Chapter 3: Story or Legend
Naofumi's party were tasked with bringing boxes of herbicide to a village of the south. While Naofumi was checking the inventory in the carriage, Yang was fast asleep laying on his back by the gate of the wagon snoring loudly. Seeing the beggar laid out on the ground napping made the shield hero sigh before continuing his train of thought. Raphtalia, on the other hand, sat in the front of Yin who simply looked forward with his arms crossed over his chest humming a soft lullaby.
"Is that a lullaby?" Raphtalia asked.
"Yes. It is a lullaby my mother sang to Yang and I. It is one of the few things I have to remember her by," Yin answered while closing his eyes.
"...sorry," Raphtalia replied with a sad tone.
"Do not be. Although it was painful, everything happens for a reason. There is no point staying chained in the past. All we can do is continue forward with our lives. That is not to say we will not pray for her every night," Yin spoke opening his eyes and looking over at Raphtalia with a soft smile.
"Master, the plants here are amazing," Filo called out catching Naofumi as well as Yin's attention.
The three began to look around at the environment seeing vines stretch about the landscape.
"The hell's going on here?" Yang asked as he was now behind Naofumi looking out at the many vines about the land with tired eyes.
"We're about to find out," Naofumi asked looking back at Yang.
"Well if anything we might as well head to that wall of wood ahead of us," Yang spoke raising his left hand and point forward.
The party followed his direction and saw the wooden wall coming into view causing Naofumi to nod his head in agreement.
"Filo, take us there," Naofumi ordered.
"Okay!" Filo replied before making her way toward the wall.
As they entered through the gate and came to a slow stop, Naofumi and the two girls followed him to speak with the village elder while Yang and Yin were unloading the boxes of herbicide. They were now in what seemed to be a camp surrounded by a wooden wall to stop the plants from outside from getting in but only temporary. Once they finished unloading the goods, Naofumi walked over to Yang with an annoyed look with Filo beside him.
"Yang. You and Filo will go off into the village to find the adventurers trying to level up," Naofumi ordered.
"You got it," Yang replied with a soft salute before looking at Filo.
"Don't slow me down," Filo spoke arrogantly.
"Kid. It's the other way around," Yang replied with a smirk.
The two then glared at one each other before Filo turned her body and made a mad dash toward the village. She could not help but look behind her to find that Yang was nowhere to be seen.
"Slowpoke," Filo spoke before looking forward smirking.
"Slowpoke indeed," Yang answered causing Filo to look behind her again o find Yang sitting on her back with a carefree smile.
"H-How?" Filo asked blinking while coming to a full stop.
"Later. First, we gotta save the adventurers who want to get themselves killed" Yang said with a snicker.
"Fine," Filo spoke before turning her attention forward and continued to run toward the village.
-Overrun Village-
As Filo and Yang reached the village, it did not take long before they found the adventurers, or at least the ones who were still alive, fighting three monsters. Filo ran at full speed before jumping up and bringing her right foot down on the center plant monster while Yang landed in front of the adventurers to unsheath his katana and cut the remaining two plant monsters. The two plant monsters remained completely still while Yang stood up and resheathed his katana before the plant monsters were cut in half and collapse into the ground.
"Awesome," Yang commented with a smirk while looking at the three adventurers.
"H-Have you come to save us?" One of them asked.
"How many of you are there?" Yang asked looking at the three.
"T-There were...ten of us...b-but..." The same began to answer before looking at the other two.
"But what? Speak man," Yang said with an annoyed tone.
"T-They were killed..." The second one answered making Yang groan and shake his head.
"By what?" Yang asked crossing his arms over his chest.
Suddenly the ground shook making Yang and Filo to quickly turn to see what seemed to be another plant monster but unlike the other three, this one was not attached to the ground and moved around like a gorilla. Yang narrowed his eyes to get a better look to see this plant had no head but rather a flower for a face. The plant monster was nothing more than a bundle of vines.
"Well damn. That's a big boy right there," Yang spoke after making a loud whistle.
"I can take it!" Filo shouted before jumping off the ground and running directly toward the large monster.
"No patience," Yang commented as he watched the creature swipe its left hand forward easily swatting Filo out of the air and zoom toward Yang.
Yang looked at this and hopped to the right avoiding her crash while also being pushed slightly further due to the shockwave of the impact. As the dust cleared, Yang swayed his hand about as to keep the dust away from his face to see Filo on her back dazed.
"You okay?" Yang asked with a smirk.
"Master...not there..." Filo spoke with a dazed look.
"Right...well then I guess I'm up," Yang said walking forward and standing in front of the large creature sighing. "I'll make this quick."
"Are you crazy? We need to run away! You can't fight that thing!" The adventurer screamed.
"Shut up," Yang spoke turning to look over his shoulder and stare at the man shaking in fear.
As Yang turned his attention away from the monster, it lifted both of its massive arms over its form before bringing them down toward the begger.
"Hymn of Maria," Yang whispered before slashing grinning widely and gripping the handle of his katana as he turned into a blur.
The Adventurer's eyes widened in surprise before looking around to try and find Yang. Suddenly, the creatures upper half fell to the ground before Yang appeared on in front of the plant monster.
"That's what's so funny about big monsters. They're so big but so slow," Yang commented while looking forward at the plant monster he cut in half.
With a soft chuckle, Yang sighed and rolled his shoulders back before the plant monster's upper body grew new legs while the lower half began to grow a new upper body.
"Well that's not good," Yang commented while jumping back from the rising plant monster to land by Filo who finally broke out of her daze.
"What happened?" Filo asked getting to her feet and looking up to see two large plant monsters.
"Well first off you got knocked the fuck out...second...well I cut one in half and now there are two so...yeah," Yang admitted while laughing nervously.
"Baka!" Filo shouted while getting to her feet and glaring at Yang.
"What?! How was I supposed to know the damn plant would do that?" Yang countered while looking back at Filo with narrowed eyes.
"Mooo," Filo puffed before the two looked at the plant monsters.
"You got anything that can burn?" Yang asked taking hold of his katana again.
