Chapter 2: The Reluctant Saint
A/N: I'm really happy there's actually a genuine interest in the crossover, it was one of these strange one off idea's that kind of festered but felt right considering the grounded nature of each character and how they both fit into an other worldly experience. I enjoy reading how much you enjoy it, so please feel free to share with me. It helps motivate me to bring what's inside of my head onto paper.
A light clack rapt against the door, the sound stirring the sole occupant of the room from a tireless sleep. The room one of pure decadence symbols of the three hero's church and other iconography were all over. The large full size bed with four pillars held up a large canopy and light white semi transparent curtains draped the sides of the bed. Stirring a head of red hair up from the green and white sheets.
With a second knock the door handle turned and was pushed inside and inside walked a nun. Pure white clothes, her hands and face were the only exposed parts of her flesh, the long dress blooming out half a foot from her feet with the soft clack of decorative heels. The crest of the church emblazoned on each cufflink, her chest, and small head covering. A woman perhaps in her late thirties, a pretty woman with dark brown auburn hair pulled into a full size bun with a small ponytail flap escaping from the back. "Good morning, Holy mother. I have brought you breakfast."
Carrying with one hand was a tray of food, silver and gold, marked with fine porcelain plates. A small kettle of Tea, two cut pieces of toast, a cut of bacon, fresh berries, and quarter of a steamed potato covered in eggs plus goat cheese. Going to a fine carved oak desk with paper's books, and bibles stacked on separate sides with a full size oval shaped mirror hung along the wall.
Unpacking the food tray onto the desk the nun kept her smile on her face, for her this was the greatest of honor's. 'Selected to care for God's only daughter, I am truly blessed, by both our God and Pope.' This was something that any true servant would welcome.
Stirring the holy mother who looked just more tired, her silk pillow coverings and blankets felt cold and empty. Her body was covered by small straps of cloth. The full contemporary bras and panties were lacking for her taste. Not that she had anything to be ashamed of… 'There was one person who never cared how I looked.' Raising her hand to the side of the bed and touched where the one man had been for months until she had come here. "Elias…" She whispered, a foolish part of her hoped that she might wake up and find out that this world that she had brought too was nothing but a bad dream.
The nun who had come inside snapped her fingers and two more women bearing the same iconography came inside of the room. Stopping just inside the entryway and bowed their heads out of respect towards the half sleeping girl in the bed."Prepare the Holy Mother's attire for the day."
"Of course, Head Mistress." They spoke in unison. Around the same age of perhaps mid to late teens, one blonde, the other black. Their features matched their senior Nun. Though they appeared to be more like nun's they went towards a large wardrobe, the oaken wardrobe was holding five separate outfit styles with ten for each. Gathering pearl white and red robes they took the utmost care to pull out the clothing as the Head Mistress made her way towards their holy mother.
Pulling the drapes to the side she reached inside offering a warm hand to the young fiery haired woman. "May I help you Holy mother?"
Emerald green eyes dropped away from the hand offered to her. "I know you have to say that, but could you please call me Chise?"
The older woman shook her head, "I will not disgrace God's gift to us by using a human name. You are the Holy Mother to be called anything else would be insulting the divine beings that created us." She then reached in and pulled away the covers, "Now come, let us get you breakfast and get you ready for your day."
Looking past her she eyed the tray of food, it looked and smelled good. Yet when she recalled her past memories she remembered the pink bonnet and dress, no words were needed. Nothing but a kind smile, a gentle touch, reassuring in the darkest of moments. Silky had been so many things, and not having her around. That presence, the taste of her foods was made with a flavor that couldn't be replicated by these chefs.
Something made with love could never be replicated. Eyeing the outstretched hand she couldn't turn it away, to just give up. 'I can't let go, not when Ruth, Silky, Stella, Angelica, Lindel, and Elias are all there. I can't turn my back on them… not yet.' Her fingers touched the head nun's hand which delicately grasped her fingers and pulled her up and onto her feet. As she stood up on her feet she was helped to stand upright.
Standing still, the dark lines around her eyes showing more in the growing sunlight in her windows. The Nun's removed her undergarments, replacing them with the utmost of care… and perhaps a little more. Chise could feel their hands as they stroked along her skin in a more affectionate and personal caress than she'd welcome from strangers though they had done it many times before. The only comfort that it was women touching her like this as opposed to some other more enthusiastic company.
Only Elias had ever touched her like that before. They cupped her skin and pulled up her fresh underwear then they grabbed a bra and affixed it to her chest. She didn't bat an eye at the feeling, merely remaining stoic as they stepped back. Fixing and adjusting things here and there until they were satisfied.
Chise then lowered her arms as a comb went through her hair, pulling out the knots from her sleep. Her head rocking with the drag of the thick comb, methodically going from one side to another.
The touch of a Towel against her stomach and then the slow removal of any sweat from her skin followed. Then their mistress appeared in front of her holding fresh powder and make up.
They never dressed her up or pampered her to fix her like some sort of beauty, more to mask anything that would blemish her figure.
"I can recall a time when no one wanted anything to do with me, where my own blood turned their backs on me. Where I was at the lowest point in my life, what would I have given to have someone to be there for me. A morning to have a nice breakfast, a clean pair of clothes and a comfortable bed to sleep in. But all of that changed since Elias, this grandstanding doesn't help me, they don't do this because they care about me, what I am is more important than who I am to them.'
While she could also point to that being similar to how Elias purchased her because she was a Sleigh Beggy but he didn't treat her like property. He let her be who she was, taking what had been a broken teenage girl and did what he could to help her. Stepping into the role of surrogate father at times; when he would scold her for being up late, making sure she was taking care of herself and reading her stories on occasion if she couldn't sleep. Then other times he was guiding her acting like a teacher in the ways of magic and alchemy. She'd never been a great student, that was hard considering her upbringing and being a sleigh beggy. Focusing when all manner of fae creatures wanted her attention in all manner of ways. Then she had her Elias, walking her step by step through learning magic, producing medicine and allowing her to do as she wished under his guidance.
