Jaden sat in awkward silence while Raphtalia, Eclair, and Banner stared at him. "So…"
"Come on men let's get going!" Bladedge shouted at a group of young soldiers who he had decided to 'teach'. "My grandma can walk faster than you, and she older than all of you put together!" While he said this he ran past the lead soldier and proceed to turn and start running backwards. "Come on if I can still beat you while running backwards then you have no excuse!"
"Yes sir!" Eclair shouted back picking up some speed to try and keep pace.
"...yes," Banner prompted adopting the look he wore whenever a troublesome student pulled a stupid stunt. Like summoning Jinzo, or going to the forbidden dorm.
"You see when I was coming back me and Kuriboh wondered if it was possible to permanently summon a monster and well one thing led to another…" Jaden said trying to wave it off.
"Jaden-sama this isn't one of those things you can just wave off!" Raphtalia exclaimed stomping her foot. This caused Jaden to chuckle and pat her on the head. "Jaden-sama!" Raphtalia shouted while going red.
"Sorry its just nice to see you act your age." While Jaden said this he pulled his arm back before looking back toward Banner while reaching into his pockets. "We mainly used these," pulling back his hand the new king showed a collection of small jewels that had some swirling energies inside of it.
"Oh you mean those things we keep finding around the place?" Banner asked while pulling out a few of his own. "I did wonder why I felt some of the Shadow Realm energies from them." The jewels had popped up every so often and they had taken to collecting them. Jaden had even tried to feed some into the Shield put nothing had come of it. In fact the Shield seemed to reject it.
"Yeah, Kuriboh helped me with the ritual but it used a bit of them but now Bladedge is here to stay." Bladedge, still running backwards, passed them followed by the soldiers.
"First to pass the finish line will get a one on one training with me later!" This caused some of them to slow down while few of them sped up, most notably Eclair who started catching up to the hero. "The last ten to pass will have to run another lap!" Those that fell behind began picking up the pace again.
"He seems quite happy to be here to." Jaden commented while leaning back. "If you asking about the specifics about the summon I don't think I can do it again for awhile and it seemed random who was summoned." Closing his eyes Jaden seemed to relax only to have Filo, who was slowly coming up behind him, to pull him into her. "Wah!" His arms flailed around as he fell backwards into the fluff.
"Filo!" Raphtalia yelled grabbing Jaden's arm and pull him back. "You should be more careful!" As she said this Jaden spat out a few feathers that were stuck in his mouth.
"Well someone seems attached to you." Banner joked while noting the feathers being absorbed by the shield. The alchemist had always been fascinated by what the shield could absorb to what said unlocked shields could do. This lead to him feeding the shield everything he could, from common grass to disassembled monster parts. "Hmm, so feathers can be absorbed by the shield too?" The skill tree opened up Jaden looked through and found the new shield and relayed the information to the professor.
As they were talking Bladedge walked up to them with a panting Eclair following behind. "Well met Jaden and friends," Bladedge announced his presence by patting Jaden's shoulder. "After testing your knights I have determined that they are all in need of a good shape up!"
Turning Jaden looked at Eclair who despite looking more tired than him after test week was forcing herself to stand. "Well I guess if you know what is needed. Hey Eclair you okay?"
"Yes I am doing quite well." The female knight said giving a bright smile. "I can't stop now! Bladedge-san said he would give me personal training." The thought of personal training seemed to excite her while Bladedge just gave a nod.
"She is quite enthusiastic, reminds me of Burstinatrix when she started."
"That's nice." Raphtalia muttered before turning to Jaden. "Jaden-sama we should leave. We need to head out and start checking the villages."
Looking at her it was obvious that she was starting to get antsy. How very like a little kid. "Sure we will head out in a few moments, just need to finish a few things with Banner." She let out a sigh before walking back to the castle to grab her bags. "We should get a carriage for you to pull, make some use of you." Jaden said patting Filo who let out a chirp of excitement.
