The Four Cardinal Heroines

by The Crimson Yinglet

Peach, Amy, Krystal, and Zelda have been pulled from their worlds to save another world from the Wave of Calamity. But there seem to be other forces at play to make them suffer. Hopefully, their strength and teamwork can overcome these evil forces. Rated M for adult themes.

3. Chapter 3

Disclaimer I do not own the rights to Rising of the Shield Hero, Star Fox, The Legend of Zelda, Sonic the Hedgehog, or Mario characters.

Chapter 3: The Rescue of Lurolona

Back in the inn, Raphtalia had just asked the four heroines to save the rest of her friends in captivity.

"Okay, Raphtalia, we'll do it, but we need some info first."

Amy said.

"Yes, if you help find them back at the shop, we can buy them all."

Peach answered.

"No, they're not at the shop. I was the only one there. They are owned by a noble."

"Okay, which noble, Raphtalia?"

Krystal asked.

"He's called Rabier."

"Okay, sounds easy enough. We find Rabier, beat him up, and free his slaves."

"I'm afraid it won't be that easy, Lady Amy."

"Why is that, Rino?"

Rino went on to explain who Rabier was. His full name was Idol Rabier, one of the wealthier and more powerful nobles in Melromarc. He was also a veteran of the war against Siltvelt and a good friend of King Aultcray. Attacking him and freeing his slaves would bring unwanted consequences, especially to those they wished to save. With this new information, the four heroines would have to rethink their strategy. An all-out attack would be a last resort.

"Alright, I have a plan. First off, did you three insert the gold coins into your weapons yet?"

Peach asked. When they found out about the silver weapons, Peach made sure to exchange four hundred silver for four gold coins. So they could unlock the golden version of their weapons. The other three heroines nodded and transformed the weapons into their golden forms.

"Great, we're going to need a lot of gold for this plan to work."

Peach went on to explain the plan of what they were going to do.

The next morning

Aultcray was sitting on his throne when one of his shadows approached him.

"Speak. What have you to report of the Cardinal Heroes?"

"They left for the woods last night and have not returned yet, your majesty."

"Make sure our guards keep an eye out for them, and have our shadows in the other towns and checkpoints do the same! I want to know of any actions they take!"

"Yes, your majesty."

The shadow said with a bow and left. Aultcray was now left alone with his thoughts. The trial had been a complete disaster. His and Malty's attempt to demonize the Shield had utterly failed and turned the other three heroes against them. Not only that but it also hurt their reputation and trust among the nobles and people of Melromarc. Reichnott's insistence on interrogating the slavers had caused a massive argument between the nobles. Fortunately, the slavers had "broken" their bonds and attempted to escape, forcing the knights to kill them. But the contract the Spear had left behind went missing. He could only hope that it was lost or destroyed and that it didn't end up in the hands of one of his enemies.

But now came the problem of the Cardinal Heroines. With their refusal to obey him, he thought the only option was to kill them and try to summon more loyal heroes. But Lesty's and his shadow's report of the Spear's stats and magical affinities made that almost impossible. If what they said about her stats and magic affinities were true then she could defeat his entire army with ease. That meant the only option left was to try and sway the Spear Heroine to their side.

"Papa."

Malty said as she entered the throne room.

"Is something wrong?"

"Oh, it's nothing Malty. Just trying to find a solution to our problem with the Cardinal Heroes."

"Have we not been able to keep tabs on them? Perhaps it is time we kill these devils in disguise and summon the true Cardinal Heroes."

"While I did consider that option, the Spear Heroines stats and magical affinities make that task near impossible."

"Perhaps an assassination then, Father. Even the strongest warrior falls to an unexpected dagger in the dark, or poison in their food and drink."

"I have considered that, but that damn Sword demi seems to know when our shadows are near. And can predict their every action."

From the shadow's reports from yesterday, the Sword Heroine seemed to always know when a shadow was watching and/or following her. She had led three of them into alleyways where she managed to kill them. After the third death, it was decided to always stick to public settings and never follow her into a secluded area, as she seemed to not do anything with people around.

"Damn that filthy fox! Then that leaves only one option, to bring the Spear Heroine to our side."

"Indeed, but she seems to be extremely protective of the other heroines. I am at a loss for ways to convince her of the Shield's maliciousness."

"Hmm, I have an idea. Papa, the shadow's reports stated that the heroines had just bought a slave, correct?"

"Yes, they did."

"Good, we can use that to our advantage."

Malty then told the plan to her father who smiled with glee.

"I see, excellent plan, Malty. Once we have the Spear on our side we can use her to strong-arm the Sword and Bow to join us while ostracizing the Shield Devil."

Malty began to grin wickedly at this. If all went according to plan, she would be next in line for the throne.

