I don't own anything. All characters and all rights belong to Ichiei Ishibumi*
M for mature topics. No children allowed. *
The Broken Boosted Gear
By Try Another Time
Our story brings us back to a land where only the strong can survive, where the law that stands as king is that of the strong. The lower levels of the underworld; lands that offered no mercy to the weak. Home to criminals with nothing to lose and escapes trying not to be found. The lower one goes, the closer one gets to the doorstep of the gods that ruled over the condemned souls. In such a place, our story continues.
Elaine and Ddraig carefully made their way through this unforgiving land while keeping their identities hidden. Both wore robes and masks while using Elaine's spells to hide them from possible enemies lurking around.
"Are you sure he's in this place?" Elaine asks Ddraig as she looks around the desolate landscape.
"I told him that to improve his swordsmanship and escape the royal family's eye, there was no better place than the lower levels of the Underworld. No sane human would dare to come here in search of a kid, even if the bounty were millions of euros. There's a wide variety of creatures for him to fight and criminals unlucky enough to challenge if the need arises. Tristan is a smart swordsman, so he can survive in such a place, although I doubt he will remain here much longer." Ddraig said as he remembered the message he had received from the boy.
"I need to meet you. I'm on the third level, follow the signs, and you'll find me. I might have involved myself with a curious group. I might need your advice with this." -Tristan.
After reading the letters Uther prepared for them, they accepted that Arthur was Tristan, Uther's firstborn. It was a curious and almost impossible occurrence, but it happened, and thanks to the letters, they now knew why he was obsessed with becoming strong enough to take down the royal family on his own.
Tristan held a grudge few could ever forgive, one that went past the cycle of life and death. Neither could understand how he knew, but it was a reality that neither could deny.
Uther knew what they dreaded since they met the boy; he was sharpening his skills for the sake of vengeance, to take the lives of those involved in the tragedy that befell his family all those years ago. The night Uther's pregnant wife was killed in cold blood under the orders of the crown.
How can one tell him he shouldn't strive to achieve such a bloody goal? After losing his life before he even had the chance to take his first steps? After losing his mother because of the selfish actions of a group that cared only for money and their pride? It was hard even to try to convince Tristan under such circumstances, yet they held hope in the young swordsman, hope that this path wouldn't end with him going too far or dying at the end of his vengeance.
As the duo continued forward, they noticed mysterious symbols roughly drawn into stone and trees. Each one seemed to tell visitors something, but only some could understand what each meant. Ddraig touched each character as they advanced and felt the slight remains of magic that connected each one.
"We must follow them. Keep your eyes open." The dragon said.
"How can you be sure?" Elaine asks as she writes the symbols into her notebook for later.
"Since early ages, criminals and outcasts had built small businesses in these lands where they could meet up to recover, eat, rest, and even exchange information with each other. Call them secret inns or taverns. Each one is considered a neutral zone in which everyone is welcome as long as nobody causes trouble for the rest. You can find places like these in almost every realm, but some are better hidden than others."
"Did you visit these places in the past?"
The dragon shook his head. "Few times. I barely needed to exchange information with such elements of the underground world, nor was anyone crazy enough to chase after me for me to hide in such places."
"Makes sense, yet why would he ask you to meet him here instead of trying to come to the first floor?" Elaine continued.
"Maybe he lacks time, or he's under surveillance. This group he was talking about had to be dangerous, and he saw my aid as necessary. I hope we can help him get away if needed."
"... Can you force him to come back with us?" Elaine asks Ddraig.
Ddraig shakes his head. "It will do more bad than good if we try such an approach. Tristan must continue to follow his path; we can only offer our help while praying for the best. He might come to his senses one day, but until then, we must wait."
Elaine felt a sharp pain in her heart as she heard such words. She felt useless as her words didn't seem enough to bring Tristan back to her, yet she wasn't ready to give up. She hoped with all her heart that he would turn around and return to them. That was her one wish and hope as she followed Ddraig into the unknown of this forsaken land.
Minutes came and went as the duo crossed open fields and forests in search of their destination. A few creatures approached them, intending to take a bite, but the pair quickly pushed them away while maintaining description. No massive attacks or shining spells would cut it for this job; keeping it small and compelling was the way for them.
