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

[Omni5876]

Fer kept his peace as the veiled emissary spoke with Cole. The young hero frowned at her deeply political view of their actions. However, the young man knew that in some way or another, their exploits would be used politically. The King had intended for their fame to spread. It would not be crazy to believe that he had some stake in that.

Fer did not like the implications of that, but he figured that his feelings would have no sway in the events that were to come. He had been a fool think that his role in this world was merely as a soldier. He scowled at the idea of being a tool or a toy for those in higher power.

Their actions were being tracked and recorded. Even the Bow and the Spear were closely monitored. To what end? Perhaps the powers that be wanted to see which one would be best suited to be the figure head?

Fer turned to Cole. The young man was a good pick. He was trustworthy, honorable and seriously wanted to help. He would be the proverbial boy next door that the population could identify with and claim as one of their own. The Spear hero seemed too secretive, too happy with just being on the sidelines. The Bow it seemed too unstable to count on but the young hero knew that the skill was probably worth the trouble.

He was brought out of his musings by Auriel announcing her departure and confirming she would do what she could to try and find some answers for him. The young hero watcher her go. The sway of her wings brought a smile to his face. Fer would probably never get over the fact that she was real. He hoped that she would find something of use. Though from what he had gathered from both emissaries who came and contacted them, records about the shield may not be as abundant as records for the other weapons. Why did some resent the Shield so?

He unconsciously moved his hand to the bracer that housed his shield while it was not being used. The green gem glinted as if it understood his feelings. Fer looked at it a bit. The he turned to Cole. “I guess we must try to find Marcino or figure out how to best get him to come in our little adventure. Like the emissary said, with him along the task will be a sure success.”

[vancexentan]

"He's probably at the Inn drinking about this time of day. He said he'd be there if we had any questions after all So miss whe-...well I guess its about time we got batman'd..." Cole commented dully as he looked towards the woman who vanished without a further trace. Cole looked to Fer and took a deep breath. "We should be wary of what the king is doing but I think if we make him our enemy mentally it won't do us any good. Whatever reason the reason I personally seem to think its got something to do with the assassination of his sisters. I've heard a lot of comments in the tavern about how a man could possibly run this country. He could just be worried in this world that people may try to take advantage of us, maybe kill us. We still got a lot to learn Fer." Cole says a bit tiredly as he pulled out his sword and flourishes it a bit clumsily in his hand. "We the heroes meant to save the world but we don't know even where to start...the more I think about it the more I wonder if this was a mistake. But even if it was this was the hand we're dealt and we need to hold onto it. People look to the four heroes to save them and we will. Have my back and I'll cut down the enemies in front of us Fer." Cole says calmly as he puts his blade away and starts to head towards the exit to the alley. "Let's move we can talk on the way there..." Cole comments as he leads them towards the inn they usually stayed at.

...Surely enough by the time they arrived they were quick to look around and notice Marcino over in his usual corner...however he wasn't drinking which Cole found particularly unusual. As Cole approached him he looked fairly serious and his face muddled with a bit of annoyance. "What's up boss?" Cole asked as the man spit on the floor. "The bow hero is a bitch after my own heart but god damn does she piss me off." grumbles the older mercenary as he takes a deep breath. "Why you here?" he asks simply as Cole takes a deep breath and nods, "We need your help in fighting Rayla Winters of your home country." Cole asks him as he raises an eyebrow. "Winters? That two bit washed up gladiator ain't worth looking at let alone fighting. Shouldn't you two be doing your job as 'legendary heroes' instead of asking this old man to go and clean the swamp for ya?"

[vancexentan]

As Auriel arrived in the massive sprawling library in the cathedral many of the clerics, bishops, and other magisters were busy at work studying preparing for the wave coming in less than two weeks time now. Many men, women, and even some children prodigies seemed to be hard at work trying to find ways of helping the nation survive the incoming disaster that would be the waves. A young man clad in his brownish robes approached Auriel who she would likely know as Hans Copper, the mage who helped summon all four heroes in the first place. As Hans approached he gave Auriel a big smile and nodded at her as he adjusted his glasses. "Miss Auriel was it? The one who volunteered to help the heroes? Well met. I hope that everything had gone well since then! Personally speaking I wish you all the best of luck." Hans states with a smile as the mousely looking young man adjusts his glasses.

[Whoami]

The Library

(Mood Music)

Auriel stepped into the great library of the cathedral. She had spent many days studying and toiling away at her lessons, and perhaps a few of her own juvenile curiosities, as she grew up. She looked around, appreciating the sight of the tall stacks neatly running the length of the library. The familiar sounds of turning pages and the occasional clearing of a throat or a cough over the silence embedded an innate desire to be silent. It was so peaceful. Who would want to disturb it? When the young man approached Auriel and bowed, she smiled and bowed back to him. "Greetings. Though I wouldn't say I volunteered exactly." she chuckled and gestured to her white wings, "Destiny made manifest, rather."

She expressed her appreciation for his support of their efforts with a smile and a kind nod. Her golden eyes turned back to the stacks of books as she slowly stepped beside him. "I am looking for some books, particularly on the exploits of past cardinal heroes and the powers they wielded. Perhaps personal records of past heroes?" She glanced back at Hans, wondering if he would be able to help her find such articles and entries.

