Chapter Text
As the sun rose over the tall mountains, the King's archer rose with it. Wind Archer sat up and jumped off the bed in one, quick motion. He landed on the cool wooden floor. His garments sat nearby on a simple stool, neatly draped across the wood. Wasting no time, Wind Archer dressed.
He knew many others were plagued with early-morning fatigue, staying in bed or just standing around for at least ten minutes. Wind Archer, however, had grown accustomed to being alert the second he woke. Although, today it was not particularly needed, for Wind Archer had gotten a break. Well, partially. He wouldn't need to stand by the side of his King, Millennial Tree, but Wind Archer would still be required to return immediately if any danger reared it's ugly head.
For now, he had plans. He'd start the morning in a lively place packed with people. He wasn't fond of most, very few were on good terms with the young man. However, there was something quite... comforting about the loud, bustling marketplace.
So, with a pouch of coins tucked in the pocket of his cloak and a bow slung into the case across his back, Wind Archer exited his room and started down towards the town.
As the archer approached the giant doors, drawbridges, a slight feeling of anxiousness pressed him. Even though he had endured that today was, in fact, his break day, the thought that there was a mix up plagued him. However, the man stationed there only nodded at Wind Archer before lowering the humongous doors. Swiftly, Wind Archer crossed the lowered overpass as he continued on towards the one place he desired to be at the given moment.
Oh, how he'd regret that soon.
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As Wind Archer grew ever closer to the town, the smell of smoke, dung, and dirt filled the air. Large pens filled with animals were packed closely together on the outskirts of the settlement.
Already, people were wandering around. Some strode with purpose, others merely drifting along like leaves in a current.
Wind Archer was the former, he strode towards the center of the town. Luckily, many townsfolk recognized him, for one reason or another, and cleared a path. It wasn't particularly necessary, not many people were on the roads to begin with. However, the gesture was appreciated. It was good to see townsfolk respect their knights. In return, they had his protection. It was a win-win situation.
As Wind Archer finally arrived in the town square, he glanced around for a specific stall. Ah, there, at the very edge.
He approached it, and his friend looked up from their counting of coins. "Oh, heya Wind Archer. How've ya been?" Fig questioned, a grin spread across their face. The two had known each other for quite a decent amount of time, they did many things together. Well, as many as they could considering Wind Archer's very busy schedule. While their time spent together wasn't necessarily too long, they still did have a strong bond.
"I have been well. How have you been?" Wind Archer replied. He wasn't very fond of wasting time with pleasantries, but considering this was someone who was close to him Wind Archer figured he could endure it. Besides, it was nice having someone who he knew cared for him, to some degree.
"Ah, just swell! My crops have been doing even better than usual! Want some?" Fig smiled, so wide it was a wonder that it didn't hurt. Or maybe it did, it wasn't like Wind Archer would know.
"Oh, no thank you. I'll pass. I wouldn't want those who need it more to be lacking." Wind Archer said, holding up his hands as if in surrender.
"Noble as always, Wind" Fig cheerfully declared, "but please, I insist!" Despite Wind Archer's protests, he shoved an apple into his hands. It was ruby red, and Wind Archer swore he could see his reflection in it. The apple looked as perfect as a painting, if he weren't holding it he'd probably think it a fake.
"You don't need to give me this," Wind Archer awkwardly stated, "especially such a fine looking one." It was truly a beauty, but it was far too lovely for Wind Archer. It was a funny thought, thinking oneself unworthy of an apple.
"Nope, it's specially saved for you! By favor of me!" Fig said, their grin still covering their face. When Wind Archer tried handing it back, they clasped their hands around his. A forced smile replaced the casual smile they wore just seconds prior. It honestly scared him a bit, not that Wind Archer would admit that. So, with great reluctance, he accepted the gift.
Hm, it is quite a lovely present Wind Archer thought. He tucked it into the bag at his side, before waving farewell to Fig.
Wind Archer strode away, this time visiting stalls with reckless abandon. There was no one and nothing he was looking for in specific, so he was content with merely browsing the merchandise.
