第6章：FUTUREを知る者
Chapter 6: One who knows the FUTURE/ Foreseer
"What did you want to speak with me about?" Chrom asked as he and James marched, they had nearly returned to Ylissitol and would be back by nightfall.
"What are your thoughts on Marth?"
Chrom took a moment to consider the question. "He is very mysterious, but Lissa owes him her life. Despite our match at the colosseum I don't think he's against us."
James nodded, "Yeah, I was thinking something similar. Though, I must admit I have my doubts about his motive, but I don't have any reason to think he's our enemy." Except the panic attack when he saw James transformed, but James still didn't want to think about that and thus, didn't. "Honestly, most of my doubts simply come from a place of cynicism. I don't think highly of mankind in general." James admitted.
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, while I have known a number of wonderfully kind people in my life, yourself and your sisters included, I've met many times more cruel and selfish people. But I don't think it's worth writing off humanity as a whole. The reason Yume and Daiki are as kind as they are is because their father is the kindest man I've ever known." He elaborated as he ate an apple he'd snagged as they walked.
"So what I think is, People are more shaped by their experiences than anything else. Sure, people might have some inherent personality traits, but I think it's mostly the people they've been around that influences who they become later in life. For example I can see that Emmeryn has been a major positive influence on you and Lissa."
"Interesting," Chrom responded. He seemed a bit lost in thought as he considered James's words, before being called over by Virion to discuss something.
"Are you sure you should be up and walking around?" Kellam asked Daiki as they marched.
"Nope, not gonna stop me though." Daiki responded causally. Kellam frowned but realized he didn't really have any way to stop him.
"Ok, just take it easy, please?" Kellam pleaded.
"Fine," Daiki sighed, "I'll try not to work myself too hard, ok?"
"Good," The two walked mostly in silence until Daiki grabbed a large chunk of carrot Sully had thrown out while trying to cook. "Did you grow this?" He asked, well aware of Kellam's secret garden.
"Y-yes."
"This might be the best carrot I've ever had," Daiki said in between bites.
"Thanks," Kellam couldn't help but smile.
"Thank you for the tea, Sumia." Yume said as she finished her cup.
"Oh, it's no problem, I just noticed that you seemed very stressed," Sumia responded.
"Yeah, I guess I have been putting a lot of pressure on myself lately." Yume admitted shyly.
Sumia took a second to think, "How about I read your fortune?"
"Huh? You do fortune-telling?"
"Oh yes, I greatly enjoying telling flower fortunes,"
Yume shook her head lightly, "I appreciate the offer, but no thank you. I'd like to find out what the future holds for myself."
"I understand," Sumia said with a smile before standing up. "Well, I guess we better clean up." Yume nodded as they cleaned up from their little tea party.
Once they arrived, Chrom and James were swept away to several talks about what to do next, now that they were at war. It wasn't until after sundown that Chrom had any time to himself, which he decided to spend by taking a walk in the courtyard. "It's a bit late to be out and about, don't you think?" Chrom recognized James's voice coming up from behind him.
"Oh, hi, James. Just... dueling with some unpleasant thoughts... Tomorrow we march to Regna Ferox to request additional soldiers. But there's something you should know first. ...Not everything Gangrel said was a lie. The last exalt, my father, waged war on Plegia for many years." Chrom said.
"Ah," James gave a nod.
"The violence... It was a brutal campaign, ending only with his death 15 years ago. Plegia rightfully remembers their suffering, but his war was no kinder to his own people. As the fighting dragged on, our army became more and more diminished. Farmers who could barely wield a pitchfork were conscripted and sent to their deaths. Soon there was no food at all, and the kingdom began to collapse. I was young, but I remember those dark times. ...I know how they affected Emmeryn."
"I see, under conditions like that it's a wonder the Emmeryn was able to hold onto her good nature." James mused.
"Indeed. When our father died before her 10th year, he left her quite the legacy... Plegia's desire for vengeance... Our own people's unbridled rage... My sister became a target for blame on all sides. Her own subjects began to hurl insults—and stones. She still bears the scar from one... But she never let them see her pain. Only Lissa and I understood."
James remained silent for a time before speaking his mind, "I can barely imagine how difficult it must be to live like that."
"I cannot claim to know how she does it, James. I could not greet such hostility with warmth and patience. While our people mocked and vilified her, she reached out and healed them. She brought soldiers home to their families. She ended the war. And when Ylisse's spirit was mended and the people "forgave" her?" He practically spit the word, "She never resented them for it. She represents the best part of the halidom—the part most worth protecting. She IS peace. But some men would take advantage of that. Men like King Gangrel. The day he understands peace will be the day death gives it to him. ...So perhaps I must be death's agent. Emmeryn would never order him killed, nor would I wish her to." James thought on that for a moment, unsure of how to respond, but as it happened, he didn't have to.
