A Place to Belong...
By Ryoga's best friend
A/N- It's back and fast! Good thing I had that X-potion I guess :) . Anyway I wanted to give a quick thanks to my reviewers and my beta.
Reviewer questions and concerns...
Talatus - The flash back was originally seperated with asterex but for some reason they got formatted out... sorry.
Cardinel - is this quick enough for ya ;) hope I can keep this up...
But I won't hold you up much longer because I'm sure you want to read the fight… so without further ado let the chapter begin!
"This should be fun…" he said getting into a relaxed battle stance. Weigraf got into a steady defensive stance.
"I would hope so, now let's see how monks fight in your world."
"Gladly."
Ranma shot forward with a smirk letting lose a few quick testing jabs. They met with skilled deflection, a hand snaked out in attempted to grapple his extended arm. The boy retracted before he was caught and moved to the air, hopping up and over Weigraf. The man looked surprised, "Heh Got'cha" he said as he kicked out at the man's exposed back, but the warrior shifted at the last moment catching the leg and grasping tightly. The pigtailed boy managed a surprised yelp as he was thrown to the ground in a heap. Weigraf stepped back and allowed him to get back up.
"You were saying?" he asked with a little smirk.
"I'm just getting started," Ranma said rolling his neck to get the kinks out. I'm gonna have to get more serious-- otherwise this guy s gonna make a fool outta me. He thought as he got set the older man following suit. The martial artist pushed off and advanced toward his opponent with more purpose this time. He struck out faster and with more calculated aim, the knight seemed much more hard-pressed. Ranma leaned aside as Weigraf stuck back with several fast palm strikes, Well I've got speed on him at least he thought as he ducked another strike sliding under his guard and unleashing a nasty uppercut. The Knight must have felt the move though because he managed to shift a little deflecting the majority of the force to limit it to a glancing blow, stumbling a little. Ranma pressed his advantage moving close and letting out a few quick jabs, the knight grunted at the impacts and curiously shifted all of his weight to his heel. He rotated suddenly sending a backhand at much quicker then his normal attacks. The blow caught Ranma and sent him rolling back a few feet before he managed to get back on his feet holding his cheek. Weigraf took the breather to get his footing back and his guard back up, The martial artist stood back up trying to shake off the head blow.
"Shall we continue?" The Captain said before moving in on the offensive. The pair exchanged a furious series of blows. Ranma remaining mobile, bouncing about and around Weigraf, who kept a balanced form, striking with calculated stronger blows. Ranma couldn't help but grin, for the first time in a while he felt back in his element. The soft shifting of feet on the grass brought him back to Furinkan high, answering one of the lost boy's challenges. He could hear the raucous cheering of students who tended to gather out for his fights, Nabiki and her girls moving through the crowd taking bets. Any moment he'd get a nice combo in and Akane would shout at him to stop picking on Ryoga. The stupid pig would probably get all mad when he replied for her to butt out and-
A fist breezing uncomfortably close brought him back to reality as he hopped back to give both fighters a breather and get his focus back. But the cheering continued. Blinking in confusing Ranma turned back to the base to see a crowd of death corps soldier's cheering and whistling. Against the wall Miluda stood with Madeline and the Kids, the children and their caretaker the only ones cheering for him. The pigtailed boy gained a sweat-drop as the healer shouted over the cheering.
"Kick his butt Ranma! --Sorry Mr. Weigraf..." Ranma slowly turned back to his opponent who looked positively bemused.
"--Um. How long have they been there?"
"The Whole time." Weigraf chuckled a little. "Not much entertainment out this way after all."
"Man the more things change the more they stay the same," The martial artist said shaking his head with a small smile.
"Don't tell me you have stage fright Saotome?" The Knight taunted playfully getting a snort in reply.
"Hardly. Let's step things up a notch eh?"
