Champions of Ascerth 2/Story

This is the story writeup for Champions of Ascerth 2.
==Chapter 1: Stranger in an Exotic Land==
The scene opens with a view of a beach as a masked figure walks along the shore. She seems to be talking to herself.
???: Calm down Tamasha. Today's the day. Just sit down and meditate.
Tamasha sits down on the sand of the beach, meditating.
Tamasha: Kamaki, do you hear my call? I wish to speak with the spiri-
As Tamasha meditates, the camera pans over to a small boat arriving at the shore, with a man wearing nothing but a simple shirt and shorts sleeping on it. The sound of the boat crashing on the shore alerts Tamasha as she looks at the boat.
Tamasha: Dammit. Why now?
Tamasha heads over to the boat, poking the man with her hand. He wakes up in shock, revealing a familiar face.
Kaiden: Wh...where am I?!?!
Tamasha: On the beach covered in water. Seems weird, I know.
Kaiden: I...what?
Tamasha: You're probably exhausted and confused, so I'll just take you to my place.
Kaiden passes out due to exhaustion again as Tamasha shrugs. She then begins to drag his body across the beach, struggling to do so.
----
Kaiden's eyes open as he finds himself lying down on a rudimentary bed. Tamasha is sitting on a chair next to him, with a wooden cup in her hand.
Tamasha: You must be thirsty.
Kaiden nods as he gets up and grabs the water. He's still a bit tired, but gulps down the water quickly.
Kaiden: Th...thanks.
Tamasha: So anyways, who are you?
Kaiden: I'm-
Kaiden thinks for a moment, before expressing a face of forgetfulness. He has no clue.
Kaiden: I don't know. I can't think of any memories.
Tamasha: That's weird. I've never seen anyone like you before. You don't even know your name?
Kaiden: Like I said, I remember nothing before coming here.
Tamasha: I guess I'll call you Amnesia then. My name's Tamasha.
Kaiden: Good to meet you Tamasha. So where exactly am I?
Tamasha: My house. Located on the Umal Coast of the Buzokai continent. Pretty quaint, eh?
Kaiden: I guess, yeah.
Kaiden gets up from his seat, before walking around the home. It's mostly made of wood, with ornately designed masks andS objects adorning the walls.
Kaiden: I need to get some fresh air. Mind if I step outside?
Tamasha: Sure.
Kaiden steps outside onto the balcony of Tamasha's house, looking at the beach. On a table on the balcony is a map of the continent, which Kaiden takes a look at. Upon seeing the word "War" within the labeling of "Senshal War Camps", Kaiden suddenly remembers an event from his past, sitting down in shock as he relieves it.
----
A younger, twelve-year-old Kaiden is present within a small room where his father Orian stands before him. Within the room is a dummy of sorts that looks beaten.
Orian: Son, it's about time I teach you how to fight.
Kaiden: You sure? I'm worried-
Orian: Everyone in the village learns to fight at the age of twelve. You might as well try.
Orian hands Kaiden a simple wooden sword as he looks at it in his hand, smirking.
Orian: Kaiden, let's see how you do with that weapon of yours.
----
Kaiden is in shock as Tamasha rushes out onto the balcony.
Kaiden: I remember now...my name's Kaiden...and I learned to fight at some point when I was a kid.
Tamasha: Aw, I liked the name Amnesia. But that's good.
Kaiden: Looking at that map made me remember this. So maybe I need to rediscover my memories by finding stuff that'll trigger them!
Tamasha: So like a journey? I'm all for that.
Kaiden: Yeah, something like that.
As Kaiden attempts to leave the house, Tamasha stops him.
Tamasha: Wait. You'll need a weapon first. There's all sorts of monsters out there.
Tamasha hands Kaiden a simple spear, with a metallic tip on the end of it. Kaiden looks at the spear before using the equipment handed to him by Tamasha to sling it onto his back.
Kaiden: What about you?
Tamasha pulls a small axe and a shield from a nearby stand.
Tamasha: These, plus this.
Tamasha sheathes her equipment as she creates a small spark of magic in her hand. Kaiden looks impressed.
Kaiden: Well that's good. Let's get going then.
The duo exit the house and begin walking along the shore.
Tamasha: I suggest we try to visit the Kamaki of Seas, Kayol. Rumors say he inhabits a cavern on the eastern end of the shore.
Kaiden: Kamaki?
Tamasha: Kamaki are kinda like deities here. Everyone in Buzokai believes in them. I even chose to follow their teachings as a shaman.
Kaiden: So you're like some kind of magic user then?
Tamasha: Kinda. I'm currently studying how to speak with the dead.
Kaiden: You say that as if you lost someone close to you.
Tamasha: I did. My brother.
Kaiden: I'm sorry. How did that happen?
Tamasha: Four years ago he tried some ritual to reach the spirit world and it...didn't go well to say the least.
Kaiden: Rough.
Tamasha: He was the one who taught me the way of the shaman in the first place. I looked up to him heavily. I hope to speak with him and see if there's a way to get closure.
Kaiden: Well maybe the Kamaki can help you in that regard.
Tamasha: I guess that's true. And hey, gives me a reason to join you.
Kaiden: Well, let's see how this goes. I wanna know who I am, and maybe how this happened to me.
==Chapter 2: Working as a Team==
Kaiden and Tamasha are walking along the road together as a shadowed figure watches from behind a pile of rocks. In his hands is a horn of some sort. The area the duo are in seems to have a heavy concentration of palm trees, as well as skeletons on the ground.
Kaiden: Are you sure you know where you're going? I don't like the look of this place.
Tamasha: Town's this way. It's relatively safe to walk through here anyways.
Kaiden: Relatively? So there's a chance of something happening?
Tamasha: Those are just rumors I've heard. This area's usually deserted anyways.
The duo eventually come across a small camp of sorts, with a campfire in the middle of it. Spears surround the area with skulls on them. Strangely, it's empty.
Tamasha: I swear there used to be some Senshal here.
Kaiden: Senshal?
Tamasha: A race of stupid barbarians. They're numerous but stupid as hell. Usually there's a few of them here.
Suddenly, a war horn can be heard in the distance, as well as footsteps.
Kaiden: Stupid as hell you say?
Tamasha: Shut up and get your weapon ready.
The duo brandish their weapons as the sound of the footsteps increases. Eventually, two of the Senshal emerge from behind a pile of rocks. Their short stature is made up for by the swords they wield, which were likely stolen from their last set of victims.
Kaiden: Let's take them on!
Kaiden unleashes a swift spear strike at one of the Senshal, knocking them into a tree nearby. Kaiden attempts another strike, but it's blocked by the senshal's sword. Kaiden and the Senshal parry blades for several seconds, before Kaiden kicks the Senshal away and strikes him in the chest with the spear. However, as the Senshal bleeds out, he slashes Kaiden's spear in two with the last of his strength.
Kaiden: Dammit.
Kaiden picks up the dead Senshal's sword as he notices Tamasha fending off the other Senshal with her magic. As he attempts a leaping strike, Kaiden sees the opportunity and blocks the blow in front of Tamasha. He and the Senshal lock blades, but the fight is cut short by a surprise attack from behind by Tamasha. The Senshal drops down to the ground, relinquishing his sword.
Tamasha: Wow...you're quite the fighter.
Kaiden: Maybe I am...
Kaiden grabs the other sword, before placing the two swords on his belt. The duo then continue to walk along the shore.
Kaiden: So what's this town like?
Tamasha: It's called Kyshi. It's a small town but it acts as a hub for this whole region of the Unal Shore. Travellers like us often visit the town.
Kaiden: And perhaps there we can get something to eat.
Kaiden's stomach growls as Tamasha chuckles.
Tamasha: Of course. I know a place too.
The duo continue along the path as the sun starts to set. Kyshi is in the distance.
Kaiden: That it?
Tamasha: Yep! Let's get there before night falls!
Kaiden and Tamasha arrive in the town of Kyshi. It's small, but there's people wandering around. In the center of the town is a large totem of sorts, with a head that resembles a turtle.
Kaiden: This totem seems significant.
Tamasha: This totem was built to honor Kayol, the Kamaki I mentioned earlier. There's legends of his control over the seas. Some say he brought about great fishing seasons, while others say he could cause tsunamis at will.
Kaiden: Impressive. So, let's grab that bite to eat.
----
Kaiden and Tamasha are sitting down at a table within a restaurant, eating what appears to be lobster meat, albeit in skewer form and drenched in butter.
Tamasha: You like this?
Kaiden: This is so good. I love the way the meat is soaked by the butter.
Tamasha: I know, right? It's juicy as hell.
As Kaiden and Tamasha eat, a hooded figure in a booth nearby eavesdrops on the conversation. He seems intrigued, and gets out of his seat before walking towards the exit. A waitress with the same species as Tamasha, a Tokal, tries to get his attention.
Waitress: Sir, you haven't paid yet-
The hooded figure throws money behind him as he walks out of the restaurant.
Kaiden: What's his deal?
Tamasha: Probably has somewhere to go.
----
Outside the restaurant, within a small alley, the hooded figure begins to commune with a magical hologram of another hooded individual.
Hooded Figure: He's alive.
Hologram Figure: Excellent. Where is he headed?
Hooded Figure: To visit Kayol. That Kamaki.
Hologram Figure: I'll take it from here. The mistress will be pleased.
==Chapter 3: Surprises==
Kaiden is fast asleep, but tossing and turning in bed, as if he's having a nightmare. He's muttering the words "Elina" and "Soul Grazer" as he sleeps, before waking up in shock. Tamasha is in a bed nearby, fast asleep. Kaiden, trying not to wake her up, heads to the bathroom within the room to grab a drink of water. Looking in the mirror, he suddenly remembers yet another memory.
----
Kaiden is standing in front of a mirror, getting clothes on. He's looking at himself awkwardly, but smirks. A female voice begins calling for him.
???: Kaiden, almost ready?
Kaiden: Almost Elina!
Elina: Good! I can't wait for you to meet my dad!
----
Kaiden is in shock after seeing that memory. He then looks to his hand, noticing a wedding ring on his finger.
Kaiden: (to himself) Was I...married?
Kaiden walks back to bed, sleeping calmer after seeing the memory.
----
In the morning, Kaiden and Tamasha are eating breakfast at the inn they stayed at in Kyshi.
Tamasha: Did you sleep well?
Kaiden: Funny story actually. I had a bit of a nightmare, but I can't remember what it was. I feel like it has something to do with my past.
Tamasha: Weird.
Kaiden: That being said, I did get another memory back. It was me in front of a mirror with someone named Elina calling for me. And weirdly enough, I just noticed this on my finger.
Kaiden shows Tamasha the wedding ring.
