Agni Blackheart

Lucent Vermillion and ???

Location: Mysterious Ruins

 

 

Lucina

 

BGM: Beautiful Dead still playing

 

Lucina: Yes, I am. I come from the kindgom of Ylisse, in another world called Valm. Although, right now, I am searching for my Master alongside some of my allies.
 

Then, Lucina looked at the commander.

 

Lucina: I suppose you have some words to speak, correct? You do seem as the commander behind the group.

 

Elizabeth Bathory

 

Lize: Why, yes, thank you very much. Excuse me.

 

Lize walked in the room and sat in her bed. She crossed her legs and began to think.

 

Lize: I wonder if Yomi managed to find the others. She just sent Jude away out of nowhere back then.

 

5T, 13P and Melina

 

The androids followed Hinamori and Yui, still talking about Byakuya. They stopped at the door for a while.

 

5T: I have a feeling that Agni did that knowing the consequences and taking full responsibility upon it. He seems like the type to do that sort of stuff anyway.

13P: ... Hey, 5T. I think we haven't done our presentations to the people. I think some of them recognized you because of the other you, but...

5T: I know, but we'll do it later. I'm certainly going to be questioned about myself tomorrow.

 

5T and 13P were the next people to leave. The Pods, who have been flying and analyzing the others, followed them as well.

 

Melina: Well, it is my pleasure to meet you two as well, Ms. Morrigan and Mr. Kyo. Now, if you excuse me, I shall be going too.

Agni Artwaltz, Rokurou Rangetsu, 5T, 13P and Anna Ametrine

 

BGM: Iwatodai Dorm (Persona 3)

 

Agni: Well, I'll try to contact Seraph or Magnum before I can go to sleep. Knowing where they are is going to be important.

Rokurou: I'm going with you. I have nothing better to do anyways and we still have a fight to pull on.

Melina: I guess the arenas are disabled since I believe all functionalities are finished for the day.

Rokurou: What? Lame...

Melina: I suppose I shall be the first to head out to see our accomodations. I must check with who I am supposed to share rooms with.

13P: 5T, should we go too?

5T: I guess so. I have to do a system check-up on both of us, so we might head to the rooms as well.

Melina: Yes, but I suppose someone has to explain to Miss Hinamori why is the supposed "murderer" coming along with us.

Agni: I'll do it.

Melina: Artwaltz, your priority should be contacting the other team since you are the only one capable of doing it so.

Agni: Well, yeah, but-

5T: Agni, we'll do the explanations. You can go and contact whoever you need to.

Agni: R-Right. Well, let's go, Rokurou.

Rokurou: Fine by me. It's not like I have anything to do anyway.

 

Agni and Rokurou knocked at the door, trying to call the attention of the Mech-Hisui outside the room. 5T and 13P went towards Hinamori, Yui and Byakuya to tell why he's with them.

 

5T: From what I could gather, he's just coming along on his own will. This... "Chelicerata" guy, right? That's what he was called earlier.

13P: Wasn't it Agni's idea for him to come along?

5T: That's because Agni just gave up and let him come. But it's not like he's free to do anything he wants. We can just beat him dead in the case he backstab us, like Melina.

13P: Rokurou and Agni already gave him their warnings, too. He's not in a good situation, if he decides to play the traitor.

 

Melina who was still sitting at the window, looked at the people around, looked at Kirimuri and then noticed Kiryu, Morrigan and Kyo there.

 

Melina: Oh, Mr. Kiryu, you are back and I have not noticed you. I see you have found some other people with you. Who are they?

 

Anna didn't follow Agni and Rokurou. She went towards Light and Dark to ask them about the way they found for her to help.

 

Anna: Umm... excuse me, Mr. Light and... Mr. Darkflare...? I have something to ask of you two.

 

Lucina

BGM: Beautiful Dead (Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc)

 

They were waiting in the lounge for a good time. Lucina tried to see if Agni was somewhere, but the Mech-Hisuis weren't being too cooperative.

 

Lucina: *sigh* I guess they are here, but those maids are not telling me anything. Is something too important happening that we cannot speak with the others now? I suppose we have no choice but to wait.

Lucina: Come to think about it, from where did you all came? Considering how you are dressed, I suppose you are not from the slums, correct?

 

Magnum Alexandria and Seraph Artwaltz

 

BGM: Frosty Village (Diddy Kong Racing)

 

The town seemed more lively at night. More witches were shooting magic at each other in the skies and even more people walked around. Torches were lit, so it wasn't horribly dark.

 

Magnum: We're finally back. And look, the town seems more crowded now.

Seraph: I suppose the people in this town are more nocturnal. Well then, shall we go to the inn?

Magnum: R-Right! Although I'm unsure...

Seraph: I'm going to hear and explain a lot. Got what I deserve, anyway...

 

Elizabeth Bathory

 

Lize: Really? Well, thank you, Nemesis. At least I'll have a good company to sleep and have some girl talk.

 

Fang

 

Fang was flying above the snowfields, heading back to the forest. He was used to cold places, so the wind didn't bothered him that badly.

 

Fang: (Tch... seems like he wasn't there at all. I'll just head to the next town and see if I can find him.)

Fang: (But that damn wind! Who the hell conjured it?! I was going to get Seraph dead but it blown me away! When I find the person who did it, they're going to be dead too!)

 

He descended, reaching the border between the fields and the forest. He landed on a tree, sitting on a branch to rest for the night. He closed his eyes, thinking about his precious person before sleeping.

 

Fang: Nothing and no one shall get in my way. I'm going to take him with me, no matter what... for his sake and for the happiness I deserve...

??? (To @A person and @Mister Fael)

 

BGM: The Days When My Mother Was There (Persona 5)

 

He breathed heavily. Taking out all of those creatures was a hard task. However, he was doing that for the person whom he loved the most.

 

???: Haaaah... haaah... damn, I'm tired. Those creatures doesn't just give up...

???: (Mom... I'm doing a good job, right? Even though I'm a monster, I'll protect this ruin from anyone...)

 

Suddenly, steps could be heard. When the fox-looking young man looked, another person showed up.

 

???: Man, don't you guys ever quit?! How many times do I have to tell you that you're not coming in here?!

???: ... A kitsune...?

???: Wait, what?! You know what I am?!

???: Yes... although I never saw one... up close.

???: Well, that doesn't matter! You're not getting in!!

???: I see... then I'll just go away.

 

The white-haired stranger turned out to continue walking, but the kitsune stopped him. This was something weird. How come he wasn't after the treasure?

 

???: Wait, wait, wait. You were supposed to say "Oh yeah? Then I'll force myself in!" or something like that and we jump into the fight part.

???: Is that so? I'm not interested in treasures. I just need a shelter...

???: Weird... so many people get here to come after the big treasure of this ruin. You're the first to say that treasure isn't interesting.

???: The desert seems long... I won't be able to endure it without resting...

???: The closest town is some miles away from here. You'll reach it drenched in sweat.

???: ...

???: Alright, alright. I'll be kind enough to let you rest a little. But...

???: If you get near the treasure altar, I'll kill you! Got it?!

???: ... Yes. And thank you for your kindness.

 

The caped young man looked at the ruin and then looked at the kitsune.

 

???: ... Are you the god of this ruin?

???: More like a monster. I have my own reasons to stay here protecting this place.

???: I see... I suppose I should let you know my name then...

 

Lucent: ... Presentation done. However, I have something to check before going inside. Goodbye for now...

???: W-Wait, my name is...!

 

However, when he tried to introduce himself, Lucent just marched towards the sands ahead, looking at a point in the sky. The kitsune was left utterly confused, not understanding a single thing.

