Welcome to the first chapter of the Viking Arc! This'll be interesting. But...I'm doing something a little different!

I like to pace things out a bit. I know that breathing room can DEFINITELY help the rhythm and smoothness of a story. It also helps you guys, the readers get a taste of something calmer.

I know from previous experience that continuous, on-going, seemingly endless amounts of combat can be overwhelming, and get bland if it's not spread out evenly.

To remedy this, I've decided to pause the bloodshed, and make this sort of introduction to the Viking Arc chapter!

Not only does it explain the basic premise and crappy story behind this Arc, but it also has a bit of humorous and laid-back side bluff between the characters. This will help calm things down a bit after the climactic ending to the Knight Arc's last chapter.

It'll provide a bit of breathing room, and ease up the tension a bit before we continue the fighting next chapter. I will be doing these chapters at the beginning of every Arc. So that means that there will only be ONE more of this type of chapter: At the start of the Samurai Arc.

So for now, enjoy this little chapter of bluff! But also get the main gist of this Arc's story. This'll also give you guys something to read during the week since it's hard to release during weekdays because of high school and all that crap. So yeah! Hope this helps relax you lads a bit.


One year after the Fighting Tournament...

After the events at the Colosseum, Jacques' seconds rewarded the Azure Legion with the rewards for winning the tournament. Tons of money and wealth, as well as tons of supplies and riches to assist in keeping the peace in Ashfeld.

Airi, being the generous and compassionate person she is, decided to give fair shares to all of the fighters that participated, so that they would not go home empty-handed.

Apollo, Cyrus, Elea, Emora, and Airi all came back with a warm welcome. News spread of the victory of the Azure Legion throughout Ashfeld, causing the Elio Legion's haste to increase. They despised the fact the Jacques had failed to take down two of their most elite fighters.

Eventually, news spread to Valkenheim. Viking warriors that participated in the tournament told of the event that happened at the Colosseum. Soon enough, the Vikings decided to start attacking Ashfeld, but mainly the Azure Legion, for bountiful amounts of loot and plunder.

The Elio Legion took advantage of this and decided to team up with the Warborn, the most notorious clan up in Valkenheim. Together, they not only began to siege the Azure Legion's bases but the bases of the mighty Iron Legion.

As expected, they also attacked the smaller Legions that were scattered throughout Ashfeld. The Warborn grew more powerful, and the Elio Legion was gaining strength and could stand more of a chance against the armies of the Azure Legion.

Eventually, warriors who wore the colors of the Azure Legion were dubbed and named 'Azures' by the Vikings. The name spread and was now commonly used.

A setback in this amount of time came in the horrible mistake on the side of the Warborn and Elio Legion when they attempted to attack the Blackstone Legion. They paid desperately.

A year had passed, Emora was now 21, still making her way up the ranks of the leaderboard, and staying on tabs with her training. Airi, also 21, had returned to the Myre for a few months to revisit her friends and family.

The fortress that Cinder ran became one of the three strongholds of the Azure Legion. The walls had been expanded, more people were welcomed in, more fighters were trained, and more soldiers were put into action. The buildings grew taller, the wealth accumulated, the farms and barns became bigger, and the production of materials was huge.

Everything was fairly under control until one of the three strongholds had nearly been taken down by a siege of Vikings and Elio's. If it weren't for reinforcements from the Iron Legion, the Azures would have taken a huge hit.


Within the Conference Building...

Cinder slammed his fist against the table. Other high-rank knights, including Emora, stood around the table along with him. They all were all looking at a map of previous attacks on their soil, along with sieges of villages that were populated by innocent people, and attacks on allied Legions, like the Iron Legion.

"Damn it! What the hell! Fort Sapphire took a huge hit two days ago. The Warborn attacked. They were wearing orange-colored robes." Cinder shook his head.

"These attacks are getting more and more frequent. We cannot stand idle and play defense forever. We must not only defend ourselves but also put an end to this alliance between the Warborn and the Elio Legion." The other Commander brought up.

She was of equal ranking as Cinder and was the other Commander who ran the Stronghold, along with the General. The Stronghold that Emora and the other's lived in was named Fort Diamond. The two other Strongholds were named Fort Sapphire and Fort Lapis.

