Queens Knight Chronicles
ESKK: Here we are Chapter 4 time to get this started folks.
(Start Skadi Hometown Elven Forest)
Skadi was in the process of filling out several pages of parchment with a quill and a stamp. Signing off on them she calmy sighed as she filled them out left and right. Thank goodness for her old job before arriving in this world less she found herself horrible lost in running a town.
Relations between the Elves and her town were shaky but going strong. They have been exchanging a great deal of items between them. Knowing that people would no doubt come to this forest at some point Skadi's hometown acted as something of a guard gate for the Elven Village.
Still Skadi allowed her mind to drift towards Alleyne and Nowa. The Elven Combat instructor and the human/elf mix breed pair had become regular visitors to the village. Alleyne came to no doubt keep an eye on Nowa though she always seems to be scoring the defenses of Skadi's village and the combat prowess of the defenders.
Coordinating trade with the Elves was an easy task surprisingly enough. Since they make everything, they own by hand or with magic this left a lot of room for Skadi to work. One of the first major pushes Skadi was going for was a schoolhouse, education was key. When brough up over the fact only the wealthy could afford schooling Skadi made it clear she had the firm belief everyone had a right to an education.
Skadi was willing to work with the Elves so their children can learn trades and expand their own knowledge. Alleyne was also part of the trade as she helped train the local law enforcements to be effective fighters and defenders. Skadi then sighed as she learned back on her chair.
The White Knight, The Dragon Knight, and the Moon Maiden, three out of the five knights were accounted for. Marianne had noted to have a sister who had the same power as her. From what Skadi understood Marianne was light her sister on the other hand was dark, a fallen angel. Skadi suspected that Marianne's sister may have also decided to take part in this, seeing as according to Marianne the sisters have been pulling stuff like this off for years.
The battle she endured the other day with Melona and her monster was proof that someone else was at work in all of this. If Skadi's hunch was right said sister may have nabbed the other two Knights as well. There were still a lot of variables she didn't know about, but she was learning. This world pushed for more of a matriarchal form of society that decides its ruler via a gladiatorial tournament. But why what was the purpose of it. There was also that other incident, Marianne called it a Holy Pose. Apparently, their Avatar Bodies in order to safely transition into this world had adopted certain aspects of it.
The aspects varied between world travelers to something minor as in crease dexterity to something major like the Holy Poses. Marianne offered to teach Skadi a few of the poses but Skadi refused. The Moon Maidens Pactmaker refused to make such suggestive poses even if said poses would giver her an advantage in battle. She then sighed and before looking out the window wondering if Aster and Dilan were doing ok on their ends.
(Scene Break Aster, Leina, and Risty)
A day or so pass as the trio reaches the mountain path and came up to the same spot that Aster meet Leina and Risty the first time, as he looked around and said, "This is where we all meet, look like it got fix up as I don't see where the fight that took part here."
Risty shrug and said, "Sometimes is happen, I don't know why, but it does, but wait tell we come over this pass."
Leina looked towards Risty and said, "What over the pass?"
Risty didn't say as they walk up the hill road and see into the horizon and down below as they saw a great wall as Leina said, "That is right, the border of the Queen's domain."
"And in turn opponents left and right for the Queens Blade." Aster said knowing once they cross it's going to get a lot harder the closer, they go to the Queen's Capital.
(Later at the border)
As the trio stood way back from the crowd and wagons that were coming in as Risty said, "Looks like Claudette hasn't been back here. That's a relief."
"How can you tell?" Leina asked to which Risty pointed up at the flags and sees an empty flagpole as Risty said, "There no sign of the general banner."
"Looks can be deceiving." Aster said while walking a bit surprising Risty. "She may have anticipated us coming here so we need to plan accordingly." Aster said before smirking a bit.
"And you have an idea over what I arranged?" Risty asked looking to Aster.
"Either plan will work in all likely hood Claudette won't approach us knowing that I'm traveling with you." Aster said considering what had happened at the Vance estate Claudette will enter battle with Aster in due caution.
"OK then let's use the way I arrange, using Leina's name as I act like the adviser, and you'll be the bodyguard, with that fancy armor of yours, you can pass for one easy."
"Is that going to work?" Leina asked no doubt Aster may have anticipated Claudette being a fool and challenging him regardless.
Risty shrugs and said, "Who know, let's leave it up to fate." Risty pull out a gold coin and said, "Heads we go as plan."
Aster raise an eyebrow to that as she didn't say tails or anything for not heads as Risty flip it, Aster's eyes pay attention to the coin itself as it seem things around him slow down as he watch the coin flip, as he sees one side heads, and the other side… heads.
