The intro opens with Anne's hands on the Calamity Box, opening it. Light from inside the box shines brightly before it switches to a scene that shows Kenji, Anne, Sasha, and Marcy, looking inside. Suddenly there was a white light and everything when blank.
Kenji was on the ground when the light faded, covered in mud with Anne next to him. When he woke up, he looked shocked to see he was in Amphibia with Anne. The two friends stood up and looked at their surroundings in awe.
The camera then zoomed out and showed the entire world of Amphibia.
Tenohira ni kizama re teru
Tsugihagi no yona sono sen ni furete
The scene then changed to the town of Wartwood as the frog inhabitants go about their daily lives. As a pair of dragonflies fly past the camera, it followed them until stopping at the Plantar farmhouse while the sun was starting to rise in the sky.
When the camera changed to show the house's front door, Kenji and Anne stepped out from inside and out into the world. Ready to take on the day. But first, they ducked their heads under some dragonflies that passed them.
Hibiware sona atama to
Gurasu ga sasata kokoro de mae hashiru
The camera moves up to a window on the side of the house. Sprig opened the window with a telescope in hand. He looked through it at the horizon before slipping off the windowsill and started falling. Inside the house, Hop Pop was reading one of his books in his study when Sprig's falling and screaming made him look at his window. Down on the ground, Sprig had landed in Polly's bucket. His little sister responded by punching her brother in the butt. Sending him flying out of the bucket. She then dove back into her bucket of water.
Sprig landed on Anne's head, and the three of them smiled at one another. Then Sprig pointed at something. Kenji pulled out one of his Class Cards, and the friends rushed off into the unknown.
The scene changed to show Kenji, Anne, and Sprig hopping across multiple mushrooms that lit up when one of them landed on it.
Koware kake no sekai
Kuzure so o de memai
The next scene showed Anne, Sprig, and Kenji running for their lives from a giant chicken monster. Kenji summons a black steed from his Rider Card then gets the others on and gallops away faster from the giant poultry. The scene begins to break apart as red line spread across the screen.
The next scene showed Sprig, Anne, Kenji, Polly, and Hop Pop fishing together on a lily pad before it suddenly rose into the air. Underneath it was a giant fish that started swimming around as everyone started screaming. Kenji, however, started stabbing it with a black broadsword. The scene to break apart like the scene before.
Another scene showed Sprig in a temple looking at something before Kenji and Anne came rushing down the stairs beside him. Anne picked him up as they ran away from a giant boulder that came crashing into the temple. And just like the last two scenes, it begins to break apart in red lines.
Karappo na karada de
Ibtsuna shikai
The next scene showed a red, dark area. Anne and Kenji had their backs together, and both having looks of determination. Anne raised her card: Alter Ego, and Kenji raised his card: Saber as the cards begin to glow.
Still, in the same scene, the viewer is suddenly pulled back to reveal that they were surrounded by dozens of twisted frog/toad/newt-like creatures and a giant snake crawling up from behind them. Towering over them and hissing.
Zokkuri to myako o utsu inochi no sen
Naifu de nazotte nobashite shimaetara
ne dareka oshiete Tsuki ga mierunara
The amphibian-like abominations started attacking as Kenji now armed with Balmung/Gram and Anne now armed with the Absolute Sword – Endless Three-Stage rushed towards the viewer. Smashing, slicing, and killing any twisted being that came at them. Just as the viewer watched them go past the camera on both sides, the Giant Snake lunged at the fleeing kids. Its mouth opens as it comes towards the camera before the viewer is in the blackness of the snake's mouth, but it didn't last long as Kenji swung his sword and cuts down the snake with one strike.
Kesenai de
mada kesenai de
The scene changed again to a split screen with the left side show Anne's photo of herself, Kenji, Sasha, and Marcy together being held in a gloved hand and on the right is an older man in his fifties with a grin on his face. A flash of light showed the man's face more and the infamous Toad Tower in the background.
Kienaide mada Kienaide
The final scene of the intro showed Kenji standing in the middle of a road looking at the Class Cards he has. He looked to his left and saw Anne walking over to him with a smile. Then Sprig came over to his right and jumped on Kenji's shoulders while Fou jumps on his head with a content smile on his face. Hop Pop and Polly walked/hopped over and joined the trio. The screen begins to pan downwards as it shows reflections not of the group but of legendary heroes of Earth's history.
The intro ends with the title of the story.
FATE / CALAMITY
Book 1: Amphibia
Chapter 16:
Fated Trip to the Archives
It started off with Anne and Kenji taking sips up some coffee while watching the sunrise outside with Fou sleeping on Kenji's lap. Sprig finds them and shows off a rare and precious Blue Moon Shell he wants to give it to Ivy for her birthday at the following day. But after cleaning Bessie's stable, he finds it stolen and promptly goes into a mental breakdown due to the loss of his gift. Anne and Kenji, not wanting to see her friend sorrowful and heartbroken, shows Sprig a cop show from back home called "Cop Stop" which thrills Sprig. He, Kenji and Anne then investigate the area to find the thief. Their first clue, a red string, leads them to Grub & Go after Sprig claims they sell it there. Before they enter the shop, Anne lays down the plan of their interrogation and in addition the duo wear fake bushy mustaches as well.
She appoints herself and Kenji to be the "good cops" while Sprig would act as the "bad cop" and get the confession out of the suspects. Anne walks in and greets the cashier, Quentin and "butters him up" asking how business was doing and then inquiries about a stolen shell, displaying a folder labelled with various shell pictures. When the cashier denies seeing any shell, Anne asks Sprig to "hit him with the bad cop". Sprig compliments his hair and knocks over a jar of pencils before being dragged to the corner of the room by Anne. She explains how a "bad cop" should act and that Sprig was behaving like a "sad cop", she recounts how this thief not only took the shell but also his future with Ivy and their relationship which angers and provokes Sprig who leaps onto the cashier and grabbing him by the neck, demands who bought the red string. The terrified cashier mentions that no one except the baker, Mr. Flour had bought the string today and Anne, Kenji and Sprig promptly leave before buying doughnuts.
Kenji decided to go first as he enters the bakery and begins complimenting Mr. Flour on his business to butter him up a bit before Sprig follows up by seizing the baker too early and demanding the whereabouts of the Shell. Both Anne and Kenji seemed shocked at Sprig's intense interrogation while the baker explains he uses the red string to wrap baguettes and that whoever bought one was a suspect. Sprig orders the baker to hand over the list but Mr. Flour refuses, claiming the customer list was "confidential" to the baker's oath. Sprig notices an apron hanging beside him labelled "favorite apron" and grabs it before threatening to drop it into the fire which finally leads to Mr. Flour complying and offering Sprig the list. The two humans apologize to the weeping baker who clutches his apron while cradling himself on the ground and leaves with Sprig as they go around to confront the suspects on the list; Stumpy, Mrs. Croaker, Mayor Toadstool, and Toady, with Sprig being the bad cop who carries out the interrogations with impatience and rage.
They finally head over to their last suspect, Gunther a gentle tusked frog from the south who had to move because of a 'misunderstanding'. Sprig pushes him aside and enters the neat house, formerly breaking the pots and decorative plates displayed on the shelves which angers Gunther who begins changing color. Sprig claims that the only frogs who could do that were Southern Tusked frogs as Gunther grows to a tremendous size and begins to chase Anne, Kenji and Sprig as they run back to Wartwood. They begin to knock on doors and plead to let them in explaining that a monster was chasing them but to no avail as all the citizens were annoyed at Sprig for his attitude towards them during the interrogations. Gunther catches up to them and bellows in anger, Sprig realizes how he was wrong to treat him like that and apologizes to Gunther saying he "hopped to conclusion" which amuses him and Gunther calms down, returning to normal size just as Sprig gives him the doughnuts they had. Gunther thanks Sprig and talks to them about his own "rage problems" and bites into a doughnut. Sprig mentions that the doughnuts are coated with licorice which again angers Gunther who states he hates licorice and charges at Anne, Kenji, and Sprig. They finally arrive back home that evening, still having not found the Blue Moon Shell. Before they enter the door Sprig notices the shell placed on a fence just outside his house much to the confusion of him and Anne. Ivy arrives and greets the startled cop duo, explaining she found the shell and took it home to polish it up before giving it to Sprig. Kenji nudges him in the shoulder who remembers it was supposed to be her gift and gives it back to Ivy as her birthday gift. She thanks Sprig but says that she liked it here hanging outside the door as it reminds her of Sprig being nearby before saying farewell and leaving. Anne then laughs and claims "there goes the thief" before Sprig declares that she didn't only steal the shell, but she also stole his heart! Anne and Kenji tell him that was too much, which he accepts.