"I agree with Cindra. We can't just sit here and take attacks from the Elio Legion. After the Fighting Tournament and the death of Jacques Pierre a year ago, the Azure and Iron Legion's fame rose to catch the attention of BlackStones!" A Conqueror at the table said.

"I'm telling you Cinder, we have to start fighting back. We've grown much stronger, and our armies are powerful. Our Heroes are well trained and skilled in combat. We can start taking steps to defeat the Warborn." Cindra said firmly.

Cinder began to nod his head.

"You're right sister. We'll just have to start sending out our armies to attack the bases that the Warborn has set up in Ashfeld. We should also start to pummel the Elio Legion's fortresses with our forces to try and put a stop to their rampages." Cinder nodded his head towards his sister.

"No."

Cinder and Cindra both turned to look at the General.

"The Vikings may seem like brutes to you. But they're potent, powerful warriors. They live to fight, and won't back down for anything." He said firmly. His voice was strong, his dark gray hair was slicked back, and his light gray eyes looked silver with his angry-looking expression.

"What do you mean father? Why not?" Cindra asked.

"I don't understand dad. Why shouldn't we attack?" Cinder asked.

The General, who was the father of both Cinder and Cindra, crossed his arms. He sighed as he looked at his fellow knights around the table.

"I've fought them. They may be savages, but they know how to utilize their raw power. They're dangerous, and their armies will fight until every single one of them is dead. Additionally, our armies may be strong and large...But the Elio Legion has similar technology and techniques as us."

Both Commanders' exchanged looks, knowing that their father was right.

"We've been fighting the Elio Legion for decades. They know our tactics, and they can assist the Warborn in their attacks. Brains together with Brawn. We won't last long in direct battle."

Fort Diamond was controlled by the Alphus family. The General was named Cinderus. His two children, Cinder and Cindra were his seconds, and trusted Commanders. Cinderus' wife, Cinderella tripped and fell on a stone staircase because she tried to wear glass slippers.

She snapped her neck on the way down. Not the Alphus Family's proudest moment.

"Fuck..." Cindra swore under her breath.

"You're right, father." Cinder nodded his head.

"Then what do you suggest we do?" A Peacekeeper at the table asked Cinderus.

"Yeah, you agreed with not wanting to sit idle and take attacks. Yet you don't want to send out our armies or Heroes." A Centurion at the table slammed his gauntlet at the table.

Cinderus nodded his head. "I said to not send out our armies. But I never said anything about our Heroes."

Everyone fell silent.

"Our plan will be different this time. I'm not completely sure if this is still the case, but the leader of the Warborn, Einar Magna, is a feared Viking King. He was the one who likely who made the decision to make an alliance with the Elio Legion."

"W-What do we do then?" Cindra asked. Her wavy black hair covered her forehead with a cute looking fringe. It ran down her back, and onto her breasts. She slowly got it out of her eyes with her hand,

Cinder crossed his arms. He ran his fingers through his jet-black hair, keeping it up and perked. His eyes the same color as those of his sister and father, bright silver.

"We send Heroes into Viking territory to bring down the Warborn from the inside. We cut off supply lines, set flame to their bases, destroy their food sources, and spy on them to get Intel on their battle plans. Heroes brave enough to volunteer should wear Elio Legion colors."

Everyone thought about the idea.

"It's not bad...Their major armies will be focused on attacking our forts, which we'll be defending heavily. The Elio Legion we can handle easily...So if we can weaken the Warborn from the inside, kill Einar Magna, and make it look like the Elio Legion did it, we can break their alliance and end the attacks on Ashfeld!" Cinder said with excitement.

Cindra leaned on the table and sighed, laughing quietly.

"Goddamn it dad...You always come up with the best ideas."

"Everything comes with age. You think too basic, too broad. Explore more complex ideas, consider consequences, and don't underestimate your enemy. Most importantly, take your chances, and trust in your Legion's capabilities." Cinderus said firmly.

Everyone at the table looked at him and bowed in respect.

"Then that's what we'll do. We can send in Heroes in groups of four, and assign them designated tasks to bring down the Warborn." Cinder smiled.

"Sounds like a plan." Cindra agreed.

"Yeah, it works." The Conqueror nodded his head.

"Alright. It sounds legit to me." The Centurion crossed his arms and huffed.

"Perfect, where should we start?" The Peacekeeper brought up.

