Tokyo, Graveyard…
The summer sun shone down upon the graves as Subaru Natsuki stood in front of the grave of Eikichi Shimura.
"Hey, sorry it's been a while." Subaru said with a sad, yet sincere smile. "But guess who I finally got to come visit?"
From behind Subaru, Kazuma stepped up to the grave, holding a bottle of soda in his hand.
"Uh…hey, aniki." Kazuma said, looking nervous. "I…I'm not really sure what to say, honestly. You know how I was too scared to join you and David at Eri's agency? Well…now I'm an adventurer in another world. Not a stupidly OP one…not like you would've been…but I'm getting by with some help. Even joined up with a guild and helped take down a demon lord. I've had my ups and downs, but in the end? It's really helped me become better. God, I wish you could be here to see…a-anyway, I'm sorry it's taken so long to visit. I just…had a hard time with guilt. But, y'know, I'm getting better…so don't beat yourself up for dying, okay? I'm…we're okay now."
Kazuma then placed down the bottle of soda at the base of the gravestone, then gave a quick prayer.
"You okay, dude?" Subaru asked.
"...Yeah, a little bit." Kazuma answered with a nod. "So…you ready to head back to work?"
"Yeah. It's been a fun few days…but duty calls." Subaru confirmed. "C'mon, let's head to Tempest."
"Blimey… So these three were in that Bracelet in Shanghai, were they?" Yangus asked, referring to Edelgard, Dimitri and Claude.
"That's right. Kind of hard to imagine, is it? If we hadn't swiped it from that pawn shop in Shanghai, I couldn't fathom what they would've been subjected to." David said.
"I dunno what would've been worse. Being stuck on a shelf in that shop owned by a money lover or sold while still inactive to someone who just wanted to wear our bracelet to accessorize." Claude said.
"Given that the latter involved the Universal Villains, definitely the latter." Miu said. "Though, that highway chase through Shanghai probably didn't do any favors either."
"And now that your enemies have seen the power of us and our fellow Emblems for themselves, it's more than likely that they'll seek to claim us for themselves." Dimitri said.
"Probably. But I'm not all that worried." David said. "Even if they were able to mass produce the Emblems, it's useless without a Divine Dragon to awaken them. Ah… Sorry. I didn't mean any offense towards you guys."
"That reminds me… where did you guys come from? Obviously you're not from Elyos if you know the way there." RS Rosalie asked.
"Hmm… I honestly can't recall everything."Tiki said. " I know that myself, Edelgard and our other bracelet friends were somewhere far away. We fought in so many battles. I can't recall how they ended. I do remember someone gentle helping me to sleep. I wonder who it was…"
"Don't worry, Tiki. We'll find them." David said. "Speaking of which, our sincerest apologies that you guys missed their awakenings."
"We may not have seen them, but we definitely felt them." Cheetah said.
"Yep. And all things considered, you did pretty well with the thing." Captain Cold said.
"Thanks, but I couldn't have pulled through on my own." David said, rubbing the back of his head. "Dan and Tiki were just as spectacular in that situation, if not moreso."
"The Emblems do have a lot of power behind them, that's for sure. But I wonder why we've only just heard of them and this Elyos place now?" Lysithea asked.
"Probably because Elyos is a continent isolated from the rest of the Color-verse." Adora said. "We didn't know about this until Alear and Tiki were discovered in Theodore's clutches."
"Hopefully we will learn more as we gather the Bracelets." Azura said.
"Speaking of which, you and Dan won't be the only ones wielding these two, are you?" Nesma asked.
"I don't think so. Tiki's bracelet may have clung to Dan when he first got it, but Edelgard's didn't cling to me. So, I don't see that being the case." David said. "Plus, I think it would be more beneficial if they were utilized by multiple people at separate points."
"While also keeping in mind that only one Emblem can be equipped on each person at any time." Cheetah said.
"Right." Klonoa said.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now approaching the Great Forest of Jura." Betty announced. "You are now free to grab your weapons and power on your electronic devices as we prepare for landing."
"You sound like an airline pilot, Betty." Connor quipped.
"I know, I just thought it would be good to have some fun." Betty replied. "Besides, this is our team's first time here."
"Hold on, Connor, you've never taken your team here to visit Tempest?" Bow asked.
"Yep. This is gonna be my first visit to Rimuru's place. I mean, I've come to know the guy personally, he's awesome. I just still can't believe how big he's made his nation in the time he's got." Connor mentioned. "Hard to believe he was a normal guy living where you live before all this, David."
"Yeah. It's pretty funny how things work out sometimes." David said.
"Could you tell me what Rimiuru is like? I'd be interested in knowing what kind of a leader he is." Alear inquired.
"Well, he's laid back and very friendly. Believe it or not, even though he's the ruler of an entire nation of monsters, all he wants is for monsters to coexist with humans in his world, and live a comfortable life." Hope said. "But you gotta watch it around him. Last thing you wanna do is piss him off."
"So, he's friendly to his allies, but dangerous to those who threaten him?" Alear asked. "He must be a very unique person.'
"Actually… he's not exactly a human." Kendo said. "Lets just say that it took a monster to unify a monster nation."