[Omni5876]

Fer agreed with Cole. The veteran adventurer seemed to spend all his ti me at the Inn. One might even say that there was more beer flowing through his veins than blood. This could be due to him loosing so much in his fights on the Arena as a gladiator.

Some could also say that having seen so much death, much of which was caused by his own hands, could lead a man to drink. Being disconnected from the world could be a coping mechanism. The young hero had seen much of that in the camps in his own world. Too many men would seek the solace of alcohol to escape the horrors of war.

Fer himself had contemplated it but his goal of rescuing his brother and sister, Maria gave meaning to his killing. Now, he was thrown into a world that required him to kill. Ironically, it had also given him a tool that was almost incapable of doing so. Perhaps it was for the best. He unconsciously rubbed his bracer. The stone felt warm to the touch as if it fed off his emotions.

A smirk appeared on his face. He looked up suddenly noticing Cole’s surprise in his voice. He looked around to verify that the masked woman had indeed vanished. The shield Hero’s eyes narrowed. These…shadows seemed to be anywhere and keeping an eye on them.

A dark thought crossed his mind. Had they been watching when the trio took on the bandits? If so, would they have come to their aid should the heroes needed them to? Or would they just make sure to retrieve the holy weapons and summon some others?

Fer had known that he was not the first user of the Shield. He wondered if the report he had received regarding the man who had gone on his own and gotten killed was true or if it had been fabricated. It was true that the King was in perilous position. Auriel had explained how Malromarc was a Matriarchy. The fact that a man now held the throne probably has the king in a very perilous position.

The young hero was no stranger to the politics of power. He had seen many shake with one hand while holding a knife with the other. He had been a fool to think that this world was any different. This was not a story like the ones his younger brother used to read with knights and dragons. There was no black and white. There was no clear heroes or villans. Cole was right, there was much for them to know. What they did not know COULD hurt them.

The pair walked together. He noticed many give Cole warm smiles and then either ignore him completely or give him a suspicious and cautious nod. Fer wondered why there was such animosity towards the shield. What would have happened in the past? He needed to not only trust in Auriel to give him data. He would have to dig for it himself.

He turned to Cole. “I have said this, and I will say it again. As long as I draw breath. I shall be your shield. I will follow you. We are a team but judging on the looks and what the two emissaries have said, you being the face of the team is probably for the best.”

When they finally arrived at Marcino’s usual haunt the pair entered. The place was a loud and chaotic as normal. Apparently in this world it was not unusual to be drinking even so early in the day. Marcino greeted them with his usual rough manner. Apparently the bow had some interaction with him. Was this directed by the throne or was the bow hero trying to recruit him too? Either case did not bode well for the small trio.

Fer pursed his lips when Marcino all but refused their request. He could understand why the older man did not want to go with them. Many had hinted that the prey was nowhere near Marcino’s level. The only way to tempt such a man was by offering money. However, that could backfire if the mercenary raised the price so high that they could not pay him.

Fer should have waited for Cole to finish but he could not help it. He raised his voice in a calm and assertive tone. “You are right. This job was given to us. Yet, there is more than one way to skin a cat. We are not asking you to skin it for us. We just need a safety net. No true warrior goes into battle without a back up plan. Only a fool confuses bravery with recklessness. I am sure we have much to learn from you. So we ask only that you assist us.” He looked sideways at Cole to see if he would object then continued. “Of course, you would be compensated. What would be your price?”

[vancexentan]

@Whoami"Ah yes Records of Past Heroes? The former shields, swords, bows, and spears? Well I must say we don't have a VAST amount on them as King's great great great Grandmother did have the records classified for the sake of making sure they were safe but we have some stuff. The names of those who travelled with the heroes, the people who they defeated, and the records of their specific calamities though I must warn you even I, the summoner, of our new friends am currently not so sure how much is accurate." commented Hans as he looks around and then leans into whisper. "I feel that some here of specific...political, and factional disputes may have embellished some of it personally. I only say this to you for the simple fact you're with the heroes. Are you sure you wish to proceed knowing that?" comments Hans quickly as he pulls back looking around to hope no one saw him. He adjusts his glasses, and robes looking nervous as he looks at Auriel sweating slightly. "Aside from the obvious we all know the legends we were raised, and born on. The Spear Hero Shani who slew a kraken to save a port town, The Sword Hero who put down a war using only the power of her voice to calm the generals during a meeting, and the Bow Hero who split an entire mountain using one almighty shot down from the top of it. But who knows if those are true, and if they are I have high hopes for them."

===

"You're not my lackey Fer, you're my teammate. I'm not looking for followers more so people who will help me. And I think you know that too but its worth saying regardless." Cole returns to Fer as he looks directly at him his eyes firm, and unyielding as he nods then turns to Marcino who rubs his chin while he thinks about his reply. The grizzled veteran considers all of the things that could go wrong, and may very well go wrong, and eventually he takes a short breath as he looks at Fer intently.

