A.N: Yes, I am starting a new story. I have finally finished the first book of Chain Chronicles, and am now commencing a series of fan fictions about it. The characters belong to their respective owners of course. Updates will be sporadic and not in chronological order, but I will reorganize them as time goes on. The character quests will be a series of side stories to my main fanfiction.

"Encounter with Carlo"

Vice Capital Bar

I let out a sigh and took a sip of mead, before slumping deeper into my seat.

"Well, that hit the spot." Pirika said, finally deciding to unglue her face from her plate.

I gave a hum of agreement, before sweeping my gaze about to check up on the others. Kain was nodding off where he sat and Pheona was writing in her journal. I shifted my gaze to the 'table of drunkards' as Pirika liked to call them. Beatrix was passed out on the table, whilst Greg, Dodogher and Roberta discussed quietly among themselves. I smiled a bit and glanced out the window. The sun's setting, I thought. We should head back soon.

"Hey Captain!"

I sat up straight and glanced around, a man was waving at me. I watched warily as he approached. The man had shaggy red hair and was dressed in an array of green cloth and gray metal. His left hand was raised in greeting but his right, rested on his sword hilt. Halting next to our table he smirked down at me. "Hey, Captain! You looking to hire? 'Cause I'm open and ready for business."

His face looks familiar. Where'd I see it before? I wondered as I frowned up at him.

"Hey now, don't look at me like that. I've seen my fair share of death and danger. You can worry about the details later. Come on, just hire me and see how it goes." The stranger rested his hands on his belt and sunk back on his heels.

I arched an skeptical eyebrow at him, trying to appear serious even though Pirika had just hopped onto my head.

"Hold on, at least introduce yourself first! We don't just accept anyone, you know?" The fairy said, and I imagined that she'd crossed her arms and was glaring.

"My bad, my bad... You can call me Carlo." The red head rocked back, holding up his hands in a peacemaking gesture.

I sent a swift glance towards my two friends. Kain was looking more alert but Pheona...Pheona was busy staring at Carlo with a faint blush on her face. I frowned and gave a small cough, the younger girl jumped slightly and her blush deepened.

"Good evening, Carlo. Why don't you sit down?" Pheona said with a gentle smile once the redness had started to fade from her cheeks.

Carlo casually tugged out a chair and plopped down. He leaned the chair back on two legs and crossed his legs.

I know where I've seen him! I realized with a jolt. He was in that fight with the merchant a few days ago. I thought they'd run him off...

"So why do you want to join?" Kain ever cheerful, started us off.

"Hm, tough question. I saw you all on the battlefield earlier and was impressed. Figured you could use an extra hand." Carlo's smirk was still firmly in place.

"Well, that is true... what can you do?" Pirika hopped off of my head and frowned at him.

"He's a mercenary."

"He is? How'd you know?" Pirika looked at me in confusion.

"I've seen your face around town a few times, the Tiger Fangs, right?" I stared evenly at Carlo and ignored Pirika.

"Yeah, I used to. So you interested?" Carlo gave an easy going laugh.

I gave a sharp nod, and felt Pirika's small hands tug on my hair.

"Hey, watch it!"

"Welcome Carlo." Pheona said with another smile.