Chapter 7-Dispersal

A very worried gang of Heroes convened at the Regal Flame and Mist Inn, opting to get a decent meal in after their vigorous training. Although patrons gave Raphtalia and Usagi the stink-eye as they walked in, no one was suicidal enough to object to the presence of the three heavily armed Heroes of Legend and their followers.

Naofumi groaned softly in exasperation as he sat at the same table that he had dined with 'Myne' seemingly in another lifetime. His new dining companion was far more benign, and much cuter. It was true that he had finally found the 'library girl' of his dreams, but even days after locating her he was still bitterly disappointed that she was a little kid instead of an gorgeous maiden. Ah well, there were worse things than having a surrogate kid sister. He noticed that the Tanuki girl was enviously eying a family eating together as their young boy was happily devouring a kid's meal set with a tiny flag planted in the spiced rice.

He looked over at his companion and affected bored disinterest, "Hey. Do you want to eat that too?"

"Huh? N-no, not at all Master." She tried to look resolute in her pale pink eyes, but once again her wagging fluffy tail gave the game away.

Naofumi sighed as he wondered why she was so stubborn about acting grown up, when she obviously liked childish things. After all, she happily played ball with Usagi every time they had some downtime. The Shield Hero sighed and rubbed his forehead before calling out, "Barkeep, two cheap lunch sets and a kid's meal over here."

The terrified middle-aged owner nervously wiped his hands on his apron, "At once, S-shield Hero!"

Takia and Cyril lugged over a longer table so that they, Charlotte, Jerry and Usagi could join in. The exhausted Sword Hero slumped in his seat next to Raphtalia and indulgently patted her hair. He put in additional orders, "Add on three more lunches and a child's meal, good sir."

The barkeep nodded and hastened into the kitchen.

Jerry stretched out wearily and wondered, "I sure hope Clint is okay."

Usagi stoically glared at the Sword Knight Cyril just as he was starting to pull out his chair and silently insisted that she sit next to her master. After a second of awkward silence, Cyril broke out into an amused chuckle as he good-naturedly swapped seats with the harekin.

Charlotte yawned and started to drool in anticipation of the aroma of the food, basic as it might be. Supplies, medicines, provisions, lodging and equipment all added up rather quickly, so they still had to be cautious in their spending on meals. She tried to sound upbeat, "Well after Clint up and vanished we must have searched the entire city. He'll turn up when he wants to."

"Maybe he went back to Melromarc castle," Jeremiah noted with a note of unease in his voice. "We could search there as-"

Naofumi slammed his fist on the table in a fuming panic, startling everyone present, "No fucking way! None of us will ever return to that cesspit again!" His green eyes widened as he saw Raphtalia shrink back in her seat, looking terrified of him. He felt a twinge as he exhaled and slumped back down again, "I'm…sorry. It's just that I can't think of that hateful place. He gave a brief bow of apology to his loyal servant, "Raphtalia, I'm not angry at you, okay?"

"O-okay Master," she replied in a wavering voice. She greatly feared his moody outbursts, but she quickly remembered that he spent over 100 silvers on outfitting her as his bodyguard, as well as all the equipment and supplies that he employed to cure her consumption. If he really didn't care about her welfare, why was he going to such extremes for a disposable slave girl?

Naofumi drummed his fingers on the table and sighed. Bringing up the Trash King and Bitch Princess sent him right back into that hall where he had stood in the royal court in his undergarments, being accused of the most heinous crimes imaginable. Ever since that day, his ability to trust others had nearly been extinguished. Only a tiny sputtering flame had been left after those royal assholes had framed him. Even now, he had nightmares of the other Cardinal Heroes turning on him with jeering expressions of scorn. He glanced over as he saw Jerry laugh as he gushed about his superhero idols, causing Charlotte to suppress a giggle. Cyril tried to keep an indulgent smile at the antics, but Usagi and Takia simply looked baffled. It was a heartwarming scene, but was their camaraderie real or was it a fabrication?

Seeing her owner's twisted frown made Raphtalia's heart twist in pain. She would do anything to make him happy, she resolved, so she went out on a limb. "M-my mama and p-papa adored you, Master."

"Hmm?" The Shield Hero's mouth fell slack as guilt over his temper flare up was swallowed up by muddled consternation and more than a touch of embarrassment. His cheeks started to turn slightly pink as he scratched the back of his head. "I…I'm not to be admired."

"My parents would have liked you anyway, Sir." She coughed but she met her intimidating master's gaze out of her overwhelming need to support him, "Many beastkin and demihumans have swapped tales of the dashing Shield Hero across the years. Just like the past Shield Heroes, you are a great warrior. It has always been my dream to stand by the legend's side."

Ugh. Now Naofumi wanted to bury his head in his arms in shame. Luckily for him, before his gleeful companions could rib him, the food arrived.

