Chapter 8: Burning truth
It was night and a group of rogue mages were looking down at burning village with the leader smiling manically at the scene
"I love the smell of ashes" he spoke "and the screams of misery is an added bonus"
"Boss" one of the other rogue mages called "our client has another job for us"
"Oh...?" the leader hummed "we should get back to Albion then"
In the floating country of Albion, Sheffield and Daido were waiting in the office on the rouge mage the former called
"You must have something in mind to call in that group for this" Daido looked at his partner
"Master wished it" the woman smiled "besides this one could be compatible with a memory in your collection
Just then the door opened to reveal the rogue mage leader entering the room
"Ah Menneville" she smiled "just in time"
"My group is getting eager for the next assignment" the man crossed his arms "what is it that you wish to carry out?"
"I'm sure you heard the news of Tristain and Germania being allies as they took a part of Albion in this war" Sheffield sat down and smirked
"Oh you wish for me and my group to face them?" Menneville reach for his metal club eagerly
"Oh no" Daido interjected "even though you are fanatic to kill, it would be impossible to create many flames to a battalion of airships"
"Instead" the woman looked at Menneville "you are to target the residents of Tristain Academy"
"What's so important about a place filled with kids?"
"Believe it or not" Daido stepped forward to the man "I heard that a teacher there was a fire mage, it could be the one who you've been talking about after you become infamous..."
"I have been looking for the Flame Snake" Menneville hummed "and I've been meaning to use my power against him"
"The academy is a good start" Daido nodded "this war made people eager to move, meaning the place you will go to has little security"
"Very well" the man nodded "I will follow this mission and see if the Flame Snake is there"
"And since this is a mission with your personal vendetta" Daido pulled out a Gaia memory "consider this as payment for your service"
At the academy most of the female student were given half the time of training by Agnes and Eleanor with the former training her squad as each musketeer followed her instructions precisely as they practiced on wooden targets using either swords or guns
Louise, Matilda and I watched them train with such intensity
"I'm surprised that Agnes is still here despite the war against Albion" the former thief blinked
"It's in her contract by the queen" I replied "apparently she's here to guard the non-voluntary students and at least prepare them for self-defense before going to war with her highness"
Louise decided to step forward and have a talk with the captain
"You are making this time to properly prepare your squad for war" she declared
"I see you've taken notice" Agnes looked at the void mage "my time here is somewhat pleasant" her face turned serious "her highness will take the front line" before it turned somber "my only regret is that I didn't know the name of the one who destroyed my home, but the musketeers must be near the queen and protect her"
"Her highness is still at the front" the void mage muttered while balling her hands tightly
I looked at Louise and saw her quiver a bit, she may be willing to go into danger but I can tell that she isn't ready to get her hands dirty yet...she is still a young girl after and she's going in blind like always for Henrietta's wish of peace
So I stayed quiet letting her go on her own before turning to Matilda
"Hey Matilda" I whispered to her "is Jean Colbert available today?"
"He is" she answered "what do you need of him?"
"Just a conversation" I sighed "Louise wouldn't want me to distract her thoughts"
The former thief escorted me to the little shack since it is a common place for the professor to do his personal studies
Knock, knock
"The door's open" the professor's voice spoke from inside
I opened the door to see Jean sitting on his chair writing something down as Matilda and I walked in
"You seem busy professor" I blinked at the guy's action
"Ah Peter" he said and looked up "I see that you have Matilda as your company"
"Yes, I was actually escorted here" I gestured to the former thief "and I would like to show her the thing we came up while she was imprisoned"
"Thing...?" Matilda raised her brow
"Ah yes" the professor stood up and went a different table filled with "the invention you told me about before the male students had to be drafted into the military"
He found the item and presented it; it was a small bracer with a metallic box attached to it
"What is that?" the former thief pointed at the object the professor is holding
"It's something that I talked about while I was here" I took the item and strapped it on my right forearm "I always see nobles carry a wand on their person, so I figured out that having this will help the carrier use it faster"
"And how is that going to work?" she questioned
"Just watch" was my simple reply
I pulled out Matilda's wand and placed it in the metal box. With a flick of my wrist and the wand sprang out surprising her and the professor, I flicked my wrist again and the wand receded
"Amazing!" Jean gasped at the mechanism
"What was that!?" Matilda pointed at the bracer
"It's called a hidden wand" I answered "the mages have to reach for their wands" before removing the bracer "so I figure, why not have the caster ready it at a moment's notice?"
"Interesting" Matilda looked at the bracer "I suppose that this is still in testing?"
"Which is why I'm giving it to you" I presented the item to her "I used your wand for this, so it's only fair for you to use this since I can't do magic"
"What about the time you flew when the bridge of the secret vault collapsed?" the former thief crossed her arms
"That was me having the royal rings" I presented my right hand showing said items "these carry the magic, not me"
"Alright Peter" Matilda took the bracer and strapped it on her right arm "I'll test it myself" and flicked her wrist making her wand appear again "just don't blame me if this ends up being questioned by others..."