Aster snatch the coin in midair and said, "A double sided coin Risty, really?" He held it up to show one side head and the other side heads as well as Leina had the same look as Aster as Risty took the coin back and said, "That means the luck is always good. Isn't that great?"
"No, it's a lie," Leina said as Aster calmly follow it up with, "Can't cheat fate, or else it comes and bite you in the ass."
Risty didn't care as she flip the coin to Leina as she caught it and Risty said, "Keep it maybe it can bring you some good luck for you."
"No thank you, I don't accepted money from a thief," Leina said as she was about to throw it back until Risty said, "Money alone has no value, it's what you do with it, and right now you and that little coin has more in command than you think. You should keep that in mind, another friendly advice from the Benevolent Bandit of the Wild. Listen, you can give it back once you're a good fighter."
"Stop, don't tease," Leina said as Risty laugh and said, "I'm not teasing you. Come let go, the town awaits."
(Meanwhile inside the Border walls)
Claudette was watching outside the Window as she saw Aster, Leina, and Risty outside. The Thundercloud General knew full well that once they crossed the border, they will be that much harder to catch. Claudette saw Risty using the Vance name to try and get through the border. At the same time from what she saw Aster was passing himself off as a bodyguard while Risty was acting like an Advisor. Claudette looked closely trying to find some weakness she could exploit from Aster. With his White Knight Claudette was no fool to think she could fight the white knight and win without struggle.
Claudette then spoke as she saw the guard leave her alone in the room. "So, you will use our name but only when it serves you." Claudette said as Aster seemed to be on guard like any bodyguard. A part of Claudette suspected that Aster knew that she was also here.
(Back over with the trio)
Risty looked to Leina as she knew the young Vance girl was on edge. "Don't be nervous as long as Claudette isn't here, we should be fine." Risty said as Aster had other ideas here.
"She is likely here, but she might be avoiding a direct confrontation." Aster said suspecting Claudette was attempting to avoid a fight with his Knight.
That was when Leina noticed something at the window as all she saw was an empty window. "What are you doing? Let's go!" Risty said as Aster followed.
"Wait a minute." Leina said but they were already leaving.
(Back inside with Claudette)
"All this for an adventure." Claudette said with her eyes closed as behind her was an elven woman with green hair and barley any cloths as the only thing covering her gender was what looked like a thong made from a snake which looked quiet alive.
"Sorry but you have to do this." The woman said as Claudette opened her eyes to turn her eyes to her.
"Not according to the orders of the count. He command that she be brought home, yet you let her leave." Claudette said as the woman smirked.
"I have an idea don't give me orders please." The woman said as a warning to Claudette.
"I'm not aware of having given you any." Claudette said as she walked away.
"I am Echidna the Veteran Mercenary. I took this job but how I handle her is up to me." Echidna said as Claudette was at the window once more.
"How you handle her?" Claudette asked not liking that tone.
"Yes, and both her and that little armored friend of hers looks positively delicious." Echidna said in a sensual tone as she had seen both of them.
Claudette looked out the window as she had only one thought that came to mind. "What a fool." She said as who the fool was is currently unknown.
(Later over Inside the town)
"We made it out of Vance territory at last," Leina said happily as Risty look to her and said, "You sound like a little kid."
"You really did pull it off, thank you both of you, Aster and Risty," Leina thank her and ignoring she was called sounding like a kid.
"That right I pull this off, but Aster did play his part very well to add to things getting here faster," Risty said giving Aster some credit as well.
"We work as a team to get here, so let's keep sticking with it," Aster said to them being true, as Risty came up with the plan, Leina using her family name even though it left a bitter taste, and Aster may have play bodyguard but still pull off a mean look with or without his armor.
(Later over at the Inn)
The trip arrived at an Inn so they can rest the night. Aster was inspecting the room while Leina was laying down on the bed. Risty for her part was looking out the window just in case of any issues.
"I'm so tired." Leina bemoaned as they had been walking a long way.
"We'll stay here for the night." Risty said taking charge for a bit. "Now come on." Risty said as she guided Leina out the door.
"We need to purchase supplies for the journey." Aster said as he still needed to find Dilan and Skadi as well as anyone else from White Knight Chronicles Geonet Servers.
(Later over at the market)
Aster looked around, as it seem like a marketplace he sees in most RPG game, and movies. Looking around he saw the prices for things and wonder if he can talk people into given him a good price on things. Aster knew that they were going to need to have plenty of gear to carry about.
Leina spotted a cart selling watermelons as she said, "Hey look at these fruits I bet it's delicious."
