Hyperdimension Neptunia - Across the Multiverse
A HyperDimension Neptunia Fanfiction by Dumbrarere1
Chapter 18 - Gladiator's Arena
Andrew came to, to find that he and Neptune were in chains and on a prisoner cart bound for who-knows-where. They appeared to be approaching the gates of some kind of arena.
"Neptune… Wake up." he said quietly, trying to rouse Neptune from her unconsciousness. She stirred rather quickly, finding herself just as clueless as to where they were or what was happening.
"What's going on? Where are we?" Neptune asked.
"I don't know… but I feel we're about to find out for ourselves…" Andrew said in a hushed tone.
"Andrew… I'm kind of scared…" Neptune whimpered.
"Me too, Nep… Me too…" Andrew said, trying his best to comfort her.
"Keep quiet back there!" one of the soldiers ordered. As time went on, they went through the gates of the massive arena, before being offloaded. Neptune looked around in a mix of awe and fear.
"Keep moving!" the lieutenant from earlier ordered as she shoved Neptune.
"Ow! Hey, that was so uncalled for!" Neptune shouted. This got her another shove, and she just continued alongside her husband towards the wall. A crowd had gathered along the seats of the grand arena. Andrew soon learned in horror, based on the blood stains, spikes and weapon racks that this was a gladiatorial arena, where prisoners of all kinds were forced to fight. They were then halted before an empty throne.
"All rise in the presence of His Excellency, Arilvus Benelliun, Fifth son of Guias Benelliun and Twenty-Third Emperor of our grand empire!" a herald declared. The crowd stood on command, and a well-dressed man with a gold-trimmed crown approached, sitting on the throne by the edge of the ring. That was when the lieutenant asked Andrew and Neptune their names.
"Andrew Hawker…" Andrew replied.
"Neptune." Neptune replied. The lieutenant asked for clarification, to which Neptune replied "Neptune Hawker."
"Andrew and Neptune Hawker. You stand before His Excellency, convicted of crimes against the Grand Empire of Trivell. How do you plead?" the lieutenant asked.
"Before I give my plea, I humbly ask His Excellency to provide us with the charges that lay before us." Andrew requested.
"The charges levied against you include espionage and conspiring to commit acts of war or treason against the Empire. Now, declare your plea." Arilvus declared.
"To both, we can only plead "not guilty." If you would allow us, Your Excellency, we can explain everything." Andrew said. Arilvus stood in response.
"Very well. I shall hear your words and judge you based on their worth." he said, before looking to the lieutenant. "Lieutenant Cuias. Bring these two to my personal quarters. They will join me in watching the first few matches while they say their piece." he ordered. Lieutenant Cuias nodded his head, before taking the two of them to the Emperor's quarters in the arena's top level.
Asmund, Kira, Scourge and Asriel found themselves in open desert, near what looked like a fairly decent town.
"Great… I've got sand in my fur… This is like Tatooine all over again!" Asriel complained.
"Well, that's something… Is this High Hrothgar?" Kira asked.
"I don't think we arrived at our intended destination…" Scourge surmised.
"My thoughts as well, Lord Scourge… Where exactly are we?" Asmund asked.
"A more important question is, where are Neptune and Andrew?" Asriel asked, noting that the other two CPUs weren't with them. Asmund looked around and he, too, noticed their absence. He closed his eyes, feeling for the echoes.
"It's distant, but they're alive…" he said.
"Where?" Asriel asked.
"Towards the Northeast. About a five-day's walk from here." Asmund said, pointing in the direction of where the echoes are coming from.
"We'd never make it on foot. Treks in the open desert are suicide." Scourge chided.
"Without adequate supplies, at least. There's a town directly to our North where we can stop and get what we need for the trip." Kira said, pointing to the town.
"Good idea. We can gather some information there, too.." Asmund said.
"A sound strategy. I recommend that we get started immediately. The longer we take, the worse our odds get against Denzion and Kurome." Scourge said, before they went to the town.
Andrew and Neptune found themselves in a shaded room overlooking the gladiatorial arena, joining Arilvus. They were glad to have the chains removed. As they watched the brutal fights down below, Andrew discussed who they were, what they were doing, and how they got there.
"So you're telling me that you're both deities not from this world… and that you were forced here while in transit from another…" Arilvus asked.
"That's correct, Your Excellency." Andrew replied.
"Your Excellency, this is blasphemy against the Goddess!" Lieutenant Cuias exclaimed in a level of fury.
"As I was thinking… You're looking at blasphemy, now, on top of the charges of espionage and treason. The penalty for this is death, Andrew Hawker. " Arilvus declared.
"With all due respect, Your Excellency... We will not - dare not - ask you, nor your people, to worship us instead of your goddess. We've been fighting tooth and nail to stop a great cataclysm that will no doubt befall our world, and a number of others, if we fail. All we ask of you, is that you consider letting us return to our friends so that we may leave your Empire without delay." Andrew said calmly, trying to push his and Neptune's defense.
"These blasphemous commentaries will cease. I have no choice but to deem you "guilty" of all charges levied against you, and condemn you to death." Arilvus declared.
"If this is the case, we humbly request that we earn our freedom." Andrew said.
"And how do you propose that? The words of a blasphemer hold no weight." Lieutenant Cuias asked inquisitively, staring down at the couple intensely. Neptune didn't know what to say, finding herself speechless as this roadblock in their mission seems impassable. Andrew stood up and walked to the edge of the room, looking out over the violence and bloodshed in the arena.
"If we have to, we will earn our freedom by fighting in the arena." Andrew said. Neptune looked at him like he was completely nuts.
"Very well… You will both serve in the arena until your time is up." Arilvus said, before looking to Cuias. "Lieutenant, take them to the pit for preparation, east side. Send them up against our most victorious couple… the people that killed my son." he added darkly, sending shivers down Neptune's spine. Cuias bowed, before taking the two of them to the pit.
