Chapter 3: Training Regiment
The golden-orange light of morning bathes the land of Ylisse, the sun shining down on the castle.
After a bit of time has passed, Frederick was up to his usual routines as he was recieving a written message.
"Very well, I shall give this to Exalt Chrom immediately." says Frederick.
The messenger bows and leaves.
Getting back into the castle, Frederick begins to make his way to Chrom's room. Just then, he sees Morgan walking the halls in his more prince-like clothing consisting of a blue shirt, white pants, brown boots and a white cape.
"Prince Morgan!" says Frederick. "Surprised you're up so early."
"Frederick, you know I like to get up each and every morning so I can get to working on my battle strategies before my mom does." says Morgan. "Gets me that closer to reaching her level."
"Of course, my mistake." says Frederick. "Anyway, I'm about to be off to your father's room."
"Anything important?" asks Morgan.
"We recieved a message from the Khans of Regna Ferox." says Frederick. "They heard about your mother's return and wish to meet with her as soon as possible. Also, they say they sent a message to Queen Say'ri of Chon'sin, and are hoping to hear from her soon."
"I can't wait to see Basilio and Flavia again." says Morgan. "It's been a long time since we heard from them."
"Having to tend to their own form of politics, I'm sure." says Frederick. "Furthermore, they also got word that we have a new Shepherd in our ranks, and that they also have someone they wish for us to meet."
"No surprise they'd hear about Dizzy." says Morgan. "But who's this person they're bringing?"
"They didn't say." says Frederick. "They want it to be a surprise, especially for Lon'qu and Olivia."
"Well, it must be someone they know." says Morgan. "At any rate, since we mentioned Dizzy, I wonder if I should go wake her up and see if she's ready for breakfast."
"It's getting to be about time for it." says Frederick. "Yes, you go get Lady Dizzy. Let me tend to your parents."
"Sure thing, Frederick." says Morgan.
And with that, the knight and tactician prince go their seperate ways.
In her room, Dizzy is still asleep but appears as if she's shivering, almost as if her bed was made of ice.
Morgan approaches the door to Dizzy's room and he says after knocking, "Lady Dizzy! Are you ready to get up? The chefs will be fixing breakfast soon!"
When he doesn't hear a response from her, Morgan says, "I hope she's okay. I guess it couldn't hurt to peek in on her."
Morgan then slowly turns the knob and as the door opens, he peers through to see Dizzy is still in bed with her back facing him.
"Oh, she's still asleep." says Morgan. He then begins to think, "Maybe I should let her sleep a little longer. Then again, our chefs make such an amazing breakfast, I don't want her to miss out on it."
Mustering his courage, he walks in and begins to approach Dizzy's bed. As he gets close enough, he sees Dizzy is shivering.
Worried, he grabs Dizzy's shoulder and shakes her lightly saying, "Lady Dizzy, are you okay?"
Feeling her shift a bit, Morgan lets go of her shoulder.
Dizzy stops shivering and begins to sit up.
"Oh good, she's okay." says Morgan. "Good morning, Lady Dizzy."
"Huh?" asks Dizzy groggily. She then looks at Morgan behind her and says with a pleasant smile, "Oh, good morning, Morgan."
After yawning and stretching a bit, Dizzy throws the cover off of herself, and turns around to get out of the bed.
Seeing Dizzy in lingerie, Morgan blushes brightly and begins to stammer.
Noticing Morgan's behavior, Dizzy asks, "Morgan, what's wrong?"
"You... uh... your..." Morgan can only get out. "Your... body... is..."
Looking confused, Dizzy then looks down and remembers what she's wearing. Looking back at Morgan with a guilty smile, she says, "Oh, sorry about that. Forgot I wore this for bed. Here, I'll get changed real quick."
Before Morgan can react, Dizzy does the same transformation where her underwear disappears into white feathers, and her body is wrapped by that same semi-transparent light. After a while, her original outfit appears on her body.
Smiling and patting her clothing, Dizzy says, "There! That should be better, right?"