And oh, there was much to take in. Food items, like cheese and bread. Vegetables and fruits were arranged in a rainbow-colored display. Salted and cooked meats and fishes, raw meats and fishes. He purchased small things here and there, avoiding larger and bulkier foods. He wasn't very hungry, and he didn't eat much anyways.
Garments made of silk and cotton decorated the booths. Cloaks, tunics, and dresses all hung proudly, neatly folded and arrayed. He purchased a cloak, his was starting to get worn out. The lady selling them was very sweet, and he learned she actually owned a seamstress shop. When questioned why she was selling on a street market, she said it was to spread awareness of her craftsmanship further than just standing in a stuffy store all day.
A woman dressed largely in black with white hair and a sparkly dress sold trinkets. They all appeared to be made from some sort of gemstone, most commonly pearls. They were all very lovely, he purchased a comb. Partially because he believed his King would enjoy it, partially because he knew how expensive finding those material had to be.
And so, he spent his morning enjoying the exchange. As midday rolled around, he once again walked over to Fig’s stall.
On his way, someone slammed into him. Wind Archer fell, knocked over by the force of this stranger. As the hooded figure darted away, a pair of hands hefted Wind Archer to his feet. In all honesty, he was kind of dazed. But one word snapped him back to reality, “...robber!" In a blink, Wind Archer was drawing his bow and taking off in the direction he last saw the thief traveling.
Now, this late in the day, the streets were packed with civilians. Wind Archer paused, taking in his surroundings. A flash of movement caught his eyes, ahah. He'd found his robber.
Wind Archer looked around, there was no way he'd catch up with so many people. The flat rooftop of a store caught his eye, and he scrambled atop. He began darting from roof to roof, making sure to keep the burglar in sight.
However, it seems the culprit noticed that they were being tailed. In a flash, they darted down a smaller, less packed street. Wind Archer skidded to a stop, before gracefully leaping down and landing in a roll. From there, he began sprinting after the pickpocket. This person was fast, really fast. However, Wind Archer's swiftness was unmatched. Very quickly, he began gaining on them.
As the robber turned down an alley, they lost speed. Using a lamppost, Wind Archer swung into the lane. The two collided, sliding across the rough stone. It hurt, but there was no time to handle such pointless distractions. Within a second, the thief was pinned to the ground. Wind Archer sat on top, his hands around the perpetrator’s wrists and knees resting on their stomach.
A chuckle came from the hooded figure’s mouth, how their face was still concealed was a mystery to Wind Archer. Not for long, though. He grabbed at the person's hood. But in the brief moment where he relinquished his grip upon them, he found himself flipped over.
Now, the hooded figure had pinned Wind Archer to the ground. Being a trained knight, one would believe that he'd easily be able to escape and recapture the thief. However, this person was strong. Really strong. No matter how much Wind Archer struggled, he couldn't escape their grip. Their knees dug into his chest, a steady pressure being applied. Tiny pinpricks of tears appeared at the corners of his eyes. It was not a particularly sharp pain but it hurt nonetheless.
The hooded figure shook their head, and the covering flung loose. For the first time, Wind Archer saw the face of the criminal. As much as he hated to admit it, his first thought was Woah, this guy is pretty handsome.
His red hair was tied in a ponytail, although most of it had fallen out by now. It was of medium length, falling past his shoulders. Deep red eyes stared into his, filled with amusement and determination. He looked as though he were enjoying a game, but there was a murderous glint in his eyes. It wasn't hard to imagine what that would mean if Wind Archer made a wrong move.
Instead of feeling afraid, though, Wind Archer found himself filled with anger. Who was this person, why weren't they just giving themselves up, and why did Wind Archer feel his cheeks flush slightly as a smirk spread across the other's face. He struggled against the person's grasp, no matter how futile it'd reveal to be. Filled with his own determination, Wind Archer suddenly bit at the offender.
His teeth sunk into soft flesh, and the other man drew back. Taking the opportunity, Wind Archer started attacking him. In such close quarters, there was no time or space to draw a weapon. However, that didn't stop Wind Archer from biting and scratching at the criminal.
