Chapter 2: A cost
A new day had begun as the four hero's gatherer in the throne room. Yin stood behind Naofumi, as well as Naphtalia, watching as King Aultcray entered the room and made his way to his throne before finally sitting down. Yang stood behind his brother while wrapped from neck to toe seeming almost like a mummy due to his past battle with the spear hero. Even though his more serious wounds were fully healed, his self-inflicted damage was still present due to the technique he used. The wounds that were self-inflicted could only be healed naturally as if it was a cost. He could not help but let out a loud yawn getting almost everyone's attention.
"You there! Show respect before the king!" A Knight shouted that stood a few meters in front of Naofumi glaring at Yang.
Yang sighed before shaking his head while walking from behind Yin to look over at the knight that yelled at him. He looked at the knight with tired eyes only to let out another yawn.
"Why should I show respect to someone that will not do the same?" Yang asked with a shrug.
"Why you..." The knight spoke bringing his right hand over to the handle of his sword before freezing in his track to find Yin looking down on him.
"...even if my brother is still recovering from his injuries, he is far from being unable to be unable to defend him. Do not start a fight you cannot win, " Yin warned narrowing this eyes.
The knight began to shake from the simple warning before looking back at Yang who's eyes were now wide open. It seemed as if Yang was asking him to draw his sword. Seeing Yang's wide-open eyes, the knight slowly retreated his hand away from the handle of his sword.
"Enough!" Aultcray demanded to gain the knight's attention and even Yins.
Yang still had his eyes locked on the knight before he felt a hand on his shoulder to see Yin. Sighing heavily, Yang nodded his head and had his eyes shift back to its tired state. The knight bowed his head in a way to ask for forgiveness while Yang only shrugged.
"I summoned you all here to give you all your rewards for defeating the first wave of many, " Aultcray said looking at the three heroes with a smile.
A Knight would then walk up to the three heroes, each holding a medium sized sack of gold which was handed to them. Naofumi was the only one not given any money catching Yin's attention while Yang looked at the knight that nearly drew his sword out on him to see him shift his hand into a sack and pull out coins from it. Yin faced the king and raised his hand easily getting Aultcray's attention before dropping his hand down.
"Although Naofumi-sama did not assist in defeating the wave boss, he played a large role in protecting the citizens who failed to evacuate in time to escape the assault of the wave, " Yin explained.
Aultcray looked at Yin and sighed before swaying his hand. The knight in front of Naofumi walked forward pulling out the same sack that he had taken some coins. Yang immediately ran forward to pull the knight's sword out of its sheath and placed the tip of the sword at the eye hole of the knight's helmet. Naofumi and even the other three heroes looked at Yang in confusion while Yin took a step forward unsure what was going on.
"What is the meaning of this?" Aultcray demanded as he stood up from his throne glaring at Yang.
"Brother?" Yin asked looking at Yang while stretching his left hand out and place it on his shoulder.
"This disgrace of a knight stole some coins within the sack he was supposed to give to Naofumi, " Yang answered with narrowed eyes as the tip of the sword inched closer to the knight's eye.
"I-I did...not...steal..." The knight stuttered in a shaky voice.
"It's true that I am still healing from the battle against pretty boy back there but that only makes me...that much more dangerous. In such a state I am... much more aware and sharper. There are a lot of things I pick up when I am in a state of healing, the smallest detail does not escape me, " Yang explained gritting his teeth slightly.
"What are you getting at? Are you saying one of my own knights would dare to steal in my presence?" Aultcray demanded as he narrowed his eyes.
"I mean it's a knight holding money from the shield hero...and because of the stupid rumor...there are many things that can go wrong...and you would not care. So yes, yes, I do, " Yang answered now looking up at Aultcray with half opened eyes.
"I did no such thing!" The knight shouted causing Yang to sigh and look back at him.
Yang's eyes edited a faint black glow allowing him to see black energy flow from the knight's mouth like smoke.
"Liar liar...blade to eyes for hire..." Yang whispered with a wicked grin and bloodlust in his eyes before bringing his left hand to the butt end of the sword bent on hitting it and impaling the knight through his eye.
"Wait!" Yin shouted as he took hold of the swords handle, stopping it completely from moving.
Seeing the sword stop moving a mere inch before looking over his shoulder at his brother Yin.
"We talked about this brother. Prove you are right. Do not pass down judgment by yourself." Yin lectured.
Yang blinked at the lecture before letting out a frustrated sigh and letting go of the sword while holding up his hands in defeat. Yin sighed in relief before tossing the sword to the ground and crossing his arms over his chest.
"Fine. So long as our lordship doesn't have a problem with that?" Yang said with a mocking tone while looking up at King Aultcray.
Aultcray only shook his head while gripping his hands into fists.
"Alright, you saw the lord. Let's get this stupid thing out of the way." Yang said turning his attention back to the knight.
Yang began to pat the knight down to feel a second pouch and narrowed his eyes. The second pouch was located behind the knight tied to his back armor and hidden from view. Taking the pouch, Yang tossed it up and down to get the feel of how much was in it.
"So how much were you planning on giving the shield hero because let's be honest, you weren't going to give him gold. Silver is a high possibility but still...how much?" Yang asked looking back up at Aultcray.
"...five hundred silver, " Aultcray answered.
"Well, this knight over here stole half of the five hundred. So two hundred and fifty silver. BOOM! Told you he was stealing, " Yang shouted with a smirk before tossing the second pouch to Yin who caught the bag and emptied it out into his opposite hand.
"As always brother you're correct, " Yin commented with a smile before taking the other pouch and poured the five silver coins into it.
With a soft laugh, Yin walked over to Naofumi and handed him the small pouch holding ten silver coins. Yang looked at Aultcray than to the knight before walking up to him and pulling him down so that they would be on the same level. With the knight pulled to the ground, Yang placed his head by the knight's helmet so only he could listen in.
"Did the king order you to steal from the shield hero?" Yang whispered to the knight
The knight said nothing and turned to look at Yang at the corner of his eyes. What he saw was Yang's eyes wide open once more and filled with not only bloodlust but also killing intent. This sight alone began to drive fear into the knight has started to shake in fear.
".Y... Yes..." The knight whispered back in a shaky voice.
Hearing this, Yang sighed and released his hold on the knight's chest piece to look up at the king with tired yet annoyed eyes.
