#idiotsquadoffates

ANNA: “Our final ranged match of the day... They’ve had plenty of time to prepare themselves for the illusory fish, but can they avoid splashing Exalt Emmeryn? That’s what we’re here to find out! Please welcome Sir Claude von Riegan, leader of the Golden Deer house and heir to the Leicester Alliance’s ruling seat! Facing him will be Ashe Ubert of the Blue Lions... They’re both incredibly adept archers, from what I’ve heard, so this should be good! Though I’ve heard various things about Claude shooting upside down, he seems to be approaching the water on two feet this time.” 

EMM: “Two Fodlan competitors... Hopefully they won’t be as adept at ruining my outfits as our other archers tend to be.”

CHROM: “Claude has a reputation as a little bit of a prankster, but hopefully he has enough respect not to aim his arrows this way... And enough talent as well.”

CLAUDE

FAVOR: blue lions insignia from Dimitri (reztactics) SHELL: lion’s paw

First Shot: 19 (4 pts)

Second Shot: NAT 1

LION’S PAW BONUS: 7 (2 pts) Claude’s second arrow is a bit off target, the wind having knocked it askew. While he does hit a tiny crab in the water, the resulting splash also catches the Exalt...

Third Shot: NAT 1

FAVOR BONUS: 19 (4 pts) Perhaps determined to show off for his benefactor, Claude smirks and twirls his arrow in a flourish before he nocks it. The gold of the insignia’s lion pin glints in the sunlight as he takes careful aim at three glittering fish that seem to be swimming together. Without a moment of hesitation he fires and hits all three! 

Fourth Shot: 15 (3 pts)

Fifth Shot: 17 (4 pts)

SCORE: 3.4

EMM: “A strong start from Sir Claude. It will take a steady hand to beat him.”

CHROM: "Hopefully his willingness to show off the blue lions as well as his own house will give him enough good karma to at least finish close to Ashe, if he doesn’t outright win.”

ASHE

FAVOR: paper camellia favor from Subaki (sub-aki) SHELL: coral

First Shot: 6 (2 pts)

Second Shot: 3 (1 pt)

FAVOR BONUS: 10 (2 pts)

The water sparkling in the sun combined with the shimmer of the fish makes it difficult to determine where one is or isn’t. The gentle reassurance of the paper camellia fluttering steadies Ashe’s nerves, and his arrow flies neatly through a fish’s tail.

Third Shot: 11 (3 pts)

Fourth Shot: 5 (1 pt) 

Fifth Shot: 15 (3 pts) Determined to end things off on a high note, Ashe catches sight of quite possibly the biggest illusion the competitors have seen all day. Knowing if he can land the shot it will bode very well for him, he takes aim. The fish seems to realize its being targeted and attempts to hide, but Ashe is too quick. In one decisive, fluid movement the Blue Lion looses his arrow and hits that fish!

BONUS SHOT: 3 (1 pt)

SCORE: 2.4

EMM: “Sir Ashe did very well, but it wasn't quite enough to take the lead. Bravo to you both, though!”

CHROM: "I’m surprised Dimitri gave a favour to Claude rather than the competitor from his own house but then again, we did request the check ins be ready before we announced the matches. Sorry Ashe, but it’s Claude making it to the semi-finals.”

So far, having Owain back has been a godsend. Inigo feels less alone, for one, and having someone to just help support him every day... it’s wonderful. He even feels less pressure to get out and work, so taking a day off to spend with Owain... well he’s loving it.

Inigo can’t remember how long it’s been since he’s seen his old friends. Not that it really matters. He’s starting a new life. One he loves. He gets to dance and put on shows just like he’s always dreamed. His past is behind him, and he’s free to do what he pleases...