Hello people, and welcome back to Goblin Slayer: The Team. With that goblin army out of the way, there's only one thing left to do, and that's wrap up the tribute to Fighter she oh-so-richly deserves in a nice, pink little bow...and a few other things.
Review response: One would think that Goblin Slayer having a duel with Ranger would be a big freaking deal, or Ranger nearly burning to death, which FYI...is absolutely nothing to laugh at. I was expecting someone to say "Holy shit! I didn't see that coming!" or something like that but...no. WTF?
Also FYI, the Avengers theme went through my head when I had GS and company take on that goblin paladin starting, when Warrior threw his hammer; Warrior's hammer moments were a direct reference to the scene where Thor goes "Bring me Thanos!" in Infinity War, and I couldn't not pay tribute to that moment. Now...I think goblins becoming paladins is something their champions do after pledging themselves to the god of wisdom, or at least something seriously religious.
As for Revenant? Kudos to Ranger indeed; the man was practically shitting his pants over Revenant's power, but he still took a stand...that's fortitude right there. Fighter isn't much worse for taking her own stand; Ranger shit himself even more at the thought of Revenant possibly ripping her soul out of spite. Obviously I wasn't going to have that happen; that would be EXTREMELY disrespectful to anyone reading this.
Now...Revenant himself took a massive arrow through the chest and didn't care; why would a sword through his back bother him, especially since he cannot feel ANYTHING, not even the texture of his clothes or the temperature of the air? His fight with the goblin high priest is certainly a good last stand for him if I say so myself. His passing on to the next life is good icing on the cake in the same context. By the way, how's the idea of goblins getting mauled by zombie goblins? Bet that satisfied some people eh?
As for Sword Maiden and Revenants? I don't know, Revenants might be indirectly in-league with the Supreme God, but I doubt she'd be o.k. with a bunch of walking dead guys in her home, even if they were there to give her a hand. Although her using the Supreme's power to help against the goblins, or other threats for that matter could be possible. Hell, the Temple of Law itself might become a conduit for the Supreme's power that the Archbishop, Sword Maiden or otherwise could use to cast miracles like Empower from afar. Might be alittle OP but it has potential. That shortening of the goblins' lifespan was a complete shoo-in; those ideas you gave me Engineer had potential, but when I asked myself "how can I make this even better?" and that's what I came up with.
The Death and War Gods being brothers is a Four Horseman reference in case anyone didn't notice; in the game Darksiders, Death is the oldest and War is the youngest of the 4 horsemen. I don't understand why the replaced Pestilence and Famine with Fury and Strife, but whatever.
I can absolutely see the adventurers turning the place inside out looking for goblins to get the best payday. It's both logical, and in-character for them. Jeez, if that gold-for-goblins rule becomes normal, then the guild who go bankrupt before they know it. But if enough people bring in the dough from hunting, selling, and maybe treasure-hunting, I guess it could work out. With not one, but two goblin leaders defeated, and a whole legion dead, the goblins are probably going to have a bitch of a time getting back on their feet.
Now...Engineer? Not to get personal, but why do you keep calling him "Remnant"? A Revenant is basically a suped-up zombie, whereas a remnant is something that remains.
After the goblin corpses were burned enough, Storm Mage summoned a minor rainstorm to extinguish the flames, and even to help wash off the blood soaking most of the army's armor and weapons. The fresh smell of the rain also filled the team's lungs, a sharp and welcome contrast to the smell of goblin blood, intestines, and death, and the small rainbow spotted in the distance was practically a sign from the gods that this battle was the end of a nightmare. The rain was even gracious enough to begin the first step in washing the team's hair, which also had more blood and grime in it than it had a right to have.
"Priestess? What happened to the goblin lord?" Warrior asked.
"Well...Goblin Slayer was still fighting him when I got there, but...then the goblin lord started stomping on his head." Priestess said which alarmed the team. "Then I used the miracle of Protection to trap the goblin lord-"
"Wait...you trapped him?" Fighter asked impressed.
"Yes, from the front and back." Priestess continued. "Then he promised to leave and never hurt someone again, of course, Goblin Slayer didn't believe him, and why would he? We've seen so many of the goblins' actions that the idea of them becoming peaceful was unthinkable. So he stood up and put his broken sword in his throat."
"Damn, messed up death for a messed up creature." Wizard said.
"Anyway, you helped defeat a goblin lord, who was apparently tough enough to defeat Goblin Slayer of all people. That's quite a feat." Ranger said. "I wonder what the Revenant had before his death?"
" He said he has everything someone could want" Fighter said. "Well...there's wealth, family, friends...love itself. Who knows what else?"
"And now it's his again." Ranger said softly "Supreme willing." Storm Mage then showed up with Cow Girl bracing him. "How are your ribs?"
"I'm still in no shape to fight, but at least I can move without too much trouble." Storm Mage said before yawning. "I could sure use some sleep..."
"We all could." Wizard said before breathing deeply. "This is probably the most insane night I've ever had."
"Probably?" Warrior teased.
"Oh shut it." Wizard playfully snapped and a few people either snickers or head shakes from the people around them.
"Anyway, thank you all for helping save this farm...and us." Cow Girl said warmly.
"That's what we do." Warrior said. It was clear he was attracted to her for...obvious reasons, but hey, Wizard resembled her enough.
"And we are going to help repair this place, once we rest enough." Ranger said.
"Of course. Here's hoping the life potions you left will help Goblin Slayer heal faster." Cow Girl said as she looked back at the house she left him.
"My good miss, if they work as well for him as they are for me, he'll be fine." Storm Mage said to her.
"I guess so." Cow Girl said more cheerily as her uncle brought Ranger's horse with him.
"My horse!" Ranger exclaimed as he rushed to it and it neighed at him as he embraced it's head which was somewhat returned. "How are you?"