"I think there are some carriages kept around you could use." Eclair said taking a thinking pose only to feel a heavy armoured hand on her shoulder.
"Lead the way then. I shall go over what I expect of you while are being trained by me." Bladedge said while Eclair lead the way with Jaden sent Filo with them to pick out a carriage. Seeing everyone gone Jaden and Banner walked toward the castle with Banner sliding into his fake Jaden disguise. "So what is the plan?" Banner asked sending a quick shiver down Jaden's back at hearing his own voice. It was just so weird coming from another him.
"Go around and check in with the villagers." Jaden said while rolling his shoulder. "That and find the other Heroes so I can talk with them."
"Do you mean actually talk, or 'talk'?" Banner asked/joked while stepping into the work room and grabbing a piece of paper.
"Whichever it takes." The duelist said while opening his shield menu. "Good I can select this room to teleport into." Giving a nod Jaden slid back against the wall. "You checked right? You can use your deck right?"
"Yes, I can." Banner calmly stated looking over the paper. "We have been over this Jaden, no one blames you for what you did." Having finished the paper he put it on another part of the desk. "If I had the same options I would have reacted the same. But what is important is that we, all of us, accept responsibility for our actions." Picking another piece of paper up the former teacher looked at. "Now perk up we have a lot of work to do now."
Letting out a sigh Jaden gave a nod while standing up. Yesterday he had channeled so much of the King but as Banner said he had to accept responsibility. "I'll leave Bladedge and Eclair here with you, hopefully you won't need them." Having said this he walked out of the room throwing on the green cloak making sure to exit when there were servants. "Evening," Jaden said to them giving a smile. Walking to the entrance of the castle Jaden saw Raphtalia standing there with a very annoyed looking Filo.
As he was about to ask what was going on Eclair came around the corner pulling a nice looking carriage. "Come on don't quite right at the end!" Bladedge yelled walking alongside her only lightly helping her. After they pulled up Jaden watched as the female knight dropped the harness of the carriage before walking over to them. "Good job apprentice! We knew you could do it!" Bladedge said patting her on the back.
Eclair let out a tired thanks while once again struggling to stay standing. Filo marched up to them and pushed the female knight out of the way knocking her over before sitting nicely in the harness. Once she was comfortable in the harness Filo let out a happy chirp while turning to Jaden who let out a sigh.
"Bladedge please take care of the soldiers." The golden hero gave a nod while helping Eclair back to her feet. "Come on Raphtalia we better get going before Filo leaves without us." The young racoon girl was already loading her possessions onto the carriage. "... you know with how those two are acting, I might be the one left behind." Walking beside the demi-human Jaden loaded his own bags onto the cart.
Raphtalia happly climbed into the lavish cart and sat down on one of the plush seats. "This is so nice!" Looking at Jaden she patted one of cushions which he took to show how comfortable they were. Walking in he took the seat outside not noticing the disappointed expression of Raphtalia.
"Lets go Filo." With a chirp the Filoilo started slowly pulling the carriage.
"See she is having trouble…" Bladedge started to say before Filo looked back, almost angry before picking up the pace while making sure to kick up extra dirt. "Wonder how long she can keep this up."
For awhile it turned out. They made it a good while before they had to stop. Not because of Filo but instead Raphtalia who was starting to turn green. After they stopped the poor girl ran a good distance away before throwing up. "I guess she's motion sick." Jaden noted to Kuriboh and Filo while a crowd gathered. "Well at least we're almost to where we need to go." Looking over Jaden saw a tent and let out another sigh. "You know you don't have to do this Raphtalia."
The demi-human shook her head before straightening up and marched toward the tent. "No I need to do this." Seeing the commotion over the gathered group of civilians wounded off talking to each other.
