Thank you for the reviews. I really appreciate them and I hope this story
lives up to your expectations.
Melissa, I'm sorry I removed this story before. But I'm very grateful that you're interested in it until now.
Lady of Genesis, Nash uses the name Clovis when he does undercover work. Latkje is his real name, based from Suikosource's Blue Moon.
Keshoo Neko, my apologies for not telling you about this. I'll make sure that if I have some new stuff, you'll be the first to know.
Arizona Smith, Crab-Bloke, Marionette, thank you for the votes of confidence. I hope you'll like it until the end.
Disclaimer: Characters depicted in the story aren't mine. They belong to Konami.
To Become a Knight
"We shall be leaving then." Maki looked up as her childhood friend spoke. He looked immaculately clean and handsome again, as if a battle never took place in the village. She frowned at him. He hasn't fully recovered from the burn he received when he saved her life, and now he's leaving? She can't let him go just like that! He must stay here until he gets well!
"I see." Maki replied softly, lowering her eyes. No, she can't demand such things from him, not like how she used to when they were little. After all, he is a grown man now. He knows what he's doing and that he knows what's best for him.
"Take care of yourself." Camus said after a while. Maki nodded in return.
Then, there was an uncomfortable silence.
'Say goodbye, you idiot!' Maki thought to herself. 'Just one word. . . It was never this hard before, was it?' She looked up and met his blue gaze.
"U-Um. . ." She started.
"Camus." Miklotov called by the gates. The Red Knight turned his gaze toward his companion, giving Maki a wonderful view of his perfect profile. Her heart started to pound faster. Why has she never noticed that he was so attractive? "If we don't leave now, nightfall will meet us before we reach Caleria."
'A kiss.' Maki thought. 'Of both farewell and gratitude for what he did for the village.' She was thinking of a platonic kiss on his cheek, of course, nothing else. They were just friends, really. Just friends.
"Aye, Miklotov, in a moment." Camus answered. Maki suddenly moved, so fast and soundless that the female ninja Kasumi would envy (if Maki knew her), and aimed for his left cheek. Camus, at the same time, turned his head back to her to say something.
Their lips met.
Three seconds passed before they recovered from shock. Both quickly parted, a deep flush staining their cheeks. Maki touched her lips, still feeling Camus' warm lips over hers. Camus remained stunned. He has done it with countless women, why was it so different when it came to Maki? And to top it off, it was only a slight brush.
"I-I was. . ." Maki stuttered, wringing her hands in front of her. "I-It was supposed to be a little peck on the cheek."
"A-Ah. . . Y-Yes, of course." Camus finally found his voice. He cleared his throat then smiled. "We'll be off then."
Maki waved and smiled as well. "Take care."
Camus nodded and turned to leave. He walked toward the gates of the village and nodded toward Miklotov, signaling him that they should be leaving. The Blue Knight watched, secretly amused, at his friend's dazed state as he followed him outside the village.
"Stop that." The Red Knight muttered when he heard Miklotov whistling an old Matilda love song.
* * *
"Will you be all right?" Miklotov, the Captain of the Matilda Knights, asked his companion as he mounted his horse. "I hear that the monsters down the Mountain Path are terribly strong."
"You worry too much." Camus answered, waving his white gloved hand carelessly. "Do have faith in my abilities." He rested his left arm on the hilt of his sword Uriah. "Remember that we have the same skills. When you reach Matilda safely, then think that I, too, have reached my destination without harm." He then looked up as a Calerian boy approached them with a brown stallion in tow. The boy gave the reins to the Red Knight and set off after Camus nodded his thanks.
The two knights watched the boy disappear into the crowds. Being the center of trade and commerce, the City of Caleria has always been lively. Filled with active chatter and indistinct shouts of merchants, the city is busy yet again with people who come from different countries who wanted to try their luck in trading. The exotic food and drinks were also one of the factors that intrigued people into visiting the place.
'It has been years since I last came here.' Camus thought. 'The city seemed more eventful than it was before. I wonder if the Harmoian mercenary camp is still stationed here. Those Defense Forces have always been---'
"I apologize for not being able to join you in your quest in Iksay. The summons from Matilda sound urgent." Mikotov interrupted the Red Knight's thoughts. He reined his own horse to the massive gates.
