Re;Kingdom, Starting a Life with Amnesia From Zero
Arc 1 – "To You" – Introduction Arc
Chapter 3 – "Breeze of Mind"
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His veins were pumping, and drops of sweat fell from his forehead. Jens was running towards the Motion Cafe so they would be in time. He ran as fast as he could, and the others followed him. Both Emilia and Angel weren't quite sure what Jens was trying to do, yet they had faith in him. One might consider it weird, but they felt as ease when Jens was leading.
With such heroic reveries carved on Jens' mind, they finally arrived at the Motion Cafe. Contrary from what he initially expected, it mostly the same. Both Nathan Harmonia and Felt were still inside, and Elsa Granhiert was nobody to see.
With a sigh of relief, and two deep breaths out of exhaustion behind him, Jens stopped running and approached the old, wooden door. Then, with three simple knocks on the door, no response.
Jens : "Nathan! Open the door, I have some information."
Both girls were caught in Jens' sudden actions and unexpected words. After there was no response, he started to knock harder, and started to push his entire body against the door, hoping to break the door.
Emilia : "Jens! Calm down please... are you sure this is the right place?"
With such silly doubts on Emilia's mind, she tried to stop his violent actions. She dashed towards the blonde haired boy, and grabbed him on his shoulders, and gently tried to calm him down.
Angel : "It has to be, this is the only cafe in this district."
For clarification purposes, Angel reassured that this was indeed the place they had to be. Still, Emilia was anxious. She was somewhat afraid to suddenly approach someone's door and try to break it down.
Jens : "Open the door! Nathan Harmonia!"
As those loud words echoed in the entire district, the old, wooden door opened. Light descended from the shadows into the doorway, and a man with light green hair appeared. His gentle aura, and calm eyes were those nobody expected. After all, a complete stranger to Nathan was bonking on his door.
Nathan : "Hmm? Who may you all be?"
Jens : "That's not important right now, I've come here to retrieve her Insignia and to save both of you!"
Direct words, as ever. The man with heroic reveries, sky blue eyes glistering in the sunlight and short blonde hair approached the owner of the cafe with sudden facts. Out of confusion, the man tilted his head lightly. He wasn't quite sure what he meant with "Save Both of You". Obviously, Nathan knew to who he was referring to, but safe from what? Why would a stranger suddenly approach one's door and say he intends to save you and your friend? Such words were basically incomprehensible to Nathan Harmonia.
Nathan : "Save?"
He repeated the key points of Jens' words, just to make sure he understood what Jens said. Then, he turned around, and yelled.
Nathan : "Felt! Come here for a second!"
His scream echoed within the four walls of the cafe. Nathan opened up his arms, and stepped aside. Then, the group walked in while looking around and inspecting the interior. Everything was exactly like before Jens was murdered. Thus, his assumption became reality. Indeed, he leaped back in time right before the tragedy. Though, how many times would he be able to do this, or was it perhaps some kind of weird phenomenon?
Either way, it didn't matter as soon as he heard footsteps. Looking at the stairs in the left corner of the cafe, a young girl walked down its steps. With hair of gold, and eyes of crimson, while wearing light gear, Jens already knew who it was.
Felt : "Hah? What are y'all doing here?"
Pure words were spoken by the young thief. She simply asked the reason why they had come to this place, as if not already knowing why.
Emilia : "Well, I want my Insignia back!"
The one who's Insignia got stolen, demanded it back. She placed her hand on her chest as she spoke out. Hearing such a pure response to her question, Felt simply tilted her head slightly, as if not knowing what Emilia was talking about.
Angel : "If you return the Dragon Insignia to Emilia, I will not report your today's deeds to the Kindom Knights. I'll simply see it through the fingers. This Dragon Insignia is very important to this lady, you know? I— We would highly appreciate if you would return it."
Felt : "Wah?!"
To such words, Felt let out a dull noise. She was surprised that a Lugnician Mage, part of the Kingdom's military would see such crime through the fingers. Thus, with such amazement, she stepped back.
Jens : "No! No! It's just like then!"
While witnessing the events that were playing that moment, Jens shook his head repeatedly and stomped the ground. In an instant, all attention was pointed towards Jens, who figuratively rised to the center of the stage.
The man who everyone was watching, was a hero to-be. Though, obviously they didn't see it. But after witnessing what would happen if he wouldn't act fast, seeing his only "Friends" being slaughtered by the Blood Hunter, he couldn't simply run away. No— It wouldn't be right, in his opinion. Strength is one thing he lacked, but that didn't mean he had to lack Knowledge as well.
Jens : "This— Woman, Elsa Granhiert. She'll come here in just a few minutes!"
Exactly like that, Jens spoke out his current thoughts out loud. Therefore, all attention remained on him. Not a single blink of an eye occurred while such words were said. Though, only one person was left with confusion.
Felt : "Huh? How do you know Elsa? Are ya both workin' for the same employer?"
Jens : "No! But I know she's the Blood Hunter, and I know that she'll slaughter us all!"
As fast as he was, he responded to Felt's noble words. Well, Jens did understand that they wouldn't understand. But, that didn't mean he would give up that easily. Jens has a strong willed spirit, that wouldn't give up if something wasn't working out.
It might sound as if he wasn't afraid, but he was. He was terrified of what was coming next. Knowing that death was literally coming for them, it was nerve-wrecking. Such thoughts made him nauseous, thus tried to put them aside.
Suddenly, he feels a hand on his shoulder. Turning his head to his left, he sees a white, pale hand. A gentle hand that of a graceful maiden. Turning his body along with his body, there was Emilia, looking at him with anxiety in her eyes. She looked more terrified than him, for some reason.
