Lemmings on the Run (part 2: not serious)

Parrhesia · September 28, 2010

"Hey Ban-Ban. . .is that guy over there a part of Marth's group?" she asked, pointing towards a man with a bow. His bow was trained on--

"Tiki, look out!" He couldn't get to the enemy in time, but he could save her! A look of confusion crossed Tiki's face, as she found a Firestone in her hands.

"Tiki. . .be safe. . ." The dragon girl's eyes widened in shock as her guardian collapsed, an arrow in his back. The stone in her hands pulsed gently. The one in front of her aimed his bow at his intended target. An arrow flew from another direction, but the girl with the stone didn't notice. The sniper looked back at his original target, just in time to see the tiny girl replaced by a very large, angry dragon.

He didn't have time to scream before a gout of flame claimed his life.

That bowman was so manly for the duration of his brief existance.

His name was Dannen, Dannen Coppersmith. He was twenty-three, and had spent most of his adult life in the army after being conscripted at the tender age of fifteen. He had often used his bow to hunt small game in his hometown, the small town of Ostrarch, but it was only in the army that his keen eye and steady hands led to him being one of the fastest-blossoming bowmen in the army. Quickly he found himself promoted to more impressive duties, before finally being promoted to full Sniper...he was now free to take on his own targets.

The men under him were frightened at the rumours of men that could become dragons at will. This did not concern Dannen. To him, if these 'manaketes' even existed, they would be just another challenge. His life was a series of challenges. The greatest challenge of all was to obey orders unthinkingly...

When he saw one of the dragon-cultists, immediately he went after him. He cared not which of the 'manaketes' were on his side, he wanted the elder for himself. He looked weak, and fell to a single shot. Where was the challenge in this? Had his glorious army been reduced to killing old men?

No. He couldn't allow himself to think about these things. He couldn't humanise the opponent. He couldn't...

Dannen Coppersmith saw a manakete in action for the first time that day. And it would be the last thing he would ever see before being enveloped in flames.

R.I.P, that generic dude.

CT075 · September 28, 2010

^lol

This is actually kind of depressing. But keep doing it all the same.

Rewjeo · September 29, 2010

Y'know, it's almost to the point that you WANT Palla to die. Hey, at least she doesn't have any more sisters, right?

eclipse · September 29, 2010

That bowman was so manly for the duration of his brief existance.

His name was Dannen, Dannen Coppersmith. He was twenty-three, and had spent most of his adult life in the army after being conscripted at the tender age of fifteen. He had often used his bow to hunt small game in his hometown, the small town of Ostrarch, but it was only in the army that his keen eye and steady hands led to him being one of the fastest-blossoming bowmen in the army. Quickly he found himself promoted to more impressive duties, before finally being promoted to full Sniper...he was now free to take on his own targets.

The men under him were frightened at the rumours of men that could become dragons at will. This did not concern Dannen. To him, if these 'manaketes' even existed, they would be just another challenge. His life was a series of challenges. The greatest challenge of all was to obey orders unthinkingly...

When he saw one of the dragon-cultists, immediately he went after him. He cared not which of the 'manaketes' were on his side, he wanted the elder for himself. He looked weak, and fell to a single shot. Where was the challenge in this? Had his glorious army been reduced to killing old men?

No. He couldn't allow himself to think about these things. He couldn't humanise the opponent. He couldn't...

Dannen Coppersmith saw a manakete in action for the first time that day. And it would be the last thing he would ever see before being enveloped in flames.

R.I.P, that generic dude.

. . .ah, thanks. Everyone, a moment of silence. . .

. . .okay, there. Thanks for the eulogy!

This is actually kind of depressing. But keep doing it all the same

Er, thanks. The moon won't stay in front of the sun forever.

Y'know, it's almost to the point that you WANT Palla to die. Hey, at least she doesn't have any more sisters, right?

Feeling bad for her? Then I've done my job.

This time, she'll get her moment in the sun.

Chapter 20

The Fane was long behind the army. Marth had given orders to march to Grust. Everyone's physical wounds had healed, but. . .

"Hey, what's up?" Julian asked Palla, as lightly as he could. He'd noticed that her aim had been off since their battle with the Sable Order, and that she'd become unusually silent after the events in the Fane. He hadn't told anyone what had happened after she had run off.

"Nothing," came the mumbled reply. The thief sighed. He hated doing things the hard way!

"Well, I picked up this really nice bow--"

"I don't want it."

"Hey, at least let me finish! You're the only one that can wield this bow."