Looking back at him, Morgan goes silent for a moment before some blood shoots out of his nose.
"Oh no, Morgan!" says Dizzy. "I'm so sorry!"
Quickly taking out a hankerchief, Morgan says as he wipes his nose, "No, that's fine. I'm sorry. I got to admit, you did surprise me there, but I'll be okay."
"Guess I never mentioned that other ability of mine." says Dizzy. "I told Frederick, but that was last night. I'm so terribly sorry."
Getting done wiping his nose, Morgan says, "Well, being as beautiful and talented as you are, I suppose you would have that affect on a lot of men."
"Uh, I suppose I do." says Dizzy. "I have at least had that affect on Ky. Anyway, let me get my yellow ribbons on, and I'll be ready."
After a while, Dizzy is at a dining table, eating a breakfast consisting of eggs, hashbrowns, a waffle and some fruit. On the side, she has a glass of orange juice.
Suddenly, a big, burly man with short, slightly spiky brown hair while wearing armor similar to that of the girl with pigtails over more masculine clothing comes to Dizzy's table.
Taking notice of the man, Dizzy asks, "Can I help you sir?"
"Oh, Gregor just be wanting to know more about you." says the man. "You not be minding if Gregor sit with you, yes?"
"No, I don't mind." says Dizzy. "If I'm in a new world, the least I can do is make new friends."
"Many thanks." says Gregor.
Sitting down at the opposite end, Gregor just looks at Dizzy.
"So, you what do you want me to tell you about myself?" says Dizzy. "There's a lot to know about me, so where do you want me to start? Of course, I hope you all won't mind sharing your stories with me."
"Oh, Gregor sure none of us be minding." says Gregor. "Gregor and friends have many stories, much filled with humor, heartbreak and heroism. You be learning more during your stay here. Gregor promise to fill you in on the everything in our lives."
"I can't wait to learn." says Dizzy. "So, about my story... I was born on December 25, which puts my birthday on Christmas Day. I lived in a small village for the first three years of my life before I was raised in the forest. That part is going to be hard to explain."
"Gregor sure it being an interesting one." says a curious Gregor.
"Well, how do I put this?" Dizzy says. "Basically, despite me looking like a late teen, I'm only about eight years old, going on nine."
Gregor only manages to look more confused than last night.
"I knew that would be your reaction." says Dizzy. "Basically, those who are born Gears rapidly develop and age fast from birth to their late teens or early adulthood in only about three years."
"What being the point of that?" asks Gregor.
"Well, since Gears were made to be weapons, such a process makes them ready for battle early." says Dizzy. "However, once we reach prime physical and mental state, we cease aging. Believe it or not, the oldest Gear in our world is over 170 years old."
"Your kind being stranger than the Manaketes." says Gregor. "They live for long time, too, but not develop as fast. Gregor not understanding logic behind your story."
"Well, as I said, it's the magic Gears like myself were created by." says Dizzy. "I can't explain it much more than that."
"Magic not exactly work like that in our world." says Gregor. "But you say you not created to be weapon. That you were born naturally, as in mother giving birth."
"That's right." says Dizzy. "And so far, I'm only one of two human-Gear hybrids; the other is my son, Sin."
"Do you knowing who parents are?" asks Gregor.
"Well, I don't know who my father could be." says Dizzy. "As for my mother... she's a person I don't like to talk much about."
"Gregor sure she not being that bad." says Gregor.
"She tried to destroy humanity in an awful war." says Dizzy. "I think that constitutes as bad."
Gregor looks a little taken aback by what he said, and replies, "You might be needing to be talking with Robin. Gregor feels you and her having much in common."
"How do you figure?" asks Dizzy.
"Her story not being happy one, even if she starting with the amnesia." says Gregor. "Her past being most painful, just like yours from what you told Gregor."
"I'll take your word for it." says Dizzy. "Anyway, I need to finish my breakfast."
"Of course." says Gregor. "Many apologies."
