Disclaimer: None of the anime used in this story belong to the writer. This is a work of fiction done for fun, not money. Please do not sue. You won't get much anyway.

Chapter Five: The Driven

"So…Artoria-sama…" Kaoru began, "can you tell us…some stories about Kain-sensei's father…?"

Artoria glanced up at her and smiled. Riku perked her own head up, the eagerness for the story evident in her own features.

Artoria obviously had many duties as the Queen of Avalon, but she seemed to go out of her way to spend as much time as possible with the pair. She also had many knights and servants running about that attended to them well, but Artoria had taken it upon herself to be their primary hostess.

She always made sure she had an hour to share tea with them each day, and they often exchanged stories. Artoria had explained to them much about the magical world, about Avalon, about her ancient predecessor Arthur's accomplishments with the kingdom; they, in turn, explained what Kain had done with their class.

And now, Kaoru had finally asked for the greatest stories.

"Well," she said, putting down her tea cup, "stories of Kalan…why not? Yes…let me tell you…about how Kalan and I met…."

8-8-8

Marshal McGovern observed the young man…no, the child over the rim of his glasses. The two men flanking him weren't really much better…youngsters, all of them. Even the oldest was about the same age as his son….

Kalan Lockeheart, despite being a child of little more than ten years of age, seemed to be the undisputed leader of this little band. He was dressed rather simply, in a plain tunic and trousers appropriate to the world; he was not wearing a cloak. He had a sword, a Japanese katana, normally belted at his waist, but lying across his lap as he sat. Allen Black, usually better known as 'Jynx', a little older at thirteen years of age, sat behind him on the right. He was dressed, appropriately enough, in black, and had a black cloak wrapped about his shoulders. He carried a staff and kept a shortsword belted at his waist. The third man, Eishun Higurashi, was much older by comparison, having recently passed his eighteenth year. He was dressed in a kind of sweatshirt and slacks, and like Kalan he wore no cloak. He carried his own Japanese longsword in its sheathe at his side. All-in-all, despite the hardware, they didn't look much like a combat unit…although, as McGovern was well aware, looks could be deceiving.

"Well, you've certainly shown some impressive feats to take your place in the Grandall 'Irregulars'," he mentioned. "Despite your age…I bet you hear that quite often." Kalan didn't reply or smile, although Jynx' lip quirked up. "Well…I do have an assignment that you could greatly assist with. It's not the most glamorous, perhaps, but it could be vitally important to the fate of Grandall…and other nations besides."

"If 'most glamorous' jobs refer to those on the bloody frontline, I won't be sad about missing them," Kalan quipped. "We're ready to work…what's this 'vitally important' assignment?"

The marshal gestured over a small globe and a map of the region came into view…Grandall and its neighbors. "As you're well aware, we're currently at war with Dalkia…the hostilities broke out just a few months ago. The Halteese Republic is staying neutral for now, although they've increased their forces along both borders…'as a precautionary measure'. The other nations around—Avalon, Wind Bloom, Fiore, and Kanev—are all remaining completely out of it. However, Kanev is in a rather difficult situation, caught between the three of our nations, and its illustrious history does not translate to current military power or, for that matter, real respect. Emperor Karl would like to offer them a hand of fellowship…he has extended an offer of sanctuary and protection to the Princess Aeli Kanna, King Harven's youngest daughter. Since this is an unofficial alliance—we do not want to expose Kanev to any dangers over the course of this, naturally—it would be best if outside help carried out our wishes. Your arrival is quite fortuitous…we have also hired another mercenary, whom you will join for this, but your assistance should help ensure that the princess is safe."

"Mercenary?"

As soon as Eishun had murmured the words, the marshal called out. A door opened, and a man stepped in. He was heavily-girded in bronze-sheened armor, and his prominent mustache was pure white, but otherwise he bore little signs of age. He gazed with obvious disdain at the three young men. "…What is this? This is the aid you promised? Children?"

"Ah," Kalan said with a smile before anyone else could answer. "I can already tell that we're going to get along famously."

8-8-8

Goffard Gafgarion was the name of the mercenary, a Fell Knight skilled in Dark Sword arts. He was in his early fifties; about thirty years ago, in the last great war, he had served his nation, Dalkia, against the Halteese (at the time, a kingdom as well), but afterwards had left their service to go freelance. He was rather evidently unimpressed by Kalan's youthful party, and Kalan couldn't totally fault the man—he was older than the three of them combined.

The magical world had generally worked to spread twentieth-century communication devices (or the MagiTech equivalent) throughout the world, but weapons and transportation were not so advanced, or at least as readily available—some mages adapted personal firearms for use in magic combat, but in military circumstances high-level mages and certain MagiTech devices were far more common (and, honestly, effective). Airships were available for swift travel through the air, but they were rare, usually only in the hands of the very wealthy and not common enough to be used as a military weapon…at various times over the centuries, some aggressive nations had sought to build powerful, well-armed aircraft to aid their conquests, but inevitably the enemy would gather the resources to (either through combat, sometimes with magic beasts, or through sabotage) destroy the weapon, and the war efforts just went downhill from there. Most of the lasting nations used their airships for transportation and little else.

Thus, without any readily available transportation, the four were hiking their way between Grand Chokma and Orbonne Monastery, where they were to meet up with the princess. Gafgarion largely kept to himself, and he was not actually an unpleasant companion—he never tried to press too hard (not that he could have pressed the young men too hard) and, after his initial remark of displeasure, he never went out of his way to insult or belittle the young men. He helped set up camp and prepare food and composed himself as a comrade, even if he wasn't the friendliest one.

On the third day of their week-long trip to Orbonne, a flight of birds bursting in panic from the woods to their right caught their eye. As they turned to look, the source of the birds' flight showed itself. A huge eight-legged lizard came bursting out of the trees and came roaring towards them.

Four swords came out simultaneously, and the four warriors scattered before the giant beast's charge. It moved with surprising speed and litheness, and swiveled its head to pursue Jynx. The black-cloaked man gathered fire in his hand and threw a blast of flame at his pursuer. The explosion threw the beast back.