"Leave me alone." Julian thought back to another sulky teenager he'd seen some time back. Sedgar had mentioned that he'd reached Tomas by getting him angry. Julian hoped that Palla could be reached the same way.

"Is this about the battle with the Sable Order?"

"Go away!" Bingo.

"Still hung up about the death of your sister?"

"You. . .how. . ."

"I followed you after you ran off. After you'd cried yourself to sleep, I buried her, then carried you back to base." Julian saw tears forming in the girl's eyes. He didn't like making girls cry! A tug on his shirt brought him back to reality. He silently cursed his inattentiveness, then looked down.

"Why is Palla crying?" Tiki asked, concern in her innocent eyes. It was hard to believe that this child was powerful enough to defeat Medeus! Julian knelt so that he was eye level with her.

"Palla had a sister, and now she's gone," he explained softly. A look of puzzlement crossed the dragon girl's face. Suddenly, she gave him a big grin.

"Thanks, mister!" she called, as she ran towards Palla.

"No, wait--"

"Hey Palla, can I be your sister?"

"What?"

"Julian said your sister isn't here any more. I never had a sister, so can I be your sister? Huh? Why are you crying harder? Please don't cry!" The archer knelt down and hugged the confused manakete.

"Tiki, I. . .thank you. . ."

"Uh, no problem?" Palla rose and faced Julian.

"I believe you said you had a bow for me?"

"Oh, right. Here it is. It's a Longbow, which means you can use it on mages, and they won't be able to hit you."

"Thanks, Julian. And. . .I'm sorry."

"No problem! If you ever want to talk, you know where to find me. . .or anyone else."

"I wanna see what that bow does!"

"All right, all right! No need to pull me. . .sister."

---

"Sedgar, I need to ask you a favor."

"What is it?" The one being addressed sheathed his sword. The blade no longer felt awkward in his hands.

"I'm looking for a particular axe," came the grim reply. The kid in front of him hadn't looked this serious since Sedgar had walked out to find him back in Archanea.

"Which one, and why?"

"We're marching into Grust, and. . ." One of Sedgar's eyebrows went up, as Tomas explained his plan. At best, it was foolish. At worst, it was suicidal. However, if that kid didn't get an answer he liked here, Sedgar feared he'd do something even more foolish.

"Tomas, you'll need to promise me one thing before I answer that question."

"Oh?"

"You have to promise that you won't end up dead out there."

"But--"

"What you're proposing to do is crazy, on a really good day. You're more than likely going to end up dead if you go through with it. What will happen to that girl you've been training?"

"What about her?"

"Don't you remember how dazed she was when she first joined? Marth told me it was because her sister had died in front of her. That same dazed look is back on her face."

"And?" Sedgar mentally took back anything he said about the kid in front of him having intelligence.

"You're the closest person to her in this army. If you were to die, she'll probably snap, like you did when you saw your friends killed in front of you." To his credit, the kid looked guilty.

"When I think of what would happen if someone else in this army died, I. . .I--"

"We're in this together. You'll have to trust us not to die, just as we trust you not to do stupid things with your own life."

"All right, no need to lecture me!"

"So, did you want me to answer your question?" The kid bit his lip. He was thinking about the implications of his decision. Good.

"Yeah. This is for those who gave their lives for me. . .and for Princess Nyna's good."

"Very well. What you're looking for is called a poleaxe. . ."

---

"Palla, what are you doing?" Palla turned in shock, as the healer of the army regarded her.

"I got this bow a couple days back, but I'm having a hard time using it."

"Here, try this." Gordin repositioned her hands.

"Umm. . .wow, that's much easier! I didn't know you could use a bow!"

"That's what I used to do before Marth put me in these robes," he replied, a smile on his face.

"Would you mind if I asked you for help every now and then?"

"Sure, but why not ask Tomas?"

"He seems different. . .like there's something that's bugging him. I don't want to interfere."

"I didn't know you cared for him! You're so sweet!"

"It's--it's not like that! Hey, come back here!" The healer ran as fast as he could from the girl with the bow. It was hazardous to be around such a dangerous creature!

"Tomas. . .*huff*. . .how do you handle her?! EEK!"

Sold off a ton of extras, as well as all Bullions for forge no. 2: Railgun (+10 MT +35 HIT Longbow). I'll need this for Endgame. I've still got ~15000 worth of funds, which isn't enough. However, arena abuse is out of the question.

This chapter's title is now Palla's Critical Party.

Palla hit a critical on a General near the Arrowspate. One of the Silver Sword Paladins ate a critical. She hit another critical on the Arrowspate. The general near Lorenz went down to a critical. So did Pachyderm. Thank goodness she didn't critical Camus, or I would've reset.

