Chapter Thirty-Eight: Ray of Hope
"Urgh… ugh…" The burned, red-haired bitch lay unconscious in a bed in her room in the castle. Her entire body was wrapped in bandages soaked in the strongest holy water the city had. Even her face was covered, and that was where the worst damage was.
Motoyasu leaned against the wall nearby. His arms were crossed and his Holy Spear rested on his side. "Damn it…" He muttered.
To his left, doors led to the balcony overlooking the city. The sun was lowering in the evening sky. The rays of light intermingled with the smoke rising from the last fires.
Entire sections of the western part of the Capital had burned to the ground due to the fighting. Knights were still out there pouring holy water onto small fires while tearing down larger buildings and clearing the debris out of the way to keep the larger cursed fires from growing larger and spreading to the other sections of the city. Every knight in the city, both Royal and Church, was being put to work...
Except for those who had been imprisoned under the Pope's orders. Their fates were yet to be decided.
With the citizens evacuated and with the final fires being dealt with, a final casualty report had been generated.
About a hundred knights were dead. Whether from fighting the Cardinal Heroes, the fires, or being caught in the blast of Judgment that had formed a large deep crater where the west gate had formerly been. Hundreds more had injuries and burns, normal and cursed. Only a few civilians had perished in the fires. The vast majority had fortunately fled from the western part of the city when the fighting had first started.
Still, a lot of people had perished. Way more than what there should have been.
Myne had been extremely hurt too… by Naofumi, and by the blast from Judgment. Because he hadn't acted quickly enough. Because he hadn't tried to find another solution. Because he hadn't tried hard enough to talk down Naofumi in settling things peacefully... He was only fortunate the rest of his party had been resting in the Castle.
He didn't know what he'd do if he had more than one hurt girl to worry about. Worry about… and...
"Sir Spear Hero."
Motoyasu looked at the doors. Altara the nun entered the room. Her white hooded robe covered her head and body. "Pope Balamus wishes to know the condition of the First Princess."
...
...
Motoyasu stared for a few seconds. The nun began to shuffle where she stood.
...
"She'll live." He finally muttered. "The doctors said she should be okay in two or three days." Her class-up and her high level, along with top-grade Holy Water meant she'd be up and walking far more quickly than normal adventurers. But it'd still take at least a week before her curse status was fully healed.
"Alright. I will deliver my report to him then." Altara said, bowing respectively to the Spear Hero before turning around to walk out.
"I was told that Naofumi was responsible for Ren and Itsuki's disappearances." Motoyasu suddenly said.
The hooded nun stopped in her tracks.
"If that was true, then why were they there? Why did they fight against us? Why were they helping Naofumi?!" He angrily asked.
…
Altara didn't know why the two heroes had appeared to help Naofumi. She hadn't been told anything about what was happening with Ren or Itsuki. She'd only known that the Shield Devil had been the cause of them disappearing.
"I will… I will bring your concerns up to Balamus-" The nun said, her voice unsure. And worried for the Spear Hero.
"I'm not concerned!" Motoyasu snapped. "I want to know why those two were helping Naofumi when he was kidnapping Myne's little sister!"
Altara sputtered. Trying to think of what to say to calm the Spear Hero down.
"Because we were unsure before if the rumors were true or not."
Motoyasu stopped speaking. Altara looked stunned at Balamus's entry, and then quickly bowed in reverence. The smiling Pope was still arrayed in his Church robes. However, this time, he had a crown on his head. The one that Aultcray had been wearing only hours before.
"Rumors?" Motoyasu asked.
"Sorry, Altara. I decided I should check on the former First Princess myself after sending you. And it appears it was a good thing I did too." The Pope said, giving a weary sigh. "I haven't shared any of this with anyone yet. So I guess it falls on me to explain the finer details of what's been happening."
Motoyasu remained silent. Altara got up and moved reverently to the side to listen. "There have been rumors, unconfirmed before a few days ago, that the Sword and Bow Heroes were meeting the Shield Devil in secret. Going back even before the previous Wave of Catastrophe occurred." The Pope said. "It appears they aren't rumors any longer. Sirs Ren and Itsuki showed today that they are working with the Devil of the Shield for the destruction of our world."
"Wh… what?" Motoyasu asked in surprise.
"I caught the Sword Hero a couple of days ago. Going through the Archives we've faithfully kept on the Waves of Catastrophe. He caused an explosion and escaped, but I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Then I received reports of an army of demi-humans that broke through our border with Shieldfreeden to the East." He informed. "Along with those reports were rumors that the Sword and Bow Heroes led the attack. Massacring all our guards there before opening up the gates for those dreaded abominations." The Pope said.
Motoyasu remained silent. Altara placed a hand on her chest. 'No… it can't be… after all these years…'
"I sent several of my shadows and knights to see for myself if the rumors were true. And two days ago, I received word that they had been brutally butchered by the two. Only one of them made it back alive to tell me."
Both Motoyasu and Altara looked shocked. "What… that… that can't be…" Motoyasu tried to say.
"I kept the information about the Sword and Bow Heroes to myself because I still didn't want to believe it." He looked like an old man whose heart was breaking. "Nor did I want to cause a panic among the people.
"But it appears I was wrong, and a fool. The Sword and Bow Heroes have forsaken us. They have chosen to side with the devil and his abominations over the true Gods and humanity." He said sadly. "And now, they are probably at the heads of those demon armies. Ready to move with them to wipe us all off the face of our world."
…
"What can we do?" Altara asked.
The Pope straightened his posture. "I've already dispatched several squads of Shadows to slow their army. As of now, they are only a week's march from our Capital. I'm hoping they will buy us enough time to gather our forces from other parts of the Kingdom so we can plan a counter-attack and rescue the Second Princess."
"But what about Ren and Itsuki?" Motoyasu asked.
"... I'm afraid the only thing we can do now is end them... before they cause their Gods to fall. Just as the Shield Demon did to his long ago."
Motoyasu looked stunned. "No… there's no way." He muttered. Sure, Ren and Itsuki hadn't been his best friends. But that didn't mean he didn't care about them.
He couldn't believe that he was being asked to… kill them...
"There is, however, another matter I need to address." The Pope said, changing subjects. "Since it was found out that Aultcray had been committing treason behind our backs in keeping the Devil of the Shield alive, I will need you to stay with the former First Princess over these next few days to determine where her loyalties lie."
"But, but I'm going to be needed out there! And how could you doubt Myne after everything she's been through-" Motoyasu was yelling in anger.
"I do not personally doubt her, Sir Motoyasu. But there are others out there that do. If her Father, our greatest hero in the war against Siltvelt, could be influenced so subtly by the Shield Demon to keep him alive, what are the chances that she could also end up doing the same?"
Motoyasu opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. If he was being honest, as much as most of him wanted to believe Myne would never betray him, he couldn't forget those times of self-doubt he'd had in the past.
His fists gripped his Spear tightly in frustration.
"If the Spear Hero, however, were to stay and vouch for her. That could change their minds about where her loyalty lies. And once she's recovered, they may even welcome her and you as the new King and Queen." Balamus said with a smile. "After all. Out of the three heroes. Only you were the one to bravely take up your weapon to fight the vicious Shield Demon. The people would trust your word more than anyone else."