The next morning, as night quickly turned to day Anne and Kenji with Fou laying on his head were already riding on Bessie with Hop Pop, Polly, and Sprig.
"Now, remember, gang. The mountain pass will clear up in a few weeks. Meaning, it's almost time to leave this valley and find Anne and Kenji a way home.", Hop Pop advised.
"Whoo! Love that!", Anne shouted.
"About time.", Kenji grinned.
"Excitement!", Polly shouted.
"Sights!", Sprig added.
"Mm-hmm. And do you know the best way to start a quest?", Hop Pop asked.
"Danger?", Sprig asked.
"Weapons?", Polly asked.
"Fou?" Fou asked with a tilt of his head.
"Research!", Hop Pop responded, making almost everyone groan in disappointment.
"More research? Are you sure?" Kenji asked as Hop Pop looked at them with a disappointed look on his face.
"Oh, come on, gang. We'll never get Anne and Kenji home if we get bitten to death by a venomous snake fly. Or eaten to death by a camouflaged sod skink. Or crushed to death by a sand liger.", Hop Pop responded as a nearby snake fly hissed only for a sod skink to appear and chomp down on the snakefly killing it without much, right before getting clawed by a Sand Liger and carried away.
"Okay, okay, okay! We get the point.", Kenji said.
"Sheesh. I'm beginning to think you guys are obsessed.", Anne commented.
"Nature's a vicious cycle, Anne.", Hop Pop responded.
Later, the group already arrived at the Historic Wartwood Town Archives. The sight caused Sprig to groan.
"The town archives? This place is dustier than Dusty's dustbin.", Sprig said as he and everyone else got off Bessie as Kenji told Fou to stay with Bessie.
"Who?", Polly asked.
"Come on. You know Dusty. Local dust merchant. Friendly, always smiling, sells dust.", Sprig responded.
"Oh, yeah, yeah. Right.", Polly said.
"I get this place. It's like a library from my world. Zoo books and manga, here I come!", Anne said.
"Well, enough chatter, everybody. Time to hit the books.", Hop Pop responded.
"Wait! Wouldn't we be better off preparing by diving headfirst into deadly situations?", Sprig asked only for him to get a glare from Kenji.
"No Sprig! We're not going to do it your way again!", Kenji argued as Anne looked at him in confusion.
"Why not, Kenji? Isn't research overrated?" Anne asked as Hop Pop looked at her with an 'Are you serious?' look.
"Kenji's right, Anne. Don't you remember what happens every time you jump headfirst into deadly situations?", Hop Pop asked as Anne begins to think it over and remembered a few flashbacks.
[Flashbacks]
the first flashback of which had Anne, Kenji, Fou, and Sprig hiding from a fire-breathing giant mole as Kenji uses Include on his Archer card as he fires his guns at it to cause it to flee.
Another showed the whole group with Bessie caught in a mudslide as Kenji had to do Include again with Lancer as he was able to catch the snail and her passengers.
the third and final one showed Anne, Sprig, Kenji, Fou, Polly, and Hop Pop all tied up under a giant skunk with the male human did ANOTHER Include with Saber as he tries to cut the ropes.
"No, no, no, no, no!", Anne panicked before it went back to the present.
[End of Flashback]
"I can still smell that skunk juice.", Polly said before shuddering.
"If only I cut us out faster, we wouldn't had to bathe ourselves in tomato juices to get the smell off.", Kenji responded with a shudder as well.
"Yeah. Fair enough. Research it is.", Anne said as she, Kenji, and Polly followed Hop Pop.
"What? You are siding with Hop Pop?", Sprig asked as he hopped up next to them.
"Yes, Sprig we are!" Kenji said with his brows furrowed.
"This trip is going to take us beyond the valley, Sprig. Who knows what we'll run into out there?", Anne said as she and the others walked down, but not before hitting her head on the top of the entrance way. "Ow!"
"You ok?" Kenji said to her in concern as Anne looked at him with a smile to ease his worry.
"I'm good."
Sprig sighed as he then followed the others. Then, the group walked down the staircase and entered the Archive. Inside, the archive resembles a giant library with two floors lined with shelves full of books, ranging from weapons to dangerous animals, to history and plants. There are also chairs and tables for any visitors to use. Sprig caught up, still disappointed.
"Ugh. The archives.", Sprig grunted.
"I don't know. This place seems cool to me.", Anne said.
"Sure, it seems cool, until you realize all you do here is read other people's cool adventures.", Sprig complained.
"Okay, enough prattle. We got to get a move on before we're locked in here.", Hop Pop said.
"Uh, come again?", Anne asked.
"The door to this place is set on a sunlight timer. It opens when the sun rises and deadlocks when the sun sets.", Sylvia explained.
"Wow. Now, that is some steampunk at work right there.", Kenji said.
"Boring old books smelling like dumb old words.", Sprig groaned as Anne and Kenji went over to a sort of sign, regarding someone named Mycroft Newtback. It depicts a very wrinkly, green newt. He had slight white wisps of hair on either side of his head. He wore an orange coat, a monocle, and a fez with a yellow tail.
"Mycroft Newtback, archives founder. This structure, originally Newtback's home, was turned into the public archives after he died violently attempting to travel beyond the valley.", Anne said before she and the others all straightened up.
"I'm going to go hit those books.", Anne said hurriedly.
"Same here.", Kenji said.
"Uh, reading time.", Polly added.
"Better get to it.", Sprig said.
"Time to get our hands on those books.", Hop Pop said. Later, the old frog was checking the shelves.
"'Only nature facts.' Sound fair." He said as he was about to take the book out but something caught his attention. "Well, now. Hold on. 'Older than the old ways.' Now this I got to read.", Hop Pop grinned before he piled several books into his arms.
Meanwhile, Polly was about to pass a bookshelf but stops with wide eyes as she looks up at a shelf labeled "Weapons A-Z".
"Hot mama.", Polly said in awe as she hops to the bookcase.
As for Anne and Kenji, the young woman was looking at a book diagram of a carnivorous plant while Kenji looked at some books about chemistry.
"Find anything interesting, Anne?" Kenji asked.
"Only more ways of how various plants can kill you," replied Anne.
"Jeez…" Kenji said to himself as Sprig decided to play around with Anne using his hand like a puppet with a cartoon face on it.
"Hi, Anne. What you doing?", Sprig asked though his hand puppet while Anne had an unamused look on her face.
"Get out of here, man.", Anne said, whacking his hand away.
"Oh, come on.", Sprig groaned before peeping up behind the chair next to Anne.
"Anne. Kenji", Sprig whispered.
"Yeah, Sprig?", Both Anne and Kenji asked.
"Wouldn't it be better if we found some plants to fight?", Sprig asked.
"Nope. Here, see if you can find a way to survive a tiger viper attack.", Anne responded.
"Right now, I'm looking up how to make an effective antidote for Tiger Viper venom if we ever encounter one of these days.", Kenji added before Sprig groaned as he walks off with a huff.
"Stupid books. Stupid learning. Don't they want a real adventure?", Sprig groaned before he looked to the exit of the Archives or more specifically the lens that keep the door opened.
"Hmmm…"
Later, Hop Pop reconvenes the group for lunch as they made their way to the exit of the Archives.
"I'm actually glad you suggested this Hop pop," said Anne as Kenji nodded.
"Me too," said Kenji. "I'm more prepared on how to deal with large feral insects than ever before. I'm ready to give them the ole Slice and Dice Treatment." Kenji said as he pats his sword with his hand to go with his catchphrase.
"Uh-oh, guys?" said Poly. The group looks at her to see that the door is locked up.
"Wait a minute…How long have we been in here?!" asked the young man as Hop pop looks up and gasps.
"Look! The lens are missing."
"Who would trap us in here?" Anne asked with a look of shock on her face.