All of that had been such a pleasant time between the two of them until that dynamic began to change. Who had really started the budding actions that changed from a mother/father, teacher/mentor, and friend to that of lovers.
The simpleness of having Elias cup her cheek cradle, the sweep of a thumb and gentle grasp of a warm hand along her back had just evolved into so much more. Until her purchase she had shied away from people as no one could understand her, how could you without seeing everything in her life?
'Maybe it's because I feared he'd get bored of me that I grew so attached. But I never did.' Chise thought to herself as her dress was affixed to her body next. Yet as they covered her arms and legs Chise remembered how Elias and her began to share kisses with one another. Sure the occasional snout touch or peck on his skull had been innocent enough.
But she recalled when he began slipping his long tongue into her mouth, it was his form of french kissing and once he started- he couldn't seem to stop. It went from an experiment into a daily routine. A kiss in the morning, after breakfast, lunch, afternoon, evening, dinner, shower, and long pre bed tongue twister.
Their love life-though she had no idea what else to call it had slowly progressed. Sharing a bed and personal space for more intimate moments was important. At least that's how Elias had phrased it. "A man and woman who share affection with one another often do it through many different paths. It would be appropriate to find out which avenues suit our tastes so that we understand each other better."
Maybe it was just him being his usual blunt self but Elias took to being more affectionate with fervor. She didn't know why but her monstrous partner wanted to be closer to her more often, where originally he'd been kind and loving but kept her at an arm's length for the first few months, that had changed.
Chise was dressed in her white robes with red accents and a deep red covered hood, the colors a match to her fiery tresses that had been cut evenly to frame her face. But if that was not enough a thin white veil was held overtop her head- for when those unworthy were allowed to view her features.
The light in the room had shifted as the nun's finished their work, taking a step back and then ushered Chise to sit down at her desk. She had to eat and they would make sure of it.
Despite the obvious attention and luxuries Chise could find no real happiness and remained quiet and reserved as she ate in pure silence.
A slip of juices from the fruit and berries dribbled from her lips was wiped away before she had even registered it. While she started with something light her eggs and potatoes were cut into neat portions allowing for her fork to to pierce one and bring it to her lips without a crumb being able to fall.
Whenever she sipped her morning tea which was nothing like the stuff Elias made. It was overly sweet at times when she set her cup down it would be refilled back to where it had been before she had even picked it up.
She just sighed and pushed the tray away, having eaten about half what was offered. No words were spoken and everything was cleaned up. 'And so begins another day.' Chise knew what would come next as she had done it for several weeks now. Standing up she folded her hands in front of herself as the veil atop her head was pulled down obscuring a portion of her face.
Moving to the door she stopped and put on- or rather had put on- her light brown shoes. Flanked by her entourage of nun's, the door was opened and Chise walked forwards, her limbs hidden from sight, the group walked down the smooth stone floor. As they passed by other members of the church well it was uncomfortable for Chise. A man was sweeping up the floor, but as she approached the man he dropped his broom to the floor at the same time he hit the ground with his knees. His body prostrated, head down.
"Holy Mother, Blessed are we to have you with us."
If this hadn't been happening everywhere she went, Chise would've told them to stop. But even speaking to these people was such a reward that they had continued to do it even more. Her every word was a gift to some. It was also why she had to leave with an escort, some people wished to touch her, nothing serious but a foot or a hand if she paused for too long.
Only those with permission had such a right, the small trinkets that were locks of her hair would be saved and passed off as holy relics.
It was almost suffocating at times and far worse mentally for her. It was just like the Fae back in her own world but only they were everywhere, never letting go, their love for her seemingly endless and her own personal whims irrelevant so long as she was in their presence. Never a moment's peace, no one to talk to without writing down what she said as some holy scripture, Chise couldn't just be herself.
'With the Fae they at least would give me a few moments to myself. They didn't have to be around me at all times.'
Chise just kept walking quietly, her head bowed and moving throughout the large building.
Her poor feet had traversed this massive structure so many times, it was nothing like walking in school. But other's prostrated themselves before her as she walked past making her way into the primary courtyard. And sitting squarely in the middle was the statue of the man who had pushed her into this position. The Pope.
'Father Simon was never anything like these people.' The friendly priest, while a bit forward and a tad awkward treated Chise like a human being. Concerned for her well being while being cordial and respectful of both her and Elias. 'If I didn't know that Elias was held in their captivity I don't know how well I'd be playing this role that they want from me.'
The Pope seemed to be such a self-righteous man but he refused to listen to her. Her pleading and begging were ignored. The Pope just continued to speak down to her like a child being denied a snack or its wishes. 'Oh, Holy Mother we simply can't risk it. But through faith and your will we can hopefully bring light into the souls of the devil.'
No contact with Elias and it's not like she knew where she was anyway. They'd rendered her unconscious before bringing her to this place. So she remained complacent, for now. She had the desire to live and just because this obstacle had come from nowhere didn't mean that she could turn her back on everyone.
No, she wouldn't but for now she had to just be obedient, but the acting was draining her both physically and emotionally. Yet she made her way towards the cathedral. The unique spiraled buildings rising up into the air. Each one decorated with a symbol, a sword, Spear, and Bow. Each point colored to be its own unique shape and form. A united triangel.
But she kept walking making her way towards the double doors. Several men were outside, dressed in similar religious robes but wearing all black and upon seeing a holy symbol coming towards them they bowed and opened the doors for her.
Inside already were perhaps a hundred or more people. Half of them more than likely devout followers, others perhaps those looking to join the church. The emerald eyes looked through the veil and already the hushed whispers and kneeling began in earnest as Chise had come to do as she was told- a divine servant of God though she knew she was nothing like that.
But that's what's keeping Elias alive.'
The aisle way was already cleared, five members of the church on either side forming a pseudo blockade as Chise walked past everyone. The Pope himself was not in the temple as she cast her eyes up to where the High Priest would normally sit but found it empty.