Later that night in Rabier's territory

It was late into the evening and Rabier was walking to the main room of his mansion. He was irritated that someone had asked for him at this hour and interrupted his favorite game. The torture of his slaves. He was a cruel man who took pleasure in torturing demi-humans, especially children. He believed that through this torture he was saving them and guaranteeing them a place in heaven by making them atone for the sin of being a filthy demi. There were a few things that ruined this pastime for him. One was that raccoon demi he sold back to Beloukas yesterday.

She had grown emotionally detached and no longer reacted to his torture of her. She had become a boring toy and he sent her back. He had hoped that separating her from her fellow demis would bring out some reaction. Alas, it did not, and she was gotten rid of. Now he was going to play with his other toys, such as the weasel demi who was close to the raccoon. The weasel seemed to be near death and Rabier planned to finish the job tonight. But his servant had told him he had a guest who asked to see Rabier.

Rabier didn't know who wanted to see him at this hour, but they wanted to speak to him about his treatment of demi-humans. He assumed it was Reichnott, whose lands neighbored his. Reichnott was a filthy animal lover who preached about treating demi-humans fairly and ending the slavery of demi-humans. He even forbid the slavery of demi-humans on his lands and had settlements of free demi-humans. This disgusted Rabier and he went out of his way to try and stop it.

He paid slavers and bandits to raid the settlements closest to his lands and capture any demi-human they could. Reichnott would try to stop him and save the demi scum. He was successful in preventing most of the enslavement of the demi-humans under his care, but he could not stop Rabier. Thanks to Rabier's connections with Aultcray, he always escaped punishment. And with the queen's absence, he had even more freedom, such as when Aultcray let him raid Lord Seaetto's lands after his death and enslave every demi there.

He expected this to be another futile attempt from Reichnott to stop him. But, to his surprise, it was not Reichnott in his home. It was a tall woman, with long crimson hair, a red dress, red gloves, jet-black eyes, and pale white skin. She was beautiful, but what caught his attention was the slave she had on a leash. It was the raccoon demi he sold back to Beloukas, but something was different about her. There was life in her eyes again. Rabier was curious about this development and greeted the crimson lady.

"Hello, and welcome to my humble abode. I am Idol Rabier, lord of these lands and war hero of the Siltvelt war. Tell me, what is your name and why are you here, my lady."

The woman bowed with grace and gave a small smile back.

"Good evening, Lord Rabier, I am Lady Persephone. And I came to ask about your treatment of demi-humans."

Rabier's smile was replaced by a frown.

"I see, Lord Reichnott sent you to convince me to stop-"

"Oh no, Lord Rabier, you misunderstand."

Lady Persephone said as she knocked Raphtalia to the ground. She then placed her heel on Raphtalia's neck and pulled her leash, choking her.

"After learning from this animal about your treatment of demi-humans, I was interested. I wanted to see how you "take care" of these filthy, vile, disgusting, beasts."

Lady Persephone said with a sadistic grin while pulling the leash harder. Rabier smiled at this, finding a woman with the same beliefs as him. And a woman who was beautiful as well.

"Very well, Lady Persephone, follow me. I will show you my ways."

Persephone followed Rabier down to his dungeons while she pulled Raphtalia on the leash. Once there, she saw cages filled with demi-human slaves, most of them children. Rabier went on to explain his torture methods and how he is ensuring these beasts get a place in heaven thanks to him. They continued until she saw a weasel child. The child was sprawled out on the floor near death.

"Oh, this one will be in heaven by the end of the night. I'll make sure of it."

Rabier said in a sadistic tone.

"Rabier, may I?"

Persephone asked, pointing at the child.

"Oh, I see. Very well, you may have the honors, my lady."

Persephone entered the cell where the weasel child was. She then raised her hand which had now turned pitch black with magic power. She thrusts her hand towards the child and, to everyone's surprise, heals her of all injuries and brings her back from the brink of death.

"You, you saved me?"

The child asked. But Persephone just laughs.

"Oh, you poor, dimwitted, beast. I didn't "save" you. I just can't have you dying, yet."

Persephone had a sinister grin as the same hand that had healed the child was now crackling with dark electricity. She then grabbed the child and dark electricity coursed through her. The child let out a pain-filled scream that chilled all who heard it to the bone, even Idol Rabier. Soon the child fell, once again on the brink of death.

"And now, we do it again."

Persephone said as she healed the child of all injuries again.

"No, no please!"

Persephone once again electrocuted the child and healed her so she doesn't die. The weasel girl was left curled up on the floor when Persephone exited her cell.

"You see, Lord Rabier, death is a mercy. One only I can grant when I see fit."

Rabier just laughed and clapped at the show.

"Marvelous, Lady Persephone! That was a brilliant show! Perhaps I should hire personal healers so my toys can last as long as possible."

While Rabier was pondering this, Persephone gazed upon all the other slaves who looked at her with fear. She grew a wide grin that only terrified them even more.