"Your horse is fine." Cow Girl's uncle said.
"Sorry we didn't get to use your armor to it's fullest potential." Ranger said to his horse. "But maybe we will someday."
"First, let's get it attached to that cart and get out of here." Warrior said as he yawned. "I have some z's to catch..."
"Don't we all." Fighter said while breathing deeply.
"Can I ride with you?" Storm Mage asked. " I came on foot, and...well, my ribs."
"By all means." Ranger said as they went to get the disassembled cart, and after a ton of help from the others, the team was off and some of the team fell asleep before getting halfway back to town...but Storm Mage was not one of them. "Storm Mage? What exactly does that mark represent?"
"The Mark of the War God? Well, like I said before, it's given to people to devote their lives to fighting a righteous fight." Storm Mage said. "On one hand, I do not worship the War God, but on the other, I agree with his teachings and I have an above-average knowledge of his ways. Wait...do you want a mark yourself?"
"I was...thinking about it before, but now I am seriously thinking about it." Ranger said.
"Ranger...I heard the stories of how you and your team-" Ranger cuts him off.
"I'm not going to actually do so unless I know what his teachings are." Ranger said seriously. "Let alone what the benefits are."
"Well...for starters, the War God teaches facing your foes, or any obstacle for that matter, by being shrewd, ambitious, and above all, dignified." Storm Mage said. "If your foe deserves respect, give them all they deserve, but not more or less. These goblins of course deserved all the dignity they got during our battle; I've seen you and that Fighter girl discard the bodies of your kills like they were trash, which is something the War God would not disapprove of in this case. But should you treat a foe who has not crossed any serious lines, he would likely curse the air in your lungs."
"I see...what about those 3 demon hunters?" Ranger asked.
"They follow the War God because that is their lives; each of them has a past marred by war in one form or another. Mostly likely regarding the very demons they hunt." Storm Mage said. "I myself...well, my brother Summoner recruited me on several demon hunts, and I cannot say I am against the idea of the demons being on the same level as the goblins, as hard as it may be to believe."
"May I ask why you don't follow the War God directly?" Ranger asked.
"Because...well, it's not as easy as just devoting yourself to him." Storm Mage said with difficulty. "There's a reason why he has so few followers; even the army itself has almost no one devoted to him."
"Which is?" Ranger asked with caution.
"The Demand." Storm Mage said seriously. "That's really what it's called, the Demand. The War God doesn't just want his followers to live by his code, he dogmatically insists they do, and since, as we all know, not everyone can handle that kind of devotion, even to a noble cause, it's no wonder not everyone wants to follow him. Although, the only people that follow him are those marred by war, or those practically bred for war."
"And the Love Goddess?" Ranger asked softly but seriously.
"Ah...the only other deity the War God can get along with unconditionally." Storm Mage said amused. "It's said that all is fair in love and war, and those two personify that phrase. Only her marriage to the War God was able to stifle his grip over the other gods in the game they continue to play; if it wasn't for her calming the War God in the only way he could be calmed, the world probably would've ended long ago. Take a wild guess how she calmed his rage and ambition..."
"I see..." Ranger said thoughtfully. He and Fighter playfully drew parallels between the divine couple and themselves while they were in bed, but now it was both more fitting than he thought...and more touchy. "What does she preach?"
"Aside from the usual things people tell each other about love, she also has the idea of beauty being a gift to give to the person whom one treasures, especially when it involves a wife and her husband." Storm Mage said. "Beauty is a gift regardless mind you, but as a wise man said: look but don't touch, unless you love each other, then do lots of touching." Ranger couldn't help but laugh at that; it was both true, and fitting given his and Fighter's "antics".
"What are the perks the War God gives his followers?" He asked seriously.
"Knowledge of how to fight in ways that are virtually alien to the average person for one thing." Storm Mage said with a raised eyebrow. "But also the different ways to win a battle, including ending it before it starts, or breaking your foe's spirit, not all of which are noble."
"Wait, he preaches honor, but gives you knowledge of how to win dishonorably?" Ranger asked but thought about it. "Then again...you have to know what to avoid so you can avoid it."
"Precisely." Storm Mage said. "On occasion, the War God grants miracles and even new equipment to his most devote worshipers."
"What miracles?" Ranger said as he turned to look at him for once.
"Army of One does...well what it sounds like, there's also Empower like the Supreme's followers, and there's also the Smith miracle which lets you create new weapons and armor on-the-spot." Storm Mage said.
"Jeez...does the Love Goddess give miracles?" Ranger asked with pure curiosity.
"I suppose, but I can't see them being useful other than improving your sex life, marriage, or relationships with others." Storm Mage said honestly.
"Oh well. Do any men follow the Love Goddess or are they all women?" Ranger asked.
"Hmmm...I did encounter a sect of women who follow the Love Goddess, but no men, plus I never asked." Storm Mage said. "Although between you and me...those ladies know how to show a man a good time."
"You did not..." Ranger said with an eyebrow raised, to which Storm Mage nodded. "What do you think your future wife would say?"
"I have no intentions of starting a family; my sister is a mother at it is." Storm Mage said casually. "Besides, demon hunting is a full-time job. No matter how many you crush they always come back for more, and having a family will divide your attention."
"What if you trained your children to be able to fight for themselves?" Ranger asked still disgusted with Storm Mage's attitude.
"Look, if you want to start a family and take risks like that, go ahead, but you have no right to judge me for not following the same cause." Storm Mage said.
"Fine...you won't catch me doing that, but you have a point..." Ranger said. "May I ask about the god of wisdom?" Storm Mage then growled at that.
"The god of wisdom..." Storm Mage spat. "He's an insult to his title. I defile every single shrine to him I can find out of sheer habit."