Tamasha: You lucky sucker. Apparently you have a special someone out there.
Kaiden: Maybe I do. And hey, maybe I feel extra motivated to get my memories back because of it.
Tamasha: That's the spirit! Let's get going then. The complimentary breakfast wasn't that good anyways.
Kaiden: Continental breakfast my ass...they basically only had a continent's worth of food.
As Kaiden and Tamasha walk out of the inn, they make their way to the exit of the town.
Tamasha: Kayol's den is north of here. Near a lake of sorts.
Kaiden: You'd think he'd have it near the actual ocean.
As the duo exit the town, Tamasha feels someone tapping her on the shoulder. Turning around, she turns to face a member of the avian Tsubak species. This one in particular seems to be wielding a large axe.
Tamasha: Yujal! How you been?
Yujal: Bored lately actually. Guard duty's been slow. Nothing but the occasional bandit. But it's great to see you again Tamasha.
Tamasha: You too.
Yujal: So who's this friend of yours?
Kaiden puts out his hand, shaking hands with Yujal.
Kaiden: Name's Kaiden. I'm actually not from here.
Yujal: Where you from then? Chuzan? The Xolkra Wastes?
Kaiden: That's what we're trying to figure out. I just washed up here a few days ago with no memory of what happened prior. I've just been randomly regaining memories.
Yujal: Ah, so you're a foreigner then. We don't get many of those. You humans are actually a rarity here.
----
Later on, Kaiden and Tamasha are continuing to walk along the road. Kaiden seems deep in thought.
Tamasha: You seem quiet.
Kaiden: Just thinking things through. It's still surreal how all of this has happened.
Tamasha: Well, for better or for worse, it's got us on an exciting journey. I wanna see the rest of Buzokai and I know you want to too.
Kaiden: Heh, yeah.
Suddenly, the duo see a vortex of pink energy convalescing in the distance. Something is going on. Tamasha then begins to kneel on the ground, as if she's about to do something.
Kaiden: What's going on over there?
Tamasha: Give me a sec to commune with the Kamaki to find out.
Tamasha begins to meditate while kneeling, before seeing a vision.
----
Tamasha stands before a ghostly version of the Kamaki of the Seas, Kayol. He resembles a giant sea turtle, but his shell is cracked and adorned with spikes made from coral. The duo are on an island in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by stormy pink clouds.
Kayol: Pain...nothing but pain...
Tamasha: Kayol, what's going on?
Kayol: Strangers...torturing me...
----
The vision ends as Tamasha falls back, breathing heavily. Kaiden helps her up.
Kaiden: What did you see?
Tamasha: Kayol is in trouble. We need to get there fast.
==Chapter 4: The Lake's Tragedy==
Kaiden and Tamasha arrive at the lake where Kayol was said to be. For some reason a pink fog permeates the area, with the duo coughing away.
Kaiden: This is horrible.
Tamasha: I sense nothing but screams of pain. Something's definitely up.
In the distance, near a small cave, two armored warriors can be seen, wielding ornately-designed double-edged swords. Kaiden and Tamasha sneak towards the cave, using the rubble surrounding the lake for cover.
Tamasha: Something about those guys feels weird. They're giving off some kind of...unholy aura.
Kaiden: Well, let's take them on!
Kaiden grabs a nearby rock, throwing it at one of the warriors. He falls back towards the cave's exterior wall as the other warrior notices the duo. Kaiden smirks before pulling out his swords and standing before the warrior. He starts off with a leaping attack, but the blow is blocked. Kaiden and the warrior continue to exchange blows as Tamasha looks at the other, recovering warrior. She fires a blast of bluish energy at the warrior, but he blocks the magic as he charges at Tamasha. She blocks his blow with her shield, before bashing him back with the shield. From there, Tamasha begins to drain the life out of the warrior as he screams in pain.
Tamasha: Slow and painful. Just the way I like it.
As the warrior expels the last of his life energies, the camera looks to Kaiden and his fight. By this point, Kaiden has been knocked towards the cave's exterior wall as the warrior stands before him.
Warrior: So it's true. You're quite the capable fighter.
Kaiden: How do you know who I am?
Kaiden blocks an incoming blow as he kicks the warrior aside, towards the lake. From there, he leaps towards the warrior and comes crashing down with both of his swords, sending his opponent further down into the water. He tries to swim up, but his armor is pulling him down, causing him to drown.
Tamasha: Pretty vicious of you to do that.
Kaiden: The environment is a key factor in every battle.
Tamasha: When were you an expert in tactics?
Kaiden: I...don't know. Seems to come naturally to me.
Tamasha: Let's head inside.
Kaiden and Tamasha walk into the cave, where they see pink runes on the walls. Tamasha is shuddering as she walks through.
Kaiden: Tamasha, are you okay?
Tamasha: I feel strange here. The spirits are whispering to me constantly.
Eventually, the duo arrive at the very heart of the cave, where a giant basin of water exists. In the center is the Kamaki of the Seas, Kayol. However, he seems to be shackled in place.
Tamasha: Kayol!
Kayol: The shackles...break them...
As Kaiden walks towards one of the shackles, a sinister laugh echoes throughout the cave. Behind the duo, a ghostly figure approaches, one without legs or arms: just a floating piece of clothing with glowing pink eyes.
Ghost: So you're alive.
Kaiden: Who, me?
Ghost: Yes you. Who else would I be talking to?
Kaiden: Fair enough. So what the hell's going on here?
Ghost: As a member of the organization Rikal, we believed it was in our best interest to use Kayol as a...power source of sorts.
Tamasha: Power source? That's ridiculous!
Ghost: Is it? The Kamaki have barely acted for years. It's about time we use their abilities to our advantage. Rikal seeks to do just that. We seek to bring about the change Buzokai needs.
Kaiden: That's horrible. I won't let you do this to Kayol!
Kaiden brandishes his swords as the ghost chuckles.
Ghost: I'd love to stay here and fight, but you've got...larger problems.
The ghost disappears as pink energies convalesce to reveal a giant crab made of bones and rocks, almost like it's crudely made. It clicks its claws together before unleashing a deafening roar.
Tamasha: Disgusting!
Kaiden: We'll take it on!
Kaiden charges at the crab, unleashing a strike with both of his swords. However, the crab blocks the strike with its bone-like claws, before pinning down Kaiden with its other claw. Kaiden screams in pain as Tamasha panics. She fires a blast of energy at the cave ceiling, causing rocks to fall onto the crab, releasing its hold of Kaiden. Tamasha then proceeds to fire another blast of energy at the crab, dealing vicious damage. Kaiden, seeing an opening, charges at the crab, slashing at its claw. The claw falls right off as the crab screams in pain.
Tamasha: Let's finish this!
Tamasha puts out both of her hands as she channels a spell of sorts. Immediately, the ground beneath the crab shakes as rocks fall onto it. One particularly large rock hits its head, and before long the crab is nothing but a pile of bones. Tamasha then kneels down in exhaustion.
Kaiden: That was...something.
Tamasha: I can't do that again. It's exhausting, but we did it.
Kaiden: Let's free Kayol.
Kaiden and Tamasha break the shackles as Kayol returns to the water. Smiling at the duo, he seems grateful.
Kayol: Thank you Kaiden. Thank you Tamasha.
Kaiden: W...what? You know who we are?
Kayol: Mhm. We Kamaki were intrigued to see someone like yourself here Kaiden. Someone who's amnesiac.
Kaiden: So could you help me recover my memories?
Kayol: Perhaps. Give me a second. I'll see if I can delve through your mind for anything.
Kayol closes his eyes as a magical aura surrounds Kaiden. As the incantation finishes, Kaiden suddenly has another memory remembered.
----
Kaiden is sitting down within a ship as Taikari sits down next to him.
Taikari: This must be surreal as hell for you. Leaving your home planet.
Kaiden: This is...something, yeah. I assume you've done it a fair bit Taikari?
Taikari: I have, yeah. You scared for what we're up against on Jalgor?
Kaiden: A bit. But we'll make it through. I don't give up until it's over.
Taikari: That's the spirit. A war hero like you should know that!
Kaiden smirks.
----
Kaiden is reeling from the discovery of the memory.
Kaiden: So I was...some kind of war hero...
Kayol: I guess so. That technique I just used is something we Kamaki are capable of. However, the magical signature of your amnesia seems to be related to that of the shackles I was bound in.
Tamasha; So Rikal was responsible for his state?
Kayol: Mhm. I also presume that Rikal is going after the rest of my kind.
Kaiden: And they can use the same technique as you...
Kayol: Seems like our interests align.
Tamasha: We have to stop Rikal and help out the Kamaki Kaiden!
Kaiden: I agree. Rikal needs to go. Where do you suggest we go Kayol?
Kayol: The city of Chuzan, in the region of Heiyak. Largest city in Buzokai. There, you'll be able to reach the other regions of the continent easily.
Tamasha: But how will we know where exactly to go?
Kayol: You sensed my pain Tamasha. I'm sure you'll sense where to go next as well.
==Chapter 5: The Ominous Ally==
Kaiden and Tamasha walk along a road near the border of the Unal Coast, leading into the plains of Heiyak.
Kaiden: Heiyak's over there. Seems different from the coastline.
Tamasha: Yeah. Heiyak is a lot more "urban" I guess? Lot of towns, as well as ruins of towns. Even Senshal camps.
Kaiden: Well, we'll take 'em on!
The duo continue to walk along the road, crossing into Heiyak. Wind begins blowing past them as they look into the distance. The city of Chuzan can be seen, towering over the plains.
Tamasha: When we get there I wanna see if I can find out more about speaking with the dead.
Kaiden: Trying to contact your brother?
Tamasha: Yeah. I miss the guy.
After some time, Kaiden and Tamasha pass by an abandoned cemetery. Tamasha begins to kneel down almost immediately, with Kaiden looking to her. The two of them appear to have headaches.
Kaiden: Ugh, what's going on?
Tamasha: Spirits...convalescing...
Tamasha immediately rushes into the graveyard as Kaiden follows her in.
Kaiden: Hey, wait!
Deep inside the cemetery, Tamasha kneels before a statue of what appears to be a giant skull. Kaiden is in shock.
Tamasha: There's something fishy about this statue. I can sense this aura around it.
Immediately, the skull floats into the air as ghosts begin rising from the graves nearby. They spiral around the skull and create a "body" for it, so to speak. Kaiden and Tamasha pull out their weapons as they stand before the behemoth.
Skull: WHO DARES ENTRUDE ON THE GROUNDS OF THE SPIRIT KING?!?!
Tamasha: Uh..me.
Skull: Bad move.
The "Spirit King" charges at the duo, but Kaiden unleashes a strike at its leg. However, the ghosts fly around it to form a hole.
