I thought my story was one of the longest Fire Emblem Fanfictions but WOAH there is a story with +100 chapters that was started in 2007 and just updated this month. Anyone read that? Anyone know what it's about? That's insane!
Ah well, this here is a (according to Microsoft Word) 74 page, 12,053 word Chapter, one of the longest though I believe the next chapter is longer.
Chapter Fifty Eight
Midnight Bastion: Headmaster
"This is a nice place, don't you think, Soren?"
The man looked up from his book, turning he saw Mia staring at him with that look.
Closing his book he nodded "Yes…it's nice."
Mia laughed before leaning her head against his shoulder "You really should pay attention…this is our life after all."
The pair stopped walking with Soren just smiling at the words the woman he loved spoke.
"Yes…our life…"
"Well hello there! I don't believe I recognize you two."
Turning the pair spotted a man in a long cloak with a sword sheathed at his side. His blue eyes watched them while one of his hands ran through his dark green hair.
Soren extended his hand "My name is Soren and we're new here…"
"Looking for a place to settle down?"
Mia nodded "Yes, we've been to several cities…we just came from Malsean but it was much too busy for us."
"Ah, seeking the quiet life. You'll not find that anywhere like you will here in Corelis."
Soren looked around at the very few people on the road greeting each other like family. Such a small and quiet village clearly helped forge the bonds between the citizens.
"The forests around this area are so peaceful and beautiful that we're certain this is where we want to be." Mia stated to which the stranger scratched his chin and looked about.
"Well…down south there is a rather large forest and I'm certain you could find a clearing to set up a good home."
Soren tilted his head "Can we do that?"
The stranger laughed and nodded vigorously "Of course! I don't know where you two are from but Ymarkteg is in the midst of a golden age…we're all at peace and we're all happy. No one will even notice, if anything they'll be happy to get to know some foreigners. I can already tell you two have been through a lot."
"That obvious eh?" Mia spoke with a small giggle.
Soren looked around again before turning to the stranger "Is there someone we should talk to or…"
"Yes, there is an avid carpenter here who manages the upkeep of the buildings and I'm sure constructing a new place is nothing to him, even in the forest. His name is Mikel; I'll take you to meet him."
As the three began walking through Corelis, Soren couldn't help but chuckle "I'm terribly sorry but I haven't even asked for your name."
The stranger turned to them with a smile.
"My name is Kino…I stand here before you all…for one very simple reason."
The Emissaries remained still as Kino watched them, his eyes moving from one to another, analyzing them.
"I'm going to stop you."
Soren clenched his fists tightly "I've been waiting for this moment for far too long…"
Mia put a hand on Soren's shoulder before turning to face Kino.
He now focused on them and let out a heavy sigh "I can see so many emotions written on your faces…but I have no idea what to say to quell or confirm any of your fears."
Ike moved forward as well "I don't know you personally Kino, but after our previous encounter my friends told me everything about you…if everything I've learned is true then nothing you say matters in the grand scheme of things…is that correct?"
Kino scratched his chin and nodded slowly "Yes. If my observations of all of you are correct you could care less about what I have to say about myself…my character…my actions…"
"Fuck you!"
The swordmaster's gaze moved to Mikel who walked past Soren and Mia and took a few steps up the stairs before him.
"You are a twisted monster! Embedding yourselves into our lives like a Good Samaritan! If only I'd known you were the devil incarnate!"
Kino remained silent as Mikel pulled out his axe "Damn the Fell Lord and his actions, in my eyes the bigger monster here…is you, Kino."
Kino moved his gaze back to Soren and Mia "Do you two agree with that?"
At Soren and Mia's silence Kino stood and chuckled "I don't even know what to say right now. To an outsider I'm standing in a room of enemies…people who want to rip me limb from limb. However, from my perspective the people before me…are friends…and friends of friends…"
"What world are you from where you still believe anyone here would consider you a friend? After all that you've had your hand in?" Kino turned to the Elder Sage that also took a few steps forward.
"Night Shade…it's good to see you…"
"My name is Janie and you can go to hell!"
Kino then turned to Eien "The last of the ancient heroes is in this room and I've not even had the decency to bow."
Eien narrowed her eyes as the swordmaster bowed in her direction and spoke again "You have to be the best judge of character…I mean, you did ally yourself with Ushnae and he is the strongest idealistic man I've ever met. Wether you agree or disagree with his desires he'll give everything to achieve them."
Eien nodded slowly "He gave his arm for our original dream...there is nothing he wouldn't do for this one."
Kino sat back down and continued staring at Eien "Tell me, Eien. You have generations of life experience, what do you see when you look at me?"
Eien kept her eyes on the man before her, taking a deep breath she spoke "I see Ushnae. You are clearly driven for this goal and I believe that you had this drive for everything in your life. I understand the dojo in Anondye was a personal desire of yours. To train children in combat…but not to respect the old ways…but rather to prepare them for this…in that you have one massive difference with Ushnae. He lost his way over the course of many generations…I'm almost certain you were always on a self destructive path. Once the Midnight came to light they found you or you found them…either way you were among those who shared your same deep and dark desires…"
Kino blinked slowly as Soren spoke "The Midnight was right…this world gave birth to many vile souls like Qi'No, Lo'Tem, Dalton Pesh, Asai Versha, Hectain…and you…Kino. No rhyme or reason you were just…born this way."
Kino smiled as Soren turned to Ike "The Fell Lord is ahead, I'm certain."
Ike raised an eyebrow "What? You want me to leave you here with this psychopath?"
Mia turned to Ike as well "Boss…we have to take him down…the two of us…you know we have to."
Ike glanced at Soren again as the tactician spoke "Despite my better judgement and personal desires I allowed you to face the Black Knight on your own…twice…"
Ike smiled at the memories and turned to the other Emissaries "The Fell Lord is our primary target…we have to stop whatever it is he is trying to do…Kino knows it, that is why he is here. We can't let the Midnight dictate our actions; we're taking the fight to them on our terms, not theirs."
Wayu, Mikel, Leena, Janie, Eien and Mertre all nodded as Ike turned and put a hand on Soren's shoulder. The two nodded towards each other before Ike turned to Mia.
"Don't worry Boss; we'll be right with you before you know it."
With one last sigh Ike took off, the other Emissaries followed him as Soren pulled out his Arcwind tome, at the same time Mia unsheathed Alondite and Ein'Tosen before looking up to Kino.
The man stood from his throne again and gestured towards the images around him "Magvel. Elibe. Archanea. Three lands home to these magnificent warriors of the blade."
Kino then turned around to the wall behind him; a massive mural covered it with images of more men and woman armed with blades.
"From the humble edge of a Steel Sword or the razor thin finesse of the Mani Katti these men and women cut swathes in history for various reasons…and I've studied their techniques…"
Mia narrowed her eyes "I know most of these…I've studied them as well. If you are smart as you claim you would not compare yourselves to these people, their deeds-"
"Their deeds were legendary…yes…but that was not my interest, my only interest was perfecting my blade as well as perfecting theirs…the precision of the Crimson Flash, the agility of the Blade of Sacea and the brutish power of the original Mercenary. I started with those and expanded beyond any warrior of the blade's imagination…"
"History is history Kino. What matters is what happens now, in this room." Kino looked at Soren again and nodded, reaching to his side he pulled out his blade. The weapon was an icy blue with a chipped end, giving it a quick spin Kino held his free hand out to Soren and Mia.
"Ready?"
