Chapter Text
A few minutes earlier, V and Felix remained back to back with each other with Duscurian troops surrounding them. “Surrender, Fraldarius scum! You and your whore better request for your father to give back our lands!”
Felix scoffs at this, “Don’t lump us in with my old man.”
“You call me a whore, huh?” V narrows her brows. “I’ve been called way worse, but I’ll make sure your punishment hurts.”
“Enough small talk!” One of the soldiers screams. “You’re outnumbered and outgunned!”
“Please.” Felix dismissively says. “As much as I hate to say it, this lunatic behind me can singlehandedly wipe you all want if she wanted. You’re the ones that are outgunned.”
V rolls her eyes and grants everyone a sadistic look at sends chills in everyone. “That’s right. We’re just letting you surround us so that we can get you all in one spot.”
“Huh?” The Duscurians look all confused when an arrow strikes one of them in the heel. The soldier screams in pain, and the rest of the soldiers are on high alert. “WE’VE GOT COMPANY!”
Amidst the confusion, Petra fires several arrows and disables many of the Duscurians as they let go of their weapons.
“I’ll take the ones on the right, you take the ones on the left,” Felix instructs V.
“With pleasure!” V unloads her gun, and fires rubber bullets at her half of the Duscur forces.
The Duscurians take heavy damage from the rain of bullets, and V maniacally laughs in the midst of firing at them. Meanwhile, the Duscurians on the right are struck with fear by the scene. Felix takes advantage of the opening and disarms the Duscurians swiftly with his sword. He lands several blows on them using the blunt edge of his sword and deals significant damage to them.
“Tch. Feels off-putting if I’m not slicing into people.” Felix looks back seeing V beat on the Duscurians with swift body blows. “But if the boar and his dog want the least amount of casualties, I guess it can’t be helped.”
Felix walks towards the Duscur forces as they struggle to regain their bearings before performing a head gesture for them to go. “W-wait…” one of them stammers. “Y-you’re not going to kill us?”
“Get out of my sight or I’ll change my mind.” Felix coldly says while they listen to V’s crazy laughter. “Or worse, you can contend with her.”
This spooks the Duscurians, and they scamper back to their feet and run in the opposite direction of the army.
“Weaklings.” Felix scoffs before sheathing his sword.
Nearby, the remaining Duscurians stumble back in a seemingly futile attempt to get away from V. “Now then…” She flashes her claw. “What shall I start with… Your tongues? Eyes? Or perhaps… I’ll open up your heads, and drink your brains out like slushes.”
Immediately, the Duscurians lose all morale and frantically get back on their feet before running away from V as fast as their legs can carry them.
“Heh.” V smirks. “That was easier than expected.”
“I am gaining new knowledge on intimidation.” Petra pops out of a bush. “Is threatening of organ devouring a good method?”
“Only if you can make it convincing.” Petra opens and closes her claws.
“I see…” Petra takes note. “I am of understanding.”
Just then, Felix joins them. “Petra, how’s the Professor doing?”
“Last I am hearing, she has handily singled beaten two battalions of Duscurians.”
“That’s… quite impressive for a human,” V admits looking very shocked.
“They don’t call her the Ashen Wraith for nothing I suppose.” Felix crosses his arms. “That woman truly is a monster.”
“Still, I must say I’m quite impressed with how she’s handling herself. As long as she keeps the weaklings off the battlefield, we should be-“
Her next words get cut off by a scream a few miles South of her group putting all three of them on high alert. “Hang on…” Petra swiftly turns to the source of the scream. “Was that…”
“Tch, it’s that idiot N.” Felix scoffs. “Must have stubbed his toe to or something. V, what do you think happ-“
“No…” V shakes her head looking horrified. “None of us Drones have toes on our feet. Besides… that scream sounded too painful to be a minor wound.”
“Hold on… you don’t think N is actually in…”
“I don’t know ok?!” V snaps. “Felix, Petra! Make sure those weaklings get out of here immediately! I’m going to check on N!” V takes off faster than usual, and heads to N’s location. “Please be ok, please be ok, please be ok…” She repeats her voice laced with worry.
She arrives at N’s location and finds him facing off against Ingrid with oil spewing from his right side. V’s core jumps for joy and relief to see N still alive albeit damaged from his wounds, and it also jumps for rage towards the Pegasus Knight.
“That’s it.” V clenches her fist. “You’ve crossed the line for the last time, Ingrid.” V takes a deep breath now looking composed before diving into the scene.
Back in the present time, V stands off against Ingrid with her swords at the ready while her eyes are fixed on her opponent. “Nice ride you got there.” V smirks. “Looks like Dimitri wasn’t kidding when he said you’re primarily a rider. That said… my ride is way cooler.”
“Spare me the small talk, V.” Ingrid glares at V. “You won’t be talking much when I plunge my Relic into your heart.”
“Is that so?” V sassily asks. “You threaten me with a glowy stick, and a pony with wings? My flag can kill more people than that combo.” She pops out her flag with the label: DUMB BLONDE KAREN ASS!
“You have mocked our honor for the last time.” Ingrid grits her teeth. “Of all the drones that came here, you are by far the most depraved of the four! It was a mistake for Seteth to put you in our class! Your depravity continues to sully our honor!”
“Yeah yeah yeah… I’m a depraved murderous crazy lunatic drone, seen this… done that… I know what I am, Dumb Blonde!” V snaps back. “At least I’m not trying to actively kill my own classmates!”
Ingrid grits her teeth, and winces back, “Im doing what’s best for His Highness, and my fellow Blue Lions! You, N and the rest of you Drones are murderous beings capable of mass destruction! I will not allow His Highness to be killed by your hand!”