It swiftly recovered and roared in anger, but before it could begin its pursuit Eishun was running by it, his sword flashing. Two of its legs went flying. It roared again and swept its tail towards the man, but he dodged by the attack…and then Kalan appeared before it. It turned and opened its jaws to devour him…but he merely reached out calmly and grabbed the upper lip of the monster and slammed the whole head into the ground. Then he raised his sword and plunged it into the lizard's eye.

It gave one brief convulsion and then fell still. Kalan removed his blade, that katana that was of ordinary size but that in his small child's hands seemed far too large, and made a slashing gesture. The ichor and blood staining the blade vanished, and Kalan sheathed it at his side. "Nasty critter. That's done."

Eishun pushed the bridge of his glasses as he sheathed his own sword and returned to Kalan's side. "I suppose that beast must have been driven from the forest…its territory has likely been overrun by soldiers because of the war."

"I almost feel sorry for it," Jynx said as he rejoined the group.

Kalan shrugged. "War causes tragedy…as sad as it might be, beasts are of secondary importance to humans. If it's them or us, I won't cry over them." He turned to Gafgarion, who was watching the scene with his sword drawn. "Well, old man? It's a little late to help out."

Gafgarion continued staring for a second, then he chuckled and began to laugh. "Sorry…I must say I really was wrong about you—despite being kids, you're pretty good. A donfa lizard like that isn't a dragon, but it's no easy foe, either…you all had it before I could chip in." He sheathed his sword. "Well, if we're done here, we might as well get going." He turned and continued down the road.

Kalan nodded and started after the man, but Eishun hesitated. "Should we…just leave it like this?"

"Nature takes care of herself," Kalan said, continuing on without looking back. "Carrion eaters will deal with the body…I wouldn't want to deprive them."

Jynx and finally Eishun followed after them. The four continued on their way.

8-8-8

Orbonne was located on the banks of the Auran River, which flowed down from the mountains of Avalon to the north. A bell swung in a tower at the top of the three-story building, chiming the hour. Two lady knights clad in green cloaks stood guard by the gate, and they hailed the four as they approached. Both were fairly young, perhaps in their late teens, and looked like they could have been sisters; the leader on the left had long dark blond hair while the one on the right had long light brown hair.

"Kalan Lockeheart and the Red Wings," Kalan said, gesturing to his companions. "Also, Goffard Gafgarion. We've been tasked with guiding the princess Aeli Kanna to sanctuary in the city of St. Binah."

"Sounds like a band," Jynx commented under his breath, eliciting an equally muted but earnest retort from Kalan.

The two hesitated, taking this statement (and the appearance of their visitors) in. The girl on the right frowned and offered tentatively, "We've received word of your coming, but…well…."

"No, they must be who they say," replied her companion. "I've heard about them…about four months ago, just before the outbreak of the war, they participated in the 'true' tournament at Mahora on Earth. The young boy there…Kalan Lockeheart…he won it all…."

"Well, I'm glad some people have heard of me, at least," Kalan quipped politely.

"Really? Another prodigy like Lady Saber…?"

"Alicia? Lavian? What is the commotion?" demanded a new voice, and the two knights turned and bowed respectfully, one arm across their chests, as the figure emerged. Like Kalan and Jynx, she was young, nearer to Jynx' age…considering that girls began their 'maturation' into teenagers earlier than boys did, her slightly older appearance probably meant she was quite near in age to that boy. Her blue eyes were serious, and she wore long golden hair tied up into a lady's bun at the back of her head. She was in a 'battle dress'—a full-length blue dress with a portion of the blouse white of higher-quality material, although that part wasn't very visible because a breastplate and other segments of armor were placed over the top of it, and she also wore gauntlets. In non-magical worlds, such equipment was ridiculous and impractical—however, with the aid of magic certain kinds of style could replace substance to a degree. Her two respectful allies were similarly dressed, in light breastplates with miniskirts but knee-length heavy boots covering their legs. She also had a large sword, a hand-and-a-half or bastard sword, belted at her waist.

The girl's reaction left no doubt that this was 'Lady Saber'. She carried herself with seriousness as she considered the newcomers; then she nodded. "So, you've arrived, quite punctually. Allow me to fetch the princess. You may come inside if you wish." Without waiting for their reply, she turned and headed back inside.

Eishun sighed and scratched his head. "She's…young. And she's the leader of the princess' bodyguards? What is it with this rising generation?"

"Don't worry yourself too much about that, boy," insisted Gafgarion good-naturedly. "You're young enough to be part of that same generation, you know."

"I'm eighteen," Eishun protested. "That's universally considered adult! I'm old enough to drink alcohol in most countries…."

"Come on, children," Kalan chided them as he followed Alicia and Lavian inside. "Let's not stand out here and bicker…it's impolite."

8-8-8

Saber walked into the library and looked around. She had to be in here….

"Our visitors…they're your escort, Lady Saber?"

Saber turned and smiled at the old man as he approached. "Simon…yes, our 'escort' has arrived." She glanced around warily. "Where in here…is Aeli hiding?"

The old man chuckled. Simon was over seventy years old, bald but with a long white beard. He was dressed in the yellow robes appropriate to his position in Kanev's church. He pointed up. The library extended all the way up to the roof, with shelves lining wall from floor to ceiling. There, near the top, Aeli sat nestled in one of the alcoves, reading a book.

With an exasperated sigh, Saber hurried over to the foot of the shelf. "Your Highness! You mustn't stay in places like that! It's dangerous!"

Aeli finally glanced down from her book. "Saber? What's the matter?"

"I just said that you must not climb up into dangerous places…."

"I heard that part." She set her book down on the shelf in front of her. Then there was a gust of wind that wound around the room, and an instant later Aeli was suddenly alighting down just behind Saber, to her right. "Is something happening?"

Saber sighed and turned to Aeli. "Our escorts have arrived. We should be readying ourselves to leave." She gestured towards the door to the library, where the four new guards were entering.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" grumped Gafgarion. He glanced over at Aeli. "This little girl is the princess? Are we ready to go or not?"

Saber turned and retorted sharply, "How dare you! You are speaking to her Royal Highness, Aeli Kanna, Princess of Kanev! Show proper respect!"

Eishun, Jynx and Kalan all began to bow their heads respectfully out of well-bred habit, but Gafgarion simply said, "We're not knights, just mercenaries hired by Grandall. We're not obligated to show respect to you."