Asriel joined Scourge and Kira in gathering supplies, while Asmund gathered information.
"We're looking for two people, a man and a young woman. Their names are Andrew Hawker and Neptune. Have you seen them, or heard anything about them?" he asked, going to describe their appearance.
"Oh, those two? I heard about them. A couple of blasphemers, they were. Word travels quick around the Grand Empire, though different magics." the man he asked replied. The man looked like a soldier, wearing silver-trimmed blue armor with gold accents, and a similarly-hilted sword to his side.
"What's happened to them?" Asmund asked.
"What's it matter to you, what happens to a pair of blasphemers?" the man countered.
"You can say it's… complicated." Asmund replied.
"Ooohh… They owe you in Riels or something?" the soldier asked.
"I… guess you could say that. I leant them about a hundred Riels to cover the rest of the money for the equipment they needed for mercenary work." Asmund fibbed, trying to maintain his cover.
"I see… Well, you're out of luck, I suppose. They were marked for death not an hour ago, but volunteered for the gladiatorial games in the capital to pay for their crimes and earn their freedom. If you ask me, the lady doesn't stand a chance." The soldier said. Asmund thought hard about this development, finding himself at a loss for words. He then asked the obvious question.
"What's the fastest way to the capital?" he asked.
"Fastest is by horseback. You and anyone in your party can save a day and a half's trip that way, but if you really need to get there fast, you can take a shortcut through Skeleton Pass. Be warned, that a bandit group calling itself the 'Black Sabers' has set up camp at the pass, and they're a crafty bunch. The last military expedition we sent there did not return. But if you make it through the canyon, you can reach the capital within two days." the soldier said.
"Thank you, sir. I shall find my companions and alert them to-" Asmund said, before being interrupted.
"ASMUND!" Kira yelled. She, Scourge and Asriel were being chased by an armed mob.
"The blazes is going on?" Asmund asked, running to intercept the mob. He drew his lightsaber, and stopped them. "What's going on here? Why this violence?" he asked.
"Your sorceress friend tripped me up, made me look like a damn fool!" one of the members of the mob declared.
"Yeah! I saw the whole thing!" another shouted.
"Is this true, Kira?" Asmund asked.
"The bastard was trying to grope me… He could've done a lot worse if I hadn't acted." Kira said. Her voice was a bit shaken, but she was clearly okay.
"Oh yeah? I'll bet that she uses that every time she-" the first person in the angry mob said.
"Kira's telling the truth. I'd helped buy most of the supplies for the trip, when they made moves on her. They made every attempt to break the peace." Asriel said, coming to Kira's defense.
"Why you pathetic little insec-" another one of the mob snarled, before being interrupted by the soldier.
"Stand down, people. Disperse this crowd immediately." the soldier ordered.
"Ya takin' sides, Trivellian? I oughta fight ye one on one, if I had me father's sword!" one of the mob members declared in defiance.
"In the name of His Excellency, I order you to stand down! If you do not comply, I'll send the lot of you to the dungeons myself!" the soldier ordered, drawing his sword.
"Come on, boys, it's just one soldier! We can take him on and grab the Sorceress ourselves!" one of the mob shouted.
"Aye!" the rest of the crowd said, before attempting to rush them head on. Asmund raised his lightsaber in defense, aiming to disarm rather than kill. He'd push some of the members over with the Force if they got too close. The all-out brawl, unfortunately, turned deadly as soldier killed two of the people from the mob, before being stabbed in the leg and shoulder with daggers. Kira drew her lightsaber next, rushing to the soldier's defense using both Force-based and lightsaber attacks. It was clear that the mob wasn't giving up without a fight, as it took blood and six bodies before the rest of the mob, all three of them, ran for it. With the fight over, Kira helped the soldier to his feet.
"You alright?" she asked as she sheathed her lightsaber.
"Yeah… Thanks for the help… I owe ya." the soldier replied. "It sounds like you guys make enemies often. You should probably go before things get ugly." he continued.
"You look hurt. Here, let me help." Asmund said, sheathing his lightsaber, before using the Force to heal the wounded Trivellian soldier.
"Thanks." the soldier said, before looking to the gates. "Stable is that way. The owner owes me a favor, so tell him 'Rycus sent you' and he'll give you the horses for free." the soldier, revealing himself to be named Rycus, said, before making his way to the barracks to report the incident. Asmund and Kira both raised an eyebrow at his name, being oddly the same as that of the late Grand Moff Kilran, but made no comment as they went to the stable.
"Greetings. What can I get the four of ye?" the stable owner asked.
"We need four horses for a trip to the capital. Rycus sent us." Asmund said.
"Did he now? Well, I'm only too happy to oblige. Horses and feed are out back." the owner said, handing the deed to the horses over.
"Thank you, sir." Asmund said, before heading to the horses.
"This world is more chaotic than the last… If the Sith Emperor were still alive, this would be a paradise compared to the galaxy…" Scourge said.
"How many supplies did you get?" Asmund asked.
"Only about enough for three days. I'm sorry we couldn't get them all…" Asriel said in shame.
"It'll be enough… It just means that we have to take the dangerous route…" Asmund said, allowing the Force to guide him and the group to the capital.
Andrew walked into the gladiatorial arena, his sword drawn. In his way were two serial killers. The two looked bloodthirsty, and highly dangerous. they were ready, however.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, people of Trivell! Another game for you, hosted by His Excellency. On the eastern end of the arena, a man and woman, convicted of charges of espionage and treason, and of blasphemy. Crimes so heinous, the alternative is death! Here they stand, volunteering to fight in the games for their freedom, and your amusement! I give you! Andrew and Neptune Hawker!" a herald declared, before the crowd jeered at the couple's expense.