"Why?" Ranger said with alarm.
"He's the one who made the goblins, and the rest of the monsters infesting this world as smart as they are. He might even be the one who twisted the goblins into the fiends they are today, and for what? To get a laugh out of it? To maybe serve the Supreme somehow? Who knows? Who cares? It excuses nothing, and now I have even more reason to not break that habit!" Storm Mage ranted before calming down. "Sorry...don't mind me..." and with that, the cart continued to roll down the road, and the team went home to rest from the all-night slugfest; they were used to fighting goblins at night, but not like this...
When the team went to their rooms, they each went right to finishing what the rain started by cleaning up their armor and bodies, including Ranger and Fighter, the former of whom was soaping the latter's hair after they strip each other nude, except for Ranger's underpants.
"Ranger...?" Fighter said softly while he rinsed her hair with water. "Did you mean what you said to Revenant? About how all our lives matter to you?"
"Why wouldn't I?" Ranger said as he stroked her hair. "Not everyone has a strong sense of honor, but they still have their place in this world. Ones that demand to be taken seriously." He then finished up, kissed her cheek, and knelt so she can wash his hair easier; he wasn't much taller than her afterall, but still. When she was done, he stood up and was about to turn to her...but she stopped him, goaded him to remove his underwear which was alittle wet from the water they used from the buckets, but...it'll dry. Then she started with his back...by rubbing her breasts covered in soap along his back which he was both surprised and aroused by. "Fighter...? What has gotten into you?"
"What?" Fighter asked with lust in her voice. "You said you like me rubbing against you, so I'm rubbing against you. Don't tell me you're complaining."
"How can I?" Ranger said while breathing deeply as she kept working his body with her own, and even shifted from side to side just to tease him when she was done, then soaped his iron chest from behind with her hands, pressing her bosoms into his back again.
"I heard what you said to Storm Mage in the cart." Fighter said with more seriousness while soaping his chest, then his abs. sides, shoulders and arms. "Do you really want the War God's blessing given what you know now?"
"Maybe...I'll have to speak to him more when I get the chance." Ranger said while his heart and lungs worked harder thanks to the pleasure his beloved was gracing him with. "What do you make of what was said?"
"It's sort of fitting that the parallels between us and the divine couple are stronger than we knew." Fighter said seriously, before moving her mouth next to his ear and soaping his hips and eventually his shaft. "Especially since beauty is a gift to the one you love..." Her voice in his ear, and her hand on his manhood made him gasp a bit and then she turned his head and pressed her lips to his and lashed tongues before they separated again and she stopped handling him before she made a mess. "I believe it's my turn..."
"Fighter..." Ranger said lustfully before pressing his lips to hers, then giving several kisses, one after the other, licking her lips as he lashed tongues with her as she held his head and he fondled her buttocks, and she threw some moans into the frenzy of hunger their mouths were in and pressed her bosoms into his chest not wanting the storm of pleasure to end. But all good things must come to and end; the 2 broke their kiss at the same time to catch their breathe, and the warmth of their breath on top of the battle fatigue they nearly forgot about nearly made the two collapse on the bed, but they knew they had to finish washing first. So Ranger grabbed the soap and rubbed it along her arms, shoulders, abs, sides, ass and legs, then got to the breasts she used to treat him with, twisted and pinched her nipples which earned him a predictable gasp of pleasure, then kneaded, weighed, and moved them around with more vigor than her butt for once. "I always tell myself that your ass is what I like most about your figure, and it was for some time, but...these breasts of yours are nothing to treat lightly." He then stopped for a moment. "No part of your body is, hence the Love Goddess' blessing."
"It's a gift my love..." Fighter said softly as her heart and lungs continued to work harder from the excitement. "So is my body's power, and both are available to you, in battle, and at times like this."
"Which I will never stopped being thankful for." Ranger said before kissing her and moving his hands down her body until he gets to her hips...then strokes her opening which makes her gasp. "What? All is fair in love...and war..." She continues gasping and even shifts against him as he handles her and eventually throws her head back and he holds her up to keep her from falling as her legs give out, then he sits down in a small pool of cooled-off water with her in his lap.
"You clearly have the Love Goddess' blessing yourself." Fighter whispered dreamily as Ranger caressed her strong legs.
"These muscles of yours must be the work of the War God; how many women are physically built for a war?" Ranger asked in awe."
"Other than that beast of a women with the axe who helped us against the goblins?" Fighter asked.
"True, if I didn't know better I'd say she was the War God's daughter." Ranger joked which made Fighter smile before they kissed sweetly and deeply. "How do I have the Love Goddess' blessing?"
"How don't you?" Fighter said honestly. "You tell me my muscles are a sight to behold; they don't hold a candle to yours, and...you say my face has a great deal of life in it; yours has the same life. You also made your opinion of the reactions you get pretty clear, well how do you think you get them? And don't say it's from knowledge of physiology."
"Well...it is." Ranger said before Fighter put her hand on his face with a decent amount of force and held it there.
"I just said don't tell me that." Fighter deadpanned which made Ranger snicker at her. "And...you clearly know a gorgeous woman when you see her."
"Someone has a high opinion of herself." Ranger said with a raised eyebrow.
"Only because another someone kept feeding it to the other." Fighter teased. "But on a serious note: even though you were looking at other women, and...it did make me jealous at first...I'm sort of relieved."
"Oh?" Ranger asked giving he a funny look.
"Think about it: How did you feel when I got hit on by those 2 clowns at the weapon shop that day?" Fighter asked.
"Uhhh, that cannot be compared to this." Ranger said "But to answer you: it's a relief to see you can handle yourself without me."
"Well, given how many girls you've encountered, and I'm pretty sure you thought about doing this with them at least once-" Ranger cuts her off.
