Chapter Text
Aiko walked through the halls, searching for Sir Klondike. He should’ve come back by now, since his reports already been filed.
It’ll also be a good way to get some information on how the soldiers are fairing.
Would she tell him about her run in with the general? Absolutely not! Aiko was already in hot water for even trying to dig further into the history of the mercenaries, knowing she helped one purely for the sake of satiating her own curiosity- she might lose her job.
Opening the entry to the training grounds, Aiko found Sir Klondike sparring with a fellow soldier. With a final, powerful strike, Sir Klondike struck the wooden sword from his partners hand. It fell right in front of Aiko.
Leaning down, she picked up the wooden sword; drawing Sir Klondike’s attention.
”Ah. Good afternoon, Lady Aiko.” He greeted with a slight bow
”Good afternoon, Sir Klondike.” Aiko bowed her head in turn.
”No need for such formalities.” Sir Klondike put a hand to his hip, a smile forming on his scarred face. “You can call me Michael.”
”But..you were just being formal…” Aiko pointed out. Michael paused for a moment.
”That I was. Either way, what can I do for you today? Do you need me to collect a sample? Or does her majesty require something?” Aiko shook her head.
”I just wanted to check in after reading your report. The one about your battle with General Ego.”
“Ah, that.” His eyes darkened slightly as he handed the wooden sword off to his sparring partner. “Take five!” Michael called out to them before turning his attention back to Aiko.
“So..? I know you’ve always had a curiosity for their species. I didn’t gather much intel if that’s what you want.” Aiko wouldn’t call the two friends, but what she did like about Michael is that he at least humored her odd areas of research.
“No, don’t worry about that. I was just curious as to how you ran into them. It’s not common for a part of Mercenare soldiers to merely be wandering about. Were they planning an attack?”
”I’m unsure.” Michael admitted, “but it’s never a good sign.”
“Do you know..where they were going? Or where they were coming from?” Michael shook his head.
“We saw them walking back towards the border and tailed them. One of my men almost got a good shot on General Ego.”
Aiko nodded along.
“What about their capabilities? I’m trying to gather knowledge in the archives and we know so little.”
Michael followed her as she began walking.
”What do the files say?” He inquired.
“Not much: ability to control dark energy, flight, teleportation, ability to enhance dark desires in people, creation of disdains, unable to feel love-“ Aiko began listing the items from what she memorized.
”I’m not too sure about that last one….” Michael mused to himself. That perked Aiko’s ears.
”Oh? What makes you say that? From all accounts it’s said that Mercenares view love as a form of weakness.” And from words spat at her and her friends during her time as a Precure, that seemed to be the case.
Michael seemed to realize what he said and his face paled, averting his eyes.
“Uh…well…. It’s just speculation-“ Nope. That wasn’t going to fly here. And he probably realized that as he let out a sigh. “This is…a bit of a private matter. But…as you know the war had only begun recently…but it’s not like Trump Kingdom has been without its enemies before.”
That was true, the Mercenares have always been isolated and overall aggressive to other kingdoms. It’s just that recently it’s been focused on Trump Kingdom as the largest of the seven kingdoms, which was the reason for all their aggressors in the past.
”You’re stalling, Sir Klondike.” Micheal chuckled but continued.
”Well…one time, a few years ago, I was sent out to handle a hostage situation in the Viya Kingdom. It turns out current General Gouma had been sent by his kingdom to gather intel. So we had worked together…. For a time me and him had a lot of coincidental encounters and we developed a bit of a ‘you scratch my back I scratch yours’ alliance due to common enemies….
When we worked together, any small talk we did make somehow always ended up back to his little brother. I never knew him by name, but…from the way Gouma spoke of him; it was clear he loved his brother. So…saying that they’re incapable of love doesn’t…feel right.”
Aiko looked at Michael, his eyes seemed to take on a wistful look.
“I see…. Thank you, this is an interesting development. I have other things to attend to now. Goodbye.”
