Joining the Fray
"Thank you again for escorting me, Weaponless Hero."
"Sure, it's not a problem." Kiryu called back to Melty. As promised, he would escort her to the capital, taking his wagon with Nugget at the front.
"Still don't get why you agreed. You could have sent her knight friends to guide her instead." Naofumi, of course, rode next to him, using Filo to stay alongside his wagon with Raphtalia on the back.
"I had plans to visit anyway. Besides… You know the answer to that one…" Kiryu sent a half annoyed glare his way, Naofumi smirking in amusement.
"W-We wouldn't want you to travel without protection, Sir Kiryu! Who knows if the Claim Jump Kings might try and exact revenge!"
Kiryu slowly dragged his gaze over to a glimmering eyed Marco, Marcie and the rest of their more intimate squad riding close behind him. Kiryu could feel the sweat bead on his cheek as he frowned.
After Naofumi's little 'task' given to the knights, Marco and the others had been almost attached at the hip since the previous day. Kiryu was used to Marco's usual eagerness, but this was proving to be overbearing.
"You all know I'll be fine…"
"Of course, of course! But we're here at your beck and call!"
Kiryu sighed, drawing his eyes back to Naofumi. "You couldn't just ask me yourself?"
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just testing the kids' determination." Naofumi looked away, earning a scolding look from Raphtalia.
"Look, regardless of reason… you know I can't just leave Lute Village vulnerable like that." Kiryu declared, and that seemed to take the wind out of the Shield Hero's sails. "Usually I'd be happy to help, but I'm afraid to leave them on their own."
Naofumi's brow furrowed and Kiryu couldn't help but notice his obvious disappointment. "Yeah, I understand. Well, you can tell the knights to join someone else's party. I'm going on ahead."
"Wait, Naofum-" Kiryu blinked when Naofumi whipped Filo's reins, causing her to dash forward without warning. He watched as Naofumi left a trail of dust in his wake, somewhat confused by his speedy departure.
"I… think he was upset." Melty mumbled from behind him, poking her head out of the cabin.
"... Yeah. Maybe." Kiryu mumbled,unsure how he should react to that. "Anyway… since we've got time to talk now, I've got some questions for you."
"Oh? What do you wish to know?" Melty climbed over the front seat, hands folding in her lap.
"Why did you travel with Naofumi?" Kiryu asked, his gaze curious as he watched her from the side of his eye. "From the way he described it, it was a little suspicious that he found you alone like that."
"N-No! It was purely by coincidence! In fact, I was unaware of his identity until Filo informed me!" Melty tried to explain, looking panicked. "I didn't mean to deceive him, but having lost my caravan and knowing there was bad relations between him and my father, I…"
Melty trailed off, and Kiryu understood quickly that she was just acting in her own best interest. Still, the topic of her father was a touchy one. "Well, I suppose I could believe you. But don't expect Naofumi to trust you anytime soon. He's been through more than you can imagine because of your father and sister."
"I'm… I'm not surprised by my sister's actions," Kiryu turned to look at her fully, a guilty expression on her face. "My sister has… always been troublesome. For many people. My mother has made attempts to correct this, but it is seemingly impossible."
"Some people are lost causes. I'd hate to say that about your family, but…" Kiryu decided to leave it at that, in no rush to talk down to Melty about her own sister.
"Still, I am surprised by my father's involvement. I can only imagine it's because of my sister," Melty continued, her fingers curling into her dress. "He used to be so wise, but lately… All I've been hearing about him are the poor choices he's been making. Especially with the Shield Saint, who he should be working with first and foremost!"
"I thought you might know about that, actually." Kiryu grimaced. "But from the sound of it, you're in the dark as well. Does your sister really have the kind of influence over him to turn him against Naofumi?"
"Father has always spoiled my sister. It would be of no shock to me if she simply told him a lie and he was quick to accept it." Melty explained, lips pursing. "Still, considering that this is one of the Cardinal Heroes, father should have thought far more critically. I hope that I can convince him and the Shield Saint to have serious discussions, for the sake of our country."
"I'm sorry to tell you this, but I don't see it happening." Kiryu turned his attention back to the road, eyes finding Castle Town just ahead. "That bridge was burned some time ago."