"And on the western end, two brothers, convicted of regicide, muder, and assassination! Killers of at least thirty people, including the First Son of His Excellency! They stand here, after twenty five victories, and on their last match before they redeem themselves in the eyes of our Grand Empire! I give you, Brutus and Agnus!" the herald added. This time, the crowd cheered. This was when the murderer on the left, Brutus, pointed at Andrew with his sword, before drawing it across his neck in an act of intimidation. Neptune almost shuddered, but drew her katana in response.
"And now! Let the battle begin!" The herald yelled, before Andrew and Neptune ran in bravely against the two murderers. Brutus tried to flank them, but they were too fast. Andrew Leapt in a backflip, dodging a swing from Agnus, before lobbing the attacker's head off. Brutus, seeing this, tried to get a revenge kill by doing the same, but Neptune ducked in to her husband's defense, cutting the murderer's arm off, before stabbing him in the chest. The crowd was initially shocked, but cheered at the victory.
"A quick and decisive victory for Andrew and Neptune Hawker! Brutus and Agnus, after twenty-five consecutive victories, lie dead at their feet! Stay put, folks! The next round will begin momentarily!" the herald declared as both Andrew and Neptune went back to the pit to prepare for their next battle. It didn't take long before they were sent back out again. This time, it was against a native reptile-like creature with red eyes and shadow-like husk. It sported sharp, blackened teeth, and gave off an unnerving aura of dread. The eldritch horror cried out an unholy screech before it charged the duo, only to be cut down before it could lunge at Neptune. Once again, the crowd cheered.
Back on Nirn, in an undisclosed location within Skyrim, Kurome and Denzion approached the Elder Council of the Aldmeri Dominion, who were overseeing preparations for their invasion of Tamriel through the province's north. Both Denzion and Kurome were flanked by Imperial Guard, which were armed with lightsaber pikes.
Who dares violate the sanctum of the Third Aldmeri Dominion?" one of the council members asked.
"Phuh! Humans! Let my men dispose of these worms." an Aldmeri officer, Carasselimo Silinius, declared, before he ordered a soldier to kill them. It would be a fruitless attempt, as Kurome stared into the soldier's eyes and forced him to experience a vivid, nightmarish hallucination.
"We come in peace… We'd like to offer our aid to the Aldmeri Dominion in the battles to come." Kurome declared. These words caused another council member to order Carasselimo to stand down.
"Speak your piece, humans." the council member ordered.
"I am Lord Denzion, Emperor of the Sith Empire. As you most undoubtedly know, neither Kurome here or I are from this world." Denzion declared.
"Indeed. One of our Justiciars reported having captured and attempted to interrogate two people from another world that found themselves here in an effort to unlock the secrets of the multiverse, but went silent." one of the Elder Council members said.
"These two and their Empire represent a threat to our supremacy - our way of life. Can they be trusted?" another council member asked.
"I can assure you, that all that stands between the Dominion and unconditional victory against the Cyrodilic Empire is the CPUs and their Jedi allies. I have interdicted them, forcing them into another dimension, and away from Tamriel so that the Aldmeri have time for their invasion." Kurome declared.
"And you know of our invasion, how?" A council member asked.
"Kurome is something of a rogue CPU. She has helped me against the Republic in my galaxy, and her powers will be of value to your Dominion." Denzion said.
"You can't seriously be considering listening to these two, can you?" Carasselimo asked, being calmed by another council member.
"I propose an alliance - The Sith Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion. We help your battles, and share the secrets of the multiverse, in exchange for battle maps and known Imperial positions." Kurome proposed.
"A worthy proposition. I am interested to see how these Sith fight, and this could be the break we need. General Silinius, I name you, Kurome and Lord Denzion the supreme commanders of our invasion forces off the coast of Skyrim." the lead council member said. "Our invasion begins with Solitude, the de facto capital of the province. From there, we consolidate our forces before we take Whiterun and starve their trade, then head for the Imperial capital. Go, now. Have your Empire join our forces ready to take the city. Do not break my trust." the lead member continued.
"It will be done." Denzion said, before he and Kurome left with the two Imperial guard. Carasselimo begrudgingly followed, distrusting of the Dominion's newest allies.
Andrew and Neptune were still battling through round after round of dangerous enemies in the arena. It was late afternoon, and they were on the last stretch for the day, having achieved an impressive string of twenty-eight victories. It seemed fairly obvious, however, that Arilvus had no intention of upholding his end of the deal, aiming instead for a battle of attrition, hoping to exhaust the two CPUs into submission. A massive beast lay before the two CPUs next, and once again, Andrew and Neptune leaped in, killing it after a few passes.
"Impressive… They've been at it for a couple hours, with little rest." Cuias said, looking out at the arena battles.
"One more battle… then we put them in the holding cells for the night." Arilvus said. "Send out the Butcher of Vassenor." he ordered. Cuias bowed. Five minutes later, the Butcher of Vassenor, a gruff and brutish man standing at seven feet, stood on the opposite side of the arena from the two CPUs. The Herald announced a fifty-victory streak and enough strength to "make the desert quake with every step". As the herald announces the beginning of the match, Andrew and Neptune dashed in, and in the blink of an eye, the massive foe lie dead on the ground.
"W-... What just happened?!" the herald asked, stunned at the abrupt victory. The crowd was cheering, chanting the CPUs' names. It seemed that the end was fast approaching, and they'd made some level of fame. Two soldiers arrived to collect the victorious CPUs, escorting them to the arena's holding cells.
"Impossible…" Cuias said, completely stunned.
"Hmm… They're good. Better than I expected." Arilvus said, equally stunned.
"How do we proceed, Your Excellency?" Cuias asked.
"We might have to get more aggressive in tomorrow's round of fights if we want to kill these blasphemers… Send our most deadly adversary from the chopping block, tell him that he will be pardoned if he manages to kill them in the next fight." Arilvus said.
