"Rafu."
A quiet voice could be heard as I regained my consciousness. I recognize this feeling. It's Raph-chan waking me up. This almost feels like a deja-vu.
I slowly opened my eyes and glanced at her. She's watching me curiously. She doesn't have Naofumi-sama's costume, and there's no sign of another Raph-chan anywhere close.
So far so good. Maybe it really was a fever dream. Both of my previous experiences.
I slowly sat up and stretched on the bed.
Yosh. I feel good. Time to look for Naofumi-sama to confirm that everything is as it should be.
Finally, I walked up to the door and peeked outside.
"Oh, you're already home. I'm back."
I blinked.
There was… a child standing outside of the house. A child with very familiar features. And… a shield.
"Naofumi-sama!?" I clutched my head.
No! This is not happening! Yesterday was a dream! I remember waking up! Why is Naofumi-sama a child!?
"Hmm? What's wrong?" He was looking up at me with innocent eyes. He seemed to be around seven years old. Maybe up to ten.
"N-nothing! Nothing's wrong!"
"Raph Nee-chan, you look stressed. Something happened?"
"No, everything's fine," I assured him.
I need to calm down. Maybe the dream just continues like this… I have no other explanation than that.
This is definitely Naofumi-sama. He's watching me with a slightly tilted head, and then he proceeded to come inside, sneaking around me.
"Do you want to cook today again?" He looked back at me as I closed the door behind him, still a little shocked.
"Again…?" I pondered.
Maybe he doesn't cook as a child… Well, of course he wouldn't be able to cook at his age. But isn't he supposed to have his adult life experience? If not, why does he look like he was betrayed by that woman anyway? His eyes are kind, but they have the same past pain displayed all over them, as always. It's making me worried and also confused.
I'm sure she'd be able to frame him for anything, even if he was a child. The circumstances would be different, but she'd get what she wants anyway.
Urgh. Just thinking about that woman is making me upset. I need to focus on something else.
Since Naofumi-sama is a child now, he might not mind if I talk to him about it and address this issue. Childrens' imagination can be very wild, this can't be that odd to him, right?
"Hmm?" He tilted his head more. "Of course again, what did you think?"
Oh no, it's him questioning me now!
"Well, do I usually cook? Don't you think you're a good cook yourself?" I smiled at him.
"But nee-chan. You always get mad and overworked when I pick up a knife. You said I should never do that when I'm alone. Or do you think I'm finally old enough? Then I'll cook," he mumbled and proceeded to leave to the kitchen. "Awww, Raph-chan! Hello!"
"Rafu rafu."
"Wait!"
Now that I think about it, it's definitely not a good idea to let a child handle knives and other sharp objects! I'm glad his weapon is a shield!
"Let me help you, I'll cut everything you need and you can do the rest," I offered.
"Buuuut… I can't use the life force to enhance the food if you cut it," he protested.
What? At this age, he already learned to implement life force in cooking? Maybe all his skills really did carry over, and he's able to live the same as before, even as a child. It's a little bizarre, but… It's Naofumi-sama. He's just amazing like that.
"We can't help it then… I'm sure you can make the meal delicious anyway," I petted his hair softly. He's glancing up at me, his cheeks blushing ever so slightly.
He might be serious and have the experience of a grown up, but he can't hide his innocent child side. It's actually very cute. I wouldn't mind looking after him like this for a while. I'm sure he's a really precious child.
"Alright, Raph nee-chan. Let's prepare lunch together."
"Enjoy your meal," he smiled at me after I came up to him to obtain my portion of the food, waiting at the end of the line to ensure everything goes well.
"Thank you," I smiled back and petted his hair before I took the plate and proceeded to sit down at the tables to eat.
Of course, the meal was spectacular as always. But this time, I wasn't doubting that the person in front of me was Naofumi-sama.
Even through his child-like appearance, he still gives off the same aura as always, just milder. I'd expect him to be a little more energetic, but surprisingly, he seems to be very calm.
He sat in front of me and finally took a bite to eat as well. I saw his eyes sparkle for a moment.
"This food is so good. Do you know why?" He asked me happily.
"Because you're an amazing cook?" I tilted my head.
"Exactly!" He frowned a little as he smiled.
"Rafu, rafuuu~" Raph-chan, who was also present, striked a pose as Naofumi-sama spoke.
"Haha, of course," I chuckled a little bit.
"But really. It is good because you helped me prepare it, Raph nee-chan," he averted his eyes and blushed a little.
My cheeks immediately blushed too. If only the adult Naofumi-sama talked to me like this… I… I would…
But no! I mustn't think of that now! At this moment, Naofumi-sama in front of me is a child. His mind probably perceives things a little differently than usual, which also leads to different reactions.
