Chapter 11
The kingdom of Guardiana was at the busiest it had ever been since it had been rebuilt. The festival was in full swing, and townspeople were cheerful, happy. Merchants toyed with prospective buyers, offering goods that were either exotic, or cheaper than the merchant down the road. Street performers were in full swing, delighting people with daring acts that ranged from exciting to downright bizarre. Everyone was excited, over the anticipation of the upcoming Champion of Arms tournament, which would begin in a few days. People from all over the world were here. You could see people whose birthplace was from a continent away. In fact, because of the whirlwind event that was the festival, and the fact that outrageous garb could be seen wherever you happened to look, the arrival of two strangers went entirely unnoticed.
"This mask makes me feel goofy," Max complained. He was in that stupid costume. How had he let Serena talk him into wearing that anyway?
"Quiet down, you," Serena chided. "You were the one who wanted to remain unrecognized."
"I know, but that doesn't mean I have to like it."
Their journey had been uneventful. Edward had allowed Serena to go with Max to see, as he put it, "the big city." Everyone had wished Max well, and as going-away present, they had presented him with an custom-made sword, that the blacksmith had lovingly crafted. Max felt it's comforting weight at his hip, as he and Serena stood directly inside the entrance to Guardiana. The streets were entirely stuffed with bodies. Groups of people walked back and forth, shopping, chatting, and generally having a good time. Serena was overwhelmed by this experience. Coming from the provinces, she had never been exposed to such an huge kingdom, or such a large concentration of people before. In order to comfort herself, she was clutching Max's hand desperately, as if it were a lifeline she couldn't let go of. At least, that's what Max told himself, as he tried to ignore how Serena's hand clutched his own.
Serena read the follow-up letter they had received, with detailed instructions on what to do once they arrived in the city. "According to this, we're supposed to head to the castle, and register there."
Max shook his head. "Later. You hungry?"
Serena smiled. "No, of course not. I've only had to walk the whole day, with a pitiful, little snack that you called breakfast to sustain me. I'm just fine and dandy, thanks," she said sarcastically.
"That's what I thought," Max said, smiling. "Come on, I know a place." He led the way, as they weaved in and out of the crowd.
"You're familiar with this place?" Serena asked.
"Fairly," Max said. He failed to elaborate afterwards, and the two walked in silence until they reached a pub that was simply named "Heaven."
"How appropriate," Serena smirked. "Shall we?" She pulled Max inside, where they were greeted with the sounds of loud chatter, and the delicious smell of hot meals, and cold beer.
Max and Serena walked through the crowded pub until they reached an empty table. They sat down at once, eager to be off their sore feet. A young woman with red, curly hair, and a friendly smile passed them two menus. Max gulped. He actually knew this woman, Dalia, from the old days. It seemed that she still worked here. She didn't seem to recognize him at all, though, which was a relief. It seemed that no matter how ridiculous the clothes and the mask he wore were, they actually seemed to be working.
"Anything to drink first?" Dalia asked.
"Two beers," Max replied. Dalia nodded, then left to serve another table.
Serena glanced around. "Nice place," she said. "You've been here a lot?"
"A bit," Max replied. He looked around. This place brought a lot of old memories back. He remembered that Lord Varios had brought him here a few times after a particularly hard day of training. And those drinking contests he had cheerfully had with Lowe...Max realized that those particular memories were somewhat fuzzy.
Dalia returned to take their orders. "So, what will you folks be having?"
Serena looked down at her menu. "I think I'll have...the Max special."
Dalia marked it down. "Ah. Excellent choice."
Max couldn't believe his ears. "Excuse me, what was that? The what special?"
"The Max special. It comes with a steak, side of vegetables, grilled potatoes, and a cold beer. It was named after the famous hero of Guardiana, Max, you know, the one who saved the world?"
Serena nodded. She was particularly eager to hear some tales about Max. "Why'd you name that dish after him?"
Dalia sighed. "He used to come in here all the time. He and Lowe would sit down, and order that same thing every single time. Boy, those two made me laugh. What a pair, Max and Lowe."
Max smiled. They had been best of friends. Still, having a dish named after him made Max feel somewhat embarrassed. "Um, I'll have a...Max...special as well." Man, it felt really weird saying that out loud. Dalia departed.
"Well, at least they're honouring Max in their own way," Serena said.
"I don't know," Max said. "Do you think that Max would be...comfortable...with such a privilege?
