Chapter Text
A familiar young man felt himself drifting within an endless sky. His mind was quite hazy as his body drifted along. However, as he recovered himself his strength returned. Rather than drifting listlessly he sat up. The young man had forest green eyes and long black hair in a ponytail. He had those signature bangs that looked like an upside down triangle. He wore very simple light brown clothes with long sleeves, pants, shoes, and poncho. Strapped to his side was a small bag and he had a white hair tie keeping up his hair. His clothes were all remarkably simple, but he did wear it all quite neatly.
“Where…What’s going on?”, the young man thought.
“Who are you…? State your name!”, a thunderous voice echoed throughout the endless sky.
The young man looked quite stunned. His eyes were wide open along with his mouth. He gasped clearly confused by this whole situation, but gave his name anyway.
“Flynn.”, the young man answered, softly.
“Hahaha. He has spoken! Your life is now irrevocably changed.”, the voice replied.
As he said that Flynn’s clothes changed to that of a cream colored robe lined with gold and a blue coat lined with white. On his arm was a familiar metal gauntlet and he had a brown sword holster on his hip. Around his neck was a white scarf which was wrapped like a bandanna. Flynn was taken aback as he looked at his clothes.
“These clothes…They are that of…“, Flynn thought.
“The choices you make will no longer bear only on you. What you do…will create a world.”, the voice continued.
A maelstrom appeared under Flynn and he panicked as he was dragged in. He awoke somewhere else to a horrid smell of smoke. It was absolutely everywhere to the point where he covered his nose as he stood up. Around him he saw fires raging in a city that looked alien to him. Buildings reached up to the sky as if trying to touch the Heavens themselves. Much of it was covered by smoke. The road was black with white and yellow lines. Strange looking metal carts with wheels sat in the streets.
“What is this awful place?”, Flynn thought.
“Oh, so there you are. Over here…”, a voice beckoned him.
In the heart of the chaos was a young man around his age covered in light obscuring his features. Flynn approached the figure with caution.
“You finally made it. Now I can take shape too…”, the young man said.
He now looked normal, having spiky brown hair. On his ears were silver colored earrings. His eyebrows were sharp and he wore the same uniform, but far more messily. His robes were loose enough to reveal his muscular chest. Around his neck was a blue scarf which wrapped around it. His face was obscured in shadow.
There was something about this young man that felt familiar to Flynn, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. It was as if he had known him forever. Which was strange because he’s pretty sure he’s never met this man.
“I was fighting damn hard when I waited for you to show up. You do remember me, right?”, the young man continued.
A name rose up from deep within the confused Flynn.
“That’s right. Your name is Walter.”, Flynn replied.
Flynn wasn’t sure why he felt so confident in his answer. He wasn’t even sure where he got that name from. However, the young man before him smiled.
“That’s right…I’m Walter. Whatever happens after this, you’d better not forget me. Because you and me are going to make a world where anything can be changed if you have the will…”, Walter said.
“A world where anything can be changed…? Is something like that even possible?”, Flynn thought.
Without warning he was transported somewhere else. It was within a vast dessert which was practically empty in contrast to the filled burning streets he was in previously. A statue that Flynn recognized was slipping deep within the sands as if devouring it whole. Flynn looked stunned as he unconsciously reached out.
“The statue of King Aquila? Is this supposed to be Mikado? What’s happening?”, Flynn thought.
He felt fear and uncertainty at the sight. Standing within the stillness was an illuminated young man like before.
“…Thank goodness you’re here. Please, come quick.”, a voice came from the young man.
Flynn rushed there with more urgency. Everything he was seeing felt so confusing and distressing.
“Good, you’ve come. Now I can take shape too.”, the young man said.
The light cleared away revealing a young man with very curly brown hair. Like the previous man his face was obscured. He was even taller than him, likely 6ft tall. He wore his uniform properly like he did. Around his neck was a yellow scarf which was tied in a way that resembles an ascot.
“I prayed and waited…longing for the day you’d come. You must remember who I am, right?”, the young man continued.
Flynn nods. Another name popped into his mind instantly. He was absolutely sure that it was the name of this man.