"Escort job huh? And I guess I suppose I should thank one of those sneaky bitches that's been keeping an eye on us when I took you out to the field for target practice. King's little entourage does a lot for him you know. Not like back in Zeltoble. The Phoenix Born Hero doesn't let his crew go around doing whatever without his knowing. Then again...maybe that's for the best since the kid's got a lot on his plate. Don't envy the man that's for sure." comments Marcino as he takes a long swig of his beer. "Phoenix Born Hero?" Cole asks as the man shook his head and looks at him. "No, he's not one of you. He may as well be though...he's well...I suppose I shouldn't tell ya. Would be rude to not let that old shit not surprise ya." Marcino says crudely as he gives them a wide smile. "Anyway as long as the king foots the bill for me helping you stay alive I'll take the job. I'll even do it at a discount this once because I know its probably about Winters right? Heard a guard complaining about her a week ago before you both arrived. Consider it on the house for having one of my 'own' causing troubles. So you know when you're heading out?" Marcino asks as Cole stopped to wonder if there was more to this then Marcino let on. "I'm ready to head out at any time really but Auriel went off to somewhere...I don't remember I was hardly paying attention to her given the circumstances...and how did you know abo-" Cole started before Marcino shook his head. "No this ain't the place to be talking more than necessary about those people you get me?"

[Omni5876]

Fer’s eyes narrowed. Apparently the emissaries were keeping eyes on more than just the heroes. He wondered what sort of play was going behind closed doors. He already felt uncomfortable knowing that he may be indirectly be used as a tool to further someone’s cause. Often, if the tools is kept in the dark then the person using the tool was not of honorable persuasion.

The mention of the Zeltoblian hero spiked his interest. If there was a personage important or powerful enough to be placed in the same category as them, he felt he should know more about them. He filed the reference to ask Auriel. He figured he could ask Marcino but the man had quickly changed the subject. This spiked the young hero’s interest even more. Was there a man that the gruff veteran actually looked up to?

Fer nodded as Marcino surprised them by taking the job free of charge. The hero had resigned himself to pay what was necessary. After all, amasing fortune would be useless if his ultimate goal was to return to his own world at the end of the waves or his time here.

When Cole mentioned he did not know where their angel winged companion had gone Fer offered as a way of explanation. “She went to the Cathedral and library to check on the Dragon Glass and try to find some information about the old powers or skills of the old heroes.” The young man shrugged. “I had asked her to see if she could dig up some information. I want to be of better use. However, so far, I have only been able to morph my shield and gained a small orange one from feeding my gem those balloon monsters we fought the other day.”

He seconded Cole’s mention of being ready. “If we can pick up Auriel on the way, I am ready to go too.”

[vancexentan]

@Omni5876

"Well before we do...I have a question for you Fer. Do you think the other two heroes will be a problem for us? Not on this misison I mean in the future. The Spear Hero is a big unknown, and The Bow Hero is a loud mouth vulgar biker chick. I don't think we'll have much luck when it comes to teamwork BUT we need them. That's the big problem we need to form a cohesive team because otherwise we'll be split, and easily picked off once the waves come. We had some trouble with the bandits but given two weeks of prep we can easily manage to overwhelm the basic bad enemies that we'll fight. But the big ones? I don't think I can stop those alone." Cole states as he looks across to Fer his eyes fixed firmly on him as he grips the table a bit tightly. Cole wasn't sure what his comrade thought on the matter. Given the chance Cole would prefer the heroes joined together to save the world but...would that even be a possibility or were they called her to be doomed?

[Omni5876]

Fer considered the question posed to him. He had very little interaction with the spear who had left almost as quickly as he himself had appeared in this world. There seemed to be no animosity or bad blood in the departure. Indeed, the Spear had seemed level headed and even was able to pull an entourage with him which meant that at least some people of this world found him trustworthy.

He knew even less of the bow hero beside the comments of both Cole and Marcino. What he heard however, did not leave a good impression. As far as warriors went, apparently, she was very good. It was in the interaction between people that she seemed to be lacking. Fer was never one for sensibilities despite his usually calm and helpful attitude.

His friend was right, teamwork for the sake of survival, not just their own but of the world, would be critical. In truth, Fer had forgotten at times that two other heroes existed except for the time that Auriel or Cole mentioned them. He had enjoyed their small group’s dynamic. But his childish desires were trumped by cold hard real-world needs.

He sighed as he prepared to respond to Cole. His voice had a resigned tone that told of the unwillingness to do what his words said but his conviction to do it for the greater good. “IF there is a way to speak to them and IF we manage to get them to work with us in a sort of loose alliance. Our survival chances will increase. We do need more fire power Cole and just you and Auriel in the vanguard may not be enough.”

He paused for a second collecting his thoughts. If the bow was indeed such a jerk then her addition to the party might do more harm than good. But from what he had heard, the waves were named thus because they came in predictable and timed patterns. Perhaps there was a way to work with them during the waves and allow for the freedom of everyone following their own paths while in the lull between the waves.

“It would be great to have us work together in perfect synchrony but I don think that is possible. So, if we can at least fight in a loosely based plan with certain teams doing certain tasks then we should be able to fight effectively. It would take too much cooperation to fight efficiently but we can at least cover each other’s backs. I hope we can at least trust them enough for that.”

