Chapter 10 – The Prince

Hey guys, here is chapter 10. First of all, Mikhail in the Assassin vocation wears the complete Oblivion armor set and uses the Framae Blades and Dragon's Rancor. The DD mission A Fortress Besieged is made to be on a bigger scale in this Arisen's backstory. He also commands six Pawns, not three since I think that limiting it to three was just a game gimmick. The Invisibility skill will actually make him invisible since it doesn't make sense otherwise. Just so you know, the currency equates to this 2,000,000 ecus = 400,000 G = 60,000,000 USD. Grand Comestion doesn't actually exist in-game but it does here; its flames are hotter, they burst forth with more concussive force, and it covers a wider area. Basically every spell will have a third tier or an improved one if it already exists. One last thing, I struggle with action scenes so I apologize. Thanks for all your comments. It is greatly appreciated.

As always, read, comment, enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon's Dogma or Familiar of Zero.

Skies of Halkeginia

"Pirates Captain! All their cannons are aimed at us!"

"What!?" the Captain was hoping that this wouldn't happen. The war between the Royalist and the rebels in Albion had reduced the amount of pirates in the area, but it seems like not all of them were deterred by the fighting.

Another cannon was fired. The explosion silenced everyone aboard the transport vessel.

"Alright, everyone on the vessel are to hit the deck now! We will be boarding the ship and looting all of your cargo. We will not kill you as long as you do not resist!" a pirate commanded. All of the sailors and Guiche immediately went to the floor. Only the Captain and the three guests remained standing.

"Master, what are your orders?" Mikhail asked. He could tell that Louise wanted nothing but to blast the pirates into smithereens. Unfortunately, she was on a secret mission for the Princess so she needed to lay low until the mission was a success. The Pawn watched as Louise clenched her fist tightly, her hands slowly edging towards her wand. Her hand moved back when the boarding planks slammed onto the ship.

"I thought the boss told you to get on the floor," a pirate stated when he crossed the plank.

"Don't think that you can get away with this, you filthy pirates," the Captain spat. One of the pirates simply unsheathed his sword and pointed it at the Captain's throat to shut him up. If looks could kill then the pirates would all be dead because Louise was giving them a death glare.

"What's this? A little noble so far away from home? Get on the floor if you don't want to get hurt lass?" a pirate said to Louise. Apparently Louise did not take to being talked down to lightly, although her stature was the main cause of it happening. She slapped the pirate and then pushed him away.

"Louise what are you doing!?" Guiche whimpered desperately from the floor.

Mikhail took that as the signal to engage the hostiles. Before he could attack, however, the boss of the pirates came aboard and ordered his men to stand down.

"Now, now. We don't have to have any blood spilled here. You three are outnumbered here. You have no hopes of victory. Even if you do somehow manage to kill us, our ship will simply shoot down this ship and then you're dead as well. Why don't you hand over your weapons and come with me," the boss said, although it was more akin to a demand.

"Do you think I'm stupid? I'd rather die than to follow you," Louise retorted. Louise pointed her wand at the boss, threatening him. Mikhail unsheathed Derf while Wardes was pondering something else.

'I can't have Louise die just yet,' he thought. Louise's survival for now was critical for his mission. "Louise, he is right. Any confrontation here is unlikely to end in our victory. Besides, our mission is of the utmost importance. I think it would be better if we simply comply for now," Wardes reasoned.

Wardes's opinions was greatly valued for Louise. Not only was he more experienced than her, he was also her future husband. She trusted him, so she agreed. Rather reluctantly, Louise put away her wand and spoke, "Fine, we will follow you. But we will be keeping our weapons. If you truly mean us no harm, then we should not have to use them."

"Fair enough. I'm glad that reason was among your group. I thank you for your cooperation in preventing needless bloodshed," the boss said as he led the group onto the pirate ship. Guiche had decided to stay on the cargo ship, thinking that it was safer.

Louise was surprised. Despite being pirates, the ship was pleasantly clean. The pirates were well-mannered as well. They truly did not act like a group of pirates. The boss and the group went into a room, presumably the captain's quarters.

"Now then, I believe I heard that you were on a mission from the gentleman over there," the boss began. Mikhail shot a glare at Wardes before turning back to the boss. "I want to know what this mission is. Depending on who sent you, well, let's just say that you won't be leaving the ship." The boss drew his wand, revealing that he was a mage. A rather competent mage based on his aura.