 

???: (He's so weird... I don't get him at all... how come he offered no resistance to me when I tried to attack? Is he so sincere or so stupid?)

Elizabeth Bathory

 

After feeling the warmth for a while, Elizabeth followed the other to the rooms. She looked but wondered where she was going to stay.

 

Lize: Eeeeh... where am I going to sleep then...?

 

Agni Artwaltz, Melina, Rokurou Rangetsu, 5T, 13P and Anna Ametrine

 

Agni: I could try to contact Seraph or Magnum. I have my communicator right here in my ear.

Melina: Well, right now, we have no signals, so calling them here is not going to work.

13P: Can't we just hack into the network and try to find something out?

5T: You're really into the hacking part, right?

13P: Well, you're the best I know on that part, so if you could do it, we'd get somewhere!

5T: For the sake of... I don't know what. Didn't you heard me before? There's no machine potent enough to connect to their network!

Rokurou: ... I guess we should call this off for now and wait for tomorrow.

Anna: I think it is for the best.

 

??? (To @A person and @Mister Fael)

 

The scolding heat of an endless desert was all he could feel. He kept walking towards the sands, the sunlight not bothering him.

 

???: Another world... different from my own... how many times will this happen...

 

In the distance, he saw a strange ruin. It looked like a destroyed temple, used to rever a god or hold some sort of treasure inside it.

 

???: A ruin...? It'll have to serve as a shelter.

???: (Auras... heading towards that ruin. Two of them...? I'll know once I reach it.)
 

He kept walking towards said ruin, following the winds leading to it. No sign of abnormalities seemed to be present at his sight, but he was prepared for everything that could happen.

Elizabeth Bathory

 

She followed them to the inn, immediately running to the fireplace.

 

Lize: Aaaah, this feels so good... finally, I'm warm...

 

Magnum Alexandria and Seraph Artwaltz

 

Jude's sudden appearance hasn't surprised Magnum much. He knew the disc served for that, other than the fact that teleporting wasn't something so unusual for him.

 

Magnum: Well, I don't. Maybe he's still fighting, so-

Seraph: I'm here.

 

Soon, Seraph approached them. He seemed to be fine.

 

Magnum: Sir Seraph!!

Seraph: Sorry if I took my time. Has the conversation with the Oracle ended?

Magnum: Seems like it. Jude just appeared to take us back to the town.

Seraph: Well, we shouldn't leave them waiting for too long. Let's go.

Magnum: W-Wait... about the person who attacked me...

Seraph: I'll tell you back in the town. Dawdling here will call the attention of the guardians and we might end up in an unnecessary fight against dragons.

Magnum: Yes sir!

 

Agni Artwaltz, Melina, Rokurou Rangetsu, 5T, 13P and Anna Ametrine

 

Rokurou: I've got no idea, his background's shady as himself and Hakumen never gave us too much details about him.

Melina: Hmmhmm. This calls for investigative work.

Agni: Melina, do you have any ideas?

Melina: Well, gathering information is the first part of my job. I could try to gather some pieces of the puzzle around town.

Agni: That seems good, but let's leave it to tomorrow then.

13P: Well, we could try to see something in the network... 5T, you can manage that, right?

5T: That would require a really potent machine, capable of even reaching archives and data from other systems. Clearly, even if this place is well equipped, something like that isn't in our reach.

Anna: ...

Agni: Still thinking about the soldiers?

Anna: Yes... after all, if they are human... how come I never felt a change in the flux?

Agni: I don't know what to say about them either...

 

As the discussion went on, Melina noticed how bothered Kirimuri was. She believed it had to do with the whole scenario, so she asked out of curiosity.

 

Melina: Well, someone seems bothered. Care to opine, Kirimuri, or do you prefer to remain as the silent outsider out of 6 people who never got inside?

 

Lucina

 

After a good amount of walk, they finally reached the Hangout.

 

Lucina: And here we are. This is the Warrior's Hangout. My allies should be already inside.

Elizabeth Bathory

 

Lize: OK. We might as well see what happened to Magnum and Seraph...

 

As Idealis opened up the door, the gust of wind came like if it was a giant hand fisting her back. If felt like that for her, obvious reasons...

 

Lize: GAH!! C-C-Cold!! A-At this rate, I'm going to f-freeze!!

 

Agni Artwaltz, Melina,Rokurou Rangetsu, 5T, 13P and Anna Ametrine

 

BGM: Alien Manifestation (NieR: Automata)

 

Rokurou: Well, if I can add one thing is that he's not doing it alone.

Agni: Is there someone else doing this?

Rokurou: There's another guy involved with this. I met him only once, but his name's Ocelot. He's the guy responsible for the armory and the equipment. He's a shady guy, mainly a lone wolf and no one knows his intentions. Hakumen meets with the soldiers but he rarely makes any sort of human contact.

Agni: So that's how they got ahold of the armor...

Rokurou: That part about magic I can't say. As far as I know, nothing we did involved those things.

13P: Something like a civil war... I think I got it, only by that explanation.

Melina: Well, I have a question. About the public, how they are feeling about this?

Agni: The opinion between them diverges between them. Some are in favor, some against and those who don't wish to be involved.

Melina: Expectable. However, wouldn't it be true to consider most of their army being made out of a makeshift guerilla?

13P: Are you suggesting that the people are making part of an army?

Rokurou: The girl ain't wrong. People volunteered to join the Knights of the Forsaken. Hakumen accepted and personally trained them...

 

Suddenly, Rokurou fell silent. Something crossed his mind about the soldiers.

 

Rokurou: But now that you mentioned it, there's something bothering me.

5T: What would that be?

Rokurou: Lately, some of the soldiers began to act as if they were kinda robotic.They followed orders and never said anything.

5T: Like... machines?

13P: So we have machines involved in the story? Ugh, how troublesome...

Anna: ...

Agni: Something on your mind, Anna?

Anna: I... have a question. I suppose you all fought those soldiers, no? How... many of them did you killed?

Elizabeth Bathory

 

BGM: Manoria Cathedral still playing

 

Upon hearing Idealis and Hera, Elizabeth headed out of the room, going back to the main hall.

 

Elizabeth: Sheesh, he lost it. It's not like it's our fault anyway. He's the one who messed up big.

 

Magnum Alexandria and Seraph Artwaltz

 

As Magnum looked behind him, Artoria came to see how he was doing. He buffed up a smile just to show that things were OK.

 

Magnum: Oh... Artoria! I thought you stood with the rest.

 

However, upon hearing her words, all that Idealis and Elizabeth spoke about them ran back into his mind. Anger started to well up on him again, something he hasn't shown before when leaving the castle.

 

Magnum: I know I acted like a little kid throwing a tantrum, but what would I do? Stay quiet and that's just it? I just couldn't take it... I'd care less if it was directed only at me, but they just assume things because of who we are... as if we never had passed through. That...

Magnum: Pisses me the hell off! Seriously, what the heck?! Goddamnit, they spoke as if we three were just kidding around while everyone else does the hard work! I'm so damn full of their blasted opinion about us! So following their logic, just because I'm an angel, I don't know the pain of humans. To hell with that shit! They don't know a single fraction of what we went through in other worlds! Oh, I'm so damn mad about this that I would simply tell them to f-

 

Hearing himself, Magnum stopped talking, a little surprised on how he exploded. He looked back at Artoria and laughed nervously.

 

Magnum: O-Oh, almost! Sorry, I tend to explode like this and just ramble on and on, haha!

Magnum: But maybe I needed to explode. Whew, I feel better about this now. Thanks for listening to it, Artoria.

Magnum: I'm going to break their bias about us. Just you watch, I'll make them see that we can undergo in the same pain as they do.