Kaiden: What the hell?
As Kaiden struggles to cut at the Spirit King, Tamasha tries firing bolts of magic at him. However, he shakes it off.
Spirit King: S...stop it!
As Tamasha keeps firing off magic, the Spirit King's ghosts fade away to reveal a bunch of small, smiling ghosts laughing.
Ghost 1: Why is your magic so ticklish? Nobody's ever done this to us before!
Tamasha: What exactly is going on?
Ghost 2: Oh yeah, where are our manners? We're the Urei. Just a bunch of friendly ghosts of long-dead people who like to play tricks on nearby travellers. Nobody really comes here y'know.
Kaiden: And the magic broke the illusion...
Urei 1: Yeah, I guess. Anyways, it has been a while since we've had proper visitors. All we do usually is just talk about how we died and occasionally play some simple games. Which reminds me...
The Urei looks at another Urei.
Urei 1: Rook to E5. Checkmate.
Urei 3: Dammit!
Tamasha: Y'know, I like you guys. Maybe you'll be able to help me reach a specific someone.
Urei 2: Oh, absolutely! What's their name?
Tamasha: Seishan. He was a Tokal like me, died in a freak magic accident.
Urei 1: Oh yeah, Seishan. I don't remember him that well, but he visited once or twice. He's more estranged than us and could be anywhere.
Tamasha: Dammit. I was hoping to talk to him. Maybe in Chuzan we can try to find him.
Urei 2: Well, we have contacts there who've learned to...pretend to be alive essentially. A friend of mine is one of them. His name's Gakoh. Disguises himself as an artist. He uses a similar trick to what we did with the Spirit King, but begs a lot more about art payments and whatnot.
Kaiden: Oh, that's interesting. So there's more of you out there?
Urei 1: Yep! Here on Buzokai we Urei enjoy wandering around the world. Not every dead person becomes a Urei though. You kinda sign off to become one in the afterlife but most people like to stay "dead" dead, so to speak.
Tamasha: Then why didn't I see any of you before, on the Umal Coast?
Urei 2: We're actually quite vulnerable to water. It gets rid of any disguise we use.
Kaiden: Must be rough. So I guess we'll see you then?
Urei 1: Yeah! Just drop by any time.
As Kaiden and Tamasha leave, the two Urei look to each other.
Urei 2: I sensed something about that guy there Namor.
Namor: Yeah Tasuk?
Tasuk: I felt as if he had a romantic connection to someone I communed with through my magic experiments. Y'know, traversing the world through the realm of the dead and whatnot.
Namor: Maybe you should do something. He didn't seem like he was from here.
Tasuk: Leave it to me. You know I'm great with this stuff. Remember how I told your wife you were dead and that gave her a heart attack?
Namor: Yeah. Sadly she didn't decide to become a Urei. Just be sneaky this time.
Tasuk: Gotcha.
==Chapter 6: Welcome to Chuzan==
Kaiden and Tamasha arrive at the gates of the city of Chuzan. The city looks to be extremely old, with walls that look like they've taken the brunt of many attacks. Despite this, the city still looks fortified. Airships can be seen flying to and from the city in the skies as the duo stare in awe.
Kaiden: It looks incredible.
Tamasha: Never been this far out before.
The duo enter the city, walking past several armored guards. The streets are crowded with people of all sorts of species, and street vendors populate the area. Some can be heard shouting "Selling Fujina Crystals!" and "I've got 29 incredible facts about the Kamaki. Number five will shock you!"
Kaiden: This is...quite the city.
Tamasha: A lot of these guys just sell a bunch of crap. Fujina Crystals? Those are phony.
Kaiden and Tamasha continue through the city, eventually noticing an artist on the street. He seems to be a Tokal like Tamasha, but is sitting on the street, sketching something.
Tamasha: I think this might be Gakoh.
The duo approach the artist, who then smirks.
Artist: Hey, I'm selling commissions. Twenty coins a-
Kaiden: We actually came for...something else. Does the name "Gakoh" ring a bell?
Upon hearing that word, the artist sighs.
Gakoh: I thought I could stay out here in peace. But no, the graveyard guys just HAD to expose me here!
Gakoh looks around, eventually noticing two soldiers of Rikal in the distance.
Gakoh: Oh crap. Rikal.
Tamasha: Dammit. They're after us too.
Gakoh: Just follow me. I know a place.
----
The trio enter a building as Gakoh shuts the door and locks it.
Gakoh: Phew. Now I better change to a more...recognizable form.
Gakoh loses his artist appearance, and resembles a normal Urei. Kaiden and Tamasha are shocked.
Gakoh: What? Did you expect me to look any different?
Kaiden: Maybe? I don't know. It just felt weird.
Gakoh: Anyways, what'd you guys want to talk to me about? Make it snappy too.
Tamasha: How familiar are you with a Urei named Seishan?
Gakoh: Oh, Seishan! He was a great guy. Had a lot of spunk.
Kaiden: Do you know where he is?
Gakoh: Last I heard he was visiting Moran. Jungle region. The Kamaki of War, Sentok, lives there.
Tamasha: Another Kamaki! Looks like we can kill two birds with one stone.
Gakoh: There is a problem however. From what I've heard, Rikal is all over the place. They're doing something there.
Kaiden: We'll make it there. Right Tamasha?
Tamasha: Right. You know the quickest way to Moran?
Gakoh: There's an airship port there. You can easily grab a ship from here.
Kaiden: Got it. Thanks.
As Kaiden and Tamasha leave, Gakoh looks concerned.
Gakoh: Wait.
Kaiden and Tamasha turn around towards Gakoh.
Gakoh: I...want to come with you. It's been a while since I've been on a journey.
Tamasha: Well, what can you bring to the table?
Gakoh: Before I died, I was a traveller. I loved to explore the world. You'll need my advice.
Kaiden: Fair enough.
----
Tasuk: Psst.
Tasuk is looking at Elina around a corner, within her home. She senses his magical presence, and looks right at him, intrigued.
Elina: You're a...ghost. Never knew they were real.
Tasuk: Well that's something to keep in mind. I think we've met before. Didn't you have a headache once when you were meditating a few weeks ago?
Elina: Yeah...I did. Was that you?
Tasuk: It was, yeah. I was travelling through the realm of the dead there.
Elina: Well, now's not a good time. I'm working on locating someone who went missing. Someone...close to me.
Elina tears up slightly as Tasuk looks on in sympathy.
Tasuk: Well, lucky for you, I have a lead on your investigation.
Elina looks at Tasuk with an expression of joy.
Elina: You know where Kaiden is?
Tasuk: I do. The continent of Buzokai. Not sure how he got there, but I ran into him.
Elina: Buzokai? I only heard that place existed from a few myths.
Tasuk: It's real alright. And I wanna help you get there.
Elina: What do you gain from it?
Tasuk: Being a ghost, you get bored easily. So I wanna assist you in reuniting with your...how are you two connected exactly?
Elina flashes a wedding ring in front of Tasuk.
Tasuk: Ohhhh. Damn, that makes it even worse.
Elina: Tomorrow I'll see if I can get a boat there. My teleportation abilities are limited anyways.
==Chapter 7: Station Crisis==
Kaiden, Tamasha, and Gakoh, in his artist disguise, walk into the airship station in Chuzan. It's full of people running around to catch flights, workers repairing ships and handling ticketing, and off-duty airship crews.
Tamasha: This is incredible. It's like a gateway to the rest of the continent.
Gakoh: Eh, gets boring after a while. These ships essentially amount to being public transportation, so they're not usually in good condition.
Kaiden: Let's grab one anyways. Would you rather walk Gakoh?
Gakoh: Fair enough.
The trio walk over to a ticket clerk.
Tamasha: Three tickets for the trip to Moran please.
Clerk: That'll be fifty gold coins.
Tamasha hands the clerk several coins, before taking the tickets. The trio then walk through the gates into the rest of the station.
Kaiden: The airship leaves at six. We've got half an hour to kill.
The trio continue walking through the station, eventually noticing a station-side bar. A giant, spider-esque species is tending it.
Gakoh: Ugh, another Netsak. There's tons of 'em in the city lately.
Tamasha glares at Gakoh.
Tamasha: Racist.
Gakoh: What? I'm just commenting on a topical event. Some kind of immigration is going on, I tell ya.
----
Around a corner, two hooded, armored figures are watching the trio.
Figure 1: There they are again. Shall we contact the mistress?
Figure 2: Not now. We have a plan to execute.
The second figure pulls a knife out of his pocket, before flipping it in his hand.
Figure 1: Attacking them in the station? You're insane Bakdal.
Bakdal: Am I Hyuz? Am I? We were ordered to track the guys and deliver them to her.
Hyuz: Fair enough. But not now.
----
Kaiden, Tamasha, and Gakoh are sitting at the bar as the Netsak bartender tends to other customers.
Kaiden: This is good stuff. Where's it from?
Bartender: It's flavored with crushed berries from Koruda. Snowy region.
Gakoh: So Kaiden, you're not from here?
Kaiden: Nope. Washed up here with no memories.
Tamasha: So far you've had...three recovered memories?
Kaiden: Yeah. Guess they're just triggered as time goes on.
As the trio talk, Hyuz and Bakdal walk over to the bar, and sit next to them.
Hyuz: You guys new here?
Tamasha: Yeah. Just passing through to go to Moran.
Bakdal: Moran huh? Interesting place. Heard rumors that Rikal's there.
Kaiden: I don't like 'em. We're just there to visit the Kamaki.
Underneath the bar, Bakdal flips his knife as he prods Kaiden with it. Kaiden has an expression of fear on his face, with Tamasha and Gakoh looking from his shoulder.
Hyuz: Walk. Into the corner there.
Hyuz keeps the knife concealed under his arm as the group is led into a small alley in the station. They then reveal a Rikal insignia on their hands.
Tamasha: Oh great. Rikal.
Bakdal: The mistress wishes to see you two. And we've got a witness here too.
Gakoh: Nothing but trouble.
Kaiden: What exactly is going on with you?
Hyuz: The mistress wishes to see you Kaiden. She can be the one to bring your memories back.
Kaiden thinks for a moment.
Tamasha: You know better than this Kaiden.
Kaiden thinks things through, before unleashing a sucker punch at Hyuz, knocking him into Bakdal. The trio then run for the airship they're boarding, with the Rikal agents behind them.
Gakoh: Quick! We'll miss it!
The trio manage to get into the airship, but they also hear footsteps behind them. Bakdal and Hyuz made it in. Fortunately, the doors of their section of the ship shut tight, with the duo banging on the window.
Attendant: Sir, that area of the ship is locked. Please proceed to your seats.
Kaiden, Tamasha, and Gakoh express sighs of relief.