Soon, they were a wrestling ball of claws and jaws. Feet planted against his chest and Wind Archer found himself getting flung away. He once again skidded across the ground, scraping up his hands and knees.
As he started to get up, he found a sword pointed directly at his throat. A sheet of cold terror descended upon Wind Archer, and he felt himself feeling nauseous and sweaty. Where this stranger had even concealed it was a mystery to Wind Archer, but he had much greater things to worry about. As he was about to open his mouth, the unfamiliar voice of the person started.
“Stay down, this was fun and all but unfortunately the time for games is over." The man said, looking at Wind Archer with a look he could only describe as disdain. "As much as toying with you was enjoyable, I do think I'll have to kill you.”
A cruel sneer spread across the once almost-pleasant face of the person, he was reveling in the panic gripping at Wind Archer. And damnit, was Wind Archer seriously afraid. Being an archer, he mostly stayed out of the way of blades and other weapons. And when he had to fight in close quarters, he was skillful enough to dodge any attacks. This person, though? He had proved to be quite a powerful opponent. And obviously, the man had him at his mercy. This couldn't be won in a battle of strengths, but perhaps Wind Archer could defeat him in a battle of wits.
He opened his mouth, planning on saying some nonsense on why he should be spared. Unfortunately, no words exited his mouth. He was still paralyzed in fear, there had never been a time when he could have actually died. He hoped it wouldn't have been so soon, he had thought there'd been more time.
Although Wind Archer kept his gaze on the sword, he felt hot tears starting to form. As much as he tried fighting them, a few rolled down his cheeks. His vision blurred, he didn't even notice the sword being pulled away nor the figure crouching in front of him. In fact, Wind Archer only noticed when he felt tears get wiped away by a hand that was not his own. He looked up at the other person, who looked remorseful.
When he saw Wind Archer looking at him, though, a look of annoyance took over his once kind gaze. “I don't like seeing others cry, that's all." He said, clearing his throat and standing up. “But.. I suppose I could spare you." The person extended their hand to Wind Archer and he took it without a second thought.
“However, you are now my prisoner. Step out of line and I won't hesitate this time." A dagger was pressed against his neck. So much for mercy.
The other man led Wind Archer through the narrow passageways of the side streets. Wind Archer was glad they stuck to the shadows, he couldn't beat the thought of anyone seeing him with his fate resting in the hands of another. Eventually, they arrived at the outskirts of town. Woods bordered the edge, a dark and tangled mass of trees, animals, and other fauna.
Wind Archer enjoyed the wilderness, he loved everything about it. However, the experience would be severely tainted if he was dragged through it while being threatened. Despite Wind Archer's silent pleas, the stranger did end up pulling him through the woods. They walked for a while, neither saying a word. The only sounds were of branches and leaves crunching underfoot.
Eventually, the duo made it to a clearing. Wind Archer was thrown to the ground, and the stranger kneeled down right next to him. His face hovered far too close to Wind Archer's.
“So, since you'll be stuck with me for a while, I figure I should at least get your name." The stranger smirked, gosh his face looks so punchable.
“Hmph, why would I tell you?" Wind Archer retaliated. What makes this guy think he could demand that from Wind Archer? The nerve.
“Uh, because no matter what I'll learn it. It's just easier if you say it yourself." Snapped the other, although he looked amused. It annoyed Wind Archer boundlessly, but he did figure that he could at least try and strike up some kind of bargain.
“I'll tell you…" Started Wind Archer, and the man's face lit up briefly, “if you tell me yours." An aggravated look passed over the other's face, but he agreed to Wind Archer's terms.
“You first, cutie." Said the man, smirking at how Wind Archer's face flushed an embarrassing amount from such a simple comment.
“It's…” For a moment, he considering lying. But if the other could find out his name no matter if Wind Archer told him or not, then he figured he'd be able to tell if he lied. "It's Wind Archer.” He finished.
"Ah, neat name.”
"You must tell me yours, it was part of our agreement.”
The other man nodded, "My name is Fire Spirit. I'm the leader of the rebellion, nice to meet you.”