Chapter 6 is coming down, down, down!

By the way, thank you so much for all of your reviews! Hugs and kisses from me~ for all of you who already very, very, very patient for waiting. Muach, muach, muach~~ :*

I'm will do semester test in my college next Monday, and I'm so nervous! Hopefully I can manage it successfully, amen. Wish me luck! :)

Ghinger: (Literally couldn't write anything or hearing any other character's voice and dialogues because I'm still fainted from Troy's punch. It looks like a combination of getting hit with a brick and get durian downfall. Ouch…)

Anyway, enjoy the story!

.

.

.

Chapter 6

Deal

.

.

.

Troy couldn't believe what he just did a moment ago. Actually, he could say that what he does is quite embarrassing, but truly, he couldn't blame his nature desire to satisfy one's bodily needs. So he tries to stays composed and calm like always. The younger man is also says yes and smiles in glee when he speaks out this weird request. He seems enjoy it too, perhaps. Maybe the bandana user is too happy to see that he is fine right now.

With back leaning to a pillow behind him, he could only accept a pair of many widened eyes on him. All of them stared in disbelief. Some of them also hanging their mouths open.

"Troy…" said Lazlo. He stares at him in awe. "Wow."

"'Wow' what?" he asks while takes a sip of water from glass he is holding.

Lazlo could only laugh heartily. "Um, well…"

Suddenly, Setsu bursts himself to his bed's right side. You could see he is flushing all red in anger. "Are you a monster? You already ate five plates! Five plates of our foods!" he angrily says with finger pointed on him.

Inside infirmary room, well, his father, with his two aides already arrives. Hearing the older man's rant, Desmond hurriedly goes to his side to calming him down.

"Ah, umm…Master Setsu, calm down." he always speaks in stammers, especially when the one Setsu's giving his anger issues is a man with such reputation.

Truth to be told, when they are coming, there are four stack of plates on the table. It seems Troy hasn't touch any foods and beverages since they starts complicated event in Fort El-Eal, until he injures himself and end up in Dauntless. Of course, yes, he already loses his appetite. He is too stressed to consume anything before foods that Dauntless crew provides is the first one landed on his stomach. And Lazlo willingly gives him more. He is truly a kind person.

From the other's point of view, Setsu definitely doesn't like, perhaps hates Troy. But they couldn't blame him, actually. On their time back there, Troy and his Kooluk army manages to invade Obel. And he is the one whom take a good care of their people when they are under Kooluk's regiment. Setsu doesn't say that during his time on Obel is called under tyranny rule, but there is still a reason for him to hate this man.

"Setsu, Troy hasn't eaten for one whole week." Lazlo explains.

"That wasn't a reason for him to eat that many!"

"But, you can't just explode all of your anger toward our guest just because of a reason like that. Please, have patient."

"I don't care, my Prince. I will never accept him in here! Besides, he is one of those Kooluks."

Seeing Lazlo tries to defend him by arguing with the old man, Troy put his face into wry expression. With his attitude in bombarding him like a yelling small child, that is enough to make him want to smack that man's moustache so he could mind his own business. Despite being in anger, he tries to control his emotion and will not let others losing his cool. Alas, too bad, his mood is already ruined enough, and makes him puts back the plate that he was holding this time to the table landed with loud thump. His action is quite scared Desmond enough.

"I'm done." well, at least he tries to say the word calmly.

"Done?" the light brown-haired one put a face full of question. He looks at Troy's plate that still had some leftover breads and eggs on it. "But Troy, you plate is still…"

"Maybe he wants it." Troy spats back with pierce voice. The 'he' that Troy means, of course it was addressed to Setsu.

Right now, you could see Setsu's face is all red. Whether it's because of anger or embarrassment he tries to hold up. Desmond still silent in worried, while Lazlo tries to contain his smile…or laughter, perhaps.

Maybe Setsu is about verbally attacks him again, before his king interrupting.

"Ahahaha!" Lino bursts into loud laughter. "Well done, then. I'm glad you still have some spirits, Sir Troy."

"King of Obel…"

"You may just call me Lino. Besides, I don't much enjoy being called 'king' or whatsoever. It's just too formal." he says with grin.

"Err…yes, King Lino." Troy just nods his head hesitantly. Not because of nervousness, but because he is just confused with the said king's too much easy going attitude toward him.

"That seems fine." he is still giving him bright face that truly comes from heart. In fact, Lino is truly happy that the man is alright and in good shape.

"But, Your Majesty…" Setsu interrupts. He doesn't agree his king treats the Kooluk man with respect.

"Setsu, you may cool of your head now."

Hearing those stern words from his king, his aide just nods his head and goes out of the room in quiet. Then, his other aide just gives Lino uncertain look. He seems thinking of something.

"Umm…Your Majesty, should we tell…you know, that man?"

Lino let out a sigh. "Yes, could you tell Sir Colton to come here?"

"Of course."

Desmond smiles and nods his head. It seems his king knows very well who is the person that he is appoints to.