"No. Let's just pummel it until they stop growing," Filo bluntly spoke while narrowing her own eyes.
"...not a bad idea," Yang said sheathing his katana and swaying his hand over the handle and the sheath causing it to lock it in place.
"Here we go!" Filo shouted before jumping toward the plant monster to the left while Yang ran below Filo.
As Filo was in arms reach of the single monster, it raised its right arm in an attempt to swat Filo away again but this time Yang jumped up and brought his katana to its forearm stopping its attack. Filo took this chance to crash her feet into its face while Yang looked to the filolial laughing. The creature fell back gushing purple liquid as it collapsed onto the ground dead.
Seeing as the first plant monster laying motionless, Yang and Filo immediately directed their full attention to the last plant grinning with a twinkle in their eyes. The look in their eyes made the plant monster flinch before taking a step back.
"Smash it!" Filo and Yang shouted in unison before racing toward the creature.
The plant monster raised both arms overhead to slam both into the two fighters. That was until Filo jumped forward and crashed into the creature's stomach and sent it up into the air smirking. Yang went to a squat position and launch himself into the air following the plant monster. As Yang had caught up with the monster, he took hold of the enemies back and gritted his teeth.
"Falling Angel, " Yang called out before forcing the monster to turn and begin to fall toward the ground.
Filo looked up and widened her eyes in shock as the monster descended toward the already downed plant creature. Although it was already dead, Yang wanted to make sure it stayed dead as he stood on the back of the falling monster.
"WATCH OUT BELOW!" Yang shouted before Filo turned to the three adventurers and dashed at them grabbing them and bolting toward cover.
The falling creature finally slammed into the other crushing both of them while at the same time giving Yang a cushion to land on. Dust was kicked up forcing Filo to bring her wings around the three to prevent any harm to come to them. As the dust had disappeared, she peaked from their cover, which was a broken-down house, to find a small crater and Yang crawling out.
"I'm okay, " Yang mentioned with a tired thumbs up before falling flat on his face. "Less okay."
Filo chuckled at this before shaking her head while hoisting up the three adventurers under her wings. Making her way over to Yang, she looked down at his bruised body due to the crash, she could not help but snicker.
"Careless Baka," Filo asked while taking Yang into her beak and return to the rest of the party.
-Camp-
Filo returned to the camp with the rest of the party present. The first thing Filo did was drop Yang onto the ground face-first followed by the three adventurers. Naofumi could only stare at Yang before turning his attention to Filo.
"How did it go?" Naofumi asked before looking over to Yin and nudged his head to his brother
Yin did not waste any time before moving over to his brother and began to heal him. with holy light.
"These three are the last of their group. How stupid, " Filo commented while shrugging.
"Filo, that last part was unnecessary, " Raphtalia commented while looking at Filo.
"Nope. Filo's right. That was...very stupid, " Yang agreed as he got up with the help of Yin.
"So what bruised you this bad Yang?" Naofumi asked turning his attention to Yang now.
"Well, part of the damage was self-inflicted. Not on purpose. There was a large plant monster in the town but Filo and I took care of it, " Yang said with a proud smile.
"There was only one right?" Naofumi asked with a raised brow.
Yang's smile suddenly froze before looking away from Naofumi with half-opened eyes.
"Yang..." Naofumi spoke while his eyes narrowed.
"Okay okay...I cut one in half and the halves made their bodies, " Yang admitted with a defeated sigh only to hear Filo snicker.
"What a way to help, " Filo said sarcastically while smirking.
"Shut it, Filo! At least I wasn't sleeping on the job," Yang shouted while pointing at the filolial.
Filo immediately fell silent as Naofumi's attention was now on her with the same gaze.
"Explain," Naofumi commanded crossing his arms over his chest.
"I-I got knocked out by the first plant monster," Filo explained with her head hung low now while closing her eyes.
"From what I hear, it seems they just did not know how to help one another," Yin pitched in as he stood beside Naofumi laughing softly.
"How so?" Naofumi asked now looking at Yin.
"For one, my brother is difficult to sync with as well as work alongside. I am only able to sync and work by his side because we grew up together," Yin spoke looking down at the shield hero before turning his attention back at Yang. "...to others it is extremely difficult because of my brother's unpredictability,"
"You're right about that," Naofumi agreed with an annoyed sigh while shaking his head.
"...but from that unpredictability, it brings progress," Yin said looking down at Naofumi chuckling softly.
Naofumi looked at Yin then remembered the times he watched Yang get into a fight with his brother and end up paying for it later on. It brought a very faint laugh from Naofumi's lips.
"You laughed," Yin said while turning his body slightly to face Naofumi now.
Naofumi blinked at this and turned his head away from Yin while closing his eyes.
"Enough. Were there any other plant monsters?" Naofumi said as a means to get back on topic.
"There were simple ones that shot acid or used their vines as weapons. Nothing we can't handle," Yang answered with newfound confidence while placing his hands on his hips.
While they continued to talk, the villagers could not help but listen to Naofumi's party talking to one another. However, their main focus was on two individuals, Filo and Yin. The rumored heavenly Fowel and Divine Paladin. From the villagers, the elder walked out of the crowd to now stand in front of Naofumi gaining his parties attention.
"Are you the savior who travels in a carriage drawn by a heavenly Fowl?" The old man asked looking at Naofumi.
"Heavenly fowl? This one?" Yang asked pointing at Filo before laughing loudly.
"Yang-san, that isn't very nice," Raphtalia scolded.
"Pfft. Come on, you know it's true," Yang said with a smirk only for Filo to jump at Yang and kick him into a wall. "...proof..."
Naofumi looked over to yang and shake his head before bringing his attention to the old man once more.
"You've got the wrong person," Naofumi denied.
"...Naofumi-sama..." Raphtalia whispered.
"We beg you! Could you please heal our sick using both of your powers?" He asked looking over at Yin than back at Naofumi.
Raphtalia's eyes widen along with her ears perking up.
"Wait, some of you are sick?" Raphtalia asked.
The old man nodded his head before leading Naofumi, Yin, and Raphtalia to the tent holding all the infected villagers.
