"1… 2… 5… 15… 30… 50…"
"70… 99… 110… 149… Okay, the army has officially gained 151 recruits, including us."
Frisk and Chara head count everyone present, as each and every one of them is waiting in front of the making of a cathedral. Everyone was waiting for what the next step would be as the sun was almost gone with the moon already visible.
"You know, when we started this whole rebellion, I would have never imagined we would get this many people fighting for our cause."
Ventus spoke up as Barbatos was astonished by the many people gathering here. He even let out a cheerful noise as it attracted everyone's attention as they all greeted and prayed to Barbatos. It has given him the strength to let out a wonderful breeze.
"A lot has happened during these weeks, especially when we came here. I can't believe so many days have passed by."
"Yeah, our time here was so memorable and meaningful. As if we play a bigger part here."
The two Dreemurrs spoke as if they couldn't imagine how much they made together as a team.
"Even though we all made a difference, it doesn't change the fact that it is all thanks to you both, you're pretty much the two most powerful humans in this army. You both will be on the frontline as it obviously seems you both have way more experience than anyone should ever have."
Frisk and Chara share a look at each other, recalling the battles they had to face not only by humans but ancient beings or a forgotten doctor that existed long, long ago.
Like a pure hatred being who wanted to stop monsters and humans from living side by side. Or a forgotten skeleton glitching as well as looking back at memories. Heck, even a multiverse travels, seeing different versions of itself. The last one reminded them of a world that didn't have the war, as the friends they made lived in a small town.
A town that didn't have a version of either Frisk or Chara, which was concerning. There was even a young Asriel in that version of Earth.
"Well, I guess you can say that. We just had enemies that we didn't even know existed before. But at least it gives us experiences of combat, even when it wasn't all fighting-related. Just some dodging and talking."
"Yet there were some points where we did have to fight, mainly me. But, you're not bad yourself Frisk, you just have to at least not pacifist everyone."
"I know that, but still… At least it makes up for…"
Frisk suddenly became quiet, even Chara didn't speak up about it. As if it were very secretive to even let a single sound out. Ventus was a bit worried about why his best friends weren't saying anything, as well as concerning what both of them were saying.
Istaroth, meanwhile, was very suspicious about whether the blocked memories were the reason for their silence. She could ask, but at a time like this, it would cause them both to keep their mouths shut and would cause distrust if she pursued it. So she decided to change the topic.
"Well, with you both at the frontlines, I believe Decarabian will be more focused on you two with blessings that he wouldn't ignore. Everyone will just focus on either evacuating everyone in the city or helping you deal damage to him. His powers will make everything seem like you're fighting the storms.
He'll definitely use his storm barrier to his advantage. I would be surprised if he didn't use the winds to separate us. I think you both will need me to help in case I need to warn you both of something."
"Hehe, well you're the God of Moments for a reason. So your powers will definitely help out. Actually, is Decarabian focusing on something right now? Or perhaps tonight?"
Frisk asked the Shade of Time as she simply nodded, she immediately concentrated on seeing the moments of Decarabian at this very moment or later. After a moment she opens her eyes as she gives Frisk a smug smile.
"Right now, he is just overseeing his city. He has noticed a few things that are different, but thankfully, I manage to make him think it was normal. He'll let down his guard tonight, more so at midnight. He is arrogant that nothing will ever be a threat inside of his own city, not even believing that what we are about to do will ever be a consideration for him."
"Make sense, for nearly two thousand years he remained untouchable. But tonight he'll be caught off guard by our assault on him. Starting with us, then his own people whom he thought would never hurt him. You know… I felt like we repeated this topic already."
"Really? You're sure? We can go over it again just to be sure."
Istaroth offers to explain what she saw again but Chara cuts her off.
"Alright! We made everyone wait long enough, plus this was supposed to be the hour that dinner should be done."
They glance at everyone who is eagerly waiting to hear what to do, but at the same time, they are wishing to get it over with, as their stomachs rumble from not being filled.
"Yeah, I'm getting hungry myself. I'll begin the meeting just so everyone will know what to do in a few hours."
Ventus walked up to everyone as he cleared his throat, which got everybody's attention as every pair of eyes was now looking directly at him. This momentarily caused him to feel nervous about all the attention towards him, but he shook it off as he began to talk.
