Mizuho, Part 2
After climbing up a long flight of stairs, everyone reached the top of the hill where the Emperor's palace is built on to oversee the entire town. The royal guards allow them to enter the palace after they received word from the Emperor that he has arranged a meeting with them.
Kirito, his teammates and Shinji escort Team Natsu and the others to the Emperor's room. Two royal guards open the pair of sliding doors for them and everyone walk inside. The Emperor's room is the largest room in the palace. It is a wide-open area that has a large red chair placed on the centre of a podium at the other end. In front of the throne and podium is a long purple carpet and several cushions placed vertically on both sides.
"Take your seat, everyone." Shinji advised Team Natsu and the others.
Team Natsu, Darren and Sheena walk over to the cushions on the right. Natsu sits down on one of them and lets out a sigh of relief. When he heard Erza coughing, he turns his head to her and sees the red-haired mage glaring at him as she points her finger downwards. Natsu looks down and realized that she and everybody else around him are kneeling on the cushions rather than sitting down the usual way. Natsu quickly adjusts himself into a kneeling position and place his hands on his thighs. Erza nods her head to him and everyone face each other as they wait for the Emperor's arrival.
Kirito, his teammates, and Shinji kneel on the nearest cushions to the throne. There is one cushion beside Shinji however that is vacant and reserved for someone else.
A few minutes later, a girl emerges from a pair of red curtains at the right end corner of the room. Everyone turned their heads to her and see that she has long black hair, tied to two low ponytails which lay freely on her shoulders, light blue eyes and wears a sleeveless white hoodie with a pink tank top underneath, navy blue shorts and white and pink shoes.
"Ladies and gentlemen, all hail his Majesty, Emperor Tiga!" The girl proclaimed. She walks over to the vacant cushion beside Shinji and kneels between him and Sheena.
"That is Hina Amano, our town's current summoner." Yui said to Wendy as they kneel in front of each other.
"Amano? So she's related to that boy Nagi?" Wendy asked.
"Hai." Yui nods her head before Kallen shushed them. Another figure soon emerges from behind the curtains and everyone present in the room look at him. He is a middle-aged man with dark brown eyes, short dark brown hair, and a short beard. He is also dressed in white robes with a sleeveless golden haori over it, green hakama and sandals.
They watch the man walk over to the podium and set himself down on the throne. Everyone looked to their front and Kirito, his teammates, Shinji, Hina and Sheena solemnly bow their heads.
"At ease." The man said to them before turning his attention to his visitors. "Greetings, visitors. I am Emperor Tiga. Which one of you is Estellise Sidos Heurassein?"
"I am." Estelle replied as she turns her head to him.
"Welcome to Mizuho, Lady Estellise." Tiga said to Estelle before looking at a familiar figure from his past. "And it is certainly a surprise to see you here again after all these years, Sheena Fujibayashi." Sheena lets out a soft gasp in response. "What is your reason for your return?"
"That…is Sheena Fujibayashi?" Hina said, staring at the former summoner with her eyes widened.
"Yes." Shinji said to her as he nods his head.
When Estelle sees Sheena being unable to reply due to being overwhelmed with guilt and shame, she looks back at the Emperor and replied, "Sheena Fujibayashi has been very helpful to me, your Majesty. If it were not for her help, me and my associates would never find our way here."
"I see. Well done, Fujibayashi." Tiga said. Darren, Alicia, Yuri and Team Natsu smile at Sheena, but the former summoner remains silent. "Now then, Lady Estellise, I was told by Shinji Ikari that you are here to discuss with me about your war with the Abbey, and the power we use to protect ourselves."
"Yes, your Majesty." Estelle said. "Our nation is currently in turmoil as we are engaged in a civil war against the Abbey. For the last three months, they have been invading several towns across the southern parts of Fiore and forming a new country of their own. Unfortunately, my hometown Zaphias is one of those that had been attacked and captured. If we don't stop them now, your hometown will surely be the next to fall victim to their annexation, and our civil war will spread further north where Era and Crocus are."
"Forgive me for interrupting, your Majesty, but I've told them this before and I will say it again. We should stand by our neutrality in this war. There is no need for us to waste countless lives and resources on a war that is none of our concern in the first place." Kallen said to Tiga.
"But your Majesty, the Abbey cannot be trusted." Erza said solemnly to Tiga. "You and your people will be truly doomed if you allow your hometown to fall under their control."