Mikhail had noticed that the pirate boss had moved with poise, rather unlike that of a pirate. He surmised that the boss was a fallen noble who had resorted to piracy to live. It made sense, Fouquet had turned to thievery to survive.

Louise saw the boss draw his wand, although he only held it by his side. More of showcasing his abilities than a threat, although the threat was still there. If the man was still following the Code of Nobility, then Louise figured that the man was willing to keep quiet about the mission. She had to be sure though.

"No, I will not tell you," Louise replied.

The boss looked over the petite girl. Because the two men beside her had remained rather quiet throughout the entire ordeal, the girl was most likely the leader of this small group.

He had noticed that she wore a brooch denoting the Tristain Academy of Magic. Whoever she was, she was most likely skilled to be sent on a mission on a different country.

"I swear upon my honor as one of Founder Brimir's chosen, and upon the House of Albion to which I adhere, that not a word shall pass these lips about your mission beyond this room. Should I break this oath, then my life is forfeit to do as you see fit," the boss declared as he raised his wand in a salute.

Even though the Code of Nobility was frequently taught, not many actually believed in it. However, the pink-haired girl before him apparently did. She had visibly relaxed upon his declaration.

"Although you seem honorable, I cannot tell you about it. I am honor-bound to prevent any information from leaking," Louse responded formally.

"I understand. We shall return you to La Rochelle in a while," the boss stated with a friendly smile. He extended his hand and put away his wand.

Louise stepped forward and took his hand and shook. When she grasped his hand, the Water Ruby reacted and a small rainbow formed. Taken by surprise, Louise leapt back. The boss quickly drew his wand and pointed it at the group.

"How did you get that ring?" he questioned.

In response, both Mikhail and Wardes stepped forward and brandished their weapons as well.

"I'll not ask again, how did you get that ring?" the boss said threateningly, almost accusatory.

"If you think that I stole it then you are sorely mistaken. Princess Henrietta herself gave it to-" Louise quickly covered her mouth with her hand. She had said too much. She then scowled and pointed her wand at the boss.

"Henrietta gave it to you?" The boss began to chuckle, "Oh Henrietta, only you would give a national treasure away so easily. Am I correct to assume that your mission involves Prince Wales Tudor?"

"Wha- How did you know?"

"Quite simple really. The Princess and I have agreed that the Water and Wind Rubies are to symbolize us when we cannot be present."

Quickly connecting the dots, Louise gasped, "You mean-"

"That I am Prince Wales Tudor? Yes I am," the boss took off his eyepatch and brown wig to reveal a handsome face and smooth blonde hair. "So, emissary of Henrietta, how may I help you?"

Louise hastily bowed to the Prince, "Prince Wales, I apologize for my earlier behavior. Please forgive me."

"Don't worry about it Miss..."

"Valliere, I am Louis Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere."

"Miss Valliere, what were you sent here for? I am sure that Henrietta would not send someone so young to this war torn country for something unimportant."

"Ah yes, Mikhail, give me the letter that Henrietta wrote," Louise turned towards the Pawn. He took the letter out of his pocket, although it was really inside his Rift Treasury for safe keeping, and gave it to Louise. "This letter should explain everything."

Prince Wales read through the letter and frowned a bit. His face then returned to a friendly smile before looking back a Louise.

"I have the item that you are looking for back at the castle. We can return now and get it so that you can fulfill your mission."

"Thank you Prince Wales. If I may ask, why were you dressed like a pirate?" Louise asked. A prince dressing like a pirate was unheard of, and inappropriate as well.

"Oh yeah. To be honest, we were running low on supplies recently due to the war so we had to turn to this. I'm not happy with it but desperate times call for desperate measures."

"I understand."

.

.

The pirate ship was actually the Prince's personal ship, the Eagle and all of the pirates were part of the Royal Guard or the remnants of the Albion Navy. After taking some of the cargo ship's items, they were free to go. Guiche was reunited with the group and acted as if he knew it all along. The ship returned to Newcastle with the emissaries from Tristain.