If only Motoyasu had realized how much the Pope was lying to both him and Altara then. He could have realized there was more than one reason why the Pope wanted him to stay with Myne. Instead of going outside and taking a good look at what was happening.
...
"... Fine. I'll do it. For her." Motoyasu said. Sitting in a chair next to Myne's bed. "But as soon as you learn where they went, then I want to know. So I can put a stop to them myself." He said, referring to Ren, Itsuki, and Naofumi.
"Of course." The Pope gave a slight bow of respect to Motoyasu, then he turned and left the room. Altara obediently left behind him. Leaving Motoyasu to himself inside Myne's room in the castle.
Motoyasu went over and checked on Myne's wounds again. She hissed in her sleep like a feral cat from the pain. She'd recover more quickly than a normal adventurer, but that didn't mean it wasn't going to hurt any less. 'I can't doubt those I trust now... I have to get my party through this... for her sake... for all of our sakes.'
Despite his thoughts, Motoyasu couldn't get rid of the lingering doubts at the edge of his mind. The lingering doubts... and his jealousy.
"Altara, will you oversee the preparations for our armies to march east?" The Pope politely asked.
"Of course," Altara said obediently.
"Good… that'll give me time to put things in order. And to make sure our coup-de-taut isn't opposed by the people." He said, smiling brightly. As if he would win everyone who'd oppose with a soft smile instead of a ritual-class spell.
He already knew he wouldn't be opposed. Using Judgment inside the city to try and end the Devil of the Shield had either raised his popularity among the Followers of the Three Heroes Church or struck fear into those who wanted to help the Shield Demon, yet were too afraid to do so. And those who'd rather be onlookers than participators had no choice but to pick a side, or otherwise be crushed for their negligence to their Gods.
It was perfect. Besides one small wrinkle.
"And one last thing. I want knights sent to aid our friend and loyal follower, Idol Rabier."
Altara looked up at the Pope's back. She had questions she wanted to ask. Like why did the noble need an army sent to him? Why had she been left in the dark instead of being told all the info he'd just told Motoyasu. But she didn't know how to ask in a way that would be considered respectful… nor did she know the lies and half-truths Pope Balamus had slipped into his talk with the Spear Hero.
Eventually, she shook her head to clear it. 'I have trusted Balamus with my life these last twelve years. He must have his reasons for not telling me all this before.' She rationalized.
She could still remember what she'd been like twelve years ago. When she had been a wanderer in Melromarc. Lost, widowed, betrayed, malnourished… and alone.
He had been the one to find her and take her in against every other priests' advice. He had been the one to nurse her back to health. Give her a new life, a new name, and a new purpose. He had helped her learn to serve the true Gods. He had helped her to become the head of the nuns despite not growing up worshipping the Three Heroes. And he had trained her so she'd have the power and the pleasure of slaying those that had destroyed her life before.
She couldn't doubt him now. Not when her soul was finally purified to the point that she could see her family again when she eventually passed on. She had to trust that the Gods were still watching over them. And that they were guiding her religious leader in their grand plan for this world.
So she followed behind Balamus. Refusing to let little doubts dissuade her now. "Of course, your Excellency."
The Shield Demon had to be dealt with.
Only then would she know for sure that she was clean enough to be with her family once more.
Naofumi sat in a room Van Reichnott had provided him and his party. He worked on an accessory at a desk to try and distract himself. It had been a few hours since he'd left Raphtalia to rest so he could try and do something else. Compounding. Studying. And now, crafting.
But it wasn't helping. He still felt empty and guilty inside. Not even Filo had been able to spark a smile out of him after leaving Raphtalia's room. Mostly because he thought he'd seen her looking at him with fear in her eyes before going in to see her mommy.
Not only had he attacked Raphtalia while under the effects of the Cursed Series. He'd also tried to attack Filo. He could still remember her looking at him in fear as he rampaged on during the battle. The look of shock on her little face as he-
'Urgh!' He accidentally hammered the gemstone socket on the gold band too hard. The bracelet warped from the hit. A notification appeared on his screen, saying he'd destroyed the accessory.
"Damn it!" He threw the useless band to the side. Landing it amongst a pile of other destroyed accessories he'd failed to make. Along with a few black tar-like substances that had come from his previous attempts of compounding potions. And an open magic grimoire he hadn't been able to focus on reading.
"DAMN IT ALL!"
He'd been doing it so often by hand in the past that he could compound most of the basic medicines without even thinking about it. But now he couldn't even compound the simple cold medicine he'd first made for Raphtalia! Nothing worked! Nothing helped!
Because, despite her telling him not to, he was still beating himself up over what had happened… and nothing he did helped to ease that burden on his mind...
The door to the room opened. Naofumi grumbled. "What is it now-?" He was turning around as he coldly spoke, only to stop speaking.
A demi-human stood in the doorway. She had light brown hair done in a french braid. She was dressed in a blue cloak with a white undershirt. She had patches of light metal armor covering parts of the outfit.
It looked like a custom design that left plenty of room for mobility while protecting vital areas. She had a katana sheathed at her side. Her arms were crossed guardedly in front of her.
"Is now a good time?" She asked.
Naofumi forced himself to calm down. He recognized this demi-teenager was either one of Itsuki or Ren's party members. He couldn't exactly remember who's. "What is it?" He asked.
"I have nothing better to do. So I thought I'd meet the Shield Hero Ren's told me about," Wyndia said with a shrug.
She walked in, looking around the room. "Were you… attempting to craft something there?" She asked politely.
"Yes. I'm still trying to craft it. Now, what do you really want?" Naofumi coldly asked.
He was not in the mood for talking with other people, especially those he didn't know. He wanted whoever this was to just get to the point so he could get back to doing whatever it was he was trying to do.
"Again, I wanted to meet the Shield Hero Ren told me about," Wyndia said calmly. If not, a little condescendingly.
"Alright, fine, you've met him. Are you happy now? Will you leave me alone now?" Naofumi asked, looking irritated.
"... Is there something wrong Sir-" Wyndia was saying.
"I DIDN'T MEAN TO! OKAY?!"
Wyndia didn't flinch at Naofumi's explosive outburst. "I didn't mean to &^%$&^% lose control, damn it! Do you think I would have intentionally tried to kill a bunch of people!? Huh!? Do you all think I'm a devil now too!? Well!? Do you!?" Naofumi yelled at her in anger.
"... I wasn't accusing you of anything, Sir Naofumi." Wyndia coldly responded. "Calm down and think rationally."
"I am calm! Calm enough to beat your puny little no good a-" Naofumi stopped yelling, looking shocked for a moment.
What the hell was he doing lashing out in frustration like this? Guilt flooded him again, and he sat back in his chair.
"Actually, I'm not okay." He finally admitted. "I can't get over what I did today… how I hurt my party… how I did something so stupid… I can't stop feeling guilty about it..." He was stuck in a cycle of depression and anger.
"You and him both." Wyndia shook her head.
"What was that?" Naofumi asked.
"Did you think that yelling at me when I was trying to be polite would somehow help?" Wyndia asked, not addressing Naofumi's question.