"How dare you!"

"Now, now," Kalan said with a sigh, stepping forward. "Let's get along…we'll have to be traveling together for quite a while, and I'd rather put off the arguments and fighting for as long as possible."

Aeli strode forward, giving Gafgarion a sideways glance before focusing her attention on Kalan. The two children were of similar age and very similar heights. Aeli said sweetly, "And you're going to be my protector?"

"Yes. If you're going to say something about my age, I've heard it all before," he quipped.

"No…I was going to say something about your height, actually," she retorted very sweetly. "Aren't you a little short for a mercenary?"

Kalan's lip twitched upward briefly. "Well, I'm not a proper mercenary anyway," he said. "You'll have to make due with me."

Aeli stared at Kalan for a second more, then she laughed and smiled honestly. "Well, let's get going, then. At least this trip to my new prison should be somewhat interesting. Saber, are our things ready?"

"Y-yes, your Highness…."

"Then let's not make our honored escort wait any longer." She turned to Simon. "Simon…thank you for taking care of me while I've been here. I'll miss you…."

"And I you, my dear," the old man replied.

The four mercenaries left, leaving Aeli to say her goodbyes. Kalan turned to Alicia and Lavian, who were still waiting outside. "So…are you two accompanying us as well?"

"No," Alicia replied stoically. "Only Lady Saber and Princess Aeli are taking this journey. No soldiers from Kanev are to accompany you."

"No soldiers from Kanev…so Lady Saber is from Avalon?"

Alicia regarded the boy coolly, then slowly nodded. "Yes…she is."

Kalan nodded to himself, then turned as Aeli and Saber finally emerged. "Well…are we ready to go?"

8-8-8

The group began to grow acquainted with each other. Gafgarion kept his distance, as usual. That left Eishun as the oldest member of the five, and so he haltingly attempted to be the surrogate parent…not that Kalan was any more prone to really listen to him than before.

Eishun was in a much more natural setting cooking dinner for them as they camped. Kalan was laying out their camping gear alongside Saber while Aeli led Jynx about gathering firewood.

"She has some unique talents," Kalan commented. "Spiritual compulsion, right?"

"Yes." Saber smiled. "You really have an eye for magic, Kalan-dono."

"Yes…it's always come easily for me," he admitted. ('Kalan-dono…') he thought. ('She has some interesting tastes, choosing Japanese honorifics for their simple way of showing respect.') "Well…Saber…if you don't mind my saying it…that's a rather…interesting name…."

"I am nothing but the sword of her Highness. I need no other name than that," she said, almost curtly.

"I see. That makes sense, I suppose." He glanced sideways at the older girl. "You know…I've been wondering something else this whole time. About my assignment, or my mission, or whatever." She looked over at him in surprise. "This…small agreement between Grandall and Kanev. It didn't make much sense to me from the beginning. Grandall is involved in the war, but Kanev isn't. Yet the kingdom of Kanev, fearing possible aggressions against them, decided to send their princess away for safekeeping…to a nation embroiled in war? It would have made more sense to send her to, say, Avalon, which, despite being a small nation, has the military power, particularly in their Knights of the Round, to protect the princess from any aggressors. In fact, Aeli's mother is the sister to Avalon's queen, isn't she? It would have made sense."

Kalan watched Saber's tense expression and jerky movements, and Kalan knew that he had struck just the nerves he had expected. He continued, "So, of course, there must be some other reason behind this arrangement. I suppose…political alliances being what they are…the emperor's son Peony is around our age, isn't he?"

"Perhaps," Saber said coldly, cutting him off. "I'm just her Highness' knight. I am not involved in the politics of the situation."

Kalan smiled. "Forgive me," he offered earnestly, and went back to his work.

8-8-8

Saber, Aeli, and Jynx looked on while Kalan, Gafgarion and Eishun inspected the terrain. They were four days out from Orbonne Monastery, and nothing yet had troubled them. Now, however, the three with wood lore had noticed that something was on the move.

"A group of armed men," Eishun said. "Probably bandits—their formation isn't organized enough to be regular military, or even mercenaries."

"They're heading up into the hills there," Kalan agreed. "Passed by this way only yesterday. Probably…returning to camp?"

"Most likely," Gafgarion agreed. "Can't think that there's anything worth seeing up in those hills."

"Actually," Aeli offered, "there are rumors of remote and secret villages in these mountain passes, hiding away magical secrets and such things. They're just rumors, but….."

Gafgarion stood. "Well, regardless, they're no concern of ours right now. Whether they're taking spoil or settling back into camp, we'll likely be long gone by the time they mobilize again. Let's get going."

A sing-song kind of laugh suddenly cut through the air. They glanced around in surprise; the warriors all laid hands on the hilt of their blades. "Of course you don't really have to worry about them," said a voice that came from everywhere and nowhere. "But can you really afford to let them be?"

As they glanced around, a collection of white lights suddenly manifested around them and coalesced around Aeli's head, finally concentrating just above her right shoulder. Then, popping into existence, there was a small white animal resembling an ermine. They stared at it. The creature raised a…paw. "Yo!" it declared.

The four continued staring. "And what," Kalan finally offered, "are you supposed to be?"

The ermine glanced around at them all. "Well, well…what an interesting group of kids you all are. And one old grandpa. I am Kamolai. I'm a mana elemental, a magical spirit of contracts and binding."

"But what are you doing here?" Aeli asked, fascinated. "What does a spirit like you have to do with us?"

"Ah! You see, Ojô-chan," he said, turning to the girl, "I'm the kind of spirit that enjoys mingling with people, and I go around, looking for interesting people and situations. Several genius kids, a princess with a connection to magical spirits, one old dark swordsman…you guys qualify. And this situation isn't something to be ignored. Those rumors you were just talking about? They're true, in this case—there's a hidden village up in these hills that has guarded a magical secret for many generations. They can't hide from spirits like me, you see. And, somehow, this bandit group was lucky enough to find them. Now they're having their way with the village, and it's only a matter of time before they plunder all the artifacts they're protecting."

Gafgarion snorted. "And we're supposed to take the word of some rodent?" He obviously hadn't been put in a good mood from Kamo's frequent 'old man' comments.