He looked at his fellow hero. “Do you think that you are charming enough to win them over to our side?” His tone was playful. “Or do you know them enough to perhaps offer some sort of deal or incentive?” Fer shrugged. “The least we can do is try and talk to them. If nothing comes of it, then we go back to being separate cells and hope that we survive.”

[Whoami]

History

(Mood Music)

Auriel listened to Hans as he explained that many of the records on the heroes would likely be shrouded in bias and exaggeration. Despite that, Auriel still wanted to see them. She could cross reference the information within the books with the knowledge that was shared with her as she trained to be the Holy Warrior. Auriel nodded to Hans after being asked if she would bother with proceeding. With that, she followed the man through the long stacks of the cathedral's library, eventually coming upon a section that only contained maybe a dozen books on the heroes. How strange... For something so integral to the culture of the world, there seemed to be a distinct lack of material. Perhaps the knowledge was being controlled by the Church of the Four. That'd make the most sense... But it didn't rule out of factors either.

Auriel smiled at Hans in appreciation for taking her to the books she was looking for. She laid her fingers along the spines of the books and drew them across the words that denoted their titles. Eventually she came across one, 'Four Legends, Four Myths, and Four Disasters'. Auriel pulled the book from the stacks and opened the blank cover. The first page was a summary of what the reader would expect. The book took into account twelve legendary heroes over many different eras. There were three of each type of hero, and they would all be placed in one of the three categories that made the name of the book. It spoke of the greatest of each of the chosen heroes, and the worst. The myth's section seemed to recount stories that could never be verified or corroborated, but were commonly spoken of as great deeds of mysterious heroes. It seemed interesting, but what captured her attention more was an old paper that slipped from the pages and fell to the floor. Auriel blinked and picked the paper up. She saw it was a handwritten note that was signed.

Auriel's breath caught her throat when she saw the name of the person who had written the note. Archiel. The greatest Holy Warrior to ever live, and the only one in the last eight hundred years who had had the honor of fighting alongside the four heroes of legend. Until Auriel's destiny was made manifest, the Holy Warriors fell into obscurity since, despite having heroes summoned three times since Archiel lived, no warrior was of the age or ability to be of any assistance. Most Holy Warriors would live their entire lives training for this one purpose, only to wither and die of old age. Auriel being the only Holy Warrior since Archiel to serve the heroes was pure luck. And to think that the spear she now wielded was used and made famous by Archiel. She felt that there was a standard to live up to in order to even hold the weapon. Just brandishing it in public made her feel as though she had to do right by Archiel and continue his legacy. Would she forge a new legend with the spear and become the next role model for entire generations of warriors after her? The thought was vast in scale and it made her nervous. She hoped that she would be able to hold a candle to Archiel's brilliant light.

The thought crossed her mind... If the note was hand written by Archiel himself and placed within the book, then the book must almost be nearly a millennium old. Perhaps it remained untouched by bias... And because of its age, it would speak of heroes that she had never even heard the name of before. She read the note...

"To whoever finds and reads this note. Congratulations. You have found the one and only record of the legendary heroes as they were. You might be fooled by the title and first few pages of this book, and that was by design. At the time of writing this, there were many of that particular volume printed and distributed. Myself and the Bow Hero, Sullivan Krasster, took this book and replaced the pages with journal entries from myself and the four heroes of my time. The writings in this book at unedited, transcribed by myself and no other over many painstakingly long nights. My body is withering, and I am afraid only a quill is all my frail body, in its old age, is capable of lifting on its own now. There has been a widespread purging of knowledge about the heroes, as the Shield Hero of my time accessed forbidden knowledge that nearly brought about the end of us all. While I feel the intention is the betterment of all, I believe it is foolish to simply whisk away the truth and replace it with carefully tailored information. Please, to whoever finds this book and reads this note, safeguard it and cherish the knowledge it contains. As I pass into the next world, I have instructed my youngest son to take the book do as I did until the time comes again when he must hand it over to a new tome bearer. Do not let history become dust in the annals of time.

- Archiel Ashenwind

Auriel's cheeks flushed as she read the note. She calmly set the paper down on a reading table and opened the ancient book to a random page, far enough in to pass the ruse before the truth. Sure enough, the pages were written by hand and not inscribed by magic, and it was all in the same handwriting as the words on the note. She read some lines, the particular topic being a record of the Spear Hero of Archiel's time, Tira Alembech. Auriel's golden eyes were practically glued to the record. She was reading actual journals of a hero from eight hundred years ago! She wanted to read more, but a sneeze from a random reader brought her back into the real world. The book must have slipped through the cathedral's censors, or perhaps it was secretly placed in the stacks by the last holder. Since interest in the records of the heroes had greatly diminished, perhaps the library at the heart of the censorship was the safest place for it. Beyond the obvious importance of the information is carried, it was also put together by Archiel as his last gift to the world. This was a relic of the highest magnitude to her Order, and no one had even known about it. She slipped Archiel's note into the book, leaving it on the page where the true records started so she could easily skip the nonsense. Auriel closed the book and hugged it to her chest protectively. "Archiel... I swear your efforts will not be wasted... Thank you..." she mumbled quietly to herself.

