Chapter 10: Haunted or Hounded?
The group soon approached the area where the next Emblem Ring was supposed to be at, as they were closing in on the ruins quickly.
Meanwhile… in said ruins…
Along with the usual person that was here, there currently seemed to be a wolf woman in the midst of it, doing some unarmed training. She had red hair, ears, and tail, and was wearing a red jacket over a black sports bra and red pants, with simple black and red sneakers on her feet, indicating she was from a world separate from here, as she was training her skills in the ruins.
"Alright… now that I've gotten my form back, time to figure out where the heck Boujack went off to…" The wolf woman stated before she heard Corrupted nearby, as well as sensing they were approaching in on someone who wasn't as strong as her. "Damn! Okay, that's going on hold, time to save someone!" She exclaimed and rushed towards the sounds.
In the middle of ruins itself, there was a man with long flowing black hair, as he was dressed in a red scarf around his neck and shoulders, and baggy purple silken pants, with golden rings on his arms and legs, as he was dancing around softly and gently.
"My new moves are coming together nicely. Just a bit more practice and I'll call it a day." The man remarked. "And this spot… So quiet and empty."
Suddenly, he then heard footsteps, before he then turned around with a 'Hm?', as a Corrupted stepped out, with ax in hand.
"Ah! Wh-What is that?" The man remarked with fear, before looking around, as more Corrupted came out from behind the ruins itself. "No good. I'm trapped here. Is it my fate to die like this? It's such a pity to be caught so unprepared. I'd have practiced combat as well as dance."
"Not today bud! CHYA!" A voice yelled out as the red wolf woman from before suddenly sent multiple corrupted flying with a massive energy kick, before she rushed to the man. "You alright? Did any of them get you?" She immediately asked, giving the dancer a quick check over.\
"I'm well, thank you for-" The man stated.
"Please, both of you! Get out of there!" A kind female voice called out as the dancer and wolf girl looked around for the source of the sound.
"Who said that?" The man remarked.
"What the…?" The wolf woman asked.
"Please, listen to my voice! To your right, go!" The voice called out.
While the wolf wasn't one for running, she saw the influx of enemies and figured that advice might be best.
"I'm not gonna shun some guiding voice in this situation, come on, let's go!" Opherla said, pushing the dancer in front of her to head in the direction the guiding woman's voice said as she followed him right behind, the two avoiding getting smashed by Corrupted axes, as they bumped into each other comically, before sharing a glance and rushing at the two of them.
Meanwhile, back with the main group…
"So these are the ruins, eh…?" Siege remarked as they stepped foot inside them. "I gotta say… they look about as spooky as was described."
"Yup. My ancestors designed it that way. Didn't want people to go poking around." Timerra answered back. "The locals won't get near the place. They say ghosts wander the ruins. A haunted castle! Lately, some have heard a young woman's voice calling out from inside…"
"That's definitely the Emblem Ring." Richard declared dryly.
"Geez, ruin the suspense, won't you." Timerra pouted.
"Wait a moment, I hear fighting." Alfred remarked.
"Wait a sec… the Corrupted! They've gotten in!" Timerra panicked.
"Then let us head to the fight, quickly!" Alear remarked, as the group began to approach the source of the fighting, as they noticed that there was a large group of Corrupted standing by. "It seems that our enemies have almost beat us here."
"Yeah, this place is swarming. Guess it is a little haunted, huh?" Timerra quipped.
"Over there!" Celine exclaimed, pointing beyond a damaged section of the ruins. "I can hear voices on the other side of that blockade!"
"They have us well and truly surrounded, again… Still, safer inside than out in the open." The male dancer sighed.
"Yeah, I agree… it seems like we stumbled into the chamber that has this ring, though." The wolf woman remarked, holding the ring, then almost dropping it upon hearing the voice again from it.
"Hey, I- Waaaaoohhh! Ugh… don't jostle me like that again…" The voice spoke.
"S-sorry! You startled me!" The wolf woman exclaimed.
"O spirit of the cards! Cast your light upon the path before us…" The dancer spoke, holding out a tarot deck, before pulling out a card with a white dragon on it. "Le Dragon. It means help may come from an unexpected source."
"Looks like they have the Emblem Ring." Siege stated upon hearing the voices, before making a check of their own Emblem Rings, as his eyes widened. "...Alear, what happened to Marth's ring!?" Siege exclaimed, seeing it absent from Alear's finger.
"Marth's…" Alear remarked, before her eyes shrank when she realised that she lost the Emblem Ring. "Oh no… No no no…"
"It can't possibly be lost by accident!" Richard exclaimed. "Perhaps Dark Veyle managed to knock it off while we were unaware of it! But damn… we get Byleth, but we lost Marth again…"
"We can only do our best to recover his Emblem Ring as soon as we can." Lumera answered back. "For now, we must focus on acquiring the Ring of the Crux of Fate before any of Sombron's chosen finds out about this battle…"
"Until then, who has Lucina's ring?" Siege asked.