"I had it made as gift for you Matilda" I crossed my arms "you behaved well enough to use magic without needing consent"
The former thief blinked at my answer but smiled a bit that she gained enough trust to keep her wand
Jean smiled at the scene to see Peter let Matilda relax and he could feel the atmosphere as calm like the wind
'Peter...' he thought 'I hope to see your world one day, a world where war is the last thought on people's minds'
It was now the afternoon and I was at the courtyard again recalling my arrival by Louise's summoning spell
'It sure has been a wild ride' I thought remembering those events 'I couldn't believe that I got into a world filled with magic'
But then my thoughts went to queen Henrietta 'Oh I hope she can handle this' I gulped 'you just got out of one war and now you're going into another one'
I heard something from the distance and saw the the Valliere sisters together with Eleanor pulling Louise's cheek with Cattleya looking disappointed at the latter's action
Knowing that the eldest sister was not being reasonable...I went to them
"I can't believe you Louise!" Eleanor kept pulling her sister's cheek "you are not going to war...!"
Ah, Louise must've thought out loud about the war and her choice to go there making on of the two sisters react on that
"Eleanor stop" the middle Valliere spoke "you're not helping the situation for Louise"
"Cattleya's right" I spoke surprising them "keep pushing her away from trouble will only make her go toward it"
"As if you could do any better..." she huffed denying that her method is problematic as Louise rubbed her face to soothe the pain
"Thank you Peter" the void mage groaned before turning defiant "I may not have good qualities, but I will prove myself to her highness by any means necessary!"
I shook my head at her insistence, but then again her life was pushed by expectation and results. No doubt failures were always pointed out leading her to jump at any opportunity to get better and prove those people wrong...
"Louise" I called "are you really sure about what you just said...?"
"Of course!" she huffed with pride "if her highness is fighting, then I should be beside her in this conflict and protect her...!"
"Louise!" Eleanor stepped forward to apprehend her youngest sister's words
"Don't interfere sister" Cattleya spoke "let Peter handle this"
I sighed sadly at her answer, Louise may be willing to step forward and help but the girl isn't really seeing what she's going into...
"Then does that mean you are willing to kill then?" I pressed
"Huh...?" she and her sisters blinked at my question
"You said prove by any means" I pointed out "so are you willing to take a life?"
"I...I..." she couldn't form the words as she is now hesitating to answer my question
"You may have pointed out that war is necessary" I stated "but are you capable of fighting for the queen's sake?"
Louise fell to her knees feeling lost as the words she spoke has finally come back to her
Cattleya went to her and soothe the girl like the caring sister she is
Eleanor meanwhile went beside me with her usual attitude of me being below her
"You surprise me today" she said with crossed arms "Louise is stubborn and refuses to listen"
"Don't think that you are above this Eleanor" I rolled my eyes "you and your parents have tried to control Louise's life too, resulting her acting like this" and said girl starting get her bearings "Cattleya was the only one besides the queen, and possibly myself, to see her as a person"
The eldest Valliere flinched and actually felt lucky... she would likely lose an arm or leg had her mother not been powerful
"I'll...let you go since you were able to make Louise think for once" she huffed "I'll be in my room" and walked away
I shook my head at her prideful attitude but let it go since Louise is my focus and the girl was still being comforted by Cattleya
"It's okay Louise" the middle Valliere rubbed her sister's back "you still have some time before answering Peter's question"
The void mage blinked at finally getting her bearings and glared at me
"Did you have to challenge my pride like that?"
"Your fault for showing desperation Louise" I crossed my arms "you haven't been well since Reconquista was revealed"
"You're unbelievable" she huffed
"And you are being stupid" I retaliated "after Wardes revealed his allegiance with the enemy in Albion, you broke down in tears"
Louise flinched at that reminder, she was about to shout at my incompetence before stopping when her hands were held by me
"Louise look at these hands" I said calmly "these are clean and innocent, you still have a future and find happiness" and looked at her in the eye "I know you are willing to fight, but can you really sacrifice that...?"
Once again the void mage couldn't make an answer and Cattleya was dumbfounded at my words. With the two now quiet I went to the middle Valliere to break this atmosphere
"You are currently the voice that can reach Louise" I said to her "try to keep her close and hopefully Eleanor can be reasoned with on her methods about Louise"
"I will" she nodded "and before I go"
Chu
I went stiff when I felt Cattleya's lips on my forehead. I didn't think she would do that to me...
"That is my gratitude for helping Louise" she smiled "I wish that you could keep that contract with her" were her last words before taking her younger sister and walked away leaving me alone
"I don't know about you partner" Derflinger spoke from my back "but people are going to be jealous that you got the attention of different nobles..."
"I know Derf, I know" I shook my head "and for their sake...they don't try to fight me for it"
After the two sisters went to the dorm rooms, I felt a tap on my shoulder...I turned to see Agnes and her musketeer squad
"Is there something you need?" I asked
"Yes actually" she gestured to her fellow musketeers "after what happened with Michelle, I figure the others of my group would like a spar with you"
I gulped feeling a bit wary that the musketeers held their weapons ready for that
"I'll accept the offer" I pulled Derflinger "but this spar will have to be a group spar" and smiled "you said that this is your last day so I want to see how your musketeers fight as a team" before looking at the group "show me your skills musketeer squad!"
