Chapter 11: Bloody Noble
A/N: Another update to celebrate the new year.
"The bloodshed… it is unending." Reports came back in droves of the return of the Devil. Whatever passivity that may have existed had all but vanished since their Saint had fled. "It is as his holiness predicted… but I fear that he isn't going to stop hunting God's Children. His appetite for flesh and blood is horrific but then that is not all. He is devouring their very souls giving no rest to the faithful even in death."
A gathering of the men of the cloth were all within the large stone temple that had once been home to the beloved saint and many of her believers. Several bishops and Cardinals in drapes of red, black and white all sat together. The gathering
Bodies might be rent asunder, torn limb from limb, cleaved in half or even crushed into paste onto the ground there were others that were nothing more than husks. Feeding upon their life energy and no doubt the purity of their souls. Like any true devil would do and find satisfaction in taking the most important thing that a person could have for his very own.
The devil came at any time and in many different forms, but almost all had seen from afar or picked the pieces from the few survivors of the living darkness. Evil incarnate was relentless and their church was doing everything it could to protect it's flock of loyal sheep. The reflection of a wolven head being the one to scour the land and hunting down livestock came to mind. The only exception being that this beast was not killing for food. No this one was for pleasure, enjoying the tale of untold slaughter. Picking off a weak or stray member of the flock was tragic to be sure but the complete decimation of the herd was far worse.
It was just death and more death.
"What can we do? Normal people do not stand a chance against it and soon many might turn their heads away and fall before the Demon made flesh and worship him in place of the one true God!"
"I was told the Pope himself took out a legion of our warriors and is making his way towards the sightings of the beast. He is also carrying our sacred staff."
That helped to quiet the discontent, the holy staff blessed by the touch of the Saint and the Pope himself were the most powerful weapon they could wield. But there was another option, one they did not wish to use. "Brother's I believe that we can use our very temple should that need arise."
"Are you speaking of the-" The other religious leader nodded his head. "It would be such a waste, but one that be necessary should the Devil's wickedness take root in it's halls."
"While we speak of the Devil I have received a message from the Royal family and it's contents should be discussed before we move ourselves or plan forward." Holding up a royal stamped letter, "For now I ask that we agree to this unofficial alliance of powers until what we both seek is scoured from our lands."
Elias rose up from the ground, his body like a sick and spindle black tree with a pair of what looked like exposed white ribs covering his chest. His lower half was covered by his black mass that acted like a flowing cloak with irregular sprouted smaller limbs coming up from the ground. It rose up further as he was far taller than the six or so guards that were outside. His arms dangled down almost to his knees with misshapen red and black claws shown in the passing sunlight. Then his large wolven head with black and gray mess of untamed black curls that rolled out from the connection to his wolven skull head.
He remained standing there in an eerie silence, the only sound aside from the slow breeze was the drip of red blood from the teeth of Elias and claws.
None of the mortal humans took their eyes off of the monstrosity in front of them. The devil made manifest, evil incarnate, and the original Sin. Any oralization for pure evil in their language flashed across their faces.
Yet the silence did not last, with a ear shattering roar Elias screamed his mana erupting from his body poisoning and tainting the ground with his dark magics and even worse his body seeped the dark purple miasma. The very same that had crippled the Shield Hero was being used against those with far less constitution.
Human eardrums ruptured as the very ground was despoiled causing them to sink up their ankles in what was once fresh soil now a blackened decayed muck. Their screams were never heard as they were choked and suffocated by the thick gas. But the attack did more, the massive stone door cracked turning into a brittle clay.
Snorting Elias slammed one of his fists straight into the large door, his claws ripping out several feet as his other hand clawed into it. Chunks were being torn out of the massive mountain that had taken untold years to create in a matter of seconds.
The mage's fearsome visage tore through the door and complete terror was in effect at the sight of his form. Men, women, and children screamed and began to scramble to make it out of the temple. Whether to flee outside or deeper into the safety of the mountain home.
"CHISEE–!" His voice rippled outwards and caused even more of the stone door to fall to the floor as the light from outside flickered from the massive gaping hole. Rearing his arm back the mage swept in front of him, his fingers elongating and sharpening themselves as his fingers became a scythe and the people the wheat.
Blood fountained up from several bodies as they were cleaved in half spraying his arms and torso in the crimson liquid. Panic shrieks and crying filled the halls as Elias just roared again, long black tendrils tore outwards from his back. Black thorny vines skittered along the ground and snared anyone still in the open.
Those not captured watched in paralyzing fear as they were dragged away by the thin vines. Despite their flimsy appearance they dug themselves into the skin of their victims and hauled them upwards into the air creating a macabre visage of ghastly proportions as dozens of people were strung up all around Elias's figure.
Yet it was only the beginning as their screams were torn out from their throats as their bodies glowed. Their magical essence was being drained and the glowing of their exteriors only quickly turned their bodies into shriveled gray corpses. Their skin and figures like that of a mummy before they were dropped unceremoniously onto the ground.
"Followers of the church, you have stolen what is mine! What you have to right to take from me so this temple shall become your tomb!" Elias's war cry followed as he threw his arms out to the right. "So Come! Come to me, I will feed upon all of you before the sunset this evening!"