Risty came up behind Leina, as the warrior girl grab the watermelon and show Risty and said, "Risty here."
Risty was starching her head as she wanted to keep cost down and buying fruit like that might put a small dent in the money pouch as Risty told her, "You need small food, something to keep well on your journey. If it's going to tired you out, don't bring it"
"Oh, I thought this was good because it had a lot of water in it, oh well," Leina said as she put back the melon, and while so, Risty saw a wrap up brown bag of something as she pick it up and pay for it, and hand it to Leina as she said, "Here, its dried meat that works the best."
"She's right." Aster said calmly as he approached Leina. Pack too heavy and you risk being looted to light, and you go hungry." Aster said making it clear that Leina needed to find the right balance for herself.
Risty smirked at Aster as she knew they were on the same page. Unknown to Risty Aster was just repeating things he'd seen in Anime and TV-Shows with the premise of travelling on foot like this. But as they walked through the market, they failed to noticed a woman in a cloak observing them from the shadows. Seeing the armor Aster had the woman smirked as she found one of her targets.
(Later at the Clothing store)
As Leina was going over type of cloths or cloak to wear as Leina asked, "How about this one?"
"Nope," Risty said as Leina reply, "Really? But white repels sunlight, it's light and easy to move in and it's cute."
"Its too fancy." Aster calmly said as he looked to Leina. "If will make us look like rich people and make us target for looters and bandits." Aster said calmly as Risty agreed with what the White Knights Pactmaker was saying.
Risty looked at both of them and said, "You both have the right idea of things. White does help repels sunlight, but like Aster said it stands out making us easy targets for the enemy."
"This is harder than I thought then," Leina said as she put back the white cloth as Risty said, "At least you're putting some thought."
Leina smiled a bit to that thinking she is on the right track of things. Aster saw that Leina was improving which was good to hear. If she wants to make it, she needs to wise up fast seeing as the Vance Family was still hunting down their wayward daughter.
But why was Lord Vance so insistent on getting his daughter to marry someone she does not love. There was variables that had been bothering him, but he had little time to investigate not with the hunt going on. Still for now Leina was his only clue to finding the answers he's looking for. Sooner or later the truth will come out and when it did Aster will deal with it right then.
(Later at a nearby Café)
The trio was café of sort as Risty said to the trio, "One things for sure, I'm glad we haven't had any trouble so far."
They had spent the entire day educating Leina on what to bring and not to bring on the journey she planned on going on. During this Aster had made his way over to the Adventurers Guild and performed a few low-level jobs. Aster knew that was his best source of income while on the road and despite that he didn't think Leina was ready for it. Plus, Risty was a wanted bandit chances are if she walks in every adventurer will be on her like cats to a fish. Luckily, it was short ones such as catching a pick pocket and the likes. It wasn't much but it was a start at least.
Leina nods to what Risty said and said to her, "Me too, how about you, Aster." With that last bit towards Aster the White Knights Pactmaker looked over to Leina.
"Hard to say, I got a weird feeling about something for a while, even now still." Aster said as he felt something was off like trouble was bound to find them.
Sitting by in the back of the Café watching them is Echidna the Veteran Mercenary. The dark skin elf women look over to them watching them without them noticing so far. But hearing what Aster said Echidna suspected that the boy might be on to them. Echidna was somewhat surprised to hear this, but she was not worried much as she had her fair share of pray sensing her out before.
Nearby the same cloaked woman was calmly eating her food as she waited for a chance to act. She suspected Echidna was after the same prize as herself and was ready to step in should the need arise.
Leina looked to Aster and asked, "Could it be someone, like Melona?"
"If it is her or someone else, we can handle it." Aster said confident that they can face Melona and win seeing as they know her weakness.
"Well keep your guard up." Risty began calmly as she ate her food. "Even if your strong, it doesn't mean that someone is targeting all of us." Risty said recalling that she owed Aster a huge debt and then some.
"Well then you helped me, so I helped you, so I guess that means we're pretty much even now." Risty referring to Leina who helped her back at Vance Castle.
"Oh, and what about me?" Aster asked with a raised brow to Risty.
"That's complicated." Risty said as Aster had been helping her out since Vance Castle. Helping the Orphans giving them a new home with a roof over their heads and getting them educated. Last she heard from Aster who got a letter from a Bigalow the new orphanage had been built and right now Aster was working on plans for a schoolhouse. Risty may have paid her debt back to Leina but her debt to Aster was far from over. He did in less than a day for those kids what Risty had been trying to do for years on end.