Aiko began to walk off and Reina peeked out.
”What are you planning on doing?”
“I want to take a look at the cave we found General Ego in. For our armies sake. Can you turn into your Commune form. I want to talk with Mayumi.” Reina nodded and transformed. After a moment, Mayumi’s voice was heard.
“Hey Aiko! Do you need something?”
“Are you busy? I want to investigate something in Moonglave.”
”What’s wrong? Is it in danger? You and I just warded off an attack!”
”Not yet…,” Aiko reassured her. “But I want you, me and Shizuko to check it out in a day or two. That okay?”
”Sounds good!” Mayumi agreed.
Ego sat up in the medical bed, flicking through the files he requested. Gouma leaned against the bed.
”You’re injured and you’re still doing work?”Gouma rubbed a cloth over his glasses before fixing it on his face.
“The war stops for no one. Especially not for its generals.” Ego barely glanced at him.
“The medics said you should be good to go in a day or so….” Gouma went on. “They redid your stitches, right?”
”Mhm.”
”Good. The first attempt was dreadful. How did you even stitch yourself up again?” Ego casted a glance towards Gouma.
“I told you. I keep medical supplies on me at all times. You know that.”
”Mhm…. I just assumed you had meant wraps, alcohol, healing ointments, potions and medicine.”
”Well better safe than sorry.” Ego’s eyes stayed on the files. “The intelligence must’ve gone through a lot of effort to get these.” He quickly shifted the topic.
”Well yeah. Information on soldiers and medics is easy. On researchers…eh. Not so much.”
Ego’s scanned the images on the files. Eyes widening as they landed on a picture of one of the young head researchers.
Aiko Cromwell: Became a head researcher at age sixteen. Specializing in cultural studies; minorly specializing in war tactics and social sciences. Her hair was a different color…but those same piercing green eyes.
Cure Wisdom….
So Ego’s assumption was correct that she was a researcher.
“Oh? You’re looking at that photo quite intently. Who is she?” Gouma peeked over his shoulder. Ego shifted himself a bit further away.
”Just a researcher.” Ego muttered. “Did the privates tell you what we discovered the other day?”
”Mhm. A place to set up another camp…but judging by what happened to you…and it being so close to a human village…for the time being we should draw back on that.”
”I actually agree with you,” for once, “I’ll be healed up in two days. I’ll collect the rest of the soldiers and bring them back….”
I wonder…was he told about that tunnel yet…?
”You should probably rest a bit more before you go into Trump Kingdom territory again.” Gouma advised. Ego brushed him off.
”I’ll be fine. It’s just a quick pick up.” Gouma’s bat wings flexed in annoyance but he just muttered under his breath and walked out.
I’ll take that as an okay.
Aiko was walking with Shizuko towards Moonglave. Shizuko pulled the cloak hood over her head. Any sign of the Trump Kingdom princess in such a small town was sure to cause a stir, and that’s the last thing they needed right now.
They just had to be as inconspicuous as possible-
“Aiko! Shizuko! Heyyyy!”
Annnnd there goes that plan.
Mayumi ran up to the two, pulling both a spine crushing hug.
”Hey Mayumi.” Aiko greeted in return.
”Mayumi, dear. How good it is to see you!” Shizuko returned the embrace.
”Ugh it’s been so long!” Mayumi complained, finally pulling away.
”I just saw you a few days ago.” Aiko pointed out. Mayumi simply continued to sulk.
“But that was cut short by the attack! We hardly ever get to hang out anymore unless we’re fighting the Mercenares!”
”Well, we’re all very busy. Aiko has her research, I have my royal duties, and you have your farming.”
”All of equal importance.” Aiko nodded.
“Well geez, at least pretend to take me seriously.” Mayumi pouted.
”I am.” Aiko corrected her. “Farming is incredibly important. Especially in times of war.”
“Unfortunately, Aiko informed me this won’t be a casual hangout either.” Shizuko sighed in disappointment. “I suppose I’d rather handle Precure duties with you than be stuck with my other duties.”