"I… I have to try! This is bigger than personal feelings, they both need to see that!" Melty exclaimed almost desperately. Kiryu could feel her eyes pleading to him even as though he was focused on the road. "Weaponless Saint… do you think you could-"
"No."
"Wh-What?"
"You were going to ask me to try and convince Naofumi to speak with the King, weren't you?" Kiryu drew his gaze back to her, meeting her with a stern expression. "I can't do that. Not unless the King asks for forgiveness first. And means it."
"B-But Weaponless Saint-"
"Naofumi wasn't the only one your father crossed." Kiryu cut her off. "And normally, considering the circumstances, I'd be willing to give it a shot. But I didn't go through even half of what Naofumi did. I'm sorry, but until your father is ready to beg for forgiveness sincerely, any chance of getting Naofumi or myself to speak with him on neutral ground is slim."
"But… shouldn't the safety of the country come before your disagreements?" Melty asked, her eyes pleading as she stared up at Kiryu. "Please, Weaponless Saint, can you not consider that?!"
"I can. But you're talking to the wrong person about this." Kiryu fixed her with a stern glare, Melty's eyes widening. "It's your father that's getting in the way. Your sister as well. And considering they're the monarchs of this country, they're the ones that should be setting aside pettiness first. And if they can't do that much, there is no chance that we would ever come to the table expecting the food to not be poisoned."
Melty grit her teeth, looking for something to answer back with in hopes of challenging his words. But nothing came to her, and so Melty quietly sank back into her seat. The ride continued in silence, with Kiryu offering only a sympathetic glance to the young girl.
That was until a thought came to mind.
"How is it you were separated so easily from your caravan?"
"Eh? O-Oh, um-well…" Melty suddenly became flustered by the question, rubbing the back of her head guiltily. "I-I may have gotten distracted by a herd of filolial and… ran off."
"... Heh."
"Don't laugh, Weaponless Saint!"
"Pewehehe~"
"N-Not you too Nugget!"
"Thank you for taking me this far, Weaponless Hero." Melty bowed in appreciation, smiling up at him.
"It's no problem. You don't seem so bad, so I hope you can talk some sense into your father." Kiryu didn't voice that he thought that was unlikely, but he didn't want to get down on a little girl more than he already had. It likely would have been worse if Naofumi were around.
"I'll do everything I can, you'll see. And when I do, I hope you'll reconsider my request." Melty answered with resolve, her brow hardening as her fists balled in front of her.
"Marco, make sure she gets to the castle safely." Kiryu called out to the knights, the group looking somewhat dejected.
"B-But we were-" Marco shook his head, apparently realizing his duty. "I mean-of course! We'll meet you back in town later, Sir Kiryu!"
"Right. I'll meet back up with Naofumi and we'll all head back to Lute tonight." Kiryu nodded, walking away from the knights.
"O-Okay! But remember we need to discuss our status with the party!" Kiryu sighed, unsure how he was supposed to deal with their pestering.
It's not like I don't want to help Naofumi. But someone has to protect Lute. he reminded himself, once again fighting the notion. If it weren't for his duty to Lute, he'd gladly lend a hand to Naofumi. But he had to think of their safety first. Naofumi would be fine without him. After all, he was the-
"Shield Hero! I challenge you to a duel!"
… Why does that sound so familiar?
Kiryu pinched the bridge of his nose, already feeling the migraine that was Motoyasu close by. He simply looked for the gathering of citizens and, lo and behold, there was one just down the street from where he was. With a sigh, Kiryu walked over to the crowd, snaking his way through to the front. And as expected, Motoyasu stood with his finger pointed in accusation at Naofumi. The Shield Hero was clearly even more annoyed by the accusatory glare he was getting from both the empty headed blond as well as the surrounding crowd.
"What are you on about this time? We've already settled this."
"I'm not fighting for Raphtalia this time! I heard the rumor of another slave in your filthy hands!" Motoyasu declared, causing Kiryu to raise a brow. "A poor… poor, sweet little angel."
"Angel..? Wait, are you talking about Filo?" Naofumi's face morphed in disgust as his eyes trailed to the filolial currently in her human form.