Besides… He'd never say these things out loud, even if he had them on his mind. It's one of his charms that for himself, he thinks he's a horrible and cruel man, but in reality, he thinks of everyone and prioritizes them over himself. Even if he's not willing to admit it, I know he's a very kind man at heart.
I smiled at him as I petted his hair again. I couldn't help it. He's adorable. It feels that our future child could be like this. But now it's too soon to think of that! Naofumi-sama and I have a long way ahead before we could even think of having children.
And besides, this is him. He's just very young now.
"Thank you for telling me. I think you're an amazing cook, and together, we make a great cooking duo," I nodded at him, trying to encourage him to not be worried about talking to me.
"Yes. I will always try to cook together with you, Raph nee-chan," he answered shyly.
"I'll try to line up our schedule so that you can," I was still smiling.
He appears to be much more timid than his adult form, but it makes sense. His heart is pure and more accepting than later, so he still gets to feel shy, unlike later on. Even if his eyes display a trace of past struggles and pain, they're still innocent and filled with hope as he glances up at me.
"What are you going to do now?" I asked him.
I'd picture his routine being different from usual. I can't imagine how he manages the village like this. Maybe it's on me now, which is okay. I don't mind helping out at all.
"I'll go play with Keel, probably," he mumbled.
"I see. What games will you play?"
"combat training."
"Oh."
For a moment I thought that he'd behave like an ordinary child, but I suppose he's still acting responsible and keeps up with training. I'm not sure if it's safe for him, but I believe that Keel-kun will be careful.
"I see. Alright."
"Then, I'll probably ask Wyndia-chan for a ride on Gaelion so I can see what's happening in and outside of the village more easily. And then… Maybe I'll try combat training again, with other kids," he added.
"Sounds good. What do you think I should do?" I asked him.
I could probably change the dream or reality again if I went to bed and managed to fall asleep, but I don't think there's the need for me to change anything as of now. I think… I'd like to stay a little longer in this one.
"You… hmmm..." he put his finger over his mouth while thinking.
Maybe he doesn't know what I'm usually in charge of, since he's busy training and gets easily distracted with his current mindset?
"You go out on a walk with our pets," he finally decided.
Uh… What?
I blinked in surprise.
"Pardon…?"
"Why are you apologizing, nee-chan?"
"U-uh… what do you mean by walking our pets…?" Maybe he's talking about Raph-chan? But now there's only one… I hope so anyway.
"The animals of course. You take them out for a walk and return stronger," he explained.
Oh. He asks me to go level up the monsters, it seems. But why does he sound so naive, as if he didn't know how leveling and fighting works? Didn't he say he's practicing combat with the others?
But maybe like this we don't let him join actual combat. He's just a child, after all. And he's not a demihuman either, so he wouldn't grow up if we took him to gain levels. Yes, it would definitely be illogical to let him fight!
But then again, even like this, he's still one of the Heroes…
I don't know.
Speaking of Heroes, where are the other two? I haven't seen them during lunch. I wanted to discuss it with them, but maybe they're busy with their own stuff… Oh well, can't help it then.
"Naofumi-sama… What is your level at the moment?" I asked the Shield Hero.
"Humm? I think around 160," he said.
He didn't even check! But that's okay. His level seemed to be normal, so I suppose either it carried over from his adult life, or he definitely went leveling up a lot.
That doesn't help me find out much.
"Do you feel like coming with me? You know, instead of practicing combat with your friends, you could try actual combat outside. I would help you of course," I assured him.
"But nee-chan, you forbid me from leaving the village, because it's too dangerous," he gave me an unsure look. "I'd love to go help you, but I'm not sure if this isn't just a test," he mumbled. "Are you testing me, Raph nee-chan…?"
"No, I'm not! But okay, if you don't feel like it, we don't have to go- oh."
Suddenly, Naofumi-sama was standing up in front me, holding me by my sleeve, desperately staring directly into my eyes.
"Raph nee-chan, allow me to go. I'll protect you while you walk the pets. I feel bad for only staying here while you do all the hard work… I can cook and take care of the pets, but other than that, I feel like I'm not doing enough… And you're helping me so much… It doesn't feel right."
I flinched.
This… hearing Naofumi-sama being so open with his thoughts feels… once again like something I definitely shouldn't be observing. But on the other hand… He… he is very precious while being honest with himself and me.
I slowly pulled him closer to me and wrapped my hands around him.
"Raph nee-chan…?"
"You're an upstanding young man, Naofumi-sama. Please never forget that we're always here for you, okay?" I was smiling at him while letting go.
His eyes are wavering a little and his cheeks were hued in red. He's silent for a moment before he finally responded.
