A/N: Okay, folks. Like my Legend of Dragoon fic, I will use the system to provide the current members of Raigan's Army (That name will be used in Generation 2) and I'll start the fic after that.
Raigan's Army: Leonhardt, Ellis, Renee, Borgnine, Fyuria, Luana, Zerva, Vira-Lorr, Yuri, Neptune, Noire, Vert, Kanonno, Prinny, Kirito, Takashi, Rei, Saeko, Saya, Kohta, Shizuku, Alice M., Alice D., Lili, Mai, Dizzy, Junko, Jean.
Characters joining in this chapter: Lloyd, Colette, Kat, Jak and Daxter, and IF.
Chapter 13: Cave of Evil: The Treasure Hunter and Rogue Rebel Hero
The gang were at Rigulus' Inn, chatting with the newcomers.
"Let me introduce myself." Leo cleared his throat before continuing. "My name is Leonhardt, but call me Leo. These are my companions, Renee Roberts, Yuri Lowell, Neptune, Noire, Vert, Ellis, Borgnine, Vira-Lorr, Dyshana, Edward 'Ed' Elric, Kirito, Takashi Komuro, Rei Miyamoto, Saya Takagi, Saeko Busujima, Shizuku Marikawa, Kohta Hirano, Alice M., Prinny, Fyuria, her brother Zerva, Kanonno Pasca, Luana, Alice D., Mai Shinarui, Lili Rochefort, Jean, Dizzy and Junko Hattori." The swordsman took a deep breath after that long intoduction.
"I'm Lloyd, Lloyd Irving Aurion." Lloyd gave a cheesy grin while introducing himself.
"I'm Colette Bruniel. It's so nice to meet you, Mister Leonhardt." Colette closed her eyes and smiled cheerfully.
"I'm Kat, and this cat of mine is named Dusty." Kat scratched the cat in question's chin and it purred.
"Forgive me for asking, but..." Ellis looked at the three. "What were the two of you doing out here surrounded by those strange monsters?"
Lloyd looked down despondently, Colette felt her friend's feelings and copied what he's doing.
"We woke up with some of our memories gone and found these strange trinkets next to us. When we looked at them, we could have sworn we heard someone telling us to put them on, and we did put them on, now we can't take them off no matter how we tried." Lloyd showed his new friends the amulet he has on.
"So you and Colette..." Renee looked away, feeling depressed that these two have met the same fate as her and the others.
Colette nodded slowly as she showed everyone the amulet she has on as well.
"Well you're in luck, you're not the only ones who have these damn things." Yuri told them while sighing.
Luana turned to Kat and asked "What about you, miss Kat? Judging by your clothes, I say you're not from around here or from this world."
Kat chuckled nervously as she sat down and begin explaining her story.
"Well, back in my world, I was tasked by someone very important to investigate something he was concerned about. So basically, he got me here by using his coat." That got the gang intrigued. Kat continued her story. "When I arrived, I found a strange bracelet next to me when I arrived. I felt something was telling me to put it on, and somehow that worked. So now I can't take it off. When I see your friends about to be attacked by the Nevi, I knew I have to rush in and help. It's my duty as the superhero of Heksville to protect the innocent." Kat pointed a thumb at her chest with a cocky grin.
The word Nevi left the gang (Except for Dyshana obviously) confused.
"Ne...vi? What's that?" Fyuria asked in confusion.
"Um..." The girl with the odd cat felt embarrassed that she forgot to mention what the Nevi are, she took a deep breath and began her explanation.
"The Nevi are mysterious monsters that appeared in my world, they looked like reddish black creatures with crimson orbs in their bodies. That's their weak point. They attack and kill innocent people. So basically, it's my job to deal with them." Kat looked at the window in thought. "Still... I can't believe the Nevi found their way through this world. I must inform Gade of this when I finish my mission here."
"...Summeril is the one responsible for the Nevi being here..." Dyshana inducted.
Kat looked at the mysterious woman with a confused look. "Excuse me?" She questioned, demanding to know how this woman know what Nevi are.
Dyshana looked emotionless as ever as she begin explaining "Summeril has formed a pact with your enemies from your world. He has promised them the destruction of all life in the universe if the Nevi do as he commands..." She folded her arms.
"Who is Summeril if you don't mind me asking?" The girl with the cat asked as she ponders all about this.