"Sounds good." And with that both warriors charged forward engaging in a much more energetic exchange, much to the delight of the crowd. Swift jabs and crosses; a rapid series of kicks as Ranma flipped over and landing behind. Weigraf, getting used to his opponents tactics, was already turning when Ranma gave a shout and punched at his top speed. Over sixty punches pounded against the captain's guard over a couple of seconds, sending most of the crowd silent awe. When the onslaught ceased the knight gave a wide kick forcing the pigtailed boy back. Weigraf shook his arms.
"Impressive, wasn't expecting that," he said with a smile rubbing the feeling back into his arms.
"I'm full of surprises." Ranma replied with an arrogant smile.
"So I see." Weigraf said stretching a little, getting into a loose stance, as soon as the pigtailed boy moved in he gave a shout and punched, though Ranma was still a good ten feet away. The boy didn't think much of it until he felt something faintly approach; it was only a moment before Ranma was flying back from an invisible blow. He rolled a few feet away clutching his middle, "But I have a few myself."
"Air Pressure" The martial artist coughed out as she got to his knees. "You attacked with the air pressure of your strike," he continued getting back to his feet, the knight smiled.
"Correct, very astute of you Ranma."
"I've seen it before with a few people I fought, but never barehanded." he said with a small note of respect.
"Well this is nothing compared what I can do with a sword. Ya!" he said pleasantly before attacking again, this time Ranma rolled aside as the air pressure shot by. Same followed with the next few strikes as Ranma recovered. After leap frogging the next shot he pushed himself back into close quarters exchanging punches and kicks at rapid pace. Off in the cheering crowd Madeline was cheering as Ranma got back into the fight, the children wide eyed with wonder... no one fought this well against Weigraf.
"I had no idea." Miluda spoke up suddenly, watching the fight closely. Madeline turned away from her cheerleading.
"Lady Miluda?"
"I never saw him fight myself, but to be so even with my brother. Even if he is unarmed--" She said eyes never leaving the battle. "Ranma's incredible." Madeline turned away with a small smile.
"Yeah. He looks much better now too."
"Yes, it is nice to see him at full health."
"Mm, I didn't mean that."
"Huh?" Miluda looking up for the first time to her companion.
"...Back at the swamp." the healer started in a softer tone. "Shortly after he started fighting he changed. He wasn't human, more like an animal on two legs. His eyes were silted like a beast," she said shuddering a little. "It was unnerving."
"Really?" this was new, it seemed the mysterious traveler had even more mysteries to him.
"But like I said, He's looking much better." the healer said regaining her smile, "he looks like Ranma again."
"Sis and Ranma sitting in a tree." Several of the children taunted causing the healer to redden and rap them upside the head to silence them.
"Ah." Miluda replied softly, trying to process this new information. Ignoring the display between Madeline and the kids from years of practice as she refocused on the fight, particularly the performance of one pigtailed boy. Said boy dropped under another spinning back fist kicking up forcing the captain to retreat back, but he didn't let up giving three quick punches forcing Ranma to dodge the pressure waves. Though as Ranma took to the air, as he tended to do Weigraf smirked and adjusted his stance striking the ground. A wave of earth and rubble formed and sped off in front of him toward where the pigtailed boy was just landing, the boy only managed a gasp before the strange attack hit him and sent him tumbling back several feet. The Knight gave a small smile, breathing heavily.
"Checkmate Saotome."
"Not quite" Ranma groaned rolling over revealing his hands cupped in from up him, the spark of a glow appearing. "Moku Takabishi ha!" At his call a steady beam of blue energy shot out from his hands catching the captain off guard. The attack struck him in the chest knocking him off his feet to the ground. The crowd gasped, healers running from the sidelines to there leader side as a few soldiers glared his way. A tired Ranma sat up giving a chuckle, "Don't worry, that attack is not lethal... it hurts like a bitch though." he said managing a smirk and passing a victory sign to Madeline, Miluda, and the kids. Madeline and the kids ran over to his side, Miluda approaching but not moving toward either competitor. There was a little bit of laughter across the way as Weigraf sat up waving the healer's aside.
