The Dual Dark Horses

Hello everyone, Merry Christmas and welcome to the latest chapter of Armory of the Forgotten Hero! As you've no doubt noticed the holidays are in full swing so it's a little tricky getting chapters out right now, not to mention the timeline for this arc is all over the place when comparing the anime and manga so heads up on that. But fear not, I should still be able to get at least one more out before the month is over. And speaking of giving, why not give my Pat reon a look and see about becoming a patron for updates and other insights about my writing process! Now then, I've kept you all waiting long enough, and with no guest review questions this week, let's get to the story!

The Day before the First Match: Department Store

"I have a question, Darius," Izumi spoke up as the group approached a massive four-story building with pillars that made it resemble a small castle on the outside, "why are we here?"

"This store is the biggest in Zeltoble," Rishia answered, "I heard it has everything. Or at least that's what the slave trader told me."

"Including disguises," Naofumi added, "we're going to need something to hide our identities while we're in the coliseum."

"But I already brought disguises," the horned girl reminded, "and surely Darius has what we need in his inventory if those aren't enough."

"Haven't we already said we're not dressing like that in public," Rifana groaned, "and you should be more embarrassed to walk around basically dressed in your underwear."

"I would be more embarrassed if my darling wasn't here," Izumi grabbed Darius's arm and moved closer to him, "but since he is I can endure a few stares so long as his is one of them."

"I've told you before you don't have to try so hard to get my attention," Darius assured with a hand over hers, "Rifana, Figneria and I fell in love naturally over time, so don't feel the need to rush things."

"We probably should've made that suggestion before you got intimate," Rifana whispered to Darius who adopted an 'oh shit you're right' look on his face.

"Getting back on topic," Naofumi interrupted, "it's not just disguises we need; we also need to check out as much high-quality equipment as we can. Raphtalia hasn't had the chance to use weapon copy much with her vassal katana since Darius and Erhard only had a couple in their inventories."

"Hard to find stuff like that in a country that's basically medieval Europe as far as aesthetics go," the cardinal hero commented as they entered the store, "so let's take a look around and see if we can't find something we can work with." Everyone nodded in understanding before splitting up to look around different parts of the store. The best way to describe the interior of the building, for Darius and Naoufumi at least, was a medieval department store.

It had a little bit of everything including clothes, jewels, accessories, armor and even weapons! "Wow, shiny gold things!" Filo cheered while gazing at the jewelry hanging on displays and in glass cases.

"That's girly stuff," Johann barked before disappearing and walking back around the corner wearing a large, armored chest piece and a dragon-themed helmet, "check this out!"

"I'm surprised you can fit that helmet on with the crown of small spikes growing out of your head," the Armory Hero commented.

"I'm just wondering if he can move," Rifana voiced her own concerns.

"Of course I can move," the dragon boy defended while waving his arms comically, "watch this." He moved to take a step, and promptly fell over. "I just tripped, it's fine I got it." Everyone else just shook their heads and walked off while Johann continued to roll around and wrestle with the armor on the floor.

As discussed, they bought disguises with everyone except Darius getting a mask since he had one already. The Armory Hero spent the majority of his time browsing and copying weapons as did Naofumi and Raphtalia once their disguises were set. They also bought a studded club for Rifana and a bisento for Izumi to further the deception. Johann and Filo simply chose to fight how they usually fought, using their hands and feet, which meant no weapons were needed for them.

Raphtalia and Naofumi would have to stick with using a different form of their weapons while Darius had a lineup of weapons he planned on using. All in all, it was a surprisingly short shopping trip considering the size of the store. It was on their way out, however, that things got a little interesting. "Oh, are you two perhaps the Shield and Armory Heroes," a round man wearing a decorated cap and vest asked as they were about to leave.

"Accessory Trader!" The cardinal hero exclaimed, recognizing the man he and Darius had done business with back in the days when they were the Savior of the Heavenly Fowl and the Merciful Dragon Knight. "What are you doing here?"