“Your name is Jonathan.”, Flynn replied.
“Yes, that’s right… My name is Jonathan. You mustn’t forget that my future is with you. The two of us are going to make a world where the peace we know today lasts forever.”, Jonathan said.
“That’s what I want. That’s why I…”, Flynn thought.
His thoughts were interrupted as he found himself on a beach with dulled colors. He has never seen such a place in person before. Despite that his mind imagined it in perfect detail like the other places. That feeling of deja vu came back. Within the beautiful place which had lost its luster was a little girl with long brown hair. She wore a white dress and her face wasn’t visible. Flynn also felt that he knew this child.
Before he could say a thing his ears were barraged by a chorus of awing voices. There were so many all at once. They talked over each other so much that it was difficult to make out what they were saying. All he could decipher was the word “messiah”. He covered his ears and screwed his eyes shut.
“I…revive…every…sake.”, a distorted young voice said.
“Huh?”, Flynn questioned.
It was even harder to make out through all of the noise. He took his hands off his ears for a moment. They were ringing.
“Please Flynn, won’t you revive me…?”, the young girl questioned.
“Who…Who are you?”, Flynn questioned.
A name didn’t come to his throat. It seemed to have faded from his mind unlike the others. That brought him a distress that he couldn’t name.
“Hoy… Hoy, wake up.”, a voice that he recognized brought him to reality.
His eyelids flickered open. He laid in the grass underneath a tree with another man. The young man with him had a more messy brown ponytail and brown eyes. His jaw was square-like and he had thick eyebrows. He wore far more ornate clothes than him. His was brown too, but had embroideries in a darker color. This included his shirt and poncho. This was accompanied by actual boots which were that darker brown and gloves with fur at its edge. A tie kept his shirt up and he had a bigger brown bag with the strap going across his stomach.
“If we’re not on our way soon, we’ll be late.”, the young man said.
Flynn tried to rouse himself from his deep slumber. It felt as if he had slept for a very long time. Enough that waking itself felt difficult. His mind stewed within the thick fog.
“Are you awake?”, the young man asked.
Flynn was massaging his head. Sweat laced his skin making it feel clammy. His foggy eyes cleared up. He wiped the sweat from his face with a handkerchief from his bag.
“Kind of…”, Flynn answered, his words almost slurring like he was drunk.
“I admit, I fell asleep too… We’ve spent so many days out here at Lake Mikado, after all… When I thought about this being our last nap here, I couldn’t bear to rouse myself. So I don’t want to hear, “You promised to wake me up Issachar!” eh?”, his friend went on.
Flynn sweat dropped.
“Well you did.”, Flynn replied, dryly.
“Drat, but now is not the time to argue. We must hurry to the Rite.”, Issachar replied as he beckoned Flynn up.
Flynn rolled his eyes as Issachar had dodged accountability as he had grown accustomed to. He messed with his outfit and hair, correcting it with practiced grace as he followed Issachar into town.
“What am I going to do with him?”, Flynn thought, in a humorous way.
Flynn stayed behind Issachar letting him take point. The young man easily dissolved into the other's shadow. What with his strong personality and ornate clothes he was bound to stand out more. That was fine with Flynn. He wasn’t a fan of crowds or people staring at him so he preferred it that way. The Castle Town which they had just arrived at was full of them. It had taller buildings than he was used to but not as tall as those in his dream. There were flags hung about and people filling the streets to its brim.
His natural looks drew enough attention as is. The mere thought of it made Flynn’s ears red. He looked around and certainly noticed a few women who noticed him staring at him. A woman pushing vegetables in a cart nearly tipped the cart over when she saw him. It made him feel bad, but at least it didn’t actually fall.
Flynn hid his face behind Issachar. The latter gazed out into the vast city. He had his hands on his hips and looked around at the city.
“…Here at last. It’s such a long trip from the village. The city is so big, I don’t think I could even hazard a guess as to where they might hold the Rite…”, Issachar said.
He looked behind him knowing very well where Flynn was. Flynn peeked out from behind his sentient safety blanket.
“I’m not sure either. I believe we’ll need to ask someone.”, Flynn replied.
