[IC] Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

[vancexentan]

It happened in an instant a flash from a book, and the world changing around four individual normal folks from different worlds. As if they were fish pulled from different environments and being thrust into an completely different ocean. The Four heroes now sit in the middle of a magical ritual circle surrounded by a large group of men. Some of them in priest outfits, other ones in suits of armor carrying weapons from times past of their world. Of course none of the new heroes knew exactly what had just happened but for the individuals in the room they were met by a cheer of happiness from the clerics in the room who excitedly congratulated each other. In particular a young man wearing priest robes, and a small pair of round glasses. In the hands of the heroes were weapons they hadn't used before. Strange objects: A sword, a spear, a bow, and a shield. Too the more nerdy among the group it was clear that they were now in some sort of isekai scenario, kind of like some of the MMO's they had played before except this time it was clearly real enough as the weapons attached to them felt alien in their hands. And their sight was obscured by a menu of sorts if they focused hard enough on one person. The cheers died down and the boy walked forward and cleared his voice before talking to them all cheerfully.

"I'm so glad it worked! Thank Grand Master Eric for his instruction! Inform the king, and queen immediately that the heroes are here!" a young man in brown robes stated quickly as a soldier nodded, and ran off quickly. The young man spread his arms wide in welcome, and quickly pressed his glasses up his nose. He had messy brown hair, and wasn't particularly handsome. He seemed genuinely happy to see all of them here. "Welcome brave heroes! Welcome to our world! I'm sorry if you did not wish this, but we have called you here for good reason I promise you. My name is Hans Copper, and I request that you assist us in saving the world!" The boy named Hans stated as he quickly spoke up again before questions arose, "You are the successors of the former Four Great Cardinal Heroes! Heirs to a legacy of great men, and women!"
---
Cole looked around his blade clung to his hand insistently he couldn't seem to let go of his weapon. Not that he'd want to but the initial shock of the area almost made him lose his focus. Heroes? Were the people gathered around him apart of this new group? The last thing he remember...he remembered grabbing a book off a shelf in the library of his college. His eccentric librarian had recommended he look there for something he needed for class. He looked at the golden blade in his hand as the man in front of him talked, and he admired it it was well made, and seemed to fit perfectly in his hand. It was nothing like he felt before but it felt right in his hands as if it was made for him. And judging by the speech it was meant to be his. "I see? I can't say I'm any sort of great hero...nor do I know how I even got chosen out of all the people out there but...I don't see any other way forward. I'll help you if I can." Cole said calmly but somewhat shaken as he still was adjusting to everything here. 'This seems a lot like those dumb cheesy animes Mike from science class watched just after class...he'd love it if he were here. Whatever gotta play it cool...if this is really real than I can't loose face.' Cole stated as he waited to hear what the others around him had to say.

===

Meanwhile in the hall of the castle the adventurers called together to aid the heroes rested, and chatted with each other. The large hall of the castle's interior was spacious, and extremely well furnished. The guards, and knights chatted about the possible arrival of heroes, and the fact that all the nations came together to make it happen...it was quite the spectacular event. Even if it failed it meant good things for the new young King of Melromarc.

[Jensoman]

Flin glanced at the people in the room, somewhat disoriented as he tried to make sense of what was going on. One moment, he was alone in the library. Then, he was met with a bright flashing light. Now he was here, surrounded by people that he'd never seen before in medieval suits. He certainly did not recognise anyone from school. "Uh...what?" He mumbled, as a man stepped forward and began to mention stuff about four Heroes and them being called here. Flin's face turned from disbelief into irritation. It seemed clear to him that this was some type of elaborate prank, one that was executed very well at that.

"Listen...I don't know how you jokers pulled this off, but I have a lot of work to do. I don't have time for..." He spoke, but then glanced at his right hand. He was holding a spear, it's tip razor-sharp and it's colour as red as flame. When did he even end up grabbing it? The discovery only added to Flin's confusion. He tried to release it, but his hand refused to do so. He glanced over towards the other sharp object in his immediate vicinity, the golden sword that the Sword Hero was holding. He backed up a bit. Despite still believing that it was some kind of joke, that sword and his spear sure seemed to be made out of real steel. Regardless of what was going on, he certainly didn't want to get stabbed. He didn't believe what Hans Copper had told them for even a second, despite listening to every word.

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

In the great hall, one of the adventurers is a bard who would normally be performing at the tavern right about now. With her long, brown haired wig on and styled to cover her ears effectively, she waited with the other adventurers for the shield heroes. She did feel somewhat anxious being in the castle, but this was a chance for her to offer her aid to the Shield Hero, despite the risk that she could be discovered as a demi-human.