"It's not unusual for me to be at my own store, is it," the merchant asked with a smile on his face.

"This is your store," Darius was admittedly a bit surprised to learn this. 'Certainly explains why people were hired to kill him back then,' he recalled.

"Yes, it is quite large, isn't it," the Accessory Trader acknowledged, "if you haven't finished looking around, perhaps I could show you some accessories I'm proud of."

"We're pretty set on accessories," the Shield Hero responded dismissively, "and I can make the accessories we need on my own."

"Wonderful," the man continued to smile, "then perhaps we can discuss your participation in the underground coliseum." That stopped them dead in their tracks.

"How much do you know?" Naofumi interrogated as they turned back to him.

"I know to some extent, if it's about business that is," the merchant put a hand to his mouth as a thought seemed to occur to him, "have you registered by chance? If not forgive my rudeness, I understand it would be troubling if any of you stood out."

"Fine, what do you want," the Shield Hero growled.

"I've heard that you and Sir Armory Hero own a territory now," the Accessory Trader began.

"You can set up shop, but I'll charge you for it," Naofumi immediately responded.

"Splendid," the merchant continued, "and I was curious as to the names you'd be going under."

"We take a percentage of the winnings in exchange for that information," Darius stated, already knowing where this was going.

"Of course, it wouldn't do to not pay you at least a fee for shouldering the majority of the risk," the Accessory Trader acknowledged, "so what say we negotiate." A few minutes later, the two groups were walking out of the department store, a deal struck with yet another businessman in order to avoid potential future issues.

"I had no idea you two knew such an influential businessman," Rishia said in slight awe.

"He's the one who taught me how to make accessories after our party protected him from some thugs who were hired to take him out," Naofumi recounted.

"We also sold him some of the mutated plant seeds after Naofumi created them," Darius added, "but suffice it to say neither one of us knew his business was this big."

"It's kinda scary, actually," Rishia commented, "I've heard the people who get on his bad side end up being unable to continue their businesses."

"Good thing he doesn't seem to hate us then," Rifana quipped, "but he does bring up a good point, we need to get registered for this thing."

"Then let's get back to the Inn and finalize our plans," Naofumi ordered. Not much else was said after that save for idle conversation. It was only once they got back to the Shield Hero's room and made sure no one was listening that they got down to business.

"Alright," Darius began, "so the basic idea is we're gonna participate and bet on each other."

"And we're hiding our identities to ensure no one finds out why we're here," Izumi surmised, "though won't it be suspicious if the same people keep betting on the same teams?"

"We've thought up a couple ways to avoid getting too repetitive," Naofumi revealed, "Darius is gonna bring in Figneria to do some of the betting and we'll keep switching up the number of people who go. We'll also use some of the extra disguises Darius has in his inventory."

"Are Filo and Johann going to do any of the betting," the Filolial asked, "it sounds really confusing."

"You just worry about fighting when we're in the coliseum," the Armory Hero assured, "which brings us to our next order of business: names."

"We need both a team name and false names for everyone fighting in the coliseum," Naofumi continued for Darius, "I'm…open to ideas on this one."

"I've got mine," Darius revealed, "just call me Mistogen the master of arms."

"Try not to get yourself voodoo dolled out there if you're going with that name," the Shield Hero commented.

"Hey, the name's not exactly the same, so I think I'm safe," the cardinal hero assured, "though if you do see a pink-haired girl with sensory magic, let me know."

"That isn't another girl wanting to get in your pants, is it?" Rifana asked with a raised eyebrow.

"It's just a reference, I'll explain later," Darius promised, "right now, everyone else needs a name."

"Oh, I wanna be Scale!" Johann declared with his hand up in the air.

"I guess that'll work well enough," the Armory Hero acknowledged, deciding not to comment on the lack of creativity with the name.

