Floor 4 - Chapter 3 - One Day to War...
About an hour later...
''I see... So Tuoli saw her mission through to the very end. You did well to bring word of this to me.'' - Kizmel looked down in sadness, at the loss of her pupil.
''We got the Lapis Key back too... and this weird note from the Fallen Elves. You reckon we could use that to stop a full scale confrontation?''
''About that... it would appear that someone has tipped off the general of the Forest Elves about our preparations for battle.''
''Ah. Bugger.'' - Jet summarised their situation in only two words.
''In anticipation, they launched an attack on our forward camp, and... wiped it out. We are expecting them to have been emboldened by this victory, and to push towards here next... Our own general has decided to take a strike team, and attack before they do. I'm afraid it would appear that there is no way to avoid all out war now...''
''You're kidding...''
''(sighs) Just brilliant, that is.'' - Jet held back on his original thought, which was just a stream of profanities...
''The Forest Elves claim we faked taking the Lapis Key, in order to justify an assault on them...''
''And now, you've got the key, so they'll come and fight to get it back, huh.''
''It would seem so, yes. Jet, Koharu, who is this you travel with now?''
''Kizmel, Yuuki. Yuuki, Kizmel. She came to our aid during the battle with the Fallen Elves.''
''She's really something else...''
''Any friend of yours is welcome, you two. Alas, we are in no position to offer any form of hospitality to you.'' - Kizmel became crestfallen, as she understood something - ''Young Tuoli gave her life for this... and yet, we cannot do anything. I am quite ashamed...''
''Kizmel, I was there in Tuoli's final moments. She truly had faith in you, right until the end. I think she found peace of mind, believing you'd know how to set all of this straight.''
''Did she now?...''
''I... maybe it isn't completely hopeless. Not yet, anyway.'' - Jet interjected, having just had the eureka moment they needed.
''It isn't?''
''Maybe there's one last hope. We show the generals the note...'' -
''The general is certainly most understanding. I don't believe that he'd willingly take part in any Fallen Elf plot... but who is the other general?''
''The general of the Forest Elves...''
''Okay then, so we'll let you talk to your general, Kizmel, and we'll go talk to the Forest Elves ourselves! They won't wanna fight in spite of the truth, right?'' - Jet fought back an urge to point out how naïve Yuuki was in that regards. There were always people who didn't care about the truth, and used it as a convenient smokescreen for a good old rumble...
''Hm... No. It is far too risky.''
''If we don't take risks, we'll never stop this war!''
''Kizmel, we know what we're getting ourselves into. Trust us on this one.''
''You speak with such determination... I must say, I find myself ever astounded at your actions, all three of you. But... yes, I cannot let the faith Tuoli put in me be unfounded. We shall try your plan, Jet...
Just over an hour later, Kizmel had returned from her attempt to convince the General to avoid a preemptive strike, with... mixed success. They'd have one day to prevent an all out war...
''Okay, so let's go over the plan. Kizmel is still stuck here, so it'll be just us three going to talk to the Forest Elves General.''
''With any luck, we can convince them that this is all just a big plot, and no one gets hurt... hopefully.''
''I understand all of that, I do... but how do you plan to get to the General? If previous doctrine still holds true, they will be deep into the camp, well beyond any warrior's skill to fight through!''
''That, I have left to our resident master swordswoman! Yuuki?'' - Jet pointed towards Yuuki, who completely ignored Jet's nickname for her.
''Ah, right! Jet and Koharu will sneak into the camp, whilst I provide them with a distraction!''
''I'm almost too concerned to ask what distraction that will be...'' - Kizmel finally started to understand Jet's tactics, and begun to wish she didn't.
''Well, if they see a poor little girl running up to them, asking for help with a horde of monsters tailing me... they'll help fight, won't they?''
''Just to check? You can act like a child... and not a reincarnated military officer, right?''
''Yes! I'm a better actress than I look!''
''Yuuki's acting skills aside, I... suppose it could work, yes. They may be our adversaries, but I do not believe they lack honour.''
''I'm now slightly worried that was your first plan, Yuuki...'' - Koharu muttered, making her opinion on the risky strategy known, an opinion that Kizmel shared.
''Okay then, so here's our route - through this exit in the fort, into the Bear Woods, head approximately 2 miles west, and then we'll split off? Got it?'' - Everyone agreed, although with various degrees of faith in the plan.
''Before you go, even if you should fail, I shall work to limit casualties on both sides. Please do not risk your lives for this mission, all of you, it is not worth it...''
''Kizmel's right, Jet, let's not overdo it... especially you, Yuuki. You've got the most difficult job...''