 

He was determined once again. His usual energetic self came back as a new challenge approached him. From a little far, Seraph watched at both and he managed to see how things went well, even if he couldn't hear them.

 

Seraph: (He certainly changed a little... he was the type to just engulf those feelings and never let them out, not even to another ally.)

Seraph: (... Change or else your actions will impact on others. That fool's words... are they actually correct in the end?)

Elizabeth Bathory

 

BGM: Manoria Cathedral (Chrono Trigger)

 

By the conversation between them, things were definitely horrible. Elizabeth tried to hold her tongue, but she was clearly unable to.

 

Lize: Let me get this straight then. Based on this whole shenanigan, we were supposed to stay here only for a little while but now we're trapped in this world for who knows how long?!

 

Not all of them came here through a portal, that's a fact. However, she was also forced into this by someone else. Now, she hears that any chance of her leaving this world is reduced to zero. Elizabeth couldn't take it. She has already been forced to do what she never wanted to four times, this being the fifth.

 

Lize: Are you going senile?! What makes you believe that we are some sort of heroes transcribed into some sort of manuscript that tells about "the legendary heroes that are destined to save the world" and the whole cliché, overused routine?!

Lize: Well since you're the one who brought us, send us back then! We all have things to do in our worlds and we can't waste our time in this endeavor you're pushing onto us!

Lucina

 

Lucina: Very well. Follow me then, I will lead the way.

 

Lucina began to follow the streets as she began to lead them towards the Hangout.

Lucina

 

Lucina: Very well. Follow me then, I will lead the way.

 

Lucina began to follow the streets as she began to lead them towards the Hangout.

Agni Artwaltz, Rokurou Rangetsu, 5T, 13P, Melina and Anna Ametrine

 

Agni: About us two, we're-

5T: Tell the details later. Let's head to this meeting room.

Agni: A-Alright.

Melina: Welcome back.

 

When Agni looked at the seats to his right, Melina waved unsincerely at them.

 

Melina: Have you taken a nice trip, Artwaltz?

Agni: Melina.

Anna: So she is the Sixth Bariura Princess, Melina...

5T: ...

Melina: What a beautiful conglomeration you have managed to reunite. Perhaps your words have brought them to your side as well.

Agni: I did nothing of the sort. Everyone came here by their own free will.

Melina: Say whatever you want. Your words and nothing are the same to me.

Anna: Your Highness, please, there is no need for anything of the sort. We wish to help you with this endeavor, so-

Melina: I have no trust for angels or anything that is related to the gods.

13P: And I don't trust a brat who can't get her head straight.

 

Upon hearing the words coming from 13P, she looked directly at the androids.

 

Melina: Excuse me?!

5T: Just because you are a princess doesn't mean you have to be judgemental of others. Who are you to say anything about them when you're the uncooperative kid here?

Anna: H-Hold on a moment... there is no need to mistreat her like this

Melina: Well, we have new sharp-tongued additions to this cast. The kind of people like you can clearly accuse others while doing something wrong yourselves. Maybe a mirror would help you watch better your twisted behavior.

13P: What is she, a sheltered little prick?

Melina: L-Little prick?!

5T: Agni, I clearly suggest for her to stay out of this. We don't need a backstabber around us.

Agni: H-Hey, don't go overboard with this. She's with us too.

13P: She doesn't seem like cooperating with us anyway, so why bother? After all, like 5T said, she's a real double-crosser that could easily leave us to die.

5T: That's only an presumption, but I'm certain that's close to what she really is. Our "Highness" might sell us to the enemy in a fingersnap if the situation is convenient for her.

Anna: P-Please, enough... we do not mind her distrust...

5T: But we do. If she's not going to be useful, then she should just leave.

13P: It won't make a difference. We don't need to watch a weakling like her, who's absolutely a stone in our shoes.

 

This was enough for Melina. Even though she never had pride as a princess of Bariura, her own self was being dirtied with words. Bearing her casual smile, she looked back at 5T and 13P.

 

Melina: ... You wish for me to be cooperative? Fine. I shall do it so. I heard enough coming from you two...

Melina: But as a friendly warning... sleep with your eyes open. Who knows what could happen in the night?

5T: Well then, humor me. It's a pleasure to think on how things will go, Princess Melina.

13P: And about sleeping with our eyes open... that's a cheap and dull way to threaten someone. So let's be a little more direct.

5T and 13P: Backstab us all and we'll kill you.

Melina: ...!!

 

5T and 13P left to follow the others that went ahead to the room.

 

Agni: Great, they hate each other. Wonderful way to start on making the team work together.

Anna: Your Highness, I am very sorry, we never meant to have things happening like this...

Agni: We actually don't mind if you're doubting us or not. You have reasons to, anyway.

Melina: ... Please, stop. Let us just go to this meeting room...

 

They followed the others who already went ahead. Rokurou just stood silent, while watching all the scene.

 

Elizabeth Bathory

 

Lize: (Finally. I was starting to think that my dress was going to fill with mana dust...)

Lize: (But I wonder why they're so concerned about this...)

 

Elizabeth followed Hera, Idealis and Seth to the Oracle's sanctum.

 

Lucina

 

Lucina: Oh! W-Well, it is my pleasure, Miss Penelope.

Lucina: Well, I am glad I could help at some point. However, I must depart back to somewhere and warn my allies about a serious situation.

Lucina: ... On a thought, would it be better for you to come with me? I believe we can help each other and they will not refuse to do it so.

Agni Artwaltz, Anna Ametrine, 5T and 13P

 

Anna: Actually, I have no information on any sort of incident. I was worried because Agni left on his mission without warning me beforehand, so I came after him.

Agni: I'm sorry. We really need to sit and talk about this, just the two of us.

Anna: It is OK. I am not mad.

 

He gave her a sad smile. Just like with Light, Agni has been hiding things from Anna, someone who trusted him deeply. Even though she wasn't mad at him, he was disappointed in himself for doing such thing. Same could be said about his old friend.

 

Agni: That samurai is Rokurou Rangetsu, an ex-commander of the Knights of the Forsaken. He helped me escape from the slums, like you previously saw. We worked under the guise of me being a new monster bait for his hunts. The other guy... I don't really know his name. All that I can call him is as Chelicerata, which is the name of his own source of power.

Agni: ... And I know I have so much to explain to you. I never meant to lie, but there are things that can't be just spoken with everyone listening. That's the case of Melina's own story, Light.

Anna: Ah! Now that you mentioned... I felt something too in the flux of souls recently. It was that her soul has disappeared. It was meant to be waiting for judgement, but it is not anymore.

Agni: Someone ressurected her, for reasons unknown. The thing is, knowing how she is, getting her full cooperation in this will be difficult.

 

As they talked, the androids joined the conversation. 13P was the first to bluntly put about it.

 

13P: Talk about an edgy teamwork you all have. I don't know how it's standing by the way you talk, since it looks like you're working together, but going at each other's heads at the same time.

5T: If this is how you all normally work, I don't know. But from my point of view, it's a hunter against hunter situation with too many lies, betrayals and such things like that.

13P: Our battle routines are pre-programmed, but even we know about the importance of a team. Aren't you all in the same situation?

Agni: We all are here for different reasons. Some of us came by own volition, some were sent and trapped here, others were from here ever since the beginning... even though we want to, it's hard to mix all of them into one only so that we can fight together.

Anna: Even if union is the most logical conclusion, our hearts are different. In this case, no one has their emotions fully aligned. Because of that, internal conflicts are bound to happen. Until they are aligned, it is impossible for us to achieve anything.