Kaiden: We won that one, but they're on board. Once we get to Moran, shit'll go down.
----
Elina is sitting aboard a small boat she hired, alongside Tasuk. She's wearing some more tropical clothing.
Tasuk: I was right about wearing that stuff, right?
Elina: Yeah. More suitable for the temperature.
Tasuk: So, what exactly does Kaiden mean to you?
Elina smirks.
Elina: Kaiden...is someone who changed me. I used to be this shy, isolated person who'd keep to herself. I didn't have many friends. We kinda just met due to me getting visions about the krexxon invasion, but over time, I grew to respect the guy. And then that respect...turned to love...
Elina tears up slightly.
Tasuk: You hold the guy in high regard. I mean, you two are married after all!
Elina: Yeah...I'm feeling kinda tired.
Tasuk: There's still broad daylight though! The sun hasn't even started setting!
Elina: I dunno, I'm just feeling a sense of exhaustion.
==Chapter 8: Taking the Long Way==
Kaiden, Tamasha, and Gakoh are sitting within the airship as it flies to Moran. The skies are relatively cloudy.
Tamasha: Have you ever been this nervous before? Sitting somewhere, knowing there's people who want you dead behind a door?
Gakoh: It's creeping me out. Who knows what they're up to in there?
Kaiden: Whatever they're doing, we'll stop them.
----
Within their seats Hyuz and Bakdal are planning ahead.
Hyuz: When we get there, we'll track 'em down easily. Crowd'll confuse 'em.
Bakdal: Actually, I had a different idea.
Bakdal pulls a small spherical device out of his pocket, and presses a button on it.
Hyuz: Are you KIDDING ME?!?! That's-
Hyuz looks around to see people looking at them aboard the airship. He then lowers his voice.
Hyuz: That's ridiculous.
Bakdal: I mean, we can survive this easily. We've trained to handle far worse explosions, remember?
Hyuz: Yeah, like the one in the cave with the falling rocks. We can definitely do it. Just make sure to detonate it when we're at a reasonable height.
Bakdal throws the bomb into a paper bag as a flight attendant comes by with a garbage bag.
Bakdal: I've got some garbage here.
Attendant: I'll take it for you.
----
Kaiden is sleeping aboard the airship as he mutters to himself, including the words "krexxon" and "Farhorn". Tamasha and Gakoh simply listen in.
Tamasha: Seems like he kiinda gets memories while he sleeps, but not really.
Gakoh: Kaiden is a fasicating person to say the least. I'm interested in seeing the true extent of who he is.
Tamasha: Yeah, me too. Though really I joined him on this journey as an excuse to see the world, and hopefully find Seishan again.
As Gakoh and Tamasha talk, the camera pans over to a garbage can at the back of the airship, where the bomb is ticking. Back in her seat, Tamasha is having a headache.
Gakoh: Something wrong?
Tamasha: We need to move. Fast.
Tamasha produces a shield of energy around herself, Kaiden, and Gakoh just as the bomb in the back of the airship explodes in a ball of pink flame. The shield of energy, which is spherical in nature, falls to the nearby rugged ground, bouncing along for some time. Tamasha is struggling to keep it active as Kaiden wakes up in shock.
Kaiden: Wh...WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?!
Tamasha: I DON'T KNOW!
After some more travel, the energy shield breaks as Kaiden, Tamasha, and Gakoh slam into the ground, covered in dirt. Fortunately, they're still alive, as they could've fallen from the airship and died on impact.
Gakoh: I have no doubt those two Rikal guys were involved.
Tamasha: No fucking shit.
The trio get up and look around, noticing that they're in a hilly area of sorts, with the jungle of Moran in the distance.
Kaiden: At least we're somewhat close to Moran.
Gakoh: Ugh, foot travel.
Tamasha: ...you're a ghost. You don't need to walk.
Gakoh: Eh, true.
Gakoh loses his disguise.
Kaiden: We've still got some distance to go.
----
Hyuz and Bakdal are standing within the wreckage of the airship, coughing.
Hyuz: It...sorta worked?
Bakdal: Shut up.
Before Bakdal and Hyuz can begin walking however, a magical hologram emerges from a device on Bakdal's belt.
Hyuz: Great. It's the boss.
Bakdal and Hyuz kneel before the hologram, which then reveals a slim, hooded figure with a large double-edged sword on her back. Through the pink aura of the hologram, two glowing green eyes can be seen.
Bakdal: M-mistress Tobura. What brings you the pleasure of coming here?
Tobura: I demand a report on the status of the swordsman. Where is he?!?!
Hyuz: He's been notoriously difficult to get ahold of, but we do know he's heading for the jungles of Moran.
Tobura: That's all I need from you two. I'll take it from here.
Bakdal: What are we supposed to do then?
Tobura: I'm glad you asked. There's been another factor in the plan I didn't intend to happen. A foreigner who knows the swordsman is here. She just arrived around the Umal  Coast.
Hyuz: And you want us to...kill her?
Tobura: Not yet. Just follow her until I give the signal.
Bakdal: Very well.
The hologram fades away.
Hyuz: What exactly does she want with those two?
Bakdal: No clue. Mistress Tobura is mysterious.
----
Elina and Tasuk arrive at the Umal Coast in their boat, just as Elina wakes up. She seems tired, and even throws up into the water behind the boat as Tasuk looks on in empathy.
Tasuk: You doing okay? You seem sick. Do you get sick when travelling usually?
Elina: ...no. Not really. I remember being in a spaceship of all things, yet I didn't throw up at all.
Tasuk: Weird.
Elina: I don't...usually get sick either. Lately I've been experiencing headaches and more bathroom breaks, but I thought those had to do with Kaiden. Yet, I still kept at it on the journey here.
Elina begins to put her hand against her head, as if she's having another headache.
Tasuk: We should probably get you to a doctor.
==Chapter 9: Unexpected Foes==
Kaiden, Tamasha, and Gakoh are walking down the road to Moran. It's relatively rugged, and trees line the area. The air is humid as well.
Kaiden: So what's Moran like?
Gakoh: Humid. Lots of trees. The wildlife wants to kill you.
Tamasha: We'll make it through. Wildlife is the least of our concerns anyways.
Eventually, the trio stop to notice a small camp. Strangely, three krexxon are sitting there, talking.
Gakoh: Oh great. Krexxon.
Tamasha: I've never understood why they're here. Ever since that incident around a year ago they've been all over Buzokai.
Gakoh: Might be best to simply avoid them, right Kaiden?
Gakoh and Tamasha stare at Kaiden, who's simply looking at the krexxon without saying anything.
Tamasha: Kaiden?
Kaiden suddenly expresses a gasp, as if he's realized something. Another memory regained.
----
Kaiden is watching two krexxon talking in a cave as he thinks to himself. The two krexxon are wearing light armor and wielding their usual wrist-mounted shockblades.
Kaiden: So these two were the ones ransacking supply caravans? Better take 'em out I guess.
Kaiden grabs a rock from the nearby ground and throws it at one of the krexxon.
Krexxon 1: Ow! That hurt.
Krexxon 2: It's just a fuckin' rock and we're in a cave. What did you expect?
Krexxon 1: I don't know I guess.
Kaiden throws another rock at the ground.
Krexxon 2: That can't be a coincidence.
Kaiden: It wasn't.
The two krexxon stare at Kaiden as he emerges from behind the wall.
Krexxon 1: Oh shit. It's the guy who killed Ethros.
Krexxon 2: The war hero?
Kaiden: That's me.
Kaiden leaps at one of the krexxon, knocking him into a wall. He then takes on the other one as the first krexxon is reeling from the pain of the wall. The fight ends fairly quickly as Kaiden pulls out a communications device of sorts.
Kaiden: Tell Valnar I got the targets.
???: Excellent. Return back here immediately and we'll discuss what's next.
----
Kaiden is gasping constantly as Tamasha and Gakoh look on in curiosity.
Kaiden: Another...memory...
Tamasha: What was it?
Kaiden: Apparently I did quite a number against these...krexxon. I had some memory of me attacking two of them and they called me a war hero.
Gakoh: Oh wow. War hero eh?
Kaiden: Yeah. Guess I'm somewhat of a big deal?
At that point, the krexxon spot the trio and rush for them. One of them seems to be more heavily armed than the other.
Krexxon 1: Looks like we've got trespassers Meiyar.
Krexxon 2: One of them looks familiar...this guy here.
Meiyar: Could it be? The guy who killed Ethros?
Kaiden: That's me...
Meiyar: Bakku, Saporr, step back.
The two krexxon identified as Bakku and Saporr step back as Meiyar brandishes his weapons.
Meiyar: I've always wanted to face the invasion-ender myself.
Kaiden: So this is a duel of sorts?
Meiyar: Precisely. Just the two of us.
Kaiden: Very well.
Kaiden brandishes his swords as he stands before Meiyar, who chuckles before charging at Kaiden. The two of them lock blades for several seconds.
Meiyar: I saw you fight to defend Farhorn Village. Gotta say, it's interesting to see the sole survivor rising up this high.
Meiyar knocks Kaiden away before landing a swift kick to the leg.
Meiyar: But then I saw you fighting at the volcano alongside those traitors. I have to say, you and that mage girl seemed to put up a good fight together.
Kaiden: I have no memory of that. I'm here on Buzokai to get my memories...BACK!
Kaiden lands a swift sword strike to Meiyar's arm, though the armor protects it. The two of them continue to fight as Tamasha, Gakoh, Bakku, and Saporr watch.
Meiyar: You fight as well as I thought you would. Looks like memories didn't alter your combat style.
Meiyar and Kaiden continue exchanging blows before locking blades again. Kaiden, intently analyzing his opponent, forces Meiyar's shockblades down to the ground, before cutting at them and disabling them entirely. He then points his swords at Meiyar.
Kaiden: I have to admit, you put up a good fight.
Meiyar: It was an honor. Now, are you going to kill me and grant me the honorable death I deserve?
Kaiden contemplates the situation for a moment, before sheathing his swords.
Kaiden: I don't think I will. Besides, I assume you guys don't pose a significant threat to us?
Meiyar: Quite the contrary actually. We're stuck on this planet anyways so we might as well decide to admit defeat against you. Come with me.
----
Elina is sitting in a room as a Tokal doctor finishes her checkup.
Doctor: I've got one final thing to do here as part of the checkup. It's a new technique involving magic.
Elina: Magic in a doctor's office?
Doctor: Believe me, it's controversial.
The doctor puts out his hands as he reads into Elina's body, as she sits down. After some time, the doctor stops.
Doctor: This sickness is actually simpler than I thought it was.
Elina: How so?
Doctor: You're actually facing symptoms of...
