By Edward Vagg
Swords & Sorcery A-ko is based on characters created by Yuji Moriyama, and this story is totally unauthorized by him, or any of his friends and associates. This story has no affiliation to Soeishinsha/Final-Nishijima, Central Park Media Corporation, US Manga Corp, or any of the other companies that brought us the excellent original series. (Hope I don't get sued now.)
Authors Note.
This story was spawned by the realization that according to the "alternate reality" of Project A-ko 5 & 6, there are many realities in parallel dimensions. Only 2 were explored in detail, the Original "Official" Schoolgirl reality, and the Bounty Hunter one. I've done the Airline reality, the Hospital reality, and now I present a new "alternate reality" fic based on a "fantasy" reality.
Enjoy!
Swords & Sorcery A-ko
The Cast:
Eiko Magami: (Hereafter known as A-ko.)
A-ko is a veteran adventurer returning to her homeland, the kingdom
of Graviton. Her excellent swordsmanship, coupled with the power supplied
by her Bracers of giant strength make her a deadly opponent. But that's
not all! A-ko is also handy with magic, though she's only learning... A-ko
has forged a lifelong friendship with Princess C-ko Kotobuki, the daughter
of the king.
Biko Daitokuji: (Hereafter known as B-ko.)
B-ko is a barbarian from the Southern hills, who has come to the Kingdom
of Graviton to make her fortune. Bitter rival to A-ko from past travels,
B-ko is easily equal to A-ko in swordsmanship.
Shiko Kotobuki: (Hereafter known as C-ko.)
C-ko is the only daughter of King Kotobuki, and as such she is vital
to the continuation of the current monarchy. C-ko and A-ko were friends
since childhood, Sir Kal (A-ko's father) served the house of Kotobuki until
he was slain in a battle against the Lepton Kingdom. C-ko met A-ko at Kal
Magami's funeral, and they remain solid friends.
Sir Kei Yuki
Sir Kei is a knight of the realm who serves the Kotobuki kingdom. His
loyalty to the kingdom in general is surpassed only by his loyalty to Princess
C-ko herself.
It is a dark and stormy night.
Most of the townsfolk are asleep, but the sole heir to the throne, Princess C-ko is wide awake. Her personal maid is currently trying to tuck her into bed.
C-ko's attendant: Please, C-ko don't make me tell you another story...
Besides, aren't you too old for them?
C-ko: (shakes head) Not yet! I'm only sixteen. And besides. you're
never too old for stories.
C-ko's attendant: (sigh) all right. Which story do you want to hear
tonight?
C-ko: Ummmmm Let me see.....
A large shadowy figure enters the room and holds a small bag to the attendant's face.
C-ko's attendant: (woozy) Cccc--k
(Clunk) C-ko's attendant, now unconscious, falls down.
C-ko: Wha? HEY!
Before C-ko can yell the place down, the intruder waves the same bag in C-ko's face, and she also slumps into oblivion.
Intruder: (with regret) Forgive me, my princess...
Our hero, A-ko Magami strides into town, a treasure chest under each arm.
A-ko: (to herself) What a haul! (looks around) Gee, the townsfolk look
awful worried. I wonder what's happened? (to a group of townspeople) Hey!
What's going on here?
Townsperson 1: You mean you don't know?
Townsperson 2: Princess C-ko's been kidnaped!
Townsperson 1: I'll bet it was the Goblins from Saladius county!
A-ko: C-kos been kidnaped? Oh no...
Dropping her treasure chests, A-ko runs towards the Adventurers Guild.
Townsperson 3: WOW! Look at all this gold!
Absolute chaos reins as hundreds of poor townsfolk loot A-ko's abandoned
treasure...
Guild Leader: Registered members take note! King Kotobuki has offered a substantial reward for the safe return of his daughter! As you all should know by now, Princess C-ko was abducted from Graviton Keep late last night by agents unknown. We need to form a rescue party to find, and retrieve Princess C-ko. Do we have any volunteers?
All of a sudden a door yawns open, and the noisy, bustling room falls silent. The forceful sound of footsteps clad in armour emanates from the portal, and finally, Sir Kei himself sweeps into the room.
(All women present swoon)
Kei: I volunteer.
