Chapter 76
"The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination."
Don Williams Jr.
First and foremost, I would like to apologize for the disappointment of the last chapter. Many reviewers and my top contributor told me about the lack of quality and story placement, although honestly it was quite harsh for me, but I'm glad everyone reminded me not to feel so high and mighty all the time just because of the praises. I will edit ch. 74 into two chapter (74 &75), that's why this chapter is ch. 76. All in all, thx for the advices.
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, let there be light and there was light. God saw the light and it was good. And God divided the light from the darkness.
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night"
Finish reciting the verse, a young girl, clad in Royal Guard attire with Tae Goo Lyeon sword hanging on her waist, closes her bible and takes a long deep breath. She sits in a small chair inside a large luxurious bedroom, with the bed, the drawer, and everything inside the room, except for the wall, made of silver. A veranda is located not far from the bed. The royal guard rises from her seat, her long silver hair swirling as she does. She gets a cup and a tea pot from a small table beside her bed and starts pouring the tea, quietly sips it to fresh her mind.
"Knock, knock" She heard someone knocks the door. "Come in" The Royal Guard, still having the tea cup on her hand, allows the man outside the room to get inside. A male royal guard, tall well built Caucasian around his forties, with a long scar across the left side of his face, enters quietly and kneels before the young girl. "Oh, it's you. How are you doing? And how is your daughter? Is your daughter doing fine?" The black haired girl politely opens the conversation with the other Royal Guard.
"I'm doing fine, milady. And she is also doing fine. Thank you for your concern" The royal guard, just as polite as the girl, responds.
Smiling, the young girl questions again, "So, what is your purpose visiting me?"
"Milady, Lord Frederick ordered me to tell you the latest move made by Sagramore"
"You mean their move to Amatsu to ask Kurogane for an alliance after they take a visit to Umbala?" The young girl's black eyes sparkled with victorious look, as if she was right about something, "Just as I envisioned, am I right?"
"I cannot recall when you made even the slightest of mistake, milady" The man politely replies the young girl.
"Thanks for the praise, Rudolph" The young girl tilts her head and turns backward towards the veranda, "So, it's only a matter of time before Naght Sieger makes an open challenge, right? Again, just as I envisioned"
"Undoubtedly, milady" The man named Rudolph responds without even thinking, as if he was ensuring that the girl before him never wrongs, "So, what is you decision, milady? Are we sticking to the plan? Will you go to the Endless Tower by yourself?"
"Yes" The girl quickly decides, "I wish to see Fiorentin by my own eyes. I want to see what kind of person she is…before finishes her for good"
Knowing her intentions, Rudolph hesitantly informs the young girl, "About that plan…I'm afraid I have to inform you that, actually Lord Troy has….some concerns"
"About Elraven Sinclair, right?" The Royal guard calmly guesses and Rudolph's raising eyebrows shows her that she was right, although he somewhat doesn't find it surprising. And needless to say, she needs to ensure this thing.
"Rudolph, just minutes ago, I read the genesis chapter of bible" The young girl sips some more of the tea before continuing, "Even God could tell that light is good and darkness isn't".
After several minutes, the scar faced man honestly admits, "I'm afraid, I didn't catch your point, milady".
"We are the light, Rudolph. God is on our side. We shine and we bring hope to this world" The black eyed girl smirks, "While Sagramore and Valdomir, they are the darkness. They bring nothing but pain and suffering to us. But fear not, for light always prevails over darkness. And Elraven is The Angel of Darkness".
Knowing she would carry the explanation on, Rudolph holds his tongue and let the young girl continues.
"My envision were never wrong, and will never wrong. From what I envisioned, Elraven will fall into a bottomless abyss, from The Angel of Darkness to The Fallen Angel. So, there is no need to concern about The Fallen Angel. He is not a threat, although his comrades are. One could say he is one of the finest gunslingers in this world, but inside his heart, he is fragile" The girl shows Rudolph the cup on her hand. In a second, the cup melts and the tea inside it steams as the silver liquid of the cup drips to the floor, melting, "Just like whatever I touch, fragile"
"Unquestionably, milady. Thank you for explaining, I will surely relay this message to Lord Troy" Rudolph finally understands what the girl means.
"Thank you for the help. I'm lucky to have such reliable comrades like you and the entire Millennium" The young girl expresses her gratefulness.
"We do not deserve to be thanked by you, milady. It is us who should be thanking you for the rest of our lives" Rudolph rises and pays his respect to the young girl, "If you never helped us in the first place, I'm sure our bodies have been rotting six feet under the ground by now. So, if it is you, The Lady Savior, one of The Millennium's Triumvirate, wish for, then by all means we would be honored to serve you with our lives".
"How reassuring" The girl called The Lady Savior replies when Rudolph takes his leave. Now alone again her room, she sits down and opens up the bible, continue reading it. But not without reminding herself of her ambition,
"Soon, the light of Millennium will rule this world. And then, the sins of the darkness will vanish for eternity"
Around three days after the last chapter…
Using the Pegasus, the party flew over to Umbala Jungle first. Amatsu is nearer from Gonryun, but by Fenrir request and everyone's agreement, Umbala takes the first spot. Dorn, Hagi, Talia, and Alphard were left in Amatsu to guarantee the safety of the citizens (although Alphard seemed bitter about this).
Now, Umbala is a tropical jungle located not far from Amatsu (if you use Pegasus it is). From outside, it seems like another tropical jungle, warm and calm. But for Sarkhan, it has been his hideout for at least the last ten thousand years. Randgris usually stays there whenever she has nothing to do, explaining why she and Sarkhan are best friends.
Sarkhan and Randgris stand side by side when Pegasus swiftly landed in an open area inside the jungle. Fenrir comes out from the ship followed by the rest of the party (including Vanessa, by the request of Clyde to prevent more abuse from a certain lord knight although Martina has her eyes on Vanessa 24/7). "Sarkhan! It's been ten thousand freaking years, buddy! How are you doing?" Fenrir gives the grey furred Eddga a warm nice hug after ten thousand years long. "Good as always, nice to see you after such a long time, friend" A friendly reply from the watcher. Fenrir turns his attention to the quiet valkyrie behind Sarkhan, "And nice to see you again, Randgris. The last time we met was during Ragnarok, right?"
"Don't waste your breath greeting me, Fenrir. This place stinks of Loki's followers" The faithful servant of Odin doesn't seem too happy about the reunion, more so after seeing Frea on the party, "Especially that traitor over there. Her handicap serves her just fine".
