Well, it's been a whole 10 years since I started this project so there's no better time to finally put an end to it. Like many first-time fanfic writers, I got way overambitious and ended up quitting before seeing it to the end. I did have some bare-bones notes about where I wanted to take the story, so I've fleshed them out to make a summary of what part 2 might have been.

I say 'might have' because it's been years since I've really thought about this story. These notes are just based on where I remember wanting to take the story. I'm sure there are contradictions or things that are incomplete because of that. I'm also very rusty when it comes to writing so it might straight up not make sense sometimes. But even if it's flawed, I would have regretted never truly putting this story to rest.

Since it's been years, I don't know if anyone will ever even read this and that's fine. Or perhaps you had your own ideas that were far more interesting than my mere expanded notes. But if you were bothered about this story never having an ending, I hope this can be enjoyable for you.

'Ashbell' as a whole was the furthest thing from perfect but I loved writing it. Even though I'll never have the time to write anything like it again, even if parts of it make the present me cringe internally, I'm glad I did. And I'd be delighted if you enjoyed any of this mess of a story.

Well for the last time, enjoy and review (or don't)~

Summary: Ten years after the fateful Blade Dance, Ren Ashbell has become the Empress of the continent. Only a few small pockets of resistance remain to challenge the Ashbell Empire. As their numbers dwindle, the Resistance sends their best agent, Ishara with a bribed member of the royal guard to assassinate the Empress.

Prologue: Ishara is introduced and given the mission to assassinate Ren by infiltrating the Blade Dance. She is to be accompanied by an Imperial Guardsman who has been bribed by the rebels to aid in the mission. Ishara saves 'Kamito' from hoodlums, mistaking him for a blind old man. Later, the hoodlums try to get revenge on her but are stopped by Kamito, who reveals his identity as her escort.

Part 1: One week later. The two are journeying west and are still getting to know each other, with Ishara being very distrustful. She finds it unusual that a man could be part of Ren's Imperial Guard and he explains that he's a secret agent so most people think the Imperial Guards are all women. Though he can't contract a spirit, he can use darkness magic with a staff crafted by Ren herself. Ishara confides in him her own special ability: Resonating. This allows her to share memories and skills with those she resonates with. Kamito laughs, saying too bad he doesn't have any skills worth sharing. Ishara begins to ask about Kamito's name, but decides against it "it must be a coincidence…"

Later they come across soldiers of the '15th Legion' led by a woman named Iroha waylaying a merchant caravan and confiscating valuables. Ishara accuses the Imperial Army of corruption but Kamito identifies them as bandits in disguise, citing that there's no 15th Legion. He links this group to rumors of a thief stealing uniforms in the region. Ishara decides they're going to stop them and Kamito is surprised an assassin like her would care. Ishara insists it's because the uniforms would be useful to have.

The two track down the bandits and subdue them, with Ishara narrowly beating Iroha. Ishara contemplates killing them, ends up resonating with Iroha. Ishara learns that the bandits only target the rich and they haven't killed anyone during their robberies. They decide to reform them, with Iroha being forced to accompany them as a 'hostage'. Iroha herself was forced into a life of banditry because of the Empire's takeover, so she is fully on board the mission (also because she was influenced by Ishara when they resonated)

Part 2: A few weeks later. Iroha takes great pleasure in introducing Ishara to little joys in life (everything is new to her because of her assassin upbringing). They especially bond during a hot springs trip, and have a great time badmouthing Kamito (who can hear them from the other bath). Later, they finally arrive at the Quina border and use the stolen uniforms to try to get through the checkpoint easily. However, they get 'mistaken' ('Kamito' causes this to occur on purpose) for new troops getting transferred to a secret military base and have to play along to avoid suspicion.

There, they discover this is a holding facility for human experiments (actually a recovery facility for rescued human experiments saved from evil organizations the Empire has destroyed). The trio's cover is blown when the base gets contacted by the women who actually were supposed to be assigned to the base.

Ishara and Iroha get separated from Kamito and are forced to escape deeper into the base. The two chance upon a mummified person sealed away by spirit magic. Ishara ends up resonating with the mummy, which causes it to awaken. It turns out to be Su, a boy who was experimented on and fused with the demonic spirit Imhotep. Though not that strong, he can interfere with Elementalist's ability to summon their Waffe. Using that ability, the three manage to escape and find Kamito already outside, waiting for them.

