Chapter 24: Everyday Life in the Ultimate Kingdom (Part 3 The Finale)
Hello again ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Ultimates of all ages! wesst1 back again once again!
Sorry for the delay folks, the last few months have been a bit of a clusterfuck for me and I got nothing done. All I can do is apologize for that. Don't worry, it was nothing serious, just life getting in the way. A lot. I promise to try harder to get the next one out sooner. Thank you all for your patience!
Anyway, I got a lot of feedback last chapter, which is always appreciated. I don't know if I went overboard on the completely made-up history of Novoselic, Borginia, and Fortuna, but if it was a slog to get through, I apologize. I was just afraid that this chapter would be less impactful if I didn't. I'll try to avoid info dumps unless absolutely necessary going forward from now on, I promise.
So, when we last left our heroes, they were thrown into the labyrinth under the castle during a coup attempt in the middle of the night. Is the royal family safe? Who is behind this? Will our hopeful hero and his friends find a way to save the day?
I'll quit wasting your time and let you find out! Enjoy!
"Is everyone alright?" Naegi asked again as he pulled out his phone to use as a flashlight. He had to admit, things looked bad. Whoever the people from before were, they were dangerous. He knew that their chances for survival looked slim, never mind mounting a rescue attempt, but Naegi believed that as long as he and his friends could work together, they could figure something out. Between their talent and their superhuman abilities, we should be able to get out of here, at least, Naegi thought.
"I'm fine. Those bastards need to learn how to treat a lady," Celes, or rather Taeko, said.
"Assholes got me good, I can't wait to get them back," Owari added.
"Now is not the time. In situations like this, we need to check our teammates for injuries," Nidai reprimanded as he examined Tanaka and Souda, neither of whom seemed particularly injured.
"Squeak!" the Zodiac Generals chorused. Naegi knew that meant they were fine.
"We're okay over here, Naegi-kun," Maizono called from her spot with her group and manager.
"Okay over here, bestie!" Shinobu announced as she helped Aloysius to his feet, the older man not looking any worse for wear.
"We're Togami's, we've been through worse," Togami added. Naegi hoped he wasn't serious.
"I landed on my camera, but my parents and I are alright," Koizumi said as she rubbed most likely bruised chest. (Naegi tried his best not to let his gaze linger.)
"I'm alright, but Junko-chan hit her head pretty hard," Ikusaba said in concern as she helped her sister balance herself. If Enoshima's hair was any indication, the head injury was causing her to cycle through her other personalities.
Naegi rushed over to check on Enoshima, who said, "A'hm fiiinnneee. Dizzy, buh shtill fiiinnnee."
"Slurring speech and dizziness after a head injury are not something you can ignore, Enoshima-san," Naegi lectured as he examined her. He wasn't Tsumiki, but he had learned a few things from the nurse. "No bleeding, but that is a bad bump. Nidai-senpai, do you think she has a concussion?" Naegi asked the Ultimate Team Manager.
"Most likely, I can't really say how severe though. I see that her pupils aren't different sizes to that's a good sign. This isn't a good location to check light sensitivity, though. Either way, we need to get out of here and get her looked at by a professional," Nidai said as he joined Naegi in examining Enoshima's injury.
"Ah'm fiiinnneee, you nee' meh to find a way oot," Enoshima slurred.
"We'll figure it out, Enoshima-san, you just take it easy," Naegi told his friend. Now that I say that, I'm not sure how to get out. Not safely anyway. Will there be guards stationed at the exits? Which way is out anyway? Naegi thought as he looked around hoping to jog his memory. As he scanned the far end of the labyrinth entrance, he spotted something that he knew for a fact wasn't there before. Leaving Enoshima in Ikusaba and Nidai's care, Naegi rushed over to see a trail of… "Blood. And it's fresh. Someone else is down here and they're hurt," Naegi told everyone.
"Leave it, our captors probably had a falling out and they dumped the poor bastard down here thinking they were dead," Togami said.
"But what if they know the way out? We should at least check," Aoba suggested.
"And what if they're still dangerous? You know what they say about wounded animals," Haneyama pointed out.
"While I agree with you, Haneyama-san, I think it might be worth the risk," Mrs. Koizumi stated.
"So does Naegi-sama, apparently," Aloysius said as he pointed to the barely visible form of Naegi following the trail of blood.
"Naegi-kun, wait up! We shouldn't get separated down here," Mr. Koizumi called after the boy as he and the others followed after the Ultimate Hope.
Naegi knew that Mr. Koizumi was right. Heck, he knew that Togami and Haneyama were probably right, but it wasn't in his nature to ignore those in need, possible enemy or not. Fortunately, and he hated that he thought it was fortunate, with the amount of blood he was seeing, Naegi doubted that whoever he was following would pose much of a threat. I hope their life isn't in any danger, at least, Naegi thought.
The Ultimate Hope soon heard pained grunts ahead of him and slowed down. Injured or not, it's probably a bad idea to startle whoever is up ahead, Naegi reasoned. As he got closer to the end of the trail, a familiar figure came into view.
"Your Grace? What happened to you?" Naegi asked as he approached the injured Duke Marva.
As unrealistic as it had been, Marva had wanted to escape the labyrinth before anyone had found him, especially his niece's guests. Explaining the situation, especially to foreign guests was not something he was looking forward to, but seeing the concern on Naegi's face, Marva began to think that maybe he could trust the boy.
Before Marva could speak though, he heard more footsteps. He tensed up only to relax shortly after as Naegi greeted his friends.
"Sorry for running off, but I thought it was a good idea to hurry," Naegi apologized sheepishly.
"Don't sweat it, Naegi-kun, I would have done the same thing," Mrs. Koizumi said as she patted the boy on the back.
"Now you know why I worry so much," Mr. Koizumi whispered to his daughter, who nodded in sympathy.
"I thought that these terrorists were holding the entire royal family hostage. Why are you here, Your Grace?" Celes asked Marva.
"And why did they shoot you in the shoulder and the leg?" Ikusaba followed-up. It struck her as odd that whoever their captors were, they would dispose of a potential bargaining chip before making their demands.
"This is… Well, I…," Marva tried to say. He didn't even know where to start with his explanation.
"Maybe it's better if we hold off until we escape," Naegi said, catching Marva's discomfort.
"That might be for the best," Nidai agreed as the team manager picked the duke up and moved to put the older man on his back.
"Thank you, young man," Marva said, his voice heavy with exhaustion and pain.
"Your Grace, as much as I'd like to let you rest until we can find help, we need you to guide us out of the labyrinth," Naegi said.
"Is this even the correct way? I don't believe we went this way with the Royal Cousins the other day," Togami pointed out. As he said that, the others looked around.
While most of the group couldn't tell one way or the other if this was the way out, Enoshima chose that moment to speak up. "Upupupu, too bad, sho shad! Thish ishn't the way out!"
