Aege: Wow, we actually beat White Trinity here!
Lupi: I told you! You got all excited for nothing.
Heal-Do: Doesn't something seem a little off here?
Aege: What do you mean?
Elua: Baby sister's right, there's no guards around! Mukuhawk, did you see any when you were scouting ahead?
The falcon shakes his head.
Elua: Now that you mention it, I do remember them mentioning something about there being strange activity going on inside the city…
Lupi: Probably just some stupid undead charging out of the Payon Caves again. That's why that village is there, right?
Elua: Yes, but… That threat's been suppressed a long time ago.
Aege: She has a good point. Elua and Mukuhawk here were practically heroes during that time.
Elua: Yeah… And back then I was only an Archer still… and that was where Mukuhawk and I formed a bond through that battle…
The Huntress had begun to daydream on the day of the massive undead invasion, and when she first fought beside Mukuhawk as an Archer, who was then a wild falcon. She would go on about how her and her allies were cornered by skeletons, zombies, and other undead minions, but with the wind at her back, she was able to shoot a path to freedom for her and the Archer Association.
Heal-Do: I wonder if your fellow Hunters are still at the village.
Elua: No, they moved someplace else after the invasion was quelled. Now it's just Archers and Archer mercenaries protecting the main town.
Aege: Well, I don't really see anything out of the ordinary here. The guards are probably on break.
Heal-Do: Yes… Payon is very tranquil now, but then again, it usually is.
Lupi: In that case, let's get a move on before some trap is sprung if you're so unsure!
With the hot-headed Knight taking point, the gates opened, revealing the city to the sisters. It was tranquil, as the Assassin had previously mentioned, and a sense of uneasiness swept over her. Elua gave her pet falcon a reassuring pat on the head while Aege kept a calm demeanor, trying not to mind the silence.
After entering the central part of the city, they would begin to hear an ethereal voice echoing in the air, incanting in an entirely different dialect…
"O princeps tenebrarum, da mihi virtutem. Largire mihi, et incarcerare rogitas qui te contemnunt. Fiat voluntas tua in facie infideles! Ecce cornu fac tenebris!"
At the end of the incantation, the sound of thunder is heard, and a bolt of dark lightning shoots down from the heavens. A purplish/black barrier began to form from the point at which the lightning struck. It grew larger in size until it covered the entire city of Payon, barring passage into the city. Outside of the barrier was the shady Priestess, Tsubaki, watching the helpless Battle Vixens from the outside…
"I must say, I was hoping to capture White Trinity inside of this, but I will settle for the next best thing – you four. A shame you ladies did not make an effort to be more vigilant; this scheme seemed too easy to make!" she chuckled.
"How did we fall for that…?" Elua groaned. Aege attempted to hack away at the barrier, but it was no good; her blows were being deflected.
"Dammit… it was a trap!" Lupi grunted. "Wait… Isn't that the Priestess you mentioned, Heal-Do? Tsubaki, was it?"
"Yes. There is no doubt in my mind that it is her," the Assassin answered. She scanned the barrier for some sort of weakness or clue as to disable it. With some effort, Heal-Do spotted some dark crystal fragments at the point of which the barrier formed; in the center. "That must be what's powering the barrier! Darn… it's powering it from the outside. We won't be able to get to it from here!"
"I will be taking my leave now. So don't get too comfortable, all right? Ta-ta!" the Priestess said before turning on her heel and walking away. Lupi began banging on the barrier, trying eagerly to rip her way through. Tsubaki had begun to make her way out of the southern gate of the city. Her walk would go uninterrupted for some time until two ice blocks would fall upon her head and shatter. From the shattered ice revealed Botan & Momiji, horribly dazed from their romp through the forest…
Tsubaki, straining: What… what is the meaning of this, you two?! Get off of me right this instant!
She would push the twins off of her with some effort before standing back on her feet, dusting off her robes.
Botan: W-We're sorry! Forgive us, Lady Tsubaki!
Momiji: We did our best to ward off White Trinity, but before we knew it… we were swept away at the blink of an eye!
Tsubaki, thinking: Those boys are stronger than I had originally anticipated… If left unchecked, they could probably destroy that barrier and overtake us on the way to the Jungle… (Aloud) Botan! Momiji!
Botan & Momiji: Yes, Lady Tsubaki!
Tsubaki: Southwest of here is where the Emperium Jungle is located. I want you both to make your way there and seize that stone before they get a chance to retaliate! I will deal with those fools myself.
They salute the Priestess and rush southwest before picking up their weapons. Meanwhile, White Trinity had arrived in the forest when Thiji noticed the skies becoming dark…
Thiji: Everyone, look to the sky!
Ray: What?! The clouds, they're darkening!
Lee: Maybe it's a thunderstorm, Raien?
Raien: No, Lee. This isn't naturally occurring. Something must be going on up ahead.
Thiji: It must have been the "strange activity" that the Kafra mentioned this morning. Payon is undoubtedly close.
Ray: In that case, fall in! I'll take point! Raien, get my six!
Raien: Mm!
They followed close behind the Gun-Knight as White Trinity sped through the rest of the forest. Within minutes, they found themselves in the outskirts of the Forest City of Payon. However, Thiji and Lee slowed to a stop whilst Ray and Raien continued approaching the city at full speed.
Tsubaki, thinking: They are right on cue… Perfect.
Thiji: Holy -!
Lee: No way…
Ray: What's the matter?
Raien: Yeah, what's –
Ray & Raien: OOF!
In their rush, the Gun-Knight and the Ninja charged face-first into what appeared to be a giant barrier powered by shadow energy. The resulting impact forced them back, but their fall was broken by Thiji and Lee, who caught them and put the two back on their feet.
Ray: Whoa… thanks for catching us.
Thiji: Don't mention it.
Raien: What in the hell did we hit?!
Thiji: A barrier.
Ray: A barrier?
Thiji: Designed to bar people from entering the city, no doubt. And I believe that its conjurer is on the other end of it.
He points to Tsubaki, whom was smirking back at White Trinity, but then Lupi would bang her fist against the barrier, startling the four.
Lupi: Oh, you've got to be kidding me… You guys are here already?!
Heal-Do: Thiji, take care! This barrier… it's powered by malignant energy!
Thiji: I would expect three of you to fall for a trap like this, but Heal-Do? How did you get caught?
Aege: Lupi didn't listen to her…
Lupi: SHUT UP! Whose side are you on?! We didn't even know it was a trap until the very last minute anyway!
The Gun-Knight and Raien would burst in uproarious laughter, much to Lupi's chagrin.
Lupi, banging on the barrier: Enough with the laughing! Stop it! I'm warning you!
The Huntress plops down on her bottom and leans on her knees. Aege does the same and drops to one knee.
Elua: We don't have any other choice… We gotta let them save us.
Lupi, shrieking: WHAT?! NO WAY, I REFUSE!
Aege: Swallow your pride for once, big sister. There's no overpowering this thing from the inside.
With an angry growl, the female Knight drove her lance into the ground and turned her back on White Trinity, facing Tsubaki instead.
Thiji: … Can anyone here detect any dark energy sources?
Lee: I can. Leave it to me!
The Monk puts his palm on the earth and concentrates. Closing his eyes, he now focused on the perimeter of the barrier, seeking out the source of the darkness. It did not take long for him to pick up the source which were a bunch of obsidian fragments infused with shadow energy.
Lee: There! At the top of the barrier! There are dark crystal fragments powering it!
Ray: Good work, Lee!
Thiji: Now all that is left is to purify this corruption, and our path will be clear.
Tsubaki: As if I would let you do so unchecked! Shikigami, to me!
An albino serpent rises from the ground, wrapping itself around Tsubaki's right arm.
Raien: Did she say "Shinigami"?!
Thiji: No, "Shikigami". They're a type of puppet minion that shrine maidens are known for using.
Raien: Whatever. Leave that thing to me. There's a new attack I've been meaning to try out.
Thiji: Very well.
Raien: You're not going to help me?
Thiji: I'm still a little exhausted from our run-in with those twins. But don't worry, I'll back you up if she does anything sneaky.