"Easy now, Randgris. Your statement wouldn't be proper for introduction" Fenrir reminds her and starts introducing the two to the party, "Guys, the big one over here is Sarkhan. He is a god just like me. But unlike me, he never takes sides, not even during Ragnarok, because as a god, his job is as a watcher. He only watches and observes everything in this world, but never stops to help. He is very knowledgeable and wise; he is one of the reasons why we are here in the first place. And that beauty behind him is Randgris, Valkyrie Randgris. Elraven and Frea already knew her, I believe. Randgris is one of the most loyal servants of Odin and regarded by many as one of the strongest valkyries. And you two, these guys are dying to see you. From the right, he is…"
When Fenrir starts introducing the heroes, the party is wondering on their own thoughts…
Fio: "Hm, that valkyrie seems bitter. But the grey Eddga seems nice"
El: "Randgris is as unfriendly as ever. Hope this won't be a problem"
Frea: "She is…still mad at me, huh? Well, this is a good chance to explain everything to her"
Felicia: "If what Fenrir says is right, then I can improve my ability here"
Emilio: "These are the gods? Well, at least they look friendlier than Ifrit or Satan Morroc"
Clyde: "That Sarkhan will train me? Whatever, as long as I can improve, I don't see a problem"
Sasha: "Just get these gods thing over with so we can go to Amatsu!"
Hugo: "This place seems too quiet to guard. But, Gen Ed ordered me and Martina to stay here for a reason, I believe"
Martina: "Don't you even think of running away, Vanessa. I got my eyes on you"
Vanessa: "My hands are cuffed behind my back and this place is over thousand miles away from Sograt Desert, there's no way I can run! So, why does this woman keep eyeing on me like that?"
Gen Ed: "I feel a strong aura here, could it be…"
"OH, THE GUESTS HAVE ARRIVED? WHY, NO ONE TOLD ME ABOUT THIS" Gen Ed's feeling came true when Ifrit shows up and 'greets' the party, shocking them, "AND THESE WORMS LOOK JUST AS LOWLY AS EVER".
"Ifrit?! What is he doing here?!" Elraven takes the initiative faster than anyone else and pulls out his HAVOX, readying himself for a big fight.
But Sarkhan anticipated this by jumping between him and Ifrit, "Stop it! Battle is forbidden in this land! Lower your weapon, right now!"
"What?! You're on his side?!" Elraven takes it the wrong way.
"No,no. Sarkhan's right. Lower your weapons, El" Fenrir joins and supports the grey Eddga, "That sociopath is here for a reason. I n fact, the gods and goddesses are here for a reason. Umbala is a sacred land for us, we won't do battles in here. Please, lower your weapon. The gods and goddesses are here today to hold a meeting, not killing each other".
"Meeting?! What meeting?!Do you expect me to believe that?!" The gunslinger still disagrees, "Do you really think he won't attack just because this is a sacred land?! He even killed his own men and comrades in Ragnarok!"
But before the tension can get any hotter, Frea appeases Elraven to stop, "Elraven, please. Fenrir is telling the truth. Even Ifrit won't attack anyone here. Please, put your HAVOX down".
Seeing three of the gods race already asked him to stop, Elraven slowly lower his HAVOX, but not taking his eyes off the Fire God.
Noticing his stare, Ifrit mocks him, "WHAT'S WITH THAT LOOK? YOU WANT TO JOIN THOSE CRYING WORMS FROM ALBERTA THAT BAD?"
"Ifrit, stop it! That's enough!" The Black Reaper warns the flame entity not to mock Elraven any further, in order to avoid unnecessary fight.
"THAT WAS WHAT WE CALLED AS SELF DEFENSE, FENRIR" Ifrit argues with another nonsense, "HE GAVE ME A THREATENING LOOK. AND THAT MAKES ME WORRY ABOUT MY OWN SAFETY. ISN'T IT NORMAL TO DO A SELF DEFENSE? REMEMBER, ONLY BATTLES AREN'T ALLOWED, NOT SELF DEFENSE"
"IF HURTING SOMEONE'S FEELING AND PRETENDING FOR A SELF DEFENSE IS HOW YOU ACT, THEN YOU CANNOT BLAME THE GUNSLINGER FOR GIVING YOU THAT LOOK, IFRIT" Naght Sieger appears from the jungle and reminds Ifrit of his doing, AND BELIEVE ME, I DON'T BELIEVE YOU COULD WORRY ABOUT YOUR OWN SAFETY AT ALL".
"Lord Sieger? He's also here?!" Fiorentin gets a pleasant surprise by visiting Umbala, because she has wanted to meet with the skeleton demon again.
"FINE, I WILL BACK DOWN FOR NOW. EVERYONE SEEMS BITTER AROUND HERE" Ifrit shrugs and returns to inside the jungle, but not before sending a threat, "REMEMBER, ONLY BATTLES AREN'T ALLOWED, ACCIDENT CAN OCCUR ANYTIME, ANYWHERE".
After Ifrit is gone, the atmosphere becomes light again. Fiorentin takes a walk with her ancestor when the rest of the party is listening to what Sarkhan have to say.
"Alright, first I would like to apologize for the earlier inconvenience about Ifrit. You have battled him more than once so it's only understandable if you know his violent trait, but there's nothing we can do about it" Sarkhan opens up the conversation, "Anyway, I invited Fenrir, Freyja, and also Ifrit here today to discuss something we promised long ago, something regarding Ragnarok"
"Wait a minute. What about that big scary guy called Naght Sieger? You didn't invite him here?" Elraven throws the first question of the meeting.
"Well, he requested to come here today to meet Princess Fiorentin, he said he have something for her" Sarkhan quickly explains.
"Huh? Something for Alexandria? What would that be?" Elraven questions himself in low tone.
"What's with that, El? You're jealous?" Frea raises her tone, suspecting her man.
"What?! No, no! I'm not jealous! Don't talk nonsense, I was just curious, that's all!" Elraven quickly settles the suspicion.
"What is the actual content of the meeting?" Emilio takes the next shot to Sarkhan.
"I cannot tell you that, gunslinger. Not until the meeting is over, because that would make me dwell in this world's business. I swore not to dwell in this world's business, but believe me, it is something for a greater good" Sarkhan honestly answers.
And of course, anyone with brain can easily figure out what he means, especially Felicia, "So, that means even Fenrir or Frea cannot tell us until the meeting is over, right? Does that mean they would stay here with you? And if my memory serves me right, Fenrir told me you would help us improving our power although swore not to dwell on this world's business?"
"Sarkhan helping you is the same as guiding" Randgris takes the chance to explain, "That doesn't mean he would go anywhere near your business. He won't participate in wars or do battles, but he will definitely help anyone who needs his help. If you wish to stay here, Sarkhan will definitely help you during his free time before or after the meeting".
"Wait a minute, Randgris. So, can I assume that…" Elraven steals everyone attention by his statement, "If we leave Frea, Fenrir, Felicia, Ty, Clyde, Martina, Vanessa, and Hugo here, doesn't that mean we leave them here with Ifrit?"
"Yes" Randgris coldly answers like nothing would go wrong with Ifrit wandering around.
"No way, I cannot let them stay here!" Elraven raises his tone, "Not with that red ass psychopath wandering around like crazy! There's no guarantee of their safety at all!"
