Suikoden VII

Chapter Two: Part Three

Chapter Two: Part Three

The group reconvened upstairs in Pete's bedroom. It was a small room so it quickly became crowded, but Astraea didn't mind. Viktor for his part seemed to be in a surprisingly good mood despite the circumstances. "Three royals and two assists on the run," he mused, folding his arms over his broad chest. "Just when I thought things were starting to get boring..."

"All three of you are foreigners, aren't you?" Sigrun said, looking between Pete, Viktor, and the young man who took a seat on the bed. "Pete, you said you were from Dunan, and—"

"I'm from Dunan as well and David here is from Toran," Viktor said, jabbing his thumb to the young man. "All from the Northern Continent."

"Wait, Ferdinand said, stepping forward. His eyes went wide. "Viktor. From Dunan. Are you Vagabond Viktor?!"

"EH?!" everyone, including Astraea exclaimed. Her heart raced as she gaped at the man in question in shock.

"Wait, THAT Viktor?!" Denzel shouted, pointing to him. "Hero of the Dunan Unification War?!"

"And the Gate Rune War, and the Higheast Rebellion," Viktor added with a cheeky smile. "I also slayed a vampire tw—OOF!" he suddenly grunted when Sigrun suddenly seized his hand and shook it furiously.

"it's an absolute honor to meet you!" Sigrun exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "We've heard all about your heroism here here in Zelant!

"Yeah," Denzel said, grinning and stepping forward to offer his own handshake.

Viktor laughed loudly. "Glad to know that I have a positive reputation in Zelant!"

Astraea choked on a laugh, and found herself smiling as well.

"Are you still traveling with Blue Thunder Flik?" Sigrun asked, looking around the room as if expecting to see him.

"Nah, Flik went back to the Warrior's Village," Viktor said. "Chief Tengaar is keeping him busy prepping their young men for their "Journey of Manhood"."

Astraea had heard about that, as all Zelantans did. As the people of Zelant prided themselves on power and battle, the Warrior's Village in the Toran Republic was seen as a good example of keeping the traditions of honor and combat alive. She had heard that the relationship between a Warrior's Village soldier and their weapon was sacred, and the Journey of Manhood was meant for them to out into the world and prove themselves as warriors, and prove themselves worthy of wielding their chosen weapon. When they completed their Journey, warriors of the Warrior's Village would then name their weapon as the person they cherished most.

It was good to hear that the legendary Blue Thunder Flik was training these potential warriors, but Astraea was disappointed to not see him with Viktor, as she had heard they were best friends and a superb combat duo.

Astraea looked at the young man, David, who was watching her. "Your name is David?" she asked.

"Yes, Your Highness," David said politely. He stood up and offered a hand for a handshake. "David Silverberg."

Silverberg.

Astraea found herself dragged backwards away from David, and she saw a blur head towards the young man. David didn't flinch, but there was a loud 'CLANG'. Musashi had lunged for David with his kunai ready, but Viktor quickly threw himself between the ninja and David and blocked the kunai with his sword. "Hey, HEY!" Viktor shouted, his expression turning dark. "What's the big idea?!"

"He's a Silverberg!" Denzel shouted, readying his plumbata. "He is kin of Sir Albert!"

"Your Highness, please don't shout!" Pete hissed. "The guards will hear you outside!"