Jaden was about to follow Raphtalia but was stopped by Winged Kuriboh who pointed toward one of the leaving civilians. "What's wrong with them buddy?" Kuriboh made a few gestures which caused Jaden to nod seriously. "You sure?" After receiving a nod the new king muttered something between them before walking inside the tent. Inside he saw Raphtalia in the middle of talking to the slave trader. "Ah to think the king and his companions would visit so soon." The round man said while a large smile grew on his face. "I can guarantee I haven't broken any new rules and am quite happy with the new slaves you gave me."
"Actually that's not why we're here." Raphtalia spoke up before Jaden. "I had my slave crest removed and I need to have it put back on."
"Oh? Is that so?" The round man now had a smile so wide it threatened to split his face. "Now this won't be breaking any rules now will it?"
Straightening up Jaden looked the man in the eyes. "No, so long as the person accepts the slave seal of their own free will I see no laws being broken. You will have to talk to the king, who is in the castle, further about it though." Saying the last bit Jaden made sure to emphasize the last bit.
"Ah, I see. I will contact him then." The slave trader said with an amused look in his eyes. Walking around the counter to the back he brought out the ink. "Though I guess I must praise the 'king' with how well he raised this slave." After getting the ink he brought out a brush while Raphtalia embarlising removed her breastplate and unbuttoned part of her shirt. "You know I would be willing to bet this slave is worth around 80 silver, it would be more if she was a virgin."
"I am a virgin!" Raphtalia cried in embarrassment.
"100 silver it is then." Jaden looked at this conversation in awkwardness.
"She is not for sale." Jaden stated while he leaned on the table. He watched as the slave seal was slowly put on.
"Pity," having applied the seal he held the bowl near Jaden who took a vial out and emptied the container of blood into it. "But I must admit it is quite a shock to see how much she has changed. Demi-human abilities are quite interesting."
Tilting his head in confusion Jaden was about to say something when Yubel interrupted. "Ah that would explain here transformation." The demon appeared beside him while Jaden grabbed some of the ink. "I have noticed that as she 'leveled up' she also grew in age." Seeing Jaden's confused stare she gave a flat look in return. "Don't tell me you didn't notice as the little girl turning into an adult."
While dropping some ink onto the shield Jaden turned to look at Raphtalia fully. "Are you messing with me? She still looks like a kid to me." No matter how he looked at the girl he just couldn't see what she was talking about. Looking at the Slave shield he gave a whistle. "Looks like I got a matching shield for Raphtalia." Opening the he looked between the Slave User shield and the Monster User shield. "Should master these two first so I can get those abilities." Hearing something behind him Jaden turned toward Raphtalia who looked like she was trying to get his attention. "Something up?"
"Nothing…" The young girl looked defeated while pouting. "Should we head out now?" Giving a nod Jaden tossed some coins at the seller who looked very pleased with himself.
"Please do come again, and make sure that the 'king' sends some more slaves." The top hat wearing man said happily as they left. "I certain to get more customers now, but to think he would try and cut into my business." Walking into the back the slave trader looked through the bars at some of the new slaves. "Well might as well try and cut into my other family members…" As he arrived at the back he opened a section into a small office. "I wonder how they would react to him."
Meanwhile Filo was still dutifully pulling the cart while exiting the village. "We're lucky the carriage is so slow." Jaden commented while looking at Raphtalia, who was starting to look green. It looked like she was trying to say something but was too sick to. "Sorry guess I shouldn't tease you. It is common for kids to get motion sick." Now she looked more annoyed and ready to speak only to stop and cover her mouth. "Filo pull over Raphtalia needs a break."
Giving a sad chirp the Filolial pulled the cart to the side of the road. Seeing her chance Raphtalia sprinted out and emptied her stomach. "Looks like we're approaching noon, we should start gathering food." Jaden said while unhooking Filo. While he had packed food for the trip he also wanted a chance to see Filo in action. "Raphtalia you mind setting up camp, then joining us in the forest?" Giving a weak nod Raphtalia didn't seem to quite hear what he said.
Giving a wave Filo happily followed her master into the forest. Watching him go Raphtalia made to get the gear as her mind drifted.