"We have fought against their soldiers during our journey." Gray added. "Their superiors have been using mind control on countless innocent people to do their bidding. Do you really want your people to share the same fate as them, your Majesty? To have their freedom and emotions stripped away from others who want nothing but power?"
"Do you have any evidence?" Kallen asked Team Natsu and the others.
"I do." Alicia said as she holds up her bag. She turns to Karol kneeling beside her and asked, "Captain, can you take it out for me?"
Karol nods his head and opens the cover of her bag. He carefully takes the Orb of Heart out from her bag and holds it up to everyone present in the room.
"What is that?" Hina asked curiously.
"This is the Orb of Heart, one of the two legendary orbs that has the power to control people's minds and emotions. The Abbey has the other orb, the Orb of Mind. They are abusing its power to force innocent people into becoming their soldiers. They would have possessed this Orb as well if we haven't shown up at Loegres and stop them from retrieving it from the city's dam." Alicia explained.
"Your Majesty, I know you wish to keep your hometown safe by isolating yourselves from the outside world. But I believe in these dire times, it is best for all of Fiore to come together and fight against a common enemy. Your hometown is known for using a sacred power to keep outsiders away for generations. We are hoping you would lend us this power to fight against the Abbey." Estelle said.
Tiga nods his head to Estelle. "I completely understand the situation. Unfortunately, even if I agree to form an alliance with you, we currently do not have possession of this power that has kept our home safe for years." He said.
"Why is that?" Yuri asked as he, Team Natsu and the others look at the Emperor in confusion.
"Because I failed my mission…" Sheena said grimly as everyone present in the room look at her. "To form a pact with the sacred beast known as Volt."
"What is this sacred beast anyway?" Karol asked.
"It is a long story." Tiga said. "But I'm concerned that explaining to all of you would intrude Fujibayashi's privacy."
Sheena shakes her head. "It's alright, your Majesty. You may explain it to them."
"Very well." Tiga bows his head. "For many generations, Mizuho is protected by the sacred beast known as Volt. It has the power to control thunder and lightning and uses them to defend our hometown from monsters and invaders. But if we wish to continue being under its protection, we send out the spirit summoner to the Temple of Lightning every year to renew our pact with Volt. However, nine years ago, Volt did not recognize Sheena as its master and killed everyone in her expedition, including the chief sage. Since then, Mizuho is left unprotected, and every summoner who came after her has also failed in their mission."
"I was chosen by the sages to be the next summoner to renew the pact with Volt." Hina said nervously. "And my mission will be conducted tomorrow."
"Even to this day, I couldn't understand what went awry during my mission." Sheena said as she began to tremble. "But what I do know is that innocent people have died…because of me."
As Team Natsu and the others gaze at Sheena, Darren realized how much pain and trauma his friend had went through from the incident, and how she had never gotten over it even after nine years had passed. The people of Mizuho put their faith in her in renewing their pact with Volt, and she failed. Because of this, Sheena could not help but blame herself for the deaths of all the people who accompanied her in her mission, as well as countless more when her hometown is left unprotected without Volt's magic during the time she had left. It is probably why she has difficulty opening to others and finding a new place where she belonged ever since. Darren sighs inwardly as he finally understands why Sheena cherishes him as her friend so much. He is her only friend. Without him, Sheena would not be able to solidify her commitment to continue living her life while carrying the blame for the deaths of her fellow Mizuhans during all her years of hiding.
Darren also could not help but share the same feelings Sheena has when he lost his father. How he too blamed himself for his death because of how stubborn and irresponsible he was back home. If only he could have done something to make his family proud back then, the relationship between him and his father would have been much better. He closes his eyes and ponders for a few moments, trying to think of a way on how he can help his friend make up for her failure and overcome her traumatic past. Shortly, his lips form into a small smile when he soon thought of an idea.
"Your Majesty," Darren said as he turns to Emperor Tiga. "If you may, we would like to accompany Hina Amano to the Temple of Lightning tomorrow."
"What?" Sheena said as she stared at Darren curiously.
"My friends and I will provide protection for your summoner, and Sheena can even assist her in forming the pact with Volt." Darren explained.
"No! Mizuho does not accept assistance from outsiders!" Kallen barked at Darren.
"Kallen Kouzuki!" Tiga chided, causing the red-haired woman to look back at her leader in shock. "I implore you to use diplomacy in my palace."
