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Amarant finished his conversation - or at least, what he would be willing to say - with Zidane and the others. He promised to meet them further away, after he and Vivi shared some quality time.


This wasn't abnormal, as Vivi enjoyed seeing the sights with Amarant, and would affectionately refer to him as "Uncle Amerant", something that he grew to enjoy - but still didn't like the thought of being responsible for the young mage should something happen to him during their travels.





　"You got my message, didn't you?" Vivi asked as they began their trip.





Amarant remained quiet, but nodded and took his hand, knowing that they would be reaching dangerous terrain right away. Of course, Zidane would pick such a place to find refuge for a while...





　"A concert, right?" Amarant would recall the message, "I don't understand why you invited me of all people. Don't you think they'd be more willing to go?"　





Vivi laughed, and Amarant glanced down at him.





　"Maybe -- but they don't have the same shirt as you!"　





Amarant halted, his back growing stiff.





　"The same...What?"　





Vivi pulled out a shirt from a bag he always took with him, and handed it to Amarant, of whom barely took it.





　"Black Waltz No. 0 gave it to me for this occasion!" he beamed happily, to which Amarant turned his head away, as if to hide something, "After all, she is married to --"　


　"No. 3." Amarant finished with a huff, before taking a few steps further, "How did she get in contact with you?"　





　"We're related, remember?" Vivi replied, "Besides, she thought you may want it, after your last visit."　





Again, Amarant jumped. This kid knew something that he himself never even explained.





He went to see a concert, though moreso out of curiosity, not out of genuine pleasure. It was held near where he was staying at the time, and he simply heard about a "Black Waltz" being a band member.


Vivi had spoken of the Black Waltzes, sometimes in anger, other times sorrow. In the end, he knew that they were just like himself and Zidane: Constructs with a single purpose, to kill those who opposed their kingdom.





Black Waltz No. 3 was Vivi's last Black Waltz encounter, and his roughest at that. He only saw him at his full potential, however, and didn't know that No. 3 had survived a crash and returned in a broken state.


Now, No. 3 was given a new purpose, after having been a servant of his kingdom, and even rebuilt his broken body with the help of No. 0 and the band known as The Big Five.





Vivi also found himself hearing about this band, and would communicate with not only No. 3 and No. 0, but even his other brothers and his kin at the Black Mage Village, while staying with Zidane.





　"Look, kid..."　





Amarant spoke up, cutting the silence.





　"I never thought you'd find out about this, but...I suppose it would've happened eventually. So, just promise me..."　





He turned toward Vivi and knelt down, laying a hand on his shoulder.





　"...That you'll keep it between us, okay?"　





Vivi gazed into Amarant's eyes, noticing that he felt ashamed of this secret - though considering how he was known as a rough and tough bounty hunter, it made sense that he wouldn't want others to know about this. A smile crossed his face, and he nodded, to which Amarant bore a tiny smile back.


The two continued further on, heading down the rough terrains and passing through grassy plains, before reaching a forest. On the other side, was their destination, where the concert would be.





Vivi glanced at Amarant, of whom carried the shirt over one shoulder, before tugging on his vest to get his attention.





Amarant glanced down again, noticing him pointing at the shirt, and he knew what he was hinting at.





　"When we get there."　





Vivi smiled again, and trotted ahead, eyes glowing happily, and Amarant would follow, hastening his steps in case he'd get lost amongst the crowds - after all, this band was popular in Gaia, despite having a Black Waltz in the group.





They stepped into the town, and Vivi would stop, giving Amarant a chance to catch up to him, before the two would go into a building and Amarant would go further ahead in order to change.


When he came out, Amarant's vest was still on, but underneath, the shirt given to him could be seen. He gave Vivi a light shrug, noticing how he was looking at him, somewhat disappointed that he didn't just put on the shirt without the vest, and they would head toward where the group would perform.





The two were surrounded by a large crowd, and the stage was clearly set for another wonderful performance. Vivi motioned toward Amarant, of whom appeared to be tensing up again.





　"Let's go backstage!" Vivi exclaimed, to which Amarant shook his head.





　"Later." he whispered back, still not wanting anyone to know of his secret.


Vivi came back, arms slumped to the side, but a pat on the head from Amarant made him look up and notice his face, filled with content as he leaned against a wall.





　"Can I at least go to the stage?"　





Amarant glanced down, noticing those big eyes looking into his again.





　"They'll trample ya." he knew this wouldn't stop him.





Vivi continued to look up at him, and Amarant tried to look away, but knew what was coming up...





