Two Sides of the Coin

Chapter 4

Welcome to Shirasagi

Joey's legs finally gave out.

A vicious cramp hit his left calf. A yelp left his lips as he hopped and struggled to set both Sakura and Hana down on the ground. When they were both safely off his shoulders, he slumped forward and fell to a seat. He hissed, reaching for the twitching, pulsing muscle as it felt like teeth were gnawing on it. Sweat soaked his shirt. Even more beaded across his red face. He huffed and puffed as he tried to massage the cramp away.

A green glow hovered near his leg, alleviating the pain in an instant.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that," he grunted.

Sakura said nothing. Instead, she turned her attention to Hana. The swordsman was still passed out as she lay on the ground where Joey set her down. The small princess placed a hand on her comrade's forehead, frowned, then put a finger beneath her nose.

"She's still breathing."

Joey raised an eyebrow. "She didn't take that hard of a hit, did she?" His side throbbed as he spoke from where the Faceless hit him. The pain was getting worse, but the adrenaline from running kept it at bay for a while. Only now was it starting to resurface.

"Faceless hit harder than you think," Sakura muttered, her voice barely audible to Joey. She hovered her staff over Hana and began using her magic. Some of the color returned to Hana's face as she worked.

Joey winced again, the pain in his ribs growing stronger. He tried to shift in his seat, only for a white-hot, stabbing sensation to flash through the injured spot. Already, he knew what it was.

"I think I cracked a rib."

"You were saying Faceless don't hit hard?" Sakura mumbled.

"Huh?"

She blinked and flushed with embarrassment. Apparently, she didn't think Joey heard that comment. Regardless, Joey didn't care what she said. She was right, it was that simple. Still, his pride did feel wounded, along with his body.

"S-sorry," she mumbled. The green glow in her staff faded away. With a heavy exhale, she turned to Joey again. Her hands shook as she raised the festal, only for Joey to raise a hand, stopping her.

"Save the energy. I've dealt with cracked ribs before."

"But, it- it has to be quite painful and-"

"It's not as painful as taking a helmet to the groin, I can tell you that much," Joey remarked, wincing at that painful memory from the football field. "Full speed too. Anyways, don't waste the energy on me. I'm not gonna be able to carry ya if we have to run again." He let out a shallow breath, bowing his head as he sucked wind. "Damn, didn't think I'd feel this winded outside of practice."

Sakura gave him a puzzled look, but she said nothing in reply. She did relent to his request to not spend the energy healing him. In truth, if she were to admit it, it was a sound observation to make. Joey carried her and Hana a fair distance before finally collapsing from the strain.

Truly, Nohrians have barbaric amounts of strength. She thought.

"Say," Joey panted some more, a wince flashing over his face as he held his side, "how much further to Castle Shirsaki?"

"Shirasagi," Sakura corrected. Her eyes flicked to the jungle canopy. Dawn was breaking. The sun was rising in the direction Joey chose to run in. Fortune favored them. "Not much further."

"Ain't no point in just sitting here then."

Joey braced against the tree then pushed himself to his feet. His legs shook beneath him, and he swayed, his vision blurring. After giving his head a sharp shake, the fog cleared.

"Time to pick up Hannah."

"Hana," Sakura mumbled.

"I said that."

Joey grunted as he hefted Hana and threw her over both his shoulders. A few sharp puffs shot from his lips.

Thank God I'm in game shape, or I would've collapsed already.

"Keep going this way?"

"Yes," Sakura nodded. "No need to run now, though. I think we outran the Faceless." She glanced behind her, worry on her face. "Hopefully the others aren't far behind."

"Yeah." Joey trudged forward, with Sakura following close behind. "You're telling me. One of those angel-ponies would be mighty useful right now."

"You mean a Pegasus?"

"Is that what they're called?" Joey grunted as he slipped on some moss. "The more ya know, eh?"

They trudged onward. As they marched, the jungle began to thin out ahead of them. Dense trees and large ferns turned into shrubs and scattered woods with some vines snaking along the spongy ground. The further they went, the more difficult the march became for Joey. His feet sank into the soft ground with each step, which wasn't helped by Hana's extra weight on his back.

