A Friend In Need Part 2
This is the continuation of the previous chapter.
At an inn overlooking the coast known as the Blue Pacific were an odd pair sitting at a table.
They seemed to have gathered a lot of attention on themselves since arriving.
One was a girl wearing a beautiful dress adorned with ribbons and almost littered with valuable jewels. The girl, not older than a teen around 15 years of age, was sporting raven-black hair that seemed to travel long past her shoulders. Her red irises were akin to the finest rubies with an intensity behind them like those of a ferocious beast.
The other was someone with a small build of ambiguous gender and age. A sword was around his waist. Though it looked ornamental, it had many intricate carvings in its sheath which attracted those who had a taste for craftsmanship.
The thought of what kind of circumstance brought this unlikely pair together seemed to be on everyone there's mind.
"Woah, would you look at that one"
"Yeah, she's pretty hot, huh?"
"Out of your league definitely~ Haha!"
"Shut it! I could make her mine anytime I want! Right, Morris?!"
There were a group of men seated at a table across from these two aforementioned individuals.
The three at the table made up a part of the famous mercenary band referred to as the Brass Bulls. Though they were in plain clothes, one could tell by the weapons at their waists. Most common people aren't allowed to carry any weapons without being a member of the Mercenary Guild.
They were highly regarded as heroes to the city's residents at the time.
Now they nearly run the City themselves. After the disappearance of the Empire's ruling family, they have no one to answer to.
They take what they want and abuse the people who gave them their rise to power. Using their name to do what they against any that speak out keeping the City's residents under their thumb.
Most remain ignorant of what their saviors do behind their back.
"Well, if you are so inclined to humiliate yourself, go ahead."
The one with short green hair reading a book in a bar of all places was Morris Verde, Rose Guard's very own second-in-command.
"How can you be so mean, Morris~"
"How can you be so ignorant of your surroundings. Look. Seated next to the girl must be her guard. Look at the sword at his side as well. Does it look cheap enough for someone such as yourself to buy? Now leave me to my book, fool."
Morris opened his book and went back to reading it once again.
Left speechless the other man decided to chug his drink in one go and walk to the girl's table anyway.
"Ha, I'll show you four-eyes! I'll bed that girl before you finish that book! Hahaha!"
"Do whatever you want. Just don't embarrass yourself. That would also embarrass the Boss."
"Grr!, Louis, you're with me! I need a witness!"
Out from the other corner of the table stood a nondescript man. His attire completely devoid of any notable features went well with its owner.
After hearing his name called, he immediately stood up.
"Of course!"
This is a bit...uncomfortable
As Eren thought this, the girl seated next to him began to hold his arm even tighter.
The girl, Elise, has been holding his arm since they left the other inn to come to this town.
Earlier he had told her, they had to seem like they belonged but to go this far certainly was a bit excessive to him. But as Eren thought more about it, he thought that maybe Elise wanted to make sure they looked like tourists.
He also thought that she might have been still a bit weak from their battle from before.
But she seemed fine this morning at breakfast.
Although she did try to feed him some of her food, he just brushed it off as a custom he didn't know about.
Still, he didn't know how he felt about it all.
Ultimately, he just decided to let it go as it wasn't hurting him and he could still draw his sword with his other hand if the need arises.
Yes!! I managed to hold his hand all today, too! He even let me sit beside him and hold his arm close like this!!
Ahh~ I could die happy. Thank the Gods!
Hee hee! Look at him! He's so cool and handsome(even though his face isn't showing right now)!
I just hope this will last forever. Ahh~ I can see the girls back home now!
I can't believe Eli got a husband before even me!
'He's so quiet!
Does he have a brother?!
Kyaahh~ My heart will burst at this rate!
I wonder why we had to move to another inn, a seemingly high class one at that.'
The inn had polished wooden floors with tables scattered across the hall. Decor lined the walls as if to further exemplify the fact that it was high-class.
There was even a fully stocked bar in the back decked out with upon first glance high-class booze and a wine cellar in the basement.
It was quite the establishment.
'Maybe he's going to ask me to marry him?!'
'Or he already has a marriage partner that he wants to introduce to me?!'
Many beautiful faces came to mind but none she would admit defeat to.
'No, Eren that's cheating!!'
Elise started sweating once again. The bottom of her chair had scraped the polished floor underneath it even harder as she swayed back and forth. Her delusions growing even stronger fueled by the nonstop onslaught of thoughts within her mind.
'That's why he wanted to bring me here! So I can learn my place and focus on the task at hand!'
Elise tried to calm herself down with that.