"It will be done" Cuias said.
The group of four traveled through the desert, making for Skeleton Pass. It was rough path, but they made it to the pass by nightfall.
"I'm getting bad vibes from this canyon… I haven't felt something like this since the Emperor's Fortress…" Kira warned.
"Trust in the Force, Kira. It will guide us through the pass." Asmund said, before they entered. At night, Skeleton Pass looked as foreboding and threatening as it felt, adding to Kira's uneasiness as they traveled through. Half way through, they were jumped by the bandits.
"Hold, travellers. You have to pay the toll if you want to get through here." the leader of the Black Sabers, a dog-like being named Heinrich declared with a sort of Germanic accent. He was wearing black-colored armor of indiscernible quality and a reddish bandanna. He was armed with a red-hilted scimitar.
"You're the Black Sabers?" Asmund asked.
"Ja. And for good reason. Any man who dares to call himself a soldier of the Trivellian Army meets their end in the dark of night by our blades." Heinrich said. "The Empire has enslaved our people, the Wargs, for over a hundred years. And they dare to call us "beasts" and the like. What did they tell you we were?" he asked.
"Rycus, a soldier of the army, referred to your group as bandits." Asmund said.
"Bandits? What a laugh!" Heinrich shouted. "We prefer "freedom fighters." Take a good look around you. Every Warg here, man woman and child, was once a slave of the Trivellian Empire, kept as pets... labor... a source of furs and amusement." Heinrich explained.
"That's… That's horrible…" Asriel gasped.
"And I thought Hutts were this heartless and selfish…" Kira muttered to herself.
"How did you and your people get free?" Scourge asked.
"My former owner, a Trivellian noble that once lived in the capital, was a firm believer in the rights of my people, and an agent of the church of the goddess. He set me free, bought my fellow people out of slavery, and gave every single one of us here a purpose! Then one day, he was arrested without reason, without charge, and confined to the arena, to keep us from speaking out against the Empire in front of Helena - the patron goddess - and her clergy! We have vowed to continue the fight in his name, so that we may one day live, not as play things and sworn enemies of the Empire, but as equals of Man and the other races!" Heinrich declared.
"A noble goal-" Asmund said, only to be interrupted.
"Don't tell us about nobility, fiend. Your slave here shall be free of his chains, and will join our ranks against the Empire." Heinrich said, accusing Kira and Asmund of enslaving Asriel.
"But… I'm not their slave. They're my friends." Asriel said in the defense of the two Jedi.
"Friends… Is this true, human?" Heinrich asked.
"This is true. We're not with the Trivellian Empire. In fact, we're not from this dimension." Asmund said.
"Not from this dim- what?" Heinrich asked, confused.
"If you would allow us, we can explain everything." Kira said.
"Hmph! Very well. But I am watching you. One wrong move, and you're both dead." Heinrich declared.
Andrew looked out into the desert from his holding cell. He was both bored out of his mind and frustrated that their mission came to an abrupt halt in such a violent fashion.
"We should be in Tamriel by now. Instead, we're just wasting away our days in this arena." Andrew said.
"Yeah, no doubt Histy is worried." Neptune said, also looking through the window. A full moon shone down upon the desert sands in a gloomy, but beautiful fashion.
"You two were taken as well?" a man asked.
"Yeah. Accused of espionage, treason, and blasphemy." Andrew explained. "You?" he asked.
"No reason. I'm Caelus Bamballio, Brother of the Church of the goddess Helena under our high priestess, and… once a Trivellian Noble…" Caelus said. "The only reason I'm being kept here, is to keep me and the Wargs I set free from speaking out against the Emperor." he continued.
"Ouch… Talk about making statements." Neptune said, shocked.
"Now, I know who the two of you are. You have nothing to fear from me or the church that I represent. You see, under Arilvus Benelliun and his father before him, the Grand Empire of Trivell has been gaining power by putting pressure on the church and enslaving other races. The Wargs were one of those races." Caelus said.
"Who were they?" Andrew asked.
"A race of wolf-like beings. Intelligent, sneaky, and fast, able to live as old as a hundred and fifty. They follow the orders of military superiors and favor friendship and companionship. Many of the Wargs who were enslaved were once decorated scouts of the Trivellian Army. Now, they're used as pets, a source of fur, and a whole manner of other nasty things." Caelus explained. "That's why I bought a number of Warg slaves and set them free, so that they may live better lives. The Church has secretly backed the Black Saber resistance under Heinrich, with the hopes of overthrowing the Benelliun Dynasty and restoring the Empire to its former glory. Someone found out about this, and had me taken prisoner and held here, to keep the church in line, and the Black Sabers from speaking out." he continued.
"We're not unfamiliar with such injustices. We've experienced them before." Andrew said.
"Now, you and your Jedi allies are the last hope Helena has of restoring her kingdom. I pray you're all up to the task." Caelus said. Andrew nodded, before the door to the holding cells opened, and two guards came in with a Warg warrior dressed in rags. The numerous scars suggested he was a member of the resistance movement.
"This is the infamous "Freidrich Hauser" of the Black Sabers. He was facing execution for the mass murder of an entire battalion of His Excellency's best soldiers. He'll be pardoned when he guts you blasphemers." one of the soldiers said with a laugh, before leaving. Freidrich snarled wolfishly at the two CPUs, but eased up when he saw Caelus.
"Calm yourself, Freidrich. They are friends." Caelus said.
"So let me get this straight… You four were from another dimension, and young Asriel here is the protege of two CPUs… deities from the world of Gamindustri?" Heinrich asked.
"That's correct. The two CPUs that were with us were arrested early this afternoon, accused of espionage, treason and blasphemy, and forced to fight in the arena over at the capital. We need to try to break them out." Asmund said. "There might also be a chance we can find the man who set you free." he added. Heinrich thought long and hard.