Ray: I could probably take out the source, but I'll need some extra punch to do so. Lee, think you can help?
Lee: Of course! I just need to gather enough divine energy to dispel this thing…
The Ninja takes out a simple katana and applies chakra onto it as Lee began to call forth spiritual energy. The Battle Vixens simply sit tight, waiting for their unlikely saviors to do their work. The serpent is ordered to strike as Thiji prepares a spell…
Thiji: I've an idea…
Tsubak: Don't get hasty, fool! Hyah!
Using her dark powers, Tsubaki sends a wave of shadows emerging from the barrier to attack Thiji. As it reaches the other end, it opens up to make way for the spell, and just as it did, Thiji threw a Frost Diver onto it, freezing the spell itself.
Tsubaki: How did he -?!
Lee: Almost done… Just need a bit more time…
Thiji: Hm? Oh, that is even better!
After focusing as much chakra as he possibly could, Raien took out a wind stone and laid it upon the blade. The Shikigami switches targets and attempts to lunge at Lee, but Ray quickly warded it off with a Cracker shot, stunning it as it fell on the ground, helpless.
The chakra absorbed the energy from the stone, enhancing it with lightning; sparks began to dance up and down the katana. Thiji rose a hand up, keeping an eye on Raien as he aimed his blade at the wave.
Thiji: Now, brother!
Raien: Take this! Lightning Crash!
The Wizard made a crushing gesture with his hand, shattering the frozen wave of darkness, and with impeccable timing, the Ninja thrust his katana forward, sending all of the expended chakra outward into the form of a large lightning bolt through the closing gap of the barrier. As it was aimed for Tsubaki, she gasped and tried her best to dodge (The barrier had a gap opened at opposite ends due to the shadow wave). Unfortunately, she did not completely avoid the attack, and a small jolt slice off an almost unnoticeably small chunk of her hair.
Tsubaki, thinking: What an unusual technique… That was too close to call.
Thiji: Fine work, brother.
Raien: Oh, shit…
Thiji: What's the matter –? Oh…
They both notice that the lightning that didn't pass through the gap was still inside of the barrier, causing it to ricochet back toward the Ninja. However, due to the barrier being closed once again, the blast begins ricocheting off of every corner, splitting up into numerous bolts of lightning being shot off at incredible speeds. Mukuhawk was shocked by a couple and fell on Elua's head.
Lupi: OH, NICE JOB, ASSHOLES!
Aege: Oh, not good…! Not good, not good, not good!
Heal-Do & Elua are screaming in fear.
Tsubaki: *Grunts* Impudent wretches…
Lee: Okay, I'm ready! Spiritual Endowment!
The Monk transfers all five of his Spirit Spheres to Ray, applying the holy element to his blade. The Gun-Knight leapt into the air with his sword held high and cried, "Magnum… Break!" as he drove his blade through the barrier with his divine flames.
Raien: Dammit, he shouldn't have done that!
Thiji: This is going to be a long day…
The crystal fragments begin to crack until ultimately shattering, disintegrating into nothingness. As the barrier began to weaken, Tsubaki gave out a shuddering gasp while the Battle Vixens began to scream even louder.
"What the hell are you all screaming about?! We just saved your pampered butts!" scolded the Gun-Knight.
"You idiot! Open your eyes!" Tsubaki replied.
"What…? Oh, hell…" Ray whispered, looking at the nearly-dispersed barrier. As soon as it vanished, the lightning bolts ricocheted off the ground, walls, ceilings of houses, etc. and shot upwards toward the sky.
Lupi: Great… Now what?!
Tsubaki: Where did those bolts go…?
Thiji: Raien, can't you do something about this?
Raien: Well, there's good news, and there is bad news.
Lee: What's the good news?
Raien: Oh, that's easy; the bolts are gone.
Ray, landing on his feet: And the bad news?
Raien: The bad news is…
Tsubaki then notices a glint through the clouds above. "Could that sparkle be from those blades…?" she thought to herself. After that single glint, countless others began to dot the clouds, followed by a clash of thunder.
Tsubaki, quivering: Oh, my…
Raien: … I can't control it when it comes back down.
Thiji: What?!
In an instant, the bolts crash down upon the earth in a raging lightning storm, bombarding the city in a relentless fashion.
Tsubaki: Oh, my goodness…!
Elua, shaking: HO-O-O-O-O-OLY CRAP!
Lupi, shielding herself with her lance: BEST SAVIORS EVER! GODDAMN NEOPHYTES!
Heal-Do: Waah!
The Water Elf scrambles to the Wizard, who then clings to him for safety.
Thiji: Nothing personal, but I'm going to need you to get off of me right this moment.
Heal-Do: Nuh-uh! No way! I am not going to die here, not while the sky is falling!
Thiji: Oh, for goodness sake…
The impact wrought from the lightning storm is comparable to the power of a category 5 earthquake. Because of this, everyone would begin to lose balance and eventually fall prone on the ground. Though they would attempt to regain their balance, it would be difficult to do so due to the strength of the storm.
In desperation, Tsubaki simply crawled her way out of the city until she was able to regain her balance with little trouble. She makes her way south and then west in an effort to reunite with her allies. The Battle Vixens follow suit, avoiding the lightning bolts as they did, and headed straight south. With White Trinity last, they had to wait until the storm died down a little before making their escape. Lee, with quick thinking, used his Steel Body technique to shrug off any lightning bolts that struck him, and grabbed onto the collars of his comrades' clothing, dragging them away from the city.
Now once again within the Payon Forest, they take a short breather and look back at the much calmer lightning storm…
Thiji: You might want to work on that technique of yours.
Raien: No kidding… That was a backfire.
Ray: At least it's worn off now.
Raien: And the city is intact, too. Thanks for carrying us out, Lee.
Lee: No problem. But what do we do now? The Battle Vixens are long gone, and those Holy Saviors are on the move as well!
Ray: What's the plan, Thiji?
The Wizard stepped forward, scanning the entirety of the forest from the very floor to the emergent layer. He then remembered noticing that the Battle Vixens and Holy Saviors went south and southwest, respectively. He then had this plan all worked out…
Ray: Now's a good time to put that mind of yours to use.
Thiji: "The expert approaches his objective indirectly. By selection of a devious and distant route he may march a thousand li without opposition and take his enemy unaware."
Raien: Were you reading a fortune cookie just now?
Thiji: No. It's our plan, as Ray asked.
Lee: I… don't follow you.
Thiji: The forest is densest in this area. Taking the eastern and then marching around is our best idea.
Ray: But the Emperium Jungle is to the southwest of here!
Thiji: I am aware of that, Ray, but taking the indirect approach ensures that we can march without fear of encountering the other guilds unless absolutely necessary.
Raien: So you want us to split up?
Thiji: Precisely. You and Lee will take the eastern path and make your way south, and then west. If they are not there, it should be a straight shot to the Jungle.
Lee: Got it!
Thiji: With speed on your side, you'll get there much faster while Ray and I continue south toward the Battle Vixens.
Raien: Understood.
Ray: I have no problems following the Battle Vixens, but how exactly do you expect us to get through undetected?
Thiji: We will make it seem as though we are far away when we are actually near, "Moving as intangibly as a ghost in the starlight; obscure, inaudible."
Lee: That's pretty poetic. But there's still one other thing: that falcon of Elua's. Wouldn't it see you if she takes it to the skies?
Thiji: That is where you will come in. The Battle Vixens are unaware that we went south as well. Since the eastern Payon Forest is much clearer, the Huntress will most likely send her falcon to scout there.
Raien: So, we're to act as bait…
Lee: And if we're spotted, then what?
Thiji: They will engage. I am sure of it. You two will have to find a way to withdraw and rendezvous with us before we make it to the Emperium Jungle.
Ray: Oh, a fakeout! Nice! Yeah, this'll definitely work!
Thiji: With the dangerous creatures hiding in the forest, it will mask our movement much easier. The Holy Saviors can wait; it's the Battle Vixens that are the larger threat that we must currently avoid. We are still recovering from that debacle in the city.
The four of them give a nod before Lee casted an Agility Up spell to enhance the mobility of himself and Raien, and they zip down the eastern parts of the forest. Ray takes point and runs south with Thiji close behind.