I really hope this place is close. He clenched his teeth and took another shaky step forward. Hopefully, they give a warmer welcome than Saizo.

"There," Sakura pointed ahead. Joey followed her finger, and his mouth fell open.

A gargantuan mountain range jutted up into the sky. The snow-capped peaks looked like fangs tearing into the orange sky as the sun rose above them. The granite towers boggled his mind, making his pace slow. Sakura drew up alongside him.

"Nearly there."

"Please tell me I ain't gonna have to walk up that thing."

Sakura let out a quiet laugh. "N-No. No one goes up Mount Taiyou except those that are anointed by the Dawn Dragon. Castle Shirasagi and the city are at its base."

"Oh, thank God," Joey puffed. "I was wondering if you were trying to kill me after all."

The jungle thinned out more, until finally, after what felt like ages to Joey, the forest edge appeared. A long, flat plain stretched out before him. Within the plain he saw a river rushing from the mountains through the area, snaking its way into the jungles. Rice fields were flooded along its banks. A dirt road ran through those fields, elevated just enough to avoid being flooded as well. At the end of the dirt road stood a city that stole Joey's breath from his body.

Tall walls surrounded the city, painted red like the light cast by the rising sun over the mountains. Towers shaped like pagodas dotted sections of the wall. Beyond the walls sat the city itself, and further within the city, against the mountainside, sat the largest pagoda Joey had ever seen.

"I-um- think this is the first time you've lacked words," Sakura said.

Joey nodded. Although, he wasn't lost for words because of the majesty of the city, although it was impressive. He couldn't speak because reality hit him harder than a lineman running downhill at him.

There was no way he was on Planet Earth anymore.

"Holy…"

A sharp whistle sounded, making him jump, and causing a new cramp to burst to life in his hamstring. He hissed, his leg buckling from the strain, causing him to drop to one knee. Panic seized Joey. Were they about to be attacked again?

Instead, Sakura uttered a loud cry of relief.

A man in red armor with some of the longest, black hair Joey had ever seen sprinted in their direction. Behind him was a woman wearing a red tunic with a yellow sash. Her black hair flew behind her head as she raced toward them. Finally, a second man with gray hair held back in a high ponytail trotted after them, a bow and arrow in hand, with an arrow on the string, ready to fire.

As soon as the archer saw Joey, he stopped running and took aim. Joey flinched. His heart jumped to his throat as the man narrowed his eyes at him, a scowl on his lips.

"Stay your hand, Takumi!" The man in red armor bellowed as he raced toward Joey and Sakura.

The scowl on Takumi's face deepened, but his bowstring relaxed as he lowered his arrow.

"Ryoma!" Sakura cried, throwing her arms around the man in red when he reached her. Shuddering cries left Sakura as he grasped her tight. "Thank the Dawn Dragon, you're here."

"When you were a day late, we feared the worst," Ryoma breathed, one hand running through Sakura's hair as he embraced her. His dark eyes shifted from her to Joey. His brow furrowed in confusion. However, unlike Takumi, he did not show Joey any animosity.

"A Nohrian?"

Sakura's arms fell from Ryoma. She glanced over at Joey. "He… he helped save me and Hana. Saizo told him to, but he still did it."

"And the others?" Ryoma asked. "Hinoka?"

Sakura shook her head as tears misted in her eyes. "There was Faceless."

Ryoma's lips twitched into a snarl. His hand gripped the sword on his hip tight, causing the interlocked plates on his gauntlets to groan with strain.

"Takumi!"

"Yes?" The archer droned.

"Take Sakura, Hana, and their companion back to Castle Shirasagi. See to it that they are well taken care of."

Takumi raised an eyebrow. "You want me to help take care of a Nohrian?"

"I want you to help take care of the man who saved our sister and her retainer's life. Can you do that?"

Takumi's lips thinned. His sharp eyes focused on Joey. A snort left his lips.

"Father and Mother are going to be thrilled about this. Fine. Whatever you say, Ryoma. I'm guessing you and Kagero are going to find Hinoka and the others?"

"As well as root out any remaining Faceless."

"I'll make sure a party of soldiers follow you in," Takumi grunted.

Ryoma nodded. He gave Joey one more curious glance before brushing past him and racing into the forest with Kagero in tow. As soon as they disappeared beyond sight, Takumi whistled.

