The Shield of Miglance Returns

Wait, Aldo.

Something wrong?

Take a look at the ground.

The ground? Okay uhh... Hmm. I see footprints? A bit on the large side, so I don't think they're human footprints...

That's right. See the claw marks? These are beast footprints.

So beasts passed through here, what about it?

It's not just beasts. Look closer. You see signs of something much larger than your normal beast. There's also some human footprints mixed in there.

You mean...they were being chased?!

Doesn't look like it, no. Judging by the footprints, the human wasn't running at all. Hmm... Looks like they came from the west.

I wonder what a human was doing with...

Aaaaahh!

Did you hear that?!

Yeah, sounds like it came over from Unigan. Let's go check it out.

Guehehguheh... Mmm yummy looking human make good meal for Kim-kim!

S-Somebody! Anybody! HELP!!

Hold it right there!

Grrrr... Tiny, dumb human, Kim-kim not wait for food. Now YOU next on menu.

I see... So it was a chimera's footprint. No wonder they were so big. Step aside. Else the only thing you'll be dining on is the tip of my lance.

Guheheh. Stupid, tiny humans think they tell ME what to do. Kim-kim eat girl, then eat you!

I see your claws are as dull as your friend here. Have at you!

What did you do to Kim-kim?!

GrrRR! Tiny human have big lance! Unfair fight for Kim-kim. Next time human better watch his back!

Are you okay, miss?

Y-Yes...I think so... Thank you.

Well would you look at that. The trusted defender of the union. The old shield of Miglance himself.

What?!

They said he retired. He was done. Shield back on the rack. So you can imagine my relief to see the man himself. Here. Before my very eyes.

GALGO! You...

Galgo?

Do not listen to this man, Aldo. He is no friend.

Hmph!

Humor me, Galgo. What brings a snake like you out of his nest? Taking your chimera for a walk, is it?

Talking him on a walk? Yes, I was on a little "walkie" walk then a BIG. BAD. MAN with a shield gave him a BIG boo-boo. And he had gotten so used to the gentle hands of humans, too. This will surely set back his training. And to think, our famous defender is an animal abuser. Times have surely changed. How sad.

What? It was about to attack an innocent person!

It's unfortunate, but his old beast handlers did such a terrible job training him. If he eats a person or two, well, I'm afraid it's not my fault. Good training takes time.

Then those footprints were yours.

I asked the beast forces, or what's left of them, to lend a hand, and they gladly accepted. I was just so TIRED of those pithy little raids I was doing, you see. A man must dream big, am I right? But I digress. So good to see a familiar face.

I do not know what evil you sow, Galgo. But I will see that you do not live to reap it.

Oh Bertie, I'm afraid we're not supposed to fight just...yet. But fear not. We shall soon meet again. Then, we can have this little "talk."

Now then. Be a good chimera and attack that man on his eye-patch side.

Wait! Galgo!

The eye-patch side, eh?

Many fools have tried. All have failed.

Bertrand! Are you all right?!

Yes, I'm fine. The problem is that we let Galgo get away. I can't believe he's cooperating with the beasts...

Okay, so this Galgo guy. Who is he?

I'll tell you later. First, we must tell Lakhesis what happened here.

Fine. To Miglance Castle it is, then.

Understood. I'll dispatch a band of knights to assist you in your cause.

Thank you, sir.

Hope I'm not interrupting.

Man, sure am getting a lot of visits today... Hey you two. What is it you need?

We came to talk to you about an incident we were involved in...

But it looks like you already have a guest.

Oh wow. Are you a...ghost?

Excuse me?

No! Sorry! Forget it. Forget I said anything! It's just I've never seen you in the castle, Sir Bertrand... So I just assumed the unthinkable must have happened.

Apologies if I have worn out my welcome. I shall take my leave. May the light shine upon you.

Do you know her, Bertrand?

......

Bertrand?

She's a priest. She was telling me about how the area around the temple had gotten dangerous as of late.

Oh wow. Are you a...ghost?

Excuse me?

No! Sorry! Forget it.

Oh, hey Yipha! Didn't expect to see you here.

Oh, yes. I'm here to see Sir Lakhesis. Please, forget what I said. It's just I've never seen Sir Bertrand in the castle... So I just assumed the unthinkable must have happened.

Apologies if I have worn out my welcome. I shall take my leave. May the light shine upon you, sirs.

And to you as well, Aldo.

Wait, Bertrand. You and Yipha know each other?

......

Bertrand?

What was she doing here?

She was telling me about how the area around the temple had gotten dangerous as of late.

Sir Bertrand?! But I... Are...you a ghost?

I am no ghost.

OH. WOW. Sorry I didn't mean to, It's just, I didn't expect to see you here...

