Oh. My. God. I didn't expect so much attention! I am very glad you like my story, guys! So here is the second chapter. I hope you will enjoy it as well!
But first, something that I realized I should have said in the first note. I haven't seen Kuroinu (manga or anime), so all the information comes from other fanfics and the fandom wiki of Kuroinu (amazing what you can find). So sorry if I make some mistakes about the world or the characters.
And now the important thing: the reviews. I don't know how to do it. I should answer every of them in this notes? Replying by PM? I don't know, so for now I am going to talk about them in general and about some points. If you think another option is better, please tell me. I am open to suggestion.
First, thank you all for your interest and support! I am really happy for it and I am glad that you decided to write a review. Really, thank you! And for the points:
-Who the oc is. I thought it could be guessed with the flashbacks, but if not, sorry for that. It's not a secret. Our friend the armor is the chosen undead (as we can read in this chapter) so I hope no one is dissapointed he is not the ashen one (I am currently playing dark souls 3, so I don't know enough of the stroy to use him).
-The equipement. For the one who was worry, you can relax. He will have his inventory in the future, but not for now. It would be too overpowered XD
-The armor. I was going to use the cover image to show it, but then I forgot it. But I like the idea of you guys trying to guess it, so I won't for now. As a clue, the armor is a set of the game, so I hope that helps.
-Undead lullaby. I looked for the song and really liked! So thank you for that.
And I think that's it. So now, read, review and I hope you can enjoy it.
"So, it can move after all, eh? Not that I mind, though."
Rowan's voice was filled with a tone of jest, apparently very happy that he had been wrong and the armor could move and fight. The blacksmith was standing before him, heavily bandaged and with his left arm in a sling, but refusing to sit down and rest like the old man had ordered him. As soon as Rowan had woken up, he had asked what had happened and then practically run to him, wanting to see it with his own eyes.
He supposed it was normal. The man had been knocked out when the attack started. So he probably had expected the worst when he had woken up, but had only found alleviated faces and a beheaded orc. Hearing they had been saved by a supposedly empty armor had had to be hard to accept. He knew it because he had seen the reluctance to believe it in the man eyes, but soon, that reluctance had been pushed away and replaced with pure gratitude.
And it wasn't just Rowan. A little after the battle, the town had begun to recover some kind of normalcy. Healing the wounded, checking for any damage to the houses and simply comforting each other. But every now and then, one or two persons would stop before him, looking with a mixture of confusion, fear, relief and gratitude. Some of them had even given him a shy 'thank you', but had soon averted their eyes and returned to what they had been doing.
He could understand it. He was strange, a incognita. He had saved them, but after such trauma it was normal to distrust everyone and everything. Specially a moving armor who shouldn't be able to move. It was the normal behavior, even Eli and Karen had maintained some distance, not knowing if they could trust him. It was the natural reaction, something he could understand.
And that made Anna's reaction even more surprising.
"I agree." Karen spoke and looked a little over his head, a teasing smile in her face, "After seeing it just sitting in the forge for days, it was hard to believe the old piece of armor could really move."
He wanted to laugh. The woman couldn't know how fitting the title 'old piece of armor' was for him, he was eons old at least. But laughing or just talking was still beyond his capacities. He would need to practice, but at least it seemed he now could move if he needed it. That was more than what he had had yesterday. Baby steps.
But someone wasn't amused by the name.
"Of course he can move! And he isn't just an old armor!" the voice above him replied with conviction, its owner then looked at the blacksmith, "You should have seen it, Rowan! Sir Knight just moved to stand up and the monsters ran in fear! Then he faced the big monster and BAM! It was slayed before we could blink!"
Perched on his shoulders, Anna moved her arms with energy, trying to describe the fight, but stopping when she almost lost the equilibrium and grabbed his helmet before she could fall. The girl blinked, and when she was sure she wouldn't fall, she giggled. Eli fretted at his side, ready to catch her daughter if something happened. The woman finally sighed, knowing Anna wouldn't move from her new seat no matter what she said.
A little after he had nodded to the girl, she had approached him shyly until she was standing just beside his leg. With his head pointing to the front, he couldn't see the girl, but hadn't been too worried about it. At least, until Anna had started to pat his armor in several places. Her mother had given her a warning, but it seemed his lack of reaction had been enough to ignore her mother words.
The next second, before the adults could react, Anna had climbed to his shoulders, using the gaps and edges of his armor as handholds. Eli and Karen had almost had a heart attack at this, quickly standing up and running to him. They had moved around him, apprehension and fear in her eyes. However, after of minute without any movement or complain from him, they eventually had relaxed. They still had looked at him with mixed emotions, but when Anna had begun to laugh and shout how tall she was now, they couldn't help but smile at the scene.
After that, the two women hadn't been so reluctant to approach him.
So much, that they had left Anna alone with him while Karen went with Eli to find her new clothes. The girl had been delighted about it, using the time to thank him again and tell how cool he had been. It had been strange. He hadn't know what to do, after all, he hadn't enough control to take the girl from his shoulders safely.
Besides. It was... nice, to see the girl showing such affection for him. He had the feeling it was the first time this happened to him, not only in this life but it the previous as well.
A loud laugh returned him to the conversation, "Yes, I am sure it was a great feeling, seeing the hero slay the demon." Rowan approached him and with his good arm, ruffled Anna's hair, "A simple orc was nothing to him, wasn't it?"