5T: Well, hearts are bound to changes every time. It's not like we understand that very well, but what we can at least comprehend how faulty your teamwork is and how you'll never achieve anything other than each other's deaths if you all don't take it more seriously.

Agni: Yeah, you're right. We have to reverse that, no matter what. I'm giving my 100% and beyond it to make sure everybody returns home.

 

Anna held Agni's hand and squeezed it. Once he looked at her, she beamed him a smile.

 

Anna: You already have my trust, support and love. I will always stand by your side, Agni.

5T: (How come they are so different? Anna's so open about it and Agni's too closed...)

13P: Well, we can't do magic, but we'll try our best in what we can do. Ain't that right, 5T?

5T: Correct. There are many things I want to know and I'm going to do it so.

Agni: Great. That's good to hear.

Agni: Light, I know that I lied twice to you when I should've just been sincere, but I want another chance. Whatever I know, I won't hide it anymore.

Agni Artwaltz, Rokurou Rangetsu, Anna Ametrine, 5T and 13P

 

Rokurou: Well, guess I'll follow Kiri and head right in!

5T: Don't forget the coin. *flips it towards Rokurou*

Rokurou: *grabs it* Thanks, 5T! Now, to make my signup and drag someone with me to those arenas.

13P: Good luck with that.

 

Rokurou went inside as well. As they were about to go in, Light and the others from Team A appeared.

 

Agni: Light! Ryuko! Etomo! Cu!

Anna: Oh my, Mr. LightFlare! It has been such a long time, how have you been?

 

Lucina

 

BGM: Onward, Yggdra! still playing

 

Lucina: Very well, I shall not disappoint!

 

Even though she was being dragged, Lucina held Falchion in order to react quickly at any sort of attack towards them.

Agni Artwaltz, Rokurou Rangetsu, Anna Ametrine, 5T and 13P

 

BGM: Peaceful Sleep still playing

 

Agni, Anna and Rokurou reached the entrance, where 5T was waiting for them, alongside someone else they didn't know, but familiar to the android.

 

Agni: Oh, there you are. I thought you would have lost yourself among the road.

5T: I have a mini-map and the route recorded in my data, don't take me that lightly.

Rokurou: Haha! That's an android for you.

Anna: Oh, now I understood what he meant about protocol. It was strange how I am unable to feel any sort of aura coming out from you.

5T: What's... an aura?

Agni: It's best if you don't know. We don't want you getting up into magical stuff without using it.

13P: Magical schtick and whatnot isn't for us, 5T. Let's do as he says and stop asking about it.

Rokurou: By the way, who's the glasses guy?

13P: YoRHa unit no. 13 Type Punisher. 13P for short. I came here to aid 5T.

Anna: I suppose he is too an android. Well, I suppose we should present each other again.

Rokurou: Right. Well, I'm-

5T: There's no need for that. I'll pass the data I have about them to you. Pod.

5T's Pod: Affirmative. Requesting permission to initiate allied forces data upload to unit 13P's memory data.

13P's Pod: Permission granted. Initiating download of data...

Agni: Being an android seems to make life so much easier...

Rokurou: Wanna have an android of you walking around then?

Agni: No, I don't. I think one of me is already enough.

Anna: I agree with Agni.

Rokurou: Aww, aren't you two the cutest lovebirds.

Agni: Rokurou, don't overstep the boundaries or I'll shoot you!

Rokurou: O-OK, I'm backing off...

 

After a while, the procedure was complete.

 

13P's Pod: Download complete. Data of Agni Artwaltz, Anna Ametrine, Rokurou Rangetsu and Kirimuri has been stored as allied forces data. Proposal: a word of appreciation must be said.

13P: ... Alright then. The names are here. Nice to meet you all.

Agni: The pleasure is ours, 13P.

 

Then, 5T saw that Byakuya was still following them and got annoyed. Seeing his face towards Byakuya, 13P was going to order his Pod to shoot but was held back by 5T.

 

5T: That guy's still following us.

Agni: There's nothing much you can do about it.

5T and 13P: You could have just said "no".

Agni: Well... there's that, but... I don't think would've listened to me.

5T and 13P: ...

Anna: Hehe... you two look like brothers.

5T and 13P: Huh?!

Agni: Well, considering they're androids, I suppose the synergy between them is better. I can definitely see them as brothers.

5T and 13P: Me? His brother?

 

5T and 13P looked at each other and looked away at the same instant, each with its thought about Agni and Anna's opinion.

 

5T: (I don't think it would work...)

13P: (... That wouldn't be so bad, I guess...)

 

Elizabeth Bathory

 

Lize: Well, it's not like I have something against their kind. You know, there is an exception to me... I don't know why, but he is.

Lize: But... if you think they're somewhat important to us, then I'm not saying anything. Not going after him, though. I might end up skewering him if he takes my patience off.

 

At the end of her thought, Elizabeth giggled a little and looked at Idealis again.

 

Lize: Hehe... you're kinda fit to be the boss around us, Nemesis. I mean, I can't say I'll fully follow your orders since my contract is exclusive to him, but you seem diligent enough to make the decisions around here.

Agni Artwaltz, Anna Ametrine and Rokurou Rangetsu

 

Anna: ...

Rokurou: Man, I guess you should just quit. They don't seem convinced of you.

Agni: Well, clearly you can't expect me to say "yes" easily... but at any rate, you're going to follow us even if we say "no", won't you?

Anna: I... am really concerned about this...

Agni: I won't let anything happen to you or to anyone. Something happens and my bullet is the last thing he'll see... we're clear on that, Chelicerata?

Anna: OK. I believe in you, Agni. Mr. Chelicerata, we will be counting on you.

Rokurou: Wait, are you just letting him come?

Agni: Like I said, he's asking but what he'll do is very clear. Whether we say yes or no, he's going to follow us anyway. I won't stop him from coming, but the warning has been given.

 

Agni and Anna went back to the Warrior's Hangout, holding hands ever still. Rokurou gave Byakuya a glare before following them.

 

Rokurou: Tch... hey, kid. You mess up and you're mine to take care, got it?

 

5T and ???

 

After reaching the Hangout, he just leaned at the entrance, waiting for the others to arrive.

 

5T: *sigh* I guess I'll just lean here and wait up for them, I guess...

 

BGM: Peaceful Sleep (NieR: Automata)

 

???: 5T! Hey!

5T: Wait, that's...

 

13P went running towards 5T, who was surprised he was still around and alive. That made him glad.

 

13P: I finally managed to find you... after all this time...

5T: 13P...

13P: I heard that there was one survivor among your model. Am I glad to have found it!

5T: Y-You don't have to sound so glad. I mean, there's nothing so special about my model anyway.

13P: Did you forget? I was assigned to help you. That's solely the reason why I was created.

5T: Not all of your models were designed to do that. The Punisher models were designed to be full-fledged battle units, while the Tracer were created solely for recon missions.

13P: I'd take any recon mission over being sent to a war. After all, working out with other models is where lies the fun.

5T: You do remember that having fun isn't something we were programmed to have, right?

13P: Neither to have free will, but hey, here we are.

5T: Touché.

 

13P leaned agains the wall, next to 5T. He looked at his fists and clenched them, demonstrating a little of anger.

 

13P: YoRHa's so demented as hell... that organization is so messed up that I'm glad the production of my models stopped.

5T: Yeah... there are many things that happened under our eyes that we never noticed in the time... but now...

13P: You don't sound that filled with revenge. For the last survivor, that is.

5T: Well, you see... I'm not technically the last one. He... died.

13P: ...

5T: Sorry to disappoint you that much, I guess...

13P: Who said I'm disappointed? Like I said, if I could find a survivor, it'd be great. I did, so there's that.