"El, please. Haven't I told you about how it is forbidden to do battles in this land? Besides, Sarkhan, Randgris, Fenrir, and Naght Sieger are here. If Ifrit tries to do something suspicious, they will definitely stop him" Frea tries to cool down her man, "Even Ifrit cannot win against two strong gods and one valkyrie at the same time"
"Yes, but that won't stop him from making 'accident' like he told us, right?" The gunslinger is really worrying his comrades, "What if he got you and the others before the gods got him?!"
"That is a risk we must take for deciding to stay here, El" Ty pats Elraven's shoulder and calmly tells his friend.
"I second that" Felicia agrees with the perverted gunslinger.
Elraven looks at Clyde who quickly responds, "Well, vice captain, I don't want to come here for nothing. I'll take that risk".
Looking in disbelieve, Elraven stares at Frea, "You too, Frea? You will still stay here with them even with knowing the danger?"
"Unquestionably" An ensuring answer from the soul linker, shutting Elraven up for good. "You lose this time, Elraven" Gen Ed pats Elraven from behind, cheering him up. Knowing anything he says wouldn't stop them at all; Elraven nods and admits his 'defeat'.
Meanwhile, Fiorentin is having a conversation with Naght Sieger…
"It's nice to see you again, Lord Sieger. I haven't properly thank you for sparing me back there at Glast Heim" The lord knight brightens the atmosphere by her gratefulness, "Now I can say it, thank you".
"DON'T MENTION IT, PRINCESS FIORENTIN. WASN'T HELPING EACH OTHER SOMETHING A FAMILY SHOULD DO?" Naght Sieger humbly responds, referring to their blood relationship, "RATHER THAN THAT, I WAS WORRYING ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME. BUT IT TURNED OUT THAT YOU SURVIVED BEELZEPHIR, I'M GLAD".
"Well, not figuratively, but yes, thanks to someone I survived" Fiorentin glances at Elraven who could be seen helping the others moving their luggage from Pegasus.
"OH, IT'S THAT GUNSLINGER WITH THE PURPLE GLASS ISN'T IT?" The skeleton demon guesses after noticing the glance before, "YOU SHOULD TELL HIM HOW YOU FEEL, PRINCESS FIORENTIN".
"What?! What did you say, Lord Sieger?!" Fiorentin pretends not understanding the point, but her red face tells a better story than anything could, "I...I…what feeling?! I'm grateful he helped me, but I don't like him at all!"
"WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT LIKING SOMEONE, PRINCESS FIORENTIN?" Naght Sieger would smirk if he could, because he knew he hit the jackpot, "THERE'S NO NEED TO ACT SO HIGH AND MIGHTY LIKE THAT, HAVING A CRUSH IS NORMAL FOR YOUR AGE".
"Lord Sieger…you…you're mean…." Fiorentin, red face looking all down to the ground so no one would see it, admits her defeat but not without a fight, "You shouldn't have said it so clear like that…"
"AH, SO I WAS RIGHT. MY INSTINCT IS STILL SHARP AFTER ALL" The once known as Gaeris Adler proudly proclaims, "AND BEFORE THIS OLD MAN FORGOT, I SHALL GIVE YOU THIS".
Naght Sieger shows a blue ball in the size of a tennis ball. But a powerful aura could be felt from the ball. "What is this ball?" The lord knight goggles her eyes on the ball, watching over it slowly to recognize the blue ball.
"I AM SURE YOU'VE KNOWN ABOUT THE EXISTENCE OF THE TRINITY SPELLS"
"The Spell of Dionysus, The Spell of Bishamon, and The Spell of Odin, am I right?"
"YES, THE TRINITY SPELLS WAS ORGINALLY CREATED BY MY FATHER, EISENHEIM ADLER TO CONTENT THE POWER OF THE GODS WHO DIED AT RAGNAROK. THE SPELL OF DIONYSUS WILL GRANT YOU THE POWER OF REGENERATION. THE SPELL OF BISHAMON WILL ALLOW YOU TO CONTROL THE AURA OF UNIVERSE TO GREATLY ENHANCE YOUR ABILITY. AND THE SPELL OF ODIN, THE MOST POWERFUL AMONG THE TRINITY SPELLS, WILL GRANT YOU THE POWER OF ONE GOD OR GODDESS AND IF YOU CAN MASTER IT PROPERLY, THE SPELL WILL TURN YOU INTO GODLIKE. AND THIS BALL CONTAINS THE SPELL OF ODIN".
Fiorentin was amazed upon learning the power of the ball she is seeing right now, "And…you want to give The Spell of Odin to me? Why? Valdomir Kingdom would treat you like a traitor if you do so"
"BECAUSE THEY ALREADY DID, PRINCESS FIORENTIN" Naght Sieger simply tells the horrible fact he's in, "AND THE OTHER REASON BEING, YOUR FATHER WANTED YOU TO HAVE THIS".
"But, didn't you tell me I would have to face you first to give his memento?"
"ACTUALLY, THERE WERE TWO THINGS HE LEFT TO ME. THE FIRST IS THIS, WHICH HE WANTED YOU TO HAVE WITHOUT ANY OBSTACLES. BUT I WANTED TO SEE YOUR QUALITY FIRST, SO I DECIDED NOT TO BRING THIS WITH ME TO GLAST HEIM. ALTHOUGH FROM WHAT I SAW, YOU ARE READY TO TAKE THIS SPELL. THE OTHER ONE IS ANOTHER STORY; YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TO OBTAIN IT. NOW, PLEASE TAKE THIS, PRINCESS FIORENTIN. IF IT'S YOU, I AM SURE YOU WILL USE IT FOR A GREATER GOOD".
The lord knight slowly takes the blue ball and takes a closer look at it, "It…feels strange, as if something great…something enormous is inside this ball".
"IT IS, PRINCESS FIORENTIN. THE SPELL OF ODIN IS ALSO THE RAREST OF THE TRINITY SPELLS. AS FAR AS I KNOW, THERE IS ONLY FOUR REMAINS IN THIS WORLD, INCLUDING THIS ONE. THE REST OF THE SPELL OF ODIN HAVE BEEN USED BY THE PENDRAGON FAMILY TO GRANT THEM GODLIKE POWER FOR EACH BABY BORN IN THEIR FAMILY" Naght Sieger continues, also explaining why the Pendragons possess magical power.
"If I use this…what kind of power will I get? And how do I use this spell?"