It was almost an hour later Elias trudged through the large remnants of the temple. Unfortunately he had arrived too late, unable to find his bride that had been here. Her smell was all over, but as if to mock him those here said she had 'run away' It was almost humorous. Chise did not run away, his puppy would never do that. Clearly they were keeping her information hidden from him. It did not matter of their lies he would merely have to repay them by ripping them to pieces in any way he saw fit. Chise was the only thing that mattered, Heroes, Kingdoms, and the church were now just a sideshow. He would find Chise by his own rules and if a few thousand lives had to be made to pay for it then so be it…
He had been walking down for a little while upon discovering through the screams of those that he had been devouring that there was a library. A collection of information that contained magical artifacts, scrolls, and knowledge that would be best kept out of his grasp. It was far too interesting a possibility to let go.
With small streaks of blood along the wall as the mage's fingers dragged against the stone Elias felt a small bit of calm return to him. All of the mass slaughter and killing had managed to quell his own personal ocean of rage. Why was it so hard for him to find Chise? Why did he have to lose his love?
The quiet of the lower levels greeted Elias as he continued his stone walls growing slightly narrower as he walked until the huge opening greeted him. The place was massive, a gathering of numerous pieces of written documents. It was like a library and he found himself more comfortable here with the quiet as he walked over to one of the massive stone shelves that arched up and over his present form.
Reaching over he grabbed the first book with his clawed fingers and drew up the tome to his face. He began reading and learning… quickly.
Several books were stacked on the ground and slowly progressing to several stacks, then to a tower of knowledge set down.
An observer would see Elias, his hands holding two books, one in each hand, four more dangling from his magical tendrils. Referencing, cross referencing, comparing, contrasting. It wasn't too much for Elias to grasp. Having a chance to clear his mind but more importantly he 'found' the information he had been craving.
This world's magical history, how it was applied, the uses of spells, incantations, and the way mages and their specializations were found. The use of magical baubles to give them enchantments.
All of it was interesting, but not quite what he wanted. 'The spell. The spell that brought me here. Tell me about that spell!' Elias tossed several books from his tendrils behind him letting them knock over several towers of spell's and tomes that he had already stacked up earlier. Releasing an annoyed growl the ancient Magus smashed the wall holding up the books. "Useful… but they are not good enough." The rocky shelves broke apart as he turned about in the room. "Is there nothing else? I need more, more information."
As if hearing his words or perhaps blind luck the room had a hidden door open up. A single open pathway leading down from what would be assumed a solid wall. 'Another stairwell down…' The red eyes of the mage were staring downwards into the darkness. Snorting, he made his next venture deeper. The heavy footsteps echoed down as he entered a smaller inner chamber, the iconography of the church was all over the location.
It was decorated with gold, marble, and fine clothes. Elias's lengthy form shrinking down into his refined look as he entered the small inner chamber. "Hnn," His red eyes looked around. "I do not like this place." There was caution in his tone. Walking in further he saw numerous older books, much older. They had been kept here to be preserved and secreted away in a special hiding spot.
As his hand reached out to grasp one book someone spoke.
"I dare say you have what you want."
Whipping around Elias bared his teeth and sharpened his claws in the direction of the intruder nearby. There was a female figure kneeling down
Both sides remained still, the new arrival concealed her upper face by a mask, and her lower body was fully covered by a grey cloak Despite the human's efforts Elias could see perfectly well even in this low light setting and could make out the glint of metal and a dagger cluted alongside their arm. Yet they had spoken to him which told him this act was intentional and she also didn't smell like the religious fanatics. Their energy had a certain aroma, this one was much stronger and wished to be concealed which told him far more information that his new guest would ever speak aloud herself. "You had better begin speaking little human, I have little patience for your kind." This wasn't the time for small talk, they had a purpose and a goal and he didn't have time to play around with them.
"I am not here as a foe, but neither am I an ally." The figure was still courched an elongated nose covering of that of a bird dipped downwards over her face leaving about an inch separating it from her lips. "But it is my lady's desire that we speak with you."
Elias took in a breath before drawing back his barbs. His body reshaping and moulding itself into his refined form without any blemishes before crossing his arms. "I will give you one minute."
"Very well, your destruction of the church while beneficial to the goals of my Lady are helpful, however she wishes that you spare those weaker within its ranks. They are mere people and are not guilty of the crimes of the Pope and those in the upper order have condemned you and your bride."
Red eyes flickered for a moment as if he had blinked before igniting even brighter. "Faster…" His mouth did not open but his intensity showed.
"I ask that if you spare any more survivors from within this temple's halls we will gift you information on whatever you might desire." She rose up from the ground slowly, the gray cloak around her body concealing her further to save the tone of her legs and guarded leather anklets.
"Hnnnn. You ask for a great deal and offer me nothing but human promises and humans are well known for their deceptions and lies to get what they want. I need proof of what you say." He growled slowly, raising up one of his hands and then offering it towards the cloaked woman.
"This temple kept many 'relics' of your bride I dare say. Would an article showing our understanding suffice?" Elias said nothing, his focus on her as she reached inside of her cloak and pulled out something basic. A pure white crisp nightgown. A bit tacky or gaudy but something that would be seen as appropriate by any noble or elites. The offered item was folded carefully and outstretched to the Mage.
Elias took a moment but his nose caught the scent immediately. His free hand snatched it from the offering appendage in less than a second, he brought it up to his nose and inhaled deeply. "Chise…" It was her scent, still potent. His tongue slithered out to lick at the fragment of clothing. It was her taste as well. He let himself escape the reverie of a moment to just enjoy this sweet pleasure he had been given. Truly to have any small piece of her nearby was welcome. Tucking it away Elias then looked towards the human woman but lowered his arms but not his guard. "Speak."
