The walk to the capitol was quiet and slow paced, true it ended in a great victory for the Coalition, but to them it was less of a victory, but more of a slaughter to the enemy. No words were spoken as the marching forces headed back to the capitol city. Tensions between all the soldiers clear.
The reason, their new ally Noble Six.
To say most members of the Coalition was terrified was an understatement, for while they were marching, Geoffrey had insisted that Six be put under heavy guard, to which Six simply shrugged at and let the captain do as he pleased. The rest of the Coalition aside from a few kept a moderate distance from the behemoth of a man.
"I still don't see why we have to skip the party, I mean all those villagers wanted to give us a feast in our honor for all we did, so why did we turn'em down?" Boyd questioned.
"Are you really that daft brother, you should already know why because we have to report on the success of the defense, that and well…" Oscar said giving a small glance back towards Six.
Behind them, Six was simply walking in the box formation of Armor Knights like nothing was wrong, his Assault Rifle resting on his back. The knights guarding him were clearly distressed because some of them were holding their spears so close to their chest it looked as if they were all just raw recruits again.
"Oh…yeah, I forgot about "it" being with us now", Boyd snarled slightly.
"Boyd, don't be so bitter about Six, he saved Commander Ike's life back in Hados, and took out a near entire army of Dolherian Elites while he was fighting with us." Oscar retorted to his younger brother.
"You can't blame Boyd for being scared brother, that Six guy was a monster out there, he just slaughtered everything in sight without any hesitation! I mean, I had a feeling he was powerful but by Ashunera, that was insane!" Rolf exclaimed quite scared from the results.
"I never said I was scared pipsqueak! But you are right, he just slaughtered everything, and I mean, look at him, he ain't even fazed by all this!" Boyd then retorted to his younger brother.
While all of this was going on, Ike was still thinking about the engagement at Hados. To Ike, it was almost like looking at a massive unrelenting storm with him at the helm of the ship; Six's entire fighting style relied on his weapons and sheer brute strength, rarely relying on any form of outside help unless needed. Yet what also bothered him was his stamina, true most soldiers were powerful and capable of fighting for near hours on end without rations or assistance, but Six put all of those men to shame. One was that while he was fighting, Six did not stop, the only time he did was when he had to wait for the main group to arrive. Second was that whilst he was fighting there was no signs of fatigue, no signs of sadness, anger or any physical or emotional turmoil as he fought. Third, as Six fought he felt only fury, no emotion behind said fury, only fury driven by battle and victory but otherwise nothing. Fourth and finally Six lacked any sort of concern for his own safety, almost as if he was hoping to die, hoping his life would end in a blaze of glory.
To Ike this was disturbing; it was like looking at a man who had nothing to lose other than his life in battle and nothing more. Ike would never admit it, but deep down he was frightened, frightened by a man whose morals seemed non-existent compared to those who had their morals set in stone and willing to die for them.
The group finally reached the gate to the capitol, the guards who were in front of the gate saw the knights surrounding the SPARTAN III and immediately began to approach the tall man only to be intercepted by Minerva. The first was a man with green hair and black armor carrying a Halberd, the second was a woman with sea-foam green hair and blue armor, wielding a blue and white spear a (FE-Awakening Brave Spear).
"Stand down Aran, Nephenee, this is Six, a…ally who helped us at Hados", she spoke carefully, making sure not to sound too unconvincing.
The two guards looked at each other and then the one in black, Aran spoke.
"P-princess, while I am willing to b-believe you about this man, I think he will attract a lot of attention if he enters Sienne", Aran replied.
"Y-yeah, ah'm sorry m'lady, but I think it aint a good idea to allow this man into the capitol", Nephenee replied as well looking at the giant in slight fear.
Minerva pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance. As much as she didn't want to admit it, taking Six into the city would likely lead to either panic. However they couldn't just leave the walking behemoth outside the city, it would be inhumane and there was no guarantee that he would stay outside and just wait for approval for entry to the city.
"Don't worry, I have the perfect thing for this", Six spoke.
As soon as he said that, he literally melted into thin air. The knights surrounding him beginning to panic and search for him; the members of the Coalition were surprised and panicked as well, but kept there cool as they continued to look for the S-III.
"Relax, I'm still here, however the cloak only lasts for about 8 minutes, 5 and a half if I run, and does not deplete if I just stand in one place. Let's get to the castle and get this over with", Six spoke, while still in cloak.