"Well said, Sir," They turned to see Marth approaching from a direction James was pretty sure had no entrance.
"Hello there," James greeted coolly.
"Good evening to you." Marth greeted politely.
"How did you get here?" Chrom asked wearily.
"The cleft in the castle wall, behind the maple grove," Marth explained, Chrom's eyes widened.
"There? But how would you...? Ugh." Chrom groaned in frustration.
"You're familiar with the spot." James inferred.
"Yes. I bashed in part of the wall while training the Shepherds. It's only a small hole, and I'd thought it well concealed, but…" James sighed, as far as he was concerned Chrom was just far too reckless.
"Your secret is safe with me." Marth assured "I come here only to warn you."
"Warn us?" Chrom questioned.
"The Exalt's life is in danger." The answer was short and frank. James immediately started looking towards the area where the Exalt was at the moment, and though he couldn't see all the way, he started to see holes in their defenses, but Chrom scoffed.
"What, Emmeryn? That's absurd. She's guarded at all hours."
Marth took a deep breath and seemed to take a moment to compose his thoughts, "What if... What if I told you I have seen the future? Would you believe me? A future where Emmeryn is killed. Here. Tonight." James's eyes widened, of the scenarios he had considered for Marth, the future was scarce among them. However, if he could see the future like James's dreams then that could explain a lot.
"Seen the future? Have you lost your wits?" Chrom questioned, to which James sighed, he supposed he couldn't blame Chrom for having a different sense of what was possible.
Marth sighed, "Yes, I expected you wouldn't believe me. So allow me to prove it!" He declared as he drew his sword. Chrom's hand immediately went to his own. "I'm about to save your life," Marth tilted his head towards a nearby bush, "From him," the moment Marth said that, a man charged out from the bush. Not wasting a moment, Marth tossed his sword into the air, before jumping up to catch it. The assassin swung his sword but missed entirely as Marth passed overhead. Marth grabbed his blade and slashed the man across the back, killing him.
"I trust this proof will suffice?"
There was a moment of silence before Chrom responded, "Yeah," though his voice was a bit shaky, though James figured that was more the shock of the hidden assassin than anything.
Before they could speak any longer, another assassin leaped from a nearby tree. Marth gasped and whirled around to counter the second enemy, only to stumble on the first assassin's discarded sword. It was only by sheer luck that the assassin's attack didn't harm Marth. The attack did, however, slice through his mask, which apparently doubled as a hair clip. As the mask came off, a length of smooth, blue fell from wherever Marth had tucked it away. As Chrom took down the assassin, James looked over at Marth as one of his theories was confirmed.
"Wait, you're—You're a woman?" Chrom questioned, clearly surprised.
"And quite the actress, too. Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't figure it out until just now." Marth responded with a slight giggle.
"I had my suspicions, but it seemed like it would be rude to ask," James noted casually, a second later they heard a large booming noise, prompting all three to rush towards the exalt's chambers.
Elsewhere a tall, dark-skinned man spoke with a man wearing a similar outfit as those that Marth and Chrom had killed earlier. "Remember, I want the Emblem in my hand and Emmeryn dead on the floor. Let nothing distract you from either purpose."
"As you will it." The assassin responded.
Nearby, an orange-haired thief felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end when he heard the order. "Woah, woah, did I just hear that right? We're to KILL the exalt? I'm just here for the plunder. You know, line my pockets with some royal goods. The exalt's such a sweet lady... Sure, I'll rob her blind, but I'd never harm her!" He ranted to himself, though he was really glad that none of the other thugs that were infiltrating the palace with him heard what he said.
As the Shepherds and Marth arrived at the Exalt's chamber, Chrom called out for his sister, "Emm!"
"Chrom! Take Lissa and flee while you still have time!" she implored.
"No! We're not leaving you! Just stay where it's safe!" Came Chrom's rebuttal.
"Odds are these guys will scatter if we take out their leader," James noted just before he caught a glimpse of who he suspected to be said leader through a window. It was only for a second, but he looked familiar somehow.
"Yeah, once their boss is out of the picture, these guys ain't gonna have anyone to pay them," Daiki said as he and Lon'qu arrived. "Oh, hi Marth." he acknowledged with a wave.
"Hmph! Two assassins and the little princeling was not even wounded?" The assassin's leader grumbled to himself. Shifting his focus he looked towards the Exalt's room; his eyes glowed lightly as he used a personal trick of his. "...Wait. Some of these actors do not belong on this stage…" He realized as he spied Marth, before his attention was directed to James.
"Ho ho! Can it be?! After years of searching... Tonight, fate truly piles gifts at my feet!" The man roared with laughter, finally his plans were going to come to fruition.
