Legend Of the Radiation Shield

Chapter 6: Civilization

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Lute Village was abuzz with activity the day after the wave came. Every way you looked men sawed lumber, hammered nails, and hoisted packs of tiles and bricks back and forth. Amidst the townsfolk the two heroes and their companions were also hard at work, chipping in wherever they could. The abilities possessed by the shield hero in particular proved to be a massive boon to the reconstruction effort.

"Sir hero! Do you have that next set of roof tiles? Were almost done with this one!" shouted a balding man from high above.

"I've got it, just keep your shirt on." Daniel replied as he ascended the narrow ladder leading up to the roof. Cautiously he made his way over to the other man, his name was Percival he thinks, and stopped at the clear space to his left. In what seemed like an instant to everyone but the wastelander a new bundle of roof tiles suddenly appeared before the two men. Letting out a subtle "woah" the villager looked to Daniel with a grateful smile.

"Your skill with magic is simply amazing sir hero. My mother-in-law is a witch herself yet I've never seen her pull off spells like that." The man said, giving the wastelander a light pat on the shoulder.

"This device is what allows me to do that you know? It isn't the product of magic either but rather science." Daniel explained to the man before looking back at the device. "Might as well be magic though, especially with the way it is now in this world."

"Well whatever it is, you have been a huge help to us. Thank you once again sir hero." The man said as Daniel shimmied off the roof and back down the ladder. Once back on the ground he spotted a familiar mop of shaggy brown hair across the dirt road. Itsuki and Lute's resident carpenter seemed to be going over the blueprints for another home on the corner, the bow hero's keen eye helping him point out details in the construction process. The carpenter gave the boy a nod before he rolled up the plans and walked away.

"Everything going okay on your end Itsuki?" Daniel asked as he made his way over, the green teen shooting him a smile as he did so.

"Hello Daniel-san, the rest of the homes seem to be coming along nicely. What about the house you were working on? Is it finished?" Itsuki asked, sizing the up building for himself.

"Just about, they're putting on the final touches now." The wastelander said with a sigh. "one down, a dozen more to go. Anyways have you seen Raphtalia and Orthrus around? I haven't seen those two since this morning."

"Daniel, Itsuki!" speak of the Devil here she was now, Orthrus trailing behind her with a small cart tied to him.

"Hello Raphtalia-chan, what have you two been up to today?" Itsuki asked as the duo came to a halt.

"Since we couldn't help with the construction we've tried helping with everything else going on." She said chipperly, the hellhound beside her barking in agreement. Suddenly Raphtalia's ears perked up, turning around she directed the two heroes attention to the cart she brought with her. "Oh yeah, we've brought lunch for you and everyone else!"

"Nice work Raphtalia." Daniel said, giving the demi-human girl a pat on the head. With the food delivered the group of four and all the men in the village gathered around for some much needed rest. Before he could dig into the hearty sandwich that was prepped for him however Daniel spotted a figure approaching the wooden archway of the village. He was surprised to see that it was a knight from Melromarc Castle and by the look on the man's face it seemed he was surprised to see the wastelander as well.

"Greetings, sir heroes! In light of yesterday's success against the Waves of Calamity his majesty, King Melromarc XXXII, saw it fit to throw a feast in your honor. While not mandatory we would humbly ask that you and your parties attend the ceremony, in order to show our gratitude." The knight said, addressing Itsuki slightly more over Daniel. His gaze then drifted over to Raphtalia and Orthrus next, causing his brow to furrow lightly. "We do ask that only your party members attend, any pets or personal servants will be barred from entering."

"These are my party members though." Daniel pointed out dryly, causing the man to sputter a little.

"I-I see, my apologies sir hero. Should you choose to come I shall inform the castle of their status." The knight said before turning on his heel and leaving.

"So the King is having a party it seems… I think I might go." Daniel said to the surprise of Itsuki.

"Are you sure about that Daniel-san? Remember what happened the last time you stepped into the castle?" the bow wielder said worryingly, noting at the charges levied against the wastelander. "Not to mention Motoyasu-san will be there as well. No doubt he'll try to cause trouble for us again."