"Look normally this would have been where I split up from you." Risty admitted as she went back to her food. "But the thing is that you helped me more than you can imagine so I got a debt to pay one I don't think I can ever truly payback." Risty said making it clear that Aster basically owned her by Risty's own code of honor.
"And if by chance you didn't have to pay that debt?" Aster asked as he was curious as to what Risty's next move was.
"Straight to the Queens Capital Gainos although I might take a little detour." Risty said not at all omitting what she planned to do. "Maybe I might stop be the Amarariceki in the desert." Risty said as Aster looked seeing the image Risty was painting.
"Sounds like ruins if a desert is involved." Aster said as he had a good idea what this entailed.
"That's right, and they also say there's a princess Spirit who will curse whoever you like." Risty said as Aster wonder if there were Mummy creatures in this world or undead guardians in temples or tombs as he thought back to the old and classic game of Skyrim.
"So, seeing as you decided you owed me a debt your going to stick by me until you can repay it." Aster said before taking a bite of his food.
"Pretty much." Risty said as she suspected Aster was thinking about visiting the ruins Risty had just mentioned. "So, what about you?" Risty asked directing her attention towards Aster.
"Well, I might be heading to the Queens Capital as well," Aster suddenly said as both girls looked at him with a surprised look. At the same time Echidna and the cloak figure listen in on them as Risty soon asked, "Why is that? Are you gonna support our young Vance here?"
"Well sort of, but I do have some friend that I was separated from." Aster began as he told the tale to the girls. "See one of them is an eligible competitor for the tournament, so I thought she maybe going to participate in the Queen's blade as well." Aster said surprising the pair that Aster knew someone who planned to participate in the Queens Blade tournament.
"But with what you said about that desert ruin, I may go there as well." Aster added as he considered also taking that small detour. "There is a good chance that my other friend could be there as well." Aster said before moving on to his reasoning for that. "See he's somewhat of a wandering kind of guy," Aster said as he knew Skadi would take a crack at this Girls only Tournament. After all he did see her in one of the matches that was on the other day. Skadi may have realized that she might be able to find him and Dilan at the capital. As for Dilan himself… well he does like to explore a lot of places so a desert temple or ruin wouldn't be unexpected if he found him there. With that in mind Aster soon went on saying, "So that mean you can still go there as well, if you don't mind me going with you as well."
"Well, I don't mind, in fact it may sound like fun," Risty said as she smile a bit until suddenly Leina gasp in fright. When they looked to the source, they saw that there was a snake on the table as it hisses and slithers on the table. Risty was turning blue in fright as both girls were freaking out to this. Aster was the only one who was unaffected by this as he wasn't really afraid of snake, heck he wasn't afraid of any reptiles not even in his first life. Aster had grown up around snakes growing up, his hometown had a lot of them after all. However, gators or crocs were pushing it but now sense he gotten a new body and new powers, his old fears if he had any are the least of his worries, to say the least.
Aster eyes soon lay on a beautiful dark skin female with pointy ears, and lack of underwear. His keen eye noted that this woman has a snake like decorations on her outfit. Aster could conclude with this information that this snake belongs to her, and quickly notice she was picked the money off of Risty. She was about to walk off, until Aster suddenly darted for the shake, grabbing by its head and body so it wouldn't be able to bite him or escape from his grip and said, "Don't worry girls I got it, no need to worry. I doubt this Snake will harm you… unless it was order too."
Echidna stopped in her tracks as she knew Aster eyes was on her now and what he said was clear that he was onto her as she can hear him getting up from his chair and walk over to her as he suddenly said, "Hey there, I believe this snake belongs to you, miss dark elf."
Echidna could only play it cool as she turned around with a smile on her face as she said, "Oh Keltan, there he is, I was looking all over for him. My crotch was getting a little cold."
"I'm sure sense you're not wearing any bottom," Aster said as he keep his eyes on Echidna's face as he didn't want to get suddenly attack if she was the one after them or just another pick pocket that use her snake as a diversion, either way he wasn't letting his guard down, not even to a sexy, dark skin, and bottomless elf girl as she smile and said, "Well then may I have him back, if you don't mind?"
"Sure, as long you give back my friend money pouch that you picked up from the ground just now," Aster said as Risty was surprised to see her coin pouch was gone and look over to the woman and to her surprise to see her pouch in her hand as Echidna said, "Oh you mean this… well I suppose I can do so."
They both held out their hands as Echidna drop the pouch into Aster waiting hand before his other hand got loss, letting the snake free as it quickly return to his mistress with a fearful look on its face as within Aster hand was the sense of death to any replies, as Aster was channeling some ice magic to keep the snake calm as well just in case, with Echidna keep smiling as she lean over to him and whispers to him, "Well done, I hope to see more later on."
