It has been awhile ladies and gents, but I'm back. I've been busy having home and college problems so I decided to take a couple weeks off the straighten up those things. But I kept thinking about this story and what to add to it and I ended up opening word and spending 6 hours writing things down about the series. And so...here.
This Isn’t the Type of Paradise I expected.
Chapter 3: The First Day
I stared off at the captain's sword. The cheers of the crowd are drowned by my consciousness.
I'm back into the battlefield. I see a beast standing on two feet like a human, blending in with the soldiers. The once green plains were decorated with bloody corpses and it looks as though the beast is removing all of the bodies and putting them into a trench with the soldiers. The beast and his allies look up and sees a whole squad of soldiers. The unknown squad of soldiers rush in and attack the allies of the beast. After the fight the furry figure seems to be the only survivor, hidden among the bodies of his fallen comrades.
The enemy soldiers see the beast, pulls him out and stands him up. He tries talking the soldiers down. Two of the soldiers appear to back down, but one slashes the beast and wounds him. The beast stays still at first and stares at his blood. He then lets out a shriek that pierces the soldiers' ears. It kicks the soldier's weapon out of his hand and grabs it. Proceeding to slash at the soldiers. The soldiers try to subdue the beast, but every time he was wounded, he got back up stronger. The beast then uses his blood as claws and tears the soldiers apart in seconds. More soldiers came in from both sides. The soldiers from behind seemed friendly, but the beast did not care friend or foe; All of them were enemies after its life.
The beast drops to its knees. You can see a liquid coming from its eyes. Whether it was blood or tears is not discernible. You can hear the beast say something as more soldiers come in.
"I didn't want this. Why did you have to fight? Please just go away!"
Who was the beast? I realized it...
was me.
"Shinji!"
Ericka shook me out of my daydream.
I didn't think I'd remember that in a place like this. I'm stonger than I was then, I can stay in control.
"Shinji, are you okay? You're crying."
I was? I wiped my tears off, sniffling.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just thought about stubbing my toe."
That was a horrible lie. Will she---?
"Mmhm. I understand, that would be painful."
She nodded her head.
She fell for it?!
Ignoring how gullible she is I turn back to the captain.
After the challenge was settled, the knights grabbed the bag of gems from the rogue's pants and returned them to the merchant.
"Thank you kind sir. I don't know what I would've done if you didn't come."
The man bowed to the grateful merchant.
"I'm sorry for the disturbance we have caused you."
He stood tall.
"Men! Take him to the castle's dungeon."
The knights formed an organized circle around the rogue and headed off towards the giant castle.
"All is good citizens, back to your lives."
The crowd of onlookers parted ways.
He turned towards me.
"That was a pretty reckless thing you were planning to do there. Based on your look during that altercation you don't know much about magic."
He read me like a book. I couldn't just sit there while that was happening. Ericka came in from behind me.
"Hey, Artie."
"My NAME is ARTERIO, not Ar-tee. Tell the Falsas to stop spreading that nonsense around. My name has a great history behind it and I would rather it not be sullied by such a nickname."
He straightened his collar.
He sounded proud of his heritage, or maybe just the name itself. But anyways, it sounds like they're familiar with each other.
"Are you acquainted with the lady Ericka? She is quite well- known around here. She makes things so much easier for the merchants."
"Oh, it’s nothing really. It was the least I could do, they helped me so much."
"Hahaha! Modest as usual I see."
He laughed obnoxiously with his hands at his side.
I almost forgot what I wanted to ask him. I change the subject.
"I see you are very skilled, what was that you did there to that man?"
"Ahh, Interested are you? That was wind type magic, a basic one as well. Are you not familiar with magic?"
"No Artie--"
"ARTERIO"
He corrected me.
"Sorry... And no, I am not. On that note I was- ah- wondering if you would mind training me. You seem quite skilled and I would be---"
"Sure"
" Why not? I have expe---"
"Shinji, he said okay. Hahaha.
Ericka stopped my rant before it started.