Raphtalia blinked at the array of dishes in astonishment, as she had grown used to the single glass of water and bowl of porridge as her daily meals during her recent captivity. She looked over at her master with an expression of disbelief, "Is…is this all for me, Master?"

Iwatani ate his stew and gave a dismissive wave, "Yeah kid. Go ahead and eat it before it gets cold."

She saw the white flag sticking out of the rice and tenderly plucked it up, and thought of her ruined village. She remembered her best friends Rifana and Keel pledging to repair and raise their Rurarona village flag once more after the devastation wrought by the monsters from the First Wave. All too soon that progress had been demolished by Lord Rabier's attack and subsequent enslavement of the villagers. As far as she knew she was the only one left alive. She knew she couldn't cry. She had to keep her tortuous nightmares at bay so she could faithfully serve Master Iwatani as his sword. That meant she had to build up her strength and hopefully grow big and strong quickly. She quickly tucked the flag into her pouch, and then messily devoured the meal a handful at a time.

Usagi frowned and pointed to the Tanuki girl's spoon, but her friend was too focused on downing her delicious meal to notice or care. The Hare beastkin sighed softly in mild exasperation and ate her own meal with delicate nibbles. After all she wanted Master Jeremiah to notice how refined and mature she was.

Charlotte smiled over to her companions, "I'm so sorry we can't wander the countryside together, kicking ass."

Jerry chuckled as he ruffled up Usagi's silken hair indulgently, "Yeah, it's too bad our weapon incompatibility forces us apart." He smiled at the Bow Hero, utterly oblivious to Usagi's indignant frown at being treated as just a kid. "Think of this way, guys. Everybody goes on their own adventure like Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger or Iron Man. Then once the hourglass runs down, we get together like in the First Avengers movie and kick monster tail!" He bellowed, "All right! Avengers Assem-" He stopped suddenly as he saw the other patrons glare at him. Ah, once again his dorkish habits had got the better of him. He chuckled ruefully, "And I suppose it's no shocker that I'm still single."

Takia looked genuinely surprised, "You are Master Jerry? I never would have guessed."

Jerry looked momentarily annoyed and stared the gloomy mage down, looking for any trace of insincerity. He quickly realized that Takia was being utterly serious.

Charlotte burst out laughing and Cyril stifled a snicker. Takia just looked bewildered as he was trying to give the brave Sword Hero a simple compliment. Raphtalia blinked in shock as she saw Naofumi's lips slightly angle up into a half smirk for a fraction of a second before returning to its disapproving frown.

"Er…yeah. The only ladies I've ever kissed were my mama and grandma." Jerry broke out into a humiliated, yet good-natured chuckle, "I'm quite the lady killer."

Usagi grimaced as the others made sport of her kind and noble master. She wrote out a quick note and handed it to the flustered Hero. It read, Master White, I would gladly kiss you. You are my Hero.

Unfortunately for the headstrong girl, her note had the exact opposite effect on Jerry than she intended. He blinked at her message in momentary surprise and then broke out into a sloppy smile, "Aww that's so adorable, Usagi. Here you go." He offered his cheek to the unhappy harekin.

Why does he have to be so dense, she pouted inwardly. He doesn't take me seriously at all. With burning cheeks she leaned over and gave him a chaste peck on the cheek.

Raphtalia watched the exchange uncertainly, until she realized that Rifana had sworn that should the Shield Hero ever grace them with his presence that she would be his bride….like her own mommy and daddy had once pledged their love for each other. She looked at Naofumi with awe and wondered that after she grew up a bit, would she have a chance to fulfill Rifana's dream in her place?

The group fell quiet as they focused on their meal before they would disperse to their individual quests.

…

After lunch, they had dragged the broken cart that had served as their shelter their first night in Melromarc over to Master Erhard and requested that he repair it to serve as their transport after the Second Wave.

The bald blacksmith chuckled as he looked over the broken off front wheel and gave a thumbs up to the Cardinal Heroes. As he accepted the bag containing 20 silvers as the down payment, he noted with a broad smile, "I have to say, I have to commend you Heroes on your optimism that you will survive the Second Wave."

Charlotte quoted her best friend and roomie from the University of British Columbia, "My BFF Nora liked to say, 'Take risks. Even when you lose a game, life's more fun that way.'"

Erhard gave a knowing nod. "So where are you kids off to? I assume you'll have to go on separate leveling up expeditions now."

Jerry rubbed his chin, "I'm impressed Master Erhard. You sure know a lot about the Cardinal Heroes and our weapons disabling our experience gain."

"Not really. I just like to keep up on my history, and those stories of the last group of heroes all those decades ago inspired me to be a Hammer Knight many moons ago. Apparently your predecessors were all soldiers even before they were transported over from their Earth. One from Usa, one from Uck, one from Nihon, and one from Soyuz Sovietski."

