AN: Hey all. I am sorry for the delay so I am uploading the next two chapters at once. I don't know when I'll get around to updating further, between finals and work. Oh well, try to get things up ASAP.

Chapter 4

Traveling Companions

It was nearly ten before Steve opened the door of the bakery. Ashley and Marina were waiting for him. Both were dressed in traveling clothes. Ashley was in his old battle gear and carried his bayonet weapon. Marina was dressed in a small, pink skirt, plain, light blue shirt, and black traveling boots.

Steve was wearing the same clothes that they had met him in the other day. The bright yellow mage robe that he had obtained from his last adventure on Lunar. In truth the robe wasn't as bright as it used to be. It looked like it hadn't been washed in a while, but its wearer didn't seem to mind.

"What took you so long?!" Ashley almost shouted. "I told you that we were leaving in the morning."

"What are you talking about? As long as it's after midnight and before noon, it's morning." Ashley stood there in silence for a moment. He couldn't argue with that logic. Technically Steve was right, and he never did specify on a time. Finally, he gave up trying to think of a way out, and decided to tell him what was going on.

"Steve, we needed a way to get around, so I contacted Kanon. She and Brad will be around soon in the Chateau. We need to meet them at the pick up point in an hour or two."

"Whoa. Then we need to go. Why didn't you tell me to be here earlier?" Ashley shot him a look that seemed to say I'm going to kill you.' Steve Ignored it as the trio walked toward the door. "Hey, Marina. You got a weapon?"

"No. I'm not a fighter," she replied.

Steve shot a glance toward Ashley. "Monsters don't care Marina. Here." Steve reached into the large arm hole of his robe. After a small bit of fidgeting, he removed a sheath, strap, and dagger, and gave it to her.

"Strap this around your waist. If a monster comes at you, don't hesitate to use it."

Marina gave a smile as she took the weapon. "What else do you have in there?" she mocked.

"A sword, some healing items, a bag of silver, and a book on magic," he replied with a smirk. "Why?"

The other two just shook their heads and left for the town entrance. Once they got out of the town, Ashley began leading the way to the pick up spot. It wasn't long before the three ran into a group of ballons.

Steve and Ashley drew their weapons. Ashley shot Marina one of those stay here' looks. He and Steve then stepped forward to face the beasts. Steve was the first to strike, slicing the creature in half with his sword. Ashley struck a split second later, plunging his weapon deep into the monster. While Ashley was absorbed in his attack, he didn't see the third ballon attack.

It was headed straight for him, just about to attack. Suddenly Marina appeared out of nowhere dagger drawn.

"Get away from him!" she yelled. Marina began slashing wildly. As the blows connected, the monsters screamed in pain. Finally the monster fell. Marina stood there, breathing hard and clutching the small blade. Steve walked over to her, knowing exactly why she hadn't moved.

"You feel that rush of adrenaline? The one you got from saving Ashley? That is one of the things about adventures that Ashley loves."

The three continued walking as Marina came down from her adrenaline high. Just as they had reached the platform, the Valeria Chateau flew overhead. In a flash of yellow light, the three were transported into the ship.

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"So this is the kid," said Kanon. The group of five met in the former ARMS meeting room.

"Why does everyone keep calling me kid?'"

"You are a kid," came Brad.

"Still. I don't go around calling you adult,' do I? Call me Steve."

"Fine," said Kanon, a bit irritated. "Steve, why don't you tell us what happened."

Kanon and Brad listened intently as Steve retold his story. He went into more detail about his time before the adventure than he had with Ashley and Marina. As he finished, Brad leaned back in his chair. It was quite a tale that Steve was telling.

"So . . . Will you help me?" he asked.

"Just a minute," said Kanon. "I'm not a charity. Ashley and Marina may be my friends, but you aren't. I want to be paid for my services."

"Are you telling me that you weren't listening to a thing I said? I'm not from around here. I have no Gella. The only money that have is Silver from Lunar."

"Hmm." Brad stood up from his chair. "You say that you are not from this world, yet you know of our money and our monsters."

"I . . ."

"He's lying!" Kanon yelled, drawing her weapons.

"Let me explain."

"Enough talk." Kanon executed a Left Edge. Steve drew his own blade to block the attack. Thinking fast, he did a sweep kick as Kanon was coming down. The maneuver succeeded in knocking the woman flat on her back. Steve raised his sword to her neck, then he heard a click. Brad's Bazooka was aimed right at his head.

"Drop the weapon," Brad stated calmly.

"She attacked me," Steve replied, not moving.

"Drop the weapon," he said again.

"I want her to listen to what I have to say first."

"This is your last warning." Ashley now had his Bayonet aimed for the boy as well. Steve looked over at Brad. Then down to Kanon. Finally over to Ashley and a terrified Marina.

"I guess I was wrong about you guys," he said sheathing his sword. "I didn't think that you were the types to jump to conclusions. Or to be so dishonorable as to attack a defenseless boy." He shot a glance towards Kanon. "Since you are obviously not going to trust me, goodbye." Steve turned and walked out of the room.