A noble quest for a Noble Knight

Legend was pretty upset about his friend Shin who was petrified (as in turned to stone) in Gowzer's castle. They used to go on bounty hunter quests together to earn money (although Shin never let Legend hold the money they made). Shin was an acquaintance of Zarbin, Legend's martial arts teacher and the greatest martial artist in the world of the Arkana. After Legend finished training with Zarbin, Zarbin asked Shin to look after him.

After everything that happened at Gowzer's castle, Legend went to a nearby town called Miranda, searching for a meal and an Inn. Meg, for some reason, decided to stick around. 

Miranda belonged to the kingdom of Dalmacia, the most influential kingdom on the continent. The town officials often wondered if the Dalmacian capital cared about them at all. Miranda had a reputation of being kind of a no man's land... the perfect hideout for all manner of crooks.

Legend: So, uhhh... why are you following me around, Meg? You told me to keep the hilt safe, so that's what I'm doing...

Meg: Oh, no particular reason. But since I can't exactly carry that hilt, that's where you come in! So I'm gonna keep a close eye on you from now on, pal.

Legend: I guess that makes sense... but what do you even want with something like this? Oh... I know! You plan on selling it! Since I was the one who managed to find it, you're giving me a cut, right? I'll definitely be rich after this!

Meg: I'm definitely not selling it! What I want with it is my business, OK? You just put it up and stop flaunting it publicly like that... I don't want to have to deal with thieves because of you...

It didn't bother Legend to have the company of a pigeon. It was kind of weird, especially the talking part. But it turned out that they ended up liking each other. Legend felt a special bond with Meg. He couldn't understand why since they had only known each other for about two days.

Legend: I'm so hungry... Do you have any money, Meg?

Meg: Does it look like I have any pockets to hold money under my feathers?

Legend: It's totally plausible... You're a talking pigeon! Where I come from, animals don't talk...

Meg: Who are you calling ANIMAL, you pipsqueak!!?

After Legend finished that phrase, there was this strange sensation in his head, as if he had forgotten something...

Legend: Where... I'm from... For some reason... I can't remember... - Legend said with an introspective expression. He did find it odd that he couldn't remember that detail about his life, but for some reason, Meg seemed quick to dismiss the subject.

Meg: Look. If you want money, you need work. You've got decent fighting skills... OK. Way above decent skills. Don't let it get to your head, though. You just need to find a bounty job.

Legend: That's what I had planned already... But I can't fight on an empty stomach! And I have no money… Shin carried all the money, and his money bag got petrified with him!

They were passing in front of a restaurant when the smell of roasted beef caught Legend's attention. It would appear that the cook had worked wonders... the moment Legend smelt it, he was in a salivating trance. He entered the establishment with Meg on his shoulder. He stood in the middle of the restaurant looking at the tables all around him, salivating to the nth degree... almost tasting that deliciously alluring beef... filling his imagination since his belly was still woefully empty. 

A man came up to him with a disgusted look on his face.

Man: What is it you want here? - he asked. The man thought that he was looking for someone or that he was a beggar. Legend's attire wasn't at all impressive... only some old, dirty cloth put together and bangled up on top of each other.

Legend: Well, sir... you see... I'm pretty hungry... and --

Man: Sigh... Do you have money? - the man interrupted Legend, still looking disgusted at his sight.

Legend: Umm... well, not exactly... but--

Man: Get out of my restaurant this instant! And take that rat with wings with you while you're at it! The nerve of these bums... this isn't a charity!

Meg: You should look in the mirror before you call anyone a rat, chubby!

Man: Did... did that thing just talk?! - now the man was acting as if he had seen a ghost. Ultimately, he ended up chasing Legend and Meg out of his restaurant. So Legend was once again walking the streets of Miranda with an empty stomach and an unsatisfied craving for beef. 

As they both passed by the busy streets of Miranda, they noticed many apothecaries, tailors, blacksmiths... all sorts of businesses flourishing. That day was a day of celebration. It was the anniversary of the foundation of Miranda. The town officials had organized many activities, and a fireworks display was happening as Legend and Meg walked through town.

When they were passing by near an Inn, a man was about to leave with quite an intense look and demeanor. He carried a sword on his back and a portrait under his arm. He was also wearing a fancy-looking coat. He had green hair, and it seemed evident that he could manage a sword well. Legend didn't see him while walking by (he got distracted by the fireworks forming colorful shapes in the distance). They bumped into each other, causing Legend to stumble and fall. Meg flew so he didn't take a fall.

Swordsman: Forgive me! Are you alright? - the man said with a highly educated manner of speaking. His accent sounded extremely refined, unlike anything Legend had heard before.

He extended his arm toward him and helped Legend up.

Legend: I'm fine... It's OK. I was distracted. It was my fault.

While Legend was saying this, his stomach growled so loudly that his face turned red in shame... The swordsman couldn't help laughing out loud.

Swordsman: Forgive me for laughing... I'm on a mission of utmost importance, but as a knight, I cannot turn a blind eye to someone in need. Please, allow me to treat you to a meal.

Legend's face lit up with gratitude.