"Lord Rabier, how much?"

"Huh? What do you mean, Lady Persephone?"

"I want to buy all these "toys", so I can play with them in my dungeon, where my magic is strongest."

Persephone explained as she clenched her fist, which crackled with dark electricity.

"I see, normally I wouldn't let them go, but for you, two hundred gold."

Persephone opened a black portal that she pulled a bag of money from.

"Here."

She handed it to Rabier, who counted the money and was most pleased.

"Excellent! They're all yours."

Persephone made magic leashes from her dark magic and captured every slave. Soon she and Rabier walked to the entrance of his lands.

"I must say, I'm surprised I had never heard of you before, Lady Persephone."

"I have been training my dark magic for years, Lord Rabier. I have only just returned and wanted to purchase some new toys to play with. That is when I found this raccoon and she told me all about a kindred spirit who had many more toys to play with."

"I see, perhaps we should talk some more and get to know each other more intimately."

Rabier said as he caressed Persephone's backside.

"Oh my, perhaps another night, Lord Rabier. It is late and I want to play with my new toys before I retire for the night."

"Yes, yes, I understand. Until then, Lady Persephone."

Rabier said as he kissed her hand.

"Until then, Lord Rabier."

Persephone said with a bow and left with her new slaves. They continued walking until they came upon some carriages with filolials attached to them.

"Get in."

Persephone ordered. Not wanting to incur her wrath, the slaves obeyed. Soon the filolials pulled the carriages to their new destination. Many of the demi-humans were dreading their future. Rabier was a monster who tortured them for his sick amusement, but the release of death was their only mercy at the end of it all. But this demon could deny them death! She could prolong their suffering for as long as she wanted. The weasel girl, Rifana, began to cry profusely. Was there no salvation for them? Would their god, the Shield Hero, not come to save them?

Soon the carriages stopped, and the demi-humans dreaded what was about to happen. The doors opened and they expected hired thugs to pull them out. But instead,

"It's alright, you're all going to be okay now. We're here to save you."

A pink demi-human said. The slaves didn't understand. Was this a rescue? A rebellion? They didn't wait for an answer and followed the pink woman to freedom. That's when Rifana saw it, on the pink woman's arm was a shield. The Legendary Shield.

"Are you, are you the Shield Hero?"

"Yes, I am."

The pink woman answered.

"You came, you came to save us."

Rifana said with tears of joy. Many of the others heard her and looked to their savior. Soon all of them began to surround and praise her. Amy was trying to calm them all down. That's when Rifana remembered.

"Shield Hero, my friend, Raphtalia, is still in danger! Please save her from the demon!"

Rifana pleaded, pointing to the front of the carriages where Persephone was with Raphtalia still on a leash. The demi-humans all backed away, expecting a fight to break out between the crimson demon and their god. But Amy slowly approached Persephone confusing them.

"Hey, are you okay?"

Amy asked Persephone.

"Amy."

She answered, the demi-humans were all confused. Did they know each other?

"Take her. Take her from me now!"

Persephone yelled. Amy did just that and quickly grabbed Raphtalia away from Persephone. Persephone then got off and ran towards a tree. Then, to the demi-humans confusion, she began to bang her head against the tree repeatedly.

"Let go of me. Let go, let go, let go. I SAID LET GOOOOO!"

Persephone said as she continued to bang her head against the tree, drawing blood from her forehead. Soon the air was filled with malice and an ethereal voice could be heard.

"Very well, Peach. You may have your body back. But I'm keeping the Lady Persephone persona. I like it, I like it a lot. And whenever I take control, Lady Persephone will appear. We are the new Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Princess Peach and Lady Persephone, what a catchy name. Until next time, Peach."

The voice said. Soon the malice was gone, and the evil emanating from Persephone disappeared with it and Persephone began to change. Her crimson hair turned blond, and the red dress became pink. When she turned her jet-black eyes were now sky blue. The crimson demon was gone and in her place was a pink princess. As she approached the group the demi-humans were wary, still remembering the evil they felt from Lady Persephone.

"Are you okay, Peach?"

Amy asked.

"I'm fine, Amy. I wasn't expecting the Shadow Queen to have such a strong grip on my body."

Peach said as she used her magic to heal her wounds. She turned to the demi-humans and walked up to them and bowed.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for hurting and frightening you all, but I had to make it believable."

The demi-humans were unsure if to trust Peach, and that is when Rifana steps up.

"So you had to hurt me to save me?"

"Yes."

"Why!?"

A wolf boy yelled from the crowd.

"Why did you have to do that? Why couldn't you just kill the bastard and save us!?"

"Because, despite Rabier being a terrible person, he is still a wealthy and influential noble of Melromarc with ties to the king. If we attacked him we would be waging war against all Melromarc."

Amy explained.

"So? You're the Shield Hero!"

"Even so, it's just us against an army."