Emilia : "Jens? Calm down, please... You're making me scared..."
Words that meant nothing but what she said. Jens, the one who tried to save everyone, he didn't look like himself at all. He was acting weird, after all.
Her amethyst eyes that were shining underneath the sunlight, her beautiful silky silver-hair that wavered in the wind, along with her maiden-like unique dress, Emilia was beautiful. Seeing her being scared of himself, Jens let out a sigh.
Jens : "I—I'm sorry Emilia. I didn't mean to scare you, but I'm trying to save us all. I'll explain everything later, but we have to act now. If we won't, we'll end up like corpses!"
Opening up his arms, speaking out his thoughts with pride, Jens simply confronted them with facts. Though to them, such malicious words weren't facts what so ever. Instead, his unexpected words sounded like crazy ridicules, which none could believe with ease.
Nathan : "What's with your friend? Did he lose some brain cells while making his way towards my café? He is acting so… abstract."
Felt : "Yeah, forget it! Why would I trust you to begin with?"
One after another, they spat out their thoughts. Despite being individuals, they spoke like one. They were simply good friends, is what Jens assumed, but still. It looked natural seeing the two of them respond one after another.
Though, to Felt's words, grew annoyance within Jens' mind. "Why would I trust you?", is what Felt said to Jens. Did she completely forget what happened a while ago with the thugs? If it wasn't for Jens and Angel, Felt was caught by the thugs.
Jens : "What did you say just now? Did you really forget what happened in the Capital? I saved you from those three thugs!"
Putting his right foot forward, he came closer to Felt while swinging his left hand. With such motions, Jens confronted Felt with facts. Thus, she clenched her teeth in annoyance. Not quite knowing what she had to say such words, she stuttered.
Felt : "W-Well! I had that completely under contr—"
Angel : "You were screaming for help if I remember correctly."
Immediately, not even allowing Felt to finish her sentence, Angel interrupted. While brushing her hair, she gazed at Felt while expressing no facial emotions what so ever. Hearing those words, Felt clicked her tongue, and let out a dull "Tch!". Thus, she looked irritated at the group. While have scattered such gaze the group which tried to save her, she turned around and approached the stairs again.
Felt : "Forget it. I ain't doin—"
Jens : "I'm done with this!"
He lost his temporary temper as of that moment, and leaped forward, closing the gap between him and Felt. Then, he immediately grabbed Felt's thin arm. Affirming his grip on her hand, he turned around and dragged her towards the door.
Just after one second did Felt realize what he was trying to do. Thus, she pressed her feet against his back, and tried to break free from his firm grip.
Felt : "W-What?! What are you doing?! You pervert!"
Jens : "I'm going to save you all!"
Witnessing these actions, both Angel and Emilia widened their eyes in shock. Why was Jens acting this ridiculous? Against Felt's will, he was dragging her away from her home. It was somewhat obnoxious, but nobody but Jens knew why his actions were right.
Then, like a flash, Nathan Harmonia disappeared from everyone's sight. With a turn of his body, he appeared near the far-most wall of the café and grabbed the first sword he was able to get in his possession. Doing so, once again like a flash, he disappeared from everyone's sight and made a reappearance right in front of Jens and Felt.
Swinging the blade he just picked up with a vertical gesture, the steel edge of Nathan's blade collided with the steel edge of Jens' unique shoulder armor. Everything happened so fast, thus he paralyzed. The impact of the blade was greater than Jens had anticipated for, thus lost balance of his feet, and fell with his back on the ground.
Nathan : "Stupidity and Recklessness are easily misunderstood. Perhaps one wouldn't think so, but I'm actually pretty strong. Leave, or else I'll have to hurt you. And please believe me…"
Pressing his right foot on Jens' chest, Nathan lowered his body and gazed upon the fallen one who was underneath him.
Nathan : "I really don't enjoy killing people. So, leave while you can."
It was somewhat hard to breath, and talking was even harder. Grabbing Nathan's ankle, Jens pushed his foot of his chest, and finally caught a breath. Doing so, he recovered from the lack of oxygen within his lungs, and raised his body. Then, he spoke out.
Jens : "Please... listen to me for a second! I'll do whatever you want, just hear me out."
Nathan : "Felt, come here."
As if ignoring his words, Nathan commanded Felt, and she followed his plea. Slowly walking towards Nathan, Felt turned her gaze from Jens while making a "Ksh" noise. She expressed nothing but irritation. Obviously, she didn't like being grabbed by a stranger. Though, that was to be expected.
Nathan : "So, what's up? Why this presentation? What may be going on that you wanted to inform us, strangers?"
Jens : "My name is Jens. My affiliations and occupation don't matter as of right now. Please, can we talk outside for a second? I only want to talk."
Slightly tilting his head, Nathan looked in confusion at the man trying to proclaim something. The owner of the café named Nathan Harmonia, the one is association with Felt really doubted Jens' words, and his deeds. Though, he shrugged off such doubts, and walked towards the door. Luckily for Jens, Nathan actually listened to him. Felt quickly followed Nathan's footsteps, and so did Jens.
With doubts carved on their mind, Emilia's and Angel's gazes meet. Both of them weren't quite sure what happened, and why Jens was acting so roughly with Felt and Nathan. Though, that could wait. Thus, they followed him as well.
As they had left the café, they entered a dark valley right in front of it. From afar, it was impossible to even notice five people standing there. Shadows were covering their silhouettes, and if they would talk quietly, their existence wouldn't even be noticed by anyone.