"Why not?" Serena asked.
"Well to me, um, I just don't think that Max would be the kind of person to accept such accolades," Max replied, haltingly. He had to be careful. One slip of the tongue....
"You think so?" Serena asked.
"Yes. From what I know of Max, he would just say he was doing his duties."
"Have you ever met Max?" Serena asked suddenly.
"No, no, not even in passing." Max replied hastily. Serena looked like she was about to ask more questions, but like divine intervention to Max, the food arrived just at the moment.
Serena grinned. "Dig in!" She said enthusiastically, and proceeded to do just that. Max smiled, and decided to take her advice.
The meal was finished surprisingly quickly. Evidently, the hard day's travel had left their toll on the two travelers. They were sitting there, quietly nursing their beers, when a young woman, with long brown hair, approached Max.
"Hey there, mysterious stranger." she said seductively. She put a hand on Max's shoulder, and left it there. "You new in town?"
"Well, I just got in," Max replied cautiously.
"Really? How would you like for me to show you around then?" the woman asked, smiling.
"No, it's ok," Max replied hastily. He glanced at Serena. She had an particularly tense expression on her face at the moment.
"No, I wouldn't mind at all," the woman said, drawing closer. "I could show you all sorts of sights...the markets...the bars...my place," she whispered into his ear. Max blushed, staring down at his beer mug. The woman laughed."
"Aww, you look so cute when you do that!" she said, smiling. "So what do you say?"
Serena scowled. "Let's go," she said to Max.
"Oh? Want your man to yourself?" the woman said, her eyes glinting with malice.
Serena blushed furiously. "You wouldn't know the half of it, you tramp."
The woman's face darkened. "What did you just call me?"
"You heard me."
The woman was shaking with rage. Max glanced uneasily from her to Serena, who was equally angered. "I'll give you one chance to apologize," the woman said, her words laced with poison.
"Save it, you skank." Serena smirked.
The woman leapt at Serena, her hands outstretched toward her throat. This might have worked against the Serena of old. However, in place that Serena was an combat-hardened warrior. She easily batted the woman aside as if she were nothing, sending her crashing down to the floor.
The woman gingerly picked herself up. "You bitch!"
Serena just laughed. The woman gave her one final glare, then departed. Serena slowly sat back down, and conversation began to pick up again around Heaven.
"You shouldn't have done that," Max said, coldly.
Serena glanced at him. She was startled as she saw that his eyes were burning with anger. "Huh?"
"First, I can handle myself just fine. I don't need you to baby-sit for me." Serena tried to protest, but Max continued to speak. "Second, you gave into provocation. You let your emotions take control of you. A warrior needs to stay cool, calm. She can't let her anger cloud her judgment. Do that in battle, and you're dead, and not just you, but everyone under your command."
Serena looked down in shame. He was right, of course. "I'm sorry."
Max slowly nodded. "We better get moving." Max tossed a gold piece to Dalia. "For your troubles." They left.
Once outside, Max and Serena glanced around. The streets weren't as busy as before, as stores closed down, and the sun began to set. With Max leading the way, they set off for the castle.
Max let his thoughts wander. It was nice to be back home. He hadn't realized how much he had missed Guardiana. The smells, the sights, the sounds, they all brought back a sense of nostalgia, a yearning for the simpler life he had once lived, when there was no Darksol, no Runefaust. When he and Lowe had just been kids, struggling with their training. Max smiled inwardly. Even then, his life couldn't be considered normal, could it? Trained at a young age to unknowingly become the Hero. Did Varios foresee this happening? He had somehow recognized the potential Max had, when no one else gave him a second glance. Max made a mental note to visit his old Master's tomb, before he left.
Serena let her thoughts wander. She was now walking in the streets where Max was raised. From this Kingdom, a Hero had sprung forth, bringing forth the greatest fighting force know to the world. And it had all started right here. Peace had been brought to the world, but with a cost. Countless people had died in the war with Runefaust, including that young Hero. Serena scowled. Someone like that couldn't die that easily. He had to be alive, and one day, Serena would meet him.
Max held out an arm, blocking Serena's progress. "Hold."
"What is it?" Serena whispered.
"Behind us." They slowly turned around. They watched as a group of people came into view.
Max stepped forward. "Why do you follow us?"
The biggest one of the group smiled. "We heard that 'lady' beside you happened to start a little trouble with a friend of ours."