"No I didn't actually." Ranger said "Yes I can count the number of women I admired, and even the times I did so, but not like this..."
"Which means that you're stuck with me, and no one else." Fighter teased.
"I fail to see why that's a bad thing." Ranger said before kissing her. She had a damn good point; Sword Maiden, Cow Girl, Guild Girl, even Wizard and that Inspector who could see through deception all caught his eye, but only Fighter had his eye, and his heart; there's a reason he wants to marry her and not any of them.
"I remember when I asked about why you hugged that farm girl..." Fighter said as she rested her head on his shoulder and he held her closer.
"Do you remember what I said when you asked why I'm not interested in her?" Ranger asked.
"Technically you mentioned she was "extremely easy to look at", which I can't disagree with, but...you said she is not me." Fighter said which made Ranger touch her face as she looked up at him.
"The same is true for the other women I've seen..." Ranger said seriously. "Afterall, I'm not marrying them." With that Fighter wrapped her arms around her future husband and even placed one of his hands on her breast and goaded him to squeeze it as she sucked on his neck. "It's a shame neither of us drank some of that potion..."
"Ranger...next time we make love...I want it to be without that potion." Fighter said as she looked up at him with a pleading look. "I want a child; I want your child, and I want our child to come into a life worth having."
"That attitude is precisely why you will be an incredible mother." Ranger whispered as he held her face and kissed her deeply. "As if I didn't love you enough..."
"And...I'm sure you will be an equally incredible father; if you raise our child the way you were raised, minus whatever you think held you back, then slap what I have on top of that-" Ranger cuts her off.
"Yeesh...you might as well give the kid a Platinum Rank fresh out of the womb." Ranger joked which made Fighter look at him funny. "Sorry, got carried away...but on a serious note: that is..quite a feast for thought, nevermind food for though."
"Right..." Fighter said as she shook her head, lightly whipping her fiance with her hair, then she brushed his more coarse hair off his shoulder. "We should get some sleep."
"Right..." Ranger said. The 2 somehow forgot how exhausted they were and only cared for satisfying their practically bottomless lust for each other's touch, and even though sex was out of the question...that never stopped them before. He grabbed 2 towels, they dried each other off, then Fighter laid down on top of him, and the shifted a few times, putting the pleasant moisture on each other's skin to use. "Fighter?" she hummed in response. "I don't know why I so this before but...your voice is as lovely as your body."
"So is yours." Fighter said as softly as she could, since she knew how he felt about her voice before they went went to sleep in each other's embrace.
When they woke up, it was almost twilight; they slept only 4 or 5 hours, but it would do for now. They had a victory to celebrate, which was not happening before the team got at least some sleep, they had a promise to keep to the 2 people at the farm the goblins wrecked, and Ranger had to talk to Storm Mage.
"Fighter...Fighter, my love, wake up." Ranger whispered as he lightly shook his fiance who was still on top of him, then she groaned, stirred and shifted a bit, which, while pleasant as always, was unwelcome for once; he had some things to do and didn't want his lust for her distracting him.
"Go back to sleep..." Fighter whispered impatiently.
"I can't, we have some things to do, plus it's going to get dark soon." Ranger said, which made Fighter look up to see what it was like outside.
"I see..." Fighter said which made Ranger snicker.
"You unironically sounded like a female version of Goblin Slayer for a second." Ranger said.
"Oh shut it." Fighter groaned playfully, which made Ranger grope her butt. "Hey!"
"Woke you up didn't I?" Ranger teased, which made Fighter pout at him. "O.k...that look is one I cannot take seriously." Then he kissed her, ignoring the morning taste.
"Ranger...I forgot to ask last night." Fighter said thoughtfully. "Do you think the War God and Love Goddess dislike us comparing ourselves to them?"
"Honestly...I don't know." Ranger said. " If I were the War God, I would either be displeased or flattered with us humans comparing ourselves to a divine couple."
"Here's hoping it's the second one." Fighter said.
"I need to talk to Storm Mage about this..." Ranger said as Fighter let him get up, then she watched him get dressed in his underclothes; his armor needed repairs and he wasn't going on a quest anytime soon so there was no need for it...then he noticed Fighter looking him over. "I have nothing you haven't seen before."
"That never stopped you from looking me over." Fighter teased.
"Good point, but I'm not showing off." Ranger said.
"Good, I don't want you to show off." Fighter said.
"Then I'm glad we agree." Ranger said with mock aggression. "Jeez, we are still tired..." The two laughed at that.
"Hence why we rarely touch expect for...where it counts?" Fighter said as she got up and went to get dressed in her older outfit.
"You mean like this?" Ranger said as her put his hands on her still-naked shoulders. "Or this?" He then slid down her sides to her hips.
"Yes, now please...let me conceal what only you have a right to see so others can see me. O.k?" Fighter said.
"Right..." Ranger said as he went to get his twin swords; just because he didn't have his armor didn't mean he was o.k. being weaponless. Fighter may not mind, but he did; a ranger without a weapon is like a snake without venom.
"May I have my hairband back?" Fighter asked then Ranger gave it back before he could tie his own hair into a high ponytail.
"May I ask why you're going back into your old look?" Ranger asked.
"I...have an idea for what to do later, but I need to give it some thought." Fighter said thoughtfully.
"O.k. if you need anything..." Ranger said as Fighter walked over to him.
"I'll ask." Fighter whispered before putting her hands on his shoulders. "Thanks for offering." She then gave him a lingering kiss, then she watched Ranger leave the room, then he went to the temple to check on the girls rescued from the goblins.
Where he saw Storm Mage at the entrance with clinched fists. Ranger knew the feelings all too well; even though Storm Mage has no doubt seen what demons do to their victims, goblins aren't much better.