"Looks like you got me Ranma," he said leaning on his knee with a little nod. "That last attack took some good Ki control. Especially considering you age." he said with a note of respect that halted the normally taunting return banter, his aching ribs sobered him up a little too.
"Thanks, you got good skills for a swordsman. Reminded me a little of a friend of mine." he said with a wide smile. Both fighters' were aglow with Healing magic as the healers began mending the wounds of the sparring bout. When the glow subsided Weigraf got to his feet brushing himself off.
"Well I think I've seen well enough to make my assessment." The captain said as Ranma got to his feet looking in wonder at the missing wounds. "Your skills in unarmed combat are some of the best I've seen in some time, that coupled with the service you already made in the battle of our swamp outpost I find you to be best suited under the command of my sister." he said calmly a few of the upper ranking females groaning a little, Miluda giving an understanding nod. "AS her Bodyguard." he added bring another bout of silence, Miluda's normal cool expression cracked with a look of shock.
"Brother!"
"What? I think it's a fine position."
"I do NOT need a bodyguard!" she shouted with a clenched fist. "No offense to Saotome but I can take care of myself just fine, I don't want special attention!" she said adamantly, but Weigraf was unswayed. He held her fierce glare like it wasn't there.
"It is no insult to have a guard. I have two myself, both monks."
"That's not the point!"
"Then what is?" he continued coolly, his sister sputtered for a moment, looking away eyes still fiery. "I have been considering this for some time, and now with recent developments in mind I feel that all of our remaining leaders need this extra step of protection... Leadership will be very important in this upcoming battle. I don't want to lose anyone... and as much as I pretend not too you're my sister as well." He explained with a little sigh walking over to her and putting a hand on her shoulder. Miluda shrugged the hand off and glared at him.
"And what if I refuse?"
"It's an order." he replied immediately, the girl flinching as if hit and turning her eyes down. Her hands grasp in tight fists but her face went neutral, voice tight and cold.
"...Fine... Then I will do as my captain tells me." She said giving a salute and stalking off, the crowd of solders parting to let her by. Weigraf sighed and rubbed his temple. Ranma spoke up with obvious reluctance.
"Look, I don't mind. But if she doesn't want..."
"No. Miluda is stubborn, but this is something she needs... that independent streak of hers will send her to an early grave." he said in a serious tone looking toward the martial artist. "I have made my decision. I'm putting her in your hands, she'll come around after she has a chance to calm down."
"Um… right." Ranma said softly not too convinced.
"Okay everyone shows over. Back to your duties!" Weigraf said firmly, the solders slowly complying. The captain gave one last nod toward Ranma and retrieved his blade. "As for you Ranma, I expect you to keep my sister safe." he said calmly as he reattached the scabbard to his belt. "Understood?" though his voice held authority his eyes were full of genuine concern.
"Yeah… You can count on me." The pigtailed boy replied with a nod, relief coming once again to the man's eyes.
"Good. Carry on then." Weigraf said before heading back into the base, Ranma gave a little sigh and put his arms behind his head.
"Man--Now what do I do?" he said softly to himself. When he felt a soft tugging on his pant leg he looked down to see a few of the kids. "Hm?"
The boy that had 'greeted' them on there arrival cleared his throat. "Um, You're a really good fighter… could you show me how to do that?" Alex asked softly but from his tense form it was easy to tell he was brimming with excitement. Ranma cocked his head to the side eyeing the boy.
"Well maybe…"
"Are you REALLY that red headed girl from before?" one of the girls spoke up.
"Yeah, where did your boobs go?" a younger one asked confused as Ranma sweat-dropped looking to Madeline for support, but she was merely snickering.
"Well it's complicated," he said trailing off with a nervous laugh. Man, here we go again…
It was early evening. The sun was just starting to set. Miluda strolled down the packed dirt roads of the Dortor slums. She paused at the bank of a small stream to lean against one of the slanted wooden homes. She looked at her distorted reflection in the slowly trickling water, eyes a furious cocktail of disappointment, frustration, and apprehension. She crossed her arms and squeezed, the familiar feel of steel was lacking leaving her chest bare in her mind. Unarmored-- ever since I became a knight. It just doesn't feel right. She allowed her thoughts to wander, so I can't protect myself anymore-- is that it brother? And why Ranma of all people? She sighed and closed her eyes.