It was a small relief she wouldn't have to listen to his sermons about the three heroes church. It's not that the message was bad, but Chise had cast her faith aside years ago and had no real desire to rekindle it.
Still she shuffled her feet coming to a chair just below the steps that rose upwards. It had been made for her. Redwood frame with padded features, the arms, back, and rear were all comfortable for anyone sitting in it. Turning around with practice she did a bow before sitting down.
She did not speak as the head Nun who had followed her and the two others stood at her side before the masses gathered in front of her. "Pope Balmus regrets that he can not be here in person, we are still graced by the Holy Mother. Praise to the three heroes, praise to the church, and praises be to God!" The older woman's voice filled with that same righteous conviction.
Those inside repeated her words after she finished. "As we have instructed many of you here are not full believers of God for which we do not fault. The world is rife with disorder, greed, and waves of catastrophe that has claimed the faithful but know that we are here to show you that God is just, that he is still watching out for all of his children and that we might lead you back to his glorious light by demonstrating a Miracle for all."
A woman was beckoned to stand by one of the men in black, a lower peasant woman. Her face still having bits of dirt showing on it and beneath her fingernails. A plain looking person with messy brown hair but in their arms wrapped in dirty cloth was the reason they were here.
The woman hurriedly came forward more desperate than eager. As she neared Chise the Nun's in front barred her from getting too close. She was several arms length away. "Please might I have God's blessing, Holy Mother? My Child is not well. He sleeps too much and I can not get him to eat in over a fortnight. Please lady Analee, please have the holy mother fix my child!"
It wasn't the first and one of many. The Nun Analee bwoed but before she did anything she held out a gold offering plate.
Absolution was never free. Once a small clattering of coins were 'generously' donated Analee picked up the babe and took several steps back towards Chise who remained seated. "Please work your miracle." Holding up the child just above Chise's knees. The dirty blanket not able to touch the pristine white robes.
This is where 'miracles' happened. Chise had an affinity for restorative magics, as her fingers hovered over the child a series of labels and statuses popped up in her vision. The odd senses were difficult for the apprentice mage to get over. It made things much easier to heal than back on their own world. However there was also another less visible cost. 'There's malnutrition. Bruising, hints of infection from a… broken arm.'
The list carried on but Chise could only feel herself get sick at the sight in front of her. The child wasn't hurt or sick. They were being abused.
Chise lifted her head up and looked at the Head Nun. "Is there a problem?" To which Chise slightly nodded her head. "Etricka, tend the Holy Mother's ear."
The Blonde nun approached Chise and dipped her head down alongside Chise. "This Child isn't sick, it's being abused." The woman made no reaction.
"Of course Holy Mother." The young nun's reply came and the woman turned and walked back towards the mother.
Chise turned her head back towards the newborn. 'Alright, healing magic.' "Major Healing and renew." This world's magic was much easier to control than back home. Everything functioned like… a game. Just a few words and concentration, Chise apparently already had the knowledge of this world's magics. Like looking through a stat screen she had a list of developed magics. Despite having no idea how she came by them.
The priests were more like mages in a way, able to cast magical spells after training and building up experience. A person gained levels and grew in power but she didn't exactly know how that occurred. No one had really told her whenever she asked more probing questions.
But she could tell information about herself, she was level 31. Though what exactly did that exactly mean she couldn't share? But she didn't have a lot of HP or hit points as she probably guessed a meager three hundred, but that was probably less important compared to that of her mana pool. Her magic was massive, it was many many, times greater, she had the ability to use all sorts of spells but her specialization was for restoration, healing wounds, curing diseases, lifting curses. The Holy Mother had to be good for that she reckoned.
Restricting information from her probably from orders from up above, and Chise didn't believe it was God, but a middleman acting like one.
Yet while she remained locked within her own thoughts the light that flowed out from her palms was almost blinding. It illuminated a section of the room for a brief second.
Within mere moments the light faded and the dirty injured child was replaced by one in clean white linens and eyes that opened up immediately. The grit and grime that was on the child's face was purified just like everything else.
Her powers were not limited to just people, it took a small token of her mana which she could see shift on the screen like a display in her eyes. Yet as Adalee was about to move, Chise stopped her by drawing her hand down to the child's face. The soft touch of her finger's stroked alongside the newborn's face, the reaction drawing a pair of soft brown eyes to look at the redheaded teen followed by a warm coo from the baby's lips.
It actually made her smile. "Stay strong and don't give up." she spoke, though to those in attendance it only appeared like it was to the baby. But that was to Chise herself, even if she could do nothing now, she had to keep herself strong. If she didn't she might end up on that ledge again.
With her 'blessing' done the nurse walked away from Chise, while Etricka went to go pluck the mother from the group. The woman had received her blessing but had displeased the Holy Mother and no one did that- No Soul was allowed to do that.
With that Chise continued to offer her talents. Whether it was healing the sick or listening to their prayers. Most people would be willing to pay out a small sack of coin in order to just speak to the Holy Mother.
But there were always exceptions. A middle aged man knelt before Chise, his hair fading, but not a man devoid of means. Perhaps a merchant with his formal attire. A dark green vest with a tied sash that went around his shoulder ."Please grant me a blessing, Holy Mother. Let this man feel God's light so that I might share this with others." Like so many before him, Chise stood up for a second. Pulling free her hand she moved to place her hand and give him a blessing. Yet as she moved her display flickered, 'Wait…' her eyes looked down at him, she saw sweat on his forehead and brow. And his finger's curled into the cuffs on his wrist. 'Warning!' Flashed across her screen and Chise pulled backwards.
The man moved quickly, his finger's pulling out a small sharpened piece of metal, a light smudge of poison glinted from it's edge as it snapped outwards. "I shall free you HOLY MOTHER!" The man yelled his body lunging forwards.