"What do you want?" Storm Mage asked Ranger with an edge to his voice.
"I want to ask about the War God." Ranger said seriously.
"I already told you about him." Storm Mage said as he walked away.
"I want to know how to get his blessing." Ranger said which made Storm Mage stop and sigh.
"Do you know what you're asking?" Storm Mage asked. "You have to think hard about this."
"I have; you said those who were bred for war, or those marred by war tend to ask for his blessing. I fit both those bills." Ranger said.
"Come with me..." Storm Mage said as he led Ranger to an alleyway where they could be alone. "Why should I trust that you know what you're getting into?"
"Because me and my team have been through hell, metaphorically, and literally, and we are all perfectly fine." Ranger said.
"What else?" Storm Mage asked as though what he heard was pathetic.
"We've spent the last several months doing nothing but brace for a war with the goblins, came out on top with others thrown into the mix, and like I implied...we battled the forces of Hell itself, including a general." Ranger said.
"I don't care about your feats." Storm Mage said. "The War God would love to see what you can do, and even more that you want to get more powerful in the future, but why? What goal do you have in mind?" This made Ranger think for a few seconds...
"We want to help the frontier." Ranger said firmly.
"That's it?" Storm Mage asked skeptically.
"As a start yes; if we can, we'll go up as far as we can from there." Ranger said.
"What's in it for you?" Storm Mage asked.
"What has to be in it for us?" Ranger countered which made Storm Mage sigh deeply.
"You fool...nothing in life is free." Storm Mage said. "There must be something selfish driving you, whether you believe you're in control of it or not."
"O.k..yes we want to be glorified, but that's not our primary goal." Ranger said.
"Is there nothing else driving you?" Storm Mage asked.
"O.k. cut the bullshit! What are you getting at? What is the best reason someone could have for wanting to be blessed by the War God?" Ranger snapped.
"Not the desire to be able to say they're better than everyone for one thing." Storm Mage said seriously which made Ranger think...hard. "I can tell you've dealt with quite a bit of anger, I don't know what the cause is, and frankly, that's not of my concern, but you are asking me about the War God after a stunningly short amount of time, and it's easier to see that it's a lust for power driving you than it has any right to be. FYI, a lust for power is no better than greed, and greed is a sin that punishes itself in the most vicious cycle in existence, until you conquer it, you shouldn't even know the War God's face, let alone what he can do for you."
"This isn't just about me." Ranger said with less conviction than he thought he could speak with. "It's about my team..."
"That doesn't help your cause, at all." Storm Mage said as serious as ever. "If you drag them into this, what will happen when things go south?"
"What do you mean?" Ranger asked with faint alarm.
"I failed to mention another reason why the War God has so few followers; some of them become the very thing they swore to fight against." Storm Mage said in a hushed whisper. "Ranger, your team may be forced to kill you either because they want more glory, or you do. You may even be forced to kill your own fiance!"
"No...I won't...!" Ranger whispered with the fear setting in.
"Then you need to think this through some more." Storm Mage said. "War is constantly talked about as a chance for glory or power, but no one ever talks about how hideous war can be, both for those involved, and those around it. Don't believe me? Look at those girls in the temple..."
"Alright!" Ranger snapped then sat down on a nearby crate trying to calm himself. "I can take a fucking hint!"
"Don't get me wrong...I don't doubt you can handle what comes your way, but the risks demand your attention, all of the risks." Storm Mage said as he watched Ranger get a grip. "I'm willing to give you an initiation to the War God's path, but that is all I can do, but even then, until that lust in your heart is dealt with...you cannot be trusted with the War God's blessing. I'm not above letting your team know to keep an eye on you."
"Even my fiance?" Ranger said still shaking.
"Especially your fiance." Storm Mage said. "Now...last chance to ask me, then I leave without returning." Ranger then took several seconds as Storm Mage watched patiently, then Ranger stood up with a determined look.
"I'm ready." Ranger whispered. "If not now...I will be.
"Alright, let's move." Storm Mage said as the 2 went past the tavern and noticed a crowd of people surrounding a trio of ladies. "Oh no, not them..."
"What? Who are they?" Ranger asked with more than alittle curiosity; the lead girl, the one with long red hair had a pretty questionable vibe to her.
"That's the Hero and her two companions." Storm Mage said in annoyance. "Let's just keep going."
"Wait...that's the Hero?" Ranger asked with doubt. "I expected her to be...older."
"She's actually 15, and she's only as hyped as she is because she got lucky and got her hands on a divine weapon." Storm Mage said. "She herself is torture to be around; she's not just a teenager, she acts like one, and between you and me...I can't stand the way she talks."
"She can't be that bad." Ranger said. Yes he was envious of her, but the Abbot's message and the fact that other people think she's a pain actually made him feel better, whether that was a good sign of his character or not is something he questioned...
"Huh, you think I'm joking?" Storm Mage said with amusement. "I dare you to go over there and talk to her. I promise you won't last one minute..."
"O.k. fine I'll take your word for it. Let's just go get this initiation over with." Ranger said as he followed Storm Mage.
"We're here..." Storm Mage said as he led Ranger to the local cemetery. "Someone put a statue of the War God here to honor the dead soldiers here, but those of us who bare this mark can use them to talk to the War God."
"I forgot to ask you something." Ranger asked before they continued. "Fighter and I actually compared our relationship to his with the Love Goddess...would he take offense to that?"
So you're going to test me in his name?" Ranger asked as they took some stairs to a small catacomb."
"Something like that." Storm Mage said.
"Hmmm...that does pose a risk, although as long as you respect the comparison, I doubt it would be too dangerous for you." Storm Mage said. "
"And my meeting the Death God?" Ranger asked cautiously which alarmed Storm Mage.