"Only one way to find out," said Kenji as he looked to the others. "Everyone, empty your pockets, or any other special pouches you have. If anyone has the lens, we'll know who took it." He said as the group empty their pockets, leaving only Sprig keeping his hands in his. The group looked sternly at him.
"Sprig, hand it over, now!" said Kenji with a stern look on his face.
"What makes you think I- Yeah I have it," said Sprig. "But why should we read these moldy books? They're not going to prepare us for squat. What we need is a daring escape from an old underground library." He said in an excited tone, but the rest were not having it.
"What we need is to safely get out of here without causing any problems and you are causing trouble Sprig!" said Hop Pop said with a stern look on his face as Sprig shrinks back a little from the scolding that he is getting.
"Yeah. Now put that piece back, now!" said Polly.
"Ugh. Fine." He said as reaches in his pocket and takes out the lens. Unfortunately, as he shows it to the group, it slips out of his hand and shatters into a few pieces.
"Well, that's no good." Poll said with a grim look on her face
"Ugh! SPRIG!" Anne cried as she grips her hair in frustration.
"What have you done, you little numb skull?!" Kenji shouted.
"Uhh…Don't worry, I can fix it," said Sprig in a panicked tone as he tries to gather all the pieces, only for him to sneeze and spread them out. "Ugh. Dang it!"
"Well, that's freaking great. Now what are we going to do?" Kenji asked in a frustrated tone.
"Guess we wait here until someone visits the archives," said Hop Pop.
"And when was the last time someone came down here?" Anne asked as Hop Pop took out the entry log and spoke.
"Well, I check the log and it says… Three years ago."
The group stares in shock, realizing that they could be trapped here forever. Anne and Polly bang on the door in hopes that anyone outside could help them. But they were in the middle of nowhere, with only Bessie and Fou outside.
"Enough of this negativity!" Spig said as he jumps on the table. "Come on, guys. This is our call to frog-venture right here. Did you forget who we are? This gang has been through a lot. And we're going to make it through this too! I mean, we better. Because if we don't, we'll be trapped here for weeks. No food, no water. Until they find our dehydrated, mummified bodies clawing at the door."
Anne, Kenji, Polly, and Hop Pop cringe at the very detail 'speech' Sprig gave them causing the frog boy to look sheepish.
"Yeah, I probably could have ended that speech earlier."
"You think?!"
"Let's just find a way out."
The group tried to find several ways of getting out, only for them to fail immediately. They tried breaking down the door with a mushroom lamp, only for them to bounce right off. They tried digging out, only for large worms to attack them as they had to fight them of or be devoured. They even tried using Hop pop's spectacles to replace the lens. Only for the sun's beam to hit the books, setting them on fire.
The group sits in the middle of the archives, covered in soot with looks on their faces that said 'they are going to freaking die down here'.
"(Coughs) Okay, I'm out of ideas," said Sprig said as he got bonked on the head from Kenji. "Ow! What was that for?"
"You're the reason were in here, Sprig. You deserve that."
"…Point made. Hey, wait a minute, why don't you use those Heroic Spirit Cards to bust us out. It shouldn't be that difficult to break that door down." Sprig asked as the others looked at him with a look that said that they wanted to know to.
"Maybe but remember those powers that I have can be very destructive. One wrong move and we could get buried alive. And I don't want to know what the last card: The Avenger will do either." Kenji said in an apologetic tone as the others sighed at this knowledge. There goes that idea.
Polly then lets out a frustrated groan, "Why did they have to put the door on a stupid sunlight timer?"
Suddenly, Anne gets another idea as she gasped in realization. "That's it! Light timer. Timer, sunlight, light, skylight!" She points to the skylight, making the group smile as she just found them a way out of here.
"If we can get out through the skylight," said Hop Pop. "We're home free."
"Anne, you're a genius," said Sprig.
"That's all well and good, but how are we going to get up there?" Hop pop asked. Luckily, Kenji came up with the idea of creating a tower of books with all the books in the library and after a couple of minutes, they created said book tower with a few tables and chairs mixed in.
"Alright that should do it!" Hop Pop said as he looked towards the group. "Okay, so who should go first?"
"Like my mom always said, 'Ladies First'," said Kenji as he begins to help Anne reaches the top as she uses his shoulders to stand on and her head gets through the skylight.
"Yes!" Anne said with a laugh as she tries to get through but groans as she can't get through. "Oh, yeah. Nope. Can't fit through, though."
Anne looked around and smiled as she sees Bessie and Fou. "Hey, I see Bessie and Fou. Bessie! Bessie, Fou hey!"
The two creatures looked up to see Annes head coming from the ground as they were confused at what was going on.
"Listen, get help! Get help! Come on, guys!"
While Fou seemed to understand what's going on, Bessie got distracted by a butterfly as it begins to chase it with Fou still on him.
"No! No. No, Bessie. Get- No! Oh, come on. Never mind. Good news, guys. I can see the road from here. One of you can go for help!" said Anne with a smile on her face. The group cheered in excitement as they can finally get the hell out of here.
"Who would've thought we could find a way to get out of here?" Kenji asked.
"See guys?" Sprig asked. "How do you feel about diving in now?"
"Now, I suppose, if I'm honest, I do feel somewhat of a rush." Hop Pop said with a big grin on his face.
"WE CAN DO ANYTHING!" Polly shouted, feeling thrilled.
However, When Anne tried to get back down, she couldn't even budge. "Uh, guys? I'm stuck."
"Wait, what?!" Kenji cried.
"I'm seriously stuck! Do something!" Anne replied as tries desperately to get out as Kenji grabbed her legs as he tries to use his weight to pull her back down in the archives.
"Be careful Kenji," warned Hop Pop. "You don't what's going to-" Suddenly, Kenji grip loosen as he falls on the mushroom lamp that they used earlier but bounced off. He landed on the mushroom causing him to shoot straight up to the skylight and made an impact to the roof, making a bigger hole. His impact squeezed him beside Anne, and the two humans were face to face. They blushed like crazy of how close they were. "Happen…"
"Hey," said Kenji sheepishly. "Guess pulling you out didn't work."
Before the two could talk further, they both felt like something was grabbing both of their legs.
"Don't worry I got this." Sprig said as he tries to pull the two down. However, after a few moments, the two humans heard something crashed in the Archives below them.
"Uh, what just happened?" Anne asked in concern.
"Uh, nothing. Everything's fine." Sprig said to try to keep them calm.
"Sprig!" Kenji shouted in frustration towards the little pink frog boy
"Okay, the books fell, and you're both stuck and blocking our only way out." Sprig said with a sheepish grin
"What?!" Anne shouted in fear as Kenji had a look on his face that said: "Are you freaking kidding me?!"
"The important thing is that you guys don't panic," said Sprig. "We'll rebuild the tower of books and get you down. We won't leave you hanging."
"Is that supposed to be a joke, Sprig? Cause I'm not laughing!" Kenji sternly asked. The two humans look back at each other, smiling shyly. Then, Kenji started chuckling.
"What's so funny?" Anne asked as Kenji had a nostalgic look on his face.
"I was just remembering the last time I got stuck," replied Kenji said as Anne looked at him in confusion. "I was about 5 years old and me and my family were vacationing in Japan. We visited many great landmarks and ate many great cuisines. When we got to the Tokyo Imperial Palace, I couldn't see beyond their gates. So, I squeezed my head through an opening in the gate to get a better look. When we were about to leave, my head couldn't get out and I was terrified. So, my mom had to use hand lotion on my ears to slip me back out."
Anne laughed, "Wow, what were you thinking?"
"I wasn't thinking," replied Kenji. "My mind was processing the beauty of the palace. I was lost in its glory, I didn't pay attention to what I was doing."
"We were little kids at that time, Kenji. We all do crazy things," said Anne.
The two remain in silence for a while. And then, they hear a noise. "Hey guys, we're hearing a strange noise out here," said Kenji. "What is that?"
"Anne, Kenji, keep quiet and remain calm," said Sprig. "The Cicadas are coming to graze."
Kenji and Anne look around to keep an eye out for cicadas. Kenji sees one behind Anne, revealing to be as big as Bessie. Kenji turns to Anne, "Anne, keep your eyes on me, and stay calm. They're right behind you." Anne starts to freak out, but Kenji tries to keep her eyes on him.
Kenji looks around to see them grazing on the bushes before one of them looked at them with a hungry look on its face.
