6/20/14

Hola! Here I am with the parallel take on Rebirth 1 and 2!

What can I say besides BURN IN HELL LEKAIN! These two chapters are fun and I can ace them pretty quickly, the only thing that holds me in Rebirth 2 a little longer is that I need to reach and kill Levail to take Wishblade. I'm not passing that up!

Also, the finale team that is mentioned in this chapter is one that I took through the last 5 chapters before. Not on my most recent runs but before.

In fact in my most recent game of Radiant Dawn I trained and brought Laura with me...Laura. Lots of BEXP of course but hey, she didn't disappoint in the end.

Return

Tower of Guidance – Exterior

"Hey, Charmer!"

Folding up his papers, Soren turned to see Heather "What?"

"Nothin, just wanted to thank you for letting me on your ace team."

Soren sighed "Wasn't my first choice."

Heather approached the sage with a smile "Still, it does mean a lot to me…so seriously Soren, thanks."

Turning the man looked at Heather's sincere smile and thought of that word: thanks. He then noticed her outstretched hand and gave her a rather quick shake.

"You're…welcome, Heather."

The pair exited the tent "Nephenee also wants to thank you but-"

"She doesn't have to."

Heather rolled her eyes "Maybe so but she wants to…you should just-"

Soren noticed Heather stop, her entire body shift as she pulled Baselard out of her sheathe.

"Not happening!" Heather yelled, leaping past Soren, tackling a Disciple to the floor and sinking her dagger into the back of his head.

Rolling across the ground she stood to see more approaching "Soren!"

"Right!" Swinging his arms he blasted the group around them away, giving them a clearing to work with.

"Look out!"

Moving aside Nephenee charged past Heather and rammed one of the enemies with her shield, flooring him.

It seemed that the second the Chosen Army was set to enter the Tower of Guidance a horde of Disciples appeared in the camp and attacked, unlike the previous ones these where dead men brought back to life, empty bodies merely fighting for the Goddess and trying to obstruct the group's progress.

Despite his best intentions, Ike was ordered by the rest of his friends to proceed without them. The Chosen Army would go ahead while the rest would remain outside and battle the Goddess' endlessly reviving army.

"We're moving! Now!" Shinon yelled, dashing past Heather, Nephenee and Soren who followed him with Haar covering the skies.

Ike waited at the main entrance using Ragnell's power to keep the enemy at bay while the Chosen Army entered the tower.

As soon as the last of the Chosen Army made it in, Ike followed the group as the last man, the Tower's gates slammed and sealed shut in response, leaving the group to turn and face the inside of the Tower of Guidance, a structure that was clearly more massive inside than on the outside.

Tower of Guidance – E1

Heather dusted her clothes while looking around to the rest of the Chosen Army, Ike, Micaiah, Sothe, Kurthnaga, Ena, Sanaki, Reyson, Soren, Mia, Shinon, Gatrie, Haar, Nolan, Tibarn, Elincia, Nephenee and herself.

As Micaiah found herself possessed by Yune again she began speaking with Ike about what to expect.

Nephenee looked around the structure they were inside, as her gaze moved to the ceiling high above her she felt as if she was staring into…eternity.

A muffled voice came to her but she couldn't look away until a finger snapped right in front of her eyes.

"Ah, Heather…uh…what was I…doin?"

"I don't know…just…starin at the ceiling."

Nephenee heard Ike give the notice that as they proceed through the Tower they would be going through some kind of otherworldly plane and letting their minds wander at the structure around them could cause them to loose themselves.

Hearing that Nephenee swallowed and found herself walking very close to Heather. The rogue felt the other woman's arm brush against her and smiled.

"We'll be fine, Neph."

"What was the first challenge again? Magic?"

Nolan nodded to Gatrie "I take it you're not comfortable facing that?"

The General laughed nervously but nodded "Yeah, I'm not."

Nolan gripped his axe, Tarvos and grinned "We'll be fine; instead of hanging back we'll just rush em. Can't worry about the damage if we wipe them out first right?"

"I like the sound of that." Shinon added, wandering closer.

As the men continued to talk Heather and Nephenee walked closer to Mia and smiled, the three turned as the regal Queen Elincia approached.

"I'm honored to be among such trustworthy warriors as yourselves."

Mia brushed off the compliment "No worries your highness, we're all in the same boat here."

"We must be if we're referring to Kings and Queens so candidly."