If they started to cause massive explosions, they were bound to draw unnecessary attention, which could end with Tristan having to escape and not get involved with them, which could put him at risk.
Discrete and silent was the way to go, and the main reason they had come without support from the alliance or allies.
It was a mission that only the heads would know about; not even Le Fay would know about.
The pair continued forward for quite some time until they reached a couple of symbols that rested on two parallel stone pillars. Each one seemed to shine with the remaining magic that dwelled within them.
"A lesser gate. We found our destination." Ddraig said as he touched the symbol on the right.
"It's that so. What do you need me to do?" Elaine asks.
"Touch the remaining symbol and let some of your power flow into it. Concentrate; you'll feel how there's a mechanism. Feel around it until you make it work. I'll trust you'll get it in no time." The dragon explained before he closed his eyes and started manipulating one of the mechanisms.
Elaine closes her eyes shortly after and starts letting her power flow into the symbol. Her mind gets invaded by mysterious gears that seem disconnected from each other. Elaine uses her power to move them closer while also changing their arrangement to make them work. It takes a few moments before the mechanism is set in motion.
Elaine opens her eyes and sees a new passage before them, like a breach in reality.
"Good job. Let's go inside." Ddraig said as he led her inside.
The passage was some kind of dark void with only a white bridge that led forward. No side turns, no up or down, only a straight path ahead. As soon as both were inside, the entrance closed behind them.
"I guess that we shouldn't try anything funny inside this place," Elaine says as they walk.
"You're right. I never heard anyone dare to joke around inside these kinds of passages, and the reason must be that those that were stupid enough weren't lucky enough to tell the tale of what happened. No flying or jumping from the bridge; lesser gates are not the most stable of inventions, thus why they are not widely used." Ddraig explains.
"Must be why my professors didn't teach me about them. There seems to be a lot I have yet to learn. Would you offer me the chance to learn about such mysteries from you?"
"I'm not the best of professors, but I won't object to sharing my knowledge with you. Knowledge is valuable, but one must also refrain from going too far in searching for it. As Le Fay's master, I expect that you do the same when teaching her any spells or rituals."
"I'll assure you that her safety will come first. She's practically my sister, and I won't put her at risk. If she ever tries to use some dangerous ritual, I will be there to stop her at all costs."
The dragon smiles. "Exactly what I expect from my future sister-in-law."
Elaine sighs. "If someone told me I would call the famous Welsh Dragon an in-law of mine years ago, I would have laughed in their faces. Anyways, let's continue."
Ddraig set his sight forwards toward the wooden door that awaited them at the end of the bridge. As they came closer, the sound of music reached their ears.
"Seems like there's a lot of people inside," Elaine said.
"Stay close to me at all points. Remember what this place is. Be sharp and keep your eyes open."
Elaine nods as Ddraig reaches out for the handle of the door. As soon as the door opens, the scent of hard liquor and other not-too-pleasing fragrances reach their noses. Ddraig makes no reaction, but Elaine has to force herself to endure the disgusting combination.
"Mother Gaia, how can someone eat or drink while enduring such a stench?" The young magician asked herself as they made their way inside.
The place resembles an old inn/tavern, which had lacked any renovations for decades. An old spit jar lay in the corner of the vast room, several dusty tables, an old jukebox that played tunes unknown to Elaine while an unfriendly lady dwarven male sat behind the bar.
Few visitors were present at the tables, and none seemed very approachable by the look on their faces.
The duo looked around for their target until they found a masked redhead youngster sitting at the farthest table. A large black "coffin" sat next to him as his only form of luggage.
"Follow me." Ddraig began to walk towards the table of the mysterious redhead.
Elaine followed suit.
The eyes of those present followed their every step, but none dared to ask questions or interfere with them.
The duo reached the table and sat without saying a single word. Elaine lifted her staff before she activated a small spell to give them some privacy as it blocked any sounds from escaping.
"Issei," Tristan called out to him in a low tone. "Or is it Ddraig?"
"Either name is fine. It has been a while, Arthur, or should I call you Tristan from now on? How have you been?" Ddraig asks.
"Tristan would be fine... I made good progress and a few setbacks." Tristan turns to Elaine. "This was not how I hoped for us to meet again."