"I know that Itsuki, but somethings been nagging me ever since we ran into Motoyasu at the church. Remember the way Myne was acting?" Daniel pointed out, causing the gears in the teen's head to slowly turn. "It was like she was a completely different person from when she was with me. All the fear she showed during our third day here was nowhere to be found nor was there any hatred in her until Motoyasu started to beef with me."

"You're right, now that I think about it she seemed pretty full of herself a couple of days ago. Almost like…" Itsuki said, pondering. His eyes then shot open in realization before his face warped into a scowl. "Like she was never raped to begin with! The injustice of it all, she was out to frame you from the beginning!"

"Got it in one Itsuki, there is another thing however. The way the king blew his lid at me seemed strange as well. While I don't think he was part of her plan there seems to be some sort of connection between Myne and Aultcray, something more personal than him being the king and her an adventurer." Daniel stated. "like it or not the only way for me to learn more is to go to this party and find out for myself."

"If your going then I have no choice but to as well. Undoubtedly that snake will try to pull another stunt against you if you went alone." Itsuki spat, referring to Myne.

"If it'll be dangerous for you Daniel then we want to go too!" Raphtalia interjected.

"Woof!"

"That was the plan from the beginning guys. There's safety in numbers and if nothing happens tonight we can at least have some fun." Daniel said, relieving his bushy tailed companion. "That being said it would look pretty lame if we went in our usual get up. A formal event means we have to put on the ritz."

"How though? I don't think the tailor here in Lute can make anything appropriate for the occasion." Itsuki pointed out.

"That means we've better beat feat for the city then, try to find something there." Daniel returned. After saying their goodbyes to the people of Lute Village the quartet commandeered a wagon and rode for Melromarc City. While the trip was relatively short it was amusing none the less. Along the way Daniel found out that Raphtalia was prone to motion sickness, much to his amusement and her misery. Before the group knew it they were already past the exterior gates of the city and with in spitting distance of the castle.

"D-daniel look, it's a tailor shop."Raphtalia said, still a bit queasy. After tying up the horse and wagon they stepped into the store. There inside was a bespectacled woman with light brown hair like Itsuki's and an apron of a similar color over her dress.

"Hello! How can I help you today?" the woman began before her eyes locked onto Daniel's shield and Itsuki's bow, recognizing them instantly. "Oh my goodness! To think, two of the Cardinal Heroes would visit my shop. MY SHOP!"

"Sorry to spring this on you miss but we need your help. You see there's a feast at the castle tonight and we need the appropriate attire to attend." Itsuki explained. Having recovered from her star struck the woman recomposed herself, going straight into business mode.

"It's a bit short notice but I can get whatever you need done before then. How many of you am I fitting today?" The woman said, pushing up her glasses and scanning the group.

"All three of us right Daniel-san?" Itsuki asked the wastelander, whose only reply was a coy smile. In a flash the wanderer brought his Pip-Boy up to his face, changing into a pinstripe suit matching his usual colors before anyone could blink. "Okay than, I guess it's just me and Raphtalia-chan here."

"Indeed. I'll see to you first then sir hero." The tailor said, bemused by the shield hero's antics. Together with Itsuki she disappeared into the fitting room to the side of the front counter. After an hour or so Itsuki had re-emerged in a well fitted brown suit, sporting a green ascot that matched well with the color of his eyes. "Okay sweetheart, now it's your turn."

"Okay." Raphtalia said before her ears perked up. She gave the tailor a smile before turning around and pointing at Orthrus. "Do you think you can do something for him too? Please?"

"Interesting… I'll see what I can do." The woman replied, fascinated by the two headed monster before her. Like with the Bow Hero the three disappeared to the back. Daniel and Itsuki waited, and waited, and waited some more until the sun seemed to have set outside. Time stretched even longer for the wastelander due to him constantly going in and out of his Pip-Boy. Finally after what seemed like an eternity the tailor jumped out from the fitting room curtain, a smirk plastered on her face.

