C-support:


Ed: Ah!


Stefan: Um...Hello there?


Ed: You-you're the phantom of the dunes aren't you?


Stefan: What are you on about?


Ed: I've heard stories of a man who fought in the last war. A mysterious figure, appearing on the winds in Grann desert. One with unmatched skill with a blade. And after the war, he disappeared entirely, without a trace.


Stefan: And you think that I'm this “phantom” you've heard of?


Ed: You appeared before Micaiah out of nowhere in the Grann desert. And your skill with the sword...I'm certain of it.


Stefan: Huh. So there are urban legends about me are there?


Ed: So it really is true?!


Stefan: Well, I certainly wouldn't have put it so...fancifully. But yes, I suppose it is.


Ed: Wow! What an amazing opportunity! Hey, Mr. Phantom, do you think you might help me to train sometime?


Stefan: Well, I did see you in that last battle. You seem to have a lot of potential. Ah, why not? I’ll do it.


Ed: Really?! Wow, thanks Mr. Phantom!


Stefan: Please, Stefan will do. Or...maybe master Stefan would be more appropriate.


Ed: Sure thing master Stefan! I'm Edward.


Stefan: Pleasure to meet you.


B-support:


Ed: Yah!


Stefan: Oof! Not bad… Hah!


Ed: Urk! Damn.


Stefan: That was very good Edward. You're fighting style is unique. Ferocious, fueled by rage. I'm guessing you taught yourself?


Ed: Y-yeah. How did you know?


Stefan: It's pretty obvious. Your style is effective, but crude. It lacks precision and concentration. As of now, you're more or less wailing your opponents into submission, which is good for quickly overpowering your enemies, but it wastes energy and is easy to counter.


Ed: Wow!


Stefan: What?


Ed: It's just...you're so awesome! You know so much about swordfighting.


Stefan: Well, when you’re as old as I am, and spend most of your time alone in the desert, there isn’t much else to do but study the sword.


Ed: But master, you’re not much older than I am. At least, you don’t look it.


Stefan: Damn…


Ed: Master?


Stefan: I’m sorry Edward, but I should be going now. I’ll see you at our next session.


*Stefan Leaves*


Ed: But...huh. I wonder what that was about.


A-Support:


Ed: Ah, there you are master. I’ve been looking for you.


Stefan: ...Hello Edward.


Ed: What happened the other day? Why did you suddenly run away like that.


Stefan: Yes, I must apologize for that. I just...needed some time to think.
Ed: Think about what?


Stefan: About how much I trust you. And after thinking it over, I’ve decided to tell you more about myself. Tell me Edward, do you know what it means to be “branded?”


Ed: Isn’t it when someone is a mix between Beorc and Laguz? But why...oh.


Stefan: It seems you have it figured out. Well, that should answer most of the questions you may have about me. I’ve been ostracized my whole life. That’s why I decided to live alone in the Grann desert. As a branded, I live much longer than normal Beorc. I’ve spent decades with nothing to do but practice sword fighting. That’s where my knowledge comes from.


Ed: Wow...that sounds awful.


Stefan: Oh, it wasn’t that bad. Loneliness doesn’t seem to bother me as much as it does others. Still, I have to admit that it was getting very dull. After this war is over, I might try to find more of my kind and make a village of branded. No, not just branded. Everyone would be accepted there. Beorc, Laguz, it wouldn’t matter.


Ed: That sounds wonderful! I’m glad you decided to tell me this, master. Now, are you ready for another training session?


Stefan: Of course. Though I’m a little surprised. Most people wouldn’t want to be anywhere near me after finding out what I am.


Ed: What you are? I already knew what you are, an awesome swordsman who’s been kind to me since we met. Why would I suddenly turn my back on you after finding out you’re a little different than me?


Stefan: Hahaha! You know, you remind me a lot of Ike. He would have said the same thing. Anyway, let’s get started. Yah!