"Your presence and actions here does not aid us and my lady asks that you stay out of our country's affairs until you can find a way back home. If you do this we shall see to it you are reunited with the other one who came with you. In our Lady's eyes you are anathema to our plans, because you are uncontrollable and evidently not human, whether you are a living devil or not is irrelevant for sending you home would be better for the Heroes and the other countries who have begun learning of your presence."
"That has no impact on me, once I have Chise that is all that I care about and if you brought me to her now I would even promise you aid in whatever events you have coming forward." Elias told a half truth, because he had his goal and there was nothing he wouldn't do to achieve it.
"That is not why I was sent here, until you are cooperative I dare say there can be no such agreement." The woman then backed closer towards the wall but circled slightly towards the only exit that Elias knew of.
"Your words do not provide me with any real hope. Like many humans you speak in pretty tones, but the grim reality of humans is that you are all liars, filthy creatures that will exploit and utilize anyone and anything to achieve your aims. This world you've just demonstrates that your flaws are just more evident once you are given a small amount of power you begin wielding it in absolutes on an individual level."
"It is not my position to speak on such things, what is your answer?"
"My answer is nothing has changed." Elias said coldly, raising up both of his hands towards her. "You are also stalling…" Elias spoke, his tone warningly. "Is this a trap then? Another chance to imprison me?"
From her robes of the woman speaking she threw the knife forwards Elias's palm was pierced by the sharp dagger as his former guest sprinted up the stairs at an incredible pace. The Mage snorted before grasping the edges of the dagger and pulled it free, his black blood rolling off the edges but as he did he looked down and read a warning.
The shadow that had been sent to deliver the message who had done so. Her heart was hammering in her chest, for even her skills and status as an imperial agent for the Queen she couldn't fathom staring at that beast for as long as she did.
Still she had sent the message and all that would be to hope that nothing further occurred and this threat could be ended now before everything deteriorated further.
Elias sat in the room holding the dagger flat in his palm. His eyes looked down at the bladed edge until….
The failsafe kicked in. The mountain temple exploded from the carefully laid trap that tore apart the entire face of the mountain in a cataclysmic detonation.
[***]
"Good morning." A cheery voice half spoken half sung caused the emerald green eyes to open fully. She had begun to stir but hadn't really attempted to force herself into consciousness, sleep was often a refuge for her exhaustion and escape from the colorful antics of the church. So when the young 'Saint' Awoke she was greeted by a young girl, perhaps seven or eight years old. Bright blonde hair and a schoolgirl outfit that almost made her wonder if she was back home… however.
"Filo, why are you sitting on Chise, mind your manners!" It was Raphtalia who had come over and viewed the Filoliali sitting on top of Chise's chest looking down right at her face.
"But she's so… so nice!" Filo said unable to properly explain this feeling that was coursing through her and so she acted upon it, laying her head right below the redhead's chin and smooshing herself so close to her. The contact was electrifying and so soothing at the same time. 'Like a super good head pat or scratch.' It was just so, so hard to get away from.
"FILO!" Raphtalia shouted, her head pulled back, "Master Naofumi, would you please get Filo off of Chise before I make her get off!" Raphtalia's face was red and more than jealous of the other member of the party. She never got to do that with Chise, it was totally unfair considering she had always been looking out for her and this little girl just tries to swoop in and take all of that enjoyment? Not a chance!
"Ehh, it's actually not- '' Chise tried to calm down Raphtalia but both of them began to bicker at one another. The Surei Beggah allure was overpowering them, even if they weren't completely fae creatures they were still showing that same jealousy always wanting to touch and have their fill of her in whatever way they would want.
To even Filo it was sure joy, to Raphtalia it was complete comfort and relaxation and the further she got from Chise she herself began to experience panic or anxiety attacks. Compulsively looking around for her or maybe her body was just a little bit itchy or just unable to properly get the paranoia from her mind.
Either way Filo didn't want to get up and Raphtalia did not want to share.
"Filo…" Naofumi's voice came from the side, annoyed.
"Master!" Filo whined like a child being torn between two loving parents giving her what she wanted and being forced to pick.
"Filo let go of our guest and leave her alone." His visage appeared wiping his hands with a rag or cloth in his hands. "It's okay if you do that with me in our seperate sleeping sacks but you can't just lay on her while she's recovering."
"It-It's okay, I'm used to this sort of thing." Chise responded by sitting herself up slightly while Filo remained sitting on her lap. Looking at the girl who had two small bird wings flapping ever so slightly from her back, akin to a dog wagging its tail. "But, um where are we?"
"We moved a bit further into the forest. Your intuition was right and we found master Naofumi."
"Oh, isn't he the one that bought you?" Chise had heard that name enough times for it to be familiar and as she looked at the Shield Hero now she already could tell that he was more like a human from her world than anywhere else.
"Yes, one in the same. He's apparently trying to make a way to go to Shieldfrieden, if we get to go there we can more than likely avoid any more battles and be welcomed there, it's a whole land of demi-Humans."
To Chise it was at least some welcome information. They were adversaries of the church and probably a better choice in pairing up with but overall, they ran into some actually nice people. "I also don't mean to pry but Naofumi, are you from Japan?" It probably was a shock to the Shield Hero she could see the realization in his face of the mention of his old home.
"Yeah, Naofumi Iwatani. Not much to say about me in comparison to you miss Chise Hatori." He released a warm laugh and took a seat, "I've heard alot about you, probably more along the lines of too much of that information should've been left out but I promise that will be locked up and not shared."
The redhead went flush red from embarrassment, 'I knew it. I Knew it! I KNEW IT!' but… wait. "Where is Elias? Wasn't he with you?"
