Connections 2
Robin walked down the street feeling incredibly nervous for quite a few reasons. The first was that she was walking in public in her Teresa-branded armor, which felt awkward considering her mother was not a very popular deity around Azurvale. It also did little to hide her horn, but that was not a big concern for her right now. A much bigger issue was that this was one of the few tis where she was separated from her sisters.
Keira had sent all of them out to different individuals for private tutoring, which ant they wouldnt be seeing each other for the rest of the day, possibly longer. Robin had always been protective of her siblings, so she couldnt help but feel uneasy. She had no reason to worry though, as their catgirl caretaker had not sent them out unaccompanied. Each of them was being shadowed by a handful of FIB agents disguised as common pedestrians. It was already widespread knowledge within the organization that the Hero of Chaos had essentially done their job for them, so watching over these three in her stead was the least they could do.
However, and this was the really troubleso part, Keira felt that their protection was inadequate. Her assessnt had not been entirely unfounded, seeing as how it matched up with current public opinion regarding the Bureau. Hence why she had outsourced so additional security in the form of the Sandman. Or, more specifically, his familiars, one of whom was to accompany each nephilim so that their master could react the instant any of them ca under threat. Madeline got Xera and Drea was following Lydia, which ant that Robin was, via process of elimination, stuck with Kora.
So, found so guy you wanna claim as your own yet? the demon asked loudly.
No...
It was this incredibly embarrassing arrangent that was Robins biggest issue at the mont.
Well, when you do, make sure you stick sothing long and hard right up his-
Stop that!
What? the demon shrugged.
People can hear you!
Though Robin wasnt ashad to walk side by side with her dad despite the weird looks she got, those inappropriate things Kora kept saying were another thing entirely. Having been raised by a prude like Sigmund Law, all three nephilim had shared a sense of common moral decency. Well, so of them were more promiscuous than the others, but Robin most definitely disliked discussing such matters in public. Especially with her butt-obsessed obscenity-spewing parent.
So? I dont give a fuck, the hoarder declared. And you shouldnt either.
Well I do, so could you please cut it out? Robbin pleaded.
Im a fiend, so no.
Even if she was technically a hoarder at present, Kora was still very much in tune with her fiend side. She had been one for centuries, so it was only natural her personality wouldnt change drastically over the course of a few weeks.
Excuse , Miss Law?
One of the undercover FIB agents had approached Robin discreetly. He looked like a rookie adventurer of the Spell-slinging variety, though his robes concealed the leather armor, sharp knives, smoke bombs and other armants commonly used by Rogues. He and his colleagues had not been briefed on the triplets familial situation, but they were quite aware of the details regarding Keiras arrangent with the Sandman.
May I suggest ordering the demon to shut up instead of just asking it?
Oh, right, Robin suddenly rembered. Da Koralenteprix! I order you to stop talking about anything butt related!
Kora grumbled in displeasure, but couldnt help but go quiet. As part of the aforentioned agreent, she and her co-contractors had been ordered to obey any command given to them by the ones they were responsible for. They were given permission to disregard those orders should they put any of the triplets in danger, but the hoarder shutting her mouth was most assuredly not life threatening.
Wow, almost forgot about that, Robin sighed in relief. Thanks for Wait, what? Whered he go?!
The elf that had just given her that helpful hint had disappeared just as suddenly as hed shown up. She had to admit, these FIB agents proficiency at remaining covert was quite impressive. Creepy and unnerving, but impressive nonetheless. Either way, now that she finally got so peace and quiet, Robin ignored her fathers looks of disapproval and checked on the slip of paper in her hand. It had a na and an address, but finding the place had proven to be a bit of a hassle.
She was, after all, unfamiliar with Azurvale. Not only did the Republic capital have a vertical elent that made adjusting to life here a bit tricky, but this was her first ti actually living in a city. The ancient streets, stairs and magic elevators were confusing enough on their own, but the sheer number of people walking around were enough to make her dizzy at tis. Thankfully the crowd gave her plenty of space due to a certain six-ard reason, though that also made it a bit awkward to ask for directions. There were street signs and the occasional tourist map, but those were of limited assistance. Still, Robin did not give up, nor did she complain. According to Keira, if she couldnt do sothing as basic as finding an address in a city, then she was already a lost cause.