　"Please, Uncle Amarant?"　





Heaving a sigh, Amarant knew he lost. This trick always got him, and his newly found softness for the kid didn't help.





　"Fine." he shrugged, "I'll move further up as well - so I can keep an eye on ya."　


Vivi grinned and ran ahead, to which Amarant slogged behind, stuffing his hands in his bockets.





I'll never understand that kid...


Though considering who he's always with...I suppose it only makes sense.





He sighed and shook his head, relocating to another wall, and leaned back once more - just in time, as the lights began to grow dim.





Vivi made it to the front, and even had assistance from other guests to help him see better as the show began. He cheered and clapped along to the beat, and as his brother, No. 3, descended onto the stage, his cheers grew even louder.


Amarant watched the performance, then felt someone nearby. He turned slightly, noticing the sihlouette of feathered wings beside him, along with a set of glowing yellow eyes.





　"You made it." a soft voice sounded, to which he looked away.





　"How could I not? You know I'd do anything for the kid."　


A hand laid on his shoulder, and he turned again, noticing Black Waltz No. 0 looking at him, a smile on her face.





　"He appreciates it. We all do." she glanced up, noticing Vivi still being held by the crowd, and No. 3 turning toward him every so often, "After all, none of us expected Vivi to live this long. To reach 2 years old...It's a miracle for our kind."　





Amarant knew of the stories about Vivi's kind. Due to their magical prowess, they were given limited lifespans. Vivi was the very first, and a prototype. He had many near-death instances, but his friends were there to help him and keep him moving.


He also knew that Vivi didn't age like humans did. Mentally, he would be around that of a human child, but his body was much younger, and his behavior still somewhat innocent, but also with vast amounts of knowledge about the world - including its cruelty.





　"Of course." Amarant replied simply, "I admit...I've grown rather fond of him. If you need me..."　





He paused, hearing the audience cheering, their voices echoing throughout the air, and their shrill volume cutting off his thoughts. He looked up, and No. 0 did the same, noticing No. 3 standing in the center of the stage, holding Vivi's hand and making an announcement.





　"Happy birthday, dear brother! Now, why don't you show us what you've got? Show us your dancing skills!"　





Amarant watched intently as the beat would grow intense, and Vivi would dance to the music alongside his brother, and No. 0 would smile at the sight.



　"I'd ask if you'd want to join them, but..." she glanced at Amarant, of whom would look back at her, before chuckling in response.





　"Maybe..." he'd start, but would shake his head, "No. Let him have his moment. Like you said...It's a big deal. For all of ya."　


No. 0 knew what he really wanted to say, but didn't speak of it. Rather, she remained with him as they watched the performance, and Vivi would cast a spell alongside No. 0, ending the show.


Amarant straightened up at this, and while he wouldn't want to show his face to the crowd, applauded the display, and even allowed a quick wave toward Vivi, to which the mage would wave back, hoisted upon No. 3's shoulders.





Once the crowd departed, the two would meet backstage, and Amarant would allow Vivi to have some time alone with his brother, before they would leave and begin to head over to an inn for the night.


　"You should join us next time!" Vivi spoke with excitement, to which Amarant chuckled.


　 "I ain't one for crowds." he would reply, "Besides, I don't know how to dance."　


　"My brother will teach you!" was Vivi's response, before his eyes would once again lock into Amarant's.


Again, Amarant tried to look away, and Vivi would laugh in reply.


　"Okay? ...Uncle Amarant?"　 Amarant knew this would happen, despite all his efforts. He shrugged and helped Vivi get ready for bed, before stepping a few feet away and noticing that he was already falling asleep.


　"Perhaps..." he stopped once more, to which a smile would once again cross Vivi's face.


　"Heh...Ya got me."　 With that, Amarant went to bed as well, though remained awake for a while longer. He glanced over at Vivi every so often, and soon, he would smile back.


　"Here's to another year, kid."　

Amarant finally made it. He was a new security guard.

Treno was a rather large place, easy to get lost in, but he knew his position - his post. He was to stand in front of King's auction house and protect the family.


　 He was eager for this. The action, the thrill...The sheer thought of engaging in combat against someone who would threaten the family. He was ready to pummel them to the ground and showcase his power, while allowing the news of his strength reach others who would dare try to follow in their footsteps.


He stood at his post. Waiting. Watching.


People went in and out. Civillians, nobles, and guards alike all would enter and exit, some of them greeting Amarant as they'd pass by, but most of them barely glancing in his direction.


He didn't mind that, though. He liked it that way.

