Rising of the Masters of the Universe
ESKK: A new chapter at long last. Now, let's get this chapter started.
(Start The Shield Hero Party)
The Masters of the Universe were gathered near the wagon outside as they were still in the village to help clean up Ren's mess. Thankfully with the numbers on their side cleanup was going smoothly so they had taken shift in level grinding. "It's fortunate that the damages caused by Despara were not more severe." Eldress said in her falcon form as she spoke to the group.
"What the heck was she anyway?" Naofumi asked as he had reasons to be concerned about this.
"Despara was a method of absolute last resort placed into the Sword of Protection with the hopes it would never have to be used." Eldress said her voice showing the severity of this.
"I'm guessing this is not the first time Despara came out to play?" Ayato asked his voice dipped in concern.
"Not it is not the last time Despara had been brough forth an entire city had been laid to ruin as were the surrounding villages." Eldress said which bought a lot of concern for everyone. Despara truly sounded like a complete sadist. "The curse burns are the side effects of using Despara prey that you never have to be put into a situation to bring her back out." Eldress said gesturing to Akane's burns.
"What is Havoc exactly?" Naofumi asked and in turn Eldress knew she had to answer.
"Greyskulls power is the light, but Havoc is the dark." Eldress said as she looked to the group. "The Sword of Power was forged to channel that light while the Havoc Staff was forged to channel the dark." She explained but then got to the nitty gritty. "The sword of Protection came after." Eldress revealed causing Akane to go wide eyed.
"Wait what?" Akane asked shocked at this sudden reveal.
"The Sword of Protection, was forged to mimic the Sword of Power but was significantly weaker than the Power Sword." Eldress explained the story of She-Ra's sword. "That is why it can shape shift like that, to compensate for its lack of power with versatility." Eldress trailed off a bit before continuing. "But even that was not enough, perhaps it was in foolishness or pride, but the sword was given a small taste of Havoc and in doing so Despara the Queen of Havoc was born." Eldress said as Despara was a brutal berserker who only had a thirst to fight, kill, and maim.
"How do we keep Despara locked up?" Ayato asked and thus Eldress grew quiet in response.
"You... you don't know do you?" Raphtalia asked concern clear in her voice.
"The last time Despara was released the She-Ra of that era had died because of it her entire body was covered in Curse Burns that she had been in unending agony, death was a mercy that was granted to her." Eldress said showing the dangers Despara could inflict upon them.
"So, we need to keep a murderous psycho bitch at bay while we have a lying spoilt bitch to deal with, great." Yumi said as Akane heard this with Despara standing unseen by everyone except Akane.
"Well, that was just uncalled for." Despara voiced despite only being heard by Akane. "As if I'd ever stoop to that street walkers' level." Despara said as she was imagining painting Myne in the same shade of red as her hair.
"We should be careful from now on, try and avoid triggering another Despara transformation, I doubt the trick we used last time will work a second time." Hajime said and with those words they were all in agreement.
"Alright, hey I'm going to clear my head for a bit, you guys can go on without me." Akane said as she waved them off.
"You sure?" Naofumi asked with concern for her.
"Yeah, I'm sure." Akane said and with a nod they all went about to carry out their tasks.
(With Akane)
Akane was by herself in the forest as she saw Despara walking with her or just lazing about around her. "So, what's next, partner want to go on a killing spree I hear monsters are a good way to level up." Despara offered as Akane tried to ignore her. "Come on Akane if you don't want me to come out again you better do something to get stronger not like you can." Despara taunted in which Akane was doing her best.
"Oh, I know let me have another go at He-Man he might prove to get me off." Despara said as for her fighting and killing was way better then sex.
"SHUT UP!" Akane yelled as she glared at Despara. "Is this your game!? Talking until I let you back out to shut you up!?" Akane yelled as she glared at Despara.
"That got a rise." Despara said with a sadistic grin.
"You shouldn't even be here! Your supposed to be locked away." Akane defended but Despara begged to differ.
"Oh, poor dear, Akane... never read the tales of Pandora's box?" Despara began and then got close to Akane. "Once you've opened Pandora's Box you cannot close it again." Despara said and in turn Akane growled and walked away from her.
"Watch me." Akane said and thus began to storm off again. Or she would have if Despara had not spoken again.
"Then I guess you wouldn't want to hear what Skeletor's endgame really is?" Despara said causing Akane to stop in her tracks.
"Wait what?" Akane asked as Despara smiled to this.
"Skeletor's endgame, I mean even with the Dark Masters, he still needs an army to take over Melromarc and keep the populace in line." Despara said which got Akane concerned. "And what better army then the one forged from Havoc the same army which I had so much fun slaughtering." Despara taunted as Akane was confused for a moment. "I mean come on its only logical after all but... if you want answers, I suggest asking Eldress about the Snakemen." Despara said and in turn Akane growled and walked off refusing to listen to the sadist trying to tempt her. "I'm sure you'll find her story to be enlightening!" Despara called out before vanishing but never far from her current playmate.
(Later with Naofumi)
Naofumi, Raphtalia, Catra, Akane, and the Filolials were on the side of the mountain path as they were fighting several monsters. Akane, Naofumi, and Raphtalia stood in a circle with Akane holding her Sword of Protection in her hands, but her breathing was labored. They had left Swiftwing behind to help with the clean-up of the Dragons Corpse and any unsavory remains. Akane of course ignored Despara wherever she was appearing not wanting her loved ones to suspect she was losing her mind. They had remained in the village in the hopes of Akane regaining her strength as well after her stint as Despara. Just then the monsters attacked and for his part Naofumi blocked the attack giving his party members an opening.
Akane sliced through them with Raphtalia taking out another small group before backing off. "Akane are you ok?" Naofumi asked to his relative.
"Yeah, I'm fine for the 10th time you asked." Akane said just as the Filolials came in and took out several of the monsters.
"Akane are you ok?" Sakura asked as she looked over to Akane.
"11th and yes, I'm fine!" Akane said getting annoyed with everyone asking her these questions.
"I'm the one who agreed to take this job." Naofumi said as he focused on the enemy.
"He's right you don't have to force yourself to keep up." Raphtalia said as Catra then roared and cracked her whip against several monsters allowing it to slice them in two.