"Kenji, I'm scared," said Anne in a frightened tone.
"I know, I am too," said Kenji said as he grunted in frustration. "We tried doing things the right way, and now we might never get back home."
"Wait a minute," said Sprig. "This place used to be someone's home, right? And if this was a home, there was a bathroom!"
"Ah, good thinking, Sprig."
"A bathroom?! Now? Can't you just hold it?" Kenji shouted as Anne tried to get one away from by blowing in its face. One then tried to bite Kenji's hair, but he let loose a growl that sounded like an angry predator to make it back off. "Huh. Learning about Animal Growls really worked."
Polly decided to answer Kenji's question. "Because if there was a bathroom. That also means there were-"
"Pipes that will lead us out of here," said Sprig said with a grin on his face as the Plantars look around the archives and find the blueprints to the building.
"Aha! Here it is!" Sprig said as he pulls it out and opens it. Hop Pop pointed out a specific part of the blueprint.
"And look here. This is where the bathroom used to be, behind that bookcase." Hop Pop said as he pointed to a bookcase that is nearby. "We just need to break it down!"
Polly delivered their answer with a mace as she destroyed not only the bookcase but the wall separating them from the bathroom. "War cry!" was what she said as Sprig jumped over her to see the pipe that was big enough to fit through.
"Yes! Don't worry, guy! I'm on my way!" Sprig said as he jumps right in to get out of the Archives.
"Sprig! Hurry up and help us!"
In Felicia's Tea Shoppe, Felicia goes to use the restroom as light, gentle music plays. Before the frog lady could do her business, the toilet flushes as Sprig comes up the toilet. The poor woman could only scream as Sprig ran pass her.
"Sorry, sorry, sorry. Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry." Was all Sprig said to Felicia as he rushed out of the tea shop.
Anne and Kenji were struggling to keep the cicadas from eating their hair, they were wondering and hoping that this will end. Their answer came in the form of Sprig Plantar as he jumps on one of the cicadas and rides it like a horse.
"Yahoo!"
"Sprig? Wait. How did you get out?" Anne asked as Kenji also wanted to know what just happened.
"I don't want to talk about it." Sprig said in morbid tone and disturbed look on his face as he slams his heel into the cicada "Yeah!"
This caused the cicada to charge at the other cicadas causing them to fly off as Sprig jumps off the cicada he was riding as it begins to flee as well.
"Whoo-hoo! See you later, cicadas!" Sprig said as he blew a raspberry as he walks up to Kenji and Anne, who let loose a sigh of relief.
"Thanks guys, that was a close one," said Anne.
"We're just glad you two are okay," said Sprig. Then, the rest came out from the archives looking like they went through a waterpark.
"Yeah, so am I."
"Me too."
"So, I'm guessing you guys used the pipes too?" Kenji asked causing Hop Pop and Polly to nod.
"Yep. We couldn't wait, so we used the pipes too." said Polly with a disturbed look on her face.
"I've seen things," said Hop Pop with the same look on his face.
"So, we did it! We dove into another adventure and escaped," cheered Sprig. "I told you it would work." He finished with a big smile on his face, but the others were not having this.
"We were in this situation because of you Sprig!" Kenji shouted causing Sprig to flinch.
"Yeah, but-"
"No Sprig, you pushed us. Why couldn't you see that?" Anne asked. "Listen, this trip out of the valley is more than just another adventure. It's our only chance to get home. We can't mess this up."
"I mean, do you want to run before you walk?" Kenji asked. "I want to walk, even if it means doing stuff we don't like." Sprig nodded.
"Then that's what we'll do together." Sprig said as he jumps to hug Anne's head, until the hole cracks open wider, and the three friends fall in back into the Archives with a loud thud.
"It's okay, we landed on books," said Anne said in a daze.
"I landed on books," said Kenji as Anne looked down and blushed as her chest was buried into the boy's face as he was blushing with his eyes spinning. "You landed on me."
"Knowledge hurts," said Sprig with a painful groan.
"Well…at least it can't get any worse." Hop Pop said as he was glad that they were not hurt.
*Groaning creeks*
The whole gang gained a look of confusion as Kenji, Anne, and Sprig looked down to see that the floor looks like it's going to cave in from the combined weight of them and the books that has piled up.
"…Hop Pop." Kenji said in a dead tone.
"Yeah." Hop Pop said as he was mentally kicking himself for saying what he just said.
"If we somehow survive this." Kenji said as he looked up to him with an angry murderous look on his face. "I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!"
*SNAP!*
"AHHHHHH!" was what Kenji, Anne, and Sprig said they plummeted further down, deeper into the uncharted areas of the Wartwood Archives.
After a few moments of falling, Kenji, Anne, and Sprig landed in dark area with no source of light to be seen.
"…All right, who's not dead? Sound off." Kenji said as he turns on his phones flashlight as he heard both Anne and Sprig groaned confirmed that they're still alive.
"This time…I landed on books." Anne said with a groan.
"Knowledge still hurts."
Kenji only shook head as he shines the light around the area to get a better look around. This chamber was massive and had scattered weapons ranging from swords, polearms, and more acting as grave markers. It almost looked like an underground coliseum judging from the audience stands that surrounded the arena. As much as he tried to shine through with his flashlight, it was still pitch black.
"Why does this place seem familiar." Kenji said, as looked around to see if anything was out of place. The young man kneels and picks up some dirt as he was inspecting it, suddenly he suddenly remembered something very familiar about this scene. "Oh no..."
"What? What's wrong Kenji?" Sprig asked as he and Anne joined him, confusion on their face.
"Doesn't this place seem familiar to you guys." Kenji said as he stands up to see if anything else was out of place. Sprig and Anne did the same as they looked around to see if anything was out of place
"Wait? You don't mean-" Anne asked but was interrupted as the area begins to rumble as torches begin to alight with torches coming to life in purple flames. As soon as all the torches were alight, the humans and Sprig saw something that was concealed by the darkness from before.
Standing before them is a chained-up robust man fully clad in pitch-black armor and a rustic helmet with a thinly carved slit displaying the ghastly glow of his eyes. The armor is the work of the delicate and nuanced workmanship of its smith's utmost effort, succeeding in granting it an air of formidability and a fine construction. It is a perfect armor that can be called neither exquisite nor crude, and it instead perfectly melds magnificence and functionality. It is carved with countless marks and scratches, the highlights of his various military exploits etched into it to add a touch of valor. It is an ideal battle outfit that all knights could not help but envy. The chains around the armor dissipate as shadows gathered, condensed, and formed around the crouching knight. It rose to growl at all present like a rabid dog. He wasn't some hero from another land, deeds painting him in an illustrious light. No, this one was a raging beast of fury who unleashed a harrowing roar. Though no one had met him before, they all understood immediately who he had to be.
Or rather WHAT he had to be.
"A Berserker? Here?" Kenji as he noticed that the Berserker was simply staring right at him and Anne. And something about that red visor sent a chill down his spine.
"Urrr…" The Berserker's armor rattled as he hunched over, then the shadows around him seemed to expand with his straightening. Black, red-tipped tassels sprang out from his back, and a furious howl escaped his skyward helmet. "Arrr… Urrrrrrr!"
Kenji's own Instincts screamed "danger."
"Anne, Sprig! Stay behind me!" She shouted back, readying his sword as the dark mad knight sprang from his spot, running towards the trio and picking up a nearby polearm nearby. Anne tried to intercept him, but Berserker simply leaped over her to bring down the metal polearm onto Kenji. Its blunt end slammed hard against Kenji's sword.
"What the-" Despite her surprise, Anne quickly spun around. 'I couldn't up with him! But why go after Kenji? I was closer'- her eye widened at the crossed arms.
Kenji too was surprised despite his efforts to parry: the rod of simple metal, something that should've been easily cut to pieces by his sword, was now blackened, with crimson markings like veins across its surface. He swung it off and struck back, sending the dark knight skidding back a bit. Behind him, Anne moved to strike for his back with her sword, but Berserker crouched and spun his weapon behind himself. The shinobi barely stepped back out of range before it could've concussed him.
"Kenji!" she warned her, "He's pouring that black energy into that pole. It's not just the outer surface, every single part is saturated with it!"
Kenji absorbed the information even as he parried another lunge from Berserker. "Then that must mean…"
"Anything Blacky touches becomes a powerful weapon," Sprig muttered, having come to the same conclusion. "…Hacks, I call hacks!"