Gregor then gets it from the table.
Before he walks away, Gregor says, "Oh, if you be having time, Gregor like to see you sometime later tonight here."
"What for?" Dizzy asks.
Getting a mischievous smile, Gregor says, "Gregor want to have fun with new guest. Gregor not spoiling surprise. Otherwise, it not be surprise, right?"
"I suppose not." says Dizzy. "But that does have me worried."
"Do not be worrying, Lady Dizzy." says Gregor. "It being most fun. You trust Gregor, okay? Bye-bye!"
Without waiting for Dizzy to answer, Gregor quickly leaves.
"I wonder what this surprise is?" asks Dizzy. "Knowing a guy like him, it might be some drinking contest. I feel sorry for him if it is."
And after that, Dizzy goes back to her breakfast.
Later that day, Dizzy is in the outer gardens situated near a heavily wooded area while sitting on the edge of a fountain. Some birds are near, pecking the ground for seeds. Ocassionally, Dizzy throws them a few seeds.
As the birds happily eat, some of them flock near Dizzy, and one even gets into her lap.
Giggling, she holds out her index finger for the bird to perch itself on. Cheeping, it seems to enjoy Dizzy's company.
Just then, she hears Frederick's voice sound off with, "Ah, Lady Dizzy, I've been looking for you."
Hearing his voice, the birds all fly away.
Seeing Frederick approahcing her, Dizzy asks, "Sir Frederick, is there something I can help you with?"
"Indeed there is." says Frederick. "First though, I want to give you some news. I told Exalt Chrom about it early this morning, and now I wish to tell you since you are our newest guest. Khans Basilio and Flavia of Regna Ferox got word of Lady Robin's resurrection, and they will be here later in the evening to see us. I don't suppose I need tell you this, but do be on your best behavior. The Khans may be gruff warriors who prefer combat to negotiation, but they are leaders of a country."
"I understand, Sir Frederick." says Dizzy. "If anything, I can't wait to meet new people."
"I believe that to be true." says Frederick. "However, that's not the reason I wanted to talk to you. For that, we need to go to the training grounds. Thankfully, at this time of day, it's sparsely preoccupied, so that should give us ample time to talk."
"I hope I haven't done anything wrong." says Dizzy.
Frederick replies, "You haven't done anything wrong, but its more like something that could be used for wrong. With that said, please follow me."
Saying nothing else, Frederick begins to walk away and Dizzy follows suit.
In an area filled with archery targets, training dummies and obstacle courses of varrying designs, among other equipment, there are a few soldiers honing their skills.
Appearing in this area, Frederick and Dizzy approach a remote spot.
Dizzy ceases walking as Frederick does and says, "I have a feeling I know what you want to talk to me about."
"I figured you would, since you know yourself better than I do." says Frederick. "Especially since I just met you." Frederick then turns to face her with a stern expression, "But even with the short time we've met, I've managed to learn a lot about you and gauge your threat level due to your powers. And I must say, it may be obvious, but you are the most dangerous of new allies we've had yet."
"I understand, Sir Frederick." says Dizzy. "Believe me, I understand better than you think I do. I never did like my powers back then, and I always avoided trying to get into combat. I wanted to avoid fights often so that no one would be hurt as a result of me. In fact, my enormous power was part of the reason I had a huge bounty out for my death. I have been working harder to get them under control, but even then, it still proves to be tough."
"Then I guess I don't have to mince words." says Frederick. "Lady Dizzy, try to avoid using those powers of yours as much as possible. Even if you're trying to avoid fighting, refrain from using them."
"WHAT!?" shout both Necro and Undine before they transform, freaking out the few soldiers there who see them.
"If we don't fight, how can we protect Dizzy from harm?" asks Undine.
"I ought to blast you with the Gamma Ray for that remark!" says Necro.
"I understand your concern, but I wasn't finished." says Frederick. "In fact, if there is great danger where she must use her powers, then by all means, do what you must AS LONG as you keep them under check."
