We made our way towards a nearby town. It was still raining when we left the shore. Slowly, the responsibility of taking care of this girl that I just met is sinking in. She's my companion now, huh? "You hungry?" I asked as she closely followed me. "A-A little, master …" Yuno replied as she held onto my crimson scarf, which was wrapped around her neck. "Master? You don't need to use those kinds of things when you're addressing me. As much as possible, treat me as an equal, as your fellow companion." I commented as we entered the town. The town is pretty quiet compared to the previous town I went to. I could only see a number of people inside the town. Odd, but maybe it's because of the rain? "But … yo-" "No buts, Yuno. Come on. Try it." I said as I stopped and looked at her with smile. "T-Toshiro …" She nervously muttered my name. "See? You could do it too! Come on. We have to get inside an inn before you get sick." I said as took her by the hand and dragged her towards a nearby inn.
The town's inn is pretty decent, if you ask me. The room rates are quite cheap. 5 silver coins per night, and that comes with 2 meals? That's pretty okay if you ask me. After setting in inside our rented room, I quickly went out and searched for a nearby clothing store. Luckily, I managed to find one. I then bought some clothes that Yuno could use, which were a white tunic, brown pants, and leather boots, though the boots were knee-high only. This will do for now. I can't let her walk around wearing those tattered clothes of hers. Also, we should drop by the town's forge or blacksmith to buy her equipment.
After Yuno changed into her new clothes, we then went down to the inn's fireplace. Odd. I don't see any travelers other than us. I made her sit down in front of the fireplace. "Warm yourself. I'll go get our food." I said as I turned around and approached the innkeeper. As the innkeeper ordered the inn's waitress to ready our meal, I then took the opportunity to ask for some information. "Is your business doing well? I don't see any travelers around that much." I asked him as I kept a close eye on Yuno, who was busy warming herself up by the fire. "Not at all, sir. The town is going under actually. Travelers are stirring away since there's a den of minotaurs by the forest." The innkeeper replied with a deep sigh. Hm. Those horned beasts are quite easy for me to handle. Well, maybe it's because I'm a demi-god after all. I might as help Yuno get some experience in fighting. "Minotaurs? That sounds good enough. I'll talk to the village chief tomorrow. I'll do something about it." I said as I smiled at him. "A-Are you sure, sir?! Thank you!" He happily said as he shook my hand.
After eating our dinner, we then retired to our rented room. Yuno was sitting idly in front of me as I polished my oversized sword with a whetstone. "We're going to stay here for a while, alright?" I said as the sound of a blade being sharpened echoed inside the wooden room. She gave me an affirmative nod as she watched me closely. After some minutes, I placed my sword aside and took off my black armor. I noticed a flustered look on Yuno's face as I took off my black chest plate. "I'm wearing something underneath, you know." I said with a chuckle as I set aside my armor and sat in front of her. "Uh. Try this. I got this when I took out a bandit camp a while ago." I said as I hand her a steel-forged dagger. "A dagger …?" Yuno mumbled as she took the dagger from my hands. "Yeah. It's pretty light, though you can't cut deep with that." I commented as she gave the dagger a try. I watched her do some swings as her swaying pink hair caught my attention.
"So, how is it?" I asked her as she stopped and placed the dagger aside. "It's pretty light. Uh … I don't have proper training though." Yuno replied. "Well, that's why I'm here. By the way, are you okay now? Do you remember anything that happened to you before I met you?" I asked her once again. For a while, she stared blankly at the wooden-planks flooring. She looked like she's trying her best to remember something, but to no avail. She shakes her head with a pained look on her face. Hm. She's sorta like me, a person who can't remember something important. She might remember in our travels, so there's no point in interrogating her like this. "I see. Alright. Get some rest." I said as I smiled at her and blew at the candle.
After a few minutes into my sleep, I sudden felt something tapping my shoulder. I slowly opened my eyes and turned around. Behind me, was Yuno. The room was dark, and I couldn't get a good look on her face. "Hm? What's wrong?" I asked her as I tried my best to shake off my drowsiness. Now my hearing slowly cleared up, I suddenly realized that she was crying. Ah. I could understand why she woke me up. "Come here." I said as I sat up and opened my arms. Without hesitating, she leaped into my arms. I could feel her tears seeping into my black shirt. I embraced her as her muffled cries echoed inside the room. "Shh … I'm here now … I told you, didn't I? I'll be by your side till the very end." I said as I tried my best to comfort her. After some while, she finally stopped crying. As she fell asleep in my arms, I can't help but to feel sleepy as my drowsiness slowly took over me. As I slowly closed my eyes, I can't help but to feel something.