Cinder turned to Emora, who looked back at him. Soon enough, everyone turned to Emora and was staring at her hopefully.

"W-What...?" She muttered.

Cindra laughed.

"We made you part of the conference board so you can talk and make decisions with us. Not just sit there and look cute." Cindra teased, making everyone, even Cinderus chuckled a bit.

"W-Well...I'm not sure what you're all looking at me for..." Emora said shyly.

"We want you to be one of the Heroes who infiltrate Valkenheim. You can help gather other teams too, at least five groups of four besides your own. Adding up to 24 Heroes in total." Cinder grinned.

"Oh! Oh well...I can do that, sure. Do I get to assemble my own team?" Emora asked.

"Of course you do. I think I already know who's going to be one of your members." Cinder winked.

Emora felt her body surge with the heat of embarrassment. She blushed as Airi came into her mind.

"Hm, knew it." The Conqueror scoffed, once again making the table laugh.

"Well, off you go Emora. Remember, five teams of four, and your own team of four. So...Six whole teams. Got it?" Cinder asked.

Emora nodded her head. "I got it. I'll get it done."

As Emora exited the conference room, Cinder looked up at his father.

"Do you think this will work?" He asked.

"Our defense is strong. But the Heroes need to be efficient and wisely chosen. We can fend off the Warborn and Elio Legion armies for a while. But the attacks are getting frequent all over Ashfeld, and Fort Sapphire took a heavy hit two days ago. We can't defend hold them off forever. The fate of the Azure Legion rests in the hands of the Heroes infiltrating Valkenheim."

Cinder looked down, worry in his eyes.

"I hope I can trust Emora to draw out our best Heroes damn it..."

Cindra put her hand on her brother's shoulder.

"We can trust her Cinder. Emora is Fort Diamond's best Hero. She'll pick wisely, trust me."

Cinder nodded his head; he looked his sister in the eyes, nodding his head.

"Okay."


A few weeks later...

Emora watched as a Raider feinted his wide heavy attack, causing his Armusha opponent to cross his swords in an X form. The Vikings brought his blunt axe down on the Samurai's shoulder, knocking him to the ground.

Emora had her arms crossed. She nodded in approval.

"Alright. You got yourself a spot on one of the teams. Nice work Geraldr. Your ability to speak Icelandic and your knowledge of the Warborn will greatly help us."

The Raider bowed in respect. "The Warborn attacked my village when I was a mere child. I'm happy to have a place in the process of bringing them down."

Emora nodded her head. "And we're glad to have you."

The Raider walked out of the training room, when two more Heroes walked in, a Shinobi and a Lawbringer.

The two stood in front of each other and waited for Emora's call to begin.

Airi walked into the room and smiled.

She walked over to Emora and leaned on her shoulder.

"Begin!" Emora ignored Airi. She had to watch the Heroes closely in order to know who to choose.

The Warden and Nobushi watched the two battle it out. Airi looked up at Emora and kissed her on the cheek.

"You've been busy." She whispered.

Emora nodded her head, not taking her eyes off of the fight in front of her. "I need to make sure I select our absolute best Heroes. This is no joke Airi." She said sternly.

"Hm...Yeah, I know. How many teams do you have so far?" Airi asked.

"I have four. This last fight will decide the last member of the fifth team, and then I only have to assemble my own team to be done with this." Emora answered.

"Oh. What're you judging them off of?"

"A lot of things. Their battle skill, prior performances in action, how well they can fight under pressure, their physical ability, their dedication, their bravery, their complexity and variety in their combos, their mental stability, their ability to counter different moves, and how well they can help one another."

Airi's eyes widened, she was impressed. "Wow...You're taking this seriously."

"Of course I am. I have to. The fate of the Azure Legion rests in the hands of these warriors."

Airi nodded in understanding. She turned to the fight, which was still escalating.

The Shinobi was pummeling the Lawbringer with endless light attacks and slashes. She kicked him back, and into a wall. She brought her weapons down on him with a top-heavy, then uppercut him.

She then spun around, her sickles coming in for a side heavy.

The Lawbringer parried the attack; he bashed the Shinobi with his axe, hit her again with a heavy, and then stabbed her with the top of the pole. He drove her to the left, and into another wall. He delivered a side heavy, then thrust the Shinobi upwards.