Newcastle

The remaining Royalists were having a party that night, the last party before Reconquista attacks the castle with their full might. King Charles had announced the feast as soon as the Prince returned. For the night, all lines between social classes were discarded in favor of having one last fun night. Guiche was busy trying to court the women while Wardes was speaking to several of the soldiers. Prince Wales led Louise and Mikhail to his room to get the letter. After reading it one last time, he handed it over.

"Here is the letter Miss Valliere. Since it is getting late, why don't you stay the night and leave early tomorrow morning. That way you won't have to travel through the night and escape the fighting as well," Wales offered.

"Thank you Prince Wales…. I have a question, if you don't mind me asking," Louise said after giving the letter to Mikhail.

"Not at all. Go on."

"Why are you staying here? If you leave with me, then you can return to Princess Henrietta alive. Please you must think of what your death will do to her."

"I know Miss Valliere. However, I cannot abandon my men here. They have proven their loyalty to the crown by staying here and fighting. What kind of man would I be if I were to turn my back on them?"

"What kind of man would you be to let the love of your life marry a barbarian king?"

"Miss Valliere. I know what is going to happen. My death here would be for Tristain. We can at least weaken them to the point where they can't attack immediately. This will buy Tristain time to gather its troops…. It is for the best that I die here," Wales said weakly. Even the bravest man would falter when death is imminent. Both of them were silent for a while.

Mikhail chose that time to interject, "Master, it would be best if we leave now. The Royalists have no chance of victory tomorrow at its current level. My estimates indicate that they will also be unable to cover our escape tomorrow."

"So you're suggesting we leave now? No. We cannot just leave Prince Wales to die," Louise refused to believe that there was no hope. Unfortunately, Prince Wales thought otherwise.

"Miss Valliere, your retainer is right. We are currently on our last breath while Reconquista gets stronger each day. They are hardly the honorable sort so it is not unlikely that they while attack tonight. Unless something changes that, they will attack tonight and wipe us out. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do."

Louise was exasperated. She looked between the two men before turning to Mikhail, "Mikhail, can't you do something to help them out?"

"While there are some things that come to mind, I am reluctant to leave you here alone. After all, my first and foremost priority is your safety. Nothing else matters," Mikhail responded monotonously, as if he had said it numerous times before.

"So there is something that you can do?" Louise asked.

"Truly? You can truly improve our chances tomorrow? Pray, help us. We could use as much of an edge that we can," Wales had been ready to die, but he still wanted to live. However, he can't abandon his men, so anything to raise the chances of survival was accepted.

"Like I said, while there are some things that I can do, it will involve leaving Master here unprotected, which I am unwilling to do," the Pawn reminded.

"Mikhail, I command you to-" Louise began.

"Your safety. At all costs."

"It's fine Louise. I wouldn't want someone not involved to get injured for me," Wales tried to console Louise.

"Please Mikhail," Louise tried one more time.

With a deep sigh, Mikhail agreed, "Fine. Prince Wales, I am entrusting my Master to you for the duration of my absence. You shall protect her no matter what. Am I understood?"

Wales's face lit up, "Of course Sir Mikhail. Thank you for aiding us. I can never repay this debt."

Mikhail bowed to the two before gesturing to Prince Wales, "I need to speak to you privately."

Wales followed the white-haired man outside. When Mikhail checked that no one was around, he spoke, "Prince Wales, do not trust Sir Wardes. While he is an ally, he has given me reason to doubt his allegiance. Beware around him."

"I see, thank you for warning me."

"Keep my Master safe."

.

.

Mikhail had switched to Vocation: Assassin for his current mission: sneak into the Reconquista camp and disrupt their operations. The Reconquista camp had been fairly close, only about an hour away by horse. According to Wales, Reconquista had agreed to cease hostilities for one day. While many thought that the Reconquista was simply confident of their victory, Mikhail figured that something must have changed recently in their chain of command, something different enough that the soldiers had to get used to the change.

Mikhail was sitting in a tree just outside of the camp. By his estimates, the Reconquista army had about 10,000 troops here to finish off the Royalists army of roughly 500, although it was less of an army and more of a militia. More than enough to siege Newcastle. If there were Reconquista infiltrators within the castle, then rebels would have an even easier victory. The castle doors would be wide open for the Reconquista army to march right in.

'At least that's how I took down the Shadow Fort,' Mikhail thought.