“That means me then…”, Issachar thought.
Issachar looked around for someone to ask within the mass of people. He spotted an elegant looking man. He approached the man followed closely by Flynn.
“Ah, sir! Excuse me!”, Issachar called out to get his attention.
The elegant man turned up his nose at them looking annoyed. He looked upon him as if they were the lowest of creatures. This man carried himself with quite the confidence.
“…What is it?”, the elegant man questioned, making his feelings very evident in his voice.
Issachar noticed this and became more cautious as he continued to speak.
“Well… Us two… We have come for the Rite and…”, Issachar replied as he watched the man’s demeanor closely.
“Hmph… A Casualry brat. The Gauntlet Rite, you say…? Seek it yourself. Though you may as well begin preparing now for your journey home, hahaha…”, the elegant man said, haughtily.
Issachar's smile and eyebrow was twitching in annoyance. Flynn had narrowed his eyes, but didn’t look very shocked by what transpired. It was to be expected.
“Um… Thank you…?”, Issachar replied, in an awkward tone
He walked off laughing at them. As soon as he left Issachar raised up his clenched fist which was shaking. Flynn quietly tapped him on his shoulder and pointed out his slipping composure. Issachar corrected it and sighed.
“Seems the tales I’d heard of the Luxuror snoot undershot the mark… But no matter, we’ll find someone else to ask.”, Issachar commented.
“I was hoping that the Luxurors here were at least a tad kinder than… Well you know who.”, Flynn added.
Issachar sweat dropped and nodded. They wandered around for a while not having much luck. During their trip they passed Obelisk Plaza which had the story of Mikado inscribed. Flynn looked towards the tablet, unable to read it.
“This has the original inscription for Mikado’s history. That of the legendary King Aquila…and an angel that guided him away from sin.”, Flynn thought as he started at it.
The tale had been told in their village’s Monastery quite often. No matter how many times Flynn heard it he felt engaged. Something about that tale drew him in. Issachar tugged his collar.
“What are you even doing, Flynn? You can’t even read it.”, Issachar questioned.
Flynn snapped to reality and turned to Issachar, before looking back.
“This is where the story of King Aquila was first inscribed, don’t you remember when the monks spoke of it?”, Flynn explained.
Issachar grimaced looking extremely disinterested.
“So what? It’s a tablet you can’t read. I don’t see what’s so special about it being the first inscription. I’ve heard it being inscribed into the air enough times that I never want to hear it again.”, Issachar replied in a sarcastic manner.
Flynn paused supposing that he was the only one it excited. That was to be expected considering how he fails to understand Issachar at times. Carved into the obelisk was the image of a four armed angel who rode a Pegasus. One who bore a holy sword with his other hands holding a bow or performing magic.
“I suppose…”, Flynn replied.
Issachar put his hand on Flynn’s back and aimed him somewhere else.
“Let’s not forget of the Rite. The entire reason we’re here.”, Issachar said.
Flynn looked forward, noticing a massive crowd out of the corner of his eye. It looked to be filled with people who were the same age as them. He pointed towards the crowd.
“You think it’s there?”, Flynn questioned as he pointed.
“Hm? There’s a crowd at the plaza. Could this be where the Rite is to take place…? Hoy Flynn. Should we take a closer look? Well…”, Issachar replied.
“Let’s go and see.”, Flynn answered.
A warrior stood beyond the crowd, started speaking. He wore those uniforms from Flynn’s dream. They saw him after getting closer and looking over the crowd. It wasn’t too hard for Flynn. He was nearly 6ft tall.
“Those who have come for the Gauntlet Rite, form up here. You must abide until your turn.”, the warrior said.
“This is it… We’re finally here…”, Issachar gasped.
He looked forward with wonder. Flynn couldn’t help, but share in it. This is something they have been waiting for almost their whole lives.
“That’s right. We really made it. After all of the training and harrowing winters.”, Flynn replied as he turned to Issachar and smiled at him.
“Do you know, I heard some curious things from the elders at our village. Those who pass the Rite and become Samurai must live in Mikado Castle. As I heard it, they can’t even go back to their hometown, unless it’s for a mission. This could be farewell for us, Flynn…”, Issachar said.