''I wouldn't say yours is all that easy either! Sneak into a heavily armed and guarded camp, find the leader, the most well defended person in there, and then convince him that not only are you to be trusted, but that you aren't just here to assassinate him.''
''I believe you have a tradition for showing you understand an order, correct?''
''Umm, maybe?'' - Kizmel saluted the trio, and Jet saluted back. - ''Best of luck, Kizmel.''
''The same to all of you. I pray for your success...''
The push through the Bear Woods was as tough as the group expected, but all were unfazed. Knowing their mission, they kept fighting, and within a number of hours, had pushed through the woods, to within a few hundred metres of the camp. Close enough to be detected by sound, but also outside of the visual detection range in the foliage.
''That was... far tougher than I thought, they didn't stop coming at one point!''
''Still, we got through though! Something that I've noticed right? This camp is big, but look how few elves there are around! This must be one of their elite battalions! That's like - hu du huh - two full 48 player raid parties! If we draw in every monster in the area, and go for it, we might actually pull this off!'' - Yuuki seemed far more optimistic about this plan than they did...
''Now comes the hard part...''
''Hard, yeah... but not impossible!''
''Yuuki, can I ask you something?''
''As long as it's nothing too personal, sure!''
''We might think of Kizmel as one of our friends, but truth is, she's still an NPC. If it comes down to it, you don't have to help her... I mean, are you even playing through the Elf War Campaign, Yuuki?''
''Nope, just passing through!''
''Yuuki, I'm calling you Doctor from now on, okay?'' - Jet interjected.
''Oh, as in Doctor Who, right!?''
''Yup.''
''Why get involved though?''
''People needed my help, so I help them. There's people here fighting for something, to keep promises, and that's it. That's reason enough.'' - Koharu looked towards Jet, who looked quite... was that pride? - ''Now then, let's go!''
''So then... Allons-y!''
''Yuuki... Thank you.''
''Don't sweat it! I'll go stir up a ruckus, so when things get rowdy, head on inside!''
''On it Doc!'' - Yuuki disappeared into the foliage, and sword skills started to flash around the perimeter of the camp...
''Jet... you said you were calling her Doctor, right?''
''Yep, her reasons are literally that of the Doctor - a kind stranger, passing through, helping those in need, no matter what.''
''I wish I could be more like her...'' - Koharu was interrupted by a familiar... and unwelcome laugh. That of a Fallen Elf, the one who'd stabbed themselves earlier.
''If it isn't the naïve little children, I'll be taking that key back now...''
''(sighs) Let me guess? You didn't die because you used some cunning stunt to only appear as if you had...''
''A clever one, aren't you? Indeed, the Wood Elves are not the only masters of trickery here. Besides, I could never return home after losing the key, and that note... If I must face death, then I SHALL TAKE YOU WITH ME!'' - She charged forward, her sword ricocheting off of Jet's raised shield, before Jet was able to counterattack, a single thrust reducing the elf's health, as Koharu used the moments long distraction to make her move, striking the elf and forcing her back, long enough for Jet to use the opening, and unleash a Sword Skill on her, the elf staggering, before a familiar animation started...
''No, no you won't. Good riddance to bad rubbish...'' - Jet mumbled, as the noise from the camp became far louder... the plan was actually working!
''Yuuki's done it! Let's get going!'' - The duo raced into the camp, amongst the clashing of blades...
Stood amongst the rear echelon of the Forest Elves, stood one elf in particularly detailed armour... it didn't take a genius to work out that he was the Kales'oh General.
''Umm, excuse us? You must be the Kales'oh General, right?''
''I thought I sensed a strange presence approaching... but to waltz into this camp, right through the front door? You must be fools with a death wish...''
''Well, you aren't wrong, per se... but, we came to stop this war.''
''To dare approach an enemy general, spouting such nonsense... I trust you must have quite a reason?''
''We have this, a note from the Fallen Elves, detailing their scheme to pit Kales'oh and Lyusula against one another.'' - Jet handed the note to the Forest Elves General. The general read through the note, and looked at it in horror...
''Well, I'll be... those damned Fallen have made it this far, have they? I must admit... this is hard to believe, but these glyphs, and the magic in this blood seal are theirs, without a doubt. This was written at the hands of those loathsome Fallen! At any rate, it certainly isn't a trick a human could pull... wait here.''
''You think he believes us?''
''I think so, the quest log's updated.''
''You think Yuuki's fine too?''
''Ask her yourself!''
''Right as rain, see?!'' - Despite the fighting, she looked cheerful as ever.
''Yuuki!''
''Humans... and Dark Elf?'' - The Forest Elf General looked a little confused on that one.
''Nah, she's human. Just looks a bit different, that's all.''