Amy said gesturing to her and Peach. As well as Krystal, Zelda, and Rino who were standing nearby.

"We might survive the fight, but you won't. I doubt the king would just be after us. He would more than likely send knights, slavers, or bandits to silence the rest of you about Lurolona."

"How do you know about our home?"

The wolf boy asked.

"Because I told them about it, Keel. The Cardinal Heroes saved me and they saved you too. Even if the way they did it was scary."

Raphtalia answered the wolf boy.

"Yes, I apologize that we had to frighten and hurt you to save you. But I promise, I will not hurt you again."

Peach said. That is when Rifana approached Peach.

"You promise?"

"I promise."

Rifana stared into Peach's eyes for a few minutes before turning to the rest of the group.

"I believe her."

"What, Rifana! She inflicted so much pain on you with her magic."

"I know, Keel. But I don't think she's lying. I can feel kindness from her."

Keel still didn't trust Peach but he trusted his friend's judgment. The rest of the demi-humans talked amongst themselves before turning to Peach and Amy.

"Very well, if the Shield Hero trusts you then so shall we."

A goat man said.

"Good, now."

Peach turned her weapon into a black spear. Thanks to the magic ink Zelda purchased the four heroines unlocked the ink variants of their weapons. These weapons had two unique abilities. They could place slave seals on anyone they touched. They weren't sure if they would ever use this ability, but then they read that the owner of a slave could place special rules, such as no lying. This could prove useful if they ever encountered someone like Malty again. The next ability was what they wanted. They could also remove slave seals on anyone they touched. Both abilities required at least five seconds of physical contact with the target.

"All right, line up so we can remove your slave seals."

Peach said as Amy, Krystal, and Zelda also brought out their ink weapons. The demi-humans formed lines to have their slave seals removed. After that, they all began to cheer and cry at the joy of being free.

"Now then, where is your home?"

Amy asked. All the cheering stopped before the goat man spoke up again.

"Lurolona, our home, was destroyed. First by the waves and then by the king's knights."

"We can take you back there and help you rebuild."

"Really? Will you truly help us rebuild our home?"

"Of course, we're the Cardinal Heroes after all."

Amy said with a smile. The demi-humans looked at Peach, Krystal, and Zelda who gave similar smiles and nods. They then noticed the weapons they had. While their religion stated that the Shield was a hero and the other three weapons were demons, they didn't sense any malice or deceit coming from the other three heroes. And with the Shield's approval, they decided to trust them.

"Very well, let me lead you to Lurolona."

The goat man said as he took the reigns of the lead cart. Soon the caravan of freed demi-humans and the four Cardinal Heroes took off towards Lurolona. Once they reached Lurolona, the demi-humans looked upon it with despair. Nothing was left except the rubble and ruins of their once peaceful town. Many of the children began to weep silently, remembering that their parents were killed in the first wave. That is when Peach spoke up.

"I know it seems bleak, but your town can be rebuilt."

"Yeah, and we will be here to help you along the way."

Amy added. The villager's despair was now replaced with hope. But it was late and the freed demis needed rest. That is when the four heroines began to pull out blankets and sleeping bags from their item spaces.

"Form lines, we have enough for everyone."

Krystal said. Soon the villagers were settling in for the night while the four heroines gathered together to have a discussion. That is when Raphtalia ran up to them.

"Excuse me."

"Yes, what is it, Raphtalia?"

Amy asked.

"I know you've already done so much for us, but could you also save Eclair?"

"Who's Eclair?"

"She is the daughter of Lord Seaetto. When the knights attacked, she tried to protect us from them. But there were too many, and she was captured."

"Do you know where she is?"

"No, Lady Spear, I do not. But I remember overhearing one of the knights say she would be tried for treason."

"If that's the case, she would most likely be in the castle's dungeons."

"You're right, Krystal. Rescuing her will be difficult. If only I had some power-ups."

Peach said. She then turned to Raphtalia.

"Don't worry, Raphtalia. We will do all we can to save her. Now go and get some rest. The rebuilding of your home begins tomorrow."

"Okay, thank you, Cardinal Heroes."

Raphtalia said with a gracious bow and left to sleep. That is when Peach turned to the other three heroes.

"So ladies, any ideas on how to save Eclair?"

"I was hoping you would have one, Peach. You did come up with the plan to save the slaves after all."

Amy replied to Peach's question.

Flashback to last night

"Great, we're going to need a lot of gold for this plan to work."

"Okay, Peach, what's the plan?"

"We're going to buy back the slaves, Amy."

Peach announced, the other three just gave her unconvinced looks.

"I'm not sure that'll work, Lady Peach. I'm sure he and the rest of the nobles know who you are by now thanks to that trial. He would know your intentions and do all he can to keep his slaves away from you."

Rino explained.

"Ah, but that's the best part. It won't be me who buys the slaves, but someone else."