"Alright, Nohrian, let's get moving. Sakura, come on."

Takumi turned and marched toward Shirasagi. Sakura gave Joey an apologetic look, then followed her brother.

Joey meanwhile, found himself grumbling as he hefted Hana over his shoulders once again.

"Sure… leave the guy with the cracked rib to do all the heavy lifting, asshole."

"So, is the city called Shirasagi, or just the castle- temple- looking thingy?"

Sakura blinked as she glanced back, watching Joey trudge his way through the crowded streets of Shirasagi. A shy blush shot over her cheeks when he furrowed his brow.

"It's- um-"

"The city is Shirasagi. It was built around the castle. Is that not obvious enough for you, Nohrian?" Takumi grunted up ahead as he guided Joey and Sakura through the city.

"And how many times do I have to tell you: I'm not Nordian."

"Nohrian," Sakura softly corrected.

"Whatever!" Joey hollered, hissing as his rib throbbed and ached. He adjusted Hana's weight on his shoulder as Takumi cleared the path ahead.

If Joey wasn't feeling so annoyed, or in so much pain, he would have spent a little more time enjoying the sights and sounds. While he was never a big city fan, choosing to avoid Milwaukee and Madison like the plague back home, and rarely venturing into Oshkosh or even Appleton, he could appreciate beauty when he saw it. And Shirasagi was a beautiful city.

One sparkling river ran through the city like a vital artery from a beating heart, providing life to the entire city. Small skiffs and little rowboats floated in the gentle current as it snaked alongside paved roads. Each stone paver in the road looked meticulously crafted and placed. Only time marred their perfection, warping their surfaces due to decades of wear. Lanterns hung from ropes connecting close-knit buildings. They were not lit, but Joey had a feeling they cast a glow akin to soft fires at night. Sakura blossoms bloomed from trees lining the broader streets and the river banks. Picturesque.

Now if only it weren't so damn crowded.

Takumi led them over a broad bridge. Several carts laden with trade goods rumbled across the bridge, forcing Joey to thread through them with care as Hana snorted on his shoulders. When they reached the other side, the tall walls of Castle Shirasagi rose in front of him. Enormous, red gates encrusted with gold swung inward, pulled by half a dozen men as they strained to pull them open.

A carefully tended yard greeted Joey as he stepped through the gate's shadow. Servants moved through the grounds, snipping at the grass with clippers. A few more weaved between various trees and hedges, trimming their delicate leaves and branches with care reserved for an artist crafting a masterpiece. When one noticed Takumi and Sakura, they bowed. When they saw Joey, their eyes widened and they quickly looked away.

When they reached the palace steps, the doors to the palace opened for them. Joey scaled them with some difficulty, hissing as his legs throbbed.

I'm going to be hurting for days.

The main hall of Castle Shirasagi was a long room. Joey's muddy boots moved across tile as glossy as porcelain. Wooden beams with intricate carvings of dragons held the roof aloft. Two thrones made of jade sat at the end of the hall, atop a dais. Both were occupied.

A man in a scarlet robe sat on the throne on the right. His long black hair was held up in a tight knot behind his head. His sharp brow furrowed as he observed Takumi leading Sakura and Joey toward the thrones. A sword with a golden pommel rested in a scabbard against his hip.

A woman wearing white and purple robes sat on the throne beside his. Instead of expressing stern control, her brow rose in worry as she watched the group draw near the thrones. Dark eyes fixated on Joey for a second as he winced, reaching a spot beside Takumi and Sakura before the thrones. Her pale, delicate hands folded in her lap and her lips thinned. She glanced at the man.

Takumi bowed at the waist. "Father."

"Father," Sakura said, mirroring her brother.

Joey gulped as realization sank in for him. The two people on the thrones were royalty of some sort.

How do I address royalty without looking like a dumbass?

"Uh… howdy?"

Nailed it.

Sakura and Takumi's father glared at Joey. His brow furrowed when Joey did not shrink away.

"Mikoto, why don't you take Sakura to rest and freshen up?" He said, his voice much softer than Joey anticipated.

"Of course, Sumeragi."