“While I don’t intend to make a move on Dimitri, you do have a fair point. That said, don’t think you’re getting off Scott free after what you did to N. But what about Dedue? Surely he doesn’t deserve the hate we get, right?!”
“He’s from Duscur, and therefore he should be cut down like the rest of his people.”
The answer shocks V, and she hardens her look towards Ingrid with an exclamation mark on the left side of her visor. “You can’t be fucking serious… please tell me you’re joking.”
“I would not joke about this.” Ingrid declares. “The people of Duscur killed the King, his men, and… Glenn! His Highness nearly died in that Tragedy, and who’s to say Dedue didn’t get employed in his service just to finish the job once and for all? If I find him once I kill you, I will end him as well with no mercy.”
V couldn’t believe the words she was hearing although there was one part in Ingrid’s argument she could relate to. Even so, she couldn’t just stand by, and let her to do what she wants. “You’re delusional thinking you could beat me, and even more so thinking Dedue would assassinate Dimitri! The guy’s a kind big lug, and there is no freaking universe where I see him killing Dimitri! I’ve only known them for more than a month, and you know them for years. The fact that someone like me is willing to trust Dedue more than you ever could shows that you really are a stupid dumbass blonde Karen.”
This sets Ingrid off and Luin glows more crimson. “YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING, MURDERER! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH I LOST THAT DAY, AND THE LOOMING THREAT OF LOOSING THE ONES I CARE ABOUT DUE TO YOUR PRESENCE! Killing you and Dedue won’t bring Glenn back, but at least I’ll be given some closure once I kill you.”
“Fine.” V jumps up in the air, and hovers over the ground. “If that’s how you see it. Then I’ll take great pleasure beating you up for what you did to N, and threatening to kill him and Dedue.” An X is now displayed in one half of her face. “Give me your best shot!”
V flies full speed towards towards Ingrid with her swords in full display, but the Pegasus Knight swerves out of the way. The Disassembly drone quickly turns, and fires a barrage of rubber bullets. Ingrid dodges most of the bullets, but one of them strikes her Pegasus causing it to neigh in pain. The Pegasus Knight holds on to her steed, and gains control of it.
Damn.. I need to get closer. V grimaces.
V closes in on Ingrid, and her opponent retaliates by throwing two Short Spears at the Disassembly Drone. The Murder Drone dodges the first one, and strikes the second one before zeroing on her target. V’s swords make contact with Ingrid’s Luin, and the two engage in a weapons lock. Both break off from the assault, and clash once more as they parry and block each other’s blows. Ingrid unleashes several swift attacks on V, but the Disassembly Drone maintains her guard.
The Disassembly Drone dishes out fast and powerful strikes towards Luin. The clash of the attacks reverberates all throughout Ingrid’s body. They start to wear down Ingrid, and she starts reconsidering her options as they clash.
I can’t take V on in a head on fight… She thought. I’ll have to circle her, and sever her limbs if I’m to take her down.
V crosses her blades, and weapon locks Ingrid once more, but this time, she pushes her back. “What’s wrong, Dumb Blonde?” She says sadistically. “Had enough yet?”
“No… we’re just getting started!” With her free arm, Ingrid thrusts her Javelin towards one of the capsules on her head.
Alerted by this, V tilts her head towards the right, and avoids getting one of her capsules getting popped. Ingrid takes advantage, and breaks off the engagement with the Disassembly Drone. Her Pegasus kicks V, and pushes her back allowing the Pegasus Knight to gain some distance. Ingrid hurls a Short spear at the Disassembly Drone while she recovers. V swats the spear away with her wing, and just as she regains her bearings, the Pegasus Knight has started circling her.
V struggles to keep up with her speed. V fires several rubber bullets towards her, but Ingrid remains out of reach. The Pegasus Knight zips in and out towards the Disassembly Drone. V keeps her guard up throughout the assault, and blocks several of Ingrid’s attacks, but the Pegasus Knight would land several minor stabs in the process. The Disassembly Drone winces in pain, but maintains her guard, and the Pegasus Knight continues to wear her down.
She certainly knows what she’s doing… V thought to herself. Must be because of that crest thing and that relic, but… V grins, and waits for Ingrid’s next strike.
Ingrid moves in from the right aiming to take V’s right arm, but the Disassembly Drone is prepared, and parries her strike with her wing.
Bylese is way harder to read than you!
Ingrid takes heavy damage from the blow and reels back along with her Pegasus as she struggles to regain control. She reaches for another Short Spear, but V retaliates BT firing two rubber bullets. She shoots the spear out of her grip and lands the second one on Ingrid’s shoulder. The Pegasus Knight feels a sharp pain shoot up from her shoulder and feels from it. Ingrid grips her shoulder to mitigate the pain as best she can, but V grants her no mercy. The Disassembly Drone moves in once more, but instead of her swords, she uses her claws instead. V furiously swipes her claws towards Ingrid prompting the Pegasus Knight to remain on the defensive. The Pegasus Knight does her best to maintain her distance. However, V would always close the gap, and maintain her offensive. Ingrid’s frustration grows by the second due to the mounting pain she feels on her shoulder, and the inability to launch a counterattack.
“I grow weary of this!” Ingrid exclaims. “This ends here!”
Ingrid thrusts Luin towards V, but the Disassembly Drone slyly grins at the moment she throws her weapon at her. The Pegasus Knight gasps, and the Disassembly Drone dodges the initial thrust. Things get worse for Ingrid when V catches Luin in the vice grip of her claw.
“What the?!”
“Now we’re talking,” V says now that she has Luin in her grip. “This is the only thing you’ve got that can possibly hurt me. Without it, you’ve got no shot at beating me!”