13P: Besides, my mission stays the same. I'll assist you whenever, so we're a team now.

5T: Well, I guess this leaves me a little happier. Fighting alongside another unit will help me much, in comparison to the others.

13P: Same here. Except I've been alone for a longer time.

 

Lucina

 

BGM: Onward, Yggdra! -PSP Version- (Yggdra Union: We'll Never Fight Alone)

 

Lucina: Haaaah!!

 

Without any hesitation (or caution), Lucina broke through the knights and reached the group. With Falchion in hand, she decided to fight alongside them and help with any eventual escape, if that were to be the case.

 

Lucina: Greetings. My name is Lucina. I have seen you were in problems with those guards and I decided to help.

 

Magnum Alexandria

 

Magnum went to the outside, looking at the brigde that connected Verve's land to the castle, alongside the two guardians standing in its end. He then looked at the disc.

 

Magnum: .(If this is just like I suppose they're thinking, I'm the... oh, great...)

Magnum: (But seriously, I should head back to the town. I guess working nicely with them isn't an option anymore. Well, I'll try to get the most distant possible from here, anyway...)

 

Elizabeth Bathory

 

Lize: Are you sure you wanna go? Why do we need to look after him, anyway? It was his decision to play the crybaby.

Magnum Alexandria and Elizabeth Bathory

 

As he tried to leave, he felt his scarf being held. He looked back at her.

 

Magnum: If I'm not helpful, then why do you want me around?

Lize: Ugh, getting overemotional over a stupid commentary that wasn't even directed at you. But oh brave commander, please forgive our horrendous sin. We never intended to insult your Excellency with our outrageous words. Oh, woe is me for doing such mistake.

Magnum: ... Are you done with your theater?

Lize: Pretty much.

 

Magnum grabbed the disc thrown at him, knowing exactly what Yomi intended with it.

 

Magnum: I'll wait in the city. Maybe even knowing I'm simply outside might end up bothering you.

Lize: Talking seriously now, you're being such a brat with all this soap opera. It's not like we were so offensive, it's just the blatant truth, plain and simple.

Magnum: Then why don't you say the truth in front of your Master and see what he thinks about it when we get back to Candor, Elizabeth? I dare you're even able to try.

Lize: !!

Magnum: Then again, he's different from us. Like you said, he's the only one who you can count between us three angels.

 

He brushed off Idealis' hand from his scarf and continued to walk outside. Elizabeth got a little irritated by his comment.

 

Lize: Playing a foul game like that... fine! I know that Agni will take that with the maturity that he doesn't possess!

 

Agni Artwaltz, Rokurou Rangetsu, Anna Ametrine, 5T and ???

 

Anna: Yes, I did. The church was in a horrible state, physically and possessed by such evil spirits. I managed to purify it, so now it is only an abandoned building.

5T: I think we should head back and continue the needed discussions there.

Agni: Alright then, let's-

 

However, before they could leave, Byakuya has appeared and talked with Agni.

 

Agni: You... the Chelicerata!

Rokurou: By the looks of it, you're not happy of seeing him.

Agni: How can I be? This guy attacked us and even killed innocents.

Anna: Then... the change in the flux of souls... even if I am a minor goddess, I was able to feel it...

5T: Let's just brush him off and go back already. Certainly you don't want to fight here in the open.

 

5T went ahead, ignoring the young man's presence while they stood behind to confirm his intentions.

 

???: Where is he going?

???'s Pod: Unknown. Proposal: follow unit 5T through a different direction.

???: Right, let's go this way then and rendezvous with him at wherever he's going. Pod, mark his signal and keep tracking it.

???'s Pod: Affirmative. Signal found and registrated on mini-map.

Lucina

 

She was desperate. Lucina had ignored Agni's warning and went after him as the coast seemed to get clearer. The guards were so focused on getting him that she got past by them. However, because he never returned, she decided to search for him and had no success.

 

Lucina: (I was not able to find him... I cannot believe this. What has happened to Agni? If something would ever happen to him...)

Lucina: Master... what am I to do now...? I have gotten separated from the rest and I cannot seem to find another way to reach Agni or at least a proof that he is fine...

 

As she walked, the sight of a skirmish was notable. The guards had a team completely cornered. Even though they weren't looking in a helpless situation, she was unable to just ignore it.

 

Lucina: (A fight...?! No, those guards have them cornered! I must make haste! They will need any sort of aid!)

 

Magnum Alexandria and Elizabeth Bathory

 

BGM: Zanarkand still playing

 

She wasn't understanding why some of them were worried. Elizabeth just looked around.

 

Lize: Well, it's not too good. And oh, the speckles of dust coming from this single room... how absurd.

Magnum: ... Ungh...

Lize: Oh!

 

Magnum began to move again. Elizabeth just dropped him on the ground. The fall might have hurt him, but he didn't even complained about it.

 

Magnum: Ugh... where am I...

Lize: Good morning, sleeping dog. You're inside a castle.

Magnum: Oh... so this is the inside of the Oracle's castle...?

Lize: Yep! It sure is.

 

She looked at Magnum, who was unconscious and somewhat hurt. For some reason, she felt worried. However, that certain feeling brought conflict upon Elizabeth...

 

Magnum: ... Where's Sir Seraph?

Lize: He... stood behind to fight another angel. The guy seemed like angry in levels to kill...

Magnum: I see...

Lize: Don't worry. He'll be back soon. You know Seraph's a tough piece, so...

 

He fell silent and waited for their next move. Normally, he'd be more active, so Elizabeth asked him.

 

Lize: Uh, Magnum? You don't need to fall mute.

Magnum: I said it before, I don't feel like talking. I'll just be quiet, so that I won't bother you.

Lize: Oh, c'mon! Just be a little more enthusiastic, like you always are! *tries to give a friendly pat*

Magnum: *stops her hand* Don't touch me.

Lize: ...

Magnum: ... I'll just wair outside. Tell me about what the Oracle said to you later.

 

Agni Artwaltz, Anna Ametrine, Rokurou Rangetsu, 5T and ???

 

5T: One coin will suffice, thank you.

 

As he took the single coin and turned around, he saw Rokurou and Kirimuri staring at Agni and Anna outside.

 

Rokurou: ...

5T: What are you two doing?

Rokurou: Isn't it obvious? We're waiting for the next move.

5T: Ugh, "perverted" isn't a word sufficient to describe you two. *sigh* Let's go.

Rokurou: Oh, you got it already?

5T: Yeah, now come on. Let's meet her up, you two.

 

5T and Rokurou left the bank and went back into the street, where Agni and Anna were waiting together.

 

5T: We're back.

Agni: You managed to get the needed amount?

5T: Yes. Also, who is she?

Agni: She's my wife. Her name is Anna Ametrine. Anna, those are Rokurou, Kirimruri and 5T.

Rokurou: It's my pleasure, miss.

5T: For me as well, ma'am.

Anna: Hehe, I am very honored. And please, no formalities. I prefer to called as my name and not as miss or lady.

5T: Sorry, but I can't promise that. We don't have that much friendship and something like this is out of my protocol and manners.

Anna: Protocol...?

Agni: It's a long story...

 

As their conversation began once again, from the end of the street and away from them, a man was looking at their way.

 

???: Is that 5T?! But his models are...!

Pod: Affirmative. Unit fully recognized as Type 5 Tracer.

???: So it's true... there was a 5T survivor...

???: (5T... how much it has been since out last encounter? Before you were sent on that suicide mission YoRHa planned for your model...)

Seraph Artwaltz, Fang and ???

 

BGM: The Joker still playing

 

The battle went on, fierce as it could be. Seraph and Fang dealt their blows

 

Fang: Damnit... I forgot that for a piece of trash you fight well...