The little girl nodded with conviction and the adults chuckled with her reaction. Mentally, he chuckled as well. The orc had been easy once he had grabbed the axe. He knew he had fought stronger enemies, so that hadn't surprised him. What had surprised him, was what happened after he kill him. He had sensed... something, entering his body. It had been strange, unnerving, almost disgusting...
And natural. As natural for him as breathing.
He really didn't know what had happened, but something told his it was important, very important. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't hear the rest of the conversation. However, a sudden hint of fear in one of the voices interrupted the others and returned him to the real world. It was Karen's.
"Wait, do you hear that?"
Some seconds after, they could hear what she was talking about. It was still a faint sound, but growing closer with each second. Every person in the town tensed, the recent event making them fear the worst. He was no different, every muscle in his body prepared to fight as he grabbed the axe with more strength than needed.
No waiting to see the owner of the noise, he kneeled. Before, he had raised from a kneeling position, so it seemed the opposite came to him with ease, something he was thankful for. Above him, Anna yelped at the sudden motion, but grabbing his helmet again she didn't fall. Luckily for him, Eli understood his intention and quickly reached for her daughter, taking her from him and hugging her with force as they moved behind him.
If he was going to fight, he couldn't do it with a girl in his shoulders.
Eli's actions snapped the frozen townspeople. In a blink, everyone was behind him, looking at the distance with growing panic. Maybe they didn't fully trust him, but it was easy to remember who had fought for them. Rowan was the only one who didn't hide behind him, remaining at his side and looking with determined eyes. He wanted to berate the man, telling him he couldn't do anything wounded, but again, talking wasn't possible for him.
Some seconds more and the sound grew to a heavy noise, like quick and powerful steps. It was distinctive, but he couldn't recall what it was. However, some of the people blinked at it, recognizing it. Then, Rowan gave him the answer.
"Horses?"
He... kind of remembered what a horse was. They were animals, used for helping in several task and specially as a mean of transport. Nothing more came to his mind, but for the changing expressions of the people around him, they meant something more.
Behind the houses he began to see a cloud of dust approaching them. When it got a bit closer, he was able to see the animals and, more importantly, their riders. They were humans, clothed with armors and weapons, and with the sight, the townspeople began to breath relieved, some of them laughing about how they had been unnecessary afraid. With that, he finally understood.
They were a defensive force, soldiers and allies of this town.
With the realization, he relaxed, followed by everyone around him. Rowan let out a big breath and began to walk to where the horses were coming, rubbing his neck with his good arm and looking at the cloud with an unreadable face.
"A bit too late... but better than never, I guess."
He didn't had time to ponder the man's words as the horses finally reached them. The soldiers looked bruised and tired, but no more than the horses, some of them breathing so strong that he was afraid the animals would faint where they stood. But ignoring their supposed fatigue, one of the man jumped down from his horse and began to look at the group of people with frantic eyes.
"KAREN!" the man's shout was loud and hard, but he could hear the note of fear in his voice.
Hearing it, the redhead that was behind him took a step aside and looked at the man, blinking with disbelief, "Dad?"
The man eyes zeroed in on the girl with lighting speed, "KAREN!"
Finally understanding it wasn't some kind of hallucination, the woman gasped and ran towards the man, "DAD!"
The two embraced with almost desperation, Karen's eyes already filled with tears. With the emotive scene, more and more people began to shout names as well, repeating the reunion with more hugs, laughs and tears. After a little, he finally understood these soldiers weren't just a defensive force. They were all the townspeople who had gone to the battle.
"Well, it seems we hadn't to worry after all. I am glad."
A feminine voice cut through the noise and everyone looked at the owner. He couldn't see them, but he could hear the different gasps of surprise from the crowd. With some reverence, they began to move to the sides, clearing a path for the mysterious person. Then, the whispers started.
"The Queen of Mercenaries..."
"It's her."
"A Princess Knight."
He blinked. So she was one of those Princess Knight, and he could admit the woman moved with the confidence and behavior of a leader. She had red, neck-length hair and light skin. An impressively voluptuous figure hidden by a red shirt and blue pants held by a belt with two swords strapped to it. Her red eyes kept glancing around the town, stopping on him as she tilted her head with curiosity.
He could see by her stance, that the woman was well versed in battle, and not only for the swords. Added to the respect her presence created, it was easy to see why they called her a 'Princess Knight'. However... something told him that for a princess, she was too... small?
~ Oh Chosen Undead. Thou hath journey'd far ~
He shivered with the flash of memory, contradictory feelings battling inside him, but he didn't know why. That woman from his memories was clearly important, had brought him solace and purpose when he had needed them the most. But at the same time, he felt... betrayed?
Before he could understand those feelings, a new voice broke him from his train of thoughts, "I told you, the chance of the running monsters coming to this town was minimal."
"But better safe than sorry, don't you think?"
The two new voices were from two women, following the Princess Knight and with a little group of soldiers with them. The first to talk was a tall woman with black, long hair and a serious expression. She wore blue robes and what seemed as a staff in her hand. The second, was as tall, but inside a full set of armor except for the helmet. Short, blond hair and a easy smile that could almost hide the big sword on her back.
And of course the two of them were very beautiful... Now that he think about it, had he seen a woman in this new world that wasn't an astounding beauty?
...
Strange.
