Here we are at Chapter 55. Let's see Fuyumi continue her mission as we come closer to the end of the story. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 55. Enjoy.
Chapter 55: Family Legacy
Fuyumi and her team head towards the throne room just as May informed them.
"Do you think the king sent the alliance's forces to attack like they planned?" Anelia asks.
"Hopefully, they should be attacking now and draw the bulk of the empire's forces away from the capital," Elane says.
"Even with the Lost in the empire's army, the troops we sent from the Dragon Alliance should help deal with them. Don't under estimate my people's ferocity for warfare," Hikaru adds.
"For now, let's focus on our mission. We're almost at the throne room. Iris, you and Elane head for Venak's office to retreive the former emperor. We'll deal with Venak," Fuyumi says.
"Hopefully, whatever he has waiting for us won't be as bad as the last fight," Iris says.
Just then, they find several guards coming from around the corner to stand in your way. Fuyumi casts Plasma Roar to send few flying in an electrical explosion. Meanwhile, Hikaru punches through the shields of two more, and their stomachs. Iris and Elane finish off the last three with quick swings of their blades. They come around the corner and see the doors to the throne room, with four more guards waiting for them.
"Alright, this is where we split off. Be careful everyone," Fuyumi says.
They make quick work of the remaining guards before they split off. Hikaru hicks the doors off their hinges and she, Fuyumi, and Anelia walk inside. Just as they suspected, they see Venak sitting on the imperial throne, waiting for them alone.
"Ah, the illustrious Fuyumi Kusanagi and company. My, my, your reputation precedes you. And let's not forget you, Princess Hikaru of the Dragon Alliance. You're just as unladylike as some of the stories I heard. And... whoever you are," Venak addresses them, barely giving Anelia a second look which makes her groan.
"I'm flattered you've heard of me, 'Your Majesty'. Shame your reign will end as soon as it begins," Fuyumi aims her sword at him.
"Oh, I wouldn't be too sure about that," Venak stands from his throne. "You know, you'd be more than welcome to join me, Fuyumi Kusanagi. My reign will spread across the land and beyond. With this power I've acquired, nothing is impossible. You could have riches. Hell, you could have as many beautiful women as you desire. It makes no difference to me. Why serve in Heaven when you can rule in Hell," Venak offers.
"How about no. I'm not about to work for a maniac with a lust for power," Fuyumi refuses.
"Oh, and that's where everyone makes the wrong assumption. I'm not doing this for power. I'm doing this for peace," Venak retorts.
"Peace? By sending monsters to kill everyone?" Anelia can't believe it.
"And what is a 'monster' exactly, young lady? Is it something that isn't human? No. Monster is a generic term. To a canary, a cat is a monster. Humans are just used to being the cat. Humans profess their purity, their superiority above all other races, and yet they are inferior in so many ways. Most of all, they're hypocrites. If anything, humans may be the biggest monsters of all. They start war after war, all for petty and/or selfish reasons. They kidnap, enslave, murder their own for even the tiniest of reasons. But, these creatures that I've created, they only desire to satisfy their thirst. While there's still a few more bugs to fix, soon I will learn how to control them all. An army that doesn't compromise but doesn't disobey. A people that doesn't have greed or pride to take them down a dark path. A new civilization where I alone rule and can maintain peace for an eternity," Venak says as his eyes suddenly glow red.
This shocks Fuyumi, "You... You took the BOR parasites,"
...
Meanwhile, Iris and Elane reach Venak's office, finding no guards outside the door. Forcing their way inside, they find their target the former emperor sitting in a chair with a blank, distant look in his eyes.
"That looks like him. Hey, you know who we are?" Elane asks, but the man doesn't say or do anything in reply. "Okay, how about this?" she slaps him in the face, but still gets no reaction from Genose.
"Is he under some mind control, or was he drugged possibly?" Iris wonders.
"I'm betting on the latter. If this was mind control, we might see more people, and maybe even the Lost in a similar state. Well, that just makes things easier for us. Let's get him out of here and then go help the others," Elane says.