Oh wait what? What's the catch? I asked him.
"Thanks, but what's the catch?"
It was too good to be true.
"All you have to do is beat me in a duel."
This is good. I get to fight someone and improve my knowledge of the people of The Ark's magic. Two birds with one stone. Well that's if I win. Which I intend to.
"Let's head to the back of the castle. The knight's training grounds is located there."
I nod my head.
As I walked alongside Arterio I realize I stopped seeing Ericka walk alongside me as usual. She slowed down a bit. She was looking in the direction of the Market. She must be thinking about those cafe owners she was talking about.
"Shinji--"
"Go ahead. The Falsas are waiting for your arrival right?"
"Mhmm!"
Her tail was wagging back and forth and I'm not sure why, but I swear her eyes were sparkling. She turned and ran towards the cafe.
"Onward."
We continued to the back of the castle. For being inside the castle grounds, there seems to not be much security around. It must be pretty peaceful in this world. At least it seems to be. Looks like Datenshi hasn't made any moves yet. I'm already 2 months behind, I gotta step it up.
I entered the large field he guided me into. It was basked in the orange glow of the sunset. It seems to be pretty late.
He patted me on the back and walked ahead of me.
The man in flashy clothing walks down the field next to a barrel and takes out wood type weapons. Wooden sword, wooden katanas, shields, you name it; it was in there.
"Take your pick. I wouldn't want you to get injured with my weapons."
That's funny. He sounds confident.
"So, what are the stakes? I win, you train me, I lose....?"
He finished the sentence.
"You join the knights. Both ways you get the training, but one's more of a long term job. I saw you when that thief ran by. You were about to run in and retrieve those gems. We need someone like you here. I prefer if you didn't run to your death, but I like your effort.
"Join the knights? I'm busy on an important mission; I don't have time for the knights."
Something told me he wasn't going to budge. But I tried.
"Take it or leave it friend, I'm doing this because you're a friend of the good lady Ericka."
Seriously. I better not lose.
I'm signing a flag just by saying that. Focus Shinji, Focus. Positive thoughts.
"Sigh, all right I accept your terms."
“All right then, Come!”
A lightly armored knight comes into the field.
“Huh?”
What’s he doing here?
“He’s our mediator. He’s going to watch the results of our fight.”
Arterio nodded at the man.
“Sir!”
The knight looks at me.
“Are you ready mister? I’d recommend grabbing a weapon.”
He said snidely.
“Whoops, I forgot.”
I grabbed the katana and wooden sheath. How does a wooden sheath even work?
I haven’t used a katana in ages, I wonder if I still got it.
I unsheathe the wooden blade. It’s pretty long. Despite being wooden, whoever carved this put a decent amount of effort into it. I held my scabbard in my left hand and the blade in my right.
“Ok I’m ready”
“Right so now for the rules. They’re quite simple actually. All you have to do is strike me twice in 2 minutes. Grapples do not count, but when throwing someone if they hit the floor it counts as one hit.”
“Seriously? Don’t you think you’re underestimating me a bit.”
“No—no-- not at all, this is fair for the both of us. Really…”
I doubt it but I shrug anyway.
“Do you understand these rules?”
The knight kicked at the ground looking towards the town.
He doesn’t want to be here does he?
“Yeah. Let’s get this over with.”
“Hahaha, overconfident are you?”
“Ok then! Challenge start!”
Knight ran away as he said it.
I sigh at least stay until the end.
“Don’t worry! He’ll be fine; Just another unmotivated knight of mine.”
“Come at me as you will. I’ll be here”
And he called me overconfident.
“Mercidia 1st squadron Knight Captain Arturio, ready.
I nod. That was a mouthful.
I start to circle around the proud captain.
How should I approach him? He’s not drawing his weapon so he must be planning on using that wind magic. Or does he even need it? I assume it takes time to cast spells just like in the games, so maybe I can get to him before he casts. But if he does that spell the rogue did I’ll be in deep trouble.
I scratch at my head.
