Armory of the Forgotten Hero

by Masked Spider

The legend goes that there are four cardinal heroes. But fact and fable are often twisted in the land of Melromarc, while others are left out completely. One such fact is that there is actually another hero, the Armory hero, who doesn't wield a primary weapon. But the world will soon remember as Darius Saxon is called to remind the people that there aren't four heroes, but five.

50. The Final Gifts of Ost Hourai

The Final Gifts of Ost Hourai

Hello everyone and welcome to the latest chapter of Armory of the Forgotten Hero! We got quite a chapter here with a whole lot happening despite the battle taking place in only one area. With luck it won't come off as being too fast paced. And before I forget, an announcement. I only got one answer back on my previous question about whether I should keep following the manga after this or switch over to the anime and the answer was to switch over to the anime. So I'll be taking a little time off of this story to let the anime advance a bit and see what happens. So the next chapter of this story will likely be out a week or so later than usual which I hope isn't too much of an issue for everyone. And, obligatory advertisement, don't forget to check out my book, Plains Riders, on Amazon Kindle and Kindle Unlimited! Now I've talked enough and with no apparent review questions this week, let's dive on in!

At the Core of the Spirit Tortoise

"Genius," repeated Rifana as she and everyone else took in the culprit responsible for the Spirit Tortoise's rampage, "not sure where you got that idea about yourself, all you've done is wake up a sacred beast and send it to do it's thing." His appearance was, as Darius had mentioned, underwhelming. The man had long, white, shaggy hair that went past his shoulders and a pair of spectacles that rested on his nose. The man named Kyo's outfit was mostly green, consisting of a shirt and button-up vest that gave him the appearance of an alchemist. Adding to that was a short belt on his shirt front which held test tubes along with leather gloves and boots on his hands and feet.

Completing his look was a long coat that he wore hanging off his shoulders like a cape. His attempt to look like a professional researcher or mastermind was further hampered by the fact that his outfit was untidy and wrinkled, as if he barely bothered washing it. "It figures you wouldn't understand the complexities of taking over a sacred beast," said Kyo as he opened the book in his hand, "if you did, you'd realize that it's still within my control!" He held out his hand then and parts of the floor seemed to liquefy in response.

Several shapes rose up in front of the apparent mad scientist then with armor forming around them until they became whole beings. The helmets they wore had V-shaped holes with one glowing eye at the center and tortoise-shell markings dotted several of their armored plates. But what really got everyone's attention was the presence of powerful looking weapons in the new creature's possession. "Those are, replica Cardinal Weapons," gasped Rishia as she and the others noted the similar appearances of the bows, swords, and spears in the hands of what the Cardinal Hero's HUDs were identifying as 'Monarch Guardian' type familiars.

"Impressive, aren't they," bragged Kyo as the ten-foot-tall familiars slowly moved into formation in front of the Shield and Armory Hero's parties, "you plebians thought all I could use those Cardinal Weapons for was a battery? If you were on my level you'd have thought of this long ago. Still, even I didn't anticipate you'd be able to cut the Spirit Tortoise's head off so many times. Even with the numerous towns, cities and even small countries that have been destroyed the energy isn't accumulating properly. So I'll be taking your energy as compensation for that!"

The Guardian Familiars lumbered forward then with their weapons raised. But the gathered heroes and warriors moved faster as Naofumi raised his shield to block the first attack by a sword-wielding familiar. His shield flashed in response as the Guardian was actually knocked backwards and off balance by his Cardinal Weapon. "Rifana," called Darius as he leapt forward with his new Tornado Hammer.

He'd gotten it from the vault of the Golden Tyrant and found that it hit a lot harder than his Whirlwind Warhammer. Adding Rifana's own powerful blow to that and it was more than enough to send the unfortunate Guardian flying into some of its other comrades, knocking them over. "Icicle Prison!" Called Izumi as she swung her naginata, causing a mass of ice to form on the downed guardians. Filo and Johann were quick to jump in and stomp on the familiars with Spiral Strike and Lightning Talon, crumpling the armor into little more than scrap.