Max silently counted. Twelve of them, in total. They were all big, strong, and armed, and had an cocky look about them. Probably some sort of gang. The leader was at least 40 pounds heavier than Max, and a foot taller. "What do you want with Serena?"
"Oh, so this whore's name is Serena?" Serena growled, and reached for her sword hilt. Max caught her hand before she could withdraw her sword from it's sheath. The gang laughed. "Ah, so she wants to start something, does she?" said the leader. "Anyway, we just want to have a nice little fun together with Serena."
Max snarled. "I can guess what your idea of 'fun' is."
The leader laughed. "Well, fun for some of us, anyway."
Max was about to reply, when Serena stopped him. "Peregrin, stop. If they want me, they can come and get me."
"Serena, no!"
The leader laughed uproariously. "Don't worry. Maybe she'll enjoy it. You two." The leader motioned at two people, and grinning, they walked toward Serena.
Max shook his head. It looked like there was no way of avoiding trouble now. "No bloodshed!"
Serena smiled. "You're no fun. Understood."
The two men, leering, came closer. Serena waited until they were within grappling range, then quickly ducked down under one's reaching grasp, and firmly punched him in the solar plexus. He went down, his hands wrapped around his midsection. Serena quickly turned around in a spin kick, kicking the other gang member directly in the chest. He fell, clutching his broken ribs.
The leader's face darkened. This wasn't going the way he planned. "Get them!" he roared. His gang charged.
Max neatly caught a giant fist that would have knocked him flat on the ground. He used the ruffian's momentum to swing him into another gang member. He grasped their two heads, and knocked them together, sending both into the realm of unconsciousness.1 Two more came at him, screaming at the top of their lungs. Max lashed out at one with a foot, kicking at a kneecap, until it broke. The man went down screaming. The other charged, attempting to tackle Max to the ground. Max waited until he was almost within range, then ducked under his grasp. Grabbing a firm hold of the man's tunic, he rolled back, and firmly pushed off with his foot, sending the man flying into a wall. He fell down, clutching his arm that was now broken in two places.
Max looked over to see how Serena was doing. She had neatly taken care of her opponents, as they lay down in a pile clutching dislocated shoulders, or broken limbs. Serena saw Max watching, and smiled. "No bloodshed, see?"
Max shook his head. "That fellow at your feet seems to be gushing from the nose."
Serena smirked. "He didn't fall properly. His fault." Her eyes widened. "Peregrin, look out!"
Max heard the sound of metal cutting through air, and quickly dived forward in a blind roll. He heard the sounds of metal striking the stone floor where he had just stood. Max quickly drew his sword, preparing for a followup strike, but none came. He turned around to see what happened, and his eyes widened.
Earnest had appeared out of nowhere, and was currently holding aloft the leader of the gang, and shaking him madly. "YOU COWARD!!!"
The leader whimpered. "Please, stop."
Earnest continued to shake him violently. "YOU STRIKE AT AN UNARMED MAN'S BACK! You SLIME! Never, NEVER, DO THAT AGAIN!" The enraged warrior made each point by giving the man a shake each time.
Max rushed up to Earnest. "Earnest, stop!"
Earnest's look of rage vanished, to be replaced by confusion. "How do you know my name?"
"Uh..." Max thought quickly. "Who doesn't?"
Earnest grimaced. "Ah yes, the fame that comes with being a war hero." He glanced at the leader who now looked like a nervous wreck. "But...this man struck dishonorably."
Max sighed. "I know. But I think he's been punished enough already."
Earnest snorted. "I guess the humiliation of having his gang beaten down by two people is enough punishment." The centaur glanced at the wounded. "I don't know how many more injuries I could inflict anyway." He tossed the leader aside. "Get your sorry gang out of here. One more incident like this, and I'll personally make sure you pay."
Earnest turned his back on them, not even bothering to watch the gang slowly limp off. "Are you two alright?"
Max glanced at Serena. Serena nodded. "We're fine."
Earnest nodded. "Good. I don't think we've been properly introduced? My name is Earnest, and I come from the town... "
Serena cut him off. "THE Earnest?"
Earnest smiled. "No, A Earnest. Didn't you hear I come in six packs?" Earnest made a gracious bow. "Earnest, member of the Shining Force, at your service."
Serena shook his hand madly. "Wow, an actual Shining Force member...this is such an honour."
Earnest smiled. "It's no big deal. Nothing really."