...
Naofumi shook his head. Hanging down like a scolded puppy.
Which was ironic, since Wyndia was the dog demi-human here.
"Sir Naofumi." Wyndia approached, getting down on one knee in front of Naofumi. Her face held some care in it. No matter how cold she appeared to look at times, Wyndia wasn't cold-hearted. Being raised by a dragon taught her to respect strength.
She could tell that Naofumi was strong. Ren had alluded to that himself despite being strong himself. But sometimes, even the strong needed some help. As she'd had to learn ever since joining Ren's party.
"You know no one here thinks less of you for what happened, right?" She asked.
"I… I know… but… I just... I can't." Naofumi choked on his words for a second. "I can't talk about it…" Naofumi hung his head. "I want to forget about what I did… what I caused back there…"
Wyndia studied the Shield Hero for a moment. "There's stuff I'd rather forget from my past… but forgetting it would be a crime to me, Sir Naofumi."
Naofumi stared emptily down at the ground like he was broken. "Did you kill people… did you hurt someone you cared about in a blind rage?" He sadly asked. "Did you fear that those few who trusted you would turn their backs on you?"
"... No." She admitted that much. But she didn't disclose more than that. "It hasn't happened to me nor Sir Ren… but it did happen to Sir Itsuki."
This finally caused Naofumi to look up. "What?" He asked.
"Didn't you know? Or have you really been that busy sulking in here to learn what's going on with your fellow Heroes?" Wyndia asked coldly.
Wyndia wasn't cold-hearted. She had respect for the Shield Hero because of his strength. But damn, she didn't mince her words. "No, I didn't…" Naofumi said.
"So you think that you're the only one allowed to suffer here?" She asked. "Is that it?"
"No… I just…" Naofumi trailed off, looking ashamed. Had Itsuki really been going through this too?
Wyndia realized she was probably laying it on a little too thick too soon. "Look, I didn't come in here to belittle you, Sir Naofumi. I really did want to meet you. Ren holds a lot of respect for you. A lot of people here hold a lot of respect for you. But you need to pull yourself together. We have a couple of days to prepare before the Church arrives here."
"The… what?" Naofumi looked surprised.
"We got word from some scouts Van sent out to neighboring villages that the Pope of the Three Heroes Church has taken over Melromarc. A majority of the surviving nobles are backing him, including Idol Rabier. They're sending word for the kingdom's forces to be gathered at the Capital except for Idol's forces. Which means we likely have two days, at best, before Idol attacks Van's estate." She explained the situation simply.
Naofumi paled. The Wave was nine days away. But they were about to have another battle in just two days. 'No, if there's a battle…' Raphtalia wouldn't be able to fight. If they somehow got into the manor, she wouldn't be able to protect herself.
"Do you understand the gravity of our situation now, Sir Naofumi?" Wyndia asked.
Naofumi was silent, and then he nodded. "Okay… I'll try… I'll try to get over this..." Raphtalia was going to need him. Eclair, Filo, Melty, everyone here was going to need him to get over this. But could he get over this?
Wyndia gave him a curt nod. "Good. I hope what I said here helps." She got up to leave.
"... Do the others really not think less of me?" Naofumi suddenly asked. "Does Ren... really respect me?"
...
Wyndia paused and turned her head. "He does."
Naofumi stayed silent. "And that little girl out there, Filo, I think her name was. I found her wandering the hallways a little while ago, worried sick about you." Wyndia added. "She said she's never seen you like this before. And she has no idea how she can help you. She wants to help, but doesn't know how."
Naofumi stared at Wyndia in shock at those words. "I'd suggest you don't try to yell at her like how you yelled at me. You're lucky I hardly know you, and that I understand how much you're hurting.
"I lost my Father to someone I care about... I don't think this little girl of yours should experience the same thing." Wyndia finally left the room.
...
Naofumi stared at the door in silence. For how long, he didn't know. He'd been sitting here, thinking that he was a monster… thinking he was the only one going through this...
Unconsciously, his hands grabbed his compounding set and made something. When he finally looked down and saw what he had unconsciously created, he felt tears in his eyes again. He wiped them away.
"Please… forgive yourself…" Raphtalia's words went through his head again as he stared at a simple vial of cold medicine.
'But… how can I do that…' Was this demi-girl really right about the others? Was she really right about Filo?
...
"Da… Daddy?"
Naofumi almost dropped the medicine as he looked at the doorway again. Filo was standing in the doorway with Melty. He could have sworn Wyndia had only left a minute ago. "Yes, Filo?" Naofumi quietly asked.
He felt so bad about earlier. Was it possible the cute little girl was still scared of him, despite what Wyndia had claimed?
Filo was shyly staying in the doorway. "Mel and Filo were wondering if we could explore the forest together?" Filo asked.
"Mel-" At first, he was confused. But then Princess Melty appeared behind Filo. The Second Princess was really nothing like her older sister. While Bitch always liked to be all high and mighty in looking down on other people, Melty had a nicer air about her. And she looked just about as shy as Filo right now. Definitely more innocent and childlike instead of regal and mature. Though that could change with the flip of a coin.
"Is there any reason why you want to play with my daughter, Second Princess?" Naofumi dryly asked. The Second Princess had earned his respect by dedicating her energy to putting out his cursed fires amongst other things during the duel. But not enough for him to drop calling her by the dreaded nickname.
Melty flinched at the nickname but didn't childishly react to it like before. "I… I was really hoping for the chance to enjoy riding around on Filo's back," Melty said shyly. "It's not often I get the chance to do something so carefree… and with everything going on... I… um... thought it'd be a good way to distract us both."
...
Naofumi stared at the two for a moment. Wondering if these two were really scared of him or not... Then he sighed. "Fine. Go ahead." Smiles lit up on both of their faces. "But make sure you stay safe out there. I don't want anything bad to happen to you two." The Fatherly side of Naofumi peeked its head out. Telling him to Protecc his daughter and her friend.
"Kay! Filo will keep Mel safe!" Filo said while smiling brightly. A similar aura of Protecc also seemed to be around her in regard to Melty. She then ran in and gave Naofumi a big hug, shocking him while he was still sitting in his chair.
Tears came to his eyes. Tears that he quickly hid as he hugged the little girl. "Thanks, Filo. I needed this." He whispered to her.
She let go and smiled brightly. Helping to brighten his day some more. "I'll see you later Daddy! Come on Mel!" Just as quickly, she ran back out, grabbing a smiling Melty by the hand. A Melty who had been too busy 'awwing' over how cute the scene of Father and Daughter had looked.
"Wait, slow down! Filoooooooo-" Melty's scream of surprise faded off as Filo changed forms and disappeared down the corridor with the Second Princess in tow.
Naofumi stared at the doorway for a moment more. He honestly did feel a little better, like the guilt over what had happened retreated somewhat... he looked down at the medicine again, then he placed it in his pouch and got up. He set the compounding tools to the side and walked out of his room.
'They have the right idea… I should explore the manor to distract myself. Staying cooped up in a room isn't doing anything to help.'
And so he did.
Naofumi wandered aimlessly at first. Going from room to room.