Cattleya was in her room with her pets and Louise as the latter was huffing in dismay at what transpired earlier
"I can't believe him" the void mage "who does he think he is...!?"
"He is your familiar Louise" the middle Valliere smiled before she petted one of the many pets in her room "isn't it his job to keep you safe?"
"But I found my element Cattleya!" she cried "I can handle myself!"
The middle Valliere sighed at her sister's words, even though she is able to cast magic...she was sadly letting her pride cloud her thoughts
"Louise" Cattleya called "I know that people deserve to know your strength, but if you act recklessly... you won't be able to use your potential"
That got Louise to stop and look at her older sister in surprise. She always saw Cattleya as the caring and supportive sister...seeing her take a scolding role was a definite surprise
"You are a capable mage Louise" the middle Valliere looked at her in the eye "but you might end up worrying the people who care for you..."
"Cattleya"
The sisters embraced each other feeling sorry for their own words; the middle Valliere had to scold her sister to open her eyes a bit, while the youngest has yet to realize that she is endangering herself in her wish to help the queen of Tristain...
Night arrived and a few of the musketeers were patrolling the night as the students and few teachers were getting sleep
But as the patrol continued their work looking around the area, not realizing that an airship was flying to the academy with the rouge mage group Menneville lead in his mercenary work
"Here we are men" he smiled "Tristain Academy"
"You think your target is here boss?"
"I hear that this place only has female students"
"Really? Then let's make those girls our slaves!"
That got the group to grin and nearly cheer
"Fools" the rouge leader turned to his men "we are here to get rid of targets nothing more"
"Say boss" one of them raised an arm "you think that your target is in this academy?"
"I would like to believe so" the fire rouge touched his scar "my wounds are starting to ache"
I was in the kitchen with Siesta, Matilda, Kirche and Tabitha having a nice warm meal made by Siesta after what happened today
"I'm surprised you trained with the musketeers today darling" the fire mage hummed as she finished her meal
"I as well" the former thief followed "and you had the least injuries in that session too"
"Considering that Agnes and her group has to face against obvious danger..." I hummed "plus my hidden title as Gandalf, is perhaps a good parting gift I can consider"
"Powerful" the wind mage said turning the page as she too finished her meal
"Please save your life for actual danger Peter" the maid sighed "I'm worried enough that you had to help the queen find the traitor..."
"Indeed" Kirche nodded "have you been a reckless individual darling?"
"A part of me was thrill seeker" I replied "I was easily excitable when I was younger"
"Your parents must have a hard time to keep you still" Matilda giggled slightly as she pictured that situation
"No they didn't" I shook my head "they were smart enough to figure out how to keep me close despite my energy"
Wham!
"Nobody move!" an intruder shouted from the broken door "you're hostages now!"
I instantly threw my remaining stew at the enemy blinding him before dashing forward and knocked him out using the blunt side of my sword
I kicked the wand away as Matilda used her earth magic to create cuffs on the intruder's limbs
"This isn't good..." the former thief spoke
"No joke" I nodded "there could still be more of them"
"Trouble" Tabitha said looking at the broken door
"Okay... Tabitha and Kirche, you two go with Matilda and Siesta to find professor Colbert" I declared "I'll sneak around quietly and find out what's happening"
"You're not going alone" the former thief called "you said that there are more of these cretins"
"I won't be alone" I replied "Derflinger is with me"
"And don't forget that!" my sword shouted as punctuation
We split up and I quietly walked the halls and saw lights coming from the windows of the dining hall, having a gut feeling at that location... I moved towards one and my eyes went wide at what was inside!
Menneville and his party were with the hostages as the leader sat down looking at the group
"And here we are the students, staff and visitors are here"
"To be at the academy and not in the front lines?" Julio smirked "Albion must be feeling desperate..."
"Trying to be upfront eh?" the rouge smirked "I don't care about your words, I'm simply following my job"
"So you are a mercenary that is moved by money" the Romalian snarked
"Julio stop" Osmond whispered "hostages are with us, we should be worried about them"
"I'll state this" Menneville stood up "as long as you lot stay behaved, none will be killed"
The female students gulped at that, Montmorency would've been crying at this situation... but the wake up call from Peter at Lagdorian Lake was enough for her to stay quiet
Osmond decided to volunteer to let the students go. Menneville rejected that since the country won't move for an old man... Eleanor suddenly decided to volunteer herself along with Cattleya to be the hostages instead
"You two have spirit" the fire rogue smiled "but it still won't be enough" before looking around "I need all the students, daughters of the Valliere family to get the queen's attention"
So it's another attempt of sabotage, and this time Reconquista planned on mercenaries to cause disruption. Definitely an unexpected tactic to use
'Whoever thought this understood war' I thought strapping Acceldriver on my waist
Just then a voice shouted from the distance
"Listen up!" Agnes voice called "we are the queen's musketeer force! My unit has this area surrounded! Release the hostages or we will use force...!"
I was baffled at the captain's statement...was she willing to negotiate the rogues? Has she forgotten that this country is in a state of war!?
"She really isn't thinking straight after losing her final lead at finding the killer that burned down D'angleterre..."