As the Shepherds prepared for battle, Marth noticed a light from the corner of her eye. "Falchion is gleaming…" There was indeed a faint blue light radiating from the open hole on her sword's hilt.
The light was faint, meaning Chrom couldn't see from where he was standing, what he did see was Marth's concerned and puzzled expression, "What's wrong?"
"It's not your concern." She responded quickly.
"Seems like nothing ever is with you," Chrom responded in a slightly harsher tone than intended.
Daiki noticed Marth jumped slightly at Chrom's response. Like a child realizing they've upset their parents. "My apologies."
"Just stay at Emmeryn's door. We'll handle the killers."
"Daiki, you stay here too, anyone who slips by us will have to deal with you," James added in.
The shepherds quickly divided themselves to handle attacks from both the southwest and southeast, with Lon'qu moving ahead on his own to deal with anyone sneaky enough to use a different entrance on their own.
"Chrom, please! Flee while you still can! You each have but one life, and I do not wish it weighed against mine!" Emmeryn begged yet again from her room.
"Have a bit more faith in your brother will 'ya?" Daiki called from his place at her door. "Way I see it, your life is every bit as important as every other life. We're not playing a numbers game here, we're just protecting life wherever we can. Besides, we're at war, if we can't handle these guys there'd be no point in us fighting to begin with." The Exalt was silent, perhaps considering Daiki's words.
"Good speech," James acknowledged before looking at the enemies who were starting their charge. "Look alive, it's go time!"
Mighty Action X!
Gekitotsu Robots!
"Dai Dai DaiHenshin!"
Taddle Quest!
DoReMiFa Beat!
"Proceeding to Level 3: Henshin!"
Bakusou Bike!
"Henshin!"
Gachan! Level Up! Mighty Jump! Mighty Kick! Mighty, Mighty Action X!
A Gacha! Buttobase! Totsugeki! Gekitotsu Punch! Gekitotsu Robots!
Ex-Aid let out a grunt of frustration as the Gekitotsu Smasher formed on his left arm, requiring him to adjust it.
Gachan! Level Up! Taddle! Meguru! Taddle! Meguru! Taddle Quest!
A Gacha! Do-Do-DoReMiFa-So-La-Ti-Do! (Yeah! Yeah! ) OK! DoReMiFa (This is the Beat they ask for) Bea~t~! (To the Beat! To the Beat!)
Emerging from the DoReMiFa Beat game screen was a small robot not unlike Geki. It was designed to resemble a DJ wearing bright, neon green clothes. "Radical," Brave remarked sarcastically, she never liked the design, felt it was a bit too bright even for the show that featured a hot pink main Rider.
The robot, irregardless of its owner's thoughts on its color palette broke apart and attached to Brave's body the same way that Geki attached to Ex-Aid. It formed the facade of a baseball cap with a light pink visor over her 'eyes' and a faux microphone; a new chestplate attached over the one she already had. To top it off, a mini-turntable attached to her right arm opposite the shield on her left arm, accompanied by a speaker on her left shoulder
Once it was entirely attached, Brave grit her teeth as sparks arked out from her chestplate. After a second, she caught her breath.
"You alright?" Ex-Aid asked, his voice filled with concern.
"I'm fine, Frederick helped me train to handle level jumps." Ex-Aid gave her a nod and a thumbs up in response.
Gashatto! Let's Game! Metcha Game! Mutcha Game! What's your name?!
"I'm a Kamen Rider!"
While the Shepherds had gotten used to the Riders, seeing Lazer level 1 standing next to Ex-Aid and Brave, both at level 3 was quite still strange.
"What are you looking at?" He snarked as he leaned up against the door.
"Enough hanging around, let's move," Ex-Aid called out as he proceeded down the southwest corridor, followed by Chrom and Frederick.
Gashacon Sword!
The battle erupted all at once, Brave's team being suddenly set upon by several assassins, Brave used her sword to create walls of ice to keep them away. Fortunately, none of the enemies her team had encountered had the capability to attack from a distance leaving them open to be taken out by Ricken and Miriel. After a few minutes, the enemies stopped charging.
"Okay, I think we're good to keep going—" Suddenly a magic circle appeared behind the two mages. There was a flash, suddenly Ricken and Miriel were on the ground, their breathing was shallow. A dark mage that had not been there before stood over them ominously.
"So you're the one who has Poppy so confused, this shan't take but a moment,"
Infection! Let's Game! Bad Game! Dead Game! What's your name?!
The Bugster!
Lazer had to admit, while the job he and Marth were doing was of the utmost importance, it was also extraordinarily boring. Whenever an assassin would approach, he would shoot them. A pile was actually starting to form.
With nothing better to do, his eyes drifted over to Marth. "Huh,"
"What?" Marth asked,
"Nothing much, but I just noticed that your face reminds me of my sister's for some reason." Marth seemed to get flustered and turned away from Lazer.