"Forgive me, your Majesty." Kallen said, placing her forehead against the floor as she bows down to the Emperor. After Kallen gets back up, Tiga looks back at Darren.
"What is your name?" Tiga asked Darren.
"Darren Leong."
"Darren, I will discuss your suggestion with the sages."
Darren smiled and bows to the Emperor. "Thank you, your Majesty."
"I will also take your offer for an alliance to consideration, Lady Estellise." Tiga said to Estelle.
"Thank you so much." Estelle replied as she, Judith, Karol and Alicia bow to him.
"Until the sages and I have come to a decision, I allow all of you to stay in my palace." Tiga said to his visitors before ordering his two closest associates, "Kirigaya, Ikari, escort our guests to their rooms."
"Yes, your Majesty." Kirito and Shinji replied in unison as they bow to Tiga.
"This meeting is adjourned." Tiga said. Immediately, Sheena gets up from her cushion and makes her way towards the doors.
"Sheena?" Darren said in concern. He quickly gets up and manages to catch up to her right before she places her hand on the door. He places his hand on her shoulder and turns her around. "What's wrong?"
"Darren…I appreciate what you are trying to do for me. But…I'm sorry. I…I just can't do it." Sheena said bluntly.
"Sheena..." Darren said, but Sheena whirls about and opens the door.
"Please…I need some time alone." Sheena said before she steps out of the room and closes the door behind her. As Darren stares sadly at the door, Hina walks over to him from behind and places her hand on his shoulder.
"I'll try to talk to her." Hina said calmly to Darren.
"Thank you." Darren replied before Hina opens the door and leaves the room to search for Sheena.
While Kallen, Ragna, Mei and Sumeragi have return to their quarters located at the other side of Tiga's palace, Kirito, Yui and Shinji escort Team Natsu and the others through the west wing. Although Darren still feels concern for his friend, Erza and Estelle advised him to give Sheena some privacy and that the only thing they can do now is hope for the best.
"Each room can house up to four people, so you don't have to worry if there is enough space for all of you to rest well." Shinji said reassuringly.
"But there are two exceeds with us, and both are equivalent to one person." Natsu said, scratching his head.
"Aye. So, if there are fifteen of us, or technically, fourteen, and one room can hold up to four people, then that means there'll be one room that only houses two people." Happy said, rubbing his chin.
"What's with that smile forming up on your face?" Carla asked frowning.
"What if the last room houses a male and female together?" Happy giggled with his paws in front of his mouth.
"Why am I not surprised?" Carla remarked in annoyance.
"Or for the last room, we can have Happy, Carla and one of us sleep in separate beds from each other." Gray said.
"Huh?!" Happy said incredulously.
"Speaking of beds, they are all separate single beds. So none of you have to worry about sharing the same bed in the same room together." Shinji smiled. This causes Happy to groan as he lowers his head and droops his arms in disappointment. Carla sniggered at this display.
"Heh." Carla whispered to herself.
Darren sighs before asking the captain, "Kirito, may I ask you a question?"
"Sure thing. What is it?" Kirito asked.
"Do you know of a man named Archer?" Darren inquired.
"Archer?" Kirito arches an eyebrow before his eyes widen in realization. "Oh! That would be the nickname of Emiya, a former captain of the Mizuho Defence Army. How do you know him?"
"My friends and I actually bump into him during our journey." Darren said.
"I see. How is he doing?" Kirito asked.
"He's alright. Although we don't see eye to eye at first, we are in good terms with each other now, and he is currently stationed in the town of Petunia." Darren said.
"It's good to know that he is still doing well for himself then." Kirito said.
"What exactly happen to him?" Lucy asked.
"According to my father, shortly after Sheena failed to form to a pact with Volt nine years ago, the monsters roaming outside attacked our hometown. We ultimately managed to drive them out, but some lives were still taken that day. So out of shame, Emiya banished himself from Mizuho, and we never see him again ever since. My father took over him as the new captain for the next eight years. But eventually, he left as well, and I was appointed as the new captain of the Defence Army." Kirito explained.
"Who is your father?" Judith asked.
"Something that I honestly don't want to talk about." Kirito said grimly.
"I'm sorry." Judith said apologetically.
"It's alright." Kirito responded with a smile. "Anything else to say?"
"Kallen sure is kinda grouchy, isn't she?" Wendy asked.
"Yup, she sure is. But like I said before, she does have a good heart once you get to understand her a lot more." Kirito replied.