"I like Philia," Rifana offered, "it's unique but easy to remember."

"Then I shall be Nejire," Izumi declared, "Darius mentioned that name once, something about a list of top ten best blue-haired waifus. What is a waifu exactly? Is it like a wife?"

"Kind of," Darius replied while rubbing his head, "it does involve swearing loyalty to one or a few certain women. But-."

"Then I shall be your waifu," Izumi interrupted, "until such a time as-."

"Oh no, you're already a fiancé," Rifana reminded before putting her arms around her boyfriend, "if anyone's qualified to be a waifu here it's me."

"But you're already my girlfriend," Darius reminded, "if I start calling you waifu people will just get confused."

"Cardinal Heroes start trends all the time," the weasel girl pointed out, "if you do it the name will catch on in no time. You can start with the Yama Clan and the village. After that, Siltvelt and Melromarc will be saying it in no time."

"And be responsible for the most horrendous conflict in the history of this world outside of the Waves," Darius commented, "I don't think so. Back in my world the waifu wars are legendary conflicts which spanned the globe. Even my own country felt the destruction caused by them."

"Your people started wars over waifus," Rishia exclaimed, "they must be extraordinarily valuable."

"Like you wouldn't believe," Darius nodded before hugging Rifana, "so no, we won't start a trend. But I'll still call you my waifu in private, okay?" He pecked her on the cheek just to be on the safe side.

"Okay," Rifana allowed, "and I guess to be fair to Izumi I'll let you call her fiancé."

"I would be willing to accept that," the horned girl agreed.

"Good," Naofumi finally spoke up, "can we get back on topic now? What's your team's name?"

"Oh that," the Armory Hero thought for a few moments before making what looked like a fox's head with his right hand, "how about Team Kon? It's simple, to the point, and only the two of us are gonna get the reference."

"It's fine so long as it isn't anything that'll out us as cardinal heroes," the shield wielder agreed.

"Master," Filo spoke up, "am I not gonna be allowed to call you master?"

"That shouldn't draw any attention so it's probably fine," Naofumi assured, "the tricky part now is what to call ourselves."

"Heathcliff," Darius offered, "he had a big ass shield."

"Too fancy," his friend rejected immediately, "and that guy was a villain anyway. I think I'll go with…Rock."

"And that's way too," the Armory Hero was about to protest before a thought occurred to him, "actually you go right ahead, that name's gonna work out great."

"If we hadn't spent so long on this already, I'd ask why you're accepting it so quickly," Naofumi commented before looking at Raphtalia, "as for you I think…Shigaraki will work fine for you."

"Is that a good name," the raccoon girl asked.

"If you don't like it, you can be Raph-chan number two," the shield hero commented.

"Why am I number two?!" Raphtalia asked in confusion.

"Just call her Theresia already," Darius interjected, suggesting the name of one of his comrades more favored fictional sword maidens.

"No, Shigaraki's fine," the katana hero assured, "it's easy enough to remember and unique enough that we'd all recognize it." She whispered the next part, "I just wanted to know why I'd be number two."

"Master, what should Filo's name be," the excitable Filolial asked.

"Hmm, how about Yakitori," Naofumi suggested and was immediately denied with a quick 'no' from the winged girl. "Good intuition. How about Humming, then?"

"Okaaay!" Filo cheered. 'I guess she recognizes the names of food even when they're from another world,' Darius mused.

"Now the last thing is the team name," the shield hero thought for a moment, "we'll be team Rock Valley."

"That's kind of fancy," Rifana commented, "is there a reason you seem to have rocks on the brain all of a sudden?"

"My last name 'Iwatani' translates to 'Rock Valley'," Naofumi explained, "so the two names I'm using just happen to be related."

"I mean if you're sure you don't want to be Spartoi or Dai Gurren or something along those lines," Darius shrugged, "I guess the only thing to do now is register and get to gladiating."