What should have been a fifteen minute walk therefore took more than an hour of wandering around before the girl finally arrived at her destination. She wondered whether this was the right place though, as she had arrived at what looked to be a ranch built on Azurvales ground level. Certainly not the sort of dwelling she imagined a renowned knight might have. Her doubts were then instantly forgotten when she laid eyes on a familiar-looking sight.
Woah, is that an imperial thoroughbred?! she exclaid. Here?!
The animal in question was an intimidating-looking horse that was so large that even Kora could probably ride it. Well over two ters in height and at least a literal ton in weight, it was clearly a species bred for battle. More specifically an ironhoof charger, judging by the majestic black coloration of its mane and body. Its kind were among the few non-monstrous creatures capable of Ranking Up, widely considered both a luxury and a status symbol within the Empire. Hence why Robin couldnt help but feel surprised at finding one in elf territory, and such a magnificent specin at that. Shed seen plenty of war horses that belonged to the Inquisition, but they all looked like ponies when compared to this maned mountain of muscle.
Feeling rather awestruck, the girl couldnt help but approach the wooden fence separating her from the steed. It noticed her starry-eyed stare and drew closer, maintaining a stoic posture the entire ti. She reached out a hand as if to pet it, but the horse snorted into her open palm and pulled away. This made Robin feel montarily dejected. Montarily being the operative word, as she heard the sound of a heavy tal-on-tal impact coming from behind, followed by a rush of air and a furious growl.
The blonde dumbly turned around to see Koras massive back. Looking up a bit, she then noticed her father had caught an armored janther even bigger than she was, which had presumably pounced on her. The hoarder demon grappled with the six-legged beast for a few breathless monts, but it shortly beca obvious which one had the upper hand. She let out a furious roar and kneed it in the ribs, circled around it while it was reeling, wrapped her arms around its torso and suplexed it into the ground. The monster let out a pained cry as its head made an imprint into the soil, its body tumbling away from Robin.
This series of events happened far too quickly for the inexperienced nephilim to comprehend, however. From her point of view shed just seen a blur of fur and tal, and was now faced with the scene of her father staring down a cat-monster. Kora spread her arms wide and surged forward with the clear intent to kill.
Wait, stop! Robin bellowed, forcing her to freeze. What are you doing?! Whats going on?!
Im protecting my kid from this fucking thing! Kora snapped at her. Whats it look like?!
But, thats clearly not a wild beast!
Indeed, though the nephilim had taken a few monts to realize it, the janther in question was wearing armor along its chest, head and feet, not to ntion a saddle on its back. It was obviously a dosticated monster, which would not normally attack out of nowhere. Though she had no idea why the thing tried to pounce on them, she wanted to believe there was a good reason for its actions.
Kora, however, was of a different opinion.
Dont care! Im smashing it flat!
I would appreciate it if you refrained from doing that, a mans voice called out to her. Its quite difficult to replace one of those, you know.
That stern tone belonged to a rough-looking beastkin gentleman in his forties. He had brown eyes, hair and fur with a pair of feline ears poking out of his scalp, though part of the left one was missing and he bore a blade-inflicted scar on his chin. His body, though of unremarkable build and height, was covered in weathered plate armor with a blue sheen to it, the tal marked by countless scratches and dents after years of service. Both the gear and its wielder carried their blemishes with pride rather than sha, giving this man the undeniable air of a veteran adventurer.
Are you Yoshin Amidori? Robin asked after consulting the note in her hand.
Yes, thats , he nodded firmly. And who might you be?
Uh, Im Robin. Robin Law? Keira- Err, Miss Morgana said you were expecting ?
The man sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Yeah, she neglected to ntion you wouldnt be coming alone, though, he grumbled as he went to check on his injured pet. Seriously, whats the deal with that giant pile of hate over there?
Shes just, uh, my bodyguard, the blonde said awkwardly.
Really, now? Are you that much of a spoiled little brat that you need a bodyguard to walk down the street?
Watch your tongue, worm, Kora snarled, before I rip it out and shove it-
You be quiet, Robin silenced her. You dont need to get angry just because he said the truth!
Well, so long as you recognize your own shortcomings
Though he sounded calm, Yoshin had a face that made it clear he was not at all pleased by what had transpired. He fed his injured pet so kind of pill-shaped restorative dicine, which gave the janther enough strength to stand up and purr loudly as he pet its neck and shoulders. The noises coming from it instantly beca more akin to growling when it looked at the thoroughly unamused demon it had just tangled with.