"I do, Radiant Savior." Lapis would say, handing it to Siege.
"Here, Alear. You can use Lucina this fight." Siege said, handing her ring to Alear.
"Thank you." Alear thanked Lapis.
"Do not worry, I can handle it without the Emblem Ring." Lapis stated. "I've been fighting a long time without it, after all."
"Now that that's settled… let's go!" Siege exclaimed.
Meanwhile, at the top of the map, Mauvier appeared as he looked distressed.
"The Hounds are in trouble if my fears are right… I must find Lady Veyle!" Mauvier exclaimed.
Victory Conditions: Route the enemy, or Seadall and Opherla escape
Failure Conditions: Siege, Alear, or Richard fall
Special Condition: Talk to Mauvier with Veyle
PLAYER PHASE
Alear then moved forward, before attacking one of the ax-wielding Corrupted, with Lucina syncing every single action she did, before she struck it down, while Morion went forward to take down the other ax-wielding Corrupted, and Etie sniped one of them down.
Jean then moved forward, before he then used himself a waypoint to warp Siege right past the broken blockade, as Siege saw both of the trapped individuals inside.
Siege would approach the dancer immediately, seeing as he had the ring in hand now as opposed to the wolf woman at first.
"Hey! You two alright?" Siege asked.
"Who are you?" The dancer asked, with a weary tone in his voice.
"Please, don't be alarmed. I'm the Radiant Savior, Siege. I've come to rescue you." Siege spoke.
"The Radiant Saviour, you say… What do you know? My cards spoke true." Seadall remarked. "Unexpected source indeed. Thank you. I am Seadall, a travelling dancer. I was out there rehearsing, and those creatures appeared. A talking ring guided both me and my freshly-made companion to safety."
"I'm Opherla, I'm a warrior from a sect of people known as Time Patrollers. But by the looks of things, this world doesn't even know what those are… so it's a little awkward, to be honest. But, I'll do what I can to help you out!" Opherla greeted.
"Nice to meet you both. Now, Seadall, if I may have that ring, please?" Siege asked.
"All right." Seadall answered back, before he then relinquished the ring to Siege.
"Okay, here we go… Bare your fangs, Emblem of Fates!" Siege exclaimed.
With the incantation, Corrin manifested herself in Emblem form, as she stood proud and tall.
"I am Emblem Corrin. I'll fight with all I have." Corrin declared. "Thank you for finding me. I'll help ensure the path you decide to walk is the right one."
"You're welcome, Corrin. Now, let's get you and everyone else out of here." Siege stated, wanting them to hightail it out of the ruins…
Until the door they entered from shut, as Mirai turned and noticed it.
"Uuuuuhhh… why did the doors we just come in from… shut…?" Mirai asked.
"It must be some otherworldly force." Richard remarked, as he moved to join Siege, before noticing Corrin, as her appearance caused him to freeze for a moment, before he then relaxed. "...The Emblem is awoken as I can see, Siege."
"Yes… yes, she is." Siege stated, Corrin reminding him of their time in Hoshido and Nohr, and all the painful memories from that experience.
"Are you both… okay?" Alear asked, concerned about how Richard and Siege felt.
"It's… It's complicated." Richard answered back.
"Let's just focus on getting out of here. Those doors up ahead just opened, let's try that path." Siege pointed out, before noticing someone in that pathway. "Wait… is that…?"
"That looks like Mauvier…!" Mirai exclaimed.
"It seems that the Corrupted do not obey him… I assume that it is a result of having turned his back on Sombron." Lumera remarked. "If that is the case, we cannot allow him to perish."
"Let's get moving." Richard stated, as the main group began to move around into the path, as the mounted units managed to clear a part of the path ahead, while the rest lagged slightly behind.
ENEMY PHASE
The Corrupted began to pursue the main group, as some of them went for Mauvier, who defended himself.
"I will not perish to the likes of you!" Mauvier roared, as he managed to deal considerable damage, and take only glancing blows from the enemies that attacked him.
PLAYER PHASE
"Veyle, try and talk to Mauvier, see why he's here." Siege remarked, nodding towards Richard so he could Warp Veyle to Mauvier.
"Right." Richard remarked, before he then managed to barely get Veyle in range of Mauvier, as the dragon-girl approached her former knight.
"Mauvier! You're alright!" Veyle exclaimed. "I thought that you would have-"
"I would not perish as long as there is hope that I can find you again." Mauvier declared. "Forgive me. I should have rushed to you as soon as I heard news of where you are… but I fled here to shake off my pursuers."
