*Camera turns on as Dark Prelate Mitchell and ZS Connor are seen commentating again.*
ZS Connor: "And welcome back...to this little show."
Dark Prelate Mitchell: "Yeah, welcome back…"
ZS Connor: "We don't have much to say at this point, so I'll let my partner start the chapter."
Dark Prelate Mitchell: *nods, then goes to start the chapter*
*Chapter 3 starts.*
Chapter 3: Feroxi Diplomacy
The duo managed to find their way to the Barracks around dinner time, and were introduced to everyone shortly before they ate.
The next morning, the Shepherds moved out towards Regna Ferox, dealing with a Risen Incursion as they went. Once at the wall barring progress into Regna Ferox, the expected skirmish at the border occurred. However, they managed to win the day, convincing the Feroxi that they were a genuine Ylissean group.
They were then introduced to the East Khan, Flavia, who promised them their army if the Shepherds won for her the tournament for leadership of Ferox.
As such, the Shepherds, each in their own way, got ready for the coming battle.
The arena was in sight as Connor explored the surrounding area. He took it upon himself to take the down time as a break from the fights before he got there.
Many west and east Feroxians gave odd looks to Connor as he passed by, the unusual armor getting their attention. This eventually led Connor to leaving the crowded areas into a more secluded pathway.
The path he was taking eventually made him cross paths with a pink haired woman, who accidently bumped into Connor.
"Sorry...I didn't see you there...I...hope you take my apology...I've been distracted thinking about my practices..." The woman nervously said to Connor.
Connor took a second to look at the woman before saying, "Don't worry about it...and you don't need apologize so many times."
"But I...I… ...This is embarrassing. I can dance well, but...never stop myself from getting distracted...and losing my focus… ...Just a sign of my uselessness..." The woman complained, more in a self-deprecating tone.
"...Now that's just going too far...You really shouldn't put yourself down like that, especially for something as minor as this. I'm sure you are a fine dancer and you are better than you think you are...If you ask me." Connor honestly admitted in response to what he heard.
The woman initially cheered up, before her face turned red with embarrassment as she noticed that Connor was looking at her.
"Look, umm...your name is?" Connor asked.
"Olivia… …What's yours?" The pink-haired woman asked back.
"Connor. Connor Thomas if you want my full name." Connor retorted.
"A very pleasent name...sounds way better than my own...Why...are you...here in Regna Ferox?" Olivia asked after putting herself down again.
"I'm here for the tournament and I plan to participate for a group I'm traveling with." Connor answered.
"So...that means….you'll be fighting? I...don't think someone like you...doesn't have the instinct for violence. Then...again, you don't...appear to be from around here…" Olivia mentioned nervously as she looked at Connor.
Connor remained silent for a moment, making Olivia a bit more nervous before he said, "True, but what I got planned for the tournament won't be very violent...hopefully. If you somehow manage get a chance to see me in a match, you'll get what I mean."
Olivia was confused at what Connor implied, but that quickly got replaced by her shyness taking over her mind.
"Look, it was nice meeting you, Olivia...And think more positively if you can. It'll help a lot with your career as a dancer, which I'm sure you are doing well in." Connor said before taking his leave.
The words stuck around this time, as Olivia eventually went on her way.
Meanwhile, in his quarters, Daniel had a conversation with another group of his companions. "I'm sorry, Brother Thade, but this isn't really a good time for you guys to arrive."
"But, milord, we have little to do up here other than watch and train…" Brother Thade of the Astral Knights replied, "When will we finally enter battle again?"
"When we need you...I need you guys as my ace in the hole, in case things go south…"
"...Very well...good day, milord…" Brother Thade replied. Then, the transmission was cut.
Daniel sighed, before he heard a voice say, "Well, sounds like you're having a rough time…"
Daniel turned...as a silvery veil of energy appeared in his room, and a familiar figure walked though…
KADOYA TSUKASA AS JUST A PASSING THROUGH KAMEN RIDER…REMEMBER THAT!
"Tsukasa!" Daniel replied, smiling, "Good to see ya...what took ya?"
"Just chasing down Daiki…" the Japanese man replied, "Something about a relic called 'Naga's Tear' he was interested in. So...what's going on?"