Part 3: Su explains he and his twin sister were kidnapped by some organization and he was experimented on. They have a connection, so Su can tell his sister is somewhere in the west. Ishara comments that it must be similar to her resonating ability, which is also a family ability. Kamito reports that he chanced upon some important documents as he escaped. These documents detail another secret facility in Ordesia, which he suggests could be where Su's sister is held. This facility is also where a weapon code-named PANDORA is held, something powerful enough that it might be able to kill the Empress. Iroha enthusiastically declares their next destination decided but Ishara interrupts. Ordesia is fine for a later goal, but there's something more pressing; getting entrance to the Blade Dance.

Kamito explains that they've been heading to a tournament where the winners will get a spot in the coming Blade Dance; Ordesia will have to come later. Ishara explains that this time the Blade Dance will have a tournament format, with contestants fighting in teams of 5. The tournament they are going to, however, has a pair-battle format instead. Countries could send their two best elementalists to get an extra team slot in the Blade Dance. Originally the plan was to have Kamito and Ishara enter, but now that they're a group of four, they'll be entering as two teams to increase their odds of winning.

They end up splitting the teams into Ishara and Iroha in team 1 and Kamito and Su in team 2. Su's bandages hide his gender and Kamito can use darkness magic to obscure his features. Kamito warns everyone about the favorite to win: Leonora Lancaster. It seems Leonora's spirit energy has begun to decline, so she wants one last victory before she retires from active duty.

At the tournament, the two teams end up somewhat close in the matchups; if they both keep winning they'll end up facing each other in the 3rd round. Team 2 wins its first fight with ease but Team 1 barely manages. Kamito mocks Team 1, saying they better surrender when they meet up in round 3. Ishara declares their first opponent was really strong and hopes Team 2 ends up worth the worst round 2 possible. Kamito laughs and says their next opponents are a bunch of no-names. In round 2, Team 1 breezed by and Team 2 surrendered instantly.

Ishara confronts Kamito about losing to no-names and Kamito says their opponents were hiding their identity. They were the worst possible duo. In round 3, the 'no-names' reveal their true identities: the Imperial Guards Milla Bassett and Muir Alenstarl. They complain about not being able to join this Blade Dance, so they entered the tournament to check out 'The Key'. As they fight Ishara ends up resonating with the two because of their similar assassin background. This satisfies the duo, who surrender. As she leaves Muir says Ishara is "special, just like Kazuki said", which shocks Ishara to her core. Weakened from the fight and distracted by Muir's words, Ishara loses handily to Leonora in the next fight.

Part 4: Ishara flashback. Her true name is Kazehaya Ishara, one of Kazehaya Kamito's sisters and an assassin in the Kazehaya clan. She was assigned a mission at the same time Kazehaya Kazuki was trying to assassinate Ren Ashbell but failed and was captured. When she escaped imprisonment Ishara couldn't contact the Kazehayas and 'Ren' had begun her conquest of the continent. Ishara assumed Ren eliminated the Kazehaya Clan and joined the resistance to get revenge. Now that she's learned Kazuki is still alive, coupled with her hurt self-esteem from failing in the tournament, Ishara is unsure of her next steps

Kamito reveals his identity as Kazehaya Kamito and proclaims himself the Demon King, admitting his staff is just a piece of wood and he can actually dominate spirits. He claims he betrayed the Empire to save Kazuki and the rest of the Kazehayas from being exploited by Ren (naturally all lies). Though shocked to be reunited with her long-lost brother, Ishara is inspired by his drive and reignites her motivation. The siblings share a tight hug and Ishara pledges loyalty to the Demon King.

Iroha and Su can't follow the conversation and start cooking dinner together. As they start eating, Iroha smugly smirks that the two are so close all of a sudden. Su responds that family is very important but Iroha, an orphan with no siblings, can't relate. Kamito jokes that since they're part of the same assassination mission, Iroha and Su can be honorary Kazehayas and he'll reward them handsomely if he manages to take over.