Serena smirked. "Yeah right. Hey, you're a pretty nice guy when you're not all pissed off and all. Oh, I'm Serena."
Earnest frowned. "Um...thanks I guess." He turned to Max. "May I have your name, sir?"
Max nodded. "I am known as Peregrin." He bowed.
Earnest's eyes widened. "Now it's my turn to be impressed," he said. "The Peregrin who lead twelve soldiers to victory against a ruthless slaver gang?"
Max frowned. "You heard about that?"
Earnest nodded. "Stuff of legend. And you are participating in the tournament, correct? I hope to see you there, then."
Max nodded. "Yes, I will be participating." He frowned. "Wait, you're entering as well?"
Earnest smiled. "Myself, and a few other Shining Force members."
Max was worried. His fighting style was somewhat unique. Other members of the Shining Force might be able to recognize him from the way he fought. "I see. Good luck to you then. Incidentally, what brings you out here?"
Earnest smiled. "I'd stopped by Heaven for a quick bite to eat, when Dalia told me about the trouble you guys had. I figured something would be up, so I rushed here as soon as possible."
Max nodded. "Thank you for your assistance. It came at a most welcome time."
Earnest waved the thanks away. "No problem. All in the line of duty." Earnest waved in the direction of the castle. "Anyway, we should get you guys checked in. If you'll follow me..."
They set off for the castle."
And now, a word from your author:
Well, this took a bit of time to do...apologies to everyone out there for the time needed to crank out this chapter. I have final exams coming up, and schoolwork was a real drag. Summer's coming up though, yay! Although, I do have summer school...
One of my longer chapters...I hope to be starting on a Seiken Densetsu 3 fic soon, or a Chrono Trigger fic as well. As soon as this nears completion, because it's about a little less than half done from what I see. Anyway, all flames and stuff can be sent to strider_yoshi@yahoo.com, and remember to read and review, because if I don't get at least 5 reviews, I'm not writing another chapter. Just kidding, but I always hate when I see writers try to blackmail people into reviewing, "I'll only continue this if people are interested", just write for the sake of writing, not to get hits or reviews.
Cheers!
Next chapter: Max enters the Champion of Arms tournament. Who will be his first opponent? Can Max keep his identity secret? Same fanfic time, sane fanfic channel!
The kingdom of Guardiana was at the busiest it had ever been since it had been rebuilt. The festival was in full swing, and townspeople were cheerful, happy. Merchants toyed with prospective buyers, offering goods that were either exotic, or cheaper than the merchant down the road. Street performers were in full swing, delighting people with daring acts that ranged from exciting to downright bizarre. Everyone was excited, over the anticipation of the upcoming Champion of Arms tournament, which would begin in a few days. People from all over the world were here. You could see people whose birthplace was from a continent away. In fact, because of the whirlwind event that was the festival, and the fact that outrageous garb could be seen wherever you happened to look, the arrival of two strangers went entirely unnoticed.
"This mask makes me feel goofy," Max complained. He was in that stupid costume. How had he let Serena talk him into wearing that anyway?
"Quiet down, you," Serena chided. "You were the one who wanted to remain unrecognized."
"I know, but that doesn't mean I have to like it."
Their journey had been uneventful. Edward had allowed Serena to go with Max to see, as he put it, "the big city." Everyone had wished Max well, and as going-away present, they had presented him with an custom-made sword, that the blacksmith had lovingly crafted. Max felt it's comforting weight at his hip, as he and Serena stood directly inside the entrance to Guardiana. The streets were entirely stuffed with bodies. Groups of people walked back and forth, shopping, chatting, and generally having a good time. Serena was overwhelmed by this experience. Coming from the provinces, she had never been exposed to such an huge kingdom, or such a large concentration of people before. In order to comfort herself, she was clutching Max's hand desperately, as if it were a lifeline she couldn't let go of. At least, that's what Max told himself, as he tried to ignore how Serena's hand clutched his own.
Serena read the follow-up letter they had received, with detailed instructions on what to do once they arrived in the city. "According to this, we're supposed to head to the castle, and register there."
Max shook his head. "Later. You hungry?"
Serena smiled. "No, of course not. I've only had to walk the whole day, with a pitiful, little snack that you called breakfast to sustain me. I'm just fine and dandy, thanks," she said sarcastically.
"That's what I thought," Max said, smiling. "Come on, I know a place." He led the way, as they weaved in and out of the crowd.
"You're familiar with this place?" Serena asked.
