Author`s Note: Well this is my first fan fiction, and I thought I`d give it a try, the idea came from my own head and the character of Arthur is based on me, since I thought it`d be fun to be able to mess around in the Fire Emblem universe as if I was there, anyway I hope you enjoy and review, tell me how I did what I did good or bad.
Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem Awakening
Chapter 1 - Beginnings
It all started with a strange email asking me if I was "interested in a grand adventure?"
My initial thoughts on that were simply "this is a strange way of trying to scam someone," so I decided to reply back with a sure, who wouldn't want to go on an adventure and forget about some boring routine. That would be the last time I would sleep in my bed with all the memories that came with it.
That's strange I don't remember renovating my room to remove my roof altogether, I like my houses to have something that keeps the rain out. Getting up, a realization struck me nearly causing my heart to stop, I was outside. That's not what did it of course, because I have had those nights were I spent the night sleep walking and wake up somewhere other than my bed, course never as far as leaving my house. The kicker was I don't remember living in the middle of nowhere. I was on a grassy meadow that seemed to stretch for miles and miles. Looking around, there was a bag and a note stuck to it that drew my eye. It appears someone left me a message; well on the bright side at least it might answer some questions. Gingerly, grasping the note I slowly unfolded and began to read what it contained.
Dear Arthur
If your reading this, then congratulations, I tried my best and was able to grant you access to a World of excitement and danger, you told me you wanted nothing more than to go on a journey of exploration and where waking up each day brought more danger, where your life could end at any moment. I hope this world suits your tastes and look forward to seeing what you are capable of
Yours Naga
Heart racing, palms cold, I was torn between deciding this was all an elaborate illusion my sleep addled brain cooked up to make me come to terms with my insanity, or that this was real and I might never sleep in my warm comfy bed ever again. Course it didn't take long for my excitement to overpower my rational thinking. This was incredible, I don't even know who this Naga is, but Oh gods I don't want to waste this chance. Rummaging through the bag I noticed it contained a sword of steel or perhaps iron, a weird book, a wooden staff, food and water, as well as some strange gold coins. It was in a small bag, and numbered at about 500 coins. With all that sorted out, I did the first thing that came to mind, set off for the nearest plot of civilization, so I could at least get my bearings and move on from there.
"Welcome traveler and what can I do for you?" said the inn keeper.
"I was hoping for a room for the night and a hot meal if that isn't too much to ask for? "I replied.
"Oh that's no trouble at all, that will be 3 gold, and tonight's dinner is chicken stew and bread," he answered.
Flexing my shoulders and body, my thoughts wandered to all the different things that had happened in the past few years I had spent in Ylisse. I went through a lot since first getting to this world wondering around the world seeing what there was to do, doing odd jobs for random people, getting training in the art of spell craft, swordsmanship, and healing, even saving a village or two from brigands. I even got myself a nickname up in the north, after a rather morbid raid on a bandit camp, and cleaning it out, returning to the village with applause at the good news, they went ahead and dubbed me "The Hunter," honestly, being given a title was quite a satisfying experience. Clearing his throat to get me out of my thoughts, he placed the food in front of me.
"Here's your stew," he moving towards the front room of the inn, I gingerly took hold of the platter and went to find a place to enjoy my dinner. Taking measure of the room, of the several tables scattered around the room, I moved to sit in the only table that was available, except for one person. He was dressed in strange regal looking clothes that were colored blue, and wore a mask that seemed ornate and well made. There was strange silence that seemed to settle over the inn as I sat down. The murmurs started after, I caught a few of the things being muttered.
"Think they're bandits?"
"They're carrying quite a number of weapons!"
"That guy in the mask gives me the creeps"
"Think they're going to start anything?"
Trying dissuade their fears, I put on my friendliest face and spoke in the calmest voice I could manage and told them, "Okay people, I know were carrying around weapons, but look past that, because it has been a long day of travel and I want to enjoy my dinner in peace, and besides the last thing I'd do is hurt random people."
With a resounding sigh and a couple muttered apologies, I went back to my stew and bread now that the crowd's fear was taken care of. Did not take long before my curiosity got the better of me and I decided to strike up a conversation with my dinning partner.