Yet Chise had moved backwards just enough as the small blade swung forwards. It cut into the fabric of her dress. The thick robes eating the poisoned blade's first strike Chise had seconds to react and had to move fast, really fast! Instinct alone came next as the would be killer came in for a second swing as the priests, and Nun's moved forwards but they were all a step behind the man. The next moment was pure instinct and came out back on the isle of dragons.
Exploding into a ball of fire, the blade swung but missed as red and yellow fire sparked upwards. To the shock of all who gasped as floating above their heads was a burning red Phoenix. A small shower of flames cascaded downwards as the burning bird remained aloft.
"Heavenly father! A true phoenix!" One proclaimed, while the would be assassin dropped his blade upon seeing the fiery bird looking down at him. He was overcome. "Free! I have freed the-'' Several long spears impaled his body as the followers killed him outright. Enraged or distraught, the hacking and stabbing of limbs continued in earnest for half a minute.
Lady Adalee fell to her knees, her hands clasped together in prayer, tears spilling from her eyes, "Heavenly mother, the light of our God, please return to us!"
Other's fell down and prayed, all of them begging for her return, not understanding the situation. They saw the explosion and a fiery bird floating above them. A burning phoenix and powerful figure for the devoted.
The bird spread its wings before slowly descending. Just as one of it's large talon's was inches above the ground, the fire rolled upwards and faded. Chise dropped those several inches, her feet landing with a clack. The heavy robes only pulled her backwards, as Chise wobbled.
Exhaustion catching up with her as she had a less than gracious fall landing right on her backside with a 'oof'. Her mana and energy reserves used up so quickly Chise felt her body give out of her and was quickly swallowed up in darkness.
Chise didn't know what happened next as a flurry of voices were garbled in her unconscious mind. Perhaps she'd wake up and Elias would be there?
[***]
"Get moving you damn Demi we don't have time to be wasting on you. Not that you'll be of much use anyway in a little bit." One of the royal guards, a captain dressed in the standard plate armor and bearing the Melramarc crest upon his breast. Pushing along a demi human, her long light brown hair touched the small of her back. Her appearance was mostly human, the only thing that differentiated her was the minor raccoon features. Her ears were atop her head, and a bushy tail hung down.
There was little she could do in her current predicament, her hands were locked with chains-despite being liberated- though she never wanted to be. She was treated more like a slave than previously before. The royal palace dungeons had been her home for several days, her armor and weapons were taken from her. Forced to wear nothing but a small shirt and pants. Her fate was all but certain as she was being moved through the main interior of the three hero's church. The most vile of human supremacists in the entire world.
Being paraded around with her mouth gagged and the only person who had mattered to her had been forced to abandon her under even more harsher punishment. 'Master Naofumi… I'm sorry I stood out at the party so much, I should have just stayed back and not tried to justify anything.'
The moment she was seen with the slave crest mark it should've been bad news, but Melramarc used slaves all the time. Especially that of Demi Humans but with the owner of said slave being a Hero. Who under duress had bought her, trained, fed, and cared for her. The relationship wasn't one of simple master say, slave do.
No for this Demi-Human it was far more than-! She was pushed from behind. "Stop dawdling, I'm sick of having to keep pushing you." The Captain's face had a tint of red to it as she caught the smell of liquor.
Perhaps the canteen attached to his hip wasn't holding just water she assumed. But the stare she gave him only pissed him off further. He pulled his arm back and swung- "Know your place!" His voice shouted as the arm went forward but she side-stepped it. Not the most challenging of actions for her. With slight effort she moved and then countered, one kick and connected with his stomach.
The blow rattling the officer who landed several feet away but her bare foot as well. Yet her actions were met with further reprisal as the three other guards with her all ganged up on the chained up slave.
As the chaos unfolded in the interior of the cathedral at the same time, the venerated Holy Mother was being helped out. Her exhaustion having been lessened with some rest. Chise walked with some help, the head nun Adalee in front with both Etricka and the other sister holding Chise's arms. Though she could walk on her own, the scare from earlier today had only doubled their zealous nature to protect her, and her display of incredible magic had probably increased that yet further.
So the procession was walking through when Chise heard it. "Damn Demi!" The sound of metal and flesh, the soft cry of a voice, muffled and desperate. "You think you can hit me?" Another even louder sound. The sound of something smacking the hard pavement came again and again. But it wasn't just one, no there were many sounds.
Chise's head turned towards it, she saw four men in plate armor. Their heads were visible but the bushes, plants, and delicate gardening obscured the rest. "Wait." Chise spoke, often rarely like this.
"Holy Mother?" Adalee spoke as she stopped abruptly. Following their saint's vision she saw it as well. A sight most unbecoming in the interior of the Three Hero's church. Still enraptured by the day's events they were led away from their path back to Chise's private quarters and as they rounded the bushes they saw blood. Not a large amount, but it had splattered on the ground.
A broken lip, a busted nose, cracked skull and bruises already visible began to show on the form of a girl. The men kept beating her and beating her. "STOP THIS AT ONCE!" Adalee shouted her voice acting like a whip crack. Startling all of them men who turned their heads realizing their obvious mistake. "You defile this holy ground with blood and violence?"
'The hypocrisy' Chise thought briefly but didn't bother trying to object to her words. But considering they had just brutally killed the man attacking her earlier and that they only paused upon her discretion.
"I don't know what kind of knight's you think you are but you shall not abhor the Holy Mother's senses with this… this… barbarity!" Adalee showed no fear, marching straight up to the captain and getting in his face. "Are you not a believer of our faith or have you come to spread taint across this sacred place!?" She was practically shouting.
Chise saw the man's face turn almost pale at seeing the woman berating him, quickly fumbling over his words as the Nun stood over the body of the woman being beaten bloody.
"W-Well It I mean- This isn't serious- just -just discipling yes discipling this lowly demi human. It was a slave to the shield hero." The captain's plea came out and the woman's eyebrow raised looking down at the black and blue welts forming. "Surely you could understand why we needed to perform some corrective actions.