This broke Flynn out of his cheer. He addressed him as calmly as possible but he was clearly upset.
“And you just tell me this now?”, Flynn questioned.
“I didn’t know if it was true. It was just a rumor.”, Issachar replied.
With that Flynn eased. He looked back to the proceedings crossing his arms.
“Let’s hope it is.”, Flynn said.
Flynn thought of his family that he left back home. His mother couldn’t have another kid. It was just him as her only child. His birth alone was a miracle and quite the responsibility to undertake. They didn’t have many hands to work the fields. Despite this his noble hearted father didn’t abandon his mother. It had always been difficult for them to get by. He would have to take on the amount of work that multiple children would normally have. It made him fear for how they would fair without his help.
“Those who fail must leave at once.”, the warrior known as a Samurai informed.
“The Gauntlet didn’t shine for me. I know this Rite is just a dog and pony show, but the Kingdom says to do it so I go along.”, the young man said, disconsolately.
The young man left the Rite after failing.
“I will become a Samurai… I’m definitely going to be a Samurai… A Samurai and a Luxuror at that.”, Issachar psyched himself up.
“I hope… I just want everyone to be alright. If me becoming a Samurai will help in that then I shall accept it. Mother…Father…”, Flynn thought.
Soon they were at the front of the cue.
“Next candidate, step forth.”, the Samurai beckoned.
“That’s my cue. Here I go to become a Samurai!”, Issachar said.
Flynn nodded.
“Good luck. I’m praying for your success.”, Flynn replied.
“Becoming a Samurai means more to Issachar than anything. He is not like me… He…”, Flynn thought.
“Just know, Flynn… You’ll always be my friend.”, Issachar said.
Flynn nodded and smiled.
“For sure. No matter what happens.”, Flynn replied.
Honestly if either of them were to be picked he expected it to be Issachar. To him Issachar was more fitting of such a noble role. In contrast, he was quite simple and would be satisfied with either outcome. At least to an extent…
“I’d have trained for nothing, but at least I could make sure that my family doesn’t starve.”, Flynn thought.
Issachar was currently in the center of the plaza. Flynn put his hands together to pray. A Gauntlet was put on Issachar’s eyes.
“Please God…”, Flynn thought.
Flynn’s eyes opened as he watched in anticipation. A nervous sweat fell from his brow as he watched. The gauntlet was on and Issachar pressed it but…nothing happened. This left Flynn shocked. He gasped in disbelief.
“Oh…”, Issachar let out as he walked past wistfully.
“It’s over… Just like that. Years of preparation made useless in seconds…”, Flynn thought.
Flynn watched him walk past and wanted to go over to him.
“What’s the matter? It’s your turn next, isn’t it? Go on.”, a sharp eyed Samurai called out to him.
He was an elderly Samurai and his coat was white and lined with blue. Flynn reluctantly nods before stepping forward. His footsteps echoed throughout the area and he could feel the pounding of his own heart.
“If Issachar wasn’t picked then I certainly won’t be.”, Flynn thought.
Before him there was a row of Samurai with their heads covered by ominous white hoods. In the center was a monk. Everyone in the crowd watched from behind him as he stepped forward. He knew that everyone was staring and he’d wished he could just become invisible.
Alas…
Flynn reached the center of the plaza. The monk awaited him. He breathed in, holding in his anxiety and kept a straight face.
“Welcome, young man. Will the Gauntlet choose you to be a Samurai…? Let us begin the Rite. Present me with your left arm.”, the monk said.
Flynn obediently extended out his arm.
Alignment +1
He watched as the monk strapped the Gauntlet to his arm. The weight of it felt oddly right. It was as if it was an extra appendage that he was missing his entire life. His arm adjusted instantly to the new weight.
“O God Almighty… If this young man in my sight is to receive the gift of becoming a Samurai… Please bestow Your light upon this mystic gauntlet. Now, young man, touch the Gauntlet.”, the monk chanted.
