"The size is abnormal for a regular filolial egg. But otherwise, I see no disfiguration. So your egg is healthy." said Rato.
"What about the child inside?" said Filo.
"I could bring the egg to my lab so we examine the child's development."
"That will not be necessary." said Marius.
"Could you atleast do it for your child's sake?"
"Not on your hands. The egg must stay on the nest with the mother, that's the rule."
Rato gathered her equipments then got up, "I guess I'm done here. If there's anything else, you know where to find me."
She left Filo's room, leaving the new parent by themselves. Filo started singing the lullaby she heard from her mate. Marius entered her nest then placed his hand on the egg.
"I hope you're growing well inside. Me and your mother couldn't wait to see you." said Marius.
"Filo hope you came out handsome, like your father." said Filo.
"And I hope you are strong, like your mother."
"Marius."
"Yes?"
"Do you think Aquila will get jealous?"
"Hopefully not. Now that you mentioned it, I haven't brought Aquila for a ride for awhile."
"You should. He's still our first child, you know."
"Then I must go." Marius kissed Filo's forehead, then he got up and leave the room.
Marius was walking towards the filolial ranch when Sadina approached him.
"So, how's the new father doing?" said Sadina.
"It as been easy since the worries are gone but I knew it won't be once it hatched." said Marius.
"Children are full energy but they can be sweet."
"I just hope this one doesn't have Filo's appetite."
"You sounded just like Naofumi. So where are you going?"
"I promised Filo I will take Aquila for a ride. She still think he's our first child."
"That silly bird. I have to return to the ocean. See you around, Marius." Sadina waved at Marius and went her seperated way.
Marius went to the barn then opened the large door and saw it was almost filled with filolial queens and regular filolials.
"Aquila!" Marius called out for the filolial.
Then all the filolials turned their heads towards Marius.
"Hi." said one of the filolial queen.
"Hi. Is Aquila here?" said Marius.
"No, we don't know any Aquila here." said one of the filolial queen.
"Right. I'll look somewhere else." Marius grabbed the large door, "Sorry for bothering you."
After closed the door, then suddenly realized there's alot of filolial queens inside. He quickly open the door again.
"Oh, it's that stranger again." said the same filolial queen.
"What are you doing here?" said Marius.
"Moto-kun brought us here." said another filolial queen.
"Who?" said Marius.
Then he heard a familiar voice. Marius pushed the filolials aside and saw Motoyasu snuggling with a different filolial queen.
"The scent of filolials." Motoyasu sniffed the filolial's feathers.
"Malaka." Marius closed the doors then walked away.
Naofumi teleported back to the village, and Marius was just infront of him.
"You're back. New armor?" said Marius.
"Don't mind it. What's up?" said Naofumi.
"We have a problem at the filolial ranch."
"What happened?"
"There is an intruder."
"And you're not doing anything about it?"
"It's best that you're the one to handle this."
"Fine."
Naofumi and Marius went to the filolial ranch. Naofumi opened the barn and saw Motoyasu still with the filolials.
"I understand now." said Naofumi.
All of the filolial queens turned their heads to Naofumi.
"Look! It's the master Moto-kun told us about!"
"Right! He may looked mean, but he's actually very nice!"
"Master! Let's play!" said all the filolial queen.
Naofumi slammed the door shut, "Marius! Help me!"
Marius went and help Naofumi holding the door.
"Master! Please play with us!" said all the filolial queens from the behind the door.
Naofumi's face quickly turned pale, "Just when I thought I'm finally free from Filo, this happen!"
The filolial queens tried to pushed the door open but Marius and Naofumi pushed the door back.
"Marius, get Filo! Now!"
"Right!" Marius let go of the door and ran back to the manor.
"Filo, we need you outside." said Marius.
"Why?"
"The filolials are out of control and I don't think Naofumi can take it.'
"Master's in trouble!"
"Yes, you better hurry." They suddenly heard Naofumi screaming outside, "Now."
"Okay." Filo kissed her egg before standing upt. She let out a quite groaned as she stood up, still recovering from her first childbirth.
"... I don't think you need to do this. You're still recovering."