"Fairly," Max said. He failed to elaborate afterwards, and the two walked in silence until they reached a pub that was simply named "Heaven."
"How appropriate," Serena smirked. "Shall we?" She pulled Max inside, where they were greeted with the sounds of loud chatter, and the delicious smell of hot meals, and cold beer.
Max and Serena walked through the crowded pub until they reached an empty table. They sat down at once, eager to be off their sore feet. A young woman with red, curly hair, and a friendly smile passed them two menus. Max gulped. He actually knew this woman, Dalia, from the old days. It seemed that she still worked here. She didn't seem to recognize him at all, though, which was a relief. It seemed that no matter how ridiculous the clothes and the mask he wore were, they actually seemed to be working.
"Anything to drink first?" Dalia asked.
"Two beers," Max replied. Dalia nodded, then left to serve another table.
Serena glanced around. "Nice place," she said. "You've been here a lot?"
"A bit," Max replied. He looked around. This place brought a lot of old memories back. He remembered that Lord Varios had brought him here a few times after a particularly hard day of training. And those drinking contests he had cheerfully had with Lowe...Max realized that those particular memories were somewhat fuzzy.
Dalia returned to take their orders. "So, what will you folks be having?"
Serena looked down at her menu. "I think I'll have...the Max special."
Dalia marked it down. "Ah. Excellent choice."
Max couldn't believe his ears. "Excuse me, what was that? The what special?"
"The Max special. It comes with a steak, side of vegetables, grilled potatoes, and a cold beer. It was named after the famous hero of Guardiana, Max, you know, the one who saved the world?"
Serena nodded. She was particularly eager to hear some tales about Max. "Why'd you name that dish after him?"
Dalia sighed. "He used to come in here all the time. He and Lowe would sit down, and order that same thing every single time. Boy, those two made me laugh. What a pair, Max and Lowe."
Max smiled. They had been best of friends. Still, having a dish named after him made Max feel somewhat embarrassed. "Um, I'll have a...Max...special as well." Man, it felt really weird saying that out loud. Dalia departed.
"Well, at least they're honouring Max in their own way," Serena said.
"I don't know," Max said. "Do you think that Max would be...comfortable...with such a privilege?
"Why not?" Serena asked.
"Well to me, um, I just don't think that Max would be the kind of person to accept such accolades," Max replied, haltingly. He had to be careful. One slip of the tongue....
"You think so?" Serena asked.
"Yes. From what I know of Max, he would just say he was doing his duties."
"Have you ever met Max?" Serena asked suddenly.
"No, no, not even in passing." Max replied hastily. Serena looked like she was about to ask more questions, but like divine intervention to Max, the food arrived just at the moment.
Serena grinned. "Dig in!" She said enthusiastically, and proceeded to do just that. Max smiled, and decided to take her advice.
The meal was finished surprisingly quickly. Evidently, the hard day's travel had left their toll on the two travelers. They were sitting there, quietly nursing their beers, when a young woman, with long brown hair, approached Max.
"Hey there, mysterious stranger." she said seductively. She put a hand on Max's shoulder, and left it there. "You new in town?"
"Well, I just got in," Max replied cautiously.
"Really? How would you like for me to show you around then?" the woman asked, smiling.
"No, it's ok," Max replied hastily. He glanced at Serena. She had an particularly tense expression on her face at the moment.
"No, I wouldn't mind at all," the woman said, drawing closer. "I could show you all sorts of sights...the markets...the bars...my place," she whispered into his ear. Max blushed, staring down at his beer mug. The woman laughed."
"Aww, you look so cute when you do that!" she said, smiling. "So what do you say?"
Serena scowled. "Let's go," she said to Max.
"Oh? Want your man to yourself?" the woman said, her eyes glinting with malice.
Serena blushed furiously. "You wouldn't know the half of it, you tramp."
The woman's face darkened. "What did you just call me?"
"You heard me."
The woman was shaking with rage. Max glanced uneasily from her to Serena, who was equally angered. "I'll give you one chance to apologize," the woman said, her words laced with poison.
"Save it, you skank." Serena smirked.
The woman leapt at Serena, her hands outstretched toward her throat. This might have worked against the Serena of old. However, in place that Serena was an combat-hardened warrior. She easily batted the woman aside as if she were nothing, sending her crashing down to the floor.
The woman gingerly picked herself up. "You bitch!"
