Existensia: The Epilogue: A Hero of Another Story

(Background Music: Ragnarok Odyssey Original Soundtrack Music: The Eagle-eye Throne)

The Conflict against the Consumer had seemingly ended.
Anomia stood in stone-cold silence.
And Anomia were now led by a new emperor, or empress, that is.
Suzomina Miya, Second Overseer of Anomia.
She didn't know where she would go next. All of her companions, the Braves, felt the same feeling.
Nothing of note happened.
Except when the gates of Anomia were opened by an outsider clad with Brown hair, a red head-band and jacket. His name was Yukimura Sanada.
He had come to defeat the Devourer of Worlds, by himself.
Neptune quickly returned this rising star from the heavens, trough.
-Um, you know, The Consumer is kinda... I dunno what to say... Poof? said Neptune.

(Background Music: Disgaea 4 OST - Old Friends)

Yukimura stood baffled.
-W-what?! exclaimed Yukimura. B-but how?!
-It just kind of came and went, really. I'm really waiting for the sequel! said Neptune.
-The sequel to Existensia? That won't come out until the next year... said Yukimura.
And who are you anyway?
-I forgot my introduction! I'm Neptune, Goddess of Planeptune and apparently People and Relations minister in Anomia.  
At the moment, of course. said Neptune.
-So you're telling me THERE'S PEOPLE in Anomia? LIVING People? asked Yukimura.
-Yup. Well, it's only like eleven or somethin', but it works out. said Neptune.
-Am I allowed to enter the citadel, by any chance? asked Yukimura.
I might know someone in there.
-Sure, why the heck not?
You and Haks would make an awesome ham duo! said Neptune.
-(Who in the world is this girl?!) thought Yukimura to himself.
Neptune led Yukimura through the slightly cleaned up corridors that led to the new common room.
Yukimura opened the door to see a whole score of people.

(Background Music: Dynasty Warriors 7 OST - Determination)

Everyone in the room looked at Yukimura's entrance.
Mami in particular shone up when she saw him.
Yukimura looked quite surprised, but then smiled.
-It's good to see you again. said Mami as she raised her knuckle.
Yukimura and Mami put their fists together and then embraced each other with one arm each in a friendly matter.
Yukimura then looked further into the room.
He opened his eyes widely.
-Zhao Yun?! Is that really you?! asked Yukimura.
Zhao Yun looked puzzeled.
-Excuse me, but have we meet before? asked Zhao Yun.
I don't recognize you.

(Background Music: BlazBlue OST - Comedy)

-Wait, what the hell?! shouted Yukimura.
HOW CAN YOU NOT RECOGNIZE ME???
-Might I ask what your name is? asked Zhao Yun.
-COME ON! IT'S ME! Yukimura Sanada! We went after Lu Bu under the orders of Liu Bei and Lord Shingen. Did you forget all about that?!
-So, you claim that you are the same person as the one I've been searching for all this time? asked Zhao Yun.
I don't remember that the Yukimura I knew was this hot-headed, or brash, for that matter.
-I almost thought you died when we got separated, and I have turned every single stone to find you!

(Background Music: Dynasty Warriors 7 OST - Resolution)

-Calm down. said Zhao Yun.
Trough the appearances may differ, I have a feeling that you are telling the truth.
It's an honour to fight by your side again, Yukimura.
Zhap Yun reached out his hand for a handshake.
Yukimura did the same vigorously.
-I can't tell you how it feels to be back! said Yukimura.
-But as you can see, Anomia has settled into more stable times.
There's no longer any reason for warriors to fight, I'm afraid. informed Zhao Yun.
Our goal is accomplished. Lu Bu is ready to be brought to court when we find our way back to our homeland.
-Really? Dammit... muttered Yukimura while sounding slightly disappointed.
-This must be the first time I have seen one of those "Bromantic" acts! said Neptune.
Yukimura shifted his attention to Claus.

-Hey, kid. said Yukimura while trying to sound friendly.
-Hm? said Claus.
-Your name is Claus, right? asked Yukimura.
-That's right. How did you know that? asked Claus in return.
-Darkrai told me that he wanted to meet you in the Abstract Garden.
Claus shone up.

(Background Music: Ragnarok Odyssey Original Soundtrack Music: Take Your Determination to Heart)

-Darkrai wants to see me again?! asked Claus excitedly.
-Is it that big of a deal? said Yukimura.
-I have to be off as fast as possible!
I will see you guys soon! said Claus as he eagerly left.