Elaine grabbed his hand. "You're an idiot. I want to punch you so bad."
"... I know I deserved it. There are no apologies that can make up for it. I just needed to depart for the sake of my mission." Tristan says as he holds Elaine's hand with utmost care. "You might know the truth by now if you know my name, which was supposed to be mine before they took everything away from us."
"We know," Ddraig said.
"Uther gave us letters that explained his past and what happened back then. He's waiting at the mansion for your return. He said that you will return to take care of everything once you're ready, but this path is too cruel." Elaine said as she held the tears back.
"I wasn't even born. My mother, me, and dad; we could have all had a normal life until they took everything from us." A dark aura emanates from within Tristan.
Ddraig hears the almost inaudible cries of a baby, but Elaine doesn't seem to hear them like him.
"I always felt that this body wasn't what it was supposed to be. I felt pain, anger, and emotions no child should have felt at such a young age. When I saw Dad, I couldn't help but cry in his arms. No smiles came from me as I felt only pain. Marie was supposed to be my mother, yet I couldn't feel joy or happiness around her. Everything felt wrong; I felt like I would explode at any point, but Dad helped me keep everything under wraps; to kill my emotions and seal them deep inside, especially when I met the crown. You wouldn't understand the anger that I felt when I met the queen for the first time. I would have taken any blade near me and cut her head if I could back then. The smug expression on her face as she saw me as another puppet for the crown to use. Father confirmed everything to me that same night, and since that moment, I have strived to kill every single one of those involved, especially that whore that happily smiled as if she was without guilt." Tristan slams his free hand against the table.
Elaine is surprised, to say the least, as she witnesses the emotions that Tristan holds deep inside. "But none of them are free to do as they please as we speak. Gaia has likely imprisoned them like many others inside those trees. There's no need for you to seek this path."
"Elaine, I can't forgive them, nor can I allow others to punish them while they breathe. It has to be me who sends each one of them to the depths of hell itself. This anger and pain won't rest until I take each one down. My soul aches to see them die by my hands." Tristan says.
Ddraig sees what seems to be a phantom resting on Tristan's shoulder for just a moment—a dark baby with red eyes. "A curse? I might need to research this." Ddraig took a deep breath before he interfered. "Gaia won't give you what you want. She won't allow any more bloodshed within her planet."
"I'll find a way to take them away from her grasp. I seek not to offend her holiness, but those 33 lives are mine to take. Is it my right to drag each one to hell!"
"Even if it means sinking your own soul? Even if it means not being able to return to Elaine? Are you willing to forsake a future with us for the chance to take their lives?" Ddraig questions the youngster.
Tristan grows silent as he is unable to give a straight answer.
"Look, I'm no hero. I'm not a saint, but you are family, so I want you to reflect on this. Do not do anything stupid, like trying to win one over Gaia. Wait and keep training. None of them will go away; Gaia won't let them die until she feels it is the right time. They will suffer inside those trees until Gaia allows them to die. Wait for your moment, and I will try to arrange something with her. Gaia will likely give you a lifetime punishment in exchange for the right to kill each of them, but you'll be ready to face it when such an opportunity shows up. Until then, train and wait." Ddraig said.
"... Are you being serious about this? Or are you trying to take me for a fool?" Tristan questions the dragon.
"I'm not one known for trickery or lies. I'm trying to ensure that my brother-in-law returns to us in one piece. You trusted me before, so I ask that you do it again."
Tristan felt the weight of the words Ddraig had said. He was the one that supported this whole trip. Ddraig paid for the coffin, weapons, and equipment. He gave him all the tools he could ever need within the lower levels of the underworld. If he needed to trust someone, it was the dragon before him. "I'll… wait as long as you need. I know I'm not a master of the blade yet. It will take time for me to reach such a title."
"That's all I ask for is patience. Your time will come. Allow Elaine to feel at ease, so avoid mysterious rituals or other methods. Trust me; it is not worth it if it involves tentacles or evil gods." The dragon said in a serious tone.
"You really don't enjoy tentacles," Elaine said.
"You don't want to experience anything I have, and there are evil gods out there hoping to prey on the desires of anyone stupid enough to play into their hands. We already have Mitsuya and don't need another immortal madman trying to cause chaos. With that taken care of, we came here for another issue, so give us all the details." Ddraig says.
