Another day and another chapter. Savannah, Malin, Raven and Shin will finally be introduced here. Here's another chapter now. There is quite a bit of jumping between characters in this chapter. Details may be a little off. If so, I apologize.
This chapter will focus primarily on Savannah, Shin, Malin, Alexander and Chris. Raven makes an appearence as well. Trent, Barry, Aster and Rise won't be around as much, but I will focus on both Trent's and Alexander's groups next chapter.
Savannah: I wonder how this will turn out.
Malin: Maybe with you locked up.
Chris: Let's try to get along, okay?
Savannah: Don't listen to that grouch.
Mike: Let me just get on with the disclaimer, okay?
Trent: You do that.
Malin: These insufferable...!
Shin: Uh, what does insufferable mean?
Alexander: It means cannot be endured or tolerated.
Shin: Oh.
Okay, guess I shouldn't do that anymore. Most of the OCs in this fic aren't mine, I'm borrowing them. Tales of Graces and Tales of Symphonia, along with their respective characters, locations etc. are the work of Namco Bandai.
Chapter III: Sven Kells
The next morning found Barry returning to the castle town on his own, Chris had left camp earlier that morning. It wasn't the first time the brunette warrior had gone to train or something, so the small Ursun wasn't worried. Today seemed to be an off day, but Barry could not place his paw on it. He simply continued to Trent's house and knocked on the door.
Trent opened the door"Morning, Barry."
"Good morning" said the Ursun.
The blond looked around"Where's Chris?"
"He left camp before I woke up, probably training or something" replied the small Ursun. Trent let Barry in and helped his mother prepare some toast and eggs for breakfast.
Rise glanced out the window at the morning sky while Aster addressed the others"What do you guys have in mind?"
Alexander, who had just finished eating an omelette, responded"I have to report to the king, soon. He may have another mission for me to do, I trust you all enjoyed your stay?"
"Yep" grinned Aster.
"Yeah" said Rise.
Trent, who is eating some toast, spoke up"Maybe I'll go for a walk around town. Aster, Rise, want to come?"
"Sure" said Rise, shyly.
"I'd like to come as well" grinned Barry, who was given a plate of eggs and bread by Carolyn.
Trent glanced out the door for a moment before addressing Alexander"Father, I don't mean to speak out of turn, but I'd like to try out for knighthood again sometime soon."
The older man pondered"It is not a decision to take lightly, a knight can only remain in the capital unless there is a war or mission afoot. Furthermore, your swordsmanship still needs improvement, remember this. I'll see you again, Trent, if fate allows it."
"Okay, good-bye father. Mother, sorry I have to leave so soon" said Trent, sheepishly.
Carolyn smiled"It is no trouble. Be careful out there, you two. And good luck to your friends, as well, it was nice to have company."
Trent, Aster, Rise and Barry set out towards the shopping district of Viola's Castle Town. Alexander kissed his wife goodbye and left shortly afterwards, unaware that he would be caught up in a series of surprising events.
Chris Putnam had taken to exploring the castle town as soon as he woke up and ate a small breakfast of fruit he had bought. The brunette warrior wandered through town, breathing in the fresh air.
At a nearby item shop, three bandits were accosting the owner, who was only a frail old woman. The bandit grinned"Ha, ha, this is just too easy."
Chris glanced in the direction of the voices and summoned his portion of the dualblade. Not more then a moment later, the bandits came running his way and were floored by a flurry of slashes and pommel strikes.
As soon as the thieves were knocked out, Chris took the items they stole and headed over to the old woman"You all right? I managed to get these back for you."
The old woman smiled"Thanks you, young man."
Chris smiled back for a moment"It was nothing, those rogues were hardly a challenge though. I like a good challenge, I barely broke a sweat taking down the brigands."
"Why not go to the castle and ask the knights if they'd like to spar with you? I'm sure they'll give you a good challenge" said the woman.
Chris thanked the shop owner again and left, hoping he didn't kill the men who accosted her'I hope the guys I beat up aren't dead, I just wanted to teach them that it's wrong to steal from helpless people.'
In a shadowed corner of the castle town, a woman with dark purple hair which covered the tips of her ears was walking around in thought'It's a marvelous day, so good that I want to get cash for the orphanage and earn myself some quick Gald.'
The woman, who had heard rumors that some adventurers delivered a powerful artifact to the king, pondered what she should do. With her altar-ego Sven Kells, which is the identity the collar on her neck allowed her to assume with some strange mechanism that changed her voice, she hatched a plan. If she could, the pointy-eared woman could steal the artifact and sell it to the black market.