"If you need to take a break, just say so." Catra said as she was ready to keep fighting if need be and cover for Akane.
"Guys I'm fine I'm not some inept that needs to be watched 24/7." Akane said almost snapping at them. "Let's just finish up this job and leave." Akane added and in turn they proceeded to finish up with their job here. Naofumi knew something was bothering Akane and whatever it was he was going to find out somehow.
(Meanwhile with Skeletor on Snake Mountain)
Deep in the bowls of Snake Mountain the sound of heavy construction was underway. In said bowls Trap-Jaw and Rino with her Tri-Clops were hard at work. Nearby several beasts were seen as they helped moved heavy structures out of the way. Rino nodded to her robot who in turn flew out and began to scan the area only to find nothing.
"Again?" Trap-Jaw asked as he looked to Rino just before Tri-Clops put itself back on her head.
"Yes, again Trap-Jaw." Rino snapped as she went back to the parchment they had.
"Maybe your guesses are wrong." Trap-Jaw said which caused Rino to glare at him.
"Hey, you try finding something that had not been seen in centuries bronze mouth." Rino said her tone showing how frustrated she was.
"Call me that again I dare you, just remember who got that Junker of your back up and running." Trap-Jaw said but then their leader showed up.
"Trap-Jaw, Tri-Clops how goes things here?" Skeletor asked as he entered the dig site under his fortress.
"Not good I'm afraid apparently the Sigil Piece you're looking for is hidden well, Lord Skeletor." Rino said as she looked to Skeletor.
"She's just making blind guesses." Trap-Jaw said as Rino glared at him for that one.
"You want to talk about blind guesses then you do the numbers and studying of Snake Men fortresses I'm sure you can find any random hole they dug up." Tri-Clops said glaring at Trap-Jaw for this.
"ENOUGH!" Skeletor yelled as he had enough of their bickering. "Either you find a place for this animosity between you two to burrow or I'll make you both fossils!" Skeletor said and thus that gave Tri-Clops an idea.
"Burrow... OF COURSE!" Tri-Clops yelled surprising Skeletor and Trap-Jaw. "We were digging by thinking like human beings not like snakes!" Tri-Clops yelled as she figured it out. "Snakes burrow that means they must have hidden it in a place for the Snake Men to reach." Tri-Clops said and in turn she went back to her table where she had all the parchments on the structures the Snake Men constructed.
"If she finds it, you'll get a firsthand look to why I keep her around." Skeletor said as he had his complete faith in Tri-Clops. But if Rino fails the Skeletor will tear out each of her eyes with his bare hands.
(Back with Naofumi)
Akane, Naofumi, Raphtalia, Catra, and the Filolials were walking through the woods as they had finished up the job to take out the monsters. "Thank goodness we managed to finish that job." Raphtalia said as they walked through the forest.
"Oh, I wanted to fight some more, I was having so much fun." Filo said as Sakura nodded to this.
"I know!" Sakura complained wanting to take out some more monsters.
But Naofumi then looked over to Akane as her Havoc induced Curse Burns were still bothering him. He recalled how she turned into Despara and knowing what happened to one of the previous She-Ra's who used Despara Naofumi did not want to take any more chances. "We'll start heading back to the Capital tomorrow." Naofumi announced as he looked to the party.
"Wait isn't it kind of early to wrap up the trading trip?" Akane asked but Naofumi knew why they had to do that.
"We have to, your treatment takes priority, and we'll need some pretty powerful Holy Water to dispel that curse and any lingering Havoc in you." Naofumi said as Despara laughed in the background.
"Yeah, sure like that will work." Despara said despite Akane ignoring what the spirit/hallucination was saying.
"But... fine." Akane said as Catra smirked to this.
"Look on the bright side, 'master,' at least you don't have to sit on your ass any longer." Catra teased as she walked to join up with the others.
"Akane..." Sakura spoke as she got Akane's attention. "I hope you get better real soon." Sakura said and thus Akane sighed to this.
"Don't worry I'll be back in shape in no time." Akane said assuring the pink Filolial of this fact. But just then they heard movement nearby and thus they all looked to the direction of the sound.
"The hell?" Catra asked as she looked to the source.
"Something is going on over there." Yuki said to which curiosity got the better of them all.
Looking to the source Naofumi saw a group of Filolials as they surrounded a young girl. "Wait... is that a human child?" Naofumi asked as he saw a girl in blue amongst the group of Filolials. Of course, their movement caused the Filolials to react and thus they got up and bolted out of the area leaving the girl by her lonesome.
"Who is that kid?" Yumi asked as he saw the girl was wearing some high-class clothing and looked to be enjoying her time with the Filolials, but then Ayato slashed his sword through the branches and vegetation that was blocking their path which in turn got the attention of the Filolials. They all looked to the group before running off leaving the girl behind as she yelped in shock when they ran off.
Just then Filo was heard licking her lips as she saw the birds run off. "Those birds look yummy. If we start now, we can still hunt them down." Filo said with her pink sister Sakura nodded as she agrees and said, "I wonder how they taste like?"
The Masters look at the two royal Filolials as Daito said, "Okay, I know you guy would basically eat anything that may look nice, but your own kind? That's Cannibalism you know!"
"He's right you know those are Filolials just like us" Yuki said as she looked to both her siblings as she smack them upside the head with her wing, with the only one that wasn't thinking much of the situation was Kou as he tilt his head to this.
"Like us?" Filo asked looking confusedly with Sakura In the same state, clearly, they hasn't been around many Filolials doesn't looks like them, being a royal type of Filolials and all.
"So big," the little blue hair girl suddenly said as everyone turn as the little girl was looking at the four royal siblings as she soon asked, "Are you all a Filolial?"
"You mean us?" Koh asked as the little girl is surprised to hear one of them talk as she said while pointing at Koh, "You can talk, too?"
"Yep," Filo spoken up next while answering the little girl question, as she gotten very excited for some reason as she soon said, "I've always dreamed of talking with a Filolial!"
The royal Filolials were shock by this with everyone a bit sweat dropping as they forgot talking Filolial aren't common, but given the fact that the four Filolials were a royal type of Filolial that no one had any idea about before and went on as normal, as the little girl soon dig into her pocket to pull out something as she held it out and said, "Here you go, I don't have a whole lot. IT's fried meat."