"PWEH!" Kiryu raised a brow when he heard Nugget spit, apparently displeased by the idea of Filo being called an angel.
"Hi, Spear Guy!" Filo waved casually from Naofumi's side.
"Is that your name, young lady? Don't worry, you can leave your freedom to me!" Motoyasu declared, once again redirecting his attention to Naofumi. Kiryu sighed, deciding he might as well try and jump in before this went too far. "Now fight me for her freedom, Naofumi!"
"I'm going to ask what I asked at the party: do I gain anything from dueling you?" Naofumi asked, his eyes momentarily floating to Kiryu to see him walking over. He didn't keep eye contact, focusing back on the deluded blond. "Not to mention we're in the middle of town. You really want to go at it with all these people around?"
"No kidding." Motoyasu snapped his head around as Kiryu made himself known. "Why don't you give it a rest for once?"
"Tch! I should have known you'd be close by! It seems like whenever Naofumi is in trouble, you're around to try and save him!" Motoyasu huffed, pointing his spear at Kiryu. "But I have to say, I'm only further disappointed in you now! How could you just be okay with him enslaving a child?! Raphtalia was one thing, but this?!"
Kiryu couldn't stop a sigh, a common reaction to Motoyasu's thoughtless actions by now. "Listen, Motoyasu. I'll cut you some slack this time because I can see how this might look odd, but you should know that-"
"I don't want to hear any excuses! I'm only here to free this angel from your wretched hands!" Motoyasu snapped his attention back to Naofumi. "Now let us duel! I won't allow you to hide behind Kiryu this time either!"
"You still never told me what I gain from this. Because if it's nothing, then I'm not wasting my time." Naofumi huffed, eyes dragging to Kiryu again. "Let's get going."
"Yeah."
"H-Hey! You can't just ignore me!" Kiryu proceeded to ignore Motoyasu, walking past him and joining Naofumi.
"He's right, Shield Hero." Kiryu saw the hairs on the back of Naofumi's neck stand on end, the two looking past Motoyasu to see Malty standing close by, a scroll in her hand. "By my decree, I demand that you accept the duel. Otherwise you will be once again forced to hand your slave over to us by force."
"You conniving-" Naofumi bit his bottom lip in frustration, eyes burning a hole into Malty's orbs.
"And by my decree, I declare this duel unnecessary and that the Shield Hero is free to do as he so pleases." The bitchy princess suddenly stiffened, Kiryu and Naofumi raising a brow as they turned to the source of the voice: Melty.
"Her..?" Naofumi mumbled, both annoyed but confused to see the younger sister apparently making the orders.
"Why, Melty. You don't seem to understand the situation." Malty put on a sickly sweet smile, though it was far from authentic in the eyes of Kiryu and Naofumi. "We're simply trying to save a poor young girl from a tragic fate under the Shield Hero."
"I appreciate your concern for her, but Filo is quite happy with the Shield Saint. I don't think there's any reason for you to do so," Melty countered, her own feigned smile countering her sister's. But her words bit back, and Malty flinched in response. "After all, a fight between two Saints in the middle of the streets could be quite dangerous! As a member of a Hero's party, you shouldn't be encouraging such violence, sister."
"T-There wasn't really going to be much issue for concern…" Malty failed to sound convincing in her defense.
"Well, I think that there would be quite more than you think, so I'd prefer if this duel didn't happen." Melty's pristine smile and answer were enough to make Malty clench her teeth.
"Myne, what's going on?" Motoyasu questioned, walking over to the elder princess.
"... We have to go. I'll be talking to Father about this!"
"She really does have more power than her sister…" Kiryu muttered, stroking his chin in interest.
"What? But how does that work..?" Naofumi cocked a brow in wonder.
"Harken mentioned it before. Because of the older one's personality, Melty was made crown princess by the Queen. Malty isn't next in line. She is," Kiryu explained, causing Naofumi to widen his eyes in shock. "She's not the same as her sister."
"... I still don't buy it." Kiryu knew it wouldn't be so easy, but at least he gave it a-
"I can't just let this go!" Motoyasu' always irritating voice once again invaded their ears, the needlessly thirsty Spear Hero kneeling in front of Filo and grabbing her hands. "Filo, speak honestly! Do you really like being with this horrid man?!"