"Junko-chan, you should be resting," Ikusaba scolded.
"She is correct though, this way leads back into the castle," Marva explained.
"In that condition? With all the respect that's due, Your Grace: Are you insane?" Souda asked.
"I concur, with the technomancer, Dark One, you will die if you go there as you are now," Tanaka added.
"I know that! I know, but…" Marva tried to say before he passed out. Whether it was from blood loss or exhaustion, the guests weren't sure.
"Like Naegi-kun suggested, we should probably discuss this later. We should focus on escaping and getting Duke Marva and Enoshim-san medical attention," Maizono said.
"How though? Enoshima-san is in no condition to make use of her other talent, and Duke Marva is unconscious," Celes pointed out.
Naegi attempted to recall the path they were shown the first time in the labyrinth. He had been doing so from the start, but Enoshima and Marva's conditions had made the need for it much more dire. Try as he might, nothing came to him. After several minutes, just as he was about to give up and leave it up to luck, the answer came to him. Specifically, it hopped up on his shoulder.
"Miyo!"
"Coco-chan!" Naegi cried out at the sight of his new, tiny friend. Joy and relief soon gave way to curiosity as Naegi asked, "How did you find us?"
"Miyo," was Coco's answer.
"Your familiar can find you anywhere it seems, Lightborn," Tanaka said.
"I've heard animals have homing instincts, but to home in on a person they've only known for a few days is a new one on me," Mrs. Koizumi added.
Coco gave what sounded like a proud chirp of "Miyo!" in response.
"This is cool and everything, but we're still trapped. So, unless your bird can lead us out of here, all it did was join us in time to be our emergency food supply," Haneyama reminded the others.
Naegi felt Coco start to shiver and said, "I won't let anyone eat you, I promise. But we really do need to get out of here. Actually, Coco-chan…how did you get here? You weren't with us earlier."
"Miyo!" Coco chirped as the makango hopped off of Naegi's shoulder and began to walk away. Before getting too far, the makango looked back and made a gesture as if to ask, "Are you coming or not?"
"A bird is gonna lead us out of here?" Souda asked, incredulously.
"I understand how you feel about that Souda-senpai, but Coco did somehow manage to find us. At the very least, I don't think following Coco hurts our chances of finding our way out," Celes said with a shrug.
"I say we do it. Things have a way of working out whenever Naegi-kun is involved. I may not have a professional gambler's instincts like Celes-san, but I know better than to bet against that particular streak," Ikusaba added.
The rest of the Hope's Peak students nodded at that, and soon the group was following Coco. It took a while, most likely due to Coco's tiny legs, but eventually the group saw an exit that led them to the beach where they had first seen Coco. It seemed that they were in the labyrinth for quite some time as the sun was beginning to rise. While this would ordinarily have been appreciated for the beautiful sight it was, the group soon found themselves targeted by military grade weapons.
"[Hands where we can see them!]" the commanding officer ordered.
Naegi did as ordered, but declared, "[Wait, please, we have injured!]"
"[Aren't those…] They are, you're the group that was with Her Highness the other day. At ease, everyone!" the officer, whom the group now recognized as the instructor from the lesson on tanks, ordered. Turning to the group, the officer said, "My apologies everyone. With what's been happening at the castle, we're all a little on edge. But where are my manners? Colonel Turnaround, at your service. I don't believe we were formally introduced the other day. Follow me, our medics are close by. We'll get everyone patched up."
Meanwhile
Princess Sonia Nevermind was no stranger to hostage situations, unfortunately. Being royalty carried risks, especially when one was the heir apparent to an entire kingdom. In the past, she had told herself that she could endure it, because she was the Crown Princess, but this time was different. Her friends had gotten dragged into this and she could do nothing she could do. Her father had negotiated the release of their guests, but the terrorists had only forced them into the labyrinth.
I hope they can find their way out, Sonia silently prayed. As much as she wanted her friends safe, she couldn't help but hope that her Darling would come and save her again. Still, if she had to compare her situation now to the one at the embassy, she supposed being confined to her own room was a slight improvement. At least I haven't been bound and gagged this time, she thought bitterly.
Sonia was pulled from her thoughts by the sound of her door opening. The terrorist leader, the one the others called "Lord Gedeon" had let himself in. She supposed he could have been considered handsome, but his appearance filled her with nothing but revulsion. His light, long, and somewhat messy brown hair. His empty, gray eyes. He was something out of her family's nightmares as he looked like a carbon copy of Eric the Depraved.
"[Good morning, Princess. I do so hope you are well,]" the man said.
Sonia stayed silent.
"[I do not believe we have been properly introduced. My name is Gedeon Dosenmatter. Like you, I too am royalty,]" Gedeon informed her.
Sonia still did not speak. She did soon feel like vomiting, though, as she felt Gedeon's hand on her face, forcing her to look him in the eye.
"[Stories of your beauty did not do you justice. You will make a fine queen,]" Gedeon said.
"[Forgive me for disagreeing. Is that not what you are here to prevent? One of your men did try to kill me months ago,]" Sonia said as she pulled away.
"[Yes, Wudagest. My apologies for that. He never did like losing and that boy backed him into a corner. Still, he should have better self-control than he displayed. Please understand though, harming you was never part of my plan, in fact, I am hoping that you and I will get along very well,]" Gedeon explained.
Sonia shivered at what he was implying. She pushed her discomfort and disgust down and said, "[I do not believe we will. You trapped my guests in the labyrinth; you are holding my family and I hostage; and you are holding the civilians in the castle as leverage against us.]"
"[All necessary, I'm afraid. You see I have come to reclaim what is rightfully mine. The blood of Eric Dosenmatter and Albert Nevermind flows through these veins. Your family has denied them both the throne I have come to claim!]" Gedeon exclaimed.
"[Eric was a monster and Albert was a stubborn fool. Neither one cared for Novoselic or its people!]" Sonia shot back.
Gedeon laughed. "[So naïve it's adorable. Royalty like us? Nations and their people exist for us, not the other way around. The people of the past should all have been so lucky to sacrifice their lives for my ancestors' glory.]"
"[You're insane. My people do not exist to be cannon fodder. They're individuals each with their own hopes and dreams. I will always do right by them because they have always believed in me,]" Sonia told him.
Gedeon just laughed harder. "[I was right about you; you will make a fine queen.]"
Sonia would rather not have an answer. She could continue to pretend that she didn't understand what Gedeon was implying if she didn't ask, but her curiosity got the better of her. "[You keep saying that. What do you mean?]"
Gedeon cupped Sonia's face again and said, "[I am the rightful heir to this kingdom, but the foolish masses will not accept that. To be seen as the legitimate ruler, I need you for that, Princess Sonia. With you as my queen, none would question my rule. Together we will unite Novoselic, Fortuna, and Borginia once again and crush all who oppose us! Be mine, Sonia, and you will want for nothing. Be the queen you were meant to be,]" Gedeon told Sonia as he leaned in to try to kiss her.