Soren and Mia glanced at each other, with a quick nod Soren began whirling up a powerful Arcwind while Mia shot straight for Kino.
The Headmaster took a few steps from his throne and brought his blade up to stop Ein'Tosen. Keeping the blades locked he leapt over Alondite and then flipped over Mia. She turned and swung her silver blade quickly only for it to be caught by Kino's again. Swinging Ein'Tosen at the ground she covered Kino's legs in purple flames. The two separated from each other though Arcwind caught Kino and carried him across the room. Flipping himself amidst the wind's currents he stuck to the wall as opposed to slamming into it.
Looking up he saw more shots of Arcwind coming from Soren, standing quickly he started running along the surface, keeping ahead of the Arcwind attacks as they drilled holes into the chamber walls.
Mia cut him off and landed against the wall in front of him, swinging both blades she released two shockwaves that destroyed the structure before her and forced Kino to leap away.
Soren brought his blade out as Kino landed in front of him and they clashed.
Clenching his teeth Soren felt himself being pushed back as Kino smiled "Are you done?"
Yelling, black flames exploded from Soren's mouth and covered Kino's face. As he stumbled away Mia landed behind him and slashed him with both her blades. Growling, Kino leapt up and hit the ceiling, looking down on the two he spun his blade and continued smiling.
"The Branded Fire that the two of you possess…the Midnight has been studying it for quite some time. Whether they were trying to implement it into a weapon or replicate the very way it exists within you I don't know. What I do know is that they would never be able to crack it…because it isn't a mystery."
Mia launched up as Kino kicked off the ceiling, she was amazed by his speed, easily fending off both of her blades with his one. A savage kick found Mia's chest and she hit the ground as shards of ice impaled the ceiling where Kino once was.
Turning Soren hit the ground with Arcwind, launching himself out of range as Kino's blade swung past where he stood.
"The Branded Fire is a technique all Dragon Branded have access to if they try hard enough…similarly…"
Kino turned to his side as two shockwaves from Mia tore through the ground, heading for him. His blade began to glow fiercely and just as the waves reached him he slashed through them leaving a blue trail in midair as the purple lights faded away.
"What the-"
Soren's eyes widened as the blue light became electricity and started to crackle around Kino and his blade. "Mia! Look out!"
Swinging his weapon a powerful torrent of lightning shot from the end of his blade heading straight for Mia who, thanks to Soren's warning, dodged just in time and rolled across the ground as the attack shot through the wall behind her.
Mia clenched her teeth as she examined her left arm where there was a severe burn.
Kino spun his blade again and with a smile spoke "Raijinken."
As Mia started to stand Kino shot towards her, Soren quickly formed a tornado that crashed against the ground in front of Kino, slowing him down enough for Mia to put more distance between them.
Skidding to a halt the blue lights returned, with a full rotation Kino swung his blade unleashing two threads of electricity, one heading for Mia and one heading for Soren.
As Mia began evading it Soren ran through his gauntlet and brought up a rock wall, a sheet of ice and a wind tunnel. The lightning bolt shattered through the first two and though it wavered in the tunnel it still struck Soren's chest and threw him several feet through the air.
Mia on the other hand made a tight turn allowing the attack to fly by her and crash into the wall. As she turned Kino was in front of her, lifting both blades she stopped Raijinken from reaching her. With a quick spin Kino kicked Mia's legs out from under her then jumped and kicked her in the stomach.
As she hit a wall, black flames exploded around Kino. Jumping above the savage fire he swung towards Soren who threw his blade at the electricity.
The attack held the blade in midair and crackled fiercely before shattering the steel weapon. As Kino landed a powerful gale caught him and pushed him backwards several feet.
Soren landed next to Mia and helped her up "He's much tougher than I thought he'd be." The Archsage commented.
Mia nodded as Soren began healing her arm "I knew he had to be skilled…but this is above anything I imagined…"
As Soren put his staff away he nodded "Indeed, but there are two of us. We'll figure him out and beat him."
Mia smiled at Soren before bringing Ein'Tosen and Alondite up again as Kino dusted himself off.
Raising an eyebrow towards them he asked again "Ready?"
"Watch it!" Helena yelled as a soldier applied an ointment to her arm. It was for healing her wounds but the burning sensation was something she never got used to.
The Captain turned to see Vargas approaching her; he just finished with the bishops and suffice to say:
"You look like shit."
The mute mage nodded with a smile before sitting next to her as Teyron approached as well.
"We've been granted the time we needed and more."
Helena sighed "Istequil. Opstun. Was it worth it?"
"I think so." Teyron stated as his gaze moved to Vassaan "If not for them we would've lost even more men back here…where the battle should never have been."
Helena followed Teyron's gaze to the carts that held as many bodies as could be recovered. Among them were the last knight from Euto, Dent and the Great Knight Wilt. Both died in defense of Queen Talia against two Altar assassins.
"We never even knew their names." Helena turned as Fee'Tal approached "…and the brave men who died, I never had the chance to meet them."
Helena thanked the soldier as he wrapped her arm, bowed and left. "Wilt was an interesting one…he blamed himself for everything he was a part of. He knew nothing of what he was doing; he was just a soldier following orders and Dent…the things that man went through just to die here..."
Fee'Tal crossed her arms before turning to the horizon, the core army managed to move quite a distance while the front lines held the Midnight Horde at bay.
She then glanced at the black sky above; the unnatural night was going to continue until they won or forever if they should fail.
"Cover!" Teiaya roared as a wave of blood hit the earth before him. The Edge Sorceror quickly leapt away as the ground exploded behind him. Reacting quickly Ranulf and Leah shot through the smoke towards Gashuuka, backed by Rhys' light magic.
The Berserker Lord smacked the light away as Leah's blade left a massive scratch against his armor. Ranulf slammed into the bigger man's leg, claws digging in but the monster ignored the two and swung his axe at the still approaching Emissaries.
Another explosion caused them to scatter though this time Titania rode through the smoke her axe was caught by Helswath and she was pulled from her mount and swung about before being slammed into the ground. Screeching, Tyse landed on Gashuuka's back and dug his claws into the man's armor. With a powerful heave he tore off a section of the armor on Gashuuka's back. The vampire's left wing was then grabbed by Gashuuka and he was swung about before being thrown into Ranulf who was charging in again.
As the two fell aside Rhys and Cadeera's light magic crashed into Gashuuka. Laughing the Berserker Lord launched into the air and landed near Rhys and Cadeera, the ground buckled beneath them and they fell aside as Helswath came up.
Leah rolled over and held his blades up as Helswath came down on him, the force pushed him into the earth below and he felt intense pressure in all of his bones.
As the axe came up again more light magic hit Gashuuka followed by Teiaya leaping at the large man and slicing through his armor, all while Leah struggled to exit the human shaped crater he was now in. "Damn it…"
A short distance away six arrows collided in midair as Shinon and Telray continued to fire on one another. The marksman glanced at his allies and nodded "Go now!"
Loading five arrows into Gore Eye he released them all with Uhnie, Zey'Yu and Heather running below them. Seeing this Telray dodged the five arrows and aimed at the three oncoming women. As he fired a shield came up and caught two of his arrows.
Michalis shot down and Kay'Shera's lance struck Telray's shoulder. As the man took a few steps back Nephenee emerged from behind her shield and launched Wishblade. The weapon hit the ground near Telray as he moved aside again. Nephenee quickly yanked back on a thin wire, pulling the weapon towards her as Uhnie, Zey'Yu and Heather reached Telray, six knives flashing quickly.