She heard Hans returning to her, to see if she had indeed found something that would prove useful to her. She didn't go into any detail, she just held the cover of Four Legends, Four Myths, and Four Disasters in front of him and quickly exclaimed that she would like to take indefinite ownership of it. She reminded him that she was the Church's champion, and a representative of the Four Heroes. To deny her over what appeared to be a dusty, falsified and biased book would be ridiculous. "I will pay the Church recompense for taking a book from their collection." she assured.

[vancexentan]

@Omni5876
"Charming? What do I look like some sort of prince? I'm just a guy with a legendary sword on his hip. I'm only as special as this world allows me to be really. If possible...I'd like to be the one who follows rather than leads but if destiny thrusts that upon me then so be it. I will be the legendary sword that cleaved the waves apart." Cole admits to Fer, and by extension Marcino, as he takes a deep breath he looks to Fer directly. "But...I will not just survive. I want to win. I want to save these people, and the people of the other nations. I will do my best for them because that is what fate has put upon me. I sound really dramatic I know but...this is life, and death, and the fate of nations I can't afford to just be common anymore can I?" states Cole calmly as he turns to Marcino. "I'm ready to go are you?" Cole asks him as he shakes his head. "I need to go lock my valuables away, and get my equipment. You two should eat, or go find that buddy of yours and see that she's ready to go." Marcino states as Cole nods, and grabs adjusts his armor a bit. "Understood I'll see if we can get her quick. Let's go Fer if you're ready." Cole stated as he stands up quickly.

@Whoami
As Hans stood there looking about as the young lady Auriel looked at her book he gave some directions to a young scholar who was looking to see if there were any potions of healing books he could find. It was only a moment before he managed to point him in the right direction did she speak up to him again. Hans looked a bit uneasy for a moment but took a deep breath. "I can't say I have the authority to let you take that book. But if you clear your name proper with the secretary you should be able to sign it out as a member of the Hero's Party. The Shield is your actual patron isn't it? Then you should make sure to put his name with yours as well for the sake of making sure all the books are accounted for. With the waves coming you don't know what books could be vital so preparations are needed you understand." Hans stated as he uneasily prepared for more questions of 'why can't I just take it' like the usual warriors did when they didn't understand proper library matters. "Is that really the only thing you wanted? The Spear isn't your saint after all." commented Hans confused.

[Omni5876]

Fer chuckled at the aggrieved reaction of Cole. He smiled even wider when to show humbleness his friend put forth the example that he was one of the select four heroes. The young shield shook his head at how ironic the comment sounded.

In his world, in his time, it would be like saying. I am only a rich person who was given a lot of money and am able to spend it however I want.

Despite the silliness of the current train of thought, Fer had to agree with his friend. They seemed to have not been selected due to some special skills they had or because they were the best suited. Indeed, the young hero had wondered why they seemed to have been chosen.

Their lack of knowledge about the most basic things in the world and their lack of knowledge about the weapons they now carried made them more of a liability than an asset. If they were truly all that stood between the waves and destruction, then this world was putting way too much faith on them.

Fer stopped smiling as his thoughts turned to that particular topic. Both he and Cole had been trying their best. He could not say anything about the other two heroes but he would not doubt them if they looked out only for themselves.

Cole had bravely and selflessly proclaimed that though he owed no allegiance to king, country or world, that he would protect them. Having fought in many harrowing battles in his previous world and just recently at the farm, the young shield knew that the price of freedom and peace was high.

He gave Cole a pat on the shoulder. “Sometimes my friend, surviving is winning.” His tone was friendly and resolute. “But as we have already promised to each other. We shall bear each other’s burdens and fight along each other as the pair that our weapons are. I do not follow you out of obligation. I walk with you and beside you.” He patted him again. “You can lean on me for support and I know you will do the same with me.”

Fer nodded to his friend. “I am ready, lets go pick up our winged friend.” He smirked again and whispered playfully. “I need a pretty face to look at after setting eyes on…” the young hero motioned with his head towards the veteran gladiator and smiled again.

[vancexentan]

"Alright well we need to go, and find Auriel or else we'll be better off spending the rest of the day in town. And with this week about half way done we need to make sure we get as much experience fighting as possible. The waves won't be letting us have an off day." Cole states to Marcino who grunts, and leaves the table leaving the two heroes alone. As they pick up their weapons to leave the patrons at the bar wish them good luck on their quest. Hailing the sword hero as the hero who will save them from the waves. Cole couldn't help but wonder what exactly the Spear Hero was up to. Matsunaga had come back to town...so then where was the spear? He hoped that he had found something important to look up, or else things would get dirty when the day of judgment came for them.

===

As Hans nodded he looked around, and saw a few mages waving him over he looked to Auriel and bowed his head. "It looks like I'm needed now. Please enjoy the library to the fullest but remember some books may be in use due to the circumstances at hand. Not everything is currently at the library that we usually have on hand. Long live the heroes, and long live the people." Hans states as hurries away from Auriel. She was left to her own devices doing as she will. However after not too long a knight in a bit worn out steel armor comes up to her, and tells her that her allies the Sword, and Shield will be waiting for her at the front door of the church. Escorting her out, as was his job even if Auriel insisted otherwise. As she exited Cole waved her over, and said aloud "Hey Auriel we got Marcino aboard we're meeting back at the tavern, and then we're going to go after the bounty." Cole told her. The knight wished her good luck in her attempt at assisting the heroes before vanishing back inside. "We're going soon you ready? Need anything like anti-poison potions, or healing potions?" Cole asked having packed some before leaving the tavern and fighting the bandits.