Daniel spent the next half hour explaining the situation to Tsukasa.
"...I see...well, I'll go see if I can find Daiki. Maybe he'll find something he wants while he's with us…" Tsukasa replied.
Daniel nodded. "Alright…" he replied. Tsukasa soon dove back into the Dimensional Wall...and soon emerged with-
KAITO DAIKI AS THE TREASURE SNIPER!
"Ah, Daiki, glad you could join us…" Daniel commented.
"So...why'd ya call me here?" Daiki asked.
Daniel shrugged. "Just wanted us to keep together...I can also assure you we're gonna be running into relics left and right, meaning we're BOUND to find something you want…"
"... … ...Alright, I hope you're right...especially after that artifact you made me destroy a couple universes back…"
"Hey, would YOU want to drag the taint of Chaos to other universes?"
Daiki sighed.
"Exactly…" Daniel chided, "Alright guys, so, what's the plan?"
The group then spent the next while talking about what to do next…
Sevon was wandering around, until he soon arrived at the Forge, where he saw a familiar girl working. "Oh, hey Ruby," Sevon commented.
The black and red-haired girl looked up and smiled. "Oh, hey Sevon!"
"So...what're you doing?" Sevon asked.
"Oh, just making some modifications to Crescent Rose…" Ruby replied, patting her Sniper Scythe, "Been finding a LOT of stuff I wanna add to her. Still fine-tuning the laser-blade I got from Gamindustri…"
"... … ...I don't understand half of what you just said…" Sevon replied.
"Oh, sorry, it's just...I'm kind of a dork when it comes to weapons: you use it to fight with and I'll be likely to wanna find out how it works...like your Magic! I REALLY wanna see if there's some way I could use it to make my weapon even BETTER!"
"Hmmm...maybe...maybe I can see if you can learn magic...it might be fun…"
Ruby's face brightened up. "That would be AWESOME! When do we start? When do we START?!"
"Heheh, calm down, Ruby...when I can find us some tomes to practice with, I'll tell you, alright?"
"Alright!" Ruby cheered.
With the time for being prepared over, the tournament got started. On one side the circular arena was Chrom, Connor, Daniel, Noire, Sevon, and Ruby.
On the other side was a group of knights, mages, and that "Marth" individual.
The battle started, as the small group split up to take the opposing team off one by one.
Connor started by rushing towards one of the two mages, dodging the spells sent his way. The mage kept firing spells as Connor closed the distance.
However, once Connor was within close range of the mage, he rushed over behind the mage and put the person in a chokehold. Forcing his arm into the mage's neck as they struggled to breath...Connor stopped just as they lost consciousness.
After letting the mage drop to the ground, they could be heard loudly snoring...indicating they were alive. Connor followed up by rushing over to the other mage, who saw what happened and tried moving away as they used their spells.
Yet again, Connor dodged the magic attacks as the distance was being closed. The mage panicked and was ready for a chokehold...except that's not what happened.
Instead, Connor jumped high into the air and directed his descent to land on the mage. The impact knocked the mage to the ground with Connor following to finish the mage off. One really hard punch to the head with one of Connor's fists took the mage out.
With that, Connor kept on the move as he distracted the opposition by focusing their attention on him, allowing his teammates to get a chance to act.
Daniel was currently engaging one on the knights in close combat, using precision strikes from his gauntlet Warp Blade to weaken the enemy's armor, before using unarmed strikes to knock the enemy out.
Once he knocked out his opponent, he took a look around.
Ruby was one of the few taking on multiple opponents, although this was due to her fighting style being well-suited for such: two enemy fighters, who couldn't land a hit on the girl.
Noire was facing off against her opponent, the other knight, allowing for Chrom to move in against 'Marth', while Sevon took on the remaining enemies the others didn't get.
He turned back to Chrom, who was now about to engage in his duel with 'Marth'.
"Who is your father?" Chrom asked, referencing the two's earlier duel.
'Marth' replied, "I've said enough for one day, sir."
"Hmph. Is that how it is? Lissa owes you her life, and for that you have my gratitude. But within these walls, I represent the East-Khan and the interests of Ylisse. I can't promise to stay my blade, but I vow not to shame you," Chrom vowed.
"Heh, never expected such youthful arrogance... We shall see who shames who!" 'Marth' replied, before charging into the fray.