The other Monarch Familiars tried moving in from the sides but were intercepted by Raphtalia and Éclair on one side and Figneria and Grilaroc on the other. The two sword wielders cut at the leg joints of the armor before leaping up and sticking their blades in the v-shaped visors where the single red eyes were situated. In much the same way, Figneria was slicing at the joints of the Familiars with her ice dagger, slowing their movement as Grilaroc leapt up and delivered powerful kicks or finger jabs that blasted the heads apart at their weak points. Any of the remaining ones that made it past this onslaught found themselves suddenly weightless thanks to Ost's magic before being blasted back by wind and fire spells from Rishia.

In a matter of a couple minutes, the summoned Familiars were reduced to little more than metallic heaps. "Wow, bravo," said Kyo as he clapped somewhat sarcastically, "it's just as I thought, that shield is the most useful of the cardinal weapons in this world. And I don't know what or how those armbands work, but I'll still love getting my hands on both their powers. What's even more interesting is that human familiar. I didn't know the Spirit Tortoise could do that, but it does explain how you all found your way here."

"There is much you are unaware of," said Ost, "you may control the core of the Spirit Tortoise but you do not know its desires nor its true feelings."

"Hah, like I'd need to know how a giant beast is feeling!" Exclaimed Kyo as he raised his hand to summon more of the Monarch Guardian Familiars. "All I need is for it to be useful to me in fulfilling my goals which is the destruction of this world and the taking of its energies!" He then snapped his fingers, summoning a number of bat familiars which came swooping down towards them.

"This long day just keeps getting longer," said Darius as he summoned a circle of fire staffs on the floor. But as he and the others were about to unleash their attacks, a nearby wall exploded with blue flames.

"Bejeweled Ruby Blaze!" Called a familiar voice as even more flames filled the chamber. The attack would seem indiscriminate to those who didn't know its nature, but to the Shield and Armory Hero they weren't surprised by the fact that the flames only hurt the monsters and none of them. As for the others.

"What is this strange attack?" Asked Izumi as she, Ost and the others who hadn't faced L'arc's group before marveled at the lack of heat from the flames.

"Therese's magic," explained Darius, "she can somehow choose who is and isn't affected by the attack."

"You know it," said L'arc as the flames cleared to reveal him, Therese and Glass standing close by, "been a little bit Shield Kiddo, Shroud Kiddo."

"So you guys really are here and not just mimics," commented Naofumi.

"The one and only," said L'arc before his gaze hardened and he turned towards Kyo, "and thanks for leading us to this scumbag."

"So there are disagreements between heroes even in your world," noted Darius, "is that why you're fighting the holder of the Vassal Book?"

"Oh, very good," said Kyo as he held up said book, "that's right, I'm the Vassal Book Hero. Which makes me wonder all the more why my fellow Vassal Wielders are trying to stop me. We're both planning on destroying this world so why bother sparing innocents?"

"Don't try and throw us in with the likes of you," barked Glass as she pointed her fan at Kyo, "you aren't here for the sake of our world but for power! Once you're done here you'll move on to our world. That's why our Vassal weapons are telling us to stop you!"

"Huuuh, your Vassal weapons are telling you to stop me?" Said Kyo with a raised eyebrow, "sounds like you're just tools for your own weapons, is there anything inside your heads? Don't try to act like good people now, you just look stupid." The Book Hero gives a signal then as several of the Monarch Familiars suddenly rise from the ground, forcing L'arc's party to dodge out of the way as they bring their weapons down towards them.

"Those things can still move?!" Said a surprised L'arc as he evaded and counterattacked by decapitating one of the familiars.

"You should really see the looks on your faces," laughed Kyo as he opened his book, "now try this: Composition Style Chapter One: Bird of Flame!" Several pages flew from the book and ignited, forming a large bird-shaped flame which soared towards Glass and the others the moment they regrouped. But the impact stopped short as it ran into a powerful shield. "Oh, so you're banding together now to fight a common enemy?"

"Don't get the wrong idea," said Naofumi, glancing back as the smoke cleared, "this is just until we take this lunatic out." It was a common goal which appeared might not last that long as Raphtalia and Éclair used a combination of precision strikes to weaken the Guardian Familiar's limbs while Filo and Grilaroc would deal crushing finishing blows. This strategy was mirrored by Figneria and Izumi striking at joints on their armored foes while Johann and Rifana bashed them with high impact attacks. As for Darius, he'd switched to a replica of L'arc's scythe and was making good use of its defense proportion ability, cutting off the heads and limbs of their opponents with not so surprising ease.

"Then all I ask at the moment is this," said Glass as she produced a purple energy blade from one of her fans, "give me a clear shot."