[Omni5876]

The young shield hero could do little else than nod at being reminded that even though they faced political and social pressures and dangers, the main reason for their existence and summoning to this world still lay in the near future.

The small band had fought low level monsters and bandits but the wearer of the shield knew that facing off against waves classified as calamities would be a completely different situation. Cole was right in that in the short time they were afforded they needed to get more training. Fer hoped that their feathered companion had managed to dig up some helpful information.

He followed his sword bearing companion as they made their way back through the city. Some people called out to them, some avoided them. Mainly, the city went about their business either blissfully ignorant or naively confident that the heroes would protect them.

Fer pursed his lips at this second theory. How could the four of them defend a whole world? Hell, it was not even four of them. It was more like four groups of distant and not organized heroes. If the other were having as hard a time grasping the basics of their weapons as Fer then the faith that people placed on their skills was not going to produce the return people expected.

His mood darkened. Thankfully, the view of the cathedral came into view. Fer marveled at the sheer size and elaborate decorations. He had only heard of the cathedrals in Europe and the modest church in his hometown back on earth was a drop in a lake compared to the one before him. The young hero could not help but whistle his admiration.

Fer’s smile only grew wider as he saw the approach of their winged companion. He raised his hand in welcome as Cole quickly went to the point. “Boss says that its time to make the bad lady pay. No rest for the weary I guess.”

He chuckled and pushed Cole slightly with his elbow in a playful manner. “Lets stock up with what ever you need to keep us alive Auriel. I can carry whatever you come up with. I sure hope that you found some good information. My brother would have loved to help you in there I am sure.” He was surprised at the wave of sadness and melancholy that suddenly assailed him.

[Whoami]

Regrouping

(Mood Music)

Auriel had finished signing the book out from the library. She had no intention of returning it, lest the Church discover its contents and destroy it as well. Auriel had seen the corruption in the Church of the Four, and it worried her. Now that she was uncovering more of the truth behind their actions, would she become a liability to them and their agenda? Auriel kept quiet as she turned back toward the library. Then she heard the armoured bootsteps of a knight approaching her. He notified her that the heroes had come for her, and before Auriel could even take a moment to gather her wits, the knight was taking her to the exit of the Cathedral. It was clear that despite her rank and stature within the Church's hierarchy, she wasn't as welcomed there as she had originally thought.

Auriel stepped out the large front doors of the Cathedral and immediately saw the two heroes. She smiled and made her way down the marble steps to greet them. She hear Cole explain the plan, "We're going back out? Are we sure we can do this before the first wave comes?" She stopped herself and nodded obediently to Cole, "Very well. I don't need any supplies, I'm still quite well stocked from our last foray into the countryside."

She looked to Fer and smiled again, chuckling at his lightheartedness. It was something she could appreciate even as the pressure of their task loomed ever more oppressively over them. She nodded to him, "You have nothing to fear! So long as I am fighting by your side, no harm will come to either of you."

[vancexentan]

"Alright well if we're already to go then we should head out immediately if anyone needs to we can make a quick pit stop otherwise we'll get Marcino, and head out. God willing we'll be able to put an end to this bandit group once, and for all at the end of the next day or so." Cole stated as he took a deep breath and looked around at his companions feeling a sudden twinge in his gut at the pressure on him as essentially the real fighter of the group. He wasn't entirely confident Marcino would consistently help him in this fight but...he figured he'd at least live that much he was confident in. As the three of them set off on their way to the gate however he still wondered...should they really kill the prisoner? Bringing her back would probably lead to her serving jail. Or better yet he still hoped they could press gang her into service. The King needed all available hands or otherwise this will be a blood bath...

----

As the crew approached the entrance to the cave Marcino had broken off from the main group to go, and set himself up somewhere as the two heroes, and Auriel hid in the foliage to mask their presence from the guards in front of the cave. Two torches were planted into the ground burning fiercely enough to light up the entrance to the cave. Inside there appeared to be multiple fires set up on either side of the entrance. Only four guards stood in place to guard their hideout, and Cole had to wonder...how exactly did they plan on dealing with them...theoretically they could smoke them out. But he knew from DnD sessions with his uncle that charging blindly into a cave could set you into some nasty defenses. But Marcino was with them. A man strong enough that a king knew his moniker and hired him to take care of legendary heroes.

"I want Fer upfront he needs to use his shield to provide me cover while I deal with the men coming from the sides. I can take the right, Auriel the left, and Ferr can block, or control the center. Following that I believe it would be best to let Marcino cover our rear. We can't afford to let up here. Once we're in there we're either coming out victors, or not at all." Cole commented quietly as he kept his grip on his legendary sword firmly in his hands. His breathing was a bit heavier than he noticed but he was trying to calm himself down to take human lives yet again. Not something to do so lightly. If the world was trying set them up for success they would need to be thrown into some sort of fire before the inferno that would be the waves. "Auriel, Fer I trust you to have my back don't die in there." Cole told them gently as he said it however all four of the guards suddenly collapsed forward. Cole looked at them, and blinked it happened in a second but four arrows protruded from the bodies of all the bandits...all of them didn't even flinch. They had all probably died instantly from vitals being hit. "Well...looks like that's done...anyone need to cast any spells it won't take long for them to notice before we charge in?"