"Who?"

"An alter ego I'll create. I'll go in disguise, playing the part of a noble who shares Rabier's beliefs. Once I gain his trust I'll try to convince him to sell me his slaves."

"Okay, but how will you create this alter ego, Peach?"

Krystal asked.

"With this."

Peach transformed her spear into the blood witch spear.

"This spear's ability allows me to transform my appearance into one similar to the blood witch."

"Ah, I see. With that, there's no way Rabier will recognize you."

"Exactly, it also grants me a bonus to persuasion. Making it almost impossible for people who fear or respect me to refuse my demands."

"Nice."

"Yes, now for this to work we'll need your help Raphtalia."

"Okay, what do you need me to do?"

"Raphtalia, your part is the most crucial and the hardest part to play. You have to become my slave."

The others were shocked to hear this.

"What!?"

Amy said in shock.

"Rabier won't believe some random noble just happened to learn about his "hobby". To make my story convincing, it needs to look like I bought Raphtalia and she told me about Rabier's treatment of his slaves."

"I don't know, Peach. It seems too much for,"

"I'll do it!"

Raphtalia said, shocking Amy.

"If it's to save my friends I'll become your slave."

"Are you sure, Raphtalia?"

"Yes, Miss Amy, I want to save them."

"Okay, now to make it convincing I'm going to have to treat you like a slave, Raphtalia. That means I will have to hurt you. Are you okay with that?"

Peach asked. Raphtalia turned to Peach with a determined look.

"Will it save my friends?"

"If everything goes according to plan, yes."

"Then yes, I'm okay with it."

"Good, now Amy, Krystal, you two will be grinding for gold tonight. Zelda, Rino, you two will stay with Raphtalia while I go into the woods to master this ability."

"Shouldn't I go with you, Lady Peach?"

"No, Rino. This ability has a nasty side effect and I don't want to accidentally hurt you."

"Side effect? What side effect?"

"The transformation will also change your personality, right?"

Krystal asked.

"Correct, Krystal. That's why I want to practice using it. So I can figure out how to maintain control."

"Okay, that's a better plan than anything I can think of. Let's go, Krystal."

Amy said as she and Krystal left the inn. Peach soon left after them to master her new ability.

"Okay, that just leaves us, Rino."

Zelda said, receiving a nod from Rino.

Later on, Peach was now alone in the woods. She pulled out the blood witch spear and focused on it. Soon a dark mist began to come from the spear and surround Peach. That is when an ethereal laugh surrounded her.

"Thank you for summoning me, Peach. Now, surrender your body."

"I knew it."

Peach said in reaction to this familiar presence. Her status screen opened up and the concealed title now revealed itself to say "Shadow Queen". Soon Peach was engulfed by darkness.

"Yes! I am resurrected! Now to,"

"Not so fast!"

"What!?"

The Shadow Queen was shocked that Peach was resisting her.

"How!?"

"Last time you caught me by surprise, and I still resisted your control. Now that I'm prepared, how do you expect to control me?"

"Insolent brat! How dare you fight me!"

"Because this is MY body, you are merely a guest. Now you are going to help me save some people from a cruel noble."

"Never!"

Peach and the Shadow Queen continued their inner struggle for control. With Krystal and Amy, they were killing balloons left and right with their gold weapons. But it was a slow process. Each balloon was only worth one gold coin.

"At this rate, we won't have nearly enough gold to save Raphtalia's friends."

Amy said.

"Perhaps we should head further into the woods? Find some stronger creatures to drop more gold."

Krystal suggested. Agreeing with Krystal's suggestion, Amy followed her into the woods. Soon they came upon dire wolves and giant spiders to fight. These creatures dropped three to five pieces of gold per kill.

"Okay, this is better, but we should find stronger creatures."

Amy suggested before Krystal could say anything.

"Stop! Leave me alone! Someone, anyone, please help!"

A cry could be heard nearby.

"Someone's in danger!"

"Let's go!"

Amy and Krystal said as they rushed to the sound. There was a person covered in a robe running from bandits. From the sound of their voice, it was easy to tell this was a woman. She kept on running until she tripped over a tree root. The bandits caught up and laughed at her while they pointed their weapons.

"Please, let me go."

She pleaded.

"Now why would we do that? We're bandits, surely you know how this goes by now."

The girl quickly pulled out her bag.

"Here, this is everything I own. Please, just take it."

"Nope! Wrong answer."

The bandit said as he knocked away her belongings.

"Why would we want your useless crap when a much more valuable prize is right in front of us?"

The girl's eyes widened in horror at this realization.

"Yeah, you'll fetch us a good amount of silver."

"Why sell her?"

Another bandit asked.

"I haven't had a good lay in a while. Let's have fun with her."

The other bandits began to argue over what to do with their prize.

"Shut it, you damn morons! The boss has the final say."