'I can't bear it!'
She failed to do so almost as immediately.
'My heart won't last that long if I can't keep my cool at all times.'
'Asking him the truth won't hurt right?'
Elise loosened her grip on Eren's arm to both his confusion and heartfelt thankfulness.
She slowly turned to face him.
Red-faced she tried to articulate her words.
"Eren, the one we are going to meet..."
Eren turned to face her in kind.
"Yes? What did you wish to know about them?"
Elise used up all her courage and pushed forth her question.
"The one we are going to meet… Are they a…"
"Hey miss, enjoying the city? Why not enjoy it with me to keep you company?"
Elise's question was put on hold as she was interrupted.
"Who are you?"
The one who interrupted was a hazel-haired man in light leather armor with another man following after him.
"How lovely your voice is my lady! I am a man unlike no other. You may call me Lord Siev! You will be saying it plenty, later. So plenty of time to remember it then."
She couldn't understand what was going on.
A moment ago she was finally ready to ask her darling Eren a question. That would have still been the case if this bumbling buffoon didn't interrupt her. She felt this to be the case.
'I think I'll just ignore him for now and go back to the matter at hand. Asking Eren about the person they were meeting with soon.'
"Hello! I finally find a good-looking broad in this crappy place and she's deaf! Just my luck. You girl! Come with me for a second! Let's chat alone for a bit."
The man referred to as Siev reached over to grab the girl by the arm.
He certainly would have as she didn't seem to notice him. Or she was trying to simply ignore him.
Well, Siev was going to find out after he took the girl somewhere private.
Then is when he felt something bat his hand away.
He couldn't believe what happened as it was so sudden.
So he tried again.
This time he felt a sharp slapping sound as his hand was batted away once again this time with more force.
Followed by a stinging sensation and a visible redness on his hand.
"What the… Who did that!"
He looked at the two in front of him and noticed a sharp glint in the girl's eyes.
She seemed to
"Don't you dare try to touch me, you filth! Next time, your arm will be cut off, understand."
The young lady's beauty wasn't affected even as she said those words that seemed incongruent to her appearance.
Siev stepped back in shock as to what he just heard.
He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
The fact that a girl disregarded his advances and even insulted him, a member of the esteemed mercenary group Brass Bulls, was simply unforgivable.
Siev's face started to redden as he boiled with rage for the girl in front of him.
"You! Do you know who I am?! I am an esteemed member of the mercenary group that protects this city! And you...you're just some simple whore from the countryside! I'll kill you for this!"
"Ha, I've been needing a challenge in my life. Not sure you'd give it to me through you, weakling."
Elise stuck out her tongue at him.
His anger had finally reached its breaking point. He quickly pulled out his blade from its sheath and lunged at the girl.
Elise ready to take him on was about to take him on until she saw Eren from the corner of her vision.
He had rushed in front of her and intercepted the attack with his sword.
Completely forgetting there was another person present, Siev couldn't change his sword's trajectory in time.
Both men's swords collided with each and Siev was brought to a halt.
"What the heck! How were you able to intercept that?!"
Siev's question was only met with silence as its answer.
"Fine then. I'll just have to kill you, too!"
Siev rapidly sent more blows straight towards Eren.
Eren dodged one. Blocked or parried another. None were able to hit the other.
Well, Eren didn't launch any counterattack back towards Siev only dodging or partying.
Siev was starting to lose his patience.
"Why do you not fight back? Are you scared? Do my attacks frighten you?"
Eren took a step back after yet another exchange of blows from Siev.
"I don't wish to kill you."
Siev was surprised.
The cloaked individual who was quiet during the whole exchange of blows finally decided to speak.
But what he said had gotten under Siev's skin.
What does he mean he doesn't want to kill me? Bastard! Does he not know who I am? I could've killed him three times over already! Fine then! Let's see what else he has to say before he dies. Gehehehehe!
"You say you can kill me. Me of all people. Why is that? I'll let you get in your last words."
Eren stroked his chin a bit as if pondering the man's question.
After a few seconds, Eren had found his answer.
"Your blade."
Huh?!
"What about my blade?"
"It's dull and is cracked in many places. It wouldn't be able to defend against many more attacks, let alone my own. Also, your stance is far too sloppy. When you strike you lean your upper body back as if you are scared of receiving attacks."
'He's pretty talkative for someone who hides their face behind rags. Besides, What did he just say to me? Do I look like I care about the condition of my blade?'
