Chapter 3
"Slow down Lissa! Or at least quit dragging us!"
"We're here!"
Lissa announced as we approached what I could only assume was the Shepherd's barracks. It was a plain building. The only thing that drew any sort of merit was the size of the building.
"Stop gawking Fonzie!"
"Oh right sorry."
I'm kind of excited. Cool it Fonzie, keep your inner fan boy in check. You've done great so far.
Lissa led us into the main area of the barracks. Where Sumia and Vaike were having a conversation.
"Here we are! The Shepherd's garrison. Go on, make yourself at home."
Don't mind if I do.
"Lissa, my treasure! Are you all right? I've been on pins and needles."
Wonder who that is?
Maribelle rushed over and immediately started fussing over Lissa. I continued to stare around the room as they continued their dialogue. It was decorated with sacks, and some chairs but, mostly sacks.
"And you, Pyrrha! Don't encourage him! I'd hoped you were cut from finer cloth. Hmph! And who might you be?"
Oh Maribelle finally noticed little old me. I should feel honored. Play nice Fonzie. She is a healer and the way things have gone for you, your going to need the help later.
"Well I suppose a formal introduction is in order. I am Alfonso Vargas de Castile Villanueva. My friends however, call me Fonzie. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
I don't know how to get more civil than that.
"Oh... Well It seems at least you have some sense of civility." Maribelle said as stormed off.
Well it seems the nice introduction was a waste.
"Don't take it to heart, guys. Maribelle warms to people slowly."
"Ah! Captain! You've returned! I was- I mean, we were so-"
Here it comes...Oh wow she definitely ate it pretty good. She looks okay though. Well except her pride I suppose.
"All right, everyone: in the morning, we'll be marching to Regna Ferox."
I just love the snow. Oh, I just bet I am going to adore how friggin cold it's probably going to be. Hmm... Maybe I should just play sick. That could work,. In the grand scheme of things, I am at best an extra. On the other hand, you just can't beat being in the "chapters."
"Now, this mission is strictly voluntary. So if, for any-"
Now for pretty much everyone to volunteer. Might as well join them.
"Hope you don't plan on leaving me behind."
I noticed something flicker on Chrom's face when I said that.
"That is all. Dismissed."
As everyone started to disperse, I figured I could explore the place and get a feel for things. As I started to leave. Chrom walked up to me.
"Fonzie, about tomorrow, would you be alright with staying behind and watching the barracks?"
"Sure, I guess. Is anyone else staying?"
I figured something was up.
"Maribelle will be staying along with Sully and Ricken. Oh, I suppose you haven't met him yet."
"No I haven't. Is the barracks thing about me and my affinity for injury?"
"Yes. I think you should get some training under your belt. Your pretty capable, but you could use some more training."
Well that might have bruised my ego.
"I can't argue with that. See you around Captain."
I walked out of the main area to be greeted by Lissa.
"Hey Fonzie, let me show you where your room is."
"Alright, lead the way."
As we walked she started to ask me so all sorts of questions.
"I didn't know you had such a fancy name. Are you some kind of noble?"
"Nope, just a bum with manners and a fancy name."
"How come you only greeted Maribelle civilly?"
"If I remember correctly, we met in a burning village in the middle of a bandit raid. Forgive me if I seemed uncivil Milady." I said as I gave her a bow.
She just pouted and continued our walk in silence.
"Here's your room Fonzie."
"Thanks Lissa."
-o-o-
I walked into a small room. It was furnished with a bed with a chest at its foot and a small desk. Above the desk was a small mirror.
It seems I don't have to share. I wonder if I look any different.
I walked up to the mirror and took a long look at myself. A man with mocha skin, black hair and gray eyes stared back at me.
I haven't changed much at all. Except my hair is longer. I'm also in better shape. I guess I don't need glasses anymore either. I might pass off as Feroxi.
For the first time since I had gotten here, I looked at myself. I was dressed in a plain dark red tunic. I wore tan pants and brown boots. My sword's sheath was strapped to my lower back which favored me drawing the blade in an inverted grip.
I look like a mercenary class. Well except for the healing staff and the lack of shield I suppose. I wonder what's in that satchel I have.
I opened my satchel and began to rummage through it. I found a vulnerary and some bandages.
I wish I had known about these last fight. I messed up a perfectly decent shirt.
I continued to look through it. I had about one thousand gold in a small bag, some provisions, my ocarina from back in the world, some sword care stuff, some chamomile for tea, and a small black box.
I wonder what's inside this.
I opened it up and found two gold bands. One was on a silver chain and the other was simply in the box. Without really thinking about it I slipped the loose one on my left hand ring finger.
I guess I might as well wear the chain too.
"Hey Fonzie it's dinner time."
"Oh, hey Lissa."
"Hurry up before it get's co- (gasp) Are you married? Are you getting married?"
"Huh?"
I looked at my hand as I realized what the meaning of the ring was.
"No I'm not Lissa. I just..."
Why do I even have these rings? This one fits but the other one looks like it's meant for someone else's hand. It's too small. Why the hell am I getting a blasted headache now?
"Are you alright?"
"Oh.. Yeah I'm fine."
I took the ring off and put it on the chain with the other one. I put the chain around my neck and tucked it into my shirt.
"Let's go."
She didn't mention the ring as we walked to the dining area. Actually, she didn't say anything at all. She just gave me curious looks every once in a while.
This ring thing isn't over it seems. I wonder who is cooking today?