The four turned as Tibarn approached, arms crossed and smiling.

"Howdy, King Tibarn…it's a great help to have ya along."

Tibarn gave a big smile to Nephenee, Heather and Mia "No problem, I've seen you three fight during the war and I know we have no slack on this team. That strategist did his job well."

"We're facing magic first…I trust you'll all be okay?"

At Elincia's question, Nephenee, Heather and Mia nodded with the swordmaster speaking.

"We're fast, even if its light magic they're not gonna scratch us!"

"Confidence, excellent."

As Tibarn turned to go speak with the others, Heather looked to Elincia and the blade at her side "I don't recall seeing you fight a lot back in Alpea, no offense…I-"

Elincia smiled at the rogue, silencing her "It's alright if you're not sure about my skill…but watch me in the coming conflict, I can handle myself much better now than during the Mad King's War."

Heather nodded "I'm looking forward to it!"

Chamber of the Senators

The Chosen Army found themselves in a large room, at the far end was a door to proceed, between them and the door was a large walkway with two smaller ones attached at the side. The entire area before them was flooded with Disciples of Order under the leadership of the traitorous Begnion Senator Lekain.

"My, my…this is the rabble that thinks to challenge the Goddess' Chosen? I've never seen something more pathetic in my life! Sub-humans and commoners thinking they can stand before my radiance? Shield your eyes and turn away! Gnats!"

Drawing Ragnell, Ike aimed it at Lekain and turned to Micaiah and Sothe "He has the blood contract?"

At their nodding he faced the Senator "Then he dies here."

"Me? Dead? Tah ha ha! Disciples! Chosen Ones of the Goddess! Obliterate them!"

Haar's wyvern let out a powerful screech followed by the morphing of Tibarn, Kurthnaga and Ena. With one last internal agreement the Chosen Army charged forward.

Ike, Gatrie, Nolan and Haar used their brute strength to slam through the defending lines of Generals while Soren and Shinon providing back up and Reyson used his Galdr to keep the pair active.

Kurthnaga, Ena and Tibarn with support from Elincia and Sanaki broke off to the separate path to the left while Mia, Nephenee and Heather handled the right side with Micaiah and Sothe's support.

Nephenee, Heather and Mia became a whirling storm of steel with Mia's quick and agile form becoming a deadly blade and Nephenee's stern and absolute stance becoming an impenetrable shield. Between the two of them Heather covered any remaining blind spots, deflecting weapons and slicing arrows out of the air.

The Disciples of Order were strong but before the might of Yune's Chosen Army they were simply no match.

"We have to be a bit more careful here, Neph, the tough guys have been hanging back till now!"

Nephenee nodded at Heather as she leapt aside and impaled a sage. Heather danced around an enemy Halberd, lance incapable of slashing the rogue. Heather ceased moving and the Halberd laughed only for Mia to come up from behind and silence him.

Turning the swordmaster spoke "The other Senator must be up there. We-"

"I got this!" Heather yelled and charged ahead as a General began attacking Mia.

"Heather! Wait!"

Reaching the top Heather was face to face with the old Begnion Senator: Hetzel.

"Please! Don't come any closer!"

Heather noticed the sniper behind him and grinned "He's too far, this is an empty threat."

"Listen up old man, have your guys throw their weapons down. Or else."

"I can't…for your own safety! Back away! Do not anger the Goddess!"

"We're way past that buddy." Just as Heather took a step forward she found and arrow shot into her chest and looked at the sniper in shock.

"Impossible!"

Hetzel held out his arm and fired a light spell into Heather slamming her against a pillar that broke off and fell to the blackness below.

Coughing, Heather looked up through her blurry vision at Hetzel who prepared another light spell "Goddess! Forgive me! I-"

A spear flew in and pierced his chest, staining his brilliant white robes, blood red.

The sniper turned and attempted to shoot the approaching Sothe and Mia only for Micaiah's magic to sear his arrows in midair.

As the pair took him down Nephenee kneeled in front of Heather and began speaking though the rogue couldn't make it out.

"…urk…why does everything…hurt…"

"Heather!" The rogue opened her eyes to see Nephenee before her with slightly stained cheeks.

"Wha appened?"

She found herself being hugged by Nephenee, even in her dazed state the contact made her feel good.