A-ko: (thinking) We'll be a team! (out loud) I'll join you... er...
A-ko starts blushing furiously.
Kei looks at A-ko, making her blush even more.
Loud Voice: WAIT A MINUTE!
Everyone turns to the new voice, it is a well built yet rough looking barbarian woman with long lavender hair, and an eye patch. Her skimpy battle clothes leave little to the imagination.
A-ko: B-ko! What are YOU doing here?!
B-ko: Well I thought Sir Kei would need MY help to find C-ko. Besides,
there is a reward isn't there?
Guild Leader: Substantial reward, yes...
B-ko: Then it's settled! I'll travel with you, won't I Kei?
Stunned, Kei can only look blankly back.
A-ko: (to B-ko) You 'd better leave Kei alone, you barbarian.
B-ko: (growls back) Make me. He'll be mine, A-ko. Just you wait and
see.
Deep within Egota Castle, the spy, D approaches the Captain of the guard.
D: Captain! The mission was a complete success! We've recovered the
lost princess, at long last. She's still fast asleep though, but she'll
wake up sometime tomorrow.
Captain: Sometime tomorrow? D you fool!
D: The magical reagents in the bag were too strong for such a small
girl. I'm sorry Captain, I miscalculated.
Captain: I'll forgive you on one condition....
D: Anything!
Captain: I want you to bring me a barrel of the best Ale you can find!
Bring the booze, then leave me in peace! That is all!
D: (Salutes) Yes Capt'n.
Mid-morning in the town square, and our party of heroes are ready to
depart.
Standing in a trance, A-ko faces a tree.
B-ko: Hey A-ko! The road's this way, you know!
A-ko remains still.
Kei: Leave her be, she's casting a spell...
B-ko: She's a wizard now? This should be interesting!
Finally, A-ko comes to, and shakes her head.
A-ko: I've got it!
B-ko: Huh?
A-ko: I know where she is!
Kei: C-ko?
A-ko: Yeah. But we have to hurry.
B-ko: Well that's just great. Are you SURE you know where C-ko is?
A-ko: Well if you want to go your own way... Meanwhile Sir Kei and
I will rescue C-ko.
B-ko: Forget it! That reward will be mine. (to herself) And Kei as
well. ha Ha Ha (out loud) Hahahahaha! WAHAHAHAHA!
A-ko rolls her eyes.
Kei: We'd better get going.
By midday, the party has reached a junction in the road.
B-ko: (reading sign) Saladius... those goblins are gonna pay....
A-ko: We're not going that way.
B-ko: What! My barbarian instincts say that the goblins are responsible
for Princess C-ko's abduction!
A-ko: The Lepton Kingdom's behind this.
B-ko: What a load of rubbish!
Kei: The Lepton Kingdom have been our allies for more than 6 years!
A-ko: It's true.
B-ko: How can you be so sure?
A-ko: You'll just have to trust me.
Kei: (gesturing to the Lepton road) Let's go.
Giving B-ko a smug look, A-ko turns and leads the way.
B-ko: (grumbles) She's gonna pay...
Napolipolita of Lepton, Captain of the guard unsteadily makes her way down a corridor, and into a large room. A red carpet leads up to a throne, where a stately woman, the Lepton Queen resides.
Lepton Queen: Approach!
Gaining a little dignity, the Captain lifts her chin up and marches down the carpet.
Lepton Queen: Your report?
Captain: I have great news, Your Highness. We were able to breach the
Graviton Keep last night, and rescue Princess C-ko! She is not ready for
the ceremony yet though, She needs to recuperate.
Lepton Queen: And it took you 6 years for this plan to work?
Captain: It was necessary for us to lull them into a false sense of
security, by becoming their allies. The Graviton Kingdom let their guard
down, and the trade agreement we struck up over the years enabled our spies
to infiltrate their keep, and gather information. With the return of C-ko,
the lineage of the house of Lepton will be assured.
Lepton Queen: And you have succeeded. This calls for a celebration.
Bring in the grog!
Captain: Oh thank you, your majesty.
At this point D stands in the doorway of the throne room. She looks worried.
Lepton Queen: Ahh. The agent responsible for C-ko's return. Come and join us in a toast.
D approaches the Captain, and the Lepton Queen. For once, she appears unsettled.
