That morning when Michael died was the bravest and happiest he had ever been. His consciousness was in a state of limbo, a small light in the distance he thought was heaven was growing larger as he neared it but his approach became slower and slower then it grew smaller as he began to stray further from it. His vision slowly became dark and before him stood The Fox.
"Good Morning Michael."
"Fox."
"It's clear to see you have failed in defeating Ainz. Not to mention you never even fought him."
"Well, I guess we're all disappointed. Is that the only reason you came to see me off? To tell me I failed."
"No in fact I am not the one keeping you from moving on. In actuality, it's Ainz himself trying to revive you." Michael was taken back by what the Fox claimed. He simply wrote it off as the Fox playing another one of its games but it reassured him it was Ainz's doings.
"Why would Ainz want to bring me back to life? Almost every follower of his despises humans and even he seems indifferent to them."
"True, but no other humans should've had knowledge of his name or his followers' names. Not to mention teleporting directly to Nazarick's main chamber is to his knowledge impossible. I simply would like to speak to you before you are brought back."
"Do you expect me to turn on him and challenge him again?"
"No, in fact, I wanted to say that I thought about what you asked of me earlier. To embody sympathy and compassion." Michael giggled a bit expecting it to be some kind of trick but when he heard nothing he dared to ask.
"Are. Are you being serious right now?"
"I am, so I came to offer you a choice. If you wish I can return you to your world or you can stay and be revived by Ainz."
"Why does he even want to revive me?"
"Well, for one you had knowledge of things no one would. Furthermore, you survived albeit briefly against one of his more powerful followers, and you're overall attitufe on the whole situation left a bit of an imprint on him. I would say you've piqued his interest."
"So I can go back to where I came from?"
"If you desire I can return you to your home I can even erase your memories of this place if you wish." Michael thought about it he hadn't even thought about home for years he was too preoccupied with his mission to keep everyone safe especially... Maria.
"No, I have to stay. This is my home now." Michael gave his answer.
"Just about as I assumed. If that is what you wish then I will allow you to stay here. I may check on you periodically but for now. I think I will leave you be." Michael didn't know how to respond and effectively he couldn't The Fox said his goodbyes soon after and Michael's vision became jet black.
'I guess you can change Fox.'
Michael's vision turned from jet black to a blurry mess. He saw dim lights and began to feel once more, he felt cold and damp. He couldn't move much but as time went on he slowly began to move his fingers and toes. His vision became more clear as he looked up to see Ainz standing over him.
"Whath? Whath ith thith?" Michael's voice was faint and his words were slurred but Ainz could hear him.
"Human, I have brought you back from death given time you will regain function until then you will listen and not reply." Michael didn't say anything and instead just looked at Ainz but was lost in thought. Feeling death and then life once more was strange.
"Good. I don't know what godly being sent you to kill me however I cannot allow its continued existence for this reason I have revived you. I want information on this creature." Michael nodded in agreement and tried to stand. His legs felt weak but was able to stand.
It took some time but Michael eventually gained full coordination of his body and began to explain. He had difficulty speakin as he was still shaken up about just being dead.
"I am from another land not even in this world. The creature that wanted me to fight you brought me to this world against my will. I spoke with it once more before I was revived. I refer to it as The Fox, it seems to prefer taking that form. Like I said it wanted to see me fight for its entertainment but it seemed to have a change of heart during my battle with Sebas. It offered me a choice to deny your revival or accept it."
"So you mean to tell me this Fox no longer wishes for you to fight me?"
"That seems to be the case. Unfortunately I can't exactly force it to speak with me so I can't provide you the information you revived me for." Ainz turned and walked back to his throne.
"I suppose I can use someone with your skillset. Human you requested that I cure an ailment befalling someone you care for?"
"I did, she means the world to me. I only wish to see her healthy."
"Then I will offer you this. Offer your life to me. If you do that then I will cure her." Michael was scared of the implications of that but he knew why he came here. He got onto his knees and bowed his head before speaking.
"My life is in your hands, Lord Ainz." Michael felt a sudden shift. He felt as if his energy was drainrd and rejuvenated in an instant.
"You will do as I say without question. If you ever disobey me you will suffer dearly." As Ainz finished a red vial appeared in his hand and it floated towards Michael.