"Pursuers?" Veyle asked.
"The other you has hired the same deplorable beings who hail from beyond the realms itself." Mauvier remarked. "And their first order was to kill the Hounds. It seems that we are rendered obsolete by them, and our recent actions has managed to give Sombron enough reason to allow our executions."
"That's… That's horrible!" Veyle exclaimed.
"They tried to kill Zephia, Griss, and Marni. Marni is critically wounded, and barely kept alive in the other two's custody." Mauvier stated. "I came to know of this because Zephia herself came for me. At first, I believed that she wished to slay me there and now for my betrayal, but her eyes immediately discounted that possibility. She and I are in the same boat, even if she will not admit it fully. I do not know where they have fled, but I do know that they will need your aid."
"It won't be easy. A large part of the group hold prejudices against them for what they have done to their nations." Veyle frowned. "And you will be subject to the same prejudice."
"A small price to atone." Mauvier answered back. "Guide me to Alear and the Radiant Saviour. I shall convince them myself of my genuine sincerity towards them.
"Not necessary." Siege's voice rang out as Jean and Richard warped Siege and Alear into view, with the others clearing the Corrupted behind their path. "We're right here, Mauvier."
"Radiant Saviour…" Mauvier remarked. "How much have you heard about what I have said to Lady Veyle…?"
"Enough to consider you trustworthy. I know many of our allies will look scornfully to you, but I can see your noblest heart desires the safety of not just yourself and Veyle, but the entirety of the Four Hounds. That, I can respect." Siege remarked. "So, on behalf of our army, allow me to welcome you in with open arms in the fight against Sombron. Zephia will not shift easily… but I pray through all our efforts, that the Four Hounds will be reunited, and get the desires in which they seek." Siege added.
"If your words are not enough, I will persuade her myself." Mauvier declared. "Until then, you have my hand in your mission to defeat Sombron. For the sake of the Hounds, and for the sake of Lady Veyle."
"Then our first order of business is to locate Marni after we get out of here. Marni sounds like she's in imminent danger, and we haven't a moment to lose. I'm confident with you and Veyle, you can convince her to our end. Now, let us press onwards and get out of these wretched ruins." Siege declared.
With Mauvier recruited, and the others seeing the trust Siege was placing in him, the group pushed onwards into the passageway, taking out all but a couple of the visible Corrupted in their way.
ENEMY PHASE
The Corrupted began to advance, as they tried to attack Mauvier again, only for the former Hound to prove quite hardy, as he even managed a crit himself.
"You will have nothing!" Mauvier declared, before he strode forward, and cut down the Corrupted with a falling strike. "I require no praise."
"But you do. Because of your handling of them, we can now quickly move closer to an exit. Well done, Mauvier." Siege complimented.
PLAYER PHASE
Opening up the door to a couple more rooms, the exit was soon in plain sight.
"I've found the exit!" Siege exclaimed. "Richard, warp Seadall and Opherla out of here, that way they can get Corrin's ring to safety!" Siege exclaimed.
"Alright, I've got it!" Richard remarked, before Framme moved beside him, as the two of them warped the two new members of their party to the escape point.
"Time to blow this joint! Let's get outta here, Seadall!" Opherla exclaimed as she occupied an exit space and left the ruins.
"Our paths diverge for a moment. Radiant Saviour, Emblem Corrin, Thank you." Seadall remarked, before he left the ruins as well.
STAGE CLEAR
MVP: Rosado
After finishing the Corrupted since the targeted persons left the area, the group met up with Seadall and Opherla again, but while the main group chatted with them, Siege, Richard, Alear, Lumera, Mirai, and Veyle were off to the side, talking with Mauvier.
"I have to ask, Mauvier. You mentioned the other Veyle recruiting new people for Lord Sombron's cause… may I ask who they were?" Siege asked.
"I'm afraid that Zephia wasn't clear on who they exactly were." Mauvier stated. "All she told me was that they radiated pure malice."
"Pure malice… tch. Sounds like a typical villain from a typical world. But one world in particular I believe fits the bill on just who is involved." Siege growled.
"What are you saying, father?" Mirai asked.
"Remember Goku Black and Zamasu from earlier? I'd bet all my profits that they're back in the picture, as part of the spearhead for a new group of four individuals to serve Sombron." Siege remarked.
"Those two malicious deities…!?" Lumera exclaimed with horror.
"And I have a hunch a third familiar enemy of ours is with them, but I'm speculating too far at this point." Siege remarked, before turning to Mauvier. "Did Zephia give you any lead of a direction they might be heading?"