"Maybe that if you're a friend… or an enemy," Aster whispers back as Echidna give a soft laugh as she knew he was dangerous but also a bit fun to toy with. Echidna smiled as she then said to him, "I'm Echidna the Veteran Mercenary, remember that."
"Don't worry I will," Aster said before watching Echidna walk out the door as Risty came up to him and said, "What was that all about?"
"My guess, just a pick pocket who's a bit over her head," Aster said as he didn't say anything else as he said, "Come on let finish eating and pay for our meals."
Unaware to Aster as the cloak figure was now gone, as she may have gone out the back door so she wouldn't be spotted leaving as well.
(Meanwhile over with Echidna Outside)
Echidna walk into an alleyway as she held her pet snake Keltan as she said, "Oh, I hope he wasn't too rough with you. A little cold on the scales but nothing too harmful at least."
Out of the corner of Echidna's eye she spotted the cloaked figure from before as she soon said to her, "Well now, I'm a bit surprise that you came up to me. Tell me are you after them as well, or at least the male in armor?"
"I see that your smart, so consider this a warning, stay away from my target, if you get in my way, I'll make short work of you and that snake of yours," the person said as echidna could tell by her voice, she was a woman and said, "I have a better idea, never tell me what to do, and stay out of my way little girl. My only target is the Vance girl, do that and we can stay out of each other's way going forward."
"Then consider yourself warned then, however, if you fail to heed my warning then you will feel my wrath, Katarina The Ebony Black Bird," Katarina said as she introduce herself to Echidna while giving off a powerful killing intent. Echidna knew that this was a show that Katarina was not one to mess with. Echidna smirked to this this as she then released a killing intent aura herself to this in respond. It was not as powerful but still strong in her own rights as she said to her, "Same to you, little bird."
With that their killing intent faded with people nearby were sweating after feeling it and quickly went on their way of avoiding the two before they walk away from each other. No one had any idea of what had nearly taken place.
(Later back at the Inn)
Aster was seen sitting by the window as he had his arms crossed looking outside. In the room Leina was preparing for bed as Risty had gone off to take a bath. Leina looked over to Aster wondering what he was thinking about as he sat by the window almost like he was contemplating life.
"Are you ok, Aster?" Leina asked with concern for the White Knights Pactmaker.
Glancing over to Leina, Aster sighed knowing why she asked. "Yeah, just thinking is all." Aster said looking back out the window.
"About?" Leina asked with concern for Aster.
"This... all of it." Aster began getting down to it. "First the state Lord Vance's domain is in." Aster said as he recalled that incident. "His land is in poverty increased in taxes and withholding funding to certain areas such as the Vance Charity." Aster said listing off his concerns. "And it might be stretching it but why is he so invested on you becoming the next head of the family by having you marry one of his allies." Aster said as he listed off another clue to this conspiracy his mind was trying to decipher.
"Aster, you're making it sound as though father is up to something." Leina said as she didn't want to think that about her father
"Maybe he is or maybe he's not." Aster said as he scratched his head a bit. "It's just an itch that's been grating at the back of my skull." Aster said admitting that something was bugging him about all of this. "Maybe it's just paranoia but all of it just screams foul play to me." Aster admitted as Leina noted how it was bugging him.
Just then the room door opened up and from it Risty walked in in nothing but a towel around her shoulders. "Ah nothing like a nice hot bath to wash your troubles away." Risty said with a smile on her face leaving Aster wide eyed to the scene. Risty noted the look Aster had as Leina stood pointing at Risty in shock. "What not like I have anything you don't have." Risty said seeing a chance to play. "Then again I can't saw the same for Aster." She quipped as Aster then coughed into his fist.
"Risty, can you make yourself decent?" Aster asked as he tried to look away from her naked... muscled... body. It was still dripping wet from her bath earlier causing it to glisten in the evening light. Aster quickly banished the thoughts and focused on the issue at hand.
"Come on I always sleep in the buff." Risty responded before she began to smirk a bit. "Besides, I owe you for what you did for the church and the kids. If being a bed partner or an image of fascination helps pay off that debt, then ogle away." Risty said striking a pose for Aster causing him too nearly choked on air. He tried to look away but alas the window reflected the room somewhat giving Aster a view of Risty behind him.
"Geez." Aster retorted to get his thoughts back on track. The Mercenary from before Aster suspected she had a trap set up for them that hinged on them being broke after she attempted to steal their coins. Without coin they had no funding and no means to support themselves on their journey. This wasn't like an RPG where you can spend the entire game with little to no gold. The more Aster's thoughts drifted the more he thought about the inconsistencies from the incidents thus far.