Cleomine mostly kept to herself, but if someone approached her to talk, then she would engage in friendly conversation with them. She wouldn't be surprised if a couple of adventurers here recognized her as the bard in the tavern. She eagerly awaited the heroes, while keeping a discerning eye out on the people around her for any sign of trouble.

[Whoami]

Excitement and Worry

(Mood Music)

Auriel stood on one of the many balconies overlooking Melromarc from the throne room. She looked out to the summoning temple where the ritual to bring the Cardinal Heroes to this world was taking place. She was disappointed that she was denied access to the ritual. Her whole life had led to this moment, to stand beside the heroes. It would come to pass, but for Auriel, having to wait the extra hour or two felt like an eternity. Her golden eyes practically burned a hole into the stonework of the distant temple. They were there now, she could feel it. It was a sensation that ran up her spine and gave her chills. It was as if the world in its entirety responded to the summoning of the heroes. Winds blew from the temple's direction, catching the feathers of her wings as they remained tucked to her back. Her blonde hair whipped back from a particularly powerful gust.

Auriel heard the chirps and calls of a flock of birds as they fought against the wind to reach the temple. She looked over to them and watched with envy as they flew so freely in the air. The sun gleamed off of their white feathers, allowing for the birds to stick out from the blue and gray backdrop of the partially cloudy sky. Auriel took a deep breath of the summer air and let it out slowly. Her wings stretched out a bit, catching more wind. The feeling of the air moving through her feathers felt nice, but it wasn't enough for Auriel. Things hadn't been the same for her since she fell on the battlefield. A sharp stab of pain from her right wing made her wince and tuck her wings back in. She gripped the hand rail of the balcony with white knuckles as the pain ran its course. Her mind shot back to the moment it all happened, when weighted chains were tossed over her and took her to the ground. When her struggles twisted the chains through her feathers and snapped fragile bones. She felt fear that day. It was the first time she had ever came so close to losing everything. For all her divine gifts and healing magic, her wings were the one thing that wouldn't heal. It had been months since that day, but she was still no closer to taking the skies back as her domain.

Auriel snapped out of her reverie when she heard the great bells of the temple, cathedral, and palace ring in unison. The summoning was complete. She felt that familiar chill run up her spine again. The excitement of meeting her promised companions quickly washed over the anxiety of her injuries. But it didn't take long for a new anxiety to settle in. What if the heroes were nothing like she expected? What if they had no need for a warrior who trained her whole life to aid them? What if they wouldn't accept her because she wasn't completely healed yet? Auriel's mind started zipping through dozens of different 'what if?' scenarios, and it made her bite her lip as she tried sorting out the plausible from the implausible. Another gust of wind caught in her wings, and she refocused. No. That wouldn't happen. The Cardinal Heroes might be the ones destined to save their world, but without people like Auriel and the other adventurers gathered in the throne room, the heroes would be lost and confused in this strange place. Her rationale steeled her for the moment she'd meet her heroes, at least until she realized she hadn't even thought about what to say when they were finally face to face.

Auriel blushed. "Oh heavens, Auriel you fool..." she said quietly to herself as she planted her face firmly in her palm.

She took another deep breath and started rehearsing to herself, "Greetings, heroes! ... No that's too excited... Welcome, my lords- are they my lords? What if one of them is a lady? My lords and lady? Ohhh I should've thought about this sooner! Uuugh!" Auriel let out an exasperated sigh as she gripped some of her golden locks. "Ohhh what do I say?!" she said a bit louder, forgetting that there might be others able to hear her in the throne room.

[tex]

The book was gone. A cold breeze whistled through the chamber and rustled Marco's bathrobe, sending vibrant chills throughout his body. Being thrust from the warm comfort of his home threw his senses for a spin. It was like being forcefully tossed downstream, only to end up stranded upon an unfamiliar shore.

Marcus reached for his head, but scraped the edge of his cheek with something hard and pointed. "What." His voice was gentle and came out as a whisper. The morning light glinted off some mysterious instrument that clung to his arm like some kind of bracer. It was too fast. Lightheaded and nauseous, Marcus stumbled backwards as the people around him started to speak. His left leg gave way, leaving him on one knee behind the line of summoned heroes, looking far less heroic than the priest made them out to be.