"Take this and give it the one you care for. I will station you to watch over Carne village for the time being but be ready to travel wherever I order the moment I demand it."
"I understand, Lord Ainz." Michael replied and stood he was then transported above ground and in the distance he saw Carne Village.
He began running. Looking at his abilities he had a new skill Ultimate Ability Boost. Perhaps he gained experience after fighting Sebas or maybe his revival gave him new abilities. Either way ince he activated it he ended up covering so much ground so quickly he left burn marks in the ground where he stepped. Even when he arrived he sprinted through the village passing by the surprised faces of those who knew him. He entered his home where Maria still was. The villagers caring for her were terrified by Michael's sudden appearance. He was dirty, and drenched in sweat and spoke one simple word. He approached Maria and pulled out the red vial and fed it to her. Nothing happened and for a few moments Michael feared the worst, but soon Maria began to open her eyes and spoke but weakly.
"Maria!" Michael pulled up a seat and held her hand. She tried to sit up but she struggled too much. Michael urged her not to.
"Not yet. Just gather your strength." Michael spoke softly. He turned to the villagers who were amazed and spoke to them.
"Please bring water and soft foods." Micahel turned back towards Maria and continued holding her hand.
"I'm here and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for everything. I'm sorry for leaving. I'm sorry for hurting you. I'm sorry for not being here for you, but I'm here now."
Maria eventually gathered enough strength and sat up. All she wanted to know was why. Why Michael left without a word, and he answered not holding back anything. He told Maria where he was from. Why he was brought to this world. He told her about The Fox. Master Jiyu and his friends. His battle, his death and his revival.
"Now I am under his command but I promise I will always-" Maria cut him off and hugged him.
"It's okay. You're here now and that's all I could ask for."
"Maria. Will you marry me?" Michael replied softly. Just when he finished Maria pulled him in to kiss him and answered
"Of course I will you big oaf." The two spent the rest of that day together. Michael stayed by her side until she had fully recovered.
Once fully recovered Maria and Michael exited the home met by a large number of villagers who were overjoyed that Maria had recovered. The two then revealed that they had intentions to be married and Tobias of all people spoke the loudest.
"Finally settling down. Does this mean you're here to stay?"
"My life is no longer my own it seems. I will have to do the bidding of another when he calls but I will always return the moment I am able." Michael spoke and turned to Maria.
"Maria I want you to come with me and meet Master Jiyu and the others."
"There's no way I couldn't meet the people who helped you through this."
"Oh this is wonderful. Both of you go in the meantume we will setup everything for the wedding. Make sure you invite your friends."
"I will." Michael began tearing up finally surrounded by the people he worked so hard to protect.
Several days had passed, Michael and Maria began the trek to meet Master Jiyu and the others. They rode on horseback and once they reached the forest of Tob Maria hesitated knowing of the dangers of the forest but Michael knew how to circumvent that. He dismounted and told Maria to get on his back and hold on tight. Once she did he activated Ultimate Ability Boost and began running through the forest. He didn't go as fast as he knew he could. He had no idea how it would effect Maria but it was more than enough to reach the foot of the mountain in mere minutes.
The skill eventually wore off and Maria was thrilled at the speed they had traveled. So mich so she asked if they could some day run through the plains like that again some day. A request Michael had no problem agreeing to. After a short rest Michael activated the ability once more and began to run up the 10,000 steps to the temple.
Once at the main entrance Michael let Maria down and they both entered.
The hall was empty initially but Michael called out
"I've returned and I'm not dead!" Michael screamed out and moments later the two heard surrying and the first person came into sight, Rozu.
"Michael!" The young girl ran towards him. Michael lowered himself and hugged her. She held him tightly and teared up.
"Does this mean everything is over?" Rozu asked
"Yeah. It's over." Others began to pour out from different areas of the temple. Bori, Matthew, and his beloved master Jiyu all ran over to hug Michael.
"Michael it's good to see you are safe." Jiyu spoke even he was brought to tears by Michael's return
"It's good to see you all too but please I have someone I want all of you to meet." Joshua stood next to Maria and held her hand.
"This is Maria. My Fiancée." First Rozu met with Maria.