Warding off another strike, Anne grimaced while glancing down at his sword's handle. Both of his hands were shaking from the force of the mad knights strikes. 'How can I fight him like this? Every strike feels like my arms are going to explode.'
"Kenji!" Anne and Sprig's warning drew his attention, his eyes widen, seeing Berserker charged towards him. He blocks the first attack and jumps back, and he gasps in pain as he was now forced into the defense by the Mad Servant's continuous attacks. Kenji was pushes back further from Berserker's last attack, forcing him back.
Kenji grits in pain before straitening himself. "Who the hell are you?"
"Arrgh..." Berserker growled as he twirled his weapon around before charging again. Both warriors clashed with each other. However, the last attack Kenji was able to block temporally paralyzed him due to the pain. In that moment, Berserker twirled the pole around and roared as he aimed towards the opening that is the left side of Kenji's head.
"Oh no!" Sprig screamed as he watched in horror seeing that Kenji was about to be struck down hard by Berserker's counterattack.
But before the attack could reach him, a black/gold flash and the sound of steel sliced in the air. What came crashing down was a piece of Berserkers weapon stabbed on the concrete ground.
"W-What the?" Sprig stutter, not expecting anything else to happen while the others are shocked at what happened.
How it happens was thanks to Anne's timely intervention. She kneeled on the ground with her main weapon, her sword now taking the form of a black-bladed nodachi via Include with her Alter Ego Card, pointing in the air, what she used to protect Kenji. By using Absolute Sword - Endless Three-Stage, she was able to stop not only the attack but also cut Berserker's weapon thanks to the nodachi's unique properties.
"That's enough, Berserker." Anne said as she stood straight and pointed her weapon against him much to Kenji's surprise as she rose to defend him from getting killed. "Anyone who goes after my friends will have to go through me."
The Servant of Madness just stood there, listening to what Anne said. His responses were only having a good look at his now shortened weapon. Berserker then stabbed the remains of his former weapon to the ground, and in a second, he grabbed two weapons: a long spear and a short spear nearby and charged forwards.
Anne charges towards Berserker, preparing to strike him with her nodachi. Berserker responds by twirling the longsword from his right hand and takes a step forward to stab Anne. However, Anne parried it with her sword by striking it down on her left side. The impact between the weapons left a small crater behind Anne's position as if the ground were struck by an invisible force strong enough for the rubble and dust to fly out.
Anne holds down the long spear with her blade as she charges forward, making her weapon slide through her foes weapon, leaving the sound of steel sliding on steel. The moment she got close, she was forced to dodge to her right when Berserker used his short spear from his left hand to stab the Servant.
That did not stop Anne on pressing her charge, forcing Berserker to backpedal for a moment as he blocks Anne's attacks. Seeing an opening, Anne swung down her sword with all her might, forcing Berserker to use both his spears to block it. The strike was powerful enough to make Berserker's feet sink to the concrete floor like a small crater.
The rubble scattered from the impact as the two Servants held their ground from each other. Berserker growled, enjoying his duel, while Anne frowns, not holding anything back, and Kenji and Sprig watches on not daring to look away from the fight.
The sounds of steel clashing and the sound of wind being sliced can be heard all around. The ground shakes for every strike, and a streetlight nearby blinked every time the ground shook. All at the same time, Kenji watches it all as the young man was waiting for the right moment to use his Avenger Class Card. Anne carefully studies her opponent, not moving her head, her eyes shifiting as she carefully watches both spears.
"Anne is looking out for both spears simultaneously." Kenji deduces in his thoughts as he continues to watch the battle as he pulls out The Avenger Class card. "She doesn't know which of Berserker's weapons around here is his trump card."
"The long spear in his right hand, and the short spear in his left." Anne thought to herself as she and Berserker did not move for the moment as they study each other from their previous exchange. "Which of these weapons is his True Noble Phantasm? If I can ascertain which, I can make my attack."
"If only we knew his True Name." Kenji finished her thoughts as Berserker charges towards Anne.
"C'mon Anne." Sprig prayed as Anne raises her blade, and she avoids the strike from the short spear, but Berserker brings back the spear and swings it towards her. She blocked the attack and held it down with her nodachi.
"He's definitely a Heroic Spirit, so skilled to use any weapons that he can get his metal hands on." Anne thought as she confirms as does not lose her focus. "But that will not be enough!"
Berserker responds by extending the length of the long spear and swings it towards his foe, forcing Anne to block it away. Berserker repeats the attack only this time, aiming at Anne's feet. She avoids it by quickly performing a flip to her left and gracefully lands on the ground while Berserker's attack left a deep crescent cut mark on the ground.
Berserker again uses the long spear to strike Anne, but she blocks it away. Then follows up with his short spear to pierce her, Anne tried to block, but the strike forced her to peddle back, seeing this chance he strikes down at her with his long spear with full might though Anne was able to block it but was forcibly skidding back. Anne stops and again took her stance. Without hesitation, she charges once more. Berserker readies himself as he uses his long spear to pierce Anne, but she blocks it and continues to charge but steps back when Berserker uses his short spear to fend her off. However, Anne blocks the attack by using her blade to catch the shaft of the weapon, and then she changes the position of her arms by placing her left elbow under the beam while the nodachi rested on the top, holding the spear in position. The young woman charges forward as her blade slide through the steel shaft of the spear, thus forcing Berserker to break through the hold and leaps away from Anne, who was remarkably close in cutting him down.
Sprig gasped as the two warriors quickly took a distance from each other then took their stances once more. Anne held her sword high waiting for her enemy to strike while Berserker was the same, except a small cut appeared on the left side of his helmet.
Anne was about to get back into the fight, but Kenji stopped her as he places his hand on her shoulder to stop her advance. Anne looked at him in confusion as Kenji gave a look that said, "Let me take care this." Anne was silent, but she nodded as steps back as Kenji takes her place. Berserker readied his weapons as Kenji raised his Class Card to the air.
"Install: AVENGER!" Kenji said as a pillar of black energy with a blue outline emerged from the spot that Kenji was. Anne and Sprig covered their eyes from the intensity, but Berserker only growled as he looked on. After a few moments, the pillar dissipates to show who was standing in Kenji's place.
Standing before them is a tall, skinny young man with notably wide shoulders, sickly pale skin and burning orange eyes with thick eyelashes. His hair is shoulder-length and naturally wavy, of an unnaturally pale pinkish off-white color that fades to white the closer to his scalp and is described as looking like it "doesn't belong to a living person". The outfit that he is wearing is a black fedora and a thin, knee-length dark green cloak with a gold medallion holding it together. Underneath, he wears a dark-green dress shirt with a black vest over it. He wears plain black jeans and pale black shoes, each fastened by two buckles.
The Servant of Vengeance looked at himself for a moment before a maniacal laugh erupted from him causing Anne and Sprig to get a bit scared. "You called me, Master! The reincarnation of vengeance itself? Well precisely, I am the grudge of darkness. I am the Count of Monte Cristo. I am not the Edmond Dantès who struggled with revenge and was saved by regret and reform. I am the notorious incarnation of vengeance, the Avenger." The Avenger now known as Edmond Dantès said with glee as the energy around him surged bigger than before.
Sprig and Anne were looking on in awe at the Servant that was standing before them, but none more so than Anne. From what she could remember from history class, Edmond Dantès onced lived as a seafarer in Marseille, Edmond was torn away from his love Mercédès after being imprisoned in the hellish Château d'If due to a false charge derived from an unscrupulous conspiracy. However, he did not fall into despair thanks to his mind of steel, and during his imprisonment, he met the similarly imprisoned Abbe Faria, who guided Edmond.
After escaping his prison, Edmond eventually acquired the treasure of the Monte Cristo Island, learned that his love and covetous affection towards Mercédès had been trampled upon and snatched away from him, and began a tragic revenge plot while concealing his identity. He swooped down upon Paris, dragging down the people who once deceived him, now the many leading figures reigning over France, into hell. At the end of his journey, he was reformed through his anguish and regret, leaving with his lover Haydée – an Albanian princess who had been sold into slavery by Fernand de Morcerf (formerly Mondego), who had also betrayed Edmond, before the Count of Monte Cristo rescued her and eventually fell in love with her.