Easy there, girl, he reassured the beast. Ill be fine, so why dont you go get so rest.
The janther snarled sharply before limping off down the path, towards the large barn-like building at the edge of the ranchs fenced-off area.
Just for the record, Ami only attacked because she felt threatened, the catkin turned towards Robin. Janthers are extrely perceptive, she was well aware you didnt an any harm. However, she couldnt help but respond to the constant malice your big red friend is putting out.
Shes a demon though, she cant help it, the girl tried to excuse her parent.
And thats precisely why I despise their kind. At least monsters behave like living beings with sensible wants and needs. Demons just do whatever they please for shits and giggles with zero regard for the consequences.
Ugh, thats an understatent, Robin rolled her eyes.
Anyway, youre here, so we might as well get started. Co with .
The older adventurer turned to lead his visitors into his house, giving Robin a thorough look at the glaive attached to his back. She had seen the top of its long handle poking over his shoulder, but the rest of the weapon surprised her a little. Not only was this her first ti seeing such an exotic blade in person, but it also had a pitch-black adamantite edge that gave it an ominous feel. This was clearly a man who seed to value offense over defense, seeing as how his weapon was clearly a grade or two higher than his armor.
Excuse , Mister Amidori? Robin piped up while they walked.
Only governnt officials call Mister like that, he responded. Please, call Yoshin.
Right, Yoshin, do you own the other one too?
Hm? Oh, you an Agro? he glanced at the steed from earlier. Yeah, hes also one of mine.
Can I ask why you have two mounts?
As impressive as the warhorse was, the janther was clearly stronger, faster, and more durable. The saddle on its back made it clear Yoshin rode it into battle. Robin wasnt going to suggest he get rid of the one called Agro, but the pragmatic thinking that Keira had been hamring into her made her question why he kept it when he had a superior option available. She knew for a fact warhorses were expensive and required a lot of maintenance, to the point where the beastkin could probably afford new high-end armor if he sold it off.
They serve different purposes, the man explained. Ami is without a doubt a deadly predator, but she runs out of stamina fast and cant take extre heat or cold. Agro, on the other hand, can ride for days on end without rest and isnt bothered by the climate in the slightest. Well, not unless its raining flaming icicles or sothing, but that only happens at the Shattered Isles. Hes also great for making favorable impressions on people.
Robin couldnt help but concede that last point, seeing as how she was awestruck upon seeing the steed.
Plus, I cant just throw the boy aside after I practically raised him, Yoshin added with a heavy tone. I honestly dread that one of these days Ill take him out on a Quest he wont return from. Might be best to retire him while I can, maybe find him a mate.
Wow. If I didnt know any better Id think you were talking about a son or sothing.
You jest, but that is more or less how I see him, the knight smiled wryly.
Oh, sorry, I didnt realize, Robin apologized. What about your big-ass kitty? Is she your daughter?
Ami? Nah, I only use her because I need her strength, he shook his head. Shes not family, just a tool I use to ensure my survival.
That seems rather cold of you.
And that seems rather naive of you, he countered. Ami is a monster made docile through my Monster Tar Skills. If not for those, shed see as nothing more than lunch. Agro, on the other hand, has a noble spirit and will always try his best to aid a stranger in need. Hes certainly more good-natured than the various kinds of scum that call themselves people.
The man turned his head towards the recently trimd hylt tree in the distance, but didnt comnt on it. Silence reigned as Yoshin and Robin walked up to the large house with Kora following closely behind. The nephilim couldnt help but notice the rather worrying number of house cats that seed to be lazing around the place. The veteran didnt bring his new protege inside, however, and instead led her around the back, where a circular patch of dry, hard-packed dirt had been trampled into the weed-covered soil. There was a humanoid practice dummy in the middle of it and three more around the edges. The girl was intimately familiar with this kind of training equipnt, so she had a hunch as to why these were here.
Oh, are you going to give a test or sothing before we start?
Quite so, he confird Robins guess. I got your Appraisal results from Keira, but I need to see what you can actually do. Let just get this stuff out of the way, though.
He then proceeded to move the old tal statues out of the way and stood in the center of the ring with his glaive drawn while the youngest nephilim blinked at him in confusion.
Well? Do you need an invitation? he beckoned her. Co over here and show what you got!
Wait, were skipping straight to a spar?