"It is perfectly understandable." Camus answered as he mounted his steed. "Your duties in the Knightdom should always come first. The summons must be serious for them to track you all the way up here and call you."
"Aye." The Blue Knight agreed as the two rode out of Caleria. When they reached the fork that led to two different paths, Miklotov took the one to the left which will take him back to Matilda. "Well then, I must be off. Good luck on your search."
Camus nodded. "I will return to Matilda after I finish this mission. I'll even bring back a souvenir from Iksay." He grinned.
"Your souvenir better not be another beautiful, generously endowed woman." Miklotov sighed over his friend's wicked sense of humor, remembering Camus' preferences in the women he involves himself with. "The last time you brought one back in the Knightdom stirred up a ruckus I'd rather not handle again."
Camus laughed. "Yet I hear that there are a lot of women in Vinay del Zexay, which is only a few hours ride from Iksay, who suit my fancy. Perhaps. . ."
"Maki." That one simple word made Camus shut up. Miklotov watched in amusement as his comrade's face colored into the same shade as his coat, and almost laughed out loud. So, he really does have feelings for her, eh? Then again, he isn't someone who would tease people about it. "Stop wasting time on women. Find the Frauleins in Iksay and give them the key. Then go back to Matilda, the Knightdom needs your strength."
"You have no sense of humor, Miklotov. That's why you don't fare too well in the ladies department." Camus muttered under his breath, but loud enough for the Blue Knight to hear. When Miklotov merely raised a dark eyebrow, Camus cleared his throat. "I will be back soon." He said and placed his right fist on his chest as a form of salute. "Until then."
Miklotov nodded and returned his salute. He dug his heels on the horse's flanks and galloped away, leaving a wave of dust in his wake.
Camus watched as his friend galloped away. He led his horse to the opposite direction and galloped down the Mountain Path. 'Iksay Village. . .' A forbidding expression settled on his handsome face. 'Again, I bring a message from the dead. Damn.'
* * *
The usual calm air of the Village of Iksay was disturbed by two boys rolling down the dirt in a fistfight. A dark-haired, gray-eyed boy of eleven summers swiftly evaded a punch aimed at his face. His opponent, a skinhead twice his size, howled in pain as his fist landed on the hard ground. Taking advantage of this, the dark-haired boy pushed his opponent off him. He then threw himself over Baldy and rained in strong punches on his face.
"Don't you ever call my father names again!" The dark-haired boy shouted as he continued throwing unmerciful punches onto his poor opponent, until his fists started to hurt. There was no one around to stop him. Even Baldy's two lackeys merely stood on the side, watching the fight. They were too scared of him to interfere. The villagers were all in the square, readying themselves for the annual festival held in honor of their goddess Sadie. If only someone would pass by the gates. . .
Just when the dark-haired boy was about to throw his final punch that will surely render the other boy unconscious, he felt someone grab him by the scruff of his neck and was hauled to his feet.
"Enough!" A deep voice stopped the boy from struggling. He looked up and found a blue-eyed stranger in a crimson and white uniform frowning down at him. He glared back.
Camus sighed and released the boy. "Go." He commanded and gave him a little push. "I believe you've proven yourself to your friends."
The boy frowned over the stranger's sarcastic remark and retorted. "Mind your own business, old man." Before Camus could even say anything, the boy disappeared into the village.
"Nice kid." The Red Knight muttered under his breath.
"T-Thank you for stopping him, sir." One of Baldy's companions said as he helped his friend to his feet, draping his injured friend's arm across his shoulders.
"Aye, we couldn't have stopped him." The other with spectacles joined in, taking Baldy's other arm.
Camus nodded. "Steer clear from him for a couple of days." The two nodded and turned to bring back their injured friend to the village. He then remembered the reason why he came to the village. "Er, can you tell me where I can find a Fraulein?" He called to the boys.
Both stopped and turned. The boy with spectacles pointed toward the village. "The dark-haired boy before was a Fraulein, sir." He winced. "Percival Fraulein."