That stern way of life; the revenge tragedy that concealed his identity; the love and covetous affection towards his lover Mercédès, which was trampled on and snatched away; and the journey that resulted in his reform due to his anguish and regret, are all applauded by the people - not only from France, but from all over the world - and he is remembered as "the most famous avenger in the world."
"Aaaaa…vvveeennn…gggeeerrr." The Mad Knight groaned as he readies his weapons again, cause the Avenger Servant to look at him for a moment before a big grin appeared on his face.
"Well, Well. I never thought that I would face you as a Berserker; Knight of the Lake, Lancelot!"
Now THAT name Anne knew from her history class. He was originally born and raised in France. Having lost his parents as a child, he was raised by the Lady of the Lake Vivian and thus gained the alias "Knight of the Lake".
He had heard rumors of the King of Britain. He believed the King of Knights in Britain was pure nonsense. He began to compare himself with the King of Knights until he decided to travel to Britain to see the legendary king with his own eyes.
He met the King as soon as he landed in Britain during battle. It carved a deep impression of the King when he saw the sight of a young boy riding on his horse, gallantly swinging her sword in a horde of invaders. It proved how wrong he was, the requirement to battle day and night was not physical attributes but it was one who holds unwavering convictions. Lancelot had fought together with the King in that battle, and for his accomplishments he was granted the honor of speaking with her as a friend and invited to Camelot as a guest. Before long, he began desiring a seat on the Round Table. He became a knight among the Roundtable and saw many battles.
He had many famous exploits, including once hiding his name and disguising himself to enter a horse race for the sake of a friend's honor. Even after falling into a trap and being forced to face the enemy's blades with only his bare hands, he had proved victorious with his skilled fighting prowess using only an elm branch.
However, this didn't stop his own downfall…
When Sir Tristan left the castle saying King Arthur does not understand how others feel. It was those words that began to trigger his insanity. Sir Lancelot wishes to lessen the burden for his King, a wish that Guinevere also held. They conversed with each other and came to recognize each other as friends and rely on the other. It was then that Sir Lancelot became attracted to her.
When Lancelot and the queen began their affair, the Knight of the Lake considered fleeing Camelot with her, but his loyalty to Arthur and his sense of duty prevented him from doing so. When political enemies of the king learned about the affair, Agravain, who was working for Morgan le Fay, exposed the adulterous relationship to the public. The queen was ordered to be executed. Lancelot attempted to save her, killing several of his fellow knights including Gawain's siblings, Gareth and Gaheris, in the process. He fled back to his own domain.
Lancelot, who was considered the perfect knight, Guinevere, the queen who had made her beloved betray his duty, and Arthur, the king who blamed herself for her loyal knight's despair, all suffered from the resulting fallout. Although Arthur forgave Lancelot's actions, Gawain still bore great hatred towards Lancelot for his betrayal and the death of his brothers.
His disloyalty fractured the balance among the Knights of the Round Table. This incident eventually became the trigger of civil war and carnage, and the country shattered to pieces in the flames of war. Lancelot, even after being excommunicated, wanted to participate in the Battle of Camlann to serve his King but Gawain hostilely rejected him, which helped result in the downfall of his King and country.
However, to Edmond, he didn't matter at this point as he grabs a sword nearby and using one of his Noble Phantasm: Monte Cristo Mythologie, a dark miasmic-like flame surrounded the blade to give it a chance against the Mad Servant. "So, shall we dance? Fallen Knight of Camelot?"
Both Servants will still for just one moment and then…
CLANG
SLASH
GANG
The storm of clashing steel was now constant at this point, both warriors pairing each other's attacks in perfect synchrony. Edmond would go the left, Berserker up. Berserker would try for an attack to the middle section, Edmond would roll over to the ground.
They both went at it, no intention of stopping, and not in any hurry.
Berserker raised high his new weapon, a glaive that the monster took from the ground, and with all his might swinged down toward Edmond, who already had his sword in place to receive the attack.
CRACK
The ground could only brake at the strength behind both warriors' attacks. And for a moment, a red visor filled with madness clashed gaze with twin orange orbs detailing hatred towards each other.
Edmond will be the first to admit that this type of approach towards Berserker was out of character for him, something to expect more of a violent warrior, not one with such skill, but he couldn't avoid it. The Black armor, red eyes, madness filling every thought on his head…
Taking advantage of the close distance between, Edmond gave Berserker a palm strike to his midsection, with so much force and energy into it, the brute receded five meters.
"Gaagghhh…" The mad warrior fell on his knees, touching where the attack made contact.
If he were younger, Edmond would have already dismissed the gesture as weakness, and approach to finish-him, but years of experience and honing his skills gave him an extra-sensorial sense of danger.
He just needed to wait…
"RAARRGHHHH!"
NOW!
Edmond twisted his body to the left, avoiding by a hair the shield that the monster used as an impromptu weapon. Although that left Edmond exposed…
WHAP
...for a pseudo-whip made from the tendrils from his armor to catch his right arm.
"RAARRRGGHHH!" The monster pulled with all his strength…
...just to come short as Edmond didn't move an inch, his feet firmly planted on the ground.
"How...annoying," Edmond casually said, taking a better hold of his binding. "Buzz off," and then proceeded to pull with his own strength.
It just minuscule the pull that Edmond did, but it was enough to take Berserker off-balance...directly to where a storm of energy beams was falling into. Berserker had to let go of his whip and roll to the side but…
PUAGHH!
Edmond revived him with a kick to the face, making the mad warrior roll uncontrollably and crash directly into the audience stands creating a hole that leads underneath the stands. Edmond took a breath of air, waiting for Berserker to emerge back, but something on the front of the store caught his attention. A shining gleam.
BRRRR BRRRR BRRRR BRRRR!
With precise cuts in his part, Edmond could defend himself from the onslaught of crossbow bolts that was unleashed over him.
"Aarrrhhhh!" Out came Berserker, sporting a unique weapon: an automatic crossbow shooter, with a plethora of other weapons strapped into his person.
Edmond permitted himself to look up into the hole in the stand and could only swear at what he saw.
It was a storage room filled with weapons.
"Aarrrhhhh!" Berserker howled, aiming once again.
Edmond only scowled, using his speed to appear in close quarters with Berserker and slice the barrel of his auto crossbow completely. But he immediately had to raise the Dark-Flame sword to defend himself from a short sword Berserker unstrapped from his waist.
Then it began.
CLANG CLANG CLANG
In a blink of an eye, both warriors once again started to trade blows from their weapons.
Swords, knives, battle axes, war hammers, halberds, lances; Berserker used every type of weapon he found in the storage room, only thanks to his skill with weapons and battle experience being capable of keeping up Edmond.
Berserker was truly a troublesome foe, and if Edmond were being honest with himself, could easily be in the same league as a High-Class Berserker.
"But you are still a mad dog!" Edmond let out a roar, having broken down Berserker's morningstar, before delivering an uppercut to the jaw, taking his foe off-balance. stepping a couple of feet away, Edmond charged his own energy into his right hand. "Get lost!"
BOOOOOOM
"AAARUUUGGHHHH!" The monster could only roar in pain, being in ground-zero for a powerful beam attack.
THUD
Berserker felt on his knees once more, but this time it was different.
The mist pouring from his body was cut off, the light of his visor dying until only black remained. Pieces of his armor were missing, and blood was pouring freely from his wounds and into the floor.
This foe...was truly a great one.
Perhaps...he could take a rest. He fought, he lost, that should be the end of the story.
"The King doesn't understand human's feelings."
"I just want to be loved, and love someone else in return. Would you do me the honor, dear Knight?"
"How could you…? How could you? How could you?! HOW COULD YOU?!"
"The King is dead. He fought without all his Knights. With a Broken Table."
I still…
I still need…
I STILL NEED TO REPENT!
CLANK
His helmet broke down, falling into the floor.
Calling forth his trusted blade, he swore to see his king once more.
"ArOnDiGhT!"
Edmond couldn't help himself, he let out a savage grin at what was to come as Berserker forms his signature weapon via the dark miasma that surrounded Berserker: Arondight: The Unfading Light of the Lake, a holy sword wielded by Lancelot that is the counterpart of King Arthur's Excalibur. However, as a Berserker, the sword has lost its status as a holy sword after Lancelot used it to slay several of his fellow knights who were acting as guards for the execution of Guinevere. His magical energy, filled with his madness and resentment, has dyed the sword pitch-black and caused it to fall to the state of a demonic sword of a mad warrior.