"I think we can help each other out." he finally said.
"This means a lot to us. Thank you." Asriel said.
"Of course. We will raid the arena while the fights are in session. You'll nab Andrew and Neptune, while we get Caelus. Grab some rest, we leave before dawn." Heinrich said, before heading inside. The group went through their supplies and ate around a fire, before they too went to sleep.
Andrew and Neptune awoke in their holding cell as the sun rose above the desert. The early morning air was bitter cold, and damp puddles of water were frozen over in thin sheets of ice. They'd experienced worse, however. The door to the holding cells opened, and two guards came and took the two CPUs and Friedrich to the pits. Neptune looked a little sour toward Andrew for putting them in this position, but knew that the alternative would be somewhat worse. Andrew, meanwhile, knew that the rest of the group were looking for them, and simply needed to buy time until they could arrive.
They were escorted into the arena, where they faced Freidrich on the opposite side. It was easy to tell that they didn't want to fight each other. To their horror, rather than fight friends for the amusement of the Trivellian Empire, Freidrich chose to kill himself before the match could begin, denying any enjoyment from the fight.
"Did he just- Dammit!" Cuias shouted. He turned to one of the guards. "Send out the Reaper!" he continued.
"Y-Yes, Lieutenant." the guard said, sending word to the Reaper handlers. In place of the Warg warrior was a beast of immense size. It tried charging Andrew and Neptune, only to change focus to the onlookers, a sign of its unpredictability. In an effort to protect the innocents, Andrew and Neptune activated HDD and went all out on the massive beast, finally killing it. The crowd cheered, and the two CPUs left HDD.
The group, with the Black Sabers behind them, approached the arena and stopped on a crag, overlooking the arena floor from a distance.
"That's the arena? It's huge!" Kira remarked. Asmund took out his electrobinoculars and peered into the arena, watching the CPUs fight.
"A place of torture and death… forcing prisoners, both innocent and guilty, to fight for their enjoyment… Despicable!" Heinrich remarked.
"Heinrich. Maybe we should turn back." a young Warg woman said.
"Not a chance. Caelus and the two CPUs need us." Heinrich said.
In High Hrothgar, Elenwen rushed to meet with General Tullius, bearing knowledge of the Dominion's movements.
"Stop, Altmer. You have no business here. Leave, before I kill you myself." Ulfric declared.
"Now, Ulfric. I sense she's not here to disrupt our efforts." Revan countered, looking to the Altmer. "Tell us, ma'am, what brings you here?" he asked.
"I have information regarding the Dominion's movements. I must speak with General Tullius." Elenwen declared.
"Go ahead, Elenwen. Speak." General Tullius said.
"The Dominion has launched an invasion of Tamriel via Solitude. Lord Denzion and the Sith Empire have allied themselves with them, and are spearheading the attack with Kurome Ankokuboshi." Elenwen reported.
"Solitude? Why there?" Ulfric asked.
"Why not? It was the Imperial capital of Skyrim since the Civil War, and is a coastal city. They can avoid Hammerfell and attack us directly through the heart." Tullius said. "Elenwen, the Dominion will kill you for your betrayal. What will you do now?" he asked.
"I wish to align myself with the Cyrodilic Empire against my people. My knowledge of their tactics will come in handy in the war." Elenwen said.
"Perhaps the first of many. We have your gratitude, Elenwen." Master Satele said.
"Just don't think this will mean I'll suddenly start trusting you. You have to earn that trust." Ulfric said.
"In that case, I will try my hardest to earn it." Elenwen said.
"Still, this is a bad sign. Arngier, we may need to accelerate our plans to launch an expedition into whatever dimension the CPUs found themselves stuck in." Tullius said.
"An unfortunate, but valid reason. I shall open the dimensional gateway, while Revan helps locate their exact location." Arngier said.
"I shall come, too." Gonnaer offered.
"Very well. I expect your help will be of great importance in our rescue." Revan said.
"We don't have much time. Prepare." Arngier said, before opening a gateway.
Andrew and Neptune finished up another fight, killing a warlock mercenary who was arrested on false charges of murder due to a deliberately botched contract. They were on their thirty-ninth victory thus far. They went back to the pit in preparation for the next fight.
"Does nothing kill them?" Arilvus asked.
"I have an idea… It'll ensure that if one goes free, the other must die." Cuias suggested.
"You're going to pit them against each other?" Arilvus asked.
"Aye. And if they refuse, then it's execution by the arena's beasts." Cuias said.
"Then do it. One dead blasphemer and a broken one is better than both of them being alive." Arilvus said. Cuias left to deal with the two CPUs. On the arena floor, he met with Andrew and Neptune with a smirk.
"Oh. You're our opponent this time, Lieutenant Cuias?" Andrew asked.
"Oh, no. I'm just here to tell you both that you're on the last stretch. There's one more fight to go." Cuias said.
"And who are we fighting?" Andrew asked.
"Why... each other, of course. And… to the death…" Cuias said, backing up towards the wall. Andrew and Neptune, much like the crowd above, were horrified by what they heard.
"F-fight you?" Neptune stammered.
"Fighting my own betrothed… I can't!" Andrew shouted.
"You will! Or you will both die!" Cuias countered. "The battle has already begun! Fight!" he ordered. Andrew's hands trembled. He could not raise his weapon against her. Instead, they both despawned their weapons, to the relief of the crowd.
"I see… You'd choose each other over freedom… So be it!" Cuias shouted. A number of Trivellian soldiers came out grabbed them from behind, dragging them to a set of hooks and chaining them both to the wall. "Bring out the Trivellian Desert Lions. They will maul them." Cuias ordered. The crowds gathered, who have come to love and revere the two CPUs, were up in arms at their decision, and began a short-lived riot. That was when the Trivellian Desert Lions, a species of black-maned felines, approached the two CPUs. As aggressive as they were, It didn't take much for Andrew to calm them through Planeptune's shares. The lions sat down next to the CPUs as though guarding them, which both confused and infuriated Cuias.