Melissa, I'm sorry I removed this story before. But I'm very grateful that you're interested in it until now.
Lady of Genesis, Nash uses the name Clovis when he does undercover work. Latkje is his real name, based from Suikosource's Blue Moon.
Keshoo Neko, my apologies for not telling you about this. I'll make sure that if I have some new stuff, you'll be the first to know.
Arizona Smith, Crab-Bloke, Marionette, thank you for the votes of confidence. I hope you'll like it until the end.
Disclaimer: Characters depicted in the story aren't mine. They belong to Konami.
To Become a Knight
"We shall be leaving then." Maki looked up as her childhood friend spoke. He looked immaculately clean and handsome again, as if a battle never took place in the village. She frowned at him. He hasn't fully recovered from the burn he received when he saved her life, and now he's leaving? She can't let him go just like that! He must stay here until he gets well!
"I see." Maki replied softly, lowering her eyes. No, she can't demand such things from him, not like how she used to when they were little. After all, he is a grown man now. He knows what he's doing and that he knows what's best for him.
"Take care of yourself." Camus said after a while. Maki nodded in return.
Then, there was an uncomfortable silence.
'Say goodbye, you idiot!' Maki thought to herself. 'Just one word. . . It was never this hard before, was it?' She looked up and met his blue gaze.
"U-Um. . ." She started.
"Camus." Miklotov called by the gates. The Red Knight turned his gaze toward his companion, giving Maki a wonderful view of his perfect profile. Her heart started to pound faster. Why has she never noticed that he was so attractive? "If we don't leave now, nightfall will meet us before we reach Caleria."
'A kiss.' Maki thought. 'Of both farewell and gratitude for what he did for the village.' She was thinking of a platonic kiss on his cheek, of course, nothing else. They were just friends, really. Just friends.
"Aye, Miklotov, in a moment." Camus answered. Maki suddenly moved, so fast and soundless that the female ninja Kasumi would envy (if Maki knew her), and aimed for his left cheek. Camus, at the same time, turned his head back to her to say something.
Their lips met.
Three seconds passed before they recovered from shock. Both quickly parted, a deep flush staining their cheeks. Maki touched her lips, still feeling Camus' warm lips over hers. Camus remained stunned. He has done it with countless women, why was it so different when it came to Maki? And to top it off, it was only a slight brush.
"I-I was. . ." Maki stuttered, wringing her hands in front of her. "I-It was supposed to be a little peck on the cheek."
"A-Ah. . . Y-Yes, of course." Camus finally found his voice. He cleared his throat then smiled. "We'll be off then."
Maki waved and smiled as well. "Take care."
Camus nodded and turned to leave. He walked toward the gates of the village and nodded toward Miklotov, signaling him that they should be leaving. The Blue Knight watched, secretly amused, at his friend's dazed state as he followed him outside the village.
"Stop that." The Red Knight muttered when he heard Miklotov whistling an old Matilda love song.
* * *
"Will you be all right?" Miklotov, the Captain of the Matilda Knights, asked his companion as he mounted his horse. "I hear that the monsters down the Mountain Path are terribly strong."
"You worry too much." Camus answered, waving his white gloved hand carelessly. "Do have faith in my abilities." He rested his left arm on the hilt of his sword Uriah. "Remember that we have the same skills. When you reach Matilda safely, then think that I, too, have reached my destination without harm." He then looked up as a Calerian boy approached them with a brown stallion in tow. The boy gave the reins to the Red Knight and set off after Camus nodded his thanks.
The two knights watched the boy disappear into the crowds. Being the center of trade and commerce, the City of Caleria has always been lively. Filled with active chatter and indistinct shouts of merchants, the city is busy yet again with people who come from different countries who wanted to try their luck in trading. The exotic food and drinks were also one of the factors that intrigued people into visiting the place.
'It has been years since I last came here.' Camus thought. 'The city seemed more eventful than it was before. I wonder if the Harmoian mercenary camp is still stationed here. Those Defense Forces have always been---'
"I apologize for not being able to join you in your quest in Iksay. The summons from Matilda sound urgent." Mikotov interrupted the Red Knight's thoughts. He reined his own horse to the massive gates.