"Why do I even care?" she muttered to herself, annoyed. Soft footsteps reached her trained ears causing a hand to subtlety twitch to her sword. "You can come out now," she said calmly allowing her voice to carry as she turned. Her weapon hand relaxed as a familiar petite red head strolled out with a nervous grin. "Ranma?"
"Ah hi--" Ranma said awkwardly. "I heard you might be out this way," she added as she approached. Miluda sighed a little and leaned back against the wall allowing the martial artist to join her by the stream.
"Well, you found me. Is there something I can help you with?" she asked in her usual controlled tone, the vulnerability she displayed moments before apparently gone.
"Well you seemed pretty steamed about the whole bodyguard thing, so I thought you might want to talk about it or somethin' " the smaller girl said in her rough boyish tone, hands in her pockets. "If you don't want me to I'm sure we can figure somethin' out."
"Thanks, but my brother is stubborn as a mule when he wants to be." She replied with an annoyed snort, crossing her arms again. "And now he's forced you into this. I wish he'd see I don't need coddling anymore." she muttered fists clenching a little.
"Hey, he's your brother. Of course he's gonna worry, that's just how family works." Ranma replied casually with a shrug. "'Sides I'd have tried to protect you anyway. You're my friend," she said with a cheeky grin as Miluda gained a bewildered expression.
"Huh? Your friend--" she asked in a softer tone.
"Of course! You ain't given me no reason to think otherwise," she said jovially before looking out over the stream. "You and Madeline been helpin' me out all this time when you could'a just left me. Now we're all workin' together to fight those nobles and stuff. That's friends in my book," she explained honestly with a shrug as Miluda just stared with an expression of amused confusion. After a moment she gave a genuine chuckle and shook her head. "What?"
"You're something else Saotome--" she said looking back up a little more relaxed. "Such a simple point of view."
"Hey!"
"It's refreshing," she said chuckling a little at the pouting look the red head was giving her. The two shared a silence looking up across the water, the reddened sky reflecting in the pitiful stream that ran through the slums.
"So that's yer house huh?" Ranma spoke up suddenly, receiving a grunt and nod in response. Across the stream was a collapsed wooden home; it had fallen some time ago, the second floor having collapsed onto the first. It had been left neglected and looked to have been ransacked.
"Weigraf and I grew up here with my uncle, it was during in the war. The Hokuten and Goltana were going at it a little ways north, it was real hard living back then. The merchants were making a killing but the wealthy never traveled to this side of town. Food prices were up, soldiers came regularly though town when on leave. It was rough--" she said coolly eyes locked on the dilapidated structure. "It was a hell of a way to grow up-- but it's only from the outside you can really see what's wrong with this society." She said with a little more fire before looked away, bringing her eyes back to Ranma who to her surprise was looking up at her. "W-What?" she said confused.
"Nothin', that's the first time you've 'talked' really, outside of a fight. Just wanted to make sure it was you." She said smirking a little. Miluda reddened a little before she frowned.
"What the hell is that suppose to mean?" she said darkly as Ranma shrugged.
"Your always so serious and dull." she said with a dramatic shrug causing the knight's eye to twitch.
"I am NOT dull." she said annoyed. The pigtailed girl paused and turned hands behind her back and a wicked smile on her face.
"Prove it!" she taunted
"Well, um--"
"Exactly Duuulllll," she said in a singsong tone heading down the road.
"H-hey don't you walk away. You get back here!" Miluda said pursuing, the martial artist only laughing in response as she led the girl on a merry chase back to the death corps base.