''Normally, drawing monsters on our forces would deserve a harsh punishment...'' - All three of them looked hesitant, to say the least... - ''But, we have received word of a ceasefire. They claim that the whole plot was the work of the Fallen, and that you humans uncovered the plot. For that, you are forgiven.'' - Jet resisted the urge to shout, whilst everyone else was finally able to breathe slightly easier...
''Ah ha ha, thanks...'' - Yuuki accepted the pardon nervously.
''However, the Dark Elves remain our sworn enemies. Should sanctuary be opened, and Aincrad be united once more, that will not change.''
''Umm, general? Why do you hate them so much?''
''Yuuki! You can't just ask that!'' - For once, it wasn't Jet committing the social faux pas, even though he had wondered the same thing...
''To think you aid them without knowing such a basic fact... you really are foolish, boorish people.''
''Not really, we know one side of the story, we kinda want to know the other.'' - Jet defended.
''Hm, be that as it may... think of this as rewards for your deeds. The Kales'oh have fought the Dark Elves since time immemorial. We have done so in order to fulfil our mission, to liberate those trapped in this floating prison.''
''Floating prison? You mean Aincrad?''
''Ever since the Great Separation, my people have desired not, but to see the lands reunited, and magic returned to it's people. We will not allow the Dark Elves to interfere with our plans! But if this here is all the work of the Fallen, pulling our strings... then I see no merit in continuing the battle. The keys however, belong to the Kales'oh. I trust that leaving them in your hands will ensure that deliver them that message.''
''R-right...''
''We shall now fall back to our fort. Make no mistake however, the next time we cross paths, it will not be on such pleasant terms...'' - The elves began to disappear, leaving just the three players in the woods...
''All those elves, they've disappeared... I guess that means we've moved forward in the quest, right?''
''I'd say so, yeah. The log just says 'Return to Kizmel, and deliver the news.', so...''
''That... was... terrifying!''
''No arguments there, Yuuki.''
''Wait, you were nervous, both of you?''
''You're kidding right, that general was at least twice my level!'' - ''And close to twice your height.'' - Jet kept that thought to himself. - ''No way could we have beaten him!''
''Really? (shudders) Now I'm getting chills...''
''We really did pull of something amazing there...''
''Agreed, Doc.''
''You're not letting go of that, are you?''
''Nope.'' - Jet gave a Cheshire Cat grin, as a familiar friend turned up... and pulled them into the most forceful hug any of them had ever, and likely would, ever experience...
''Koharu! Jet! Yuuki!''
''Hnnggh...'' - Turns out level doesn't translate into physical strength...
''Ack...'' - Turns out height doesn't translate into physical strength...
''Yikes...'' - Koharu wished she had either of the two advantages her friends did... but considering they were stuck in the same predicament, it likely wouldn't made a difference anyway... though she really did wish her head wasn't being pressed against a metal breastplate now.
''Excellent work! Most excellent indeed!'' - All three of them struggled to regain their breath, Koharu being the first to escape the death hug...
''Seems like you managed it on your end too, Kizmel! We stopped the war before it even started!''
''Indeed, and with your efforts, we have a momentary peace, with which we can mourn those we lost... thank you all. Now then, the commander has a reward for you. Allow me to escort you to the fort, and we shall spare not on safety.''
Back at the fort, the group stood in front of the commander from the last floor, who seemed remarkably nonplussed about humans saving them, again...
''Your numbers appear to have grown again...''
''Yeah, that... seems to happen now. Nice to see you again, sir.''
''The same to you, Jet, Knight of the Wind.'' - Jet grimaced, whilst Koharu and Yuuki sniggered at the use of the nickname that Jet hated.
''Just Jet, please sir.''
''Umm, is it okay for me to be here? I didn't do the elf- I wasn't here by your request...''
''Nevertheless, warrior of man, without your efforts, we would not stand here now. You have more than earned your share!''
Yuuki perked up - ''Great! So, I've already asked Kizmel, but I want to learn Elvish swordfighting!''
''You wish for training, hmm? I do not believe we have ever had such a request before...'' - The commander seemed very confused by the request, and it took a moment for Jet to figure out what had happened - the commander was an NPC, and literally didn't have a programmed response for the request. Kizmel was the first to speak up, on Yuuki's behalf... - ''Yuuki is an astounding warrior. If she will assist us in future endeavours, she would be a powerful ally. Under the circumstances, I would ask that we grant Yuuki the right to train here, in this fort.''
''Very well, Kizmel. I cannot deny you. Yuuki, you will receive some training in the Elven sword forms. You will be granted quarters and permission to remain here whilst your training is underway.'' - Yuuki started bouncing up and down on her feet in glee.