"So where are you headed, must be a pretty interesting place since your carrying all that gear on you."
"I'm headed to Ferox on important business."
Well that was rather cryptic, although his voice sounds rather strange for a man, I'd even dare to say that sounded like a women, however that would explain the mask though. Well no point in being concerned about the trivial stuff I still have to introduce myself.
"Well since well be traveling together, my name's Arthur," I said with my most charming smile. There was a palpable silence that passed by before he responded.
"My apologies, but I don't recall you mentioning anything about traveling together."
"Since where going to the same place I thought I'd tag along, it's safer traveling in pairs then alone is it not," I answered.
With a knitting of his brow he grumbly said "you're going to tag along even if I tell you no won't you?"
"Well I've always wanted a mysterious masked traveling companion it'd make things more fun wouldn't you say?" With a sigh of resignation, he told me that I could travel together with him, as long as I didn't get in his way
"Now that the traveling business is out of the way, my name's Arthur in case you forgot," bringing the topic back to introductions.
"Arthur, the hunter I presume?" he inquired with a trace of curiosity creeping into his overall uninterested voice.
With a puff of pride I answered "oh, you've heard of me have you?"
"It was difficult not to when half the town gossip is about a white haired man hunting brigands alone, and seeing as how you're the only armed white haired man in this inn Arthur, it wasn't too hard to speculate."
"So the hair gave me away, a sad but daily occurrence, I can't remember the last time a brigand came at me with no idea who I am, it used to be so much easier when they thought I was nothing, but an armed farmhand," I responded with exasperation."Now that you know who I am, I still haven't caught yours oh masked one," I said in a joking manner.
"If you must call me by something, you may call me Marth," he responded."After the hero king, interesting, so tell me about you since we are going to be traveling together, I like to get to know my traveling companions," I stated.
"Well, if you must know, I am heading to Ferox on very important business, and can't really tell a total stranger, even one with a reputation like yours Arthur about it," he said in a flat tone leaving no room for further discussion.
Unfazed I continued, "well you don't have to tell me about your personal business, just stuff like how you like your bear cooked, or what animal you prefer to have for dinner when I go hunting,"
"You don't wish to question me on the mask, simply what I am like as we travel together." He said with surprise.
With a good natured laugh I told him, "as far as I'm concerned the mask looks cool and fits the mysterious stranger on a quest to save the world vibe I'm getting from you, so why question it."
"For such a strange man Arthur, your very well mannered, I look forward to traveling with you to Ferox," he said with some levity in his tone.
"I'm hurt Marth, surely I can't be that strange," I said in mock shock.
"You travel the land hunting bandits and doing odd jobs, without a sense of fear or danger seems rather strange to me," He pointed out.
"Now that is just because I can never resist the smell of adventure, of the reward after a good quest, of the triumphant return to smiling people," I declared with pride.
"Very strange indeed, but I like you, there's nothing better than the will to help one's who are less fortunate than oneself, and a thirst for adventure and excitement is understandable," he responded in good nature.
As our conversation dragged on, we finished our dinner and decided to head out in the morning at the crack of dawn. After a hot shower, I put on a new pair of clothes, and stored my gear in the closet, leaving my sword in reach for emergencies. Laying there in the inn's bed I realized, that the message Basilio sent me asking for my assistance in a matter of his was rather strange. He is usually very direct with me when asking for my expertise. There was however one incident in which he persuaded me to help him deliver some letters to a noble, he was being very sly that time, which caused me to have suspicions about his motives. It was answered promptly when I was attacked by thugs asking for the letter. In which case, Basilio being strange is probably going to get me hurt down the road, but I can't let an old friend down. Reminiscing on old habits and memories, sleep tugged at the edge of my vision until only darkness remained.