Mikoto rose from the throne beside Sumeragi. She waved a hand at a pair of servants standing off to the side, who hurried over and helped her usher Sakura away. Another servant moved to Joey and took Hana from him, hauling her toward an older woman with a staff similar to Sakura's.

Large doors groaned closed as they left. As soon as they shut, Sumeragi steepled his fingers. He said nothing at first, instead just staring at Takumi and Joey.

"Well?" Joey shrugged. Takumi froze and gave him a shocked look. "Got something to say, boss?"

"Are you insane?" Takumi breathed.

"No more insane than anyone else I reckon," Joey replied with a shrug. "All the quiet was just getting to me a little. Didn't sound right."

"Silence has no sound you imbecile-"

"Takumi," Sumeragi said, raising a hand and silencing his son. Takumi quickly bowed his head, grimacing as his father rose from his throne.

Joey looked up. "Well… you're taller than I thought. Those robes hide some long legs, I guess?"

"Who are you, Nohrian?" Sumeragi asked, his frown deepening with every word Joey spoke.

Joey snorted. "Ya know, people keep calling me that. Norad, and all-"

"Nohrian," Takumi hissed as he kept his head bowed.

"Whatever the hell it is. Firstly, I just gotta say, I don't know what the hell a Northman is. At least, no idea why ya'll are calling me that. Secondly, I'm what we call a good old American Redneck from the great state of Wisconsin. So, hopefully, that clears things up a little bit."

Sumeragi said nothing as he frowned at Joey.

Joey pursed his lips. "Apparently things are still a bit foggy, eh?"

"Takumi, tell me what happened."

"I don't know all the details, Father," Takumi immediately answered, raising his gaze as if he was snapping to attention in front of a powerful general. "All I know is Saizo trusted this Nohrian enough to transport Sakura and Hana to Shirasagi while he, Hinoka, and Subaki dealt with a Faceless ambush. As to how such trust was earned, I cannot say."

Joey let out a low whistle. "Where's the whip at? 'Cause, you just snapped to attention harder than my nephew Hardy when Aunt Julie grabs a switch."

Takumi shot him a sidelong glare before returning his attention to Sumeragi. "I don't know anything beyond that. And… if you want my personal opinion-"

"That will be all, Takumi," Sumeragi said. "You may leave."

Takumi's jaw tightened and his lips thinned. After executing a stiff bow, he turned and left the same way as Mikoto and Sakura did, hurrying away without so much as glancing back at Joey or Sumeragi. When the door groaned shut again, Sumeragi spoke.

"You are without a doubt the strangest Nohrian I have ever spoken to."

Joey bristled. "Do ya got wool in your ears or something? I said I ain't a Nor- whatever the fuck."

Sumeragi closed his eyes for a moment. "Although, you have the crudeness of one. That much is certain." He moved back to his throne and took a seat, his hands running along the jade armrests before staying still. "What did you do to earn Saizo's trust?"

"I didn't."

"You didn't do something to earn-"

"I didn't earn his trust," Joey interrupted, making Sumeragi furrow his brow in confusion. "He said as much. I'll give the asshole credit, he's at least honest. I can respect that. To put it the way he told me, the guy was using what was available to him at the time." Joey bobbed his head back and forth. "Now that I think about it, that means he only saw me as a tool. Prick."

Sumeragi blew out a quiet breath. "Yes, that sounds more like Saizo. The man trusts no one except his brother, and even then, that trust hangs by a threat at all times." He inclined his chin at Joey. "You have not lied to me."

"Well, I ain't a liar. That family title sorta goes to Mac, or so Pops says when he gets going."

Sumeragi raised an eyebrow. "A strange dialect for a strange Nohrian." He raised a hand to quiet Joey before he could protest. "It matters not from whence you came, yet. Such a thing can be dealt with in time. For now, I must attend to something more important. You, a foreigner, acted selflessly to save my daughter and her retainer. That is a debt I must repay.

You may reside here, in the Castle, until I know what to do with you. You will not be harmed, but as a foreigner, you will be kept under guard. The grounds are yours to roam. Consider yourself a member of this house, for the time being."

Joey blinked. "Come again?"

Sumeragi did not reply. He simply nodded to the side. Another servant shuffled forward, giving the King of Hoshido a sharp bow.

"See to it that this man-"

"Joey."