If Echidna was intended to keep them here, then chances are she was hired by the Vance family. If the Vance Family did hire her then it was clear that Leina was too valuable for the Vance to surrender even if she crossed the border. 'This is becoming complicated.' Aster mentally bemoaned to himself knowing that there was a bigger game in play here.
However, his thoughts were soon cut short as Aster noted something in the distance. Looking closely, he noted there was a blue glow afar that was normally associated with magic casting. Specifically, it the magic casting associated with attack spells from White Knight Chronicles 2. Oh shit.
"Get down!" Aster called out and thus he charged and Leina and Risty before knocking them both down. Just in the nick of time because when they ducked the spell fired and blasted the room with a powerful bolt of explosive fire. Panic soon followed as smoke filled the area covering their view. As the smoke began to clear Aster was over Leina and Risty using his own body as a shield from the debris on his back. Growling a bit Aster began to force himself up pushing off the debris on him.
"Are you ok?" Aster asked as he looked down on the two girls he saved.
"Yeah... what was that." Leina asked as she was confused at the sudden blast just then. Suddenly Risty then moaned a bit which caught the pair off guard seeing at it sounded like a pleasurable moan. Confused for a moment Aster noted something soft in his hand and upon investigating he realized his hand was on Risty's bear chest.
Going wide eyed at this Aster acted fast and got off of the pair. "Well, your certainly tougher then I give you credit for, White Knight." Came a new voice as the cloaked figure approached the scene. Aster got up and was ready for battle as he had his shield, Avalon equipped. "Faster too if your reaction was of any note." She said as her cloak billowed in the wind a bit.
"So, you were the one who did that." Risty said as she glared seeing her mace was nearby if she acted fast enough.
"Thank you Risty the obvious naked bandit." The figure responded as she reminded Risty of her current lack of dress. Risty of course growled but unconsciously covered her breasts with her left arm while glaring at the foe.
"What do you want with us?!" Leina demanded as she glared over at their unknown attacker.
"It not you I'm here for Ms. Vance." The woman said before pointing towards Aster. "It's him I'm here for." The warrior said which got Aster on edge.
"What do you want with me?" Aster asked pushing Leina behind him while reaching for his sword. At the same time Risty was quietly moving towards her mace.
"Your Knight of course." The woman said making it clear that was the only reason she came this way.
Aster in response drew his sword, Excalibur and held it at the ready against this foe. "If it's my Knight you want." Aster began while taking a battle stance. "Then you're going to have to take it by force." He finished as the foe was also ready to fight.
"That's the plan." She said ready to fight. Just then Risty was heard roaring as she appeared behind the figure with her mace at the read. The woman saw her and smirked before she body leaving only the cloak behind much to Risty's shock.
"What?" Risty asked shocked at what she saw.
"Nice try." The woman said revealing herself to be Katarina before Risty found herself slammed via a roundhouse kick from the woman.
"Risty!" Leina cried out in shock as Risty hit the wall. Thankfully, the cloak went with Risty as it covered her nude form for the time being.
"Now then let's rumble." Katarina said and thus she charged at Astre drawing her Katana. Aster put his shield up and blocked the attack from the attacker. Aster recognized the sword and armor this woman was using and it did not take long for him to put two and two together.
"Wait that sword and that armor." Aster began as he knew he had seen this gear in White Knight Chronicles 2. "Your also..." Aster trailed off before the woman smirked and pulled back and attacked again. The two clashed blades steel meeting steel in loud clangs of metal. While Aster had a defensive advantage Katarina on the other hand had the advantage in brute power and speed. This clash of blades went on for a bit as Leina and Risty were made to watch from the side lines.
Aster was then knocked back as Katarina managed to get a few well-placed blows in. This made Leina worried as she saw Aster get hit by the sudden attack. "Aster!" Leina cried out for Aster, but Aster held his ground.
"Leina stay out of this!" Aster warned knowing Leina was not ready to fight Katarina. This went on for a bit as fires burned around them and people kept panicking to escape the chaos that took place. Leina watched it all and clenched her fist seeing that she was forced to watch while Aster risked himself.
Refusing to be the maiden in distress Leina chose to act and drew her sword for battle. Aster and Katarina meanwhile were still duking it out until they clashed blades and were struggling to overpower the other. Steel grinded against steel as both warriors struggled to get the edge over the other.