He found a kitchen area. Then a nice living room with soft couches in front of a warm fireplace. Next to it was a library. He absentmindedly grabbed a thin book off of a bookshelf to glance at a couple of pages. His reading skills still weren't that great, but he was actually able to read the small book, which turned out to be a children's story.
It was related to the Cardinal Heroes of Legend. How they worked together to defeat an evil monster in ancient times. It was about the bonds of trust and friendship and all that wonderful stuff.
Blech.
He shelved it and then continued on his way. Making note of the library. He'd been a big book reader back in his world as well as a gamer. He no longer had games to comfort him. But maybe a book or two would do the trick?
If he survived what was coming, maybe he could put more time into reading books again with Raphtalia. He remembered how doing that before with the medical grimoire and the magic grimoire had made them both happy… and hey, it'd been a children's book he found. Maybe they could include Filo in the fun too?
If Raphtalia wasn't into children's books anymore that is.
Would it be a good idea to tease her about that? Probably not.
Was he going to do it? Absolutely!
If h didn't forget about it, that is.
He was walking down another random hallway when he passed by a dining room full of food. He stopped in his tracks, took a deep sniff, and his stomach growled hungrily.
He turned around. 'Maybe just a few bites…'
The door closed behind Naofumi. A moment later, the sounds that came out from the room were sounds no human ear should ever have to hear. Food and drink had been beyond calling for Naofumi since he hadn't eaten anything since being captured. Two whole days!
HE NEEDED TO EAT!
...
A few minutes later, the stomach-wrenching sounds finally stopped, and Naofumi exited the room. His mouth was puffed out like a chipmunk's from the amount of good food stored in his cheeks. He held a hand to his stomach, which sighed in happiness at finally being fed. His pouch held some more snacks he could munch on later when he didn't feel like a bloated whale.
He hadn't stayed too long since he didn't want to risk talking with other people yet. But he was starting to feel somewhat better than before.
Going out to explore had definitely helped him more than staying locked in some room. He swallowed the rest of the food in one gulp and then continued on.
He wasn't sure how long he wandered the manor after that. He didn't meet many other people besides house servants, both human and demi-human, going about their business of taking care of the manor. He snacked on what was in his inventory as he went. Examining the art on the walls and looking out the windows over Van's Estate.
Eventually, he found Eclair out back going through a series of advanced sword forms with one of Itsuki's and Ren's party members. There was also a group of mages that either sat in circles reading from grimoires or who were facing the tree line nearby. Practicing different levels of magic. He didn't recognize any of them, but it might have been because of the distance. So he focused on Eclair and the forms she and the two other swordsmen were going through.
A couple of the sword forms Naofumi recognized only because he'd watched Raphtalia trying to practice some of them before the whole recent fiasco. Ren and Itsuki's party members were both tired and panting, but the sweating Eclair was the picture of calm.
Seriously, for a woman who had just spent the last two months trapped in a dungeon, fought her way out of a Capital, and exhausted herself trying to heal Raphtalia, she was putting these two swordsmen to shame.
"Come on! Put your whole body into it!" Eclair ordered.
"But… but we've been going at this for two hours straight," Welt complained.
"Gods woman, at least give us a break?" Karn complained. He figured himself to be a competent swordsman, but this was ridiculous!
"Don't slack! Otherwise, your skills will always be subpar compared to the enemy!"
"Ahhhhh…" Both of them finally collapsed to the ground after another minute.
"Fine, you can have a five-minute break. After that, you two will be dueling me." Eclair said.
"Ugh…" Both of them groaned in agony.
When they'd asked the knight for a training lesson, they hadn't been expecting torture instead.
They didn't notice Naofumi, and he eventually moved on. Honestly, the knight Eclair scared him just a bit more now than before. To find her already recovered and pushing two of Itsuki and Ren's party members to exhaustion was mind-boggling.
Finally, when he was near his room again, he decided to stop and look out of the clear glass windows again. The sun was beginning to lower in the sky towards evening. He breathed in calmly and allowed the events of the day to wash over his mind. 'To think… I started this day waking up in a cell…' And he was going to end it in a bed on the top floor of a noble's manor.
There had been so much that'd happened. Almost too much. A lot of it hurt to think about… but there were still some good things that had happened… thanks to him deciding to leave his room. This whole day wouldn't be as depressing to think about as before.
He looked for a while longer. Outside, in view of Van's manor, groups of demi-humans were doing different things. Some were working the soil as farmers. Others were wearing armor and patrolling the fields for monsters or other dangers. Filo appeared from the tree line, Melty and a few other laughing kids clung to her back. The sight caused Naofumi to crack a smile.
His attention was captured by a few kids playing around with a ball near the front of the manor. Looking closely, it wasn't just demi-humans, but also human kids that were playing together. Humans and demi-humans… both getting along.
...
"Sir Naofumi… I take it since you've decided to leave your room and take a tour of my manor that you're feeling better now?"
Naofumi almost jumped when Van appeared almost from out of nowhere beside him. Had the guy been stalking him ever since he'd left or something?! "Yeah, a little bit," Naofumi answered defensively.
"It's been a while since I read the children's book you picked up." He continued as if he was having a normal conversation. Yep, he'd definitely been shadowing Naofumi without him realizing it this whole time. "It's one of my favorites involving the Cardinal Heroes. My father used to read it to me all the time as a child."
Naofumi continued to look outside and decided to move the subject away from children's books. "Why are there demi-human and human children playing around together out there?"
"What do you mean?" Van asked curiously.
Naofumi pointed out the group he was watching play around. It looked like they were kicking a ball, similar to the one he'd bought for Raphtalia as a kid. "Oh, those are just some of the kids from the local village. This is one of the few safe areas in my domain where they can play, so I allow them to as long as they don't get in the way of the farmers." Van said, smiling at the sight of a group of innocent kids playing around with each other. "Or break any of my windows. It's happened a few times in the past. Did you know that windows can be expensive to replace? And the glass is really hard to clean up too."
Naofumi grit his teeth. "What I meant was why are humans and demi-humans getting along with each other here? I thought most of Melromarc was prejudiced against demi-humans."
"... Oh. Well, most of Melromarc is. But my family isn't like most of Melromarc." Van said as he watched the kids playing around. "My father and his father enlisted in the latter end of the war when I was a young boy. When they came back, unlike those who became more hardened because of the war, their hearts were softened along with a few others after the things they'd witnessed. And so, when they came back, I and a precious few others were raised to treat demi-humans as equals."
Van smiled brightly and affectionately, adjusting his glasses as he recalled the memory. "My Father taught that same philosophy to everyone living in the village. And we've been living it even after the both of them died several years ago from sickness."
Naofumi continued to stare out the window at the group of kids playing with each other. Even though the Waves of Catastrophe were going on. Even though diseases and famines were striking places with the world going out of whack. Even though the majority of Melromarc didn't get along with, and even despised demi-humans... Even though a million things were going wrong, this small group was still here. Playing with each other.
Happy, carefree, joyful... hopeful…
"Of course. There are times when the people here don't get along with each other. We have our petty disagreements from time to time." Van said with a shrug. "As Lord, I'm obligated to have to hear their complaints with me or with each other and address them. It saddens me whenever it's based on the issue of them vs us. But I doubt my job would be half as fun if we didn't have our disagreements every now and then.
