Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem as it belongs to it's respected owners.
Edward sighed as he took a sip of his drink.
The tavern was rather lively, filled with town guardsmen on break, farmer's visiting from their villages. They weren't being loud but were more or less celebrating about something. He didn't care enough to know what it was about...
He sighs again as he puts down his drink.
His last job wasn't as well rewarded as he'd hoped it be.
An Anna lead caravan in Regna Ferox had been looking for some cheap escorts to take them through a dangerous mountain path. That lead straight into Ylisse, the path is usually filled with dangers of the more 'man-eating' sort. Apparently the path was infamous among the locals and villages near it tend to stay away from if possible. Unless they have business in either country...
Typical place full of danger and superstition...good opportunity for work.
He managed to be hired by the Anna leading the caravan, which was a group of fellow merchants transporting food to be sold in the current location he is now. At first the job was going smoothly...there weren't any dangers on the road. Then around half way through they encountered a mountain wolf.
Now, a normal mountain wolf normally wouldn't be that much of a hassle. As they are typically encountered alone and if one knew what they were doing when fighting the creatures. The problem is, it was one of the more dangerous types of mountain wolves. The type known as an Alpha variant...
As the weirdly simplistic name goes, these type of mountain wolves are rare, typically intelligent, and are the leader of a pack. Not just any kind of normal pack, which is only a handful of their kind. But those packs often stay away from humans for whatever reason.
The Alpha variant commands a large pack of normal sized wolves, usually a dozen or so at once. Another strange thing in this world's ever growing list of mysteries and wonders. However while it's size can be intimidating, an Alpha variant just instructs the pack to attack a target. While the beast itself hides and watches from a distance.
Though when cornered or angered it can put up a tough fight on it's own. So it is better to either kill it as fast as possible or chase it away.
Similar to a Twin streak boar, if the leader of the pack dies, then the wolves will scatter and run off elsewhere.
The caravan was attacked by the Alpha variation and it's pack. While there weren't any deaths, the wolves were a tremendous annoyance to deal with. Edward had to leave the Anna to defend the merchants while he targeted the Alpha. Which was doing a good job at hiding until he threw a fireball at it when he noticed it.
It ended up leading him into an annoying chase until it ran off with third degree burns on it's side. Thankfully the other wolves followed their leader as well...so it seemed it wouldn't return for sometime.
Finally after arriving safely he was given payment...but it wasn't the amount agreed upon.
The Anna told him that since the merchants were injured, thankfully not fatal, and the food was partially damaged in the fight. She deducted payment because of his 'poor' performance. He knew the risks of it happening since it was an Anna he was dealing with.
Who are infamous in either being your 'good friend' or be a nightmare to those they consider they're enemies, but someone would have to do something really beyond the levels of stupidity to achieve that kind of status.
He knows that it's a rather broad brush to think of that particular family of merchants like that. Since he's actually on good terms with the Anna who was married to Jason. And she does tend to tell him where he might find some jobs with good payment.
Still, in the end, he decided not to argue and take the payment then parted ways with the Anna. All before deciding to go for a damn drink. Which leads to where he is now...
He chugs the last of his drink before getting up and stepping outside of the tavern.
His breath was visible in the cold air, it was already winter here in Ylisse. Thankfully it's not as bad as it is in Regna Ferox, where random blizzard storms happen without warning. But it does snow from time to time...
The Witcher rubbed his hands together before walking up to the notice board placed outside the tavern.
While not used in every town or village, it does provide information to the locals of events coming up. Or when the landlord has decided to raise the rent, or taxes if he's an asshole noble. Or other things that happen...thankfully no mention of undead or war as of yet.
Till then he'll carry on as normal, since it does provide jobs for a willing passerby, if it actually pays well enough.
'Let's see,' Edward glanced at the board skimming through the posts. 'Coin for firewood, clothing in exchange for service, cleaning the outhouses, lessons on how to be higenick with the word hygienic spelled wrong.'
"Nothing," He muttered as he let out a sigh. "Haven't found a decent paying job in weeks."
Deciding to leave he makes his way to his horse, Emi. Who was left outside of the tavern, outside in the bitter cold.
The horse let out a puff of air when she saw him approaching.
"Time to go Emi," He softly says as he pats her side before pulling himself up.
With snap of the reins he canters out of the small town he was in, heading south along the main road.
He would have have headed further north for a more guarantee chance of jobs but...it was already winter. Usually at this time of year, all of the Outrealmers head back to Ylisstol. It somehow became a tradition when Suki and Midori had planned to do a Christmas like celebration. As the two did miss home...
After that one was more or less successful, everyone unanimously decided to do it every year. Plus it helped that the eggnog was very delicious, Nai is a master in the art of cooking. She adds just the right amount of alcohol...at least she made sure to make a non-alcohol version for those who didn't want to drink.
Snow starts to fall as he and his horse traveled down the road.
He knows if it starts to become heavier then he'll have to find shelter.
"Awooo!"
Emi stooped in her tracks as he pulled the reins back.
The howl he just heard was distinct, that of a mountain wolf. But it was so close to town, something was wrong. He leans forward and forces Emi to gallop in the direction of the howl.
After a few minutes of a forced pace, he slows her down then hears the howling further down the road.
"Dammit, must be another caravan..." He mutters as he forces Emi into another gallop.
He quickly comes into sight of the screams, and nearly raises an eyebrow.