"Well, with Necro that might be a touch impossible." says Undine.
Necro just growls at Undine.
"However, you have our word on that." Undine continues with.
"But what about any kind of danger that Dizzy can't avoid?" asks Necro. "How is she supposed to rely on her powers then?"
"That's the reason I brought her here to the training ground." says Frederick. "Dizzy, you say you have SOME skill in combat when not relying on your 'wings'. However, those other powers of yours need to be off limits. But... I do not wish for you to go out into battle naked, more or less. What skills do you have with a sword?"
"A little." says Dizzy. "There is the Gabriel Sword that I can use for combat, similar to my mother's Michael Sword and Michael Blade. However, what I've learned I only know from Ky. Even then, I really see swords as nothing more than tools for cutting flesh and exposing blood."
"Well, any weapon can do that, especially with a sharp enough edge." says Frederick. "In that case, I want to train you in some combat arts. We'll start with a sword first. Afterwards, we'll work our way up from there, seeing your skills in axes and lances. I can get Virion to teach you archery and Miriel can teach you magic. OUR WORLD's magic that is. I know you have a good bit of magic to use, and while yours may be more powerful, you'll find ours more natural and easier to control."
"Well, since I disdain violence, could you get someone to teach me how to use a staff for healing?" asks Dizzy. "I think Lissa could at least teach me that."
"I guess it couldn't be outside the realm of possibility." says Frederick. "That said, even healers need to learn how to defend themselves. That's why Princess Lissa took up the axe so she could better protect herself in combat."
"Yeah, that makes sense." says Dizzy. "Doesn't make me enjoy such a thing, but I do see where you're coming from."
"In that case, I wish to start with you today." says Frederick. "I shall go get a pair of practice swords, so I can better teach you some good combat skills. And I do want to make sure you get good enough to where you can properly defend yourself without having to rely on those dangerous powers of yours. If anything, I'm not doing this to punish you, but more for the fact I see potential within you. In fact, relying on those powers of yours will only diminish it. I know you need to practice getting your powers under control and I'm not saying you shouldn't do that, nor am I telling you to not use them completely. I'm mostly saying I wish for you to use good judgment on when to use your powers, and to decide if they're worth using. Nothing more than that."
"I see what you mean." says Dizzy. She then turns to Necro and Undine and says, "Alright, you two, rest for right now. I'm going to train with Sir Frederick."
"Sure thing, Dizzy." says Undine hugging the half-Gear before reverting back.
"I'll agree to this, but I'm keeping an eye on him." says Necro. "He manages to hurt you in any way, and I won't hesitate in choking the life out of him."
After Necro reverts back, Dizzy says, "I'm ready, Sir Frederick."
"Very well." says Frederick. "I shall go get those practice swords."
After that, he walks off.
Both Dizzy and Frederick are training together in swordplay. With his skill and finesse, Frederick manages to easily use Dizzy's incredible power against her, making her slip up each time she goes in to hit him.
After Dizzy falls from another of his parries, Frederick says, "Sloppy. Try it again."
Dizzy stands up, putting on a stance.
"Dizzy, that stance lacks balance." says Frederick. "Adjust your legs and the angle of the sword. If left in that state, I could easily attack your weak spots."
"Sorry." says Dizzy as she adjusts herself as Frederick says. "That better?"
"Noticeably." says Frederick. "Now, come at me again."
Dizzy wastes no time and tries to charge at Frederick again. Unfortunately, she's swinging rather wildly, allowing Frederick ample opportunity to parry her strikes before he trips her to a knee. He then has his sword at an angle inches from her neck.
"Had this been a fight to the death and you a normal human, that blow would have killed you." says Frederick. "You must build up balance and refine your skill. Otherwise, this will happen again and again."
"Right." says a panting Dizzy.
Dizzy gets up, albeit looking just a tad woozy through her tiredness.
"Alright, we'll break here before moving on to axes." says Frederick.
"Thank you." says Dizzy.