While the sun began to rise, I rose from my bed and slowly made my way to the sink to begin my morning routine. After I was all cleaned and ready to set out, I moved to Marth's room and knocked on the door. As seconds became minutes, I decided to wake him up the old fashioned, unlocking his door I slowly crept through the crack as to not wake him up and prepared the tools. With a bucket of water at the ready, I moved to his bed in which I took noticed of a few things. First, there was a woman's undergarment strewn on the floor, second, Marth looked pretty feminine sleeping, and thirdly, he never takes off his mask. Putting those details out of my mind, I threw the bucket of water onto Marth yelling into the room, "Rise and shine Marth, we got a long day ahead best we get moving!"
"Okay I know you're upset, but I'm sorry it was just a joke that went too far alright," I apologized.
"I am not upset Arthur, your antics weren't the least bit upsetting, it wasn't the wakeup call that's got me upset."
"Oh I get it, you didn't want me to find out you were such a womanizer you rascal you, but that's okay I got you bro, your secrets are safe with me," pantomiming a zipper being zipped across my from relief or surprise, Marth responded, "yes, do try to keep it a secret I wouldn't want others to realize someone with the name of the hero king be known as the womanizer." We kept moving afterwards, Marth giving off a sigh of relief as we traveled.
With the remaining sunlight dwindling to let the inky darkness creep in, our legs sore from traveling, we set up camp for the night inside a cave. As my name implied, I went out to hunt. Racing through the woods in search of prey, drawn to the sounds of snapping twigs, and the breathing of any animals, I came across something interesting.
In the distance a dozen meters away, a number of brigands were surrounding a girl, she looked to be of rather high nobility judging by the way she dressed and the rather pompous, if I do say so myself, horse beside her. With some rather rough yelling and insults being thrown, I decided it would be only kind, to aid a damsel in distress. Notching an arrow into my bow and moving close enough to fire, I snuck up to the three of them and prepared to do what my title symbolizes.
Releasing the arrow, it flew through the air reaching its intended target with a satisfying crunch as it tore through skin and bone. As the body fell, I rushed taking my sword out of its sheath in preparation for taking on the remaining two brigands. As they watched their comrade fall to the ground in a lifeless heap, they decided the lady wasn't worth the effort and ran off packing yelling about being prepared for the chief to hear about what happened here.
"Well that was close, are you alright?"
"Quite alright, I'm glad you came when you did I don't fancy having to partake in such barbaric activities as fighting, I'm more of a lady as you can plainly tell."
"Well I'm glad to be of service to such a fine lady as yourself, me and friend are camped just in that cave their if you'd like spend the night in some decent company."
"That is much too kind and I shall graciously accept your offer. "
"The campsite is in that cave over there, I'll head there after I've acquired some dinner, I hope you're okay with fresh quarry," I said with a toothy grin. She surprised me when she nodded back stating that Quail was her favourite. I didn't think someone calling herself a lady would even find the idea of freshly killed meat delightful, even making demands no doubt. Heading back to the forest after making sure she was heading in the right direction, I continued my search for some food.
Steadily searching through the forest, I luckily came across a pair of deer resting at a small pond sipping from the pools of tranquil water. How nice, it seemed my luck was in spades today being able to come off as a gentleman in one day. Taking out my bow and arrow, I began to creep closer to the pair of animals. As I got within a few meters of them, I was knocked to the ground, one moment I was staring at the two deer that would have been our dinner, the next I was looking down at the ground. In a frantic search I as my heart accelerated, I noticed that I was stuck in a rope trap likely meant for any wildlife that happened to step into it. With a quick slice of my blade, I fell to the ground in a graceless heap, earning myself a bruise for the trouble. With the sound coming from my fall the deer finally took notice of me and began their attempts to escape.
Breath by breath, slowing my heartbeat, I once again took hold of my bow and arrow, carefully notched one iron tipped arrow, and prepared to fire. With a degree of concentration I visualized the arrow flying forth to strike at my prey, and with that my breath stopped and my focus reached a sharpness only found in the thick of battle. With a resounding crack, the arrow was let loose flying towards its prey; it looped through trees and seemed to come alive. The next moment I was returning to the makeshift camp with the hunt's spoils. What I saw was quite interesting indeed, somehow by some sorcery, the damsel in distress managed to get Marth out of his usual attitude of companionable silence.