Serena just laughed. The woman gave her one final glare, then departed. Serena slowly sat back down, and conversation began to pick up again around Heaven.
"You shouldn't have done that," Max said, coldly.
Serena glanced at him. She was startled as she saw that his eyes were burning with anger. "Huh?"
"First, I can handle myself just fine. I don't need you to baby-sit for me." Serena tried to protest, but Max continued to speak. "Second, you gave into provocation. You let your emotions take control of you. A warrior needs to stay cool, calm. She can't let her anger cloud her judgment. Do that in battle, and you're dead, and not just you, but everyone under your command."
Serena looked down in shame. He was right, of course. "I'm sorry."
Max slowly nodded. "We better get moving." Max tossed a gold piece to Dalia. "For your troubles." They left.
Once outside, Max and Serena glanced around. The streets weren't as busy as before, as stores closed down, and the sun began to set. With Max leading the way, they set off for the castle.
Max let his thoughts wander. It was nice to be back home. He hadn't realized how much he had missed Guardiana. The smells, the sights, the sounds, they all brought back a sense of nostalgia, a yearning for the simpler life he had once lived, when there was no Darksol, no Runefaust. When he and Lowe had just been kids, struggling with their training. Max smiled inwardly. Even then, his life couldn't be considered normal, could it? Trained at a young age to unknowingly become the Hero. Did Varios foresee this happening? He had somehow recognized the potential Max had, when no one else gave him a second glance. Max made a mental note to visit his old Master's tomb, before he left.
Serena let her thoughts wander. She was now walking in the streets where Max was raised. From this Kingdom, a Hero had sprung forth, bringing forth the greatest fighting force know to the world. And it had all started right here. Peace had been brought to the world, but with a cost. Countless people had died in the war with Runefaust, including that young Hero. Serena scowled. Someone like that couldn't die that easily. He had to be alive, and one day, Serena would meet him.
Max held out an arm, blocking Serena's progress. "Hold."
"What is it?" Serena whispered.
"Behind us." They slowly turned around. They watched as a group of people came into view.
Max stepped forward. "Why do you follow us?"
The biggest one of the group smiled. "We heard that 'lady' beside you happened to start a little trouble with a friend of ours."
Max silently counted. Twelve of them, in total. They were all big, strong, and armed, and had an cocky look about them. Probably some sort of gang. The leader was at least 40 pounds heavier than Max, and a foot taller. "What do you want with Serena?"
"Oh, so this whore's name is Serena?" Serena growled, and reached for her sword hilt. Max caught her hand before she could withdraw her sword from it's sheath. The gang laughed. "Ah, so she wants to start something, does she?" said the leader. "Anyway, we just want to have a nice little fun together with Serena."
Max snarled. "I can guess what your idea of 'fun' is."
The leader laughed. "Well, fun for some of us, anyway."
Max was about to reply, when Serena stopped him. "Peregrin, stop. If they want me, they can come and get me."
"Serena, no!"
The leader laughed uproariously. "Don't worry. Maybe she'll enjoy it. You two." The leader motioned at two people, and grinning, they walked toward Serena.
Max shook his head. It looked like there was no way of avoiding trouble now. "No bloodshed!"
Serena smiled. "You're no fun. Understood."
The two men, leering, came closer. Serena waited until they were within grappling range, then quickly ducked down under one's reaching grasp, and firmly punched him in the solar plexus. He went down, his hands wrapped around his midsection. Serena quickly turned around in a spin kick, kicking the other gang member directly in the chest. He fell, clutching his broken ribs.
The leader's face darkened. This wasn't going the way he planned. "Get them!" he roared. His gang charged.
Max neatly caught a giant fist that would have knocked him flat on the ground. He used the ruffian's momentum to swing him into another gang member. He grasped their two heads, and knocked them together, sending both into the realm of unconsciousness.1 Two more came at him, screaming at the top of their lungs. Max lashed out at one with a foot, kicking at a kneecap, until it broke. The man went down screaming. The other charged, attempting to tackle Max to the ground. Max waited until he was almost within range, then ducked under his grasp. Grabbing a firm hold of the man's tunic, he rolled back, and firmly pushed off with his foot, sending the man flying into a wall. He fell down, clutching his arm that was now broken in two places.
Max looked over to see how Serena was doing. She had neatly taken care of her opponents, as they lay down in a pile clutching dislocated shoulders, or broken limbs. Serena saw Max watching, and smiled. "No bloodshed, see?"