"Thank!" Filo said while she and Sakura were excited as they were getting free food as they walk over to the girl and pecked the dried meat each out of the girls' hands and enjoy it, with Yuki give a bow to the girl and said, "Thank you for this treat."
Kou didn't answer but he knew there was food that was being offer to them so he and his sister grab a piece of meat as well and ate it, as the little girl soon feeling Filo's feathers being surprise how soft it was as Raphtalia soon asked, "Could she be from the village?"
"Can't be, she looks like she could be from the main kingdom of Melromarc or maybe a high noble family of sorts," Hajime said as she examined the little girls dress as it seems well made than a village dress maker could do as Akane said, "Let's just assume she is from this lands kingdom as too far out without any escorts if she is from any other and ride out here, and maybe she is a daughter of a noble of sort."
"Or maybe a suck up rich family," Yumi said putting in her two cents as Catra soon said, "This little girl has a familiar scent to her, but I can't place it."
"Whoever she is, she doesn't seem that hostile or anything like that," Ayato said with Hajime said, "She is just a young girl, I doubts she is that dangerous in the first place.
"What is all of your names?" the little girl asked the royal Filolials as Filo said to her, "Filo."
"I'm Yuki," Yuki said as she bow her head again as it seem Hajime taught her well in manners, before Koh spoke up next in his normal tone as he said, "Koh."
"I'm Sakura, and thank you for the meat," Sakura said as she enjoy the fried meat they were just given as the little girl soon said, "Filo, Yuki, Koh, and Sakura. Those are some wonderful names. I'm Melty."
"That great, I'll call you Mel!" Filo said suddenly as Melty smile to the nick name as she nodded and said, "I like it, you all can call me Mel then! Oh, and almost forgot, would you like some more?"
"I do! I do!" Filo said excitedly with Sakura said in the same tone as Filo as she said, "More than anything!"
"Sure," Koh said as he did enjoy the fried meat as well, with Yuki nodded to the girl and said, "That would be nice."
Melty Pulling out more fried meat as she give it to the four Filolials as they each grab a piece of meat and started snacking on it.
"I never seen anyone love Filolials like that," Raphtalia said as Naofumi rub the back of his head a bit as he wonder what to do as Akane elbow him a bit as she said to him, "Why not have them play for a bit? They aren't going to find anyone else like them or near the age that little girl is at."
"Fine then. Hey, you guys, we still have, Don't forget we still have to get to the village to do some work, but in the meantime, you can play with that girl," Naofumi said as Filo said, "You mean it?"
"Are we allowed too?" Yuki ask as she never done anything like that before, as Hajime nodded and said, "You are, all of you, just don't play out too far or late."
"Ok!" Sakura cried out and thus she and her siblings all transformed causing Melty to smile to this.
"You all can transform too?!" Melty asked surprised and smiling over what had just happened.
"Yeap-yeap anytime we want!" Sakura said with a grin on her face.
"Well, ain't that sweat." Daito said with a smile but then noticed one small fact. "Koh is going to be a fish out of water as the only boy of the group." Daito said as he had seen it enough times to know why.
"Hey, their kids let them learn and experience life for a bit." Yumi said crossing her arms while grinning to this.
(Later at the village)
The sun started to set with everyone doing their part as the room with all the sick patients had seen a significant drop in people. Those who had been bed ridden were as healthy as ox's now and were joining in the efforts to clean up the Dragons corpse. The village was regaining the life it had lost and while they still had issues they weren't as bad as they were before. Currently Raphtalia was taking care of a someone with a family, while Naofumi handed a bowl over to a sickly-looking man as he said to him, "Now drink this slowly."
The man nodded as he grab the bowl with Shiro help to move it closer to him and take a drink from it, as soon enough the man glows and his sickly look became healthy looking with the poison now gone from his body as he was excited by this with a few people that were nearby saw this as they put their hands together and give a pray as a woman saying, "Thank you our savior for saving him."
"We are very thankful to you," a male villager said as Hajime Suddenly called out as she said, "Naofumi, this woman needs our help as well."
(Scene Break That same evening)
Now back in their provided room Naofumi and Hajime were working on applying the bandages to Akane's Havoc Burns. As Naofumi worked Akane hissed in pain as Ayato saw this and got worried for his twin sister. "Does it hurt a lot, Akane?" Ayato asked with concern for his twin sister clear in his voice.
"It's fine, I took the burn I can take the bandages." Akane said with a slight defensive tone in her voice.
"If only I was stronger." Ayato said with a sad tone in his voice then yelped when his sister flicked his forehead.
"Zip it, none of us knew Havoc could do what it did for that Dragon so if advice shut your mouth if you're going to voice any more wrongful self-blame." Akane said making sure her brother didn't get too deep with what had happened.
Just then the door opened and the group in turn looked and saw Filo, Sakura, Yuki, and Koh walking into the room. "Master we're back!" Filo called out as she then walked in with her siblings in tow.
"We're glad you all are back." Naofumi said pausing on what he was doing to look upon the four.
"Are you alright Akane?" Filo asked with concern for the current wielder of She-Ra's power.
"Don't worry I'll live." Akane responded with a smile as Filo in response smiled back.
"I'm so happy because I made such a wonderful friend today." Filo said as was also happy about this.
"You mean that girl, Mel, right? The One you met earlier?" Daito asked while looking to Filo and the other Filolials.
"Yeap that's her!" Sakura cut in as it was hard to tell if Filo and Sakura shared a braincell between them. "She said she's traveled to all sorts of amazing places, just like us." Sakura said a grin plastered on her face while Naofumi focused on Akane.
"Fascinating." Catra said as she looked ready to go to sleep now.
"And then she told us about so much stuff that we didn't know." Koh cut in as he was also happy to have met Mel.
"Is that so?" Naofumi asked as he was right now on auto pilot for responses.
"And she also told me how she got separated from the rest of her people while she was playing with the Filolials." Yuki spoke and thus Hajime cut in on that one.
"Wait she got separated?!" Hajime asked and thus the words caught up to the rest of the group.
"Hey, we got a guest." Yumi said as they soon saw Melty entering the room in which they were staying.
Once she had the entire room's attention on her she then began to speak. "I apologize for showing up so late, but I need to ask, could you let me accompany you for a little while?" Melty said as she proceeded to make her request of the group.