Naofumi looked deeply confused, "Nihon is Japan. I don't recognize the others."

Cyril calmly interjected, "The United States, United Kingdom, and the USSR were where the other three hailed from. They were all serving in a great World War."

Jerry muttered, "That's so cool. So you were a warrior yourself?"

The smith shook his head, "I was all right but no great shakes. Trust me after this Wave is over, you will outstrip my martial art talents."

The Shield Hero sighed as he knew Erhard was underselling himself. "Raphtalia, Takia and I are off the Lute village to get some mining done, and pest control."

"I see. Be careful, little one." He gave the Tanuki girl a soft pat on the head with his calloused hands.

Raphtalia looked uncertain but flashed a shy smile at the kind gesture.

Jerry noted, "The trade route to Q'ten Lo has been plagued by brigands ever since the First Wave wiped out most of the soldiers posted there. Plus apparently, there is some sort of demon causing havoc along the road and terrorizing villagers. I'm putting a stop to that as best I can."

"Very good, Sir Jerry."

Charlotte stretched out, "We've heard rumors of monsters prowling through some ruins not that far from Melromarc. Cyril and I will check it out."

"Fine, fine. I wish you all good fortune," Erhard noted sincerely.

A few minutes later, they followed the mysterious message that had guided them out into the woods. Just as they left Erhard's shop, Cyril had found out that a cryptic message had been stuck in his money pouch without him even noticing. The Sword Knight apologized again to his Mistress, "I'm sorry I didn't see the pickpocket. I promise that I will be more on guard in the-"

"Chill, Cyril," Charlotte finally chided her retainer. "I didn't see him either." She broke into an amused smile, "Also remember that technically he didn't steal from your pouch…he added to it."

Cyril rubbed at his thick stubble and bowed humbly. Unlike his Mistress, he didn't find the situation amusing in the slightest, but he didn't dare annoy the legendary Bow Hero. "This is the rendezvous site, Sir Charlotte."

"Hello," Jerry called out uncertainly. One hand was carefully resting on his sword hilt. It paid to be careful.

Charlotte gave a knowing nod, "Someone is in the shadows. I'm sure of it."

Naofumi readied his shield, not knowing what to expect. Would it be that bitch, Princess Malty, here to set him up again?

Clint casually walked out of the clearing, and frowned slightly as he stared down half a dozen drawn weapons. He deadpanned, "I get that a lot."

The Bow Hero dispelled her bow, and gave the surprised teen a tight hug. She huffed, "Idiot! We were all worried about you. Are you okay?"

"Yep. I have a few new friends that want to meet you too, courtesy of an anonymous sponsor." Clint had earlier agreed with Rosa that it was best to keep Lady Seymour's involvement quiet, considering her perilous position under the bigoted royals.

Jerry sheathed his sword in palpable relief, "Good to see you in one piece, you jerk."

Rosalia walked into the clearing with a wide grin, "Hey, only I get to call my Master a jerk, Sir Sword Hero."

"Ummm…"

"This is Rosa, my Merc companion."

The Hawk girl made a deep curtsey, "Charmed. It's a true pleasure Master White, Master Iwatani, Master Curtiss, Sir Kuznetsov, Sir Aliki, Miss Raphtalia, and Miss Usagi."

Naofumi scowled, "So you've been spying on us I take it?"

The blond winked merrily, "Certainly, Sir Shield Hero. There are many of my kin that dearly wish His Majesty and Her Highness to suffer the torments of the damned for what they have done to their world's savior. You are priceless to us, Sir Iwatani."

A short blond girl dressed in a cute maid's outfit nervously joined her master and made an aside to her broom, "Mr. Sweepy, I'm Rosalind, or Lynne for short. I can't fight, but I promise to aid Master Redmond on his noble quest."

Charlotte smiled as she saw yet another adorable addition to their ranks. She gushed, "I'm glad to see you enjoy female companionship, Clint."

The programmer rolled his eyes at the crack, "I don't care if they're male, female, or a robot. I'll take help where I can get it."

Her momentary merriment faded as a muscled wolfkin with jet black skin and fur, knelt deferentially in front of her and growled, "Darius Okami, ma'am. I serve you to the end of my days. I have been impatiently waiting for the day for someone to put the revolting royals in their place at last!"

Charlotte looked into his piercing yellow eyes and realized he was deadly serious. "Well met Darius. I fear our priority is to defeat the Waves; not start a revolution."

"I understand, ma'am." As much as he itched for revenge, his duty came first.

She extended her hand and motioned the massive beastkin into standing back up. She looked up at his towering frame and quickly regained her bearings. If only her best friend Nora could see her now! She smiled and bowed humbly, "Darius, You can call me Charlotte if you like." She added with a wink, "If you call me ma'am again, you'll get an arrow to the knee."