'Hm, tempting ideas to be sure, but it sure wouldn't be worth risking being thrown in prison' thought the Half-Elf. Squaring her shoulders, Sven Kells strode through the town until she came upon three unconscious men. The woman frowned'What the heck? Someone seems to have had the nerve to beat up my friends.'
Glancing down the alleyway, she caught sight of a silhouette and thought'I'll simply track down whoever it is and get him back.' Holding a bow in one hand, Sven set off after the figure, bent on revenge.
Alexander was headed back to the castle when he caught sight of what looked like a thirteen-year old youth with red hair, brown eyes and what looked like a sword strapped to his back sitting on a nearby bench. The teen had a bluish T-shirt and black pants. The knight approached him and said"Hey, are you lost?"
"I guess" said the teen.
"What's your name? If you don't trust me, I am Sir Alexander of the king's royal knights" inquired Alexander.
The mysterious teen stood up and replied, not entirely understanding some of the older man's words"I'm Shin, I am looking for a ring."
Alexander was hardly surprised for some reason"If you're looking to buy one, there is an item shop in the shopping district west of here."
"I cannot buy it, the ring I'm seeking fits like a bracelet" said Shin.
"I see, I have to report to the king. if you'd like to come with me, we can help you" offered Alexander.
Shin beamed"Thank you Alexander of the King's knights."
As the two set off together to the castle, Shin was curious at the sights in Viola's castle town. The youth kept on asking"What is this?" and other such questions, much to Alexander's amusement.
"When we arrive, the king might post a bill at the Adventure Guild for someone to help find the ring you described" explained the knight.
"What's a guild? Is it food?" inquired Shin.
"Put simply, it's a group or organization that works together towards a common goal" replied the older man, patiently.
Shin's curiosity was piqued even more"Common goal? Like food?"
Alexander smiled amusingly"Not neccessarily, but everyone has to work in order to put food on their tables. The Guild hires Adventurers to perform quests posted by the townspeople, Nobles and the Royal Family also post bills there occasionally."
Shin nodded understandingly before reaching into a box labeled fragile"What's fragile? Is it food?"
Alexander quickly grabbed Shin's hand"Stay back, fragile stuff includes flower vases and other things that break easily."
"Aww" said the teen, disappointed.
Chris traveled to the gates of Viola Castle where a knight was standing guard, the brunette addressed him"Hey."
"What's your business?" frowned the knight, there was a bored expression in his eyes.
Chris smiled"Just wondering if you'd care to spar with me. I'm a skilled Adventurer."
"Hm? Oh, of course. I was getting bored just standing guard the whole day" grunted the knight, drawing his blade.
Chris summoned his own blade"At your ready." The two men lunged at each other, blades clashing in a friendly duel.
Inside the castle's Library, another young man was studying at one of the desks. The man had long light blue hair that was almost silver held up in a ponytail, he wore a white dress shirt, black dress pants and black shoes. He wore a white jacket closed over the shirt and wore glasses and a tie.
The youth studied his tome while reading other books before almost falling asleep. Forcing himself to stay focused, he thought'Get ahold of yourself, Malin. You know what Sis and your father would say"You've got a lot to learn if you are to become the prince's advisor when he becomes king."'
After he had finished studying for the day, Malin got up and walked all the way to the castle's kitchen. It was past breakfast and not quite lunch, but he felt a bit hungry and went to steal some food. His trip to the castle kitchen was uneventful and he went over to the fridge when he thought no one was looking.
As Malin almost broke the lock, a hand smacked his away and a voice cried out"What do you think you're doing!?" It was the castle's head chef, a woman who looked no older than thirty.
"..." Malin couldn't think of what to say, he knew what he almost did was inexcusable but hunger tended to drive people to do things they wouldn't normally do.
The chef sighed and said"You can have a muffin, I won't tell."
Malin nodded his thanks, took a muffin from the fridge and left the kitchen.
Sven Kells tracked Chris until she came to the castle gates, a devious thought crossed her mind'Two birds with one stone... I'll just climb up onto the roof, feather that guy and steal the arftifact while I am at it.'
The bandit used a grappling hook to climb up to the castle roof where she had a good view of the courtyard below. She could see the man who floored her companions sparring with a knight'Perfect.'
Brandishing her bow and notching an arrow onto it, she whispered a spell to cover the tip with fire and made ready to shoot. She hadn't counted on someone noticing it, however.