After his beckoning Flynn looked down upon the mystic Gauntlet again, before touching the screen. Flynn awaited with bated breath. This moment there would decide his fate. His eyes widened as he saw a strange mist and the silhouettes of massive figures with strange shapes. One seemed to have many things attached to them, one was bizarrely thin like an alien, and there was…
“Th-The mystic script has appeared on the Gauntlet… The Gauntlet has chosen this man as its owner…”, he heard snapping him back to reality.
His eyes widened as he saw the Gauntlet screen glowing brightly. It illuminated his face. He was left in disbelief.
“Ahh… the birth of a new Samurai.”, he heard someone say.
“So… this is what God has decided. Does that mean?”, Flynn thought
He looked forward. All he could do now was accept it. This is what God has decided to be his destiny.
“Congratulations. You are now a Samurai. Sir Hope, please show him to the residence hall… I am sorry? Do you not understand that I’m here on Abbot Hugo’s behalf?”, the monk congratulated.
The elderly Samurai was beckoned forth.
“There is no need to be cross. I have heard you. Follow me.”, Hope replied, putting out his hand to Flynn.
“Why…!?”, Issachar questioned in a dispirited tone.
It was the kind that made Flynn’s shatter to pieces. He was left swamped with guilt as he looked towards Issachar. Issachar who bore an expression of despair.
“I…”, Flynn said.
“Are you coming?”, Hope questioned.
Flynn turned to Hope mentally grimacing before following him. As he did he couldn’t help but spare a few gazes at Issachar. He hoped he could at least find time to say goodbye if the rumors were true. Hope led him into the barracks.
“I am Hope, head of the Samurai. From today on, you will dwell in this room. As a member of our band, you will work on behalf of this Kingdom alongside the rest of we Samurai. Though you have just been inducted, your practical training will begin tomorrow morning. I suggest you rest early tonight to recover from your journey. You’ll get more details tomorrow.”, Hope informed.
Flynn nodded and gave a light bow.
“I understand, sir. My name is Flynn. I shall do all I can to protect the Kingdom.”, Flynn replied, earnestly.
Hope took note of this.
“I see. That’s good to hear. Goodbye for now.”, Hope said.
He left the room leaving Flynn alone. This left Flynn to wander a bit. The first thing he did was look for where he could wash up. Flynn felt embarrassed to be in such a state when meeting such important people. He washed himself up and found items he wasn’t familiar with. It might have been soap…
Flynn takes his time making sure he’s fully clean. It left him smelling of springtime. He carefully combed his long locks. It was quite silky. His hair did make him flustered at times when people compared it to a woman’s hair. Afterwards he ate some bread which he had stored from his journey. He had water with it. It was simple but it at least did something for his appetite. He didn’t mind it at all, especially considering he didn’t have much coin to buy anything.
A little after that he had to get measured for his uniform. It wasn’t too bad. He also took a look around the barracks. Next, he tried looking for Issachar for a few hours to say goodbye. He didn’t have any luck. After that he tried getting in some training on his own in the barracks. That left Flynn laying in bed after it was done thinking about everything.
“Up till now I’ve been a humble farmer. To think I’d be chosen for such an important duty. It may be as he said…That I was destined to be a Samurai.”, Flynn thought.
He had a rather serious expression as he contemplated this.
“Then that means it is my destiny to combat the evils of this world…as Samurai do. That I was blessed with this strength to act as a warrior… Even still I… I understand that it is what God has decided for me, but I shall miss everyone at Kiccigiori dearly. Mother, father, Issachar, Father Madison, the others… I shall miss them all.”, Flynn thought.
This was the first time he’d been away from them all. That he was left alone. It was a chilling feeling. The loneliness… He has grown so accustomed to the life he’s lived up till now. Being ripped from it now felt beyond tragic.
“I pray for their safety. I can’t be there but… I should be able to fight external threats. That is all I can do for them now.”, Flynn thought.
He laid there in lament as a tear fell down his face. Soon as he wept he fell into a deep slumber. His mind drifted off.
The next morning…
Flynn’s eyes fluttered as he heard talking.
“Oh, were you still asleep? Don’t mind me barging in. Hah, I’m no burglar, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m a bona fide Samurai. I became one yesterday, just as you did. My name’s Walter.”, Walter rambled.