Seraph: It would be hard for me not to know how to fight against you.

Fang: Heh, don't count your victory yet! This thing's just getting started!

Seraph: (... A change in the wind... hold on, this isn't coming from...)

 

Suddenly, the wind began to blow against the flow Fang has previously established. Soon, he felt himself being pushed away by it.

 

Fang: W-What the hell?! T-This wind...!!

 

He couldn't resist it. His crippled wing was not much useful, so he couldn't hold his stance and was blown away.

 

???: Ugh... why did I had to save a guy? Is my luck with women that bad?

 

BGM: Zaveid the Exile (Tales of Zestiria/Berseria)

 

When Seraph looked, another person was standing there. He didn't seemed too bothered, contradicting his last comment.

 

???: Heh, if that kept on, you would have lost. Holding back won't do you any good.

Seraph: Are you the one responsible for the wind?

???: You bet I am! I'm a wind seraphim, so something like that is easy for me.

Seraph: A seraphim, huh? Well, I appreciate your help-

???: Drop it. I know you're not that kind. Talk like you usually do.

Seraph: Huh? What are you talking about?

???: Don't play dumb with me. Just stop that whole act.

 

Seraph's smile quickly ended and his stare lost a good amount of emotion as the strange man asked him to stop.

 

Seraph: ... So let me get to the point then. Your name and make it quick.

???: Oho, you really sound different. Kinda better than the whole "good guy" mask you had on.

Seraph: I said "make it quick".

???: Alright, sir... well, my name is...

 

 

After his presentation, Zaveid stopped leaning on the tree and just went towards Seraph, who looked back at him with a frigid stare.

 

Zaveid: That dude was hell-bent on killing you, from the looks of it. You sure you wanted to die here?

Seraph: No, I don't wish to. I just don't understand why you decide to help me.

Zaveid: You said it yourself. Don't you have a family waiting for you? That's it.

Seraph: That's not a true reason for you to aid me. You don't even know who I am.

Zaveid: Are you sure of that... First Archgeneral Seraph Artwaltz?

 

Upon hearing his name, unlike the last time with Idealis confronting him, Seraph didn't hesitate and pulled his katana out, pointing directly at Zaveid's neck.

 

Seraph: ... Who are you and what do you want?

Zaveid: Whoa whoa, put you blades down, man! I didn't come here after your head!

Seraph: Zaveid, was it? A guy who knows my name can't claim to actually not be after my head. You have 10 seconds to give me a reason or else I'll sever your head here. 10... 9... 8...

Zaveid: I see. So that's how the cold First works, huh. Interesting.

Seraph: 7... 6... 5... 4...

Zaveid: Haha, so you truly are a killer, after all. Good story you did back there. Was that all just to hide what you actually are?

 

Seraph sighed at Zaveid's laidback laughter and put his blade away.

 

Seraph: Revenge on someone important to you that I killed?

Zaveid: Ah, give me a break. All that I wanted was to see you finally leave that kind facet you were putting before to those guys you're with.

Zaveid: Between us both, you don't actually feel compassion and regret for those you've taken down, do you?

Seraph: They're the ones who came after me. So what if my blade has taken their lives? What were they to me, anyway?

Zaveid: Nothing. But you actually saved them, don't you think?

Zaveid: They could have fallen to deeper sins and became fallen angels, right? So by putting them down with your sword, you managed to prevent that.

Seraph: Let me guess. Death is salvation and a life taker like me did nothing wrong. Is that it?

Zaveid: ... Unsurprising, considering that's you who we're talking about. Glad that you came to understand that, Sephs.

Zaveid: Well, guess ol' Zaveid here will just head back to Candor. You should just go ahead and follow the rest.

Seraph: ... Yeah, I'll do just that. In the next time we meet, I'll kill you.

 

He walked past the angel and gave him a last talk before heading back

 

Zaveid: You said you have a little brother, right?

Seraph: I do. What about him?

Zaveid: If you love him like you so fondly speak, why don't you try to change your ways for real instead of lying to him and to the others?

Seraph: ...

Zaveid: Your actions will reflect upon him. Keep being this cold and he'll end up meeting a new way of seeing things... and not in a good way. It'll also just further enhance your own loneliness and the distance between you both.

 

Zaveid leaves back to the town. Seraph took his blade out of the sheath and looked at it.

 

Seraph: (... My actions reflect upon his...? But asking me to become friendly like him is just...)

Seraph: (No, Agni will never fall again. He's different. His heart is warm and welcoming, unlike mine. He'll never be alone... and as long as he's here, I don't need anyone else.)

 

Magnum Alexandria and Elizabeth Bathory

 

BGM: Zanarkand (Final Fantasy X)

 

Elizabeth gave a glance at the castle and wasn't amazed as she was with the previous one. She felt as if it was smaller.

 

Lize: So this is the castle, huh... pretty grand. Well, not like Candor's, but it's still good for a show or two.

 

Then, the two dragon guardians appeared. She looked at them and different from Idealis, who got a little scared, Elizabeth got amazed. Maybe it'd be because she wasn't so different from them.

 

Lize: Oh my, what beautiful scales you two got there! I'm impressed by it!

Lize: Anyway, shall we go inside? We need to see this Oracle or whatever and find a place for this idiot to rest.

 

She looked at Magnum, who was unconscious and somewhat hurt. For some reason, she felt worried. However, that certain feeling brought conflict upon Elizabeth...

 

Lize: (... Why am I feeling worried about him? Why is it mattering to me that Magnum's hurt? And why I have a strange feeling to head back and help Seraph?)

Lize: (I don't get it! What are those emotions?! Why am I feeling this out of a sudden?!)

 

 

Audience Team

 

BGM: The Joker still playing

 

Seraph: Don't worry about me. Just go ahead before you lose them.

Lize: Tch... if you don't return to us, I'll go after you in hell and kill you again!!

Seraph: I have a family who's waiting on me. I can't let him down.

 

Elizabeth ran after Hera and Idealis while carrying Magnum. Seraph held his now burning katana firmly and faced Fang.

 

Fang: Family, huh... the one you took away from me!

Seraph: I never took anything from you. How should I know you had the same desire as I?

Fang: I was planning to ask him after he completed Nirvana... but then, you had to send me away on a mission! I know that you did that on purpose, you damned piece of shit!

Fang: But it's easy, see? I can just kill you and take Agni with me! He'll become my brother, like it was supposed to ever since the beginning!

Seraph: Doing this without his say on the matter... if there's something that infuriates me, it's that single point.

Fang: As if he has any free will! You all locked him into a fate of constant fighting and pressure! A fate only a trash like you is supposed to suffer!

 

To counter the flaming blade, Fang infused his claw with wind magic. He went into position, ready to charge.

 

Fang: Not having to fight anymore... completely relying on me... that's the life Agni deserves. A life of freedom, unbound by any sort of shackle... after all he went through, nothing seems better to someone like him.

Seraph: You clearly don't know Agni well. He'd never choose a life where he wouldn't fight. Helping someone is innate of him.

Fang: Shut up! His suffering is your fault! I'll free him from you here...

 

Fang began to attack with claw slashes and kicks once again. Seraph defended and countered, but Fang evaded them quickly. They both had the same level of power, the only difference being in recklessness, a point the rebel angel had in big quantity. Everything for making Seraph suffer counted. After all, he is the reason why soldiers betray, hate and fear him.

 

Seraph: You already destroyed my life enough. How much more until you are fully satisfied?

Fang: Until your heart is shattered in pieces. I can use the claw to do that, but it'd be better by taking what's mine by right!