''Wait, really?! Thank you! I await your instruction!'' - Jet looked towards the young girl and smiled, before looking over to his partner, who was currently deep in thought. About what though, he wasn't sure...
''Koharu, Jet, do you wish training too?''
''We greatly appreciate the offer, commander, but we are on a mission to reach the top of the tower.''
''Indeed. The beast guarding this floor is a Hippocampus, a half horse, half fish creature. The creature lives in a flooded chamber spanning miles. The only way that it would be accessible would be by watercraft... however, when it emerges from the water, it is vulnerable to attack. To that end, we have long believed that poisons aid in such battles, so you might do well to prepare as such.''
''So watch out for it popping out the water, got it. Much obliged, sir.''
''You are welcome, however, just let me collect your rewards from the General. We look forward to your continued support. Those who wish to train, may stay.'' - The commander walked off to get their rewards.
''Do you not have to take on the tower too, Yuuki?''
''Yeah... that's not my goal.''
''We wouldn't mind having you though...''
''Gee, talk like that and you're gonna make me wanna skip practice... but no, I need to get stronger. I know you two will get so much stronger, too. So just... keep fighting, don't give up, and whatever you do, just stay alive out there, okay?''
''You can count on it, Doctor...'' - Jet smirked again, as Yuuki rolled her eyes towards him.
''It seems that you are all aware of the paths that you must walk. I will head upwards myself, too. Now that I am aware of the Fallen's presence, I cannot allow the key to remain here. It needs to be moved to safety above.''
''We finally met up again, but we have to say goodbye, huh.''
''If you are ascending the tower, I'm sure we'll meet again. Now then, until such a time. Yuuki, I apologise that I cannot stay to fulfil my promise to train you personally.''
''That's why you asked the commander, right? As long as I get to stay here and everything, I'm fine, thanks Kizmel!''
''Well then, you two. I guess this is where we split off... let me tell you this, it's been a blast!''
''It's been good, yeah. What you said to us... same goes to you, Yuuki.''
''I can't wait to see the new, stronger you up ahead, Yuuki.''
''Same! Bye then!'' - Yuuki took off, leaving just Jet and Koharu, who began to escape the labyrinth that was the Elven Fort...
Quite some time later, and the duo were out on the lake side...
''Well, it's been quite a day...''
''No kidding, we ran into Kizmel, found an evil plot and a new friend, oh, and who can forget we stopped a war... and all of that, before tea time.''
''It certainly sounds... impressive, when you say it like that!''
''I would ask if you fancied a quick break, but I think we could do with getting the info to the labyrinth first, anyway.''
''Yeah... might be a bit much to ask to stop and have a day at the beach, really...''
''Probably. Plus, it's December, so...''
''Still warm though!''
''Hey, Koharu? Do you feel like we're forgetting something?''
''Huh, yeah, I do a little bit, now you mention it?'' - Both stopped to think momentarily, but drew a complete blank.
''Eh, couldn't be that important, if neither of us can remember it, right?''
''I suppose so, yeah.'' - That was going to annoy both of them now... what had they forgotten?...
Somewhere on the other side of the Border Lake...
''Where are they...'' - The brown haired blacksmith asked impatiently. She had a right to be getting impatient, she'd been waiting for the duo for nearly seven hours now, and she needed those materials!
{Author's Comments}
Hello to everyone who reads this!
Honestly, I didn't actually think I'd get this far with An Englishman in Castle Aincrad! I did think I'd do one floor, and then give up on it, let it fade into obscurity, and look back on it in 2/3 years, and cringe... the last part will probably still happen though! To everyone who's read the story, thank you, and especially to those who's favourited and followed it!
I will be doing a two parter special over Christmas, so the Christmas Week will look like this for uploads:
22nd Dec (Wednesday) - Floor 4 Boss
24th Dec (Friday/Christmas Eve) - Christmas Special, Part 1
25th Dec (Saturday/Christmas Day) - Christmas Special, Part 2
I'm considering doing the Intermission chapters in their own story, rather than here, to avoid anyone thinking they're canon (some may be, but the vast majority aren't/won't be) or doing some form of... I guess the phrase would be 'spin off', with it being a much more lighthearted story, with very little in terms of an overarching plot (the current idea is a dating spin off, focusing on Jet's relationship with the girls of SAO. Whether I'll actually get round to writing any more of that than a prologue... I don't know.)
Any thoughts, opinions or actually, just anything to do with ideas would be nice to hear from my readers!
If you've enjoyed the story so far, please follow, favourite, comment or message me, it's always good to hear from people about what they liked, or how I could improve my writing!
Midland 2541, signing out for now...