From his crouched position, the mysterious atmosphere floated above him like eerie fog. Marcus struggled to catch his bearings, but couldn't rise to his feet. To his left, a silver haired boy immediately took to the offer that Marcus could barely comprehend. The blonde boy on his right didn't seem as ready to accept Hans' preposterous announcement, but didn't look staggered by the transport at all. This was a little too much to take it all at once. Too much for thirty-something politician who just wanted to read a book.

[vancexentan]

"I'm sorry to say this is no joke Mister Spear Hero. This is very much the real thing and if you doubt it please try poking yourself in a non-vital area with your spear. I am very sure it is quite the real thing. I personally am capable of healing magic but don't go overboard." Hans explained quickly as he turned to the Bow Hero and his face became a bit more serious as she stood there glaring darts at the young priest. "Is something Miss?"

"What a load of fucking horse shit. Fucking nerds think you can just rip people from their worlds?! What a load of bullshit! I wouldn't believe it if not for the fact that this dumb bow here won't leave my hands. Whatever I don't know how to use this stupid thing but I don't got many options in the matter but don't expect me to just help you because I'm some destined 'hero'. I expect to be rewarded for my work! You got me? Rin Matsunaga DOESN'T do charity work!" growled the bow hero as she slammed the her foot very loudly on the floor. She was clearly stronger than she looked. Hans stepped back slightly and smiled apologetically, "I am in no place to barter. I am not a member of the royal house. The King will see too you if you would follow the guards to your destination." Hans stated as he gestured with his left arm to the door.

Cole sighed, and looked over to the spear hero, he wondered just exactly what life would be like from now on...if what they said was true they had no choice but to fight this war for these people. "Guys if what he is saying is true we have no reason to badger him much more. It would be for the best that we just simply meet with the 'King' of the land. We may as well be blowing smoke if we keep going forward. I'm in the same boat as you guys but whatever this place is, its not fake. I've never seen this guy in my life. That means this isn't some weird shared dream, nor am I having one." Cole recommended as he chose to lead the way taking the first steps out towards the door to the hall. The soldiers nodded and moved to escort the Sword Hero. The bow Hero spit on the floor and glared at the two still near her, "Come on you dumb virgins you better not waste my time by arguing. Don't know you pricks but I don't see any options other than meeting this king so come on." Rin Matsunaga growled as she moved forward quickly in a very brisk walk.

----
Bow Hero:

My Hider

[Jensoman]

Flin rose an eyebrow as Hans insisted that this was real. Initially, he expected the man to burst into laughter, and tell everyone to stop whatever prank they were doing. But the man seemed sincere and calm. None of this made any sense. He looked at the somewhat older looking guy with the shield who was kneeling on the ground. Did he stumble on the ground after the teleport? "Hey, uh, shouldn't anyone help this guy?" He spoke, recognising the same kind of orb inside the shield like he and the other two heroes had. "He's a Hero too, isn't he?" Despite his statement, he wasn't about to help him up himself. He felt bad for the Shield Hero, but not enough for Flin to put in any effort.

He turned towards the commotion that the bow hero was making, listening to all the insults that she was tossing at everyone. His head tilted slightly to the side, somewhat surprised by the sudden outburst. He certainly didn't look happy. "Wow, talk about anger issues. Take a chill pill, yea?" He spat at the Bow Hero, not very pleased by all of her trash talking. As the Sword and Bow heroes made the agreement to go see the king, Flin simply shrugged. Honestly, he didn't know what to do at this point anyway. He figured that he might as well play along, and meeting the king was a good first goal. "Fine, whatever." He eventually spoke, and followed after the Sword and Bow heroes.

[AlternateMan]

He was finally here. At first the lone shaman thought it was some elaborate joke made by the folks at the kingdom. Why bother to summon people from somewhere else rather than training stronger warriors? But turns out it's true. There were generations of these heroes, summoned from other worlds and given the legendary weapons that would lead them to victory. If such crew was not worth travelling with, who would be?

Along with the other adventurers who signed up as the Four Heroes' companions, An was waiting in a room, away from the ritual. Which was, in his point of view, quite disappointing, as he could probably take a look at how these people did their rituals. He suspected less fire and less sacrifices from the looks of it, but there were more details he wished to uncover.

The shaman stood in the middle of the room looking at his ritual staff, having nothing to do than gently pat the bear skull that rested on the wooden stick that had stayed with him for so long. He was wordless in the waiting, hoping for something interesting to happen. At this point he was hungering for something to watch rather than people standing still.
That was when it happened. Voices of a lady, speaking to herself, and in a very interesting tone. It wasn't just words of concern, or murmur of words to self. It was a line, a grand one too, a rehearsal of greeting the heroes. An did the only thing he could do in such a situation. He slowly approached her. The decorations on his wears clattered as he walked.
"Preparing yourself, I see?"
He clattered the bear skull on his staff just at the right timing too.
"Put some more grand confidence into your tone."