Tristan takes a deep breath. "I have been inducted into a group of so-called human heroes. They are led by a teen not that older than me called Cao Cao, who wields a spear-type sacred gear. He called it the original Longinus."
"..." Ddraig crosses his fingers as he focuses on Tristan. "How and when did this happen?" His tone was serious.
"Two weeks ago. I was training in the fifth level, and we met by coincidence. They approached me, and Cao Cao even challenged me to a duel." Tristan admitted.
"Are you injured?" Elaine stood up and began to check his body.
"I'm alright, although he almost cut my left arm in half. His allies got involved before I was able to pierce his neck. I was pushed to the limit by him. He said that I had to join them after such a demonstration. He claimed that humans like us should stick together and "protect" humanity from evil beings like devils and dragons." Tristan continues.
"That's a major red flag," Elaine says as she continues to check his body regardless of the many sets of eyes focused on them.
"I know. When our eyes met, I knew they were dangerous, especially Cao Cao. What do you think I should do? Should I leave the underworld and seek another place to continue training?" Tristan asks Ddraig.
"I want to grab you and drive you away myself after hearing such things, but the thing is that Cao Cao is one of the alliance's concerns. He's indeed the wielder of a Longinus, and if he's recruiting humans like yourself, they are bound to become a problem for the alliance. We need information on them and their moves, but we cannot track them. You are the first person I know who has any information on them. I don't want to make a move without others' opinions. Do you have a room?" Ddraig asks Tristan.
"I do. Follow me." Tristan stood up before he grabbed the coffin and began to lead them to the stairs.
Elaine and Ddraig ignored the eyes of those around as they followed Tristan to his room.
It didn't take long for them to reach it, and once inside, Elaine activated the same spell as before, alongside many others.
"Take a seat, you two. This is going to be a long meeting." Ddraig said as he began to create several magical circles.
An hour and a half later.
The voices quieted down as the discussion came to a final decision. The heads of the alliance had discussed the whole situation while considering everything. There were many concerns on all sides, especially since Tristan wasn't even an official agent, but the ending result favored an infiltration plan into the group.
"Two days from now, we will deliver some equipment that will be necessary for you. If you are willing to become a spy for us, we're ready to ensure you can escape when necessary. This is a significant chance to get inside information on their movements. It is dangerous for even our best agents, but you are the unlucky fellow that got close. So the question is, are you willing to do this?" Michael asks Tristan.
Everyone was awaiting his answer.
Tristan took off his mask and turned to Elaine. "I know you're hating this already."
Elaine takes her mask off and looks at him. She holds the sides of his face and looks at every little injury he has received since he left without saying a word. "You're a fool, the biggest of all, and I might be the second for even caring about you. I want to knock you out right now and take you home with us, but I know I can't. I need you to promise me that you'll run away and get to the Alliance as soon as things take a turn for the South. I won't accept anything but your whole being coming safe and sound back to us. I need you to promise me that, Tristan."
The redheaded swordsman grabs her hands as he looks into her eyes. "I promise. I won't fall until I return in one piece. So wait for me."
"Very well. Ajuka, Shemhazai, I leave preparations to you. I'll decide on the delivery spot for him." Ddraig says.
"Got it. Best of luck, Tristan." Ajuka ends the call.
"We'll have it ready very soon. Be ready." Shemhazai ends his call as well.
"Be careful, young swordsman." Uriel is next.
"Put your life first at all costs," Michael said.
"You're a brave fellow. Keep your eyes open." Raphael says.
"Don't trust any of them. You're going right into the mouth of the beast."- Azazel.
"Take care and let us know if an emergency arises," Falbium says.
"You have my respect, Tristan. Be sharp." Sirzechs ends his call.
"We'll be waiting for your call. Don't die."-Baraqiel.
"Is this one of many surprises to come? Take care, child." Nurarihyon says before he exits the call.
"I'd like to meet you one day, young man. Be safe."-Yasaka.
"If you meet Indra while inside that group, escape without a second thought. That is my advice. Don't be a fool and stay sharp."-Shiva.