Spinning his bow Telray fought off as many weapons as he could, one knife stuck into his arm as he rolled aside. Cursing he swung his arm forming a dozen ethereal arrows "Fire!"
The magical bolts shot forth and cut through the three women as they dove for cover.
Mist rode by swinging her blade, Telray dodged the attack easily only to dodge into Shinon's range as he fired four more arrows. Three caught Telray in the side and caused him to roar.
"None of you are going to like what comes next!"
Purple cape flourishing as his savage spin continues, Meltraitis easily deflected all of Rolf, Boyd and Oscar's arrows. As the assault finished he launched towards Boyd, Gungnir slicing through the air before striking at the earth below. Boyd clumsily fell back as Oscar charged forward. Meltraitis spun back and caught Oscar's lance with his hand before ripping it from Oscar's hands.
Turning quickly he stabbed the weapon into Boyd then kicked the brother away as Rolf yelled and fired several arrows towards the Spear Lord. "Whirl!" Spinning Gungnir he deflected the arrows again before turning to stop Rhogam's massive Quetzal Cleaver. The weapon let loose a few shocks as it struck Gungnir.
Rhogam looked up to Meltraitis, the tall man's face was was obscured by a blue helmet but Rhogam could see Meltraitis wide blue and green eyes. "Begone!"
Meltraitis launched his knee into Rhogam's stomach then grabbed the man by the neck. As he lifted him Tyazaer rode in and stopped Gungnir with her lance. Meltraitis then swung the Reaver into Tyazaer, throwing the Paladin off her mount and into the ground.
As she kicked Rhogam off Meltraitis shot towards her, Gungnir impaled the ground as she rolled away only for Meltraitis' free hand to grab her hair and pull her back "You aren't getting away!"
"Back at ya bitch!" Meltraitis looked down as a spear tore through his body, the same one he impaled the loud brother with.
Turning Meltraitis caught Boyd's axe to his helmet, twisting the protective gear and causing him to stumble aside.
"Now! Brothers Triangle Arrow!" The three Brothers once again fired all their arrows at Meltraitis, ripping holes in the man's purple cape and sinking into his armor as he fixed his helmet.
Raoring, Rhogam landed behind his foe and buried the Quetzal Cleaver in the Spear Lord's back.
Meltraitis turned and swung Gungnir, cutting through Rhogam before turning and throwing his weapon at the Brothers. As it neared them it flashed and blinded the three before impaling Oscar, causing him to fall of his horse.
As the weapon flew back to Meltraitis' hands he turned to see Tyazaer approaching him with her blade.
Preparing his weapon he growled "What does it take to keep you from standing back up!?"
"Death!" Tyazaer cried as she swung her weapon towards Meltraitis.
"We're ready, my Queen."
Talia nodded to Eyre "Excellent…the Midnight forces are getting far too close for comfort."
"My Pegasus Knights, Ro'Hozak's Roc Knights and the Pozem Griffons control the skies; we won't be forced to retreat this time."
Talia sighed "Good…what of the cannons? Who will control that division?"
"I will."
The pair turned as Vassaan approached "We can't afford to pull Helena, Teyron or Vargas from their commanding positions now. With the assassins dead I'm free…if you'll let me, my Queen."
Talia looked to the army before her, all ready to move then back to Vassaan "Very well, let the captains over there know this is an order from me and prepare to open fire when the enemy gets in range."
Vassaan bowed and took off as Talia turned her attention back to Eyre "How goes the care for the wounded soldiers?"
"Fistivus and Lune are keeping them well-fed and rested; several are demanding re-entry into the battle. I've told them only you can decide if that should even be allowed."
Talia breathed heavily "On this, I'm not so sure…we could use more soldiers but they've escaped death once…it won't happen again."
Eyre nodded "I agree, I'll tell them they've done their duty. Everyone should want to get back to their family…"
Talia looked up as Eyre continued "If the Midnight wins we won't have anyone but I just know…I know that we are going to triumph here."
The Queen couldn't help but smile and nod "We will…"
Talia then thought of something else and scolded herself for even forgetting "Soren, Mia, the Emissaries. Do you have any report on how they fare?"
Eyre took out her scroll and glanced through it quickly "Yes, there is a small note from an advanced squad that flew high above the Bastion's front plaza. At least a dozen members of the Emissaries are engaged in combat with what looks like three Midnight commanders…two are relatively unfamiliar but one looks like…wait, this can't be right."
Talia tilted her head as Eyre continued "The report says one looks like Gashuuka Anondye."
Talia's eyes widened "Gashuuka…then the Midnight not only succeeded in reviving the old warlords but they've sent them into battle…they truly have the hardest job out of all of us, we need to pull out weight. Give the forces the final warning, we engage again soon."
Bowing Eyre turned and mounted her Pegasus as Talia sat down again. "This battle has gone on far too long."
Screaming, Mia's blades collided with Raijinken. A flurry of flames shot out from Mia's weapons while an electrical storm surged from Kino. Both man and woman refused to back down as the flames burned all around and the electrical bolts branched off and destroyed the chamber around them.
Mia took this time to look into Kino's eyes, searching for anything to confirm her suspicions. Kino turned his head quickly as two torrents of wind approached from behind. "He wouldn't!"
The attack engulfed both Kino and Mia, picking them up and tossing them fiercely. Mia kicked her legs out and released a short burst of flames, propelling herself in the opposite direction. She landed into a roll and came up on her feet as Kino crashed against a pillar, taking the structure down with him.
Soren then whirled about and launched three tendrils of whirling gales as Mia moved next to him with several cuts. "That was an experience."
Soren glanced at her "You're alright?"
Smiling she nodded "Of course, I suggested the attack."
Before Soren could retort Kino swung his blade, shattering the wind spells and unleashing four electrical currents. Mia shot several waves towards them before following Soren and moving aside. The attacks were ripped up by the electrical currents as they all turned and began their pursuit of the couple.
As Kino watched his blade flared again and the air around him began to crackle. Inhaling deeply he whispered and held his blade up.
"Now!" Soren and Mia dove aside, the four currents shot straight for Kino, the man pointed his blade at them and the bolts redirected into his blade causing it to change its color from blue to white. Soren also noticed Kino's eyes change to white and the whites changed to black, just like the revived students the Emissaries encountered before.
"So much for that…" Mia stated as she prepared her blades again.
Soren stood as Kino began walking towards them, electricity crackling around him "Trying to strike me with my own attack. I saw that coming from miles away…unwise."
Soren released a surge of branded fire towards Kino but the attack evaporated as it reached the electrical cloud around the swordmaster. Noticing Mia prepare to charge Soren held up his hand and whispered "Not a good idea."
The pair moved back slowly as Kino came to a stop "Shocker Break." Swinging his blade at a blinding speed unleashed a brilliant white wave across the room. The attack was concentrated lightning and Soren responded quickly by moving in front of Mia and unleashing Rexbolt against it.
The electrical attacks collided but after a few moments of constant sparks and flash, Kino's attack broke through Soren's and slammed against the pair. They found themselves slamming through a pillar each and finally through a wall into opposite rooms.
Groaning, Mia stood up slowly and looked to the hole she came through, Kino returned to his normal state but was watching her intently.
"Come and get me you son of a bitch!" Kino shot towards her in that moment and Raijinken began crashing against Alondite and Ein'Tosen once again. Sparks from flames and electrical surges danced across the floor as the pair moved around slowly compared to the insane speeds of their blades.