"Ehhh," Naofumi looked away, "Look sadly me and him had a bit of a, well, hmm, a disagreement about what we're going to be doing going forward. Me and him just refused to concede ground. I have my morals and he was willing to do anything it took to get you back. So to make a long story short me and him got into a fight with us separating paths about a few days ago. He was somewhere in the forests and is probably still looking for you now."
"Oh," That was a small shot to her personal hopes and a sting in her heart. She wished Elias would've just gotten along with people better. 'But then that's why he bought me. To understand humans, to know how we feel and how to be human even though he isn't one. But… even if he's not here he's out there and still safe.' Chise couldn't relax but she didn't feel as tense as she had about it.
"But I wouldn't worry too much, that guy has a serious one track mind. I'm sure if I find you that he'll be doing the same in no time." He was doing his best to reassure her mostly as a way of keeping her on his good side and should they come to paths with Elias soon so that she might keep things from going south rather quickly.
"Yes, yes he does." Chise gave a sad smile as she just sat there for a moment thinking about her lover. Even with his numerous faults he was still a very important person to her. "Well I'll try and help you however I can until we meet up with him."
"Don't worry so much about it. You took care of Raphtalia for me that's more than enough for me." He grasped the hand of his tanuki girl. Causing her face to shift into another shade of red and look away from him slightly embarrassed. "I was worried sick about her and to know that you personally helped her out when no one else would is plenty for me. You are a really good person Chise and I know how it feels to be made out into something you're not. Even if it's exactly the same." He was a pariah, she was a saint. Both felt the extremes of this country's love and hatred.
The Tanuki girl remained quiet, deciding to join the small impromptu sit down and sit close to the shoulder of her master. Much to her enjoyment he even moved the arm so she might feel better and rested his arm around her lower back and his palm set upon her thigh.
"I don't really need any thanks for helping Raphtalia, she's done a lot for me and has treated me more like a person than anyone else on this planet has so far. But I would like to remain with you until we find Elias although I don't know what plan you had going forwards. After I spoke with Elias through a magic mirror connection I just had to get out of that temple they were holding us."
"I don't really have a plan aside from getting out of here. I believe Melty might know the area better." Nafoumi looked for the princess but she was apparently absent from the gathering. "Hey Filo, could you go and find Melty and see if she figured out how to find this Noble's house she was talking about?"
"Okay." Filo with some mental effort forced herself to let go of the other teenage human before jumping up and going to find her friend.
It took several minutes but Filo burst back into the group happily laughing before making a leap towards Chise. "I found her-! Wah!" Her leap was interrupted by Raphtalia who grabbed her by the back of the clothes in a snap. "Hey, lemme down!"
"Only when you promise to stop jumping all over Chise, that is entirely inappropriate." Raphtalia glared at Filo who glared back but then stuck her tongue out at her.
Both went nose to nose until Naofumi grabbed both by the head and pulled them apart with an irritated grunt. "Would you two knock it off?" He sighed, shaking his head, 'Both of them are acting much differently.' Although he couldn't put his finger on exactly why.
"Ah, hem." Melty cleared her throat, granting herself everyone's attention. "You asked for me to come here sir Naofumi?"
"Yeah, you said you knew a noble in the area right?" The conversation was pretty short given what had been going on throughout the day and all of that chaos. "He was one of your Mom's subordinate's or something?"
"Yes lord Reicknott He is a close associate of the noble family and someone that my mother has trusted in the past. If we can make contact with him he can probably relay news of these events to him and let my mother know what is going on. Hopefully that can quell any other major issues and if everything goes well I may stay with him at his estate and stop the violence being perpetrated against you and hopefully keep my sister from trying to take my head." Despite the last statement being true it hurt the young princess to know just how far her older sister was willing to go. She and Malty might never have been the best of sister's given that she was raised and spoiled completely by her father while she had become the diplomat raised by her mother.
It was probably the only expected outcome, still, she wished her sister and her could've co-existed amicably. But this wasn't the time. "It would be best that we move out and meet up with one another."
"What are you talking about Melty?" The shield Hero asked, making the princess realize that she had just voiced her thoughts aloud.
"Oh, uh sorry just thinking about something not related!" She said slightly panicked as she felt herself ready to start sweating until she looked at Chise. "Wait, is that-"
"Yep that's Chise, or the Saint of the three Hero's church, but of course she's actually just another human from my world." Naofumi said trying to make it seem like the other human's appearance wasn't that big of an issue considering he was the most wanted person in the country, Melty was his 'kidnapped target', and now the patron Saint was also in their company. When he put it that way in his own mind it really sounded messed up.
"Wah-Wah-What!?" Melty stammered, "You mean she's not the daughter of God? She's just- just like-"
"Me?" The hero pointed to himself.
"YES!" She exclaimed, all of this was crazy. "And she's the one that Elias.."
"Yep." Naofumi said nodding his head, "Of course she doesn't agree with all the names and posturing like so many others. However, technically she is the Patron Saint even though she comes from my world and is not some sort of divine gift like the church claims."
"It's okay I get this reaction a lot. I'm Chise, Chise Hatori. Nice to meet you Melty." The redhead offered up a friendly hand to the Princess who seemed to notice her current state and apologized before taking the other woman's hand.
"Sorry, It's just been a very up and down day for me." Melty said feeling the waves of rolling emotions going through her body just made her day hell.
"Don't worry about it," The teenager assured her "That's a very unique color hair, is it natural?" Shifting topics away from the awkward- a skill she developed in school to barely survive- she pulled the Princess into another more pleasant conversation. Missing the subtle hints of jealousy from both Filo and Raphtalia. Except for the Shield Hero, he could sense that something was definitely unique regarding Chise.