Adalee dropped her voice, but she was just a few steps below shouting as she shoved a figner straight in his face. The other knights were looking elsewhere, like they were children being caught where they shouldn't be. It made Chise almost pity them, but that wasn't her concern.
She walked forwards. Listening to the woman cough and already able to see the damage done to her. The blackened eyes, bruising of the arms and wrists. The cuffs linked had only tightened further no doubt to the point of bruising her skin.
This was terrible to view in person, having seen herself in similar situations, but it had always been other people helping her, giving her the strength to stand and become the woman she was now. "Holy Mother?" Adalee questioned taking a step back as Chise knelt down beside the demi-human.
"Heal and renew." She spoke and her hands began to glow as she reached down and touched her woman's face. The woman's brown eyes opened as her injuries disappeared, pain becoming non-existent as she blinked. "Are you okay?" Chise said, pulling her hand away.
Her eyes looked around, seeing that she was still in the courtyard but said nothing as Chise brought her hand and moved the veil to the gasp of the Nuns. "Out! Out! OUT!" the three of them began screaming at the knights who were forced back by the zealots.
The Captain tried to stop, "That Demi is here to be purified of her levels, we can't leave her here, just let us-"
"You are not permitted to look upon the Holy Mother's face! If you do not leave I will call the church guards to forcibly extract you from this sacred place immediately!" The Captain attempted to shift his eyes and look at Chise only to have Adelee move in front of him.
Regaining his composure, "Look I am a royal guard captain you can not-"
"A royal guard in the three hero's church-" The two began to bicker back and forth as Chise ignored them and reached a hand down to the demi-human.
"Thank you," The half racoon girl said with a relieved sigh and then reached up and grasped Chises's hand.
"It's alright, that shouldn't be happening to anyone." The redheaded saint then helped the shackled girl to her feet, "What's your name?"
"Mine?" She sounded a bit surprised, but perhaps she didn't truly grasp who she was speaking with and spoke plainly. "I'm Raphtalia and you are?"
Nodding her head, "I am Chise although-" She was cut off by one of her loyal svants.
"That is the holy mother! Show respect for her good graces." Etricka said coming back over intent on removing a simple Demi-Human from being to fortunate as to touch such a blessed being. As she moved to grab Chise, the saint's own aura lightly flared. In warning. The pulse of magic wasn't enough to cause any harm but the flexing of power would not be ignored as those once sullen green eyes shined with a beautiful fire. All heads that were not looking at her now stopped their bickering and saw a more radiant woman.
"Don't," Chise said warningly, "I helped Raphtalia; she is staying right here with me for now." This was surprising to all parties.
The raccoon girl smiled putting another hand over Chise's. "It's okay. I can manage this. My master will come for me, even if they take away all my levels I won't let them beat me." Raphtalia didn't say it, but she didn't wish to be pitied. 'Especially by some benevolent figure. Naofumi will come for me, I just need to have faith in him.'
"No one deserves to be hurt and I know the feeling of being seperated from someone." It was more of a truth than she'd care to admit. Raphtalia didn't respond as Chise's eyes looked at her, but as the demi-human looked deeper into those eyes, there was a compulsion flowing within her. The touch of her hands, the feeling of her presence, she liked this, she wanted to be near to her.
An unknowable attraction, but not a physical one. Like an emotional need to please a parent, to make them proud or something more animalistic. It was beyond description and being so close to this woman just made her entire wants and desires begin to fade and just remain close to her.
The touch of the raccoon girl's hands tightened slightly. "I-I'm sorry for being curt, Thank you." Raphtalia bowed her head.
"It's alright, how about you come with me for a little bit. Perhaps I can help find your master?"
"Holy Mother what are you saying?" Adalee had dropped the pretenses with the other men and came to interject on this discussion. Looking down at Raphtalia, it was only natural. "Demi-Humans are worshippers of the Shield Hero; they wouldn't appreciate the blessing that you are as the gift of the Three Heros Church!"
Yet Chise looked at her, "I want Raphtalia to stay with me for now until we can reunite her with her companion."
"But-"
It wasn't like she wanted to handle things this way, but there was no way Chise was going to let some girl be beaten and dragged away by so called 'knights'. She'd seen bad things caused by people who thought they were doing good, that they could side step morality for the betterment of others.
With Mina and Mathew, the desperation to do anything for someone they cared about and ended up hurting others and solving nothing. Raphtalia was being hurt because of what she was and who she was associated with. Chise had her morals and she would not concede them.
"This is my will," Chise said but taking her free hand she brought it up to Adalee and touched her forehead. "Please make it so."
The enraptured Nuns would not deny their Saint, The Holy Mother's will was without question.
"We have our order's you can't just-" The captain started but was given a fierce look from the head Nun.
"God's blessing has spoken." She composed herself and then pointed towards the doors. "you will leave, she has come to our temple regardless of your reasons she is now the Church's responsibility." Adalee had been touched and given a personal blessing. 'What loyal servant of God would turn down their divine offering?'
As the Captain looked ready to argue one of his subordinates took his ear. Yet Chise didn't bother to listen in or care. "Let's go to my room Raphtalia. Perhaps I can help you find your companion. What is his name?"
Raphtailia still felt this compulsion to answer her, "He is the Shield Hero Naofumi. He's a really great man." It was the truth and for the first time in a long time Chise found herself smiling as the two of them walked back to her quarters.
The Nun's following behind though not happy that a lowly demi was now at the Holy Mother's side they had their faith that this was for a reason. That reason was lost as a figure watched from one of the arches of the temple center. Adjusting their glasses with a most satisfied smile before leaving.
[***]
Chise sat in her room and for the first time in weeks she didn't feel quite so alone anymore but, she was gaining some of that self confidence back in herself. Being instilled with the knowledge that she was capable of looking after herself even in an entirely different world. Elias had built back up her self worth in herself and her time with Lindel had helped her to rationalize that life was a joy and death wasn't something to be envied.