"And we're done! Come on out you two!" she said in a sing song voice, the first one to come out being Raphtalia. The demi-human girl was dolled up beautifully, wearing a maroon ball gown with black trimmings and a matching bow under her right ear. Next came Orthrus, while not much was changed about him he still matched well with his owner. The hellhound's short, course fur was brushed to perfection and around each of his necks he sported a maroon bowtie.

"Wow, you look so pretty Raphtalia-chan!" Itsuki said immediately, causing the poor girl to blush a little.

"It's pretty adorable how the both of you match. Thanks again for helping us on such short notice." Daniel said, addressing both his companions and the tailor.

"Oh it was nothing, in fact these outfits are on the house." The woman said with a wave of her hand. "It was fun to help you all get ready for the party at the castle, not to mention good for business. Everyone and their mother are going to buy their clothes from here once they hear that two of the four Cardinal Heroes came by."

"Well you were a big help regardless. Now it's time for us to roll out." Daniel said as the group filed out the shop and into their wagon. In a few minutes they were parked outside the gates of Castle Melromarc, bypassing the long line of nobles as they were escorted inside by the knights. Once inside the four took in the sights around them, the hall they found themselves in was lit entirely by several giant braziers, spreads of exotic foods were laid out across numerous tables on the sides, and at the foot of the stairs by the entrance was a full orchestra playing in perfect harmony.

"Wow. The castle is so big!" Raphtalia said, taken in by the sight.

"I'll say. The architecture here is quite different from the throne room too, maybe this part was an addition added at a later time?" Itsuki replied, comparing the architecture in his head. Before Daniel could add his two cents to the conversation all the hubbub of the nobles in the hall cease as the King appeared at the top of the stairs.

"Welcome one and all to tonight's festivities. With the aid of the Four Cardinal Heroes we have been able to stem the tide against the Waves of Calamity." Aultcray announced to the crowd. His face then adopted a somber look to it as he started again. "Alas our victory came at a cost. Sir Arcbal, captain of the Royal Knights of Melromarc, as well as several other brave souls made the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect our fair kingdom. Honored guests from both far and wide I ask that you join me in offering a prayer to their spirits, so that they and those dear to them may know peace once again. If you will Biscus."

"Of course your majesty." A man addressed him before stepping out from behind King Aultcray. While the rest of the guests bowed their heads Daniel instead studied his appearance. He was an elderly man, probably as old as the King was if not older, draped in refined white and red robes. The tone of his voice gave him the impression of a kindly grandfather, one filled with wisdom and reverence. Before the wastelander knew it the crowd let out an "Amen" that reverberated across the hall and the man bowed his head to the king and quietly disappeared behind him, a small smile on his lips as he left.

"they deserved what they got." Itsuki said out of the blue, surprising both Raphtalia and Daniel. The green teen visibly shook with anger as he spat out his next words. "To care so little for those they are meant to protect? To trample on them in their most desperate hour of need? It makes them nothing more than animals, beasts only deserving of death. Right Daniel-san?"

"Jesus Itsuki that's dark. Sure the captain was a prick but not all of them were like him. While they deserved to be punished for burning down Lute village, and especially for almost killing us, they didn't deserve to be butchered like they were." Daniel said, causing the bow wielder to look at him like he grew a second head.

"Really Daniel-san? What about you Raphtalia-chan? You remember what they did to us, how they looked down on you two don't you?" Itsuki asked the girl, surely she'd agree with him he thought. Instead of answering him the demi-human girl simply stood there, a far away expression plastered on her face.

"Raphtalia? Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost." Daniel asked, snapping the girl out of her thoughts.

"Oh, sorry about that! I was stuck in my head for a second there. Just a few silly thoughts is all." The girl said with an embarrassed laugh.

"Alright then." Daniel replied, not buying it for a second. Something that Itsuki said must have drummed up some less than pleasant memories for Raphtalia. While he'd eventually have to talk with her about the past now wasn't the time to do so. Seeing that they were at a party the group decided to spread out and have some fun. Itsuki chatted it up with the various nobles and adventurers in attendance, getting a feel for who they were and what they believed. Raphtalia played with Orthrus in the corner, unknowingly drawing a crowd with the bizarre sight of a monster rolling over and giving paw. Last but not least there was Daniel who decided to see what was on the menu at the party, his plate piled high with vegetables.