"I take it back, this dude is innocent," Yang stated before turning away from the king and placing his hands behind his head only to grunt in pain and bring his arms down as he walked over to Naofumi.
"What do you mean Yang?" Naofumi asked watching as Yang walked passed him.
"He was merely a tool being used..." Yang answered looking over his shoulder to look at Aultcray once more.
Yin looked at his brother then followed his stare to find it looking directly at the king.
"It doesn't matter now, although it was a stupid attempt to fool Naofumi, it failed. So far it does not seem he will try anything else." Yang answered as he reached the door before coming to a stop and looking back over to his party.
"You have your reward...shield hero. Now leave, " Aultcray shouted before sitting back down on his throne only to hear Yang burst out laughing.
"You don't have to tell us twice, we're out," Yang shouted before laughing at the Aultcray again.
Naofumi looked at Yang who waved at them before smiling himself and nodding in agreement. Looking over to Yin, he found him glaring at the king causing him to sigh and walk up to him and softly tap his back to get the paladins attention.
"Yin, let's go. We have much to do today, " Naofumi said nudging his head to the doors.
Yin eyed Naofumi for a second before looking to the door seeing Yang waving to them still only for his hands to drop down.
"You guys...HURRY THE HELL UP! IM STARVING BACK HERE!" Yang shouted.
This earned a soft laugh from Yin before he nodded and then looked at Naofumi smiling again.
"Lead the way Naofumi-sama, " Yin said swaying his hand.
Naofumi smiled at this and nodded his head before walking toward Yang along with his other two-party members.
"King Aultcray!" Yang shouted gaining the king's attention.
"Brother don't do it..." Yin spoke narrowing his eyes at Yang.
"...guess what?" Yang asked cupping his mouth to sound louder.
Aultcray only narrowed his eyes at the question.
"Brother I will knock you out..., " Yang warned gripping his right hand into a fist.
"...you're better than this!" Yang finished before exiting the room.
Yin sighed in relief and eased up before popping his head by the still open door.
"...and you're an asshole!" Yang finished before quickly closing the door and running off.
"You...damn it..." Yin said with a heavy sigh before smoking softly.
"We better leave now Yin, " Naofumi warned before also leaving the room.
"Sticks and stones Naofumi-sama...a king should not let such things bother him, " Yin said before looking over his shoulder at Aultcray with narrowed eyes.
Once Yin had also left the room, Aultcray quickly slammed his right hand down on his throne gritting his teeth.
-Courtyard-
Yang would be running as fast as he could before seeing a shadow pass him. Closing his eyes, he tried to pick up speed but failed as his leg wounds began to open this forcing him to stop. He opened his eyes to turn his head and look over his shoulder to find Yin was missing.
"The hell?" Yang asked himself seeing only Naofumi and Raphtalia.
Naofumi only raised his hand and pointed behind Yang with a smirk.
"...and you're behind me..." Yang whispered with a defeated smile.
"Yes I am brother, " Yin answered cracking his knuckles.
"You wouldn't hurt your brother who is still recovering... would you?" Yang asked slowly turning to look at Yin who had an innocent smile on his face.
"Brother...you know very well I am a man of my word. I do not tell lies." Yin said bringing his other hand to take hold of Yang's entire head and lift him off the ground.
"...don't make me say it brother...cause I will!" Yang warned with a nervous smirk.
"Then by all means dear brother...say it, " Yin said bringing his other hand up while pulling it back as it was gripped into a fist smiling still.
"OH SHI..." Yang started before Yin quickly brought his fist forward knocking him out and looping him over his shoulder sighing.
"Alright, Naofumi-sama where shall we be going first? You said you had things to do right?" Yin asked facing Naofumi and Raphtalia with the same smile.
"We're going to the save trader. Will this pose a problem?" Naofumi asked as a sweat drop rolled down his forehead.
"Why would it?" Yin asked blocking his eyes.
"You're a paladin? Would that not go against your vow?" Naofumi asked narrowing his eyes.
"...it will not. My vow was to bring justice as well as peace. Although it is true that slavery is bad...even so...chaos will only breed chaos. There is only so much I can do. I know my limits very well." Yin admitted with a sigh.
"Then let's go, " Naofumi said walking toward the slave tent.
"Is Yang-san going to be okay?" Raphtalia asked worriedly while looking at the knocked-out warrior.
"He'll be fine. This is not the first time I had to do this to him. I warned him and he did not take it seriously. Thankfully it was very easy for me to catch him this time since he was injured." Yin answered with a soft laugh.
"What do you do when he does this and runs yet is at full health?" Raphtalia asked looking at Yin as the two followed behind Naofumi.
"At that point, I wait. I am a very patient person. Yang has to eat somehow when in a city. He knows better than to steal." Yin said with a happy smile making Raphtalia chuckle nervously.
-Slave Tent-
Yin waited outside with his arms crossed over his chest while facing the ground and his eyes closed. Yang shifted even so slightly and slipped off Yin's shoulder causing him to crash into the ground face first.
"...ow..." Yang muttered before pushing himself off the ground and onto his feet to begin to don't his body off of dust.
"I see you're awake now. Did you get a good rest?" Yin asked opening his eyes and looking at his brother.
"No thanks to you knocking me out, " Yang said looking at his brother narrowing his eyes before beginning to look around.
"Where are we anyway?" Yang asked looking back to Yin.
"We are outside a slave trader tent. Naofumi-sama is inside the tent conducting business. If I went in with you, it would only cause him trouble." Yin explained making Yang mid his head in understanding.
"That makes sense. Although it does not go against your vow, your presence alone would make it difficult for the slaver to focus on what he wants to do and even more so scare any beasts inside the tent." Yang added with a laugh.
Yin sighed in defeat knowing full well what his brother said was true. His presence alone would easily scare off smaller animals as well as monsters, excluding the undead.
"You're no different brother. When I am seen by monsters or animals, they run...but a hint of your bloodlust scares off more animals and monsters then my presence ever will, " Yin countered with a smirk.
"That is not...completely true..." Yang said looking away with his arms crossed.
"But I am not completely wrong either. Am I?" Yin asked with a chuckle.
"...no, " Yang answered hanging his head down in defeat. "Why you bully me?"
