Chapter 4 - The unarmed Holy Knight

The sun beamed the morning cold air. The streets were up and early. Layla wandered into a street market, wearing a cloak over her head.

Various shops had old toys and antiques, fresh food and meat. The atmosphere was dead. People slouched on walls, those without homes living wherever space was available, the only constant were the sunken eye sockets of tired eyes.

Layla found herself at a point of interest, full of dvd’s and merchandise. A tired and desolate old man was behind the counter. He glared at those walking around and a bitter expression occupied his face. He only noticed Layla in his peripheral.

“Oh, Layla. It’s always great to see you.” The old man running the stand greeted, his attitude shifted.

“Hello, It’s always great to see your stock!” Layla smiled, her eyes were sharp on the man, giving him a sense of peace.

“You always make this old man’s day better. Take what you want, on the house!” HE offered.

“I couldn’t, instead.” Layla reached into a bag she was carrying, handing him an apple. “This is the most I could get today. Quests aren’t as profitable as before.”

“Ah! This is more than enough. Please, Grab what you want.”

With a nod, Layla looked through the Dvds.

“I am curious to know still. What's the point in buying all this anime? It’s like you can watch them at home like the old days.” The old man questioned.

“I told you, I simply enjoy reminiscing in the past." Layla stated. “It’s the only thing me and Mallory can enjoy together.”

“Hmm..." The old man questioned but gave it no follow up.

Getting what she wanted, Layla walked the streets.

“I hope Mallory and Discordia like the new anime I’m bringing home. The endings were both amazing.” Layla gawked at the two dvds, one had a giant overlooking a wall while the other had a green haired schoolboy. “I hope this will be enough for them to overlook the last anime.”

As Layla got lost in thought, she walked up a flight of stairs, passing people equipped with armor and weaponry.

Entering a big hall, there were all types of armored individuals, drinking and eating at tables.

“Aha! No dragon is free when I’m around! I can pluck any dragon from the air, the sky is my domain!” A man bearing chains and tall in stature bragged, oohing the women at his table.

“We will kill the Demon king!” A drunken man proclaimed. “Then we will have all the riches of the world!”

The small table cheered and toasted, spilled beer.

“It’s the morning and these idiots are already drinking?” Layla muttered under her breath, entering through backdoors.

In the dressing room, she put her bag and cloak in a locker. Stripping down her clothes and putting on a clean white uniform, she looked herself in a mirror, amping herself internally.

“Sigh.” Layla walked out defeated, taking a spot at an empty counter.

“You don’t seem to well today receptionist.” A fat man wandered up, holding a flyer.

“Oh, Blubber. You always show up when I do, yeah, it’s complicated... How can I help?” Layla shifted her attitude to professionalism.

“Uh, well. I wanted to take this job, I should met the requirements.” He stated.

“Oh... Hm, we have a policy that all nonmagical users must be in a party with a minimum of one magic user, they are equipped with a magic weapon, or the quest does not exceed human abilities.” Layla smiled.

“But doing an escort mission from our refuge city to the front-line capital is still outside of the Demon king’s reach. And magic weapons are impossible to get outside of the Holy Knights! Plus, this is a multiparty quest, there’ll be others that can use magic, please Layla!” Blubber insisted.

“I’m sorry.” Layla bowed. “But I cannot approve your request.”

Blubbers saddened, looking down with his heart broken. “Well... There's always the next time, I guess.” He gave a weak smile, Layla was hurt to see it.

“Don’t give up Blubber. I know its tough now but you’ll do great things someday, I promise!” Layla gave a cheerful expression.

Blubber struggled for a moment, before matching her smile. “Yeah, thank you. I’m not old enough to give up yet!” He amped himself, before walking over to the quest board.

Layla felt relieved. “I’m glad he can still push forward.”

As Layla got lost in thought, the front hall doors were kicked open.

“Listen here adventurers!” A man demanded everyone’s attention, Layla’s eyes widened as the man and another appeared. “We are Holy Knights! Here to seek your assistance!”

“Holy Knights?!” The room questioned.

The crowd observed the two individuals who made themselves known, one man and woman. They both were equally equipped in shiny white armor but only the man had a long sword, and the women was empty handed.

“They... They’re here?” Layla murmured under her breath, observing them.

“They’re so young.” Someone murmured.

“If the Holy Knights are here, has the Demon king finally pushed passed the frontlines?” A voice asked concerned.

“Ha, if you’re Holy Knights then it must be easy. A couple of pipsqueaks like you being chosen is a joke.” The man in chains stood, towering over the two.

“Being chosen is not a joke. Nor does your demeanor fit that of a warrior.” The man stated. “Heed our request or stay out of our way.”

The man’s brow furrowed. “Stay out of your way? To be expected from false prophets. The ways of old are over, the Goddess’s abandoned us when the Demon King attacked. We lost their protection, and our ability to have kids.”

Distain filled the air and the room was in agreement. Layla bit her lip.

“Don’t speak of the Goddesses if you have given up to fear!” The woman spoke up.

“Huh? Who do you think you are calling me afraid.” The man angerly snapped.

“I am Audrey! Daughter to the Holy Warrior, Gideon the Dragon rider!”

The room murmured excitably between one another, mixed between awe and speculation.

“Hmph.” The bigger man grunted. “Big name for such a weak daughter.”

“Huh?” Audrey snapped.

“Don’t waste your time on this fool.” The man stated. “We didn’t come here to pick a fight with the locals.”

“Hm?” The man glared down angerly. “I’d like to hear you say that again after I-”

The man grabbed the hilt of his sword but was counted immediately by the man’s blades. Audrey sat aside, trusting her companion to handle things.

“Hmph. Fine.” The bigger man got the message, tampering his bloodlust. “Don’t expect help from us, young ones. The last generation should know its place.”

Bumping their shoulders as he walked past, he left the building. The two stood their ground, turning back to the hall.

“We ask for your help today, adventures. We understand times are hard, and the divide between us. But this is a matter of utmost importance.” The man spoke up. “We are on the path to subdue the Demon King and free our lands! Audrey! The Daughter of Gideon needs your help!”

“Huh?” Murmurs went around, questioning the request.

Audrey took a step forward. “My father’s sword was stolen! His blade is of upmost importance as one of the few weapons ever made capable of slaying the Demon King!”

The room bursts out in murmurs once more, confused by the statement.

“What do you mean by one of the few?! Is the Demon King not immortal as the stories of old state?” A voice called out.

“Yeah! Your father brought the bastard in as a Holy Knight starting this whole mess! Why should we ever help you!?”

The crowd made their complaints known, questioned and belittled her as she clenched her fist.

“I cannot not explain how or why my father’s sword can kill the Immortal King. Nor do I expect open arms. I only ask for help in finding the Chibi Looter, so I may take my father’s sword back. And we will offer any reward within our power, I swear on the title of Holy Knight!” Audrey bowed. “Please! Help us in our journey of taking down the Demon King!”

“Please!” With the two bowed, they left the room speechless.

“Any reward...?” Blubber questioned. “Would the prospect of a magic weapon of our chose be on the table?”

“Yes!” Audrey confidently stated. “We also offer living quarters in the Capital, without the need to fight the Demon King!”

The hall buzzed. Interests peaked, and more nefarious individuals let their expressions give away their intentions.

“Oh... Oh shit...” Layla cursed under her breath.

FWWEEEETTTT!!! It’s the Chibi Looter! Get him!

With the blow of a whistle from the outside and screaming of the guards, everyone kicked off. Opportunity filled the air.