One of the bandits said. Soon the boss walked forward. He was a tall and slender man, wearing a long black coat, with his long hair pulled into a ponytail. The other bandits looked at him, waiting for an answer.

"We're still good from our last job. So tonight we will entertain ourselves with our new sex toy!"

The leader shouted. The bandits all began to cheer as one walked over to the terrified girl. But as he reached for her, a fire blast hit him in the face.

"Get away from her!"

Amy shouted as she and Krystal jumped in front of the girl.

"Who the hell are you!?"

One of the bandits yelled.

"We're the Shield and Sword Heroines."

Amy answered.

"What? I heard that the Sword and the Shield were demis, but I didn't believe it."

"So what? Let's get 'em! We'll have fun with them as well!"

"But they're the legendary heroes. Can we beat them?"

"Why are you hesitating?"

The leader asked.

"There's only two of them against twenty-five of us, not get them!"

"YEAH!"

The bandits shouted as they charged forward. Amy and Krystal equipped their golden weapons.

"So, I block you kill?"

"Sounds like a plan."

Krystal said to Amy.

"Die!"

One of the bandits yelled as he and five of his comrades swung at Amy. Amy blocked their attacks and held them at bay.

"What!?"

One of the bandits said in shock, surprised by Amy's strength. Amy then thrust her shield up, breaking their guards. Krystal took advantage and cut them down. All their bodies turned into piles of gold coins.

"What the hell!?"

One of the bandits said in fear.

"You morons, stop being stupid and coordinate your attacks!"

The leader shouted. The remaining bandits split up to attack Amy and Krystal separately. Amy was blocking all of the bandits sword and axe swings with her shield. They were all covered in a golden aura, not that they cared or noticed.

"Ha! Can't do much without your friend. Eh, Shield demi?"

One bandit mocked. Amy just smiled.

"Oh, we'll see about that."

Amy pushed them off of her and began to glow green. She decided now was the time to try some of the wind spells from the book.

"Rising Twister!"

Amy shouted as she performed an uppercut that formed a small twister, carrying all the bandits attacking her into the sky. She then straightened out her hand.

"Air Cutter!"

She shouted as she sent blades of wind from her hand towards the bandits. Each attack hit and the bandits were killed and turned into gold coins that fell to the ground. Krystal was evading the attacks of the bandits after her. Two tried to attack her from behind, but she performed a backward flip, avoiding the attacks. As she landed, she cut the back of their legs, making them fall to their knees. She then cut their heads off with one swing.

"Damn you!"

One of the bandits yelled as he and two of his comrades rushed toward Krystal. One tried a slash attack, that she backed away from to avoid. Another thrust his sword at her, that she sidestepped. And finally, one tried an overhead attack with his axe. Krystal sidestepped this attack as well, causing the bandit's axe to get stuck in the ground. While he tried to get it out, Krystal thrusts her sword into his stomach and ripped his guts out.

The other two bandits tried to attack again. Krystal parried the first bandit's attack and pushed him to the side. While with the second bandit, she counter-attacked after the parried attack, killing him. The last bandit then looked at Krystal with a mix of fear and anger.

"Damn you. Damn you, you filthy beast!"

The bandit yelled as he rushed forward in anger. Krystal just sidestepped the attack and pushed him forward. Causing the bandit to fall onto the ground. Before he could get up, Krystal stabbed his heart, killing him. Now all that was left was the leader of the bandits.

"Damn useless fools. I have to do everything myself."

The leader said as he pulled out his weapon. It was a green Dadao sword with a black handle. The bandit leader then casts acceleration buffs on himself. Finally, he grabbed his sword with both hands as it began to glow.

"Gale Sword, activate."

The leader was now covered in a bright green aura.

"What was that?"

Krystal asked.

"That's the special ability of my weapon. It grants me access to wind spells, including one that greatly increases my speed. Along with my other speed buffs, I'll kill you before you can blink."

"Is that so? Amy, let me handle this."

Krystal said as she equipped her cerinian sword.

"Okay, Krystal. But if things get dicey I'm stepping in."

Amy replied. The bandit leader just looked at them in anger. Frustrated that they weren't taking him seriously.

"Fine, you stupid fox, you die first."

The bandit leader attacked at blinding speeds. Thanks to Krystal's experience in dogfights with her arwing, she was able to track high-speed targets. But reacting to one was a different story. She was barely able to block the bandit leader's attack. After pushing him off she began to charge her ice magic. She then swung at the bandit, shooting out a freezing mist. But the bandit dodged and looked to the mist. He saw it freeze the tree it hit.

"So, trying to freeze me to stop my movements. A good try, but your ice magic is too slow to hit me."

The bandit leader mocked as he continued to attack. Krystal managed to block his attacks and tried to counterattack, but the bandit leader was too fast. Evading every single one of her attacks. The bandit smiled as he believed his victory was assured, but something began to change. Krystal was blocking his attacks more easily now and even getting closer to hitting him.