Time went by quickly at the base once Miluda resigned to Ranma as her bodyguard, and after the first few days the two had grown comfortable with the circumstances. Miluda was out during his training sessions and Ranma sat in with the planning meeting, though the pigtailed boy did sleep through the first one until he was rudely awoken by his charge. Though during his free time he found Madeline would make it a point to pull him aside to help her with the kids, which, though amusing to the knight, seemed to bother her a little bit at the same time for some reason. After his dual with Weigraf he'd received a lot more respect from the soldiers, and in particular from the kids, who shortly thereafter began addressing him as their "big brother," and becoming particularly mischievous when his curse was finally revealed. Dodging water traps became a necessary part of his day, often followed by the innocent giggling of children.
As the morning sun was just beginning to rear its head Ranma could be found out back of the wooden building going through his kata slowly and carefully. His shadow stretched as dawn's light rose over the horizon. He hadn't gotten much sleep, his mission of the day having worn on his mind. It was a few days before the main death corps assault; the remaining members were gathering at Fort Zeakden for their stand. There was a heavy tension in the air, and as much as the soldiers passed it off, something big was going to happen. Whether it was good or bad remained to be seen. After a swift kick combo he did a high back flip, landing lightly on the head of a training dummy perching there in a crouch. "Man… I just can't shake it. I haven't felt like this for a while." he muttered softly a stiff breeze ruffling his Death corps colors and sending his pigtail fluttering to the side.
"Ranma?"
The martial artist turned expertly on his small perch toward the building. Madeline stood toward the side of the base in a simple blue peasant dress giving a wave and a subdued smile. Hm, she's out of uniform-- crossed his mind as he dropped back to the ground with a casual smirk.
"Hey Madeline, you're up earlier then usual."
"Yeah, well I had a few things to do." she replied brushing a few stray hairs behind her ear, keeping a relaxed posture as he approached. "I could say the same about you though."
"Mm, well I'm a little too wired myself." He said with a chuckle. "Early morning errands though? I suppose that makes sense considering today's the day we head out," he said putting his hand behind his head. "You all ready for the trip?"
"--I'm not going."
"Huh?" he blinked dropping his arms.
She offered him a forced smile. "Well the captain told me to stay behind," she said softly. "He wants the orphanage to remain unaffiliated with rebel movement-- you know, in case something goes wrong." Her false smile fell at that statement and she turned her eyes downward.
"Oh."
"Yeah."
"I guess that makes sense." Ranma said scratching his cheek. "All those little brats need this place. And their "big sister," of course." he said offering a little smile, which was returned with an added blush. Getting over it she prodded his shoulder.
"Same goes for the "Big Brother," I don't want you getting torn up. I'm getting sick of patching you up all the time." She taunted a little with an exaggerated huff, coaxing a laugh from the martial artist.
"Yeah, yeah, I know." The pair shared a little chuckle before the mood fell, leaving them in silence. The sun had risen a little, brightening the scenery and drawing out their shadows.
"Ranma?"
"Yeah?"
"I mean it. I want you to be careful--" the healer said softly, rubbing her hands together. "I don't want another Andy. I want you, Miluda, and the others to all come back safe." She said faintly, squeezing her hand tightly in front of her. Ranma slowly put a hand on her shoulder, causing her to look up with teary eyes. He offered the girl a cocky grin.
"Aw come on, no worries. Ranma Saotome all doesn't lose when it counts." he said firmly. The girl's shoulder shook a little before she dashed forward hugging him tightly burying her face in his chest. Ranma froze his many years in Nerima sending his danger senses flaring. Nothing good ever came of an upset girl. "Ah-- M-Madeline?"
"Ranma," she squeezed tightly. "I-- I really--" she started to say before shaking her head against him. "I just don't want to lose anyone. Not again--" she muttered between sobs. The pigtailed boy awkwardly embraced the shaking girl patting her back lightly.
"Just calm down, it'll be okay." he said nervously. "Me and Miluda will be back in a week or so."
"Y-You promise?" she said with a little sniff.
"Yeah, of course! No question." he said with total confidence, which seemed to comfort the girl who's crying started to taper off. "Keep that up too long and you're gonna turn me into a girl." he joked getting a little bout of chuckles and sniffs. It took a few more moments but the red eyed healer untangled herself from the embarrassed Ranma, much to his great relief.