"This isn't good…" Asmund said.
"What isn't?" Kira asked.
"They're going for a full-blown execution." Asmund said.
"We've gotta help them!" Asriel said.
"I agree. Even if they're immortal, like you say, this execution could lead to untold consequences." Heinrich said.
"Lord Scourge. Normally I won't ask this, but take the lead. Don't hold back, show no mercy." Asmund said, realizing it will take a Sith Lord to break through the Trivellian lines.
"Now that is music to my ears." Scourge replied as he took the lead, bringing the group and the Black Sabers with him. He walked to a checkpoint where Soldiers bring prisoners into the arena.
"Halt! You are not authorized past this poi-" a Trivellian soldier shouted, only to be interrupted as he found himself being choked to death by Scourge. The other Trivellian soldier tried to stop him, only to be hit with Force Lightning from Asmund. Then he, Kira and Asmund used the Force to bring down the door. This got the attention of every Trivellian soldier and leader in the arena, including the Arilvus himself. They walked into the arena, standing before the crowds and irate soldiers.
"I'm sorry, are we interrupting something?" Scourge asked mockingly.
"Seize them!" Arilvus ordered, and the Trivellian soldiers went on the attack. Asmund and Kira, supporting the Black Sabers, used the Force to blast the enemy away and get to Andrew and Neptune, cutting them free.
"Thanks, Asmund." Andrew said as he and Neptune got back to their feet. The lions, which were pacified, joined the fight against the Trivellian soldiers, mauling them. Andrew and Neptune joined the battle next, attacking their captors without restraint.
"S-stay back! Stay- AAAHHHH!" Cuias cried as one of the lions lunged at him and tore into his throat. The fight became an all out brawl against the Emperor's men, leaving countless bodies across the ground.
"Enough! You will kneel, worms!" Arilvus shouted, coming onto the field.
"You, the son of a usurper, dare order us around?" Heinrich asked.
"You've not only treated the Wargs as slaves and pets, you've also done more harm to your own empire! This needs to end, now!" Asmund chided.
"Humanity is superior. All other races will submit." Arilvus said. That was when Ariel transformed. "A-... Another blasphemous CPU?" he stammered.
"Not just CPUs… The Jedi Order, the church of Helena, and the Black Sabers stand against you. Your reign is at an end." Kira said.
"Then you're all traitors to the Empire!" Arilvus declared in a fit of rage, before he drew what looked like a magic sword. What remained of his elite guard ran onto the field with pikes, crossbows, and broadswords.
"Heinrich, try to find Caelus! Kira, go with him! We'll cover you!" Asmund said. Heinrich nodded, before he and Kira ran to scour the arena for the nobleman. The group entered into a particularly nasty fight with the elite guard, using what methods they could. Asriel used Star Blazing against them. It did little, on account of their magic-resistant armor, but kept them busy long enough for Asmund and Scourge to finish them off with a coordinated saber throw. The other two elite guardsmen were exceptional duelists, proving an even match for Asriel. It took a lot of effort, before he disarmed them both, making them surrender.
"I will not allow you to have this victory! I'll kill you first!" Arilvus shouted, staring intensely at Andrew.
"That's where you're wrong. We CPUs cannot be slain by mortal weapons." Andrew said.
"Lies! Your blasphemy ends here!" Arilvus declared in a furious tone, rushing Andrew rather aggressively and making him activate HDD.
Kira and Heinrich were running through the Arena's interior, following the will of the Force, before they came across the holding cells.
"Caelus!" Heinrich shouted.
"Heinrich? What are you doing here?" Caelus asked.
"Busting you out." Heinrich said. Kira activated her lightsaber.
"Stand back, I'll bust the lock." she said. Caelus backed up to a safe distance, before Kira drove the blade of her lightsaber into the locking mechanism, allowing the holding cell door to swing open. She deactivated her lightsaber soon after.
"You have my thanks." Caelus said.
"The battle outside is still raging, and Trivellian reinforcements aren't too far behind. We should help our friends." Heinrich said.
"Lead the way. I'll follow closely." Caelus said. He followed them through the building, and out to the courtyard, to see the battle pretty much over already.
"We're back. I see you handled this well?" Kira asked.
"Yeah." Asmund said. Heinrich turned to see the Andrew fighting the usurper one-on-one.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"Arilvus Benelliun believes the CPUs to be blasphemers. He probably went after Andrew Hawker under the delusion that he can kill him." Caelus surmised. He watched the battle with intent.
"Goddess, damn you! Die!" Arilvus declared, growing more delusional and unstable by the second. As Andrew slammed his sword into Arilvus', the Trivellian Emperor would be shocked to see his weapon shatter instantly.
"No! Impossible!" Arilvus exclaimed. Andrew pointed his sword at the defeated Emperor. That was when Trivellian reinforcements came.
"Your Excellency!" the Trivellian commander shouted. To their surprise, rather than kill Arilvus, Andrew despawned his sword, before leaving HDD.
"There is no point in killing an unarmed prisoner, even if you are a tyrant." he declared. "However, you will answer for the crimes you have committed against your own people. The Helenic Church, the Trivellian Army, and the Black Sabers will oversee your trial." he continued.
"Trial? Crimes? What is this nonsense?" the commander asked.
"You might recall, commander, that many of my race were once decorated scouts of your army, before he and his father before him usurped the throne from the rightful rulers and enslaved us. His belief in human supremacy threw the empire into disarray, and many an innocent man died in this very arena for his entertainment." Heinrich said, choosing diplomacy over blood since the battle was over.