'My bride is not a normal human. She is a Sleigh Beggy, a powerful creature that has more mana in her body than most senior mages, however this vessel of hers comes at a heavy cost. She is taxed from containing so much mana and often suffers as a result from it. She would be lucky to live past her twenty third birthday but I have no intention of letting that happen. But if that were her only affliction then it might be a more simple fix because she is quite simply a Queen to all Fae. While not the True Mother Queen Titania she holds a special place in any magical creature's heart. They seek her out and attempt to gain her favor and or body in any way. Whether that means a simple pat or even the more extreme of biting her and drinking her blood they will all come to her. All seek her out even if they do not know it and I would imagine that this world's magical creatures also might suffer or have a similar reaction. They are drawn to their Queen whether they realize it or not… They will serve to act on her behalf even if it conflicts with her desires. They only care for what they desire and most fae back from our world would do anything to keep Chise to themselves.'
Maybe it was just one of numerous reasons that Elias wished to elope with his bride from this world. 'Maybe he didn't want Demi Humans getting possessive of her like I'm seeing now.' It looked like it became an even bigger issue. But he might be overthinking it… 'Or taking her to a country of Demi-Humans might be even worse.'
[***]
The group gathered up what little they had remaining and took off from the impromptu camp. Filo easily carried the party on her back and perhaps felt exhilarated by the idea of having Chise on her back. The girl's fingers were touching her feathers and making such a current of joy course through her veins it made her want to just run with her head held high and proudly show to everyone that she had Chise with her.
It was a solid pace making and with Melty's knowledge of the area was pretty beneficial for them as she knew where to meet up with Count Reicknott and with her being the one to explain the situation also was a huge help. Naofumi figured the sounding of guards and ringing of alarm bells would've come before he could've possibly gotten a word in edgewise.
"Well it is nice to see you well, the stories said that your condition would be much worse," He looked over the motley gathering of the Shield Hero, Filo, Raphtalia and a young girl with a covered head. "But it seems that the rumors surrounding your abduction were misplaced. I'll be sure to pass along a message to your mother assuring her of your safety." The nobleman was of leaner stature, his hair a deep blue wearing a suit with a large white cloak covering his shoulders and exterior of his body. His face had sharp edges but a welcoming smile to the entire group.
"I would appreciate that count, but if it would be possible to host my party for the evening in your estate? I can compose the message to make sure that there's no misunderstanding and that she can be double assured that everything is alright. I can only imagine that she probably took wind of what occurred and possibly did something irrational." Melty said offering a slight curtsey towards the nobleman.
"Yes I could certainly imagine." He chuckled, "Please come inside and make yourselves welcome."
The group made their way inside of the estate and Naofumi paused to speak with their new host briefly. "I'd like to thank you for not jumping to conclusions about all of this. I know all things considered-"
The other man held up his hand. "No need for such formalities. I'm sure that you had the right intentions but plans don't often add up to what we want. Since the princess was the one to approach up front I was more inclined to believe her tale. Had it been you I don't think I'd have been so receptive. But I would appreciate you allowing the Princess to remain here when you choose to depart. With her returned to me it will give less need for the King's forces to pursue you so doggedly until the Queen returns to rectify this problem."
'Well thank God for that. But it'll probably still be best that we keep moving towards Shield Freiden until that actually happens.'
"Hmmm" The Noble cast a look over the party, his eyes not settling on anyone in particular. "I had heard that you had a unique party gathering, but I'd like to ask, considering what you are up against, why have you gotten some of your party members' class upgrades?"
"Class upgrades?" This was news to the Shield Hero.
"Yes a specialization for your party members, considering your party makeup you have that Tanuki as a Duelist given her longsword and lack of heavy armor and turning your front line Filoliali into a Brawler and make her more suited to direct hand to hand combat given she isn't equipped with any slashing weapons aside from her claws. But I suppose you could make her a Magical Fighter and keep her balanced with wind attacks if that would be more beneficial… but forgive me I was just wondering although judging by your response you were not aware of such things."
"No I didn't, but it'll be good for me to know for the future… if you wouldn't mind sharing more about this."
"Not a problem Shield Hero."
While the two men began discussions about upgrading and benefitting his party Chise stopped in the main foyer, her head covered by simple necessity of the less people knowing about her the better mindset. It was something they had left out from their previous exchange. No one could be too trusting of everything considered. Plus if anyone knew about her then it could only mean that the church would find out sooner and that was only more bad news that the group didn't need.
But as Chise looked around she saw Raphtalia, her face was less happy, the demi-human was visibly more tense than usual. "Are you alright?" The teen put a reassuring hand on her friend's shoulder but the touch seemed to cause her to tense up even more.
"This land… not here… but very close by. There's a place that I know." Raphtalia spoke, reaching up to grasp at the young apprentice mage's fingers. " It's somewhere people get hurt, where you lose people."
Chise knew nothing of what her friend was talking about. Raphtalia always had talked about Naofumi, but never completely opened up about what her life had been like before being taken into the Shield Hero's care. It couldn't have been good considering that she'd been a child slave and that her state prior to that was malnurished and sickly.
"I understand," She brought a hand around her friend and gently hugged her. "I'm here if you want to talk about it."
"Maybe… but, but not right now." The Raccoon Girl said taking a moment to calm herself in the presence of Chise. Just the smell of her hair and the touch of her fingers made everything feel much more relief, but the tingling darkness from this land did not fully abate.