There was a fancy looking carriage and surrounding it were four armored knights. Trying to protect it from ten or so wolves...five on one side and four on the other. They were having some sort of stand off...the wolves were just snarling and howling at them. Likely wanting to distract one knight so the other can be attacked...but these knights seemed trained enough.
'Fancy carriage, might be a noble...' He thought before forcing it to the back of his mind. 'There is no visible signs of a mountain wolf, just these normal ones...an Alpha Variant? Same one or other?'
He slides off Emi then pulls out his steel sword and wills mana into his free hand.
Flames ignited between his fingers before growing and forming into a ball of fire. He casts the fireball towards the larger number of wolves, the spell makes contact with the ground in front of the wolves. It doesn't hit any of them but it forces them back.
Quickly he casts another fireball at the smaller number of wolves and achieves the same effect.
The wolves moved back before looking at him, which he simply forms another fireball and let it hover over his fingers.
"Come on..." He whispered as he narrowed his eyes. "If your watching then you'd send your pups after the bigger threat."
Save for the growling, there was silence as he stared off with the wolves.
"Awooo!"
Finally the distinct howl echos through out the forest surrounding them, a second later the wolves stopped growling then quickly turn to leave.
'That's...strange...' The Witcher thought as he watched the wolves leave the area. 'They should have-'
He hears branches of trees snap and turns to see a familiar animal. It was the Alpha variant the one he gave third degree burns to...it seemed reasonably pissed off.
"Oh great..." He muttered as he dispelled the fireball and twirled his blade. "You're here for some pay back aren't you..."
As if it understood him, the mountain wolf snarled as it glared at him. Seemingly ignoring the knights and the fancy carriage.
'Alright, this Alpha is bigger than Emi,' Edward thought as he got ready for a possible attack. 'And it called off it's wolves...really must be pissed off. That's good...it'll fight on it's own.'
'Have to lead it away...' With that thought he willed his mana into his sword.
It sparked little embers before igniting into flames.
From what seemed to be at the sight of it, the Alpha barked before lowering it's head and growled.
'Smart enough not to charge...' He smirked before dispelling the flames. 'Knows I'll just use my flames like last time.'
Slowly he starts to back away, fortunately the wolf started to follow at the same pace. Carefully he draws it out of the forest and onto the road, it's back was facing the carriage.
Thankfully the knights were more focused on staring at the thing then recklessly charge at it. Which would've made things more complicated, though...
He notices that one of the knight sends a hand signal to the other three. They slowly start to bring themselves closer to each other, into some type of formation.
The Witcher gritted his teeth as he stopped and the wolf did as well.
'Hopefully they actually help...cause this is going to be annoying.' He narrows his eyes as the wolf raised it's head. 'It's done waiting...'
The Alpha charged at him barely giving him time to roll to the side. He jumps back as it turns and tries to bite him with it's massive jaws.
He slashes at it, barely grazing it's mouth, he quickly casts a blast of wind to push it back. It staggers for a moment letting him cast another spell, this time it was a blade of wind. The blade hits the side of the wolf, making it howl in pain as it staggered back. It quickly recovered and attacks again...
Edward cursed as he rolls and jumps to the side. The wolf was slashing, stomping, and trying to pounce at him. Barely giving him a chance to breathe let alone counter attack.
He casts a fireball in front of him, forcing the wolf to dodge and come at him from a different angle. He casts a blast of wind at the wolf forcing it to stagger once more.
Not wasting a second he casts a stream of flames and slowly advanced to it. The wolf began to back away, before it let out a distressed howl.
It was quickly followed by other howls.
'Shit' The Witcher glanced back at the carriage. The knights started to fall back to the carriage, they were obviously weren't going to help. He would have to end quickly...
He stops casting and wills a large amount of mana into his sword. Covering it with swirling green air. The wolf charged at him, leaving it vulnerable to what was coming.
Moving into a familiar stance he slashed horizontally at the wolf, and a large green blade of wind is casted from the sword. The spell connects with the wolf's legs, forcing it to trip and fall on the ground. Right in front of him...
He quickly gets on top of the wolf and brings his blade down on it's neck. It howled in pain as he stabbed and twisted several more times until it stopped moving.
Edward breathed in and out then slid off the wolf move a few feet away, he felt a familiar liquid travel down his nose. He ignores it as he flicks his sword before putting it back in it's sheath.
He knows that he isn't going to collapse or feel a migraine, since he didn't put too much into his strike. But there are times his nose would start to bleed, mostly when he uses large amounts of mana in quick successions.
'Oh, great...' He wiped his nose as he watched two of the four knights slowly walk up to him. '...Now to deal with the knights. Two coming up, the other two are spreading out a little more, setting up a line of defense...'
Before he could say anything however the carriage's doors opened up. And out stepped a figure in red.
Edward rose an eyebrow as the two knights stopped and turned back.
"Milady," One of the knights said as she approached the figure. "It is not safe to-"
"The wolves have left, as the large one has died." The figure says with a distinctive feminine voice. "And I very much doubt this stranger would do anything. If he does then I have you to rely on Sara."
The knight, Sara sighed as she stepped back allowing the figure to turn.
It was a women, with long crimson hair hair and bright golden eyes. She had a thin red veil covering the lower half of her face.
'Fancy yet modest red dress,' Edward thought as he watched the woman approach him. 'With white slick gloves, crimson hair and golden eyes. Interesting traits...definitely someone in a high social status. What's she doing out here...likely something cliche...'
"I thank you for your assistance," The noble says as she does a light bow. "May I have your name?"
"Edward," He slowly says as he stares at her neutrally. "Edward Winchester, may I have yours?"