The two duked it out, and Daniel and Noire made sure no one interfered with the duel, until…
"Impressive...if not surprising…" 'Marth' replied, retreating, in defeat.
Looking over the arena, it was clear that the group had won, with their opponents out for the count. Connor moved his way back to the group, his helmet being removed.
"Well...We did it. We won." Connor just proudly said as he looked at each of his teammates.
Daniel nodded. "Yeah...looks like we did…"
Chrom added, "You did rather well out there, Connor, especially considering you didn't use any weapons…"
"I felt like demonstrating something I picked up from my travels...Still got more to show for later." Connor answered back.
"And I look forward to it," Chrom replied, as Lissa, Frederick, Lenora, and Flavia approached.
Flavia laughed as she said, "Well fought! You have my respect. And, perhaps more to the point," you have your alliance. I will provide Ylisse with the soldiers she needs."
"Truly? Thank you, East-Khan," Chrom replied gratefully.
Flavia replied, "I should thank you! It feels like ages since I've held full power. Come, my new friends!" Tonight, we celebrate!" Flavia left to set up for the party she was throwing, as a bald, dark-skinned man approached.
"Bah! Any excuse for a party and Flavia jumps on it…" he stated.
"I'm sorry, have we met?" Chrom asked.
"I'm Basilio, the West-Khan you so rudely removed from power! You're handy with a sword, boy. I thought for sure I'd picked the stronger man."
Chrom immediately asked the man, "What do you know about him?"
Basilio replied, "You mean that "Marth"? Bah! He's just some sellsword with delusions of grandeur. All I know is that he turned up one eve and knocked my old champion flat. It was love at first sight, and I'm generally too old for such things! Baha! Anyway, he's gone now. Up and fled the moment the tournament ended."
Lissa sighed. "He's so dark and mysterious…"
Sevon chuckled. "Sounds like Marth's got at least one fan…"
"Well, I mean, c'mon... He IS sort of dreamy, isn't he?" Lissa asked.
Chrom scoffed. "And YOU'RE sort of dreaming!"
"Yowch! Lighten up, Big Brother. I was just kidding."
Frederick interrupted, "Milord? Milady? If this fascinating discussion is over, we'd best return home. The exalt will want this news of our new alliance immediately."
"Right as always Frederick," Chrom replied.
"Hold, boy," Basilio called out, "Before you go, I have a little present for you." At that, a man wearing the garb of a myrmidon approached, maintaining his silence.
Basilio introduced, "This is Lon'qu, my former champion. Not much for talking, mind you, but he's peerless with a sword. As good as Marth, in my mind. To be honest, I can't figure out how Marth bested him so quickly."
Lissa gasped. "Marth beat him? But he looks so big and strong…"
Lon'qu's eyes widened as Lissa approached. "Away, woman!"
Lissa jumped. "Hey! Wh-what did I say?!"
Basilio laughed. "Ba ha ha! Let's just say that ladies tend to put Lon'qu on edge. Nonetheless, he is capable. Perhaps he even has the makings of a khan. Consider him West Ferox's contribution to the Ylissean cause."
Chrom questioned, "You're certain about this?"
"Yes, yes. He's your man now."
Chrom turned to the swordsman. "And Lon'qu? You have no objections?"
Lon'qu replied, "He gives orders. I stab people. I think our roles are clear."
"...All right then. Welcome aboard."
Meanwhile, off to the side…"...Man, did you hear how long that conversation was?" Daniel quietly asked Connor, "One of the writers must have wore out their hands typing that…"
Connor misinterpreted the implied comment as he quietly said back, "Yeah, I feel bad for the poor guy tasked with translating the lines from one language to another on a keyboard."
"...I...meant the guy who had to write the lines for our story here…" Daniel replied.
"What are you talking about?" Connor confusingly asked.
"...What? Don't know about the fourth wall? Pretty much learned how to break that in the Hyperdimension Neptunia Universe, where it didn't exist…" Daniel replied, shrugging.
"Except...We aren't in a story...We are in a game...except more like the universe from the game...Or something. Look, the point is we are not in a story and we aren't writing one, so you don't need to make jokes about some stupid '4th wall'." Connor quietly told Daniel off.