The doctor sighs.
Doctor: ...pregnancy.
----
Kaiden and his allies are sitting in Meiyar's camp, talking with him and his allies.
Tamasha: So you used to be a military commander?
Meiyan: Mhm. Just a sergeant involved in the initial attacks on Ascerth. We didn't get much info concerning why we were here.
Bakku: Me and Saporr were Meiyan's closest friends, and always fought alongside him.
Saporr: Yeah, people would call us the Jackal Squad due to how well we worked together. The three of us kicked ass.
Meiyan: Mhm. But after Ethros called for a retreat, our ship actually crashed here on Buzokai. Ever since then we've more or less just minded our own business out here.
Gakoh: Interesting. Good to see you're not a threat though.
Meiyan: Since we crashed here we have no reason to pose as hostiles against you guys.
Kaiden: It's interesting to say the least. But now that we're aquainted with each other, I have a...favor to ask.
Meiyan: Of course!
Kaiden: Could you help us get to the jungles of Moran safely?
Meiyan: Concerned about Rikal, eh?
Tamasha: Yeah, they're kinda after us.
Meiyan: The three of us have had our scraps with them. They seem to be doing something on the continent.
Gakoh: Well, we intend to stop them.
----
Elina walks out of the hospital as Tasuk looks at her worryingly.
Tasuk: How'd it go?
Elina: Apparently I'm...pregnant...
Tasuk expresses a face of shock as Elina smirks.
Tasuk: And I'm guessing Kaiden is the father?
Elina: I mean, we did fool around once or twice, so yeah.
Tasuk: This journey just got way more exciting.
Elina: Yeah. Hopefully we find him soon.
==Chapter 10: Arrival==
Kaiden, Tamasha, Gakoh, Meiyan, Bakku, and Saporr arrive in the jungles of Moran. Above the group is nothing but trees and plantlife.
Kaiden: This is incredible.
Meiyan: It is indeed. Now then, the three of us have some business of our own to attend to in the jungle, so we'll call it here.
Kaiden nods at Meiyan before shaking his hand. As the krexxon depart, the remaining members of the group continue to walk through the jungle.
Gakoh: I've only been here once before, but it seems different.
Tamasha: The ground itself feels alive here.
Suddenly, two Dokann leap from the nearby bushes in the jungle. They snarl at the trio as they circle them.
Kaiden: What the hell are these things?
Tamasha: Dokann. Spiked predators that can shoot poison.
One of the Dokann lets out a roar at Kaiden before shooting a poisonous toxin towards him. Fortunately, Kaiden dodges the poison.
Gakoh: These things are ferocious. It'd be wise not to-
One of the Dokann charges at the trio, but Kaiden blocks the charge with his swords. He then turns to face the beasts alongside Tamasha as Gakoh floats behind them, wearily watching. Tamasha fires off a ball of yellowish energy that stuns one of the Dokann, while Kaiden is engaged with another. He manages to kick the Dokann before him into a tree, before unleashing a sword strike to stab it in the chest.
Kaiden: One down!
Tamasha nods before tossing a blast of energy that causes vines to wrap around the second Dokann. She then fires off a wave of energy that knocks out the Dokann.
Tamasha: Let's get the hell out of here.
The trio run away from the knocked-out Dokann before nearing a massive temple of sorts. Rikal soldiers can be seen positioned around it.
Gakoh: That's where Sentok normally is. I'm not sure what's-
A massive bird-like noise can be heard coming from the temple as the soldiers around it rush inside to see what's going on.
Kaiden: Now's our chance!
The trio rush into the temple, and notice what's going on from a distance: the skeletal Kamaki of War, Sentok, is chained up, albeit resisting. With every squawk he lets out, skeletal warriors rush to his aid and attempt to take on his Rikal jailors. They barely put up a fight.
Tamasha: This is horrible.
Kaiden brandishes his swords almost immediately as he sneaks into the area. Tamasha attempts to stop him, but Gakoh simply looks at her.
Gakoh: I think he's got this.
Tamasha sighs before nodding. Kaiden notices a skull on the ground, and picks it up. He then throws it at one of the Rikal soldiers near the chained-up Sentok, landing a headshot. The soldier hits the wall and falls dead as the other soldier looks at the body.
Soldier: That was...one hell of a shot. Too good to be done by natural causes.
The soldier walks through the area looking for Kaiden. However, he walks past Kaiden, who then proceeds to ambush him from behind. Another body falls to the ground as Kaiden looks towards the chained-up Sentok.
Sentok: Freedom...at last...
Kaiden smashes the magical chains sealing Sentok with his swords. The skeletal, armored bird then lets out a massive screech before more skeletal warriors emerge. They manage to take out the remaining Rikal soldiers and force them out of the temple.
Tamasha: He...did it...
Tamasha and Gakoh run towards Kaiden as Sentok stands before the trio.
Sentok: Thank you Kaiden. As the Kamaki of War, I was surprised to see these warriors managing to defeat my own.
Kaiden: Well, they're not properly disciplined.
Sentok: My skeletal soldiers are warriors I deemed to have died honorable deaths. It was horrifying what Rikal was doing to them.
Kaiden: Anyways, I was told you Kamaki could help me recover my memories?
Sentok: I can try.
Sentok meditates for a moment as Kaiden gasps in shock, due to his recovery of yet another memory.
----
Kaiden is exiting the Relendar after the end of the campaign on Jalgor, alongside his allies. The ship has landed outside the rebuilding Xastil City as he sighs, taking in the air.
Kaiden: We made it home.
Elina: Let's relax now that it's all over. No more fighting, no more big battles, no more crises.
Felton: And the two of us survived despite a lack of combat experience, eh Trent?
Trent: Shut up.
As the others talk, Kaiden looks to Elina with a smirk on his face.
Kaiden: Guess we've got time to make up for since...since the coma.
Elina: Yeah, I guess we do. Things'll be different though. That's for sure,
As Kaiden and Elina look at each other, Kaiden grasps the wedding ring in his pocket. He knows that it'll be time soon.
----
Kaiden: Another war hero memory. How much of a big deal am I?
Sentok: I don't know, but now I'm intrigued.
Tamasha: We also came here for another reason. Are you familiar with a Urei named Seishan?
Sentok: I am indeed. He's here actually.
Sentok whistles as a Urei emerges. He looks to be nervous, but smiles upon seeing Tamasha.
Seishan: No fuckin' way. You came all the way out here to see me?
Tamasha: I did, I did. It's been too long, though you're a ghost now.
Seishan: I mean, it's better than nothing. But I have heard stories about an...experimental magical procedure.
Tamasha: Experimental?
Seishan: Apparently there's a way to transfer the soul of one who's dead into a...golem of sorts.
Tamasha: That's interesting. Sentok, do you know about this?
Sentok: I do indeed. In the Xolkra Wastes there's a temple full of golems like this. They'll be able to help you out.
Kaiden: Well, let's go there then!
Sentok: Unfortunately, Rikal's there too. So don't go without knowing a fight could happen.
==Chapter 11: Reminiscing==
Kaiden, Tamasha, Gakoh, and Seishan are proceeding through a rocky area of sorts on the way to the Xolkra Wastes. Along the road, collapsed statues and the like can be seen.
Tamasha: I still can't believe I found you. It's been so long since the incident.
Seishan: I was a fool back then. Nowadays I'm calmer. And hey, soon I'll be "alive" again.
Kaiden: You two seem awfully close.
Tamasha: Well, our parents went missing at a young age so Seishan kinda took care of me. We're pretty tight.
Seishan: We are, yeah. Hopefully we can get to the Xolkra Wastes soon.
The group keeps walking for a bit, with Kaiden keeping to himself. He's busy thinking things through.
Seishan: So, Kaiden, I don't think we talked much. You lost your memories, right?
Kaiden: Yeah, I did. And I guess the Kamaki are the key to getting them back? Not entirely sure.
Gakoh: It's a weird situation, and Rikal seems to know what's going on.
Tamasha: I still wonder what the hell Rikal is up to. From what I've heard they're more or less just...trying to bring about change to Buzokai and see the Kamaki as standing idle?
Seishan: It's a bit dicier than that. Sentok told me that Rikal's leader was someone they once knew.
Kaiden: How so?
Seishan: He said she was once a promising shaman who sought to study all branches of magic. She managed to figure out a basic form of necromancy, but at that point the Kamaki had seen her as a lost cause. Someone who had gone too far.
Tamasha: So her thirst for knowledge led to the rise of Rikal?
Seishan: Mhm. Nobody knows much after that. Necromancy is forbidden among Buzokai's shaman.
Eventually, the group nears a cavern with giant colored stalagmites inside it. Kaiden suddenly kneels down upon seeing it.
Tamasha: Another memory?
Kaiden: ...no, surprisingly. I just feel drawn to that cave for some reason.
Kaiden walks over to the cavern as the others look on in curiosity. In the center, on top of a rocky "podium" of sorts, lies a bluish orb that Kaiden looks at.
Tamasha: I am sensing a LOT of energy coming from that thing. Why are you so drawn to it?
Kaiden: I...don't know. Something about it feels like it's meant to be in my possession.
Seishan: It's just a rock. What could you gain from it?
Kaiden: Yeah, true. Dumb idea anyways.
As the group attempts to leave, the orb somehow rolls onto the ground. The impact causes the cavern to shake, with Tamasha in awe.
Tamasha: Try leaving the cave again.
As Kaiden walks out of the cave, the orb rolls towards him slowly. He experiments with this, walking back and forth, before smirking.
Kaiden: This is a weird situation, but I'm not one to complain.
Kaiden secures the orb in his hand, before placing it in his pocket. The orb seems lighter than it looks.
Gakoh: Let's get going then. Hopefully that orb is useful.
----
Elina and Tasuk are walking through the city of Chuzan, lost within the streets.
Elina: Where the heck do we go from here? This city's a nightmare to navigate.
Tasuk: Uhhh, I'm not entirely sure myself. I only knew Kaiden was headed to Chuzan but I don't know where he intended to go from there.
As the duo continue walking, Elina notices several Rikal soldiers talking.
Tasuk: Rikal. They've been all over the place lately. Apparently they might have something to do with-
Elina: Shh. I heard something.
Elina and Tasuk dart behind a corner as they eavesdrop on the Rikal soldiers.
Soldier 1: Apparently the swordsman managed to free Sentok.
Soldier 2: Two Kamaki down. Where do we know he's headed next?
Soldier 3: Dude, why are you asking us? We're just stationed here.
Soldier 1: Well, I heard a rumor that he's headed up to the Xolkra Wastes.
Elina looks at Tasuk.
Tasuk: Desert area. West of here.
Elina: You bet your ass we're going there. Hopefully I can find him soon.