"Why shouldn't we?" Jynx asked. "He's come here to explain this situation…why would he lie?"

"Well, his motives are the first real question," Eishun said, gazing hard at the animal. "Why did you feel the need to tell us this? Why do you care about this village, or us, and why do you think we ought to do something about it?"

"I told you, Four-Eyes…I'm attracted to interesting people and situations…."

"Magical spirits of this nature derive…all of their being from fulfilling their purpose," Aeli intoned. "You can call it…nourishment, or fulfillment, or pleasure…he isn't lying. I can sense the truth in him. And I…understand what he wants. He wants to be a familiar for us…."

"Ah, something like that," Kamo chuckled. "I'm way beyond a familiar, but you got the gist of it, Ojô-chan. Now, before we continue, I introduced myself, but none of you have reciprocated…."

Taken aback, the group did so, with Gafgarion reluctantly finishing.

"Well, since Mr. Kamolai has informed of this…" Aeli began.

"Kamo, please, Aeli-chan. No need to treat me with too much respect…I'm not human, after all."

"Right. Since Kamo has told us about the village, perhaps we should go save it…."

"Y-you can't be serious!" Saber said, horrified. "Your Highness, we have to keep you out of danger…."

"It's a ridiculous idea," Gafgarion agreed. "There's no money in it. I was hired to protect the royal brat on her way to her new home, not battle bandits on behalf of some backwater little village…."

"Well," Aeli said brightly, "I think I want to take a detour and see this mysterious village. And since all of you are required to protect me, you'll have to accompany me, right? Let's go, Kamo…lead the way." And she turned and started following the recent trail up into the hills.

Cursing (mildly), Gafgarion started up, but still trailing the protesting Saber. Kalan gazed after them for a few seconds and then startled to chuckle. "Wonderful girl," he said. "Either I'm going to kill her, or I'm starting to like her."

"Nice quote," Jynx murmured.

"She started it. C'mon…let's join the party."

8-8-8

"Well, here we are. And Kamo's report seems to be spot-on…."

Several brigands were lounging around the village. They had already been here nearly a day…who knows what they had done to the place. Kalan let the mere sight of the disheveled village speak for himself, and did not stir his mind to undue speculation.

Nor did he waste any time. Drawing his sword, he rose from the group's place of concealment and began to stride into the clearing.

"Oi! Brat!" Gafgarion cried. "Shouldn't we make up a plan…?"

"Kalan doesn't need plans," Jynx said, rising and starting after him. "Not for enemies like this."

Eishun and Saber hurried after Kalan as well, with Aeli following a reasonable distance behind the warriors. At the sight of the five youths emerging, weapons drawn, the reveling bandits stopped and stared. Naturally, their initial reaction was to laugh. "What's with these kids?" one began

"Where'd you come from?" said another.

"What's with those toys? You kids think…."

The man was cut off as Kalan was suddenly in front of him, cutting him down…or up, perhaps, in this case. There was a shocked look on his face as he said, "Eh?" and fell over.

Kalan rose to full, insignificant height and flicked the blade off of his sword. "It's obvious what's been going on here. You boys have had your fun…now you're all dead."

This display was shocking, leaving the bandits silent for several moments…but soon, with cries of rage, they leapt into action.

So did Kalan and his allies. Kalan raised his hand towards the first bandit to approach him and there was a pulse of power, which had no visible effect aside from throwing the man at high speed into the woods. A few seconds later there was an audible crack that emerged from the trees.

Eishun leapt into a group of them, moving his long-bladed sword with surprising speed and grace as he easily matched all three of them. Moments later, he finished cutting them down.

Saber engaged an opponent of her own, and, much to his surprise, the tiny girl matched his blows and began to overpower him. He didn't last long, either.

Bandits came charging in the right flank, but Jynx moved to intercept them, a light glowing between his palms. "Fireball!" He tossed the spell at the group, incinerating them all.

One coming around behind stumbled upon Aeli. "Well, little girl…maybe you can be a hostage…."

As he reached for her, a light suddenly rose in front of his eyes, and he fell over, unconscious.

"Handy," Kamo commented from her shoulder.

"Only the weak in will and spirit are susceptible," she replied easily. "My spirits are fairly minor…and focused…."

Gafgarion, grumbling, came strolling in behind. Glancing around, he spotted one bandit on a rooftop nearby, sighting the swordsmen below with a rifle. He drew his own sword. "Master of all swords, cut energy…Night Sword!" His sword flashed red and he made a slashing motion.

A red world-like image appeared in the air above the rifleman. It dripped a stream of translucent energy of the same color on the man, and as it covered him a spike of that same energy shot from the ground through his body. He gasped and toppled over as a wisp of red energy traveled a path back to Gafgarion.

In less than half a minute the survivors were backing, stumbling, crawling away. "Th-these aren't…kids…they're demons…."

Then a man came emerging from the largest building, flanked by three warriors. "What's this mess about?" he demanded. "And…who are these…?"

"T-they're demons, boss! They're not human…."

The man gazed around at the destruction. He was large and well-aged, grey-haired and heavy-set. His once-handsome face was marked by scars telling of a violent past combined with poor healing. Despite his advanced age, his hair was the only sign of it he bore and he seemed to be in peak physical condition. "Some fine mages here, huh? How'd you kids even find this place…?" He drew his sword, a massive weapon nearly four feet long and over four inches wide. "Murly, Loe, Carry…let's deal with them."

"Deal with us?" Kalan said, striding lightly forward. "Took the words right out of my mouth."

"Is that so?" The man smiled and saluted with his sword. "I won't underestimate a mage who can do all this, even if he's a kid. You face Krovak, the Black Tiger."

"Kalan Lockeheart. My friends here are the Red Wings. Let's go."

The three behind him moved out to engage the other targets as Kalan and Krovak locked blades.

"Krovak, the Black Tiger…so this is what happened to him," Gafgarion muttered. "He seems as short-fused as ever…well, let's see how good this boy really is, facing one of the three great swordsmen of the Mantis War…."

Murly came at Saber, wielding two slim, short swords. As she raised her blade to meet him, he suddenly crossed his swords and fire raged at her. She stopped her charge and jumped back just as the explosion erupted, barely escaping the flames. As she retreated, he swept one sword down and another burst of flame raced towards her.