The Coalition forces looked at each other for a few seconds and headed inside the city. When they had entered, Six himself was impressed if only to a small degree. The entire capitol was a marble white city with stands brimming with goods, there were a wide assortment of people buying wares of all sorts and entertainers doing tricks in the streets. Another thing to note was that some of the men and women who walked the streets wore white robes, praying as they roamed the streets of Sienne.
When the coalition forces reached the castle gates, Lyn and Minerva had gotten the guards to lower the drawbridge to the castle, allowing them access to the castle. As soon as they entered, Six noticed the elegance and beauty of the castle, a crimson rug that stretched the long hallways, pure white interior with gold trimmings on the pillars that kept the castle up, and beautiful stained glass windows. It sickened him; mainly due to the fact he knew that the only people who did this were the vain and greedy.
Finally at the council chambers, Six walked behind the group making sure he could get a good look of the leaders of this "Coalition".
The first of them was a young woman about 18-21 in a white and red garb, her golden eyes and silver hair shining as she looked down at the group with a small but noticeable smile of relief. This was Micaiah, queen of Daein, and a branded who took the role of liberating her homeland of the tyranny created by the corrupt council of Begnion in the war 2 years ago. Micaiah is a gentle but strong willed woman who was willing to give anything for her country. Micaiah had also found out she was Apostle Sanaki's sister and the true voice of the Goddess, yet surprisingly she did not desire Begnion's throne; instead she took the throne in Daein to keep the people from ever falling under the rule of another oppressor ever again. At her side was her closest companion, a young man with dark green hair and yellow eyes. Sothe who showed great and unwavering loyalty to her during the war and would never leave her side no matter what; however during the war, he still felt connections to his old ally Ike whom he was forced to fight in the war. Luckily they were all able to band together and make a stand against the tyranny of the council and Ashera.
The Second was a young girl as well much younger than the white haired girl, about 15-17 years old, she had purple hair, golden-yellow eyes like her counterpart. This was Sanaki, the Apostle of Begnion, next to her was her guardian and mentor Lehran, and her personal bodyguards Sigrun and Tanith. During the goddess war, Sanaki was tricked by her former council members, who proceeded to oppress Daein with fear and death. During the war, she was then pulled into the Laguz-Beorc war that then proceeded to go into the Goddess War, during that time she had found out she was not the true voice of the Goddess, but her long lost sister Micaiah was. During the battle she had also learned of the deception of her closest members, Sephiran and Zelgius which ultimately led to their untimely deaths at the hands of the Alliance of the three factions. Despite all the loss, grief, and treachery she faced during the war, Sanaki braved the treacherous path and continues to lead Begnion to a better path. With her, and supporting her are her trusted bodyguards and leaders of the Royal Guard in Begnion, Tanith, and Sigrun. Sigrun was a young woman, likely in her late 20s with long beautiful sea foam green hair like Nephenee, but much lighter in shade; her face akin to a loving mothers. Tanith on the other hand was much more serious in demeanor; she has chocolate brown short hair and carried the scowl of a drill instructor. Tanith like Sigrun guards the Apostle with her life if nothing more.
The last member was a young man in his 20s like Micaiah but had blue hair, his attire consisting of azure blue armor with a lighter blue shirt underneath with a small crown adorning his head, and a sword at his side. This is the Hero King Marth, the descendant of the legendary hero Anri who sealed the dark dragon Medeus millennia's ago, bearer of the Fire Emblem, and hero of the War of the Shadow Dragon. During said war, Marth lost both his mother and father at the hands of the Dolhr alliance years ago and became the king and leader of the Altean remnants that eventually purged Dolhr one step at a time. During said war, the once naïve and petty prince soon became hardened and willing to take the throne and destiny for the sake of his people and the world. After the war, one of his former allies, Hardin raised an army against him, resulting in the second coming of the Shadow Dragon, during the second war he was assisted by his good friend Kristine*, who helped him win the war once more. Now, the Shadow Dragon once again threatens the land and Marth now stands with his new allies in a battle that will decide the fate of the world.
"Ah, everyone, I am relieved to see you are unharmed, I trust Hados is safe now?" Micaiah spoke, a smile adorning her features.
"Yes Queen Micaiah, the village is safe, but we have new um, development we must discuss", Elincia responded.
Micaiah looked at the group with curiosity as Elincia showed apprehension, when Marth finally spoke, "And what would be these developments be, Elincia?" he questioned.