Just as they're about to move, Iris senses something behind her and quickly draws her blade to block a strike from none other than Philine Hawke.
"Get your disgusting hands off of His Majesty!" Lady Hawke yells.
"You again!" Iris growls.
She remembers her as one of the commanders of the empire's forces and who fought against Fuyumi once before.
Lady Hawke pushes Iris back and then thrusts her blade at the knight. Iris leans her head to the side, but Philine kicks her in the stomach, sending her crashing against the side of the desk. Elane fires off two arrows, but Philine cuts them down with her sword. She attacks Elane next, but Iris blocks the strike just in time.
"It was you! Your kingdom who took him from me!" Philine is seething.
"What are you-!" Iris mutters before Philine slides her blade across her own, nearly taking her eye out.
Elane comes in with her short sword and goes at Philine's flank. Philine hits her blade with the pommel of her sword, knocking Elane's arm back. She makes a swing at Elane's head, but the elf ducks under the swing and counters with a swing at her legs. Philine jumps over the swing and lands in between them and the former emperor.
"Anatolia killed my father, and I will see you all burn for it," Philine says.
That took the two women by surprise, "Commander Ruth Hawke is dead?! But, there were no reports of him dying in battle," Iris says.
"Your damn kingdom sent assassins to kill him. I may not find out who did the deed, but I will ensure you all suffer for this!" Philine attacks them again.
Iris makes a swing, but Philine matches the blow with one of her own.
"What are you talking about? We never sent any assassins!" Iris argues.
"Don't you dare lie to me!" Philine yells.
She forces Iris back, but Elane fires another arrow at her head. Philine ducks under the arrow and kicks Iris in her ribs to knock her back. She goes after Elane, but the elf flips over a swing of her sword. She lands and watches as Philine and Iris duke it out again. However, her eyes turn to the former emperor, who remains in his seat despite the fight happening in front of him, and gets an idea. Iris deflects a strike from Philine and goes for a thrust at her leg, but Philine parries the strike.
"That's enough!" Elane yells, causing them to turn and see her with an arrow aimed at Genose's head. "Stand down, or he dies,"
Philine growls, "You people really have no honor. Taking a defenseless an hostage. You'll all go as low as possible to win!"
"Open your eyes, Lady Hawke! Look at him. LOOK at him! He doesn't react. He doesn't speak. He doesn't say or do anything. Can't you see that he's been reduced to nothing but a puppet," Iris says.
Philine glares between them and the former emperor. It's true that he hasn't made any kind of reaction to their battle, or even attempted to escape. She also remembers how in the past meetings they had with the higher-ups, he never spoke to any of them except maybe the chancellor/new emperor. But, that can't be possible. If something had happened to him, she would know about it.
"I won't listen to your words. You killed my father, and now you're trying to play mind games with me," Philine readies her sword. "Even if you kill him, it won't stop the empire's ambition. Peace through unification. I have fought and killed and shed blood for that goal. To finally end all these pointless wars. For the peace that my father dreamed of,"
"Ugh, this is getting tiresome. Will you just kill them already?" a new voice rings out. They turn to see Lord Gilbert at the doorway. "This is why I prefer research over people. Less time being wasted,"
"Lord Gilbert, what are you doing here? Forget it, get the former emperor to safety. I'll deal with these two," Philine says.
"I'm afraid there's been a slight change in plans Lady Hawke," Lord Gilbert says.
"What are you talking about?" Philine doesn't understand.
"You see, His Majesty, Emperor Venak, has declared that the former emperor is no longer of us. His existence is a threat to his rein, and so, he must be silenced... forever. The emperor has given you your orders, Lady Hawke. Kill the intruders and the former emperor," Gilbert says.
Philine is shocked to hear this, "What? But, even if Venak is the new emperor, to kill the former emperor is madness. He is the last in the imperial bloodline. I swore my life to him and the empire,"
"And now you can swear your life to His Majesty, Emperor Venak, and the new empire he will create. Serve him and he may even consider making you his new imperial commander. To walk in the footsteps of your late father. I really don't see the issue here," Gilbert rebukes.