"Why do you say that?"
"I'm not really sure what it is exactly, but you've got that face Yume gets whenever she's worried about something she doesn't want to talk about." Marth's silence was telling, "If you think that the Exalt will die today because it's her fate, then we'll change it."
Marth seemed surprised by his declaration, "Fate is something only the lucky and the hopeless believe in, using it to justify a lack of effort. Now, I don't want to see you doubting yourself just because of how the future is supposed to go and focus more on how to make it go where you want."
Marth seemed to take a second to consider his words, "I'll try, but…" She said quietly before trailing off.
"Well said young man." A myrmidon in black and red said he appeared before the two. Lazer didn't waste a moment shooting at him. His blast was intercepted by a minor bugster dressed like a kuroko, who took the blast for the myrmidon.
"It is rather rude to interrupt someone while they are speaking, but I shall regardless praise you for your pragmatism." The man said before drawing one of the two swords at his waist.
Infection! Let's Game! Bad Game! Dead Game! What's your name?!
The Bugster!
In the man's place there was a bugster whose face was obstructed by a large red hat with an oni's face on it. The other notable thing was that he wore an armored mantle with a small statue of a hungry wolf on his shoulder.
"I am Kaiden of the third standing, and I hereby challenge you to a duel!"
"I accept," Lazer said, as he stepped forward another kuroko bugster arrived, carrying a flag in either hand, one red and one white.
"Iza! Jinjou Ni!" Both fighters readied themselves
"Ipponme!"
As the fighting continued, a mysterious figure slipped into the palace. As she watched the battle she spoke to herself, " I knew there was wisdom in slipping in with those rogues. Look at how these man-spawn claw at each other like savages! I will repay my warren's debt and then wash my hands of their race."
"Another assassin?" She had spoken too loud, as evidenced by Chrom's reaction.
"Hold!" Marth called out to Chrom. "Panne is not your enemy."
"You know her?"
Marth visibly faltered for a moment, "I know... of her. And I knew she would come here tonight." She explained carefully.
"Quite the prophet, aren't you?" Chrom asked jokingly.
"As you say," Marth responded nervously. "And I swear to you, Panne is an ally."
"Good enough for me." Chrom shrugged, "All right, Shepherds! For now, we leave this Panne character be."
Frederick quickly pulled Chrom in close so no one else could hear. " Is that wise, milord?"
"Marth has earned our trust. She enjoys her secrets, I know." Chrom made no attempt at all to keep what he was saying a secret, "Like her gender, for one. But she's also saved our lives. Twice. And that's enough for me."
"Chrom... Thank you." Marth responded softly.
As Chrom turned back to the action, a wide smirk formed on his face, "Now, to the matter at hand: driving these scoundrels from our castle!"
As the fighting intensified, Ex-Aid's team quickly wound up separated, Ex-Aid moving ahead, while Chrom was held back. As Chrom pushed forward he encountered another assassin.
Without a moment's hesitation, Chrom raised his blade, "Drop your weapon, or die where you stand!"
The orange haired man was quick to sheath his sword before raising his hands. "Easy there, blue blood. I'm not here to hurt anyone."
"Yet you run with a band of assassins?" Chrom replied sceptically.
"Believe it or not, just trying to make a living. I'm a thief, see? Bust open doors, crack into chests... that kind of thing. This lot said they wanted to break into some kind of vault. Nobody said anything about murder. I'd just as soon sit this one out." He explained calmly.
Chrom thought for a moment, "Then perhaps you'd be willing to prove your good intentions?"
The thief raised an eyebrow. "Beg pardon?"
"We need all the help we can get to save the exalt's life. You appear capable, and we could use any information you have about our foes." Chrom explained.
"Oh, right—those good intentions. Fine then, I'll prove my sincerity... if you sweeten the deal." The thief, Gaius said with a smirk.
"You want gold? ...Fine, you scoundrel. Let me just—oops." Chrom reached for his coin purse, only to drop another bag he was holding.
"Looks like you dropped something. What's in the satchel, mmm?" Gaius mused as he leaned over.
"Nothing—candies from my little sister. I'm sure you—" Chrom scrambled to pick up the dropped bag.
"'Candies'? As in, sugar candies?" The thief asked, his mouth watering and his eyes glittering.
"Well... yes. I assume they'd be sweet? But-" Chrom responded, bewildered by the Thief's interest.
"IT'S A DEAL!" Chrom actually jumped back a bit.
"...You'll risk your life if I give you... a bag of candy?" At this point Chrom was just plain confused.
" I said "sweeten the deal", didn't I? Don't get me wrong, I'll take the gold, too. Later. Unless you've got more of these. ...Have you got more of these?!" And now Chrom was a little scared.
"Um... I'll ask Lissa."