==Chapter 12: A Strange Experiment==
Kaiden's group walks into a ruin of some sort, looking around. Golems of some kind wander around, and one golem in particular can be seen looking at the group.
Gakoh: This is fascinating. These guys chose to become kind of alive, but not really.
Seishan: I can't wait to stop being a Urei. Being dead is alright I guess, but you can do so much more when alive.
Tamasha: I mean, you're kiinda still dead as a golem but not really. Let's just see what's going on here.
Eventually, the group arrives at an altar of sorts, where two golems emerge. Unlike the others, they seem to have more ornate materials for their body structure as well as larger builds.
Golem 1: Sentok told us you were coming. You may call us the Eyenkos Brothers.
Kaiden: We heard you can transfer the souls of the dead into a golem-like body.
Golem 2: That's correct. It's a procedure passed down in our order, and it's how we managed to stay alive long after our deaths.
Seishan floats forward.
Seishan: Bring me back to life.
Golem 1: Whoa there, that was quick. You sure you wanna do this?
Seishan: Why are you so unsure?
Golem 2: There's a...miniscule chance that the magic used will become unstable and turn you into a more ravenous golem of sorts.
Tamasha: Ravenous?
Golem 1: We call them the Ikaron. Those golems are more or less mindless constructs that can easily be controlled by magic.
Seishan: Well, I'm willing to take the risk.
Tamasha: Seishan, are you sure you-
Seishan looks at Tamasha intently as she steps back.
Seishan: This is my choice to make sister. Not yours.
Kaiden: Good luck Seishan. Here's hoping for the best.
Seishan steps before the golems, who have now brought an empty golem body to him. It seems to be made of stone and lacks the coloration of the other golems, possibly due to the lack of a soul inhabiting it. It also seems to be relatively bulky and has runes embedded into it. The two golems then proceed to cast a spell of some sort on Seishan, enveloping him in bluish energy.
Golem 2: Seishan, prepare yourself!
Golem 1: The moment...of your reincarnation!
Seishan's body goes flying through the air, before entering the empty golem body. The empty vessel shakes constantly as Kaiden, Tamasha, and Gakoh look on in worry. Eventually, the golem begins to glow a light green, indicating success. Seishan, now in his golem-esque body, pounds his fists together. A "face" of some kind can be seen along the head portion of the body.
Seishan: All right! I'm somewhat alive again!
Tamasha smiles at Seishan as she hugs his new body. Seishan returns the hug.
Tamasha: Finally, you're not just a ghost.
Gakoh: Hey! I take great offense at that.
Seishan: Well it looks like I can aid our little group then. Rikal's not gonna be able to stop us!
???: Is that so?
The group looks behind themselves to see the golem from earlier, who had been subtly following them, emerge from behind a pillar. Strangely, this one has a pink coloration: the color of Rikal.
Rikal Golem: I knew being assigned to spying here would find something useful. Finally I can-
The Rikal golem is knocked a fair distance by a punch delivered by Seishan, landing on the nearby ground'.
Seishan: Alright pipsqueak, let's see how you handle the full might of someone fresh from reincarnation!
Rikal Golem: I didn't come for you rockboy. But let's see how you do.
The two golems leap at each other, locking fists as they push on each other. The others watch the fight, hoping for Seishan to win. Seishan eventually delivers a powerful headbutt towards his opponent, knocking him away.
Rikal Golem: That all you can muster?
As the golem attempts another attack on Seishan, he suddenly produces a protective barrier around his left hand. Immediately, his opponent is knocked away.
Seishan: Looks like I've retained some magical power here.
Rikal Golem: Magic ain't gonna do you good.
The two golems continue to fight, before Seishan manages to get his foe locked in a chokehold.
Rikal Golem: You'll...never...stop...Rikal...
Seishan sighs before pulling his arm back, destroying the Rikal golem's "head". The soulless body drops to the ground as Kaiden, Tamasha, and Gakoh are in awe.
Seishan: That was fun. And hey, got some combat practice in.
Kaiden: Looks like we'll be kicking ass together. Now where to?
Seishan: Well, they said Rikal was present here. Maybe we should go find out what they're up to?
Tamasha: Sounds like a plan.
==Interlude: A Grand Adventure==
Narrator: And so after helping out Seishan, our heroes continued to adventure across Buzokai. Sometimes they got into some weird situations. Like I'm talking really weird.
Kaiden's group is busy taking part in a festival in the freezing cold, where local Tokal villagers are firedancing around a statue.
Kaiden: Did we really have to come out all this way to meet the local Kamaki? It's cold as hell.
Seishan: They say you have to take part in the festival to be able to meet with her.
Tamasha: Yeah, but they're doing some really weird stuff...
One of the locals seems to be cooking a decapitated Tsubak head on an open fire as Kaiden and Tamasha look on in disgust.
Seishan: It's their culture, not ours. Don't criticize them for it.
The camera cuts to a montage of the following scenes as the narration continues:
*Seishan hurling Kaiden at a pack of Rikal soldiers, with the latter pulling out his swords as he lands.
*Tamasha meditating with the orb Kaiden retrieved in front of her, trying to study it.
*Seishan and Gakoh talking in front of an open fire as Kaiden and Tamasha sleep, before the two of them start laughing hysterically and wake up the others. 
Narrator: But as Kaiden adventured, so too did someone else. Someone you know already. Y'know, she's been in stuff like Hour of Reckoning and Ghostrealm Heroes. Maybe she'll show up in Super Smash Bro-
???: Hurry up!
The narrator sighs as the scene cuts to Elina and Tasuk walking through the Xolkra Wastes, studying a map.
Elina: We couldn't find him in the city. Looks like we'll have to keep eavesdropping.
Tasuk: I have no clue what they're up to. But how's the pregnancy symptoms?
Elina: Still having those occasional bursts of sickness and the like. But I'll be fine. We made it this far after all.
As Elina and Tasuk continue walking, the narrator continues to speak.
Narrator: But some time passed, and a new chapter began in our story. Not literally of course. This is still an intermission mind yo-
???: HEY! GET ON WITH THE STORY ALREADY! WHO THE HELL ARE YOU ANYWAYS?!?!
Narrator: They promised a good amount of money if I narrated, okay? Now shut your mouth and listen!
The narration pauses briefly.
Narrator: Anyways, a new segment of the story begins.
----
The hooded Mistress Tobura sits on a throne of sorts as she brings up a magical projection of Bakdal and Hyuz, the two Rikal henchmen from earlier.
Bakdal: Mistress, what a surprise.
Hyuz: We've been following your orders and keeping the girl away from-
Tobura: Silence you two. While your efforts may have been fruitful, the rest of my agents haven't been so lucky in bringing the swordsman to me.
Bakdal: Well, you give us the word and we'll-
Tobura: I was thinking something else. Return to base immediately.
Hyuz: But that means-
Tobura: Precisely. Perhaps if we reunite those two it'll weaken his resolve and make him more vulnerable. Or perhaps it means we can initiate...Operation Rime.
Bakdal: I mean, Operation Rime was the backup plan after all. Plus it means the two of us can finally get some action again.
Tobura: Of course you will. In fact, I have a surprise for you two when you get back. Consider it...a promotion of sorts.
Hyuz: We'll be on our way Mistress!
As the projection fades, Tobura lets down her hood to reveal a woman with a large stitch across her face, along with pieces of decaying flesh. Yet, despite the dying parts of her body, she seems somewhat normal. As she clenches her bony fist, two golems that appeared to be statues roar to life. They resemble the ones seen in the ruins earlier, but are more ornately designed and look to be immensely destructive.
Tobura: Soon Buzokai will learn the true strengths of necromancy. No more will the Kamaki bring about restrictions on our powers.
==Chapter 13: Reunion==
Kaiden's group is walking along a road within a tropical area of sorts. However, giant temples seem to tower above the group, and the whole area seems to be a ruined city full of vegetation.
Kaiden: What's the story behind this place?
Seishan: The ancient Gorema Empire dominated this area. They were the first to inhabit Buzokai, and lived alongside the Kamaki.
Tamasha: A lot of their ancient manuscripts are prized by researchers and collectors. I have a few myself.
Kaiden: What happened to them?
Seishan: They kinda went too far with their magical experiments and the Kamaki decided to take matters into their own hands.
Gakoh: Reminds me of someone.
The group keeps walking.
----
Elina and Tasuk are walking through the same ruined city, with Elina looking at the temples in awe.
Elina: This is incredible.
Tasuk: It is, yeah. I wanna come back here some time.
Elina: Well, first we gotta find Kaiden. I have a feeling we're getting close.
Elina and Tasuk keep walking, before turning around a corner and seeing Kaiden's group walking along. However, two Rikal assassins seem to be perched on ledges above. While happy, Elina is also worried.
Elina: I'm sure he can handle them.
The assassins swoop down in front of Kaiden's party, brandishing their weapons.
Assassin 1: Looks like we found 'em.
Assassin 2: Stealth does work to our advantage after all.
Kaiden and his team get out their weapons, preparing to fight.
Kaiden: We've fought with you guys before. We're not gonna take it lightl-
One of the assassins charges forward at Kaiden, ambushing him and landing a fierce strike to his chest armor as Elina's face winces in remorse. Kaiden reels in pain, but charges back at his foes. While Tamasha and Seishan attempt to help out, the assassins seem focused on Kaiden. Eventually, one of them kicks him into a nearby wall, rendering him unconscious.
Assassin 2: We have our prey.
Elina, with a face of fury, reveals herself from her position and fires off a blast of flame at the assassins. While it does hurt them physically, it moreso confuses them and leaves them vulnerable to Tamasha and Seishan's attacks. Elina joins in on the fight, and before long, the assassins are dealt with, albeit Kaiden is still unconscious. Elina immediately kneels down towards Kaiden's unconscious body, hugging it tightly.
Elina: Is he okay?
Tamasha: Probably. You seem really attached to him.
Tasuk: She's his wife.
Seishan: So you're the one he saw in a few of his memories.
Elina: Memories? Is Kaiden...is Kaiden amnesiac?
Gakoh: He is unfortunately. For now, let's get him to the nearest town.
----
Kaiden wakes up in a bed of sorts, with Tamasha and Seishan sitting nearby.
Kaiden: W...what happened?
Tamasha: You went unconscious in the fight. But I have to say, something surprising happened right after.
At that moment, Elina walks in drinking a glass of water, before seeing the awakened Kaiden. She immediately spits out her water in shock as Kaiden looks at her with a smirk on his face. While he feels a connection and recognizes her from a few of the memories, he's still slightly confused.
Elina: Looks like you're awake.
Kaiden: Yeah...I guess I am. You're...Elina, right?