"You're alright…that's great…"

"Neph? What-"

"You were shot by a sniper. According to Shinon the bow he was using was the legendary Double Bow of Daein. A weapon we returned to the Daein Royal Armory after the Mad King's War. Looks like the Begnion Senators took it during their occupation of Daein. The thing is built in a way that it was massive range."

Heather cursed "I was stupid."

"You were lucky…don't scare me like that again."

Heather sat up and nodded "I promise. I'm sorry Neph."

Nephenee just smiled and turned as Elincia approached, staff in hand "You're alright now, Heather?"

"Y-yeah Queen Elincia…how'd the battle go?"

Elincia smiled "We won, Lekain fell and the Blood Contracts in his possession were destroyed. Daein and Kilvas are now free of his tyranny."

"Kilvas? That explains quite a bit."

"Now Heather, you may want to slow down, your injury-"

Standing, Heather groaned before shaking her head "No can do, we have no time to waste."

Elincia sighed "Just, watch yourself."

Smiling, Heather nodded while flashing the ok symbol with her hand "No worries Elincia, I'll take it easy!"

Gathering together with their wounds treated the Chosen Army proceeded through the now open door and began ascending.

Tower of Guidance – E2

Climbing the absurd amounts of stairs within the tower, Heather gripped her collar and pulled it down to examine the scar along her chest.

"That hurt like hell…"

Glancing out of the corner of her eye she saw Shinon holding the Double Bow proudly and gesturing something about it to Haar who just yawned in response.

"I just…have this urge to break the damn thing…"

"Heather?"

Turning she smiled at Nephenee "Yeah?"

"You alright? Do ya need me to get Micaiah or Elincia?"

Heather shook her head but Nephenee pressed "Are you sure? If your still hurtin-"

"I'm fine Neph."

"Alright…I just…I'm worried…I-"

Heather took one of Nephenee's hands in her own and continued to stare at the Halberd "I'm fine beautiful, I promise."

Seeing the red in Nephenee's cheek made Heather forget about all her anger over her injury, still holding Nephenee's hand she turned and they continued ascending the tower.

Chamber of the Black Knight

Just like Yune warned, a familiar soul awaited them ahead.

Ike found himself face to face with the Black Knight, Alondite and Ragnell clashing, brilliant sparks shooting off across the arena.

Ike even unveiled the Black Knight's identity as the Begnion Marshall of the highest regard: Zelgius.

Determined to fight to the death, Ike spoke with Tibarn briefly who told Ike that he was fighting for the both of them, so he was not allowed to loose.

An impenetrable barrier came up between the Chosen Army and Ike, locking their leader on one side with the Black Knight and the rest of them with the final division of Begnion's Disciples being led by the Sentinel, Levail.

"Levail? You've risen through the ranks quite a bit eh?"

The Sentinel noticed Haar "H-haar? Is that you?"

"Levail, you'd do yourself a huge favor by just putting down your weapon…you have no need to fight against us."

Levail closed his eyes "I must…for General Zelgius, the last true knight I'd give my life."

Haar sighed and brought up his axe "Yes Levail…you will…"

Once again the Chosen Army charged against Begnion's Disciples as Ike and the Black Knight clashed beyond the barrier.

Watching the chaos unravel before him, Levail looked past all of it and to the deadly one on one match past the barrier.

"I'm not going to let my men die…I'm not going to fail General Zelgius…I will fight."

Seeing one of the enemy wielding a shield and lance he nodded to himself and charged forward "Prepare yourself!"

Turning, Levail saw it was a woman, his shock slowed his weapon but before he could speak she slammed against him, a surprisingly massive force behind the shield shoved him back.

"W-wait! Milady! I cannot fight you!"

The woman seemed unsure of the situation as well "You're Levail. You know Haar."

"I know of him…milady, I ask that you excuse me, I can't raise my weapon against you."

The woman swallowed "We have no choice in who we fight against…I'm not one for much talk but I'm also not a lady…I'm not highborn like most my friends here…but I know what we're doin is right…I'm sure you're thinkin the same…"

Levail nodded "I am…what is your name?"

"Nephenee."

"Nephenee…good…prepare!"

Levail steeled himself despite his doubts and charged forward. In his hand he held another weapon Begnion pilfered from Daein, the legendary lance Wishblade previously handled by Daein Four Rider: Bryce.

Levail found himself in complete shock at Nephenee's mastery of the lance, fending off his blows and shoving back his shield at every chance.