Meanwhile, in the southwest recesses of the forest, Botan and Momiji were fighting off pinkish trees that were no taller than they.
Botan: Elder Willows… ancient trees which were granted magical powers by crazed fairies.
Momiji: We shall send them back to rest! Sister, I am right behind you!
The Elder Willows began preparing what appeared to be a fire spell. Without hesitation, Momiji struck at one with her stave, interrupting its cast and smashing its trunk. However, the others manage to complete their spell and would blast the two with fire bolts.
Momiji: Sister!
Botan: Waaah!
They struggled to keep on their feet until Tsubaki had successfully lost White Trinity and Battle Vixens. She met up with the twins and made easy work of the Elder Willows with her magic.
Tsubaki: I see you two had managed to survive on your own. Well done indeed.
Botan & Momiji: Thank you, Lady Tsubaki!
Tsubaki: Onward to the Emperium Jungle!
Botan: But my lady, how will we know what it looks like?
Tsubaki: It should not be hard to miss, but we will find out once we're close…
Meanwhile, the Battle Vixens continued south, with Lupi crushing everything that moved in her path in anger.
Aege: Though they're our rivals, we really should thank those boys for what they did.
Lupi, sarcastically: Oh, I'm very grateful for what they did! I'll be happy to return the favor once I find them!
At their tail was Thiji and Ray, who were following the trail of smoldering Spore remains and ravaged wolf corpses, along with some scorched earth in between.
Ray: That's Lupi, all right. She must be very pissed.
Thiji: Then we are not far away. Let's ease our advance until the signal has been given.
To the east, Lee and Raien had just cleared a large distance of the forest and begin making their way south.
Lee: So we're supposed to wait for that falcon thing to spot us?
Raien: Yeah, then we have to get out before the Battle Vixens spot us and meet up with Ray and Thiji.
Lee: How do you propose we do that?
Raien: I have another technique I've been waiting to use. This might be the time to use it… hehe.
Back to the west…
Lupi: Where the hell is this place?! Stupid forest…! (Grunting)
Heal-Do: Hey, Elua, I wonder if you could use Mukuhawk to lead the way for us.
Elua: Good idea, baby sister! How are you feeling, Mukuhawk? Ready for a little scouting mission?
Her pet falcon gives an acknowledging caw before nodding its head.
Elua: Excellent! Show us the way to the Emperium Jungle! And if you find any of our enemies, let us know straightaway!
Raising her arm in the air, she released the falcon, and it would fly its way up through the trees. Hearing the bird's screech, Thiji and Ray immediately took cover under a tree to avoid detection as Mukuhawk circled around a few times before heading east.
Ray, whispering: Think it picked up their tail?
Thiji, whispering: We will soon find out. Let's be quiet with our steps.
Ray: Okay. I got point.
Moments later, Raien and Lee covered the entirety of the eastern Payon Forest, and their speed enhancement would begin wearing off. They slowed to a stop and waited for the next phase of Thiji's strategy.
Lee: That run took a lot out of us.
Raien: Not to worry. My Ninpou Training will replenish my chakra faster.
Lee: Good, I can recuperate as well!
The Ninja and the Monk assume the Indian sitting position and speak, "Ninja Mastery!" and "Spiritual Cadence!" respectively, and a faint blue glow would emanate from their bodies. Due to the calmness of the immediate vicinity, they were able to meditate undisturbed, not having to worry about hostile creatures striking at them whilst they were vulnerable.
The sight of two random adventurers sitting in the middle of a forest clearing attracted a multitude of the indigenous fauna to emerge from out of the trees and flock toward them – Porings, Lunatics, and even Willows gathered around to sit with them.
Lee: Whoa… What did we do?
Raien: I think our meditation just brought them all together for no reason. They look friendly, so we're fine.
However, this sudden shift in monster migration alerted a certain falcon. It followed the trail of creatures until he would see a clearing below them, and upon seeing the cause of the migration, Mukuhawk gave out a loud screech, circling around a few times before flying back west…
Lee: Well, we've been spotted, as Thiji wanted. What the hell was phase two again?
Raien: This.
As they both rose to their feet, Raien took out two shadow orbs from his belt, handing one over to Lee. The Ninja performed a series of hand signs with his free hand and the orbs would then begin to glow a deep purple color as a result. The Monk just stood by and watched Raien do his thing.
Meanwhile, Ray and Thiji were close behind the Battle Vixens' trail, following the carnage wrought by Lupi's fury. They would then hear an audible screech from the west, which were their cue to hide once more…
Ray: Now what?
Thiji, whispering: We wait. If they took the bait, then we proceed as planned.
Ray: And if they don't?
Thiji: Then we'll have no choice but to fight them.
The falcon lands on Elua's arm and reports in.
Elua: Good boy, Mukuhawk! He says that he's spotted Lee and Raien over to the east of here!
Lupi: Perfect! I want to personally thank them for "saving" us!
Aege: We're right behind you…
Heal-Do: But the Jungle is southwest!
Lupi: We kick their asses, then we conquer the Jungle! That way we'll have one less headache to deal with; I doubt those Holy Soldiers are any real challenge! Mukuhawk, show us where they are!
She storms off with the falcon leading her, with the Blacksmith and the Huntress close behind.
Aege: That's Holy Saviors, sis…
The Assassin looked around for a moment to survey her surroundings, then headed east with her sisters. She knew something was off, but she also knew that her voice wouldn't be heard at this point. The Gun-Knight would congratulate Thiji with a high five before coming out of hiding.
Ray: Now, southwest right?
Thiji: Yes.
Their walk hastens into a brisk running pace as they continue where the Battle Vixens stopped. It seemed that Thiji's strategy was going perfectly – all that was left was to reconvene with his comrades.
With her lance poised to strike, Lupi's entire body began to shimmer into a golden color, increasing her charging speed until they came across the clearing where Raien and Lee were resting – and they were still there! Could they have possibly forgotten the plan?
Aege: Sister! Straight ahead!
Lupi: Oh, ho-ho, yes! Now you're gonna feel the flames of my wrath! Haaaa…!
The Knight charged with all her might, preparing a Spear Stab attack once she was within range. The two noticed quickly and got to their feet, but she was coming at such great speeds that they couldn't react in time.
Lupi: You're DEAD! SPEAR STAB!
Her fire-forged lance stabbed the both of them, erupting in a small blast of flames that struck the both of them directly in the chest, knocking them backwards a couple yards and sliding along the forest floor. Lupi hoisted her lance over her shoulders and gave a triumphant grunt as she saw Lee and Raien lie incapacitated before her.
Aege: Wow… You totally caught them unawares, big sister.
Elua: Even your strength scares me sometimes!
Lupi: I told you ladies! The best defense will always be a good offense!
Heal-Do: Wow… It's unbelievable, but you really did strike them down with a single blow. That was impressive, Lupi!
The sisters showered the Knight with praise, hugging each other in victory that two of White Trinity's four elite members were out of the picture. However, their small moment of victory would be curtailed when Elua pointed out that the bodies of Lee and Raien were beginning to vanish into black smoke.
Elua: Whoa, you killed them so hard that they turned into ashes!
Heal-Do: Uh, sister, I don't think that's the case…
Aege: Yeah, where's the remains?
Lupi: What…?
Elua: Wait, now that you mention it… There's no trace of them left! What the heck did Lupi hit just now?!
Lupi's growl grew and grew until she let all her pent-up anger out in an infuriating roar that could be heard throughout the whole forest. Just to the west of the Battle Vixens were the real Lee and Raien, spectating from the shadows…
Lee: What technique was that again?
Raien: My Illusionary Shadow technique. It makes mirror images of ourselves that "block" physical attacks.
Lee: So you made clones of ourselves. Nice! Well, now we have an even more pissed-off Lupi. We should get going before they do.
Raien: Yeah, good point. Still got some of that Agility Up?
The Wizard and the Gun-Knight continued their advance south and finally went west as they reached the center of the area.
Thiji: Not much farther now…
Ray: Yeah! All that's left are the Holy Saviors!
