A person

CANDOR CITY: Northwestern Slums Just as he made his way onto the building, he could see the coattails of a tuxedo going off of the building on the other side. ???: These imbeciles will never learn... She slowed her pace slightly as she turned and swung her sword at the incoming projectile, it leaving behind a rainbow wave which reflected the projectile back at the knights. After doing so, she picked up the pace once more to keep up with the robot. The robot quickly dashed by her, but the commander took a hold of her left arm and started to pull her along. ???: Well...that was much faster than fifteen seconds... ???: Surprised. It appears that they had picked up the pace after the prediction was made. ???: No matter; we have at least prevented a simpleton from getting herself killed. Lucina, was it? I am afraid there is no time for introductions because we all need to escape this area before it is swarmed with these simplistic knights' ilk. I do not wish to spare any more time on fodder, so I ask that you aid me in covering all sides from any sudden attacks. ???: Warning: Knights of the Forsaken are approaching fast. Suggestion: Take an alternate route. Up ahead, an alleyway leading straight towards the main road heading northwest to southeast could be seen. ???: They are quite persistent as well, it seems...no matter. I suppose we can simply go around. Without a need for a command, the robot dashed past the alleyway and turned right into another one ahead of it. The commander grasped Lucina's arm tightly and picked up the pace, following the robot into it. ???: For their sake, let us pray that they do not encounter us again. The results will be far more...satisfying, hmhmhm... MAGICAL KINGDOM OF VERVE: Barthmont Palace Interior Idealis: Think about his reaction. If we leave him alone, I know he'll do one of two things. One, he leaves us and never comes back because he thinks we all hate his guts, or two, he tries to help Seraph and gets himself killed. I'd prefer if neither of those happened; we kinda need to keep the party together, y'know? Especially after losing a couple of members already. Idealis: So I'll just have to put aside my issues with his kind for now and deal with them later, and you're going to have to do the same until all of this is over with, got it? Because, at this rate, it's going to be impossible for us to get anything done together.

???: (All according to plan...) The two slid further away from the scene, the commander watching their movements closely. ???: (Looks like it's time to move!) The sound of clothing rippling through the air could be heard close to the knights' location, just above them. Noticing this, the commander snapped her fingers, and both her and the robot quickly dashed in the direction of the unknown being, the robot leading the way whilst the commander covered the rear. ???: Optimistic. We are not far from the being. Estimated time of encounter is in fifteen seconds. ???: That is very long in these circumstances; do you really expect me to cover us for that long? ???: Confident. Your abilities have improved by approximately 33% under your current status. You are more than capable of doing so. ???: Hmm...you really do know how to say the right things at the right moments...it was a good idea recruiting you! With her morale boosted, she readied herself for the onslaught of attacks to come from every direction. The Knights of the Forsaken owned this part of the city; if she could get this unknown person, herself, and the robot to the safety of the main city, they should be able to escape their iron grasp and regroup with the others.

Idealis: (He only has one reason to act like this...) Without putting up a fight, she proceeded to let him go, watching him as he did so. Once he was out of earshot, she let out a sigh. It was one of many, but it was one filled with true disappointment. Idealis: I have a feeling I'm going to have to have a heart-to-heart with him to fix his little issue before you-know-who tries to take the spotlight... Idealis: ...well, at least it'll help me build some- A thought came to her head. Idealis: Someone needs to go out there with him. He shouldn't be alone.