*Ptoo*
*Crack*
Sonia now laid on the floor of her room with a red mark on her cheek. Despite the pain, she was rather proud of herself. She had managed to spit right into Gedeon's mouth through his parted lips.
"[Bitch! I was willing to play nice, but I will use force if you make me!]" Gedeon screamed.
"[That was a lie. I know you only need me to be a rubber stamp on your rule,]" Sonia said as she got to her feet and glared at Gedeon.
Oddly, that statement put Gedeon in a better mood. "[I do so love when people know I'm lying to them. Not enough of the fools under me catch on, but it is always so much fun when those that do try to turn things around on me. Yes, those were all empty words. To get what is mine, I'll tell any lie I need. That said, you should consider my offer, Princess Sonia. It is no lie to say that is your only option.]"
"[I will not. My Darling will be here soon enough. He will stop you!]" Sonia declared.
"[Such faith in a foreign commoner. You think he is a hero; I say he was a lucky fool who outsmarted an idiot. We will know who is right when this is over,]" Gedeon laughed as he left Sonia alone in her room again.
Sonia went to her window and looked out at the city below. Whether she wanted a distraction from what had just happened or was hoping for a sign from Naegi, even she didn't know. As she stared out at the city of Cobain, Sonia hoped that her thoughts could reach her Darling. Darling, please be safe, but please hurry. I know Father, Mother, and I will stall for as long as we can, but this Gedeon will not run out of patience eventually. Your Princess will wait for you, my Darling, my Hero.
As was diagnosed in the labyrinth, Enoshima did indeed have a concussion, but was expected to make a full recovery. Duke Marva, thankfully, looked worse than he actually was, but he was still confined to a bed until the medical team said otherwise.
Once the group was notified that Duke Marva was patched up, they were joined by Colonel Turnaround and began asking questions.
"Your Grace, you need to tell us what happened. The terrorists who are holding the entire castle hostage are crediting you with helping them," Colonel Turnaround explained.
"But Colonel, if he was working with them, why was he in the labyrinth? I could understand if there was a power struggle or falling out afterward, but he was down there before we were," Naegi pointed out.
"That's the part I don't understand. Well, Your Grace?" Turnaround asked.
"It's true that I allowed them into the castle, but I assure you, I never wanted this," Marva began.
"So, you were helping them, but never wanted this?" Turnaround questioned. "Your Grace, I want to believe that, but given the situation, I'm sure you understand why I can't. Now please, I and my superiors will need to know: Why would you put your family and Novoselic in this situation?" Turnaround asked.
With a tired sigh, Duke Marva began. "I love Novoselic. I'm old enough to remember when our fair land finally became recognized by the rest of the world. My father was still king then, and it was a wonderful time, not just for Novoselic, but for the royal family. You see, my father had the distinction of being the only monarch in Novoselic's history of not being targeted for assassination during his reign. Pride in our nation was at an all-time high, and truly, it seemed that Novoselic's best days were ahead of us." Marva took some time to chuckle darkly before continuing.
"That was what we believed anyway, but it seems that those who would harm the royal family would attempt to make up for lost time when my brother assumed the throne. I don't know if high school students can understand this, but the world is a complicated place. You don't even need to do anything wrong, and you can still end up fearing for your life. For the longest time, I accepted that fate as one of many that can befall those born into royalty. I could endure it so long as I could give Novoselic the future it deserves, one where people all over the world would know who we are. One where Novoselic could be considered a major player in global politics. One…"
"One led by you?" Colonel Turnaround asked pointedly.
It was clear that Duke Marva took offense to that question. "Let me be very clear, Colonel: I love my brother as much as anyone. I believe from the bottom of my heart that there has never been anyone in Novoselic's history, barring my father, more fit to be king than my brother. For years, I had done everything in my power to show people that in an effort to unite our people. The greatest lesson Father ever taught us was that a nation must be united to prosper. While he was Novoselic's guiding light, I would do whatever I could to make his light shine even brighter. However, it seems that all I managed to do was become the shadow to his light."
"What do you mean, Your Grace?" Naegi asked.
"This goes back to the Colonel's original question of why I did what I did. Sonia tells me that you, young man, once said that 'Children are a national treasure.'" I wonder if you understand how right you were. The future of any nation depends on how its children will live their lives. As you can see, Novoselic has readily embraced Japanese culture, and while taking in interest in other cultures isn't necessarily a bad thing, I have long feared that we are losing our identity in the process. My brother has been content to let things play out, but I cannot stand by and allow our identity to be subsumed for what may only be a passing fancy. While I pondered a way to share the pride that I hold in Novoselic with the nation's people, I found a group that I believed shared my ideals."
"The Novoselic Restoration Project's stated goal was to "restore Novoselic to its former glory." Thinking I had found kindred spirits, I invested heavily in them. In hindsight, I should have been more suspicious. Wudagest was a member, and I was the one who recommended his appointment as ambassador to Japan. I had simply believed he had fooled myself and the other members, but I now see their goal was to kill my niece. It wasn't until last night that I learned the truth, they follow a man claiming to be a descendant of Alexander Nevermind and the Mad King Eric Dosenmatter. Whether he is or not, I cannot say, but his idea of restoration is a Novoselic that has reclaimed Borginia and Fortuna and a Novoselic ruled by him and him alone. I wanted to restore my people's pride in our nation and all I have accomplished was bringing us to the brink of doom," Marva sobbed.
Naegi gave the Duke a moment before speaking. "Your Grace, I'm not royalty, so maybe my opinion on the matter doesn't mean anything, but you really have been blind. We haven't been here long, but even in that short time we've all seen your people's pride in Novoselic, so I fail to understand how you have not. All the places Sonia-senpai and your son have shown us; all the stories and lessons they've shared with us; all the people we've had the pleasure of meeting show a people who love their nation just as much as you claim you do."
Marva took offense to the end of Naegi's statement. "'Claim?' I do love Novoselic, boy!"
"I once asked Wudagest how he and his boss can claim to do anything out of love for Novoselic when they didn't even have faith in its people. And I'm seeing that with you. The people of Novoselic aren't lacking in pride, I think you stopped believing in them. Sonia-senpai believes though. She may want to rework old traditions, but she never once said she wanted to get rid of them. Not just her, either. The King and Queen. Manic. They believe too. If the fascination with Japanese culture is just a passing trend, that's fine. The royal family is there to remind the people of what it means to be from Novoselic and why that's a great thing, because that's what great leaders do!" Naegi yelled.
"Boy…" Marva said.
Naegi continued, "There's something else there too, I'm not sure what it is, but I think your motives were more personal than you're admitting. I don't think there's any need to press you for details now, is there, Colonel?"