The Present: Underground Coliseum

The Armory Hero's choice of outfit had naturally been aimed at imitating his reference's appearance. He wore a dark blue cloak which hung down his back and covered his shoulders. His arms and legs were covered in bandages, and he wore short blue, very baggy pants. Naturally he had to modify the look slightly since he was using his own white mask to hide his face and wore blue short boots instead of sandals.

Rifana chose to wear a white mask and a blue coat over silver armor along with blue pants and black boots. Johann, obviously, wore a dragon mask which covered his eyes and nose and donned a cape over his wings. He was less interested in wearing anything fancy and more interested in fighting whoever was sent against them. Which in this case, was a massive bull monster with a silver scaly hide called a Toros.

"Be careful," Rifana warned, "I hear this thing exhales some kind of poisonous smoke."

"Good thing I came prepared for that possibility," Darius remarked as he reached behind his back and undid the strap holding a small arsenal of weapons before quickly planting them all in the ground in front of him. No sooner did he finish and select a weapon than the signal to begin sounded. The giant bull was released from its cage and immediately charged them all. The party scattered in multiple directions before the monster turned and snorted out a large cloud of purple smoke.

Darius responded by swinging his Whirlwind Warhammer, blasting the cloud away with a miniature twister. "Darius," Naofumi called over his HUD, "we're casting the illusion now. This isn't an opponent you need to be holding back against."

"You can say that again," the Armory Hero quipped before evading another charge and slamming his hammer into the monster's neck. The Toros roared in anger before attempting to trample him, only to be stopped by Rifana and Johann both hitting it in the side, pushing it back. "Alright, the gloves are off!" He timed this statement right after Raphtalia cast her illusion magic so that only his companions heard.

The Toros roared before spewing the largest cloud of purple smoke yet. Darius countered by throwing his hammer, its spin creating a powerful tornado which sucked up the cloud as it moved towards the horned beast. The giant bull smacked the weapon away with its horns before charging again, only to stumble thanks to Rifana using earth magic to change the ground into a sandpit trap. "Blood Flower," he produced Kizuna's hunting sword while charging forward, "STRIKE!"

The Toros howled in pain then as the blade tore into its body, leaving a long cut across its side where the weapon connected each of its weak points and caused its blood to fall in the form of flower petals. "Thunder Sky Drop!" Johann yelled as he leapt and spun in the air with lightning gathering around his right foot before he brought it down as a powerful heel drop down on the bull's neck. A squelching sound followed as the monster's head was sliced off its body and went crashing to the arena floor, its large body following shortly after. This time the trio didn't have to pretend as much when it came to being a little out of breath.

'Guess that curse really is messing with our stats,' Darius admitted while also noticing something else was amiss once the illusion was lifted. The crowd had gone silent. Looking around, he noted everyone seemed to be stunned. 'Ah great, what'd we do?'

"Team Kon," the announcer finally spoke up, "HAS WON!" The crowd broke out into cheers then as the trio waved back for a few moments until they entered the tunnel which led into and out of the arena. Naofumi and the others were waiting for them at the entrance.

"So, we might've done a better job than we thought," Darius began as they all sat down in one of the private waiting rooms for contestants, "because I think most people didn't expect us to win that fight."

"That bull didn't look like the kind of monster just any beginners could take down," Naofumi admitted, "but it shouldn't affect the odds too much. As long as one of us is still the dark horse we'll walk away with what we need."

"Good luck out there then," Rifana offered, "you especially, Raphtalia. Fighting while casting a full-blown illusion isn't going to be easy."

"It shouldn't be too different from when I cast my usual illusions in combat," she assured, "I just need to make it more complex and on a larger scale this time."

"You'll do fine, Raphtalia," Naofumi assured with a hand on her shoulder, "and I'll be there to support both of you, so don't worry." The raccoon girl smiled in appreciation at his words.