Sumeragi nodded. "See to it that any of his wounds are tended to. Also, make certain he is cleaned. Then you may show him to guest quarters."

"Yes, your majesty."

Without saying a word, the servant gestured for Joey to move toward the door. Joey gave him a confused look then glanced at the King. Sumeragi did not look at him anymore. The man's eyes were closed as if he were deep in thought. A pensive look, one Joey knew not to interrupt.

Mom got the same look when making the grocery list.

Another wave of the servant's hands finally spurred Joey away from the jade thrones. As he walked away, the stiffness and soreness roared back to life in his muscles. He groaned, gait going from a march to a hobble, then to a shuffle. When he left the throne room, he gave the servant a pained look.

"Ya'll got Tylenol?"

Joey shuffled across the paved smooth deck boards. He grimaced, wiggling his toes. His gaze flicked down, focusing on the wooden sandals he wore.

How are these considered comfortable? He flexed his toes and titled his head. I miss my boots.

A huff left his lips. He moved to stride forward, only for the constricting robe he wore to keep his legs from stretching too. A disgruntled grumble spilled out of his mouth as he continued shuffling, his muscles still sore despite the "magical healing session" he underwent earlier.

"No Tylenol, but lots of sticks that glow green," he mumbled, moving along the walkway that lined the outside of a large courtyard.

The courtyard was as beautiful to look at as the rest of Castle Shirasagi. Unlike the main entryway, small pebbles, and river rocks, covered the ground, Carefully manicured shrubs and squat bushes sprouted from planters. A small stream fed a pond in the courtyard. At the mouth of the stream stood a lone tree with blooming, pink blossoms. Joey paused next to the tree.

"Definitely tropical," he muttered, reaching up and touching a flower, feeling the delicate petal against his rough fingertips. "Definitely not Wisconsin."

So far, he had gathered some basic information from listening to everyone around him. He was in a land called Hoshido. Everyone here thought he was from a place called Nohr, and they didn't like him for it. But where those places were in relation to Wisconsin, Joey had no idea.

Did I end up in some Japanese alternate universe? His nose wrinkled. I better not have to eat raw fish every day.

He moved along the walkway again toward the guest quarters shown to him by the servants. A guard waited outside of his door, watching his movements. Joey didn't bother trying to lose the guy. He seemed pretty fit, judging by the light, lacquered armor, and spear he sported.

Joey paused beside his sliding door. "Say, uh… what's your name?" he asked the guard.

No answer.

"So I can just call you anything?"

Nothing.

"Okay, I'll call you… let's go with Chuck. Alright?"

The guard's dark eyes flicked at him, the first hint that the man was even aware Joey was there. Joey smirked.

"Nice to formally meet ya, Chuck." He nodded. "Say um, is there anywhere else other than here to see? I'm kinda curious about this place, y'know."

The guard didn't reply.

"You ain't gonna say a word, are ya?" Joey put his hands on his hips. "Can you even speak my language?"

"I understand you fine, Nohrian. I just prefer not to exchange words with you."

Joey snorted. "Well, ya just did. Good to know you can understand me though. I'll make sure to watch my tongue, as Mom would put it." He blew out a long breath. "Seriously, is there somewhere else to look at, cause I'm bored outta my skull?"

"Nohrian!"

A sharp voice made Joey freeze. Slowly, he turned around. He blinked in surprise when he saw Hinoka marching toward him, looking like she had just finished going a few rounds in a nasty fight. She had a split upper lip, a bit of swelling around her left eye, and a slight limp in her gait. Still, she carried herself tall. When she reached Joey, she brushed some of her frayed red hair from her forehead.

"It is you, huh?" Hinoka remarked. "I'll admit, I'm a bit surprised. Then again, after what you did to that one Faceless, I guess I shouldn't be."

Joey shrugged. "Was just one shot. If I had more rounds, I woulda done more good, I guess."

"Doesn't matter," Hinoka shook her head. "You saved Sakura and Hana. So… you may be Nohrian, but you've proven yourself to be an honorable Nohrian. Never thought I'd meet one of those."

Joey bit his tongue, keeping himself from repeating that he wasn't Nohrian. At this point, it felt like he was talking to a wall whenever he tried to say he was from Wisconsin. So, he rolled with Hinoka's words.