Instead of talking, Edmond simply expressed his respect towards Berserker with a simple nod. A gesture that to most would seem rude, but for those with experience in the art of combat, that nod is the maximum gesture of respect any warrior could give to their opponent.
Edmond changed the Dark-Flame sword from his left to his right hand, gripping the handle firmly, waiting for Berserker to make the next move.
The Mad Warrior got the cue, and with short, calculated steps started to march towards the Avenger, Arondight being held on his right hand, waiting to clash against the demonic blade. Without his helmet, Berserker gave a great contrast towards his previous self, a more decisive warrior. There was still madness on his face, his long hair made a mess and his eyes gleaming with savageness. Just more measured.
Edmond took hold of the Dark-Flame enhanced sword, his right arm being the dominating one on his grasp.
Both men looked at each other once more, neither having any more steps to take. Both willing to put their lives at risk on this match of pure skill. No other magic, no tricks, just two warriors letting their weapons do the talking.
In perfect sync, both ran at each other.
Berserker took an aggressive approach, going for the middle section with a slash, Edmond defending himself with the edge of the Dark-Flame sword. The Knight of the Lake pressed forward, making Edmond recede some steps and going for his head, but Edmond didn't stop defending himself, using the blade of his sword to make Arondight miss its mark, cutting nothing but air.
Berserker planted himself firmly, and slashed once again at Edmond's chest, forcing the Avenger to go left. Changing his sword to his other hand, Berserker let loose an arc of destruction, making Edmond once again give terrain, but Berserker decided to give chase.
CLASH
CLASH
CLANG
Demonic infused blades clashed repeatedly, both as strong as the wills of their wielders. Each one, a carrier of ideals, a whole life of conflict.
Berserker threw an extra into the mix when he unleashed a roundhouse kick towards Edmond, making the Avenger to go down, exactly where he wanted him to be to deliver a vertical slash towards the ground.
Edmond had to let his left hand go, to use as a better leverage against the ground and tank Berserker's slash. Arondight bounced, giving the Avenger a quick chance to get back on his feet and go for a stab towards the Servant's torso, but the Mad Warrior once again surprised his adversary by, with an insane level of skill took hold of the Dark-Flame sword's handle, stopping the attack on its tracks, and with the kinetic energy now transferred to himself, give a complete 180 spin over his feet to hit his elbow Edmond's nose.
"Aghhh" Edmond gasped in mild surprise, leaving him completely open for a two-legged kick towards his torso.
Edmond went flying five meters before recovering, and making a pirouette, made his feet touch the ground, and went for another bout with Berser-No, Lancelot, he corrected himself. The warrior he was facing was Lancelot, and it would be a great fault of his own to call him by any other name.
CLANG
CLANG
The swords clashed once again, the ground at their feet already damaged enough to be of any use tomorrow morning.
With a great leap, Lancelot went to the other side of the stadium, and Edmond went into chase.
CLANG
CLANG
Running from stand to stand, both warriors clashed with each other. They could take one step into the stands of the arena in a moment and be clashing in the air in the next. It was as brutal as beautiful to any observer. Clouds of dust and debris would rise, only to be cut down each time both warriors' blades clashed with each other.
Lancelot would go for Edmond's feet, only for the Avenger to leap over the Knight of the Lake and slash from behind, forcing the Servant to be on the defensive from the Avenger's onslaught.
CLASH
Both the Dark-Flamed sword and Arondight would clash once more, only for Edmond to keep slashing over Arondight's length, forcing Lancelot to step back to avoid having his eyes slashed.
Both would give each other some distance, Berserker and Avenger letting out short, stable breaths of air, making sure to not tire themselves too quickly.
Edmond winced slightly, feeling a few cuts over his body heal themselves at a slower pace than what he was used to. Holy blades, such as Arondight, have much more power in this universe than his own. He had to be thankful of his Servant Class because that blade could have killed any weaker Servant with such ease.
Lancelot on his part wasn't faring any better. What little magical reserves he has left could only being capable of slightly healing the more superficial cuts on his person. He would be lying if he said he couldn't feel one of arms almost falling off his body, but that couldn't erase the mad grin on his face.
A fierce wind blew, making dust and some trash to fly on the place, but neither warrior blinked even once. This fight truly bringing forward what type of combat some heroes would expect from this event.
With a final nod, both warriors took their stances, each one ready to end this for good.
3…
Edmond exhaled deeply, taking time to correct his hold over his sword.
...2…
Lancelot prayed on his mind; to bring forth glory over his order, and over his once Future-King as his blade begins to glow an azure aura.
...1.
Both moved at the same time.
Edmond went for a horizontal slash, while Lancelot for a diagonal one. Both of their blades were covered in blue auras of power.
The time for doubt has passed, there was only the outcome for the actions to expect.
"ArOnDiGhT…OvErLoAd."
SPLAGHHHHH
SPLAT
Blood felt into the ground, as Edmond falls to his knees from the massive gash that went from navel to collarbone before he fell face first into his own pool of blood.
"KENJI!"
Everything started to turn black, his regenerative factor going into overdrive as he was going to unleash another of his Noble Phantasms.
As he needed a few seconds to use this Noble Phantasm, Edmond could see something he never have thought to have ever seen before him till he could enter the battle again: A pillar of black, yellow, and blue energy was erupting from Anne Boonchuy.
Anne and Sprig were shocked as the young frog shouted for Kenji as Anne could only look on his horror at what just happened. If Edmond dies, what will happen to Kenji…could Kenji really…
Die here?
Suddenly, something triggered inside her heart. All she could think about was Kenji and how they bonded again within Amphibia. And she…wasn't about to lose him. With rage and hurt in her eyes, down on her knees. Anne's eyes started glowing blue as she released an enrage cry that bellowed through the arena and a pillar of black, yellow, and blue energy erupted from her, causing Sprig to be sent flying backward towards the stands. After a few moments, the pillar dissipates revealing Anne wearing the outfit of Okita Souji (Alter) with an aura of the same coloring as the pillar from before, surrounding her body as her eyes held a MURDEROUS look as it glows a violent blue.
"HOW DARE YOU?!" The enraged howl of Anne was heard, giving chills even to Lancelot. "HOW DARE YOU STRIKE DOWN MY KENJI, LANCELOT?! I WILL KILL YOU! I WILL KILL YOU! I WILL KILL YOU! I WILL KILL YOU! I WILL KILL YOU!" Anne roared as she held her sword into a certain position as she was about to unleash Okita Souji (Alter)'s Noble Phantasm.
"BOUNDLESS LIGHT PIERCING THROUGH THE MYRIAD REALMS… THE DECREE OF HEAVEN WILL BE SEVERED…" She chanted as her clothing continued to rustle, blade sparkling violently…
… And then Lancelot knew only pain, screaming in agony as countless sword strikes struck his body from all directions. Fast, too fast for it to react, as his armor was being torn apart from those numerous strikes that he couldn't hope to react to! Instincts screamed, and he was barely able to twist his body in time as she thrust from behind, but it left a huge gash along the back of his armor. The thrust carried Anne far, a long distance as her blade sparkled and glowed with power.
"ZEKKEN - MUKYUU SANDAN!" She declared, as a beam of pure power and destruction fired from her blade and straight towards Lancelot, however unlike the Alpha Blood Bat that was easily wiped out, Lancelot won't go down so easily as his sword glowed the same azure aura as he swung his sword to split the beam in half as he was getting pushed back from the force of the beam. The sound from the attacks were like that of grinding metal. Unfortunately, the beam subsided as Anne was running out of energy as she fell to her knees as her outfit and her sword returned to their original state. Sprig was finally able to get to Anne as he tries to help her up.
Lancelot, now beathing heavily, simply swings his sword to rid of the numbing in his arms as he slowly approached the last two who were here to end their short lives. However, he stops as he felt a certain chill, a certain danger from before, as he turned back to where Edmond is. Anne and Sprig looked behind and were surprised. Sprig with a look of relieve on his face while Anne had the same look on her face but with tears streaming down her face.
Stand with his back towards them is Edmond Dantes as a massive aura surrounded his whole body as his wounds were no longer there.