"Of course Filo does! Master lets me pull the wagon all the time and carry big stuff! It's fun!" Filo smiled carelessly, almost making Kiryu chuckle.
"I can't believe it! You're working her like that fat bird, Naofumi! You monster!" Motoyasu snarled, snapping up to his feet and glaring. "As a righteous hero, I can't just-"
"PEWAHAHAHAHAHA~!" Kiryu felt Nugget's laughter coming the moment Motoyasu had said those things, his own filolial taking clear pleasure in what Motoyasu clearly misunderstood.
"Wh-What is your bird laughing at?!" Motoyasu demanded, eyes narrowing in annoyance. But he didn't get a chance to express it any further.
"Spear Guy called me fat…"
"Huh?" Motoyasu blinked, turning to Filo in wonder. "Wh-What? No, I would never-"
*POOF*
Before his eyes, the little girl transformed into her true form, the gigantic bird now looming over Motoyasu like a ferocious beast. "You called me a useless bird too! And now that meanie's laughing! I hate you, Spear Guy!"
"Y-You're that… fa-"
The kick that followed made Kiryu wince. The giant leg of Filo found its target square on his balls, sending him flying to heaven before crashing back to earth, square into a pile of crates.
"Sir Motoyasu!" Malty screamed, rushing over to the fallen blond's side with several knights. "Healing potion! I need a healing potion!"
Naofumi didn't bother containing his amusement, a small fit of laughter escaping his lips. "Serves him right. Filo, feel free to do that whenever we see him."
"Yes, master!" Filo agreed without a second thought.
"Master Naofumi…" Raphtalia mumbled scoldingly.
"What? He makes our lives hell every time he shows up. He's got it coming at this point."
"Can't say I disagree at this point…" Kiryu sighed, sparing a pitying glance at Motoyasu's still prone form.
"Shield Saint!" Melty called out, but Naofumi showed clear disinterest in speaking any further with her, turning his back as the youngest princess tried to approach him.
"I've heard what you have to say. You might as well not bother." he said before she could speak further.
"B-But-"
"Hi, Mel-chan!" Filo tried to greet, only to be silenced by a glare from Naofumi. Kiryu spared a sympathetic glance Melty's way, the young princess dejected by his words, before following after Naofumi.
"Were you able to get your errands done?" Kiryu asked, deciding not to push the topic.
"Not really. First thing that happened when we got here was run right into some annoying knights, and then you saw who else tried to start something." Naofumi mumbled but smirked. "Still, I can't say Filo kicking that moron in the nuts didn't bring my mood up a bit."
"You were smiling quite pleasantly…. I just wish it had been for another reason," Raphtalia sighed in disappointment.
"Heh. Well, with that out of the way, what do you need to do?" Kiryu asked.
"First I was gonna stop at the smith's place. I need to get some upgrades to our armor and something for Filo to maybe use in a fight. After that I have to head to the Dragon Hourglass." Naofumi explained, stroking his chin in thought. "Did you have something to do?"
"Not really. I was just bringing the princess back to town and thought I'd wait for you to finish things up." Kiryu said before a frown formed on his lips. "Why do you have to go to the Dragon Hourglass?"
"I hit the level cap along with Filo and Raphtalia. We need to class up so we can keep getting stronger, and apparently that's the only way to do it." Naofumi explained, but Kiryu came to a stop, clicking his tongue.
"I don't think you'll be able to get that done anytime soon."
"Huh? Why?" Naofumi asked as he and his party looked at Kiryu in confusion.
"I hit the level cap a few days before you guys got to town. I went to the dragon hourglass to get a class up myself, but the church turned me away."
"Turned you away?! What for?!" Raphtalia's eyes flared.
"Harken warned me about it, but I had to see for myself." Kiryu crossed his arms over his chest, eyes narrowing. "The dragon hourglass is at the center of the Three Heroes Church as you know by now. And because I helped you, they tried every way possible to keep me from classing up. Still, they didn't have the right to deny me… until a royal decree came in that I'd be denied along with you."