"Your skill and accuracy are quite off." says Frederick. "But we'll work on that as time goes on. This isn't an overnight type of ordeal."
"My goodness, I may only be half-human, but I feel so tired." says Dizzy. "Almost as if I just experienced the toughest workout ever. However, you Sir Frederick, you're not a Gear or even a metahuman, and yet, you don't look like you've so much as broken a sweat."
"As leader of the Ylissean Knights and Lieutenant of the Shepherds, I make it my sworn duty to uphold the crown and this land in anyway I can serve them." says Frederick. "For that, I need to have a strong endurance."
"So I can tell." says Dizzy. "You know, you humans of this world really impress me. There are humans in my world that are good fighters, such as Johnny, May, July and Augus of the Jellyfish Pirates. There's also Dr. Faust, Venom, Leo Whitefang, Jam Kuradoberi, Chipp Zanuff, Bridget, Axl Low, Kum Haehyun, Baiken and a few others. Baiken especially impresses me since she's considerably one of the only "normal" humans among the many warriors I've met, and yet, she's cut down several Gears just through her sheer rage. Ky especially impresses me with both his sword skills and his mastery of lightning magic, but since he's absorbed my Gear cells, I'm not sure he counts as human anymore. However, none of you are metahumans, and yet, you're so strong and willing to fight tough battles, even with the most basic of weapons. Your skills would even impress the most staunch of critics in my world."
"Humans like myself are odd creatures." says Frederick. "We seem simple on the surface, and at times, we are. But our true complexities lie deep down, in body, mind and heart. There are people in this world that do not have the abilities you do, but still have their own unique gifts and talents. And if what you've seen so far impresses you, then you would be on cloud nine if you saw what other people can do."
"I guess I would." says Dizzy. "But really, how do you manage to stay this capable and strong?"
"Every morning at the crack of dawn, I wake up to set the trainnig ground up replacing dummies and targets, and organizing the obstacle courses. On cold days like this one, I build the fires in the fireplaces to keep the whole castle nice and toasty. I recieve the letters from the messengers so I can report them to his majesty. After that, I set up the kitchen so the cooks can properly find all ingredients, china and utensils to give everyone a good breakfast." says Frederick
"Amazing!" says a dumbfounded Dizzy.
"At night, I make sure the windows are open so cool air can get in since everyone tends to sleep better when the temperature is just right. I repair and polish weapons that can be used again while I discard any that are beyond saving. I put everything in the training ground up. And I restock the kitchen with more ingredients for tomorrow's breakfast." Frederick continues with.
"That's incredible!" replies Dizzy.
"If we're on march, I wake up at the crack of dawn to tend to the steeds, scout ahead for potential threat areas while also getting rid of any rocks or obstructions that could be in the way during the march so no one trips or twists an ankle. And of course, I manage all weapons and make sure all ingredients are available for cooking a healthy breakfast. Also, because it's my specialty, I'm the one who builds the campfires." says Frederick.
"How do you do that all without cracking under pressure?" asks Dizzy.
"Easy. I don't." says Frederick.
"But doesn't it take its toll being made to do all that stuff?" asks Dizzy.
"Lady Dizzy, what I do for the royal family and the knights and Shepherds is out of my own volition." says Frederick. "I do this out of love for both the crown and my country."
"Wow." says Dizzy. "You're name may be Frederick, but you're so much more different from Sol Badguy. He tends to be very lazy and reckless, and doesn't have the best temperment. However, you're so hard-working and devoted, and out of your own choosing. Even my husband could learn a thing or two from you. About the only thing Sol has over you is that he's far more powerful. He's also very intelligent as he was a brilliant scientist and inventor."
"I hope to meet him someday." says Frederick. "I imagine him to be quite skilled."
"Actually, his style lacks a lot of refinement as he cares more about results." says Dizzy. "The sooner he ends the fight, the better. That's his philosophy anyway, though one he and I share but for different reasons on my end since I mainly want to do it to end the fighting. And even then, I don't fight to win."