Tiki gained some levels from the Paladins near the bridge and a couple of armors. Abel went ballista hunting, and the thief died to Gordin, of all people. The Pachyderm couldn't hit Draug to save its life (29% displayed hit after everything was factored in). All I could buy was a lone Hand Axe. I think I have enough gear for the rest of the game.

Oh, and Camus went down to the tag team of Sedgar + Lightsphere and Marth. I had originally wanted Tomas to kill him, but he had all of 66% displayed hit with the Poleaxe, and Sedgar had gotten a perfect level. Y'know what. . .screw it, I'll ignore that little detail and write my story the way I intended it to work out.

"I guess we should be thankful that Grust kept their best at the capital. These guys are tough!" Abel guided his horse to the right, and narrowly escaped a sword swipe from his opponent. His opponent disappeared. Where did he go?

"That's another one!" Palla exclaimed. Abel smiled at the sniper. She waved and smiled back. He wasn't sure what had made her go from inaccurate to very accurate, but he didn't care. She was one more person helping the army!

Another enemy charged. The Altean readied his lance. Let's see Grust's best get past his Ridersbane!

---

"I hate fighting paladins," Gordin whined. Draug inwardly agreed, but didn't like it when his study partner whined. It made him seem younger than he really was.

"I'll help!" a cheerful voice called from behind. Tiki ran in front of them.

"Is it okay for her to be doing that?" Gordin whispered to Draug.

"Marth has allowed her to fight, so I don't see why not. She looks like she--EEEP!"

Gone was the bubbly girl the Alteans had grown accustomed to. A shining white dragon stood in her place. The unfortunate paladin was slain by her breath. Just as suddenly, the dragon vanished, and the girl turned around and waved at them.

"Draug. . .remind me not to make her angry. . ."

---

"That lance--" Sedgar looked at the soldier Marth pointed at. The lance he held was very different, indeed. Could it be. . .

"Gradivus. . .that means we're facing Camus himself." The subject of the conversation turned in their direction.

"That's him," Tomas said flatly. He wore an uncharacteristic scowl.

"Are you Marth?" the enemy called out. Marth nodded.

"Tell me, is Nyna safe?" The dracoknight's scowl deepened. Since when was that soldier on familiar terms with the princess?

"Yes, she is," Marth called back.

"Then I have no regrets. Prepare yourselves." Sedgar had just enough time to throw himself out of the way before the legendary lance streaked by the place he'd been a moment earlier. This guy was good!

"What the--ack!" The prince was forced to pull the same desperate maneuver Sedgar had done earlier.

"I can't get close enough," Tomas called from above. The oldest of the group sighed. He'd need to talk to the dracoknight about divulging battle strategy to the enemy in the middle of battle.

"And you never will," the enemy said calmly, as he aimed his lance skyward. The aerial unit rattled off a string of curses that Sedgar had not expected him to know, while attempting to gain altitude. Gradivus missed the dragon by a hair's breadth. The man the three of them was facing was extremely fast, and very well aware of the battle. However, he couldn't focus on all of them at once!

"Hey, babyface, your opponent is me," Sedgar yelled, as he threw his axe. The paladin dodged, as expected. Marth lunged forward, which caused Camus to back up. That meant--

"FOR ARCHANEA!" That kid would be in for another lecture after the battle.

The greatest warrior Grust had in its arsenal sat perfectly still on his horse. The poleaxe Sedgar had given Tomas had laid the enemy knight's back open. Camus slumped forward, before falling limply to the ground. Marth picked the legendary lance off the ground.

"Gradivus. . .you'll see battle again soon enough. . ."

Up in the sky, the dracoknight remembered to breathe. He'd manage to keep his promise to Sedgar, and had avenged the friends who had given their lives for him.

"The one who imprisoned us is gone. Boah, Dolph, Macellan, Midia. . .we're free. . ."

CT075 · September 29, 2010

I liked the parts with Gordin. And not just because it's Gordin.

And if Camus is dead, what about Sirius?

Balcerzak · September 29, 2010

I liked the parts with Gordin. And not just because it's Gordin.

And if Camus is dead, what about Sirius?

[spoiler=various Camus]Camus is 'killed', gets washed ashore into Gaiden's continent. Does stuff, comes back as Sirius. Keikaku Doori.

Silent_Assasin · September 29, 2010

Very good story, I've been thinking about doing some thing like this. ( blue hair) do you think I should?

eclipse · September 30, 2010

Very good story, I've been thinking about doing some thing like this. ( blue hair) do you think I should?