"There's not much advice I can give you besides playing the part as best as you can. Lie as best as you can, Tristan."-Serafall.
"My fellow allies said enough. Be careful, and may the blessings of our father be with you."- Gabriel.
"Remember this advice, young swordsman; the head will always be the key. If necessary, cut anyone that stands in thy way. Thou has a family to return to."- Athena.
"Don't make your sister and Elaine cry. Come back in one piece."-Tiamat.
Every head of the alliance offered their advice and best wishes to Tristan as he accepted the task of a lifetime.
Ddraig took a deep breath before he turned to Tristan. His hand reached into his dimensional storage and pulled out an emerald French Estoc sword. "Hephaestus made this blade. It is something that I asked him to make for you. I imagined that your other blades had either been broken or damaged due to the training, but this will survive anything. Let this blade be the one thing that keeps you alive and brings you back to us. This is my gift to you."
Tristan reaches out and grabs it. As soon as he holds it, he feels the power that dwells within the blade—Wild like a particular dragon. "Did you-"
Ddraig stops him as he places a finger in his mouth. "I don't like to give bad gifts. Only the best of the best for those I care about. Use it and master it. Don't let my brother's hard work go to waste; he even named it "Esmeralda," so don't mess up. I'll give you an hour to say your goodbyes. I'll be downstairs." Ddraig turns around and closes the door behind him.
"You can't ask for a better in-law," Elaine says as she rests her head on his shoulder.
Tristan snaps his finger, and the coffin opens. "Take it." A long chain shoots out and grabs the blade from his hand before it drags it inside.
"That's quite the coffin."
Tristan smiles. "His gifts are unusual but useful." The swordsman leans back and rests his body on the bed. "I promise I will make it up to you once it is all over."
Elaine follows him and rests her head on his chest. "You better. I want a wedding and a ring by the time I turn 20. There will never be another person like me who can endure so much for your sake."
"... I know. Can you tell me how it has been since I departed?"
"Close your eyes and listen to my voice. Forget about everything else." Elaine began to narrate the events that had taken place since his departure.
Like his father before him, he had found someone to cherish and love, but he wouldn't allow luck to turn against him as it did with his father.
Years after.
*Santa Esmeralda- Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood*
The 33 people involved in the tragedy were frozen in fear. They were trapped inside trees for years, and now that they were free, they found themselves against the ropes.
A young male with glasses sat on top of a coffin as he looked at each of them. His blonde hair was much shorter than before. His suit matched the occasion, as everyone was as well dressed as he was.
"It is a pleasure to see all of you." The blonde male said as he kept a serene expression. "Each one of you is here because of something you did. You might already connect the dots as you know who I am and what this place is."
"This is an event for all of us, after all." A second voice said.
Eyes turned around and found a much older Uther Pendragon holding a bottle of wine.
"This is the cage you royals made for us, and it will be where you'll either die or survive. Don't try the doors or windows; the only way out is if you kill me and Dad. There are weapons all around the mansion. You have five minutes, do your best. I will give you a chance to fight back, something you didn't offer me back then. Your time starts now." The blonde swordsman says as he points at the clock that hits midnight.
Everyone began to run in all directions in fear except for one single lady. The veil of her fancy dress covered her face while a crown sat on her head. Her eyes threw daggers at the blonde swordsman while she held a mysterious vial in her right hand.
"Come, your majesty, show me what you can do against me now that I'm no longer a baby," Tristan said as he matched her glare.
The fight was bound to happen even with all its consequences.
Character profiles:
Tristan Westcott-
Lieutenant Ranked- Order of Dragon's Shadow.
Years after his harsh training, Tristan becomes one of the best sword masters within the alliance. After his marriage, he officially renounces the Pendragon name and settles in Shangri La. He holds a three-way rivalry with two prominent young masters within the alliance. Although he has the looks, Serafall has been unable to drag him into the model business or the acting world. He openly claims that he only wants one woman to witness his whole body, leading to Elaine having several bloody noses.
Le Fay often beats him with her magic staff due to his comments. He has yet to evade any of her attacks. "You'll be the death of Elaine-nee-san if you keep saying things like that so openly." -Le Fay Welsh.
Author's notes:
I won't apologize for the future insights into some of the characters. I had a blast coming up with them.