"You do know that's all garnish right? I don't even think that stuff is edible." a voice stated from behind the wastelander. Turning around he saw that it was none other than Ren, the Hero of the Sword.

"Long time no see Ren, how have you been?" Daniel asked as the two went about the tables.

"Fine." The blue teen replied curtly.

"Well that's good I guess. What about the wave though? Was it tough for you and your party?" the wastelander asked again. At this Ren simply huffed.

"The boss monster proved to be more formidable than I anticipated. Motoyasu and I barely managed to beat it." He stated. "Where were you and Itsuki that night Daniel? I know for a fact you two spawned in with us but after that you just disappeared."

"There had been a village nearby, we went there to make sure the people living there had gotten to safety but got bogged down by a bunch of monsters." Daniel explained.

"Do you mean the village the knights were assigned to? They're the ones who are supposed to handle the smaller mobs while we deal with the boss." Ren said.

"Their way of "handling" the lesser mobs was to put everything to the torch Ren-san." Itsuki stated, entering the buffet line next to the other two. "When Daniel-san and I arrived the villagers hadn't even been evacuated yet and if we hadn't shown up at all then everyone there including the knights would be dead. Are you sure you were the one's to kill the boss monster?"

"Motoyasu and I fought a massive green giant Itsuki. A fair number of your old guild mates took the brunt of its attacks too." Ren replied flatly. The green teen's face briefly morphed into a scowl before he took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"Okay guy let's try to relax. We can talk about this stuff after the party is ov-" Daniel started before something hit the back of his head. Pivoting around he saw the offending item, a loose white glove, and its owner Motoyasu.

"Motoyasu-san that was uncalled for! Why did you-"

"Just shut up Itsuki! This is between me and the Shield Hero!" Motoyasu shouted, cutting off the green teen and garnering the attention of everyone else in the hall. Quickly recomposing himself he then turned to the wastelander in question. "Daniel, I challenge you to a duel."

"What for? Aside from what happened at the church I've done nothing to you, hell that one was on you anyway." Daniel questioned irately.

"The answer to at should be obvious Sir Hero." Said Myne as she stepped out from behind the Spear Hero, accompanied by a group of knights. In her hands was scroll, the minute she began to unfurl it Itsuki let out a silent gasp. "It seems that someone recognizes this, how curious."

"That's … the bill of sale. How did you get your hands on the seller's copy?" Daniel questioned the redhead. Her only response was a haughty chuckle.

"So you don't deny what you did than? How bold Sir Hero, while the enslavement of demi-humans is legal in Melromarc the practice is certainly frowned upon. To think that one of the four Cardinal Heroes would commit such cruel deed is simply unthinkable." Myne mocked.

"You bought a person? Does that mean what happened the second day could be true as well?" Ren chimed in subdued shock.

"He didn't just buy one person Ren, he bought over a dozen." Motoyasu stated before continuing. "We're supposed to be heroes from another world. We have a duty to help the people who live here, Daniel."

"And that's exactly what I did Motoyasu. Sure, I did buy those people, but the second I did I set them free." Daniel stated sternly.

"Then what about Raphtalia-chan Daniel? If she's supposed to be free then why is she with you?" Motoyasu questioned. "What purpose would a grown man who's been accused of rape have with a little girl?"

"She was running a really bad fever when bought her and the rest, in her condition she never would have made the journey to Siltvelt or Shieldfreeden. My Father was a doctor by trade so I used what he taught me to treat her, along the way I taught her how to defend herself and use the weapons I brought from my home world." Daniel explained. "It's not like she has anywhere to go back to anyways, she was born here in Melromarc and the first wave had destroyed her home and left her an orphan."

"My what a touching tale Sir Hero, I see now that you truly are a man of virtue and I would like to formally apologize for accusing you for my assault…" Myne apologized suddenly, garnering a surprised look from the four Cardinal Heroes. "I do have one question however, if the girl is as free as you say she is then why does she have a slave crest still?"