"You may call me Serena," She says in a professional manner. "May I ask how you used magic like that? It was rather unique."
"Oh, I simply used this..." Edward rummaged through his pockets before pulling out a small tome. "It's a special tome that helps the wielder use whatever kind of traditional spell. Just by having mana flow through it..."
"Though it's not easy to make...and is truly rare." He causally says as he puts it back in his pockets. "And my sword is enchanted, similar to a Levin Sword."
Of course...he was lying about the first part though it was somewhat true. There are rumors and stories that there are tomes that can have specific functions. From a small heater to even a megaphone, though they are rare and difficult to make. So only those with necessary knowledge and resources tend to have them.
Example being the Anna's and their 'special' grade tomes...something unknown and tried to see for himself. But was sternly warned not to by Jason's Anna, he was told it wouldn't be wise. He did not need to be told twice...that woman can look scary when she wants to.
Second part is true, he does ask Nai to enchant his blades every once and awhile. It makes it easier for him to will and control mana in them.
"It certainly is effective..." The noble says as she looked at the dead wolf. She seemed to have believed the lie.
"Lady Serena," The Witcher, deciding to change the topic, crossed his arms. "If it isn't rude, may I ask why you're out here? It is a rather dangerous road to be traveling in with light protection, with no disrespect to your guards of course."
"To put it simply, I am searching for someone," She places her hands together. "A close relative of mine, who is missing."
"Milady," The knight, Sara, speaks up. "I don't believe it is wise to tell him-"
She stops when Serena raises her hand.
"Sara, I understand what you are going to say," She lowers her hand. "But I am sure a random stranger wouldn't pose a problem."
'Does she have any idea how many ways that can actually be a problem?' Edward fought the urge to roll his eyes. 'Still I might have found work...'
"This relative of yours is missing?" He rose an eyebrow and glances at the knights. "And you decided to search for them yourself."
The golden eye woman nodded, "Yes, it is important that I find my relative before anything terrible happens."
'Her tone sounds genuine,' He thought as he narrowed his eyes. 'Either she's mastered the game or she does care for this person. Still not my place to be in the affairs of nobility...but a job is a job.'
"May I offer my assistance in that matter?" He asks as he tilts his head. "I am what is known as a Witcher, a profession that more or less assists people in need. Whether it be hunting dangerous beasts or searching for those who are missing..."
"Of course, I don't do these services without a form of payment."
Sara narrowed her eyes at him, "So you are a mercenary?"
That 'question' was a statement which irritated him a little, "I am a Witcher, not a mercenary."
"Regardless of what you are," Serena says as she narrowed her eyes at him. "Are you able to find people with little information and lack of attention?"
"Milady-"
"Interesting question," He uncrossed his arms. "Managed to find a lost child with nothing but a broken toy to go on. As for being discreet, it depends on the job...but I do keep my lips sealed."
Of course he's exaggerating a little, but it might help him gain the job.
The noble stared at him for what could have been minutes or seconds. It felt as if she was trying to analyze him, trying to measure his worth.
"Defeating that creature certainly proved your skills in combat," She sighs after a few seconds. "Alright, I'll accept your offer of help...I do not know why, but something in your eyes says you'll get it done."
"Milady-"
"Sara, I understand this is likely dangerous..." Serena narrows her eyes as she stares at the knight. "...But we have been searching for so long and far. We have found nothing. If we were to continue as we are, we'll likely never find her. We must take a risk in order to even have a chance to find her...and bring her home."
The knight became silent then reluctantly nodded.
"Who exactly am I looking for?" Edward asks, breaking the silence. "You said her, but what's her name, age and anything that can be recognizable?"
"Her name is Shiro," Serena cast her eyes downward. "She has silver hair, brown eyes and is no older than sixteen. She is my daughter."
'Daughter? She doesn't look past her twenties.' He thought as he narrowed his eyes.
"Rather...my step daughter that is," The crimson hair woman sighed as her hands clenched tightly. "I was married to her father at a young age."
'Oh, arrange marriage then...' He took a random note of that. 'Other than that, I don't really care.'
"Shiro..." He slowly says. "Is that a Chon'sin style name?"
"Yes, when she was born one of the maids, being of Chon'sin decent, offered that name. My husband loved it..."
"You are looking for your daughter, who is missing, has silver hair, brown eyes, and is sixteen years old." The Witcher sums up as he crosses his arms once more. "Do you know how she turned up missing and any reason why? It may provide a clue to her whereabouts..."
"I apologize..." The noble cast her eyes downward. "I cannot provide such information, I can say however is that I know she is making a journey north. Likely heading towards Regna Ferox, and she's using this route..."
"A dangerous route at that," He narrowed his eyes once again. "I assume she has experience in traveling, and has hunting skills? Or isn't by herself?"
'That or possibly something else...' He noted for possible future clues.
"Yes, she always liked to shoot her bow and often spent time alone outside the home..." Serena answers, sounding like she was reminiscing something. "Still, as I said before she is traveling north, for what reason I cannot say. However if you succeed in bringing her back, I'll reward you for your effort and discretion."
"As dangerous as it can be to trust a stranger," Edward bowed his head. "You can trust in the fact that'll I do my job."
'Plus I couldn't care less of the affairs of nobles...' He thought as he raised his head. 'As long as this doesn't end up with me discovering that the 'step daughter' is actually 'property' of someone. Or something worse...wouldn't be the first time I've encountered that type of noble.'
"How long have you been looking for her?"