Malin exited the castle to find one of the knights sparring with a young brunette who didn't look much older than him. Deciding to stay and watch the duel, Malin finished his muffin when he caught sight of a strange archer standing on the roof above to the right.
Chris dueled with his sparring partner until he was disarmed"Man, you're good."
"You're not so bad yourself, you'll make a fine knight if you ever decide to join" acknowledged the knight.
A voice shouted at Chris"Watch yourself, you imbecile!"
Chris turned to see an arrow flying towards him and dodged. Malin rushed over to the center of the courtyard, turned to face the roof and uttered a quick spell to forcefully transport the archer from the roof onto the ground. Grunting, Sven Kells had fallen onto her face. Another knight and a red-haired teen came onto the scene, shortly.
"What's going on?" Alexander and Shin had shown up just in time to see the archer being dragged down by Malin's spell.
Sven Kells sighed as she got up"You... Who do you think you are?"
Alex gazed at the scene for a moment before saying"What's going on?"
Malin rushed over to Alexander. He was a noble and didn't know too much about the lower class, but he knew that killing and stealing are wrong. He hadn't known about Alexander, but he heard of the man"This woman almost killed someone. Should be locked up right away."
Alexander stepped forward a little"It wouldn't do to arrest someone without hearing the situation. Who are you and why on earth would you try to kill an innocent man?"
'Great, another "I want to protect everyone" knight' sighed Sven.
Chris smiled"It wasn't that bad, that wasn't the first time someone tried to take my life and won't be the last. It may have been because I did her friends in." Turning to the woman he said"Who might you be?"
Sven looked down after standing up to see that the special collar her father gave her had broken and sighed, it was pointless to give them her alias"It's Savannah."
"Savannah, huh?" Chris mussed. While they were talking, Shin had snuck into the castle.
Alexander glanced at his side and mentally cursed himself'I must be getting old.' He then proceeded to speak"Relinquish your weapon, you are to be taken under my custody and handed to the king. Chris, is it not? I need you to do me a favor and find Shin for me, he's a red haired teen."
Chris nodded"Sure thing" and entered the castle.
Savannah rolled her eyes and threw down her bow and quiver"My bow and grappling hook are on the roof, if you think you can retrieve them."
Alexander nodded curtly and turned to the other knight"Retrieve her bow and grappling hook and put her weapons in the armory."
"Yes, captain" said the younger knight, recognizing the insignia on Alexander's jacket.
Alexander escorted Savannah into the throne room. While Alex was at it, Chris had a hunch as to what to do and headed for the castle's armory. Malin, out of curiosity and wanting to see justice dealt to the archer, followed at a distance.
Shin, who had resumed his quest for the bracelet, walked upstairs through the castle. The guards were too busy patrolling the hallways, so the teen had gone down the second floor corridor and opened a set of double doors.
The throne room was up ahead, though Shin had no idea entirely what he was doing. Instead, the teen walked forward and onto the throne. Standing on his tip toes, he toppled backwards and fell on his back. Shin stood up, drew his blade and yelled angrily"Stupid Chair!"
Malin continued to follow from a distance as Alexander escorted Savannah to the throne room. Alexander spoke to the nearest guard"I have a prisoner, is the king presently in the throne room?"
"No, but his majesty will be back shortly" replied the guard.
Alexander nodded and headed down the north corridor. What he saw was a shock, Shin had his sword drawn and was brandishing his blade at the throne. Savannah took advantage while Alexander and Malin weren't looking and ran for the armory.
"Shin, get ahold of yourself" said Alex, grabbing the teen's arm.
Malin stood in the shadows of the doorway when he arrived, it was fun in his point of view to watch people make fools of themselves. This lasted for a moment before the king arrived at the throne room"What's the meaning of this?"
Alex and Shin stopped to look at the newcomer. Alexander bowed his head"King Irwin."
"My friend, I have had to deal with riots before, but a scuffle in the throne room is unheard of! I will allow an explanation, but first-" The king sat on his throne and addressed Shin"Who are you?"
The teen sheepishly put his blade away, running one foot on the floor as he said"Sorry... I feel off that chair and got mad. My name is Shin, sir."
The king nodded before addressing Alexander"Was there something you need to report to me? I returned from the institute."
"I caught a purple-haired archer on my way here with some help, a man was almost killed" replied the knight.
The king pondered, he'd seen a purple-haired archer on the wanted posters before"You don't say... Is it Sven Kells?"