"The core," called Ost while helping Rishia hold off some of the bat familiars, "destroy it and this all ends!"

"Good enough," said Glass as she adjusted her aim, "Rupture Stance Rondo: Tortoise Shell Cracker!" She fired off a purple blade of energy then which went straight through a Monarch Guardian's chest. But as it impacted against the core, something unexpected occurred: an orangeish-yellow barrier appeared around it, stopping the attack.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Cackled Kyo, "did you really think I'd leave something as important as the core undefended?! And with your weapons in a weakened state there's no way you can break through!"

"What's he talking about?" Asked Naofumi as he glanced at Therese.

"It's something we didn't think would be a problem given the original setup of things," said the Gem Wielder, albeit reluctantly, "you see, the rules governing our world and yours are different, and that includes weapon powerup methods. It's a special case when the Waves occur, however, because the rules co-exist at that time."

"In other words, you're not as strong right now without a Wave happening," surmised the Shield Hero, "terrific."

"Hey we're not helpless," said L'arc as he and Glass quickly cut through some more approaching Guardians, "we'll just need another tactic."

"Good luck," chuckled Kyo, "unlike you I can just forcefully take whatever power I need whenever there's not enough!" He waved his hand again, summoning even more Guardian Familiars along with bat and even the large beetle familiars. "And once I'm done tearing you all apart I'll take your energy too!"

"Wonderful," said Figneria as she dodged out of the way of a replica spear before slicing through a couple of beetles, "we're dealing with a coward who can spawn an army. I hate being on the receiving end of attrition warfare."

"It's only attrition warfare if we let it drag out that long," said Darius while cutting down both a beetle and Monarch Guardian. Therese was, thankfully, handling the majority of the bat familiars with her magic along with help from Rishia and Ost, allowing the others to focus on the larger familiars. Hopefully well enough for the Armory Hero to attempt an idea. Which is why he fought his way over to Glass.

"What is it, Armory Hero?" She asked while beheading a Guardian, "I assure you I can handle myself."

"I know that better than most," said Darius as he switched over to replicas of Glass's fans and began cutting through more familiars, "but we both need assistance for combo attacks, if I recall."

"What did you have in mind?" Asked the Fan Hero while kicking away another familiar.

"Remember that weird little adventure we had in that realm of doorways?" Darius questioned back while ducking the large arm of another Guardian.

"I do indeed," said Glass with a smirk, "very well, we shall attempt it. Therese, keep us covered!"

"I'll do what I can," she said while sending out more blue flames. The others didn't need to be told to keep the familiars off the two heroes, already catching on to what they were doing.

"Here goes," said Darius as he produced an energy blade from his right fan while Glass produced an energy blade from her left. They laid the two weapons on top of each other then, causing the white and purple blades to mix together into a lighter indigo blade. "Rupture Formation Rondo," they both exclaimed as Kyo's eyes widened at the sight. But it was far too late as the attack was launched, "Tortoise Shell Breaker!"

The indigo beam fired off then, twice the size of Glass's previous attack and slammed into the shielded core. It held for a moment before shattering completely, also shattering a shield which had been around Kyo. "Guess that thing was protecting you too," noted L'arc with a grin as he and Rifana charged forth. The Weasel Girl aimed for the core while L'arc brought his scythe down towards Kyo.

Just as victory seemed assured, however, everything suddenly came crashing down. Or rather, everyone suddenly dropped to the floor as what felt like a great weight was holding them down. 'Super gravity,' the Armory Hero realized as he recalled the Spirit Tortoise's other form of magic, 'outstanding, one of the top five scenes in SAO I didn't want to reenact.'

"Do you morons even realize how pointless it is to act heroic here," said Kyo as he stomped on L'arc's head, "your job is to destroy this world so that yours can live. It's not like anyone's going to know how you did it and even if they did would they really care? You'll be hailed as heroes and the saviors of your world so stop pretending like you've got consciences!"

"Says you," grunted L'arc, "real heroes behave like good people even when no ones looking."

"I agree," said Ost, drawing Kyo's attention with the fact that she was still standing, "you're simply taking advantage of the situation. You're no hero, just an opportunist."

"Ah yes," said Kyo as he removed his foot from L'arc and turned to the Human Familiar, "you would be the only one who could stand properly right now."