"Yes I can. Master is in danger." Filo started running towards the exit.
Marius followed her, but he stopped for a second before he goes to his room to get his spear.
The filolial queen chased Naofumi around and they were about to gain on him.
"Where the hell are you guys!" said Naofumi.
Filo, in her filolial form, stood in their way. All the filolial queen immediately stopped and crashed at each other.
"All of you will not hurt master!" Filo shouted.
"You can't have master all by yourself!"
"Yeah!"
All the filolial queens started to surround Filo like predators. As they were closing in, they suddenly stopped and slowly backed away in fear.
"It's the Bad Spear."
"Moto-kun warned us about it."
Naofumi turned his head and saw Marius approaching them with his spear drawn.
Marius stopped right beside Filo, "All of you return to where you came from!"
Motoyasu ran towards them after seeing Filo but immediately stopped on his track, "Ugly Bastard!"
"Get out of this village, now!"
Motoyasu brandished his spear, "We meet again! Shall we go for round two?"
"I don't want to fight you, Spearman!"
"Then I can finally take Filo-chan as my bride!"
"Now I want to fight you!"
The two approached at each other but Naofumi stopped them.
"No! No fighting! No thunder storms!" said Naofumi.
"Father-in-law!" said Motoyasu.
"And stop calling me father-in-law!"
"But father-in-law. Why is the Ugly Bastard in your village?"
"He's always been here, now stop!"
"Please, kick him out! His ugliness is hurting my eyes!"
"Then allow me dig them out for you!" said Marius.
"Enough! Drop your spears right now!" said Naofumi.
"Yes, father-in-law." Motoyasu obediently dropped his spear.
"You too, Marius."
Marius glared at Naofumi before he stuck his spear on the ground.
"Good. Now, we're gonna handle this like gentlemen... Motoyasu, what the hell are you doing here?"
"After I surrendered myself to the queen like father-in-law asked, I decided to go to father-in-law's wonderful village."
"That's good. Now go away."
"No, father-in-law. I planned on staying here."
"Why?"
"So I can be closer to you and Filo-chan!"
Scared, Filo transformed to her human formed and hid behind Marius.
"Can you tell him to get lost?" said Marius.
"Please, father-in-law. Let me stay and kick the Ugly Bastard out." said Motoyasu.
"Alright... I'll let you stay." said Naofumi.
"Thank you, father-in-law. Ugly Bastard, pack up! This is no longer your home!"
"But Marius stays. He's been here way longer than you, and he's very important."
"Well, if it's father-in-law's wishes then I will comply."
"Good."
Marius felt Filo leaned against him. He looked and saw Filo grabbing her aching abdomen. Marius lifted Filo off her feet then he took his spear off the ground.
"Ugly Bastard! Where are you taking my Filo-chan!" said Motoyasu.
"Give her a break, she just gave birth." said Naofumi.
"She... Gave birth... She gave birth to my child! Filo-chan! Let's take care of our-" a lighting struck Motoyasu from the sky and he fell on his face.
Naofumi turned and saw Marius with his arms on fire and the spear covered in lighting, still with his back turned as he carried Filo back to her room.
Marius was overseeing his legion when Naofumi came to see him.
"Marius." said Naofumi.
"Naofumi." said Marius.
"Are still mad?"
"Not anymore, as long as I don't see his face."
"That's not gonna be easy."
"I know. What brings you here?"
"I was gonna tell you about this once I arrived. The queen told me about a rebellion that's happening in this country."
"So you want more patrol around the village?"
"Yes, and the around the town too. You got enough men?"
"Should be enough."
"Good... Mind telling me what's a filolial doing in here?" said Naofumi while a male filolial peaked on his head.
"I don't want Motoyasu to influenced Aquila, so I let him stay with the legionnaires."
"Why?"
"He's very special to me and Filo."
"And you named him Aquila?"
"Yes. Sounds rather fitting."
"So he's now, what? The official Shield Legion mascot?"
"I don't know what you means, but yes."
"Alright. Just remember to arrange the patrol."
"Of course."
Naofumi left to attend to other business. Aquilla rubbed his head on Marius's face, wanting to be pet.