-Medical Tent-
"As you can see, the plants are devouring their bodies," The old man explained as the party looked at the people.
Just as he said, plants grew from their bodies. This made Yin look to Naofumi wondering what he thought of this.
"They're even parasitic?" Naofumi asked himself while staring at a young boy infected by the plants.
"Please savior! Help them with your powers," He begged.
Naofumi sighed and made his way toward the child along with Yin and Raphtalia.
"I cannot help these people. Holy light only heals wounds. This...is more of a sickness..." Yin said in a disappointed tone while looking at the ground.
"Keep your head up Yin. I can't say for sure that I'll be able to heal them as well," Naofumi called out as he took one of the positions he brought to the villages and placed it by the child's mouth so that he could drink it.
At first, nothing happened until Naofumi poured the potion onto the child's body while combining it with the power of his shield to enhance its effect. The power of the potion immediately began to work and rid the parasitic plant from the boy's body.
Raphtalia and Yin smiled brightly at this find as Naofumi stood up and sighed.
"Next one," Naofumi spoke.
"Yes," Raphtalia and Naofumi said in unison.
-Outside-
As Naofumi was treating the infected, Yang was sitting by Filo eating one of the plants while looking to the direction of the village. Eventually, Naofumi as the other two left the tent sighing heavily.
"I'm glad it all worked out," Raphtalia said with a proud smile.
"I agree," Yin added in looking down at Naofumi.
"Yeah. But we're leaving as soon as we get paid for the treatment. I do not to be dragged any further into this mess," Naofumi commented while Raphtalia looked over her shoulder.
"I daresay that might be difficult," Raphtalia spoke causing Naofumi to stop and look over his shoulder to find not only the old man but also two other villagers kneeling on the ground with their head bowed.
"Our savior of the Heavenly Fowl! Please save our village!" The village elder begged.
Yang could not help but look around as if trying to spot the so-called heavenly fowl only for his eyes to land on Filo. He could not help but hold back a burst of laughter but failed as he began to laugh while pointing at Filo.
"Her? A heavenly fowl? I highly doubt that. She acts too much like a kid to be the heavenly fowl," Yang shouted catching Filo's attention in which she glared at Yang.
"What was that?" Filo shouted as she stood up and placed her basket of fruits on the ground while walking up to Yang who turned and faced the filolial without fear. "You shouldn't be talking. You will be nothing but a punk."
Yang blinked at this before he laughed at her comment while shaking his head.
"This punk can beat you down with my bare hands birdy. Wanna give it a try?" Yang challenged with a grin in which Filo grinned at this.
Yin could not help but walk in between the two and push them away sighing heavily with his head down and eyes closed.
"You are both acting like children," Yin commented in which Yang huffed and backed off while Filo now turned her attention to Yin.
"You're not master. Don't tell me what to do," Filo shouted in which Naofumi looked over at the two.
"You are right. I am not your master...but we are party members and deserve to treat one another as equals. For that, I apologize for my brother's behavior. He has that effect on everyone. I am not so much affected by it because I am used to it. In time I hope you also grow used to it. Even so, I also hope you do not challenge Yang. The way you are right now...you will not be able to lay a feather on him," Yin warned while turning his head to look at Filo with worried eyes causing Filo's rage to suddenly fade away and turn into a soft blush.
"F-Fine. Just this once," Filo spoke while turning away from the two brothers and making her way back over to her basket of food to continue eating one by one.
"You have my thanks Filo-chan," Yin spoke bowing his head in thanks before turning his attention to Yang.
"What?" Yang asked with his arms placed behind his head.
"Some comments are best not spoken, brother. You know this better than anyone, "Yin spoke standing up straight and making his way back over to Naofumi while giving him a thumbs up.
With the small issue solved, Naofumi sighed in relief before turning his attention back to the elder and his two villagers.
"Fine. Tell me what started this mess?" Naofumi asked walking over to a small wooden crate to sit down and placed his elbow onto his knee to hold his head up.
Naofumi sat near the carriage with Yin to his left and Raphtalia to his right as to listen to elder and the events that had happened.
"Our village was being ravaged by famine when the spear hero visited," The elder began peaking Naofumi's attention more. "When He heard of our plight, he went to some nearby ruins and brought back a seed that had been sealed away. He called it...a miracle seed,"
"A miracle seed that was sealed away" Naofumi questioned while remembering the box they found that was empty in the mines back where they fought the three monsters. "That was it huh?"
"At first, we were overjoyed when we saw how quickly the plants grew and bore fruit. However..." The villager to the left began.
"They grew too much and overwhelmed your village?" Naofumi finished.
"Indeed. While investigating our options, we hit upon a legend passed down the village. A long time ago, an alchemist who'd set up shop in this area created a seed but sealed it away for some reason. The legend also said that plants had overtaken the region for a while," The elder finished before looking up at Yin.
"It was thanks to a man clad in full paladin armor welding a large greatsword with one hand took it down along with his army. The man was known as the Heavenly Paladin..." The left village spoke also looking at Yin.
"...much like the armor and sword, you have," The elder spoke blinking.
"...it must have been my great grandfather who helped defeat these plants," Yin whispered looking at the ground.
"Hold on," Naofumi spoke up gaining the three villagers attention. " Why did none of you have any doubts about that seed if you knew about this legend?"
"They did say that the village and those who lived in it was being ravaged by famine. The first thing that comes to mind is feeding the young. Such a fate makes rational thinking hard," Yin spoke up in a means to try and defend the villagers.
"So you would risk the lives of your villagers without having precautions?" Naofumi asked looking over his shoulder at Yin who widened his eyes and sighed in defeat as he shook his head. "I thought so. It is always wise to have rational thought, especially during such times."
The three villagers looked at one another before hanging their heads down in self-disappointment.
"You convinced yourselves that it was safe because a hero brought it to you?" Naofumi questioned while narrowing his eyes.
The three villagers quickly got on their knees while the elder pulled out a small pouch filled with coins and presenting it to Naofumi.
"We'll pay for treatments, and for the monster extermination in advance! Please save our village!" The village elder begged while bowing his head down causing the other two to follow suit.