"I heard you mention that she is a biracial. Is that true?" Alicia asked.
"Yes." Kirito said as Yui holds up her finger and swings it down vertically through the air. She brought up a menu in front of her and taps a few buttons, much to the awe of everyone behind her, Kirito and Shinji. She brings two portraits of Kallen and a man with the same red hair, red headband, and blue eyes as her.
"She and her brother Naoto were actually born outside Mizuho." Yui explained. "Her mother is a Mizuhan who left her hometown. After her parents both died, she and her brother move to Mizuho and they both fought hard to earn the approval of Emperor Tiga and the Mizuhan people. They eventually accept them as citizens of Mizuho, and her brother joined the Defence Army shortly after to prove his loyalty to them." Yui's eyes softened as she swings her finger up through the air to put away the portraits and menu. "But eventually…he died during the monster attack that happened after Sheena's failed mission."
"I see." Estelle said dishearteningly.
"Her brother is the only relative she had left after the deaths of their parents. So it's no surprise that they were both close to each other." Yuri said.
"No wonder why Kallen distrust Sheena too." Lucy murmured sadly.
There was an awkward moment of silence among everyone until Shinji spoke up to lighten up the mood, "Well, we're here."
Everyone find themselves in a hallway where there are four sliding doors on each side and placed a few meters apart from each other.
"Alright, you guys can decide among yourselves which rooms you want to stay in. At the meantime, Yui and I will whip out some food for all of you for dinner." Kirito said to everyone as he and Yui fold their arms.
"Hai! You'll never guess what's for dinner tonight!" Yui said with a wide smile. She and Kirito turn around and hold each other's hands as they stride through the hallway and make their way to the kitchen.
Team Natsu and the others turn and slide open a door to one of the rooms. They see that it is a simple oriental-style bedroom with sand green walls and tatami flooring. There are four futons placed on the floor and a meter apart from each other, as well as a wide window at the other end of the room and a tall bonsai-like tree in a black pot placed at the right end corner.
"This room looks comfy." Karol said.
"It reminds me of the room we stayed in Balsam Village, doesn't it, Lucy?" Erza asked.
"Sure does." Lucy chuckled. "We enjoyed ourselves back then."
"Yeah." Natsu grins. "Erza, Gray and I were such heavy-hitters when it came to our pillow fight, and Lucy was even sent flying out of the room."
While Darren, Alicia, Shinji, Noel, Yuri and Brave Vesperia stare at the Fire Dragon Slayer incredulously, Lucy's smile immediately distorts into a scowl as she muttered, "Actually, I stand corrected. We enjoyed ourselves…for some part."
"A-Anyways, make yourselves at home. I'm sure you guys must be exhausted from your journey here, so I advised getting some rest before dinner is served." Shinji said to everyone as Alicia walks over to the bonsai tree.
"That's a beautiful bonsai tree you have here." Alicia commented as she examines the bonsai tree and gently slides her fingers on its leaves.
"Oh, that's not a bonsai. It's actually a chokkan tree." Shinji said.
"Yeah, that's what they call it in Balsam Village too." Lucy said to Alicia.
"Funny." Alicia chuckled. "Back in my world, we called it a 'bonsai'."
"Your world?" Shinji said, staring at her incredulously.
"It's a long story." Noel said to him.
"Wait, how do you even know what a 'bonsai' is?" Darren asked, staring at Shinji curiously.
"Oh um, because your friend said it first?" Shinji replied.
"Even if that's the case, the way you reply to her sounds as if you already know what it is beforehand." Darren said.
"Well…here in Mizuho, we just call it a chokkan. That's all you need to know." Shinji replied, trying to maintain his calm demeanour.
"But I already said that there's a similar plant grown in Balsam Village too." Lucy said, causing Shinji to flinch.
"Umm…coincidence?" Shinji shrugged as he smiles nervously at Lucy.
Darren gazes at Shinji with an arched eyebrow for a few moments before he cups his chin and said, "You know, I sure do wonder how the sushi and tempura in this town taste like. That's what I'm guessing Kirito and Yui will be making for us tonight."
"Oh no, they definitely aren't. Unlike Japan, this place doesn't have sushi and tempura." Shinji corrected him. A devious grin instantly appears on Darren's face, while Shinji widens his eyes and drops his jaw in horror as he realized his mistake. "Oh dear."