A messenger arrived at Rock Valley. After getting out of his mount he ran to the manor hoping to find anyone.
"Why do they want me for?" said Marius.
"It's his request. He only wants you to go to Zeltbur's Coliseum." said the messenger.
"Why"
"You see, they've been organizing a fight between The Great Commodus and Perfect Hidden Justice."
"And?"
"Well, they've been trying to find Perfect Hidden Justice everywhere but they couldn't find him. They even sent people to different countries but it was no use."
"Why not just replace him with someone else?"
"They can't. You see, The Great Commodus was too strong. He could defeat anyone easily and it won't be exciting for the crowd. They think if we can get you instead, they could make the fight more tremendous and draw more people in."
"So they're just using me to get more money?"
"They promised a great reward if you participate. Even if you lose they will still pay you."
"So you're going or what?" said Naofumi.
"... What happened if I don't go?" said Marius.
"If you don't, then everyone would get impatient. And then there will a riot." said the messenger.
"People get that bad if they don't get the fight they want?" said Naofumi.
"Fine. I'll participate in your games." said Marius
"Oh, thank you mighty Masked Hero. The people of Zeltbur will never forget your sacrifice." said the messenger.
"So how are you gonna go there?" said Naofumi.
"I can't bring Filo. She's still recovering and she has to stay with our child. Maybe I should ride Aquila."
"Are you sure? He's not as fast as Filo."
"How long before the fight start?"
"They'll only start the game once you get there.." said the messenger.
"Of course." said Marius.
And with that, Marius packed up his stuff, said goodbye to Filo then went off to Zeltbur with Aquila as his mount.
After arriving at Zeltbur, Marius headed straight to the coliseum. There, he was immediately greeted by the same nobleman from that day.
"Masked Hero! I knew you would come!" said the nobleman, "Now we can announce the fight!"
The nobleman stepped forward and cleared his throat, "Great people of Zeltbur! I have an announcement! There will be a special fight tomorrow in the Coliseum! The fight between The Great Commodus! And The Mighty Masked Hero!"
The nobleman presented the crowd to Marius and they all cheered.
"Malaka." Marius muttered. He left the scene to look for the inn.
Marius tied Aquila to a hitching post with a metal chain.
"Stay here. If someone tries to steal you, you them." said Marius.
Aquila made his noise in respond and Marius patted his head. He then entered the inn and as he walked past the patrons, he could hear the patrons talking about him. Marius paid no mind and took his helmet off then sat at the bar.
"Wine." Marius requested.
Then, Commodus entered the inn with two sexy women on his side. He looked around and saw Marius sitting on the bar.
"Ah... If it isn't the Masked Hero." Commodus walked towards Marius. He leaned his hands at the bar table, "Heard I will be fighting you tomorrow."
"Commodus." said Marius, then he took a sip of his wine.
"Give me ale. For everyone! It's all on me!"
Everyone in the inn cheered and praised Commodus, including the bartender.
"You're generous."
"The people loves me, Masked Hero. For I am their champion."
"Careful with that pride of yours, for it may be your own downfall."
"Fancy yourself a philosopher, eh?"
"I'm telling you by experience."
"Well, I hope you fight well as much as you speak." Commodus grabbed his ale then turned around to join his fans.
Marius took out some coins then placed it at the table, "Give me a room."
The sound of the crowd can be heard even from beneath the Coliseum. Marius put on his helmet then took out his spear. The large door opens and Marius walked towards it. On the other side, Commodus came out enjoying the praised he got from the audience and blowing kisses. He has a buckler on his left hand and a trident on his right hand.
"Those who are about to die, we salute you!" Commodus crossed his arms, then turned to faced his opponent.
Both of the fighters went into combat stance and started closing in on each other. Commodus rushed towards Marius and thrusted his trident. Marius blocked the attack and thrusted his spear at Commodus's face. He dodged then deflected the spear away, before positioning his trident to his left side then stabbed Marius's arm, drawing first blood and the crowd grew wild.
Marius jumped back while his arm bled. Commodus twirled his trident to taunt Marius and to impressed the audience. Seeing an opportunity, Marius threw his spear at Commodus. Commodus saw the incoming spear and quickly dodged it. Marius charged at Commodus and with his shield he pushed Commodus away before stabbing Commodus's shield arm. Marius bashed Commodus's face then kicked him away.