"What…?" Daniel asked. With a snap of her fingers the knights that accompanied the redhead parted to reveal the gagged forms of Raphtalia and Orthrus. The girl's dress had been torn around her chest, revealing the glowing pink sigil of a slave crest.

"YOU FIENDS!" Itsuki roared as he summoned his bow and drew on the guards.

"The Bow Hero is in cahoots with the devil! Seize him!" One of the men shouted as the leveled their pikes at the green teen. Before ether side could land a blow against the other a loud crack resonated across the whole hall.

"Enough!" the voice of the king boomed as he made his entrance. Taking a deep breath began to address the people before him. "Sir Daniel you have disgraced my court not once but twice now. I order you to accept Sir Motoyasu's Challenge for the girl or you will spend the rest of your time in this world in a dungeon where you rightfully belong!"

"Your Majesty Daniel-San is in the right! That witch Myne branded Raphtalia and-" Itsuki started.

"One more word out of your mouth about my daughter Sir Itsuki and will extend to you the same courtesy that I did the Shield Hero." Aultcray spat. "escort the Spear and Shield Heroes and prepare the Arena."

"Yes your Majesty." The knights obeyed. In under an hour all of the guests and servants had transferred over to the booths and balconies overlooking the castle's dueling grounds. High above the crowds sat the King, the Pope, and the hostage demi-human and hellhound. In the lowest ring of the bleachers sat a mildly disturbed Ren and an absolutely livid Itsuki. And on the field to the side stood the now revealed princess Myne, a smug look of triumph plastered on her face.

"The duel between the Spear Hero and the Shield Hero will now begin! This duel will end when one of the combatants is pinned or admits defeat." An announcer stated to the crowd gathered. "This duel will take place in the presence of King Melromarc and the Pope, and it is thus legitimate and official."

"Best of luck Sir Motoyasu!" Myne cheered as the Spear Hero walked onto the field, brimming with confidence and waving to the crowd.

"Look at him, strutting around like he's an actual hero. All Motoyasu-san has done since coming here is cause nothing but trouble for Daniel-san and everyone else." Itsuki glowered as he stared at the blond.

"Speaking of Daniel-san shouldn't he be out here by now? If he waits any longer the win will automatically go to Motoyasu." Ren pondered as the wastelander had yet to make his entrance. Almost as if answering the cool swordman's question a loud thud could be heard coming from the tunnel the Shield Hero was supposed to walk out of. The thud was followed by another, and another, gradually forming into a steady march of something mechanical. Eventually after what felt like an eternity the Shield Hero had emerged, not in his suit form the party or his typical jumpsuit but coated in the white sheen of winterized T-51b Power Armor. Silence had fallen over the arena for a solid minute before the Spear Hero began to chuckle and shake his head.

"Is that supposed to scare me Daniel-san? You think some fancy suit of armor is stop me from beating you and saving Raphtalia-chan?" Motoyasu patronized, the show of bravado doing little to mask the inklings of dread he showed.

"The last time I checked Motoyasu your neither a super mutant or packing heavy ordinance." Daniel replied, his voice crackling and going down an octave thanks to the suit's speaker.

"We'll see if I can't open that tin can of yours! Chaos Spear!" Motoyasu roared as he bombarded Daniel with a series of jabs form his spear. His attacks barely left a dent and reward for doing so was a hydraulically boosted back hand from the wastelander.

"Sir Motoyasu!" Myne cried out as the Spear Hero was sent tumbling away. Her cries were soon echoed by the rest of the audience as Daniel delivered a swift metallic kick to the blond's ribs that sent him hurtling towards the arena walls.

"G-gah...! You bastard, you think you've won?" Motoyasu wheezed as he propped himself up on the wall. Looking back to his opponent he spotted the wastelander just as he was done charging up a spell.

"Air Strike Shield." Daniel said over his suits speaker as a shield was sent slamming into Motoyasu's abdomen, cracking his ribs and pinning the blond against the wall.

