The streets of the western capital were bustling with life, even throughout the night there always was some form of 'activity' taking place. From the simplest of late night purchases, to the not so cleanliness ones of the brothels, with the 'special' entertainment. Either way the entire western capital was always so...
"Boring and predictable..." The man mutters out as he walks through the streets. His cloak covering his entire body, not letting anyone giving a hint of his possible identity, or to what he was carrying underneath it...as it would be to soon for people to see his face. Along with the factor of...
No, it would be unlikely for that to occur...as the event haven't transpired...yet.
The man smirks to himself as he slowly walks to his destination.
'The Ylisseans would arrive soon...' He thought, 'Then the events would continue to unfold...along with-'
He stops and presses himself against a corner of a building. Two drunk city guards pass by, oblivious to the individual near them. The familiar scent of Feroxian ale reaches the man's nose, almost making him grunt in disgust. Oh how he hated the smell of alcohol, as well in how it makes an intelligent person into a fool in just a few gulps.
The oblivious guards pass by and disappear into the streets of the city. After a minute to be sure, the man resumes his pace to his destination.
'That was too close...' He thought, glancing around the area. 'Even if they were drunk, it would be too soon for a city guard to see my face.'
He smirks himself as his thoughts return to the events at hand.
'It would be nice to see the talents the Ylisseans have, after all...Shepherds must be strong in order to keep their sheep safe.' He almost chuckles as he turns another corner. 'Still...actually testing their talents, is different from just seeing them.' Though that was just his opinion...
'There will be time for that...soon.' He assures himself, attempting to quench his inner desires. 'After my business is done here then...if my luck is willing...the shepherds will show me their talents. After all a-'
"Oi, what are you doing here? You lost friend?"
The mans stops in his tracks, he tilts his head at the sight before him. Three individuals carrying weapons standing in his way in a dark alleyway at night. Oh what an unfortunate luck of his to have taken a wrong turn and end up facing this...display. Truly 'unfortunate'...
"Oi, are you deaf?" One of the individuals asks, "I said what are you-"
"Technically it's asked, not said." The man says, interrupting the individual. "But it is understandable as Regna Ferox holds the stereotype of being barbarians with little to no education."
'At least this isn't Plegia, then we'd be having an entirely different conversation.' He thought, remembering something that felt long ago. 'I really hate Plegia...that mad king really turned it into a shit hole.'
"Are you calling us stupid!?"
That question almost tempted the man to roll his eyes in annoyance.
"No, merely ignorant..." He slowly says glancing at each one of the individuals. "As it seems you are amateurs."
"What?"
"Three men with knives and a sickle, trying to outnumber a single target..." The man states, clicking his tongue. "Either you think I'm an actual problem, or your compensating for your lack of a backbone."
"Heh, quite a mouth you got." One of them, possibly the leader, steps forward. "I'm sure you know how this goes, either you hand over all the gold you got or we'll ma-"
"Now I'm going to stop you right there," The man interrupts, sounding a little bored. "Because it is rather obvious you are not good at this."
"Cause really...three people, one person in a dark alleyway in the middle of night? That is cliche and completely boring cause of a recurring bit...do you want know what that is?"
The three individuals stare at the man in confusion, much to his liking.
'Heh, predictable...' He thought, slowly smirking to himself. 'One carries a sickle, with the others carrying knives. By their surprised looks, it's obvious to see that they expected me to beg for my life. What a bunch of fools...a dog can only bark so much before it is forced to use it's teeth.'
'Too bad for these little pups...they've encountered a wolf...'
"You know what...never mind on what I was saying before," The man says, shrugging to himself. "It's not worth saying anything to dogs like you."
The one individual, still likely the leader, steps in closer to the man. He glares at him as he raises his sickle toward his face. The supposed leader's breath was foul, it almost made the man want to step back in sheer annoyance.
'Why do I always get the ones with the terrible smells?'
"Listen here," The 'Leader' says, sounding a bit threatening. "I'll give you this one chance to-"
Chink!
"Heh, what's the matter? Weren't you saying something?" The man asks, smiling to himself as he knew the answer already.
The 'Leader' was staring at him in shock as the man pulled his arm back, revealing what was a blood covered knife in his hand. The individual clutches his neck as he steps back, blood was flowing through his fingers...down to the rest of his body. He chokes and coughs as he falls on to his knees, then falls on his face.
"Hmm...it seems I was wrong," The man merely says in a bored tone. "I thought of you as mere dogs, but in the end...your just pigs in human clothing...ripe for the slaughter."
He twirls the bloody knife in his hands, "Now then, how should this end? Shall you simply charge at me? Or will I chase you down, wasting my time and interest? The choice is your's..."
The two individuals looked at each other before scattering away from the man's presence.
'And here I thought they would foolishly charge...' The man chuckles as he puts away the knife.