Ingrid tries to yank Luin out of V’s grip, but the Disassembly Drone’s grip remains firm, and she retaliates with her stun gun. The shocks electrify the Pegasus Knight, but despite this, the Pegasus Knight remains firm.
“I must say you’re quite resilient. Fine, I’ll just have to take your toy away from you!”
V pulls back and attempts to yank Luin out of Ingrid’s grip, and the latter struggles to keep her Relic in her hands.
That’s it… just a bit more… WARNING! PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE! MUTATIONS SPOTTED IN RIGHT ARM! RECOMMENDED ACTION: AMPUTATION! The hell… Ingrid starts to ponder until she feels a painful sensation on her left arm. What the hell is going on with me…
Ingrid notices the unease in V’s face, and takes full advantage. “Fine… if I can pull Luin, then I’ll just have to push through with it!”
Luin glows ever more intensely, and V gasps with a mixture of awe and disbelief as more power goes into the relic. Ingrid pushes through, and unleashes Luin’s strongest attack, Burning Quake. The relic pushes through V’s grip, and pierced the Disassembly Drone’s chest causing massive damage to her. She spits out oil from her mouth, and gets sent flying. Whilst flying back, V feels her right arm pulsate with pain, and glowing crimson as this prompts her to cut her arm off. The Disassembly Drone bites back her scream, and manages to regain control. The severed arm was on its way down until it suddenly explodes.
“What?!” Both Ingrid and Felix gasp at the sudden explosion.
V glances at her missing right arm, and grimaces. STRANGE MUTATIONS GONE! RECOVERY TIME AT THREE MINUTES! “What in Robo god’s name did you do to me?”
“I… I’m not sure…” Ingrid utters still reeling from disbelief. “But it appears that what the Goddess said about Crestless using Relics is true.”
“Dafuq?”
“You see, the Relics can only be wielded by those who use Crests, and the Goddess intends to punish anyone trying to wield a Relic without one.” Ingrid’s bravado returns.
“That’s just freaking stupid.” V doesn’t look amused. Although… the relic certainly did something to me while I was holding it for some time. I doubt it’s the freaking goddess or whatever divine shit, but perhaps holding onto to the Relic wasn’t the best idea… I’ll have to be careful next time when handling that thing.
“Believe it or not, you won’t be alive to think about it any longer.” Ingrid raises Luin, and points it towards V.
Suddenly, several Pegasus Knights move in, and surround V much to her annoyance as she stays on her guard. The Disassembly Drone readies her gun in her free arm, and her wings.
“This ends here and now!” Ingrid declares. “Troops attack!”
The Pegasus Knight prepare to mobilize, but they all stop as soon as one of them gets shot down by an arrow.
“W-What?!” Ingrid stammers in shock while more of her Pegasus Corps gets shot down from below.
V scans the area, and finds Bylese well hidden amongst the foliage. The Disassembly Drone smirks, and displays a message. Nice Timing, Professor :)
“Don’t mention it.” Bylese grins.
Meanwhile, Ingrid is still reeling from disbelief once she notices Bylese, Felix and Petra protecting V with their arrows. “Thanks, guys!” V grins before knocking out two Pegasus Knights with her legs. “I owe you one.”
Felix rolls his eyes, “Don’t think too much of it. I’m more annoyed with Ingrid’s stupidity than I am with yours.”
V sticks her tongue out towards Felix before stunning another Pegasus Knight with her stun gun. Petra glances at the aerial battlefield happening over her. “This is of… awkwardness…”
“Petra, go on ahead, and assist Dedue and the others.” Bylese instructs her. “Felix and I will handle this situation.”
“Understood.” Petra nods, and swiftly heads southwards.
Bylese draws her bow once more, and fires two arrows towards two Pegasus Knights resulting in her taking down both of them. “Professor, Felix! What are you doing?!” Ingrid screams. “Why are you helping out V?!”
“Ingrid… you fool…” Felix scoffs. “You’ve certainly gone too far this time. All for that stupid Knight’s honor that has gotten them killed time and time again.”
“Don’t you dare mock our tradition and Glenn, Felix!” Ingrid snaps.
“If it weren’t for that code of honor, Glenn would still be alive right now! But it’s useless to think of hypotheticals. Why don’t you make this easier on yourself and stand down. You’re not beating V anytime some even with that Relic.”
Ingrid bites her lower lip, and turns to Bylese. “How could you permit this to happen?! Why are you letting the people of Duscur get away?!”
Bylese remains stone faced throughout the ordeal before she gives her answer. “Let me point something out, I and the others aren’t planning on stopping the Kingdom army, just you and your Pegasus Corps.”
“What?!”
“The Pegasus corps would have easily caught up with the Duscur forces, and it was imperative that we took more action in slowing them down instead of what we were doing with the rest of the vanguard. However, the real reason we decided to take action is because you are actively trying to take Dedue, N, and V’s lives.” Bylese gaze towards Ingrid. “As their Professor, I cannot allow my students to get killed especially since that none of the drones have expressed ill murderous intent towards any of the students this far whilst you are doing the opposite. That is something I cannot abide by.”
“Stop this foolishness now, Ingrid.” Felix sternly says. “I’m sure my brother and the boat wouldn’t want Dedue, N and V dead. The Boar’s dog is never going to turn on him, N is a gullible honest idiot that wouldn’t hurt anyone from our class unless they threaten Uzi, and I think V has proven her loyalty by now… even though she’s still a lunatic.”
V grimaces towards Felix, but he simply ignores her.
“So stop this idiocy, Ingrid. You’re only troubling the Boar more than helping him at this point.”