It was Takashi who spoke up. "According to Leo, Summeril is known as the Demon King, a evil entity thought to have been defeated long ago in this world. But now he has somehow returned and has spread his evil throughout other worlds, namely, my world." Takashi tighten his fist angrily, still upset about the one who has plagued his world with the Outbreak.
"Wow... I didn't know." Kat looked down depressed. Dusty looked at her in concern.
"So this Summeril guy, as you say, is the one responsible for pulling us out of our worlds for some reason so he can conquer them? That guy is lower than I thought." Lloyd asked through his gritted teeth.
"Lloyd..." Colette looked at her friend in concern.
"No choice, me and Colette have to help you stop Summeril before he causes any more damage." Lloyd declared.
"I'm going too." Kat added, standing up from her seat. "This Summeril has gotten me intrigued on how he was able to control the Nevi. If we let him be, the more damage he will cause." Kat stated seriously.
"Then welcome to our odd merry band, then." Ed smiled as he stretched out a bit.
"First thing's first. We need to end the war on the Frontier." Vira-Lorr spoke up finally.
The next day, the party finally left Rigulus to begin their journey to the Cave of Origins.
As the party were following the path, Ellis decided to converse with Dizzy.
"Miss Dizzy?" Ellis asked the girl.
"Y-Yes?" Dizzy stammered as she looked away shyly. Ellis could tell the girl in question was nervous about something.
"Is something wrong? You can tell me. We're both girls, after all. It's just that, I want to know you a little better." The elven girl offered with a cute smile.
"..." Dizzy was silent for a moment. Then she spoke about 20 seconds "...I'm from a war torn Earth."
"Eh?" Ellis raised an eyebrow in question.
"I'm known as a Gear... A monster that seeks the destruction of mankind. But I'm not like the other Gears. I hate fighting."
"How... are you born?" Ellis asked, starting to feel sorry for this girl.
"I was born a Gear by my mother and father (A/N: I dunno if I got Dizzy's past right, please forgive me!) Since then, I started to age rapidly and the villagers saw me as a Gear and chased me out. Then... T-Then..." Tears began to flow out of Dizzy's eyes as she choked "When I was at a village, my power went out of control and burned it to the ground. The people of my Earth saw me as a threat and placed a bounty on my head. I have been hiding ever since." The Gear sniffled.
"...Maybe if you try convincing them and controlling your powers, they won't see you as a monster. You can use your powers to help people." Ellis encouraged.
"W-What?" Dizzy looked up, after wiping the tears from her face.
"My grandpa told me even if they're born half elves or half syriums, they can find acceptance in life. All you need to do is to do your best helping your people fight those meanie Gears and restore peace to your Earth. I'm sure you can do it!" The elven girl reassured the Gear with a smile.
"..." Dizzy pondered about it for a minute till she nodded with a smile, a soft smile to be exact. "Yeah, I think I will do that. Thank you, Ellis. I feel much better now."
"Anytime." Ellis smiled back.
The party arrived at a village called Chalcis.
A villager noticed Luana and squealed "Luana! When did you return? Are you staying this time?" The male villager ran up to the dancer and held her palm.
Luana closed her eyes, smiled softly and said "Oh, I am terribly sorry, but duty calls and I must be on my way. You will wait for me, won't you? I promise I will have a special dance for you."
The man was happy by saying "Your words are music! Yes, I will wait for you forever!" He walked off, happy to hear such delighted news.
"My goodness, Luana! I had no idea you were so well-known!" Ellis gasped in surprise.
"Y-Yeah..." Jean agreed.
Luana rubbed the back of her head nervously and stated "Well, I have been a traveling entertainer for quite some time, and there is little to do around here. And of course, I am undeniably adorable!" The dancer chuckled.
Fyuria however, was unconvinced and retorted "Hmph! And terribly modest, I see! Do you not see they only wish to ingratiate themselves with you?"
Luana looked at Fyuria with a sour look and retorted "I fail to see why that is such a terrible thing." Luana thought of something, she snaps her fingers and suggested "Let us ask Leo."
"Uh oh. Leo is dragged into what may be a cat fight. Better think fast, Leo." Neptune advised eagerly.
"Which of us is more deserving of adoration: Myself, or that... creature over there?" Luana pointed to Fyuria looked both surprised and pissed.