"That depends on where you're going and if it's on the way to our destination or how far out it is." Akane said being practical about this since they needed to get Holy Water from Melromarc.
"Well, you see I was on my way to the royal capital...but, uh, when I saw the Filolials..." Melty trailed off as the group waited for her to finish. While they waited Melty grabbed her dress a bit as she seemed embarrassed to say it as she said, "I was so engrossed in playing with them, I got separated from my guards and got left behind!"
"Bodyguards?" Naofumi asked as that suggested this girl was quiet on the wealthy side of society. But then that brought up another question why would her bodyguards leave her behind like that?
"I heard you're leaving for the capital tomorrow, savior. Could you please take me with you?" Melty asked showing that she needed a ride back to the capital. "I'm aware that I'm making a selfish request. But please, I must return to the capital! I beg of you" Melty said and in turn the group began to consider her request. If this girl was a nobleman's daughter, then in all likely hood the reward for it may be huge either connections or money both of which would be useful for their group. But at the same time, it might cause problems if Naofumi is the one to bring the girl home himself.
"Come on Naofumi we might as well seeing as we're all going in the same direction anyway." Hajime said making it clear that it was a more practical way to go.
"Besides, it sort of the hero's prerogative to aid those in needs damsels in distress is heroics 101." Daito said and thus Naofumi sighed realizing what this meant.
The Shield Hero sighed in frustration before finally speaking. "Well, your gonna have to cough up a reward you know." Naofumi said and thus Melty smiled to this.
"Of course! I shall ask me father he'll be glad to!" Melty said as she was happy to hear that they will be taking her back to the capital with Filo soon went to her and hug her as she said, "We can have more fun!"
Unaware to the group in the room as they were being watch from outside, as a woman in a dark cloak standing on a tree branch looking inside, no doubt one of the Queen's guards or spies to watch over them or someone else.
(The next morning)
With the sickness gone from the village, everything seen to return back to normal, even the color of the trees and grass around were filled with life. Meanwhile the group of heroes were all packed up and ready to leave for the capital as the doctor who helped them said, "We truly can't find the words to thank you."
"Well, I rather have money than thank you's," Naofumi said as Akane and Ayato step up cutting off their cousin as Akane say, "But we'll takes the thanks for now."
"As We'll be back within a few weeks give or take a month, plenty of time to save up coin once again and pay off the agreed debt," Ayato said as the doctor said, "Of course, I haven't forgotten."
"Good luck to you all, each of you," the nurse said as she give a wink to the girls as Hajime and Raphtalia got the message as they nodded, with Naofumi give a sigh and grab the reins as it was Filo turn to drive the wagon as he said, "Okay Filo."
"Here we go!" Filo said as she started moving as the wagon was pulled behind her as the masters, and the little girl head off to the capital with Ayato ride on Cringer and Hajime had to take Swift Wind due to not wanting to make Akane exhaust herself further.
(montage)
As they group rode down the road, Melty was so fascinated of Filo and the other siblings as Ayato ride next to them and started to sing "the Filolials song" with the royal Filolials singing too with Melty along them as well as it seem she seem she love it too, with Raphtalia not looking so good as Hajime try to help her with her motion sickness, and Akane was covering her ears to block out that song.
Later down the road as they have come to a stop to make camp and hunt, with the Filolials were already on it as Filo kick at a moose like monster while the other assisted her by kicking it on the other side, as Melty was excited to see all the Filolials siblings in action.
Meanwhile it seem Yumi, and Daito found a boar and chasing it, or at least Yumi was as Daito was hanging onto it for dear life.
The group went to the river as they were going to catch some fish, with Hajime, Akane Raphtalia, Yuki, Sakura, and melty were enjoying playing in the river while as Naofumi, Ayato, and Koh, were fishing, while with Filo dive into the water and grab the biggest fish she could grab in her human form, along with Catra and Cringer as it seem being part cat make them natural of getting fish it seem.
Soon enough the sun started to set as the group was setting up camp while Melty and the sibling were enjoy playing around, Naofumi was making dinner with all the meat the group had gather from the moose monster to the boar that Yumi and Daito had caught, even Hajime was added in some healthy stuff to enjoy with the meats before they were grilled.
After a bit, the food was served and eaten by everyone, as Filo and Sakura looked to Mel's food with a look of wanting it. When Mel saw this, she tries to pass it her food over to them as they were about to take it until Naofumi step in and take the food away from them, as it seem they were grounded and had their food limited, as did the other siblings, no doubt they were still in trouble for not listening in the battle against the havoc zombie dragon.
The food was given to cringer to enjoy with his fish, as Filo and Sakura pouted about this with Yuki smack them upside the head to remind them what they all did with Melty laugh at this seeing how to siblings act with each other while Koh was still enjoying his food that he still had.
Daito was about to pull some fish off around the fire until it was snatch up very quickly along with a few others, before Daito could blink all the small fishes were gone as he look over to Catra to see her with all of the fishes as she grins a bit before eating them.
(Later that evening)
With Filolials were back in there Filolial forms resting, as the group were off to sleep save for Ayato, Akane, and Naofumi, as the shield hero was tending to the fire, Ayato look to his sister and said, "You should go to bed already."
"I'll sleep when I feel like it," Akane said as she give a yawn, showing she was very tired as Naofumi said, "He right, you should get some sleep."
"I said I'm fine." Akane defended but the truth was that she was anything but fine. Ever since the incident with Despara Akane had been finding it difficult to sleep at night. When her eyes are opened Akane is forced to see Despara who seems to have taken to haunting Akane. When she slept, she only saw the things Despara had done in the past and what she plans to do the next time she's out... the images were truly horrifying to witness. It was bad as both Ayato and Naofumi could see the bags building up under her eyes, but Akane is refusing to talk about the nightmares. Akane didn't want to drag either of them into this because they have other problems to deal with. Aultcray wanting to ensure they can't get any stronger, Melty being a total bitch, and most of all Skeletor and the scheme he was cooking up.
"Akane... whatever is bothering you, you can tell us." Ayato began but before he went on Akane had enough.