"Oh! Sorry. Yes, I need to speak with my superiors, but at the very least, I believe it is clear that His Grace is not the enemy," Turnaround said. That passion and way with words. It was almost like His Majesty himself was speaking. This young man is going to go far in this world, Turnaround thought as he went to make his report.
After the Colonel left, the guests and Duke Marva were left in an uncomfortable silence. Naegi was the first to try to break it, "Your Grace, I know I was out of line earlier. It isn't my place to lecture royalty and…"
"You were right on all counts, boy…I mean, Naegi-kun. I have been rude to all of you since our first meeting, so I can't say I didn't deserve it," Marva admitted.
"Don't make a habit of it though, Naegi. Most world leaders would take much more offense to such actions," Togami cautioned.
"I keep that in mind for my next meeting with the Prime Minister," Naegi joked. The group laughed and began to relax after that.
"You were right about something else, Naegi-kun. I say I wanted to restore pride in Novoselic, and while that is true, but on a personal level, I wanted to either eliminate or minimize your country's influence on my people," Marva shared.
"Why is that Your Grace?" Mr. Koizumi asked.
"For my own selfish reasons, or rather my own comfort, I suppose. Years ago, when Sonia and Manic were still young, my brother hired a language tutor for them. A Japanese man named Jigoku Genshin, assuming of course he used his real name."
"Does this have anything to do with Manic-kun's mother? I'm sorry to pry, but Manic-kun said you changed after your wife died," Oumi asked.
"Yes. I suppose my family's enemies couldn't find anyone from Novoselic or our neighboring countries who could convincingly pose as an expert in the language families of the Asian continent. I suppose that's why they hired that man. When we first met him, he was quite unassuming. Very polite and amicable. I had actually come to consider him a friend. As months passed, my brother and sister-in-law had mysteriously fallen ill. Given that the royal family is always in danger, such matters are always investigated thoroughly, and so everyone's belongings were searched. My wife, my wonderful Annika had caught the would-be assassin attempting to flee and tried to stop him only to end up a hostage. As if to mock me, made demands while holding her at gunpoint and even admitted to his crimes. Annika had always had such a strong sense of justice and she refused to be the reason such a criminal escaped," Marva explained.
Ten Years Ago
"AAHHH! You bitch!" Jigoku Genshin screamed as Duchess Annika Nevermind bit his forearm.
"[Annika! Run!]" Marva yelled as Jigoku's grip on Annika loosened.
As his wife escaped her captor's hold, both Marva and Jigoku aimed their weapons. To Marva's horror, Jigoku's target was not him, but Annika. "[Don't do it!]" Marva begged.
His request fell on deaf ears though as Jigoku shot Annika in back. As Annika fell, with the last of her strength, she whispered, "[Marva, my darling, take care of Manic. I love you both, so very much. You made me so happy.]"
"[RRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!] Marva roared in rage, before firing at the fleeing Jigoku.
"I don't really remember what happened next, but when I regained control of myself, I was standing over the body of the assassin. I'm told I fired every round in my gun into him and then shot him with his own for good measure. I made him suffer and I don't regret any of it," Marva told the guests.
"I can't really say I blame you. I can't imagine what I would do if someone killed Ryuko," Mr. Koizumi told Duke Marva.
"Thanks to that, however, we never did find out who he worked for. I don't regret that he died by my hand, but I feel as though I haven't gotten justice for Annika yet. Perhaps it's that lack of closure that made me this way. I am very aware that those were the actions of one man. I know very well that he does not represent the Japanese people as a whole, but I can't help how I feel! Everywhere I look, I see something to remind me of the man who took my wife from me!" Marva began to yell.
"We all grieve in our own ways, Your Grace," Aloysius said.
"Unfortunately, someone decided to take advantage of your love of Novoselic and your pain. Even though we know why you did this, Your Grace, it doesn't change the situation at hand," Celes added.
"No, it doesn't, but at the very least, we don't need to put the royal family through the pain of having Duke Marva being a traitor," Colonel Turnaround said as he returned. "General Opinion would still like to see you though, Your Grace. We believe your knowledge of the castle may aid in our rescue efforts," Turnaround said.
"Very well, let us be on our way," Marva said as he stood up.
"May I join in the strategy meeting? I have experience in military matters," Ikusaba offered.
"Of course, Miss. Actually, we were also hoping a few of you would join the meeting," Turnaround said as he looked at Tanaka, Souda, and Naegi.
"Us?" Souda questioned as he pointed to himself and the other two.
General Opinion was a mountain of a man, bigger than even Nidai. His medals and scars told of a long and eventful military career. His gray hair suggested that he possessed the wisdom that only age and experience can bring. His rank gave him the respect of his troops, and true to his name, he was open to ideas on how to conduct the latest operation he found himself tasked with.
"Your Grace, you've lived in the castle your whole life. Do you know of a way in without risking the safety of the hostages?" General Opinion asked.
"The labyrinth has numerous passageways into and out of the castle that few people know about. I was on my way to the exit of one of them when my niece's honored guests found me in the labyrinth. I can guide us there, but your troops will be bottlenecked and at a disadvantage if there are guards on the other side," Marva explained.
"If I can get in, I can thin the enemy out enough to ensure a safe way in. I'm no stranger to solo missions in enemy territory," Ikusaba suggested.
"The problem then becomes getting Ikusaba-san inside safely and signaling to us that it is safe," Turnaround said.
"The passageways open from either side, so she would only need to rendezvous with us there to start the operation. As for how to get Ikusaba-san, or anyone for that matter, inside…I'm afraid I'm at a loss," Marva admitted.
"Entering through one of the towers is our best bet, but I can't see how we would do it without raising the alarm. Helicopters are too loud, and I doubt they would ignore the use of another type of aircraft. Even under cover of night, we'd be caught too easily. I'm stumped, General," Turnaround said.
"If we could make use of aircraft, we'd have done so already," General Opinion reminded him.
"We should take time to clear our heads, I'm sure something will come to us," Turnaround suggested.
"We don't have the time! Those maniacs have my family and the rest of the castle staff hostage!" Marva reminded the Colonel.
"Their lives aren't in any immediate danger. The terrorist leader's demands included His Majesty willingly transferring power to him.," General Opinion explained.
"What are the other demands? There might be something we can use," Ikusaba suggested.
"I'm afraid not. Other than naming the terrorist leader king, the demands are: Release of their imprisoned members; for the Novoselic military to stand down; for the people of Novoselic to pledge their undying loyalty to our new king and his cause; and for Princess Sonia to be his bride," Colonel Turnaround read off.
"WHAT?" Souda shouted. He, Tanaka, and Naegi had avoided speaking until now in an effort to not distract from the meeting. However, that last demand was too much for Souda to bear.