@Whoami

[Whoami]

Rehearsals

(Silly Mood Music)

"Greetings!- too excited... Greetings?- do I even know what I'm doing here? Okay... Greetings.- AHH am I emotional dead inside?!" Auriel took a deep breath and tried to level herself out to try again. "Maybe I should say it with a smile. Okay here goes... Greetings... Ehe!" she groaned and shook her head. That was terrible.

Auriel heard some clattering and footsteps behind her, which made her think that in her little world of rehearsing that the heroes were already there! Auriel quickly twirled on a heel to try and make up for lost time. She had a big smile on her face, an attempt at covering up her little show, "GREETINGS!" The excitement and surprise made her say it a little louder than what was acceptable in a throne room. Her face flushed to a much redder tone when she saw it wasn't the heroes a tall, but rather a man who looked like he had been rooting through the woods in search of fresh herbs or something.

"Preparing yourself, I see?" the man said to her before continuing, "Put some more grand confidence into your tone."

Auriel felt that she just put a bit too much grand confidence in her tone with that one. Ugh... this is terrible. She'd much rather death than to look like such a socially clumsy, bird brained holy warrior. "Ah- eh... Yeah..." she finally answers with a deflated tone, even her wings drooped in defeat when she answered.

Auriel looked back at him, almost with desperation in her eyes. "I need help! I've waited my whole life for this moment, and I never once thought about first impressions!"

The guardian angel was known to be impressively calm in the field of battle, but she clearly didn't benefit from that same quality in other environments.

@AlternateMan

[vancexentan]

Once the knights saw the shield hero was struggling they grumbled, and helped him to his feet and down the hall if need be. As the new group of heroes were led through the castle it quickly became clear whatever their own world was like this was nothing like this one. The narrow corridors, and the large open areas that peaked up into a smog free sky with fresh air that reminded even Cole of the wilder parts of his home. It really did seem like technology here was far behind all things considered...in exchange they had magic...weird. However as the group came into the main section of the castle they were brought into a large opulent throne room facing two large chairs. One of them was empty but a young man with short cut, and well trimmed blonde hair sat on a large red, and gold throne. He had a crown on his head signifying his place as king more than likely. What was more than odd about this particular young king...was well his age. He looked younger than all of the heroes assembled in his mid teens about sixteen years old it would seem.

"Greetings I assume you're the Four Cardinal Heroes? I am King Sanson Vincent Melromarc First of My Name. I am Lord of this country, and am one of the last surviving members of my blood line. Welcome I greet you in the name of this whole continent." King Sanson said as he spoke with a clear, and fearless tone as he looked over the group. Cole looked up towards the king from his spot in the main hall. Rin looked at him with disinterest, and boredom clearly not happy with what this was likely going to entail. More than likely she hated politicians, or their craft, or even both. "Would you mind Introducing yourselves to me brave heroes?" he asked with a smile as Cole introduced himself quickly placing his sword on the floor point to the ground, and hands on the pommel like he saw some of his uncle's old friends do in their DnD games. "Cole Smith, I'm from the Country of the United States of America. Age twenty one, and I am a college student studying business, or I was at least." Cole stated professionally as he awaited the next one up. Rin spoke with a brash pride, and a self important stance as she slammed her foot firmly on the ground once more, "Stand in awe of me! I am Captain of the Rough Riders of Kansai! Rin Matsunaga! I'm 20 years old, and the baddest bitch you'll ever know! No gang in my part of Japan even has the sack to even try and fight me! Consider your pissy little demons, or whatever the hell we're fighting dead on arrival!" Rin proclaimed loudly as the king gripped his chair a little tightly as Rin gave her proclamation of ability. Either it was fear, or he was internally cringing at the Bow Hero's self importance.