The Siege of the Shadow Fort was the very first battle Mikhail fought in as a Knight of the Hunt. Ser Robert had besieged the fort for three weeks to no avail. Mikhail had been sent there along with his team of six to resolve that issue. Despite being known as unintelligent, the goblins who took over the fort had defended the outpost well. The only way to get in was to dig a hole underneath the wall. Even then, the goblins had discovered and sealed the hole fast enough to prevent reinforcements for Mikhail and his team. The then-Arisen had to manually open the gates to allow the 3rd,5th, and 6th Infantry Regiment of the Duke's army in. Regrettably the 3rd Infantry Regiment had suffered severe casualties against the 10 cyclops that the Goblin Horde had within. Mikhail had personally led his team against the cyclops to prevent more deaths. In the end, the Goblin Horde was routed and the Shadow Fort was recaptured.

Mikhail watched the movement of the soldiers below, carefully noting who the superior officers were. Then, the white-haired Pawn saw a familiar face.

"Aren't you supposed to be dead?" Mikhail whispered to himself. In the middle of the camp was Fouquet walking around and giving orders to some soldiers. After the soldiers left, Fouquet returned to her tent. Mikhail used Invisibility to shroud himself and then walked right up to the tent and silently enter it.

Inside, Fouquet was sitting at a desk writing a letter. Mikhail peered over her shoulder and read parts of the letter, mostly about her sister Tiffania and how Fouquet would be unable to return soon due to her job. The man noticed that Fouquet had signed the letter as Matilda, presumably her real name.

As Fouquet began to stand up, she was forced back into her seat by an invisible hand. Before she could even react, a blade was at her throat. She reached for her wand but found it missing. She heard a crack and saw that the attacker had broken her wand. With the sound of a gust of wind, the Invisibility skill wore off and Fouquet saw a man clothed in black behind her.

"That's the third wand of yours that I have broken. Do you want a fourth?" the man spoke. Fouquet knew this man. Although his face was hidden behind a mask, Fouquet recognized the voice.

"Second, you never broke the first one," Fouquet replied nonchalantly.

"I accidentally stepped on the first one when I was trying to cut you."

"Oh really..."

"Aren't you supposed to be dead already?" Mikhail questioned.

"Well, it seems like my employers still needed me alive specifically for this mission."

"I see. What was your role in the upcoming battle then."

"Why should I tell you?"

"Tiffania."

Fouquet paled for a second before turning red with anger, "If you so much as touch a single hair on her, you will die."

"Your role," Mikhail continued stoically.

"….Fine. I am supposed to help bring down the walls with the other Earth-mages," Fouquet answered while giving the Assassin her most threatening glare.

"Give me their names."

"John, Maximilian, Weyland, Henry, Richard, and Elizabeth. All of them should have this badge on them," Fouquet pointed to a badge with a hammer on it.

"Good. How much does Reconquista pay you?"

"I don't see how this is relevant right now."

"How much Matilda?" Mikhail asked once more while drawing a thin line of blood across her neck.

Fouquet glared at the man once more, "15,000 ecu and my sister's safety. An additional 10,000 upon completion."

Mikhail tossed a heavy bag money onto the table, "You will work for me. I offer your sister's safety and 1,000,000 ecu." While talking to Professor Colbert about various things, the subject of money had been a topic. Surprisingly the currency of Tristain, the ecu, also commonly called new gold, was worth less than the currency of Gransys. The reason was because Tristain's currency was not actually gold but a substitute metal, the real thing was kept somewhere else; whereas the currency of Gransys was pure gold.

"One million!?"

"Not enough? How about two million," Mikhail offered.

Fouquet looked at the bag of money on the table; the table was slowly beginning to break from the weight of the bag. She swallowed and then turned to Mikhail, "And how will you protect my sister?"

"Two million ecu is enough to move somewhere else, is it not? And I'm sure you can handle protecting her when you are by her side," Mikhail reasoned. "All I need you to do is walk away right now and answer my call whenever I need you." He then dropped another bag of money before Matilda.

The debate going on in Matilda's mind was quick. Stay loyal to Reconquista and most likely die or return home with two million ecu; Reconquista's offer of 25,000 ecu was enough to live comfortably for at least a decade. Two million was enough to not have to work ever again and live a lavish lifestyle.

'Heck, you could probably buy half of Germania for two million,' Matilda thought. The decision was easy to make.

"Alright. Deal."