Bah, spar, he scoffed. Spars are for practicing dance recitals. What were going to do is fight.
Robin was quite unsure how to respond to this, but her demonic guardian didnt give her a chance to say anything as she stood between her daughter and Yoshin. She glared at him with four arms crossed and two more on her hips. She was still barred from speaking and the one who gave her that order had yet to realize it, yet Yoshin nevertheless understood what her problem was. Her posture was as close to a nonverbal no as he was going to get, short of a boot to the face.
Fine, fine, he relented. Ill go get the training weapons.
Kora wasnt about to deny Robin from enjoying a good fight, but Yoshin was a fighter way out of her league. He was a Level 84 Warrior and Level 60 Monster Tar who was aiming to challenge the upcoming Dragon Festival before he got too old to attend one. Though he didnt an to fight the girl seriously and would probably be careful not to seriously injure his trainee, it was not a risk the hoarder demon was willing to take. Yoshin was a reasonable man though, so he was unlikely to insist that he get his way, even if live combat was faster and more impactful as a form of education. It was one of the things he and Keira shared an opinion on.
As for the reason why Kora was so well inford about Yoshin, it was because her master had taken interest in him once it found out he was in possession of an Artifact. The item in question was the rustic-looking bracer on his left forearm, which bore the na Arcanists Aegis. It didnt look like much, but the relic could project an energy disk that could be used as a shield strong enough to deflect all but the deadliest Spells and attacks.
It wasnt all that shiny or useful to Boxxy, however, so it had put off acquiring the item for the ti being. Yoshin was also not the only such mark the shapeshifter had been keeping track of. Keira had sought out and made friends with a large number of unique, capable and good-natured individuals, contacts that she could call upon and use whenever the need arose. Boxxy also made sure all of them held the redhead in high regard and owed her a favor or three, and this beastkin was no different in that regard.
Yoshin had ducked inside his basent and returned less than a minute later with a pair of toy-like swords, each long enough to be a two-hander. They were hollow, their blades made from long wooden plates tied together with strings. It was a traditional beastkin training weapon called a shinai, used to educate youngsters in sword techniques before they were old enough to safely hold Jobs of their own. Yoshin himself had been born to a clan of swordsn, so he was deeply familiar with these bladeless swords.
Here you go, he handed one to Robin. You do know how to use a sword, yes?
I prefer a mace and shield, but yes, I do, she responded while getting a feel for the extrely light weapon. Uncle Sigmund had trained in most forms of ard combat.
Hm, well see. First one to strike a vital area wins. Take your stance and lets begin.
The girl entered the dirt ring and faced the seasoned veteran with her weapon held firmly between them. Hers was a basic posture, but by no ans a bad one. Her opponents, however, was clearly advanced. He had his left foot forward and held his weapon up above his head with both arms, ready to swing it downward when the opportunity presented itself. It made his guard seem surprisingly loose from Robins perspective, so she went for the obvious bait and made the first move. She lunged at him without warning, stepping in while delivering a sharp and fast thrust, the tip of her shinai aid at the mans neck.
Kora could only shake her head as she watched events unfold exactly like she expected them to.
*SMACK*
Ow!
The man had effortlessly sidestepped the pinpoint strike and thwacked Robin audibly on the head with his practice weapon.
Congratulations, youre dead, he coldly told her. Again!
Both parties returned to their starting positions, though this ti the girl remained on the defensive. When it was clear she was no longer willing to make the first move, Yoshin closed the distance, dodged her downward swing, and then struck her.
*SMACK*
Owww!
The sequence of events repeated itself with minor variations several more tis as Robin got repeatedly booped on the head. Looking at her daughters mounting frustration, Kora couldnt help be reminded of how she had been prior to her first bout with Jen. Though just a lowly human at the ti, the Monk had completely dominated the archfiend in combat, overcoming the difference in strength and endurance with skill and strategy. It was the first ti Kora had experienced such a total loss in a battle, and it had served to make her realize that there was more to fighting than raw power. Kora very much wanted to share that nugget of wisdom with her daughter, but Robins earlier insistence that she be quiet prevented her from comnting.
Though it would appear that Old One-Ear was intending to beat that notion into the nephilims skull anyway.
*SMACK*
Quite literally at that.
Again!
However, the daughter was nowhere near as thick-skulled as her father, which helped the lesson sink in a lot faster.