"Because you ask for its brother, " Yin replied with a soft laugh.
Naofumi exited from the tent holding what seemed like a monster egg. The two brothers followed after Naofumi with Yang walking beside him and looking down at the egg.
"Whatcha got there Naofumi?" Yang asked looking at the shield hero.
"A monster egg roulette...with a chance to get a dragon from it, " Naofumi answered looking at Yang.
"A dragon? How much was it?" Yang continued asking with narrowed eyes.
"One hundred silver," Naofumi answered with an annoyed sigh.
"If you ask me, he shouldn't have wasted money on a monster egg?" Raphtalia said with a sigh.
"It is only a waste if the one who bought it claims so. " Yin lectured looking at Raphtalia with a smile.
"Well look at it this way, you have another to fight by your side other than Yin and Yang," Naofumi explained.
"I can fight well on my own," Raphtalia complained making Yang laugh.
"I still gotta see you fight Raphtalia. That and I still have to answer your question about my style." Yang said with a smile.
"In your condition, I would rather fight Yin," Raphtalia spoke turning her face away from Yang.
The sudden change of target caused both of the brothers to stop in their tracks and look at each other. This caused Naofumi and Raphtalia to also stop and look back at the two.
"What's wrong?" Naofumi asked making Yin bring his hand up and rub the back of his head.
"Are you sure you want to try fighting me Raphtalia or were you joking?" Yin asked looking at Raphtalia with a weak smile.
"...if it is to give Yang a good insight on what I can do to better myself than yes," Raphtalia answered with a serious face.
"Alright...if you say so. Is that okay with you Naofumi-sama?" Yin asked looking at the shield hero.
"Fine. After I am finished with checking a few shops. For now, take this monster egg back to our room, " Naofumi said handing the monster egg to Yin.
"Understood, " Yin replied taking the egg and its cage before making his way to the room.
"I'll go with my brother than, " Yang said with a shrug.
"Then we will meet you back at the room, " Naofumi said nodding his head before leaving with Raphtalia.
-Hours later-
"I see you got yourself a book. What's it about?" Yang asked with a smirk while placing his hands behind his back.
"It's a book contains recipes for finer medicines than I usually make," Naofumi answered looking at the book.
The sound of cracking originated from the monster egg almost immediately gaining everyone's attention. Naofumi was the first to walk up to the egg and look down on it while narrowing his eyes while crossing his arms. As soon as Naofumi stepped in front of the egg, it quickly opened up revealing a filolial chick happily chirping. Everyone watched as the filolial chick hopped up and landed on Naofumi's head softly hopping up and down.
"Now that's freaking adorable," Yang commented with a soft laugh.
"The filolial chick thinks your its mother," Raphtalia explained with a soft smile as she held in a chuckle of her own.
"Imprinting?" Naofumi whispered as the baby finally settled down for now.
Yin looked to the window seeing it was much too late for their spar as he sighed in relief.
"It is far too late for our spar. Tomorrow at noon we shall cross blades. Is that fine with you Raphtalia?" Yin asked looking at her.
"Yes. I look forward to our match Yin-san," Raphtalia said bowing her head in thanks.
"Then until tomorrow," Yin spoke before turning and leaving with Yang following behind him.
-Noon the next day-
Naofumi's party would be out in a meadow with Yin in full gear stood before Raphtalia with her sword in hand. Yang and Naofumi sat by the side looking at the match that was to begin soon.
"Are you ready Raphtalia-chan?" Yin asked holding his great sword in his left hand while it hung on his shoulder.
"Yes," Raphtalia shouted before Yin nodded and crouched down with his right hand placed at the butt end of his great sword.
The two locked eyes before Yin lowered his head ever slight to face the ground. Raphtalia took this chance to dash at Yin but saw a large shadow over her. Looking up, she saw Yin's greatsword coming down on her body forcing her to quickly move to the left. As the greatsword crashed into the ground, Raphtalia was launched due to the sheer impact of Yin's sword.
"What power..." Raphtalia said skidding to her feet while narrowing her eyes.
"Don't let your guard down Raphtalia! He has power but he also has technique and patience," Yang warned while waving to Raphtalia.
She looked back at Yang with daggers in her eyes before turning her attention back to Yin who took his sword out of the ground and place it back on his shoulder.
"I am large but as my brother said...I am patient. It takes one mistake for the tables to turn," Yin warned looking at Raphtalia.
Raphtalia narrowed her eyes and ran toward Yin as he sighed and titles his head to the right. Her eyes shifted from Yin to his sword as she watched the great sword quickly race toward her form again but this time from the right. Smiling at this, she jumped up into the air avoid the sword allowing her to bring her own blade forward to impale Yin's neck. Instead of hitting his neck, she found her blade was caught by Yin's left hand.
"What?" Raphtalia shouted with wide open eyes before looking down to his swords handle.
Looking at his handle, she found only his right hand was on the handle.
"I warned you, " Yin whispered with narrowed eyes.
He then pulled Raphtalia forward while releasing the grip on his sword to thrust his right fist to her gut. Upon his first connecting with her gut, Raphtalia was launched back before slamming into the ground. She gasped for air before coughing loudly with Yin taking hold of his sword and placing it back on his shoulder. Raphtalia looked at Yin who now stood over her with his blade aimed at her body.
"I... surrender, " Raphtalia said before Yin smiled and brought his sword up to place over his shoulder once more.
"Good fight, " Yin said bringing his opposite hand to help her up.
"...was it?" Raphtalia asked as she took his hand and stood up while bringing her hand to her stomach.
"You okay?" Naofumi asked looking at Raphtalia with worry.
"I'm fine master Naofumi. It was only a spar if it had been a real fight than I would not be standing here, " Raphtalia admitted while looking at Naofumi.
"...if you want Raphtalia, I can avenge you, " Yang said walking up to Raphtalia with a long grin.
"Are you not to injured to fight your brother?" Raphtalia asked with a soft laugh.
"Come on, I can take him. It was I who trained him after all!" Yang said confidently.
"...brother please don't? It is already difficult to constantly heal you every night." Yin said laughing softly at Yang.
"Pfft, I can take you with my eyes closed, " Yang said facing Yin chuckling as well.
"...you do know I'm wearing heavy armor, right?" Yin asked with a raised brow.