"I SAID I'M FINE!" she snapped causing the two boys to jump a bit. But Akane realized her snapping wasn't helping as she then took a breath to calm down before speaking again. "Look I just need to focus my thoughts for a bit ok." Akane said as she then sighed. "Sorry but thankfully we didn't wake the... kids?" Akane trailed off when she suddenly noticed something and that was Melty's clothing left in a pile next to Filo. "Um, am I going crazy for exhaustion or... are those Melty's clothing?" Akane asked as Raphtalia began to stir nearby.
"What's going on?" Raphtalia asked as she got up noticing the trio of family members were still up.
"Um apparently that." Ayato said with a nervous tone as he pointed out Melty's clothing.
"Wait those are Melty's cloths... but where is Mel?" Raphtalia asked and thus Ayato looked around and noticed that out of everyone only Swift Wing and Cringer were accounted for.
"Where is the party?" Ayato asked and thus they all stood up and nervously walked over to the Filolials.
Raphtalia then picked up Melty's clothing and gave them a look over. "You don't think." Raphtalia trailed off and thus Akane looked nervous.
"But they wouldn't, I mean Yuki would have stopped them, right?" Ayato said but Akane had an argument.
"Unless she was playing a role to get our guards down." Akane said and Naofumi gulped a bit.
"And then ate each other's masters while we weren't looking." Ayato added to which Naofumi had one thing to say.
"Well Sakura and Filo did say that even their own kind looked yummy." Naofumi said and thus Ayato and Akane had their hands to their weapons just in case.
"Yes but..." Raphtalia trailed off and then Naofumi spoke up.
"Guys... we saw nothing." Naofumi said causing the twins and Raphtalia to go wide eyed.
"We need to destroy the evidence and get rid of them before they eat us, I'm sure we can make do with Cringer and Swifty pulling the wagon." Akane said making it clear that she did NOT want to be their Filolials next meal.
"Are you two actually agreeing to this?" Ayato asked shocked over what he heard.
"What you want us to walk up to her dad and say, 'sorry our birds ate your daughter can we still have that reward,' yeah that will go well for us." Akane said much to Ayato and Raphtalia's shock. "Besides, they ate our party its either them or us." Akane said just as the Filolials began to stir.
"Is something wrong master?" Filo asked as she woke up a bit opting for Ayato and Akane to hide behind Naofumi and Raphtalia in case the birds were still hungry.
"Yuki what have you and your siblings done with Melty and the party?" Raphtalia asked wanting answers before they jumped the gun.
"What do you mean, they've been sleeping in our feathers they've been sleeping all night long." Filo said and thus the Filolials all began to shake their wings. "Time to wake up Mel." Filo said and thus Melty shot out of Filo's feathers. Following it up were Hajime, Daito, Yumi, and surprisingly Catra. Daito and Yumi shot out of Koh's feathers, Catra came out of Sakura's feathers, and Hajime was in Yuki's feathers.
"What's the emergency?" Catra said showing she did not like being dragged from her sleep.
"What are you all doing!?" Akane asked shocked over what she saw.
"I was running a bit of an experiment with their feathers and I kind of found this hidden space in them." Daito said with a yawn. "Next thing I know I'm falling asleep." Daito said and thus Akane gulped a bit and walked over to Sakura.
"I saw Daito was missing and ended up in here." Hajime said with a tired tone.
"I was chasing after Daito when he fell in." Yumi spoke and thus Akane then placed her hand on Sakura's floof. Once she had her hand inside Akane went wide eyed to this.
"Holy shit it's so soft and warm." Akane said as she fell into the hammer space that were Sakura's feathers. In turn Akane ended up falling asleep right there followed by Raphtalia with Filo.
"Well, you learn something new every day." Ayato said shocked over what he had just seen.
"No kidding." Naofumi said as he grabbed a stray feather. "Think these feathers have sleep inducing powers or something?" Naofumi asked to which all Ayato did was shrug in response.
"So... how we going to drag them out?" Ayato asked suddenly to which Naofumi sighed in frustration to that.
(Scene Break Melromarc Capital)
The party arrived in Melromarc and were able to avoid unwanted attention. Naofumi for his part remained hidden while Ayato rode them in with Swift Wing. So, after getting into the city and avoiding detection they had parked the wagon and were preparing to part ways from Melty.
"Well then." Melty began as she looked to the group. "I really can't thank you all enough." Melty said with a small bow to the group.
Filo then stepped up as did her siblings. "Master is it alright if we take Mel home?" Filo asked as it seems even Yuki wants to do it.
"Ok just remember to collect the reward." Naofumi said and in turn the Filolials all smiled to this.
"Ok!" Filo said and thus Sakura spoke up next.
"Let's go!" Sakura urged with a happy smiled and thus they began to take their leave.
As they left Melty stopped for a moment to bid the group farewell. "Farewell till next time." Melty called out and thus they left the group.
As they left Raphtalia could not help but smile as the Filolials walked off with Melty. "I think we'll miss her." Raphtalia said as they waved her goodbye.
"Yeah, she kind of grew on me." Akane admitted as she waved Melty goodbye. "Still..." Akane trailed off as she could not stop thinking about her story. 'If she was being escorted, then why would an escort leave her behind?' Akane wondered as something did not add up to her.
"I'm sure we'll see her again." Naofumi said and thus Akane sighed to this.
"Well, Yumi and I are heading to Erhard's shop got some stuff to work on." Daito said before Hajime spoke up next.
"I'm going to go visit the Witch see if she has any new stock." Hajime said which showed they were splitting up.
"I guess I can stay with the wagon and Orko." Ayato said scratching the back of his head a bit.
"Alright we'll meet back here once we're done with our tasks." Akane said and in turn they all split up for the day.
Once Ayato was left alone with Swift Wing, Cringer, and Orko he looked to the mechanical wizard. "So... ever played cards?" Ayato offered as he had a few ideas to pass the time.
(Later at the Church)
Naofumi, Akane, Catra, and Raphtalia both stood before the Three Heroes Church and saw above three pillars that shows the weapons on them. No doubt they held the bow, the sword, and the spear, with the spear being higher than the other two. "Huh just as gaudy as the first time we came here." Akane said giving the Church an unimpressed glare.
"Agreed." Catra said noting how the Shield was missing from the three. They proceeded to enter the church to get the Holy Water to treat Akane's Havoc burns.