"Ah ha!" Darren exclaimed as he points a finger at Shinji. "My assumptions are correct! You're actually from Earth, aren't you?!"
"Huh?!" Shinji said incredulously.
"Back at the barracks, I find it weird the way you turn around and get your lacrima out, as if you're having difficulty using it, then you're familiar with what a bonsai tree is, and now you know there's no such thing as sushi and tempura in this hometown and mentioned Japan! So admit it! You're just like me and Alicia!" Darren shouted. Shinji screams as he whirls about and tries to flee, but Darren quickly catches him by his arm.
"Don't run away, you coward! Face me and tell us the truth like a real man!" Darren bellowed at him.
After admitting defeat, Shinji lets out a heavy sigh and folds his legs as he sat down on the floor. He lifts his head up to see Team Natsu and the others sitting on the floor in front of him.
"Darren is right. I am from Earth. And I'm surprised to know that Darren and Alicia are from my world too." Shinji admitted.
"You didn't know there are other people out there who are from Earth like you?" Noel asked.
"I've been here in Mizuho for the last three months. I never set foot outside town once." Shinji replied.
"How did you end up here in Earth Land?" Natsu asked.
"Well, the last thing I remembered about my world was me going straight to bed after finishing my homework. Then when I woke up, I found myself in the middle of the forest outside Mizuho, and I was soon chased by some pumpkin trees and boxer irises. When the monsters caught up to me, I was thinking 'Haha! It's all just a bad dream! I'll wake up soon!'. But when one of the pumpkin trees bite my arm, that's when I finally realized 'Oh my God! It's all real!'. But just when I thought I was going to die, Kirito and his friends arrived at the scene with their airship. They rescued me from the monsters and ask me where I come from. When I told them I am from Tokyo, they were extremely confused, and that's when I realize I'm not on Earth anymore. I started to cry because I have no idea where I am, and I have nowhere to go. So, Kirito and Yui decide to let me stay in Mizuho. Of course, Kallen initially oppose the idea, but Kirito tells her 'Weren't you originally born outside Mizuho too?'. So, Kirito and Yui allow me to stay in the palace with them and they even gave me a job as the Emperor's adviser. How awesome is that?" Shinji ends his explanation with a light-hearted chuckle.
Team Natsu and the others continue staring blankly at Shinji until Gray simply replied, "Cool."
"It's nice to know that the Mizuhans are treating you well, but do you know that we at the Magic Council are looking for magicless people like you?" Noel said.
"Why?" Shinji asked.
"We initially thought you guys are from a parallel world known as Edolas, until we learn from Darren that you people are actually from Earth. We feel that this world full of magic is not safe for people like you, so we are providing refuge for all of you until we can find a way to transport you back to your home world." Natsu explained.
"Wait, what?" Shinji said incredulously.
"Yes." Alicia nodded. "They are helping to bring us back home. Would you like to come with us, Shin-"
"NO!" Shinji cried in alarm, much to the bewilderment of everyone in front of him.
"Why not?" Darren asked.
"Because…" Shinji frowns as he sadly lowers his head. "I'm a loser back in Tokyo. No matter how hard I study, people in school continue to pick on me, and my father rarely shows any love for me. I'm a total outcast. But here…I'm actually respected by everyone around me. I'm a loyal subject to the Emperor, and all the people here show care and admiration for me. It's like, I finally found a place where I belong. I like it here. If I go back to Earth, I'm simply going back to a life of pain and misery."
"But surely there are still some people back in Earth who are concerned about you. Have you ever thought about how worried your father must be right now while you are gone?" Erza asked.
Shinji snorted and looked back up at everyone. "Please, do you honestly think my father ever thought about me during my disappearance?"
"I never get along with my father either. But when my friends and I gone missing for seven years, he worries about me every day. He truly does care about me, and I fail to realize it sooner." Lucy said.
"Wow. If only I could trade fathers with you." Shinji said miserably. Darren groans at him.
"Look, I know you despise how your life turns out. My life is messed up too, so is Alicia's. But Earth is still our home. We are born to live our lives there." Darren said.
"If you guys hate your lives over there, why do you two still want to go back home so badly?" Shinji asked Darren and Alicia.
"Because my mother is waiting for me. After my father died, I'm the only man in the family left who can take care of her. I don't have any siblings, so my mother is all alone right now. If I don't return to her soon, then I'm just being selfish for only thinking about myself. And I learnt my lesson the hard way through what happened between me and my former friend, and my father." Darren said.