They struggled continued until Leina was heard roaring out. She jumped in and sliced down on the fight forcing them to part. Aster was upset Leina intervened but opted against kissing a gift horse in the mouth. Not needing word's, the pair got back to their assault on Katarina forcing her to go on the defensive against them. When Aster finished his run forcing Katarina back Leina attacks forcing Katarina on the backstep. When Katarina escapes Leina Aster was attacking once more as the woman showed her still with the Long Sword even its Katana variant.
The three then clashed blades again and ended up locked together. Katarina growled before she forced the two foes back with a show of force from her sword play. Katarina growled to this as she saw that her fellow Isekai was gaining ground against her. "Alright let's end the evening's entertainment." Katarina said having enough of her foes as she sheathed her sword.
"What?" Leina asked confused but Aster was the one to figure her out.
Just then a familiar sheathed weapon appeared in front of Katarina leaving the group in shock over what was coming. "O Dinivas, Deliverer of Dark and Dread. Ruler of the Ancient Shadows. Grant me you Power." Katarina said as the Knights Ark formed ready for its pactmakers use. She then took the sheath with a spin until it landed in her right hand with energy charging up for what came next. "VERTO!" Katarina finished and in turn the sheath opened with the cry of a phoenix at it resonated the crest of the Knights. When she drew the blade out it vanished and formed into the summoning circle bellow her feet.
Rising up behind her the Black Knight rose to answer its pactmakers call. Katarina floated before it as the Knight had its wings spread out. Mirroring Katarina's movement the Knight hugged into itself with the wings crossing over to finish the merge of the pair. With the task done the Knights topaz eyes flashed to life and it drew forth its rapier for battle.
"No way." Risty gasped as she didn't realize it was possible.
"She has a Knight too?!" Leina asked as Aster knew this was his fight now.
"Leina you and Risty get to cover!" Aster called to the pair. "This is my fight now." He added and thus summoned his own Knights Ark. Following his orders Leina ran over to Risty and together they ran for cover from the coming battle.
"Kick her ass!" Risty called as she made sure to grab her belongings from the wreckage as they escaped.
"Right." Aster said as he sheathed his sword and summoned his own Knights Ark. "O Wizel, White Warrior Wielder of the Ancient Sword. Grant me your Power." Aster said before he inserted the dagger into the gauntlets slot and held it up. "VERTO!" Aster invoked and thus he summoned the White Knight.
Soon enough the White Knight rose to challenge the Black Knight as both Knights were ready to fight. Soon the Knights charged at each other before they clashed their swords in a powerful burst. Sword met sword as the two fighters did battle against each other. Unfortunately, due to where they were fighting many houses and buildings were being caught in the crossfire.
The two Knights spun around each other and clashed blades again before Katarina used her Knights wings to force the White Knight back and to get some space between them. Aster glared but then had to raise his shield to block a sudden attack from Katarina who had charged with her wings. She then moved back and zoomed in on Aster once more who moved out of the way to avoid the attack.
But Katarina spun and kicked the White Knight into a building causing more destruction in the ensuing conflict. She then flew around with a vile laugh as it was clear she was taking full advantage of her air superiority. Aster for his part growled as he tried to find an opening to exploit in this fight. He noted that she was good really good in fact. Aster had a theory about their bodies before coming here, their characters are at the peak of their stars and levels so for all intents and purposes they should be evenly matched with only differences being strategy.
But since the original White Knight Chronicles never had PVP it was all just theory. Anyway, if two characters at the peak of their stats for their chosen path were to clash it was all strategy. But if the players became their avatar characters, then any differences between them would be based solely on the players previous life. Aster was starting to suspect his opponent had serious combat training possibly ex-military based on his own suspicions. If that is the case Aster was in deep trouble in this fight.
Katarina charged in and Aster blocked with his should before parrying another air attack with his sword. Aster stumbled back but then held his ground for another strike. Blocking with his sword Aster proceeded to bash Katarina with his shield knocking her off course enough for him to slam her into the ground with a high kick. Acting fast Katarina rolled to her back to block a sword strike before spinning and knocking the White Knight off of its feet causing Aster to yelp in shock. His Knight hit the ground allowing for Katarina with her Knight to attack.
Aster rolled out of the way and quickly got back to his feet to block another attack from the Black Knight. The two clashed and during the struggle Aster was struck with a new idea. Acting fast Aster pushed his foe back and followed it up with a kick knocking the Black Knight back. Just as Katarina was about to take flight Aster charged and slammed his Knights body into the Black Knight. Both Knights rolled across the ground before parting nearby in the town square. The area had long since been cleared but the battle between these titans still raged.