"Good evening friends, and may I have the privilege to present to you tonight's dinner, a succulent deer, your favourite milady, freshly killed and gutted." I declared with a proud grin plastered on my face. Surely, this would be able to get myself into our new traveling companion's good books.
"Welcome back, I see you got more than just deer on your hunt," said Marth, glancing at the noblewoman.
"What can I say; I just couldn't resist a chance to rescue a damsel in distress."
"Well at least you didn't get yourself killed trying to do dangerous things again hmm"
"Oh Mar Mar, just look at me I could never get myself killed, there's just too many things to do and experience," I said in a joking manner.
All of a sudden, the said damsel interrupted, "my apologies if I'm intruding, but seeing as I still do not know your name, would you be so kind as to introduce yourself, so that I can thank my savior properly?"
"Ha-ha, oh yes, I am Arthur, sometimes known as the hunter in some parts at your service," I replied with a nod of the head and a proffered hand to shake.
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance Arthur, You may call me Maribelle," shaking my proffered hand with a firm grip.
"Well seeing as how we have a nice fire going, may as well cook this deer I so painstakingly caught."
"I can see you even caught what I told you was my favourite, how kind of you to look after a random stranger's tastes."
"Yes, I spent a lot of time of time searching for deer, I could have caught anything else, but I did it just for you Maribelle." This prompted Marth to laugh out loud, which was quite a nice sound to hear, seeing as how I hadn't heard him laugh even once, and I can usually get people to at least laugh once in an entire day, I'd say it's one of my best traits.
"Excuse me, I just found Arthur, whom I've known to act on a whim, would go out of his way to hunt only deer for a lady an incredibly humorous situation."
"Oh come now Marth, you know me, I'd do anything to make the lives of random strangers easier," I replied with a laugh.
"Well then, if by luck or deliberate action, at the moment we are dining on deer, and so I have Arthur to thank for that."
"Ah don't mention it Maribelle, I'm only happy to make a friend's life easier. Well now that the origins of the meats out of the way, where were you headed before you were ambushed by those brigands?" I asked taking a chunk out of the meat.
"Oh, I was headed towards Ylisse to reacquaint myself with the nobility and see my dear old friends."
"Oh, so your part of the nobility I take it and you know that group of theirs that the royal family is a part of with a name about tending sheep?"
"You mean the shepherds Arthur," chimed in Marth."Yes, that group, anyway you must be quite connected to them huh Maribelle."
"Why yes, in fact I've had the privilege to grow up alongside them and see the younger sister as my very own." She said that with quite a bit of pride I noted, best steer clear about that topic unless I want my ears swamped.
"Anyway, me and Mar Mar here, are headed to Ferox on separate business."
"Well this will be the only night we spend together then won't it."
"Fret not my lady, I am sure the red string of fate has wound itself between our two souls and we shall meet again in the future," I said in the most heroic voice I could manage. Of course this only brought out another laugh from Marth. I think I'm getting the hang of getting him to laugh, I think it's all about the acting out of character, since he must see me as a total badass. Exhaustion taking hold, we began to prepare for sleep as we finished up our conversation and dinner of deer. With some final mutterings of merry dreams, we three allowed our lids to fall for the coming day's journey.
"Travel safely you two, and if you ever have the chance come visit me, come say hello."
And with that our time with Maribelle was over as we continued on to Ferox. Back to companionable silence, the thoughts of last night came flooding back and I decided to question the masked individual known as Marth about it.
"You know when, I first came back to camp I noticed you were pretty lively with Maribelle before I got there. So what did you like about her you womanizer you, was it her noble accent, her refined way of speaking, or simply her rather strange hairstyle?" I asked, as the curiosity demanded I know.
"Arthur, you know you've got it completely wrong, just because it just happened to be a lady didn't mean that I was trying to seduce her."
"Alright Mar Mar, if it wasn't that then why were you so content to speak with her?" I asked even more curious. I assumed Marth had no time for pleasantries and manners seeing as how he wears that mask and all.
"It was simply because she reminded me of someone I use to know rather fondly, she was like family to me and seeing her brought back happy memories."