"AHH!" The Shinobi cried out.

As the Lawbringer raised his axe, Emora yelled for the fight to stop. The Lawbringer stopped himself, and let the panting Shinobi stand up.

"You're a good counter-attacker. It'll come in handy. You got yourself a spot on the final team."

The Lawbringer nodded his head. He bowed lightly. "Thank you, Lord Ryon."

Emora still wasn't used to being called 'Lord'. Ever since being added to the Conference Room for high-ranking knights of Fort Diamond, her life had changed significantly.

As the discouraged Shinobi followed the Lawbringer out of the room, Emora grabbed her shoulder.

"Hey, keep training. You almost had him there. You're a good fighter; just make sure to keep up your consistency in battle, especially at the end." Emora said firmly.

"T-Thank you Lord Ryon...I'll continue training diligently!" The Shinobi bowed and exited the room.

Emora finally un-tensed her body. She exhaled deeply, put her hand on her forehead, and pushed her hair to the side.

She walked over to a nearby bench and slumped down on it. She released a long sigh.

"Ugh...That was way too stressful..." She said to herself.

Airi walked over and sat down next to Emora. She looked at her with a confused expression.

"What's wrong Emora? Are you feeling okay?" She asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just good to take it easy again. I'm a member of the Conference Board of Fort Diamond. I'm on the roster of the top high-class Knights of the entire Azure Legion...It's a lot to take in."

Airi frowned, she grabbed Emora's gauntlet, removed it, and massaged her soft hand.

"Just relax. You're doing fine so far! I mean look at Cinder, he's a higher rank than you, yet he can still have fun! You don't have to be all tense and almighty." Airi said cheerfully.

"Yeah...Guess you're right."

The two Heroes leaned forward and kissed one another. Emora pulled away and rested her head on Airi's chest.

"So...What're you going to do now?" The Nobushi asked.

Emora closed her eyes. "Set up my own team."

"Oh. Are you going to ask the others? Cyrus, Apollo, and Elea?" Airi asked curiously.

Emora nodded her head. "I've put them in charge of other teams. They're team leaders."

Airi laughed. "They must feel so good about themselves. Especially Apollo."

Emora chuckled. "Yeah...I bet he does."

The two Heroes went quiet for a bit. Before Airi spoke up again.

"So. Who's going to be on your team?"

Emora looked up at Airi with a dumb look, making the Nobushi giggle.

"You of course, dumbass." The Warden smirked.

"Oh, I never would've guessed!" Airi teased.

The two girls began to kiss again. Within a few minutes, they were embraced in each other's arms, making out passionately.

"Sike!" A voice yelled out.

"AHHH!" Emora cried out.

"AAAH—WHAT THE?!" Airi squealed.

The two girls stumbled and fumbled everywhere; they panicked as they got off of each other and wiped their mouths clean of each other's saliva.

It was Cinder and the other team leaders. Cyrus was laughing, he was the one who kicked the door open and yelled out.

"Afternoon ladies! Sorry to interrupt your little session, but I have recent developments in our plan against the alliance between the Warborn and the Elio Legion." Cinder announced.

"Y-Yes! Of course Cinder! W-What are they...?" The flustered Warden stuttered.

Cyrus, Apollo, and Elea were trying not to laugh as they looked at Emora and Airi's flushed faces. The two other team leaders, a Kensei named Tatsuo, and a Valkyrie named Valeria had smug grins on their faces.

"Fort Lapis has their teams of Heroes ready. So does Fort Sapphire, who is recovering fairly quickly from the attack that they suffered." Cinder said firmly.

"Okay. How many teams do they have each?" Emora asked.

"Fort Lapis has four. Fort Sapphire only has two, due to them needing Heroes to help defend while they recover. We have the most with six teams, assuming you've assembled yours?"

"Not yet. But I'll get it done." Emora said, standing up from the bench.

"Alright." Cinder replied.

"Hey, Emora! Thanks for making us the leaders of our teams. It feels really fucking cool." Cyrus smiled.

"Hell yeah it does! My team will shred through anyone!" Elea jumped up and down in joy.

"Yeah, thanks Emora. Feels good to have people look up to me for guidance in battle!" Apollo raised his fist and laughed.

"We appreciate it, Lord Ryon." Tatsuo bowed politely.