It was silent. The only thing I could hear was nature. The wind howling and the bugs chirping in the surrounding woods.
Time to go on the offensive.
“Finally decided on as strategy I see? Well then let’s see it.”
This guy…It’s easier to read people who are offensive, but this guy is just waiting for me. I have to make the first move. He’s just waiting for the time.
…It’s annoying.
I run ahead, facing the man in front of me. As I close the distance I see him moving his hand.
I throw the wooden sheath at his hand and he blocked it with his own as he continued to gather energy. The sheath flew into the air.
“Now!”
I jumped into the air and did a front flip, kicking the sheath directly into his gut.
The sheath falls to the ground.
“Uuh!”
I got one hit!
Well it cost me an optional weapon, but I got one hit. It looks like he underestimated me.
“1 more to go and 30 seconds to go. I can do this.”
I distance myself after losing my other weapon to think about how I’ll attack next.
“Well done, I actually have not battled someone who fights like you. But are you sure it was a good idea to maintain distance in this situation? You could’ve tried to keep up the offensive."
“Can’t take any risks, you may have more cards up your sleeve. No---- I’m sure you do.”
“Hmm, you have a history of fighting. I can tell, but you give your enemy too many chances.”
“Huh?”
I see him raise his hands. Crap, I almost forgot, he’s still preparing magic. I have 5 seconds left ----surely that’s enough?
5…
He closes his fist.
4...
I feel a force push on by back with great pressure. I am launched towards Arturio at great speed.
3…
Arturio readies himself as I am helplessly propelled towards him. I cannot regain my footing.
2…
He grabs me by the neck and slams me on the ground. 1 hit.
1…
He punches me in the stomach. It hurt.
0…
I lose.
What? What was that? I didn’t see anything. He didn’t move when I struck him. Was it a trap?
“Your back…”
He started.
“Huh?”
“Your first move, it was good. You would have won if you had magic. I’ve never seen anyone use their sheath as a weapon before. It surprised me.”
“And? How did you do that?”
I was upset. I furrowed my brow.
“Calm yourself. If you would’ve kept the offensive like you were you would’ve caught me. You can guess what your flaw was.”
I…I.
I knew it. I knew what it was. It was as he said. I saw it on his face, but I allowed him to psyche me up because I saw him readying a spell.
“I overestimated you.”
He gave me a thumbs up, smiling.
“Ding ding!”
“I’m only human, I haven’t seen everything, despite the battles I’ve fought.”
“And by the way, you’re move was flashy though. If you had wind magic you could’ve limited your movements, not leaving you so open. When I defected your sheathe you did a flip exposing your back to me. In battle, never show your back to your enemy, it’s one of the first rules.”
Despite the lecture, I actually knew that already. It sucks that I have to hear this again after so long.
“I don’t need to hear that.”
I rolled my eyes.
Ignoring me, continued his rant.
“When you exposed you back to me, I use a remote wind mine spell on you. A remote wind magic is used by touching an area with a small amount of magic. That magic you leave behind is supplied magic by the caster and the environment. It grows more powerful the more energy you supply to it. And the special thing about wind magic is that wind and air are naturally in the environment so I don’t need to apply much for it to grow stronger.”
“You getting this, Shinji? Is it too much”
I think I’m getting dizzy. Wind, magic, energy, remote, ahhh what the hell!
“I’m trying. I think I just need more time.”
Learning magic may take longer than I thought. Getting used to a new law of physics takes time.
“And to make the magic explode you must have a connection, but for wind magic, the connection is easy, because it’s everywhere outside. Thus, all I had to do was the send energy at your back wait for it to gather and trigger it to scatter the magic.”
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“Ah, understand now. So I opened myself with the flip and you tagged me with the wind mine.”
Wow this guy is not bad.
“Nope”
“Huh?”
“I actually got you when I went to get the weapons. Ha-Ha-Ha!”
Wait… that means. He planned this out from the beginning. The number of hits and everything.
“You set me up… twice...well played.”