[Omni5876]

Fer’s smile slowly returned as he remembered his younger brother. Always devouring books and always imagining things. He was often bullied, even by their own father, for being “too smart for his own good.” The young hero looked up at the big cathedral like building. No doubt it was full of books and knowledge. One day he should return here and walk the halls if nothing else as a sort of avatar for his younger brother’s spirit.

He turned that smile over to Auriel. The fathered warrior always a sight that brought a smile to his face. Not only was the girl nice to look at, having her as a companion was enjoyable and it appealed to his sense of family. A family he was very much missing.

“Well, then may be you should have had extra arms instead of those pretty wings cus keeping us out of trouble may be more than two hands can handle.” He joked but in the back of his mind, the logical and tactical part of his brain told him that he was not too far off the mark. Cole seemed to be their main damage dealer, with Auriel as secondary and Fer as little more than support and cheer squad.

The young shield turned to his male companion. Stress and the burden of leadership easy to see if you were paying attention. The young man was not much different in age to Fer. The only thing that kept Fer from pissing himself was that he had lived the battlefield. He had seen death. He had taken life. It never go any easier. It was a long time but he could somehow understand what Cole was going through.

“Alright boss, we are ready. Lead us on to victory.” He joked trying to lighten the mood. He walked with his partners. A trio of young fools thinking they could shoulder the woes of the world. Still, the young hero would not have had it any other way.

On the way to Marcino, Fer questioned the holy warrior wondering what she had discovered and to see if there was a way to perhaps enhance his shield. The rest of the world faded into a blurry background. The only thing that mattered to Fer was his two friends. He enjoyed their time together. After all, who knew what awaited them.

*******************************

The mood had changed a little when Marcino joined the group. Fer figured it was not the old gladiator’s fault. After all, when your life consist of eviscerating and rejoicing in the spilt blood of your foes, a funny bone is not something you retain. So the talk turned more to harsh lessons of life from the old man and planning out their attack.

When the mercenary left, Fer was able to breathe a bit easier. Still he valued the man’s skill and the young man knew that having Marcino about would greatly increase their chances of survival. This became abundantly clear when the three younger members of the raiding party sat pondering the best way to overpower the guard.

Fer smiled as Cole dispatched orders of engagement and a quick and dirty victory speech. The lad would definitely be considered a great leader. It was a shame that other adventurers or people had not joined their cause like Auriel had. With Cole in the lead, it would be easy to lift people’s spirits.

The young hero nodded his acknowledgment of his assignment. It was pretty cut and dry. After all, there was not much he could do. Still, l he could at least show support for his friend. He placed a hand on the other lad’s shoulder as he noticed him taking deeper breaths than normal. “You know I will always be here by your side friend.”

He then turned towards the cave. Just before they trio charged in, the guards in front of them dropped dead. Fer of course did not know where the sniper was, but he wondered if that was the gladiator’s passive aggressive way to tell the kids to get a move on.

He readied his shield. “Morph Shield: Tower.” The shield morphed into a larger replica of the Roman scutum with a flash of green. He had seen a very tall shield at the weapon’s merchant. It may have been no more than a decoration for it would have taken a man that was about seven feet tall to maneuver that thing. Still, it had left an impression on Fer.

Even more impressive, was that his shield morphed exactly to the dimensions he envisioned. The Shield was almost as tall as he, covering from lower shin to just below his eyes. It was wide enough for him and half a person. In his mind, he had figured that this would be the best way to limit ranged attacks and funnel any would be melee fighters towards the sharp ends of Cole and Auriel’s weapons.

“Ok, well guess I’m ready. Lets give them hell” Fer smiled wickedly. If his shield was able to morph into what his mind’s eyes could think of, then he wondered what the possibilities were.

[vancexentan]

As Cole prepared his sword in his hand he heard the distinctive call of a bird...but it was louder than expected, and for it being at night that could only mean that it was Marcino using a call as a sign he was going to make his move. Cole hunkered down for a moment, and as he took a breath suddenly three simultaneous arrows shout out from the opposite direction of them. All of them imbedding their pointed arrows into the heads, or necks of the enemy guards as they slumped over a magical aura around the arrows gave off the clue that they weren't normal shots. The bodies propelled by the force of the magical arrows fell away from the cave's entrance leaving them dead on the ground with only their feet being barely visible by Cole's perspective. Cole got up immediately, and motioned for Fer to follow him. Auriel said she'd take the rear line.