"Gravity magic is one of my specialties," said Ost, "it'll take more than this to hold me down."

"Yes, I'm well aware," said Kyo, "you are the Spirit Tortoise's Heart, after all. In other words, I'm speaking to the Tortoise itself right now."

"Say what," grunted Naofumi as he tried frantically to get to his hands and knees.

"I figured it out at first glance," Kyo revealed, "you're a familiar yet I couldn't control you like all the others." A frown crossed the Vassal Book Wielder's face then. "To think you had such an important part of you acting on its own. If you hadn't been there to inform and guide the heroes I'd have squashed them and all other resistance flat by now."

"It's as you say," conceded Ost as she curled a fist over her heart, "I am the will of the Spirit Tortoise. And I'm here to take back my body!"

"You make it sound like the outcome will be different either way!" Exclaimed Kyo as he summoned multiple tendrils of light, "you'll die in the end so I'll use your body with care until the-HUH!" A light arrow suddenly feel down from the air above, barely missing the Mastermind as he stumbled back.

"Got ya now," exclaimed Darius as he held his hand up and widened the two portals he'd summoned high overhead, "LIGHT ARROW STORM!" A rain of glowing white arrows fell from the portals then, aimed specifically at Kyo and the Spirit Tortoise's core. Personally, the Armory Hero had wanted to take him out by surprise, but he hadn't wanted to risk hitting L'arc and the others by accident, hence the unfortunate need for the warning shot that made him move back.

"What?! You can still attack?!" Exclaimed Kyo, having already summoned the barrier from earlier to protect himself and the core. There was no protection for the tendrils, however, as they were quickly cut to pieces.

"Pop quiz asshole!" Yelled Darius from his position on the floor, "how much more impact force does an arrow have under high gravity forces?!" He only waited long enough for Kyo to notice that his barrier wasn't holding up as well as he'd hoped. "The answer is a lot more!"It was quite a sight as the Vassal Book Wielder looked torn on his decisions. The barrier hadn't completely restored itself before this attack and while he wouldn't admit it there was a lot of energy going into the use of super gravity magic.

"You must think you're clever," said Kyo as he opened his book and transferred energy from the familiars to his barriers, causing them to go still, "but this is only delaying the inevitable. All you're really accomplishing is helping me decide who to kill first!"

"No," said a voice behind Ost as one of the smaller figures stood up, "you won't be killing anyone else."

"Huh," said the Vassal Book Wielder as his gaze shifted to the small girl who was somehow standing despite the high gravity, Rishia. Ost looked just as surprised as everyone else at this new development. "You just wait there, cosplayer, I'll get to you in a min-."

"You're quite scared, aren't you," interrupted Rishia, "you fear how weak you are."

"What did you say," replied Kyo as actual confusion crossed his features.

"You took control of a sacred beast and holed yourself up all the way down here," said Rishia, "and all the so-called power you possess is merely what you've stolen from others. I understand because not so long ago I was like you, hating how helpless and weak I was. But I stopped making excuses for myself and learned how to grow stronger. I may still be the weakest among this group of amazing people, but you are even weaker than I am."

"You're seriously annoying, you know that," growled Kyo with narrowed eyes, "I've changed my mind, you'll die first."

"We'll see," said Rishia before whispering to Ost, "We know where Kyo is drawing his energy from right now. Get us as close as you can." The Human Familiar nodded as they both readied themselves to run.

"Don't think your little plan is going to succeed," said the Vassal Book Holder as he noted the intensity of the Arrow Storm was slowing by a good bit, "like I said you're just delaying the inevitable at this point. NOW DIE!" Pages flew from the Vassal Book then and ignited, flying at the two women like flaming discs.

"Now right!" Exclaimed Rishia as they both moved, sticking as close to one another as possible to stave off the effects of the super gravity, "next left, then right again!" The duo continued to dodge attack after attack, getting ever closer to their goal. Darius was forced to close the portal over Kyo's head in order to summon shield portals in front of the others to protect them from shrapnel. "Now head straight on!" She whispered a couple more words when Ost glanced at her in confusion before they both split apart to dodge the next attack, albeit barely.

"Will you just disappear already!" Exclaimed Kyo as he fired a few more flaming pages haphazardly, one of which landed in front of the duo and exploded.