Did he slow down, no, his buffs were still active. So how was she predicting his movements? That's when he saw it, the mist. The battlefield was now covered in the ice mist. While it could not freeze him, it now revealed his location and left a trail. Making it easier to predict his movements.

"Clever vixen," he growled, "Whirlwind Slash!"

The bandit leader slashed the air, creating strong winds that blew away the mist.

"Now how will you track me?"

The bandit asked in a condescending tone, but Krystal just smiled.

"I don't need to, I've already won."

"What?"

"Your magic buffs make you incredibly fast, true. But they also rapidly drain your mana. That's why you try to end your fights quickly. In fact, with that last attack, your buffs should be ending right about, now."

The bandit leader's green aura vanished right as Krystal said that.

"No! How did you know about my magic?"

The bandit asked, Krystal just smiled, not wanting to reveal she read his mind to find out his secrets.

"Why tell a dead man?"

"Screw you bitch!"

The bandit leader screamed as he rushed at Krystal. Now without his buffs, Krystal was able to easily parry his attacks and counterattack. Krystal's sword began to glow and she performed an overhead strike. The bandit placed his sword in front of him to block it, but Krystal struck the ground. Causing a small earthquake and launching the bandit leader into a tree. He then fell to the ground and dropped his sword. Krystal stood over him in victory.

"It's over."

"Like hell it is!"

The bandit grabbed some dirt and threw it at Krystal's eyes. She was momentarily blinded and the bandit pulled out a dagger from his coat to kill Krystal with this opening. But Amy came in and blocked the attack with her golden shield, covering the bandit leader in a gold aura.

"You let your guard down, Krystal."

"You're right, thanks for the save, Amy."

Krystal then slashed at the bandit's stomach, severely wounding him and causing him to drop to his knees.

"No, it can't end like this. I can't be defeated by two filthy demis!"

The bandit leader yelled in disbelief. Krystal slashed his neck, finally ending him. The bandit leader's body transformed into a large pile of gold coins, thanks to the effects of Amy's golden shield. After they were done, the two turned to the robed individual.

"Are you okay?"

Amy asked.

"Yes, thank you. How did you do that?"

"Oh, well we've been fighting for a while so we learned how to,"

"No, not that," the robed individual said, interrupting Amy. "How did you turn them into gold?"

"Oh that, it's because of our weapons."

Amy said, showing off her shield while Krystal showed her sword. That's when it dawned on the individual.

"You're the Cardinal Sword and Shield Heroes!? Oh, thank you for saving me!"

The individual said with a bow.

"It's no problem. It was lucky we were nearby when this happened."

"Yes, it was, Lady Shield."

"Please, call me Amy."

"And I am Krystal"

"Okay, my name is Neia."

The robed individual said in response.

"Neia, what a nice name. So why are you out here at this time, Neia?"

Amy asked.

"I was trying to find a place to sleep for the night."

"Why don't you stay at an inn? It's much safer."

"Because, Lady Shield, my currency is worthless here. You see, I'm not from Melromarc."

Neia explained as she removed her hood. She had light blue skin, black tattoo markings on her face, and long black hair. She also had pointed ears similar to Zelda's.

"Oh, I see. Well, here!"

Amy picked up five gold coins and gave them to Neia.

"What!? Are you sure I can have these, Lady Shield!?"

"Of course, we have more than enough now."

"Oh thank you, Lady Shield and Lady Sword."

"It's no problem. Now, let us gather the coins and we'll escort you back to town."

Amy said, receiving a nod from Neia. After picking up the coins and collecting the bandit leader's sword, Amy and Krystal took Neia to a nearby town where she would be safe.

Back to the present

"It's good to know that you managed to save another while preparing for the plan to save Raphtalia's people."

Peach said to Amy.

"Yeah, I wonder how Neia is doing?"

"Why don't we ask her? You can come out, Neia. I know you're there."

Krystal said, looking to a nearby bush. Soon, Neia came out from behind the bush.

"Neia! What are you doing here?"

"Well, Lady Amy, you see, I, um, I,"

"You were swindled and kicked out of town, correct?"

Krystal answered for Neia. Neia just hung her head in shame at this.

"Oh, Neia. What happened? How did you get swindled?"

"Well, the next morning I tried to find work, so I could earn money for myself. I figured I can try to be an adventurer and went to the local guild. The guild chief said he could help me and even give me a head start if I paid the initiation fee."

"And how much was the fee?"

"Four gold, Lady Amy."

The four heroines face palmed at hearing this.

"Neia! That's an obvious scam!"

"I know that now. So, with nothing else, I tried to find you."

"Why?"

"Well, I want to join your party, Lady Shield."