"You do know I'm about to lay your ass, out right?" Yang countered making both brothers laugh before their laughter slowly died down.
"Naofumi-sama, it's best if you and Raphtalia took cover," Yin warned now facing Yang.
While the two stared at one another Raphtalia and Naofumi quickly made their way toward a hill where they would be safe. Once Naofumi and Raphtalia were safe from harm, Yin brought his hands to the handle of his sword to bring his sword down on Yang. Standing still, Yan closed his eyes and jumping to the left avoiding the sword and launched himself toward Yin's head. Yin narrowed his eyes and released the grip on his sword in an attempt to grab his brothers form but watched as Yang took hold of his hand to begin to run up it.
"Enjoy the blue brother, " Yang commented before leaping forward and flipped forward to drive both feet into Yins head knocking him back and eventually made him crash into the ground.
Yang jumped off his brother's body and on to his feet with his hands raised over his head in victory.
"Still got it, " Yang shouted while opening his eyes and sighing in relief. "It's all good everyone, my brothers just sleeping."
Yang waved as Raphtalia and Naofumi looked a Yang wide-eyed. That was until Yang felt something take hold of his ankle.
"What?" Yang said seeing the one who took hold of his ankle was Yin.
With a heavy sigh, Yin slowly got up to his feet before holding Yang upside down.
"Like always brother you are a man of your word, " Yin complimented with a happy laugh.
"...mercy?" Yang said almost as if begging for mercy.
"No, " Yin bluntly said with a smile before quickly slamming his brother into the ground.
"Ow..." Yang mumbled face first in the ground.
"Surrender?" Yin asked lifting Yang off the ground and holding him in front of his face.
"...NEVER!" Yang shouted before bringing both hands forward and poking Yin's eyes.
"Gah, damn it!" Yin shouted as he stumbled backward.
"Freedom!" Yang shouted with joy.
Just when he thought Yin was going to loosen his grip due to the pain, he found himself being raised overhead before quickly descending to the ground. With Yang now slammed into the ground, Yin finally released his hold on his brother and backed away to cover his eyes with his opposite hand.
"That...did not go...as planned...I give..." Yang said after he pushed himself to lay on his back.
"Damn it brother, you and your underhanded moves," Yin complained as he fell to his knee while keeping his eyes closed.
"Pfft, you've taken worse hits than that," Yang commented followed by a laugh. "Plus it works...sometimes,"
Yin could not help but laugh softly before nodding his head.
"Not this time," Yin said before facing his brother smiling.
"Nope, definitely not this time," Yang agreed before coughing.
Naofumi and Raphtalia joined them as the filolial chirped at Yin who was facing the ground sighing.
"Fast Heal," Naofumi spoke healing Yin allowing him to open his eyes before looking to the shield hero and nodding his head in thanks.
"Thank you Naofumi-sama," Yin spoke before standing up and walking over to Yang.
"Holy light," Yin whispered as the sky shined and a beam of light shot down at Yang healing his body.
"Thanks, bro," Yang said reaching his hand out for his brother to help him up.
"You're welcome brother," Yin replied taking his hand and helping him up.
"Alright with sparring done for today what else is there to do?" Yang asked sighing in defeat.
"The technique you used on the spear hero...march of a hundred warriors?" Raphtalia asked with her hands behind her back.
"Ahh right, one of many of my forbidden techniques I made myself. A technique that not only does it grant you the strength, speed, agility, and durability of a hundred men but after its use...the user's body will undergo something I call days of payment. Due to pushing one's body further than it is used to, it will tear your arm and leg muscles to shreds. No matter how powerful the healing magic is, the cost must be upheld," Yang explained with a shrug.
"But you don't look like you're in pain," Raphtalia asked looking Yang up and down.
"Trust me, I am in pain. It's just that I am not one to really show it...unless of course I get slammed by someone much bigger than me," Yang said narrowing his eyes and slowly looking over at Yin who simply smiled and waved at his brother.
"How long are these so-called 'days of payment' Yang?" Naofumi asked looking at yang with narrowed eyes.
"Back then at least a whole month but now, about three to four days. So far it feels like three," Yang guessed while looking up at the sky in thought about his answer.
"Don't push yourself too much then, you are not allowed to spar with your brother until you are fully healed Yang," Naofumi said with a smirk.
"...alright, you're the boss," Yang said raising his hands in defeat.
"If it is not too much to ask Yang-san when you are fully healed, can you train me?" Raphtalia asked walking up to Yang.
"So long as Naofumi does not mind and you are prepared for harsh training," Yang replied as they both turned to look at the shield hero.
Naofumi looked at the two before sighing and bringing his left hand to his head to scratch it.
"Fine but only after Yang is fully healed," Naofumi pointed out making Raphtalia smile and nod her head.
For the next two days, the party trained as well as watch over the filolial chick that was growing at an extraordinary rate.
-Lute Village-
In the stall of the village, Naofumi's party would be inside looking upon the fully grown filolial as it chirped.
"Damn that chicklet grew fast," Yang commented with his hands on his hips.
"I can't believe she grew so much in just a few days," Raphtalia added looking at the Filolial with awe.
"My growth boost skill probably helped. Right, Filo?" Naofumi asked with a smile while looking at the Filolial.
"Filo?" The three party members asked looking at Naofumi.
"Filo as in filolial? Don't you think that's a bit lazy?" Raphtalia asked with a sweat drop rolling down the side of her forehead.
"I agree, shouldn't it be more...well feminine?" Yang added with a shrug.
The filolial chirped happily at the name it was given making Yang and Raphtalia look at each other then back at the one named Filo.
"I see no problem so long as she likes it, " Yin said with a soft chuckle.
The sound of commotion caught Yang's attention causing him and his brother to make their way to the origin of the noise. Outside stood a crowd of people with knights gathered at the entrance of the village. Yin could easily see who it was but Yang was unable to since he was much shorter. With a soft groan on trying to look over everyone's heads, Yang looked to his brother and smiled before climbing onto Yang's back and placed himself onto his shoulder with a proud smile.
"Much better. Now the hell's going on here?" Yang asked narrowing his eyes.
In the distance, he saw not only the spear hero but also the princess with a company of knights behind her.
"In light of his exploits during the last wave, the spear hero, Motoyasu-sama, has been appointed ruling lord of this region," Malty spoke holding up a written command from the king himself.