Besides, who would speak to him? He was clothed in articles of clothing unlike any guard. In fact, he looked more like a thug.

He wasn't equipped with the proper armor yet. He was told he'd get his eventually, once he proved himself worthy.


No big deal. Amarant preferred loose clothing; It allowed him to move and his body to breathe, especially should he finally have one of those hot pursuits...





　 Time went on, and Amarant began to grow bored. No one even bothered a simple break-in near his post. Even Lord King would allow him to take breaks for a while, and allow other guards to take his place.


Amarant would barely notice when he'd pass by, that others would question why he was there - away from his post.

They'd whisper amongst themselves, while others would find shelter due to his appearance.

Even at the bar, he'd get those stares, and the bartender would serve him while saying a single word: "Sir".


This life would grow more and more aggrivating for Amarant. He wanted a challenge, and this place should've had many.


He'd take on the monsters underneath the weapon shop and they were a breeze.


Treno was filled with shady folk, but none of them were thrilling. Rather, they just sat on the sides, moaning about how their life was dreary while crying about how nobles had it all, and their guards were treated like royalty.





　 Not Amarant. He wasn't treated like royalty.


He was different. A newcomer, perhaps, but different.


He looked different, he acted different.


Even his fellow guards barely paid him any mind - only to gesture every so often and proclaim how he looked like the many thugs Lord King had seen in the past...Wondering if he was their leader, posing as a guard to gain his trust and steal his valueables -- if not worse.





　 Amarant would shrug it off. Let them judge.

Once that special moment would come, they'd all realize his potential.





And one day, that moment came - but it didn't end the way Amarant expected.


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　"THIEF!!"　





The loud shout filled the air, and Amarant, just finishing his trip to the bar, heard it immediately. He wiped the remains of his drink from his mouth and smiled.





This is it.





He didn't even bother running; There was nowhere to go from the auction house - where the yell could be heard coming from.


He lumbered in, just as a young man with a tail would come dashing his way. He came to a skidding halt as Amarant loomed over him, and his eyes grew wide at his figure.





The other guards were nowhere to be seen, and Amarant chuckled, raising his hands.





　"Finally. Someone I can fight."　





The thief looked at him, and Amarant was already getting into battle position.





　"You must be the infamous new guard." he spoke, to which Amarant huffed back, still eager to fight.





　"So what if I am?" he scoffed, "This job's been boring...Until now."　





Something about his demeanor confused the man. The guards weren't like this guy. Why was he looking at him with a flame in his eyes?


The flames of desire? The lust for combat?





　"What are you--" he'd ask, before being cut off.





　"Come on! FIGHT ME!"　





Again, the man didn't back down. Rather, he leaned back and appeared to study the demeanor of his opponent, before saying what Amarant's been brushing off for so long...





　"I see...You're just a thug."　





Amarant's stance only loosened a little, his hands clenched into fists as he glared back.





　"What was that..?"　





Despite his threatening tone, the man wasn't intimidated. Something about this intrigued Amarant, though he wouldn't showcase it.

However, he didn't even get the chance, as something seemed to change with the man standing before him, as he'd appear to be getting into battle position.





　"Fine. I'll end this fast."　





The man prepared to satisfy this battle-ready guard, stretching out his arms and gazing back at him.

However, the sounds of doors opening and the clanking of armor followed, along with the loud "stop, thief!" from a guard that ran out into the scene - something that would change his demeanor.


Amarant saw this change, still in posiiton, and spoke.





　"I won't let them stop us. Come on!"　





The guards were still out of earshot, and the thief would whisper toward Amarant, before changing his stance and finally causing him to do the same.





　"It's over."　





　"What?" he growled back, not even giving the other guards a glance as they drew closer.


The man didn't reply. Rather, he bore a smug smirk, before turning toward the guards, his face hinting at something completely different.





　"It was him!" he pointed at Amarant, of whom would then turn in response, "I saw him lurking about and thought he looked suspicious!"　





Amarant had no time to reply, as the guards would began to speak to one another.





　"Him? But he's one of us!"　





　"Yes, but...I suspected something of him from the start..."　





They turned toward Amarant, and he saw their weapons slowly being raised.


The man would dash away, but not before giving Amarant a final farewell - something that echoed within his mind...





　"The strong don't flaunt their strength."　





And with that, he was gone, leaving Amarant alone with the guards, of whom would slowly creep closer, shaking at his massive size.





　"D-Don't move..!" one of them spoke, trying their hardest to command the situation.





Amarant scoffed, turning away from them.