"WHAT KIND OF POWER YOU WILL GET IS BEYOND MY KNOWLEDGE, BUT REST ASSURED, IT WILL BE A TREMENDOUS ONE, JUST LIKE GODS AND GODDESSES. ABOUT HOW DO YOU USE THE SPELL, FIRST, YOU WILL HAVE TO OPEN YOUR HEART. THE SPELL OF ODIN WOULD ONLY ACKNOWLEDGE THOSE WHO ARE BRAVE ENOUGH TO SEE WHAT RESIDE WITHIN THEIR HEARTS. AND YOU AT THE MOMENT, I AM SURE YOU ALREADY KNEW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT" Naght Sieger proudly states, "I CAN TELL JUST BY LOOKING AT YOUR EYES, PRINCESS FIORENTIN. YOU NOW VALUE YOUR LIVE AND OTHERS, EXACTLY WHAT IT TAKES TO SEE WHAT RESIDES WITHIN YOURSELF. IF THE SPELL ACKNOWLEDGES YOU, THEN IT SHALL GRANT YOU POWER. AND IT WILL ALSO ALLOW YOU TO FACE THE GODS IN AN EQUAL GROUND"".
"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Sieger. But…" Fiorentin cannot contain her worry about the kind demon, "What about you? What about your people? Beelzephir must have known this, right?! He wouldn't just let you go like that?! What do you mean by they already treat you like a traitor?!"
Although Naght Sieger knows and understands very well her kind intention to help, his benevolent heart doesn't allow him to bother her, "WHAT I DO AND ITS RISK ARE MY CONCERN, PRINCESS FIORENTIN. YOU HAVE SO MUCH TO THINK OF, LIKE YOUR PEOPLE AND YOUR POSSIBLE ALLIANCE WITH KUROGANE AND BALLISTA, RATHER THAN A WORTHLESS BEAST LIKE ME".
"Please don't say that! You're not a beast!" Fiorentin shouts at the demon, no matter how inconvenient it is, she must say this, "What kind of beast would put anyone over himself?! What kind of beast would give so much help?! What did they do to you?! Tell me, I will help you!"
Realizing the young girl in front of him won't back down; Naght Sieger has no choice but to remind her again, "I FEEL GRATEFUL FOR YOUR CONCERN, BUT MY PROBLEM CAN STILL BE SOLVED BY MYSELF ALONE. AS MUCH AS I NEED HELP, MORE PEOPLE NEED YOUR HELP MORE THAN I DO".
"It's true, Lord Sieger. But what kind of a person I am, if I can help other people but not my own family?" Fiorentin responds with a very striking statement, even Naght Sieger cannot hide his surprise listening her, "Isn't helping each other something a family should do?"
Her sincerity rings the deepest voice inside his heart, as if he wishes for an unspeakable burden on his shoulders to vanish, so he can finally atoning his sin. "I…I…" Naght Sieger wants to ask for a help and he is ready to say it, but suddenly he heard a voice resounding within his very ears,
"You are a sinner! How could you do such thing?! From now on, you will be a demon until you can pay for what you did! Curse you, Gaeris!"
And the voice, reminding him of his unpardonable sin, holds him back. "THAT'S RIGHT, I AM THE LOWEST OF ALL BEING" Naght Sieger tells himself before looking at Fiorentin again, "HOW DARE I EVEN THINK OF GETTING ANY HELP. AND FROM SUCH AN HONEST PERSON TOO, I AM THE WORST".
"What is it, Lord Sieger? Tell me, I will help you".
"I AM BUT A SINNER, A DEMON" Naght Sieger grief prevails over his inner voice, "I SHOULD NEVER THINK OF HELP, MOREOVER, ASKING FOR IT. THIS IS THE FRUIT OF MY OWN DOINGS. I NEED NO HELP FROM ANYONE, INCLUDING YOU. I WILL ATONE MY OWN SINS"
"What?! But…."
"PLEASE DON'T FORCE ME TO CARRY THIS CONVERSATION ANY FURTHER, PRINCESS FIORENTIN" Naght Sieger stops the lord knight from stating more arguments by being strict, because he knows the lord knight won't stop with only soft voices or arguments, "I HAVE GIVEN YOU ONE THING FROM WHAT YOUR FATHER WISHES FOR, NOW, YOU WILL HAVE TO FACE ME TO OBTAIN THE OTHER ONE"
Fiorentin cannot say anything when Naght Sieger reminds her of perhaps the deadliest challenge she will have to face so far, in the form of the finest sword fighter from Valdomir Kingdom.
"THIRTY DAYS FROM NOW, WHEN THE FULL MOON DECORATES THE SKY, COME TO THE ENDLESS TOWER TO SETTLE OUR DEAL. I WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU, AND I SHALL SEE IF YOU ARE TRULY FIT TO BE REGARDED AS THE SYMBOL OF HOPE. I SHALL SEE IF YOU ARE TRULY FIT TO HAVE YOUR FATHER LAST MEMENTO" The tall demon proclaims the challenge for the last time, "AND BY THE TIME WE MEET AGAIN, WE WILL NOT MEET AS FAMILY OR SUCH, WE WILL MEET AS SWORD FIGHTERS. IT IS YOUR SWORDS AGAINST MY SWORDS. THE WINNER WILL LIVE AND THE LOSER WILL DIE. DON'T YOU EVER HOLD BACK, PRINCESS FIORENTIN, BECAUSE I WON'T HOLD BACK".
All of a sudden, Fiorentin can feel herself shivering. Naght Sieger was not even serious when he easily defeated her eight months ago, she doesn't have enough courage to imagine how strong he would be if he doesn't hold his power back at all. Just by thinking about how fearsome her opponent is makes her afraid.
"NOW, ANSWER ME, PRINCESS FIORENTIN" Naght Sieger concludes with a resounding voice, "DO YOU STILL ACCEPT MY CHALLENGE? OR YOU RATHER CHOOSE TO SURRENDER?"
She realizes, the very demon standing before her overshadows her in every aspect possible. He is stronger, faster, and smarter. Even if she masters The Spell of Odin before the given time, she knows, maybe she still won't be able to defeat this Lord of Night. But she has improved, she values her own life, that's why she won't throw it away or even thinking of throwing it away, her sincerity defeats her fear.
"I still accept" Fiorentin smiles and bravely looks at the demon's eyes, much to Naght Sieger's surprise, "I will come to you, and I will fight you, fair and square, one on one. I will show you how much I have changed, and I will prove to you that I deserve to have my father's last memento. And above all others, I will help you. Although you doesn't want me to help you, but I will still help you. I will show you hope. Because I know you want hope. Because helping each other is something a family should do".
The tropical wind breezes and comes across the two Adlers, just at the moment when Naght Sieger falls into his own thoughts. "WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW SINCERE HER HEART IS" Naght Sieger admits to himself, "SO, THIS IS HOW SHE CHANGED INTO A BETTER PERSON AFTER VALUING HER LIFE AND OTHERS. IS THAT WHY YOU TRUST YOUR HOPE TO HER, TRISTAN? IS THAT WHY YOU DIDN'T HOLD BACK PROTECTING HER? SO, THIS IS ALEXANDRIA?"