Elincia took a deep breath and spoke with as much courage she could muster, "as you know, I arrived as reinforcements for Sir Ike, however when I had arrived there, I was greeted with a massacre of the enemy force that preoccupied the village"
The leaders of the Coalition looked shocked as Sanaki finally spoke up, "Elincia, are you saying Sir Ike was able to kill the entire occupation force? I find it hard to believe such a claim."
"I have not finished Lady Sanaki, you see according to Sir Ike, it was not him, but a new warrior who helped them repel the occupation force", Elincia continued.
The body of leaders looked at one another all astounded by the new information. A new warrior joining the cause and then slaughtering the occupation force was unheard of, not that anyone likely could do it alone, but the look of Elincia was enough to convince them of this act of bravery.
"I…see, well then Elincia I hope you don't mind showing us this warrior who saved your life or is he already here?" Micaiah asked with trepidation.
Minerva then spoke up, "He is indeed here with us, however he does not wish to show himself just now, I would like for us first to continue our report on Hados and-"
She was cut off when a snort came from the Begnion side of the room, Six looked to see a pudgy man in gold-trimmed white robes staring at Minerva and her group in particular with a malice filled sneer.
"*Scoff* And you expect us to believe that a single warrior was able to annihilate Dolhr's troops and you don't even have proof? Bah, you Macedonians and Crimeans are all the same, how do we know you are telling the truth?" the fat senator asked with pure disdain.
Minerva simply glared at the senator as the rest of the coalition, Elincia however looked down in fear, she had a feeling the Begnion senator, Berthold would not believe them, but for him to make that assumption…
"What I and Elincia say is the truth Berthold whether or not you choose to believe us is not our problem, now I would like to continue the report -"
She was again cut off, "No! I refuse to believe that Hados was held, the enemy force was substantial, how do I and the rest of the Coalition know you did not surrender Hados and are stalling for time you damned barbarian!"
Minerva now looked down, insulted and upset, Six noticing this immediately realized the pompous fool would not relent until he saw him, and obviously had a distaste for the Crimeans and Macedonians.
'Alright, enough of this political bull', he thought as he stepped forward still cloaked.
"She isn't lying you idiot", Six's voice rang out.
The entirety of the Coalition leaders looked around the room in shock at the cold and crisp voice emanating from nowhere.
"Wh-what?" Marth.
"Who is-how?" Sanaki.
"…What?" Micaiah.
"H-how dare you, reveal yourself peasant, this instant!"
"Very well…" Six spoke calm as ever.
Within moments the cloaking faded and Six was standing before them in his full ebony plated armor.
"Is this…him?" Marth.
"Such strength, is he human?" Micaiah.
"What is he or it and how did he…?" Sanaki.
Berthold (AKA: Fat and Ugly) simply reeled back in shock and fear as the SPARTAN revealed himself, and in panic immediately made the poorest decision ever in the history of his stupid life.
"G-guards, GUARDS! Seize this assassin now!"
Four unnamed Sentinels charged into the room, all bearing Silver Lances at the ready. Six simply looked at the four Sentinels unimpressed as he continued to stand there, unfazed.
The entire Coalition (aside from those who knew his abilities) stood in shock, the unknown warrior was there the whole time and they had been none the wiser. As they continued to stare down the SPARTAN, Six simply stood there looking at the leaders though his bronze visor.
"Who are you assassin, how did you get in here?"
"…"
"Well? Answer me you buffoon!"
Micaiah looked on at the armored figure with intrigue as he did not answer Berthold immediately, opting to stay silent. She like the others knew why: he did not respect Berthold and as such felt no entitlement to answer him.
"Answer me now or I'll-!"
He was cut off as Micaiah stood from her seat and raising her hand silenced Berthold, "Enough Senator."
Berthold stared up at Micaiah in shock, as did the others, "B-but Lady Micaiah he…he…"
"I said enough Senator…" she spoke with finality.
Berthold sat down grinding his teeth in anger and frustration, as well as humiliation as Micaiah stared at him unflinching from his outbursts. Micaiah then moved from her throne, much to Sothe's confusion and fear, she walked forward towards Six, unafraid but instead curious. She then dismissed the four Sentinels who reluctantly moved their lances away from Six and walked back to protecting the throne of Begnion.
"So are you are the one who saved our forces at Hados, are you not?" she asked, unafraid of his intimidating stature.
Six stared down at Micaiah as she looked at him with curiosity, "Yes ma'am, I am the one who eliminated the threat at the village", Six responded robotically.
Micaiah gave a sigh of relief, Six did not give off the air of a deceiver and she was grateful to hear Hados and its people were safe.