"You hide the fact that you're weak like an animal puffing itself up," said Rishia as the smoke cleared to reveal her tattered costume being illuminated by a light shining in her hands, "you don't actually try to get stronger yourself and rely on whatever underhanded methods you can find to get ahead. Such an attitude goes against the justice that I believe in!" The light transforms into the shape of a sword then as she fires it at her enemy. The projectile slams into the barrier surrounding Kyo's body before quickly breaking through it.

The White-haired Villain almost flinches before moving his head to the side, letting the projectile fly past him where it impacts against the glass containing the other three heroes. Despite its slowed momentum the attack still packed enough force to break the transparent prison, spilling out the unconscious heroes on the floor. And just like that, Rishia also crashed to the floor as the effects of the super gravity caught up to her. "Wow, a whole speech and everything and all you managed to accomplish was shutting off the barrier at the worst time," said Kyo as he walked forward and grabbed the girl by one of her green braids, forcing her to look over and see that Darius's Arrow Storm had ended.

"You really must be stupid," continued Kyo, "are you thinking 'I did my best so I'm amazing', please. And justice, really, Let me tell you about 'justice'. Justice is decided by the winner! And since I've clearly won this little bout that means that I'll decide what is and isn't just! After all, it's 'justice' that always prevails and I have prevailed!"

"You think so," said Rishia as her eyes narrowed with determination, "what makes you think you've prevailed?"

"How could I not be prevailing?!" Exclaimed Kyo as he shoved Rishia's head onto the floor, "you can't even stand right now because of the super gravity! You wouldn't have even gotten this close without-." Realization hit the Vassal Book Wielder like a ton of bricks as he whirled around to see the Human Familiar had used the smoke and his tirade as cover to get close to Naofumi, "no, you bitch!"

"Sir Shield Hero," said Ost as she put a hand on his Cardinal Weapon, "please lend me your power."

"As if I'd-GAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" Kyo howled as he felt a sharp pain in the back of his leg.

"The answer to my earlier question," said Rishia as she withdrew a dagger from her enemy's limb, "you haven't prevailed because that wasn't my best, this is!"

"YOU BITCH!" Yelled Kyo as he fell and started crawling backwards, feeling like his leg was on fire. "What did you do?!"

"A poisoned dagger from Lady Figneria," explained Rishia as she struggled to crawl forward, "it's very potent and more than capable of killing within minutes. But it'll paralyze you long before that."

"You," sneered Kyo as he reached for one of the vials on his shirt front, "I'll kill you for this!" He took out the vial with light green liquid and shakily drank it as the poison continued to restrict his movements. At the same time, Ost was instructing Naofumi on higher magic.

"Concentrate," she urged the Shield Hero, "match your senses with mine." She then began to chant. "As source of thy power, I, the Spirit Tortoise order thee, decipher the laws of nature and expel the impurities from within." As she spoke, Naofumi felt a strange energy flowing through him, almost willing him to speak the next words himself.

"O Power that dwells within the dragon vein," chanted the Shield Hero, "become one with my magical power and the hero's power. I, the Shield Hero order thee, decipher the laws of creation and grant them everything. ALL LIBERATION AURA!" Energy filled the room then, flowing through everyone there as they stood up, now undaunted by the super gravity field.

"This feeling," said Rifana as she examined her hands, "isn't this?"

"It is," confirmed Grilaroc, "this is Ki, I can fill it overflowing from within all of us!"

"But how," coughed Kyo, "even with the Tortoise's help, how could you achieve the highest level of magic in this world!"

"It's like I told you," Said Rishia as she stood up, "you're only interested in the power you can steal from others. You have no interest in developing your own power or becoming a strong person. And that's why you'll never understand how we could achieve something like this."

"Like I need too," grunted Kyo, "you're all still dying either way!" More Guardian and Beetle Familiars arose then and converged on the gathered heroes and their party members. Rishia was forced to back away towards Ost to avoid getting stepped on by a Moncarch Guardian.

"Everyone," called the Human Familiar, "destroy the core, NOW!" They didn't need to be told twice as they engaged the familiars, cutting through one after the other, though Kyo was producing more than ever now.

"I won't repeat myself again," said the wounded Madman as he was picked up by one of his familiars, "the Tortoise's power is mine!"

"No," said Ost as she touched Naofumi's shield again, "it is here." The Cardinal Weapon transformed then into what looked like an even more powerful version of Isana's Magic Core Shield with green markings. It was designated 'Spirit Tortoise's Heart Shield'. Though as a result, Ost nearly collapsed.