Now she wasn't stuck being this divine figure for once, she just wanted to be… happy. So Chise remained quiet drinking some prepared tea, Adalee wished to remain in the room as a precaution. Her obvious disdain for Raphtalia was showing but was ignored, since the woman valued Chise as near infallible she wouldn't go against what she was told for the moment. 'I think Elias rubbed more off on me than I thought.'
But Chise just remained content, her long religious robes gone in favor of a single night dress, normally she'd crawl into bed exhausted-today especially. However, she had a guest and wanted to share a few moments with her. Unlike the masses today who paid for absolution, or looked to strike her down because of it.
So as Chise sat drinking and eating she heard the shower in the other room stop, the medieval workings weren't the most accommodating compared to the one back at her home… 'Home. It's crazy to think that two years ago I longed for such a thing. Then have it gift wrapped to me, then have it all taken away again.' If Silky were here, Ruth sleeping by her legs, and Elias reading one of his books by a fire then… this wouldn't be so bad.
Setting down her cup just as Raphtalia exited her bath, a large white towel wrapped around her body as she came into the room. "That felt incredible, I can't recall the last time I had a proper bath." Her cheeks were a little red from the warm water and still a noticeable amount of water still peppered parts of her body.
"I'm glad you liked it, would you like to sit down and have something to eat." Chise gesturing for her to sit across from her.
"You don't have to do this all for me, any standard meal plan would be fine for me as long as its not the kid's menu." Raphtalia took a seat across from Chise who released a small laugh.
"I wouldn't do that, you're a grown woman and the people taking care of me always bring me much more food than I could ever eat. Not that I've really had an appetite."
The Raccoon slave took note of Adalee who sat in a chair several feet behind Chise, the woman's cold and stark attitude that of most humans at the upper ranks of society. It all reminded her of the party, the night after the first wave of catastrophe and her subsequent freedom/imprisonment. Taken from one master who treated her like family to be chained and shackled by others that thought her nothing but dirt. She took a few bites from the spread gathered, finding her trust in the woman across from her to not be much like those who had helped her wind up in this state.
Her master-! Raphtalia's expression jumped as she looked upwards, 'I forgot!' "Excuse me, uhmm Chise but could you help me find Master Naofumi?"
Adalee coughed from behind the redhead, "Miss, Demi Human. Please address the lady as the Holy Mother, I will also accept Saint Chise but you will be respectful of her honored position."
Chise looked over her shoulder, "It's okay."
"But Holy Mother this is sacrilege, you are a gift from God you are to be honored not treated like some lowly peasant!"
A heavy sigh escaped the redhead's lips. The shimmer in her emerald eyes speaking volumes. "I know that is how you feel, but I just want to not be myself in moments like this, I know I'm your Saint or Holy Mother all the time, however it is tiring so can we please drop the formality while we're not in public?"
Adalee wished to say something, but she seemed to physically restrain herself. Releasing a grunt of straining emotion as she struggled to want to reply back. Yet she steadied herself and stood up and bowed. "Excuse me then for a moment."
The two other occupants watched her depart. The door closed as it left the two of them alone. "Sorry about that, they really have it stuck in their head about me being some type of Saint." She tried to apologize but Raphtalia waved it off.
"It's okay, I know how humans are. There's not many that are like you, you kind of remind me of Master Naofumi the Shield Hero… except you're not nearly as crass or blunt about things."
The human teen nodded, "Yeah that would probably be my own master slash man who wants me to be his bride who rubbed off on me, he is blunt although lacking in understanding of why things are the way they are."
"The Pope wants to marry you?" Raphtalia couldn't believe that would be allowed but then again the three heroes church did help dictate a lot of laws and probably could see a work around.
"The Pope… No. No he's the reason I'm here and is holding my dear Elias hostage." The once pleasant mood slowly dissipated as Chise looked down at her hands. "I still have no idea how I got here, just that the church has declared me a Saint and I help keep up a charade of being this 'Holy Mother' in hopes of them sparing Elias and possibly going home someday."
That taste of normalcy she had with Elias, Ruth, and Silky was something she now desperately wanted back. Knowing her existence as a surei beggah was limited and that she perhaps had three or five years to live because of her vast magical powers would overwhelm her body and end up killing her and the only person who was trying to stop that from happening was now at someone else's mercy and that same someone believed Elias was the Devil incarnate, she wasn't sure if there could be some type of happy ending with this situation.
It might be absurd to think that considering the world around her now that wielded magic had demi-humans, and all manner of other crazy things going on but when you spend a year with Elias Ainsworth. Nothing seems so crazy, trips to the dragon isles and Tir-Na-Nog the land of the fae was another event she had experienced.
For her this wasn't as mind blowing as a normal person might have expected.
The half Raccoon human saw the small part of the woman cracking, evidently the Holy Mother was nothing like everything claimed to be. "So you weren't sent here by God? Everyone in the capital was talking non-stop about you, even the slaver I was with spoke loudly and boisterous about how incredible the news was." Yet the redhead shook her head.
"I don't know how I even got here, I was just in my home with Elias who was tutoring me in magic and potion making when all of sudden I was sucked downwards with Elias in tow before waking up in a Church and a massive fight breaking out between the church and him." Chise grew a bit quieter, "I've seen Elias only get that angry once before and even when I tried to calm him down he wasn't going to back off and neither were those people… he killed so many people, good or bad simply because he cared for me."
When he ripped apart an amalgamation that Cartaphilus had constructed, that had been one thing. But Elias without hesitating struck down a lot of people. 'But can't get mad at him for that, they weren't really giving him a chance to speak and considering how much value they put on me they wouldn't have stopped.'
"But, that's enough about my story." Chise didn't want to keep digging at her still open wound, she wanted to shift things around. "Would you mind telling me about yourself?"