"Time to switch out then," Darius acknowledged, "I'll be rooting for you from the stands tomorrow, so try to get more sleep than I'm going too."

"Oh yeah, you've still got that meeting in Koteraan," The Shield Hero recalled, "do your best not to be late to the match tomorrow, then."

"I'll certainly give it my best effort," the university student gave as much assurance he could, "one thing I can guarantee, I won't be making it back tonight."

The Next Day: Koteraan Castle Private Chambers

"So if I'm understanding correctly," Figneria purred, her bare body mostly concealed beneath the covers, "you'd like me to take a good bit of money and bet heavily on your and Naofumi's teams, all the while posing as a wealthy noblewoman from a faraway kingdom?"

"That is the long and short of it," Darius acknowledged while lightly rubbing her back, "personally I'm surprised you actually heard my explanation considering how fast you drug me back here."

"Did you really expect anything else," his lover asked while planting a quick kiss on his lips, "I miss you. I've been held up here aiding in the preparation of the country's defenses for the Phoenix's arrival. Now that you have the Yama clan helping out in the village I don't have as much to do there so King Ivyred has been taking up all of my free time. Under such circumstances I plan on making the most of your visits no matter how trivial the matter may be."

She emphasized her point by pressing her bare body against his, her left hand drawing little circles on his chest. "If I'd known that I would've let you two be," Rifana yawned from her position snuggled under Darius's other arm, "I feel kind of bad that I'm taking some of your alone time."

"Oh, but your reason is perfectly valid, Rifana," Figneria assured, "I wouldn't be looking forward to going to that auction either if I were in your shoes. It's only natural you'd want a little bit of stress relief before then." That was one way to describe it. As had been pointed out before, they needed intel on where the villagers were.

Unfortunately, the presence of fakes meant that there was no other choice but to send Raphtalia, Rifana, or both of them to ensure the actual villagers were even there. Due to the auction schedule occasionally coinciding with the dark coliseum's schedule they'd only be able send one at a time in most cases. Since Raphtalia's illusions were vital for ensuring they remained dark horses she could only go when they didn't have matches. Rifana, on the other hand, could go even when Naofumi's team was having a match or could swap out with Izumi if the auction occurred during one of their matches.

Still, asking them to stand there and watch people get auctioned off was a lot. Not only did it undoubtedly bring up bad memories for the two women, but they also had to watch as the name of their village was tossed around to turn a profit. "That's the other reason I wanted you to consider joining us in Zeltoble for a bit," Darius revealed, "we're asking a lot of Rifana and Raphtalia right now, and I know Rifana at least wouldn't mind another friendly face."

"Anything for my wonderful students," Figneria assured, "I should be able to dig up an old alias or two that I haven't used in a few years."

"Just so long as it doesn't affect this kingdom's ability to defend itself," Rifana commented, "you're sure we won't be pulling you away from anything important?"

"It would just be for a few days, correct," the former assassin recalled, "I'm sure King and Queen Ivyred would be more than willing to let me go once I mention that you have their daughter in Zeltoble."

"You mean Rishia hasn't mentioned it to them in a letter or anything recently?" Darius raised an eyebrow.

"I know you may be thinking 'but she was a great help in defeating the Spirit Tortoise and Kyo'," Figneria guessed rather accurately, "and while that is all true those two incidents also demonstrated that you and the other heroes still have a ways to go. It's not that they no longer trust you to look after her, but they are far more nervous about her going to dangerous places. Even if she wasn't the crowned princess now, they're still concerned for their daughter, so she's become more hesitant about informing them of whenever she's about to enter a dangerous situation."

"I guess you'll have to vouch for her skill at some point," Rifana sighed, "she's actually gotten pretty strong. Not just in magic, but in swordplay and Hengen Musou too."

"Definitely doing better in that lost one than most of us," the Armory Hero commented, "I still can't do much better than a few seconds before I lose it. Makes me glad I have a minor talent for finding sensitive spots." Rifana yelped in surprise as Darius found one of those 'sensitive spots'.