While he was lost in thought, the Princess Knight had turned to the two woman, "Sorry, Sera, but I am with Elena in this. Better lose some time than lose a town to the Dark Queen's forces."
The robed woman -Sera, it seemed- nodded a little while the blonde -Elena- smiled to their leader. Said leader then turned to the crowd and began to talk with a loud but clear voice.
"Ok. So as you can see, I am Maia, one of the Princess Knights and the asshole that took some of your men and women to fight with me." the townspeople fidgeted nervously with her words, but she didn't stop, "And I am sorry about that, but it was necessary. However, I am proud to say that your town surely produce some tough bastards, because all of them have returned today with just minor wounds from our victory against the enemy!"
The mentioned 'bastards' raised their arms and cheered with loud shouts, soon joined by the two women and the other soldiers. Maia just grinned with the reaction and resumed her speech.
"Yeah, those little monsters will think twice before fighting us again. And now, about the sudden arrival, I just can say your people were worried about you all." the townspeople looked at her with confusion, "When it was obvious we were going to win, some of the enemy forces ran away, and one of the running squads was seen coming to your direction. That was when your people freaked out and took the horses, forcing me to go after them to make it seem as my orders and save them from being hunted and killed for deserting."
She said the last a part with hard eyes, focused on some of them, and even if they looked away with a bit of shame, it was clear that they would do the same again without a second thought. Maia could see it as well, and sighed.
"Well, the battle was almost over and I can understand your reason, so there will be no punishment. Just be happy that you were with me and not with Claudia or Alicia. I am personally happy that it was just a scare and nothing happened."
Several breaths of relief could be heard after her words. It seemed they were really afraid of the possible punishment. However, before they could relax, Rowan coughed into his good hand, gathering the attention of all the presents.
"I... Thank you very much for you mercy, Princess, but I am afraid that something did happen."
After his words, everyone focused on something at his side. It seemed, with the tearful reunion and explanations, no one had noticed it. But now, the presence of a beheaded, dead orc was painfully evident. Really, it was hard to believe this was the first time they had seen the body. The townspeople had wanted to move it, but there had been more important things to do at the moment.
The soldiers gasped and even Maia looked surprised, "What the hell?"
"We were attacked." Rowan continued, "A group of imps and a orc. We couldn't do anything." he clenched his fist remembering the events, "Fortunately, we were saved before any irreparable damage could be done, thank the Goddess for that."
With those words, all the ones who had lived those moments turned to him almost unconsciously. And even he could see the gleam of gratitude flashing in their eyes. Maia and the others noticed it, now finally looking at him and processing that the strange armor shouldn't be here. That, and that he apparently was the one who had saved the town from the orc.
If the grateful looks weren't enough to guess it, the bloodied axe still in his hand was probably a definitive clue.
Finally, Maia approached him with a big smile in her face, "I knew I saw something strange when we arrived, but I am thankful for it." she gave him a long look, appreciating how much taller than her he was and whistled, "Damn, you are huge, and that's a badass piece of armor, not talking about the horns! But I digress." she shook her head and turned serious, "Now, as one of the Princess Knights, I thank you in the name of the Seven Shield Alliance. You have our gratitude for your services protecting Eostia."
Then, she gave him a little bow, just a light movement of her head, but showing her respect for him nonetheless. Sera and Elena did it as well, followed by all the soldiers and the townspeople that hadn't been there to protect their loves ones. He knew that would change when they discovered he wasn't just a traveling soldier, but for now it was nice to being appreciated.
"Well, now that that's done," Maia looked at him, all the previous seriousness substituted by an obvious excitement, "You can tell me what a lonely knight like you was doing in these lands. Where are you from, big guy?"
He tensed. Of course she wanted to talk with him. The problem was he couldn't talk. When the silence continued for a while, the Princess Knight blinked at him, the women behind her narrowing their eyes at his 'disrespect'. Luckily for him, before things could escalate, Rowan came to his help.
"Ah, lady Maia?" the woman turned to him, "I am afraid he can't answer you. At least..." the blacksmith looked at him with doubt, "I think he can't answer, but he has surprised me before."
"Mmm? What are you saying? Why not?" she asked, not offended, just confused.
"It's... it's a long story."
After that, Rowan had given a quick explanation of how they had found him, how he couldn't be alive -it seemed there was no humanoid race in this world that could survive being years immobile with no food or water- and how he had finally moved to save Eli. With each new sentence from the blacksmith, the people's vision of him had kept changing, from gratitude to curiosity, fear and amazement. All except Maia's, who had never moved from exited and very curious.
After that, there had been a tense moment when the topic of what to do with him had come up. However, Maia had quickly alleviated the tension, saying they could talk about that tomorrow. That today was a day to celebrate their victory and the safe return of half the town. Everyone had agreed with her and soon every person available was helping, using the last hours of sunlight to prepare a improvised party.
So after a little while, the whole town, with the addition of Maia and her group, were in the square, seated around a big fire and drinking to their heart's content. It seemed food couldn't be wasted, but beer was fairly abundant. They had laughed and sung with terrible voices, but it was easy to see how it alleviated the souls of the attack victims. Inwardly, he smiled.
Eli and Anna had been the first to retire, the woman saying they had had enough emotions for one day. Anna had protested, but by that point, the little girl couldn't maintain her eyes open. Even so, she had looked at him and waved good night. With a little effort, he had nodded to the girl, returning the gesture.