"Also your footwork is wrong. You lean in with your dominant foot, not both. At least not with that type of sword. You also close your eyes when you perceive a strike is coming from your opponent. And another thing…"
Siev had finally had enough of this guy in front of him. He wanted to kill him with all his might. The girl behind him as well for insulting him.
" I'll kill you!!"
You lack many things a swordsman should have.
Honor. Strength. Experience. Aptitude.
Skill. a good mentor. A strong rival.
And most importantly…
In a flash, Eren struck Siev down. A large gust of wind rushing past from behind him.
"You lack drive."
With a loud thus, Siev fell to the floor motionless.
"Eren!! I knew you could do it! My dar~ling~"
Elise with a running start jumped face-first into Eren from behind.
Not wanting to dodge, which would have Elise fall face-first into the floor, Eren braced for impact as she collided with him. Even with knowing it was coming, he was still knocked to the ground with Elise on top of him.
"What a fine display of strength you have shown me today. Might I have your name, boy?"
Both Elise and Eren turned to face the source of the sound.
It was from a man with short green hair and spectacles who looked to be in his twenties. In his hand was a book.
Eren quickly got to his feet and readied his blade.
Elise noticing the fast change in atmosphere, stood next to Eren ready to fight this time.
"Oh, so you won't answer me. That is most unfortunate. I cannot disregard you taking out that poor excuse of a man on the floor over there. As much as I'd rather finish my book and sit down, I can't let you live as you are disturbing the peace. Not to mention taking down one of my own."
Eren let out a terrifying aura that had filled everyone in the room with feelings of dread and awe.
"Oh. Nice aura there. Getting my blood pumping now. How about you follow me and we will fight someplace else? Oh but before I forget. Louis!"
The man that came with Siev who was scowling at Eren the whole time since Siev was downed suddenly stopped and ran towards the green-haired man.
"Yes, Morris sir! What did you need? Do you want me to help you take out this garbage? Please allow me to help avenge Siev."
The nondescript man had his short sword already in hand. It seems he was waiting for his chance to attack once Eren was distracted.
Morris laughed mockingly at his suggestion. This left Louis confused and it clearly showed on his face.
"You help me? Don't make waste my time any further with your idiotic notions. Besides they're both stronger than you. No, your job will be to take care of that waste of space slumped over on the floor over there."
Morris pointed towards Siev's body on the ground.
Louis was confused as to why he would point towards the body of Siev lying motionless on the ground.
"Huh, but didn't Siev just get murdered by that hooded bastard over there?"
Morris smiled thinly at his question as if he knew he'd ask that.
"Oh, I wish. It seems our mystery friend over here just knocked him unconscious in the end. Though I would like to finish him myself, these two take priority. Oh and tell the Boss I'll be out cleaning up Siev's mess."
A wave of calm washed over Louis' face. Although most of the Brass Bulls didn't like Siev, Louis was not one of them.
Quite the opposite in fact. To both of them, they were like brothers.
"Alright, you two follow me. Don't waste my time now. I am a busy man after all."
The two looked at each other briefly.
"If you are fine with it, I could take care of this pest alone. With your grace, of course!"
Eren thought the request over a bit before finally settling on a decision.
"Although we were to meet up with them here, it should be fine if we're a little late."
"Then it's settled then. Follow me at once. I won't ask a second time."
The man named Morris sent the two a fearsome glare.
The pair were unfazed by it.
One could even say they were glad he glared at them.
An enemy that feels the need to resort to intimidation so early in an altercation is an enemy one needn't be wary of after all.
This is how the two felt. They were both similar in that regard.
The three soon departed after the exchange leaving the tavern in disarray.
"..."
"I can't believe that happened."
"Yeah, dinner and a show!"
"Oh, hush! Aren't you forgetting that the fight was against our saviors! The Brass Bulls Merc Guild! Those two won't get away with their bodies intact after that I tell you!"
Whispers about the brawl that broke out in front of their eyes broke out as if on cue.
Many were just empty chatter that ranged from cheers for Morris or jeers made towards the mysterious two who dared to go against them.
But a few didn't feel the same about what had just taken place.
"Tch! I don't even know what people see in those mercenaries. Just because they slew one dragon! Destroy half the city just to do it at that! Even stole the land of my grandpa!"
"Hold yer tongue! You know you can't speak ill of them like that! What if someone heard you!"
"Go on old man. Mind telling me some more about these mercenaries of yours. I'll make it worth your while~"
It was at that moment the two were interrupted by a young man.
He had slicked-back white hair with just a touch of black hair in the middle. He wore a pair of glasses affixed upon his forehead. He wore a faded white coat that was open in the middle revealing a plain black shirt underneath. At his hip were two similar-looking metallic objects with a grayish sheen to them.