"Just as we promised you all! This fight will be bloody!" said the announcer.
Commodus got up the charged at Marius. He continued to attack Marius who was blocking all of the attack. Commodus stepped back then pulled a bolas then threw it at Marius's feet. The bolas tangled Marius's feet and Commodus shoulder bashed Marius to the ground. As Marius tried to get up, Commodus stabbed Marius's left arm then removed his shield.
Commodus turned towards the crowd to received their praised while showing them Marius's shield to mock him. Marius quickly cut the bolas from his feet. He got back up on his feet, switch his gladius to his left arm then charged at the distracted gladiator and he punched Commodus's side. The sudden pain dropped Commodus to the side and he let go of Marius's shield and his trident. Marius then wrapped his arm around Commodus's neck and started choking him.
"Yield!" said Marius.
"Ne... Ver..." Commodus tried punching his opponent off with is left arm.
Marius stabbed Commodus's left arm to kept it from punching him, "Yield!"
Commodus struggled until he ran out of breath and his whole body went limp.
Marius let go of his chokehold then pushed Commodus to the ground. The crowd cried Marius's hero name, filling the Coliseum with their cheer but Marius ignored all of it. He got up then sheathed his gladius. He picked up his shield then summoned his spear to his hand before he strapped them on his back. He walked towards the large door to end the fight.
Marius sat down while being healed by a mage healer.
"Sir Masked Hero." said the nobleman holding a big bag of gold coins, "That was an incredible fight."
"Does it filled your purse?" said Marius.
"Why yes. I also have a proposal for you. How would you like to be our new Zeltbur Champion?"
"Not interested."
"But the crowd loves you. They wanted to see more of your fight."
"Are they not entertained?" after Marius's wound completely healed, he got up then took the bag of gold coins from the nobleman's hand, "Find another champion."
Outside the Coliseum, Marius went to the hitching post to fetch Aquila.
"Masked Hero!" Commodus called out to Marius from behind.
Marius turned around and saw Commodus without his helmet.
"You humiliated me! I was the undefeated Zeltbur Champion!"
"And what did I tell you about your pride." Marius turned his back and ignored the gladiator.
Commodus approached Marius then pushed him away, "Then I'll take your mount to compensate for my lost!"
"You don't want to do that."
"And why is that, Masked Hero!"
Aquila kicked Commodus away, sending him flying towards a pile of horse dung.
"That's why." Marius walked towards Aquila. He turned his head to see Commodus laying on the dung pile.
Then, a burst of red light appeared beside Marius before it faded away. Marius turned his head and saw a larger, and more predatory looking filolial. Aquila's head now looked more like that of an eagle and his beak more sharper than regular filolial beak. He's now alot taller than a filolial queen, with a stronger legs and more intimidating talons.
"By the gods..."
Aquila ran on the road with Marius on his back. His new form made him alot faster than his original form.
"Aquila, halt!" Marius gave his command and Aquila stopped.
Marius pointed the bird to a spot to spent the night.
After making a campfire, Marius sat then leaned his back on Aquila who rested behind him. He took out Filo's feather from his satchel. Aquila rubbed his beak on the feather Marius was holding.
"Do you missed her?" said Marius.
Aquila responded with a grunt.
"We'll be home soon." Marius kissed the feather then he put it back in his satchel. "Good night, Aquila."
Aquila yawned then laid his head on ground. Marius relaxed himself then he fell asleep on Aquila.
Morning rises. Marius woke up and noticed he was laying on the ground. He got up to look around for Aquila. Then, a large slain monster was suddenly dropped infront of him.
"Centurion father, I have brought food." said a large naked hulking man with bloodied hands.
Marius quickly got up and gripped his gladius, "Who are you!"
"It is me, Aquila."
"Aquila?" Marius then noticed a pair of wings sticking out of the man's back.
Aquila grabbed hold of the monster's legs then ripped it out with his bare hands, "Let us eat."
Aquila began eating the raw meat while Marius watched in confusion.