As the other two heroes gave their introduction the King nodded and once again said it was a pleasure to see them. "Now then for why you are here. You see there is an ancient prophecy that was given to us long ago that an apocalyptic event would strike this continent of ours long ago. This prophecy speaks of a series of incursions by monsters from a different world, or land that would seek to destroy everything about this world. It will bring upon us unending fear, and destruction. We have come to call them 'The Waves' in the past similar events have happened that would require the need to summon heroes the same ones who would wield weapons like yours, or possibly even the ones that you're wielding right now. Every country in our world has something called a Dragon Hourglass. These creations of ours can predict the exact, or near exact time of the arrival of the waves. The first wave shall be upon us in two weeks. We have taken it upon ourselves to summon you four. We didn't want to risk summoning you too sooner, or later for it may be disastrous either way. The sands in these hourglasses will triple with each wave, and arguably the danger level of these waves as well. The first is likely to be the easiest but we don't know what to expect. Some said we could get by without summoning you four heroes. However both my wife, and I disagreed and so did Guild Leader of The Colosseum of Zeltoble, Argyle Sundermark, recommended we call you. And he was a man who was said to have been able to take on twenty men at once during his prime so I trust his word." exposited the King as he looked down upon the heroes from his throne. A man in well made finery stepped forward.

"Of course you will not be expected to do this without pay. Melromarc itself intends to reward you handsomely between waves to keep you going, and to give you better lives. If this is an agreeable arrangement I would ask that you all check your statuses." The man said as he told them to take a look at the lower right corner of their vision which if they hadn't noticed before would be a button of a sort that would bring up a menu of their current health, and party options as well as gear, and other assorted things. "That is your status magic, and is exclusive to you all. You may thank your predecessors for allowing us the knowledge of this." the king told the group quickly. "The first order of business is to set out to upgrade those weapons of yours. The Spear Hero's predecessor left behind the knowledge that you may only use the weapons your given. I feel that should be helpful information."

"Lastly if you will please line up in a horizontal line in front of the throne, and please space yourselves." The King said as he gestured to the guards at the door once the heroes did so. A man with silver armor, and a large black bow trapped to his back stepped in front of the heroes. He had graying brown hair, and an eye patch over his left eye. A bunch of wicked claw marks, and scars were shown on his well tanned, almost leathery, skin. His hair was gelled back, and tied into a pony tail. The armor was only a chest piece with a leather protector underneath it, and his legs were similarly garbed. His arms were left open showing off his well toned body, and muscular features. He looked at them with his eye and laughed. "Now listen here heroes, I am Quentin Marcino. Also known as The Tiger's Claw. I am a Sniper, an advanced class. I'll be your pseudo mentor. I'll help you learn what you need to but don't expect me to baby sit you. This is all for my old rival Argyle's sake he would prefer you don't die in the back alley the first day here. You don't want my help then do it yourself, in full honesty I don't care. I'll tell you everything you need to know, and somethings maybe you shouldn't. You need to know what to ask I ain't tellin' you without you first having some sorta clue unless its important. But don't worry you ain't in this alone." commented Quentin as the door opened, and a large group of adventurers walked in. They had been ushered in by the soldiers outside in the halls while the King had explained the heroes' their duties, and the worlds happenings.

The guards called down the hall, and some less armored soldiers informed that the group in the hall should come in.

"Brave Heroes these a volunteers from the land who wished to join you on your journey, they are free to join you as you please. Be it they choose your party by choice, or they're convinced into yours you may do as you please. Fear not if you do not receive any additional fellows you will instead receive additional payments from the kingdom to make up for it. And Quentin of course is here to help you. Volunteers you may choose your heroes now."" King Sanson stated as he held his hand up into the air.

shield-hero.fandom.com/wiki/Zeltoble

[Jensoman]

Flin took in his surroundings carefully as he moved. This was a whole new world for him to explore, and it all looked strange. This took away any final doubts within his mind, that people were messing with him. There was no way that this was some sort of setup. It was far too real, far too unique. Flin's first impression of the king wasn't much at all. It just looked like some child who'd crawled on the throne for some reason. Part of him wanted to try to shoo him away, but that's when the boy spoke with pride and power in his tone. It made Shane keep his manners, at least to a degree.

He slowly took in all of the king's words, and only now noticed the button that he was informed of. He'd been too busy analysing everything else. He tapped the button, and saw his health bar and other stats. "What the hell..." He mumbled. "This is..." With that, he tapped the button again to make the stats vanish again. The stats before him seemed like something out of a game. And they would be getting money for killing monsters. The payment for risking their lives to protect this world.

Then, a large muscular individual stepped up and started saying stuff about being their mentor. Flin never asked for this! And now some guy was going to be his mentor? He wasn't sure wether to agree to that, or not. Since people expected him to fight, perhaps having Quentin teach him some stuff wasn't the worst idea. Flin was no stranger when it came to fighting, but he wasn't exactly a master at spear-fighting. Or with any weapon at all, really. When the volunteers came in, he wasn't exactly sure what to say. He was still trying to come to terms with things, to piece everything together. And now there were even more strangers coming in, apparently here to join the heroes.