"As an agent of the Church, I can confirm all of this, commander. The Goddess is our witness." Caelus said. "I am Brother Caelus. I was locked up here in the arena for months to keep my friends in the Black Sabers from speaking out against him. Helena knew the day would come, where this false Emperor would lose the throne." he continued. The commander thought for a moment, before ordering his soldiers to apprehend Arilvus.
"We will trust the goddess, Brother Caelus. For now, you and the Black Sabers should return to Her refuge for healing. We will take it from here." the commander said. Arilvus angrily glared at the CPUs as he was stripped of the crown and hauled away. Heinrich turned to face the group, happy for their victory.
"I suppose this is goodbye, then. Thank you for everything you've done for us." He said with a curt, gentlemanly bow.
"You're welcome. We'll be sure to come visit you again at some point." Asriel said.
"We'd be more than happy to welcome you all with open arms. Now, we must depart. Farewell." Heinrich said, before he and the now-passive Black Saber rebellion followed Brother Caelus to the Helenic church, leaving the group alone to think about what happened.
"That went quite well." Kira said, pleased with the result.
"Unfortunate that so many had to die to achieve this victory. But, it worked out for the better." Asmund said, before he used the Force to remove the broken shackles from Andrew and Neptune's wrists.
"Man, this whole 'Trivell' thing made no sense!" Neptune complained. That was when a portal opened up, and Arngier, Revan and Gonnaer walked through.
"CPUs, Jedi. Glad to see my efforts for a rescue weren't in vain." Arngeir said.
"Good to see you guys. We were a bit worried that our mission would have been halted indefinitely." Andrew said. "The question still needs answers though. How did we get here?" he asked.
"That's a question that's been lingering in mine and Asriel's heads since we got here, as well." Asmund added.
"You were interdicted - cast aside from the path between worlds. Only exceptionally powerful individuals with intimate knowledge of the complex workings of the Multiverse can perform such an act." Arngier explained.
"It is very likely that Kurome is responsible, in order to keep you from interfering with her plans." Revan said, adding onto what Arngier told them..
"And we know how they will affect Skyrim. Elenwen from the Aldmeri Dominion told us of her masters' plans for invasion, and has sought refuge with General Tullius in exchange for that information." Gonnaer said..
"How bad are we talking about?" Asmund asked.
"Lord Denzion, Kurome and the Sith Empire have thrown themselves in league with the Dominion, and are planning an attack on the Cyrodilic Empire through Skyrim. They're taking Solitude as we speak." Revan reported.
"No time to waste, then. Let's go." Andrew said, before he opened up a dimensional gateway to High Hrothgar, and everyone walked in.
Everyone returned to High Hrothgar safe and sound. Andrew breathed a sigh of relief, glad to be back on track and out of that bizarre and violent dimension.
"Welcome back, everyone. It is good to see you all safe and sound." Histoire said.
"Neptune!" Nepgear shouted, running up to her sister and hugging her tightly.
"Aww, Nep Jr. Couldn't stand another minute without me, could you?" Neptune asked.
"We were worried when you didn't return. Revan sensed the interdiction through the Force, and notified us of the danger." Master Satele said.
"Everyone was planning a rescue with caution and foresight, only to have our hands forced when Elenwen alerted us to the Aldmeri Dominion's invasion plans." IF said.
"We've been told roughy about that. Any more news?" Asmund asked.
"There remains the issue of Kurome Ankokuboshi, the rogue CPU." Master Satele said.
"Histoire, Master Satele and I have spoken at great length about her. It is troubling, indeed, knowing of her role in destroying numerous dimensions." Arngier said.
"Based on the evidence we've collected, the entire Guild is in agreement. Kurome has manipulated events since the Console War, not only pitting the CPUs themselves against each other, but also helping Jose Carter to found his criminal empire and oust Azure Heart from her position in Aurelius." IF began.
"Wait a minute. You mean to say that my sister's kidnapping three years ago was a direct consequence of her meddling?" Nepgear asked.
"Exactly." IF said.
"My time of suffering has all been because of her? That is such a new low." Neptune said.
"Kurome instigated the Heaven's Bane Crime Syndicate's raid on Planeptune's Basilicom and the resulting War against Crime three years ago at the behest of the True Goddess. The whole reason for Heaven's Bane's existence was to gauge how the CPUs would react, as well as keep them - specifically Azure Heart - from interfering in the True Goddess's plans. After the war, she claimed Jose Carter's sword for herself." IF continued.
"We ran into Kurome in an abandoned mining facility in the Vergesso Asteroids. She mentioned that sword, and Andrew recognized it immediately." Asmund said.
"A CPU is not supposed to be killed by normal means, but somehow Jose Carter's rapier was enough for the late Crime Lord to kill me, before I was resurrected. I don't quite understand why." Andrew said.
"That's something we're trying to find out. Anyways, a year later, the True Goddess sent Kurome on her crusade against several worlds in the Multiverse. Though it took two years for the first world - the home dimension of Geralt of Rivia - to succumb to her efforts, it set forth a sort of ripple effect that destroyed nine other worlds that she has interfered with." IF said.
"The Jedi Council has become well-versed in her efforts to destroy the Multiverse and resurrect the True Goddess. Master Bakarn, Master Braga and Master Kiwiiks have all provided input before Revan and I arrived here with the various Jedi Knights, and - coupling IF's intelligence with our own, and with help from Arngier's and Paarthurnax's recounts of Alduin's terrifying war against the people of this world - we have deduced that the most recent events here were manipulated by Kurome as well." Master Satele added.
"Though she failed with Alduin through Gonnaer and the CPUs, we have learned that she has allied herself with the Aldmeri Dominion, as you well know. From what we have deduced based on Elenwen's intelligence when she betrayed the Dominion, she has been working behind the scenes to manipulate the sudden tensions between our coalition and the Dominion in an effort to spark a full scale conflict as a final act to destroy this world." Arngier said.
