Arias takes out a 100 year-old spirit mushroom and throws it to Darkside. The happy little goat immediately catches it in his mouth and swallows it before letting out a gleeful cry.

Arias smiles and throws another.

The goat gladly catches it and begins to chew. He was very satisfied with his decision to follow Arias; daily, he was being fed with treasures that would have normally been a once in a lifetime treat. Darkside was already on the second stage thanks to this, and it was quite clear that this kid had much more in store for him.

“Not bad, goat. When you get to the fourth stage I’ll start feeding you the thousand year-old stuff.” Arias says with a pat to the goat’s head.

“Baaaaa-ah!” Darkside cries happily.

Rodrick walks into the room and raises an eyebrow. “What’s this? When’d you get a goat? Is he for dinner, tonight?” He asks as he strolls in and takes a seat.

Arias lets out a chuckle. “You can try to eat him if you want, but I doubt you could handle it.” He says, amused.

“Hmph! I could take a goat on, no problem!” Rodrick announces.

Arias shakes his head and ignores it. “So why the visit?” He asks.

“Uncle Edgar’s going to teach me a Nalzor family sword technique today! Do you want to come?” Rodrick asks with a smile.

Arias lets out a smirk. “No thank you.” He says dismissively.

Rodrick frowns and looks at Arias closely. He really seemed like he didn’t want to go, and this made Rodrick suspicious. “Why don’t you want to go? Are you going to teach Alice more magic? Or do you have a better sword technique?” He asks anxiously. Considering what he knew of Arias… I wouldn’t be surprised if he did know a better sword technique! He exclaims in his mind. “Tell me! Tell me!” Rodrick exclaims as he quickly approaches to grab Arias’ shoulders.

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“Edgar is the crown prince, Rodrick. How could I know a better sword technique?” Arias asks, playing it cool.

“No, you have to teach me! You taught Alice magic in secret, you have to teach me swordsmanship! It’s the rules!” Rodrick exclaims.

Arias lets out a groan. “Damn kids. Always moaning about something. Fine, you little bugger, I’ll teach you swordsmanship.” Arias says, giving in. “Come on, let’s go find somewhere where my mom won’t see.” He says as he stands up.

Rodrick lets out a smirk. I knew it! He exclaims.

…

…

The two went to the academy training grounds which was somewhat less populated on the weekends. As they arrived near the edges of the forest, they saw a figure in the distance, practicing sword forms.

As they got closer, Rodrick stops and gulps his saliva. The figure became clearer; she was a beautiful, young girl with auburn hair. “Hoo- who’s that?” Rodrick asks with a dry mouth.

Arias looks at Rodrick’s expression and smirks. “I don’t know.” He says, amused. Arias turns to the girl and gets a closer look. “Oh, that’s Sammy. She’s from my class. Want me to introduce you?” Arias asks, goading the child. He was very curious where this would lead.

“Ah-huhmm. Maybe. Yeah, let’s go over to say hi.” Rodrick says bravely as sweat began to matte his forehead.

Arias lets out a chuckle. “Come on.” He says as he leads the way.

Realizing that two boys were walking over, Sammy lowers her sword and wipes her sweat with her shirt. Then, her eyes widen. Oh no! It’s Arias! And I’m all sweaty like an animal! She exclaims as she hurriedly tidies her hair.

Arias waves a hand. “Hey, Sammy. How-ya doing?” He asks casually.

“Ah, hum, I’m doing fine! How are you Arias?” Sammy says, a little anxious.

Arias frowns. He’s never really talked to Sammy before, but now that he was up close… Is this girl in the midst of a teenage crush? He wonders before deciding to ignore it. “Ah, this is my cousin, Rodrick. He was just saying how pretty you looked swinging a sword. He said that there’s nothing greater than a powerful female warrior.” Arias says with a grin.

Rodrick’s eyes flare open. “What!? I did not say that!” He exclaims.

Arias nudges the kid and leans in to whisper. “Relax, kid. This is part of it. Just play it cool.” He says with a pat to the shoulder.

Sammy lets out a blush. Did he really say that? Or maybe... Or maybe Arias is just using his cousin to express his feelings! Ah! Sammy thinks as her face begins to feel hot, allowing the fantasy to take hold.

Rodrick’s eyes widen. He’s right. Play it cool, play it cool. He thinks, calming himself. “I couldn’t help but notice. You were like a flower on the field, attracting all the attention.” Rodrick says, making his voice deeper.

Arias’ eyes widen. Damn, Rodrick! Bold! He exclaims, appreciating the show.

Arias clears his throat. “Anyways, I was about to teach my cousin a sword technique, did you want to join us?” He asks.

Sammy lets out a bright smile. “Yes, okay!” She says eagerly.