The hall was quickly coated with ice as Brave rushed the Bugster. Personally, she preferred her sword's fire mode, but she didn't think Chrom would appreciate it if she burned his house down. The Bugster batted away her sword swings with his staff.
The Bugster—Aranbura—wore a white and red robe. He quickly stepped back to dodge another swing from Brave. "This may be even easier than I thought." He held his staff, muttered something that was probably some kind of pseudo-Latin and spun the staff. As it moved it created a complicated magic circle. Brave rushed him, trying to keep him from casting his spell. "Foolish girl!"
Just a moment before the Gashacon Sword could connect, a massive bolt of thunder magic shot out at Brave. She was thrown back, slamming into a large chunk of ice she had created earlier.
"Just shut up already." Brave spat, "I haven't gotten to use my new powers yet." She reached for the turntable on her arm and gave it a scratch.
Panne was quickly surrounded by Plegian soldiers, a massive mistake on their part. She dropped down on all fours as her beaststone started to glow. The stone that made up the floor of the palace rose up and surrounded her in a kind of rocky cocoon. She smirked as one of the head of one of their spears clattered to the ground, crushed by the stone. Her body began to glow as it changed, becoming larger and stronger.
The chunks of stone exploded outward as Panne's other form was revealed, a large rabbit-like creature. Her attacks were swift and brutal, quickly taking down them all before they had any chance to fight back. Catching the scent of another human, she quickly turned to face them.
"That form is pretty tough," Ex-Aid remarked as he looked at the pile of bodies at Panne's feet. "But you should be careful, in that form you're a larger target easy to hit from a distance," Panne merely scoffed, the sound distorted due to the transformation. Ex-Aid chuckled as he effortly jumped over her. "I don't know what your goals are, but you're not an enemy at least, so I won't get in the way." He said before stepping out into the garden.
(I gotta believe...)
Brave rushed Aranbura, swinging to the beat of the music which he blocked with his staff.
I don't wanna know heta na shinjitsu nara
Another string of attacks to the music. He blocked again, but the last strike broke his guard.
I don't wanna know shiranai kurai ga ii noni
The next combo was unblocked and launched the bugster into an icy wall.
Why? Why? Why? Why? Kizukeba I came too far
With a single swing she created several chunks of ice which floated in the air for a second launching at the Bugster in time with the music.
Tomaranai kanjiru kono yokan wa
Aranbura was pinned to the wall, leaving him helpless as Brave laid into him.
The new beginning
With a furious roar and a quick incantation, Aranbura shattered the ice and sent it flying at Brave, who dodged perfectly without losing her rhythm.
michi no ryouiki ima wo kirihirakun da
He fired off another lighting bolt, but this time Brave deflected it with her sword.
I gotta believe!
Brave continued to dodge his attacks with the beat as she moved towards a treasure chest.
(Turn it on!)
Kōsoku-ka!
...
Soutou
She rushed in and out of range, striking with the music while making sure not to give Aranbura enough time to cast a spell.
EXCITE! EXCITE! takanaru
Aranbura suddenly felt himself flipped into the air by way of high speed punches; it hurt, a lot.
EXCITE! EXCITE! kokoro ga
She slammed him into a nearby wall before following up with a couple punches.
michibiku ano basho e kakenukete ikudake
"RAGHH!" he unleashed a burst of magic that forced Brave back in order to avoid breaking from the rhythm.
(Hey!) I'm on a mission right now
He launched several fireballs at Brave, who was able to dodge pretty easily as her Energy Item hadn't run out.
(Hey!) I'm on a mission right now
Her Energy Item then ran out. She saw Aranbura preparing another one of those powerful lightning attacks, she had to react fast.
EXCITE! EXCITE! kotae wa
DoReMiFa Critical Finish!
I. kono te no naka
She charged forward and sliced through the magic circle, sending lightning arcing out randomly.
II. susumu beki life
She followed up with a slice down from Aranbura's right shoulder to his left hip.
III. ikite iku dake
She finished by sending out a wave of chilled air imbued with music that put out the fires Aranbura's lightning and fire attacks caused.
She turned her attention back to Aranbura, who was now struggling to stand, as the song ended and she awaited the evaluation.
Perfect!
Aranbura staggered as DoReMiFa Beat's game area itself attacked him. "So," he said as his body began to spark. "I misjudged you, I had thought you naught but a trickster and a deceiver who sought to confuse my comrades." He turned to face Brave, falling on his rear in the process. "But I see you are a true warrior, I understand now, what I thought to be deceit was what you believed to be true kindness. Be proud of that, of your power and your heart."
His head dropped and his limbs went limp for a short moment before he exploded in a great ball of fire.
Game Clear!
Even as the cover arts for the ten gashats appeared around her, her thoughts were elsewhere. She placed her hand on her chest. "My power and my heart, huh?"