You've got Marth, Frey (probably), Caeda, Barst, Castor, Rickard, Midia, Horace, Catria, Samson, and Elice (I think I got them all).

How well do you think you know these characters? Do you think you can make it (somewhat) believable, given whatever information SD, NM, BS, and the developer's notes gave us? Do you want to depress the ever-living daylights out of yourself?

If you think you know them well, then feel free to do something serious. If you aren't looking forward to randomly depressing yourself, maybe something not quite as dark as what I'm doing.

If your insanity is on par with mine, do a parody.

Or, you can focus more on the events of the war, rather than the people behind them.

Whatever you decide, make sure you're comfortable with it. Don't make it so that you dread writing the next chapter. Above all, have fun, and be creative!

I liked the parts with Gordin. And not just because it's Gordin.

I'm not done with him yet! I'll see if I can have him do stuff that doesn't involve Draug (since the latter really needs more characterization).

Chapter 20x

"It's hot in here!" Tiki complained loudly. Several others agreed with her, albeit silently.

"Some Grustians are in here. Imagine how much they're sweating!" Merric shot back. Tiki giggled.

"You're funny, Merry!"

"Ah, what?"

"Do you not like being called Merry?"

"I--I wasn't expecting it. I'm sorry."

"But you're always so merry! Merry, merry!" The dragon girl skipped off, humming to herself.

"I wish you were right, Tiki. . .but I don't feel so merry. . ."

---

Marth looked at the caves he'd led his army into, and sighed. The air was heavy with volcanic fumes, and lava gave the otherwise dark caverns an unnatural glow. He couldn't ignore the cowardly actions of Grust, so he'd led his army down here, to save the villagers. Sweat beaded on his brow. If he was this uncomfortable, how were his troops faring?

"You look worried," a nearby voice stated. Despite his weapons, Sedgar had somehow walked up to Marth unnoticed.

"This battle doesn't look like it will be easy," the prince stated, a little bit of nervousness in his voice.

"I think this will be one of our easier battles," came the calm reply. Marth faced the other man in shock. What kind of attitude was that?

"Grust is famed for its armored units. They will be affected by this heat more than our troops, who are wearing heavy robes, at worst. Our mages are quite adept with fire-elemental spells, which will be all the more intense in these caves. Tomas can fly over the lava to scout, while staying out of range of the enemy. The enemy does not have that luxury. I'd say we have a definite advantage in here."

"I see. Thank you, Sedgar. I like hearing things from another point of view. It helps me to make better decisions."

"No problem, sir." This time, Sedgar meant it.

I guess this counts as efficient, if efficiency is defined by a unit with garbage for move killing 95% of the enemies on this chapter.

Tiki went from level 5 to 13. I'll need her to hit about 20, or I'm gonna have to waste a lot of stat boosters on her.

Ymir killed himself (really), which was not supposed to happen. I'll pretend that he didn't.

True to Sedgar's words, the enemy was slowed horribly by the heat. Draug had mixed feelings about his newfound success with his fire spells. He was happy that he was a more effective soldier, but he kept having to fight the heavily armored units. They had no chance of dodging, and they fell, one by one, smoke pouring from cracks in their armor. Just like that reflection of his in Port Warren. . .

. . .but he was gone, and the enemies in front of him were alive, and clamoring to kill him. When would this end?

---

The heat was a bigger threat than the enemies in the cavern. Sedgar stopped to take another sip out of his canteen. Part of him kicked himself for not bringing an extra one. Motion out of the corner of his eye brought him out of his self-criticism. The dragon they'd picked up in the Fane slowly walked towards a large warrior. Her gait was unsteady, and her shoulders looked like they were shaking.

(This girl does not belong on the battlefield. Marth, what were you thinking?!)

The warrior hefted his axe. The dragon girl flinched, and transformed. Her attack hit the warrior, who countered with a cruel downwards stroke. The magic of the stone gave out, as the monstrous dragon was replaced by a girl, crying her eyes out.

"Ah, why'd you hafta do that for? Oh, please stop cryin'! I don't like makin' girls cry!"

"It hurts!" To the plainsman's disbelief, the warrior put his axe down and dropped to one knee.

"I'm real sorry for hurtin' ya, miss, but I've got somethin' to protect."

"My tummy. . ."

"You mind telling me what you have to protect?" Sedgar asked evenly. The two looked up at him.

"The villager's 're down there, an' I don't want them getting hurt!"

"I'm not interested in the villagers."

