Some Allies Are Needed

Kouki: “Why are all these people here, praying? Hey! What is everyone doing here? Me and my brother and I need to get inside the Sacred Tree.”

A random observer explained that everyone was scared. The tree was shaking like crazy apparently earlier. Kouki and Yasuhiro’s power was drawn from it, but they could only sense it through the swords. They both knew it was angry, but not to this level. Thousands of leaves had fallen off and bark was missing from all over. It had been so angry and upset, that it began to shed parts of itself.

Yasuhiro: “Hey! You idiots, we’re coming through whether you like it or not. Move out of the freaking way.”

Barging their way through the thousands of people that were praying, they got inside the center tree and sat down in the middle. They paired their swords in the sides of the trunk to recharge them, although most of the time the Sacred Tree would always give them more. This was always just in case something bad were to happen to it.

Kouki: “You didn’t like that little demonstration, right? I didn’t stand a chance against those guys.”

Yasuhiro: “If all those buffoons weren’t there, then we could’ve gone all out. We would’ve killed everyone in the area.”

Kouki: “I don’t know what the hell that was, but it’s probably coming back. We need to regroup with the rest. We don’t have a choice. You and I could've taken that Black Diamond dude down, but whatever else is in there, we are going to need help. I hate to admit it.”

Yasuhiro: “Screw that brother. They are all hindrances to us. We can defeat it ourselves.”

Kouki: “I’m not so sure. This stupid tree might poop out on us on purpose. Isn’t that right, you stupid piece of wood? It’s already started to shed off from its anger. We can’t rely on boosted mana from it for a long period of time, especially against whatever those things were.”

Yasuhiro: “I can beat the Reaper Sword’s powers with a snap of my fingers. I already did once before, and I stole one of Ren’s books on it when he wasn’t around. You just have to seal the heart so whatever it is that stupid sword produces is trapped inside and can’t get out. We’ll just kill the user after that and boom.”

Kouki: “I think we killed it before. Its mana was completely drained. Think brother. Those people with the pink hair are going to come out of that realm again and probably kill us all. We have to fight. I could care less about the rest of the world, but those people outside are under my protection. Nobody out there is even getting a scratch of blood. I won’t allow it. I’ll break the barrier over my palace and harness that mana and I’ll even form a double covenant if I have to. If all fails, we’ll use the Sacred Tree’s final ability. I assume you’re good with that, right? You’re pissed off like we are?”

The tree shook in agreement, but to the outsiders, they prayed even harder now, believing that it was a sign of vexation. Yasuhiro pounded his fists together and wrapped them with green tape. He took the crown off his head, kissed it, and put it back on.

Yasuhiro: “Yeah, I’m freaking pissed. Nobody has touched this place since we took over and they sure as hell ain’t touching it now. I’ll destroy the rest of the world if I have to, but this, this is ours. We’re going to the Dark Mold. Let’s fucking kill those bastards.”

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yureth: “What the hell happened back there? Is that what you all fought from before?”

Natsuki: “No, I don’t know what that was. That was something completely different.”

Yureth: “What?! Why is every monster in the world coming after all of you constantly? Is this a result of the Titan War? Where did all these things come from? I didn’t sign up for this. Iki isn’t paying me for all this.”

Yahiko: “Where’s Wally? Where is Clara?”

Natsuki: “He died, but he is still alive. I saw him myself. Same thing with Clara.”

Yahiko: “What does that mean? They are dead?! Natsuki! Explain yourself!”

Natsuki: “I can’t explain it, but I know he’s alive. He’s hanging on out of the love he has for us, and we have to do the same. Be strong. We can’t do anything right now about Wally. We have to get inside the Land of the Witches and beg for help. We lost Clara, so we can’t rely on her extra boosts for the fight.”

They entered inside the area the same way that Henry did and was met by the same guards, but this time, all 5 of the rulers of Celenar Encrodian were already awaiting them having felt their presence. Asuka, Bella, Lilian, Igius, and Seraphelle stood in front where they stood.

Seraphelle: “Oh, I’m gonna have some fun. Do you all know Henry? I need you to bring him back here. I have some unfinished business.”

Asuka: “Seraphelle, stop talking before I strip you of your title.”

Seraphelle: “Gramps! Why do you hate me so much?!”

Asuka: “I don’t, but stop being an idiot. It makes me tired…Well, hello to you all. There better be a good reason for this. I heard a lot of my people were killed by you recently. It’s not night time outside yet. I think we have a pretty good chance with the lot of us here without your moons. Start explaining, Natsuki Tooru.”