D: Your highness, I have a feeling someone's already coming to steal C-ko from us once again. We've already beefed up our security, but I feel that we ought to take extra special precautions tonight.
Lepton Queen: A rescue mission from Graviton?
Captain: How do you know?
D: Woman's intuition.
Lepton Queen: It's best to be safe. Beef up the patrols, as well as
internal security. We cannot allow tomorrow's ceremony to be disrupted
by saboteurs.
Captain: Very well, your highness.
It is starting to get dark, A-ko, B-ko and Sir Kei are well inside Lepton territory. Storm clouds gather, and foreboding thunder rumbles the heavens.
B-ko: (sarcastic) Oooh! Scary!
A-ko: This is good! We can use the storm to our advantage! The bad
weather will help us infiltrate the castle undetected..
Kei: The storm will also help hide the enemy.
B-ko: Well I'm ready for them!
A-ko: Touch wood...
As if on cue, half a dozen women, armed to the teeth, step out in front of the party. They wear the uniform of the Lepton Guard regiment.
Guard leader: Who goes there? State your business, immediately!
Kei: I am Sir Kei, from the kingdom of Graviton. We come to retrieve
Princess C-ko from the vile slime who took her!
Guard leader: Vile slime? Princess C-ko belongs to the Lepton kingdom!
Prepare to die, intruders!
All six guards draw their swords, as does our heroes.
Guard leader: DIIIIEEEE!!!!
CHOP! B-ko decapitates a guard with one neat swing.
A-ko: B-ko! They might have information on C-ko's kidnaping! Don't KILL them!
SLICE!
B-ko: (mimes an ear horn with one hand, and impales a guard with her sword at same time.) What! I can't hear you over the heat of battle!
Kei, who's been fighting defensively, strikes back, though with the flat of his sword. The blow knocks the guard leader off her feet.
Kei: I give you the chance to surrender!
Guard leader: I won't!
Two guards attack A-ko with simultaneous swings. A-ko leaps back clear of the blades, then returns with a deadly blow to one of the guards.
A-ko: I didn't want anybody to get hurt, but now I'm real mad! YAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
A-ko's swings become more frenzied, and she almost gives off a visible battle aura.
A-ko: (Continuing) YAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!! (Chops another guard in two.)
Guard leader: You'll pay! Clare! On my signal... Now!
FLASH! A-ko and Kei are blinded by a flash of light, as the guard leader swings at the surprised A-ko. B-ko, who is too far away to kill the guard leader with her sword, raises her arm...
Twang-Thud.
The guard leader collapses, an arrow having pierced her side...
B-ko: Akagiyama crossbow!
Remaining guard: You call that fair?
B-ko: (slicing remaining guard.) Fair? You outnumbered us and then used flash powder... remember? Don't talk to me about fair!
The battle having ended as quickly as it started, A-ko, B-ko and Kei take stock of the situation.
A-ko: You could have lied to her, Kei! They may have let us past!
Kei: (looks sad) I'm afraid not. A knight never lies. Not even to the
enemy.
B-ko: And they DID attack first. We had a right to defend ourselves.
Don't tell me you're incapable of killing, A-ko. You've got blood on your
hands!
A-ko: I've seen enough death in my time B-ko, I don't want to kill
unless I have to. And anyway! What's a barbarian like you doing with a
fancy mini crossbow? Where did you get THAT?
B-ko: That's right, you didn't know. My tribe abhors high technology
and technical progress in all it's forms. "Devils tools" they say. Well
I was curious! I WANT to learn about modern tools and inventions! They
caught me with a gnomish technical manual and exiled me from the Southern
hills forever. How ironic! I was ostracized from my clan because I wasn't
barbaric enough! So now you know!
A-ko: And you never joined a Tinker's Guild or anything?
B-ko: Why should I? I am a barbarian, after all.
Kei: And so you wander the lands, looking for somewhere to call home...
B-ko: (distracted) I think we'd better get going before this patrol
is missed.
A-ko: For once you're right, B-ko. Let's get a move on.
A-ko: O.K.. We need to work out a way to get inside.
B-ko: Why don't you use a "Dragon Slave" spell and destroy the gatehouse?