Daniel shrugged. "Don't blame me if we find evidence I'm right…"
"As soon as Prinnies learn to fly...That's when I'll take your ridiculous idea seriously." Connor snarked.
Daniel just leveled a glare at him. "...I'm not THAT crazy yet…" he grumbled.
"Well...that is one thing I can take seriously with your own admission...You are crazy." Connor followed with a snark.
"I survived the Grimdarkness of the Far Future Where there is only War...as those Chaos bastards love to say: Sanity is for the Weak…" Daniel replied, "Especially our time's version of Sanity…"
"Either way, I just hope you didn't take to the ideas you had back in the writing days about setting up some grand empire under your involvement… It doesn't need a crazy man in charge." Connor joked.
"Trust me, I'll only try that if I find reason to…and if there's an opening to without causing civil unrest..." Daniel replied, deciding not to mention the assets he had at the edge of the solar system.
Connor was just about to have the last word in their little conversation when…
When he noticed that Daniel was the only person in the group that was still around...Actually, the other only person in the arena circle.
"I...think we just got left behind by our teammates…" Connor said.
"Looks like it," Daniel replied.
"...Oh yeah, the party...We're probably missing it right now. We...should catch up before it ends." Connor mentioned.
"Agreed…" Daniel replied.
The two exited the arena, finding the party almost ready to start...
A brief period of celebration passed before the group left Regna Ferox to get back onto the next step of their current objective. However, a diversion from that occured when the group got involved in a battle involving a small village.
By the end of the battle, the Shepherds were joined by ANOTHER new member, the villager Donnel. With that, the group continued their way back to Ylisse…
...Where they were going to be met by some bad news…
*Camera switches over.*
ZS Connor: *To his co-commentator* "Any questions you want to bring up following the chapter?"
Dark Prelate Mitchell: "...None that I can think of…"
ZS Connor: "Well...I actually got one. What's with those two…Tsukasa and Daiki...The ones you talked to?"
Dark Prelate Mitchell: *smirks* "Kamen Riders...and companions of mine. Known dimensional travelers…"
ZS Connor: *In a dry tone, "Of course...Besides...Only you would make friends in whatever part of the Kamen Rider Universe you ended up in...You crazy, crazy man."*
Dark Prelate Mitchell: *shrugs* "Not gonna deny it…"
ZS Connor: "So, you still got nothing to bring up?
Dark Prelate Mitchell: "... … ...What was with that scene with you and Olivia?"
ZS Connor: *With a hint of nervousness* "Uh...Don't ask me. I think it's there to fill time. Nothing else."
Dark Prelate Mitchell: *flat tone* "...Uh-huh…"
ZS Connor: *Trying to avoid discussing more about the current topic with, "Hey, you know...that thing that happened last night, I mean, two nights before...that was a great movie...I never got to ask what you thought about it."*
Dark Prelate Mitchell: *Still eyeing him* "...Pretty good. Seen it plenty before, but always enjoyable…"
ZS Connor: *Flubs his words when he ends up saying, "Great...Now what movie was it again? I mean… Uh...That one is a classic in my books that stands the test of time."*
Dark Prelate Mitchell: *stares at him*
ZS Connor: "Fine, you got me. What do you want me to say so you stop staring me like that?"
Dark Prelate Mitchell: "... … …" *blinks* "...I forgot…"
ZS Connor: *dryly says, "Was it about what I really thought about the scene with Olivia... That I didn't want to answer till now?*
Dark Prelate Mitchell: "Oh yeah...that's right…" *begins staring again*
ZS Connor: "Really, you just went back to staring at me again?"
Dark Prelate Mitchell: *staring*
ZS Connor: "Fine...I'm actually thinking that that scene was a bit of foreshadowing. As for what the 'idea' is, I'm sure you know already..Except I think that will not happen."
Dark Prelate Mitchell: *stares for a little while longer...before shrugging* "Whatever...I think we'd been here for a while…"
ZS Connor: *Realizing how time they wasted*"Yeah...We just went over the allowed time we have for commentary. Mind being the one to end this segment?"
Dark Prelate Mitchell: *sighs* "Alright everyone, see you all next time on Dimensional Awakening…" *gets up to go turn off the camera*
*Camera turns off.*