Max shook his head. "That fellow at your feet seems to be gushing from the nose."
Serena smirked. "He didn't fall properly. His fault." Her eyes widened. "Peregrin, look out!"
Max heard the sound of metal cutting through air, and quickly dived forward in a blind roll. He heard the sounds of metal striking the stone floor where he had just stood. Max quickly drew his sword, preparing for a followup strike, but none came. He turned around to see what happened, and his eyes widened.
Earnest had appeared out of nowhere, and was currently holding aloft the leader of the gang, and shaking him madly. "YOU COWARD!!!"
The leader whimpered. "Please, stop."
Earnest continued to shake him violently. "YOU STRIKE AT AN UNARMED MAN'S BACK! You SLIME! Never, NEVER, DO THAT AGAIN!" The enraged warrior made each point by giving the man a shake each time.
Max rushed up to Earnest. "Earnest, stop!"
Earnest's look of rage vanished, to be replaced by confusion. "How do you know my name?"
"Uh..." Max thought quickly. "Who doesn't?"
Earnest grimaced. "Ah yes, the fame that comes with being a war hero." He glanced at the leader who now looked like a nervous wreck. "But...this man struck dishonorably."
Max sighed. "I know. But I think he's been punished enough already."
Earnest snorted. "I guess the humiliation of having his gang beaten down by two people is enough punishment." The centaur glanced at the wounded. "I don't know how many more injuries I could inflict anyway." He tossed the leader aside. "Get your sorry gang out of here. One more incident like this, and I'll personally make sure you pay."
Earnest turned his back on them, not even bothering to watch the gang slowly limp off. "Are you two alright?"
Max glanced at Serena. Serena nodded. "We're fine."
Earnest nodded. "Good. I don't think we've been properly introduced? My name is Earnest, and I come from the town... "
Serena cut him off. "THE Earnest?"
Earnest smiled. "No, A Earnest. Didn't you hear I come in six packs?" Earnest made a gracious bow. "Earnest, member of the Shining Force, at your service."
Serena shook his hand madly. "Wow, an actual Shining Force member...this is such an honour."
Earnest smiled. "It's no big deal. Nothing really."
Serena smirked. "Yeah right. Hey, you're a pretty nice guy when you're not all pissed off and all. Oh, I'm Serena."
Earnest frowned. "Um...thanks I guess." He turned to Max. "May I have your name, sir?"
Max nodded. "I am known as Peregrin." He bowed.
Earnest's eyes widened. "Now it's my turn to be impressed," he said. "The Peregrin who lead twelve soldiers to victory against a ruthless slaver gang?"
Max frowned. "You heard about that?"
Earnest nodded. "Stuff of legend. And you are participating in the tournament, correct? I hope to see you there, then."
Max nodded. "Yes, I will be participating." He frowned. "Wait, you're entering as well?"
Earnest smiled. "Myself, and a few other Shining Force members."
Max was worried. His fighting style was somewhat unique. Other members of the Shining Force might be able to recognize him from the way he fought. "I see. Good luck to you then. Incidentally, what brings you out here?"
Earnest smiled. "I'd stopped by Heaven for a quick bite to eat, when Dalia told me about the trouble you guys had. I figured something would be up, so I rushed here as soon as possible."
Max nodded. "Thank you for your assistance. It came at a most welcome time."
Earnest waved the thanks away. "No problem. All in the line of duty." Earnest waved in the direction of the castle. "Anyway, we should get you guys checked in. If you'll follow me..."
They set off for the castle."
And now, a word from your author:
Well, this took a bit of time to do...apologies to everyone out there for the time needed to crank out this chapter. I have final exams coming up, and schoolwork was a real drag. Summer's coming up though, yay! Although, I do have summer school...
One of my longer chapters...I hope to be starting on a Seiken Densetsu 3 fic soon, or a Chrono Trigger fic as well. As soon as this nears completion, because it's about a little less than half done from what I see. Anyway, all flames and stuff can be sent to strider_yoshi@yahoo.com, and remember to read and review, because if I don't get at least 5 reviews, I'm not writing another chapter. Just kidding, but I always hate when I see writers try to blackmail people into reviewing, "I'll only continue this if people are interested", just write for the sake of writing, not to get hits or reviews.
Cheers!
Next chapter: Max enters the Champion of Arms tournament. Who will be his first opponent? Can Max keep his identity secret? Same fanfic time, sane fanfic channel!