Good to see you again, Aldo.

Hey, Yipha.

Yipha.

Y-Yes sir!

I wanted to thank you for what happened back in Rinde.

Oh, no! That was nothing! Seriously!

It was, actually. And I am eternally grateful to you for it.

Unfortunately, as much as I want to keep piling on the gratitude. Aldo and have news of great import.

Oh! Okay!

If it brought you all the way to the castle, then I'm sure it must be quite serious. I wish you luck, Sir Bertrand.

Thank you.

And...I'd like to help, so if you end up by the temple, please pay me a visit.

(Holy crap. Sir Bertrand is thanking ME? Like, "me" me?!) (My heart is literally about to explode out of my chest.)

An incident you say? She was just explaining to me about an incident over at the temple.

Bertrand! What are you doing here? If you're here... Has something terrible happened?

I'm afraid it has.

...You must be exhausted. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help you.

You have my thanks. But now is no time for...

...Wait for me to return. If the situation changes again, I'll be back once more.

...Understood. I will do as you suggest, then. I'll prepare for the worst, and... And wait for your safe return.

A-alright, I really should go.

(Wait for his return... Then what I saw in the garden was no dream, after all.) (A-and more importantly, he... He looked at me so boldly, in front of everyone!) (Oh, no, no, no! My heart is going to burst!)

I see, the instant you decided this... Yipha held out quite well too, all things considered.

...What do you mean?

It's a compliment. But the rest can wait for another time. And as for Yipha... I'm told the temple also finds itself at the center of an incident.

What kind of incident?

One involving beasts.

Beasts? Do you think they could be...

Is that what you two are here for as well?

Indeed.

The Karek Swamplands... Hmm...

There have been times in the past where beasts would summon chimera to protect them, but... Taking them on a walk like a pet? I've never seen anything like it.

And on top of that, the beasts have involved Galgo as well.

Is Galgo that big of a problem?

He used to serve alongside us in the knights order. But now he's number one on our country's most wanted list.

What is he wanted for?

Treason. He betrayed his men on the battlefield and then left them for dead.

Why...

He lacks the dignity and loyalty of a knight. All he wants is to steal and kill. It's what he lives for.

And being a knight gave him the ability to do that without the fear of legal repercussions...

Indeed. I can only guess he quit because it wasn't enough to simply kill beasts. He needed the freedom to kill who he pleased. Be it beast, human, guilty, or innocent.

I know it's not my place to say it, but what a disgrace. But this does mean we're up against someone with skills on the level of a knight...

His ability to wield a blade is no match for ours, but he has a brilliant tactical mind. You see...

He's the bastard who took my eye.

HE'S the reason you quit the knights?!

To lose an eye to a man of that caliber... I was no longer fit to hold the title "Shield of Miglance."

He pretended to be hurt, and when Bertrand went to give backup, Galgo and his men attacked from behind. He survived the attack, and then went on to quell the rebellion, but it cost him his eye.

A feat worthy of the highest praise in my opinion. But I know you feel differently, old friend.

I was careless. That's all there is to it.

Bertrand...

Thank you for sharing this with me. If a man like that is teaming up with beasts, he must be stopped.

Indeed. But first, we need to take care of our immediate problem. If the defenses around the capital are low enough that chimera can walk freely, something must be up.

Bingo. We've been dealing with beast attacks quite frequently recently. The latest being the incident at the temple.

And that's why she was here...

We're doing what we can to keep the situation under control, but our forces are exhausted. Even Anabel.

I see... So they're using their innate stamina advantage against us.

Those must be the raids Galgo mentioned.

Agreed. They say the quickest way to kill a snake is to sever the head... Lucky for us, we know where to aim the blade.

Lakhesis, any word where he might be hiding?

Hmm...

Most of the fighting has been out of the Dusken Lands, especially around Rinde. The attacks there have been small, though. Quick in, quicker out. But they happen so often, our forces can't keep up.

With most of the attacks happening in the east... Exhausted troops.. Hmm... It sounds like a diversion. Tire out your enemy's troops while you prepare to attack your real target.

What proof do you have?

The footprints we found indicate they were coming from the west.

Which means they must have come down from the Nauru Uplands or Moonlight Forest. Moonlight Forest would be the perfect place for them to gather their forces.

Indeed. Aldo, let's go. Find the enemy forces, and stop Galgo for good.

Hold it, Bertrand. I'm coming with you.

I don't think that's necessary.

There's a chance the enemy might be too much, even for you. And besides, I have my own reasons. That bastard took my dear friend's glory. And on my honor as a royal knight, I shall not let that stand.

Lakhesis...

Heh. There you go again. Get all heated and nothing I can say will change your mind.