Nathan : "Is this all?"
He asked, while looking around, hoping that nobody saw him and Felt. While scratching the back of his head, Jens noticed that Nathan was getting impatient, so he had to act quickly.
Jens : "I cannot explain everything right away. Basically, we have to wait for Elsa Granhiert to approach the café. Felt, what were the conditions for the meeting at the café?"
Felt : "Hm? A rather random question. Anyhow, I'm not quite sure. We didn't quite discuss all the rules. Though, she wasn't allowed to bring weapons for her, otherwise the deal would be canceled immediately."
Hearing Felt's response, Jens widened his eyes in amazement. As this was his second time living this right moment, he knew that that promise was a false one. Elsa had multiple knives tied up to her dress, her cloak and her right leg.
—A flash. A spark of hope ignited within Jens' mind.
—Like a flash, an idea sparked within Jens' mind.
Jens : "S-She has knives with her! Once you give us that Insignia back, and you won't be able to give it to her, she'll slaughter both of you! Nathan… Felt… You have to believe me. If I'll prove that she has weapons with her, will you join us? Join this fight against the Blood Hunter?"
Nathan : "If such malicious words— Words that I simply cannot comprehend become reality, then the answer is yes. I will join the fight."
Felt : "Hey wait a second!"
The young thief interrupted the conversation between Nathan and Jens. She waved her hands to get the attention. Once she got all of the spectators' focus, she opened her arms as if she was about to explain something.
Felt : "Who said I'm returning the Insignia? Elsa promised me a lot of Holy Coins! With such money, me and Nathan won't have to steal, nor have to work for a good while y'know? I'll be better off selling it to her, than returning it to this lady."
Angel : "Perhaps you forgot the fact that if you don't return it to Emilia, you'll end up in the Prison Tower, along with Nathan. The law says that everyone related to a crime will be put in jail, I won't accept exceptions for such law. Though, if you indeed return it to Emilia, I'll see it through the fingers."
As she explained why Felt must return the Insignia, Felt turned an annoyed facial expression, and turned her gaze at Emilia. Putting her hand in her pocket, she grabbed the Dragon Insignia, and threw it at Emilia who caught it with ease.
Felt : "Tsk… Alright then."
—First thing was completed and dealt with. The Insignia returned to its respective owner. That was one of Jens' priorities, but it wasn't his only one. Now, he had to make sure to survive, save every single one of them, just by using his knowledge.
Felt : "Hmph…! Though tell me Jens, how do you know Elsa? If yours words are indeed the truth, then how do you know all this?"
Now that all they had to do was awaiting the appearance of Elsa Granhiert, Jens didn't had any objections regarding explaining. With a single sigh, and a shake of his head, he turned his gaze at Felt and Nathan. He raised his face and chest, and spoke.
Jens : "I already witnessed all of this. I returned from my dea—"
—Darkness engulfed reality.
From what his still working brain could remember, Jens was trying to tell everyone that he Returned by Death. But as soon as he tried to do something that reckless, darkness engulfed light, reality bend, and once again… He returned to the pitch-black world.
There was nothing to be seen. Darkness had already embraced every single life form, and had already swallowed every beam of light.
Desperately trying to breath, he wasn't able to do so. He was being pushed to the brink of asphyxiation as soon as he realized that reality wasn't the same as of two seconds ago. Space was altered along with the passing of time. Due to Space being altered, air wasn't moving, thus wasn't being able to be breathed in.
Not just space was altered, his whole vision turned black as well. The old houses along with his companions that were all caught by his gaze, turned pitch-black. Though, they were still there. Despite being engulfed by shadows, their silhouette remained there. This time, he was able to see everything— Well, not that there was much to see anyway.
Jens : "—"
Slowly passing out, Jens' vision started to be more dizzy. Though, not just his vision. His heart started to tremble just like his consciousness which was being shaken.
—Shadows formed a physical body.
Right in front of him, where Nathan and Felt were standing, a woman embraced by darkness descended from the void. Still wearing the same shadow dress as before, the woman which was formed out of shadows was exactly the same as the one before.
? : "I.. love you."
A voice chimed. It was hard to comprehend, but it was the woman engulfed by darkness who spoke such lovely word. Her voice had a bell-like chime to it.
Jens : "E..mil..ia."
Despite being at the point of passing out, Jens' consciousness still demanded his body to reach out for Emilia, who was swallowed by the void. He tried to move, but his body wasn't worthy of doing such motion.
—I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you.
A piercing, echoing voice chimed within his dull skull. Repetitive, annoying, yet somewhat beautiful. The shadow woman's voice echoed within the darkness, and her dress wavered, as if the non-existing wind had released a breeze.
—Despair dominated his mind while hearing such words. Not being able to touch Emilia, not being able to reach out for Emilia, not being able to listen to Emilia, nor being able to embrace Emilia. It was horrible. It was disgusting.
? : "I believe… in you… Just… A little further."
Finally hearing saying something new, the woman which confessed her love to the man frozen in time and space, shed a tear.
—A single tear dropped from the corner of where her eyes would be, down upon the surface of the already engulfed by shadows soil.
Then, as the tear scattered upon the void, it created cracks within the shadows. Slowly, light started to emerge from such cracks. As if happiness was returning, Jens' pupils enlarged once the first beam of sunlight descended from the heavens.
—With such happiness carved on his mind, he felt his heart being grasped.
He didn't understand what happened, but something had grasped his heart. Turning his gaze towards his chest, he saw the shadow woman's arm extending towards his chest, and it pierced right through.
—Yes, her arm literally pierced through his chest.