Filo followed Mel into the castle asking for food as the other four adults in attendance hung around neither side and noticed the looking glass scout watching their arrival to the large Manor.
The day was uneventful until later that evening. Chise was resting in her own room between Naofumi and Raphtalia. Melty was put there with Chise but had not returned yet as she was still busy composing a letter to her Mother. The two demi's were off in their own room but not too far from Chise while Naofumi took the opportunity to catch up on some long needed sleep. His constitution and endurance were high but even he needed time to rest.
Chise rolled around in her bed, wearing a short blue nightgown that covered most of her thighs she rubbed her eyes and looked to where Princess Melty should be but hadn't come back yet. "I wonder," Chise said, yawning, "Where is she at?" The open comment came as she could see that the moon had already risen a fair degree outside.
Coming out from her room Chise looked down the hallway and felt a slight shiver run down her spine. 'Everything is so quiet.' But Chise could see a faint light coming from down the hallway. Finding the unease almost sticking to her throat, Chise looked towards the light and then towards the door holding Filo and Raphtalia… "Maybe I should just wake them up just to be sure."
Her hand went to touch the handle but then a breeze behind her came in the form of a short thin blade moving right to the side of her throat. "I think maybe they should rest." A voice whispered to her as the teen froze completely. "Good girl." A hand then came up to cover her mouth as Chise watched with her eyes now fully awake as Melty was pulled out from a room down the hallway, her mouth covered by a thin cloth, her hands and feet already bound with water in her eyes.
'ELIAS!'
An end table in the hallway was knocked over, startling all parties and sending off alarm bells. Chise was shoved hard into the wall, her head bouncing off the wooden support causing her vision to go black and gray as she spun before toppling over.
The door to Demi's room was thrown open revealing Raphtalia barely clothed holding a sword and Filo in her large bird form right behind her. "I felt something was wrong!" Filo stated having not realized she had just caused Chise to bash her head against the wall as she threw open the door. The domino effect sent the man holding her to stagger and him to send her into the beam. Both demi's saw Chise, looked at the intruders, then to Mel.
Naofumi broke out into the hallway clad only in his boxers and shirt as he heard Filo shriek and Raphtalia yell out. Several other cowled individuals were in the hallway and attacking his party. "Mel!" Filo shouted jumping at her first attack, using the wall to circle up and over Raphtalia and deliver a hard strike to him and send him sprawling onto his back.
The one holding the princess who was still tied up could offer up a muffled cry before she was taken out the window with haste. "No, they got Mel! Master: They took Mel!" She called out her voice becoming frantic as Naofumi's hand glowed and formed the cerberus shield. His eyes catching Chise downed in the hallway clearly incapacitated but between the Filoliali and Raphtalia.
"Raphtalia get Chise out of here, Filo bowl them over!" The hero shouted his orders which sent Filo into a charge, her wings smashing through the weak bandit intruders as Raphtalia with one arm pulled up Chise and threw her sword up with her one arm to guard the two of them while pulling back.
Naofumi sent his cerberus heads after two of the attackers, the hound heads biting hard into their exposed ankles making them scream in pain as they were dragged towards him. Filo jumped over them and then used her quick attack to snap herself around the last intruder and deliver a hard kick right to his back sending him sprawling onto the floor as the two held up by Cerberus were lifted upwards into the air, the dog heads still digging into their legs painfully as well.
"Damn Devil of the Shield!" One of them managed his fingers attempting to grab at the head clamped tightly to his leg.
"Well I suppose that answers one question already." Naofumi said he turned to Filo. "Follow and see if you can see where they'll be taking her. Once they stop, come back immediately and we'll go together."
"Right!" Filo jumped out of the window with a gust of wind blowing backwards as she flapped her wings to gain speed and catch up to those who had taken off with Melty.
As Raphtalia began to tend to Chise Naofumi spun on his heel towards another presence entering the hallway, his poison shield shifting forms as he raised the green piece of armor towards them. What appeared was the Count Reicknott. His face sullen and his eyes looked towards the ground. "You," He grabbed the man by the vestments of his robes. "You knew this was going to happen didn't you?"
His blue eyes averted direct contact with the Hero's. "It was always a possibility, but I am merely a count. I do not have the authority over Lord Rabier since my demotion and exile to this part of the country. I have no doubt he sent the men here to abduct the princess and will more than likely use her to get to you Shield Hero."
"So why wouldn't you say any of this? You know a warning could always be useful." Naofumi's grip on his clothes tightened and lifted the Noble up and onto his toes.
"I couldn't, he has loyal people and innocents in his dungeon. If I had done anything and you would've fled you can only guess what might've happened to them and they have no stake in your affairs, I'm sorry." The nobleman was stuck in an impossible position, this was an effort to lure the Shield Hero to a battleground of his choosing. No doubt the Church had been helping Lord Rabier considering his fetish for degrading and hurting demi humans they no doubt had asked for his aid in taking Melty captive.
"Useless!" Naofumi shoved him away, "Raphtalia, get Chise up and get in your gear we're not letting those bastards use this as a chance to get one over on us." This was going to be another fight he had wanted to avoid, but was being pushed into.
As Chise was able to recover Raphtalia stood up, her head slightly lowered and her hands gripping her sides. "Master Naofumi… I know this person."
"What? Who are you talking about?" He wasn't following what she was speaking of.
Raphtalia's fists clenched at her sides. "Rabier… he's the one who held me as a slave, along with my friends after my family was killed during the waves. My body bore all of his cruelties before I was bought and sold over and over through the slave trade." The terrible treatment she endured at the cruel Noble's hands. Once suppressed memories of her days before being sold off came rushing back to her.
