korsriddare | Fantasy'verse drabble

It was a spacious chamber. There were four people present.

"Good morning, I am Viktor. I was told to report here for my initiation."

"Hail to thee, Viktor. Thy punctuality speaketh well of thee. Let us delay not in our introductions - This is Yuki, the Azure Blade."

She had an informal smile.

"Hello there. I was expecting someone thinner."

"...Someone thinner?"

"They call you the Gold Lightning."

"Yes, I'm aware of that."

"I had imagined someone thin like a lightning bolt, and fast as one as well. You appear better built."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Do that."

"And this is Steiner, the Crimson Shield."

"Greetings, Viktor, we've all heard much about you."

"As do I, sir. A question, if I may?"

"Of course."

"Why are you known as the Crimson 'Shield'?"

A brief laugh was given.

"You refer to the absence of a shield? This plate armor is much sturdier than you would expect. Much like how your armor is much lighter than it looks, am I right?"

"..."

"Yuki here volunteered for intelligence gathering. She may not look like it, but she was actually looking forward to someone near her age joining us."

"Steiner. You're not supposed to tell him that."

Her tone was as frosty as her weapon.

There was a polite, but firm cough.

"I am Serra of the First Choir, unofficial leader of the Four. I bid thee welcome. Thou spake not of the proceedings, mayeth one presume thou art unaware?"

"Proceedings?"

"Aye. A final round of questioning awaits thee, then proceed we may to the induction."

"Induction?"

"Viktor, we know you're new to this, but single-word responses don't make you look impressive."

"I have to agree."

"Desist thy teasing, my friends. He is but new. Thou wilt recall that the... particulars of the induction are set not in stones."

"..."

"..."

"Excellent. Pardon the interruption, Viktor."

"That's all right, Serra."

"Begin then, we shall. We are aware of thy service record, though we knoweth not of any criminal records - Hath thou be charged by any judiciary systems?"

"...Yes."

"Huh."

"This is unexpected."

"Hush, my friends. Viktor, elaborate, if thou wilt."

"I was travelling with a companion in the Principality of Traca. He might have accused me of having a stick up my...rear while we were resting in a tavern."

"The Principality of Traca. Oh Light, praytell that...?"

"Indeed. The statutes were very strict about certain aspects of...life. The locals did not take the phrase well, and I was charged with... improper sexual conduct. Fortunately, I was acquited after my friend convinced the local judge it was a harmless jest."

It was hard to not glare at the muffled giggling and stifled laughter.

"My, my... Continue, however, we shall. What be thy weapon of choice?"

"A twin-blade."

"Place of birth?"

"Aurelia, Cathedral District."

"Impressive, a most civilized city."

"You're just jealous, Yuki."

"Prepare to take those words back. I shall endeavor to return them one day."

"Thou wilt need to pardon their behaviour, Viktor. I believe it be their perculiar way of friendship."

"I understand."

"Good. What be thy prefered armor?"

"This set of full-plate and shield."

"Arcana-mithril in make?"

"Yes."

"Thou hast rich benefectors, Viktor. Art thou developing indecent thoughts towards Yuki?"

"I do- What?!"

"SERRA!"

"I see. What of homo-erotic tendencies towards Steiner?"

"W-what are yo-"

"SERRA!"

"SERRA!"

"I see. I am aware that the following question may be most private in nature, but be assured that this is the last query - Thou dost remain a virgin?"

"I-I... Th-this..."

"Hath thou deflower someone else?"

"I-I..."

"Spreadeth the delicate wings?"

"Why is this even...?"

"The human term... 'Pop the cherry?' "

"Wait! Why am I even...?"

"Perhaps thou art know not the terms. I shall elucidate. The male reproductive organ is termed 'Penis'. The female reproductive organ is termed 'Vagina'. When thou insertst a penis into a vagina, such an act maketh thee lose thy 'virginity', and thusly thou wilt no longer be a virgin. I shall repeat then - Thou dost remain a virgin?"

"YES! Yes, I remain a virgin! By the Light what manner of question is that?!"

"This is unexpected. You appear handsome enough."

"I didn't expect you to be such a shy boy, Vik."

"Thou art flushing red. Perhaps thou dost require a rest?"

"No, no. I am fine. The induction is next?"

"Thy presumption be correct. The induction is simple - Thou art to spar with I."

It took a while, but the silence was finally broken by the older man's whistling.

"Good luck, boy."

"Serra is also known as the White Lance, Viktor. Be careful."

"I am ready, Serra."

"Enthusiacism is a fine virtue. Let us begin."

A short while later...

He found himself staring at the roof of the chambers.

"A most valiant effort. Thou dost thy parents proud."

"T-thank you."

That had sounded more like a croak.

"You did well, Viktor. That particular move caught me too when I went through my induction."

"Indeed. All this armor? Like hot knife through butter."

He managed a nod.

"I, Serra of the Four, deem Viktor fit for duty."

"I, Yuki of the Four, concur."

"I, Steiner of the Four, concur."

"And so it is done. Welcome to the Four, Viktor."