Loe, wielding a double-bladed sword, targeted Jynx. The younger man parried the blows with his staff, then attempted to cast a spell. Loe's whirling blade, however, cut through the mana, dispersing the spell before it could finish. As Jynx looked up in surprise, Loe moved to cut him down again, and Jynx just managed to leap away.

Eishun moved to meet the final swordsman, Carry, and they matched long katana. They traded blows repeatedly, feeling each other out.

Saber leapt back again from the blast of flame, bits of her face and clothing and even her armor slightly blackened from the flames. "What's the matter, little girl?" called Murly, leaping high above her. "Too hot for you? Don't worry…I'll quit before you're well-done!"

He brought both his swords down in a huge overhead swing again, and a huge flame appeared above him and began to fall on her. She steadied herself and faced the fire. "Equip Change!" she declared. Her sword and armor vanished. The flame engulfed her.

The flame was still raging over her, obscuring her completely, as Murly lit finally upon the ground. As he stared, waiting, the flame suddenly broke around her. She swept her new sword around. She was now in a red dress, with white flame-emblazoned armor plates and a flaming crown. In her hands was a sword of a blue-white blade that left streaks of frost and frozen air in its path. The fire around her made a few last futile gasps and vanished. Murly stared in shock. She raised the new sword above her head. "Ice Fang!" she cried, and plunged the blade into the ground. A stream of icicles erupted from the ground in a stream that finally lanced the man. He flew backwards and collapsed on the ground, defeated.

Jynx danced backwards, firing more spells at Loe. The man twisted his sword, dispersing the magic every time…spinning it counter-clockwise, every time. Jynx narrowed his eyes.

He stopped and raised his hand above his head, gathering a large orb of fire. He leveled his hand and released the flame. Again Loe spun his double-blade around, canceling the spell…but then Jynx was in front of him, and he moved his staff to intercept the spinning blade. At the same moment he reached out again with his left hand and released another spell, a spell that took Loe in the chest and hurled him away and into the trunk of a stout, solid tree about fifty feet away, cracking it. He slumped down, fell on his face, and did not move again.

Eishun and Carry exchanged sword blows. Eishun was repulsed by a vicious series of blows, and blood flew from a wound on his arm. Seemingly ignorant of the pain—or at least ignoring it—Eishun steadied himself, set his feet, and raised his sword in preparation as Carry began to charge in again. "Shinmeiryû Ôgi—Raimeiken!" A bolt of lightning accompanied his mighty slash, and when the dust cleared, Carry was on the ground, still.

Kalan and Krovak exchanged their attacks. "You're pretty good, kid," Krovak commented. "How'd you and your little 'Lost Boys' find this place to begin with?"

"We got a hint to your trail," Kalan replied evenly. "What about you? Why are you here? Why is this village so interesting to you?"

"I was hired…by a kid like you, really. Some brat told us about this place, about how these people guard these artifacts—hired us to come in here and find some artifacts for them. What a cheeky kid…."

"Really? …Who was this kid?"

"Heh. No idea!"

The fierceness of his strokes redoubled. Kalan leapt backwards from the force of a mighty swing, and then stepped behind Krovak. He swung his sword around as the man instantly began to turn and make his own strike….

They slid away from each other. Blood ran from the cut above Krovak's eye. A comparable amount of the liquid ran from Kalan's shoulder. "So closely matched," Krovak chuckled. "Damn, kid…I haven't had a fight like this in years…it must be time for me to retire." He laughed again. "If I get the chance."

Cuts began to mount on both of them as their blades danced. "What the hell," Krovak muttered again. "I've seen so many warriors that can take hits like this, but a brat like you…." His eyes shimmered with a light that walked the edge of rage and ecstasy. "What kinds of hell have you seen? I'd almost believe you weren't human…."

"Who knows?" Kalan retorted. "You're chatty. I'm tired of this. Shall we finish it?"

"Heh." Krovak raised his sword. "Fine then. Tiger's Claws, Ultimate Technique: Black Blade of Disaster." Black energy began to engulf Krovak.

Kalan swung his own blade behind him and began to pull in energy of his own. Then, as the black comet that was Krovak came charging in, Kalan raised his sword above his head…and then brought his sword down in a mighty slash. The energy arcing between the duelists exploded, causing the onlookers to blanch as they tried to see through the blast.

The dust cleared and two figures stood there, still as statues, as if they were a battle scene permanently presented in stone. Krovak's blade rested on Kalan's shoulder, while Kalan's blade was bent down, touching the earth. Then, breaking the stillness, Krovak's blade suddenly broke and shattered, falling off of Kalan and revealing a nasty wound there. Then Krovak's torso from left shoulder to right hip lit up and fountained blood. Kalan stepped backward, somehow avoiding most of the spray (all save a few drops that fell across his cheek) and letting the other man collapse to his knees and then fall flat on his face, his arms dropping the sword and falling uselessly to his side in the process.

"Damn," the man gasped. "I always knew…as a warrior, you live day to day, just waiting for the man to come along who's your better. After all this time…it's a brat young enough to be my grandson." He glanced up at Kalan. "As a reward…this other brat…was a boy with silver-blue hair and pink eyes. Despite his looks…he wasn't human…not anything close.

"Best of luck, kid. I can tell…you'll need it…making your life adventurous like this…."

And then Krovak, the Black Tiger, closed his eyes and died.

Kalan stared down at the man for several moments, then he snapped his blade out, causing it to magically clean itself, and then he slipped it into his scabbard. "Well…that's done." He looked back behind him. "You guys took care of the rest already?"

"They're all down or fled," Jynx began. "But, you know, Kalan…."

"You're hurt, so badly!" Aeli cried, rushing forward. "We have to tend to your wounds."

"Later," Kalan said crisply, starting forward again. "First, we have to see what condition the rest of the village is in…if there are any survivors…."

There were. Most of the men had been killed, and the surviving villagers had been locked inside the town hall (the village leader's house) by the bandits. The village leader turned out to be a woman, a priestess, named Dylana. They had obviously been through a great deal, never mind the deaths of their young men…at first they huddled and withdrew from these new invaders, but when the newcomers made plaintive assurances and their priestess did not appear frightened of them, they quickly recovered and began to enthusiastically praise and celebrate their saviors.