Naofumi stood up and took the pouch of coins before clipping it to the back of his belt.
"I don't like cleaning up after that moron Motoyasu, but I'll earn my keep," Naofumi answered before looking toward the exit.
"I will bring my brother," Yin spoke before turning to the carriage and reach in to easily take Yang's head into his hold only to pull him out.
"...bro...the hell?" Yang questioned with tired eyes as he hung in Yin's grasp.
"We have work to do brother. This is no time to sleep," Yin answered with a smile.
"Alright. Put me down...please," Yang asked making Yin release his grip on his brothers head causing him to fall flat on his rear earning a painful yelp from him as he hit the ground.
"THE HELL?!" Yang shouted as he stood up and rubbed his butt groaning softly.
"It was the quickest way to wake you up brother," Yin said with a shrug before turning to see Naofumi walking toward the exit with his shield materializing over his right forearm. "We best hurry before they leave us behind."
"Them? Leave us behind? Please. As if they could move that fast. Filo maybe but the others, nah," Yang commented before hopping into the carriage for a split second and pop back out holding his sheathed katana while Yin pulled his helmet out of the carriage and put it over his head.
"Ready?" Yin asked looking at his brother.
"Oh yeah," Yang answered before the two brothers followed after Naofumi them back to the village.
-Village-
As they arrived at the village, it did not take long before they began to encounter plant monsters but were smaller and shot acid or simply used their thorned vines like whips as reported by Yang.
"Little ones. This should be easy," Yang spoke while unsheathing his katana and stood in front of one of the monsters that used their arms like whips.
"Don't get too cocky brother. Although Naofumi-sama has antidotes, I do not wish you to get poisoned," Yin warned after cutting an acid spitter in half with ease.
"As if these things can touch me," Yang arrogantly replied while the lasher began to lash its whip-like arms at the beggar but no matter how hard it tried, all it would seem to hit was his after image before being cut in half. "See."
Suddenly, vines sprang up around Yang's form and aimed their poison tips at his upper body before racing toward it. Yang only smirked at this before unleashing a flurry of slashes around his body turning the vines around his form into diced vegetables. Sighing in satisfaction, Yang nodded his head and looked over to Yin who simply shook his head.
"Just be careful okay?" Yin asked with a chuckle. "You're all I got left."
"Yin you do not have to worry about me. I'm good," Yang spoke as a large bear-like plant monster sprung out of the ground in an attempt to bite down on the beggars head only for it to be cut in half. "See, all good. Now let's finish this mission up so we can get some good food."
Yin smiled at this and nodded in agreement before they continued to take on the sudden horde of plant monsters that sprang from the ground. Eventually, they looked to the center of the village seeing not only a large tree with a what seemed to be a purple starfish as the face but also two large plant giants.
"Are those the monsters that you are Filo took out?" Naofumi asked looking at Yang.
"Yes and no. These seem stronger than the one we fought, " Yang answered glaring at the two monsters.
"Naofumi-sama, my brother and I will deal with the giant plant monsters..." Yin began earning a sigh from Yang.
"Just call them plant giants. Makes it much easier, " Yang spoke making his brother sigh.
"We will deal with the plant giants. Can you and the rest of the party deal with the tree?" Yin asked looking down at Naofumi.
"Can you and your brother clear the way for us?" Naofumi asked staring at the two plant giants standing in front of the tree.
"We sure can but for this to work, we'll have to take this fight a little serious, " Yang replied while aiming the handle of the katana at the giants.
"Do it, " Naofumi commanded while preparing his shield.
"Let me buff our defenses," Yin spoke stabbing the ground with his greatsword. "Divine Protection."
As Yin spoke his skill, the entire party was encased in golden light before slowly fading away.
"With this, your physical and magical defenses are increased. Now..." Yin stopped before pulling his sword out of the ground and placing it over his shoulder. "Let's go."
"You took the words right out of my mouth bro. We'll be heading out then," Yang spoke crouching down and aiming his handle at the sky.
"Remember. We are not going all out," Yin reminded earning a slight nod from his brother.
"I know," Yang replied before smirking. "Release,"
The handle of the sword shot out before beginning to multiple to a hundred swords into the air, Yang stood up and swayed his hands into a circle.
"Tears of the iron maiden," Yang whispered as the swords began to fall toward the ground.
As each sword began to descend to the ground, Yang would take hold of at least six swords at a time and throw them at the plant giants. While Yang was throwing his swords, Yin was already running toward the center of the two giants. This took Yin at least a few seconds before ninety-eight swords were now impaled both plants along as Yin now stood in between the giants.
"SIN TAKER!" Yin shouted as a golden barrier formed around his body and exploded outward encasing the two monsters.
Once the light that encased the two monsters faded away, it showed no damage had been put upon them. Filo sighed and shook her head.
"That did nothing," Filo complained making Yang chuckle.
"It's a taunt skill. Any enemies hit by this skill can only attack him. Doing otherwise will receive severe punishment. This will give you three time to deal with the tree, "Yang explained while holding a katana in each hand before running toward his brother.
While Yang was running to meet his brother, he could see both giants trying to hit Yin but failed in every attempt. Yin watched as one of the plant giant's brought its hand toward the paladin in an attempt to grab him. Yang hoped onto his brother's shoulders grinning while closing his eyes.
"Duel Hymn of maria," Yang spoke before opening his eyes and launching off Yin's shoulder.
Yin stood his ground as he watched his brother fly at the giant's palm and unleash his powerful strike. The giant's arm was cut off allowing Yin to watch as its arm whithered and faded while it regrew a new arm.
"Regeneration," Yin commented before running toward the monster that just regrew its arm.
"What was that?" Yang shouted while turning around to see the monster regrow its arm as he landed on the ground. "It could be worse."
Yang's comment fell on deaf ears before Yin prepared his sword.
"Heaven!" Yin shouted making Yang smirk and nod his head.
The two ran toward each other while Yin had his greatsword in both hands preparing to swing at his brother. Yang only grinned at this as they continued to run at one another. As they a mere meters away from one another, Yang jumped up while Yin turned his sword so that the sharp edges would be facing away from his family member. With a mighty swing, Yin swang his sword at Yang while turning his body to launch his brother at one of the plant giant's.