Pain. It hurts. Why does it hurt so much? Why does he deserve to be in such pain?
Fear. It's scary. Why is it so scary? Why does he deserve to be in such fear?
Emotions were overflowing him, and from the corners of his eyes tears streamed down to his chin. Witnessing this, the woman retrieved her arm from his chest. That right instant—
Jens : "Uaagh!"
Torn apart. Scattered. Broken. Shattered. The void scattered like glass. Once it did, all light, colors, time and space returned to its original state. Frightening, it was for sure. He wasn't sure what happened to him right then, but—
Breath. He needs to breath. If he wouldn't breath, he would totally pass away, or perhaps even die.
—Still, all the pain, all the hate, all the fear, all the hate, all the despair, all the sorrows, all resided within his heart and all of these feelings were still piercing his heart. Why does it hurt this much?
Nathan : "Hmmm? Uhhh….!?"
Felt : : "Haa?"
Angel : "Huh…!"
Emilia : "Jens! Are you alright!?"
With such noises echoing within his skull, his vision was engulfed by darkness the moment he closed his eyes. Collapsing to the ground, Jens fell on his face the moment he passed out due to lack of oxygen.
Panic grew greater the moment this happened. Immediately, Felt grabbed Nathan's white sleeve, and pulled it a few times.
Felt : "W-What's this?! Heal him! "
Nathan : "I am not quite sure what this phenomenon may be. But Jens isn't lying as a matter of fact. Perhaps his nervousness got the better of him. Are you feeling better?"
Hearing that voice, Jens slowly opened his eyes, and light emerged his vision. Then, he turned his head and gaze towards the man speaking, a green-haired man with a pose of arrogance.
Jens : "E-Eh… Y-yeah. Sorry for that."
"What happened just now? The moment I tried to speak about Return by Death, everything turned black and— The Shadow lady reappeared once again. Definitively, she has something to do with this. She's trying to prevent me from talking! Fuck. That's annoying— Though, I had drawn enough attention as of right now—"
Emilia placed her hand on Jens' shoulder while looking anxiously at him. Her worried expression was one that could pierce one's heart. It wasn't a pleasing sight what so ever.
Angel : "Wait. How do you know if Jens is speaking the truth or not? Why do you believe his words just now?"
Nathan : "It's thanks to my semblance, you know? My Semblance allows me to purify emotions, but read them as well. Though, I already have my Semblance for quite a while. Thus, I'm even able to make one lose his consciousness temporarily."
—Semblance. Nathan was the first person Jens had met with a Semblance.
Then, somewhat too fast, Jens raised his body and returned on his feet. With an amazed facial expression, Jens turned his gaze at Nathan, who slightly narrowed his eyes while looking right into Jens' pupils.
Nathan : "Anyhow. Jens isn't lying. This woman— Elsa Granhiert really seems to be a murderer."
Hearing such words, Jens' eyes widened in excitement. Immediately, he shook his head vertically, as if confirming something. Then, slowly but surely, a smile rose on his face.
Jens : "Y—Yes! Ah… Thank god. Will you co-operate with us now? I-I simply don't want anyone to die. I hope you understand that."
Nathan : "Mhm. I have no choice. This woman won't stop until she finds Felt, and I cannot allow anyone hurting her. Perhaps that explains why I acted so roughly a few minutes ago."
That indeed explained why Nathan's actions were what they were. Nathan and Felt, with no doubt, had a deeper relationship than Jens expected. The two of them… They were like family to each other. Hearing that, Jens' heart which was still trembling in anxiety was somewhat warmed.
Nathan : "And you know what, I like you."
Jens : "O-Oh! Thanks, I guess!"
The man stuttered, his voice and body were caught by the unexpected words of Nathan Harmonia. Realizing what they exactly meant, a genuine smile scarred on Jens' face.
Jens : "Y-Yeah.. I'm sorry for what I did. I won't act like that anymore."
Hearing those words, Nathan smiled as well.
Jens : "Anyway! We need to divide in groups. If Emilia will go towards the northern part, Angel and Nathan go towards the eastern part, me and Felt stay here, we'll have each side of the Motion Café covered."
—The Motion Café. A simple building was located in the corner of a street. Thus, southern and western weren't the case. By dividing in three groups, one would meet Elsa Granhiert for sure.
—But was it really a flawless plan?
Felt : "H-Heh? That plan doesn't make sense what so ever! What if Elsa appears right here while Nathan, Angel and Emilia are gone?"
In his mind, that plan sounded flawless, but it was instantly shot down by Felt's explanation. Hearing it, he scratched the back of his head nervously.
Angel : "Felt. You have two Mana Stones, right?"
Suddenly, Angel stepped forward and opened her arms up.
Felt : "Y-Yeah. Why?"
Angel : "Mana Stones allow ordinary people to use Magic. Not much, but it is what it is. Thus, we could use the Mana Stones to alert the others. Correct?"
To such words, Nathan widened his eyes in amazement.
Nathan : "That's actually really clever. Now, Misses Emilia."
Then, the man with light green hair turned his gaze towards the maiden with beautiful silver hair, and amethyst eyes. Underneath the sunlight, like a graceful maiden, she expressed concern and tiltd her head.
Nathan : "You are a Magic User. Correct?"
Emilia : "Hmm? Yes I am. To why this unexpected question, and to why this unexpected assumption, if I may ask?"
Nathan : "You are in possession of the Dragon Insignia. Thus, I would assume you have great power. Despite not having such amazing physical power, you would have to be at least a Spirit User, or a really skilled Magic User. There would be no other explanation for why you would have a Dragon Insignia."