The two would soon find themselves beset by a large pack of Vagabond Wolves. Ray detached his pistol from his sword and tried to harry them with bullets, with little effect. After having exhausted his entire magazine, he reattaches it to the blade and keeps running. Thiji was unable to stop them in time due to them closing in.
"Nope!" said a voice from the east. Everyone stopped and looked before a volley of shuriken and spirit spheres struck the wolf pack, wounding them and causing them all to retreat. From the bushes were Raien and Lee, arriving just in time to save their skins.
Thiji: Thank you both.
Raien: Mm-hmm!
Lee: Good to see you two again. That plan of yours worked like a charm, Thiji. I'm both shocked and impressed. I should trust you more.
Thiji: Don't worry about it. War is about deception, after all.
Ray: Now that we've had our reunion, we can finally get to that Emperium Jungle! With the Battle Vixens behind, we have a chance!
The four cheer and continue on until they came across another section of the forest which was more densely covered by vegetation, and the sound of water could be heard from the southwest. After taking a look around, they decided to head north where the path forked. Before they would turn left upon reaching the end of the path, they saw the Holy Saviors on the opposite end of the forest.
Lee: Awesome! We caught up to them!
Ray: That didn't take long at all!
Momiji: Lady Tsubaki! We have company!
Tsubaki: What?! (Growls) How did they catch up to us so quickly…?!
Suddenly, they heard a screech from above.
Raien: Oh, don't freaking tell me -!
Elua, shouting: Down, Mukuhawk!
The Falcon strikes at White Trinity, harassing them with his beak before soaring back to Elua's side. The Huntress jumped off a cliff and landed between the two guilds, along with Heal-Do, Aege, and Lupi.
Tsubaki: You all just don't know when to quit, do you…
Lee: No way… They got here so fast…!
Ray: Those are some quick-movin' women, that's for sure…
Momiji: Lady Tsubaki! Let us show them that we mean business!
Lady Tsubaki: Yes. Let's.
The three bring their hands together and focus their energy into an orb of divine light. The Vixens would set their eyes on White Trinity, but the shine emitting from the orb caught their attention.
Lupi: Ugh… what the hell is that?!
Aege: Damn, that's bright!
Thiji: Oh, no. They're attempting to blind us!
Ray: Wait, what?!
Raien: SHIT!
Botan & Momiji: By the power of Odin!
The orb explodes in a brilliant display of holy light, blinding the others long enough for them to make their escape yet again. Tsubaki chuckled and followed the twins to the center of the dense forest while the others recovered from their temporary blindness.
Thiji: Dammit… They're getting away!
Lee: They're almost there…!
Elua: Not if… we get there first!
Ray: Think again – *hits a wall* oof! Think again…!
Heal-Do, fumbling about: Can't focus… everything is spinning…!
Tsubaki searches the immediate vicinity for anything out of the ordinary until she spotted a wall of vines that bore a different shade of green compared to the others – she knew that the Emperium Jungle lied within.
Botan: Emerald green vines! That has to be it!
Momiji: Quickly, to Lady Tsubaki's side!
Ray attempted to rush past the Battle Vixens recklessly as he reloaded his gun. Elua fired an arrow at him, but would be deflected by a kunai thrown by Raien. Thiji goes for broke and follows after them, dodging a Cart Revolution, while pelting her with ice bolts. Mukuhawk struck at the Wizard, giving Lupi the opportunity to attack, but Lee intervened with a flying side kick, colliding with her lance. His foot would then catch on fire.
Lee: Ow…! Hot, hot hot!
Lupi: Heh… idiot.
The Monk rolled out of the way from an attack by Heal-Do's katars, ignoring the searing pain from his foot to catch up with his comrades. After the scramble to the starting gate, White Trinity would make it to the Emperium Jungle, where they would find the Holy Saviors surrounded by a blue barrier.
Ray: What in the -?
The same blue barrier would appear around White Trinity as well. The Battle Vixens arrived last, and they would come in swinging, but the barrier forms around them as well, halting their movement. At the gate to greet them was a brown-eyed Kafra employee sporting gray hair in a long ponytail with a clipboard on her left hand.
"Welcome, brave guilds, to the Emperium Jungle. I am Kafra Blossom, and I have been given the task of monitoring this leg of the competition. The barriers around you are there for pacification purposes, so you will not be able to move until they are lifted."
She directs them all to a directory on the wall to her left. From the outside, it seemed like a simple piece of forest, but the Emperium Jungle was really another castle.
"The Emperium Jungle is a large, simulated forest environment which holds its own bevy of traps and monsters. We are now here in the southern portion of the Jungle, which is a small, dense forest. In the western section, there are vines that can be used to swing to and fro to avoid pitfalls; the entire northern section is filled with a swamp that covers the whole area; and lastly, the eastern section is shrouded in a thick, green mist, which is ideal for hiding methods."
Heal-Do shudders.
Heal-Do: Swamp water…? Ew…
Thiji: What, you Battle Babies aren't afraid of getting a little wet, are you?
Raien: That has a whole different context for me, brother.
Lupi: You know, I've just about enough of your shit, you pathetic –
Tsubaki: Hold your tongue! The Kafra lady is speaking!
Blossom bows her head to Tsubaki in thanks before continuing.
"At the very center of the Jungle lies the treasure that everyone is striving to acquire – the Emerald Emperium! The only way to attain this is by navigating your way to the northern part of the jungle. Courage and wit will be key to this competition."
"We have plenty of that!" boasted Ray, puffing out his chest.
"However, there is a catch," Kafra Blossom warned. "Once acquired, the Emerald Emperium must be presented to me, where I will be waiting by the southern gate. The person that presents it to me will be deemed victorious and will claim the Emeperium Jungle and its stone for their respective guild. Lastly, among the many dangers that the Emperium Jungle has to offer, there have been rumors of an ancient creature lurking about in the Jungle. Stay alert for clues, and avoid conflict with the beast if you can."
Everyone nods, acknowledging Kafra Blossom's warning.
Blossom: For arriving here first, the Holy Saviors will receive a one-minute headstart.
Botan & Momiji: All right!
Lupi: (Grumbles)
Blossom: White Trinity will proceed next, and then the Battle Vixens. Best of luck, and may the best guild succeed! Saviors, you may begin when the barrier is lifted!
The two guilds took the time to rest and recover as much as possible before their turn would proceed. Kafra Blossom walks toward the southern gate and seals the entrance to prevent anyone from entering – or leaving - the facility. She lifts the barrier for the Holy Saviors, and they would be off. During this time of respite, White Trinity would huddle amongst themselves to strategize…
Thiji: Swamps, bogs, and pitfalls…
Lee: Oh, my.
Raien: Who's going where?
Ray: Lee and I should stay in the forest. We can fend off anyone and distract them! Maybe we can look for some hidden paths that could help us, too!
Thiji: Very well, then. I will take the eastern path to the stone.
Raien: I'll track them down through the vines to the west!
The Battle Vixens were doing the same thing whilst Aege was tempering her sisters' weapons…
Elua: That bog looks sketchy… Mukuhawk and I should go there; his sight will keep us from being lost!
Heal-Do, to Aege: Where should you go, sister?
Aege: I can't really move through those vines since I'm carrying a cart with me at all times. The thing's like an extra weapon for me.
Heal-Do: I'll deal with the vines, don't worry. You can stay with Big Sister.
Lupi: Fine with me. I have my own plan, anyway.
After a full minute, Kafra Blossom lowered the barrier around White Trinity and gave them the go-ahead to begin. The four charge out through the starting tunnel and commence their search for the Emerald Emperium. As soon as they cleared it, they found themselves surrounded by what appeared to be a bunch of living sticks with weird-looking faces.
Ray: What the hell?! Greatest Generals?!
Thiji: Guardians of a land that has been beyond people's interest. Because of negligence, they ruthlessly attack passersby in anger.
Ray: We'll turn them into firewood; you two go!
The Gun-Knight shoots open a path to his left and right, giving Thiji and Raien the window of opportunity to move. Dodging a couple swipes from the Greatest Generals, they flee successfully and split up.