Once they were inside, they walked through a bit until they came across a pair of nuns who were whispering about them. "Hey, let me ask you something." Naofumi said to the two nuns who jumped a bit when Naofumi called to them.
Suddenly from an upper area, the pope suddenly walk in as a nun suddenly said before bowing down, "His Holiness the Pope!"
The group looked at the Pope, as he seemed to dress like a holy man. But for Akane there was a strange aura around him that she had a weird feeling about.
"If it isn't the Shield Hero. Welcome to my humble church my son." The Pope said while holding up his hand that seem like he was waving or giving a blessing. "I saw your magnificent duel at the royal palace." He added causing Naofumi to glare at him. "I must say the way you fought with the odds stacked against you made a profound impression on me and I couldn't believe you held your own despite wielding only a shield." The Pope said before Naofumi began to approach the man.
"Naofumi." Akane said as she saw the two robed men with him move to protect the pope.
"Spare me the pleasantries I need the most powerful Holy Water you have to get rid of a curse." Naofumi said getting straight to the point.
"Holy Water is that it?" The Pope asked with that smile never leaving his face.
"Yeah." Naofumi said and thus the man next to the pope spoke up.
"Then please make your offering." The robed man said causing the group to grow curious.
"And that would be?" Naofumi asked wondering what sort of payment this was.
"If you want the most powerful one that would be one Gold Coin." The robed man said and thus Naofumi figured as much.
"Fine by me." Naofumi said much to the shock of Raphtalia and Catra.
"Whoa, seriously Naofumi, he said a gold coin, you know how expensive that is?" Akane said as Naofumi look to her and said, "I don't mind, and beside compared to you and everyone else, a gold coin means nothing to me."
Raphtalia was awe struck by this with Catra just roll her eyes to this as she knew a gold coin is worth a whole lot as Akane just sighed as she sees Naofumi isn't going to stop getting the holy water for her regardless as she said, "Fine then, but I'm paying for it then. If it going to be my treatment, then I'll use my own money."
Akane reach into her pocket where she keep a few gold coins in case of an emergency and pull out one as Catra said to her, "Are you sure about that?"
"Yes and beside I rather spend my own money than take charity from family," Akane said as she gave one of the priest the gold coin, as soon after a nun with a bottle of holy water on a tray came in and present it to the group with Naofumi analyze it and saw it was the same level type that the doctor gave him back in the village being low quality as he voice out, "You want a gold coin for that?"
"Are you trying to rip us off?" Akane said as she realized that Naofumi also saw that the quality of the Holy Water was absolute, crap. Akane was about to voice out about it until the Pope spoken up first saying to the nun that brought forth the holy water, "For what reason did you bring the low-quality item my dear?"
"Well, I mean ahh..." the nun started to say while sweating a bit as she knew she was in trouble as the Pope said, "God is equally compassionate to all. If you did this to satisfy your personal beliefs, then you must repent. I hope I made myself clear?"
"I... I'm terribly sorry!" the nun said as she quickly took away the low-quality holy water as the Pope turn to the group as he bow his head and said, "I apologize for my disciple."
"N-no problem, as long it doesn't happen again," Akane said as Naofumi stay quiet for this part knowing it was Akane who was spending her money, which he knew she could get more if Catra was the one stealing from the spear moron as the Pope said, "I'm thankful for your understanding."
After a bit, the nun came back quickly with the pure holy water as Naofumi got a look at it and he saw it can dispel curses as he said, "That got to do it, let's go."
With the group soon leaving the church as the pope suddenly spoken up to them, as the group look back at him as he said, "God would faithfully show us the way to go, be grateful for his guidance. Everything is given by god's grace, remember that."
"We will be happily too accept his guidance and grace then," Akane said as she turn back around and walk off without saying another word, as she may believe there was a god watching over them, but the feeling she was getting from the pope... she couldn't tell if havoc was getting to her or there was something up with the pope she didn't trust, a similar feeling she felt when she meet shadow weaver.
(outside)
"Oh thank 'God' we're out of that church. Hate being in one of those places," Despara said in a mocking tone at first and sounded serious the next as Akane caught on to say maybe there was something to church itself, if Despara hated it then no doubt maybe Akane can figure out how to use this to either suppress her or get rid of her Despara once and for all, then maybe she can live on normally again.
"Well, I can say, that was uncomfortable," Akane said as Naofumi would agree to that as Catra suddenly said, "Hey we got a knight coming right at us."
The group look to see a single knight was running towards them as he calls out, "Wait, shield hero!"
"WE just got back, and we're being arrested already or something?" Akane said as Naofumi said, "I don't want to find out, so let's start running."
"Wait what?" Raphtalia said as Naofumi grab her hand as he started to run with the racoon girl with Akane and Catra follow behind, as the group soon reach a market area as they stop for a moment to catch their breath with Naofumi saw the knight was still following them as he said, "Man what a pest."
"Better keep moving then," Akane said as Naofumi look towards in a direction and said, "This way!"
They ran off once again for a bit and went down some step and hide in the shadows with Akane the only one breathing a bit more than the others as Naofumi asked her, "Hey are you feeling alright?"
"A little tired, but not going to let it slow me down, so let's keep moving," Akane said being stubborn about her condition as Naofumi said, "I think he's after me so let's split up."
"Good idea, Catra and Raphtalia can go one way and find the others, while we go the other way," Akane suggested as Naofumi said, "Wait, that not what I had in mind."
"If you did or not, I'm not leaving you alone in case the king or that redhead bitch is trying to pull a fast one on us or something," Akane said as Naofumi could not complain and her point is logical as no telling if they are up to something or not as he said, "Fine then, just stick close to me then."
"Got it," Akane said as she look over to Catra and tilt her head giving her the signal to run off as she understood and ran off with Raphtalia behind her as they went to find Ayato and the others as Naofumi and Akane went off as well with the knight that was still following them trying to call out saying, "Wait stop!"
(little later)
At another market area as Naofumi and Akane was catching their breaths at as Akane said, "Hopefully we lost him."
"Same here," Naofumi said as he was breath a bit heavy, then all of the suddenly as a familiar voice of the Motoyasu the spear moron as he called out, "Naofumi!"
Motoyasu had leap into the air spinning his spear before pointing it at Naofumi as he and Akane dodge it with the spear stabbing into the stone streets as Naofumi said, "You're attacking me in the middle of the streets, what's wrong with you?"