Legend: You're my new best friend!

Meg: Since you're buying, don't forget about me!

Swordsman: Who said that?

Legend: Oh, this pigeon talks. He can be annoying at times, but I think he's OK.

Swordsman: A talking pigeon? Fascinating! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Richard, Holy knight from Dalmacia.

Legend: You're a Holy knight? That's so cool! I'm Legend. Nice meeting you, Sir Richard.

Richard: Just call me Richard. No need for formalities here. And your feathered animal companion?

Meg looked so annoyed he could have probably murdered someone...

Meg: Call me animal one more time... I DARE YOU!

Legend: His name is Meg.

Richard: Isn't that a female name? I thought you said he was a he…

Legend: I know, right? - Richard kept looking at Legend, waiting for him to explain, but Legend didn't seem to catch on.

Richard: Either way... It's a pleasure to meet you both. Come. They also serve meals at this inn. We can all have a nice fortifying meal and get some rest.

They had a nice meal and talked for a while afterward around the table. Nightfall had already come.

Legend: Richard... Whose portrait is that? If you don't mind my asking...

Richard: It is fine, Legend. This is my sister, Rachel. She disappeared a few days ago. So I am on a quest to find her and bring anyone involved in this wrongdoing to justice.

Meg: Have you gotten any leads?

Richard: A few. I have uncovered some... troubling facts... Yet to be confirmed, though.

Legend: Say... I'm an aspiring bounty hunter. I'd be glad to help you on your quest... For a price, that is.

Richard laughed out loud again after hearing that. He had met many wannabe adventurers before, but this was the first time the adventurer was a young child. 

Richard: How old are you?

Legend: What's that got to do with anything? - he asked with a frown.

Richard: I could not ask that of you, my friend. As a knight, I am meant to protect others, not endanger them. I am quite certain this path I currently am on awaits violence somewhere along the way.

Legend wasn't happy about being underestimated… even by a Holy knight.

Legend: I'll prove my worth to you... There has to be a way for you to realize what an awesome fighter I am...

Legend stroked his chin while he thought about it for a moment. Meg was sipping some water from a bowl in front of him. Richard looked at Legend and had somewhat of a confused look while doing so, all the while trying to hold in his laughter.

Legend banged the table with his right hand, startling Meg in the process (he ended up jerking his wings nervously as if he was going to fly away).

Legend: I know! Let's fight! That way, you can see if my skills are up to the task.

Richard saw that Legend was dead serious… there was this fire in his eyes, and his look was also filled with determination. He smiled and decided to humor him since it would probably make his day. 

Richard: Alright, Legend. We shall duel. But I will not unsheathe my blade since you do not appear to have one. The first one to land a blow on the other wins. Agreed?

Legend: Agreed!

The three of them went to an empty field in the middle of the night. Meg was asked to referee the fight. Richard put his sword on the floor and confidently took off his coat. 

Meg: I can assure you, Richard... You're in for quite the surprise.

Richard: Is that so?

Legend looked focused and ready for battle, with a big smirk on his face.

Meg: BEGIN!

Legend launched himself toward Richard with such speed he didn't give him any time to react. Richard managed to dodge in the last second, completely astounded by what seemed like a child showing such combat prowess. The Elbow dash, Legend's initial attack, used his right elbow to launch an attack on the enemy. But its speed was way beyond natural expectations.

Legend continued his strategy (attempting to keep his foe off-balance with a series of lightning-fast attacks), this time turning and spinning in a way that seemed impossible if you considered the laws of physics. It was literally a Tornado kick. Richard jumped out of range to avoid the attack, again in shock. As he was landing, he saw an opening and prepared himself to land an aerial attack. It was the worst choice he could have made, though.

Legend glowed with a blue aura around him, and at that moment, he shouted while using his Secret fist of the dragon attack. It connected, hitting Richard underneath his jaw and knocking him out cold.

Meg: I knew you were skilled, but you have amazed even me. Well done, Legend.

Legend: Thanks! And for your information, I was holding back!

After a couple of minutes of Richard being knocked out on the floor, he came to.

Richard: You are strong! How are you so strong... I have never heard of a child with such combat prowess... let alone such strength! Forgive me for underestimating you. I will gladly welcome your strength to my quest.

Legend: Alright! Smart choice... – said Legend with a big smile on his face.

Meg: Could you tell us what leads you have?

Richard: I have interrogated several criminals and people who hear about things coming to pass in the criminal world. Every one of them mentioned there being a demand for maidens with magical abilities. I've pieced together that someone with power and influence has been kidnapping magical girls. Apparently, only White wizards have been targeted so far. To what end, I do not know. But there is a temple just outside of town here that could give me more answers... There are reports of strange occurrences in that area. I surmise it is worth investigating. At the very least, it could lead me in the right direction.

Legend: So... What are we waiting for? Let's go!

Richard: It's the middle of the night, Legend… settle down. We will go at first light tomorrow. Let us get some rest.

While Legend and Richard were fighting, Meg noticed a figure far away in the distance watching them. When they were heading back to the inn, Meg turned around to see the person following them, but he was gone. It left Meg wondering who that mysterious hooded figure could have been.

