Disclaim: I don't own Elsword nor its character as well as Valkyria Chronicles' characters, except my OC. I'm just an author who loves playing game and release my imagination.
Main Character:
Elsword – Rune Master
Mio – Narrator
Elsword(DK) – Knight Emperor
Lu(DK) - Timoria
Rossetta Anatasia (Rossa) – Shocktrooper
Chapter 8: The Queen's Sorrow
"I said it once, and I say it again, troublesome suit."
Elsword was escorted on a jeep by Welkin. He along with Mio and Rossa were invited to the Royal by the Queen through invitation. Elsword had a black suit while Mio had pink dress that revealed her bare shoulders and Rossa with light blue dress. Despite that, he couldn't deny her. Plus, thís could be a chance to have a good relationship with her that Rebellion can gain her support.
It's good to attend feast, but Elsword didn't like being the attention, for he's the only El user in this world. Plus, He also gained quite number of victories against Empire so it's no surprise if she wanted to promote him.
"Come on, Elsword. It's rare chance that the Queen invites us to her feast. This would gain fame and shame the Prime Army."
Rossa said filled with excitement. It's her first time to be invited to castle and she couldn't hold back her joy like little girl with lolipop.
Mio didn't show any emotion, like nothing interested her since she was Eve's Secretary, though she wondered how the castle looked like.
"E heh heh."
"But…" Welkin spoke up "It's quite annoyed that your sword has to be carried in another truck due to its heaviness. I still don't understand how you can carry that sword with weight equal to a motorcycle. Is your world filled with monstrous people?"
"Ah, not really. I trained almost everyday and pushed myself to limit. Not a good thing to remember but it helped me to become like this."
"No wonder you can go on par with a medium tank. I heard Isara is doing more experiments thanks to that sword."
Elsword just chuckled. Since that time, she was on hype with his hybrid weapon.
"Well, here we are."
They arrived at their destination. Everyone except Welkin left the jeep. The first thing they expressed their emotion when seeing the castle was.
"It's huge…"
Mio and Rossa had to raise their head up higher in order to have a better view of it. Elsword just chuckled at them. He went to the truck and took his sword out and put it on his back with ease. He went to the girls and told them to enter while Welkin returned to the base.
They stepped close to the entrance and was stopped by the guards.
"Halt! State your business!"
Elsword took the invitation and showed them the sign of the royal print, which was recognized. They bowed and opened the doubled door, where they were greeted by the luxury of the Hall of Audience.
It had a red carpet rolled out straight to the double curved stairs on both side to the first floor. Many of the royals and dukes were invited and were talking each other. Two long tables were set with various kind of foods and drinks prepared.
The moment Elsword stepped in first, a man saw him and immediately called his name in shock, or his title.
"It's Red Magician!"
Various stares came toward the said knight. Some were respect, some feared, some… hatred. However, only one stare that contained hunger was toward the sword from the General.
"Yo, am I late?"
"Ah- no, Sieghart-dono. You're just in time. The feast will begin after the promotion."
"Great."
Of course among the people, there's Helen too. She went to record the event happening in the Royal Castle. She only wore a simple dress but enough to show her elegant to draw attention from few men. However, her only interest was Elsword. Her camera was on her neck the whole time and a small note was written down.
"Then can I ask you something?" She spoke up.
"Ah, sure."
"How do you feel after Kazuki's betrayal?"
That's the most sensitive question. Elsword was not sure how he felt.
"At first, I feel rage. I couldn't understand why he betrayed and hand my comrade to Empire. Yet, part of me is confused. If what he said about Empire's betrayal to him, why would he return to them?"
"Ha! That's obvious! They set up to put him in our rank and then sell that comrade of your to them!"
Bloody said. Elsword and Rossa frowned at him.
The twintail girl shouted "That's not true! He was being controlled! By someone else! There's no way he would turn his back on purpose!"
"Little fool. You were so easy to fall for their trap. Those Empire were never to trust, even those defectors. You should have killed him the moment he joined your militia. You let your guard down."
Rossa looked like she was about to charge in and gave that man a good beating, but Elsword stopped her before she could. She looked at Elsword who shook his head. She lowered her arms down but her fury never died.