Raphtalia was only an arms length away on the other side of the table between them when she reached over and touched the other woman's hand. "You're really nothing like what everyone in the city has been led to believe." Chise just looked down at the hand covering hers. "You share a lot in common with the heroes of this world but more like Naofumi. A lot of them were brought here without their knowing to help save the world. But it's said only heroes can be summoned to this world by the rulers of the kingdom."
"So the Heroes aren't from this world?"
Raphtalia nodded her head, "Yes, it's a little complicated. I'll try and explain what I know."
The pair remained in their seats as Raphtalia spoke with Chise. Telling her of her sad history of being enslaved, how her friends and family were taken away from her and how she was near death. All of it leading up to her meeting with the Shield Hero. Following that she grew substantially, a side effect of being in a hero's Party.
Raphtalia also spent her time, in as much detail as she could explain the world as she knew it. Although limited by her slave upbringing she helped to divulge what information she could. Even parts that she wouldn't want to tell, the former sword of the shield hero could.
"I never thought I could ever do these things until Noafumi gave me the confidence in myself." Recounting how he had been her protector and his use of the slave collar to help her fight through her own fears.
"When the waves of catastrophe hit, he went to defend a village that was supposed to be protected by the king's army. But when they saw that the shield hero was there the majority opted to leave and not be associated with him."
"Everything looked to be going so good until that feast… someone had convinced the King that I was being held against my will to serve Naofumi and all of the other Hero's ganged up on him for doing that. The spear hero in particular has it out for Naofumi but I think it was that backstabbing princess."
Elaborating further on how the princess had framed Naofumi for something he didn't do, she couldn't believe a man who would spend money on a sick slave, feed, and care for her could ever do the things that her master had been accused of. He had been selfless when others were not, he still fought even though he had been pushed, pulled, and twisted in every direction not too even care.
It was a heavy burden for him to carry alone, she had wanted to help him but thanks to the royal family she had been taken from him. If punishing him had been just removing her that had been one thing, but they had lied about her freedom. Instead keeping her locked up in a dungeon by her captors and then marched to the Hourglass- the power and timer for when the wave's would come- and would have her strength reduced, all twenty of her levels stripped away so that she'd be worthless in a fight. Though Raphtalia very much doubted that there would've been a possibility of her return.
"That's pretty much sums up my story," Concluding everything she could to Chise who had remained quiet through the entire thing. "I'd like to find Master Naofumi again but I have no idea where he is and I doubt there will be anyone willing to help me find him."
"Yeah, you told me people really don't like the Shield Hero and earlier people kept saying the Devil of the Shield. I can only imagine that the people here would have nothing but animosity for him."
Raphtalia had to agree, "Yeah, but I know it's a favor but could you help me? I'd repay you when I could but without me he can't really do anything. He can't fight very well and without me he barely had gone up any levels before the waves of catastrophe."
"I'll see what I can do for you Raphtalia." Yet as she looked out the window she realized the sun was gone, the only light that remained were the few remaining candles in the room. 'TIme really passed us by, didn't it.'
The demi-human realized it too and followed Chise's eyes towards the window. "Wow it got dark."
"Yeah it looks that way," Raphtalia stood up as Chise looked back at her. "Are you leaving?"
"I should, I wouldn't want to impose upon you for too much longer. You've done quite a bit already for me today and I'm certain your attendants wouldn't appreciate me staying much longer."
Chise brushed that off. "Don't worry about them, if you need a place to stay for the evening you can stay here for tonight and I can try and find out where your Naofumi is and reunite the two of you."
Raphtalia wanted to open her mouth and say no that she could start looking for him, but then the strange feeling of leaving Chise made her question if that was the right answer. This strange compulsion was deep within her and she could not explain it, 'Perhaps staying wouldn't be too bad. I mean she's a nice person and she could probably help me find Master Naofumi faster.'
That justification was all she needed, "That would be nice…" To which Chise smiled and then offered her some clothes as those towels had to go.
[***]
A clattering of wagon wheels continued as Naofumi traveled back towards the capital. The day had been drawn out by unexpected inclement weather, the canvas roof of the wagon was beginning to leak as the rain pelted down from a dark rainstorm.
The wooden and metal wheels slipped as the carriage drawn by filolial's though the poor hauling bird's were completely soaked through each feather. Uneven bumps in the road were only further amplified by the splashes of water that they hit and bounced through.
Yet as Naofumi traveled he did not do it alone. The Shield Hero remained idle, his arms crossed and in a dozing state as he rested. But his shadow moved, but it would be inaccurate to call it his shadow. For the living darkness had red eyes that pierced the veil. A single lantern dangled from the front of the Wagon giving a brief illumination as the water pelted downwards.
Quietly the shadow Elias watched as the man driving the cart grabbed the sole source of light from it's metal hook. Bringing it down to his lap not knowing that the glowing red eyes were right behind him. But the man then took the front latch of the lamp opening it. Then closed it, then opened it, repeating this act several more times each way.
Elias looked forwards and as he noticed a reflecting glint in the distance. The Shadow then pulled backwards and then moved towards the Shield Hero. There were no other sounds for several more minutes other than what nature provided.
The dragging cart then came to a hard stop as the splash of water was not just of the cart but others mixed with metal. Bowstrings were drawn, crossbows aimed at the lone covered wagon. With unsuspecting prey this would be no real challenge- or any cantankerous rabble would believe.
When the light up front was extinguished, the arrows and bolts flew. Numerous pops and clicks came as the flurry drew down upon the target and easily pierced the canvas cover only to impact on a solid object which caused audible clanks with the sound of metal.
"Shield Prison!" The sound echoed before the entire top of the wagon cover exploded outwards, Naofumi Iwatani hidden inside his magical barrier. WIth only a partial glow of the moon passing through the low rain clouds giving enough of a glint of his lighter skinned face but behind him one could see the glowing red eyes floating above his head.
The commotion sparked a frightened squawk from the Filolial's which had conveniently had their reigns loosened and sent them sprinting off into the dark rain with all due haste.