"...stupid kid," Yang spoke slapping the top of his brothers head. "Onward titan, we must correct this stupidity!"
"Don't call me titan brother...or shall I start calling you goblin again?" Yin asked looking up at his brother.
"Fine...just...can you please move forward?" Yang asked with both arms crossed over his head sighing heavily.
"That's all you had to say, brother," Yin replied before looking forward and moving through the crowd with ease.
He would use his hands to slowly move them aside as well as whisper an apology as he passed them. Once the brothers had reached the front, yang looked down at the princess and spear hero with annoyance.
"What was this about this puppet becoming a lord?" Yang asked with a raised brow.
"Puppet?" Motoyasu asked while blinking.
"This is to help rebuild this village and as such we've decided to levy a toll. Fifty coins to enter the village and fifty coins to leave." Malty continued with a smirk.
Yang was about to say something but was silenced by his brother by grabbing his head and slowly lifting him off his shoulders to slowly put him by his side.
"With the village in such a state, you are doing nothing than abusing your power. True the spear hero did assist in defeating the last wave but he as well as his party has made no effort to help this village...even after the wave was over," Yin spoke walking up closer to stand before the princess.
"Y...You would defy your lord's order?" Malty asked looking up at Yin with a nervous smirk.
"Well, duh," Naofumi spoke gaining everyone's attention.
"Plus, I see no lord in front of us at all. Just a spoiled little princess playing with her puppet," Yang added placing his hands behind his head laughing softly.
Malty looked at Naofumi than back at yang due to his comment gritting her teeth but soon smiled confidently.
"This is Motoyasu-sama's domain now. None of you have the right to question him. In fact, get out this instant, criminal scum," Malty said closing her eyes and lightly chuckling.
"Yeah, I don't think so," Yang spoke walking forward while Yin backed up allowing Yang to now stand before the princess with his hands now by his side.
"Hoo, you would disobey a command of your lord?" Malty asked with a smirk.
"The people, probably not...but me? Oh yeah. Let me throw some questions out for ya. If you can answer them correctly than of course, I will back off along with Naofumi and his party," Yang said bringing his hands up and shrugging.
"How stupid. Fine, if it will get rid of you and your criminal friends so be it," Malty said annoyed.
"How much does it cost to spend the night here at the Inn...Motoyasu?" Yang asked looking at the spear hero with narrowed eyes.
"Ah-h..." Motoyasu stuttered trying to think of an answer.
"WRONG!" Yang shouted while pointing at Motoyasu. "Girl, your turn."
Malty stood there thinking before smiling.
"Fifty silver coins," Malty spoke with a confident smirk.
"Wow, you got it right!" Yang said surprised.
"There! Now..." Malty started but was interrupted.
"NOT! Both of you are wrong. The real answer is one silver coin, food included. You're charging a hundred nights' worth of money just to stay and leave the village? What kind of shit lord would overtax the people without looking around at what they have? A tyrant." Yang pointed out while stretching his arms over his head while letting out a loud yawn.
"Yeah, yeah" A villager shouted.
"Plus it was the shield hero who defended the village during the wave," Another villager joined in.
"If it was not for the shield hero who was strong enough to stall the monsters...this village would not be where it is now," Yin pointed out while looking at Malty.
"You dare complain about a royal decree?" Malty shouted in complete frustration while swaying her left hand forward.
This caused the company of knights to aim their spears at the villagers.
"Ohhh snap, you shouldn't have done that," Yang said bringing both of his hands to cover his mouth.
Malty turned her attention to Yang and narrowed her eyes.
"What do you mean?" Malty asked before looking at Yin who now glared at her as well as the knights.
"You dare point weapons at unarmed and innocent villagers before the divine paladin of house Todoroki? Your father is stupid but you far exceed his stupidity," Yin shouted gripping his hands into fists while gritting his teeth.
Malty shivered at the rage in Yin's eyes while stepping back and the knights already beginning to lose their mettle just looking at the heavily armored paladin. She raised her hand to give the order to slaughter the villagers before a cloaked figure landed in front of her. The cloaked figure wore a black cloak hooded cloak to hide her form while wearing a silver mask to cover her upper face.
"I advise you stop your actions princess...otherwise not only will you lose your men but also your head," The figure warned while kneeling before the princess.
Malty blinked in confusion about the last statement before slowly looking down and then turned her head to the right to see Yang holding a sword from one of her knights against her throat. Motoyasu was in sheer shock at Yang's speed as if it had increased double since last they fought.
"What a convenient time for you lot to pop up," Yang commented glaring at Malty.
"I trust you know who we are Malty-sama?" The figure asked looking up at Malty.
"We?" Motoyasu asked before four more figures landed behind the first all with the same attire.
"Drop your sword Yang Maeda," The women spoke making Yang sigh and pull the sword away from Malty's throat and toss it to the side to retreat over to Yin.
"Why...are you people here?" Malty asked bringing her left hand to her throat.
"For you," The women spoke handing Malty an iron canister that held a scroll.
Malty opened it and began to read before she started to grit her teeth tightly.
"How...can this be?" Malty asked before looking at Naofumi with rage.
"SHIELD HERO! FIGHT US FOR THE RIGHT TO RULE THIS VILLAGE!" Malty shouted.
-Seconds later-
"I refuse," Naofumi said crossing his arms over his chest and eyes closed.
"But if you refuse then the village will fall to the spear heroes hands," A villager said.
"Come on Naofumi-sama, why not help the people out like before?" Yang asked with a smirk.
"But why do I have to take part in this dragon race? It sounds more of a pain than anything else," Naofumi complained making Yang sigh.
"Pain yes but I am sure it will be worth it," Yang said with a grin.
"Worth it?" Naofumi repeated now facing Yang.
"One is to have one on the spoiled brat for once. Two, the village will owe you. Three...uh...brother help me out here," Yang asked looking to Yin.
"Three, it is for the greater good," Yin said with a sigh of his own.
"Yeah, what he said." Yang agreed with a smile.
"You make a fair point, it would be nice to shove something down both the princess and pretty-boys face," Naofumi said looking over to Motoyasu's dragon with a smirk.
"Now, we're talking," Yang said with a chuckle.