"Hymn of Maria: Heaven's path!" Yang shouted as he flew toward the nearest plant giant grinning widely.
The next thing that happened only made Yin smile as he watched his brother cut the plant giant's arm into pieces as well as part of its chest. Yang looked over his shoulder to see the plant giant release a powerful shockwave sending both brothers back. Yin slides backward while using his sword as a shield while Yang crashed into the second giant.
"The hell...that wasn't a thing before," Yang complained while looking up at the monster he crashed into to see it walk toward its injured teammate. "What the hell?"
Suddenly, the first monsters back snapped open with vines sticking out to connect with its partner. Yang could not help but widen his eyes in surprise before pushing himself off the giant and launch himself away from the two watching as the two began to merge. Yin watched in horror as the two began to combine to one giant which was now twice the size and even more so seemed more lean than bulky. Blinking at this, Yang could still see his swords all over its body but watched as it grew a head this time followed by two glowing white eyes looking down at Yin.
"What the..." Yin was stopped as the creature appeared right in front of him and kicked him up into the air.
Yin released a painful grunt as he was knocked up into the sky followed by his arms grabbed by the new monster. Even with all his might, Yin was unable to break from its grasp.
"YIN!" Yang shouted before getting back to his feet and running toward the monster's feet.
As Yang reached the monster, its body began to shake before hundreds of vines sprang out and began to lash out around its body. Yang was able to defend against it but for each vine, he was able to cut off, two more would spring out from its place. Then it hit him, Yang jumped back and ran to the side to look up watching as his brother was held still and was being lashed out by hundreds of vines with thorns on them.
"BROTHER!" Yang shouted while jumping up in an attempt to cut his brother free but before he could even reach his brother, he was attacked by the multiple vines and knocked back as well as received some damage.
A clear gash could be seen on Yang's chest as well as his arms while he fell to his knees gritting his teeth. Thankfully the armor of the family was protecting Yin but only to a point. Even though the vines could not break through the armor for some reason, it was still doing blunt damage to his body.
'Lavar,' A voice whispered into Yang's ear making him turn his head expecting to see someone but to his surprise found no one.
"Lavar?" Yang questioned out loud before looking at the monster. "What?"
'Call her name...Yang Maeda,' The voice spoke once more.
Yang turned his body again to catch a faint glimpse of what seemed to be a woman wearing a white fox mask while wearing a pure white kimono as well as long silver hair before fading away. Suddenly, the katana in his right hand began to simmer which quickly caught his attention. The name echoed in his mind like a voice in a long silent cavern until he could hear the sound of a single voice.
"Lavar," Yang spoke as the blade of the katana shattered like glass.
He watched as the sword was now bladeless until a new blade began to form completely made of fire. Seeing this, he smirked and looked at the plant giant as he pierced the ground with his normal sword so he could hold onto the blazing sword. "Plant titan your about to get scorched."
"Hymn of maria, scorched song," Yang whispered before blitzing forward as a path of flames was left behind him. "BURN!"
Yang shouted as he turned into a blur and passed through the plant titan. His speed had increased but only briefly due to the spurt of flames coming from the sword, Lavar. For a few seconds, the creature was unharmed until a long cut began to reveal itself against the monsters lower half. Suddenly, the cut began to turn red and catch on fire causing the plant titan to release Yin from its hold and screech in pain once more. With Yin released, Yang turned to see his brother falling to the ground before correcting himself and landing on his feet followed by heavy panting.
"You alright brother?!" Yang asked as his brother slowly raised his head while pointing to the creature.
Yang's attention snapped back to the monster, now completely on fire, had turned its focus on the begger and brought both arms toward it. For a moment, Yang thought he was a goner as he prepared his sword that now reverted to normal. Looking at his katana, his eyes widened in shock before slowly looking forward at the hand of the burning monster. Just when Yang could feel the heat of the monster, Yin stood up and smirked.
"Sin taker..." Yin whispered before the creature froze in place before slowly withering away.
With the monster gone, Yin collapsed to his knee while Yang whispered a single word before swaying his hand over the katana and watched as it sheathed itself while the other ninety-nine katanas faded away into ash. As soon as Yang reached his brother, Naofumi and the others returned looking at the two brothers.
"What happened?" Naofumi questioned while looking between the two brothers.
"The plant giants we were fighting merged and messed us up pretty bad. Thankfully we were able to pull through but at a cost..." Yang spoke helping his brother off the ground while sighing. "He's lucky that he came fully armored...but even so he is really banged up. Way more then I am."
"...Filo will take your brother back to the camp, you will be helping him get better," Naofumi commanded while handing him a potion, this earned a glance from Yang for a brief moment before he nodded his head before taking the potion. "...Filo. Once you've dropped them off with the villagers, return here to help us clean up the seeds."
Filo pouted at the command but nodded her head while walking over to Yin to pick him up and put him on her back. Yang looked at Filo and nodded his head before the two made their way back to the camp.
-Camp-
Once Filo did her part, Yin turned to the filolial and bowed his head in thanks before taking him from her back. Filo blushed and nodded back to the show of gratitude before turning and making her way back to Naofumi. With the help of some of the villagers, they laid him down in their medical tent.
"Thank you. All of you. I will take it from here," Yang spoke kneeling beside his brother sighing while taking the potion. "Alright, brother...I know your still up and in pain but I need you to remove your helmet. No one else can take it off but you...even if it saved your life."
Yin groaned in pain as he raised his hands to his head and removed his helmet revealing a bruised face. Seeing this, Yang could not help but grit his teeth angry at himself for not being able to prevent such pain from his brother.
"Is this how you feel every time I get hurt bad? Angry at yourself for not being able to help me?" Yang questioned while looking at the potion.
"Yes...that's why...I keep telling you...be...careful," Yin answered.
Yang only smiled at this and nodded his head before taking the cork from the potion and place it by his brother's lips. Yin opened his mouth allowing his brother to pour the potion into his mouth to heal his wounds but only a little.