The conversation moves to their next plan. Since they didn't get a place in the Blade Dance through the tournament, Kamito suggests meeting with Claire Elstein, the current headmistress of the Spirit Academy in Ordesia. The Academy has the authority to nominate a few Blade Dance teams, so they can still enter with the headmistress's help. Though nominally an ally of the Empire, it's known in certain circles she's looking for a chance to get back at Ren so Claire could be a valuable ally. Sometime later, the team sneaks into Claire's room and they propose an alliance (Original Epilogue scene).

Claire agrees to join under the condition that the assassins investigate an Imperial base in Fahrengart territory. Ellis has reported that the base has seen a spike in activity and Claire wants to know why. The team realizes this base is likely the one Kamito found info on in Chapter 2 because Su can feel that his sister is nearby. They fill Claire in on what they know and she takes great interest in the PANDORA weapon, saying they'll need a secret weapon to take down 'that monster'.

A few days later the team infiltrates the base by sneaking into a routine supply shipment. They split up, with Ishara and Kamito looking for PANDORA while Su and Iroha look for Su's sister, Fu. Su's twin sensor leads them to an empty courtyard where a uniformed woman is waiting for them. Iroha tries to ambush her, but she was already aware of them and a battle ensues. After defeating the woman Su stops Iroha from killing her, identifying her as Fu.

At the same time, Kamito and Ishara manage to locate and unseal PANDORA. It looks like a ball of otherworldly darkness that attacks them when they try to take it. They are unable to do any damage to it, so Kamito tells Ishara to try resonating with it. Doing so, Ishara manages it establish a connection with it and it transforms into a raven-haired girl with jet-black wings. She has no memories aside from being named Restia and she forcibly forms a contract with Ishara.

Back with the others, Fu explains that Su has been dormant for many years and that she became a researcher working with the Empire to save him. Iroha thinks she's lying, saying the Empire is responsible for Su's plight. Fu responds by explaining that the twins had been captured and experimented on by the Instructional School but were saved by 'Ren' and Rubia. The Empire didn't even exist yet when they were kidnapped. After telling her story, Fu implores Su to stay with her. At that moment, Ishara and Kamito return with Restia in tow just as reinforcements from the base come to back Fu up.

Part 5: The team manages to escape the base but is pursued by soldiers. Exhausted by the battles, they are about to be captured when CLaire rescues them. She had been secretly monitoring the situation and helps the team return to the academy. Claire recognizes Restia and is extremely suspicious, explaining to the team that she is Ren Ashbell's contracted spirit. Restia still can't remember anything but says the name Ren Ashbell is familiar to her. Ishara trusts her because they've resonated and Restia 'feels warm'. Kamito adds having such a powerful spirit would be a huge advantage. Claire finally relents, though she'll be keeping an eye on Restia.

Claire then enrolls the team in the Academy and joins them. She officially enters them into the Blade Dance as Team Neo Scarlet. "The Demon King aside, the rest of you aren't strong enough to win" saying that, Claire puts her new teammates under a brutal training regime. While sparing with Claire, Ishara resonates with Restia and learns some of 'Ren Ashbell's' techniques. Meanwhile, Su is troubled by what Fu told him and wonders if Ren Ashbell really deserves death. Claire admits Ren's done a lot of good for the world but she's hiding too much and holds too much power. She holds her own reluctance at the idea of assassinating her former friend, but she has to confront Ren no matter what.

Finally, the Blade Dance arrives. Mostly fights. Claire meets up with Ellis and Rinslet and alludes to her plan to get answers from Ren. The two are against it but also unwilling to report Claire, but Ellis makes Claire promise to not kill Ren no matter what. Later, Team Neo Scarlet fights Fu, who is part of the Imperial Army's team. She senses Su's reluctance to fight and blames the other teammates for misleading him. Su admits he doesn't know if their cause is righteous, but he wants to fight for his friends. He promises that he'll return to Fu once things are over, no matter how they pan out.

Eventually, they reach the finals with Leonora as their opponent. After an intense battle Claire, Restia, and Ishara resonate and work together to defeat Leonora in a climactic finish.