"Oh, then I must apologies Marth, I've got you completely wrong, I thought you were someone completely different than what I'm seeing now for that I apologize," I sincerely said.
"It's okay Arthur, I know you didn't actually mean anything by it and it's not like I've been completely honest you, I'm still wearing my mask even, I'm glad you understand.
"Well what are friends for, but to understand each other's pain and carry some of that burden," I said in a joking tone happy to be there for others.
"Alright shall we get moving Mar Mar?"
"Of course, we've still got a ways to go Arthur, and thank you coming with me no matter what; it has helped me deal with some of my personal problems."
"Glad to be of service, and I'm happy you let me tag along without any protests," I shot back with a toothy grin.
As we neared the last town before Ferox, I asked around for the nearest inn and we head off in that direction. Passing by the buildings, I noticed that some were boarded up and abandoned; there was gutter in some parts of the road, and the faint stench of violence that seemed to infest my noise. Some of the villagers seemed near hopeless, wearing nothing but rags and their faces were downtrodden as if life dealt them a bad hand. I made my heart ache seeing so many signs of unhappiness. There were even signs of brigand attacks here and there, made evident by the frantic looking footsteps in the mud and the broken crates and barrels likely caused by the rampaging scum who dared attack innocents.
"What's wrong Arthur," my traveling companion asked with concern, "you look pale."
"It's just this town; it dampens my mood whenever I see people living their lives in misery."
Arriving at the inn, we got ourselves a room for the night and dinner, glad to be able to sleep in a bed again, eating our dinner I asked the innkeeper what happened to the town, it seemed more depressing then it should have been.
"Aye friend, there's not much we can do there, you see being so isolated from Ylisee and Ferox having no spare troops, we couldn't defend ourselves against the brigands. They first came two weeks ago, and ever since they would come every couple days or so, they've taken woman and children to be sold as slaves and ransacked homes taking anything of value. Most of the villagers have left, but the remaining one's cannot because they're family has been taken and they hope to reason with the crazed animals in an attempt to buy them back. As far as I'm concerned their gone and for your sake I'd suggest you get out of town before they come."
"What do you mean, when's the last time they came?""Seeing how it's been a couple days since their last visit and the town being in the shape as it is, they'll probably arrive tonight to gut the last remaining parts of this town for all its worth."
Anger, that's all I could see, anger at my weakness, anger at the brigands taking advantage of poor, weak innocents, and anger that I wasn't here to put a stop to this earlier.
"I know what you're thinking Arthur; you want to take the brigands on and try to rescue the captives don't you?"
"Who wouldn't Marth, they've taken innocents, ruined families, and destroyed homes. I'm going to make the ones who gave me the title of 'The Hunter' a new story to tell."
"Alright fine, since there's no way of persuading you out of this, I'm going to help, because I can handle myself as well as you can and I know these brigands deserve no mercy."
"Glad to have you with me Marth, this should be a piece of cake with you and me together, we'll be unstoppable."
With the Darkness creeping in, the sounds of savages approaching the quaint little town could be heard, in their stupor, they expected the two villagers standing in the square as if waiting for them were offering themselves to be captured. With dark glee, the chief brought out the chains and cuffs he so fondly used to imprison villagers. As he moved his head up back to the strangers, what he saw woke him up from his stupor.
With a flurry of blades and skill, the two slashed and cut their way through the dozen brigands that he had, they weaved, parried, and countered with skill that far exceeded their own. The one in the mask was a slicing maelstrom, each strike was quick and flawless, and his footwork made each skirmish seem like a deadly dance. One moment he was cutting the arm to disarm his opponent the next, he was striking at the neck to kill, no movement was wasted, and no brigand was spared. The other one was a demon, he fought as if consumed by a rage that seemed to be fueled by the village's misery itself, each strike from his blade left hands numb, each slice cut through tendon, permanently maiming the flesh, his eyes watched the battle unfold and calculated each step, when a brigand began to run in fear for his life, he would seamlessly notch an arrow and fire with pinpoint accuracy, piercing through the brigands neck. It was quite evident these were not the weak and poor villagers the brigands were expecting and in a moment only the chief was left. As the two waded through the corpses of his fellow brigands, he lost control of his bowels.