Boom!
I heard a couple of explosions from the other side and saw smoke from the other side of the cafeteria. I blinked at the was Agnes distracting the rouge mages to get the hostages free?
'Wait, if the explosion happened before breaking in...' my eyes widen in realization
"Don't think that you have the advantage musketeers!" Menneville shouted back "your futile resistance and lies won't get me! If you really believe that, then this school isn't going to stand at all...!"
That was enough for me to move in haste
Crash!
I broke through the window rolling into the room and surprised everyone inside
"Who are you...?"
"I'm like you, hired help" was my answer to the rogues
I ran to the enemy without second thought and struck one in the face
Wham!
"You're not getting us!" another rogue aimed his wand at me and casted a fire spell at me
"Peter!" some of the hostages screamed in worry at seeing the flame going toward him
I don't have time to unsheathe Derflinger and have it absorb the flame, I raised my arms and a gust of wind came
FOOSH!
Everyone blinked at Peter as the flame dispersed around him, they were in disbelief that he just used magic...!
"Oho" Menneville felt the wind "so you can use magic huh?"
"I always see you mages rely on holding something to use magic, so I found an alternative to cast a spell" I presented the royal rings on my right hand "however I'm limited to the elements instead of using a variety of spells"
"Interesting"
Wham!
The doors of the cafeteria was kicked open to reveal Agnes and her troops ready to do battle
"He isn't the only one that will fight!" the captain called as her musketeers ran in to give aid
While the battle happened inside the dining hall... Matilda, Kirche, Tabitha and Siesta are just outside seeing glimpses of the fight
"It seems that the rogues are busy with Agnes, her squad and Peter" the former thief spoke
"Darling is there!?" the fire mage was about to jump in recklessly but was stopped when Tabitha grabbed her arm "let me go! I must help darling...!"
"Strong...patient" the wind mage argued
"Ms. Tabitha is correct" the maid nodded "Peter is strong and has help for the moment"
"I can sneak in there without problem and Siesta is coming with me since she can be quiet" Matilda looked at the two mages "I will soften this wall to make an escape for the hostages"
With a flick of her wrist, the wand appeared surprising the three and she used earth magic to crumble a section of the wall and slowly move the debris to create an escape route for the hostages inside
I knocked the final rogue out and panted a bit since my use of the Accel memory helped me stay active
'I have got to train my body again...'
Crack! Crunch!
I turned to the sound and saw Agnes in shock as Menneville decimated her musketeers with his metal club covered in blood. No doubt some of the hostages are losing their dinner at seeing the grisly sight...
"That's all the small fry your little group has" the rogue mage sneered "and I didn't use my magic against them"
"You..." the captain shook in rage as all reasoning left her "MONSTER!"
She ran forward with her sword raised into the air ready to strike him down
Klang!
Sadly in anger, Agnes didn't realize that she was wide open as her neck was grasped making her let go of the weapon she held and got lifted into the air
"You are strong a strong one" Menneville smiled before he used his fire magic to melt the captain's weapon "too bad that your skills aren't helping"
Just then the other rogues stood up groaning a bit but capable to fight back
"That other one was able to do better than you" he said in a mocking manner "and he hasn't used his true power yet"
"Let her go!" I shouted in anger
"Very well" the fire rogue tossed Agnes at my feet "she isn't much of a threat anyway..."
I helped the captain to sit up before glaring at the man before us "what is your business here?"
"To do my job" Menneville hummed "and find the flame snake"
"Flame snake?" I blinked at the title
"Yes" the fire rogue gripped his club "the previous captain of my group that burned the village called D'angleterre before I took that role"
Agnes' eyes widen at that "y...you...!"
"Oh?" Meneville hummed "so you're a survivor from that village?" he turned his head to us "too bad for you, cause I plan to find him first"
"What do you plan to do?" I raised my brow at him
"Why thank him of course!" I was surprised at his answer "because of him, I was able to attain a higher power with flame! I can use it in ways no other mage can do as I burn homes down in my work"
Okay this guy's a serial killer and his love of flame only made Agnes shake in anger as she recalled the disaster in her home
I was about to make a move but then I and everyone else looked up to see paper lanterns floating in the room
"What's going on?" Osmond and Julio muttered at the floating objects
Suddenly a giant stream of flame came in burning the lanterns releasing white smoke blocking everyone's view
And then suddenly a giant blast of flame came into the room sending the other rogues jumping away in panic while Menneville used his magic to disperse the flame with ease
"Looks there is still some that can fight back"
I turned to the direction where the fire came from, my eyes turned wide upon seeing Kirche and Tabitha
"You are not hurting darling!" the fire mage declared in anger
"Careful" the wind mage said with slight edge at the enemy
Sadly Kirche wasn't listening as she cast another fire spell at Menneville to blind her target and subdue him with her flames
The fire rogue simply stood as the flame was brightly in front of him before raising his club and casted his flame at the girl sending her backwards falling to her back
"But how-?" Kirche groaned "my flame spell earlier should have blinded you...!"
"It's thanks to my new ability little girl" the fire rogue went for his only visible eye and showed it that it was fake!