He could see his face now. His eyes were a dull purple. He spoke with gusto.
“My…My name is Flynn.”, Flynn introduced, half asleep.
Flynn pushed himself up, propping himself up with his arms. He massaged his head. The embarrassment from having an introduction in this state was quickly setting in. He could practically hear his mother chiding him.
“Trying to exercise before bed wasn’t a good idea. I may have overdid it… I couldn’t help it though. The lack of anything to do was killing me. Wait…haven’t I heard that name? And…”, Flynn thought.
Flynn gazed up at Walter feeling uncertain as he remembered his dream yesterday.
“I heard you came from the Casualries too. That’s why I came to introduce myself. It’s good to meet you, Flynn.”, Walter explained.
“Good to meet you as well. It’s good that I’m not the only Casualry that got inducted this year.”, Flynn replied.
“By the by… have we met somewhere before?”, Walter asked.
Flynn’s eyes widened for a moment. There could be no way that he had the same dream…right? That’s what Flynn thought. It seemed absurd. Though, something about this person was undeniably familiar to Flynn.
“I don’t believe so.”, Flynn answered, softly.
Alignment +1
“Hahahaha… A silly question, wasn’t it? Sorry for asking something so odd. But you see, I had this strange dream two days ago… Ah, but there I go again. You’re heading to practical training too, right? I’ll go ahead, then, and I’ll see you at the entrance to Naraku.”, Walter replied.
Flynn nods.
“I’ll see you there.”, Flynn replied as his gaze drifted to his own hair and current attire.
Walter left and Flynn got himself dressed. He found a box labeled "Scarves for new samurai”. There was only one left which confirmed for him that he was last to wake up.
“I’m a mess.”, Flynn thought as he tied the scarf around his neck like a bandanna.
It looked quite good on him, really bringing his look together. It was a plain white which was likely why it was the last one left.
“If no one else wants it I won’t refuse. Free clothing is free clothing.”, Flynn thought.
He was pretty thankful to have new clothes, all things considered. The last time he got new ones may have been when he was around 15 for his birthday. Flynn remembered the training and made haste.
Flynn arrived at the entrance to Naraku where he spotted four other prentices. Three were male and one was female. One was Jonathan from his dreams. Apparently he had golden brown eyes. He looked welcoming. Another was a male with a pompadour and brown eyes. He wore a green scarf and turned up his nose at him. The female was extremely short which honestly worried him. Flynn wasn’t sure how one could fight when they were so tiny. Her hair was in a brown bob and her eyes were brown with a slight mix of red. She wore her scarf with the tied part facing outward. Her arms weren’t in her sleeves with him wearing her coat more like a cloak.
His ears were red. He was both embarrassed and he had to admit that the young woman was quite pretty. But was likely a Luxuror… So he believed he had no shot. Flynn was thankful that it was just his ears. If they focused on his poker face they wouldn’t notice his embarrassment.
“What's this I see? Are you a prentice Samurai too?”, the prentice with a pompadour asked.
“Yes, but look who's talking... Come to that, who are you?”, Walter questioned.
The other prentice scowled looking exasperated.
“I am Navarre! NAVARRE! This marks the third time I've said as much!”, the prentice with a pompadour reminded.
“He doesn’t realize that he’s just messing with him. He’s definitely a brave one.”, Flynn thought.
“Let's see... Walter, I presume? You two are our last arrivals. It seems Casualries tend to be dawdlers. I find this cause for some concern. Don't you think so, Jonathan?”, Navarre said in a condescending tone.
“Navarre... I believe that's enough. We're all prentices here, after all.”, Jonathan objected.
“You're going to give him a bad impression of us Luxurors.”, the young lady added.
“What!? That's rather cutting of you, isn't it, Isabeau!?”, Navarre questioned in disbelief.
“Huh. You may be a Luxuror, but I think we'll get along fine.”, Walter said.
“I don't know about that... You've been quiet, though.”, Isabeau addressed him.
This got Flynn’s attention. He made sure to keep a neutral expression. After being late he didn’t want to make his first impression even worse.