The Great Forest of Jura….
Within the forest, there was a Training Exercise going on. Gobta and Gabiru were racing through the trees.
"Find him yet?" the young Hobgoblin asked the Dragonewt.
"No! We've failed!" Gabiru answered.
The two ran across the forest, as a third figure joined alongside them, revealed to be Mash.
"This is ridiculous. Where could the old man be hiding?" Mash asked before Hakurou appeared out of nowhere.
"Who's hiding?" Hakurou said, surprising the three of them.
Hakurou quickly jabbed Gobta in the nose with a wooden plank he was using in place of his sword, sending the Hobgoblin flying. Gabiru was the next to fall despite his attempts to block, being sent headfirst into a tree.
For his part, Mash did manage to react and, when Hakurou targeted him next, transformed the skin of his arms into scales, allowing him to barely block the first strike. The old man was too fast, however, managing to get behind Mask and hit the back of his head with the flat of the plank, sending him careening into a bush, getting tangled in it.
"Ouch…" Mash groaned, rubbing the area he'd been hit. "Not even Seiya's that fast…"
"Speed has nothing to do with it. You're all still relying on your eyes too much." Hakurou corrected the youngest of the three.
"Master's training is really intense. Why'd you even sign up to do it with me and Gabiru today, Mash?" Gobta asked.
"Well, me, Rosalie and Elulu were just coming by to check in on how Seiya was settling into Tempest, but then I heard about how strong Hakurou was, so I decided to see it up close. Gotta find any extra chances to train, after all." Mash said. "For an old guy, he sure is tough."
"Yeah, we've never been able to catch him off guard." Gobta said before looking around. "Hang on, where's Geld?"
"He's working. He seemed concerned about how the job was coming along." Hakurou said.
Meanwhile…
Geld and his fellow orcs were working on paving a road for Tempest.
"Hey, Geld!" A voice called as Geld saw Duran accompanied by Baril.
"Hello." Geld said.
"Workin' hard as usual, huh? Not even a couple weeks removed from taking down Zenos and you're already building another road for Tempest." Duran said.
"Is there any way we can be of assistance, Mr. Geld?" Baril asked.
"My crew has things handled here, but thank you for the offer, Baril." Geld said. "Not to be offensive, but I worry that your geomancy may overwork the roads."
"Yes, I suppose that is true." Baril said.
Just then a screech was heard as the three looked up to see a dragon flying overhead.
"Agh, he's so serious…" Gobta groaned.
"Perhaps you should take a note from him and get serious about your training." Hakurou recommended, but just then, the Kijin assassin Souei suddenly appeared.
"I've received word that Geld and two of our allies are under attack." Souei said.
"No way! Enemies?!" Gobta asked as he stood up. "I'll go help them!" he said before running off.
"We will go as well." Gabiru added as he and his three fellow clansmen followed.
"I will inform Lord Rimuru and Master Theo at once." Souei said as he vanished.
Hakurou nodded before leaving as well.
At Rimuru's Private estate…
"Hmm…." Rimuru said, looking over a map. "I know I gave Youm and Diablo the task of reforming Falmuth Kingdom but was that really the best idea?" he pondered.
"It's the only way change can take route." Theo said.
"I hope they don't overdo it." Rimuru said.
"Yes…while we're here to establish relations with Gaeabrande and Tempest." Princess Rosalie said.
"Now now…no need to overwork yourselves." Shuna said as she approached with tea and snacks. "It's only been a couple weeks since Zenos Road was defeated. It's not healthy to throw yourselves into work immediately after a hard battle like that. Don't forget to take a break once in awhile."
"Yeah…" Theo said, sipping his tea. "Ah…that's wonderful."
"Hmm…oh. That reminds me!" Shion said as she went for a box. "I almost forgot that I baked those cookies you all taught me the recipe for." she said, getting a box as the people inside jumped back. "You can have them with your tea."
"(Whoa! Our peace just got shattered!)" Rimuru thought.
"Come on…" Shion said opening the box as an ominous cloud flowed out.
"I thought you said she was getting better at her cooking!" Princess Rosalie whispered to Theo and Rimiru.
"She may have the Ultimate Skill Master Chef but her cooking…it feels like you'll die just looking at it." Theo said.
"Oh…I have to go. I have clothes to weave." Shuna said as she left.
"Wait, don't leave us!" Theo begged.
"(Forgive me, everyone…)" Shuna said as she fought back tears while still smiling.
"(Forget an Ultimate Skill, I might ultimately die! There's no way I'm charging into this head first!)" Princess Rosalie thought.
"(Raphael, any ideas?!)" Rimuru asked his Ultimate Skill companion.
"Yes. Say your goodbyes."
"(Very funny.)" Rimuru thought.
"What's wrong? Why aren't you three eating them?" Shion asked. At that moment, Rimuru detected something and saw it as his chance to get away.
"Uh…my senses tingle. There's trouble that requires our attention." Theo said. "So we must go."
Just then Souei appeared.
"Lord Rimuru, Master Theo. It seems Geld and two of our allies are under attack in the forest." Souei reported.