"I agree with the young mechanic. That man is a criminal and a madman. Even if he wasn't, my brother would die before giving his daughter to someone so unworthy just so he can pretend to be the legitimate ruler of our kingdom," Marva said.
General Opinion, seeing that the meeting was going off track, said, "Putting that aside, perhaps Turnaround was right, and we should all take some time to clear our heads. Let us resume in 15 minutes."
As the meeting recessed, Naegi found himself wandering around the camp aimlessly. I know you can't hear me, Sonia-senpai, but don't give in no matter what that man promises. Even if one of his men hadn't tried to kill you, there's no guarantee that he won't ruin Novoselic out of spite later on and kill you when you're no longer needed. Hold out just a little longer, we'll be there as soon as we can! Naegi thought as he tried to keep his spirits up. No matter how much he wanted to be optimistic, he was at a loss on what to do and he knew it.
"Miyo!" Coco called as he ran up to Naegi and jumped into his arms.
"Hey Coco-chan. I never did thank you for coming to get us earlier, did I? You really saved us, you know?" Naegi asked as he patted the makango on the head.
"Miyo!" Coco chirped happily.
"I don't suppose you know a way into the castle that the enemy won't see coming, do you?" Naegi asked.
Coco gave a sad, "Miyo," in response.
"I'm just kidding, you've done more than enough. You've been amazing," Naegi praised.
"Miyo?"
"I'm wondering how a bird that is so amazing and so helpful was ignored by the rest of the continent. I guess the people of the past never took the time to appreciate you. I want you to know that I do. Thank you, my little friend. For everything," Naegi said as he smiled and embraced the tiny bird.
"Mi-MMMMMMMIIIIIIIIIYYYYYYYYYYOOOOOOOOOO!" Coco cried as the makango jumped out of Naegi's arms and began to molt. The cry brought just about everyone in the camp as they watched Coco's, and there was no other word for it, transformation.
As Coco calmed down, the makango gave a determined "Miyo!"
Naegi looked at his re-feathered friend and then at General Opinion before saying, "General, I think Coco-chan says he's our way in."
As the sun set and the full moon began to light the sky of Novoselic, two men were looking out from atop one of the towers of Castle Nevermind. After several minutes of silence one turned to the other and started a conversation.
"[Hey,]" he called.
"[Yeah?]" his partner replied.
"[You ever wonder why we're here?]" the first asked.
That question seemed to stir something in his partner as he began, "[It's one of life's great mysteries, isn't it? Why are we here? I mean, are we the product of some cosmic coincidence, or is there really a God watching everything? You know, with a plan for us and stuff. I don't know, man, but it keeps me up at night.]"
In response to that, both stared at each other in silence.
The first recovered from his shock and asked, "[...What?! I mean why are we out here, on top of this tower?]"
"[Oh. Uh... yeah,]" his partner replied in embarrassment.
"[What was all that stuff about God?]" the first asked.
"[Uh...hm? Nothing,]" the other said quickly.
"[You wanna talk about it?]"
"[No.]"
"[You sure?]"
"[Yeah.]"
"[Seriously though, why are we out here? They don't exactly have a lot of options to sneak in from this tower, much less get up here without alerting everyone in the area,]" the first explained.
"[Mm hmm,]" the second agreed.
"[The military is also aware that if they try anything, we'll kill the hostages. The way I see it, we hold all the cards here,]" the first said.
"[Certainly, looks like it,]" the second said.
After a minute of silence, the first started a new conversation. "[Since you brought it up earlier. What do you think about the so-called 'Divine Right of Kings'? Do you think some higher power really picks leaders?]"
"[Lord Gedeon certainly does, and that's what matters,]" his partner said.
"[But what if whatever is out there picked House Nevermind? Does that mean we'll fail no matter what?]" the first asked.
"[You're overthinking this. Some avenging angel isn't going to show up to smite us over something like this,]" the second said. As the two looked at each other, they noticed something shimmering and floating slowly to the floor of the tower.
The first picked it up and examined it. "[A large golden feather?]" he questioned as he looked at his partner with a look of disbelief on his face.
"[It's a coincidence. There is no angel coming to strike u-urk!]" The second man never got a chance to finish as a knife hit him between the eyes from above.
The first looked up to see something human shaped with wings. "[AH! UH, G-Glory to House Nevermind!]" he screamed as he fled for his life. He didn't get very far before another knife was lodged in the back of his skull.
Once the tower was clear the angel landed and…split into three? Naegi, Ikusaba, and Coco separated. Ikusaba moved to retrieve her weapons while Naegi and Coco went over to the side of the tower.
"That was odd, wasn't it?" Naegi asked somewhat jokingly, in an attempt to distract himself from what he had just seen. I thought I had made peace with the idea of killing the enemy back at camp, but the urge to vomit and sudden self-loathing tell me I didn't, Naegi thought.
"I've had people run from me in fear before but not because they think I'm some divine messenger," Ikusaba replied with a shrug as she retrieved her knives and took the fallen enemies' weapons. Once she picked up her knives, she turned to Naegi and asked, "Are you sure you're okay to do this? If it's too much for you..."
"I'm okay, really. I knew what I was getting into. I also know where we're going. You need me here," Naegi answered quickly.
"Miyo!" Coco added helpfully from his new position on top of Naegi's head. Even after the makango's transformation at the camp, Coco hadn't changed much. Quite literally in fact, as all that had changed were the color of Coco's feathers and the size of his wings. Coco was now a golden color with giant wings. Wings that were powerful enough to carry Naegi and Ikusaba up to one of Castle Nevermind's towers. Naegi still didn't understand how Coco's tiny talons held him while Naegi himself carried Ikusaba, but Coco had sounded determined back at camp and Naegi couldn't disappoint his tiny friend.
Ikusaba wasn't completely convinced, but it was too late for second thoughts. "We should hurry. If these two don't report in someone will come looking for them. I'd like to dispose of the bodies, but…" Ikusaba trailed off as she considered the odds of someone seeing the bodies being thrown from the tower. Is it dark enough that no one will suspect anything? What if someone sees and asks these two to look into it? she asked herself.
"I'll follow your lead, Ikusaba-san. I may not like it, but I'm ready to do what needs done if it helps Senpai and her family," Naegi told his friend.
Ikusaba felt relieved and irritated at that statement. Relieved because she knew Naegi wasn't judging her for killing those two terrorists. Irritated because Naegi was resolved to help a girl who wasn't her. Focus Mukuro! Sonia-senpai is your friend too! She's only ever been kind to you. Naegi-kun would feel the same if any of our friends were in trouble, Ikusaba mentally scolded herself. After fending off her jealousy, Ikusaba turned to Naegi and said, "You've been to the place Duke Marva told us about, Naegi-kun. I'll do the dirty work, you just make sure the cavalry can get in."