Mia clenched her teeth as her blades caught Raijinken. "I've fought against many renowed swordsmen and women…I've trained with Boss personally…yet this speed is unlike anything I've seen before…nothing comes close. What can I do to give me an edge?"
She noticed Kino's eyes flash and leapt away as Raijinken released an electrical surge around him. Spinning his blade he launched at her again.
"Coward!" The axe of the Pozem King crashed into the ground, easily dodged by Peltzm'Jakq who then turned and spun his daggers to deflect Re'Zin's knives.
As Hrodath pursued him he continued to evade and kill the stray Pozem soldiers that would launch to the King's defense.
"Stay back my men! Don't get yourselves killed by this fool!"
Peltzm'Jakq smirked as he leapt over the King and axe, Re'Zin tackled him but found his arm was caught by Peltzm'Jakq. Pulling the nomad along Peltzm'Jakq released him and spun around, his blade striking the King's axe and burying it in the ground.
Three quick slashes from Peltzm'Jakq cut across Hrodath's chest before the Trueblade leapt and kicked him in the head.
Standing again Re'Zin charged forward, as Peltzm'Jakq evaded his attacks he sighed "Were you even thinking what would happen when you got here? Did you really believe that you could kill me?"
As Re'Zin prepared to speak Peltzm'Jakq grabbed his right arm "Did you believe you could kill me!?"
Raising his knee he slammed Re'Zin's arm down and snapped the bones in half. Screaming the nomad fell to the ground gripping his newly broken arm.
Coughing Hrodath surged forward again, his weapon easily blown aside by the Trueblade's black blade. "The answer is always no. I've never fallen in battle before and I don't intend to start now."
As blade and axe clashed again the King spat "You've never lost? Then how do you explain your eye? What lucky bastard feathered you?"
Peltzm'Jakq's good eye flared and he roared as he pulled out his second blade and severed the King's left arm. The King stumbled and fell back as his arm; still gripping his axe hit the ground.
Sneering, Peltzm'Jakq raised his blades "Good bye!"
Groaning, Zihark fell to the snow, a savage knee to the stomach was the cause of his current pains. Cursing he turned to see Orkra bring her weapons down on nothing as Duke leapt into the air and spun about, his leg catching Orkra in the face and sending her to the snow near Zihark.
"Two of you is all I get? It's better than nothing but severely disappointing."
Standing Zihark spat "Two is all we need."
Duke laughed "Really? Who has been hitting the snow this whole time?"
Roaring, Zihark shot forward, his blades being quickly grabbed and controlled by Duke. The Trueblade from Daein was surprised at his foe's efficiency especially considering his lack of weapons. However, having been struck by the man's fists, legs and knees he decided that Duke himself was the weapon.
Breaking away Zihark continued to breathe heavily "If so, how do I beat you?"
Duke laughed "You don't! I didn't remain hidden this long to just die the first time I was challenged!"
The evil man's laughter was cut short as an axe buried itself into his shoulder, turning Duke caught Orkra's blade giving Zihark the chance to move in and stab the man from behind. Duke stared at Orkra's all-seeing eye and nodded slowly "I hope you are more of a challenge than this foreigner."
Using his free arm he struck Orkra's shield with an open palm, pushing her across the snow before turning around and grabbing Zihark by the throat "This blade in me…I think its yours."
Duke brought Zihark to him, running the man through the blade sticking out of him.
"No!" Orkra screamed, picking up her blade and launching forward as Duke tossed Zihark aside and tore the weapons out of his body. Using one free hand he caught Orkra's blade then punched her in the chest with his other arm.
As she swung again she felt his blows against her and struggled to maintain focus "I have to watch him…the speed of his blows…the way he moves his body…I can create a routine out of him, learn his arts and counter them…if I can just-"
The Froghul fell to her knees and coughed up blood as Duke's fist collided with her back. "The two of you are very determined I'll give you that…but you are fighting for all the wrong reasons."
Orkra glanced to her side and saw Zihark fallen to the snow gripping his wound which stained his entire lower abdomen.
Standing Orkra faced Duke again who rolled his eyes "Alright then, this time I'll just go ahead and kill you."
Orkra moved aside quickly, dodging Duke's first fist before bringing up her shield to stop his second, as his first came back it grabbed her shield. Seeing this she unlatched it quickly allowing Duke to toss it away harmlessly before grabbing his oncoming fist. Duke raised an eyebrow as his free hand came for her face; bending back the fist flew right over her nose as she moved her blade forward.
"What!?" Duke looked down to see Orkra's blade in his lower side, taking advantage of his shock she kicked him away and moved to Zihark's side.
The Trueblade coughed "What is it…with us…having to…treat such grievous…injuries…"
"It's our thing, wouldn't have it any other way." The Froghul commented as she pulled out an elixir and applied to his wound.
"Heh…nice job making…light of the…situation…"
Feeling something Orkra stood and brought her arms up to catch her shield just before it slammed into her. Screaming, Duke's fist tore through the shield and into Orkra's chest again.
Surprised by the brute force Orkra felt herself get carried away several feet before slamming into the remains of a Regalshin cannon.
Duke smiled as Orkra fell over before turning to see Zihark on the ground "Dissapointing."
"Are you done?"
"…"
"Is this really it for you? I must say I'm…disappointed in you."
"…"
"Are you even listening? I'm reprimanding you!"
"Who…are you…"
"Really? After hearing my voice so many times…I don't believe you were hit that hard, stand up, come on!"
Blinking several times Soren stood, he felt his body racked with pain and examined himself.
"Ribs…"
One hand came to his head and he found a large cut across the left side of his head, barely missing his eye.
As he started to stand he clenched his teeth and sat down again "Leg…"
He then looked up to see Ashnard standing before him.
"I assume you being here means Gorm is-"
"Dead, yes. I killed him, brutally as would be expected. He's in two pieces in the snow out back in case you wanted to know but that isn't what's important now is it?"
Soren thought for half a second then tried to stand again only to fall back and lean against a wall "Mia."
Ashnard turned and Soren noticed the wyvern was there as well. With his vision back to full Soren also realized that Ashnard's skin seemed to be cracking and what looked like ash was coming out of the Mad King.
"What happened to you?"
"Times up. It was not I who was brought back, remember? Three bodies using one body…bound to happen sooner or later."
Soren slid down the wall and fell to his knees "What do you want?"
Sighing Ashnard turned to face Soren "I wanted blood and I got it when I killed Gorm. What is important is that we establish what you want. So tell me, Soren…what do you want?"
Hanging above a pristine library, a chandelier swayed as impacts rung out elsewhere in the Bastion. However, the piece was then thrown around frantically as Mia and Kino tore through a wall, flames and electricity flaring. The chandelier fell to the floor as flames from Mia cut through the air and burned clean through several bookshelves.
Flipping over one Kino unleashed several electrical currents that burrowed through more shelves and the floor below.
Launching at the Headmaster, Mia's blades collided with Raijinken again as the electrical currents reentered the room and headed for Mia.
Bringing her knee up she struck Kino and leapt away as the bolts struck him. Cursing Mia swung her blades covering Kino in Branded Fire and power energy waves. Raising his blade Kino smiled "Shocker Break!"
With a powerful swing a perfectly vertical wave shot forward, slicing clean through everything in its path. Mia rolled aside as it passed by her harmlessly and looked to the Headmaster again.
"You won't beat me, Mia."
"Your abilities mean nothing Kino. My friends and I fought for what we knew was right and won against impossible odds time and time again. This is just another such occasion."