It was simply too easy to eliminate the pathetic excuse of a leader, as he had came in close with little regard to the fact that he might have held a weapon. But as he obviously seen...they were mere amateurs with no class at all.
Suppose he could've ended him with another one of his effective ways to kill, but it would have been too messy. He didn't want to get blood all over his cloak...he actually likes wearing this cloak. Besides it would arouse too much suspicion from the city guard, or anyone who actually gives a damn. And that is the last thing he wants...
Though he might have been able to make look like it was the work of a certain cult that worships a certain fell dragon. But that would catch too much attention, and with the Ylisseans soon to arrive. He cannot afford to draw anything that would make them eager to leave.
'Plus there is the factor of a certain blue haired princess,' He thought as he began to move. 'She'll cause to much trouble for me if I do that, besides she's not here for me...her main objective is her father. And I wouldn't want to get in the way of a family reunion...'
So he's left with the option to make it all look like a robbery gone wrong. If only those two didn't run, it would've made it so much easier...
'Oh well,' The man slowly lets out a feral smile. 'Hopefully these two will at least give me some form of entertainment...'
As expected from yesterday...Midori and Jason have not given any answers nor any kind of excuse as to why they tricked us.
Other then the fact that they are jerks, I think it's mainly because of the fact there's little chances to get me away from Lucina. Sure they could've come in to my room in the middle of the night, but the princess had moved from the room she had to one right next to mine...
Had asked her about that, and she just glared at me on that...so I changed the subject. Still want to break that mask...and it makes me actually wonder if she ever takes it off...
A few possibilities to why the she did that...
1) She's become a bit suspicious of Jason and Midori...so she rather be near me in case those two actually try something like that again.
Better to be near a potential/technical ally then being cut off and alone...I guess.
2) She actually likes that room better since it has a smaller window and an actual bathtub. I guess she wants to have a lesser chance of being seen without her mask on...clever girl.
Moving on from that...
Without an actual truth I can only speculate the reasons...I guess I'll ask her when Jason and Midori are not around.
Which could be awhile...
I closed the journal as I look at the sight before me.
Jason was training along Midori, while Lucina and I just quietly watch them go at it. They were merely just doing a form of 'light' sparing while swinging at some practice dummies.
Somehow this Inn has practice dummies that are located at the back of the Inn that has an area wide enough to actually use them. It was actually surprising, I asked Jason about that and he told, more like whispered, me that the Outer Realmers along with his wife had invested in that to be built.
Since a majority of Outer Realmers stay here when they visit the Western Capital...have no idea if he was making that up or telling the truth.
"Say Leon," I hear Midori say, making me look at her. "How about a spar? I want to see how good you are..."
"I-"
"Don't bother him with that," Jason says, cutting me off. "The kid is a novice with no training, understandable since he is one of us."
"Should've figured," Midori adjusts her glasses, "Since it's really unlikely for any of our kind to have military training. Though there are a few exceptions..."
"Exceptions?" I ask, putting away the journal. "You mean some of us that came to these lands...have actual military training?"
Both the merchant and scythe user nodded as they put away their weapons.
"Yeah but we'll tell you about that later," Jason says, walking up to me and Lucina. "But first..."
"We'd like to apologize," Midori says, she walks up next to Jason. "About our actions yesterday, mostly it was my doing."
Both me and Lucina just silently stare at the two. Okay...did not expect them to do this now. What are they up to?
"Midori was suspicious of you Marth," Jason explains, crossing his arms. "Since one of our countrymen has been traveling with you, she wanted to be sure that you meant no harm to him. Despite what I told her...multiple times."
Obvious bullshit is obvious...damn it! They're doing this to fool Lucina so she would lessen her possible suspicion on them, and possibly plan to give me the real explanation later...clever bastards!
"So in case she was a spy or a potential threat, you fabricated a lie." I sum up, glaring at the two. "To see how exactly she react to my 'disappearance'."
Damn it, have no choice but to play along...really starting to hate this.
"Right, she reacted the opposite to what I had suspected," Midori says, adjusting her glasses...again. "She actually showed genuine concern for you, I guess Jason was right when he said you were traveling companions."
"So I apologize," She gets down on her knees and bows to the princess. "Forgive me of my suspicion towards you, as I was merely looking out for someone that is of our lands."
Wow, if I didn't know the fact she was bullshitting...I'd actually would have believed her.
"I...forgive you...Midori," Lucina says, making me look at her in shock. "It is understandable that you would think of me as a threat."
Okay did not expect her to say that, I honestly thought she would be silent...or something else entirely.
"Thank you for understanding," Midori says in a low voice, she quickly stands up and steps back.
"Jason!"
Everyone looked in the direction of voice, just in time to see Anna come running up.
"Jason!" She yells as she tackles Jason to the ground. "We...we..."
"Anna? Anna what's wrong?" The male merchant says in concern as he helps her up. "Did something happen?"