"Right, let's go. But if there's anything else I can do, let me know," Naegi said as he began to lead Ikusaba to their destination.
"A kiss for luck would be nice," Ikusaba mumbled.
"What was that?" Naegi asked, turning back to Ikusaba.
"Nothing," Ikusaba responded quickly.
"Miyo?" Coco questioned as he hopped over to Ikusaba.
"I said it's nothing," Ikusaba told the makango.
The trek to the Cursed Wing of Castle Nevermind was easier than Naegi and Ikusaba had expected. Thanks to Ikusaba's training, they had managed to avoid most of their enemies, and the ones they did have to fight were swiftly dispatched. Naegi didn't want to get ahead of himself, but he hoped that this was a sign that the rest of the operation would go as smoothly.
Still, I am expecting all Hell to break loose once they realize what's happening. We still know so little about these terrorists and their capabilities. Ikusaba does think they're well-armed, at least, Naegi thought as he grasped the guns he and Ikusaba had picked up. Before he could think about the subject any further, Ikusaba tugged on his arm.
"I hear voices up ahead," Ikusaba whispered.
"Not good, our destination is a further down this hallway," Naegi told her.
"We need hide. Either we avoid them, or we ambush them, but we can't risk alerting the enemy when we're so close," Ikusaba said as she pulled Naegi into the nearest room.
Once the door was closed, the Soldier and the Luckster hear two voices grunt, "Mfph!" Expecting the worst Ikusaba prepared to lunge at them when she saw that they were hostages. Hostages Naegi just so happened to recognize.
"Charles. Stanley. We need to stop meeting like this," Naegi jokingly whispered as he untied and ungagged them.
"We would love nothing more, Naegi-kun," Charles said as he begun to stretch.
"I'm glad you're here, my young friend. I was beginning to think all was lost. But how did you get here" Stanley asked.
"It's a long story that involves a golden makango. He should be circling the castle right now," Naegi explained, earning disbelieving stares from the two men.
"We're trying to get to the Cursed Wing. A military unit should be waiting for us to open a secret passage there," Ikusaba told them.
"We'll join you," Charles quickly said.
"A larger group will be easier to spot," Ikusaba responded.
"If you can find us weapons, we can serve as a distraction," Stanley offered.
Naegi pulled out two handguns he picked up from fallen terrorists. "I know these aren't much," but…"
"That will be fine, Naegi-kun," Charles assured the boy.
"Besides, if this young lady is willing to help, we may be able clear your path and get better weapons at the same time," Stanley added.
It soon dawned on Naegi what Stanley was suggesting and he simply said, "Just like old times."
The voices Ikusaba had heard earlier were two of the terrorists on patrol of the Cursed Wing. Thankfully, for Naegi and the rest, these two were unaware that there were intruders.
"[I wish we would just kill the usurpers and be done with it,]" the one said, unaware of what awaited him and his partner.
[Of course, the Borginian savage wants that. I'm starting to think Viktor did King Eric a favor ensuring his line no longer had to deal with them,] his partner thought. "[Lord Gedeon will claim what is his with minimal bloodshed. We must trust in his judgment.]"
[Fortunian coward. To think we had to ally with them for this. Duke Albert must be spinning in his grave,] the first thought. "[Very well,] he huffed as they both continued on their route. An awkward silence fell over the two. Their distrust of each other was palpable, but they were willing to put that aside for their cause…for now.
[Once Lord Gedeon deals with the usurpers, you're next, savages/cowards], the two thought. As they came closer to Naegi's group, they saw that door was slightly ajar.
The Borginian terrorist turned to his partner and said, "[I will check it out, you go on ahead.]" [And I would prefer to be away from your people's stench,] he added silently.
That plan was immediately welcomed by his Fortunian partner. [Finally, a reprieve. I feel my intelligence drop just being next to this fool.] "[Very well. We must dissuade these Novoselic traitors of attempting to defy us and our master,]" he agreed.
The Borginian man entered the room but saw nothing out in the open. As he began to search more thoroughly, he felt a weight drop on him, a sharp pain in his skull, and then he felt no more. Ikusaba had dropped from the ceiling and drove her knife into his head.
Before the man hit the ground, Ikusaba leapt off of him and out into the hallway. Showing off her aim and talent with a knife, she threw her remaining knife into the Fortunian man's neck, killing him as well.
Naegi and the others emerged from the hiding place Ikusaba had picked for them, with Charles and Stanley silently applauding. "Excellent work, Ikusaba-san. Thanks to you, we now stand a chance against the enemy," Charles said in awe.
"Good luck to the two of you on your mission. We will try our best to draw the enemy's attention," Stanley said as he picked up the fallen Borginian's rifle.
"Stay safe, you two," Naegi said as the two left in the opposite direction of his and Ikusaba's destination. Charles waved back before grabbing the fallen Fortunian's rifle and soon the two men were gone. With no further obstacles, Naegi and Ikusaba soon arrived in the Cursed Wing, in the room King Levushka had shown Naegi and Tanaka just the other day.
Now I know what His Majesty was trying to find. Shame we have to find and use it under these circumstances, kind of kills the thrill of finding a secret passage, Naegi thought as he felt along the wall by Eric's portrait. He eventually did find the spot Duke Marva mentioned and pushed a false stone in. The wall next to the spot began to spin as Naegi and Ikusaba saw troops enter. To their surprise, their friends soon followed the soldiers.
"Why is everyone here?" Naegi asked in shock.
"We were worried about you two, and we were worried about Sonia-chan and her family," Koizumi told him.
"The military never would have let civilians accompany them to this," Ikusaba stated.
"Remember that game of cards we were playing to pass the time before you left?" Togami asked.
"Yes," Naegi sighed. He wished he hadn't remembered; he hadn't been doing that well.
"The General joined after the two of you left and Celes-san won permission for us to accompany the rescue team," Shinobu explained.
"We think General Opinion might have a slight gambling problem," Maizono added quietly.
"Let it never be said I'm not a man of my word," the General's voice said from over the one soldier's radio.
The man with the radio introduced himself. "I'm Captain Downer. I'm in charge of this mission. I thank you for getting us in, Naegi-kun, Ikusaba-san, but we'll handle things from here."
"Wait! Before that, we released two hostages. They're two men named Charles and Stanley; they were hostages at the embassy as well. They took some weapons and are attempting to draw the enemy's attention," Naegi explained.
"We'll keep an eye out for them. If we can save them, we will. Now, as much as I believe that the royal family would appreciate friendly faces after their ordeal, you all need to stay back. Now, rescue team, let's move out," Captain Downer ordered.
A few minutes after the captain and his team left, and the occasional sounds of gunfire began to get further away, the civilians heard a tapping noise. Turning to the nearest window, they saw Coco attempting to get their attention.
"Miyo!"
"What's wrong, Coco-chan?" Naegi asked.