Kino smiled and shot towards her, his blade meeting with Alondite. Mia swung Ein'Tosen away from Kino, unleashing purple flames. As Kino pushed her back, she gestured with her blade and the flames circled around Kino and stuck to his back.
The Headmaster seemed to ignore the flames eating away at him from behind and continued to push Mia even as Ein'Tosen joined Alondite to guard her.
"To be honest, there are far too many things I want…not just victory right now but…for me personally…"
Ashnard crossed his arms "I was within your consciesness for a long time Soren…I know what you want but you have to admit it to yourself…all the victories against dark gods and crazed men will not grant you the solace in life you seek. Especially in your long life as a Dragon Branded…so tell me, admit to me as your conscience mind, admit to yourself…what do you want?"
Two currents from Raijinken shot out and struck Mia's arms, burning her before Kino spun and performed a powerful swing, knocking Alondite out of Mia's grip as she stumbled back.
Kino raised his blade as Mia's raised her arm to stop it.
"I want…Mia…to be…"
Kino smiled as his blade struck Mia, however the impact was different from what he expected. Looking down he saw that Raijinken had come into contact with Mia's arm yet it didn't pierce her skin, cut through or draw any blood.
Mia looked down in surprise as well; she then saw the skin around his blade had become hard, scaly and purple.
Taking advantage of the brief moment Mia launched forward and slashed through Kino as he leapt and cleared the room, landing as far away from Mia as possible.
Mia picked up Alondite and looked at her arms just as Kino shook his head, both asking "What was that?"
"Daein…you've served me well…you are now free."
The wyvern stared at Ashnard for a few moments, after a few blinks it roared and turned around, bounding for a nearby hole in the wall and soaring out of the Bastion and away from Numengate.
Ashnard turned to Soren as his body faded to gray "Remember this Soren. Ashnard never held any love for you. His only desire was to have a powerful weapon he could command…not a son…live your life free of the ghost from the past…"
Soren remained silent as the man before him dissolved into dust. Shining brightly in the absence of the Mad King was his own weapon, Gurgurant.
Treating his leg injury as quickly and efficiently as possible Soren walked over to Gurgurant and gripped its hilt. He realized that the blade was immensely heavy.
Focusing he breathed in, his arms growing dark and an aura surrounding them. With one massive heave he tore Gurgurant from the floor and now held it above him.
"Flee! Flee you bugs! You are not worth my attention!" Gashuuka roared as he swung Helswath, striking Ranulf and sending the cat to the ground with massive force.
Gashuuka turned as a Shine spell crashed against his back and gave a wide swing in Rhys' direction, unleashing the explosive blood from Helswath.
Titania rode by and picked up Rhys as Tyse shot into Gashuuka and began sinking his claws into the man's armor. Smirking, the Berserker Lord grabbed Tyse and spun him about before throwing him towards the Bastion. Cadeera came to the collapsed Tyse's side to see that he was holding a fragment of Gashuuka's armor "No better time than now."
Bringing out a tome she let loose a stream of light towards Gashuuka as the massive man swung his axe and struck Teiaya. The Edge Sorcerer shut one eye as warm blood dripped over it and looked up to see Gashuuka's annoyed face as a light spell hit his back. Sheathing his blades quickly Teiaya fired a dark spell into the man's exposed chest. Yelling, Gashuuka swung Helswath again, picking up Teiaya and tossing him elsewhere.
Titania came to a stop near Ranulf and let Rhys go, the Saint got to work healing the Laguz as Teiaya flew by them and slammed into a ruined pillar.
"He's just tossing us aside like we aren't even here." Titania commented.
Ranulf coughed and nodded "We've got to think of something before-"
A massive explosion was followed by Tyse crashing near them, looking to Gashuuka, Titania saw Cadeera riding around him unleashing frequent light spells and avoiding the massive axe, all the while Leah was in front of Gashuuka attempting to slash through the man's heavy armor.
"I've got to get in there, get these guys in fighting shape."
As Titania took off Rhys nodded "You'll be all set soon, Ranulf."
"I'd worry about Tyse."
The Saint turned around to see Tyse standing and before he could order him to sit back down the vampire took off towards Gashuuka.
Kino moved aside quickly as Mia landed where he stood, however she now traveled with so much force she tore through the ground and caused a wide area around her to explode. As the Headmaster turned around he swung and leashed four electrical currents.
Mia emerged from the hole and held her arms up, each attack crashed against her skin and burned away.
Kicking off the ground she cleared the gap between her and Kino at a speed even Kino couldn't believe then punched him in the face with a hardened fist. The blow buried him in a wall and left him dazed. As he tried to rip free from it Mia appeared and stabbed him in the chest with Alondite. As she spun Ein'Tosen, Kino yelled causing an electrical burst; Mia shielded herself from the attack and the debris as the wall crumbled around Kino.
Pulling the blade out he leapt away only for Mia to pursue him "How!?" He yelled before swinging his blade unleashed several more electrical currents.
Sheathing her blades quickly Mia hardened her fists again and punched through the bolts before reaching Kino. Grabbing him by the throat she fell to the ground and spun, throwing him through a row of over a dozen bookshelves before he smashed through a wall and rolled across the floor of the adjacent room.
Mia examined herself "What ever this is, it chose the best possible time to surface."
Standing Kino reeled back and grabbed a nearby table to keep himself standing upright.
Hearing footsteps he turned to see Mia approaching "How did you keep these abilities hidden from me this whole time? I've been studying you and Soren…I know all that you are capable of, this shouldn't be possible!"
Mia smirked "Clearly you don't know everything so allow me to ask this."
Pulling out both her blades and giving them a quick spin she narrowed her eyes "Are you ready?"
"Stop aiming at us! Asshole!" Michalis screeched as it swerved through the dark skies above. Zey'Yu was frantically swinging her knives around, deflecting the arrows coming from Telray. The roc already took a few and even Kay'Shera had one in her shoulder.
"What is our team doing down there?"
Below, Yewfelle's power was interfering with the rest of the group as orbs of light appeared around Telray and shot off towards the rest of the Emissaries.
Nephenee brought her shield up but as the bolts continued to crash against it she was pushed back to the ground. Uhnie attempt to guard Shinon but the arrows of light struck her knives with too much force, causing her to loose several.
Shinon instead took the front line and unleashed Gore Eye's dark arrows to counter Yewfelle's. "You have to get in close Uhnie, take Heather and Mist with you…she'll use her magic to break through the light arrows and you two get Telray off of Kay'Shera and Zey'Yu."
Nodding Uhnie took off and signaled Heather and Mist. Light arrows tore into the earth before her and traveled underground, attempting to strike from below.
Heather and Uhnie used their speed and reflexes to jump out of the way as the arrows tore out of the earth while Mist formed a wall of light, catching several arrows and breaking apart the magic.
Seeing this, Telray stopped attacking the roc above and shot forward. Using Yewfelle he caught Uhnie's knives and disarmed her as Heather struck from behind, one knife buried into Telray before he swung about and struck Heather across the face with Yewfelle. Mist got in close and swung her blade; a red beam traveled through the air and hit Telray. As he shook himself Mist rode past him and sent a Shine spell into the Snipe Master's face.
Blinded temporarily he swung about, unleashing dozens of light arrows. Struggling to get his vision back, Shinon sprung up and fired as many arrows from Gore Eye as possible while Nephenee threw Wishblade. The spear cut through several arrows before impaling Telray's right leg.
Yelling the Snipe Master tried to grab it only for Nephenee to pull it back to her.