"You've gotta be shitting me!" Naofumi snarled, smashing his fist into a wall nearby. "Damn that trash family! Do they even want to save their damn country?!"
"I assume they do. But they don't want to see you be the hero of it." Kiryu sighed, looking away in thought. "Because of that, we only have one option for a class up. And that's to go to a dragon hourglass in another country."
"Another country? There's more of those things?" Naofumi had curled a brow inquisitively, looking at Kiryu again.
"Yeah, each country has its own. But it would be a long trip to get it done, so I put it off. Sorry for not letting you know before, it slipped my mind in all the craziness that happened." Kiryu apologized.
"It's not your fault. Nothing we can do about it, not while we're in this damn place." Naofumi spat, eyes narrowed. "Still… I guess that gives me something to think about."
"And that is?"
"Whether there's really any good reason to stick around in this country for much longer." Naofumi declared, stomping away toward the black smith's shop. Kiryu frowned again, but understood easily enough why he wouldn't care to stay here.
Aside from a few good people, no one's given him any good reason he should stay.
After doing some shopping and getting the needed supplies, Kiryu headed back with Naofumi to Lute. Naofumi gave the needed materials and armor to the blacksmith to fix up and was planning to wait for them to finish before going on any big quests again. Filo was also gifted special grieves that she could sport in her filolial form. Kiryu hadn't considered the idea before, and had gotten a pair for Nugget to use as well.
"I know we got a few things done, but it still felt like a waste of time going to the Capital." Naofumi groaned, he and Kiryu sitting down for drinks with Harken at Melonie's pub. "I just hope we'll be fine with the level we're at right now."
"I'm sure you will be. You were mostly underprepared for the first one and still did great." Kiryu suggested, shrugging.
"I'm sorry we couldn't do more for you, Shield Hero. But the dragon hourglass is the only way to class up."
"Don't worry about it, that's not anyone's fault." Naofumi relented, eyes narrowing. "Just add it to the shit list for that family."
"What're you going to do now? We still have some time before the next wave starts." Kiryu asked after sipping on his ale.
"Not sure. Can't risk anything too strenuous so close to the Wave. Might just look for some odd jobs to make some money in the meantime." Naofumi shrugged, his fingers tapping on the bar.
"Well, if it helps I can look into what we might need around town for you to do. The casino could maybe use your help." said the veteran yakuza, Naofumi raising a brow.
"What, need me to help cheat people at the tables?"
"That's… not what I had in mind."
"Sir Kiryu!" The trio drew their gaze to the front of the pub, finding Marco and his usual company of knights close behind him. "You're so mean! You left us behind without saying anything!"
"I didn't think you needed me to let you know I was heading back to town." Kiryu sighed, somewhat amused by his dejected expression. "Sorry."
"But we were still in the midst of our important task!" Marco quickly jogged over before putting his hands together. "Please, won't you join the Shield Hero's party with us during the Wave?! It would mean good for both his success as well as the protection of the villages under the greatest assault!"
Ktryu sighed, setting his drink down. "We've already been over this. I'm not going to leave Lute on its own. If it weren't an issue I'd consider it."
"B-But Sir Kiryu-"
"Just give it a rest, it's fine." Naofumi finally spoke up, raising a hand. "You guys are clearly serious about this… and Kiryu does vouch for you, as well as the rest of the town it seems. I suppose I'm willing to give you guys a chance."
"Sir Shield Hero!" Marco smiled brightly, Marcie and his fellow knights lighting up with excitement.
"I'm still a little unsure about working with you guys, but you'll have plenty of chances to show me what you're capable of." Naofumi declared, pressing on the UI menu and making it appear in front of Marco. "You'll be the squad leader, got it?"
"Yes sir! We'll do our best to aid you, I promise!" Marco nodded swiftly before turning back to the others. "Alright, everyone! Let's make sure we're in our best shape and stand by the Shield Hero proudly!"
"Yes sir!" They answered, the knights beginning to file out of the pub. But just before they could empty out, Harken spoke:
"I don't see why you can't join the Shield Hero, Kiryu."
Kiryu, Naofumi and the knights all turned to Harken in wonder, the former looking at him like he said the most bizarre thing.