"...Less than a week...but she's been gone longer than that."
"Then if you're this far north..." He rests his chin on his palm. "It's possible she's in Regna Ferox or near there...I know a few places to start."
'Though this is one of the ways the hard jobs start...' He reminded himself. 'As much as this might be a simple search quest, there might be something wrong with this one. It doesn't help that Serena didn't share that much. Wouldn't be surprised if she lied about a few things as well.'
"Milady," Sara speaks up. "As much as I advise against this, I understand the advantage in doing this. Lady Shiro will likely see us coming as we have to protect you. However..."
She narrows her eyes and glares at him, "If Lady Shiro is harmed by you in anyway..."
'Not bad...' He thought as he narrowed his eyes back. 'She could use a bit more practice in intimidation, it takes more then just gripping your weapon and narrowing your eyes.'
"I can't promise on her condition when I find her," He slowly says. "But I will make sure no harm comes to her."
The knight didn't stop staring but her glaring lessened a little.
Edward looks at Serena, "Where do I find you when I find her?"
"...There is a town down this road." She tilts her head. "I can await for you there, but my time is limited but I can wait."
"Alright, I'll set out then..." The Witcher does a polite bow before turning to leave. "Till we meet again, Lady Selena."
It had been a couple of days since that encounter, and by luck he actually found a trail. At least the trail of a 'ghost' that is...
On his journey north he had stopped by a few nearby villages, asking the locals if they seen any 'unique' looking travelers. Long story short, in one village he learned that a silver haired woman had provided the village with meat and fur. In exchange for warmer clothing, food, and low grade medicine were provided for her.
When asked about where the silver haired woman went, the village elder could only point vaguely west. When asked if there was a village out there, the elder had said no. But he did say that there was an odd occurrences there lately...
Apparently whenever they sent out a hunting party out in that direction. They experience things they claim were frighting, there are claims that they heard voices. Saying things such as 'Leave this place', or 'Go away'. If the hunting party presses on then they start to hear strange sounds. It was described as some sort of screeching noise and finally if the screeching doesn't stop them. Rocks, logs, and even arrows that come from nowhere land by them.
They either miss they're feet or hit the trees next to them. When they look to see the possible thrower/shooter, they see nothing but an empty forest. That always drives the hunting back to the village in fear, they claim it's spirits or a curse in that part of the forest.
The elder didn't go into more detail after that and warned him to be cautious if he ventured there. The Witcher did ask a few follow up questions and got some answers.
Apparently the silver haired woman arrived to the village a few days after the strange occurrences began. The village elder had asked her about it, and apparently the woman told him she didn't experience such things.
...Of course it didn't seem like she experienced anything like that. He guessed it was likely something that may be seen as cliche...
Edward breathed into gloved hands as he looked at his surroundings.
He was a bit far from the village, in the direction of the elder had pointed to him. He had left his mount back at the village, not before taking a few things with him out of caution.
Slowly he steps through the forest, which was quiet save for the occasional bird chirp. For a few minutes nothing happens, it seemed as if the forest was normal just like any other.
"...Leave..." Finally, as faint as a whisper he hears it. A voice that was soft yet on edge...he can't tell if it's a man or a women's.
He glances around and sees nothing before pressing onward.
"...Leave...now..." The voice speaks once more, he couldn't tell where it was coming from.
"Interesting..." He mutters as he flexed his fingers.
It continued on for a few minutes, as he walked through the forest he hears the voice. As the hunting parties had claimed, the voice told him to leave and go away. Oddly there appeared to be an order of the words would say. It will say leave twice, then it follows with go and away. After another away it starts again from leave, as if it was in a loop.
Finally it suddenly stops, and was immediately followed with a screech.
It pained his ears a little as he gritted his teeth, he glanced around and he still saw nothing.
"This is going to be annoying..." He muttered as he started walking again.
The screeching continued relentlessly as he paced himself through the forest.
Thankfully after another set of minutes the screeching completely stops.
'Okay, first the voice, then that damn screeching...' He thought as he glanced around. 'Next should be-'
A large rock lands by his feet, follow by several more. He moves to the side to avoid getting hit...
Snap!
He turns in time to see a roped log coming at him, forcing him to jump to the side and watch the log land on the ground. It stands for a second before it falls flat...
The Witcher silently cursed as he pulled himself up. Only to stop when an arrow lands at his feet, he looks up to see another arrow fly right past his face. Impaling itself right into a tree next to him.
He eyes widen at little as he looked at the arrow then the direction it came from. Seeing nothing there, he then turns and pulls out the arrow from the tree before inspecting it. It was a commonly seen and made arrow, there wasn't visibly special about it...it was normal.
Nothing of the supernatural sort...
'Well, this so called spirit may actually be a person...' He thought as he dropped the arrow. 'And the voice, rocks and log were some form of traps meant for scaring people away...obviously. Though how were the voices done? Some type of spell? Enchantment? Have to figure that out later...'
'Still, who ever did that isn't messing around,' He thought as he narrowed his eyes. 'That shot could've killed me, but I think shooter just wants to drive me away. Interesting...but I shouldn't press my luck too much...let's see where the next one comes fr-.'
"Don't move..." He hears the voice again, this time it was directly behind him.
'Dammit, must've have snuck behind me after the arrow was shot.' He thought as he chose to comply. 'Not feeling any metal against my back, either using a bow or tome. Or has nothing at all...can't risk it. Not unless...'
"Take out your sword and throw it far to your right." The voice instructs. "Do not try to be clever..."