Seeing the dwindling soldiers around him he began to realize that he was going to die here. Not that he didn't think it was a possibility but now it was certain.

"A life spent honorably is a life spent well…"

Leaping over the woman's weapon he landed and turned to face her. He found that there was a slim chance he could get a strike in however he was distracted by what he saw beyond the barrier. Ike's weapon pierced Zelgius ebon armor and upon withdrawal the knight stumbled and slumped down against a wall.

"Zelgius!"

In that brief moment of doubt, Nephenee ran the Sentinel through. The pain seemed almost nonexistent as his body's functions began to cease.

Falling to the ground he whispered to himself "…if only…I could fight…alongside you…a little…longer…"

Tower of Guidance – E3

"You took on the commander!? Are you alright? Are you hurt? Did he hurt you? Are you okay!?"

Nephenee smiled at Heather's concern as the rogue circled her and examined her closely.

"I'm fine Heather…he almost had me but…he just…stopped…"

"Stopped?"

Nephenee nodded as Heather prepared to speak again however the rogue saw her expression and the Halberd's eyes focused on Wishblade the legendary lance that was now in her grip. Ultimately the rogue decided to leave the matter alone.

The Chosen Army was making excellent progress and with the Black Knight or rather, General Zelgius finally gone there didn't seem to be much worry over what was next.

"Mia, can I speak with you?"

Walking towards Ike the woman smiled "What's up?"

Turning she saw that he held Alondite in his grip, realizing what he was doing she laughed nervously "Boss…I don't think-"

"There is no one else here who can wield this blade…I trust in your skill."

While some doubts wanted to plague her mind she pushed them aside and grabbed the hilt, taking the silver blade from Ike.

"You've grown a lot Mia, yet somehow I don't believe this is the end for you."

Testing Alondite she nodded "It won't be…but it's an honor. Thanks…Ike."

As Ike called the rest of the group together they proceeded through the door and continued their climb up the Tower.

Mia slowed her pace and joined Heather and Nephenee with the rogue spotting her new weapon.

"If I'm not mistaken…the Black Knight was swinging that around not too long ago."

Mia nodded, sheathing the blade "I just…can't believe he's letting me use it."

Heather laughed at that "Well who else could he entrust it to? With that we've got even less to worry about."

Mia smiled as Elincia walked over to examine her for any injuries.

Nephenee thought of what Heather said "If anything I'm still worried about our friends outside."

Heather crossed her arms and nodded in agreement, thinking of Brom, Marcia, Calill, Lethe, Lucia, Tanith and everyone else fighting for their lives against the Goddess' undead army.

"I still can't believe…all of us back in Ohma…we worship the Goddess, we believe in her…and yet…here she is tryin to…"

"Exterminate all life…yeah, not the kind of wake up call I'd wish on anyone." Heather muttered as Nephenee thought about what this all meant.

"Heather…after all this…you think we'll be fine?"

The rogue nodded "Of course."

"I mean…we as people…no longer havin a Goddess."

Heather tapped her chin as she thought to herself and nodded "Yeah, we'll be fine. We'll live past this and move on…if our only choices are to have a Goddess who despises us or nothin but each other, I'd be fine with just you Nephenee."

The Halberd looked at Heather who was smiling at her and found a smile forming on her face "Am I…really all you need?"

Heather put an arm along Nephenee's waist and pulled her in "Do you even have to ask?"

The Halberd looked to the rest of the Chosen Army, most were focused on the road ahead except for Mia and Elincia who stopped talking to glance at them and smile before returning to their conversation.

"No one…cares…all my worries…and no one cares…"

Nephenee smiled at her internal realization and buried her face in the crook of Heather's neck, breathing in the golden haired woman's scent and smiling.

"In that kinda place Heather…you're all I need too."

I've been having a lot of computer problems at home, the one I'm using right now was occupied by my dad almost all the time for the last 2 weeks because he was preparing for another trip to Bolivia and the main one is broken while the one downstairs is slow as...slow.

Luckily I've worked through it and have been able to at least bring you all new chapters though as a result of not having a comfortable workstation I haven't been writing at all for this or the Endgame of Ymarkteg, sorry about that. Hopefully the recovery disks I ordered do their job.

Anyway, thanks again for reading and tomorrow is the finale of the ReQuadrilogy bringing the story of Radiant Dawn to an end but not the story of Cerulean Gold.