She witnessed her friend after she was captured by Melromarc knights be tortured to death by the sick man. Whether by hook, crook, or the whip he made many of the young demi humans that he possessed scream while he reveled in it. The Tanuki was nearly shaking in rage until she felt reassuring arms wrap themselves around her.
"It's alright now Raphtalia… It's alright." He told her, Naofumi's hands gripping her tightly as she struggled to not shed any tears not wanting to give up anymore to the man who had forced her to shed them.
Chise got her bearings and stood upright although her forehead was still pounding. It didn't keep her from hearing the backstory of her friend that she didn't even share with her. Despite her own sad upbringing and being passed around through the child services in Japan it was nothing compared to what Raphtalia had been through. Her eyes looked to Naofumi, both of them were in silent agreement about what had to come next.
"Oh this is perfect, I've been having quite the boring time around here and soon I'll be able to enjoy even more screams from a princess!" The short noble, perhaps only five five or so and perhaps well over two hundred and sixty pounds, wore his regal noble attire, white pressed clothes, with completed boots and spurs. A full red dress shirt and blue jacket that hung from his shoulders. His pig-like face had a mess of blonde hair and hanging from one side of his hip was a brown whip with notches in the leather to give it an extra sting.
He was a far cry from the fit man in his old portraits when he served alongside the King during the war with the Demi-Human's but luxury had only small drawbacks. Melty was still currently tied up in his own personal chambers. The princess looked horrified but it was too be expected. Surely his royal contact wouldn't mind him taking a few pieces from her after she served her purpose as bait.
"It is a shame that they couldn't bring the Saint here, I would've loved to have taken a few momentoes before the Church came for her. One could only imagine the healing powers of a divine being's body might gift to such a loyal servant such as me." His rabid abuse of authority is what had him kicked out here, but when he was so close to the border with his favorite play things. It wasn't hard to get his fill of his favorite kick.
"That weak fool Reicknott is far too sentimental, if only he didn't have these attachments to these demi-humans then I might've spared him this humiliation." Yet he was still quite caught up in the afterglow of his success and overestimation of his abilities.
They had barely arrived as a group in the front of his estate and before even Naofumi could begin directing the assault. Raphtalia took the challenge personally. She was already screaming as she rushed the door and without any regard to it being a trap her blade slashed through the doors without breaking her stride.
"No-! Stay together Raphtalia!" Naofumi shouted as his party member vanished indoors. "Shit I'll go on ahead, Filo, you carry in Chise and keep her safe!" 'I only can imagine if she gets hurt what type of mood Elias would be in.' He'd be forever lamenting getting on an ancient creature's bad side for eternity. The old mage would probably be one to hold a grudge, he jumped into the opening and followed down the hallway as the sounds of foolish guards attempted to stop the enraged Tanuki.
"Kay! You get to stay with me Chise!" The Filoliali chirped happily while Chise didn't share the same enthusiasm.
"Just follow them." She said to which Filo nodded and pursued after the two who had broken down the doors and rushed inside.
Chise arrived in the battered doors leading straight to the main confrontation. One that showed Raphtalia standing in the middle of the room her sword in hand although lowered it was still visibly shaking. That deep seated anger was taking over and beginning to show rage.
Naofumi was just several steps inside holding back as she viewed the press of a dagger to the throat of Princess Melty.
Yet Lord Rabier continued to expunge his disgust and disdain for all of them. Especially Raphtalia and the twisted words that come out of his grotesque mouth ignited a flame that had lingered within the apprentice mage for a long time.
"I've taken great joy breaking you weak and feeble demi-humans. Ever since the war I have never given a second thought into scarring your miserable kind!" His forearm remained locked around the Princess as he continued to rave his own spittle coming out of his mouth as he locked hard onto Raphtalia. "For all the wounds I suffered during that damn war because of you I've not even begun to return the debt you filthy creatures owe me!"
Chise watched as Raphtalia lifted her head up, painful tears springing from her eyes but her lips were pressed flat. "So… is that why you beat me? Tortued me as a child because of a few scratches in the war?" Her words were cold and the rattling of her sword increased as she took a step forwards.
Rabier took a moment to stare down the Demi human before his mind recalled the sight in front of him, though she had aged he remembered this one. "Oh, yes you Tannuki girl, you were such a delightful plaything how you begged for your dead mommy and daddy. You were indeed one of my favorites." His voice was filled with almost a sensual longing a those good times. "Then you went and broke yourself… you stopped screaming, stopped giving me all of my favorite sights and sounds. However, now it seems like you've grown up. Such a shame I liked your daintier voice, but I wouldn't mind experiencing you now." With his free hand he grasped his belt, from it he drew out a long leather whip, at least twelve feet or so long with notched edges at the end of a rounded tip.
Naofumi could do nothing, not when Melty's life was on the line, he would be given the blame for it and further incur even more wrath and probably lose any support that remained for his position.
Filo could do nothing else and Raphtalia remained completely motionless even as the crack of the whip came she did not even make a sound when the kiss of leather smacked her arm, then her leg, then her stomach, shoulder and it continued. "Scream, come on scream!"
It was not the demi-human who reacted, no it was the 'Saint' recalling her memories of pain and anguish at the hands of her own personal bullies following the death of her mother and subsequent abandonment of her family.