"VERY WELL, PRINCESS FIORENTIN" Naght Sieger would smile if he could, but his tone pretty much shows his gratitude, "UNTIL THE PROMISED TIME COMES, I WILL BE WAITING AT THE ENDLESS TOWER. UNTIL YOU CAN SHOW ME HOPE, I WILL BE DEALING MY PROBLEM BY MY OWN PLAN, EVEN IF IT IS THE WORST PLAN I COULD EVER THINK OF. UNTIL THAT TIME, GOOD LUCK"
After saying that, Naght Sieger vanishes into thin air, returning to The Endless Tower. But Fiorentin cannot erase her thoughts about the tall demon, "What actually happened to him? What is happening in The Endless Tower right now? Why is he so stubborn not to receive any help?"
Looking at The Spell of Odin on her hand, she decides, "Before I meet him again, mastering this spell is a must. Or else, I wouldn't last even a minute against him, and that also means I wouldn't live up to my words"
Around an hour after that, the preparation to go to Amatsu is settled…
Therefore, Elraven feels the need to speak with Frea inside the jungle while the rest of the party is preparing themselves. Gen Ed could be seen speaking with Sarkhan though.
"Are you sure you're okay about this?"
"El, this is the tenth time you asked me today. I will be alright"
"Well…okay, then. Take care and stay away from danger" Elraven hugs the soul linker.
"You too" They break the hug and Elraven heads back to Pegasus, only to see Ifrit waiting beside the hangar. Frea sees them and wants to rush to Elraven's side, but Elraven looks over his shoulder and stares at the soul linker, telling her to stay back.
"What do you want?" The gunslinger purposes him with an unfriendly tone.
"DO I LOOK LIKE I WANT TO GO TO PROM NIGHT?" Same, a rather unfriendly reply from the Fire God of Midgard, who approaches the much smaller man in front of him.
"YOU AND YOUR WORM FRIENDS ARE LUCKY THIS IS A FORBIDDEN LAND FOR GODS TO BATTLE, IF NOT, I WOULD HAVE ROAST YOU HOURS AGO"
"And you're lucky not to get your red ass kicked by all of us"
Listening him, Ifrit chuckles, "HAHAHA, I HAVE LIVED LONGER THAN ALMOST ALL LIVING BEINGS IN THIS WORLD, BUT I NEVER UNDERSTOOD AND I THINK I WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND WHY WORMS COULD BE WEAK AND COCKY AT THE SAME TIME"
"You always feel high and mighty, right? There's no way you can understand, not to mention you are physically brainless"
"BUT BRAINLESS IS BETTER THAN USELESS, RIGHT?" Responding to the mocking, Ifrit lowers his head and looks at Elraven in the eyes, face to face, "HOW DARE YOU LOOK AT ME WITH SUCH WEAK EYES, WORM".
"I may not be stronger than you" Elraven bravely responds, "But fear not".
The Fire God of Midgard locks his eyes with the gunslinger's, and he can finally tell, the very man standing before him meant his words.
"YOU ARE THE COCKIEST WORM I HAVE EVER SEEN" Ifrit slowly voices his mind, "I BET IT WILL BE FUN TO SEE YOU CRAWL AND SUFFER RATHER THAN TO SEE YOU DIE, BECAUSE IT WILL TEACH YOU A LESSON NOT TO LOOK AT ME AGAIN WITH THOSE LOWLY EYES. A WORM SHOULD NEVER LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT, I HAVE DECIDED, I WON'T KILL YOU".
The previous statement from The Embodiment of Hell surely shocks Elraven, "What?! Is that supposed to be a joke?"
"DO I LOOK LIKE JOKING?" Ifrit reiterates, "I SAID, I WON'T KILL YOU. I MAY KILL YOUR WORM FRIENDS, BUT I WON'T KILL YOU, AT LEAST UNTIL I CHANGE MY MIND. BUT NOW, I DEFINITELY WON'T KILL YOU, BECAUSE IT WILL KILL THE ALL THE FUN I CAN HAVE"
"You're insane"
"I AM INSANE OF FUN. AT FIRST, I WANT TO ROAST FREYJA FOR BETRAYING THE GODS, MY KIND. BUT NO, I CAN SAVE THAT FOR LATER. NOW, I WILL MAKE YOU SUFFER. I WILL SHOW YOU HELL" Ifrit proudly threatens the unfazed gunslinger.
"Try me" Elraven calmly welcomes the challenge.
"ALL THIS TIME, I HAVE ALWAYS WANT TO FIND A 'PERFECT' WORM TO SEE IT SUFFER TO ITS DEATH, BECAUSE JUST LIKE WHAT I TOLD YOU ONCE, SEEING A WORM CRAWLING FOR ITS LIVE IS BETTER THAN SEEING IT DIE. AND YOU, YOU ARE THAT 'PERFECT' WORM"
Elraven stays quiet, not knowing what to reply the nonsensical statement, but he doesn't stop staring at the fire creature nonetheless.
"I WILL SHOW YOU HELL ON EARTH. I WILL MAKE YOU FALL INTO BOTTOMLESS DESPAIR. I WILL MAKE YOU REGRET YOU EVER LIVED IN THIS WORLD, EVEN IF IT'S JUST FOR A MERE ONE SECOND. AND I WILL DO ANYTHING I CAN TO DESTROY YOU. EITHER BY KILLING YOUR COMRADES" Ifrit points out at Ropera Squad members and Sagramore warriors in front of the jungle, before pointing out at Frea, "OR BY KILLING SOMEONE YOU HOLD DEAR".
Ifrit would smile if he had a facial figure. His eyes are nothing but two red shining holes, but anyone staring at those holes could easily tell how evil and crazy this god is.
"I won't let that happen" Elraven fights the threat back, "Not in a million years"
"YOU CAN GET COCKY ALL YOU WANT FOR NOW, IF YOUR COMRADES AND FREYJA AREN'T ENOUGH TO DESTROY YOU" Noticed by Elraven, Ifrit glances at Fiorentin who is watching them the whole time for afar, "I KNOW WHO TO KILL".
Settling their conversation for now, Ifrit goes to the jungle quietly (still with his possible smile), but not before threatening Elraven for one last time, "I WILL TELL YOU WHERE AND WHEN, UNTIL THAT TIME, TAKE CARE".
Elraven quietly returns to Pegasus after smiling at Frea, telling her everything is alright. Leaving the rest of the party in Umbala, Elraven, Fiorentin, Emilio, Sasha, and Gen Ed head to Amatsu.
Inside Pegasus, on the way to Amatsu…
Sasha is helping Patricia pilot the ship, so that leaves only four people free on board. Gen Ed could be seen sitting quietly in the meeting room accompanied by his son.
"Dad, you look so gloomy. What happened? Do you feel sick or something?" Emilio questions his quiet father, mainly because he looks like he is thinking of something. It feels odd seeing Gen Ed without his calm smile.
"No, nothing happened. I was just…" Gen Ed holds his tongue not to tell the truth, and turns the direction of the conversation instead, "Rather than thinking about me, I think you should prepare yourself for Amatsu"
"Why is that?"