Elina: Yeah. So you do remember me a bit?
Kaiden: Bits and pieces. I'm sure there's more to our story.
At that moment, Elina looks to her belly. Before she says anything, she notices Tasuk shaking his head, while mouthing the words "It might be better to hold off for now".
==Chapter 14: Disaster at the Graveyard==
Kaiden's group is walking around the ruined city, looking around. The area they're in looks like it's been damaged fairly recently. As they walk, Elina seems to stick close to Kaiden, who is still a bit confused. When he looks at her, she simply smirks.
Tamasha: Strange. The hieroglyphs implied a Kamaki was here.
Seishan: Plus the damage looks to be recent...
Elina: So what's going on with these Kamaki anyways?
Kaiden: Rikal's been going after them. And I fear they got the local Kamaki here.
Tamasha: According to the legends, the local Kamaki here was called...Onda. They said she held dominion over weather.
Tasuk: Weather? That's kinda weird. But I'm sure Onda had a lot of power regarding it.
Suddenly, a Urei teleports towards the group, floating over with a face of panic. Kaiden and Tamasha recognize him as Namor, the first Urei they met.
Namor: It's got bad back at the graveyard. Real bad.
Kaiden: What happened?
Namor: Rikal. They...came for us...
The group gasps as Elina readies a teleportation spell.
Elina: Well, we can't just stand idle. We gotta save those guys.
Kaiden: I like your attitude.
Elina blushes slightly as she teleports the group to the graveyard. There, Rikal soldiers are standing all around the area, with some armored magi torturing the Urei. Kaiden immediately brandishes his swords as he looks to the rest of the group.
Kaiden: They won't get away with this.
The group charges at the Rikal guards, taking them on. Kaiden and Seishan seem to be right in the midst of the battle, with Elina conjuring massive fireballs from the back and Tamasha wreaking havoc with spirit energy. As they tear through Rikal soldiers, the freed Urei look on in awe. Eventually, the group comes across the skull statue from earlier, which seems to look like it's sucking in energy. One of the nearby golems passes a mage a captured Urei, who is then "fed" into the skull as it glows.
Tamasha: This is disgusting.
Mage: Is it? This is just the beginning. These Urei are the prime candidates for what the Mistress seeks to create.
Elina: Well, we won't let that happen.
The mage chuckles as he teleports the rest of her allies out of the graveyard as the skull floats into the air.
Mage: Have fun.
The skull forms a body made of ghastly energies, resembling the "Spirit King" the Urei created as a joke. However, this time it looks far more menacing.
Seishan: This'll be one hell of a fight.
Kaiden: Well, let's get to it!
Spiderlike limbs emerge from the skull as a deafening roar consumes the area. The group begins to fight the monstrosity, repelling attacks and landing their own. Kaiden in particular manages to get onto its back, planting his swords inside it. In response, the monstrosity begins to run around rampantly, eventually knocking Kaiden off of its back. Elina looks with concern, but Kaiden gets up and brandishes his swords once again.
Kaiden: Let's finish this.
As Kaiden charges in once again, Seishan decides to back him up. The duo pin the monster into a nearby gravestone as Seishan punches the skull out of it. The residual energy dissipates and the skull stops glowing.
Tamasha: It's over.
----
Tobura walks towards a cell of some sort, where a woman who seems to be made of gaseous energy is chained up.
Tobura: I remember hearing stories that you were the greatest opponent of what the Gorema Empire was attempting. That your dominion over weather was a key part of their destruction.
Onda: Your vile experiments disgust me Tobura. I thought you would be one of the greatest of shaman.
Tobura: Unlike you, I know what this world needs. Mortal soldiers die eventually, so I want the best of the best to remain alive. Hence, why I learned necromancy, as well as how to control the dead.
Tobura reveals her bony left hand.
Tobura: After all, I used it to prolong my own life. Surely others could benefit.
Onda: It's horrifying. What do you plan to do with it?
Tobura: I intend to bring about a mass calamity, so to speak. From there, I can resurrect the strong and keep them as immortal soldiers. To defend this world.
Onda: That's genocide! You know better than this!
Tobura: The end justifies the means. If we allow age to consume the best of the best, what will happen if the krexxon come again? If shadow magic rages on the planet? If a worldwide war breaks out? It's a necessary sacrifice for the greater good.
Onda: At least they have honor.
Tobura grunts as she snaps her fingers. Onda is suddenly electrocuted by dark energies as Tobura leaves the room. She walks through a hallway of golems standing idle, before looking at a large room. Here, her mages are forcing Urei into golems, much like the process used to revive Seishan. These golems seem armed to the teeth, and the whole area is full of soldiers. One of the golems taps Tobura on the shoulder as she watches.
Golem: Mistress, Bakdal and Hyuz are here.
Tobura: Put them through the procedure. They'll be two of the three supersoldiers.
Golem: And the third is?
Tobura: You should know by this point.
----
Late at night, Kaiden is sitting up awake within the campsite of the group. Elina, who's also awake and happens to be reading one of Tamasha's manuscripts, sits down next to Kaiden, who's slightly nervous as she sits next to him.
Kaiden: How...how close were we?
Elina: Well, considering we got married, I'd say we're pretty close. We'd always talk at night for ages. Kinda like this.
Kaiden: I'm so sorry.
Elina: Sorry? Sorry for what?
Kaiden: That I'm...like this. I saw a few memories of us together, and I'm sure there's a lot to our relationship, but I just feel guilty for not being able to reciprocate your feelings.
Kaiden sheds a tear as Elina looks on in concern.
Elina: Well, soon we'll be able to get your memories back. I promise.
Kaiden: You do?
Elina: Well, I made it all the way here to find you. Would be a bit unfair if I didn't get back the full package.
Kaiden blushes slightly as he looks up at the stars.
Kaiden: You know, even if I didn't know that we were together, I'd say there'd still be a good chance of me falling for you.
From a distance, Gakoh and Tasuk are floating by, watching Kaiden and Elina talk.
Tasuk: She wasn't lying when she said those two were close.
Gakoh: Yeah. Hopefully she finds a way to tell him about the pregnancy soon.
==Chapter 15: Freakish Weather==
In her sleep, Tamasha is tossing and turning as she witnesses a vision.
----
Tamasha stands before the city of Chuzan. Strangely however, a tower is present within the center of it, drawing energy from all over the continent. In addition, a blizzard seems to be raging in the area, which is strange considering the climate of the Chuzan area.
Tamasha: W...what's going on?
???: The final stages of Rikal's plan.
Tamasha looks behind her to see the Kamaki Onda.
Onda: They have me chained up and prepared to commit...genocide with my control over weather.
Tamasha: Genocide? GENOCIDE?!?!
Onda: It's only a matter of time. You have to-
----
Tamasha is woken up by a thunderbolt striking the nearby forest. The others are also awake.
Kaiden: What the hell happened?
Elina: I have no clue. The clouds are pinkish too.
Seishan: This is bad. Really bad.
Tamasha: It's Rikal.
The rest of the group looks towards Tamasha with curiosity.
Tamasha: I had a vision in my sleep. They're going to kill people with freakish weather.
Gakoh: Oh god. What do we do? WHAT DO WE DO?!?!
Tasuk: Calm down Gakoh. We can settle this. Where is Rikal based?
Tamasha: I saw some kind of tower emerging from the city of Chuzan. We gotta head there.
Elina nods before preparing a teleportation spell. However, as soon as the group arrives in Chuzan, they find that a blizzard is raging through the area.
Kaiden: Why the hell is it so cold? This isn't normal!
The group walks around the city curiously. Rikal soldiers are everywhere, and people are hiding.
Elina: I knew Rikal was up to something in the city, but this seems suspicious. Didn't you say something about a tower Tamasha?
Tamasha: I did, yeah. It's not here though.
Suddenly, two Rikal soldiers spot the group and brandish their weapons. A fight breaks out in the street as Kaiden and his allies take on their opponents. As the fight rages on, the ground begins to rumble.
Seishan: What's going on?
Rikal Soldier: The final stages of our plan. But you four won't live to see it.
The fight continues, but eventually, Kaiden's team manages to defeat the Rikal soldiers. They then look up to see a giant tower present within the heart of Chuzan, sending energy all over the continent. The weather seems to be intensifying and getting colder.
Elina: If we stay out here we'll freeze for sure!
The group runs through the ice-cold weather as they head for the tower. Along the way, Elina slips slightly on the icy ground. Kaiden however is quick to grab her hand and help her back up as she smiles at him.
Elina: Th...thanks.
Kaiden smiles in response as the group continues to the tower. When they get to it, countless Rikal soldiers are present as a battle breaks out. The camera shows still frames of the fight in a comic book style, before it ends with Kaiden finishing off the last soldier. The group then stands before the tower, which has an open door.
Kaiden: This is it.
----
Tobura sits on her throne as a golem runs up to her urgently.
Golem: Mistress, they've broken in.
Tobura: Dispatch every available soldier. I'll be anxiously waiting for them.
As the golem leaves, Tobura clenches her bony fist and grins. The time had finally come.
==Chapter 16: The Revitalized Duo==
Kaiden's group is deep within the depths of the tower. The hallways are large and intimidating, and the bodies of fallen defense golems dot the area.
Kaiden: I don't like this. Is this "Mistress" of theirs really here?
Gakoh: Probably. Let's keep moving.
The group continues walking through the hallways, weapons in hand.
Tamasha: I sense nothing but souls crying out in torment. The stench of necromancy.
Elina: Necromancy? Rikal's raising the dead?!?!
Seishan: Seems like it. Plus these golems we've taken down seem to resemble me.
Tasuk: Same technique maybe?
Seishan: That's likely.
Eventually, the group finds themselves standing on a bridge, above the main sanctum of the area, where mages are busy churning out more golem soldiers.
Kaiden: Yep, that's what they're doing.
Bakdal: Pretty impressive if I say so myself.
The group looks forward to see Bakdal and Hyuz standing before them. However, the two are clad in massive suits of armor and seem to look more intimidating than before.
Hyuz: We got a nice promotion from the Mistress, see?
Elina: Who the hell are you guys?
Bakdal: Let's just say that for a while we tried to keep you away from sword boy over here.
Elina clenches her fist tightly and glares angrily at the duo.
Elina: You two were the reason why it took so long? The reason why I traped around for ages?!?!
Hyuz: It was a necessary move.
Elina angrily lets loose a blast of frost at the duo, hitting them hard and knocking them back. The others then get into a combat stance.
Kaiden: If you two were the ones who kept us apart. I won't have any of it!
Kaiden charges ferociously at Bakdal and Hyuz, landing sword blows to both of them. Seishan, Tamasha, and Elina follow suit, with the two groups engaging in battle.