Several persons had freaked out at that and spilled their beers, but Anna had laughed at the chaos, so he thought it had been a good thing.
After that, he had remained there, standing and observing the party while the flames' light was reflected in his armor and the fire reminded him of her not-so-far past.
One time, Maia had tried to persuade him to sit with them, but he had politely refused with his silence. The redhead had pouted, but it seemed he hadn't being offended, soon recovering and laughing as she had returned with her group. He didn't want to be rude, but he couldn't drink nor talk. What could he add to the party? Besides, someone had to keep their guard up in case something bad happened...
And that was the only reason. He was not afraid of not being able to stand up if he sit down, no sir.
Finally, the party ended. The townspeople returned to their homes and the military group took something from the horses and built some kind of simple tents. Well, most of them did. The ones who were too drunk to move just passed out on the ground. He just waited until everyone left, and then did what he had wanted to do since the first night.
With some effort -but less than before, he happily noted-, he moved his neck and looked at the sky. The sight made him lost his breath. The night sky was filled with stars, like fireflies flying around him. It was beautiful, and he thought it was the first time he had the opportunity to see it.
However, he couldn't appreciate it for long. After a while, he heard steps coming at him. They were faint and muffled, but he could heard them nonetheless. Fearing a new attack, he quickly looked down, but only found the form of Anna, looking at him with a shy expression and a blanket and pillow in her hands. He blinked, confused, but the little girl just stood there, looking at him from time to time but always averting her eyes. Finally, she gathered her courage and talk.
"H-hi, Sir Knight. I... i-it's stupid but... C-can I sleep here with you?" she asked very quickly, hugging the pillow in her arms and almost hiding her face with it, "I-I had a nightmare..."
He blinked again, but he could see the traces of recent tears in her cheeks, and with that he understood. The child had suffered a terrible experience, it was normal if she had nightmares about it. However, why had she come to him and not to his mother? He didn't understand it, but it seemed the girl understood his question, looking at her home and then shaking her head.
"No, I... You are a hero, s-so I thought that you could... protect me from the nightmares?" she said it with a shy voice, filled with innocence and looking at him with a little smile. But soon she lost it, sadness invading her face, "A-and I didn't want to wake her. She deserves to sleep. She was the one they... M-mommy was..."
With growing terror, he could see as new tears gathered in her eyes, threatening to fall with each new second. He had to do something, and fast. Praying that he would be able to stand up later, he seated down, leaving the axe at his side. Anna looked at him, confused, but with a big effort, he opened his arms a little and the girl understood.
He wasn't sure if it would work, but her mother had reassured her with hug, hadn't she?
In an instant, she was on him, hugging him with all the strength a child could muster, and whispered in his chest, "T-thank you."
He nodded again. She was welcome.
He wasn't able to return the hug, but Anna didn't minded. Soon, she put the pillow in his chest and curled against him. He was pretty sure it was impossible the girl found the position comfortable, but if that was she needed, he would gave it to her. After a little, she closed her eyes and covered herself with the blanket.
"I knew it." she murmured with a sleepy tone, "You are very warm."
Warm? He didn't think a metallic armor could be warm, but soon Anna was deep asleep, so he would take her word for it. He looked at the girl resting against him. It was strange, how she could find peace at his side. He had to admit, in these few days he had grown fond of the little girl, enjoying her laughs and smiles. She surely was too cute, but beyond that, she really made him feel... warm.
"I should have known she was here."
The new voice surprised him, but he knew the owner, so he kept himself for doing a sudden move and awakening Anna. Slowly, he looked up and found Eli, looking at the two of them with eyes full of relief.
"She almost scared me to death when I woke up and she wasn't in her bed. So... thank you, for keeping an eye on her."
He didn't move. He hadn't done anything, just sit down and letting the girl use him a big, stuffed toy. But his lack of reaction caused a reaction in the woman he didn't expect. Eli sighed, exasperated and began to rub her face.
"This... this is ridiculous. I-I don't know how to talk to you, if I can talk to you. I mean, I don't know if you are alive." she shook her head and sighed again, "Can you even understand me?"
That was a easy one, so careful to not wake Anna, he nodded once.
The woman blinked, "You-you nodded? Are you saying you really can understand me?" another nod, "Whoa. I-I mean, I didn't expect that. Can... can you talk?"
Well, the obvious answer was no, but when he tried to shook his head, his neck remained frozen. So, he could move his neck to nod but not to say no? What kind of logic was that!? He tried again but to no avail. After a full minute of silence, Eli tilted her head.
"That's... that's a no? A maybe?" he couldn't do anything but nod, so he remained still. Finally, she sighed, "It... it doesn't matter. Maybe it will be easier this way, at least you can understand me. I... I wanted to say sorry, for being distant and cold before, even if you had just saved me. I-I was afraid. I didn't know who or what you were, so kept my distance. But of course, Anna didn't, and you let her, being her rock when she needed. I... I am so sorry."
This time he really wanted to shook his head, to reassure her that she hadn't done anything wrong. It was the normal reaction, it was Anna the one who had surprised him. He didn't blame her for it. However, he couldn't say anything, just wait as the woman breathed and regained her words.