Why does this feel like I've been here before? That I comforted someone like this?
I could feel my sweat trickling down as the bright afternoon sun shone above us. I wiped away my sweat as my companion, Yuno, was trying to catch her breath. "That was a good practice. You're improving," I said as I handed her a cloth towel. "Though, you're still rough in some edges. Don't panic whenever you're in the zone. One moment of hesitation could lead to your death." I said as she sat down in front of me. "I-I can't help it. You were being too rough! I thought you were training me, but it felt like you were going kill me!" Yuno annoyingly remarked as she wiped away her sweat. "Geez. Of course I have to. Also, I was just playing around earlier. Heh. Is my aura that scary?" I said with a chuckle as I sat down beside her.
It's been 2 weeks ever since we arrived here in Knowell Village. After sorting things out and accepting the village chief's quest, I began training Yuno. As expected, she's pretty efficient with light armor, double daggers, and a bow. Since she has a slight average frame, she's quicker in her feet than a usual person would. She's like a scout or a ranger. I could see why Thanatos asked me to take her in. She really has the potential. There are times I have to get serious and try to avoid her attacks. I taught her to fight all the time with intent to kill or disable your opponent. Not to mention, she's a very fast learner. It's like she's improving after every single practice session.
"We really need to get you a teacher. I'm not even sure if I'm properly teaching you." I said as I placed our practice blades into their scabbards. "I don't need one. You're teaching me the fundamentals and basics, so you're doing well! Also, we don't need to spend money on those things." Yuno annoyingly replied as she adjusts her short bow. Well, she has a point. Since we're spending money every day, I should start being thrifty. Though I could get some few copper coins by helping the townsfolk with their duties, it's not enough to compensate the amount of money we lose every day. I did some contracts and quests before I met her, so we still have some money that could last for a year, but that depends on how we spend our money.
After our training, we then head to the nearby stream to wash ourselves. "Ugh. I feel sticky." Yuno remarked as she took off her armor and placed it aside neatly. Come to think of it, ever since our first night together, she slowly opened herself to me. She became a nagging girl, but I don't mind it. I'm glad that I could see a genuine smile in her face every now and then. As Yuno sat down by the stream, I then took off my shirt and did the same. "It's a bit cold." She remarked as I sat down beside her. "Yeah. Warm yourself once we get back." I said as I washed my body. "Got it. Hm. Toshiro? Don't you get colds or anything? You're a demi-god after all." She curiously asked me. "Hm. As a demi-god, I'm immune to diseases that could harm mortals. That aside, I'm susceptible to curses or omens that came from gods." I replied. "Ah. It's pretty advantageous being a demi-god then." She remarked as she playfully splashed some water towards me.
"Well, yeah. Though I'm considered as a demi-god due to the ritual that my lord did, I don't have any superhuman strength or endurance. Well, probably since his power at that time was really dwindling, but other than my resistance to diseases, the power of immortality in some degree, and the power to wield that oversized sword and black armor of his, I'm still living like a human." I stated as I washed my face. "Oh. So even you're a demi-god, you're really different to Hercules." Yuno said with a giggle. "Of course. He was born as a demi-god, while I was turned into one. There's a vast difference with those two." I remarked with a sigh. That aside, since I've become an avatar for an old god, that makes me an enemy of Olympus, right? Also, I haven't received any new orders from my lord. Hm. It's oddly quiet, huh.
After drying ourselves, we then went back to the inn. We ate our meals and retired ourselves in our rented room. As I polished my black armor, Yuno was sitting down behind me. As usual, she was waiting for me to finish. "Are you done checking your equipment?" I asked her as I felt her head resting on my back. I felt a nod from her. Hm. She's really sleepy, huh? I quickly finished polishing my equipment and placed it aside. "You really need to start sleeping in your bed, you know. We're not paying for one bed for us, and one bed for our equipment." I complained as we lied down beside each other. I can't help but to let out a deep sigh as she rests her head against my chest. Tsh. She's not listening. "Goodnight, Toshiro …" Yuno muttered as she wrapped her arms around my back. Geez. She's really clingy. "Give me a break …" I said as I blew candle and closed my eyes.