Tamasha: Seems like you two are different.
Bakdal: We've been through a lot. Got these nice sets of armor and weapons.
As Kaiden locks blades with Hyuz, he notices Bakdal charging at Elina. Quickly, he knocks away Hyuz, before charging at Bakdal from behind, piercing his chest with a surprise stab. Bakdal falls to the ground, kneeling.
Bakdal: Hyuz...do it for me...
Bakdal dies as Hyuz gulps. Seishan then pounds his fists together before charging at Hyuz, sending him a fair distance. His helmet comes off to reveal a krexxon underneath.
Kaiden: A krexxon? How'd you end up here?
Hyuz: The pay was good, okay? We got health insurance and everything too.
Kaiden shrugs as he charges at Hyuz, parrying a spear strike. The two of them lock blades intently before Kaiden kicks Hyuz down to the ground. From there, he lands a sword strike to the chest.
Hyuz: Looks like that health insurance was useless after all...
Hyuz dies as Elina kicks the body off the bridge.
Tamasha: Good riddance.
The group continues walking through the hallways, though Kaiden suddenly stops and kneels down. Elina looks to him in concern.
Elina: Kaiden, what's wrong?
Kaiden: Another memory I think.
Kaiden gasps as he remembers another moment from his past.
----
Kaiden, Elina, Taikari, Felton, and Trent are all standing before a giant gate in what appears to be the Citadel of Anguish on Jalgor.
Elina: Who's nervous?
Felton: We are. What's this Soul Grazer guy like?
Taikari: He's an asshole to say the least.
Trent: Well, I'm sure we can make it.
Before the group enters, Kaiden looks to Elina fondly.
Kaiden: No matter what happens in there, I want you to know that I love you. We can do this.
Elina: We can defeat this bastard.
Kaiden and Elina hug tightly as Felton and Trent snicker. Taikari then looks to them in an annoyed manner.
Taikari: Done you two?
Felton: Yeah, I guess. Let's kick some ass.
----
As the memory ends, Kaiden looks to the rest of the group, focusing specifically on Elina.
Kaiden: We can do this. It's now or never.
Elina: Time to save Buzokai...
Elina looks to her belly, knowing that she's pregnant.
Elina: ...and time to bring about a peace for all of us.
==Chapter 17: Showdown with the Mistress==
Kaiden's group enters Tobura's throne room as she sits down, smirking. Golem-esque statues can be seen throughout the room, along with all sorts of skeletal remains along the walls.
Seishan: Quite the place you've got.
Tobura: Thanks. Did it all myself.
Kaiden: So it was you who took my memories? It was you who wanted to cause a continent-wide genocide?!?
Tobura: Darling, I have my reasons. I wiped your memories hoping to bring you to my cause.
Elina: Your cause?
Tobura: I took up necromancy long ago because of how mortality weakens us. As we age, our bodies grow weaker and eventually lead to death. What will happen if our greatest soldiers die as a new threat comes for the planet?
Tamasha: Necromancy is evil and you know it!
Tobura: Is it? Is it evil to want to create an army capable of defending this world more efficiently? An army with no need for food or sleep? Kaiden, I wanted you to take your place here. As one of the greatest warriors on this planet. Believe me, I analyzed the memories I took from you intently. I know everything there is to know about you.
Kaiden clenches his sword tightly, but continues to listen.
Tobura: Undeath is often said to be a curse. I consider it a blessing. After all, it's how I've remained alive all these years.
Seishan: This is disgusting. You deserve to die.
Tobura chuckles before brandishing a giant scythe and putting up her hood. In a way, she resembles the face of death. Laughing maniacally, she leaps off her throne whilst spinning, before coming crashing down onto the throne room floor, letting loose a shockwave that knocks everyone back.
Tobura: If it's death you desire, then death you shall have!
Tobura charges into battle with her scythe as Kaiden leaps at her. He parries a scythe strike, and continually attacks Tobura. As he fights, the orb he retrieved earlier begins to intensify in color.
Tobura: I dreamed of having you at my side as a general. As a champion who could defend this world without the limitations of mortality.
Tobura locks blades with Kaiden, before knocking him to the ground and shattering part of his armor. As the others attempt to intervene, Tobura casts a spell that creates a bubble-shaped barrier around her and Kaiden.
Tobura: Any last words?
Kaiden, nervously lying on the ground, feels energy emanating from the orb. As he taps on it out of curiosity, a strange, rainbow-colored energy envelops him as he stands up. Tobura, while holding her scythe, looks on in curiosity.
Tobura: I only heard about this in legends. No way it's real.
As Kaiden clenches his fist, his swords suddenly transform into a single, two-handed blade. The energy also seems to have created more armor for Kaiden.
Kaiden: This is...intoxicating...
Kaiden brings out his sword, now fully empowered and in Hyper Mode.
Kaiden: TOBURA! YOUR TIME HAS COME!
Kaiden charges relentlessly at Tobura, unleashing a massive sword strike. The blade sends her flying a tremendous distance, right into her throne.
Tobura: What the hell is going on?
Kaiden: Your end.
Kaiden charges at Tobura again, unleashing a flurry of strikes with his sword. Tobura attempts to parry with her scythe, but is knocked astray by a strike from below. The strike hits her scythe, splitting it in two.
Tobura: Looks like it'll just be magic.
Tobura fires off a bolt of energy at Kaiden, which he deflects via his sword. Strangely, the blade seems to move on its own to block the energy, which is deflected at Tobura and begins to melt away at her armor, revealing the more...decaying parts of her body.
Kaiden: Looks like you're vulnerable.
Tobura snarls before letting loose blasts of energy into the ground. As the ground rumbles, Kaiden leaps into the air with his sword, albeit he misses and ends up planting it into the ground. Tobura stands right above Kaiden, smirking.
Tobura: Looks like you missed.
Kaiden: Not necessarily.
Suddenly, the blade teleports onto the opposite end of the hilt, freeing it from the ground. Kaiden, taking advantage of Tobura being in shock, stabs her right in the chest. Tobura kneels down, bleeding out.
Tobura: My...destiny...
Kaiden: Looks like you got your wish. You're dead now.
Tobura: Yes...but the hold on the Kamaki...weakens...
As Tobura passes, Kaiden loses his Hyper Mode appearance, returning to normal. He seems dizzy, and lies down, exhausted. Elina immediately rushes towards him.
Elina: Kaiden? KAIDEN?
Kaiden: I...did it...
Tamasha: Wait, you got them back?
Kaiden: My memories...they're back...
As Kaiden mutters to himself in exhaustion, the sound of shackles being broken can be heard from afar. Seishan quickly hauls Kaiden onto his shoulder, seeing as how he's the largest of the group, and they head for the source of the sound.
==Chapter 18: Farewell Buzokai!==
The group makes their way to Onda's cell, where the Kamaki stands idle, smiling at them.
Onda: Thank you. Tobura's death was all that was needed to undo these bonds.
Tasuk: So you were the cause of the freakish weather that could've taken so many lives?
Onda: I was, yes. Rikal had captured me swiftly. Rest easy though, because from here on out, Rikal is much weaker now that their leader is dead.
Tamasha: Well that's good. So I guess we're done here?
Onda: Not quite. I want to speak with the one who killed Tobura. The one who's on your brother's shoulder.
Gakoh: He's...kinda in a weird spot right now.
Onda snaps her fingers as Kaiden immediately wakes up. Seishan then takes him off of his shoulder as Kaiden stands before Onda.
Kaiden: So you were that Kamaki Tobura had captured.
Onda: I am yes. If it wasn't for you utilizing Hyper Mode there, things would've turned out very different.
Kaiden: Hyper Mode?
Onda: The thing you activated via that orb. That's called a Hyper Mode orb. You use it to enter that state.
Elina: So it's like a magic thing?
Onda: Not really. Hell, I'm not even the best person to ask about it. Those things are a mystery for the most part.
Kaiden: It felt so powerful, yet so exhausting. I'll need to manage my use of it.
Onda: A wise decision to make.
Onda glances at Elina, sensing that she's pregnant.
Onda: I'll leave you four to your business. Clearly there's an elephant in the room that someone needs to bring up.
Onda teleports away.
Elina: Let's head to Chuzan first. I'd rather be in a nice bar than here.
----
The group sits within a bar in Chuzan, talking away. Kaiden and Elina are sitting next to each other, and Kaiden seems to be much happier near her.
Kaiden: So I guess that orb also gave me back my memories. Reminded me of everything I did before coming here. Especially how I ended up with you Elina.
Elina: Oh, stop it! You guys have probably got sick of how close we are already.
Tamasha: Nah, I'm cool with it. It was honestly surprising if anything that Kaiden here had a special someone.
Seishan: Anyways, what was that elephant in the room that Onda mentioned?
Elina: Let me discuss it with Kaiden first. In private.
Elina swiftly takes Kaiden's hand as he walks with her, confused yet intrigued. They exit the bar briefly, and head into a nearby alley.
Elina: So I was thinking of telling you this when we first met, but judging by the state of your memories I thought it was best if I held off.
Kaiden: Makes sense. How big of a revelation is this?
Elina: Pretty big. It has to do with how we...fooled around a few times.
Kaiden: Oh crap, did you get sick or something?
Elina: It's the...other implication of what we did.
Elina looks at her belly, as does Kaiden. Eventually, he connects the dots, smiling and hugging Elina tightly. She returns the hug as the two of them smile intently and embrace each other.
Kaiden: Oh wow. You're...pregnant!
Elina: I am, yeah. You're gonna be a dad.
Kaiden: Let's tell the others.
----
At a harbor, the group stands before a boat.
Kaiden: You guys deserve a trip to where we're from. After all, we came here so it's only fair.
Tamasha: Well, it wasn't intended to be that way.
The group chuckles.
Elina: Let's get going. We'll have a great time.
The group boards, but Kaiden remains on the dock.
Elina: Kaiden? You okay?
Kaiden: Yeah, I'll be right there.
Kaiden looks at Buzokai from the dock. He breathes in and smiles before walking onto the boat.
THE END
----
Doomulus Xyne sits on a throne of sorts as a holographic display appears of a humanoid Doomulus.
Doomulus: Lord Xyne, we've just returned from Ascerth.
Xyne: What do you have for me?
Doomulus: We've discovered a magical technique that may aid us with the project Doomulus Trine is conducting. With the purely mechanical bodies and all. Apparently what we've discovered is like borderline necromancy. Like transferring the soul from one thing to another.
Xyne: I need a demonstration immediately.
Doomulus: I can arrange that.
As the transmission ends, Doomulus Xyne pulls up a computer. On it, Earth can be seen, along with the word "Vyrus" next to it.
Xyne: I knew those rumors held some weight.
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