"Sorry about that--" she said with an embarrassed giggle as she rubbed her eyes. "I guess I needed a good cry," she said gaining a hesitant smile. A good cry? Honestly, I'm never gonna understand girls… but all he said aloud was.
"No problem." The girl looked grateful and he marked this as a great day as he'd yet to be hit. Madeline rummaged through a pouch on her hip for a moment and pulled out something.
"Put out your hand."
"Wha?"
"Just do it."
"Okay, okay--"he muttered putting out his hand and she placed an object there. It looked to be. "A feather?'
"Mm, not just any feather. It's the down feather of a Phoenix," she said sagely as he blinked.
"Really? Um thanks I guess…" he said confused as he looked it over.
"It possesses powerful magic-- if used shortly after someone has fallen beyond healing. There's a small window of time where this can bring them back." She explained softly as Ranma's eyes widened. "They're very expensive, we didn't have any at the outpost-- but I managed to scrounge up some gil here and got one in town. I want you to have it in case something bad happens." She said locking eyes with him, voice serious. "Take it with you okay."
"Right." he replied with a nod before looking in wonder again at the feather that almost glowed in the morning light. "Um, how do I use it?"
"It's simple, just put it on their chest and it should work…" she explained relaxing a little, like she just weight had lifted from her. "Hopefully you won't need it."
"Yeah--" he said putting the precious item in his own pouch.
"Oy, Saotome!" bellowed a voice catching the pair's attention. An armor clad solider stood a little ways off, helmet covering his features. He crossed his arms, "We're getting ready to roll out. We've got a good couple days travel to make it to the fort." he said casually.
"Okay I'm comin'," Ranma called back. Madeline seemed to gather herself a little.
"Um, one more thing before you go--"
"Sure what is I-Mmph!" Ranma turned back to the girl she struck, kissing him suddenly. Pulling back from the stunned martial artist, her cheeks flushed with color.
"For luck-- um, HaveANiceTripGoodbye!" she said speedily as she scurried off leaving the boy frozen, eye twitching. She peeked back out from around the corner. "And I'm holding you to that promise!" she added before vanishing again.
"Oh man--" He muttered with a sigh as he slowly walked over to the soldier, who was shaking his head. He gave the martial artist a firm pat on the back.
"Man, Saotome you're insatiable. Try to leave a few girls for the less fortunate, man" he said laughing as the boy elbowed him in a chink in his armor eliciting a grunt.
"Ah shut up," he muttered giving the armored man a half-hearted glare. "I ain't doin' it on purpose-- man." he grumbled as the soldier chuckled a little. The two came around out front were there were several Chocobo drawn wagons loading up with the bases personnel. Miluda, Weigraf, and one of the other high-ranking soldiers named Gologros, were exchanging words.
"So you understand your mission?" The captain said evenly, getting a nod from the man.
"Yeah, are you sure the guard will be lax?" he queried concerned, his sword hand fiddling with the smooth pommel of his blade.
"Yes, I have sent instruction to our Southern troop. They will draw much of their standing forces away as a decoy. If you enter from the costal side you, and your men, should be able to slip into Igros."
"Hm, Okay. I'll take your word for it Weigraf." he said rolling his shoulders. "I'm going to borrow some rogues and archers though. Armored units will slow the operation down too much."
"Do what you must. You're dismissed."
"Sir." he gave his captain a salute and turned sharply to gather his men, his skulled cape flaring out behind him. Miluda left out a subtle sigh and looked to her brother.
"Are you sure it was wise to trust him with this operation?"
"Gologros is a more then able swordsman to complete this task." Weigraf said evenly.
"I do not doubt his blade, I doubt his commitment to our cause-- He is not much unlike Gustav in ideals. How can you be sure he will not desert as well?" she asked with a note of concern.
"Mm, yes Gustav was swayed by Dycelarg's silver tongue but Gologros has more steel then him. He will have his sword through that bastard before he has a chance to say a word." He said firmly, his conviction causing his sister to relent and a nod.