As the morning sun shone above us, we went slowly went inside the Knowell Forest. Today is the day we get rid of this minotaur infestation. "Remember what I told you, alright? Stay at the back and hammer them with arrows. If one manages to slip past me, switch to your blades." I reminded her as we cautiously walked underneath the shade of the trees. "Y-Yeah. Got it." Yuno said as she held her bow at the ready. Though we already killed some wolves, I'm pretty sure Yuno's really nervous on this one. After a few minutes, we finally had our first encounter. A minotaur suddenly appeared beside us. Wielding its axe, it charged in towards us. I gave Yuno a gesture and charged in. I took out my oversized blade and clashed with the minotaur. I should let Yuno kill this one so that she could get used to this.
"Yuno! Head's up!" I said as I blocked the horned beast's attacks. With one swift motion, I managed to break its guard. With one clean upward slash, I managed to slash away one of its arms. I narrowly avoided Yuno's barrage of arrows as I quickly stepped back. Four arrows quickly pierced the beast, which made it roar in pain. "Shit. That'll probably alert the rest of them. Finish it! Quick!" I shouted. Without hesitating, Yuno quickly pulled out her blades and charged in. The beast desperately tried to defend itself, but with a wide miss, Yuno swiftly took the opportunity to slash its neck. Its lifelessly body tumbled down. "Not bad. Don't aim for my head, alright." I said as I took out the arrows from the beast's corpse. "S-Sorry! I didn't mean to!" Yuno frantically apologized. "Pft. Don't worry about it. I just have to keep up with your tempo then. Anyway, we'll come back for its horns. Right now, we have company incoming." I remarked as the sound of the approaching hooves became louder.
One by one, the minotaurs fell in our hands. Surprisingly, though it's her first time actually fighting these kinds of monsters, Yuno's doing well. Her barrage of arrows is keeping them at bay while I easily slash them down. Finally, we reached their den. We swiftly took out the remaining minotaurs at the entrance. "Phew. That was a good workout. I think that's all." I said as I sat down on top of one of the corpses. "Y-Yeah. You really didn't let them get pass you, Toshiro. Your guard was impeccable." Yuno commented as she salvaged her arrows from the corpses. After letting a deep breath, I then approached the entrance. As I slowly approached the dark entrance with my oversized sword on my shoulder, the stench of the lair of the beasts entered my nose. Ugh. It reeks. As I stared at the darkness, I suddenly felt a presence inside. Though it was dark, I could see a figure of a woman at the darkness, waiting for me. "Huh?" I said to myself as I took a step towards the figure.
Before I could move even further, I suddenly felt the ground shaking. Hm? Something big is coming. This might be the alpha of the minotaurs. "Yuno! Get ready!" I shouted as I looked back at her. To my surprise, I saw an expression of fear in her eyes as pointed her shaking finger towards me. Shit. I dropped my guard. I slowly turned my head. Before I could get a glimpse of the beast, a sudden uppercut sent me flying. The impact itself made a mess in my senses. I felt my stomach burning in pain as I crashed at a nearby tree. "Toshiro!" Yuno shouted as she sprinted towards me. As I slowly regained my senses, I could see a 10 feet tall horned beast coming out from the den of the minotaurs. It let out a loud roar as it slammed its great-axe on the ground. Shit. That's a great minotaur! What the hell is it doing here?! I've heard stories that it took out a band of experienced adventurers! I might probably die if I fight it, but I have no choice! Yuno will not survive this! I have to get her out of here!
"Toshiro! Are you okay?!" Yuno worryingly asked me as she helped me stand up. Before I could even regain my balance, the great minotaur started to prepare its charge. "Yuno! Run! Now!" I said as I pushed her away from me and charged towards the large beast. To answer my attack, the beast started its charge towards us. I could feel the ground trembling as our blades clashed. Ugh! Fuck! It's strong! The impact made me reel backwards. I quickly jumped sideways as I narrowly evaded its attack. Suddenly, an arrow pierced its chest. It furiously looked at Yuno as she shakenly stood still. "Yuno! What are you doing!?" I frantically shouted as the great beast slowly approached her. Fuck! She's not responding! I quickly dashed towards the minotaur. With one loud roar, I slashed one its legs. It let out a roar of its own as it angrily smacked me with its back fist. Blood spewed out from my mouth as I tumbled backwards. Fuck. That felt like I broke a rib. "T-Toshiro! Look out!" Yuno frantically shouted as I noticed the looming shadow in front of me.