"Shut your face!" Motoyasu called out only to be stopped by Akane. Akane then pushed Motoyasu back and then hissed in pain from her curse burns.
"Akane get out of the way!" Motoyasu ordered as he want for the attack again. Akane moved out of the way and tripped up Motoyasu giving Naofumi time to move. "Where are those kids!?" Motoyasu demanded as he glared at Naofumi in contempt. "Bring them out now!" Motoyasu yelled and thus charged directly at the Shield Hero.
Acting fast Naofumi switched shields and blocked Motoyasu's attack with the venom shield. "You're a real pain you know that?" Naofumi asked as he glared at Motoyasu.
"Raphtalia-chan and Catra-chan were one thing, but now you even enslaved children to fight for you?! What the hell kind of hero are you?!" Motoyasu demanded as he glared at Naofumi.
"Whatever I do with my companions is MY problem, bastard," Naofumi snarled back with a sneer. "And do I even need to remind you that I have to do it because of you?" Naofumi asked after they parted yet their defenses were up.
"Oh yeah? Now you're blaming me for you being a bastard?!" Motoyasu snarled as it began to devolve into an argument.
While the two Heroes were busy screaming at each other's faces, Malty and her posse approached Akane to which she sneered at Akane. "Where is it?" Malty asked as she glared at Akane.
"Where's what?" Akane asked while giving Malty a bored look.
"The money you stole from us?!" Malty demanded as Akane figured Catra's thieving has been caught.
"What are you talking about?" Akane asked with a calm look to Malty.
"I know it was you and your animal that been stealing our funds!" Malty yelled at Akane. "Because of you I was forced to dirty my hands with labor." Malty snapped and thus Akane gasped.
"Oh, my I had no idea that such a delicate flower had an aversion to hard work." Akane taunted and thus Malty approached only for Akane to raise her hand and cause Malty to ease back. "Then again it must have felt nice to earn money instead of just spreading your legs at some back alley or street corner like band of whores and gold diggers you are." Akane taunted which caused Malty face to turn purple in a blink of an eye.
"How dare you, you little-! I'm going to kill you!" Malty shrieked before she unsheathed her sword and charged at Akane who didn't seem affected.
"Oh, so we're doing this now." Akane said knowing that even when weakened Malty was no challenge to her. She swung at the girl's neck, but her movement was so weak and clumsy and in turn Akane only needed to raise her hand and use her bracelet without even transforming it, to completely stop it. And with a flick of her arm, the sword flew off the princess' hand and fell to the ground pathetically.
"You bitch!" Malty shrieked like a wounded dog. "How dare you disarm me like that?! I, a royal princess?!" She yelled as Akane gave Malty a bored look.
"You attacked first Malty stop bitching about being a sore loser." Akane said getting annoyed with Malty. "And according to the law of Melromarc, anyone and everyone has the right to defend themselves when they are under assault from another person." Akane said as she had a copy of said law for her. "Everyone in this square already saw that. And you are the one who tried to provoke us into a fight in the beginning, Princess," she pressed on the word "you" strongly enough for everyone to hear.
"Motoyasu-sama!" the First Princess turned toward the Spear Hero. "She insulted me! Please get justice for me!" Malty demanded and in turn Akane looked bored at this.
"Oh, boo the fuck hoo you coward." Akane said as she looked to Malty. "You can't fight, and you need to hide behind someone else to fight for you." Akane said as she made her way to Malty who saw this. "Why not you and I go a few rounds I mean as a royal princess surely you must have been trained in the art of combat." Akane said smirking at Malty. "In fact, here." Akane said returning to Malty her sword as the red-haired princess stood there in shock.
"So then come and get me." Akane taunted as she had her arms spread to seemingly give Malty a free shot at her. "That is if you have the metal for it." Akane went on as Malty was stuck in a tight spot now.
If Malty attacks Akane, then it's just shows she was the one in the fault here, even if Akane was the one antagonizing her, as Malty only had one idea to make sure to keep her image strong as she picks up her sword and said, "Fine, I challenge you to a duel!"
"Oh, now you grew a spine then, alright then when and where?" Akane said as Malty pointed her sword at her and said, "Here and now, draw your weapon!"
Akane looks at Malty like she was crazy as she said, "Are you serious? We're in the middle of a market area that filled with people, and you want to fight here? Motoyasu is one thing but he an idiot."
"Hey!" Motoyasu yell out as he heard that, as Naofumi could not help but laugh at that, with Akane went on saying, "But you, you're a royal princess, you should be setting example of being better, not this."
"I am setting an example, one of my royal heritage powers as I hold up a decree," Malty said as she pull out a scroll with the king's seal on it as Akane said in a sarcasm tone, "Oh this got to be good."
"By the authority of the king I have the power to declare duels, wherever I so choose!" Malty said as the knights were prepared to move on Malty orders with Despara spoken up in Akane head saying, "Oh look at this one, not afraid to throw around power when she is desperate."
"Wait!" as a familiar voice calls out as the same knight from before that was chasing Naofumi and Akane suddenly stood in between the two girls and said, "This is a public place, you cannot have duels here!"
"Hey, it's you, the guy who was chasing us," Akane said as the young knight said to her, "I'm sorry for any misunderstanding before, as I wanted to ask the shield hero a hear a request of my, but I cannot stand by and let this duel happen here."
"You dare defy a royal decree!" Malty said as then suddenly another familiar voice came forth as they say, "Put your weapons away."
With that as all the guards suddenly kneel down, as Melty suddenly came forth with her own groups of guards as she said, "I absolute forbid for the hero to fight among themselves, and any duel that is held within a public place."
"What is this about?" Naofumi said as he was confused on what is going on with Malty soon said, "Wha- what are you doing back here?"
Akane soon put the pieces together quickly in her head as she saw it, the guards with Malty were bowing down to the noble girl with brought guards from the castle of her own with her, Malty seem to know her well enough, almost related to each other somehow, the question is how?
"It has been way too long dear sister," Melty said which surprise both Naofumi and Akane as the warrior princess tried to figure out what was going on as Melty went on saying, "I hope you don't think you or the hero privilege can cover up this mess? The damage that been done is plain for everyone to see
Malty soon looks to Motoyasu and said, "Spear hero." He pointed at himself as Malty went on saying, "Look around you, would you call yourself a hero when you put other lives at risk?"