"T-thank you… I'm always here for you too, nee-chan," he mumbled.
"Un," I nodded at him and ruffled the messy hair.
Naofumi-sama blinked and glanced at me again. He was showing curiosity in his face, but didn't say anything anymore.
"Let's get Filo and take you outside the village, what do you say?" I suggested.
"Do we have time for that…?"
"I'm sure it's okay for a little bit," I reassured him and he nodded, showing a hint of joy in his eyes.
"Raph nee-chan, when I said walking the pets, I wasn't expecting this - aaaaah!"
Naofumi-sama is shouting while gripping tight onto Filo's collar, as we charge full speed ahead on the filolial's back. Filo was so eager to take us out for 'a walk' that she instantly grabbed us, placed us on her back and dashed forward immediately upon hearing that.
"Hold on tight! I will be supporting you, Naofumi-sama, huweee!"
I knew what was coming for me, but I wasn't expecting such a speed right away!
We are dashing through wild monsters as we enter the fields and forest. Filo doesn't even flinch about all the creatures she'd crush under her feet at the immense speed she is running. She probably doesn't even feel them or doesn't bother noticing. It almost feel like she is in a constant High Quick!
"Aaaaaaaa!"
"Uwaaa!"
I'm holding tight with my shins and thighs, using my hands to hold on the reins and try to coordinate Filo's crazed speedrun at least to some extent. She is like a bullet the Bow Hero would shoot. Which meant very fast.
Naofumi-sama is sitting in front of me, holding tight onto the collar. He also has me behind himself and my arms around him, so he's safe from possible fall.
"So fast! So fast!" He screamed excitedly. There is clearly adrenaline rushing through his veins, since he stopped sounding worried and horrified, and started happily laughing and shouting instead.
It would be a wholesome sight for me if I wasn't so worried about our very lives!
The trees and monsters pass by so fast that they are only a blur. And I'm pretty sure they don't realize what's coming for them either.
All three of us gain some experience here and there as we make our way through the creatures that didn't even have the time to react before the giant bird ran over them with us on her back.
This is definitely not what I imagined under 'walking our pets'!
"Raph nee-chan… Are you alright…?"
"Urrghh…"
That's right. Despite being used to riding Filo and carriages on a regular basis, this crazy run was a little bit too much to handle, even for me.
"Liberation heal."
OH.
Naofumi-sama used a really high class healing spell on me. Even though healing spells don't usually work for motion sickness, this level force fixes your body in all regards. I don't feel fully okay, but at least my vision doesn't spin in all directions that much anymore. I can manage with this.
I slowly sat up and exhaled.
"Thank you, Naofumi-sama. You saved me."
"That's relieving. The ride was crazy, I felt like I could fall down at any time… but Filo was keeping me in balance, what a good bird," he petted her feathers.
Mo… really, instead of giving her a proper talk about grabbing and speeding with us, the balance is what he mentions first? She'd definitely do it again now that he praised her for it.
I sighed a little, but I couldn't stay mad at the kind and innocent young man. He had some precious joy out of this, so I'll let it slide this time.
"So, Naofumi-sama. What did you think?"
"It was amazing! We went downhill so fast! Filo is really good!"
"Tadaaa~" she striked a pose when the boy praised her more.
"I'm glad. It was a little dangerous and reckless, but I suppose it was fun," I smiled a little. I will not ruin this happy moment of Naofumi-sama. My motion sickness is not that important and he healed me immediately as we stopped. Even if it didn't do much…
"Yes. Will we walk our pets some more in the future?" Naofumi-sama asked me.
"We will. I'll take you for a ride whenever we have time," I promised with a mellow smile on my face.
I'm not sure for how long I'll be able to stay within this reality. And I'll probably jump elsewhere during sleep, so I won't be there to witness more of our adventures… but even then, I'm grateful for this single opportunity.
I'm grateful for seeing the openly kind side of Naofumi-sama. His innocence and honesty. It's all very new to me, but I'm happy that I got to witness that.
Reality or not, I'm sure Naofumi-sama is exactly like this at heart.
"Nee-chan, are you alright? Are you still feeling sick? You look a little sad…" his voice brought me back to my senses. I smiled at him again.
"Not at all. I'm happy that we could go for an adventure together. Thank you," I petted his hair slowly.
His cheeks blushed again and he blinked a few times.
"Thank you too…"
"What do we do now that we're back?" I stood up and swiped off the dirt I had on my clothes.
"Um, I'm actually pretty tired after this, so I'll probably go wash myself, check up on my friends and then sleep," he admitted.
I see… as a child, he'll probably go to sleep earlier than usual.
What a shame… I wish I could spend more time with him like this… But there's no point in keeping him and myself awake if we ended up exhausted anyway. I suppose we have to say goodbye soon.