"The issue is regicide, Gilbert!" Philine retorts.
Lord Gilbert sighs, "I figured this would happen, so i brought a contingency plan," he snaps his fingers. A moment later, a Lost wearing intricate armor and wielding a longsword steps up behind him. "If you won't obey the emperor, then you are a traitor. And you will be dealt with alongside the intruders. Kill them,"
The Lost walks around him and growls, ready to attack. However, Lady Hawke's gaze is stuck on its blade. A blade with a very familiar design.
"No... Is that... It can't be..." Philine mutters in shock and horror.
The Lost charges, quickly getting close to Elane and swinging his sword. Elane jumps out of the way, but then the Lost turns its attention to the former emperor. It raises his sword and swings down, only to get blocked by Philine's sword.
"Aim for its mask!" Philine says.
Elane readies her arrow, but the Lost notices and jumps back before quickly charging her again. Iris intervenes and deflects the Lost's attack, only to get punched in the face and knocked into a bookcase. The Lost thrusts its blade at her, but Philine parries the strike and throws a punch of her own. However, the punch gets caught in the Lost's left hand and she gets thrown into the office desk. Just as the Lost raises its sword to finish her, an arrow flies by and knocks its mask off. Philine stands and finally gets a look at its face... and her worst fear is made bare.
"Father...?" Philine mutters in horror at seeing that the Lost is her late father.
"Oh dear, I was really hoping you wouldn't find out about that. Guess you really will have to die now," Gilbert shakes his head while smirking.
Philine turns to him, "You... You turned my father into one of those monsters?!"
"We couldn't just leave him dead, now could we. The greatest warrior of the empire. Imagine how strong he would become after he turned. Even better, complete loyalty to His Majesty," Gilbert says, his smile becoming sickening.
It is then that Philine puts the pieces together, "There were never any assassins. My father came to the capital to speak to His Majesty and then was killed... It was you. You killed my father and desecrated his memory. You and Venak were responsible for this!"
"Emperor Venak was the one who showed me how to create these marvelous creatures. The only downside is that they're hard to control. But thanks to your father, I'm so close to perfecting my research. If I can accomplish that, then Venak will reward me not only with ample funding to continue my research, but he'll also name me as his new Chancellor. I'll finally have everything I could've ever dreamed of," Gilbert explains.
"This guy is psychotic," Iris mutters distastefully.
"No doubt he's the one who experimented on my people to create those monsters," Elane adds.
"Warriors of Anatolia. Our battle remains undecided, but just this once... I will ask for your aid. At least for now, we have a common foe," Philine suggests.
Iris glances at Elane, "She's right. He's strong. If he's become Lost, then he's even stronger. It'll take all three of us to win,"
"Alright then, but just this once, imperial," Elane readies her short sword.
The Lost of her father charges at them, but Philine blocks his strike with her blade.
"Even after turning into a monster, his swordsmanship has not dulled. But... I remember... All those lessons. All our mock duels. I remember everything you taught me, and all the techniques you know," Philine stares him right in his red eyes. "Today is the day..."
She pushes the Lost back, giving Iris and Elane the chance to counterattack. The Lost makes a wide swing to knock them both back, but Philine slides under them and thrusts her blade at the Lost's chest. The Lost deflects the strike and goes for her heart, but Philine blocks the attack and hits the Lost in the chest with her right shoulder. Iris makes a downward swing at its right arm, but the Lost blocks with the armor on its right forearm. Elane goes for its head, but The Lost ducks under her swing and counters with a strike of its own. Philine parries the attack, allowing Elane to go for its side. The Lost jumps back from the swing and then charges back at them. All the while, Gilbert watches on, certain of his impending victory. Elane steps back and switches her blade for her bow.
"Iris, your light!" Elane calls out.
"Spirits of the heavens, bathe my allies in your holy glow. Holy Light!" Iris casts her light magic, sending out a blinding light through her blade.
Gilbert and the Lost cover their eyes. This gives Elane the chance to fire one of her arrows. The Lost looks up, just in time to see the arrow pierce its left eye. The Lost roars in pain, but while it's distracted, Philine goes in and swings her blade up, severing the Lost's right arm from its body.