Lee: Just like the Izlude Arena all over again, huh, buddy?
Ray: You and I remember the Izlude Arena very differently.
As they fought, Raien would make his pursuit down the western path. Without a second thought, he began swinging on the vines as he avoided the pitfalls strewn about the ground. He would then hear a rustle nearby, alerting him to Botan and Momiji, who were waiting for someone to come waltzing by. The twins came from both sides, swinging towards the Ninja in an attempt to pincer him, but he simply loosened his grip on the vine he was holding and slid down several feet, causing them to collide with each other.
"Well, at least I know you two are here…" remarked the Ninja. The two rubbed their heads and growled angrily.
"That was a bad idea…" spoke the red Acolyte
"We mustn't give up! Chase after him!" said the blue Acolyte right after, enhancing their speed with Agility Up.
Ray and Lee took out the Greatest Generals and searched the area for more monsters. It was quiet for a while, and they were allowed a short moment of rest before poisonous spores would begin hopping their way from the east.
Lee: Whoa!
Ray: Oh, the action continues! *sheathes sword; cocks pistols* Showtime…
The horde of spores continued their march until the earth suddenly began to shake. The soft ground beneath the spores crumbled as they fell into a deep fissure.
Ray: Holy shit! Earthquake?!
Lee: N-No… Earth Blacksmith!
They lose their balance and fall on their rears as Lee points over to Aege, sporting her Slaughter Axe which rested on her broad shoulders.
Aege: Well, I'd say that was too close to call.
Ray: Damn! You again!
Lee: You nearly casted us inside a fissure! You will pay for that!
Aege: By all means, I would love to see you try! *wink*
Ray: With pleasure!
Putting away one of his pistols and reattaching the other back onto his blade, Ray would charge the Blacksmith, his finger on the trigger, and would deliver a Bowling Bash to his foe, but Aege would guard the attack with her axe. Just as their weapons collided, Ray pulled the trigger on his revolver, releasing a round and sending a shockwave through the blade, resulting in an explosion of fire that forced Aege back.
Ray: We ain't as weak as you think!
Suddenly, out from the tunnel charged Elua and Heal-Do, immediately splitting off in different directions as Lupi bulldozed her way through, brandishing her Hellfire Lance as usual. Before Lee could make an attempt to stop the other two, he was overrun by the eldest sister, who threw a fire ball at him, causing some of the vegetation around them to burn from the excess flames.
Lee, grunting: Shit… They just came out of nowhere…
He would the notice the angry female Knight attempting to cleave herself a shortcut from the southern wall that would lead to the Emerald Emperium.
"Are you crazy, or just stupid?!" shouted the Monk. "We're supposed to go to the northern area for the stone! Whoa!"
Lupi's rage was made apparent as she attempted to swing back at Lee, warning him to stay away. Her lance was glowing orange as well.
"Shut up, you! Go suck a flamethrower!" she taunted, swinging her axe yet again, launching a fire ball at both her and Ray. The surprise attack struck Ray as his coat caught on fire, giving Aege the chance to kick him in the chest, causing him to fall and followed with a downward swing of her axe, only to miss as the Gun-Knight quickly rolled to his right.
"Lupi. Careless as always. She was never one to follow the rules to the letter, but when she's pissed, her weapon does the talking for her," addressed Aege. "But now I can land the finishing move I've been waiting to use on you guys since our first battle at Mt. Mjolnir."
With a smirk, the Blacksmith would kick her cart aside and would begin channeling earth energy onto her axe. Ray was still on the ground, unable to move due to the scorching damage wrought by Lupi's flames, leaving him wide open.
"Ray…!" gasped Lee from afar, noticing that he was about to be in incredible pain. Aege reached a full charged, and inhaled deeply, taking in the glorious moment where her favorite attack would finally land. With all her might, she yelled, "Hammer Fall!" before springing high into the air, and coming would let gravity do its work as she came crashing down upon the Gun-Knight.
"No…!
It seemed that Aege was in the clear as the resulting hit made an ear-piercing clang, followed by a powerful shockwave bursting outward from the point of impact. The sound could be heard throughout the entire Jungle, and the earth shook slightly, which alerted Thiji, who was making his way through the bog.
The Wizard disregarded the noise and continued on.
"I must press on," he thought out loud. "They said they could handle themselves, and I will have to trust their judgment."
Just then he would hear a voice behind him, followed by the flapping of wings. He turned around and saw the fog lifting, until an arrow had flew by him, followed by the falcon Mukuhawk striking at the Wizard with his wings, staggering him. "Tch… Perfect. I was expecting Heal-Do to come down this way."
"Well, it would please you to know that she's already ahead of us!" spoke Elua, emerging from the mist with her falcon on her arm.
"What…?"
"Yup! We're merely controlling the other parts of the Jungle until she sneaks away with the Emerald Emperium!"
"Smart tactic… for once," complimented the Wizard.
Back near the entrance, Aege had opened her eyes, and then she found her descent being halted by Lee, who had just blocked against the attack with his arms, the five Spirit Spheres circling him being absorbed into his body to activate his ability. This would exponentially nullify most of the damage he would have normally taken from the Hammer Fall.
To her astonishment, Aege gasped.
"How… I don't even…" she said in a hushed voice.
"Body Relocation…" he answered. He apparently teleported away from Lupi to evade her onslaught and ran the rest of the way just in time to stop Aege's attack and ultimately saving Ray.
"I… fucking. Hate you…" seethed the Blacksmith. Lee then focused his energy into his palm and struck the Blacksmith in the stomach with an Excruciating Palm attack. The resulting blow sent Aege flying, and Lee dropped to his knees to check up on Ray.
"Are you all right, man?" he asked, panting with effort.
"Yeah… Thanks a lot for that!" the Gun-Knight answered, heaving a sigh of relief.
The Monk helped him up to his feet and shook his hand before he would receive another fire ball to the face, sending Lee flying as well.
"You idiots forgot someone…" taunted Lupi, continuing to hack away at the wall.
"Hey!" Ray shouted, charging toward the lady Knight, firing gunshots from his revolver. She would turn around and block the bullets until she saw him leap into the air to deliver a downward slash upon her, when she easily defended against.
"Get lost, punk!" groaned Lupi, forcing Ray out of the deadlock, grabbing his leg with her gauntlet and finally throwing him into the deeper parts of the forest so that she could continue making her own path.
Back over at the eastern section…
Thiji: …But you forgot one little factor, my dear.
The Wizard slowly reaches for his staff, while Elua readies her Gust Bow and draws an arrow back.
Elua: And what's that?
Thiji: Evasion! Water Ball!
Reacting quickly, Thiji used the water in the air to conjure a multitude of water spheres and hurled them all at Elua and Mukuhawk, splashing them repeatedly in the face at high velocity. This gave the Wizard ample time to escape deeper into the Jungle.
Thiji, thinking: With this, I should slow her down a smidgen.
The Huntress was sputtering, coughing out water in her lungs as Mukuhawk attempted to clear the fog around them once more, revealing a huge wall of ice before them.
Elua, coughing: Are you kidding me?! Mukuhawk, shatter that thing! Blitz Beat!
Mukuhawk: Cacaw!
Her trusty companion flies straight toward the ice wall and shatters it with a mighty swipe of its wings. After a short cheer, they advance until they came across another ice wall.
Elua: What the hell? Another?! Blitz Beat!
Mukuhawk flies once more toward the ice wall, and with two consecutive strikes with its wings, crumbles the second barrier. However, they would once again be face-to-face with a third wall of ice, which annoyed the Huntress and her pet.
Elua: Okay, really…? Whatever… Steel Crow!
Reinforcing her falcon with enhanced strength, she commands another Blitz Beat from Mukuhawk to strike down the barrier, but it took several more strikes for the falcon to break it. With some effort, the falcon breaks through at the expense of its vitality, but flies back to Elua all the same. Elua petted him and advanced into – you guessed it – yet another ice wall!
Elua, screaming: WHAT THE SHIT IS THIS?! THIS ISN'T FUNNY, WIZARD! BLITZ BEAT, FULL POWER!