"Well, your mom hails from Amatsu, so maybe you will have a little….experience there" Gen Ed slyly smirks, although Emilio doesn't suspect his motive at all.
Now with Emilio heads back to his room, Gen Ed can finally think quietly of his conversation with Sarkhan.
Just a while ago, at the same time when Elraven was talking to Ifrit…
"One last thing, Ty" Gen Ed was having a brief with Ty, "If Ifrit really attack all of you, just call me using the talkie, I'll slide to this jungle using the butterfly wing. And I will be available 24/7."
"Yes, sir!"
After that, Gen Ed slowly heads back to Pegasus, but Sarkhan calls him first, "Uh, Senor Eduardo? Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure, why not?"
And so, the two elders (in a different manner) have a conversation.
"Senor Eduardo, can I ask you something about Elraven?" Sarkhan puts a serious tone.
"I assume this is a serious talk, Sarkhan. Is this about his purple glasses?" Gen Ed takes a wild guess and hits the jackpot.
"True" Sarkhan continues, "Since you already knew about his purple glasses, you also know about…what resides within his changeling power"
"Yes. When we found Elraven seven years ago in what remains of Arunfeltz Continent, he already wears the glasses. His name is carved in one of the temples of the glasses" Gen Ed tells the story of a past, "When we brought him to medical room, I and the president of Juno by that time, Raul Salazar, witnessed…perhaps the scariest thing we have ever seen in our lives"
Sarkhan stays quiet as Gen Ed continues, "Not long after we took of the glasses to examine his condition…he changed into another person…or should I say…another entity, a transcendental being".
"What did that entity tell you?"
"He told me and Raul about the plan of Rekenber Corporation to take down Juno from inside, because Rekenber are one of the allies of Valdomir Kingdom" Gen Ed eyes' look like as if he was scared, "Maybe that entity meant no harm, but just by his very presence, I remember, the sky became dark and all the staffs but me and Raul fell unconscious of his dominating aura. I faced many battles in my lives without fear, I face many opponents with confidence, but just that one moment I felt so scared. I will never forget that entity, that's why, I ordered Elraven to put his glasses on his eyes every time. Whatever it is just by looking at him I can see the end of this world."
Silence confides the two for a moment. Remembering the experience was hard for Gen Ed.
"It's him, it's truly him…" Sarkhan slowly recalls, "The Fallen Angel".
Upon learning the name of the entity, Gen Ed slowly speaks, "The Fallen Angel… how could that thing reside inside Elraven, Sarkhan?"
"Well, Elraven is a changeling, a human raised by gods or goddesses to literally serve them; in return, they will grant him a random power" Sarkhan explains, "In Elraven's case…he got the strongest power a changeling could ever got, the power of an angel, in fact…The Fallen Angel. The true Angel of Darkness. His power surpasses almost every god, and even fully released gods cannot defeat him without much effort"
"Fully released gods?"
"Yes. Gods and Goddesses maintain their normal power during daily lives" Sarkhan explains, "But every god and goddess have what we called a 'Crescendo'. In the Crescendo state, gods and goddesses' ability will be greatly enhanced, and they will be far greater than their normal states by all means"
"And your point is?"
"Does Elraven know about this?"
"No, he doesn't. I have no intention on telling him yet." Gen Ed honestly replies, "It's too big for him to handle"
"I see, but if he goes to Amatsu, he will know about this. Believe me"
Gen Ed was surprised when Sarkhan told him, because he knows the statement means other thing, "Do you want him to use that power, Sarkhan?"
"He will have to, eventually" Sarkhan looks at Elraven who was having a 'talk' with Ifrit, "Especially knowing with whom he is dealing with, and with whom he will do battles with".
Back to Pegasus…
"If that what is going to happen, then so be it" Gen Ed concludes, "If what Sarkhan said was true, then Elraven will know the truth at Amatsu, whatever awaits for him, I will help explaining this thing to him".
Meanwhile, Elraven is sitting idly on the deck with Fiorentin, having a chat just like they always do.
"So, that is The Spell of Odin? Looks great" Elraven comments on the blue ball Fiorentin shows him, "That guy named Naght Sieger really helped you a lot, huh?"
"Yes, he is so kind" Fiorentin praises the demon, "Although he doesn't let me help him in return, but I'm sure he actually needs help"
"You respect him a lot, Alexandria"
"Of course! He is gentle and polite, unlike…" Fiorentin smirks seeing Elraven putting on a weird face, "You know who".
"Unlike me?"
"I didn't say that! You said it by yourself!"
"Your eyes telling me that you wanted to say unlike me!"
"OK, ok. Whatever" The lord knight quickly changes the direction, "What about you? What did Ifrit have to tell you?"
"Just some threats, that's all" A short reply from Elraven.
"You talked with him for almost fifteen minutes just for some threats?! Come on!"
"Well, he said he would kill Frea to make me suffer" Elraven knows he won't win the argument battles and admits, "But, I won't let that happen".
"Only Frea?"
"And my team in Ropera Squad as well"
"That sounds like Ifrit, alright"An evil thought gets inside her head and Fiorentin asks, "Only Ropera Squad and Frea can make you suffer, huh? No other person?"
Looking at the girl, suddenly the gunslinger remembers,
"YOU CAN GET COCKY ALL YOU WANT FOR NOW, IF YOUR COMRADES AND FREYJA AREN'T ENOUGH TO DESTROY YOU, I KNOW WHO TO KILL".
"There is one other person" Elraven answers stoically, "But, I can't let you know that much".
"Why?"
"Because…" Elraven stands up and runs with a smirk, "She is too strong to be beaten!"
Looking quietly at this lovey-dovey moment from the monitor, Emilio smiles, "Hehehehe, dad, I'll win this bet".
Around an hour later, in Amatsu…
Pegasus landed not far from the beach, where Kenji the thief has been waiting as their guide, in order to avoid unnecessary attention from Amatsu citizen. Gen Ed and Sasha are confused why Elraven and Fiorentin look so tired, although Emilio surely isn't confused.
"Welcome, welcome! Please follow me!" Kenji acts as the guide and guides the five guests to the city of Amatsu. Amatsu consists of a town, a field, and three dungeons. The town of Amatsu consists of blooming cherry blossoms and Japanese style buildings. When you go northwest of town, you will find Lakeside Castle—an ancient five-story structure. Rumor has it that there is a secret entrance into the castle which leads to a mysterious dungeon. In the middle of the field, you will find a shrine half sunken under water. The shrine is a famous tourist spot. The shrine resides in a forest of bamboo, pine, and cherry trees, making the shrine an attractive spot to visit.
The thief brings the party to a large japanese styled house. They are allowed to get inside its hall and wait for the queen to arrive as Kenji excuses himself to bring the queen there. "Wow, this place is so clean! Just like Gonryun!" Emilio was amzed by the beauty of the room he's in.
"Doesn't change much" Gen Ed mutters, but Elraven was aware to listen to him and asks, "Oh, you've been here before, General?"