“Anyways…,” Aiko cleared her throat. “The reason I brought us here is because I believe that there may be a Mercenary camp here.”
”That’s a…bold claim….” Shizuko pointed out. “What makes you say that?”
Aiko paused. What was she supposed to say? That against her better, normally clear, judgement, she patched up a Mercenare general and let him escape? Her friends put up with a lot when it came to her curiosity but this was a whole other level. It’s something she couldn’t burden her friends, who were busy as is, with.
And it’s not like she really had anyone else to talk to.
But they were falling behind in this war, and Aiko wanted to learn as much as she could about their enemy. Any bits of information was useful. She just…needed a source.
Aiko’s thoughts were quickly cut off as a villager yelled out from within the village.
”Mercenares! There’s been a Mercenare sighting!” That immediately drew the three girls attention.
“Another attack so soon?!” Mayumi exclaimed.
”They said ‘sighting’, not attack.” Aiko observed. “But…it may quickly become one.”
Sharing a look with the other two, the trio quickly transformed.
Jumping over the houses, they followed the alerts from villagers.
“The Precure!” A villager called out.
“The Precure are here?”
“Oh wow!”
Wisdom kept her focus towards the cliff side. Where the entrance to that tunnel was. Where she saw the familiar color of Mercenary hair.
Cure Guardian and Cure Empress jumped onto the cliff and she followed.
The Mercenare soldiers looked similar to the ones they had fought the other day. Immediately the soldiers attention was drawn to the three. And despite their previous defeat, they quickly engaged them in combat.
Cure Wisdom sidestepped a blast of energy from her attacker, sweeping his leg and kicking him to the side. Her eyes were drawn to Empress; who was battling around five soldiers, two sneaking up behind her.
Running over, Wisdom put her hands on her friend’s shoulders to push her self up. Bringing her fists down on the two soldiers.
As one attempted to leap into the village, Guardian sent them flying the opposite direction using the handle of her Miracle Dragon Glaive.
As her friends dealt with the remaining enemies, Wisdoms eyes was drawn to where the tunnel entrance was hidden.
More Mercenares could be hiding in there….
But…if she were outnumbered in an enclosed space…that wouldn’t be good either.
There is an exit way though….multiple actually. Making up her mind, she quickly jumped into the hole.
Once she was in, the only real noise she could hear was of the fighting above her. However, as Wisdom walked deeper in, she came upon a familiar form, causing her to stop dead in her tracks.
Wisdom stared at the General. Could she take on the General by herself? Maybe. She’s been a Precure for a quite awhile and she and her friends have gotten stronger.
But with the added concern of potential back up…this wasn’t a preferable situation. Right as she was about to make a retreat, maybe get the others to possibly help, General Ego turned, laying eyes on her.
His posture stiffened when it seemed to register who was standing before him.
Wisdom clenched her fist. She could make a light screen with her powers and escape…or she could try her luck in attacking him.
She knew where his injury was. It was low. But in her defense, he clearly hadn’t learned his lesson the first time as there was still only armor on his chest and arms.
However, footsteps came from behind as another soldier came into view.
”General Ego. There’s an attack above ground! Should we continue with the evacuation-“ the soldiers paused, her eyes narrowing. “Sir..? Is there someone nearby? I sense a psyche….”
Currently, Ego was angled in a way that his body hid Wisdom from the soldiers view.
Ego continued facing Wisdom but he cast a sidelong glance at the soldier behind him.
”It’s…probably the humans above us.” He said. “Continue with the evacuation.”
“Ah…okay sir.” The soldier cast a glance behind her but ran off. Cure Wisdom stared at him in surprise.
Did he just…?
”It seems we run into each other again.” Ego mused casually, like they weren’t enemies with a literal battle going on above them. “What are you doing here?”
“We should be asking you the same thing! Given this is Trump Kingdom territory!” Reina yelled from Wisdoms side.