"While on a mission to burn homes down" Menneville recalled that memory "I saw my captain standing strong at his accomplishment, I couldn't just let myself be stll and feel weak!" and placed the fake eye back in his head "I was badly burned after losing to him but in exchange I can now sense heat from living things, like an actual snake..."
While Menneville shared his newly found ability on using the fire element. Matilda, Siesta and Louise were helping untie the hostages as former thief created a pair of daggers for herself and the maid to cut the rope bindings
The void mage went to her sisters and pointed her wand at the ropes concentrating her magic
"You won't get us free Louise" Eleanor huffed
"Don't listen to her" Cattleya encouraged "just focus on the ropes"
One second later the ropes loosen and the sisters were freed. Louise smiled at her accomplishment
"Wonderful work Louise" the middle Valliere smiled
"Lucky moment" the eldest huffed
The void mage raised her wand again and this time the other hostages cheered at being free which made the youngest Valliere feel satisfied
"No time to celebrate yet everyone" Matilda called "Osmond, Julio! Help Siesta guide the students out of here"
"Right away!" the headmaster stood up "now everyone hurry! We shouldn't stay in the conflict...!"
While the female students quickly but carefully made their way out...Montmorency looked at Peter and the group fighting Menneville as the man used his flame again to create makeshift arena
'Please be safe Peter...' she gulped at the fight before joining the group out of the danger
Kirche was pushed away from the fight by Tabitha as he was still in shock at realizing Menneville's blindness, when the fire rogue revealed that he survived being burned by the Flame Snake. I picked a discarded and threw it to Agnes making the now furious captain as she clashed with said person
Klang!
The captain had struggled against Menneville's metal club in their clash, I stayed next to Kirche as she was still in shock from the revelation earlier and Tabitha was beside me ready to cast her spells should the fight go to us
"This isn't good partner" Derflinger spoke "Menneville is stronger than Agnes"
"I wish I could jump in and help" I rubbed my face "but that man revealed his history with Agnes' home making it personal for her, not tto mention Matilda has her hands full with keeping the hostages safe from this"
"What about Louise?" my sword questioned "she can use her magic and stop this battle!"
"Sadly with her jumpy decisions about proving herself capable earlier left her in confusion" I stated recalling my talk earlier today "I doubt she would be able to enter battle now"
"Guh!" the captain skidded against the floor as she was disarmed again in her fight against the fire rogue
"You have grown strong from being little girl" Menneville stated "but it's time for you to become ashes now"
A giant fireball came out of his club and was heading straight for the captain!
"Agnes!" I shouted to her in worry
FOOSH!
However the spell was intercepted by blue flame and dispersed in the process, everyone was in disbelief that it happened and all eyes looked to the direction where it came from
"Professor?!" most of us were shocked to see the man walk into the dining hall
But I was the only one to notice that the kind and patient man was not in view... instead he had a glare so intense I could mistake him as another person
"I will not have you take Ms. Agnes life Menneville!" he said stopping in front of the fire rogue
Said person was quiet at first before grinning madly in glee
"This temperature...!" Menneville spoke "I finally found the one who I was looking for!"
Okay what is this psycho talking about...?
"Professor" Louise looked at her teacher "do you know this man?"
"Unfortunately..." Jean narrowed his eyes at the individual
"Professor?" the fire rogue blinked "It's no wonder I couldn't find you! Hard to believe that you would be a teacher after the things you've done" he grinned "...captain"
Captain?! Jean Colbert was part of the rogues Menneville was in!?
"You really tried to forget your past eh?" the fire rogue continued "even changing your name, but I know you from my experience... Enja, the Flame Snake " he gripped his club tight "I wanted to face you after that day, I will show you my change!"
Heat
A bright glow came from the fire rogue's pocket before it moved revealing to be a Gaia memory!
'Not good!' I mentally panicked at seeing the T2 memory insert itself to Menneville's neck
The man's body changed; he was now pure red and bulky there were even cracks releasing small bursts of flame out of his body, hair like actual flame and clawed hands
Menneville has become the Heat Dopant!
"This is surprising" the fire rogue was in glee once again "I have become one with fire itself...!"
Knowing this truth only made Agnes blind in her fury. I quickly grabbed the captain and threw her to Matilda's feet
"Matilda!" I shouted "keep Agnes out of this! She's too blind on the danger here!"
The former thief immediately cast an earth spell bounding the captain's body on the ground
"Let me go!" Agnes roared "I finally found the one who destroyed my home and family...!"
"No can do" I looked at her berserk emotions "you can't fight on that mindset" I looked at the Heat Dopant "and your chances on revenge are now gone"
I went beside the professor as he readied himself "we have to work together professor Colbert" I said seriously "his new ability might get us killed if we fight him one-on-one..."
"Agreed"
Accel
"Hen...SHIN!"
Accel
My armor appeared and pulled out my engine blade ready to fight the monster before us
"Oh not only will I face the Flame Snake... but also Kamen Rider Accel?" Menneville felt excitement "this night just get's better and better!"
Jean went first and cast a stream of flame to which Menneville easily moved it away but was left wide open to my attack as I slashed his left shoulder
Sparks flew in the air as the Heat Dopant skidded backward feeling his arm sting a bit
"Impressive Accel" Menneville rubbed his wounded limb "but it isn't enough stop me!"