"Sort of" He shortly answers.
But before they could do anything further, suddenly someone dresses in a kimono breaks in from the roof and surprises all of them. "Who is that?!" Fiorentin pulls out her sword just like the gunslingers prepare their guns. The attacker uses a Kitsune Mask and brings a refined Muramasa with her, but her short black hair could be seen.
Without saying anything, the samurai runs toward Emilio and throws him slashes. "What?!" Emilio dodges and dodges as the attack keeps continuing. But the captain of Ropera Squad isn't a weakling. He quickly shoots the ice spheres using his Hyperion to the floor, making it slippery. Knowing she can't move freely like that, the attacker jumps and prepares a Bash from the air as Emilio prepares his Fire Blast.
"Take this!" Emilio shoots the blast to the samurai, but much to everyone surprise, the lord knight swiftly cuts the blast into two using her refined Muramasa and hits her target, although Emilio defended well from the Bash using his Hyperion. Breaking the deadlock, both fighters retreat and prepares for more.
"This is crazy! Is this how Amatsu welcome their guests?! Now, I know why Gonryun is a better tourist resort!" Emilio protests the attack, but his comment trigger another trouble.
"What?! What did you just say about Amatsu?!" The samurai angrily shouts, "Amatsu is the greatest country on earth! Gonruyn isn't even half as good as Amatsu! All hail Amatsu!"
And obviously her statement left anyone but Gen Ed sweat dropped. "Uh, what did you just say?" Emilio wants to ensure he didn't mishear.
Knowing she just embarassed herself, the samurai quickly changes the direction of the conversation, "Uh, this hall is beautiful is it?"
And that only makes things going nowhere than it already had. "This girl is stupid" Emilio mutters.
"How dare a traitor say that!" The lord knight pulls her Kitsune Mask off and shows her Asian face, "I will kill you, traitor! Prepare ourself!"
"Wow, she's pretty" Elraven praises the lord knight although the lord knight beside him quickly gazes at him.
"Traitor?! What traitor?!" Emilio obviously doesn't get her point.
"Why don't you ask your hero father over there?!" The asian beauty points out at the smirking Gen Ed.
But all of a sudden, Kenji burst inside the room and shouts, "Oh, Tsukihime-sama! Why are you attacking your guests?!"
And of course Kenji shocked the whole audience. "That girl is Fujiwara Hikari? The Moon Princess?" Fiorentin mutters in disbelieve, "Seriously, what is going on here?"
Meanwhile, in the city of Amatsu, in the traditional market area, inside one of its shops…
"Are you insane?! This apple is 10 million zenny?!" A merchant shouts at a whitesmith who could be seen lankily sits.
"Hey, look boy, if you don't want to buy my stuff then take a fucking hike!" The whitesmith tells the merchant, "Yesterday people going overboard when I said the axe and sword worth a million zenny! Geez, what's wrong with you people?! It's only a million zenny?!"
"This is crazy, I'm out of here!" The merchant goes off, but the whitesmith still have a word for him, "I better not see your face around here again! I shit you not!"
"Edward! Edward!" An older whitesmith comes from his behind and punches the back of his head, "Edward, you freaking idiot! You must have sold the apple for ten million zenny again, didn't ya?!"
"But, dad" The whitesmith named Edward defends himself, "It's only ten million!"
"Your insensitivity of other's people financial condition will never be cured" The older whitesmith grabs three golden coin and throws them to thee kids passing by, much to the joy of the kids.
"And dad, your insensitivity of our financial condition will never change!" Edward protests his father.
"Yeah, but I'm the richest man on earth! I've been throwing millions of coins for ten freaking years and it barely made my wallet thinner!"
Edward shakes his head, but his father cools down and tells him, "OK, you know what? We better prepare our best stuffs, that boy Kenji told me he will bring some guests from Sagramore after they have an audience with Tsukihime-sama. Maybe we can meet someone we never expected before, and sell our goods for good, at least today. And better do it quick, your mom already prepared The Abyssmal Knight steak for our lunch"
Omake
AOC: Hello, nice to c u again in the 2nd edition of the omake! Here today in the studio, we're going to interview the readers' most favorite character, Fio!
Fio: Hello, nice to c u all!
AOC: Good day, girl. You're regarded by many readers as the best character in the series and you have no haters at all. It seems that every moment u touch became golden, and I got many threats when I almost killed you (wew). And you won the poll as best character. And even mikamika called you The Heart and Soul of The Knightfall! It seems the slogan, No Fiorentin no The Knightfall, have spread among the readers and the reviewers, even my top contributor in college admitted that. That's astonishing, really. Even I don't know what makes you so likable. It seems almost all the readers are reading this story merely because of you!
Fio: (Smile) same here, but thanks for all the support. I won't be here without u guys.
AOC: Wow, she acts like an idol. OK, let's start from my favorite reviewer, Kogane-kun, he said you're safe from Ty because Ty doesn't want to peek on kids or else he would be called a pedophile.
Fio: Doesn't want to peek on me? (Putting an angry face) Is that supposed to be a compliment?! I will kill you!
AOC: (Surprises) Calm down, Fio! If you want to strike someone, then strike Kogane-kun, not me! Don't kill the messenger!
Fio: Oh, yeah…right.
AOC: Aw, Kogane-kun, first you make Emilio mad at you and now Fio, god, I really pity you, pal. I would hire bodyguards if I were you! And if you really want to get a bodyguard, I suggest you get someone like Ifrit or Satan Morroc, ok? Normal bodyguards won't stand a chance against Fio.
Fio: Hmph!
AOC: (Sweat dropped) Anyway, the second question is from Slave Leia, what is your favorite food?
Fio: Any steak Elraven made.
AOC: Wow, is he that good?
Fio: Yes.
AOC: But you sent him to Pluto, right?
Fio: Serves him right.
AOC: ...Ok. Next, a question from Beautiful Zombie Slayer, do you think Elraven's insensitivity will ever cure?
Fio: No, no chance in a million years. Before Elraven becomes sensitive then the world would have met its Armageddon.
AOC: Wow, that's harsh!
Fio: And not to mention, it's all your fault, AOC!
AOC: (Jaw dropped) my fault? What are you talking about?!
Fio: Well, you shouldn't have made him insensitive! If you made him as a sensitive character, he would have recognized my feelings by now!
AOC: He did, who said he didn't?!
Fio: He…did? He really did?
AOC: Well, that's a secret for now, but rest assured about what I said, he is a man after all.
Fio: (Blushes) …
AOC: OK, now move to the next question, from Samurai Cowgirl, are u a ... (half heartedly) virgin?!
Fio: What?! What kind of question is that?! Isn't that supposed to be private?!
AOC: Uh, well…that's how the readers work. So, your answer, best character?
Fio: (Heavily blushes) Uh…yes.
AOC: Hm? Are you being honest? I knew some female teenagers around your age, they are currently busy bearing children on their wombs because their own doings. So, are you being honest?