Channeling her anger into Mukuhawk, he gathered his strength and collided with the wall of ice with all his might. For a brief moment, nothing happened, until cracks began forming on the wall. It would finally give and break before them. The recoil that Mukuhawk suffered from repeated attacks on hardened surfaces weakened it immensely, rendering the falcon unable to fly, and simply fell to the forest floor…
Elua: Oh, no…! My dearest Mukuhawk!
She hurried to his side and picked up the defenseless falcon, frowning. Before them was the Wizard, chuckling to himself, and more importantly, his brilliance.
"What are you laughing at…?" said Elua, looking up to Thiji. "How did you even…?"
"All warfare is based on deception…" spoke the Wizard. "If the enemy general is obstinate and prone to anger, insult and enrage him, so that he will be irritated and confused, and without a plan will recklessly advance against you. With each wall, the following the previous was more durable, and after clearing the first, you became more and more irritated, ordering your pet to strike with greater strength at the cost of its own health. When the last one appeared before you, you struck with so powerful a blow that it rendered your falcon unable to fight further."
This revelation both astounded the Huntress and frightened her. She held the weakened Mukuhawk close to her chest while gazing in awe at the Wizard.
"He… he thought of all that up? In just the time it took for me to clear the mist? I was so caught up in my own anger that he manipulated me into using Mukuhawk to break the walls, when I could have just done so myself! Wow… he truly is a strategist!" she thought to herself.
Because of her incapacitated pet, she was unable to continue without her extra pair of eyes, and without Heal-Do to mend the injuries, would have to resort to traditional methods of potions and bandages. Thiji continued advancing toward the northern section when he noticed large footprints on the ground. And then it hit him…
"We understand that this maze will be full of tricky monsters as well as sightings of giant footprints, which must mean that a big, bad monster is waiting within!"
The moment of the broadcast from earlier that morning flashed back in his mind. This would strike a small sense of alertness in the Wizard, making sure that whatever created those footprints does not get the jump on him. Proceeding with caution, he had entered the northern region of the Emperium Jungle, where the fog had begun to fade away, revealing all the amenities of an actual swamp: brackish waters; dry-land protrusions, and plenty of aquatic vegetation.
The spots where there were dry land had the same footprints as the one he saw on the way here. Then, in the distance, he would hear the sound of a sharp object piercing someone's flesh, followed by what sounded like a bear growling and hitting the floor with a loud thud.
"A bear…?"
Then he looked back and scanned the footprints once more. They were similar to that of the Bigfoot monsters that live in caves, but there were some that were much larger.
He took a long whiff of the air and caught a strange smell that didn't seem to fit the swamp at all… "Tobacco…? Who or what could possibly be smoking here?"
*THUD! THUD! THUD!*
Something big was definitely approaching Thiji. He kept his composure and turned around to see what exactly he was dealing with. As he faced the approaching creature, he would receive a large cloud of tobacco smoke to his face, simply closing his eyes to prevent irritation.
The monster hat a small top hat on his head, and was decorated with orange fur, with a tobacco pipe in his right paw. He looked like a bipedal tiger, with a gang of Bigfoots at his back.
"I say. Who dares to be so bold as to come armed in my domain and what, what?" snorted the tiger, sporting a tawdry British accent. "Normans, no doubt. Hmph! The nerve of you lot. First you get the stones to say we've wronged you in the past, and then ya' go and destroy the mountains with your minin' and explorin'. You, mate, are not welcome in these parts."
"And who may I ask might you be?" the Wizard politely stated. With a tip of his hat, he breathes out another puff of smoke and replies, "Eddga's the name. And these are me comrades, the Bigfoots. We've been guardin' that lovely green rock over there for months, now."
"You must be the big, bad monster that the Kafra mentioned… Looks can indeed be deceiving," the Wizard thought aloud.
"Doubtin' me powers, are we? Well, then…" said Eddga, laughing heartily before focusing fire energy into his fist. In the distance was Raien, taking down a group of Bigfoots – no doubt part of Eddga's gang. He had noticed Thiji from afar, and the monster he was dealing with that slammed his fist into the ground, causing a huge wave of fire to spread outward from his feet. The Wizard quickly dodged by jumping backwards, and fired Cold Bolts to counter Eddga.
Raien: Thiji! Thank goodness you're okay.
Thiji: Yeah, you know. Same old, same old.
Raien: Who's your friend?
Thiji: That tiger over there is Eddga. He's the big monster that the news warned about this morning.
Raien: He looks pissed.
Thiji: Yeah, well, apparently he's an ancient tiger that's been defied by the natives of this land. Now they attack any travelers or adventurers that are unfortunate enough to meet him. Adventurers like us.
Eddga throws a volley of fireballs at the two of them, but the Wizard conjures an ice wall in front of them to shield the two, causing the flames to fizzle.
Thiji: By the way, have you seen either Tsubaki or Heal-Do around?
Raien: Nah, man. Sorry. I think they're further in.
Tsubaki: Speak of the devil, and she shall appear… Looking for me?
From the shadows behind them emerged the Priestess, immediately sic'ing her Shikigami after them. With his ninja reflexes, Raien made swift hand gestures and summons the wind to his side.
"Wind Blade!" he cried, causing gale swords to emerge in the wind and cut the Shikigami, stopping it in its tracks.
"My Shikigami…!" the Priestess gasped. "You wretches! You will pay for this!"
She blasted them both with Holy Light as a diversionary tactic so that she could slip by and make her way deeper into the swamp. The two would begin their pursuit of the Priestess, but would be caught by surprise as the twins, Botan & Momiji, sprung out from the brackish water (though disgusted that they were hiding under there to begin with).
With their advance halted, Tsubaki had a clear shot at the wall where the Emerald Emperium was waiting for them. However, Heal-Do had arrived there first, and was seen attempting to tear it down. Apparently she must have utilized her innate cloaking abilities to sneak by the competition with little trouble.
Heal-Do: (Gasps) Thiji…?
Thiji: Heal-Do…!
Botan: Lady Tsubaki!
Tsubaki: Right. (To Heal-Do) What say you and I take out the trash? They are horribly outnumbered, and they have been a thorn on your side for quite a while now.
Heal-Do: True… as you wish.
The Assassin agreed to the temporary truce, and began to surround the two, along with the twins. Heal-Do seemed hesitant to strike as she kept her gaze affixed on Thiji.
Raien: What the hell is this…?
Tsubaki: Now, surrender! There is no escape for you.
Thiji then feels a pang in his arm and falls to his knees from the pain.
Thiji: Ngh…!
Raien: Brother…?
Heal-Do, thinking: Oh, no… He's hurt! I can't cause him further suffering… I won't…
Thiji: I leave this to you…
Botan: Eh?
Momiji: What is he doing?
Tsubaki: Tired already? Pathetic… This will be a slaughter!
Searching the area, the Ninja spots numerous black ash trees that grew within the area. He puts his left hand into the swamp water after giving a confident smirk and made the tora hand sign with his right hand, putting it several inches from his face as he focused. A trail of blue energy begins expanding outward from his left hand and creeps its way up the trees…
"I have to focus my chakra on the trees… Heh, I've waited for an opportunity as golden as this!" the Ninja thought to himself. The trees around them that have been touched by the chakra begin to glow a faint blue color...
"Now… watch and learn… imbeciles," Thiji grunted with effort.
"Now what is happening this time?!" growled Tsubaki, staring at the trees in confusion.
The leaves on the trees began to fall from its branches, and the chakra expended by Raien kept them afloat in the air. They would then turn from a bluish glow to a yellowish one as the leaves began to resemble tiny lightning bolts.
"Behold the might of the clouds! Raiton: Thunder Shield!" echoed the Ninja, unleashing his modified version of the Crimson Fire Formation technique.
Setting her sights on the Ninja, Heal-Do revealed a fan of knives and enchanted poison onto them.
"I must stop his attack! Venom Knife!" she cried, chucking a storm of poisoned daggers at the Ninja. In the blink of an eye, the electrified petals collapse upon Raien, shielding him from the knives and ricocheting in all directions.
Botan: Uwaah!
Momiji: Whaaa!
Tsubaki: Tch…! What will a bunch of leaves do?