A-ko: (exasperated) I don't KNOW Dragon Slave, B-ko, that's a very
powerful spell! Just who did you mistake me for?
B-ko: Well I hardly expected you to be any help. Leave it to me. There's
nothing I can't do!
With this, B-ko leaves the cover of the shrubbery, and strides toward the moat.
Kei: B-ko! Don't!
A-ko: She's gonna screw up the whole mission!
Sure enough, the lookouts spot B-ko while she's still in the open.
Tower Guard: Look! An intruder!:
A-ko: B-ko!
All of a sudden, arrows rain down on B-ko.
B-ko: I'm done for!
Whoosh! B-ko is picked up by A-ko, who is running at super speed. A-ko then leaps over the moat, and with a single punch, destroys the gatehouse. Lepton guards topple into the moat, where they are finished off by the crocodiles.
B-ko: (astonished) I didn't know you could...
A-ko: That was a "haste" spell.
B-ko: (still bewildered) But your strength...
A-ko: Thanks to a gift from my father.
B-ko: What about Kei?
A-ko easily picks up the ruined drawbridge, and carefully lays it in
place.
A-ko: C'mon! There will be reinforcements on the way!
At this moment in time, Napolipolita, Captain of the guard is in the barracks finishing off a stein of ale. Suddenly, D bursts in.
D: Captain! My suspicions are confirmed! Rats have invaded the keep!
Captain: Rats you say? (Throws a brick at a dark corner) I hate rats!
D: Huh? No I mean the enemy has breached the gate and entered the inner
sanctum!
Captain: Oh.... Well don't just stand there, DO SOMETHING!
D: The troops are already scouring the entire castle for the saboteurs,
Captain, and I, D will personally see that the intruders are dealt with
properly.
Captain: See to it D. That is all!
At this time A-ko, B-ko and Kei have made their way down dark, dank passages into the dungeons.
A-ko: Something's odd... I expected more guards down here!
B-ko: C-ko's gotta be round here somewhere...
Kei: I know from reports that the only confinement cells are underground.
Hmmm. Strange.
A-ko: You don't suppose...
B-ko: She was brought elsewhere?
A-ko: Exactly! Maybe she is being kept in a secret cell in the tower?
B-ko: (angry) A-ko! How about you were wrong about C-ko being taken
by the Lepton Kingdom! We've probably just sparked off another war between
Lepton and Graviton, and all because you couldn't admit that the goblins
from Saladius probably took her!
A-ko: I KNOW she's here someplace!
B-ko: Oh yeah? Prove it!
Kei: Uhh ladies...
.A-ko: According to my tracking spell, C-ko should be right here!
B-ko: Well where is she YOU IDIOT?
A-ko: (Frustrated) I don't know! Wait... My spell is only fairly basic,
it only gives the direction of the person I'm tracking. It doesn't tell
me how high or low the subject is.
B-ko: So C-ko could be another level below us...
A-ko: Exactly!
Kei: Or above.
A-ko: Huh?
Kei: C-ko may actually be a welcome guest in the tower above! I happened
to see banners and flags in the courtyard, perhaps they are for Princess
C-ko's benefit.
A-ko: That's absurd!
B-ko: C-ko's heir to the Kotobuki throne!
Kei: And that's exactly what caused the war between Graviton and Lepton
in the first place! Rumor has it that C-ko wasn't actually born of Kotobuki
stock. I was too young to remember the events of that time, though according
to the history texts, the last remaining Lepton princess disappeared at
the time of C-ko's birth. The Lepton kingdom had always accused us of kidnaping
the infant C-ko, and I'd never believed it. That story always sounded too
horrible to be true, it seemed to be propaganda to me. I'm mortified to
realize that all this time the people of the Kingdom of Graviton have been
fed such lies!
A-ko: Do you know what you're saying?
Kei: I scarcely believe I'm saying the words myself. But I've been
thinking about C-ko a long time, and the more I ponder the puzzle, the
more the pieces seem to fit.
That does it! If this is where C-ko truly belongs, perhaps this is
also where I belong!
B-ko: Wait a minute! Are you saying you want to defect?
A-ko: Graviton's most famous knight? You wouldn't!
Kei: You misunderstand. I swore always to uphold justice, and if C-ko
justly belongs here then surely I must follow. I'm sorry.