Aeli took Kalan aside and tended to his wounds while the rest of their party began to assist the villagers in giving their hamlet some quick repairs and restoration. She bound up his worst wounds and healed the rest, using the same kind of spirit magic she had before, using her mana to call upon, not the standard energies of magic, but its primal source, the spirits that dwelt betwixt the mortal world and the realm of pure magic.

"You're so terribly hurt," she murmured as she worked on him. "How could you keep fighting through all this?"

He shrugged with his still-good shoulder. "Because I had to. If I hadn't, more people would have been hurt…would have been killed."

She stared at him, then shook her head. "So you simply acted on cold logic in that condition? People don't do that…."

"Normal people don't," Kalan replied. "Then again, being normal is never a problem I've suffered from…."

8-8-8

The group stayed the rest of the day, and that evening the village threw a celebration for their saviors. There was music, song, and dance, good food, and, of course, drink, that the hosts kept out of the hands of the youths.

Eishun was in a perilous position (for him), with three young women hanging on him and catering to his (supposed) needs. Kalan smiled to himself. The fairer sex was one mystery that the young boy had not really had an opportunity to unravel as of yet, but even he could see that Eishun suffered from a very unique condition regarding them. He had a virtual phobia of aggressive women, turning into a useless, stuttering, red-faced pool of embarrassment if a pretty girl so much as flashed her eyes at him. Even Alyssa, knowledgeable as she was in such arts despite the age of her human guise, could bedazzle him with her wiles….

Gafgarion was resisting the festive mood, drinking slowly by himself in one corner. That left the children…surrounded by the village children. Youths always have a fascination with heroes, or perceived heroes, and if the targets of their fancy happen to have saved them personally, that fascination only deepens. And, of course, the fact that four of these saviors happened to be children themselves was simply the icing on the cake.

Aeli, the most outgoing and friendly of the four, kept them entertained for most of the party; somewhat surprisingly, Kamo helped out. Eventually they were sent to bed, although more leniency was given to their guests.

Saber sat next to Kalan. "I must admit…that was an impressive performance today. Most of them probably haven't heard of him, but Krovak was a legendary swordsmen…considered one of the best in the world in his prime, and his skills have likely not diminished that much." She narrowed her eyes slightly. "You're from Earth, aren't you? I'd heard that the civilized nations of Earth were peaceful places…."

"They are. What about it?"

She sighed. "Genius and talent are one thing…but the instincts of a warrior are an entirely different matter." She glanced up again, her gaze searching and serious. "Just what have you experienced in your life that has given you such a detachment from…your own feelings?"

"Who knows?" Kalan said negligently. "It's not something…I can really talk about. It's just something that is. You don't ask about why the sun shines or why the river flows…and that's what it's like for me." He sighed. "I'm well aware that this kind of feeling…isn't human. Maybe I'm just a monster…that's certainly how others would see me. But I can't help but see things this way."

"A monster? It may be unusual, or even frightening to those who don't understand…but if you are a 'monster', our world could use a few more of you around."

Saber and Kalan looked up in surprise as the new speaker, Aeli, approached. She sat down next to Kalan and smiled at him. "The bandits who were here…having their way with this village…would you really consider yourself a monster compared to them? Even if you're different…when people are telling the stories of the hero Kalan Lockeheart, all they'll talk about is how he brings justice to the wicked and saves the weak…."

"The 'hero Kalan Lockeheart'?" Kalan chuckled. "That sounds pretty far-fetched…."

"Not at all. Right, Saber?"

Saber looked at Aeli in surprise, then smiled. "Yes, Aeli. Even this small village will serve as the first chapter of the grand tale of Kalan Lockeheart."

Kalan laughed again. "All right, all right," he said soothingly. "Well…we'll see, I guess. It's not like I set out to be a famous hero any more than I'm trying to be a monster. I guess we'll see which way history writes this story…."

8-8-8

Two shadows watched the village as the party dwindled down. One of them was a tall man; hidden as he was in the darkness, no observer—had there been any—could have discerned his features clearly, but the small light that there was glinted off his glasses. He stood watching, his hands in his pockets. Then he reached up, took out his cigarette, dropped it to the ground, and ground it out under his foot. Finally he turned and walked out into the night.

Gafgarion walked out into the darkness on his own, finally passing next to a shadow that was nearly invisible. He looked up at the starry sky, he said quietly, "So, you've tracked us all the way to this middle-of-nowhere village? Are you here to take her now?"

"Of course not," the shadow said in a low, almost threatening voice. "That little princess isn't important enough just to kidnap. She has to be strategically placed…otherwise, she's useless. What about the other brat?"

"He certainly…may have his uses. For a brat, he's skilled…and merciless. He scares the hell out of me, I'll tell you that. Krovak, the Black Tiger…to see him taken down like that…we've both gotten old, but my skills haven't diminished yet, and I don't think his had dropped all that much either. I doubt he's a kid who'll go along with us, but no matter how sharp he is, if he's manipulated right…."

"I see. Keep an eye on him for now. Just continue 'protecting her' until you receive the proper orders." The shadow turned and disappeared into the darkness.

Gafgarion watched after him, then turned and headed back into the village.

8-8-8

The village's priestess stepped forward, a package of some sort in her hands. The saviors of the village stood to attention while she went about this ceremony.

"Our village was founded ages ago, to protect relics of the ancient wars…so that they could not be used for evil, and so that they would be on hand if ever the forces of good needed them again. After all this time, our sanctuary has been invaded…but our treasures have been protected from despoliation by our brave saviors. Now we present to our savior, Kalan Lockeheart, one of our treasures…not as a reward, but because we see that he will have need of it, and will make use of it. It will protect him as he continues down his chosen path." She opened the box, and withdrew from it a beautiful white cloak. It seemed to be of fur, but the creature of its origin could not be determined…it was hard to believe that any earthly creature had a coat so beautiful

"This is the Cloak of Rashira, an artifact that rules space and time," she explained as she threw it over the young boy's shoulders. "In time, you will learn all of its secrets and powers…and you will find many uses for it. Take it and go, knowing that you walk the path of your destiny, and know that it will aid you."