"Lesson learned...next time I won't let anything happen to you brother," Yang admitted with a sigh. "But I gotta say. I learned something else...or something like that,"
Yang began while looking at his brother seeing he was fast asleep to recover.
"For another time than brother," Yang spoke staying by his brother and sighing as his eyelids began to grow heavy while he was still bleeding himself. "Guess we will both rest up brother..."
-?-
Yang opened his eyes to find himself lying in the middle of a barren field covered with thousands of swords. Each sword had a completely different form while he slowly began to get to his feet with his eyes scanning the horizon. Once he got to his feet, Yang slowly looked at a sword that was right in front of him. Its form straight yet the hande seemed to be wrapped in cloth.
"It can't be..." Yang whispered to himself before taking hold of the sword and pulling it out of the ground to find it had no tip but rather a cut off like a square. "These...are all the swords I lost."
"Yes. You lost all...but one," A feminine voice spoke out only for it to echo throughout the field of swords.
Yang immediately turned with the sword in his right hand and placed by his hip while his eyes scanned the landscape hoping to find the origins of the voice.
"Who's there?" Yang asked.
What followed was laughter which made Yang narrow his eyes and grip the handle of the sword tighter.
"Someone who's grown very interested in your journey and choices Yang Maeda as well as your past collection," The voice answered sounding closer now.
"That is not an answer. Tell me who you are or believe me...I will cut you down," Yang warned but soon heard the same laughter.
"You? Cut me down? You have no power here begger. Not anymore at least," The voice replied before laughing again which annoyed Yang.
"I have no power? All I need is a single sword and I can take on anything. You included," Yang spoke with a smirk.
"You think you can handle any situation with violence. Even though you choose words over violence at times, hitting things would always be your back up plan. Do you think it is going to work this time?" The voice asked now seeming further.
"That plan hasn't failed me yet. Why would it fail me now?" Yang questioned earning another laughter but this time right behind him.
"In a normal situation, you would be fine. Sadly, this is no ordinary situation Yang," The voice whispered into his ears.
As Yang was about to spin around to deliver a swift slash, the sword turned to ash causing him to look down and watch the sword fade away.
"What..." Yang questioned before looking up to find the same woman he saw briefly against the plant titan.
"These swords are all mine now. None shall use them but those I allow and you are not one of them...not yet anyway," She spoke while hovering backward laughing at him.
"Don't mock me. Even without a sword, I am not someone to underestimate," Yang spoke jumping toward her direction with his left hand stretched out to grab her mask.
"I will do as I please since out of both of us, we know who is stronger," The woman lectured as one of the swords in front of Yang sprung out of the ground and attempted to cut his handoff.
Gritting his teeth, he pulled his hand back mere inches from having it cut off. As the sword missed his wrist, he placed his right hand on it and pushed it toward the woman in an attempt to impale her with her sword. Sadly, as soon as he touched the sword, it had turned to ash like the other causing him to fall flat on his face.
"As I said before, only I can use them, Yang. You're as hard-headed as expected...one of the many things I like about you," She admitted while floating in midair as if she was laying on a bed sideways.
"If they all turn to ash as soon as I touch them then I have nothing to worry about," Yang said confidentially before running toward the woman at full speed.
"Silly little man," She whispered before flicking her finger forward.
As Yang was running toward her, his foot suddenly tripped on something and slammed face-first into the ground. Shaking from his daze, he pushed himself off the ground and looked up to find the fox woman floating right in front of him.
"You cannot use them. I never said about me not being able to. Think before you act Yang. Although it is cute when you act without thinking...it will be your downfall," She whispered before slowly floating out of his reach.
"What...do you want from me?" Yang asked while getting back to his feet.
"Ahhh now that is a good question Yang...what could you possibly give me? Well...you of course," She whispered before bringing her hand to the lower part of her face and blowing a kiss toward his direction as a single sword flew at Yang from the side cutting the back of his right hand earning a faint grunt of pain from him.
Soon enough, every single sword that was once impaled into the ground sprang out and aimed Yang before racing toward him from all directions. Yang, completely unarmed, brought his arms up in a means to defend himself before being met with complete darkness.
-Carriage-
Yang quickly sat up from his resting position sweating nervously while also panting heavily. Naofumi looked at Yang with narrowed eyes before sighing.
"Nightmare?" Naofumi asked as he looked to the back of the carriage watched as they made their way down a road.
"...I don't know," Yang answered raising his right hand to look at the back of it to see the cut he had gotten from the sword.
His eyes narrowed before balling his hands into fists.
'Who...or what was that?' Yang thought to himself before closing his eyes and letting out a frustrated sigh. "So what'd we miss?"
"Nothing much. We were able to finish the job. Due to you both being too injured to help I allowed you both to rest for the rest of the job. You would only get in the way if I made you help us pick up the seeds of that tree monster," Naofumi admitted while closing his eyes.
"Harsh words boss...but at least you are being thoughtful. Even if you are trying to hide it over your cold acting. You care," Yang spoke with a smile only to have Yin's hand to swiftly move and hit his brother across the head.
"Stop...making trouble...brother..." Yin struggled to say while Yang rubbed the part of his head that was hit sighing.
"Fine...but only because you're injured...more than you should," Yang whispered the last part while looking away still cursing himself on being too weak to protect his brother from such a beating. "So...what did we miss?"
"With the monsters defeated, I was able to create a new seed from the many we were able to collect and create a new plant by altering its states. Decreasing its breeding and mutations and increased its growth and productivity. Now the village will no longer have to worry about food. Because of that, we were able to gain some goods from the village and are now heading toward an Inn to sell them...as well as relax in the hot springs in the town," Naofumi informed making Yang nod his head.
"A hot spring. It's been some time since my brother or I went to a hot spring. We did so much traveling that it became difficult to stay one place for too long," Yang replied while looking up at the carriage sighing. "So anyway...how long were me and my brother out for?"
"...two days," Naofumi answered bluntly causing Yang to blink at the answer.
"Two days? I understand my brother but...me?" Yang said completely confused but widened his eyes about the field fo swords. 'The field of swords?'