Jerry chuckled merrily as he made a fistbump with Charlotte, "Nice Skyrim reference. You'll make a great dork yet."

"Dream on, Jerry," she chuckled as she tapped her orange crystal and registered her new companion: Darius Okami-Level 10 Thief.

With his arms crossed, Cyril unhappily exchanged glances with the thief and worried that this shady new ally would cause Charlotte far more trouble than he was worth. He trusted the Bow Hero's judgment…but he still wasn't obligated to agree with her.

"Hey don't forget me ladies and gents," the foxkin added as she emerged from the bushes. The tan-skinned fox maiden with burning red eyes and hair that shaded from crimson bangs in front to pink off her shoulders. She was dressed in a grey cloak over her muted knee-length mahogany-colored tunic. She beamed as she blew a kiss to the assembled crowd, "Santrana Corsac, Fire Mage and Dancer extraordinaire at your service."

Naofumi felt sick to his stomach even as he knew Santrana's playful banter wasn't malicious. Still he briefly saw Malty's cruel face for a moment instead of the foxkin's. He looked a bit green as he turned away from her and muttered, "Pass. No offense, Miss."

Santrana pouted cutely, "Too bad, many of the beastkin tribes would kill to serve with you Sir Shield Hero."

Damn it, Naofumi cursed silently. Upon entering this world, he wanted nothing more than to enjoy the company of adoring ladies. That horrid First Princess had ruined everything for him.

Jerry exchanged looks with Charlotte and Clint. "Well?"

Clint was tense as he sighed, "I'm not big on fire spells. Sorry Santrana." In fact he was downright terrified of fire, not that he would ever admit that fact out loud.

Charlotte smiled sweetly, "How about you Jerry? I'm sure two Mages would compliment your Sword arts nicely."

The Sword Hero beamed and was excited to add to his team, but blinked as a small pair of hands possessively gripped his arm. He turned back to see Usagi look at him with reproachful blue eyes. He tried to smile, "We need all the help we can get, Usagi. She'll be a great asset."

The hare child felt intense jealousy over Santana's mature form, but quickly resigned herself to bide her time. She would prove herself to be the worthiest of Master Jerry's retainers. She wrote out, Agreed Master White. We need to defeat the Waves with all our power.

"Great! Thanks for your aid, Miss Santrana." He reached out, awkwardly shook her hand and then activated his blue crystal. Soon enough text appeared in his field of vision, Santrana Corsac-Level 5 Fire Mage/Dancer. He smiled at his friends and everyone exchanged warm hugs and handshakes before going their separate ways to train for real. All the Heroes had to face real challenges if they were to have any hope of defeating the upcoming Second Wave.

Unexpectantly, a hooded figure was the last to emerge and spoke in a gloomy voice, "Master Jeremiah, forgive my earlier betrayal."

"Hmm?" He looked up, and then his black eyes widened, comically magnified by his thick glasses. "It…it can't be…V-varri?"

Valeria pulled back her hood and stared at her former master with mournful eyes, "Master Sword Hero. My greatest wish is for you to use your Cardinal Weapon to end my life. However, as my honor compels me to defeat the Waves, I kindly request that you kill me once the Incursion is over."

Cyril looked ready to faint, "Sister? H-how can you possibly be alive? What…happened?"

"Hello brother." She shook her head mournfully, "I was saved from my immolation and my fatal plunge by Rosalia. I was later given the choice of dying as a faithful servant to the Three Heroes God or surrendering my humanity to continue my service to the Sword Hero." She looked at Jerry with hopeless green eyes, "I choose eternal damnation as all I wish for is for Second Princess Melty to grow up in a peaceful world when the Four Cardinal Heroes emerge victorious. I will lend you my spear once more, if only you are willing to tolerate a bastardized parody of a human in your service again."

Jerry glanced at her with a deeply worried frown as he noted her silver hair in a pixie cut and her self-loathing green eyes. He decided instantly that when they had a private moment that he would ask her what trauma had destroyed, and then remade her. He tapped the crystal again and saw to his shock that her listing had changed drastically: Valeria Starnovna Kuznetsov-Level 12 Spear Knight/Dryad Mage.

Varri bowed deeply, and felt like she wanted to cry even though she was too numb for the tears to form. Master Jerry really was too softhearted for his own good; she owed to repay his kindness by defending him to her last breath. All she had ever wanted was to be a humble and devoted servant to the Three Heroes God, a faithful knight to the royal house, and a defender of the Sword Hero. It was a pity that only one out of her three dreams would ever be realized. She meekly followed behind the Sword Hero as he set out on his perilous journey.

Cyril watched his sister depart with an open mouthed expression of shock. Was he dreaming, or was this some sort of diabolical nightmare?