Morning had arrived in the Sominel as everyone was awake and gathered to meet with the new residents from the Fell-Verse, along with Boss and his faction which surprised Team XDR. From there, they explained what had happened during Alear and Veyle's disappearance.
"Okay, so… Let me see if I am getting this right… Last night, a portal came in, sucked in Alear and Veyle, with all of you coming in after her, and you landed in an alternate Elyos 1000 years in the future where…all of us are dead." David said.
"Pretty much, yeah." Simon said.
"Normally, I'd consider it way too crazy to believe. But… The fact that we have people who look like Zephia, Griss and Marni here, yet seemingly different in certain ways… I can't bring myself to deny it." David said. "I'm a Paranormal Detective back home, after all. I've seen enough cases like this to know when someone is lying, and you guys don't seem to be lying."
"Regardless though, welcome." Ace said. "It's good to have you all with us."
"Still though, it's a bit weird in a way." Shantae said.
"Hey, you've seen stuff like this before, half-genie runt." Risky stated.
"I still can't believe that in the Xross-verse, you're sorta a good guy!" Shantae said. "In this world, the last time I saw you, you worked with the leader of the Seven Sirens to try and use my fellow half-genies magic."
"Huh, guess that part never happened to me yet." Risky replied. "I was still with the new faction and took a break from conquering Sequin Land. What's the point of conquering when those Time Jacking jerks are on the loose? At least my former master is dealt with. Also, don't call me a good girl. I'm still me at times."
"I'm not gonna question that any further." Akira said.
"Good." Darkmoon nodded. "I can sense that you've become stronger as of late."
"Well you can thank a Color God for unlocking a new form for me." Akira replied.
"That and we did find that ridewatch in B1's world." Simon said.
"The Decade Ridewatch to be exact." Zeo clarified.
"If that's not enough, there was also a Gjallarhorn fragment in Luffy's world." Gaius mentioned.
"(Hmm… so some of the Gjallarhorn fragments landed in another multiverse… The damage must be more severe than I thought.)" Boss thought. "I see. And I take it that the fragment is safe?"
"Mm." Zeo, Akira and Gaius nodded.
"There's a small chance that another Gjallarhorn fragment might be in this multiverse. If found, do not let those with ill intent have them." Boss said to the Alliance.
"Just what is it exactly? Besides being named after the horn Heimdall uses to call the beginning of Ragnarok?" Gouto asked.
"It's a powerful yet dangerous relic that allows connections between worlds and dimensions. But it was scattered all across the Xross-Verse once it was shattered to prevent the relic from falling into the hands of the Neo Time Jackers." Boss explained. "Imagine what it can do once all of the fragments are gathered and put back together."
"It could break the barrier between dimensions." Mari said.
"That's one outcome." Boss answered. "As for the other, they plan to take multiple worlds and form them into one single world. Paradise, as they call it. As for everything else… they'll be erased from existence."
"To which I call their Paradise, complete and utter crap." Prometheus said.
"What would drive them to that?" Miriam asked.
"To prove that the Neo Time Jackers are better than the previous ones, especially their former leader, Swartz." Boss answered. "The previous Time Jackers only relied on Another Riders. The Neo Time Jackers on the other hand, decided to expand their options. The Fatui and the Chimeras, for example. So far, all three factions have their share of Gjallarhorn fragments in their possession. The Neo TIme Jackers, Xross Drive Rebellion, and my faction… the Ohma Crusaders. And I refuse to add the Universal Villains into the equation, that's why I chose to leave after the mission in the Fell-Verse is complete."
"Smart choice. I know Flux and he would run rampant if he ended up in your multiverse." Jexi said.
"Exactly, Jexi the Hunter." Boss replied.
"Hopefully that little stunt in that Fell-Verse will be the last we see of him for awhile." Aelita said before they heard a bird call as Starly came flying in.
"I have a report! I've just located Goldmary and Rosado!" Starly said.
"My retainers!" Hortensia said. "Where are they?"
"They are being pursued by Elusian Forces near the Azure Coast!" Starly reported.
"Elusian soldiers? There's only one way that can happen." David said.
"They must have one of the Emblem Rings." Al said.
"I don't think it's any Emblem Ring. Chances are, it's the ring of the Azure Twins that we are looking for." Cheetah said.
"We don't have any time to waste then. Let's head out!" David said.
The group returned to Solm and headed to the Azure Coast where they saw Rosado and Goldmary being pursued by Elusian Forces along with a fleet of Elusian Ships in the sea, headed towards Firene.
"Those are Elusian forces alright. Looks like Starly's report was true." Alear said as everyone assembled on the beach, seeing the amassment of Soldiers and corrupted disembarking, including large dragon-like beasts.