"Miyo!" Coco answered.
"Your bonded beast feels a sense of foreboding. He wishes you to accompany him," Tanaka explained.
"Yeah. Coco-chan isn't the only one. I've been having a bad feeling since the captain left. I don't think we're in any danger, but…" Naegi trailed off, not sure how to put his feeling into words.
"You gotta trust your gut," Owari told Naegi. She began to stretch and then said, "I was getting tired of just sitting here anyway."
Ikusaba began to copy Owari's movements before saying, "I agree. It feels too awkward to know there's a battle going on and I'm not part of it.
"I get how you two feel, Sonia-chan is my friend, too, but won't we just be in the way?" Koizumi asked in an attempt to be the voice of reason.
"If we wish to get involved then perhaps, we should focus on doing what the rescue team is unable to do," Shinobu suggested.
"RIGHT! We're on the same team, we need to work together and win this 'match' and rescue the royal family!" Nidai agreed with his usual enthusiasm.
Celes decided to ask the obvious question, "What exactly can we do, though?"
*Buzz*
Naegi looked sheepish as he looked at his phone. "Sorry! I promised Enoshima-san and Duke Marva that I would let them know when the passage was opened. I guess I forgot to turn my phone back off," Naegi explained. As he tried to rectify his mistake, he saw the message and said to his friends, "I think this is for all of us," as he showed them his phone.
"Ultimate Analyst, indeed," Ikusaba said with a chuckle.
While the others looked at the message, Maizono turned to Naegi and said, "Naegi-kun, we'll handle this, you and Coco-chan should go on ahead. It seems that little one already knows what to do."
"Right. Let's go, Coco-chan," Naegi said as he went to the window.
"Naegi, just so you know: if you die, you're fired. That goes for the rest of you as well," Togami told the group.
Naegi laughed and said, "We'll all have to be extra careful then."
Gedeon was livid. His plans were falling apart, and it hadn't even been two days. He had no idea how the military had gotten in undetected. He had no idea how two of his hostages had escaped. At least he didn't, until he thought back to what Sonia had said back in her room. [Did that foreigner do this? I refuse to believe I will lose what is rightfully mine because of some Japanese high school student!] Gedeon mentally screamed as he made his way to Sonia's room. If he was going to escape, he was going to need insurance. Gedeon kicked Sonia's door open before yelling, "[Get up! I need to flee, and you're coming with me!]"
"[I refuse. You've already lost, just surrender and maybe you can at least keep your life,] Sonia replied.
Gedeon pulled out a handgun, wrapped an arm around Sonia's neck from behind her, and held the gun to her temple. "[It wasn't a request, Princess. You're going to be my ticket back to Fortuna. Now move!]" Gedeon ordered, not in the mood for defiance.
As they were walking, Sonia tried to appeal to Gedeon again, "[Your people are dying. You can end this with just one order.]"
Gedeon tightened his hold on her and pressed the gun more forcefully, clearly not happy with that advice. "[All who are loyal to the true sovereign of Novoselic will gladly give their lives to ensure my safety. I will find new subjects, but I must escape to do so,]" Gedeon countered as he directed Sonia to a nearby room. [The royal family aren't the only ones who know about these passages. We could have entered this way without that fool Marva, but we would have risked getting caught,] Gedeon thought as he opened the secret passageway. Instead of a safe escape route, he came face to face with Marva and several soldiers.
"[Gedeon, it's not me, it's you. Your Novoselic is not my Novoselic. Now, let my niece go, and we can discuss your punishment,]" Marva told Gedeon.
"[I'll kill her before you kill me!]" Gedeon shouted. That caused the soldiers and Marva to hesitate long enough for Gedeon to back out of the room.
"[Uncle!]" Sonia called only to get pistol whipped by Gedeon when they were out of the line of fire.
"[Silence! We'll try another way,]" Gedeon told her as he checked to make sure that the soldiers and the duke wouldn't follow him and risk their Princess.
After reaching another corridor, Gedeon directed Sonia to another room in an attempt to escape. This time when he opened the passageway, he came was met with Enoshima and Ikusaba.
"See Muku-nee, they got here exactly when I said they would. I'm fine," Enoshima told her sister.
"We'll discuss this later, Junko-chan," Ikusaba said as she took out her knives.
Once again, Gedeon tightened his hold on Sonia, earning him glares from the sisters, but also safe passage back into the hallway. Gedeon was hoping that the third time would be the charm only for the hostages, the royal family, their guests, and the military to emerge from the hallways and rooms that held his possible escape routes. Desperate, but not willing to give up, Gedeon took the only clear path available to him, one leading to the top of one of the castle's towers. The climb wasn't easy while walking backwards with a hostage, but he managed.
As his pursuers reached the top of the tower, Gedeon attempted one final demand. "[Princess Sonia's life for a helicopter back to Fortuna! I know you people hold that sentimental bullshit in high regard, you wouldn't dare risk your Princess's life!]"
Sonia saw their hesitation. The love she felt from her people, her family, and her friends in that moment helped her come to a decision. She couldn't let Gedeon continue to haunt her people. She would make sure he would never have the chance. Sonia grabbed the arm Gedeon used to hold his gun. Whether it was because he had held her in place for so long or because he had shifted his arms while climbing the stairs, Sonia didn't know, but she was able to move it so that the gun was no longer pointed at her temple and so she had a clear path to Gedeon's wrist and forearm. After that, Sonia bit down on Gedeon's arm as hard as she could.
"[AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! YOU BITCH!]" Gedeon screamed as he kicked Sonia away. Those who had come to rescue her were frozen in shock as the force of the kick sent Sonia over the side of the tower. Gedeon knew his life was over the second Sonia had fallen out of sight, but he still shot a defiant look at the royal family as King Levuska came forward flanked by soldiers, all with murder in their eyes.
King Levushka wanted to kill the monster in front of him, himself. He knew everyone present wanted to be the one to end Gedeon's life. [My precious Sonia, so brave even at the end. She didn't even scream as she fell. I can still hear her sweet voice,] Levushka thought as he approached the man responsible for killing his daughter.
"Levushka, stop! Listen," Queen Tonya called to her husband. It seemed it was not just the king who could still hear Sonia.
"Father, Mother, I am alright! I knew my hero would save me!"
Over the edge of the tower where Sonia had fallen a few moments before, rising with the sun were Coco, Naegi, and Sonia herself. Sonia, fittingly enough, was held in a princess carry by Naegi, as Coco, the golden makango carried the two onto the safety of the tower.
Those present cheered, except for Gedeon, whose plan had been so thoroughly crushed, the shock of his failure had frozen him in place. Captain Downer and his men stepped forward and took the terrorist leader into custody, thus ending the greatest crisis in recent Novoselic history.