"Revenge!" Telray turned as Michalis crashed into him and stomped him to the ground. Lifting off, Zey'Yu jumped off of the roc and stabbed Telray while he lay on the ground.
Standing Telray took several arrows from Gore Eye to the back as Zey'Yu prepared to engage him again.
At that moment over fifty lights tore out of the ground around the Emissaries.
"I hope you are all faster than you think you are…"
Waving his arm the lights began shooting across the field causing Shinon, Nephenee, Zey'Yu and Mist to fall back and avoid them.
Heather got up slowly and saw Telray laughing "You aren't in the clear yet!"
Turning the Snipe Master drew back on his bow as Uhnie launched up and buried her knives into his shoulders.
"I failed…I…I don't even know why I hoped I would succeed…"
Smiling Re'Zin continued to look up at the dark sky above him "I'm such a fool."
Hearing footsteps he noticed a somewhat familiar man walk past him.
"You…aren't you-"
Peltzm'Jakq turned as the new man came to a stop "Oh? Have you come to protect the King? Too late I'm afraid…in case you couldn't tell from the body behind me-"
"I was contracted to kill you. That is all."
Peltzm'Jakq couldn't help but grin before letting out a few chuckles "Very well, I'll humor you."
The man pulled out a knife and spun it quickly "Peshkatz."
He then took out a decorated dagger "Baselard."
Sheathing the weapons he pointed at himself "I am Volke, the Fireman…you are my current contract and I never fail to complete any of my assignments."
Peltzm'Jakq nodded slowly "My blades are Night and Curse, not as fancy but they get the job done. I am the Master of the Altar, Peltzm'Jakq. So, Volke…let's go."
Volke pulled out Baselard and assumed his stance, low to the ground before speaking "Goodbye, Peltzm'Jakq."
Another wall exploded and debris rolled across the ground as Kino hit the floor. Standing quickly he swung his blade again only to have it stopped by Alondite and Ein'Tosen.
Clenching his teeth Kino tried to push through Mia's guard as he has done before only to find it impossible.
Smiling Mia broke his guard and kneed him in the gut before spinning and slashing through him with both of her blades.
Kino took a few steps back before spinning Raijinken "I'm done with this!"
Stabbing his blade into the ground several electrical bolts charged out, however they did not head for Mia, instead they doubled back and hit Kino, causing him to glow white again with powerful crackles all around him.
"This time…you won't escape! Shocker Break!"
Swinging his blade the brilliant white wave shot out from Kino's Raijinken into Mia, dragging her across the room, through a wall, then another then three more before she was freed from the attack and rolled across the ground, struggling to breathe and clutching her chest.
Kino cursed as he saw her starting to stand "That should have killed you!"
Raising his blade, Kino felt something cut through him, looking down his brown coat was shredded and his lower abdomen was stained red. Looking up Kino saw Soren standing next to Mia with a massive blade in his hands.
Clutching the wound Kino cursed again as Soren helped Mia stand up. "Is…is that Gurgurant?"
Soren nodded slowly "Everything you are thinking right now is true."
Mia wasn't sure if she should be happy or not but seeing Kino still standing she knew there was no time to ask questions.
"I'm ready, Soren."
The tactician nodded "I know you are Mia, so am I."
Kino ignited himself again and charged forward as Mia and Soren raised their blades and moved towards the swordmaster.
Rhogam grunted as Meltraitis' tackled him to the ground. The heavily armored man spun about and rotated Gungnir, deflecting more of the Brothers' arrows as Tyazaer rode in close. Blade and lance met before the Spear Lord jumped over her horse and threw Gungnir towards the brothers.
Upon landing the lance flashed, causing the three to cover their eyes. Meltraitis covered the distance and slashed through Rolf and Boyd with Gungnir before leaping and bringing his knee into Oscar's face, throwing the Silver Knight off of his mount again.
As Tyazaer turned on Alysia, Rhogam pulled out his bow and arrow and started firing on Meltraitis' position. The man swiftly avoided the shots and began bounding towards the pair.
Throwing his bow to the ground, Rhogam roared and charged forward, the two slammed into each other with massive force though Rhogam felt intense pain as Meltraitis began pushing him back.
"You aren't nearly as strong as I am, Froghul. Realize this before I end your life!"
Rhogam smirked despite the pain "I know I'm not as strong, that is why I have allies!"
Tyazaer thrusted her spear through Meltraitis' left leg as Boyd jumped and buried his axe into the center of the Spear Lord's back.
Groaning with rage Meltraitis spun about, knocking the three Emissaries back and leaving himself open as an arrow from Rolf struck his armored collar.
Meltraitis shot forward and realized with the leg injury he was not at full speed. Rolf barely dodged aside as he came to a stop. Oscar, now on foot, swung his lance only for Meltraitis to jump away though the man's purple cape was now in tatters.
"Strong as you all are together, you won't win this!"
Spinning Gungnir fiercely, he launched it at the Emissaries, the weapon cut through Rolf and Oscar before turning back and striking Tyazaer, throwing her off of her mount like Oscar before her. The Silver Knight rolled under the spear as it passed by him and returned to Meltraitis hand.
Hearing something the Spear Lord turned just as Rhogam jumped and swung his Quetzal Cleaver with all his force, twisting and breaking Meltraitis' helmet.
Seeing the rear of the Bastion crumble away, Duke smiled before floating higher into the air and turning to face the army.
"I am your King…Gaelon…though I prefer to go by only Duke. You are my sword and my subordinates! You will follow my commands or die!"
Most of the army looked to each other in question until a few stepped forward and raised their weapons "You deceived us! I saw you kill those men who were going to protect you! You are not our King!"
Swinging his arm, Duke froze and shattered them "I'll kill as many of you as I want…it doesn't bother me but what of your families back in Regalshin? Serve me and we will return to them, stand against me and you will all die, never to see them again!"
"Don't listen to him!"
The soldiers turned as Queen Iseil moved through them "He is not the man you all once believe him to be! He is an agent of destruction, in league with the Altar! All he wants is domination over our world! We won't give it to him!"
Duke laughed "You've all lived in 'domination' since I became King! Tell me, did you all feel like you were being ruled by a dictator? Forced to do things against your will?"
Iseil turned as confusion filled the ranks of the Regalshin army. Several questioned the murders they witnessed, others thought of the Altar and still others realized that he was in power the whole time.
"What does a bunch of assassins hope to gain from ruling the whole of Ymarkteg?" A man asked.
Duke smiled "The assassins won't rule, I am part of something called the Royal Ring, all of us in the Royal Ring know how to rule, we've been doing it for many lifetimes, I have Regalshin's best interest at heart. This war was started by the Midnight; the Royal Ring never brought direct harm to the populaces we intended to rule. Once we win this war we only seek to consolidate our rule for true peace so this will not happen again!"
Iseil felt her heart drop as any naysayers were being drowned out by many who were beginning to see it the Duke's way.
"Does anyone here have any proof that I've done anything wrong? That the Royal Ring has done anything wrong? Trust yourselves, you'll all live in a safer Ymarkteg with us at the helm and all we need to do is wipe out the Midnight."
"Don't listen to him!"
Duke turned to see Orkra approaching with Zihark close behind "We know what your true goal is…Duke…"
"Oh really? Well I just told everyone here what it was! How could you prove it?"
Orkra turned to the army around her "I know many of you have placed trust in me before…what I ask is on an entirely different level. Duke has remained hidden for generations as the Royal Ring was biding its time. They only seek one thing: subjugation of all life."