"What?"
"Harken… don't you think I should be around when the Wave hits for Lute?" Kiryu reminded him, brow raised.
"I mean, it would be nice and all, but… you've set up our defenses better than most fortresses, as well as manned the place to the teeth." Harken rubbed the back of his neck. "And while we will see some attacks, the Heroes are teleported to where the Wave is most heavily focused. It's doubtful they'll attack Lute as heavily as they did the first time around. And even if it did, we're mostly prepared for it, both to stand and fight or evacuate."
"You did have us set up that tunnel more securely for the need of evacuation!" Melonie pointed out from behind the bar, smiling. "At this point, I don't think we really have much to worry about here!"
Silence was Kiryu's initial response; it suddenly sunk in that Lute, at this point, didn't actually need him with how much he prepared the village. And that perhaps he had a little more wiggle room than he realized to help.
He could feel Naofumi's smug eyes and smile on his back, somewhat hesitant to turn around. "So, Kiryu. Remember that favor you said you owed me a while back?"
Kiryu pinched the bridge of his nose, realizing that he now pretty much had no reason to refuse. And perhaps looked a little silly for doing so in the first place. "... Alright. I guess if the people of Lute think they don't need me around…"
"Don't say it like that! Just think of it as the fruits of your labor yielding the desired results!" Harken laughed, patting him on the shoulder in comfort.
"... It's fine. Okay." Kiryu turned to Naofumi and gave him a resigned smile. "I'll join the party."
"Yeah~!" The knights cheered, reminding Kiryu that they were still in the bar, having awaited his answer.
"Good to have you on board." Naofumi chuckled, turning to Melonie. "We'll have another round. We'll call it a small celebration."
"We'll put it on the house! Kiryu often gets freebies anyways with all the business he's brought in." Melonie laughed, turning around and filling up a couple more mugs for them.
"Seriously…" Kiryu sighed, leaning on his elbow. "I was so concerned with the village and now it feels like it was for nothing."
"Looks like you ended up doing way more for it in the short amount of time since the last wave than you thought." Naofumi shrugged in amusement before making a menu appear in front of Kiryu. "Here, you can join the group officially this way. You should get some benefits too now, like small buffs to Defense. Not that you'd need it too much."
"Not even going to take your time to add me, huh? Seriously…" Kiryu scoffed before confirming his spot as part of the party. "Ah, we should probably add Nugget, too. He's helped me fight quite often and I'd dare say he's likely to be as useful as Filo is."
"Oh, that's a good idea. He'll also get some benefits from some of my beast taming abilities. Though if he's hit the level cap with you, it might not do him too great at the moment." Naofumi stood up. "Let's go see him real quick. He's outside right?"
"Yeah. Come on." Kiryu and Naofumi walked outside the bar, finding Nugget at the feeding trough, though he was shooting clear glares at Filo who wasn't far away, playing with Raphtalia and Keel. The filolial in child form was, of course, shooting him looks, sticking her tongue out tauntingly.
"Filo, Raphtalia, come here." Naofumi called out to them, the two plus Keel walking over to join them. "I just wanted to let you know that Kiryu will be joining the party for the Wave, as well as those knights."
"Really? That's so good to hear!" Raphtalia smiled, looking at Kiryu in appreciation. "Thank you, Mister Kiryu! It'll be an honor to fight by your side again!"
"Same. Hopefully we'll be better prepared for the Wave this time around." Kiryu nodded.
"Yay! Old man Kiryu will be joining us!" Filo cheered.
"Old man..?" Kiryu raised a brow. "But I'm as old as Naofumi… well, physically."
"Yeah, don't call him old man! Call him Big Bro Kiryu at least!" Keel reprimanded Filo childishly.
"No, she doesn't have to-"
"Big bro Kiryu? Okay! Filo likes the sound of that!" The tiny blonde said with a bright grin, causing Kiryu to stiffen.
"... Fine, you can call me that."
"Heh, that definitely fits. Especially considering your background." Naofumi teased before looking back at Filo. "But one more thing before you get excited. Since Kiryu's joining us, so will Nugget."
