Lady Calamity and the Shepherd (Tales of Berseria × Tales of Zestiria Crossover)

Chapter 22: Learning From the Past

QUICK NOTE! This is just me rewriting the final scene in Tales of Berseria. I don't own anything.

Sorey shielded his eyes from the bright light. "Woah!" Rose yelled, looking away. When the light left, the Shepherd and his group looked around in fascination. They stood on a platform made from powerful Artes. The Lady Calamity's group recognized this place immediately. "This is...!" Eleanor stated. That's when they heard footsteps approaching from the left. The looked to the left and saw Velvet's group. "This is our past..." Magilou said with realization. "Wait, who's the kid?" Dezel asked, motioning towards the younger kid. "His name is Laphicet... A Malak..." Velvet said, emotion heavy with those words. "Wait, but aren't you Laphicet?" Mikleo asked Velvet's brother. "Just... watch." He said. The group stopped and glared ahead of them. The Shepherd looked to the direction and saw a Man in a white and gold rope with a sword in his left hand. Beside him was... "LAPHICET!?" Sorey yelled, confused. "Sorry to keep you waiting, 'gentle' Shepherd! The Lord of Calamity and her friends are here to see you!" The past Magilou stated.

"I can't wait to strike down the world's greatest swordsman." Rokurou had said, with a smirk. "You picked a fight with the Aifread Pirate crew! Now, we're here to finish it!" Eizen had said, with a look of anger. "So much hatred and anger... No wonder you became a dragon..." Lailah said to the real Eizen. "Yeah..." He replied. "Lord Artorius, I follow my own will now. And I'm going to stop you!" Eleanor said to the old Shepherd. "... In my sword lie the hopes of mankind. The potential for a perfect world." Artorius said after a moment of silence. He then banged his sword on the floor, electing a powerful blast of wind. Velvet's group covered their faces. "Do you really believe that Will without reason will break it?" he questioned the group. It was then that the Sorey's group saw Velvet start to get pushed back by the wind. All of them were struggling and grunting to stay standing. That's when the wind died down. "Your sword is strong." Said the young Malak. Artorius glared at the child. "But... it is still only a weapon, just like ours." He said.

This made Sorey picture all the Armatus' in his mind. "Why don't you test that theory. With your life, of course." Artorius told them. The Laphicet beside him stared a Velvet with anger and disappointment. He then looked at the other Malak. Laphicet then put his hand on his cheek. "Ever since you hit me, I've had this really annoying feeling in my chest. But I can't figure out what it is." He said, glaring at the Malak. "Then I'll just have to hit you again and see if that helps." He said to Laphicet. This shocked Sorey's group. "Oh my! What confidence!" Lailah said with a gasp. "Hm..." Laphicet had grunted. "I'm sure I'll feel better If I eat you." He said to the Malak. "Huh!?" Mikleo questioned, looking at the young boy beside them. "Back then... my mind was tainted by evil..." Laphicet told the group. The second Laphicet grinned evilly. Velvet then moved in front of the Malak and glared at her brother. "...Arthur." Velvet called in an angry voice.

"I finally have an answer to your question, 'Why do you think birds fly?'" she told him. "Oh? Then please, enlighten us, Velvet." Artorius told her (I KNOW THAT WASN"T CANON, BUT IT'S BETTER THEN COMPLETE SILENCE!!!!). "Wait... Arthur asked you that question first?" Sorey asked the Velvet beside him. "And all the Shepherds were asked this question. Took them years to figure it out themselves." Magilou told them. "Birds fly, because they want to fly. They don't need a reason. Even if their wings snap and doom them to die. They don't fly for anyone's benefit. They don't fly cause they were ordered to. Birds fly because they want to fly, and for no other reason!" Velvet had snapped at the man. "... So, that's your answer..." Artorius said with disappointment. "Yes. Because that's who I am." She said. "You were always like this..." Artorius said with anger. "That sort of foolishness is what creates daemons, and plunges the world in tragedy and despair." He continued. "Then you drive the daemons out! Isn't that right, Shepherd Artorius!?" Velvet spat out venomously. The man drew his sword and Laphicet got ready. "That has been my plan all along!" Artorius said, rushing forward. Laphicet followed him. Artorius slashed at Velvet, who intercepted the blade with her own. Laphicet's blade was made from paper and was blocked by the other boy.