"Why should I believe you?" Sedgar ignored the enemy in front of him, and knelt next to Tiki.

"Hey there, how are you doing?"

"My tummy's sore!"

"I'll get you to a healer, so your tummy won't hurt any more."

"R--really?"

"Yeah. Just gimme a bit. . .and up you go!" The warrior regarded Sedgar with bewilderment.

"I don't want this girl to cry, either. I'll let the others know that you're here, so no one else will attack you."

"You'd better keep your word!"

"Do you care about those chests over there?" Sedgar asked, motioning to a pair of chests not far from the warrior.

"Take 'em. I don't care."

"You'll see someone come to retrieve the contents of the chests, but he'll leave you alone. That is how I'll prove I'm telling the truth."

"Very well, but if you're lyin', I'll kill whoever tries to get past me!"

"Fair enough. Tiki, let's go."

"Thank you, Mr. Hero!"

"Now I've got a nickname. . ."

"Did you say something, Mr. Hero?"

"Nothing, nothing."

---

Julian carefully skirted around the warrior with the axe. He matched Sedgar's description, and the thief wasn't about to try his luck against such a fighter! In moments, he'd pried the chests open, and taken their contents. The warrior's gaze never left him. The thief curtly waved, then ran off towards safety. Once the redhead was out of sight, the warrior relaxed.

"That man was tellin' the truth. The fightin' sounds like it's over. Time to return home. Everyone, let's go!"

Parrhesia · September 30, 2010

You've got Marth, Frey (probably), Caeda, Barst, Castor, Rickard, Midia, Horace, Catria, Samson, and Elice (I think I got them all).

Yeah, blue would be ... pretty easy.

A good read, as always. Good to see Tomas is as ... subtle as ever.

CT075 · September 30, 2010

Tiki went from "three lines in the whole game" to "extremely amusing". Good work.

Silent_Assasin · September 30, 2010

Yeah, blue would be ... pretty easy.

A good read, as always. Good to see Tomas is as ... subtle as ever.

Yeah it would be pretty easy, but I think I could get a pretty good story out of it.

Ok I'll do it but serious or funny?

eclipse · October 1, 2010

A good read, as always. Good to see Tomas is as ... subtle as ever.

"The author thought I took too much screen time, so I was off doing other stuff. I think you confused me with Sedgar."

Tiki went from "three lines in the whole game" to "extremely amusing". Good work.

Thanks! She's supposed to be the proverbial breath of fresh air.

Yeah it would be pretty easy, but I think I could get a pretty good story out of it.
Ok I'll do it but serious or funny?

I answered this in your topic.

Chapter 21

"Home. . ." Palla hadn't been away from Macedon for that long, but it felt like a lifetime ago. Back then, she'd had Catria and Est, and. . .

"Palla, are you okay?" Gordin had appeared next to her, and she didn't even notice!

"I am. Thanks for asking," she said, voice shaking.

"Well, if you insist. If you want to talk, I'll listen. I promise I won't laugh!" he replied, cheerily.

"You're very kind, Gordin." Why was the world becoming blurry?

"Oh, I made you cry! I'm so sorry! Ah, why can't I be good with people like Sedgar or Julian?"

"It's not you! It's. . .you remind me of someone. . .Est. . ."

"Isn't that one of your sisters?"

"She is--was," Palla corrected herself. Est was gone, and it was her fault!

"But I'm supposed to be the older brother!"

"You, an older brother?" The thought of Gordin being an older anything lifted the sniper's gloom, if only for a moment.

"Why yes I am! It is my sworn duty to tease my younger brother, and teach him to fear me!" The bishop's chest puffed out ever so slightly. Palla couldn't help but giggle.

"Ah, I see a smile! You look so much better when you smile."

"Ooh, you. . ."

"No matter how much I tease my brother, and no matter how often he tattles on me, we're still family. We'll support each other through thick and thin. Even if your sisters aren't right next to you, I think they'd feel the same way. Be strong for them! Show them the true power of the older sister!" Gordin smiled inwardly when he saw the sniper laugh.

"I. . .I will. Thank you."

"Just. . .don't tell him I'm dressed up like this. He thinks I'm an archer, and I'd like him to continue thinking that."

"I'll make sure to announce your new role as healer once I get to Altea."

"HEY!"

Oh no, oh no, OH NO! The Green Skittle nearly died to a group of angry Dracoknights. My generics bought enough time for him to get to safety, but that was scary! He's also got 7 RES. . .