Deciding not to be clever, he slowly takes out his sword and tosses it beyond his reach.
"You know-"
"Do not speak unless I specify so," The voice cuts him off. "Now...why are you here?"
"Investigating the odd occurrences in this forest," He bullshits. "As the nearby village's hired me to do so, I guess it wasn't a spirit after all. You sound too normal to be from the other side..."
The voice stayed silent.
"So, how are we doing this?" He asks. "You would have easily killed me by now..."
"You were asked to leave and you refused to comply."
"Yeah there's that," He lets out a sigh, deciding to take a risk. "Though I did leave out something, I'm not here on just a single job. I'm also looking for someone..."
"...Who..." The voice sounded on edge. He'd have to choose his words carefully...
"Silver hair, brown eyes, and bears the name Shiro." He slowly says. "Her 'mother' is looking for her."
"...So she's desperate enough to hire a random brigand." He hears the voice whisper. "I hoped she'd given up by now..."
It made him smirk...
"So you weren't this far off," He states as he slowly shook his head. "Honestly thought you'd be harder to track, though I'm probably just lucky."
"...Who are you?"
"Edward Winchester," He let's out a smirk. "I'm what's known as a Witcher."
"Witcher?"
"Just think of it as a cross of a monster hunter and a person who helps people for a fee."
"So a form of mercenary then."
That slightly irritated him, but he chose not to respond.
"Mind if I turn around?" The Witcher asks. "It's kinda pointless to try to hide your identity if I know who you are."
"You know nothing..."
"Of course I don't know you personally," He slowly says. "I just know your name...Shiro."
"...Slowly turn around, do not do anything foolish."
He complies and sees an interesting sight.
It was a young girl, about Suki's age, she had silver hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a white cloak and clothing that matched with the snow around her. There was a white veil that covered the lower half of her face. She held a standard looking bow, with the string pulled back and an arrow pointing directly at him.
"...Who sent you?" She asks, even though she was clearly female. The voice she spoke with made it difficult to tell, that was interesting.
"Serena, if that's her name." He casually shrugs. "Wouldn't be the first time that a noble has given me a false name. One way to be discreet..."
"You are right, her name isn't that alias she commonly uses." She narrowed her eyes. "Though she didn't gave you a false name for me. Damn her..."
"So name really is Shiro," He smirked. "Though I guess the origin of it is different from what was told."
"What did that woman tell you? That it was a Chon'sin maid that offered the name to my father?"
"Yes and I guess that isn't true at all..."
"Correct..." Shiro sighs. "That woman has a way to convince people of her stories..."
"Not if they're used to such things," Edward says then shakes his head. "Still, I'm guessing there's some back story to all of this. Not really going to ask about that, but I will ask this. Why are you here specifically? Why not be in Regna Ferox where it is a lot harder to find someone? It's not far off..."
"...That isn't of importance," She narrows her eyes once more as she glared at him. "Now since you found me, you can leave since I'm not going back."
"And not figure out why you set those traps?" He crosses his arms. "Cause that's rather odd, sure it keeps the locals out. But those like me would be a bit too curious. Since it draws attention...something you likely not want."
"It is none of your business," She tilts her head. "It is better if you leave now..."
"Or what?" He couldn't help but ask. "If you wanted me dead, that arrow would be in my skull. From what I understand, you'd have no trouble at that."
Her eyes narrowed at him, he could swear that he saw the bow twitch a little. He has to be careful, while he knows a few ways of how to get out a situation like this. He'd rather not harm her if he could help it, he still has a job to do. Plus it'll be much easier if she was willing to travel with him. It'd be an annoyance if he had to hogtie her to Emi the entire way...
His horse probably wouldn't enjoy that...she'd probably just shake the girl off.
"Still," He sighs as he tilts his head. "I can't help but be curious, especially with how you're acting."
Shiro didn't say anything nor did her glare lessen in anyway.
"Trying to chase away people," He slowly says closing his eyes. "Keeping them away, but from what? You? But it'd be much simpler if you stayed hidden, you seem very capable of that. No there is something else isn't there?"
"...Enough of this!"
He feels something fly right past his cheek and past him. Slowly he opened his eyes to see the girl draw a another arrow from her cloak. There was some kind of box like container strapped to her back.
"I'll give you this last warning..." She slowly says as she draws an arrow. "Leave...n-"
"Raaah!"
A roar echos through the forest around them. It sounded as if it was coming from above yet in front of them.
"No..." The girl in front of him slowly says in shock. "It can't be back so soon..."
"What are you-"
"Leave this place if you value your life!" She turned and ran towards the likely origins of the roar.
"Wait! Dammit..." Edward cursed as he moved to grab his sword and ran after the girl.
'What the hell is going on!?' The Witcher thought as he ran after Shiro.
They've been running for a few minutes, the white cloaked girl seemed to ignore him as they ran through the forest. What ever that roar was, she seemed fixated on getting to it.
Finally after stumbling into a small clearing they make it to the source. As well as unexpected sight...
In front of them some distance away, was a large wyvern. Pale, it's scales where whiter than the snow around it. A long tail with clawed feet and folded wings. With an empty saddle on it's back. But this wasn't shocking to Edward, no it was what was in front of the wyvern. Or rather who...
A short distance away from the wyvern, was what can only be described as a large killer rabbit. Much larger than a horse with dark fur and large ears. It was a Taguel with purple leather like armor, in a defensive like stance against the wyvern.
'Holy shit...' Was all the Witcher could think as he stared at the taguel in shock. 'That's...Panne! Why is she here!?'