Aster was not done so with his White Knight he charged in and attacked. Swinging his sword, Aster went for fast and powerful blows as the Black Knight was forced onto the defensive. Soon enough Aster followed a strike from his sword with another shield bash that knocked the Black Knight back before he combo it with a slice to the midsection. Once he got through Katarina moved out of the way and then held her Knights side feeling the phantom pain of the attack.
"Impressive." Katarina said giving Aster an honest compliment. "If I didn't know better, I would have thought you were ex-military." Katarina said as she then got ready to fight.
"If you want to keep going be my guest." Aster said pointing his sword at the Black Knight through his White Knight.
"I..." Katarina began but then stopped as she looked to the side. "Wait now?" She asked suddenly as if shocked about something. "Dammit seems I'll have to save myself for the Moon Maiden." Katarina said as she knew she had to leave for now. She then used her wings to jump back away from the White Knight. Once she was far enough, she took flight and made her escape.
"Wait!" Aster called out but it was too late to stop her. "Dammit." Aster cursed seeing that Katarina had got away, for now. But by the looks of the chaos, it seems that he would best make himself scarce as well. First, he had to find Risty and Leina and then make their escape for the time being.
(Scene Break at the Church)
The trio were gathered after securing their belongings they were hiding out at the towns church. Risty was once more dressed and was scowling over what had happened. "So, mind explaining to me what that was about?" Risty asked as she looked to Aster.
"Yeah, I thought you were the only one who had one." Leina said as she needed an explanation as to why there was another Knight.
"I never said I was the only one who had a Knight." Aster began with a calm tone in his voice. "In fact, you never even asked if there were others." Aster added while leaning against the wall.
"Ok then talk what is going on?" Risty asked glaring at Aster wanting the truth from him.
"Alright." Aster began feeling they deserve the truth. "There are a total of five knights in all." Aster said giving them a run down. "The Knights were tools of war utilized by an empire that sought to rule the world." He continued giving Risty and Leina the explanation. "When this empire fell the Knights were hidden away in locations lost to the pages of history." Aster went on before Leina cut in.
"And your knight and Katarina's Knight are two of those knights." Leina said realizing where this was going.
"Well, this certainly complicates things." Risty said as she saw how this could go south for them if they were not careful.
"Not by much." Aster said as he then stood up. "The change remains the same just with some changes." Aster began and in turn he looked over to Risty. "Risty, I have a request if you'll hear me out." Aster said which got Risty's attention.
"Ok shoot." Risty said curious as to what favor Aster was asking of her.
"I need you to head back to my hometown and keep an eye on things in case Katarina comes looking for trouble there." Aster said taking out his stone and pointing to the transport stone that Marianne had set up.
"Wait what?" Risty asked shocked by this as was Leina.
"Look just hear me out." Aster began knowing that he needed to explain himself. "I'd send Leina but that would put a huge target on her back, I'd go but that would leave Leina by herself and right now I need someone with muscle to look out for my people and you're my only choice." Aster said making it clear on what to do. "Look I get you don't owe me anything but." Aster began only for Risty cut him off.
"Don't owe you anything?!" Risty demanded upset by this. "Look if I have to repeat myself fine, I owe you big for what you've done for me and those kids." Risty said making it clear that Aster said the wrong thing. "If you need someone to help the Alicia to look after things and you're asking me to do it, then all you had to do was ask." Risty said which got Aster to go quiet. "Besides if we leave her alone, she'll be ripe for the pickings." Risty added pointing her thumb over to Leina.
"Hey." Leina said not liking the accusation.
"Besides those kids live there now, it helps me out also." Risty added and thus Aster nodded to this. "Anyway, I know a few places we can hang out for the night, once morning hits we better grab what we can and bolt." Risty said knowing the battle would not stay silent for long.
"Right." Aster responded with a nod ready to go to sleep as well. They followed Risty to a place they can hide for the night while the panic of the city continues. However unaware to the trio Echidna was hiding away and she heard everything that was said particularly the part about the Five Knights.
(Scene Break the next morning)
Leina and Aster were both carrying packs filled with supplies as Leina had a cloak over her shoulders. Risty had departed thanks to Aster back to his village and was no doubt already there. Aster had already placed a few plans for expansion in place, so he didn't have anything to worry about going forward. There was still a lot of work to be done and a long road ahead to make it to the Queen's Capital or wherever it was Leina planned to travel to. It was a long road ahead but the thing about such a grand adventure is such the journey not the end.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, another chapter is finished we hope that you all enjoyed it and will join us for Chapter 5. So, until Chapter 5 is published be sure to leave a review behind for us. Not to bid everyone, ja-ne.