This is a AU story based in the world of Ni No Kuni.
Disclaimer: I do not own Ni No Kuni or it characters, they are owned by Level 5.
I do however own OC's Pepper, Cinder, and Amelia.
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*cough* *hack*
Another hacking fit shook the young boy, he raised his small pale hand to his mouth in an attempt to cover his feeble attempts of breathing. The child was then released from his outburst, wheezing as he fought for breath.
Cringing at the crackle in his throat as he gulped down air, his green eyes darted around the chamber, in an attempt to fine some relief for the ever growing pain in his neck. Eventually his eyes fell onto the entrance of the room, perhaps if he called one of the guards or servants would hear him. As he opened his mouth to call for help, a sharp pain shook his throat, reminding him of the situation. Too weak to move he lowered his gaze, clouded due to exhaustion, to the bottom of the bed, and gently drifted into sleep.
5 days ago, the young Prince Marcassin had fallen ill, it had appeared to be a simple flu during the first few days, but had quickly worsened to the point where the young boy could barely lift his head off the pillow. The now 12 year old boy, was steadily growing worse. Despite the medicine provided, the prince hadn't shaken his illness slightly.
The empire had been in up roar, the prince was assumed to be the last remaining son of the Emperor, on the off risk that the prince didn't recover there would be no-one to inherit the throne, which is why the council feared for the young boys life.
The clatter of machinery and hissing of steam echoed down the hall as the young prince dosed with a painful expression plastered on his face.
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"So this is Hamelin" mused a dark furred Grimalkin.
"That's what the map says... purrvided I read it right" responded another, whose light grey fur was speckled with dust and dirt.
"Are you certain Pepper" responded a longhaired woman, "you have got us lost before"
"Come off it Amelia, that was only once, and he has improved his map reading skills since then" spoke a short haired brunet, his violet eyes looked between the faces of his companions.
"Besides, he read it correctly this time" he finished.
"What makes you sure Swaine" spoke the dark furred Grimalkin.
"It isn't important Cinder" the young man spoke as he walked passed his companions. "We're wasting time standing here, let's find an in and settle down for the evening".
His companions passed quick glances between one and other before following him through the thick metal gates.
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For the past four years, Swaine had travelled with these same three people. They had first fond him creeping around the docks at Castaway cove and, after witnessing a stunt he had played on a crook, had requested he use his skills to assist them during a raid on a bandit camp, claiming that despite his young age his abilities in stealth along with his gun would be beneficial to them. The heist had been a success and they had travelled together since, completing bounty hunts and errands to get by.
Swain was the youngest among them, at only 19 he was a head shorter than the other three, but his determination and attitude met and exceeded that of his companions. His hair was slightly longer than it was after he left and his facial features had matured. He wore a simple leather tunic over a green shirt, and long brown trousers which tucked into short brown boots. Despite this he had hardly changed, which worried him as he risked being recognised by guards or citizens.
Cinder was a dark grey, 22 year old, female Grimalkin with a white muzzle. She had long fur and a small scar across her nose, her blue eyes shone with an array of shades which gave one the impression of a clear ocean. She wore a cream shirt under a leather tunic, along with a strap across her front which kept her shoulder guard in place. She wore cream coloured trousers with leather guards on her legs. along her belt she kept her dagger, and a small bag. despite her rugged appearance she was rather gentle compared to the others in the group.
Pepper was a Grimalkin with light grey fur and a white muzzle, like his sister Cinder, however, his eyes were emerald green. He was also 22 years old, however he had short fur and a more gentle appearance than his twin. He wielded a small green staff and used magic to aid his comrades in battle, though he didn't have the skills of a sage. He wore a green and brown robe over a black shirt and trousers, he wore simple sandals on his feet, unlike his sister he preferred to keep his feet clean.
The last member of the group was Amelia, she was a 24 year old woman for Perdida, her long hair curled into many tight springs and was tied back by a thin piece of fabric. Her eyes and hair were a dark brown. She wore a cream shirt underneath a short, dark red shawl. She wore leather guards on her arms and a leather tunic under her shawl. She wore long crimson trousers that were tucked neatly into long brown boots. She wielded a sword and small blade, which rested on her belt along with her bag. She was mostly quiet, but made passing remarks once in a while.
The quartet walked through the bronze streets until they passed the first duo of guards.
"Halt" one of the Grunts called. The group flinched and Swaine inwardly groaned 'I'm going to be caught'.
"Who are you and what brings you to this city" his partner pried.
"We're just travellers, looking for bounty hunts in the area" Cinder mewed, her voice betraying her surprise.
"Likely story" the second of the two grunts scoffed. "You lot look like bandits, and we can't have the likes of that around here, be gone with you".
"B-but-t it's true, we-" Pepper stuttered over his words as he attempted to defend the group.
"DID you not hear me, BE GONE" the second Grunt shouted.
The first grunt's eyes strayed over in Swaine's direction, before snapping directly towards his face.
"B-by God" he stammered, Swaine felt himself grow cold.
By this time the second grunt had looked over towards what had startled his partner, and his face paled.
The other 3 travellers exchanged glances before looking at Swaine, confusion etched on their faces.
"I-It's the lost prince".