"Ost," said Éclair as she moved and caught the woman before she could fall.

"That's…...all the power I had left," said the Human Familiar weakly, "now I must ask…one last time….use that shield to….defeat me….please." The Shield Hero was clearly reluctant to do as she asked but he aimed his shield at the core anyway.

"AS IF I'D LET YOU!" Exclaimed Kyo, hastily ordering all of his familiars to try barreling towards Naofumi. Darius summoned as many chains as he could to restrain the familiars in front of Naofumi while everyone else worked to hold off the ones going for their flanks.

"FINISH IT NAOFUMI!" Yelled Darius from his position near his friend, "FINISH IT FOR HER!" The Shield Hero responded then as a powerful beam of yellow energy fired from the shield, incinerating all of the Guardian Familiars in front of it along with the core. The blast was so powerful it even tore through the back wall and out the side of the mountain itself. As the smoke cleared, the Shield Hero was breathing heavily from the exertion of the attack.

"What tremendous power," said Therese as everyone got to their feet. The blast had also had the unintended side effect of throwing some of their party members into the air while knocking down most of the rest. It was going to take a moment to get their bearings. A moment, unfortunately, they might not have.

"Damn you," wheezed the collapsed figure of Kyo on the floor, now surrounded by dead familiars as he got shakily to his feet. It appeared the antidote he'd used was still working to completely eliminate the poison in his system. "Damn you, damn you, damn you, DAMN YOU! Do you have any idea how much time it took me to create and execute this plan?! I was supposed to walk away with a vast amount of energy but now thanks to you bastards this little piece is all that remains!"

He held out his hand then as yellow energy gathered into a glowing orb above his palm. "That's the energy from the core," said Ost, reaching out in a futile attempt to grasp some of it that went passing by.

"Fools," spat Kyo as saliva ran down the side of his mouth, the left half of his face partially paralyzed which only added to his already disgusting aura, "did you think I'd just let it all return to this world? I've already prepared for every possibilit-."

"METEOR SPEAR!" Exclaimed Darius as he threw the replica Cardinal Weapon at the Vassal Book Wielder. Kyo flinched backwards as a swirling mass of energy appeared behind him. Its energy output was apparently enough to affect the spear's flight as it wound up only grazing his side instead of his heart where the Armory Hero had been aiming.

"AAAAARGH, I'll remember all of you bastards," yelled Kyo while holding his now bloody side, "Even if it's later I'll murder you all!" He went through the star-filled portal then as L'arc's group rushed forward.

"Therese," asked L'arc, his question obvious as they stopped just short of going in: 'where did he go?'

"There's no mistaking it," replied the Gem Wielder, "he went back to our world!"

"Then we've got to go after him!" Exclaimed Johann, "if he escapes now-."

"We'll worry about that," said L'arc as he turned to the rest of them, "this problem came from our world, so it's our responsibility. Besides, you've got a few things to take care of here." Everyone followed his gaze to where Ost was collapsed on the floor. But Naofumi wasn't listening.

"No fucking way are we letting that guy go after all this!" Yelled the Shield Hero, running to the portal as L'arc's group went through. But just as he was about to enter it, an electrical shock occurred which caused him to recoil from the portal. A notice popped up on their HUDs then. 'Warning: The Cardinal Heroes are prohibited from leaving their own world.'

"The Cardinal heroes are the protectors of the world," informed Ost as she managed to sit up, "it is the duty of the Vassal Heroes to invade other worlds."

"But that doesn't make sense," said Darius, "when I analyzed Kizuna's weapon it classified it the same as ours. So why was she able to enter another world?"

"Your weapon," said Ost, giving a sad smile, "I don't have much time left. Sir Armory Hero, would you lend me your bands for a moment?" Darius simply nodded and took a knee, allowing the Human Familiar to put her hands on his Cardinal Weapons. "You'll need these in the battles to come." His bands changed then, turning green with tortoise shell markings around the jewels as a notice popped up: 'Spirit Tortoise Bands unlocked'.

"Thank you," said the Armory Hero, "but I've got to ask: do you have a way to follow him? I'm fairly certain the others will want to avenge you."

"Damn right we do," said Rifana as she rested her mace on her shoulder, "that asshole's caused far too much anguish to just be allowed to run away!"