"Whew, thank goodness! We'll go see-" Rimuru headed off before it just dawned on him. "Hold up! They're under attack?! For real?!"
Back on the road, the trio was in combat with a Kijin with long red hair in a ponytail with a white and black horn as he clashed with them.
"Filthy orc remnant…so you have your sights set on Tempest as well!" he said.
"Who are you?!" Duran asked with his sword at the ready.
"That doesn't concern you!" he said, knocking the sword from Duran's hands and focused primarily on Geld.
"Who is this guy? He's insanely strong." Duran said as Baril checked on him.
"I am not sure, but his face…" Baril said before waving her hands as the earth erupted underneath the mysterious Kijin.
"Above!" Geld said as the Kijin jumped into the air as he clashed with Geld.
"Your dirty tricks won't work on me, majin." he said.
"I am no Majin." Baril said before sending a lightning bolt in the sky as a signal.
"I will avenge them!" he said, jumping up. "Ogre…Flame!" he said, sending a fireball at Geld who quickly drew his shield and guarded.
"Gah, what in blazes is going on here?!" Ar-Kaius the ArchitectArchitect asked as he saw some soldiers the Kijin brought with him fighting Geld's men.
"Ar-Kaius!" a voice called as Ty ran up to meet him, the guilds newest member, Kat, with him. "What's goin' on? I try to take Kat on a Tour of Tempest after getting back from a mission, and then all of a sudden this is happening!"
"That rowdy Kijin just appeared out of nowhere and started attacking Geld!" Ar-Kaius explained, pointing to Geld's attacker. "We must stop this, before we get behind schedule!"
"You said…you'd avenge them. Are…are you from that village?!" Duran asked.
The Kijin was then coated in flames as he charged at Geld. Geld just stood there as he dropped his shield and sword as the Kijin closed in.
"Mr. Geld!" Baril cried before getting in front of him and forming an earth wall.
"I can't let this happen!" Kat said as Dusty activated Kat's powers, letting her rocket towards the unnamed Kijin with a kick. Said Kijin was forced to turn his attention away from Geld for a moment to block the strike, then grab Kat's leg and hurl her into Baril's earth wall, causing cracks to form. With a roar, he then leapt into the air, allowing him direct line of sight with Geld once more as he burst into even more furious flames.
"This is gonna get hot…!" Ty braced for impact as Geld merely closed his eyes, ready to accept his fate…
But just before he could strike the Hugh orc down, and before Baril could do anything, another blade blocked the kijin's nodachi, sending him flying back. Geld's savior turned out to be none other than Benimaru.
"Ah, Benimaru!" Kat called in relief.
"Great timing!" Ty said.
The two Kijin were locked in combat before Benimaru stopped.
"Brother?" he asked as the Kijin jumped back. "It can't be…"
"No way…." the Kijin said.
"Brother…you…you're really alive!" Benimaru said.
"But…I thought you were dead. The ogre village was destroyed." the Kijin said.
"Indeed. I was saved and I was even given a name. You may call me Benimaru." Benimaru said.
The Kijin then started laughing. "There's no way this can be a dream. It's too good to be one. Me too. Hiiro. Call me Hiiro." he said.
"You've been named as well." Benimaru said.
"Indeed. There could not be a happier coincidence." Hiiro said as they clanged their swords.
"Wait, you two know each other?" Kat asked in confusion.
"So you all are my brother's allies. You protected the Orc who destroyed our village. Why?" Hiiro asked.
"Uh… long story. Let's just say a lot of things happened, but in short, the Great Orc Disaster was defeated, and the remaining Orcs who survived joined up with Tempest. So theyre all, kinda… our friends now." Ty explained.
"You're friends?" Hiiro growled a bit before bowing. "I see. I'm sorry. I behaved recklessly."
"It's true that the orcs destroyed the ogre village and that cannot be forgiven." Geld said.
"C'mon big guy, you've more than made up for it." Ty assured. "But, I get what you're saying. Some things just can't be forgotten about."
"Yes, sometimes you have to live with them in order to atone." Baril said.
Hiiro nodded. "I don't believe ive been properly introduced. I had heard the Jura Tempest Federation made peace with humans, but I've never heard of the four of you."
"Oh, sorry." Ty bowed. "I'm Ty Takahashi. Adventurer of the Mythos Hearts Guild. Were partners with the Jura Tempest Federation. And this here is one of our newest members. Kat, from Hekseville."
"Hello, it's nice to meet you." Kat said as Dusty meowed.
"Name's Duran. I'm a Swordsman from Valsena and a member of Spirit Force." Duran said.
"My name is Baril, Mr. Hiiro. I am a Shadow Knight and also of Spirit Force. It's very nice to meet you." Baril said as she curtsied a bit.
"Brother?" a voice said as Hiiro saw the other Kijin in the village standing there. "Is it…really you?" Shuna said.
"You're all here…I can hardly believe it." Hiiro said in surprise as Shion cried as he comforted her.
It was at this moment that the other heroes arrived.
"Hey, we came to…." Jexi said as they saw the scene. 'Uh…did…did we miss something?"