I raised my sword to block the fire at me and grunted that the memory's power mixed with his flame magic made it hard for Derflinger to absorb it
"How are you handling it Derf?" I kept my guard up as the flame continued to attack me
"I can't absorb all of it partner!" it replied "that Gaia memory made it hard for me!"
I kept my sword up before reaching to the throttle of my belt to disperse the flame
Vroom!
After getting the flame out Colbert is distracting the Dopant with his blue flame, no doubt the fire rogue still has to show who controls the element better after time passed in their lives
"You're dead Colbert!" I heard Agnes roar as she somehow got out of Matilda's earth cuffs, with said woman groaning on the floor, and sword in hand
'This is complicated enough Agnes!' I mentally cried at her berserk fury
Klang!
I stopped the captain from entering the fight between them and kept her focus on me
"You're not going in that fight Agnes" I grunted "your not capable enough"
"Shut up!" she shouted at me "you won't stop me from my revenge...!"
She's so out of it from the reveal, all reasoning in her won't be reached until the professor is dead by her hand
Menneville kicked his opponent away "It's nice that our skill with flame stayed strong" fire now flared in his hand "but I have to do my mission captain"
And created a torrent of flame were aimed at Peter and Agnes...!
"Peter/Darling!" Louise and Kirche cried out in fear and worry
Without hesitation I pushed Agnes out and braced myself for a burning sensation!
"Gaaah!" I heard a scream and saw Jean taking the full brunt of the spell before falling to ground with his body having burns and his clothes charred
"Professor!" the two screamed at seeing their teacher protect Peter from the attack
"I did it..." Menneville saw his captain on the ground "I have finally killed the Flame Snake with my own hands!"
Agnes saw her target near her, she raised her sword and was about to finish him but stopped upon seeing something familiar on the man's back... it was a scar!
"A scar on his back" she mumbled and recalled that someone saved her back at her village had the very same scar that night 'it can't be...!'
I just stood there in shock, Jean Colbert took the burn for me and his former trooper just laughed at the while thing!
Without second thought I pulled out my Trial memory
Trial
I removed my Accel memory
Trial
Beep...beep...BEEP!
My armor changed to Trial and without hesitation I ran forward punching Menneville right in the chest
"Guh!" the Heat Dopant skidded back feeling the hit on his chest "I actually felt that..."
"You won't be taking any more lives tonight!" I growled removing the Trial memory and inserted the Ocean memory in my Acceldriver and squeezed the handbrake
Ocean Maximum Drive
Click
I ran toward Menneville dodging his fireballs as my body was coated with water before delivering my attack to the Heat Dopant
The dining hall was now covered in steam making the fight hard to see and the only thing can be seen was a blue light in the battle
Trial Maximum Drive
Boom!
The explosion caused the steam to disperse and reveal Peter standing tall with Menneville on his back unmoving after being beaten from his apparent succes of beating Jean Colbert aka Enja, the Flame Snake
I sighed at beating the fiery psychopath and picked up the Heat memory 'better hope that this is the only memory for the night...I've already have enough surprises now'
However my thoughts stopped when I saw Matilda, Kirche, Louise and Tabitha protect the injured professor from Agnes as she was about to kill the man who burned her home village
"No Agnes!" the void mage shouted in dismay
"Out of the way!" the captain was still angry that her killer is in reach "I will get revenge for the destruction and lost lives of my home!"
"I won't let you do this!" the fire mage placed herself in front of the professor
"Blind" the wind mage said looking at Agnes "won't listen..."
"She's right Kirche" the former thief helped the man feel comfortable
And it was true, Agnes refused anything in her view except killing Jean Colbert by her own hands!
She raised her sword ready to act on killing the professor with no remorse and finally getting her revenge
Klang!
Only to miss when Peter intercepted the attack and striking the floor instead of the target
"What are you doing!?" she yelled in anger "I finally found who destroyed my home!"
"The one who burned D'angleterre isn't the same man in front of you" I stated as my armor disintegrated "professor Colbert has been atoning his mistakes ever since he found out the truth"
"That still doesn't excuse his actions!" she argued "he must pay for the lives he killed...!"
"Then answer this question; will killing him bring back what you lost...?"
That made the captain pause for a second before she let go of her weapon and fall to her hands and knees shaking at the truth she now realized from my question
"All my life I wanted to find out who destroyed my home" she said with a shaky breath "and then I found out that killer saved my life twenty years ago...!"
"Peter" Jean coughed getting our attention "I thank you for defending me on my misdeed" he then looked "but she is right..." he groaned "I am a killer..."
"That's a lie...!" Louise and Kirche denied "you are not a killer professor!"
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but they correct Colbert" Matilda followed "if you really are what you say, then you wouldn't become a teacher in this school and trying to make good on your misdeeds in the past..."
The professor looked at them and smiled a bit "I am grateful for you comforting me" he looked at the captain "Ms. Agnes, I don't have the right to say this thanks to my past action... but please don't blind yourself to the past, you are a living being that has been given a chance to find happiness"
And then he turned his head to me "Peter" his breathe was turning ragged "even though we just interacted a few times, I enjoyed our time in this school together. I just wish my end didn't become...like this.."