The pale wyvern growled as it glared at the taguel, it looked ready to attack.
"Dammit..." He hears Shiro whisper as she took out an arrow. "She hasn't even recovered yet..."
Wondering what she meant he noticed something with both Panne and the wyvern.
On Panne, there were burn marks on her fur, and what appeared to be a large bite mark on one of her legs. He looks at the wyvern and notices various claw marks on it's hide. Even on it's head...
'They're both injured,' He thought of the obvious before narrowing his eyes. 'She must've had a previous encounter with this wyvern and it's rider. Now it wants pay back...dammit, have to help. Panne can not die here!'
'Pale wyvern...riderless...almost as large as Panne.' He sighed as he starts to will his mana. 'High resistance or immune to fire, dangerous from front and back. Swift strikes and keep moving, just like that bastard had taught me.'
"Listen carefully," He hears Shiro whisper. "Leave now, if you get involved I cannot guarantee your life. Do not engage the taguel or the wyvern."
"...Huh, I'm honestly surprised." He smirks as he got ready. "Tell me Shiro, are you protecting the taguel or wyvern? If you're protecting the taguel then I'll help. But if it's the wyvern...then I can't guarantee your life."
While he would only incapacitate her, it'd be a pain if she was defending the wyvern. But he has to make sure Panne makes it through this...survival was at stake after all. By survival, he means that little family of his...
Shiro turned towards him, her eyes were widened in shock. As if she expected him to say something else...
"Whatever you answer is," He slowly says as green air becomes visible around his arms. "Better make it quick."
Not waiting for a response he casts blade of wind at the wyvern. The beast didn't notice it till the last second, it staggered back a bit.
"OI!" He yells at Panne as he runs to the side. "Now's your chance, attack it!"
Whether or not she actually listened to him, Panne charged forward. She stops right in front of the staggered beast, kicks it's head.
The pale wyvern was pushed back and ended up landing on it's side. Panne quickly jumped back, distancing herself from the beast. The beast itself let out a breath of flames as it started to get up, looking angered.
"Dammit, we just pissed it off..." He muttered as he moved towards the beast.
The wyvern growled before it raised it's wings and breathed fire once more.
Edward jumped back and towards some nearby trees. Using them as cover as he tried to get to it's side. The beast didn't let him as it moved towards him as it continued to breath flames.
"Dammit," He muttered as he avoids the flames.
The wyvern stops breathing out it's flames and roars at him. Leaving it vulnerable at it's side. An arrow bounces off it's hide making it turn and roar at it's current attacker.
Taking the chance, he moves and slashes at the beast's wings. Then jumps back to avoid a strike from it's tail. He jumps back to avoid another hit from the tail, using the trees as cover.
The beast is pushed back by Panne who slams into it, then swipes at it with her claws. She dodges a bite from the wyvern then slashes at it's head. The beast roars in pain before beating it's wings, pushing both Panne and itself away.
The wyvern lands a short distance away and roars, though this one made the ground shake and forced the witcher to cover his ears.
'Dammit, if it's this loud with me...' He glances at Panne. He sees that the taguel was flinching as her ears were being covered by her paws. The roar was effecting her much worse...
'So she's that sensitive to noise,' He thought as he willed his mana once more. 'Doesn't help with her injured state...'
The beast finishes it's roar as it glare at Panne, it bared it's teeth as it took a step forward.
Edward rushes from the trees and casts another wind blade at the beast. This time aiming for it's wings, the beast sees it coming and dodges it.
It roars as it raises it's wings and begins to beating them. Slowly lifting itself from the ground, and gaining altitude.
'Dammit, it's going to fly off or attack,' He thought as he willed his mana for another spell. 'I don't have any range weapons other than my spells. Need to bring it down...'
He casts two more blades of wind in separate directions. The pale wyvern dodged the first but was hit by the second when it manages to tear a bit of it's wing. The beast roars in pain as it falls, then crashes onto the ground with a loud thud.
Wasting no time, Edward rushed at the wyvern and stabs his blade into it's neck. The beast roared as blood drew from the wound, it swipes at him with it's injured wing. Forcing him to let go of his sword and jump back to avoid the hit.
The beast didn't give him a second, as it followed up with it's tail. It whips him and launches him a few feet away, right into a tree.
"Dammit..." The witcher cursed as he stood up while clutching the area he was hit. While it hurt like hell, there weren't any broken bones so he was still good.
The wyvern roared in pain as it moved it's neck, his blade had fallen off of it and landed somewhere in the snow.
He silently cursed as he wills his mana once more. He knows that if he keeps this up he'll eventually reach that vulnerable state. He has to rap this up...he's has to use on his specials...
As fast as he could, he draws as much as he can, willing it into his arms. Green air swirls around him before it appears around his arms.
As if sensing a threat, the pale wyvern turns toward him roaring. He was vulnerable right now, if he moves then he won't be able to use the spell. But if he doesn't then he'll hit by flames or teeth...
"Come on..." He grits his teeth as he draws more mana. "Just a little more..."
The wyvern approached him as it bared it's teeth as he saw embers from it's mouth. As it was about to breath fire at him, something crashes into it...Panne.
The taguel, using her hind legs, pushes the wyvern onto the ground and on it's back. Panne forces herself on top the beast, pinning it with her weight. She starts to slash at the wyvern neck at a rapid speed.
The beast roars in pain at tries to bite at her, but only to get swiped by her claws. The wyvern roars in pain before it's head fell to the ground, and stopped moving.