"For me, I'm honestly just like you." Alicia said to Shinji. "I too initially thought of staying here in Earth Land, with Brave Vesperia. But after spending more time with Darren and Team Natsu…and after seeing how much courage Darren has displayed to keep himself moving forward despite all the hardships and obstacles…I decided I want to become strong as well." She paused as she tightens her grip on Darren's hand. "So that when we get back home, I'll be strong enough to face my parents…and change my fate."
Estelle, Judith and Karol smiled at Alicia, while Lucy glances at how tightly her friend is holding onto Darren's hand right now. She looks at Natsu, who is sitting beside her, and she quickly turns her head away as her cheeks blushed. As Shinji stares wordlessly at Alicia, contemplating what she had said, Darren places his hand on his shoulder.
"Shinji…" Darren said. "Everything will be fine."
Shinji briefly stares at Darren before he lowers his head again and lets out a sigh.
Sheena stood in the middle of a wooden bridge over a pond located in the palace's garden, watching the fish swimming around freely in the water. Lucy and Archer are wrong after all. Ever since she came back here, she received nothing but contempt from Kallen and the relatives of the fallen members of her doomed expedition. She knew this would happen though ever since she reluctantly agreed to escort Fairy Tail and Brave Vesperia here. Why would anyone in the right mind welcome and forgive a person who caused the deaths of so many innocent people?
Despite being only eleven years old at the time, she knew that the people of Mizuho relied on her to renew their pact with Volt. The members of her expedition, including the town's chief sage, also put their faith in her, believing that she can bring peace and protection to their hometown for another year. But she failed miserably as the sacred beast does not recognize her as its master. Not only did she feel like a failure for being rejected by the sacred beast, but she also feels guilty and responsible for the deaths of her believers. And now because of her, her hometown is still left unprotected from her enemies after all these years. Many more people have died during that time, and this of course made her feel even more guilty. Now she is no longer just a failure, but also a coward for letting more of her fellow Mizuhans die for nothing while she goes into hiding.
Sheena felt that she is beyond salvation at this point. While she does feel bad for rejecting Darren's offer to help her, she knew whatever he is trying to do for her is useless. Even if she accompanies the current summoner to the Temple of Lightning, what are the odds of success? Every summoner after her had died, so what is the point of clinging onto hope that this time, they will succeed in forming a pact with the sacred beast? Sheena lets out a disheartened sigh. Everything is too painful for her to think of right now. But perhaps, it is her fate to be hated by her people forever.
"Fujibayashi-san?"
Sheena looked up and turns her head to the left, seeing Hina standing at the other end of the bridge.
"Lady summoner." Sheena greeted Hina as she turns and bows solemnly to her.
"At ease." Hina said calmly. As Sheena stands back up, Hina walks over to her and extends her hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Sheena Fujibayashi."
Sheena remains quiet as she shakes Hina's hand. The two girls turned and stared at the pond together.
"Fujibayashi-san…" Hina uttered, placing her hands on the bridge's railing. "As the summoner of Mizuho, I would like you to accompany me on my mission to the Temple of Lightning tomorrow."
"Were you even listening to me back at the throne room?" Sheena said, not looking at the summoner. "You know what happened to all the members of my expedition. They died because of me. And they sacrificed their lives for nothing…to protect a disgraceful coward like me."
"I know, Fujibayashi. I have heard stories about you." Hina said.
"Good. So don't go near me." Sheena said flatly.
"But I'm serious. I need your protection." Hina said solemnly. "You are the only summoner to survive your encounter with Volt. And I believe the other summoners who came after you died because the sacred beast only wants you to be the one who will form a pact with it."
"Volt didn't recognize me as its master because I'm no good. So, I advise you turn to someone else." Sheena said.
Hina shakes her head and clasps her hands together as she holds them in front of her chest. "Sheena…to tell you the truth, even just standing here right now, I'm scared of what is going to happen to me tomorrow." She said dejectedly. "The sages chose me to be the next summoner because the people of Mizuho recognized me to be one of most talented mages in town. Since then, I was taken away from my home, and train everyday under the sages to prepare for the day I will face Volt. But…I never wanted any of this."
Sheena finally stopped staring at the pond as she backs away from the railing and turns to Hina.
"I just wanted to have a normal life with my mother and brother. And because every other summoner after you had died trying to form a pact with Volt, I'm afraid that I'll be next. And I'm worried of what will happen to my brother and mother if I were to die."