Seraph: Don't treat Agni like an object!

Fang: I'd never. He's a precious person... hate to admit it, but to us both. But that's what makes it entertaining! If I can take him under my wing, your spirit will be crushed! After all, you'll return to your world of loneliness without him, won't you?

Seraph: Grrr....

Fang: HAHAHAHA!! I should've told those fools while I had the chance! The mighty and cold Seraph actually fears loneliness! They would laugh out loud and see how pathetic you are!!

Fang: After all, Agni's just your comfort pillow, right? This is his true purpose as your brother...

Seraph: Don't compare me to someone like you!!

 

Seraph attacked with Type 0: Flash, it hitting the mocking Fang. He immediately went to Type 2: Sow, shooting a wave of ice and fire (thanks to Hera's infusion in his blade). Fang was blown away, but immediately got up.

 

Fang: (Damn... that horned magical pinky's infusion actually powered him up...)

Seraph: What's the matter? All that you said was actually cheap talk coming from a sore loser?

Fang: !! You'll eat those words, served with an extra of my claw piercing your skin and heart!!

 

Agni Artwaltz, Anna Ametrine, Rokurou Rangetsu and 5T

 

BGM: Mushroom Bank still playing

 

5T: Sure, here they are.

 

5T handled the coins to the banker while awaiting the results. In the meanwhile, Rokurou looked at Agni and Anna from the window.

 

BGM: "Ha ha! Yes, it will take some time getting used to!" (Fire Emblem: Awakening)

 

Agni: Now that I think about it... we haven't talked to each other like this for more than two months, right?

Anna: I think so... you are always so busy with your duties and I never wished to bother you.

Agni: You'd never bother me. You should have spoken up whenever. I'd happily open my time to stay with you, Anna.

Anna: But everyone expects so much of you. If they even heard you abandoned your tasks as the Second General to stay with me, I-

Agni: Stop saying those things! Seriously, you need to stop with the self-loathing! If you were so horrible like you're saying, I wouldn't have married you, would I?

 

He embraced her again and looked directly at her. Anna's somewhat excessive negativism towards herself bothered Agni.

 

Agni: I'll repeat it many times until it can hit you. I love you, Anna. You are important to me.

Anna: I... love you too, Agni, but I just do not wish to stay in your way...

Agni: *sigh* Guess my words aren't coming through... you'll leave me no choice.

Anna: What do you mean? Mmmph!!

 

She received a heartfelt kiss from Agni and didn't offered a single resistance out of embarassment or prying eyes. Anna wanted that... to feel her husband's love once again. She always understood how much he loved her, but kept doubting herself in the matter.

 

Agni: Do you finally understand it now?

Anna: ... I am sorry... I always understood it but-

Agni: Stop with the apologies. Just say what you really want to.

Anna: Do... not leave me alone anymore. I cannot stand it. I want you close to me, Agni...

Agni: As do I, Anna.

 

They returned to a tight hug while looking at the final moments of the sunset. From the inside, Rokurou was cheering them on, but since the glasses were blocking sound, his voice wouldn't be able to reach them.

 

Rokurou: Aw yeah, Agni! That's a good move, man!

5T: Be quiet! We're inside a bank, you know.

Rokurou: Well, you just missed a good scene, 5T.

5T: ... Please, don't tell me that he did...

Rokurou: Right on spot!

5T: (Agni, good job... you just dig your own grave...)

Audience Team

 

Elizabeth just shrugged and kept walking. As they progressed, Magnum was walking a little slowly, slightly behind Seraph. Suddenly, the gusts of winds become stronger.

 

Seraph: The wind... this is...

Magnum: Guh... I...!

Seraph: !! Magnum!!

 

Suddenly, something... or rather, someone rammed on Magnum. Because he was already in a weakened state, he was sent flying towards a tree. Once he hit it, he fell unconscious, without any energy left to resist.

 

BGM: The Joker (Persona 4 Arena Ultimax)

 

???: Seraph!!

 

Seraph held his weapon and stance while the other person forced his own weapon at him. As he held, she finally appeared. Elizabeth ran to Magnum, who was on the ground.

 

Lize: What the- Magnum!!

Seraph: How is he?

Lize: He finally fell unconscious, but he's fine! More importantly... who the hell is he?!

???: You bastard... prepare yourself to die!!

Seraph: Tch... so you're still held on that, I guess. You really don't want to let the past go away, do you?

???: Of course I don't, I'm not over with you yet! Your suffering has still a lot of ways to go on, just like mine!

Lize: (He looks like an angel... but he seems to hate Seraph to his guts...)

Seraph: *sigh* I guess this will continue on for a long time, Fang.

 

 

Fang: Oh no, it won't! I'll make sure to decree your death today so I can finally have what I want. Do us all a big favor and just die, you son of a bitch!

Lize: "Us"? What do you mean by "us"?! Don't pit me with you, pig!

Fang: You heard the nonsense he spoke, didn't you? Still, I see that you possess some hatred for him in your heart. After all, a guy like him comes around and bosses you all as if he's all high and mighty. Doesn't it make you sick to the bones?

Lize: ...

Fang: You don't deny it, girl. So why don't you just join me and kill him for good? Maybe his death will do a good to us all.

 

He tried to stab Seraph, who defended the advance with his katana. Fang switched to attack with kicks and punches from his left arm, but Seraph defended all of them and backed off.

 

Seraph: ... Take Magnum with you and continue without me. I'll resolve this in my own way.

Lize: Seraph, this isn't time to be proudful!

Seraph: This isn't about pride. Like Seth said, there are far more important things than a bickering. Plus, after what just happened, do you really have it in you to fight alongside me?

Lize: Well, if I am to be sincere, no... but even so, he-

Seraph: Don't leave the Oracle waiting. Our mission is to meet with her. If I can't do it, you and the others can.

 

Rokurou Rangetsu and 5T

 

BGM: Mushroom Bank Theme (Mario Party)

 

Rokurou: Aww, we just missed a good chance to get a kiss scene.

5T: Do you know "privacy"? That's important. Now let's hurry up with this and get back.

 

5T grabbed the coins that Rokurou had and went to the counter.

 

5T: Excuse me, but what is the current value of these 20 silver coins I have here?

Audience Team

 

Lize: Nemesis, calm down. You're letting something so petty bother you.

Magnum: He... he did! More times... than you know...!

 

Magnum stood in front of Seraph and even if he had not much strength, he held one of her katars with his hand.

 

Magnum: We went on a mission to... hunt a monster... and when we reached the target, our whole squad... turned against him! Not only I had to watch and be unable to help... but I saw him fighting against all of... them and the demon... alone...!

Seraph: (Magnum... to think you would rise your voice for me...)

Magnum: I know... the scars he bears for... all of us angels. Sir Seraph is... cold... and he may not be the friendliest person ever... but I know him in battle and... he knows what he's doing...!

Magnum: I won't let you... insult someone like him...!

Seraph: Enough, Magnum. Don't overstep your boundaries.

 

Seraph took the front this time. He stared at Nemesis, not raising his weapon against her.

 

Seraph: I know betrayal, I know backstabbing... after all, the most feared and hated figure in Heaven would know well.

Lize: Wait... hated? Feared? But aren't you the First General or something like that?

Seraph: Between both Generals, I'm hated and feared while Agni isn't. If I had to count the times something like that have happened... I'd have stopped at 59.

Magnum: 59?! I... didn't knew that... the number was that high...

Lize: Then why do you keep trusting people so much? I don't get it. Betrayed 59 times and you're still willing to believe on people?!