"We are here," Raphtalia spoke as they came upon a town up ahead.
-Hotspring Town-
As Naofumi was trading off the remains of the fruits he gained from the village, Yang was helping his brother get to his feet.
"You do not have to help me, brother. While you were resting, Naofumi-sama and even Raphtalia were treating me. Be it was mostly potions, it still helped," Yin said with a soft chuckle but groaned in pain as he got to his feet.
"Well, you aren't lying. You do not need my help brother and can do this on your own by toughing it out but I'ma help you cause I want to alright? End of discussion," Yang spoke supporting his brother to Naofumi them.
"Yin...Yang. Are you two also going to the hot spring?" Filo asked while she had her arms wrapped around Naofumi.
"I do not see why not. Rumor has it that hot springs hold healing factors and calms the mind when you enter it," Yin answered with a smile.
"Plus, we get free entertainment too," Yang added with a chuckle.
"What do you mean by that Yang?" Naofumi questioned while trying to push Filo off from him.
"In time you may know Naofumi-sama," Yin spoke while letting out a soft chuckle of his own.
"Quick question. Is this a joint hot spring or separate?" Yang asked looking at Yin than Naofumi waiting on an answer.
"...I'm not sure," Naofumi bluntly answered while looking out the distance.
"If you want, we can go check it out first. You know, give you a heads up and all that stuff," Yang offered with a smirk.
"I do not see anything wrong with that idea. Then we will meet you two there...just be sure to get your rooms as well. Not all of us will be able to fit inside one room," Naofumi spoke with a raised brow.
-Hot Spring Inn-
The two brothers arrive at the Inn looking at the entrance as people entered and left.
"Well, it seems promising. Meh. Time to ask...the question," Yang said while slowly narrowing his eyes.
Yin blinked at this before sighing and shaking his head at his brother's speech.
"You mean 'I' will ask the questions, right?" Yin asked looking at his brother with a smile while crossing his arms over his chest.
"Fine. Take all the fun out of it," Yang pouted while turning away from his brother and closing his eyes as well as placing his hands behind his head.
"I just don't want to waste their time. The main issue is getting rooms for the party. After the rooms, we get some information about the hot springs," Yin replied with a light laugh.
"Sounds boring," Yang said looking back at his brother at the corner of his eyes.
"What did you have in mind any way brother? Why ask if they are merged or not?" Yin asked with a raised brow.
"Well you're right about getting the rooms first but I was just curious if they have special hot springs for other things...you know...business?" Yang hinted while softly elbowing his brother's side.
"Busines?" Yin repeated while bringing his left hand up to scratch the top of his head.
"...sometimes you being so innocent is just a mood killer you know that? Anyway. I wanna try and help out Raphtalia," Yang replied with a sigh.
"Brother, does she even want help? Is it not rude if you give help where it is not wanted?" Yin asked looking down at his brother.
"...you got a point there brother," Yang admitted while looking at the ground and rubbing the edge of his chin with his right pointing finger.
"Maybe I can ask her if she wants help?" Yin said while shrugging his shoulders.
"That's a great idea! I can ask her!" Yang shouted while snapping his fingers with a wide smile as he stared at the Inn.
"Brother, you know as well as I that was not what meant," Yin said unfolding his arms and turning his body to now face his brother.
"Nah I got this bro. You go get us our rooms and ask about the hot springs. I'll be back," Yang spoke looking at his brother with a confident smile before running off leaving his brother in the dust.
Yin sighed as he watched his brother runoff before looking at the Inn and shrugged as he made his way inside the Inn to do his part in getting the rooms as well as some answers.
-With Naofumi-
Naofumi had just finished putting the carriage away and locked it down with Filo and Raphtalia talking to one another.
"What up boss?" Yang spoke standing behind Raphtalia and waving to Naofumi.
This announcement caused Raphtalia and even Filo to jump from Yang's sudden appearance while Naofumi turned to look at his party member.
"Yang-san, where did you come from?" Raphtalia asked trying to regain her composure.
"The Inn. Yin is getting the rooms for the party and before you ask...no I did not ask about the hot spring. Yin won't let me ask," Yang said with a sigh.
"And why is that?" Naofumi asked staring at Yang.
"Yin told you of my curiosity, right? I tend to get carried away when I ask stuff," Yang admitted with a shrug.
"Like what exactly?" Naofumi continued while crossing his arms over his chest.
"Well like when I asked if Raphtalia was your slave," Yang answered looking at Naofumi with half-opened eyes.
"And I told the truth, " Naofumi said with a raised brow.
"Not many people can give an honest answer. They tend to hide behind fake smiles and kind words. Getting information is something I do bluntly. Nothing to hide behind. Just get right to the point," Yang answered looking to the side with an annoyed groan.
"Why are you here then?" Naofumi asked with his arms by his sides once more.
"One is to guide you all to the Inn. Although not intentional, I want to at least be helpful. As for the second part, I have a few questions to ask Raphtalia here," Yang spoke looking at the demi-human with a smile.
This made Raphtalia shiver as she looked at Yang's smile.
"And what are you going to ask her?" Naofumi asked narrowing his eyes at Yang.
"Does she mind if I tell you? They are kind of personal," Yang asked looking at Naofumi with a smirk then back at Raphtalia.
Naofumi blinked at this before looking over at Raphtalia who was blushing softly getting the hint Yang threw in.
"I will be fine Naofumi-sama," Raphtalia said with a gentle smile.
"We'll take lead," Yang suggested before turning and placing his hands behind his head and walking back to the Inn with Raphtalia by his side and Naofumi and Filo following a few feet away.
As they walked down the road, Yang sighed and looked over his shoulder for a split second to see the distance between them and Naofumi.
"So I'm just going to cut to the question. Do you like Naofumi?" Yang bluntly asked while looking forward.
Raphtalia blinked at Yang's question and made her stop in her tracks for a split second before catching up with him.
"W-What kind of question is that to ask all of a sudden?" Raphtalia asked looking at Yang.
"I told you I was getting straight to the point. So what is your answer?" Yang asked glancing over at Raphtalia now.