A small wave of electrified leaves fly toward the twins, sending tiny jolts that collided with their bodies and virtually paralyzing them.
Tsubaki, gazing at the fallen twins: Impossible…! You still have this much energy?
Heal-Do: I failed to stop it… But I won't give up! Haah…!
The Assassin dashes towards Raien, who sends another flurry of petals outward. With her skill, Heal-Do could outmaneuver the petals and deflect them with her Twin Katars of Frozen Icicles. Raien became pressed when he saw his adversary approaching closer and closer.
"I won't be able to keep up unless…" Raien had said in his mind before stretching his arms outward, releasing all of the petals that had shielded him and swarms the Assassin.
"What…?! I can't… keep up…!" she grunted, holding her katars against her face to deflect them in desperation. The continuous impact slowly pushed Heal-Do back toward a wall, clashing with it like a storm of metal. "No…! I've reached my limit…! I have to… to retreat…!"
In a last ditch effort, Heal-Do twirled her body to fan away the lightning storm before diving into the waters, fleeing from battle. Tsubaki follows suit shortly after, helping her comrades with a Blessing to remove the paralysis so that they could escape as well. Unbeknownst to Tsubak, however, she was retreating in the same direction as Heal-Do.
With their opponents gone, Raien lowered his hand, exhaling from the large amounts of chakra that he spent…
Raien: I'll spare 'em just this once. You okay, brother?
Thiji: That went better than I anticipated.
The Wizard lets go of his injured arm and stands up perfectly, much to Raien's surprised.
Raien: What the fuck, you were faking it?! I didn't expect that!
Thiji: "All warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when capable, feign incapacity; when active, inactivity."
Raien: Geez, man, you're hard to read sometimes. But I thank you for giving me a chance to show off. Now, on to that barrier…
Eddga: Did you blokes forget about me?!
The ancient pipe-smoking tiger trudged along, catching up to the two, a fireball dancing on his paw.
"So, you think you're worthy of takin' that?" he chuckled. "Prove it!"
"Just another day in Rune-Midgarts…" sighed Thiji, getting ready to fight.
Meanwhile, as they were distracted, Tsubaki doubled back and continued down the path to the Emerald Emperium. Running towards the wall protecting it, she began to chant an incantation to deactivate it, until Heal-Do had emerged from the brackish waters below…
Heal-Do: Sorry, but that Emerald Emperium belongs to the Battle Vixens!
Tsubaki: Haha! You think you have a chance to stop me? Though a Priestess I may be, you are not aware of what I am capable of!
Heal-Do: Then show me…
Charging at Tsubaki with her katars, Heal-Do struck at her with swift jabs, but the Priestess was quicker, and dodged them with ease. Then she would catch her off-guard by striking the waters beneath her, splashing Tsubaki with a small wave of water…
"You wench…! You will pay for such tricks!" Tsubaki shouted in anger, spitting out the swamp water in her in her lungs before conjuring a shadowy derivative of Holy Light that spiraled toward the Assassin, hitting her directly in the chest and sending her spinning toward a wall with great force.
"Nnnh…" groaned Heal-Do as she tried to open her eyes, seeing Tsubaki inching toward her. By parting her hands, the waters beneath them rose, surrounding Tsubaki from all sides. "I've got you now!"
Throwing her arms downward, Heal-Do brought the briny water crashing upon Tsubaki's form, nearly drowning her. Before that happened, however, she stood back up and called forth her Shikigami.
"I've had enough of you… Go, my Shikigami!" The serpent lunges forward at Tsubaki's command, and Heal-Do would shield herself using her katars, but then the serpent would freeze in midair as it slowly turned to stone. "What sorcery is this?!"
"Stone Curse!" announced Thiji, emerging from behind them with Raien in tow, who sent a lightning bolt blasting through the two of them to hit the barrier repeatedly, knocking Heal-Do and Tsubaki off their feet. But then a massive fireball was seen racing towards them. Raien dodged and it would strike at the barrier, which packed more than enough power to deteriorate its strength until finally burst in a thunderous explosion. Everyone, even Lupi, Aege, Lee, Ray, and Elua, whom where in different areas of the Jungle, jumped at the sound.
"I won't let you lot take that stone so easily!" roared an enraged Eddga, stomping towards Thiji and company.
"Oh, to hell with this!" yelled Lupi as she backed up from the wall a fair distance before charging her lance with flame energy. "Charge… Attack!" With all her might into one powerful blow, Lupi drives her lance into the wall and manages to crack it. The added fire properties spread through the cracks of the wall, burning everything away as the cracks became larger and larger until finally falling apart and crumbling in flames.
Thiji, Raien and the others notice the wall on the opposite end falling, and begin rushing toward the Emperium Stone.
Lupi: Hahahahaha! YEAH! Later, losers!
Aege: Sister, wait up!
Lee: Running away?!
Ray: Get 'er! Let's show off our finishing move!
Lee: Ready! Spiritual Endowment!
Using his Spirit Spheres, Lee transfers all five to the Gun-Knight, who then uses the recoil from his gun-sword to propel him upwards into the air. The Spirit Spheres are absorbed into the blade, imbuing it with holy energy as Ray utilizes his Tracking skill to prepare a blast of fire aimed at the mobile Monk. With a squeeze of the trigger, he sends a ball of holy fire outward, and as Lee somersaulted, kicked the ball before landing on his feet.
"Behold the Sacred Fire Blitz!" exclaimed the dynamic duo. The sphere collides with the ground beneath Lupi & Aege and sends the girls flying. Taking this chance, they ignored their injuries from battle and ran toward the path set before them to the Emerald Emperium. It was not long before White Trinity came upon the radiance of the green stone as they all stopped and beheld its splendorous glow…
Ray: Yes! We did it!
Raien: The Emerald Emperium…
Lee: This is it, guys!
Thiji: We meet at last.
The Wizard then notices the reunited Holy Saviors and Heal-Do racing toward them. Ray and Lee find Aege and Lupi coming in hot as well.
Lupi: Oh, man, are you all dead now!
Tsubaki: The stone! Hand it over, if you please!
Raien: Dammit, we're surrounded!
Lee: What do we do now?!
Thiji: "All war is based on deception. When near, make it appear that you are far away; when far away, that you are near." Listen, for I will only explain this once…
Thiji quickly gave his plan out to his companions and put up two Ice Walls – one on both sides.
Elua: Not this again! I won't fall for you this time!
Elua swooped in from above and let go of Mukuhawk's talon, landing before her sisters and shooting a wind arrow toward the wall, while Heal-Do struck at the wall on her end with a double attack, shattering it. But White Trinity was no longer visible! The Emerald Emperium laid wide open before them.
They looked around wildly, searching eagerly for the Trinities. Raien, however, was silently perched on the ceiling of the jungle, sitting upside-down with a clear view of the Emperium Stone.
"I only have one shot at this… I'm running out of chakra alone being up so high. I'm down to my last shadow orb, too…" He thought as he took out a shadow orb and applied it to his katana which he silently unsheathed. He cut the ceiling with great speed after quietly uttering, "Mist Slash…" and became invisible. Now blending in with the shadows, this next maneuver had to be done flawlessly, or the strategy would fail.
Taking a deep breath before exhaling, he cut off the chakra flow to his feet and finally succumbed to gravity as he fell from above, his katana gleaming in the light of the Emperium Stone. Touching back down to earth, the Ninja gave a blindingly fast cut to the Emerald Emperium after uttering the words, "Shadow Slash!"
Everyone stood silently in awe as the air stood still, their eyes fixed on the precious green stone as if time had stopped…
Lupi: Why… did you…?
Tsubaki: What… what have you done…?
Heal-Do: Oh, no… the Emerald Emperium…!
Mere seconds later, the stone cut in two, the top half sliding off from its pedestal before the entire object exploded in a cloud of smoke. Then, he flipped tatami mats from the ground to distract them further as he made his escape.
Raien: Peace out, bitches!
Aege: What the hell just -?!
Lupi: Get them! Get them, get them, and GET THEM!
Raien quickly made his way down the western portion of the Jungle, forgoing the vines and instead wall running his way to the other side. He is met by Lee, whom is mirroring the Ninja on the opposite side.