Leo was taken back by this. "Wh-What?"
"Do not play dumb, you clever boy. Who is more adorable, Fyuria or I?" Luana placed her hands on her hips and looked at Leo seriously, Fyuria did the same thing.
"Go on, champ. Who is more cute: Fyuria or Luana?" Yuri asked with a sarcastic smirk.
Leo sweated nervously and after thinking about it, he muttered "I... I don't see how I can answer that. You both have admirable qualities."
"Fufufu, are you sure about that, Leo?" Lili smirked as she folded her arms.
Fyuria however was mad and she shouted "That is no answer!"
"She is right! We demanded a true answer!" Luana nodded as she looked at Leo with an stern look.
Vira-Lorr laughed for a bit and intervened by saying "I think the two of you have harried poor Leonhardt enough for one day. ...But expected from a quiet and unsociable boy. What did you expect him to do? How difficult the life of the young and handsome must be."
Leo sighed, looked down and muttered "What do you mean by that? I think you mock me..."
Vira-Lorr laughed again and said "Ah, to be young and foolish."
"Alright, that's enough." Renee sighed, rubbing her temples, this foolishness is wearing down her patience, next to Neptune's reference to video games.
Renee's POV
The next day, I saw Luana buying some clothes that possibly won't fit on her. Curious, I went over to have a look. I went to the inn we were staying at and got near her room. At first, I heard some suggestive dialog, but I found out I was right about the clothes. She needs to learn to find out which clothes fit her or not. The next day after today, we begin our trek to the Cave of Origins.
Normal POV
As the party were walking down the road, they noticed a girl pondering about something.
She is a fair skinned girl with very long, waist length brunette hair with a little bit pulled to the side in a ponytail held with a fashionable green leaf-like ribbon. She wore a very big blue jacket with black and silver lining and adorned with silver buttons. The lower end of her jacket at the bottom consists of brown fur lining. There is a red logo with white trimming of what seems to be a lightning bolt on both side of the sleeves. Her jacket is said to be be a few sizes too big for her, considering how trench-coat like it is and due to the fact the sleeves pass her arms. It's worn open, revealing a black and silver tanktop and a pair of shorts with a big belt. If she was to button up the entire outfit, it would reach her thighs. Her jacket holds what seems to be 9 cellphone holders. In order from the left side to the right side of her trench coat, the colors of the holders are blue, light blue, green, black, magenta, white, lime green, orange, and light pink. She wears medium-length black socks and blue boots to match her jacket. On her right wrist is a green amulet with a ruby embedded on it.
Ellis walked up to her, followed by Neptune.
"Excuse me, miss. Is there something wrong?" The elven girl asked, being a helpful person she is.
"Yeah, did you lose something, like a wallet or a weapon?" Neptune asked eagerly.
"No, it's not that... It's-" The girl looked annoyed, but then, upon seeing Neptune, she stared at the purple haired girl who in turn stared back.
For some strange reason, the brown haired girl knows Neptune. Her memory tried to jump start to figure out how she knew this girl... Neptune is also doing the same thing. The jump starts succeeded.
"N-Nep?!" The girl gasped in shock.
"N-No way! Is that you, Iffy?! Oh I thought I never get to see your flaty bod again!" The purple haired girl squealed as she tackle hugged the one called Iffy.
Noire and Vert seem to recall that nickname... Suddenly, it came to them like it did Neptune.
"IF!" They both shouted in shock and happiness, both very glad to find someone they knew from their world.
After sorting this mess out, the gang minus Nep and her friends introduced themselves to IF and their mission.
"I see..." IF nodded, her arms crossed. "So this Summeril guy is the reason some of us are pulled out of our worlds and robbed us of our memories so he can try to take over our worlds including the one we're on?"
"That is correct." Saeko nodded, her arms crossed as well. "We have a score to settle with him because of what he did to our world."
"So Iffy, are you gonna join our gang to save this world?" Neptune asked energetically.
"At first, I was gonna decline, but after seeing you look after Nep, Lady Noire and Lady Vert, so yeah, I'll join." IF smiled.
"We are happy to have you join us in our quest, IF." Leo smiled, knowing they have a new friend on their journey.
Luana noticed a cave in the distance. "We're almost there to our destination. The Cave of Origins." She reported.
Meanwhile...