"You mean Revenant actually summoned the War God's oldest brother? He wasn't exaggerating?" Storm Mage said. "I suppose the War God would be...interested. But like I said, I do not truly follow his path; I just agree with it." With that, they walked down a hall full of stone coffins to a statue of a man with a cloth wrapped around his shoulder, down to between his legs, with a mace and sword in each hand. "Stay by the entrance." Storm Mage then approached the statue knelt before it, sliced his finger on his sword-whip, and held it out in plain sight. "Great War God, destroyer of the corrupt and defender of riches. I come before you baring the mark you gifted to me. Another seeks your favor, to combat the corrupt in your name. To achieve what only you can allow. On his behalf, I ask that you show him what there is to gain from a fellowship between divine and mortal warriors!" With that, the blood on Storm Mage's sword-whip was transferred to the statue's eyes, his marks glowed blood-red, and Ranger was hit in the forehead by a small burst of red energy from the statue's eyes and fell to his knees. "Are you alright?!"
"I am worthy..." Ranger whispered. "He judged me and deemed me worthy!"
"How? What did he do?" Storm Mage asked.
"I was given a vision. He highlighted the reasons I am worthy of his blessing, and how they compare to what I could've been." Ranger said.
"That's it?" Storm Mage asked in disbelief.
"No, it's much more intimate than that." Ranger said as he stood up. "He put up a reason, then gave me an example, right out of my memories."
"Anything else?" Storm Mage asked.
"Yes...the miracle of Smith, only...he gave me the option to use it once a day, unless I pray for a 2nd one and he answers." Ranger said.
"Well, try it." Storm Mage said with anticipation.
"Lord of the Sword, Master of the Mace, smith me an arm for the battle to come!" Ranger prayed and a 2-handed greatsword spawned at his feet.
"Yeah, it would probably help if you spawned it in your hand." Storm Mage said. "Anyway, let's go test it shall we?"
The 2 men got back to the training ground, and Ranger tested the greatsword on a dummy, and it cut into the dummy, even with a full-powered swing, then Ranger yanked it out. He wasn't used to greatswords granted, but it didn't hold a candle to his twin swords, so he went to the weapon shop and sold it for some quick coin. He lied to the owner about it being a recent find but...there's no way he'd say it was from the War God himself; that information is somewhat secret for now. He then went home and was practically jumped by Priestess.
"Sir! We have another letter. It's from Father Superior again." She said and led him to the others and they read the letter...
Dear Ranger and Friends
As I predicted, your success against the goblins continues without pause. Nearly a whole legion of goblins dead including some of their greatest fighters. I would give you all Platinum Ranks myself if I could, but unfortunately the church has little pull over the guild in this part of the country, so you still have a ways to go. But nevertheless, you saved and avenged countless people and are a credit to the tags you wear. As for the Revenant, he spoke the truth; he did go to the battle for the souls, but deep down, he was using his soul harvesting task to bury his desire to actually live. A miserable fate, but one he still choose willingly. There are still dozens if not hundreds of revenants to replace him, although it was quite touching that a grave was made for him, despite how much I disagree with how he did his job. Although I must admit the Death God being summoned is something even I did not foresee, but that curse he put on the goblins is not permanent; it will eventually fade with time.
Alas, the goblins are still, and will for many years continue to be a menace, but that battle you won knocked them on their backs so hard, it will take the Demon Lord's next coming to return them to full strength, but with adventurers like you and the mighty Goblin Slayer working side by side, should another goblin lord show his face, we'll be ready for him. I actually took the liberty of speaking to the Sword Maiden herself earlier today, she was practically glowing with health and happiness before and after we left, and it's all thanks to you. You are well on your ways to becoming servants of not only the country, but the church itself, and few honors are greater believe me. This of course includes receiving more quests from her, or maybe even myself someday, as well as our aid should we be able to provide it. As for your wedding, it should be fully prepared before tomorrow evening, so if you have anything major to do between now and then, do it today.
With the revenants doing their tasks as faithfully as ever, the goblin threat being dealt with, and the Sword Maiden coming out of the shell she spent too long trapped in, hope is being restored to many parts of this world. The 5 of you aren't just heroes, you are legends, ones that have no where to go but forward.
Blessings and congratulations
Abbot
"Holy shit..." Warrior whispered. "We really are making a difference."
"Yeah, and in more ways than one." Wizard said.
"And we're going to make even more of a difference later." Priestess said firmly. "Sir? May I ask where you were? Fighter is up, but you were gone." With that, Ranger sat down and thought.
"I...asked the War God for his favor." Ranger said cautiously.
"You what?" Wizard asked which Warrior and Priestess agreed with by recoiling or gasping.
"Storm Mage talked to me about this, pretty sternly too, but I have faith that the War God can help me make that difference we just talked about." Ranger said.
"But...still, the War God, of all entities...that's a serious road to go down." Priestess said softly.
"Storm Mage told me alot about him while you slept on the way here." Ranger said. "I know what I'm doing. I even got the miracle of Smith from him, although I can only use it once, and I got a mediocre greatsword out of it, which I sold to get alittle coin from. And no, we have both better and bigger."
"Oh well, as long as you think you can do it, that's fine with us. Right ladies?" Warrior said which made Wizard and Priestess nod. Ranger couldn't help but smile; Fighter had a similar reaction to when he asked that when they 1st met. "By the way, Fighter is still in your room, and...you may want to go see her..." With that, Ranger went to their room, and found Fighter sitting on the bed with a sad look in the face.
"Fighter?" Ranger said softly as he spotted her, then she glanced at him and he went to her and sat next to her. "What's wrong my love?" She then leaned on his shoulder.
"I heard you read that letter..." Fighter said after a deep breathe. "I want to show you something, before we marry..."