Mikhail nodded and then watched Matilda pack up and leave. After that, he went on the hunt for the other Earth-mages.

.

.

Mikhail returned to Newcastle after roughly seven hours, with two of those hours spent simply riding to and from the camp. It was almost dawn. Mikhail had assassinated all of the Earth-mages and had poisoned all of the water supply. He had also sabotaged all the siege weaponry.

Mikhail had immediately looked for Louise upon his return. He found her in the church sleeping on one of the pews. According to her facial expression, it was not a good place to sleep on. Wales was standing by the altar. He had noticed Mikhail's thanks to a Line-class spell Mist Security. Mikhail walked up to Wales and allowed him to finish praying before he spoke.

"Master truly wishes that you do not die here."

"I know," Wales responded.

"If she commands me to, then I will forcibly take you with us."

"I figured."

"What will you do now?"

"I don't know. That's why I'm praying. What do you think I should do?"

"It's your choice. You have free will for a reason. Just be prepared to accept the consequences of your choice."

"You must at least have a preference."

"….I want you to go along with Master's wishes. Does that satisfy your question?"

"Haha, I guess."

"So this is where you were, Prince Wales," Wardes said, surprising the Prince. Wardes had noticed the spell and casted a counter-spell to hide himself. "And where were you during the party Sir Serolius?"

"Wardes. I see that you are finally revealing your true intent," Mikhail deadpanned.

"What ever do you mean?" Wardes replied innocently. He then drew his sword-wand. Mikhail glanced at Louise before returning his gaze to Wardes. His short distraction was enough of an opening for Wardes to zoom forward. He had buffed himself as soon as he drew his weapon. Mikhail watched as Wardes drew closer to Wales. Mikhail was unable to do anything fast enough to prevent Wardes running Wales through with his sword-wand. In just the blink of an eye, Wales was mortally wounded. Wardes retreated several steps after doing the deed. Mikhail grabbed onto Derf and shot towards the Griffin Knight.

Mikhail sent several slashes towards Wardes, although he was able to deflect the weaker attacks and dodge the stronger ones. To prevent Wardes from casting, the Pawn had kept the pressure on him. Whenever Wardes would try to back off, Mikhail advanced. In a pure melee battle, Wardes was outmatched. The only thing that he could try was to attack from afar. He assumed that the Pawn, while able to use magic, was better in swordsmanship because of his reliance on swords.

After several cycles of retreating, Wardes decided to try something risky. He in between one of Mikhail's attacks, Wardes unleashed Razor Winds to try and push Mikhail back. Mikhail used Derf to block; the sword greedily drank up the magic spell to Wardes's astonishment. Mikhail used this chance to try and decapitate Wardes. The Griffin Knight was able to bend back and avoid the slash, but he had opened his guard to a follow up attack. Mikhail stepped forward, using the momentum of his swing to stay in rhythm. He then punched Wardes in the abdomen and followed through by forcibly continuing the trajectory of his punch. In effect, Wardes ended up on the floor. Mikhail then nailed Wardes onto the ground with Derf and kicked the sword-wand out of his grasp.

Mikhail summoned his archistaff into his hand and then looked the man in the eye, "Farewell."

In a last ditch effort to survive, Wardes took out his spare wand and casted one more spell. The wind spell was successful in hitting Mikhail; however, the Sorcerer did not even react. All that he did was frown at Wardes before incinerating him with Grand Comestion. He then took Derf out of Wardes and watched the man be enveloped in flames so hot that it seemed to be white.

The Pawn went to check on Louise. He was worried at how she did not wake up amidst all the fighting.

"Don't worry, she's just under a sleeping spell. Here, let me undo that," Wales struggled. He was still managing to cling onto life despite a hole in his lung. Mikhail looked at the dying man in front of him. Then, he asked one simple question:

"I ask you: what is it that makes you alive?"

Mikhail admired the man's tenacity. Judging by how much blood was leaking out of him, the man should be dead by now. It seems that he was still living by force of will alone.

'Yes, stoke the flame of your will to survive….' Mikhail smiled as a past memory surfaced.

Wales knew that the question was more than what it seems to be at first glance. The Prince seriously considered the question. After a few moments of thought, he finally came to a conclusion.

"My people, my friends, my family, ….my love. They are what keeps me from dying," Wales muttered with difficulty.

"And so the die is cast. So be it."