"Oh now you've done it," Rifana laughed before another session of testing the furniture began.

A Few Hours Later: The Coliseum

"It's good to know that my parents are worried about me," Rishia had to raise her voice slightly over the noise of the audience, "but I feel kind of bad that Figneria's using that to come over here and help us."

"It was about one of the only ways they'd let her outside of the kingdom right now," Darius reminded, "all the nations who've heard about the next sacred beast are making preparations for its arrival. So if Figneria is going to go anywhere right now it has to be for an important reason. At the moment, having someone extra to keep an eye on you is about the best we can do."

"You say that but Figneria's not even here right now," Rishia sweat dropped, "she's still out getting a disguise with Rifana."

"Well as long as we don't draw too much attention to ourselves, Me, Izumi and Johann should be enough for the time being," Darius assured. The group had taken the closest level they could get to watch the fight while also being in close proximity to a concession stand to make sure their resident dragon boy was fed. Which is why the four of them were sharing a table instead of sitting among the crowd.

"I was trained in guarding," Izumi reminded, "Though you are not my darling, you are one of darling's friends, so I shall protect you with my life."

"But aren't we friends too, Izumi," Rishia tilted her head in confusion.

"We are," the horned girl confirmed, "I just wanted you to know that I was serious about protecting you and everyone else."

"Then keep an eye open," Darius suggested, "the match is starting. Naofumi's team might be new but that doesn't mean someone won't try to pull a fast one." Everyone nodded in understanding as the fight began. As discussed, the Shield Hero's team looked like they were on the ropes initially with Raphtalia and Filo dodging the blows aimed at them while Naofumi tanked a good bit of the damage with his shield, pretending to be staggered from time to time.

"Curses, they're just so strong," the Shield Hero made a show of gritting his teeth.

"Did you just say 'curses'," the Armory Hero had to stop himself from laughing while communicating over his HUD display, "What kid's show bad guy are you imitating?"

"Shut up," Naofumi grunted over the noise of the enemy's flail hitting his shield again. Then the group saw the sign that Raphtalia was casting her illusion magic when the man who could only wield a shield suddenly pulled out a sword. The battle ended quickly then with the other team all going down with basically one blow, though it didn't look like that to the audience. When it was over, Naofumi's team stood 'weary' from the battle but still victorious.

"I thought we were goners for a moment," Raphtalia exclaimed, causing Darius to again stifle a laugh. 'They need to work on their acting,' he thought to himself. Sure, his own acting wasn't stellar, but he wasn't trying to be unnecessarily dramatic either.

"And the winner is team Rock Valley!" The announcer declared, getting a chorus of cheers and boos from the crowd. Darius, for his part, decided to join in this time.

"Can you smell what the Rock is cooking?!" He exclaimed while standing up from his chair with his fists raised. He didn't know if it confused the audience any, but they seemed to cheer louder after hearing it.

"I should've known," Naofumi sighed over his HUD, "this is why you let me keep the name instead of suggesting something else, isn't it?"

"Guilty," Darius admitted, "I thought I'd see what the audience thought of it. Wanna see if it catches on?"

"I doubt it does," the Shield Hero mused, "but it'll just be temporary anyway. Once we get the grand prize and everything else, we're out of here." At least that was how the plan was supposed to go. But no one ever plans to get more than they bargained for, an issue which would make itself known sooner rather than later.

And so our hero's scheme is in full swing as the competition commences! Can they hold on to their winning streaks or will a couple of surprises both in and out of the arena shake things up? We'll found out in the next chapter so in the meantime feel free to leave a comment or review about what you liked/disliked or if you've got any neat ideas for future chapters. Also check out my Pat reon and see about becoming a patron. Last thing, be sure to stop in next time as our heroes learn they're not the only ones with schemes happening in the dark coliseum! 'Til then.