Edward let out a breath as the green air around him slowly dissipated. He watched Panne move away from the now dead beast before she actually collapses.
He hears heavy breathing coming from her before he notices that her ears were starting to shrink. Her entire form started to shrink, along with her claws retracting and her legs taking shape to that of a human.
In what felt like seconds, he watches her form change from a rabbit to that of a woman. Looking as the exact resemblance to that image he had seen of her so long ago. Her wounds were still present in various places but one thing stuck out to him.
...She looked undoubtedly beautiful...
The Witcher shook that thought out of his head as he approached the unconscious woman.
"Don't get closer," He hears a feminine like voice from behind him.
Slowly he turns to see Shiro pointing her bow at him. Her white veil was off of her face for some reason.
"Really?" He asks as he sighed. "This stand off again?"
"Who...what are you?" She asks as she narrowed her eyes. "No mere mage could use magic as you did."
"As much as I want to entertain your questions," He rolls his eyes in annoyance. "I have to help the taguel behind me, I'd rather not have her die on me."
"Why would you want to help her?"
He sighs as he crossed his arms, "The Witcher's hypocritical oath."
She tilts her head in confusion.
"I'm sworn not to kill sentient creatures that can be reasoned with if possible." He glances at the unconscious taguel then back to her. "Creatures like her, we're supposed to protect along with humans. And she is a taguel, an endangered race, she cannot die here. Not if I can help it..."
While he was bullshitting her about the oath, he's not lying about not killing sentient life. At least when he can actually reason with it, or use alternative methods other than killing when it comes to dealing with such things.
One of the few things that bastard had taught him, it doesn't always take a sword to finish a job. Something he knew from the get go...
"You don't see her as a monster?" She asks, sounding genuinely surprised.
While he was surprised by the question, Edward fought the urge to roll his eyes as he shook his head.
Quietly she sighs then lowers her bow.
"Pick her up carefully and follow me," She instructs. "I know a place where we can safely heal her."
He simply nodded as he turned and approached the taguel. She was breathing heavily but there appeared to be no signs of bleeding. She was still alright for now, hopefully the concoctions he has will be enough. Panne's survival takes priority over the job he accepted.
Carefully he gently lifts Panne bridal style before turning to follow Shiro.
He doesn't know why the girl seemingly wants to help the taguel. But he didn't want to care as long she didn't become a threat to the taguel in any manner. So for now he'll follow her but will be cautious...
"Please lay her down gently, I'll fetch some water."
Edward said nothing as he carefully laid Panne down on the ground. She was still out cold, but thankfully her wounds weren't any worse. There weren't any signs of infection, but it'll take sometime for her to fully recover.
'Can't heal her myself since I can't use healing magic.' He thought as he narrowed his eyes. 'I do have a concoction and a few vulneraries. Maybe that can work, her anatomy is more or less similar to our's. Since she actually have a child with a human, but can't eat potatoes for some reason.'
He glances behind him, Shiro was in front of a small campfire. It had a pot with what assumed to be boiling water. There was a duffel like bag a short distance from her.
Quietly he turns and pulls out a small bottle that was strapped to his side. He uncorks it and brings it close to the taguel's mouth. Carefully lifting her head, and avoiding touching the ears, he pours the drink into her mouth. After that was done, he gently places her back down and stares the wounds.
Some were starting to close but the others were still present. But it still healed her somewhat, though it really will take time for them to heal naturally. That was thing about healing potions...
While they are able to heal most wounds, they are only as useful as the quality they are made. If he had used an Elixir, no doubt all of the injuries would have healed. But since he used a standard concoction, it did less than half the desired effect.
He sighs as he corks the bottle and puts it back.
"You healed her?" He turns to see Shiro approaching them with a cup of clean water.
"More or less," He shrugs as she crouched next to the taguel. "Only have a concoction and a few vulneraries, not enough to heal her completely."
"That is better than the medicine I received from the village." She says as she gently lifts the head of the taguel. "At best it can only heal bruises and small cuts. Most village alchemists around this area don't have access to ingredients necessary for a normal vulnerary."
She carefully feeds the unconscious Panne water.
"You know I'm surprised you're helping her." The witcher says as he sits down. "Most people would be down right afraid of Taguel."
"...I am not most people..." She simply says as she removes the cup and places Panne's head down. "She should be fine for sometime, but I don't know what will happen if she wakes up."
"...Either she runs or tires to fight." He mutters as he shook his head. "She'll likely be suspicious and distrust to us...for good reason."
"What makes you say that?"
"Most likely for her," He grits his teeth. "Humans have done nothing but hunt down her kind, unprovoked, without reason for an unknown amount of time. Their numbers have thinned so much it is impossible to know how many are left. It's even possible to say that she..."
He shakes his head, "Never mind that, all that matters is that she is safe and will leave this place. Taguel's are like nomads after all..."
"Still," He tilted his head. "Why exactly are you helping her? And how exactly did you come across a taguel?"
Shiro becomes quiet, then sighs as she sits down.
He doesn't expect her to answer, if she does then she does, if she doesn't than it doesn't really matter to him. She hasn't shown any hostile intent...
"While I will not say the exact reason why, I can say that I encountered her after seeing that pale wyvern fly off." She finally says. "I decided to investigate the area, as it was rather close to the village. I initially believed that there was a nest."
"And you wanted to smash it's nest." Edward concluded. "That or take any eggs it might have laid to lure it someplace far from the village if possible."