"You have a minute to tell me where you keep the prisoner's and give me the key." The man with the bow stated, with shaking hands he began to fumble through his trousers and found the key. Shakily, he handed the key to him, and tried to think of a way out of this situation without dying, deciding that they needed his information he concluded he had the advantage.
"I'll tell you where I kept them if you allow me to leave."
"Very well, I will allow you to leave the village unharmed."
Satisfied with his answer, he told them of the location and was moved to leave the village, but as he reached the outskirts of the village, he could hear the whistling of something from behind him. Turning around, the last thing he saw was a feathered arrow heading straight for his head. The only thought running through his mind was this end was inevitable and embraced it.
"You know, you can really handle a sword Mar Mar, remind me not to get on your bad side."
"You're not too bad yourself, and I can see why they call you 'The Hunter,' you really do care don't you?"
"Enough about that, we have some people to save and a bed is calling my name at the end of all this."
Traveling to the location he specified, we found a numerous number of cages set up which hosed the missing villagers. For the most part, they weren't in too bad condition and some of them were even lively enough to want to fight. It appears they were about to be sold to some kingdom over the sea before we got here in time. When we returned to the village, we were met by the town's citizens and their cheers. Apparently the innkeeper decided to spread word about what we did and notified the whole town after we weren't killed by the group of brigands. Telling them the reward of seeing the happy faces of families being reunited was enough for me and that they should focus on recovering the village back to its former glory. Going back to the inn, and jumping into the bed, I fell asleep instantly.
Well now I know how Marth felt when I did it to him, it was pretty unpleasant, and to the sound of his laughter I slowly propped myself up. Getting a clean pair of clothes since my last ones was wet, I moved to the washroom to do my morning routine. After drying myself off and putting on travel clothes, I went downstairs to eat breakfast before setting off with Marth. I was greeted to the sight of eggs and bacon, with a side of toast, my face must have looked pretty weird there since my ears were rewarded with the sound of Marth's laughter once again.
"Ha-ha very funny, just so you know, my next prank is going to be even more outrageous then the bucket of water in the morning wake up call, so be prepared Mar Mar be prepared indeed." I said with as much of a threat when can make, with bags under his eyes.
"I look forward to it Arthur, I only hope you'll be able to take my comeback." Digging into my favourite type of breakfast, I devoured it quite quickly and we set off for the remaining trek to Ferox.
Walking to through the town, we finally ended up near the palace. In which I was surprised, since I thought Marth would have gone somewhere else. As we continued to travel to our objectives we both ended up in front of Basilio. Finally here after the long journey I let out a long sigh and was excited to finally get some answers to that vague letter.
"Arthur, my friend, so good to see you, about that business in regards to the letter, I've been meaning to ask you for a favor, and of course you'll accept right my friend?"
"Alright ol'Bassy let's not get ahead of ourselves tell me what you need first before you tell me to charge headlong into a brigand den again, the last time was not a very enjoyable experience. "
"First let me deal with your friend here, so what brings you to me masked one?"
"I've come to seek your permission to allow me to fight in your name in the coming battle."
"Well then isn't that a surprise, but can you fight masked one?"
"I can testify to his skill Basilio, he as good mastery over the blade in fact, hes probably better than even me."
"I musts say that is quite a feat in itself, as you probably know Arthur here is quite adept at combat, or else he would have perished long ago."
"Indeed, I've been fortunate enough to have him as a traveling companion, and have witnessed his expertise in person."
"Well since your both here, follow me to my chambers."
We began to follow after Basilio, I wasn't sure where he was leading us till we came to a filled with soldiers of varying backgrounds and skills. The room was large enough to house over a dozen troops, there were weapon stands strewn along the walls, and sets of armor inside crates. The barren concrete gave the room a chilling atmosphere, as little light shown in through the window. Gesturing towards the desk leaning in the back center the room he brought out two forms.
"About that favor Arthur, I'd like for you to fight in my name in the coming tournament, what do you see old pal, would you help a friend out?"