Not quite understanding what exactly such words meant, Jens simply turned his gaze towards Nathan who was speaking. Then, he raised one finger.
Nathan : "Then, only Jens and Felt require the Mana Stones. Misses Emilia could use your Magic Arts to create a signal. I am able to use the Light Aspect of Magic, perhaps Yang is a better term for it. Vocally, signals wouldn't work. Elsa Granhiert is known for her extraordinary pace. Screaming at one group who may not even hear it, could result into one's death. Thus, my and misses Emilia's Magic, and the Mana Stones is our best way to contact each other."
Jens : "Alright then! Let's to this."
The girl with hair of gold put her right hand into the pocket of her leather jacket. She grabbed one crimson colored and one cerulean colored crystal. They weren't pointy at all, they were rather round actually.
She extended her arm, and gave Jens one crystal. Then, with all gazed uniting, and a single nod of their heads, the group scattered.
With a single dash, Nathan and Angel had disappeared from everyone's sight, and Emilia soon after.
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—Silence.
As all of the group but Jens and Felt had left, the two were left looking at each other with complicated feelings.
Felt : "So it's us two, right."
Breaking the silence, Felt spoke. But, she turned her gaze towards the ground. Noticing this, Jens eases his smile, and looked down to the ground as well.
Jens : "Yep... Uhm… Well."
"Now that all that was left is await her arrival, it couldn't do any harm to gain information about all this, right?"
His thoughts weren't false, they were true after all. The smartest way to kill time right now was to stay prepared, and ask questions that were at hand.
Jens : "Would you mind me asking you a few questions? I'm quite new to Lugnica, and all of this sorts of things."
Felt : "Wait… Wait! What do you mean?! A-Are you saying that you're from another Kingdom, or perhaps even another Empire?!"
Hearing Felt's questions, Jens immediately turned his sight at her. He instantly started to wave his hands in denial.
Jens : "No! It's not like that at all. It's really hard to explain. I don't remember anything from my birth until today. I just woke up, in the middle of a crowded city, with no memories of anything what so ever— And then, I met you and Angel!"
Widening her eyes, such words trembled within Felt's mind for a few seconds. Settling such things in, Felt simply sat down on the grass, and Jens followed. Both of them turned their heads towards the café. Still no sight of Elsa Granhiert, thus they continued their conversation.
Jens sat down on the grass and so did Felt.
Felt : "A-Ah… That sucks man. I'm really sorry to hear that."
Jens : "Mhm. I genuinely wonder if I have a family, and if they're worried about me. Or perhaps even know that I'm alive."
To such words, Felt lowered her face. Slightly being frustrated by the completely natural words of Jens, she slammed her fist against the solid soil, and asked.
Felt : "Do you... really care about your family?"
Slightly tilting his head, Jens wasn't quite sure why Felt would ask something like that. Don't everyone care about their family? Sure, there may be times where it isn't going as desired, but family remains family.
Jens : "Either way, even if I would care about them, I don't even know if they're still alive or not. After all, I barely remember anything. I don't even know if I have had a family I should love or loved."
Felt : "You shouldn't care about your family."
Hearing those words, Jens stared at Felt who expressed nothing but sorrow. This was the first time Jens saw Felt like this. Normally, she was a prideful thief, willing to be rude if it means making her point clear. Though, this was different. The girl with hair gold simply looked down, crimson eyes dull, and her body weak.
Jens : "Do you… Do you wanna hear a story? A story that Nathan told me when I was younger?"
It was basically impossible for Jens to decline such offer. Those pure words were harmless, and so would be the story she would tell him. Thinking to himself, perhaps he could learn stuff from that story, but that wasn't even the most important part.
—Seeing a girl that sad, he simply wanted to make her happy. Thus, listening to a story couldn't harm anyone what so ever.
Jens : "I mean, why not? Of course, go for it!"
With a single sigh, Felt's crimson eyes moved towards Jens and their gazes met. Instantly, Jens noticed that her expression of sorrow was beyond what he saw from aside. Her actual face at the brink of crying. Whatever was on her mind, she was really sad about it.
Felt : "I usually don't talk about this. W-Well, Nathan told me to not tell anyone. But I doubt he would really care if I told you. Anyway… When I was born, my malicious parents simply didn't love me what so ever. They threw me away, and now I am here. In the slums of the Capital City. The shittiest place to be in, ain't it?"
Jens : "What? No way. I seriously doubt that they abandoned you because they didn't love you. That sounds too crazy for me to comprehend! P-Perhaps they were under stress, or weren't able to take proper care of you?"
Felt : "Well. They did. My shitty father, who gave me a name I don't even remember dumped me in the back-alley. I was discarded as a baby, so I don't remember my actual name. But since then… I have lived with the name 'Felt'. Well, Nathan named me that anyway. He's the father I never had, and the best friend I couldn't even think dreaming of. I grew up with him, he raised me as a child. He… He cares more about me than about himself. Thus, there's nothing more precious than Nathan for me."
—Abandoning your own child. Even thinking about something like that, caused Jens to grew an expression of total disgust.
Though, while still looking at Felt, he noticed the sorrow overwhelming her. It really was a hard topic for her to talk about. He couldn't even imagine being abandoned by his own parents, or being raised in such surroundings.
—Though, living under such circumstances…. It meant that Felt was strong. A girl who had yet to become a woman, with burning passion within her heart, a strong-willed soul, and a spirit indomitable.
Jens : "A-Ah… My sincere apologies for starting this conversation. You really don't seem to like talking about your parents, which I understand."