A-ko: I'm confused.
B-ko: I'll admit the situation is a s clear as mud. But over my dead
body will you prevent me from bringing C-ko back to Graviton. I want that
reward!
A-ko: Is that ALL you care about? Money?
B-ko: Frankly, yes. I need funds to build a workshop you know. I can't
let moral dilemmas get in the way of my dream, after all.
A-ko draws her sword. Once again her battle aura appears, although her face displays an unsettling calm.
Kei: A-ko?
A-ko: (with menace) B-ko of the Daitokuji clan, several times in our travels you have challenged me to a duel to the death. I never accepted because I never found a just cause to kill you. I always thought there was just a little good in everyone, and that I had no right to judge other people by their apparent attitudes. But I'm starting to think that you are truly a despicable rogue, that you have no regard for ANYTHING apart from yourself! We have more pressing matters at hand right now, but once we find C-ko and work out just what is going on, then we will step outside and settle this once and for all. B-ko, I accept your challenge!
B-ko: (flinches) a-A-ko!
C-ko, sleeping in an ornate 4 post bed, finally awakens. An old woman, presumably C-ko's new attendant watches from a nearby chair.
C-ko: (stirs) I KNOW! Tell me the story about the boy and the girl who
lived happily ever after!
Old woman: Princess C-ko! It really is you!
C-ko: What! Who are you? Where am I? I want my usual maid!
Old woman: I... I'm afraid that's not possible....
C-ko: Then bring me A-ko! She promised to come visit today! We're gonna
see the jesters and watch the jousting! It's gonna be lots of fun! (giggle)
Old woman: C-ko, I have some news that you may find shocking...
A-ko, B-ko and Kei are now in the keep of Egota Castle, climbing a staircase in a narrow stairwell.
Kei: Remember, for this plan to work, I need you both to co-operate. Let me do all the talking!
The three cautiously exit the stairwell, and enter a corridor. Around the corner, guards can be heard talking.
Kei: NOW!
Our intrepid heroes leap round the corner, and surround two surprised guards.
Kei: Where's C-ko!
Guard 1: (reaching for sword) Hey wait...
B-ko holds her sword pointed straight at the guard's throat.
B-ko: Don't even try it sister!
A-ko: (Impatient) Where is she!
In a show of strength, A-ko punches the door behind Guard 2. The door shatters, revealing the throne room. Dozens of soldiers form an honour guard, and C-ko sits in the throne, looking dazed. The queen, who was making a speech, stops and stares at the intruders.
A-ko: (embarrassed) Whoops!
B-ko: So much for stealth!
The entire honour guard, led by Captain Napolipolita all turn and confront the trio.
Captain: You must be the rats scurrying around the castle. How dare
you interrupt the coronation ceremony?
Kei: (steps into the room) I beg your pardon your majesty, we mean
not to interrupt.
The honour guards all swoon.
Lepton Queen: Is it truly Sir Kei of Graviton? And you have brought
two squires!
Kei: Indeed.
B-ko: (Under breath) Why that idiot Kei! Who does he...
A-ko: (under breath) Shhh! I think he's going somewhere with this!.
Lepton Queen: We were not expecting guests. I'm sorry, but since
I fear we may be at war, I must place you under arrest.
Kei: I understand.
A-ko/B-ko: WHAT!
Kei: I know that C-ko is of the blood of Lepton, and not the Kotobuki
family! She truly belongs here! I came here tonight to rescue
her, but along the way I realized that C-ko may have been the "lost princess"
of Lepton from many years ago. I come in peace.
Lepton Queen: If that's true, then you may witness the coronation
of the new queen. As you know, as soon as a Lepton Princess reaches
the age of sixteen, she is eligible to ascend to the throne and rule the
kingdom. I am growing weary, and the years are taking their toll.
I may not last much longer, so it it essential that C-ko be coronated as
soon as possible.
C-ko finally stirs from her dazed state.
C-ko: (looks around) Look at all these people! (sees A-ko) A-ko!
A-KO! UP HERE!
A-ko: (embarrassed) Good lord...
C-ko: (continuing) Gee I'm so happy to see you! Have you
come to rescue me? I'm so happy!
A-ko: ....
B-ko: C-ko! Yes! We've come to rescue you!