Tiki's crazy experience gain has nearly ground to a halt. Fortunately, she's got enough stats in the vital areas where I won't have to do a massive stat booster dump on her.

Everyone else mopped up after Tiki. Due to the reinforcements, I couldn't finish until turn 13.

"My, what a view," the army's dracoknight commented. The battlefield was nestled between two mountain ranges. Forests separated the mountains from the plains. Fluffy white clounds floated across the sky, marred by several black dots. Macedon's famed dracoknights had taken the field. Some wielded throwing weapons. Others were armed with very keen lances. One in particular caught his eye. That one was armed with--

"Hey, little girl! Dragonpike coming your way," Tomas shouted down to his comrades.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?!" Palla yelled back, infuriated.

"I was talking to your shadow, not you," he retorted.

"You two fight like lovers!" Tiki stated, giggling.

"We do not!" the sniper insisted. She was grateful that her back was to Tiki, or the dragon girl would see her face go red.

"Why would I be interested in such a scary girl?" came the reply from above.

"You say that like you WANT me to pound you after this battle's over!"

"Why not aim your scary temper at that enemy with the Dragonpike? I'm sure Tiki would be really happy."

"Yeah, yeah, I wanna see you shoot!"

"All right, all right. . .here's how it's done!" Palla's shot arced impressively. The unfortunate dracoknight plummeted from the sky.

"Wow, it went down in one shot! You're good, sister!"

"Tee-hee! Thank you, Tiki!"

"I think I'm gonna be sick. WATCH WHERE YOU TRANSFORM! That almost hit me!"

"Then stop being mean to sister, Tomas!"

"Of all the people in the army, I'm the one that escapes getting a nickname. Take that, Sedgar," the dracoknight mumbled under his breath.

"Sister, you're right. He's weird."

"Indeed, Tiki. Let's help Marth some more!"

"YAAAY!"

Tomas watched the two run off towards the next set of enemies. He rolled his eyes.

"Those two. . .are trouble. Why couldn't Marth recruit normal girls?"

---

Julian could handle one or two flying enemies. Trying to keep alive against several of them was another story. His face and arms were nicked in several places. One of those nicks insisted on dripping into his eyes. He hoped he could do something about them, before the nicks he'd suffered turned into something far more serious. The next enemy leveled his lance. . .a Ridersbane?! Despite not being mounted, that lance could hurt the thief badly. The enemy's flight wasn't quite steady. Julian wasn't sure which way the attack would come from. Left? Right? Above? He'd have to guess, and hope he was correct. It looked like the dracoknight was aiming left, so dodge right--what was that sound?

The Ridersbane that had been meant for Julian's head had been stopped by someone on a horse. The lance passed at a horrifying angle through Abel. Julian swallowed hard. That's not the kind of wound one walked away from!

"You're. . .okay. . ." the wounded paladin gasped out.

"You. . .IDIOT! Do you want to die?!" A ball of fire enveloped the dracoknight, who had been preparing for another attack.

"I'm sorry, but I'll need to agree with Julian's assessment of the situation. Please, hold still."

"Argh. . .thanks, Draug. I think you got the worst of it," the patient gasped out.

"Julian, your turn." The staff's light closed several cuts on the thief, including the one that had been dripping blood in his eyes.

"Thanks."

"No problem. I don't want to do this again to either of you. Stay safe," Draug replied evenly, before going off in search of others that needed healing.

"Abel. . .after this battle. . .I think we need to talk." The paladin winced.

"Ugh, fine. That means you need to be more careful."

"Same to you." The two men parted ways, each to his own battle. Though they were on opposite sides of the battlefield, they shared the same thought.

"You. . .are not allowed to die in this battle."

Parrhesia · October 1, 2010

"The author thought I took too much screen time, so I was off doing other stuff. I think you confused me with Sedgar."

I read 20 and 20x at the same time, and referred to SUPER FUN HAPPY DAGRON MANEUOVRE

...I HATE TRYING TO SPELL MANEUOVRE.

CT075 · October 1, 2010

What does everyone have with the phrase "you are not allowed to die" and it's many equivalents? I know it displays a sense of friendship and faith, but it's a little cliche.

Still, a good read.

eclipse · October 2, 2010

I read 20 and 20x at the same time, and referred to SUPER FUN HAPPY DAGRON MANEUOVRE
...I HATE TRYING TO SPELL MANEUOVRE.

Ah, gotcha! Spell check is your friend.

What does everyone have with the phrase "you are not allowed to die" and it's many equivalents? I know it displays a sense of friendship and faith, but it's a little cliche.

Still, a good read.

