A/N: Welcome! Welcome! This story has been by far one of my favorites to write! I appreciate all of the support you guys have given me! Thank you all so much! Anyway, enjoy!
Chapter 20: The Fate of Altissia
Ardyn and Dorian left Sinedra's house, determined looks on their faces. Without looking back, the pair walked towards the Daemons. A huge iron giant nearly crushed Ardyn, engaging a battle. The beast went down with a mighty crash. Ardyn and Dorian exchanged a fist bump and ran towards their next foe, two Magitec forces. They went down easily and Ardyn began to realize that these were just small fry.
"Dorian! Unless someone is in trouble, ignore the small fry! If we destroy the big guy, the others will flee!" Ardyn shouted over his shoulder.
"What if they try to engage in battle?" Dorian asked.
"Give them a blow to remember. That way they won't attack you anymore," Ardyn replied, running towards the biggest monster. A Magitec troop tried to stop Ardyn. He unsheathed his Royal Glaive and sliced of it's arm. The troop fled. Ardyn smiled and began racing towards the largest enemy. It was a huge Iron Giant. It didn't seem to notice him. "Dorian, I think I found the big guy!"
"You think?! Of course it's the big guy!" Dorian snapped.
Ardyn smiled and charged towards the Iron Giant. It noticed him and instantly slapped him across the street. The breath was knocked out of him. The Iron Giant walked towards Ardyn, it's eyes gleaming with malice. Ardyn recovered and unsheathed his Royal Glaive in time to block a powerful blow. The Iron Giant made an angry noise and began to furiously strike at Ardyn. He tried his best to block every blow.
Suddenly, the Iron Giant grabbed Ardyn in a tight grip. He tried to struggle out of it's grip, but it just held him like he was a toy. Ardyn felt as if the entire world was on his chest as he struggled for air. Suddenly, the beast dropped him, causing Ardyn to drop to the ground, panting.
Dorian smiled at him and said, "You owe me one."
"Yeah, thanks," Ardyn said, blood dripped from his arm. Ardyn looked down at it and saw the bone sticking out. He groaned and slouched down, putting pressure on the wound. "Yeah, and I think I am done."
"You think?! Of course you are - wait. Hold still," Dorian said. She grabbed Ardyn's arm and grabbed a potion. "There, the bone is still broken, but one more potion should do the trick."
Ardyn watched as Dorian used another potion and his bone went back into it's socket. "Thanks, Dorian. I thought I was done for sure!" Ardyn said.
"Well, the more you foolishly charge into battle the more you will end up like a cripple!" Dorian scolded.
"Is there anything wrong with being a cripple?" Ardyn asked.
"Of course not! But if you are in a battle, hell no! Now, are we going to save this city, or are you just going to sit on your ass?!" Dorian snapped.
"Okay, let's go," Ardyn said.
"That's the spirit!" Dorian said.
Ardyn smiled and walked around the Iron Giant, trying to find a good angle to attack. Luckily, the stupid creature didn't even notice him. Ardyn smiled and pinpointed a good place to attack. He crouched in the shadows and waited for the Iron Giant to completely turn around. He smiled as it did this and attacked it from behind. To his shock, he only hit metal armor. Getting frustrated, Ardyn repeatedly slashed the Iron Giant's armor.
Finally, he managed to hit it. The Iron Giant roared in fury and tried to get him off. Ardyn smiled and cut off the beast's hand. The Iron Giant made a loud noise and angrily threw Ardyn off. He hit the ground with a loud thump and struggled to get up. Ardyn looked up and saw that Dorian had stabbed the Iron Giant's back. The Iron Giant only threw Dorian off, causing her to hit a wall. Ardyn waited for her to get up, but noticed that she was in a daze.
Angry, Ardyn attacked the beast head on. The Iron Giant tried to hit him, but Ardyn just dodged out of the way and sliced the Iron Giant's belly armor. It squealed and tried to slap Ardyn away. He only smiled and began a pattern of slashing and dodging. The Iron Giant grabbed Ardyn by the foot and slammed him into the ground. Ardyn saw stars and tried his best to stand up.
Once he recovered, Ardyn saw the Iron Giant towering over him. He knew he couldn't win, so Ardyn tried his best to find a place to recover. The Iron Giant only grabbed him again and this time, it threw him into a building. Angrily, Ardyn caught himself before he hit the building and he attacked the Iron Giant at full force. The Iron Giant collapsed, and then disappeared. Panting, Ardyn stood up and looked around him.
Dorian stood up and Ardyn ran over to her, checking for injuries. "I'm fine! I would have asked for your help if I thought I needed it!" Dorian snapped, though, Ardyn could see the teasing look in her eyes.
"Okay. Well, you're welcome then, Dorian," Ardyn said lightly.
"Shut up!" Dorian said, though a smile curved on her lips. Suddenly, a stomach growled, causing Dorian to turn red. "You wouldn't mind if we stayed for dinner, would you?"
"Not at all," Ardyn chuckled.
Dorian playfully slapped him and walked towards the nearest diner. He heard her say, "I'm famished! What does a famished warrior need? Food!"
Ardyn laughed and followed her. Once they were done with their food, they began to leave. Footsteps stopped them in their tracks, they turned around and saw Sinedra running after them.
"Thank you for saving Altissia. You are always a hero in our eyes. Both of your names will be remembered for all time," Sinedra said, she then ran off, back to her house.
"She's kind. I'm sure she will be fine. But, I have a favor to ask her," Ardyn said. Dorian nodded and Ardyn ran after Sinedra. "Hey, Sinedra. If this place is ever in danger, I think you would be a good person to defend it."
"Me? Really?" Sinedra whispered.
"Yes. If you ever need a hand, just call me, and I will help you," Ardyn said, placing a piece of paper in her hands.
"Thank you. You are putting Altissia in good hands," Sinedra said.
"I know I am," Ardyn said, a warm smile on his face. "Keep in touch!"
"Bye Ardyn!" Sinedra called after him.
Ardyn smiled and left the city. Another victory, all in a day's work.
A/N: And we are done with that chapter. Well, what did you think? Next time, Ardyn and Dorian begin their next quest, leaving Altissia to peace. See you next time! Please review.