Elsword then stared at Bloody back, his gaze stern that made him flinch.
"He may be the traitor as you deem him. He still holds lots of achievements for Rebellion Militia, those of which You, the General of Prime Army, can't do. He knew the risk to lead his own team to dangerous mission and helped them return in safety, which you couldn't. You just a man hiding behind your men and enjoy luxurious things. He may be the traitor, but he's more of a man than you."
That struck his nerve.
"WHY YOU!"
"THAT'S ENOUGH!"
A booming voice shouted out, silencing everyone. They turned their eyes on the source to find a big man in his suit standing on the stair. He had short silver hair with a pony tail behind. His left eye had scratch hidden in the badge eye.
"But sir! I-" / "Silence!"
Another booming voice shouted, shutting Bloody down.
"You know what he said about you is right, in every word."
"But Kazuki is no hero-" / "We will talk about this later. The Queen will be here soon."
Bloody clicked his tongue and walked away from Elsword.
"That's quite a speech, Sieghart-san." The man approached Elsword.
Elsword had a good look on him. He reminded him of a certain servant near chief, except he's more silent than this man.
"I have yet to forgive him, but he can be a great soldier if he didn't do that."
"I'm certain he will. The name is Gau."
"Pleasure to meet you, Gau-san."
"The pleasure is all mine, Sieghart-san. And thank you for coming to the feast."
Elsword shook his hand in exchange. He couldn't miss his rough hand had scars and was calloused. It could be the result from war.
"As must as I want to talk to you, I have to prepare soon."
"It's ok, when you have time."
"Alright, but please, don't show your weapon around here." Gau reminded "You draw to much attention with just your sword."
"Ah, sorry about that, but I couldn't leave it alone."
Gau nodded and left.
"You could make it smaller, you know."
Mio suggested.
"That crossed my mind, but it wastes more El energy than making it disappear while maintaining its small form."
"I see…"
The sound of trumpets alarmed the people of the Queen's arrival. Their eyes turned to the throne as the silver haired woman in her glorious white dress. Her long hair was tied neatly along with shining tiara on her head. Claps came from various people, but Elsword and Mio were shocked.
"Eve…"
Because the Queen looked like Eve, a lot.
Her eyes opened, revealing the biggest difference between her and Eve.
"Her eyes…"
Red… and golden…
"My dear Dukes and Generals, we have been on war with Empire for a long time, sacrificing many brave soldiers on the battlefield."
"As the Queen of Gaia, I feel ashamed that I can't fulfill my role to ensure our men safety return."
"The enemy has become stronger and stronger, Gaia is slowly on the verge of losing."
"But there's hope."
"Our Rebellion has an ally from other world, to aid us fight against Empire, to take what belongs to us."
"His name is Elsword Sieghart, Red Magician of Team Elrios."
Upon hearing his name, he stepped forward.
"Forgive us to let you see our weak side, but we can't let them get us. Our peace will fall."
"So Elsword Sieghart, will you lend your power of El to lead us to our victory?"
He looked at her. Shock was still in him. He never expected the Queen to have appearance like Eve, yet he didn't have any feeling that she's Eve.
Like she lacked of something.
Elsword replied by withdrawing his sword and held it with both hand, placing it with the tip on the ground.
"I fight for the peace of my world. I shall not follow any side for war. Wherever I hear the cry of innocent, I will come and eliminate those harm them."
"My comrade is being captured by Empire for unknown purpose. My reason to join Gaia is to save her back. Yet, with my power alone can't do any good to save her."
"I shall lend my power to you, in return, I shall borrow yours to destroy our common enemy."
"However, I want to ask you, Queen of Gaia."
"Will your men ready to sacrifice their life to fight against Guardian of the Sky? For the peace of the world? For her people?"
"I seek for honest answer from Gaia."
His question affected most Generals. They began murmuring each other. Part of doubt grew inside them.
Only one spoke up.
Bloody.
"Preposterous! What are you? A God?! You think you can go and judge Gaia?!"
To prove that, He emitted his Fire El burning around him. The hot of the flame can be felt outside the castle.