Bylese slightly grimaces every time Felix refers to Dimitri as a boar while V gets more curious. Why does Felix call Dimitri a boar? I thought those two were friends, but then again, Dimitri did say that he’s been growing a bit distant from his friends. Did something happen in the past? Either way, it’s not important for the time being. I gotta get this Karen to stand the fuck down.
Ingrid grips Luin tightly unable to comprehend what they’re all saying, and refusing to come to terms with the past. “You may see V and the other outsiders as friends, but I won’t, and if you won’t listen to me, I’ll make you listen!”
V starts to fume towards Ingrid’s stubbornness, but she can’t help but feel a bit sad for her. Is this what talking to me is like? I hate talking to me…
“I’m going to end you once and for all, even if I get expelled!” Ingrid declares.
“Damn you, Ingrid…” Felix coldly utters while Bylese draws her bow.
“I can ground her now if necessary.” Bylese readies your fire.
“No!” V gestures to them. “This is my fight, and my responsibility to fix. I’ll knock some sense into Ingrid’s thick skull, and make her regret trying to kill me and N.”
Bylese glances towards Felix, and he responds with an understanding nod. “Very well.” She lowers her bow. “I’ll leave this up to you, V.”
“Make sure to drill a lot of sense into her skull!” Felix exclaims.
“Got it!” V accepts the responsibility just as she grows back her right arm. “Wow, you screwed up big time if Felix and the Professor are cheering for me instead of you.” V sassily says.
“Shut up!” Ingrid screams feeling very frustrated. “You won’t be speaking much longer once I’m done with you once and for all!”
Ingrid zips towards V, and the Disassembly Drone fights back with her swords as she strikes against the Pegasus Knight’s relic. Felix and Bylese watch the battle from below wondering what the end result will be.
“Do you think V will be successful?” Bylese asks.
“Ingrid’s skilled, but there’s no way she’s beating V.” Felix points out. “That drone has her beat in every way.”
“On that we agree, but that’s not what I’m referring to.”
“Hm?”
“I’m taking if V will be able to change how Ingrid sees things. I honestly don’t want to have someone who’s willing to toss aside outsiders when it’s not warranted.”
“It’s hard to say…” Felix answers. “Ingrid is a stubborn ass, and it’ll take a lot of work to convince her to change her ways, but I think V has what it takes.”
“How so?”
“Because V is a stubborn ass as well.”
“I see…” Bylese remarks. “Well then, I do hope they come to some conclusion soon.”
“I hope so too.”
V’s swords clash against Ingrid’s Luin, and both combatants engage in a high speed duel thats near impossible to see. The Disassembly Drone’s strikes get more precise by the second. Ingrid struggles to keep evasive action against V, and tries to gain some distance from her. The Pegasus Knight throws several Short spears towards the Disassembly Drone. However, V blocks them with her wing, and attempts to ram Ingrid with it only for the Pegasus Knight to dodge it. Unfortunately for the Pegasus Knight, the Disassembly Drone wraps her tail around one of the Pegasus’s legs.
“What the!” Ingrid gasps as she tries to escape V’s grip.
Ingrid resorts to severing V’s tail with Luin, but the Disassembly Drone has other plans. “Time for you to go for a ride.”
V starts zigzagging across the sky, and drags Ingrid along for the ride as the Disassembly Drone performs all sorts of maneuvers. The Pegasus Knight holds on to her steed the best she can. Every second spent in this ordeal wears Ingrid down, and the Pegasus starts getting nauseous. The Pegasus Knight holds on to her harness, and manages to V’s tail. The Disassembly Drone grimaces and flies away from Ingrid while the latter composes herself.
“Celine, are you ok?” Ingrid strokes her Pegasus’s mane, and her steed responds with a whimper. “It’s ok, we’re almost done. I just need to land one clean critical hit on V, and we should be-“
“Oh it’s almost over alright…” They here V’s voice echo throughout the area. “Just not the outcome you’re expecting. N, Dedue and I are here to stay, and you’re not going to ruin that.”
V swiftly circles around Ingrid, and the Pegasus Knight struggles to keep track of her while failing to follow closely.
“What’s wrong, Karen?” V mockingly asks. “Tuckered out already? I was just starting to have fun.”
“QUIET!” Ingrid screams. “YOU WON’T GET THE BETTER OF ME!”
“Oh yeah? Then let’s see if you remain standing after this!”
V unleashes a barrage of rubber bullets on Ingrid, and deals significant damage to her and her Pegasus. Pain shoots out all throughout the Pegasus Knight, and her steed as the Pegasus nears her limit. V dives down right under Ingrid, and flies up towards her opponent as she lands a clothesline on the Pegasus. The Pegasus neighs in pain, and feels back from the blow.
“Celine! Are you ok?” Ingrid worriedly asks, and her Pegasus starts panting heavily. She can’t take anymore damage if this battle continues on… I need to finish this off immediately….
“What’s wrong, Ingrid?” V hovers before her. “Had enough yet? You should really surrender right now. You can’t beat me at this rate.”
“I… will not… give in…” Ingrid breathes heavily, and realizes that her Pegasus is too hurt to keep on going. She pats her steed’s mane softly. “Take me down, Celine.”
Her Pegasus acknowledges this, and makes a slow descent much to V’s surprise. Looks like she has some sense after all. She makes her descent as well, and both fighters touch down to the ground.
Ingrid gets off her Pegasus, and pets her once more, “You did more than enough for me today… I’ll handle the rest.” The Pegasus lowers her head, and lays down to rest as Ingrid holds on the Luin tightly.
“Had enough yet?” V opens and closes her claw with a stern look in her eyes. “Now that you’re grounded, you have zero chance of beating me.”