Just then, a familiar wyvern came flying in from the coastline, and it landed ashore near the group, as both Rosado and Goldmary dismounted.
"Rosado! Goldmary!" Hortensia said.
"Hortensia!" Rosado said.
"You're not hurt, are you? I was so worried…" Goldmary said.
"Not as worried as I was! Oh, I'm so happy you two are alive!" Hortensia said.
"What happened to you two? We assumed you would meet up with Hortensia and head to Solm Palace to meet up with us." Nesma said.
"Oh, how I wish we could have… but the second we tried to leave Elusia, the Four Hounds caught us and kept us under watch. But we managed to escape." Goldmary said.
"We were kept aboard a fleet of ships sailing towards Firene. I think Elusia is being manipulated into invading the other kingdoms." Rosado added before pulling out his axe when he noticed Veyle. "Psst… don't look now, but Veyle's right next to you."
"Wait, it's alright. She's with us." Simon said.
"I've already purged off her evil self, though said self should be with the Four Hounds." Boss added.
"A bit confusing, but we'll roll with it." Rosado said as he got the ring out, it was a silver one line with small aquamarine pearls lined around it with a large one in the center. "Divine One, this is for you, I think."
"Is that…?" Glacius asked.
"The Ring of the Azure Twins. We stole it from the ship we were on." Rosado admitted.
"So that is why you are being….please, hand it over." Alear said as she took it. "Now, Restore calm, Emblem of the Sacred!" she called out before a woman with long turquoise green hair appeared.
"Hello. I am Emblem Eirika. Nice to meet you." she said.
"And I am Emblem Ephraim." another voice said as a male with similar colored hair to Eirika said as he appeared.
"Eirika and Ephraim…" Cure Starlight whispered. "The heroes of the Sacred Stones…"
"Now, who is going to have this ring?" Cheetah asked.
"I think it should be Rosado who uses it first. After all, his wyvern was the reason we were able to escape." Goldmary said.
"You were too, Goldmary! But there's no time to argue, is there? Lend me the ring and I promise, I'll do my part." Rosado said.
"Understood. We'll leave it with you, Rosado." Reisz said.
"Marni and Mauvier have been sighted." Hermit said.
"Mauvier… And…that Marni girl looks like me. This is quite an uneasy scenario." Madeline said.
"Yes, it must be quite a shock to know your other self is fighting for the enemy." Cheetah said.
"And that Mauvier is still alive in this reality. I do not wish to fight him after seeing my Mauvier die… But I feel that he wouldn't want me to back down, no matter who the opponent is." Madeline said.
"It can't be helped." Zi-O stated. "You'll have to fight him either way."
"I know. And I swore I would assist the Divine Dragon in the fight against Sombron. Even if it means having to fight Mauvier." Madeline said.
"Neither of them appear to have Emblems themselves. Let's bear down and run 'em off." Ethox said.
"How's about we start with those large beasts?" Prometheus grinned, twirling his beam scythe.
"It's better to deal with them first since they are the most dangerous threats." Pandora stated with her staff ready.
"Never thought I'd be fighting with you two." Aile said.
"Don't get too comfortable. This is only temporary." Prometheus said.
"What he said." Pandora nodded.
The heroes then advanced on the enemy, starting their attack by targeting the Corrupted Wyrms.
"Take this!" Rhatla said as she fired arrows at a Wyrm.
"Save some for us!" Miu said as she had her Arrow Legion fire at another incoming Wyrm.
"Now!" Nel said as she transformed and unleashed her flame onto another.
"Allow me." Rafal said as he followed up with a swing from his axe, Revanche.
But despite the attacks dealt, the Corrupted Wyrms were still standing, though still slightly weakened.
"These creatures bear high defense and resistance, but they aren't very fast." Hermit said.
"Worry not, everyone. With my power, you can punch through even the hardiest foes' defenses. You may also call upon my twin brother's abilities, if you like." Eirika said.
"You heard her, Rosado. Want to try it out?" David asked.
"I sure would! Cuteness…combined!" Rosado said as he engaged with Eirika, his hair turning a milky blonde with it light green at the tips as he wore a white version of her outfit, and in his hand was Sieglinde. "If this is war, so be it." he said as he activated Eirika and Ephraim's Engage attack, Twin Strike as both Rosado and Ephraim charged forward with Rosado making the first attack as Ephraim followed up with his lance, decimating the wyrm.
"Yeah! That's one down!" Makoto said.
"Perhaps it's time to call on a Hero?" Ace asked.
"Don't be rash, Ace. Summoning the wrong hero may cause confusion among the other emblems." Hope said.
"I know." Ace said.