"Wasn't a problem, I guess. Especially since ya'll have them Fester thingies to heal with."

"You mean Festals?"

"Yeah, those," Joey nodded. He paused, brow furrowed. "Say… how did you get here? Are the others alright?"

Hinoka arched an eyebrow. "You're concerned about Saizo and Subaki?"

"Well, they helped me live, so figured I'd better be concerned."

Hinoka gave him a curious look. It was as if she struggled to fathom that him, a foreigner, Nohrian, whatever they called him, could feel worried about one of their own.

"Saizo will be fine. Queen Mikoto herself is tending to his injuries. Subaki's wounds are superficial, like mine. We'll be tended to in our own quarters. Could've been a lot worse if Ryoma and Kagero hadn't shown up to help."

"Yeah, met them. Rhymer ain't much of talker, is he."

"Ryoma," Hinoka deadpanned. "And you would be smart to get the pronunciation of names correct, Joey." She walked past him, making her way to her own room. "Some people could take offense at being called something they are not."

Joey slowly nodded. "Makes sense to me, Hinocker."

Hinoka spun around. "That was on purpose!"

"Whatever you say, Hinook."

"I- you-" Hinoka's cheeks reddened. She huffed, spun on her heel, and marched away, reaching her room and sliding the door shut behind her.

Joey chuckled under his breath. His laughter slowly faded when he saw Chuck giving him a disapproving look.

"What? Can you blame me for not knowing how to say all ya'lls strange names? I mean, where are the Joes, Hanks, hell, Hunters at, huh? Lord knows that'd be easier for me to say."

His guard did not reply. He only frowned. Joey snorted out a laugh as he slid his door open.

"I'll loosen ya up at some point, Chuck."

He patted Chuck's shoulder, entered his room, and slid the feather-light door shut. A long breath passed from his lips as he sagged where he stood, sudden weariness hitting his mind and body. One of his hands went up to his eyes, slowly massaging them.

"God damn." Joey reached behind him and scratched his backside through his robe. "I ain't used to having air flowing around there at… all…"

He froze. His room was occupied by someone else. A girl with pale-blue hair, golden eyes, and a surprised look on her face. She wore a thin, loose, white robe over her athletic frame. It looked like she was getting ready to rest.

"Uh…"

"Hello?" The girl remarked.

"Shit! Sorry!" Joey spun around, smacked his face against the sliding door, cursed, then slid it open. "Wrong room!"

As fast as he could, he scrambled out of the girl's room, slid the door shut, and let out a sharp exhale. After leaning against the doorway, he shot a glare at Chuck… who was across the living quarters' area, standing in front of his actual living quarters.

Joey stomped across the deck toward his room, pausing in front of Chuck. Chuck folded his arms.

"Perhaps now you will be a bit more respectful-"

Joey planted a knee in Chuck's groin, causing the man to drop to his knees with a wheeze.

"Teach ya to play tricks on me, ya prick. Enjoy not feeling yours for a bit."

Chuck groaned as he stayed kneeling on the ground. Meanwhile, Joey stormed into his room. Once he was inside, he closed his eyes, let out a long, soothing breath, and tried to reign in the anger that made his face burn hot. Or was it embarrassment that turned his cheeks red? A bit of both?

That girl was kinda good looking though, not gonna lie. Never thought of myself as a blue-hair kind of guy.

Joey chuckled under his breath, rolling his shoulders as more exhaustion hit him. Faint, orange light passed through the window of his room from the setting sun. He wasn't sure if there would be some sort of dinner served soon, but he didn't really care. Sleep took priority.

He frowned as he looked around his room.

"Where's the bed?"

His room was bare except for an unlit lantern in the corner, a mat beneath his feet, with a small spot to set his shoes, a cupboard for his clothes, and a longer mat sitting in the center of the room. He quirked an eyebrow as he eyed the padded mat.

He hung his head and then kicked his shoes off.

"Ya gotta be kidding me."

And chapter! This is going to be veeeeeery interesting to see what happens with this character lol. This story is shaping up to be pretty fun, but there's a lot more set-up going on in this than in Rigged. We wil see where it goes.

Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed it. Have a nice day!

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