Ex-Aid only just had a moment to dodge a blast of fire magic as he stepped out into the yard. There was something strange about this fireball, different from other times he'd seen fire magic. It wasn't just that it was more intense, but there was something about it.
He didn't have time to think about as he deflected another one with the Gekitotsu Smasher. He winced as his armored arm smoked at the contact. Dodging another one, he finally had time to put eyes on the person shooting fire at him; his heart skipped a beat.
It was the man from his dream, the one he had before coming to Ylisse. The man seemed to only just get his first good look at Ex-Aid as well. "Well, well…" He said, after a second, his eyes widened, and he burst out laughing. "Ha ha ha! Oh, I know you... Submit to me, and perhaps I might honor you with the truth!"
Ex-Aid scoffed, how could this guy possibly know him? It was impossible, except it wasn't, he realized. He shook his head, even if this guy did know him, he wasn't going to submit to some assassin.
"Oryaah!" Ex-Aid launched the Gekitotsu Smasher. The assassin cast another fire spell, which destroyed the Smasher.
Gashacon Breaker!
Ex-Aid leaped through the smoke and swung at the sorcerer. He managed to jump back to avoid the attack and shoot another fireball at Ex-Aid. Ex-Aid batted it away with his hammer. "Tch!" Ex-Aid was forced to drop the hammer when it overheated and started to burn his hand.
There was another fireball and this time Ex-Aid couldn't dodge fast enough.
Gashuun!
Gekitotsu Robots clattered to the ground as the armor dissolved. "G-gah," Ex-Aid groaned in pain as his chest smoked and burned. His hand rested on Mighty Action X, which he had physically stopped from leaving the Driver; if he lost his Rider form here he would die, no doubt about it.
As the sorcerer readied another fireball, Ex-Aid realized what was different, his fireballs were infused with dark magic.
Giri Giri Chambara!
The assassin whipped around and threw the fireball at the source of the newly formed game area, but Lazer and his newly summoned support robot were able to duck out of the way easily.
"W-wha–" Ex-Aid barely managed as he tried to get on his feet, it was difficult seeing as his chest was still smoking.
"Well, we've more or less taken care of everything inside, so I came to make sure you were ok, which you're evidently not." Lazer sidestepped another fireball. "3rd Gear." He inserted Giri Giri Chanbara into his driver and opened the lever.
Gachan! Level Up! Bakusou Dokusou Gekisou Bousou Bakusou Bike!
A Gacha! Giri-Giri-Giri-Giri Chambara!
As the energy screens passed over him, Lazer briefly changed into his bike form. However, his body quickly reconfigured itself as his support robot split into several parts and attached to him, becoming his new arms and legs.
It had also attached to his face giving him a golden mask shaped to resemble a fire. "Finally, I was getting sick of being stuck with level 1." Lazer joked as he took a moment to stretch. "Hey, we've taken out everyone else you came here with, so you should probably surrender." He told the assassin.
"Emmeryn was supposed to be an easy target…" The assassin said softly. "You will pay for interfering in my designs!" He roared as he launched another fireball.
Gashacon Sparrow!
A bow-like weapon appeared in his hand. Acting quickly, he fired several glowing arrows into the fireball causing it to disperse prematurely.
Zu Pān!
The bow split into a pair of sickles, Lazer wasn't going to waste any time.
Giri Giri Critical Finish!
He swung the sparrows downward in an X shape. There was a cry of pain and a spray of blood, but not the sorcerer's. Lazer was stunned as a hooded man fell dead, acting as a shield for his master. Not giving him a chance to defend as the sorcerer launched the most powerful fireball he could muster directly into Lazer's chest. Lazer was violently thrown back, losing his transformation as he hit the ground.
Gashuun!
Daiki was sure he only survived at all because his Rider gauge was still completely full. Just before he lost conscience he saw Ex-Aid stand up.
Mighty Critical Strike!
What Daiki didn't see was that Ex-Aid hadn't removed Mighty Action X from his Gamer Driver, and he certainly didn't see Ex-Aid's 'eyes' glow red. Ex-Aid jumped into the air to deliver a single crushing kick.
The sorcerer had only just enough time to launch a single fireball. But rather than kill or even slow Ex-Aid, he just tore through it. Ex-Aid's leg was spewing black and purple energy as he flew at the assassin.
At the moment of impact, all the assassin could make out was the sound, the awful sound of his bones bowing and breaking as he flew back. It was only as he lay on his back, paralyzed that he began to feel the pain. It was a pain so intense that there were simply no words to articulate just how excruciating it was, except there was. Death. It was at that moment that understood, truly understood, that he was dying. "No... This is... all wrong... How could... you have known the plan…"
Ex-Aid looked to the motionless remains of the assassins' leader for a moment, before he dropped out of his transformation, barely conscious.