"I have a hunch they wanted to get as far away from Solm as possible. So Marni could properly recover. My guess is them and what Elusian forces still cling to the Hounds are on a boat to Firene at this point to lay low. It's the farthest from Solm, after all." Mauvier remarked.
"Then it sounds like we need to catch the Somniel back to Firene. But first and foremost, we should probably make sure Solm is firmly cleared of any and all Corrupted or worse Sombron has in mind for them, that way we can put all our focus on the Hounds, instead of worrying for Solm." Siege remarked.
"The only coast left to check would be the oasis near the ocean, that's the only spot we haven't made sure is fully freed yet." Timerra remarked as she approached the group.
"Then that's where we'll go." Siege stated with a firm nod. "Mauvier, you will help us from this point onwards, yes?" Siege asked, making sure Mauvier would stay loyal to, if no-one else, Veyle.
"I shall." Mauvier declared firmly.
"Then it's settled." Richard remarked, turning to the native members of the group. "Mauvier will fight alongside us. It is understandable if you have disdain for him, but do note that he is the least responsible for all of this out of the Hounds. So I kindly ask that you cut him some slack, he's more dedicated to Veyle than following Sombron's orders. So he means what he says."
"I see." Ivy tersely answered back.
"Fine." Hortensia sighed.
"Hey, he seems like a cool guy to me, I'm good with him, so long as he keeps his word. Right, Fogado?" Timerra asked.
"Eh, I don't see any reason to distrust him." Fogado answered back.
"Then it's settled." Alear remarked, before turning to Alfred and Morion. "Unless there is more to be said."
"No." Alfred answered back.
"Well, I have to respect a dedicated knight, even on the enemy side." Morion commented. "So don't you worry, Mauvier. If my sons don't support you, I've got your back."
"I suppose that is more than I expect." Mauvier admitted.
"Then off to the coast we go." Alear stated.
As the group approached the coast while the sun was rising…
Griss could be seen with a limping Marni on the beach, as Marni had one of their rings in hand.
"Are you sure about this? You're still not fully healed yet… and Zephia might not be too kind with punishing me how I want, if something happened to you. I mean, do you really think they got through to Mauvier so quickly?" Griss asked Marni.
"If they have Lady Veyle with them, Mauvier would follow them to the ends of the earth…" Marni remarked. "...I… I may detest her, but better her, than this warped imitation of her that I truly detest far more…"
"Well, fair enough. I'm heading back to Firene to lay low with Zephia. If our hunch is right, the Radiant Savior and Divine Dragon should come running to Firene once they're done here. We better see you in their army, if we have any hopes of stickin' it to ol' Sombron for ditching us so easily." Griss remarked. "You're on your own from here, I don't doubt that hulking green giant and his bubblegum friend are on your tail for smugglin' that Dawn Maiden ring from under their noses."
With that said, Griss warped away, heading back to Firene, leaving Marni to find the army of Alear and Siege on her own.
"Hmph, he could have at least helped me look a bit!" Marni pouted as she tried running, only to wince. "Ow ow ow… damn those Four Dragons! If I ever get this leg patched, I'll give them a MEGA killing!"
Meanwhile…
The group soon approached the beach-like area when suddenly, they saw Boujack and Android 21 scowling as they were searching the area.
"Damned little thief! I'll eat her whole if I find her for stealing that ring!" Android 21 growled.
"Not if I crush her first! She'll pay for this!" Boujack yelled.
"Well, if it isn't the pink bubblegum herself and, oh, this is a treat. Didn't I slash you to bits when you pushed me so far beyond anger, I almost lost myself, Boujack?" Siege asked as the two of them looked to see the group.
"Oooh! This is good! Siege and Richard are here! Heehee!" Android 21 giggled.
"Hah. Long time no see, soldier. Been keepin' in shape? I hope so, considerin' the beating I'll give ya if you haven't been!" Boujack laughed.
"Can it. I'm not here for formalities with you two multicolored dipshits." Siege spat. "If I were you, I'd retreat now before we decide to plant you both 6 feet under to be washed away with the sand."
"As if that's gonna happen!" Boujack laughed as Corrupted soon spawned, roaring at the main group… when suddenly, Boujack and 21 noticed Marni slipping past their lines! "What!? Where did she come from!?"
"That makes finding her easier but damn it all! Now they have the Emblem Ring!" 21 cursed.
"Marni!?" Siege exclaimed as he saw her run up to the group. "Mauvier told us you were gravely wounded!"
"Can it! I know that you're the only way I'm coming out of this alive. So I risked it all to get something to prove that I'm on your side!" Marni remarked, before she then tossed the Emblem Ring to Alear. "Here, catch!"
"That's Micaiah's ring!" Siege exclaimed as Alear caught it. "Marni, thanks. Get behind our lines, and Richard will see to it you get patched up and ready to strike back." Siege told Marni.