"If you say so," she replied calmly turning away noting the approaching pair. "Ah, thank you Evans, you can go back to your unit," she said calmly.
"Ma'am!" the soldier said crossing one arm to his chest in salute before jogging off to the wagons. She turned to the martial artist giving him a curious look.
"You okay Saotome? You look a little red."
"Uh yeah. I was training--, " He said tensing a little, offering a forced grin. Miluda frowned a little but didn't comment. "So-- which one of these things are we getting into?" He added to change the subject looking over all the wagons.
"Mm, we'll be riding up front with my brother," she said calmly turning and heading past all the wagons. Ranmasighed, She saw right through my lie… now she's pissed. This is gonna be a long ride… he thought as he followed a little ways behind. He could help but notice there was no wagon where she stopped, only two saddled Chocobos.
"Where's the wagon?" he asked looking around and she just patted the saddle.
"No wagon, we have our own birds." she replied like it was obvious and he gave the bird in front of him a dubious look which returned it.
"You're joking right."
"Nope, "she easily hopped up into the saddle and patted her bird. She gained a little smirk. "What's wrong Ranma… scared?" she offered getting a glare in return.
"I ain't scared of nothing! Especially not this overgrown chicken." he said heatedly before looking back to the bird that was staring at him. It leaned its long neck forward and gave him a sharp peck on the head knocking him over. "Ow, son of a--, "He grumbled, rubbing the spot as it warked at him. Across the way Miluda began to chuckle and then full on laugh. The annoyed glare he passed her way only fueling it. It took a few tries, but he managed to get the bird to cooperate and got up into the saddle. Miluda was finally getting a hold of herself and he gave a snort. "Tomboy--" to which she replied by sticking her tongue out at him all caught up in the informal moment. Ranma raised an eyebrow at the display but offered a little grin in return.
"Hm, it looks like I missed something," spoke an amused Weigraf, leading his bird up to the front with his guards on either side. Miluda paled momentarily and quickly fell back to her neutral expression, though her cheeks tinged a little red.
"Did something hold you up?" she asked calmly after clearing her throat. The pigtailed boy couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed when that poker face of hers returned so rare was it when she dropped it. He was tempted to pass an annoyed look to the death corps captain but noted a similar disappointment in his eyes as well.
"Yes, Boco decided to wander off and bother the Chocobos pulling the wagons in the back." he said with a little chuckle. "This bird will be the death of me."
"You really spoil her too much." Miluda said shaking her head as Weigraf mounted said Chocobo, which gave a little wark in protest at the comment.
"No, she's a fine mount and deserves to be treated as such. It's hard to come by a good quality battle Chocobo these days," he said with a smile as his sister sighed. He expertly steered his mount around to look over the wagons; a few independently mounted soldiers milled about. "Attention! We'll be camping in the northern part of Sweegy woods and they'll be no stops until then." he commanded. "Death Corps… Move out!"
To be continued…
A/n- man that felt good to get that out. Work this temp job is really getting my creativity flowing. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. The duel was a joy to write and you FFT players likely noticed the Monk skills Weigraf used. (Spin fist, Wave fist, and Earth slash) I though he would be pretty formidable as a monk since he used punch art as a secondary skill when you duel him later in the game, but Ranma is generally better. Of course Weigraf as a white knight with his holy sword abilities would likely smoke Ranma until he had time to figure something out to counter them.
This chapter was also nice because I got to add more history to Miluda, someone who didn't get much development in the game. I like how she's coming along. And Madeline is causing more trouble but also had a pivotal moment toward the end… I'm sure FFT gamers may get what I'm getting at. I'm sure you can see the triangle as well and if you know anything about Ranma you know it can only get worse from there lol.
A big moment is coming up though as I'm planning the next chapter to include the second battle between Ramza and Miluda, which I have little doubt will be a lot of fun to write.
Well Until next time my friends, and thank you all once again for reading this. Ja ne!