"Jason...we have...the biggest sales opportunity!" Anna practically screams out, "I was able to gain information from a guard, no need to concern you with how, that a group of Ylisseans is coming here to the capital!"
Out of the corner of my eye, Lucina perked up at the last part.
"And?" Jason asks, raising an eyebrow. "What's special about these ones?"
"A little birdie told me that traveling with this group...is the Ylissean prince himself!" The merchant enthusiastically yells, "Think about it...a royal customer! With his deep pockets and my-I mean our selection...we could make a huge profit!"
Figured she would be thinking about gold...still the Shepherds are soon to arrive.
"When will they arrive?" Midori asks, sounding a little bored.
"In half a day or so, maybe sooner." Anna says, showing off a cheery smile. "Just in time for the tournament, who know's...maybe that prince will enter!"
"Well that'll be interesting..." I muttered as I look at Lucina.
The princess was quiet as she was staring at something in the distance. Or at least pretending to...really wondering what she is thinking. Is she excited to see her father again? Or is she nervous in what she has to do?
So many questions...
"Hey Leon, Marth." Jason says, bringing me back to reality. "I have a job offer for you..."
"On what exactly?" I ask, looking back at him.
"Well I need some materials for the shop," He slowly says as he pulls out a slip of paper. "I wrote them down on this list, if you get them for me then I'll pay both of you fifty gold...each."
My eyebrows rise a little in interest, "That much for what ever you have on that list? Why so much?"
The merchant shrugs as he hands me the list.
"Anna and I have to get ready for the Ylissean's arrival," He slowly says, "We're merchants after all...oh and Midori your helping us, no excuses."
Ignoring that last bit, I sighed as I pocketed the list and got up from my spot.
"Marth, you want to help me out?" I ask looking at the princess. "I'm sure it's better then sitting here and looking at the sky all day."
Lucina sighs before nodding at me.
Great...looking forward to a nice conversation with her...
Shopping list
It's pretty simple for you to find the listed items, as they are located throughout the market square. Also the bag of gold I gave you should be more than enough to get what is listed.
Beware of pickpockets lurking about so keep that coin purse close to you as much of possible kid. Pay attention to your surroundings, and make sure to stick with Lucina through the whole thing.
Since you won't last that long on your own...
Also don't be lazy about this, at least not to the point were you try to give this to the princess and make her do the shopping.
Which won't work since as you can plainly see...this is written in English. So if you give this to her, not only would it make you an asshole, it would make her feel idiotic for not understanding the language.
Good luck kid...you can thank me later.
- Jason
What a 'concerned' asshole...he's lucky I chose to read this after we left the Inn.
I sighed as I scanned through the rest of the list.
Really...he's making us do that? Actually I should've expected it from yesterday...
"This is interesting," I mutter as look at the princess. "The items listed are rather odd."
"Odd?" She asks, voice sounding forced. "How so?"
Really starting to get annoyed by that fake voice of her's...was Chrom really that dense to figure out that she was faking it?
"Odd would be incorrect," I say, as I pocketed the list. "The items listed are common things, a couple of shirts made for both genders, spare pants for both genders, and extra small clothes...for a boy and a girl."
Lucina tilted her head at the last part. Guess she's a bit confused...
"Jason wants us to get supplies for us," I explain, "As we are entering the tournament, which is in a few days, I'm sure both of us don't want to be smelling terrible when that happens."
Unless she actually likes to smell those kind of smells...meh, won't judge her on that.
The princess says nothing as we pass through the streets in the direction Jason had directed us.
"Marth," I start to say, "Do you think you'll end up facing off against that prince?"
The future child stops and looks at me, she seems surprised by my sudden question.
I sighed as motioned her to follow me into a random alley, at least there we have some privacy.
"I know that I swore to keep that status of your's a secret," I say as I leaned against a wall. "But I want to ask you something, you don't have to answer if you choose to. As it is your business but I want to be sure of something..."
"What is it?" Lucina asks, her voice was normal with an edge of caution.
Okay, any 'questions' asked from this point has to be carefully worded and placed. Can't make her suspicious or make seem like I know she's a time traveler, or already know her true connection to Chrom. I need her to trust me as I would trust her...
"I won't ask you of your exact connection between you and that prince," I slowly say, "As I find that to be too personal to even ask in the first place. What I will ask is...what are your intentions towards this prince?"
"What do you mean?" She asks, still sounding cautious. Her hands were no where near her blade...thankfully.
"Oh come on Marth," I fake a chuckle, "It's not uncommon for royalty of nations to attend events of foreign countries. It's highly possible that this prince is here to enter the tournament...but I am just speculating on that."
I sighed as I cross my arms,"What I'm wondering is if that prince enters the tournament, and by chance he is on the opposite side, what will you do? Since he is from the same country you are from...will you fight him?"
