I'm going to try to publish the first five chapters a bit fast (as in, the next day), so people can get a sense of what exactly the story's about, instead of just reading about some thief who fell on his face :)

I don't own Fire Emblem, Intelligent Systems, etc.

Chapter Two: in Which Marth Makes a Slightly Embarrassing Entrance

Kouei couldn't breath. Whoever had fallen on top of him had chosen to do it in the worst possible manner; with whatever heavy body part it was on top of his head, pushing his face into the dirt road. Time seemed to stop for a split second; the only sounds to be heard were the chitterings of insects and birds, and the apparently oblivious little girl still singing (now the song was featuring the ancient heroes Chrom and Robin). The humming and carriage noise had stopped. Then the booted person leapt up and backwards. Kouei felt a thump through the ground as the two pain-causing feet landed behind his.

He rolled over slowly, knowing he would soon see the face of his assailant, accidental or not. Did he know I was going to rob the carriage? he thought to himself as he turned to see their face, which was hidden under an ornate navy blue mask, and encircle by slightly lighter blue locks. The person held down a blue gloved hand, saying, "My apologies." It was deep, but not in the normal way. It sounded fake, like the masked man was speaking in a lower tone than usual on purpose. Not answering, Kouei's black gloved hand met the masked stranger's blue one cautiously, as he got a better look at the man. Or boy, as he appeared to be only a bit older than Kouei, and appeared somewhat feminine. He was dressed in a regal-looking blue tunic, tall boots (also blue), and a short blue cape with red inside. He also had a dangerous looking sword attached to his belt, shimmering gold in the afternoon sun. The stranger stared back, clearly scrutinizing Kouei as much as Kouei was scrutinizing him.

"Excuse me, are you all right?"

The soft, feminine voice jolted them both out of their thoughts, and as one they turned to face the older of the two girls. Her large blue eyes, surrounded by a wreath of long lashes, expressed concern but also vigilance. Never trust someone you meet on the open road, thought Kouei, as he answered, "Somewhat, thank you." The other boy nodded in agreement. The girl inclined her head towards her younger travelling partner (utterly ignorant to the entire situation, still dancing and singing), and called out, "Nia! Come here!"

Nia, breaking out of her melodious reverie, turned to face them, and smiled broadly, revealing sparkling white teeth. "Hey!" she called out cheerfully, directing her announcement at the boy in blue. "You came! I guess that means it's time!" The mysterious boy nodded his head slightly in acknowledgement. Nia's older companion spun around to face her, exclaiming, "Ni! Do you know this guy?"

Nia grinned. "Of course I do!" she said as she walked across the path to them, her long hair bobbing as she moved. "This is Lu-"

"You may call me Marth," interjected 'Marth,' giving the little girl a pointed look. Well, as pointed a look as one can give when a mask is obscuring half their face. Nia's mouth shut with a quick look of understanding towards Marth. Her companion missed it, but Kouei picked up on it. He'd always been told he was very perceptive, and this Marth character was piquing his interest.

Her excessively loud mouth open once again, Nia proclaimed, "OK, Marthy's here! That means its' time." She turned to the blonde girl as she spoke, who looked just as confused as Kouei felt, maybe moreso. Next she spun on her heel, walking back toward the carriage and its horse, who had been waiting patiently the whole time. "Alrightees!" she called back. "Marth, Muleeta, let's get movin'!"

"Priestess, wait, " said Marth in a serious tone, just as Muleeta was saying softly, "Go where…?"

"We still have a small issue to deal with," said Marth. "Him."

Nia looked confused. "Him who?" Sighing, Marth pointed out Kouei, who hadn't moved since standing up except to dust himself off. "Oh, THAT him!" said Nia with a laugh. "You should have said something before, Marthymarth!" Behind her, Marth gave himself a little slap on the forehead and Muleeta just sighed.

Nia strutted over to Kouei. He mentally cursed himself once again, this time for not leaving the entire situation when he'd had the chance, it had just been too fascinating. "Who're you and what are you doing here with these girls?" asked Marth from behind Nia. "Um…" Kouei murmured. He'd always been great at thinking on his feet but his brain usually outthought his mouth. "I was, uh, going to warn them."

"About what?" Nia said, giggling. "There's nothing to be afraid of here! Except maybe Mr. Horseykins over there." She cracked up at her own (incredibly unfunny) joke as she pointed at the little pony who now appeared somewhat grumpy, as Marth repeated her question, "Yes, what did you wish to warn them about?"

"Um, the bandits!" said Kouei, immediately earning himself a mental slap. What bandits!? Cuttingly, Marth countered with the same question Kouei had just thought, but was answered by Muleeta.

"I think he means those ones…" she said quietly, gesturing with a pink clad index finger toward some figures on a nearby hill. Silhouetted against the clear blue sky, their large axes were clearly discernible, and when they began to run towards the little crowd on the road and wave their axes, their intentions also became quite apparent. Damn, what have I gotten myself into?

Chapter 2 done! Yay, this is fun!

Well, they're gonna fight the bandits in the next chapter and I'm going to explain every bit all, including blood splattering and gory stuff… and Kouei just cursed… should I change the rating to M? Or is T OK?