"What?" Ranger asked, and Fighter sat there for a few seconds before answering...
"Me and Warrior's hometown." Fighter said firmly."I've wanted to show you for ages, but...now there's no more time."
"Then let's go." Ranger said and he walked Fighter out, then she separated from him.
"We're going to see our ho- Where are they?" Fighter asked, then when they went outside, they noticed the same crowd from earlier, and the team was there watching the Hero bask in the people's worship at a distance. "Warrior! The two of us are going to see our hometown."
"Really? Can we come too?" Priestess asked.
"Of course." Fighter asked "Although, I was hoping it would just be the two of us..."
"That's o.k. we can go there later on." Warrior said. "It's no rush. You two lovebirds enjoy yourselves."
"Thanks for the permission slip." Fighter teased before they went to get Ranger's horse, then took the cart with some things Fighter wanted to give to her old neighbors.
It was about 20 minutes down the road when the sun was nearing the twilight part of the day, and Ranger cringed and stopped the cart.
"Ranger? What's wrong?" Fighter asked with minor alarm.
"It's...well, you know what." Ranger said.
"No I don't." Fighter said. "Please tell me, you know I hate seeing you like this."
"I try to keep it under control, but...that memory of the time I caught fire tends to get the better of me sometimes." Ranger said.
"Then remember the times we touched, kissed...made glorious love." Fighter said softly and Ranger moved into the cart with her which got her attention even more. "Ranger? What are you..."
"Fighter, I got the War God's blessing. Or at least, I introduced myself to his path." Ranger said. "Storm Mage actually didn't want to because I apparently have a lust for power, which...I do admit is part of why I want to become a Platinum Rank, but that has never once been all there was to it."
"And I don't believe it ever will be." Fighter said firmly before putting her hands on his chest and softening her voice. "You...are the single greatest man I've ever met, and most likely, ever will meet. Even if the flames you felt never leave your attention, just remember I love you."
"I love you too Fighter." Ranger said with a smile, before kissing her with the sun watching over them, and he returned to his position and resumed their travel.
When they reached the small town Fighter told him to stop at, they were greeted by some people who immediately recognized her, then noticed her ring and offered their congratulations to the engaged pair. Some asked about him, what they did together, etc. Some even asked them to kiss which wasn't taken seriously, but eventually the two did so for about 3 seconds before the crowd finally shut up about it. The pair even heard some older ladies say she was a lucky girl. After concluding with some people asking if they could come to the wedding, and Ranger saying it was being done in the Temple of Law by the Sword Maiden herself, which floored everyone until even more people asked if they could come...Fighter led him to a lone grave in a small, open field.
"We're here..." Fighter whispered.
"What do you mean? Who's grave is this?" Ranger asked and Fighter lowered her head while shaking.
"My father's..." She whispered with difficulty, then Ranger took her hand, and for once...she refused him, then walked forward and knelt in front of the grave and looked right at it. "I did it father...I said I would become an adventurer, and I am, myself and Warrior. I fulfilled my promise, and will continue to honor it. I've even taught a few others the art you entrusted to me. Recently, an entire legion of goblins attacked a farm to use as a staging ground for an assault on the town, and alongside an army of adventurers...I stopped it. I've even aided members of the church, especially the legendary Sword Maiden. Also...I'm getting married father, and Sword Maiden herself has insisted on blessing our marriage herself as gratitude for our service, but also because she knows how pure our love is. He's saved me and others numerous times, and I can think of no one more worthy of my heart and soul. It is because of him that I and a few others are now Bronze Rank, and we're on our way to Platinum. He is not perfect, but he is still the strongest and most loving man I know. Dear Supreme I wish you could meet him..." With that...Fighter started crying, and Ranger walked up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. "Would you like to say anything?"
"Yes..." Ranger said as he looked at the grave. "The girl you raised turned into an absolutely incredible woman master, and I too wish we could have met. I owe her everything I have, and everything I am. I was nearly broken after our first quest, and she put me back together. I can vouch for her as well, every word she said was true, and I will do everything in my power to see her through whatever this world throws at us. May the Supreme be my witness, and should I betray any part of this promise, may Hell itself swallow me." With that Fighter stood and dried her tears. Ranger wanted to, but Fighter was clearly in no mood to let someone else be strong in her place, and he didn't like it, but he had to admit it made sense.
"And when we have our own children, I will teach them no less than you have taught me." Fighter said firmly. "With the training that the Ranger behind me received since childhood added to it,as well as our three teammates aiding us...your legacy will be one composed of all the pride and honor in the world." With that...she turned to leave and Ranger followed her until the grave was out of sight, then Fighter hugged Ranger tightly and felt him hug her back.
"My dear Fighter..." Ranger whispered with all the love he could muster as she kept sobbing into his chest.
"What the hell would I do without you?" Fighter said.
"Without you, what you feel now would probably be me everyday." Ranger said honestly. "Which is why these arms will always be available to you..."
"Thank you..." Fighter whispered as she snuggled into him even more, then looked up at him. "I love you, more than life itself."
"You are my life Fighter." Ranger said softly as he held her face and pressed his forehead onto hers. "When we marry, I'm certain Heaven itself will celebrate our union. I'm equally certain the denizens of Heaven will welcome us with a feast when we finally die."
"Let's eat it together." Fighter said desperately. "We agreed we would not enter Heaven without each other."
"And we won't." Ranger said as he pulled away. "And we will feast until we can't eat anymore." Fighter then started laughing.
"Imagine us eating so much that we make a mess all over Heaven's perfectly clean floors." Fighter joked.
"Oh good grief, why is puking funnier when it happens to someone else but not yourself?" Ranger said with the ridiculousness getting to him. "Sheesh, how does a heart-warming moment turn into a laughing matter?"