"Don't worry, you have our word." Richard answered back, before he then warped Marni behind lines, as Jean attended to her.
"You're… you're younger than me!" Marni exclaimed, noticing Jean's youthful age.
"I know, but I have great use to the group. I may not fight, but my staves have done a lot for the group." Jean stated.
"Use…" Marni remarked, as there was a distant look in her eyes.
"I can see that I'm touching on something sore… Please, we can discuss this later." Jean stated. "Just remain behind the lines, and let the others handle the fight. They are more powerful than any adversary that we have faced."
"Marni, I beg you, please let us help." Veyle stated. "I know that there must be a reason that you detest me so… but at least trust in Mauvier's presence here, that we are not here to hurt you."
Marni was silent, before she then nodded. "...Right." Marni stated.
"Let's see if we can keep both 21 and Boujack down for as long as we can." Richard remarked. "If they're two of the four new threats that Cataclysm brought onto the table, thinning their numbers, even temporarily, will be of great help to everyone."
Victory: Defeat Boujack and Android 21 (Evil)
Defeat: Siege, Richard, Alear, or Marni fall
Special Condition I: Defeat Boujack with Mauvier
Special Condition II: Defeat Android 21 (Evil) with Marni
PLAYER PHASE
The group began to advance on the Corrupted, as Marni decided to be the first to attack, as her great-axe managed to take out one of the Corrupted with a single swing.
"To Hel with all of you!" Marni declared, before the rest of the group moved ahead to complement her attack, as they rushed towards the enemies.
Alear immediately strided forward, before she then used Lucina's help in order to get Boucheron to join in her attack, as it was enough to take down the enemies with a single blow.
"Alear! Don't forget, we need to re-awaken Micaiah!" Siege exclaimed, realizing they hadn't done that just yet.
"Ah, right. Sorry, I forgot that in the heat of battle." Alear remarked, before she then held up the Emblem Ring. "Heal us, Emblem of Dawn!"
Micaiah then reappeared beside Alear, back in her original Emblem form.
"How shameful, to have been taken from your hands…" Micaiah remarked. "I am truly glad that you managed to free me quickly. It was torture watching myself fight against the ones who freed me in the first place."
"Do not worry, we will not lose you again." Alear declared.
At the same time, Richard immediately used a Meteor Spell to take out an Corrupted archer that would have went for Marni, as the former Hound noticed this.
"Gotta make sure you don't end up bloodied again!" Richard declared.
"Hey, I can handle myself against this rabble! It's that muscular man and his pink demon that are the trouble here!" Marni declared.
"Marni has a point, Richard. Besides, she has a big shield, should you fail to notice." Siege remarked, pointing at Marni's huge shield. "She can likely use that against most physical blows." Siege added.
"Hey, thanks for recognizing I'm not a pushover!" Marni giggled at the praise. "Ya knoooow, maybe you guys aren't so bad after all…"
"You'll come to find we do enjoy lifting each other up. Speaking of which, Fogado, on your left there, pal!" Zendara called.
"Oh, I got that!" Fogado remarked, before he then drew the string of his bow, before launching a pair of arrows right through the chest of the nearby Corrupted, taking it out. "Thanks for the call-out!"
"Not a problem!" Zendara beamed.
The large army soon finished taking out as many corrupted as they could, as Seadall danced for Richard, he and Ivy tag-teaming a large Dragon-like Corrupted that was on the beach. However, as the phase shifted, Goldmary was unfortunate to have water rise up where she was, getting into her boots.
"What…? Do the tides change that fast around here?" Siege remarked, noticing the water shift. "Sorry about that, Goldmary, I'll be a little more careful with the orders next time!"
"Don't worry, a little water won't tarnish me." Goldmary remarked. "I will face anything that comes at me. They will fall before me, even with the odds against me!"
ENEMY PHASE
"Hrmp. Damned pests are already making waves." Boujack growled.
"Let's put a little stop to that, shall we?" Android 21 evilly smiled before dashing down just a bit, as she charged an attack with her finger. "You'll make a lovely snack~" She exclaimed, the target falling over Richard.
Android 21 Combat Art: Candy Beam: Every other turn, Android 21 can target one unit to attack with a beam that turns them into candy or another sweet treat. Should the attack hit, target unit's HP will hit 0 and will be considered dead by being consumed by Android 21.
"Ohhh Richaaaard~! Time to turn into sweets for me~!" Android 21 chimed as she was too far for even Richard's long range tomes he picked up, such as Bolting and Eclipse, could counter.
"That's not good! Richard! Watch it, she's trying to eat you!" Siege yelled.