-Race track-
Naofumi's party watched on the side as both the shield hero and spear hero prepared their mounts for the race. Yang looked over to the princess and narrowed his eyes before looking to the woods nearby.
"Princess, would you ever cheat in this race?" Yang asked looking at Malty.
"Of course not, there is no need to. After all, its a bird against a dragon. I do not see how it is possible for that criminal to win," Malty answered with a laugh.
Yang narrowed his eyes as black energy flowed from her mouth.
"Liar," Yang whispered to himself before turning into a blur and rushing into the woods trailing the race track.
As Naofumi raced against Motoyasu, Yang was busy dealing with any knights that were near the race track. Each knight he saw seemed they were either preparing a spell or even a trap. Due to Yang getting a head start, he was in front of both racers at the moment. When Naofumi passed a certain checkpoint, he would find a few knights laying on the ground and placed by a wall or a tree. It did not take long before Naofumi easily outran Motoyasu's dragon and passed the finish line.
"He won!" A villager cheered along with the others who raised their voices in triumphant.
"I...won," Naofumi whispered surprised at the fact he won so easily as he placed his hand on his filolial only to find that it felt fluffier.
Naofumi looked over to the filolial to find it had grown much bigger as well as fatter. The filolial looked down to the shield hero and garped loudly with glee.
"No. Not possible, he cheated," Malty complained looking at Naofumi.
"The only one...who was cheating...was you...spoiled brat!" Yang shouted as he panted heavily and fell flat on his back.
"You, what did you do?" Malty asked glaring at Yang once more.
Instead of answered, yang simply raised his hand with his finger pointed up as if to give him a moment.
"I stopped you from cheating. You had knights stationed about the race track to try and slow down or trap Naofumi," Yang answered sitting up from his position with a smirk while looking at Malty.
"What proof do you have?" Malty asked with a smirk of her own.
"Eyewitnesses," Yang stated while pointing behind Malty.
Her eyes widened as she turned her body to look behind her to find the same cloaked unit from before.
"Yang Maeda is correct," The leader of the unit spoke while facing the ground. "Your company either prepared to use magic or were laying in wait for their trap to go off. Due to Yang's speed, he was able to swiftly subdue your knights and your plans to slow down the shield hero,"
"F-Fine. We will leave for today," Malty said with an annoyed look before turning and retreating from the village.
"I let you win today, but it won't happen again," Motoyasu spoke glaring at Naofumi before Yin walked between the two.
"Do not let your ego blind you spear hero, your title says you are a hero but right now you are nothing more than a child playing hero. Take it from me spear hero...you only truly become a hero when you start acting like it...and being someone's puppet is not the way," Yin lectured while looking down on Motoyasu.
The spear hero simply scruffed and followed after Malty.
"it's rare for you to speak your mind brother, what he do? Want me to kick his ass again?" Yang offered as he got to his feet grinning.
"No, that is not necessary," Yin declined with an amused chuckle.
"Well, that problem is over and done with, now for the second part," Yang said looking at Naofumi than the village elder while looking over to the side seeing one of the cloaked figures waving him over. "I'll be back."
Yang made his way over to the women before vanishing into the woods. Yin watched his brother walk into the woods before disappearing and went off to speak with one of the cloaked women.
-Ten minutes later-
Yang returned with a heavy sigh while rubbing the back of his head. Yin smiled as he saw his brother returning from the woods clearly annoyed.
"What was all that about?" Yin asked crossing his arms over his chest smiling.
"The usual. Reports about the shield hero as well as what we have been up to," Yang answered while looking around. "Speaking of the shield hero, where is he?"
"Naofumi-sama has gained a large wagon as a reward for saving the village again," Yin answered as he turned to look at the stall seeing Naofumi and Filo pulling a wagon.
"Question. How are you supposed to ride with us?" Yang asked looking at the wagon than back at Yin.
"That is a good question brother," Yin said before the two made their way to Naofumi.
"Nice wagon you got there Naofumi-san," Yang complimented with a smile as he hopped into it.
"So can this wagon and Filo here pull Yin?" Yang asked looking over his shoulder at his brother who waved at them.
"Filo, can you carry Yang and his armor?" Naofumi asked looking over at Filolial with a raised brow.
Filo simply let out a confident Gah before looking at Yin with a smile.
"I will take that as a yes," Yin said looking at Filo.
-Next day-
Naofumi and his party took a day to reach the kingdom and even found that Filo was not just any filolial but a queen filolial. One that had the ability to take human form. While Naofumi, Raphtalia, and Filo went to ask how to gain special clothing for Filo, the two brothers choose to stay back at the wagon to watch over it and await their return.
"Man who would have thought that large bird would turn out to be a queen filolial. Heck, I thought those were nothing more than a myth," Yang stated while sitting at the front seat of the wagon sighing.
"Life is full of mysteries brother...even those from tall tales," Yin replied with a soft chuckle.
Naofumi and the rest of his party with a heavy sigh.
"So what are we doing today? Excluding getting Filo some special clothes of course," Yang asked with a smile.
"For now we will have to hold off on getting Filo clothes. Let us focus on doing some jobs and increasing our levels," Naofumi answered looking at Yang.
"You got it, boss," Yang said with a slight salute.
-Days later-
For the past days, Naofumi and his party continued his business in a traveling merchant selling medicine as well as escorting. Yang and Yin would assist not only Raphtalia in training but also Filo. While Yang trained Raphtalia in the arts of swords, Yin would be sparring against Filo to better her own weakness when he found one. Aside from training, the brothers would be left in the wagon to watch over it while Naofumi conducted his business. Eventually, they traveled to a cave that leads to a cave of a gemstone to create magic thread.
"So...what are we doing here again?" Yang asked looking at the building while holding his sheathed katana in his left hand sighing.
"We're here to get a gemstone that would assist in creating magic thread. With that, Filo can have her own clothing and I do not have to worry about buying her new clothes all the time," Naofumi answered while looking at Yang.
"Ahhh okay, makes sense actually," Yang said with a smile.
"This young lady will be helping us I presume?" Yin asked looking at the witch with a soft smile while holding his great sword in his left hand and having it hang over his shoulder.
"Being called young by a handsome and strong young man, you flatter me, Thank you," The witch said with a soft blush.
"All women should be complimented when they deserve it," Yin said bowing his head slightly.