All right. Let's head to the entrance of the Moonlight Forest and look for more footprints.

Well I didn't see any possible hideouts on the way here. So they must be hiding in the forest.

Don't be so sure.

Why?

Focus on what you cannot see, Aldo. Listen close enough, and you can hear the heavy breathing of beasts.

I do get the feeling we're walking into a trap.

Be on your guard. An attack can happen at any moment!

And that moment is now!

Damn, we're outnumbered. Looks like we found their base, all right.

Hahaha! Galgo was right on the money! Dumb humans came right to us. Let's see, the leader of the royal knights, and the royal guard. Fishies sure are bitin' today, boys!

Ex royal guard. I'm just a mercenary now. Anyway, our business is with Galgo, not you. So tell us where he is.

Eyyy boys he wants to know where the big guy is! What do ya say? Should we show 'em? Gahahaha!

If you don't want to, we'll make you.

Aldo! Lakhesis! Get ready to break through!

What was that?

Guys! Over here!

It's Miglance Castle! There's smoke!

What?!

Geheheuheue, all a part of our plan, ya suckers. I knew it would work, but who knew it'd be this easy! You guys comin' here was all in the cards, is what I'm sayin'. That smoke, too.

What?!

All we had to do is wait for you guys to show up and make sure you don't get back to the castle!

And we did exactly that...

Galgo and his boys are already on their way to the castle. So grab a seat, and watch the show! Guhuheh!

Lakhesis, go! We'll take care of these guys.

...... No. I've got these guys covered, YOU take the castle.

No way! What happens to the kingdom if you don't return? You are it's defender!

You've got unfinished business with Galgo, right? I'm here to make sure you give him what's coming. I could take 100 of these goons without breaking a sweat. So don't worry about me. I've got my most trusted companion fighting the other front. I've got nothing but confidence.

Lakhesis...

They once called me the Lance of Miglance, don't look at me like a lost puppy! Now go!

Shield of Miglance! Protect our king, protect our castle, and reclaim your glory!

Leave it to me, friend.

Oh hey, before you go. I prefer Baruoki White. 288 is a good year.

You are too much, you know that?

Fine. But just one glass.

All right, Aldo. Let's go. We've got a kingdom to save!

Right behind you! Thanks Lakhesis!

Urgh...

Look, he's still alive!

What happened?!

Sir Ber...trand? G-Groups of beasts... attacking lands... no one left to protect the castle...

Thanks soldier. We're here to help. How many are in the castle?

Not...many... But be on your guard, sir...we were no match...for them... Fire...upstairs...

We'll take it from here. Rest now, brave soldier.

Nghh...

Don't worry, he just fainted. He'll be fine.

Thank goodness. We must stop the intruders before they do any more damage. Come on, Bertrand!

Go ahead, Aldo. There's something I need to do here first.

Should I even bother asking what?

If I'm to defeat Galgo, I need to become the knight I once was. To break his spirit, and to resolve the mistakes of the past.

The glory Lakhesis mentioned, eh?

All right. I'll slow 'em down! See you on the battlefield!

......

It's over, Galgo! I've got you cornered!

Well, this is a disappointment. Where's Bertrand? Where's Lakhesis? I wanted to fight someone strong, not some child!

Is that why you're doing this? Just to fight people stronger than you?

"Just" to fight people stronger than me?

That's why you betrayed the knights and joined the beasts...right?

......

Oh child. Poor, naive child. I AM strong. It was ME who was supposed to have all the glory.

But what happened? Time after time, after the dust settled. It was always "Lance" this, "Shield" that. What about Galgo? What about the TRUE hero of the royal knights? Those glory hungry has-beens always stole the lime-light!

Who's the child? You cause all this havoc and mayhem? Why? Because of hurt pride? Pathetic.

ENOUGH. You have NO idea the pain I endured. The battles we won, we won because of MY SUPERIOR INTELLECT, CHILD! This kingdom only cares about loyalty. NOT STRENGTH. And for that this kingdom must BURN!

And so you felt entitled to betray your country, and take Bertrand's eye?

Oh the ELATION I felt when my blade crossed his eye. The shock of betrayal on his face...FINALLY. An experience only matched by my disappointment when I had heard he left the knights.

My chance to kill a "great" knight of Miglance, gone! The sheer AGONY!

You...

Let's settle this once and for all, Galgo.

Bertrand! You're wearing the armor of the Royal Order!

How delightful! A little fanservice for your old friend.

I thought my right to don this armor was taken the minute I lost this eye.

But I know now the true disgrace was letting evil like you run free.

Today I turn that disgrace into honor.

I wonder! I can't wait to see you try!

You cannot win, Galgo. For I have something you will never.