Ending: There is a party held to honor the winners of the Blade Dance and Team Neo Scarlet chat with former opponents and various VIPs. Muir complains to Ishara about not being able to fight her in a serious match while Millia and Kamito discuss some things in secret. Fu and Su speak again and Fu asks Su to introduce her to his girlfriend. Su blushes and says they haven't got that far yet to a beet-red Iroha. Rinslet and Ellis try one last time to dissuade Claire and she calls them cowards, telling them to sit tight until she comes back with the answers they all need. She also runs into her sister Rubia, who (much to her surprise) wishes her the best of luck.

Eventually, Team Neo Scarlet is given their private audience with Ren Ashbell and is led to…an empty throne room. As the others look about in confusion, Kamito strides confidently up to the throne and reveals his…her true identity: Empress Ren Ashbell. Returning to her true form, Ren sits on the throne and mockingly congratulates the others for their well-earned victory. The others are shaken at the revelation, except Claire, who immediately attacks Ren.

Ren easily negates the attack and says she's disappointed by Claire's lack of reaction. Claire responds that these sorts of twisted games are just like her, so she was on the lookout for treachery from the start. If anything, she's surprised Restia hasn't betrayed them as well. Finally recovering, Ishara asks about the real Kazehaya Kamito. Ren declares that he is still alive, but if she wants to see him and the rest of the Kazehaya clan, she'll have to put in the work.

After a lengthy and exhausting battle, Team Neo Scarlet manages to put pressure on Ren. Ishara and Restia can match Ren's powerful darkness magic and Claire notices Ren isn't fighting with her usual refinement. Suspicious, the out-of-breath Claire asks Ren why she got rid of Restia and where Est is. Ren smirks and replies that it is about time for the next stage, then calls forth Terminus Est.

Est is quite sulky and tells Ren that this cooperation is a one-time deal, to which Ren sarcastically thanks the sword for her generosity. Ren's sword skills aren't particularly outstanding (further making Claire suspicious) but her and Est's overwhelming strength puts everyone out of commission except Ishara with Restia. Ishara's resonance with Restia causes a chain reaction when Restia clashes with Est, causing Restia to resonate with Est and Ren.

"...Ah. So this is what everything is about."

Restia and Est both abruptly return to their human forms to Ishara's surprise. Restia thanks Ishara, saying she's saved her in so many ways. "Now…come to me Est". Hearing that, a joyful Est runs into Restia's arms. Wielding the silver blade, Restia transforms into a humble-looking boy with black hair. 'Ren' nervously asks him if he remembers his name. "Of course I do Restia. Kazehaya Kamito is finally back!". With a thrust of Est blade like violet lightning, True Kamito breaks through Restia's magic and gives her a playful poke on the forehead. Restia playfully cries out in mock pain and Kamito says that's punishment for mistreating his little sister and friends.

After everyone has recovered, Restia and Kamito begin to explain everything. After being sent to another dimension at the end of the original story, the completed Darkness Elemental Lord split itself up trying to return through the dimensional hole. One part, Restia, managed to make it back to the original space-time without issue. The other, Kamito/Ren, drifted for eons and was corrupted by the otherworldly nature of the other dimension. He eventually returned to Astral Zero but in the distant past as the Otherworldly Darkness that corrupted the Elemental Lords. He existed as such until he was defeated at the end of the fateful Blade Dance by himself (which causes the dimensional hole, creating a stable loop). The rescued Restia recognizes that the dying Otherworldly Darkness is Kamito/Ren. At the time she didn't realize how that was possible, but she saved him regardless. However, in that form he was still extremely dangerous, so she was forced to seal him away.

Restia then took the place of 'Ren Ashbell' and helped Rubia create the Empire. After establishing their power base, the Organization could then make plans to save Kamito. After many failures, they realized they needed a very powerful Resonance ability to connect Kamito with those close to him in order to restore him. Unfortunately, the only living person known to have it was the missing Kazehaya Ishara. Kazuki and the surviving Kazehayas were already searching for her the whole time, so they were eventually able to track her down. Then they concocted this whole plan to strengthen Ishara's resonating and let her establish a connection with Restia and Kamito.