CANDOR CITY: Northwestern Slums Seeing the incoming attacks, the robotic knight proceeded to dash to the right to evade both of the incoming attacks, leaving the commander in their path. ???: (I shall thank you later for this wondrous opportunity...) She proceeded to swing her sword again, another rainbow wave forming in front of her. The projectiles would all come at her, and then be reflected right back at the cyber knights. Another series of cards would go flying at the guards, this time 10 in number. Meanwhile, both the commander and the robotic knight began to back off from the scene, the robot's head pivoting around to scan the area. ???: Cautious. Unknown being currently approaching our location. ???: I am willing to spend a bit more time to entertain our new guest... ???: Judicious. That would be unwise. Current probability of unharmed escape is 50%. Probability will lower to 25% with prolonged stay. Suggestion: Meet with unknown being and escape. ???: Is it a guard? If we are attempting to escape, that would be the last thing we need to encounter. ???: Doubtful. Scans reveal a different structure from that of a Royal Guard and a Knight of the Forsaken. The commander sighed as they slowly inched away from the guards. ???: Save one group of idiots, and you have to save them all, I suppose...I'll give the signal when the moment reveals itself. ???: Submissive. Affirmative, Commander. ???: Aren't we flattering tonight? They both slid into defensive stances, preparing themselves for the onslaught to come. Meanwhile, the robot's head continued to pivot around as it scanned the area for constant activity. MAGICAL KINGDOM OF VERVE: Barthmont Palace Interior Idealis quickly reached out to try and grab Magnum by his scarf. She would pull him to herself if she was able to do so. Idealis: You're not waiting anywhere, you're coming with us whether you like it or not.

Barrier girl removed her sword from the ground with a huff, causing the barrier to sink into the ground. ???: Hehe, now I get to be even cooler! She brought her sword back, then swung it at the huddled knights, sending a powerful blast of wind at them which blew away the smoke and nearly threw the commander off of her feet, quite possibly also doing the same or even knocking over the enemy knights as well. Afterwards, she dashed away towards an alleyway, waving at them as she did so with a giggle. The robotic knight, meanwhile, seemed completely unfazed by the blast, and proceeded to quickly run to the left and towards the knights to both evade the rockets and close the gap between them at the same time. Focusing on the knights charging the attack, he proceeded to thrust his deadly weapon towards the knights in front, aiming to impale one of them upon the blade and impale one of the knights behind them at the same time. The commander proceeded to charge straight for them. ???: Good to see she knows my orders before I even say them. Now then... ???: ...I suppose we shall show you what forces you dare to reckon with! She held a hand up behind herself, summoning forth five arcane swords in the air similar to her own sword. She then held her hand out towards them as she continued her charge, sending the five swords at the heads of the other two cyber knights and three of the guards. She raised her sword as she did this, preparing to follow up her attack. If they were human, and it landed, they would be disoriented, leaving them open for her to end their miserable lives. But if they were robots, then she had an idea of what she could do after the attack if it didn't manage to damage some critical parts. The guards on standby would have a series of explosive cards thrown at their backs.

Hera seemed quite surprised by this. Hera: Truly, Master Mathis? I have heard that it was quite a common occurrence among those within the northern areas! However, if that is so, then...perhaps it only affects those born in the north? Unless... While Hera was trying to figure out what was going on, Idealis had a very concerned look upon her face. Idealis: (This has got to be some sort of set-up...but why? What's so special about us? Are we that different from the people here?)

CANDOR CITY: Norman Bank The banker removed a viewing tool from underneath the desk and examined the coins closely. Fancy Banker: These are very fine coins, and they are worth two-and-a-half Pompadillions each! So... A click could be heard, and then the banker revealed a single coin worth 50 Pompadillions. Fancy Banker: Would you prefer the amount as a whole coin, or divided into multiple coins? CANDOR CITY: Northwestern Slums The commander swings her sword at the incoming missile, a rainbow flash following the sword's trail which seemed to cause the missile to be deflected up into the air and into the barrier, earning a grunt from the barrier girl who was clearly already struggling with maintaining it. The robotic attacker would land his attack, however, his sword plunging through the shield as the metal around the blade turned into slag, followed by his helmet, and then his head (if he had one), the large construct taking him to the ground with it. Unfortunately, the attack would miss both the black knight and Hugh as both had moved from their positions already. The attack was successfully blocked without issue. The commander let out a sigh as she slid to a halt in front of the other knight. ???: I must applaud your ability to cooperate with one another, so I will honor you in the best way I know. Light shrouded her form for a moment, then a bright flash occurred, her body seemingly being replaced by that of another. ???: I suppose loosening my shackles should be sufficient. Now, fight me! She raised her free hand and gesture for him to come to her. ???: Unless you fear your inevitable, pitiful loss, of course. There is always the choice of another spineless coward... ???: Watch for guards on your way out! MAGICAL KINGDOM OF VERVE: Barthmont Palace Clouds seemed to have rolled in and brought about a slow, but steady snow, but, fortunately, the guards up ahead opened the gates into the castle for them, a gust of warm wind slamming into them, causing Idealis to jump slightly before continuing on. It seemed as though they entered in through a moonlit library. Castle maids were hurriedly rushing to clean up the area, whilst some others were busy attempting to make the candle light brighter with more candles. Hera chuckled as she went through a doorway to the right. Hera: I see that we have caught them off-guard...no matter; I am certain the Oracle is already waiting for us. Idealis got suspicious, however. Idealis: Hold on...didn't the guards already know we were coming? Hera nodded. Hera: That they did; it is just that the castle maids are notoriously lazy here. Some say it is because their jobs are easy, whilst the maids themselves blame it upon the mana in the air. I would not doubt the latter; some can become addicted to it, which, in turns, renders them sluggish. Idealis: If you say so... She wasn't willing to fully believe that, however. There was something fishy going on, to her, but she just had to find out what it was...