Thanks for pointing that out! If I'm overdoing anything else, do let me know!

Chapter 22

"How's your stomach?" Julian asked Abel casually.

"I've had better days," he replied, just as casually. The Altean knight was reclined in his tent, under strict orders not to sit up more than necessary. Julian noticed that the bandages on the injured paladin's midsection were spotted with blood, and more slowly blossomed across the white linen.

"You don't take well to healer's orders, do you?"

"I didn't want to soil my sheets, and that tea I'm forced to drink goes though me very fast!"

The two shared an immature chuckle. Julian cleared his throat.

"I came here to ask you why you're so adamant about protecting me on the battlefield."

"I am?" The paladin's facial expressions told the thief that his confusion was genuine.

"Whenever things get tough, you go from a careful fighter to a crazy one. Especially if I'm the one that's in danger."

"I never noticed."

"You also seemed a little too happy whenever a pirate challenged you." The paladin's eyes went downward. Were the two related?

"Cain. . ."

"Who?"

"I think I understand why I've been acting like this. Thank you."

"That's nice, but don't leave me hanging." Abel bit his lip. Could he do this without making a fool of himself?

"Cain was a good friend of mine. Shortly after Marth began--began his journey, my friend died to--to a pirate. . ." Julian averted his eyes. He hadn't expected that kind of reaction, and the sight of seeing someone as strong as Abel tear up made him uncomfortable.

"Your voice tells me you haven't properly mourned him yet. No one's supposed to bother you, so now's the perfect time to get that out of your system. When you do, I'll come back."

"But--"

"It sounds like Cain was a really awesome friend. If you're around me because you see your friend in me, I'd like to know more about him. See you in a bit."

The long march from Talys had kept Abel very busy with things like training and staying alive during battles. Currently, he was bedridden and alone, with only the memories of his friend to keep him company. Curse it all, he was supposed to be a knight of Altea, not a child crying for a lost friend! His personal berating did nothing to stop the flow of the past.

"Cain. . .I wish you were here. Why did I have to be the one to survive? You'd probably tease me if you saw me like this, but. . ."

Had Abel been outside, he would have seen a bright red bullfinch land on his tent, preen itself while his tears flowed, then depart towards the setting sun once he'd fallen asleep.

I was afraid this would be another reset party, but fortunately, that didn't happen.

I got a bunch of ladies and class A males, which meant that meatshielding on this map was much easier than it should have been. I barely made it to the village in time, while everyone played catch-up to the Green Skittle. Once everyone caught up, the carnage wasn't pretty.

Made it inside the castle, then did some reinforcement control so I could gain a few more levels. Michalis went down to Tiki, for experience gain. Palla could've easily put him six feet under, but Tiki needs all the help she can get! After Michalis' untimely death, Marth retrieved Starlight, then the throne.

The Macedonian castle made Marth's home feel positively claustrophobic. It rose above the surrounding lands, and its architect must've had his country's dracoknights first and foremost in mind when he designed it. Despite its intimidating exterior, the interior was decorated neatly with limpid pools of water and shrubbery. The ceiling was high and arched, and skylights let in generous spots of the sun's glory. The barracks was a far cry from the blocky structures that he was used to seeing. They were functional, but they also presented themselves with the same grace as the rest of the interior.

It was a pity that this noble interior was about to be defiled by the refuse of battle.

---

Julian regarded the enemy in front of him. He rode his mount with absolute confidence. His hair and features. . .no doubt about it, this was Maria's older brother! Michalis regarded the thief much as if he were regarding dirt on his boot.

"What do you hope to do against me, weakling," the king of Macedon sneered. Julian felt his temper flare. However, he couldn't be the one to cut him down to size. The former princesses of Macedon would not approve if an unknown commoner sent their brother to see them.

"Just admiring your lovely face," he stated, as calmly as he could. He heard the other man sputter.

"I guess the rumors were true. A pretty boy with a cruel heart, willing to put untrained men into battle."

"How dare you--"

"I got to meet one of those weak soldiers. He was so pathetic it would have been a nuisance to kill him."

"My soldiers are NOT pathetic!"

"But he was. He couldn't even handle his horse properly. By the time I was done with him, I'm certain he couldn't handle anything else, either." Julian saw the king smile, in a very disturbing way.

"So you think you're a saint?"

"Hmmmmmm?"

"You thought you could save the life of one pathetic soldier by cutting his hands? My army does not have useless soldiers. I hope it warms your heart to hear that he cried from the time his commander found him to the time his worthless throat was slit."