"...I..." Raphtalia paused before looking over her shoulder at Naofumi then back forward.
"I'll take that as a yes," Yang answered while looking forward with a smile.
"W-What! But I didn't say anything," Raphtalia argued while blushing slightly darker.
"Sometimes silence is an answer Raphtalia. Also, you look at him with want and love rather than just admiration and respect. True you do look at him with those eyes too but not as much as love," Yang answered with a light chuckle.
"How would you know what kind of eyes people have?" Raphtalia asked looking forward while crossing her arms under her bust.
"I am very observant. Many girls look at my brother with those same eyes...love and want...while I get the look of mistrust or disgust," Yang said while rolling his eyes. "Hell, sometimes people act as if I am not there."
"That's...horrible," Raphtalia whispered while looking at the ground.
"As horrible as it is, it gives me a good look at who they are. Even when my brother includes me, it is too late for them to put on an act to prevent my brother from leaving the conversation," Yang continued with a soft chuckle. "We're getting off-topic though. So...do you want help in getting Naofumi's attention?"
Raphtalia looked at the ground in thought for a good hard while before smiling and closing her eyes. Yang looked at her awaiting her answer only to see her shake her head.
"No. I will gain his heart on my own Yang-san...but thank you for the offer," Raphtalia answered looking at Yang with a gentle smile.
Yang was surprised at this answer but simply chuckled and nodded his head while looking forward to see the Inn coming into view.
"You got courage Raphtalia. You also have loyalty and commitment. I respect that. Something not so easily gained. Welp. If you ever change your mind about needing help, let me know," Yang said as he could see his brother outside waiting for their arrival.
"How did it go?" Yin asked looking between the two with a confident smile.
Raphtalia and Yang came to a stop to stand in front of Yin smiling.
"She doesn't need our help," Yang said closing his eyes with a proud smile.
"You mean your help. I only help when I am needed. This is not one of those times," Yin said looking at Raphtalia and placed his hand on her shoulder as Naofumi and Filo caught up.
"How are the rooms and hot spring," Naofumi asked walking up to Yin.
"The rooms are bought. One room for me and my brother and one room for you and these two lovely ladies. As for the hot springs, it is separate. One for the men and one for the women, " Yin explained.
Naofumi nodded his head as Yin turned and lead them to their rooms.
"Cool. So the girl's bath on their side and we bath on ours. Simple right," Yang suggested earning an annoyed groan from Filo.
"But I want to bath with master," Filo complained while clinging to Naofumi and tugging on his pants.
"It is improper for a man and a woman to bath in the same room unless they are family," Yin explained while looking at Filo.
"But..." Filo started before Yin sighed and knelt in front of the girl.
"Come now little one, time is not against us. You will have plenty of time to spend time with him after the hot spring. If anything I think it best for you and Raphtalia to get to know each other better and help one another better. You both serve the same master...you should learn to work together in the future. After all, you both have a common goal...right?" Yin asked looking at Filo then at Raphtalia.
"...protect master..." Both girls say in unison.
"Then learn to work together. Trust me, it will be worth it," Yin spoke before standing up straight and looking at Naofumi. "Shall we?"
Naofumi nodded his head as the party enters the Inn.
-Hot Spring-
The three men of the party sat in the hot spring sighing in relief with Yin as well as Yang covered in scars. Between the two, Yang had the most scars while Yin was more toned for battle.
"So boss, you have any feelings for any girls here?" Yang asked looking over at Naofumi who just sighed.
"No, I am much too focused on the oncoming waves as well as other heroes or so they call themselves," Naofumi answered while closing his eyes and relaxing.
"...damn...so you have no interest in looking for a partner?" Yang asked looking to clarify.
"None," Naofumi said bluntly causing the two brothers to look at one another.
Yin looked at Yang in hopes of seeing any hint that Naofumi was lying but saw no such thing. Yang sighed and simply shrugged before stretching his arms over his head and sighing.
"And if someone has an interest in you?" Yang asked looking at Naofumi.
"...I doubt it," Naofumi spoke opening his eyes slightly.
Yang could not help but sigh and turn away from Naofumi. That was all he could do without giving the hint that Raphtalia actually liked him. If she was really going to try and have him love her, it would be a very difficult battle. Sighing, Yang looked at the back of his hand and sighed looking at Naofumi then his brother.
"I gotta admit something. Usually, it would only be my brother and I but might as well get this out of the way," Yang announced gaining Naofumi's and Yin's attention.
"What is it, brother?" Yin asked.
"I am not sure if this is part of the reason why I was asleep for two days straight I was elsewhere," Yang spoke earning.
"What do you mean?" Naofumi asked sitting up straight.
"Look I know it sounds weird and also doesn't make sense but I was talking with someone...or something," Yang said bringing his right hand up and looking at the scar left behind. "I thought it was just a dream until I saw this."
Naofumi and Yin moved to see the scar which seemed to be there for ages.
"A scar? What makes this one so different from the many others on your body?" Naofumi asked backing away and looking at Yang.
"...I can answer that. After every battle, I take into account every injury he gained from previous battles. Every last one...and not once...have I seen anyone get close enough to hit my brother's hand...even more so the back of his right hand," Yin explained while looking at the wound.
"What does it mean?" Naofumi asked looking at the scar again.
"I don't know...but it seems that I have...a long way to go," Yang admitted with an annoyed sigh while standing up from his position and walking off to the door.
"Brother?" Yin questioned watching his brother walk off.
"I'm heading off to bed. My head is filled with too many questions about that woman..." Yang spoke putting on a robe over his body and leaving the two.
"He's troubled..." Yin said sighing as he sat back down in the hot springs.
"You're not going to check on him?" Naofumi asked looking at Yin.
"No. At times like this, it is best to let him be," Yin answered while sighing.
"What do you about your brothers scar?" Naofumi asked.
"I am not sure but...who or whatever did that to him...is very skilled...it worries me," Yin said closing his eyes. "For now let us relax before we rest for the night."
/To be continued...
It is strange to cut it off here but be patient.
I hope everyone liked it and until next time.
There is a reason why I left it off here^_^