MAGICAL KINGDOM OF VERVE Idealis: As long as the majority of us are suspicious of this guy, I'm happy. Up ahead, a large castle could be seen by the party. There appeared to be large winged creatures circling around it in the air, their roars barely reaching the ground below. Hera: We shall be arriving at our destination shortly! Hera: However, once we arrive, I will have to depart from your group. His Majesty seemed rather...perturbed...by the topic he wished to discuss with me. I cannot guarantee that I will return afterwards as well, so do be certain that you are all sufficiently prepared to depart from here once you have finished what you were sent here for. Two guards stood in front of the path to the castle, but stepped aside as if they knew who was coming. Two robed figures stood alongside them as well, both dressed in white robes with red trimming on the edges. Idealis glanced up at the creatures in the sky. Idealis: A-are those...? Hera: Do not be afraid! They are the guardians of this castle, so they will cause no harm to anyone unless they intend on attacking the castle or those within it! Idealis gulped. Idealis: I-if you s-say so... CANDOR CITY: Northwestern Slums A hole in the barrier opened up for them to exit through. A voice called out from above the buildings. ???: I'll cover you guys on your way out, just make it quick so that they can't get a lock on you! ???: I'll be out there soon just to make it certain that you can get out of here alive!

???: Hurry up and go! This is no time to stand around and thank us! The barrier-using girl proceeded to nudge the other. ???: Incomiiiiing! The apparent commander of the group glanced in the direction she was looking in. A multitude of cards fly at the knight and rocket at the front of the barrier, one striking the rocket and causing it to explode in the air once again, though the other would hits its mark and explode upon the barrier. The robotic being atop the building would jump down from his high ground and send himself down at the large knight, its glowing blade threatening to insert itself into his body. ???: Argh...they got one of them! The commander gestured towards the barrier girl, who nodded and sent her sword into the ground. Meanwhile, the commander pulled back her sword and charged straight for the larger knight. She growled upon hearing the card slinger's words. ???: Well, if you did your job right, then HE WOULDN'T BE DEAD, YOU INCOMPETENT APE! ???: How was I supposed to prevent it?! These aren't humans at all! They have to be robots or...CASTs or...something! ???: No more excuses, just focus on clearing a safe path for the remaining ones! She swung her sword at the large knight and cyber knight, sending a blade of arcane energy at them while he was busy covering the large knight's back. Meanwhile, it seemed as though the cracks forming in the barrier were slowly repairing themselves, but the barrier girl was completely focused upon it.