The moment Desmond lefts the room, Troy widens his eyes slightly. "Colton?"

He couldn't believe his ear. Is he truly says that older man's name? Colton is still alive and inside Dauntless?

The moment Troy thinks about it, many question starts to pop up on his mind. What is Colton doing in here? He couldn't help but slightly feel suspicious right now.

"Is Colton truly in here?" ask Troy to both Lazlo and Lino. He may be feels suspicious, yes, but relief couldn't wash away from his heart hearing that the man is still safe.

At first, Lazlo stares at his father, before giving his head slight nods. Lino just wisely answers, "Well, you can meet him for yourself later. By the way…"

Lino grins at the silent Troy. "You sure you don't want to eat those breads and eggs again? It looks yummy."

Hearing that, Troy just raised his eyebrows before he shook his head.

"If you want, you can have it. I haven't touched it so it's still fresh."

"No, no, thank you." the older man quickly declines. "I'm already full. It's just a pity to throw such edible food."

"Oh..."

The truth is, he is already…not quite full actually, but, he already loses his appetite for the food thanks to the argument that acquires a moment ago. But, inside his head, Troy tries to remember, or at least, tries to remember where and when he meets that Setsu man, and what kind of mistakes he did in the past that angers him. Sure Kooluk claims many on his glory day, and of course, there are possible consequences people of certain group will hate him.

Then, Troy hears Lino speaks again.

"To tell you the truth, the reason behind Setsu's anger is because Kooluk's invasion on Obel. At that time, he volunteers himself to be my people's guardian."

"…" his eyes catch a glimpse toward blanket he is using now. "That's…quite strong reason to hate me."

Troy should have known this time would come, where people in here will shower him with complains and such. That is not surprising. That is a price he had to pay for his action.

But soon, he hears the bearded man's voice back to merrily again. "But that would not be a problem, if you accept our deal."

"What is it?" he asking without hesitation in his voice. Is the 'deal' they offer is what he thinks it is? Whether it is true or not, he must ready to hear it.

The youngest of the three takes a step forward nearing him. He seems in thoughts of something, ready to spill out what is he going to say. Then, he gently smiles to him.

"Look…Just so you know, I don't want any of this war continue to hurt anybody again, and I truly want to end this soon. All of people that join us is also comes from many places. We gives them right to support us from many races. There are some of them, our enemies at first, before they decided to join here. We, in here, accept everyone without looking their backgrounds or anything. For us, that is not important. The most important thing is, we gathered in large unity, let other speak up their minds, spread peace…"

Then, he stops his chattering for catching his breath. Suddenly, he laughs in soft tune. "Sorry, if I sound like a boring lecturer. I just couldn't contain myself so you might want to-"

"No, you are right."

"What?" Lazlo, as well as Lino whom listen to his son's talking session seriously, caught in surprise after hearing Troy's respond in giving agreement.

"Because…" Troy tightens his grip on his blanket. He looks toward Lazlo with certain sign clearly plastered on his handsome face.

"I start to realize that in my place, authoritarian is everything." he stops for a second.

"I feel like I had strayed too much from my own creation path in making peace. You may laugh all you want, but I'm type of person which pretty much prefers peaceful conquest that doesn't killing countless innocent people. Truly, I'm tired being fed with Cray's method. Until right now, whether he is already dead or not, I'm positive that he is the one that predispose Governor. So…"

Troy lets out a sigh. He looks tired with all of this matter. He closed his eyes for a moment before reopens it again. It seems the man already gives a sign of losing interest in continuing his story. So it left the silent Lazlo. Lino couldn't even say anything this time. It's not like they couldn't comment, but, it's just the timing is not right to speak.

'Come on, Lazlo, this is your chance…' he said to himself. Then, he peered at his father, the King of Obel. It seems Lino catch his signal, and nods his head. Now it's the time. They must ready with the answer Troy may give to them about their 'deal' that already they talked about.

"Umm…Troy?"

The man just catches a glimpse at him without saying anything.

"So, about the deal…" he hesitates at first, before he lifts his hand and gives Troy the sweetest, honest smile that makes people feel warm radiate. At least, Troy also feels that way. It seems Lazlo has power to melts away those cold stares of his. No wonder he becomes a great captain for them.

"Will you come with us?"

He finally says it. Lazlo could see he slightly widens his eyes in surprise.

And, just like what Troy predicted, he already knows this time will come. The moment they already saying each other's point of view about what was inside their hearts about this war, the black-haired man could only put his face in cool, but it is not authorizing like he always does. But still, something clouded on his mind. Troy looks unsure.

"Sorry," he says. Suddenly, his vision to the younger bandana user is softener. For this time, Troy doesn't use his 'commander-look' face, and just stares at him without unintimidated. "I just…truly, I don't know. I mean, would that be fine if, a person like me, one of Kooluk man, and one lone person which most of these people will put a blame on, join you? Certainly this will give you a bad reputation…"

"That will be none of you concerns, if you accept our deal. I will be in charge for that matter." Lino finally speaks up his thoughts.