Ray and Thiji quickly swim out of the northern section and make their way down from the east. But then a katar would suddenly be brought to their necks…
Heal-Do: Thiji… I don't want to hurt you. Please, surrender the Emerald Emperium.
Ray: Oh, but you have no problem at all hurting me!
The Wizard shuts him up with a hand to his mouth.
Thiji: Fine, Heal-Do. If you insist.
The Wizard willingly hands over the stone to the Assassin, only to be interrupted by the persistent Eddga and his mob of Bigfoots, swiping at the stone. Ray caught it, ignoring the giant brute, and continued on their way.
Ray: Man, out of bullets, out of mana, out of items… We've used just about all our resources on this fight alone!
Thiji: What happened to yours?
Ray: I had to fight off that crazy Lupi and her earthshattering sisters!
Raien and Lee dodge a myriad of beams and blasts from the Holy Saviors as Thiji and Ray ducked from Spear Boomerangs; jumped away from Blitz Beats, and even shrugged off some zeny (Aege used Mammonite as a last resort). As they all gathered at the southern region, both the Battle Vixens and the Holy Saviors give it their all in this chase, but they came up just short, and after a grueling competition, Ray presented the Emerald Emperium to Kafra Blossom, who then gave it a tap with her finger, causing a green light to fill the entire facility.
"So… it looks like there are some worthy Normans amongst the rubbish after all…" huffed Eddga. Putting his top hat back on, he teleported out of the Emperium Jungle to somewhere deep within Payon Forest, showing no ill will toward the guilds.
"The Emperium Jungle is conquered by White Trinity! Victory is yours!" announced Kafra Blossom, escorting them out in their honor. The Battle Vixens and the Holy Saviors, however, leave the Jungle in sopping, soggy, and sweltering defeat…
Tsubaki: Unbelievable! Ugh…! I am so filthy… And I smell like a sewer! This has been aggravating day…
Botan & Momiji: That makes three of us, Lady Tsubaki…
The twins exit, tugging on Tsubaki's robes.
Lupi: AAAARRRGHH! Just peachy! We're all soaking wet thanks to all that crap that we had to go through inside there!
Elua: This just can't be happening to us… Not only did we lose to White Trinity, but in a way, we lost to those Holy Saviors, too… This just can't be happening to us…
Aege: Well, open your eyes, sister, because it is!
Heal-Do wallows in silence, following her sisters out. She then notices Thiji, whom was looking at her, stopping for a moment…
Heal-Do, thinking: My lord Thiji… I feel awful for what I almost did to you back there. I would never hurt you, but I did it for my guild, and for my sisters… Please forgive me.
The Water Elf sheds a small tear that was not visible to the Wizard and catches up with her sisters.
Botan: Lady Tsubaki, we have to get stronger still!
Momiji: Yes! Please, train us in the holy ways!
Tsubaki: All right, fine… after we get out of these putrid clothes. (Thinking) This is never going to work with just the three of us. We were outnumbered and outmatched. I overestimated these two. I have no other alternative; I must find her...
White Trinity is celebrating their victory as they are escorted back personally by Kafra Blossom, whom was speaking with someone on her headpiece…
Ray: YES! White Trinity, as your leader, I declare that we are on a roll! That's three Emperium Stones under our belt!
Raien: Hell yeah! We rocked! Now to relax, wash up and get out of these clothes. Not necessarily in that order.
Thiji: No kidding; spending a few hours in there didn't exactly feel like a flower garden.
Lee: Ugh… I almost threw up having to deal with that swamp, and the creatures inside of it. But now it's over. We can relax again.
Thiji: We must keep a weather eye on the horizon until then… We will never know when the next challenge will rise.
Blossom: Yes. Understood. Thank you, ma'am.
She clicks a button on her headpiece and stops White Trinity.
"I have just received word from Kafra Headquarters. The news of your victory is spreading as we speak, and Kafra Nora will personally see you guys home to Prontera for a parade!" she happily proclaimed. The four boys cheered in unison and made their way back to Payon, where a Kafra representative would teleport them back, free of charge. The brave men and women would soon return to their respective homes and recuperate, and plan their next approach for the upcoming battles…
Later that evening, the festivities within Prontera would soon come to an end. The citizens of Rune-Midgarts began returning to their homes after celebrating the momentous victory of White Trinity. A woman robed in black approached the Prontera sanctuary, opening its double doors and stepping into the hallowed threshold of the Church of Odin.
She had made her way to the altar, where she prayed silently to herself. Botan & Momiji were there as well, offering their respects to the Allfather, though they remained in silence, acknowledging the woman only with a nod.
Taking a lantern from one of the pews, the lady removed her hood and revealed herself to be Tsubaki. She exited the altar and left the twins to themselves as she made a right turn into another section of the monastery, which was dimly lit.
Framed pictures of holy warriors conquering foes and slaying demons lined the halls, until she came across a chamber with a raised dais for praying. It was disturbingly quiet for Tsubaki, and the only source of light was the lantern she held.
Suddenly, she would find a silver blade pointed at her neck, gleaming like the sun…
"What are you doing here? Acolytes and Priests are forbidden from this section of the Sanctuary," said a woman, whose face was obscured by the shadows. Tsubaki looked up and gave a smirk before laughing.
"I see that you have not changed at all," she said. Her laughter would be cut short as the sword was brought closer to her neck.
"Do not patronize me, Tsubaki! You may be a Priestess, but your foul practices are frowned upon by the clergy of the Church of Odin!"
"And yet I am still allowed sanctuary within these hallowed halls; I am no less a sister of the Church as you are," Tsubaki retorted. After a brief moment of silence, the sound of a large tower shield banging on the floor rung throughout the stone halls. After a moment of silence, the sword is lowered and the lady scoffed.
"Why have you come?" asked the woman.
"We are at war, sister… The Holy Saviors needs its leader once more. You are the descendants of mighty warriors that led armies in the Holy War. You must take up the mantle and lead us to victory," the Priestess explained, bowing her head. "The Emperium Frontier is upon us, and White Trinity has gained much glory over the past few months. The Battle Vixens as well are fighting for dominance. Without someone to even the odds, the Saviors will –"
"White Trinity?" the woman interrupted. "The very heroes that bravely clashes with those savages?"
In the woman's mind, memories would begin filling up. She recalled the battle at the Pharos Lighthouse, and of the terrible damage Lupi wrought to the swordswoman that stood at the van, bravely fending her off. She was grazed in the right hip, and her armor was set ablaze.
"White Trinity… The rest is up… to you… My brothers… sisters… retreat…"
Those words echoed back as she remembered seeing the ground beneath the swordswoman crumble, and fell into the ocean below. She was unconscious from the fall and was swept ashore against the rocky cliffs, just barely alive, until a fishing boat discovered her unconscious body and rescued her, taking the girl back to Alberta where she would get some food and some rest.
As the memories within the woman's mind subsided, she clenched the rosary around her neck, and her fist would shake in anger.
"The Battle Vixens are nothing but a group of bloodthirsty women bent on desecrating anything that they touch. They fight only for themselves, and they care little for others or the environment around them. And yet they bring the Church of Odin further dishonor by striking at our blessed guild? This travesty will no longer go unabated. Action must be taken. Swiftly. Decisively. And though White Trinity may have aided us twice now, they, too, are our enemies for opposing my allies within the Holy Saviors. Very well, Tsubaki. I have heard your plea… and I will comply. In the name of King Tristan Gaebolg III, the Holy Saviors shall cut a path to the very heavens, where Valhalla awaits only the worthy."
The woman steps down from the dais… She sported long, brown hair with hazel-colored eyes. She wore the traditional Crusader armor, and her blade was different from the standard Crusader swords; it was a broadsword with a silver finish and a cross formed the quillon. She had a soft-looking face with delicate features, but had a commanding air about her – This woman was the very person she recalled in her flashbacks; she was the woman who fought valiantly against the Battle Vixens and suffered a near-fatal injury.
"And with Odin as my witness… I, Youmei, will claim victory for our guild in the Emperium Frontier."