And with that Jean Colbert closed his eyes... never to be opened again
I was in the shack cleaning the Dragon's Raiment with Matilda sitting on the box inside this place. Headmaster Osmond, Julio Cesare, Agnes and most of the female students were at the funeral paying their respects to the people who gave their lives protecting the academy
I didn't join because of the war against Reconquista and the queen would want me ready, Matilda didn't either since she is still atoning from her allegiance to the enemy rebel group in Albion. Siesta was given time off for aiding in the rescue and went to her family to be comforted for being near such danger again...
I heard foot steps from the door and saw Kirche walking inside
"Kirche...?" I blinked at seeing her here "why aren't you at the funeral?"
"Considering that I almost lost my life last night, I feel better that I stay here" she looked at me sadly "and with professor Colbert's past revealed last night... Agnes wouldn't like fire mages near her"
That reminded me before the musketeer captain left, she delivered me the professor's letter this morning and I hadn't opened it yet thanks to still swallowing the fact the man whom I met, and befriended, in this academy had such a dark past
I went to the letter and started reading it aloud
Dear Peter,
I am writing this letter to you because of the war happening in Halkegenia. It might be my only message to you...I know that I'm only a teacher to you but in my past I once committed a sin and to atone for that I devoted my life to research and came to the profession of teaching the future generations. But then a thought came to when Reconquista declared war against Tristain...atonement is a heavy struggle when sin was made and with war coming again, you will also be sinned in your life too.
So I want to give you advice. Don't let the burden of killing change you so much, don't let this war make you blind to the future you will create... even though you only told me once about your home, it filled me with joy that there is a world that didn't want war and wished for peace. I wish to see that place with you being my guide to study that world...
Your friend, Jean Colbert
I sighed sadly after finishing the letter...even though Jean wanted no one to be part of war, he understood that people can't change their ways when damage has now been set before them...
I felt arms wrapped around me and I looked to see Kirche hugging me from the front and Matilda doing the same from behind me
"Professor..." the fire mage sniffed a bit
Even though she didn't thought highly of him due to his pacifistic nature. He was actually the first person that welcomed her to Tristain academy when she was forced to transfer out of Germania and even though she used her seducing method on male students to hide her heartbreak, he didn't scold her when he saw that and warned her not to do it in broad daylight letting the girl have her fun despite it being a distraction to her studies
The former thief was reminded of her past in Albion when losing her parents in her former home and forced to commit crime to help her half-sister live peacefully and when she has to infiltrate Tristain Academy under a disguise...Jean Colbert was the first person to welcome her with arms. After being revealed of her allegiance back then the professor still welcomed her back and didn't bother to bring up her criminal past because he believed she will be redeemed for her mistakes
I stayed quiet and let the two to find comfort from this loss...my gaze went to the zero fighter and only have one thought on this new war...
'I'll stop this' my mind now has resolve 'even if it kills me'
To be continued...
Author's Notes:
Another chapter done... Agnes has finally learned who destroyed her home and is conflicted but this is good, because she can't really make a decision since Jean Colbert was the one who destroyed D'angleterre but he also saved the captain from dying... hopefully I can get her out of that turmoil before Jean comes back and reveals that Tabitha saved him from death in season 3
Since I'm nearing the end of season 2...here's an alternate scene of Peter as Kamen Rider W
(W vs Cromwell, the Delusional Puppeteer)
Louise and I were able to to find the missing queen and deceased prince at Lagdorian Lake after being shot down by the latter's wind spell andwe crashed into the water
"Your highness!" Louise shouted at her friend "don't do this!"
"I'm sorry Louise" the queen of Tristain sighed "but I wish to be with my lover"
"Looks like that woman has decided her wish" Derflinger
"Even though she loves her home" I pulled out my Metal memory "she just got her deceased love back, making her want to stay beside him" I glared at the revived prince 'meaning that Cromwell is near this location to use Wales' body to getting her out of the kingdom'
Metal
"Henshin!"
Cyclone Metal
my armor appeared and I pulled out the metal shaft and swung it around creating wind to disperse the ice spell the queen and her puppet love at me
"I'm happy that you get to be with your love again your highness" I grunted destroying an ice spike "but you're not supposed to do this!"
"I'm sorry Peter" the queen raised her scepter "but Wales wants me beside him"
"She's not listening partner" Derf spoke as my right eye blinked "any ideas...?"
"Only one" I replied "I just hope it's enough to keep the queen distracted from Wales"
Spider
The memory gadget landed on my hand an I attached it to my and with a wave of my weapon a wind string was seen before it wrapped around the queen and dead prince and I swung my shaft back making the two fly a bit before they hit a tree with a grunt
"Peter!" Louise shouted at me "how dare you harm her highness...!"
"Sorry Louise" I replied "but those two are not thinking straight anymore, I have to somehow subdue them"
I saw that the queen was still dizzy but Wales instantly stood up and had his wand ready
But when came toward us a flame spell came distorting the wind, I looked at the direction where it came from and my eyes went wide at who came to help
"Darling!" Kirche waved at me but blinked when seeing the royals in the area "queen Henrietta and prince Wales? What is happening here?"