Claus left Anomia incredibly fast and ran over the landscape.
It was an incredibly liberating feeling, just running without any worries.
There was no Consumers to worry about and no eminent threats.
Claus did know, as he ran, that this peace could not last for all of eternity.
But he decided to enjoy every second of it.
Things had changed after Dimentio and the Consumer had disappeared.
New life had started to pop up all over The Dimensional Bridge and creatures of hundreds of verities started to spread out.
Claus could see the Abstract Garden miles before he arrived.
Those shining flower fields and shining trees were unforgettable.
Claus' great stamina started to run out as he came closer.

(Background Music: Ragnarok Odyssey Original Soundtrack Music: Yggdrasill)
       
Claus started to wade through the sparkling flowers.
The smell of the fresh wind was something he had treasured dearly.
For the true first time, all was well in the world.
Claus looked up towards a small hill.
-Welcome back. said a gentle voice that had guided Claus during his journey.
Darkrai.
Claus ran all the way up and then sat down in exhaustion.
-It would seem that your Journey have come to a close. For now at the very least. said Darkrai.
Did you learn anything about yourself?
-No. It's all blank.
Maybe it's just better to go on without knowing. acknowledged Claus.
-We all have our triumphs and failures.
But you could be indeed very lucky.
You are on of the few who could completely start over and make your own story. said Darkrai.
-By the way, do you know someone a person in with red cloths called Yukimura? asked Claus
-The two of you must have meet then.
He was a traveller of the Dimensional Bridge, like you.
With two Comrades, he followed a path sililar to yours.
I still remembered how the three, Yukimura Sanada, Mami Tomoe and the fierce Saber formed an oath of companionship in this sanctuary.
-So, I'm not the first one who have seen this world... thought Claus.
Claus knew who Mami and Yukimura where but one question remained.
-Who is Saber? asked Claus.
Darkrai opened his eyes again.
-Why don't you ask her yourself? She is in this very Garden. said Darkrai.
-Really? said Claus.
Darkrai extended his hand to help up the sitting Claus.
The two of them walked down one of the hills to find a secluded and yet beautiful small forest in the garden.

(Background Music: OST Fate Stay Night - Keiyaku)

The forest was darker then the great Garden, but every single leaf emitted a relaxing warm light.
In the end of the narrow path of tree laid a quite lake.
Many small creatures (And possibly a Raticate) swarmed around the area.
But Claus saw one person that caught his attention.
A beautiful woman with blond,short hair and an elegant armoured dress that actually looked practical for battle.
-Is that...? said Claus.
-Saber. said Darkrai.
-Was she a hero before I came here? asked Claus.
-Indeed. She has been through many struggles and wars by now.
She is one of the Heroic Spirits out there.
Heroic Spirits are people made famous through legends that can be summoned by spell-casters across the great sea of Existence.
Claus nodded.
-Saber. greeted Darkrai to the woman with the blond her.
She opened her eyes and turned around.
-Darkrai. greeted Saber back.
Who is the child? One of the new arrivals?
-This, Saber, is Claus. said Darkrai.
Saber approached Claus.
-It's good to finally meet you. said Saber.
-Y-you too... said Claus, who was  little intimidated by Saber's kind approach.
-I can see just by looking at your eyes that you have been through much.
I will have to ask you trough, did your journey end with a battle against a malicious trickster named Dimentio? asked Saber.
-H-how did you know that? asked Claus with a surprise expression, almost as if Saber could read his mind.
-All the struggle you have been through is my fault. said Saber.
If I just could have killed him back then... none of this would have happened.
-None of this...? said Claus.
If Dimentio is the reason me, Neptune and everyone else got dragged here, then I'm almost thankful for what Dimentio did.
He did no harm in the end, right?
-I wish I could have seen it the same way.
Claus, you are perhaps right.
Despite their quirks, both Mami and Yukimura are treasured allies of mine.
I long for the day I will meet them again.
You have also have gained something incredible. I can see it. said Saber.  
Claus took a step to take his leave.
-Wait. said Saber.
Claus turned around.
-I do not like unnecessary violence, but I would like to participate in a mock battle with you.
I want to see the power I lacked.
But I'm not forcing you right now.

(If you choose to accept the challenge, Claus will face the most demanding battle in Existensia so far, otherwise, he'll return to Anomia.)

-Don't worry. I'll try to do my best. said Claus.
-Darkrai. said Saber.
Give us a more fitting locale for our duel.
-I understand. said Darkrai.
Temporal World, Activte!
The world around Claus and Saber started to look like an ocean floor with lights floating all around.
Claus drew his Laser-sabre and Sabre looked like she held a weapon shrouded in mist.

(Background Music: Planet X - Disgaea Original Soundtrack)

-Show me the might you posses! shouted Saber.