CLANG!
I could feel my body shaking as I blocked the attacks of the great beast. I could see the look of rage in its eyes as it kept me under pressure. I can't keep this up forever. Sooner or later, my body or my sword will break. I have to get out of this! With one quick parry, I managed to get an opening. Suddenly, another punch landed on me. I endured the pain and swung my blade with all of my might. Its blood splattered across the ground as I managed to land a slash on one of its arms. In retaliation, it swung its great axe towards me. I don't have time to evade that! I have to block it! Though I managed to block it, the impact itself sent me flying towards some rocks. I could feel my adrenaline surging throughout my body, trying to dull my pain. I shakenly tried to stand up, but my body refuses. Fuck. I have to die. Whenever I die, my body enters this coma state. All of wounds slowly heal, but in return, as I regain my consciousness, I lose some of memories. I … I have to.
The great minotaur slowly approached me with its great axe in its hands. I could sense the looming death approaching me as its shadow covered me. Tsh. This will hurt, a lot. I could only close my eyes as I waited my death. What will I forget this time around? Will I forget my childhood, my parents, or my town? Will I forget my lord? Will I forget … Yuno and our time together? Beats me, I have to wait to find out …
Toshiiiiiii!
Wait. That voice! I quickly opened my eyes. To my utter surprise, the great minotaur was getting pressured by a swift pink-haired girl. Her attacks were so swift that the minotaur couldn't retaliate. Her daggers, though were not cutting that deep, are staggering the horned beast. It was like this pink haired girl entered a trance where her limits were temporarily shut down. "Yuno!" I shouted as the minotaur stumbled backwards. She didn't respond to my calls, and continued her onslaught. Tch. I know she's fending off the great beast, but that won't be enough to end this fight! With one small opening, that beast could kill her! Tch. I have to stand up. I forced my body to stand up. I just need one opening, and I could end this fight.
As Yuno saw me standing up, it's like her trance ended. "Toshii!" Yuno cried out as she ran towards me with a look of relief on her face. Shit. She dropped her guard! As soon she turned her attention towards me, the minotaur quickly seized the opportunity and recklessly swung its great axe towards her. I won't make it! "Look out!" I shouted as I sprinted towards her. I could sense it. She's going to die. At that moment, everything was slowing down. It's like time itself slowed down for me. I could faintly feel someone behind me as my eyes were left wide open. It was like someone was embracing me from behind.
Time, has stopped. Let's see if you really are the prophesied one.
Shivers went down to my spine as an eerie voice whispered those words into my ear. Slowly, I could sense that the flow of time is slowly returning. Shaking off the pain and that eerie voice, I continued my sprint towards Yuno. As I noticed the flow of time rerturning to its normal state, I quickly pushed her aside. Time flows once more and I blocked the minotaur's swing with all of my might. "T-Toshii …?" Yuno muttered as my sudden appearance in front of her left her stunned. As the minotaur's arm reeled backwards, I quickly jumped towards it. With one great roar and mighty swing, I smashed through the minotaur's skull. The impact from my swing parted its head wide open. Finally, its body fell down, lifeless.
I could feel my body shaking as I tried to catch my breath. "Give me a break …" I muttered as I let out a deep and exhausted sigh. Suddenly, Yuno ran towards me and wrapped her arms around me. "O-Oi! Le-" "Toshii! I thought you'd die! I was so scared!" Yuno cried out as I noticed the tears in her eyes. "It's alright … I'll just lose some memories but I'll be back …" I said with some groans. "I don't want that! I don't want you to lose your memories!" She frantically cried out. "I … I don't want you to forget me! I don't want you … to forget our promise! I … don't want … to lose you! Please! Stay by my side! Don't leave me!" She cried out as I felt her body shaking. Geez. She's really worried about that, huh. Well, she has a point. Who'll take care of her when I forget her? I'll probably ignore her and leave her if I lose my memories about her. It's … it's for the best that I stay alive, huh? "No more suicide attacks for me then …" I mumbled as I wrapped one of my arms around her. Geez. This girl won't let me catch a break, huh? That aside, who was the voice earlier? It was her froze time, thus allowing to kill the great minotaur. Was she, a god? An old god perhaps? Tch. Sooner or later, she'll be back. I'll get my answers by then.