"No time for answers!" I shouted dodging a wind spell and removing the spider gadget "distract the prince for me Kirche!"
The fire mage and her friend went to work and used their magic in the deceased prince giving me enough time to change form
Luna Metal
My right half change to yellow and my staff shortened as the Luna memory is now in effect
"What's the plan partner?" Derf asked
"You find Cromwell while I keep the queen busy" I replied
"You got it"
I swung my metal shaft and it extended out and wrap around the queen surprising her letting go of her scepter
"I'm sorry that I have to do this Henrietta" I muttered "but your too emotional to see that this is a trap!"
I threw her to a nearby tree and she struck headfirst knocking her out cold
"Your highness!" Louise cried
"Focus Louise!" I reminded her "Agnes ins nearby and will keep her safe, we need to stop this madness before she wakes up again!"
Boom!
Both of us felt wind and Kirche flying back with her uniform having some tears with Tabitha protecting her friend but was now panting due to Wales' magic being from the royal class
'Not good, not good...!' I thought dodging a wind spell and deflecting with my metal shaft 'royal magic still outclassed a trained mage in combat!'
I remembered that I have the T2 memories with me and since this is an emergency... I took a random and inserted it into the slot of my weapon
Ice age Maximum Drive
I swung my weapon down and the extended part of it struck the ground freezing it making everyone, except for Wales as he was now frozen place, to move back from cold manifesting in the area
"That cares of that" I nodded walking to the dead prince as he struggled in his prison "I'm sorry this is happening to you prince..."
The dead man looked at me and shook his head trying fight whatever is controlling him "I...apologize also..." he grunted "I never...wanted this to...happen"
"Found our target partner" Derflinger spoke "he's hiding behind that tree"
Since I still have the Ice age memory I swung to the target area making someone jump out as the tree turned into an ice sculpture
"Cromwell?!" Louise and Agnes shouted at seeing the war criminal free from prison
"It seems that I was found" he smiled with ring glowing "and I'm still controlling the dead prince"
"Now that you have been revealed" I hummed "you will lose and be put into prison again for doing this"
"No I won't!" the delusional man pulled out a Gaia memory "and this will be my key to controlling Halkagenia!"
Puppeteer
The memory inserted itself into Cromwell changing him into the Puppeteer Dopant and he lifted his arms producing strings and went to the frozen prince and used him to break out of his prison and was controlled again to fight against us
"Wales!" Henrietta shouted in worry for her lover
"No your highness!" Agnes kept her queen away from the fight "you shouldn't go there, it's not safe...!"
I blocked the wind spells coming at me and made glances to Louise seeing her still chanting the spell
'C'mon Louise...' I jumped sideways nearly getting hit by Wales' spell 'the queen won't stay still for long!'
The void mage finished her spell and cast it toward Wales. At first his body glowed from receiving the spell... and then he fell to the ground unmoving. He is free from the Puppeteer's control!
"What!?" Cromwell used his strings again to make the dead prince but no signs of mobility "impossible...!"
"Possible Cromwell" I retorted "now, time to count up your sins!"
I removed my Metal memory and inserted it to my metal shaft's maximum slot
Metal Maximum Drive
I twirled my weapon around making five energy rings around me
"Metal illusion!"
The rings struck Cromwell one by one before they suspended around him and crashed into the together all at once!
Boom!
Cromwell changed back to himself dying in his real appearance and the Gaia memory landed beside him
I sighed at finally defeating the madman but that just leaves the now freed prince dying for a second time...
Henrietta held her beloved close and saw the blood staining his royal clothes
"Wales..." she looked at him with sadness "don't worry, I'll get you a healer so you can live again!"
"Don't..." he denied feeling his life fade "it's too late for me" he groaned at the pain he received "Henrietta, can you promise me one thing?"
"Anything...!" she responded
"Forget me and find a new love in your life" he stated making her gasp "I tried to take you away from your duties for my selfish desires"
"Wales!" the queen gasped in fright "you know I can't promise that!" she held him tightly "please..." tears were forming in her eyes "don't leave..."
"I know you won't" the prince smiled weakly "Peter" he called to me "please be next to us"
"Yes your highness?" I kneeled beside the dying prince as Henrietta refused to let go of him
"I would like to thank you for stopping me earlier" he said "had it not been for you, Henrietta would lose her home because of me"
"Don't blame yourself" I shook my head "I know you didn't wish for this to happen"
"Then let us make a contract" he raised his left arm presenting his ring to me "take this...and protect the queen for me"
"Wales!" Henrietta gasped at hearing this "you can't...!"
"I'm sorry my love" Wales breathed "but my act tonight proves that I am unworthy of you"
"I will your highness" I nodded taking the ring off him "and don't worry, Henrietta won't be in danger in ruling her kingdom to find peace"
"I am... glad that my beloved..." Wales' turned ragged "has... trustworthy... people..."
And on this night the grieving queen of Tristain was comforted by her people at losing her beloved prince in Lagdorian Lake. The place where the two royals personally declared their love to each other under the twin moons...