"This is a lot to take in but…you were a MAN the whole time!?" shouting that, Claire gives Kamito a powerful slap and storms out of the room. Ishara and Su ask why they were dragged into it, but Restia explains their recruitments were happy accidents; the original plan would have had Muir and Millia join the team instead (hence their complaints in Part 4). She thanks them for joining since it meant not having to deal with that terrible duo. Kazuki then enters the room and shares a tearful hug with Kamito and Ishara. Other members of the Organization start trickling in to welcome Kamito back.

A few days later Kamito and Est sit down with the old Team Scarlet. Though they're furious with him, they're glad he's finally honest with them and they welcome him back (besides Fianna, who was already in the know). Ellis and Rinslet take the chance to get their own hits in. Claire asks about Restia and Kamito explains they're taking turns being 'Empress Ren Ashbell' since neither of them really likes the job. Fianna jokes that he's a lot more attractive as Ren, so she wouldn't mind if he stayed that way.

Later, Kamito and Restia meet with the rest of Team Neo Scarlet. Iroha announces she's going to be living with Fu and Su, while Ishara is going to join the rest of the Kazehayas and the Empress's shadow guard. Restia teases her, saying Kamito should be Ishara's sword since they still have a contract. Su complains that Kamito being Restia and Restia being Kamito is too confusing. Ishara says no matter how much they swap around they're still both family, which moves both of them.

Late at night, Restia and Kamito share a quiet moment. Restia thanks Kamito for holding on in the otherworldly void and for returning to her. Kamito thanks her in return for never giving up on saving him. The two almost kiss but are interrupted by a sullen Est. She complains that Restia got to spend the past few weeks with Kamito so it should be her turn now. Restia argues Kamito didn't have his memories for most of that time so it doesn't count. The two start their usual arguing as Kamito watches on in perfect contentment.

Happily ever after end. Surprisingly no evil twists this time!

Character Concepts

Kazehaya Ishara

Younger sister of Kamito. Raised by the Kazehaya assassin clan, she lost contact with the clan after failing a mission. To survive, she joined up with a rebel group after Empress Ren took over the continent. Strongest in the resistance, she was sent in for a last ditch attempt to assassinate the "Empress". Wears a fox max. As a Kazehaya she has the special ability to 'Resonate' with others, allowing her to share memories and skills with those she resonates with. The power is essential for restoring True Kamito's memories.

Spirit: Kamaitachi, later 'Restia'

Waffe: Divine Wind (Kamikaze) , Vorpal Blade

"Guardsman" Kazehaya Kamito/"Empress" Ren Ashbell (Restia/True Ren)

A bribed guard who is to guide Ishara to the royal capital. Wears a blindfold and has white hair, looks very different from the actual Kamito. "Empress" Ren and "Guardsman" Kamito are actually Restia/True Ren. "Empress" Ren uses the familial connection of Ishara and True Kamito to awaken his old self.

Weapon: Staff, Darkness Magic

PANDORA/Restia Ashbell (True Kamito/True Restia)

Secret and sealed weapon created by the "Empress". Kept in a sealed box in the care of the Fahrengart family. Is actually a recreation of True Kamito that Restia created with her power and the remains of the Otherworldly Darkness soon after the conclusion of Ashbell. The whole "assassination" is a plot for him/her to recover their memory.

Ho'in Iroha

A 'wild' woman and former leader of a bandit gang. Posed as a captain in the '15th legion' (there are only 12) using stolen uniforms to 'confiscate' goods from the rich in Quina. After being beaten by Ishara and Kamito, she joined their mission. Becomes Ishara's best friend and Su's romantic interest.

Spirit: Ursa Minor

Waffe: Starlight Claws

Su

Bandage covered experiment of the Instructional School. Male, but looked identical to his twin sister (Fu) so they kidnapped them together by mistake. Experimented on and fused with the spirit Imhotep but was believed to be a failure and 'died'. Was set for disposal when Rubia attacked, so he was left behind in a dormant state. Fu joined the Organization(now Empire) in exchange for Kamito and Rubia promising to revive Su. Awakened just as Ishara, Iroha, and Kamito broke into a secret facility. Unaware so much time has passed, so he accompanies them as he searches for his sister.

Spirit: Imhotep

No Waffe, but can use bandages and a curse that can interfere with Elementalist's ability to summon their Waffe.