Flin placed his spear on the ground beside him, it's tip facing the ceiling. He gave the visitors a calm, but serious look. He wasn't about to give some fancy speech to recruit people, but he wasn't about to back away either. His stance was as strong and resolute as he could muster, and he waited for someone to approach him. If anyone even bothered to do so, at least.

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Cleomine noticed that one of the heroes in the hall, the one with wings, seemed to be nervous. For a moment, Cleo wondered why the knights weren't charging at the winged woman and trying to arrest her for being a demi-human. But she didn't speak up about it. She didn't want to bring attention to herself. She was about to go and encourage the guardian angel, but she didn't move. The shaman had already approached her and was speaking with her. He gave the winged woman the same exact advice she would have given her. So...everything was under control there. Cleomine smiled at the thought.

Soon it was time to go and see the heroes. When the knights called to them and told them to enter, she did so. After she entered, she studied each of the four figures, looking for one specific hero: The Shield. Out of all the heroes, she didn't like the looks of the bow hero. She seemed too aggressive for Cleo's taste.

When she laid eyes on the Shield Hero, she noticed that he seemed to be older than the other heroes and that there seemed to be weakness in his legs. She felt sympathy for the Shield Hero, and it became more of a reason to join his party. Without hesitation, Cleo moved to face the Shield Hero, and she politely spoke to him with a quiet confidence, "Shield Hero, I would be honored to offer my sword and voice to your party, if you will have me,"

[tex]

Marcus tried to take the information being slung at him in stride, but it was too much. His mind went blank as the priest went on, until they were finally escorted single-file out of the dank little room that they were... "Summoned" to. Magic, heroes, weapons, danger, prophecies, and to top it all off, a child king. It was like trying to dance along a thin rope while having knives flung at you one after the other. There were many points where Marcus was keen to object. Points where he had the urge to shout his confusion at the top of his lungs and demand the attention of everyone in the room, but his energy was sapped. Cruel memories of his collapse several years ago made him impish, too insecure to speak his mind, even now, in this insane world of nonsense.

He didn't nod. He didn't acknowledge anything being said. Marcus kept his eyes glued to the ground, almost unconscious on his feet as he stumbled into the lineup. He'd glance over at the other heroes briefly whenever they spoke with disdain. Two of them were readily accepting of this new world, like they had nothing back home to return to. Maybe this was a paradise for them. Maybe being torn away from a life that had yet to even begin was like a blessing. Marcus didn't feel the same way though. He was torn away from his home. Ripped from rebuilding his legacy. Perhaps worst of all, he was being escorted around the cold halls of a castle in nothing but his bathrobe. What a hellish outcome.

When the king spoke of statuses, Marcus rose his head. His right eye caught something peculiar near the corner of his vision. It seemed tangible, yet, fused with the atmosphere like some ethereal mechanism. A menu? Like, the kind of menus you'd find in those old role playing games from the 90's? It's been so long since he'd had time for video games, but as soon as he reached for the little node, memories came flooding back, and the windows the popped up flooded him with nostalgia.

Marcus shut the window, only to be greeted by a hulking loudmouth with a straightforward proposition. It sounded more like an order though, something they were forced into whether they liked it or not, much like this whole 'hero for hire' garbage. The hierarchy was starting to become clearer, but as far as he knew, the heroes was more indispensable than anyone in here. Maybe with that leverage, he could find a way out of this terrifying dream state, and back into the real world.

Just after catching his bearings once again, he was approached by one of the vassals presented to them, a small girl with long brown hair. The girl's voice was soft, almost that of a child's, but she spoke with the poise of a lady. Normally he would have the wherewithal to return her request professionally, with due elegance, but the situation still had him staggered. With fog still rolling through his head, he looked the girl over and opened his mouth to speak, but tripped over his words.

"You- Um- It's quite-" He stammered, "Sorry. Forgive me. This still doesn't quite feel like reality to me. To be told so many things and expected..." He paused and looked to the king. Marcus cleared his throat and strengthened his posture. With one hand, he tightened the fuzzy belt around his robe, and rose his voice so that he would be heard clearly by all.

"Expected to fulfill a role that I never agreed to, after being stolen from my world without warning. You can imagine my alarm." Marcus looked to lock eyes with the king as he spoke. His composure returned to him in moments, as if the haze had suddenly been blown away by a tempest of anger. It felt right to finally speak up, but in doing so, an immediate pang of regret clutched his Adams apple. Perhaps he'd stepped out of line. If he'd been a slave, talking back to his slaver would have earned him lashes, and nothing more.