"So the princess is..." Yang asked tilting his head over to his brother curious on the answer.
"Unsightly and foolish," Yin finished while closing his eyes and facing the ground.
"Enough, let's go in and get what we need," Naofumi said while staring at the cave.
The party entered the cave with Yin and Yang stayed in the back to cover the rear. Soon enough, they came across a large open chest with writings beside it. Yang did not care at the time as he has not had any real action for the past few days while Yin listened carefully.
"We pray this seed never makes it out of here. It is a horribly twisted manifestation of our wish for nobody to starve." The witch read making Yin narrow his eyes.
"So that nobody would starve? That is a dream that is almost impossible to achieve," Yin commented with a sad tone.
"Seems some bandits have already released it into the world," Naofumi said with a sigh of disappointment.
"Master, there is a pathway down this way," Filo pointed out looking left.
The party turned the direction that Filo revealed and nodded.
"Let's go," Naofumi said before they made their way toward it.
As Naofumi, Raphtalia, Yang, and the witch made their way into the revealed pathway, Yin stayed behind with Filo.
"Is there something wrong Filo?" Yin asked looking at the filolial.
"Yes...but..." Filo paused as she looked toward Naofumi them.
"Filo...Yin...come on," Naofumi called out to both of them causing Yin to look toward the rest of the group while Filo scanned the area behind them.
"What's the matter, Filo?" Yin asked looking over to her.
"There are monsters here...small ones but...they are too scared to come to us," Filo said confused before looking over to Yin.
"The reason for that is because of Yang. He may not look it but he is a monster himself. His killing intent alone is frightening enough to scare away any small monsters in the same area as him. Sadly there is a backfire to it..." Yin said laughing nervously.
"What is it?" Filo asked before Yin only shook his head.
"I'll tell you later, for now, let us catch up with the rest of the group. Okay?" Yin said with a soft smile making Filo nod her head.
As the party continued down the long pathway, the witch suddenly came to a stop causing the others to slow their pace and also cease in their tracks.
"What's with the holdup?" Yang asked with a raised brow and looking from the side of the witch.
"A monster footprint. It must be a rather large one too," She spoke looking down at the footprint of a monster that walked through.
"Anyone know how strange it is to see like only one footprint here and no others?" Yang asked looking at the group to see no response. "Just me? Got it."
"There is a large monster here yes but with our combined strength it should not be difficult to take it down," Yin commented causing most of the group to nod their head in agreement.
"I agree. We must continue to get what we came here for. Just be careful." Naofumi warned as they continued down the pathway.
Eventually, they came up along a large opening with gemstones scattered about the wall. In the very center stood a lion-like monster standing at full attention while glaring at the party. Its tail was a long snake while its blood red eyes glared at yang.
"Yin-san...you said there was a backfire to Yang's presence...is this what you meant?" Filo asked looking to Yin.
"Y-Yeah. Although smaller monsters would flee and not bother with us, larger monsters would see this as a challenge over territory. They are made fully aware the moment they catch the scent of Yang," Yin explained tightening the grip on his great sword.
"It's smaller than the ones we are used to but it seems rather ready for a battle anyway," Yang said with a grin until he looked behind the single Nue to see three more walk forward growling.
"A pride," Yin warned taking a step forward.
"Pfft, I can take one by myself. Brother, you got two, everyone else can take the last one." Yang said with a soft chuckle.
"You sure you can take one by yourself?" Naofumi asked looking over to Yang at the corner of his eyes.
"So long as none of you enter the area I am about to make. Against Nue's one must be aware of the possibility of dying. It's a kill or be killed stage that we have here," Yang answered before cracking his neck and twirling his sheathed katana with both hands.
"Be careful brother...and no warriors this time. This situation is not that dire." Yin spoke looking at Yang with narrowed eyes.
"I got it. No marching this time," Yang said before looking at Naofumi. "Be careful of their electric attack, you gotta be in touching distance for it to hit you but once it does...well against you it'll probably kill you."
"And what about you?" Naofumi asked with a raised brow.
"It won't have time to even charge up," Yang spoke before laughing softly.
"Any weaknesses we can exploit?" Naofumi asked looking at the four Nue's.
"They have sensitive hearing. Sneak attacks will not work on them," Yin warned.
"With all that said, let's get this party started," Yang commented with a grin.
Yin nodded in agreement before running forward and Yang quickly following behind. The Nue's let out a powerful roar before also running toward the towering paladin. As they grew closer, Yin braced himself as he tackled two Nue's that were in front of him back deeper into the cave while the remaining two leaped to the side separating themselves from one another. At that moment, Yang ran at the Nue on the left and slammed into it quickly knocking it back further to the left of the cave laughing. That left the remaining Nue for Naofumi and the rest of the party to deal with.
-With Yin-
Yin shoved both of the Nue's into a wall before quickly leaping back with his sword at the ready. As soon as Yin backed off, both monsters charged at him with killing intent and lashed out at him from the front forcing Yin to use his sword as a shield to block both strikes. Sliding back from the combined attack from the Nue's, Yin came to a stop and narrowed his eyes while raising his sword and took it into both of his hands.
"Divine protection," Yin whispered before a sphere of light surrounded his form only for it to fade a second later.
With his only defense spell activated, he ran toward the two monsters with his greatsword being dragged behind him. Both Nue's pounced at Yin making him narrow his eyes and throw his greatsword at the Nue to the left watching as his sword impaled the Nue's head killing it instantly. As soon as one of the monsters were killed, Yin turned his attention back to the second monster to see it already in his face. Gritting his teeth, Yin braced himself as he was tackled into the ground and bringing both of his hands up to stop the Nue from bitting down on his head.
"Damn it..." Yin spoke using all his strength to hold it's mouth away from his form.
Looking up at the Nue, Yin watched as its body began to charge up in which he could tell it was about to discharge. Quickly pulling his left hand back and thrusting it into the monsters left eye causing it to howl in pain and back off just enough for Yin to kick the creature away from him. As soon as Yin kicked the Nue off, he rolled back and got to his feet while putting his arms up in defense as he watched the Nue discharge its electricity in its body. Panting softly, he looked to the right seeing his sword still impaled into the corpse of the first Nue.
"I am at a disadvantage..." Yin told himself before looking back at the Nue in front of him that quickly ran at him again.