Lucina stays silent as she slowly looks away from me. Great I'm probably making her doubt this or something...I'm going a bit far with this. Even if it is to maintain my character, I shouldn't be doing something like this...or should I?
Dammit...
"Look Marth, forget I said anything." I let out a sigh, "Just know, whatever it is you plan to do...I'll support you...as your tactician and friend."
I fake a grin as I stepped away from the wall.
"Come on, those items aren't going to pick themselves."
About an hour or so, really just guessing, me and the princess were able to get everything in that damnable list. I have to admit I'm a little surprised that the currency system is simple...since like in most medieval fantasy worlds...gold is the most common currency.
I'll be honest in saying that I expected this to be a bit complicated...but that's just my opinion. Though we had to purchase a knapsack to carry the actual items...damn Jason for not giving us anything...
"Is that everything?" Lucina asks, voice sounding forced. I know were in a public place but does she have to do that? The shepherds are not even here yet...so what's the point?
"Yeah," I simply say as I adjusted the knapsack's straps. Really sucks that the shopkeeper selling this did not have one that was in black, there was only gray. At least it wasn't that multi-color one the princess had pointed out. Who the hell thought that blue, orange, red, and pink...would make a good look?
Thankfully I convinced her to get the gray one...at least I won't feel like an idiot with that one.
"We should head back," I say, trying to get the memory of that knapsack out of my head.
The princess merely nods as we move through the market.
The market square was as it's name suggests, is a large area in the shape of a square with a market in it. Really simple now that I think about it...
"Leon, Marth, wait up!"
Both of us turned to see Midori walking up toward us.
What is she doing here?
"Midori, aren't you-"
"I slipped away before they even noticed." The green eyed woman interrupts as she looks at Lucina. She stares at the princess then smirks as she adjusts her glasses.
"Say Leon," She slowly says as she looks back at me. "By any chance are you familiar with a story called...Log Horizon?"
Huh? Where is she going with this?
"Of course," I smirked as memories of the anime filled my head. "After all, the 'Villain in Glasses' is one of my favorite characters...along with a certain ninja assassin that served him."
"Heh, mine is a certain swashbuckling feline that has the habit of saying Nya~" Midori purrs out the last part. Have to admit that actually sounded a little...attractive.
Damn my love for Anime...
"Villain in glasses?" Lucina asks, her voice on edge, making us look at her. "You mean to say that you enjoy a story of a villain who preys upon innocents..."
Whoa, she sounds really upset...wait when did we...
"I'll let you explain this one Leon," Midori says as she pats my shoulder and takes a long step back.
I glared at her before looking back at the princess, I seriously hope she doesn't stab me.
"Marth, you misunderstand," I slowly say, doing my best to sound calm. "The 'Villain in Glasses' is a title given to a heroic character named Shiroe, a kind tactician that defends and fights for his friends and the people around him."
"Then why such a title?" She asks sounding confused. "If he is a hero, why would he be named in such a way?"
"He was given that title by his friends for one reason." I smirked as the image of Shiroe came to mind. "His tactics and strategies were so highly effective it scared both his allies and enemies. Especially when he adjusts his glasses the way Midori does with hers, when that happens...his friends know he is coming up with something brilliantly terrifying."
Even though I exaggerated a little about the Villain in Glasses...I really do mean that he is a pretty awesome character. If only he was in this world, as well as Sora and Shiro from No Game No Life. Those three along with Robin could come up with the most amazing strategy to defeat Grima. Most likely in a way that damn dragon will never see coming...
"Well that should explain it," Midori says as she claps her hands together. "Anyway Marth, should you desire to hear the story, I'd be more than happy to oblige...and Leon as well...if he wants to."
"I wouldn't mind..." I merely shrugged, still waiting for Lucina to ask me to tell her about the Dragonborn. Still thinking of her shouting Fus Ro Dah at Grima's stupid face...if only she had a dragon soul.
"I'll...think on that offer." The princess slowly says.
Somehow I smile at that, maybe she might actually decide to listen to a tale or two.
"So Midori," I start to say, deciding to change the subject. "Why are you here anyway? If you ditched Anna and Jason, why come to us? Why not the Colosseum or something?"
The green eyed woman smirked as she adjusts her glasses...again.
"Oh, being around Basilio, Lon'qu and Olivia," She starts to say. "They're fun and all...but it can get a little boring and tiresome living with them. Since Basilio is Basilio...Lon'qu avoids talking to me when we train or backs the hell away whenever I step a little too close, and don't get me started on Olivia. That girl seriously needs to grow a little back bone and stop being so damn shy."
"Um, who's Olivia?" I ask, trying to stay in character. "Is she someone that serves Basilio? Also...you live in the Colosseum!?"
Midoiri giggles as she nods. "Yes, it's a rather comfortable place to stay once and a while, since I am a friend to the Western Khan. Though I'll tell you the day that happened later...since I think it's rather boring."