"It's because of them that we've progressed to where we are now compared to the rest of Melromarc. The understanding we've gained working together instead of distrusting each other has helped us immensely."
Naofumi finally looked at Van. Van had been looking at him when he spoke that last part. His carefree face turned serious. "I can tell how conflicted you feel, Sir Shield Hero. You were summoned to protect us from the Waves of Catastrophe. And yet you've been mistreated by our people to the point that you hurt many of them, along with those closest to you. You're in disagreement with yourself. A disagreement that you know you have to settle for your good and the good of all those around you."
…
Naofumi hung his head. It was only his second or third time meeting this noble… but despite his appearance, and how annoying he could be, Van was pretty damn smart and insightful. He almost seemed to know what Naofumi was going through without having experienced it. And, unlike the other pretentious nobles he'd had the misfortune of meeting at the celebration, he didn't shy away from him. He was actually trying to help him. "How do I resolve it?... how do I…" He wasn't even sure what to say.
Fix it? Fix what? Could he fix this? And if he could, how?
Van studied him for a long moment. As if weighing what to say next. "Stop beating yourself up over the matter and thinking about how you should feel…" He finally said after a moment.
Naofumi continued to look down at the ground. Expecting that to be the end of it. "And have a little faith in yourself."
That caused Naofumi to look up in surprise. "What?" He asked.
Van nodded. "You're the great Shield Hero, are you not?" He asked.
"I am the Shield Hero, but I'm not great! Being a Hero doesn't mean I can fix what I've done-" He was saying.
"I'm not talking about fixing your actions. I'm talking about you."
Naofumi stared at Van. "You've just discovered a problem that you didn't know you had before. A problem that caused you to hurt other people, which is against what you desire, is it not?" He asked.
"Yeah, but-" Naofumi was saying. Of course, he didn't want to hurt and kill everyone he met!...
But then it hit him. Whether he liked it or not, the Cursed Series was there to stay. Unless he forgave Bitch, which he doubted he'd ever do, he'd have to deal with it for the rest of his life...
But it wasn't like Rage was the only thing he had.
"Then what should I do?" Naofumi asked.
Van shrugged. "I'm sorry, I'm not you, great Shield Hero. I don't know much about the power you and Sir Itsuki wielded in your different situations. Only you know better than anyone else what you can do. And who knows how many times you'll have to do it in order to get it right." He turned around to walk off. Then he stopped as if considering something.
"I can give you some advice… there's an old saying the Queen once told me… emotions are the driving forces of our lives. No one can resist them. No one can hide from them. They are as inevitable as death himself.
"Yet without emotion, one can never find their true selves and move forward." He looked back at Naofumi. "Legends state the same thing about the Cardinal Heroes of old, Sir Naofumi. Whether they lost the will to live or went on to fight with all their hearts for what they believed in. I have no doubt that, like them, you and the other Heroes will manage to overcome your trials and forge a bright path that leads to our future."
"No matter how many tries it takes."
With that, he walked back down the hall.
…
Naofumi went back to staring out of the window. Contemplating what Van had just told him.
The kids were still out there. Playing, hopeful, and carefree…
He turned and entered his room.
"Mmmm… so soft… so warm..."
Melty talked in her sleep. Filo lay asleep on a large bed in her Filolial Queen form. Melty's head stuck out of her feathers. A peaceful look on her sleeping face.
"So... big..."
Um... ok. No idea what she's dreaming about.
Naofumi laid back in his own bed. His Legendary Shield was in its default form on his right arm. He was looking up at the ceiling, still contemplating what Van had told him.
He'd given it a lot of thought. Blocking out even the guilt he'd felt over his actions as he looked the problem over from every angle.
He was angry. He was depressed. And, quite honestly, he felt extremely guilty about what had happened. It formed a vicious cycle that fed into each other. However, throwing that aside, that didn't mean he could lie back and take this sitting down. He couldn't hide from his problems.
He had to face them.
'Is it possible…' When he'd first unlocked the Curse series, he'd felt like he had nothing left in the world. That, after what he'd had to suffer through, having what little he'd had left stripped from him unfairly would be the end. The same thing had happened when he finally unlocked the Shield of Rage in that square. He'd felt like he had nothing left except his anger. His complete and utter hatred for the Bitch that had ruined his life...
Yet Raphtalia came in both of those times and restored what he'd thought he'd lost. Her subsequent actions the first time had led to him unlocking the Shield of Hope. She'd helped him, nourishing his hopes and dreams until they'd come full bloom in the middle of his duel with Malty. Bringing about the first shield of that Blessed Series.
'Raphtalia's been helping me for so long…'
…
Naofumi looked over his Shield Menu again. The Cursed Series stared temptingly at his face with its major stats and offensive option… his Blessed Shield was weaker than it.
He couldn't hide from them... they were inevitable...
…
'Maybe…' He stared at the shields for a moment longer… he wasn't entirely sure. His past experiences with the Blessed Series had coincided with the Cursed Series too many times to be a coincidence… but...
Naofumi got out of bed. 'I have to try.'
He quietly exited the room. Making sure not to wake Filo or Melty from their sleep.
It took him a moment to navigate the hallways in the darkness. He accidentally opened the wrong door and found Itsuki asleep in a chair. In the bed next to Itsuki was Rishia.
Ren was sitting down, napping against the wall. A blanket had been placed over him carefully and tenderly. Wyndia napped on the floor next to him.
Naofumi carefully closed that door, making sure not to disturb any of them.
The next door was the right one. He opened it, and went inside, softly closing it behind him.
Raphtalia was still asleep. Breathing in and out softly. The moon outside was positioned just right. The moonlight was flowing through the windows and landing around her peaceful form.
He took a deep breath. 'I… I don't know the answer to how I'll fix this… but I do know one thing. I don't want to be stuck relying on my hatred to help me and my friends live. If there's something I want to feel...'
He raised his Light Metal Shield. 'And if there's anyone that can help me… if there's anyone that could help me get through this… if there's one person I trust to carry my burdens more than anyone else in this world… it's Raphtalia.'
He had foiled Myne's plot during the Sacred Duel. He had foiled the Church's plot to have himself and Raphtalia killed in the mines. He had survived the pathetic attempt on their lives during the wave. The Ambush in the woods. And so many other things because Raphtalia had been there with him.
She had never given up on him. She had inspired him to keep going. She never lost hope or faith in him even when he'd had no hope left… and he trusted her.
He trusted her more than he trusted anyone else, including himself.
"Raphtalia… I'm sorry. My Rage did this to you." Naofumi said through gritted teeth. He felt guilt pricking at him again. "I did this to you… I, I know you told me not to beat myself up over it, but it's the truth Raphtalia. It's my fault that you had to pull me back from my hatred before it consumed me. It's my fault that you had to pay the price for my stupidity…"
His eyes glinted over with determination… determination, and hope. "But you're right. I'm not quitting now. I have a plan. And it requires your help Raphtalia." He came close and gripped one of her hands in his. "Maybe, just maybe, this Shield I was given… maybe it isn't just to give me another way to protect you guys… maybe, it was given to me so I could have something other than anger to rely on. Something better from you."