"For your information, I can burn down your entire army without using my sword. Destroying your base if I wish."
The Queen and her servant were amazed by his ability to control fire, though they didn't flinch as his fire didn't contain any ill intention toward them.
The flame died down.
"If your men don't have any gut to fight for Gaia, then stay down."
He put his sword on his back and then turned his gaze on others. He saw a young girl stepping forward.
"I, Sora, General of Prime Army 11, can assure you that my men will fight for Gaia. I have informed that Empire has its secret weapon that can destroy our home. However, if you can put it down, I'm willing to sacrifice myself for her peace."
"You- you could possibly join him?!"
Sora glared at him.
"I'm tired of this war. This must end!"
"I will join too!"
"I agree!"
One by one, others raised their voice in agreement. Elsword smiled, glad that Gaia still had smart leaders.
"Then it settles."
The Queen nodded.
"Then, let's the feast begin."
"So… what's new?"
Among the crowd, there spotted two masked man and girl. He held a glass of wine while the young girl held cookie and chewed it down.
"Elsword is here, and Mio and Rossa too."
"Ho… quite a lady killer he is."
"Said the one who draw women's attention without doing anything."
Some women saw him and couldn't help staring at him with healthy blush.
"Jealous?" He chuckled, which couldn't help the pout of disappointment from her.
"You are mine, and mine only." She claimed and hugged his arm, pressing her small chest on him which he chuckled "What?"
"Nothing."
"Where's Kazuki?"
"He's at our base for medical check." Elsword(DK) said and drank his glass "He needs to be prepared against Valkyrur. With his Valkyria Dagger alone didn't help much."
"I see…"
Elsword(DK) placed the empty glass on the table and signaled Lu to watch his other self. She nodded and followed him while her mate looked for their specific target.
Dark Knight went to upper floor where the Queen's room should be. He looked around to find her room. He spotted guards standing before the path to the left. When he crossed by, he saw another guards standing on the other side.
"This is her room, I presume…"
He decided to stay while staring outside the castle toward the city.
The party had been going for 30 minutes. The music played by the band began. Red Magician was leaning his back on the column watching others dancing.
He wanted to dance too but his sword was trouble thing. Right now he's watching Mio helping Rossa dancing who had no experience in it.
Elsword noticed there's a young girl wearing mask to hide her face, though her eyes reminded him of someone.
"Hey there, young man. You look lonely."
Based on her voice, he could tell she's around 15 to 20. It's almost like childish voice.
"Nah, they are dancing on the floor over there so I just stand here watching them."
"Then would you care to dance with me?"
Normally, he would deny her simply as he didn't want to dance with a stranger. However, the girl quickly approached him and whispered something in his ear that changed his mind.
"I know what happens to Eve."
That got him.
He frowned a bit at her. Hearing her name made Elsword worried for her safety. He was a bit angry that a spy of Empire was here, yet why would she tell him of her? Plus, he detected no hint of lie in her words.
If this girl's willing to say anything about Eve, it's not just a simple dance.
He accepted.
"Then shall we?"
The girl gave her hand to Elsword who sighed and put his sword on near the column with little chant to make it sealed inside the rune tag, which costed him a quarter of his El power, and held her hand.
He led her to the dancing floor, held her waist with his other hand, face-to-face. The girl simply followed his dance.
"You're good at this."
"Having years of dancing, it's just simple." He replied "You didn't know how to dance?"
"S-Shut up!" She stuttered.
That defenitely sounded like certain Queen of Demon.
"Just follow my lead."
The girl nodded and did as he told. They began with simple steps, circling around the stage. Elsword didn't miss this chance and got to the point.
"So then, spill. How's Eve right now?"
"She's in their laboratory and being modified to connect to Eltrion."
"Modified?"
"Yes. I can't assure she will be the same as your Eve."
"Who to blame?" he glared at her. The girl just "Fufufu~"
Elsword lifted her hand over her head. She understood and turned around one time and fell behind when Elsword caught her back to prevent her from falling and lift her up.
Their dances got attention from others.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Our objective comes to near. We are just the third party, planning to destroy what is involved in Time and Space Distortion."