Fio: Of course! I'm immaculate! I am not going to sleep with anyone other than my future husband! Otherwise, that will be impure!
AOC: Future husband? (Smirks) Hm, that's an implication, right?
Fio: Uh…yes.
AOC: Do I even need to name your 'future husband'?
Fio: No,no,no! Don't do that!
AOC: Alright, alright, chill out! The fifth question is from Donquixote Doflamingo, how did you get your name? Because Fiorentin sounds really beautiful for a name.
Fio: Well, shouldn't u be the one who answer that? You're the author after all, right?
AOC: Hm, alright. Actually, Fiorentin derived from Fiorentina, a city in Italy. When I was looking for a name for your character, Fiorentina came across my mind. But Fiorentina sounds too 'village people' to be a name, so I erased the last letter, and there you go!
Fio: Wow, thanks for the beautiful name.
AOC: Don't mention it. The sixth question is from Aya, what inspired you to create Fiorentin as a character?
Fio: This one is for u again.
AOC: Right. Actually, Fio's character was heavily inspired by Maroon 5 song's, She Will Be Loved. When I was writing the first chapters in this story, I was listening to that song almost the whole time, and I think the girl on that song is perfectly fit to be u. Check out the lyrics and u will know I'm not joking. Man, that brings back memories.
Fio: Wow, so my character was inspired by a song? Cool.
AOC: Unquestionably. The seventh question is from Allen In The Dark. Fio, what is your favorite manga?
Fio: Oh? How did he know I read manga?
AOC: I told him that u read manga whenever you have a spare time.
Fio: Really? Anyway, I like Bleach, One Piece, and Naruto. I also read Zettai Karen Children, Onidere, Great Teacher Onizuka, Fairy Tail, and many other shounen manga.
AOC: You like shounen manga even though you're a girl?!
Fio: Is that weird?
AOC: Not really, so that's why you're tomboyish.
Fio: I'm not tomboyish!
AOC: (Sweat dropped again)…fine. The next question is from Castle43, do you regard yourself as a tsundere character? Because many think you are one.
Fio: Tsundere?! Uh…what to say…maybe?
AOC: Well, I'll help u answering this one. Actually, her being a tsundere character is first mentioned by my top contributor, Willy, one night at a campus. He told me that Fio is a tsundere character big time; especially due to her violent acts toward Elraven and her…act so high and mighty in front of people. After so much debate, I eventually learned the fact that she IS a tsundere character, without me even knowing she became one.
Fio: So, I'm a tsundere character? But, that's a good thing, right?
AOC: Yes, because after Willy told me that, I got more readers and reviewers who are reading this story just because of you.
Fio: Wow…
AOC: And since you are a tsundere character, I think you are the 'cool' type like Tohsaka Rin from Fate/Stay Night, Felli Loss from Chrome Shelled Regios, or Katsura Hinagiku from Hayate No Gotoku. The 'wild' type like Louise from Zero No Tsukaima, Taiga from Toradora, Sanzenin Nagi from Hayate No Gotoku, or Shana from Shakugan No Shana (all voiced by Kugimiya Rie, The Tsundere Queen) will be embodied by our newest character, Truskihime-sama! Just wait n c, ok?!
Fio: Hm, another tsundere character, eh? Good luck, u will need that.
AOC: Thanks. The ninth question is from your devoted fan, mikamika! She said, does Elraven turn you…on?
Fio: Whaaaaaat?! What kind of question is that?!
AOC: (Sweat dropped again) Mikamika, for god sake, girl. The last time u asked Elraven do Frea and Fio turn him on, now u asked this one! What is it between you and turning someone on?! If someday we have an omake about Ty, will u ask about 'does Felicia turn you on?' Well, tell u what girl, Ty got turned on all the time! All the time, you hear me?! All the freaking time!
Fio: (Heavily blushes)…
AOC: Well, but a question is a question, it needs an answer.
Fio: (Still blushing) I don't want to answer it.
AOC: (Slyly smiles) doesn't want to answer it or doesn't want to admit it?
Fio: I…uh, I…
AOC: You imagined things about him, do you?
Fio: …
AOC: OK, this question is going nowhere. Next time, ask a proper question for a child her age. Next question is from Tia Harribel, will u let Elraven kiss u if he wants to?
Fio: (Blushes again) What?! Uh…uh…I guess…
AOC: Yes or no? Say it.
Fio: That's embarrassing! Just thinking about it is so embarrassing!
AOC: …well, that's her 'tsundereness' for u, people. The last question is from my top contributor, Willy. Why do u like Elraven in the first place?
Fio: (Still blushing) Uh…why? That's because he is…trustworthy…and uh…
AOC: Because he helped you a lot?
Fio: Yes, and…
AOC: But he's a total insensitive right?
Fio: Well, yes, but…maybe the thing I like about him is…
AOC: (Smiles) I'm all ears.
Fio: The very thing I like about him is…
DUAAAAR!
All of a sudden, something fall from the sky and land right in front of AOC and Fio, destroying the rooftop of the studio again.
AOC: (Inside the smokes) Uh, what is that?! (Surprised) Elraven?!
Fio: What?! (Notices Elraven who is lying unconscious on the floor) El?!
AOC: This is a sudden improvement ladies and gentlemen, Elraven, who was sent to Pluto in the last omake, is finally returns. He's here, he's here!
El: (Slowly) Hey, everything is dark…and I can see light.
Fio: (Putting El's head on her lap) El? El?! Are u, OK? Don't die!
El: Ah, I'm walking towards the light.
Fio: No,no! Don't walk into that light! Please forgive me for hitting you! I promise I won't hit you that hard anymore!
El: (Stupidly smiles) Hey, I'm on a beautiful garden…
Fio: No,no! Please don't die! Somebody do something!
Unknown to her, AOC and the producers are enjoying the scene from behind, leaving her behind.
El: (Pointing at Fio) Hey, I see an angel…am I on heaven? Is this heaven?
Fio: No, please! I will never forgive myself if you die because of me! Please, wake up!
El: (Suddenly wakes up and realizes where he is) Uh, Alexandria? (Stands up) What? Where is this? What happened?
Fio: (Too scared to admit the truth) Uh, u fell from the rooftop and….yeah, that's it! (Smile) say, why don't we go somewhere so you can take a rest?
El: Uh? Alright
The two goes off from the studio; no one knows where they are going.
AOC: Well, since Fio and El are probably heading to a hospital or a…hotel, the interview with Fio is finished for now. The next guests for the omake will be…(the producer hands AOC a letter)Ifrit?! Is this supposed to be a joke?!
The producer shakes his head.
AOC: Oh, great. Now, I will have to wear armors for next omake. Well, send u'r message and questions for Ifrit via PM just like always. Starting from next chapter, we will have a bonus chapter after each chapter is over. The bonus chapter will tell u what happened during the eight months time skip. All in all, thx for reading. Please review, c u next chappy! (^^)