The cloak was almost comically large on the young boy, but he wore it easily and adjusted its set so it did not drag quite so much. He bowed to the priestess. "Thank you."

8-8-8

"Contracts? Actually, that sounds pretty cool."

The group had finally parted ways with the grateful villagers, and had returned on their way to Orbonne Monastery. Kamo was still with them, and during a stop for a meal on their first day out, he had explained what his true 'purpose', or at least 'use' was: to make contracts between a mage and his disciples.

"Cool? Really?" Eishun asked Jynx, who had been the one who had been the one to comment.

"Of course. Don't you know, Eishun? The Archmages of the past all had magical contracts with disciples. The Archmage would share his power with his disciples…making the disciples of the Archmages the greatest warriors in the magical world."

"That's right!" Kamo agreed. "And I'm here to make it even better. I connect the master and disciple through the magical plane, allowing you to draw energy from there through the contract. It grants all kinds of benefits…in my case, my power will also grant the disciple a powerful artifact to help him protect his master. If you wanna be an Archmage, Kiddo, you've gotta get yourself a few disciples…."

Kalan smiled to himself. Monster. Hero. Archmage. All names…. "I really don't care what anyone calls me. Still…teleportation, communication, power, and an artifact…it isn't a bad deal…what's the catch?"

"Catch? Well, that's hard to explain," Kamo laughed. "On the surface, at least, there are no real drawbacks. As you're well aware, the fact that it's a contract means that the disciple is sworn into the service of the master. It…rarely is necessary, and if it is it presents its own sort of problems, but it is possible for the master to enforce the contract in certain situations. Otherwise, the only problem is that the strength of the contract is emotionally-based."

"Emotionally-based?" Kalan raised an eyebrow.

"In other words, the stronger the emotional bond between the master and the disciple, the stronger the power of the contract?" Aeli asked.

"That's right. For that reason…while men can make perfectly serviceable contracts with each other, those between men and women…are much more powerful at their base…."

"You are suggesting that one of us should make a contract as well?" Saber demanded.

"I'm trying to break it in gently," Kamo said. "Of course, you have no reason right now, so I guess I can't blame you for not wanting to think about it…."

"The way the rodent speaks is fascinating," Gafgarion finally offered. "He says 'right now'. Of course neither of these girls want to bind themselves to someone who is just their hired protector…but you seem to be suggesting that they might have a reason later. Do you know something, little furball…?"

Kamo laughed. "Not really. No, forget I mentioned it. Now, you're enthusiastic, Jynx. Are you willing to make a contract with Kalan then?"

Jynx shrugged and stood. "Sure. I know things are only going to get worse as long as we're going into this war. I'd love to have a little extra insurance." He glanced aside at Kalan and smiled. "And I'd love to have an artifact that's at least comparable to that cloak. What do you think about it, Kalan?"

Kalan laughed. "I don't need or want disciples…but if you want a cool toy, I'm not going to refuse you. Can we do this right here, Kamo?"

"Sure." A magic circle exploded out, covering the ground around them. "Okay, do as I instruct…."

8-8-8

"This is certainly interesting," Jynx remarked, examining the card as they walked. "I just wish it was something I could try out a little…."

Kamo laughed. "You're right, the Scroll of Legends isn't something that you can…practice with. Still, you should be able to find ways to play around with it later."

"Well, that's enough." Kalan pointed. "Here…we're scheduled to stop at this place for tonight. A couple more days and we'll be at St. Binah."

It was a monastery, similar to Orbonne. Several old nuns were inside, and they emerged to welcome the group inside. A meal had been prepared for them all. They sat down to eat and then entertained themselves in various ways as the evening began to wear down, until a sound outside caught there attention.

"In the name of the Halteese Republic! We have come for the Princess Aeli Kanna! Release her to us at once, or face the consequences!"

The group exchanged looks. "What's this about?" Eishun demanded. "The Halteese Republic? Here? And what do they want with us?"

"We're between nations right now," Kalan pointed out. "We're not far from Halteese. And, as they just said, they're here for the Princess…."

"Those idiots!" Saber jumped to her feet and started towards the door. "What is this!? Are they trying to start yet another war!?"

Saber opened the monastery's doors and stepped outside. A group of two knights, two archers, and two mages stood confronting her. They returned her intense glare levelly. "What is the meaning of this!?" Saber demanded. "The Halteese Republic has no business here! Be gone with you!"

"Silence, girl," the lead knight replied. "We've come for the Princess Aeli Kanna. We are to take her back to the Halteese Republic for safe keeping…those are our orders, and we are to let nothing stand in our way! You, girl…you should just go back home. You're far too young to get your pretty face scarred…."

In response, light flashed around Saber. Her blue dress that she had reverted to for meals and the like was covered with her armor, and her sword appeared in her hand. She took up her stance. "I am her Royal Highness' knight and sword, and if you do not immediately leave, you will be the one who ends up scarred…."

Gafgarion and emerged and took a place next to her. "Well, well, this is amusing! I've been bored, recently, so if this is a fight, then this one's on me! No charge!"

"Condescending…" Saber began venomously.

Kalan, Jynx, and Eishun all emerged and took their places in a resisting wedge as Gafgarion drew his sword. As the attackers began to fan out, Gafgarion cried, "Kill them all! Let God sort them out!"

"Are you crazy!?" Saber retorted. "This situation is tenuous enough without intentionally creating bodies. Just drive them off and let them run!"

"That's impossible! Enemies are a threat as long as they're alive! The kid knows that well…right, kid?"

Kalan stared hard at the approaching group. "I'll kill villains without question," he said. "But…Saber's right…something about this is fishy…."

The battle began, and it did not last long. This unit of Halteese was completely unprepared for warriors of such caliber, and they were soon lying on the ground, unmoving. Despite Gafgarion's injunction, for the most part they were not in critical condition.

Kalan grabbed the collar of the lead knight and hoisted him up, staring into his eyes. "Now that that's over with, why don't you tell us why you're here, and what you intend to do with the young lady?"

The man stared blearily up at the boy, and then slowly smiled. He rolled his tongue around briefly and there was a soft crunch in the back of his mouth. "Ah, blast it!" Kalan swore as the man's mouth filled with foamy green. "What kind of soldiers have cyanide pills!? This is…."