I was thankful that we finally reached the dining hall. Everyone was already digging in.
I hope they left some for me.
I got my food and walked over to where Vaike, Stahl and Ricken were sitting.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Take a load off Fonzie. Teach needs to meet his new pupil."
I sat down and started to eat my food.
"Stahl you might have some competition. He's got some appetite."
"I don't have an appetite. I just really like food." Stahl protested sheepishly.
"It's the same thing Stahl." Ricken pointed out.
"You must be Ricken."
"Yeah, I am."
"Pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise."
"So when should Teach give you your first lesson?"
He isn't the sharpest tool in the shed but, I might learn something about fighting from him.
"How about after dinner?"
"Teach likes your spirit Fonzie. After dinner the Vaike is going to show you the ropes."
This third person thing of his isn't as weird as I thought.
"Hey Fonzie did you do something to Lissa and Pyrrha?"
"No Ricken, Why?"
"Lissa was saying something to her and, now they are both looking at you."
I hope this isn't about the rings. I don't even know what they are for. Then again, they seem familiar...
I turned around to look at them. They looked down at their food and started eating with some gusto.
It's about the rings. I should have asked her to not talk about it. That would make it more suspicious though. Screw it, I'll deal with it somehow if it comes up.
-o-o-
After dinner, I followed Vaike to the courtyard. I grabbed a practice sword and I decided to use my staff since they don't have practice staffs.
I should see if I can get one made.
We both assumed our positions.
"You ready Fonzie? Class is in session."
"Sure."
Vaike wasted no time and charged at me He started off with a vertical slash, which I barely dodged. He immediately switched into a horizontal that I managed to block.
For a man of questionable intelligence, he's got some skills. He does spar with Chrom rather frequently.
"If you want to beat the Vaike. You're going to have to do better than this."
He continued to swing. All of which I barely dodged or managed to block. He left me with almost no opportunity to counterattack.
Use the staff you idiot. Don't just hold it in your hand.
Right.
I parried his blow with my staff and then began my counterattack. He actually looked like I was giving him some trouble.
That's good. I was worried I wouldn't stack up at all.
My sword met his axe and we locked weapons. I saw him smile and then he relaxed and moved to the side. I had put all my weight into my sword. So, I fell on my face. I felt his axe touch my back.
Another blow to my bruised ego.
"You're pretty good. Teach is impressed. Stick around and you might be able to beat me someday."
"Thanks Vaike. You mind if we go a couple more rounds?"
"Not a problem. The Vaike is always ready."
After a few more hours and a bath, I staggered back into my room.
I'm exhausted. Time for bed. On second thought, I should take a look at my sword. I've put it to some use in the village and against the Risen.
I pulled the sword out of its sheath and took a look at it. I studied the engravings on the blade. The engraving was in Spanish.
Lucky I'm bilingual. I can figure this out. Él odia a sí mismo y la odia tambien, por la ruina que hará el uno al otro. That means "He hates himself and hates her too, for the ruin they will make of each other." Well that's depressing. Oh, there is one more word it's on the cross guard. This one is in Latin. Crap, I should have paid more attention in Catholic school. Poenitentia is the word. Well that's actually an easy one. It means repentance or regret. That is a weird word to have on a sword. I guess that is the name of this sword. I am going to keep it's name to myself. It would probably raise a lot of questions. This is a really depressing sword. Well as long as it works.
I had just finished caring for it and was finally getting to hit the sack, when I heard a knock at my door.
"Who is it?"
"It's Pyrrha."
"Come in I guess."
As she came in she gave me a look of what I interpreted as sympathy.
"Fonzie, Lissa told me about those rings you carry."
"Did she tell anyone else?"
"No she figured you didn't want talk about it. She didn't know what to do, so she asked me see if I could do anything. I am here to let you know if you need someone to talk to Lissa and I are here to listen, or any of the Shepherds for that matter. I haven't known them very long but, they seem like a family. You can trust any of them Fonzie."
"Pyrrha?"
"Yes?"
"In all honesty, I don't know what these rings are for. They seem familiar but, when I try to think about where they are from, I get a headache. I can remember so much but, there seems to be holes in my memory. I don't know what they pertain to. These missing memories are important to me somehow. I just know it."
"Well I can't remember much of anything actually. I can only remember bits and pieces."
"So you have amnesia?"
"Yes that appears to be so."
"So how about you and me try to figure this whole memory thing out. Deal?"
"Deal."
"Alright now that that's over with, it's a late and you just so happen to be in a guy's room. That's how rumors are born. So, if you don't mind, I am going to bed."
"Right. Goodnight Fonzie."
"Goodnight Pyrrha."
That went rather well. I think I am making friends. With people who I know aren't going to die. Actually, she might but, regardless of that, they find her again. So she doesn't count. Hopefully no one saw her come in. I would rather not be the subject of gossip. I think it's time...to...sle...zzzzzz
-o-o-
POV ?
It seems he really doesn't remember. He always was rather hard-headed. It's only a matter of time though. He can't escape that easily. He will remember and, once he does, I will make sure he drowns in his despair, until he's mine...
A/N That's it for this week folks. Sorry if this chapter was a little slow. It is also the longest I have written so far, so please bear with me. The next two or three updates might deviate from my weekly schedule. We are starting to gear up for finals at college. Once again, thanks for reading and I hope you review. Also, that quote on the sword. I feel like I read it somewhere but, I couldn't find it. Just in case, credit to wherever it is from.