"Regardless, I look forward to seeing his abilties for myself." says Frederick.
"Eh, his abilities aren't something you'd approve of." says Dizzy. "He's also a Gear, though was originally human. In fact, he was the first prototype Gear, and his power has grown considerably greater over time. He could potentially be more dangerous than me, especially if he's capable of using the whole Outrage, being a collective of sacred weapons he himself created so long ago."
"Even so." says Frederick.
"I understand your desire to meet him, and I hope you do." says Dizzy. "But back to you. It's amazing how you do all this stuff out of your own goodness, and manage to do it so effeciently. I bet the royal family is so grateful to have such an amazing guardian."
"Ehhh... not as much you would think." says Frederick. "I admit that I have gone to extremes that even I have to question myself about. One time, in camp, I had some lewd posters of Exalt Chrom made in hopes of raising troop morale, but only ended up traumantizing him. And another time, I tried to use my chest to warm Princess Lissa's boots, and she told me to stick my own boots up my..."
"I get the picture." Dizzy interrupts. "At any rate, I'm glad they have someone like you to depend on."
"I do my best." says Frederick. "At any rate, I trust you're done resting?"
"Yes, Sir Frederick." says Dizzy. "I'm ready."
"At any rate, we'll move on to trainnig with axes." says Frederick. "After that, we'll end training with lances. Afterwards, I want you to get cleaned up and bathed since the Khans will be coming. Also, you might want to get on an appropriate outfit for their arrival. I could probably get a dress tailor made for you."
"That's alright." says Dizzy. "I know just the outfit to wear for such an occassion."
"In that case, I'll trust your judgment." says Frederick. "Anyway, give me the sword, and I'll go get some practice axes."
"Right." says Dizzy as she hands him her sword.
After Frederick takes the sword, he begins to walk off, but not before stopping to turn around and say, "This... Sol Badguy... he invented legendary weapons. He sounds like many of the great forgers of the past that made the many legendary weapons that were used by the heroes of the past in this world, and many others."
"Yes, he did just that." says Dizzy. "In fact, the current weapon he uses, being the Junkyard Dog uses a powerful spell called Saint Oratorio. However, it's power is so great, even he can't fully control it. I myself use a weaker version of that spell either by myself or through Necro called the 'Gamma Ray'. It's a spell I inherited from my mother."
"I imagine that, even in a weaker form, it's still quite powerful." says Frederick.
"When my mother used it the first time, it was when That Man took control of her and had her use it to destroy the nation of Japan to erase a fatal mistake he made." says Dizzy.
"It destroyed a whole nation?" asks Frederick.
"Yes." says Dizzy. "And if the Gamma Ray can do that, then imagnie what Saint Oratorio can do."
"I bet it's even more terrifying when you actually see it." says Frederick.
"You have no idea." says Dizzy.
After going silent for a bit, Frederick says, "Well, at any rate, I'm going to train you hard so you'll be able to use OUR more legendary weapons. Maybe they won't compare to this 'Outrage', but I will make sure you feel comfortable with them. As for your training regiment, I want you up early every morning and practicing. I will get Duke Virion to help you with archery, and we'll see if Miriel can teach you the fundamentals of our world's magic. As for training with other weapons, while I prefer myself to do it, I might also have Owain help you. He's eccentric and over-the-top, but his skills with a sword are peerless. He might be able to better train you in the blade than I can. For axe mastery, I think Vaike could do that very well. And for the lance, no one more capable than Cordelia."
"I understand, and I'll do my best." says Dizzy. "In the end, though, I still choose to be a pacifist and I will never take a life, even if I have to."
"I know more about what you're saying than you realize." says Frederick. "And while it may be good to be a pacifist, it pays in this day and age to be a militant pacifist."
"Isn't that an oxymoron?" asks Dizzy.
After a dramatic silence, Frederick says, "Not if you're willing to fight for peace."
And with that, Frederick leaves.
"Huh." says Dizzy. "I never thought about it like that."
To Be Continued in Chapter 4.