"You know, I knew something was fishy when I got that letter, but fine, as long as there's no killing this time I'll do it."
"Terrific, I'll leave you two to get prepared while I fill out your registration."
Out of the array of weapons and armor present, I decided to relinquish my battle worn iron sword for a new steel one, and replaced my bow with steel of the same make. Going through the last bits of equipment, I looked up to see Marth hadn't taken any of the weapons. Curiosity drove me to question how come.
"So Mar Mar, how come you're not getting a new sword, its free you know?"
"That's because my blade doesn't get worn down Arthur."
"Wait, you mean to tell me it doesn't break?" Well that's pretty sweet I must say, the only other way you can keep a weapon for a long period of time was to use it well and strike without wearing the metal, this took skill however.
"Well seeing as how were both going to be fighting in the tournament, how come you want to?"
"It will allow me to take measure of this land's future."
"Well alright then, but I plan on winning because I hate to lose."
All of a sudden there was a resounding bell, which was probably the signal to enter the arena seeing as how most of the fighters in the room were rushing out of the storage. As we followed the on rushing troops, we walked past a large set of wooden doors that stretched meters above my head, they were quite grand and made for an intimidating appearance, as if this battle would change everything. Preparing for combat we got into position, I was near Marth in the back of the troops. Glancing to the other side of the arena, I took notice of who our opponents were going to be. There was a regal looking man with blue hair covered in rather similar armor as Marth, and wielded a sword identical to his. A small blonde woman didn't trail far behind him, wearing a dress that seemed ill appropriate for combat to boot, she carried a stave, and noting that she was a healer, made her a priority target. Following her was a woman with strange robes, blue hair, and carrying a book that looked quite heavy. After her there was a large armored man, with brown hair, and an alert gaze, he must also be taking measure of his opponents as his eyes drifted to Marth with surprise I noted. I decided to ask him about it, but the horn signaling the start of battle soon sounded.
Watching the other fighters charge ahead, I took measure of the skills our opponents put into practice, I noticed the strange robed woman could handle herself quite well with a blade and even used magic no less. The large man was a brutal fighter, decimating all who got in his way, no fighter could land a single hit against such a large target. The blond haired woman sat idly in the back waiting for an ally to be injured so she could heal, and Marth was fighting the blue haired man, wait what. Out of nowhere, Marth had rushed out into the middle of combat and was in a locked duel with his opposite. They looked incredibly similar, if he didn't have his mask on. They made the fight seem like a dance, and I watched entranced by their movement. Until with a flip they backed off and made room for the other fighters to get in.
Surveying the chaos I saw that the healer, was left unguarded, and moved to strike. Rushing forward, I flew past the other fighters preoccupied with the robed woman, large man, and royalty. With a final lunge I aimed to strike, as my blade sailed through the air, the blue haired man rushed in to parry it. Well this was going to be harder than it seemed. Taking a quick peek behind me I noticed there were only five fighters on our side left, including me and Marth. This realization told me I had to end this quick or else fight on the losing side. Turning back to the blue haired man, I prepared to fight, focusing my mind and relaxing my muscles. We both rushed at each other in a flurry of blades, I would slash and strike at his arms and legs, he would parry and counter each attack. He would look for weak points in my style of fighting, I would take measure of his defenses. It was a tactical battle, each person trying to find a way to outduel the other. As the fight dragged on, my limbs began to leaden and the bruise from the night before became evident. It caused my fatigue to take its toll, and with a resounding ring, my blade was knocked from my hand.
"Do you yield," he asked, with his blade pointed at my neck.
"Never!" I yelled, taking out my dagger and throwing it buying myself time to retreat and equip my bow. Retreating back to where Marth was I noticed there was only him and me left.
"Situation looks pretty dire Mar Mar, doesn't look like we can win, I've only got my bow left and a few measly arrows."
"That's alright Arthur, I didn't come here to win anyway, just to evaluate."
"Well whatever reason it is, I'm going to go out swinging," I declared with some bravado.