“I apologize for my lack of honor for this move, but I really need you help for a problem we’ve been having in town. So—
He bows his head and his body makes a 90 degree angle.
“Please assist my men and me on this task!”
Task? This was awkward. Why was he even asking me? He’s more than capable of dealing with it himself. There must be some other reason.
“You won the duel didn’t you? I’m a part of the knights now… Don’t you have any pride?”
“Oh yeah… right!” “Ahem”
He cleared his throat.
“I’m in your hands.”
I sighed.
“Thank you for your assistance.”
I yawned. It’s getting pretty late, and it doesn’t seem like my day’s gonna get much better. I realized I don’t have anywhere to sleep, so I decided to be off.
“Wait minute Sir Shinji. Here, for your troubles. Think of it as advance pay.”
I stand there confused. Wondering if he’s going to say “Gotcha!” like Sho would do. Heh, I wonder what he’s doing right about now. I hope he’s been well. I snap myself out of my memories.
“Seriously? I lose duels and get paid for it? Sorry I can’t accept this now. I never liked advance pay anyways. I’ll get this after I help you with your problem.”
He took 5 coins out that had 100 engraved on them.
“I’m not that nice I’m afraid. You don’t work you don’t eat. But take this to pay for dinner, you’ll need your energy for tomorrow. I’ll explain your training tomorrow.
He grabbed my hand and placed the coins in my hand.
“Thanks.”
He disappeared into castle’s doors waving with his hands in the air.
I turned towards the market and left the training grounds. I see two knights near the entrance to the castle. One of them wave to me and I see the other one nodding off. His partner nudges him awake and he drops the sword in his hand.
I give a half-hearted smile and keep walking towards the market district.
As I pass all of the stalls and stores, I see them closing up.
Is it really that late? I can’t exactly tell the time, but it is pretty dark out here. I take a moment to take in the sights.
It was a beautiful sight. The sky was pitch black and vast, only being illuminated by the countless stars in the sky. The moon was as round and white as it was in the “real” world. Night covered the entire city and the lights from the lamps paved the way down the path I was walking. I finally see the sign that said Café Falsa in front of me.
I saw shadows rushing past the windows going back and forth along with the sounds of plates clashing against each other. It must be busy. Instead of waiting out here I should go in and eat like Arturio said. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow and this day hasn’t gone as well as I thought. Maybe it'll go better if I see Ericka in a maid outfit.
I open the door to the café and as I walked in I was greeted immediately by girl with long blonde hair that curled at the ends. She was wearing a white blouse covered by a green apron. She was very attractive. She opened her glossy lips.
“Welcome to Café Falsa! May I get you to a table…Sir?
She had a very shapely form and bounced with every move. Eh? No, not her boobs. Her curls. Well, actually…--- Wait—wait! I’m not looking there!
Her eyes traced my line of sight and she looked back up at me. She gasped loudly. Her red eyes looked as though they were burning and her face has flushed as a result. I nonchalantly wiped the sweat off of my head. Is it hot in here?
That when in noticed the energy gathering at her fists. It was red in color and I made my skin dry when passing through me. Uhh. Should I run? I should probably defuse the situation before she destroys me.
“Wait, miss hear me out!”
She’s seriously going to hit me. Is anyone going to help?
“No! You men are all the same, you all treat women like they’re your toys. I’ve had it! I mean, just because you’re handsome doesn’t mean you can look at every girl with those lecherous eyes.”
I have to be honest with her. I was thinking about that. And I owe it to her to tell her the truth. Right. I grab her hands abruptly.
“I think you are quite beautiful! At first I was looking at your outfit, but then I realized it may be a size too small so it emphasized the size of your breasts. But really, not all men are bad. I’m sorry if you’ve gotten hurt in the past but I assure you I’m not like that.
As my father said: The truth sets you free. A load has been taken off of my shoulders. I look back at her because I wanted that table. I’m getting hungrier by the second.
“So, about…that…table-----.”
Her face was extremely flustered as the redness of her face spreading to her ears, the heat from her hands were wavering.