He did so as he saw the everyone was looking scared at the scene before them, fearing that thing could get destroy if they do fight as Motoyasu lower his spear knowing she was right as Melty walk up to her sister and said, "Dear sister, your fun and game has gone on much too long."
"I have no idea what you're talking about, I am simply doing my job as the hero's aid, that's all," Malty said trying to sound innocent as Akane soon cuts in saying, "Oh that is bullshit!"
"While crude I have to agree with I highly doubt making him fight in a public place is considered proper aid." Melty said as she glared at her elder sister.
"You dare to defy me your older sister." Malty asked glaring at her younger sister.
"If I have to, I will let mother know about this." Melty threatened and thus Malty gritted her teeth forcing her to ease back.
'Wait just the mention of their mom and Malty is pushed to a corner, interesting.' Akane thought as she saw what had just happened.
Naofumi reverted his shield back to the book form while he watched Melty apologizing to the people who got caught in the crossfire. "Naofumi/Master Naofumi!" Came the voices of Naofumi's party, members.
"What the heck just happened here?" Ayato asked as he saw the damages that took place.
"Nothing just Motoyasu again." Naofumi said and as if summoned Motoyasu ran over to the four Filolials of the group.
Yuki just glared at him making sure they had some distance between them. "What do you want?" Yuki asked as she and her siblings have all been given warning not to interact with Motoyasu alone.
"Thank goodness you four are not hurt." Motoyasu said as Yuki hid her sisters and brother behind her. As the oldest it was her responsibility to protect them all. "Oh, you poor children, I sure that Naofumi is working you like beasts of burden." Motoyasu said until Filo spoke up next.
"But we like pulling the carriage a lot." Filo said as Sakura nodded with her sister.
"Naofumi you swine you're making them pull your wagon like those big fat birds. You'll pay for this!" Motoyasu called out only to suddenly be attacked by Yuki who vanished and entered the Filolial form. Motoyasu was sent flying off the ground and following it up was Sakura who sent a powerful kick to Motoyasu's crotch. The armor he had there came off as the Filolials glared at Motoyasu for his insult.
"Never call us fat." Filo spoke glaring at Motoyasu.
"And never insult Naofumi." Sakura said as she glared at Motoyasu.
"If you do either again, we won't hold back on your next penalty kick." Yuki said leading her sisters while their brother looked ready to take a nap.
"Nice going." Akane said as she rubbed the Filolials a bit causing them to smile. Meanwhile Malty was shouting orders to get Motoyasu to a healer and get him some ice.
"Savior of the Heavenly Fowls... no, the Shield Hero is your name." Melty began as she approached Naofumi and his party. "I need to speak with you urgently." Melty said and thus the group just looked to the girl.
(Later at Erhard's shop)
Bringing her guard detail to protect the shop from outside the party were meeting with Melty inside the blacksmiths shop. "Do any of you kids mind explaining to me what's going on?" Erhard asked as the party stood around. Akane was with Catra as they got the run-down of what had happened today.
"It's complicated we're trying to get it sorted out." Ayato said as he knew this was a sensitive spot for Naofumi.
"If you're going to be meeting here you got to let me in on the whole story." Erhard said as he was worried that trouble may be afoot.
"Sorry we didn't know anywhere close by we could speak." Daito said while scratching the back of his head a bit.
"So, who exactly are you anyway?" Naofumi asked with his arms crossed and eyes closed.
"I apologies for my late introduction, I am first in line to the throne of Melromarc, Second princess Melty Melromarc," Melty said as Erhard freak out to that as now, he understand why the young group needed a private place to talk at as Filo said, "In line to the throne?"
"She'll be the next ruler, basically." Hajime explained for Filo so she can understand.
"But why is she first in line instead of her sister?" Yumi asked while trying to make sense of this information.
"Yes, wouldn't it make more sense for Malty to be first in line?" Raphtalia asked but then Akane spoke up next.
"Um let me ask you this, would YOU put someone like Malty on the throne to your Kingdom?" Akane asked and thus the Demihuman took only a second.
"Good point." Raphtalia responded seeing why Malty was turned over in favor of her younger sister.
"Yes, as you had clearly seen my sister's personality is the reason why she isn't immediate successor to the throne. As you have no doubt already seen my sister has been somewhat of a problem child and in turn my mother felt it best that I was made the heir apparent." Melty said as she looked to the group who got the gist of it. "Anyway, back on subject, when I met you all I had no idea you were the Shield Hero, Sir Naofumi." Melty began as she looked to the group. "But now that I know that you are the Shield Hero this could be a perfect opportunity." Melty said as she looked to Naofumi and his party who heard what the first princess said.
"Opportunity?" Filo asked from Melty's left side as he looked to Melty.
"For what?" Sakura asked curious to hear what Melty was doing.
"It could be that." Melty began but was cut off by Ayato.
"Now hold your horses." Ayato said when he noted Naofumi growing upset. "I'm sure your different from your sister and father but as thing stand, we're not exactly well liked by either." Ayato said as he was being calm about this. "For the time being, we're not willing to work with your father not until he swallows his pride and clears Naofumi's name." Ayato said to which Melty was surprised by this.
"Your sister accused Naofumi of a crime he didn't commit and until we can sort this out and get his name cleared, we're not willing to work with Aultcray especially since he has made it his mission to try and get in our way." Akane said as she knew the Raphtalia incident was the Kings attempt to stop the Shield Hero from getting any power.
"Please try to understand we'd rather work with people who aren't trying to kill us then having to sleep with one eye open 24/7." Hajime said and thus Melty saw what this meant for them.
"I see." Melty said and in turn she bowed to the group. "I apologize for wasting your time." Melty said and in turn she proceeded to take her leave of the group. Once she left Ayato and Akane then gave their cousin Naofumi, their, 'we have to talk,' look while Naofumi just stood there with a scowl on his face.
"Well, that went better than I expected." Yumi said and thus Daito sighed at his tomboy friends distinct lack of tact.
(TBC)
ESKK: We've reached the end of this chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it and will join us next time. Now then as usual be sure to leave a review before leaving and as I always say on here, ja-ne.