Real Mulligan [Crownkiller Mulligan]

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

A Prelude to the Hero
Perspective: Tutor Tiles
A Fateful Dream for the Knight and Snake.



[Image Description: Tiles, a vaguely insect-like knight in a armored dress is approached by a silouette resembling Gallows, trailed behind by a second larger shadow. The environment is abstract with stars and disjointed lines.]
 

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You're in a void, approached by a familiar shape of a man... 

Though you can't help feel something is off. His voice, his posture, his smug grin below his messy mane of hair.

???: You're looking quite well rested all things considered. You know, you really impressed everyone with the way you handled yourself out there. Overdid it though, no matter how strong you are you aren't exactly immune to getting jumped by a dozen men or so.

Tiles: ...Are you the recruiter from the bar? Gallows I recall?

???: Mm.. not quite. The other guy as he might have mentioned.

Tiles: Ah. I'm not interested if you're looking for a evening together..

???: I'm actually more interested in your equipment than anything. A crown lance.. how do you even manage your hands on one of those?

Tiles: A secret as of now.

???:.. Smart cookie.

Tiles: Have to be to get this far, no?

???: And yet you're in the medical bay of a local safehouse.

Tiles: Perhaps I counted on it, seeing as your other spoke of a Starman with resources.

???: Hard to tell if you're bluffing or not but.. I don't think you expected so much gear to be damaged in the scuffle so I don't think you're that much of a chessmaster.

Tiles: No, but making it out alive is more important in such a situation... How is everything?

???: Lance is unfortunately in need of a repair, and at that grade you need a master smith with familiarity with its design. Not too shabby myself
but... I myself can only do so much. I talk with locals over the radio though.

Tiles: The radio..? Surely the king's men can trace you.

???: Just white noise to them, need mutual desire to converse. I've got pockets deep with magic worth more than any wallet.

Tiles:.. Contract demon.

???: Mmhmm! I appreciate you backing off on the tail pulling for the record..

Tiles: In hindsight it's a rude way to verify such, I mean no ill to either of you.
A tiny toothy smile under the bundle of hair and floppy ears.

???: Likewise. As of now you are tucked into bed, the current active medic left on a station with gentle music to keep you comfortable. I know my other half is quite worried for you so I did him a solid and popped into your little head.

You can't help but laugh a little.
???: Something funny about that?

Tiles: Not quite, just.. we had one conversation and it's enough to have him anxious over me?

???: He's a bit of a softie unfortunately, helps old women cross the street.

Tiles: Sensitive type.

???: A little, yes.. not very good for a revolutionary but...

Tiles: I respect that if I'm honest. Really what made the difference between a knight and a soldier back at my old guild. He.. doesn't happen to be a man of the crest, does he?

???: Never once in his life.

Tiles: I could picture it in another.

???: I'm more than sure...

Tiles: What's your name if I might ask? All this talk and you never proper introduced yourself.

???: Styx, Lord of the Shore and Fate's Clown.

Tiles: Does that mean something? Sincerely, not-

Styx: If you don't recognize my name it simply means we're quite far from the land I once called home, and that's for the best...

Tiles: A Refugee Prince and his Vagrant Demon.

Styx: You give it such a air of romance, if only we were still so close..

Tiles: Former lovers?

The entity fell silent, you immediately lower your head.

Tiles: I'm sorry, spoke without really thinking of your feelings there.

Styx: It's alright, I've got my eyes on a few of the locals anyway. You'll meet at least one of them soon I hope.

Tiles: Did you send a friend to escort me out the door?

Styx: Just a friend to everyone really. It's a confident one, gets along with people here quite well. Makes me envious sometimes but.. I can more than assure you're in good hands.

Tiles: I got as much from talking to the nurse.. my gear..?

Styx: In communications with a smith. When you return to the waking world you'll ponder if it was all a dream, conversations on the edge of fating off with the sunrise but.. there will be a clear sign that it's all quite real. When it comes, I hope to make allies with you.

Tiles: I can't say I'm quite comfortable signing with your kind, no matter how approachable you make yourself appear..

Styx: Then I hope to at least find solitude in tastes, your choice of tools tells me you're a connoisseur..

Tiles: So long as you share your collection.

Styx: I'll have no issue doing so. 'Til next time we meet, though it might be him instead..