“You’re lying!”
“I’m not!”
She tilted her head down and looked at me with upturned eyes. Ahhhhhhhhh, that was so cute!
“You really mean what you said, stranger?”
“Yes, and my name is Shinji. I prefer to be called by my name.”
I’m glad I calmed her down. Whew.
I look at her playing with her hands and I noticed they were below her chest emphasizing their form even more.
They really are quite big.
“I-I’m Laurie, I was being stu—.”
“Grrrr.”
I saw her clench her first again.
Did she just growl at me? I felt something warm trickling down my nose, so I put my hand up to my nose. Is this blood? Dammit…
I let out a big sigh. Being a guy sucks…
Before I could explain I see a punch heading towards my face, sending my spiraling to the next wall.
“Pervert!”
A loud crash resounded I hit the wall and slide down. I see steam coming from my eye, causing a lingering pain, disabling the use of my right eye. The noise caused all of the customers of the café the look at me. A kid was sitting at a counter, preoccupied with a book. He had short hair that was the same color of the waitress that sent me flying. I assume that this was Joni. He stared down at me for a second.
“Smooth moves, man. I bet you get all the ladies”
I lift my head and chuckle.
“You have no idea…”
I see an older woman rushing at me. She looks just like Laurie, I assume she is her mother. The woman had a graceful air about her. She is also wearing the same uniform, but her hair is tied back into a ponytail. She is quite the looker as well, it’s hard to tell how old she is. She extends her hands to my face while kneeling. I was overcome by a pleasant feeling. My wound was being healed.
“My oh my, what’s happened here I wonder?
She turns her eyes towards Laurie. She responds by turning away and serving another customer. The woman lets out a giggle in return.
“Ahhhh, thanks a lot Ma’am, but it wasn’t her fault. I was being rude…I think.”
“Does our daughter have another man visiting her?! Our kids have your genes, so men just line up for her! I’m so proud!”
A loud man rose from the counter. He was dark-skinned man having a light brown skin tone. He was very well built and was quite taller than I. He was the type of man you’d notice in a crowd.
She blushes at the comment.
“Thank you dear, but you should give yourself some credit as well.”
“And you… would you like a meal? I’m sorry about our daughter, she needs to know how to accept a complement without being so shy. Think of that punch as a way of her telling you she likes you.”
I hear her daughter by the door, escorting a man out.
“I-It is not! Who would like such a lecherous man?!”
“You would, you cow.”
The kid in the stool looks up from his book.
“JONI!”
“You want my daughter kid? You have to pass the Laurie tria—.”
When he put his leg on the counter his wife immediately pulled on his arm. He fell over the counter. This family is quite funny.
"Oopsie..."
That was my mistake.
I hear footsteps coming from the back room. Another employee?
“What’s with all the commotion everyone?
“I—I can’t…hahahaha.”
I burst into laughter. I couldn’t hold it in. These guys are so weird. I even forgot I just saw Ericka in the same uniform as the rest of them.
“Oh man, you guys---*snicker*---hahaha. You guys are too much.”
I contain my laughter to see the room smiling at me. They all say
“Welcome to Café Falsa!”
“Glad to be here…”
After that entire incident, I told the family that I came to see how Ericka was doing. They supplied me with quite the meal for my troubles, and the father had me help out with the dishes with Ericka. It was the least I could do. The mother came in and said it was too dark to walk back to the cabin out in the woods, so she offered us a room here. I accepted and that’s how I got into…
…this situation.
“Try pushing it in.”
“I am; it is hard. It’s really tight.”
I give a grunt.
“How does it look?”
“We have to change positions, I can’t—.”
“Ugh. Crap, Ericka.”
“Try sticking the hilt of your katana in.”
“Ericka, are you sure?”
She nods.
“It’s okay Shinji, I’m ready.”
Did that matter? I proceed to shove it in the recess. The wood starts to creak to the beat.
“Oh Shinji!”
“What?! Are you okay?”
“I got it!”
I was panting for air.