Zihark turned "I'm not of your country though I've lived in it for a few years now. I see the power of your people, your individuality! You are a strong and unique people even on Ymarkteg! It is a common thread that many believe the following: Anondye crafts those who bring life, Sarhara crafts those who maintain its secrecies, Pozem crafts those who work to continue it, and Numengate stands as those who may understand life more than any other…that leaves us to believe that Regalshin only crafts those who take lives. We have a powerful army, powerful fortifications if any war should come to us, even nature itself shields Regalshin with the Umbarran Range. However I know that Regalshin is a place that crafts people not to take life but to make life stronger…for everyone, the only nation that can affect all others without actually trying to do so."
As the army fell silent Duke smirked "Pretty words do nothing for you foreigner."
Orkra raised her blade "They aren't just words…you know that because the Royal Ring seeks to stop that kind of thing! You don't want individuality or life to maintain itself, you want control. You want that which is to be never spoken of…that which no one should ever have…you want FATE."
Duke clenched his teeth as the storm around the army flared up "We are FATE! We are FATE's pieces! FATE is ours! Everything is ours!"
"If you believe that, then you aren't just mad…you're delusional and sorely mistaken!"
Duke roared and shot down; crashing into the earth the snow around him whirled up, picking up Zihark, Orkra, countless guards and several cannons before sending them off in random directions.
Seeing Zihark land on his feet Duke shot for him and grabbed his sword arm "I gave them a chance to see it my way…now I see I wouldn't want to rule these people in any scenario…when I'm done with you, I'm destroying Regalshin!"
Turning Duke used his free hand to stop Orkra's blade as the Froghul spoke "You aren't leaving this battlefield!"
Blinding white lights flashed as Kino swung his blade around, the white aura trailed after it and several stray bolts shot out every once in a while, destroying several rooms of the Bastion.
Soren and Mia dodged the attacks, guarded themselves with their blades and continued to move in as Kino struggled to keep them back.
"How are you both standing up to my lightning!? Where did this power come from!?"
Raijinken crashed into Gurgurant releasing a massive spark as Kino and Soren glared at each other past their blades.
"Even if we tried to explain it to you, someone who has turned his back on life and individuality would never understand."
Kino roared and broke away from Soren "Shock Breaker!"
Stabbing Gurgurant into the ground Soren braced himself, the white wave crashed against him and he felt himself begin to drag across the floor.
Kino cursed and shot forward to strike Soren only for Mia to kick him in the side. As she flipped through the air Alondite cut through Kino and Ein'Tosen covered the floor in purple flames.
"Shock Breaker!" Kino swung at Mia who shot purple flames into the ground, catapulting herself into the air and through a hole in the ceiling, out of the white wave's range.
Soren swung Gugurant releasing a yellow shockwave covered in black flames. The attack struck Kino and dazed him allowing Mia to crash through the ceiling and land in front of him, both blades cutting through the Headmaster.
As he swung blindly Mia rolled away and Soren leapt in, stabbing Kino with the mighty Gurgurant. The air crackled around Kino as his white eyes found Soren "This isn't over."
Unleashing the white energy Soren found himself crashing through a few walls and rolling across yet another floor.
Soren turned as Gurgurant was thrown at him, the blade skidded across the floor as Kino emerged from the hole in the wall, Mia enetered the room from a different side and ran next to Soren "Are you alright?"
Picking up Gurgurant he nodded as Kino swung his blade "You two continue to test me…it's impressive but futile."
Kino's blade changed from light blue to white, the hilt from blue to black, his eyes to white and this time his hair to white as well.
"Farewell…"
Holding his blade forward a bright white light began to give off electrical currents.
Soren was about to command Mia to avoid it when Kino yelled "Komaru Flash!"
The white light engulfed the entire chamber and Soren felt a crushing force slam against him. He lost all control off his body and was flying through the air, disoriented he couldn't tell the difference between small crashes and large ones, he didn't know if he was hitting pillars or slamming through walls but what he could make out was endless white.
"Just ask him."
"I don't want to sound desperate…or like I'm taking advantage of him, he's been a good friend to us!"
Soren nodded "Yes he has, but this is what you want, right Mia?"
She sighed as Soren entered Kino's Dojo with her close behind.
"Hey Mia!"
She turned to see Lyle and waved at him "Good morning Lyle."
"Soren. Mia. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
The two came to a stop as Kino walked towards them. Soren glanced at Mia who turned to him, he nodded slowly and she looked back at Kino "Well…I was wondering…if you…needed an extra instructor."
Kino smiled "Ah, I see, you're worried that I'd find this offensive in some regard."
"Something like that." Mia stated with a nervous smile.
"Well, I don't, in fact I was considering asking you. I knew from the stories I heard that you are a peerless Lady of Blades and I would be honored to have you teaching at my dojo."
Mia laughed "I'm not-"
Soren smiled "Mia, no need to be modest, you are fantastic with your blade. Definitely the best swordswoman I know."
"You aren't exactly an unbiased party."
Soren leaned over and kissed her cheek before turning to Kino "So, what do you say?"
Slowly opening her eyes, Mia noticed everything was still fuzzy. After a few seconds she realized she was looking up at the ceiling above. Groaning she sat up and examined her surroundings, instantly recognizing where she was.
The chamber was in terrible shape but as she turned and saw a large ornate picture she sighed. Though it was damaged she was still able to make out the title granted to the woman in the picture 'Blade of Sacae'.
"This is where we started…"
Standing she stumbled a bit, still dazed and in pain. Examining herself she saw her bare skin was covered in burns and her orange cloak was in tatters. She then noticed Alondite and Ein'Tosen on the ground a few feet away.
"Did you all have to deal with fights like these?"
She sighed before examining the pictures of the 'Crimson Flash' and the 'Mercenary'.
Hearing footsteps she turned to see Kino enter the room, dragging Soren behind him.
"Mia…I see you survived."
"Kino! Let Soren go!"
The man shook his head "I'm afraid I can't do that…you see…I have been tasked with one simple goal. Kill as many of you as I can. However I firmly believe that the Fell Lord will be content with you and Soren being out of his way."
Mia clenched her fists tightly as Kino threw the tactician to the ground before him and gave a quick spin to Raijinken. "This battle has taught me something I didn't expect…something I blindly overlooked. Neither of you are to be taken lightly in any regard."
Mia's eyes fell to Alondite and Ein'Tosen before looking up at Kino again "You should've known that from what we've been doing to the Midnight this whole time. Attack after attack failed and commander after commander fell before us. Did you really think it wise to underestimate Soren and I of all people? Surely you can't be that dense!"
Kino nodded slowly "Indeed. I believed I had nothing to fear from Soren's blade as I knew I was better than him…he surprised me and you…tapping into some power I didn't know you had…you're kind of people are dangerous."
Shaking her head Mia looked to Soren again, his face was stained with blood from a head wound, she wanted nothing more than to go over to him but Raijinken was extremely close and Kino was, to say the least, fast.
"I still can't believe…are you really the same man we met when we first came to Corelis? All of that was truly just some sinister cover?"
Kino scratched his chin "I won't pretend that there wasn't a time when I saw the two of you as friends…my job required it…to get so unbelievably close to the three of you that for all intents and purposes I was your friend and confidant."
Mia opened her mouth to say something but thought over what Kino just told her "Three?"
"I'm giving you two choices Mia. Very simple choices. Your life or Soren's life. I'd kill the two of you but as a courtesy to old friends I'll only kill one of you…I'm sure the Fell Lord will be content with that."