"That's right," added Filo, "Ost is our friend and he hurt you and made us hurt you too!"

"Just let me at 'em," said Johann as he brought his fist to his open palm, "I'll rip 'em to shreds. That prick's not even gonna be worth eating when I'm done with him!"

"And if it weren't for him, you wouldn't have had to sacrifice yourself in the first place," said Rishia as tears filled her eyes. For whatever reason, this brought a reassured smile to the Human Familiar's face.

"You all shouldn't concern yourselves with me," she said, "I'm actually quite happy that I was finally able to fulfill my original duty."

"Are you really happy about it, though," said Naofumi with a slight scowl.

"It was never a matter of whether or not I was fine with it," replied Ost, "it was always my fate."

"Whether or not it was your fate," said Raphtalia as she knelt down and took Ost's hand in hers, "I still want to say: thank you. We'd never have succeeded without your help."

"You are all…...quite something," said Ost as tears, surprisingly, formed in her eyes, "I was supposed gather life from the world much like what Kyo Ethnina did. It was to be my fate to be hated and cursed by all until I was ultimately killed. That was to be my fate, and yet, to know there are people who are grateful to me, who'd shed tears for my sake. That truly does make me happy." She raises both her hands to the Cardinal Hero's weapons again, producing a light one final time.

'Special Permission: The Cardinal Heroes Can Invade Other Worlds with Some Restrictions', read the notice on their HUDs. "This is how you can follow him," explained Ost, "exceptions can be made by sacred beasts like myself and other exceptionally powerful beings. The next sacred beast that is supposed to awaken if the Spirit Tortoise fails is the Phoenix. I'll buy as much time as I can to stop its awakening. As for your weapons, you should be able to collect the energy of the Tortoise's barrier and wield it in its original form."

It was then that Ost's body began to fade, slowly coming apart in tiny particles of yellow light. "The world is a merciless place. There are many who claim to want order but willingly sacrifice what is just and right for it. But every time there is a choice and a sacrifice that's forced upon them. That's why I'm asking now, not as the Spirit Tortoise but as Ost Hourai, avenge me."

She closes her eyes then as her body completely breaks down, scattering throughout the room and upwards towards the sky in the form of gold particles, almost like a mass of fairies heading to the clouds. "Count on it," said Darius as both he and Naofumi took another second to gaze at the departure of their most recent friend. Then, it was back to business as they turned to the others.

"How are those three doing?" The Shield Hero asked, indicating the still unconscious Cardinal Heroes.

"Their condition isn't good," replied Grilaroc, "I can send my Ki through them for now and Izumi can apply her healing magic. But it would be best that we get them back as soon as possible."

"Then I'll leave that to you and Éclair," said Naofumi, getting an acknowledgement from the two women.

"Izumi," said Darius, "like they said they'll need your healing magic. I know you won't like this but I'll need you and Figneria to stay behind as well. If something happens-mmf." He was cut off by the horned girl putting her hand on his cheek and pulling him into a kiss.

"In the event that something happens," said Izumi, her calm gaze assured and unwavering, "I shall gather the Yama clan and work with lady Figneria and the others to carry on your mission of defending this world. But it won't prove necessary. You are Darius Saxon and Naofumi Iwatani, the Armory and Shield Heroes. If anyone can succeed in defeating the enemies of this world, it is you two. So I shall wait in anticipation for news of your victory."

"We'll try and be back as quick as we can," said Darius, deciding not to rain on her parade for the moment as Figneria moved in and also placed a kiss on his lips.

"See that you do," said Figneria, "you know how I get when you keep me waiting." The Armory Hero nodded before moving over to join his and Naofumi's party.

"Alright," said the Shield Hero as they moved in front of the portal, "we've got our mission, so let's go get that bastard for Ost and everyone else whose life he took!"

"YEAH!" Exclaimed their party members as they all jumped into the portal. The next time they'd wake up, it would be in a new world.

And with the laying to rest of the Spirit Tortoise, a threat has ended. But the one responsible is still out there and our heroes aren't about to let him roam free any longer than they have too. We'll see the beginning of their counterattack next time, but until then feel free to leave a comment or review about what you liked/disliked or if you've got any neat ideas for future chapters. Be sure to stop in next time as our heroes arrive in a new world, with some unexpected complications. And don't forget to check out my book, Plains Riders, on Amazon Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. 'Til then.