On the fifth round against Yoshin, she moved to jab at his throat like she had during their first clash. This turned out to be a well-executed feint, as the girl pulled her weapon back and resud her orthodox striking stance when the beastkin sidestepped the trajectory of her thrust. This put her in a good position to parry his overhead strike, which was precisely what she did. She smiled fiercely in a fiend-like manner as she pushed his hollow blade away and made a downward swing at his neck.
Yoshin then barely dodged the strike by taking a half-step back, only to spring forward with a wide horizontal swing that smacked the side of Robins head hard enough to make her fall on her face.
Ah, crap, she grumbled into the dirt. I thought I had you that ti.
Thats your problem, you focus too much on the finishing blow and not enough on how to make it connect, the cat-man inford her. A Warrior fights not only with their weapon, but also their mind and body. You did well to try and think a step ahead, but you were too shallow. Youll never beat soone like unless you anticipate their next ten moves at the minimum.
He offered the girl a hand and helped her to her feet, then patted her on the shoulder with a firm nod.
Still, you did good. Most newbies that co to see give up and walk away by the fourth bump on the head.
Yeah, I can see why, she smiled awkwardly while rubbing her bruised scalp. Id think you were just bullying if I didnt get similar treatnt from Keira.
Indeed? he raised an eyebrow. Though Im told that the way I normally interview apprentices is like a pleasant massage compared to what her students have to go through. But, I digress. This isnt about her, its about you, and you adapted to my fighting style very quickly, didnt you?
The sort of mind gas that Yoshin liked to play relied on gaining information about his opponent with every exchange. Robin had been more or less a blank slate, so there was not much to read there aside from her simple, straightforward and slightly stubborn personality. He was therefore surprised to see she was more flexible than he originally anticipated. Too flexible, almost.
Im just familiar with Destroyer Stance, she shrugged. One of Uncles friends showed it to once or twice, so I knew what to expect.
The technique she was referring to was one of three Stance Skills available to Warriors and Armsmasters at level 60 of each Job. While Raider Stance employed combination strikes with dual wielding and Defender Stance focused on mitigating damage with a shield, Destroyer Stance allowed for truly devastating attacks with two-handed weapons. It also took arguably the most courage to use, as missing a swing in Destroyer Stance usually left the user wide open for a counter attack. Robin wouldve definitely caught Yoshin just now if not for the beastkins significantly superior speed and agility.
I have to say though, the nephilim added, I didnt know you could use it the way you use it.
The Warriors Robin had ntioned were the type that relied on landing one-hit-kills to win battles and were typically the first ones to strike. Even if they missed, the sheer force behind each blow would surely put pressure on their opponent while their armor and vitality would absorb whatever counterattack was thrown at them. Yoshin did not employ such reckless tactics, however. He was slow, patient, thodical. Soone who only struck when he was certain his attack would find his target.
Unless his opponent was one of those pajama-wearing twinkle-fingered Spell-slingers, of course. That particular matchup required an entirely different battle plan.
So did I pass your test? Robin asked hopefully.
The first one, yes. Now cos the second.
He then took away her training weapon and handed her a large hair brush and a bucket of apples.
What are these for?
Grooming and feeding Agro, what else? Well handle cleaning out his stall of manure afterwards.
Robin couldnt help but be confused at that response. Not just what Yoshin had said, but also the way he said it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. The blonde girl was left with the distinct impression she was missing sothing, so she couldnt help but question the purpose of her task. Surely he wasnt just going to have her do chores for no reason, right?
Uhhh, I know I can be a bit dense, but how is any of that supposed to prove Im a better fighter?
Its not, Yoshin bluntly answered.
Then whats it about?
Its to see whether you have a knack for animal handling.
And thats important because
Well, you can hardly be able to care for your own steed if you cant do sothing as basic as-
What?! Who said I wanted my own steed?!
Keira did, Yoshin replied bluntly. Well, sort of. She said you had a gift with animals and that mounted combat would suit you, so she sent you to .
Thats ludicrous! Robin complained loudly. Ive never ridden a horse! Never even had a pet! All I did was guide a carriage down the highway for a bit!
Youre welco to go back, he shrugged. However, then youll have to tell Keira Morgana that her judgent was wrong.
Robin took but a second to consider this alternative before making a decision.
So, I need to brush from top to bottom, right?
Frankly speaking, shed much rather spend a whole day literally shoveling horse shit than risk getting on that scary cat-ladys bad side.
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