Even as everyone relaxed, Sonia refused to let go of Naegi, opting instead to hug him tighted from her spot in his arms while saying, "I knew my Darling was a hero."
Her rivals were irritated but decided to let her have this. After all she had been through, she probably needed it and they couldn't help but think she deserved it. For now.
After Gedeon was taken away and the military removed the bodies of the terrorists, the hostages were taken for medical treatment. Sonia and the castle staff had received the worst treatment at the hands of their captors, but there seemed to be no lasting damage. The one everyone felt sorry for was Enoshima, who had been scolded by Ikusaba and the doctor attending her.
"'24 to 72 hours rest' means resting for 24 to 72 hours!" Ikusaba yelled.
"As much as I appreciate what you did for my country, I cannot as a doctor approve of you involving yourself as much as you did. There were plenty of people there," the doctor reminded Enoshima.
Enoshima looked apologetic until King Levushka came and asked both Enoshima and Ikusaba how they would like to be rewarded for their service to Novoselic, a question he asked all of his guests once they returned to the castle.
Of course, most of the guests remained humble and stated that they didn't do much, with the exception of Togami, who never forgot that he was here on business. The one showered with the most praise, and the one feeling the most uncomfortable, was Naegi.
"Just enjoy it, Naegi-kun," Charles told the boy.
"You are the one who made all of this possible," Stanly added.
Sonia, Manic, and Queen Tonya were busy examining Coco.
"A golden makango. I had hoped, but I hadn't expected Darling to find one so soon."
"Those present tell me that Naegi-kun was praising Coco-chan. Such as fascinating creature."
"Do you mean Coco-chan or…?" Manic began to ask, earning him a look from Sonia.
Once those present had settled down, it was time to address the events of the previous nights, specifically, the potential repercussions and Marva's involvement.
"Marva, I knew you never recovered from Annika's death, but to think you lost faith in us. I don't even know what to say to that," King Levuska said to his brother.
"I know. I have been a fool. I know this now. I tried to remove anything that reminded me of my wife's death than facing it. As much as I do want our people to have pride in Novoselic, I used it to push my grief to the side while warping my goal and placing my trust in the wrong people. I don't even know how to begin to apologize for this," Marva said.
"Dad, what do you think we're here for? We're your family. I miss mom too, but…" Manic began before Levushka held up a hand to silence him.
"I know. I lost faith in our people and all of you. I felt alone and unknowingly reached out to an enemy. Whatever punishment is decided, it is not enough," Marva said.
Levushka sighed. "You still haven't learned anything. What are you expecting me to do, brother?"
Marva was confused by that response. "Exile, execution, life imprisonment, or some combination of the three?" he guessed.
"Perhaps, if things had gone worse. Most certainly if Sonia had died. But you are my brother, and I know you. You are always thinking of Novoselic. And now you must do so for your punishment," Levushka explained.
"I don't understand," Marva admitted.
"While none of our people died, the terrorists, led by Gedeon Dosenmatter, were made up of Novoselic, Borginian, and Fortunian nationals. While I believe that we were more than justified in taking their lives, I am unsure it the Borginians and Fortunians will see it that way. You are to go to both nations and convince their leaders that our actions were justified if they question it. You will leave after our guests return home, and as much as it pains me to say this, Brother, don't come back until you are sure there is no threat of retaliation by the Borginian and Fortunian governments," Levushka decreed.
"Levushka, after everything that has happened, you still trust me to do this? What if I betray your trust? What if I really am an enemy?" Marva asked.
"I make up my own mind about what is to be believed and what is not. If I should like to believe in someone, I will. The circumstances be damned," Levushka answered.
"But what I can't be trusted!" Marva tried to argue.
"I think I understand, Your Grace. In that case, His Majesty had made an elementary error of judgement, nothing more," Naegi said in realization.
Levushka nodded, "Betrayal of trust is an overused excuse, in my opinion. Our family has always strived to have faith in our people. And I have faith in you, Little Brother."
Marva recalled what Naegi has said to him in the medical tent, Sonia-senpai believes though…Not just her, either. The King and Queen. Manic. They believe too. "You believe in me, in all of our people, because that is what a great leader does," Marva said.
"Exactly," Levushka nodded.
"It is just as our learned friend told me," Marva said as he looked at Naegi.
"Yes Naegi-kun, you have been receiving high praise from a certain Colonel Turnaround. It is not much different from what Sonia told me about your ordeal at the embassy. You certainly know how to inspire others," Levushka told the boy.
"But of course, Darling is the legendary hero!" Sonia gushed.
"I don't know about that…" Naegi said as he began to feel embarrassed.
"You fit the criteria and you saved my cousin twice," Manic reminded Naegi.
"Coco-chan is a golden makango," Queen Tonya added.
"You wear a white shirt under your hoodie and your actions at Hope's Peak could be considered 'bringing light' to an 'island nation,'" Sonia chimed in.
"It's decided! We will have the award ceremony for the Heroes of the Embassy tomorrow and in addition, we will reward our guest for their heroic actions and officially declare Naegi Makoto the Legendary Hero!" King Levushka declared.
Though the girls knew what being the Legendary Hero could entail, seeing Naegi embarrassed was just too adorable for them to ignore. To that end, they led everyone in bowing to Naegi before breaking out in laughter at how red he was turning. Naegi laughed too. It hadn't been a particularly relaxing trip, but it was one he and his friends would remember for the rest of their lives.
And that ends our adventure in the Kingdom of Novoselic. I apologize that it took so long to get here.
Next chapter is going to be a little different. We're going to see what happens when Naegi isn't around. The chapter is going to star three girls whose chapters may not have ended on the most satisfactory of notes. I'm hoping to begin rectifying that next chapter.
Some fun facts:
Opinion, Turnaround, and Downer are all Nirvana songs. Yeah, maybe I went overboard with those references but in my defense, Danganronpa did too with Nevermind and Novoselic. I'll go sit in my shame corner now.
I'm back, and yeah, I really leaned into the "billion birds are the makango" thing didn't I? I don't own Toriko but I do recommend it.
I hope everyone is okay with the duke's fate. I never really wanted Marva to be the bad guy, I just wanted him as the red herring. I wonder if I overdid it?
Also, yes, I did use the "Ever wonder why we're here" conversation from the Blood Gulch Chronicles of Red vs Blue. I miss those days, I really do.
I will absolutely try to get the next chapter out sooner than this one. Thank you all for bearing with me.
If anyone wants to vent in the reviews, I will absolutely understand. In fact, I think I deserve it. But hopefully all of you can answer a question for me. I don't know if shifting between two stories had a hand in causing the delay, but when writing for Fantasy Life with Ultimate Girls, I do try to focus on that alone. So, my question is, should I alternate this time as well, or do you all want the next chapter of this Everyday Life before I update Fantasy Life again? Let me know in the reviews!
Until next time, stay frosty!