"But, more than apologizing, I... I wanted to say thank you." she smiled a little, "I decided I won't be afraid of you anymore. Who you are, what you are, nothing of that matters. What matters is what you did for us. So thank you. Thank you for saving the town, thank you for saving me, but first and foremost," she looked directly at his eyes, tears welling up in hers, "Thank you for saving Anna."
After that, she kneeled to the ground and began to rub Anna's head. He just observed the scene in silence, amazed at the myriad of emotions he could see in Eli eyes as she looked at her daughter. Positive and beautiful emotions mixed with a worry and fear greater than any other. With her hand still in Anna's hair, she began to talk.
"I don't know if you know... well, I don't know if you can know things, but this country is in war. Has been for many centuries. Humans against the queen of the dark elves, Olga Discordia. But she uses monster for her armies, and said monsters just want to eat, kill and rape, usually using women to satisfy those three needs." she shivered and hug herself hard, some tears failing from her eyes, "Anna's father... we lost him to this war. I think she barely remembers him, she was too little then, but she know why he didn't come back, why he never will. And if she had lost me as well..."
He feared she was going to break down and really cry, but after some seconds she took a big breath and calmed herself, "The troops were coming, they probably would have arrived in time to save her, but probably I would be beyond salvation at that point. And that would have kill her." she closed her eyes and shook her head, trying to erase those thoughts, "She is just a little girl, she shouldn't have to experience this cruel reality. I wish she could grow in a world free of this horrible war. But I am just a me, I can only protect her so much, no matter how hard I try."
Then she looked up at him, the light of gratitude and hope shining in her eyes, "But today... you did it. You protected her from the war, you kept the monster away from corrupting her soul. Even now, in her dreams, I know she feel safe because you are here. So again, thank you. Thank you for protecting her from the darkness of this world. Thank you... for protecting her innocent smile for a little more."
After that, a smiled appeared in her face, one that was so alike Anna's that it was impossible to say they weren't mother and daughter. But Eli's smile didn't completely reached her eyes, still shadowed by fear and worry for Anna. But beyond that, he was convinced she was afraid as well. She was the one who had been attacked, the one who had been almost raped. She couldn't forget that in less than a day. He was moved by her apology and gratitude, and now wanted to reassure her, protect her the same way she believed he had protected Anna.
...
Well, it had worked with the daughter.
With careful precision to avoid disturbing Anna's sleep, he moved his other arm, opening a little of space between his legs and looked at the woman. She looked at him with confusion, then blinked in realization, and finally chuckled, covering her mouth with one hand to avoid making noise.
"So, you offer me to sleep in your arms even if we know each other for less than a week? Oh my, how bold of you, Sir Knight." she said with a teasing smile, cleaning some tears with her finger. Then she froze and looked at him, "If you don't mind it. The name Sir Knight, I mean. I know Anna called you that in a whim, but it seems, I don't know... fitting."
He blinked at the sudden change of topic. The name was childish and inexact, but he nodded before he could really think about it. He couldn't help it, he really liked the name. Her smile softened and she nodded as well.
"Sir Knight then. I..." she bit her lip and remained in silence for some minutes, pondering her options. Finally, she shook her head with a smile he couldn't decipher, "I think I will humbly accept you offer. But only as long as you behave like a gentleman."
He didn't know how to reply to the last part, but it seemed she wasn't expecting any. Being careful of the child already curled against him, Eli sat against him, using the big pillow Anna had brought with her. Looking at the girl, she took her and wrapped her arms around her. Anna let out a little sound but didn't wake up. When she was happy with the position, she relaxed against him.
"How strange." she whispered as she hugged Anna and closed her eyes, "You are... warm. As if you have been close to the fire for a little. It's... nice."
He inwardly smiled. Yeah, definitely mother and daughter.
After a couple of minutes, he could hear Eli's soft and spaced breathing, so he supposed she was already asleep. She... really had told him a lot. Not only about Anna and her, but of this world as well. He already knew about the war thanks to some conversation he had heard, but knowing it had lasted for centuries... he couldn't imagine it. He couldn't do anything about it, but at least he had protected these people from it.
He looked at the two girls sleeping against him and softly nodded, basking in the warm feeling. Even if he was again seated on the ground, this night was better than the other ones at the forge. And for many reasons.
Looking up to the starry sky again, he relaxed and decided to enjoy the moment and forget about everything else. There would be time for that tomorrow.
In one of the tents, Maia, Elena and Sera were seated in a circle, preparing to sleep. But first, there was a subject they needed to talk about.
"So," the Princess Knight started, "What we have about our friend, the big bad armor?"
Elena snorted at the name, but Sera just sighed, used to her leader antics, and looked at her, "It's hard to say. I studied it a little during the party, but the results of the analysis are… strange. It probably is a magical, combat golem, but I can't confirm the magical part."
Maia blinked, "What do you mean?"
"It has some kind of power, that I assure you. But it's not magic. At least, not one I know of. It was like... a flame, burning and moving..." Sera's eyes unfocused for a moment, but she soon shook her head, "Whatever that armor is, there is definitely some kind of power moving it, but I can't say if the metal in enchanted or there is something inside. If you want my opinion, I would be cautious. For what we know, it could be one of the Dark Queen experiments with dark magic."
The Princess Knight rubbed her chin, pondering it. It was possible, but she believed it wasn't the case. However, before she could talk, Elena said her opinion.