Felt : "Hmm? Ah… No. It doesn't matter. You know…"
She raised her face and gazed at the cerulean sky. Clouds covered the sunlight the moment she was going to talk.
Felt : "You're different from the others that I have met. You ain't a noble, nor a Knight, nor a Mage. You…. You are yourself y'know! That really makes you special to me!"
Warmth embraced Jens' heart as he was caught by the nice, friendly and unexpected words of Felt. Her golden hair wavered as a gust went by, and her crimson colored eyes moved towards Jens. For the first time, a genuine smile blossomed on her face. Noticing this, Jens felt a sense of relief.
Jens : "Awh… Thank you Felt! I mean that… Though, I have one last question."
Felt : "Haha, you're welcome mate! As for that question, what may it be?"
He stuttered, and clenched both his fists and his teeth. He wasn't quite sure how to word it without drawing unnecessary suspicions.
Jens : "You… Felt. You have a Divine Protection. Is that right?"
Felt : "W-Wait. What the fuck? You aren't supposed to know about such thing at all! Yer a spy? Are ya workin' with Elsa Granhiert? How the fuck do ya know about––"
––Such a reckless move caused Felt's mind to be filled with various sorts and types of doubts, even after their only moment "Just Together". Though, he immediately waved his hands in refusal. He started to sweat nervously, but that went unnoticed luckily.
Jens : "No! I'm not affiliated with such business what so ever! I'll explain you later how I got my hands on that information. But, trust me. You have to use that power at the beginning of the battle, or else everything may not end well!"
Felt : "Tchh! Why?"
––The reason why. It was really hard to explain, even for Jens who suggested it. Last time, Felt used it at the end of the battle, which ended up in a tragedy. If Felt would use it at the beginning of the fight, with all her focus gathered on that ability, perhaps she would be able to hit her unlike last time?
Jens : "Trust me. I'm deadly serious right now. It's my last request––"
A crackling noise echoed through the streets. As if something made of old wood was moving. Immediately, their gazed turned towards the door of the café, which was slowly opening from the inside. Noticing this, the two of them raised their bodies by jumping up and standing steadily on their feet.
Jens grabbed the sword that Angel had gifted him from his sword, and affirmed his grip around the hilt of the steel blade. Soon after, Felt drew her blade from the sheet attached to her belt.
Felt : "Show yourself!"
Loudly, the girl with golden hair named Felt screamed at the door. Her voice echoed through the silent streets of the slums. As if Death had completely slaughtered everyone in the city, or in the nearby area, there wasn't a single sound but that scream, until––––
? : "Hmm? He was right after all. It's indeed the case, huh."
A voice of a woman was heard. Jens was able to recognize that voice out of hundreds, if not thousands, perhaps even millions.
––A voice of a psychotic maniac.
Jens : "That's her voice… The voice of Elsa Granhiert!"
Confirming this, he placed his right foot more forward, and affirmed his grip once more. Hearing such confirmation, Felt steadily locked her gaze at the door, which was still slowly opening. The voice of that woman came from inside the café, which was somewhat weird.
––Did they miss Elsa entering the café? Or did she enter through another entrance?
? : "Haha. My sincere apologies my children. It really took a while for me arrive, didn't it? You see, I had quite a problematic situation not so far away from here."
Felt : "Tsk!"
Then, the old, wooden doors opened widely.
Underneath the sunlight, and right in front of the entrance, a gorgeous black haired lady, with venom-like purple eyes appeared. She slowly raised both her arms. In one hand, there was a purple and black knife, and in the other a bag.
Elsa : "So… You are Jens, is that right?"
Jens : "––––"
The man completely ignored her question, as she probably already had encountered one of the groups. Thus, she slowly narrowed her eyes in annoyance. But, a poisonous smile blossomed soon after.
Elsa : "You knew about my plans huh… My Prince was right about you after all. Such arrogance."
With such words leaving her mouth, Jens widened his eyes in confusion. She said that her Prince was right about him, as if saying that "Her Prince" knew him. Various things streamed through his mind, but on what should he focus?
––Did… Someone actually know Jens from before his Amnesia?
Felt : "Blood Hunter. What's in the bag?"
Elsa : "Ahaaa! Thanks for asking. You know, I wasn't quite sure what kind of souvenir to bring. Normally, people bring flowers or alcohol, but I'm not a fond of either of those. Here, catch."
The gorgeous, yet disturbing lady placed her hand inside the brown leather bag. Then, with a vertical gesture, she swung her hand and threw something towards Felt.
––A head of a human man. Its eyes were closed. Its hair completely stained crimson.
The head landed on the ground, noticing the light green hair being covered by blood, and the handsome face of the head, Felt collapsed.
Felt : "N…No… N-Nathan!"
Instantly, her eyes exploded in tears of sorrow and regret. Her tears quickly formed waterfalls that streamed down at her chin, where tears fell down to the soil and scattered on its surface.
Staring at the head, while still various kinds of things on his mind, Jens was speechless. His body wanted to move, but once again wasn't able to do so.
Elsa : "I really thought we had a proper deal. But, then you decided to side with the enemy? Greed really got the better of you, huh. Anyhow, this man and the other girl nearly got me. Nathan is quite strong, I didn't expect that at all–– My apologies, allow me to rephrase myself. He was quite strong. Hahaha."
The girl who just lost her reason to live raised her body. Her entire body was trembling in frustration as soon as she accepted that her best friend–– Nathan Harmonia, was frivolously murdered by this woman.
Felt : "You… Bitch! Do you realize what you did?! You killed me last and only family!"
