
"You see I have acted as a scout as you will. Looking for those wishing for the second chance to be Samurai.", the official explained.
"Just like me…", Issachar thought.
"Though there were some more unwilling. Anyway we gathered all those people and had spirits take over them.", the official explained.
The Samurai gasped in abject shock and Kaga just listened on.
"Most of them were easily taken over. The king has a powerful spirit in his employ able to control lesser spirits. Through this we were able to control them completely and mass produce crown Samurai. The souls of those who were too weak were used as fuel to produce more powerful cards for the crown Samurai.", the official explained.
The official was glared at by Flynn and his fellows.
"So, the king really has an evil spirit with him? Is that why he's been acting so strange?", Jonathan questioned.
This made the official break into uncontrollable laughter unnerving them greatly.
"Of course not. The king always wanted to overthrow the Monastery and seize power. His spirit friend simply gave him the means to do so.", the official explained.
"So, when your crown Samurai were talking about extensive re-education you don't mean…", Issachar said.
"They meant those who needed it would be turned into crown Samurai. But, the king decided it would be a waste to let go of such talented duelists. That's why he's interested in you, Lord Flynn. He believes you could be a valuable ally.", the official explained.
"As if I'd follow his wicked schemes! To think he isn't even being possessed or manipulated! I'm absolutely disgusted with him!", Flynn barked angrily.
"We'll see how long you'll feel that way…", the official said, cryptically.
"Basically those of the Big Five are those whose will were strong enough to overcome the spirits and take their power.", the crown Samurai said.
"Sounds like you will hopefully not be an absolute bore.", Kaga said.
"Hah! A proud Mikadoian like myself would never lose to an Unclean One!", the crown Samurai said haughtily.
"Hopefully you can back up that bark.", Kaga replied.
"Duel!", the crown Samurai said.
Kaga LP 4000
Carter LP 4000
To be continued…