A short while later, he began to hear people speaking, but he couldn't understand them. The pain was deafening. After a moment the deafening pain began to fade in favor of the soothing touch of a healing staff.
As the pain lessened, he became more aware of his surroundings. It was Marribelle who was healing him, and he could see Lissa and Yume standing over Daiki. He noted that Yume seemed to be holding what he presumed to be in essence, a training staff. He chuckled quietly, they were all mimicking the powers of a team of doctors, but it seemed Yume was the only one of them who could actually heal people.
Despite his injuries, James followed Chrom and Marth as they went to meet with Emmeryn. Despite Maribelle's best efforts, the flame was imbued with dark magic, she said. He realized that that was what was strange about the fireballs, they had black cores as opposed to bright orange. He clutched his chest, the fireball had left a nasty scar on his chest and on Daiki's arms and legs that still hurt.
He was walking with a crutch as Chrom ran up to Emmeryn. "Thank the gods you're safe!" It looked like it took all that remained of Chrom's self control to keep from breaking his composure even more.
"It is you I have to thank, Chrom." Emmeryn smiled at her brother. It was a warm, inviting smile, the kind of which James had only ever seen from the Exalt.
After a quiet moment passed, Philia dropped to her knees bowing to Chrom. "I beg your forgiveness, milord! I failed in my duty—they should never have made it into the castle in the first place."
Chrom responded by placing a hand on Phillia's shoulder. "Peace, Phila. You couldn't have known what was coming. Only Marth could…"
"Marth?" Emmeryn asked, tilting her head slightly in a way James thought was rather cute (a thought he would take to his grave).
"Yes, I would speak more with... Um... James, where's Marth?" James facepalmed before quickly scanning the environment.
"Good question,"
"Not again!" Chrom left, running after the enigmatic swordsman.
As Marth walked away from the palace, her thoughts were a chaotic storm. She stopped for a moment, turning back to look at the palace. Just being here filled her with nostalgia, but she couldn't stay, she knew that.
"Going somewhere? You have a bad habit of leaving without saying goodbye, you know." She jumped slightly before turning to see Chrom.
"Yes, I'm afraid I have a few bad habits." She kept her expression as neutral as she could manage.
"Good ones as well—you saved my life, as well as both of my sisters. Is there some way I can repay you? Some favor I can grant?"
"Hearing you offer is reward enough." She smiled warmly.
"But there must be something…" Chrom reiterated.
Marth shook her head with a smile, "I already have what I came for: history has been rewritten."
"And what future averted?"
Marth frowned slightly, "After the exalt's untimely assassination, the Fire Emblem would be stolen. This, in turn, would lead to a great war, and soon to the end of mankind itself. ...But I'm sure that sounds like madness to you."
"...Strangely, no. It doesn't. Somehow I know I can trust you. And I hope someday to repay your favors."
"Perhaps one day you shall. Until then…" Marth gave a polite bow and took her leave while Chrom looked on silently.
A short while after Chrom had run off after Marth, Panne had joined the group. "Brave taguel, there are not words enough to express my gratitude." The exalt bowed her head as she spoke.
"So you know our true name?" Panne questioned in what James was pretty sure was an impressed tone.
James raised his hand, "Forgive my ignorance, but what's a taguel?"
"I am a taguel. The... The last taguel," She sighed, "We are shape-shifters. Most of your kind calls us "beast" or "coney" in the midst of their hunt. I only helped because my warren owes Ylisse a debt. Do not think us friends, you and I!"
James let out a sigh, hunts? "I can accept that, but nonetheless, I would like to reach a better understanding"
"Yes, it's precious little your kind seem to understand. It was man-spawn like you that invaded our warren and slaughtered my people." James let out a sigh, he'd expected something like that, but Emmeryn's reaction was much different.
"What?! Is this true? Who would do such a thing?" Emmeryn was clearly on the verge of tears.
Panne scoffed "Ha! Do not act so shocked. You are all the same. Right down to your base desire to ruin and destroy all your touch—even each other." James hated that he couldn't bring himself to refute her.
"...There is truth to your words, perhaps." The exalt admitted, "I'm told that, in taguel society, everyone is treated as an equal. Mankind could learn much from your warren. The words may come too late and mean too little, but I am deeply sorry. We have stolen your friends and family and made the world a lesser place."
"Your Grace—you had no fault in this!" James sighed as Philia practically jumped to defend Emmeryn.
Panne scoffed yet again, "You claim to be blameless, and yet you would apologize? Pah! Your words are but wind."
"I know…" Emmeryn bowed her head. "But they are all I have."
Panne's expression softened "...You seem sincere, man-spawn. You feel my pain as your own. ...I've never felt that before. Look at me. ...See what I am. I will never trust mankind. But you... Perhaps you truly are not like the others."