No one was there to hear him. Had there been anyone, they would have been confused as hell and wouldn't have understood what he meant. But Naofumi was starting to somewhat understand. Van's words had helped him to take a good long look at himself.
Yes, he held a lot of hate deep in his soul. He hated a lot of things. And that Hate had been what allowed the Cursed Series to manifest in the first place. When he'd been at a low so low that he'd rather kill himself than keep on going, that hate had manifested itself into a force to keep him alive and to give him purpose to continue living.
But alongside that hate had been something else.
Hope.
Hope that things could get better. Hope that the world he hated could improve. Hope that people who didn't like him could become better. So he wouldn't have to stay on the run all his life… so he'd find a place where he could belong.
And Raphtalia had been the one to give him that hope. She had given him another purpose besides Hate to keep himself going. She had helped him overcome his trials time and time again. She had helped him to hope for that which was good...
The Shield of Hope had first manifested during his fight with Motoyasu. Then, it finally made another appearance during his fight with Myne. It had come both times because he'd had hope that he could win. That he could stop them from hurting more people. That he could overcome the obstacles placed in his way, escape with his party, and continue on with life...
While the duel after the Shield of Rage was unlocked was a mess, he remembered all that it had taken for him to unlock the next tier of Rage was for him to be overloaded with more anger and hatred. So maybe… just maybe… if he could do that now for the Shield of Hope, if he could have more hope, he could unlock the next tier… so he could get over what happened, and have something better to rely on in the future.
Taking a deep breath, he selected the Shield of Hope I and equipped it. A translucent blue glow came off of it. Blending with the moonlight coming in. Naofumi gasped as he felt other feelings surge into him besides guilt and sadness.
That was the danger, he realized. This shield could help him. But if his negative feelings fought back and made him fall with them… like the angels falling from heaven, it wouldn't end well for him. Loss of hope led to despair. Despair to hate. And hate to suffering. Suffering he would cause personally if he lost control.
"Raphtalia, I need you to hold my guilt… will you… will you help me?" He asked her sleeping form.
She was still asleep. Yet he still felt her hand squeeze his.
He nodded. "Thank you." He whispered. Even asleep, she was there for him. Asleep, she was there to push the darkness back.
It was a long shot, but... 'I have to try. For Raphtalia's sake and everyone else's, I have to!' Problems were coming soon. He needed something other than hate to defend with. He had to be able to protect Raphtalia and everyone else!
He focused on Raphtalia's form. She was still fast asleep. Snoring peacefully, grimacing every once in a while in pain because of a curse he'd inflicted on her.
At the thought, his body wanted to break down again. The guilt and sadness surged once more. His body wanted to cry more tears. He wanted to give into depression, and only imagine a future where his nightmares came true.
Raphtalia's hand gripped his tightly, dragging him back into the real world. He shook his head. 'No.' He had to keep himself from thinking about that. It would only lead to more despair and hatred. What he needed was hope!
'Damn it! Come on!' He gripped Raphtalia's hand tightly in return. He forced himself to hope. He didn't care if it seemed ridiculous or not. He had to have hope for a better future! He had to have hope for Raphtalia's sake! He had to have hope if he didn't want to be stuck relying on a cursed shield!
His shield, which had lost some of its glow, began to glow more brightly again. He ignored the hatred and other feelings swirling around in his mind. Instead, he forced himself to think of the bright memories he shared with Raphtalia.
The memories of her healthy vibrant self. The good times they shared together when they first started adventuring. The countless times he'd held her close to comfort her from some nightmare.
Then there were the times that came after she grew up into a woman around his age. The awkward times when their weird relationship was starting out. All the times she'd helped to keep him in line. All the moments in between when everything was so conflicting and he wasn't sure what he wanted their relationship to turn into. And then those rare moments where everything pieced together and felt so… right.
His mind threw out the other memories, focusing on those few when everything felt so perfect.
Those thoughts led to a different future. One he hadn't thought about before. A time years after the waves were over.
They were married, happy, and in love. A couple of kids, at least five of them, were running around in the background. No one was there to cause them problems.
No one was there to cause any trouble.
He was ok. The other Heroes were ok. They had bright lives. They had a bright future.
He felt tears prick at his eyes. But not tears of sadness. He hadn't known what he desired from this world before. He'd worked under the assumption that he'd protect the world from the waves, and then he'd go back to his own when it was all over. Now, he realized he wanted more than to just protect it. He wanted to protect it so he, Raphtalia, and every other great person he'd ever met could live. Happy, and at peace.
The picture solidified in his mind. They had their own home. In a place that accepted them both. It was definitely five kids that looked like them running around in the backyard. Filo was playing with them in one corner while he and Raphtalia cuddled on a swing and watched their real kids playing with their adopted daughter. There was a pet playing with them too, something in the likeness of Raphtalia.
Elhart pounded away on his latest gear in the blacksmith shop. Melty helped with running the town... Eclair was still training and going through various new sword forms she'd learned after being freed. Ren, Itsuki, and Motoyasu were going around the world. Helping those in need and really being Heroes.
The three Heroes were happily married and had kids of their own. Their girls looked incredibly happy standing by their sides.
Best of all, there was no sign of Bitch.
They were all happy. And so were Raphtalia and him. Just being there in that small moment with each other.
They no longer feared the Church. They no longer feared the royals or other countries trying to separate them. They were able to live in peace, happy with each other and their little family. When others around them had problems, they helped in any way they could.
And when they had problems, they worked through them together. It wasn't one or the other.
It was them.
It was his hope for that to happen. Hope that, despite how bad the situation was now, the future was possible for them both.
'To hell with it! Van's right! I'm the damn Shield Hero! One of the Cardinal Heroes of Legend brought to life! Screw this world and its desires! Screw what this world has planned for me! Screw it if this world wants to screw me over repeatedly! I'm not going to let anyone crush my hopes and dreams! I have to hope that this works!' He thought. 'No… I know that this will work!'
He'd safeguard this world so he could bring about that future.
He'd use his power as the Shield Hero to make that future dream a reality.
A sharp pain went through Naofumi's mind. 'GahhhhhHHHHHHHH!' One hand gripped at his head. The other continued to grip Raphtalia's bandaged hand as the pain increased exponentially. It was like his anger was clashing with something. A tide that refused to stop. A tide that refused to bend.
All of a sudden, like a barrier being completely shattered. His shield glowed brighter than before and expanded in size. A new notification appeared on his stat screen.
The Cursed Series manifests itself when a Hero crosses the Despair Event Horizon. This is the point when a Hero would rather die than keep fighting. The resulting Cursed Series takes a flaw in the Hero's personality and expands on it. Making it the driving force that keeps them alive. Whether it be Wrath, Pride, Envy, Greed, or something else entirely. This cursed personality, if left unchecked, will eventually take the Hero over. Making them save the world in the worst ways imaginable.
However, when a Hero overcomes their trials. When they regain, even without realizing it, their purpose for fighting for the world; whether by overcoming their Curse or by receiving their purpose to fight from someone else, they unlock a new series. Corresponding to either the virtue of the sin the Hero overcame or the person that overcame their own trial to help their Hero regain his purpose to live again.