"Hello my name is Maria. Maria Ross." Rozu was ecstatic and quickly grabbed Maria's hand and shook it
"I'm Rozu, and this is Bori and Matthew and Jiyu." A bit too excited Rozu introduced everyone else before they had a chance to do so themselves.
"Are you gonna marry Michael?" Rozu asked.
"Well, I gave it a lot of thought to see whether or not he deserved it, but yes." Maria responded she gave Michael a bit of a glance and giggled before turning her attention to the man known as Bori approaching.
"As Rozu said my name is Bori. We've heard so much about you from Michael. He never stopped going on about how well you treated him." Michael standing by was a bit embarrassed by Bori but Maria only laughed in response. Bori congratulated the two and stepped aside as Matthew introduced himself.
"Hello Ms.Ross. I am Matthew I served primarily to train Michael to fight. Though I have to say you must be leagues above me to tame such a beast."
"Beast?"
"A story for another day." Matthew laughed and allowed Jiyu to approach
"It is good to see you have recovered Maria. Michael and myself went to visit you some time ago but you were ill. I am Master Jiyu, I served as Michael's humble guide."
"He speaks so highly of you Master Jiyu. Thank you for bringing him back to me."
"Everything was of his own doing. Even when he attacked us he eventually calmed down when he thought of you." That statement was probably not the best thing to say because Maria was not happy to hear it.
"You. Did. What?" Maria turned to see Michael who had nothing but fear in his eyes.
"He did unfortunately. He became wild consumed by rage." Bori chimed in
"Oh yes. He was a beast even harming little Rozu." Matthew continued
"I'm okay now though!" Rozu seemingly being the only one who tried to defend Michael. It was almost as if the others knew what they were doing.
"You even attacked her!?"
"Uh. Well. Yes. But." Michael stumbled over his words not knowing how to answer.
"Not a word, when we get back home you're going to pay for what you did to these nice people!" Maria continued scolding him and Michael could only silently nod in acceptance. Something about Maria being this angry seemed to make her look like a demon. Jiyu and the others smiled at Michael's circumstances although Rozu confused.
"Putting that aside. I must speak in his favor Maria. Everything he did was all to protect you and the village." Jiyu spoke up in Michael's defense.
"Don't move." Maria whispered to Michael who was crouching in a corner fearing for his life. It was unusual. Maria seemingly had some kind of aura that made him fear her to no end. Maria returned to Jiyu and the others.
"Please won't you all come to our wedding?"
"Of course we will attend! How could we not?" Matthew spoke with no opposing opinions from the others. Maria and Michael ended up spending the night and having dinner with everyone. Although dinner really became ammunition used to ensure Maria had no shortage of things to use against Michael in case he ever stepped out of line. The following morning everyone packed what they would need and returned to Carne Village.
Several days after they had arrived was finally the day of the wedding. It was held in the town hall and everyone was present. Michael stood up at the altar. Tobias was next to him holding the ceremony and in the front row he could see Bori and Matthew smiling. Rozu as happy as every was the flower girl running up the hall gleefuly throwing the flowers but Michael wondered where was Jiyu? Then in came Maria as beautiful as ever and who else was walking her up the aisle than Jiyu. The sight of it made Michael cry in a way he never had before. Maria stood in front of Michael and Tobias began to speak.
"Michael will you take Maria to be your lawfully wedded wife? To travel the rest of life's road with her? Will you love her, laugh with her, comfort her, honor and protect her, and promise to never ever ever ever leave again without an explanation as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
Maria will you take Michael to be your lawfully wedded husband? To travel the rest of life's road with him? Will you love him, laugh with him, comfort him, honor and protect him, and ensure to punish him if he dares leave again without an explanation as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"Now, Repeat after me:
With this band I am giving you my promise to always love you cherish you honor you and comfort you. I promise that I will love you and keep my heart open to you all the days of my life." This segment of marriage was different than what Michael knew. Here marriage was sealed with a band rather than a ring.
"Therefore, it is my joyful responsibility to officially acknowledge your union as Husband and Wife. With this band Michael you are bound by love to Maria from now and to the afterlife." Michael smiled internally accepting it.
"With this band Maria you know own Michael from now and in the afterlife."