Cole advances not looking down at the enemies to preserve what he has of will power the blood gushing at his feet may as well be water for all the thought he gives it. Cole holds his sword, and as the swirling energy gathers around it he looks to Fer and tells him he's going to advance. Marcino appears shortly before he says so and moves to the entrance of the cave with Auriel. Cole advances into the Cave past the entrance to find a bunch of bandits eating dinner by the fire, about eight, and all of which seem to be none the wiser to the events that had transpired. "Surrender or die. You face The Heroes of the Sword, and shield. We will show you mercy in the name of the Kingdom if you throw down your weapons." comments Cole quickly as he sees the bandits look up in shock. One of them goes to shout before an arrow pierces his throat. At that two of the bandits immediately put their hands up in a surrender pose. The other five quickly move to attack Cole. Cole reacts quickly unleashing his attack. "METEOR STRIKE!" Cole says as the strike cuts down two of the remaining bandits. The survivors charge towards Cole who prepares to defend himself if Fer doesn't manage to get there in time.

[Omni5876]

Fer heard the call. It seamed that even in other worlds, using knowledge of the local nature was exploited by rangers and scouts. Though the young hero was not versed on the local fauna, he was sure that a nocturnal animal would not be so easy to give away his position to prey and predator. Even animals such as Owls would only use their calls when completely necessary. As it was, the nature around them knew that something was amiss. The usual sounds of natures had been missing.

This meant that the sharp whistle of the arrows as they sped towards their target was audible enough for even novices such as them to hear it. Their closeness to the action allowed them to even hear audible thumps as the arrows silently ended the lives of the guards. Used as he was to seeing death, the young shield hero still shook his head at seeing lives ended this manner.

However, he was sure that the people whose lives just ended, would not have any remorse in ending his or Cole’s life. Who knew how many lives, innocent or not, their hands had already ended. Life was cruel wither in this world or back on his own.

Marcino sure knew his stuff. The bodies slumped away from the entrance. This would prevent any onlooker from noticing the dead bodies before it was time. Fer felt his sword bearing companion move. He hoped that his lovely winged warrior would have no need of his protection as she covered their rear. As it was, he was sure that newbies such as he and Cole would probably need more protecting.

Fer followed Cole quickly covering the gap between he woods and the cave’s entrance. He gave the dead guards a closer inspection ensuring they were truly dead but the old mercenary knew his job. The guards probably never even knew they had died. The young hero wondered if there was any sort of belief in the afterlife in this world. His eyes shifted from the dead bodies to the cave.

The light of the cooking fire enough for him to see the inside. He heard sounds behind him and glancing back took note that Marcino and Auriel would be covering the rear. Looking back he noticed multiple bandits eating dinner.

"Surrender or die. You face The Heroes of the Sword, and shield. We will show you mercy in the name of the Kingdom if you throw down your weapons."

The young shield hero sighed inwardly. Cole, ever the good person was giving them an honorable chance to back down. They had lost the benefit of a surprise attack. However, one has to role with he punches. To help drive the point that it would be a bad idea to fight them, Fer quietly puts up his left forearm and quietly say “Morph shield: Tower shield”

The green gleam is evident to all as his brazer suddenly materializes a shield. Being veteran enough to not be intimidated by the flashy display, the bandits jump to action. Marcino, true to his experience, puts an arrow down the troat of a would be alarm giver preventing more people from coming.

That is, until Cole unleashes a power attack at the assaulting bandits. Two go down easily. A slight tinge of jealousy is felt by Fer who has yet to acquire any sort of usable skills for his shield. He wished he would have had more time for research from what Auriel found out. Still, he is not empty handed and moves to Cole’s left to cover his flank.

He used his shield with a bashing maneuver on one of the two. His motion would also require them to separate to get Cole. This would hopefully give Cole the opportunity of doing a one on one confrontation. Fer was using the same technique he had used with the orange balloon monsters. His aim was to cover Cole's flank as he slashed. He hoped that their previous collaboration would be fruitful. The cave’s layout enabled them to block the entrance and limit anybody going around them.

The Shield hero felt the whack of the sword the bandit swung at him, deviating the strike and hopefully getting him off balance. He would now move to Cole’s right allowing his partner to strike at the open bandit while Fer covered any strike coming from the other side. The dance of death had started.

[vancexentan]

As Fer managed to separate the two Cole moved in quickly and swiped his sword in a broad arc cutting through the armored plate on the chest of the bandit and felling him with the blow. Cole felt the blood splash on his cheek from the attack but he pulled back and readied himself all the same as he rushed over, and pushed the other bandit over once Fer had managed to knock him off balance with his shield bash. Cole went to strike at him but he got his sword blocked by the enemy's own blade he had chosen to use as his weapon. "I don't care if your heroes if I don't kill you the boss will!" the bandit shouted as he kicked Cole in his knee which had little effect due to his armor. Cole proceeded then to kick him in the gut, and then the face. The bandits who weren't focused on Cole started to go and focus on the shield seemingly drawn to him as to try and get to Cole's flank.

Cole heard the swords bang off of Fer's shield and went to strike at the bandits with another meteor strike which this time was off the mark smashing into the cave wall but it bought them both time. The bandits moved backward as Cole turned back to slash the fingers off of the bandit he had kicked on the face as he had gone back for his weapon leaving him writhing on the ground in pain. The other bandits huddled together, and stared down the sword, and shield heroes. "Ugh! Shouldn't you fucking do-gooders be off saving the world!? Why are farm raiders being dealt with by actual living legends huh!? Or is this the king punching down at the people he's supposedly protecting!?" growled the bandit as Cole spit on the floor. "Honest folk don't burn down innocent peoples' farms you bastards"!