“My name is Isabeau. What's yours?”, Isabeau introduced.
“My name is Flynn. I hail from Kiccigiori.”, Flynn replied, simply.
Alignment +1
It came out smoothly judging by their reactions.
“Hm...? Flynn...? That's the name from my dream… Sorry, never mind me. Interesting... I am Jonathan. I look forward to working alongside you, my
fellow prentice.”, Jonathan said.
Flynn turned his gaze towards him.
“Him as well? Just what is going on here?”, Flynn thought.
“...So you're all here, then.”, Hope said as he made his presence.
“A-Ah, the Commander’s here…”, Navarre acknowledged, recoiling a bit as if he didn’t want to cross him.
“He must be the one of highest authority among the Samurai. That would explain his fear.”, Flynn thought.
“You five are the successful candidates from this year's Gauntlet Rite.”, Hope explained.
“Five...? People came from all over the Kingdom and only five were chosen?”, Walter questioned.
“Are you truly so surprised? Five is a much bigger crop than usual!”, Navarre interjected.
“Cut the chitchat, Navarre.”, Hope chided.
“Keeping him in line is definitely quite the boon. It seems that having the Commander around is a blessing. At least he just seems petty for now rather than anything concerning.”, Flynn thought.
“What!? I was hardly the only-!”, Navarre argued.
“We will now begin your practical training. Henceforth, you will all be making forays into Naraku.”, Hope informed.
“Naraku...? If I recall correctly, that is reportedly the place where demons…”, Jonathan trailed off.
“So that’s it. It’s demons. That makes some sense.”, Flynn thought.
“Demons?”, Walter questioned.
“You're Jonathan, yes? You seem very well-informed.”, Hope commented.
“My father never would reveal to me the Samurai's true mission... So it involves vanquishing demons…”, Isabeau admitted.
“Today, you will enter Naraku and receive basic Samurai training as you battle demons. You'll be given a small stipend to prepare yourselves, as well as a few common supplies.”, Hope explained.
He gave them 300 macca and 5 Healing Waters each.
“There are shops here in the square that handle what you'll need. Each of you will enter Naraku as soon as you're ready. I'll be in touch by and by with
the details of the exercise. You're all dismissed. Go and make yourselves ready for training.”, Hope added.
Flynn nodded at this. It seemed simple enough. Personally he wanted to wait on using his macca until he knew what he would need the most. So he just approached the Naraku entrance where a Samurai in armor was waiting.
“You've come, newly chosen one. Past here is Naraku, the cavern of evil where the demons from the fables you've heard exist in the flesh. Have you come fully prepared, with weapons, armor, and supplies at the ready...?”, the Samurai asked.
“I'm prepared.”, Flynn replied, simply.
Flynn braced himself believing if he wasn’t ready now then he’ll never be.
“Then go and face the training exercises. And try not to be slain.”, the Samurai replied.
In the distance he can hear monstrous roars. The atmosphere here is unlike any Flynn has ever felt before in his life... He feels a chill creep slowly down his spine...
“Just what kind of place have I stepped into? It might very well be Hell.”, Flynn thought.
The Gauntlet suddenly began to emit a light. Something appeared on the Gauntlet's screen...
“Hello, human. I'm Burroughs, a navigational Al. I've acknowledged you as my user. It's good to meet you.”, a feminine voice came from the gauntlet.
All he could see was the upper half of an all white woman from below her eyes. His eyes went real wide at this and he froze.
“What on Earth…?”, Flynn questioned.
Even still he had that feeling of deja vu which perplexed him. He’s never seen anything like this before.
“This is Hope speaking. I'm scrying on all of your positions through Burroughs. I see you're all in Naraku now. Let me explain your first training exercise. You must begin by learning the basics of combat through battle with demons. Fighting demons is a necessary skill for Samurai. Your task is to defeat a demon inside Naraku. Any demon will do. Burroughs, the sprite who dwells in that Gauntlet, will support you. That is all for now. You should commence your training at once.”, Hope explained on his Gauntlet’s screen briefly replacing the woman.
“I can explain how my interface works. You want me to?”, Burroughs asked after reappearing.