This came as a shock to Amy and the other heroines. They were still in need of party members. Amy pulled out a sleeping bag for Neia.

"I'll think about it. For now, here, it's not much but it beats sleeping on the cold ground."

"Thank you, Lady Amy."

Neia bowed as she took the sleeping bag and went to find a spot amongst the others.

"So, are you considering accepting her into your party, Amy?"

Zelda asked.

"I don't know, she'll be in constant danger if I do. And she needs to learn more about the world and some common sense."

Amy responded.

"True, but the same could be said about us at the beginning. I mean, how long was it before we were able to take care of ourselves."

Peach said bringing up a good point. All four had a lifetime of experience to draw from. Peach with governing her kingdom, Amy with her adventures with Sonic and her friends, Krystal with the years taking care of herself, and Zelda had a century to reflect on her naivety. While they were pondering on this, all four weapons began to vibrate.

"What the?"

Peach said as she and the others examined their weapons. They checked their status screens to see if anything was wrong, but nothing appeared.

"What's happening? At times like this, I wish Rosalina was here. She would be able to find out what was happening."

Peach lamented. The weapons began to vibrate even more, annoying the four heroines.

"Oh come on! Tell me what's wrong already you stupid thing!"

Amy yelled at her shield. Suddenly beams of light shot from the gems of the weapons and into the foreheads of the heroines.

"Ow, what the heck happened?"

Amy asked as she rubbed her head.

"Maybe you pissed the weapons off and we all paid for it."

Krystal said.

"Amy, you should apologize to the weapons."

Zelda added.

"What!? I didn't know they would do that. I just wanted to know why they were vibrating."

Amy said in her defense.

"Well, angry or annoyed weapons aside, what was happening with them? What were those beams of light?"

Peach asked. The other three were wondering the same thing. That is when their status screen popped up in front of them. But there was something off, it was showing static. A gurgled sound then came out.

"H..lo is any... li...ng U. ..e ..gna."

The static began to shift and a picture was coming into focus. The voice was getting clearer as well.

"Hello? Can anyone hear me?"

The voice asked. The heroines were confused by this, but that's when Peach realized something. This voice sounded familiar.

"No way, is that?"

Peach asked herself as she looked at the screen with hope. It then cleared to show an elderly scientist with weird glasses.

"Hello, can you hear me?"

"E. Gadd!"

Peach said in happiness.

"Peach, thank goodness we reached you. And I see that Amy, Krystal, and Zelda are with you as well. Everyone! We made contact!"

E. Gadd yelled to the back of his room. Soon others began to crowd around the screen. Mario, Sonic, Fox, Link, Vanilla, Daisy, and all of their other friends were there. They all began to bombard the four with questions before E. Gadd pushed them back.

"Okay, okay! Let's not overwhelm them. Let's start with the first question. What happened to you four?"

"We're not sure ourselves. We were reading a weird book and the next thing we knew it transported us into this world."

Peach answered.

"I see, I see. We have the books in question here. By hooking them up to this device we were able to reach you."

"Well, that's a start. Any plans to bring us home?"

"Yes, Peach. Rosalina is working with Starlow, Shadow, and Silver to use the seven Star Spirits and seven Chaos Emeralds to try and bring you four back."

"Alright! We're going home!"

Amy cheered, and that is when she felt a tug on her leg. She looked down to see Rifana staring at her. With Rifana were Raphtalia and Keel as well.

"Rifana, Raphtalia, and Keel! Why are you awake?"

Amy asked in concern.

"We heard you cheering. Are you really going to leave us?"

Rifana asked, sadness evident in her voice. That's when it a wave of guilt washed over the four heroines. Were they going to abandon these people? Once they left, Raphtalia and the others would be at the mercy of the cruel king. They would no doubt become slaves again. And what of the waves? Yes, the king and most of the nobles were bastards that deserved hell. But people like Erhard, Rino, and the other shopkeepers they met would suffer. Could they just turn their backs on them?

"E. Gadd, I don't know about the others, but I don't want to go home."

Peach said, with Amy, Krystal, and Zelda nodding in agreement.

"What!?"

E. Gadd yelled in shock.

"Not yet, at least."

Peach explained.

"Look, just sit down and get comfortable. We have one heck of a story to tell you."

And that's the end of the chapter, thank you so much for reading my story. If Neia sounds familiar, it's because she is from BKL777's story. She is his OC and I thought it would be fun to throw her in and see how she would grow with a different set of heroes. I already asked and he permitted me, so expect to see other OCs from his story as he was a big inspiration for this.

Now, yes, I know Keel is a girl, but she presented herself as a boy in the original story so she will be doing the same here until one of the heroes discovers that she is a girl.

Also, the appearance of Peach's alter ego, Lady Persephone, was inspired by a creepypasta of the same name.

With that out of the way, thank you once again for reading my story, please feel free to leave a review, and have a nice day.