"Me too. I will make sure that you are welcomed here like others." he adds more to strengthen the king's words.

Truly, it would be a waste if Troy turns down their request for him to join them. Troy is a type of talented, dare to say, 'rare species' of a man. He is charismatic, smart, as well as born-leading person. Not to mention his bravery and skills in battle already earns him a 'Child of the Sea God' title in young age. Heck, back there, he could even outnumber several adults Gaien knights by himself!

Then, they could hear that man sighs again. His response gives both Lazlo and Lino an anxious feeling. Both of them couldn't read those cool demeanors that always displayed on Troy's gesture as well as face.

The moment Troy looks at the two figures directly, they are known that he will give them his answer. He seems already makes a certain decision. No more doubts on his heart anymore.

"Very well. If you say so, I suppose it can't be helped. As a token for rescuing me, may my service be any help."

The deal has been settled. Troy chooses to joins them. The Rush officially adds new recruitment.

.

.

.

He could only stared at the younger man in front of him like his eyes is begin to popped out any time soon.

Seeing this, Troy could only stares at him back in silent. It is quite hard reading his expression and guessing what is inside his head right now.

Colton couldn't just believe that this man, he dares to say that he is once, the commander of Kooluk's first fleet, is now to be surrender (yes, that is what his vision tells him now, this time.) to a group of random people that unites their power in order to stop their goals from conquering Island Nations.

"Sir Troy…do you truly sure with what you are saying? Maybe your head is just dizzy from your injuries…"

Troy could only let out sigh of surrender or defeat. Since when he had to exhale deeply so many times like today? But truly, he wouldn't surprise finding Colton doesn't believe with his decision. Yes, it's strange, weird, and so out of his character. What surprising him the most, is that he doesn't mind, nor feel regret with those conclusion he already made.

"Colton, I've already made up my mind." he looks the old man straight into his eyes to strengthen his words. "I'm joining them."

"But, why?! Sir Troy, you must have an explanation for this…this ridiculous joke!"

He could only give the older man those expressions. Stern, cold, yet deep inside he is in thought of something else to create a great sentence called 'explanation' to give Colton some of his senses that he wasn't joking. Well, if that is what Troy caught from seeing Colton's face.

"Sadly, it's not a joke. And, I don't force you either to follow my decision."

Colton still unopened his mouth to comment, meaning that he let the younger ex-commander continue with his explanation, "If you still decide to stay with Kooluk, it is fine by me. But, no matter what will you say or any kind of methods you used to force me back, I will not back. I'll stay here. I'm already holding my own words to them. Because this time, not even you, Colton my most trustable companion, could stop me."

Hearing that, Colton could only shrug his tense shoulder down in defeat. On his thought, first, he remembers his son bowing his head in front of his jail to say that he is joining them. And now, it is the young master's turn to say he is also joining them in his injury condition. Troy is even worse by 'threatening' him that he will not going back no matter what would he does to stop him. He is also more hard-headed (not in negative terms) than Helmut. What in the world will going to happen next?

"Very well. If that is your wish."

He looks at the nearby window. The sea is quite unstable today, hopefully storm doesn't come any sooner. It will be trouble to all of the passengers.

"First, it was my son, and now you…" it was his turn now for letting out a sigh of defeat, before he landed his vision on Troy with wrath that could frightened all of his underlings. Of course, it wasn't effect anything on Troy. He is ready to hear a shower of nags from this man.

"From start, I already decline their offer to joining here, but the two of you young men caused enough trouble by accepting it! I already say no to them! But…"

He turns his figure, with hands on his back, try to stay composed by looking at the scenery of ocean and sky. After a pause, he nods his head like a wise elder he already has.

"You two former Kooluk knights left me no choice but to say yes to your decision." Colton keeps nodding his head like some kind of agreement movement. "At least let me accompany you once again…a brave young man, without hesitate in speaking up what was on his head."

"Thank you, Colton."

Without he realizes it, he manages to put a smile to the elder man.

.

.

.

What do you think? Is it getting better or worse? Oh no, I hope it's better! *clinging into my Teddy Bear doll*

I'm sorry if this chapter is so slow-paced, because I want to strengthen a reason why Troy wants to join them and of course, had an unavoidable argument with Colton so everything is make sense. But anyway, let's cheer up for the two new member groups! If only SIV afford Troy as playable character, I would be more than delighted to give him a seat next to Lazlo in first party member :')

As always, reviews, follows, and favs is my favourite flavour! If you do, I'll let Cedric pay your meals!

Cedric: Haha, that's not gonna happen!

Ghinger: *waving at baby-blue colored wallet in front of him*

Cedric: Wha…hey, that's my wallet! Give me that! *chases in full speed rune power*

Rakgi and Nalleo: *just shook their heads in sympathy*

Da svidaniya, and have a good day! :3