Jens : "F––Felt don't…"
Trying to calm her down, he simply stuttered. He was terrified once again. Nathan died, Angel died, and Emilia might be dead as well. Once again, he was destined to die, again–––– No, that can't be right. Emilia is probably alive, and as long he could save Felt, and defeat this psycho, he would be more than happy… But still,
Felt : "You killed Nathan! He was my only friend, and the only family I ever had! You… You are a fucking psychopath! A maniac…! I get it… It has been settled. You'll die right here. In my hands, you'll plea for your last breath. Yes–– I'll fucking kill you!"
Elsa : "Aren't you prideful of yourself? Saying such naughty words to a woman like me, aren't you afraid? Terrified? Scared? Either way, you should be. You talk big for being such a small child."
Right when Elsa spoke out her last sentence, Jens lost control of his anger. Pressing his feet against the solid ground, he dashed forward and with a sinuous gesture, he swung his blade. The edge of his steel blade collided with one of Elsa's knives. He aimed for her shoulder, but even then…
––A Greatsword was blocked by a knife.
Elsa : "Aren't you handsome. I have never fought against such a cute man."
Jens : "Shut up already! Consider regretting it!"
As the two steel edges of their weapons collided with each other, Jens extended his leg and kicked Elsa in the stomach, launching her a few feet back. Instantly, he grabbed the crimson colored Mana Stone and threw it towards her feet.
The crimson Mana Stone collided with the hard surface of the ground, causing it to shatter in a thousand pieces. As the impact was greater than he had anticipated for, the Mana residing within the Mana Stone created a massive explosion. Due to the great explosion, the entire alley was covered in fog.
Felt : "Jens! Where are you!?"
Within the fog of war, Felt was calling out his name, demanding some sort of response from him.
While his consciousness was shaken due to great power residing within the Mana Stone, he was slowly recovering. His vision wasn't as clear as it used to be, but a silhouette was approaching him. Just a few seconds after hands were placed on his shoulders, he realized that it was Felt.
A couple of seconds later, the fog disappeared and Jens appeared with Elsa gone. Jens walked towards Felt as his left arm was entirely burned. Jens fell to his knees and then right on his face.
Jens : "Ruaagh!"
As Felt tried to drag Jens out of the fog of war, Jens screamed in total agony. As he was still in a great shock, his burned limbs and part of his face went unnoticed until then. Being in such, unimaginable pain, he pushed Felt away from him and landed with his back on the ground.
Felt : "Oh fuck! Shit! Please, hang on! Wait right here, I'll find some help!"
Jens : "Run…"
In pain, he crawled towards a house to lean on. Felt followed him while still looking around her. Elsa Granhiert had to be somewhere near, thus she had to be on her guard.
Felt : "Shut the fuck up! I ain't leavin' ya here! Give me the other Mana Stone… Please! Jens!"
He extended his arm, and dropped the cerulean colored crystal on the ground. Hurriedly, Felt grabbed the Mana Stone and threw it at the ground. As it broke, a circle of bright blue was made. Then, the serious wounds of Jens were starting to fade. The cerulean colored crystal most likely held the element of Water, which was meant to heal. As soon as the agonizing pain stopped, he breathed in exhaustion.
––But, the bright blue circle which was formed wasn't just healing. It was clearly telling others that there was someone. Thus,
? : "You know. It's really unlucky. The deal we made was far better than any you would ever get. Yet, you disobeyed. You're such a worthless brat."
Turning around in shock, Felt saw Elsa Granhiert standing a few meters away from her. Her entire body was covered in blood. Her eyes though, were filled with excitement.
Elsa : "Return me the Insignia, and I'll leave you two to live your meaningless lives until you meet with your pitiful demise. How's that?"
Felt : "––––"
Elsa : "Did I say something wrong? Or are you simply acting cool? You do realize that now isn't the right moment to act like a super-hero, right? If you won't do as I say, you and your worthless friend will die. Isn't that clear enough?"
Felt : "Tch! Fuck you psycho!"
Pressing her entire weight against the ground, she spat on the ground and dashed forward with hyper-sonic speed–– Actually, she became one with the wind. A human eye couldn't physically perceive such phenomenal speed. Like last time, Felt activated her Divine Protection, and left all her doubts behind with a single dash.
––But, this time was different.
A huge hurricane was formed a few hundred meters on the fight's right. The weather started to alter from it's original state. It was as if Felt's dash had completely changed the state of nature.
Felt : "Hiyaaaaaagh!"
The girl who disappeared in thin air appeared right behind Elsa. While still floating mid-air, the girl with hair golden and eyes crimson, she swung her blade heroically, as if trying to pass down judgement, and successfully sliced of Elsa's right arm.
Elsa : "Huaghh!"
Felt : "Raaaaaaagh!"
However, while still floating, Felt used the momentum her body had that instant to go for an execution. Landing on her feet, she jumped again, and with a horizontal gesture, swung her blade. Though…
––The steel edge of Felt's blade collided with Elsa's white teeth. Elsa Granhiert blocked that attack with her teeth.
Felt : "H-Heh!?"
Jens : "Get out of there Felt!"
Immediately, making a few somersaults back, Felt extended the distance between her and Elsa Granhiert. Though, she had lost her weapon due to Elsa's teeth being unexpectedly steady.
"––H-How did she do that? She just caught a blade with her teeth… That's… Inhuman. Yes, whatever this woman is, she isn't human no more. No, perhaps she never was a woman. This fucking thing… It is a murderer with violent intentions of slaughtering whatever she wants. This… is how we're gonne die?"