[vancexentan]

"I apologize Sir Shield Hero. But I am not to blame for this. I no more want you here than I would like to gather a group of my own men to ride out. But fate has not been kind to me either. This country of mine, Melromarc, is a Matriarchy...and here I sit a man on the throne. That should give you some sort of idea how sick, and twisted fate is. If you want to return to your world the only recourses I can offer you is either death, or solve the issue of the waves. In reality I believe that there is no other recourse so take those words as you will. Please take note further Sir Shield Hero that you do not overstep yourself. As invaluable as you are I will not tolerate dissent in my own court room. See to your own companion." Vincent said as he looked down at the shield hero from his throne. He frowned deeply as if disgusted that it was the shield hero who would dare tell him such a thing. But he quickly swapped back to his former more regal, and noble neutral expression. He tapped his fingers on his chair as Cole looked up to him, "Can I confirm then that we weren't specifically chosen by you?" Cole asked as Vincent gave a noncommittal shrug, "The winds of fate a cruel, and unusual Sir Sword hero. I can't say that you were specifically prophesied. But this is your lot in life now just as it was that Quentin was picked as your mentor. You should be honored that you have the Tiger's Eye at your side...he was responsible for wiping out one of my finest knights in the arena at one point in time."

[AlternateMan]

The shaman flinched as the winged lady greeted him with some grand confidence. In the moment of awkwardness, he did nothing but pat the bear skull gently. She could do some impressive work with enough practice, that was for sure.
"Well, it looks like you already have the powerful voice."
An scratched his head. At that point all she needed was a good sprinkle of pride. Or at least that's how he did it.
"Don't feel so down now. Only a few are natural born speakers. Even those people would be nervous in this situation."
He gave one of her wings a gentle pat and stretched his other arm to the sky. The bear skull on his staff clattered slightly.
"Let nothing hold you back, seize the moment! You've got the voice, so it won't be much of a problem."

@Whoami

---

Soon enough, the gathered adventurers were ushered to another room. Following the group and the guiding soldiers, An noticed a squad of strangely dressed(even compared to himself) people talking to who seemed to be the king of Melromarc.

The king announced that the volunteers choose their hero. With that the shaman scanned each of the four standing before him. So he had to choose among the four.
The shaman casually approached the Bow Hero.
"Greetings!"
He said with another rattle of his staff.
"I offer to stand as your companion, one with the Bow!"

[vancexentan]

"Do you have the balls to be a part of my squad punk!? You look like you just crawled your way out of the back alley! What do you got to offer huh!?" Rin Matsunaga questioned the strange man who had decided to fall in line with her team as Cole sighed, and looked over to the Shaman. "Not to pry but if you don't want to get insulted on a daily basis I'd probably pick a better squad." Cole suggested to him as Rin glared daggers at him. "Oh look at you, you fucking Gajin punk ass! Didn't expect you to try, and poach someone from me!" Rin said as a blonde haired bard who had been with the travelers walked over to Rin, and bowed. "I like this one's fiery spirit! Of course I'll be glad to join the bow hero!" The blonde haired handsome bard smiled as he watch Rin look down at him with disgust. "Calm yourself now Bow Hero. You can reject someone if you wish but you don't need to insult them."

[Whoami]

Destiny

(Mood Music)

Auriel listened to the shaman's words. He had a point, this was a momentous occasion for everybody, not just her. It made sense that she wasn't the only nervous one there. When he patted a wing, Auriel couldn't help but wince a bit from a mild pain. But she did well to not show the weakness any more than a slight twitch that could be taken as a surprise sensation. Auriel let out a long, slow breath, and smiled to the shaman. "Seize the moment... Okay. I think I can do that."

When they were called into the throne room, Auriel felt a sudden surge of adrenaline. This was it. This was now. She could feel butterflies in her stomach as she stepped toward the grand doors leading into the the throne room. She looked up at the large wooden doors as if they were the gates to heaven. It seemed like an eternity for them to swing open far enough to fit the group through. Auriel was the last into the room, most likely because her nerve had slowed her down some. She first spotted the dominant piece in the room, the throne occupied by the young king. Then, standing before the king, were the four heroes. She could feel her cheeks flush a bit, though she wasn't sure why. Was she embarrassed to be standing in the presence of such legendary heroes?