"It is perfectly understandable." Camus answered as he mounted his steed. "Your duties in the Knightdom should always come first. The summons must be serious for them to track you all the way up here and call you."
"Aye." The Blue Knight agreed as the two rode out of Caleria. When they reached the fork that led to two different paths, Miklotov took the one to the left which will take him back to Matilda. "Well then, I must be off. Good luck on your search."
Camus nodded. "I will return to Matilda after I finish this mission. I'll even bring back a souvenir from Iksay." He grinned.
"Your souvenir better not be another beautiful, generously endowed woman." Miklotov sighed over his friend's wicked sense of humor, remembering Camus' preferences in the women he involves himself with. "The last time you brought one back in the Knightdom stirred up a ruckus I'd rather not handle again."
Camus laughed. "Yet I hear that there are a lot of women in Vinay del Zexay, which is only a few hours ride from Iksay, who suit my fancy. Perhaps. . ."
"Maki." That one simple word made Camus shut up. Miklotov watched in amusement as his comrade's face colored into the same shade as his coat, and almost laughed out loud. So, he really does have feelings for her, eh? Then again, he isn't someone who would tease people about it. "Stop wasting time on women. Find the Frauleins in Iksay and give them the key. Then go back to Matilda, the Knightdom needs your strength."
"You have no sense of humor, Miklotov. That's why you don't fare too well in the ladies department." Camus muttered under his breath, but loud enough for the Blue Knight to hear. When Miklotov merely raised a dark eyebrow, Camus cleared his throat. "I will be back soon." He said and placed his right fist on his chest as a form of salute. "Until then."
Miklotov nodded and returned his salute. He dug his heels on the horse's flanks and galloped away, leaving a wave of dust in his wake.
Camus watched as his friend galloped away. He led his horse to the opposite direction and galloped down the Mountain Path. 'Iksay Village. . .' A forbidding expression settled on his handsome face. 'Again, I bring a message from the dead. Damn.'
* * *
The usual calm air of the Village of Iksay was disturbed by two boys rolling down the dirt in a fistfight. A dark-haired, gray-eyed boy of eleven summers swiftly evaded a punch aimed at his face. His opponent, a skinhead twice his size, howled in pain as his fist landed on the hard ground. Taking advantage of this, the dark-haired boy pushed his opponent off him. He then threw himself over Baldy and rained in strong punches on his face.
"Don't you ever call my father names again!" The dark-haired boy shouted as he continued throwing unmerciful punches onto his poor opponent, until his fists started to hurt. There was no one around to stop him. Even Baldy's two lackeys merely stood on the side, watching the fight. They were too scared of him to interfere. The villagers were all in the square, readying themselves for the annual festival held in honor of their goddess Sadie. If only someone would pass by the gates. . .
Just when the dark-haired boy was about to throw his final punch that will surely render the other boy unconscious, he felt someone grab him by the scruff of his neck and was hauled to his feet.
"Enough!" A deep voice stopped the boy from struggling. He looked up and found a blue-eyed stranger in a crimson and white uniform frowning down at him. He glared back.
Camus sighed and released the boy. "Go." He commanded and gave him a little push. "I believe you've proven yourself to your friends."
The boy frowned over the stranger's sarcastic remark and retorted. "Mind your own business, old man." Before Camus could even say anything, the boy disappeared into the village.
"Nice kid." The Red Knight muttered under his breath.
"T-Thank you for stopping him, sir." One of Baldy's companions said as he helped his friend to his feet, draping his injured friend's arm across his shoulders.
"Aye, we couldn't have stopped him." The other with spectacles joined in, taking Baldy's other arm.
Camus nodded. "Steer clear from him for a couple of days." The two nodded and turned to bring back their injured friend to the village. He then remembered the reason why he came to the village. "Er, can you tell me where I can find a Fraulein?" He called to the boys.
Both stopped and turned. The boy with spectacles pointed toward the village. "The dark-haired boy before was a Fraulein, sir." He winced. "Percival Fraulein."