"Which brings us to the current state of affairs. You already know that the Aldmeri Dominion has broken the White Gold Concordat and sent an invasion force to take Solitude. They won't stop there; they intend to march south from Haafingar and take Whiterun, then Falkreath. From there, they intend to march into Cyrodiil and take the Imperial City. We've sent a combined Imperial and Stormcloak strike force, supported by Grand Master Satele's Jedi Knights, in an attempt to intercept and halt the Dominion invasion. Frankly, Ulfric and I agree that they may not make it in time to save the city." General Tullius said.
"What sort of forces are we dealing with? What are their strengths?" Scourge asked.
"The initial invasion force is comprised of three battalions of Aldmeri soldiers supported by high ranking Justiciars and battlemages. I cannot say what the Sith forces are comprised of, but they have all been grouped up into a small-scale division. The Dominion commander of this invasion force is none other than General Silinius, a decorated veteran of the first Great War, and an elite guard of the Elder Council." Elenwen said.
"General Silinius was the one to raise the Dominion banner over the Imperial City in the last war, and was present for the signing of the White Gold Concordat. They say he's a Justiciar who's an unrivaled military strategist." Ulfric said, remembering his history lessons.
"The Dominion and Sith Empire are leaving nothing to chance in preparation for their invasion. It is very likely that our combined forces will have some difficulty breaking through their lines." Asmund said.
"Little do they know, they're the pawns of Kurome's sick game." IF said.
"My thoughts exactly. Thankfully, we have a few Jedi Knights familiar with the art of Battle Meditation, not to mention Revan's own strategic prowess. Even if we lose the city, we can still ensure they cannot move any further." Master Satele said, agreeing with the new Jedi Master.
"I'm sorry, uh… 'Battle Meditation'?" Elenwen asked.
"It is an ancient Force ability that takes decades to learn and perfect. A Jedi Knight enters a trance-like state, using their strength in the Force to empower allies and soldiers alike, while also demoralizing the enemy. The distractions of the battlefield make it difficult to perform in practice. Many are familiar with it, and know the ability by heart, but few have truly mastered it." Master Satele explained.
"Only the Emperor himself, and very few well known individuals throughout history, have been able to do such things without your 'Force'. Perhaps, through these Jedi, we may have the ability to drive them out of Skyrim." General Tullius said.
"Then it is settled. We shall combine our efforts to halt the Dominion's invasion, and stop Kurome's plans. The Allied Nations of Gamindustri stand together with the Jedi Order, the Republic, the Stormcloaks and the Cyrodilic Empire against Kurome and her allies." Histoire said. That was when Yennifer appeared, using a teleportation spell to instantly travel from the Blue Palace.
"Yennifer? What's brought you here so quickly?" General Tullius asked.
"It's bad, General. The Dominion has taken Solitude faster than we anticipated. They're holding the city hostage while they consolidate their forces and reinforce their positions, and the Blue Palace is in flames." Yennifer reported.
"That quickly? How?" Ulfric asked, glaring at Elenwen suspiciously.
"Jarl Elisif the Fair says they had help from her court. Her steward and housecarl both found evidence of this treachery, and notified her and the guard." Yennifer explained.
"And what happened to the Jarl?" General Tullius asked.
"The four of us tried to escape using the tunnels under the Pelagius Wing, but they were waiting for us. Two guys with red, glowing swords and four Dominion soldiers had us surrounded. They killed both the Housecarl and the Steward. Elisif told me to run, and I used my teleportation magic to get out of there… I don't think she made it…" Yennifer said, recounting the events of her escape.
"I don't think they would kill the Jarl outright… more likely, they took her prisoner, and intend to use her as ransom to get some of the other holds to kneel to the Dominion." Kira said.
"Aye. I agree with the Jedi. There may yet be hope for Elisif the Fair, if we act fast." General Tullius said, turning back to Yennifer. "I'd ask that you join us. We shall meet up with our forces in Haafingar and prepare an immediate retaliatory strike." he said. Yennifer nodded, gathering her wits.
"What will you do, Master Satele?" Asmund asked.
"I shall remain in High Hrothgar with Histoire and the Greybeards. I'll keep in touch with all Jedi forces via holo, and act as a bridge with the Republic in case we need their help. May the Force be with you all." Master Satele said.
"I will join you in the effort, and act as an adviser to the coalition once we have taken the city." Revan said.
"Alright. Let us make haste." Ulfric said, before everyone - minus Histoire, Master Satele, Elenwen and the Greybeards - left for their forces in Haafingar.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
A longer chapter than the previous one, chock full of original content. There will be more going forward, as the Second Great War engulfs Tamriel.
The idea behind interdiction, and the world that the Grand Empire of Trivell resides in, were the culmination of a vivid dream I had one night. I expanded upon much of it to create a long and hopefully chapter, as we transition into Act Two of the story.
The Wargs, by name, are a reference to J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Unlike the Wargs seen in the LotR trilogy, the ones native to the fantasy realm of Trivell are intelligent, wolf-like humanoids with a slight Austrian/Germanic touch to their personalities and culture, and they can be described as compassionate, loyal and courageous. As explained in the story, they are rogues and scouts, and the fact that many of them served the Trivellian Army implies that they put honor and duty above all else.
Trivell is inspired by, and can be described as, "a mix of Rome, Greece and Arabia" both culturally and militarily, though their political structure is clearly that of a Total Monarchy.
The goddess Helena is more or less a monothiestic variation of Roman Mythology, being a blend of the goddesses Minerva, Venus, Diana and the god Apollo (the only Greek god who's name is shared with Roman Mythology). Her wisdom and truth (Minerva and Apollo) allowed for the Jedi and CPUs to achieve victory against a usurper and tyrant.
Everything is proceeding smoothly into Act 2. We will begin with the Siege of Solitude in the next chapter. Cya!