They were something unfamiliar to the man. They looked odd, to say the least.
Maybe they were weapons. Or maybe he just had too much to drink.
He's old so maybe his vision is starting to fade.
But that is a question for later.
"W-who are you, boy? Do you work for Lloyd or something?"
"Lloyd, was it? Who's that, old man?"
The man couldn't tell if the boy was lying or not. Either way, he's said too much to worry about it now.
Besides, he's too wasted to try to think too much now.
"I guess you don't know. Lloyd Slate is the Captain of the Mercenary Guild, the Brass Bulls. The one who runs this City. Not the Royal family or something like a magistrate for that matter!"
No magistrate, huh? How interesting?
"Hmm. I see, do go on."
The old man grinned as he finally had someone willing to hear about the misdeeds of this City's so-called saviors.
It seems the boy is interested in this City's history. Atta, boy! I wish my grandkids were this attentive to my stories. Now I'm all fired up!!
"And another thing, just today a few of those bumbling mercenaries went and ruined my drinking today by picking a fight with two young travelers! A travesty I tell ya!"
The young man's ears perked up at this.
"Wait, what did you say old man."
"About what sonny, speak up!"
The old man then cupped his hand over his ear as if to goad the young man into repeating himself.
The young man seemed to not notice as he paid the action no heed and stepped closer towards the old man.
"About the two travelers...What did they look like? What were they wearing? Why did the mercenaries fight them? Answer me, old man!"
The young man got up from his seat and grabbed the old man by his collar lifting him out of his chair in one swift motion.
"W-wait calm down kiddo. I'll tell ya! Just take a deep breath and calm down."
The young man, realizing his mistake, let the old man back down.
"Are you alright there, sonny. You nearly made me have a heart attack! Gahaha! Even made me spill some good alcohol..."
"Yeah. Sorry about that old man. It's just that I was supposed to meet up with those two here but it seems they've gone and ditched me. Hehe!"
The young man then made a playful grin.
He did all of that cause his friends ditched him. What a weird lad! Gahaha!
"Can you tell me what happened from the beginning?"
The old man recounted the events that took place leaving out no details.
The young man simply listened as intently as he could.
So that's what transpired here then.
"Okay old man. I think I get what happened now. I know what I need to do now."
"And what's that, sonny?"
"I need to go back them up, of course! Now that I know there are more enemies here than I initially thought, my old pal might be a little over his head. See ya, gramps!"
"Sonny, you wouldn't mind doing an old man a favor and not telling anyone about the conversation that took place here? The walls have eyes and ears everywhere. Gehehe!"
The old man motioned the boy to look around the room.
There were a few patrons all over the tavern looking and listening in to their conversation. Some not so discreet.
The young man just smiled back at them.
A wicked smile.
"No need to worry about that, old man. The people I'm going to meet are quite special. A little band of washed-up mercenaries living off another generation's fame won't be able to even touch their heels! Let alone clip 'em off! Ahahaha!"
The whole place seemed to freeze over as this menacing aura washed over everyone present. Especially those within earshot, they got it the worst.
Most turned into a shuddering mess. It was as if some giant evil suddenly appeared in front of them forcing them to face their worst fears.
Thankfully, the old man was seemingly unaffected as he was still standing upright next to the boy.
The laughter came to a halt and with that so did the freezing aura that filled the room.
It was almost like clockwork as everyone affected let out a collective breath as if they've forgotten how to breathe altogether.
"Well anyways just know any ally of my boss is a safe one."
The old man had a look of astonishment as he saw the fleeting back of the young man he was once talking to.
As soon as he left, a look of relief washed over everyone. Even the rowdiest drunkards fell silent at the spectacle they've just witnessed unfold.
Was this planned?
That question came to mind but he paid it no heed.
The old man just poured himself another drink and sat back down.
I'm getting too old for this. Who knew that kid had a monstrous aura like that? And he spoke well of his companions with him, so they could be just as if not more powerful, eh?
Quite unexpected.
He took a long sip of his whisky one more time before placing the cup back down.
"What a weird lad. I wonder if he and his friends can do it! Gahaha!"
No point in worrying about things other than alcohol now! Boy, I leave it to you!
Help bring back proper order to this dysfunctional place.
These feelings rang loud and true in his heart once again.
Hello, Eronta En here!! I hope that you've enjoyed the characters I created! Though I feel that they will make a stronger impact on you in the future. So I hope you will be there when that happens!