"Wow, Hope. That may actually be the smartest thing I have ever heard from you." David said, genuinely impressed by Hope's logic.
"Heroes or not, we can still beat these things. All we need is the right heavy artillery." Connor said.
"He's right. We can handle them with our own strengths." Cheetah said. "The ones we need to worry about will be Mauvier and Marni. As members of the Four Hounds, they are without a doubt the strongest among them."
"Yeah, this was proven in Solm Palace, even without Emblems." David said.
"Even so, that won't stop us." Stahn said.
The group fought their way through the Elusian forces before finally reaching Mauvier and Marni.
"Whoa, what the heck? You look like me! Bet I'll get a lotta praise for beating you." Marni said as she faced off with Madeline.
"Inconceivable. In this world, I really am fighting against the Divine Dragon. And so hungry for the approval of others… That's a recipe for disappointment, you know." Madeline said.
"Shut it, bluey! You're just saying that 'cause you're jealous of how tough I look." Marni snarked.
"If I envy you for anything, it's that you get to be close to Mauvier. Please…treasure the time you have by his side." Madeline said before she clashed with her counterpart.
"Hm. I should have guessed Hortensia's retainers would seek your forces out." Mauvier said.
"You're a sharp one, huh? It's too bad you're fighting for the wrong side." Connor said.
"No mercy for mutineers." Mauvier said, referring to Rosado and Goldmary.
"Sorry to disappoint, but they're off limits." Yuri said.
Mauvier charged on his horse, looking to strike with his lance, but everyone avoided his first attack. Lysithea counterattacked by blasting him with an Elfire spell, followed by Swarm Zeta.
Mauvier still had some fight left in him, and brought his horse around for another attack.
"Gotta give him more points for determination." Alkal said as he stood his ground against the knight. "Almost there…almost there…" he said as the knight charged with his Steel Greatlance. The steam golem waited until he could see the white of the horse's eyes, then brought his arm up and expelled a blast of steam that caused the horse to rear back, throwing Mauvier's aim off, allowing Alkal to grab his weapon and yank it out of his hands.
"Seems only fair. You guys steal the emblems, we steal your weapons." Alkal stated. "You're a decent guy, Mauvier, and we'd rather not take you out. This seems like a pleasant alternative."
"I withdraw for now. But we will meet again." Mauvier said before falling back.
Meanwhile, Marni and Madeline were still going at it, back and forth, trading blows with their Axes. Madeline was more resilient however, as she blocked Marni's next attack with her shield, before hooking her non-lethally by the neck with her axe, and slinging her straight to the ground hard.
"Fine, we'll call it even. Next time, though? You're dead. Super-duper dead." Marni said before retreating as well.
"Well, that takes care of that. I guess it really is true that she and I are counterparts. The way we fight is exactly the same, down to the last detail." Madeline said. "Hopefully, you'll see the light before it is too late." she prayed.
"While we may have chased off the Elusian forces, their fleet is still headed for Firene."
"Well, we stationed some of our guys back there to defend the place. Hope they're ready." Connor said.
"I'd better give my teammates a call to see if they're prepared." Zi-O said, taking out his Zikan Phone to contact them. "Hello?"
"This is Laura Bodewig. What is it?"
"We're heading for Firene to assist with the defense, and later take a ship to Elusia. What's the situation?"
"According to some of our scouts from the Firene army, a large fleet of Elusian ships are en route to our location. I know some of our members can defend the area, but more help would be nice right about now."
"Thanks for the report, Laura." Zi-O replied. "Hold the line with the others until we get there."
"Roger. Godspeed, everyone." Laura B. replied back and ended the call.
"We'd better hurry. The Four Hounds will likely be leading the assault at full strength, and Veyle's evil self will be there too. And this time, I bet they'll all be armed with Emblems." Hope said.
"Alright! A chance to get some of them back! Or maybe even all of them!" Ethox said.
"It's not gonna be that easy, Ethox. We are going to be facing them at their best, after all." David said. "A single mistake can mean the difference between victory and death. Both my own and Cheetah's groups have been through enough scraps to have that saying etched into our skulls by this point."
"For once, I agree. If they are going to come at us with the corrupted Emblems, then we cannot afford a single mistake." Cheetah said.
"She's right. If the other version of me is going to be there, she'll show no mercy." Veyle said.
"Remember, this is a test to see if you are truly stronger than your evil self, Veyle." Boss reminded. "You'd best be prepared." He then turned to the Alliance. "Still, not a bad performance in this battle, Hero Alliance."
"Oh, you haven't seen a thing yet. Let's send a call out to Brodia and Firene. It's time…to go make way for Elusia." Jexi said.