“Don’t you dare talk down on me!” Ingrid bitterly says. “On my honor as a Knight, I will strike you down!”
“Suit yourself.”
V dashes towards Ingrid at full speed, and the latter charges up Luin once more to unleash Burning Quake. She thrusts her powered up Relic towards the Disassembly Drone, but her opponent effortlessly dodges. V delivers a devastating gut punch towards Ingrid. The Pegasus Knight gags in pain, and takes massive damage as she finally lets go off Luin.
“Looks like the battle is over.” Bylese says.
Felix crosses his arms, and closes his eyes, “You’ve brought this on yourself, Ingrid.”
Ingrid drops to her knees coughing as she grips the soil beneath her. “No… I can’t lose here…”
She then notices a pair of legs before her, and looks up only to find V standing over her as the Disassembly Drone looks down on her. “Well too bad.” V picks her up by the chin, and lifts her. “Because you already did.”
“It’s over, Ingrid.” Bylese walks over to her.
“Give up this foolish endeavor.” Felix coldly says. “You’re not going to win anyone to your side like this.”
“Felix…” Ingrid utters feeling betrayed.
“Nah, I’m not done yet.” V proceeds to toss Ingrid high up in the air much to everyone’s surprise and dismay.
“LADY INGRID!!!” The restrained Pegasus Knights cry out.
“Well… this was unexpected…” Bylese calmly says with widened eyes.
“What the hell, V?!” Felix exclaims. “She already lost!
“Relax, she’ll be fine.” V casually says and shrugs. She looks up, and takes off as well.
“Sometimes I don’t get that woman…” Felix tiredly shakes his head.
A screaming Ingrid finally arises past the clouds before making her descent towards the ground at a reasonable pace. Is this how I meet my end? Falling from a height of a thousand feet? If so… then I’ll proudly accept this-
“Yo!” Ingrid gasps upon noticing V falling beside her albeit in a more comfortable position. “Is this what the view is like falling? If so, it’s not so bad.”
“What do you want?!” Ingrid grimaces. “You won! Just put me out of my misery, and get this over with!”
V laughs in response. “You really are that desperate to prove your point, aren’t you? Look, I’m not going to kill you if that’s what you’re thinking. I just want to have a little chat before we arrive at the bottom. You good with that?”
“You’re not giving me a choice, aren’t you?” Ingrid snorts.
“Course not. You’re unarmed, and there’s nothing else you can do besides falling so might as well just chat with me for now.”
“Fine…” Ingrid reluctantly says. “As if I’d accept you even after what you did.”
“You’re now quite adamant in hating me considering I haven’t done anything to you guys that would warrant it. Sure I shot Sylvain in the dick, and smacked Ashe across the classroom at one point, but I honestly don’t think it would warrant you to disobey Dimitri and try to kill me.”
“Don’t you get it?! You’re a dangerous Drone that has very questionable ethics, and I’m doing this all for Dimitri and my friends so you don’t take them from me! I already Glenn, and so many others during the Tragedy of Duscur… I won’t lose anymore of my friends to you drones and Duscurians.”
“I see…” V’s tone to softens. “So you’re willing to do everything you can to protect those you care about even if it means jeopardizing your trust with them… I can definitely relate to that.”
“What?” Ingrid gasps feeling more curious towards V.
“When I turned into a Disassembly Drone, I knew more about my tragic past than N did, and I was willing to do everything in my power to protect N from knowing his past despite my obnoxious probing… I was… scared for him especially when he started developing feelings for Uzi, and when we both realized that she was not a normal Worker Drone.”
“Oh…” Ingrid starts feeling remorseful towards V.
“So you see… we’re not that much different you and I. I was willing to protect N by any means necessary… even if I meant trampling on his feelings, and not respecting his wishes… By the time I realized that I should have been more honest with him… I lost something crucial between us… something I could never repair no matter how much I tried…”
“By the goddess… I… I didn’t know… I’m so sorry to hear that…”
“It’s ok.” V assures her. “N and I are still on really good terms… just not how I dreamed, and I’m ok with it. As long as he’s happy with Uzi, I’ll accept whatever future they have. I’m sure whoever this fiancé of yours still loved you till his dying breath.”
“V…” Ingrid mutters while keeping her gaze to the ground. “Thank you… and… I’m so sorry for all the trouble I caused you and your friends as well as Dedue…”
“Is that so, Karen?” V raises an eyebrow.
“Hey, I’m trying to be serious here!” Ingrid retorts. “And stop calling me that… it’s not my name…”
“I know.” V picks her teeth with her claw. “Karen is just a term people use to describe an entitled white woman.”
“I’m the farthest of being entitled…” Ingrid mutters. “My family is actually-“
“Oh crap, we’re getting close to the ground!” V adjusts herself. “Alright! Time to catch you!”
“Wait, what?!” Ingrid snaps back to reality just before she could hit the ground.
Bylese, Felix, and several Pegasus knights reconvene at the crash site wondering what has become of both V and Ingrid. “What do you think happened just now, Professor?” Felix asks.
Bylese squints her eyes, and notices two shadows emerging from the smoke. “Looks like we’re about to find out.”
Just then, V emerges from the smoke, and to everyone’s, except Bylese, embarrassment, she’s seen carrying Ingrid bridal style. “Lady Ingrid?!” The knights looked confused and shocked.
“You’ve got to be kidding me…” Felix facepalms.
Still trying to process what’s going on, Ingrid looks around at the bewildered faces, “Why are they looking at us like that?”
“Ew…” V looks disgusted and drops Ingrid.
“Ow…” Ingrid groans in pain. “I’m still sore from all the injuries you gave me..”