"Like at the pond, and I know I'm beating a dead horse. We didn't know each other for less than a week before getting personal, but like then, it was either that, or we lose our minds. Same here; I'd rather laugh over something stupid, than be crushed by the weight of...this." Fighter said while coming back to her usual strong yet gentle self.
"And that kind of wisdom is one of many reasons I adore you." Ranger half-joked before getting serious. "Also...I do intend to follow the War God's path, but I will never stop being the man you see now. I may get wiser, stronger, or even more aggressive, yes that's possible, but that will only be an addition, never a replacement."
"I believe you..." Fighter whispered before giving him a brief but sweet kiss. "Let's go back, and get ready to marry."With that, the two walked back to the cart and left town after sorting out the supplies they took with them to give to the people, then returned to the team.
It sundown when they got back and the celebration party in the tavern was in full-bloom; the celebrations could be heard even 100 paces from the place, and when the engaged pair neared the place, they noticed some more people coming in, but Wizard and Warrior were going through some supplies, and from the look of it, they were supplies meant to help repairs, like wood, nails, hammers, and other building materials.
"Will that Transmute spell ever stop being awesome?" Warrior asked.
"I doubt it." Wizard said amused. "It's too bad Storm Mage had to work."
"Yeah, all work and no play that man..." Warrior said with a huff. "I wonder if he'll be a new member eventually; can't hurt to have another mage with us."
"I'll bet." Wizard said.
"Still can't believe he mentioned kissing you that one time." Warrior said to which Wizard groaned.
"Don't remind me." Wizard said. "I know he wasn't serious, but it's in bad taste that someone could like me just because I can use magic."
"That's bullshit, there are plenty reasons a guy could like you." Warrior said. "You're strong, you're funny, you're pretty-" He then stopped cold once he said that and Wizard looked away blushing a bit. "Why am I still talking...?"
"Because you're a meathead." Wizard said playfully.
"Hey...at least I'm your meathead." Warrior said softly before hugging her. "And I did mean those 3 things I said." Wizard then hugged him back, before he pulled away and kissed her forehead, and got back to work as Wizard put her hand on her forehead."Oh, hey boss...and company."
"Hee hee..." Fighter said playfully. "What's this about?"
"When that farm girl comes out, we're going to take this stuff back to her home and keep our promise." Warrior said.
"I'm also going to use elementals to do some more grunt work." Wizard said.
"So you'd have more than just one meathead working for you eh?" Fighter asked knowingly which made both her teammates blush. "We saw the whole thing; I knew you two would catch on."
"So what?" Warrior asked. "You two are getting married so..."
"Oh I'm not criticizing..." Fighter said, reflecting what Wizard said to her.
"Don't you dare finish that statement." Wizard snapped with the amusement at her expense getting to her.
"Already did." Fighter said with Ranger sitting back watching the show.
"Anyway...how did it go?" Warrior asked and Fighter's face went a bit more somber.
"We...paid a visit to my father's grave." Fighter said.
"Oh..." Wizard said sensing the mood.
"But at least some more people asked to come to our wedding." Fighter said a bit less somber as Ranger took her hand and didn't get refused this time.
"Alright, it'll be great to see everyone again." Warrior said as the team went inside to see what was going down, and several people were seen with bags full of coin, most likely from the goblin massacre from last night.
"Here!" Cow Girl said as she walked up to them with a bag of coin. "Consider it a wedding gift."
"Wedding?" Someone asked, and the team turned to see High Elf Archer nursing a mug of booze, then Fighter showed her ring which got several people's attention, and it was the time at her hometown all over again: some said they were lucky, others wanted to come to their wedding, others even said they wanted to marry either Ranger or Fighter, mostly the men saying they wanted to marry Fighter.
"Thank you all." Fighter said as Ranger watched. "I think I speak for my future husband and my team when I say it was an honor, and a half, to work in his town all these months. Now, enjoy the festivity you've earned." The crowd then erupts in cheers and continues to feast to their heart's content.
"Get this: Goblin Slayer said he's willing to get out even more now." Cow Girl said cheerily.
"Well, good for him." Ranger said genuinely glad. "About time you two ladies got him out of his shell."
"Oh come on, you and your team must've had some influence on him." Cow Girl said.
"Not as much as the two of you did." Ranger said honestly before H.E. Archer exclaimed and looked at Goblin Slayer...who didn't have his helmet on!
"Am I crazy or did Orcbolg just take his helmet off!" She yelled before hitting the table. "All this time we've spent together and he's never willing to do that for me!" The crowd then flocked to G.S. to look him over...but Ranger and company saw him perfectly well from where they were, plus...
"So that was Goblin Slayer..." Ranger said which got the attention of Cow Girl, and his team. "That man we saw as we celebrated getting Bronze Ranks. I assumed that was Goblin Slayer, and I was right." The greyish hair, the deathly-pale skin...especially the red eyes which somehow glowed when he got serious enough in combat, it all matched perfectly. Some of the adventurers even discussed who had what bet on what Goblin Slayer's face would be like; some even thought he was a woman, or a goblin himself.
"Well...that's two wedding gifts for the price of one." Fighter said as she snuggled into Ranger a bit who hugged her close to his side with one arm as they watched the crowd squabble.
Well...so much for the official ending I guess. There's still one thing left to do which I doubt needs explaining so that'll be the last thing for this story...or will it? I happen to know that the anime doesn't cover anywhere near the whole thing, and that there's a movie, a 2nd season, or both coming out later, but truth-be-told...I REALLY don't want to wait that long. So if anyone has an idea for a sequel to this story please tell me, and no I have no intention of getting my hands on any part of it to read; I respect people who do, but it's not an option for me. Anyways, give this chapter the usual treatment and stay tuned for the grand finale.