Suddenly there was a chorus of concerned cries from the monastery. They whirled around and saw…a man, dressed in white, middle-aged, with white-blond hair, scruffy facial hair and glasses. He held a limp Aeli under one arm. He stared down at the group. "Sorry, boys," he said. "I think I should take care of the princess for a while…see you around." A magic circle encompassed him, and he disappeared.

"No!" Saber screamed, rushing at the building and falling to her knees. "Aeli!"

F I N

Author's Note: Character Introduction: Artoria Pendragon (Saber)

This chapter ended up being an unintended story of Kalan and his crew. Like with the Festival, I was unsure at first about how to divide up the pieces of the Arcanus Myrror arc. Now I have settled upon a (tentative) way to divide it up, and I have intended to end Act 8 with Kain starting training with Aiden and leaving him in limbo for a bit while I use the next few segments to highlight the scattered girls in their adventures.

However, even drawing out this section and including pretty much all the little mini scenarios, the story so far is way too short. I've never been that concerned with the actual size of my writings, but still, I don't like making this too short. Act 4 is the smallest so far, at 56,169 words (including these author's notes), and I would like to make this not too much shorter than that. Right now Act 8 is only around 41,000 words…far too short, in my opinion. I'd like to shoot for at least 50,000. And in any case, I would feel real bad making it shorter than the 45,626 words of the Short Stories segment.

So, I decided I'd burn up some time by telling some Kalan stories, stories that I've wanted to tell for a while. Riku and Kaoru, being in Avalon with 'Saber', give a good excuse for it.

This story is based on some of the early portions of Final Fantasy Tactics, although only loosely. As I mentioned earlier, the political/war plots of FFT and SCIII's Chronicles story are in some ways similar, and good for fashioning into this tale of subterfuge and plots.

As is usual, my unique story borrows from other portions. Although I used the name Grandall from SCIII, the actual Grandall Empire is being based on Tales of the Abyss' Malkuth Empire. The emperor during the actual portion of that game, Emperor Peony, is right now a young child, about Aeli's age. As is often the case, unions between various royal families are done for political reasons, and reasons of 'purity' (usually the thought is: 'Heaven forbid we water down our royal blood with the blood of commoners'). This is the reason for her travel….

In Final Fantasy Tactics, the hero Ramza (with the evil mercenary Gafgarion) opens the game arriving as a recently-hired mercenary bodyguard to escort the Princess Ovelia from Orbonne Monastery to be the ward of one of the 'princes' vying for Ivalice's throne, Goltana. However, the rival lord, Larg, and his closest aides (Ramza's older brothers) are plotting to assassinate the princess and send troops to take her, troops dressed in Goltana's colors. It's all very complicated—Larg's sister married the old king, who was weak and sickly but nevertheless fathered two sons…who died mysteriously, rumored to be poisoned by Goltana's faction. The king was considered too sickly to have an heir, so Ovelia was adopted into the royal family to be the heir, although she was raised in Orbonne, in seclusion. Then, shortly before the king finally died, the queen suddenly had another child, a boy to be the new heir…and rumors said that Larg had somehow 'arranged' for his sister to conceive a new heir that was not the king's. The rumors do not make it clear if Larg was supposed to be the father or not. In any case, this ends up causing a new war when all is said and done, as Larg is trying to eliminate Ovelia so his sister's son can be the only true heir (and, since the king recently died, so that he and his sister can rule as his guardians). Goltana, meanwhile, tries to protect Ovelia so he can be the effective regent. While Ramza is protecting her (along with her guardian, Agrias), his former best friend Delita appears out of nowhere and kidnaps her….

And that's sort of the situation here, although as I mentioned Aeli's movement is merely a political matchmaking attempt, at least on the surface. I took her away from Orbonne before staging a similar incident, mostly so I could have a little mini-adventure show Saber's power, introduce Kamo to the party, and introduce Kalan's famous cloak, and how he obtained it. In some ways, I kind of…just threw it together, but I think it's not a bad little story.

And so on a stop on the road I had the abduction scenario take place…an important event leading to Kalan's official adoption of Aeli (and Saber) into his party, Saber's artifact, and the start of the investigation of the various governments, as Kalan strives to find out who is involved in fomenting all this war.

A nd so, here is 'Saber', Artoria Pendragon. In Fate/Stay Night, she is the actual 'incarnation' of the legendary King Arthur. The mages of the Fate universe battle for the 'Holy Grail', using the heroic spirits of legendary figures. The weird thing that they decided to do with it was make 'King Arthur' a woman—she 'hid her gender' and all that. Mostly, I believe it was an excuse to show ecchi scenes and have romantic and/or hentai moments in the ecchi hentai game. Regardless, in the anime 'Saber' was an interesting and rather charismatic character, and she is useable…provided I don't think of her as the actual King Arthur. However, this take on the story is interesting…say Merlin is a mage from Arcanus Myrror who had ties to England, tried to raise up a Britannian King, and then, after his fall, he was taken to Merlin's home in Arcanus Myrror…the legend of which has been maintained through the myth of Avalon (located in the magic world, rather than an island off the coast of England). Artoria is Arthur's descendant, and next in line for the throne (of course, in the 'present', she is the current queen). Her mother and Aeli Kanna's mother were sisters, originally part of the extended royal family of Kanev. As such, in pursuit of her honor as a knight, she assumed a pseudonym and went to be Aeli's personal knight and champion. In this manner, she takes the place of Agrias to Ovelia in FFT. In the anime, Saber wore various sets of clothing but could transform into her armor and manifest her sword at a moment's notice. This is very similar to the 'X-Quip' or 'Requip' magic used by Erza Scarlet in Fairy Tail. Therefore, in this universe, it is the same—for reasons that will become apparent as that character is introduced and her story unfolds. She has several different weapons and armors of different elements, which allow her to adjust her fighting equipment (and sometimes style) to better match up with different opponents, such as dealing with fire enemies by using fire armor to protect against fire and an ice sword to cut down flames. Using the ice sword gave an excuse to use Siegfried's ice/crystal geyser-like ultimate attack that he uses in SC5, and which my Saber custom character therefore uses.

Well, we're going to continue the story of Kalan into the next chapter, and finish this introduction to the first six members of Kalan's party (including himself). So, let's go….