"Huh?" Michael was confused and stared at Tobias who only had a smirk. The audience began to laugh and Maria was overjoyed.
"You may now seal your marriage with a kiss."
"Ownership?" Michael was still confused but maria pulled him in for a kiss and with that the two were married and the cheering began.
"You're joking right?" Michael looked to Tobias who was laughing and even the audience who all kept clapping and laughing.
"Right?" Michael looked at Maria begging for it to be a joke. Maria only hugged Michael and looked up at him smiling.
After the wedding Michael and Maria began to say his goodbyes to Jiyu and the other. Michael thanked them for helping him every step of the way and Maria thanked them for saving her husband.
"We don't have to leave do we? Can't we stay?" Rozu spoke grabbing onto Bori.
"I know Rozu, but we can't just announce that we're staying. There would be too much work that would need to be done."
"Nonsense!" Tobias appeared seemingly out of nowhere.
"You all are the reason Michael is here today we'd be glad to have you live here with us." Tobias continued.
"What do you all say? Would you like to live here with us?" Maria asked. Rozu looked up at Bori Matthew and Jiyu hoping they'd say yes.
"My home is wherever Master Jiyu decides." Matthew answered.
"I would rather not leave Master Jiyu's side either." Bori answered
"I suppose Carne village is a more inviting place for potential students." Jiyu answered.
"Perfect. We can begin construction on homes for you all right aw-" Tobias was speaking but was cut off by Maria.
"Oh no. Michael can begin constructing their homes right away." Michael was stunned by what she said.
"Maria?" Michael pleaded.
"Yes?" She asked
"Please no." He begged.
"Oh yes. All. By. Yourself. Actually you can go ahead and recreate Master Jiyu's temple. You can come home once you finish."
"I can't-"
"Nope. Until you finish you can sleep outside."
"Master. Surely you don't need such a temp-"
"Of course I do. Where would my students call home?" Jiyu smiled as he answered
Michael was defeated but Maria found a way to lift his spirits.
"Let this be some motivation for you. I still love you." She pulled him in close and kissed him and in nearly the same instance Michael raced out of the hall to begin working.
"Work hard!" Maria yelled as he exited. She turned to face Rozu and hugged her before facing the others.
"I'll make sure to send him to tell you all once he finishes."
"We will wait patiently." Jiyu responded. They all thanked both Maria and Tobias before finally leaving. Outside they could see Michael already changed having activated his ability boost beginning to excavate the foundation of the first home.
Ainz did call for Michael one day but it was only to ask questions of the world he came from and for him to continue his research of teas. First and foremost he was to protect Carne Village. Maria was not joking about Michael not coming home though. Until he finished the temple he couldn't even spend the night. He worked tirelessy using his ability boosts for months building. He even gained levels in architecture masonry woodworking and more. Then one day while taking a break a small fox walked up towards him. It was very small about the size of the average house cat and it had very large ears.
"Michael."
'I fuckin knew it'
"I didn't think you could take a physical form like that, Fox."
"Please this is child's play. How are you?"
"Well Maria won't let me in the house until I finish the temple. She's so much more terrifying now then she's ever been.
"That is true. Perhaps I gave her too much power."
"Power? You did this!?"
"Oh yes. Your wife is many times more powerful than you now. She doesn't know it yet though, the aura that you've been feeling. Is my power coursing in her body. Something to keep you obeying her."
"Why?"
"Why do we do anything?"
"Well, why are you here now?" As Michael asked that The fox materialized a small home for itself next to Maria's.
"I'm going to live here for a while. Simplicity is a nice change of pace."
"Can you do that for-"
"No, you will build." And with that The Fox entered It's new home and coiled up to rest. Leaving Michael to continue building.
'You could've atleast gave me some materials.' Michael sighed before getting back to work
Damn near a whole year since I've updated this. So where have I been, honestly no good excuse. I'm a lazy piece of shit, but I can admit that. I can say though I did feel bad about never ending this story. Not sure if this is the ending anyone expected or even wanted though, If you actually did enjoy this story thanks for sticking it out. If not let me know why. I do want to improve so outside perspective is important to me.
All in all this was a good learning experience. I received way more feedback than I ever thought I would with this so I'll use that and do my best to improve. Peace and love!