̴ The next morning ̴

Richard, Legend, and Meg arrived at a temple in a seemingly abandoned area by Miranda's outskirts. Legend and Richard were on horses that Richard was able to get for the occasion.

Meg: This place surely is a nest of monsters. What kind of temple could possibly thrive in this location?

Richard: Be on your guard, Legend.

Legend: You got it!

This time Richard was wearing his full armor. He also had a shield attached to his back with the emblem of house Pendragon, the most influential family in the Western Continent. The emblem was the figure of an angel holding a double-edged sword up in the air with a dragon breathing fire in the background. Legend didn't know anything about royal houses and whatnot, but Meg did notice that detail.

As they approached the entrance, the large temple doors were opened without them even touching them.

Behind the doors was revealed to be a monk. He was slim and tall (he had to be at least 1.98 meters tall). He had a blank expression on his face, and it was pretty clear he had been drooling. Legend looked at Meg nervously.

Legend: What's with this guy?

The man didn't say a word. He just stood there in awkward silence, not looking in any particular direction. They couldn't tell if he was looking at them or if he was staring into the horizon behind them. Richard was feeling uneasy and was starting to hover his right hand over his sword.

Shortly after, footsteps could be heard approaching. Someone was walking toward the doors from the inside of a chamber. When they saw him, they assumed he was the priest in charge of the temple.

Priest: Please, do not be alarmed. That's just brother Poe. He has made a lifetime vow of silence. I am Gerson. I make sure everything works smoothly around here. How may I be of service?

Richard had his hand in position, ready to draw his sword, but he adopted a more relaxed posture a little after that. Gerson's gentle demeanor and polite speech put all of them at ease.

Richard: I am Richard, from the order of the Holy knights of Dalmacia. We need information regarding a missing person investigation. We are here representing the crown. Could you tell us who is currently in the temple?

Gerson: You come from the Capital? Well! What an honor to be in the presence of such nobility. There are eight monks here. Peacefully meditating and occasionally helping those in need who wander about this dangerous area - As Gerson replied to Richard, Legend was asking Meg something.

Legend: Hey, Meg... Is Dalmacia that big of a deal?

Meg: <Sigh >... Legend, Dalmacia is basically the capital of the entire Western Continent! And I suspect Richard is not only a Holy knight but also a member of the Royal family... as well as his missing sister...

Legend: Oh, so you mean he's like a prince or something...?

Meg looked at Legend while making a bit of an annoyed face.

Meg: Yes, Legend. He most definitely is a prince—a prince of Dalmacia. I am surprised to learn that a prince is part of the order of Holy knights...

Legend was amazed. He had never met royalty before and didn't expect to like them either. He started to pay more attention to Richard's conversation with Gerson.

Richard: How noble of you. Have you or any of the other monks, by any chance, seen this girl?

Richard showed him the portrait. The silent monk suddenly started convulsing when he saw Rachel's portrait... It wasn't pretty to watch. It almost seemed as if he was going to burst. Meg quickly realized what was going on.

Meg: That's no monk... It's a mimic! Be on your guard!

Mimics were a really nasty type of monster. They could take the form of anyone or anything they devoured. And their true form was positively hideous.

The mimic burst out of the monk suit and started launching razor-sharp tentacles at Richard. But he wasn't worried. He dodged and cut the tentacles off with one slash. He then went on and cut the mimic's head off.

Legend: Wow... Did you see that, Meg? Richard's pretty amazing!

Gerson tried to flee, but Legend knocked him down with a flying turn-around kick.

Richard: Where is she, Gerson?

Gerson: ... Mimics! Come forth and defend your master!

Seven mimics then came from different chambers, and an under-control situation went completely sideways. Two of the mimics bound Legend with tentacles, while another one was closing in to slice through him. Richard managed to cover Legend with his shield, saving his life. He cut through the binding and started to discuss with Legend the current situation.

Richard: Legend... We are in quite a pickle, are we not?

Legend: Yeah... Wait... What does a pickle have to do with anything?

Richard: What I mean is that we are in grave danger. Mimics are not too hard to kill, but in great numbers, they are extremely dangerous. I suggest we avoid fighting, capture Gerson, and escape. We are outnumbered here, and that is not good...

Legend: I like your plan. If you create an opening, I can get Gerson and escape while you cover me.

Richard: Agreed.

They decided on the strategy they would follow to salvage the situation. All they needed to do was execute it. Everything had to be done just right, down to the smallest detail.

Richard: Ready, Legend? On my signal... NOW!!

Richard aggroed all the mimics while cutting their attack tentacles. The mimics weren't very fast, but they could become impossible to beat in large numbers. Richard relied on his shield to block their attacks, and it worked well enough. At the same time, Legend launched himself next to Gerson with his Elbow dash and then propelled himself away with his Secret fist of the dragon (while grabbing Gerson). That way, they managed to escape and locked the door behind them.

Richard put his sword to Gerson's neck while he was on the ground.

Richard: Speak. WHERE IS SHE?