"But I will tell you about Olivia, I'm sure you'll like her, she's the best dancer, singer and friend I have ever met."
"She sounds pleasant," I mutter as I already know of her already. Come to think of it, how come we didn't see her at the arena? Isn't she a personal servant to Basilio or something?
Meh, I'll ask later...
"Just wait till you hear her sing, you'll fall absolutely in love with her." The green eyed woman smirks, "Especially since I helped her learn some songs from our homeland."
"Wait...you taught her songs from our home!" I almost yell in shock, "Just what exactly did you teach her?"
"Shh," She places two fingers between my lips, playfully tilting her head while doing so. "I don't wish to spoil it, you'll have to wait for it to happen."
My eyebrow twitched in annoyance, she really is trying to play cute...which is actually working but still annoying. Also her hands are surprisingly soft...
"Ahem," Lucina does a mock cough, gaining our attention. "We should be going, as we don't want to gain unwanted attention."
Oh, right...some of the people around us are giving us weird stares.
Fuck! I forgot this was a public place...I'm such an idiot!
"Um, right." Midori says, visibly blushing as she slowly retracted her hand. "We should get going."
I say nothing as we move away from the market place.
That was embarrassing as hell!
"For the love of Naga Midori, why do you always run off without saying anything!?"
Midori rolled her eyes as she leaned against her palms.
"Oh come on Jace, you know I get bored playing merchant." She says, "Besides we both know that you and your wife are more than enough to fix things up for the shop."
"Not's not the point," Jason says, sounding annoyed. "And don't call me by that damn nickname!"
"I would say that you love it, but your wife is right next to you." The green eyed woman giggles, "Though I'm sure she says it too..."
"Why do you always tease?" Anna asks as she leans against Jason. "Are you really that jealo-"
"We have a kid present Anna," Jason cuts off Anna as he looks at her. "I rather not bore him with our pointless bantering."
"Fine." The redheaded merchant pouts as she steps back. "Meanie..."
"So Leon," Jason says, looking at me. "Have you managed to get the needed items?"
"Yeah, we managed to get them," I slowly say, sitting down on the cold ground. "Also why didn't you say this stuff was for us?"
"Where would the fun be in that?" The merchant smirks as he crossed his arms. "By the way, where's Marth?"
"In her room," I shrugged. "She took the knapsack and went in there before I could ask."
Jason quickly looked at Anna.
"Dear, can you make sure that you buy us a few minutes?" He asks, "Midori and I really need to talk to Leon."
The redhead simply nods before dashing into the Inn.
Jason sighs as he sits down on the ground.
"So what do you want to know?" He asks.
"Just a few things," I simply say, "First, why the hell did you trick me and the princess?"
"That can be answered by Midori," He says, "Provided she wants to-"
"The truth is...I was making sure of something," Midori says cutting off Jason. "Despite what Jason told me, I wanted to see whether or not you were an actual threat to Lucina."
Somehow I'm not surprised...it actually makes sense now that I think about it.
"So I roped Jason and Anna in to help see if your actually one of us." The green eyed woman sighs as she takes off her glasses. "Though I was proven wrong the second you panicked, I'm sorry about that. I was just acting a little idio-"
"It's understandable," I say, interrupting her. "I was an unknown variable and I could've been fooling all of you and planned to kill Lucina. At least you weren't direct as Jason did with me...my stomach hasn't forgotten the pain."
Though I won't mention the part where she slashed her scythe at me...still need to thank Lucina for the save...
"Heh, wasn't my fault you were being a dumbass." Jason chuckles out.
Midori smiles and laughs as she puts her glasses back on.
"Well I bet that would have been a sight to see," She says, still smiling. "Anyway, what else did you want to know?"
"How are you and Basilio acquainted?" I ask, "Do you work for him or you just know each other well?"
"Like I said before, that one I find boring." The green eyed woman sighs. "But since you've proven to be one of us...I tell you how-"
"Jason!? Are you out here!?"
All of us turn to see Anna come out of the Inn with Lucina trailing behind her.
Well there goes that explanation...damn my luck.
"Well this is nice," Midori says as she tilts her head. "Now I don't have to repeat this little story."
Huh?
"What story?" Lucina asks as she moves right next to me.
"Oh, she was going tell Leon how she knew the Khan." Jason explains as Anna sat next to him. "And since your here...you might as well listen in."
"Wait before we continue with this," Midori starts to say. "How about we build a fire first? I get the feeling that we might exchange stories through the night."
"That's actually a good idea," I mumble out loud, "If only we had marshmallows and chocolate to go with it."
"I think we have some chocolate in the carriage," Jason says as he slowly got up. "Plus there's fire wood, Leon would you like to help?"
"Sure, why not?" I got up from my spot. "Lead the way..."