"I see. I'll go to sleep with you this time," I offered.
"Really? But aren't you busy?"
"It's alright. I'll help you check up on the village and then I'll go rest with you."
"Thank you, Raph nee-chan."
"You're welcome," I kept smiling even though my soul was enveloped in a dull sadness.
Finally, it was time for bed. We finished our village check up, eating dinner, and hygiene, and headed towards our house.
Naofumi-sama was smiling the whole time, which was making my heart melt. I managed to get over the motion sickness for the most part now.
"There you go," I said quietly as I tugged the young man in his blankets and sat on the bed next to him. "I can tell you bedtime stories, if you want," I offered.
"It's okay. I don't need those," he replied and glanced at me. He was blushing ever so slightly, and eventually averted his eyes.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Y-you see… when I grow up, I'd like to marry yo- s-someone like you," he mumbled. His face is bright red now, but so is mine.
Marry me? Maybe this Naofumi-sama has a child crush on me? I've seen it happen before. Young people having their heads confused by older individuals they look up to. But even then…
"I-I see… Then… when you grow up, I'll be waiting for you," I finally responded.
"But it won't be you, right?"
I watched him cover himself more in the blanket.
Not me…?
"What do you mean…?"
"You… you haven't come from here, is that right?" He asked quietly.
"How would you…."
"You see, since the moment you opened the door, you seemed different. The way you looked at me, and the way you spoke to me. I recognized that it was still you, but something about you felt very different," he admitted.
"Uh…"
"And I never called you nee-chan before, yet you didn't react to it," he added.
"Ah!"
So he noticed the change right away and the first thing he did was test me!? Just how sharp and distrustful is this young man…?
"Then if you noticed, you should've been more careful about me and tell the others about it. What if I was an impostor? What if I was an enemy in disguise?"
He slowly turned around and looked at me, with his eyes filled with tears.
"But Raph nee-chan would never be an enemy. I could recognize that smile anywhere. My enemies… wouldn't be able to wear a smile as kind as yours," he smiled a little too as his tears dropped on his face and sheets.
"..." I was quietly watching Naofumi-sama taking my hand to his own.
"Thank you for today… so much. You were different, yet your souls flew together. You treated me kindly and gently as always, so I wasn't worried at all. In fact… I wish you could stay a little longer, but you will leave again, won't you…?"
"Y… yes, I have to leave soon, probably… I'm not sure how all this works, but… I'm grateful for meeting you like this, Naofumi-sama."
"Nee, Raphtalia, tell me. What is the other me, the one you know, like?" He glanced up in my eyes.
I exhaled and took a moment before I calmed down a little and spoke again.
"The other you… well, I had a chance to meet more of you in the past few days, but the original Naofumi-sama is a grown man. He's older than me and he has been through a lot of pain and struggle, so it is hard for him to open up to people… but at the heart, he's a very kind man. Very much like you. You are different, yet your souls flow together," I smiled at my younger companion who was in tears.
"A grown man… I'm jealous. He gets to marry you soon," he mumbled sadly, making a slight pout.
"W-well, I don't know about that… we haven't even kissed yet-" I panicked as my cheeks turned bright red. I didn't want to disappoint this Naofumi-sama, but I couldn't lie to him either!
"Uh, he must be really hurt then… because if he met you, spent his time with you and didn't get together with you… He must still be in pain, or feeling guilty about something. Please don't give up on me," he said.
"I will not give up. I am Naofumi-sama's sword. I will never leave. I'll never let him go alone. Wherever he may go, I'll go with him," I frowned.
Of that I'm sure.
"I see. That's relieving. Then please wait for me and I'll wait for you, in whatever timeline you're from."
"Hai."
"Good night, Raph nee-chan. Raphtalia. Goodbye," he turned away again.
"Goodbye, Naofumi-sama. Good night."
My own hands were shaky as I slowly lay down on the bed and hugged Naofumi-sama tightly from behind. I'm trying to hold back the tears that are flowing down my face.
Such a short time, but unforgettable experience… I'm so… so grateful for this.
"I'll never forget you," I whispered.
After a bit of hesitation, Naofumi-sama faced me and embraced me tightly as well. He was shaking, and his eyes were red as he tried his best to not cry. I gently placed my hand on his head and started petting his hair to soothe him down.
He's really, really precious…
I closed my eyes.
Goodbye…
Naofumi-sama.
AN: Once again, as with my other fic. I haven't read kidfumi or similar fics, nor have I taken inspiration from them. When thinking up various different Naofumis, of course this one can't be omitted. But it's my own version with no influence of other stories from other authors.
AN2: If you wanna see small Naofumi doodle, head to the Ao3 chapter!