"Distortion?"
"Yes, and your Eve is required for our final step. We will let you see her again, but not here."
"What do you mean?"
"You will find out, on the battlefield."
Elsword was confused what she meant, until she suddenly spun her body around, leaning her back on his chest that Elsword caught her.
"Right now, you have another Queen to deal with. Be careful."
After that, she broke his embrace and bowed before she left Elsword…
With his girls.
"ELSWORD!"
"?!"
He turned around to find two fuming girls at him.
"Who was that?!"
"What's your relationship with her?"
"What, girl! That's misunderstanding!"
The young girl snickered at the familiar scene. She hid something in her hand, which was a smal vial filled with blood.
"Step 1 done."
Elsword had a good 20 minutes on seiza, hearing both girls scolding and now his legs lost feeling. Mio and Rossa left not long after that as they were still furious.
He went to take a fresh air after that, but then life never let him go easily.
"Elsword Sieghart."
"?"
He saw Gau approaching.
"Gau-san?"
"You need to come with me."
"Heh?"
"Someone wants to see you."
'Alright, who is it now?'
He didn't know what to express right now. He had much trouble with his girls.
Elsword followed him to the second floor and then to the left of the path where the guards were standing. With a few words from Gau, they let him pass.
"Here we are. I have other work to do so you should call her."
"Ah, ok."
Gau nodded and left.
Elsword knocked the door a few times while calling.
"Hello?"
He heard the sound of something falling following by the girly yelp. Something was off. He bursted in without second thought to check this person.
And immediately regreted.
The person calling him was no other than the Queen of Gaia. She fell on the ground while hurriedly changing her clothes. Her undergarments were loose on her body and she's trying to put her pants on.
'Ah… déjà vu…'
However, the Queen stayed calm and got up, putting her pants and shirt in quiet. Elsword looked away, waiting for her to finish wearing.
"You can look now."
Hearing her voice, Elsword looked back to see her fully clothed. He sighed in relief.
"You want to see me… Queen?"
"Just call me Shiro."
"Ah, ok. Shiro?"
Strange filled in the room as she stared at him. Her face became red all of sudden. Elsword didn't get used to be near someone else having the same look as Eve. However, she was far different from her Eve. This one was shy and didn't dare to stare at him.
"Do you… hate me being younger?"
What with that stupid question?
"What? What do you mean?"
"You know… I'm… just 16…"
The way Shiro stuttered made him raised his brows.
"No, I don't mind, Shiro-san. Just why did you ask me?"
His curiosity was a biggest thing in him, and that got him in a bad situation. He saw Shiro gripping her hands tightly while taking a deep breath. He was about to ask.
"Shiro-san, you ok- oof!"
Elsword's mouth was sealed by Shiro's sudden kiss. The knight's mind was processing what was happening as Shiro deepened her kiss, trying to get her tongue inside him. Elsword realized and hurriedly pushed her away.
"Mi-Shiro! What are you doing- ?!"
Shiro rushed back and hugged him, buried her face on his chest. Elsword tried to push her back again, only to be stopped after hearing her cry.
"Help me!"
"Wait, Shiro-san! Calm down!"
"I need your help, Elsword! I don't want this to happen!"
Seeing how emotional she was right now, Elsword led her to bed and told her to sit down and tell him what on her mind.
"I… I took this throne last year, just 15. Too young, right… I don't know how to rule Gaia to help her people in peace. I have the elders and my butler at my side, but those elders only thinks for themselves. Gau-san is my only best friend. Otou-sama and Okaa-sama passed away in the last war against Empire so I'm alone."
"And now this… marriage proposal… those elders suggested I should get married to one of their child. But I don't think they are good for Gaia or me, they only want money and this country."
"They decided without my permission. I'm just their doll being controlled by them."
"But then, you appeared. You helped Gaia protect her people safely. You defeated Empire and bring achievements to us. Every word you said in the Audience, I… love it… I want to be confident like you…"
"I called you here to help me get away with this marriage proposal. I couldn't stand it anymore. They try to get me to have my throne, not me."