"Yes, we all thank you, Lord Ryon," Valeria said with a nice smile.

"You all earned your positions. Good luck." Emora said firmly. She watched as everyone exited the room until she was left alone with Airi again.

"Whew...Well, that was embarrassing..." The Warden said nervously.

"Yeah...Sorry I shouldn't have started to flirt with you."

"Heh...It's okay Airi..."

The two girls closed their eyes to lock lips again, but someone barged through the door again.

"GOTEEM!"

Emora turned around angrily.

"GODDAMN IT CYRUS!"

"Oh shit! GO! GO! RUN! SHE'S COMIN!" Cyrus laughed hysterically; he pushed Elea's face back and barged past Apollo.

The angry Warden ran after her friends, leaving Airi behind, laughing.

"Oh...Emora..." The Nobushi sighed, biting her lip.


Two days later...

Emora opened her eyes slowly as she woke up. It was early in the morning, the sun hadn't risen yet, and the Azure Legion was on the move.

"Airi...Come on we have to get ready..." Emora yawned quietly as she gently shook Airi's arm.

The Nobushi was sleeping like a log. No reaction came from her.

"Ugh. Damn it."

The Warden threw her legs over the side of the bed and sighed. She rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes and squinted as she looked herself in the mirror. She lifted her arm up and smelled her armpit.

"Egh! I can smell that from over here!" Airi's familiar voice came from behind Emora, startling her.

"Shut up! You don't smell too great yourself." Emora grinned.

"Well, we a tub out back. I can boil up some water and we can bathe together." The Nobushi smirked mischievously. She stood up from the bed and stretched, her naked body was sleek and well-tuned.

"Well, go ahead and do that. I'll set up something to eat, while you get it filled up." Emora crossed her arms and smiled.

"Sounds good to me, you blonde bimbo." Airi winked as she flicked the Warden's naked breast with her finger as she walked past, and out the bedroom door.

"Ow! How would you like it if I did that to you?!" Emora cried angrily, holding her boob.

"I'd love it!" Airi yelled from downstairs.

"Yeah, whatever. Go make me a sandwich, woman!" The Warden yelled back, giggling.

"Blow me!" The Nobushi laughed.


A half-hour later...

Both fully armed, geared up, and dressed in their clothes and armor, Emora and Airi walked out of the house they shared and began to make their way to the courtyard.

The two girls spotted Cinder and Cindra. In front of them, the five teams Emora had assembled. Separate from the teams, two Heroes stood.

It was a Highlander and a Shinobi. The Shinobi was the same one that had lost her battle against the Lawbringer two days ago while trying out for the teams. She stood with her hands together, and at her belt.

The Highlander was a young, handsome man. He had luscious blonde hair, a thin beard, and blue eyes that sparkled with even the slightest amount of light. His face was well carved; he had a prominent jawline and a genuine smile.

These two were Airi and Emora's missing team members.

"L-Lord Ryon! S-She's here!" The Shinobi stuttered.

Cinder and Cindra turned around, their eyebrows raised as Emora and Airi stood side by side.

"You're late Ryon. I won't even try and guess what happened." Cinder shook his head.

Emora put her hands up in surrender. "Hey! Blame Airi! She was playing around too much and pushed me back into the tub when we were bathing, made me fuck up my shoulder." The Warden said honestly.

The Nobushi next to her was laughing uncontrollably. "You should've seen it! Water went everywhere!" She squealed.

Cindra shook her head and chuckled. She cleared her throat and got serious.

"Okay, but at least you're here. Join the other teams."

Emora led Airi, the Shinobi, and the Highlander into their group. She stood at the front and leaned on her longsword that was planted into the ground. In front of Cinder and Cindra stood 6 full teams of 4.

Totaling 24 Heroes. All of them clad in orange, red, and yellow colored robes and armor, the colors of the Elio Legion.

Four soldiers next to Cindra and Cinder were holding flags with the Fort Diamond symbol on it.

Their symbol was a large, bright blue diamond with a crack in it. The Diamond for Fort Diamond, but the crack represented the disaster that happened to the world hundreds of years ago, the same disaster that had brought the Knights, Samurai, and Vikings together in the first place.

"Okay. We're ready. We're all here before sunrise, and all of your horses are already set up. The Heroes of Fort Sapphire and Lapis have already deployed. From now on, our gates are closed, and our armies stand in full defense." Cindra explained.