"No, that's impossible!" Gilbert mutters in shock.
Philine stares at the Lost that was once her father, "I loved you more than anyone, Father. I wanted to be just like you, even after you once told me I shouldn't risk my life and just be a safe lady instead. I wanted more than that. I wanted to stand by your side as a warrior. As we dueled together, I gained another goal: to one day surpass you. Today is that day, Father. You have fought valiantly for the empire..." Philine says as the Lost gets ready to charge at her. "But now, you have earned a rest. I'll continue our family legacy from here on," and she thrusts her sword through the Lost's heart.
The Lost dissipates into dust, and Philine bids a silent farewell to her beloved father. Meanwhile, Gilbert can only look on in shock.
"Impossible. He was the greatest warrior of our country. And I made him stronger. How could he have-," Gilbert mutters.
"You're right that my father was the strongest, Gilbert. But, when you turned him into a mindless monster, you took away his greatest strength: his honor. That honor flows in my veins. It's that honor which you lack. It's why you lost," Philine says, aiming her sword at him. "And now it's time to pay for your crimes against His Majesty and the Gravlon Empire."
Gilbert turns to retreat, only to feel an arrow it his leg and he falls to the ground. He looks up as Philine approaches.
"Lady Philine, if you do this, you'll be considered a traitor to the empire. Your family name will forever be sullied. You'll have no honor left. Is that what you want? Is that what your father would have wanted?" Gilbert rebukes.
"My father... You don't have the right to speak of him, you wretched creature," Philine says before swinging her blade, decapitating the mad scientist.
"Good riddance. Although, I'd say he deserved worse," Iris notes.
Philine sighs, "The threat has been dealt with. Now then," she turns back to them and they prepare for another fight. "I suggest you go aid Ser Fuyumi against Venak. However, I cannot allow you to leave with His Majesty. I must ensure whatever ails him is cured," she says while looking at the former emperor, who remains in his seat.
"And how do we know that we can trust you? How many of my people or those from Anatolia or the Dragon Alliance were killed because of your emperor, your country's schemes?" Elane demands.
"You don't. But know that once His Majesty has been restored to his former self, I will convince him to seek peace with the other nations. It's clear to see now that his dream will not be fulfilled, not like this. But, as long as Venak still lives, peace will never happen," Philine says.
Iris and Elane look between each other before Iris nods, "Very well. But know that your country still has a lot to answer for, but right now Venak is indeed the greater threat. We'll leave, but only because you aided us tonight,"
Philine nods and the pair run past her to go help Fuyumi. Philine walks over and picks up her father's sword. Now that the battle has passed, she finally allows herself to release a few tears.
"Father..." Philine mutters in grief.
...
Back with Fuyumi's group, they watch as Venak's eyes glow red.
"You took the BOR parasites. You're the one responsible for all of this?!" Fuyumi mutters in shock.
"BOR parasites? So that's what they're called. I discovered these marvelous creatures during my research years ago. When I found out what they could do, I worked with Lord Gilbert to understand their nature, and how to obtain power from them. It was quite difficult, mind you. Learning how to wield this power without losing my sanity. We had to go through a lot of test subjects before we got the process down right. But now..." Venak says before groaning as his body begins to change.
The girls step back as his form changes and grows larger. Fuyumi and Hikaru look on in shock while Anelia looks on in horror. Large spikes jut out from his back. Muscles bulge around his body as his skin turns gray. A pair of upside-down demonic wings grow from his back. A second pair of arms pop out underneath his original pair. Smaller spikes come out of his skull, forming a crown of sorts.
"Tell me, does this make me look like an emperor?" Venak asks, his voice slightly distorted now as his eyes glow red.
Fuyumi grits her teeth. This just got a whole Hell of a lot uglier.
And that's the chapter. Iris and Elane deal with Gilbert and Philine, even if they couldn't get the former emperor. But now, Fuyumi and her friends must face one last obstacle to stop this war. Can they succeed? Until then, please Read and Review.