Felt : "You are not human anymore. You're beyond crazy."
Elsa : "Crazy? I don't think that's the right to describe me, is it? I'm simply very dedicated to fulfill my ordered job perfectly. I think that's about it. My Prince simply wants that Insignia back. If it means the death of you two sorry people, then so be it. That's how a Blood Hunter does her job! I'm the hunter, you're the prey, and my Crazed Prince is the one who's in control of everything! Now, sorry for what I'm about to do, but…"
––The Crazed Prince. Those words echoed within Jens' dull skull as if it had some meaningful meaning behind it.
As the woman explained the situation, Jens started thinking about why "Her Prince", or the Crazed Prince would want that Insignia. He even hired a murderous slaughterer for this affair. It is beyond his understanding. Why would one want an Insignia that bad? Frivolously slaughtering innocent people just for a badge…
Felt : "I don't fuckin' care 'bout your Prince you hear me? You killed Nathan! You killed Angel! Now you'll fuckin' pay!"
Elsa : "Are we being heroic now? I have to suggest you to stop talking with that big mouth of yours, or else I'll have to cut off your tongue as well."
Felt : "Look who's talking. You're the one with only one arm left!"
Blood streamed out of her shoulder while listening to Felt's malicious words. Elsa Granhiert, who just lost her right arm, wasn't even troubled by that. She simply continued to fight. As if her life was dedicated to just this.
––Murdering. Slaughtering. Killing. Assassination. Eliminating. Executing.
This woman… Whatever she may be, whatever may have happened to her, must die.
Elsa : "You mean this? You do know it doesn't even hurt, right? I'm a Vampire after all."
––Just what Jens was thinking. She was indeed no Human. She was a "Vampire". However, this did not give him any clue whatever that meant. From what he knew, Vampires are those who survive by devouring blood. However, they're also known for being effected by sunlight, which wasn't the case. Was she a special kind of Vampire? Or perhaps Vampires had a different kind of meaning in this world. Either way––
Jens : "Felt! Now!"
With all his power, he raised his body and pressed his feet against the ground. Thus, he dashed forward with his optimum speed. He affirmed the grip surrounding the hilt of his blade, and aimed for the woman who slaughtered Nathan.
Felt : "On it!"
Then, like a hypersonic flash, Felt dashed forward. A miraculous gust caused Jens to be pushed back. Felt's speed was beyond human, perhaps even beyond light.
Elsa : "My children please."
As she dashed forward, she appeared right next to Elsa. Then, with a sinuous gesture, she swung her blade. However––
Elsa : "BEHAVE!"
The Vampire lowered her body, and successfully dodged Felt's strike. Then, with a single swing of the wrist, Elsa sliced Felt in two parts. The girl's lower body collapsed to the ground while her upper body was send flying. Just like that, the entire street was covered by crimson blood. A fountain of blood covered both Elsa, Jens and Felt's corpse with blood.
Jens : "This… can't be. You…"
Elsa : "How sad. Don't underestimate me, please. I'm not going to lie, it was quite a heroic decision of yours to attack me while having only one arm. Still, you're just a coward."
Jens : "Shut up!"
Tears streamed down to his chin as his eyes were filled with tears. His legs were shaking, his heart was trembling, and his head ached. Jens was terrified of whatever stood in front of him. Yet, he had the courage to keep his blade in his hands.
Elsa : "Hm? Why are you acting like that? Did I say something wrong? Are you telling me I said something which is false? Because, you really are a coward. Not being able to fight while making people fight for you. It's really disgusting."
As a smile was formed on her disturbing face, her purple pupils enlarged. Then, she grabbed one of her Knives which was stuck in Felt's corpse. She moved her gaze at Jens and then––
Elsa : "It's getting quite late, you know? I already have my Insignia, but you misbehaved. That deserves a punishment, don't you think?"
––A burning sensation, that's what Jens felt out of nowhere. As he looked down, he was stabbed in the back, and the knife's blade made it through his stomach. A bleeding hole was made right in Jens' belly.
He was looking at Elsa Granhiert, who stood in front of him. She didn't move what so ever, yet he was stabbed. As his head was shaking, he slowly turned around, and another Elsa was standing there. The exact same woman stood there. This had to be some kind of power which Jens wasn't familiar with. However,
Jens : "Ruaaagh!"
He collapsed and fell on his side. Blood started to stream out of his wound faster and faster with each breath he tried to take.
"Fuck. Fuck. Fuck! No. This cannot be! I'm…. going to die. I can't feel my fingers. I can't feel my legs. I'm getting cold… But my stomach still burns… Fuck. No.. I'm.. Afraid… Fuck Fuck Fuck! Is this how I'm going to die again? No… Please, tell me Emilia is still alive… please!"
Suddenly, the woman behind him disappeared and the Elsa Granhiert which he was initially gazing upon made a move. She approached the collapsed young man and crouched. She lifted his shirt and stared at his insides.
Elsa : "Oh my god. Your blood, it really does have unique colors! Just as I expected, you really are special."
Jens : "Go... to hell... bitch!"
With all his power left, he spat blood in Elsa's face. With disgust scarred on her face, along with dripping blood which was spat on her just now, Elsa turned her gaze at Jens' face with total disgust.
Elsa : "Ugh… The stories were true after all. Such arrogance. That aside, I have more to do than wasting my time with a dying idiot. I'll retrieve the Insignia to my Lord, and kill––"
However, as Elsa talked to Jens who was at the brink of life and death, his eyes closed slowly. Not being able to hear the end of Elsa Granhiert's sentence…
The young man, Jens… Lost his life.