"I disagree." the blonde said with conviction, "I have been asking the townspeople, and it's like the blacksmith said. They found the armor in the forest some days ago, abandoned and with plants growing over it. So it's safe to say, it has been there for some years at least. Then it didn't move a finger for days until today, when the running squad attacked the town. The orc took the woman, her daughter cried for help and with that," she snapped her fingers, "the armor awoke and beheaded a big orc as if it was nothing. Not the behavior of a dark experiment, don't you think?"
Sera nodded to her friend, accepting her point. For her part, Maia agreed with Elena. If the armor truly was some kind of combat golem, the Dark Queen wouldn't have left it in the middle of the forest to rot. Olga Discordia was many things, but sadly, stupid wasn't one of them.
But beyond that, Elena had mentioned what had been in her head since they had first heard the tale.
"For now, I want to believe the big guy is a friend and not some kind of trap, but we will keep an eye on him nonetheless." she said it while looking at Sera, the mage nodding at her words, "But before that, I think we should discuss why started to move then. Why just then and not before?"
Silence reigned in the tent for several seconds. Then Elena blinked and looked at her leader, "The reason is clear, isn't it? I mean, the people cried for help and it answered to that. Why it was enough to make it move, I don't know, but frankly, I am glad it was."
"Ah, but it wasn't to the peoples cries that he answered." Maia grinned, a little smugness showing in her face, "It reacted to the girl's cries."
Elena blinked again, but Sera narrowed her eyes, "What are you getting at?"
Maia grinned even more, "The little girl, Anna, likes to talk. A lot. Just some question and you can't stop her, even if her mother was panicking because she was talking to a Princess Knight with not enough respect." she shook her head and snorted, "Pfff! As if I wanted to be treated like some spoiled noble." the image of a fat, blonde boy came to her mind and made her shiver.
The day she began to behave like Michelle Pantielle, it was the day she would kill herself.
"The thing is, the girl was very proud of the armor, or as she calls him, of Sir Knight. And specially because she is the first person who saw him in the forest. Her mother arriving after her."
Her two guards gaped at her, understanding what she was trying to say but having difficulties to accept it. Finally, Elena was the first to close her mouth, finding her voice again even if it was filled with disbelief.
"What? Are you saying that thing believes the first thing it sees its her mother or something? Like some kind of duck? That's fucking crazy!"
"Magical imprinting onto the first human it sees..." Sera mused, pondering the possibility. After a little while, she sighed, "It would be one of the most horrible designs imaginable, but who knows? I have seen crazier things in some magical artifacts. Especially, when they are made by self-called 'genius'."
Maia laughed at the mage's sarcasm. It was easy to see what Sera thought about those famous artisans. However, that wasn't the important part. She waited until Elena recovered the calm before resuming the conversation. The blonde let out a big breath and relaxed.
"Ok. Ok. The armor is a duck. A big, black, metallic duck. If Sera says it's possible, I can believe. But what it means for us?"
"For now, nothing." Maia said as she stood up and went to the tent opening, her eyes scanning the outside "It's just a theory, I have no proof. However, if it's true, it would surely have its uses. Especially, if I am right about my hunch."
The last comment sent a shiver down the spine of the two guards. Elena groaned and Sera began to rub the bridge of her nose, anticipating a future headache.
"Great, another of her hunches." Sera sighed, "And what is this time about, if I may ask?"
Maia chuckled, "Let's say it's a secret. Besides, I have to test him before I can be sure. I will do it first thing in the morning. After that, I will know if I was right."
Elena was very worried about the 'test' part, but knowing the redhead wouldn't say anything more, she focused on the part that had found strange, "Him?"
The Princess Knight blinked and then shrugged her shoulders, her eyes stopping the search when she found what she wanted, "Yeah, him. What can I say? It's hard to think about the big guy as an 'it'."
Elena raised a brow, "But not that i-he," she corrected, "thinks the girl is his mother?"
Maia laughed, "Ok, I should have explain it better. I thinks it's more like a master-servant relationship. Besides," her expression softened as she looked at something outside the tent, "I think the parent-child relationship would be the opposite."
Both women blinked at their leader. Then, they stood up and went to the opening as well to see what she was talking about. Then, they saw a very strange sight.
The armor was there, seated at last, but he wasn't alone. He had his legs separated, and in the space left, Eli and Anna were curled against his chest, only a pillow and a blanket to give them comfort. It had to be an uncomfortable position, if not for the hard ground, for the cold metal. But both of them were deeply asleep, happy and peaceful smiles in their faces. The three women observed the scene for a little more before closing the tent and went to sleep with a warm feeling in their chests.
As she closed her eyes, Maia couldn't help but think that the next day would be very interesting.
The morning started with relative peace. The sun was fairly over the trees when the town began to awake. It seemed that the previous day events had granted them a day of sleeping in. Eli and Anna had woken up a little before, when the sunlight had hit them in their eyes. He was a little proud that they had seem well rested and hadn't had any nightmare during the night. Both had thanked him with smile although Eli had a light blush as well, but he didn't know why.
After that, he had stood up -to his immense relief- and regained his watching stance. Someone had to do it, after all, the passed out soldiers couldn't. When they finally woke up, they began to dismantle the tents and gather all their things. The process was slow, as almost all of them had a huge hangover, but Maia -who didn't seem affected at all- kept shouting at them to keep them motivated and in pain.