"Hello everyone. Thank you for gathering here, despite the hour and time this should have been. I'll try to make this as quick as possible. As you are aware, our army has increased thanks to having another clan join us. I'm sure you all already welcome them but let us welcome the Imunlaukr Clan!"
Gunnhildr's Clan, the Lawrence Clan, and the citizens all welcome and cheer for the mentioned clan, as everyone is aware of their history through whispers and rumors. The clan acknowledges the welcome and simply waves.
"I'm sure that the numbers we have now would be more than enough to overthrow Decarabian. We all received blessings from our Lord Barbatos, our fellow wind spirit, which gave us a fighting chance to damage him."
Everyone cheered for Barbatos as he floated around humming in excitement.
"We have the strongest members of each clan that will be on the frontlines tonight. As well as a citizen from our land."
Gunnhildr, Venerare, Scharlach, and a man named Fredrick from the Imunlaukr Clan, who proved himself earlier today that he is the strongest in his clan. All four of them just waved to the continuously cheering crowd.
"And second last thing, our two most powerful allies, the ones who battled and won against Boreas, the God of Blizzard. Frisk and Chara Dreemurrs."
The cheering became even louder as everyone knew about the two foreigners who played a big part in this rebellion. The two of them were still a bit stunned by the amount of cheers they were receiving but waved back nevertheless.
"And finally a god who decided to help us to fully take down the God of Storms, a god against another god, Istaroth, the God of Moments."
The cheers were similar to Frisk and Chara, but it was only for respect and support, as she is a god and had only been in the rebellion for a short amount of time. Still, she will be helpful if things get too complicated.
"We all have one thing we wish to achieve tonight, and that is to end this war that is long overdue to be concluded. Tonight we strike, as for the plan, either Frisk or Chara will explain."
With no hesitation, Ventus did what Chara did to them hours ago as he shoved them both to everyone. All the people are waiting to hear the plan from here on out. Chara turns to glare at Ventus before looking back realizing that it was karma for their action today.
The two look at each other, sure they have a plan… Planned, but they hadn't gone over it. Honestly, everyone is assuming that they'll be the ones to head straight on to fight Decarabian, which honestly isn't a bad idea as they have more blessings than anybody else. It was a safe option for everyone should they decide to attack from a distance.
Like 151 people, with a wind spirit and a god against an enemy god. Still, perhaps they can talk about the plan right now to everyone… The two nodded before looking at the crowd as Frisk began speaking.
"Chara and I have been carefully thinking of how to do this, and how it will go. First, everyone who isn't on the frontlines will be surrounded all over the city. Once we start fighting Decarabian, you all need to evacuate every citizen there away from the battle. Perhaps outside his barrier, as we assume that nothing will attack from the outside, but nothing will be thrown out here from the inside."
Everyone nodded in agreement as some of these people knew friends still living inside the city. Some who aren't even trained to deal with scenarios. Chara continues.
"Once that is done, be sure to find secure places where you won't be targeted by Decarabian and attacked from afar. If those secure places are unstable to protect yourselves, find a more stable and durable shelter.
The four of you, you all can either defend your allies or attack alongside us; there are no wrong choices. It is just a precaution to ensure you're truly sure you are mostly good at when this starts. Defending or attacking."
Chara also took a glance at Ventus and Amos, who both nodded as they got the message from them. They, too, can join with the four of them, as those four also have elemental gems that appeared. Frisk then took their turn as they spoke once again.
"Chara, Barbatos, Istaroth, and I will ensure Decarabian will always be focused on us, so you all can attack or help everyone. Once we're inside the barrier, be sure that nobody is around, we can't promise the city to be undamaged during the battle. But it seems you all wish to live here instead of there."
Everyone nodded in agreement, some even liked their new home even when it wasn't finished yet.
"If some of you are still nervous about fighting against the very god that did protect you and your family before you, and their families, that's alright, I mean this is the first for everyone here. Well, except for the Imunlaukr Clan who have fought against a god.
Still, that god didn't fully understand you guys, nor understood just how he was making you all feel. Perhaps we'll receive a new god that will become the Anemo Archon. And right now, we have two possible candidates."
Everyone just nodded, but deep down they were deeply hoping that the wind spirit would become a god. But some wonder if Istaroth would become their new god to help humanity.
Istaroth slowly glanced at Barbatos, just staring, as if… She knew something. She even assumed no one would be watching as everyone was focusing on Frisk and Chara. But Ventus did notice her glance, and was in deep thought of what he saw.