"Come forth thorn shield." The steel buckler with it's green gem warped itself into red, a mouth forming around it, steel became black with black tendrils and feathers sprouted from the top.
"So soon? I thought you wished to wait and test your new shield?" Elias's voice spoke from behind him as Naofumi gave a grin.
"Anytime would be as good as any considering they came here to kill me." The shield hero replied as he held up the amalgamation shield. "You ready?"
"I am prepared for the fight, yes, and for now I will abide by your desire. None of them will be killed intentionally."
"Fair enough, let's do this!"
The second volley of arrows came for Naofumi, the would-be whatever they were met by the Shield Hero and Elias formed along the ground, a more canine form. Smaller than that giant form he had before. His face was covered by white messy hair and leapt forwards with two whip-like tendrils protruding from his back.
Jumping form the wagon Elais twisted in the air, his serpent-like tail spinning into a heavy flail as arrows whizzed past him and came down upon the first assailant with a thunderous crash. THe man's body and armor cracking audibly but the wolfen Elias only howled before jumping for the next one beside him.
The man panicked, dropping his bow for a short sword which swung downwards only to be snapped in half by the whip like tendrils of Elias. Driving forwards the massive boney skull impacted into the man's torso sending him backwards with a thick splash.
Yet the several men still covered by long cloaks and rain kept their swords raised towards the misshapen creature. It's terrifying visage changed slowly as the body twisted and pulled upwards, paws becoming long clawed hands and it's hunched back swelling further from that of a wolf to the size of a bear.
Red eye's glared down at the men, their courage keeping them in place but the twitching of their blades revealed their true state. Sucking in a breath of air Elias pulled back holding for just a few seconds, letting the human mind ponder his actions before unleashing a tremendous bellow that blew brush, leaves, and branches from their bonds and forced his attackers to cover their faces.
It wasn't long before he set upon them as only darkness swallowed them.
Naofumi held the shield upright as he pushed forwards, eager to see the powers of this form. "You will die here Devil of the Shield." One man shouted as he charged forwards bringing down his longsword which impacted on the shield that Naofumi did not even budge from.
"Thanks for telling me who you work for you religious fanatic." The Hero said, holding the attack back, "Thorns Aura!" The red gem of the shield glowed and from Naofumi's shield and entire body black spikes erupted outwards, not penetrating his armor from below but outside his clothes and skin, hundreds of foot long black thorns rippled outwards forcing the man to pull back.
His retreat was not without purpose as he drew up his sword. "Fire!" And Naofumi caught the drawstrings already aimed down at him.
'This isn't just for show!' "Thorns Eruption!" With his voice shouting outwards the black spikes fired like dart's though long they were no thicker than a vine. But acting like a short range shotgun which broke apart bow's speared flesh and forced others to duck behind the trees.
"Air strike shield!" Firing outwards his signature green shield it launched forwards and slammed into his primary attacker knocking the air out of him and his sword several yards into the air and lodge within the branches of a tree.
Those that hadn't been caught by his new ability readied themselves. Naofumi caught four more still uninjured and still eager to fight him. "Shadow form!" " His body became ethereal as four arrows launched outwards and passed right through him.
It pleased the Shield Hero that he could avoid damage but as he attempted to move he found out a problem. 'Why can't I move?' He looked up again his body blackened much like a silhouette against a light backdrop as four more arrows pierced him, but passed through nothing leaving not a scratch on him. 'Shit!' Breaking the form Naofumi became flesh and blood and charged forwards. With a scream he pushed forwards the mouth of his shield extending forwards.
"Here goes," He aimed it in the general direction. He hadn't seen this ability before and decided to give it a shot, it sounded good. "Shield skill-! AUGHAHH!" The word's didn't come, his ability to speak now a throat tearing scream, his hud became a mess of twisted symbols. Like crazed carvings, other's twisted marks, blending, pulling, and stretching across his vision. Naofumi's eyes blurred red as the shield folded over his arm and wrapped around him. He watched darkness cover his fingers.
Only later did Naofumi regain consciousness. He was standing, the battered shell of the wagon still remained though largely pined with arrows and bolts. Elias, or rather a very humanoid looking Elias stood apart from him. Now only seven feet tall and wearing a gentlemanly suit despite the wet woods… which the rain had ceased.
"Wh-what happened?" His memory all but blank as Elias turned around. His hand holding a rather large piece of rope.
"You had quite the episode, it was most fascinating that I couldn't help but watch." The large wolven skull said, sounding amused, dragging with him all of the human's that had attacked them. Some were injured, other's more so, but all of them were alive. Bound up like a pile of sticks and tied together.
"You saw me?" The shield hero asked looking at himself, seeing that he was no worse for wear and mostly unharmed.
"I did indeed, you were on quite the rampage. Whatever you did clearly had you lose control, but you did strike down all of your opponent's in swift order… Of course." Elias paused, "Had I not intervened you might've killed them."
"What? I was going to kill them?" He looked at the gathered men, though he held no pity for them he didn't want to become a murderer.
Elias nodded, "Yes you seemed quite lost. Almost like a feral version of myself when I hunted man and beast alike. Judging by your reaction you have no memory and by my guess no real control of yourself." He pulled the group up of men, all ten of them up to where they were both speaking.
"I've already spoken with most of them, but I assumed you would like to talk with them as well. However, they weren't very forthcoming with information." The old mage stated as he walked around, most of them had gone silent, just grunting and groaning in pain like little children.
Naofumi shrugged. "Not so much what they want to say is what interests me." Naofumi squatted down and started rifling through one man's pockets.
"Then what does pray tell?" Elias asked looking over his shoulder.
The shield Hero chuckled. "Well, first off money." He said dropping a small sack of coins off to the side. "But more importantly." He pulled out a sheet of paper, even though it was a bit wet it was still in decent shape. Flapping open the paper Naofumi confirmed it, Elias leaned over and looked down at the paper.
At the bottom of the paper was signed by a royal seal. The Crest of Melramarc.
R&R