Sheena's mouth gapes open as if Hina's words had struck her heart.
"While I was away for the last twelve months, Captain Kirigaya and Shinji told me that my relatives worry about me daily, and how disheartened they are as we draw closer to the day I'll be sent to the Temple of Lightning." Hina took a gulp as she tries to fight back the tears that are starting to form in her eyes. "I honestly miss them too. There was never a day that I could rest easy without them in my mind. I want nothing more but to see them again…and reassure them that everything is going to be alright. But…I fear that that day will never happen. I fear that I will die as a failure…and never being able to see my family one last time before I leave this world. Sheena…unlike me…you were born to be a summoner…while I was just chosen to be one." Hina sniffled as she could no longer hold back her tears. Sheena noticed that a few loose tears are starting to flow down her cheeks like tiny rivers. "I'm not strong enough, Fujibayashi-san…I'm scared…I really am…"
Sheena just stared wordlessly at the dispirited summoner. Hina just wants to live her life normally with her family, but her wish is taken away when the sages chose her to be the next summoner. Despite her strengths and talents, Hina is not strong and confident enough to face the sacred beast. And if she is to share the same fate as the other summoners before her, her death will surely hit her brother and mother hard. She couldn't help but feel partially responsible for putting Hina in such a difficult position as well, for if she had succeeded in her mission back then, Mizuho would never sent anybody else to the Temple of Lightning every year, only to meet their unnecessary demise.
Sheena had witnessed earlier how the family of three still had difficulty getting over the death of a relative back at the Daigo Shrine. And if Hina dies too, her brother and mother would go through the same thing as them. Sheena clenches her fists tightly in frustration. Just how many more innocent Mizuhans must die and suffer because of her?
As she stood in place, she vividly remembers her conversation with Emiya back at Petunia yesterday.
"What are you doing outside of Mizuho, Emiya? Did something happen?" Sheena asked Emiya as they sat in front of each other outside the boundaries of Petunia.
"I left nine years ago." Archer said.
"That…That's the same time I left Mizuho too." Sheena said.
"It was shortly after you left Mizuho." Archer said. "After you failed to form a pact with Volt, monsters from the outside took the opportunity to attack our hometown. We managed to drive them off in the end, but because they were stronger than we expected, they did damage a portion of Mizuho, and many lives were lost that day. I felt ashamed for not being able to save them, so I renounced my position as captain of the Defence Army and left."
"So it's my fault that you became a failure and went into exile." Sheena said dejectedly.
"Fujibayashi-san, please. Don't blame yourself." Archer said. "Right now, from what I've last heard of them before living my life in the West Forest, Mizuho is still left without Volt's protection after all these years. I guess that would mean that every person who succeeded you have failed. And that is why I believe you are still the only one who is capable of bringing peace and stability back to our home. So I hope one day, you would return to Mizuho and finish what you started."
As Sheena gazed at him, Archer places his hand on her shoulder and bows his head.
"Please Fujibayashi-san…your people need you…" Archer looks back at her with a solemn frown. "I need you."
Sheena's eyes furrowed, realizing that Archer is right after all. The people of Mizuho, especially Hina, do need her help. Although she has suffered so much pain and trauma from her failure, it is her people who are suffering even more, and it is up to her to put an end to it. Throughout her journey, she had witnessed how much Fairy Tail, Brave Vesperia, Yuri, Noel and Darren had done to overcome their obstacles. Now it is time for her to do the same as well.
Sheena suddenly gets down on a knee and solemnly bows her head before Hina, much to her surprise.
"Hina Amano…" Sheena uttered. "I accept your request to accompany you to the Temple of Lightning. I promise I will not let anything bad happen to you, so that I take you back home to see your family again."
Hina stares incredulously at Sheena until she could feel more tears cascading down her cheeks. Her lips curve up into a weak smile as she bows back to Sheena with gratitude.
"Thank you, Fujibayashi-san. Thank you."
The next day, Darren, Sheena, Team Natsu, Brave Vesperia, Yuri, Noel, Kirito, his teammates, Shinji and Hina leave the palace and make their way to the barracks. Emperor Tiga and the sages have agreed to allow Team Natsu and the others to accompany Hina to the Temple of Lightning, believing that they will provide additional protection for the summoner when they face the sacred beast. Emperor Tiga has also agree to form an alliance with Estelle and the Magic Council if they can help Hina and Sheena succeed in their mission in forming a pact with Volt, much to everyone's delight. Kirito and his team will provide transport for all of them while Shinji is also tasked by the Emperor and the sages to accompany them so he can make an official report of the mission's outcome.