It seemed they were preparing to go, so he didn't pay much attention. However, that changed when he noticed the Princess Knight approaching him with a wooden sword in each hand. He wasn't the only one to see it, half the town stopping what they were doing to look at them. Finally, she arrived before him and with a smile, she stuck one of the sword into the ground.
"So, how about we have a friendly spar, big guy?" she asked as if it was an everyday thing.
He blinked. He knew what a spar was. Fake fights to improve each other through combat. Soldiers did it constantly, but why she wanted to spar with him? He didn't see any benefit for a single spar before they parted ways. Besides, his body remembered how to fight and kill. Sparring wasn't between his abilities.
After a minute with no reaction from his part, the Princess Knight sighed, "Come on, it's just a little fight to see how strong you are. It's stage fright? Or are you worried about losing? Relax, I won't humiliate you... much."
She ended with a teasing grin, but it wouldn't work with him. Simple taunts weren't enough to move him. But it seemed they were enough to affect other people.
"Don't let her say that! Fight, Sir Knight! Prove what a hero can do!"
He turned his head to look at a excited Anna, her mother grabbing her shoulders as she looked around with worry, afraid of her daughter offending the Princess Knight. Luckily, Maia didn't seem even annoyed, just looking at the girl with a strange expression. He looked again to Anna and found her eyes looking directly to his, determined expression and a supportive smile in her face.
A bright smile, so different from the tears he had seen the last night. And with that, another memory of the night came to him.
"So again, thank you. Thank you for protecting her from the darkness of this world. Thank you... for protecting her innocent smile for a little more."
...
Damn.
There was a general gasp as the armor began to move. The clank of metal sounded as he advanced to the wooden sword. After looking at it for a second, he dropped the axe in his hand and grabbed the new weapon. The people whispered and the soldiers tensed, but Maia just smiled, satisfied. Still doubtful, he looked again towards Anna, but she nod at him, an even bigger smile in her face, and that erased his doubts at the same time that confirmed his fears.
It seemed he was weak against the hope of little girls.
In front of him, the Princess Knight looked at him with a teasing grin, "Well, it seems we only needed a little girl to make you move." she laughed, "Don't worry, I understand it. It's very hard to say no to those puppy eyes."
He would have laughed at her words, but again, that wasn't possible. However, even with the carefree tone of her tone, he had seen something strange in her eyes when she had talked. A glint of... something. He wasn't sure, but whatever it was he didn't feel it had been evil, so for now he would focus in the spar.
The woman was already prepared, so he imitated her, raising the sword to a combat position and holding his 'shield' close to his body. Maia blinked with the last action, but didn't say anything. Both fighters looked at each other for some seconds, but he didn't want to lose time waiting. He didn't remember how to read an opponent, so he just would let his body do what was integrated in it.
With a sudden step, the armor advanced and tried a horizontal slash. Maia was clearly the agility-kind of fighter, ducking down the attack an replying in kind. He couldn't avoid it, so he blocked with his left arm, wood and metal clashing with a heavy thud. He blinked when he felt the surprisingly strong blow from the slim woman, but she would need more than that to make him step back.
For a second, Maia blinked confused at his lack of reaction to her slash, but battle honed instincts made her jump back before another attack could hit her. However, before she could regain her stance, the armor quickly changed position, recovering from the failed slash and thrusting with his whole body. She hadn't time to duck, so Maia used her own sword to divert the attack. With the dexterity that characterized her, she was able to accomplish the risky maneuver.
Sadly for her, she wasn't ready for the almost instantaneous next slash.
With a fast movement, the Princess Knight used the flat side of the sword to stop the attack, using her other hand to support even more the block. However, she wasn't ready for the strength behind the slash. She almost cried in pain with the impact, her bones rattling as she was pushed back by an unstoppable force. Maia almost fell to the ground, but in the last instant she recovered the equilibrium.
After recovering, the redhead looked at the armor with calculating eyes, but soon abandoned the thought when she saw him approaching again, sword ready.
"Okay, stop, stop! I need a second after that." she let out a relieved sigh when he did stopped, "Well, that was a mistake from my part, I didn't expect such strength. But fuck! I have seen kicks from horses packing less punch than that attack!"
She laughed after that, but he was worried. He really didn't have enough control yet to hold back. His body remembered how to fight, but from what he could see in those flashes, all his fights had been to death. He was afraid he could kill the woman by accident, even with the dull, wooden sword. However, the Princess Knight didn't seem too worried, observing him now that she had time. With a final nod, she looked directly at his helmet.
"You use some kind of swordsmanship, simple and without flourishes, but a battering ram doesn't need them. Just enough to keep attacking until one hit connects, and probably that is all you need to win. Your strength is monstrous, maybe even stronger than Vault..." the last part was said with a hint of awe in her voice, "And that with just a light sword and using one hand. Ah, that reminds me... Hey! Someone give me a shield!"
The last order was directed to the soldiers, who were still amazed by the skill and power they had seen in the spar. However, hours of military training finally kicked in and one man passed her his shield. Maia studied it for a little bit and nodded. Then, she handed the shield to the armor.
"I have seen how you keep your arm close to your chest, as if you were holding a shield. So here, try it."