The talk of a loser is meaningless to me! It's time to cross steel, Bertrand!

Fine with me.

I prefer to have my lance do the talking. And with this lance, and this shield, Galgo, I shall refute you!

Here we go again. How many times do I have to tell you, it takes STRENGTH to win, Bertrand! And thanks to my beast friends here, I've got more than enough to beat an ant like you!

Is he...absorbing their energy?

......

I do whatever it takes to win! THAT is strength! THAT is MY strength! Now, I will defeat you, and make this castle your GRAVE!

ARGGGG! How could this happen!

Your edge has dulled Galgo. You gave yourself power, but it was power without strength. No wonder you could never beat us.

How dare you...

We are strong because we have a cause worth fighting for. Pride and honor.

GRRRRRR!! Sh-Shut your stupid face! It's all garbage you create to discount MY strength! REAL strength! I'll prove to you who is strong! I'll prove pride and honor is as brittle as your stupid shield!

All that energy he's absorbing is causing the castle to shake!

I was taught by the beasts how to absorb power and control it. But I think it's time I LOSE control, eh? Say bye-bye to the castle, boys. I'm about to light this place up!

And yourself with it! Stop this madness!

HEHEHEHE! Where will your "pride" and "honor" be when everything's been BLOWN TO SMITHERINES?! All that you protect, with that shield of yours, will be ash in the dirt.

This castle is the pride of all the citizens of Miglance. I will gladly trade my life to protect it.

Bertrand?

RAAAAAAAAAAA!

HEHEHE! At this distance there's no way you'll survive, Bertrand! See you on the other side, old friend!

Hngh! My shield shall never break! For it is honor that guides me, and the pride of the people it protects that gives me strength!

GRRRRAAAHH!

Huff...huff...

I can't believe he actually did it...

Bertrand! Are you okay?!

I...may have underestimated how big the blast was going to be... The castle is safe. Victory is mine, Galgo.

Can you stand?

Yeah. The pain is nothing compared to the duty I shoulder to protect our people. I'm sorry for getting you involved in a personal matter, Aldo.

I don't see it as personal at all. You saved me too, after all. I'm just glad you were able to finally settle the score.

Settled indeed.

What should we do about Lakhesis? We left him all alone out there... Should we go provide backup?

We should go to the tavern.

The tavern?! Lakhesis might be in trouble!

I owe the man a drink. One he will no doubt come to collect. That's just who he is.

Is that brave soldier speak for "he's fine and there's nothing to be worried about?"

Indeed. Let's get going. If we're late, he might do something crazy, like start up a tab.

Make it two glasses of Baruoki White, 288 vintage.

What are you having, Aldo?

Just some milk for me.

That was intense. Can't believe someone other than the Beast King would go after the castle...

Fortunately the damage done was no where near as bad this time. Men who seek nothing but power and fame all meet the same dull fate.

I almost felt bad for Galgo. He was truly pathetic.

But I have to say, I was shocked you ended up putting on your old armor again.

Yeah... If this win was to have any meaning, I needed to fight him as I was when I lost.

I feel freed from my past. Finally...it's over...

I see...

Sorry I'm late, guys.

I was beginning to think you weren't going to show.

Unlike SOME people, when a knight goes to battle, he must also battle with...paperwork. And it looks like I've still got a lot more to do. A knight knows not what they call "weekends."

If you're here, then who's doing the paperwork? You didn't just leave it to your men, did you?

Actually... I caught one of my men sleeping on the job, and now he's not. Hah! Anyway, why are we talking about this? It's been too long since we last fought side-by-side. We have more important things to discuss!

Indeed. Let us have a toast.

Here's your drink.

Gosh it smells amazing! Okay boys, bottoms up!

......

......

So it seems like you took care of things quite nicely, yeah?

Indeed, I did.

Happy for you, friend.

......

Er, don't you need details on what happened to Galgo, the beasts, all that stuff?

No. When you know a man as long as I've known Bertrand. You just know.

We're here right? That means we did what we had to do. That's all I need to know.

Wow, I wish I had a friend I could trust on that level. It's more like you're partners.

That we are. Ol' Bertie here is a bit dense. If he's not telling me, it probably just means he forgot! Hah!

Bertrand, do you know why I specifically ordered this drink?

Not that dense. Surprised you remembered what drink we had the day I became the Shield of Miglance.

Those were the good ol' days. We were so young...

Good ol' days? Since when were we the type to reminisce about the past?

Sorry, friend. I guess I'm just getting old. Say, Bertrand. How's your drink? I know you had it before, but does it taste any different?

Hmmm, now that you mention it... It does taste a little more crisp than I remember.

They say the older the drink, the more complex the flavor. Funny, huh?

Indeed...