"Agh!" The Spear Hero wailed as he tried to free himself from the attack. While his attention was focused on the shield driving into his stomach his heart was soon gripped by fear as the wastelander's shadow loomed over him.

"Yield Motoyasu or else I'll squash you into cranberry sauce." Daniel commanded coldly as another attack sat ready in his shield. Perceiving the truth to his words Motoyasu began to sputter his words.

"Please, Please! Okay I get it, I get it!" the blond cried out.

"SAY IT!" Daniel shouted, his voice peaking over his mic. Just as the Spear Hero was about to admit defeat a strong gust of wind slammed into the wastelander's back, forcing his suit to its knees and releasing his hold on Motoyasu. Wasting no time in taking this opening The blond charged up one final attack.

"You'll pay for this! Lighting Spear!" Motoyasu shouted with all his remaining strength as he flung the bolt directly at Daniel's chest. The attack hit its mark… and did nothing. The shield hero stood back up completely unfazed all while Motoyasu collapsed and passed out.

"The winner… the winner is the Shield Hero, Sir Daniel Neeson." The announcer stated as the crowd erupted into a chorus of boos. After they settled down he delivered the final results of the match. "The girl enslaved by the Shield Hero shall remain under his ownership."

"Even when Motoyasu cheated they still paint Daniel as the villain, the Injustice of it all." Itsuki said to Ren with disdain for everyone around them. Soon the King and his knights descended from on high with Raphtalia and Orthrus in tow. After undoing the bindings around the both other them the demi-human girl quickly rushed into the waiting arms of the wastelander, the two embracing in a desperate hug.

"Daniel I'm sorry… you could have gotten and it's all because of me!" Raphtalia wailed into the shoulder pad of his power armor, the cold metal hand on her head doing little to console her.

"Shh… it's alright Raphtalia, this is my fault anyway. I knew there would be trouble here but despite that I still brought you and you got hurt because of it." Daniel said dejectedly through his speakers. Once they finally separated the wastelander turned to the King, casting a glare at him from behind his helmet. "How do I remove it?"

"Excuse me?" Aultcray said while raising a frustrated eyebrow at the Shield Hero.

"The slave crest. How do I remove it?" Daniel asked again sounding more peeved than before.

"Why would you? She is your obedient little slave is she not?" Myne mocked venomously as she approached the two, a small vile in her hand.

"Malty…" the King voiced, a concerned tiredness seeping through the name.

"It's only a jest Father. This vile contains a potion capable of removing the crest, just pour it on her chest and she'll be as free as can be." Myne, or Malty now, answered before gining Daniel the vile and sauntering off after the Spear Hero's stretcher.

"Come on you two, let's get out of here." Daniel said as he, Raphtalia, and Orthrus made to leave the castle. Unbeknownst to them and everyone else present a shadowy figure had watch the entire debacle between the Spear and Shield Hero unfold.

"Infighting between the heroes, Malty meddling in court affairs, King Aultcray let his emotions get the better of his wits. Her Majesty isn't going to like any of this, I daresay." The woman spoke to herself as she continued to gaze down at everything. Eventually her eyes fell on another figure watching the events that transpired, one obscured by the shadows like her with only the glow of whatever they were smoking signaling that they even existed. Suddenly the figure shifted, though she couldn't see it she could tell that their eyes were fixed on her before they bolted out of the arena. Believing herself to be compromised the woman chased after the figure into the castle to eliminate them, tracking their steps into an empty corridor. As she slicked down the hall the only evidence of the person she could find was a strange hat resting on the floor, picking it up the woman felt a sudden urge to put it on.

"Ahem." A voice coughed from behind the woman, years of training saving her from jumping out of her own skin. Turning around she could make out the profile of a man from with in the shadows, the only visible part of him being an outstretched hand exposed to the moonlight peaking in through a nearby window. Slowly removing the hat from her head the woman passed it to the man with a faint blush. Having retrieved his missing headwear the man gave the woman a curt bow before lightning another smoke and dispersing deeper into the darkness of Melromarc Castle.

"Her Majesty is most definitely not going to like this, I daresay."