About ten minutes later we ended up gathering back at the back of the Inn. With the apparent permission of the management, Jason was able to get a fire going just in time for it to grow dark.
How the hell did it progress to this?
"Now this is good Jason," Midori says as she was nibbling on her chocolate bar. "Been awhile since I ate one of these..."
"Well considering that Anna and I bought them, I expect nothing less."
I silently snickered as I took a small bite from my chocolate bar. Wonder how much these cost...
Lucina was silently staring at her bar, almost like she had no idea what to do with it. She's been doing that for the past few minutes...right when Jason gave it to her...kinda weird.
"Marth, are you going to eat your chocolate?" I ask, sightly curious.
"You've been staring at the thing for a while," Midori says, sounding curious. "What's wrong, don't like chocolate or sweets in general?"
"...No..." The princess says in a low voice. "I've...never...eaten one before."
Everyone stared at her in shock. She never had chocolate before!? What kind of childhood did she...oh right...shitty future...even if she did had chocolate, I think it might have been a very young age. And now I feel like an ass for asking her...damn it.
"Um," I nervously coughed, "Then...you should...um...have a taste..."
I feel like an idiot...
"What Leon is possibly trying to say Marth," Midori starts to say, as she raises her bar to the night sky. "Is that, don't be nervous or shy or whatever...just have a bite to see if you like it or not."
The princess raised the bar close to her mouth, then took a small bite. Almost immediately after that she starts to nibble on the bar, appearing as if she was enjoying it. Heh, I guess we have our answer...at least she's not Gaius...she'd probably have eaten the whole thing by now.
"So Midori," I start to say, gaining everyone's attention. "How did you exactly meet the Western Khan?"
The scythe user snickered as she bites off a large chunk of her bar.
"Seems I can't avoid explaining...alright I'll tell you," She adjusts her glasses, the lens reflected the fire's light. "It was a few years ago...I was with Jason and another companion, his name was Jon and is unimportant at the moment. And before you ask, yes he is one of our kind."
She sighs, "We came to the capital looking for some honest work for me. At first, I thought being a bodyguard might do the trick, but Jon had convinced me otherwise. Jason was with Anna running their little shop, and I find being a merchant boring...so out sheer stupidity and some curiosity, I thought of challenging the champion...Lon'qu."
Lucina perked up at the mention of the former champion, guess she's as curious as I am to see where this is going. Though I have an idea...
"Naturally when I told Jason and Jon of my little idea, they said/yelled no."
"Jon and I considered it foolish," Jason explains as he smirked. "Since we had no idea how skilled Lon'qu was...but our little Midori naturally didn't listen."
"Not long after Jason and Jon had said no," Midori continues, seeming to ignore the merchant. "I knocked out a few guards and was able to secretly make my way into the Colosseum, after a little exploring I found the arena."
"Instead of finding the champion..." She giggles as she tilted her head. "I found the team that was supposed to back him up in the tournament at the time. But I didn't know what Lon'qu looked like so I guessed that he was one of them."
"So I shouted at the top of my lungs, WHICH ONE OF YOU IDIOTS IS LON'QU!? All of them seemed to looked like they thought I was insane..."
I barely suppressed a laugh as I took a bite from my chocolate bar.
"After that I grew a bit impatient, so I decided to force the champion out. Long story short, I ended up making all of them land on their asses in pain..."
"Wait, how many were there?" I ask.
"Oh, about five or so...I think they were barely putting their team together," She answers. "But their skill set was completely terrible...I easily defeated all of them with a few simple spells..."
"Anyway after all that, Lon'qu and Basilio came running to see what the commotion was about. Needless to say, they did not expect to see me leaning against my scythe in boredom. I immediately asked if either one of them was Lon'qu...and after a short introduction...I outright challenged Lon'qu."
I'm still guessing where this is going...
"When the Khan agreed to it and was a short distance away, I charged Lon'qu." The green eyed woman chuckles as she adjusts glasses. "But he was able to block me and force me on the defensive, he held the advantage due to one fact...I decided not to use my magic. Mostly because I was a bit naive back then...I wanted it to be a match of skills...I wanted to see if he was that good..."
Sounds like she got more than she bargained for...
"I was lucky that I was able to hold off his attacks, and just barely able to get a few hits in." She sighs as she leans against her palm. "But in the end I was beaten, Lon'qu was able to knock me off my feet and place his blade close to my neck. Which almost pissed me off since he almost broke my glasses...if his foot was an inch closer..."
"After that I somehow became friends with them, and it lead to the part time job I have now. I provide services by helping to find potential champions or people that'll help the champion, but I don't participate in the tournaments themselves...out of choice really."
She takes one last bite of the chocolate bar, "Well that's all I have to say...told you it was boring."
"That was interesting..." I muttered as I looked at Lucina.
The princess was quietly starring at the scythe user, what was left of the chocolate bar was just it's wrapper. I guess she actually liked it...