A woman who is probably 21 years old, has black hair, wore a gray purple hat with wings, wore violet armor which almost exposes her breasts with a lion's head on the right shoulder, and a violet white skirt with silver designs was having a dispute with her commanding officers.
"Why will no one listen to me?" The woman frowned as she puffed her chest and crossed her arms.
Melchior sitting on his chair looked at the woman with a calm and calculating look. He replied "Perhaps for the same reason that you refuse my request."
The woman named Elaine frowned and said sternly "Now is neither the place, nor the time. Do not make jokes."
Melchior looked at the general with a calm smile and told her "Come now, it was all in good fun. I only wanted you to know I am not always serious." Elaine was not convinced.
A man in his mid forties with brown hair, brown mustache, wore violet blue armor with a white cape told her "Elaine, this has been decided. Everyone here has already agreed on it. If we protest now, we will look like children, upset they did not get their way." His name is Braham. "If you are so set against fighting, go home, it would suit you better."
Elaine turned to Largen and pleaded "Largen, will you say nothing?" Largen said nothing as he looked down, feeling guilty for perhaps letting this war happen.
Melchior cleared his throat and ordered "Elaine, there is nothing left to discuss. From Pleuron onward, you will manage our supplies."
Elaine's frown deepens as she shouted "Manage your supplies yourself, Melchior! I am a general as well. I fight for the honor of my family. Do not underestimate me because I happen to be a woman."
"There isn't a soul in all of Gridamas that doubts your abilities. However, I understand how you feel." The head general tried to reassure the female general. Then he added "Very well. Elaine, you shall march on to Mudus Gate." Melchior turned to Largen and ordered "Duke Largen, please assist Elaine in preparations for her departure."
Largen was silent for about 10 seconds till he nodded.
Melchior then planned out by saying "Marguis Braham is to make for Zelzagun Fortress."
Braham smirked cruelly and claimed "One day will be enough for me to destroy those bastards."
Melchior nodded and said "Make sure all preparations are complete." Largen and Braham nodded as they left, leaving only two generals in the room.
Melchior turned to the female general and said to her "Elaine, I expect a encouraging answer from you once this battle is over."
Elaine frowned deeper at him and responed "We face a critical moment. I have no time to think of such things. If you are finished, I shall take my leave." Elaine calmly exited the room. Melchior frowned as he crossed his arms.
Back to Leo and the gang...
Leo and the others entered the Cave of Origin. Renee stopped a bit as soon as the gang entered, Yuri, Kirito, Ed, Takashi and his group, Alice D, Mai, Junko, Jean, Lili, Dizzy, Lloyd, Colette, Kanonno, IF and Kat followed her example. They all have serious looks on their faces.
Ellis noticed that and asked "What's wrong?"
Renee turned to the elven girl and said "I'm not sure... But I feel evil energy coming from this cave..."
"She's not the only one, we can feel this evil presence coming from the back of the cave. Whatever it is, it ain't pretty." Yuri frowned.
Leo nodded in agreement, feeling his otherworldly friends' concern. "We must be on our guard. There may be monsters who-" Leo stopped abruptly as he pointed his sword at some figure, no... make that two figures.
The first person got out some sort of gun and came out of the shadows. It was a man perhaps of 18 years old, has yellow greenish hair and wore what looked like blue clothes with orange armor and a strange weapon of some sort. And... are those pointy ears?
The second figure appears to be a orange rat with yellow fur and wearing blue pants. Leo and the gang found out the person has a dark ring on his right finger and the rat has a orange amulet on his left wrist.
"Whoa! Now, we don't want any trouble. So Jak and weird short eared guy, put down their weapons so we can chat." The rat spoke, much to almost the surprise of everyone.
"Sorry. Thought you were a monster." Leo apologized as he sheathed his sword.
"Same here. Name's Jak. And this little fur ball is my best friend, Daxter." The one called Jak introduced himself and his friend named Daxter.
Sooner or later, the party introduced themselves and explained the situation.
"Great... Another threat for Orange Lightning and his sidekick to defeat to defend our world and countless worlds... Just fricking great." Daxter face palmed.
"Cool it, Dax." Jak turned to Leo and asked "This Summeril guy is the reason we were sucked into this world, and robbed almost of your otherworldly friends' memories, huh? I have a feeling me and Dax were not in our world anymore."