Soon they were upon us, the group of four, after dispatching the last fighter on our side. As I took aim with my bow, I watched as Marth engaged two of them on alone. I was left with the two women. Firing an arrow at the healer, she managed to duck out of the way and the robed one sent a fireball my way. Rolling to dodge, I notched another arrow into the bow as I prepared to fire I was met with the blunt end of the wooden stave, and before I blacked out the last thing I thought was "damn that girl can hit."
I regained consciousness sometime after the battle ended, I was propped up next to the wall and a note was stuck to my chest. Taking it off and flipping it around I noticed it was from Marth. Must have been real important for him to send a letter I thought sarcastically. Beginning to read, it slowly dampened my mood.
Dear Arthur
If your reading this then, I'm probably gone now, I did my mission and well probably become merely a spectator now. It was fun traveling with you, but at the same time painful as it reminded me of what is to be. I must fulfill the last part of my mission on my own. Maybe we will see each other again one day, and you can tell about the tales of Arthur the hunter
Yours Marth
With watery eyes I went with the crowd and found Basilio in the middle of a rant about how great a fight that was until his eyes brightened at the sight of his friend, Arthur.
"And this is Arthur, some of you may have heard stories about someone named 'The Hunter' well this is him."
"Hey, not the best way to meet new people, fight first, talk after huh," I said with a laugh and a proffered hand.
"Well met Arthur, My name is Chrom, this is my sister Lissa," as he directed my gaze to the blond haired woman. I bowed as any gentlemen would do.
"This is Robin, my tactician"
"How do you do Arthur, we've heard some of your tales, I must say they made you out to be quite vicious."
"Well, sometimes people like to exaggerate the details to make them more interesting; I can assure you I'm only vicious when I need to be." I said with a grin.
"And finally, this is Fredrick the wary, trusted friend, and capable soldier."
"Well met Fredrick, remind me not to get you angry, watching you mow through our side was quite a sight indeed." With a simple nod, and nothing more, I turned my attention back to Basilio.
"So when were you going to tell me I was going to fight against royalty hmm?"
"Ha-ha, truth be told, I didn't know about who Flavia picked until now."
"Well, it was a good match and I'm glad I got to meet the leader of the respected Shepherds." I offered a handshake between men. With a firm grip, we shook and I was surprised when the bruise that shouldn't have been there didn't ache. The look of bewilderment prompted Lissa to tell me that she healed me after knocking me unconscious, which left me sighing in relief.
Well with introductions out of the way, and a few comments on how true the stories of my title were, Basilio brought in someone I've never seen before, a man named Lon'qu, and with that the little group finished whatever they were done with set off to rest for the night in the town inn. Tired as well from everything that has happened I set off for the same inn.
Arriving just as the sun set, I went to the innkeeper to pay for a room for the night and some dinner. Man they really like stew in these inn's I can't remember the last time I ate anything other than stew for dinner. Surveying the room, I noticed a group of familiar people sitting near me. Deciding to get to know them better, I moved to sit with them.
"Hey there again, hope I'm not being rude sitting here with you guys."
"Good evening Arthur, I hope you aren't feeling too bad losing to me."
"Ha-ha no worries about that Chrom, one duels not going to get me down, besides I'm sure the next time we meet things will be different," I said with a challenge in my tone.
"Good to hear you're doing well Arthur; it was quite a sight, being able to fight with Chrom for as long as you did even with your injuries."
"Thanks, but I'm glad I was able to give your brother a run for his money. So what brought you four to the tournament couldn't have been simply just to fight in the name of Flavia?" Robin was the one to answer that question with a proposal.
"We're here to fight in the name of Flavia all part of deal we made that would ensure she would send troops to aid Ylisse in the coming days ahead. In that regard, Basilio told us of your actions and how you've spent your days traveling the land, helping the common folk, and clearing brigand camps. Seeing as how your actions are none too different from what we the shepherds do, I would like to ask if you'd like to join our group."
"Oh, well why not; I guess I wouldn't mind adding my skills to your party, sign me up captain." With my acceptance, Robin nodded her head as if expecting my answer and we spent the remaining time enjoying our dinner before heading off to bed. The next morning we sent off back to Ylisse, I was put in the back beside Lissa, which fortunately was pretty interesting to say the least.