"Then I thank you brave warrior, you have saved the Coalition from a terrible blow against our people, for that, I most humbly thank you."
Micaiah then gave a slight bow that baffled the leaders and the senator. Six however looked at her impassively, analyzing her for any signs of trickery.
He found none.
Nodding, Six then decided to speak to the young queen with as much respect his monotone voice could muster.
"No thanks necessary ma'am, my duty is to humanity and its people, as is the life I have led." Six spoke with conviction.
Micaiah simply nodded to the super soldier and walked back to her throne. Upon sitting upon her throne, the meeting of the leaders resumed, albeit somewhat awkward due to the large super soldier standing in their midst.
"*Ahem* Well aside from that "little" interruption, I believe we should discuss the next course of action, and that is, well, I guess you good knight", Marth interjected.
Six simply stood in place as he stared at the senators and leaders, from what he saw, the blue haired boy was one of the heads of the kingdom's alliance, with the other women being leaders as well. The senator to Six was nothing more than a small time bureaucrat who was obviously just trying to increase his own influence, still he could be a threat later on.
"My designation is SPARTAN-III, B312, Noble Six, rank: lieutenant of the UNSC, you may address me a Six, sir", Six spoke clearly and crisp.
The leaders of the Coalition (outside of Elincia and Minerva) looked at each other with confusion; they had never heard of the UNSC, and from how Six's attire looked, they could assume he wasn't from around here. As the sitting members of the council continued to discuss the unknown warrior, Six simply stood there, unfazed.
Marth soon rose once more and silenced the banter between the members of the council, "So, Sir…Six is it? My colleagues and I have discussed your recent actions and I feel as if you are more than welcome to join the alliance if you so wish. However I must stress that the troops will not be so welcoming after this fiasco, so I would advise you to find shelter elsewhere, please forgive the inconvenience"
Six simply nodded. However Minerva was not okay with the decision.
"Wait, are you to say Marth, we are to simply let Six lay outside the barracks due to the paranoia of our own soldiers?" Minerva retorted with a scowl.
Marth simply sighed, "Yes, sadly today's debacle will likely reach the barracks so I would think it is best for Sir Six stay somewhere within nearby vicinity of the royal barracks, luckily I have decided to have some troops clean out the old weapons shed so you can take residence there, it is in fairly good condition so I will simply have a bed and a lantern given to you. I hope this is acceptable Sir Six?"
Minerva interjected once more, "Like hell it is, this warrior saved our hides back at Hados and you want us to simply give him an old armory as shelter, no less payment for his services!? I cannot believe-"
"It's fine"
Minerva looked to her side and saw Six turn heel towards the door, brushing past the Sentinels in the room without looking at them. Elincia took notice of this almost immediately and grabbed his gauntlet (or as much as she could grab of the large metal armor) in a comforting gesture.
"A-are you certain Sir Six, I can personally escort you to the barracks and perhaps vouch for you if you so wish-"
"I said I'm fine ma'am, I prefer solitude anyway", he retorted with slight annoyance.
Elincia almost instantly let go of Six's armored gauntlet as he immediately left the councils chambers, only stopping to ask one Sentinel where the shed was. Then, silence; the chamber went deathly quiet as Six left the area.
Micaiah coughed to clear the tension in the room, "*AHEM* Well, I guess we should move onto more important matters, now then, about tomorrow's meeting with the Laguz kingdom…"
Six continued to his destination, avoiding any glances from the castle staff and security. In all honesty, he really didn't care about the politics of the situation in the court room, but listening to the fatass back talk one of the main leaders of the Coalition was too much for him to handle.
'It seems politics never change, fatass was likely trying to influence the court over so he could take power from Minerva and make himself look good. But what for, take control of the army? No, he hardly looks like a field commander, so it was likely just to increase his own influence in the court.' Six thought to himself.
Reaching the new desolate courtyard, Six noticed it had gotten dark out and immediately saw his shelter right next to some of the barracks; it was a relatively medium-large shack with an oil lamp hanging from its door, the wood was refurbished and the windows nice and clean, but overall it was a humble and modest shack. Upon entering, he saw his bed, a small nightstand with a candle lit for him. Six simply took his two fingers and put out the flame. However before he could fall asleep, he heard noises coming from the barracks, likely a party for the huge victory at the village; sighing, he touched his TAC-PAD and hit a holo-button displaying MUTE. As he sat, he put his leg up close to his head and had one final thought before drifting off.
'It seems there really is no rest for the wicked…'
And with that he closed his eyes and slept in a dreamless sleep once more.