And that Series is called:
Blessed Series: Shield of Hope Abilities Increased
Shield of Hope II unlocked
Equip Bonus: "Hope Asunder" "Change Shield (Expand)" and "Pandora's Box"
Special Effects: Magic Defense Up, Strength Up, Hope Springs Eternal, Robe of Michael, Ray of Hope
At that moment, the door opened. "Naofumi, are you- Gah!" It was Ren and Itsuki. They thought they'd heard him and had gone out to check, only to find Filo and Melty. They'd just noticed he was gone, and all four of them had been looking around the manor frantically for him when these two had finally opened the door, only to be met with a blinding light.
"Itsuki, what is that?!" Ren asked.
Itsuki squinted. "It's… it's…" His eyes widened in surprise. "It's Naofumi!"
Naofumi looked in disbelief at his shield. It was as big as the Shield of Rage II, but still in the shape of the Light Metal Shield. It was like looking into a sea of bright glowing clear glass, the light moving like waves along the surface of it. There was a design in the light that he couldn't quite make out. The light blue glow spread from the shield to cover the left side of Naofumi's body. Opposite where the Shield of Rage's armor had covered him.
It made it look like he was half-clothed in glowing flowing robes. Robes fit for an angel rather than a demon.
His eyes also glowed blue.
The feeling that filled him now. It was… warm… soothing… just like Raphtalia.
It wasn't hostile. It was pure.
The light of the transformation faded enough for Ren and Itsuki to be able to see him. Looks of amazement came onto their faces as they saw Naofumi's new form. They then looked at each other with stunned expressions, before looking at Naofumi.
It had actually worked. Naofumi, by tapping into his emotions and directing them, had unlocked a powerful shield in a series. Just by hoping against all odds of hope existing, Naofumi had unlocked another shield. From what he could see of its stats, it was comparable to the Shield of Rage II.
It was a powerful shield. One he could rely on when he needed it.
'This Shield…' He read over one of the last special effects, and his eyes watered. He'd already unlocked the new shield. He wouldn't have to rely on only his hate anymore. But the last effect was like an extra gift from the Shield itself. A thank you for choosing not to rely on only his hate down the road.
'Raphtalia… I'm… I'm paying you back...' The effect was different than any other he'd seen for any shield.
Naofumi took in a deep breath and looked down determinedly at Raphtalia. Gripping her hand in his. For once, there was no hate in the way whatsoever. The next few thoughts melded into a blur for him. Thoughts on memories from what felt to be so long ago.
"You've gone through a lot of pain," Raphtalia spoke softly, her hand making similar motions on the back of his head that he'd used so many times to comfort her before. "But from now on, you won't need to be alone with that pain." She rested her head against his. "I'll shoulder it with you forever, Naofumi Iwatani. Because… because I love you."
She had no problem admitting it out loud now. After everything Master Naofumi had done for her, she could hold no other emotion towards him. "I love you." She confessed again. "And because I do, you'll never be alone. Don't ever forget that."
The next day came to his mind.
"First, I want to get myself a new slave crest." She decided.
Naofumi sputtered in surprise. "Are you sure- I mean, no, I don't want you to get one-" He tried to say.
"Master Naofumi." She said seriously. "I want you to be able to trust me at all times to never lie to you. Even about my feelings. And if I need something to scold me to help me remember to fight at your side, then I don't care." She said determinedly. "I want it back. I want the symbol of my loyalty to you."
He stared down at her in surprise. She didn't say it, but even after hearing the false accusations against him she was willing to go as far as trusting him with herself. To put herself in a position where she'd have to follow any order he gave, no matter what…
A random moment in time.
For a moment as they walked down the street, the two were silent… then Naofumi felt one of Raphtalia's arms hug him from behind. She leaned up against him while still walking. "And... thank you for saying I'm beautiful Naofumi." She whispered quietly so only he would hear.
Naofumi smiled and put an arm over her shoulders. The two looked like a cute young couple now to passerby. "No problem."
And then the experience in the cave. The one that had entirely shifted his entire mental perspective without him having realized it.
He gripped her hand tightly. "Raphtalia… I need you too. There hasn't been a day that's gone by where that isn't the case." He said sincerely. "I'm grateful to have you at my side. I'm grateful that I chose to buy you that night when I found out I'd been betrayed." Naofumi said seriously. "I'm grateful you stuck by me even after you were freed from your crest. I'm grateful that you help me try to be a better person even when I don't want to be."
...
"And... I don't care what others say. I don't care if your race possibly came from humans and monsters." He said smiling. "I don't mind that you're a demi-human. You're not an abomination to me. You're more human than I am... And as I told Beloukas before, I'd be crazy to let someone as beautiful and amazing as you go." He said with all the honesty and sincerity that he could muster.
He still didn't know for sure what his feelings were. He didn't fully understand why it was so hard for him to identify them... But whatever they were towards this girl, they were positive and warm. Like a ray of sunshine on what would otherwise be a bitter soul. So he knew he meant it.
He meant every last word.
...
Tears touched the corner of Raphtalia's eyes again, and she leaned her head against Naofumi's shoulder as she started sobbing. She'd already known the voice from before hadn't been Naofumi's. She'd realized everything it had said had been a lie... But to hear Naofumi refute those words for real… to hear him say her worries and fears were unfounded... she continued to cry. Her tears landing on his cloak. It was... too much...
He embraced both her and Filo tightly.
"Thank… thank you... Naofumi..." She whispered gratefully.
He kissed the top of her head, and then rested his head against hers. "Let's stay like this for a moment." He suggested. Similar to the time when she'd suggested to stay in his comforting embrace a little longer in that mine long ago.
The three of them remained silent.
For once, no one appeared to ruin their moment.
His mind returned to the present. All these moments and more had nurtured his hope. Had kept it alive and burning in his soul. Had made it so that even when he fell into the darkest pit, a light could still shine and lead the way back to the surface.
'Raphtalia…' Light began to gather around Naofumi as he selected the effect. It automatically chose Raphtalia and someone else in the party system on the other side of the wall to cleanse. 'You have never given up on me. Even when I gave up on myself. You've helped me out since the day I met you. You were the one that inspired me to keep going. To fight for this world, to fight to save its inhabitants.
'I could never pay you back for what you've done. I could never deserve someone like you... But for choosing to stay with me back then…' For trusting him with everything, including herself. 'Because you chose to stay with me back then Raphtalia. I'm… I'm choosing to stay with you! Because above all, you are my-'
"Ray of Hope!" Naofumi commanded. A notification came up in Naofumi's vision, asking if he was sure he wanted to pay the price for the curses.
He immediately selected yes.
A wave of blue aura burst from Naofumi, causing the other heroes to shield their eyes. The aura pulsed off him in waves throughout the room and through the walls. Each one gradually sank calmly into Raphtalia's prone form. And the prone form of the other target close by that Naofumi had inadvertently selected with the effect.