Soren lay on the floor in front of Kino, still somewhat conscious but incapable of moving. Just before the swordmaster struck them with his final attack he covered Mia. Inwardly laughing at himself he thought how many years ago he wouldn't even consider such a selfless tactic. As Raijinken moved before him he thought of the conversation he had with his innermost subconscious, the one that presented itself as Ashnard.
"What do you want?"
"I want Mia…"
"…"
"I want Mia…in my life…in my whole life…"
"You have it."
"What?"
"I learned a lot while in your conscience…and one thing I realized from your talks with your scientist friends Orgoth and Eminse is this: your interactions with her have change her."
"How could you know this?"
"I know this because you know this…you however still don't believe you deserve happiness and refuse to acknowledge this path of life for you…but you have it…"
"…that means."
"She has Branded Fire, Branded Senses…enhanced strength and speed just like you…the most obvious thing is the most obvious thing…you will not loose her in your lifetime."
"We'll be…together…"
Soren tried to focus on the end of Raijinken, to roll out of the way but his body did not want to respond. "We will be together…I will not let Mia…go…"
"Well, Mia?"
The woman looked down at her hands and sighed "Can I do this? Will it work? For you Soren, I'll try anything."
"Let Soren go."
Kino nodded "If it were up to me…I wouldn't do this to you, Mia."
"Don't give me that…just do your 'job' and let Soren go."
Kino spun Raijinken and took a few steps forward, walking past Soren "Very well. Goodbye."
In an instant he swung Raijinken and unleashed a fierce lightning strike that closed the distance between him and Mia in less than a second.
If Mia were anyone else, the bolt would've torn through her and killed her.
But she wasn't.
She was Branded.
The bolt seemed to travel in slow motion as Mia's hand came up, surrounded by a purple aura. Much like the blades that could not pierce her skin she gripped the lightning bolt in her hand. It crackled and tried to continue forward but it could not pierce through.
As Kino blinked he knew something was wrong and began to move to the right as Mia unleashed the attack, returning it to Kino.
The bolt shot towards him and through his left forearm, severing it. Kino came to a stop and turned to see Mia vanish from where she was standing.
Focusing, he saw that the woman was now right in front of him. Kino tried to move but a severe pain came to his chest and he coughed, blood flew from his mouth onto Mia as he looked down.
Mia cleared the room almost instantaneously, taking Raijinken from Kino's severed hand and running the man through with his own blade.
Kino looked up at her and began to speak only for her to twist the blade, elicting another violent cough from the man.
Releasing him she turned and kneeled down next to Soren.
"Are you alright?"
Soren looked at her and nodded slowly as she started to help him up. Still not in complete control of his body, Soren fell against Mia and sighed "You're alive…"
Smiling Mia nodded "Of course…so are you…"
As she embraced him she saw Kino stumbling towards to the center of the room, returning to his throne.
Regaining some strength in his feet, Soren managed to stand on his own and turn to see Kino sit on his throne, Raijinken still impaled in his chest.
Coughing he looked to the images around the room before focusing on Soren and Mia "After everything…I went through to gain your trust…the two of you relentlessly pursued me…all that history I spent building between us meant nothing…truly, truly surprising."
Mia moved forward and picked up Alondite and Ein'Tosen, sheathing them she kept her eyes on Kino as Soren slowly joined her.
"You told us that you were not turned by the Midnight…you were always a part of them, a part of darkness in general. You're whole life…"
At Mia's statement Kino nodded, blood trailing from his lips "I was always my own man…I was not an enhanced being like Versha or Pesh who lost their humanity when they joined the Midnight. I didn't sacrifice my identity like Lo'Tem and Qi'No did…I'm the only commander that was naturally born into this stable world and chose to fight for the Midnight…there are other soldiers like Hectain and our grunts but none like me…everything I did in life including befriending the both of you was for the Midnight…well, that isn't entirely true…everything I did, I did for myself…"
Soren narrowed his eyes "Why? What could you possibly gain from all this?"
Kino remained silent as Mia put a hand on Soren's shoulder "We should go…the others are much farther ahead by now."
Soren sighed and nodded "Or even engaged with the enemy right now."
Mia looked around a bit before bending down and picking up another weapon. She turned and gave it to Soren who sighed "Gurgurant…"
Despite some of his doubts he knew that he'd fair better with it and slung it across his back "We've got a lot of ground to cover."
Nodding Mia began to follow Soren when Kino spoke up again.
"You two…don't know…what you're getting into…"
Mia shook her head "We know exactly what we're doing. Who we have to face and what we have to do to save this continent. Nothing you say will dissuade us."
Kino looked from Mia to Soren and closed his eyes "By allowing the others to proceed…you've doomed the world you sought to protect…"
"What do you mean?" Soren asked only for the entire Bastion to shudder violently.
Mia felt her heart sink and took a few steps back, Soren turned to her as she spoke "Something terrible just happened…I know it…"
"Did someone die?"
Mia shook her head "I don't know but we have to get to the top as soon as possible!"
"Wait."
The two turned to Kino who opened one eye just enough to see Soren "Three floors up from here…four doors down the hall…the key…"
Kino gave a weak smile and gripped the hilt of Raijinken; pulling it out his chest he dropped it almost instantly, his arms falling limp to the side of the throne. "From one…old…friend…to…anoth…er…"
Soren reached into his jacket and pulled out the key that Lyle found at Ushnae's Retreat in Pozem.
He looked up to Kino who closed his eyes and remained still before putting the key away.
Soren turned to Mia who nodded; the pair looked at the body before them for a few more moments before taking off. The false night continued and all the obstacles to the Fell Lord were gone but there was still much more they had to attend to.
"Very, very impressive…the stories do you no justice!"
Mia sheathed her blade and smiled "Thank you, Headmaster."
Kino waved her off "We're old friends, just Kino will do, Mia."
Saluting she sat down and noticed a strange book on the bench "Kino, is this yours?"
Turning he nodded "Yes, it has notes on swordsmen and women of lands far from here…some theorize they are so far you can't get there by normal means but the legends are true."
"Wow…these are some incredible feats these men and women are credited for."
"Yes…you remind me quite a bit of a few…the speed and deadly precision of Marisa the Crimson Flash and the unparalled agility and skill of Lyndis the Blade of Sacae run deep within you…among others of course."
"Would you mind if I took this?"
At that moment Mia just saw what looked like happiness from Kino as he nodded "Knock yourself out."
Though to the man it was an eternity as he ran through many scenarios of what he could say to her that would end in a 'No' but nothing came to mind.
As she left the dojo that day with Lyle following after her he scratched his chin "Should we face each other…will I be able to best her?"
The pristine chamber paying tribute to the most skilled swordsmen and women across many lands was now in ruins. Pillars crumbled to the ground and the rotund design of the main platform was crippled and chipped. The beautiful pictures of the foreign legends were damaged and the mural in the back suffered just as much.
Sitting in the throne was a man whose ultimate desires would remain a mystery.
"We meet again…it feels as if the battle beneath Numengate Citadel was years ago…"
The Midnight Apothecary turned to face Ike and his Emissaries.
"We're here to finish this."
Ushnae and Midnight 12 walked in from the opposite ends of the room as Ike pulled out Ragnell. Wayu, Mikel, Leena, Janie, Eien and Mertre also prepared their weapons as the Apothecary moved aside.
The Fell Lord crossed his arms and smiled "Finally…"