"So Leon do you have any stories to share?" Midori asks, making me look back at her. "The night is still young..."
"Um...I don't really have anything..." I shrugged as I took another bite of my chocolate bar.
"How about something from home?" The green eyed woman suggests, not letting up. "How about Log Horizon? Surely your familiar enough to tell of it..."
"Fine..." I sigh out as I finished the last of the chocolate bar. "I'll tell a little bit on that one..."
Midori leaned against her palms in anticipation, while Lucina along with Jason and Anna merely wait patiently.
Dammit, I really have to do this don't I? Screw it, I'll say what I can, plus I'll have to change somethings since the princess is listening...
"...Long ago in another realm," I slowly start to say, "There existed a powerful type of magic...that allowed it's users minds to travel into other worlds. Worlds that were created for the sole purpose of people to gather and travel with their friends in boundless adventures and quests. This is tale of one such world, in where the people identified as 'Adventurers'...find themselves in a situation they never came to expect...as they find themselves to be alive and trapped in a world only known as...Elder Tales..."
The tournament is today...Midori said that she will come for us by noon. Giving us enough to eat and nervously wait...
The past few days went by in a blur, there was the involvement of training with Lucina. But other then that...there wasn't much else to do...no one other then Jason and Anna leave the Inn.
Mostly just for supplies and the bare essentials...
By random thought, and boredom...I had shut myself in my room and decided to think up possible strategies for the upcoming fight. Needless to say that they were really simple and not that complicated...only one problem. We're supposed to lose, and I've been making plans that are meant for us to win. Sure it would be a simple act of sabotage to make those plans go to waste...but that is easier said then done.
Thing is...I'm going to be against Robin...The Robin...the master tactician who is always three steps ahead. If I purposely screw up a plan, Robin might pick up on it and become a little suspicious...plus it's Robin!
I know I might lose either way, so why not go all out against him/her?
Dammit, why the hell am I even thinking this!? I don't even want to be a tactician yet here I am in this room trying my best to think up ways to fight an opponent who outclasses me...damn my shitty luck.
"Damn it," I curse under my breath as I flip to another page. "There's gotta be something that works..."
I tightly gripped the journal as I skim through the ideas I written down. If Robin is as good as I suspect...then these plans can be seen through and countered really easily.
Maybe I can use that to my advantage! But first I have to clear up one last thing...and it involves a certain bluenette.
Quietly I put away the journal and stepped out of my room. I sighed as I stop at the door next to mine...
"Marth," I slowly say as I knock lightly on the door. "Can I come in?"
"...Yes" A barely audible answer was heard.
Slowly I open the door and step inside, the princess was standing on the other side. She was looking through the window, which just provided a view of the Colosseum.
"Sorry to bother you," I say as I closed the door behind me. "But I wanted to ask you something important."
"What is it?" She asks as she looks at me.
"Do you want to win or lose in the tournament?" I blurt out a little too quickly. Shit, I messed up, I was supposed to say something else first...
"What do you mean?" She asks, her voice had an edge of caution.
Dammit, gonna have to make up as I go...I really can't mess up on this...
"The job of a tactician is to help their commanders achieve victory," I slowly start to say, "At least that's what most people think...however I think of it a little differently."
"How so?" The future child asks.
"Somehow I see being a tactician as more than just a person that helps achieve victory," I cross my arms, "...I can't really explain what exactly I'm actually trying to say though..."
Because I'm an idiot...
"Look, I just want to know if you want to win," I slowly say, "As Jason had told me some interesting rumors about the Ylissean prince's true reason he's here."
"What rumors?" She asks, voice on edge. "What did Jason tell you?"
"He heard this off some guy that worked in the Colosseum," I simply say, "He told him that the prince wishes to make an alliance with Regna Ferox, something about Ylisse being attacked by bandit raids, supposedly because of their neighbor...Plegia."
The princess's hands clenched at the mention of the country, but released them a second later.
She's trying to control her emotions...my guess is the mention of that country upsets her a little. Understandable...since because it's home to that damn cult...
"In order to actually gain the alliance, he has to fight in the arena...for the East Khan." I sigh, "Marth I know that I said that I'll support you in whatever choice you make...but I want to know what exactly do you want to do. I can't help you without that bit of knowledge..."
Lucina stares at me as her hands clench once again.
Dammit, I probably screwed up...have to backtrack...
"Look, you don't have tell me right this second," I quickly say, "Just let me know when we are about to enter the arena, I'll have a strategy ready by then. "
Highly unlikely since I'm not a real tactician...I'm just a dumbass pretending to be one.
I quickly turn and open the door...
"Midori should be here soon...so I'll wait for wait for you outside the Inn."
The princess says nothing as I step out and close the door.
I really didn't help at all back there, I probably did more harm then good. Had to lie to her of the 'rumors' that Jason was luckily enough to hear. I just gave her nothing but bullshit...all to try to see if there was a way I can help.