"Oh fuck-" Richard remarked, before he then used a wind spell in haste to barely dodge the beam, as the energy could be felt prickling on his skin, with how close it was to it. "Well now, that's a bit greedy, don't you think!?"
"Come on, what's wrong with a kid getting their candy?" 21 taunted back, as a huge breath of relief fell over the army. That would have been a devastating loss, should that attack have hit.
Boujack didn't move, while more Corrupted tried to attack, as many of them rushed at Marni for her recent betrayal, but their physical attacks only bounced off her shield, before being brutally mutilated by Marni's axe.
"Niiice! Great job, Marni!" Siege complimented Marni for holding the line well.
"Yes! Praise me more! This is what I've been wishing for!" Marni remarked, as there was genuine joy in her voice.
Mauvier couldn't help but smile at this, seeing that Marni was truly happy for the first time in her tenure as a Hound, while Veyle felt the same way, seeing that Marni looked more like a child like this, rather than a Hound dedicated to Sombron's atrocities.
PLAYER PHASE
"Tch… 21 nearly hit Richard with that beam just a few moments ago." Siege remarked, seeing how disadvantageous the situation was, before looking ahead to a spot that could be useful. "Hey, Opherla, you have Corrin's ring, right?"
"Yeah, why?" Opherla asked.
"We need a bridge made. And I think Corrin can help us make that bridge over this water." Siege remarked.
"Okay! I think I got it then!" Opherla exclaimed. "Emblem, Engage!"
Draconic energy swirled around Opherla as she soon popped an invisible dragon vein that shot up and landed smack dab in the most direct lines across the water, soon forming perfectly stable sandy bridges for the group to cross.
"Perfect!" Siege remarked. "Now we can take the fight RIGHT to Boujack and 21!"
"Then it's time we brought the danger to them!" Mokou exclaimed. "Hey Nihilister, time to show that shiny new Emblem of yours! Can't let him sit around for long, can we?"
"Yeah, he's been gettin' a little restless! Time to change that! Emblem, Engage!" Nihilister exclaimed, before fiery energy began surrounding her.
Kyo Engage Skill: Three Sacred Treasures - Call upon Emblem Chizuru and Emblem Iori to warp directly to an enemy and unleash the full might of the Three Sacred Treasures! After combat, select three allies to warp to any space 3 spaces away from current location.
Nihilister soon warped in a flaming spiral in front of 21, which made her jump in shock before entering combat.
"Tasty, tasty treats! Come and let me eat!" 21 exclaimed in a trance.
"Only thing you're eating IS MY FIST, BITCH!" Nihilister yelled before the Engage Skill activated.
"Let's go!" Nihilister said as Kyo nodded, as Chizuru and Iori appeared.
"Tch. Let's get this over with…" Iori growled.
"I'm with you, let's go!" Chizuru exclaimed.
The trio of KOF characters suddenly rushed in, beating down on Android 21 in a nasty combo before Iori slashed and scratched her multiple times, laughing like a maniac before grabbing her and unleashing a headbutt that unleashed a purple fiery explosion.
Chizuru then summoned her mirror self and began to hit 21 multiple times with her unique martial arts, which her other self copied perfectly as 21 was hit multiple times before they both stabbed their hands into her, which resulted in a radiant explosion.
Kyo then looked at Nihilister and smirked. "You ready?" He asked, as he and Nihilister charged up massive flames. "KYAAA!" He yelled, as he and Nihilister sent a wave of flames right at 21, which exploded in a massive pillar of flames, obliterating her first HP bar.
"Ooooh… you're no fun! I guess I have to stop playing and start getting SERIOUS!" 21 yelled, transforming into her purple variant.
"Hah, we're not done yet!" Nihilister smirked, as Kyo suddenly appeared next to Mauvier, Iori next to Marni, and Chizuru next to Richard, warping the mentioned trio near Nihilister. "Have at 'em, you three!" Nihilister laughed.
"Well now, it seems that you're not in for a good time!" Richard remarked, before he then launched a Thoron Spell right through 21, as it did considerable damage, enough to temporarily overload her own regeneration.
"I shall cut you down!" Mauvier declared, before he then used his axe to cut an arm off 21, which weakened her considerably.
"Alright, I suppose that this is time for payback!" Marni remarked, before she then readied her ax. "No more games!"
Marni then swung her ax down in a massive strike, as it tore through 21's body, cleaving it in twain.
"Ooooogh… you're all no fun! Fine! I'll leave!" 21 yelled in anger as she managed to reform enough to warp away.
"That's right, not so tough when you're the one outnumbered!" Marni scoffed.
"Great work, Marni! That leaves one more to deal with, go get him, guys!" Siege smiled as he and the others worked on taking out possible reinforcements.