How vividly she could recall the many times she was beaten down by her classmates, boys and girls alike. All of them took turns shaming the poor sad orphan who no one wanted. Whether it was punching, kicking, tripping, ripping her hair, or even sometimes cutting her wrists with the edges of their compass device from math. All because it was fun or easy to pick on her.
That of course wasn't by any comparison what Raphtalia said she went through. Chise was bullied because she was different, her friend suffered simply because someone enjoyed it.
"You will STOP!" Chise's voice almost cracked as the entire room shook with a thick vibration, the glass windows cracked and others broke out upon the power of her voice. Getting off of Filo she walked forwards with her own mouth gritting their teeth together.
Rabier was a little stunned and when he opened his mouth to berate the new interruption his eyes saw the visage of the holy Saint. "Ahh, forgive me Saint Chise. I had forgotten that you were in this vile man's company. Please do not worry once I discipline this demi I shall send the church to come and take you home."
Chise's emerald green eyes flickered, "You think it's okay to hurt people just because they aren't like you?" Her right hand crackled with the sound of wind. "You enjoy seeing people suffer simply for your own pleasure?" Her hair around her head slowly floated upwards and in small bits as a pressure wave of energy seemed to radiate outwards from Chise as she walked forwards.
He was put off by the expression in Chise's eyes and the rolling waves of emotion coming off her. "What are you talking about? These lowly Demi's are beneath all of God's truly loyal subjects. Please you must've been poisoned by shield to even think-"
"Don't tell me what I should think! People like you are why others suffer needlessly, why I had to suffer and be bullied by the people around me!" She was shouting as her hands raised up. "If you like pain so much then let your own hand be the same one that gives you that same feeling!"
The Sleigh Beggy began a chant calling upon unnatural acts, even if Elias told her this kind of manipulation was wrong… she'd seen him do equally wrong things when it came to her. And this- Thing- it was revealing in it's suffering. "You're even more twisted than Cartaphilus so let your own whip take the vengeance for those that you hurt!"
With a crack of mana Lord Rabier's dagger fell from his hand as his own whip snapped back around striking him right on the wrist causing the grip to falter. It spun back around and slapped him across the face until going back upwards and down. Each time faster and faster until it spun around his body several times wrapping him up tightly in coils like a snake Squeezing his plump flesh in between it's coils as if he were going to start bursting over them.
Melty retreated towards the safety of Naofumi and Filo who put one of her wings around her. This left Raphtalia who still held her sword in her hand to approach the man who had taken so much from her.
Chise didn't say anything feeling a level of disgust for herself, the act of revenge while sweet came with a bitter pill to swallow as she knew this was just lowering herself to the twisted levels of those she was speaking out against. Watching as Raphtalia held her sword in her hands the blade not pointed at the man who had done so much to her.
"It wouldn't be wrong of me to strike you down. I could do it and I wouldn't feel bad about it." The demi-human's still cold voice spoke as she saw the struggling noble flinch at her words.
"Please I didn't mean anything I said, it's just, just bravado meant to intimidate!" He pleaded, trying to roll in some direction away from the person holding a sword just a foot from his head. He watched her raise up and plant her foot squarely on his stomach. Her heel coming down hard on his exposed sternum between the lines where his whip was still squeezing him tightly. "Do you want money? I have plenty of it? Magic weapons, armor name it I can give you that as well!"
Raphtalia still said nothing, her sword only swinging closer to the man's face but made no move to deliver a fatal wound. "I wonder how many times I begged and pleaded with you to make you stop but you just laughed. You even had me taken away from Rifina to be sold, she was my closest friend while they were on the verge of death… Even Keel'' She was finding it harder to keep speaking about her friends. Her mind imaging a far grizzlier fate considering the sick man that was begging before her. "They were practically family after my family was killed in the waves… but I doubt you'd even remember."
"Keel is alive!" Rabier still continued to plead as the edgepoint of her sword hung just a inch from his nose. But he noticed the smallest glint of recognition in her eyes. "Yes, yes he is still alive, I can tell you where he is if you'll spare me."
"Then tell me." Her voice became more demanding at which point the Noble spat out everything about his location in the dungeon, what cell he was in and where the key would be hanging to get him out. He was still a personal favorite of the sadist. The Tanuki drew back though the urge was still strong she returned back towards Chise and Naofumi, both of them watching the situation, but neither interfering as this wasn't their choice to make.
In that moment with her back turned the whip bound by Chise's spell seemed to weaken and dropped to the floor. With her back turned to the Noble his hand reached down and grabbed the weapon again, "Sorry but I won't let my prize go that easily-! I'll see you bow before me again little-" His voice stopped as the whip cracked forwards but the end did not go towards its target it snapped backwards at an impossible angle almost right back towards him. The magic still powerfully imbued by Chise reacted to his own sadism, the edges flared outwards becoming hard leather edges and then accelerated to subsonic speed.
The whip cracked and Lord Rabier watched in muted horror as his other arm was snapped clean off from the shoulder before blood rushed out from the vicious wound caused by his own actions which caused him fall to the floor and writhe in pain.
Naofumi came over to Raphtalia who looked up at him, she wanted to speak but he softly shook his head. He reached down and picked her up and led the party out of the room. Lord Rabier had nothing left for the party his current predicament was a result of his own actions.
Chise followed behind as did Filo and Melty.
They left Rabier to flounder around almost like a fish letting out gasps and cries as his bloody stump remained on his arm. "Why?" His words were not spoken to the party but to the fallen symbol of the three Heroes. The metal symbol of the church had fallen out from his breast pockets, his fingers reaching out to grasp the object as if it could heal him though he remained stuck in misery.
R&R