“Sorry… not.” V mischievously says.
Ingrid glares at her, but it softens just as she sighs. “YOU REPREHENSIBLE FIEND!” The Captain declares as she and her fellow knights point their lances towards V causing the Disassembly Drone to roll her eyes looking more annoyed than anything. “YOU SHALL PAY FOR LAYING YOUR HANDS ON OUR LADY! KILL!”
“Enough!” Ingrid sternly exclaims much the Galatea Pegasus Corps' surprise. “No more… We’re done trying to kill Drones and Dedue.”
After half an hour, Ingrid sits down in shame while V and Felix keep a close eye on her with the Disassembly Drone wondering what the Pegasus Knight is thinking about. “You feeling sick, Ingrid?” Felix asks.
“No…” Ingrid slowly shakes her head. “Just feeling battered and bruised…”
“Good. I’m not in the mood to see you throw up after being thrown so high up.”
“Yeah, I don’t look forward to seeing human bile,” V says in a snarky manner. “So gooey and disgusting…”
“You were the one who threw me high up in the first place!” Ingrid bites back.
“Only cause you deserved it.” V bluntly points out.
Ingrid stops herself in her tracks and lowers her head in shame. “I… suppose you have a point…”
Just then, Bylese returns to the others. “How’s Ingrid doing?”
Felix glances towards Ingrid and answers. “Still self-reflecting, and licking her wounded pride. What happened to Dedue and the others?”
“I just came from the primary Duscur camp. Dedue and N were able to beat the Duscurian general and got him to withdraw the rest of the army. They shouldn’t be causing any trouble soon.”
V sighs in relief, “Thank goodness… that happy idiot actually managed to pull through…”
“Damn it…” the Pegasus Knight captain curses. “We weren’t able to punish the Duscurians….” She glances towards V. “It’s all your, and that other drone’s fault! Those Duscur rats deserve!”
“Enough, Sera.” Ingrid sternly reminds her.
“But Lady Ingrid, they-“
“I said enough! We were given orders to make sure the Duscurians don’t take over this territory. How we went about it is irrelevant, and we made a huge mistake trying to kill fellow students of the Officer’s Academy.”
Sera and the Pegasus knights immediately remain silent, and Ingrid reflects on her actions internally. “You feeling good, Ingrid?” V sits beside her.
“No… not really…” Ingrid softly says.
“That’s ok.” V pats Ingrid on the back. “I’m sure anyone would feel shitty after realizing they screwed up something, but I gotta say, I’m actually quite impressed with you shutting your subordinates up. I was ready to fill them up with Rubber bullets if they kept going…. And maybe live rounds if they pushed it further.” V sinisterly says that last part.
“Please don’t kill my knights…” Ingrid worriedly says.
“I’ll try, but no promises.”
“Considering it’s you, that’s probably the best assurance I’ll ever get…”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” V casually stretches her legs.
“You’ll get used to it over time, Ingrid.” Felix bluntly points out.
“Felix…” Ingrid utters with guilt in her voice. “I’m very sorry for refusing to listen to you and the Professor.”
“It’s ok, Ingrid.” Bylese answers looking stoic. “If anyone should be sorry, it’s me. I should have been paying more attention to the students and their problems. If I did, this wouldn’t have happened.”
Felix simply scoffs, “You shouldn’t be apologizing to us both. The people you should be apologizing to are them.”
V and Ingrid proceed to look around, and they both spot N up in the sky carrying Dedue. “N?!” V gasps. “What are you doing to Dedue?!”
“Hey, V!” N waves. “Just giving Dedue an airlift since he’s still recovering from that fight with the general!”
“Isn’t that too dangerous though?” Bylese narrows her eyes.
“Maybe… but it’ll be fine.” N casually assures them. “I carried three guys earlier! Carrying Dedue should be no problem!”
“I apologize for worrying you all,” Dedue says. “N was quite insistent in him carrying me.”
“No kidding…” V and Felix say looking deadpanned.
N looks around, and lights up, “Oh hey, Dimitri!”
A chill runs up Ingrid’s spine as she hears a horse galloping nearby. They all spit Dimitri arrives at the scene as he reins in his horse. “Hello, everyone. It’s good to see you all well so far. How did the mission go?”
“It went well, Dimitri.” Bylese answers. “Dedue and N were able to beat back the Duscur forces, and thus have caused the Duscur army to withdraw.”
“I see. That is a relief to hear.”
“How did things go on your end?” V asks.
“It was tough for Ferdinand and myself to keep the army talking and at bay, but we managed to hold out as long as we could. It looks like it was long enough to give you time to persuade the Duscurians to abandon their conquest.”
V looks around for a bit, “Where’s Ferdinand?”
“He’s… gone off to the Kingdom army to see if he can establish connections to them and the Empire. He aims to put this feat into some sort of strange pamphlet… I honestly don’t know what he’s talking about…”
“Ugh… no one does…” V rolls her eyes.
Dimitri looks up and widens his eyes as N descends alongside Dedue. “Can someone explain why N is flying Dedue?”
“It’s a long story, apparently…” Felix says. “Though I’m sure you have more pressing things to intend to.”
Dimitri takes another look and sees the injured Pegasus Corps and Ingrid sat down before him. “Hello, Ingrid.” Dimitri greets.
“Your Highness…” Ingrid lowers her head in shame not wanting to look Dimitri in the eyes after what she did.
“I have a slight feeling about what may have happened here, but please, tell me what transpired in detail.”
“Very well.” Bylese volunteers. “It all started…”
Bylese and V give Dimitri a rundown on what has happened so far, and the Prince and everyone else listen intently. “I see…” Dimitri says. “I get the picture of what’s going on here. V, N, are you too ok?”