"Attendre, Espérer: Wait, and Hope." Edmond said as he turned his head to Lancelot with his eyes glowing brighter with a silver hue as his previous aura was now larger than before. "Sorry to keep you waiting… Since you used your Noble Phantasm, I shall do the same… Let's finish this."
Lancelot's eyes widened as he charged at Edmond to finish him off but didn't matter for it was too late for him as The Servant of Vengeance fully turned towards him.
"I don't need any mercy!"
In this very moment, Avenger is so fast that he can "escape the abstract prisons such as time and space." Through performing super high-speed thinking, he can forcibly reflect that on his body and "subjectively realize a super high-speed action that makes something that seems like a 'time halt' is being employed." In other words, he delivered high-speed attacks after attacks towards Lancelot with such speed that can't be traced by the naked eye.
"My path goes beyond love and hate!"
The rate of such high-speed movement makes the attacks take the form of a "simultaneous multi-attack" from many different "afterimages" of the Avenger Servant. Afterwards, the flames of grudge materialized by mana are released from multiple afterimages, dealing damage to the target.
"Enfer Château d'If!"
And just like that…it was over. The victor of this fight was Edmond as he stood above Lancelot's downed form who was barely holding on to life. Edmond body glowed for a moment before Kenji returned as he was struggling to stand from his transformation and Noble Phantasms. As he was about to turn away to check on Anne and Sprig conditions, a voice spoke to him causing him to stop.
"Are you there... human?" Kenji turned to where Lancelot is and notice that he didn't have his maddening look on his face from before. Now he looked more…human. "All grows dark... and silent... I have staked my name... I have fought with all my being... All to forge a future for my Kingdom that has fallen... I have no further regrets anymore... Just as you have fought for something far greater than yourself... so too... have I... Human…No, Kenji Richards... take Arondight as your own...and if you find my king in this world…tell my liege that I'm sorry." Lancelot said as he raised his sword towards Kenji to give it to him.
Kenji was silent, but he walked towards the downed Servant as he grabbed the handle of Arondight. At that very moment, the sword glows a bright light as the sword begins to take a much cleaner form as the blade take a white shine, the guard turning gold and the chains that held it back dissipated from the weapon. However, as this happened, Lancelot's body begins to disintegrate before Kenji. The young man could only look sadly towards this man, even though he tried to kill him, his madness was the main driving force as to why he wanted to kill him. Not to mention being locked down here probably didn't help either.
"When I find your king, I will tell him. Rest for now, Lancelot du Lac." Kenji finally said as Lancelot smiled as his body fully disappeared. The only thing he left was his reformed sword he gave to Kenji and his parting words.
"Thank you."
Kenji looked at the spot where Lancelot once stood for a moment before he walked over to Anne and Sprig who both looked at him with smiles on their faces. Suddenly, Anne rushed up to Kenji and hugged him as best as she could. Sprig came to his side and hugged his leg. Kenji had an apologetic look on his face hugged Anne back with his right arm and patted Sprig's head. "Sorry for making you worry guys."
"You better be." Anne said as she wipes her eyes to clear up her tears.
"Okay now that horrifying experience is over. How are we going to get out of here?" Sprig said as Anne and Kenji agreed with the little frog boy. Their answer came soon as seal appeared beneath the group as they vanished in in a flash of light as the arena begins to collapse in on itself.
"Hurry everyone! We got to get that lift ready to get down there and help the kids!" Hop Pop said Polly and Fou sitting on his head as a few members of the community: The Sundews, One-Eyed Wally, Mrs. Croaker with Archie, Loggle, Stumpy, Mr. Flour with his daughter Maddie, Mayor Toadstool with Toadie, Albus Duckweed, Tuti, Sheriff Buck Leatherleaf, Soggy Joe, and Gunther were working on a makeshift lift to take down to the deepest part of the Archives.
"Hopediah, I know that you care about them, but are you sure they survived that fall? I mean it's very deep down there." Mayor Toadstool said as he looked down to the abyss that was staring right back at him. Polly was not amused at what Toadstool said as she gripped the front of the mayor's shirt.
"Now you listen her, fatso! My brother and friends are NOT dead! So, get you hide in gear and help us finish this lift!" Polly threatened as Toadstool only nodded fast as he went over to help with the lift.
After a couple of moments before the lift was finished and ready to be used, the area begins to darken as the whole group looked up to see that a mysterious magic seal appeared above them and in a flash of light, a massive object was dropped onto the lift, destroying it in the process. The whole group looked over to see the damage and were surprised to see the trio together as Kenji was laying on his back while hugging both Anne and Sprig, showing that he used his body as makeshift airbag for them. After both Anne and Sprig got off him, Kenji shot up from his position with an angry look on his face.
"WHAT IS WITH US LANDING ON STUFF TODAY?! DID WE ANGER SOME DEITY OR SOMETHING TODAY?!" Kenji shouted as he and the others stand up and looked around to see the Hop Pop, Polly, and most the amphibians that he knows in Wartwood are here. "Oh, hey everyone! We're back."
"KIDS!" Hop Pop said as he hugged the trio with Polly joining in as Fou hopped onto Kenji's head. The amphibians that were there were glad that the kids were doing alright.
"So, what happened to you guys? You look like you went to a huge fight." Polly asked the trio as the rest of the town wanted to know what happened as well.
"Oh, we did. We landed in a large arena under the Archive." Anne started.
"Wow." Loggle said
"Then there was a Rouge Servant down there." Sprig said.
"Oh, serious?" Wally said in surprise
"Yeah, actually, it turned out the Servant was a famous hero from one of our legends," Kenji said.
"Oh, no way." Stumpy said in surprise
"Kenji and I were able to fight him off, but we were outmatched," Anne said.
"Unbelievable." Mr. Flour said as Maddie nodded
"And then Kenji used one of his class cards to go head-to-head with him," Sprig said.
"Keep going." Mayor Toadstool said as he wanted to know the conclusion of this story.
"Then the fight got more intense and we almost died, but Anne was able to weaken him as I delivered the killing blow. Got this sword as proof." Kenji continued as he reveals Arondight to the masses, who were in awe at the magnificent weapon that they were seeing.
"Amazing, but how'd you escape?" Felicia asked as Ivy and Sylvia wanted to know as well.
"A teleportation seal appeared underneath us then dropped us off here and that's pretty much it. You are all caught up," Anne said, bringing the story to a conclusion.
"Oh, great." Soggy Joe said as the whole group were silent for a moment as a cricket chirped nearby then Anne had a look on her that shows that she remembered something.
"Oh Yeah! Hey Kenji, didn't you say that you will do something if we survive getting out?" Anne asked as Kenji looked at her in confusion for a moment before realization dawns on his face.
"Oh Yeah! I do remember now…" Kenji said as he and Anne turned to Hop Pop slowly with a deadpan expression on their faces as the old frog soon realizes what is going to happen next.
"Oh c'mon, how was I supposed to know all of that happened down there? None of us even knew something like that was down there!" Hop Pop defended himself as Kenji just sighed as he and Anne stood up and looked down at the old frog.
"Hop Pop, do you have any godly idea what could have happened to us down there?" Kenji said to the old frog who only scratches the back of his head in confusion.
"I-I don't know, uh, like, uh, a bit of bruising, broken bones, maybe? Uh, you-you're going to kill me now, aren't you?" Hop Pop said as Kenji begin to slowly grin, but not a good one.
"I'll tell you what, Hop Pop, I'm a fair man. I'll give you a ten-second head start here before Anne, and I do anything we want to you." Kenji said with a very disturbing grin on his face as Anne shared the same look on her face.
"Look, I just want you to know, I'm really, really sorry here, and-" Hop Pop was interrupted by Kenji as started cracking his knuckles.
"Five Mississippi. Six Mississippi." Kenji counted as Anne cracked her knuckles as well.
"...Yeah. I got to go-" Hop Pop said slowly as he begins to back away slowly.
"Take him! Take him now!" Anne shouted as she and Kenji charges at Hop Pop, and the sound of a chase was ensuing off screen.
"GET BACK HERE, YOU OLD FART. YOU WILL PAY FOR TRIGGERING THAT RED FLAG!" Kenji shouted from the background.
"NO WAY! I DON'T FEEL SAFE AROUND YOU! STAY AWAY!"