I'm such an asshole...
I gritted my teeth in frustration as I take out the journal...
That little stunt brought no help at all...I need to think of another plan. Problem is that I have no idea who we're going to be paired up with in the tournament. The ideas I had could work decently if the team we get is cooperative...but if we get one that's not...then we are fucked.
I know she's supposed to lose this fight, but I can't help this desire I have to at least to try to win. Call it stubborn pride or whatever...but I actually want to take on that Master tactician with everything I have...
Which is stupid since if by some inconceivable chance that we win, then Ylisse won't get their alliance and this world is screwed. Unless...as reward for winning...and by request from 'Marth'...Basilio might gain the Ylisseans the needed alliance.
But somehow I doubt that will happen...
"Leon? Why are you out here?"
Huh?
I blinked as I barely registered the fact that I was outside and Midori was in front of me.
"M-Midori?" I stutter, "Is it noon already?"
"Just about," She says as she adjusted her glasses. "Just came a little early to announce something important."
"And that is?"
"There is no available team for you in the tournament," She simply says. "Not a single one..."
"Wait...what!?"
"Yeah, mostly because the people that were supposed to be your team, were nothing but idiots in it for the glory." She explains, waving it off. "I doubt that they would've listened to what you had to say, so I 'accidentally' mistook them for my punching bags."
If this was an Anime...I think I would be sweat dropping right about now.
"Because of that little mix up, I have some good news." The green eyed woman smiles as she winks at me and gives me a thumbs up. "Your looking at the third member of our six man team!"
"...What?" That one word is my entire reaction to what she just said.
"Yeah, I pulled some strings with Basilio," Midori says as she puts her arm down. "And I along with you, Jason, Anna and Lon'qu. Will be the team that supports Marth in the tournament."
Again...what!?
"Let me get this straight," I slowly say, "You literally beat the crap out of some random people just so you and the others can be a part of the tournament?"
"Pretty much," She shrugs as she adjusts her glasses. "Plus they made fun of my glasses and my scythe...they really shouldn't have done that."
Have no idea at this point whether or not to actually believe her...
"Oh, hey Marth."
I quickly look back in the direction Midori was looking at.
Lucina was walking toward us, the Falchion was strapped to her side and the rapier is in her hands. She stops right next to me and gives a nod to Midori and looks back at me.
"Here," She simply says as she hands the rapier over. "You'll need this in order to defend yourself."
"Thanks," Was all I can say as I take the blade into my hands. Guess she trusts me enough to hand it over this early...
"So you guys ready to go?" Midori asks as she crosses her arms. "Our team awaits us..."
The princess and I merely nodded as the scythe user turns and motions us to follow.
I tightly gripped the rapier as I follow them towards the Colosseum.
This is it isn't it?
Today...I'll actually get to see the shepherds and possibly get my ass kicked by them.
...What a fun day this might turn out to be.
A/N: In my opinion, I have no valid excuse for why this took so long to get out. I was rather busy with my personal life...and other things. That may or may not involve the new Witcher game...
I just hope this chapter was decent enough to be worth the wait...if not then I'm sorry to disappoint.
So Read, Review or hopefully find something better to read.
Still if your somehow still reading this up till now, then I guess I've really done something to keep your interest.
-Raiden312
RoseWarden: (Responding to your reviews in order, sorry if it confuses you a little.)
Never really knew Anna had sweethearts in the past games...then again I sadly never played the other games before.
Leon by definition is a novice, actually he has little skill whatsoever to actually survive.
Half tempted to answer those questions...but it might spoil the story...heh, not kidding.
Lucina and Robin are one of my favorite pairings in the game, though I too wonder how Robin will be like.
If it was actually Severa, then Leon would have been dead from the beginning! I'm sure Severa can tolerate Owain to a certain extent, mostly cause of their supports, but I seriously doubt that with Leon...yeah definitely would be dead.
Still half tempted to answer them...but I along with everyone else have to wait till they come naturally. (And in a hopefully decent way...)
But what I can say is that Midori's Scythe is long as death reaper's...if you haven't guess it till now since I was a little vague about it.
A bee grenade? Meh, have to admit that would be awesome...since I don't anyone would expect that.
Yeah, winding up in Plegia would be the definition of bad luck, especially anywhere near Validar...you'd be screwed by then...
Thanks it took so long for me to come up with that fight. Since I have no actual idea in how Lucina defeated Lon'qu...I thought it might explain it in the game but alas there was no support between Lucina and Lon'qu.
Really excited about the that fight as well, so many possibilities in how that will go down.
cra0007: Wow didn't think that someone would think of this story like that...
Anyway I've tried my best to make this work in some form of originality and not potentially make the main character a Mary-Sue.
Meh, I suppose the name would be strange to some. Since it is a combination of two different charaters...