Flynn took a good look at the Gauntlet’s menu on the stairs. Despite not being able to read it he felt that he knew every function. He tested this theory himself and was proven correct when he got every function correct.
“What?”, Flynn thought in disbelief.
“There’s no need.”, Flynn assured.
“How do I know how these things work? I’ve never used anything the like.”, Flynn thought.
“Alright, we’ll skip that. Until next time, Master Flynn.”, Burroughs replied.
With that done Flynn descended the long staircase into Naraku. What felt to be the abyss itself. He pushed open the double doors leading to a corridor with winding paths. Flynn instantly turned his attention in a certain direction.
“Be careful, Master. I'm detecting a demon ahead. Do you need me to explain about demons?”, Burroughs warned.
“No.”, Flynn answered, simply.
He was tense as he kept his gaze on a figure out of view. Red eyes peered at him through the darkness. They shined like rubies.
“Okay. We'll skip over that... Oh. I'm sorry, Master, but I completely forgot. Master Hope mentioned an important detail of this training exercise... I'll register this as a quest to "Defeat a demon." Would you like me to provide an explanation of quests?”, Burroughs added.
Flynn didn’t remove his gaze from the figure.
“No.”, Flynn replied.
“Okay. We'll skip over that. Until next time. Master Flynn.”, Burroughs replied.
“A human... A human is here! You never learn. You were a fool to venture into our nest of evil. I hope you are prepared to die at the hands of a demon!”, a humanoid demon threatened as it emerged from the shadows.
LV1 Jaki Lham Dearg
The demon charged towards Flynn who raised his blade in response. Lham Dearg struck with ruthless succession which Flynn guarded skillfully. This made the demon frustrated. He growled as he turned up the pressure. Flynn kept guarding, not letting up. As he did he moved around with him as he attacked.
“What the hell…? You shame me. Just attack already, cowardly human!”, Lham Dearg barked.
Flynn’s expression shifted so slightly.
“You’re…not holding back as well?”, Flynn questioned, genuinely shocked but you wouldn’t get that by his expression.
“What?!”, the demon questioned.
“A demon couldn’t be so weak. You must be holding back. I’m not falling for it.”, Flynn replied, with a straight expression.
The demon’s eyebrows twitched. He launched a particularly powerful blow. Putting all of his rage and annoyance into it in an effort to kill Flynn.
SHHHIIINNNG!
CRACK!
A drop of blood fell to the ground.
Lham Dearg’s eyes were as wide as saucers. A cut had formed on his cheek. His blade shattered with the top half sticking into the ceiling. Flynn was left genuinely confused.
“Oh… you’re not. In that case.”, Flynn replied.
Before he even heard what he said pain exploded in the demon’s chest. His sword pierced clean through the demon’s armor like it wasn’t there. The demon couldn’t believe what it was seeing. Flynn just made sure that he got the heart as he unsheathed his blade from his chest. He was sure that was the right spot. The demon’s body instantly started cracking apart and leaking Magatsuhi.
“How can this be…?”, Lham Dearg questioned.
“I really killed a demon? That must have been a fluke. The other ones must be much stronger.”, Flynn thought.
“That was so impressive that I would swear it wasn't your first battle. You're hot stuff, Master Flynn. I also have good news for you.”, Burroughs commented.
She went on to explain something called app points. Flynn kept his head on a swivel as she babbled on.
“This is Hope speaking. Flynn, you finished your task, I see. Well done, surviving that.”, Hope applauded.
“Congratulations on completing the quest.”, Burroughs said, cheerfully.
“But it's too early to celebrate now. I have the details of your next quest. You must learn the basics of communing with demons. A Samurai must know more than combat. At times, he must treaty with demons to recruit them to his
side and strengthen his forces. You must acquire demon allies. The types to demon don't matter. That's all for now. Get back to your training.”, Hope explained.
“I'll register that as a new quest on the list.”, Burroughs said.
With that he received his second part of his training exercise. He tensed as he could tell that there were several demons just up ahead. All there was to do was to continue on and find a demon to recruit. So, Flynn went deeper into the den of evil.
To be continued…