"Right now, let us all have a nice dinner, get energy as this will be a long battle. Let us fully process what we just told you all. If you wish to speak out, say, to have suggestions, then speak up now, or else just be ready in a few hours."
A moment of silence, nobody wanted to say anything, or have any suggestions to say as everyone believes the plan the Dreemurrs said is the best one. After a few more seconds of waiting Frisk and Chara only nodded.
"Okay then, please eat well, we have time before we go to the city. No need to rush."
Everyone nodded as the crowd separated into groups, each of them going to homes that had food ready and might be cold right now. Still, it seems the gathering brought confidence to everyone, everyone is filled with courage and strength. If things go smoothly, then tonight's plan will go as planned.
Frisk suddenly had the thought of using the equipment they found that belonged to the other humans. Perhaps if there are problems then maybe the items will be the solution. Frisk also thought of something else. Didn't they pack up some gadgets that were invented by Dr. Alphys? Gadgets are made for their soul power as well as their magic.
It truly made them wonder that the items they had in their bag could have done things either differently or better for them. Just why now, why is it now they have thought about it? Unless… Maybe they're obvious about their own things and effectiveness.
"Hey Frisk, could I talk to you a bit?"
Gunnhildr came to Frisk's side carrying two plates of food, Frisk turned to look at her as they noticed the hesitation within her. They nodded as the two of them walked to a quieter area as it was just the two of them. Once they reached there, both of them began eating, and you could still hear the voices of everyone.
"Gunnhildr, you're nervous about this whole thing aren't you?"
"...Yes. Just a few hours until the biggest battle in our lives. A battle that could take a few lives from both sides. It's just… What if I mess up and my mistake will cost the lives of everyone here?"
Frisk put their arm on her shoulder to comfort her.
"You wouldn't mess up, I taught you everything you needed to know about survival, for you and those around you. Gunnhildr, you're the most talented person I have ever met. Your strength, abilities, and determination are at their peak. You'll do great, just as everyone will be, we'll free Mondstadt, and live without fear, worry, just enjoying the sky, warmth, and everyone who wishes to live in freedom."
Gunnhildr nodded as she gave them a small smile.
"I'm that I became your student, Frisk. You train me to make sure I'll protect everyone and myself. You're so kind to everyone, helping all of us, it makes me happy… That…"
Gunnhildr went quiet, looking away from Frisk. Frisk immediately became worried as they thought they had helped her with her nervousness.
"Gunnhidlr?"
"I… Like you… I… Love you."
She spoke, her tone gentle.
The wind suddenly stops, and Frisk has a shocked expression on their face. They even almost open their eyes.
"It happened days ago. My stomach feels funny whenever I'm with you. I keep on blushing when you comment or praise me. I… I wish to know what it feels like to be in love. How my parents felt when they were dating. I wish for us to be more than students and teachers… I wish for us to be together, to grow old together!"
She turns back to Frisk, her eyes shining with her face red. She grabbed their hands, holding them gently but firmly.
"In case the worst happens, in case there is a chance I wouldn't be able to survive. I just need to let these feelings out, my feelings towards you. I understand if you won't agree, I want you to hear this! To understand my feelings! I'll… See you later!"
With no hesitation, she pecked their cheek with a kiss, fast and short as it felt, it happened, but at the same time, it didn't. She then quickly left without looking back.
Frisk opened their mouth, but no words came out, they reached out, but she was long gone. They just stood there, trying to comprehend what had just happened. Touch the spot of their cheek that Gunnhidlr put her lips at.
"Do… Do I even deserve to hear that? Is… She likes me… Without knowing everything. She doesn't deserve me."
They clenched their fist as they knew she would never be happy with someone like them. A monster like themselves shouldn't gain the attention of someone innocent and kind as Gunnhildr.
They look back at their food, now no longer hungry as they lost their appetite. They simply walk away, to the back of the cathedral, looking towards the storm barrier as they just sigh. They couldn't believe… It was making them feel conflicted about it.
They heard footsteps as they turned to see Chara walking but stopping next to them. They notice how quiet they are and have the same expression as themselves. They immediately realized why.
"Venerare?"
Chara didn't say anything, only nodding. Frisk sighs as they watch the block city from afar. To think… It had to happen before everything could begin. They just hope… It wouldn't distract them.