"Correct. Now you know how powerful Summeril is and needs to be stopped. We need all the help we can get to defeat him and save the universe." Leo nodded.
'I like this guy. He's got the right attitude.' Jak grinned as he thought of that. Then he spoke "Alright. Me and Daxter will help. I may not look it, but I'm pretty handy with a gun and I uh, have special powers to help turn the tide of battle."
"Just don't expect me to fight. I prefer not to die!" Daxter snapped.
"Don't worry, Dax. We know how to kick ass and chew bubblegum, and run out of bubblegum." Neptune boasted.
Kirito chuckled nervously and muttered "Somehow that is less reassuring."
With their new members in tow, the party finally reached the end of the cave.
They stand before a altar with a huge diamond gem on it.
Daxter whistled and commented "That's one huge ass diamond. I wonder if you can buy a kingdom with it."
Vira-Lorr tensed as she got ready. "I sense a great font of energy." She reported as she got out her staff.
"Keep your guard up. It is close." Dyshana advised. The party looked around.
"Where?!" Both Noire and Fyuria shouted. They heard stomping.
Zerva growled as he readies his scythe. "...It comes!" Suddenly, a huge monstrous chicken appeared, screeching forcing all to cover their ears.
"That is one huge chicken. It's gonna be my dinner after this!" Neptune grinned cockily as she, Noire and Renee transformed. The rest of the gang got out their weapons. IF wielded two daggers.
Jak started the battle by firing shots at the chicken. Kirito charged at the monster, but it used its beak to knock him back.
"Here we go!" Colette shouted as she hurled her chakrams at the beast, giving it some minimum damage.
"Earth Tremor!" Vira-Lorr shouted as she made the earth spell appear beneath the monster chicken, but it did little effect on the monster.
The monster chicken called a Cockatrice roared as it used its beak to hit Fyuria five times, making her skidding a bit futher from her companions.
Fyuria wiped some blood from her face and charged at the Cockatrice and took a mighty leap and slashed it behind the back.
The monster bird charged at Luana, but she smirked and agilely dodged every beak attack it could muster at the dancer. She slide beneath it and slashed its feathers off a bit, IF took this as her chance and leaped up and slashed it across the beak.
The cockatrice growled as tried to stomp Ellis, but Borgnine got in the way and with one arm lifting the feet, he punched it with the other arm, making it fall on its back.
Yuri and Lloyd shouted "Tiger Blade!" and slashed it upward while it's on its back. Both Lloyd and Yuri were surprised to know the latter has the same move.
Kat shifted gravity and slams her foot down on the monster bird's chest, giving it a large dose of pain.
The Cockatrice got back up and growled angrily. Mai and Lili disappeared before the monster's eyes and reappeared above it, slamming their feet down on the back, giving it even more pain as it is.
Junko with her katana drawn, slashes it on the ground, resulting in a shockwave which hit the Cockatrice's legs.
The Cockatrice screeched angrily as it made energy bullets appear and hit the party for some damage.
Zerva casted a fire spell on the monster and gave it little damage.
Neptune and Noire flew circles around the monster while Takashi and his group provided fire. Neptune and Noire got close to the bird and slashed it 6 times before it used its wings to knock them back.
Renee shouted "Silver Slash!" Followed by a Demon Fang from Kanonno, giving the beast some damage.
Ed clasp his hands together and puts them on the ground, making a rocky spear appear. He grabbed it and thrusts it five times at the monster, making blood appear on its sides.
The Cockatrice slams it foot down, resulting in a shockwave that damaged the party. Jean and Ellis provided healing to those injured.
Leo was glowing with holy energy. Renee saw this and smiled to herself, knowing this battle is at an end. Leo yelled as he slashed forward, resulting in a huge energy slash which hit the monster.
At first nothing happen, but the Cockatrice let out a dying screech as it fell on its back again, dead. Blood came gushing out of its neck.
Jak, IF and Daxter were shocked to see this.
"What the hell was that?! Not even Jak's Dark form can do that!" Daxter shouted in shock and confusion.
"Dax, shush!" Jak hushed his friend.
Ellis giggled, closing her eyes and saying "Leo is Leo! With him as our leader, we won't lose to the enemy!"
Renee nodded in agreement with Ellis with a smile of her own.
To be continued...
Next chapter: The Dark Knight