"You--"

"Hey Julian, get a grip. I don't want to see you die, but I don't think I'd be able to save you from that freak over there." That voice came from above? What was Tomas doing here?! Michalis' dragon roared. Julian heard Marth's lone dracoknight curse under his breath.

"You dare betray me?! No. . .there is no way I'd let anyone as untrained as you near a dragon."

"You say I lack training. Can you train me?" That kid wouldn't dare betray Marth now! If he did. . .

"Why would I waste my time with someone as hopeless as you?"

"You already did. Now, Palla!" Two arrows flew true towards Michalis. Much to Julian's shock, the arrows barely left a dent on the dragon's hide.

"Hmph, is that all one of my sister's little girls can muster? She was far too compassionate, letting a weakling like you into her ranks."

"I am Palla of the Whitewings. I answer to Commander Minerva, not the likes of you! Do you have any last words?"

"I'm the one that should be saying that to you, little girl."

"STOP BEING MEAN TO SISTER!" Tiki had managed to walk up to Michalis, completely unnoticed.

Julian chanced a glance behind him, and saw Tomas and Palla wink at each other. He turned back, just in time to see the white dragon disappear. The tyrant had plummeted to the ground. His mount's last act of loyalty was to use its dead body to cushion its rider's fall. Palla and Tiki walked by the fallen king with smiles on their faces. Tomas dismounted and followed them. Julian saw Michalis move. He cautiously approached his enemy, hand on sword.

"How could I. . .lose. . .finish me. . ."

"I think not. Princess Maria would be most unhappy. I don't think I'll be able to repay my debt to her in full, but keeping my hands clean of your filth would be a start."

"Maria. . .you. . ."

"Princess Maria told me that my life was important, then proved it by sacrificing herself to save me. It looks like Marth is coming this way. I think I've chatted long enough. Good night, Your Highness."

---

"Julian, what are you doing?"

"Oh, hi, sire. Michalis had this nice bauble, so I figured I'd take it along with me."

"Is he--"

"You should've seen Tiki! I doubt anything would've survived her fury!"

"Well, don't dawdle too long. We have to make sure we've completely subdued the castle!"

"Yes sir!"

Julian watched the prince enter. He turned to Michalis, who had a new bruise on his temple.

"I hope you can forgive me, prince. . ."

eclipse · October 2, 2010

Word limit AGAIN. Looks like the last part will be here.

[spoiler=Story (Serious, 22-End)]Chapter 22

"How's your stomach?" Julian asked Abel casually.

"I've had better days," he replied, just as casually. The Altean knight was reclined in his tent, under strict orders not to sit up more than necessary. Julian noticed that the bandages on the injured paladin's midsection were spotted with blood, and more slowly blossomed across the white linen.

"You don't take well to healer's orders, do you?"

"I didn't want to soil my sheets, and that tea I'm forced to drink goes though me very fast!"

The two shared an immature chuckle. Julian cleared his throat.

"I came here to ask you why you're so adamant about protecting me on the battlefield."

"I am?" The paladin's facial expressions told the thief that his confusion was genuine.

"Whenever things get tough, you go from a careful fighter to a crazy one. Especially if I'm the one that's in danger."

"I never noticed."

"You also seemed a little too happy whenever a pirate challenged you." The paladin's eyes went downward. Were the two related?

"Cain. . ."

"Who?"

"I think I understand why I've been acting like this. Thank you."

"That's nice, but don't leave me hanging." Abel bit his lip. Could he do this without making a fool of himself?

"Cain was a good friend of mine. Shortly after Marth began--began his journey, my friend died to--to a pirate. . ." Julian averted his eyes. He hadn't expected that kind of reaction, and the sight of seeing someone as strong as Abel tear up made him uncomfortable.

"Your voice tells me you haven't properly mourned him yet. No one's supposed to bother you, so now's the perfect time to get that out of your system. When you do, I'll come back."

"But--"

"It sounds like Cain was a really awesome friend. If you're around me because you see your friend in me, I'd like to know more about him. See you in a bit."

The long march from Talys had kept Abel very busy with things like training and staying alive during battles. Currently, he was bedridden and alone, with only the memories of his friend to keep him company. Curse it all, he was supposed to be a knight of Altea, not a child crying for a lost friend! His personal berating did nothing to stop the flow of the past.

"Cain. . .I wish you were here. Why did I have to be the one to survive? You'd probably tease me if you saw me like this, but. . ."

Had Abel been outside, he would have seen a bright red bullfinch land on his tent, preen itself while his tears flowed, then depart towards the setting sun once he'd fallen asleep.

===