Upon arriving at the barracks, everyone sees a long line of Mizuhan soldiers, armed with naginatas and standing vertically at both sides of a long purple carpet that leads to the stairway of the landing pad where Kirito's airship is docked. The soldiers place their fists on their chests and bow their heads to bid farewell and wish good luck to Hina and Sheena as they commence their mission that has haunted Mizuho for nearly a decade.
"It is up to the both of you to restore peace back to Mizuho. Do your best." Shinji said to Hina and Sheena as he and Kirito stood behind them. Sheena lowers her head, worrying about the possibility that history will repeat itself. But when she felt Hina grabbing her hand, Sheena looks up to see the summoner giving a tender smile to her. Sheena frowns as she remembers her resolve to put an end to her people's suffering, and she gave a solemn nod to Hina. The two summoners look back to the front and walk towards the airship with Kirito, Shinji, Team Natsu and the others following them from behind.
Everyone board into the airship and take their seats. As she sat at the cockpit, Sumeragi flips several switches and presses a few buttons before turning to the passengers.
"Is everyone ready?" Sumeragi asked.
Kirito sees everyone nodding their heads to him before he turns to Sumeragi and replied, "Ready."
"Alright." Sumeragi looks back to the front and grasps onto the yoke. "Next stop, the Temple of the Lightning."
Alicia places her hand on Sheena's shoulder as she sits beside her. "Don't worry Sheena. Whatever happens, we are here for you." She said reassuringly to her. Sheena responded with a small nod.
"Wait a minute, we're in an airship!" Natsu cried in realization as he sat on his seat. "That would mean-"
As the airship lifts itself up from the landing pad, Natsu's face suddenly turns green. He hastily places a hand in front of his mouth and Gray and Lucy, who are sitting beside him, back away and stare at the Fire Dragon Slayer in disgust.
"Oh come on! Not again!" Gray shouted in annoyance as Natsu removes his seat belt and collapses onto the metal floor. Everyone, except Gray, Lucy and Sheena, chortled in amusement. Sheena stares incredulously at the current display for a moment before she manages to crack a smile and starts laughing along with her friends. It was as if for a brief moment, all of her doubts and worries have disappeared.
Soon, the airship flies away from the barracks and makes its way to the Temple of Lightning.
At the forest, Lieutenant Lhant sheathes his sword into his scabbard at the left side of his waist after he and his expedition had eliminated a large group of pumpkin trees and boxer irises. He turns around to see the other twelve praetors behind him. Two of them are women dressed in the same grey long-sleeved leather robes with yellow highlights as him while the others are regular praetors in white, all armed with bows and arrows.
"Let's go." Lhant ordered. He turns back to the front and the praetors continue walking through the forest while passing by the dead pumpkin trees and boxer irises lying on the ground.
Suddenly, one of the women in grey came to a halt. She swiftly turns to her right and looked skyward.
"What's wrong, Sophie?" The other woman in grey asked as the other praetors stop as well.
"Cheria, Asbel, I sense something above us." Sophie said, still staring at the sky.
Asbel, Cheria and the other praetors look up to see Kirito's airship flying high in the sky and heading towards somewhere.
"What is that?" Cheria asked.
"I don't know. But it seems to have flown off from the direction where Mizuho is located." Asbel said.
"I can sense them inside that ship." Sophie said flatly.
"Who?" Asbel asked as he and Cheria stare at her.
"Fairy Tail…" Sophie replied as she looked back at them. "And the woman with the Orb of Heart."
Asbel and Cheria look at each other and nod their heads. They and Sophie turn to the other praetors.
"Everyone, we are not heading towards Mizuho anymore. We are changing our objective." Asbel said. Cheria holds up her arm and points her finger at the direction where Kirito's airship had flown off to.
"We are going to follow that airship." Cheria ordered. The praetors nod their heads to their superiors. Cheria turns her head to Sophie and places her hand on her shoulder. "Sophie, lead the way."
Sovereign: I would like to thank Amanny, AquaBluey and Crimson-Tuna-Sub for checking out my story. Thanks!
Hina Amano is from Weathering With You and Asbel Lhant, Cheria Barnes and Sophie are from Tales of Graces.