Then in what felt like the space of a millisecond, the light disappeared, only to be replaced with a brighter light that burst from Raphtalia's body and from the wall. Like two bright rays of light that absorbed themselves into his shield continuously. In the bright light, the heroes fell to the ground, their eyes covered as they took the fetal position. Expecting an explosion or something similar.
"AUGHHHHHH!..." Naofumi screamed in agony, falling onto one knee. He felt pain, unlike anything else, exploding through his body. It hurt... so much worse than the time with the Two-Headed Dog.
It hurt a trillion times more. It was like his defense stat didn't even matter. His body could have been melting. His skin could have been turning to ash. Hate, anger, rage, and other emotions he didn't recognize were flooding him, hacking at his very soul. His own cursed flames, and someone else's, had become manifest and turned on him.
Had Raphtalia been dealing with all this? Or was it only from her?
He hadn't expected this overwhelming pain. It made the mental agony he'd been going through look tame. His body pleaded with him to cut the ability short before he passed out, but he kept pushing through it.
This pain was nothing! He'd suffer worse if it meant she could continue to help keep him on the right path! So that she and no one else he cared about would ever have to suffer like this again!
"Not yet. Keep going… not until… not until it's done!" He yelled.
'AUGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!...' His vision became clouded with white light, and a shrill whistling sound filled his ears.
…
…
Eventually, the bright light finally faded, until only the afterimage was left. And that faded away too, leaving the room darker than before.
Naofumi stood stock still over Raphtalia, his shield still held in front of him. He subconsciously changed it to his default Small Shield. Seeming to know that keeping it equipped would not be a very good idea.
It had felt like an eternity… but in reality, it had only taken around fifteen seconds for the cleansing effect to work.
Everything hurt… everything hurt so much… He stared down at the Tanuki girl in wonder and amazement. One of his hands still gripped hers. Wondering if it'd worked.
Below him, Raphtalia took in a sharp breath. Her eyes didn't open, but her peaceful breathing, which had been intermingled with pain from the curse, became more relaxed. On his stat screen, it showed that her HP gauge, which had been refilling slowly due to the effects of the curse, was increasing more rapidly. The cursed status effect had also disappeared.
It had worked.
Raphtalia was okay.
Seeing Raphtalia okay made him feel… happy…
'Thank… God…' Naofumi's eyes rolled into the back of his head, and he collapsed onto the floor.
...
Healing two people of their curses for the first time had been a bit too much.
"Naofumi!" Itsuki and Ren finally recovered from where they were laying near the doorway. There had been no explosion. They rushed in and quickly checked the unconscious Shield Hero.
It was only a moment later that more people came running from the other parts of the manor. "What happened?!-" Eclair asked frantically. She was still sweating from sword training.
"What was that bright light?!-" Melty asked just as quickly.
"Is Mommy okay?!-" Filo asked worriedly. They were all followed by house servants, the other heroes' party members, and Van himself. Who'd either seen a bright light from outside or who had heard Naofumi screaming in agony.
Any further questions stopped at what they saw. Itsuki and Ren were silent. Naofumi was unconscious, but okay. There was nothing visibly wrong with him… but the thing that stunned them the most was Raphtalia herself.
The signs of the curse had disappeared from her neck and hair. The bandages had unwrapped from her arms, hands, and the other afflicted parts of her body. She was still dressed in her nightgown. There were scars shaped like flames, almost unnoticeable on her arms. But besides that, she was okay.
She was more than okay. She looked healthier than ever. Her hand was still gripping Naofumi's in their sleep.
The others look from Naofumi to the heroes, and then back to the bed.
"The curse… it's… gone…" Ren said, sounding shocked.
"What happened here, Sir Bow Hero?" Melty asked in shock.
"I'm… I'm not sure." Itsuki said.
"Was it a miracle?" Ren asked calmly.
"Was it an intervention?" Itsuki asked.
"No." They all turned to look at Van. Who smiled knowingly in the midst of it all. "I believe what you two witnessed here... was the true power held by the Cardinal Heroes." He said confidently.
"What…" Ren and Itsuki looked down at Naofumi and Raphtalia…
As ludicrous as it sounded, they believed it.
"Come now, I don't think Sir Naofumi will appreciate sleeping on the floor. Will someone put him in bed with his Tanuki friend please?" Van said happily. "I doubt she'll be letting go of him anytime soon."
Before Ren or anyone else could move, Maya's ears twitched on her head. "Sir Itsuki… it… it sounds like Rishia is waking up."
At first, Itsuki didn't know what the demi-girl meant. And then, on the other side of the wall, he heard a very familiar noise.
"Fueh. Fuehhhhh… where, where am I?"
Itsuki clutched at his chest. "Wh-What-" He pulled up his HUD. He saw the gauges and everything for his party members. And that was when he finally realized it.
It hadn't just been Raphtalia who was cleansed of her curse.
"RISHIA!" Itsuki immediately bolted out of the room. Running to the next one over. Tears were coming from his eyes. A look of happiness and relief was on his face.
"Wha, Sir, Sir Itsuki, is that you- Fueh!" Rishia's shriek of surprise at Itsuki tackling and embracing her tightly could be heard by everyone in the manor.
"Don't you ever worry me like that again! You hear me!" Itsuki cried. Refusing to let the green-haired girl who'd just woken up go. "DON'T FALL INTO A COMA EVER AGAIN!"
"FUEHHHHHHHH!" Said green-haired girl was extremely confused and terrified at what was going on.
Hero Clips!
Protecc the FUEH Girl
"Protecc."
"Fueh… Um, Sir, Sir Itsuki, what are you doing?"
"Protecc." Itsuki didn't say anything more. He merely nuzzled the scared green girl he had hugged close in his warm embrace.
"Fueh! Ra-Raphtalia!?" Rishia screamed in terror. A mad blush on her face. "H-H-Help!"
"Protecc."
"Protecc."
Raphtalia didn't acknowledge the green girl's predicament. Naofumi was hugging Raphtalia close while muttering Protecc. And Raphtalia was hugging Filo close while also muttering Protecc.
"Protecc." Filo was similarly hugging Melty close. Muttering the same thing as her parents.
It was the family of protecc.
"M-Maya!" Rishia cried out.
"Sorry, can't help right now Rishia," Maya said. She was on her favorite Knight's shoulders, hugging his head with her body.
"Maya… Do you really have to do this?" Itsuki's tank asked with an embarrassed sigh.
"Protecc," Maya replied.
"Is… is there anyone out there not-" Rishia tried to call out for help.
"Protecc."
She managed to look behind her and Itsuki. Ren was hugging Wyndia close while patting her on the head.
"Must protecc." He added.
Wyndia was flushed red with embarrassment. "Mmmmm…" She looked like she wanted to lash out at Ren for his behavior. But her tail was wagging crazily, indicating that she really enjoyed the headpats and possibly even the hug too.
Though she kind of wished it was the other way around. With her being the one to mutter "protecc" while holding Ren instead.
"Protecc." Even Motoyasu was there. Holding an injured and beat-up-looking Myne to himself.
"HISS!" She hissed like a feral bitchy cat. Trying to claw her way out of his embrace.
"FUEHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"Protecc." Everyone said at once.
It was obvious what they needed proteccing from now.
Till Next Time
Allen