Natsuki: “Ah, coming after me first?”

Asuka: “You’re the most reasonable and not blinded by arrogance. What’s the deal? Also, you’re going to explain why a girl is here that possesses fairies.”

Natsuki: “I see. Well, this girl is here out of the love for a person that she cares to protect, and so are all of us. You see, a lot of my allies were injured, killed or wounded.”

Asuka: “That’s not a surprise. The 10 Great Swordsmen are a bunch of frauds besides for a few. You all can’t even use sword powers correctly. You were all bound to be demolished. You’re lucky we have a pact, but I’m thinking about breaking that right now and killing you all where you stand.”

Yahiko: “Why don’t you shut your trap and let him speak! We lost a lot here!”

Natsuki: “Yahiko! Shut your mouth before I make you shut it. Asuka is a reasonable person and fights for love as well. Do not insult her…Asuka, I’m sure you know that the Time Chaplet was used, but we have bigger issues. Mysterious monsters keep showing up and are a lot stronger than us, at least in the daytime. One after another, they keep coming. Even before the Titan War, this never happened.”

Seraphelle: “Hmph! You all are just a bunch of boneheads.”

Igius: “10 of you can’t beat a bunch of rascals? Pathetic. I can’t believe we were ever afraid of you all. The witches should be at the top of the races.”

Bella: “Gramps, I’m hungry!”

Lilian: “Me too, Gramps!”

Yahiko: “Natsuki, let me speak. I’m not bashing them, but how about you all come and see for yourselves. You might change your mind.”

Natsuki: “Asuka, this is not a joke. We need your help. We don’t have much time left, a few hours at most. We were attacked by three beings with pink hair and powers beyond anything even I’ve ever seen…Have you ever heard of the Dark Mold?”

Asuka’s eyes lit up brighter than ever. She took a few steps back while the other 4 of them questioned what was going on and why she looked so nervous.

Asuka: “N-Natsuki…d-did they say anything?”

Natsuki: “Michiaki fought with us and the man up front gave his word that he wouldn’t destroy the world, but I was using a Thinker Chaplet, and he was completely lying. His word meant nothing, but I hadn’t told anybody. Michiaki had already made his choice.”

Asuka threw an Envisioner Chaplet down to scan their bodies and make sure nothing was wrong. She confirmed this and then looked up into the sky of their domain.

Asuka: “This realm was not even strong enough to stop the effects of the Time Chaplet and now you have the 100 of the Dark Mold mad at us.”

Natsuki: “So, you know about it.

Asuka: “Of course I do. You think I am an idiot?”

Seraphelle: “Gramps, why the long face. What’s going on?”

Asuka: “Girls, this is no joking matter. Legend has it that the Dark Mold was sealed off by the legendary sword Alcion many years ago. It’s a story that is passed down to the sole leader of the witches. Although, even he needed help back then with the power of a single witch to constantly boost his mana. I’m not really sure if he even needed the witch or if that witch just wanted to brag that she helped Alcion, but regardless, the story is true. The Dark Mold is a nasty place of nothingness. It’s a group of 100 warriors that defend darkness for no reason, and if they want to destroy our world, then we need power equal to Alcion…Girls, go get your things. Get ready for war.”

Igius: “Gramps, are you serious? We hate the swordsmen, what’s going on?”

Seraphelle: “I’m not fighting with these creeps!”

Asuka: “I said get your things!!”

They stopped talking immediately and ran off to grab their weapons and armor. Although they were not swordsmen, they still used weapons and trained just in case situations like this arrived.

Natsuki: “If I may ask, Asuka. Where are the rest of your witches? There is nobody here but you all and these guards.”

Asuka: “We’ve been dealing with our own problems. Kastor has been reborn. That’s another story that is passed down to me, but we don’t have time for that. Let’s just say almost every witch I have is stopping Kastor from moving out of his land. Before you came to me with this information, Kastor was attempting the same thing…World Domination. I don’t know who did it, but there is a strong barrier around Deceased Paradise that was put up. Kastor is even struggling to break it, but my witches are there helping. That’s why nobody is here and this place is unguarded.”

Natsuki: “I see. What an interesting time we live in.”

Yahiko: “Kastor is actually alive? I always heard rumors, but never saw him.”