With this, B-ko leaps forth and embraces C-ko.
C-ko: Waaaahhhh! I want A-ko to rescue me!
The guards all ready their swords.
B-ko: Remember your challenge, A-ko?
A-ko: I'm ready!
Kei: You want to return C-ko to the kingdom of Graviton and claim the
reward. I won't allow it.
A-ko: You stay out of this, Kei. This is personal! B-ko,
prepare to die!
Captain: Guards! Attack!
Lepton Queen: NO! Protect C-ko, but otherwise don't get involved.
This is an honour duel between swordsmen.
A-ko and B-ko circle each other, swords at the ready.
B-ko: (lunges at A-ko) This is for the time you left me at the
Grandmandan challenge arena. You were supposed to fight me there!
A-ko: (blocks B-ko's sword) I had better things to do that day.
B-ko: (takes another swing) Like what? An all-you-can-eat banquet at
the Nishijima Inn?
A-ko is stung by B-ko's words, but luckily not by her sword.
A-ko: (offended and blushing, A-ko swings back,) If you must know, I
was elsewhere that day!
B-ko: You liar! (chop) I've seen the way you eat. It's revolting.
A-ko: (parry) And I've seen the way you treat your men! You don't
have a husband yet because your too disgusting for even the most desperate
drunk. Even a half-ork wouldn't date you! (strikes at B-ko)
B-ko: (block) And you have any better luck?
A-ko: (glances at Kei) I'm saving myself for someone special.
B-ko: (on the offensive again) Not Kei surely. You really don't have
a chance!
A-ko: Shut UP! Yaaaaah!
A-ko takes an almighty swing at B-ko with her sword. B-ko manages
to deflect the blade, though the blow was so mighty, both A-ko's and B-ko's
swords are shattered by the impact.
B-ko pulls a knife from her boot.
A-ko: You don't think you can scare me with that little blade do you?
B-ko: When the blade is coated with a poison of my devising,
it doesn't matter how deep the cut is! A-ko, you're gonna be history!
C-ko: A-ko! B-ko! Stop fighting!
B-ko lunges.
A-ko manages to block the dagger with her arm bracer. She then
makes a grab for B-ko's knife hand.
B-ko: (wrestling for control) I'll kill you and get C-ko...
A-ko: Not in this lifetime.
STAB
Both A-ko and B-ko look shocked.
C-ko: A-ko!
A-ko stands back, her hands covered in blood... Literally. B-ko collapses to the ground.
B-ko: (cough) If you weren't hiding in the shadow of your father, I would have beat you. How ironic that I die by my own blade! So what are you going to do now? Go back on your word to rescue C-ko? And as for you, Kei...
With this, B-ko starts shivering, then stops just as suddenly.
A-ko: Damn you B-ko! (removes her arm bracers) You didn't have to die!
Did they all live happily ever after? Well not B-ko, obviously.
C-ko did eventually agree to be the new Lepton Queen, but only if A-ko
agreed to stay.
Sir Kei defected to the Lepton kingdom and swore to serve Queen C-ko with his heart and soul. He became a hero to Lepton, he used his fame to diffuse the chance of a new Graviton/Lepton war. King Kotobuki was deposed, and rightly so. The noble house of Elden filled the power vacuum. King Glen retained close ties with Lepton, who under Queen C-ko's rule, became genuine allies with Graviton.
A-ko finally put her father's influence to rest, she buried his Bracers
of giant strength, and the hilt of the Magami sword with B-ko. A-ko
then decided once and for all to pursue magic with all her heart.
She became a powerful wizard, and even mastered the Dragon Slave spell.
Even now, she is still chasing Sir Kei, who is blissfully unaware...
The Queen Mother fell ill, but lived long enough to see that Queen C-ko was well and truly a daughter to be proud of.
Captain Napolipolita still spends most of her time in the tavern, leaving her deputy, D as unofficial Captain of the guard.
The End.
Authors notes: Yeah I guess this fic was a little darker than
usual. I've always wanted to do a dark fic, so this was my chance
to get at least a little serious... Anyway, I enjoyed writing this, and
that's all that counts! So there!
For comments & flame mail you can reach me at evagg@hubble.dialix.com.au
Thank you for reading.