Elsword stayed silent to hear Shiro's words. It seemed like Shiro was too young to lead this kingdom alone. A big burden she had to carry.
"What should I do…"
He placed his hand on her head, though he knew it's a big risk that he did wrong to the Queen.
"Sh… good girl… good girl… there there… you did the right thing…"
"Elsword…san?"
His hand stroke her head slowly as to sooth her pain away.
"Being the leader of a whole town or country is not easy. I can understand that. You are not the only one. I have a few friends who bear that responsibility too. One of them is at your age."
"I'm not good at giving advice to you. But, kissing me is not a good thing, you know. I have girlfriends right now. They won't be happy if they find out I got kissed by a Queen."
Shiro startled by this and bowed in regret.
"I'm sorry! I don't know you-"
"It's alright. You don't have to apologize me. I forgive you."
Elsword lifted her head up.
"But… if anything I can offer you…"
"No Shiro-san." Elsword shook head "I can only help you without requiring anything return from you. What I ask is if Gaia is willing to sacrifice her men to protect her people or not. I'm satisfied with their answers so that's all I need."
"Really?" The Queen asked with hope "I'm glad that I didn't have to use my last resort…"
"Last resort…" Elsword asked but then knowing what she meant when she was about to take her clothes off. He stopped her immediately "You are killing me with that 'last resort'."
The girl blushed and nodded, thinking it's the worst idea to come up. Elsword rubbed her head slowly. It seemed the Queen liked it and let out the sigh of relief. It gave her a warm feeling she missed it after her parents were gone.
Sadly, their moment had to be cut short as an object broke the windows and landed on the floor in Shiro's room. They saw a green cylinder thing rolling Elsword recognized.
Flashbang.
*Bam!*
Their visual turned white as their ears were ringing. They couldn't see anything with blur view. Elsword regained his vision and found out someone infitrated the Queen's room. This man grabbed Shiro quickly and left through the window the flashbang went in.
"Elsword!"
That was her last scream before she lost unconsciousness by the chop on her neck from the kidnapper.
"Shiro!"
Elsword reached out but too late. He exited the room, alerting the guards outside.
"Raise this alarm, now! Shiro is captured! Call Gau Immediately!"
The guards seemed hesitated by his order as they didn't take any order beside Shiro or Gau. His gaze proved them that he's dead serious, combined with the sound of broken window. They nodded and ran as fast as they could. He wasted no time and called his team.
"Mio, Rossa, do you copy!?"
"Rossa here."
"Mio here, and I see the problem."
The other side of radio contact was chaos. The attenders saw the helichopper breaking in the Queen's room and began panic.
"Meet me at the entrance quickly, and gather your weapon. We need to save her before they can get away."
"Haii!"
Elsword ran through the hall through the chaos. What a mess. He almost reached the exit, but he had another obstacle.
The masked man.
"Have trouble, Elsword?"
He didn't forget his voice, the same voice on the battlefield, the same swordsman he fought against. If the Empire was here, he assumed this must be his work.
"What are you doing here? Capturing Shiro?"
"Shiro? Ah you mean the Queen?" The man chuckled "What do you think why i'm responsible for kidnapping a Queen?"
"Huh?" Elsword frowned, trying to get what he meant.
"You should know better that I'm all alone. Even if I have a full army that can capture her, we would be thinned out by the heavily defense of Gaia."
His words were true at some parts. If he's not here for the Queen, then who?
"You know who I'm talking about. Those wants to get their hand on the throne."
That rang the bell.
"What do you want from me?"
The man smirked and took out a small tracker device which showed the red mark of the chopper.
"I put a chip on the suspect and have his location with the Queen. It's your only chance."
He threw it at Elsword who caught it.
"You still have yet to answer my question."
"…"
The masked man's smirk was gone. Elsword could sense his face was frowning.
"We want the same thing for Elrios and Gaia."
Yuu: New update for Valkyria *yawn*
Elsword: Sleepy?
Yuu: Taking a black coffee at night for material for lemonade.
Elsword: Oh? so who's next?
Yuu: *stare* you sound eager for some reason.
Elsword: Teehee.
Yuu: Anyway, Read and Review, please OwO /