ENEMY PHASE
"I hope you didn't forget about me! Time to lay on the pain!" Boujack smiled as he charged up energy into his hands, and threw a large ki ball at the squad of four.
Boujack Combat Art: Boujack Bomber: Creates a 5x5 square explosion of energy, dealing damage based on STR/DEF to all enemies in the area.
"Yeargh!" Marni remarked, as the explosion hit her fairly badly.
"I will endure this!" Mauvier declared, bracing against the attack.
"Of course, your damn signature right when we've got the range…" Richard cursed, as the attack knocked him flying slightly.
"Rrgh… not bad you fucker…" Nihilister cursed after reeling from Boujack's attack.
The Corrupted that was left couldn't do much against any of the main force, either getting wiped out or too afraid to advance.
PLAYER PHASE
"Let's take this pompous green bastard out!" Nihilister exclaimed to the allies around her.
"I will deal with this!" Mauvier declared, before facing down Boujack himself. "I do not know where you hail from, but I know that you are no mere bandit, a infamous pirate even… But to think that you would come to Sombron for the sake of this… I will show you no mercy!"
"Hoh, little knight boy wants to make a name for himself, huh? Then come on. Show me what you can do against the great and powerful Boujack!" Boujack taunted Mauvier.
Mauvier then managed to rush forward, before hitting Boujack with a powerful strike that managed to make the alien pirate flinch slightly. Boujack in turn went for a hammering counter strike to Mauvier, which the knight dodged rather easily on horseback.
"Over here, you bastard!" Marni remarked, before she then readied her axe, as she then launched a powerful strike that damage Boujack further, before Boujack punched in the chest, which hurt her considerably, but she was able to tank it. "I won't go down as easy I did before!"
"Tch, you got some spunk, brat!" Boujack growled. "I'll give you that!"
"Hey, jackass! Over here!" Nihilister yelled, soon landing a crit on Boujack with a combination attack with Kyo as Boujack growled.
"Tch… I would transform like my comrade did, but I think I want to save that for the real fight ahead. See ya later, ya no good heroes!" Boujack exclaimed as he left.
STAGE CLEAR
MVP: Marni
"It seems that they both escaped." Alear remarked. "Now we can head to Firene, since Sombron's forces would have focused on other countries at this point."
"Yes, right away! I do not know what could happen. Considering that the Elusian Army ravaged Firene, the reception will be anything but warm." Alfred remarked. "A fight will ensue, and no-one will benefit, either the Hounds and the Elusian remnants, or my own people."
"Then the first stop is Florra Port." Richard answered back.
"Hey, I just wanted to speak." Marni stated, as the group turned to her, as she rubbed the back of her head, with a sorry expression, as she nibbled on her whole lip. "Um… Thanks for saving me, despite the fact that you have quite a lot of reason, especially after I… um, filched King Morion off you all back in Brodia, and kinda got him turned into a Corrupted. I am thankful for what you have done."
Alcryst was about to open his mouth, before Diamant hushed him, as Morion stepped forward, as he shook his head.
"It's a sad day when those like you have to fight wars." Morion sighed deeply. "How could I truly hate you, when you haven't learned much else other than the blade and the banner? I cannot truly hate you, Marni. You haven't seen deep enough into the nature of these wars to truly have any intentional malice in your actions. In your mind, there is only the ally and the enemy. But even I must concede that things are not so black-and-white. The fact that you're willing to understand is proof of the good in you. And I'm proud of that."
Marni's eyes lit up for a moment, before they then turned dim, as she looked away, as Veyle approached her.
"Marni, now that the danger has passed, may you please tell me why you hate me so much?" Veyle asked. "I promise that I will listen intently, and I will do all I can to fix what made you think of me in such a manner."
Marni looked at Veyle for a moment, before she closed her eyes, and sucked in a deep breath.
"It's just not fair!" Marni exclaimed at Veyle. "Why do you get all the attention from everyone, why does everyone pay more attention to you than me!? I'm supposed to be the one with a backstory that's tragic so people pay more attention and give me the praise! Why did you take that from me!?"
"Marni…" Veyle remarked.
"You always ignore me as if I'm nothing!" Marni declared. "As if I never existed, as if I'm nothing but a soldier to you! If you only just gave me some praise, even a single 'thank you', I wouldn't have felt so terrible towards you! But now… Now…!"
"...It's come to my attention that I don't exactly know the full extent of the backstory for Marni, or Veyle for that matter." Siege would remark. "...Let's get on the Somniel, everyone. Mauvier, if you would… I'd like to learn more about what you know of Veyle, Marni, and the other Hounds."
"That's exactly what I intend to do, right now in fact." Mauvier declared, before he walked up to Marni.