Natsuki: “I fought someone else there, not Kastor, but it seems strong foes are popping up all over the place. I’m sorry. I was inconsiderate of what you all have going on. I can only assume that we caused this mess and you are cleaning it up.”

Asuka: “That’s a story you don’t need to know. Just know that Kastor is back. Although, you sure know how to swing the ladies, Natsuki Tooru. Never change. I’ll be fighting as well. I know where the Dark Mold is. We’ll be there in 1 hour.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, Asuka Pennin. Your love is amazing! Let’s win this battle!!”

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Arata joined them outside of the Celenar Encrodian once he learned that they were there.

Natsuki explained his plan to him and vice versa.

Kouki and Yasuhiro had agreed to fight alongside them. Now, they had to get to Agatha Rekka and Akari Rekka. Lucky for them, Arata knew where they were...Agatha sat there chewing on a stick and talked like she was dead inside.

Arata: “Do not be alarmed. We aren’t here to fight.”

Agatha: “Yeah? I’m sure you aren’t. Oh, you fools. Where’s your big friend?”

Natsuki: “He’s not here at the moment.”

Agatha: “He died, didn’t he? Such a trend with you swordsmen. Hey girl, I would run far away from these men. They are no good.”

Arata: “Where is your brother? We need to talk to him.”

Agatha: “I’m not telling.”

Yahiko: “This isn’t a joke. We don’t have time.”

Agatha: “Good.”

Yahiko: “Good? That’s all you’re going to say?”

Agatha: “If I recall, you tried to kill me and my brother too. So…Good is all I have to say.”

Arata: “Agatha, we need to talk to your brother.”

Agatha: “Well, you can talk to me instead. He’s concealing his mana right now to hide from all of you.”

Arata: “Okay, fair enough. We want you to fight with us.”

Agatha: “Not a chance.”

Natsuki: “Agatha Rekka, do you love your brother?”

Agatha: “I don’t know, do I?”

Natsuki: “If you don’t fight, then your brother is going to die. That’s not a threat from us. It’s a threat from people that do not show love.”

Agatha: “Then go deal with it. Leave me out of it. I promised I would protect my brother no matter what. I hesitated last time, but if you attack me with your stupid moon again, then I’ll kill every single one of you. I don’t care what it’ll cost me this time.”

Yahiko: “You’re bluffing.”

Agatha: “Am I? Let’s find out, shall we? You used my powers with your stupid ability, right? Feel anything off?”

Yahiko: “What do you mean?”

Agatha: “You used the Phoenix's powers. Didn’t you know? Anytime you use an ability, it sheds off your own lifespan.”

Yahiko: “Wh-What did you just say?”

Agatha: “Haha, I wonder how much it took away from you.”

Yahiko: “You bastard! I’m gonna kill you. Is that true?!”

Natsuki: “Yahiko! You’re acting like master when he sees Arata. Vengeance is not the answer at this moment. That was your choice to use her abilities. You could’ve easily used mine instead. Death is guaranteed anyways. Live your life without regrets and it won’t matter how many times you use her powers…Agatha, if you don’t fight, then the world will perish along with you and your brother. This is a warning, not an attempt to pull you away.”

Natsuki got down on one knee and bowed down in front of her. It was a sign of respect, but also a call for help. Usually, the Great Swordsmen would never do such a thing, but they were desperate and Natsuki did it out of love and respect for Agatha and her brother.

Natsuki: “I was wrong to try and kill you before. You do have love, but you just try to hide it. I know it can be difficult to show that emotion, but I out of all people understand. Please, we need your help. If you care at all for your brother, then please join us. You may even stab me through the chest after we win. I do not care. I just want to save the people that I love.”

Agatha: “Tch! You and your heartfelt crap. I don’t need that…Akari!”

Akari: “Yes!?”

Agatha: “Do you want to fight a bunch of strong people?”

Akari: “Oh, is it the people you’re talking to?”

Agatha: “No, some other people!”

Akari: “Yeah! I want to fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Oh, wait. Let me finish coloring right now.”

Agatha: “Alright, he’s in. But, I have one condition. You’re going to tell me what you meant when we first fought. I don’t believe that you don’t know.”

Natsuki: “I did not lie about that. It was told to me by the shard on my sword. We have 2 now, but we are separating them and not using them at the moment. There are four of them in total. If we get all four, then maybe it will tell me what it meant.”

Agatha: “Alright, deal. It’s almost night time. I can only assume that means we’re heading out to wherever these strong people are.”