Seraph: There was a time I stopped believing. At that time, I was on a war with Agni in the world of humans. I killed so many enemies, but my sword also killed so many innocents... if he wasn't there to stop me, I'd have razed a whole town because I believed they were soldiers as well.

Magnum: But there was... something he said... that changed your... mind, right?

Seraph: "Even if I'm backstabbed, even if I'm betrayed, I won't quit on believing on people. I may be called as naive, as an idiot but I'm not changing my mind. I'll keep giving my belief, even if the other person doesn't. Its heart might change one day and my death might bring a chance for them to regret their choices. I'll kill them outside of my sword."

Lize: That's something Agni would say alright.

 

Seraph sighed. He already knew he wouldn't convince anyone with his story, neither tht would change the way they would think about Enkidu.

 

Seraph: ... Well, I'll leave you to your judgement. You're free to hate me. I don't mind it. If even my soldiers hate me, fear me and betray me... but I'll still help you get back to your own world. I swore to do that, after all;

 

He walked away, going in the direction Hera was leading. Magnum released

 

Magnum: ... You have a... misconcepted vision of us... if you think that... we uphold in virtue... or something like that...

Magnum: We're sinners... just like you all... and our forgiveness... won't come. Our judgement in... the end won't be... so easy.

Lize: ... Look, you can't blame her. Angels are people coming from the glorious, oh majestical Heaven with the frilly gods and what not. Having you all understand humans is something hard to believe.

Magnum: ... I see... so that's how... it works... then. Alright... I got it...

Lize: Magnum?

Magnum: ... I don't feel... like talking... I'll stay quiet from now on... and just go on... ahead.

Lize: Idiot, you can't even walk! Here, I'll be kind this time and help you-

Magnum: Don't... touch me... I'm not... like you.

 

Weak and tumbling as he could, Magnum followed Seraph. He was irritated at how misconcepted they were and how they were judging ahead of even thinking about anything.

 

Lize: ... Really, I think the only angel I can like is Agni. Those two are beginning to get on my nerves somehow.

 

Agni Artwaltz and Anna Ametrine

 

Anna finally got back up and just held his hands. They were exchanging smiles. Then, Anna looked at him, serious

 

Anna: I... want to help you somehow. I cannot risk myself on the front lines, but I wish so much to be useful.

Agni: Maybe we can ask Mr. Darkflare if you could work at the Warrior's Hangout.

Anna: The Warrior's... Hangout?

Agni: Yeah. It's a place that helps us with training. There's a clinic there, so I think you can help with magical issues, since we don't have anyone with the expertise. My Cura won't save us all the time.

Anna: Well... I have second feeling against it... mainly because I feel I will become a hindrance. But I will go along with your idea.

Audience Team

 

Lize: Glad that we can go along now.

Seraph: Magnum, give me your shoulder. I'll help you walk.

Magnum: Yes... thanks, Sir...

 

They followed Idealis and Hera as they walked towards the castle where the Oracle was residing. The topic of the conversation was Enkidu, the mysterious man that appeared to offer prayers.

 

Lize: Well, I do agree. That Enkidu guy was so weird... but this place's like some sort of Caster conglomeration...

Seraph: Weird or not, he's offering his help. Turning it down will cost us one moment or another.

Lize: We already have enough people. Besides, he's a complete stranger. Don't tell me that you can't refute people because you're an angel and you can't commit a single sin...

Seraph: ... Do it as you wish then. Don't complain if you end up like Edward because your pride spoke higher.

Lize: H-Hey, I was just doing a commentary!

Seraph: Our conversation is over, Elizabeth. Keep walking quietly or talk with someone else.

 

While carrying Magnum, Seraph distanced himself from Elizabeth. He firmly believed that refusing Enkidus aid would bring consequences, but decided to not comment anymore. He knew that just because he's a General in Heaven doesn't mean he orders on others.

 

Lize: Harsh... geez, I can't believe someone like him can have a brother like Agni. They're so different...

 

Agni Artwaltz, Rokurou Rangetsu, 5T

 

After a quick walk, they reached the exchange store once again. It wasn't that far and Agni had the route memorized.

 

Agni: And here we are.

Rokurou: Alright, so all that we have to do is to give them the coins and we'll get the cash, right?

5T: Of course not. They'll check the coins before giving the exact amount.

Rokurou: Oh, right. Well, I guess we'll have to go in and-

???: Agni!

 

As they looked, a white-dressed girl with wings looked at them. She seemed in verge of tears...

 

Rokurou: Wow, that's a beautiful girl...

5T: That's something among Kirimuri's lines... that aside, do you know her, Agni?

Agni: Anna?!

 

Hearing him calling her, Anna ran to him and immediately jumped into his shoulder, hugging Agni tightly and breaking into tears.

 

Anna: I was... so worried... *sob*... you left and never told me where you were going...

Agni: *hugs Anna* I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I got desperate and just left, it's true. I never meant to make you get worried, I swear.

Anna: I know... *sniff*... I know. I guess I... got too worried as well...

Agni: It's your right to get worried when your husband suddenly leaves without giving any warning.

Rokurou: (Wow... he got himself a good catch. Lucky kid.)

5T: (So they are married. I think I won't indulge more into it. I don't understand a feeling such as "love" either.)

Agni: But haven't we already talked about this? You shouldn't be leaving home alone. You're the Goddess of Healing, Revenant should be with you.

Rokurou and 5T: (A goddess?!)

Anna: ... I think I was like you. Desperate, wishing to see you soon... if I could at least see your smile, it would have been enough for me.

Agni: Liar. You wouldn't be satisfied with just a smile... well, neither I would in this case.

Anna: Hehe. I believe you are right.

 

Although the scene was something to watch, 5T began to pull Rokurou and Kirimuri with him.

 

5T: ... We saw enough, c'mon.

Rokurou: Eh? But shouldn't we wait-

5T: Leave them be, it's their moment. C'mon, we can't waste time.

((Bug.))

Agni Artwaltz, Rokurou Rangetsu, 5T and Melina

 

5T: *sigh* Seems like our cooperation won't go well... we do play the same coin, anyway, since I also don't care if you're interested on taking me seriously or if you're going to make fun of me because I'm don't have the same sense of humor you do.

Agni: 5T... c'mon...

5T: I know, I know, I'm being blunt, disrespectful and stupid, I'll stop and apologize to you, Kirimuri and I never meant any offense... but I'm not lying about how things won't steer too well between us both right now. After all, I'm just a serious living lump of metal.

Rokurou: That was unnecessary and you're clearly not a kid. Well, you and Agni do look like you're 14, though...

Agni and 5T: What?! I'm 19!

Rokurou: Hahaha! You even sound the same!

 

As 5T and Agni groaned, the Pod began to analyze the latter, Rokurou and Kirimuri.

 

Pod: All basic data about Agni Artwaltz, Rokurou Rangetsu and Kirimuri have been registered. Specifics are still unknown.

Agni: Now I noticed this little thing flying. What exactly is it?

5T: That's Pod. He's somewhat an assistant. He only obeys to my orders though.

Pod: I am currently assigned to assist Unit 5T. It is a pleasure to make acquaintances. Proposal: Unit 5T should follow Agni Artwaltz, Rokurou Rangetsu and Kirimuri to collect specific data for tactical uses.

Agni: Specific data?

5T: ... Just ignore it. This thing can be really annoying sometimes...

Rokurou: Well, if that's the case... can we go...?

5T: Alright then. Lead the way and I'll follow.

 

Agni and Rokurou began to walk as 5T followed them. The android was rather interested on knowing them, but not for the same reasons as the Pod proposed. Meanwhile, Melina returned from another street. She looked at them leaving.

 

Melina: (Where are they heading? Also, who is that fourth person?)

((Bug.))