“Ha…ha…ha. So how did your dagger get stuck behind the dresser?”
“I—fell when it was in my hands and it flew behind there. I couldn’t move the dresser, it was too heavy.”
“Ah, well it’s out now.”
I feel quite tired now. I guess I should get to sleep. But there was only one bed? Did Miss Falsa plan this out all along? I sigh at the thought, I can handle myself.
“Well is the bed good with you? I can do it anywhere.”
Wait. What?
“H-h-huh? Well I-.”
I clearly said that in a way that could be easily misunderstood, I should specify. She looks so red.
“For sleeping of course. You really are innocent. Getting so flustered at those words.”
“It’s your fault you know!”
I start to chuckle. I really didn’t mean to though, but the faces she make when she’s embarrassed are so damn funny and
cute.
“…And I’m not that innocent.”
Her voice lowered as she sat on the bed. Is she ok?
“Is everything all right? I was wondering when I got into town, but are you getting enough rest? You’ve been taking care of me for the last 2 months, I don’t want you to be getting sick cause of me.”
“I’m fine. Sorry”
She lays down on the bed and goes under the blankets. There goes those word s no one ever means when they’re upset. I decide to let it go for now.
“So…are you coming, to bed I mean. I don’t mind if it’s you…”
“Eh?”
“Please don’t make me say it again…I don’t…. want to inconvenience you by making you sleep on the floor.
I decide not to argue, despite how red my face is. I take off my boots and the jacket I had on. Leaving me with a white undershirt and pants on, I didn’t actually have sleepwear since I would be traveling everywhere and only sleeping outside when I can.
“And you call me innocent…”
She giggles. I’ll show her I can be a man. Let’s go.
I slide into the bed and she quickly turns out of surprise, shocking me as well.
Her blue eyes met mine and the heat from our faces cause us to sweat. I lose all confidence I gained as we stared at each other without a word. I decide to break the silence with a question that has on my mind for a while:
“Why did you come to this world? I’m sure the old man would’ve let you go, despite his desperate methods of getting us to agree. You had to die in order to be here, didn’t you have friends and family you’d leave behind?
I had my own reasons, but I was curious about her.
“I..”
It seems my question was unwanted. She doesn’t have to force herself.
“Sorry, I know we haven’t known each long and you may not trust me, but I just want you to know you can tell me if you’re struggling here."
I prepare to get up and leave the room when she gives me a look. She looks upset, like I said was stupid.
“I said something stupid didn’t I…”
“Very… and I do trust you. So I’ll tell you why, but I’ll tell you bit by bit. It is hard for me to say.”
“You don’t have to rush. I’ll be waiting for you to talk.”
“Can you tell me about yourself too?”
I looked towards the ceiling, I’m not really that interesting…
“My past isn’t all that interesting, but I’ll tell you about mysel---.”
I tried deflecting the question, but she interrupted me.
“No! I want to know everything! No matter how small. But If your past is also too painful to tell, just like you said to me…. I want to you to trust me.”
Haha…this girl.. all right.
“All right, All right, way to use my words against me. We’ll be up awhile so you better be prepared.”
“Yes!”
Her eyes sparkled. Seriously….I think they’re sparkling. She must be really happy about this.
But anyways, we sat up and faced each other. We stayed up and talked for hours about ourselves. Normal things like what we wanted to do when we were in school and our likes and dislikes. I found out that she wanted to be a voice actor, and she really liked watching anime. When she told me her favorite: Magical Girl Neko Neko I figured out we had the same favorite. It’s a guilty pleasure of mine. The guys would’ve surely made fun of me. I tell her I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but I kinda was thinking about being a doctor. Saving lives and all that. It’s kinda ironic.
I look down at her and I appears that she fell asleep leaning on my shoulder. She started to drool. Eww.
It looks like she’s having a good dream. I smile lightly as I fix a stray strand of hair and put it behind her. Her furry ears begin to twitch. Well, this is better than sleeping in a forest any day. I start to nod off. I get caught by sleep’s embrace.