MAGICAL KINGDOM OF VERVE Hera pointed her runeblade at Seraph, causing sparks of flame to dance around his katana. Hera: Do with that what you wish, Master Artwaltz. We shall await your return from victory! Quickly, Hera dashed along the path, causing Idealis to run after her. Idealis: Wait up! And Seraph, you better kick this guy's ass so that I can kick yours later! CANDOR CITY: Northwestern Slums The girl lowered her barrier and withdrew a sword that was quite large compared to her, nodding her head. It was a greatsword compared to her. ???: Yoooou betcha! Now... ???: ...make it quick, buddy! I've got a can of whoopass to open! CANDOR CITY: Norman Bank The banker at the front counter bowed before the two men. Fancy Banker: Welcome, welcome! May I please take a look at them so that I may appraise them?

Idealis: I don't consider a strong chance to die "petty". She slid her katars back into her sleeves and sighed. Seeing that things had calmed down, Hera continued on quietly. Idealis continued behind her. Idealis: Why couldn't you help him? And, may I ask; WHY would they even allow their angels to be so easily corrupted? The sheer thought of worrying about you two becoming just like them makes me doubt everything I know about your kind. As far as I'm concerned, you're all just like those that turned their backs upon you. And where I'm from, you wouldn't even be considered angels, no matter how powerful you are; with a will so easily bent, you'd all be considered humans, just like us. Idealis: You may fear and respect him like some sort of general in a holy army, but to me, he's just another person from a land unknown to me. And...part of the party...I guess. Idealis growled. They were clearly just gifted humans. A true angel would have been able to easily turn the conversation around and convince them otherwise. But this...this was just a disappointment. Idealis: All of this because of something they should've expected to come long ago...fine. If you're so determined to have this guy join us, just know that he's going to be your responsibility. Both of you. And if you slip up and he does something to screw us over, I'll kill you. And I expect you to do the same to me should anyone in our current party betray us. You're all my responsibility. She turned away and quickly whispered the last part of her statement so as not to allow them to pick up on what exactly she said.

Idealis: How are we going to complete it if we're dead or dying because of our "new ally"?

Hearing Seraph's commentary on the matter seemed to annoy Idealis. She let out a sigh. It appeared that even angels needed to learn lessons. She whipped around and pointed her katars at Seraph. Idealis: Tell me, Seraph; has an ally ever turned on you? Perhaps they left you in the dark in your time of need? Maybe stabbed you in the back when the battle was in your favor? Or maybe even decided to aid the enemy while you weren't aware and ruined your plans entirely? Hera gasped and, instinctively, withdrew her runeblade. Hera: Mistress Furtivus, what do you think you are doing?! Idealis glared at Hera. Idealis: What else? I'm teaching him something important. Hera: Do not be so foolish! This is no- Idealis: Either he learns now or regrets it later, and I'm not allowing the latter to happen. Hera: Then, if you try anything, I will be- Idealis: Forced to kill me, I know. But even if it kills me, he's going to learn, dammit! Idealis: (And besides, at this distance, it wouldn't take long for us to resolve any violent conflict...)

CANDOR CITY: Northwestern Slums ???: Barrier! NOW! ???: Ooooon iiiiiit! BGM: Showdown In a flash, a dome of arcane energy formed around the area, blocking off Joseph, but trapping Dante, Hugh, and Ludger within it. The rockets shot at Ludger from the two guards would be blocked by the barrier, causing it to flash twice and for a hairline fracture to appear where they hit. A series of cards seemed to be thrown in Ludger's direction, but one hit the rocket coming at him, causing it to explode in the air. The others missed him entirely, a series of blasts being seen upon the back of the barrier. ???: Can't miss when you have a lot of chances to hit... Another being launched itself in front of Hugh, seeming to block the particle slashes coming at him with a large sword similar to the ones the royal guards had. ???: Concern. Situation is unfavorable for target's quarry. Suggestion: Escape the area. A woman wielding a sword dashed out from behind a building and slid between Ludger and the cyber knights, swinging her blade skillfully to knock away both of the particle slashes. She glanced back at Ludger. ???: You idiots need to get out of here right now! More are coming, and it's not going to be pretty if you stick around any longer! Another ran over to Dante, huffing as she did so. She then noticed the barrage of missiles. ???: Whoaaaaa, don't do thaaaaat! She held out a hand, throwing up a rectangular arcane barrier to block the missiles flying everywhere. ???: That's just gonna raise more attention! You gotta go, buddy! Like, right now! She looked like she was struggling to maintain the barrier.