”Ah. Don’t worry about that. We’re leaving soon anyways. I’m not here for a fight. I’m just the collector.” He said it like it didn’t make his presence any more suspicious.
”You had planned to make another camp here.” Wisdom guessed, narrowing her eyes.
The general didn’t confirm nor deny her words, merely replying with a blank:
”If the current state of the war is anything to show, it’ll be ours eventually.” He didn’t seem to take any joy from that statement.
”What a cocky jerk!” Reina shrieked.
”You didn’t expose me….” Cure Wisdom continued.
”You saved my life. It’s only right I repay you. Thank you for that, Lady Aiko.” Despite his polite town, Cure Wisdom stiffened at the mention of her true name. It was clear, their informants had far more on humans than they had on Mercenares….
“It was merely the right thing, General Ego.” The bat wings on the side of his head perking was the only thing that showed his surprise. The curious side of her immediately wanted to question how they worked.
If Ego had intended to build a small camp here…why leave now..? She quickly answered her own question. Too many guards posted nearby, it’d be hard to send messages to the main camp.
”Pleasure catching up with you. But you need to come with me.”
“For what?” He tilted his head. “To take me into custody? You’re too nice for that.”
Was he mocking her? It was hard to tell with that blank tone.
”Just because I helped you in an act of humanity doesn’t mean I’m going to let you do as you please.” Her voice hardened, leaving no room for argument.
Ego stared at her for a moment, sighing.
”I’m sorry. But just as you can’t allow me to go, I can’t allow myself to be taken in.” He put a hand to his chin and an idea seemed to come to him.
”You know, I’m not fond of debts. And I owe you quite the huge one, for saving my life. And you seem quite curious about my species.”
What is he playing at…?
”What I’m offering…this is quite a good hiding spot…if you wish to ask questions about my species, we can meet up. In return, you let me leave. Because trust me, even if I’m taken in, and that’s even if you can get me there, I’m not saying anything. No amount of torture will change that.”
She furrowed her eyebrows in suspicion. That would be too easy, wouldn’t it? He could always just go back on his promise. Or he could attack her. Or heck, she could come back with an army to attack him. Wasn’t he worried about that?
”What could you possibly get out of it? It seems like a one sided deal. And even if I did let you go…how could I trust you to keep your side of the deal?” The smart move would be to reject it, but…the fact that his informants could find information on her, someone who is sparsely known outside of the palace, means that they had a well of knowledge that the humans were severely lacking in.
And…once again, the researcher in her wanted nothing more than to have her questions answered.
”Are you seriously considering it?” Reina hissed.
“I’d like to think of myself as honorable enough to keep up my end of the deal. And…for what I’m getting out of it: I have a few questions on humans myself.”
“Seems to me you already have a plethora of knowledge on us.” Ego merely shook his head.
”My question can’t be answered by informants, especially as close minded as mine.” He extended his hand, almost asking her if the deal was set.
“I can’t trust your word alone.” Cure Wisdom said. The tip of her pointer finger lit up. She drew a circle in the air.
“You will meet me here. At night. In three weeks. You will be there. Alone. Unarmed. That is our deal. If these aren’t met, I will be taking you into custody.”
Ego raised an eyebrow and bent down to examine the circle.
”What is this?”
”A binding spell. Often used to make deals between officials.” Ego seemed interested in it.
”I see.” Without hesitation he put his hand through the circle. Wisdom was slightly taken aback by how willing he was. Reaching out, she shook his hand and the circle vanished.
”Pleasure doing business with you, Lady Aiko. I’ll see you three weeks from today.” With that, he turned on his heels and left.
Immediately, it hit Wisdom what she had just agreed to.
Damnit!!! Why did her curiosity always over ride her logic?! Some harbinger of wisdom!!!
Reina was probably thinking the exact same thing; though she, for once, said nothing.
Cure Wisdom turned back towards the exit.
Well, I’m already this far….