"All I ask is a chance to earn your trust." Emmeryn bowed even lower.
As James considered what he'd just heard, he pulled his hood over his face and quietly walked away.
Validar did not know how long he had been walking through this darkness, it felt as though it had been both a single instant and more time than he had words to describe all at once. But in truth, it was not the darkness that Vailidar was concerned with. "How?! My purpose is too significant... to be thwarted... here…" He muttered in between pained grunts, he still felt it, the pain of death.
"Validar," he looked in front of him to see a shadowy figure. He wondered what it was, was it another soul, condemned to the darkness as he was? Was this some vile demon come to torture him for eternity? Validar had no answers, a feeling he had always hated.
"What? Who are you... Where did you... come from?" It was only now, speaking to another being, the Validar realized how profoundly tired he was. He felt just as tired and in pain as he had at the moment of death, and now he was starting to truly feel it in full.
"I am the power that compels you." The shadow's voice reminded him of someone, but the pain clouded his memories. "You will not perish here. It is not written. You must live on to author a destiny greater than you know," Vaildar's eyes widened when he realized what the being was saying.
"I-impossible! It can't be you! It can't be…" He stammered.
"I am the wings of despair. I am the breath of ruin. I am the fell dragon, Grima…"
After Marth had left, Panne had gone to find a place to sleep, she also confirmed she would continue to work with the Shepherds. James wasn't sure why, but he supposed that might just be how persuasive the Exalt was. Anyway, Chrom and Frederick—joined by Daiki—had held a meeting to discuss the assassination attempt and where to go from there. James hadn't been in the right state of mind to join, Daiki had given him a report on the meeting afterwards anyway.
They had determined that assassins were Plegian, which wasn't that big a surprise. They had also elected to escort Emmeryn to a safehouse in the east. It was a sound move, it wasn't so far that she couldn't coordinate, not just with the army but also with the citizenry, but it was also in a well-protected hidden location. He gave a quick nod as he walked past some noblewoman on his way to the room he'd been given for the night. After a second, he couldn't help but frown.
He couldn't keep pushing them out of his head, the things he desperately didn't want to think about. Why did Marth panic at the colosseum? How could that assassin know him? Did that assassin know him?
He wished he could more clearly remember what she'd said back then. What was the trigger for Marth's reaction? Did she recognize him? Did he just catch her off-guard? After a moment of pondering this question, he realized that the only way to get an answer was to just ask Marth when he gets a chance. As for his other questions, he simply didn't have that option, what with the only person who could answer them having been buried in a nameless grave about an hour ago.
What was it that he claimed to recognize, was it James himself, or was it his Rider form? He sighed there was no way to know, and that felt horrible. He felt sick as he couldn't help but worry over it, were the assassins associated with that man who was there just before they were sent to this world? At this time there was just no way to know. He sighed as he stepped into his room for the night, remaining ignorant of Sumia's attempts to catch his attention.
Game Clear!
All right then, I've been wanting to get this one out for a while. Seriously, it was never a solid thing but I think I always felt that when I reached this chapter, one of my personal favorites from the game, that would be the point where this fic became an actually serious thing. Not to say I haven't been putting in my best effort, but this chapter is my first milestone or at least that's how it feels.
Anyway, let's actually talk about this chapter. Something I would really like some feedback on was the musical segment of the Brave/Aranbura fight, be honest, how terrible was it? I already feel bad that it took this long for Brave lv. 3 to show up, but at the same time, I'm worried that it might've taken away from Lazer Lv. 3's debut.
Second, that thing Ex-Aid does in this story where he switches what arm the Gekitotsu smasher is on? It actually evolved out of how you actually could put on either arm on the toy. It was also based on the fact that James is left-handed, which hasn't noted been noted before now, simply because it's not really important, but hey, that's why he switches which hand it's on right after transforming.
Next topic! My favorite scene to write was Validar's bit after the battle. It just felt really felt good to write what Validar was feeling.
I suppose I've really only got two things left that I want to mention, fun facts, really. First, this chapter actually made me have to stop and reconsider my plans for the ships in this story. Of course, I'm not going to say whether or not they actually changed. The other one isn't directly related to this chapter, but rather is just something that won't come for a long time, if at all. I consider all of my fanfics to share the same canon. Not necessarily the same world, but the same canon. For example, the Riders from Ex-Aid's awakening are not from the same world as Kira from Phantom Joker or Kashijyo from Saber Art Online, but they are from the same world as Kengo from Knight of Zero.
I'd also say that out of the fanfictions I've published on this sight that I consider non-canon to all this is the Decade, Ex-Aid, and Lupin team-up as I feel that it's of a lower quality than my other works. And by the way, I do intend to get back to Phantom Joker and Knight of Zero, just not right now. So, with that in mind, I'm Time-Space lord Eon saying See You Next Game.