MAGICAL KINGDOM OF VERVE: Algor Cemetery Hera put away her tome and runeblade, then started to lead the way out of the cemetery. Hera: Very well, Mistress Bathory! Fortunately, the castle in which he resides is due northwest from here, so we shall arrive quickly. Idealis quickly followed behind her, obviously wanting to get out of there as fast as possible. Enkidu did pique her interest, however. Idealis: Is everyone in this place like him? I sure hope not...I think our party's as big as it needs to be as it is!

MAGICAL KINGDOM OF VERVE The group would find themselves in what appeared to be a cemetery, rows of an assortment of headstones sticking out of the snow that covered the ground. Hera glanced around, looking for a groundskeeper. Her glance soon settled upon a male in a thick coat tending to a worn headstone. She gestured for the others to wait, and approached the male with the body in tow. Once next to him, she started to speak to him, though from a distance, it was difficult to tell what exactly they were conversing about. The male gestured towards a cluster of spruce trees with no headstones around it, and Hera nodded. She walked over to the trees and set the bubble holding the body upon the snow. Raising her runeblade, the snow in front of her seemed to begin blowing away, clearing out a patch of grass underneath it. The grass started to sink into the dirt, which also started to sink further into the ground, a deep, rectangular hole forming below her. She pointed her runeblade at the bubble, and brought it around to the hole, the bubble morphing into what appeared to be a casket. The object slowly lowered into the hole and vanished from sight. Once this was done, Hera stomped on the ground, causing a headstone to rise up at the head of the hole. She walked over to it and, using her runeblade, began carving some information into it. After a minute, she was finished, so she stood up, bowed her head, and muttered something quietly. She turned her head to glance at the others, a somber look upon her face; the first time she had fallen into depression while with them. Hera: Would any of you like to say any final words? Idealis sighed. Idealis: Let's just...let's just get this over with, please...I hate moments like these.

Eventually, the group would pass by the gates into the city, two guards throwing up a powerful arcane barrier behind them that repelled the creatures that were in pursuit. Whilst they clawed at the barrier in the hopes of getting at everyone within the city, the group would be able to finally take a well-deserved break from the running to take in the sights of the city. Idealis proceeded to do so, placing her hands upon her knees as she took some time to catch her breath only to have what was left of it taken away by the kingdom's beauty. Idealis: *Huff huff* ...wow...I...think we...finally made it.... Hera, who seemed to still maintain her composure, nodded. Hera: We have indeed successfully made it here alive and nigh in one piece. Her attention was drawn to Edward's body still floating in an arcane bubble behind her. Hera: Now, allow me to find somewhere to bury him; if you would all please follow me once more... She started to make her way to the northeast through the kingdom. As she walked by, what appeared to be a magical battle between two powerful witches could be seen above, a magical explosion seeming to blow the two away from each other before they once again flew at each other, ready to deliver physical blows to the other.

The man pointed towards a tower to the southwest. Man Of Mystery: Right over there. Shouldn't take long for you to get there from here!

Idealis: I don't know, but I already hate it! They would be able to notice that their speed increased massively. Meanwhile, behind them, a massive ape-like creature could be seen barreling towards them. Fortunately, up ahead, a large town could be seen. It was difficult to see what it consisted of entirely from a distance, but they were closing in quickly.

The creature appeared to be wiser than the average prey, and proceeded to hop to the right of the sphere before continuing its approach towards Magnum, its ears bounding backwards menacingly. The rabbit would be struck by the lance, causing it to let out a shriek and reel backwards. Behind them, more clouds of snow rose up as if triggered by the rabbit's pain, five more creatures revealing themselves with growls. The creatures began to charge specifically at Elizabeth, displaying incredible speed. Idealis called out to her after standing up and revealing her katars. Idealis: Lizzy, behind you! The rabbit let out a shriek as it was hit, a loud, deep roar echoing through the snowfield. Hera gasped. Hera: We must flee, Masters and Mistresses! NOW! Come; I shall ensure our escape! She raised her runeblade, winds replacing the flames that once licked the enchanted metal. Idealis didn't hesitate to run by her. She obviously saw something that made her spine melt away. Idealis: Right, let's make it suuuuuuuper quiiiiiick!