Optional Boss Battle:

Actual Name: Arturia Pentdragon
HP: 1392834
Class: Saber (She has no Arcana)
Skills: Noble Phantasm and many different Sword arts.
Info: A Former King of Britain who in death became a Heroic spirit.
She has participated in two "Holy Grail Wars" after her death.
She also led an adventure through the Dimensional Bridge before Claus.
Recommended LV: 210 (MAX)

(This battle is not really story-related, so the following text is just the battle strategy.)

PHASE I

Saber is THE single toughest opponent in Existensia: The Dimensional Bridge.
All of her stats are through the roof, but not quite as high as the Inheritor's.
The main difference is that Claus is completely alone in this fight.
Saber's Weapon is not visible for the first half of the fight, which makes her attacks hard to predict.
All of her special skills takes big chunks out of Claus' health, even at max LV.
The first half of the fight is a no-brainer and the only real strategy to use is: avoid or parry as many of Saber's attacks as possible (She quite fast with her swings, so a decent amount practice is needed) and attack when she shows an opening.
She also telegrams her most dangerous attack when she rises her arms into the air while holding the mist-cloaked weapon.
If not interrupted, this motion will create a massive blade of light that strikes a massive area in front of Saber and is also a one-hit kill.
With any luck and skilled blocking and countering, Saber's HP should be reduced to 50% within 3-4 minutes.

(Background Music: Etrian Odyssey IV - Music: Unrest - The End of Raging Winds)
(When Saber's HP is at 50%)

-You have won great victories, and yet I underestimated you.
Allow me to correct that mistake, because I'm going ALL OUT! said Saber.
The Mist around Saber's weapon disappeared and revealed a beautiful golden blade.
The Excalibur.

PHASE II
    
The first phase seems mellow when compared to how beastly Saber's power becomes in the second phase.
It's easier to predict her attacks now when Excalibur is visible, but in return, Saber strikes twice as fast and every swing now has guard-breaking properties.
She will also use her one-hit kill much more frequently, which is just about the only times you can get in more then one attack before she blocks.
Using PSI projectiles as a hit and run tactic is a cheap strategy that can whittle down Saber's HP bit by bit.
But even that doesn't work the entire battle.
When Saber HP falls down to 25%, she will activate Avalon, a passive skill that slowly recovers her health up to 50% and blocks most projectiles. (At least Claus')
What is required is either insane skills to dodge all of Saber's many attacks, or a slightly cheaper option.
If Claus' HP falls under 20%, all of his stats double, like usual.
If Claus use Star Storm Alpha when he has little HP left and Saber's HP are A LITTLE higher then 25%, she will go down before even activating Avalon. Simple, really.

VICTORY

The battle field disintegrated and the two returned to the Abstract Garden.

(Background Music: Fate/Stay Night Anime OST: Kodoku na Junrei)

-I think I can understand now.
Through fighting with you, I could feel your struggle with every single strike.
The fear you hold for what awaits, your doubts about yourself, all of it.
We both have to continue growing for the sake of what we treasure the most.
But I thank you in the end.
Perhaps in the near future, I will leave this sanctuary and go on a new adventure with you.
But people are waiting, so you should be off .
May we see each other again, another day.
Farewell. said Saber as she slowly walked away.

Claus felt slightly fatigued after the battle.
-I'll escorted you back to Anomia's borders and make sure you won't get hurt.
Claus liked the suggestion.

Saber truly captured Claus' interest.
She was an hero who had been on an adventure like him.
Together with Yukimura Sanada and Mami Tomoe, she would also have fought against Dimentio.
Perhaps there was another story before Claus' that was ready to be told...

Do stay toned...

Saber and the mentioned Berserker is owned by TYPE-MOON.
The mentioned Vergil is owned by Capcom.












EXISTENSIA: DIMENSIONAL CRIPPLES!
(Comedic out of character moment that occur sometimes)

(Background Music: BlazBlue OST - Misletoe)
(With every Character looking like a chibi)

-HEY! GUYS! shouted Kanji.
Will we get any closure?
Are we stuck here?
WHY WON'T ANY ONE ANSWER???
-It seems that the plot has ignored us completely during this chapter, I'm afraid. said Naoto.
-So we're stuck in limbo until some author decides that we can go? asked Cocona.
-That what happens when they are too many characters in one episode... said Dingo.
-C'mon, guys! You'll probably get a part in the next chapter. said Yukimura.
-GET OUT. said Kanji, Dingo and Cocona in unison.
At least you got some damn lines in this chapter! said Kanji angrily.
And awkward silence broke out...


-And hey, dood, look forward to the Extra Existensia that comes out later this year! said Darius.