He blinked, but obeyed nonetheless, the chance of using a shield at last enough to silence any doubt. He grabbed and held it with his left hand, adjusting the leather straps to his arm. It was a simple heater shield, enough to cover his torso and nothing more. Made from sturdy but cheap metal. It wasn't like the big shields he remembered, enormous chunks of metal made by the best blacksmiths and reinforced to the point they could endure the attacks of gods.
And however... just having a shield in his hand, any kind of shield... it felt so right.
The woman's voice interrupted his musing, "I can see you were dying to have a shield, weren't you?" she smiled, "Well, now you have one, and I can say you look more complete with it. So," she regained a combat stance, "Show me what you can do when you are at your best."
He moved his eyes from the shield and looked at the woman. This wasn't his best, these weren't the sword and shield his body wanted to use, just poor replacements. But she was right in one thing. Since he had come to this world... no, since a long time ago before that, he hadn't felt so... so...
Complete.
With a powerful dash, she approached the woman, the weight of a sword and a shield in his hands triggering even more flashes of his past fights. Even with the abrupt start, Maia reacted with a dexterity and grace he couldn't hope to imitate. He had surprised her once with his strength, but it seemed it would be the last as well. The Princess Knight danced around his attacks, just deflecting in the close calls and never blocking. With every opportunity, she retailed, throwing at him a myriad of attacks.
But none of them passed his shield.
With every attack, every movement, every breath, he regained something he had lost in the Fire. Every blocked attacked reminded him of an everlasting battle against infinite enemies. Every sound of metal stopping wood reminded him of his past life a little more. He didn't have the full picture yet, but it was clear his whole life had been battle. So the more he battled, the more he would remember of what he had forgotten.
The realization was so strong that made him miss how his face shook, his lips twitching until a grin appeared.
For her part, Maia had a grin of her own, shaking her head a little between the exchange of attacks, "Sure, give him a shield. What could go wrong? Besides the fact that it turned a battering ram into a fucking moving fortress!"
Even with such words, her tone was light, not regretting her actions in the least and enjoying the spar. He had to accept he was enjoying it as well, but it was time to finish it. The spar had given him more memories, and there was something he wanted to try. Something he could only do with small shields. So the next instant, he didn't prepare to block. He moved his arm in an arc, moving the shield against the incoming attack with enough strength to break a tree in two.
The change was so sudden Maia didn't have the time to react. Before she knew it, the shield had forced her arm away, leaving her completely open for the next attack, and the armor didn't waste the chance. Without delay between movements, he thrust his sword, ready to impale her. And was in that very instant that both of them realized he could actually impale her even with the wooden sword.
Her eyes widened, but she hadn't enough time to react.
His eyes widened, but he refused to kill the woman.
He didn't have enough control to stop the attack, he had never stopped an attack in his past life, but he knew himself... at least a little. Recently, he had been able to move, but that wasn't enough to forget the eons of immobility. And that was precisely what he was going to use.
He wasn't in a fight. He was frozen in the Fire.
He wasn't in a fight. He was frozen in the Fire.
He wasn't in a fight. He was frozen in the Fire.
He. Was. Frozen!
His muscles contracted, blocking himself in the middle of the thrust, the sword stopping just before reaching her chest. The sudden stop created enough wind to shake Maia's hair and clothes, but she didn't noticed it, too busy looking at the point of the sword. With a tentative gesture, she raised her hands over her head and looked at him with an unsure face.
"Ahhhhh... I yield?"
After a second, he regained enough control to move his arm and lowered the sword. Maia sighed with relief and the soldiers let out a breath they didn't know they were holding, releasing the handles of their swords. However, no one was more alleviated than himself. It had been very close, one second more and he could have killed the woman. Luckily, his body was more used to freezing than to moving, but it had been too risky. He wasn't going to spar ever again.
"You did it, Sir Knight! You won!" Anna shouted at him from his side with a big smile, bright enough to light a moonless night, "I knew you would win! After all, a true hero never loses!"
…
On the other hand, one or two spar battles in controlled conditions couldn't hurt, could they?
"Good fight, big guy. You are stronger than you look… and you don't look weak, you know?" Maia laughed at her own joke. Then, she look at him, serious and with a strange gleam in her eyes, "I knew I was right. This proves you can help them."
He had the impulse to tilt his head, but his neck didn't respond. Maia just looked at him with a determined expression and lowered her tone, enough that no one but him could hear her.
"We are planning to end this war for good. And with you by their side, big guy..." she nodded and the determination in her eyes intensified, "Yes, I am sure that if you work with Vault and the Kuroinu, there will be nothing capable of stopping you!"
Inside his helmet, he blinked. Just his second day with the ability to move, and it seemed destiny had already a new purpose for him, and a big one at that. 'Stopping the war', it sounded like the kind of thing that was almost impossible, but Maia had talked about a plan. Was it plausible? He didn't know it, it could perfectly be a suicide mission. He could choose to do nothing. However...
I just wish she could grow in a world free of this horrible war.
Damn, he really was weak to little girls. Or maybe to hopeful mothers, it was hard to say.
It could be a suicide mission, but if there was even the smallest chance to stop the monster attacks he would try. Maybe it wasn't the smart decision, but no one had said he was smart. Anna saw him as something he wasn't: a knight, a hero. He knew he wasn't any of those things... but he wanted to be. He wanted to earn those looks of adoration, those warm smiles. Was it a selfish reason to help? Maybe, but it was enough for him. Now, he had just one question left.
Who the hell were Vault and the Kuroinu?