"It was the latter with the former as a back up option." She glances down at the taguel. "But instead I found her, she was heavily injured, she likely encountered that wyvern by chance. Then injured it and herself in the process...I spent the last few days trying to heal her. I barely managed to feed her and kept her warm."
She sighs. "She only woke up today...but is in this state again due to today's events."
'So Panne wasn't at full strength due to injuries and lack of food.' He thought. 'A bad combination for anyone...even a taguel.'
"So you know of taguels and decided to help her for your own reasons." He says as he crossed his arms. "I can accept that, and I won't pry into your reasons as I have no true interest."
"...What happens now?" She asks as she stares at him. "Will you continue what you were originally here for?"
"I'll be honest..." He shook his head. "I didn't expect to encounter a taguel today...and while I like to keep my word. Let's just say that the taguel takes priority over the job I had before."
"Meaning that you'll be focused on that and happen to forget about somethings?" That sounded oddly hopeful coming from her.
Edward rose an eyebrow before considering his options.
He could try to drag her back, even though she'll most likely resist him. Plus since Panne has shown up he has to tell everyone about what happened. But he'll likely be lectured for some reason by Nai and Midori, either because he dragged a kid kicking and screaming. Or because he wasted time getting payed...
...No gold of any value is worth being on the receiving of those two. As it is the Crimson Bitch and The Demon Noir...it still sends shivers down his spine when those two work together. Which thankfully isn't often...
"...Well I'll be honest," He slowly says as he shrugs. "I really have conveniently forget about the main reason I was here. Guess dealing with a wyvern and a taguel by yourself can do that to you."
"...Thank you."
He smirked, "By any chance would you happen to be leaving soon?"
"Wh-"
"The taguel won't wake up for sometime, plus that woman you're avoiding may become impatient. She might decide to search for you again..."
"...I understand," She casts her eyes downward. "But what about her?"
"She'll be safe, I'll make sure of that."
"...I know this won't mean much," She stares at him. "Swear to me that you'll keep this taguel safe from harm."
"I swear on my oath as a witcher, I'll protect this taguel." He swears, face completely serious. "Now then do you have any food left? Cause you might want to spare some for the unconscious one."
The silver haired girl stared at him silently before nodding.
"I have some meat, a few fruits and some vegetables."
"Is the meat deer or other kind of animal? And any carrots?"
"Buck and I have a few carrots."
"That will have to do, spare some meat and give a few carrots please. The taguel will have to eat to get her strength back."
"Right," With that she gets up and proceeds to get the items.
Edward mentally sighed as he watched her open the duffel bag he saw earlier. He knows that there may be consequences for this, Selena or whatever that woman's true name is may not be a forgiving person. Not the first time he pissed off a noble, but he does have to be careful.
Whatever Shiro and that 'Serena' woman is involved in, it's likely complex and dangerous. Or purely simple and dangerous...either way he sure as hell doesn't want to get involved. So he'll settle for this choice...
'I'm a witcher not a hero...' He reminds himself.
He blinks to see Shiro coming up to him with some meat and a few carrots.
"This is all I can spare, I hope it's enough." She says as she hands the items to him.
"Enough to get her moving," He says. "Good luck to you where ever it is you're going."
"...May you fare well in you're travels." She says as she does a light bow before grabbing the duffel bag.
He watched her leave, after a few minutes he stares at nothing but snow and trees.
Finally he get's up and glances at Panne. He places the meat and carrots next to her, hopefully the first thing she sees when she wakes up.
'As much as I want to talk to her,' He thought as he turned to leave. 'It's better if I don't interact with her...otherwise I'll be tempted to follow her around. Not a good idea...'
Plus he still has to report this to the others, but he won't mention Shiro or that woman. He'll just say that he encountered Panne and the pale wyvern by random chance. Or alter the story a little...as he shouldn't get involved with the affairs of nobles.
He stops mid-step as an idea suddenly struck him. He takes out a knife from his person and carefully cuts his palm. Blood seeps from the wound and falls into the snow. It was a short distance away from the taguel...
"And thus you'll know my scent." He mutters as he put the knife away and clenched his bleeding hand. "For when we meet again on this damn path of our's."
'For it'll be one covered in blood...' He thought bitterly.
After that odd display he turns and leaves the taguel, with a small smile on his lips.
It was just another day as a witcher after all.
A/N: And thus brings an end to this special chapter. It was rather difficult to write since I ended up scarping ideas and having to start from scratch. While it lead to better ideas, it wasn't fun since I got plagued by writer's block.
But enough about that, in case anyone wonders what Edward tells Lucina and the gang. Let's just say that it's altered a bunch except for when he encountered Panne and the wyvern...minus Shiro of course.
Speaking of her, let it be known that this isn't the last of Shiro and the woman calling herself Serena. Since it will come back to bite Edward for his choices in the future...but that may not be for a while...
Anyway, read, review, or find or write a better story than this one. Tis your choice...
-Raiden312
Victory3114: Well that is true, war is a harsh thing as old as humans themselves. Leon does need to improve much more and faster if he wants to survive what's coming. Other wise...it won't be pretty.
Lucina does seem worried, as it seems her timelines event aren't happening as they should. Though it also bode the question what the her timeline's outrealmers did...as she is in her past so to speak.
Hopefully this chapter of Edward meeting Panne was good enough. Even though it wasn't a traditional meeting per say, though it'll be an interesting conversation between those two in the future.
Ah, Chrom and Frederick meeting Leon again...hopefully Leon finds something sturdy to hide against...cause he'll need it.