　"Don't even bother."　





With that, he was also gone. He didn't even run, he just walked away, leaving the guards to yell after him and demand where he was going.


Soon after, sounds of more guards would be heard, and this would become telling for him. He would without a doubt be found and captured if he stuck around any longer.





　"This job was boring anyway..."　





With that, Amarant left his post. He left the bar he'd visit during his breaks. He left the family he swore to protect.





He left his home. He left Treno.


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Now a wanted man, Amarant travelled the world. He would find small jobs to keep himself fed, but otherwise didn't stick around for long.





During his fleeing those who recognized and even sought him for treason, he soon found himself stripping of his former outfit and finding himself a green vest, green pants, and even large, green sleeve-like bands that would shield his arms from nature's forces.


His hair would cover his face, hiding his eyes while otherwise keeping its usual style, and their dreadlocks would appear like a blazing flame in the breeze.


His boots were also bulky, able to pass through more terrain than he could in his former outfit, and he trudged through hillsides, mountaintops, and even found himself swimming through rivers to escape his persuers.





Due to his having no shelter, his skin would turn an icy blue, having faced the weather head on; From the coldest nights to the hottest of days, he took them on, and never stopped moving.





Occasionally, he would find himself needing a break, and would take a moment to regain his conciousness, as the toll of being on the run began to take over.


He found empty meadows, usually atop of a mountain or hill, and would meditate, other times taking a moment to wash himself of the sweat and grime that came from his travels.





He'd have encounters with wild beasts, and during these encounters, his powers would only grow, and his arms would begin to grow bulkier, to the point that the bands he used to wear would hardly wrap around them.


He would craft new bands out of the old ones, even using parts of his old clothing to do so, and found himself a whole new life - a life of thrills and challenges, unlike his life as a guard.





However, that life didn't involve going into bars and getting a drink, nor did it involve him having a fresh meal.


He had to improvise, using what resources he had to feed himself. He would find ways to find some decent game in order to eat, though he admitted he preferred his meat made indoors over a flaming stove...


This wouldn't last, and soon, things would change once more - this time for the better.


He found himself hunting down monsters for money, and the occasional meal, and he found himself enjoying this life. His life as a wanted man was still in his mind, but he enjoyed the thrill of finding other creatures in order to prove his strength.





Yet, he heard the voice of that man echoing in his mind...





　"The strong don't flaunt their strength."　





　"Ridiculous..."　





Amarant finished his latest job, hauling the creature over to the one who sought it, and suddenly, the look in his eyes was different...As if he'd just realized something about him.





　"Such power..!"　





A sling forward, and the creature was flung in between the two.





　"Now, my payment."　





Amarant extended an arm, and the man obliged immediately, before making an offer - something that intrigued him.





　"Why don't you become a mercanary? A bounty hunter? You've clearly got the strength for the job."　





　"That's what I've been doing." Amarant replied, taking the coins and shoving them into his pocket.





His client shook his head and pulled out a map.





　"Yes, but...Why not work for a single person? Alexandria...They're seeking some worthy workers. From what I've heard, none have been proven fit for the job, and their Queen seems a little..." he paused for a moment, before leaning forward and whispering, "...Impatient."　





Amarant looked at the map and found the kingdom he was talking about. It was relatively close to where he was now. Yet, he wasn't set on a job. Not right now.


The man looked back at him, noticing his contiplation, and handed him the map.





　"Just in case."　





Amarant took the map slowly, adding it to his stash. He then turned, not even bothering to bid farewell to the client, and left.


He continued forward, pondering more about this job.

He could have a roof over his head again...Food made from those who knew what they were doing - not that he didn't, he just wanted something that he knew was prepared beforehand - and somewhere to get away from all the storms and heat that would appear within Gaia every so often.


Plus, Alexandria was big. A real kingdom.

Amarant was just protecting a mansion for some nobles.


He had more fun looking at the river in Treno...Calming as it was, it was the most "enjoyment" he got out of his job, which wasn't what he expected compared to finding worthy opponents and proving his strength.





　"A bounty hunter..."　





He pulled out the map again, gazing at it, before looking back up at the sky.





　"It's sunset now."　





He looked around, finding himself a cave to rest in. Inconvenient, but it's better than the trees and hilltops he's been using. At least it had a roof.


Leaning against the wall, Amarant came to a decision.





　"I should make it tomorrow...If I start off early."　





He put the map away again, and crossed his arms, gazing at the sunset and watching as it would descend.





　"Then perhaps...I'll see him again."　

With The Flaming Mayhem:

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