Yin ran toward the Nue at full force while gripping his hands into fists. The ground would shutter with every step Yin took toward the creature. eventually, the ground felt like a legion of soldiers were running off into battle against a single east. As soon as the two were about toe crash into one another, Yin ducked under the Nue's pounce and moved behind the beast with his right hand taking hold of the beasts snake tail. With a mighty pull, Yin pulled the Nue back and took hold of the snake with both hands now to quickly slam it into the ground. Once the Nue was slammed into the ground, instead of running to his sword, he moved over tot he dazed Nue before taking hold of its jaws and began to forcefully open it.
"Open wide!" Yin shouted.
The Nue clasped its jaws closed figuring out what Yin was trying to do while its snake-like tail lashed out at him in an attempt to get him off its head. Yin ignored the tail before it wrapped its body around Yin's neck slowly strangling him while holding him still. Gasping for air, Yin closed his left eye while still trying to open the mouth of the beast.
"Get...off me..." Yin whispered before releasing his grip on the Nue's jaw.
With Yin taking his hands back, he brought his attention to the snake. His eyes watched as the snakehead moved in front of Yin with its tongue slithering out of its mouth. The snake opened its mouth allowing its fangs to spring out and was about to try and bite down on Yin's neck but was interrupted as he brought both of his hands to the jaws of the snake grinning. Gritting his teeth, he quickly tore the snake in half from its mouth all the way down half its length allowing the corpse of the snake to ease up around Yin's neck.
Looking back down at the Nue, Yin narrowed his eyes as he felt the Nue's body beginning to charge up another discharge. Gritting his teeth, he raised his right fist up before plunging it into the monsters right eye. As Yin's fist pierced its eye, it let out a loud cry of pain before he quickly took his hand back and caught the Nue's mouth open. With a mighty war cry, Yin tore the Nue's mouth wide open before pushing its upper jaw into its head crushing its brain.
"Finally..." Yin said pushing himself off the dead monster and walking to his sword to pull it out of the first Nue's head. "I wonder how brother is doing?"
-With Yang-
"Release!" Yang shouted as he unsheathed his katana and fired the remaining ninety-nine swords at the Nue.
The Nue dashed to the side avoiding the katanas before running at Yang with rage in its eyes. Grinning at this, Yang got to his knees and faced the ground while closing his eyes and waited patiently. As the Nue grew closer, Yang became a blur to the monster before appearing on its back sighing.
"Hymn of Maria, Yang whispered as the Nue's head fell to the ground.
With a sigh, Yang placed his left hand over the katana and closed his eyes.
"Retreat," Yang called as the ninety-nine blades turned into energy and flowed back into the first blade recreating the sheath. "Seem I am growing much faster than before,"
The brothers, after defeating their opponents, made their way back to Naofumi to find they had also finished their own battle.
"Naofumi! You okay?" Yang shouted while placing his katana on his hip and looking at the dead Nue that Naofumi and the others killed.
"We are fine. Are you both okay?" Naofumi asked looking at Yin seeing him slightly scratched as well as beaten before looking at Yang who was completely unharmed.
"I had some trouble with my side," Yin admitted while laughing nervously.
"I had no problem at all. In fact, my fight ended faster than I expected...and with less damage to," Yang said with a surprised tone while rubbing the back of his head chuckling lightly.
"You said after you use your forbidden technique you pay a cost," Naofumi said with a raised brow.
"Yes, a painful one," Yang agreed while narrowing his eyes.
"How many times have you used that technique?" Naofumi asked walking up to Yang.
"Uhhh counting the time with the spear hero...about three times," Yang answered with narrowed eyes.
"From what I am seeing..." Naofumi started before pulling up his states and swaying his hand to allow Yang to see it. "Every time you used it...you double in speed and power."
"...that explains a lot actually," Yang said looking at the ground while bringing his left hand to rub his chin.
"So during your time of rest, your bodies states double or even triple," Naofumi tried to explain making Yang nod his head.
"Neat," Yang commented with a smile.
"You never knew this?" Naofumi asked with a raised brow again.
"Nope. Not one bit. I did not question it and just went with the flow," Yang said with a shrug.
"That is how you are brother. Very carefree and hardheaded," Yin added causing the party to laugh softly along with Yang.
"Wait, the hell did you say?" Yang asked catching the last bit about him being hardheaded.
"Am I wrong?" Yin asked with a raised brow.
"...no..." Yang answered hanging his head down sighing.
"We can finally get what we want and leave. Come on, Filo still has much to do." Naofumi said looking at Yin and Yang.
"Understood," Yin and Yang said in unison.
After Naofumi took a piece of the precious gemstone, they returned to the kingdom and gathered in the witches home where Filo sat down making mana thread for her clothes. On the next day, Naofumi gathered the thread and made his way to the shops to get a custom made dress allowing Yin and Yang to stay behind looking up at the sky standing by the wagon.
"If your strength and speed states double every time you used that ability then...why not use it more often?" Yin asked looking down at Yang.
"I mean it would make sense to but it is not as easy as it sounds. Every time I pay the cost...sure the recovery time is shortened but the damage increases as well. The first time I had to do the cost...the pain was the worst I ever felt, during the second time it doubles...it seems as my states increase...so does the pain." Yang said closing his eyes sighing heavily.
"So every time it reaches the day or days of cost...the pain you experience is doubled from last time?" Yin asked looking at Yang worried.
"Yes. Makes sense though...otherwise, I would be abusing the hell out of it right now," Yang said laughing loudly while placing his hands on his hips.
"Such things should not be taken lightly," Yin said looking up at the sky.
"Why do you think I save it as a last resort bro? The cost has to be met one way or another," Yang said with a light chuckle now.
"I...understand," Yin said closing his eyes.
"Brother come on, you worry too much," Yang said softly elbowing his brother's side.
"I know...but I have my reasons. You are my only family member and I worry for you," Yang said looking at his brother with a weak smile.
"Pfft I know that but you do not have to worry in my behalf. What I do want though is for you to enjoy life by my side as brothers," Yang said bringing his hand up and slapping Yin's back making him stumble forward slightly.
Yin looked at his brother and could not help but smile before nodding his head and looking to the sky once more.
"Smile and enjoy like the rising sun," Yin commented with a smile.
/To be continued...