"Indeed. You have all been assigned different routes into Valkenheim that you can take safely. The Iron Legion will be providing assistance on the way there, but as soon as you enter Viking territory, you're on your own." Cinder said sternly.

The teams of Heroes all nodded in understanding.

"Those routes all lead to the Viking King's massive fortress. His name is Einer Magna, remember that name. He's the leader of the mighty Warborn. Engrave it into those skulls of yours, he's the enemy." Cindra crossed her arms.

"You will all be taking separate routes and will be completing different objectives that have been marked on your maps. You've all been given black colored armor and clothes, to help you not only stay hidden during night-time missions but to attract as much heat to you as possible. It's cold up there." Cinder signaled at the Heroes.

"Yeah, it looks fucking awesome," Cyrus said out loud, banging his gauntlet against his own BlackIron armor. Everyone broke out in laughter.

"That idiot...I'm gonna miss seeing him during lunch." Emora smiled.

"I will too. He'll be fine. So will Elea and Apollo. I trust in them all." Airi said softly.

"Okay. Team one! Grab your horses, and get ready to depart.

One by one, the teams of Heroes disappeared. Their friends and families all up to say their goodbyes. They all waved goodbye to Emora, who nodded her head and smiled proudly.

"Alright...Your team is up Emora." Cinder sighed.

As the Warden was about to mount her horse, Rose and Daisy came running after her.

"Emora, wait!"

The two girls dove into Emora's arms, both kissing her on the cheek.

"Good luck Emora, we'll miss you..." Rose smiled sadly, tears in her eyes.

"Please come back Emora..." Daisy wept.

The Warden hugged her two friends. "I'll make it back, trust me. You two keep on studying with the tutor I left behind for you, okay?"

"Okay Emora, we will!" Rose said cheerfully.

"We won't disappoint you!" Daisy smiled.

Tears welled in the Warden's eyes. "I know you won't. Take care, both of you."

The two servants hugged Emora once more each, then backed up.

Cinder walked up to the Warden, smiling. But something about his face made Emora feel bad.

"Cinder..." She murmured.

"Hey. Be careful out there, okay? Never drop your guard, and don't get separated from your group, and don't—"

"Cinder relax! You worry too much. I'll be fine." Emora smiled.

The Commander shook his head. His silver eyes broke the Warden's, delicate heart.

"Oh...Cinder...Come here, you!"

The two embraced in a tight hug. Cinder patted Emora's back firmly and held back tears.

"Ahem...Take care of yourself. And come back alive." He said with a sad grin.

"I will. By the time I'm done with them, the Elio Legion will be in ruins, and the Warborn will return to their rightful place up in Valkenheim!" Emora said enthusiastically.

"Good." Cinder stepped back, Cindra walked up to Emora. Her smile was beautiful, her silver eyes matched with Emora's golden ones. The two pulled each other into a hug.

"I love you Emora, god...I feel like I'm releasing my little sister into war." She sniffled.

Emora nodded her head, smiling with teary eyes. "You basically are! Heh...I love you too Cindra. Take care of Cinder for me, will you? Make sure he stays in check." The Warden teased.

"Trust me I will. I'll be sure to keep an eye on him." Cindra giggled, looking back at her twin brother, who was rolling his eyes and laughing.

Emora mounted her horse. She looked back at her friends, and everyone she knew back at Fort Diamond waving goodbye.

"Good luck! Stay safe!" Cinder yelled.

"Go show them what you got!" Cindra cheered.

"Good luck!" Rose cried.

"I'll miss you!" Daisy waved.

Emora put her helmet on as her horse walked out of the gate. As she shut her visor over her face, she began to gallop away, hearing the yells and cheers of her friends slowly fade away.

Tears rolled down her face inside her helmet. But deep inside her soul, she grew determined to complete her mission. She set her eyes on the road ahead and took the lead in front of the rest of her team.

She gazed down at her map, double-checking her route.

"Okay...Valkenheim...Here we come."


As said before, the fighting, action, and drama will return next chapter! So stay tuned! Hope this helped ya'll relax a bit, and maybe I managed to get a laugh out of some of you...?

No? Okay...I figured...

Till the next chapter, sayonara!