“Yup! I’m as good as a cucumber!” N salutes.
“Besides getting hit by Ingrid’s glowie stick, I think I’m good,” V admits. “She put up a good fight against me a while ago, but she fell short in the long run.”
“I see.” Dimitri takes note. “The relics have been known to be volatile towards people, and in this case, drones, that don’t bear quests. So be careful with handling them in the future.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” V says with a sincere grin.
“Hold on…” N chimes in. “If holding a relic blows us up… does that mean it also blows up people as well?!” N squirms at the thought. “Do they become meat bombs…”
“Woah that would be pretty cool.” V sadistically smirks. “Just watching people blow up suddenly cause they were handling these relics would be very entertaining…”
Everyone except Bylese looks at V with disapproving looks, and V starts losing a bit of confidence. “Only towards our enemies at least…”
Dimitri sighs for a bit. “Please practice self-restraint, V… Anyways…” He turns to Ingrid his gaze turning stern. “Do you have anything to say for yourself?” His tone calm yet stern.
“Your Highness, please!” One of the Pegasus Knights pleads. “Those metallic dogs and that Duscur rat that you keep company will only-“
“QUIET!” Dimitri flares up with anger, and everyone goes silent. “N, V, and Dedue may not be from our land, but I’ll be DAMNED IF YOU DISCRIMINATE THEM ANY FURTHER! THEY HAVE SHOWN MORE HONOR AND GOODWILL TOWARDS OTHERS AND MYSELF TOWARDS OTHERS AND MYSELF THAN MY OWN KIN! I’m disgusted that you all act this way towards them!”
The Pegasus Knights cower before Dimitri while N feels slightly unnerved. “Umm… is it just me or does Dimitri sound and look way scarier than even us…” N gulps.
“What you’re seeing before you is a glimpse of the Boar’s true nature.” Felix coldly says. “A merciless beast that will cut down anyone in his way. So far, he’s keeping the beast within at bay, but don’t be fooled by that facade he puts up. It’s just a mask that hides his full wrath.”
“Wait seriously?” N says looking surprised. “No… there’s no way Dimitri could be that ruthless… he’s an upstanding guy who fights for justice, and does what’s right!”
“Hmph. Perhaps it would be better for you to stay ignorant of his true nature… but don’t say I didn’t warn you once he fully unveils himself. It will come out sooner or later.”
N gulps once more looking worried that Felix might be right about Dimitri. Bylese listened closely to what the two of them were talking about and clutched her hand close to her chest. “Dimitri…”
“If it were up to me, I would have executed you all on the spot!” Dimitri growls, and the knights start to fear for their lives.
“YOUR HIGHNESS, PLEASE!” Ingrid desperately cries out, and prostates herself to her prince. “Have mercy on my squadron… they were only following my orders, and sticking to the Knight’s code… if you want to punish someone, punish me! I was the one who ordered them to attack and kill Dedue and the drones. I did it because I feared what harm they could befall upon you, and all our class. I did it because I wanted to avenge Glenn and all the knights that died in the Tragedy… Those are my reasons for doing all this, and I offer no excuses for them… All I can say is…” Tears well from Ingrid’s eyes. “I’m so sorry… I’m sorry for belittling and discriminating you, Dedue… I’m sorry for what I’ve done to both you and N, V… I should have been more open towards you instead of acting out of fear and showing you nothing, but prejudice and discrimination…”
Dedue, N, and V look on towards Ingrid, and they all start feeling sad for her. “Ingrid…” Dedue utters.
“But most of all… I’m sorry for betraying your trust, Your Highness…” Ingrid beats her chest. “I know you trust those two drones, and Dedue with your life, and for me to attack them with the intent to kill is the same as spitting on your trust… for that, I’m truly sorry…” Ingrid holds her relic to her chest. “I offer no excuses to defend myself… if you wish to end my life right now for actively trying to kill Dedue, V, and N, then I will gladly accept death.”
“Ingrid…” V utters as she starts feeling sorry for her. Dimitri keeps his gaze on V and walks towards her.
“Wait, Dimitri!” Felix gasps. “You’re not planning to-“ Bylese gestures for him to stop.
Dimitri’s shadow looms over Ingrid, and Ingrid closes her eyes as she prepares herself for her friend to take her life. However, the prince kneels down to her level and places his hand on her shoulder much to her surprise. “Ingrid… what you did was terrible and heinous, and while I would be tempted to cut you down right here and now… I can’t and I won’t.”
“W-what?” Ingrid stammers. “What are you saying… I deserve death…”
“No, you don’t. You made a big mistake, but I can see that despite you acting out of fear, you had good intentions at heart, and I can’t fault you for that nor can I ignore it. Plus, it takes great strength to face an overwhelming opponent… it takes greater strength to admit that you were wrong and that you were willing to own up to it.” Dimitri smiles. “I’m glad that you were able to own up to it, Ingrid.”
“Y-your Highness… I…”
“That said, I can’t let you or your company off Scott free. The Church and I can’t punish you for going after the Duscur army, but actively attempting to kill fellow students of the Academy cannot be ignored.” Dimitri turns to the Pegasus Corps. “Under my authority, I hereby strip you of your positions, and expel you from the Galatea Pegasus Corps.”
This surprises everyone while Bylese and Dedue remain Stone faced, and V looks amused. “Wow, that’s pretty Savage.” V comments.
“Your Highness! You can’t do this to us!” The captain pleads. “We are the protectors of the skies of the Kingdom! If you-“
“Ingrid, there are still some Pegasus Knights in your faction, are there not?”
“Y-your Highness?”