XXNot Long agoXX
Raphtalia didn't know how it happened but somehow the cage she had been kept in had been opened and her slave mark hadn't been transferred yet. As she made her way through the town she ducked into an alleyway to try and escape her owners men. As she waited the young demi-human felt a coughing attack start coming on. Holding her breath the racoon girl tried to avoid making noise but lost as a cough escaped.
"Man that sounds bad." A voice said beside her startling the slave. Turning her head she saw a young man wearing a dyed red cloak and plain clothes stare back at her. "I think I got something that could help." Reaching over to his shield, which glowed he pulled a potion. "Goblin's Secret Remedy should do nicely for this."
Raphtalia looked at the potion for a second not knowing what to do. The man seemed nice but could she really trust this stranger? "There she is!" Hearing one of the voices that had been chasing her she attempted to run only to stop as a coughing attack overtook her.
"Is something wrong?" The man asked while stepping in front of her.
"We need that child sir." One of the man made to step forward only to stop as the one protecting her didn't back down. "We will be taking her." The scary man said with a glare.
"Now why would I hand her over? Has she done anything." For some reason Raphtalia felt comfortable being in the man's shadow, it was as if the darkness was comforting her.
"She is a slave that has escaped. Now once again, she will come with us and be punished." A second goon said while pulling out a long sword. At seeing the red cloaked man not moving the other two also drew out weapons.
"Fine if that is how it is to be." For a brief moment Raphtalia felt the shadow she was hiding in darken. "I don't know what she did but I will protect her." As the members walked forward the man held out his arm. "Come forth to help!"
Reality shattered as with a flash a four armed large waroer appeared. "Never fear!" The man yelled as electricity sparked around him. "The Legendary Samurai: Ka-" Whatever he was about to say was interrupted as he was forced to defend against the other men. "How rude of you!" The self proclaimed Legendary Samurai easily deflected the blows. "You should never interrupt someone's introduction." As the knockback and shock sent them back while charging forward.
The samurai charged forward while lecturing the subordinates about the importance of following 'battle etique.' Turning around the man in red made to leave with her only to be stopped by her current owner. "My what do we have here?" The round man asked while pushing back his glasses. "It seems that you have taken care of my men and are currently taking one of my wares." The man protecting her seemed to be agitated by this if him clamping down on her hand meant anything. "Now, now, I don't want a fight anymore then you do so how about a deal?"
"What sort of deal?"
"Quit simple, I give you her for half off and you call off your summon." The round man said while gesturing to the samurai behind him. "So how about? I get some money out of this while you don't get the guards after your, again." What did he mean again?
"Ehh, I'm quite used to running to be honest." The man said with a dismissive wave. "But if we can avoid a fight I would prefer it. So how much we talking here?"
"Nothing much just a few silver coins will do." As he finished the red cloaked man gave a nod before flicking eight coins. "Oh how genoris!" The man said while giving a nod. "Now call off your summon and we can both leave." As the red cloaked man turned the slave trader walked forward and produced an ink pot. "It is quite a good thing I brought this." As the man turned her former owner held out the pot. "Just a drop of blood in here and she will be yours."
Red hesitated before giving a stern nod. "You better not be tricking me." He said before letting a drop of blood fall into the ink which were quickly mixed together.
Not saying anything but instead giving a wide smile the man was quick to paint the circle on her chest. The young demi-human expected pain but none came. Instead she felt a sense of peace like before in the shadow. It felt like those nights beside the fire with her parents. It felt like staring into the dark sky and knowing that all would be well. It was with this feeling surrounding her that Raphtalia passed into the arms of the man she would learn was called Jaden Yuki.
XXPresentXX
Raphtalia let a smile across her face as she returned from memory lane. The following time after Jaden took her were some of her best memories. Now they were going to return to those adventures, just the two of them.
"Filo, no, drop that!" Jaden yelled as he chased down said bird who help a part of a snake monster in its mouth. "No, don't eat that!" Well them plus one.
AN: I made it! Well that's all for now.