Alexander shook his head"I'm not so sure, they do look identical though. Coincidence or no, I had to inform you. Shin, the teenage boy here, is looking for a bracelet that fits like a ring."
The king suppressed a chuckle"That's like asking how many stars are in the sky. However, I shall post a bill at the Adventure Guild. I'm certain someone will be up to the task."
Shin curiously addressed the king"How many stars are there?"
"Literally millions, more than one can possibly count" replied the middle-aged man.
Alexander addressed Shin"If you don't mind me asking, where is your family?"
"Family?" Shin looked confused.
The knight relented"You don't know? A family is like a group of people living together, usually they are related by blood. A father and mother care for their children until they're grown up and ready to venture out into the world."
"Nevertheless, we have other matters to attend to. Captain Alexander, I'll need you to find that purple-haired archer and bring whoever it is to me" ordered the king.
Alexander nodded and turned to Shin"Are you coming?"
"Yeah, sure" grinned the teen.
The two left the throne room. As they headed out, a guard hurried over to them"Sir Alex! I spotted two people down in the armory! One of them is a purple-haired woman!"
"Shin, let's go" said Alexander. The two strode down the hallways. Shin looked scared as they passed by a few other knights and held on to Alexander's hand as if the older man were his father.
From his hiding place, Malin rushed into a secret passage that the prince showed him when they were children. If the knights weren't going to capture the archer, he was.
Savannah had rushed into the hallway to find Chris. The brunette man had knocked out two nearby knights and stole into the armory. The purple-haired woman addressed him"What are you doing?"
"Just retrieving your things, it wasn't right that you would be thrown in prison and your possessions confiscated. I knocked out the two knights over there, they wouldn't let me pass" said the brunette.
Savannah sighed and walked over to find him holding the collar she'd broken before it was taken away. Chris said"I thought I'd fix it for you, I'm Christopher James Putnam, by the way. Call me Chris."
The woman sat next to him, grudgingly thankful he was helping. Chris smiled"That collar looked broken by the way, I'll fix it for you. Where are you from?"
"Does it matter? What about you?" said Savannah.
Chris replied after looking down the hallway to see if someone is coming"My hometown is called Will Garnet, it's mostly ruins now."
Savannah was surprised"Never heard of it. Anyway, I'm planning on running out of town until the knights forget about me."
"I can show you my hometown if you'd like. Oh, and you don't mind Ursun, do you?" inquired the brunette.
Savannah stifled a squeal"You mean that race of cute giant teddy bears? I wouldn't mind a bit!"
"Great, I have an Ursun friend called Barry. Now, we should probably hurry before someone finds us" muttered Chris.
Savannah nodded. Chris worked on the collar until he saw someone approaching the hallway"Speak of the devil and he'll appear."
Savannah's eyes widened"We better do something. That collar lets me change my voice, but I can't use it because it's broken. I have a plan, but you have to trust me."
Chris nodded.
Alexander and Shin entered the Armory to find Savannah and Chris. The woman stood behind him and held her dagger to his neck. Chris tried to make the situation believable by acting scared"S-sir Alexander... Sven Kells..."
Shin shook his head, let go of Alexander's hand and went into the armory to dig around for his bracelet. Alexander scoffed"An effective tactic, but your endgame seems a bit weak. That girl is truly Sven Kells?"
Savannah bit down on her lip, her voice would give it away because she presently can't make herself sound like a male.
"I overestimated you, Chris. I'm not so old that I cannot see through that ruse of yours" said Alexander.
Nearby, a black-haired knight with orange eyes was walking down a corridor until he came to the armory. The knight grinned as he saw Chris and Alexander'Oh dear, this looks an amusing sight.'
"No, really... What does it looked like?" said the brunette Adventurer.
Alexander shrugged"It's close to a hostage situation, but isn't. I suggest you give yourselves up, that dagger dosen't look like it's pressed against your neck hard enough for it to be convincing."
'Blast!' cursed Savannah. Chris nearly paled.
'Oh dear, we are in trouble. Sven Kells, you are mine. I always was better then you, Alex' smirked the dark-haired knight from where he stood.
That's the next chapter for you, this cliffhanger wraps it up for now. I will pick up from where I left off next time, but before that I will also explain what Trent's group was doing in the meantime.
Raven sounds quite mysterious, no? He's not my OC, though. At this point, I have no idea what direction the story should take. The two groups should meet up at some point, but I don't know how.
Stay tuned for another chapter. Feel free to review.
Raven: Heh, heh, I know you're looking forward to it.
Shin: Could you not do that laugh, please? It's freaking me out.