“Y-yes…” Ingrid utters. “But many of them are still rookies, and are not as skilled as the veterans I have here.”
“Then I don’t see the problem.” Dimitri says. “I would have the Pegasus corps be comprised of new blood that are willing to change, than have it be swarmed by those who close their hearts to outsiders. Your ranks shall be depleted to those of mere soldiers in service to the Kingdom.”
“B-but your Highness-“ the captain tries to blurt out, but Dimitri silences her
“Be thankful I’m not expelling from the Kingdom army or your service to the Kingdom. Oppose this punishment; and I can have that arranged.”
“B-but-“
“Do I make myself clear?!”
“W-we… Yes… Your Highness…” the knights finally relent.
“Good. Then you’re all dismissed. Ingrid, stay here for a moments.”
“Sera, lead the squadron back to the army.” Ingrid sadly says. “I’ll catch up with you later…”
“As you wish… My Lady…” The Captain leads her squadron back to the army looking defeated.
While V does feel bad for Ingrid, she doesn’t feel bad for her Pegasus company, and she brings out her flag: SUCK ON THAT, LOSERS!
Dedue lightly pushes V’s flag arm down, “Please don’t rub salt on the wound, V…”
“Fine…” V reluctantly retracts her flag.
“Now then…” Dimitri continues. “I’m sure the Church will have a suitable punishment for you, but I do have two punishments for you.”
“Two punishments?” Dedue’s eye widen.
“Isn’t that a bit too harsh…” N worriedly asks.
“It’s ok…” Ingrid assures them. “I probably deserve it anyway… I’ll gladly accept any punishment you throw at me.”
“Very well.” Dimitri continues. “For your first punishment, I want you to be V’s sparring partner?”
The request perplexes everyone present, “Huh?” Ingrid utters.
“What?” Everyone else utters.
“Oh…” V slyly grins. “This should be fun…”
A slight chill rubs up Ingrid’s spine at the sight of V grinning. “You want me to be her sparring partner.”
“That’s right.” Dimitri confirms. “With the Battle of the Eagle and Lion coming up in a few moons, I’ll need everyone to be ready to face the drones. Since you’re the only one of us that can fly, you’re the only one who can face and pursue the drones when they’re airborne. Besides,” Dimitri smiles. “I feel that you bond with new people more effectively when you’re sparring with them.”
“Well… you’re not wrong…”
“Just to give you a heads up, Karen!” Ingrid angrily turns to V, and the Disassembly drone smirks seeing that she’s got her attention. “If you become my sparring partner, you’re going to be praying for death cause I don’t mess around in battles! Look at Felix here! I kicked his ass twice already!”
“How about I cut your tongue off, V?” Felix glares at him.
“Oh boy…” V seductively traces her finger on Felix. “Beat me, and I might give it to you.”
“Huh?” Felix remarks before he starts getting embarrassed upon realizing her meaning. “W-wait no! Screw you, V! Your disgust me!”
“Wait… I don’t get it…” N is left bewildered.
“You don’t have to get it, N.” Bylese pats him on the head. “It’s best that you don’t know.”
Felix and V continue to bicker amongst themselves, and Ingrid can’t help but stifle a small laugh from this. “So you think I’d be at a near death state if I become your sparring partner?”
“Yeah. Obviously.” V says matter of factly.
“I’m afraid I can’t let that slide.” Ingrid eagerly says. “I accept the role of being your training partner, and if I down you at least once, you must quit calling me a Karen! Is that ok?”
V responds with her own eager grin. “Sure thing, Karen.”
Ingrid sighs once more, “One day I will get you to shut up in calling me a Karen… Dimitri, before I forget, what’s the second punishment?”
“Ah yes.” Dimitri gets back on track. “For your second punishment, I want you to go beyond your comfort zone, and interact with Dedue and the drones more often.”
“That’s it?” A perplexed Ingrid says as she glances towards Dedue and N awkwardly. “I guess… I could try.”
“You don’t have to rush things, Ingrid.” Dedue assures her. “Just take your time, and I’m sure we’ll get off on the right foot.”
“Thank you, Dedue…” Ingrid gratefully says. “I wish to make it up to you after all the times I disrespected you when you were not responsible for the Tragedy of Duscur… I won’t say that this won’t be awkward or anything… but I’m willing to try and do my best to get to know you.”
“I appreciate that, Ingrid.” Dedue gratefully says. “Just being your friend will be enough for me.”
“You’re too kind, Dedue, and N… I’m sorry for slicing off your arms and your wing… as well as… threatening to kill you and such…”
“Nah, its ok.” N cheerfully says. “V once decapitated me, but I forgave her despite everything. If I could do that for her, I know I can forgive you as well.”
“I see…” Ingrid awkwardly says feeling a bit unnerved by the decapitation, but nonetheless, I’d like for this to be a fresh start.” She offers her hand to Dedue, N and V, “I look forward to getting to know all of you!”
“Me too.” Dedue was the first to shake her hand.
“Yup, let’s do fun stuff together!” N enthusiastically says. “Also…” he whispers. “You might want to keep this a secret from Uzi…”
“Oh definitely…” Ingrid meekly acknowledges this as she knows how powerful Uzi is, and how protective she is of N. Who knows what sort of horrors she will inflict on Ingrid if she ever found out.
Lastly, Ingrid turns to V who looks all smug and sassy, “So are you ready to train with the hardest and most taxing sparring partner of your life, Karen?”
“Oh, I’m ready to endure whatever crazy things you’ll put me through, and I will get you to stop calling me, Karen!” Ingrid states.
“Hmmm…” V responds with a smug grin. “We’ll see about that.” V accepts Ingrid’shand and shakes on it.