"Well, I think we can spare just enough time to hear the explanation. Lay it on us, Mauvier." Siege would say.
"First, I must tell you something." Mauvier declared. "This Veyle you see before, this is what she originally was like, and the self that was called a 'defect'."
"Defect!?" Alear exclaimed. "Are you saying…"
"As a start, dragon royalty should be able to summon Emblems. She cannot." Mauvier answered back. "Lord Sombron learned this recently, soon after his revival, when reunited with Lady Veyle. His children all fought in the war. But she, his youngest, never saw battle, or any Emblems."
"I see…" Alear remarked. "And they must have all perished in the war."
"Indeed. Sombron was imprisoned afterwards, and Lady Veyle's mother died, leaving her alone." Mauvier stated. "She could find no friends in an age when it was rumoured a last Fell Dragon child had survived. Lady Veyle lived in hiding, knowing that, were she discovered, she would be killed unquestionably."
"A thousand years, living like that…" Richard remarked, as he looked at Veyle with sympathy. "How could she bear all of that?"
"Because a few centuries ago, she came into contact with loyal worshippers of the Fell Dragon." Mauiver answered back. "In their care, she slept in a hidden temple, until Lord Sombron's release. She had been, long ago, close with those in that temple. But when she recently awoke…"
"Dead by age or dead by execution." Lumera grimly stated.
"So it is evident that Lady Veyle was overjoyed and relieved to find herself reunited with Lord Sombron." Mauvier stated. "He detested her and proclaimed her a defect lacking a Fell Dragon's abilities and character. Sombron required her obedience, however, so he…"
Mauvier then trailed off, as his expression tensed.
"Mauvier, are you alright?" Alear asked.
"Forgive me, it's best that I do not continue past this point. It is only recent events, which are attributed to all of this." Mauvier stated. "Lady Veyle may have thought she was no longer alone, but she's never been more so… ever."
Veyle was shocked, as Mauvier's account jostled some of her memories free, while Marni was left shocked, as both of them looked fairly sullen, although more for the former than the latter.
"Veyle… was what Mauvier said… all true?" Marni asked softly.
"...I remember them. They may have dark intentions, but they still treated me well." Veyle answered back, as a single tear fell from her eyes. "That is the only memory I truly have of the past."
Marni froze for a moment, before tears began to run down her cheeks, as gentle sobbing emanated from her mouth, before she then bawled on Veyle's shoulder.
"Marni…" Veyle remarked.
"I'm sorry! I didn't know that you were in a far worse state than me!" Marni cried, as her tone was raw with regret. "I didn't know that you spent so long being alone, only to be turned into what you were by your father! I should have… I should have been much nicer to you at the very least! I'm sorry… so sorry."
"I forgive you, Marni." Veyle remarked, before holding her in a hug, which comforted Marni. "It's only fair that you would feel angry if I did all that on you. But don't worry, I promise that I'll treat you far better than that other me ever did. You'll be my precious Hound, and I'll be your precious Lady. I'll never consider you anything less."
Marni began to quieten down, before she then lifted herself up, and wiped her nose with her gauntlet, as her eyes were slightly teary.
"Marni, you never told me of your past." Mauvier noted. "I think that it would do well to share such a story for everyone."
"It's nothing special. I was just abandoned by my mother." Marni remarked, before her expression twisted with some resentment in it. "I had a lot, a real lot, of brothers, and she decided she didn't need a girl. Which is weird since I was way superior to those useless jerks, even back then… I mean, I was better at helping her, and I didn't even try to be greedy. But she never said thank you or good job… or anything good. All I get is 'do better', 'useless brat'. The first time we went for a walk, just us, was so she could find somewhere to dump me. Imagine that, thinking that I managed to get through to her, strolling from place to place, only to leave me at a church."
"Wow, that sounds really bad." Mokou grimaced.
"But it was all fine! The priest was nice. Long as I helped free Lord Sombron, I got lots of thank-yous. Eventually, I met Zephia and joined the Hounds. I get a happy ending of a sort, but Lady Veyle… she never got one."
Veyle lowered her head, as there was a gloom, before Marni rushed over to her in a panic.
"Wait, but we can fix that!" Marni hastily said. "I'm sure that now that we have even more people who care for us, we can make sure that the Hounds can be together, and we can actually live a proper life without all of this bloodshed! In fact, I'm going to hang my axe once I'm through! I'll be your new friend!"
"You would?" Veyle asked with hope in her eyes.
"Of course. I won't lie on that." Marni smiled back.
Veyle took a moment, before she then smiled back. "...Thank you, Marni." She answered back.
"Now that we have that settled." Siege remarked with a smile. "Let's get to Firene and get all the Hounds back together!" Siege remarked with a bright smile.