That earned a grunt of shock from Filo, the small girl's gaze finding Nugget close behind the two men, eyes narrowed at one another. "Do we have to bring that meanie?! He won't help us!"
"Pewa!" Nugget spat in response, Kiryu quickly patting his head to make him calm down.
"From what I've seen of this bird, he will be. He's fought alongside Kiryu a lot so I'd say he's perfect for what we need. Which means you have to get along and keep from fighting while we're in the Wave. Got it?"
"The same goes for you. No starting anything with Filo. We're a team now." Kiryu shot Nugget with a glare. Nugget and Filo briefly locked gazes before looking away with a huff, reluctantly nodding in agreement. Kiryu could only sigh while Naofumi just shrugged.
"Guess we'll have to accept that. Alright, let's add Nugget to the party…" Naofumi opened his menu, searching and adding Nugget to the party. "There we go…. Alright, he's been confirmed. He should get those benefits from my beast growth soon-"
*POOF*
Kiryu nearly fell forward when he felt a sudden weight press against his back. He quickly spun around in confusion, his eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets upon seeing the source.
Nugget's body had ballooned up, his size and appearance now mirroring Filo's true form. The newly transformed Nugget blinked, looking around in confusion, tilting its head inquisitively as if he didn't understand what just happened.
"N-No way… just like Filo…" Raphtalia mumbled, her jaw dropping.
"But… how…" Kiryu looked at Naofumi, his brow quirked in confusion. "Did you do this?"
"I-I don't know! I guess… it's an effect the Shield has on filolials…" Naofumi mumbled, just as shocked as he was.
"HAH! Who's the fatty now?!" Filo snickered in amusement.
"... Sh…Sh...Sh..."
"Huh?" the group parroted. They had expected the usual chirp from Nugget in answer. But something else was coming out of his beak.
"Don't tell me…" Naofumi mumbled.
"No way, is he trying to…" Kiryu gawked, sweat trailing down his cheek.
"Sh… SHUT UP FATTY!"
*POOF*
The group had to brush away the cloud that quickly followed the sentence that escaped Nugget's mouth. And as the smoke cleared, Kiryu and the others were greeted with a young, raven haired boy... naked as a newborn child and with black wings protruding from his back.
"You've… got to be kidding me…" Kiryu mumbled, unable to wipe the shock off his face as he looked upon what was once a tall filolial now turned into a boy.
"Oh, so that's what that looks like!" Keel surprisingly said, causing Raphtalia to quickly shield her eyes as well as Filo's. "Hey!"
"Huh? What's everyone looking at?" The boy once known as Nugget asked, looking around at the gobsmacked faces of everyone around him. "You act like I look… oh." Nugget looked down, raising his hands. "I can talk. And I look human…"
"You're just now noticing?!" Naofumi blurted, pointing a finger. "Why did you suddenly transform?!"
"I dunno. I thought you did it." Nugget answered with a shrug, looking at Kiryu. "Did you do it, Big Bro?"
"... You're… going to have to give me a minute…" Kiryu mumbled, a frown spreading across his lips. "I'm still… processing…"
"W-We have to get hold of ourselves! Clothing, we need to get him clothing!" Raphtalia cried, head turning on a swivel looking for something to cover Nugget up with.
And so, that day marked the first time Kiryu would join the Shield Hero's party and was sure to not be the last. It also marked the day that Nugget transformed for the first time, and became a Filolial King.
To be continued…
Thanks again goes to chidoriprime for his help beta reading the chapter!
Hey everyone, sorry for the long wait, and sorry for the short chapter! Truth is I've had a lot of my attention divided between fics, games, OC's and a few things lol
I know this chapter isn't as long as usual but I really wanted to get it done and out of the way for you guys. I actually had a plan for something more substory-like between the Knights and Kiryu and trying to convince him to join Naofumi's party, but kind of lost motivation to write it out. So I hope this is enough for now! Was glad to finally get Nugget's transformation done as well!
That being said, I expect a bit longer of a longer chapter next time, as it comes with the first big fight and the introduction of you know who to the story! Might be a bit before that chapter's arrival but look forward to it in the future!
Anyways that's all for now, please leave a follow, favorite and a review! Thank you!