Her eyes moved between the four of them, taking in their appearances. They seemed so... Exotic. So otherworldly. She knew that they were of course, but actually seeing them compared to how she envisioned them, it was a completely different feeling. Auriel followed Cleo and the Shaman closer to the group, and heard the king tell them to accompany a hero. She wanted to be with them all, to aid them toward a common goal they all shared. But it seemed that wasn't the case. They'd all need a personal companion. Somebody they could trust and consider as a friend in this alien world she was sure they viewed it as. Auriel watched Cleo go to the Shield Hero, an older looking man who appeared to be in complete shock about everything. Then she saw the Shaman move toward the female hero, the Bow Hero. She seemed to have a chip on her shoulder, which intimidated her slightly when paired with the immense power she now wielded. Her golden eyes turned to the two remaining heroes, the Sword and Spear heroes.

Auriel's eyes rested on Flin, the Spear Hero. She fought with a spear as well, perhaps she could train Flin in its use and expedite his improvement. Auriel stepped toward him and bowed. Her wings unfurled a bit, curling forward with her. Suddenly, she felt all of the anxiety of greeting the heroes wash away. She was where she wanted to be, and now that it was happening, everything just fell into place. "Spear Hero. Greetings and thank you for answering the summons... I am Auriel, and it is my sacred duty to assist you and the other heroes against the upcoming trials our world faces. Please accept my vow of servitude." Auriel kept her head down while she waited for an answer from the Spear Hero. Her heart was practically beating out of her chest.

@AlternateMan @Jensoman

[Jensoman]

Flin glanced over at the new people, and saw that Marcus immediately got his first follower. That was quick. When the Shield Hero spoke agressively to the King, Flin began to respect him a little. He couldn't resist smirking ever so slightly. At least this man had a mind of his own, and wasn't eager to follow the commands of another. He wasn't exactly happy to do as was told, either. Honestly, all Marcus did was state a fact. They were now in this place, putting up some act for people to like them.

He glanced over at Auriel, as she made her way towards him. She stood out more than the others, with big white wings. They had real angels in this world? It was unexpected, but not incredibly strange. There was a great deal that Flin was unaware of within this world, after all. So there was a good possibility that they existed. Heck, anything could exist. None the less, it peaked his curiosity. The feeling rose above the confusion and irritation that he'd been feeling, allowing him to think more clearly. It was the first feeling that wasn't negative, since he'd been abducted from the library in his world.

As Auriel spoke to him, He remained as calm as he could be. He took note of the spear within her possession, which only fueled his curiosity. Perhaps she could teach him how to properly wield the spear that had been forced upon him. The girl was kind to him, and he was going to return the favor. It just made common sense to him. He wasn't exactly the best at being polite, but he would give it his best. "I..I see. I accept you within my party, Auriel. I am happy to have you." He said, with a gentle smile. "I do hope that you can teach me more about this world, as I am very unfamiliar with...anything, really." He spoke.

@Whoami

[vancexentan]

The Shield Hero suddenly turned around a deep frown on his face, "I will not play backseat to some child! I will make my own way in this world! Forget this I don't need anything from you, and I will find a way home on my own! I'm tired of being a slave!" the man shouted as he walked out the door as the guards let him through the King frowned in disgust. "A fool...hey girl don't follow him. I understand it is your choice to follow one of those heroes but I have a feeling that one may not be the one you seek. You're from the church no? For now I suggest following the spear, bow, or sword hero." King Vincent commanded as he slammed his fist onto his throne. "I declare that the shield hero will not receive help from the crown until he apologizes for his impudence." King Vincent declared as Marcino nodded, "Right gotcha king...besides there was something about him that seemed off." the man known as Marcino called out as Cole stood there still he gripped his sword tightly as he looked to the king. "That isn't very fair my lord." Cole said as the boy shrugged, "I warned him once already." Vincent said as he looked to the sword hero. Rin simply grunted she didn't care one way or another.

[Whoami]

Relief

(Mood Music)

"I..I see. I accept you within my party, Auriel. I am happy to have you. I do hope that you can teach me more about this world, as I am very unfamiliar with...anything, really." said the Spear Hero.

Auriel was both relieved and thrilled. She raised her eyes to meet his for the first time, and they were positively alight with joy. The even seemed to be have watered just a slight bit as well. Auriel smiled bright to him and nodded, "Thank you! There is much I can teach you about our world, Spear Hero. And it would be my pleasure to share it with you."

The angel brushed some golden hair back over her shoulder and looked over to the rest of the heroes, "That goes for all of your great heroes. I am here to see you all to success. All you have is but to ask, and I will answer to the best of my ability."

Auriel looked back to the Spear Hero, realizing she hadn't yet gotten his name. "Is there something else I can call you? Aside from Spear Hero, that is."

@Jensoman