Idealis chuckled at Seth's response. Idealis: What, are you afraid of rabbits? They're harmless! While Idealis was busy poking fun at Seth, one of them suddenly pulled its head back. Hera called out towards her. Hera: Mistress Furtivus! Get back now! It was obvious that she wasn't aware of the situation. Idealis: Huh? It's a ra- Its ears slammed into her leg, causing her to let out a cry of pain and fall down into the snow, holding the spot where she got hit. She was tearing up. Idealis: Ow, ow, ow, ow, owwwwww! She quickly scampered away from the rabbits. Idealis: I'm not getting close to another rabbit! Kill theeeem! BGM: Snowstorm (Soundtrack Ver.) Hera's runeblade became shrouded in flames. Hera: An understandable mistake; now, to battle! The rabbits began to advance towards the group; those more observant could perhaps see something else peering out at them from a hole in the snow left behind by them.

Idealis: That's right! Now, let's do our absolute best! Idealis couldn't help but notice Jude's behavior. Idealis: Hey, Hera...I think he needs some fire. Hera glanced back at Jude and chuckled. Hera: Flawless timing, Master Mathis! And it seems that he is not the only one in need of them. Her gaze settled upon Magnum and Elizabeth for a brief moment before she turned back around and started to chant. NOW ENTERING: REGALIS SNOWFIELD BGM: Snowflake (Soundtrack Ver.) Upon entering the snowfield, they would suddenly see clouds of snow rise up as creatures began to burrow out from under it, soon revealing themselves to be five small rabbit-like creatures. They began to hop towards the group, seeming to have no intent to harm them. Idealis pointed a finger at them. Idealis: Are those rabbits? I've never seen rabbits that like humans!

Idealis glanced at Yomi. Idealis: Back so soon? And let me guess: no sign of our blue, shovel-wielding friend? Hearing their moping seemed to trigger something within Idealis. Idealis: You two look pretty hopeless right now. Whatever his situation might be, we have to at least have hope that he'll show up again. If he doesn't, oh well, that's the way things are gonna be. I knew that not all of us were going to survive; hell, I'm guessing that I'll be the next one greeting Death, but we can't let ourselves get demotivated by this. We have to keep going with our heads held up high; if not for our sake, then for theirs! It's what they would want us to do, and it's what we would want them to do if, gods forbid, the roles were reversed. And on top of that, we have other people relying on us as well: the other team in the slums! We can't give up when we're this close to getting there! Idealis: And besides, I have a strong feeling that Percival's on his way right now! And everyone at the slums? I know for a fact that they've got everything under control and are probably waiting for us at the Hangout as we speak! So clear your minds, take in the scenery, and let's get this done, alright? And I refuse to take no for an answer!

Hera nodded her head slightly, smiling warmly. Hera: Very well, Mistress Bathory. However, if you do find yourself becoming chilly, do not hesitate to mention so! Further ahead, a group of beasts which looked almost like moose with four antlers could be seen slowly walking towards what could be presumed to be the west in the snowy plain.

As the audience team made their way through the forest, the air around them grew colder, and spotty patches of snow were visible upon the ground. The lighting was also beginning to get brighter as the trees started to slowly become sparse. Wanting to carry out her duty as a maid, Hera proceeded to speak up. Hera: We are about to enter the Regalis Snow Plains; are you able to handle to cold, Mistress Bathory? If required, I may be able to use my flames to give you warmth. I also extend the offer to you, Mistress Furtivus. Idealis shook her head quickly. Idealis: N-no, I'll be fine, I promise! I've done this a million times! Hera: Mmm? You must imagine that I will do something...uncouth, judging from your reaction. Have you, per- Idealis: I'll be fine, dammit! Hera let out a hearty chuckle. Hera: Very well, Mistress Furtivus; I shall no longer press the matter.